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word_n scripture_n sense_n tradition_n 3,138 5 9.4964 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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which_o be_v natural_o please_v unto_o he_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n god_n the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v arrive_v to_o know_v he_o however_o some_o few_o may_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o right_a nature_n all._n and_o in_o case_n he_o take_v the_o word_n certain_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n than_o he_o may_v consider_v how_o ill_o his_o friend_n dr._n tillotson_n discourse_n who_o profess_v not_o to_o have_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n that_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o as_o dr._n still_o say_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n 3._o all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n must_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n 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be_v so_o here_o be_v many_o quaint_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v for_o if_o dr._n st._n mean_n that_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o truth_n without_o a_o faculty_n to_o judge_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o 〈…〉_z principle_n though_o very_a litt●●_n 〈◊〉_d his_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d paradoxical_a to_o say_v that_o no_o other_o mean_n can_v be_v imagine_v to_o judge_v of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o such_o a_o faculty_n for_o if_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v but_o this_o faculty_n than_o this_o be_v all_o the_o mean_n and_o so_o those_o knowledge_n which_o be_v to_o inform_v and_o direct_v this_o faculty_n be_v no_o mean_n at_o all_o whence_o all_o motive_n to_o faith_n rule_n of_o faith_n all_o teach_v nay_o scripture_n itself_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o none_o of_o these_o be_v our_o faculty_n of_o
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 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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 〈◊〉_d obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o but_o 〈…〉_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 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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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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 ●●cured_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 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point_n of_o christian_a faith_n for_o since_o upon_o the_o evidence_n they_o have_v of_o these_o two_o proposition_n they_o disobey_v and_o rebel_v against_o their_o then_o lawful_a superior_n and_o church_n pastor_n and_o break_v church-union_n which_o be_v evident_o forbid_v by_o god_n law_n and_o so_o the_o preserve_a union_n &_o obey_v they_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o which_o themselves_o confess_v be_v such_o and_o bind_v they_o as_o such_o in_o case_n the_o reason_n for_o their_o impose_v new_a point_n be_v not_o valid_a that_o be_v if_o these_o two_o proposition_n on_o who_o evidence_n they_o rely_v when_o they_o allege_v they_o be_v wrongful_o impose_v and_o thence_o reject_v they_o be_v not_o true_a it_o follow_v that_o they_o must_v at_o least_o have_v equal_a evidence_n nay_o more_o for_o bare_a equality_n will_v only_o balance_v they_o in_o a_o doubtful_a suspense_n berween_v either_o side_n that_o those_o proposition_n on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_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 what_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o same_o down_o to_o our_o day_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o supply_v dr._n st_n neglect_n and_o to_o insert_v into_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o §_o these_o word_n or_o else_o by_o the_o way_n of_o open_a attestation_n of_o a_o world_n of_o immediate_a christian_a father_n to_o a_o world_n of_o child_n by_o live_a voice_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o their_o daily_a sensation_n which_o have_v dr._n st._n do_v any_o considerate_a reader_n who_o his_o much_o talk_n of_o god_n power_n and_o what_o god_n may_v do_v have_v not_o divert_v from_o reflect_v that_o his_o wisdom_n determin_n his_o power_n in_o ordinary_a and_o general_a effect_n to_o do_v what_o accord_v to_o the_o establish_a nature_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o compass_v such_o a_o end_n will_v quick_o have_v incline_v to_o judge_v this_o the_o most_o connatural_a and_o fit_a way_n and_o therefore_o actual_o to_o have_v be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n be_v assist_v or_o support_v by_o the_o basis_n of_o human_a nature_n according_a to_o its_o sensation_n which_o be_v natural_o frame_v to_o receive_v right_a impression_n and_o according_a to_o his_o rational_a faculty_n which_o determin_n he_o to_o speak_v truth_n still_o in_o open_a and_o undisguisable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o if_o that_o body_n of_o man_n call_v the_o church_n have_v any_o effectual_a mean_n of_o goodness_n in_o practice_n among_o they_o super-assisted_n also_o by_o grace_n not_o to_o u●ry_v from_o right_a faith_n and_o know_o deliver_v a_o false_a for_o a_o true_a one_o and_o thus_o end_v the_o first_o division_n of_o dr._n st_n discourse_n promise_v to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n in_o which_o i_o observe_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n even_o hint_v that_o can_v make_v for_o his_o purpose_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o prove_v but_o either_o slight_o and_o sly_o insinuate_v or_o 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 ●aith_n and_o so_o not_o worth_a examine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no._n 4._o god_n power_n alone_o give_v we_o no_o light_n what_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n join_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fitness_n or_o vnfitness_n of_o the_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o 5._o god_n wisdom_n make_v choice_n of_o that_o way_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n which_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v a_o capable_a or_o fit_a instrument_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n and_o not_o by_o that_o way_n which_o be_v only_o capable_a to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o his_o power_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o antidote_n to_o the_o opposite_a position_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o own_v they_o for_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v himself_o as_o clear_o as_o most_o man_n if_o he_o please_v yet_o he_o affect_v all_o over_o this_o discourse_n a_o strange_a perplex_a intricacy_n and_o ambiguity_n and_o he_o put_v down_o his_o principle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o crafty_a lawyer_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v a_o estate_n afterward_o into_o dispute_n pen_n write_n much_o shift_a wit_n there_o be_v in_o they_o but_o nothing_o of_o candid_a clear_a and_o down_o right_a and_o this_o intricacy_n be_v make_v great_a by_o his_o unconnected_a way_n of_o discourse_v no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v in_o better_a half_o of_o his_o odd-natured_a principle_n what_o influence_n they_o have_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v upon_o any_o thing_n follow_v the_o rest_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o nine_o be_v either_o absurdity_n already_o lay_v open_a or_o else_o impertinent_a truth_n as_o will_v be_v see_v by_o their_o uselessness_n in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o the_o better_a clear_v the_o follow_a principle_n the_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v at_o least_o as_o many_o as_o dr._n sy_n thought_n fit_a be_v propose_v he_o go_v about_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o establish_v one_o of_o they_o viz._n write_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o fit_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o five_o principle_n whence_o he_o proceed_v to_o reject_v the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n and_o this_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o five●ex●_n ●ex●_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
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 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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 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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
many_o other_o give_v live_v voice_n a_o incomparable_a advantage_n over_o dead_a character_n in_o point_n of_o intelligibleness_n and_o expressiveness_n and_o though_o dr._n st._n may_v contend_v that_o whatever_o advantage_n in_o signify_v that_o have_v over_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v put_v in_o writing_n and_o express_v by_o mean_n of_o many_o large_a explication_n write_v by_o the_o person_n himself_o that_o be_v to_o deliver_v his_o mind_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o show_v that_o those_o multitude_n of_o word_n in_o those_o very_a explication_n have_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o significativeness_n and_o intelligibility_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v speak_v viuâ_fw-la voce_fw-mi by_o their_o author_n since_o they_o will_v still_o want_v all_o or_o most_o of_o the_o advantage_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o manifest_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o word_n to_o omit_v that_o all_o this_o will_v little_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n when_o he_o come_v to_o apply_v it_o since_o 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explanation_n of_o it_o to_o secure_v it_o from_o many_o such_o imputation_n evident_a in_o the_o bare_a letter_n take_v it_o as_o un_fw-mi explain_v or_o uninterprete_v any_o man_n of_o reason_n will_v think_v that_o to_o leave_v scripture_n in_o such_o a_o pickle_n be_v but_o a_o slender_a provision_n to_o give_v it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o will_v fit_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o but_o reflect_v that_o that_o rule_n must_v be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o god_n ever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o be_v of_o all_o mankind_n way_n to_o salvation_n but_o suppose_v it_o thus_o grant_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v fufficienty_n declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n in_o the_o manner_n declare_v above_o let_v we_o see_v what_o follow_v 11._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o although_o god_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n do_v reveal_v his_o mind_n to_o man_n immediate_o by_o a_o voice_n 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some_o other_o depute_v by_o god_n for_o that_o end_n who_o have_v faith_n in_o their_o heart_n already_o by_o some_o other_o mean_v but_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v in_o the_o process_n of_o his_o discourse_n clear_v this_o point_n solid_o and_o thorough_o for_o it_o be_v the_o main_a hinge_n of_o all_o this_o controveesie_n he_o go_v forward_o thus_o 12._o such_o write_n have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age_n as_o divine_a and_o infallible_a and_o be_v deliver_v down_o as_o such_o to_o we_o by_o a_o universal_a consent_n of_o all_o age_n since_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v own_v by_o we_o as_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o our_o salvation_n unless_o it_o appear_v with_o a_o evidence_n equal_a to_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v those_o book_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n that_o they_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o that_o end_n because_o 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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 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to_o attest_v or_o explain_v these_o write_n among_o christian_n any_o more_o than_o there_o be_v for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n of_o such_o a_o body_n of_o man_n among_o the_o jew_n to_o attest_v or_o explain_v to_o they_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n or_o the_o prophet_n he_o that_o own_v this_o must_v own_v it_o without_o reason_n for_o any_o thing_n appear_v yet_o for_o dr._n st._n have_v afford_v we_o hitherto_o nothing_o to_o prove_v this_o point_n but_o a_o few_o word_n crafty_o lay_v together_o which_o when_o look_v into_o have_v not_o a_o jot_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o the_o like_a empty_a inside_n we_o find_v in_o this_o present_a principle_n for_o if_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n then_o in_o case_n nothing_o else_o be_v requisite_a to_o understand_v god_n will_v but_o the_o disposition_n of_o sober_o inquire_v as_o he_o put_v no_o other_o it_o must_v follow_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o know_v there_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n and_o since_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o god_n will_n it_o will_v follow_v hence_o that_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n may_v understand_v all_o faith_n in_o scripture_n which_o yet_o the_o dr._n be_v not_o dispose_v to_o say_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o avoid_n to_o put_v down_o what_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n require_v namely_o that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o know_v his_o whole_a will_n there_o and_o instead_o of_o it_o substitute_v that_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o no_o sober_a inquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n which_o word_n may_v be_v true_a though_o they_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o know_v the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n by_o that_o mean_n next_o it_o be_v very_o material_a and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o know_v how_o a_o man_n must_v be_v qualify_v to_o be_v a_o sober_a enquirer_n in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o may_v reflect_v that_o as_o be_v say_v before_o it_o ought_v in_o reason_n be_v judge_v god_n will_n that_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o whether_o his_o body_n and_o consequent_o himself_o be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n lest_o we_o either_o want_v the_o best_a incitement_n to_o devotion_n if_o he_o be_v and_o we_o judge_v he_o be_v not_o or_o else_o commit_v material_a idolatry_n by_o judge_v he_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o be_v not_o so_o now_o i_o will_v have_v he_o clear_o show_v clear_o i_o say_v for_o all_o depend_v upon_o it_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n in_o what_o either_o the_o roman_a catholic_n or_o the_o socinian_o fall_v short_a in_o point_n of_o be_v sober_a enquirer_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a they_o must_v both_o fall_v short_a of_o be_v such_o if_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n be_v clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n since_o the_o former_a 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may_v seem_v wonderful_a then_o what_o it_o be_v that_o thus_o byass_n dr._n st._n against_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o i_o wish_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v it_o be_v not_o a_o kind_n of_o innate_a antipathy_n against_o not_o only_o our_o church_n but_o church_n in_o common_a and_o a_o desire_n to_o attribute_v as_o little_a to_o it_o as_o he_o can_v possible_o though_o he_o hazard_v some_o prejudice_n to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o even_o all_o christian_a faith_n into_o the_o bargain_n his_o whole_a way_n of_o discourse_n here_o bend_v strong_o towards_o the_o take_n away_o all_o divine_a institution_n of_o pastor_n for_o this_o will_v oblige_v the_o people_n to_o hear_v they_o and_o level_v all_o into_o a_o fanatic_a anarchy_n i_o will_v glad_o interpret_v he_o otherwise_o and_o imagine_v that_o perhaps_o he_o mean_v that_o since_o it_o be_v own_a the_o scripture_n thus_o contain_v god_n will_n therefore_o there_o need_v not_o be_v suppose_v any_o infallible_a society_n 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the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n be_v first_o not_o prove_v and_o yet_o dr._n st._n build_v upon_o it_o as_o confident_o as_o if_o it_o be_v evident_o conclude_v or_o else_o self-evident_a next_o what_o mean_v those_o word_n for_o some_o age_n before_o christ_n if_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o the_o mosaical_a law_n then_o it_o be_v evident_o false_a since_o deut._n 17._o v_o 10_o 11_o etc._n etc._n god_n command_v upon_o pain_n of_o death_n to_o do_v according_a as_o some_o person_n he_o have_v appoint_v for_o that_o end_n shall_v explain_v the_o write_n belong_v to_o that_o law_n and_o if_o these_o man_n have_v not_o some_o way_n or_o other_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n god_n by_o command_v the_o subject_a laity_n under_o so_o heavy_a a_o penalty_n to_o
act_v as_o they_o adjudge_v have_v both_o lead_v they_o into_o actual_a error_n and_o punish_v they_o thus_o grievous_o in_o that_o case_n for_o adhere_v to_o truth_n which_o be_v too_o horrid_a blasphemy_n to_o be_v hear_v or_o imagine_v but_o if_o they_o mean_v only_o for_o some_o time_n of_o that_o law_n or_o some_o age_n immediate_o before_o christ_n when_o the_o synagogue_n be_v most_o corrupt_a this_o imply_v a_o confession_n that_o such_o a_o society_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o age_n forego_v and_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o show_v we_o why_o it_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a in_o the_o late_a as_o in_o the_o former_a and_o not_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o nor_o be_v the_o synagogue_n ever_o more_o corrupt_a than_o in_o our_o saviour_n day_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o severe_o he_o enjoin_v the_o jew_n of_o that_o time_n to_o obey_v the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n because_o they_o sit_v in_o moses_n his_o chair_n which_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v christ_n can_v do_v if_o he_o have_v not_o secure_v their_o doctrine_n from_o be_v erroneous_a that_o be_v preserve_v they_o inerrable_a in_o that_o affair_n add_v that_o be_v all_o grant_v yet_o there_o be_v far_o more_o necessity_n of_o explain_v the_o scripture_n now_o than_o at_o that_o time_n for_o the_o law_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o of_o it_o either_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v do_v or_o moral_a duty_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o nature_n whence_o both_o of_o these_o be_v far_o more_o easy_o expressible_a in_o proper_a language_n and_o consequent_o intelligible_a than_o the_o sublime_a spiritual_a and_o mysterious_a tenet_n of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v express_v in_o per_fw-la word_n and_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v more_o hard_a to_o be_v penetrate_v and_o so_o those_o word_n more_o difficult_a to_o be_v right_o comprehend_v and_o understand_v without_o a_o interpreter_n than_o be_v those_o other_o 16._o there_o can_v be_v no_o more_o intolerable_a usurpation_n upon_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n than_o for_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o a_o assistance_n as_o infallible_a in_o what_o they_o propose_v as_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n without_o give_v a_o equal_a degree_n of_o evidence_n that_o they_o be_v so_o assist_v as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v viz._n by_o miracle_n as_o great_a public_a and_o convince_a as_o they_o be_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v such_o as_o be_v wrought_v by_o those_o very_a person_n who_o challenge_v this_o infallibility_n and_o with_o a_o design_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o those_o who_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o thus_o the_o dr._n make_v sure_a work_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n which_o overthrow_v his_o single_a self_n nay_o any_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n that_o have_v but_o self-conceit_n and_o confidence_n enough_o to_o proceed_v open_o upon_o these_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v upon_o even_a ground_n with_o the_o best_a nay_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o world_n at_o the_o main_a point_n of_o understanding_n and_o determine_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o nay_o more_o may_v defy_v all_o the_o governor_n of_o all_o church_n in_o the_o world_n if_o he_o or_o she_o be_v but_o conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o sincere_o endeavour_v and_o sober_o inquire_v for_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o divine_a write_n for_o these_o be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v assu●ed_v by_o dr._n st._n that_o they_o can_v miss_v if_o they_o sober_o inquire_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n and_o be_v inform_v by_o common_a reason_n that_o it_o be_v a_o point_n very_o necessary_a to_o the_o salvation_n of_o a_o christian_a or_o one_o who_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o adore_v christ_n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v god_n and_o so_o may_v without_o fear_n of_o idolatry_n have_v divine_a honour_n give_v he_o or_o no_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v seem_v to_o the_o best_a judgement_n of_o such_o a_o man_n and_o let_v he_o be_v for_o example_n one_o bring_v up_o in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o new_o turn_v socinian_n that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o relinquish_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n at_o any_o rate_n nor_o what_o he_o judge_v the_o scripture_n sense_n of_o it_o this_o be_v his_o faith_n but_o maintain_v it_o bold_o against_o all_o his_o pastor_n talk_v and_o quote_v scripture_n as_o brisk_o as_o the_o best_a of_o they_o all_o desy_v they_o to_o their_o face_n nay_o die_v in_o defence_n of_o his_o interpretation_n of_o it_o and_o be_v a_o special_a martyr_n though_o he_o take_v his_o death_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o his_o lawful_a pastor_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n be_v most_o hainons_a idolater_n for_o give_v the_o worship_n proper_a to_o god_n to_o a_o man_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v plain_a the_o church_n can_v pretend_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v her_o interpretation_n of_o scriptu●e_n alas_o all_o such_o power_n be_v quite_o take_v out_o of_o her_o hand_n by_o these_o new_a principle_n not_o to_o act_v exterior_o as_o she_o do_v for_o that_o be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n in_o his_o action_n and_o carriage_n and_o this_o in_o so_o heinous_a a_o point_n as_o commit_v flat_a idolatry_n and_o which_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n tell_v he_o be_v such_o nor_o to_o acquiesce_v so_o far_o as_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n and_o not_o contradict_v the_o church_n for_o it_o be_v both_o ingratitude_n to_o god_n who_o have_v so_o plain_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o in_o scripture_n not_o to_o stand_v up_o for_o his_o honour_n so_o wicked_o violate_v by_o the_o church_n and_o withal_o most_o uncharitable_a to_o his_o neighbour_n not_o to_o communicate_v to_o he_o the_o light_n he_o have_v receive_v by_o such_o plain_a revelation_n from_o god_n word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v his_o reducement_n from_o so_o grievous_a a_o idolatry_n especial_o if_o this_o man_n be_v a_o minister_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n who_o office_n and_o duty_n it_o be_v to_o hold_v forth_o or_o preach_v what_o he_o judge_v god_n word_n nay_o though_o it_o be_v a_o layman_n or_o a_o lay-woman_n all_o be_v a_o case_n why_o may_v they_o not_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n make_v know_v so_o concern_v a_o truth_n plain_o reveal_v to_o they_o as_o aquila_n and_o priscilla_n do_v of_o old_a as_o for_o all_o power_n of_o the_o church_n to_o restrain_v they_o that_o be_v quite_o throw_v out_o of_o door_n humane_a command_n can_v have_v no_o force_n when_o the_o best_a duty_n to_o god_n and_o man_n be_v neglect_v by_o obey_v and_o the_o more_o the_o church_n be_v obstinate_a and_o oppose_v this_o private_a man_n or_o woman_n by_o so_o much_o great_a be_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o or_o she_o inform_v the_o church_n right_a and_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o truth_n hereafter_o more_o of_o this_o at_o present_a let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o destroy_v infallibility_n in_o the_o church_n which_o be_v his_o chief_a design_n and_o indeed_o it_o make_v very_o much_o for_o his_o purpose_n for_o i_o so_o far_o concur_v with_o he_o that_o if_o it_o be_v but_o fallible_a in_o attest_v or_o explain_v scripture_n it_o be_v little_a available_a to_o the_o ground_v christian_a faith_n so_o that_o if_o infallibility_n be_v but_o overthrow_v and_o these_o principle_n settle_v in_o its_o stead_n every_o private_a man_n be_v a_o church_n which_o our_o corrupt_a nature_n love_v liberty_n will_v no_o doubt_v be_v very_o take_v and_o please_v the_o rabble_n exceed_o he_o be_v so_o earnest_a at_o his_o work_n that_o he_o stumble_v for_o haste_n for_o first_o who_o do_v ever_o pretend_v to_o a_o infallibility_n equal_a to_o what_o be_v in_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n as_o his_o word_n import_v christ_n be_v essential_o infallible_a the_o apostle_n by_o immediate_a inspiration_n from_o god_n the_o church_n pretend_v indeed_o to_o be_v infallible_o assist_v but_o that_o she_o pretend_v to_o have_v it_o either_o essential_o as_o god_n have_v it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o the_o apostle_n have_v it_o be_v a_o thing_n i_o never_o yet_o learn_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v her_o constant_a claim_n of_o infallible_a assistance_n that_o she_o have_v it_o mediate_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o ordinary_a work_n of_o natural_a and_o supernatural_a cause_n so_o she_o but_o have_v it_o and_o to_o have_v it_o this_o way_n seem_v far_o more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n than_o the_o other_o of_o immediate_a inspiration_n as_o to_o have_v by_o way_n of_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v far_o more_o fit_v for_o the_o apostle_n for_o
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 mean_v of_o salvation_n 3._o that_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n and_o exigency_n of_o particular_a person_n one_o need_v more_o mean_n than_o another_o 4._o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v say_v some_o have_v miscarry_v because_o they_o have_v no_o more_o of_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n apply_v to_o they_o who_o may_v yet_o have_v be_v save_v have_v they_o have_v more_o this_o be_v so_o how_o great_a a_o presumption_n and_o madness_n it_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n who_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o understand_v there_o so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o his_o salvation_n or_o motive_n to_o work_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o disposition_n for_o heaven_n consider_v his_o exigency_n without_o need_v the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o point_n which_o contain_v other_o motive_n ten_o time_n more_o forcible_a perhaps_o to_o move_v and_o excite_v he_o to_o true_a interior_a goodness_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o 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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 mor●l_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 an●_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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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 all_o our_o science_n be_v take_v be_v not_o a_o will_v as_o certain_o a_o will_n and_o liberty_n as_o necessary_o liberty_n as_o a_o triangle_n be_v a_o triangle_n again_o be_v not_o voluntary_a liberty_n virtue_n vice_n and_o such_o like_a very_o intelligible_a word_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o moral_a thing_n knowable_a as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o other_o science_n i_o wonder_v then_o why_o the_o evidence_n of_o moral_a thing_n can_v be_v as_o high_a as_o that_o of_o mathematical_a thing_n since_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o firm_a both_o nature_n can_v be_v know_v and_o so_o engage_v in_o our_o discourse_n of_o they_o and_o from_o they_o and_o all_o science_n or_o evidence_n spring_v from_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n the_o sum_n than_o be_v dr._n st._n have_v give_v faith_n excellent_a good_a word_n in_o tell_v we_o its_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v but_o look_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o his_o meaning_n he_o intend_v it_o only_o a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o as_o may_v still_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o the_o right_a descant_n upon_o his_o fine_a word_n be_v in_o true_a construction_n this_o he_o allow_v faith_n such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v uncertain_a such_o a_o firmness_n as_o may_v both_o bow_n and_o break_v such_o a_o evidence_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v obscure_a and_o consequent_o make_v it_o such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v irrational_a all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o must_v needs_o follow_v from_o this_o reject_v infallible_a certainty_n in_o the_o gronnd_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o think_v i_o wrong_v he_o let_v we_o put_v it_o to_o the_o test_n let_v he_o take_v the_o best_a of_o those_o evidence_n or_o proof_n which_o ground_n his_o moral_a certainty_n and_o put_v it_o with_o the_o help_n of_o a_o little_a logic_n into_o a_o syllogism_n or_o two_o and_o then_o tell_v i_o whether_o it_o do_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n or_o no._n if_o it_o conclude_v why_o do_v he_o not_o say_v faith_n be_v absolute_o certain_a but_o mince_v it_o with_o moral_a if_o it_o conclude_v not_o how_o can_v all_o the_o world_n avoid_v but_o his_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v obscure_a his_o pretend_a certainty_n build_v on_o that_o evidence_n uncertain_a the_o firmness_n of_o that_o assent_n infirm_a and_o the_o assent_n itself_o to_o a_o conclusion_n thus_o unprove_v and_o no_o way_n evident_a in_o a_o man_n capable_a to_o comprehend_v what_o ought_v in_o due_a of_o right_a reason_n cause_n assent_v privative_o irrational_a or_o faulty_a 28._o a_o christian_a be_v thus_o certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n his_o faith_n be_v thereby_o resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o into_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o what_o he_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o it_o be_v into_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o believe_v what_o be_v therein_o contain_v a_o christian_n who_o be_v no_o better_o certain_a then_o thus_o that_o be_v by_o ground_n allow_v only_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v not_o absolute_o or_o true_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n as_o dr._n st._n intend_v no_o more_o by_o his_o moral_a certainty_n be_v not_o certain_a at_o all_o as_o appear_v far_a by_o the_o next_o word_n certain_a to_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n the_o meaning_n of_o which_o must_v be_v that_o this_o high_a degree_n of_o a_o firm_a assent_n either_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o certainty_n he_o intend_v his_o faith_n according_a to_o his_o former_a doctrine_n and_o constitute_v or_o explicate_v it_o or_o else_o that_o at_o least_o it_o help_v to_o make_v up_o this_o certainty_n that_o be_v perfect_a it_o within_o its_o notion_n and_o
as_o well_o as_o a_o private_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v also_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v she_o and_o so_o the_o church_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o society_n of_o man_n may_v also_o be_v infallible_a in_o understanding_n and_o explain_v scripture_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o be_v come_v about_o again_o to_o a_o infallible_a proponent_n which_o we_o have_v so_o zealous_o labour_v to_o avoid_v in_o a_o word_n after_o he_o have_v put_v all_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n possible_a to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o those_o mean_n let_v he_o either_o acknowledge_v that_o any_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o a_o fortiori_fw-la god_n church_n or_o any_o s●ciety_n of_o man_n exact_o follow_v &_o rely_v on_o those_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith_n be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a in_o that_o thing_n or_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o christian_a faith_n be_v infallible_o certain_a or_o else_o confess_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o mean_n use_v all_o christian_a faith_n be_v still_o either_o not_o certain_a at_o all_o or_o else_o fallible_o certain_a which_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o most_o profound_a nonsense_n and_o be_v it_o sense_n signify_v plain_a all_o may_v be_v false_a the_o late_a half_n of_o this_o principle_n be_v still_o more_o admirable_a nonsense_n than_o the_o former_a and_o show_v how_o mean_o he_o be_v verse_v in_o solid_a divinity_n he_o conterpose_v there_o the_o certainty_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o that_o which_o god_n have_v make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n as_o if_o faith_n be_v not_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o make_v man_n virtuous_a and_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n the_o most_o effectual_a part_n of_o those_o mean_n but_o because_o i_o see_v dr._n st._n though_o he_o have_v a_o very_a good_a wit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sole_a application_n to_o verbal_a divinity_n which_o never_o reach_v the_o ground_n or_o bottom_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o talk_v of_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o christian_a life_n and_o its_o opposite_a vice_n or_o sin_n i_o will_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o inform_v he_o better_o he_o may_v please_v then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o suit_v best_o with_o god_n wisdom_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o way_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n he_o carry_v on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n even_o in_o supernatural_n by_o mean_n of_o disposition_n the_o whole_a design_n then_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v to_o plant_v those_o disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v make_v we_o most_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o that_o so_o ascensiones_fw-la in_o cord_n nostro_fw-la disponendo_fw-la asceendamus_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la donec_fw-la videatur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v by_o order_v those_o rise_a step_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o the_o god_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o zion_n hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o proper_a way_n for_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o spiritual_a act_n or_o habit_n to_o perfect_v his_o soul_n or_o that_o part_n in_o we_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o dispose_n be_v for_o heaven_n but_o error_n be_v also_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o perfect_v our_o soul_n therefore_o truth_n must_v go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n hence_o the_o first_o of_o virtue_n in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v he_o and_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o generality_n to_o arrive_v at_o these_o be_v by_o believe_v his_o divine_a authority_n upon_o some_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o give_v his_o church_n and_o by_o she_o and_o all_o other_o absolute_a certainty_n it_o be_v engage_v by_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o what_o we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v god_n sense_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a building_n out_o of_o these_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o spring_v adoration_n reverence_n hope_n and_o love_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o christian_a language_n call_v charity_n the_o queen_n of_o all_o virtue_n major_a autem_fw-la horuni_fw-la charitas_fw-la say_v st._n paul_n and_o out_o of_o this_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o in_o the_o heartiness_n of_o which_o or_o the_o have_v that_o rational_a disposition_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o consist_v the_o keep_n all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o be_v also_o our_o good_a for_o so_o more_o undisturbed_a by_o passion_n or_o vexation_n from_o the_o exterior_a world_n who_o order_n we_o violate_v in_o transgress_v against_o these_o we_o be_v more_o free_a to_o practise_v those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v to_o elevate_v we_o towards_o heaven_n and_o fit_v we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o out_o pitch_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n hence_o be_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sin_n or_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v formal_o a_o defect_n be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a disposition_n or_o virtue_n the_o chief_a vice_n then_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n or_o a_o very_a slight_v and_o perfect_o deliberate_a disregard_n &_o posthabition_n of_o his_o incomparable_a self_n our_o final_a bliss_n to_o a_o creature_n next_o despair_n irreverence_n infidelity_n total_o as_o in_o heathenism_n or_o in_o some_o particular_a as_o tur●ism_n judaism_n heresy_n in_o the_o last_o place_n come_v the_o want_n of_o that_o due_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o leave_v our_o will_n dispose_v as_o far_o as_o that_o motive_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n for_o our_o own_o temporal_a convenience_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n insomuch_o as_o though_o a_o man_n commit_v not_o one_o of_o those_o act_n there_o forbid_v out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o worldly_a honour_n civility_n fear_v or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a yet_o if_o he_o want_v that_o rightly-grounded_n interior_a love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o build_v not_o his_o avoidance_n of_o harm_v he_o on_o that_o motive_n that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o commit_v they_o all_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o motive_n will_v hinder_v he_o however_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n or_o exterior_o he_o keep_v those_o commandment_n yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o interiorly_a or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v see_v hence_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o consequent_o the_o want_n of_o it_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o sin_n for_o external_a act_v or_o avoid_v be_v nothing_o to_o christian_a virtue_n unless_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o christian_a motive_n and_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n which_o give_v we_o those_o motive_n and_o the_o stability_n well-groundedness_a or_o truth_n of_o faith_n which_o render_v those_o motive_n effectual_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o faithful_a be_v material_o infallible_a while_o they_o believe_v god_n have_v reveal_v such_o and_o fuch_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o god_n do_v indeed_o reveal_v they_o and_o so_o their_o faith_n be_v real_o true_a all_o god_n worship_n and_o good_a life_n be_v ill-built_a ruinous_a and_o false_a to_o the_o ground_n and_o unless_o some_o of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v formal_o infallible_a it_o will_v work_v less_o effectual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v re●lect_v that_o they_o see_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o be_v make_v so_o reflect_v by_o other_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o faith_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v defend_v or_o make_v out_o or_o be_v justifiable_o recommend_v to_o other_o as_o true_a nor_o with_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n be_v profess_v true_a by_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o capable_a to_o look_v through_o its_o ground_n and_o yet_o see_v nothing_o conclusive_a of_o truth_n in_o they_o wherefore_o this_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o he_o destroy_v all_o efficacy_n all_o defence_n and_o even_a essence_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o radical_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o all_o true_a goodness_n which_o i_o attest_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 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in_o this_o proposition_n which_o he_o pretend_v follow_v from_o they_o as_o a_o conclusion_n 5._o to_o disow_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v by_o such_o a_o church_n be_v not_o to_o question_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o so_o firm_o to_o adhere_v to_o that_o in_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o man_n dare_v not_o out_o of_o love_n to_o their_o soul_n reject_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a for_o the_o word_n such_o a_o church_n and_o so_o teach_v mean_v absurd_o and_o repugnant_o to_o first_o principle_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v full_a as_o self-evident_a to_o all_o christian_n who_o hold_v god_n the_o author_n of_o truth_n as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o author_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o the_o author_n of_o lie_n the_o rest_n of_o it_o which_o will_v seem_v to_o put_v the_o opposite_a to_o the_o forego_n part_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o disow_v what_o be_v so_o teach_v by_o such_o 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a_o saint_n pretend_v here_o but_o humour_n and_o interest_n to_o adhere_v so_o firm_o to_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o can_v but_o see_v 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 ever_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o such_o a_o end_n since_o renounce_v infallibility_n in_o man_n he_o must_v confess_v that_o all_o possible_a mean_n be_v use_v to_o find_v out_o truth_n by_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n no_o better_o ground_v it_o still_o leave_v all_o the_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v mistake_v as_o himself_o also_o confess_v princ._n 30._o that_o be_v insecure_a that_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a or_o only_o fallible_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o six_o and_o last_o conclusion_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o examine_v these_o according_a to_o the_o no●es_v put_v down_o former_o contain_v some_o qualification_n necessary_o belong_v to_o all_o conclusion_n and_o to_o show_v by_o their_o want_n of_o all_o those_o how_o utter_o unlike_o these_o five_o last_o be_v to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o be_v and_o first_o not_o one_o of_o they_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o principle_n as_o from_o their_o premise_n as_o i_o show_v in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o their_o verity_n be_v know_v and_o evident_a to_o all_o mankind_n independent_o on_o those_o principle_n of_o he_o 3._o their_o verity_n be_v more_o know_v than_o be_v that_o of_o those_o principle_n for_o speak_v of_o the_o main_a import_n and_o weight_n of_o they_o abstract_v from_o some_o particular_a word_n and_o phrase_v his_o notion_n they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o manner_n self-evident_a and_o unexceptionable_a whereas_o his_o thirty_o principle_n be_v liable_a to_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 ●s_n with_o proceed_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n or_o phanaticism_n and_o beside_o th●se_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 tim●_n 〈◊〉_d other_o and_o by_o do_v so_o profess_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_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
of_o his_o ever_o have_v from_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v its_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n sense_n in_o settle_v and_o state_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o transcribe_v then_o from_o this_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n his_o whole_a second_o chapter_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v against_o the_o profane_a innovation_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v this_o hic_fw-la for_o sit_v a_o requirat_fw-la aliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o perhaps_o some_o may_v ask_v since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o enough_o nay_o more_o th●●_n enough_o suffice_v to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o it_o because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o meaning_n but_o divers_a man_n interpret_v its_o say_n diverse_o so_o that_o as_o many_o opinion_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o for_o novatian_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n photinus_n another_o sabellius_n another_o and_o donatus_n another_o arius_n eunomius_n macedonius_n take_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n apollinaris_n priscillianus_n in_o another_o sense_n jovinian_a pelagius_n coelestius_n understand_v it_o thus_o and_o last_o nestorius_n otherwise_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a wind_n of_o so_o various_a error_n that_o the_o line_n of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a interpretation_n may_v be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o catholic_n sense_n from_o which_o place_n we_o may_v note_n 1._o that_o though_o he_o allow_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n yet_o by_o show_v it_o interpretable_a divers_a way_n and_o this_o by_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o so_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o multitude_n of_o error_n by_o those_o inerpretation_n and_o thence_o require_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n as_o necessary_a to_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n since_o it_o need_v another_o to_o achieve_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o say_v simple_o it_o suffice_v for_o all_o thing_n but_o sufficit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ad●omnia_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v only_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n due_a to_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o p._n 87_o 88_o 89._o or_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o end_v god_n intend_v it_o for_o reckon_v up_o by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n among_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o sufficiency_n of_o clearness_n to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n so_o as_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o it_o without_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n only_o which_o will_v come_v to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n since_o than_o i_o allow_v scripture_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n but_o this_o of_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o it_o i_o allow_v it_o all_o this_o learned_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a church_n ever_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o put_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o the_o person_n but_o give_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o misunderstanding_n it_o the_o depth_n or_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o argue_v that_o though_o some_o few_o out_o of_o wickedness_n wilful_o mistake_v yet_o the_o general_n reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o private_a understand_n in_o dogmatical_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o constant_o maintain_v 3._o he_o call_v the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o line_n which_o be_v flexible_a and_o dirigible_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o rule_n which_o lie_v firm_a as_o apt_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o with_o i_o he_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o this_o sense_n of_o he_o church_n be_v intimate_v to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v have_v this_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n by_o tradition_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n become_v god_n ordinary_a providence_n but_o these_o two_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o when_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o mention_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n mean_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o mean_v they_o joint_o as_o appear_v express_o by_o the_o very_a next_o word_n begin_v this_o present_a chapter_n nor_o do_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o of_o keep_v they_o in_o faith_n or_o preserve_v they_o from_o slide_v into_o heresy_n and_o since_o he_o attribute_n in_o this_o chapter_n convictiveness_n of_o what_o be_v faith_n only_a to_o the_o church_n sense_n it_o be_v manifest_a all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n be_v agreeableness_n of_o its_o letter_n if_o a_o good_a pastor_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v which_o exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o already-faithful_a who_o must_v need_n be_v have_v a_o high_a reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n authority_n the_o whole_a strain_n then_o of_o my_o discourse_n here_o against_o dr._n st._n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v perfect_o consonant_a to_o this_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o antiquity_n only_o our_o frequent_a and_o close_o contest_v with_o our_o acute_a modern_a dissenter_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o scholarlike_o way_n of_o distinguish_v our_o notion_n exact_o which_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o and_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o in_o true_a and_o exact_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o both_o this_o father_n and_o evident_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o point_n if_o he_o make_v any_o such_o attempt_n be_v to_o allege_v convince_v testimony_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v scripture_n so_o plain_a to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n as_o to_o give_v he_o such_o certainty_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n thereof_o without_o need_v the_o church_n when_o he_o produce_v such_o testimony_n as_o come_v home_o to_o this_o or_o a_o equivalent_a sense_n he_o will_v work_v wonder_n and_o unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o do_v just_a nothing_o but_o i_o foresee_v two_o unlucky_a difficulty_n one_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n which_o exclude_v the_o church_n from_o this_o office_n as_o himself_o direct_o do_v next_o that_o can_v he_o produce_v thousand_o he_o will_v spoil_v they_o all_o at_o the_o next_o word_n and_o render_v they_o inconclusive_a that_o be_v insignificant_a with_o tell_v we_o very_o sober_o they_o be_v all_o fallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o consequent_o be_v perhaps_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o say_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la see_v sure_o foot_v 2d_o ed._n p._n 145_o 146._o 146._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 153._o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 190_o 191_o etc._n etc._n etc._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o see_v his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n last_o