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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
religion_n apostle_n church_n doctrine_n 4,033 5 6.2595 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59812 A discourse concerning a judge of controversies in matters of religion being an answer to some papers asserting the necessity of such a judge : with an address to wavering protestants, shewing what little reason they have to think of any change of their religion : written for the private satisfaction of some scrupulous persons, and now published for common use : with a preface concerning the nature of certainty and infallibility. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1686 (1686) Wing S3285; ESTC R8167 73,491 104

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against_o her_o infallibility_n however_o this_o show_n that_o the_o most_o infallible_a teacher_n can_v destroy_v our_o natural_a liberty_n of_o judge_v for_o we_o must_v judge_v of_o his_o doctrine_n by_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o see_v that_o it_o contradict_v neither_o which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n we_o have_v which_o be_v therefore_o to_o exercise_v all_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o and_o three_o though_o we_o must_v receive_v all_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o revealer_n yet_o we_o must_v own_v our_o own_o reason_n and_o judgement_n to_o understand_v the_o revelation_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o for_o whoever_o it_o be_v that_o speak_v to_o we_o whether_o god_n by_o a_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o a_o prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v but_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a faculty_n 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schismatic_n now_o and_o out_o of_o catholic_n communion_n for_o if_o catholic_n communion_n be_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n which_o be_v but_o one_o church_n and_o the_o apostolic_a church_n be_v the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a catholic_n communion_n than_o those_o church_n which_o to_o this_o day_n be_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o apostle_n be_v in_o true_a catholic_n communion_n and_o this_o test_n we_o will_v stand_v by_o though_o i_o will_v not_o advise_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v so_o let_v we_o consider_v whether_o the_o apostle_n will_v have_v reject_v our_o communion_n for_o those_o reason_n for_o which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o reject_v we_o will_v st._n paul_n have_v reject_v our_o communion_n because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_n god_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n which_o he_o himself_o forbid_v 1_o cor._n 14._o because_o we_o will_v not_o worship_v saint_n and_o angel_n and_o image_n which_o the_o romanist_n confess_v be_v neither_o command_v nor_o practise_v in_o those_o day_n and_o which_o we_o say_v be_v forbid_v then_o and_o understand_v to_o be_v so_o by_o all_o christian_n for_o not_o own_v the_o supremacy_n of_o peter_n when_o st._n paul_n himself_o withstand_v he_o as_o much_o as_o we_o do_v the_o pope_n of_o rome_n and_o upon_o a_o much_o less_o occasion_n gal._n 2._o 11._o etc._n etc._n and_o the_o african_a church_n long_o after_o in_o the_o day_n of_o st._n cyprian_n and_o by_o his_o authority_n forbid_v all_o appeal_n to_o the_o bishop_n or_o church_n of_o rome_n in_o a_o word_n will_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n the_o sacrifice_n of_o the_o mass_n indulgence_n purgatory_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n private_a and_o solitary_a mass_n
or_o praetorian_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n which_o be_v not_o compatible_a to_o any_o creature_n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v more_o have_v to_o be_v put_v into_o a_o state_n of_o pardon_n and_o forgiveness_n in_o this_o world_n and_o to_o be_v final_o acquit_v and_o absolve_v in_o the_o next_o but_o if_o the_o priest_n have_v no_o such_o judicial_a authority_n to_o forgive_v sin_n what_o a_o fatal_a mistake_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o such_o a_o ineffectual_a absolution_n what_o a_o miserable_a surprise_n will_v it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o think_v themselves_o pardon_v by_o the_o priest_n to_o be_v condemn_v by_o christ_n though_o we_o deny_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n as_o good_a a_o argument_n to_o bring_v man_n to_o repentance_n or_o do_v it_o lessen_v the_o mercy_n of_o god_n or_o the_o hope_n of_o sinner_n to_o say_v that_o god_n remit_v all_o future_a punishment_n when_o he_o remit_v the_o sin_n but_o if_o the_o hope_n of_o expiate_v their_o sin_n in_o purgatory_n and_o of_o be_v pray_v out_o of_o it_o shall_v embolden_v any_o man_n in_o sin_n what_o a_o disappointment_n will_v it_o be_v to_o find_v their_o purgatory_n to_o be_v hell_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v that_o we_o can_v suffer_v nothing_o by_o deny_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o unless_o the_o causeless_a anathema_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n can_v damn_v we_o but_o the_o hazard_n be_v so_o vast_o great_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o mistake_n will_v prove_v so_o fatal_a if_o they_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n that_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v justify_v the_o prudence_n of_o such_o a_o choice_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o fit_a for_o such_o fallible_a creature_n as_o we_o own_v ourselves_o to_o be_v to_o venture_v on_o they_o we_o be_v safe_a as_o we_o be_v and_o we_o think_v it_o best_o to_o keep_v ourselves_o so_o though_o we_o have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v good_a to_o be_v safe_a three_o safe_a i_o say_v we_o be_v in_o reject_v these_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o by_o reject_v they_o we_o want_v something_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n there_o be_v two_o thing_n especial_o wherein_o the_o romanist_n think_v they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o we_o and_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o some_o protestant_n be_v persuade_v to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o of_o rome_n that_o they_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o receive_v a_o judicial_a pardon_n of_o all_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o absolution_n of_o the_o priest_n which_o we_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o now_o suppose_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n to_o eat_v the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o christ_n will_v not_o forgive_v any_o man_n who_o be_v not_o before_o forgive_v by_o the_o priest_n yet_o if_o these_o be_v the_o institution_n of_o christ_n we_o have_v they_o as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o no_o man_n need_v go_v out_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o they_o if_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n do_v by_o the_o institution_n of_o christ_n transubstantiate_v the_o bread_n into_o the_o natural_a flesh_n of_o christ_n these_o word_n must_v have_v the_o same_o effect_n when_o pronounce_v by_o a_o priest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o be_v the_o intention_n of_o our_o saviour_n to_o give_v we_o his_o natural_a flesh_n to_o eat_v we_o do_v eat_v it_o as_o much_o as_o they_o for_o we_o eat_v the_o consecrate_a element_n which_o be_v whatever_o christ_n intend_v to_o make_v they_o by_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n for_o our_o not_o believe_v transubstantiation_n can_v hinder_v the_o virtue_n of_o consecration_n if_o christ_n have_v so_o appoint_v it_o for_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n do_v not_o change_v their_o nature_n with_o man_n opinion_n about_o they_o thus_o penitent_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n may_v confess_v their_o sin_n to_o a_o priest_n if_o they_o please_v and_o receive_v absolution_n and_o if_o by_o the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n this_o be_v a_o judicial_a absolution_n than_o they_o have_v it_o and_o need_v not_o go_v to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o it_o there_o be_v but_o two_o objection_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o can_v be_v make_v against_o this_o either_o that_o we_o have_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o consecration_n of_o the_o element_n or_o that_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n and_o nothing_o more_o be_v do_v than_o what_o the_o priest_n intend_v to_o do_v and_o therefore_o no_o priest_n can_v transubstantiate_v but_o he_o who_o intend_v to_o transubstantiate_v 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o if_o there_o be_v no_o true_a priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o our_o bishop_n and_o priest_n derive_v their_o succession_n from_o those_o bishop_n who_o receive_v order_n in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o therefore_o have_v as_o good_a order_n as_o they_o can_v give_v and_o as_o they_o themselves_o have_v and_o if_o we_o have_v as_o true_a bishop_n and_o priest_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n we_o must_v have_v as_o perfect_a sacrament_n as_o they_o also_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o to_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o the_o church_n do_v and_o why_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v as_o good_a and_o perfect_a a_o intention_n as_o this_o and_o thus_o we_o all_o intend_v to_o do_v what_o christ_n do_v which_o be_v all_o the_o intention_n that_o can_v be_v necessary_a to_o consecration_n unless_o the_o private_a opinion_n of_o the_o priest_n can_v alter_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o institution_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n depend_v upon_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o priest_n for_o consecration_n no_o papist_n can_v ever_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o bread_n be_v consecrate_v and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v not_o transubstantiate_v and_o therefore_o i_o think_v they_o may_v compound_v this_o business_n and_o allow_v we_o transubstantiation_n if_o we_o will_v allow_v it_o they_o we_o want_v it_o not_o indeed_o and_o care_v not_o for_o it_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v so_o much_o stress_n upon_o it_o need_v not_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n for_o that_o reason_n at_o least_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o say_v that_o we_o want_v any_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n let_v we_o but_o observe_v the_o institution_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o we_o need_v not_o fear_n but_o we_o shall_v receive_v all_o the_o spiritual_a blessing_n which_o christ_n intend_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o in_o that_o sacrament_n which_o those_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a of_o who_o do_v not_o observe_v the_o institution_n but_o receive_v only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o lord_n supper_n instead_o of_o the_o whole_a be_v these_o thing_n well_o consider_v i_o persuade_v myself_o no_o man_n will_v see_v any_o cause_n to_o forsake_v the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o he_o have_v all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n without_o oppress_v his_o faith_n with_o doctrine_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o endanger_v his_o soul_n by_o doubtful_a and_o suspicious_a practice_n at_o best_a the_o index_n the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n of_o no_o use_n in_o convert_v jew_n or_o pagan_n 2_o faith_n not_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o visible_a judge_n in_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 3_o though_o some_o passage_n in_o scripture_n be_v difficult_a other_o be_v plain_a 4_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o scripture_n be_v plain_a 5_o whether_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n 6_o whether_o general_n council_n have_v a_o power_n to_o determine_v matter_n of_o faith_n without_o appeal_n to_o every_o man_n reason_n 8_o 9_o what_o authority_n we_o allow_v to_o council_n 10_o 11_o the_o use_n of_o antiquity_n in_o expound_v scripture_n 12_o the_o church_n of_o england_n way_n of_o resolve_v of_o faith_n 14_o 15_o heretic_n pretence_n to_o scripture_n no_o argument_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o this_o way_n 15_o 16_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretence_n to_o antiquity_n 16_o 17_o what_o course_n people_n must_v take_v who_o be_v not_o able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o controversy_n in_o religion_n 19_o etc._n etc._n the_o ignorance_n of_o common_a people_n only_o a_o pretence_n not_o a_o reason_n for_o a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n 26_o 27_o a_o visible_a succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n no_o mark_n of_o a_o infallible_a church_n 29_o argument_n against_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 32_o 33_o proof_n that_o christ_n never_o intend_v to_o set_v up_o such_o a_o judge_n 39_o certainty_n in_o religion_n may_v be_v have_v without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n 42_o what_o evidence_n require_v in_o faith_n 43_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o church_n 46_o a_o inquiry_n what_o certainty_n a_o papist_n can_v have_v 5●_n whether_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v guilty_a of_o damnable_a error_n 60_o whether_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v authority_n to_o reform_v error_n which_o be_v not_o damnable_a 62_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n not_o prevail_v against_o the_o church_n 63_o whether_o we_o can_v know_v what_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v canonical_a without_o a_o visible_a judge_n 64_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v one_o 65_o the_o apostolic_a church_n the_o standard_n of_o catholic_n unity_n and_o communion_n 67_o what_o catholic_n communion_n be_v 69_o 70_o in_o what_o sense_n the_o church_n be_v call_v holy_a 72_o the_o church_n of_o england_n not_o guilty_a of_o schism_n 73_o that_o there_o be_v great_a safety_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n of_o england_n than_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n 75_o to_o the_o end_n the_o end_n
nou._n 15._o 1686._o imprimatur_fw-la jo._n batte_o a_o discourse_n concern_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o paper_n assert_v the_o necessity_n of_o such_o a_o judge_n with_o a_o address_n to_o waver_a protestant_n show_v what_o little_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o think_v of_o any_o change_n of_o their_o religion_n write_a for_o the_o private_a satisfaction_n of_o some_o scrupulous_a person_n and_o now_o publish_v for_o common_a use._n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n and_o infallibility_n london_n print_v for_o robert_n clavell_n at_o the_o peacock_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1686._o the_o preface_n when_o i_o first_o undertake_v to_o answer_v these_o paper_n i_o little_o think_v of_o write_v a_o book_n but_o when_o it_o be_v write_v i_o be_v more_o easy_o persuade_v to_o make_v it_o public_a for_o such_o kind_n of_o objection_n as_o these_o our_o people_n be_v daily_o assault_v with_o and_o our_o minister_n daily_o trouble_v to_o answer_v and_o therefore_o it_o will_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o both_o to_o print_v such_o a_o plain_a discourse_n as_o this_o which_o whatever_a defect_n it_o may_v have_v i_o be_o pretty_a confident_a do_v sufficient_o expose_v the_o weakness_n and_o sophistry_n of_o such_o argument_n the_o truth_n be_v this_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v make_v a_o dispute_n and_o the_o fundamental_a miscarriage_n be_v that_o our_o people_n be_v not_o teach_v or_o will_v not_o learn_v to_o reject_v such_o captious_a question_n as_o tend_v only_o to_o sceptism_n and_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v confute_v which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v have_v liberty_n to_o say_v now_o i_o have_v confute_v they_o and_o to_o show_v the_o reason_n i_o have_v to_o say_v so_o shall_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o preface_n it_o be_v think_v and_o certain_o it_o be_v so_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o reduce_v protestant_n to_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o they_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o their_o religion_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o infallibility_n but_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n now_o can_v they_o prove_v that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v infallible_a this_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o irresistible_a reason_n to_o return_v to_o her_o communion_n but_o this_o they_o say_v little_a of_o nowadays_o this_o they_o will_v glad_o have_v we_o take_v for_o grant_v especial_o if_o they_o can_v prove_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n without_o a_o infallible_a judge_n and_o therefore_o this_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o to_o run_v down_o protestant_n certainty_n and_o first_o to_o make_v man_n sceptic_n in_o religion_n and_o then_o to_o settle_v they_o upon_o infallibility_n now_o the_o way_n they_o take_v to_o do_v this_o be_v not_o by_o show_v that_o the_o reason_n on_o which_o protestant_n build_v their_o faith_n either_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n or_o of_o those_o particular_a doctrine_n which_o they_o profess_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o rational_a certainty_n on_o for_o this_o will_v engage_v they_o in_o particular_a dispute_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o as_o industrious_o avoid_v as_o if_o they_o be_v afraid_a of_o it_o but_o instead_o of_o this_o they_o declaim_v in_o general_a about_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n ask_v we_o how_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v certain_a if_o we_o rely_v upon_o reason_n other_o man_n do_v not_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v and_o yet_o think_v their_o reason_n as_o good_a as_o we_o if_o on_o scripture_n we_o see_v how_o many_o different_a and_o contrary_a exposition_n there_o be_v of_o scripture_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a than_o that_o we_o only_o be_v in_o the_o right_n when_o other_o man_n be_v as_o confident_a and_o as_o full_o persuade_v as_o we_o now_o all_o this_o be_v palpable_a sophistry_n and_o no_o other_o direct_a answer_n can_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v give_v to_o it_o but_o to_o let_v they_o know_v that_o after_o all_o they_o can_v say_v we_o find_v ourselves_o very_o certain_a and_o that_o their_o attempt_n to_o prove_v we_o u._fw-mi certain_a without_o confute_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o certainty_n be_v very_o fallacious_a 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o whether_o i_o be_o certain_a or_o not_o no_o body_n can_v tell_v but_o myself_o for_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o sense_n as_o sight_n and_o hear_v be_v and_o they_o may_v as_o well_o ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o see_v and_o hear_v as_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a i_o feel_v that_o i_o be_o so_o and_o that_o be_v answer_n enough_o 2._o and_o therefore_o when_o they_o ask_v i_o how_o i_o know_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a if_o this_o question_n have_v any_o sense_n in_o it_o it_o must_v signify_v on_o what_o reason_n i_o find_v my_o certainty_n for_o nothing_o can_v create_v certainty_n in_o the_o mind_n but_o that_o reason_n and_o 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be_v teach_v to_o understand_v it_o thus_o mathematical_a demonstration_n be_v certain_o plain_a for_o if_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o plain_a nothing_o be_v but_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o every_o man_n can_v understand_v they_o without_o a_o teacher_n but_o since_o those_o who_o do_v study_v mathematics_n can_v understand_v they_o and_o any_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n who_o will_v attend_v to_o the_o instruction_n of_o a_o skilful_a master_n may_v understand_v they_o we_o may_v call_v they_o plain_a though_o they_o be_v not_o obvious_a at_o the_o first_o sight_n for_o this_o purpose_n christ_n appoint_v a_o order_n of_o man_n in_o his_o church_n who_o business_n it_o shall_v be_v to_o study_v the_o scripture_n themselves_o and_o to_o teach_v other_o not_o to_o impose_v on_o their_o faith_n by_o their_o mere_a authority_n which_o our_o saviour_n have_v express_o warn_v we_o against_o to_o call_v no_o man_n master_n upon_o earth_n and_o which_o st._n paul_n express_o disclaim_v 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