power_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o the_o framer_n and_o controller_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o ministry_n of_o good_a spirit_n who_o always_o act_n obedient_o to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o all_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n now_o then_o since_o god_n do_v interpose_v his_o power_n to_o work_v such_o strange_a and_o stupenduous_a thing_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n only_o to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o 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that_o amid_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o world_n who_o all_o call_v themselves_o true_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n each_o condemn_v all_o other_o but_o themselves_o i_o may_v be_v true_o and_o sure_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o in_o order_n to_o my_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o this_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o lose_v my_o future_a happiness_n or_o else_o take_v it_o altogether_o upon_o trust_n and_o by_o chance_n and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o i_o light_v upon_o the_o wrong_n and_o must_v needs_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n and_o though_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o will_n doubtless_o find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o who_o fall_v into_o error_n for_o want_v of_o moderate_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v i_o think_v no_o pretence_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o pity_n xxi_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n this_o church_n they_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o person_n who_o prosess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o church_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o not_o only_o do_v not_o but_o can_v err_v in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n go_v then_o say_v they_o to_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v and_o there_o you_o have_v certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o follow_v this_o their_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o think_v be_v insuparable_a at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o as_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v for_o first_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o company_n of_o people_n some_o where_o or_o other_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v yet_o what_o solid_a proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o this_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v alone_o the_o true_a church_n and_o shall_v always_o keep_v and_o maintain_v among_o they_o the_o true_a and_o uncorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o question_n of_o revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o natural_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v even_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o read_v what_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a divine_n have_v write_v on_o this_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o text_n but_o be_v fair_o and_o natural_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n and_o must_v be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o wrest_v to_o make_v they_o countenance_v the_o romish_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v general_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o way_n doubtful_a except_o he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o this_o their_o church_n which_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o credit_n or_o even_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture-argument_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o the_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o force_n or_o even_o be_v as_o much_o as_o certain_o understand_v and_o if_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n do_v testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o protestant_n divine_n who_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v man_n of_o as_o much_o learning_n and_o integrity_n as_o the_o romish_a do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o nor_o have_v i_o skill_n enough_o in_o language_n and_o antiquity_n to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o dispute_n neither_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o what_o authority_n the_o write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v on_o i_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o determine_v my_o assent_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preserve_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o particular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o that_o church_n may_v teach_v false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n here_o than_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o certain_o distinguish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o shall_v i_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o agree_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v and_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o neither_o alone_a but_o both_o together_o or_o if_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n who_o possess_v the_o chair_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a pope_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a assembly_n a_o true_a and_o lawful_a general_n council_n or_o suppose_v they_o can_v satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o demand_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o council_n now_o sit_v nor_o if_o there_o be_v can_v i_o go_v to_o they_o or_o to_o the_o pope_n to_o receive_v instruction_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o every_o private_a enquirer_n how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n do_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o faithful_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o i_o especial_o since_o
in_o scripture_n as_o join_v together_o in_o one_o society_n or_o body_n which_o be_v call_v the_o church_n of_o which_o christ_n jesus_n be_v the_o chief_a or_o head_n and_o under_o a_o obligation_n to_o live_v in_o communion_n and_o fellowship_n one_o with_o another_o under_o those_o law_n and_o constitution_n which_o christ_n have_v give_v they_o but_o not_o that_o i_o can_v find_v in_o scripture_n oblige_v to_o join_v with_o or_o submit_v to_o any_o one_o person_n as_o the_o vicar_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o visible_a head_n of_o the_o church_n upon_o earth_n for_o if_o christ_n have_v appoint_v any_o such_o person_n as_o his_o deputy_n upon_o earth_n he_o must_v either_o have_v declare_v a_o matter_n of_o such_o consequence_n with_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n or_o else_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a to_o find_v fault_n with_o any_o man_n for_o be_v mistake_v in_o it_o whereas_o the_o argument_n which_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n bring_v to_o prove_v either_o that_o such_o a_o vicar_n there_o must_v be_v or_o that_o st._n peter_n the_o apostle_n be_v the_o man_n or_o that_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o not_o the_o bishop_n of_o antioch_n be_v the_o successor_n of_o st._n peter_n both_o in_o his_o bishopric_n and_o authority_n be_v all_o so_o weak_a and_o precarious_a so_o force_v and_o perplex_v and_o so_o full_o confute_v by_o the_o protestant_a divine_n that_o nothing_o in_o my_o opinion_n but_o blindness_n of_o understanding_n or_o worldly_a interest_n can_v prevail_v with_o the_o member_n of_o that_o church_n still_o to_o insist_v upon_o they_o now_o that_o christ_n institute_v but_o one_o church_n in_o which_o all_o true_a believer_n and_o good_a liver_n be_v for_o ever_o to_o be_v comprise_v be_v very_o plain_a and_o although_o through_o the_o mistake_v and_o perverseness_n of_o man_n this_o church_n be_v rend_v and_o divide_v into_o opposite_a and_o contend_v part_n and_o party_n yet_o this_o do_v not_o hinder_v but_o that_o according_a to_o its_o true_a and_o primitive_a constitution_n it_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v one_o as_o a_o kingdom_n or_o commonwealth_n by_o its_o law_n and_o constitution_n be_v but_o one_o society_n although_o there_o may_v arise_v faction_n and_o different_a interest_n in_o it_o nor_o shall_v any_o man_n be_v esteem_v as_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n before_o god_n who_o be_v not_o ready_a and_o willing_a according_a to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o power_n and_o knowledge_n to_o maintain_v the_o unity_n of_o it_o and_o that_o upon_o those_o very_a term_n and_o none_o other_o which_o christ_n have_v appoint_v as_o near_o as_o possible_o he_o can_v find_v and_o apprehend_v they_o moreover_o that_o all_o the_o law_n and_o constitution_n on_o which_o christ_n have_v found_v the_o church_n and_o by_o which_o he_o will_v have_v it_o regulate_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a unto_o the_o rule_n of_o sound_a morality_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o much_o as_o doubt_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v true_o say_v that_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a although_o every_o particular_a member_n thereof_o have_v both_o his_o frailty_n and_o his_o sin_n which_o yet_o he_o must_v repent_v of_o and_o so_o become_v holy_a as_o the_o church_n be_v holy_a or_o else_o he_o violate_v one_o of_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a law_n and_o so_o become_v as_o it_o be_v a_o outlaw_n of_o the_o church_n and_o forfeit_v his_o part_n in_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o belong_v unto_o that_o society_n and_o whereas_o before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n the_o people_n of_o israel_n do_v enjoy_v more_o of_o the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o have_v great_a privilege_n and_o advantage_n on_o the_o score_n of_o their_o be_v god_n choose_a and_o peculiar_a people_n than_o any_o or_o all_o other_o nation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n on_o the_o contrary_a now_o look_v upon_o all_o as_o equal_o entitle_v unto_o god_n favour_n and_o the_o advantage_n thereon_o depend_v who_o take_v care_v due_o to_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o it_o so_o that_o whereas_o former_o the_o church_n that_o be_v the_o choose_a people_n of_o god_n may_v have_v be_v say_v to_o be_v particular_a as_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n limit_v to_o one_o nation_n or_o people_n now_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v to_o say_v universal_a as_o be_v no_o way_n confine_v to_o one_o place_n or_o nation_n all_o people_n be_v equal_o choose_v by_o god_n in_o christ_n who_o will_v receive_v and_o love_v according_a to_o the_o gospel_n 41._o in_o those_o several_a revelation_n which_o god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o after_o the_o fall_n of_o man_n unto_o adam_n to_o abraham_n and_o to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n there_o be_v still_o a_o plain_a intimation_n give_v they_o that_o in_o the_o time_n to_o come_v there_o shall_v a_o extraordinary_a person_n arise_v in_o the_o world_n who_o shall_v yet_o more_o clear_o make_v know_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o mankind_n but_o when_o christ_n who_o be_v that_o person_n do_v according_o come_v and_o send_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n over_o all_o the_o earth_n he_o neither_o suggest_v to_o they_o nor_o they_o unto_o the_o world_n that_o any_o other_o revelation_n be_v ever_o after_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o always_o give_v they_o to_o understand_v that_o god_n have_v in_o the_o gospel_n complete_v and_o finish_v all_o that_o declaration_n which_o he_o intend_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o or_o his_o will_n unto_o mankind_n until_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o world_n if_o therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v give_v i_o no_o manner_n of_o assurance_n of_o the_o perpetuity_n of_o the_o church_n my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v be_v enough_o to_o make_v i_o conclude_v that_o god_n in_o his_o providence_n will_v so_o order_v the_o matter_n as_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v the_o only_o know_v and_o ordinary_a mean_n of_o eternal_a salvation_n shall_v never_o be_v whole_o extinguish_v while_o the_o world_n last_v so_o as_o to_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o new_a revelation_n to_o revive_v and_o restore_v it_o but_o that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o certain_a company_n of_o man_n evident_o conspicuous_a to_o the_o world_n teach_v and_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n without_o any_o error_n or_o corruption_n in_o doctrine_n or_o worship_n be_v what_o i_o can_v no_o where_n find_v promise_v or_o foretell_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o any_o of_o his_o apostle_n on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o do_v plain_o seem_v to_o foretell_v that_o in_o process_n of_o time_n most_o pernicious_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n shall_v prevail_v and_o take_v place_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v profess_v themselves_o to_o be_v disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o light_o compare_v the_o state_n of_o christianity_n for_o several_a century_n before_o the_o reformation_n with_o that_o draught_n of_o it_o which_o be_v leave_v we_o by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n must_v if_o he_o be_v impartial_a i_o think_v be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o prediction_n 42._o whether_o or_o no_o god_n have_v or_o do_v at_o any_o time_n communicate_v or_o bestow_v any_o extraordinary_a grace_n or_o assistance_n upon_o those_o who_o be_v no_o visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n but_o altogether_o stranger_n unto_o that_o revelation_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o himself_o be_v a_o question_n which_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o heroic_a action_n of_o some_o brave_a heathen_n make_v it_o hard_o positive_o to_o determine_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o that_o he_o will_v give_v so_o much_o grace_n and_o strength_n to_o every_o one_o who_o shall_v become_v a_o member_n of_o christ_n church_n as_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v if_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o their_o own_o sufficient_o qualify_v themselves_o for_o eternal_a happiness_n by_o the_o performance_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o require_v on_o their_o part_n to_o be_v do_v be_v what_o i_o think_v no_o man_n can_v doubt_v of_o who_o do_v but_o in_o general_n consider_v the_o mercy_n and_o love_n which_o god_n design_v even_o unto_o all_o man_n but_o more_o especial_o unto_o the_o church_n in_o send_v our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n into_o the_o world_n although_o there_o be_v not_o any_o particular_a promise_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o this_o grace_n and_o ability_n to_o do_v good_a be_v in_o scripture_n ascribe_v unto_o the_o ministry_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_a and_o general_o own_v by_o all_o christian_n but_o that_o this_o
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
a_o gentleman_n religion_n in_o three_o part_n the_o one_a contain_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n the_o second_o and_o 3d._n the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n both_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o practice_n with_o a_o appendix_n wherein_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n london_n print_v for_o a._n &_o j._n churchill_n in_o pater_fw-la noster_fw-la row_n and_o r_z sare_z at_o grays-inn_n gate_n in_o holborn_n 1698._o a_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it._n in_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n in_o general_n be_v vindicate_v its_o simplicity_n assert_v and_o some_o introductory_n rule_n for_o the_o discover_n of_o its_o particular_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n be_v propose_v by_o a_o private_a gentleman_n london_n print_v for_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n 1698._o a_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it._n part_n i._n i._o since_o almost_o all_o man_n however_o different_a in_o other_o opinion_n and_o interest_n have_v ever_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n to_o who_o power_n all_o thing_n be_v subject_a that_o the_o true_a service_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n which_o be_v call_v religion_n shall_v be_v reward_v with_o future_a happiness_n and_o that_o the_o neglect_v and_o contempt_n of_o religion_n shall_v be_v punish_v with_o future_a misery_n every_o man_n sure_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v thus_o much_o at_o least_o that_o what_o be_v so_o general_o and_o firm_o believe_v may_v be_v possible_o nay_o and_o be_v probable_o a_o truth_n and_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n and_o much_o more_o where_o there_o be_v a_o probability_n of_o a_o great_a good_a on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o great_a evil_n on_o the_o other_o there_o certain_o every_o man_n be_v content_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o he_o may_v not_o miss_v of_o the_o one_o if_o it_o be_v attainable_a nor_o fall_v into_o the_o other_o if_o it_o be_v avoidable_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a great_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v over_o search_v after_o the_o true_a religion_n until_o he_o have_v find_v it_o except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v either_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n or_o else_o that_o there_o be_v no_o worship_n or_o service_n due_a to_o he_o ii_o in_o all_o matter_n of_o great_a and_o serious_a consequence_n no_o man_n that_o be_v wise_a will_v act_v by_o chance_n and_o at_o random_n without_o be_v able_a to_o give_v some_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o do_v for_o he_o that_o do_v any_o thing_n and_o know_v not_o why_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o do_v himself_o hurt_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v more_o way_n to_o the_o former_a than_o to_o the_o latter_a since_o therefore_o religion_n be_v a_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o importance_n that_o can_v be_v i_o conclude_v that_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o choose_v his_o religion_n blind_o and_o by_o chance_n but_o that_o every_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v some_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o profess_v whatever_o religion_n therefore_o a_o man_n be_v breed_v up_o in_o from_o his_o youth_n it_o certain_o be_v very_o fit_a for_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o discretion_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o the_o wrong_n in_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n iii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o he_o require_v any_o service_n or_o worship_n i._n e._n any_o religion_n from_o we_o it_o be_v undoubted_o for_o this_o end_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o trial_n of_o our_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n to_o he_o now_o whosoever_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o prove_v his_o servant_n whether_o he_o will_v be_v faithful_a and_o obedient_a he_o will_v not_o give_v he_o such_o dark_a and_o intricate_a command_n as_o shall_v puzzle_v he_o to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o for_o how_o can_v a_o servant_n approve_v himself_o faithful_a and_o obedient_a if_o he_o be_v uncertain_a what_o it_o be_v that_o his_o master_n require_v from_o he_o but_o he_o will_v sure_o give_v he_o such_o command_n and_o direction_n as_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v understand_v however_o difficult_a they_o may_v be_v to_o be_v enterprise_v or_o accomplish_v i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n which_o god_n require_v of_o any_o man_n must_v needs_o be_v easy_a enough_o for_o he_o to_o understand_v however_o hard_o they_o may_v be_v to_o be_v practise_v for_o otherwise_o religion_n will_v be_v a_o trial_n rather_o of_o a_o man_n wit_n and_o cunning_a than_o of_o his_o faithfulness_n and_o obedience_n and_o therefore_o also_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o most_o if_o not_o all_o the_o controversy_n about_o religion_n which_o at_o this_o day_n distract_v the_o world_n do_v not_o proceed_v from_o any_o difficulty_n in_o or_o about_o the_o determination_n of_o all_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n itself_o but_o partly_o from_o the_o pride_n of_o some_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v love_v to_o strat_v new_a and_o difficult_a question_n and_o to_o impose_v their_o private_a sentiment_n upon_o the_o world_n that_o they_o may_v be_v admire_v for_o their_o wit_n and_o subtilty_n partly_o from_o the_o covetousness_n and_o ambition_n of_o some_o whether_o learned_a or_o unlearned_a who_o have_v find_v that_o their_o worldly_a interest_n will_v be_v better_o serve_v by_o some_o doctrine_n no_o matter_n how_o false_a and_o precarious_a than_o by_o other_o and_o partly_o from_o the_o prejudice_n of_o most_o man_n who_o be_v apt_a with_o great_a zeal_n and_o eagerness_n to_o contend_v for_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o from_o their_o childhood_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v to_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o and_o i_o far_o conclude_v that_o whosoever_o have_v a_o sincere_a desire_n to_o embrace_v true_a religion_n must_v lay_v aside_o pride_n ambition_n covetousness_n and_o prejudice_n which_o will_v misguide_a he_o and_o follow_v his_o sober_a and_o unprejudicate_a reason_n which_o will_v ever_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o right_a way_n iv_o there_o be_v different_a sort_n or_o rather_o degree_n of_o assurance_n which_o man_n have_v concern_v thing_n some_o thing_n be_v evident_a of_o themselves_o without_o any_o proof_n some_o thing_n we_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n some_o thing_n we_o receive_v as_o truth_n because_o we_o find_v they_o to_o follow_v from_o other_o truth_n already_o receive_v and_o some_o thing_n we_o believe_v only_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o moreover_o some_o thing_n we_o be_v persuade_v of_o without_o any_o doubt_n or_o diffidence_n whereas_o other_o thing_n do_v seem_v at_o best_a to_o be_v but_o likely_a or_o probable_a and_o that_o too_o in_o a_o different_a degree_n according_a as_o their_o evidence_n be_v strong_a or_o weak_a now_o every_o sober_a man_n where_o he_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n there_o he_o act_v with_o assurance_n where_o the_o matter_n be_v but_o probable_a there_o he_o proceed_v with_o caution_n but_o where_o a_o man_n be_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o do_v one_o way_n or_o other_o and_o where_o the_o matter_n appear_v doubtful_a on_o both_o side_n there_o it_o become_v he_o to_o weigh_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o part_n with_o due_a consideration_n and_o according_a as_o he_o find_v the_o great_a probability_n to_o be_v on_o the_o one_o hand_n rather_o than_o the_o other_o so_o to_o square_v his_o action_n according_o since_o therefore_o every_o man_n must_v necessary_o either_o live_v religious_o or_o not_o live_v religious_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o upon_o a_o serious_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n there_o appear_v to_o be_v more_o probable_a reason_n and_o argument_n for_o religion_n than_o against_o it_o every_o wise_a and_o sober_a man_n must_v embrace_v religion_n this_o i_o say_v not_o but_o that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v even_o demonstrative_a argument_n for_o religion_n and_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o probable_a one_o against_o it_o but_o because_o that_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v demonstrative_a to_o another_o may_v appear_v but_o probable_a i_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o note_v that_o every_o man_n in_o point_n of_o common_a prudence_n be_v oblige_v to_o follow_v religion_n if_o it_o do_v but_o appear_v more_o likely_a and_o probable_a to_o he_o than_o irreligion_n v._o whether_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o agent_n to_o produce_v a_o new_a
that_o way_n which_o he_o think_v to_o be_v the_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o two_o man_n who_o be_v contrary_a one_o to_o another_o in_o the_o point_n of_o religion_n may_v yet_o both_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a may_v be_v save_v as_o well_o as_o a_o christian_a if_o they_o be_v but_o strong_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n i_o answer_v first_o that_o if_o the_o objection_n mean_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n without_o any_o other_o help_n to_o find_v out_o the_o trut_fw-mi of_o religion_n it_o be_v a_o mistake_n for_o i_o have_v assert_v that_o every_o man_n according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o his_o learning_n aught_o to_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o mean_n and_o help_v he_o can_v to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o will_n of_o god_n see_v §_o 14._o and_o §_o 25._o but_o if_o the_o mean_v be_v that_o i_o leave_v every_o man_n to_o choose_v that_o religion_n which_o after_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v all_o that_o i_o contend_v for_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o than_o what_o all_o man_n must_v and_o do_v say_v as_o well_o as_o i._o for_o either_o a_o man_n must_v never_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n at_o all_o and_o then_o he_o choose_v his_o religion_n by_o mere_a chance_n and_o since_o there_o be_v many_o false_a religion_n and_o but_o one_o true_a it_o be_v great_a odds_o but_o he_o light_v upon_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o if_o he_o do_v inquire_v either_o he_o must_v choose_v that_o which_o he_o think_v not_o to_o be_v the_o best_a and_o then_o he_o act_v against_o his_o conscience_n or_o that_o which_o he_o think_v be_v the_o best_a which_o be_v what_o i_o assert_v and_o what_o every_o man_n of_o sense_n profess_v himself_o to_o do_v second_o as_o there_o be_v many_o difference_n in_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o man_n concern_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n abstruse_a and_o obscure_a so_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n so_o apparent_a and_o evident_a that_o man_n who_o be_v sincere_a and_o unbiased_a if_o they_o have_v but_o common_a sense_n can_v never_o differ_v about_o they_o among_o which_o i_o think_v i_o may_v reckon_v all_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v of_o necessity_n to_o any_o man_n salvaton_n §_o 3._o and_o whereas_o the_o world_n have_v for_o these_o many_o year_n find_v that_o compel_a man_n to_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o sentiment_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o beget_v unity_n of_o any_o sort_n that_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o have_v even_o distract_v mankind_n not_o only_o with_o variety_n of_o opinion_n each_o party_n take_v a_o delight_n to_o thwart_v other_o but_o also_o with_o war_n and_o confusion_n if_o every_o man_n be_v leave_v to_o himself_o to_o follow_v what_o religion_n he_o please_v as_o he_o shall_v answer_v to_o god_n for_o his_o sincerity_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a that_o most_o man_n have_v no_o worldly_a interest_n to_o serve_v by_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n will_v in_o time_n be_v bring_v to_o agree_v in_o all_o the_o great_a and_o necessary_a truth_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a to_o every_o sober_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n and_o as_o for_o thing_n not_o absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o a_o inferior_a sort_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 26._o if_o man_n will_v be_v but_o peaceable_a their_o mistake_v and_o consequent_o their_o difference_n about_o they_o can_v do_v no_o great_a harm_n but_o if_o man_n will_v still_o differ_v even_o about_o the_o essential_a and_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o upon_o earth_n but_o must_v refer_v the_o matter_n whole_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n in_o heaven_n three_o i_o do_v not_o maintain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o be_v a_o turk_n or_o a_o heathen_a whatsoever_o the_o strength_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o persuasion_n may_v be_v be_v in_o as_o sure_a a_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o salvation_n as_o he_o who_o be_v a_o orthodox-man_n and_o a_o christian_n how_o god_n will_v deal_v with_o those_o that_o be_v mistake_v and_o can_v help_v it_o i_o do_v not_o determine_v all_o that_o i_o will_v insinuate_v §_o 14._o be_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v any_o man_n for_o any_o error_n or_o mistake_v which_o he_o fall_v into_o through_o a_o pure_a desect_v of_o his_o understanding_n and_o not_o through_o any_o fault_n or_o neglect_v of_o his_o will._n but_o how_o far_o he_o will_v reward_v such_o a_o person_n for_o his_o good_a mean_v be_v more_o than_o i_o can_v tell_v xxxv_o four_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n do_v in_o effect_n undermine_v and_o enervate_v the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o all_o civil_a government_n by_o open_v a_o way_n for_o all_o malefactor_n to_o escape_v punishment_n how_o great_a soever_o their_o crime_n may_v be_v if_o such_o a_o person_n shall_v plead_v thus_o for_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o his_o mind_n and_o conscience_n that_o it_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v commit_v such_o a_o th_a or_o murder_n of_o which_o he_o be_v accuse_v and_o that_o therefore_o according_a to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v his_o duty_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o act_v according_a to_o this_o persuasion_n the_o magistrate_n who_o know_v not_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n can_v never_o be_v able_a certain_o to_o discover_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o real_a truth_n that_o he_o be_v so_o persuade_v and_o if_o every_o man_n in_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o persuasion_n of_o thing_n with_o what_o conscience_n can_v a_o magistrate_n punish_v such_o a_o person_n for_o that_o fact_n which_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v it_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v i_o will_v not_o say_v but_o that_o it_o may_v so_o fall_v out_o that_o a_o man_n may_v think_v it_o to_o be_v his_o duty_n to_o commit_v the_o most_o horrid_a villainy_n since_o jesus_n christ_n himself_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o the_o time_n will_v come_v that_o whoso_o kill_v they_o will_v think_v he_o do_v god_n service_n joh._n 16._o 2._o and_o how_o far_o god_n almighty_a will_v be_v merciful_a unto_o such_o person_n who_o commit_v such_o fact_n out_o of_o pure_a ignorance_n and_o not_o out_o of_o malice_n i_o have_v rather_o st._n paul_n shall_v determine_v than_o i._o see_v 1_o tim._n 1._o 13._o but_o to_o the_o objection_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o answer_v that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n as_o well_o as_o other_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o act_v according_a to_o the_o clear_a conviction_n and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n if_o therefore_o upon_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o circumstance_n he_o be_v well_o satisfy_v and_o real_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o plea_n from_o a_o malefactor_n be_v no_o real_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o mese_n trick_n and_o pretence_n in_o hope_n to_o escape_v punishment_n he_o ought_v to_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o it_o but_o to_o pronounce_v his_o sentence_n according_a to_o the_o law_n but_o that_o which_o come_v up_o close_o to_o the_o objection_n and_o which_o i_o think_v be_v the_o full_a and_o true_a answer_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v to_o inquire_v or_o regard_v how_o the_o matter_n stand_v between_o god_n and_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o transgressor_n of_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n so_o as_o to_o be_v thereby_o any_o way_n influence_v in_o the_o pass_v his_o judgement_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o he_o if_o he_o be_v well_o and_o thorough_o convince_v that_o the_o law_n by_o which_o he_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contrary_a to_o the_o know_a law_n of_o god_n there_o be_v many_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n offend_v high_o against_o the_o law_n of_o god_n in_o which_o the_o civil_a magistrate_n have_v no_o power_n to_o inflict_v any_o punishment_n on_o the_o offender_n because_o the_o fault_n which_o he_o may_v have_v commit_v do_v not_o it_o may_v be_v any_o way_n tend_v to_o the_o damage_n or_o disturbance_n of_o the_o civil_a society_n which_o and_o which_o only_o be_v commit_v to_o the_o care_n of_o the_o magistrate_n such_o for_o example_n be_v many_o act_n of_o covetousness_n or_o of_o prodigality_n and_o other_o sin_n against_o which_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o provide_v by_o any_o humane_a law_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v some_o case_n wherein_o a_o man_n may_v stand_v absolve_v before_o the_o
and_o direct_v i_o where_o and_o how_o to_o seek_v for_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o it_o it_o follow_v now_o that_o i_o shall_v put_v this_o speculation_n into_o practice_n that_o i_o will_v search_v the_o scripture_n with_o all_o the_o diligence_n i_o can_v and_o set_v my_o mind_n with_o all_o its_o faculty_n on_o work_n to_o find_v out_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o i_o may_v the_o better_o conform_v myself_o unto_o it_o this_o with_o god_n help_n i_o design_v speedy_o to_o do_v and_o the_o result_n of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v publish_v to_o the_o world_n if_o what_o i_o here_o write_v prove_v acceptable_a but_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o think_v it_o not_o improper_a here_o to_o add_v some_o general_a consideration_n which_o may_v serve_v as_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o i_o or_o to_o any_o other_o person_n who_o shall_v set_v himself_o upon_o such_o a_o enquiry_n to_o direct_v our_o judgement_n aright_o to_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o keep_v we_o from_o all_o mistake_v about_o it_o xl._n first_o then_o i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v every_o sober_a man_n who_o serious_o consider_v the_o argument_n on_o which_o it_o rely_v and_o be_v not_o lead_v astray_o by_o passion_n by_o prejudice_n or_o worldly_a interest_n that_o this_o be_v so_o appear_v very_o evident_o from_o hence_o because_o both_o jesus_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n to_o judge_v of_o what_o they_o teach_v yea_o and_o why_o even_o of_o yourselves_o judge_v you_o not_o what_o be_v right_a say_v jesus_n luk._n 12._o 57_o prove_v all_o thing_n hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v good_a say_v st._n paul_n 1_o thes_n 5._o 21._o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v you_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o you_o say_v st._n peter_n 1_o pet._n 3._o 15._o believe_v not_o every_o spirit_n but_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n say_v st._n john_n 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o hence_o than_o i_o conclude_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o christian_a religion_n which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n for_o otherwise_o a_o rational_a man_n can_v not_o be_v a_o christian_n see_v §_o 33._o xli_o second_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n be_v calculate_v not_o only_o nor_o chief_o for_o man_n of_o great_a and_o deep_a learning_n but_o also_o for_o those_o of_o ordinary_a plain_a and_o mean_a capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a in_o christianity_n but_o what_o may_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o every_o ordinary_a illiterate_a man_n as_o by_o the_o great_a scholar_n if_o this_o be_v not_o so_o it_o will_v not_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o unlearned_a man_n to_o be_v as_o good_a a_o christian_n as_o one_o that_o be_v learned_a whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v most_o apparent_o declare_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n i_o thank_v thou_o o_o father_n because_o thou_o have_v hide_v these_o thing_n from_o the_o wise_a and_o prudent_a and_o have_v reveal_v they_o unto_o babe_n say_v jesus_n matth._n 11._o 25._o to_o which_o the_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n do_v exact_o agree_v 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o to_o verse_n 7._o of_o the_o second_o chapter_n and_o the_o same_o st._n paul_n give_v we_o a_o caution_n that_o philosophy_n shall_v not_o corrupt_v our_o christianity_n col._n 2._o 8._o and_o warn_v timothy_n against_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 2_o tim._n 6._o 20._o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o intimate_v throughout_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o philosophy_n or_o any_o other_o humane_a learning_n will_v qualify_v a_o man_n ever_o the_o better_a to_o become_v a_o christian_n i_o confess_v indeed_o that_o as_o thing_n stand_v at_o this_o time_n in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v high_o convenient_a that_o the_o teacher_n and_o preacher_n of_o christianity_n shall_v be_v competent_o skill_v in_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o defend_v their_o religion_n and_o the_o purity_n of_o it_o against_o those_o who_o use_v so_o much_o art_n and_o skill_n either_o to_o corrupt_v or_o oppose_v it_o but_o where_o a_o man_n set_v up_o not_o for_o a_o teacher_n but_o only_o for_o a_o true_a believer_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o he_o have_v no_o need_n of_o scholarship_n but_o only_o of_o a_o plain_a and_o sober_a understanding_n to_o make_v he_o capable_a of_o all_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o a_o good_a christian_n or_o else_o why_o shall_v the_o gospel_n be_v preach_v so_o particular_o to_o the_o poor_a matth._n 11._o 5._o who_o be_v common_o illiterate_a and_o how_o shall_v the_o poor_a in_o this_o world_n become_v so_o rich_a of_o faith_n as_o st._n james_n tell_v we_o jam._n 2._o 5._o from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o all_o such_o doctrine_n the_o understanding_n and_o proof_n whereof_o depend_v either_o on_o the_o subtle_a spcculation_n of_o humane_a philosophy_n or_o the_o nicety_n and_o criticism_n of_o grammatical_a learning_n or_o the_o curious_a knowledge_n of_o history_n and_o antiquity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v as_o necessary_a part_n of_o christianity_n xlii_o three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a to_o i_o that_o the_o main_a design_n of_o jesus_n and_o of_o his_o disciple_n who_o he_o send_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n be_v to_o make_v man_n not_o wise_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o speculation_n but_o better_o and_o more_o virtuous_a as_o to_o their_o life_n and_o action_n knowledge_n puff_v up_o but_o charity_n edisi_v say_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 8._o 1._o thus_o also_o chap._n 13._o of_o the_o same_o epistle_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o of_o prophecy_n the_o understanding_n of_o all_o mystery_n and_o all_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v of_o no_o value_n before_o god_n without_o charity_n and_o that_o by_o charity_n he_o mean_v a_o life_n lead_v in_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n susficient_o appear_v by_o the_o sequel_n of_o that_o chapter_n the_o same_o st._n paul_n tell_v we_o tit._n 2._o 13._o that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n that_o bring_v salvation_n have_v appear_v unto_o all_o man_n for_o what_o end_n to_o make_v they_o more_o wise_a more_o learned_a or_o more_o losty_a in_o their_o speculation_n no_o such_o thing_n but_o teach_v we_o that_o deny_v ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n we_o shall_v live_v sober_o righteous_o and_o godly_a in_o this_o present_a world_n and_o to_o omit_v a_o multitude_n of_o text_n which_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o so_o plain_a a_o matter_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v what_o we_o be_v tell_v rom._n 2._o 6_o etc._n etc._n that_o god_n will_v render_v unto_o every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o deed_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v our_o deed_n that_o be_v our_o practice_n our_o live_a and_o conversation_n that_o we_o be_v chief_o oblige_v to_o take_v care_n of_o i_o grant_v indeed_o that_o god_n may_v if_o he_o please_v command_v thing_n that_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o influence_n upon_o virtue_n and_o morality_n as_o undoubted_o he_o do_v unto_o the_o child_n of_o israel_n and_o if_o he_o do_v command_v any_o such_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o we_o owe_v obedience_n to_o they_o by_o virtue_n of_o that_o authority_n which_o god_n have_v over_o we_o he_o may_v also_o reveal_v such_o truth_n as_o be_v mere_o speculative_a and_o have_v nothing_o practical_a in_o they_o and_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o any_o such_o revelation_n be_v undoubted_o bind_v to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o the_o thing_n so_o reveal_v although_o they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o understanding_n as_o i_o have_v say_v §_o 33._o but_o from_o what_o i_o have_v here_o say_v i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o since_o virtue_n and_o morality_n be_v undoubted_o the_o chief_a design_n of_o christianity_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v chief_o regard_v and_o attend_v to_o by_o all_o christian_n nor_o ought_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v pure_o ceremonial_a or_o speculative_a to_o be_v reckon_v as_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o christian_a religion_n except_o it_o appear_v very_o evident_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o command_v it_o very_o evident_o i_o say_v for_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v conceive_v in_o dark_a and_o doubtful_a expression_n it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mistake_v and_o he_o that_o be_v
to_o be_v a_o person_n wonderful_a a_o counsellor_n the_o mighty_a god_n the_o prince_n of_o peace_n of_o the_o increase_n of_o who_o government_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n and_o unto_o who_o the_o gather_n of_o the_o nation_n shall_v be_v now_o although_o there_o may_v some_o difficulty_n be_v start_v as_o to_o the_o interpretation_n of_o some_o of_o those_o and_o such_o like_a prophecy_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n consider_v how_o the_o jew_n who_o be_v enemy_n to_o christianity_n have_v endeavour_v to_o obscure_v and_o perplex_v they_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v consider_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o a_o fair_a consonant_a and_o reasonable_a application_n of_o all_o these_o prediction_n to_o be_v make_v unto_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o that_o there_o be_v not_o nor_o ever_o be_v any_o other_o person_n to_o who_o they_o can_v be_v apply_v beside_o himself_o and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a for_o any_o one_o but_o god_n to_o foretell_v a_o thing_n with_o so_o many_o circumstance_n so_o long_o before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o think_v i_o may_v very_o well_o from_o hence_o conclude_v not_o only_o against_o the_o jew_n who_o acknowledge_v but_o also_o against_o all_o other_o who_o may_v perhaps_o at_o first_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n that_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n be_v the_o christ_n or_o messiah_n who_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o send_v into_o the_o world_n and_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o greatness_n of_o his_o miracle_n and_o the_o transcendent_a goodness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n of_o which_o see_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o i_o think_v the_o argument_n will_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n 37._o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n i_o find_v such_o thing_n speak_v of_o christ_n as_o do_v plain_o show_v he_o to_o have_v be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a man_n in_o all_o thing_n like_v unto_o we_o sin_n only_o except_v other_o expression_n also_o i_o find_v frequent_o apply_v to_o he_o which_o can_v possible_o agree_v to_o any_o man_n or_o create_v be_v whatsoever_o but_o only_o unto_o god_n as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v §_o 22._o and_o although_o there_o be_v a_o plain_a distinction_n make_v between_o his_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n yet_o be_v he_o always_o speak_v of_o but_o as_o one_o person_n here_o than_o i_o know_v not_o better_a how_o to_o express_v my_o sentiment_n than_o by_o say_v that_o in_o the_o one_o and_o single_a person_n of_o christ_n there_o be_v a_o conjunction_n of_o both_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o christ_n be_v real_o and_o true_o both_o god_n and_o man._n and_o if_o the_o same_o objection_n be_v make_v against_o this_o doctrine_n as_o be_v against_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o difficult_a to_o be_v apprehend_v i_o shall_v also_o return_v the_o same_o answer_n as_o i_o have_v already_o do_v to_o that_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o §_o 23._o to_o which_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n 38._o he_o who_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n to_o be_v sure_o will_v allow_v of_o his_o eternal_a existence_n as_o to_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o humane_a nature_n that_o he_o be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o that_o after_o some_o year_n spend_v in_o preach_v and_o do_v good_a he_o be_v through_o the_o malice_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o at_o their_o vehement_a desire_n condemn_v by_o pilate_n the_o roman_a governor_n to_o be_v crucify_v which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o a_o spear_n thrust_v into_o his_o side_n that_o be_v dead_a he_o be_v bury_v and_o lay_v in_o the_o sepulchre_n unto_o the_o three_o day_n upon_o which_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o aster_n several_a time_n converse_v with_o his_o disciple_n for_o the_o space_n of_o forty_o day_n that_o he_o be_v visible_o take_v up_o from_o they_o and_o receive_v into_o heaven_n unto_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a glory_n where_o he_o be_v our_o perpetual_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n at_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o evident_o and_o without_o controversy_n testify_v by_o his_o disciple_n who_o veracity_n i_o have_v assert_v part_n 1_o §_o 19_o and_o record_v in_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n who_o authority_n i_o have_v prove_v part_n 1._o §_o 23._o &c_n &c_n that_o no_o reasonable_a man_n i_o think_v can_v now_o deny_v or_o so_o much_o as_o doubt_v of_o any_o part_n of_o it_o and_o although_o there_o be_v one_o or_o two_o passage_n of_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v infer_v that_o christ_n before_o his_o resurrection_n do_v descend_v into_o hell_n yet_o will_v i_o not_o venture_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o determine_v whether_o by_o the_o word_n hell_n be_v mean_v the_o state_n of_o the_o dead_a only_o or_o the_o place_n of_o the_o damn_a or_o if_o the_o latter_a signification_n be_v to_o be_v choose_v for_o what_o end_n and_o purpose_n it_o be_v that_o he_o descend_v thither_o only_o i_o conclude_v certain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o suffer_v any_o thing_n there_o because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v the_o least_o intimation_n throughout_o the_o scripture_n of_o any_o suffering_n of_o christ_n which_o he_o do_v or_o be_v to_o endure_v beyond_o the_o shed_n of_o his_o blood_n and_o yield_v up_o his_o life_n upon_o the_o cross_n 39_o what_o god_n may_v have_v do_v have_v he_o so_o please_v without_o any_o other_o consideration_n but_o only_o by_o virture_n of_o his_o own_o absolute_a authority_n if_o he_o have_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v it_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o in_o consideration_n of_o that_o obedience_n which_o he_o perform_v and_o those_o suffering_n which_o he_o undergo_v who_o shall_v dare_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o he_o or_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a than_o he_o now_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o christ_n and_o of_o his_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n that_o god_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o pardon_n of_o our_o sin_n and_o make_v we_o the_o offer_n of_o everlasting_a happiness_n be_v so_o plain_o declare_v in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o and_o since_o i_o find_v god_n send_v of_o christ_n to_o be_v set_v forth_o as_o a_o instance_n of_o his_o love_n not_o to_o some_o few_o particular_a person_n only_o but_o even_o to_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o since_o christ_n be_v say_v to_o have_v die_v for_o all_o and_o to_o have_v be_v a_o propitiation_n for_o the_o sin_n of_o the_o world_n without_o any_o exception_n i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o all_o man_n who_o ever_o be_v or_o be_v or_o shall_v be_v may_v have_v be_v or_o may_v be_v the_o better_a for_o christ_n and_o his_o suffering_n if_o through_o their_o own_o default_n they_o have_v not_o or_o shall_v not_o forfeit_v that_o benefit_n which_o be_v design_v they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v not_o dispute_v but_o that_o the_o ancient_a patriarch_n who_o by_o faith_n foresee_v the_o come_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o share_n in_o that_o redemption_n which_o he_o wrought_v although_o they_o die_v before_o he_o come_v into_o the_o world_n so_o to_o i_o it_o seem_v to_o stand_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n that_o even_o those_o person_n who_o never_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o christ_n may_v yet_o for_o his_o sake_n find_v mercy_n from_o god_n because_o god_n who_o perfect_o know_v the_o most_o secret_a inclination_n of_o all_o heart_n may_v clear_o foresee_v that_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v propose_v and_o offer_v unto_o they_o they_o will_v have_v own_v he_o and_o submit_v unto_o his_o gospel_n which_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o tyre_n and_o sidon_n and_o for_o which_o reason_n he_o declare_v that_o they_o shall_v receive_v a_o mild_a doom_n than_o chorazin_n and_o bethsaida_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n mat._n 11._o 21_o 22._o and_o how_o far_o this_o may_v extend_v to_o all_o such_o as_o labour_v under_o very_o strong_a prejudices_fw-la although_o not_o strict_o invincible_a i_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a judge_n 40._o but_o however_o god_n may_v think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o those_o who_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o or_o strong_o prejudice_v against_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o proceed_n with_o true_a believer_n be_v plain_o enough_o declare_v all_o those_o who_o receive_v and_o own_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o so_o many_o separate_a person_n each_o of_o they_o believe_v such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o be_v always_o represent_v
seem_v but_o a_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a thing_n yet_o since_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v express_o appoint_v and_o command_v it_o and_o since_o his_o apostle_n be_v always_o most_o careful_a to_o perform_v it_o insomuch_o that_o even_o they_o who_o have_v receive_v the_o extraordinary_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o heaven_n be_v yet_o require_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o order_n to_o become_v visible_a member_n of_o the_o church_n this_o ceremony_n i_o think_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v leave_v off_o or_o discontinue_v although_o whether_o it_o be_v perform_v by_o dip_v the_o body_n under_o the_o water_n or_o by_o sprinkle_v the_o water_n upon_o it_o to_o i_o seem_v to_o be_v altogether_o indifferent_a and_o to_o be_v regulate_v only_o by_o prudence_n or_o the_o custom_n of_o particular_a place_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o word_n baptise_v signify_v any_o more_o than_o to_o wash_v which_o may_v be_v do_v either_o way_n nor_o do_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o apostle_n dip_v all_o those_o who_o they_o baptize_v moreover_o since_o sprinkle_v as_o well_o as_o dip_v may_v sufficient_o denote_v the_o wash_n and_o cleanse_v of_o the_o soul_n from_o sin_n and_o since_o baptism_n be_v not_o express_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n determine_v to_o either_o of_o these_o way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o indifferent_a to_o we_o and_o to_o be_v order_v according_a to_o prudence_n as_o the_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n and_o person_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n direct_v and_o as_o long_o as_o the_o substance_n and_o design_n of_o his_o command_n be_v careful_o retain_v i_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o be_v so_o very_o solicitous_a about_o a_o circumstance_n of_o it_o except_o it_o can_v evident_o be_v make_v appear_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v and_o determine_v it_o 53._o since_o than_o baptism_n be_v as_o the_o entrance_n or_o door_n of_o admittance_n into_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o all_o they_o and_o they_o only_a who_o be_v due_o qualify_v to_o be_v member_n of_o his_o church_n be_v fit_a to_o have_v baptism_n administer_v to_o they_o if_o any_o person_n have_v be_v bring_v up_o out_o of_o the_o chucrh_n until_o he_o come_v to_o year_n of_o understanding_n and_o knowledge_n he_o be_v then_o and_o only_o then_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n when_o have_v repent_v of_o all_o his_o former_a sin_n he_o believe_v and_o own_v that_o jesus_n be_v the_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o receive_v and_o profess_v that_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n which_o he_o have_v teach_v and_o authorize_v and_o oblige_v himself_o to_o live_v according_a to_o all_o those_o law_n and_o rule_n which_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o this_o be_v the_o very_a condition_n which_o our_o saviour_n indespensable_o require_v from_o his_o church_n and_o every_o member_n of_o it_o according_a as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o perform_v it_o but_o if_o a_o child_n be_v bear_v of_o christian_a parent_n or_o be_v so_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_a guardian_n as_o that_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o bring_v he_o up_o in_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o they_o do_v promise_n and_o engage_v so_o to_o educate_v he_o such_o a_o child_n as_o this_o even_o before_o he_o come_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v yet_o qualify_v to_o be_v a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o presumption_n that_o he_o will_v perform_v what_o god_n require_v from_o he_o when_o he_o come_v to_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o so_o to_o continue_v if_o by_o apostasy_n or_o wickedness_n he_o do_v not_o in_o process_n of_o time_n separate_v himself_o again_o from_o it_o for_o this_o beyond_o dispute_n be_v the_o case_n of_o in_o sant_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n who_o at_o eight_o day_n old_a if_o male_n be_v to_o be_v circumcise_a and_o thereby_o admit_v into_o the_o church_n of_o god_n and_o within_o his_o covenant_n if_o they_o be_v either_o the_o son_n or_o servant_n bear_v in_o the_o house_n of_o believe_v person_n and_o who_o as_o well_o as_o their_o parent_n be_v express_o say_v to_o enter_v into_o covenant_n with_o god_n which_o be_v but_o another_o expression_n for_o become_v of_o his_o church_n and_o no_o one_o sure_o will_v offer_v to_o say_v that_o the_o case_n of_o infant_n be_v make_v worse_a than_o it_o be_v by_o our_o saviour_n come_v into_o the_o world_n especial_o since_o he_o have_v express_o command_v that_o little_a child_n shall_v come_v unto_o he_o and_o not_o be_v forbid_v for_o that_o of_o such_o be_v the_o kingdom_n that_o be_v the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o not_o only_o adult_a person_n who_o make_v a_o due_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o repentance_n but_o also_o such_o infant_n as_o be_v in_o a_o way_n of_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v without_o any_o obstacle_n to_o be_v admit_v to_o baptism_n 54._o there_o be_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o seem_v plain_o to_o suggest_v to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v a_o constant_a custom_n with_o the_o apostle_n of_o christ_n to_o lay_v their_o hand_n upon_o all_o such_o as_o have_v be_v baptise_a which_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n be_v undoubted_o accompany_v with_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o order_n to_o their_o receive_v the_o gift_n and_o grace_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n positive_o prescribe_v and_o command_v i_o do_v not_o find_v clear_o prove_v and_o therefore_o although_o i_o dare_v not_o hasty_o condemn_v those_o particular_a church_n where_o this_o same_o custom_n be_v disuse_v or_o intermit_v yet_o since_o the_o grace_n and_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o order_n to_o the_o lead_n of_o a_o good_a life_n and_o obtain_v eternal_a happiness_n be_v for_o ever_o continue_v unto_o the_o church_n as_o i_o have_v say_v part_n 2._o §_o 42._o and_o therefore_o ought_v ever_o to_o be_v seek_v for_o although_o the_o work_n of_o miracle_n and_o speak_v of_o all_o language_n without_o learn_v they_o be_v cease_v from_o among_o we_o i_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o the_o lay_v on_o of_o hand_n upon_o person_n that_o have_v be_v baptize_v together_o with_o prayer_n to_o god_n for_o their_o growth_n and_o continuance_n in_o grace_n which_o be_v common_o call_v confirmation_n be_v a_o prudent_a and_o godly_a custom_n and_o ever_o fit_a to_o be_v continue_v in_o the_o church_n 55._o as_o every_o particular_a man_n whatsoever_o be_v oblige_v in_o his_o own_o private_a person_n to_o honour_n and_o worship_n god_n so_o the_o church_n be_v a_o society_n incorporate_v for_o the_o better_a serve_v of_o god_n be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o do_v the_o same_o in_o she_o associate_v capacity_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o assemble_v together_o for_o his_o worship_n and_o because_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v disperse_v over_o the_o face_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o meet_v together_o in_o one_o place_n the_o universal_a church_n therefore_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n of_o subdivide_v itself_o into_o particular_a church_n and_o those_o again_o into_o particular_a congregation_n according_a as_o they_o find_v to_o be_v most_o convenient_a for_o the_o pursue_v that_o same_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v so_o incorporate_v moreover_o since_o all_o these_o particular_a church_n and_o congregation_n be_v still_o or_o aught_o to_o be_v but_o part_n and_o member_n of_o that_o one_o catholic_n church_n which_o our_o saviour_n christ_n have_v appoint_v and_o found_v it_o follow_v that_o none_o of_o they_o ought_v to_o constitute_v or_o act_v any_o thing_n among_o themselves_o which_o may_v give_v a_o just_a occasiou_n for_o the_o break_n of_o that_o union_n and_o concord_n which_o he_o design_v and_o have_v command_v always_o to_o be_v maintain_v among_o they_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a matter_n ought_v every_v where_o so_o to_o be_v order_v as_o that_o if_o a_o member_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a church_n shall_v travel_v into_o any_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n he_o may_v meet_v with_o nothing_o in_o any_o christian_a congregation_n where_o he_o come_v which_o just_o shall_v be_v a_o hindrance_n to_o he_o from_o assemble_v or_o communicate_v with_o it_o 56._o the_o particular_a act_n to_o be_v perform_v in_o these_o christian_a assembly_n be_v all_o such_o as_o tend_v to_o the_o edification_n of_o the_o people_n in_o virtue_n and_o godliness_n which_o be_v the_o design_n of_o their_o incorporation_n and_o consequent_o to_o the_o promote_a of_o each_o man_n eternal_a salvation_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o every_o christian_n be_v suppose_v to_o pursue_v all_o which_o be_v
and_o spend_v overmuch_o of_o his_o time_n and_o labour_n in_o get_v a_o live_n for_o himself_o and_o his_o family_n 71._o i_o have_v now_o go_v through_o what_o i_o at_o first_o design_v and_o have_v not_o that_o i_o know_v of_o omit_v any_o one_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v judge_v to_o be_v a_o material_a or_o necessary_a part_n of_o religion_n although_o i_o have_v on_o purpose_n endeavour_v to_o avoid_v the_o use_n of_o some_o word_n which_o do_v frequent_o occur_v in_o all_o or_o most_o system_n of_o divinity_n that_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v so_o do_v be_v not_o that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o word_n themselves_o but_o because_o i_o will_v have_v my_o reader_n take_v notice_n that_o religion_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o term_n of_o art_n or_o form_n of_o expression_n but_o in_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o god_n have_v make_v know_v and_o require_v from_o we_o and_o it_o be_v too_o common_a among_o man_n to_o wrangle_v about_o word_n before_o they_o have_v clear_o fix_v and_o agree_v upon_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o i_o have_v not_o for_o example_n make_v use_v of_o this_o term_n justification_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v upon_o what_o condition_n a_o sinner_n obtain_v the_o pardon_n of_o his_o sin_n and_o mercy_n at_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n nor_o have_v i_o say_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o nature_n or_o number_n of_o sacrament_n but_o i_o have_v speak_v what_o i_o think_v may_v be_v necessary_a concern_v baptism_n the_o holy_a communion_n and_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n call_v by_o that_o name_n and_o if_o once_o i_o be_o satisfy_v touch_v any_o thing_n how_o far_o god_n require_v it_o from_o we_o and_o whether_o or_o no_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n i_o can_v see_v why_o i_o shall_v trouble_v myself_o much_o in_o inquire_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o sacrament_n or_o not_o which_o to_o i_o seem_v no_o more_o but_o a_o dispute_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o word_n true_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o i_o have_v deliver_v part_v 2._o §_o 22._o i_o have_v express_o make_v use_v of_o the_o term_n person_n substance_n etc._n etc._n because_o i_o can_v find_v none_o other_o so_o fit_a and_o proper_a to_o express_v my_o thought_n nor_o dare_v i_o venture_v in_o so_o sublime_a a_o matter_n to_o apply_v new_a word_n to_o those_o thing_n of_o which_o i_o can_v have_v but_o very_o imperfect_a and_o obscure_a conception_n and_o have_v thus_o say_v all_o that_o i_o intend_v upon_o this_o occasion_n i_o free_o submit_v the_o whole_a to_o the_o judgement_n and_o censure_n of_o every_o reader_n leave_v he_o to_o that_o liberty_n which_o i_o myself_o always_o desire_v to_o enjoy_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o retract_v any_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v say_v whensoever_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o i_o have_v be_v therein_o mistake_v book_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n the_o fable_n of_o aesop_n with_o moral_n and_o reflection_n folio_n erasmus_n colloquy_n in_o english_a 8o._o quevedo_n vision_n 8o._o these_o 3_o by_o sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n the_o genuine_a epistle_n of_o st._n barnabas_n st._n ignatius_n st._n clement_n st._n polycarp_n the_o shepherd_n of_o hermas_n etc._n etc._n translate_v and_o publish_v in_o english_a 8o._o a_o practical_a discourse_n concern_v swear_v 8o._o the_o authority_n of_o christian_a prince_n over_o ecclesiastical_a synod_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o letter_n to_o a_o convocation_n man_n 8o._o sermon_n on_o several_a occasion_n 4o._o these_o by_o dr._n wake_n epictetus_n moral_n with_o simplicius_n comment_n 8o._o a_o sermon_n preach_v upon_o the_o death_n of_o the_o queen_n both_o by_o mr._n george_n stanhope_n the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o god_n and_o providence_n vindicate_v and_o assert_v 8o._o discourse_n on_o several_a divine_a subject_n 8o._o these_o two_o by_o thomas_n gregory_n lecturer_n of_o fulham_n dr._n gregory_n divine_a antidote_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o heretical_a pamphlet_n entitle_v a_o end_n to_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n 8o._o essay_n upon_o several_a moral_a subjct_n in_o two_o part_n by_o jeremy_n collier_n m._n a._n 8o._o complete_a set_v consist_v of_o 8_o volume_n of_o letter_n write_v by_o a_o turkish_a spy_n who_o live_v 45_o year_n at_o paris_n undiscovered_a give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o principal_a affair_n of_o europe_n 12_o humane_a prudence_n or_o the_o art_n by_o which_o a_o man_n may_v raise_v himself_o and_o fortune_n to_o grandeur_n 12o._o moral_a maxim_n and_o reflection_n write_v in_o french_a by_o the_o duke_n of_o rochfoucault_n now_o english_v 12o._o of_o the_o art_n both_o of_o writing_n and_o judge_v of_o history_n with_o reflection_n upon_o ancient_a as_o well_o as_o modern_a historian_n by_o father_n le_fw-fr moyne_n 12o._o a_o essay_n upon_o reason_n by_o sir_n george_n mackenzie_n 12o._o death_n make_v comfortable_a or_o the_o way_n to_o die_v well_o by_o john_n kettlewel_n 12o._o the_o parson_n counsellor_n or_o the_o law_n of_o tyth_n by_o sir_n simon_n degg_n 8o._o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o bond_n of_o resignation_n 8o._o price_n 6_o d._n a_o answer_n to_o all_o the_o excuse_n and_o pretence_n which_o man_n ordinary_o make_v for_o their_o not_o come_v to_o the_o holy_a sacrament_n 8o._o price_n 3_o d._n by_o a_o divine_a of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n remark_n on_o a_o book_n entitle_v prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n by_o mr._n denis_n 8o._o finis_fw-la a_o appendix_n to_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n in_o which_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o nothing_o contrary_a to_o our_o reason_n can_v possible_o be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o belief_n but_o that_o it_o be_v no_o just_a exception_n against_o some_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o they_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n london_n print_v for_o r._n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holbourn_n 1698._o a_o appendix_n to_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n 1._o how_o those_o person_n who_o take_v unto_o themselves_o the_o distinguish_a name_n of_o unitarian_n do_v dissent_n from_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_n of_o whatsoever_o church_n or_o persuasion_n touch_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n christ_n be_v so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o need_v not_o here_o offer_v to_o open_v or_o explain_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o controversy_n which_o be_v manage_v between_o they_o now_o when_o in_o this_o dispute_v the_o unitarian_n be_v press_v with_o some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o seem_v very_o evident_o to_o make_v against_o they_o beside_o other_o way_n which_o they_o have_v to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o they_o they_o common_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n controvert_v and_o press_v their_o adversary_n back_o again_o with_o this_o demand_n how_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v and_o when_o to_o this_o it_o be_v reply_v that_o there_o be_v evident_o no_o contradiction_n to_o sound_a reason_n in_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o ought_v ot_fw-mi be_fw-mi believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n who_o have_v reveal_v they_o but_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o they_o be_v utter_o above_o and_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o finite_a and_o narrow_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v inquire_v after_o in_o return_n to_o this_o there_o be_v some_o who_o maintain_v that_o if_o these_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o this_o alone_a be_v a_o sufficient_a cause_n to_o reject_v they_o that_o they_o be_v confess_o above_o it_o for_o of_o that_o which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n say_v they_o we_o can_v form_v no_o true_a conception_n or_o idea_n and_o it_o be_v absurd_a or_o rather_o impossible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o which_o he_o can_v clear_o and_o plain_o so_o much_o as_o conceive_v or_o apprehend_v 2._o for_o the_o right_n state_v and_o clear_v of_o this_o whole_a controversy_n i_o have_v give_v such_o hint_n in_o the_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n 1_o sect._n 33._o part_n 2._o 22_o 23_o 37._o as_o i_o think_v to_o be_v most_o fit_a for_o man_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o most_o suitable_a to_o that_o brevity_n which_o i_o all_o along_o defign_v but_o in_o this_o appendix_n i_o shall_v address_v myself_o unto_o those_o who_o be_v of_o a_o more_o refine_a understanding_n and_o accustom_v to_o a_o more_o exact_a way_n of_o think_v and_o try_v if_o i_o can_v give_v they_o any_o satisfaction_n in_o a_o matter_n which_o seem_v to_o be_v not_o a_o little_a perplex_v perhaps_o by_o the_o overmuch_a curiosity_n of_o some_o of_o both_o the_o contend_a party_n 3._o that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v
the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o man_n to_o know_v they_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n as_o the_o protestant_a divine_n do_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o wave_v this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o jesus_n may_v have_v make_v know_v other_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v consign_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v effectual_o prove_v that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o i_o think_v that_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o proof_n aught_o to_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v that_o precept_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deliver_v but_o he_o that_o do_v his_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o doctrine_n and_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o man_n by_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o able_a with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o discover_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o he_o faithful_o keep_v and_o observe_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v able_a there_o to_o discover_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o certain_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n far_o xxxiii_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o in_o read_v these_o book_n there_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o some_o which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v certain_o true_a must_v be_v allow_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o god_n that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n and_o no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v own_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n but_o only_o because_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n which_o be_v already_o plant_v in_o his_o mind_n here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o it_o canbe_n possible_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v contain_v the_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o manner_n but_o what_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o object_v it_o second_o and_o as_o for_o those_o few_o seem_a discordance_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o historical_a narration_n though_o i_o perhaps_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v not_o be_v absolute_o irreconcilable_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n there_o be_v several_a historian_n and_o chronicler_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o reign_n of_o many_o of_o our_o king_n of_o england_n and_o although_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o this_o be_v never_o make_v a_o argument_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a history_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture-historian_n be_v as_o favourable_o censure_v as_o all_o other_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v three_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o i_o can_v comprehend_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n because_o though_o they_o be_v above_o my_o reach_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v contradict_v any_o of_o those_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o my_o understanding_n for_o example_n i_o be_o not_o able_a distinct_o to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n which_o can_v be_v assign_v be_v yet_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o matter_n though_o ever_o so_o small_a can_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o convince_v to_o be_v absolute_o invisible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n that_o my_o reason_n itself_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v without_o any_o beginning_n of_o which_o see_v §_o 5_o 6._o now_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o above_o my_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o can_v refuse_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o mean_v always_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v evident_o to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n for_o i_o can_v conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o contrary_n to_o my_o reason_n though_o above_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n possible_a i_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a when_o i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v other_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o those_o self-evident_a notion_n and_o principle_n which_o my_o reason_n find_v to_o be_v connatural_a with_o itself_o for_o example_n that_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o like_a absurdity_n now_o if_o any_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n shall_v occur_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v or_o know_v be_v ultimate_o build_v and_o without_o which_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v mean_v figurative_o and_o that_o figure_n which_o best_o agree_v to_o such_o word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v i_o never_o read_v any_o book_n to_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o it_o i_o find_v many_o expression_n which_o take_v literal_o and_o strict_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o take_v figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v intend_v do_v contain_v very_o good_a sense_n and_o mean_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o strange_a in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o all_o other_o book_n xxxiv_o three_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v teach_v leave_v every_o man_n entire_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o different_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o even_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o every_o man_n but_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n and_o to_o choose_v