Selected quad for the lemma: scripture_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
scripture_n apostle_n faith_n place_n 2,213 5 4.2552 3 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59222 Five Catholick letters concerning the means of knowing with absolute certainty what faith now held was taught by Jesus Christ written by J. Sergeant upon occasion of a conference between Dr. Stillingfleet and Mr. Peter Gooden. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707.; Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. 1688 (1688) Wing S2568; ESTC R28132 302,336 458

There are 31 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

a_o letter_n to_o the_o d._n of_o p._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o argue_n part_n of_o his_o first_o letter_n to_o mr._n g._n publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v by_o henry_n hill_n printer_n to_o the_o king_n be_v most_o excellent_a majesty_n for_o his_o household_n and_o chapel_n 1687._o a_o letter_n to_o the_o d._n of_o p._n in_o answer_n to_o the_o argue_v part_n of_o his_o first_o letter_n 1._o that_o you_o may_v not_o take_v it_o unkind_o the_o argue_n part_n of_o your_o letter_n to_o mr._n g._n shall_v pass_v unregarded_a i_o have_v be_v prevail_v upon_o to_o accept_v of_o his_o commission_n to_o hold_v his_o card_n while_o he_o be_v not_o in_o circumstance_n to_o play_v out_o his_o game_n himself_o but_o can_v assure_v you_o beforehand_o since_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v clear_v by_o other_o hand_n more_o proper_a i_o mean_v to_o confine_v myself_o to_o matter_n of_o right_n and_o so_o shall_v give_v you_o the_o least_o and_o most_o excusable_a trouble_n that_o can_v be_v a_o short_a one_o 2._o your_o letter_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o conference_n be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o gentleman_n who_o i_o hear_v desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v that_o protestant_n be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v and_o make_v account_v you_o can_v satisfy_v he_o and_o profess_v if_o you_o can_v not_o he_o will_v quit_v your_o communion_n and_o you_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v we_o p._n 2._o that_o he_o be_v satisfy_v and_o declare_v immediate_o after_o the_o conference_n that_o he_o be_v much_o more_o confirm_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o your_o church_n by_o it_o and_o resolve_v to_o continue_v in_o it_o but_o can_v you_o not_o have_v afford_v to_o inform_v we_o likewise_o by_o what_o he_o be_v satisfy_v for_o there_o be_v many_o a_o man_n who_o will_v be_v as_o glad_a and_o be_v as_o much_o concern_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o that_o point_n as_o that_o gentleman_n and_o he_o will_v not_o have_v be_v a_o jot_n the_o less_o confirm_v or_o the_o less_o resolve_v if_o his_o neighbour_n have_v be_v confirm_v and_o resolve_v with_o he_o i_o can_v for_o my_o life_n imagine_v why_o you_o shall_v make_v a_o secret_a of_o a_o thing_n which_o beside_o your_o own_o and_o your_o church_n honour_n concern_v the_o salvation_n of_o thousand_o and_o thousand_o to_o know_v 3._o your_o letter_n i_o perceive_v will_v shift_v it_o off_o to_o mr._n g._n who_o you_o desire_v p._n 7._o to_o prove_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o proposal_n there_o will_v be_v occasion_n to_o say_v more_o by_o and_o by_o at_o the_o present_a i_o pray_v you_o consider_v how_o you_o deal_v with_o those_o soul_n who_o rely_v on_o you_o if_o you_o shall_v move_v they_o to_o trust_v their_o estate_n with_o a_o man_n of_o your_o name_n of_o who_o you_o will_v give_v no_o other_o satisfaction_n that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o manage_v they_o and_o faithful_a and_o responsible_a but_o only_o to_o bid_v those_o who_o doubt_v prove_v the_o contrary_a i_o fancy_v there_o will_v need_v all_o the_o credit_n you_o have_v to_o hinder_v the_o motion_n from_o appear_v very_o strange_a and_o yet_o you_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v they_o one_o as_o much_o stranger_n as_o their_o soul_n be_v more_o worth_a than_o their_o money_n for_o you_o will_v have_v they_o hazard_v their_o soul_n where_o they_o be_v not_o safe_a for_o any_o care_n you_o take_v to_o satisfy_v they_o that_o they_o be_v why_o suppose_v mr._n g._n can_v not_o prove_v that_o protestant_n be_v not_o certain_a be_v they_o therefore_o certain_a have_v peter_n twenty_n pound_n in_o his_o purse_n because_o paul_n can_v prove_v he_o have_v not_o or_o ever_o the_o more_o title_n to_o a_o estate_n because_o a_o adversary_n may_v have_v the_o ill_a luck_n to_o be_v nonsuited_a must_v not_o every_o body_n speak_v for_o himself_o one_o day_n and_o bring_v in_o his_o own_o account_n which_o will_v pass_v or_o not_o pass_v as_o it_o be_v or_o be_v not_o faulty_a in_o itself_o whether_o any_o fault_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o before_o or_o no_o and_o will_v not_o the_o happiness_n or_o misery_n of_o their_o soul_n for_o ever_o depend_v on_o that_o account_n can_v you_o suffer_v they_o to_o run_v that_o terrible_a hazard_n without_o make_v they_o able_a to_o justify_v their_o account_n themselves_o and_o furnish_v they_o with_o assurance_n that_o they_o can_v and_o with_o no_o more_o to_o say_v but_o that_o they_o hope_v dr._n st._n will_v make_v his_o party_n good_a with_o mr._n g._n that_o thing_n so_o precious_a to_o god_n as_o soul_n shall_v be_v of_o no_o more_o value_n with_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o their_o great_a and_o only_a care_n as_o far_o as_o i_o see_v shall_v be_v to_o make_v a_o show_n and_o pass_v for_o some_o body_n here_o let_v every_o one_o take_v his_o chance_n hereafter_o beside_o truth_n be_v therefore_o truth_n because_o it_o be_v build_v on_o intrinsecal_n ground_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o not_o on_o private_a man_n ability_n or_o their_o say_n this_o or_o that_o wherefore_o till_o those_o ground_n be_v produce_v it_o can_v be_v with_o reason_n hold_v truth_n and_o dr._n st._n be_v more_o particular_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a he_o have_v such_o ground_n have_v have_v such_o ill_a fortune_n former_o with_o the_o principle_n to_o which_o he_o undertake_v to_o reduce_v protestant_a faith_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o account_n give_v of_o they_o in_o error_n nonplus_v 4._o but_o leave_v these_o matter_n to_o be_v answer_v where_o we_o must_v all_o answer_v why_o we_o have_v believe_v so_o and_o so_o pray_v let_v we_o have_v fair_a play_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v every_o one_o bear_v his_o own_o burden_n and_o you_o not_o think_v to_o discharge_v yourself_o by_o throw_v your_o load_n on_o another_o man_n shoulder_n you_o affirm_v there_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n on_o the_o protestant_n side_n and_o it_o be_v for_o he_o to_o prove_v it_o who_o affirm_v it_o if_o you_o do_v it_o but_o half_o so_o well_o as_o mr._n g._n can_v and_o have_v the_o infallibility_n which_o he_o assert_n you_o will_v earn_v thanks_o from_o one_o side_n and_o admiration_n from_o the_o other_o but_o it_o be_v for_o you_o to_o do_v it_o to_o trick_n off_o prove_v the_o contrary_a upon_o your_o adversary_n be_v to_o own_o that_o prove_v be_v a_o thing_n which_o agree_v not_o with_o your_o constitution_n and_o in_o which_o your_o heart_n misgive_v you_o 5._o yet_o even_o so_o you_o be_v uneasy_a still_o and_o will_v not_o venture_v what_o mr._n g._n can_v do_v as_o slight_o as_o you_o think_v or_o will_v have_v other_o think_v of_o he_o you_o know_v well_o enough_o that_o to_o prove_v protestant_n have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v no_o hard_a task_n even_o for_o a_o weak_a man_n 118._o you_o know_v any_o man_n may_v find_v it_o confess_v to_o his_o hand_n by_o protestant_n and_o therefore_o you_o have_v reason_n to_o bethink_v yourself_o of_o a_o expedient_a to_o trick_v it_o off_o again_o from_o that_o point_n 7._o and_o put_v mr._n g._n to_o prove_v that_o protestant_n have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n viz._n the_o scripture_n the_o merit_n of_o this_o cause_n too_o i_o think_v will_v return_v hereafter_o more_o fit_o in_o this_o place_n i_o mind_v only_o the_o art._n pray_v be_v not_o the_o very_a first_o question_n at_o the_o conference_n 14._o whether_o protestant_n be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o they_o hold_v now_o the_o same_o tenet_n in_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o your_o answer_n that_o they_o be_v do_v our_o saviour_n teach_v and_o do_v protestant_n believe_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o book_n so_o call_v be_v scripture_n be_v certainty_n of_o this_o more_o and_o certainty_n of_o this_o book_n all_o one_o and_o be_v not_o the_o question_n plain_o of_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o and_o of_o all_o this_o more_o here_o be_v then_o a_o enquiry_n after_o one_o thing_n plain_o turn_v off_o to_o another_o yes_o but_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o two_o thing_n which_o the_o whole_a conference_n depend_v upon_o as_o if_o the_o whole_a conference_n do_v not_o depend_v on_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v to_o be_v make_v manifest_a by_o the_o conference_n viz._n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o protestant_n faith._n mr._n g._n indeed_o do_v himself_o ask_v some_o question_n about_o your_o certainty_n of_o your_o rule_n question_n who_o course_n it_o be_v wise_o do_v to_o cut_v off_o before_o they_o have_v question_v away_o your_o certainty_n of_o faith._n for_o after_o they_o have_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v
copy_n nor_o that_o any_o copy_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o conformable_a to_o the_o true_a original_a and_o if_o there_o can_v be_v any_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o nay_o if_o you_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o these_o you_o can_v have_v by_o your_o ground_n any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o faith_n for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v wrong_a all_o be_v wrong_a that_o be_v build_v on_o it_o and_o it_o may_v be_v wrong_a for_o ought_v you_o know_v notwithstanding_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n rely_v on_o this_o way_n of_o attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n for_o you_o can_v never_o show_v that_o all_o those_o church_n consent_v to_o apply_v their_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o examine_v and_o attest_v all_o the_o several_a translation_n make_v in_o their_o respective_a language_n or_o witness_v that_o they_o come_v from_o the_o true_a original_a or_o take_v the_o most_o exquisite_a care_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o see_v that_o the_o translator_n and_o the_o copier_n do_v their_o duty_n which_o have_v they_o hold_v the_o letter_n to_o be_v their_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o all_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o very_a be_v of_o the_o present_a and_o future_a church_n and_o their_o own_o salvation_n too_o depend_v on_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v oblige_v in_o conscience_n and_o under_o the_o high_a sin_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n to_o have_v do_v and_o this_o with_o the_o exact_a care_n imaginable_a your_o ground_n then_o notwithstanding_o all_o you_o have_v say_v or_o allege_v hitherto_o to_o ensure_v the_o letter_n make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o written-rule_n nor_o consequent_o of_o your_o faith._n 27._o but_o what_o become_v then_o say_v you_o of_o the_o vulgar_a latin_a translation_n i_o answer_v in_o our_o ground_n no_o harm_n at_o all_o ibid._n for_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o book_n come_v down_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n that_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n transfuse_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o succeed_a faithful_a ever_o since_o the_o beginning_n both_o teach_v they_o how_o and_o oblige_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o copy_n in_o those_o particular_a text_n that_o concern_v faith_n if_o any_o error_n through_o the_o carelessness_n unattentiveness_n or_o malice_n of_o the_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n at_o any_o time_n have_v creep_v in_o by_o the_o same_o mean_n as_o you_o can_v now_o adays_o correct_v the_o copy_n in_o those_o text_n that_o aught_o to_o express_v some_o point_n of_o morality_n in_o case_n it_o be_v corrupt_v and_o deviate_v from_o christian_a manner_n viz._n by_o virtue_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o practical_a tenet_n you_o be_v imbue_v with_o former_o &_o this_o even_o though_o you_o have_v no_o other_o copy_n or_o text_n to_o amend_v it_o by_o insomuch_o that_o how_o good_a a_o opinion_n so_o ever_o you_o have_v of_o the_o copy_n translater_n printer_n or_o correcter_n of_o the_o press_n yet_o for_o all_o that_o you_o will_v conclude_v they_o have_v err_v and_o the_o letter_n be_v faulty_a rather_o than_o forgo_v the_o doctrine_n so_o firm_o rivet_v in_o your_o heart_n by_o the_o constant_a teach_v and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o for_o other_o particular_a text_n of_o a_o inferior_a concern_v they_o can_v be_v best_a correct_v by_o multitude_n of_o other_o ancient_a copy_n the_o church_n care_v still_o go_v along_o in_o which_o too_o the_o great_a care_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o rectify_v its_o error_n be_v take_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v as_o exact_a as_o human_a diligence_n can_v well_o render_v it_o a_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o my_o memory_n reach_v never_o order_v or_o very_o much_o regard_v by_o any_o council_n former_o 28._o but_o i_o foresee_v your_o method_n of_o confute_v which_o be_v to_o muster_v up_o extrinsecall_v objection_n not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n will_v natural_o lead_v you_o to_o discredit_v this_o way_n of_o correct_v scripture_n letter_n in_o passage_n belong_v to_o faith_n as_o singular_a or_o new_a this_o be_v the_o same_o your_o friend_n g._n b._n object_v to_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n itself_o as_o may_v be_v see_v above_o sect._n 10._o such_o piddle_a exception_n dress_v up_o pretty_o in_o gay_a language_n go_v a_o great_a way_n and_o make_v a_o fine_a show_n in_o your_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v a_o benefit_n of_o most_o advantage_n to_o you_o excuse_v you_o from_o bring_v any_o intrinsical_a argument_n though_o these_o only_o be_v such_o as_o conclude_v any_o thing_n and_o though_o you_o be_v bind_v by_o your_o precise_a duty_n to_o produce_v such_o wherefore_o to_o ward_v this_o blow_n i_o shall_v allege_v the_o judgement_n of_o that_o learned_a and_o excellent_a personage_n sir_n thomas_n more_o our_o first_o modern_a english_a controvertist_n who_o write_v not_o against_o you_o in_o defence_n of_o our_o ground_n but_o to_o another_o catholic_n divine_a express_v candid_o his_o sentiment_n in_o these_o word_n ego_fw-la certe_fw-la hoc_fw-la persuadeo_fw-la mihi_fw-la idque_fw-la ut_fw-la opinor_fw-la veer_fw-la quicquid_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la astruendam_fw-la faciat_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la a_o quovis_fw-la melius_fw-la versum_fw-la quam_fw-la ab_fw-la ipsis_fw-la apostolis_n perscriptum_fw-la ideoque_fw-la fit_a ut_fw-la quoties_fw-la in_o latinis_fw-la codicibus_fw-la occurrat_fw-la quidquam_fw-la quod_fw-la aut_fw-la contra_fw-la fidem_fw-la aut_fw-la mores_fw-la facere_fw-la videatur_fw-la dorpium_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la interpretes_n aut_fw-la ex_fw-la aliis_fw-la alibi_fw-la verbis_fw-la quid_fw-la illud_fw-la sibi_fw-la velit_fw-la dubium_fw-la expiscentur_fw-la aut_fw-la ad_fw-la vivum_fw-la evangelium_fw-la fidei_fw-la quod_fw-la per_fw-la universam_fw-la ecclesiam_fw-la in_o corda_fw-la fidelium_fw-la infusum_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la etiam_fw-la priusquam_fw-la scriberetur_fw-la a_o quoquam_fw-la apostolis_n a_o christo_n ab_fw-la apostolis_n vniverso_fw-la mundo_fw-la praedicatum_fw-la est_fw-la dubios_fw-la ejusmodi_fw-la sermon_n applicent_fw-la atque_fw-la ad_fw-la inflexibilem_fw-la veritatis_fw-la regulam_fw-la examinent_fw-la ad_fw-la quam_fw-la si_fw-la non_fw-la satis_fw-la adaptare_fw-la queant_fw-la aut_fw-la sese_fw-la non_fw-la intelligere_fw-la aut_fw-la mendosum_fw-la esse_fw-la codicem_fw-la non_fw-la dubitent_fw-la this_o be_v my_o judgement_n and_o as_o i_o conceive_v a_o true_a one_o that_o whatever_o text_n be_v useful_a to_o build_v faith_n on_o be_v not_o better_o translate_v by_o any_o than_o it_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o therefore_o as_o oft_o as_o any_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o latin-book_n that_o seem_v to_o make_v against_o faith_n or_o good_a manner_n the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n either_o gather_v from_o other_o word_n in_o other_o place_n what_o that_o doubt_n shall_v mean_v or_o they_o compare_v those_o doubtful_a say_n to_o the_o live_a gospel_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v infuse_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a throughout_o the_o universal_a church_n &_o which_o before_o any_o man_n write_v it_o be_v preach_v by_o christ_n to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n &_o examine_v they_o by_o the_o inflexible_a rule_n of_o faith_n with_o which_o if_o they_o can_v make_v it_o square_n they_o conclude_v that_o either_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o or_o the_o book_n be_v faulty_a where_o he_o pass_v by_o the_o former_a way_n with_o a_o sleight_n word_n expiscentur_fw-la fish_a out_o the_o sense_n but_o insist_o on_o the_o latter_a way_n of_o preserve_v the_o copy_n sincere_a as_o certain_a and_o proper_a 29._o i_o must_v not_o pretermit_v your_o objection_n p._n 19_o that_o the_o ancient_a christian_a church_n never_o know_v any_o thing_n concern_v this_o method_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o mere_a oral_a tradition_n i_o will_v desire_v you_o to_o add_v practical_a to_o oral_a at_o least_o to_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v understand_v all_o the_o way_n that_o be_v our_o true_a and_o constantly-avowed_a tenet_n but_o do_v the_o ancient_a church_n in_o reality_n never_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o way_n it_o be_v wonderful_a you_o shall_v not_o understand_v they_o mean_v the_o same_o as_o we_o do_v unless_o they_o speak_v the_o selfsame_a word_n and_o make_v the_o same_o discourse_n we_o do_v now_o do_v not_o they_o all_o hold_v that_o who_o teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o by_o the_o church_n be_v a_o heretic_n do_v any_o of_o they_o say_v that_o the_o church_n tradition_n of_o a_o doctrine_n as_o christ_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n do_v any_o of_o they_o hold_v that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n to_o rely_v on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o relinquish_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v the_o true_a point_n not_o one_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v they_o oft_o quote_v scripture_n
your_o infallibility_n 15._o to_o contradict_v my_o 15_o the_o principle_n for_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n and_o full_a at_o unaware_o into_o the_o snare_n lay_v for_o i_o in_o error_n nonplus_v from_o p._n 90_o to_o p._n 96_o which_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o come_v near_o but_o whatever_o reason_n you_o have_v to_o make_v this_o proposal_n i_o see_v none_o that_o mr._n g._n have_v to_o accept_v it_o do_v you_o prove_v if_o you_o please_v that_o you_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n you_o who_o bear_v those_o in_o hand_n who_o consult_v you_o that_o you_o have_v and_o absolute_a certainty_n too_o of_o that_o of_o which_o you_o profess_v yourself_o absolute_o certain_a copy_n viz._n that_o you_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n there_o be_v the_o true_a point_n for_o you_o know_v very_o well_o one_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o be_v certain_a of_o scripture_n yourself_o take_v all_o who_o dissent_n from_o you_o to_o have_v not_o only_o a_o uncertain_a but_o a_o wrong_a faith_n else_o why_o do_v you_o dissent_v from_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o have_v all_o as_o much_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n as_o you_o the_o truth_n be_v if_o you_o be_v press_v to_o make_v out_o your_o absolute_a certainty_n even_o of_o scripture_n in_o your_o way_n you_o will_v perhaps_o find_v a_o hard_a task_n of_o it_o for_o all_o your_o appeal_n to_o tradition_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o point_n for_o which_o the_o conference_n be_v nor_o ought_v it_o be_v the_o point_n here_o neither_o aught_o mr._n g._n to_o meddle_v with_o it_o and_o you_o trust_v much_o to_o his_o good_a nature_n to_o propose_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o all_o the_o thanks_o he_o will_v have_v for_o his_o pain_n will_v be_v to_o have_v the_o argument_n against_o your_o certainty_n turn_v against_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n one_o day_n as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v scripture_n certain_a you_o will_v have_v he_o undertake_v a_o matter_n in_o which_o he_o have_v no_o concern_n to_o save_v you_o from_o a_o undertake_n in_o which_o you_o be_v deep_o concern_v but_o with_o which_o you_o know_v not_o how_o to_o go_v through_o which_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a request_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v for_o you_o either_o to_o make_v manifest_a now_o what_o you_o shall_v have_v make_v manifest_a at_o the_o conference_n viz._n that_o protestant_n have_v absolute_a certainty_n not_o only_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o they_o call_v their_o rule_n but_o of_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o pretend_v to_o have_v from_o that_o rule_n or_o else_o to_o suffer_v another_o thing_n to_o be_v manifest_a viz._n that_o i_o say_v true_a when_o i_o say_v you_o can_v do_v it_o and_o thither_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v come_v 22._o however_o i_o be_o glad_a to_o hear_v any_o talk_n from_o you_o of_o absolute_a certainty_n even_o though_o it_o be_v but_o talk_v it_o be_v a_o great_a stranger_n as_o come_v from_o your_o quarter_n and_o have_v a_o friendly_a and_o a_o accommodate_v look_n and_o therefore_o for_o both_o regard_n deserve_v a_o hearty_a welcome_n for_o this_o very_a profession_n make_v a_o fair_a approach_n towards_o the_o doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n or_o rather_o it_o be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o it_o it_o be_v against_o common_a sense_n to_o say_v you_o judge_v yourself_o absolute_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n if_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o judge_v you_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o thus_o judge_v but_o i_o accept_v the_o omen_n that_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v you_o be_v thus_o absolute_o certain_a or_o infallible_a by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n for_o this_o make_v tradition_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a ascertainer_n in_o some_o thing_n at_o least_o and_o so_o unless_o some_o special_a difficulty_n be_v find_v in_o other_o thing_n that_o light_n into_o the_o same_o channel_n it_o must_v needs_o bring_v they_o down_o infallible_o too_o now_o i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n discern_v what_o great_a difficulty_n there_o can_v be_v to_o remember_v all_o along_o the_o yesterday_n faith_n or_o to_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v guide_v and_o instruct_v by_o their_o yesterday_n father_n teacher_n and_o pastor_n especial_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o point_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o mean_n be_v determine_v by_o open_a and_o daily_a practice_n yet_o i_o a_o little_a fear_n all_o this_o your_o seem_a kindness_n for_o tradition_n be_v only_o for_o your_o own_o interest_n and_o that_o because_o you_o be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o abet_v scripture_n letter_n you_o allow_v it_o in_o that_o regard_n these_o high_a compliment_n but_o in_o other_o thing_n particular_o in_o convey_v down_o a_o body_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v incomparable_o more_o easy_a it_o will_v present_o become_v useless_a and_o good_a for_o nothing_o in_o the_o former_a exigency_n you_o esteem_v it_o a_o worthy_a rule_n but_o in_o the_o late_a duty_n a_o rule_n worthy_a 23._o now_o to_o let_v the_o reader_n plain_o see_v that_o it_o be_v mere_a force_n and_o not_o inclination_n which_o oblige_v you_o to_o grant_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o tradition_n convey_v down_o scripture_n letter_n we_o will_v examine_v what_o you_o allow_v it_o when_o you_o lay_v your_o principle_n and_o so_o speak_v your_o own_o free_a thought_n unconstrained_a by_o any_o adversary_n your_o fifteen_o principle_n be_v put_v down_o p._n 90._o in_o error_n nonplus_v and_o that_o part_n of_o it_o that_o concern_v this_o present_a point_n be_v thus_o reflect_v upon_o by_o your_o adversary_n p._n 92_o 93._o again_o though_o all_o this_o be_v true_a and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_a as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o that_o therefore_o there_o need_v no_o church_n to_o explain_v they_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a consequence_n that_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o attest_v they_o or_o to_o witness_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v right_a this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o dr._n st_n discourse_n that_o the_o contrary_a aught_o to_o follow_v or_o from_o prejudice_v his_o own_o pretence_n that_o it_o conduce_v exceed_o to_o it_o for_o certain_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n will_v less_o be_v in_o doubt_n to_o miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n in_o case_n the_o letter_n on_o which_o all_o depend_v be_v well_o attest_v than_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o most_o certain_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n can_v better_o attest_v that_o letter_n than_o a_o fallible_a one_o and_o those_o write_n can_v with_o better_a show_n of_o reason_n be_v own_a to_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o will_n of_o god_n if_o their_o letter_n be_v attest_v beyond_o possibility_n of_o be_v wrong_n than_o if_o leave_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v such_o for_o if_o the_o letter_n be_v wrong_a all_o be_v wrong_a in_o this_o case_n as_o manifest_v then_o as_o it_o be_v that_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o any_o thing_n be_v not_o to_o be_v fallible_o certain_a of_o it_o that_o be_v as_o manifest_a as_o it_o be_v that_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v infallible_o certain_a of_o it_o so_o manifest_v it_o be_v that_o you_o there_o contradict_v yourself_o here_o and_o that_o however_o you_o may_v endeavour_v to_o come_v off_o you_o allow_v not_o hearty_o nor_o without_o some_o regret_n and_o reluctancy_n a_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o tradition_n even_o in_o attest_v scripture_n letter_n 24._o in_o these_o word_n of_o you_o p._n 7_o as_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n give_v i_o leave_v to_o reflect_v on_o the_o word_n our_o and_o thence_o to_o ask_v you_o who_o be_v you_o a_o question_n which_o i_o ask_v not_o of_o your_o name_n or_o surname_n but_o of_o your_o judgement_n as_o you_o call_v it_o of_o discretion_n be_v you_o a_o socinian_n a_o arian_n a_o sabellian_n a_o eutychian_a etc._n etc._n or_o what_o be_v you_o be_v you_o a_o whole_a or_o a_o half_a or_o a_o quarter-nine-and-thirty-article_n man_n do_v you_o take_v they_o for_o snare_n or_o fence_n and_o when_o for_o the_o one_o and_o when_o for_o the_o other_o and_o wherefore_o these_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n make_v you_o all_o these_o at_o once_o for_o all_o these_o profess_v unanimous_o scripture_n letter_n be_v their_o rule_n of_o faith._n mr._n g._n when_o he_o come_v to_o your_o house_n imagine_v he_o be_v to_o treat_v with_o a_o protestant_n or_o something_o like_o it_o and_o to_o have_v learn_v from_o you_o what_o
can_v have_v remember_v their_o yesterday_n faith_n have_v not_o scripture_n be_v write_v now_o pray_v sir_n be_v serious_a and_o tell_v we_o do_v you_o think_v there_o be_v any_o danger_n or_o even_o possibility_n of_o this_o among_o the_o very_a protestant_n in_o england_n though_o they_o have_v never_o a_o bible_n to_o read_v to_o morrow_n how_o many_o of_o they_o read_v not_o so_o much_o as_o a_o chapter_n in_o three_o or_o four_o day_n how_o many_o not_o in_o a_o much_o long_a time_n nay_o how_o few_o of_o they_o read_v all_o their_o faith_n there_o in_o a_o year_n or_o even_o in_o their_o whole_a life_n and_o yet_o they_o retain_v the_o memory_n not_o only_o of_o their_o yesterday_n but_o last_o year_n faith_n what_o a_o weakness_n be_v this_o to_o suppose_v miracle_n must_v be_v do_v for_o no_o other_o end_n but_o that_o you_o may_v answer_v our_o argument_n the_o reason_n why_o scripture_n be_v write_v you_o may_v have_v read_v in_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n 17._o where_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v man_n remember_v their_o yesterday_n faith_n nor_o that_o scripture_n be_v of_o necessity_n at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v profitable_a for_o many_o use_v there_o enumerate_v your_o second_o argument_n to_o confute_v our_o demonstration_n be_v a_o text_n 2_o pet._n 1.15_o by_o which_o you_o will_v convince_v we_o man_n memory_n be_v not_o always_o so_o faithful_a you_o must_v mean_v to_o remember_v their_o yesterday_n faith_n for_o this_o degree_n of_o memory_n only_o the_o argument_n insist_o on_o but_o what_o say_v that_o b._n apostle_n i_o will_v endeavour_v that_o you_o may_v be_v able_a after_o my_o decease_n to_o have_v these_o thing_n always_o in_o remembrance_n now_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n in_o the_o whole_a chapter_n concern_v the_o remember_n or_o forget_v their_o faith_n much_o less_o the_o faith_n they_o hold_v yesterday_o or_o leave_v their_o faith_n in_o write_v for_o that_o purpose_n but_o only_o faith_n suppose_v of_o remember_v his_o particular_a exhortation_n to_o good_a life_n and_o by_o thus_o inculcate_v they_o to_o stir_v they_o up_o as_o it_o be_v say_v v_o 13._o to_o christian_a virtue_n and_o leave_v such_o thing_n in_o write_v to_o that_o end_n now_o such_o spiritual_a and_o moral_a instruction_n be_v both_o easy_o intelligible_a especial_o since_o he_o have_v teach_v the_o same_o to_o they_o former_o and_o man_n be_v natural_a corruption_n make_v even_o good_a man_n apt_a to_o slide_v back_o from_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o which_o they_o have_v be_v educate_v no_o doubt_n a_o letter_n leave_v by_o that_o holy_a apostle_n now_o near_o his_o death_n as_o he_o there_o tell_v they_o will_v strike_v they_o more_o feel_o and_o excite_v they_o more_o effectual_o to_o pursue_v that_o course_n of_o holy_a life_n in_o which_o he_o have_v instruct_v they_o what_o miserable_a stuff_n be_v this_o will_v not_o faith_n have_v a_o excellent_a basis_n do_v it_o depend_v on_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o your_o private_a judgement_n when_o this_o one_o instance_n manifest_v you_o have_v the_o boldness_n to_o quote_v scripture_n for_o any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o disparate_a and_o unconcern_v and_o then_o blasphemous_o nickname_v it_o god_n word_n when_o it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n let_v we_o have_v the_o return_v of_o one_o scholar_n to_o another_o if_o our_o argument_n lie_v too_o open_a or_o the_o connexion_n in_o it_o be_v too_o slack_a speak_v to_o it_o as_o you_o ought_v but_o think_v not_o your_o private_a interpretation_n a_o competent_a solution_n to_o demonstration_n if_o such_o wretched_a answer_n may_v serve_v the_o turn_n the_o school_n and_o university_n may_v shut_v up_o shop_n and_o reason_v bid_v adieu_o to_o the_o world_n every_o fop_n will_v find_v a_o text_n he_o can_v hook_v in_o nor_o will_v he_o fail_v of_o interpret_n it_o blind_o to_o his_o own_o purpose_n when_o he_o be_v gravel_a with_o a_o argument_n and_o of_o call_v it_o god_n word_n when_o he_o have_v do_v who_o will_v not_o see_v you_o be_v sink_v when_o you_o catch_v at_o such_o straw_n and_o weak_a twig_n to_o keep_v you_o above_o water_n 45._o by_o this_o time_n the_o reader_n will_v be_v satisfy_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o you_o have_v answer_v man_n have_v memory_n enough_o not_o to_o forget_v their_o yesterday_n faith_n next_o you_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v christian_n may_v be_v malicious_a enough_o to_o alter_v it_o may_v not_o christian_n say_v you_o p._n 23._o through_o malice_n and_o wickedness_n be_v as_o careless_a of_o preserve_v the_o faith_n as_o in_o maintain_v holiness_n in_o themselves_o or_o their_o posterity_n when_o they_o know_v that_o sin_n be_v as_o damnable_a as_o error_n be_v judge_n yourself_o do_v not_o many_o of_o your_o congregation_n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o sect_n sin_v often_o and_o yet_o few_o or_o none_o of_o they_o desert_n their_o faith_n once_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o parallel_n hold_v not_o be_v these_o 1._o sin_n be_v general_o private_a at_o least_o man_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n endeavour_v and_o hope_v to_o conceal_v their_o fault_n for_o fear_v of_o shame_n and_o discredit_v but_o the_o change_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v profess_v and_o open_a otherwise_o it_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n and_o posterity_n will_v still_o believe_v on_o according_a as_o thing_n appear_v outward_o 2._o sinner_n be_v seldom_o malicious_a to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o resolve_v firm_o to_o persist_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o their_o life_n but_o general_o fall_v out_o of_o frailty_n and_o intend_v and_o hope_v to_o repent_v and_o so_o this_o very_a thing_n will_v oblige_v they_o still_o to_o hold_v to_o their_o former_a faith_n which_o as_o experience_n tell_v they_o furnish_v sinner_n with_o mean_n of_o repentance_n 3._o man_n nature_n be_v incline_v to_o truth_n scarce_o one_o man_n tell_v a_o lie_n but_o hope_n to_o cloak_v it_o but_o here_o when_o they_o deliver_v another_o faith_n for_o the_o same_o that_o be_v hold_v yesterday_o every_o man_n must_v know_v his_o neighbour_n to_o be_v a_o abominable_a shameless_a liar_n and_o the_o concern_v be_v so_o sacred_a must_v hold_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o fellow-alterers_a the_o wicked_a man_n living_n unless_o it_o be_v say_v they_o go_v conscientious_o upon_o some_o other_o ground_n than_o tradition_n for_o to_o pretend_v to_o be_v save_v by_o tenet_n hold_v upon_o no_o ground_n at_o all_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o consist_v with_o rational_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v take_v up_o another_o ground_n because_o if_o they_o can_v not_o innovate_v in_o faith_n they_o can_v not_o innovate_v in_o that_o upon_o which_o they_o hold_v all_o their_o faith._n nor_o can_v they_o be_v certain_a but_o all_o their_o former_a faith_n may_v be_v renounce_v if_o a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v take_v up_o to_o hear_v of_o which_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o temper_n of_o christian_n to_o bear_v a_o loss_n for_o all_o their_o faith._n beside_o man_n be_v more_o tenacious_a of_o their_o principle_n especial_o if_o they_o have_v gain_v a_o vast_a credit_n by_o their_o long_a continuance_n than_o they_o be_v to_o relinquish_v all_o they_o have_v receive_v upon_o those_o principle_n again_o tradition_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la the_o chief_a part_n of_o i_o may_v say_v the_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr too_o witness_v the_o deliver_v faith_n which_o be_v so_o vast_a a_o body_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v there_o nothing_o but_o its_o own_o interest_n permit_v itself_o to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v attest_v a_o lie_n hitherto_o add_v that_o none_o can_v be_v competent_a judge_n what_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o who_o be_v so_o concern_v both_o in_o duty_n and_o interest_n tradition_n shall_v not_o be_v set_v aside_o which_o consideration_n clear_o evince_v a_o universal_a change_n in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o over_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o believer_n be_v absolute_o impracticable_a last_o there_o must_v be_v some_o great_a time_n between_o their_o discard_n tradition_n and_o espouse_v a_o new_a rule_n during_o which_o time_n we_o must_v imagine_v the_o whole_a church_n except_o perhaps_o some_o few_o that_o discourse_v it_o first_o will_v be_v make_v up_o of_o seeker_n some_o hover_v one_o way_n some_o another_o in_o which_o case_n they_o will_v as_o yet_o have_v no_o faith_n and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o church_n it_o be_v leave_v then_o that_o if_o they_o can_v innovate_v in_o faith_n they_o must_v pretend_v to_o tradition_n still_o when_o they_o have_v evident_o desert_v it_o that_o be_v they_o must_v
against_o too_o by_o other_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o like_o some_o i_o know_v to_o turn_v a_o dispute_n into_o a_o wrangle_n but_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n be_v from_o deserve_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o such_o injurious_a reflection_n 10._o but_o before_o i_o go_v far_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o quote_v f._n warner_n here_o p._n 8._o and_o your_o appeal_n to_o he_o where_o you_o put_v haeresis_fw-la blacloana_n in_o the_o margin_n by_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n and_o a_o adversary_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o not_o sound_v in_o faith_n for_o no_o less_o aversion_n can_v make_v you_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o f._n w._n will_v absolve_v any_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o embrace_v catholic_n faith_n on_o mr._n g_n ground_n 13._o but_o as_o that_o very_o reverend_a person_n declare_v he_o never_o see_v that_o book_n till_o some_o of_o they_o be_v present_v he_o bind_v so_o himself_o have_v forestal_a your_o little_a policy_n aim_v to_o set_v we_o at_o variance_n in_o our_o tenet_n in_o his_o anti-haman_n p._n 203._o we_o catholic_n have_v faith_n because_o we_o believe_v firm_o those_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v because_o he_o reveal_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n give_v hitherto_o and_o will_v give_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n testimony_n to_o that_o revelation_n and_o we_o can_v be_v heretic_n because_o we_o never_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o choose_v ourselves_o or_o admit_v what_o other_o choose_v but_o we_o take_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la what_o be_v deliver_v we_o reveal_v by_o the_o great_a authority_n imaginable_a on_o earth_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o proceed_v hear_v then_o be_v the_o tenure_n of_o our_o faith._n the_o father_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n consubstantial_a to_o himself_o into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n he_o make_v know_v to_o we_o io._n 15.11_o the_o father_n and_o son_n send_v the_o h._n ghost_n and_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o what_o he_o hear_v that_o he_o speak_v io._n 16.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v the_o apostle_n and_o they_o declare_v unto_o we_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v 1_o io._n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n send_v the_o high_a and_o low_a prelate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o frame_v their_o decree_n be_v let_v nothing_o be_v alter_v in_o the_o depositum_fw-la let_v no_o innovation_n be_v admit_v in_o what_o be_v deliver_v quod_fw-la traditum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la innovetur_fw-la but_o he_o more_o express_o yet_o declare_v himself_o no_o adversary_n to_o this_o way_n ibid._n p._n 267._o your_o friend_n mr._n g._n b._n have_v call_v this_o way_n of_o prove_v doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o their_o father_n they_o from_o they_o a_o new_a method_n of_o prove_v popish_a doctrine_n and_o receive_v for_o answer_v these_o word_n you_o discover_v your_o ignorance_n in_o say_v that_o method_n be_v new_a or_o that_o arnaud_n invent_v it_o mr._n thomas_n white_n have_v it_o before_o arnaud_n mr._n fisher_n a_o jesuite_n before_o t._n w._n bellarmin_n before_o he_o &_o st._n austin_n st._n stephen_n pope_n &_o tertullian_n before_o they_o all_o where_o you_o see_v he_o both_o allow_v this_o very_a method_n we_o take_v as_o practise_v by_o modern_a controvertist_n of_o note_n nay_o by_o some_o of_o his_o own_o order_n too_o who_o he_o be_v far_o from_o disapprove_v and_o by_o ancient_a father_n also_o who_o he_o high_o venerate_v your_o petty_a project_n thus_o defeat_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v your_o eye_n if_o they_o be_v not_o which_o god_n grant_v they_o be_v not_o wilful_o shut_v 11._o the_o asserter_n of_o tradition_n observe_v that_o the_o adversary_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o admit_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a hold_v it_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o experience_n teach_v they_o be_v otherwise_o liable_a to_o be_v spin_v out_o into_o a_o voluminous_a length_n and_o the_o most_o efficacious_a method_n to_o conclude_v all_o the_o heterodox_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v now_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v christ_n or_o the_o selfsame_a that_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v bootless_a for_o they_o to_o attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o by_o text_n of_o scripture_n manage_v by_o their_o private_a wit_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n depend_v on_o christ_n teach_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a christ_n teach_v it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v evince_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o be_v true._n now_o the_o same_o experience_n inform_v they_o that_o no_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n make_v by_o private_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o or_o other_o can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o will_v leave_v faith_n under_o the_o scandalous_a ignominy_n of_o be_v possible_o and_o perhaps_o actual_o false_a it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o allege_v against_o such_o adversary_n the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o it_o as_o you_o very_o weak_o object_v to_o mr._n g._n p._n 16._o as_o not_o once_o assert_v by_o he_o for_o though_o this_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v disow_v by_o all_o those_o heterodox_n and_o be_v itself_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o seem_v improper_a to_o be_v produce_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith._n beside_o how_o shall_v they_o prove_v this_o divine_a assistance_n if_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o their_o private_a judgement_n these_o not_o be_v absolute_o certain_a it_o will_v have_v weaken_a the_o establishment_n of_o that_o grand_a article_n which_o to_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o principle_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o regard_n that_o upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o all_o the_o other_o article_n be_v to_o depend_v if_o by_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o defend_v that_o method_n not_o to_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n whereas_o all_o regular_a discourse_n ought_v to_o proceed_v straight_o forward_o these_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o set_v themselves_o to_o make_v out_o by_o natural_a medium_n that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o such_o a_o great_a body_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o infallible_a in_o convey_v down_o many_o visible_a and_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n or_o rather_o far_o above_o the_o rest_n the_o subject_a be_v practical_a and_o of_o infinite_a concern_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v first_o teach_v to_o the_o age_n contiguous_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o continue_v ever_o since_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o resolve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n into_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o consequent_o these_o be_v suppose_v by_o both_o party_n to_o be_v divine_a into_o the_o divine_a authority_n grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o divine_a faith._n 12._o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o affair_n and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o learned_a sir_n where_o be_v the_o polagianism_n where_o be_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o all_o these_o bugbear_n word_n and_o false_a accusation_n which_o to_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_o into_o the_o reader_n be_v belief_n and_o create_v a_o more_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o our_o tenet_n come_v mask_v here_o under_o a_o affect_a show_n of_o godliness_n all_o hold_v their_o faith_n rely_v on_o the_o divine_a or_o christ_n authority_n into_o which_o they_o final_o resolve_v it_o and_o all_o catholic_n hold_v grace_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a faith_n though_o all_o perhaps_o do_v not_o judge_v grace_n needful_a to_o believe_v upon_o human_a authority_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o christ_n teach_v it_o yet_o myself_o in_o 154._o faith_n vindicate_v see_v that_o the_o admit_v this_o truth_n will_v oblige_v the_o heterodox_n to_o relinquish_v their_o ill-chosen_a tenet_n and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n do_v there_o declare_v my_o particular_a sentiment_n that_o god_n grace_n and_o some_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o see_v the_o force_n even_o of_o this_o natural_a demonstration_n so_o much_o against_o their_o humour_n and_o interest_n be_v it_o
pretend_v we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a such_o and_o such_o particular_a point_n be_v contain_v there_o otherwise_o your_o general_n ground_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o question_n nor_o do_v your_o faith_n any_o service_n at_o all_o since_o it_o leave_v it_o still_o uncertain_a of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o especial_o since_o you_o pretend_v or_o rather_o declare_v open_o p._n 14._o that_o you_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o profession_n reach_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o to_o your_o ground_n of_o faith._n i_o must_v confess_v you_o render_v that_o profession_n insignificant_a and_o cancel_v the_o obligation_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v make_v it_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o those_o word_n immediate_o follow_v which_o make_v those_o hearty_a expression_n absolute_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o you_o resolve_v your_o faith_n into_o scripture_n we_o must_v i_o see_v deal_v with_o you_o as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o pretence_n in_o court_n do_v with_o great_a courtier_n who_o lose_v their_o repute_n with_o they_o as_o ill-bred_a and_o unmannerly_a if_o they_o will_v needs_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o what_o be_v mean_v your_o answer_n be_v very_o honest_a and_o direct_a we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a we_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o comment_n be_v this_o i_o frame_v my_o answer_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o what_o christ_n teach_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o write_v or_o evangelist_n even_o hint_v in_o your_o answer_n itself_o unless_o the_o word_n teach_v mean_v write_v which_o can_v be_v because_o we_o never_o read_v that_o christ_n write_v any_o book_n or_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o reason_n for_o make_v this_o skew_a explication_n but_o to_o shuffle_v off_o your_o too_o large_a concession_n i_o will_v confess_v myself_o too_o shallow_a to_o fathom_v the_o profound_a depth_n of_o your_o inscrutable_a sense_n resolve_v then_o your_o faith_n in_o god_n name_n into_o what_o you_o will_v so_o you_o but_o show_v we_o a_o absolute_o certain_a connexion_n between_o the_o point_v resolve_v and_o the_o rule_n into_o which_o you_o profess_v to_o resolve_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o resolution_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o continue_a chain_n of_o motive_n wind_v it_o up_o to_o the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n infinite_a veracity_n hang_v slack_a such_o incoherence_n serve_v not_o for_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v indissoluble_o connect_v to_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n else_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o may_v be_v shatter_v and_o break_v to_o piece_n by_o the_o way_n ere_o we_o come_v there_o which_o if_o it_o may_v than_o the_o resolution_n be_v no_o resolution_n for_o that_o speak_v connexion_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o faith_n thus_o resolve_v may_v perhaps_o all_o be_v false_a and_o so_o be_v no_o faith._n it_o be_v your_o work_n then_o to_o show_v in_o particular_a when_o you_o come_v to_o it_o and_o at_o present_a in_o general_n that_o your_o rule_n give_v you_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o it_o do_v the_o socinian_n who_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o profess_v to_o follow_v it_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v for_o your_o heart_n and_o yet_o err_v enormous_o nay_o in_o effect_n they_o take_v the_o same_o method_n too_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n which_o you_o do_v for_o though_o you_o give_v good_a word_n to_o the_o consent_n of_o former_a age_n yet_o your_o ground_n do_v not_o allow_v it_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o bring_v down_o doctrine_n or_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o less_o than_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n signify_v nothing_o in_o our_o case_n and_o it_o be_v either_o by_o your_o rule_n and_o method_n you_o can_v arrive_v thus_o certain_o at_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o by_o nothing_o if_o you_o can_v once_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n convince_v the_o socinian_o of_o obstinacy_n against_o a_o clear_a truth_n by_o your_o rule_n or_o method_n or_o both_o together_o i_o mean_v if_o you_o can_v make_v it_o clear_a to_o they_o that_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v possible_o bear_v any_o other_o sense_n so_o that_o the_o indifferent_a part_n of_o the_o world_n judge_v they_o wilful_a adherer_n to_o a_o false_a interpretation_n or_o that_o you_o can_v silence_v they_o and_o put_v they_o to_o open_a shame_n for_o adhere_v to_o it_o you_o will_v do_v something_o otherwise_o your_o start_n aside_o still_o from_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o point_n even_o thou_o p._n 14._o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a you_o hold_v they_o all_o and_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o nothing_o but_o a_o general_n ground_n be_v mere_a shuffle_n and_o show_v plain_o you_o mean_v not_o real_o in_o that_o answer_n of_o you_o to_o mr._n g_n first_o question_n where_o you_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o include_v every_o particular_a point_n so_o that_o by_o all_o it_o seem_v you_o mean_v none_o it_o be_v very_o paradoxical_a to_o see_v you_o distinguish_v here_o p._n 14_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o reason_n why_o you_o do_v it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v into_o our_o reader_n that_o we_o derive_v the_o source_n of_o our_o tradition_n from_o christ_n teach_v oral_o as_o the_o jew_n affirm_v of_o moses_n deliver_v a_o unwritten_a law_n else_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o distinction_n the_o tradition_n we_o lay_v claim_v to_o have_v no_o such_o obscure_a original_a it_o take_v its_o ●ife_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n disperse_v in_o great_a multitude_n over_o the_o world_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o preach_v so_o that_o tradition_n start_v into_o motion_n from_o a_o most_o public_a and_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o first_o christian_n such_o a_o faith._n to_o what_o imaginable_a purpose_n than_o be_v this_o frivolous_a distinction_n bring_v in_o you_o know_v this_o be_v our_o tenet_n and_o we_o know_v well_o your_o rule_n be_v scripture_n what_o need_v then_o this_o shuffle_a paraphrase_n by_o tradition_n you_o know_v we_o mean_v a_o testimony_n for_o doctrine_n receive_v if_o the_o source_n be_v weak_a or_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o witnesser_n of_o its_o delivery_n at_o first_o and_o successive_o afterward_o be_v small_a the_o tradition_n be_v consequent_o weak_a in_o proportion_n if_o great_a it_o be_v strong_a still_o according_a as_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o attester_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o their_o credibleness_n more_o unexceptionable_a well_o but_o admit_v your_o faith_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o what_o christ_n teach_v by_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o from_o he_o why_o must_v you_o necessary_o resolve_v your_o faith_n into_o their_o write_n only_a do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n go_v with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n or_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n or_o be_v those_o word_n a_o jot_n less_o sacred_a when_o it_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n than_o when_o they_o put_v they_o in_o a_o book_n or_o last_o do_v any_o command_n from_o christ_n appear_v to_o write_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o revelation_n before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o future_a church_n no_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o its_o writing_n at_o first_o and_o its_o acceptation_n afterward_o bar_v any_o such_o pretence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n their_o grand_a commission_n be_v not_o scribite_fw-la but_o only_o predicate_v evangelium_fw-la yet_o you_o can_v slubber_v this_o over_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o carry_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v mean_v write_v only_o and_o that_o they_o teach_v the_o world_n no_o more_o than_o they_o write_v sure_o you_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o apostle_n take_v text_n out_o of_o their_o own_o book_n and_o preach_v sermon_n upon_o then_o as_o you_o do_v now_o why_o must_v it_o be_v quite_o forget_v then_o and_o bury_v in_o silence_n that_o they_o teach_v any_o thing_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n public_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v equal_o sacred_a as_o what_o be_v write_v and_o to_o be_v embrace_v if_o well_o
acknowledge_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o very_a commendable_a cautiousness_n in_o the_o latin_a &_o greek_a church_n too_o not_o to_o admit_v into_o such_o a_o sacred_a roll_n book_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v authentical_o such_o than_o a_o unblamable_a lapse_n or_o so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n that_o for_o commit_v it_o she_o must_v needs_o lose_v all_o her_o title_n to_o christ_n promise_a assistance_n 31._o this_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o ask_v you_o what_o become_v of_o your_o rule_n and_o consequent_o of_o your_o faith_n all_o that_o while_n if_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v your_o rule_n and_o those_o book_n be_v part_n of_o this_o canon_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v part_n of_o your_o rule_n too_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o your_o rule_n be_v not_o entire_a but_o deficient_a for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v collect_v and_o acknowledge_v i_o see_v you_o do_v but_o compliment_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o that_o you_o only_o cry_v it_o up_o to_o avoid_v the_o unkindness_n which_o the_o succeed_a age_n show_v to_o your_o cause_n for_o by_o your_o doctrine_n you_o can_v but_o hold_v that_o the_o age_n which_o follow_v it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v since_o these_o have_v your_o entire_a rule_n the_o other_o want_v some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o sometime_o hold_v but_o three_o part_n of_o it_o half_a of_o it_o or_o less_o and_o so_o by_o your_o principle_n be_v but_o three_o quarter_n or_o half_a christian_n according_a as_o the_o several_a piece_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o universal_o accept_v i_o doubt_v mr._n m_n discourse_n about_o the_o number_n of_o book_n more_o perplex_v you_o than_o your_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v show_n of_o for_o pray_v how_o many_o of_o these_o book_n go_v to_o make_v up_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o one_o or_o some_o few_o than_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v stand_v upon_o the_o canon_n we_o have_v now_o that_o be_v all_o the_o apostolical_a book_n or_o scripture_n in_o general_n if_o all_o the_o canonical_a write_n be_v your_o rule_n than_o perhaps_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v but_o half_o their_o faith_n or_o less_o it_o may_v be_v none_o at_o all_o because_o want_v yet_o those_o other_o book_n they_o want_v necessary_a place_n to_o compare_v those_o text_n with_o they_o already_o have_v which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o method_n to_o find_v out_o your_o faith_n in_o scripture_n pray_v satisfy_v we_o about_o this_o exact_a number_n of_o book_n and_o how_o many_o will_v just_o serve_v the_o turn_n and_o make_v something_o cohere_v for_o i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n as_o yet_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v you_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o a_o purse_n and_o say_v it_o must_v be_v full_a but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v at_o it_o more_o narrow_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n but_o half_a a_o purse_n and_o want_v one_o side_n of_o it_o at_o least_o have_v a_o great_a hole_n in_o it_o so_o that_o you_o put_v we_o into_o a_o apprehension_n that_o many_o of_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n point_n may_v have_v drop_v out_o of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o church_n notwithstanding_o and_o no_o other_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o faith_n you_o seem_v hearty_o willing_a to_o be_v judge_v but_o 31._o let_v we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o consent_n of_o all_o your_o christian_n church_n for_o scripture_n you_o make_v such_o brag_n of_o 7._o in_o the_o first_o place_n march_n and_o lead_v the_o van_n your_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o noble_a arch-heretick_n marciou_n who_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o 9_o hebrew_n that_o to_o titus_n and_o both_o those_o to_o timothy_n who_o admit_v only_o st._n luke_n gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o 3._o reject_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o a_o apostate_n from_o the_o law._n in_o the_o next_o rank_n go_v abreast_o those_o three_o famous_a christian_a church_n of_o ebion_n valentinus_n and_o cerinthus_n of_o which_o 1._o the_o first_o admit_v only_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n the_o 26._o second_o only_a st._n john_n and_o the_o three_o only_a st._n mark_n be_v after_o they_o come_v other_o mention_v by_o st._n hierom_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o in_o a_o manner_n bring_v all_o into_o doubt_n 76._o especial_o if_o faith_n depend_v in_o those_o day_n on_o the_o compare_v of_o place_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o diverse_a thing_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a be_v not_o inspire_v by_o god_n but_o write_v by_o a_o human_a spirit_n i_o need_v not_o acquaint_v you_o that_o luther_n brentius_n &_o chemnitius_n do_v revive_v the_o old_a doubt_n about_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n of_o late_a day_n nor_o need_v it_o be_v recount_v how_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n church_n do_v not_o accept_v diverse_a book_n former_o and_o though_o afterward_o as_o you_o say_v well_o they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o fix_v on_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o immediate_a testimony_n 15._o for_o the_o witness_n be_v long_o ago_o dead_a and_o their_o grandfather_n too_o who_o can_v attest_v that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v indeed_o to_o their_o knowledge_n write_v by_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n it_o descend_v then_o by_o oral_a tradition_n in_o those_o respective_a church_n whence_o as_o that_o tradition_n be_v not_o so_o practical_a so_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o some_o few_o in_o each_o church_n and_o be_v withal_o very_o narrow_a at_o first_o in_o comparison_n of_o our_o tradition_n for_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n universal_o and_o public_o preach_v and_o practise_v now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o tradition_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o first_o attestation_n and_o all_o that_o after-age_n can_v do_v when_o they_o attest_v such_o thing_n be_v to_o witness_v that_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o some_o other_o but_o so_o that_o the_o tradition_n be_v still_o narrow_a as_o it_o come_v near_o the_o fountain_n which_o very_o much_o weaken_v it_o by_o what_o other_o light_v the_o church_n guide_v herself_o in_o her_o accept_n such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o canonical_a scripture_n belong_v to_o another_o place_n your_o tradition_n then_o be_v not_o universal_a for_o scripture_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o its_o original_a attestation_n be_v weak_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v for_o doctrine_n 20._o 32._o i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o your_o explicit_fw-la or_o implicit_a point_n contain_v in_o scripture_n for_o i_o see_v they_o be_v both_o equal_o to_o no_o purpose_n while_o but_o contain_v there_o till_o you_o bring_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o interpret_v the_o letter_n with_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v explicit_o there_o none_o can_v have_v so_o good_a a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o those_o high_a and_o most_o fundamental_a article_n speak_v of_o so_o often_o yet_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n producible_a for_o they_o but_o may_v have_v other_o sense_n give_v they_o and_o bear_v as_o experience_n show_v we_o not_o yet_o end_v and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v endless_a dispute_n among_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n attend_v to_o your_o rule_n only_o i_o a_o little_a wonder_n you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o your_o purpose_n that_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o know_v to_o be_v there_o for_o they_o must_v save_v man_n by_o believe_v they_o and_o act_v according_a to_o that_o belief_n or_o no_o way_n and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o implicit_o there_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a or_o not_o believe_v so_o that_o according_a to_o you_o that_o be_v a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o it_o but_o i_o wonder_v more_o at_o the_o happiness_n of_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n to_o who_o you_o affirm_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o stout_o ibid._n those_o implicit_a point_n will_v become_v explicit_fw-la without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o you_o call_v it_o assume_v ibid._n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v the_o same_o or_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o article_n certain_o this_o sober_a enquirer_n be_v your_o special_a darling_n and_o favourite_n he_o
immediate_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o generality_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o doctrine_n be_v far_o spread_v more_o often_o inculcate_v and_o more_o clear_o explain_v and_o well-instructed_n pastor_n constitute_v to_o teach_v it_o more_o express_o and_o put_v they_o forward_o to_o practice_v it_o he_o mistake●_n then_o and_o misrepresent_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o our_o tradition_n and_o by_o antedate_v it_o sight_n against_o it_o before_o it_o can_v have_v a_o be_v and_o as_o this_o error_n run_v through_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o weak_a inference_n out_o of_o scripture_n so_o the_o lay_v it_o open_v once_o for_o all_o be_v a_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o at_o once_o add_v that_o he_o never_o consider_v whether_o when_o those_o several_a church_n err_v or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o err_v they_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v even_o that_o particular_a tradition_n or_o preach_v of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v to_o err_v by_o desert_v it_o if_o the_o late_a the_o tradition_n be_v not_o faulty_a but_o they_o who_o deserted_n it_z yet_o how_o different_a soever_o these_o two_o point_n be_v the_o one_o make_v for_o that_o particular_a tradition_n the_o other_o against_o it_o he_o never_o think_v of_o distinguish_v they_o or_o let_v the_o reader_n know_v when_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o fault_n and_o when_o the_o person_n but_o run_v on_o in_o common_a word_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o design_n or_o determinate_a prospect_n whither_o he_o be_v go_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o true_a question_n nor_o against_o us._n us._n 10._o but_o though_o all_o his_o reflection_n from_o the_o several_a piece_n of_o scripture_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purpose_n yet_o his_o candid_a and_o solid_a way_n of_o manage_v his_o own_o mistake_v and_o how_o he_o wire-draws_a every_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v fit_a deserve_v our_o particular_a observation_n he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 5._o that_o they_o which_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v like_a to_o have_v lose_v all_o their_o faith_n whereas_o the_o text_n only_o say_v some_o among_o you_o and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o wonder_n that_o some_o among_o many_o shall_v hap_v to_o be_v imperfect_o instruct_v fantastical_a or_o refractory_a to_o their_o teacher_n but_o his_o partiality_n be_v most_o remarkable_a when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v our_o tradition_n to_o abet_v the_o scripture_n he_o 11._o can_v tell_v we_o then_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o some_o church_n who_o may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v what_o be_v teach_v but_o say_v he_o the_o church_n themselves_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v on_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n but_o here_o it_o seem_v the_o case_n be_v not_o different_a at_o all_o but_o the_o very_a same_o for_o some_o among_o you_o be_v enlarge_v to_o signify_v that_o church_n itself_o and_o whereas_o the_o only_a point_n those_o some_o deny_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o utter_o insignificant_a a_o thing_n tradition_n be_v that_o can_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o he_o extend_v it_o to_o signify_v all_o their_o faith_n hope_v i_o suppose_v any_o thing_n will_v pass_v upon_o you_o so_o it_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o pulpit_n it_o be_v tell_v you_o there_o all_o be_v god_n word_n and_o he_o presume_v you_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n almighty_a and_o so_o kind_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o accept_v it_o for_o such_o and_o swallow_v it_o for_o pure_a truth_n truth_n 11._o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o allow_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o christian_a church_n do_v show_v the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n 11._o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o several_a gospel_n for_o then_o i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v to_o the_o next_o age_n and_o so_o forward_o the_o concurrent_a doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o which_o establish_v the_o original_a of_o our_o tradition_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a he_o discourse_v well_o p._n 11._o and_o he_o end_v better_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o better_o that_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n can_v not_o let_v they_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o this_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a kind_n and_o no_o less_o solid_a for_o 1._o these_o word_n can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n make_v their_o testimony_n infallible_a 2._o this_o discourse_n make_v the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o their_o sense_n depend_v on_o unwritten_a tradition_n 3_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n be_v full_a as_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a and_o be_v to_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n as_o it_o be_v before_o unless_o they_o lose_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o by_o discourse_v of_o it_o more_o while_o they_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o &_o by_o practise_v it_o long_o themselves_o 4._o as_o little_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v as_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o second_o age_n since_o they_o lead_v their_o christian_a life_n by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o of_o equal_a concern_v still_o to_o they_o to_o learn_v and_o teach_v it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o first_o last_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o body_n even_o now_o adays_o that_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n 11._o be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o teach_v it_o at_o first_o observe_v gentleman_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a time_n dr._n st._n have_v so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o upon_o our_o tradition_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v or_o confute_v it_o that_o he_o in_o some_o part_n direct_o in_o other_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n acknowledge_v its_o force_n and_o strong_o abet_n it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o good_a will_n he_o be_v intent_n in_o that_o place_n upon_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assoon_o as_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n he_o immediate_o discard_n it_o as_o good_a for_o little_a or_o nothing_o or_o nothing_o to_o the_o particular_a purpose_n he_o have_v late_o allow_v the_o testify_a christ_n doctrine_n doctrine_n 12._o for_o the_o very_a next_o page_n he_o reckon_v up_o three_o thing_n for_o which_o the_o common_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v useful_a after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n 12._o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o their_o vsefulness_n to_o testify_v to_o other_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o those_o master_n of_o christianity_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o apostle_n dead_a and_o that_o first_o age_n have_v by_o their_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a gospel_n but_o immediate_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v lose_v their_o memory_n of_o that_o doctrine_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o the_o grace_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v it_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o wild_a discourse_n of_o he_o that_o both_o common_a natural_a part_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ordinary_a honesty_n have_v be_v preserve_v to_o they_o miraculous_o thitherto_o mere_o to_o recommend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o assoon_o as_o that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n suspend_v or_o rather_o subtract_v for_o ever_o all_o his_o influence_n &_o leave_v they_o a_o tabula_fw-la rasa_fw-la without_o either_o memory_n or_o goodness_n to_o learn_v their_o faith_n a_o new_a out_o of_o scripture_n 13._o scripture_n 13._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rally_v upon_o universal_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o sleight_n story_n of_o a_o few_o tattle_a gossip_n or_o of_o those_o who_o hear_v what_o some_o say_v that_o other_o tell_v they_o who_o have_v it_o from_o such_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o have_v he_o say_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v say_v what_o the_o whole_a first_o age_n of_o christian_n witness_v
she_o be_v to_o edify_v her_o child_n and_o in_o contest_v with_o heretic_n as_o to_o all_o those_o point_n contain_v there_o and_o i_o think_v the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o that_o particular_a be_v by_o what_o mean_v she_o come_v to_o be_v absolutely-certain_a of_o its_o sense_n let_v he_o add_v then_o but_o one_o word_n more_o and_o say_v that_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n she_o so_o judge_v of_o faith_n that_o she_o can_v not_o be_v in_o a_o error_n or_o mistake_v all_o the_o while_n and_o than_o christian_a faith_n be_v absolutely-certain_a and_o my_o great_a care_n be_v over_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o that_o what_o be_v the_o future_a church_n after_o the_o apostle_n death_n the_o better_a for_o scripture_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n if_o she_o and_o her_o child_n partake_v not_o the_o benefit_n of_o that_o infallibility_n some_o way_n or_o other_o by_o be_v perfect_o secure_v from_o err_v in_o faith_n be_v it_o not_o all_o one_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n of_o know_v assure_o we_o have_v the_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n whether_o we_o have_v a_o infallible_a rule_n or_o no_o if_o when_o we_o have_v do_v our_o best_a we_o may_v still_o stray_v from_o her_o faith_n or_o why_o be_v not_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o absolutely-certain_a so_o i_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n i_o be_o direct_v by_o it_o as_o good_a for_o that_o purpose_n as_o a_o absolutely-certain_a rule_n with_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o i_o do_v indeed_o go_v according_a to_o it_o to_o speak_v to_o his_o proposition_n whether_o the_o church_n and_o the_o faithful_a in_o contest_v with_o heretic_n avail_v herself_o of_o scripture_n letter_n to_o gain_v absolute-certainty_n of_o its_o sense_n in_o those_o main_a tenet_n or_o bring_v the_o sense_n which_o she_o have_v another_o way_n along_o with_o she_o shall_v be_v decide_v if_o he_o please_v by_o st._n austin_n who_o he_o cite_v here_o p._n 16._o 16._o 18._o he_o will_v prove_v scripture_n a_o rule_n from_o the_o general_a reason_n of_o its_o write_n 15._o and_o prove_v this_o general_a reason_n from_o a_o testimony_n of_o irenaeus_n which_o speak_v of_o the_o gospel_n as_o abstract_v from_o be_v preach_v and_o write_v and_o who_o doubt_v but_o as_o such_o it_o be_v infallible_o true_a he_o seem_v to_o build_v much_o upon_o the_o word_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith._n be_v it_o what_o it_o will_v in_o itself_o the_o point_n be_v how_o do_v it_o build_v faith_n in_o we_o by_o it_o be_v mere_a letter_n descant_v upon_o by_o private_a judgement_n or_o interpret_v by_o the_o church_n the_o late_a he_o deny_v the_o former_a all_o our_o most_o earnest_a press_v and_o entreat_v can_v never_o bring_v he_o nor_o his_o reflecter_n to_o go_v about_o to_o make_v out_o and_o he_o way_n it_o total_o through_o this_o whole_a sermon_n let_v he_o then_o but_o show_v that_o he_o have_v absolute-certainty_n of_o scripture_n sense_n in_o those_o tenet_n of_o christian-faith_n by_o any_o method_n his_o principle_n will_v allow_v he_o and_o his_o sermon_n shall_v have_v pass_v for_o i_o without_o control_v that_o be_v the_o main_a point_n whereas_o all_o here_o be_v quite_o beside_o it_o as_o for_o those_o word_n from_o s._n irenaeus_n he_o can_v have_v quote_v the_o very_a same_o word_n in_o a_o manner_n from_o a_o better_a author_n even_o the_o holy_a scripture_n call_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o he_o like_v not_o the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v he_o can_v neglect_v his_o rule_n and_o make_v no_o more_o reckon_n of_o it_o than_o he_o do_v of_o the_o oral_a tradition_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n when_o it_o stand_v in_o his_o way_n of_o comes_z cross_n to_o his_o purpose_n purpose_n 19_o it_o have_v be_v manifest_v above_o that_o his_o discourse_n from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o epistle_n be_v all_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n and_o antedate_v our_o tradition_n etc._n and_o his_o inference_n thence_o as_o level_v against_o our_o tenet_n be_v weak_a than_o water_n he_o make_v tradition_n any_o thing_n what_o he_o please_v and_o will_v have_v it_o do_v every_o thing_n though_o it_o be_v never_o intend_v for_o it_o nor_o ever_o pretend_v by_o we_o it_o be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o one_o while_o it_o must_v bring_v down_o the_o 19_o decree_n of_o council_n another_o while_o it_o must_v convey_v ibid._n long_a dispute_n about_o divers_a point_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o they_o and_o this_o totidem_fw-la verbis_fw-la otherwise_o the_o apostle_n sense_n may_v have_v be_v lose_v it_o must_v secure_v people_n from_o be_v 20._o remove_v from_o christ_n gospel_n to_o another_o whereas_o no_o man_n ever_o hold_v that_o the_o galatian_n be_v remove_v from_o christ_n gospel_n by_o follow_v even_o the_o particular_a tradition_n or_o preach_v of_o that_o apostle_n nor_o that_o any_o particular_a man_n nay_o church_n may_v not_o be_v remove_v from_o it_o even_o into_o heathenism_n or_o judaism_n if_o they_o desert_v it_o he_o expect_v too_o it_o shall_v secure_v man_n from_o 21._o danger_n of_o be_v deceive_v whereas_o suppose_v they_o once_o well-instructed_n in_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o our_o tradition_n the_o church_n be_v so_o it_o be_v 5._o self-evident_a they_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v while_o they_o hold_v to_o that_o certain_a rule_n because_o that_o be_v to_o hold_v the_o same_o they_o be_v instruct_v in_o at_o first_o but_o if_o all_o be_v not_o well_o instruct_v at_o first_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v than_o they_o may_v be_v deceive_v either_o by_o desert_v tradition_n or_o even_o by_o hold_v to_o such_o a_o tradition_n if_o for_o want_v of_o perfect_a instruction_n in_o that_o raw_a and_o unsettled_a state_n of_o christianity_n that_o which_o they_o hold_v at_o first_o be_v not_o perfect_o christ_n doctrine_n nay_o he_o will_v have_v it_o keep_v even_a heretic_n from_o ibid._n defection_n hypocrisy_n lie_v and_o deceive_v which_o be_v a_o rare_a tradition_n indeed_o to_o do_v such_o kindness_n and_o work_v such_o good_a effect_n upon_o those_o who_o have_v desert_v it_o and_o will_v not_o make_v use_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o will_v have_v it_o keep_v people_n from_o weakness_n and_o folly_n which_o the_o common_a assistance_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n will_v do_v after_o the_o generality_n be_v well_o settle_v in_o that_o doctrine_n for_o when_o all_o the_o question_n be_v what_o the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o be_v a_o madness_n and_o folly_n both_o to_o believe_v some_o few_o man_n before_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n but_o he_o will_v have_v tradition_n still_o do_v all_o the_o mischief_n imaginable_a and_o write_v do_v all_o the_o good_a forget_v i_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o st._n paul_n write_n 3.16_o which_o the_o unlearned_a and_o unstable_a wrist_n as_o they_o do_v also_o the_o other_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o destruction_n all_o this_o while_n what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o tradition_n we_o assert_v which_o begin_v afterward_o afterward_o 20._o from_o these_o impertinent_a premise_n he_o infer_v as_o impertinent_a a_o conclusion_n viz._n that_o 22._o what_o be_v deliver_v in_o scripture_n contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v to_o the_o church_n now_o that_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o scripture_n be_v the_o same_o the_o apostle_n signify_v by_o their_o preach_v be_v plain_a sense_n and_o never_o deny_v and_o so_o he_o need_v not_o have_v make_v all_o this_o clutter_v to_o prove_v it_o but_o plain_a sense_n will_v do_v he_o no_o service_n who_o best_a play_n it_o be_v to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v every_o thing_n let_v we_o see_v then_o what_o it_o be_v that_o will._n his_o first_o word_n what_o they_o have_v therein_o deliver_v can_v mean_v nothing_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n signify_v or_o deliver_v by_o the_o letter_n and_o both_o side_n confess_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v christ_n faith._n if_o then_o we_o spell_v his_o word_n together_o they_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o christ_n faith_n contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n of_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v deliver_v at_o first_o to_o the_o church_n that_o be_v faith_n itself_o contain_v a_o complete_a rule_n to_o its_o self_n make_v sense_n of_o this_o who_o can_v the_o best_a i_o can_v make_v of_o it_o be_v that_o the_o conclusion_n keep_v decorum_n with_o the_o premise_n and_o that_o he_o have_v mighty_a well_o employ_v his_o labour_n to_o keep_v such_o a_o huge_a pother_n to_o infer_v such_o a_o worthy_a point_n point_n 21._o i_o have_v nothing_o
therefore_o whatever_o often_o happen_v through_o the_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n such_o a_o irrational_a assent_n can_v never_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god._n whence_o as_o it_o belong_v to_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o give_v those_o who_o sincere_o seek_v for_o truth_n the_o grace_n to_o embrace_v it_o so_o it_o belong_v to_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o lay_v such_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o both_o evince_n it_o be_v truth_n to_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a according_a to_o the_o most_o exact_a method_n of_o true_a reason_n and_o withal_o perfect_o 135._o secure_v those_o from_o error_n who_o follow_v that_o rule_n let_v they_o be_v as_o weak_a as_o they_o will._n if_o then_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n as_o a_o truth_n and_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v so_o it_o must_v be_v indeed_o such_o and_o therefore_o the_o ground_n leave_v we_o by_o god_n must_v be_v of_o that_o nature_n as_o to_o prove_v or_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o if_o dr._n st._n have_v no_o such_o ground_n that_o what_o he_o hold_v be_v real_o christ_n doctrine_n he_o ought_v not_o to_o handle_v or_o preach_v controversy_n since_o he_o must_v necessary_o disgrace_v and_o weaken_v christian_a faith_n when_o he_o be_v to_o credit_n and_o establish_v it_o nay_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o pretend_v he_o have_v that_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o strongly-supported_n assent_v call_v faith_n which_o depend_v necessary_o on_o the_o certainty_n that_o it_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n but_o candid_o yield_v he_o have_v opinion_n only_o in_o that_o point_n not_o a_o unalterable_a belief_n it_o be_v true_a but_o only_o a_o good_a conceit_n or_o hope_n that_o it_o be_v so_o or_o may_v be_v so_o too_o weak_a a_o prop_n to_o sustain_v its_o truth_n as_o it_o lean_v on_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n have_v teach_v it_o or_o to_o settle_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a life_n life_n 28._o and_o now_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o ground_n or_o rule_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o he_o be_v to_o be_v thus_o assure_v or_o able_a to_o assure_v you_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o controvert_v point_n which_o you_o hear_v so_o warm_o dispute_v in_o the_o world_n and_o which_o it_o so_o much_o import_v you_o to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o it_o be_v scripture_n letter_n in_o text_n that_o be_v think_v to_o relate_v to_o those_o point_n as_o understand_v or_o interpret_v by_o himself_o or_o any_o other_o private_a judgement_n what_o he_o have_v then_o to_o do_v be_v to_o make_v out_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o this_o method_n of_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n as_o to_o those_o point_n can_v be_v deceitful_a and_o erroneous_a otherwise_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a his_o faith_n and_o all_o christian_a faith_n no_o better_o ground_v may_v be_v false_a and_o by_o consequence_n be_v not_o true._n he_o will_v tell_v you_o twenty_o fine_a story_n and_o give_v you_o many_o pretty_a word_n of_o its_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a moral_o certain_a that_o it_o have_v such_o assurance_n as_o man_n accept_v for_o other_o matter_n etc._n etc._n but_o ask_v he_o smart_o and_o close_o if_o any_o of_o these_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o he_o must_v not_o nor_o will_v deny_v it_o for_o shall_v he_o say_v it_o he_o must_v pretend_v he_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o his_o understanding_n those_o text_n right_a which_o he_o can_v not_o do_v without_o profess_v infallibility_n in_o that_o particular_a observe_v i_o beseech_v you_o where_o the_o stress_n of_o the_o whole_a question_n lie_v it_o be_v in_o this_o whether_o this_o ground_n or_o method_n of_o he_o to_o be_v assure_v of_o faith_n be_v able_a to_o prove_v it_o to_o have_v be_v true_o and_o indeed_o teach_v by_o christ_n so_o as_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o by_o this_o test_n if_o you_o examine_v the_o very_a good-ground_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o protestant_a faith_n which_o he_o promise_v you_o here_o in_o his_o preface_n you_o will_v find_v evident_o he_o only_o give_v you_o very_o good_a word_n instead_o of_o very_a good_a ground_n and_o that_o whatever_o he_o produce_v whether_o he_o quote_v or_o argue_v he_o will_v never_o vouch_v they_o to_o be_v so_o certain_a but_o deceit_n and_o error_n may_v possible_o consist_v with_o they_o he_o will_v complain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o unreasonable_a expectation_n because_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tell_v you_o in_o other_o term_n that_o there_o neither_o be_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n nor_o can_v be_v any_o which_o bid_v fair_a for_o atheism_n unless_o interest_n satisfy_v the_o will_n and_o by_o it_o the_o reason_n by_o his_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v run_v from_o the_o whole_a business_n in_o hand_n and_o seek_v to_o shelter_v himself_o and_o hide_v his_o head_n in_o a_o wilderness_n but_o he_o shall_v not_o shift_v the_o question_n thus_o and_o fall_v to_o ramble_v into_o endless_a dispute_n himself_o confess_v second_a letter_n p._n 20._o our_o question_n be_v about_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o the_o particular_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n and_o i_o join_v issue_n with_o he_o upon_o the_o same_o to_o run_v to_o particular_a point_n while_n that_o be_v a_o settle_v be_v to_o put_v the_o conclusion_n before_o the_o premise_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o ascertain_v thing_n depend_v entire_o on_o a_o method_n or_o rule_n without_o ascertain_v that_o method_n or_o rule_n first_o be_v to_o begin_v at_o the_o wrong_a end_n and_o make_v the_o cart_n draw_v the_o horse_n horse_n 29._o i_o owe_v he_o yet_o a_o answer_n to_o st._n austin_n he_o allege_v that_o father_n p._n 16._o who_o testimony_n say_v only_o that_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o christ_n own_o handwriting_n and_o that_o he_o direct_v the_o order_n and_o manner_n of_o the_o evangelist_n write_v which_o only_o signify_v they_o be_v divine_o inspire_v in_o both_o which_o none_o deny_v nor_o have_v this_o any_o influence_n upon_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n he_o can_v have_v quote_v you_o other_o place_n out_o of_o he_o if_o he_o have_v please_v which_o come_v up_o to_o it_o full_o and_o i_o shall_v supply_v his_o backwardness_n with_o do_v it_o myself_o quaerendi_fw-la dubitatio_fw-la etc._n etc._n 1._o say_v that_o learned_a and_o holy_a father_n the_o doubt_n of_o enquiry_n ought_v not_o to_o exceed_v the_o bound_n of_o catholic_n faith._n and_o because_o many_o heretic_n use_v to_o draw_v the_o exposition_n of_o the_o divine_a scripture_n to_o their_o own_o opinion_n which_o be_v against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n discipline_n therefore_o ante_fw-la tractationem_fw-la huius_fw-la libri_fw-la catholica_fw-la fides_n explicanda_fw-la est_fw-la before_o the_o handle_n this_o book_n the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v where_o dr._n st'_v sober_a enquirer_n be_v curb_v and_o restrain_v in_o his_o licentious_a search_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o scripture_n by_o the_o catholic_n faith_n have_v it_o seem_v some_o other_o way_n for_o be_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v have_v mere_o by_o search_a scripture_n for_o it_o with_o what_o sense_n ought_v he_o to_o be_v restrain_v while_o he_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o faith_n to_o restrain_v one_o who_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n be_v to_o hinder_v he_o from_o go_v right_a or_o perhaps_o to_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o way_n again_o though_o those_o heretical_a opinion_n be_v both_o against_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o against_o tradition_n too_o yet_o have_v he_o hold_v scripture_n the_o rule_n he_o shall_v rather_o have_v say_v they_o be_v against_o the_o true_a signification_n of_o scripture_n letter_n than_o against_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o catholic_n discipline_n beside_o if_o catholic_n faith_n be_v to_o be_v explain_v before_o they_o come_v to_o handle_v scripture_n how_o be_v scripture_n the_o rule_n for_o all_o to_o come_v to_o faith_n when_o as_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v have_v nay_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o explanation_n of_o it_o antecedent_o lest_o they_o may_v otherwise_o fall_v into_o heresy_n and_o in_o another_o place_n speak_v of_o a_o false_a point_v of_o the_o letter_n make_v by_o the_o arian_n to_o abet_v their_o heresy_n he_o confute_v they_o thus_o 1._o sed_fw-la hoc_fw-la but_o this_o be_v to_o be_v refute_v by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o we_o be_v instruct_v beforehand_o in_o the_o equality_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v hold_v by_o he_o to_o
prove_v he_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o faith_n he_o hold_v in_o case_n we_o can_v not_o prove_v some_o other_o point_n which_o we_o hold_v yet_o he_o have_v undertake_v at_o all_o adventure_n this_o great_a design_n and_o will_v sudden_o publish_v the_o first_o part_n and_o if_o god_n give_v he_o life_n and_o health_n he_o shall_v have_v say_v principle_n too_o he_o hope_v to_o go_v through_o the_o rest_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o design_n to_o leave_v the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o the_o lurch_n to_o tell_v the_o world_n public_o he_o have_v do_v so_o and_o if_o god_n give_v he_o life_n and_o health_n will_v continue_v to_o run_v away_o from_o that_o troublesome_a point_n as_o far_o as_o ever_o he_o can_v he_o shall_v first_o have_v answer_v error_n nonplus_v and_o clear_v himself_o from_o be_v a_o man_n of_o no_o principle_n before_o he_o can_v be_v fit_a to_o impugn_v other_o unless_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v dispute_v without_o principle_n as_o i_o very_o believe_v he_o do_v for_o his_o odd_a method_n of_o reason_v and_o answer_v need_n none_o 24._o 33._o but_o though_o he_o have_v the_o ill_a luck_n to_o want_v principle_n he_o be_v for_o all_o that_o a_o good_a man_n and_o desire_v no_o more_o to_o end_v our_o controversy_n but_o to_o make_v salvation_n our_o end_n and_o the_o scripture_n our_o rule_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n to_o come_v at_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o most_o important_a article_n with_o absolute_a certainty_n many_o may_v come_v as_o million_o have_v do_v to_o misunderstand_v such_o place_n and_o thence_o to_o embrace_v a_o grand_a heresy_n instead_o of_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o true_a faith_n and_o do_v he_o think_v heretical_a tenet_n in_o such_o concern_v point_n be_v save_v faith._n let_v he_o show_v that_o his_o principle_n lay_v such_o ground_n as_o absolute_o secure_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n ere_o he_o talk_v such_o pious_a or_o rather_o pernicious_a nonsense_n of_o a_o save_v faith._n for_o shall_v it_o hap_v to_o be_v false_a as_o by_o his_o ground_n it_o may_v it_o be_v neither_o faith_n nor_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n he_o pretend_v i_o exclude_v all_o from_o salvation_n who_o do_v not_o penetrate_v intrinsical_a ground_n but_o it_o be_v a_o flame_n of_o his_o own_o coin_v error_n nonplus_v have_v long_o ago_o tell_v he_o over_o and_o over_o 143.144_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o they_o adhere_v to_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v settle_v on_o solid_a or_o intrinsical_a ground_n and_o so_o can_v deceive_v they_o though_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o penetrate_v or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o dig_v into_o the_o intrinsical_a ground_n why_o that_o authority_n or_o rule_n be_v inerrable_a let_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n be_v secure_v and_o they_o have_v what_o be_v simple_o requisite_a to_o salvation_n unless_o they_o be_v such_o person_n as_o speculate_v or_o doubt_v or_o be_v to_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n against_o heretic_n and_o thence_o come_v to_o need_v a_o deep_a inspection_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o conclude_v their_o rule_n do_v absolute_o secure_v the_o relier_n on_o it_o from_o error_n caeteram_fw-la quip_n turbam_fw-la as_o st._n austin_n say_v contra_fw-la ep._n fund_z non_fw-la intelligendi_fw-la vivacitas_fw-la sed_fw-la credendi_fw-la simplicitas_fw-la tutissimam_fw-la facit_fw-la for_o as_o for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v the_o vulgar_a they_o be_v render_v absolute_o secure_a or_o out_o of_o danger_n of_o err_v not_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o understanding_n but_o by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o believe_v 34._o i_o know_v not_o certain_o what_o past_a at_o the_o conference_n about_o which_o he_o still_o keep_v such_o a_o do_v 25._o it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o leave_v it_o off_o and_o follow_v our_o point_n thing_n shall_v have_v be_v better_o manage_v to_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a light_n for_o want_v of_o which_o we_o be_v force_v to_o trust_v the_o dr_n himself_o though_o a_o party_n and_o accept_v what_o he_o represent_v in_o his_o second_o letter_n to_o mr_n g._n only_o i_o see_v it_o be_v confess_v on_o all_o hand_n that_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o it_o be_v that_o dr._n st._n shall_v manifest_v he_o have_v ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n for_o his_o faith_n and_o to_o that_o i_o will_v stick_v and_o level_v my_o discourse_n according_o the_o dr_n be_v at_o his_o old_a shuffle_n again_o of_o scripture_n letter_n be_v certain_a and_o contain_v all_o neither_o of_o which_o be_v to_o any_o purpose_n since_o neither_o of_o these_o reach_n his_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o determinate_a point_n i_o allege_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o point_n for_o which_o the_o conference_n be_v he_o ask_v how_o i_o know_v it_o by_o the_o very_a word_n that_o express_v it_o put_v down_o here_o and_o acknowledge_v by_o himself_o p._n 15._o but_o mr_n g._n know_v it_o not_o that_o be_v more_o than_o i_o know_v or_o the_o dr._n either_o it_o appear_v not_o what_o use_n he_o will_v have_v make_v of_o it_o after_o he_o have_v propose_v some_o question_n to_o gain_v light_n what_o the_o drs._n principle_n be_v for_o the_o dr._n himself_o confess_v mr_n t._n cut_v off_o his_o discourse_n by_o declare_v himself_o satisfy_v 22._o and_o ask_v question_n of_o his_o own_o but_o mr._n g._n lose_v the_o point_n by_o ask_v question_n about_o the_o rule_n not_o so_o neither_o for_o he_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o common_a sense_n which_o tell_v he_o the_o word_n rule_n be_v a_o relative_n word_n and_o so_o be_v to_o regulate_v we_o about_o the_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n which_o it_o relate_v to_o and_o that_o unless_o it_o do_v this_o it_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o be_v mere_o ordain_v for_o that_o end_n which_o dr._n st._n either_o know_v not_o or_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o know_v lest_o he_o shall_v come_v to_o be_v engage_v to_o show_v how_o his_o pretend_a rule_n influence_n any_o one_o point_n with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o yet_o if_o it_o do_v not_o this_o it_o be_v no_o ground_n for_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o tenet_n or_o faith._n 26._o he_o say_v that_o by_o the_o scripture_n they_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v what_o not_o by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v shuffle_v away_o from_o show_v his_o rule_n to_o be_v a_o qualify_a principle_n which_o be_v to_o give_v his_o faith_n absolute_a certainty_n to_o the_o make_v it_o a_o quantitative_a measure_n show_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o or_o how_o much_o be_v of_o faith._n it_o seem_v quantity_n and_o quality_n be_v all_o one_o with_o he_o and_o he_o will_v be_v measure_v his_o faith_n before_o he_o know_v he_o have_v any_o as_o for_o his_o contain_v faith_n so_o often_o show_v to_o be_v a_o insignificant_a pretence_n let_v he_o know_v that_o between_o his_o have_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n contain_v all_o and_o the_o doctrinal_a point_n which_o be_v true_o his_o faith_n there_o intervene_v a_o quality_n in_o the_o rule_n call_v clearness_n or_o plainness_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v able_a to_o secure_v the_o relier_n on_o it_o that_o what_o they_o receive_v upon_o that_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o error_n or_o a_o heresy_n which_o be_v against_o faith._n it_o be_v this_o he_o be_v to_o make_v out_o and_o prove_v that_o this_o clearness_n be_v find_v in_o his_o rule_n apply_v to_o all_o sincere_a seeker_n after_o faith_n and_o till_o he_o do_v this_o it_o be_v a_o frenzy_n to_o maintain_v those_o man_n can_v have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n by_o mean_n of_o scripture_n letter_n yet_o hold_v he_o close_o to_o this_o plain_a point_n and_o he_o will_v complain_v he_o be_v trammel_v he_o shall_v say_v gravel_a but_o he_o say_v he_o must_v not_o come_v near_o any_o one_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n because_o be_v to_o show_v he_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n etc._n etc._n the_o word_n all_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o assign_v a_o rule_n in_o which_o all_o be_v contain_v now_o i_o very_o think_v that_o all_o signify_v every_o one_o but_o his_o discourse_n make_v it_o signify_v no_o one_o again_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v he_o hold_v the_o same_o doctrine_n as_o he_o in_o his_o answer_n pretend_v he_o do_v without_o particularise_v the_o point_n hold_v by_o this_o discourse_n the_o arian_n and_o most_o of_o the_o heretic_n since_o christ_n time_n hold_v the_o same_o doctrine_n he_o teach_v for_o they_o all_o hold_v the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o that_o it_o contain_v their_o faith_n yet_o tell_v he_o this_o a_o hundred_o time_n over_o and_o demand_v how_o this_o be_v a_o particular_a rule_n for_o his_o protestant_n which_o be_v a_o common_a
irregular_o he_o hinder_v any_o conclusion_n from_o follow_v false_a because_o no_o two_o man_n can_v differ_v in_o a_o sum_n unless_o they_o wrong_v or_o abuse_v the_o rule_n of_o computation_n irregular_a because_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n who_o take_v that_o way_n find_v in_o his_o second_o proposition_n and_o in_o our_o discourse_n he_o cog_v in_o the_o word_n make_v use_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o sense_n as_o the_o word_n take_v be_v which_o import_v follow_v whither_o it_o lead_v or_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o palpable_o absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n take_v a_o way_n who_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o ill-reckone_a must_v needs_o leave_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o arithmetic_n but_o those_o who_o both_o take_v and_o follow_v all_o along_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o their_o private_a self_n and_o this_o to_o their_o power_n and_o be_v skilful_a in_o language_n &_o in_o compare_v place_n do_v yet_o go_v wrong_n therefore_o his_o way_n be_v no_o way_n and_o his_o rule_n be_v no_o rule_n then_o follow_v the_o triumph_n over_o my_o inconsiderateness_n in_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n and_o its_o application_n and_o i_o tell_v he_o the_o take_v it_o follow_v it_o or_o hold_v to_o it_o be_v the_o apply_v it_o and_o all_o the_o application_n it_o can_v need_v nor_o shall_v all_o his_o start_a hole_n and_o trick_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n 40._o 43._o his_o discourse_n of_o moral_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a question_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la lead_v to_o faith_n without_o humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n prayer_n to_o god_n sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v god_n will_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o good_a argument_n he_o have_v leave_v off_o dispute_v and_o fall_v to_o preach_v though_o he_o have_v have_v but_o ill_a success_n in_o his_o guildhall_n sermon_n it_o be_v grant_v all_o these_o be_v excellent_a mean_n to_o purge_v the_o will_n from_o by-affection_n and_o by_o do_v so_o to_o leave_v the_o understanding_n free_a to_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v prove_v or_o show_v to_o our_o reason_n but_o where_o be_v this_o proof_n where_o be_v this_o truth_n all_o the_o while_n must_v we_o produce_v such_o invisible_a thing_n for_o open_a proof_n if_o all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n be_v requisite_a as_o he_o say_v to_o make_v man_n certain_a of_o christ_n doctrine_n he_o must_v prove_v that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o private-spirited_n church_n have_v all_o these_o qualification_n ere_o we_o or_o any_o man_n live_v can_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v true_a faith._n again_o how_o will_v he_o satisfy_v doubter_n and_o convince_v acute_a opposer_n and_o adversary_n what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n will_v the_o allege_v invisible_a qualification_n do_v the_o work_n moreover_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o rule_n and_o yet_o his_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ascertain_v none_o by_o his_o doctrine_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o moral_a qualification_n these_o than_o be_v either_o his_o rule_n or_o the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o maintain_v here_o they_o be_v requisite_a and_o that_o otherwise_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n he_o must_v then_o prove_v he_o have_v these_o qualification_n or_o he_o can_v show_v he_o have_v any_o rule_n or_o any_o faith._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v dispute_v as_o controvertist_n and_o demand_v open_a &_o intelligible_a proof_n and_o he_o send_v we_o to_o invisible_a hole_n which_o only_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o and_o be_v not_o this_o mighty_a learned_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o convert_v any_o man_n to_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n by_o these_o principle_n all_o he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o allege_v and_o compare_v text_n to_o prove_v it_o certain_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o but_o sir_n say_v the_o other_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v satisfy_v you_o have_v humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o yourself_o confess_v you_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o what_o be_v the_o doctor_n have_v to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o hard_a point_n i_o know_v not_o but_o set_v the_o doctor_n be_v faith_n aside_o what_o provision_n have_v he_o make_v for_o the_o stand_a visible_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v she_o have_v christ_n true_a faith_n none_o in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o principle_n unless_o she_o can_v prove_v she_o have_v all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n so_o that_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o each_o private_a man_n breast_n and_o if_o he_o have_v but_o this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o fancy_n that_o he_o pray_v better_a than_o all_o his_o neighbour_n let_v they_o be_v socinian_o quaker_n or_o what_o you_o will_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o self-conceit_n that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o saint_n since_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n without_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v thus_o requisit_o qualify_v he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o faith._n may_v he_o not_o as_o well_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o one_o word_n that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o friend_n be_v pure_a saint_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v these_o rare_a qualification_n and_o by_o they_o assurance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o think_v as_o they_o do_v want_v those_o qualification_n be_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o so_o can_v never_o have_v any_o light_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n or_o not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o rare_a resolution_n of_o dr._n st_n faith._n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v produce_v clear_a argument_n as_o become_v a_o controvertist_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o most_o hide_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n 14._o 44._o yet_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o oblige_v he_o to_o confess_v that_o the_o right_a way_n will_v certain_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o journey_n end_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o subsume_v but_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n do_v not_o bring_v the_o socinian_o to_o their_o end_n that_o be_v to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v though_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n teach_v to_o escape_v this_o most_o evident_a conclusion_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a cause_n he_o start_v aside_o with_o one_o if_o to_o the_o remote_a end_n salvation_n whereas_o the_o end_v i_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o discourse_n which_o he_o be_v now_o answer_v be_v express_o to_o know_v assure_o christ_n doctrine_n then_o after_o a_o second_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v as_o a_o infallible_a way_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n on_o falsehood_n of_o particular_a opinion_n by_o 20.21_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o opinion_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o instanced_a express_o in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o with_o he_o but_o opinion_n indeed_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o opinion_n with_o he_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o opinion_n viz._n heretical_a falsehood_n unless_o he_o think_v himself_o absolute_o certain_a of_o his_o moral_a qualification_n for_o it_o be_v those_o it_o seem_v must_v do_v the_o deed_n when_o all_o argument_n fail_v as_o for_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o answer_v my_o argument_n in_o the_o word_n i_o put_v it_o and_o not_o to_o start_v into_o such_o evasion_n and_o logomachy_n though_o the_o allow_v of_o natural_a infallibility_n have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o by_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o even_o of_o his_o own_o church_n he_o never_o answer_v it_o but_o bare_o say_v over_o again_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o
but_o that_o be_v all_o for_o he_o allow_v none_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o of_o the_o letter_n he_o proceed_v after_o a_o strange_a rate_n and_o talk_v of_o opinion_n doubtful_a and_o obscure_a place_n but_o avoid_v still_o to_o come_v up_o to_o those_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n particular_o those_o of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n in_o which_o he_o know_v i_o instanced_a then_o he_o blame_v my_o logic_n for_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o help_n to_o understand_v it_o 55._o and_o my_o logic_n remember_v its_o respect_n to_o his_o no_o logic_n and_o send_v he_o back_o word_n that_o since_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o immediate_a light_n or_o mean_n to_o know_v that_o thing_n as_o his_o friend_n dr._n t._n have_v tell_v he_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 40._o and_o be_v purposely_o frame_v to_o give_v we_o that_o knowledge_n nay_o essential_o ordain_v to_o that_o end_n it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v it_o need_v another_o thing_n to_o lend_v it_o clearness_n in_o order_n to_o give_v we_o christ_n sense_n for_o then_o this_o other_o thing_n will_v be_v clear_a than_o it_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a effect_n and_o so_o this_o not_o the_o other_o will_v be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith._n yet_o he_o will_v needs_o prove_v this_o contradiction_n true_a and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o rule_n and_o yet_o not_o have_v power_n to_o regulate_v without_o the_o help_n of_o another_o and_o by_o what_o argument_n will_v he_o prove_v it_o oh_o he_o can_v prove_v thing_n by_o better_a mean_n than_o argument_n he_o have_v a_o instance_n still_o at_o hand_n either_o when_o he_o be_v press_v too_o close_o with_o another_o argument_n or_o want_n one_o of_o his_o own_o these_o instance_n be_v good_a serviceable_a drudge_n and_o be_v ever_o ready_a to_o do_v all_o his_o job_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v his_o instance_n bring_v to_o prove_v a_o contradiction_n must_v itself_o be_v of_o the_o same_o chimericall_a family_n let_v we_o see_v it_o be_v this_o that_o a_o nurse_n teach_v child_n to_o spell_n and_o read_v the_o new_a testament_n 55.56_o &_o so_o by_o degree_n to_o understand_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o yet_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o person_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o this_o help_n of_o the_o nurse_n teach_v but_o into_o the_o new_a testament_n itself_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith._n i_o must_v confess_v i_o extreme_o admire_v at_o this_o drs_n confidence_n and_o no_o less_o at_o his_o imprudence_n that_o he_o do_v not_o rather_o not_o write_v at_o all_o then_o perpetual_o put_v such_o sham_n as_o these_o upon_o his_o reader_n be_v we_o speak_v of_o all_o remote_a help_n whatsoever_o or_o be_v we_o speak_v only_o of_o a_o help_n for_o the_o rule_n to_o do_v its_o proper_a effect_n which_o be_v to_o give_v we_o christ_n sense_n or_o our_o faith_n god_n and_o nature_n have_v help_v we_o with_o a_o rational_a be_v eye_n and_o brain_n conversation_n or_o master_n have_v help_v we_o with_o skill_n in_o the_o language_n in_o which_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v and_o tradition_n have_v help_v we_o with_o the_o right_a book_n and_o copy_n of_o scripture_n do_v any_o of_o these_o concern_v our_o present_a enquiry_n be_v not_o these_o all_o presupposed_a to_o his_o rule_n the_o only_a question_n be_v what_o help_n be_v necessary_a to_o give_v his_o rule_n the_o rest_n be_v all_o presupposed_a the_o power_n to_o regulate_v we_o in_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o book_n or_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o those_o spiritual_a and_o most_o important_a article_n to_o do_v this_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o his_o rule_n and_o a_o thing_n not_o be_v what_o it_o shall_v be_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v unless_o it_o have_v a_o power_n in_o its_o self_n to_o do_v its_o proper_a effect_n since_o it_o be_v essence_n be_v ordain_v for_o it_o hence_o i_o affirm_v it_o must_v need_v no_o help_n to_o do_v this_o but_o must_v have_v it_o of_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o scripture_n letter_n have_v not_o of_o itself_o clearness_n enough_o to_o give_v those_o who_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n the_o requisite_a certainty_n or_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v its_o true_a sense_n in_o those_o dogmatic_a point_n it_o be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith._n this_o be_v the_o only_a point_n and_o therefore_o must_v only_o be_v omit_v what_o be_v this_o to_o a_o nurse_n teach_v to_o read_v or_o what_o be_v her_o teach_v to_o the_o immediate_a and_o certain_a light_n to_o know_v christ_n sense_n in_o those_o main_a article_n his_o friend_n dr._n t._n go_v by_o chance_n a_o little_a more_o consonant_o and_o confess_v the_o substance_n of_o this_o discourse_n of_o i_o by_o allow_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v sufficient_o plain_a even_o in_o those_o high_a point_n i_o mention_v rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 86.87_o but_o it_o seem_v that_o upon_o second_o thought_n fear_v to_o be_v pinch_v hard_o upon_o that_o point_n they_o have_v since_o that_o time_n change_v their_o measure_n 50._o put_v case_n then_o one_o of_o dr._n st_n flock_n shall_v say_v to_o he_o doctor_n this_o very_a rule_n you_o bid_v i_o follow_v 37._o to_o my_o best_a judgement_n tell_v i_o you_o have_v err_v in_o hold_v the_o true_a godhead_n of_o christ_n nay_o suppose_v he_o shall_v say_v the_o same_o to_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n what_o can_v he_o or_o that_o church_n either_o say_v to_o such_o a_o man_n according_a to_o his_o principle_n they_o can_v only_o propose_v and_o direct_v and_o that_o be_v the_o utmost_a they_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o he_o like_v not_o their_o proposal_n &_o direction_n they_o ought_v to_o let_v he_o alone_o nay_o commend_v he_o for_o stick_v so_o close_o to_o his_o rule_n as_o he_o understand_v it_o without_o fear_v the_o face_n of_o man._n for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a injustice_n and_o tyranny_n in_o the_o world_n to_o punish_v a_o man_n temporal_o or_o which_o be_v worse_o by_o ecclesiastical_a censure_n for_o follow_v sincere_o this_o rule_n of_o faith._n beside_o who_o can_v tell_v but_o this_o man_n be_v better_a stock_v with_o dr._n st_n moral_a qualification_n and_o inward_a light_n than_o his_o judge_n and_o pastor_n be_v and_o then_o to_o vex_v such_o a_o saint_n be_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o scab_a sheep_n must_v be_v let_v alone_o to_o run_v astray_o or_o infect_v the_o flock_n let_v the_o church_n &_o her_o government_n go_v where_o they_o will._n now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o these_o principle_n must_v shatter_v the_o church_n in_o piece_n fill_v she_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o bedlam_n sect_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v church-government_n but_o what_o will_v i._o s._n do_v with_o such_o a_o man_n why_o first_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o that_o luciferian_a spirit_n of_o pride_n ibid._n which_o such_o wicked_a principle_n have_v taint_v he_o with_o and_o win_v he_o to_o a_o rational_a humility_n by_o represent_v how_o all_o mankind_n in_o their_o several_a affair_n seek_v out_o one_o more_o skilled_a than_o themselves_o and_o use_v their_o best_a reason_n in_o pitch_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o trust_v he_o in_o thing_n themselves_o be_v ignorant_a in_o i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n the_o command_v of_o god_n and_o his_o know_a duty_n do_v all_o oblige_v he_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n in_o such_o matter_n rather_o than_o his_o own_o private_a interpretation_n i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o show_v he_o that_o the_o preservation_n of_o these_o necessary_a order_n engage_v god_n providence_n to_o assist_v his_o church_n and_o keep_v she_o from_o err_v in_o faith_n rather_o than_o private_a men._n i_o will_v show_v he_o that_o since_o the_o only_a thing_n he_o doubt_v of_o be_v to_o know_v what_o christ_n teach_v &_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v some_o way_n to_o make_v we_o sure_o of_o his_o true_a doctrine_n he_o must_v first_o find_v out_o such_o a_o way_n that_o if_o man_n follow_v it_o will_v secure_v they_o from_o error_n in_o that_o particular_a nor_o will_v it_o be_v hard_a to_o demonstrate_v to_o he_o that_o 21._o tradition_n be_v such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o that_o way_n i_o will_v show_v he_o how_o impossible_a it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v have_v unanimous_o desert_v that_o way_n and_o among_o other_o thing_n i_o will_v inform_v he_o how_o weak_o dr_n st._n have_v defend_v his_o own_o rule_n and_o impugned_a we_o and_o last_o how_o he_o and_o other_o who_o follow_v another_o way_n have_v be_v force_v to_o grant_v
to_o direct_v passenger_n in_o their_o way_n and_o leave_v man_n much_o at_o like_a liberty_n to_o regard_n either_o more_o be_v just_o and_o prudent_o require_v viz._n a_o power_n to_o make_v her_o declaration_n law_n and_o this_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n ibid._n &_o not_o only_o in_o thing_n belong_v to_o order_n and_o decency_n otherwise_o the_o late_a without_o the_o former_a make_v as_o he_o argue_v very_o well_o some_o kind_n of_o fence_n about_o the_o church_n against_o schismatic_n but_o lay_v her_o open_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o heretic_n 57_o this_o just_a censure_n of_o i_o upon_o the_o drs._n principle_n be_v such_o a_o choak-pear_n to_o he_o that_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n he_o keck_v at_o it_o so_o vehement_o the_o great_a credit_n he_o have_v get_v whether_o for_o defend_v christian_a faith_n or_o no_o the_o reader_n be_v to_o judge_v make_v he_o scorn_n to_o bring_v it_o up_o again_o and_o retract_v it_o but_o he_o use_v all_o the_o art_n imaginable_a to_o palliate_v and_o excuse_v it_o and_o those_o such_o wretched_a one_o that_o it_o be_v a_o shame_n to_o mention_v they_o and_o certain_o never_o be_v so_o heavy_a a_o charge_n so_o miserable_o refute_v he_o say_v confident_o this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o be_v own_a by_o all_o man_n of_o understanding_n in_o both_o church_n whereas_o 70._o if_o he_o can_v show_v i_o any_o one_o catholic_n who_o maintain_v that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o faith_n at_o all_o or_o ground_n such_o a_o firm_a &_o sacred_a assent_n upon_o his_o own_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n without_o the_o church_n help_v in_o those_o most_o sublime_a and_o necessary_a article_n which_o have_v be_v dubious_a and_o contest_v between_o the_o church_n and_o any_o heretic_n of_o which_o only_o we_o speak_v he_o will_v do_v more_o than_o miracle_n but_o i_o be_o mighty_o mistake_v he_o will_v name_v one_o and_o who_o shall_v that_o be_v but_o i._o s._n himself_o what_o a_o boldness_n be_v this_o to_o make_v i_o his_o patron_n to_o defend_v he_o in_o that_o very_a position_n which_o i_o be_o in_o this_o very_a place_n impugn_v well_o but_o what_o say_v i._n s._n why_o he_o say_v that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n and_o of_o the_o best_a way_n to_o his_o salvation_n and_o of_o all_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o and_o especial_o of_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o this_o without_o the_o church_n help_v now_o i._n s._n say_v indeed_o that_o a_o man_n come_v to_o faith_n do_v by_o his_o reason_n find_v out_o the_o true_a rule_n and_o true_a church_n that_o thus_o he_o judge_n for_o his_o own_o salvation_n by_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v out_o a_o rule_n ground_n or_o way_n to_o right_a faith_n which_o be_v to_o bring_v he_o to_o salvation_n that_o by_o his_o rule_n thus_o find_v out_o he_o judge_n of_o all_o our_o controversy_n in_o judge_v that_o to_o be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n which_o that_o rule_n recommend_v as_o such_o but_o be_v this_o to_o judge_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o church_n help_v when_o that_o very_a rule_n by_o which_o he_o judge_n of_o they_o be_v avow_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o church_n testimony_n above_o all_o do_v he_o not_o all_o along_o declare_v his_o abhorrence_n of_o find_v out_o faith_n in_o scripture_n letter_n by_o private_a judgement_n which_o be_v the_o drs_n position_n and_o must_v i._o s._n still_o be_v of_o the_o drs_n sentiment_n though_o he_o in_o all_o occasion_n contradict_v it_o dispute_v against_o it_o and_o baffle_v it_o what_o will_v not_o this_o nonplus_v man_n say_v when_o he_o be_v put_v to_o his_o shift_n any_o common_a word_n though_o when_o apply_v to_o particular_n they_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o he_o must_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v for_o he_o in_o despite_n of_o a_o long_a and_o constant_a tenor_n of_o all_o circumstance_n and_o whole_a discourse_n to_o the_o contrary_a whoever_o peruse_v my_o three_o catholic_n letter_n from_o p._n 99_o to_o the_o end_n will_v see_v that_o my_o way_n of_o judge_v for_o our_o salvation_n be_v as_o opposite_a to_o he_o as_o one_o pole_n be_v to_o another_o and_o he_o have_v the_o incredible_a confidence_n to_o make_v they_o the_o same_o at_o length_n he_o hope_v to_o come_v off_o by_o allege_v that_o he_o speak_v it_o only_o by_o way_n of_o supposition_n that_o if_o one_o may_v without_o the_o church_n help_v find_v out_o the_o church_n authority_n in_o scripture_n 71._o then_o why_o not_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v this_o all_o he_o say_v indeed_o he_o crafty_o introduce_v his_o position_n conditional_o but_o do_v he_o not_o after_o the_o word_n 21._o then_o every_o such_o person_n viz._n any_o sober_a enquirer_n may_v without_o the_o church_n help_n find_v out_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n espouse_v the_o position_n itself_o which_o have_v be_v thus_o introduce_v and_o this_o most_o peremptory_o by_o immediate_o subjoyn_v these_o word_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v ashamed_a of_o that_o i_o think_v it_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o vnanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n for_o many_o age_n and_o will_v he_o now_o tell_v we_o after_o all_o this_o positive_a assert_v it_o that_o it_o only_o proceed_v upon_o a_o supposition_n a_o why_o not_o &_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n he_o object_n i_o answer_v it_o not_o why_o be_v it_o a_o argument_n or_o must_v i_o stand_v answer_v every_o voluntary_a say_n of_o his_o which_o be_v infinite_a every_o supposition_n and_o every_o why_o not_o if_o i_o must_v needs_o speak_v to_o it_o the_o imparity_n of_o reason_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o church_n be_v constitute_v by_o god_n to_o intru_v the_o faithful_a in_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o fit_v scripture_n shall_v be_v clear_a in_o those_o text_n that_o concern_v the_o church_n govern_v they_o in_o faith_n and_o their_o obligation_n to_o hear_v she_o than_o in_o the_o particular_a point_n which_o they_o be_v to_o be_v assure_v of_o by_o she_o teach_v beside_o the_o former_a point_n viz._n the_o follow_v the_o church_n instruction_n and_o be_v govern_v by_o she_o in_o their_o faith_n be_v a_o kind_n of_o moral_a point_n whereas_o the_o other_o point_n be_v many_o of_o they_o sublime_a mystery_n and_o therefore_o not_o so_o easy_o intelligible_a without_o a_o master_n and_o st._n austin_n have_v beforehand_o confute_v his_o pretend_a parity_n of_o reason_n by_o tell_v he_o that_o 33._o proinde_fw-la quamvis_fw-la huius_fw-la rei_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherefore_o though_o no_o example_n of_o this_o thing_n be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n yet_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o even_o in_o this_o matter_n when_o we_o do_v what_o seem_v good_a to_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o scripture_n commend_v and_o because_o the_o holy_a scripture_n can_v deceive_v we_o whoever_o fear_v to_o be_v deceive_v by_o the_o obscurity_n of_o this_o question_n let_v he_o consult_v the_o same_o church_n concern_v it_o which_o church_n the_o holy_a scripture_n demonstrate_v without_o any_o ambiguity_n where_o he_o clear_o intimate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consult_v in_o dubious_a point_n and_o all_o controvert_v point_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v have_v be_v call_v into_o doubt_n which_o make_v its_o help_n very_o needful_a and_o which_o i_o chief_o insist_v on_o that_o its_o authority_n be_v clearly_n and_o without_o any_o ambiguity_n demonstrate_v in_o scripture_n whereas_o yet_o in_o his_o second_o book_n de_fw-fr doctrinâ_fw-la christianâ_fw-la he_o acknowledge_v the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n in_o divers_a place_n obscurè_fw-la quaedam_fw-la dicta_fw-la densissimam_fw-la caliginem_fw-la obducunt_fw-la some_o thing_n speak_v obscure_o involve_v we_o in_o thick_a darkness_n and_o if_o any_o be_v obscure_a then_o sure_o those_o necessary_a and_o high_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o deep_a sense_n must_v be_v such_o when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v scan_v by_o eye_n as_o yet_o unenlighten_v with_o faith_n as_o the_o same_o father_n cite_v in_o my_o four_o catholic_n letter_n have_v also_o tell_v he_o 31.32_o 58._o after_o this_o he_o sum_v up_o his_o performance_n and_o tell_v we_o in_o short_a how_o he_o have_v err_v at_o large_a 73.74_o next_o he_o give_v we_o a_o lame_a excuse_n for_o his_o indirect_a answer_n to_o the_o four_o question_n propose_v at_o the_o conference_n and_o in_o effect_n only_o commit_v over_o again_o the_o same_o fault_n he_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o little_a more_o formal_o as_o his_o fashion_n be_v and_o
then_o call_v it_o a_o easy_a answer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n at_o all_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a one_o for_o any_o man_n may_v with_o ease_n answer_v a_o thousand_o objection_n in_o a_o trice_n at_o that_o rate_n nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o omit_v all_o that_o be_v object_v but_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o whoever_o read_v my_o three_o catholic_n letter_n p._n 37.38.39.40_o where_o four_o several_a prevarication_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o in_o give_v one_o single_a answer_n to_o mr._n g_n question_n will_v judge_v it_o so_o far_o from_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o answer_v even_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o plausibility_n but_o with_o this_o sleightness_n he_o slip_v over_o most_o of_o my_o objection_n in_o my_o letter_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n with_o confident_a talk_n or_o a_o scornful_a jest._n but_o because_o his_o main_a shuffle_n be_v his_o alter_v those_o word_n of_o the_o question_n all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n into_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v his_o constant_a evasion_n we_o will_v examine_v it_o more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o conference_n to_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a question_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v viz._n his_o show_a ground_n of_o asbolute_a certainty_n for_o his_o faith._n 1._o i_o ask_v with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o his_o jest_n do_v he_o think_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v any_o unnecessary_a point_n if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o use_v such_o cautious_a diminish_v expression_n and_o instead_o of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n put_v all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 2._o christian_n be_v wrought_v up_o to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o by_o motive_n and_o some_o may_v need_v more_o than_o other_o nay_o the_o variety_n of_o people_n temper_n and_o circumstance_n be_v so_o infinite_a that_o scarce_o two_o person_n will_v precise_o need_v the_o same_o he_o be_v to_o acquaint_v we_o then_o how_o he_o know_v or_o how_o he_o can_v make_v out_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v his_o own_o quota_fw-la of_o motive_n adjust_v and_o serve_v for_o his_o particular_a exigency_n 3._o be_v he_o sure_a they_o can_v err_v as_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n if_o provide_v they_o do_v their_o best_a they_o can_v than_o every_o man_n be_v so_o far_o infallible_a which_o the_o doctor_n have_v deny_v hitherto_o to_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o himself_o if_o they_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o doubtless_o many_o will_v err_v and_o how_o can_v error_n save_o they_o 4._o though_o all_o can_v err_v in_o all_o moral_a point_n yet_o can_v he_o show_v we_o any_o thing_n secure_v they_o from_o err_v in_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n hold_v by_o the_o church_n and_o renounce_v by_o her_o heretical_a dissenter_n ever_o since_o christ_n time_n if_o he_o can_v and_o he_o decline_v show_v we_o they_o can_v nay_o he_o by_o his_o doctrine_n confess_v they_o may_v than_o they_o may_v be_v save_v though_o hold_v all_o the_o heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o which_o case_n i_o doubt_v he_o will_v scarce_o find_v they_o competent_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n again_o how_o know_v he_o but_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o gross_a error_n may_v not_o as_o much_o deprave_v their_o soul_n as_o their_o understanding_n plain_a place_n will_v edify_v they_o especial_o if_o the_o church_n interpose_v and_o excommunicate_v they_o for_o heretic_n for_o his_o ground_n forbid_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o those_o high_a point_n but_o leave_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o their_o scan_n and_o his_o approve_a friend_n dr._n t._n say_v they_o be_v 86.7_o plain_a and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o profound_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n 5._o he_o must_v tell_v we_o how_o must_v church-disciplin_n be_v exercise_v upon_o such_o a_o miscellany_n of_o heterogeneous_a member_n of_o which_o many_o obstinate_o deny_v what_o other_o pertinacious_o affirm_v 6._o be_v the_o hold_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n die_v to_o save_v and_o redeem_v mankind_n a_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v only_o a_o man_n to_o who_o they_o owe_v that_o high_a obligation_n to_o love_v he_o let_v he_o speak_v to_o this_o at_o least_o for_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v but_o his_o airy_a wordish_a divinity_n make_v he_o look_v upon_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a trinity_n as_o on_o a_o kind_n of_o dry_a speculation_n though_o be_v it_o seasonable_a to_o dilate_v on_o that_o article_n i_o can_v show_v he_o that_o beside_o its_o exceed_a usefulness_n to_o the_o sublime_a contemplative_n the_o most_o sacred_a and_o most_o influential_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a language_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o its_o verity_n last_o who_o tell_v he_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n and_o look_v after_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n shall_v by_o read_v scripture_n come_v to_o all-saving_a faith_n have_v he_o it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o will_v he_o recur_v to_o divine_a assistance_n to_o keep_v particular_a person_n from_o error_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o to_o the_o church_n if_o so_o how_o prove_v he_o this_o at_o least_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v speak_v out_o fair_o and_o candid_o to_o these_o point_n and_o make_v something_o cohere_v for_o i_o profess_v with_o all_o sincerity_n i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n make_v any_o idea_n or_o sense_n of_o this_o motly_n church_n which_o his_o principle_n will_v patch_v up_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o hang_v more_o loose_o together_o than_o if_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o one_o another_o with_o point_n nay_o they_o agree_v worse_o than_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o all_o the_o several_a contrariety_n in_o in_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v distance_v by_o direct_a contradiction_n of_o one_o to_o the_o other_o whence_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o coalition_n there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a mean_n leave_v to_o refract_v the_o irreconcileably-opposit_a quality_n of_o his_o affirmative_a and_o negative_a faithful_a or_o reduce_v so_o many_o independent_a private-spirited_n member_n into_o one_o compound_v he_o be_v to_o show_v we_o then_o how_o the_o part_n of_o this_o rope_n of_o sand_n as_o it_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v call_v must_v hang_v together_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v invisible_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o elect_n and_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o the_o term_n cohere_v in_o the_o invisible_a proof_n he_o allege_v to_o show_v we_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n have_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n 59_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v with_o this_o purse_n of_o he_o ●5_n he_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o pretty_a similitude_n that_o he_o put_v it_o here_o over_o again_o at_o large_a and_o spend_v incomparable_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o defend_v it_o than_o he_o do_v in_o make_v out_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n though_o he_o both_o stand_v engage_v to_o do_v it_o and_o any_o good_a christian_a too_o will_v think_v it_o be_v far_o more_o worth_a his_o while_n have_v he_o do_v this_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v be_v more_o fair_o compound_v and_o his_o purse_n have_v remain_v unransack_v however_o he_o think_v it_o suit_n well_o with_o the_o conceit_n he_o have_v of_o scripture_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o suit_n not_o at_o all_o with_o our_o purpose_n his_o show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith._n hence_o i_o 48._o tell_v he_o that_o scripture_n contain_v faith_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o conference_n that_o the_o only_a business_n be_v how_o to_o get_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n of_o faith_n out_o thence_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o how_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o aim_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o by_o it_o that_o instead_o of_o extract_v the_o pure_a gold_n of_o truth_n by_o understanding_n right_o those_o high_a and_o most_o inestimable_a article_n the_o ransacker_n of_o it_o do_v not_o draw_v out_o thence_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n last_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v two_o purse_n one_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a into_o which_o the_o apostle_n put_v this_o heavenly_a treasure_n of_o faith_n by_o their_o preach_a the_o other_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n into_o which_o they_o put_v it_o by_o write_v and_o that_o faith_n be_v proper_o in_o the_o former_a only_o in_o regard_n truth_n be_v no_o where_o formal_o but_o in_o the_o
yet_o for_o all_o his_o flourish_n about_o criterion_n he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o those_o reason_n only_o he_o have_v make_v a_o sleight_n discourse_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 53.54_o but_o never_o show_v any_o particular_a mean_n secure_v his_o party_n from_o err_v more_o than_o the_o vile_a heretic_n use_v why_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v that_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o their_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n rely_v on_o 26.27.28.29_o which_o if_o true_a utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a pretence_n to_o that_o for_o his_o rule_n he_o blunder_v indeed_o about_o it_o in_o clear_a word_n and_o tell_v his_o own_o tale_n very_o pretty_o but_o he_o have_v not_o answer_v my_o reason_n as_o the_o reader_n may_v discern_v who_o be_v please_v to_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o reply_n last_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o each_o particular_a proposition_n of_o my_o short_a discourse_n 30.31_o or_o show_v it_o inconnect_v demonstrate_v that_o none_o who_o follow_v his_o rule_n can_v have_v assurance_n that_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o duty_n bring_v pretend_v false_a supposition_n against_o the_o whole_a which_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o judge_v the_o socinian_o insincere_a or_o careless_a or_o less_o skilful_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n than_o we_o have_v to_o think_v he_o be_v 86._o these_o be_v his_o omission_n in_o answer_v my_o first_o catholic_n letter_n as_o for_o my_o second_o since_o his_o title_n pretend_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o all_o in_o general_n and_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o another_o able_a to_o speak_v for_o himself_o mean_v his_o reflecter_n we_o be_v to_o imagine_v he_o make_v account_v he_o have_v answer_v they_o all_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o proxy_n but_o good_a god_n what_o a_o answer_n have_v that_o weak_a man_n give_v we_o his_o discourse_n be_v a_o chain_n of_o sand._n it_o be_v a_o mess_n of_o controversy_n dish_v up_o in_o sippet_n a_o mere_a hash_n of_o repartees_n or_o reason_n tear_v into_o rag_n a_o discourse_n as_o every_o man_n know_v have_v its_o true_a force_n by_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o it_o and_o this_o tenor_n be_v shatter_v all_o to_o piece_n by_o a_o new_a invent_a method_n of_o short_a dialogue_n where_o he_o make_v i_o at_o his_o pleasure_n say_v as_o little_a at_o a_o time_n as_o he_o list_v and_o he_o play_v upon_o it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v i_o must_v break-off_a just_a where_o he_o think_v fit_v and_o he_o enlarge_v against_o a_o imperfect_a discourse_n unassisted_a by_o its_o compart_n as_o long_o as_o he_o judge_n convenient_a now_o he_o be_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n and_o immediate_o at_o the_o middle_a or_o end_n of_o it_o gather_v thrums-end_n of_o little_a sentence_n which_o he_o patch_n together_o so_o aukward_o that_o they_o have_v no_o connexion_n at_o all_o but_o what_o his_o unskillful_a or_o partial_a hand_n bestow_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o expect_v reason_n from_o he_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o never_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o to_o reflect_v a_o very_a pretty_a come_v off_o p._n i_o wonder_v what_o answer_n be_v proper_a to_o a_o man_n who_o prove_v nothing_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o his_o method_n but_o the_o trick_n and_o shift_n in_o manage_v it_o be_v innumerable_a it_o be_v almost_o as_o easy_a to_o determine_v how_o many_o word_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o letter_n as_o to_o trace_v all_o the_o anagram_n he_o make_v of_o my_o sense_n by_o weave_v it_o in_o his_o loom_n to_o suit_v his_o own_o fancy_n or_o interest_n when_o our_o question_n be_v only_o about_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o alter_v it_o when_o he_o list_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n p._n 33._o as_o if_o we_o pretend_v scripture_n not_o clear_a in_o moral_a point_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o turn_v the_o whole_a question_n to_o a_o quite_o different_a subject_n his_o contradiction_n be_v frequent_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o dispute_n but_o he_o constant_o fall_v into_o that_o irrecoverable_a lapse_n as_o he_o turn_v the_o precise_a duty_n of_o prove_v into_o the_o needless_a impertinency_n of_o reflect_v so_o tell_v he_o of_o falsification_n he_o tell_v you_o p._n 52._o he_o mean_v they_o for_o ironies_n and_o indeed_o his_o whole_a reflexionary_n if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a irony_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v in_o jest_n when_o in_o earnest_a only_o he_o garnish_n his_o scorn_n with_o demure_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o civility_n that_o so_o he_o may_v affront_v his_o adversary_n with_o a_o more_o plausible_a garb_n of_o affect_a gravity_n and_o godliness_n 87._o as_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o one_o instance_n be_v hold_v by_o dr_n st._n and_o he_o a_o competent_a answer_n to_o a_o pretend_a demonstration_n i_o hope_v one_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o he_o quite_o miss_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o render_v insignificant_a his_o hopping_n and_o skip_a dialogue_n by_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o ill-levelled_a reflection_n hit_v not_o i_o but_o squint_a aside_o to_o other_o subject_n ere_o i_o come_v to_o my_o instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v in_o remembrance_n for_o i_o can_v repeat_v it_o too_o often_o because_o my_o adversary_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o our_o controversy_n suppose_n as_o agree_v to_o by_o both_o party_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o our_o whole_a question_n be_v about_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o those_o sublime_a spiritual_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o assent_v firm_o and_o unalterable_o that_o what_o we_o hold_v concern_v they_o now_o at_o present_a be_v the_o selfsame_a that_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o be_v divine_a and_o true._n next_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o be_v clear_a to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n look_v after_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n in_o those_o text_n which_o relate_v to_o such_o high_a point_n the_o best_a way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o man_n that_o those_o article_n come_v down_o invariable_o from_o christ_n be_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o last_o that_o the_o credibleness_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v prove_v by_o intrinsical_a medium_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n lie_v level_v to_o our_o reason_n which_o contribute_v to_o support_v it_o from_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o that_o affair_n viz._n from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n can_v possible_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o a_o reason_n and_o be_v withal_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o faculty_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o also_o from_o the_o practical_a nature_n &_o high_a import_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n oblige_v the_o generality_n to_o who_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o transmit_v down_o faithful_o a_o doctrine_n hold_v divine_a and_o last_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o the_o universe_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o my_o second_o cath._n letter_n p._n 57.58.59.60_o to_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o very_a sleight_n return_v with_o many_o omission_n have_v be_v give_v we_o by_o he_o and_o nothing_o at_o all_o by_o dr_n st._n though_o these_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v if_o he_o please_v to_o review_v they_o be_v the_o most_o forcible_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n to_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o on_o which_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o grand_a question_n main_o depend_v it_o be_v enough_o it_o seem_v for_o such_o a_o trifle_a reflecter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n to_o call_v the_o passage_n he_o have_v omit_v among_o which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n hedge_n and_o puddle_n and_o close_a reason_n draw_v from_o they_o frisk_v fancy_n and_o that_o be_v all_o can_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o one_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o swear_a scholar_n to_o the_o great_a professor_n of_o learned_a jest_n and_o ingenious_a prevarication_n 88_o these_o particular_n concern_v our_o tenet_n know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v read_v our_o controversy_n be_v reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o gentleman_n represent_v it_o and_o how_o profound_o he_o discourse_v against_o we_o in_o
into_o certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n 30.31_o why_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n to_o my_o discourse_n there_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n show_v that_o scripture_n contain_v faith_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o get_v out_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a mean_v or_o sense_n this_o only_o be_v our_o faith_n and_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a unless_o there_o be_v certainty_n that_o such_o and_o such_o article_n be_v contain_a there_o which_o point_n though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n yet_o he_o never_o set_v himself_o to_o solve_n our_o argument_n against_o it_o in_o his_o whole_a pretend_a answer_n but_o he_o run_v on_o still_o in_o the_o same_o error_n as_o if_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v to_o show_v his_o discourse_n insignificant_a and_o frivolous_a why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n prove_v that_o a_o rule_n or_o ground_n be_v none_o if_o it_o carry_v not_o thorough_a to_o the_o particular_a point_n especial_o to_o those_o which_o be_v most_o fundamental_a unless_o grant_v it_o in_o effect_n p._n 36._o and_o allow_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v call_v a_o answer_n 32._o why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o skew_a comment_n upon_o his_o own_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a tenet_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o write_v in_o mr._n g_n question_n or_o in_o his_o own_o answer_n either_o nor_o any_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o argument_n 32.33_o manifest_v that_o a_o resolution_n of_o faith_n speak_v connexion_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n lay_v home_o to_o he_o in_o a_o close_a discourse_n demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o 33.34_o why_o no_o account_n of_o his_o distinguish_n between_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o so_o he_o may_v misrepresent_v tradition_n and_o alter_v the_o question_n from_o a_o public_a to_o a_o private_a delivery_n why_o no_o reason_n give_v of_o his_o not_o resolve_v his_o faith_n into_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o only_o into_o their_o write_n i_o mean_v 34.35_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v resolve_v it_o into_o the_o former_a at_o least_o equal_o 35._o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v from_o his_o ill-laid_a principle_n that_o perfect_a contradictory_n point_n of_o faith_n and_o wicked_a heresy_n opposite_a to_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o certain_a why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o shuffle_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 36.37_o to_o the_o church_n make_v man_n fix_v by_o degree_n upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o it_o which_o be_v there_o show_v and_o indeed_o appear_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o quite_o disparate_a business_n why_o not_o the_o least_o excuse_v for_o his_o most_o abominable_a fourfold_a prevarication_n in_o answer_v to_o one_o single_a question_n expose_v there_o at_o large_a 37.38.39.40_o and_o why_o no_o defence_n or_o particular_a explication_n of_o his_o belove_a sufficient_a certainty_n nor_o any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o firm_a faith_n that_o any_o point_n be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n show_v that_o his_o feeble_a motive_n be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o particular_a purpose_n 42.43.44.45_o why_o to_o make_v his_o odd_a similitude_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o purse_n apposite_a do_v he_o not_o show_v we_o some_o certain_a way_n how_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n point_v of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v they_o may_v be_v get_v out_o of_o it_o without_o danger_n of_o extract_v thence_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n instead_o of_o true_a faith_n again_o to_o make_v it_o square_n why_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a the_o purse_n since_o as_o be_v show_v he_o faith_n be_v more_o proper_o contain_a there_o then_o in_o a_o book_n 45.46.47_o or_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o make_v use_n of_o a_o improper_a container_n of_o faith_n too_o why_o do_v not_o he_o put_v two_o purse_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o scripture_n and_o why_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n to_o my_o plain_a reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v both_o these_o 48.49_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n prove_v that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o ramble_v to_o transubstantiation_n p._n 84._o and_o that_o he_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o make_v his_o often-alledged_a distinction_n of_o necessary_a &_o unnecessary_a point_n bring_v to_o avoid_v the_o question_n perfect_o frivolous_a and_o why_o run_v he_o still_o on_o with_o the_o same_o distinction_n in_o this_o pretend_a answer_n without_o take_v off_o the_o exception_n against_o it_o by_o only_a cry_n alas_o for_o he_o when_o i_o ask_v he_o if_o christ_n teach_v any_o unnecessary_a article_n 49._o and_o by_o say_v they_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a p._n 33._o why_o nothing_o to_o justify_v that_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o be_v false_a and_o so_o no_o faith_n why_o no_o reply_n to_o my_o reason_n that_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretend_a ground_n he_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o even_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v right_o whereas_o if_o it_o be_v not_o he_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n but_o all_o be_v wrong_a that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o since_o in_o that_o case_n he_o may_v embrace_v a_o grand_a heresy_n for_o true_a faith_n 51.52.53_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o plain_a argument_n show_v how_o christ_n doctrine_n continue_v all_o along_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o correct_v the_o letter_n in_o text_n that_o contain_v faith_n why_o no_o reply_n to_o my_o many_o reason_n 53.54.55.56_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v our_o way_n of_o tradition_n and_o disallow_v his_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v why_o do_v he_o not_o confute_v my_o discourse_n 56._o manifest_v that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o the_o number_n of_o book_n or_o of_o each_o chapter_n verse_n 57_o and_o material_a word_n in_o each_o verse_n that_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o do_v which_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v certainty_n of_o the_o letter_n nor_o consequent_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o point_n 58.59_o why_o no_o reply_n to_o that_o important_a objection_n that_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o primitive_a church_n have_v for_o some_o time_n but_o half_a or_o three-quarters_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o less_o and_o so_o by_o his_o principle_n be_v but_o three-quarters_o or_o half_a christian_n according_a as_o the_o several_a piece_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v spread_v accept_v or_o universal_o acknowledge_v nay_o perhaps_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o as_o be_v there_o show_v and_o why_o do_v he_o instead_o of_o reply_v above_o turn_v it_o off_o to_o the_o single_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o to_o a_o insignificant_a if_o why_o when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o divers_a of_o his_o christian_a church_n doubt_v of_o divers_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o late_a brethren_n of_o his_o of_o some_o other_o do_v he_o again_o turn_v it_o off_o as_o to_o the_o former_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n make_v afterward_o 59_o and_o to_o the_o late_a say_v nothing_o 60._o why_o not_o a_o word_n to_o my_o clear_a proof_n that_o our_o tradition_n or_o testimony_n for_o doctrine_n be_v incomparable_o more_o large_a in_o its_o source_n which_o give_v it_o its_o chief_a force_n than_o his_o be_v for_o scripture_n letter_n why_o do_v he_o not_o clear_v himself_o of_o his_o prefer_v his_o sober_a enquirer_n before_o the_o church_n 61.62.23.64.65_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o be_v urge_v home_o against_o he_o nor_o justify_v his_o weak_a discourse_n in_o some_o sleigter_n passage_n lay_v open_a p._n 64.65_o why_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o most_o highly-concerning_a discourse_n and_o which_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o full_a force_n overthrow_v all_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o his_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o a_o rule_n or_o ground_n be_v relative_n word_n and_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v a_o absolute_a certain_a rule_n or_o ground_n unless_o its_o ascertain_a virtue_n affect_v the_o article_n know_v by_o it_o this_o point_n have_v be_v press_v upon_o he_o so_o vigorous_o 66.67.68.69.70.71_o
john_n biddle_n do_v against_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o parish_n and_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o england_n to_o boot_v it_o be_v plain_a you_o ought_v to_o cherish_v and_o commend_v he_o for_o stand_v firm_a to_o his_o rule_n but_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a you_o will_v be_v out_o of_o humour_n with_o he_o and_o esteem_v yourself_o affront_v you_o may_v pretend_v what_o you_o please_v of_o high_a expression_n give_v by_o antiquity_n of_o scripture_n incomparable_a excellency_n and_o sufficiency_n for_o the_o end_v it_o be_v intend_v for_o which_o we_o do_v not_o deny_v to_o it_o but_o i_o dare_v say_v even_o yourself_o do_v not_o think_v that_o either_o the_o ancient_a faithful_a or_o the_o modern_a reformer_n mean_v that_o any_o of_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la credens_fw-fr or_o believe_v church_n shall_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n against_o the_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la or_o teach_v church_n i._n e._n pastor_n or_o coin_n a_o faith_n out_o of_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o present_a or_o former_a congregation_n of_o which_o he_o be_v a_o member_n 26._o the_o sum_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a hence_o that_o tradition_n of_o your_o father_n and_o teacher_n and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n be_v indeed_o your_o rule_n that_o by_o it_o you_o interpret_v scripture_n which_o then_o only_o be_v call_v your_o rule_n and_o make_v use_v of_o as_o such_o when_o you_o be_v dispute_v against_o we_o because_o have_v thus_o set_v it_o up_o to_o avoid_v and_o counterbalance_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o former_a church_n you_o leave_v you_o make_v account_v your_o own_o private_a interpretation_n of_o it_o may_v come_v to_o be_v think_v argumentative_a against_o the_o great_a body_n of_o those_o church_n from_o who_o communion_n you_o depart_v and_o yet_o you_o judge_v no_o private_a parishioner_n shall_v claim_v the_o same_o privilege_n against_o you_o without_o affront_a your_o great_a learning_n and_o pastoral_a authority_n but_o i_o much_o wonder_v you_o shall_v still_o venture_v to_o call_v scripture_n letter_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v beat_v from_o that_o tenet_n so_o pitiful_o in_o error_n nonplus_v from_o pag._n 59_o to_o pag._n 72._o where_o i_o believe_v you_o may_v observe_v divers_a particular_n requisite_a to_o be_v clear_v ere_o the_o letter_n can_v be_v in_o all_o regard_v absolute_o certain_a which_o the_o consent_n of_o all_o christian_a church_n will_v never_o reach_v to_o by_o their_o mere_a authority_n unless_o you_o will_v allow_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n descend_v by_o tradition_n do_v preserve_v the_o copy_n substantial_o right_a and_o entire_a 27._o your_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n then_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o same_o that_o be_v challenge_v by_o all_o the_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n viz._n scripture_n letter_n interpret_v by_o yourselves_o i_o will_v let_v you_o see_v in_o this_o follow_a short_a discourse_n how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v absolute_o certain_a i._o god_n have_v leave_v we_o some_o way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v ii_o therefore_o this_o way_n must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o end_v it_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o be_v know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v iii_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o that_o way_n for_o we_o experience_v presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o for_o example_n both_o take_v that_o way_n yet_o differ_v in_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n iv._o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v or_o sure_o to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith._n v._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v sure_o at_o right_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o 28._o i_o do_v not_o expect_v any_o answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n as_o short_a as_o it_o be_v and_o as_o plain_a and_o as_o near_o as_o it_o touch_v your_o copyhold_n it_o may_v be_v serve_v as_o mr._n g_n argument_n be_v turn_v off_o so_o so_o with_o a_o instance_n if_o there_o be_v one_o at_o hand_n or_o with_o what_o always_o be_v at_o hand_n a_o irony_n or_o scornful_a jest_n your_o ready_a and_o in_o truth_n most_o useful_a servant_n but_o you_o must_v be_v excuse_v from_o find_v any_o proposition_n or_o inference_n to_o deny_v or_o any_o thing_n save_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o which_o though_o it_o will_v not_o be_v fair_o avoid_v i_o can_v hope_v shall_v be_v fair_o admit_v unless_o i_o can_v hope_v that_o man_n will_v be_v more_o in_o love_n with_o truth_n than_o their_o credit_n till_o truth_n be_v take_v a_o little_a more_o to_o heart_n catholic_a argument_n will_v and_o must_v always_o be_v faulty_a but_o they_o be_v the_o most_o unlucky_o and_o cross_o faulty_a of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n faulty_a still_o in_o the_o wrong_a place_n when_o fault_n be_v find_v in_o other_o argument_n it_o be_v always_o find_v in_o the_o premise_n in_o these_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o conclusion_n in_o which_o notwithstanding_o all_o who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o a_o conclusion_n know_v there_o can_v be_v no_o fault_n if_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o premise_n indeed_o they_o show_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o man_n can_v endure_v shall_v be_v true_a and_o that_o be_v their_o great_a and_o unpardonable_a fault_n that_o you_o may_v not_o think_v i_o talk_v in_o the_o air_n i_o declare_v open_o that_o you_o can_v answer_v this_o discourse_n unless_o you_o will_v call_v some_o unconcern_v return_v a_o answer_n and_o i_o engage_v myself_o to_o show_v the_o proposition_n true_a and_o the_o inference_n good_a which_o you_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o to_o deny_v and_o the_o distinction_n if_o you_o will_v make_v any_o not_o to_o purpose_n the_o truth_n be_v i_o engage_v for_o no_o great_a matter_n for_o i_o know_v beforehand_o you_o can_v no_o more_o answer_n now_o than_o you_o can_v to_o error_n nonplus_v or_o can_v prove_v a_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o protestant_a faith._n 29._o to_o return_v now_o to_o mr._n g._n the_o second_o thing_n which_o you_o desire_v he_o to_o make_v good_a be_v that_o the_o tradition_n from_o father_n to_o son_n be_v a_o infallible_a conveyance_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v charge_v by_o he_o with_o error_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n that_o be_v you_o desire_v he_o to_o prove_v over_o again_o what_o you_o tell_v we_o yourself_o he_o have_v prove_v once_o already_o for_o you_o tell_v we_o p._n 5._o he_o prove_v that_o they_o traditionary_a christian_n can_v not_o innovate_v in_o faith_n unless_o they_o do_v forget_v what_o they_o hold_v the_o day_n before_o or_o out_o of_o malice_n alter_v it_o pray_v when_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o the_o conveyance_n of_o faith_n by_o tradition_n exclude_v the_o possibility_n of_o change_n in_o faith_n save_v by_o forgetfulness_n or_o malice_n be_v it_o not_o prove_v that_o where_o there_o can_v be_v neither_o forgetfulness_n nor_o malice_n there_o can_v be_v no_o change_n in_o faith_n you_o do_v not_o i_o suppose_v desire_v he_o shall_v prove_v that_o man_n have_v always_o memory_n or_o that_o christian_n be_v never_o malicious_a enough_o to_o damn_v themselves_o and_o posterity_n witting_o and_o yet_o it_o can_v stick_v no_o where_o else_o if_o it_o can_v say_v mr._n g._n assign_v where_o now_o you_o know_v very_o well_o that_o a_o conveyance_n which_o make_v it_o impossible_a that_o faith_n shall_v ever_o be_v change_v be_v a_o infallible_a conveyance_n and_o the_o very_a thing_n be_v prove_v which_o you_o desire_v shall_v be_v prove_v what_o reason_n have_v mr._n g._n to_o prove_v it_o a_o second_o time_n and_o what_o reason_n have_v you_o to_o desire_v it_o if_o proof_n will_v content_v you_o you_o have_v it_o already_o but_o a_o second_o can_v hope_v to_o content_v you_o better_o than_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o be_v worse_o 30._o yes_o but_o you_o will_v have_v he_o prove_v notwithstanding_o the_o greek_a church_n etc._n etc._n p._n 7._o notwithstanding_o why_o do_v you_o think_v it_o be_v with_o argument_n as_o with_o writ_n where_o the_o want_n of_o a_o non_fw-la obstante_fw-la spoil_v all_o when_o a_o truth_n be_v once_o prove_v be_v it_o not_o prove_v notwithstanding_o all_o objection_n and_o will_v any_o notwithstanding_o unprove_v it_o again_o will_v your_o notwithstanding_o show_v we_o there_o be_v a_o time_n in_o which_o man_n be_v not_o man_n nor_o act_v like_o man_n will_v it_o show_v we_o that_o a_o thing_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v change_v may_v yet_o
it_o lead_v any_o more_o than_o the_o man_n who_o go_v down_o the_o strand_n of_o come_v to_o charing-cross_n and_o when_o man_n have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v with_o a_o way_n but_o to_o travel_v in_o it_o and_o so_o can_v be_v want_v to_o themselves_o in_o that_o respect_n if_o they_o do_v of_o the_o same_o batch_n be_v your_o misunderstanding_n and_o not_o keep_v the_o way_n as_o if_o they_o who_o interpret_v by_o their_o private_a judgement_n do_v not_o keep_v the_o way_n of_o interpret_n by_o private_a judgement_n and_o though_o their_o understanding_n be_v none_o of_o the_o best_a when_o they_o take_v that_o for_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o understand_v by_o yet_o that_o very_a misunderstanding_n be_v their_o understanding_n it_o to_o be_v the_o way_n and_o so_o they_o even_o in_o your_o opinion_n misunderstand_v not_o the_o way_n however_o they_o misunderstand_v by_o it_o in_o fine_a you_o amuse_v we_o with_o a_o company_n of_o word_n which_o have_v a_o sound_v but_o either_o no_o sense_n at_o all_o or_o none_o to_o purpose_n and_o it_o remain_v that_o because_o a_o way_n must_v bring_v every_o one_o that_o take_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o that_o way_n and_o private_a interpretation_n do_v not_o bring_v socinian_n to_o the_o sure_a knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o end_n that_o therefore_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o a_o way_n to_o know_v that_o doctrine_n sure_o 25._o and_o yet_o you_o can_v bear_v we_o in_o hand_n that_o this_o follow_v no_o more_o than_o it_o follow_v that_o because_o we_o see_v man_n misinterpret_v and_o break_v good_a law_n daily_o 16._o therefore_o those_o law_n be_v vnintelligible_a or_o can_v be_v keep_v and_o must_v be_v think_v insufficient_a to_o show_v they_o what_o the_o lawgiver_n expect_v from_o they_o what_o break_v and_o keep_v the_o law_n be_v bring_v in_o for_o you_o best_o know_v that_o bring_v they_o in_o our_o discourse_n be_v only_o about_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o at_o all_o about_o live_v up_o to_o it_o and_o so_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o those_o who_o know_v but_o will_v not_o keep_v the_o law_n as_o be_v the_o case_n of_o most_o malefactor_n but_o you_o end_v your_o discourse_n well_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v and_o very_o suitable_o to_o all_o the_o rest_n with_o a_o instance_n direct_o against_o yourself_o you_o see_v that_o law_n leave_v to_o private_a interpretation_n be_v by_o all_o mankind_n judge_v insufficient_a and_o public_a interpreter_n therefore_o set_v up_o every_o where_o and_o from_o the_o parity_n with_o they_o which_o be_v insufficient_a you_o conclude_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o insufficient_a any_o body_n but_o yourself_o will_v have_v make_v another_o use_n of_o this_o instance_n as_o god_n can_v write_v much_o plain_a than_o man_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a and_o have_v more_o care_n of_o their_o salvation_n than_o they_o of_o their_o temporal_a concern_v another_o man_n will_v have_v conclude_v that_o god_n do_v not_o intend_v their_o salvation_n shall_v depend_v on_o the_o privately-interpretable_a letter_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n which_o he_o leave_v less_o plain_a than_o man_n make_v the_o letter_n of_o humane_a law_n but_o you_o it_o seem_v have_v a_o mind_n to_o make_v your_o discourse_n all_o of_o a_o piece_n the_o best_a be_v it_o be_v now_o end_v &_o we_o be_v free_a to_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o four_o proposition_n to_o which_o because_o the_o force_n of_o exception_n against_o a_o inference_n before_o it_o be_v infer_v appear_v not_o so_o well_o i_o reserve_v what_o you_o say_v against_o it_o while_o i_o put_v it_o only_o to_o be_v prove_v 26._o it_o be_v this_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v or_o sure_o to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith._n and_o now_o i_o must_v look_v to_o myself_o for_o you_o pour_v out_o here_o your_o distinguish_a talon_n upon_o i_o if_o say_v you_o by_o scripture_n letter_n he_o mean_v unsense_v character_n 13._o than_o i_o confess_v scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n or_o way_n there_o be_v one_o branch_n of_o your_o distinction_n and_o so_o the_o other_o unless_o you_o will_v talk_v nonsense_n must_v needs_o be_v scripture_n letter_n mean_v sense_v character_n can_v be_v or_o be_v the_o rule_n your_o word_n be_v yet_o if_o he_o can_v think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o allow_v as_o much_o to_o the_o scripture_n as_o he_o expect_v we_o shall_v allow_v to_o this_o letter_n of_o he_o that_o it_o contain_v good_a sense_n express_v in_o word_n significant_a and_o intelligible_a we_o deny_v his_o assumption_n that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o this_o way_n as_o you_o have_v this_o art_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o talk_v unintelligible_o when_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o in_o very_o plain_a english_a i_o wish_v some_o body_n will_v tell_v i_o for_o you_o whether_o you_o take_v scripture_n letter_n in_o this_o period_n for_o unsense_v or_o sense_v character_n for_o true_o i_o can_v tell_v myself_o by_o the_o term_n you_o put_v intelligible_a and_o significant_a one_o will_v guess_v you_o mean_v unsense_v character_n for_o intelligible_a import_v what_o may_v be_v understand_v but_o be_v not_o yet_o and_o significant_a what_o may_v be_v perceive_v by_o the_o sign_n whether_o it_o be_v or_o no._n and_o then_o you_o have_v make_v a_o fair_a hand_n of_o it_o with_o your_o fair_a deal_n who_o distinguish_v the_o word_n letter_n into_o character_n unsense_v and_o character_n unsense_v and_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n in_o one_o of_o the_o two_o same_o meaning_n and_o deny_v it_o in_o the_o other_o but_o you_o shall_v talk_v sense_n for_o i_o and_o mean_a character_n sense_v and_o then_o le_fw-fr we_o see_v how_o much_o you_o have_v mend_v the_o matter_n a_o character_n sense_v signify_v a_o character_n with_o the_o sense_n join_v to_o it_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o character_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o god_n be_v that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o scripture-character_n sense_v signify_v faith_n itself_o in_o conjunction_n with_o those_o character_n now_o faith_n be_v the_o end_n to_o which_o we_o be_v look_v for_o a_o way_n to_o carry_v we_o to_o tell_v we_o then_o that_o scripture_n letter_n take_v for_o sense_v character_n be_v this_o way_n be_v to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o end_n be_v the_o way_n to_o itself_o that_o the_o mean_n to_o get_v faith_n be_v to_o have_v it_o first_o that_o when_o we_o know_v it_o we_o know_v it_o that_o when_o we_o be_v at_o our_o journey_n end_v we_o be_v in_o the_o direct_a road_n to_o it_o and_o such_o fine_a thing_n which_o will_v tempt_v a_o man_n not_o very_o fond_a of_o dispute_v to_o leave_v it_o off_o and_o betake_v himself_o to_o some_o other_o business_n for_o how_o can_v you_o or_o any_o think_v fit_a to_o vex_v poor_a controversy_n all_o your_o life_n when_o your_o very_a sense_n prove_v nonsense_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o that_o you_o have_v not_o serve_v a_o prenticeship_n long_a enough_o in_o the_o mystery_n but_o the_o best_a shoemaker_n in_o the_o world_n can_v make_v a_o good_a shoe_n of_o bad_a leather_n 27._o yet_o as_o you_o be_v not_o a_o man_n to_o be_v discourage_v with_o ill_a success_n you_o be_v at_o your_o distinction_n again_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o by_o these_o word_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n ibid._n i_o mean_v the_o scripture_n any_o way_n interpretable_a as_o any_o private_a man_n may_v possible_o wrest_v the_o word_n to_o make_v they_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o sentiment_n or_o through_o ignorance_n and_o laziness_n and_o neglect_v of_o such_o help_n and_o mean_n as_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v use_v may_v misunderstand_v they_o i_o must_v have_v a_o very_a bad_a conscience_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o the_o question_n be_v about_o my_o conscience_n but_o you_o will_v say_v i_o suppose_v that_o scripture_n so_o mean_v be_v not_o the_o way_n and_o i_o say_v it_o be_v not_o too_o pray_v what_o conscience_n be_v you_o if_o i_o be_v bad_a when_o i_o say_v as_o you_o do_v 14._o but_o if_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o scripture_n as_o it_o may_v be_v understand_v by_o a_o private_a man_n of_o a_o competent_a judgement_n use_v such_o help_n as_o be_v proper_a be_v not_o the_o way_n you_o again_o deny_v my_o assumption_n because_o it_o will_v render_v the_o discourse_n unintelligible_o confuse_v to_o repeat_v so_o many_o line_n at_o every_o turn_n i_o shall_v with_o your_o good_a leave_n say_v in_o short_a good_a and_o bad_a judgement_n understand_v by_o the_o bad_a all_o the_o qualification_n of_o the_o first_o branch_n
thing_n than_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o two_o or_o three_o first_o witness_n go_v it_o be_v the_o first_o source_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o give_v the_o succeed_a one_o all_o their_o weight_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v witness_v to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v that_o from_o which_o the_o largeness_n and_o firmness_n of_o a_o testimony_n bring_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v or_o calculate_v since_o then_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n for_o doctrine_n have_v for_o its_o source_n innumerable_a multitude_n of_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o and_o see_v they_o settle_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o respective_a church_n but_o the_o original_a testifier_n that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n sometime_o perhaps_o not_o past_o two_o or_o three_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o sense_n be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tradition_n for_o the_o several_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o any_o degree_n comparable_a in_o either_o regard_n to_o the_o tradition_n for_o doctrine_n your_o next_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o universal_a tradition_n be_v no_o more_o but_o human_a testimony_n 19_o and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o infallibility_n which_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o error_n pray_o why_o not_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v that_o the_o testifier_n can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o doctrine_n be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o to_o it_o nor_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v the_o world_n in_o any_o age_n that_o the_o new_a doctrine_n they_o have_v invent_v be_v immediate_o deliver_v then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a any_o error_n can_v come_v in_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o be_v not_o your_o tradition_n for_o scripture_n human_n testimony_n too_o and_o if_o that_o can_v be_v erroneous_a may_v not_o all_o christian_a faith_n by_o your_o principle_n be_v perhaps_o a_o company_n of_o lie_v story_n you_o must_v be_v force_v by_o your_o own_o word_n here_o to_o confess_v it_o but_o i_o dare_v say_v your_o parishioner_n shall_v you_o open_o avow_v it_o will_v hate_v you_o for_o the_o blasphemy_n you_o will_v tell_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o as_o you_o do_v we_o that_o moral_a certainty_n be_v enough_o to_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n that_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o may_v deceive_v you_o and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n may_v haste_v to_o overturn_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith._n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o see_v how_o manifest_o you_o contradict_v dr._n st._n when_o you_o shall_v defend_v he_o he_o avow_v 7._o absolute_a certainty_n for_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o tradition_n and_o you_o tell_v we_o here_o tradition_n can_v ground_v but_o moral_a certainty_n now_o all_o the_o world_n till_o you_o write_v counter_o distinguish_v absolute_a and_o moral_a certainty_n which_o you_o jumble_v in_o one_o but_o distinct_a they_o ever_o be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o word_n moral_a signify_v a_o diminution_n or_o imperfection_n of_o certainty_n and_o absolute_a plain_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o either_o you_o contradict_v dr._n st._n perhaps_o not_o without_o his_o private_a order_n or_o he_o himself_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o word_n short_o lose_v their_o signification_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o give_v you_o room_n to_o shift_v this_o way_n and_o that_o when_o you_o be_v too_o close_o press_v with_o reason_n 35._o now_o since_o dr._n st._n have_v grant_v that_o tradition_n be_v absolute_o certain_a for_o scripture_n and_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o infallibility_n what_o shall_v hinder_v i_o from_o infer_v 21._o that_o unless_o some_o special_a difficulty_n be_v find_v in_o other_o thing_n that_o light_n into_o the_o same_o channel_n it_o must_v bring_v they_o down_o infallible_o too_o your_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n expound_v these_o word_n of_o i_o thus_o these_o other_o thing_n be_v thing_n unwritten_a in_o that_o holy_a book_n 21._o i_o do_v assure_v you_o sir_n you_o be_v mighty_o mistake_v i_o never_o tell_v you_o yet_o that_o all_o faith_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o what_o i_o mean_v be_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v scripture_n nay_o the_o selfsame_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n testimony_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o among_o other_o that_o the_o church_n that_o testify_v it_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o her_o breast_n can_v explain_v her_o meaning_n so_o as_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o learner_n doubter_n and_o enquirer_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v whence_o we_o need_v not_o fish_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o channel_n of_o tiber_n as_o your_o great_a wit_n tell_v we_o st._n peter_n ship_n the_o church_n that_o catch_v so_o many_o fish_n at_o first_o the_o body_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n have_v store_v up_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o succession_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o we_o find_v it_o to_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o sober_a enquirer_n who_o fish_n for_o it_o among_o dead_a unsense_v character_n and_o in_o the_o lake_n of_o geneva_n from_o whence_o to_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o go_v thither_o you_o and_o your_o friend_n be_v derive_v a_o great_a channel_n to_o run_v into_o thames_n over-swell_a its_o bank_n and_o drown_v all_o the_o church_n lacus_n lemanus_n be_v your_o tiber_n geneva_n your_o rome_n and_o john_n calvin_n the_o prime_n of_o your_o new_a apostle_n your_o st._n peter_n 36._o all_o this_o be_v but_o prelude_n but_o now_o come_v mr._n g's_o argument_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v now_o however_o you_o but_o trifle_v hitherto_o more_o pertinent_a &_o close_a discourse_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v this_o all_o traditionary_a christian_n believe_v the_o same_o to_o day_n they_o do_v yesterday_o &_o so_o up_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n this_o you_o seem_v to_o deny_v in_o regard_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v so_o call_v from_o their_o adhere_v to_o a_o tradition_n which_o reach_v not_o so_o high_a as_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o it_o whither_o we_o only_o pretend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o will_v be_v see_v hereafter_o when_o the_o four_o proposition_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n pray_v jumble_v not_o two_o question_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v keep_v so_o the_o whole_a business_n here_o be_v about_o the_o use_n or_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n traditionary_a &_o how_o we_o both_o take_v it_o in_o our_o present_a controversy_n now_o that_o we_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n whence_o traditionary_a be_v derive_v be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o we_o lay_v claim_v to_o such_o a_o tradition_n as_o reach_n to_o christ_n and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o you_o deny_v our_o claim_n and_o endeavour_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o lay_v claim_n to_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o talk_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o shall_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v discourse_v together_o wherefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o notion_n or_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n however_o we_o disagree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o person_n nor_o do_v we_o pretend_v in_o the_o least_o what_o you_o will_v put_v upon_o we_o here_o to_o infer_v hence_o that_o this_o body_n of_o christian_n that_o now_o adhere_v to_o it_o do_v always_o so_o but_o only_o contend_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o ever_o adhere_v to_o it_o they_o must_v have_v desert_v it_o and_o take_v up_o another_o rule_n and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a claimer_n of_o a_o tradition_n from_o christ_n or_o traditionary_a christian_n moreover_o we_o judge_v we_o have_v right_a to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o till_o we_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o former_a and_o better_a title_n since_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o this_o rule_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n or_o hold_v all_o our_o faith_n upon_o that_o tenure_n 37._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o if_o they_o follow_v this_o rule_n they_o can_v
the_o great_a hypocrite_n to_o boot_v to_o know_v certain_o by_o scripture_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o know_o impugn_v his_o divinity_n voluntary_o abuse_v scripture_n they_o seem_v so_o high_o to_o venerate_v and_o pretend_v conscience_n all_o the_o while_n and_o yet_o none_o but_o you_o have_v such_o horrid_a apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o myself_o see_v how_o they_o decline_v no_o adversary_n at_o the_o allege_v and_o compare_v place_n how_o sedulous_o they_o make_v scripture_n their_o study_n and_o in_o all_o appearance_n adhere_v to_o the_o letter_n i_o very_o believe_v they_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n but_o fall_v into_o error_n through_o their_o misfortune_n of_o espouse_v a_o wrong_a rule_n and_o if_o you_o still_o say_v they_o be_v thus_o voluntary_o insincere_a i_o desire_v to_o know_v of_o you_o by_o what_o outward_a sign_n can_v a_o indifferent_a man_n judge_v you_o and_o your_o party_n be_v not_o as_o insincere_a as_o they_o or_o perhaps_o more_o acquaint_v we_o i_o say_v for_o what_o other_o reason_n you_o say_v this_o but_o because_o they_o frame_v another_o sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o you_o do_v that_o be_v interpret_v it_o different_o from_o you_o if_o you_o can_v give_v no_o other_o than_o your_o own_o interpretation_n be_v the_o only_a light_n you_o have_v to_o judge_v they_o heretic_n or_o to_o determine_v what_o be_v heresy_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v true_a faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v avoidable_a your_o rule_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o more_o by_o and_o by_o but_o if_o you_o say_v they_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o err_v in_o faith_n than_o the_o fault_n not_o be_v in_o they_o for_o not_o follow_v their_o rule_n their_o fault_n must_v be_v as_o it_o be_v you_o their_o adhere_n to_o a_o rule_n which_o secure_v not_o man_n though_o do_v their_o best_a to_o understand_v it_o from_o fall_v into_o heresy_n that_o be_v it_o consist_v in_o their_o pitch_v upon_o that_o for_o their_o rule_n which_o be_v indeed_o no_o rule_n at_o all_o 54._o your_o rule_n then_o equal_o patronise_a true_a faith_n and_o heresy_n i_o have_v reason_n to_o affirm_v that_o it_o infer_v those_o blasphemous_a proposition_n as_o to_o make_v light_a and_o darkness_n very_o consistent_a and_o christ_n and_o belial_n very_o good_a friend_n now_o this_o be_v my_o charge_n it_o be_v manifest_o your_o duty_n to_o show_v it_o do_v not_o patronize_v true_a faith_n and_o heresy_n and_o by_o do_v so_o induce_v those_o horrid_a blasphemy_n and_o to_o make_v out_o that_o only_o true_a faith_n can_v be_v ground_v on_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v and_o therefore_o that_o i_o have_v impeach_v it_o wrongful_o but_o this_o be_v too_o hard_a a_o point_n to_o meddle_v with_o instead_o of_o do_v this_o and_o clear_v yourself_o from_o blasphemy_n which_o be_v direct_o incumbent_a on_o you_o you_o tell_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o great_a garb_n of_o gravity_n that_o i_o speak_v blasphemy_n myself_o blasphemy_n against_o god_n and_o his_o holy_a word_n when_o i_o only_o mention_v it_o while_o i_o be_o charge_v you_o with_o it_o and_o hereupon_o like_o a_o right_n good_a man_n you_o fall_v to_o talk_v godly_a and_o out_o of_o your_o pure_a charity_n will_v needs_o bestow_v upon_o i_o the_o benediction_n of_o your_o hearty_a prayer_n that_o god_n will_v give_v i_o repentance_n unto_o life_n indeed_o have_v i_o say_v that_o christ_n and_o belial_n can_v ever_o be_v reconcile_v or_o advance_v any_o position_n that_o imply_v it_o as_o you_o do_v i_o confess_v i_o must_v have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o horrid_a blasphemy_n but_o not_o know_v how_o to_o clear_v yourself_o for_o own_v no_o rule_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o equal_o patronize_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o therefore_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n infer_v those_o blasphemy_n you_o very_o demure_o put_v on_o a_o godly_a countenance_n and_o betake_v yourself_o very_o charitable_o to_o your_o hearty_a prayer_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v in_o good_a truth_n sir_n i_o can_v answer_v you_o nor_o show_v i_o have_v any_o rule_n but_o what_o serve_v for_o error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n but_o yet_o if_o that_o may_v excuse_v i_o i_o will_v be_v content_a in_o lieu_n of_o it_o to_o pray_v for_o you_o with_o all_o my_o heart_n be_v not_o this_o pleasant_a 55._o thus_o much_o for_o your_o rule_n as_o it_o be_v common_a to_o you_o and_o all_o heretic_n what_o be_v your_o particular_a rule_n here_o 1._o you_o take_v it_o ill_a that_o we_o will_v needs_o know_v what_o be_v your_o rule_n better_o than_o yourselves_o do_v 28._o and_o we_o take_v it_o as_o ill_a of_o you_o that_o you_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v you_o before_o our_o own_o evident_a reason_n we_o know_v you_o can_v defend_v such_o a_o insignificant_a rule_n as_o your_o own_o interpretation_n and_o therefore_o be_v force_v to_o disow_v it_o when_o we_o press_v you_o to_o give_v a_o good_a account_n of_o it_o with_o which_o may_v very_o well_o consist_v that_o you_o proceed_v upon_o it_o when_o the_o danger_n be_v remote_a 2._o you_o assure_v we_o plain_a scripture_n be_v your_o rule_n that_o be_v ibid._n as_o appear_v by_o your_o discourse_n here_o your_o rule_n as_o you_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o protestant_n pray_v will_v you_o explain_v and_o unriddle_v to_o we_o this_o most_o obscure_a word_n plain_a in_o what_o kind_n of_o point_n to_o who_o and_o by_o what_o kind_n of_o light_n be_v scripture_n take_v as_o your_o rule_n plain_n and_o let_v we_o have_v something_o more_o than_o a_o blind_a word_n to_o work_v on_o experience_n tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v not_o plain_a even_o in_o the_o high_a point_n of_o faith_n since_o so_o many_o follow_v it_o and_o yet_o go_v astray_o again_o if_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a all_o your_o useful_a help_n be_v needless_a and_o last_o scripture_n conceive_v by_o you_o to_o be_v plain_a which_o be_v your_o particular_a rule_n can_v never_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a for_o the_o socinian_o too_o proceed_v upon_o scripture_n plain_a to_o they_o as_o their_o rule_n and_o yet_o err_v which_o evince_v it_o be_v not_o so_o plain_a as_o to_o convince_v and_o certain_o enlighten_v human_a reason_n attend_v to_o it_o a_o evident_a argument_n that_o both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o do_v but_o fancy_v it_o plain_a but_o that_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o neither_o 3._o you_o declare_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o by_o any_o sect_n of_o people_n romanist_n or_o other_o 28._o be_v extrinsical_a to_o it_o and_o no_o constitutive_a difference_n of_o it_o that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o romanist_n be_v not_o the_o particular_a rule_n of_o your_o protestant_n all_o the_o world_n know_v before_o which_o make_v it_o frivolous_a to_o tell_v we_o so_o here_o nor_o do_v we_o challenge_v you_o or_o pretend_v that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o any_o other_o sect_n be_v your_o rule_n for_o we_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o interpretation_n of_o each_o sect_n respective_o be_v its_o particular_a rule_n it_o be_v your_o own_o interpretation_n we_o say_v be_v your_o rule_n instead_o of_o grant_v or_o deny_v which_o you_o shuffle_v about_o and_o talk_v of_o the_o interpretation_n of_o romanist_n and_o other_o sect_n but_o if_o which_o be_v strange_o express_v in_o other_o sect_n you_o include_v your_o own_o too_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o my_o discourse_n for_o whether_o you_o regard_v the_o interpretation_n of_o your_o own_o sect_n or_o make_v account_n that_o as_o each_o individual_a angel_n be_v a_o distinct_a species_n so_o each_o individual_a interpreter_n among_o you_o be_v a_o distinct_a sect_n still_o scripture_n as_o interpretable_a by_o yourselves_o be_v your_o particular_a rule_n and_o not_o extrinsical_a to_o it_o for_o let_v i_o ask_v you_o once_o more_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n your_o faith_n and_o be_v not_o that_o essential_o your_o particular_a rule_n of_o faith_n that_o give_v you_o your_o particular_a faith_n and_o must_v i_o mind_v you_o again_o that_o it_o be_v the_o very_a essence_n as_o i_o may_v say_v or_o nature_n of_o interpretation_n to_o give_v you_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v your_o faith._n wriggle_v then_o still_o which_o way_n you_o please_v you_o can_v never_o avoid_v but_o your_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v your_o particular_a rule_n take_v you_o either_o for_o a_o whole_a sect_n a_o individual_a or_o both_o 56._o at_o length_n as_o a_o man_n in_o danger_n when_o he_o be_v follow_v close_o at_o the_o heel_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v catch_v take_v a_o desperate_a leap_n though_o he_o hazard_v himself_o a_o mischief_n you_o venture_v bold_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v your_o particular_a rule_n as_o
attest_v and_o blame_v the_o attestation_n and_o tradition_n as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o deserve_v but_o still_o when_o you_o will_v put_v your_o own_o tenet_n as_o distinguish_v it_o from_o we_o be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o put_v we_o too_o and_o do_v not_o stand_v talk_v to_o we_o and_o fool_v your_o reader_n with_o the_o rabbi_n pretend_v tradition_n from_o moses_n his_o mouth_n no_o more_o like_o we_o than_o a_o apple_n be_v like_o a_o oyster_n again_o this_o resolution_n of_o your_o faith_n give_v every_o one_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o believe_v he_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o that_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o whole_a body_n of_o learned_a man_n believe_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o christian_a faith._n whence_o follow_v that_o both_o side_n by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n one_o side_n for_o example_n be_v absolute_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o god._n this_o seem_v but_o a_o very_a odd_a account_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o protestant_n faith._n 17._o but_o you_o refine_v upon_o yourself_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o 3_o d_o question_n p._n 15._o it_o be_v ask_v there_o by_o what_o certain_a rule_n do_v you_o know_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v do_v contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o question_n evident_o aim_v at_o two_o thing_n viz._n first_o whether_o some_o book_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o lose_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n which_o we_o now_o have_v for_o if_o they_o be_v then_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o contain_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o too_o as_o well_o as_o do_v the_o other_o and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v not_o more_o or_o other_o revelation_n contain_v in_o they_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n now_o extant_a the_o other_o be_v that_o you_o know_v well_o very_a many_o hold_n that_o diverse_a divine_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o not_o all_o by_o write_v let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o your_o answer_n suit_n with_o this_o question_n by_o the_o universal_a testimony_n say_v you_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o this_o reply_n if_o pertinent_a to_o that_o question_n must_v mean_v that_o this_o universal_a testimony_n ascertain_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n but_o when_o you_o come_v to_o explain_v yourself_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o the_o succeed_a church_n do_v by_o degree_n make_v man_n fix_v upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o a_o flight_n have_v you_o take_v on_o a_o sudden_a where_o will_v you_o pitch_v when_o you_o light_n i_o be_o sure_a not_o on_o the_o place_n where_o you_o take_v wing_n and_o where_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v stay_v for_o what_o be_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o book_n we_o now_o have_v to_o the_o book_n which_o have_v or_o may_v have_v prerish_v and_o to_o their_o contain_v some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n or_o what_o be_v the_o fix_v upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o book_n to_o the_o difficulty_n whether_o some_o divine_a revelation_n do_v not_o descend_v by_o tradition_n without_o write_v do_v the_o apostolical_a or_o succeed_a church_n testify_v either_o of_o these_o or_o do_v you_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v they_o do_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o this_o do_v you_o say_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o not_o a_o syllable_n have_v you_o answer_v to_o his_o question_n which_o be_v not_o about_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o how_o you_o will_v resolve_v your_o faith_n with_o which_o you_o keep_v such_o a_o pother_n over_o and_o over_o but_o whether_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n if_o you_o explicate_v scripture_n no_o better_o for_o your_o faith_n than_o you_o do_v your_o own_o word_n here_o you_o will_v questionless_a make_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a piece_n of_o work_n of_o it_o your_o answer_n come_v now_o and_o then_o pretty_a home_n the_o smartness_n of_o the_o question_n oblige_v you_o to_o it_o but_o your_o explication_n of_o they_o immediate_o after_o seem_v purposely_o frame_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v you_o at_o your_o word_n in_o your_o answer_n 18._o that_o answer_n than_o prevaricate_a from_o the_o whole_a question_n mr._n g._n endeavour_v to_o press_v for_o a_o pertinent_a return_n to_o what_o be_v demand_v and_o therefore_o put_v his_o four_o question_n thus_o be_v that_o universal_a testimony_n a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o assure_v we_o certain_o down_o to_o our_o time_n 17._o that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n your_o answer_n be_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 19_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n worth_a our_o admiration_n in_o the_o first_o letter_n p._n 7._o this_o universal_a testimony_n be_v only_o to_o ascertain_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n here_o it_o be_v only_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o certify_v we_o of_o the_o doctrine_n too_o contain_v in_o it_o which_o if_o you_o mean_v as_o your_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v be_v all_o we_o require_v in_o our_o tradition-rule_n there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o subtle_a meaning_n lie_v yet_o couch_v in_o those_o word_n which_o time_n may_v discover_v though_o we_o can_v yet_o till_o he_o that_o make_v the_o lock_n bring_v the_o key_n again_o it_o be_v ask_v if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n it_o be_v ask_v whether_o this_o testimony_n assure_v we_o certain_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v clear_o intend_v for_o a_o diminish_n expression_n and_o argue_v some_o fear_n of_o undertake_v for_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v contain_v there_o or_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o be_v pretend_a p._n 14._o one_o will_v very_o imagine_v by_o this_o unsuitable_a answer_n that_o dr._n st._n and_o mr._n g._n be_v play_v at_o cross-purpose_n the_o answer_n be_v so_o wide_a from_o the_o question_n at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v some_o indirect_a design_n lie_v lurk_v it_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o way_n of_o honest_a nature_n when_o one_o ask_v a_o positive_a question_n all_o mankind_n expect_v a_o positive_a answer_n to_o the_o very_a word_n as_o they_o lie_v i_o or_o no_o or_o if_o the_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o answerer_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o asker_n if_o present_a ere_o he_o answer_v without_o which_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reply_v pertinent_o but_o it_o be_v not_o your_o temper_n nor_o interest_n to_o use_v such_o clear_a and_o open_a candour_n for_o you_o see_v that_o great_a multitude_n have_v the_o letter_n thus_o secure_v to_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o therefore_o by_o add_v and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o you_o have_v some_o faint_a hope_n you_o may_v be_v safe_a again_o you_o see_v well_o that_o shall_v you_o grant_v universal_a testimony_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n you_o will_v hazard_v to_o grant_v too_o much_o to_o tradition_n and_o all_o the_o learned_a jest_n you_o have_v break_v upon_o we_o for_o assert_v infallibility_n will_v fly_v back_o upon_o yourself_o therefore_o grant_v it_o you_o dare_v not_o nor_o yet_o dare_v you_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n for_o then_o since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o it_o must_v forcible_o be_v you_o must_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fallible_a rule_n and_o then_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n mr._n t._n among_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v just_o scandalize_v at_o the_o non_fw-fr sense_n for_o a_o intellectual_a ground_n that_o may_v perhaps_o let_v sink_v
of_o error_n for_o the_o pure_a gold_n of_o truth_n and_o soul-poysoning_a heresy_n for_o mean_n of_o salvation_n have_v i_o a_o mind_n to_o set_v up_o a_o similitude-mender_n and_o that_o you_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o a_o purse_n i_o shall_v beg_v your_o leave_n to_o put_v it_o thus_o suppose_v that_o purse_n mouth_n be_v tie_v up_o with_o a_o knot_n of_o such_o a_o mysterious_a contrivance_n that_o none_o can_v open_v it_o i_o mean_v still_o as_o to_o the_o understanding_n the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o bequeather_n and_o that_o the_o church_n to_o which_o it_o be_v leave_v as_o a_o legacy_n have_v knowledge_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o so_o can_v open_v it_o while_o other_o torture_v their_o wit_n with_o little_a trick_n and_o invention_n turn_v and_o wind_v the_o ambiguous_a fold_n of_o it_o some_o one_o way_n some_o another_o and_o yet_o entangle_v their_o own_o thought_n more_o and_o more_o while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o untie_v the_o knot_n that_o so_o perplex_a they_o 22._o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n you_o make_v account_n contain_v do_v all_o the_o business_n whereas_o it_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o purpose_n which_o be_v in_o the_o final_a intention_n of_o it_o about_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o faith_n unless_o we_o have_v equal_a assurance_n that_o you_o can_v get_v out_o thence_o what_o be_v contain_v there_o as_o you_o pretend_v to_o have_v that_o it_o be_v contain_v now_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v imbue_v with_o christ_n sense_n by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o immediate_a successor_n and_o so_o have_v a_o sure_a and_o proper_a way_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n and_o while_o this_o sense_n be_v still_o deliver_v down_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v of_o a_o absolute_o certain_a rule_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n but_o there_o step_v up_o now_o one_o heretic_n than_o another_o oppose_v himself_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n and_o rely_v on_o the_o dextery_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n will_v needs_o find_v out_o contrivance_n how_o to_o open_v the_o scripture_n mean_v by_o way_n of_o his_o private_a skill_n but_o fall_v into_o multitude_n of_o error_n find_v no_o way_n to_o unfold_v the_o deeply-mysterious_a book_n have_v refuse_v to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o right_a mean_n viz._n christ_n sense_n descend_v in_o the_o church_n by_o tradition_n whence_o notwithstanding_o all_o his_o little_a art_n and_o boast_a presumption_n like_o the_o fox_n in_o the_o fable_n vas_n lambit_fw-la pultem_fw-la non_fw-la attingit_fw-la 23._o mistake_v i_o not_o i_o do_v not_o mean_a scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o such_o passage_n as_o concern_v common_a morality_n or_o the_o ten_o commandment_n with_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o every_o one_o be_v imbue_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n nor_o in_o matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o be_v most_o of_o those_o mark_n or_o sign_n to_o know_v the_o messiah_n by_o foretell_v we_o by_o the_o prophet_n our_o saviour_n do_v such_o and_o such_o miracle_n his_o go_v beyond_o jordan_n etc._n etc._n nor_o in_o parable_n explain_v by_o himself_o and_o such_o like_a but_o in_o dogmatical_a point_n or_o tenet_n which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o oftentimes_o profound_a mystery_n and_o of_o these_o by_o the_o way_n i_o desire_v still_o to_o be_v understand_v when_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o with_o other_o passage_n i_o meddle_v not_o as_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n the_o real_a presence_n of_o his_o body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n and_o such_o like_a which_o have_v a_o vast_a influence_n upon_o christian_a life_n either_o immediate_o or_o else_o in_o a_o high_a nature_n be_v as_o it_o be_v principle_n to_o many_o other_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o depend_v on_o their_o truth_n one_o will_v very_o think_v i_o say_v that_o such_o as_o these_o shall_v be_v some_o of_o your_o golden_a point_n or_o else_o there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o contain_v in_o your_o purse_n yet_o we_o experience_n that_o even_o in_o such_o as_o these_o your_o rule_n be_v not_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o keep_v the_o follower_n of_o it_o from_o err_a so_o that_o let_v your_o purse_n have_v never_o so_o golden_a and_o silver_n a_o line_n you_o be_v never_o the_o rich_a unless_o you_o can_v come_v at_o it_o or_o can_v certain_o distinguish_v the_o pure_a gold_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n your_o similitude_n then_o come_v not_o home_n to_o your_o purpose_n nor_o show_v that_o you_o have_v therefore_o all_o your_o faith_n or_o all_o divine_a revelation_n because_o you_o have_v a_o book_n which_o you_o judge_v contain_v they_o let_v we_o see_v now_o if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v against_o you_o you_o put_v the_o doctrine_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n contain_v in_o the_o purse_n and_o consequent_o that_o must_v be_v the_o purse_n into_o which_o that_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v put_v by_o christ_n our_o saviour_n and_o this_o be_v evident_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o many_o divine_a truth_n be_v only_o contain_v in_o man_n mind_n proper_o and_o word_n be_v by_o their_o very_a definition_n but_o sign_n of_o what_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n truth_n be_v no_o more_o real_o in_o a_o book_n than_o wine_n be_v real_o in_o a_o bush_n which_o signify_v it_o since_o then_o those_o truth_n be_v only_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o christ_n originally_n and_o after_o he_o in_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o thought_n can_v not_o be_v communicate_v nor_o consequent_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n deliver_v to_o the_o legatee_n otherwise_o than_o by_o signify_v it_o which_o can_v only_o be_v do_v by_o one_o of_o these_o way_n by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n or_o by_o write_v that_o be_v by_o tradition_n or_o scripture_n neither_o of_o these_o can_v with_o any_o sense_n be_v liken_v to_o the_o purse_n itself_o into_o which_o the_o money_n be_v to_o be_v put_v or_o answer_v comparative_o to_o it_o but_o they_o be_v both_o of_o they_o way_n mean_n or_o method_n of_o put_v these_o heavenly_a riches_n into_o its_o proper_a purse_n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o these_o two_o way_n our_o saviour_n choose_v the_o first_o which_o be_v teach_v his_o doctrine_n oral_o for_o he_o write_v nothing_o and_o by_o do_v thus_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o better_a for_o it_o have_v be_v against_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o choose_v the_o worse_a way_n for_o himself_o to_o make_v use_n of_o and_o leave_v the_o better_a to_o his_o servant_n nor_o do_v his_o servant_n the_o apostle_n affect_v the_o way_n of_o write_v so_o as_o to_o use_v it_o only_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o make_v use_v of_o this_o oral_a way_n of_o preach_v constant_o and_o that_o of_o write_v for_o the_o most_o part_n at_o least_o if_o not_o altogether_o occasional_o they_o convert_v the_o present_a church_n by_o their_o preach_a they_o comfort_v the_o future_a church_n by_o leave_v many_o most_o edify_a word_n and_o action_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n written_n which_o be_v particular_n and_o not_o break_v out_o open_o into_o christian_a practice_n may_v otherwise_o in_o likelihood_n at_o least_o to_o a_o great_a degree_n have_v be_v lose_v to_o succeed_a generation_n beside_o the_o abetment_n their_o write_n give_v to_o faith_n itself_o when_o certain_o interpret_v and_o right_o understand_v so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n of_o you_o we_o shall_v either_o have_v never_o a_o purse_n to_o put_v point_n of_o faith_n in_o for_o you_o take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a into_o which_o they_o be_v proper_o put_v and_o in_o which_o only_o they_o be_v in_o reality_n contain_v or_o if_o you_o will_v needs_o call_v that_o a_o purse_n which_o contain_v they_o mere_o as_o a_o sign_n do_v the_o thing_n signify_v or_o as_o that_o which_o may_v signify_v to_o we_o our_o faith_n you_o must_v put_v two_o purse_n tradition_n and_o scripture_n and_o then_o the_o only_a question_n be_v out_o of_o which_o purse_n we_o can_v with_o more_o certainty_n get_v it_o that_o be_v whether_o a_o live_a container_n which_o can_v give_v we_o perfect_a light_n of_o its_o sense_n by_o 3_o all_o the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a or_o the_o dead_a letter_n which_o as_o experience_n demonstrate_v can_v neither_o clear_v its_o sense_n to_o private_a understanding_n nor_o if_o we_o doubt_v of_o its_o mean_v and_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o ask_v it_o can_v either_o hear_v or_o reply_n much_o less_o pertinent_o and_o apposite_o speak_v to_o the_o asker_n as_o oft_o as_o he_o
against_o heretic_n who_o have_v reject_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n even_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v so_o another_o to_o say_v they_o have_v no_o firm_a ground_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n of_o its_o sense_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o give_v it_o high_a commendation_n for_o its_o excellency_n divine_a doctrine_n usefulness_n and_o sufficiency_n for_o the_o end_n for_o which_o it_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n it_o be_v another_o to_o say_v that_o in_o those_o place_n which_o relate_v to_o spiritual_a point_n and_o high_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o be_v so_o clear_a that_o private_a fancy_n can_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n fix_v upon_o its_o true_a sense_n and_o on_o that_o ground_n their_o faith._n it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o say_v sometime_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o evident_a when_o they_o be_v argue_v against_o heretic_n this_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o unusual_a even_o among_o we_o when_o we_o be_v dispute_v and_o have_v a_o opinion_n that_o what_o we_o allege_v be_v manifest_a and_o those_o father_n or_o council_n which_o insist_v on_o it_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o have_v that_o opinion_n of_o what_o they_o allege_v have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n scripture_n best_a interpreter_n in_o their_o heart_n beside_o when_o there_o be_v full_a assurance_n of_o its_o sense_n who_o doubt_v but_o it_o be_v of_o a_o vast_a authority_n too_o be_v in_o that_o case_n the_o same_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o christ_n himself_o be_v there_o and_o speak_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o point_n under_o debate_n whence_o they_o confute_v heretic_n with_o define_v from_o scripture_n upon_o the_o assurance_n that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o another_o way_n than_o the_o heretic_n have_v by_o his_o private_a interpretation_n but_o it_o be_v another_o thing_n to_o say_v that_o as_o manage_v by_o private_a judgement_n work_v on_o the_o bare_a letter_n or_o rely_v on_o fallible_a interpreter_n it_o be_v so_o unavoidable_o convictive_a beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o give_v it_o another_o plausible_a sense_n that_o all_o mankind_n must_v think_v he_o a_o renouncer_n of_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n or_o stark_o blind_a with_o passion_n and_o interest_n and_o abhor_v he_o as_o such_o who_o shall_v interpret_v it_o after_o another_o manner_n and_o such_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v otherwise_o none_o can_v with_o conscience_n think_v or_o say_v any_o heretic_n be_v obstinate_a nor_o any_o man_n no_o not_o the_o church_n itself_o condemn_v he_o much_o less_o abhor_v he_o for_o be_v such_o as_o be_v ever_o her_o custom_n all_o the_o former_a perfection_n we_o as_o hearty_o full_o and_o constant_o ascribe_v to_o scripture_n as_o any_o protestant_n in_o the_o world_n nay_o we_o say_v moreover_o that_o this_o want_n of_o clearness_n which_o unqualify_v it_o for_o be_v a_o rule_n spring_v from_o a_o very_a high_a perfection_n in_o it_o viz._n it_o be_v deep_a sense_n only_o this_o one_o of_o give_v every_o particular_a man_n who_o by_o his_o private_a judgement_n interpret_v it_o such_o assurance_n of_o its_o sense_n as_o be_v competent_a to_o ground_n his_o faith_n on_o we_o can_v grant_v this_o be_v no_o less_o contrary_a to_o common_a reason_n than_o it_o be_v even_o to_o experience_n also_o to_o return_v then_o to_o your_o objection_n you_o see_v sect._n 10._o that_o the_o ancient_a father_n be_v not_o such_o stranger_n to_o this_o method_n of_o tradition_n we_o follow_v and_o explicate_v and_o you_o may_v have_v observe_v many_o other_o both_o name_v and_o cite_v surefoot_v p._n 131._o to_o 137._o what_o matter_n it_o that_o they_o do_v not_o express_v that_o our_o tenet_n or_o dilate_v upon_o it_o in_o such_o term_n as_o we_o do_v now_o so_o they_o teach_v other_o to_o hold_v to_o what_o be_v deliver_v and_o not_o to_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n against_o the_o present_a church_n doctrine_n since_o in_o do_v this_o they_o hold_v the_o substance_n of_o that_o which_o we_o have_v since_o more_o diffuse_o explain_v and_o reduce_v our_o discourse_n to_o more_o methodical_a and_o formal_a resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o so_o much_o in_o fashion_n in_o former_a age_n beside_o you_o be_v not_o to_o be_v tell_v we_o both_o have_v &_o can_v allege_v father_n enough_o for_o our_o tenet_n and_o the_o obligation_n to_o hold_v to_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o father_n that_o be_v to_o tradition_n and_o how_o smart_o and_o unanswerable_o they_o press_v it_o against_o heretic_n as_o a_o certain_a determiner_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o the_o catholic_n and_o them._n on_o the_o other_o side_n how_o often_o they_o complain_v of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o private_a man_n as_o ground_v all_o heresy_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o mysterious_a obscurity_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o its_o liableness_n to_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o misunderstand_v whereas_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n take_v in_o the_o sense_n in_o which_o we_o hold_v it_o viz._n for_o a_o delivery_n of_o a_o practical_a doctrine_n public_o preach_v to_o great_a multitude_n at_o first_o practise_v by_o they_o and_o hold_v and_o recommend_v as_o divine_a and_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n do_v ever_o give_v rise_v to_o any_o heresy_n and_o impossible_a it_o shall_v which_o one_o reflection_n to_o a_o considerate_a man_n be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a present_a controversy_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n 30._o from_o the_o quality_n requisite_a to_o make_v scripture_n letter_n a_o rule_n of_o your_o faith_n we_o come_v to_o consider_v the_o quantity_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v or_o the_o number_n of_o book_n which_o you_o tell_v we_o p._n 19_o mr._n m._n suggest_v in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v only_o two_o thing_n to_o ask_v you_o 1._o whether_o as_o i_o say_v former_o you_o have_v any_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o book_n lose_v that_o be_v write_v by_o some_o who_o be_v divine_o inspire_v and_o consequent_o do_v contain_v some_o divine_a revelation_n or_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v but_o there_o be_v how_o do_v you_o know_v but_o those_o divine_a revelation_n which_o that_o book_n or_o book_n contain_v be_v not_o different_a from_o or_o to_o be_v superad_v to_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o canon_n we_o have_v now_o if_o you_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o point_n then_o it_o be_v manifest_a you_o can_v prove_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o the_o book_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o you_o insist_v only_o on_o this_o universal_a testimony_n for_o the_o canonical_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o i_o will_v know_v whether_o this_o testimony_n reach_v to_o each_o chapter_n and_o every_o verse_n of_o those_o chapter_n nay_o each_o material_a word_n in_o those_o verse_n if_o it_o do_v not_o as_o you_o neither_o say_v nor_o with_o any_o reason_n can_v say_v for_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o prove_v the_o former_a &_o impossible_a to_o prove_v the_o late_a but_o by_o our_o rule_n than_o you_o be_v as_o far_o from_o your_o faith_n as_o ever_o unless_o you_o bring_v some_o other_o testimony_n that_o be_v absolute_o certain_a to_o assure_v you_o that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o verse_n which_o you_o will_v quote_v and_o rely_v on_o for_o such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n nay_o the_o main_a and_o most_o significant_a word_n in_o that_o verse_n be_v true_a scripture_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a you_o can_v for_o what_o testimony_n else_o can_v be_v invent_v to_o do_v this_o if_o the_o other_o which_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a christian_a church_n can_v reach_v it_o be_v there_o any_o possible_a way_n to_o ascertain_v this_o but_o by_o our_o doctrin-rule_n upon_o this_o occasion_n pray_v inform_v i_o with_o what_o reason_n you_o can_v reflect_v so_o severe_o pag._n 15._o on_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o not_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n assoon_o as_o other_o church_n and_o not_o on_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o you_o use_v to_o prefer_v before_o the_o latin_a who_o in_o the_o same_o father_n time_n refuse_v to_o admit_v the_o apocalypse_n the_o accept_n or_o not_o accept_v such_o book_n even_o according_a to_o your_o own_o doctrine_n depend_v on_o their_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o evidence_n produce_v for_o their_o apostolical_a authority_n and_o so_o be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n whether_o greek_n or_o latin._n but_o so_o unreasonable_a be_v your_o pique_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o she_o can_v act_v prudent_o without_o forfeit_v her_o infallibility_n though_o another_o man_n will_v have_v
letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o you_o see_v we_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o absolute_a cettainty_n of_o our_o tradition_n for_o doctrine_n there_o can_v be_v a_o worthy_a point_n to_o exert_v yourself_o in_o nor_o a_o great_a service_n do_v to_o your_o rule_n nor_o a_o better_a way_n to_o clear_v yourself_o to_o the_o incredulous_a part_n of_o the_o world_n than_o to_o perform_v this_o for_o one_o know_v not_o whence_o mere_a word_n and_o outward_a profession_n may_v proceed_v but_o solid_a and_o convince_a reason_n can_v come_v only_o from_o a_o heart_n possess_v wiih_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v profess_a go_v to_o work_v then_o and_o bless_v we_o with_o the_o sight_n of_o this_o true_o learned_a and_o judicious_a performance_n and_o while_o your_o hand_n be_v in_o please_v to_o show_v we_o too_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o this_o universal_a testimony_n reach_v to_o prove_v your_o rule_n entire_a that_o be_v reach_v to_o prove_v no_o part_n of_o the_o write_a word_n be_v lose_v nay_o that_o it_o reach_v to_o the_o particular_a verse_n and_o the_o most_o substantial_a word_n in_o those_o verse_n as_o well_o as_o to_o the_o main_a book_n and_o last_o to_o translation_n also_o and_o transcription_n as_o you_o ought_v to_o do_v in_o case_n they_o be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v of_o equal_a concern_v in_o our_o circumstance_n as_o the_o book_n themselves_o or_o if_o you_o deny_v they_o be_v equal_o important_a and_o maintain_v that_o this_o absolute_a certainty_n may_v be_v have_v of_o your_o rule_n without_o the_o same_o certainty_n for_o these_o then_o please_v to_o give_v we_o your_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o show_v how_o faith_n can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a though_o the_o letter_n on_o which_o it_o depend_v may_v perhaps_o have_v be_v maim_v or_o corrupt_v by_o any_o of_o these_o miscarriage_n or_o if_o you_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v you_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o faith_n though_o you_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n for_o its_o rule_n then_o confess_v candid_o and_o ingenuous_o your_o faith_n be_v absolutely-speaking_a uncertain_a and_o to_o make_v good_a that_o rare_a christian_a tenet_n fall_v to_o work_v and_o confute_v utter_o that_o positive_a book_n faith_n vindicated_n which_o undertake_v to_o produce_v a_o multitude_n of_o demonstration_n to_o prove_v that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o withal_o please_v to_o inform_v we_o to_o what_o end_n you_o maintain_v your_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a if_o it_o do_v not_o make_v your_o faith_n thus_o certain_a too_o or_o what_o that_o certainty_n serve_v for_o any_o thing_n will_v content_v we_o so_o you_o will_v once_o leave_v flutter_v and_o hover_v in_o common_a word_n either_o tell_v we_o plain_o all_o faith_n be_v uncertain_a or_o come_v at_o length_n to_o some_o firm_a bottom_n on_o which_o we_o may_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n ground_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o raise_v it_o above_o some_o plausible_a likelihood_n but_o we_o remonstrate_v against_o your_o put_v we_o off_o with_o the_o old_a shame_n sufficient_a certainty_n unless_o you_o particularize_v to_o we_o what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n you_o hold_v and_o make_v out_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o nature_n the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n issue_v from_o it_o and_o incumbent_a on_o the_o prosessour_n of_o it_o if_o you_o refuse_v to_o condescend_v to_o these_o fair_a proposal_n all_o the_o world_n must_v think_v you_o only_o temporise_v with_o mr._n t._n and_o the_o occasion_n and_o that_o you_o have_v not_o that_o zeal_n for_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o grand_a interest_n it_o be_v these_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v out_o as_o you_o pretend_v once_o more_o i_o tell_v you_o that_o if_o all_o this_o will_v not_o move_v you_o to_o this_o every_o way_n necessary_a undertake_n i_o must_v then_o plain_o challenge_v you_o that_o it_o be_v your_o necessary_a and_o precise_a duty_n in_o this_o very_a circumstance_n as_o you_o be_v a_o controvertist_n and_o as_o i_o be_o concern_v with_o you_o under_o that_o notion_n i_o must_v demand_v it_o of_o you_o 36._o i_o know_v not_o well_o whether_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n to_o justify_v mr._n m._n for_o call_v your_o answer_n to_o mr._n g_n 5_o the_o question_v trifle_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a after_o so_o ample_a a_o discovery_n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o they_o take_v they_o in_o the_o sense_n you_o explicate_v they_o deserve_v no_o better_a character_n you_o be_v ask_v only_o the_o meaning_n of_o your_o word_n christian_n church_n but_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o be_v liberal_a and_o give_v more_o than_o be_v ask_v the_o meaning_n of_o universal_a testimony_n too_o and_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o universal_a testimony_n you_o mean_v universal_a consent_n that_o be_v to_o say_v by_o universal_a testimony_n you_o mean_v universal_a testimony_n for_o all_o agree_v or_o consent_v in_o the_o testimony_n if_o it_o be_v universal_a then_o to_o the_o precise_a question_n you_o answer_v that_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n you_o mean_v all_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o by_o the_o christian_a church_n you_o mean_v the_o christian_a church_n for_o all_o the_o part_n make_v the_o whole_a so_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o explication_n you_o give_v we_o the_o same_o thing_n over_o again_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o pray_v who_o be_v the_o wise_a for_o such_o a_o answer_n yet_o though_o it_o be_v impertinent_a and_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v at_o lest_o true_a and_o evident_a by_o its_o self_n without_o need_v to_o make_v it_o a_o question_n if_o you_o will_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o such_o evidence_n when_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_v you_o will_v high_o oblige_v we_o certain_o a_o consider_v reader_n can_v but_o think_v you_o be_v very_o unhappy_a in_o explicate_v yourself_o for_o either_o your_o explication_n run_v quite_o away_o from_o your_o answer_n which_o you_o be_v to_o explicate_v and_o be_v a_o mile_n wide_a of_o they_o or_o they_o come_v too_o close_o to_o they_o and_o be_v the_o selfsame_a say_v over_o again_o and_o almost_o in_o the_o same_o word_n but_o can_v any_o one_o think_v so_o excellent_a a_o wit_n as_o you_o be_v just_o repute_v shall_v expose_v himself_o so_o manifest_o without_o some_o latent_fw-la design_n it_o be_v incredible_a let_v we_o take_v a_o view_n then_o of_o mr._n g_n 5_o the_o question_v be_v the_o word_n christian_a church_n may_v be_v take_v in_o several_a latitude_n by_o person_n of_o different_a religion_n i_o desire_v to_o know_v what_o that_o christian_a church_n be_v etc._n etc._n here_o we_o see_v plain_o that_o the_o main_a of_o the_o question_n be_v what_o church_n be_v account_v by_o you_o christian_a or_o how_o that_o word_n christian_n be_v to_o be_v explicate_v and_o you_o give_v he_o for_o explication_n the_o selfsame_a word_n again_o and_o in_o effect_n tell_v he_o that_o by_o christian_a be_v mean_v christian_a and_o that_o be_v all_o he_o can_v get_v from_o you._n and_o you_o do_v prudent_o for_o have_v you_o come_v to_o distinguish_v which_o congregation_n be_v christian_n which_o not_o you_o must_v have_v seclude_v all_o heretic_n which_o your_o principle_n can_v not_o do_v for_o your_o ground_n of_o faith_n here_o be_v most_o manifest_o common_a to_o all_o of_o they_o and_o so_o you_o will_v have_v lie_v open_a to_o the_o disrepute_n of_o have_v and_o profess_v a_o brotherhead_n with_o all_o those_o excrementitious_a outcast_n and_o your_o pretend_a rule_n notwithstanding_o it_o be_v other_o many_o divine_a excellency_n have_v appear_v to_o be_v utter_o unqualify_v with_o clearness_n and_o firmness_n enough_o to_o be_v call_v a_o rule_n or_o ground_n to_o avoid_v this_o and_o in_o consonancy_n to_o your_o principle_n you_o take_v all_o their_o testimony_n in_o for_o scripture_n and_o pretend_v it_o strengthen_v it_o so_o it_o may_v perhaps_o as_o to_o the_o book_n but_o you_o know_v how_o the_o church_n complain_v of_o the_o heretic_n for_o corrupt_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v it_o favourable_a for_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o any_o thing_n you_o know_v they_o cry_v up_o the_o book_n because_o they_o have_v fit_v they_o for_o their_o own_o purpose_n whence_o though_o the_o testimony_n for_o the_o book_n shall_v be_v strong_a by_o their_o concurrence_n yet_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o the_o respective_a place_n that_o oppose_v those_o heretic_n be_v weak_a for_o their_o allow_v they_o because_o they_o admit_v they_o as_o consistent_a with_o their_o tenet_n otherwise_o they_o will_v have_v reject_v they_o as_o they_o do_v other_o upon_o that_o score_n and_o what_o advantage_n can_v you_o gain_v by_o the_o former_a towards_o the_o prove_v your_o ground_n of_o faith_n
very_a principle_n oblige_v i_o to_o declare_v that_o what_o i_o attribute_v to_o they_o be_v first_o that_o they_o have_v all_o those_o excellency_n which_o dr._n st._n yield_v they_o and_o one_o more_o which_o he_o do_v not_o of_o which_o hereafter_o second_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a to_o all_o the_o end_n st._n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n ascribe_v to_o they_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o high_a measure_n that_o i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o a_o incredible_a loss_n without_o they_o &_o that_o not_o near_o half_a the_o number_n of_o christian_a soul_n will_v have_v be_v save_v have_v it_o not_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n such_o a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o it_o three_o that_o when_o they_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o divinely-inspired_n writer_n by_o a_o certain_a interpretation_n they_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o that_o thus_o interpret_v they_o be_v with_o much_o profit_n make_v use_v of_o to_o that_o end_n by_o father_n and_o council_n four_o that_o though_o they_o be_v write_v on_o several_a occasion_n it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o design_n of_o god_n good_a providence_n which_o order_v all_o our_o action_n to_o the_o bring_n about_o his_o best_a end_n however_o they_o be_v occasional_a to_o we_o much_o more_o a_o affair_n so_o main_o important_a to_o the_o church_n improvement_n five_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n in_o preserve_v the_o letter_n from_o any_o material_a corruption_n and_o that_o the_o second_o cause_n by_o which_o this_o providence_n exert_v itself_o be_v the_o most_o obligatory_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o knowledge_n she_o ever_o have_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n 6_o thly_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o sublime_a in_o spiritual_a point_n and_o high_a mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a revelation_n that_o no_o man_n by_o their_o private_a judgement_n much_o less_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n come_v to_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unelevate_v and_o unenlighten_v by_o it_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sense_n by_o the_o letter_n in_o those_o difficult_a text_n with_o such_o a_o unerring_a certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o most_o firm_a rational_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n call_v faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o in_o these_o they_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o other_o passage_n that_o be_v historical_a moral_a etc._n etc._n where_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v more_o obvious_a to_o ordinary_a reason_n they_o be_v either_o clear_a of_o themselves_o or_o may_v be_v clear_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a by_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o more_o know_v faithful_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o hold_v that_o scripture_n thus_o private_o interpret_v be_v not_o convictive_a of_o heretic_n who_o have_v imbibe_v a_o contrary_a sentiment_n to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a enditer_n because_o those_o man_n admit_v no_o certain_a interpreter_n of_o those_o difficult_a place_n and_o this_o want_n of_o clearness_n in_o such_o text_n i_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v a_o privative_a imperfection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o argue_v a_o very_a high_a perfection_n in_o scripture_n viz._n as_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n have_v tell_v we_o 1200_o year_n ago_o commonitor_n cap._n 2._o it_o be_v deep_a sense_n whence_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v proper_o a_o disproportion_n of_o that_o sense_n to_o the_o low_a conception_n of_o private_a judgement_n look_v after_o faith_n or_o a_o obscurity_n relative_o to_o such_o person_n than_o a_o absolute_a one_o since_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v instruct_v in_o that_o sense_n be_v both_o capable_a to_o understand_v it_o right_n and_o moreover_o to_o discover_v still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a truth_n in_o it_o 7_o thly_a that_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o can_v hold_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o mean_n for_o people_n of_o every_o capacity_n look_v after_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o those_o dogmatical_a article_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v show_v 2._o above_o to_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o can_v i_o allow_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n ought_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n as_o be_v those_o private_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o need_v some_o other_o rule_n to_o ascertain_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n what_o be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n moreover_o i_o make_v account_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n time_n abet_n my_o position_n every_o heretic_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n rely_v on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o wicked_a blasphemy_n as_o the_o socinian_o do_v now_o who_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v sincere_a and_o exact_a follower_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o vser_n of_o that_o mean_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o christ_n genuine_a doctrine_n deny_v his_o godhead_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o that_o can_v be_v the_o way_n to_o truth_n which_o such_o vast_a multitude_n have_v follow_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n unless_o we_o know_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wilful_o sincere_a or_o strange_o negligent_a which_o we_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v and_o as_o experience_n have_v show_v this_o to_o every_o man_n eye_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o my_o sentiment_n only_o the_o same_o ibid._n lirinensis_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o scripture_n depth_n as_o many_o opinion_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o where_o he_o ascribe_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o letter_n not_o mere_o to_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n nor_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o the_o sense_n be_v deliver_v but_o to_o the_o profoundness_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o reason_n and_o experience_n both_o inform_v we_o that_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v above_o the_o reader_n capacity_n though_o the_o word_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o easy_o comprehend_v without_o some_o who_o be_v already_o skill_a in_o that_o sense_n sense_n 5._o as_o for_o tradition_n the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n may_v perhaps_o give_v you_o some_o prejudice_n against_o it_o because_o our_o saviour_n reprehend_v the_o jew_n for_o some_o unwarrantable_a tradition_n of_o they_o this_o oblige_v i_o to_o give_v you_o a_o true_a character_n of_o our_o tenet_n concern_v it_o and_o to_o make_v know_v to_o you_o particular_o what_o tradition_n mean_n as_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o our_o controversy_n which_o dr._n st._n though_o he_o know_v it_o will_v never_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o shall_v be_v see_v misrepresent_v it_o all_o along_o very_o disingenuous_o in_o every_o particular_a what_o we_o hold_v of_o it_o then_o be_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n settle_v the_o selfsame_a christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v in_o several_a country_n and_o not_o only_o at_o large_a and_o particular_o explicate_v it_o and_o fix_v it_o by_o their_o heavenly_a preach_v but_o rivet_v it_o as_o we_o may_v say_v by_o miracle_n found_v church_n and_o constitute_v discipline_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o and_o their_o own_o example_n they_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o doctrine_n last_o they_o recommend_v the_o continue_v it_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o swerve_v from_o it_o themselves_o or_o neglect_v to_o educate_v their_o child_n in_o it_o be_v the_o assure_a way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n 2_o dly_z that_o this_o vast_a multitude_n unanimous_o settle_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o we_o make_v the_o first_o source_n of_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attest_v to_o the_o next_o age_n what_o the_o first_o have_v receive_v and_o practise_v nor_o can_v they_o forget_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o recommend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o christian_a life_n so_o long_o nor_o can_v true_a faith_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n no_o nor_o even_o the_o natural_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n permit_v they_o all_o to_o be_v
so_o wicked_a as_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o voluntary_o or_o neglect_v to_o educate_v the_o other_o in_o it_o however_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v there_o will_v be_v now_o and_o then_o a_o failure_n in_o some_o particular_n desert_v the_o former_a doctrine_n and_o draw_v proselyte_n after_o they_o 3_o dly_z that_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o the_o continuate_a delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n by_o the_o second_o age_n to_o the_o three_o and_o so_o still_o forward_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n god_n himself_o can_v propose_v be_v lay_v to_o oblige_v christian_n not_o to_o deviate_v from_o it_o in_o the_o least_o or_o be_v careless_a to_o recommend_v it_o and_o those_o motive_n too_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o lively_o imprint_v and_o apprehend_v by_o the_o heaven-instructed_n faithful_n than_o they_o be_v by_o any_o in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o christ._n four_o that_o by_o tradition_n then_o be_v mean_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a forego_v age_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o next_o age_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o explain_v to_o they_o by_o their_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n or_o take_v tradition_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o oral_a and_o practical_a both_o it_o be_v a_o continue_v education_n of_o undergrow_a posterity_n in_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o immediate_a predecessor_n 5_o thly_a that_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o need_v proof_n that_o this_o rule_n can_v on_o its_o part_n deceive_v we_o for_o put_v that_o it_o be_v still_o follow_v or_o that_o posterity_n still_o believ_n d_o and_o practise_v as_o their_o immediate_a forefather_n do_v who_o at_o first_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v instruct_v they_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n have_v whence_o follow_v evident_o that_o no_o error_n can_v possible_o come_v in_o at_o any_o time_n unless_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n have_v be_v desert_v 6_o thly_a that_o tradition_n thus_o understand_v and_o we_o never_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o immediate_a age_n before_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o even_a of_o the_o low_a capacity_n as_o we_o experience_n to_o some_o degree_n in_o the_o instruction_n by_o pastor_n even_o now_o adays_o and_o since_o it_o deliver_v its_o sense_n which_o in_o those_o that_o have_v follow_v that_o rule_n have_v be_v even_o now_o show_v to_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n by_o preach_v catechise_v explain_v daily_o practise_v and_o all_o the_o way_n imaginable_a to_o make_v it_o understand_v it_o be_v also_o a_o absolutely-clear_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n downward_o add_v that_o shall_v its_o sense_n be_v at_o any_o time_n misapprehend_v the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n can_v explain_v their_o own_o meaning_n pertinent_o to_o the_o asker_n doubter_n or_o mistaker_n exigency_n which_o a_o letter_n in_o a_o book_n can_v 7_o thly_a that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inculcate_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o preserve_v inviolate_a the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o tradition_n do_v most_o particular_o exert_v its_o self_n in_o teach_v and_o transmit_v those_o 8_o thly_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o scriptural_a tradition_n go_v along_o with_o this_o other_o we_o have_v explain_v for_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o sense_n in_o her_o breast_n which_o the_o first_o writer_n have_v be_v consequent_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o father_n and_o council_n often_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a by_o its_o concurrence_n but_o when_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v any_o to_o faith_n it_o be_v never_o hear_v they_o take_v such_o a_o method_n as_o to_o put_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o bid_v he_o look_v for_o his_o faith_n there_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o in_o the_o high_a point_n that_o be_v dubious_a or_o controvert_v to_o every_o capacity_n 9_o thly_a that_o hence_o scripture_n 21._o without_o the_o church_n help_v be_v never_o hold_v by_o they_o ancient_o nor_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o now_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o use_v that_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n or_o way_n for_o all_o who_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n to_o arrive_v uner_o at_o it_o last_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n in_o those_o sublime_a point_n surpass_v the_o apprehension_n of_o private_a man_n come_v to_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o letter_n alone_o can_v be_v a_o assure_a ground_n to_o build_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n upon_o whence_o follow_v that_o tradition_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o only_o it_o can_v be_v in_o proper_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith._n faith._n 6._o this_o then_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o this_o be_v our_o true_a tenet_n both_o concern_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o they_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o the_o sermon_n represent_v we_o and_o whether_o your_o admire_a preacher_n do_v so_o much_o as_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n particular_n 7._o in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o may_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o he_o never_o let_v you_o know_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v that_o the_o main_a contest_v between_o he_o and_o i_o be_v about_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n his_o wicked_a doctrine_n in_o that_o point_n oblige_v i_o to_o write_v a_o falsehood_n whole_a treatise_n former_o in_o vindication_n of_o christianity_n from_o such_o a_o intolerable_a scandal_n which_o i_o apply_v in_o the_o close_n of_o it_o against_o himself_o and_o dr._n tillotson_n have_v he_o let_v you_o know_v this_o he_o prudent_o foresee_v your_o zeal_n for_o christianity_n your_o best_a concern_v will_v have_v give_v you_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o his_o sermon_n and_o the_o preacher_n too_o and_o the_o very_a conceit_n all_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n will_v have_v make_v you_o abhor_v a_o discourse_n out_o of_o a_o pulpit_n maintain_v it_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o ly._n as_o for_o particular_n particular_n 8._o first_o he_o talk_v of_o a_o steadfastness_n and_o a_o firm_a and_o well-settled_n resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o christ_n himself_o deliver_v 1._o but_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v assure_v first_o that_o he_o do_v indeed_o deliver_v it_o or_o be_v you_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o he_o whether_o you_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v he_o or_o no_o or_o be_v a_o resolution_n to_o hold_v steadfast_o to_o what_o you_o judge_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n well-settled_n if_o that_o faith_n of_o you_o the_o basis_n of_o your_o spiritual_a building_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o resolution_n be_v not_o well-settled_n itself_o but_o may_v sink_v into_o falsehood_n this_o be_v the_o true_a point_n you_o be_v to_o look_v after_o and_o till_o you_o have_v perfect_a satisfaction_n from_o he_o in_o this_o wise_o to_o consider_v that_o pious_a talk_n without_o solid_a ground_n to_o support_v their_o truth_n be_v but_o paint_v the_o outside_n of_o a_o sepulchre_n the_o tinkle_a cymbal_n of_o a_o little_a rhetoric_n and_o show_v of_o much_o read_n may_v go_v far_o with_o person_n who_o such_o flourish_n can_v prevail_v upon_o to_o forgo_v their_o reason_n but_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a respect_n for_o you_o if_o he_o hope_v you_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o with_o the_o wind_n of_o a_o little_a articulate_a air_n air_n 9_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a he_o say_v for_o they_o to_o have_v mistake_v or_o misremember_v what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v 4._o who_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o they_o what_o by_o first_o delivery_n do_v he_o mean_v the_o universality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o any_o succeed_a one_o or_o that_o those_o great_a body_n settle_v in_o their_o faith_n form_v into_o church-government_n and_o keep_v up_o to_o their_o christian_a duty_n by_o discipline_n can_v thus_o mistake_v or_o misremember_v the_o former_a teach_v and_o practice_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n this_o be_v the_o only_a tradition_n we_o ever_o speak_v of_o or_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v none_o doubt_v but_o that_o when_o some_o single_a apostle_n be_v preach_v in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v as_o yet_o raw_a and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o strange_a that_o they_o do_v not_o
the_o sense_n write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o church_n at_o first_o by_o the_o preach_a of_o the_o apostle_n and_o continue_v ever_o since_o in_o the_o manner_n we_o have_v describe_v and_o prove_v prove_v 24._o but_o the_o dr._n be_v get_v into_o a_o track_n of_o mistake_v and_o he_o can_v get_v out_o of_o it_o he_o bring_v for_o his_o three_o argument_n our_o b._n saviour_n advice_n to_o the_o jew_n to_o search_v the_o scripture_n the_o business_n be_v ibid._n to_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o the_o prophecy_n relate_v to_o the_o messiah_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n or_o else_o moral_a and_o therefore_o proportion_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o searcher_n and_o plain_a enough_o so_o they_o apply_v but_o industry_n &_o diligence_n to_o find_v they_o out_o be_v your_o mystery_n of_o christian_a faith_n such_o or_o must_v weak_a unelevated_a understanding_n therefore_o presume_v to_o penetrate_v the_o mean_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o text_n of_o so_o deep_a a_o sense_n as_o those_o mystery_n be_v because_o the_o jew_n be_v exhort_v to_o do_v it_o in_o a_o matter_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o their_o capacity_n again_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v very_o strong_a that_o a_o messiah_n shall_v come_v but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o person_n there_o be_v no_o tradition_n at_o all_o this_o be_v therefore_o either_o to_o be_v make_v know_v by_o his_o miracle_n do_v to_o attest_v it_o or_o to_o be_v find_v out_o by_o the_o apply_v of_o diverse_a particular_n to_o he_o and_o by_o see_v they_o all_o concur_v in_o he_o and_o do_v ever_o any_o of_o we_o pretend_v that_o tradition_n be_v to_o bring_v down_o such_o particular_n if_o he_o say_v we_o do_v he_o must_v show_v where_o if_o he_o confess_v we_o do_v not_o he_o must_v confess_v withal_o his_o text_n and_o discourse_n here_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o turn_v it_o off_o from_o the_o admonition_n of_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o know_v the_o true_a messiah_n to_o the_o know_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n whereas_o the_o tradition_n of_o his_o kingdom_n be_v be_v pure_o spiritual_a be_v neither_o universal_o hold_v teach_v nor_o deliver_v at_o first_o by_o the_o first_o founder_n of_o that_o law_n nor_o settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o synagogue_n or_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o the_o beginning_n as_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v by_o the_o unanimous_a preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o such_o a_o numerous_a multitude_n as_o be_v the_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o first_o age._n which_o be_v evident_o so_o what_o reason_n be_v there_o our_o saviour_n shall_v refer_v they_o to_o such_o a_o slight_a or_o rather_o no-tradition_n and_o not_o to_o the_o write_a prophecy_n in_o which_o he_o be_v foretell_v or_o what_o consequence_n can_v be_v draw_v hence_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o christian_a tradition_n which_o and_o which_o only_o we_o defend_v and_o which_o as_o be_v fit_v be_v so_o strong_o support_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v a_o parallel_n to_o equal_a or_o come_v nigh_o it_o and_o unless_o this_o be_v do_v all_o his_o argument_n against_o it_o stand_v thus_o a_o lesser_a force_n can_v do_v a_o effect_n therefore_o a_o great_a can_v a_o odd_a piece_n of_o logic_n but_o suitable_a to_o all_o the_o rest_n rest_n 25._o his_o four_o reason_n represent_v tradition_n to_o be_v mere_o verbal_a and_o not_o practical_a 28._o that_o it_o alone_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o particular_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o historical_a passage_n nay_o the_o speculative_a whimsy_n of_o the_o old_a heathen_a philosopher_n none_o of_o which_o be_v ever_o pretend_v and_o so_o all_o his_o discourse_n run_v upon_o his_o old_a and_o oft-repeated_n error_n in_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o tradition_n tradition_n 26._o the_o reason_n he_o give_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n we_o allow_v to_o a_o tittle_n and_o we_o add_v to_o they_o one_o over_z and_o above_o which_o be_v better_o than_o they_o all_o viz._n the_o obligation_n and_o care_n of_o the_o church_n which_o as_o she_o ever_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o contain_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v preach_v to_o she_o at_o first_o by_o christ_n order_n and_o that_o it_o be_v a_o most_o incomparable_a instrument_n for_o the_o edification_n of_o her_o child_n the_o abetment_n of_o faith_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nay_o a_o instruction_n to_o herself_o too_o in_o thousand_o of_o most_o excellent_a most_o useful_a and_o most_o enlighten_v passage_n so_o she_o can_v not_o but_o look_v upon_o herself_o as_o most_o high_o oblige_v to_o preserve_v the_o letter_n from_o any_o material_a alteration_n and_o yet_o more_o particular_o in_o case_n any_o heretic_n go_v about_o to_o corrupt_v it_o in_o any_o text_n nay_o coma_n or_o pointing_n that_o concern_v the_o main_a article_n of_o christianity_n which_o they_o sometime_o attempt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n in_o her_o breast_n can_v easy_o direct_v they_o to_o set_v the_o text_n right_o again_o and_o that_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n nor_o do_v any_o say_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suppose_v any_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v indeed_o lose_v as_o he_o hint_n p._n 29._o only_a upon_o his_o say_n that_o 36._o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n i_o use_v the_o right_n of_o a_o disputant_n and_o put_v he_o to_o make_v good_a what_o he_o say_v and_o to_o prove_v he_o have_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n he_o pretend_v to_o that_o no_o book_n be_v lose_v without_o which_o he_o can_v have_v no_o such_o certainty_n those_o piece_n of_o scripture_n we_o have_v now_o do_v contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n which_o by_o his_o ground_n deny_v any_o certainty_n but_o what_o may_v admit_v of_o deceit_n i_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o perform_v perform_v 27._o nor_o do_v i_o at_o all_o doubt_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o divine_a grace_n 30._o or_o of_o the_o internal_a satisfaction_n which_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v already_o faithful_a or_o as_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n cite_v by_o he_o express_v himself_o have_v the_o habit_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o they_o have_v a_o right_a judgement_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v agreeable_a to_o that_o virtue_n receive_v concern_v scripture_n and_o christ_n doctrine_n or_o that_o they_o confirm_v man_n more_o than_o demonstration_n do_v argument_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o preliminary_n to_o faith_n or_o search_n after_o it_o but_o the_o inward_a satisfaction_n that_o that_o heavenly_a doctrine_n rectify_v and_o purify_v the_o soul_n and_o level_v it_o direct_o towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o its_o last_o blissful_a end_n have_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o kind_n of_o experience_n and_o as_o it_o be_v possession_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o humane_a argument_n previous_a to_o faith_n have_v be_v look_v after_o and_o contend_v for_o i_o suppose_v gentleman_n the_o dr._n bring_v in_o this_o discourse_n to_o prepare_v your_o mind_n by_o a_o show_n of_o piety_n to_o rest_v apay_v with_o any_o slight_a reason_n that_o fall_v short_a of_o conclude_v and_o breed_v in_o you_o a_o prejudice_n against_o the_o necessity_n of_o his_o produce_v any_o such_o argument_n as_o place_n christian_n faith_n above_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n but_o he_o be_v as_o much_o out_o of_o the_o way_n here_o as_o he_o be_v in_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o notwithstanding_o god_n grace_n and_o this_o internal_a satisfaction_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o good_a soul_n who_o be_v believer_n already_o the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n must_v be_v furnish_v with_o solid_a and_o unanswerable_a reason_n to_o satisfy_v perfect_o those_o both_o of_o the_o low_a and_o most_o acute_a capacity_n who_o be_v look_v after_o faith_n that_o the_o doctrine_n she_o profess_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o to_o evince_v and_o defend_v its_o truth_n in_o that_o particular_a against_o the_o most_o subtle_a adversary_n which_o can_v be_v do_v unless_o the_o reason_n which_o we_o as_o controvertist_n bring_v set_v it_o above_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n that_o christ_n teach_v it_o we_o can_v put_v god_n grace_n and_o our_o internal_a satisfaction_n into_o syllogism_n when_o we_o be_v dispute_v nor_o do_v god_n intend_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o prejudice_v the_o true_a nature_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o which_o be_v reason_n but_o to_o perfect_a and_o elevate_v it_o it_o be_v against_o reason_n that_o in_o preliminary_n to_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o natural_a reason_n those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o penetrate_v the_o force_n of_o reason_n shall_v assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n for_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n it_o be_v without_o any_o motive_n that_o be_v without_o any_o reason_n and_o
manage_v by_o maxim_n of_o pure_a reason_n 37._o this_o point_n then_o settle_v 28._o let_v we_o trace_v our_o prevaricatour_n in_o his_o wander_n he_o tell_v we_o very_o grave_o god_n be_v not_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v necessary_a point_v know_v to_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n what_o we_o demand_v of_o he_o be_v some_o natural_a medium_fw-la or_o argument_n within_o our_o ken_n conclude_v that_o what_o be_v hold_v by_o he_o now_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n he_o confess_v he_o have_v none_o for_o he_o mock_v at_o conclusive_a evidence_n but_o pretend_v god_n grace_n will_v do_v it_o for_o he_o we_o tell_v he_o that_o without_o such_o conclusive_a reason_n to_o prove_v our_o present_a faith_n to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o christ_n we_o can_v maintain_v or_o make_v out_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v true._n and_o he_o tell_v we_o god_n be_v not_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o make_v necessary_a point_n know_v to_o man_n of_o honest_a and_o sincere_a mind_n and_o what_o man_n live_v have_v the_o courage_n to_o assault_v a_o adversary_n that_o come_v arm_v with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a logic_n now_o all_o this_o be_v it_o level_v right_o as_o it_o be_v not_o be_v mere_a petitio_fw-la principii_fw-la and_o beg_v the_o question_n for_o it_o suppose_v scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v the_o rule_n which_o he_o be_v here_o to_o prove_v and_o to_o show_v we_o how_o it_o preserve_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o it_o from_o error_n for_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n do_v god_n ever_o promise_v his_o grace_n to_o those_o who_o leave_v a_o clear_a and_o conclusive_a way_n to_o follow_v a_o obscure_a and_o inconclusive_a one_o do_v god_n grace_n ever_o make_v a_o conclusion_n follow_v which_o do_v not_o follow_v or_o make_v the_o term_n cohere_v which_o be_v incoherent_a or_o keep_v those_o from_o error_n who_o take_v a_o way_n that_o for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v prove_v to_o the_o contrary_a facilitated_a man_n to_o fall_v into_o it_o certain_o never_o be_v god_n grace_n so_o abuse_v to_o a_o wrong_a end_n or_o call_v in_o at_o a_o dead_a lift_n like_o some_o deus_fw-mi ●_o machind_a to_o save_v his_o credit_n for_o bring_v never_o a_o argument_n that_o be_v worth_a a_o rush._n yet_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o see_v what_o a_o clutter_v he_o keep_v about_o the_o donum_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la and_o lumen_fw-la fidei_fw-la 28._o both_o which_o presuppose_v faith_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o whereas_o all_o his_o work_n be_v to_o prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o late_a in_o this_o lamentable_a condition_n he_o have_v leave_v his_o rule_n recur_v to_o invisible_a gift_n the_o true_a blue_a fanatic_a method_n instead_o of_o produce_v open_a argument_n to_o prove_v it_o have_v any_o power_n to_o regulate_v man_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith._n proceed_v upon_o this_o gross_a and_o wilful_a shuffle_n he_o make_v a_o fine_a flourish_n of_o our_o school-divines_a who_o have_v not_o one_o single_a word_n of_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o which_o be_v our_o present_a point_n as_o his_o friend_n 6._o dr._n t._n have_v tell_v he_o and_o then_o he_o conclude_v like_o a_o triumphant_a hero_n that_o i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o own_o church_n or_o a_o obstinate_a opposer_n of_o it_o alas_o for_o he_o he_o obstinate_o oppose_v while_o he_o cite_v they_o the_o know_a state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o be_v such_o a_o stranger_n to_o school-divinity_n that_o he_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o that_o and_o controversy_n and_o when_o he_o be_v take_v tardy_a thus_o miserable_o he_o think_v to_o salve_v all_o with_o swagger_v and_o vapour_a 38._o at_o length_n he_o sum_v up_o his_o performance_n with_o impertinent_a distinction_n of_o all_o the_o thing_n he_o be_v certain_a of_o 33._o as_o 1._o that_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true._n who_o deny_v it_o or_o what_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o god_n reveal_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o believe_a right_n unless_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o particular_a point_n he_o hold_v be_v indeed_o reveal_v by_o god_n or_o to_o speak_v more_o pertinent_o to_o our_o purpose_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n 2._o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o his_o rule_n and_o it_o be_v contain_v all_o necessary_a point_n and_o what_o be_v he_o the_o better_a for_o certainty_n of_o this_o if_o still_o he_o remain_v uncertain_a of_o all_o the_o particular_a article_n he_o be_v to_o believe_v by_o it_o 3._o that_o god_n grace_n be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n formal_o divine_a which_o be_v grant_v but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o prove_v it_o by_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la to_o have_v come_v from_o christ_n as_o he_o must_v do_v to_o those_o who_o be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o faith_n conclusive_a evidence_n must_v be_v produce_v for_o this_o or_o the_o proof_n must_v fall_v short_a of_o conclude_v whether_o we_o have_v grace_n or_o no_o and_o so_o leave_v it_o unprove_v and_o uncertain_a 4._o he_o say_v particular_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o or_o less_o certain_a according_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o their_o deduction_n from_o scripture_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n this_o only_a seem_v to_o touch_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o it_o touch_v it_o very_o gingerly_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o and_o tell_v we_o whether_o he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o all_o particular_n of_o his_o faith_n nay_o even_o of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n by_o his_o rule_n or_o whether_o any_o man_n live_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o they_o by_o his_o principle_n if_o not_o than_o all_o faith_n may_v be_v a_o lie_a story_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o any_o man_n else_o can_v tell_v and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o true_a tenet_n be_v evident_a by_o his_o omit_v 16._o here_o when_o he_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o particular_a point_n the_o word_n absolute_o certain_z which_o he_o put_v to_o the_o two_o first_o part_n of_o his_o division_n nor_o do_v i_o like_o his_o expression_n of_o more_o or_o less_o certain_a for_o since_o any_o quality_n be_v more_o or_o less_o such_o by_o have_v less_o or_o more_o of_o the_o opposite_a quality_n mix_v with_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o his_o more_o or_o less_o certain_a must_v mean_v less_o or_o more_o uncertain_a strange_a language_n for_o a_o christian_n to_o use_v when_o he_o be_v speak_v of_o all_o the_o particular_a article_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o what_o certainty_n be_v to_o be_v allow_v for_o they_o and_o yet_o he_o call_v this_o the_o set_v this_o controversy_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o its_o true_a light_n ibid._n a_o pleasant_a jest_n than_o which_o be_v never_o speak_v be_v not_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o so_o pernicious_a sect_n iii_o how_o dr._n st._n answer_v our_o reason_n produce_v against_o his_o ground_n of_o certainty_n for_o his_o faith._n 39_o he_o proceed_v next_o to_o answer_v my_o short_a discourse_n demonstrate_v that_o he_o and_o those_o of_o his_o principle_n can_v not_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v right_a faith._n i_o presume_v he_o can_v not_o do_v it_o he_o say_v he_o have_v let_v we_o see_v which_o of_o we_o be_v disappoint_v it_o consist_v of_o five_o plain_a proposition_n 1._o god_n have_v leave_v we_o some_o way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 2._o therefore_o this_o way_n must_v be_v such_o that_o they_o who_o take_v it_o shall_v arrive_v by_o it_o at_o the_o end_v it_o be_v intend_v for_o that_o be_v know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 3._o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o that_o way_n for_o we_o experience_v presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o for_o example_n both_o take_v that_o way_n yet_o differ_v in_o such_o high_a fundamental_o as_o the_o trinity_n &_o godhead_n of_o christ._n 4._o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v or_o sure_o to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith._n 5._o therefore_o they_o who_o take_v only_o that_o way_n can_v by_v it_o arrive_v sure_o at_o right_a faith_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o arrive_v at_o the_o end_n without_o the_o mean_n or_o way_n that_o lead_v to_o it_o the_o reader_n may_v know_v that_o this_o very_a discourse_n in_o substance_n be_v propose_v to_o he_o many_o year_n ago_o by_o a_o worthy_a lady_n of_o who_o sincerity_n i_o believe_v himself_o do_v not_o doubt_n he_o make_v a_o ramble_a discourse_n of_o his_o own_o against_o it_o unappliable_a to_o any_o proposition_n
that_o all_o the_o main_a point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n may_v be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v these_o and_o such_o like_a discourse_n i_o hope_v will_v at_o first_o startle_v he_o and_o at_o length_n cure_v he_o if_o he_o be_v not_o too_o deep_o taint_v with_o enthusiasm_n or_o a_o high_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o moral_a qualification_n and_o divine_a assistance_n for_o if_o he_o be_v he_o be_v get_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o humane_a discourse_n and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v help_v by_o any_o thing_n under_o a_o miracle_n perhaps_o not_o by_o that_o neither_o 51._o he_o seem_v to_o deny_v people_n the_o liberty_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n against_o the_o teach_v church_n 58._o but_o his_o discourse_n sound_v hollow_o when_o he_o come_v to_o show_v he_o do_v so_o some_o sleight_n thing_n he_o say_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o teach_v church_n in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a age_n but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o what_o they_o owe_v to_o the_o present_a church_n which_o be_v their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a instructress_n and_o governess_n by_o which_o discourse_n it_o shall_v seem_v he_o hold_v the_o church_n of_o england_n none_o of_o the_o best_a nor_o pure_a the_o main_a point_n be_v whether_o if_o after_o have_v consult_v the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consider_v what_o ground_n she_o bring_v for_o her_o doctrine_n and_o decree_n the_o enquirer_n still_o like_v his_o own_o interpretation_n better_o he_o be_v in_o that_o case_n to_o submit_v his_o private_a judgement_n to_o the_o decree_n of_o that_o or_o any_o church_n and_o how_o the_o church_n be_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o in_o case_n his_o private_a interpretation_n lead_v he_o into_o a_o flat_a heresy_n these_o be_v the_o true_a point_n and_o test_n of_o dr._n st_n principle_n and_o yet_o undiscovered_a consequence_n but_o these_o be_v slubber_v over_o or_o rather_o indeed_o never_o touch_v yet_o he_o complain_v of_o i_o for_o be_v obscure_a when_o as_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v he_o write_v clear_o but_o it_o be_v clear_o from_o the_o point_n nor_o have_v any_o pack_v the_o card_n 60._o etc._n etc._n he_o say_v too_o that_o it_o be_v awkward_a reason_n to_o say_v nothing_o but_o infallibility_n will_v content_v he_o now_o pray_v which_o be_v more_o awkward_a if_o the_o judge_n acknowledge_v themselves_o fallible_a in_o which_o case_v nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v hold_v upon_o their_o testimony_n than_o he_o allow_v they_o very_o much_o authority_n but_o not_o upon_o other_o term_n but_o he_o be_v high_a in_o choler_n against_o i_o for_o say_v he_o have_v a_o aversion_n against_o the_o church_n intermeddle_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o impute_v it_o either_o to_o great_a ignorance_n or_o a_o malicious_a design_n to_o expose_v he_o to_o church_n governor_n but_o his_o comfort_n be_v he_o pity_v my_o ignorance_n and_o despise_v my_o malice_n this_o be_v stately_a and_o great_a i_o do_v assure_v he_o my_o only_a design_n be_v to_o oppose_v such_o principle_n as_o leave_v all_o to_o the_o fanatic_a frenzy_n of_o every_o private_a interpreter_n and_o till_o he_o satisfy_v the_o world_n better_o that_o his_o principle_n be_v not_o guilty_a of_o this_o enormity_n i_o shall_v still_o oppose_v he_o let_v he_o huff_v never_o so_o high_a the_o point_n be_v how_o do_v he_o clear_v himself_o why_o he_o say_v he_o dispute_v not_o against_o church-authority_n in_o due_a propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n certain_o church-authority_n be_v mighty_o oblige_v to_o he_o a_o genuine_a and_o learned_a son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n speak_v of_o this_o very_a doctrine_n of_o he_o tell_v he_o that_o 23._o proposal_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v so_o far_o from_o infer_v a_o authority_n to_o command_v their_o reception_n that_o they_o rather_o imply_v a_o power_n in_o those_o to_o who_o they_o be_v propose_v at_o discretion_n to_o reject_v they_o and_o so_o in_o the_o issue_n give_v the_o authority_n to_o the_o people_n which_o word_n contain_v the_o full_a sense_n of_o my_o discourse_n here_o against_o the_o dr_n and_o his_o belove_a sober_a enquirer_n why_o be_v he_o then_o so_o high_a against_o i_o for_o expose_v he_o when_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v already_o expose_v he_o more_o than_o i_o have_v do_v this_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n either_o of_o ignorance_n or_o malice_n when_o person_n who_o be_v otherwise_o of_o different_a judgement_n and_o communion_n do_v centre_n in_o the_o same_o opinion_n of_o his_o doctrine_n as_o destructive_a of_o church-government_n but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o pleasant_a that_o he_o will_v not_o promise_v he_o will_v not_o dispute_v against_o church-authority_n even_o in_o this_o due_a propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o with_o a_o proviso_n 25._o that_o every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_v for_o his_o own_o salvation_n as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o the_o church_n will_v be_v so_o saucy_a or_o so_o wicked_a as_o not_o to_o let_v my_o sober_a enquirer_n alone_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n as_o they_o list_v or_o hold_v what_o seem_v to_o their_o wise_a worship_n to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o with_o he_o be_v judge_v for_o their_o own_o salvation_n but_o will_v be_v censure_v or_o excommunicate_v they_o for_o heretic_n if_o they_o hap_v to_o err_v in_o christ_n godhead_n for_o example_n or_o any_o other_o such_o point_n than_o church-authority_n have_v at_o you_o for_o i_o tell_v you_o plain_o if_o you_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v and_o will_v dispute_v against_o you_o it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o know_v too_o what_o the_o pretty_a cautious_a word_n due_n propose_v mean_n there_o seem_v to_o lurk_v some_o hide_a mystery_n in_o that_o little_a monasyllable_n due_a which_o may_v come_v to_o help_v the_o sober_a enquirer_n with_o a_o evasion_n from_o submit_v to_o church-authority_n or_o obey_v it_o in_o case_n it_o misbehave_v itself_o undue_o or_o grow_v so_o malapert_a as_o to_o restrain_v they_o in_o their_o licentious_a prerogative_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n as_o their_o gift_a fancy_n inspire_v they_o it_o look_v odd_o and_o seem_v to_o have_v some_o ambidextrous_a meaning_n in_o it_o but_o we_o will_v hope_v the_o best_a till_o he_o come_v to_o unfold_v it_o now_o because_o honourable_a company_n be_v creditable_a to_o those_o who_o be_v high_o obnoxious_a he_o name_v st._n chrysostom_n st._n austin_n st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n 61._o and_o bellarmin_n as_o of_o his_o opnion_n but_o with_o the_o same_o sincerity_n as_o he_o pretend_v all_o divine_n of_o both_o church_n and_o even_o myself_o to_o hold_v all_o necessary_a point_n may_v be_v find_v by_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n without_o the_o church_n help_v as_o may_v be_v see_v hereafter_o hereafter_o 57_o it_o be_v indeed_o the_o general_n opinion_n of_o the_o father_n that_o we_o be_v not_o always_o hear_v when_o we_o pray_v for_o temporal_a thing_n or_o even_o spiritual_a good_n for_o other_o but_o that_o our_o request_n be_v always_o grant_v when_o we_o ask_v spiritual_a good_n for_o ourselves_o but_o then_o it_o be_v ever_o understand_v with_o this_o restriction_n that_o we_o must_v not_o make_v our_o suit_n to_o have_v knowledge_n or_o virtue_n by_o extraordinary_a way_n and_o neglect_v the_o ordinary_a method_n lay_v already_o by_o god_n providence_n to_o attain_v those_o good_a gift_n our_o question_n then_o be_v of_o understand_v those_o difficult_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o contain_v the_o main_a article_n of_o our_o christian_a belief_n and_o whether_o they_o can_v better_o attain_v to_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n with_o unerring_a certainty_n by_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n without_o the_o church_n help_v or_o by_o the_o church_n mean_n and_o dr_n st_n principle_n assert_v the_o former_a method_n my_o the_o late_a i_o do_v affirm_v that_o none_o of_o those_o author_n hold_v with_o he_o but_o will_v condemn_v his_o tenet_n for_o heresy_n he_o quote_v none_o of_o the_o place_n except_o bellarmin_n who_o speak_v not_o of_o person_n look_v for_o faith_n in_o scripture_n letter_n as_o to_o those_o point_n but_o of_o the_o faithful_a pray_v for_o wisdom_n to_o live_v well_o 61._o and_o he_o as_o the_o dr_n relate_v it_o deny_v the_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n the_o dr_n way_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v have_v by_o prayer_n which_o be_v our_o main_a point_n however_o our_o dr_n pretend_v himself_o wonderful_o skilful_a in_o our_o author_n because_o he_o can_v make_v a_o show_n of_o quote_v they_o though_o it_o be_v quite_o from_o the_o purpose_n he_o shall_v have_v keep_v a_o eye_n to_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o bring_v his_o citation_n home_o to_o it_o but_o this_o be_v not_o his_o way_n his_o main_a art_n through_o this_o whole_a treatise_n be_v to_o keep_v that_o from_o the_o reader_n
last_o why_o be_v not_o a_o extrinsicall_a ground_n or_o testimony_n prove_v to_o be_v such_o by_o intrinsicall_a reason_n sufficient_a in_o our_o case_n this_o shall_v have_v be_v show_v but_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o either_o by_o he_o or_o his_o master_n in_o a_o word_n he_o use_v some_o of_o our_o word_n take_v asunder_o from_o the_o context_n of_o our_o entire_a sense_n then_o blend_v they_o confuse_o together_o on_o any_o fashion_n without_o any_o kind_n of_o order_n or_o respect_n to_o the_o true_a question_n he_o give_v we_o relative_n word_n without_o tell_v we_o what_o they_o relate_v to_o he_o put_v upon_o we_o tenet_n we_o never_o advance_v or_o hold_v but_o the_o direct_a contrary_a and_o the_o witty_a gentleman_n will_v still_o persuade_v his_o reader_n he_o be_v repeat_v his_o lesson_n i_o have_v teach_v he_o when_o as_o all_o the_o while_o he_o deserve_v more_o than_o a_o ferula_fw-la for_o his_o rehearse_n it_o wrong_v or_o rather_o say_v it_o backward_o then_o follow_v his_o grand_a conclusion_n as_o the_o flower_n of_o all_o the_o forego_v one_o which_o we_o may_v be_v sure_o hit_v the_o point_n exact_o and_o therefore_o say_v he_o either_o your_o position_n overthrow_v your_o church_n authority_n or_o it_o your_o position_n most_o excellent_a my_o position_n be_v about_o tradition_n which_o be_v the_o selfsame_a thing_n with_o the_o church_n authority_n and_o this_o precious_a scribbler_n will_v needs_o have_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o destroy_v itself_o a_o fit_a upshot_n for_o a_o discourse_n without_o sense_n 89._o we_o see_v by_o this_o one_o instance_n there_o be_v scarce_o one_o line_n nor_o many_o significant_a word_n in_o this_o half-page_n of_o he_o but_o run_v upon_o enormous_a mistake_v and_o do_v he_o think_v i_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o stand_v rectify_v still_o what_o he_o all_o along_o take_v such_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o put_v into_o disorder_n especial_o since_o those_o few_o thing_n that_o be_v pertinent_a be_v abundant_o speak_v to_o in_o my_o three_o catholic_n letter_n and_o this_o present_a reply_n i_o must_v entreat_v the_o dr_n to_o excuse_v i_o if_o i_o have_v no_o mind_n to_o break_v his_o young_a controvertist_n and_o teach_v they_o how_o to_o manage_n mr_n g._n do_v he_o i_o hope_v no_o disparagement_n in_o make_v i_o his_o substitute_n but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o gentile_a in_o he_o to_o set_v such_o a_o fresh_a man_n upon_o my_o back_n i_o will_v have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o his_o little_a journeyman_n or_o apprentice_n till_o the_o world_n be_v satisfy_v that_o their_o master_n himself_o be_v a_o better_a artist_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o even_o the_o learned_a dr_n st._n be_v able_a to_o make_v nothing_o of_o so_o bad_a a_o cause_n it_o be_v neither_o discreditable_a to_o i_o nor_o any_o disadvantage_n to_o the_o truth_n i_o be_o defend_v 2._o if_o i_o neglect_v such_o a_o sixth-rate_n writer_n who_o confess_v himself_o unworthy_a to_o carry_v his_o book_n after_o he_o 90._o the_o omission_n in_o answer_v my_o second_a catholic_n letter_n be_v as_o many_o as_o that_o letter_n itself_o contain_v since_o his_o untoward_a method_n render_v all_o his_o talk_n twitch_a and_o gird_v at_o little_a say_n of_o i_o utter_o insignificant_a whence_o that_o whole_a treatise_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o stand_v yet_o entire_a unless_o the_o dr_n can_v show_v by_o his_o new_a logic_n that_o to_o mince_v half_o a_o book_n into_o fragment_n be_v to_o answer_v the_o whole_a 91._o thus_o the_o dr_n have_v trick_v off_o the_o answer_v my_o second_o cath._n letter_n but_o his_o omission_n in_o answer_v the_o three_o be_v both_o numerous_a and_o most_o high_o important_a and_o he_o be_v to_o render_v a_o account_n of_o all_o this_o long_a roll_n of_o he_o neglect_v why_o do_v he_o not_o clear_v himself_o of_o his_o alter_v there_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n into_o article_n and_o power_n of_o do_v this_o or_o that_o 4.5_o show_v at_o large_a p._n 4.5_o why_o answer_v he_o not_o the_o several_a reason_n 5.6.7.8.9_o prove_v against_o he_o that_o tradition_n bring_v down_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o common_a word_n in_o the_o clear_a delivery_n of_o which_o sense_n consist_v one_o of_o the_o main_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n viz._n its_o plainness_n to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n who_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o and_o why_o instead_o of_o perform_v this_o necessary_a duty_n do_v he_o p._n 43._o after_o have_v vapoured_a that_o it_o be_v brave_o say_v if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o do_v he_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mention_v the_o reason_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v out_o but_o ramble_v into_o such_o nonsense_n p._n 43._o that_o he_o and_o his_o party_n who_o be_v deserter_n of_o tradition_n can_v mistake_v it_o that_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n human_a testimony_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o part_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n etc._n etc._n why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o deform_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o plain_a word_n tradition_n into_o many_o unsuitable_a signification_n and_o put_v it_o in_o all_o shape_n but_o its_o own_o 11.12_o why_o no_o defence_n of_o his_o most_o ridiculous_a drollery_n in_o parallel_v tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n church_n to_o the_o relation_n of_o two_o or_o three_o partial_a witness_n of_o his_o own_o side_n in_o favour_n of_o their_o fellow_n or_o for_o his_o inconsonancy_n to_o himself_o &_o his_o insincerity_n in_o thus_o pervert_v it_o still_o when_o he_o be_v to_o impugn_v it_o 12._o whenas_o he_o take_v it_o very_o right_a when_o it_o make_v for_o himself_o why_o not_o a_o word_n to_o my_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o tradition_n must_v bring_v down_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o the_o tenet_n it_o deliver_v which_o he_o answer_v not_o at_o all_o 13.14.15_o but_o only_o bring_v against_o conclusion_n a_o instance_n of_o the_o corinthian_n and_o arlemonite_n p._n 45.46_o which_o as_o far_o as_o it_o pretend_v they_o plead_v tradition_n for_o their_o heresy_n take_v tradition_n as_o we_o do_v for_o the_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v both_o false_a and_o senseless_a 16.17.18_o why_o no_o answer_n at_o all_o to_o that_o most_o concern_v point_v prove_v against_o he_o that_o the_o church_n have_v power_n to_o declare_v diverse_a proposition_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n not_o hold_v distinct_o before_o without_o any_o prejudice_n at_o all_o to_o tradition_n and_o why_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o most_o evident_a proof_n that_o we_o make_v christian_a faith_n as_o it_o be_v formal_o divine_a rely_v on_o the_o divine_a authority_n notwithstanding_o our_o tenet_n that_o the_o church_n humane_a authority_n be_v the_o mean_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o that_o the_o assert_v this_o late_a be_v not_o to_o overthrow_v the_o church_n authority_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o object_v as_o also_o that_o the_o venerable_a f._n w._n be_v not_o a_o adversary_n to_o our_o way_n and_o that_o lominus_fw-la his_o book_n the_o dr_n rely_v on_o be_v no_o argument_n that_o my_o doctrine_n be_v faulty_a even_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o my_o judge_n 19.20.21_o why_o give_v he_o no_o reply_n to_o any_o of_o these_o but_o still_o run_v on_o with_o his_o former_a calumny_n as_o if_o nothing_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o show_v his_o manifest_a and_o wilful_a mistake_v 26.27_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n prove_v at_o large_a the_o impotency_n of_o his_o malice_n in_o charge_v pelagianism_n more_o than_o to_o repeat_v a_o few_o of_o word_n for_o a_o show_n that_o this_o humane_a authority_n lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v divine_a and_o there_o stop_v whereas_o the_o very_a 24._o next_o word_n yet_o not_o by_o its_o own_o force_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o supposition_n agree_v upon_o that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v such_o have_v spoil_v all_o his_o pretence_n 26._o why_o no_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o citation_n out_o of_o error_n nonplus_v write_v against_o himself_o fifteen_o year_n ago_o which_o forestall_v all_o his_o ramble_a mistake_v and_o by_o consequence_n show_v he_o strange_o insincere_a in_o dissemble_v his_o knowledge_n of_o my_o tenet_n so_o express_o declare_v 28._o 92._o why_o no_o plea_n allege_v to_o justify_v his_o shuffle_n from_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o protestant_a faith_n in_o particular_a to_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a nor_o to_o excuse_v his_o next_o shuffle_v and_o nonsense_n to_o boot_v in_o make_v faith_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o id_fw-la est_fw-la to_o signify_v the_o ground_n for_o his_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o turn_v certainty_n of_o scripture_n into_o a_o long_a ramble_v viz._n