Selected quad for the lemma: tradition_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
tradition_n christian_a faith_n rule_n 1,610 5 7.5448 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

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only_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v agree_v then_o among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o word_n rule_v make_v use_n of_o to_o mean_v a_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a direction_n be_v metaphorical_a or_o translate_v from_o some_o material_a thing_n as_o most_o word_n that_o express_v spiritual_a notion_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o metaphor_n which_o be_v transfer_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o some_o proportion_n or_o resemblance_n between_o they_o for_o as_o a_o material_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o endeavour_n to_o go_v 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swerve_v not_o from_o it_o leave_v we_o still_o deceivable_a in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o it_o shall_v regulate_v we_o we_o need_v another_o rule_n to_o secure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o deceive_v and_o so_o this_o other_o and_o not_o the_o former_a be_v our_o rule_n next_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n differ_v ●rom_o opinion_n in_o this_o that_o opinion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o faith_n can_v wherefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o as_o it_o ground_n faith_n double_o involve_v infallibility_n in_o its_o notion_n 9_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n ground_v phanaticism_n there_o be_v no_o more_o which_o claim_n to_o be_v rule_n of_o faith_n &_o see_v to_o which_o of_o they_o this_o
that_o those_o thing_n he_o brag_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o as_o principle_n be_v in_o reality_n but_o so_o many_o paradox_n or_o impertinence_n i_o hope_v we_o may_v s●●cease_v our_o fear_n and_o turn_v they_o into_o a_o more_o pleasant_a humour_n though_o the_o prognostic_n be_v very_o obvious_a what_o he_o can_v do_v in_o this_o case_n yet_o who_o know_v but_o for_o once_o he_o may_v work_v a_o impossibility_n who_o as_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o ensue_a treatise_n have_v tell_v we_o so_o many_o contradiction_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o attempt_v any_o reply_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a discourse_n what_o he_o be_v to_o do_v unless_o he_o will_v strange_o prevaricate_v from_o his_o duty_n viz._n either_o to_o disallow_v my_o settle_v here_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o state_n they_o better_o that_o be_v either_o to_o deny_v that_o they_o be_v to_o have_v any_o evidence_n or_o influence_n at_o all_o or_o else_o if_o he_o allow_v it_o to_o make_v out_o that_o his_o pretend_a principle_n have_v those_o qualification_n which_o be_v best_a do_v by_o resolve_v they_o into_o first_o principle_n and_o connect_v they_o distinct_o with_o their_o respective_a consequence_n and_o let_v he_o remember_v that_o till_o he_o do_v this_o he_o neither_o defend_v himself_o against_o my_o present_a answer_n nor_o give_v a_o home_n reply_v to_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n whatever_o gay_a thing_n or_o thing_n he_o say_v to_o particular_a passage_n in_o it_o since_o himself_o acknowledge_v these_o principle_n of_o his_o be_v intend_v a_o answer_n to_o that_o book_n and_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o both_o treatise_n they_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a return_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o occasion_n nor_o be_v it_o my_o intent_n here_o to_o write_v against_o the_o church_n of_o england_n or_o any_o of_o her_o legitimate_a son_n rather_o i_o must_v declare_v that_o in_o case_n they_o all_o hold_v as_o m._n thorndike_n a_o man_n of_o eminent_a learning_n &_o esteem_n among_o they_o declare_v himself_o to_o do_v just_a weight_n p._n 159._o that_o the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o perpetual_a practice_n of_o god_n church_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o imply_v that_o practical_a tradition_n be_v that_o which_o give_v they_o christ_n sense_n or_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v their_o rule_n i_o must_v hearty_o applaud_v their_o join_n with_o catholic_n in_o the_o main_a point_n of_o all_o and_o which_o settle_a be_v apt_a to_o unite_v we_o in_o all_o the_o rest_n what_o i_o impugn_v then_o here_o be_v a_o pestilent_a tenet_n destructive_a to_o all_o episcopacy_n and_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o church_n make_v church-governor_n useless_a in_o their_o main_a duty_n of_o teach_v faith_n to_o their_o flock_n and_o lame_a in_o that_o of_o government_n for_o if_o every_o private_a man_n be_v to_o rely_v on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n he_o ought_v neither_o believe_v nor_o obey_v the_o church_n when_o the_o contrary_a seem_v to_o his_o fancy_n to_o be_v ground_v in_o scripture_n and_o if_o that_o man_n do_v but_o allege_v he_o judge_n in_o clear_a in_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o church_n be_v corrupt_a and_o err_v i_o see_v not_o with_o what_o justice_n according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o church_n can_v either_o excommunicate_v he_o or_o bind_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n i_o expect_v dr._n st._n will_v object_v that_o i_o deny_v divers_a of_o his_o principle_n which_o some_o of_o we_o have_v grant_v for_o his_o friend_n dr._n t._n and_o he_o abound_v in_o such_o sleight_n topic_n to_o which_o though_o i_o can_v answer_v that_o unusquisque_fw-la in_o sensu_fw-la svo_fw-la abundat_fw-la in_o production_n of_o human_a reason_n yet_o i_o need_v only_o allege_v dr._n st_n ambi-dextrous_a and_o ambiguous_a way_n of_o contrive_v his_o principle_n to_o look_v so_o with_o different_a face_n that_o even_o the_o same_o man_n may_v sometime_o apprehend_v they_o to_o mean_v thus_o sometime_o otherwise_o beside_o all_o his_o confuter_n aim_n n●t_v at_o one_o end_v mr._n e._n w._n intend_v only_o to_o show_v they_o conclude_v not_o the_o point_n they_o pretend_v and_o which_o be_v superscribe_v to_o they_o mr._n n._n o._n to_o show_v their_o destructiveness_n to_o government_n while_o i_o take_v for_o my_o task_n to_o discover_v their_o oppositness_n to_o all_o logic_n true_a learning_n and_o common_a rationality_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o he_o of_o what_o be_v pretend_v neither_o principle_n consequence_n connexion_n conclusion_n reduction_n influence_n nor_o end_n nor_o must_v he_o think_v that_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v grant_v by_o any_o for_o dispute_v s●ke_a be_v allow_v for_o good_a by_o the_o respondent_fw-la it_o be_v frequent_a to_o express_v we_o grant_v thing_n which_o we_o only_o pass_v as_o nothing_o to_o the_o main_a point_n which_o be_v to_o be_v conclude_v nor_o can_v dr._n st._n pretend_v with_o any_o reason_n that_o other_o have_v yield_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n whereas_o i_o deny_v it_o the_o author_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n p._n 650._o have_v pithy_o declare_v his_o 〈◊〉_d of_o they_o and_o their_o true_a merit_n in_o 〈◊〉_d word_n whether_o the_o forementioned_a principle_n be_v true_a false_a controvert_v or_o obscure_a no_o verity_n peculiar_a to_o 〈…〉_z be_v deduce_v from_o they_o which_o express_v their_o want_n of_o clear_a evidence_n and_o so_o quite_o degrade_v they_o from_o the_o dignity_n of_o principle_n if_o any_o think_v the_o title_n prefix_v to_o this_o book_n forestal_n immodest_o the_o reader_n judgement_n my_o reply_n usu_v be_v that_o i_o hope_v for_o reader_n of_o more_o prudence_n then_o to_o receive_v prejudice_n from_o so_o easy_a a_o occasion_n a_o counterfeit_n modesty_n spring_v from_o sceptical_a despair_n or_o disregard_n of_o truth_n will_v natural_o dislike_v such_o expression_n but_o those_o who_o hearty_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o truth_n and_o entire_o love_v it_o will_v esteem_v the_o open_a avow_v her_o complete_a victoriousness_n both_o fit_v and_o necessary_a and_o that_o she_o conquer_v at_o present_a i_o have_v all_o the_o best_a maxim_n of_o rational_a nature_n engage_v for_o my_o security_n index_n absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n assert_v p._n 21._o 22._o 50._o 51._o attribute_n of_o god_n not_o engage_v to_o preserve_v private_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n from_o damnable_a error_n p._n 81._o to_o 85._o not_o to_o be_v argue_v from_o alone_a p._n 32._o 33._o much_o less_o from_o power_n alone_o p._n 33._o 34._o certainty_n how_o abusive_o take_v p._n 164._o 165._o 166._o 168._o 173._o 174._o 179._o 180._o true_a certainty_n assert_v and_o from_o its_o deep_a ground_n explain_v p._n 167._o 168._o moral_a certainty_n in_o faith_n discuss_v p._n 176._o 177._o 178._o a_o christian_a life_n spiritual_a p._n 8._o 9_o 54._o 55._o 191._o to_o 195._o the_o church_n turn_v with_o the_o heel_n upward_o by_o dr._n st._n p._n 96._o 97._o his_o six_o conclusion_n examine_v p._n 211._o the_o nature_n of_o conclusion_n lay_v open_a p._n 222._o faith_n in_o catholic_n rational_a p._n 29._o infallibility_n requisite_a to_o faith_n p._n 92._o to_o 96._o 104._o 158._o 159._o 162._o how_o find_v in_o the_o vulgar_a how_o in_o other_o p._n 133._o to_o 157._o mankind_n how_o infallible_a and_o in_o what_o p._n 186._o to_o 189._o necessary_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o church_n p._n 232._o 233._o 234._o principle_n agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n examine_v p._n 7._o 8._o etc._n etc._n show_v to_o be_v twofold_a p._n 12._o principle_n not_o agree_v to_o examine_v the_o one_a p._n 20._o the_o 2d_o p._n 22._o the_o 3d._n p._n 23._o the_o four_o p._n 24._o the_o 5_o p._n 26._o the_o 6_o p._n 30._o the_o seven_o p._n 31._o the_o 8_o p._n 35._o the_o 9th_o p._n 38._o the_o 10_o p._n 53._o the_o 11_o p._n 72._o the_o 12_o p._n 73._o the_o 13_o p._n 81._o the_o 14_o p._n 85._o the_o 15_o p._n 90._o the_o 16_o p._n 96._o the_o 17_o p._n 104._o the_o 18_o p._n 106._o the_o 19_o p._n 114._o the_o 20_o p._n 128._o the_o 21th_o 22th_o 23th_o p._n 130._o the_o 24_o p._n 159._o the_o 25_o p._n 163._o the_o 26_o p._n 171._o the_o 27_o p._n 173._o the_o 28_o p._n 179._o the_o 29_o p._n 181._o the_o 30_o p._n 185._o rule_n of_o faith_n distinct_o clear_v p_o 44._o 45._o 49._o 54._o 55._o etc._n etc._n unanimous_o hold_v by_o catholic_n p._n 45._o 46._o how_o hold_v by_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n p._n 47._o 48._o scripture_n not_o the_o rule_n p._n 60._o to_o 69._o p._n 79._o 80._o how_o perfect_a p._n 86._o 87._o etc._n etc._n 109._o to_o 113._o sophistry_n in_o dr._n st._n lay_v open_a p._n 25._o 26._o 27._o 28._o 30._o 31._o 74._o 75._o 131._o 132._o 161._o 164._o 165._o ignorance_n in_o
divinity_n p._n 191._o 192._o in_o logic_n p._n 228._o 236._o 237._o his_o performance_n reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a principle_n contradiction_n p._n 236._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 45._o 46._o 141._o 142._o union_n how_o to_o be_v hope_v p._n 51._o 52._o write_v how_o capable_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 36._o 37._o 38._o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 4._o receive_v p._n 11._o l._n 21._o perfect_o p._n 15._o l_o 2._o disparate_a p._n 32._o l._n 1●_n than_o we_o can_v p._n 45._o l._n 12._o again_o p._n 67._o l._n 27._o deal_n and_o this_o as_o far_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o line_n after_o p._n 81._o l._n 29._o deal_n of_o p._n 84._o l._n 2._o endeavorer_n l._n 29._o endeavorer_n p._n 104._o l._n 4._o deal_n we_o p._n 100l_n l._n 5._o his_fw-la p._n 124._o l._n 5._o and._n p._n 131._o l._n 30._o deal_n in_o the._n p._n ●_o 2._o l._n 11._o infallible_o l._n 23._o then_o p._n 834._o l._n 17._o be_v false_a l._n 20._o about_o p._n 159._o l._n 22._o if_o p._n 100l_n l._n 14._o as_o l._n 15._o deal_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 11._o deal_n if_o p_o 173._o l._n 18._o to_o a_o high_a degree_n p._n 177._o l._n 23._o which_o be_v p._n 181._o l._n 2._o degree_n p._n 184._o l._n 24._o ground_n p._n 185._o l._n 15._o reason_n give_v l._n 18._o keep_v man_n p._n 187._o l._n 14._o be_v p._n 188._o l._n 14._o dissatisfaction_n l._n 21._o some_o p._n 192._o l._n 5._o conformable_a l._n 16._o it_o l._n 26._o by_o she_o all_o p._n 193._o l._n 17._o our_o p._n 198._o l._n 2._o receive_v p._n 199._o l._n 14._o in_o wiseman_n in_o this_o point_n p._n 202._o l._n ult_n the_o 5_o and_o 6_o p._n 214._o l._n 3._o deal_n to_o p._n 216._o l._n 12._o be_v p_o 221._o l._n 18._o dr._n st._n p._n 234._o l._n 18._o apply_v it_o p._n 235._o l._n 23._o produce_v one_o p._n 250._o l._n 9_o not_o the_o first_o examen_fw-la concern_v dr._n stillingfleet_n design_n in_o this_o discourse_n as_o express_v in_o his_o title_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o title_n superscribe_v to_o this_o discourse_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a conceit_n of_o what_o we_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n in_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 2._o now_o principle_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o preface_n must_v either_o be_v evident_a to_o both_o party_n or_o at_o least_o hold_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o else_o no_o discourse_n can_v proceed_v for_o want_v of_o agreement_n in_o that_o on_o which_o all_o rational_a process_n be_v ground_v also_o they_o must_v be_v proper_a for_o the_o end_v intend_v or_o influential_a upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o arguer_n aim_v to_o evince_v otherwise_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n deceive_v not_o its_o evidence_n and_o truth_n from_o they_o though_o those_o proposition_n be_v never_o so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v to_o it_o or_o in_o this_o circumstance_n a_o principle_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o wherefore_o to_o make_v good_a this_o title_n dr._n st._n be_v to_o produce_v nothing_o for_o a_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v either_o grant_v at_o first_o by_o both_o party_n or_o else_o be_v of_o so_o open_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n as_o all_o the_o world_n must_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o as_o be_v either_o first_o principle_n or_o those_o which_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o or_o if_o he_o build_v on_o any_o proposition_n as_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o need_n proof_n he_o be_v at_o least_o to_o render_v they_o evident_a ere_o he_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o apply_v they_o close_o to_o that_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o conclude_v from_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o show_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n in_o this_o occasion_n any_o more_o than_o one_o can_v be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o offspring_n or_o than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n which_o have_v no_o superstructure_n 3._o next_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o think_v i_o injure_v he_o in_o suppose_v he_o have_v so_o good_a thought_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n as_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a opinion_n who_o ground_n may_v all_o be_v false_a for_o if_o so_o the_o assent_n of_o protestant_n as_o faithful_a may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o all_o the_o tenet_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v prove_v nothing_o perhaps_o in_o reality_n but_o a_o company_n of_o lie_n if_o then_o as_o in_o this_o supposition_n he_o must_v he_o hol●s_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o protestant_n impossible_a to_o be_v fa●●e_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o reduce_v it_o into_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o if_o it_o rely_v on_o authority_n he_o be_v to_o bring_v infallible_a authority_n for_o it_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n teach_v admit_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o whatever_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o such_o ground_n then_o or_o principle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n in_o case_n he_o hold_v it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v a_o error_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o his_o church_n know_v but_o in_o case_n he_o judge_v this_o assent_n or_o belief_n of_o protestant_n may_v be_v true_a faith_n though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v false_a than_o he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n where_o the_o contrary_a be_v prove_v by_o multitude_n of_o argument_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o receive_v one_o word_n of_o sober_a reply_n from_o he_o or_o dr._n tillotson_n though_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n it_o most_o high_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o several_a reason_n it_o contain_v 4._o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o reflect_v what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n reduce_v in_o the_o say_a title_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n not_o self-evident_a nor_o know_v by_o immediate_a impression_n on_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o derive_v or_o deduce_v from_o principle_n this_o word_n reduce_v have_v a_o signification_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o dr._n st._n make_v account_v he_o have_v begin_v by_o put_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o bring_v it_o back_o for_o so_o the_o word_n reduce_v import_v to_o principle_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o scholar_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o here_o pretend_v first_o lay_v six_o principle_n agree_v on_o than_o thirty_o other_o which_o since_o they_o go_v before_o his_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o mean_v for_o principle_n too_o and_o thence_o draw_v in_o the_o close_a six_o inference_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o be_v most_o manifest_o to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n not_o to_o reduce_v to_o they_o 5._o but_o however_o it_o be_v unblamable_a in_o one_o who_o own_v himself_o a_o scholar_n especial_o pretend_v the_o rigorous_a and_o learned_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o principle_n not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n himself_o take_v yet_o let_v we_o kind_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n out_o of_o a_o unwariness_n only_o make_v use_v by_o chance_n of_o a_o improper_a word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o human_a lapse_n be_v more_o easy_o pardonable_a especial_o since_o the_o method_n he_o here_o undertake_v viz._n to_o begin_v with_o principle_n be_v if_o right_o manage_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o scholar_n and_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o deserve_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o many_o great_a fault_n let_v he_o then_o by_o reduce_v to_o principle_n mean_v deduce_v from_o principle_n yet_o since_o both_o reduce_n and_o deduce_v imply_v the_o show_v a_o connexion_n between_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o this_o either_o immediate_a as_o to_o every_o particular_a conclusion_n or_o mediate_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n shall_v still_o show_v we_o this_o connexion_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o clear_o do_v by_o relate_v each_o of_o his_o six_o conclusion_n to_o their_o respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n that_o so_o by_o this_o distinct_a proceed_n and_o own_v
to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v real_o god_n infinite_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v pure_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n towards_o miserable_a mankind_n take_v his_o nature_n upon_o he_o become_v his_o brother_n friend_n physician_n master_n nay_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n many_o hardship_n during_o his_o life_n and_o at_o length_n buffet_n scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o a_o most_o cruel_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o many_o benefit_n warm_a in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v for_o that_o end_n by_o this_o mean_v not_o only_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o former_a incomparable_a love-motive_n but_o also_o add_v new_a incitement_n to_o that_o best_a of_o virtue_n by_o our_o apprehend_n lively_o that_o he_o so_o dear_o embreast_n and_o embosom_v 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a_o large_a prophecy_n foretell_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d place_n such_o and_o such_o a_o heretic_n shall_v arise_v pervert_v such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n and_o forewarn_v man_n of_o his_o sophism_n and_o error_n this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n power_n to_o establish_v write_v such_o a_o absolute_o certain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n which_o why_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v do_v in_o case_n faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o while_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v for_o mankind_n can_v be_v a_o error_n as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o none_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v especial_o since_o dr._n st._n tell_v we_o here_o princ._n 15._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o fall_v short_a 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to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o viz._n upon_o tradition_n and_o that_o her_o controversiall_a divine_n who_o be_v to_o defend_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n prove_v the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o this_o infallibility_n or_o make_v out_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o second_o cause_n this_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a assistance_n be_v found_v and_o consequent_o prove_v its_o force_n by_o such_o maxim_n as_o ground_v the_o certainty_n of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n comprehend_v they_o by_o the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n also_o conspire_v to_o strengthen_v nature_n as_o to_o that_o effect_n of_o right_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v christ_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o 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end_n pity_v she_o she_o may_v endeavour_v to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v he_o better_o so_o to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n and_o he_o in_o requital_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o church_n in_o courtesy_n may_v with_o equal_a nay_o better_a title_n admonish_v the_o church_n of_o her_o fail_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o her_o error_n or_o as_o the_o new_a phrase_n be_v reform_v she_o for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o have_v all_o the_o security_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o may_v be_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v thus_o gift_v want_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o she_o and_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o world_n will_v be_v most_o perverse_o order_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o error_n shall_v have_v licence_n and_o power_n to_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o those_o 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five_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o eleven_o remain_a principle_n which_o seem_v chief_o to_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whoever_o have_v peruse_v the_o forego_n examine_v and_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n dr._n st._n have_v build_v his_o faith_n will_v doubtless_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v assign_v it_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v of_o no_o exceed_v great_a strength_n for_o fear_n lest_o his_o weak_a ground_n '_o shall_v not_o support_v his_o superstructure_n nor_o his_o proof_n carry_v home_o to_o his_o conclusion_n now_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v of_o faith_n import_v its_o true_a nature_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a whence_o follow_v that_o its_o ground_n be_v likewise_o such_o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o hold_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o immovable_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o
bide_v by_o we_o and_o we_o by_o it_o all_o our_o whole_a life_n till_o we_o arrive_v at_o our_o future_a state_n the_o region_n of_o light_n where_o we_o shall_v see_v fancy_n ad_fw-la faciem_fw-la who_o see_v not_o that_o it_o must_v be_v hold_v and_o so_o since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n to_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o otherwise_o be_v we_o to_o hold_v it_o that_o be_v be_v itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v hold_v alterable_a when_o ever_o more_o light_n shall_v appear_v discover_v it_o to_o be_v a_o error_n to_o evince_v this_o truth_n i_o have_v produce_v multitude_n of_o argument_n in_o faith_n vindicate_v none_o of_o which_o have_v be_v think_v fit_a to_o be_v reply_v to_o though_o i_o and_o faith_n opposer_n still_o crafty_o persist_v to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a error_n but_o i_o will_v at_o present_a make_v use_v only_o of_o one_o which_o will_v i_o conceive_v best_a conclude_v the_o point_n between_o we_o for_o dr._n st._n make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o speak_v of_o faith_n as_o stand_v under_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o firm_a and_o clear_a ground_n and_o which_o be_v leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o embrace_v faith_n i_o do_v the_o same_o when_o i_o assert_v the_o church_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n so_o that_o neither_o of_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o particular_a odd_a way_n by_o which_o some_o person_n casual_o come_v to_o have_v faith_n nor_o of_o faith_n as_o have_v by_o such_o mean_n but_o of_o the_o common_a roadway_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o attain_v to_o faith_n and_o of_o faith_n as_o stand_v under_o such_o a_o mean_n or_o rule_n upon_o this_o agreement_n if_o we_o join_v issue_n and_o proceed_v it_o seem_v that_o nothing_o but_o evident_a obstinacy_n against_o manifest_a truth_n can_v hinder_v we_o from_o agree_v in_o our_o conclusion_n for_o since_o if_o we_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o believe_v even_o while_o we_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o that_o rule_n which_o god_n himself_o have_v appoint_v to_o light_v we_o to_o faith_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n imaginable_a likely_a to_o do_v that_o effect_n as_o also_o that_o god_n himself_o have_v deceive_v we_o which_o be_v both_o blasphemous_a and_o impossible_a it_o must_v follow_v that_o faith_n build_v upon_o the_o rule_n leave_v by_o god_n whether_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n or_o rule_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o erroneous_a wherefore_o dr._n st._n be_v oblige_v as_o well_o as_o i_o be_o to_o hold_v hearty_o this_o double_a conclusion_n and_o if_o he_o attempt_v to_o discourse_v of_o that_o point_n to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o the_o rule_n he_o assign_v be_v such_o as_o can_v leave_v we_o in_o error_n and_o our_o infinitely-perfect_a god_n in_o the_o blame_n how_o far_o short_a he_o have_v fall_v hitherto_o of_o make_v out_o his_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n scripture_n as_o stand_v under_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o private_a person_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o suffer_v man_n to_o err_v while_o adhere_v to_o that_o way_n be_v already_o show_v how_o hearty_o now_o he_o assert_v faith_n itself_o build_v on_o the_o mean_n or_o rule_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v erroneous_a or_o false_a come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v 20._o no_o man_n faith_n can_v therefore_o be_v infallible_a mere_o because_o the_o proponent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v infallible_a because_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o objective_a infallibility_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o but_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o ●_z for_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o this_o principle_n begin_v with_o a_o fallacy_n of_o non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la for_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o say_v or_o hold_v that_o faith_n must_v therefore_o be_v infallible_a mere_o because_o the_o proponent_n be_v say_v to_o be_v infallible_a must_v a_o mere_a say_n that_o be_v a_o say_v neither_o self-evident_a nor_o prove_v be_v hold_v a_o competent_a ground_n to_o build_v the_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n upon_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n by_o the_o word_n be_v say_v to_o be_v mean_v be_v or_o prove_v to_o be_v as_o be_v indeed_o our_o true_a tenet_n let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o confute_v we_o our_o tenet_n be_v that_o in_o case_n the_o proposer_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o for_o that_o particular_a be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a likewise_o he_o argue_v against_o we_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n which_o he_o say_v depend_v not_o on_o the_o objective_a infallibility_n of_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o but_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n if_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n depend_v not_o such_o a_o dependence_n as_o be_v immediate_a i_o grant_v it_o for_o our_o assent_n be_v a_o effect_n wrought_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o a_o result_n of_o some_o forego_v knowledge_n notion_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n within_o we_o which_o produce_v that_o assent_n if_o it_o be_v a_o conclusion_n or_o compound_v it_o if_o a_o first_o principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o thing_n without_o we_o and_o stay_v there_o without_o evidence_v itself_o to_o our_o mind_n or_o breed_v some_o interior_a discovery_n of_o itself_o there_o shall_v beget_v any_o assent_n at_o all_o concern_v it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o our_o assent_n depend_v not_o mediate_o or_o depend_v not_o at_o all_o on_o the_o object_n without_o we_o as_o his_o large_a expression_n seem_v to_o signify_v then_o it_o be_v absolute_o deny_v for_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o we_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n without_o we_o nor_o can_v evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o we_o cause_n assent_n without_o such_o dependence_n on_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n without_o we_o for_o unless_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o object_n and_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v not_o be_v the_o last_o word_n for_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o be_v but_o a_o tautology_n or_o short_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v and_o so_o need_v no_o new_a answer_n yet_o however_o d._n st._n for_o want_n of_o logic_n express_v himself_o ill_a &_o confuse_o there_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o kind_n of_o knot_n in_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o i_o shall_v lend_v my_o best_a assistance_n to_o loose_v it_o but_o first_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o put_v down_o his_o three_o next_o principle_n since_o they_o all_o seem_v to_o club_n into_o one_o dilemma_n against_o infallibility_n 〈◊〉_d proponent_n 21._o it_o be_v therefore_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d assent_n that_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v infallible_o assist_v in_o judge_v of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o he_o to_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o a_o necessity_n of_o some_o external_a infallible_a proponent_n be_v assert_v must_v rather_o make_v every_o particular_a person_n infallible_a if_o no_o divin_n faith_n can_v be_v without_o a_o infallible_a assent_n and_o so_o render_v any_o other_o infallibility_n useless_a 22._o if_o no_o particular_a person_n be_v infallible_a in_o the_o assent_n he_o give_v to_o matter_n propose_v by_o other_o to_o he_o than_o no_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_o sure_a that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a and_o so_o the_o church_n infallibility_n can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o our_o infallible_a assurance_n without_o a_o equal_a infallibility_n in_o ourselves_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 23._o the_o infallibility_n of_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v not_o assert_v by_o those_o who_o plead_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n and_o the_o one_o render_v the_o other_o useless_a for_o if_o every_o person_n be_v infallible_a what_o need_v any_o representative_a church_n to_o be_v so_o and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o church_n be_v of_o no_o effect_n if_o every_o person_n be_v not_o infallible_a in_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o we_o be_v far_o to_o inquire_v what_o certainty_n man_n may_v have_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v no_o external_a proponent_n to_o be_v infallible_a ere_o i_o begin_v my_o discourse_n i_o be_o to_o note_v dr._n st_n shuffle_a way_n of_o contrive_v his_o sentence_n here_o or_o of_o pen_v his_o principle_n as_o he_o call_v they_o his_o 21_o contend_v it_o be_v necessary_a
learn_v at_o school_n but_o be_v either_o inbred_a or_o by_o a_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o the_o world_n instil_v into_o they_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o account_n of_o it_o of_o themselves_o occasion_n be_v give_v as_o also_o to_o awaken_v as_o it_o be_v those_o dormant_a knowledge_n in_o the_o vulgar_a and_o make_v they_o reflect_v and_o see_v not_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sight_n as_o do_v the_o wise_a portion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o a_o gr●sse_n and_o confuse_a yet_o solid_a knowledge_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o pitch_n that_o a_o rule_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v certain_a and_o so_o those_o who_o profess_o own_o and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o who_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o error_n whereas_o yet_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a by_o any_o maxim_n in_o their_o rude_a understanding_n either_o to_o know_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o rightness_n of_o which_o all_o depend_v be_v preserve_v from_o error_n among_o so_o many_o translatious_a and_o transcription_n or_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v necessary_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v amid_o such_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o sect_n wrangle_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o letter_n nor_o yet_o be_v they_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o skill_n of_o all_o those_o several_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o tradition_n then_o of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v both_o far_a show_v how_o unreasonable_a unnatural_a and_o unsafe_a dr._n st_n private-spirited_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o also_o even_o hence_o demonstrate_v against_o he_o here_o that_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a since_o be_v by_o this_o moan_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o also_o impossible_a that_o faith_n itself_o thus_o ground_v shall_v be_v false_a but_o i_o need_v not_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o to_o confute_v d._n st_n four_o principle_n now_o under_o hand_n the_o four_o first_o note_n have_v abundant_o give_v they_o their_o answer_n and_o it_o be_v time_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n whereas_o then_o he_o ground_n they_o all_o on_o our_o tenet_n that_o no_o divine_a faith_n can_v be_v without_o a_o infallible_a assent_n he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o we_o only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n there_o material_o infallible_a or_o so_o as_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o own_o the_o position_n and_o so_o must_v he_o too_o unless_o he_o will_v speak_v open_a blasphemy_n for_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o believe_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o we_o both_o suppose_v upon_o some_o mean_v lay_v by_o god_n himself_o by_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v by_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o case_n a_o assent_n thus_o ground_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o errou●_n it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o error_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o faith_n can_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o faith_n our_o salvation_n on_o some_o fashion_n attain_v be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o be_v though_o never_o a_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v know_v or_o can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a provide_v none_o in_o the_o church_n do_v speculate_v and_o so_o look_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o find_v they_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v see_v inconclusive_a do_v begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n do_v oppose_v faith_n for_o the_o faithful_n will_v in_o that_o case_n be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o those_o excellent_a truth_n call_v point_n of_o faith_n firm_o assent_v to_o by_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v tho●e_o good_a disposition_n of_o their_o will_n call_v virtue_n in_o the_o same_o sort_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n thus_o the_o dr._n may_v see_v that_o all_o he_o build_v on_o be_v a_o pure_a mistake_n and_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v thus_o infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n and_o thus_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o proposer_n do_v not_o nay_o can_v deceive_v we_o nay_o infallible_a in_o judge_v thus_o of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o man_n be_v infallible_o sure_a by_o way_n of_o evident_a knowledge_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a because_o all_o this_o proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o in_o this_o supposition_n from_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o man_n intellective_a faculty_n but_o pure_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o conclusivenesse_n of_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o his_o good_a providence_n which_o lead_v those_o man_n to_o embrace_v they_o though_o they_o neither_o penetrate_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o discourse_v they_o but_o simple_o to_o believe_v they_o on_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o our_o rude_a unreflect_v vulgar_a be_v lead_v now_o but_o in_o this_o case_n be_v all_o the_o world_n no_o wise_a the_o wise_a in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o wise_a than_o the_o weak_a and_o rude_a vulgar_a now_o mention_v wherefore_o both_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o '_o assign_v in_o my_o 3d_o and_o four_o note_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o become_a god_n providence_n to_o order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o conclusiveness_n of_o those_o infallible_a ground_n on_o which_o god_n have_v found_v our_o faith_n shall_v be_v penetrable_a by_o those_o who_o set_v themselves_o to_o such_o speculation_n or_o fall_v into_o doubt_n concern_v they_o according_a as_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o need_v such_o help_n if_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v dr._n st._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o defeat_v all_o his_o argument_n i_o shall_v far_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o generality_n or_o main_a body_n in_o the_o church_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o in_o deliver_v down_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o 6_o and_o seven_o note_n and_o elsewhere_o beside_o my_o reason_n give_v there_o and_o in_o other_o place_n i_o must_v desire_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o reader_n that_o in_o conceive_v how_o this_o may_v be_v they_o will_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n such_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o parallel_n matter_n and_o not_o from_o their_o ability_n to_o explain_v or_o defend_v this_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o their_o constancy_n in_o adhere_v to_o it_o if_o combat_v by_o plausible_a reason_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a mean_a reflecter_n upon_o nature_n who_o observe_v not_o that_o the_o vulgar_a have_v absolute_a natural_a evidence_n of_o many_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v reason_n for_o declare_v defend_v nor_o perhaps_o through_o levity_n incident_a to_o such_o weak_a soul_n do_v very_o firm_o adhere_v to_o and_o no_o wonder_n since_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o sextus_n empiricus_n speculate_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o sense_n of_o which_o yet_o none_o doubt_v but_o nature_n till_o he_o begin_v to_o pervert_v it_o by_o wrong_a speculation_n have_v give_v he_o as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o any_o other_o also_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v how_o infallibility_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o certainty_n may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o different_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o they_o will_v best_o comprehend_v by_o reflect_v with_o how_o different_a a_o clearness_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v at_o age_n and_o how_o dim_o when_o we_o be_v young_a which_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o yet_o do_v one_o of_o those_o infallibility_n speak_v of_o render_v the_o other_o vseless_a for_o they_o may_v either_o be_v about_o different_a object_n as_o if_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o particular_a point_n come_v down_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o penetrate_v the_o distinct_a limit_n of_o each_o point_n and_o those_o other_o particular_a person_n be_v only_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o
the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n oppose_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o advance_v uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o scepticism_n in_o faith_n however_o they_o and_o their_o angry_a passionate_a party_n be_v please_v to_o apprehend_v i_o i_o perceive_v dr._n st._n will_v hope_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o christian_a virtue_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n though_o other_o be_v uncertain_a which_o point_n to_o make_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n go_v down_o the_o better_a he_o call_v here_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o opinion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n and_o presence_n in_o the_o b._n sacrament_n all_o most_o high_o concern_v christian_n life_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o which_o we_o discern_v great_a party_n differ_v who_o all_o admit_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o interpret_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v nay_o and_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v too_o which_o he_o make_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n of_o all_o if_o i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o opinion_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o counterpose_v they_o to_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o assign_v leaf_n whole_a body_n of_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o actual_a error_n in_o such_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o most_o high_a concernment_n to_o good_a life_n as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o while_o they_o proceed_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n god_n intend_v his_o church_n and_o mankind_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o so_o none_o can_v presume_v of_o security_n of_o mistake_n by_o rely_v pure_o upon_o it_o but_o all_o of_o concern_v not_o know_v before_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v all_o which_o it_o alone_o hold_v forth_o may_v be_v also_o liable_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n likewise_o unless_o some_o other_o authority_n more_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o than_o it_o abet_n its_o letter_n in_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v either_o mere_o moral_a or_o narrative_n or_o explain_v its_o sense_n in_o other_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o more_o peculiar_a and_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n recapitulation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o absurd_a position_n express_v or_o else_o imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v here_o by_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o last_o eleven_o principle_n of_o he_o i_o take_v leave_n to_o remind_n the_o reader_n of_o these_o few_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 1._o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n take_v as_o build_v on_o the_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v take_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n absolute_o that_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o though_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n depend_v immediate_o on_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v rational_a yet_o in_o case_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v build_v and_o depend_v fundamental_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o without_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v by_o adhere_v to_o another_o judgement_n who_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o right_n in_o thus_o judge_v though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o other_o man_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a also_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o infallible_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o those_o truth_n relieve_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v they_o which_o truth_n as_o principle_n beget_v those_o good_a affection_n in_o he_o in_o which_o consist_v our_o christian_a life_n such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v have_v consequent_o enough_o speak_v abstract_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a by_o penetrate_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 4._o to_o be_v thus_o material_o infallible_a or_o thus_o in_o the_o right_n in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v upon_o the_o divin_n authority_n when_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v and_o so_o perhaps_o the_o believe_a and_o hold_v firm_o to_o abominable_a error_n and_o heretical_a tenet_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o assert_v which_o be_v both_o absurd_a and_o most_o impious_a 5._o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o since_o it_o hazard_v heresy_n and_o error_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o any_o point_n when_o it_o be_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o breed_v suspense_n and_o caution_n in_o reflecter_n till_o they_o see_v it_o engage_v &_o consequent_o the_o better_a they_o see_v this_o the_o more_o hearty_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o point_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o conclude_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v better_n and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n 6._o however_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o downright_a rudeness_n let_v they_o not_o reflect_v at_o all_o to_o be_v only_o material_o infallible_a that_o god_n authority_n be_v engage_v yet_o it_o be_v beside_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o reflecter_n who_o raise_v doubt_n especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o acute_a to_o discern_v some_o reason_n which_o can_v deceive_v they_o or_o to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o actual_o engage_v for_o those_o point_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o provision_n enough_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v or_o cause_n save_v faith_n in_o fool_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o breed_v faith_n wise_a man_n which_o without_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o in_o point_n be_v in_o possible_a to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o through-sighted_n reflecter_n the_o same_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n both_o to_o de●end_v faith_n and_o establish_v its_o ground_n in_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n as_o also_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o last_o for_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n certainty_n 7._o though_o then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o to_o be_v actual_o penetrate_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a while_o they_o proceed_v unreflect_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v all_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v and_o so_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v ruling_n power_n ought_v to_o be_v penetrable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o come_v to_o doubt_v and_o also_o so_o connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o unelevated_a and_o unreflect_a thought_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a that_o maybe_o to_o establish_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n and_o not_o in_o scripture_n letter_n that_o therefore_o and_o not_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o infallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v the_o moral_a certain●y_n he_o substitute_n must_v either_o be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o this_o late_a be_v impious_a the_o former_a be_v nonsense_n wherefore_o all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o reject_v infallibility_n must_v forcible_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o qualification_n 9_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a render_v no_o man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o thus_o assent_v to_o for_o so_o heretic_n may_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o pestilent_a error_n they_o hold_v so_o they_o but_o firm_o assent_v they_o be_v true_a 10._o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n on_o which_o all_o our_o spiritual_a edifice_n be_v build_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o derive_v all_o the_o
notion_n fit_v that_o be_v whic_n have_v trn_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v perform_v by_o examine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n if_o apply_v and_o hold_v to_o able_a to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o that_o christ_n taugbt_v thus_o and_o thus_o 10._o and_o for_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o to_o insist_v that_o if_o it_o be_v deny_v as_o many_o if_o not_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n have_v be_v by_o some_o or_o other_o or_o mention_v that_o those_o who_o receive_v the_o book_n do_v often_o and_o always_o may_v doubt_v of_o almost_o any_o particular_a text_n allege_v whether_o some_o fault_n through_o malice_n negligence_n or_o weakness_n be_v not_o creep_v into_o it_o in_o which_o case_n the_o letter_n can_v evidence_n it_o self_n but_o needs_o another_o rule_n to_o establish_v it_o i_o say_v not_o to_o insist_v upon_o these_o thing_n which_o yet_o be_v undeniable_a we_o see_v by_o experience_n multitude_n of_o sect_n differ_v from_o one_o another_o and_o some_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n yet_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o outward_a letter_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o uncharitable_a but_o even_o impossible_a to_o imagine_v that_o none_o among_o so_o u●st_a multitude_n do_v intend_v to_o follow_v the_o letter_n to_o their_o power_n while_o they_o all_o pro●ess_n to_o reverence_v it_o as_o much_o as_o any_o read_v it_o frequent_o study_v it_o diligent_o quote_v it_o constant_o and_o zealous_o defend_v the_o sense_n which_o they_o conceive_v of_o it_o foe_z far_o that_o many_o be_v even_o ready_a to_o die_v for_o it_o wherefore_o it_o can_v be_v suspect_v but_o they_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o infallible_o teach_v they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o bare_a letter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o though_o we_o follow_v it_o to_o our_o power_n what_o christ_n have_v teach_v i_o will_v not_o be_v mistake_v to_o have_v less_o veneration_n than_o i_o ought_v for_o the_o divine_a book_n who_o excellence_n and_o vsefulness_n as_o it_o be_v beyond_o man_n to_o express_v so_o peradventure_o among_o man_n there_o be_v not_o many_o who_o conceit_n this_o deep_a than_o myself_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a not_o one_o among_o those_o who_o take_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v we_o with_o such_o irreverent_a thought_n but_o we_o be_v now_o about_o another_o question_n they_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o their_o true_a sense_n be_v faith_n we_o be_v inquire_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v not_o to_o satisfy_v we_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v which_o none_o doubt_v of_o but_o what_o it_o be_v which_o god_n have_v say_v and_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o letter_n alone_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o of_o this_o and_o the_o experience_n of_o so_o many_o err_a thousand_o be_v a_o lamentable_a but_o convince_a proof_n of_o it_o 11._o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o need_v but_o common_a sense_n to_o discern_v that_o tradition_n be_v able_a if_o follow_v to_o one_o power_n to_o bring_v infallible_o down_o to_o after_o age_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v at_o first_o for_o since_o it_o mean_v no_o more_o but_o delivery_n of_o faith_n by_o daily_o teach_v and_o practice_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n to_o their_o respective_a child_n and_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o man_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o to_o which_o they_o be_v educate_v of_o that_o which_o they_o daily_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v let_v this_o rule_n be_v follow_v to_o one_o power_n that_o be_v let_v child_n resolve_v still_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v themselves_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o and_o practise_v with_o their_o father_n and_o this_o from_o age_n to_o age_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o all_o succeed_a child_n which_o follow_v this_o rule_n must_v needs_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n be_v of_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o for_o while_o they_o do_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o change_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o change_n it_o be_v the_o same_o tradition_n then_o thus_o understand_v have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v able_a if_o hold_v to_o to_o bring_v down_o infallible_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v 12._o we_o have_v find_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n there_o remain_v to_o find_v which_o body_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n have_v ever_o and_o still_o do_v follow_v this_o rule_n for_o those_o and_o only_o those_o can_v be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o what_o christ_n teach_v that_o be_v can_v only_o have_v true_a faith_n whereas_o all_o the_o rest_n since_o they_o have_v but_o fallible_a ground_n or_o a_o rule_n for_o their_o faith_n which_o may_v deceive_v they_o can_v have_v right_a faith_n but_o opinion_n only_o which_o may_v be_v false_a whereas_o faith_n can_v 13._o and_o first_o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n that_o those_o many_o particular_a church_n in_o communion_n with_o the_o roman_a which_o for_o that_o reason_n be_v call_v roman-catholic_n do_v hold_v their_o doctrine_n by_o this_o infallible_a tenure_n since_o they_o alone_o own_o tradition_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n whereas_o the_o deserter_n of_o that_o church_n write_v whole_a book_n to_o disgrace_n and_o vilify_v it_o and_o since_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v go_v about_o to_o weaken_v a_o tenure_n by_o which_o he_o hold_v his_o estate_n it_o be_v a_o manifest_a sign_n that_o the_o deserter_n of_o that_o church_n hold_v not_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o tenure_n of_o tradition_n but_o rather_o acknowledge_v by_o their_o carriage_n that_o tradition_n stand_v against_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o renounce_v it_o lest_o it_o shall_v overthrow_v their_o cause_n wherefore_o since_o tradition_n §_o 11._o be_v the_o only_a mean_n to_o derive_v christ_n doctrine_n infallible_o down_o to_o after_o age_n they_o by_o renounce_v it_o renounce_v the_o only_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o docttine_n of_o faith_n certain_o to_o we_o and_o be_v convince_v to_o have_v no_o faith_n but_o only_a opinion_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o even_o to_o oppose_v and_o go_v pointblank_o against_o it_o since_o they_o oppose_v the_o only-sure_a method_n by_o which_o it_o can_v with_o certainty_n come_v down_o to_o we_o 14_o beside_o since_o tradition_n which_o i_o always_o understand_v as_o former_o explicate_v to_o be_v the_o teach_v the_o faith_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n by_o word_n and_o practice_n have_v be_v prove_v the_o only_a infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n those_o who_o in_o the_o day_n of_o k._n henry_n viii_o and_o since_o have_v desert_v it_o aught_o to_o have_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n that_o we_o recede_v from_o it_o former_o for_o if_o we_o do_v not_o but_o still_o cleave_v to_o it_o it_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o preserve_v the_o true_a faith_n to_o we_o and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o sure_a we_o do_v not_o they_o know_v not_o but_o we_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o manifest_o condemn_v themselves_o in_o desert_v a_o faith_n which_o for_o aught_o they_o know_v be_v the_o true_a one_o but_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o we_o have_v desert_v this_o rule_n they_o can_v have_v none_o since_o they_o neither_o hold_v the_o father_n infallible_a nor_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o unavoidable_o shipwaack_v themselves_o upon_o that_o desperate_a rock_n which_o be_v aggravate_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o they_o build_v not_o their_o reformation_n upon_o a_o zealous_a care_n of_o right_v tradition_n which_o we_o have_v former_o violate_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o testimonial_a evidence_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v present_o that_o we_o have_v desert_v it_o but_o all_o their_o pretence_n be_v that_o we_o have_v desert_v scripture_n and_o because_o they_o assign_v no_o other_o certain_a mean_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n but_o the_o word_n and_o those_o be_v show_v to_o be_v no_o certain_a mean_n §_o 10._o it_o be_v plain_a the_o reformer_n regard_v not_o at_o all_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o build_v their_o reformation_n upon_o a_o weak_a foundation_n and_o incompetent_a to_o sustain_v such_o a_o building_n whence_o neither_o have_v the_o first_o reformer_n nor_o have_v their_o follower_n faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a opinion_n 15._o on_o the_o contrary_a since_o it_o be_v know_v and_o
agree_v to_o by_o all_o the_o world_n at_o what_o time_n all_o deserter_n of_o our_o church_n of_o what_o name_n soever_o break_v from_o we_o as_o also_o who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o abettor_n and_o who_o the_o impugner_n of_o such_o new_a doctrine_n beside_o in_o what_o place_n they_o first_o begin_v and_o be_v thence_o propagate_v to_o other_o but_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v know_v of_o we_o even_o by_o our_o adversary_n who_o it_o concern_v to_o be_v most_o diligent_a searcher_n after_o it_o see_v they_o be_v in_o a_o hundred_o mind_n about_o the_o time_n when_o and_o the_o person_n who_o introduce_v these_o pretend_a new_a doctrine_n of_o we_o which_o they_o say_v vary_v from_o scripture_n as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o their_o own_o word_n in_o several_a book_n and_o among_o other_o one_o call_v the_o progeny_n of_o protestant_n and_o this_o for_o every_o point_n in_o which_o they_o pretend_v we_o have_v innovate_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o when_o we_o charge_v they_o with_o deserttng_a the_o know_a doctrine_n of_o the_o former_a church_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o speak_v open_a and_o acknowledge_v evidence_n when_o they_o accuse_v we_o of_o the_o same_o their_o charge_n be_v obscure_a and_o unknown_a even_o to_o the_o very_a accuser_n nay_o plain_o prove_v false_a by_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v notorious_a if_o it_o happen_v and_o the_o constant_a disagreement_n of_o those_o who_o allege_v it_o when_o or_o how_o it_o happen_v 16._o i_o say_v notorious_a for_o since_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o ground_n all_o christian_a practice_n be_v the_o most_o concern_v truth_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v but_o the_o denial_n of_o such_o truth_n must_v needs_o raise_v great_a commotion_n before_o the_o opposite_a truth_n can_v be_v nniversal_o spread_v and_o the_o change_n of_o christian_a practice_n and_o manner_n which_o depend_v on_o those_o truth_n must_v be_v wonderful_o manifest_a and_o know_v to_o every_o body_n wherefore_o have_v we_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o change_n and_o introduce_v new_a tenet_n and_o propagate_v they_o over_o the_o christian_a world_n as_o be_v pretend_v it_o must_v needs_o be_v manifest_o and_o universal_o know_v that_o we_o do_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o change_n shall_v be_v so_o insensible_a and_o invisible_a that_o our_o very_a adversary_n can_v find_v it_o out_o especial_o this_o alone_a make_v their_o victory_n over_o we_o so_o certain_a and_o perfect_a for_o see_v we_o own_o tradition_n as_o a_o infallible_a rule_n we_o be_v irrecoverable_o overthrow_v if_o they_o make_v out_o that_o we_o ever_o desert_v it_o and_o sure_o nothing_o shall_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o make_v out_o that_o than_o which_o if_o true_a nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v more_o notorious_a 17._o moreover_o since_o it_o can_v be_v that_o multitude_n of_o man_n shall_v profess_v to_o hold_v point_n both_o infinite_o concern_v and_o strange_o difficult_a to_o believe_v and_o yet_o own_v no_o ground_n upon_o which_o they_o hold_v they_o if_o we_o ever_o as_o it_o be_v say_v we_o have_v desert_a tradition_n we_o must_v till_o the_o time_n we_o take_v it_o up_o again_o have_v proceed_v upon_o some_o other_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o because_o none_o ever_o charge_v ●s_n with_o proceed_v upon_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n or_o phanaticism_n and_o beside_o th●se_a there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o tradition_n it_o be_v plain_a we_o never_o desert_v but_o always_o stick_v to_o tradition_n 18._o beside_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o body_n of_o man_n which_o claim_v for_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n day_n shall_v not_o have_v hold_v to_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o beginning_n for_o otherwise_o they_o must_v have_v take_v it_o up_o at_o some_o tim●_n 〈◊〉_d other_o and_o by_o do_v so_o profess_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v of_o faith_n but_o what_o descend_v by_o a_o uninterrnpt_v delivery_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n acknowledge_v that_o all_o they_o then_o hold_v be_v not_o so_o descend_v but_o receive_v by_o another_o rule_n this_o of_o tradition_n or_o uninterrupted_a delivery_n be_v then_o new_o take_v up_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n that_o as_o humane_a nature_n can_v not_o fall_v into_o it_o so_o if_o it_o can_v the_o very_a pretence_n will_v have_v overthrow_v itself_o and_o need_v no_o other_o confutation_n 19_o add_v to_o this_o that_o none_o of_o tbose_v many_o sect_n who_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v desert_v our_o church_n faith_n and_o discipline_n and_o so_o become_v her_o adversary_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o assign_v the_o time_n when_o we_o take_v up_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n and_o yet_o a_o change_n in_o that_o on_o which_o we_o profess_v to_o build_v all_o the_o rest_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o all_o change_v the_o most_o visible_a and_o most_o apt_a to_o justify_v the_o carriage_n of_o those_o revolter_n wherefore_o it_o be_v demonstrable_o evident_a on_o all_o side_n that_o as_o this_o present_a body_n of_o man_n call_v the_o roman-catholick_n church_n do_v now_o hold_v to_o tradition_n so_o their_o predecessor_n uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n day_n do_v the_o same_o that_o be_v do_v hold_v to_o it_o ever_o and_o since_o it_o be_v show_v before_o §_o 11._o that_o this_o rule_n if_o hold_v to_o will_v certain_o convey_v down_o the_o true_a faith_n unchanged_a to_o all_o after_o age_n it_o be_v likewise_o demonstrable_a that_o they_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o be_v the_o true_o faithful_a or_o true_a church_n 20._o and_o hence_o by_o the_o way_n be_v clear_o see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o universal_a tradition_n and_o where_o it_o be_v to_o be_v look_v for_o and_o find_v which_o puzzle_v many_o man_n otherwise_o very_o judicious_a and_o sincere_a who_o profess_v a_o readiness_n nay_o a_o duty_n to_o follow_v universal_a tradition_n but_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n how_o we_o may_v certain_o know_v which_o be_v je._n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o to_o complete_a the_o notion_n of_o the_o universality_n of_o mankind_n for_o example_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o think_v we_o must_v take_v in_o brute_n too_o which_o be_v of_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o mankind_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o include_v all_o in_o who_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n be_v find_v so_o to_o make_v np_v the_o notion_n of_o universal_a tradition_n it_o be_v equal_o absurd_a to_o think_v we_o ought_v to_o take_v in_o those_o in_o who_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n be_v not_o find_v but_o its_o opposite_a that_o be_v deserter_n of_o tradition_n or_o their_o follower_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o include_v those_o in_o who_o tradition_n be_v find_v as_o in_o its_o subject_a that_o be_v adherer_n to_o traedition_n or_o traditionary_a christian_n all_o therefore_o that_o have_v at_o any_o time_n desert_v the_o teoch_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o immediate_o foregoing_a church_n how_o numerous_a and_o of_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o behave_v no_o show_n of_o title_n to_o be_v part_n of_o universal_a tradition_n and_o only_o they_o who_o themselves_o do_v and_o who_o ancestor_n do_v ever_o adhere_v to_o it_o how_o few_o soever_o they_o seem_v be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o can_v with_o any_o sense_n pretend_v to_o be_v those_o of_o who_o as_o part_n universal_a tradition_n consist_v whence_o also_o that_o rule_n of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n direct_v we_o to_o hold_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v in_o all_o place_n all_o time_n and_o by_o all_o which_o be_v so_o misapprehended_n by_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n be_v clear_o understand_v viz._n by_o take_v it_o with_o restriction_n to_o all_o those_o who_o hold_v to_o tradition_n for_o otherwise_o shall_v we_o not_o restrain_v it_o to_o those_o only_o who_o have_v adhere_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o enlarge_v it_o to_o the_o utmost_a extent_n of_o the_o word_n so_o as_o to_o comprehend_v also_o those_o who_o have_v desert_v that_o rule_n nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v hold_v of_o faith_n whlch_v any_o heretic_n have_v ever_o deny_v and_o so_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o distinguish_v or_o know_v what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v it_o will_v by_o thus_o confound_v right_a faith_n with_o all_o the_o heresy_n in_o the_o world_n render_v it_o utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o or_o discern_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n from_o diabolical_a error_n but_o to_o return_v whence_o we_o digress_v 21._o it_o follow_v from_o the_o former_a discourse_n that_o those_o man_n who_o stick_v to_o tradition_n can_v by_o apply_v that_o their_o rule_n certain_o know_v who_o have_v true_a faith_n and_o which_o body_n of_o man_n be_v
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v ●tne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o
of_o his_o ever_o have_v from_o the_o church_n which_o argue_v its_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o church_n sense_n in_o settle_v and_o state_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o transcribe_v then_o from_o this_o ancient_n and_o learned_a father_n his_o whole_a second_o chapter_n in_o his_o treatise_n entitle_v against_o the_o profane_a innovation_n of_o heresy_n which_o be_v this_o hic_fw-la for_o sit_v a_o requirat_fw-la aliquis_fw-la etc._n etc._n here_o perhaps_o some_o may_v ask_v since_o the_o canon_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v perfect_a and_o enough_o nay_o more_o th●●_n enough_o suffice_v to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n what_o need_n be_v there_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n shall_v be_v join_v to_o it_o because_o all_o man_n do_v not_o take_v the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o depth_n in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o meaning_n but_o divers_a man_n interpret_v its_o say_n diverse_o so_o that_o as_o many_o opinion_n in_o a_o manner_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o for_o novatian_n expound_v it_o one_o way_n photinus_n another_o sabellius_n another_o and_o donatus_n another_o arius_n eunomius_n macedonius_n take_v it_o in_o one_o sense_n apollinaris_n priscillianus_n in_o another_o sense_n jovinian_a pelagius_n coelestius_n understand_v it_o thus_o and_o last_o nestorius_n otherwise_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v very_o necessary_a by_o reason_n of_o so_o great_a wind_n of_o so_o various_a error_n that_o the_o line_n of_o the_o prophetical_a and_o apostolical_a interpretation_n may_v be_v direct_v according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a and_o catholic_n sense_n from_o which_o place_n we_o may_v note_n 1._o that_o though_o he_o allow_v the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n perfect_a and_o sufficient_a for_o all_o thing_n yet_o by_o show_v it_o interpretable_a divers_a way_n and_o this_o by_o great_a and_o learned_a man_n and_o so_o that_o they_o fall_v into_o multitude_n of_o error_n by_o those_o inerpretation_n and_o thence_o require_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n as_o necessary_a to_o understand_v it_o right_o so_o as_o to_o build_v faith_n on_o it_o he_o plain_o show_v that_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n since_o it_o need_v another_o to_o achieve_v it_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v not_o say_v simple_o it_o suffice_v for_o all_o thing_n but_o sufficit_fw-la sibi_fw-la ad●omnia_fw-la it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o itself_o for_o all_o thing_n which_o can_v only_o mean_v that_o it_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n due_a to_o it_o be_v own_o nature_n as_o i_o show_v above_o p._n 87_o 88_o 89._o or_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o end_v god_n intend_v it_o for_o reckon_v up_o by_o s._n paul_n to_o timothy_n among_o which_o no_o such_o thing_n be_v find_v as_o sufficiency_n of_o clearness_n to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n so_o as_o to_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o it_o without_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o church_n sense_n only_o which_o will_v come_v to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n since_o than_o i_o allow_v scripture_n all_o sufficiency_n and_o perfection_n but_o this_o of_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o it_o i_o allow_v it_o all_o this_o learned_a father_n or_o the_o ancient_a church_n ever_o do_v 2._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o he_o put_v not_o the_o fault_n in_o the_o person_n but_o give_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o misunderstanding_n it_o the_o depth_n or_o deep_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n which_o argue_v that_o though_o some_o few_o out_o of_o wickedness_n wilful_o mistake_v yet_o the_o general_n reason_n of_o the_o miscarriage_n be_v the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o private_a understand_n in_o dogmatical_a point_n of_o christianity_n as_o i_o constant_o maintain_v 3._o he_o call_v the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o a_o line_n which_o be_v flexible_a and_o dirigible_a and_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o rule_n which_o lie_v firm_a as_o apt_a to_o direct_v another_o and_o so_o with_o i_o he_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o this_o sense_n of_o he_o church_n be_v intimate_v to_o be_v antecedent_n to_o all_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o the_o church_n must_v have_v have_v this_o sense_n or_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n by_o tradition_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n become_v god_n ordinary_a providence_n but_o these_o two_o 5._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o when_o in_o the_o former_a chapter_n he_o mention_n the_o authority_n of_o the_o divine_a law_n mean_v the_o scripture_n and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o mean_v they_o joint_o as_o appear_v express_o by_o the_o very_a next_o word_n begin_v this_o present_a chapter_n nor_o do_v he_o speak_v there_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v but_o of_o keep_v they_o in_o faith_n or_o preserve_v they_o from_o slide_v into_o heresy_n and_o since_o he_o attribute_n in_o this_o chapter_n convictiveness_n of_o what_o be_v faith_n only_a to_o the_o church_n sense_n it_o be_v manifest_a all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n be_v agreeableness_n of_o its_o letter_n if_o a_o good_a pastor_n expound_v it_o to_o the_o present_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n to_o see_v which_o exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o already-faithful_a who_o must_v need_n be_v have_v a_o high_a reverence_n for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n authority_n the_o whole_a strain_n then_o of_o my_o discourse_n here_o against_o dr._n st._n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v perfect_o consonant_a to_o this_o learned_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o all_o antiquity_n only_o our_o frequent_a and_o close_o contest_v with_o our_o acute_a modern_a dissenter_n have_v oblige_v we_o to_o a_o more_o scholarlike_o way_n of_o distinguish_v our_o notion_n exact_o which_o the_o ancient_n do_v not_o and_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o two_o thing_n the_o scripture_n and_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n of_o determine_v which_o of_o they_o be_v the_o proper_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o the_o faithful_a and_o those_o which_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v and_o so_o in_o true_a and_o exact_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o both_o this_o father_n and_o evident_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o be_v the_o church_n what_o then_o dr._n st._n be_v to_o do_v in_o this_o point_n if_o he_o make_v any_o such_o attempt_n be_v to_o allege_v convince_v testimony_n that_o the_o ancient_a father_n hold_v scripture_n so_o plain_a to_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n as_o to_o give_v he_o such_o certainty_n that_o he_o may_v safe_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o his_o own_o interpretation_n thereof_o without_o need_v the_o church_n when_o he_o produce_v such_o testimony_n as_o come_v home_o to_o this_o or_o a_o equivalent_a sense_n he_o will_v work_v wonder_n and_o unless_o he_o do_v this_o he_o do_v just_a nothing_o but_o i_o foresee_v two_o unlucky_a difficulty_n one_o that_o he_o will_v not_o find_v one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n which_o exclude_v the_o church_n from_o this_o office_n as_o himself_o direct_o do_v next_o that_o can_v he_o produce_v thousand_o he_o will_v spoil_v they_o all_o at_o the_o next_o word_n and_o render_v they_o inconclusive_a that_o be_v insignificant_a with_o tell_v we_o very_o sober_o they_o be_v all_o fallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n and_o consequent_o be_v perhaps_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o say_v finis_fw-la finis_fw-la see_v sure_o foot_v 2d_o ed._n p._n 145_o 146._o 146._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 153._o reason_n against_o raillery_n p._n 190_o 191_o etc._n etc._n etc._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o see_v his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n last_o
be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o those_o ground_n and_o make_v out_o their_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o way_n of_o skill_n or_o art_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v moreover_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n formally-infallible_a in_o discern_v the_o true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o each_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n their_o perpetual_a converse_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n by_o preach_v teach_v catechise_v exhort_v their_o concern_v to_o overlook_v their_o flock_n lest_o any_o innovatour_n shall_v infect_v they_o with_o novelty_n their_o constant_a addiction_n to_o observe_v exact_o their_o rule_n tradition_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o distinguish_v the_o true_a faithful_a from_o revolt_a apostat_n or_o heretic_n their_o duty_n to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o father_n and_o act_n of_o former_a council_n and_o according_a to_o these_o sober_o and_o grave_o not_o quirkingly_a and_o with_o witty_a trick_n to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n these_o eminent_a personage_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o master_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v t●us_o furnish_v with_o all_o requisite_a endowment_n to_o give_v they_o a_o most_o distinct_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n descend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n any_o heretic_n revolt_v open_o from_o the_o former_o deliver_v faith_n these_o man_n i_o say_v be_v by_o the_o majesty_n and_o sway_n of_o their_o mo●t_o venerable_a and_o most_o ample_a authority_n to_o quash_n and_o subdue_v his_o petty_a party_n new_o spring_v up_o and_o either_o reduce_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n by_o wholesome_a advice_n and_o discipline_n or_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o solemn_o from_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n that_o so_o the_o sound_a faithful_a may_v look_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n as_o on_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n it_o be_v thus_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o stand_v against_o all_o his_o superiors_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o most_o sacred_a authority_n upon_o earth_n or_o in_o case_n that_o heretic_n cloak_n his_o poisonous_a doctrine_n in_o ambiguous_a expression_n or_o go_v about_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n use_v former_o by_o the_o church_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n never_o intend_v by_o she_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o assign_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v the_o church_n sense_n and_o such_o as_o be_v pertinent_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o present_a juncture_n and_o exigency_n to_o defeat_v the_o crafty_a attempt_n of_o those_o quibble_v underminer_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o clear_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o former_a word_n use_v by_o the_o church_n by_o declare_v in_o what_o meaning_n the_o church_n take_v and_o ever_o take_v they_o and_o sometime_o too_o beat_v the_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n scripture_n letter_n by_o avow_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ever_o take_v such_o and_o such_o place_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o define_v faith_n that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o distinct_a word_n it_o be_v precise_a limit_n and_o bound_n that_o so_o no_o leaven_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o intermingle_v itself_o and_o to_o seal_v and_o recommend_v their_o act_n by_o stamp_v on_o they_o the_o most_o grave_a most_o venerable_a and_o most_o sacred_a authority_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n now_o that_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v infallible_a in_o know_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v prove_v hence_o because_o if_o such_o a_o learned_a body_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o know_v personage_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v deceive_v while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v mankind_n from_o error_n in_o understand_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v ●●cured_v thereby_o from_o error_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n will_v be_v no_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n but_o rather_o a_o mean_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n since_o they_o err_v rely_v sole_o on_o that_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o contrary_a end_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a 5._o though_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o believe_v what_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n certain_o engage_v for_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o trne_v faith_n that_o the_o ●generality_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o vulgar_a be_v material_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n yet_o it_o add_v evident_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v formal_o infallible_a and_o that_o the_o faithful_a see_v with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v actual_o engage_v when_o they_o believe_v first_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v know_o upon_o its_o ground_n make_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v the_o more_o hearty_o those_o who_o reverence_v it_o be_v dispose_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n by_o believe_v whence_o faith_n in_o such_o person_n be_v more_o lively_a firm_a and_o immovable_a also_o more_o efficacious_a and_o if_o other_o consideration_n 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as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o 7._o he_o have_v therefore_o ordain_v such_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o to_o know_v his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o belief_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o faithful_a whence_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o tradition_n and_o not_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n for_o of_o all_o way_n of_o know_v and_o ascertain_v imaginable_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o to_o satisfy_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o be_v that_o of_o witness_v authority_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o perfect_a belief_n of_o k._n james_n or_o k._n h._n 8th_n existence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o truth_n not_o need_v to_o be_v