affection_n pre-requisit_a to_o faith_n derogate_v nothing_o from_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o generate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o propose_v the_o most_o convince_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o authority_n convey_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o can_v prevail_v nothing_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n by_o his_o peculiar_a power_n plant_v antecedent_o in_o their_o heart_n this_o good_a disposition_n and_o prepare_v terram_fw-la bonam_fw-la that_o their_o endeavour_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o the_o sower_n seed_n take_v root_n no_o more_o than_o paul_n though_o miraculous_a can_v convert_v all_o that_o see_v his_o miracle_n or_o hear_v his_o preach_a but_o only_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v as_o he_o do_v lydia_n it_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o discourse_n how_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a that_o be_v as_o depend_v on_o this_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o set_v the_o understanding_n on_o work_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o so_o produce_v they_o the_o whole_a humane_a action_n be_v free_a because_o the_o will_n order_v it_o though_o she_o do_v not_o produce_v it_o all_o or_o though_o freedom_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o the_o body_n so_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a because_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n which_o be_v free_a though_o no_o freedom_n be_v find_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o a_o qualification_n but_o pure_a necessity_n of_o assent_v when_o the_o motive_n be_v see_v to_o be_v conclusive_a no_o need_n then_o be_v there_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n to_o piece_n out_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v assent_n to_o a_o degree_n beyond_o what_o it_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v a_o impossibility_n in_o humane_a nature_n right_o and_o connatural_o govern_v and_o i_o much_o fear_v no_o small_a disgrace_n to_o christian_a faith_n consider_v the_o obstinate_a bent_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o confound_v the_o speculative_a thought_n of_o divine_n explain_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n less_o careful_o with_o their_o sentiment_n issue_v natural_o from_o they_o as_o christian_n nay_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o what_o can_v revince_o be_v reply_v to_o a_o atheist_n object_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o christian_n make_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n ground_n stand_v need_v to_o be_v pec_v out_o by_o obscurity_n our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o ignorance_n and_o the_o rationality_n of_o they_o by_o will_n without_o reason_n that_o be_v wilfulness_n wherefore_o i_o carnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v even_o per_fw-la viscera_fw-la christi_fw-la all_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o have_v speculative_o hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n i_o here_o impugn_v for_o practical_o and_o as_o christian_n they_o hold_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o point_n once_o more_o and_o not_o to_o obstruct_v the_o resolve_v christian_a faith_n into_o immovable_a principle_n or_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n by_o a_o opinion_n only_o spring_v from_o the_o conceit_a difficulty_n in_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o yet_o themselves_o to_o a_o man_n profess_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n i_o humble_o beg_v leave_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o these_o few_o consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a faith_n be_v no_o less_o faith_n or_o a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n though_o that_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v both_o firm_a and_o more_o rational_a even_o for_o that_o very_a regard_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v it_o be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o perfect_o rational_a and_o consequent_o that_o its_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v so_o able_a to_o ascertain_v it_o that_o they_o place_v it_o beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o a_o inclination_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v have_v neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n in_o it_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o or_o indeed_o apt_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o tenet_n four_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o a_o antecedent_n pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n be_v still_o requisite_a to_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o perfect_a conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o this_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la at_o least_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o divine_n be_v sufficient_a five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o solid_a divine_n that_o faith_n consist_v with_o evidence_n in_o the_o attester_n six_o that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_v his_o assistance_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a term_n that_o it_o be_v irrational_a or_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o whereas_o all_o good_a christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o judge_v their_o act_n of_o faith_n immovable_a assent_n these_o author_n as_o speculater_n put_v all_o the_o reason_n for_o faith_n to_o leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o make_v this_o pious_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o elevate_v it_o to_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o be_v vast_o high_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n as_o if_o a_o rational_a creature_n not_o deviate_a total_o from_o its_o nature_n but_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n ought_v therefore_o to_o hold_v a_o point_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o itself_o have_v a_o affection_n or_o as_o we_o say_v a_o great_a mind_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o seven_o this_o assertion_n render_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n not_o only_o unmaintainable_a as_o have_v be_v now_o show_v but_o also_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o for_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n to_o other_o that_o my_o affection_n which_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o i_o be_v rational_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o mislead_v i_o when_o as_o the_o very_a position_n oblige_v i_o to_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o this_o affection_n push_v forward_o my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o reason_n it_o have_v that_o be_v as_o to_o this_o degree_n in_o my_o assent_n which_o be_v no_o small_a one_o since_o it_o raise_v it_o from_o judge_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v such_o without_o reason_n or_o will_v not_o this_o speculative_a tenet_n seem_v to_o force_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o most_o intrinsical_a consideration_n viz._n the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n be_v make_v by_o this_o doctrine_n full_a as_o dark_a a_o hole_n as_o it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o private_a spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a authority_n suffice_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n both_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v will_v that_o mankind_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v act_v irrational_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o the_o world_n so_o pestilent_a as_o a_o error_n abet_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a patronage_n of_o god_n authority_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o age_n and_o our_o homebred_a experience_n testify_v whence_o that_o very_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a it_o be_v engage_v for_o a_o truth_n ere_o we_o admit_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o may_v secure_o though_o with_o a_o humble_a truth_n say_v with_o richardus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la domine_fw-la si_fw-la error_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la decepti_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n imaginable_a than_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v it_o
to_o the_o other_o immediate_o forego_v induce_v all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o pin_n they_o upon_o the_o deity_n as_o on_o their_o first_o cause_n so_o horrible_a and_o diabolical_a a_o tenet_n be_v this_o of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o calumniate_v heaven_n itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o excuse_v they_o from_o high_a blasphemy_n &_o from_o make_v the_o unenvious_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n like_o our_o own_o narrow_a and_o crooked_a self_n five_o eviction_n §_o 1._o let_v we_o hear_v next_o what_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a will_v award_v concern_v the_o point_n in_o question_n §_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n mankind_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o among_o his_o other_o office_n he_o perform_v towards_o mankind_n that_o of_o a_o master_n be_v manifest_o one_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o both_o will_v and_o can_v that_o be_v do_v accomplish_v what_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n again_o true_a divinity_n assign_v one_o main_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o second_o person_n be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a god_n shall_v come_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o visible_o to_o cause_v in_o we_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o be_v our_o master_n and_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o fit_a that_o person_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spring_v peculiar_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o divine_a personality_n and_o not_o of_o his_o humanity_n precise_o as_o do_v his_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o proper_a agent_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n be_v as_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_o consequent_a christ_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n or_o wrought_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o a_o teacher_n as_o such_o with_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v then_o the_o proper_a office_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o master_n or_o teacher_n to_o make_v his_o scholar_n know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o divine_a or_o infinitely-perfect_a master_n make_v they_o absolute_o or_o perfect_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n §_o 4._o and_o because_o the_o end_n of_o this_o teach_v be_v not_o terminate_v in_o those_o few_o himself_o converse_v with_o nor_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v future_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o the_o follow_a world_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o sectator_n or_o follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o he_o their_o master_n unless_o then_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o succeed_a age_n also_o shall_v have_v perfect_a assurance_n or_o know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o true_a he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o a_o school_n and_o lay_v no_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o scholar_n or_o christian_n from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n §_o 5._o all_o christian_n then_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o their_o successor_n have_v and_o will_v have_v mean_n to_o know_v absolute_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o mean_n we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v veracious_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o to_o be_v absolute_o true_a and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 6._o beside_o man_n be_v a_o intellectual_a instruct_v creature_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o true_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v in_o know_v and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o speculater_n or_o as_o a_o actor_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v than_o he_o be_v most_o evident_o ignorant_a whether_o it_o be_v false_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o speak_v imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o he_o be_v to_o act_n about_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o less_o perfection_n and_o worse_a for_o mankind_n to_o go_v to_o work_v unassured_o than_o assure_o faith_n then_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o mankind_n it_o follow_v faith_n be_v perfect_o secure_a to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o contingency_n of_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o but_o leave_v man_n the_o subject_a of_o virtue_n faith_n and_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n itself_o in_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o its_o habit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o rational_a also_o that_o its_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n since_o then_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v former_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n no_o assent_n without_o certain_a ground_n and_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 8._o next_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o perfect_a man_n understanding_n as_o such_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o knowledge_n and_o so_o inform_v his_o mind_n with_o truth_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o force_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o be_v manifold_o demonstrate_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 9_o again_o this_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n call_v faith_n be_v also_o a_o supernatural_a one_o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o proceed_v from_o a_o agent_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n aim_v at_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o inform_v the_o understanding_n will_v be_v perform_v with_o infinite_a advantage_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o supernatural_a agent_n be_v or_o god_n part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exquisite_o perform_v it_o must_v spring_v from_o some_o incapacity_n in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v then_o in_o this_o effect_n of_o inform_v the_o understanding_n two_o consideration_n viz._n evidence_n which_o be_v have_v either_o by_o experience_n of_o our_o sense_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v incapable_a or_o by_o intrinsical_v medium_n that_o be_v demonstration_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o which_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o subject_a of_o faith_n very_o few_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o other_o of_o certainty_n attainable_a both_o by_o those_o intrinsecal_n and_o also_o extrinsical_a medium_n or_o authority_n which_o authority_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o its_o nature_n all_o be_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n able_a to_o understand_v it_o follow_v that_o here_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o generality_n the_o supernatural_a agent_n or_o cause_n of_o faith_n will_v effect_v here_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o mere_a natural_a impression_n can_v produce_v that_o be_v all_o extrinsical_a argument_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o intrinsecal_n one_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o most_o strong_o support_v to_o make_v up_o the_o great_a authority_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o to_o establish_v this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o principle_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a science_n but_o divers_a piece_n of_o humane_a science_n nay_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o true_a science_n be_v acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n therefore_o à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la must_v be_v such_o also_o §_o 10._o this_o supernaturality_n of_o faith_n by_o natural_a which_o word_n we_o mean_v divine_a faith_n convince_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a that_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o partake_v whatever_o perfection_n true_o belong_v to_o faith_n or_o belief_n as_o such_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o far_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o can_v elevate_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n without_o wrong_v that_o notion_n or_o nature_n faith_n then_o in_o common_a as_o distinguish_v from_o science_n and_o opinion_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n and_o firmness_n be_v evident_o a_o perfection_n in_o a_o assent_n divine_a faith_n ought_v
to_o have_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o firmness_n in_o it_o than_o any_o humane_a faith_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o since_o humane_a faith_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o stability_n that_o mankind_n will_v think_v he_o mad_a that_o be_v a_o renouncer_n of_o evident_a reason_n who_o can_v think_v serious_o it_o can_v be_v a_o error_n or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o example_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o present_a age_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o france_n or_o k._n james_n divine_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a aught_o to_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v and_o consequent_o more_o high_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o again_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o head_n we_o be_v ascertain_v '_o that_z a_o convictive_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o more_o strong_o that_o authority_n be_v apply_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o more_o forcible_o work_v its_o effect_n there_o or_o subduc_n it_o to_o assent_v whence_o this_o certitude_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a it_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v it_o under_o that_o notion_n divine_a faith_n then_o be_v supernatural_a have_v a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o have_v such_o a_o application_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o may_v be_v true_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o by_o such_o a_o application_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o not_o less_o but_o more_o belief_n be_v give_v to_o the_o say_a authority_n and_o the_o understanding_n become_v more_o humble_v and_o subject_v to_o it_o that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o application_n how_o scientifical_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o the_o near_o be_v a_o act_n of_o science_n but_o be_v perfect_a under_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v still_o a_o steady_a hearty_o and_o firm_a assent_n for_o the_o authority_n sake_n which_o be_v thus_o strong_o and_o close_o apply_v and_o a_o great_a reliance_n on_o it_o §_o 12._o moreover_o faith_n be_v to_o work_v through_o charity_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o action_n manner_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o rational_a action_n be_v so_o much_o more_o perfect_a by_o how_o much_o more_o know_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o agent_n unless_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a christian_a action_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n find_v in_o most_o ordinary_a humane_a action_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_v concern_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v go_v to_o work_v with_o less_o assuredness_n and_o steadiness_n than_o a_o carpenter_n and_o cobbler_n and_o this_o not_o out_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v contingent_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o faith_n or_o religion_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o defect_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o intrinsecal_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n which_o beyond_o all_o evasion_n affix_n the_o imperfection_n upon_o christianity_n itself_o §_o 13._o i_o may_v add_v that_o art_n and_o science_n science_n even_o the_o most_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o and_o which_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o contingency_n in_o their_o effect_n or_o the_o action_n spring_v from_o they_o have_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o certainty_n in_o their_o principle_n religion_n then_o be_v the_o art_n of_o carry_v or_o guide_v soul_n to_o bliss_n and_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n its_o principle_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o effect_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o main_a and_o supreme_a principle_n who_o firmness_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o rest_n and_o so_o render_v they_o efficacious_a unless_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n be_v true_o certain_a the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v exceed_o more_a defective_a and_o inefficacious_a than_o those_o of_o any_o petty_a mechanical_a trade_n and_o indeed_o no_o principle_n six_o eviction_n §_o 1._o the_o forego_v consideration_n be_v more_o enforce_v by_o this_o that_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o light_n which_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o that_o be_v which_o be_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o that_o to_o which_o all_o our_o other_o concern_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o all_o our_o action_n direct_v unless_o therefore_o this_o knowledge_n or_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v steady_a and_o firm_a all_o our_o whole_a life_n as_o christian_n will_v be_v feeble_a totter_a and_o uneven_a as_o want_v certainty_n of_o the_o first_o practical_a principle_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v our_o christian_a behaviour_n nay_o certainty_n of_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n must_v needs_o be_v stagger_v and_o inconstant_a and_o itself_o but_o a_o blind_a grope_v in_o the_o dark_a §_o 2._o moreover_o since_o all_o mankind_n morality_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v perfect_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o practical_a principle_n of_o natural_a morality_n which_o ground_v their_o moral_n seem_v virtue_n as_o be_v confess_v which_o virtue_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o so_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o those_o virtue_n for_o its_o sake_n or_o order_v they_o to_o heaven_n fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a they_o towards_o it_o and_o bring_v they_o thither_o it_o follow_v that_o have_v there_o not_o be_v provision_n make_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o christian_a morality_n shall_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v perverse_o order_v that_o be_v great_a care_n will_v have_v be_v take_v to_o create_v those_o imperfect_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o alone_o be_v not_o able_a to_o secure_v one_o man_n from_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a misery_n than_o for_o those_o sublime_a perfection_n call_v christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a step_n for_o man_n to_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n he_o be_v create_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n §_o 3._o especial_o since_o this_o last_o end_n mean_n and_o chief_a good_a of_o mankind_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o external_n action_n or_o local_a motion_n but_o intellectual_o or_o by_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o he_o be_v promote_v forward_o even_o to_o the_o very_a assecution_n of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o force_n of_o knowledge_n or_o truth_n exciting_a he_o to_o act_v and_o guide_v he_o in_o those_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a the_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o have_v be_v manifold_o prove_v above_o impissible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 4._o again_o virtue_n spring_v connatural_o falsehood_n from_o truth_n and_o vice_n from_o falsehood_n if_o faith_n then_o be_v possible_o false_a the_o practice_n spring_v thence_o be_v possible_o no_o virtue_n but_o vice_n and_o so_o they_o and_o consequent_o faith_n whence_o they_o proceed_v possible_o will_v not_o dispose_v but_o indispose_v we_o towards_o our_o last_o end_n which_o destroy_v perfect_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n too_o i'faith_o therefore_o will_v be_v no_o faith_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 5._o you_o will_v object_v a_o reason_n mere_o probable_a or_o morally-certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o act_v for_o a_o temporal_a good_a much_o more_o then_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a one_o since_o the_o great_a goodness_n be_v in_o the_o object_n the_o less_o be_v the_o hazard_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o the_o reasonableness_n to_o act_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n correspond_v the_o objection_n will_v be_v valid_a and_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o speak_v abstract_o be_v real_o conclusive_a yet_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o unparallel_n that_o no_o shadow_n of_o consequence_n can_v be_v make_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o first_o for_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v viz._n because_o our_o last_o end_n be_v in_o itself_o spiritual_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v not_o attainable_a but_o by_o mean_n of_o best_a spiritual_a perfection_n or_o virtue_n and_o the_o more_o know_o these_o proceed_v from_o we_o the_o better_a they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o say_n none_o be_v cordial_o and_o solid_o good_a who_o know_v not_o why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a whence_o they_o can_v be_v best_o in_o their_o kind_n nor_o consequent_o mean_v fit_a to_o
for_o the_o establishment_n or_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v how_o insufficient_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n how_o unfit_a for_o the_o end_n and_o unable_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n true_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a ought_v to_o do_v need_v no_o declaration_n to_o manifest_v it_o since_o no_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v without_o difficulty_n refrain_v from_o smile_v at_o the_o ridiculous_a levity_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o assenter_n inference_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n conclude_v all_o controversy_n 1._o it_o rest_v then_o evince_v and_o demonstrative_o conclude_v with_o as_o great_a firmness_n as_o first_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o for_o premise_n and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n can_v establish_v it_o that_o that_o most_o firm_a or_o unchangeable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o its_o professor_n to_o assert_v it_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n constancy_n and_o pledge_n imaginable_a to_o be_v true_a and_o its_o object_n point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n conclude_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o so_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o since_o nothing_o can_v or_o ought_v in_o true_a reason_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o if_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v weaken_v faith_n itself_o which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o into_o a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n 3._o it_o follow_v with_o the_o same_o clearness_n that_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o we_o be_v any_o live_a authority_n that_o authority_n must_v be_v infallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n for_o if_o fallible_a faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o will_v still_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o likewise_o that_o if_o it_o be_v any_o book_n both_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o book_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v faith_n build_v on_o it_o and_o withal_o the_o sense_n know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o in_o case_n either_o of_o these_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o preserve_v they_o such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v true_o judge_v or_o find_v to_o be_v possible_a faith_n which_o be_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o will_v still_o be_v leave_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a 4._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o those_o pretend_v faithful_a who_o have_v not_o ground_n of_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v no_o act_n of_o belief_n but_o what_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o they_o know_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a nor_o consequent_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v true_o faithful_a as_o not_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n a_o assent_n build_v either_o on_o infallible_a live_a authority_n or_o on_o unmistakeable_a letter_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n §_o 3._o but_o opinion_n only_o 5._o it_o follow_v with_o like_a evidence_n that_o a_o controvertist_n be_v one_o who_o be_v to_o assert_v faith_n not_o by_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o explain_v they_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o school-divine_a but_o into_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o or_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o bring_v proof_n which_o he_o judge_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v nay_o which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o show_v faith_n and_o its_o rule_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a he_o do_v not_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o faith_n nor_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o controvertist_n but_o he_o betray_v faith_n by_o his_o ineffectual_a and_o probable_a managery_n of_o it_o make_v it_o seem_v a_o sleight_n opinion_n or_o light_o ground_v credulity_n especial_o if_o he_o profess_v that_o all_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_a confession_n all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n because_o he_o be_v to_o show_v faith_n the_o subject_a of_o his_o discourse_n to_o be_v what_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a nay_o since_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o certain_a he_o manifest_o destroy_v faith_n when_o he_o shall_v defend_v and_o establish_v it_o by_o profess_v all_o its_o proof_n or_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a 6._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o unless_o some_o other_o medium_fw-la can_v be_v find_v or_o way_n take_v in_o that_o skill_n or_o science_n call_v controversy_n which_o be_v able_a to_o show_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o sure-footing_a which_o partly_o by_o our_o adversary_n confession_n of_o the_o inability_n of_o they_o to_o reach_v infallible_a certainty_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v see_v sure-footing_a corol._n 16_o and_o 40._o be_v evident_o impossible_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o yet_o attempt_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n except_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n it_o follow_v i_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o or_o may_v be_v show_v thus_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a so_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n certain_a likewise_o that_o the_o main_a doctrine_n there_o deliver_v will_v stand_v whatever_o particular_a miscarriage_n may_v have_v happen_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o reason_n there_o give_v and_o the_o force_n of_o my_o adversary_n objection_n 7._o it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a from_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n that_o if_o i_o have_v discourse_v right_a in_o this_o small_a treatise_n of_o i_o and_o have_v prove_v that_o faith_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a then_o mr._n tillotson_n confession_n p._n 118._o to_o which_o m._n stillingfleet_n doctrine_n be_v consonant_a that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o be_v false_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n that_o neither_o be_v the_o book-rule_n he_o maintain_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o nor_o have_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n true_a faith_n §_o 4._o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n own_v take_v away_o private_a spirit_n but_o tradition_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o onely-true-rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o main_a of_o sure-footing_a stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o last_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o his_o own_o book_n which_o oppose_v it_o oppose_v the_o onety-true_a because_o the_o onely-impossible-to-be-false_a ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v in_o that_o supposition_n to_o go_v about_o to_o undermine_v all_o christian_a faith_n whence_o the_o title_n of_o his_o probable-natured_a book_n be_v manifest_v to_o be_v a_o improper_a faith_n nickname_n and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n 8._o this_o last_o point_n be_v hence_o far_o confirm_v because_o mr_n t._n and_o mr._n st._n can_v claim_v no_o admittance_n into_o a_o dispute_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n till_o they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o show_v they_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o since_o a_o assent_n to_o a_o point_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v possible_a to_o to_o be_v false_a can_v never_o rise_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o opinion_n nor_o can_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_v to_o what_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a in_o true_a speech_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o because_o there_o be_v in_o that_o case_n no_o faith_n infer_v 1._o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o because_o what_o we_o see_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o propriety_n be_v call_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o understanding_n direct_v it_o to_o truth_n in_o regard_n for_o any_o thing_n it_o see_v it_o
none_o have_v the_o least_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n of_o it_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v stay_v in_o they_o inform_v we_o sufficient_o to_o what_o a_o changeable_a totter_a and_o ruinous_a condition_n christian_a faith_n will_v be_v reduce_v by_o these_o principle_n and_o parallel_n no_o few_o than_o three_o house_n fall_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o none_o have_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n beforehand_o of_o such_o a_o event_n therefore_o may_v a_o atheist_n say_v down_o fall_v christian_a faith_n too_o who_o foundation_n be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n but_o parallel_n for_o strength_n to_o the_o other_o or_o if_o it_o fall_v not_o in_o so_o long_a time_n it_o have_v only_o something_o better_a luck_n not_o better_a ground_n than_o have_v the_o three_o house_n as_o for_o the_o object_v unsuitableness_n of_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o i_o require_v it_o be_v reply_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o the_o 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false_a to_o we_o they_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o they_o will_v of_o themselves_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v and_o so_o there_o will_v need_v no_o precedent_n pious_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o yet_o both_o council_n father_n and_o catholic_n divine_v with_o one_o consent_n require_v nay_o more_o be_v not_o such_o a_o pious_a affection_n put_v act_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v free_n answer_n if_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o even_o assent_v to_o humane_a science_n though_o evident_a from_o intrinsecal_n reason_n comprehensible_a by_o our_o understanding_n and_o pure_o speculative_a be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o a_o affection_n to_o see_v truth_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o carriage_n of_o mere_a sceptic_n who_o have_v entertain_v a_o conceit_n of_o its_o hopelesness_n come_v thence_o to_o want_v love_n or_o affection_n for_o it_o and_o so_o never_o come_v to_o see_v it_o how_o conclusive_a soever_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o by_o far_o must_v some_o good_a affection_n be_v pre-requisit_a to_o assent_v to_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o as_o depend_v upon_o authority_n incomprehensible_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o practical_a that_o be_v obligingly-efficacious_a to_o break_v out_o into_o christian_a action_n or_o love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v the_o first_o obstacle_n of_o the_o three_o mention_v have_v this_o difficulty_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o truth_n which_o come_v direct_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o strike_v our_o understanding_n more_o natural_o penetrate_v it_o more_o deep_o and_o to_o stick_v in_o it_o more_o immovable_o than_o those_o which_o be_v reflect_v to_o we_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o another_o such_o as_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n beside_o the_o new_a difficulty_n of_o see_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o attester_n which_o how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o put_v the_o understanding_n to_o double_a pain_n whereas_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o single_a labour_n and_o so_o less_o confound_v and_o distract_n the_o thought_n the_o second_o obstacle_n incomprehensibleness_n be_v apt_a to_o stupify_v the_o understanding_n and_o retard_v assent_n nay_o even_o to_o deter_v it_o from_o consider_v they_o as_o truth_n the_o atheistical_a temper_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o subsist_v be_v metaphysic_n due_o advance_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o apply_v and_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o those_o considerability_n in_o thing_n and_o those_o nature_n which_o be_v abstract_v from_o matter_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o our_o fancy_n be_v in_o act_n while_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v not_o proper_a phantasm_n the_o only_a agreeable_a one_o 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hater_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o mention_v a_o spirit_n he_o in_o a_o disgust_n break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n let_v we_o talk_v of_o what_o we_o know_v by_o which_o expression_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o mistake_v the_o question_n an_fw-mi est_fw-la for_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la but_o what_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n be_v that_o the_o unknowableness_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n obstruct_v even_o his_o desire_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o &_o consequent_o that_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a desire_n or_o affection_n to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a even_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o their_o be_v much_o more_o to_o conceit_v it_o but_o incomparable_o more_o needful_a be_v such_o a_o affection_n when_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o point_n there_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o incomprehensibleness_n nay_o if_o only_o those_o point_n be_v consider_v a_o incredibleness_n when_o no_o parallel_n can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n nor_o scarce_o any_o similitude_n weak_o to_o shadow_v out_o the_o thing_n and_o its_o possibility_n nay_o when_o some_o of_o those_o point_n direct_o thwart_v the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n whence_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n have_v their_o stability_n then_o i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o affection_n for_o the_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o high_a spiritual_a object_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o hearken_v to_o any_o authority_n propose_v they_o how_o evident_a soever_o the_o motive_n be_v for_o the_o credibleness_n of_o that_o authority_n the_o three_o obstacle_n follow_v take_v from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o faith_n be_v essential_o ordain_v that_o be_v from_o what_o it_o essential_o be_v viz._n a_o mover_n of_o the_o will_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n or_o a_o practical_a principle_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o truth_n that_o by-affection_n and_o contrary_a inclination_n be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o assent_v or_o even_o attend_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o these_o reason_n how_o clear_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o make_v against_o any_o belove_a interest_n whence_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a affection_n to_o these_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o mist_n those_o passion_n have_v raise_v and_o purge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o discern_v what_o it_o can_v not_o before_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o visible_a how_o much_o more_o not_o only_o requisite_a but_o even_o necessary_a must_v some_o pious_a affection_n be_v to_o permit_v the_o mind_n free_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v principle_n which_o enjoin_v a_o disregard_n and_o posthabition_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sweet_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o even_o of_o livelihood_n and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a than_o that_o a_o plough_v