no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o either_o then_o mr._n s._n must_v say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o private_a opinator_n or_o speculator_n in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o testifier_n and_o then_o he_o unavoidable_o contradict_v himself_o or_o he_o must_v deny_v that_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o forefather_n deliver_v they_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o his_o whole_a demonstration_n perhaps_o he_o will_v answer_v that_o child_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o bare_o their_o parent_n or_o another_o number_n of_o person_n may_v deliver_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o every_o age_n deliver_v this_o â—ough_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v say_v in_o â—e_a case_n yet_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o inextricable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o resolve_v â—ith_o for_o suppose_v any_o child_n â—ught_v by_o their_o parent_n what_o they_o be_v â—_o believe_v mr._n s._n must_v say_v they_o be_v â—ot_n bind_v to_o believe_v they_o present_o â—ut_v to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o agree_v â—ith_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o that_o ageâ—rst_a â—rst_z before_o they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o asâ—nt_v which_o be_v a_o impossible_a task_n â—ther_n for_o child_n or_o man_n of_o age_n â—_o find_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradiâ—on_n this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n â—oth_v but_o offer_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o â—fidelity_n for_o we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o mr._n s._n to_o make_v it_o appear_v â—hat_n their_o church_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o â—ule_n of_o faith_n for_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n â—he_v far_o great_a number_n as_o speculatorsâ—ppose_v â—ppose_z the_o way_n assert_v by_o he_o how_o â—uch_o more_o difficult_a than_o must_v it_o needs_o â—e_a to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a essential_a church_n be_v in_o all_o matter_n which_o parent_n may_v teach_v their_o child_n for_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o chrildren_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o till_o they_o know_v they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n teach_v it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o teach_v they_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v as_o mr._n s._n make_v much_o use_n of_o it_o than_o it_o appear_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n at_o first_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o speculation_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o be_v deliver_v as_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o thing_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n for_o such_o which_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o no_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v several_z other_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o two_o more_o 1._o misinterpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripure_a 2._o suppose_v it_o in_o the_o power_n oâ—_n some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o no_o imaginable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v either_o of_o the_o writing_n or_o universal_a reception_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n and_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v possible_a â—or_a the_o main_n and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n creed_n give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o â—o_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v extreme_o ungrateful_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v infinite_o â—etter_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o not_o leave_v â—he_n ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o â—eer_a breath_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o care_n â—f_a mother_n instruct_v their_o child_n â—ut_fw-la have_v give_v we_o the_o certain_a record_n ofall_v the_o doctrine_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n preserve_v inviolable_o from_o the_o first_o age_n â—f_n the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o churchâ—w_n â—w_z with_o what_o care_n god_n have_v provide_v â—r_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n traditionâ—as_v â—as_z little_o mind_v thence_o the_o memory_n â—f_n those_o other_o thing_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v whole_o lose_v all_o the_o care_n â—as_v employ_v in_o search_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v these_o sacred_a book_n tâ—_n posterity_n to_o these_o the_o primitive_a church_n still_o appeal_v these_o they_o pleaâ—_n for_o against_o all_o adversary_n defend_v their_o authority_n explain_v their_o sense_n vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n tradition_n they_o rely_v not_o on_o any_o far_a than_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o trutâ—_n of_o these_o record_n or_o to_o clear_v the_o senâ—_n of_o they_o from_o the_o perverse_a interprâ—_n tation_n of_o those_o heretic_n who_o pretenâ—_n ed_z another_o kind_n of_o tradition_n thâ—_n what_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o when_o theâ—_n be_v silence_v all_o the_o dispute_v thâ—_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v matteâ—_n of_o faith_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o book_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o proceeding_n in_o the_o case_n of_o arius_n and_o pelagic_a wherein_o tradition_n be_v only_o use_v a_o mean_n to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sâ—ptures_n but_o not_o at_o all_o as_o that_o which_o tâ—_n faith_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v plead_v frâ—_n tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v ground_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reject_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o be_v offer_v aâ—_n such_o person_n be_v plain_o tell_v tâ—_n be_v not_o the_o church_n way_n if_o they_o bâ—_n plain_a scripture_n with_o the_o concurrâ—_n sense_n of_o antiquity_n they_o may_v produce_v â—t_a and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a â—se_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n beside_o attest_v the_o book_n be_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o impose_v sense_n on_o scripture_n against_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n it_o be_v not_o avoidable_o but_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n prejudices_fw-la learning_n and_o education_n and_o since_o they_o have_v all_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thence_o as_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v easy_o come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v for_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o know_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o very_a assertion_n be_v a_o error_n in_o which_o the_o former_a age_n do_v not_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v possible_a m._n s_n demonstration_n fail_v he_o for_o hereby_o a_o reasonable_a account_n be_v give_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o again_o let_v i_o inquire_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o man_n may_v not_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a to_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n infallible_a in_o their_o decree_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o jesuit_n as_o little_a as_o mr._n s._n love_v they_o or_o they_o him_z may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o this_o if_o they_o may_v believe_v this_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v then_o that_o transubstantiation_n supremacy_n invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v but_o private_a opinion_n before_o but_o be_v now_o define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n these_o man_n can_v but_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v it_o
of_o demonstration_n but_o mr._n s._n very_o prudent_o foresee_v what_o it_o be_v i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o recurre_v to_o 15._o 224._o viz._n that_o be_v baffle_v with_o his_o former_a demonstration_n i_o have_v no_o other_o shift_n to_o betake_v myself_o to_o but_o to_o say_v the_o case_n be_v different_a between_o history_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o therefore_o to_o bring_v his_o business_n home_o he_o apply_v it_o at_o large_a to_o the_o delivery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o that_o he_o may_v do_v in_o more_o ample_a sort_n he_o very_o fine_o descant_v on_o the_o old_a verse_n quis_fw-la quid_fw-la ubi_fw-la etc._n etc._n contain_v the_o circumstance_n of_o human_a action_n and_o from_o every_o one_o of_o they_o derive_v argument_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o brief_o and_o in_o plain_a english_a may_v be_v sum_v up_o thus_o since_o the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o doctrine_n itself_o so_o excellent_a and_o deliver_v in_o so_o public_a a_o manner_n in_o the_o most_o convince_a way_n by_o miracle_n and_o good_a live_n and_o for_o so_o good_a a_o end_n as_o to_o save_v man_n soul_n and_o that_o by_o write_v it_o in_o man_n heart_n and_o testify_v to_o other_o and_o all_o this_o at_o a_o time_n when_o man_n may_v judge_v of_o the_o miracle_n and_o motive_n for_o believe_v it_o therefore_o since_o in_o all_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v imcomparable_o beyond_o the_o story_n of_o alexander_n conquest_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_o great_a must_v the_o obligation_n be_v to_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n than_o alexander_n or_o william_n the_o conqueror_n victory_n or_o any_o history_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n whatsoever_o all_o which_o i_o free_o grant_v but_o can_v yet_o see_v how_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o what_o not_o those_o argument_n i_o confess_v prove_v that_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v high_o concern_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o great_a reason_n imaginable_a to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o conceive_v that_o they_o shall_v not_o endeavour_v to_o propagate_v so_o excellent_a a_o doctrine_n and_o of_o so_o high_a concernment_n to_o the_o world_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o abstract_o from_o the_o book_n write_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n there_o be_v so_o much_o infallibility_n in_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o every_o age_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v embrace_v for_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o and_o consequent_o whether_o every_o age_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v absolute_o what_o be_v deliver_v it_o by_o the_o precedent_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n mr._n s._n therefore_o put_v himself_o to_o a_o needless_a task_n of_o prove_v that_o every_o age_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o i_o never_o question_v but_o the_o dispute_n be_v whether_o every_o age_n be_v bind_v on_o the_o account_n of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o precedent_n for_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v all_o along_o how_o careful_o mr._n s._n avoid_v mention_v the_o write_a book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o he_o know_v all_o his_o game_n about_o oral_a tradition_n will_v be_v quite_o spoil_v by_o a_o true_a state_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o ask_v he_o that_o question_n about_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o ask_v i_o about_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v he_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o scripture_n or_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o find_v it_o but_o if_o he_o have_v hear_v of_o it_o i_o entreat_v he_o to_o resolve_v i_o these_o question_n 1._o whether_o he_o do_v not_o believe_v that_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v at_o such_o a_o time_n when_o the_o matâ—ers_n of_o fact_n therein_o record_v be_v capable_a of_o be_v thorough_o examine_v which_o he_o can_v deny_v upon_o his_o own_o principle_n for_o tradition_n be_v then_o infallible_a as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n the_o writer_n of_o these_o book_n can_v be_v conceive_v to_o deliver_v it_o amiss_o unless_o they_o resolve_v to_o contradict_v the_o present_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n which_o if_o they_o have_v do_v those_o book_n can_v never_o have_v find_v any_o reception_n among_o christian_n if_o tradition_n then_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n infallible_o these_o book_n must_v convey_v it_o infallible_o because_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o infallible_a tradition_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o be_v write_v at_o that_o time_n when_o many_o person_n live_v have_v be_v able_a to_o disprove_v any_o thing_n contain_v therein_o repugnant_a to_o truth_n and_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o those_o person_n who_o name_n they_o bear_v i_o appeal_v to_o mr._n s_n own_o rule_n tradition_n for_o if_o that_o be_v infallible_a in_o any_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v in_o this_o and_o if_o one_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o concernment_n what_o security_n can_v be_v have_v that_o it_o may_v not_o do_v so_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n 2._o whether_o he_o believe_v that_o those_o who_o intention_n be_v to_o write_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n do_v leave_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o their_o book_n which_o do_v relate_v to_o they_o as_o of_o concernment_n for_o we_o to_o believe_v for_o upon_o mr._n s_n principle_n any_o one_o may_v easy_o know_v what_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v and_o especial_o such_o certain_o who_o be_v either_o present_v themselves_o at_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o hear_v they_o from_o those_o who_o be_v and_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v any_o one_o desire_n great_a than_o this_o but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o this_o testimony_n be_v not_o more_o safe_o deposit_v in_o the_o church_n to_o be_v convey_v by_o word_n of_o mouth_n than_o it_o can_v be_v by_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v by_o such_o who_o be_v eye_n and_o ear-witness_n oâ—_n the_o action_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n upon_o which_o i_o advance_v some_o further_a query_n 3._o if_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o more_o certain_a way_n why_o be_v anything_o write_v at_o all_o it_o may_v be_v mr._n s._n will_v tell_v we_o for_o moral_a instruction_n and_o to_o give_v precept_n of_o good_a life_n buâ—_n then_o why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v as_o infallible_o conuâ—yed_v by_o tradition_n as_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o why_o then_o be_v any_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o point_n of_o faith_n insert_v in_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n by_o which_o it_o certain_o appear_v that_o the_o intention_n of_o write_v they_o be_v to_o preserve_v they_o to_o posterity_n let_v mr._n s._n tell_v i_o whether_o it_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n much_o less_o with_o the_o wisdom_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v to_o employ_v man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o may_v be_v far_o better_a do_v another_o way_n and_o when_o it_o be_v do_v can_v give_v no_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n 4._o whether_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v understand_v when_o they_o be_v speak_v cease_v to_o be_v so_o when_o they_o be_v write_v for_o mr._n s._n seem_v to_o understand_v those_o term_n of_o a_o live_a voice_n and_o dead_a letter_n in_o a_o very_a strict_a and_o rigorous_a manner_n as_o though_o the_o sense_n be_v only_o quick_a when_o speak_v and_o become_v bury_v in_o dead_a letter_n but_o mr._n s._n seem_v with_o the_o sagacious_a indian_a to_o admire_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o dead_a letter_n and_o unsenced_a character_n to_o express_v man_n meaning_n as_o well_o as_o word_n it_o can_v enter_v into_o mr._n s_n apprehension_n how_o 24._o letter_n by_o their_o various_a disposition_n can_v express_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o to_o increase_v the_o wonder_n he_o write_v about_o matteâ—_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o be_v prove_v that_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v convey_v bâ—_n writing_n so_o that_o mr._n s_n own_o writing_n be_v the_o best_a demonstration_n against_o himself_o and_o he_o confute_v his_o own_o sophistry_n with_o his_o finger_n as_o diogenes_n do_v zenoâ—_n by_o his_o motion_n for_o do_v mr._n s._n hopâ—_n to_o persuade_v man_n that_o tradition_n be_v â—_o rule_v of_o faith_n by_o
his_o book_n or_o not_o iâ—_n not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o write_v â—_o if_o he_o do_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v soâ—_n matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v intelligible_o convey_v by_o writing_n especial_o if_o mr._n s._n do_v it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o be_v tâ—_n believe_v that_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n caâ—_n do_v it_o for_o whatever_o be_v write_v by_o meâ—_n assist_v by_o that_o be_v according_a to_o he_o buâ—_n a_o heap_n of_o dead_a letter_n and_o insignificant_a character_n when_o mr._n s._n the_o mean_a while_o be_v full_a of_o sense_n and_o demonstration_n happy_a man_n that_o can_v thus_o outdo_v inanite_a wisdom_n and_o write_v far_o beyond_o either_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n but_o if_o he_o will_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o allow_v that_o to_o inspire_a person_n which_o he_o confident_o believe_v of_o himself_o viz._n that_o he_o can_v write_v a_o book_n full_a of_o sense_n and_o that_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v apprehend_v the_o design_n of_o it_o our_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o than_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v intelligible_o and_o certain_o convey_v to_o posterity_n by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n 5._o if_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o certain_o and_o intelligible_o convey_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n what_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v â—n_v they_o and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o therein_o we_o still_o find_v that_o appeal_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v they_o against_o all_o objection_n of_o heathen_n and_o other_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v into_o they_o and_o not_o tradition_n as_o i_o have_v already_o manifest_v and_o must_v not_o repeat_v 6._o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o â—_o credible_a since_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v look_v on_o itself_o as_o oblige_v absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o precedent_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n for_o since_o they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o write_a book_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n although_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o their_o disciple_n yet_o since_o the_o record_n of_o it_o be_v embrace_v in_o the_o church_n man_n judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o conveniency_n or_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o to_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precedent_a age_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o present_a age_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n s._n etc._n who_o proceed_v still_o to_o manifest_v this_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o precedent_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o force_n of_o all_o be_v the_o same_o still_o viz._n that_o otherwise_o one_o age_n must_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o that_o i_o have_v full_o show_v already_o unless_o he_o demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o error_n to_o come_v in_o any_o other_o way_n for_o if_o we_o reduce_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o come_v to_o this_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n the_o minor_a he_o thus_o prove_v if_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o the_o precedent_n teach_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o than_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o consequent_a now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o lie_v not_o in_o prove_v the_o minor_a proposition_n or_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o but_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o a_o church_n but_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n in_o one_o whole_a age_n or_o the_o general_a imposture_n of_o it_o which_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o have_v show_v he_o already_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o concession_n and_o i_o may_v more_o large_o show_v it_o from_o those_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v come_v into_o their_o church_n without_o any_o such_o general_a mistake_n or_o imposture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o papal_a infallibility_n and_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n will_v show_v we_o how_o these_o come_v in_o we_o will_v show_v he_o how_o many_o other_o come_v in_o as_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a as_o those_o be_v for_o whether_o they_o account_v these_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a many_o among_o they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n who_o assert_v and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n too_o if_o therefore_o these_o may_v come_v in_o without_o one_o age_n mistake_v or_o deceive_v the_o next_o why_o may_v not_o all_o those_o come_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o error_n of_o their_o church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n come_v in_o may_v corrupt_v practice_n too_o since_o these_o as_o he_o say_v spring_v srom_o the_o other_o he_o may_v therefore_o have_v save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o find_v out_o how_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n will_v discover_v the_o 231._o weakness_n of_o this_o way_n for_o without_o pretend_v to_o be_v either_o of_o these_o i_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n of_o attaque_a it_o then_o mr._n s._n look_v for_o viz._n from_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o concession_n show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o a_o total_a deception_n or_o conspiracy_n in_o any_o one_o age_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v bind_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o ever_o he_o tell_v i_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o never_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o speculation_n or_o private_a opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n have_v come_v to_o be_v account_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n therefore_o his_o way_n of_o proof_n be_v now_o quite_o alter_v and_o he_o can_v say_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o present_a church_n may_v have_v admit_v speculation_n and_o private_a opinion_n into_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v first_o prove_v such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o our_o age_n they_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o as_o to_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o will_v promise_v he_o to_o be_v his_o proselyte_n but_o he_o ought_v still_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o one_o whole_a age_n to_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o error_n to_o come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o mr._n s._n object_n against_o those_o word_n i_o then_o use_v against_o the_o demonstrate_v this_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n shall_v enforce_v it_o but_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v understanding_n of_o another_o mould_n from_o other_o who_o can_v conceive_v it_o impossible_a man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n and_o whatever_o mr._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a
receive_v from_o the_o former_a church_n and_o mr._n s_n answer_n be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfactory_a that_o this_o appear_v by_o her_o manifect_a practice_n never_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v approve_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o former_a age_n do_v for_o this_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o principle_n far_o different_a from_o this_o which_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o inquire_v themselves_o into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o tradition_n can_v not_o fail_v in_o any_o age_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o declare_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v but_o my_o demand_n go_v on_o what_o evidence_n can_v you_o bring_v to_o convince_v i_o both_o that_o the_o church_n always_o observe_v this_o rule_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o which_o question_n be_v build_v on_o these_o two_o principle_n which_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n stand_v on_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n 2._o that_o if_o it_o do_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v deceive_v both_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o self-evidence_n which_o mr._n sergeant_n still_o pretend_v to_o in_o this_o way_n that_o the_o jesuit_n principle_n seem_v much_o more_o rational_a and_o consistent_a than_o these_o do_v for_o grant_v they_o but_o that_o one_o postulatum_fw-la that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o inherent_a infallibility_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o afford_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o doctrine_n follow_v natural_o from_o it_o whereas_o this_o new_a way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v build_v on_o such_o supposition_n which_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o grant_v for_o unless_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n do_v always_o proceed_v on_o this_o ground_n it_o can_v be_v self-evident_a that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v infallible_a because_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o this_o principle_n depend_v on_o this_o that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o age_n forego_v now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v convey_v in_o way_n quite_o different_a from_o this_o what_o self-evidence_n can_v there_o be_v that_o the_o church_n must_v always_o proceed_v upon_o this_o mr._n s._n then_o must_v demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o not_o only_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o make_v it_o at_o all_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n always_o make_v this_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o either_o there_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n another_o way_n viz._n by_o writing_n or_o that_o the_o church_n may_v judge_v that_o way_n more_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o either_o way_n it_o will_v appear_v far_o enough_o from_o self-evidence_n that_o she_o always_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n mere_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o precede_a age_n if_o another_o way_n be_v grant_v possible_a there_o must_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n that_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o this_o do_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o do_v make_v use_n of_o another_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o age_n of_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o so_o notwithstanding_o what_o ever_o mr._n s._n can_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o age_n may_v have_v believe_v otherwise_o that_o the_o immediate_o precede_v do_v for_o let_v we_o but_o suppose_v thaâ—_n all_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v betimes_o record_v in_o the_o church_n in_o book_n universal_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v it_o noâ—_n possible_a that_o age_n which_o first_o embraceâ—_n these_o book_n may_v deliver_v they_o to_o posterity_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o down_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o say_v be_v quite_o different_a from_o â—_o mere_a oral_a tradition_n let_v mr._n s._n theâ—_n either_o show_v it_o impossible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v write_v or_o that_o be_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v universal_o receive_v or_o that_o be_v universal_o receive_v in_o one_o age_n they_o â—hould_v not_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o â—r_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o those_o â—ooks_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contain_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o or_o â—hough_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o still_o oral_a â—adition_n be_v whole_o rely_v on_o as_o the_o â—ule_n of_o faith_n &_o then_o i_o shall_v free_o grant_v â—â—at_a mr._n s._n have_v attempt_v something_o â—â—wards_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o new_a hypotheâ—_fw-la but_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v so_o far_o â—om_n be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n â—ath_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o princiâ—e_fw-la that_o we_o find_v it_o look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a novelty_n among_o they_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o rare_a thing_n â—r_o a_o new_a invention_n to_o have_v be_v the_o â—nse_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v â—ereby_o take_v away_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n â—d_a proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o 4._o the_v be_v to_o be_v embrace_v but_o what_o 〈◊〉_d derive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o aâ—tles_n how_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o thâ—_n church_n but_o what_o be_v real_o so_o deriveâ—_n from_o they_o do_v we_o not_o see_v in_o thâ—_n world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o among_o thoâ—_n who_o own_o this_o principle_n contradictor_n proposition_n be_v believe_v and_o boâ—_n side_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n bâ—_n cause_n their_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v â—_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o the_o greek_a churâ—_n profess_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o the_o latin_a if_o that_o tradition_n fail_v the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v preseru_v in_o the_o latin_a either_o mr._n s._n must_v instance_n on_o his_o own_o principle_n in_o thâ—_n age_n which_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v tâ—_n next_o or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v tâ—_n while_o man_n own_o tradition_n they_o may_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o forego_n â—_o teach_v they_o and_o consequent_o thâ—_n thing_n may_v be_v admit_v as_o doctriâ—_fw-la come_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o wâ—_n not_o so_o and_o some_o which_o do_v may_n lose_v and_o yet_o the_o pretence_n of_o traditâ—_n remain_v still_o what_o self-evidence_n tâ—_n can_v there_o be_v in_o this_o principle_n wâ—_n two_o part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v bâ—_n own_v it_o and_o yet_o believe_v contradictiâ—_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o woâ—_n our_o inquire_v what_o self-evidence_n this_o be_v which_o mr._n s._n speak_v so_o much_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o that_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v eye_n ear_n and_o other_o 205._o â—enses_n also_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o much_o memory_n as_o to_o remember_v their_o own_o name_n and_o frequent_o inculcate_v action_n which_o â—s_v so_o very_o reasonable_a a_o postulatum_fw-la that_o suppose_v none_o who_o enjoy_v any_o of_o these_o will_v deny_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o see_v how_o â—he_n proceed_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o disprove_v â—his_fw-la i_o doubt_v we_o have_v lose_v mankind_n the_o â—bject_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o till_o you_o disprove_v â—t_a neither_o i_o nor_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o this_o rule_n depend_v on_o testify_v that_o be_v sense_n on_o experience_n can_v possible_o â—ermit_v man_n to_o be_v deceivable_a big_a word_n indeed_o but_o such_o as_o evidence_n that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v in_o their_o wit_n do_v not_o constant_o 〈◊〉_d they_o for_o i_o pray_v sir_n what_o do_v mr._n s._n think_v of_o the_o greek_a church_n â—ad_v not_o those_o in_o it_o eye_n ear_n and_o other_o â—â—ses_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o latin_a do_v not_o they_o pretond_v and_o appeal_v to_o what_o they_o â—eceived_v from_o their_o forefather_n as_o well_o â—s_v
the_o latin_n it_o seem_v then_o a_o deceptiâ—_n be_v possible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o testify_v 〈◊〉_d therefore_o this_o do_v more_o than_o perâ—â—â—_n man_n to_o be_v decievable_a for_o here_o have_v be_v a_o actual_a deception_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o but_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v lose_v mankind_n in_o this_o for_o the_o possibility_n oâ—_n error_n suppose_v mankind_n to_o continue_v still_o and_o if_o we_o take_v away_o that_o we_o mâ—â—_n soon_o lose_v it_o than_o by_o the_o contrary_n but_o what_o repugnancy_n can_v we_o imagine_v to_o humane_a nature_n that_o meâ—_n suppose_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n to_o come_v down_o from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n shall_v yet_o mistake_v in_o judge_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v have_v not_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o common_a sense_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v eveâ—_n then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v mistake_v and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o succeed_a age_n do_v not_o the_o nazarenes_n mistake_v in_o point_n of_o circumcision_n the_o corinthian_n as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o yet_o the_o mean_a time_n agree_v iâ—_n this_o that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o come_v from_o he_o diâ—_n not_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o err_v eveâ—_n while_o they_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o certain_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n anâ—_n 〈◊〉_d sense_n as_o other_o man_n have_v concernâ—â—â—me_v great_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n christ_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o the_o natâ—_n of_o his_o kingdom_n if_o then_o such_o who_o have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n imaginable_a and_o the_o high_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n may_v so_o easy_o mistake_v in_o point_n of_o such_o moment_n what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o succeed_a age_n shall_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o misapprehension_n and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o want_n of_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o person_n not_o possess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la but_o those_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v thing_n quite_o another_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v then_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o succeed_a age_n for_o â—et_a parent_n teach_v what_o they_o please_v for_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o prejudice_n and_o â—yableness_n to_o mistake_v in_o child_n may_v easy_o make_v they_o misapprehend_v either_o the_o nature_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o so_o that_o set_v aside_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o record_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o these_o preserve_v entire_a in_o every_o age_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o in_o a_o short_a time_n christian_n religion_n will_v have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o notwithstanding_o scripture_n the_o pride_n passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o deface_v christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n what_o will_v not_o these_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_v of_o it_o by_o mr._n s._n imaginâ—_n himself_o in_o repub_fw-la platonis_fw-la but_o it_o appearâ—_n he_o be_v still_o in_o faece_fw-la romuli_n he_o fancy_v there_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o difference_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o all_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o teach_v their_o posterity_n matter_n oâ—_n faith_n and_o that_o they_o mind_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o imprint_n thaâ—_n on_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v have_v iâ—_n ready_a for_o their_o child_n and_o that_o alâ—_n parent_n have_v equal_a skill_n and_o sidelitâ—_n in_o deliver_v matter_n of_o religion_n tâ—_n their_o posterity_n whereas_o in_o truth_n wâ—_n find_v in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o christiaâ—_n church_n several_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o difference_n continue_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o party_n stilâ—_n plead_v that_o their_o doctrine_n come_v froâ—_n the_o apostle_n &_o it_o fall_v out_o unhappy_o for_o mr._n s._n that_o those_o be_v common_o most_o gross_o deceive_v who_o pretend_v the_o most_o to_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n still_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a debate_n be_v what_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o not_o whereas_o have_v tradition_n be_v so_o infallible_a a_o way_n of_o convey_v how_o can_v this_o ever_o have_v come_v into_o debate_n among_o they_o what_o do_v not_o they_o know_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v not_o or_o their_o parent_n be_v no_o more_o agree_v than_o themselves_o for_o their_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v end_v this_o way_n afterward_o come_v in_o for_o many_o age_n such_o a_o succession_n of_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v little_o mind_v either_o by_o parent_n or_o child_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v instead_o of_o that_o some_o foppery_n and_o superstition_n be_v huge_o in_o request_n and_o the_o man_n who_o foment_v these_o thing_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o great_a saint_n and_o worker_n of_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o s._n francis_n and_o s._n dominick_n be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o careful_o convey_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n in_o that_o age_n than_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o on_o this_o account_n posterity_n must_v be_v equal_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v their_o person_n in_o equal_a veneration_n if_o man_n at_o last_o be_v grow_v wise_a it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v mr._n s_n principle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o their_o parent_n but_o they_o begin_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o write_n of_o former_a age_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a with_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o come_v a_o restauration_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n together_o but_o though_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o this_o case_n yet_o m._n s._n will_v 5._o prove_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v any_o error_n come_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o his_o main_a argument_n be_v this_o because_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o before_o i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o manifest_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n as_o this_o be_v i_o shall_v propound_v some_o query_n to_o he_o 1._o what_o age_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v instance_n in_o wherein_o all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n concern_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n i._o e._n that_o none_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v more_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n than_o other_o do_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v neither_o instance_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o nor_o in_o those_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o unless_o mr._n s._n the_o better_a to_o defend_v his_o hypothesis_n will_v question_v all_o write_a record_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o dead_a letter_n and_o unsence_v character_n and_o wordish_a testimony_n never_o consider_v that_o while_o he_o utter_v this_o he_o write_v himself_o unless_o he_o imagine_v there_o be_v more_o of_o life_n sense_n and_o certainty_n in_o his_o book_n than_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o there_o must_v not_o be_v different_a tradition_n in_o the_o next_o for_o as_o he_o look_v on_o all_o parent_n as_o bound_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n so_o on_o child_n as_o bound_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o on_o which_o supposition_n different_a tradition_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n must_v needs_o follow_v different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o precedent_n 3._o whether_o person_n agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n may_v not_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n all_o may_v agree_v in_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n but_o yet_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o tradition_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n inquire_v
account_n of_o former_a time_n in_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n for_o who_o can_v imagine_v but_o the_o barbarous_a nation_n be_v as_o unwilling_a to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n as_o any_o other_o yet_o we_o see_v a_o vast_a difference_n in_o the_o history_n of_o former_a age_n among_o they_o and_o more_o civilise_a people_n and_o i_o wish_v mr._n s._n will_v rather_o have_v instance_a in_o some_o history_n which_o have_v be_v preserve_v mere_o by_o tradition_n and_o not_o in_o such_o a_o one_o which_o if_o any_o other_o have_v be_v most_o careful_o record_v and_o propagate_v to_o posterity_n if_o mr._n s._n will_v have_v undertake_v to_o have_v tell_v we_o who_o they_o be_v that_o first_o people_v america_n and_o srom_o what_o place_n they_o come_v by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a inhabitant_n and_o what_o famous_a action_n have_v be_v do_v there_o in_o former_a age_n we_o may_v have_v think_v indeed_o that_o sole_a tradition_n have_v be_v a_o very_a safe_a way_n to_o convey_v matter_n of_o fact_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o since_o all_o mr._n s_n argument_n will_v hold_v as_o well_o for_o the_o scythians_n and_o american_n and_o the_o most_o barbarous_a nation_n as_o the_o most_o civil_a and_o polite_a what_o reason_n can_v mr._n s._n give_v why_o there_o be_v not_o among_o they_o as_o certain_a a_o account_n of_o former_a age_n as_o among_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n be_v not_o their_o sense_n who_o see_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o uncapable_a of_o be_v deceive_v as_o other_o be_v not_o every_o aâ—_n among_o they_o as_o unwilling_a to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n as_o elsewhere_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o force_n of_o mr._n ss._n demonstration_n we_o see_v for_o want_v of_o letter_n how_o gross_o ignorant_a they_o be_v of_o what_o be_v do_v before_o they_o and_o if_o this_o principle_n be_v true_a why_o have_v we_o not_o as_o true_a a_o account_n of_o the_o elder_a age_n of_o the_o world_n as_o of_o any_o other_o nay_o why_o be_v letter_n invent_v and_o write_v ever_o use_v if_o tradition_n have_v be_v find_v so_o infallible_a but_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n superficial_o to_o discourse_v what_o be_v impossible_a shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o another_o to_o consider_v what_o real_o have_v be_v in_o the_o world_n do_v not_o the_o constant_a experience_n of_o all_o time_n prove_v that_o where_o any_o history_n have_v not_o be_v timely_o record_v it_o have_v be_v soon_o corrupt_v by_o notorious_a falsity_n or_o obscure_v by_o fabulous_a report_n as_o we_o see_v among_o ourselves_o what_o difference_n there_o be_v in_o point_n of_o certainty_n between_o the_o several_a story_n of_o k._n arthur_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n what_o will_v mr._n s._n say_v that_o these_o who_o live_v in_o k._n arthur_n time_n can_v not_o know_v what_o he_o do_v or_o that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v their_o posterity_n but_o if_o tradition_n be_v so_o infallible_a why_o have_v we_o not_o the_o ancient_a story_n of_o britain_n as_o exact_v as_o the_o modern_a if_o mr._n s._n will_v impute_v it_o to_o the_o people_n ignorance_n want_v of_o letter_n frequent_a conquest_n by_o other_o nation_n and_o succeed_a barbarism_n he_o may_v easy_o find_v how_o many_o way_n there_o be_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o be_v soon_o lose_v or_o corrupt_v when_o they_o have_v not_o be_v diligent_o preserve_v by_o authentic_a record_n and_o that_o without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o but_o notwithstanding_o mr._n s_n confidence_n i_o can_v think_v it_o possible_a for_o mr._n s._n to_o believe_v that_o we_o shall_v have_v have_v as_o true_a a_o account_n of_o alexanderâ—_n conquest_n of_o asia_n if_o arrian_n curtius_n oâ—_n plutarch_n have_v never_o write_v his_o story_n aâ—_n we_o have_v now_o yet_o this_o he_o must_v asseâ—_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o principle_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o i_o wonder_v he_o shall_v scruple_n believe_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n for_o certain_o no_o principle_n oâ—_n the_o jesuit_n be_v more_o wild_a and_o absurd_a then_o this_o be_v beside_o i_o admire_v how_o it_o come_v into_o mr._n s_n head_n to_o think_v no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o history_n unless_o oâ—_n age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o when_o we_o find_v no_o age_n agree_v in_o the_o present_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o particular_n of_o they_o to_o give_v mr._n s._n a_o instance_n home_o to_o his_o purpose_n in_o the_o late_a council_n of_o trent_n we_o see_v already_o what_o different_a representation_n there_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n as_o have_v already_o pass_v since_o the_o sit_v of_o it_o one_o though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n imaginable_a of_o know_v all_o proceed_n in_o it_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n converse_v with_o the_o person_n present_v at_o it_o have_v the_o memoir_n and_o record_n of_o the_o secretary_n themselves_o yet_o his_o story_n be_v since_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blast_v by_o a_o great_a person_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o fictitious_a and_o partial_a we_o see_v than_o it_o be_v at_o least_o suppose_a that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n may_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o story_n though_o one-age_n never_o agree_v to_o deceive_v another_o and_o in_o stead_n of_o be_v persuade_v by_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n i_o be_o still_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o we_o have_v no_o sufsicient_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o story_n which_o be_v not_o write_v while_o those_o person_n be_v in_o be_v who_o be_v able_a to_o contradict_v the_o error_n of_o it_o however_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o alexander_n bare_a conquest_n of_o asia_n may_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v both_o in_o asia_n and_o greece_n for_o a_o long_a time_n but_o if_o we_o come_v to_o inquire_v particular_o whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v do_v by_o he_o in_o his_o conquest_n which_o be_v alone_o pertinent_a to_o our_o purpose_n we_o have_v no_o security_n at_o all_o from_o tradition_n but_o only_o from_o the_o most_o authentic_a record_n of_o that_o story_n and_o by_o this_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n will_v have_v cause_n to_o thank_v i_o for_o unblunder_a his_o thought_n his_o own_o civil_a expression_n and_o show_v he_o how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o story_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o preserve_v a_o bare_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o all_o the_o particular_n relate_v to_o it_o and_o hereby_o he_o may_v easy_o see_v how_o far_o the_o obligation_n extend_v in_o believe_v the_o report_n of_o former_a age_n for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n to_o believe_v any_o further_a than_o there_o be_v evidence_n of_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o if_o then_o 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teach_v they_o but_o what_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n for_o by_o these_o they_o judge_v of_o tradition_n and_o not_o the_o oral_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v either_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o number_n of_o roman_a catholic_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n none_o except_v as_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o 212._o confident_a way_n express_v it_o and_o if_o he_o will_v as_o he_o say_v disavow_v the_o maintain_v any_o point_n or_o affect_v any_o way_n which_o be_v not_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o i_o hope_v to_o see_v mr._n s._n retract_v this_o opinion_n and_o either_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o return_v as_o reason_n lead_v he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o what_o follow_v viz._n that_o though_o schoolman_n question_v the_o personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n nay_o of_o a_o general_n council_n yet_o all_o affirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a and_o this_o he_o faith_n be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v either_o mr._n s._n mean_n that_o none_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v in_o her_o tradition_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o take_v it_o i_o shall_v easy_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o for_o if_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n can_v not_o concur_v in_o a_o error_n than_o he_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v protestant_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n if_o this_o therefore_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o intend_v viz._n that_o while_o we_o thus_o oppose_v each_o other_o we_o do_v perfect_o agree_v together_o and_o true_o so_o we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o but_o if_o mr._n s_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o of_o their_o religion_n own_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o can_v err_v set_v aside_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o make_v orâ—l_a tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o say_v theiâ—_n church_n can_v err_v be_v not_o on_o mr._n s_n principle_n but_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o preserve_v that_o church_n from_o error_n so_o 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