in_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v before_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o i_o shall_v declare_v it_o more_o particular_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n §_o 2._o 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o first_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o by_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v which_o write_n or_o book_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o down_o to_o we_o so_o far_o i_o take_v to_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o present_a adversary_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v part_n of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v afterward_o by_o the_o apostle_n commit_v to_o writing_n he_o also_o grant_v corol._n 29._o 117._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o general_a tenet_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o entire_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o that_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v also_o other_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o oral_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o mr._n s._n who_o suppose_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n do_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v deny_v that_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o he_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o we_o with_o certainty_n so_o that_o we_o can_v by_o they_o be_v infallible_o assure_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o he_o seem_v in_o that_o passage_n i_o last_o cite_v to_o grant_v this_o in_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v both_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n i_o be_o sure_a mr._n white_a who_o he_o follow_v very_o close_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o tradition_n 171._o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n position_n that_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o write_n or_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o grant_v universal_o by_o the_o papist_n as_o to_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v own_v by_o protestant_n for_o canonical_a §_o 3._o second_o that_o the_o way_n of_o write_v be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o time_n very_o remote_a from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o delivery_n according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n with_o certainty_n and_o security_n beside_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v when_o i_o shall_v have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v this_o to_o his_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o can_v be_v oral_o deliver_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o that_o a_o write_n or_o book_n which_o be_v public_a and_o in_o every_o one_o hand_n may_v be_v convey_v down_o with_o at_o least_o as_o much_o certainty_n and_o security_n and_o with_o as_o little_a danger_n of_o alteration_n as_o a_o oral_a tradition_n and_o if_o so_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o book_n to_o convey_v down_o a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n beside_o if_o he_o have_v look_v well_o about_o he_o he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v apprehend_v some_o little_a inconvenience_n in_o make_v that_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v contradict_v by_o plain_a and_o constant_a experience_n for_o that_o any_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n may_v be_v sufficient_o convey_v by_o book_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n provide_v those_o book_n be_v but_o write_v intelligible_o and_o preserve_v from_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o conveyance_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o suppose_v possible_a be_v as_o little_o doubt_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v book_n and_o sure_o we_o christian_n can_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o posterity_n by_o book_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n for_o conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o after-age_n because_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o wise_a a_o agent_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o a_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v attain_v his_o end_n §_o 4._o three_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o other_o plain_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n to_o say_v 39_o that_o the_o great_a wit_n among_o the_o protestant_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v because_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v account_v sufficient_o plain_a but_o what_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o great_a wit_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o wrest_v to_o any_o other_o sense_n not_o only_o the_o scripture_n but_o all_o other_o book_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o he_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n all_o oral_a tradition_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n do_v the_o traditionary_a church_n pretend_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o she_o by_o oral_a tradition_n more_o plain_o than_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o plain_a word_n she_o ever_o use_v to_o express_v this_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n use_v which_o express_o call_v he_o god_n the_o true_a god_n god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o evermore_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v these_o and_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o can_v never_o elude_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o matter_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o the_o same_o art_n will_v equal_o have_v elude_v both_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o latter_a for_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v solicitous_a to_o wrest_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o their_o own_o opinion_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o those_o great_a wit_n as_o he_o call_v they_o have_v believe_v the_o say_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n they_o will_v have_v answer_v text_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n not_o by_o endeavour_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n but_o by_o downright_a deny_v their_o authority_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n with_o the_o write_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a §_o 5._o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o plain_a instance_n in_o two_o great_a wit_n of_o their_o church_n the_o present_a pope_n and_o mr._n white_a the_o one_o the_o head_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n as_o mr._n s._n call_v it_o the_o other_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n these_o two_o great_a wit_n notwithstanding_o the_o plainness_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o mistake_v it_o have_v yet_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v about_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o mr._n white_n be_v unkind_o censure_v for_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o perhaps_o here_o in_o england_n the_o pope_n speed_v no_o better_o however_o the_o difference_n continue_v still_o so_o wide_a that_o mr._n white_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o disobey_v the_o summons_n of_o his_o chief_a pastor_n and_o like_o a_o prudent_a man_n rather_o to_o write_v against_o he_o here_o out_o
if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o oral_a tradition_n which_o convey_v thing_n to_o they_o under_o this_o notion_n as_o ever_o deliver_v and_o yet_o st._n hierom_n speak_v not_o as_o a_o speculator_n but_o a_o testifier_n say_v express_o of_o it_o 8._o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o among_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n what_o say_v mr._n s._n to_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o testimony_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n do_v receive_v it_o for_o canonical_a where_o be_v then_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n how_o do_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o what_o book_n be_v now_o receive_v by_o she_o be_v ever_o receive_v by_o she_o and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v this_o but_o the_o matter_n must_v come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o best_a record_n of_o former_a age_n which_o the_o protestant_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v their_o catalogue_n try_v by_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o protestant_n have_v a_o better_a way_n to_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a than_o be_v the_o infallible_a way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v better_a no_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o call_v infallible_a §_o 6._o three_o he_o say_v 15._o the_o protestant_n can_v know_v that_o the_o very_a original_a or_o a_o perfect_o true_a copy_n of_o these_o book_n have_v be_v preserve_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v know_v either_o of_o these_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o know_v that_o those_o copy_n which_o rhey_n have_v be_v not_o material_o corrupt_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n and_o that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o his_o usual_a argument_n with_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a but_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v that_o they_o have_v perfect_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o original_a language_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v this_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o various_a readins_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v otherwise_o than_o by_o probable_a conjecture_n as_o we_o also_o may_v do_v which_o of_o those_o readins_n be_v the_o true_a one_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v this_o than_o for_o they_o if_o they_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o know_v that_o no_o material_a corruption_n have_v creep_v into_o those_o book_n so_o may_v we_o and_o that_o there_o have_v not_o we_o know_v by_o better_a argument_n than_o oral_a tradition_n even_o by_o the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n vigilant_a providence_n and_o from_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o book_n so_o universal_o disperse_v and_o translate_v into_o so_o many_o language_n and_o constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n shall_v have_v be_v material_o corrupt_v so_o as_o that_o all_o those_o copy_n and_o translation_n shall_v have_v agree_v in_o those_o corruption_n and_o this_o reason_n st._n austin_n 48._o give_v of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n entire_a rather_o than_o any_o other_o book_n if_o mr._n s._n like_v it_o not_o he_o may_v call_v st._n austin_n to_o account_v for_o it_o §_o 7._o four_o he_o say_v 15._o the_o protestant_n at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o those_o book_n be_v right_o translate_v because_o they_o can_v be_v assure_v either_o of_o the_o ability_n or_o integrity_n of_o translator_n five_o nor_o can_v they_o say_v 17._o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o transcriber_n and_o printer_n and_o corrector_n of_o the_o press_n have_v careful_o and_o faithful_o do_v their_o part_n in_o transcribe_v and_o print_v the_o several_a copy_n and_o translation_n of_o scripture_n aright_o because_o they_o only_o can_v have_v evidence_n of_o the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n who_o stand_v at_o their_o elbow_n attentive_o watch_v they_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o make_v it_o perfect_o like_o a_o former_a copy_n and_o even_o then_o why_o may_v they_o not_o mistrust_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o aptness_n to_o oversee_v i_o put_v these_o two_o exception_n together_o because_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v they_o both_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o exception_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v these_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v either_o for_o his_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n unless_o both_o these_o be_v true_a these_o exception_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o other_o man_n have_v sufficient_a skill_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o sufficient_o understand_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o those_o who_o translate_v the_o bible_n have_v skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n because_o very_o credible_a person_n tell_v we_o so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o man_n integrity_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o skill_n of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n or_o printer_n and_o if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o man_n integrity_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o henry_n the_o eight_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v assure_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o rome_n who_o have_v not_o see_v it_o nay_o if_o he_o have_v 16._o why_o may_v he_o not_o mistrust_v his_o own_o eye_n and_o which_o be_v the_o sad_a inconvenience_n of_o all_o if_o no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v nor_o man_n own_a eye_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n sure_a not_o their_o ear_n what_o become_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o competent_a understanding_n a_o faithful_a memory_n a_o honest_a mind_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n down_o to_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o a_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o these_o by_o the_o same_o he_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o translator_n transcriber_n and_o printer_n but_o above_o all_o it_o suppose_v that_o man_n ear_n and_o eye_n can_v deceive_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o see_v practise_v be_v it_o not_o very_o pretty_a to_o see_v what_o pitiful_a shift_n man_n that_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n be_v put_v to_o when_o to_o maintain_v infallibility_n they_o be_v force_v to_o run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n and_o to_o defend_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n sense_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a 1500_o year_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v refuge_n in_o principle_n quite_o contrary_a such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n but_o that_o whole_a profession_n of_o man_n 16._o may_v hap_v to_o be_v knave_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n make_v his_o copy_n perfect_o like_o the_o former_a unless_o 16._o we_o stand_v at_o his_o elbow_n attentive_o watch_v he_o nay_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o have_v still_o reason_n to_o distrust_v our_o sense_n in_o short_a all_o human_a faith_n suppose_v honesty_n among_o man_n and_o that_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n the_o general_a and_o uncontrolled_a testimony_n of_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v and_o for_o matter_n of_o peculiar_a skill_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v account_v skilful_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o as_o aristotle_n well_o observe_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o undisciplined_a wit_n or_o to_o use_v one_o of_o mr._n s_n fine_a phrase_n preface_n of_o a_o man_n not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o path_n of_o science_n than_o to_o expect_v great_a evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o every_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o sufficient_a evidence_n when_o he_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o
say_v 3._o neither_o ought_v i_o now_o to_o allege_v the_o nicene_n council_n nor_o thou_o that_o of_o arminium_n for_o neither_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o thou_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o both_o contest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v wtiness_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o also_o against_o the_o donatist_n in_o these_o word_n 16._o let_v they_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v their_o church_n not_o by_o the_o talk_n and_o rumour_n or_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o african_n not_o by_o the_o council_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n not_o by_o the_o book_n of_o their_o disputer_n not_o by_o deceitful_a miracle_n &c_n &c_n but_o by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n by_o all_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n hierom_n say_v 1._o of_o those_o thing_n which_o without_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n invent_v of_o their_o own_o head_n 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of_o doctrine_n that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o h._n scripture_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o infallible_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a body_n and_o its_o member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o art_n such_o a_o rule_n or_o exemplar_n that_o any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o heretical_a or_o to_o be_v account_v suspicious_a or_o not_o at_o all_o appertain_v to_o religion_n again_o falsis_fw-la it_o be_v evident_a how_o pernicious_a the_o rejection_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v and_o how_o certain_a a_o preparatory_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o antichrist_n once_o more_o etc._n what_o mischief_n what_o danger_n what_o confusion_n have_v happen_v through_o contempt_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o sure_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n must_v have_v be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n let_v we_o ask_v experience_n etc._n etc._n lyra_n etc._n also_o write_v thus_o etc._n as_o in_o philosophy_n truth_n be_v discover_v by_o reduce_v thing_n to_o their_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n so_o in_o the_o write_n deliver_v by_o the_o h._n doctor_n truth_n be_v discover_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n sir_n you_o know_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o swell_v up_o a_o large_a volume_n with_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n especial_o if_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o course_n that_o mr._n wh._n do_v to_o hale_v in_o quotation_n though_o never_o so_o impertinent_a or_o use_v the_o wretched_a importunity_n which_o mr._n s._n do_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v pertinent_a but_o these_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v naked_o set_v down_o leave_v they_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o unpassionate_a reader_n such_o a_o one_o as_o dare_v trust_v himself_o with_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o choose_v to_o follow_v noise_n rather_o than_o light_v we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o blind_a conduct_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o have_v no_o better_a mean_n to_o keep_v their_o follower_n to_o they_o go_v hallow_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o the_o insignificant_a sound_n of_o infallibility_n indefectibility_n self-evidence_n and_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o appendix_n wherein_o you_o be_v particular_o challenge_v i_o hope_v for_o a_o account_n very_o short_o and_o so_o take_v leave_v sir_n your_o affectionate_a friend_n john_n tillotson_n lincolns-inn_n febr._n 20._o 1665._o finis_fw-la a_o reply_n to_o m_n r._n j._n s._n his_o 3_o d_o appendix_n contain_v some_o animadversion_n on_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n by_o ed._n stillingfleet_n b._n d._n london_n print_v by_o h.c._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1675._o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o his_o honour_a friend_n mr._n john_n tillotson_n sir_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o understand_v your_o intention_n to_o answer_v mr._n serjeant_n â—_o i_o can_v not_o but_o rejoice_v on_o his_o behalf_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o truth_n and_o your_o own_o for_o i_o have_v that_o real_a kindness_n for_o he_o that_o i_o hearty_o wish_v he_o that_o reason_n and_o science_n he_o pretend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v not_o but_o despair_n of_o his_o attain_n unless_o he_o be_v undeceive_v in_o that_o monstrous_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o undertake_n and_o i_o know_v no_o person_n more_o fit_a than_o you_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o himself_o together_o in_o which_o your_o performance_n have_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a that_o i_o hope_v mr._n sergeant_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o letter_n of_o direction_n to_o his_o answerer_n will_v write_v you_o one_o of_o thanks_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o kindness_n you_o have_v show_v he_o throughout_o your_o book_n unless_o it_o fare_v with_o you_o as_o it_o have_v do_v with_o some_o other_o adversary_n of_o they_o that_o their_o civility_n have_v be_v interpret_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o uncertainty_n and_o their_o own_o confidence_n cry_v up_o for_o a_o demonstration_n in_o which_o sense_n only_o i_o shall_v grant_v our_o protestant_a writer_n to_o build_v on_o uncertainty_n and_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n sergeant_n to_o be_v the_o great_a demonstrator_n of_o this_o age_n if_o their_o own_o reason_n have_v be_v as_o severe_a as_o the_o censure_n at_o rome_n against_o they_o they_o have_v save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o any_o answer_n and_o will_v have_v find_v out_o their_o own_o sophistry_n without_o a_o confutation_n but_o the_o least_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v by_o their_o excessive_a confidence_n be_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o justice_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o big_a word_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o science_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n from_o a_o regular_a demonstration_n as_o to_o which_o no_o more_o need_n to_o have_v be_v say_v than_o what_o you_o have_v already_o do_v if_o mr._n serjeant_n have_v not_o think_v it_o a_o accession_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o achievement_n to_o lead_v two_o page_n of_o my_o book_n in_o triumph_n after_o he_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v to_o see_v a_o person_n who_o will_v be_v note_v for_o his_o valour_n in_o assault_a protestant_a writer_n steal_v so_o behind_o the_o main_a bulk_n and_o design_n of_o my_o book_n and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v two_o single_a page_n by_o themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o as_o much_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v attack_v the_o whole_a and_o this_o must_v be_v noise_v abroad_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o i_o by_o the_o same_o figure_n that_o his_o argument_n be_v call_v demonstration_n which_o be_v by_o a_o hyperbole_n unfit_a for_o any_o but_o such_o who_o never_o flag_n below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n in_o their_o own_o judgement_n though_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o come_v near_o it_o in_o other_o yet_o since_o mr._n serjeant_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o concern_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o answer_v that_o part_n of_o my_o book_n relate_v to_o oral_a tradition_n but_o in_o most_o express_a term_n to_o challenge_v i_o to_o reply_v to_o he_o 236._o he_o may_v now_o see_v assoon_o as_o i_o can_v get_v any_o
febr._n 27._o 1666._o tractatus_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la the_o rule_n of_o faith_n a_o doctissimo_fw-la viro_fw-la johanne_n tillotson_n scriptus_fw-la imprimatur_fw-la una_fw-la cum_fw-la appendice_fw-la humfr._fw-la london_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o treatise_n of_o mr._n i._n s._n entitle_v sure-footing_a etc._n etc._n by_o john_n tillotson_n d.d._n preacher_n to_o the_o honourable_a society_n of_o lincolns-inn_n to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o reply_n to_o mr._n i.s._n his_o 3_o d_o appendix_n etc._n etc._n by_o edw._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n one_o of_o his_o majesty_n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a the_o second_o edition_n london_n print_v by_o h.c._n for_o o._n gellibrand_n at_o the_o golden-ball_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n 1676._o to_o my_o honour_a and_o learned_a friend_n mr._n edward_n stillingfleet_n sir_n i_o have_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o pleasure_n and_o satisfaction_n read_v over_o your_o book_n which_o i_o find_v in_o every_o 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and_o do_v with_o a_o unusual_a kind_n of_o confidence_n and_o ostentation_n pretend_v to_o the_o new_a and_o most_o exact_a fashion_n of_o write_a controversy_n as_o be_v all_o along_o demonstrative_a and_o build_v upon_o self-evident_a principle_n therefore_o i_o resolve_v thorough_o to_o examine_v they_o that_o i_o may_v discover_v if_o i_o can_v upon_o what_o so_o firm_a and_o solid_a foundation_n this_o high_a and_o mighty_a confidence_n be_v build_v but_o before_o i_o have_v enter_v upon_o this_o undertake_n i_o meet_v with_o a_o letter_n from_o the_o author_n of_o sure-footing_a to_o his_o answerer_n direct_v he_o how_o he_o ought_v to_o demean_v himself_o in_o his_o answer_n in_o which_o letter_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n liable_a to_o great_a exception_n yet_o because_o i_o be_o unwilling_a to_o be_v divert_v from_o the_o main_a question_n i_o shall_v not_o argue_v with_o he_o about_o any_o of_o those_o matter_n only_o take_v leave_v to_o use_v the_o same_o liberty_n in_o manage_v my_o answer_n which_o he_o have_v assume_v to_o himself_o in_o prescribe_v law_n to_o i_o about_o it_o therefore_o without_o take_v any_o further_a notice_n of_o his_o letter_n i_o address_v myself_o to_o his_o book_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n i._o the_o explication_n and_o state_n of_o the_o question_n sect_n i._o §_o 1._o the_o question_n he_o propound_v to_o himself_o to_o debate_v be_v question_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o order_n to_o the_o resolution_n whereof_o he_o endeavour_v first_o to_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o these_o two_o term_n rule_n and_o faith_n which_o way_n of_o proceed_v i_o can_v but_o allow_v to_o be_v very_o proper_a and_o reasonable_a but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n think_v his_o explication_n of_o those_o term_n to_o be_v sufficient_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o a_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o regulate_v or_o guide_v he_o that_o use_v it_o in_o which_o description_n as_o in_o many_o other_o 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be_v these_o viz._n a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n this_o be_v the_o right_n self-evident_a method_n he_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o and_o his_o principle_n agree_v admirable_o well_o with_o his_o definition_n if_o he_o have_v but_o proceed_v in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o add_v that_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o to_o say_v oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o whole_a business_n have_v be_v conclude_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n and_o i_o think_v no_o body_n will_v have_v go_v about_o to_o confute_v he_o §_o 3._o reject_v then_o his_o way_n of_o definition_n as_o inept_v and_o frivolous_a and_o no_o way_n tend_v to_o give_v a_o man_n a_o clear_a notion_n of_o thing_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v a_o little_o better_a if_o i_o can_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o term_n a_o rule_n when_o we_o speak_v of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o metaphorical_a word_n which_o in_o its_o first_o and_o proper_a sense_n be_v apply_v to_o material_a and_o sensible_a thing_n be_v the_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o the_o straightness_n and_o crookedness_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o hence_o it_o be_v transfer_v by_o analogy_n to_o thing_n moral_a or_o intellectual_a a_o moral_a rule_n be_v the_o measure_n according_a to_o which_o we_o judge_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v good_a or_o evil_n and_o this_o kind_n of_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o be_v common_o call_v a_o law_n and_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o our_o action_n to_o this_o rule_n be_v suitable_o to_o the_o metaphor_n call_v rectitude_n or_o obliquity_n a_o intellectual_a rule_n
can_v write_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o that_o this_o book_n which_o he_o have_v indict_v be_v so_o write_v and_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o tradition_n for_o its_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n then_o the_o most_o scurrilous_a language_n be_v not_o bad_a enough_o for_o the_o scripture_n then_o what_o be_v those_o sacred_a write_n 319._o but_o ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n 68_o unsense_v character_n waxen_a nature_a word_n not_o yet_o sense_v nor_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o these_o with_o many_o other_o disgraceful_a term_n he_o very_o liberal_o bestow_v upon_o divine_a oracle_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o do_v it_o not_o minister_v too_o much_o horror_n will_v afford_v some_o comfort_n for_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o rude_a usage_n so_o familiar_a with_o he_o towards_o his_o adversary_n one_o may_v reasonable_o conjecture_v that_o he_o do_v not_o reckon_v the_o scripture_n among_o his_o friend_n §_o 9_o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v preserve_v many_o particular_a passage_n which_o because_o their_o source_n or_o first_o attestation_n be_v not_o universal_a nor_o their_o nature_n much_o practical_a may_v possible_o bave_v be_v lose_v in_o their_o conveyance_n down_o by_o tradition_n this_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o scripture_n letter_n nor_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v have_v be_v secure_v without_o oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v that_o those_o passage_n which_o contain_v the_o main_a point_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n either_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v or_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v but_o from_o the_o consonancy_n and_o agreement_n of_o those_o passage_n with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v oral_o preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a either_o of_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o other_o particular_a passage_n which_o must_v necessary_o want_v this_o confirmation_n from_o oral_a tradition_n because_o their_o first_o attestation_n be_v not_o universal_a nor_o their_o nature_n much_o practical_a nay_o his_o discourse_n plain_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n at_o all_o either_o of_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o those_o which_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o word_n 116._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o because_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o tradition_n can_v easy_o guide_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n this_o i_o perceive_v plain_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v at_o they_o will_v correct_v the_o outward_a letter_n of_o scripture_n by_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n they_o will_v change_v it_o into_o a_o precept_n of_o give_v due_a worship_n to_o image_n according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o alteration_n they_o must_v make_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o make_v it_o true_o significative_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o church_n but_o sure_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o alteration_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o by_o tradition_n provide_v of_o any_o way_n to_o correct_v these_o alteration_n when_o they_o happen_v because_o tradition_n do_v as_o this_o corollary_n imply_v only_o furnish_v the_o church_n with_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 10._o again_o he_o tell_v we_o 117._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a &_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o the_o letter_n concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o or_o point_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatever_o he_o may_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o to_o avoid_v calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a as_o he_o say_v very_o ingenuous_o in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o 15_o the_o corollary_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o hypothesis_n he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o perfect_o useless_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v secure_o convey_v to_o we_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v give_v no_o kind_n of_o confirmation_n to_o it_o because_o it_o receive_v all_o at_o its_o confirmation_n from_o it_o only_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o put_v to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n by_o tradition_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scriptue_n which_o be_v not_o coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n either_o that_o the_o outward_a letter_n be_v true_a nor_o if_o we_o can_v can_v we_o possible_o arrive_v at_o any_o certain_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v intolerable_o pernicious_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_a because_o *_o every_o silly_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n father_n itself_o upon_o it_o and_o when_o man_n leave_v tradition_n as_o he_o suppose_v all_o heretic_n do_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a engine_n that_o can_v have_v be_v invent_v be_v to_o such_o person_n only_o *_o waxen_a nature_a word_n not_o sense_v nor_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o indeed_o if_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a the_o scripture_n may_v well_o deserve_v all_o the_o contemptuous_a language_n which_o he_o use_v against_o they_o and_o 165._o mr._n white_n be_v comparison_n of_o they_o with_o lilly_n almanac_n will_v not_o only_o be_v pardonable_a but_o proper_a and_o unless_o he_o add_v it_o out_o of_o prudence_n and_o for_o the_o people_n sake_n who_o he_o may_v think_v too_o superstitious_o conceit_v of_o those_o book_n he_o may_v have_v spare_v that_o cold_a excuse_n which_o he_o make_v for_o use_v this_o similitude_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a rather_o to_o the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o objection_n than_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a certain_a it_o be_v if_o these_o man_n be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o high_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v pretend_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o they_o and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v hearty_o despise_v they_o and_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o even_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a oversight_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o trouble_v his_o church_n with_o a_o book_n which_o if_o their_o discourse_n be_v of_o any_o consequence_n can_v stand_v catholic_n in_o no_o stead_n at_o all_o and_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a a_o weapon_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o heretic_n sect_n iii_o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o opinion_n faith_n and_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o attribute_n to_o oral_a tradition_n and_o how_o little_a to_o the_o scripture_n before_o i_o assail_v this_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o protestant_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o answer_n of_o his_o book_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v no_o colour_n of_o objection_n that_o i_o proceed_v altogether_o in_o the_o destructive_a way_n and_o overthrow_v his_o principle_n as_o he_o call_v it_o without_o substitute_v another_o in_o its_o room_n the_o opinion_n then_o of_o the_o protestant_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o in_o general_a that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n have_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o may_v now_o clear_o understand_v this_o together_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o
otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o usual_a and_o frequent_a success_n of_o it_o when_o it_o be_v apply_v nor_o do_v i_o think_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v ever_o intend_v for_o that_o purpose_n god_n have_v provide_v no_o remedy_n for_o the_o wilful_a and_o perverse_a but_o he_o have_v do_v that_o which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o satisfy_n and_o win_v over_o of_o those_o who_o be_v teachable_a and_o willing_a to_o learn_v and_o such_o a_o disposition_n suppose_v a_o man_n to_o have_v lay_v aside_o both_o scepticism_n and_o obstinacy_n §_o 7._o six_o that_o 12._o it_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o seven_o that_o 12._o it_o be_v absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o these_o two_o be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o second_o property_n i_o lay_v down_o so_o that_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v against_o they_o but_o that_o the_o last_o look_v very_o like_o a_o contradiction_n absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o which_o be_v to_o say_v with_o respect_n to_o we_o without_o respect_n to_o we_o for_o absolute_o seem_v to_o exclude_v respect_n and_o to_o we_o imply_v it_o have_v thus_o show_v that_o the_o seven_o property_n he_o mention_n be_v either_o coincident_a with_o those_o two_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o or_o consequent_a upon_o they_o or_o absurd_a and_o impertinent_a it_o remain_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v those_o two_o which_o i_o first_o name_v and_o no_o more_o sect_n ii_o scriptute_fw-la §_o 1._o let_v we_o now_o see_v how_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o these_o property_n agree_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v but_o two_o pretender_n to_o this_o title_n of_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n scripture_n and_o oral_a tradition_n these_o property_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o scripture_n and_o they_o do_v to_o oral_a tradition_n therefore_o sole_o to_o it_o a_o very_a good_a argument_n if_o he_o can_v prove_v these_o two_o thing_n that_o these_o two_o property_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o do_v to_o oral_a tradition_n §_o 2._o in_o order_n to_o the_o prove_v of_o the_o first_o that_o these_o property_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o scripture_n he_o premise_v this_o note_n 13._o that_o we_o can_v by_o the_o scripture_n mean_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o but_o the_o book_n that_o be_v such_o or_o such_o character_n not_o yet_o sense_v or_o interpret_v but_o why_o can_v we_o not_o by_o the_o scripture_n mean_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o he_o give_v this_o clear_a and_o admirable_a reason_n because_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o these_o we_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o which_o be_v just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v reason_v thus_o those_o who_o say_v the_o statute-book_n can_v convey_v to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o statute-law_n can_v by_o the_o statute-book_n mean_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o but_o the_o book_n that_o be_v such_o or_o such_o character_n not_o yet_o sense_v or_o interpret_v because_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o statute-book_n be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a law_n the_o knowledge_n whereof_o be_v to_o be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o this_o book_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o a_o book_n can_v convey_v to_o a_o man_n the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o matter_n because_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v convey_v to_o he_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v but_o that_o he_o may_v far_o see_v what_o excellent_a reason_v this_o be_v i_o shall_v apply_v this_o paragraph_n to_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o argument_n hold_v every_o whit_n as_o well_o concern_v that_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o oral_a tradition_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o oral_a tradition_n the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v deliver_v not_o yet_o sense_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sense_v that_o be_v such_o or_o such_o sound_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o assure_o god_n mind_n or_o ascertain_v they_o of_o their_o faith_n for_o abstract_v from_o the_o sense_n and_o actual_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a leave_v but_o those_o sound_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v it_o when_o he_o have_v answer_v this_o argument_n he_o will_v have_v answer_v his_o own_o in_o the_o mean_a while_o this_o discourse_n that_o he_o who_o hold_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v needs_o by_o the_o scripture_n mean_v a_o book_n void_a of_o sense_n etc._n etc._n because_o otherwise_o if_o by_o scripture_n he_o shall_v understand_v a_o book_n that_o have_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o it_o that_o sense_n must_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n that_o this_o book_n be_v to_o convey_v to_o we_o i_o say_v this_o discourse_n tend_v only_o to_o prove_v it_o a_o absurd_a thing_n for_o any_o man_n that_o hold_v scripture_n the_o mean_n of_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n a_o book_n that_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n this_o be_v his_o own_o reason_n put_v into_o plain_a english_a i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o something_o short_a of_o perfect_a science_n and_o demonstration_n nay_o if_o it_o be_v thorough_o examine_v i_o doubt_v whether_o it_o will_v not_o fall_v short_a of_o that_o low_a pitch_n of_o science_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o in_o his_o preface_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o way_n of_o science_n be_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o piece_n of_o sense_n to_o another_o §_o 3._o have_v premise_v this_o that_o by_o the_o scripture_n we_o must_v mean_v only_o dead_a character_n that_o have_v no_o sense_n under_o they_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v that_o these_o dead_a character_n have_v not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o they_o which_o although_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n when_o he_o have_v show_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o observe_v by_o what_o cross_n and_o untoward_a argument_n he_o go_v about_o it_o of_o which_o i_o will_v give_v the_o reader_n a_o taste_n by_o one_o or_o two_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o place_n he_o show_v that_o it_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o that_o these_o book_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v because_o 14._o till_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o those_o book_n be_v solve_v which_o to_o do_v be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n they_o can_v be_v conclude_v to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v now_o how_o be_v this_o a_o argument_n against_o those_o who_o by_o the_o scripture_n must_v mean_v unsense_v letter_n and_o character_n i_o have_v always_o think_v contradiction_n have_v be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n not_o in_o the_o letter_n and_o character_n but_o i_o perceive_v he_o have_v a_o peculiar_a opinion_n that_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o letter_n do_v contradict_v one_o another_o the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o his_o last_o argument_n 17._o which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o faith_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o unsense_v letter_n and_o character_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v a_o certain_a sense_n that_o be_v must_v not_o be_v unsense_v letter_n and_o character_n which_o in_o plain_a english_a amount_n to_o thus_o much_o unsense_v letter_n and_o character_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o can_v §_o 4._o and_o thus_o i_o may_v trace_v he_o through_o all_o his_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v how_o incomparable_o he_o demonstrate_v the_o falsehood_n of_o this_o protestant_a tenet_n as_o he_o call_v it_o that_o a_o senseless_a book_n may_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o pursue_v he_o in_o these_o airy_a and_o fantastical_a combat_n and_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o fight_v with_o his_o own_o fancy_n and_o batter_v down_o the_o castle_n which_o himself_o have_v build_v only_o i_o think_v fit_a here_o to_o acquaint_v he_o once_o for_o
be_v the_o very_a way_n of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o of_o the_o absurde_a sect_n nay_o mr._n white_n say_v far_a ibid._n that_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v all_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o calumniator_n if_o the_o roman_a divine_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o calvinist_n and_o all_o the_o absurde_a sect_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o calvinist_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o in_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n differ_v from_o the_o papist_n but_o only_o from_o mr._n white_n mr._n s._n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o divine_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o censor_n of_o doctrine_n at_o rome_n according_a to_o who_o advice_n his_o infallible_a holiness_n and_o the_o cardinal_n of_o the_o inquisition_n do_v usual_a proceed_v in_o censure_v of_o doctrine_n concern_v these_o divine_n he_o go_v on_o to_o expostulate_v in_o this_o manner_n 73._o shall_v we_o endure_v these_o man_n to_o sit_v as_o censor_n and_o judge_n of_o faith_n who_o agree_v with_o heretic_n in_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n which_o distinguish_v catholic_n from_o heretic_n again_o 144._o these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o rome_n upon_o these_o thou_o depende_v while_o prate_a ignorance_n triumph_v in_o the_o roman_a college_n and_o he_o say_v the_o same_o likewise_o of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o school-divines_a who_o he_o call_v sceptic_n because_o they_o do_v not_o own_o his_o demonstrative_a way_n insomuch_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o 64._o that_o few_o sound_a part_n be_v leave_v uninfected_a with_o this_o plague_n of_o scepticism_n 149._o that_o this_o be_v a_o universal_a gangrene_n 68_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o go_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o these_o be_v either_o weary_v out_o or_o else_o live_v retire_o or_o despair_v of_o any_o remedy_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o indeed_o all_o along_o that_o book_n he_o bemoan_v himself_o and_o his_o traditionary_a brethren_n as_o a_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a party_n who_o have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n but_o want_v company_n and_o encouragement_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 101._o that_o the_o true_a scientifical_a divine_n dare_v not_o profess_v their_o knowledge_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v by_o the_o sophister_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n either_o of_o their_o judge_n or_o of_o the_o people_n §_o 4._o so_o that_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o appear_v that_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o present_a church_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n unless_o mr._n s._n mean_v by_o their_o church_n a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o their_o church_n as_o heretical_a as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conjecture_v by_o the_o proceed_n at_o rome_n against_o mr._n white_n many_o of_o who_o book_n be_v there_o condemn_v 9_o as_o contain_v thing_n manifest_o heretical_a erroneous_a in_o the_o faith_n rash_a scandalous_a seditious_a and_o false_a respective_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o those_o book_n be_v the_o explication_n and_o defence_n of_o this_o most_o catholic_n principle_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o sum_n up_o then_o the_o whole_a business_n if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v own_v for_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o the_o traditionist_n say_v but_o what_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n then_o much_o less_o can_v this_o principle_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n be_v receive_v as_o descend_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o that_o church_n at_o the_o present_a that_o it_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v general_o disow_v but_o mr._n white_n have_v a_o salvo_fw-la for_o this_o for_o although_o he_o grant_v 38._o that_o very_o many_o of_o their_o schoolman_n maintain_v that_o tradition_n be_v necessary_a only_o for_o some_o point_n not_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n whence_o he_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o they_o build_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o rely_v on_o tradition_n and_o say_v or_o think_v we_o dâ—_n so_o suppose_v there_o be_v yet_o i_o hope_v that_o man_n saying_n that_o they_o do_v not_o rely_v on_o tradition_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n be_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v not_o than_o any_o man_n surmise_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o they_o do_v though_o they_o think_v and_o say_v they_o do_v not_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v though_o we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o they_o do_v not_o beside_o how_o be_v this_o rule_n self-evident_a to_o all_o even_o to_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a as_o to_o its_o roll_a power_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v it_o be_v when_o the_o great_a part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n but_o mr._n white_a endeavour_n to_o illustrate_v this_o dark_a point_n by_o a_fw-fr 39_o similitude_n which_o be_v to_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v this_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o once_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n and_o civil_a action_n proceed_v as_o if_o they_o own_v it_o so_o the_o schoolman_n though_o they_o deny_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o by_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o church_n which_o own_v this_o principle_n they_o do_v also_o in_o practice_n own_v it_o though_o they_o say_v they_o do_v not_o so_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o learned_a papist_n be_v just_a such_o catholic_n as_o the_o sceptic_n be_v dogmatist_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o absurd_a people_n that_o confute_v their_o principle_n by_o their_o practice_n according_a to_o this_o reason_n i_o perceive_v the_o protestant_n will_v prove_v as_o good_a catholic_n as_o any_o for_o they_o do_v only_o think_v and_o say_v that_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o they_o practical_o rely_v upon_o it_o mr._n s._n have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o they_o for_o he_o assure_v we_o 31._o and_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o a_o man_n that_o write_v nothing_o but_o demonstration_n that_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v discover_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o tradition_n to_o have_v unaware_o settle_v our_o judgement_n concern_v faith_n however_o when_o our_o other_o concern_v awake_a design_n in_o we_o we_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o seem_v perhaps_o to_o our_o unreflect_a self_n to_o embrace_v and_o hold_v to_o the_o mere_a guidance_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o in_o reality_n we_o be_v as_o good_a catholic_n and_o as_o true_a holder_n to_o tradition_n as_o any_o papist_n of_o they_o all_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o in_o our_o settle_a judgement_n however_o we_o have_v take_v up_o a_o humour_n to_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o may_v seem_v perhaps_o to_o our_o unreflect_a self_n to_o be_v protestant_n §_o 5._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o two_o great_a argument_n or_o 173._o as_o he_o good_a man_n unfortunate_o call_v they_o demonstration_n which_o yet_o to_o say_v truth_n be_v not_o proper_o he_o but_o the_o author_n of_o rushworth_n dialogue_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o book_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o demonstration_n only_o before_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o they_o i_o can_v but_o reflect_v upon_o a_o passage_n of_o mr._n s_o s_o 163._o wherein_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bend_v their_o brain_n to_o study_v his_o book_n with_o that_o severity_n as_o they_o will_v do_v a_o euclid_n meaning_n perhaps_o one_o of_o mr._n white_n be_v euclid_n for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n that_o ever_o he_o deal_v with_o any_o other_o as_o for_o the_o true_a euclid_n i_o suppose_v any_o one_o that_o have_v taste_v his_o write_n will_v at_o the_o read_n of_o mr._n s_n unbend_v his_o brain_n without_o bid_v and_o smile_v to_o see_v himself_o so_o demure_o discharge_v from_o a_o study_n so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a sect_n xi_o etc._n §_o 1._o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o nine_o
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 matter_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 infalilble_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 the_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_n witness_n of_o 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 any_o thing_n 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 but_o then_o why_o may_v not_o these_o be_v as_o infallible_o convey_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 i_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 matter_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 by_o write_v 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 zeno_n by_o his_o motion_n for_o do_v mr._n s._n hope_v to_o persuade_v man_n that_o tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o his_o book_n or_o not_o if_o not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o write_v if_o 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