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
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
of_o harms-way_n than_o to_o venture_v the_o infallibility_n of_o plain_a oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o doctrine_n he_o maintain_v against_o a_o practical_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v at_o rome_n of_o kill_a heretic_n methinks_v mr._n s._n may_v have_v spare_v his_o brag_n that_o he_o have_v evince_v from_o clear_a reason_n 54._o that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v than_o not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v rivet_v into_o his_o soul_n by_o so_o oft_o repeat_v sensation_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n and_o that_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n abstract_v from_o the_o case_n of_o madness_n and_o violent_a disease_n to_o blot_v knowledge_n thus_o fix_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n insomuch_o that_o soon_o may_v all_o mankind_n perish_v than_o the_o regulative_a virtue_n of_o tradition_n miscarry_v nay_o soon_o may_v the_o sinew_n of_o entire_a nature_n 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know_v that_o these_o be_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o book_n be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v §_o 8._o nor_o do_v this_o concession_n make_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o oral_a tradition_n can_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n transmit_v a_o book_n to_o after_o age_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v with_o as_o much_o certainty_n convey_v a_o doctrine_n consist_v of_o several_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o many_o as_o mr._n white_n acknowledge_v 9_o and_o many_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o life_n so_o because_o oral_a tradition_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o that_o the_o statute-book_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v those_o law_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o therefore_o by_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o tradition_n itself_o be_v better_o than_o a_o book_n even_o the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o law_n to_o we_o mr._n s._n say_v 93._o express_o it_o be_v but_o how_o true_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v otherwise_o tradition_n be_v already_o define_v to_o we_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n i_o e._n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o message_n of_o christ._n now_o suppose_v any_o oral_a message_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o particularity_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o a_o hundred_o several_a person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n by_o they_o to_o be_v convey_v to_o a_o hundred_o more_o who_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o onward_o to_o a_o hundred_o descent_n be_v it_o probable_a this_o message_n 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up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n so_o far_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o such_o external_a action_n practise_v in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o present_a multitude_n of_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v and_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v so_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o which_o argument_n i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o show_v afterward_o but_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v this_o to_o any_o man_n satisfaction_n must_v make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a monument_n and_o record_n of_o several_a age_n that_o be_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a book_n of_o those_o time_n that_o such_o doctrine_n 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§_o 2._o whereas_o he_o say_v 13._o it_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o protestant_n from_o their_o principle_n that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v i_o will_v show_v he_o that_o it_o may_v and_o then_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n among_o christian_n not_o only_o oral_a but_o write_v and_o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o book_n be_v original_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o protestant_a principle_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o a_o undoubted_a tradition_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o author_n of_o a_o book_n and_o all_o the_o extrinsical_a argument_n that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v have_v of_o a_o book_n write_v long_o ago_o next_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o 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but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v unless_o it_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o that_o do_v you_o likewise_o unto_o they_o because_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mystery_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v i_o hope_v a_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v without_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o mystery_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o any_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o plaineness_n or_o sublimity_n of_o the_o 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generation_n if_o they_o be_v count_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o thirteen_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o how_o this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v both_o by_o protestant_a and_o popish_a commentator_n without_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o make_v this_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o protestant_n when_o it_o come_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o force_n upon_o themselves_o suppose_v this_o contradiction_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o solution_n by_o protestant_n as_o he_o affirm_v and_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o infallibility_n can_v make_v thirteen_o fourteen_o if_o it_o can_v how_o be_o i_o near_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o mr_n s_n exception_n if_o i_o own_v oral_a tradition_n i_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o solve_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n these_o exception_n if_o they_o be_v true_a will_v not_o strike_v at_o protestancy_n but_o at_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a argument_n than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o true_a mother_n because_o she_o have_v rather_o christianity_n shall_v be_v destroy_v than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o any_o other_o church_n have_v a_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o heretic_n martion_n to_o assault_v religion_n this_o way_n who_o as_o tertullian_n martion_n tell_v we_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v antithesis_n wherein_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o contradiction_n as_o he_o think_v between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o the_o papist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o discover_v as_o many_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o this_o sacred_a instrument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o even_o christianity_n itself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n therefore_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a with_o mr._n s._n and_o captain_n everard_n i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a to_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o bible_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o say_v 14._o that_o protestant_n can_v know_v how_o many_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v be_v secure_o put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o say_v it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n this_o again_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o most_o palpable_a but_o i_o shall_v deal_v more_o liberal_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o know_v that_o just_a so_o many_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o uncontroverted_a book_n concern_v which_o it_o can_v be_v show_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o controversy_n and_o so_o many_o as_o controvert_v concern_v which_o it_o appear_v that_o question_n have_v be_v make_v and_o if_o those_o which_o have_v be_v controvert_v have_v be_v since_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n which_o once_o doubt_v of_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o further_o doubt_v concern_v they_o because_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a certainty_n oral_a tradition_n can_v give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v some_o book_n have_v be_v controvert_v or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o make_v a_o supposition_n of_o controvert_v book_n if_o oral_a tradition_n acknowledge_v some_o to_o have_v be_v controvert_v than_o it_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v controvert_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o never_o have_v be_v controvert_v but_o only_o as_o such_o concern_v which_o those_o church_n who_o do_v once_o raise_v a_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v be_v since_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v canonical_a the_o traditionary_a church_n now_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o canonical_a i_o ask_v do_v they_o receive_v it_o as_o ever_o deliver_v for_o such_o that_o they_o must_v
as_o the_o capacity_n he_o be_v in_o will_v permit_v he_o to_o have_v and_o as_o mr._n white_n say_v well_o 33._o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o capacity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o child_n to_o believe_v his_o parent_n for_o a_o clown_n to_o believe_v his_o preacher_n and_o this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o case_n where_o we_o have_v not_o better_o or_o equal_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o if_o people_n be_v permit_v the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v easy_o discern_v they_o to_o have_v no_o probable_a foundation_n in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o their_o preacher_n to_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n lest_o they_o shall_v find_v cause_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o teach_v doctrine_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n §_o 8._o last_o he_o say_v 17._o the_o protestant_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n do_v he_o mean_v of_o plain_a text_n or_o obscure_a one_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o plain_a text_n i_o hope_v every_o one_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o for_o obscure_a one_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a every_o one_o shall_v but_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o plain_a text_n in_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o must_v be_v till_o mr._n s._n can_v show_v a_o better_a either_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o write_v plain_o or_o because_o god_n can_v write_v so_o plain_o as_o man_n or_o because_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o write_v thing_n necessary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o believe_v so_o as_o man_n may_v clear_o understand_v he_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o 17._o the_o numerous_a comment_n upon_o scripture_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v not_o for_o if_o those_o numerous_a commentator_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v then_o this_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o such_o text_n and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v obscure_a let_v commentator_n differ_v about_o they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v so_o long_o as_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v deliver_v in_o plain_a text_n he_o add_v 17._o there_o be_v infinite_a dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n even_o in_o most_o concern_v point_n as_o in_o that_o of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o be_v not_o commentator_n both_o protestant_n and_o popish_a general_o agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o that_o point_n and_o what_o if_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n do_v mistake_v or_o out_o of_o perverseness_n do_v wrest_v the_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v this_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v or_o write_v in_o word_n so_o clear_a from_o ambiguity_n which_o a_o perverse_a or_o prejudice_v mind_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vex_v and_o force_v to_o another_o meaning_n god_n do_v not_o write_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o the_o captious_a but_o for_o those_o who_o will_v read_v they_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o mr._n s._n have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v take_v notice_n with_o what_o confidence_n they_o attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o if_o that_o do_v afford_v convince_a argument_n for_o this_o purpose_n st._n chrysostom_n consubstant_a profess_v to_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o son_n be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n alone_o for_o this_o without_o mention_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o argument_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o he_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o the_o infallible_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v this_o point_n from_o oral_a tradition_n or_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o it_o the_o same_o father_n elsewhere_o phoca_fw-mi argue_v against_o heretic_n about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n say_v that_o they_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o strengthen_v their_o heresy_n from_o thence_o but_o then_o he_o do_v not_o with_o mr._n s._n blame_v the_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o there_o deliver_v with_o sufficient_a clearness_n but_o contrariwise_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a enough_o but_o the_o corrupt_a mind_n of_o heretic_n will_v not_o see_v what_o be_v there_o contain_v have_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v a_o true_a son_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n he_o will_v have_v lie_v hold_v of_o this_o occasion_n to_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v our_o faith_n not_o by_o such_o uncertain_a record_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a report_n of_o oral_a tradition_n §_o 9_o but_o because_o mr._n s._n lay_v great_a weight_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o this_o exception_n against_o scripture_n viz._n that_o protestant_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o only_o to_o have_v show_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o to_o understand_v all_o necessary_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o more_o than_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o shall_v likewise_o return_v this_o exception_n upon_o he_o by_o inquire_v into_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._o how_o the_o traditionary_a church_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o the_o protestant_n 2._o how_o they_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o tradition_n than_o protestant_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 1._o how_o the_o traditionary_a church_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o protestant_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n but_o this_o only_o reach_v to_o those_o text_n which_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o for_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v as_o useless_a to_o papist_n as_o they_o suppose_v they_o be_v to_o we_o because_o want_v the_o help_n of_o oral_a tradition_n they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o one_o tittle_n of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o oral_a tradition_n this_o sense_n be_v i_o hope_v deliver_v in_o some_o word_n or_o other_o and_o have_v all_o preacher_n and_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o nurse_n the_o faculty_n of_o deliver_v this_o sense_n in_o word_n so_o plain_a as_o can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v or_o wrest_v to_o another_o sense_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o when_o every_o one_o have_v this_o faculty_n of_o speak_v their_o thought_n plain_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v represent_v as_o not_o able_a to_o convey_v his_o mind_n to_o man_n in_o intelligible_a word_n and_o do_v not_o his_o own_o objection_n rebound_v upon_o himself_o if_o the_o church_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n oral_o deliver_v whence_o be_v the_o numerous_a comment_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o it_o and_o of_o late_a writer_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o infinite_a dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o concern_v point_n viz._n the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o supremacy_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o pope_n and_o council_n by_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o stir_n be_v make_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o dabo_fw-la tibi_fw-la clave_n tu_fw-la es_fw-la petrus_n &_o super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la etc._n etc._n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la do_v not_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o text_n among_o themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o protestant_n some_o understanding_n they_o of_o st_n peter_n supremacy_n only_o other_o of_o his_o infallibility_n other_o of_o his_o infallibility_n only_o in_o and_o with_o a_o general_a council_n which_o yet_o other_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o pope_n or_o council_n from_o any_o immediate_a assistance_n but_o only_o from_o the_o
as_o it_o be_v a_o conclusion_n it_o can_v only_o beget_v a_o probable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o can_v deserve_v assent_n it_o be_v only_o probable_a but_o consider_v as_o it_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v convenient_a to_o be_v believe_v with_o reason_n or_o without_o so_o it_o be_v infallible_a but_o to_o carry_v the_o supposition_n further_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o whole_a present_a age_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_a council_n shall_v declare_v that_o such_o a_o point_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o yet_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n we_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o this_o unless_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o those_o who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hear-say_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v within_o the_o space_n of_o 1500_o year_n by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o now_o to_o know_v but_o to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a he_o be_v with_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n i_o will_v present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o in_o another_o part_n of_o his_o book_n where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n may_v safe_o rely_v on_o a_o general_a and_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n he_o tell_v we_o 49._o that_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a conversation_n make_v it_o a_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v great_a multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o a_o little_a after_o ibid._n nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettle_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n agree_v unanimous_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n now_o if_o man_n be_v but_o suppose_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o know_v and_o to_o agree_v in_o their_o write_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v multitude_n of_o historian_n where_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o have_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o man_n brain_n must_v rove_v wild_o and_o be_v unsettle_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n who_o suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n that_o they_o proceed_v upon_o conrtadictory_n principle_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o thc_a uncertainty_n of_o book_n and_o write_n he_o must_v supopse_n all_o those_o principle_n to_o be_v uncertain_a which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v self-evident_a and_o unquestionable_a when_o he_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v thc_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n §_o 13._o second_o he_o tell_v we_o 18._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o security_n against_o those_o contingency_n the_o scripture_n be_v subject_a to_o because_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o assistance_n to_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o that_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v certain_a before_o we_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o god_n assistance_n to_o she_o as_o if_o we_o pretend_v there_o be_v any_o promise_n in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v the_o letter_n of_o it_o entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a or_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n providence_n in_o general_n and_o of_o his_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o such_o as_o this_o be_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v the_o method_n and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o any_o material_a corruption_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v say_v that_o without_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n §_o 14_o three_o nor_o say_v he_o 19_o can_v testimony_n of_o council_n and_o father_n be_v sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v our_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o interpret_v itself_o that_o be_v be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o father_n in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sufficient_a plainness_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n against_o they_o as_o for_o obscure_a and_o more_o doubtful_a text_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o comment_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v a_o good_a help_n but_o no_o certain_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o that_o the_o papist_n think_v so_o as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v plain_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o several_a text_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a in_o all_o popish_a commentator_n than_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o ancient_a father_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o for_o council_n dr._n holden_n and_o mr._n cressy_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o always_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o text_n which_o council_n give_v of_o they_o when_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o confirm_v point_n of_o faith_n nay_o if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n principle_n for_o a_o council_n to_o decide_v either_o that_o or_o any_o other_o controversy_n for_o he_o 8._o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v that_o controversy_n can_v be_v decide_v by_o word_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o they_o can_v be_v decide_v at_o all_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v decide_v without_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o council_n may_v do_v their_o work_n best_o in_o the_o quaker_n way_n by_o silent_a meeting_n §_o 15._o four_o nor_o can_v say_v he_o 21._o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o fundamental_o be_v any_o help_n against_o these_o defect_n why_o not_o first_o because_o a_o certain_a catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o be_v never_o give_v and_o agree_v to_o by_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o all_o go_v to_o wrack_n i_o hope_v not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o he_o have_v make_v plain_a and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n do_v believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o reveal_v which_o be_v every_o one_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o man_n may_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o precise_a catalogue_n but_o suppose_v we_o say_v that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v all_o necessary_a matter_n of_o simple_a belief_n what_o have_v mr._n s._n to_o say_v against_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o roman_a catechism_n set_v forth_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v praefat._n as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v a_o command_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n think_v fit_a to_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o christian_a faith_n namely_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v all_o think_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n among_o those_o who_o they_o have_v call_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n so_o frame_v by_o they_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o symbol_n or_o creed_n now_o how_o this_o end_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o perfect_o of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o opinion_n can_v probable_o be_v attain_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o creed_n if_o it_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o necessary_a point_n of_o simple_a belief_n i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v beside_o a_o certain_a catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o they_o as_o for_o we_o and_o when_o mr._n s_o give_v in_o his_o we_o be_v ready_a mr._n chillingworth_n have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o have_v see_v mr._n knott_n catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o and_o challenge_v he_o to_o produce_v it_o and_o offer_v he_o very_o fair_o that_o when_o ever_o he_o may_v with_o one_o hand_n receive_v he_o he_o will_v with_o the_o other_o deliver_v his_o own_o but_o mr._n knott_n though_o he_o still_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o demand_n
sense_n and_o explication_n thereof_o to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o oral_a tradition_n for_o just_a as_o the_o traditionary_a christian_n do_v now_o so_o josephus_n tell_v 12._o we_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n of_o old_a the_o pharisee_n do_v pretend_v by_o their_o oral_a tradition_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n more_o accurate_o and_o exact_o than_o any_o other_o sect._n in_o like_a manner_n he_o 2._o tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v regulate_v and_o administer_v according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o to_o make_v void_a the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n which_o the_o pharisee_n do_v no_o otherwise_o than_o mr._n s._n do_v by_o equal_v oral_a tradition_n to_o scripture_n nay_o prefer_n it_o above_o scripture_n in_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n according_a to_o it_o hence_o be_v those_o common_a say_n in_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jewish_a book_n do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o that_o the_o law_n oral_o deliver_v be_v the_o right_a foundation_n which_o be_v to_o say_v with_o mr._n s._n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n again_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n viz._n the_o testifier_n of_o tradition_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o write_v law_n again_o the_o oral_a law_n excel_v the_o write_a as_o much_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n which_o accord_v very_o well_o with_o what_o mr._n s._n frequent_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n without_o tradition_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n destitute_a of_o life_n and_o sense_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o they_o require_v the_o people_n as_o the_o traditionary_a church_n do_v now_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o tradition_n even_o in_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o common_a say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a and_o the_o leave_v the_o right_n that_o bread_n be_v flesh_n and_o wine_n be_v blood_n harken_v to_o they_o that_o be_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o deliver_v as_o tradition_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v many_o of_o they_o practical_a such_o be_v all_o those_o which_o concern_v external_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o wash_v of_o hand_n and_o cup_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o these_o pharisaical_a tradition_n have_v also_o that_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o mr._n s._n say_v render_v their_o tradition_n unmistakeable_a that_o they_o be_v daily_o practise_v and_o come_v down_o clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o therefore_o according_a to_o mr._n s_n principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o age_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o moses_n and_o ever_o since_o observe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n deny_v these_o custom_n to_o have_v be_v of_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o they_o pretend_v §_o 2._o but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o have_v take_v all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v the_o agreement_n which_o be_v between_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n and_o papist_n their_o own_o writer_n so_o liberal_o acknowledge_v it_o mr._n white_a 6._o indeed_o say_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o oral_o but_o by_o write_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o hypothesis_n for_o if_o the_o jewish_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o not_o oral_o but_o by_o write_v then_o either_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o a_o write_n may_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n but_o other_o of_o their_o champion_n make_v great_a use_n of_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n and_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o confirm_v from_o thence_o their_o own_o traditionary_a doctrine_n cardinal_n perron_n have_v a_o full_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o this_o say_v he_o 4._o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o sound_n and_o entire_a respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o ancient_a mosaic_a scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o observe_v not_o only_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o actual_o contain_v but_o also_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o contain_v mediate_o and_o relative_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o paradise_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o contain_v therein_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n which_o it_o give_v to_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o mosaic_a tradition_n preserve_v by_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o oral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o this_o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o sound_n and_o entire_a respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o apostolical_a scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o contain_v not_o only_o immediate_o and_o by_o itself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o reference_n to_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n to_o which_o in_o gross_a and_o general_o it_o give_v the_o authority_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o guardian_n and_o depositary_a to_o preserve_v and_o attest_v they_o voysin_n in_o his_o observation_n upon_o raymundus_n martin_n 145._o tell_v we_o that_o as_o in_o the_o old_a law_n the_o great_a consistory_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o true_a tradition_n so_o say_v he_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o tradition_n and_o as_o the_o continual_a succession_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o father_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o tradition_n so_o say_v he_o with_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o catholic_n doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o pope_n §_o 3._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o oral_a tradition_n which_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n according_a to_o mr._n s._n and_o if_o so_o then_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n a_fw-fr posteriori_fw-la be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a for_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n for_o we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v then_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n that_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o write_a law_n be_v descend_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o uninterrupted_o which_o we_o find_v be_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o constant_a tradition_n among_o they_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n and_o though_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o they_o do_v infallible_o know_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o person_n from_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o prophecy_n oral_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o from_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o mosaic_a tradition_n preserve_v by_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o oral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o their_o church_n essential_a that_o be_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o then_o traditionary_a jew_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n do_v indeed_o bring_v down_o several_a doctrine_n not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n of_o paradise_n of_o hell_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n as_o cardinal_n perron_n affirm_v but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v down_o this_o point_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n then_o as_o mr._n s._n 76._o ask_v we_o so_o the_o jew_n do_v he_o by_o what_o virtue_n tradition_n bring_v down_o those_o other_o point_n and_o whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o this_o as_o well_o as_o those_o then_o he_o will_v ask_v he_o far_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o a_o constant_a cause_n and_o its_o formal_a effect_n so_o that_o if_o its_o formal_a effect_n be_v point_n receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o the_o proper_a cause_n must_v be_v a_o ever-delivery_n whence_o he_o will_v argue_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n for_o any_o particular_a point_n and_o consequent_o for_o this_o point_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o jew_n
the_o faith_n by_o scripture_n this_o say_v he_o be_v a_o great_a triumph_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o demonstrate_v our_o opinion_n so_o strong_o and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o contrary_a by_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n and_o neither_o in_o this_o epistle_n nor_o the_o other_o do_v he_o make_v any_o mention_n of_o oral_a tradition_n next_o he_o cite_v that_o know_a place_n in_o irenaeus_n but_o what_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v not_o leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n ought_v we_o not_o to_o follow_v the_o order_n of_o tradition_n &_o c._n this_o make_v clear_o against_o he_o for_o it_o imply_v that_o now_o the_o apostle_n have_v leave_v we_o the_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o follow_v they_o the_o other_o passage_n he_o cite_v out_o of_o irenaeus_n lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o be_v a_o clear_a eviction_n that_o he_o do_v not_o consult_v the_o book_n for_o he_o put_v two_o saying_n together_o which_o he_o have_v meet_v with_o in_o mr._n white_a immediate_o one_o after_o the_o other_o and_o because_o mr._n white_n have_v cite_v lib._n 1._o c._n 3._o for_o the_o first_o say_n and_o bring_v in_o the_o other_o immediate_o upon_o it_o with_o a_o et_fw-la rursus_fw-la again_o etc._n etc._n therefore_o mr._n s._n who_o be_v of_o a_o right_n traditionary_a temper_n which_o be_v to_o take_v thing_n easy_o upon_o trust_v himself_o and_o require_v demonstration_n from_o other_o conclude_v that_o these_o say_n be_v in_o the_o same_o place_n though_o in_o truth_n they_o be_v in_o several_a book_n as_o for_o the_o testimony_n itself_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o to_o mr._n s_n purpose_n beside_o the_o word_n tradition_n which_o irenaeus_n do_v often_o apply_v to_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o oral_a tradition_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n to_o determine_v it_o to_o oral_a tradition_n his_o testimony_n out_o of_o origen_n will_v do_v he_o less_o stead_n for_o every_o one_o that_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o that_o father_n know_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o church_n tradition_n preserve_v by_o order_n of_o succession_n viz._n the_o mystical_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o say_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o by_o they_o down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n if_o this_o be_v the_o tradition_n mr._n s._n contend_v for_o origen_n be_v at_o his_o service_n if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o assure_v he_o he_o be_v not_o for_o his_o turn_n next_o come_v tertullian_n concern_v who_o as_o also_o origen_n the_o papist_n upon_o occasion_n think_v it_o enough_o to_o reply_v in_o st._n hierom_n word_n helvid_n as_o for_o tertullian_n i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o the_o church_n whatever_o he_o be_v these_o be_v his_o word_n if_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o christian_a believe_v what_o be_v traditum_fw-la deliver_v and_o here_o be_v nothing_o again_o but_o the_o word_n deliver_v which_o as_o i_o have_v say_v be_v indifferent_a to_o write_a or_o oral_a tradition_n if_o the_o circumstance_n do_v not_o determine_v it_o to_o one_o as_o here_o they_o do_v very_o unlucky_o for_o mr._n s._n to_o the_o scripture_n for_o he_o dispute_v here_o against_o martion_n who_o deny_v the_o flesh_n of_o christ_n and_o who_o to_o maintain_v that_o deny_v his_o nativity_n and_o etc._n expunge_v the_o whole_a history_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o say_v tertullian_n by_o what_o authority_n do_v thou_o do_v this_o if_o thou_o be_v a_o prophet_n foretell_v something_o if_o a_o apostle_n preach_v public_o if_o apostolical_a be_v of_o the_o apostle_n mind_n if_o no_o more_o but_o a_o christian_a believe_v what_o be_v deliver_v and_o where_o deliver_v but_o in_o those_o instrument_n or_o book_n of_o the_o gospel_n out_o of_o which_o as_o tertullian_n immediate_o before_o tell_v we_o martion_n have_v make_v bold_a to_o expunge_v this_o story_n as_o for_o his_o testimony_n out_o of_o athanasius_n the_o two_o first_o of_o they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o that_o faith_n come_v down_o from_o our_o ancestor_n or_o be_v by_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o which_o no_o body_n deny_v nor_o be_v there_o a_o word_n in_o either_o of_o they_o concern_v oral_a in_o opposition_n to_o write_a tradition_n the_o three_o testimony_n be_v out_o of_o a_o epistle_n to_o epictetus_n to_o who_o athanasius_n writing_n concern_v those_o who_o hold_v christ_n body_n to_o be_v consubstantial_a with_o his_o divinity_n tell_v he_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a a_o conceit_n that_o it_o need_v no_o solicitous_a confutation_n but_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v in_o general_a the_o orthodox_n church_n be_v not_o of_o that_o mind_n our_o father_n do_v not_o think_v so_o from_o whence_o mr._n s._n infer_v that_o tradition_n be_v hold_v by_o he_o a_o sole_a sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o only_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v why_o we_o reject_v point_n from_o faith_n etc._n etc._n but_o if_o 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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 &_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_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o 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_v 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 credible_a 9_o 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-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 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 etc._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
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 part_n answerable_a to_o its_o title_n viz._n a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n and_o now_o i_o thank_v you_o for_o it_o not_o only_o as_o a_o private_a favour_n but_o a_o public_a benefit_n no_o soon_o have_v i_o peruse_v it_o but_o i_o meet_v with_o a_o discourse_n entitle_v sure-footing_a in_o christianity_n and_o although_o i_o have_v no_o small_a prejudice_n against_o book_n with_o conceit_a title_n yet_o i_o be_v tempt_v to_o look_v into_o this_o because_o it_o pretend_v to_o contain_v animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o your_o book_n which_o i_o have_v so_o late_o read_v over_o upon_o perusal_n of_o which_o animadversion_n i_o find_v that_o the_o author_n of_o they_o have_v attaque_v and_o in_o his_o own_o opinion_n confute_v a_o page_n or_o two_o in_o your_o book_n this_o draw_v i_o on_o to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o main_a discourse_n which_o because_o they_o be_v in_o great_a vogue_n among_o some_o of_o his_o own_o party_n 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 passage_n of_o his_o book_n he_o be_v plain_o guilty_a of_o that_o which_o he_o tax_v in_o mr._n 180._o whitby_n that_o be_v the_o confound_a of_o a_o rule_n and_o a_o guide_n by_o make_v regulate_v and_o guide_v to_o be_v equivalent_a word_n but_o for_o this_o i_o be_o no_o further_o concern_v than_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o by_o the_o way_n the_o fault_n which_o i_o find_v in_o this_o definition_n be_v that_o it_o do_v not_o make_v the_o thing_n plain_o than_o it_o be_v before_o so_o that_o no_o man_n be_v the_o wise_a for_o it_o nor_o one_o jot_n near_o know_v what_o a_o rule_n be_v he_o pretend_v to_o tell_v englishman_n what_o a_o rule_n be_v and_o for_o their_o clear_a understanding_n of_o this_o word_n he_o explain_v it_o by_o a_o word_n less_o remove_v from_o the_o latin_a a_o rule_n be_v that_o which_o be_v able_a to_o regulate_v he_o that_o use_v it_o just_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o explain_v what_o a_o lawgiver_n be_v by_o say_v he_o be_v one_o that_o have_v the_o power_n of_o legislation_n of_o the_o two_o he_o have_v much_o better_o have_v say_v that_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o thing_n that_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v he_o that_o use_v it_o though_o this_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o same_o word_n by_o itself_o §_o 2._o not_o much_o better_a be_v his_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n faith_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o same_o with_o believe_v 4._o he_o declare_v indeed_o beforehand_o that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o give_v rigorous_a school-definition_n of_o either_o this_o or_o the_o former_a word_n and_o to_o do_v he_o right_a he_o have_v not_o in_o the_o least_o swerve_v from_o his_o intention_n it_o be_v to_o be_v wish_v he_o have_v prefaced_a some_o such_o thing_n to_o his_o demonstration_n for_o the_o reader_n will_v find_v that_o they_o be_v not_o one_o whit_n more_o rigorous_a than_o his_o definition_n the_o latter_a of_o which_o do_v very_o much_o 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enough_o for_o the_o perpetuate_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 2._o second_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o that_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n capable_a of_o evidence_n sufficient_a and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v have_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n mr._n s._n may_v if_o he_o please_v say_v that_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n but_o then_o he_o that_o say_v this_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o aristole_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o never_o to_o demonstrate_v first_o principles_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o very_a good_a reason_n because_o they_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o most_o prudent_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v because_o it_o need_v not_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o every_o man_n must_v assent_v to_o without_o any_o proof_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o i_o have_v always_o take_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n to_o be_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o have_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o not_o need_v to_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o any_o thing_n else_o if_o i_o be_v herein_o mistake_v i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o inform_v i_o better_o §_o 3._o so_o that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v whether_o oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o write_v and_o book_n be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o who_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o age_n of_o 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the_o sure_a way_n to_o study_v his_o organon_n a_o book_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o his_o scholar_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o contain_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o they_o who_o take_v this_o latter_a course_n suppose_v the_o authority_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o convey_n to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o book_n and_o do_v suppose_v this_o doctrine_n to_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o a_o great_a many_o book_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o comment_n and_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o these_o have_v be_v good_a help_n of_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o suppose_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o aristotle_n doctrine_n be_v his_o own_o book_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fond_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n by_o force_v a_o interpretation_n upon_o his_o book_n either_o contrary_a to_o or_o very_o foreign_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o his_o word_n to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v this_o book_n with_o that_o method_n of_o dispute_v which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o profess_a aristotelian_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o withal_o that_o scholastic_a jargon_n which_o mr._n s._n learn_v at_o lisbon_n and_o have_v make_v he_o so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o demonstrate_v first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n a_o trick_n not_o to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o aristotle_n organon_n the_o application_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o i_o need_v not_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n ii_o concern_v the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whether_o they_o agree_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n sect_n i._o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n between_o we_o to_o its_o clear_a and_o true_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o quarrel_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o dispute_v about_o we_o know_v not_o what_o i_o come_v now_o to_o grapple_v more_o close_o with_o his_o book_n and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o his_o discourse_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o such_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n belong_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o his_o five_o first_o discourse_n second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n shall_v fail_v and_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o his_o four_o last_o discourse_n three_o that_o oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v generallly_n repute_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n the_o sole_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v down_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o he_o attempt_v to_o show_v in_o his_o last_o chapter_n which_o he_o call_v the_o consent_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o forego_v discourse_n if_o he_o make_v good_a these_o three_o thing_n he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o well_o in_o his_o undertake_n but_o whether_o he_o have_v make_v they_o good_a or_o not_o be_v now_o to_o be_v examine_v §_o 2._o first_o whether_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o such_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n belong_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n the_o true_a way_n to_o measure_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o this_o or_o that_o mean_n be_v by_o consider_v its_o sufficiency_n for_o its_o end_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v any_o mean_v sufficient_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o its_o end_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o that_o mean_n and_o nothing_o else_o now_o because_o the_o end_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a and_o secure_a that_o it_o have_v receive_v no_o change_n or_o corruption_n from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n must_v have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a 2_o lie_n it_o must_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o that_o it_o have_v receive_v no_o corruption_n or_o alteration_n if_o it_o have_v these_o two_o condition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n but_o if_o it_o want_v either_o of_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v short_a of_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
can_v never_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o but_o keep_v it_o for_o a_o secret_a to_o his_o die_a day_n but_o to_o put_v a_o final_a stop_n to_o this_o cant_v demand_n of_o a_o catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o which_o yet_o i_o perceive_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o expletive_a topic_n which_o popish_a writer_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o low_a form_n do_v general_o make_v use_n of_o to_o help_v out_o a_o book_n however_o to_o do_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o answer_v the_o reason_n whereby_o his_o friend_n dr._n holden_n 4._o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o demand_n and_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o catalogue_n will_v not_o only_o be_v useless_a and_o pernicious_a if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a to_o give_v such_o a_o precise_a catalogue_n second_o he_o ask_v 21._o be_v it_o a_o 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capable_a of_o convince_a demonstration_n again_o do_v but_o consider_v say_v he_o 6._o how_o unequal_a and_o unjust_a a_o condition_n it_o be_v that_o the_o claim_n of_o the_o present_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v hear_v unless_o she_o can_v confute_v all_o the_o peradventure_o that_o wit_n may_v invent_v and_o solve_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o time_n place_n and_o occasion_n may_v have_v give_v way_n unto_o and_o than_o you_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a a_o adversary_n he_o be_v who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o any_o satisfaction_n but_o such_o as_o man_n nature_n scarce_o afford_v and_o be_v it_o not_o equal_o unjust_a in_o mr._n s._n not_o to_o let_v scripture_n claim_n be_v hear_v unless_o we_o can_v confute_v every_o peradventure_o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o that_o wit_n may_v invent_v see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o adversary_n mr._n s._n be_v who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o any_o satisfaction_n but_o 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appendix_n which_o he_o afterward_o publish_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o vindication_n of_o himself_o against_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o my_o lord_n falkland_n discourse_n of_o infallibility_n there_o he_o 3_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o infallibility_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n he_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o church_n this_o follow_a passage_n will_v inform_v we_o methinks_a say_v he_o if_o god_n have_v furnish_v his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n with_o evidence_n equal_a to_o this_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v shine_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o harvest_n next_o year_n we_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v to_o bless_v his_o providence_n and_o just_o condemn_v if_o we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o least_o of_o such_o truth_n as_o show_v less_o affection_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n than_o the_o dull_a ploughman_n to_o sow_v their_o corn_n who_o certain_o have_v far_o less_o evidence_n for_o their_o harvest_n than_o catholic_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o they_o insist_v not_o peevish_o upon_o every_o capricious_a objection_n nor_o exact_v a_o infallible_a security_n of_o a_o plentiful_a reap_v next_o summer_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o difficulty_n and_o contingency_n proceed_v cheerful_o in_o their_o painful_a husbandry_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n whatever_o degree_n of_o assurance_n the_o church_n have_v or_o can_v give_v to_o those_o who_o rely_v upon_o she_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o further_a degree_n be_v necessary_a than_o what_o the_o husbandman_n when_o he_o sow_v have_v of_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o that_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o least_o truth_n upon_o such_o security_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v liable_a to_o contingency_n nay_o further_o that_o man_n be_v
not_o reasonable_a but_o peevish_a in_o exact_v infallible_a security_n and_o insist_v upon_o every_o capricious_a objection_n such_o as_o be_v mr._n s_n may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o now_o as_o to_o this_o degree_n of_o assurance_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o infallibility_n i_o can_v but_o grant_v what_o he_o say_v of_o it_o to_o be_v most_o true_a viz._n that_o in_o a_o severe_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v not_o rigorous_o infallible_a that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v it_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o impossible_a nor_o do_v it_o imply_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n that_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o be_v so_o assure_v may_v be_v otherwise_o but_o then_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o according_a to_o any_o true_a acception_n of_o this_o word_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o assurance_n as_o he_o speak_v of_o can_v be_v call_v infallibility_n and_o withal_o i_o affirm_v that_o none_o of_o those_o several_a degree_n of_o infallibility_n which_o he_o mention_n except_v that_o only_a which_o import_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n can_v with_o any_o tolerable_a propriety_n of_o speech_n or_o regard_n to_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o use_n of_o the_o word_n have_v the_o name_n of_o infallibility_n give_v to_o they_o for_o infallibility_n can_v signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o utter_a impossibility_n that_o one_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o that_o matter_n as_o to_o which_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a and_o to_o say_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o it_o imply_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n so_o that_o whosoever_o assert_n degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v oblige_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v degree_n of_o absolute_a impossibility_n and_o of_o perfect_a contradiction_n and_o he_o have_v need_n of_o a_o very_a sharp_a and_o pierce_a wit_n that_o be_v to_o find_v out_o degree_n where_o there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o indeed_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o conceive_v how_o infallibility_n may_v be_v extend_v to_o more_o object_n or_o few_o but_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o degree_n of_o assurance_n of_o which_o mr._n cressy_n speak_v it_o be_v altogether_o unimaginable_a how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v more_o or_o less_o out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a for_o no_o one_o can_v be_v more_o remove_v from_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v than_o he_o that_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o whosoever_o be_v less_o than_o this_o be_v not_o infallible_a because_o he_o only_o be_v so_o who_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v in_o those_o matter_n wherein_o he_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a so_o that_o mr._n cressy_n low_a degree_n of_o infallibility_n be_v no_o degree_n of_o that_o assurance_n which_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v infallible_a for_o that_o can_v have_v no_o degree_n but_o of_o that_o assurance_n which_o be_v less_o than_o infallible_a and_o he_o need_v not_o have_v raise_v all_o this_o dust_n about_o the_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n have_v it_o not_o be_v that_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o such_o a_o cloud_n he_o may_v make_v the_o more_o convenient_a escape_n out_o of_o that_o straight_o he_o be_v in_o between_o the_o clamour_n of_o his_o own_o church_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o his_o adversary_n make_v of_o his_o free_a and_o open_a discourse_n against_o infallibility_n for_o any_o one_o that_o careful_o read_v his_o book_n will_v find_v that_o he_o understand_v nothing_o by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n but_o a_o authority_n of_o oblige_v all_o christian_n to_o submit_v to_o her_o decision_n which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o what_o every_o supreme_a civil_a judge_n have_v in_o civil_a matter_n viz._n a_o power_n to_o determine_v those_o controversy_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o as_o well_o as_o he_o can_v or_o will_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v every_o one_o be_v bind_v to_o submit_v to_o such_o determination_n but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o no_o man_n ever_o dream_v a_o supreme_a civil_a judge_n to_o be_v infallible_a more_o than_o another_o man_n i_o do_v not_o now_o dispute_v the_o extent_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n but_o if_o she_o have_v no_o other_o infallibility_n but_o what_o a_o full_a authority_n of_o decision_n do_v suppose_v i_o be_o sure_a she_o have_v none_o at_o all_o before_o i_o leave_v mr._n cressy_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o unfortunate_a and_o disingenuous_a he_o be_v in_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n of_o his_o own_o viz._n against_o this_o word_n of_o infallibility_n mr._n chillingworth_n be_v book_n especial_o combat_n and_o this_o with_o too_o too_o great_a success_n which_o in_o his_o appendix_n 6._o he_o interpret_v thus_o success_n i_o mean_v not_o against_o the_o church_n but_o against_o his_o own_o soul_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o his_o fellow-english_a protestant_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o one_o that_o have_v wish_v well_o to_o caesar_n shall_v have_v say_v that_o pompey_n have_v fight_v against_o he_o with_o too_o too_o great_a success_n and_o be_v afterward_o challenge_v by_o caesar_n party_n as_o have_v say_v that_o pompey_n have_v conquer_a caesar_n he_o shall_v explain_v himself_o thus_o success_n i_o mean_v not_o against_o caesar_n but_o against_o his_o own_o life_n and_o the_o life_n of_o his_o follower_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v fine_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o say_v that_o by_o pompey_n success_n in_o fight_v against_o caesar_n he_o mean_v that_o caesar_n have_v beat_v pompey_n which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o if_o one_o shall_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o interpret_v white_a by_o black_a §_o 6._o last_o mr._n white_n do_v most_o express_o contradict_v this_o principle_n of_o mr._n s_n in_o these_o follow_a passage_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o mr._n rushworth_n he_o say_v that_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o that_o those_o author_n be_v mistake_v who_o undervalue_v it_o so_o that_o it_o seem_v mr._n s._n be_v mistake_v in_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v any_o possibility_n that_o it_o may_v be_v otherwise_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o my_o lord_n falkland_n he_o say_v 15._o that_o in_o moral_a matter_n and_o such_o as_o be_v subject_a to_o humane_a action_n we_o must_v expect_v such_o assurance_n as_o humane_a action_n bear_v if_o for_o the_o government_n of_o your_o spiritual_a life_n you_o have_v as_o much_o as_o for_o the_o management_n of_o your_o natural_a and_o civil_a life_n what_o can_v you_o expect_v more_o two_o or_o three_o witness_n of_o man_n beyond_o exception_n will_v cast_v a_o man_n out_o of_o not_o only_o his_o land_n but_o life_n and_o all_o he_o that_o among_o merchant_n will_v not_o adventure_v where_o there_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o of_o gain_v will_v be_v account_v a_o silly_a factor_n and_o among_o soldier_n he_o that_o will_v fear_v danger_n where_o but_o one_o of_o a_o hundred_o be_v slay_v shall_v not_o escape_v the_o stain_n of_o cowardice_n what_o then_o shall_v we_o expect_v in_o religion_n but_o to_o see_v a_o main_a advantage_n on_o the_o one_o side_n which_o we_o may_v rest_v ourselves_o on_o and_o for_o the_o rest_n remember_v we_o be_v man_n subject_a to_o chance_v and_o mutability_n and_o thank_v god_n he_o have_v give_v we_o that_o assurance_n in_o a_o supernatural_a way_n which_o we_o be_v content_v withal_o in_o our_o civil_a venture_n and_o possession_n which_o nevertheless_o god_n know_v we_o often_o love_v better_o and_o will_v hazard_v less_o than_o the_o unknown_a good_a of_o the_o life_n to_o come_v again_o 30._o if_o god_n almighty_a have_v in_o all_o sort_n and_o manner_n provide_v his_o church_n that_o she_o may_v enlighten_v every_o man_n in_o his_o way_n that_o go_v the_o way_n of_o a_o man_n then_o let_v every_o man_n consider_v which_o be_v the_o sit_v way_n for_o himself_o and_o what_o in_o other_o matter_n of_o that_o way_n he_o account_v evidence_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o interest_n in_o his_o soul_n to_o make_v he_o loath_a to_o believe_v what_o in_o another_o matter_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n he_o do_v not_o stick_v at_o or_o heavy_a to_o practice_v what_o he_o see_v clear_o enough_o i_o fear_v not_o his_o choice_n once_o more_o direct_v a_o man_n in_o his_o search_n after_o rational_a satisfaction_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n he_o have_v this_o passage_n 46._o beside_o this_o he_o must_v have_v this_o care_n that_o he_o seek_v what_o
the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n can_v yield_v and_o not_o as_o those_o physician_n who_o when_o they_o have_v promise_v no_o less_o than_o immortality_n can_v at_o last_o only_o reach_v to_o some_o conservation_n of_o health_n or_o youth_n in_o some_o small_a degree_n so_o i_o can_v wish_v the_o author_n to_o well_o assure_v himself_o first_o that_o there_o be_v possible_a a_o infallibility_n before_o he_o be_v too_o earnest_a to_o be_v content_v with_o nothing_o less_o for_o what_o if_o humane_a nature_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a will_v he_o therefore_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o live_v without_o any_o religion_n because_o he_o can_v not_o get_v such_o a_o one_o as_o himself_o desire_v though_o with_o more_o than_o a_o man_n wish_n be_v it_o not_o rational_a to_o see_v whether_o among_o religion_n some_o one_o have_v not_o such_o notable_a advantage_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o in_o reason_n it_o may_v seem_v humane_a nature_n may_v be_v content_v withal_o let_v he_o cast_v his_o account_n with_o the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v his_o own_o or_o friend_n life_n his_o estate_n his_o hope_n of_o posterity_n and_o see_v upon_o what_o term_n of_o advantage_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o venture_v all_o these_o and_o then_o return_v to_o religion_n and_o see_v whether_o if_o he_o do_v not_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a it_o be_v true_o reason_n or_o some_o other_o not_o confess_v motive_n which_o withdraw_v he_o for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o infallibility_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o set_v that_o aside_o there_o be_v those_o excellency_n find_v on_o the_o catholic_n party_n which_o may_v force_v a_o man_n to_o prefer_v it_o and_o to_o venture_v all_o he_o have_v upon_o it_o before_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o world_n why_o then_o may_v not_o one_o who_o after_o long_o search_v find_v no_o infallibility_n rest_v himself_o on_o the_o like_a suppose_v man_n nature_n afford_v no_o better_a be_v not_o these_o fair_a concession_n which_o the_o evidence_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n have_v extort_a from_o these_o author_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o that_o which_o mr._n s._n call_v 5._o a_o civil_a piece_n of_o atheistry_n be_v advance_v in_o most_o express_a word_n by_o his_o best_a friend_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v as_o he_o threaten_v i_o be_v smart_n with_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o so_o damnable_a and_o fundamental_a a_o error_n and_o whenever_o he_o attempt_v this_o i_o will_v entreat_v he_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o prove_v first_o that_o no_o evidence_n but_o demonstration_n can_v give_v a_o man_n sufficient_a assurance_n of_o any_o thing_n second_o that_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o be_v a_o rational_a cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o a_o wise_a ground_n of_o suspense_n which_o when_o he_o have_v prove_v i_o shall_v not_o grudge_v he_o his_o infallibility_n sect_n v._o certain_a §_o 1._o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o three_o discourse_n endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o convictive_a of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n as_o for_o the_o obstinate_a he_o know_v my_o mind_n already_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o scripture_n because_o as_o he_o object_n 28._o first_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o this_o book_n be_v god_n word_n because_o of_o the_o many_o strange_a absurdity_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o open_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v as_o that_o god_n have_v hand_n and_o foot_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o of_o the_o contradiction_n in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o answer_n second_o because_o as_o he_o say_v 31._o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o any_o particular_a text_n that_o it_o be_v not_o foist_v in_o or_o some_o way_n alter_v in_o its_o significativeness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a proposition_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o insert_v if_o affirmative_a not_o leave_v out_o and_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o he_o demand_v 31._o our_o demonstration_n for_o it_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a this_o demand_n be_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v and_o to_o show_v it_o yet_o further_o i_o ask_v he_o how_o their_o church_n know_v that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o leave_v out_o of_o any_o text_n in_o which_o it_o be_v now_o find_v in_o their_o copy_n i_o know_v he_o have_v a_o ready_a answer_n viz._n by_o oral_a tradition_n but_o this_o according_a to_o he_o 116._o only_a reach_n to_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 concern_v the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o security_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o undue_o insert_v or_o leave_v out_o by_o the_o transcriber_n nay_o as_o to_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o demand_v his_o demonstration_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o undue_o insert_v or_o leave_v out_o not_o only_o in_o those_o text_n but_o also_o in_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n coincident_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o leave_v out_o or_o insert_v the_o particle_n not_o in_o the_o oral_a tradition_n so_o say_v i_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v conspire_v to_o leave_v it_o out_o of_o the_o write_a text_n but_o then_o i_o differ_v from_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o natural_o impossible_a so_o as_o that_o it_o can_v rigorous_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o only_o moral_o impossible_a so_o that_o no_o body_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o which_o to_o a_o prudent_a man_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o demonstration_n pyrrho_n himself_o never_o advance_v any_o principle_n of_o scepticism_n beyond_o this_o viz._n that_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o book_n concern_v which_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v as_o to_o every_o sentence_n in_o they_o that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o insert_v if_o it_o be_v affirmative_a or_o leave_v out_o if_o it_o be_v negative_a if_o so_o much_o be_v require_v to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o reasonable_a doubt_v concern_v a_o book_n how_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o infallibility_n what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la 32._o of_o scripture_n have_v already_o have_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n §_o 2._o in_o his_o four_o discourse_n he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 33._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o not_o ascertain_v to_o we_o first_o not_o certain_a material_o consider_v 34._o as_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o such_o character_n because_o book_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v burn_v tear_v blot_v wear_v out_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o any_o or_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v burn_v but_o then_o we_o say_v likewise_o that_o a_o book_n so_o universal_o disperse_v may_v easy_o be_v preserve_v though_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o in_o case_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a or_o so_o careless_a as_o to_o endeavour_v or_o suffer_v the_o abolition_n of_o it_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o external_a accident_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o 34._o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o remote_a and_o impertinent_a exception_n yet_o to_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o wise_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o will_v deserve_v a_o deep_a consideration_n because_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n make_v nature_n the_o 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more_o necessary_o than_o any_o natural_a cause_n now_o how_o they_o can_v do_v so_o upon_o voluntary_a agent_n i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o inform_v i_o §_o 3._o he_o proceed_v by_o a_o long_a harangue_n to_o show_v 34._o that_o not_o only_o these_o material_a character_n in_o themselves_o be_v corruptible_a but_o in_o complexion_n with_o the_o cause_n actual_o lay_v in_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v they_o entire_a because_o either_o those_o cause_n be_v material_a and_o then_o they_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o continual_a alteration_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o from_o these_o we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n hope_n for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o constancy_n than_o from_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a strange_a paradox_n that_o the_o action_n of_o voluntary_a agent_n have_v a_o great_a certainty_n and_o constancy_n in_o they_o than_o those_o of_o natural_a agent_n of_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n compare_v with_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n in_o their_o first_o state_n be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n §_o 4._o but_o he_o add_v a_o caution_n 35._o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o unalterable_a from_o their_o nature_n and_o unerrable_a if_o due_a circumstance_n be_v observe_v that_o be_v if_o due_a proposal_n be_v make_v to_o beget_v certain_a knowledge_n and_o due_a care_n use_v to_o attend_v to_o such_o proposal_n but_o who_o can_v warrant_v that_o due_a proposal_n will_v always_o be_v make_v to_o man_n and_o due_a care_n use_v by_o they_o if_o these_o be_v uncertain_a where_o be_v the_o constancy_n and_o unerrableness_n he_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o constancy_n of_o this_o spiritual_a cause_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o preserve_v scripture_n entire_a yet_o in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o he_o tell_v 36._o we_o so_o many_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v up_o of_o a_o 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tell_v we_o that_o divers_a accent_n in_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o they_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o speaker_n head_n or_o body_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n etc._n etc._n may_v so_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v quite_o different_a in_o write_v from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o speak_v i_o hope_v that_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o have_v deliver_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n with_o all_o the_o right_a traditionary_a accent_n nod_n and_o gesture_n necessary_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o otherwise_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o may_v have_v so_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o quite_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o but_o to_o answer_v mr._n s._n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v or_o change_v but_o only_o to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o material_a alteration_n from_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v bear_v but_o if_o his_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v very_o short_a and_o cursory_a he_o may_v easy_o have_v reflect_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o all_o these_o contingency_n for_o it_o do_v as_o much_o prevent_v diligence_n and_o exceed_v humane_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o the_o distinct_a action_n of_o speak_v as_o of_o writing_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o doctrine_n oral_o deliver_v consist_v of_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o accent_n and_o stop_n as_o well_o as_o a_o doctrine_n write_v and_o that_o the_o several_a action_n of_o speak_v be_v as_o short_a and_o cursory_a as_o of_o writing_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o tell_v we_o 38._o scripture_n formal_o consider_v as_o to_o its_o significativeness_n be_v also_o uncertain_a first_o 38._o because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n this_o be_v already_o answer_v second_o 38._o because_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o language_n and_o arts._n true_a where_o man_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o understand_v no_o other_o but_o where_o they_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o their_o own_o language_n they_o may_v understand_v they_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o any_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o that_o 38._o eminent_a wit_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o §_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o reverence_n he_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o four_o discourse_n he_o may_v have_v spare_v that_o after_o all_o the_o raillery_n and_o rudeness_n he_o have_v use_v against_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v both_o from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o uncivil_a expression_n concern_v they_o what_o his_o esteem_n be_v of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n probably_n it_o be_v requisite_a in_o prudence_n to_o cast_v in_o a_o few_o good_a word_n concern_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o more_o tender_a and_o squeamish_a novice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o as_o mr._n rushworth_n nephew_n 14._o say_v frank_o and_o open_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o catholic_n piety_n and_o fortitude_n as_o to_o endure_v patient_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v revile_v or_o slight_v beside_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o convert_v who_o may_v be_v too_o much_o alienate_v from_o their_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v express_v nothing_o but_o contempt_n towards_o a_o book_n which_o protestant_n and_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n till_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o popery_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o a_o high_a veneration_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o amiss_o to_o pass_v this_o formal_a compliment_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o his_o own_o religion_n will_v easy_o understand_v and_o may_v serve_v to_o catch_v the_o rest_n but_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v sect_n vi_o §_o 1._o second_o he_o come_v to_o show_v tradition_n that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n and_o first_o he_o gives_z a_o tedious_a explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o oral_a practical_a tradition_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o civil_a education_n of_o child_n they_o be_v teach_v their_o own_o and_o other_o name_n to_o write_v and_o read_v and_o exercise_v their_o trade_n so_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n first_o hear_v sound_n afterward_o by_o degree_n get_v dim_a notion_n of_o god_n christ_n saviour_n heaven_n hell_n virtue_n vice_n and_o by_o degree_n practice_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o be_v show_v to_o say_v grace_n and_o their_o prayer_n to_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o perhaps_o eye_n and_o to_o kneel_v and_o other_o posture_n afterward_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o sacrament_n some_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o order_v their_o life_n according_o and_o be_v guide_v in_o all_o this_o by_o the_o action_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o elder_a faithful_a and_o this_o go_v on_o by_o insensible_a degree_n not_o by_o leap_n from_o
to_o be_v give_v to_o history_n st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o 352._o that_o liberius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o all_o his_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v upon_o tradition_n as_o mr._n s._n speak_v coral_n 28._o turn_v arian_n and_o that_o 363._o arianism_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o ariminum_n which_o be_v a_o council_n more_o general_a than_o that_o of_o trent_n and_o that_o 364._o almost_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o the_o emperor_n be_v pollute_v by_o communion_n with_o the_o arian_n again_o that_o lucifer_n under_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n eusebius_n and_o hippatius_n be_v consul_n infidelity_n be_v subscribe_v under_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o faith_n and_o ibid._n that_o the_o whole_a world_n groan_v and_o wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o turn_v arian_n and_o he_o ibid._n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o the_o luciferian_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o who_o have_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n because_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v themselves_o orthodox_n be_v so_o exceed_o small_a for_o say_v he_o the_o synod_n of_o nice_a which_o consist_v of_o above_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n receive_v eight_o arian_n bishop_n who_o they_o may_v have_v cast_v out_o without_o any_o great_a loss_n to_o the_o church_n i_o wonder_v then_o how_o some_o and_o those_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n can_v think_v that_o three_o confessor_n viz._n athanasius_n hilarius_n eusebius_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o so_o many_o and_o such_o excellent_a person_n do_v voluntary_o it_o seem_v arianism_n have_v prevail_v very_o far_o when_o st._n hierom_n can_v not_o name_v above_o three_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v preserve_v themselves_o untainted_a with_o it_o again_o 3._o arius_n in_o alexandria_n be_v at_o first_o but_o one_o spark_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o present_o extinguish_v it_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n which_o devour_v the_o whole_a world_n gregory_n nazianzen_n 21._o likewise_o tell_v we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o arian_n heresy_n seize_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n he_o ask_v 25._o where_o be_v those_o that_o define_v the_o church_n by_o multitude_n and_o despise_v the_o little_a flock_n &_o c_o and_o this_o heresy_n be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n for_o from_o its_o first_o rise_v which_o happen_v in_o the_o 20_o the_o year_n of_o constantine_n it_o continue_v as_o joh._n abbas_n maurit_fw-la have_v calculate_v it_o 266_o year_n and_o the_o pelagian_a heresy_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v bradwardine_n one_o of_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n against_o it_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n prevail_v as_o much_o as_o arianism_n as_o the_o say_a author_n complain_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n dei_fw-la that_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v run_v after_o pelagius_n into_o error_n will_n mr._n s._n now_o say_v that_o in_o the_o height_n of_o these_o heresy_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v firm_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n if_o he_o say_v they_o do_v let_v he_o answer_v the_o express_a testimony_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o his_o demonstration_n also_o fail_v as_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n may_v fall_v off_o from_o tradition_n what_o demonstration_n can_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o lesser_a to_o do_v so_o who_o will_v say_v it_o be_v in_o reason_n impossible_a that_o a_o thousand_o person_n shall_v relinquish_v tradition_n though_o nine_o hundred_o of_o they_o have_v already_o do_v it_o and_o though_o the_o remainder_n be_v no_o otherwise_o secure_v from_o do_v so_o than_o those_o be_v who_o have_v actual_o relinquish_v it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o this_o which_o he_o call_v a_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la be_v no_o such_o thing_n because_o every_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la must_v be_v from_o cause_n which_o be_v necessary_a whereas_o his_o demonstration_n be_v from_o voluntary_a cause_n so_o that_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o voluntary_a cause_n be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o company_n of_o man_n to_o err_v who_o have_v every_o one_o of_o they_o freewill_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o liable_a to_o passion_n and_o mistake_n §_o 5._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o whole_a discourse_n about_o the_o original_a and_o progress_n of_o heresy_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n in_o several_a age_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o confutation_n of_o his_o own_o demonstration_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o he_o offer_v in_o that_o discourse_n to_o prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o he_o foresee_v it_o liable_a to_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o 65._o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o some_o contingency_n shall_v have_v place_n where_o a_o whole_a species_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o suffice_v that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n not_o be_v to_o continue_v long_o than_o mankind_n its_o only_a subject_n do_v and_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v as_o efficacious_a as_o the_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n before_o explicate_v and_o reflect_v that_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n than_o their_o faith_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o contingency_n in_o any_o particular_n where_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v put_v in_o all_o because_o as_o he_o say_v true_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v can_v but_o produce_v its_o effect_n suppose_v then_o constant_a cause_n lay_v in_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o actual_a will_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o contingency_n to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v tell_v a_o lie_n nay_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v any_o such_o contingency_n shall_v be_v suppose_v cause_n actual_o cause_v man_n always_o to_o speak_v truth_n second_o it_o be_v far_o from_o truth_n that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o whereas_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o strength_n of_o these_o cause_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o preserve_v faith_n because_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n i_o hope_v no_o body_n that_o have_v read_v the_o innumerable_a complaint_n which_o occur_v in_o their_o own_o historian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o credible_a of_o their_o own_o writer_n of_o more_o than_o one_o age_n concern_v the_o general_a viciousness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o monk_n will_v he_o overforward_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o who_o debar_v themselves_o of_o lawful_a marriage_n do_v abstain_v from_o those_o unlawful_a pleasure_n §_o 6._o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o impudent_a than_o what_o he_o add_v that_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v far_o more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n than_o their_o faith_n do_v any_o history_n confirm_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o any_o age_n give_v over_o propagate_a their_o kind_n but_o history_n do_v confirm_v that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v fall_v off_o to_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n and_o consequent_o as_o he_o suppose_v do_v desert_n and_o renounce_v tradition_n do_v ever_o whole_a nation_n and_o vast_a territory_n of_o the_o world_n
live_v better_a than_o the_o people_n for_o the_o bishop_n be_v grow_v negligent_a of_o the_o duty_n of_o their_o place_n etc._n etc._n in_o a_o word_n man_n run_v themselves_o headlong_o into_o all_o vice_n and_o all_o flesh_n have_v corrupt_v its_o way_n and_o far_o to_o show_v the_o great_a neglect_n of_o priest_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o work_n of_o teach_v and_o instruction_n which_o be_v so_o necessary_a to_o the_o preserve_n of_o tradition_n inviolable_a i_o will_v add_v the_o testimony_n of_o one_o sacerdot_n who_o live_v in_o those_o time_n who_o tell_v we_o that_o in_o those_o day_n the_o priest_n and_o bishop_n who_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v the_o pillar_n of_o the_o church_n be_v so_o negligent_a that_o they_o do_v not_o mind_v the_o divine_a scripture_n nor_o take_v any_o care_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v scholar_n that_o may_v succeed_v they_o as_o we_o read_v holy_a man_n have_v use_v to_o do_v who_o leave_v many_o scholar_n perfect_o instruct_v to_o be_v their_o successor_n if_o they_o have_v only_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n all_o may_v have_v be_v well_o enough_o but_o it_o seem_v they_o take_v no_o care_n to_o instruct_v people_n in_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n nor_o to_o furnish_v the_o church_n with_o a_o new_a generation_n of_o able_a teacher_n who_o may_v deliver_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n this_o last_o testimony_n the_o late_a learned_a lord_n primate_n of_o jerland_n bishop_n usher_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr christian._n eccles._n success_n etc._n etc._n 3_o where_o several_a of_o the_o testimony_n i_o have_v produce_v with_o many_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n may_v be_v see_v cite_v out_o of_o a_o m._n s._n in_o bennet_n college_n library_n in_o cambridg_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o which_o m._n s._n there_o need_v be_v no_o dispute_n between_o mr._n s._n and_o i_o because_o the_o whole_a force_n and_o effect_n of_o this_o testimony_n be_v sufficient_o contain_v in_o those_o citation_n which_o i_o have_v bring_v out_o of_o public_a and_o unquestionable_a book_n §_o 4._o all_o these_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v produce_v be_v in_o general_a and_o for_o the_o substance_n of_o they_o confirm_v by_o two_o of_o the_o great_a prop_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n bellarmine_n and_o baronius_n bellarmine_n 12._o say_v of_o this_o ten_o age_n that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o either_o more_o unlearned_a or_o more_o unhappy_a baronius_n 900._o speak_v more_o particular_o what_o be_v then_o the_o face_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n how_o deform_v when_o whore_n no_o less_o powerful_a than_o vile_a bear_v the_o chief_a sway_n at_o rome_n and_o at_o their_o pleasure_n change_v see_v appoint_a bishop_n and_o which_o it_o be_v horrible_a to_o mention_v do_v thrust_v into_o st._n peter_n see_v their_o own_o gallant_n false-popes_n who_o will_v not_o have_v be_v mention_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o roman_a pope_n but_o only_o for_o the_o more_o distinct_a record_v of_o so_o long_a a_o succession_n of_o time_n and_o a_o little_a after_o christ_n be_v then_o it_o seem_v in_o a_o very_a deep_a sleep_n and_o which_o be_v worse_a when_o the_o lord_n be_v thus_o asleep_a there_o be_v no_o disciple_n to_o awaken_v he_o be_v themselves_o all_o fast_o asleep_a what_o kind_n of_o cardinal_n presbyter_n and_o deacon_n can_v we_o think_v be_v choose_v by_o these_o monster_n when_o nothing_o be_v so_o natural_a as_o for_o every_o one_o to_o propagate_v his_o own_o likeness_n it_o be_v very_o much_o that_o these_o lewd_a woman_n and_o their_o favourite-popes_n cardinal_n and_o bishop_n who_o then_o sway_v the_o church_n shall_v when_o they_o be_v so_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o soul_n be_v so_o tender_a of_o the_o salvation_n of_o posterity_n and_o when_o they_o administer_v all_o other_o affair_n of_o the_o church_n so_o extravagant_o shall_v be_v so_o careful_a of_o the_o main_a chance_n as_o to_o transmit_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a to_o succeed_a age_n yet_o mr._n s._n have_v demonstrate_v this_o a_o posteriori_fw-la which_o seem_v so_o very_o strange_a to_o a_o man_n that_o consider_v thing_n a_o priori_fw-la §_o 5._o but_o it_o may_v be_v this_o dismal_a state_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n last_v but_o a_o little_a while_n and_o she_o do_v in_o the_o same_o age_n before_o tradition_n can_v be_v interrupt_v recover_v herself_o out_o of_o this_o degenerate_a condition_n i_o will_v therefore_o inquire_v a_o little_a into_o the_o state_n of_o succeed_a time_n and_o i_o find_v in_o the_o thirteen_o century_n st._n bernard_n 1_o complain_v that_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o the_o priest_n be_v in_o his_o day_n great_a than_o ever_o we_o can_v say_v he_o now_o say_v as_o be_v the_o people_n so_o be_v the_o priest_n for_o the_o people_n be_v not_o so_o bad_a as_o their_o priest_n in_o the_o fifteen_o century_n nic._n de_fw-fr clemangiis_fw-la who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n write_v a_o book_n upon_o this_o argument_n of_o the_o corrupt_a state_n of_o the_o church_n by_o which_o we_o may_v make_v some_o judgement_n whether_o in_o that_o age_n it_o be_v as_o mr._n s._n say_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v entire_o preserve_v and_o faithful_o and_o diligent_o teach_v he_o say_v 3._o there_o be_v a_o universal_a degeneracy_n in_o the_o church_n from_o the_o very_a head_n of_o it_o to_o its_o low_a member_n in_o the_o same_o chapter_n he_o complain_v who_o be_v there_o that_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o people_n who_o show_v they_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n either_o by_o word_n or_o action_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v a_o great_a failure_n both_o of_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n again_o 5._o speak_v of_o the_o pope_n take_v to_o himself_o the_o collation_n of_o all_o vacant_a bishopric_n and_o dignity_n he_o say_v one_o may_v think_v the_o pope_n do_v this_o that_o the_o church_n may_v be_v provide_v of_o worthy_a governor_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o their_o life_n do_v not_o the_o thing_n itself_o declare_v the_o contrary_a and_o that_o ignorant_a and_o useless_a person_n provide_v they_o have_v money_n be_v by_o simony_n advance_v to_o the_o high_a degree_n in_o the_o church_n and_o 6._o speak_v what_o a_o vast_a number_n of_o candidate_n there_o be_v usual_o at_o rome_n from_o all_o part_n wait_v for_o benefice_n and_o dignity_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o many_o of_o these_o do_v not_o come_v from_o their_o study_n or_o from_o school_n of_o learning_n to_o govern_v parish_n but_o from_o the_o blow_n and_o from_o the_o mean_a profession_n and_o that_o they_o understand_v latin_a and_o arabic_a much_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o many_o of_o they_o can_v not_o read_v at_o all_o but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v he_o their_o manner_n be_v such_o as_o may_v be_v some_o excuse_n for_o their_o ignorance_n no_o though_o their_o learning_n be_v but_o little_a their_o virtue_n be_v less_o for_o be_v bring_v up_o in_o idleness_n they_o follow_v nothing_o but_o debauchery_n and_o sport_n etc._n etc._n hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o in_o all_o place_n there_o be_v so_o many_o wicked_a and_o wretched_a and_o ignorant_a priest_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o priest_n be_v so_o contemn_v by_o the_o common_a people_n former_o the_o priesthood_n be_v high_o honour_v by_o the_o people_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o venerable_a than_o that_o order_n of_o man_n but_o now_o nothing_o be_v more_o vile_a and_o despicable_a 9_o i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v now_o more_o thief_n and_o robber_n than_o true_a pastor_n in_o the_o church_n 11._o why_o shall_v any_o man_n now_o flatter_v himself_o with_o hope_n of_o preferment_n because_o of_o his_o virtue_n or_o learning_n man_n do_v not_o now_o as_o former_o rise_v in_o the_o church_n by_o such_o art_n 13_o which_o of_o those_o that_o be_v now_o adays_o advance_v to_o the_o pontifical_a dignity_n have_v so_o much_o as_o perfunctory_o read_v or_o hear_v or_o learn_v the_o scripture_n yea_o or_o ever_o touch_v any_o more_o than_o the_o cover_n of_o the_o bible_n again_o 14_o speak_v of_o the_o prodigious_a covetousness_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o the_o gross_a neglect_n of_o their_o flock_n they_o will_v say_v he_o much_o more_o content_o bear_v the_o loss_n of_o ten_o thousand_o soul_n than_o of_o ten_o or_o twelve_o shilling_n but_o why_o do_v i_o say_v more_o content_o when_o without_o the_o least_o trouble_n or_o disturbance_n to_o themselves_o they_o can_v bear_v the_o loss_n of_o soul_n a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o their_o care_n that_o it_o never_o enter_v into_o their_o thought_n have_v the_o heretic_n of_o those_o day_n but_o have_v wit_n enough_o and_o a_o little_a money_n they_o may_v it_o seem_v for_o a_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 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do_v not_o remain_v the_o write_n of_o other_o brethren_n much_o more_o ancient_a than_o victor_n be_v time_n etc._n etc._n in_o the_o book_n of_o all_o who_o christ_n divinity_n be_v acknowledge_v and_o afterward_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o these_o heretic_n do_v change_v and_o corrupt_v the_o scripture_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o their_o opinion_n so_o mr._n s._n tell_v we_o that_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v correct_v by_o tradition_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n st._n hierom_n also_o tell_v we_o 19_o that_o the_o heretic_n be_v wont_a to_o say_v we_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o wise_a who_o do_v from_o the_o beginning_n deliver_v down_o to_o we_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n but_o he_o add_v that_o the_o true_a son_n of_o judah_n adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n §_o 4._o that_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o all_o thing_n necessary_a st._n chrysostome_n 4._o all_o thing_n in_o the_o divine_a scripture_n be_v plain_a and_o straight_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v necessary_a be_v manifest_a st._n austin_n have_v speak_v of_o the_o profoundness_n of_o scripture_n add_v 3._o not_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v so_o hard_a to_o be_v come_v at_o but_o say_v he_o when_o one_o have_v there_o attain_v faith_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o pious_a and_o right_a live_n there_o be_v beside_o many_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a thing_n etc._n etc._n again_o ibid._n the_o manner_n of_o speech_n in_o scripture_n how_o easy_a be_v it_o to_o all_o though_o few_o can_v penetrate_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o those_o thing_n which_o it_o plain_o contain_v it_o speak_v without_o disguise_n like_o a_o familiar_a friend_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a how_o will_v mr._n s._n reconcile_v this_o with_o his_o grand_a exception_n against_o scripture_n and_o what_o these_o thing_n be_v which_o be_v plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n the_o same_o father_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o in_o these_o word_n 9_o among_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n all_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v which_o comprehend_v faith_n and_o good_a manner_n the_o same_o st._n austin_n as_o also_o clement_n in_o the_o book_n which_o mr._n white_a quote_v for_o the_o understanding_n of_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n direct_v we_o not_o to_o tradition_n but_o to_o the_o plain_a text_n without_o which_o he_o express_o say_v 5._o there_o will_v be_v no_o way_n to_o understand_v they_o §_o 5._o that_o scripture_n be_v so_o plain_a as_o to_o be_v fit_a to_o determine_v controversy_n justin_n sure_o think_v so_o when_o dispute_v with_o trypho_n concern_v a_o point_n wherein_o the_o jew_n have_v tradition_n on_o his_o side_n he_o tell_v he_o he_o will_v bring_v such_o proof_n to_o the_o contrary_a as_o no_o man_n can_v gainsay_v attend_v say_v he_o to_o what_o i_o shall_v recite_v out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n proof_n which_o need_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v but_o only_o to_o be_v hear_v mr._n white_a may_v have_v find_v likewise_o much_o to_o this_o purpose_n in_o his_o clement_n but_o not_o to_o tire_v my_o reader_n in_o a_o point_n which_o the_o ancient_n abound_v with_o i_o shall_v only_o produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o constantine_n 7._o in_o that_o solemn_a oration_n of_o he_o to_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a wherein_o he_o bewail_v their_o mutual_a opposition_n especial_o in_o divine_a thing_n concern_v which_o they_o have_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n record_v in_o write_v for_o say_v he_o the_o book_n of_o the_o evangelist_n and_o apostle_n and_o the_o oracle_n of_o the_o old_a prophet_n do_v evident_o teach_v we_o what_o we_o ought_v to_o think_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n therefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o seditious_a contention_n let_v we_o determine_v the_o matter_n in_o question_n by_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o divine_a write_n not_o a_o word_n of_o any_o other_o tradition_n but_o scripture_n which_o be_v hold_v evident_a enough_o in_o those_o day_n though_o now_o mr._n s._n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o decide_v that_o controversy_n about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ._n §_o 6._o last_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n irenaeus_n 1._o the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n we_o have_v not_o know_v by_o any_o other_o but_o those_o man_n by_o who_o the_o gospel_n come_v to_o we_o which_o then_o they_o preach_v but_o afterward_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v it_o to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v for_o the_o future_a the_o foundation_n and_o pillar_n of_o our_o faith_n st._n cyprian_n the_o church_n have_v ever_o hold_v a_o good_a catholic_n yet_o mr._n s._n 314._o take_v notice_n that_o he_o err_v in_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o perhaps_o the_o rather_o because_o mr._n rushworth_n 13._o have_v tell_v he_o that_o he_o be_v not_o they_o in_o this_o controversy_n for_o say_v he_o st._n cyprian_n seem_v to_o think_v that_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v make_v into_o scripture_n and_o not_o into_o tradition_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o accept_v of_o this_o of_o courtesy_n from_o he_o nor_o yet_o whole_o to_o despise_v it_o i_o shall_v offer_v this_o one_o testimony_n instead_o of_o many_o out_o of_o that_o father_n who_o be_v oppose_v with_o a_o argument_n from_o tradition_n demand_n 74._o whence_o have_v you_o that_o tradition_n come_v it_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o of_o the_o gospel_n or_o from_o the_o epistle_n of_o the_o apostle_n for_o god_n testify_v that_o we_o be_v to_o do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v etc._n etc._n if_o it_o be_v command_v in_o the_o gospel_n or_o contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n or_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n then_o let_v we_o observe_v it_o as_o a_o divine_a and_o holy_a tradition_n hilary_n constant_n commend_v constantius_n the_o emperor_n for_o regulate_v his_o faith_n only_o according_a to_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v write_v and_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o deserve_v this_o commendation_n he_o add_v he_o who_o refuse_v this_o be_v antichrist_n and_o who_o dissemble_v in_o it_o be_v anathema_n donat._n optatus_n concern_v the_o controversy_n with_o the_o donatist_n ask_v who_o shall_v be_v judge_n and_o answer_v himself_o the_o scripture_n which_o he_o illustrate_v by_o the_o similitude_n of_o a_o father_n who_o deliver_v his_o will_n oral_o to_o his_o child_n while_o he_o be_v live_v but_o when_o he_o be_v die_v cause_v it_o to_o be_v write_v in_o last_a table_n to_o decide_v all_o controversy_n that_o may_v happen_v among_o they_o after_o his_o death_n the_o passage_n be_v large_a and_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o apply_v it_o basil_n maintain_v the_o doxology_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o his_o day_n say_v 7._o thus_o we_o receive_v it_o from_o our_o father_n but_o add_v immediate_o this_o be_v not_o enough_o for_o we_o that_o it_o be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n for_o they_o follow_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n make_v its_o testimony_n the_o principle_n upon_o which_o they_o build_v he_o have_v indeed_o in_o the_o same_o book_n 27._o a_o passage_n much_o insist_v on_o by_o the_o papist_n concern_v unwritten_a tradition_n but_o withal_o he_o say_v those_o tradition_n be_v secret_o convey_v which_o make_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o no_o use_n to_o mr._n s._n chrysostom_n 5._o have_v mention_v several_a heresy_n direct_v how_o they_o may_v be_v avoid_v viz._n by_o attend_v to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v and_o look_v upon_o all_o that_o disagree_v from_o that_o as_o adulterate_a for_o say_v he_o as_o those_o who_o give_v rule_n do_v not_o put_v man_n upon_o a_o curious_a enquiry_n after_o many_o measure_n but_o bid_v they_o keep_v to_o the_o rule_n give_v so_o be_v it_o in_o opinion_n but_o no_o body_n will_v attend_v to_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o do_v we_o shall_v not_o only_o not_o fall_v into_o error_n ourselves_o 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and_o if_o so_o notwithstanding_o whatever_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 than_o the_o immediate_o precede_v do_v for_o let_v we_o but_o suppose_v that_o 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 not_o possible_a that_o age_n which_o first_o embrace_v 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 faith_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o a_o mere_a oral_a tradition_n let_v mr._n s._n then_o 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 shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o or_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o those_o book_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 though_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o still_o oral_a tradition_n be_v whole_o rely_v on_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v free_o grant_v that_o mr._n s._n have_v attempt_v something_o towards_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n but_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o principle_n 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 for_o a_o new_a invention_n to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o take_v away_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n do_v proceed_v upon_o this_o 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this_o a_o excellent_a agreement_n among_o they_o when_o mr._n white_a and_o his_o party_n not_o only_o disow_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o romanist_n say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o this_o lodge_v in_o pope_n and_o council_n that_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v this_o be_v dangerous_a seditious_a heretical_a person_n according_o their_o book_n be_v censure_v at_o rome_n their_o opinion_n dispute_v against_o and_o their_o person_n condemn_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o these_o stick_v together_o like_o two_o smooth_a marble_n as_o faithful_a though_o they_o be_v knock_v one_o against_o another_o as_o discourser_n and_o 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take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o let_v he_o see_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v about_o it_o i_o begin_v to_o understand_v he_o so_o well_o by_o this_o appendix_n that_o i_o can_v give_v myself_o a_o reasonable_a account_n why_o he_o think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o meddle_v with_o any_o other_o part_n of_o my_o book_n but_o if_o mr._n s._n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o answer_v any_o of_o the_o testimony_n i_o there_o produce_v 244._o unless_o i_o single_v they_o out_o and_o print_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o answer_n i._n e._n remove_v they_o from_o that_o evidence_n which_o attend_v they_o in_o the_o series_n of_o the_o discourse_n i_o can_v only_o say_v he_o be_v the_o most_o imperious_a answerer_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o who_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n but_o on_o his_o own_o unreasonable_a term_n thus_o hearty_o wish_v mr._n s_n science_n as_o great_a as_o his_o opinion_n of_o it_o and_o a_o 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