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book_n doctrine_n faith_n scripture_n 3,083 5 5.9043 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

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itself_o to_o omit_v here_o that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n not_o to_o question_v tradition_n he_o maintain_v continuance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o traditionary_a point_n that_o it_o contribute_v to_o strengthen_v they_o more_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n doctrine_n spread_v by_o time_n and_o so_o the_o sway_n of_o tradition_n descent_n be_v ample_a beside_o that_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o continuance_n establish_v its_o title_n to_o possession_n and_o make_v it_o hainouser_n to_o revolt_v from_o it_o and_o effect_n show_v our_o discourse_n true_a for_o there_o be_v more_o variety_n of_o heresy_n that_o be_v renouncer_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o any_o 400_o year_n since_o nor_o that_o we_o may_v use_v a_o familiar_a instance_n in_o human_a tradition_n do_v i_o conceive_v any_o man_n live_v more_o 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interpretation_n and_o human_a wit_n be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v faith_n or_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a point_n between_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n and_o we_o three_o they_o shall_v observe_v it_o frequent_v in_o father_n to_o force_v heretic_n to_o accept_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o those_o who_o give_v they_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o very_o frequent_a to_o sense_n that_o letter_n even_o when_o dark_a by_o tradition_n but_o never_o to_o bend_v tradition_n to_o the_o outward_a show_v the_o scripture_n letter_n seem_v to_o bear_v as_o interpret_v by_o human_a skill_n or_o to_o say_v universal_a tradition_n be_v insufficient_a or_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o interpret_v come_v to_o clear_a or_o assist_v it_o last_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v hold_v scripture_n thus_o interpretable_a the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o heretic_n against_o who_o they_o write_v hold_v it_o they_o and_o so_o have_v they_o hold_v scripture_n thus_o interpret_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v not_o have_v hold_v they_o heretic_n since_o they_o adhere_v stiff_o to_o that_o rule_n or_o root_n of_o faith_n however_o they_o may_v err_v in_o many_o particular_a tenet_n not_o to_o repeat_v how_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v urter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n letter_n this_o do_v all_o the_o testimony_n for_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n lose_v their_o edge_n that_o be_v if_o my_o discourse_n also_o hold_v the_o test_n it_o will_v appear_v by_o way_n of_o fact_n as_o it_o do_v before_o by_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n against_o tradition_n so_o that_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o show_v that_o our_o church_n at_o present_a ground_n her_o faith_n on_o tradition_n as_o former_o which_o do_v it_o follow_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o forego_v discourse_n be_v but_o a_o explication_n of_o our_o church_n sense_n 16._o to_o know_v our_o church_n sense_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v not_o fetch_v our_o testimony_n from_o private_a author_n as_o be_v the_o protestant_n mode_n when_o they_o will_v affix_v any_o thing_n upon_o she_o but_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o her_o own_o live_a voice_n pronounce_v in_o her_o late_a famous_a representative_a the_o council_n of_o trent_n where_o in_o every_o session_n definitive_a of_o faith_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v tradition_n either_o in_o most_o express_a or_o equivalent_a term_n as_o session_n 4_o the_o holy_a synod_n clear_o see_v that_o this_o truth_n and_o discipline_n christ_n doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a book_n and_o tradition_n without_o writing_n which_o receive_v by_o the_o apostle_n from_o christ_n own_o mouth_n or_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o hand_n per_fw-la manus_fw-la traditae_fw-la have_v come_v down_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o also_o the_o tradition_n both_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o dictate_v oral_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o conserve_v by_o continval_n succession_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n &c._n &c._n session_n 5._o the_o holy_a council_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n §_o 4._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o ever_o diffuse_v have_v always_o understand_v it_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n session_n 6._o it_o profess_v to_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o holy_a ghost_n suggest_v perpetual_o or_o interrupt_o retain_v session_n 7._o the_o holy_a synod_n adhere_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o council_n and_o father_n session_n 13._o the_o sound_n 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same_o session_n concern_v extreme_a unction_n allege_v s._n james_n his_o text_n it_o add_v by_o which_o word_n as_o the_o church_n have_v learned_a by_o tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n he_o teach_v etc._n etc._n and_o can._n 3._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n can._n 6._o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o observe_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v observe_v etc._n etc._n session_n 21._o chap._n 1._o the_o council_n profess_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 2._o it_o declare_v that_o this_o power_n have_v perpetvally_o be_v in_o the_o church_n session_n 22._o that_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n may_v be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n ibid._n cap._n 1._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v and_o teach_v chap._n 1._o according_a to_o apostolical_a tradition_n session_n 23_o holy_a write_n show_v it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o teach_v it_o chap._n 2._o they_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n session_n 24._o the_o holy_a father_n council_n and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v and_o speak_v of_o some_o error_n it_o pronounce_v they_o different_a from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o the_o custom_n approve_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n session_n 25._o the_o catholic_n church_n instruct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v out_o of_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n traditam_fw-la deliver_v from_o the_o first_o or_o primitive_a time_n of_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n more_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v find_v in_o this_o session_n and_o to_o close_v up_o all_o in_o their_o acclamation_n they_o use_v this_o
manifest_v by_o reason_n take_v from_o thing_n or_o man_n mind_n natural_o and_o if_o we_o discourse_v against_o those_o who_o grant_v the_o excellency_n of_o the_o first-preached_n doctrine_n supernatural_o affect_v or_o qualify_v as_o he_o see_v i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o my_o discourse_n 29._o so_o much_o for_o our_o way_n now_o for_o you_o who_o see_v not_o first_o how_o word_n as_o interpretable_a be_v its_o subject_n and_o if_o in_o the_o method_n you_o take_v to_o work_v upon_o they_o you_o lie_v one_o principle_n which_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o principle_n i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o be_v of_o mr._n stillingfleet_n persuasion_n he_o see_v in_o my_o transition_n our_o way_n lay_v open_a either_o let_v he_o acknowledge_v it_o solid_a or_o remember_v have_v provoke_v we_o he_o be_v challenge_v to_o produce_v something_o for_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o begin_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o approve_v itself_o solider_fw-la than_o we_o but_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a their_o cause_n can_v endure_v the_o trial_n of_o that_o clear_n method_n that_o i_o fear_v not_o either_o mr._n stillingfleet_n or_o any_o protestant_a writer_n of_o the_o least_o prudence_n will_v dare_v to_o attempt_v it_o 30._o will_v you_o see_v one_o example_n of_o our_o superficialness_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n solidness_n he_o give_v you_o both_o in_o his_o next_o word_n p._n 620._o and_o assure_v the_o reader_n we_o will_v prove_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n by_o such_o a_o argument_n as_o will_v prove_v the_o world_n ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la how_o strange_o wide_a he_o rove_v from_o the_o mark_n our_o argument_n run_v thus_o beginning_n à_fw-la priori_fw-la cause_n be_v lay_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n heavenly_a doctrine_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o conveyance_n down_o by_o testify_v to_o make_v its_o delivery_n continue_v hitherto_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la thus_o 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do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o make_v and_o so_o eternal_a in_o return_n i_o must_v first_o profess_v there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o it_o parallel_n to_o our_o medium_n and_o at_o next_o that_o i_o never_o see_v in_o my_o life_n more_o absurdity_n couch_v in_o so_o few_o word_n for_o first_o he_o shall_v have_v begin_v the_o present_a age_n have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n it_o be_v ever_o or_o have_v allege_v some_o other_o effect_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o argue_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n before_o or_o a_o cause_n 2_o lie_v he_o wrong_o suppose_v a_o belief_n in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n ever-existence_n say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v 4_o lie_v the_o word_n nor_o they_o in_o they_o false_o suppose_v a_o continuance_n of_o belief_n upward_o of_o the_o world_n eternity_n 5_o lie_v he_o say_v not_o whether_o this_o belief_n be_v found_v on_o eyesight_n at_o first_o or_o opinion_n if_o the_o late_a it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o parallel_v to_o our_o case_n if_o the_o former_a than_o he_o must_v suppose_v some_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la 6_o lie_v the_o word_n and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la suppose_v this_o belief_n do_v go_v on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la which_o put_v it_o be_v beyond_o question_n and_o place_v in_o the_o very_a term_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a 7_o lie_v his_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o word_n thus_o for_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v be_v manifold_o faulty_a for_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a argument_n and_o as_o such_o inconsequent_a since_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v make_v whether_o any_o have_v see_v it_o or_o not_o again_o the_o first_o man_n may_v have_v know_v it_o certain_o to_o have_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o have_v see_v it_o make_v or_o no._n and_o last_o it_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o it_o shall_v parallel_v for_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n thus_o qualify_v first_o put_v its_o existence_n see_v and_o thence_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v universal_o or_o else_o we_o take_v a_o present-belief_n of_o its_o then-existence_n as_o ever_o receive_v by_o testify_v neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o correspondence_n with_o his_o ramble_a chimerical_a argument_n no_o two_o piece_n of_o which_o hang_v together_o with_o themselves_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o 31._o he_o say_v he_o can_v evidence_n the_o alteration_n of_o faith_n i_o wish_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o first_o what_o a_o evidence_n mean_v whether_o a_o strong_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o demonstration_n only_o which_o can_v excuse_v he_o or_o not_o believe_v the_o former_a age_n attest_v his_o first_o proof_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n incomparable_o argue_v why_o see_v we_o not_o the_o place_n do_v it_o evident_o speak_v of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o universal_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v some_o heretic_n but_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n be_v it_o universal_a do_v it_o suppose_v this_o degeneracy_n already_o past_a which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o your_o purpose_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v that_o be_v do_v it_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o faith_n before_o the_o year_n 1664_o alas_o he_o have_v forget_v this_o yet_o for_o such_o wretched_a proof_n as_o these_o baptize_v god_n word_n have_v they_o leave_v the_o evidently-attested_n doctrine_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o former_a church_n his_o next_o evidence_n be_v his_o own_o performance_n in_o some_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n true_o the_o miserableness_n of_o these_o evidence_n disinvite_v i_o from_o think_v the_o other_o worth_a a_o serious_a thought_n but_o if_o perhaps_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o testimony_n among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o coincident_a with_o some_o of_o dr._n pierce_n faulty_a one_o let_v he_o single_a it_o out_o and_o print_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o rejoynder_n to_o this_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a answer_n from_o i_o or_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a finis_fw-la the_o head_n first_o discourse_n show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n what_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 1._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 12._o three_o discourse_n that_o the_o three_o next_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 22._o four_o discourse_n that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 33._o five_o discourse_n show_v the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it._n p._n 41._o six_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à_fw-la priori_fw-la the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n p._n 57_o seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a p._n 65._o eight_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la the_o vninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o p._n 75._o nine_o discourse_n open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n p._n 81._o corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n p._n 95._o consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 126._o transition_n to_o the_o appendix_n p._n 157._o first_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n p._n 167_o second_v appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 179._o three_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 201._o
sure-footing_a in_o christianity_n or_o rational_a discourse_n on_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n with_o short_a animadversion_n on_o dr_n pierce_n sermon_n also_o on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr_n whitby_n and_o m_o stillingfleet_n which_o concern_v that_o rule_n ecce_fw-la nos_fw-la ex_fw-la patribus_fw-la ad_fw-la patres_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la traditam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la demonstravimus_fw-la athanasius_n by_o i._n s._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1665._o to_z the_o queen_n madam_n though_o the_o faith_n i_o write_v for_o be_v far_o more_o firm_o establish_v then_o heaven_n and_o earth_n themselves_o as_o the_o world_n great_a master_n have_v by_o his_o own_o word_n assure_v we_o and_o so_o need_v no_o support_n but_o its_o own_o invincible_a strength_n yet_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o my_o reason_n that_o nothing_o so_o clear_v and_o recommend_v religion_n to_o the_o generality_n as_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o eminent_a devotion_n of_o they_o that_o 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court_n be_v easy_o see_v but_o where_o be_v the_o star_n in_o this_o perplexity_n madam_n it_o please_v the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n to_o relieve_v i_o for_o as_o the_o mention_n of_o court_n bring_v immediate_o into_o my_o memory_n the_o happiness_n our_o nation_n be_v blessed_v with_o by_o your_o majesty_n residence_n among_o we_o so_o the_o contemplation_n of_o your_o exemplar_n life_n fill_v my_o soul_n with_o joy_n to_o have_v find_v at_o last_o those_o sublime_a and_o heroic_a virtue_n who_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o catholic_n religion_n be_v alone_z capable_a to_o convince_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n such_o a_o unwearied_a constancy_n in_o devotion_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o fervour_n in_o that_o constancy_n can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o a_o lukewarm_a probability_n in_o faith_n such_o frequent_a retirement_n to_o intimate_v conversation_n with_o heaven_n such_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o court-entertainment_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o hard_o such_o innocence_n and_o purity_n amid_o the_o necessary_a admittance_n of_o they_o as_o they_o all_o conspire_v to_o speak_v your_o soul_n angelical_a so_o they_o clear_o prove_v the_o vigorous_a activity_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o breed_v they_o far_o beyond_o the_o drowsy_a indifferency_n of_o a_o probable_a opinion_n thus_o madam_n while_o scholar_n but_o discourse_n you_o live_v demonstration_n permit_v i_o then_o to_o use_v not_o your_o bare_a name_n but_o your_o virtue_n as_o a_o patronage_n to_o my_o endeavour_n since_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o my_o dedicatory_a mean_v these_o for_o its_o substance_n and_o your_o temporal_a supremeness_n only_o for_o a_o circumstance_n other_o compliment_n while_o they_o dedicate_v i_o argue_v all_o the_o while_n nor_o intend_v i_o this_o for_o a_o far_o display_v of_o your_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o already_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o breed_v a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n on_o they_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o against_o who_o i_o write_v and_o other_o well-meaning_a but_o mislead_v person_n this_o advantage_n your_o majesty_n and_o the_o practical_a prover_n of_o catholic_n faith_n have_v above_o we_o speculater_n that_o your_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a argument_n for_o it_o while_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o expect_v season_n and_o wait_v opportunity_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n have_v offer_v to_o appear_v have_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n late_o print_v against_o catholic_n religion_n make_v it_o my_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n with_o all_o my_o little_a power_n to_o defend_v it_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v i_o most_o humble_o lay_v at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n and_o remain_v madam_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n i._n s._n preface_n to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n 1._o he_o be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o science_n who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o settle_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o affair_n be_v of_o main_a import_n towards_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o particular_a because_o if_o such_o a_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o settle_v the_o whole_a discourse_n as_o rely_v on_o that_o principle_n for_o its_o certainty_n must_v needs_o waver_v and_o stagger_v reflect_v on_o this_o plain_a truth_n and_o withal_o on_o the_o manner_n how_o very_a many_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o say_v most_o controversy_n be_v manage_v that_o be_v by_o debate_v much_o about_o diverse_a conclusion_n but_o very_o little_a about_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n i_o can_v wonder_v if_o dispute_v come_v slow_o to_o a_o end_n when_o few_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o right_o begin_v another_o mischief_n and_o even_a despair_n of_o entire_a satisfaction_n spring_v from_o hence_o that_o see_v all_o dispute_v suppose_n a_o agreement_n between_o the_o disputer_n in_o some_o acknowledge_a principle_n i_o much_o fear_v while_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o this_o fashion_n this_o requisite_a be_v want_v to_o the_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n controvertist_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o protestant_n from_o his_o heart_n hold_v witness_n the_o book_n of_o their_o most_o extol_v champion_n and_o even_o the_o 39_o article_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n certain_a and_o convictive_a nor_o even_o scripture_n always_o as_o to_o its_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v it_o for_o they_o pretend_v infallible_a certainty_n of_o none_o of_o these_o much_o less_o do_v the_o catholic_n agree_v that_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o citation_n from_o father_n not_o speak_v as_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o settle_v the_o true_a or_o overthrow_v a_o false_a or_o pretend_a faith_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o each_o antagonist_n permit_v the_o other_o to_o frame_v his_o discourse_n upon_o these_o ground_n 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author_n and_o touch_v not_o at_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o without_o some_o evident_a principle_n to_o establish_v or_o overthrow_v it_o hover_v in_o its_o pure_a neutral_a condition_n of_o be_v as_o to_o assent_n or_o dissent_n just_o a_o bare_a say_n and_o no_o more_o 2._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o controversy_n be_v not_o more_o look_v into_o and_o clear_v appear_v to_o i_o evident_o this_o that_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n and_o her_o faith_n see_v which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o maintainer_n of_o error_n that_o to_o begin_v with_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o science_n and_o therefore_o absolute_o destructive_a of_o their_o interest_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o lay_v any_o such_o principle_n and_o instead_o of_o this_o apply_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n to_o airy_a descant_n upon_o word_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o art_n as_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o give_v they_o any_o determinate_a sense_n by_o which_o craft_n the_o way_n
as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n which_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n can_v hold_v nothing_o or_o have_v no_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o church_n must_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o ignorant_a and_o undiscerning_a person_n which_o will_v make_v her_o little_a better_o than_o a_o congregation_n of_o fanatic_n 15._o especial_o the_o church_n have_v many_o adversary_n skill_v in_o natural_a science_n who_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o oppose_v she_o all_o they_o can_v and_o conquer_v she_o too_o can_v they_o take_v any_o just_a advantage_n against_o she_o and_o no_o great_a advantage_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v gain_v or_o more_o deadly_a wound_n to_o be_v give_v she_o than_o to_o prove_v her_o faith_n uncertain_a which_o be_v do_v by_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o at_o once_o enervate_v her_o government_n vilify_v her_o sacrament_n weaken_v all_o the_o motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n which_o she_o propose_v and_o by_o consequence_n quite_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o rather_o this_o make_v manifest_a by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n perpetual_o and_o on_o all_o side_n besiege_v we_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v it_o utter_o and_o last_o make_v christian_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o high_a mystery_n above_o their_o reason_n upon_o uncertain_a ground_n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o the_o only_a safeguard_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v place_v in_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v make_v therefore_o and_o ordain_v to_o ascertain_v faith_n that_o it_o it_o have_v in_o it_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o end_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n absolute_o certain_a that_o 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down_o to_o we_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n teach_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o thing_n close_o to_o a_o judge_a power_n be_v perform_v by_o certify_v it_o which_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o it_o &_o become_v a_o intimate_a act_n of_o that_o power_n whereas_o uncertainty_n can_v only_o admit_v it_o to_o swim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o bare_a proposal_n or_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o probability_n not_o have_v weight_n enough_o of_o motive_n to_o settle_v deep_a into_o its_o solid_a substance_n which_o be_v cognoscitive_a and_o so_o become_v there_o a_o fix_a judgement_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o merit_n be_v incomparable_o advantage_v by_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o it_o this_o rule_n then_o must_v be_v 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most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n §_o 15._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o §_o 6._o 15_o 16._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 5_o 11_o 13_o 14._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o have_v attain_v so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o by_o particular_a mark_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o know_v it_o when_o we_o meet_v it_o especial_o not_o have_v a_o great_a crowd_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o single_a it_o out_o the_o pretender_n to_o that_o title_n be_v very_o few_o and_o indeed_o but_o two_o be_v own_v namely_o tradition_n and_o scripture_n though_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o it_o the_o private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n testimony_n of_o father_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v hold_v the_o ascertainer_n of_o scripture_n sense_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o place_n among_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v those_o which_o be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o relier_n on_o they_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o but_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v scripture_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n scripture_n that_o book_n not_o yet_o sence_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sence_v that_o be_v such_o and_o such_o character_n in_o a_o book_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o assure_o god_n mind_n or_o ascertain_v they_o of_o their_o faith_n for_o abstract_v from_o the_o sense_n or_o actual_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a leave_v but_o those_o character_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v it_o this_o understand_v let_v we_o apply_v now_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o scripture_n letter_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o will_v fit_v 3._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o occurr_n be_v its_o existence_n or_o a_o est_fw-la that_o be_v whether_o those_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v god_n word_n be_v indeed_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v of_o which_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a the_o very_o rude_a sort_n can_v be_v certain_a by_o self-evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v easy_o evidenceable_a to_o those_o doubter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o the_o vulgar_a by_o any_o skill_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o even_o to_o more_o curious_a and_o speculative_a scarcher_n but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o 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 beside_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v solve_v ere_o they_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a nature_n of_o the_o letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v and_o so_o worthy_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o clear_a to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o the_o matter_n know_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v
but_o that_o christ_n promise_v his_o church_n infallibility_n be_v not_o thus_o self-evident_a but_o needs_o other_o knowledge_n to_o evidence_n it_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v all_o come_v by_o inspiration_n beside_o if_o god_n providence_n lay_v in_o second_o cause_n for_o tradition_n indeficiency_n be_v not_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n abstract_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o faithful_a tradition_n can_v never_o convey_v certain_o that_o promise_n to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v assure_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n letter_n ascertain_v only_o by_o imagine_a diligence_n from_o copy_n to_o copy_n not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v that_o letter_n can_v not_o be_v certain_a its_o self_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o ascertain_v other_o till_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v establish_v antecedent_o and_o be_v it_o suppose_v a_o true_a letter_n this_o letter_n tradition_n be_v as_o yet_o suppose_v unknown_a to_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v down_o certain_o christ_n sense_n must_v be_v interpret_v only_o by_o private_a skill_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n veracity_n that_o be_v all_o mankind_n salvation_n must_v be_v build_v on_o that_o private_a interpretation_n private_a i_o say_v for_o in_o that_o supposition_n till_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o that_o point_n be_v interpret_v certain_o true_o the_o church_n veracity_n or_o power_n to_o interpret_v it_o true_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v which_o beside_o the_o common_a rule_n that_o no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n be_v particular_o and_o high_o faulty_a in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o will_v make_v our_o fundamental_a of_o fundamental_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n rely_v on_o such_o a_o private_a interpretation_n moreover_o to_o say_v tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v certain_a because_o christ_n promise_v it_o put_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v not_o see_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n to_o say_v in_o common_a such_o a_o effect_n be_v wrought_v because_o it_o be_v god_n will_n which_o give_v no_o account_n of_o that_o particular_a effect_n but_o only_o say_v something_o in_o common_a wherefore_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v see_v not_o believe_v a_o controversial_a divine_a aught_o to_o make_v it_o see_v that_o be_v aught_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o indeficiency_n by_o intrinsical_v medium_n or_o dependence_n on_o proper_a cause_n it_o signisy_n therefore_o no_o more_o in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n to_o say_v christ_n promise_v than_o in_o natural_a science_n to_o answer_v to_o every_o question_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v a_o proper_a cause_n that_o god_n will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o good_a say_n for_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v also_o the_o other_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o a_o competent_a principle_n either_o for_o philosopher_n or_o controvertist_n consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 1._o thus_o far_o reason_n let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v second_v by_o authority_n and_o first_o by_o the_o scripture_n 2._o for_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o way_n to_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n c._n 35._o v._n 8._o this_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o a_o direct_a way_n so_o that_o fool_n can_v err_v in_o it_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a or_o self-evident_a else_o fool_n may_v possible_o err_v in_o it_o in_o case_n it_o need_v any_o skill_n of_o discourse_n and_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n 3._o now_o what_o this_o self-evident_a rule_n be_v be_v most_o expressive_o declare_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n c._n 59_o v._n 21._o speak_v of_o god_n favour_n intend_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o for_o ever_o here_o we_o see_v god_n promise_n to_o perpetuate_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o on_o what_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o oral_a tradition_n or_o deliver_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o teach_v not_o by_o scan_v a_o book_n put_v in_o their_o hand_n we_o see_v it_o promise_v also_o that_o this_o tradition_n shall_v be_v indefectible_a or_o uninterrupted_a and_o last_o that_o his_o spirit_n or_o sanctity_n be_v both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v continue_v ever_o with_o she_o which_o be_v so_o she_o must_v needs_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v incomparable_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o this_o effect_n of_o perpetuate_a christ_n doctrine_n by_o tradition_n 4._o as_o pithy_a and_o home_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n c._n 31._o i_o will_v give_v my_o law_n in_o their_o bowel_n and_o i●_n their_o heart_n will_v i_o write_v it_o and_o still_o more_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n contradistinguish_v the_o law_n of_o grace_n from_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o this_o that_o the_o late_a be_v write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n the_o former_a in_o the_o fleshy_a table_n of_o man_n heart_n both_o as_o express_v as_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o send_v we_o for_o our_o faith_n to_o live_a sense_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o mere_a dead_a letter_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o tradition_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o natural_a way_n imaginable_a to_o write_v they_o there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v note_v the_o word_n heart_n which_o in_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n not_o of_o mee●_n speculative_a knowledge_n as_o be_v the_o word_n brain_n which_o intimate_v the_o practical_a nature_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o it_o imprint_n christ_n law_n and_o convey_v it_o down_o by_o christian_a carriage_n and_o action_n not_o by_o speculative_a scan_v the_o significativeness_n of_o character_n in_o a_o book_n note_v also_o the_o word_n fleshy_a which_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v christ_n law_n be_v through_o the_o affect_v the_o soul_n by_o her_o inferior_a part_n consider_v she_o as_o she_o be_v a_o virtue_n of_o understanding_n that_o be_v by_o sensation_n which_o make_v strong_a and_o plain_a impression_n in_o mankind_n according_a to_o their_o material_a part_n and_o so_o force_v into_o they_o natural_a knowledge_n whence_o thing_n thus_o imprint_v be_v apt_a to_o settle_v themselves_o solid_o and_o even_o sink_v deep_o into_o the_o most_o material_a gross_a and_o vulgar_a understanding_n quite_o contrary_a to_o which_o in_o all_o regard_v be_v the_o way_n of_o beginning_n with_o read_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v certain_o letter_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v 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bishop_n we_o have_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o we_o hold_v this_o catholic_n tradition_n faith_n and_o confession_n and_o the_o seven_o general_n council_n in_o its_o second_n act._n we_o imbue_v with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o father_n have_v so_o confess_v and_o do_v confess_v in_o the_o three_o we_o receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o act_n give_v their_o final_a determination_n they_o declare_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n we_o walk_v in_o the_o king's-high-way_n regiam_fw-la viam_fw-la incedentes_fw-la and_o rely_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o holy_a and_o divine_a father_n and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n define_v etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v general_a council_n that_o be_v the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n rely_v on_o the_o teach_v of_o
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by_o the_o assertion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n in_o both_o place_n he_o he_o make_v the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a bishop_n and_o conspire_a people_n continue_v down_o to_o these_o day_n that_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a or_o tradition_n the_o most_o grave_a authority_n apt_a to_o ascertain_v we_o and_o cause_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o make_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o build_v its_o strength_n as_o we_o also_o do_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o asserter_n or_o testifier_n of_o its_o descent_n also_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n the_o faithful_a say_v he_o do_v possess_v persevere_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n common_a to_o little_a and_o great_a in_o the_o church_n where_o every_o word_n be_v emphatical_a that_o the_o church_n voice_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v common_a to_o learued_a and_o unlearned_a that_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o acute_a discourser_n and_o yet_o understandable_a by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a last_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o and_o that_o persevere_o or_o unshaken_o which_o show_v it_o self-evident_a else_o both_o the_o unlearned_a at_o least_o may_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o it_o see_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 14._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n it_o be_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v who_o enjoy_v this_o tradition_n or_o what_o point_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o by_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n must_v we_o not_o run_v to_o private_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o or_o at_o least_o to_o library_n of_o book_n write_v in_o all_o former_a age_n to_o see_v if_o perhaps_o their_o author_n might●have_v dream_v of_o our_o now_o difficulty_n and_o then_o prophesy_v we_o a_o satisfaction_n so_o express_v and_o ample_a that_o no_o cavil_n can_v avoid_v it_o no_o we_o have_v manifest_a certainty_n of_o it_o other_o 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establish_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o first_o he_o ascend_v and_o confound_v novelty_n or_o heresy_n by_o show_v that_o the_o priority_n of_o what_o they_o leave_v argue_v it_o to_o have_v be_v ever_o or_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o true_a and_o then_o prove_v and_o manifest_o too_o that_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v find_v establish_v that_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o all_o his_o former_a doctrine_n run_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n at_o present_a which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o express_a in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o same_o heretic_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o be_v at_o this_o present_a day_n profess_v for_o such_o in_o their_o church_n so_o that_o he_o send_v we_o not_o to_o volume_n of_o history_n and_o other_o writer_n which_o if_o tradition_n can'fail_v be_v of_o no_o authority_n to_o find_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a or_o primitive_a tradition_n or_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o deliver_v but_o only_o to_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o have_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a procedure_n in_o case_n their_o hold_v now_o a_o thing_n deliver_v be_v not_o argumentative_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v ever_o which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o my_o proof_n a_o posteriori_fw-la for_o the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o argument_n lose_v its_o force_n by_o tract_n of_o time_n or_o the_o long-continuance_n of_o the_o church_n peter_n chrysologus_fw-la in_o his_o 85._o sermon_n secure_v we_o from_o that_o danger_n a_o christian_a mind_n know_v not_o how_o to_o bring_v into_o dispute_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n and_o even_o ipsis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la by_o time_n