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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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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 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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
one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10_o 11._o of_o our_o former_a discourse_n as_o want_v self-evidence_n of_o its_o existence_n easy_a evidenceableness_n of_o its_o rule_v virtue_n and_o power_n to_o establish_v and_o satisfy_v at_o least_o unlearned_a doubter_n 4._o second_o be_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n leave_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a how_o many_o those_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v secure_o be_v put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o which_o it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o either_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o mankind_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o faithful_a but_o look_v to_o come_v to_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v by_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o 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in_o such_o a_o particular_a wherefore_o scripture_n letter_n falter_v still_o in_o the_o primary_n most_o necessary_a and_o essential_a condition_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 6._o four_o be_v it_o evident_a that_o the_o right_n original_a or_o true_a copy_n of_o it_o be_v preserve_v indefective_a yet_o very_a few_o that_o be_v only_o those_o who_o be_v perfect_a in_o those_o ancient_a language_n can_v arrive_v to_o the_o understanding_n so_o much_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o mankind_n must_v come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o translation_n and_o ere_o they_o can_v think_v it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n they_o must_v know_v it_o be_v right_o translate_v for_o which_o because_o they_o have_v no_o skill_n in_o those_o language_n themselves_o they_o must_v rely_v on_o the_o translator_n skill_n concern_v who_o sufficiency_n of_o understanding_n to_o be_v able_a to_o translate_v uner_o right_a and_o honesty_n of_o will_n or_o true_a intention_n to_o 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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 or_o be_v it_o grant_v these_o man_n err_v not_o nor_o themselves_o in_o overlook_v they_o yet_o the_o same_o difficulty_n occurr_v concern_v the_o former_a printer_n care_n if_o the_o former_a copy_n be_v print_v or_o the_o scrivener_n if_o manuscript_n which_o escape_v the_o view_n of_o our_o now-liver_n except_o we_o will_v examine_v they_o again_o from_o impression_n to_o impression_n or_o from_o copy_n to_o copy_n by_o other_o more_o ancient_a and_o still_o let_v we_o run_v as_o high_a as_o we_o will_v the_o same_o difficulty_n pursue_v we_o to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v that_o the_o printer_n corrector_n or_o transcriber_n may_v hap_v to_o be_v knave_n and_o either_o be_v heretic_n themselves_o or_o bribe_v by_o heretic_n who_o manner_n it_o be_v ever_o to_o make_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n their_o weapon_n they_o can_v wish_v no_o great_a advantage_n than_o to_o 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frenzy_n to_o deny_v it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o some_o of_o these_o defect_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o skill_n in_o history_n but_o it_o be_v quick_o reply_v that_o then_o none_o can_v be_v secure_a of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v faith_n unless_o skilled_a in_o history_n or_o know_v â—hose_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o withal_o unbyast_o who_o â—hey_n converse_v with_o nay_o without_o know_v that_o those_o man_n know_v certain_o the_o historian_n who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hearsay_n for_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o other_o either_o extant_a or_o perish_v now_o how_o few_o of_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a â—ay_v even_o of_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o prudent_a man_n which_o make_v up_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n i_o may_v say_v of_o very_o good_a scholar_n can_v judge_v of_o these_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o then_o be_v their_o 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former_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o natural_a and_o civil_a knowledge_n action_n and_o convenience_n to_o this_o age_n which_o the_o formeâ—_n enjoy_v and_o so_o forward_o to_o succeed_a generation_n by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o method_n without_o need_v book_n or_o new_a skill_n mere_o to_o perform_v this_o effect_n of_o continue_v and_o preserve_v the_o former_a age_n as_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o add_v now_o to_o this_o that_o this_o continuation_n go_v not_o by_o long_a leap_n from_o age_n to_o age_n or_o from_o twenty_o year_n to_o twenty_o but_o from_o year_n to_o year_n nay_o month_n to_o month_n &_o even_o less_o according_a as_o the_o new_a offspring_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o practise_v and_o then_o reflect_v on_o this_o whole_a course_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o tradition_n or_o immediate_a delivery_n as_o exercise_v in_o civil_a matter_n and_o human_a convenience_n 3._o we_o want_v nothing_o 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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 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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 iâ—_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 meeâ—_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 a_o kind_n of_o speculation_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o she_o be_v understanding_n be_v artificial_a both_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o character_n the_o skill_n in_o read_v and_o high_a skill_v requisite_a to_o sense_n they_o with_o certainty_n 5._o after_o scripture-verdict_n succeed_v next_o in_o order_n those_o of_o council_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n leave_v multitude_n of_o other_o the_o first_o synod_n of_o lateran_n we_o all_o confirm_v unanimous_o and_o consequent_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n the_o tenet_n and_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n add_v nothing_o subtract_v nothing_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v we_o quae_fw-la tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la by_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v so_o as_o the_o father_n have_v believe_v we_o preach_v so_o as_o they_o have_v teach_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n in_o its_o encyclical_a send_v to_o all_o catholic_n 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
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 doubt_n now_o of_o mahomet_n or_o julius_n caesar_n existence_n than_o within_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o they_o live_v 15._o a_o few_o note_n well_o weigh_v will_v strengthen_v the_o force_n of_o these_o allegation_n which_o even_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o look_v very_o favourable_o on_o our_o cause_n i_o mind_v my_o reader_n then_o first_o that_o almost_o every_o citation_n allege_v be_v of_o council_n or_o father_n speak_v direct_o against_o heretic_n that_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o put_v they_o to_o declare_v what_o fix_v they_o catholic_n and_o what_o make_v the_o other_o heretic_n second_o that_o though_o some_o father_n and_o council_n speak_v high_o of_o scripture_n as_o that_o it_o contain_v all_o faith_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v mark_v whether_o they_o speak_v of_o scripture_n sence_v or_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sencâ—t_o and_o if_o the_o late_a by_o who_o or_o whether_o any_o father_n say_v that_o scripture_n wrought_v upon_o by_o private_a 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 and_o sincere_a doctrine_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v ever_o keep_v and_o will_v ever_o keep_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o for_o so_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n most_o open_o have_v profess_v and_o yet_o again_o cap._n 3._o this_o faith_n be_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n so_o cap._n 4._o it_o be_v ever_o hold_v in_o god_n church_n more_o such_o like_a expression_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o session_n but_o to_o proceed_v session_n 14._o chap._n 1._o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o father_n ever_o understand_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 5._o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o teach_v nor_o hold_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 5._o the_o universal_a church_n ever_o understand_v that_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 7._o it_o be_v ever_o hold_v in_o god_n church_n chap._n 8._o it_o be_v perpetvally_o commend_v by_o our_o father_n to_o christian_a people_n no_o catholic_n ever_o hold_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o 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believe_v the_o forego_n especial_o in_o a_o matter_n carry_v along_o with_o it_o such_o powerful_a recommend_v and_o this_o out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n as_o that_o the_o preserve_n and_o hold_v to_o it_o will_v bring_v they_o infinite_a good_n and_o the_o alter_v it_o infinite_a harm_n thus_o it_o go_v on_o and_o while_o it_o go_v on_o thus_o that_o be_v while_o this_o rule_n be_v follow_v it_o be_v self-evident_a no_o heresy_n can_v ever_o be_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o whence_o by_o the_o way_n if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difficulty_n in_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o case_n the_o next_o age_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o former_a tradition_n will_v still_o be_v follow_v and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v self-evident_a no_o heretic_n can_v be_v than_o it_o need_v no_o proof_n they_o have_v such_o a_o obligation_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a there_o be_v a_o obligation_n for_o man_n not_o to_o be_v heretic_n 23._o well_o but_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n arise_v 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principle_n in_o any_o science_n deserve_v not_o â—ay_n can_v in_o reason_n abstract_v from_o circumstance_n be_v discourse_v with_o at_o all_o in_o that_o science_n nor_o they_o in_o controversy_n this_o will_v force_v they_o to_o lay_v some_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o produce_v these_o two_o advantage_n one_o to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v get_v into_o a_o method_n of_o conclude_v something_o with_o evidence_n the_o other_o to_o catholic_n religion_n for_o â—twill_v be_v find_v impossible_a their_o reason_n strain_v to_o its_o utmost_a can_v invent_v any_o other_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o of_o tradition_n 5._o this_o will_v clear_o shorten_v our_o debate_n and_o save_v the_o laborious_a transcribe_v and_o print_v volume_n of_o testimony_n by_o bring_v conrroversy_n to_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o first_o authority_n must_v needs_o be_v manifest_v by_o pure_a reason_n but_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o 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will_v give_v principle_n to_o distinguish_v those_o citation_n by_o and_o to_o secure_v as_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n whence_o clear_a victory_n will_v accrue_v to_o truth_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o her_o ingenuous_a seeker_n not_o that_o i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o catholic_n writer_n of_o the_o testimonial_a strain_n carry_z 4_o strong_a force_n of_o conviction_n with_o they_o but_o i_o see_v thâ—â—â—_n while_o the_o solid_a testimony_n be_v not_o distinguish_v and_o sole_o insist_v on_o but_o run_v mix_v with_o other_o of_o less_o force_n by_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o weaken_v their_o own_o i_o see_v also_o that_o they_o want_v their_o effect_n upon_o the_o protestant_n by_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o first_o press_v to_o admit_v that_o evident_a principle_n on_o which_o their_o strength_n be_v build_v and_o which_o once_o settle_v they_o be_v irresistible_a 7._o the_o settle_v then_o the_o
blot_v wear_v out_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o 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 for_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n make_v nature_n the_o mean_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o settle_v strong_a and_o unalterable_a than_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n whatever_o put_v then_o scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n and_o that_o all_o its_o significativeness_n of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v all_o its_o virtue_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v lose_v if_o the_o material_a character_n its_o basis_n be_v destroy_v or_o alter_v who_o see_v not_o a_o very_a disorderly_a proceed_n in_o lay_v so_o weak_a mean_n in_o such_o immediateness_n to_o so_o main_a a_o end_n and_o conclude_v not_o thence_o that_o faith_n rule_n ought_v in_o right_a reason_n have_v a_o better_a basis_n than_o such_o perishable_a and_o alterable_a element_n 3._o reflect_v next_o on_o those_o material_a character_n 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 we_o shall_v find_v that_o either_o those_o cause_n be_v material_a and_o then_o themselves_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o continual_a alteration_n and_o innumerable_a contingency_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v man_n mind_n now_o these_o be_v the_o noble_a piece_n in_o nature_n and_o free_v in_o part_n from_o physical_a mutability_n by_o their_o immateriality_n we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n hope_n for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o constancy_n from_o they_o than_o from_o any_o other_o and_o indeed_o for_o a_o perfect_a unalterableness_n from_o their_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v truth_n a_o inerrableness_n 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 otherwise_o their_o very_a createdness_n and_o finitness_n entitle_v they_o to_o defectibility_n beside_o their_o obnoxiousness_n to_o mutation_n and_o perpetual_a alteration_n through_o the_o alloy_n of_o their_o material_a compart_n i_o call_v it_o due_a proposal_n when_o it_o must_v necessary_o affect_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o beget_v natural_a knowledge_n or_o when_o unequivocal_a term_n be_v so_o immediate_o and_o orderly_o lay_v that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v as_o necessary_o be_v see_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v both_o be_v and_o notbe_a at_o once_o by_o a_o mind_n inure_v to_o reflection_n and_o speculation_n and_o i_o call_v that_o due_a care_n which_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o temper_n as_o permit_v the_o object_n impression_n to_o be_v heed_v and_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o 4._o this_o premise_a we_o may_v reflect_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v proud_a disc._n 1._o §_o 4_o 5_o 10_o 11._o must_v be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o not_o only_o to_o speculator_n as_o also_o that_o object_n of_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o the_o first_o be_v thing_n in_o nature_n or_o else_o simple_a vulgar_a action_n and_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o if_o oft_o repeat_v and_o familiarize_v be_v unmistakable_a and_o consequent_o the_o perceiver_n inerrable_a in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o be_v such_o action_n as_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v up_o of_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o several_a particularity_n to_o be_v observe_v every_o of_o which_o may_v be_v mistake_v apart_o each_o be_v a_o distinct_a little_a action_n in_o its_o single_a self_n such_o as_o be_v the_o transcribe_v a_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o such_o miriads_o of_o word_n single_a letter_n and_o tittle_n or_o stop_v and_o the_o several_a action_n of_o write_v over_o each_o of_o these_o so_o short_a and_o cursory_a that_o it_o prevent_v 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or_o exactness_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o especial_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o letter_n they_o build_v christian_a faith_n if_o the_o multitude_n of_o letter_n commaes_n blotting_n or_o illegibleness_n of_o the_o original_n like-appearance_n of_o letter_n and_o even_o whole_a word_n in_o in_o the_o book_n like-sounding_a in_o the_o ear_n or_o fancy_n of_o the_o transcriber_n possibility_n of_o misplace_v omit_v insert_v etc._n etc._n do_v administer_v very_o fruitful_a occasion_n to_o human_a overâ—ight_n if_o the_o more_o copy_n be_v take_v the_o more_o the_o error_n be_v like_a to_o grow_v and_o the_o far_o from_o correct_v if_o experience_n testify_v no_o such_o exact_a diligence_n have_v be_v former_o use_v by_o the_o diverse_a readins_n of_o several_a copy_n now_o extant_a and_o thousand_o of_o correction_n which_o have_v late_o be_v make_v of_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n the_o most_o universal_o currant_n perhaps_o of_o any_o other_o what_o can_v we_o say_v but_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n these_o principle_n afford_v scripture_n letter_n may_v be_v uncertain_a in_o every_o tittle_n not_o withstand_v the_o diligence_n which_o have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v use_v to_o preserve_v it_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v it_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o way_n i_o say_v who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n write_v in_o christian_n heart_n the_o rule_n for_o the_o corrector_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o but_o the_o mere_a letter_n of_o a_o formeâ—_n and_o god_n know_v controvertible_a copy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o transcription_n and_o by_o which_o only_a the_o examination_n be_v make_v what_o certainty_n accrue_v to_o scripture_n letter_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n in_o each_o age_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o enquiry_n 6._o now_o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n significativeness_n which_o be_v the_o other_o branch_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evident_a that_o it_o be_v unattainable_a by_o the_o vulgar_a that_o be_v the_o better_a half_n of_o mankind_n since_o they_o be_v unfurnish_a of_o those_o art_n and_o skill_n as_o language_n grammar_n logic_n history_n metaphysic_n divinity_n etc._n etc._n requisite_a to_o establish_v and_o render_v certain_a the_o sense_n they_o conceive_v the_o letter_n ought_v to_o bear_v without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o a_o acute_a scholar_n skilled_a in_o those_o mean_n will_v be_v able_a to_o blunder_v they_o and_o make_v a_o seem_n clear_a one_o of_o his_o own_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o see_v eminent_a wit_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o socinian_o make_v use_n of_o the_o selfsame_a and_o as_o they_o conceive_v the_o best_a
they_o which_o breed_v a_o certain_a awe_n in_o they_o beforehand_o prepare_v their_o mind_n to_o more_o reverence_n for_o the_o future_a afterward_o grow_v up_o they_o come_v acquaint_v with_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n the_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 the_o action_n or_o carriage_n of_o the_o circumstant_fw-la church_n and_o elder_n faithful_a guide_v the_o young_a notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o yet-undigested_n metaphor_n in_o which_o dialect_n faith_n be_v deliver_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n to_o several_a sort_n of_o virtue_n by_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o word_n as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n prayer_n adoration_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o concomitant_a or_o subservient_fw-fr virtue_n to_o these_o and_o the_o more_o intelligent_a who_o understanding_n be_v clear_v by_o study_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o learnede_a sort_n of_o forefather_n to_o do_v out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o reflection_n what_o other_o do_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o by_o mere_a belief_n or_o guidance_n of_o other_o and_o this_o go_v on_o by_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o last_o the_o teacher_n die_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o room_n a_o new_a swarm_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o as_o to_o christian_a life_n that_o be_v practise_v the_o same_o external_a action_n which_o determine_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v be_v inure_v to_o and_o since_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n be_v instill_a from_o their_o infancy_n and_o serious_a hold_v consequent_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o action_n that_o be_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o former_a age._n and_o this_o go_v on_o not_o by_o leap_n from_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o a_o hundred_o or_o from_o twenty_o to_o twenty_o but_o by_o half-year_n to_o half-year_n nay_o month_n to_o month_n and_o even_o less_o according_a as_o the_o young_a brood_n of_o eaglet_n make_v to_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o his_o full_a glory_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o have_v their_o tender_a eye_n acquaint_v first_o with_o the_o dawn_n afterward_o with_o the_o common_a daylight_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 5._o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v this_o look_n like_o a_o speculation_n only_o and_o not_o to_o see_v plain_o that_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o ten_o thousand_o experement_n every_o day_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o primitive_a faithful_n be_v inure_v to_o christianity_n ere_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v or_o communicate_v or_o how_o themselves_o though_o protestant_n or_o presbyterian_o be_v first_o imbue_v with_o christian_a principle_n ere_o they_o can_v read_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v mere_o by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n nay_o more_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o very_a 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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 now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o 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a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a witâ—_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffiâ—â—_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v 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they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d stick_v to_o grant_v that_o either_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o foresee_v more_o will_n be_v expect_v from_o a_o pretender_n to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v frame_v his_o discourse_n from_o intrinsical_v medium_n reflect_v then_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o before_o explicate_v we_o shall_v observe_v that_o it_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n the_o flower_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n by_o reflect_a thought_n or_o speculation_n amid_o the_o misty_a vapour_n exhale_v by_o his_o passion_n predominant_a over_o his_o rational_a will_n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o 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none_o of_o the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o of_o they_o building_n on_o scripture_n letter_n be_v certain_a disc._n 2._o 3_o 4._o without_o tradition_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o company_n have_v any_o principle_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o that_o be_v either_o of_o constitution_n or_o self-preservation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n all_o the_o loud_a outcry_n then_o make_v common_o against_o that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n callâ—d_n roman-catholick_n for_o account_v itself_o only_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o her_o claim_n rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n till_o it_o be_v show_v by_o evident_a discourse_n that_o the_o other_o pretender_n have_v some_o other_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o know_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o than_o this_o of_o tradition_n now_o produce_v and_o explicate_v upon_o which_o she_o proceed_v and_o by_o which_o she_o consist_v 12._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v disc._n 4._o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n without_o tradition_n this_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v certain_a ere_o the_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v rational_o hold_v such_o and_o consequent_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v hold_v uncertain_a while_o tradition_n be_v think_v â—it_n to_o be_v argue_v against_o that_o be_v while_o its_o certainty_n be_v doubt_v of_o wherefore_o since_o none_o can_v argue_v solid_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n none_o ought_v to_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 13._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n against_o tradition_n first_o because_o in_o reality_n tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n material_o with_o the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v so_o ample_a that_o it_o include_v all_o imaginable_a authority_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o a_o church_n second_o because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o generate_a faith_n tradition_n formal_o take_v be_v antecedent_n to_o disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o and_o so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n work_v by_o formal_a and_o abstract_a notion_n its_o notion_n must_v be_v presuppose_v and_o its_o certainty_n establish_v before_o the_o notion_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consequent_o of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o church_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a whence_o they_o will_v argue_v very_o preposterous_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o oppose_v church_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o think_v to_o establish_v the_o house_n by_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n 14._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n or_o council_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o former_a corol._n 13._o in_o regard_n neither_o of_o these_o have_v any_o authority_n but_o as_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o determine_v certain_o what_o be_v a_o father_n or_o council_n disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o till_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o faithful_a that_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o tradition_n be_v certain_o establish_v 15._o no_o disacknowledger_n of_o tradition_n be_v in_o due_a of_o reason_n but_o in_o courtesy_n only_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n father_n or_o council_n for_o since_o want_v tradition_n they_o have_v certainty_n of_o none_o of_o those_o as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o disacknowledge_v tradition_n while_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o thing_n themselves_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o condescendence_n and_o courtesy_n in_o catholics_n to_o let_v they_o run_v forward_o descant_v with_o wordish_a discourse_n on_o those_o testimony_n after_o their_o raw_a manner_n since_o they_o may_v just_o take_v their_o advantage_n against_o they_o and_o show_v they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o ground_n can_v never_o make_v good_a to_o they_o as_o be_v tertullian_n smart_n and_o solid_a way_n de_fw-fr praescr_n haeret._n c._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n who_o deny_v the_o church_n which_o will_v save_v many_o a_o airy_a confuse_a discourse_n about_o word_n unapt_a to_o evidence_n any_o thing_n satisfactory_o nor_o can_v the_o right_a of_o a_o opponent_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la licence_n they_o to_o claim_v this_o favour_n from_o our_o controvertist_n in_o regard_n we_o never_o hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n hammer_v upon_o by_o criticism_n and_o such_o pretty_a knack_n of_o human_a learning_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o way_n to_o establish_v it_o but_o only_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o consequent_o can_v we_o hold_v it_o capable_a to_o be_v prejudice_v by_o such_o endeavour_n of_o private_a wit_n though_o then_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o a_o liberty_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la against_o we_o yet_o we_o never_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o argue_v from_o it_o as_o efficacious_a either_o to_o build_v or_o evert_v faith_n but_o our_o learned_a controvertist_n ever_o hold_v direct_a contrary_n whence_o in_o case_n they_o clamour_v that_o in_o not_o follow_v their_o wild_a method_n we_o desert_n scripture_n to_o avoid_v which_o calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a i_o conceive_v one_o reason_n our_o controvertist_n general_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o they_o as_o to_o cope_v with_o they_o in_o their_o fleight_n way_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o calumny_n be_v to_o be_v make_v appear_v which_o be_v quick_o do_v not_o their_o unreasonable_a expectation_n to_o be_v satisfy_v 16._o no_o authority_n from_o any_o history_n or_o testimonial_a write_n be_v valid_a against_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o since_o falsehood_n be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o print_v as_o truth_n it_o be_v evident_a those_o book_n can_v give_v no_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o that_o what_o they_o express_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o if_o we_o say_v they_o be_v abet_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o book_n the_o same_o question_n recurr_v concern_v they_o in_o what_o age_n soever_o they_o be_v write_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o man_n or_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o convey_v down_o from_o 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so_o be_v strong_a than_o any_o dead_a testimony_n from_o the_o book_n themselves_o which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o only_o some_o great_a tradition_n or_o live_a testimony_n for_o thing_n past_a can_v in_o point_n of_o authority_n be_v pretend_v a_o equal_a match_n to_o christian_a tradition_n or_o competent_a to_o be_v alledgâ—d_v against_o it_o 17._o no_o tradition_n be_v allege_v or_o alledgeable_a in_o reason_n against_o christian_a tradition_n that_o none_o be_v alledgâ—d_v be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o catholic_n tradition_n never_o pretend_v the_o consent_n or_o constant_a sense_n of_o great_a multitude_n derive_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o live_a voice_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n former_a tradition_n be_v relinquish_v new_a faith_n introduce_v or_o the_o old_a faith_n change_v or_o abolish_v but_o only_o odd_a end_n or_o scrap_n of_o history_n or_o other_o dead_a testimony_n according_a as_o they_o light_v on_o some_o passage_n which_o seem_v favourable_a to_o they_o or_o may_v
be_v render_v interpretable_a that_o way_n whence_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o mind_n as_o man_n about_o the_o time_n when_o any_o change_n be_v make_v nay_o some_o of_o their_o best_a champion_n dr_n whitaker_n and_o mr_n powel_n profess_v the_o time_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n change_n can_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o who_o or_o at_o what_o time_n the_o enemy_n do_v sow_v the_o papist_n doctrine_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o decline_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o tradition_n against_o we_o and_o the_o very_a way_n of_o derive_v down_o oral_o and_o practical_o since_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o matter_n of_o fact_n work_v on_o their_o sense_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o recur_n to_o pitiful_a shred_n and_o fragment_n oâ—_n word_n utter_o unauthorise_v if_o the_o tradition_n for_o that_o book_n goodness_n can_v fail_v and_o if_o catholic_n tradition_n which_o in_o its_o source_n be_v so_o large_o extend_v visible_a and_o practicable_a by_o all_o can_v falter_v ten_o thousand_o time_n more_o easy_o may_v the_o tradition_n for_o any_o particular_a book_n which_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o can_v be_v but_o of_o a_o very_a obscure_a original_a fail_v and_o deceive_v we_o now_o that_o no_o tradition_n be_v alledgeable_a against_o we_o by_o protestant_n appear_v hence_o that_o their_o immediate_a forefather_n little_o more_o than_o a_o 100_o year_n ago_o be_v catholic_n that_o be_v holder_n of_o their_o faith_n no_o novelty_n but_o uninterrupted_o descend_v can_v never_o conspire_v to_o deliver_v to_o they_o any_o such_o sense_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v alter_v her_o faith_n since_o they_o have_v the_o contrary_a sense_n write_v in_o the_o table_n of_o their_o heart_n nor_o can_v they_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o greek_a church_n for_o a_o tradition_n opposite_a to_o we_o for_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o we_o for_o they_o will_v find_v none_o such_o nor_o be_v the_o greek_a church_n progenitour_n to_o they_o here_o in_o england_n nor_o by_o consequence_n can_v they_o derive_v traditionary_o from_o they_o 18._o no_o solid_a argument_n from_o reason_n or_o intrinsical_v principle_n be_v producible_a against_o christian_a tradition_n for_o since_o argument_n if_o solid_a be_v take_v from_o thing_n or_o nature_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a tradition_n be_v build_v on_o the_o best_a nature_n that_o be_v man_n be_v not_o according_a to_o what_o be_v alterable_a in_o it_o but_o what_o be_v abstract_v from_o disease_n absolute_o unalterable_a that_o be_v on_o knowledge_n imprint_v by_o natural_a sensation_n and_o this_o knowledge_n strengthen_v and_o make_v most_o lively_a by_o the_o oft-repeatedness_a of_o those_o sensation_n and_o the_o import_n of_o the_o thing_n know_v also_o since_o most_o efficacious_a cause_n actual_o apply_v that_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o do_v the_o effect_n and_o effect_n impossible_a to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o cause_n existence_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o ever-continuance_n or_o uninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o and_o the_o force_n of_o those_o preserve_a cause_n strengthen_v by_o the_o most_o powerful_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n disc._n 9_o or_o by_o best_a grace_n superad_v to_o best_a nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o solid_a argument_n from_o reason_n shall_v be_v bring_v against_o tradition_n 19_o the_o argue_v by_o way_n of_o some_o few_o instance_n as_o the_o manner_n be_v can_v have_v no_o force_n against_o tradition_n certainty_n and_o indefectiveness_n for_o see_v a_o pretend_a instance_n of_o tradition_n fail_v be_v a_o particular_a action_n presume_v to_o be_v long_o ago_o past_a and_o particular_n out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o be_v particular_n be_v surround_v by_o a_o thousand_o individuate_a circumstance_n or_o rather_o constitute_v by_o they_o that_o be_v be_v place_v in_o the_o proper_a sphere_n of_o contingency_n and_o that_o particular_a action_n be_v put_v to_o be_v long_o ago_o past_a and_o â—o_o affect_v not_o our_o sense_n by_o experience_n in_o which_o be_v found_v the_o force_n of_o instance_n in_o regard_n experimental_a knowledge_n be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v know_v nor_o have_v we_o or_o can_v we_o have_v without_o tradition_n any_o certain_a knowledge_n coral_n 16._o that_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n pretend_v to_o have_v miscarry_v or_o to_o have_v be_v alter_v then_o or_o else_o the_o manner_n of_o express_v they_o be_v not_o mistake_v then_o or_o misrepresent_v to_o we_o now_o nor_o that_o interest_n for_o example_n of_o one_o party_n passion_n between_o both_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n slightness_n or_o confusedness_n of_o report_n ground_v the_o historian_n narration_n rashness_n of_o belief_n in_o he_o corruption_n of_o his_o book_n since_o they_o be_v write_v and_o innumerable_a other_o chance_n apt_a to_o occasion_n mistake_n do_v not_o intervene_v any_o of_o which_o will_v render_v the_o instance_n uncertain_a and_o the_o argument_n from_o it_o inconclusive_a again_o see_v we_o can_v have_v certainty_n of_o our_o own_o meaning_n of_o our_o word_n when_o we_o demonstrate_v and_o also_o of_o our_o consequence_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o way_n for_o a_o solid_a man_n to_o answer_v tradition_n pretend_a demonstrableness_n must_v be_v to_o show_v the_o incoherence_n of_o the_o term_n and_o not_o to_o bring_v some_o old_a story_n against_o it_o which_o be_v to_o produce_v uncertainty_n know_v to_o be_v such_o against_o pretend_a certainty_n and_o not_o yet_o know_v to_o be_v other_o than_o such_o nay_o who_o be_v evidence_n we_o can_v in_o reason_n deny_v till_o we_o can_v solve_v the_o connexion_n of_o term_n draw_v from_o intrinsical_a medium_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v 20._o the_o deny_v tradition_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o necessary_a disposition_n to_o fanatickness_n for_o since_o no_o argument_n take_v from_o any_o dead_a or_o write_a testimony_n coral_n 12._o 14._o 16._o nor_o live_v testimony_n of_o tradition_n coral_n 13._o 17._o nor_o from_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n coral_n 18._o that_o be_v from_o any_o thing_n without_o we_o which_o be_v a_o second_o cause_n be_v valid_a against_o tradition_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n can_v be_v deny_v but_o by_o pretend_v some_o light_n or_o knowledge_n within_o we_o derive_v from_o the_o immediate_a influence_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n to_o which_o pretence_n help_v its_o difficulty_n to_o be_v confute_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o stand_v stiff_a in_o this_o tenet_n that_o they_o see_v clear_o such_o truth_n by_o a_o inward_a light_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v their_o own_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o be_v argument_n produc-t_a open_o they_o and_o their_o confutation_n may_v be_v publish_v together_o and_o the_o truth_n will_v lie_v expose_v to_o the_o scan_n and_o decision_n of_o the_o indifferent_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v clear_v by_o a_o few_o reply_v if_o a_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_n be_v take_v wherefore_o since_o nature_n will_v easy_o teach_v the_o obstinate_a denier_n of_o any_o principle_n to_o avail_v themselves_o by_o the_o best_a plea_n they_o can_v to_o escape_v confute_v it_o be_v manifest_a that_o nature_n will_v connatural_o carry_v the_o denier_n of_o tradition_n to_o fanatic_a pranciple_n and_o that_o man_n be_v so_o long_o and_o no_o long_o preserve_v from_o fanatickness_n than_o they_o follow_v tradition_n or_o the_o open_o declare_a sense_n of_o forefather_n either_o in_o our_o church_n or_o some_o other_o congregation_n again_o tradition_n be_v the_o way_n of_o come_v to_o faith_n by_o the_o open_a use_n of_o our_o sense_n the_o deny_v it_o must_v drive_v the_o denier_n to_o deny_v that_o way_n and_o to_o recur_n to_o knowledge_n have_v some_o other_o way_n not_o to_o knowledge_n acquire_v by_o human_a skill_n the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o high_a mystery_n be_v confess_o more_o than_o human_a therefore_o to_o infuse_v knowledge_n and_o this_o not_o infuse_v by_o ordinary_a way_n as_o preach_v teach_v of_o forefather_n and_o such_o like_a as_o we_o experience_v such_o knowledge_n to_o be_v infuse_v into_o we_o for_o this_o again_o fall_v into_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n therefore_o they_o can_v only_o have_v refuge_n to_o inward_a light_n or_o knowledge_n infuse_v extraordinary_o or_o without_o connatural_a mean_n to_o make_v which_o the_o common_a road_n of_o receive_v heaven_n influence_n be_v the_o very_a definition_n of_o fanatickness_n 21._o fanatic_a principle_n can_v have_v no_o force_n against_o tradition_n though_o unconfutable_a but_o by_o it_o for_o since_o they_o pretend_v for_o their_o ground_n a_o light_n within_o imprint_v on_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o manifest_v god_n the_o author_n that_o be_v a_o effect_n
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must_v then_o be_v practice_n not_o of_o a_o subordinate_a but_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o christian_a one_o which_o can_v be_v fear_v to_o alter_v christian_a practice_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o child_n or_o the_o succeed_v age_n hold_v themselves_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o practice_n and_o tenet_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o precedent_n age._n and_o the_o affirmative_a be_v most_o evident_a in_o case_n they_o hold_v those_o tenet_n which_o principled_a those_o action_n true_a teach_v by_o christ_n and_o command_v by_o he_o as_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o those_o practice_n consequent_a if_o then_o they_o hold_v the_o deliver_v doctrine_n christ_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o to_o alter_v it_o nor_o consequent_o its_o practice_n so_o that_o our_o question_n be_v restrain_v to_o to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o the_o only_a difficulty_n now_o be_v whether_o they_o 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to_o demonstration_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n not_o to_o note_v the_o unconsonancy_n of_o this_o carriage_n i_o shall_v yield_v he_o the_o honour_n of_o profess_v he_o have_v no_o demonstration_n but_o only_a probability_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o he_o and_o to_o make_v this_o serious_a protestation_n for_o myself_o that_o i_o shall_v esteem_v myself_o very_o dishonest_a do_v i_o assert_v and_o press_v on_o other_o any_o argument_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n which_o i_o judge_v not_o evident_a that_o be_v demonstrative_a this_o i_o hope_v will_v secure_v the_o honesty_n of_o my_o intention_n however_o my_o weakness_n may_v permit_v i_o to_o fail_v in_o my_o performance_n after_o this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o forestall_v my_o reason_n for_o the_o point_n in_o these_o word_n they_o have_v understanding_n of_o another_o mould_n from_o other_o who_o can_v conceive_v it_o impossible_a that_o man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o 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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 we_o find_v a_o present_a effect_n the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n their_o faith_n descend_v uninterrupted_o from_o christ_n impossible_a to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o cause_n existence_n or_o its_o have_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v by_o christ_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o faith_n come_v from_o christ_n let_v we_o parallel_v it_o then_o to_o he_o find_v he_o any_o such_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a apt_a to_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o world_n eternity_n as_o its_o cause_n or_o cause_n lay_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o world_n apt_a to_o continue_v it_o hitherto_o if_o he_o do_v he_o must_v hold_v it_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o how_o unconsonant_n be_v his_o parallel_n he_o make_v our_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o present_a age_n see_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v nor_o they_o in_o they_o and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la for_o no_o man_n 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