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least_o doubt_n of_o a_o thing_n therefore_o i_o can_v not_o avow_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o must_v be_v allow_v argumentative_a to_o say_v i_o be_o so_o assure_v as_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a dull_a university_n that_o have_v not_o the_o wit_n to_o light_v all_o this_o while_n on_o dr._n t_n principles_n and_o way_n of_o argue_v they_o ascertain_v all_o thing_n at_o the_o first_o dash_n without_o more_o ado_n i_o have_v a_o firm_a assurance_n so_o as_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o by_o this_o new_a logic_n they_o be_v conclude_v certain_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a in_o opposition_n to_o which_o if_o you_o
and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n you_o see_v here_o gentlemen_z how_o great_a stress_n i_o lay_v upon_o dr._n t.'s_n confession_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o real_o if_o he_o clear_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o suffer_v a_o very_a great_a defeat_n because_o i_o so_o much_o build_v upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n either_o of_o be_v a_o good_a writer_n or_o a_o solid_a christian_a divine_a and_o he_o will_v owe_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o his_o doctrine_n have_v pervert_v by_o turn_v their_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n who_o ground_n and_o consequent_o itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a into_o opinion_n who_o ground_n and_o by_o consequence_n itself_o be_v 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see_v far_o into_o they_o and_o know_v better_o whether_o they_o will_v carry_v than_o those_o who_o look_v not_o so_o well_o through_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a temptation_n to_o flatter_v ourselves_o with_o our_o own_o production_n i_o think_v best_a to_o omit_v i_o be_o next_o to_o declare_v what_o reception_n it_o find_v in_o the_o world_n man_n be_v subject_a to_o several_a temper_n and_o learned_a man_n not_o exempt_a from_o the_o weakness_n of_o humanity_n candour_n and_o obstinacy_n divide_v mankind_n some_o be_v fix_v to_o nothing_o but_o reason_n and_o whenever_o that_o appear_v whether_o conformable_a or_o opposite_a to_o their_o former_a persuasion_n they_o always_o follow_v it_o strive_v to_o accommodate_v their_o judgement_n to_o reason_n not_o reason_n to_o their_o judgement_n and_o resolute_a to_o be_v of_o the_o party_n of_o reason_n of_o whatever_o party_n reason_n be_v other_o be_v so_o fix_v to_o their_o persuasion_n that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v 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the_o point_n in_o hand_n in_o a_o method_n which_o may_v be_v true_o conclusive_a and_o satisfactory_a and_o if_o he_o like_v not_o the_o way_n which_o i_o have_v propose_v i_o humble_o request_v he_o will_v assign_v any_o other_o with_o which_o provide_v he_o will_v show_v it_o be_v conclusive_a i_o shall_v be_v content_a i_o hear_v some_o query_n be_v to_o be_v antecedent_o propose_v to_o i_o either_o in_o write_v or_o in_o print_n but_o instead_o as_o i_o conceive_v thereof_o a_o personal_a conference_n be_v desire_v with_o dr._n tillotson_n and_o another_o worthy_a gentleman_n to_o which_o i_o consent_v ready_o and_o when_o we_o meet_v discourse_v free_o little_o suspect_v the_o return_n will_v prove_v so_o unsuitable_a to_o my_o open_a plainness_n the_o next_o news_n i_o hear_v be_v the_o answer_n itself_o which_o come_v forth_o under_o the_o name_n of_o dr._n tillotson_n who_o whether_o he_o foresee_v the_o unlucky_a success_n of_o a_o rigorous_a method_n or_o that_o his_o 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earnest_o with_o i_o to_o surcease_v they_o allege_v that_o unpassionate_a examiner_n might_n easy_o discover_v by_o what_o have_v be_v do_v already_o how_o frivolous_a and_o insignificant_a the_o whole_a way_n be_v which_o my_o adversary_n take_v and_o that_o another_o and_o more_o convictive_a reply_n may_v possible_o heighten_v the_o anger_n to_o fatal_a extremity_n that_o if_o i_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n i_o shall_v yet_o have_v regard_n to_o my_o friend_n and_o all_o catholic_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o a_o exception_n against_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v in_o that_o juncture_n be_v enhance_v to_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o cross_v the_o humour_n or_o interest_n of_o that_o implacable_a party_n raise_v the_o storm_n of_o the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o give_v the_o gospel-trumpeter_n occasion_n to_o sound_v out_o aloud_o papa_n ad_fw-la portas_fw-la to_o this_o be_v join_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v my_o poverty_n into_o which_o that_o persecution_n have_v drive_v i_o that_o i_o have_v write_v more_o than_o i_o be_v able_a to_o print_v in_o fine_a authority_n and_o reason_n and_o necessity_n prevail_v with_o i_o and_o i_o forbear_v to_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o to_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v finish_v but_o yet_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o settle_v so_o important_a a_o truth_n suggest_v to_o i_o a_o middle_a way_n which_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v incapable_a to_o be_v wrest_v into_o offence_n so_o i_o see_v plain_o will_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a more_o satisfactory_a i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o sermon_n which_o dr._n t._n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a a_o concession_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o very_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a i_o see_v the_o same_o sense_n often_o imply_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o p._n 1â—8_n plain_o own_a i_o perceive_v and_o know_v all_o man_n of_o insight_n must_v needs_o perceive_v with_o i_o that_o as_o this_o be_v the_o only_a material_a so_o it_o be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n and_o render_v the_o disquisition_n whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n very_o superfluous_a if_o it_o may_v be_v maintain_v it_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o for_o a_o rule_n speak_v of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o both_o of_o we_o do_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o certain_o know_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n he_o who_o say_v that_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a or_o not_o be_v a_o truth_n say_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o rule_n i_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o write_v a_o treatise_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a in_o which_o i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o head_n i_o can_v invent_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o 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rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v more_o fundamental_o overthrow_v than_o by_o show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o his_o miscalled_n faith_n have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o i_o conceive_v too_o that_o this_o be_v to_o make_v good_a the_o engagement_n into_o which_o i_o have_v enter_v to_o force_v they_o either_o to_o lay_v principle_n which_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o let_v all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o have_v none_o for_o in_o case_n they_o do_v manifest_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o must_v of_o necessity_n build_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v sustain_v such_o a_o building_n if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o judge_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o have_v none_o and_o that_o they_o know_v and_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o true_o faithful_a and_o right_a christian_n i_o see_v beside_o that_o this_o method_n permit_v i_o to_o pursue_v a_o rational_a close_a way_n of_o discourse_n without_o the_o continual_a interruption_n which_o the_o insist_v upon_o my_o adversary_n mistake_n must_v needs_o occasion_n which_o as_o it_o be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o i_o and_o more_o creditable_a to_o my_o cause_n so_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n for_o a_o particular_a answer_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v up_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o accusation_n where_o the_o answerer_n think_v it_o his_o best_a play_n to_o mistake_v all_o along_o instead_o of_o direct_a confute_v i_o can_v say_v i_o be_o in_o the_o right_n but_o i_o must_v say_v likewise_o that_o who_o say_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o either_o misunderstand_v or_o misrepresent_v and_o this_o either_o ignorant_o or_o wilful_o to_o show_v which_o be_v a_o task_n no_o more_o pleasant_a to_o the_o reader_n than_o the_o writer_n people_n be_v of_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v they_o have_v great_a reason_n that_o the_o time_n and_o pain_n spend_v in_o such_o wrangling_n may_v with_o much_o more_o advantage_n be_v employ_v in_o convince_a the_o truth_n in_o question_n last_o my_o aim_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o conclusion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v propose_v a_o conclusive_a method_n my_o adversary_n neither_o accept_v of_o i_o nor_o propose_v any_o other_o of_o his_o own_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v and_o i_o see_v that_o by_o proceed_v with_o he_o in_o his_o talk_a fashion_n the_o point_n may_v come_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o unconnected_a word_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o pursue_v my_o design_n more_o close_o and_o by_o the_o bare_a state_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o reduce_v all_o dispute_n to_o this_o short_a period_n either_o produce_v and_o vouch_v such_o ground_n for_o your_o faith_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o have_v none_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o event_n the_o way_n i_o take_v be_v not_o ill_o choose_v dr._n t._n be_v still_o able_a to_o boast_v his_o book_n be_v not_o particular_o answer_v and_o so_o uphold_v his_o credit_n with_o those_o who_o look_v not_o deep_o into_o thing_n seem_v by_o his_o silence_n well-appayed_a and_o i_o hear_v of_o no_o more_o extraordinary_a anger_n against_o i_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v content_v that_o superficial_a people_n shall_v judge_v as_o their_o wit_n serve_v they_o it_o be_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o my_o labour_n that_o intelligent_a and_o insighted_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o they_o how_o matter_n stand_v and_o into_o how_o narrow_a a_o compass_n controversy_n be_v reduce_v and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v ample_a experience_n from_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o nation_n who_o unanimous_o assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o carry_v thing_n far_o or_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o short_a method_n since_o now_o the_o whole_a cause_n depend_v upon_o one_o single_a proposition_n by_o the_o sole_a examination_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decide_v thus_o stand_v the_o controversy_n and_o thus_o for_o some_o year_n it_o rest_v for_o the_o future_a i_o intend_v when_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o write_v only_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o judge_v may_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n for_o union_n which_o as_o i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o best_a of_o work_n so_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a till_o order_v be_v first_o take_v to_o secure_v the_o absolute_a and_o immovable_a certainty_n of_o faith_n itself_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v do_v then_o by_o show_v how_o and_o which_o way_n it_o come_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o this_o calm_a i_o hear_v several_a report_n that_o the_o
of_o and_o that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o our_o right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n deserve_v to_o be_v judge_v right_o or_o good_a that_o be_v think_v well_o of_o and_o withal_o that_o virtue_n be_v a_o disposition_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o come_v to_o appear_v that_o virtue_n and_o laudable_a have_v in_o theâ—r_a notion_n something_o that_o be_v formal_o identical_a and_o that_o this_o proposition_n virtue_n be_v laudable_a be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o humane_a nature_n be_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v conclude_v and_o all_o further_a disquisition_n surcease_v §_o 22._o this_o be_v my_o method_n which_o i_o observe_v to_o my_o power_n whenever_o i_o profess_v to_o demonstrate_v only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o discourse_v in_o severe_a logical_a form_n i_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v at_o the_o very_a first_o identical_a proposition_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a cavil_n which_o use_v to_o take_v occasion_n from_o a_o definition_n be_v too_o large_a or_o too_o narrow_a to_o confound_v and_o obscure_v the_o discourse_n which_o be_v so_o i_o challenge_v dr._n t._n before_o our_o peer_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v hold_v a_o scholar_n and_o a_o honest_a man_n to_o declare_v why_o in_o his_o preface_n p._n 26._o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n without_o any_o the_o least_o proof_n that_o certain_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n be_v never_o so_o profane_v by_o any_o man_n before_o let_v he_o i_o say_v state_z the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o then_o make_v out_o in_o what_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v wrong_n either_o of_o they_o this_o do_v let_v he_o show_v what_o his_o have_v in_o it_o elevate_a it_o beyond_o mere_a superficial_a talk_n till_o he_o do_v this_o i_o accuse_v he_o of_o affect_a ignorance_n in_o himself_o and_o unjust_a calumny_n towards_o i_o and_o that_o he_o stand_v hoot_v or_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o whoop_v aloof_o with_o flam_n and_o jeer_n but_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o credit_n come_v close_o to_o the_o point_n as_o judge_v it_o his_o interest_n and_o safety_n to_o avoid_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o settle_v any_o conclusive_a method_n of_o discourse_v lest_o his_o loose_a drollery_n which_o now_o be_v the_o only_a stickler_n and_o domineer_v so_o brisk_o come_v then_o to_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o countenance_n and_o hang_v its_o head_n very_o sorry_o be_v by_o that_o mean_v discover_v to_o be_v perfect_o insignificant_a and_o good_a for_o just_a nothing_o at_o all_o discourse_n iu._n how_o dr._n t._n advance_v to_o prove_v a_o deity_n by_o deny_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o science_n but_o mathematics_n §_o 1._o we_o have_v see_v how_o unfortunate_a dr._n t._n have_v be_v in_o impugn_v my_o first_o principle_n and_o method_n of_o discourse_v it_o come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v how_o successful_a he_o be_v in_o settle_v his_o own_o but_o ere_o i_o come_v close_o to_o that_o matter_n i_o must_v say_v something_o to_o his_o impertinent_a drollery_n because_o he_o think_v they_o rare_a thing_n and_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o carriage_n all_o along_o place_v most_o of_o his_o confidence_n in_o those_o trifle_n nay_o which_o in_o my_o mind_n be_v no_o very_o wise_a project_n he_o will_v have_v his_o reader_n think_v those_o feather_n weighty_a because_o they_o be_v gay_a beside_o these_o be_v my_o only_a confuter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n my_o duty_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o §_o 2._o he_o challenge_v i_o p._n 4._o to_o have_v threaten_v never_o to_o leave_v follow_v on_o my_o blow_n till_o i_o have_v either_o bring_v dr._n st._n and_o he_o to_o lay_v principle_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o have_v none_o and_o i_o conceive_v i_o perform_v this_o in_o my_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o have_v do_v more_o but_o for_o certain_a reason_n which_o i_o give_v in_o my_o preface_n but_o this_o be_v no_o such_o great_a threat_n i_o know_v they_o prone_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o genius_n to_o do_v voluntary_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o now_o both_o of_o they_o have_v like_o true_a friend_n conspire_v to_o do_v i_o that_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o dr._n t._n declare_v here_o to_o no_o few_o than_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o neither_o have_v any_o principle_n nor_o will_v have_v any_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o identical_a proposition_n as_o speak_v of_o first_o principle_n i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o and_o dr._n still_o have_v lay_v such_o principle_n of_o late_a as_o will_v make_v any_o understanding_n man_n that_o read_v they_o swear_v he_o be_v as_o far_o from_o have_v any_o as_o his_o friend_n excellent_a one_o indeed_o he_o put_v at_o first_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v they_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o his_o purpose_n some_o fumble_a proposition_n there_o be_v that_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n but_o the_o ill_a luck_n be_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o least_o semblance_n of_o principle_n that_o no_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o look_v like_o good_a conclusion_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n if_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n forelay_v there_o he_o can_v infer_v that_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n only_a point_n viz._n that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o conclusive_a syllogism_n or_o two_o i_o promise_v he_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o to_o become_v of_o his_o persuasion_n but_o my_o friend_n tell_v i_o here_o he_o perceive_v great_a mind_n be_v merciful_a and_o do_v sometime_o content_v themselves_o to_o threaten_v when_o they_o can_v destroy_v and_o in_o return_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o find_v by_o these_o word_n that_o a_o certain_a person_n not_o unknown_a to_o he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n who_o immediate_o upon_o the_o publish_n my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o fight_v to_o destroy_v i_o without_o threaten_v §_o 3._o i_o charge_v he_o former_o and_o now_o charge_v he_o again_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o to_o be_v false_a also_o i_o charge_v the_o same_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n upon_o a_o sermon_n of_o he_o and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o maintain_v that_o charge_n but_o first_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o on_o this_o occasion_n my_o friend_n be_v grow_v much_o out_o of_o humour_n and_o from_o the_o merry_a conceited_a vein_n of_o wit_n and_o drollery_n fall_v into_o downright_a scold_a with_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o dare_v not_o cite_v etc._n etc._n notorious_a falsehood_n groundless_a calumny_n he_o dare_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o man_n it_o will_v make_v any_o other_o man_n sufficient_o ashamed_a he_o may_v blush_v to_o acknowledge_v etc._n etc._n why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n sure_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o business_n that_o make_v a_o man_n of_o mirth_n of_o late_a so_o pleasant_a on_o a_o sudden_a thus_o pettish_a he_o say_v i_o dare_v not_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o his_o book_n or_o sermon_n how_o i_o dare_v not_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o rude_a as_o to_o use_v dr._n t_n word_n here_o p._n 35._o certain_o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o man_n have_v either_o no_o eye_n or_o no_o forehead_n but_o i_o must_v say_v that_o all_o who_o have_v eye_n may_v see_v and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o degree_n of_o sincerity_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o do_v cite_v those_o word_n out_o of_o his_o book_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n p._n 171._o where_o i_o fasten_v that_o position_n on_o he_o dr._n st._n his_o abetter_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o his_o sermon_n it_o be_v no_o proper_a place_n to_o cite_v or_o confute_v they_o there_o it_o be_v enough_o there_o to_o add_v as_o i_o do_v after_o my_o charge_n these_o word_n as_o may_v perhaps_o more_o particular_o be_v show_v hereafter_o relate_v to_o a_o future_a examination_n of_o it_o intend_v in_o another_o treatise_n i_o use_v not_o to_o confute_v book_n in_o preface_n as_o be_v the_o late_a mode_n of_o answer_v witness_v dr._n pierce_n against_o mr._n cressy_n the_o dissuader_n against_o the_o discovery_n and_o dr._n t._n here_o against_o three_o of_o i_o which_o as_o his_o friend_n say_v well_o be_v like_a rat_n gnaw_v the_o corner_n of_o book_n or_o as_o dr._n t._n himself_o express_v it_o here_o manful_o
object_n it_o be_v possible_a or_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n power_n to_o make_v all_o mankind_n err_v yet_o take_v in_o his_o other_o attribute_n which_o determine_v his_o omnipoence_n to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v god_n shall_v either_o will_n or_o do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v effective_o do_v at_o all_o §_o 18._o he_o object_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v infallibility_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v to_o her_o hand_n by_o jesus_n châ—ist_v who_o found_v and_o constitute_v she_o and_o find_v it_o not_o out_o by_o speculative_a reason_n whence_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a concern_v of_o a_o church_n to_o discourse_v very_o particular_o about_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o truth_n god_n have_v bare_o tell_v we_o next_o it_o be_v only_o of_o faith_n that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o assist_v his_o church_n but_o whether_o supernatural_o only_a or_o also_o by_o natural_a mean_n be_v no_o where_o define_v my_o tenet_n be_v that_o he_o assist_v his_o church_n both_o way_n as_o i_o at_o large_a defend_v in_o surefoot_v and_o that_o the_o best_a strength_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n be_v both_o of_o they_o exert_v to_o their_o utmost_a to_o ascertain_v the_o infallible_a authority_n on_o who_o testimony_n we_o receive_v our_o faith_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o those_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n already_o and_o the_o natural_a assistance_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o reason_n inform_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o yet_o discern_v no_o supernaturality_n at_o all_o 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of_o this_o point_n when_o i_o come_v to_o defend_v my_o method_n §_o 19_o hitherto_o then_o dr._n t._n have_v give_v we_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n oâ—_n of_o christian_n faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o such_o miscall_v certainty_n as_o mean_n uncertainty_n whence_o his_o pretend_a certainty_n of_o its_o sense_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o vindicate_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o himself_z not_o to_o hold_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a by_o ascertain_v at_o least_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o letter_n be_v right_a he_o tell_v we_o pag._n 20._o that_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o clear_a and_o certain_a word_n as_o be_v absolute_o incapable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a sequel_n of_o this_o apply_v to_o scripture_n but_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a faith_n build_v on_o thaâ—_n sense_n or_o rather_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o the_o letter_n can_v never_o be_v a_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereas_o in_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v iâ—_n down_o by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v â—y_a catechise_n public_a preach_a private_a discourse_v &_o consonant_a live_n it_o be_v make_v so_o manifest_a to_o the_o generality_n what_o be_v hold_v in_o each_o year_n immemediate_o before_o that_o no_o prejudice_n can_v make_v they_o all_o so_o mad_a as_o either_o to_o mistake_v or_o misrepresent_v it_o as_o it_o be_v for_o example_n in_o england_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n to_o err_v or_o impose_v this_o this_o year_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o england_n that_o last_o year_n they_o hold_v and_o practise_a prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a or_o assist_v at_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o see_v whether_o of_o we_o two_o make_v better_a provision_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n he_o proceed_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o that_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o reasonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v they_o let_v he_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n &_o the_o discourse_n stand_v thus_o all_o man_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o prejudice_v who_o take_v not_o scripture_n in_o my_o sense_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n let_v he_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o other_o maxim_n he_o guide_v himself_o in_o judge_v who_o be_v such_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o rersonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o can_v assign_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o those_o man_n faultiness_n but_o their_o disagree_v with_o he_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v his_o reader_n will_v scarce_o believe_v he_o that_o all_o socinian_o and_o other_o sect_n who_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o main_a point_n be_v passionate_a and_o prejudice_v if_o a_o indifferent_a man_n stand_v by_o while_n d._n t._n and_o a_o socinian_n dispute_v and_o hear_v one_o of_o they_o cite_v place_n after_o place_n compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v to_o make_v out_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o other_o use_v the_o selfsame_a method_n and_o yet_o nothing_o conclude_v decisive_o as_o it_o never_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o manage_v dispute_n i_o fear_v he_o will_v be_v little_a the_o near_a satisfaction_n and_o embrace_v dr._n t_n tenet_n upon_o his_o say_n that_o his_o adversary_n be_v passionate_a and_o prejudice_v he_o parallel_v the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n sense_n to_o that_o of_o euclid_n definition_n and_o axiom_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v and_o think_v themselves_o undoubted_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n he_o trifle_n let_v he_o show_v i_o the_o generality_n of_o scripturist_n as_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o geometrician_n do_v in_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n or_o let_v he_o leave_v of_o bring_v such_o disagree_a parallel_n import_v that_o there_o be_v not_o man_n of_o all_o side_n and_o sect_n as_o willing_a to_o see_v truth_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o mathematics_n how_o many_o interpretation_n be_v there_o of_o this_n be_v my_o body_n and_o of_o those_o many_o text_n which_o signify_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a god_n both_o of_o main_n concern_v the_o understanding_n they_o wrong_n be_v on_o one_o side_n idolatry_n on_o the_o other_o blasphemy_n yet_o we_o have_v eminent_a learned_a man_n acute_a wit_n excellent_a linguist_n good_a logician_n and_o historian_n and_o last_o very_o great_a scripturist_n who_o compare_v also_o place_n to_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o nothing_o be_v decide_v final_o still_o they_o debate_v write_v quote_v interpret_v and_o will_v do_v while_o this_o method_n be_v take_v to_o the_o world_n end_n do_v dr._n t._n find_v such_o a_o disagreement_n among_o man_n learned_a in_o the_o mathematics_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o axiom_n and_o definition_n of_o euclid_n add_v that_o those_o man_n in_o other_o matter_n be_v not_o passionate_a or_o prejudice_v but_o be_v hold_v prudent_a and_o sober_a by_o great_a portion_n of_o mankind_n nor_o do_v they_o lose_v their_o repute_n among_o indifferent_a judge_n as_o renounce_v their_o manhood_n or_o perfect_o desert_v reason_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o hold_v madman_n for_o not_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o those_o place_n which_o argue_v
evident_o that_o they_o renounce_v not_o evidence_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o manage_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o at_o all_o and_o so_o no_o rule_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o one_o great_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o why_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o because_o their_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v more_o concern_v so_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n t._n a_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o discern_v who_o be_v passionate_a prejudice_v interest_v and_o lustful_a again_o this_o reason_n be_v find_v on_o either_o side_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n for_o be_v not_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n so_o evident_a that_o absurd_a man_n will_v incur_v the_o shame_n of_o mankind_n to_o deny_v they_o there_o want_v no_o temptation_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o make_v author_n go_v about_o to_o control_v and_o contradict_v the_o write_n of_o other_o to_o gain_v themselves_o applause_n and_o credit_n but_o if_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o disagreement_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o be_v the_o other_o great_a reason_n but_o of_o these_o we_o hear_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o for_o since_o his_o one_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o ill-disposedness_a of_o the_o person_n the_o other_o great_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o inability_n of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inevidence_n to_o private_a understanding_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v in_o one_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o manifest_o make_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 20._o to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o dr._n t_n vindication_n of_o himself_o from_o make_v according_a to_o his_o ground_n faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a amount_v to_o this_o he_o produce_v word_n to_o disprove_v it_o which_o manifold_o confess_v it_o he_o endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o show_v that_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o either_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o be_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v deceive_v though_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o secure_v they_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o deny_v that_o absolute_o speak_v faith_n be_v certainlytrue_a again_o loath_a to_o speak_v out_o to_o that_o point_n candid_o he_o shuffle_n about_o and_o put_v upon_o his_o adversary_n divers_a odd_a and_o ridiculous_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n omit_v the_o right_a one_o which_o be_v give_v to_o his_o hand_n last_o be_v to_o give_v account_n what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n he_o allow_v to_o faith_n he_o give_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v nothing_o and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o uncertainty_n imaginable_a take_v his_o measure_n of_o certainty_n which_o ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o object_n or_o proof_n from_o the_o subject_n persuasion_n or_o adhesion_n to_o it_o which_o common_a experience_n testify_v may_v indifferent_o be_v find_v in_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o common_a sense_n confute_v nature_n tell_v every_o man_n that_o my_o assent_n be_v not_o therefore_o certain_a because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o see_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_n be_o full_o persuade_v and_o very_o think_v so_o but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o or_o because_o the_o proof_n be_v conclusive_a either_o then_o let_v he_o bring_v such_o proof_n and_o own_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o he_o leave_v his_o cause_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o his_o credit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o defend_v unclear_v by_o yield_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v actual_o such_o discourse_n vii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n reply_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n §_o 1._o dr_n t._n have_v no_o fellow_n nor_o his_o way_n of_o confute_v any_o parallel_n not_o to_o provoke_v the_o peevishness_n of_o malice_n too_o far_o and_o yet_o follow_v home_o my_o blow_n more_o full_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o uphold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n ground_v on_o the_o just_a conceit_n of_o its_o absolute_a certainty_n i_o write_v a_o a_o book_n call_v faith_n vindicated_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o security_n from_o error_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o assent_n provide_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o motive_n god_n have_v leave_v to_o settle_v his_o church_n and_o by_o it_o mankind_n in_o faith_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n it_o pretend_v demonstration_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o have_v not_o one_o drollish_a or_o unsober_a expression_n in_o it_o take_v a_o map_n of_o it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o conceive_v myself_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la and_o hence_o the_o concern_v be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o speculative_a divine_n i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n to_o the_o more_o intelligent_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o eviction_n to_o the_o middle_a or_o prudential_n sort_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fifth·_n and_o to_o they_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n in_o the_o last_o every_o one_o be_v enable_v by_o tradition_n or_o education_n to_o comprehend_v what_o the_o common_a language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n teach_v they_o as_o to_z speechee_n and_o carriage_n appertain_v to_o faith_n i_o begin_v after_o i_o have_v put_v two_o postulatum_fw-la grant_v by_o all_o christian_n with_o logical_a argument_n which_o i_o pursue_v at_o large_a because_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a trick_n in_o sophister_n and_o half_a logician_n to_o abuse_v that_o excellent_a art_n to_o elude_v the_o clear_a evidendence_n so_o it_o become_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n in_o i_o to_o prevent_v by_o the_o close_a proof_n fetch_v it_o from_o almost_o all_o head_n imaginable_a that_o belong_v to_o that_o skill_n any_o misusage_n of_o its_o maxim_n to_o patronize_v falsehood_n this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o very_o speculative_a and_o according_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n what_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o discourse_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o will_v any_o man_n endue_v with_o common_a sense_n wonder_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v logical_a expression_n when_o i_o make_v logical_a discourse_n or_o term_n of_o art_n when_o i_o speak_v to_o scholar_n these_o thing_n reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o a_o dextrous_a way_n our_o learned_a confuter_n take_v to_o answer_v that_o whole_a book_n for_o he_o manifest_v here_o a_o intention_n to_o give_v it_o no_o other_o and_o to_o overthrow_v so_o many_o demonstration_n §_o 2._o his_o first_o way_n of_o confute_v be_v to_o pick_v out_o a_o leaf_n or_o two_o of_o the_o most_o speculative_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n only_o intend_v for_o scholar_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o be_v only_a sermon-pitch_n to_o who_o because_o such_o discourse_n be_v unsuitable_a and_o withal_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o answer_v hence_o he_o very_o politic_o both_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o those_o reader_n and_o avoid_v himself_o the_o difficult_a task_n of_o answer_v the_o press_a reason_n in_o it_o by_o play_v the_o wit_n when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o act_v the_o scholar_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o constant_a friend_n at_o a_o dead_a lift_n drollery_n in_o stead_n of_o rely_v on_o the_o patronage_n of_o reason_n which_o as_o he_o experience_n so_o often_o betray_v and_o expose_v hss_a weakness_n he_o run_v on_o therefore_o a_o whole_a leaf_n or_o two_o in_o this_o jovial_a career_n ere_o he_o can_v recover_v himself_o till_o even_o his_o own_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n admire_v at_o his_o endless_a raillery_n and_o true_a to_o his_o method_n neglect_v whole_o the_o sense_n and_o except_v mighty_o against_o five_o or_o six_o hard_a word_n namely_o potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n determinative_a supervene_v and_o subsume_v which_o it_o seem_v puzzle_v he_o exceed_o for_o he_o profess_v to_o think_v they_o mystical_a he_o call_v the_o discourse_n jargon_fw-la foolish_a and_o nonsense_n which_o two_o last_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o most_o free_a of_o when_o his_o reason_n be_v most_o at_o a_o loss_n he_o liken_n it_o to_o the_o coptick_n and_o slavonian_a language_n talk_v of_o astrology_n palmistry_n chemistry_n and_o what_o not_o and_o with_o such_o kind_n of_o stuff_n confute_v it_o
argue_v he_o see_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a discourser_n that_o ever_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o build_v a_o whole_a treatise_n upon_o a_o supposition_n unprove_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n now_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n i_o deduce_v step_n by_o step_n and_o make_v the_o forego_n proposition_n draw_v still_o after_o it_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n the_o follow_v one_o he_o conceal_v all_o mention_n of_o proof_n or_o endeavour_v of_o it_o call_v my_o conclusion_n principle_n and_o than_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o to_o build_v that_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o desert_v my_o usual_a way_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o know_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o there_o do_v with_o those_o of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o they_o proceed_v minutely_o to_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v have_v his_o friend_n dr._n st._n take_v the_o same_o course_n his_o principle_n will_v have_v evident_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v excuse_v other_o the_o unnecessary_a trouble_n of_o answer_v they_o next_o he_o make_v i_o say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o say_v himself_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o which_o word_n a_o honest_a reader_n will_v very_o think_v i_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o never_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v it_o whereas_o though_o i_o indeed_o hold_v it_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a of_o which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o give_v account_n yet_o i_o proceed_v as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o prove_v §_o 8._o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v infallible_a §_o 10._o that_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o §_o 11._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o reader_n be_v thus_o questionless_a well_o dispose_v to_o think_v it_o very_o unnecessary_a he_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o answer_v any_o passage_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o unproved_a principle_n or_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n he_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a whence_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o deserve_v none_o or_o if_o it_o do_v be_v answer_v this_o reason_n though_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o little_a open_a for_o in_o case_n i_o do_v bring_v any_o argument_n in_o my_o method_n to_o make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o after_o i_o have_v see_v and_o perhaps_o sufficient_o consider_v too_o what_o he_o reply_v to_o surefoot_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v i_o may_v either_o have_v amend_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o surefoot_v or_o produce_v better_a in_o my_o method_n and_o so_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o surefoot_v it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a to_o have_v consider_v and_o say_v something_o to_o the_o method_n too_o unless_o he_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v already_o answer_v the_o veâ—y_a reason_n urge_v in_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o have_v nor_o be_o confident_a himself_n neither_o §_o 2._o but_o yet_o â—o_o instance_n in_o this_o one_o passage_n how_o rare_a a_o piece_n his_o cry'd-up_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o excellent_o it_o answer_v surefoot_v let_v we_o â—_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o â—mounts_n to_o surefooting_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o that_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o pag._n 57_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o 5_o the_o discourse_n who_o title_n be_v of_o 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_o the_o 2_o d._n part_n begin_v discourse_n 6._o and_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o have_v hitherto_o ever_o be_v follow_v the_o confutation_n of_o my_o first_o part_n end_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 150_o the_o answer_n to_o my_o 2_o d._n begin_v pag._n 151._o or_o these_o two_o the_o former_a be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a concern_v of_o my_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o only_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n hitherto_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v by_o those_o against_o who_o i_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o convey_v to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o say_v or_o else_o that_o those_o who_o proceed_v upon_o tradition_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o right_a christian_n whence_o the_o late_a part_n be_v only_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n especial_o in_o case_n i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la this_o be_v so_o let_v dr._n t_n friend_n and_o i_o when_o they_o hap_v to_o discourse_v about_o we_o please_v to_o send_v for_o his_o book_n and_o i_o and_o with_o aâ—_n equal_a partiality_n distrust_v we_o both_o rely_v upon_o sir_n tho._n moor_n pair_n of_o honest_a unbiased_a witness_n their_o own_o eye_n they_o will_v find_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n undertake_v pag._n 146._o to_o answer_v my_o 5_o the_o disc._n which_o pretend_v to_o show_v 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 tradition_n and_o thence_o conclude_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o quote_v pag_n 41._o where_o that_o discourse_n begin_v in_o surefooting_n they_o will_v see_v the_o title_n of_o his_o sect._n 6._o which_o he_o use_v to_o put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n now_o i_o assign_v seven_o such_o property_n surefoot_a pag._n 11_o and_o 12._o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o two_o part._n 2._o sect._n 1_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o sufficient_o certain_a come_v then_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 148._o to_o confute_v that_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n to_o my_o main_a purpose_n he_o complete_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o one_o single_a page_n viz._n 149._o nay_o in_o one_o piece_n of_o that_o page_n this_o will_v seem_v strange_a and_o something_o difficult_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o singular_a method_n of_o answer_v book_n all_o say_v he_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n it_o be_v all_o indeed_o i_o pretend_v and_o all_o i_o desire_v to_o prove_v for_o certain_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n unchanged_a it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o what_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v i_o conceive_v a_o rule_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v follow_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o question_n i_o have_v not_o then_o examine_v but_o reserve_v to_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o this_o then_o after_o his_o sufficient_a consideration_n what_o say_v the_o dr._n all_o this_o say_v he_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o that_o answer_n for_o all_o my_o write_n aim_v at_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v see_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o since_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v i_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_v though_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v cross_a this_o word_n ready_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n after_o he_o have_v employ_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o prepare_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v and_o play_v all_o the_o trick_n which_o may_v make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o answer_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o question_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o he_o can_v do_v no_o other_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v it_o but_o not_o very_o ready_o people_n will_v not_o think_v he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o