Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n authority_n church_n reason_n 1,519 5 4.9993 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

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

There are 17 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

which_o only_o themselves_o know_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o appear_v why_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o impression_n be_v impossible_a nay_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v clear_a none_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o inward_a light_n be_v existence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o inward_a persuasion_n fanatic_n have_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o unknown_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o way_n to_o conclude_v against_o it_o be_v to_o show_v out_o of_o evident_a principle_n the_o contrary_a to_o these_o inspiration_n to_o be_v truth_n none_o therefore_o as_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n testify_v take_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o principle_n absolute_o evident_a or_o demonstrate_v but_o catholics_n or_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o they_o effect_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n disc._n 5_o 6_o 8._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n and_o conclude_v their_o inward_a light_n delusive_a again_o since_o a_o fanatic_a build_v on_o conceit_a experience_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o convince_v his_o judgement_n without_o produce_v demonstration_n for_o the_o contrary_a a_o task_n only_o performable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v enforce_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o basis_n of_o tradidition_n be_v natural_a knowledge_n direct_o imprint_v by_o his_o sense_n in_o which_o knowledge_n he_o be_v undeceivable_a and_o these_o sensation_n or_o knowledge_n be_v daily_o repeat_v not_o on_o one_o private_a temper_n but_o on_o innumerable_a million_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o that_o be_v tradition_n be_v build_v on_o almost_o infinite_a daily_a and_o most_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o the_o conceit_a effect_n of_o inspiration_n or_o his_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o god_n speak_v thus_o inward_o be_v find_v with_o consent_n of_o tenet_n in_o a_o few_o only_o and_o liable_a to_o deceit_n by_o depend_v upon_o fancy_n not_o sense_n as_o appear_v in_o disease_a or_o mad_a person_n and_o the_o fanatic_n contradict_v one_o another_o though_o both_o proceed_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o tradition_n help_n then_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n as_o experience_n also_o testify_v by_o protestant_n be_v force_v to_o recur_n to_o tradidion_n in_o dispute_n with_o they_o though_o very_o easy_a with_o it_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o 22._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n without_o question_v the_o constancy_n of_o every_o species_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o whole_a nature_n for_o see_v man_n nature_n be_v as_o necessary_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o direct_a impression_n of_o object_n on_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o as_o necessary_o determine_v to_o work_v for_o a_o motive_n or_o reason_n good_a or_o bad_a as_o fire_n be_v to_o heat_n or_o water_n to_o wet_v and_o this_o absolute_o and_o always_o abstract_v from_o disease_n incapacitate_v he_o to_o use_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o fancy_n and_o both_o these_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o rational_a or_o of_o such_o a_o species_n which_o original_a corruption_n hinder_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o those_o operation_n and_o consequent_o will_v as_o frequent_o perform_v they_o as_o fire_n burn_v water_n wet_a fruit-tree_n bear_v fruit_n or_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n do_v its_o ptope_a effect_n that_o be_v general_o and_o only_o rare_o and_o contingent_o fail_v unless_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n order_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o it_o worse_o for_o man_n than_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n since_o we_o find_v a_o course_n of_o supernatural_n on_o foot_n and_o that_o they_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v man_n true_a nature_n as_o have_v be_v former_o declare_v less_o liable_a than_o be_v the_o human_a species_n to_o contingency_n in_o those_o its_o natural_a operation_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n be_v wherefore_o see_v tradition_n certainty_n be_v ground_v upon_o direct_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o its_o indefectiveness_n on_o mankind_n incapableness_n to_o act_v without_o some_o motive_n to_o argue_v against_o it_o be_v to_o question_v these_o that_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o best-supported_n species_n in_o nature_n and_o a_o fortiori_fw-la the_o constancy_n of_o the_o rest_n note_v here_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o witty_a reasoner_n against_o tradition_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o contingency_n of_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_n whence_o by_o a_o wild_a kind_n of_o rove_a way_n they_o will_v conclude_v the_o defectibleness_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o of_o the_o entire_a species_n but_o because_o it_o look_v too_o palpable_o inconsequent_a in_o logical_a form_n to_o say_v a_o few_o can_v err_v ergo_fw-la all_o therefore_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o why_o not_o so_o that_o all_o the_o arguer_n against_o tradition_n from_o natural_a reason_n oppose_v direct_o any_o constancy_n in_o the_o species_n or_o generality_n and_o so_o be_v destroyer_n of_o natural_a certainty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o argument_n to_o boot_v 23._o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o scripture_n copy_n or_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o tittle_n uncertain_a disc._n 2_o and_o 4._o without_o tradition_n as_o also_o that_o the_o write_n of_o father_n council_n history_n and_o of_o any_o write_v or_o dead_a testimony_n whatever_o corol._n 14_o and_o 16._o be_v utter_o unauthorise_v otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o no_o live_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v alledgable_a against_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o or_o catholic_n tradition_n corol._n 13._o and_o 17._o nor_o any_o pretend_a instance_n of_o tradition●s_n fail_v have_v force_v but_o by_o its_o be_v faithful_o convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o certainty_n corol._n 19_o and_o all_o argument_n from_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n in_o that_o matter_n while_o level_v against_o tradition_n corol._n 18._o &_o 22._o it_o follow_v that_o no_o argument_n from_o any_o authority_n public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o from_o intrinsical_v medium_n fetch_v from_o second_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v bear_v any_o show_n against_o tradition_n nor_o yet_o from_o private_a effect_n pretend_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n call_v inspiration_n or_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n corol._n 21._o for_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v conclude_v for_o this_o point_n however_o this_o preten●e_n may_v make_v the_o first_o syll●●gism_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v outward_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n inspire_v thus_o or_o thus_o no_o extraordinary_a effect_n proper_a to_o that_o cause_n as_o miracle_n be_v producible_a their_o argue_v or_o proof_n be_v at_o a_o end_n however_o their_o inward_a adhesion_n stand_v there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o argument_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n live_v or_o dead_a or_o else_o from_o effect_n or_o experience_n testifiable_a by_o those_o authority_n or_o from_o proper_a effect_n or_o cause_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a thing_n or_o from_o extraordinary_a private_a and_o unseen_a pretend_a effect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o none_o of_o these_o bear_n any_o show_n against_o tradition_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n 24._o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a for_o see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o knowledge_n into_o which_o all_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v resolve_v to_o establish_v their_o certainty_n and_o all_o ptetended_a authority_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a corol._n 16._o and_o consequent_o all_o knowledge_n cause_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a 25._o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n before_o our_o time_n be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o can_v need_v
to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v ●tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v a_o odd_a action_n do_v without_o reason_n to_o trace_v it_o to_o its_o original_a and_o to_o search_v after_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o upon_o consideration_n i_o find_v none_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o effect_n as_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o humour_n of_o quote_v in_o d._n pierce_n and_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n so_o strong_o possess_v they_o and_o even_o naturalize_v into_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v quote_v they_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n or_o not_o this_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o whole_a bead-roll_n of_o his_o citation_n the_o useful_a part_n as_o he_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a performance_n and_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o call_v evidence_n be_v conclusive_a that_o be_v worth_a a_o straw_n or_o to_o purpose_n but_o because_o every_o one_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o see_v it_o in_o those_o citation_n he_o bring_v for_o proof_n i_o let_v they_o see_v it_o in_o those_o his_o late_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o he_o so_o pitiful_o betray_v his_o silly_a and_o vain_a humour_n of_o quote_v to_o no_o imaginable_a end_n but_o to_o satisfy_v his_o customary_a habit_n or_o fancy_n and_o as_o in_o his_o citation_n so_o in_o these_o imagine_v the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o his_o cause_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v it_o that_o i_o conceive_v no_o universitie-wit_n but_o will_v see_v in_o this_o carriage_n of_o he_o that_o dr._n pierce_n head_n be_v not_o too_o scientifical_a nor_o himself_o a_o fit_a man_n to_o to_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n second_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n 1._o i_o beg_v pardon_n of_o my_o reader_n for_o my_o late_a merriment_n and_o child_n play_n with_o airy_a bubble_n and_o feather_n both_o d._n pierce_n manner_n of_o writing_n and_o his_o carriage_n towards_o catholic_n merit_v this_o kind_n of_o return_n i_o hope_v the_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n i_o have_v design_v to_o answer_v will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o solid_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v pick_v out_o those_o which_o aim_v at_o some_o point_n of_o concernment_n i_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n and_o be_o sorry_a his_o grow_a hopefulness_n receive_v a_o foil_n by_o his_o book_n against_o mr._n s._n c._n and_o this_o though_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n the_o badness_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o patronage_n of_o dr._n pierce_n malice_n and_o his_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la with_o so_o learned_a a_o antagonist_n 2._o my_o design_n lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n especial_o of_o that_o passage_n p._n 93._o sect._n 4._o where_o he_o begin_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o explicate_v rather_o than_o prove_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o faith_n which_o because_o it_o look_v plausible_o yet_o be_v prudent_o neglect_v by_o mr._n s_o c._n who_o hear_v of_o more_o eminent_a antagonist_n write_v against_o he_o judge_v it_o wise_a to_o reserve_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o protestanr_n second_v and_o best_a thought_n in_o they_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o challenge_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o romanist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o light_a cross_n to_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v i_o take_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o my_o way_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o discourse_n be_v right_o make_v but_o in_o other_o place_n he_o confound_v guide_n with_o rule_n power_n with_o motive_n and_o by_o strain_v a_o word_n in_o mr._n s._n c._n beyond_o its_o necessary_a signification_n impose_v on_o we_o a_o false_a tenet_n which_o he_o main_o build_v upon_o so_o that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o begin_v my_o answer_n by_o put_v down_o our_o true_a one_o which_o give_v faith_n and_o reason_n both_o their_o due_n this_o do_v his_o superstructute_n on_o that_o supposition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o 3._o our_o tenet_n then_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o belief_n that_o belief_n rely_v on_o authority_n and_o divine_a faith_n or_o belief_n on_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o its_o motive_n and_o on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o applier_n of_o the_o other_o to_o my_o understanding_n at_o next_o i_o hold_v that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v assent_n further_o than_o true_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o hence_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v essential_a truth_n deserve_v in_o true_a reason_n if_o possible_a infinite_o intense_a assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o its_o say_n from_o i_o and_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v find_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o be_v certain_a it_o apply_v with_o certainty_n that_o be_v close_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o oblige_v it_o absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v tell_v and_o to_o submit_v whatever_o reason_n i_o may_v have_v against_o the_o object_n reveal_v to_o this_o all-overpowering_a authority_n of_o essential_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whence_o my_o particular_a reason_n be_v take_v nay_o far_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o adhere_v more_o hearty_o and_o firm_o to_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o any_o conclusion_n of_o any_o science_n whatever_o because_o a_o more_o efficacious_a cause_n equal_o close_o apply_v be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o no_o cause_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a veracity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o cause_v assent_n which_o be_v close_o apply_v by_o i_o to_o the_o church_n assurance_n hence_o my_o faith_n be_v ever_o most_o rational_a because_o ●is_n 〈◊〉_d rational_a to_o believe_v a_o point_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a veracity_n be_v engage_v and_o high_o rational_a to_o believe_v the_o church_n assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v th●●_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v whence_o no_o create_a ●ruth_n can_v thwart_v my_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a hence_o if_o i_o have_v true_a science_n i_o be_o certain_a to_o find_v no_o part_n of_o it_o opposite_a to_o my_o faith_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a conformable_a to_o it_o as_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n essential_a truth_n if_o i_o have_v not_o true_a science_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v so_o nothing_o therefore_o but_o my_o own_o overween_a can_v make_v i_o miscarry_v 4._o reason_n have_v thus_o play_v her_o part_n in_o bring_v i_o to_o faith_n desert_n i_o not_o yet_o while_o i_o act_n in_o it_o nor_o i_o she_o my_o act_n of_o belief_n be_v still_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v at_o first_o
believe_v ancestor_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n seeking_z what_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n that_o be_v to_o hammer_v a_o certain_a faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o their_o private_a wit._n which_o reflect_v on_o a_o little_a reason_n enlighten_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o manifold_a experience_n will_v easy_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o ground_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v rational_a nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o faith_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o and_o the_o solid_a secureness_n connaturalness_n and_o satisfactoriness_n of_o we_o which_o make_v few_o or_o none_o leave_v we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v the_o motive_n of_o their_o revolt_n 11._o yet_o one_o more_o from_o this_o illustrious_a father_n as_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o famous_a contrast_n with_o the_o impious_a arian_n it_o concern_v to_o be_v more_o express_a in_o inculcate_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o write_v to_o epictetus_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v say_v he_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o of_o itself_o suffice_v that_o those_o be_v vot_o of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n and_o that_o our_o ancestor_n never_o hold_v so_o so_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n or_o belief_n of_o ancestor_n be_v hold_v by_o he_o a_o sole-sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o only_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v why_o we_o reject_v point_n from_o faith_n or_o admit_v they_o into_o it_o that_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o carriage_n for_o otherwise_o another_o answer_n will_v be_v requisite_a 12._o we_o will_v be_v short_a in_o the_o rest_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n stromatôn_n 7o._o as_o if_o one_o of_o a_o man_n become_v a_o beast_n like_o those_o infect_v by_o circe_n poison_n so_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o be_v a_o man-of-god_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o lord_n who_o spurn_v against_o the_o church_n tradition_n and_o leap_v into_o opinion_n of_o human_a election_n basil_n against_o eunomius_n will_v thou_o have_v we_o all_o persuade_v by_o thou_o prefer_v your_o conceit_n before_o the_o tradition_n of_o faith_n which_o perpetual_o have_v conquer_v under_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o speak_v against_o two_o other_o heretic_n sabellius_n and_o arius_n let_v tradition_n bridle_v thou_o our_o lord_n teach_v thus_o the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o the_o father_n conserve_v it_o our_o ancestor_n confirm_v it_o be_v content_a to_o say_v as_o thou_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o clear_v then_o that_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n see_v corol._n 4._o that_o all_o be_v man_n conceit_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n which_o the_o word_n heresy_n import_v that_o be_v opposite_a to_o tradition_n we_o have_v last_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o faith_n descent_n from_o christ_n to_o we_o yet_o not_o a_o word_n of_o descend_v by_o scripture_n or_o letter_n in_o book_n but_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v and_o teach_v that_o be_v oral_a delivery_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n 13._o i_o omit_v many_o other_o father_n but_o i_o must_v not_o s._n austin_n ea_fw-la potius_fw-la credam_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v rather_o believe_v say_v he_o contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la fundamenti_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v celebrate_v now_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o be_v confirm_v throughout_o all_o nation_n by_o most_o grave_a authority_n and_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o force_n to_o cause_n faith_n and_o assurance_n which_o authority_n from_o the_o best_a establish_a seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o series_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v they_o and_o by_o the_o assertion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n in_o both_o place_n he_o he_o make_v the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a bishop_n and_o conspire_a people_n continue_v down_o to_o these_o day_n that_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a or_o tradition_n the_o most_o grave_a authority_n apt_a to_o ascertain_v we_o and_o cause_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o make_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o build_v its_o strength_n as_o we_o also_o do_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o asserter_n or_o testifier_n of_o its_o descent_n also_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n the_o faithful_a say_v he_o do_v possess_v persevere_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n common_a to_o little_a and_o great_a in_o the_o church_n where_o every_o word_n be_v emphatical_a that_o the_o church_n voice_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v common_a to_o learued_a and_o unlearned_a that_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o acute_a discourser_n and_o yet_o understandable_a by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a last_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o and_o that_o persevere_o or_o unshaken_o which_o show_v it_o self-evident_a else_o both_o the_o unlearned_a at_o least_o may_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o it_o see_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 14._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n it_o be_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v who_o enjoy_v this_o tradition_n or_o what_o point_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o by_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n must_v we_o not_o run_v to_o private_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o or_o at_o least_o to_o library_n of_o book_n write_v in_o all_o former_a age_n to_o see_v if_o perhaps_o their_o author_n might●have_v dream_v of_o our_o now_o difficulty_n and_o then_o prophesy_v we_o a_o satisfaction_n so_o express_v and_o ample_a that_o no_o cavil_n can_v avoid_v it_o no_o we_o have_v manifest_a certainty_n of_o it_o other_o way_n if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o father_n we_o will_v only_o allege_v two_o both_o very_a ancient_n and_o great_a master_n of_o controversy_n against_o the_o heretic_n of_o their_o time_n s._n ireneus_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o all_o those_o who_o will_v hear_v truth_n may_v at_o present_v perfect_o discern_v adest_fw-la perspicere_fw-la in_o the_o church_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n proceed_v upon_o or_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o what_o it_o teach_v now_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o tertullian_n contra_fw-la marcionem_fw-la that_o be_v manifest_o true_a which_o be_v first_o that_o first_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o will_v manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o first_o he_o ascend_v and_o confound_v novelty_n or_o heresy_n by_o show_v that_o the_o priority_n of_o what_o they_o leave_v argue_v it_o to_o have_v be_v ever_o or_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o true_a and_o then_o prove_v and_o manifest_o too_o that_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v find_v establish_v that_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o all_o his_o former_a doctrine_n run_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n at_o present_a which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o express_a in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o same_o heretic_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o be_v at_o this_o present_a day_n profess_v for_o such_o in_o their_o church_n so_o that_o he_o send_v we_o not_o to_o volume_n of_o history_n and_o other_o writer_n which_o if_o tradition_n can'fail_v be_v of_o no_o authority_n to_o find_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a or_o primitive_a tradition_n or_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o deliver_v but_o only_o to_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o have_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a procedure_n in_o case_n their_o hold_v now_o a_o thing_n deliver_v be_v not_o argumentative_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v ever_o which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o my_o proof_n a_o posteriori_fw-la for_o the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o argument_n lose_v its_o force_n by_o tract_n of_o time_n or_o the_o long-continuance_n of_o the_o church_n peter_n chrysologus_fw-la in_o his_o 85._o sermon_n secure_v we_o from_o that_o danger_n a_o christian_a mind_n know_v not_o how_o to_o bring_v into_o dispute_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n and_o even_o ipsis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la by_o time_n
which_o rely_v on_o sensitive_a knowledge_n and_o those_o be_v of_o certain_a authority_n if_o the_o sincerity_n of_o the_o testator_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o the_o conveyance_n of_o his_o sincerelymeant_a knowledge_n to_o we_o be_v evident_a not_o otherwise_o 2_o lie_n note_n second_o that_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v citation_n from_o adversary_n and_o opinator_n signify_v nothing_o also_o those_o who_o word_n presume_v to_o express_v the_o witnesser_n sense_n be_v ambiguous_a or_o otherwise-interpretable_a or_o else_o their_o very_a letter_n uncertain_a as_o all_o be_v if_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n be_v hold_v fallible_a thus_o much_o in_o common_a of_o citation_n as_o in_o themselves_o consider_v they_o next_o as_o make_v use_v of_o by_o d._n pierce_n we_o find_v he_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o on_o his_o principle_n to_o conclude_v against_o we_o or_o as_o he_o good_a man_n unfortunate_o call_v it_o demonstrate_v hence_o 3_o lie_v they_o must_v not_o be_v negative_a for_o such_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o 4_o lie_v they_o must_v not_o be_v false_a or_o evident_o signify_v another_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v produce_v for_o nor_o impertinent_a for_o than_o they_o be_v in_o both_o case_n quite_o beside_o the_o purpose_n 5_o lie_v they_o must_v be_v express_a and_o home_n to_o the_o point_n for_o principle_n must_v need_v nothing_o but_o themselves_o beside_o the_o application_n to_o infer_v the_o conclusion_n pretend_v to_o spring_v from_o they_o 9_o lie_v they_o must_v be_v void_a of_o ambiguity_n for_o principles_n must_v be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o at_o least_o make_v evident_a ere_o they_o can_v deserve_v to_o be_v produce_v or_o admit_v as_o such_o last_o principle_n be_v sense_n not_o sound_n or_o character_n and_o so_o their_o sense_n ought_v to_o be_v indisputable_a 7._o the_o first_o note_n evacuate_v at_o once_o all_o his_o citation_n from_o author_n that_o concern_v any_o point_n between_o we_o for_o he_o bring_v no_o certainty_n of_o any_o knowledge_n express_v to_o be_v build_v on_o sense_n that_o be_v no_o citation_n against_o we_o which_o in_o proper_a speech_n deserve_v to_o be_v call_v a_o testimony_n the_o second_o note_n particular_o invalidate_n those_o of_o the_o eight_o and_o nine_o forth_o the_o three_o those_o of_o the_o five_o sort_n the_o four_o those_o of_o the_o first_o and_o seven_o the_o five_o those_o of_o the_o five_o first_o sort_n and_o also_o those_o of_o the_o seven_o the_o six_o those_o of_o the_o second_o three_o and_o particular_o the_o eight_o the_o last_o note_n enervate_v the_o ten_o and_o indeed_o almost_o all_o the_o rest_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o our_o learned_a controvertist_n give_v other_o sense_n to_o those_o citation_n than_o what_o protestant_n assign_v they_o and_o maintain_v still_o those_o sense_n to_o be_v better_a than_o they_o 8._o in_o a_o word_n see_v all_o testimonial_a authority_n suppose_v knowledge_n in_o the_o author_n and_o all_o knowledge_n be_v either_o from_o sense_n call_v experience_n or_o else_o from_o evident_a connexion_n of_o term_n or_o reason_n and_o that_o this_o late_a knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v a_o master_n that_o be_v one_o fit_a to_o convince_v and_o teach_v another_o rational_o by_o intrinsecal_n medium_n or_o to_o cause_n science_n in_o he_o and_o so_o be_v unfit_a for_o testify_v and_o the_o former_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n only_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v a_o extrinsecal_n medium_fw-la or_o apt_a to_o beget_v belief_n of_o the_o witness_n word_n in_o regard_n any_o person_n unacquainted_a otherwise_o with_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n know_v by_o ordinary_a experience_n and_o common_a reason_n that_o man_n understanding_n may_v err_v but_o their_o sense_n right_o circumstance_v can_v it_o follow_v that_o no_o citation_n in_o proper_a speech_n deserve_v the_o name_n nor_o have_v the_o force_n or_o virtue_n of_o a_o testimony_n but_o those_o which_o be_v build_v on_o sense_n or_o experience_n this_o weigh_v reflect_v on_o the_o main_a i_o find_v not_o one_o ●●●ress_n testimony_n against_o any_o point_n of_o our_o ●aith_n engage_v sense_n that_o be_v not_o one_o which_o merit_v the_o name_n of_o a_o testimony_n or_o to_o be_v esteem_v a_o part_n of_o tradition_n that_o of_o s._n austin_n for_o communicate_v infant_n have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o a_o testimony_n in_o it_o and_o deserve_v a_o more_o elaborate_a answer_n have_v its_o sense_n be_v unquestionable_a and_o the_o word_n cite_v from_o the_o father_n himself_o but_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v disputable_a his_o expositor_n explicate_v s._n austin_n by_o himself_o in_o another_o place_n no●_n to_o mean_v oral_a manducation_n but_o virtual●●●ly_o ●●●ly_z which_o be_v do_v by_o baptism_n and_o withal_o cite_v as_o a_o private_a author_n sense_n concern_v s._n austin_n it_o fall_v under_o the_o 6_o and_o 8_o head_n of_o faulty_a or_o inconclusive_a citation_n and_o so_o be_v already_o answer_v 9_o this_o be_v the_o upshot_n of_o that_o famous_a sermon_n and_o now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o intelligent_a person_n who_o examine_v thing_n by_o ground_n dr._n pierce_n have_v perform_v in_o this_o so_o high_o extol_v piece_n of_o his_o more_o than_o his_o dear_a brother_n and_o fellow-champion_n against_o the_o pope_n mr._n henry_n whistler_n only_o he_o have_v clad_v his_o little_a nothing_o in_o some_o kind_n of_o mock-rhetorick_n which_o like_o figleaf_n cover_v after_o a_o pitiful_a manner_n the_o nakedness_n of_o his_o empty_a discourse_n yet_o be_v even_o his_o rhetoric_n examine_v by_o the_o substantial_a rule_n of_o that_o art_n i_o doubt_v it_o will_v come_v of_o as_o ill_o as_o his_o proof_n for_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o sermon_n be_v a-la-mode_o a_o school-boy's_a theme_n and_o that_o his_o style_n be_v far_o from_o even_a or_o spin_v on_o one_o thread_n instead_o of_o the_o thunder_n &_o lightning_n of_o strong_a and_o sententious_a sense_n astonish_v and_o move_v the_o auditor_n reason_n by_o the_o advantageous_a smartness_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o expression_n he_o give_v we_o a_o peal_n of_o ordinance_n charge_v with_o air_n a_o volley_n of_o thunder-thumping_a bombast_n able_a to_o make_v a_o solid_a man_n reason_n nauseate_a and_o this_o most_o inartificial_o place_v at_o the_o very_a entrance_n of_o his_o sermon_n §_o 2._o or_o else_o loud_o pulpit-beating_a invective_n and_o rail_n he_o make_v huge_a account_n of_o little_a quirk_a observation_n out_o of_o human_a author_n which_o have_v no_o imaginable_a force_n or_o purpose_v but_o to_o make_v a_o ostentation_n of_o the_o uncouthness_n of_o his_o read_n the_o gallantry_n of_o his_o three_o paragraph_n for_o ingenious_a surprise_v of_o reason_n erect_v and_o take_v the_o understanding_n we_o have_v wordish_a quibble_n quirk_n and_o paranomasias_n and_o those_o most_o evident_o contrary_a to_o art_n studious_o and_o industrious_o affect_v his_o confident_a say_n without_o proof_n make_v up_o half_o his_o sermon_n and_o his_o irony_n and_o sarcasm_n be_v the_o sauce_n to_o make_v all_o this_o windy_a meat_n go_v down_o 10._o i_o will_v close_v with_o note_v his_o excellent_a faculty_n in_o quote_v scripture_n to_o do_v which_o when_o the_o place_n be_v worth_a look_v as_o be_v bring_v to_o justify_v some_o passage_n we_o be_v about_o be_v grave_a and_o to_o some_o purpose_n but_o when_o no_o occasion_n or_o need_n invite_v upon_o the_o name_n any_o two_o or_o three_o word_n which_o hap_n to_o be_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v still_o quote_v and_o trick_v the_o margin_n with_o book_n chapter_n and_o verse_n and_o relate_v star_n or_o little_a letter_n be_v a_o very_a empty_a piece_n of_o pageantry_n and_o most_o silly_o pedantical_a now_o our_o dr._n can_v talk_v of_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v add_v though_o most_o unsutable_o to_o his_o reformer_n in_o england_n to_o who_o it_o be_v most_o notorious_a no_o body_n deliver_v it_o which_o be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n and_o jude_n 3_o shall_v ascertain_v it_o he_o can_v name_v the_o word_n which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o the_o margin_n shall_v direct_v you_o to_o mat._n 19_o 8._o the_o two_o word_n spend_v and_o be_v spend_v oblige_v he_o to_o let_v you_o know_v where_o to_o find_v they_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 15._o at_o the_o very_o name_v help_n and_o all_o sufficient_a two_o good_a honest_a word_n which_o may_v have_v be_v speak_v whether_o scripture_n have_v be_v or_o not_o he_o can_v for_o his_o heart_n hold_v but_o allege_v you_o for_o it_o 1._o cor._n 1._o 27._o and_o will_v needs_o though_o indeed_o very_o needless_o to_o we_o prove_v himself_o a_o weak_a instrument_n by_o a_o plain_a text_n 2_o cor._n 10._o 4._o the_o obvious_a and_o common_a word_n condemn_v out_o of_o their_o mouth_n must_v have_v a_o star_n of_o the_o first_o magnitude_n to_o light_v you_o
of_o science_n be_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o piece_n of_o sense_n to_o another_o they_o carry_v the_o war_n out_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o science_n where_o solid_a ground_n be_v to_o be_v find_v to_o fix_v one_o fool_n upon_o so_o to_o overthrow_v or_o be_v overthrow_v and_o transfer_v it_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o spatium_fw-la imaginarium_fw-la of_o fancy_n and_o unsignify_v sound_n the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o chimerical_a discourser_n to_o buzz_v confuse_o and_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o where_o the_o catholic_n must_v either_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o then_o they_o cry_v victory_n or_o follow_v they_o thither_o and_o so_o hazard_v to_o prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o seem_v to_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o discourse_v whereas_o indeed_o the_o catholic_n be_v force_v by_o their_o importunity_n exciting_a his_o charity_n towards_o the_o unskilful_a to_o show_v how_o weak_o they_o discourse_v in_o their_o own_o shallow_a way_n 3._o how_o little_a faulty_a the_o catholic_n be_v in_o this_o will_v be_v quick_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o ●tis_n against_o his_o principle_n and_o involuntary_a in_o he_o to_o take_v this_o method_n for_o he_o build_v not_o upon_o those_o airy_a skirmish_n for_o his_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o esteem_v he_o it_o conquerable_a by_o such_o attempt_n he_o receive_v his_o faith_n from_o the_o present_a church_n witness_v its_o delivery_n from_o the_o former_a age_n to_o this_o anchorage_n he_o stick_v he_o stand_v on_o immemorial_n possession_n nor_o doubt_v he_o that_o christ_n '_o s_o doctrine_n be_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a inheritance_n while_o bring_v down_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a nation_n as_o long_o as_o this_o foundation_n stand_v firm_a quirk_n hurt_v not_o he_o shake_v this_o that_o be_v show_v the_o church_n essential_a be_v mistress_n of_o falsehood_n and_o he_o must_v doubt_v all_o his_o faith_n but_o yet_o can_v hold_v the_o protestant_n for_o he_o must_v hold_v nothing_o no_o book_n can_v secure_v he_o when_o that_o principle_n which_o only_o can_v secure_v to_o we_o book_n write_v long_o ago_o be_v insecure_a itself_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o protestant_n build_v his_o faith_n by_o thus_o hammer_v it_o out_o of_o unsenced_a character_n and_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v will_v his_o will_n give_v his_o reason_n leave_v to_o follow_v his_o principle_n if_o another_o more_o dexterous_o fit_v the_o word_n to_o a_o sense_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o and_o his_o hope_n of_o stand_n be_v not_o build_v as_o be_v the_o catholic_n on_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o principle_n but_o indeed_o on_o the_o inevidence_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o his_o way_n to_o manage_v they_o which_o be_v to_o let_v no_o live_v authority_n sense_n thew_v and_o so_o they_o will_v more_o easy_o change_v their_o shape_n as_o the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o fancy_n mould_n they_o and_o then_o if_o the_o discourse_n seem_v but_o a_o little_a plausible_a education_n and_o interest_n make_v the_o understanding_n content_a with_o very_o easy_a satisfaction_n 4._o i_o be_o far_o from_o blame_v the_o catholic_n prudence_n for_o engage_v on_o this_o manner_n i_o rather_o admire_v their_o charity_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o patience_n and_o pain_n such_o excellent_a wit_n will_v condescend_v to_o so_o laborious_a a_o talk_n less_o suitable_a both_o to_o their_o own_o genius_n as_o catholic_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n how_o easy_o may_v they_o rest_v secure_a upon_o immovable_a possession_n and_o demand_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n from_o the_o protestant_n who_o deny_v his_o right_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n how_o easy_o may_v he_o show_v their_o reason_n inconclusive_a which_o method_n be_v observe_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n mr._n j._n s._n against_o that_o pulpit-vapour_n of_o dr._n pierce_n especial_o by_o discover_v the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o the_o method_n they_o take_v how_o most_o easy_o that_o they_o have_v never_o a_o principle_n or_o self_n evident_a ground_n to_o begin_v with_o that_o till_o they_o settle_v such_o a_o first_o principle_n all_o their_o discourse_n be_v frivolous_a that_o their_o reject_v the_o church_n live_v voice_n or_o tradition_n bring_v all_o into_o doubt_n both_o saying_n of_o father_n and_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o not_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o favour_n of_o dispute_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la from_o scripture_n or_o father_n by_o grant_v they_o any_o thing_n certain_a but_o put_v they_o to_o prove_v all_o for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o object_n and_o bring_v evident_a reason_n for_o change_v it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o make_v their_o reason_n evident_a nor_o have_v any_o disputant_n right_a to_o have_v any_o thing_n allow_v he_o certain_a who_o renounce_v that_o principle_n which_o if_o renounct●_n all_o be_v uncertain_a and_o last_o that_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o science_n deserve_v not_o ●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 ●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 shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o method_n of_o controversy_n or_o think_v myself_o a_o fit_a proposer_n or_o presser_z of_o it_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o nature_n herself_o who_o i_o second_o in_o this_o design_n be_v about_o do_v that_o work_n for_o i_o hear_v catholic_n writer_n complain_v of_o the_o protestant_n and_o just_o too_o that_o he_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o h●●_n be_v a_o hundred_o time_n say_v before_o and_o i_o be_o inform_v a_o eminent_a protestant_n now_o write_v in_o behalf_n of_o dr_n pierce_n make_v the_o same_o counter-complaint_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o dissuader_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o the_o same_o resentment_n beside_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o best_a wit_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v weary_a of_o this_o method_n see_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o reciprocate_a a_o saw_n or_o transcribe_v and_o reprinting_a what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o only_o in_o another_o frame_n or_o if_o any_o new_a production_n be_v make_v general_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o some_o note_n collect_v from_o some_o historical_a book_n unobserved_a by_o other_o which_o what_o satisfactory_a evidence_n it_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v with_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v guess_v 6._o now_o all_o this_o happen_v through_o not_o first_o settle_v and_o agree_v in_o some_o first_o principle_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o preface_n but_o also_o because_o as_o will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o without_o thi●_n the_o validity_n of_o any_o testimony_n from_o father_n or_o council_n can_v be_v weigh_v understand_v or_o press_v with_o force_n upon_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o these_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a of_o their_o time_n that_o be_v of_o christian_a tradition_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o till_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n be_v evidence_v they_o will_v not_o be_v clear_o know_v again_o tradition_n once_o evidence_v 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 th●●●_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
supernatural_a thing_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o hold_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o some_o very_a great_a good_a reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n nor_o yet_o without_o love_v it_o for_o none_o be_v think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o which_o love_n beside_o the_o knowledge_n that_o heaven_n be_v can_v be_v have_v without_o know_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a incomparable_o great_a than_o any_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v these_o knowledge_n be_v have_v by_o mankind_n but_o by_o believe_v hence_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o faith_n be_v conceive_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nor_o be_v this_o find_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n the_o learneder_n faithful_n make_v concern_v it_o by_o their_o discourse_n but_o in_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o import_v knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n it_o be_v then_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o itself_o most_o rational_a that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v be_v to_o have_v faith_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n must_v be_v appliable_a to_o they_o 9_o moreover_o since_o the_o rude_a or_o unskilfull_a people_n be_v the_o less_o capable_a they_o be_v of_o science_n and_o none_o doubt_v but_o some_o among_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v come_v to_o be_v save_v since_o we_o experience_v they_o have_v oftentimes_o well-meaning_a virtuous_a and_o devout_a heart_n the_o rule_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n must_v also_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o that_o be_v must_v be_v such_o as_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o must_v be_v knowable_a as_o to_o it_o be_v existence_n by_o natural_a impression_n upon_o man_n sense_n affect_v their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n for_o see_v the_o rude_a be_v very_o shallow_a reflecter_n and_o discourser_n and_o suppose_v to_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o kind_n of_o skill_n get_v by_o speculation_n or_o study_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n existence_n must_v not_o need_v any_o skill_n or_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n intervening_a between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o it●_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n by_o parag_n 4_o 11._o again_o see_v those_o who_o be_v very_o rude_a be_v yet_o capable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o doubt_n concern_v their_o faith_n either_o by_o sophistry_n or_o fai●_n language_n and_o at_o length_n desert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o mean_n lest_o by_o god_n sufficient_a to_o settle_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o only_o mean_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n be_v dissatisfactory_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v show_v worthy_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i●_n either_o by_o its_o own_o light_n evident_o secure_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v hold_v a_o rule_n and_o this_o even_a to_o the_o rude_a who_o can_v doubt_v or_o else_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o by_o intelligent_a person_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o such_o reflection_n and_o this_o out_o of_o principle_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o be_v prove_v parage_v the_o 5_o that_o be_v require_v only_o common_a and_o obvious_a reason_n not_o scientifical_a speculation_n to_o instill_v they_o otherwise_o those_o rude_a person_n will_v be_v leave_v unfurnish_v of_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n 12._o also_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n bear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o virtue_n and_o so_o no_o act_n of_o it_o irrational_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o act_n rational_a and_o the_o submission_n of_o onr_a understanding_n exercisd_v in_o it_o rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la it_o be_v evince_v that_o the_o satisfactorine_n of_o its_o rule_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v evident_a or_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a doubter_n as_o we_o now_o prove_v but_o also_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o the_o faithful_a who_o yet_o have_v no_o doubt_n shall_v do_v rational_o even_o while_o they_o simple_o or_o unreflect_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v supply_v to_o their_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n by_o a_o natural_a way_n what_o it_o want_v of_o reflection_n i_o mean_v so_o that_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v tell_v they_o upon_o solid_a and_o true_a principle_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v or_o follow_v thongh_v they_o dive_v not_o into_o the_o ground_n or_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o tenet_n or_o action_n nor_o can_v give_v account_n of_o they_o 13._o and_o since_o our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v embrace_v faith_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v be_v heterodox_n that_o be_v hold_v contradictory_o to_o the_o church_n in_o what_o they_o dissent_v from_o she_o so_o that_o if_o they_o change_v they_o must_v now_o hold_v be_v indeed_o of_o be_v not_o or_o be_v not_o instead_o of_o be_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a to_o hold_v to_o in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o no_o change_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o in_o a_o rational_a nature_n of_o which_o nature_n those_o heterodox_n be_v without_o true_a reason_n to_o change_v and_o the_o change_n in_o our_o case_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o to_o a_o mere_a suspension_n which_o be_v believe_v nothing_o nor_o to_o a_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o to_o a_o contrary_a or_o rather_o contradictory_n assent_n and_o no_o assent_n can_v be●_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o assent_n nor_o be_v any_o sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o put_v that_o effect_n or_o cause_n assent_n in_o a_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o rule●_n of_o faith_n but_o evidence_n for_o while_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o be_v while_o the_o understanding_n must_v a●_n yet_o say_v i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v say_v i_o know_v i●_n be_v so_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o say_v understand_o or_o to_o assent_n that_o it_o be_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o actual_a assent_v to_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o rational_a include_v in_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o apply_v to_o convettible_a person_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o how_o high_a and_o presume_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o consequent_o certain_a 14._o moreover_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a wit_n in_o the_o chutch_n verse_v in_o true_a logic_n &_o enure_v to_o science_n and_o true_a logic_n and_o the_o course_n of_o science_n necessary_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v in_o perfect_a reason_n be_v hold_v by_o one_o who_o penetrate_v difficulty_n but_o either_o self-evident_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n necessary_o deduce_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n from_o those_o principle_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v necessary_o deduce_v without_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o identification_n of_o the_o term_n with_o the_o medium_fw-la which_o infer_v the_o identity_n between_o themselves_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o that_o what_o be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v thus_o connect_v be_v unknown_a and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v may_v be_v false_a and_o to_o see_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v false_a must_v needs_o breed_v some_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o or_o doubt_v if_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o none_o can_v rational_o assent_v or_o fix_v their_o judgement_n where_o there_o be_v leave_v some_o doubt_n or_o waver_v of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n or_o assent_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v rotional_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a producer_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o rude_a sort_n but_o also_o contain_v in_o itself_o seed_n of_o perfect_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v those_o learned_a person_n who_o shall_v more_o narrow_o examine_v it_o otherwise_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a portion_n and_o
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 be_v absolute_a certainty_n be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v signify_v or_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n thorough_o understand_v 16._o and_o last_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n main_o conduce_v to_o bliss_n as_o be_v see_v §_o 8._o and_o its_o influence_n towards_o bliss_n which_o we_o call_v its_o merit_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n adhere_v unwaver_o to_o such_o truth_n as_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n apply_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o motive_n of_o this_o submission_n assent_n or_o adhesion_n and_o every_o cause_n produce_v its_o effect_n better_o and_o strongly_a by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o and_o close_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o all_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o derive_v down_o to_o we_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n teach_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o thing_n close_o to_o a_o judge_a power_n be_v perform_v by_o certify_v it_o which_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o it_o &_o become_v a_o intimate_a act_n of_o that_o power_n whereas_o uncertainty_n can_v only_o admit_v it_o to_o swim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o bare_a proposal_n or_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o probability_n not_o have_v weight_n enough_o of_o motive_n to_o settle_v deep_a into_o its_o solid_a substance_n which_o be_v cognoscitive_a and_o so_o become_v there_o a_o fix_a judgement_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o merit_n be_v incomparable_o advantage_v by_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o it_o this_o rule_n then_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o absolutely-certain_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 17._o sum_v up_o then_o the_o full_a account_n of_o our_o discourse_n hitherto_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o out_o of_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_v which_o as_o use_v by_o we_o denote_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n &_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v these_o several_a condition_n namely_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n to_o all_o §_o 3_o 4_o 9_o &_o 10._o &_o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n to_o enquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a §_o 5._o &_o 11._o apt_a to_o settle_v &_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n §_o 12._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n §_o 13._o and_o rational_a doubter_n §_o 14._o and_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n §_o 15._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o §_o 6._o 15_o 16._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 5_o 11_o 13_o 14._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o have_v attain_v so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o by_o particular_a mark_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o know_v it_o when_o we_o meet_v it_o especial_o not_o have_v a_o great_a crowd_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o single_a it_o out_o the_o pretender_n to_o that_o title_n be_v very_o few_o and_o indeed_o but_o two_o be_v own_v namely_o tradition_n and_o scripture_n though_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o it_o the_o private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n testimony_n of_o father_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v hold_v the_o ascertainer_n of_o scripture_n sense_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o place_n among_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v those_o which_o be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o relier_n on_o they_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o but_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v scripture_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n scripture_n that_o book_n not_o yet_o sence_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sence_v that_o be_v such_o and_o such_o character_n in_o a_o book_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o assure_o god_n mind_n or_o ascertain_v they_o of_o their_o faith_n for_o abstract_v from_o the_o sense_n or_o actual_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a leave_v but_o those_o character_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v it_o this_o understand_v let_v we_o apply_v now_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o scripture_n letter_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o will_v fit_v 3._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o occurr_n be_v its_o existence_n or_o a_o est_fw-la that_o be_v whether_o those_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v god_n word_n be_v indeed_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v of_o which_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a the_o very_o rude_a sort_n can_v be_v certain_a by_o self-evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v easy_o evidenceable_a to_o those_o doubter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o the_o vulgar_a by_o any_o skill_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o even_o to_o more_o curious_a and_o speculative_a scarcher_n but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o beside_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v solve_v ere_o they_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a nature_n of_o the_o letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v and_o so_o worthy_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o clear_a to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o the_o matter_n know_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v
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 diligence_n and_o exceed_v human_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o every_o of_o these_o distinct_a action_n and_o yet_o to_o do_v our_o opposer_n right_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o each_o of_o these_o fail_n may_v possible_o be_v provide_v against_o by_o oft-repeated_n correction_n of_o many_o sedulous_a and_o sober_a examiner_n set_v apart_o for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o whole_a book_n may_v to_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n if_o not_o altogether_o be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o be_v the_o examiner_n of_o each_o copy_n know_v to_o be_v very_o numerous_a prudent_a and_o honest_a and_o each_o of_o they_o testify_v his_o single_a examination_n of_o it_o word_n by_o word_n for_o then_o the_o difficulty_n consist_v in_o the_o multiplicity_n and_o the_o variety_n be_v provide_v against_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o preserve_a cause_n and_o their_o multifariousness_n make_v convictive_a to_o we_o by_o their_o well-testifyed_a consent_n 5._o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v be_v ancient_o a_o multitude_n of_o examiner_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n in_o each_o copy_n take_v from_o the_o first_o original_a or_o the_o next_o copy_n from_o these_o and_o so_o forward_o with_o the_o exact_a care_n we_o have_v define_v the_o single_a examination_n of_o each_o and_o the_o amendment_n of_o the_o copy_n according_a to_o their_o examination_n convince_o testify_v and_o that_o by_o excommunication_n or_o heavy_a ecclesiastical_a prohibition_n and_o mulct_n it_o have_v be_v provide_v for_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o that_o copy_n be_v permit_v to_o be_v read_v or_o see_v till_o it_o be_v thus_o examine_v much_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n upon_o these_o man_n principle_n but_o if_o no_o such_o order_n 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 over●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 forme●_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
that_o be_v be_v ever_o or_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n however_o they_o blind_v their_o own_o conscience_n with_o glance_n of_o fancy_n from_o private_a interpretation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deaf_a their_o own_o and_o other_o ear_n with_o empty_a sound_n rebound_v with_o false_a echo_n from_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n 3._o now_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a expectation_n to_o require_v that_o a_o rule_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v those_o who_o will_v follow_v it_o but_o also_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o oblige_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o actual_o do_v follow_v it_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o order_v that_o the_o rule_n which_o bring_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o shall_v both_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o which_o it_o be_v graft_v and_o much_o more_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o doctrine_n it_o recommend_v be_v of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o efficacy_n 4._o this_o point_n therefore_o of_o the_o actual_a indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v both_o à_fw-la priori_fw-la from_o proper_a cause_n and_o à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o a_o nowadays_o experience_a effect_n 5._o to_o do_v the_o former_a i_o say_v for_o my_o ground_n first_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o unanimous_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v in_o great_a multitude_n over_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v firm_o believe_v by_o all_o those_o faithful_a to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o contradict_a or_o desert_v it_o the_o way_n to_o damnation_n so_o that_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n imaginable_a be_v by_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n encourage_v they_o to_o the_o adhere_n to_o that_o doctrine_n and_o deter_v they_o from_o relinquish_a it_o and_o indeed_o infinite_o great_a than_o any_o other_o whatever_o spring_v from_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o that_o this_o be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o faithful_a three_o that_o hope_n of_o good_n and_o fear_n of_o harm_n strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will._n last_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v feisible_a or_o within_o their_o power_n that_o be_v that_o what_o they_o be_v breed_v to_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o this_o put_v it_o follow_v as_o certain_o that_o a_o great_a number_n or_o body_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n and_o after-faithful_a in_o each_o age_n that_o be_v from_o age_n to_o age_n will_v continue_v to_o hold_v themselves_o and_o teach_v their_o child_n as_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v will_v follow_v and_o stick_v to_o tradition_n as_o it_o do_v that_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v produce_v its_o effect_n actual_o i_o say_v for_o since_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v the_o application_n put_v and_o the_o patient_n dispose_v for_o our_o argument_n put_v this_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n must_v have_v be_v true_a believer_n or_o holder_n of_o it_o ere_o they_o renounce_v it_o it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v still_o actual_o cause_v 6._o i_o foresee_v some_o will_v object_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a parent_n by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o suppose_v i_o dispute_v against_o those_o christian_n who_o hold_v that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v a_o antidote_n for_o that_o original_a malice_n and_o to_o keep_v man_n will_n already_o possess_v with_o it_o right_a notwithstanding_o the_o poise_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o their_o circumstance_n to_o say_v it_o be_v apply_v universal_o to_o all_o several_a sort_n and_o temper_n and_o preserve_v none_o good_a be_v to_o question_v christ_n wisdom_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o effect_v it_o be_v mean_v for_o not_o to_o mind_v the_o object_a how_o many_o thousand_o of_o martyr_n and_o holy_a confessor_n by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n overcome_v this_o inbred_a declivity_n of_o their_o will_n and_o its_o disorderly_a inclination_n to_o the_o dear_a good_n life_n or_o nature_n can_v bestow_v a_o great_a part_n therefore_o will_v be_v virtuous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a as_o our_o former_a discourse_n prove_v will_v teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o believe_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o so_o a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n will_v still_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v that_o rule_n be_v total_o relinquish_v by_o any_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n again_o though_o nature_n incline_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o vicious_a appetite_n yet_o can_v it_o incline_v they_o all_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o they_o think_v will_v damn_v they_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o nature_n most_o strong_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a their_o original_a corruption_n than_o be_v no_o particular_a inviter_n to_o this_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n pernicious_a falsehood_n and_o which_o themselves_o hold_v such_o though_o themselves_o be_v otherwise_o liable_a to_o several_a sort_n of_o particular_a fail_n 7._o if_o any_o object_n the_o fickle_a nature_n of_o the_o will_n and_o imagine_v that_o this_o exempt_v she_o from_o the_o law_n of_o cause_n i_o ask_v they_o without_o engage_v far_o into_o school-disputes_a which_o i_o industrious_o avoid_v whether_o good_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o will_n and_o so_o be_v to_o affect_v it_o when_o sufficient_o apply_v or_o propose_v if_o so_o then_o since_o a_o object_n to_o affect_v a_o power_n be_v to_o put_v it_o in_o act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o power_n we_o call_v the_o will_n be_v actual_a volition_n or_o willing_n good_a propose_v make_v the_o will_n to_o will_n or_o desire_v that_o good_a and_o consequent_o the_o know_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o now_o infinite_a good_n and_o harm_n sufficient_o propose_v be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n incomparable_o more_o powerful_a cause_n to_o carry_v the_o will_n than_o temporal_a one_o since_o then_o when_o two_o cause_n be_v counterpose_v the_o lesser_a when_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n be_v no_o cause_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o effect_n as_o a_o heavy_a weight_n which_o be_v otherwise_o a_o cause_n of_o descend_v be_v no_o such_o cause_n when_o overweigh_v by_o a_o heavy_a as_o not_o make_v its_o scale_n descend_v at_o all_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o move_v the_o will_n of_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o judge_v will_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n infinite_a good_n and_o bring_v they_o infinite_a harm_n such_o strong_a and_o main_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v put_v in_o the_o counterbalance_n in_o case_n a_o sufficient_a proposal_n or_o application_n be_v not_o want_v 8._o the_o last_o attempt_n then_o of_o a_o objectour_n be_v to_o fault_n the_o application_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a good_n and_o to_o enhance_v the_o proposal_n of_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a object_n but_o if_o we_o reflect_v with_o how_o steady_a a_o pursuit_n and_o even_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o eyesight_n or_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o general_o work_v for_o end_n no_o otherwise_o propose_v than_o by_o undoubted_a authority_n as_o when_o a_o king_n prepare_v for_o a_o expedition_n against_o a_o foreign_a country_n he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o gentleman_n for_o a_o journey_n to_o rome_n and_o such_o like_a if_o we_o but_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o the_o great_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v god_n supremely-infallible_a veracity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n it_o propose_v which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o those_o infinite_a good_n and_o harm_n speak_v of_o the_o best_a application_n of_o a_o motive_n to_o a_o true_o rational_a power_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v if_o we_o but_o consider_v how_o those_o spiritual_a and_o unseen_a good_n be_v make_v intelligible_a to_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a measure_n by_o most_o fit_a and_o obvious_a metaphor_n familiar_a and_o sensible_a by_o daily_a practice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v experience_n of_o they_o in_o christian_a language_n and_o action_n by_o the_o venerable_a sacrament_n by_o the_o spectable_a majesty_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n all_o include_v our_o spiritual_a last_o end_n or_o intimate_v it_o by_o their_o order_n to_o it_o nay_o if_o we_o but_o contemplate_v even_o essential_a heaven_n itself_o
first_o revolter_n a_o small_a handful_n compare_v to_o all_o christianity_n beside_o and_o only_o occasional_o not_o constant_o happen_v that_o the_o descendants_n of_o these_o revolter_n be_v teach_v by_o they_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o right_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o not_o their_o own_o judgement_n that_o be_v follow_v the_o way_n of_o tradition_n however_o misplace_v to_o which_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o numerous_a contingency_n both_o in_o man_n nature_n and_o other_o circumstance_n hinder_v propagation_n every_o day_n happen_v we_o shall_v find_v much_o reason_n to_o prefer_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o before_o this_o but_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o consideration_n the_o daily_a decay_n of_o innumerable_a particular_n upon_o who_o the_o continuation_n of_o mankind_n depend_v by_o natural_a or_o accidental_a death_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o innumerable_a new_a subject_n and_o even_o whole_a nation_n into_o which_o tradition_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o propagate_v itself_o and_o those_o uninfected_a by_o new_a heresy_n for_o whole_a age_n that_o be_v without_o any_o one_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o none_o of_o those_o behold_n to_o progenitor_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o to_o extern_n who_o convert_v they_o whereas_o propagate_a their_o kind_a can_v only_o be_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o race_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n lay_v to_o propagate_v &_o preserve_v a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n look_v far_o more_o steady_o and_o less_o need_v a_o recourse_n to_o any_o particular_a providence_n than_o those_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v lay_v for_o the_o keep_n on_o foot_n a_o body_n of_o men._n whence_o if_o any_o as_o the_o common_a fashion_n be_v bring_v against_o the_o perpetuation_n of_o tradition_n such_o wildrove_a argument_n as_o will_v equal_o strike_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o perpetuate_a mankind_n or_o continue_v any_o species_n in_o nature_n the_o ready_a answer_n be_v to_o show_v they_o do_v so_o and_o then_o to_o tell_v they_o we_o intend_v not_o tradition_n shall_v last_v long_o than_o the_o only_a species_n capable_a of_o faith_n will_v that_o be_v long_o than_o mankind_n be_v to_o stand_v who_o only_o can_v have_v it_o or_o need_v it_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 1._o have_v see_v and_o weigh_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n and_o thence_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v its_o indefectibleness_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o cause_n we_o will_v now_o begin_v our_o discourse_n at_o the_o other_o end_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v conclude_v the_o same_o from_o some_o proper_a effect_n that_o be_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n as_o can_v only_o have_v spring_v from_o the_o actual_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n as_o its_o cause_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n conveyance_n to_o we_o double_o guard_v and_o on_o all_o side_n evident_a 2_o though_o indeed_o this_o seem_v a_o needless_a endeavour_n against_o the_o protestant_n who_o yield_v that_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o we_o agree_v come_v dow●_n by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n whence_o he_o be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o answer_v candid_o these_o queres_fw-la w●_n not_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o other_o point_v 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o agree_v hold_v in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n by_o god_n church_n he_o must_v yield_v it_o no_o protesta●●_n ever_o deny_v it_o beside_o that_o we_o both_o agree_v to_o call_v that_o god_n church_n which_o hold_v those_o mai●_n point_v of_o faith_n next_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ask_v whether_o see_v those_o point_n be_v hold_v ever_o of_o faith_n father_n do_v not_o actual_o teach_v child_n so_o or_o the_o former_a age_n the_o late_a common_a reason_n will_v teach_v he_o they_o do_v which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o a_o protestant_n must_v confess_v those_o point_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o we_o ask_v he_o next_o by_o what_o virtue_n tradition_n perform_v this_o and_o whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o other_o as_o well_o as_o these_o have_v any_o such_o be_v and_o when_o he_o assign_v this_o virtue_n i_o can_v suspect_v he_o negative_a in_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n ask_v he_o far_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o such_o a_o constant_a cause_n and_o its_o formal_a effect_n so_o that_o if_o its_o formal_a effect_n be_v those_o point_n receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o the_o proper_a cause_n must_v be_v a_o ever-delivery_n whence_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n for_o any_o particular_a point_n and_o consequen_o for_o any_o point_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o point_n we_o hold_v ever_o deliver_v and_o if_o so_o as_o manifest_a reason_n evince_v it_o our_o now-held_a faith_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o our_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o because_o i_o rather_o suspect_v the_o protestant_n see_v his_o cause_n and_o interest_n too_o deep_o engage_v and_o himself_o straighten_v by_o such_o strict_a connexion_n of_o term_n will_v fly_v of_o and_o deny_v tradition_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n notwithstanding_o its_o constant_a tenor_n of_o have_v wrought_v this_o its_o effect_n million_o of_o time_n or_o from_o step_n to_o step_v during_o so_o many_o age_n and_o will_v not_o care_v to_o allege_v that_o all_o this_o be_v pure_a chance_n and_o contingency_n i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o design_n and_o method_n i_o at_o first_o intend_v 3._o the_o effect_n than_o we_o will_v pitch_v upon_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a one_o of_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o traditionary-christians_a or_o catholic_n that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n uninterrupted_o which_o we_o find_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o this_o persuasion_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o beget_v it_o 4._o to_o prove_v this_o i_o lay_v this_o first_o principle_n that_o age_n which_o hold_v her_o faith_n deliver_v thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v itself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o nor_o know_v or_o doubt_n that_o any_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v or_o innovate_v any_o thing_n therein_o this_o proposition_n need_v no_o proof_n to_o evidence_n it_o but_o only_o a_o explication_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v or_o innovate_v in_o the_o case_n propose_v without_o know_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a impossibility_n a_o whole_a age_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o single_a man_n 5._o the_o second_o principle_n shall_v be_v this_o no_o age_n can_v innovate_v any_o thing_n and_o withal_o deliver_v that_o very_a thing_n to_o posterity_n as_o receiu●d_v from_o christ_n by_o continual_a succession_n for_o since_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n he_o must_v have_v some_o reason_n or_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o eudina_n to_o be_v achieve_v by_o his_o action_n and_o whatever_o his_o remote_a end_n be_v his_o immediate_a end_n in_o tell_v posterity_n a_o late_o invent_v thing_n be_v hold_v immediate_o before_o be_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o since_o a_o see_v impossibility_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o one_o not_o frantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v make_v posterity_n believe_v a_o thing_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o whole_a age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o tell_v such_o a_o lie_n the_o whole_a i_o say_v otherwise_o the_o refuser_n will_v easy_o discover_v the_o cheat_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a all_o at_o age_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n shall_v conspire_v from_o so_o many_o several_a and_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n in_o the_o precise_a time_n to_o deceive_v the_o new_a offspring_n every_o month_n ripen_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o such_o knowledge_n or_o blot_v out_o all_o the_o monument_n which_o will_v evident_o undeceive_v their_o abuse_a posterity_n it_o be_v then_o as_o impossible_a this_o principle_n shall_v falter_v as_o that_o the_o forego_n age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o that_o the_o succeed_a age_n shall_v believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v shall_v hold_v both_o side_n
the_o multitude_n of_o virtuous_a person_n will_v ●elp_v to_o increase_v both_o virtue_n and_o glory_n too_o in_o ●heir_a fellow_n and_o relation_n it_o follow_v that_o ●ad_v those_o father_n in_o any_o age_n consent_v to_o mis●●ad_v their_o posterity_n from_o what_o themselves_o con●eit_v to_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o most_o extreme_o ●arm_v imaginable_a to_o other_o without_o any_o the_o ●east_o good_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a in_o one_o single_a man_n more_o in_o a_o few_o but_o infinite_o in_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o good_a man_n moreover_o christ_n law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n which_o include_v love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christi●nity_n to_o do_v they_o a_o injury_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d to_o debar_v they_o heaven_n and_o send_v they_o to_o hel●_n and_o all_o this_o gratis_o 11._o again_o the_o great_a the_o recommend_v any_o truth_n be_v the_o great_a be_v the_o obligation_n not_o bely_v ourselves_o and_o it_o let_v we_o weigh_v then_o 〈◊〉_d recommend_v which_o christian_a doctrine_n receive_v from_o forefather_n have_v either_o as_o to_o its_o serious_a 〈◊〉_d port_n that_o it_o be_v faithful_o transmit_v to_o other●_n or_o the_o universality_n conceit_a wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n of_o the_o recommender_n and_o than_o 〈◊〉_d lance_n it_o with_o the_o recommendation_n of_o any_o natural_a or_o civil_a truth_n whatsoever_o and_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d it_o levitate_fw-la like_o a_o inconsiderable_a feather_n or_o 〈◊〉_d in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a poise_n and_o weig●_n sway_v with_o which_o the_o other_o descend_v 12._o nothing_o be_v by_o nature_n more_o deep_o 〈◊〉_d more_o universal_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o manki●●_n than_o a_o dear_a and_o tender_a love_n of_o their_o offspring_a and_o a_o careful_a provision_n for_o their_o pass_v their_o 〈◊〉_d well_o that_o be_v free_a from_o misery_n with_o a_o com●tency_n of_o such_o good_n as_o be_v hold_v fit_v for_o th●_n nature_n but_o how_o much_o more_o care_n must_v cha●●ty_n oblige_v parent_n to_o have_v of_o their_o child_n 〈◊〉_d to_o use_v the_o mean_n they_o conceive_v proper_a to_o bri●_n they_o everlasting_a and_o infinite_a bliss_n in_o heave●_n and_o to_o avoid_v they_o intolerable_a and_o endless_a ●_z in_o hell_n especial_o since_o the_o perform_n ●evaricating_a from_o that_o duty_n be_v of_o equal_a concern_v 〈◊〉_d themselves_o how_o strange_a a_o advantage_n ●peradds_v christianity_n in_o this_o particular_a to_o the_o ●earest_a natural_a love_n of_o ourselves_o or_o of_o our_o near●●t_a relation_n who_o be_v next_z ourselves_o 13._o consider_v we_o next_o the_o natural_a care_n of_o not_o ●●sing_v one_o credit_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v in_o common_a that_o the_o good_a opinion_n of_o other_o we_o call_v ●redit_n or_o repute_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o most_o necessary_a mean_n to_o make_v man_n fit_a for_o human_a society_n or_o commerce_n and_o without_o which_o none_o can_v expect_v 〈◊〉_d thrive_v in_o his_o vocation_n or_o live_v with_o comfort_n ●eflecting_v next_o on_o the_o degree_n of_o discredit_v we_o ●nd_v that_o he_o who_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n though_o without_o any_o harm_n to_o other_o with_o ●uch_o ado_n escape_v some_o disrepute_n but_o if_o his_o ●yes_n be_v pernicious_a he_o be_v hold_v a_o arrant_a villain_n ●f_o to_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n still_o great_a ●f_o the_o mischief_n he_o do_v by_o his_o false_a word_n or_o dealing_n be_v exceed_o great_a one_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o abominable_a and_o proportional_o still_o as_o the_o harm_n ●e_n induce_v grow_v if_o the_o motive_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v ●im_a good_a be_v very_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a he_o ●s_v still_o more_o enormous_a and_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o ●hose_n preservative_n motive_n increase_v so_o be_v his_o ma●ice_n still_o enhance_v but_o if_o he_o go_v about_o all_o this_o wickedness_n bold_o and_o confident_o without_o ca●ing_v who_o know_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o back_o his_o most_o notorious_a and_o most_o pernicious_a lie_n with_o deep_a oath_n and_o perjury_n by_o thing_n most_o sacred_a he_o be_v now_o conceive_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o wickedness_n that_o he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v hold_v a_o man_n but_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a but_o how_o incomparable_o more_o wicked_a and_o consequent_o disgraceful_a must_v that_o man_n be_v who_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n shall_v teach_v his_o child_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v mischief_n he_o do_v his_o near_a relation_n no_o less_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sad_a gain_n of_o hell-fire_n for_o all_o eternity_n the_o motive_n he_o have_v not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o his_o own_o concern_v full_a as_o infinite_a his_o lie_n most_o notorious_a to_o all_o about_o he_o and_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n who_o beside_o other_o sacrament_n imply_v most_o oblige_a vow_n not_o to_o renounce_v his_o faith_n be_v consecrate_v by_o a_o particular_a one_o to_o preach_v christ_n doctrine_n true_o and_o to_o preserve_v his_o flock_n sound_n in_o faith_n to_o his_o power_n then_o to_o prevaricate_v from_o this_o duty_n render_v he_o a_o sacrilegious_a abuser_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a state_n of_o life_n and_o most_o inviolable_a tie_v this_o world_n as_o sanctify_v by_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o it_o what_o inconcievable_a villainy_n then_o and_o consequent_o discredit_n must_v that_o man_n see_o undergo_v who_o shall_v misteach_v his_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o a_o world_n of_o forefather_n shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v so_o desperate_a and_o absolute_a a_o forfeit_n of_o their_o reputation_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v sum_v up_o or_o even_o guess_v at_o be_v beyond_o all_o proportion_n the_o advantage_n then_o with_o which_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o each_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a rivet_n and_o confirm_v this_o natural_a care_n of_o credit_n to_o the_o preserve_a tradition_n inviolable_a be_v incomparable_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a 14._o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o unfold_v particular_o how_o each_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o show_v the_o inerrable_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o how_o the_o principle_n of_o almost_o each_o science_n be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n arithmetic_n lend_v she_o number_v and_o multiply_v faculty_n to_o scan_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o testifier_n geometry_n her_o proportion_n to_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a strength_n of_o certitude_n in_o christian_a tradition_n above_o those_o attestation_n which_o breed_v certainty_n in_o human_a affair_n logic_n her_o skill_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o connexion_n it_n have_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n nature_n her_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n morality_n her_o first_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v gratis_o by_o a_o cognoscitive_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o practical_a reason_n historical_a prudence_n clear_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o undiscernible_a revolt_n from_o point_n to_o descend_v &_o hold_v so_o sacred_a politic_n show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o a_o law_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o metaphysic_n engage_v the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o be_v which_o fix_v every_o truth_n so_o establish_v the_o scientifical_a knowledge_n which_o spring_v from_o each_o particular_a nature_n by_o their_o first_o cause_n or_o reason_n exempt_a from_o change_n or_o motion_n divinity_n demonstrate_v it_o most_o worthy_a god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o bliss_n last_o controversy_n evidence_n the_o total_a uncertainty_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n if_o this_o can_v be_v uncertain_a and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o first_o principle_n and_o which_o settle_v secure_v scripture_n as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v main_o concern_v salvation_n to_o pursue_v these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o tradition_n infallibleness_n be_v not_o my_o task_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o conclude_v that_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o self-evident_a that_o tradition_n if_o ever_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o inerrable_a rule_n so_o our_o four_o last_o discourse_n have_v show_v its_o ever-indeficiency_a or_o rather_o indefectibleness_n scientifical_o evident_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o nature_n and_o grace_n strain_v as_o we_o may_v say_v to_o their_o utmost_a can_v make_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 o●_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 ●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
but_o that_o christ_n promise_v his_o church_n infallibility_n be_v not_o thus_o self-evident_a but_o needs_o other_o knowledge_n to_o evidence_n it_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v all_o come_v by_o inspiration_n beside_o if_o god_n providence_n lay_v in_o second_o cause_n for_o tradition_n indeficiency_n be_v not_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n abstract_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o faithful_a tradition_n can_v never_o convey_v certain_o that_o promise_n to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v assure_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n letter_n ascertain_v only_o by_o imagine_a diligence_n from_o copy_n to_o copy_n not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v that_o letter_n can_v not_o be_v certain_a its_o self_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o ascertain_v other_o till_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v establish_v antecedent_o and_o be_v it_o suppose_v a_o true_a letter_n this_o letter_n tradition_n be_v as_o yet_o suppose_v unknown_a to_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v down_o certain_o christ_n sense_n must_v be_v interpret_v only_o by_o private_a skill_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n veracity_n that_o be_v all_o mankind_n salvation_n must_v be_v build_v on_o that_o private_a interpretation_n private_a i_o say_v for_o in_o that_o supposition_n till_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o that_o point_n be_v interpret_v certain_o true_o the_o church_n veracity_n or_o power_n to_o interpret_v it_o true_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v which_o beside_o the_o common_a rule_n that_o no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n be_v particular_o and_o high_o faulty_a in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o will_v make_v our_o fundamental_a of_o fundamental_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n rely_v on_o such_o a_o private_a interpretation_n moreover_o to_o say_v tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v certain_a because_o christ_n promise_v it_o put_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v not_o see_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n to_o say_v in_o common_a such_o a_o effect_n be_v wrought_v because_o it_o be_v god_n will_n which_o give_v no_o account_n of_o that_o particular_a effect_n but_o only_o say_v something_o in_o common_a wherefore_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v see_v not_o believe_v a_o controversial_a divine_a aught_o to_o make_v it_o see_v that_o be_v aught_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o indeficiency_n by_o intrinsical_v medium_n or_o dependence_n on_o proper_a cause_n it_o signisy_n therefore_o no_o more_o in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n to_o say_v christ_n promise_v than_o in_o natural_a science_n to_o answer_v to_o every_o question_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v a_o proper_a cause_n that_o god_n will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o good_a say_n for_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v also_o the_o other_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o a_o competent_a principle_n either_o for_o philosopher_n or_o controvertist_n consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n 1._o thus_o far_o reason_n let_v we_o see_v how_o it_o be_v second_v by_o authority_n and_o first_o by_o the_o scripture_n 2._o for_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o the_o way_n to_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n see_v the_o prophet_n isaiah_n c._n 35._o v._n 8._o this_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o a_o direct_a way_n so_o that_o fool_n can_v err_v in_o it_o that_o be_v evident_a to_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a or_o self-evident_a else_o fool_n may_v possible_o err_v in_o it_o in_o case_n it_o need_v any_o skill_n of_o discourse_n and_o be_v not_o obvious_a to_o common_a sense_n 3._o now_o what_o this_o self-evident_a rule_n be_v be_v most_o expressive_o declare_v by_o the_o same_o prophet_n c._n 59_o v._n 21._o speak_v of_o god_n favour_n intend_v to_o the_o gentile_n that_o be_v of_o the_o law_n of_o grace_n this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o for_o ever_o here_o we_o see_v god_n promise_n to_o perpetuate_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o on_o what_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o oral_a tradition_n or_o deliver_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o teach_v not_o by_o scan_v a_o book_n put_v in_o their_o hand_n we_o see_v it_o promise_v also_o that_o this_o tradition_n shall_v be_v indefectible_a or_o uninterrupted_a and_o last_o that_o his_o spirit_n or_o sanctity_n be_v both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v continue_v ever_o with_o she_o which_o be_v so_o she_o must_v needs_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v incomparable_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o this_o effect_n of_o perpetuate_a christ_n doctrine_n by_o tradition_n 4._o as_o pithy_a and_o home_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n c._n 31._o i_o will_v give_v my_o law_n in_o their_o bowel_n and_o i●_n their_o heart_n will_v i_o write_v it_o and_o still_o more_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n contradistinguish_v the_o law_n of_o grace_n from_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o this_o that_o the_o late_a be_v write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n the_o former_a in_o the_o fleshy_a table_n of_o man_n heart_n both_o as_o express_v as_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o send_v we_o for_o our_o faith_n to_o live_a sense_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o mere_a dead_a letter_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o tradition_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o natural_a way_n imaginable_a to_o write_v they_o there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v note_v the_o word_n heart_n which_o in_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n not_o of_o mee●_n speculative_a knowledge_n as_o be_v the_o word_n brain_n which_o intimate_v the_o practical_a nature_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o it_o imprint_n christ_n law_n and_o convey_v it_o down_o by_o christian_a carriage_n and_o action_n not_o by_o speculative_a scan_v the_o significativeness_n of_o character_n in_o a_o book_n note_v also_o the_o word_n fleshy_a which_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v christ_n law_n be_v through_o the_o affect_v the_o soul_n by_o her_o inferior_a part_n consider_v she_o as_o she_o be_v a_o virtue_n of_o understanding_n that_o be_v by_o sensation_n which_o make_v strong_a and_o plain_a impression_n in_o mankind_n according_a to_o their_o material_a part_n and_o so_o force_v into_o they_o natural_a knowledge_n whence_o thing_n thus_o imprint_v be_v apt_a to_o settle_v themselves_o solid_o and_o even_o sink_v deep_o into_o the_o most_o material_a gross_a and_o vulgar_a understanding_n quite_o contrary_a to_o which_o in_o all_o regard_v be_v the_o way_n of_o beginning_n with_o read_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v certain_o letter_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v 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
for_o fastidiousness_n i_o offer_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n and_o yet_o go_v about_o to_o lay_v none_o himself_o be_v the_o method_n of_o a_o sceptic_a and_o from_o he_o indeed_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o if_o i_o can_v forc●_n he_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n but_o that_o one_o who_o pretend_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o holder_n of_o christ_n law_n that_o be_v if_o he_o go_v consequent_o a_o rely_a upon_o some_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n for_o hold_v that_o christ_n say_v thus_o or_o thus_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o impugn_v principle_n bring_v to_o ascertain_v fundamental_o that_o point_n and_o yet_o himself_o lay_v none_o to_o do_v that_o effect_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o impugner_n of_o tradition_n be_v to_o let_v he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o renouncer_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o any_o assuredness_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o position_n as_o he_o be_v christian_a which_o permission_n be_v unreasonable_a according_a to_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o illegal_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o true_a logic_n again_o if_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n give_v it_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v see_v intellectual_o but_o what_o be_v either_o evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n or_o by_o deduction_n in_o the_o manner_n declare_v it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o to_o frame_v discourse_n in_o another_o method_n than_o this_o or_o at_o least_o loose_a discourse_n that_o have_v no_o connexion_n involve_v in_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v the_o test_n of_o this_o method_n can_v be_v only_o to_o talk_v uncertainty_n that_o be_v of_o we_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v unworthy_a a_o man_n much_o more_o a_o scholar_n and_o last_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o reason_n that_o every_o sleight_n authority_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o god_n church_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o reason_n be_v to_o weigh_v what_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v any_o assent_n further_o than_o reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v now_o this_o be_v so_o to_o allege_v authority_n undistinguish_o whereas_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o they_o that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o two_n to_o be_v find_v perfect_o alike_o in_o merit_n be_v such_o a_o wild_a proceed_n hand_n over_o head_n such_o a_o careless_a say_v any_o thing_n to_o no_o imaginable_a purpose_n but_o pure_o to_o talk_v that_o no_o sober_a discourser_n can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v time_n in_o combat_v such_o a_o airy_a adversary_n 2._o i_o make_v it_o my_o request_n to_o my_o intelligent_a reader_n for_o i_o write_v to_o none_o but_o such_o that_o he_o will_v reflect_v back_o on_o the_o method_n i_o have_v take_v in_o my_o short_a discouse_n and_o he_o will_v see_v that_o however_o my_o performance_n speed_v i_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o evidence_n and_o aim_v at_o least_o at_o perfect_a science_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n he_o will_v see_v i_o take_v my_o rise_n at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_n and_o faith_n this_o know_v i_o establish_v my_o first_o principle_n in_o this_o present_a matter_n to_o be_v these_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n hence_o i_o proceed_v to_o discover_v diverse_a attribute_n necessary_o connext_v with_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o word_n and_o if_o to_o avoid_v witty_a cavil_n i_o decline_v the_o pretence_n of_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o either_o word_n without_o press_v the_o essentialness_n of_o any_o of_o those_o attribute_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v merit_v both_o pardon_n and_o thanks_o from_o those_o who_o look_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o long_o as_o those_o attribute_n must_v necessary_o accompany_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v my_o work_n without_o engage_v into_o nice_a disquisition_n those_o attribute_n be_v show_v necessary_o connect_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o apply_v they_o to_o my_o matter_n in_o hand_n by_o mean_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n bear_v a_o necessity_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o very_a term_n that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o attribute_n necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v not_o and_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o property_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o a_o rule_n do_v belong_v hence_o i_o reject_v scripture_n letter_n from_o be_v that_o rule_n and_o assert_v tradition_n to_o be_v it_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o perhaps_o for_o i_o to_o do_v if_o i_o only_o mind_v opposition_n to_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o scripture_n letter_n for_o their_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n and_o opposition_n to_o tradition_n be_v such_o 3._o but_o intend_v to_o avail_v myself_o and_o my_o cause_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n not_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o other_o i_o go_v forward_o have_v first_o show_v it_o clear_o self-evident_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a rule_n if_o follow_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o follow_v and_o this_o i_o attempt_v by_o those_o mean_n i_o take_v the_o allow_v definition_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o effect_v i_o be_v to_o show_v which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n i_o find_v the_o proper_a agent_n or_o efficient_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o to_o be_v motive_n or_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o any_o such_o motive_n to_o make_v he_o prevaricate_v from_o openly-delivered_a faith_n nay_o the_o necessity_n of_o see_v he_o must_v destroy_v his_o credit_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o compass_v his_o end_n i_o endeavour_v to_o conclude_v that_o faith_n thus_o descend_v be_v never_o prevaricate_v from_o then_o take_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o a_o poste●iori_fw-la i_o take_v a_o effect_n i_o conceive_v impossible_a to_o be_v introduce_v into_o a_o know_a nature_n without_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o engraft_v it_o there_o or_o rather_o to_o imbue_v soul_n with_o it_o natural_o and_o as_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la traduce_n 4._o see_v by_o this_o time_n that_o my_o discourse_n by_o stoop_v from_o my_o first_o principle_n while_o i_o apply●d_v they_o to_o my_o business_n seem_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o by_o the_o blunder_n of_o many_o more_o and_o more_o particular_a term_n than_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a principle_n forcible_o take_v in_o begin_v to_o look_v with_o a_o contingent_a face_n though_o indeed_o i_o still_o perch_v upon_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o never_o flag_v below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n therefore_o to_o comfort_v the_o reader_n understand_v apt_a to_o grow_v turbid_v by_o my_o approach_n towards_o practice_n i_o consider_v tradition_n practical_o and_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v connatural_o how_o the_o revolt_n from_o it_o which_o we_o call_v heresy_n come_v to_o be_v originize_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o compare_v the_o human_a force_n of_o christian_a tradition_n with_o another_o vast_a tradition_n mere_o human_a &_o then_o touch_v at_o some_o divine_a assistance_n show_v how_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v establish_v the_o best_a piece_n of_o it_o man_n nature_n by_o particular_a mean_n exceed_v she_o own_o native_a strength_n to_o this_o effect_n of_o preserve_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n unalterable_a and_o uninterrupted_a that_o be_v i_o show_v tradition_n most_o certain_a and_o most_o indefective_a and_o far_o beyond_o the_o establishment_n of_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o natural_a science_n whatsoever_o 5._o last_o observe_v that_o my_o discourse_n by_o process_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o all_o discourse_n however_o evident_a if_o not_o bind_v to_o syllogistical_a form_n begin_v to_o look_v dishevel_a i_o add_v diverse_a corollary_n in_o some_o of_o which_o i_o make_v many_o several_a end_n of_o it_o meet_v in_o a_o close_a frame_n in_o other_o i_o advance_v forward_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n unity_n power_n to_o oblige_v and_o govern_v her_o subject_n as_o faithful_a and_o her_o infallibility_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o several_a part_n of_o she_o be_v found_v in_o tradition_n nay_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n she_o enjoy_v a_o wonderful_a sacredness_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o unexpugnable_a but_o also_o unimpugnable_a without_o destroy_v all_o kind_n of_o certainty_n that_o be_v without_o high_a nonsense_n in_o the_o opposer_n and_o hence_o i_o seat_n tradition_n on_o her_o throne_n demonstrate_v she_o they_o the_o first_o and_o consequent_o self-evident_a principle_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o
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 do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n do_v which_o word_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o review_v and_o note_n for_o thence_o my_o discourse_n take_v its_o rise_n 13._o what_o be_v it_o then_o that_o we_o affirm_v the_o late_a age_n oblige_v to_o hold_v and_o act_n as_o their_o forefather_n hold_v and_o act_v wear_v their_o clothes_n or_o build_v their_o house_n no_o for_o both_o those_o matter_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v of_o trivial_a concern_v and_o the_o fashion_n of_o both_o depend_v on_o fancy_n which_o be_v too_o sleight_v a_o principle_n to_o oblige_v to_o a_o constancy_n what_o be_v it_o then_o to_o manage_v their_o estate_n thus_o or_o thus_o no_o for_o the_o inconvenience_n or_o convenience_n of_o the_o different_a way_n be_v perhaps_o hold_v not_o very_o material_a and_o the_o judge_v which_o be_v best_a depend_v upon_o prudential_n principles_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n variable_a and_o accommodable_a to_o circumstance_n and_o therefore_o not_o oblige_v they_o to_o think_v and_o act_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v let_v we_o proceed_v be_v it_o some_o piece_n of_o skill_n or_o a_o speculative_a opinion_n depend_v on_o the_o goodness_n or_o badness_n of_o the_o ancestor_n knowledge_n no_o for_o experience_n teach_v that_o man_n differ_v in_o such_o judgement_n and_o be_v errable_a it_o can_v never_o oblige_v posterity_n to_o believe_v unalterable_o as_o they_o do_v be_v it_o then_o some_o historical_a passage_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o great_a note_n and_o as_o such_o apt_a to_o strike_v their_o fancy_n strong_o yet_o still_o such_o as_o the_o succeed_a age_n be_v not_o high_o concern_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o for_o example_n that_o of_o alexander_n conquest_n of_o asia_n to_o the_o asian_a and_o grecian_a offspring_n of_o the_o next_o age_n after_o no_o yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o be_v fresh_a and_o lively_a even_o among_o we_o who_o be_v not_o the_o immediate_a descendants_n of_o those_o where_o he_o conquer_v though_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n since_o 14._o before_o we_o go_v any_o further_a let_v we_o examine_v how_o this_o history_n come_v to_o obtain_v so_o firm_a and_o unshaken_a a_o belief_n from_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o this_o very_a day_n and_o first_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a weak_a speculater_n that_o can_v think_v the_o universal_a and_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v cause_v by_o book_n curtius_n his_o history_n for_o example_n for_o since_o all_o mankind_n know_v natural_o that_o falsehood_n may_v as_o easy_o be_v character_v in_o letter_n as_o truth_n it_o be_v evident_o the_o continue_a belief_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o sense_n in_o man_n heart_n of_o its_o truth_n that_o be_v human_a tradition_n which_o give_v that_o book_n all_o its_o authority_n and_o secure_v its_o strange_a content_n from_o be_v hold_v romanical_a which_o the_o very_a being-writ_a can_v never_o have_v do_v let_v we_o see_v next_o whence_o this_o human_a tradition_n have_v its_o force_n to_o continue_v hitherto_o so_o settle_v and_o unalterable_a a_o persuasion_n of_o alexander_n conquest_n and_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n for_o proper_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o best_a demonstrative_a medium_n we_o shall_v find_v the_o object_n itself_o be_v very_o universal_a strange_a notorious_a and_o hold_v of_o concern_v to_o the_o then_o liver_n which_o make_v their_o heart_n and_o fancy_n full_a of_o it_o and_o so_o oblige_v they_o to_o burst_v out_o into_o expression_n of_o it_o and_o relate_v it_o to_o their_o offspring_n of_o the_o next_o age._n i_o but_o what_o oblige_v the_o offspring_n to_o believe_v their_o forefather_n tell_v it_o and_o to_o act_v or_o talk_v of_o it_o again_o to_o their_o child_n as_o the_o father_n do_v without_o which_o obligation_n it_o can_v not_o have_v descend_v to_o we_o regard_v once_o more_o the_o thing_n we_o shall_v discover_v that_o it_o be_v imprint_v into_o the_o offspring_n by_o the_o forefather_n testify_v what_o their_o sense_n have_v tell_v they_o which_o put_v common_a sense_n inform_v they_o the_o thing_n be_v infallibly-true_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o if_o they_o have_v see_v it_o with_o their_o own_o eye_n for_o no_o reach_n of_o reason_n but_o only_a extravagance_n of_o madness_n can_v have_v furnish_v they_o with_o any_o imaginable_a motive_n why_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v they_o or_o be_v decievable_a in_o their_o sensation_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o conceit_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o the_o main_a for_o circumstantial_a consideration_n be_v not_o so_o evident_a to_o all_o at_o first_o and_o so_o can_v not_o be_v universal_o deliver_v as_o ascertain_v by_o sense_n be_v in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n rivet_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o next_o age_n and_o so_o there_o be_v necessary_o in_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o the_o world_n some_o curious_a person_n who_o nature_n herself_o can_v not_o but_o incline_v to_o a_o inquisitiveness_n of_o what_o be_v do_v former_o and_o other_o too_o natural_o incline_v to_o tell_v it_o child_n who_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o and_o delight_v with_o hear_v such_o strange-true_a story_n it_o go_v down_o continue_v by_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n to_o our_o very_a day_n 15._o but_o we_o have_v over-shot_a our_o mark_n the_o question_n be_v of_o the_o obligation_n not_o to_o believe_v contrary_a to_o forefather_n from_o age_n to_o age._n and_o it_o be_v already_o evident_a that_o the_o second_o age_n after_o alexander_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o first_o because_o they_o see_v with_o their_o eye_n what_o be_v do_v but_o how_o can_v those_o in_o the_o three_o age_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o second_o who_o see_v it_o not_o to_o answer_v this_o we_o must_v ask_v whether_o the_o three_o age_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o the_o second_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o first_o age_n tell_v they_o and_o the_o notoriousness_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v no_o speculation_n but_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n secure_v that_o or_o conspire_v to_o bely_v the_o second_o age_n authority_n and_o common_a reason_n satisfy_v they_o by_o the_o circumstance_n of_o the_o honesty_n of_o the_o person_n their_o consent_n and_o the_o disinteressedness_n of_o the_o position_n that_o they_o can_v not_o thus_o conspire_v even_o the_o rude_a have_v a_o demonstration_n the_o second_o age_n true_o testify_v what_o the_o first_o say_v and_o so_o those_o of_o the_o three_o age_n have_v the_o first_o age_n authority_n certain_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o its_o authority_n its_o sensation_n too_o and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n spring_v from_o that_o experimential_a perception_n which_o therefore_o must_v needs_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o the_o three_o age_n as_o it_o do_v upon_o the_o second_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o same_o argument_n upon_o the_o the_o four_o five_o and_o five_o hundred_o while_o it_o be_v know_v to_o have_v come_v down_o by_o the_o way_n of_o testification_n and_o this_o be_v know_v by_o its_o be_v receive_v in_o the_o five-hundredth_a age_n as_o testify_v for_o if_o the_o second_o age_n can_v not_o tell_v the_o three_o it_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o first_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v so_o testify_v the_o same_o reason_n i_o have_v assign_v for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o that_o will_v hold_v for_o each_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v it_o will_v follow_v no_o age_n can_v say_v a_o former_a age_n testifyd_v so_o unless_o they_o do_v so_o whence_o nothing_o can_v come_v in_o as_o testify_v by_o a_o former_a age_n unless_o thus_o testifyd_v if_o therefore_o the_o five-hundredth_a age_n receive_v a_o thing_n as_o testify_v suppose_v the_o notoreity_n of_o it_o secure_v the_o thing_n
from_o mistakableness_n it_o follow_v demonstrative_o it_o be_v testify_v and_o to_o come_v close_o to_o our_o purpose_n that_o the_o descendants_n in_o each_o age_n to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n have_v the_o same_o obligation_n to_o believe_v their_o immediate_a forefather_n say_v it_o be_v testify_v by_o the_o former_a as_o those_o of_o the_o three_o age_n to_o believe_v the_o second_o or_o the_o second_o the_o first_o 16._o who_o ever_o look_v into_o rational_a nature_n with_o even_o that_o ordinary_a knowledge_n with_o which_o the_o rude_a person_n almost_o that_o life_n do_v upon_o material_a nature_n will_v discern_v the_o same_o necessity_n or_o obligation_n of_o continue_v down_o by_o the_o way_n of_o testify_v notorious_a and_o important_a matter_n of_o fact_n fix_v at_o first_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o fancy_n of_o a_o universality_n by_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n work_v on_o their_o sense_n as_o that_o in_o a_o long_a chain_n of_o iron_n one_o link_n draw_v shall_v draw_v all_o the_o rest_n or_o that_o the_o turn_v the_o first_o wheel_n shall_v move_v a_o thousand_o distant_a one_o depend_v on_o its_o motion_n nor_o doubt_v i_o but_o it_o will_v be_v make_v full_a as_o evident_a when_o rational_a soul_n come_v to_o set_v themselves_o to_o reflect_v serious_o on_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o procedure_v to_o action_n a_o speculation_n few_o protestant_n be_v acquaint_v with_o bookishness_n and_o much_o read_n be_v only_o in_o vogue_n with_o the_o talk_a tribe_n among_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n mr._n stillingfleet_n may_v see_v in_o the_o instance_n now_o put_v that_o be_v in_o the_o strong_a persuasion_n of_o alexander_n victory_n yet_o continue_v by_o tradition_n that_o there_o be_v a_o obligation_n in_o one_o age_n to_o believe_v another_o when_o they_o proceed_v as_o witness_n and_o this_o not_o only_o of_o what_o they_o see_v but_o of_o what_o other_o tell_v they_o they_o see_v and_o of_o what_o some_o affirm_v they_o be_v tell_v by_o other_o that_o the_o age_n before_o they_o see_v and_o so_o downward_o and_o that_o as_o the_o impulsive_a force_n be_v communicate_v from_o the_o mover_n hand_n to_o the_o farthest-distant-wheel_n by_o the_o application_n of_o the_o intermediate_v one_o the_o solid_a or_o inflexible_a nature_n of_o the_o matter_n oblige_v the_o next_o wheel_n to_o propagate_v its_o motion_n so_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n move_v the_o first_o experimental_a perciever_n of_o it_o and_o that_o solid_a notion_n which_o fix_v every_o truth_n be_v the_o virtue_n which_o run_v through_o and_o give_v force_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v apply_v by_o universal_a witness_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n or_o other_o testimony_n from_o each_o age_n to_o the_o other_o as_o great_a a_o tie_v to_o assent_v as_o human_a nature_n be_v capable_a of_o by_o natural_a mean_n for_o that_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o virtue_n which_o make_v this_o persuasion_n so_o solid_a and_o firm_a beside_o what_o be_v say_v be_v see_v by_o this_o that_o be_v it_o deliver_v only_o as_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o its_o strong_a conveyance_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o elevate_v it_o beyond_o opinion_n for_o the_o strong_a that_o have_v be_v the_o more_o perfect_o it_o have_v be_v hold_v opinion_n still_o the_o existence_n then_o of_o the_o thing_n have_v virtue_n to_o oblige_v to_o a_o full_a persuasion_n the_o thing_n be_v so_o when_o apply_v with_o certainty_n the_o testification_n of_o the_o precedent_a age_n be_v a_o certain_a applier_n of_o it_o and_o undoubtable_a that_o be_v oblige_v to_o belief_n therefore_o the_o next_o age_n be_v in_o such_o matter_n convey_v down_o this_o way_n as_o strong_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o forego_n as_o reason_n can_v oblige_v it_o that_o be_v by_o see_v effect_n impossible_a to_o be_v without_o the_o existence_n of_o forego_v testification_n nor_o they_o final_o without_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n 17._o i_o expect_v now_o what_o mr_n stillingfleet_n will_v reply_v to_o this_o discourse_n will_v he_o say_v there_o be_v no_o cause_n lay_v to_o oblige_v the_o after-comer_n to_o believe_v the_o fore-goer_n that_o alexander_n conquer_v asia_n but_o that_o it_o happen_v so_o by_o chance_n what_o will_v he_o say_v then_o to_o thousand_o other_o such_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v do_v long_o ago_o all_o which_o must_v either_o be_v hold_v oblige_o this_o way_n or_o none_o see_v cowll_fw-mi 24._o beside_o the_o cause_n proper_a to_o work_v on_o a_o rational_a nature_n be_v reason_n to_o say_v then_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n able_a to_o make_v we_o believe_v alexander_n thus_o conquer_v be_v to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o chance_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cause_n unforeseen_a by_o we_o to_o say_v all_o believe_v it_o by_o chance_n signify_v none_o s●e_v any_o reason_n why_o they_o believe_v it_o which_o make_v 〈◊〉_d the_o world_n ass_n or_o have_v i_o not_o hit_v on_o the_o right_a cause_n i_o shall_v thank_v mr_n stillingfleet_n to_o help_v i_o out_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n assure_v he_o that_o whatever_o cause_n he_o assign_v oblige_v poposterity_n to_o believe_v ancestor_n in_o this_o shall_v strengthen_v tradition_n perhaps_o he_o will_v say_v they_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o history_n deliver_v yet_o not_o deliver_v point_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v wonder_v at_o the_o position_n but_o because_o i_o foresee_v he_o be_v like_a to_o recur_v to_o this_o for_o he_o must_v be_v force_v to_o say_v either_o this_o or_o what_o be_v worse_o i_o shall_v prepare_v against_o it_o by_o parallel_v the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v this_o deliver_v history_n to_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v christian_a faith_n deliver_v 18._o to_o do_v this_o more_o ample_o we_o will_v consider_v christ_n doctrine_n according_a to_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o circumstance_n express_v in_o that_o common_a verse_n quis_fw-la quid_fw-la ubi_fw-la quibus_fw-la auxiliis_fw-la cur_n quomodo_fw-la quando_fw-la quis_fw-la who_o be_v the_o author_n and_o subject_n of_o this_o faith_n thus_o to_o be_v deliver_v not_o a_o poor_a mortal_a but_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n not_o a_o ambitious_a self-extolling_a man_n but_o a_o self-humbled_n god_n come_v down_o from_o his_o heaven_n to_o be_v the_o world_n saviour_n and_o master_n every_o of_o who_o word_n and_o action_n be_v infinite_o to_o be_v admire_v and_o consequent_o require_v to_o be_v have_v in_o perpetual_a remembrance_n quid_fw-la what_o thing_n be_v it_o which_o be_v deliver_v or_o testify_v a_o doctrine_n contain_v principle_n of_o the_o new_a life_n they_o be_v to_o lead_v as_o christian_n and_o so_o practical_a notwithstanding_o the_o majesty_n of_o its_o abstruseness_n a_o doctrine_n connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o reason_n man_n true_a nature_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o sink_v into_o he_o &_o not_o be_v easy_o relinquishable_a a_o doctrine_n which_o bear_v in_o its_o very_a notion_n to_o be_v a_o guide_n towards_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o consequent_o that_o to_o forsake_v it_o be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n which_o therefore_o oblige_v father_n to_o teach_v it_o and_o child_n to_o esteem_v themselves_o bind_v to_o learn_v it_o and_o hold_v to_o it_o last_o a_o doctrine_n all_o make_v up_o of_o most_o astonish_a miracle_n and_o wonder_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o strike_v a_o deep_a sense_n of_o reverence_n into_o heart_n already_o imbue_v with_o it_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o call_v christ_n doctrine_n imprint_v on_o the_o sensarion_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d age_n of_o christian_n not_o a_o pitiful_a story_n of_o a_o alexander_n or_o caesar_n of_o sleight_n concern_v wonderment_n or_o practical_a usefulness_n but_o in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o like_o a_o tale_n of_o a_o tub_n which_o no_o hurt_n be_v do_v if_o it_o go_v in_o at_o one_o ear_n and_o out_o a●_n the_o other_o 19_o vbi_fw-la when_o be_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o preach_v this_o doctrine_n perform_v in_o all_o even_o the_o remote_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o only_o in_o a_o piece_n of_o europe_n and_o in_o asia_n and_o this_o open_o especial_o in_o rome_n the_o world_n metropolis_n whence_o it_o can_v easy_o and_o effectual_o spread_v into_o the_o rest_n nay_o in_o the_o very_a face_n of_o tyrant_n which_o thing_n give_v it_o a_o perfect_a visibility_n and_o last_o in_o every_o private_a family_n it_o be_v teach_v and_o put_v in_o practice_n which_o make_v it_o beyond_o dispute_n sensible_n and_o maniable_a as_o far_o as_o it_o conduce_v to_o christian_a life_n quibus_fw-la auxiliis_fw-la by_o what_o help_n or_o mean_n by_o most_o stupendous_a miracle_n powerful_a preach_v and_o heavenly_a live_n conformable_o to_o those_o principle_n which_o make_v those_o principle_n or_o faith_n
to_o salvation_n so_o that_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o or_o hold_v or_o practice_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n be_v all_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o their_o forefather_n do_v and_o not_o introduce_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o those_o they_o have_v receive_v have_v it_o be_v i_o say_v thus_o propose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o wonderment_n but_o all_o these_o that_o be_v indeed_o all_o of_o weight_n in_o the_o point_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o such_o poor_a shift_n even_o the_o best_a wit_n must_v be_v drive_v to_o when_o they_o will_v maintain_v a_o false_a cause_n 25._o one_o word_n to_o m._n stillingfleet_n he_o have_v challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o this_o obligation_n to_o belief_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o traditionary_a way_n he_o have_v offer_v we_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o weapon_n either_o reason_n particular_a testimony_n or_o universal_a tradition_n i_o have_v accept_v his_o offer_n choose_v my_o weapon_n and_o give_v here_o the_o first_o blow_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o now_o run_v the_o field_n but_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v by_o his_o offer_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o his_o sake_n my_o reflection_n here_o be_v not_o more_o elaborate_a be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n in_o loose_a quarter_n of_o sheet_n as_o soon_o as_o write_v more_o time_n not_o be_v allow_v i_o nor_o i_o hope_v needful_a to_o answer_v such_o mistake_n only_o i_o request_v he_o when_o he_o reply_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subjecta_fw-la materia_fw-la the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o give_v weight_n to_o both_o as_o i_o have_v declare_v above_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o god_n assist_v i_o a_o very_a serious_a reply_n 26._o ere_o i_o quite_o leave_v this_o matter_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v the_o reader_n along_o with_o i_o in_o my_o quest_n for_o a_o reason_n or_o proper_a cause_n why_o so_o judicious_a a_o person_n as_o mr._n stillingfleet_n can_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o such_o a_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v their_o ancestor_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o a_o matter_n deliver_v to_o have_v be_v not_o deem_v or_o think_v but_o do_v or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a be_v its_o necessary_a effect_n see_v or_o know_v by_o sense_n for_o i_o make_v account_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o ever_o be_v such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o rational_a nature_n give_v we_o by_o god_n who_o in_o his_o natural_a thought_n can_v ever_o raise_v such_o a_o doubt_n or_o think_v he_o can_v possible_o frame_v his_o thought_n to_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o contrary_a no_o more_o than_o any_o man_n in_o england_n who_o speculative_a scepticism_n have_v not_o besot_v and_o unman_v can_v doubt_v of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n harry_n the_o eighth_n or_o mahomet_n existence_n much_o less_o judge_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o be_v a_o strange_a distorsion_n or_o rather_o destruction_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o can_v so_o alter_v it_o now_o look_v into_o thing_n i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o protestant_n temper_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o who_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n for_o their_o humour_n be_v to_o choose_v every_o one_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o wit_n work_v upon_o disputable_a word_n they_o wonder_v and_o judge_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a their_o posterity_n thus_o imbue_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o ancestor_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v i_o too_o for_o while_o they_o can_v never_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o receive_v ever_o by_o the_o way_n of_o infallible_a sense_n or_o witness_v but_o must_v say_v the_o former_a church_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la err_v and_o consequent_o that_o themselves_o may_v do_v so_o too_o so_o that_o they_o can_v only_o deliver_v it_o as_o depend_v or_o build_v on_o their_o own_o fallible_a opinion_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o make_v scriptur_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o allow_v no_o live_v interpreter_n able_a to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a their_o posterity_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v immediate_a ancestor_n but_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choose_v their_o own_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v at_o age_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v and_o experience_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o england_n till_o they_o have_v choose_v fair_o and_o this_o horrid_a unreasonableness_n be_v the_o venomous_a source_n the_o first_o defective_a principle_n or_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o all_o heresy_n import_v also_o in_o the_o very_a word_n which_o signify_v choice_n or_o choose_v one_o religion_n mention_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n cite_v above_o p._n 135._o and_o counterpose_v by_o he_o to_o tradition_n as_o also_o by_o s._n athanasius_n cite_v p._n 133._o 134._o where_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o describe_v and_o homely_a apply_v to_o the_o protestant_n and_o such_o other_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v i_o be_o a_o bad_a transcriber_n 27._o i_o have_v do_v my_o main_a task_n and_o so_o shall_v only_o touch_v at_o his_o next_o paragraph_n it_o begin_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n when_o i_o see_v man_n move_v no_o more_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v vary_v from_o the_o forego_n when_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v they_o have_v do_v it_o you_o argue_v well_o but_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v ere_o you_o can_v see_v our_o faith_n vary_v from_o the_o former_a first_o to_o see_v what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o then_o to_o see_v what_o the_o former_a church_n hold_v before_o and_o if_o i_o see_v any_o thing_n you_o see_v neither_o well_o for_o while_o you_o can_v distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o its_o explication_n some_o schoolman_n and_o church_n i_o have_v no_o hope_n you_o shall_v see_v candid_o what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o if_o you_o can_v at_o present_v see_v what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o how_o and_o by_o what_o method_n will_v you_o assure_v we_o you_o see_v what_o she_o hold_v former_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o you_o have_v renounce_v all_o live_a attestation_n the_o common_a and_o secure_a way_n to_o bring_v it_o down_o and_o consequent_o father_n too_o for_o father_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v evident_a witnesser_n transmitter_n or_o propagate_v of_o the_o faith_n receive_v to_o immediate_a posterity_n if_o you_o question_v delivery_n or_o tradition_n which_o you_o do_v while_o you_o doubt_v obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v ancestor_n you_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o so_o any_o father_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v father_n historian_n or_o any_o that_o writ_n or_o testify_v thing_n long_o ago_o and_o yet_o think_v the_o next_o age_n not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o former_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v in_o their_o own_o day_n how_o far_o short_a then_o be_v your_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a church_n doctrine_n like_a to_o prove_v of_o be_v parallel_n to_o our_o see_v a_o man_n move_v with_o our_o corporeal_a eye_n but_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n or_o rather_o indeed_o force_v by_o your_o bad_a cause_n you_o must_v do_v so_o 28._o you_o call_v this_o way_n of_o we_o a_o superficial_a subtlety_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v be_v that_o which_o be_v whole_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o you_o see_v we_o do_v superficial_a or_o you_o which_o be_v mere_o a_o airy_a descant_n upon_o dead_a word_n what_o do_v you_o think_v controversy_n be_v i_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o you_o may_v take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o talk_v and_o i_o think_v you_o do_v so_o though_o you_o will_v not_o profess_v it_o but_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o noble_a science_n i_o hold_v its_o object_n to_o be_v rationem_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidei_fw-la or_o to_o maintain_v question_v faith_n which_o be_v chief_o do_v by_o show_v the_o authority_n on_o which_o faith_n depend_v quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la certain_a hence_o all_o other_o authority_n depend_v on_o tradition_n i_o hold_v knowledge_n of_o its_o certainty_n the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n and_o this_o being_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la necessary_o antecedent_n to_o authority_n it_o can_v only_o be_v