reason_n against_o raillery_n or_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n tillotson_n preface_n against_o j._n s._n with_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n dr._n tillot_n serm._n p._n 121._o anno_fw-la dom._n mdclxxii_o advertisement_n it_o be_v the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n by_o a_o odious_a name_n which_o themselves_o dislike_v and_o particular_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o time_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n popery_n which_o come_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o can_v expect_v my_o present_a adversary_n who_o zeal_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o treatise_n carry_v he_o much_o far_a than_o his_o reason_n shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o a_o fail_v so_o epidemical_a and_o withal_o so_o necessary_a for_o his_o purpose_n for_o nothing_o more_o easy_o solve_v all_o argument_n or_o more_o ready_o answer_v any_o book_n with_o the_o vulgar_a than_o this_o short_a method_n inure_v they_o to_o a_o hideous_a apprehension_n of_o popery_n then_o call_v any_o production_n by_o that_o name_n and_o all_o far_o confute_v be_v needless_a with_o the_o vulgar_a i_o say_v for_o i_o shall_v presume_v that_o whoever_o read_v this_o treatise_n will_v judge_v it_o incredible_a dr._n t._n shall_v hereafter_o attempt_v to_o write_v to_o such_o as_o be_v true_o learned_a till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o settle_v and_o pursue_v some_o conclusive_a method_n of_o discourse_v which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o will_v not_o because_o his_o cause_n will_v not_o bear_v it_o i_o be_o to_o expect_v then_o from_o the_o disingenuity_n of_o my_o opposer_n that_o this_o piece_n will_v be_v brand_v for_o popery_n thence_o the_o publish_n it_o make_v a_o insolence_n and_o to_o lay_v on_o more_o load_n strain_v to_o a_o immodest_a abuse_n of_o the_o late_a merciful_a indulgence_n i_o be_o force_v therefore_o to_o stop_v the_o reader_n at_o the_o very_a entrance_n and_o to_o declare_v to_o he_o beforehand_o that_o in_o peruse_v this_o treatise_n he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o point_n at_o present_a maintain_v by_o i_o be_v only_o these_o that_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v absolute_o certain_a if_o this_o be_v popery_n all_o the_o sober_a and_o well-meaning_n protestant_n presbyterian_o and_o almost_o all_o england_n nay_o all_o true_a christian_n be_v papist_n for_o not_o one_o of_o they_o who_o use_n or_o discourse_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n but_o retain_v in_o his_o natural_a thought_n unless_o bad_a speculation_n have_v corrupt_v nature_n this_o hearty_a conceit_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v all_o a_o lie_n for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v and_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a tenet_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o on_o my_o side_n if_o then_o dr._n t._n do_v not_o in_o discourse_v here_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n sustain_v this_o contrary_a tenet_n and_o so_o violate_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v at_o present_v no_o quarrel_n with_o he_o but_o he_o a_o very_a grievous_a one_o with_o i_o for_o wrong_v he_o and_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o owe_v he_o satisfaction_n as_o public_a as_o the_o injury_n if_o he_o do_v all_o protestant_n presbyterian_o etc._n etc._n have_v the_o same_o quarrel_n with_o he_o i_o have_v and_o so_o ought_v to_o join_v with_o i_o against_o he_o and_o he_o will_v owe_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o catholic_n for_o corrupt_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o all_o acknowledge_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n into_o opinion_n and_o so_o quite_o enervate_v its_o force_n and_o influence_n towards_o bring_v soul_n to_o heaven_n as_o will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o i_o can_v allege_v to_o justify_v my_o write_n at_o present_a the_o earnest_n and_o dare_a provocation_n of_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n public_o in_o their_o late_a book_n also_o that_o this_o treatise_n be_v near_o print_v ere_o his_o majesty_n gracious_a declaration_n be_v publish_v but_o i_o shall_v make_v use_n of_o no_o other_o justification_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o my_o cause_n which_o be_v the_o common_a concern_v of_o all_o good_a christian_n and_o can_v never_o be_v unseasonable_a to_o defend_v or_o be_v offensive_a to_o any_o who_o be_v hearty_o a_o friend_n to_o christianity_n to_o see_v it_o defend_v and_o if_o any_o clamour_n be_v raise_v against_o i_o for_o so_o do_v it_o be_v abundant_o satisfactory_a to_o i_o that_o the_o world_n beforehand_o understand_v how_o worthy_a the_o cause_n be_v for_o the_o maintain_n of_o which_o i_o suffer_v this_o reproach_n to_o the_o know_v candid_a wit_n of_o this_o nation_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v a_o ornament_n to_o the_o university_n and_o other_o learned_a society_n gentleman_n i_o know_v not_o to_o who_o all_o attempt_v to_o advance_v truth_n in_o any_o kind_n can_v more_o proper_o belong_v than_o to_o you_o to_o who_o knowledge_n give_v ability_n to_o discern_v the_o profess_a study_n of_o truth_n candour_n and_o sincerity_n to_o own_o what_o you_o discern_v and_o both_o together_o a_o perfect_a qualification_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n the_o enemy_n to_o learning_n be_v ignorance_n and_o passion_n and_o i_o take_v you_o to_o be_v as_o much_o above_o the_o late_a as_o the_o world_n will_v witness_v you_o be_v free_a from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o the_o former_a i_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v i_o be_o not_o mistake_v in_o the_o judgement_n i_o make_v of_o you_o and_o that_o few_o nation_n can_v produce_v a_o equal_a number_n of_o man_n so_o acute_a to_o discover_v the_o truth_n so_o wise_a to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o speak_v general_o so_o unbiased_a to_o acknowledge_v it_o this_o consideration_n give_v i_o a_o high_a esteem_n for_o your_o authority_n and_o that_o esteem_v the_o confidence_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o you_o for_o my_o umpire_n the_o wise_a justice_n of_o this_o nation_n have_v provide_v that_o all_o difference_n betwixt_o contend_a party_n be_v try_v by_o their_o peer_n and_o though_o your_o dissent_v from_o i_o in_o some_o particular_a point_n may_v possible_o cause_v jealousy_n in_o one_o who_o be_v not_o well_o assure_v of_o his_o own_o cause_n or_o your_o integrity_n yet_o the_o interest_n of_o learning_n be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o of_o the_o right_n or_o injury_n do_v to_o that_o you_o be_v the_o best_a and_o peradventure_o only_a judge_n and_o for_o that_o point_n i_o confident_o appeal_v to_o you._n have_v make_v my_o address_n give_v i_o leave_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o declare_v my_o case_n i_o have_v observe_v with_o much_o grief_n the_o swarm_n of_o new_a sect_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o decline_a of_o many_o good_a wit_n towards_o atheism_n which_o pester_v our_o country_n and_o look_v into_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o sad_a effect_n it_o need_v no_o great_a reach_n to_o discover_v that_o the_o fancy_n of_o man_n be_v both_o by_o nature_n and_o circumstance_n frame_v to_o great_a variety_n it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o they_o shall_v take_v their_o several_a ply_v and_o sway_v man_n thought_n and_o action_n according_o unless_o some_o principle_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o all_o shall_v oblige_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o wise_a at_o least_o to_o adhere_v unanimous_o to_o the_o same_o profession_n of_o faith_n and_o satisfy_v by_o motive_n within_o their_o own_o ken_n and_o even_o forestall_v by_o the_o way_n of_o nature_n the_o irregular_a deviation_n to_o which_o weak_a fancy_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v subject_a nor_o can_v i_o nor_o indeed_o can_v any_o man_n think_v but_o that_o as_o god_n the_o author_n of_o every_o perfect_a gift_n settle_a faith_n most_o firm_o at_o first_o in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o primitive_a believer_n by_o evident_a miracle_n so_o he_o intend_v and_o order_v as_o far_o as_o be_v on_o his_o part_n that_o it_o shall_v continue_v all_o along_o the_o same_o or_o that_o his_o church_n shall_v persevere_v in_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o settle_v such_o a_o rule_n to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o to_o we_o as_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n able_a to_o establish_v it_o and_o satisfy_v according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n both_o the_o wise_a and_o the_o unwise_a whence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o division_n about_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v refund_v into_o the_o faulty_a unwariness_n of_o man_n who_o deflect_v from_o that_o rule_n not_o into_o want_n of_o foresight_n in_o the_o alwise_a founder_n of_o the_o church_n in_o leave_v we_o such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o shall_v set_v we_o all_o on_o wrangle_v instead_o of_o keep_v we_o at_o unity_n these_o consideration_n
evident_o that_o they_o renounce_v not_o evidence_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o manage_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o at_o all_o and_o so_o no_o rule_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o one_o great_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o why_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o because_o their_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v more_o concern_v so_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n t._n a_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o discern_v who_o be_v passionate_a prejudice_v interest_v and_o lustful_a again_o this_o reason_n be_v find_v on_o either_o side_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n for_o be_v not_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n so_o evident_a that_o absurd_a man_n will_v incur_v the_o shame_n of_o mankind_n to_o deny_v they_o there_o want_v no_o temptation_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o make_v author_n go_v about_o to_o control_v and_o contradict_v the_o write_n of_o other_o to_o gain_v themselves_o applause_n and_o credit_n but_o if_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o disagreement_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o be_v the_o other_o great_a reason_n but_o of_o these_o we_o hear_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o for_o since_o his_o one_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o ill-disposedness_a of_o the_o person_n the_o other_o great_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o inability_n of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inevidence_n to_o private_a understanding_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v in_o one_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o manifest_o make_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 20._o to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o dr._n t_n vindication_n of_o himself_o from_o make_v according_a to_o his_o ground_n faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a amount_v to_o this_o he_o produce_v word_n to_o disprove_v it_o which_o manifold_o confess_v it_o he_o endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o show_v that_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o either_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o be_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v deceive_v though_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o secure_v they_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o deny_v that_o absolute_o speak_v faith_n be_v certainlytrue_a again_o loath_a to_o speak_v out_o to_o that_o point_n candid_o he_o shuffle_n about_o and_o put_v upon_o his_o adversary_n divers_a odd_a and_o ridiculous_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n omit_v the_o right_a one_o which_o be_v give_v to_o his_o hand_n last_o be_v to_o give_v account_n what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n he_o allow_v to_o faith_n he_o give_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v nothing_o and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o uncertainty_n imaginable_a take_v his_o measure_n of_o certainty_n which_o ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o object_n or_o proof_n from_o the_o subject_n persuasion_n or_o adhesion_n to_o it_o which_o common_a experience_n testify_v may_v indifferent_o be_v find_v in_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o common_a sense_n confute_v nature_n tell_v every_o man_n that_o my_o assent_n be_v not_o therefore_o certain_a because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o see_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_n be_o full_o persuade_v and_o very_o think_v so_o but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o or_o because_o the_o proof_n be_v conclusive_a either_o then_o let_v he_o bring_v such_o proof_n and_o own_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o he_o leave_v his_o cause_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o his_o credit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o defend_v unclear_v by_o yield_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v actual_o such_o discourse_n vii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n reply_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n §_o 1._o dr_n t._n have_v no_o fellow_n nor_o his_o way_n of_o confute_v any_o parallel_n not_o to_o provoke_v the_o peevishness_n of_o malice_n too_o far_o and_o yet_o follow_v home_o my_o blow_n more_o full_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o uphold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n ground_v on_o the_o just_a conceit_n of_o its_o absolute_a certainty_n i_o write_v a_o a_o book_n call_v faith_n vindicated_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o security_n from_o error_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o assent_n provide_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o motive_n god_n have_v leave_v to_o settle_v his_o church_n and_o by_o it_o mankind_n in_o faith_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n it_o pretend_v demonstration_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o have_v not_o one_o drollish_a or_o unsober_a expression_n in_o it_o take_v a_o map_n of_o it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o conceive_v myself_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la and_o hence_o the_o concern_v be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o speculative_a divine_n i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n to_o the_o more_o intelligent_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o eviction_n to_o the_o middle_a or_o prudential_n sort_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fifth·_n and_o to_o they_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n in_o the_o last_o every_o one_o be_v enable_v by_o tradition_n or_o education_n to_o comprehend_v what_o the_o common_a language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n teach_v they_o as_o to_z speechee_n and_o carriage_n appertain_v to_o faith_n i_o begin_v after_o i_o have_v put_v two_o postulatum_fw-la grant_v by_o all_o christian_n with_o logical_a argument_n which_o i_o pursue_v at_o large_a because_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a trick_n in_o sophister_n and_o half_a logician_n to_o abuse_v that_o excellent_a art_n to_o elude_v the_o clear_a evidendence_n so_o it_o become_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n in_o i_o to_o prevent_v by_o the_o close_a proof_n fetch_v it_o from_o almost_o all_o head_n imaginable_a that_o belong_v to_o that_o skill_n any_o misusage_n of_o its_o maxim_n to_o patronize_v falsehood_n this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o very_o speculative_a and_o according_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n what_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o discourse_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o will_v any_o man_n endue_v with_o common_a sense_n wonder_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v logical_a expression_n when_o i_o make_v logical_a discourse_n or_o term_n of_o art_n when_o i_o speak_v to_o scholar_n these_o thing_n reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o a_o dextrous_a way_n our_o learned_a confuter_n take_v to_o answer_v that_o whole_a book_n for_o he_o manifest_v here_o a_o intention_n to_o give_v it_o no_o other_o and_o to_o overthrow_v so_o many_o demonstration_n §_o 2._o his_o first_o way_n of_o confute_v be_v to_o pick_v out_o a_o leaf_n or_o two_o of_o the_o most_o speculative_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n only_o intend_v for_o scholar_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o be_v only_a sermon-pitch_n to_o who_o because_o such_o discourse_n be_v unsuitable_a and_o withal_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o answer_v hence_o he_o very_o politic_o both_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o those_o reader_n and_o avoid_v himself_o the_o difficult_a task_n of_o answer_v the_o press_a reason_n in_o it_o by_o play_v the_o wit_n when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o act_v the_o scholar_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o constant_a friend_n at_o a_o dead_a lift_n drollery_n in_o stead_n of_o rely_v on_o the_o patronage_n of_o reason_n which_o as_o he_o experience_n so_o often_o betray_v and_o expose_v hss_a weakness_n he_o run_v on_o therefore_o a_o whole_a leaf_n or_o two_o in_o this_o jovial_a career_n ere_o he_o can_v recover_v himself_o till_o even_o his_o own_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n admire_v at_o his_o endless_a raillery_n and_o true_a to_o his_o method_n neglect_v whole_o the_o sense_n and_o except_v mighty_o against_o five_o or_o six_o hard_a word_n namely_o potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n determinative_a supervene_v and_o subsume_v which_o it_o seem_v puzzle_v he_o exceed_o for_o he_o profess_v to_o think_v they_o mystical_a he_o call_v the_o discourse_n jargon_fw-la foolish_a and_o nonsense_n which_o two_o last_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o most_o free_a of_o when_o his_o reason_n be_v most_o at_o a_o loss_n he_o liken_n it_o to_o the_o coptick_n and_o slavonian_a language_n talk_v of_o astrology_n palmistry_n chemistry_n and_o what_o not_o and_o with_o such_o kind_n of_o stuff_n confute_v it_o
earnest_o with_o i_o to_o surcease_v they_o allege_v that_o unpassionate_a examiner_n might_n easy_o discover_v by_o what_o have_v be_v do_v already_o how_o frivolous_a and_o insignificant_a the_o whole_a way_n be_v which_o my_o adversary_n take_v and_o that_o another_o and_o more_o convictive_a reply_n may_v possible_o heighten_v the_o anger_n to_o fatal_a extremity_n that_o if_o i_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n i_o shall_v yet_o have_v regard_n to_o my_o friend_n and_o all_o catholic_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o a_o exception_n against_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v in_o that_o juncture_n be_v enhance_v to_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o cross_v the_o humour_n or_o interest_n of_o that_o implacable_a party_n raise_v the_o storm_n of_o the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o give_v the_o gospel-trumpeter_n occasion_n to_o sound_v out_o aloud_o papa_n ad_fw-la portas_fw-la to_o this_o be_v join_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v my_o poverty_n into_o which_o that_o persecution_n have_v drive_v i_o that_o i_o have_v write_v more_o than_o i_o be_v able_a to_o print_v in_o fine_a authority_n and_o reason_n and_o necessity_n prevail_v with_o i_o and_o i_o forbear_v to_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o to_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v finish_v but_o yet_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o settle_v so_o important_a a_o truth_n suggest_v to_o i_o a_o middle_a way_n which_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v incapable_a to_o be_v wrest_v into_o offence_n so_o i_o see_v plain_o will_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a more_o satisfactory_a i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o sermon_n which_o dr._n t._n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a a_o concession_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o very_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a i_o see_v the_o same_o sense_n often_o imply_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o p._n 1â—8_n plain_o own_a i_o perceive_v and_o know_v all_o man_n of_o insight_n must_v needs_o perceive_v with_o i_o that_o as_o this_o be_v the_o only_a material_a so_o it_o be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n and_o render_v the_o disquisition_n whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n very_o superfluous_a if_o it_o may_v be_v maintain_v it_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o for_o a_o rule_n speak_v of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o both_o of_o we_o do_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o certain_o know_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n he_o who_o say_v that_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a or_o not_o be_v a_o truth_n say_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o rule_n i_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o write_v a_o treatise_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a in_o which_o i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o head_n i_o can_v invent_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n or_o those_o who_o rely_v on_o the_o common_a motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o express_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n the_o assent_n call_v faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o erroneous_a and_o apply_v this_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o adherent_n who_o as_o i_o show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v his_o assent_n build_v on_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o conclude_v they_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n not_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n nor_o be_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o follow_v on_o my_o blow_n as_o i_o have_v promise_v it_o be_v unimaginable_a how_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v press_v more_o home_n than_o to_o conclude_v my_o adversary_n and_o his_o whole_a cause_n from_o the_o very_a a_o est_fw-la of_o faith_n the_o subject_a of_o our_o dispute_n nor_o how_o his_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v more_o fundamental_o overthrow_v than_o by_o show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o his_o miscalled_n faith_n have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o i_o conceive_v too_o that_o this_o be_v to_o make_v good_a the_o engagement_n into_o which_o i_o have_v enter_v to_o force_v they_o either_o to_o lay_v principle_n which_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o let_v all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o have_v none_o for_o in_o case_n they_o do_v manifest_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o must_v of_o necessity_n build_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v sustain_v such_o a_o building_n if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o judge_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o have_v none_o and_o that_o they_o know_v and_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o true_o faithful_a and_o right_a christian_n i_o see_v beside_o that_o this_o method_n permit_v i_o to_o pursue_v a_o rational_a close_a way_n of_o discourse_n without_o the_o continual_a interruption_n which_o the_o insist_v upon_o my_o adversary_n mistake_n must_v needs_o occasion_n which_o as_o it_o be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o i_o and_o more_o creditable_a to_o my_o cause_n so_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n for_o a_o particular_a answer_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v up_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o accusation_n where_o the_o answerer_n think_v it_o his_o best_a play_n to_o mistake_v all_o along_o instead_o of_o direct_a confute_v i_o can_v say_v i_o be_o in_o the_o right_n but_o i_o must_v say_v likewise_o that_o who_o say_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o either_o misunderstand_v or_o misrepresent_v and_o this_o either_o ignorant_o or_o wilful_o to_o show_v which_o be_v a_o task_n no_o more_o pleasant_a to_o the_o reader_n than_o the_o writer_n people_n be_v of_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v they_o have_v great_a reason_n that_o the_o time_n and_o pain_n spend_v in_o such_o wrangling_n may_v with_o much_o more_o advantage_n be_v employ_v in_o convince_a the_o truth_n in_o question_n last_o my_o aim_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o conclusion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v propose_v a_o conclusive_a method_n my_o adversary_n neither_o accept_v of_o i_o nor_o propose_v any_o other_o of_o his_o own_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v and_o i_o see_v that_o by_o proceed_v with_o he_o in_o his_o talk_a fashion_n the_o point_n may_v come_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o unconnected_a word_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o pursue_v my_o design_n more_o close_o and_o by_o the_o bare_a state_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o reduce_v all_o dispute_n to_o this_o short_a period_n either_o produce_v and_o vouch_v such_o ground_n for_o your_o faith_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o have_v none_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o event_n the_o way_n i_o take_v be_v not_o ill_o choose_v dr._n t._n be_v still_o able_a to_o boast_v his_o book_n be_v not_o particular_o answer_v and_o so_o uphold_v his_o credit_n with_o those_o who_o look_v not_o deep_o into_o thing_n seem_v by_o his_o silence_n well-appayed_a and_o i_o hear_v of_o no_o more_o extraordinary_a anger_n against_o i_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v content_v that_o superficial_a people_n shall_v judge_v as_o their_o wit_n serve_v they_o it_o be_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o my_o labour_n that_o intelligent_a and_o insighted_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o they_o how_o matter_n stand_v and_o into_o how_o narrow_a a_o compass_n controversy_n be_v reduce_v and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v ample_a experience_n from_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o nation_n who_o unanimous_o assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o carry_v thing_n far_o or_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o short_a method_n since_o now_o the_o whole_a cause_n depend_v upon_o one_o single_a proposition_n by_o the_o sole_a examination_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decide_v thus_o stand_v the_o controversy_n and_o thus_o for_o some_o year_n it_o rest_v for_o the_o future_a i_o intend_v when_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o write_v only_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o judge_v may_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n for_o union_n which_o as_o i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o best_a of_o work_n so_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a till_o order_v be_v first_o take_v to_o secure_v the_o absolute_a and_o immovable_a certainty_n of_o faith_n itself_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v do_v then_o by_o show_v how_o and_o which_o way_n it_o come_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o this_o calm_a i_o hear_v several_a report_n that_o the_o
and_o adhere_v to_o they_o as_o such_o since_o on_o the_o one_o side_n they_o be_v of_o a_o large_a extent_n as_o principle_n use_v to_o be_v and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o see_v no_o principle_n they_o be_v opposite_a to_o and_o so_o ought_v to_o take_v they_o for_o â—_z when_o dr._n t._n give_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n i_o will_v follow_v his_o nonsensical_a admonition_n and_o renounce_v all_o principle_n as_o far_o as_o god_n and_o nature_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v for_o in_o that_o case_n nonsense_n will_v be_v the_o best_a sense_n and_o contradiction_n the_o perfect_a truth_n but_o till_o he_o do_v this_o he_o must_v remain_v in_o his_o despair_n of_o convince_a i_o i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n help_v it_o §_o 19_o i_o shall_v add_v one_o word_n more_o to_o the_o true_o learned_a reader_n our_o imperfect_a manner_n of_o know_v in_o rhis_fw-la state_n oblige_v we_o to_o detail_v or_o as_o it_o be_v divide_v the_o object_n we_o will_v know_v into_o many_o abstract_a inadequate_a or_o partial_a conception_n which_o we_o use_v to_o rank_v orderly_o in_o the_o ten_o predicament_n and_o then_o to_o compound_v those_o single_a conception_n into_o proposition_n and_o those_o into_o discourse_n whereas_o separate_a substance_n when_o they_o know_v any_o object_n neither_o compound_v nor_o divide_v at_o all_o but_o with_o one_o intuitive_a view_n see_v the_o whole_a to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v wherefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o our_o knowledge_n that_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o come_v so_o near_o their_o way_n of_o operate_n as_o our_o act_n of_o know_v identical_a proposition_n it_o divide_v as_o little_a as_o be_v possible_a for_o our_o state_n for_o it_o predicate_v the_o whole_a of_o the_o whole_a for_o which_o very_a reason_n it_o as_o little_a compound_n again_o and_o do_v not_o our_o condition_n here_o forcible_o exact_a oâ—_n we_o to_o frame_v a_o proposition_n or_o connect_v together_o inadequate_a notion_n by_o a_o copula_fw-la when_o we_o will_v express_v a_o truth_n it_o will_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o intuitive_a see_v the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v and_o so_o indeed_o after_o a_o sort_n it_o be_v but_o confuse_a all_o clearness_n here_o arise_v from_o a_o perfect_a distinguish_v our_o notion_n yet_o it_o resemble_v not_o a_o little_a in_o its_o absolute_a evidence_n immovable_a firmness_n and_o its_o near_a approach_n possible_a to_o simple_a intuition_n whence_o it_o hint_n to_o a_o soul_n deâ—irous_a of_o truth_n the_o glorious_a satisfaction_n it_o will_v enjoy_v when_o the_o screen_n of_o our_o body_n be_v take_v away_o to_o have_v at_o one_o prospect_n all_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o each_o single_a thing_n in_o it_o present_v to_o her_o ravish_a understanding_n and_o see_v to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v with_o a_o far_o great_a evidence_n possess_v and_o hold_v with_o a_o incomparable_o great_a firmness_n and_o penetrate_v by_o a_o transcendent_o more_o excellent_a and_o simple_a manner_n of_o know_v than_o whâ—t_v we_o now_o experience_n here_o in_o those_o weak_a yet_o best_o resemblance_n our_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o indeed_o '_o â—is_n but_o fit_v that_o those_o supreme_a knowledge_n which_o ground_n both_o our_o definition_n the_o matter_n and_o all_o force_n of_o consequence_n the_o form_n of_o our_o inferior_a way_n of_o knowledge_n by_o reason_v shall_v be_v near_o ally_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o know_v proper_a to_o those_o high_a sort_n of_o intellectual_a creature_n that_o so_o as_o the_o wise_a order_n of_o the_o world_n require_v the_o supremum_fw-la infimi_fw-la may_v touch_v or_o immediate_o confine_v upon_o that_o which_o be_v infimum_fw-la supremi_fw-la §_o 20._o by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v those_o learned_a and_o intelligent_a person_n to_o who_o i_o address_v this_o discourse_n will_v discern_v i_o have_v some_o reason_n to_o hold_v identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v first_o principles_n i_o beseech_v they_o to_o review_v all_o dr._n t._n have_v say_v against_o they_o either_o here_o or_o in_o any_o other_o place_n and_o when_o they_o have_v discover_v it_o all_o to_o be_v mere_a empty_a drollery_n they_o will_v just_o wonder_v at_o his_o confidence_n that_o dare_v appear_v before_o scholar_n in_o print_n and_o think_v to_o carry_v it_o off_o with_o soppish_a jest_n as_o if_o his_o reader_n have_v only_a risibility_n in_o they_o and_o no_o rationality_n yet_o in_o reliance_n on_o these_o unfailing_a ground_n he_o end_v with_o a_o declaration_n to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o principle_n but_o such_o as_o these_o mean_v identical_a proposition_n he_o neither_o have_v any_o principle_n nor_o will_v have_v any_o a_o excellent_a resolution_n and_o hard_o to_o keep_v yet_o i_o will_v wager_v ten_o to_o one_o on_o his_o head_n that_o in_o despite_n of_o both_o art_n and_o nature_n he_o shall_v hold_v it_o as_o well_o as_o any_o man_n live_v and_o that_o when_o he_o come_v to_o lay_v any_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o the_o term_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o identical_a that_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v not_o make_v they_o hang_v together_o at_o all_o §_o 21._o the_o sum_n of_o thâ—s_n whole_a discourse_n about_o principle_n be_v this_o all_o science_n à _fw-la priori_fw-la be_v thus_o originize_v the_o first_o be_v be_v what_o he_o be_v that_o be_v self-existence_n be_v self-existence_n and_o so_o essential_o unchangeable_a wherefore_o the_o essence_n of_o thing_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o what_o be_v in_o in_o god_n that_o be_v to_o what_o be_v god_n be_v unchangeable_a likewise_o or_o be_v establish_v in_o their_o own_o be_v that_o be_v fix_v in_o their_o own_o particular_a and_o distinct_a nature_n which_o we_o fit_o express_v by_o identical_a proposition_n affirm_v they_o to_o be_v what_o they_o be_v hence_o they_o become_v capable_a of_o have_v the_o determinate_a bound_n of_o their_o nature_n describe_v in_o certain_a form_n of_o speech_n call_v definition_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o expression_n of_o their_o distinction_n from_o all_o other_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n the_o way_n to_o make_v these_o definition_n be_v twofold_a one_o by_o collect_v the_o natural_a say_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n about_o that_o thing_n as_o such_o and_o then_o observe_v in_o what_o notion_n those_o several_a say_n of_o they_o do_v centre_n the_o distinct_a expression_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v the_o definition_n for_o they_o know_v through_o practical_a self-evidence_n the_o distinction_n of_o one_o thing_n from_o another_o by_o a_o perpetual_a converse_n wâ—th_v they_o have_v the_o right_a notion_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o theâ—r_a mind_n and_o those_o say_n genuine_o deliver_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o that_o notion_n imprint_v there_o by_o the_o teach_n of_o nature_n the_o otâ—er_a way_n be_v by_o sort_v all_o our_o notion_n under_o certain_a distinct_a head_n and_o then_o divide_v the_o high_a or_o most_o general_a notion_n in_o such_o a_o head_n by_o intrinsical_v difference_n till_o by_o descend_v they_o light_v on_o that_o difference_n which_o constitute_v and_o join_v with_o the_o genus_fw-la which_o it_o divide_v define_v that_o nature_n the_o definition_n have_v that_o be_v a_o diâ—â—inct_a knowledge_n be_v gain_v of_o what_o it_o be_v in_o which_o any_o nature_n agree_v with_o other_o and_o in_o what_o it_o differ_v from_o they_o reason_n have_v more_o room_n to_o stir_v herself_o in_o or_o more_o matter_n to_o work_v upon_o in_o order_n to_o bring_v thing_n to_o a_o further_a distinction_n and_o clearness_n and_o first_o by_o a_o due_a consideration_n and_o reflection_n practical_a self-evidence_n still_o assist_v for_o the_o great_a man_n of_o art_n must_v nâ—t_o leave_v off_o be_v child_n of_o nature_n nay_o perhaps_o it_o be_v their_o best_a title_n the_o proper_a cause_n and_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n begin_v to_o appear_v and_o thence_o middle_a term_n for_o demonstrative_a syllogism_n disclose_v themselves_o and_o science_n begin_v to_o spread_v itself_o and_o advance_v or_o if_o two_o notion_n be_v to_o be_v show_v connect_v which_o seem_v remote_a the_o notion_n which_o direct_o compound_v their_o definition_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v far_o and_o their_o resolution_n pursue_v till_o something_o appear_v in_o both_o of_o they_o which_o be_v formal_o identical_a that_o be_v till_o some_o identical_a proposition_n come_v to_o be_v engage_v for_o example_n if_o one_o will_v prove_v that_o virtue_n be_v laudable_a he_o will_v find_v that_o laudable_a be_v deserve_v to_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o and_o practical_a self-evidence_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o our_o speech_n be_v frame_v natural_o to_o express_v our_o thought_n that_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v speak_v well_o of_o which_o deserve_v to_o be_v think_v well_o
to_o viz._n to_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o certain_a truth_n nay_o lay_v down_o their_o lâ—ves_n upon_o occasion_n to_o attest_v they_o be_v such_o and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o assent_v it_o be_v to_o say_v interior_o or_o judge_v very_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o can_v a_o motive_n or_o reason_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a ever_o induce_v in_o true_a reason_n such_o a_o obligation_n or_o work_v rational_o such_o a_o effect_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v since_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n must_v on_o the_o one_o side_n judge_v the_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o a_o truth_n and_o yet_o must_v at_o the_o same_o tâ—me_n necessary_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o see_v the_o motive_n he_o have_v offer_v he_o raise_v it_o no_o high_o that_o be_v he_o must_v hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a now_o true_a evidence_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n and_o so_o oblige_v to_o assent_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n produce_v such_o proof_n as_o make_v the_o point_n true_o evident_a a_o atheist_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a if_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o if_o by_o those_o word_n atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o thing_n afford_v no_o true_a evidence_n at_o all_o and_o judge_n atheist_n unreasonable_a for_o not_o assent_v without_o true_a evidence_n because_o the_o thing_n afford_v none_o he_o in_o effect_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v forfeit_v their_o manhood_n ere_o they_o can_v be_v christian_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o reflect_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v more_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a divine_a to_o propose_v let_v we_o â—ee_n how_o far_o dr._n t._n be_v unblamable_a in_o this_o particular_a he_o discourse_v thus_o and_o since_o he_o so_o earnest_o press_v it_o we_o will_v take_v his_o word_n in_o order_n §_o 8._o aristotle_n say_v he_o have_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o proof_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v for_o same_o thing_n aristotle_n say_v very_o well_o for_o speak_v of_o proof_n in_o common_a and_o at_o large_a those_o we_o have_v for_o success_n in_o our_o exterior_a action_n on_o the_o hope_n of_o which_o we_o proceed_v to_o act_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v but_o probable_a but_o this_o reach_v not_o our_o present_a business_n about_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o this_o preamble_n be_v frame_v where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n be_v be_v necessary_o require_v the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o aristotle_n do_v or_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n say_v that_o a_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v a_o creature_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o deduce_v conclusion_n by_o discourse_n from_o premise_n or_o build_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o those_o upon_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o these_o can_v be_v oblige_v in_o true_a reason_n or_o act_v according_a to_o right_a nature_n to_o assent_v judge_n or_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a without_o such_o motive_n or_o proof_n which_o do_v conclude_v it_o true_a or_o that_o what_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a do_v not_o also_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v grant_v then_o that_o in_o our_o exterior_a operation_n exercise_v upon_o particular_n where_o contingency_n rule_v we_o must_v rest_v content_v with_o probability_n of_o the_o event_n and_o proceed_v to_o act_v upon_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v oblige_v we_o for_o shall_v all_o the_o world_n surcease_v from_o action_n till_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o it_o all_o commerce_n and_o negotiation_n must_v be_v leave_v off_o nay_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o live_v must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v or_o judge_v absolute_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v succeed_v well_o because_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n or_o conclusive_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o act_v though_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n of_o the_o success_n for_o which_o assent_n also_o we_o have_v absolute_a evidence_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v now_o speak_v of_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n which_o as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n or_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o hope_n from_o hope_n to_o charity_n the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n the_o whole_a interior_a fabric_n be_v build_v on_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n which_o ground_n our_o profession_n wherefore_o if_o the_o foundation_n for_o this_o assent_n be_v not_o well_o lay_v all_o the_o superstructure_n of_o religion_n be_v ruinous_a now_o nature_n have_v frame_v thing_n so_o and_o the_o maxim_n of_o our_o understanding_n give_v it_o that_o those_o who_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o wise_a soul_n be_v unapt_a to_o assent_v but_o upon_o evidence_n whereas_o the_o weak_a sort_n as_o experience_n teach_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v upon_o any_o silly_a probability_n hence_o unless_o such_o man_n see_v proof_n absolute_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a they_o be_v unapt_a to_o be_v draw_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o as_o certain_a truth_n especial_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o to_o assent_v as_o there_o be_v to_o act_v outward_o in_o regard_n nature_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n of_o suspending_a which_o nothing_o can_v subdue_v rational_o in_o such_o man_n at_o least_o but_o true_a evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n work_v this_o clear_a sight_n in_o they_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o else_o by_o effect_n or_o cause_n necessary_o connect_v with_o it._n other_o evidence_n i_o know_v none_o it_o may_v be_v dr._n t._n do_v let_v we_o see_v §_o 8._o mathematical_a thing_n say_v he_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o experiment_n thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n by_o moral_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v this_o discourse_n deserve_v deep_a consideration_n and_o first_o it_o will_v be_v askâ—_n why_o metaphysic_n be_v omit_v here_o which_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v mention_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n since_o its_o proper_a subject_n be_v those_o notion_n which_o concern_v be_v and_o to_o give_v be_v or_o create_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a be_v whence_o it_o seem_v the_o proper_a science_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o deity_n in_o case_n metaphysical_a thing_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v deny_v for_o if_o as_o he_o say_v here_o thing_n be_v therefore_o demonstrable_a because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n the_o object_n of_o metaphysic_n which_o be_v be_v be_v far_o more_o abstract_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o from_o motion_n and_o its_o necessary_a concomitant_a uncertainty_n or_o contingency_n than_o be_v quantity_n the_o subject_n of_o mathematics_n for_o this_o primary_n affection_n of_o body_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o proper_a cause_n of_o of_o all_o variation_n and_o unsteadiness_n since_o all_o natural_a motion_n or_o mutation_n arise_v from_o divisibility_n yet_o because_o all_o science_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n as_o stand_v under_o our_o notion_n or_o conception_n and_o not_o according_a as_o they_o exist_v in_o themselves_o where_o thousand_o of_o considerability_n be_v confuse_o jumble_v into_o one_o common_a stock_n of_o existence_n or_o one_o thing_n also_o because_o we_o can_v abstract_n by_o our_o consideration_n the_o notion_n or_o nature_n of_o quantity_n nay_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n mere_o as_o affect_v body_n as_o it_o be_v steady_o or_o extend_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n as_o the_o proper_a cause_n or_o source_n of_o motion_n hence_o the_o mathematics_n have_v title_n to_o be_v true_o and_o
god_n holy_a disposition_n than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v have_v they_o keep_v awake_v that_o degree_n of_o suspense_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o require_v they_o shall_v §_o 8._o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o dr._n t_n performance_n it_o appear_v hence_o that_o one_o may_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o withal_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assent_v firm_o to_o it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n which_o only_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n either_o by_o perfect_o suspend_v and_o incline_v to_o neither_o side_n as_o we_o experience_v our_o understanding_n now_o bear_v itself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o star_n be_v even_o or_o odd_a or_o by_o strong_o hope_v or_o incline_v to_o assent_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a as_o when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n such_o a_o time_n at_o london_n who_o never_o use_v to_o break_v his_o word_n which_o expectation_n though_o one_o may_v have_v very_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_n will_v not_o deceive_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o firm_o as_o i_o do_v to_o my_o faith_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n but_o what_o i_o most_o admire_v be_v that_o dr._n t._n can_v think_v a_o actual_a not_o doubt_v or_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v a_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o ground_n for_o christian_a faith_n as_o he_o all_o over_o inculcate_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v over_o again_o what_o have_v be_v late_o prove_v that_o a_o bear_v not_o doubt_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christianâ—_n it_o be_v evident_a first_fw-mi that_o turk_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o be_v full_o persuade_v what_o they_o hold_v be_v â—rue_a and_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v it_o whence_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o exclude_v doubt_n in_o its_o adherent_n turcism_n judaisme_n and_o perhaps_o paganism_n too_o may_v claim_v to_o be_v true_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o certainty_n or_o security_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n all_o those_o wicked_a sect_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v hold_v certain_a too_o and_o so_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v become_v certain_a by_o which_o stratagem_n dr._n t._n be_v as_o complete_o revenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o reward_v his_o dear_a friend_n and_o faithful_a abetter_n direct_a contradiction_n very_o honourable_o advance_v they_o to_o be_v first_o principle_n and_o even_o as_o certain_a as_o faith_n itself_o second_o passion_n and_o vice_n can_v breed_v in_o a_o man_n a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o a_o error_n be_v true_a and_o such_o a_o apprehension_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o all_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o the_o more_o passion_n a_o man_n be_v in_o and_o the_o more_o obstinate_a he_o be_v in_o that_o passion_n the_o less_o still_o he_o doubt_v so_o that_o by_o dr._n t_n logic_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o christianity_n be_v indeed_o rationally-wise_a or_o passionately-foolish_a in_o caâ—e_a the_o test_n of_o its_o certainty_n or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o ground_n be_v not_o a_o steady_a assent_n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v if_o the_o motive_n to_o embrace_v it_o be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o oneâ—y_o exclusive_a of_o doubt_n three_o ignorance_n and_o dull_a rudeness_n be_v easy_o apay_v with_o any_o silly_a reason_n and_o so_o a_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o be_v void_a of_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a see_v the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v least_o able_a to_o raise_v any_o wherefore_o if_o be_v free_a from_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n be_v the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o christian_a ground_n let_v all_o christian_n be_v but_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o they_o shall_v immediate_o without_o more_o ado_n become_v as_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n as_o may_v be_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o ignorance_n be_v fundamental_o establish_v by_o dr._n t._n the_o mother_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n four_o though_o out_o of_o a_o stupid_a carelessness_n man_n use_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n for_o grant_v upon_o slight_a ground_n while_o it_o be_v cheap_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o no_o danger_n accrue_v upon_o the_o own_v they_o yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n press_v as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n livelihood_n or_o life_n reason_v our_o true_a nature_n teach_v man_n to_o study_v their_o careless_a thought_n over_o again_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o before_o they_o take_v for_o grant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o certain_a motive_n to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o to_o ascertain_v to_o they_o some_o equivalent_a good_a at_o least_o to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o forego_v in_o which_o case_n i_o fear_v it_o will_v yield_v small_a strength_n to_o a_o man_n put_v in_o such_o a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o find_v upon_o review_n of_o his_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v only_o able_a to_o make_v he_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o good_a one_o while_o the_o concern_v be_v remote_a and_o less_o but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o he_o see_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v false_a and_o himself_o a_o great_a fool_n for_o hold_v they_o true_a without_o reason_n convince_a they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o foolish_a perhaps_o wicked_a to_o boot_v for_o suffer_v so_o deep_o to_o attest_v they_o if_o dr._n t._n reply_n that_o such_o man_n die_v for_o what_o they_o conceive_v truth_n mean_v well_o and_o consequent_o act_v virtuous_o i_o must_v ask_v he_o how_o he_o know_v that_o or_o can_v make_v they_o know_v it_o unless_o he_o propose_v motive_n to_o conclude_v those_o tenet_n true_a for_o as_o error_n be_v the_o parent_n and_o origin_n of_o all_o vice_n so_o be_v truth_n of_o all_o virtue_n nor_o be_v virtue_n any_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o follow_v reason_n or_o truth_n whence_o if_o we_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a any_o tenet_n we_o follow_v be_v truth_n we_o can_v be_v absolutely-certain_a any_o action_n be_v virtuous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n virtuous_a to_o mean_v well_o in_o common_a or_o intend_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v only_o free_a from_o doubt_n all_o the_o while_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o substantial_a truth_n to_o proceed_v upon_o which_o render_v their_o meaning_n and_o particular_a action_n good_a as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v man_n true_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o worship_v juno_n venus_n vulcan_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n mean_v well_o in_o common_a be_v free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o have_v dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n too_o that_o be_v have_v a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v full_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n for_o many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a natural_a prudence_n and_o be_v actual_o satisfy_v with_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v for_o polytheism_n last_o they_o have_v dr._n t_n firm_a principle_n too_o on_o their_o side_n for_o they_o have_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n round_o about_o they_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v give_v they_o though_o it_o be_v for_o have_v there_o be_v indeed_o such_o god_n and_o goddess_n yet_o be_v in_o heaven_n they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o light_n concern_v they_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o other_o relate_v also_o as_o doubtless_o they_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n conceive_v to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n for_o they_o and_o what_o doubt_v soever_o a_o few_o speculative_a and_o learned_a man_n raise_v concern_v they_o yet_o the_o generality_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o their_o thought_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o at_o all_o these_o advantage_n i_o say_v the_o heathen_n have_v parallel_n within_o a_o very_a little_a if_o not_o altogether_o to_o dr._n t_n ground_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o equal_a effect_n viz._n not-doubting_a yet_o because_o