more_o necessary_o than_o any_o natural_a cause_n now_o how_o they_o can_v do_v so_o upon_o voluntary_a agent_n i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o inform_v i_o §_o 3._o he_o proceed_v by_o a_o long_a harangue_n to_o show_v 34._o that_o not_o only_o these_o material_a character_n in_o themselves_o be_v corruptible_a but_o 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 because_o either_o those_o cause_n be_v material_a and_o then_o they_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o continual_a alteration_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o from_o these_o we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n hope_n for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o constancy_n than_o from_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a strange_a paradox_n that_o the_o action_n of_o voluntary_a agent_n have_v a_o great_a certainty_n and_o constancy_n in_o they_o than_o those_o of_o natural_a agent_n of_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n compare_v with_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n in_o their_o first_o state_n be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n §_o 4._o but_o he_o add_v a_o caution_n 35._o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o unalterable_a from_o their_o nature_n and_o unerrable_a 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 but_o who_o can_v warrant_v that_o due_a proposal_n will_v always_o be_v make_v to_o man_n and_o due_a care_n use_v by_o they_o if_o these_o be_v uncertain_a where_o be_v the_o constancy_n and_o unerrableness_n he_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o constancy_n of_o this_o spiritual_a cause_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o preserve_v scripture_n entire_a yet_o in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o he_o tell_v 36._o we_o so_o many_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v which_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 of_o a_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o such_o myriad_n of_o word_n single_a letter_n and_o tittle_n or_o stop_n 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 humane_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 mr._n rushworth_n 7._o much_o outdo_v mr._n s._n in_o these_o minute_n cavil_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o suppose_v a_o original_a copy_n of_o christ_n word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o same_o language_n let_v he_o have_v set_v down_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n yet_o man_n conversant_a in_o note_v the_o change_n of_o meaning_n in_o word_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o divers_a accent_n in_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o they_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o speaker_n head_n or_o body_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n etc._n etc._n may_v so_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v quite_o different_a in_o write_v from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o speak_v i_o hope_v that_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o have_v deliver_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n with_o all_o the_o right_a traditionary_a accent_n nod_n and_o gesture_n necessary_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o otherwise_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o may_v have_v so_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o quite_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o but_o to_o answer_v mr._n s._n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v or_o change_v but_o only_o to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o material_a alteration_n from_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v bear_v but_o if_o his_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v very_o short_a and_o cursory_a he_o may_v easy_o have_v reflect_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o all_o these_o contingency_n for_o it_o do_v as_o much_o prevent_v diligence_n and_o exceed_v humane_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o the_o distinct_a action_n of_o speak_v as_o of_o writing_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o doctrine_n oral_o deliver_v consist_v of_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o accent_n and_o stop_n as_o well_o as_o a_o doctrine_n write_v and_o that_o the_o several_a action_n of_o speak_v be_v as_o short_a and_o cursory_a as_o of_o writing_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o tell_v we_o 38._o scripture_n formal_o consider_v as_o to_o its_o significativeness_n be_v also_o uncertain_a first_o 38._o because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n this_o be_v already_o answer_v second_o 38._o because_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o language_n and_o arts._n true_a where_o man_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o understand_v no_o other_o but_o where_o they_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o their_o own_o language_n they_o may_v understand_v they_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o any_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o that_o 38._o eminent_a wit_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o §_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o reverence_n he_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o four_o discourse_n he_o may_v have_v spare_v that_o after_o all_o the_o raillery_n and_o rudeness_n he_o have_v use_v against_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v both_o from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o uncivil_a expression_n concern_v they_o what_o his_o esteem_n be_v of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n probably_n it_o be_v requisite_a in_o prudence_n to_o cast_v in_o a_o few_o good_a word_n concern_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o more_o tender_a and_o squeamish_a novice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o as_o mr._n rushworth_n nephew_n 14._o say_v frank_o and_o open_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o catholic_n piety_n and_o fortitude_n as_o to_o endure_v patient_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v revile_v or_o slight_v beside_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o convert_v who_o may_v be_v too_o much_o alienate_v from_o their_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v express_v nothing_o but_o contempt_n towards_o a_o book_n which_o protestant_n and_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n till_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o popery_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o a_o high_a veneration_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o amiss_o to_o pass_v this_o formal_a compliment_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o his_o own_o religion_n will_v easy_o understand_v and_o may_v serve_v to_o catch_v the_o rest_n but_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v sect_n vi_o §_o 1._o second_o he_o come_v to_o show_v tradition_n that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n and_o first_o he_o gives_z a_o tedious_a explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o oral_a practical_a tradition_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o civil_a education_n of_o child_n they_o be_v teach_v their_o own_o and_o other_o name_n to_o write_v and_o read_v and_o exercise_v their_o trade_n so_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n first_o hear_v sound_n afterward_o by_o degree_n get_v dim_a notion_n of_o god_n christ_n saviour_n heaven_n hell_n virtue_n vice_n and_o by_o degree_n practice_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o be_v show_v to_o say_v grace_n and_o their_o prayer_n to_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o perhaps_o eye_n and_o to_o kneel_v and_o other_o posture_n afterward_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o sacrament_n some_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o order_v their_o life_n according_o and_o be_v guide_v in_o all_o this_o by_o the_o action_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o elder_a faithful_a and_o this_o go_v on_o by_o insensible_a degree_n not_o by_o leap_n from_o
convey_v christ_n doctrine_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o priori_fw-la without_o any_o corruption_n or_o change_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o this_o rule_n shall_v always_o have_v be_v keep_v to_o that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o self-evident_a principle_n need_v no_o other_o evidence_n than_o that_o he_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o but_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o i_o think_v he_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o call_v this_o a_o self-evident_a principle_n as_o to_o call_v his_o proof_n of_o it_o demonstration_n §_o 2._o in_o order_n to_o his_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la he_o lay_v 60._o these_o four_o ground_n which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_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 to_o be_v 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_a and_o fear_n of_o harm_n strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n four_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v feasible_a or_o within_o their_o power_n 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_o 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 this_o be_v his_o demonstration_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o §_o 3._o to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o weakness_n of_o this_o pretend_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v assail_v it_o these_o three_o way_n by_o show_v first_o that_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v conclude_v too_o much_o and_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v impossible_a which_o common_a experience_n evince_v and_o himself_o must_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v second_o that_o his_o main_a ground_n be_v apparent_o false_a three_o that_o his_o demonstration_n be_v confute_v by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n sect_n iii_o §_o 1._o if_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o be_v true_a demonstration_n they_o will_v conclude_v too_o much_o and_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v impossible_a which_o common_a experience_n evince_v and_o himself_n must_v grant_v to_o have_v be_v for_o if_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v true_a that_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n and_o that_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v constant_o to_o christ_n doctrine_n then_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o none_o thâ—â—_n entertain_v this_o doctrine_n can_v ever_o fall_v from_o it_o because_o fall_v from_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o a_o actual_a will_n of_o adhere_v constant_o to_o it_o for_o suppose_v as_o he_o do_v certain_a and_o constant_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n those_o who_o entertain_v it_o must_v actual_o will_v to_o adhere_v to_o it_o because_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v produce_v its_o effect_n which_o be_v constant_a adherence_n to_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a these_o two_o thing_n will_v be_v impossible_a first_o that_o any_o christian_n shall_v turn_v apostate_n or_o heretic_n second_o that_o any_o christian_n shall_v live_v wicked_o both_o which_o not_o only_o frequent_v and_o undoubted_a experience_n do_v evince_n but_o himself_o must_v grant_v de_fw-fr facto_fw-la to_o have_v be_v §_o 2._o first_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o any_o christian_n shall_v turn_v apostate_n or_o heretic_n heresy_n according_a to_o he_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o renounce_n of_o tradition_n now_o he_o tell_v we_o 60._o that_o 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 and_o i_o suppose_v there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o apostate_n but_o if_o all_o christian_n or_o true_a believer_n as_o he_o call_v they_o have_v these_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v strong_o apply_v and_o hope_v and_o fear_v strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v necessary_a all_o christian_n shall_v adhere_v to_o it_o and_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v either_o apostate_n or_o heretic_n for_o if_o these_o cause_n be_v put_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a actual_o cause_v as_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n suppose_v and_o indefectibleness_n be_v the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o these_o cause_n as_o he_o also_o say_v 75._o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o where_o these_o cause_n be_v put_v there_o shall_v be_v any_o defection_n for_o a_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n can_v but_o be_v where_o the_o cause_n of_o such_o a_o effect_n be_v put_v especial_o if_o they_o be_v put_v actual_o cause_v and_o consequent_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o single_a christian_n shall_v ever_o either_o total_o apostatise_v or_o fall_v into_o heresy_n that_o be_v renounce_v tradition_n §_o 3._o and_o that_o this_o be_v a_o genuine_a consequence_n from_o these_o principle_n though_o he_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v it_o here_o because_o he_o see_v it_o will_v ruin_v his_o demonstration_n be_v liberal_o acknowledge_v by_o he_o in_o other_o part_n of_o his_o discourse_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o 54._o that_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n abstract_v from_o the_o cause_n of_o madness_n and_o violent_a disease_n to_o blot_v the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n and_o 78._o that_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n nor_o doubt_n of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v and_o innovate_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 and_o 89._o that_o it_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a for_o one_o single_a man_n to_o attempt_v to_o deceive_v posterity_n by_o renounce_v tradition_n which_o passage_n lay_v together_o amount_v to_o thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o tradition_n shall_v fail_v in_o any_o one_o single_a person_n and_o though_o in_o the_o passage_n last_o cite_v he_o speak_v faint_o and_o with_o a_o perhaps_o as_o if_o he_o apprehend_v some_o danger_n in_o speak_v too_o peremptory_o yet_o any_o one_o will_v easy_o see_v the_o last_o to_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n and_o he_o himself_o elsewhere_o be_v in_o the_o full_a career_n of_o his_o bombast_n rhetoric_n deliver_v it_o roundly_o without_o fear_n or_o wit_n 54._o soon_o may_v the_o sinew_n of_o entire_a nature_n by_o overstrain_v crack_n and_o she_o lose_v all_o her_o activity_n and_o motion_n that_o be_v herself_o than_o one_o single_a part_n of_o that_o innumerable_a multitude_n which_o integrate_a that_o vast_a testification_n which_o we_o call_v tradition_n can_v possible_o be_v violate_v §_o 4._o but_o it_o may_v be_v we_o deal_v too_o hardly_o with_o he_o and_o press_v his_o demonstration_n too_o far_o because_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o only_o intend_v by_o it_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n will_v always_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n but_o if_o he_o intend_v to_o prove_v no_o more_o but_o this_o he_o shall_v then_o have_v bring_v a_o demonstration_n that_o will_v have_v conclude_v no_o more_o but_o this_o conclude_v of_o all_o as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o it_o be_v no_o demonstration_n because_o it_o conclude_v that_o which_o be_v evident_o false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o apostate_n or_o heretic_n beside_o suppose_v his_o demonstration_n to_o conclude_v only_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n will_v always_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n this_o be_v as_o plain_o confute_v by_o experience_n if_o there_o be_v any_o credit_n
either_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upan_n humour_n against_o propagate_a mankind_n and_o yet_o both_o history_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a age_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o of_o africa_n where_o the_o most_o flourish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n once_o be_v be_v fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o become_v either_o mahometan_n or_o heathen_n in_o africa_n almost_o all_o those_o vast_a region_n which_o christianity_n have_v gain_v from_o heathenism_n mahometanism_n have_v regain_v from_o christianity_n all_o the_o north-part_n of_o africa_n lie_v along_o the_o mediterranean_a where_o christianity_n flourish_v once_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o it_o do_v at_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o time_n utter_o void_a of_o christian_n except_v a_o few_o town_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o european_a prince_n and_o not_o to_o mention_v all_o particular_a place_n the_o large_a region_n of_o nubia_n which_o have_v as_o be_v think_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n have_v within_o these_o 150_o year_n for_o want_n of_o minister_n as_o alvarez_n aethiop_n tell_v we_o quit_v christianity_n and_o be_v partly_o revolt_a to_o heathenism_n partly_o fall_v off_o to_o mahometanism_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n the_o very_a teacher_n of_o tradition_n may_v fail_v in_o a_o large_o extend_v church_n as_o for_o asia_n in_o the_o easterly_a part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o now_o one_o christian_a to_o four_o of_o what_o there_o be_v 500_o year_n ago_o and_o in_o the_o more_o southerly_a part_n of_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n the_o christian_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o number_n to_o the_o idolater_n and_o mahometan_n and_o do_v daily_o decrease_v what_o think_v mr._n s._n of_o all_o this_o have_v those_o christian_a nation_n which_o be_v turn_v mahometan_n and_o pagan_n fail_v in_o their_o faith_n or_o not_o if_o they_o have_v i_o expect_v from_o he_o clear_a instance_n of_o more_o that_o have_v fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n §_o 7._o but_o beside_o those_o who_o have_v total_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n with_o the_o jacobite_n and_o nestorian_n and_o all_o those_o other_o sect_n which_o agree_v with_o and_o depend_v upon_o these_o and_o which_o take_v together_o be_v manifold_o great_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o say_v have_v not_o all_o these_o renounce_v tradition_n for_o several_a age_n and_o here_o in_o europe_n have_v not_o a_o great_a part_n of_o poland_n hungary_n both_o germany's_n france_n and_o switzerland_n have_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o great_a britain_n denmark_n sweden_n and_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o ireland_n in_o mr._n s_n opinion_n desert_v tradition_n if_o i_o shall_v once_o see_v a_o whole_a nation_n fail_v because_o no_o body_n will_v marry_v and_o contribute_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v find_v this_o sullen_a humour_n to_o prevail_v in_o several_a nation_n and_o to_o overspread_v vast_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v then_o in_o good_a earnest_n think_v it_o possible_a for_o mankind_n to_o fail_v unless_o i_o can_v show_v it_o impossible_a for_o other_o nation_n to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o to_o have_v do_v who_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unlikely_a to_o have_v do_v it_o so_o that_o whatever_o cause_n he_o assign_v of_o heresy_n 67._o as_o pride_n ambition_n lust_n or_o any_o other_o vice_n or_o interest_n if_o these_o can_v take_v place_n in_o whole_a nation_n and_o make_v they_o renounce_v tradition_n then_o where_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a in_o any_o for_o the_o demonstration_n hold_v as_o strong_o for_o all_o christian_n as_o for_o any_o §_o 8._o second_o from_o these_o ground_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o christian_n can_v live_v wicked_o because_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a life_n the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v as_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o a_o good_a life_n as_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o that_o his_o demonstration_n prove_v the_o one_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o he_o 62._o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o will_n good_a propose_v make_v the_o will_n to_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 counterpoise_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 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 etc._n etc._n in_o case_n a_o sufficient_a proposal_n or_o application_n be_v not_o want_v which_o he_o tell_v we_o 6â—_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christianity_n urge_v to_o execution_n give_v its_o follower_n a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o which_o a_o near_a application_n can_v be_v imagine_v do_v not_o this_o argument_n extend_v to_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o their_o belief_n so_o that_o he_o may_v as_o well_o infer_v from_o these_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v live_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v fail_v to_o deliver_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o whatever_o can_v be_v a_o inducement_n and_o temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v this_o doctrine_n by_o his_o practice_n may_v equal_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o falsify_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v man_n make_v any_o more_o scruple_n of_o damn_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o teach_v they_o false_a doctrine_n than_o by_o live_v wicked_a life_n which_o be_v equal_o pernicious_a with_o heretical_a doctrine_n not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o bad_a influence_n which_o such_o example_n of_o father_n and_o teacher_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o scholar_n but_o likewise_o as_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o their_o teacher_n do_v not_o themselves_o believe_v that_o religion_n which_o they_o teach_v for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v that_o those_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v they_o live_v holy_a life_n shall_v be_v so_o necessary_o efficacious_a to_o make_v they_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o a_o right_a belief_n nay_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n will_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v their_o belief_n to_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a source_n of_o those_o innovation_n in_o faith_n for_o which_o we_o challenge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o any_o man_n may_v easy_o discern_v who_o will_v but_o consider_v how_o all_o their_o new_a doctrine_n be_v fit_v to_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o the_o gratify_n of_o that_o inordinate_a appetite_n after_o riches_n and_o dominion_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o church_n sect_n iv._o §_o 1._o second_o demonstration_n the_o main_a ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n be_v apparent_o false_a for_o first_o this_o demonstration_n suppose_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a parent_n in_o all_o age_n perfect_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o mistake_v any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o remember_v it_o perfect_o and_o that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o experience_n as_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v know_v and_o honest_a it_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o this_o doctrine_n and_o every_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o remember_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o child_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v understand_v perfect_o by_o they_o without_o the_o least_o material_a mistake_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v
to_o be_v give_v to_o history_n st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o 352._o that_o liberius_n bishop_n of_o rome_n for_o all_o his_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v upon_o tradition_n as_o mr._n s._n speak_v coral_n 28._o turn_v arian_n and_o that_o 363._o arianism_n be_v establish_v by_o the_o synod_n of_o ariminum_n which_o be_v a_o council_n more_o general_a than_o that_o of_o trent_n and_o that_o 364._o almost_o all_o the_o church_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n under_o the_o name_n of_o peace_n and_o of_o the_o emperor_n be_v pollute_v by_o communion_n with_o the_o arian_n again_o that_o lucifer_n under_o the_o emperor_n constantius_n eusebius_n and_o hippatius_n be_v consul_n infidelity_n be_v subscribe_v under_o the_o name_n of_o unity_n and_o faith_n and_o ibid._n that_o the_o whole_a world_n groan_v and_o wonder_v to_o see_v itself_o turn_v arian_n and_o he_o ibid._n use_v this_o as_o a_o argument_n to_o the_o luciferian_o to_o receive_v into_o the_o church_n those_o who_o have_v be_v defile_v with_o the_o heresy_n of_o arius_n because_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v keep_v themselves_o orthodox_n be_v so_o exceed_o small_a for_o say_v he_o the_o synod_n of_o nice_a which_o consist_v of_o above_o three_o hundred_o bishop_n receive_v eight_o arian_n bishop_n who_o they_o may_v have_v cast_v out_o without_o any_o great_a loss_n to_o the_o church_n i_o wonder_v then_o how_o some_o and_o those_o the_o follower_n of_o the_o nicene_n faith_n can_v think_v that_o three_o confessor_n viz._n athanasius_n hilarius_n eusebius_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v that_o in_o case_n of_o necessity_n for_o the_o good_a and_o safety_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o so_o many_o and_o such_o excellent_a person_n do_v voluntary_o it_o seem_v arianism_n have_v prevail_v very_o far_o when_o st._n hierom_n can_v not_o name_v above_o three_o eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n who_o have_v preserve_v themselves_o untainted_a with_o it_o again_o 3._o arius_n in_o alexandria_n be_v at_o first_o but_o one_o spark_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o present_o extinguish_v it_o break_v out_o into_o a_o flame_n which_o devour_v the_o whole_a world_n gregory_n nazianzen_n 21._o likewise_o tell_v we_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o arian_n heresy_n seize_v upon_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o show_v that_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n of_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n he_o ask_v 25._o where_o be_v those_o that_o define_v the_o church_n by_o multitude_n and_o despise_v the_o little_a flock_n &_o c_o and_o this_o heresy_n be_v of_o a_o long_a continuance_n for_o from_o its_o first_o rise_v which_o happen_v in_o the_o 20_o the_o year_n of_o constantine_n it_o continue_v as_o joh._n abbas_n maurit_fw-la have_v calculate_v it_o 266_o year_n and_o the_o pelagian_a heresy_n if_o we_o may_v believe_v bradwardine_n one_o of_o the_o great_a champion_n of_o the_o church_n against_o it_o do_v in_o a_o manner_n prevail_v as_o much_o as_o arianism_n as_o the_o say_a author_n complain_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n dei_fw-la that_o almost_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v run_v after_o pelagius_n into_o error_n will_n mr._n s._n now_o say_v that_o in_o the_o height_n of_o these_o heresy_n the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v firm_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n if_o he_o say_v they_o do_v let_v he_o answer_v the_o express_a testimony_n produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a but_o if_o they_o do_v not_o than_o his_o demonstration_n also_o fail_v as_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n and_o if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n may_v fall_v off_o from_o tradition_n what_o demonstration_n can_v make_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o lesser_a to_o do_v so_o who_o will_v say_v it_o be_v in_o reason_n impossible_a that_o a_o thousand_o person_n shall_v relinquish_v tradition_n though_o nine_o hundred_o of_o they_o have_v already_o do_v it_o and_o though_o the_o remainder_n be_v no_o otherwise_o secure_v from_o do_v so_o than_o those_o be_v who_o have_v actual_o relinquish_v it_o now_o be_v not_o this_o a_o clear_a evidence_n that_o this_o which_o he_o call_v a_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la be_v no_o such_o thing_n because_o every_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la must_v be_v from_o cause_n which_o be_v necessary_a whereas_o his_o demonstration_n be_v from_o voluntary_a cause_n so_o that_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o voluntary_a cause_n be_v necessary_a he_o shall_v never_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o any_o company_n of_o man_n to_o err_v who_o have_v every_o one_o of_o they_o freewill_n and_o be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o liable_a to_o passion_n and_o mistake_n §_o 5._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o whole_a discourse_n about_o the_o original_a and_o progress_n of_o heresy_n and_o the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n in_o several_a age_n be_v as_o clear_v a_o confutation_n of_o his_o own_o demonstration_n as_o can_v be_v desire_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o he_o offer_v in_o that_o discourse_n to_o prevent_v this_o objection_n which_o he_o foresee_v it_o liable_a to_o be_v this_o it_o be_v not_o say_v he_o 65._o to_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o some_o contingency_n shall_v have_v place_n where_o a_o whole_a species_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o suffice_v that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o mankind_n the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n not_o be_v to_o continue_v long_o than_o mankind_n its_o only_a subject_n do_v and_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v as_o efficacious_a as_o the_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n before_o explicate_v and_o reflect_v that_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o propagate_a of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n than_o their_o faith_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o it_o may_v reasonable_o be_v expect_v there_o shall_v be_v no_o contingency_n in_o any_o particular_n where_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v put_v in_o all_o because_o as_o he_o say_v true_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v can_v but_o produce_v its_o effect_n suppose_v then_o constant_a cause_n lay_v in_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o actual_a will_n to_o speak_v truth_n to_o the_o best_a of_o their_o knowledge_n be_v it_o not_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o such_o contingency_n to_o the_o world_n end_n as_o that_o any_o man_n shall_v tell_v a_o lie_n nay_o it_o be_v madness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o think_v any_o such_o contingency_n shall_v be_v suppose_v cause_n actual_o cause_v man_n always_o to_o speak_v truth_n second_o it_o be_v far_o from_o truth_n that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o whereas_o he_o will_v prove_v the_o strength_n of_o these_o cause_n which_o be_v lay_v to_o preserve_v faith_n because_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n i_o hope_v no_o body_n that_o have_v read_v the_o innumerable_a complaint_n which_o occur_v in_o their_o own_o historian_n and_o other_o of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o credible_a of_o their_o own_o writer_n of_o more_o than_o one_o age_n concern_v the_o general_a viciousness_n and_o debauchery_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o monk_n will_v he_o overforward_a to_o believe_v that_o all_o those_o who_o debar_v themselves_o of_o lawful_a marriage_n do_v abstain_v from_o those_o unlawful_a pleasure_n §_o 6._o but_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o impudent_a than_o what_o he_o add_v that_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v far_o more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n than_o their_o faith_n do_v any_o history_n confirm_v it_o to_o have_v be_v the_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n do_v in_o any_o age_n give_v over_o propagate_a their_o kind_n but_o history_n do_v confirm_v that_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n do_v fall_v off_o to_o arianism_n and_o pelagianism_n and_o consequent_o as_o he_o suppose_v do_v desert_n and_o renounce_v tradition_n do_v ever_o whole_a nation_n and_o vast_a territory_n of_o the_o world_n
this_o i_o confess_v be_v not_o altogether_o without_o some_o show_n of_o reason_n mr._n s._n may_v do_v well_o to_o take_v the_o matter_n into_o his_o deep_a consideration_n he_o have_v in_o his_o time_n improve_v as_o weak_a probability_n as_o these_o into_o lusty_a demonstration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v but_o demonstrate_v this_o it_o will_v very_o much_o weaken_v the_o force_n of_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n otherwise_o for_o aught_o i_o see_v this_o instance_n will_v hold_v good_a against_o he_o and_o whatever_o he_o can_v say_v for_o the_o impossibility_n of_o tradition_n fail_v in_o the_o latin_a church_n may_v all_o be_v say_v of_o the_o greek_a church_n if_o he_o will_v but_o grant_v that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o they_o both_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o this_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o it_o be_v apply_v as_o strong_o to_o the_o greek_n as_o the_o latin_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o 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age_n be_v this_o do_v for_o if_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o demand_v of_o we_o in_o order_n to_o the_o overthrow_v of_o his_o demonstration_n to_o assign_v the_o particular_a age_n wherein_o the_o latin_a church_n conspire_v to_o change_v the_o ancient_a doctrine_n with_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o require_v of_o he_o in_o order_n to_o the_o maintain_n of_o his_o demonstration_n to_o name_v the_o particular_a age_n wherein_o the_o greek_a church_n conspire_v to_o alter_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v undoubted_o in_o the_o first_o age_n true_o deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o also_o to_o show_v from_o the_o rational_a force_n and_o strength_n of_o tradition_n how_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a for_o the_o whole_a church_n to_o have_v fail_v in_o transmit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n down_o to_o we_o or_o to_o have_v conspire_v to_o the_o alter_n of_o it_o than_o for_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o christian_n as_o be_v the_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n if_o mr._n s._n or_o mr._n white_n show_v this_o they_o do_v something_o otherwise_o i_o must_v tell_v they_o that_o unless_o they_o can_v manage_v these_o pretty_a thing_n they_o call_v demonstration_n better_o they_o must_v short_o either_o quit_v their_o reason_n or_o their_o religion_n or_o else_o return_v to_o the_o honest_a old_a mumpsimus_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n from_o a_o extraordinary_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o to_o make_v the_o business_n short_a and_o stop_v all_o gap_n with_o one_o bush_n come_v over_o to_o the_o jesuit_n and_o acknowledge_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o fact_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o may_v reconcile_v themselves_o to_o he_o and_o prevent_v that_o direful_a stroke_n which_o threaten_v they_o from_o rome_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o cut_v they_o off_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v do_v with_o his_o first_o demonstration_n and_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o good_a sign_n that_o the_o popish_a cause_n be_v at_o a_o very_a low_a ebb_n when_o such_o stuff_n as_o this_o must_v be_v call_v demonstration_n sect_n vi_o posteriori_fw-la §_o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o his_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la which_o although_o it_o fall_v of_o itself_o if_o the_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la fail_v yet_o because_o it_o have_v some_o peculiar_a absurdity_n of_o its_o own_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o by_o itself_o as_o well_o as_o with_o relation_n to_o the_o other_o §_o 2._o before_o he_o come_v to_o lay_v it_o down_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o according_a to_o his_o usual_a fashion_n he_o premise_v something_o as_o yield_v by_o protestant_n which_o in_o his_o sense_n no_o protestant_n ever_o grant_v just_o so_o he_o deal_v with_o we_o before_o concern_v the_o scripture_n say_v that_o by_o they_o the_o protestant_n must_v mean_v unsense_v letter_n and_o character_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o it_o be_v 76._o that_o this_o demonstration_n a_o posteriori_fw-la seem_v a_o needless_a endeavour_n against_o the_o protestant_n who_o yield_v that_o those_o point_n in_o which_o we_o agree_v as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n come_v down_o by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n and_o this_o he_o say_v no_o protestant_n ever_o deny_v and_o then_o he_o ask_v whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n will_v not_o have_v be_v as_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o other_o point_n in_o which_o we_o do_v not_o agree_v have_v any_o such_o be_v now_o if_o he_o speak_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o own_o purpose_n he_o must_v suppose_v protestant_n to_o yield_v that_o all_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o be_v agree_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n without_o write_v but_o this_o all_o protestant_n deny_v so_o that_o that_o only_o which_o will_v avail_v his_o cause_n against_o we_o be_v to_o show_v that_o those_o point_n wherein_o we_o differ_v have_v not_o only_o come_v down_o to_o we_o by_o oral_a teach_v but_o that_o they_o be_v likewise_o contain_v in_o scripture_n without_o which_o we_o say_v we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a certainty_n and_o assurance_n at_o this_o distance_n that_o they_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o either_o total_o innovate_v or_o else_o corrupt_v in_o the_o conveyance_n from_o what_o they_o be_v at_o first_o and_o if_o he_o can_v show_v this_o concern_v any_o point_n in_o difference_n i_o promise_v to_o yield_v it_o to_o he_o §_o 3._o i_o come_v now_o to_o his_o demonstration_n which_o i_o shall_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n with_o the_o principle_n upon_o which_o it_o rely_v 78._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_a christian_n 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_o indeficiency_n to_o beget_v it_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 thus_o deliver_v 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 therein_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 receive_v from_o christ_n by_o continual_a succession_n the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o because_o a_o present_a multitude_n of_o christian_n viz._n the_o roman_a church_n be_v persuade_v that_o christ_n doctrine_n have_v descend_v to_o they_o sole_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a oral_a tradition_n therefore_o this_o persuasion_n be_v a_o effect_n which_o can_v be_v attribute_v to_o any_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o indeficiency_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o present_a age_n nor_o any_o age_n before_o can_v make_v any_o change_n or_o innovation_n than_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o present_a age_n be_v a_o plain_a demonstration_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v always_o the_o same_o and_o consequent_o that_o tradition_n can_v fail_v §_o 4._o in_o answer_n to_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v good_a these_o four_o thing_n first_o that_o these_o principle_n whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la second_o that_o these_o principle_n be_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v by_o he_o three_o that_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v
that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o may_v then_o have_v take_v place_n for_o what_o weed_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v in_o so_o rank_a a_o soil_n do_v mr._n s._n think_v it_o impossible_a that_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o scarce_o any_o one_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o or_o that_o it_o can_v then_o have_v be_v alter_v when_o so_o few_o understand_v and_o few_o practise_v it_o when_o ptodigious_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n do_v overspread_v the_o church_n from_o the_o pope_n down_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o laity_n can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o man_n general_o make_v conscience_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o mistake_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n unless_o he_o be_v of_o mr._n rushworth_n 7._o mind_n who_o reckon_v ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n where_o be_v then_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v be_v they_o strong_o apply_v or_o be_v they_o not_o be_v they_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o christian_n to_o believe_v well_o when_o they_o live_v so_o ill_o or_o be_v christianity_n only_o fit_v to_o form_v man_n mind_n to_o a_o right_a belief_n but_o of_o no_o efficacy_n to_o govern_v their_o life_n have_v christ_n take_v care_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o error_n but_o not_o from_o vice_n as_o the_o great_a cardinal_n perron_n 6._o stoop_v below_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n sing_v and_o will_v sing_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o black_a but_o i_o be_o fair_a that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o be_o black_a in_o manner_n but_o fair_a in_o doctrine_n as_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o scripture_n make_v to_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n she_o shall_v be_v wicked_a but_o orthodox_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v then_o the_o vigorous_a cause_n imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o continue_v it_o more_o particular_o at_o rome_n than_o any_o where_o else_o and_o of_o secure_v that_o see_v and_o its_o supreme_a pastor_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v so_o little_o verse_v in_o history_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o dismal_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o know_v what_o advantage_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o servile_a clergy_n make_v of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o those_o and_o the_o succeed_a age_n and_o by_o what_o art_n and_o step_n they_o raise_v themselves_o to_o that_o power_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a while_n after_o when_o they_o can_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v a_o great_a king_n walk_v barefoot_a and_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v scourge_v by_o a_o company_n of_o petulant_a monk_n when_o they_o can_v send_v any_o man_n upon_o a_o errand_n to_o visit_v the_o holy_a sepulchre_n or_o the_o shrine_n of_o such_o a_o saint_n and_o command_v five_o or_o six_o king_n with_o great_a army_n upon_o a_o needless_a expedition_n into_o the_o holy_a land_n that_o so_o during_o their_o absence_n they_o may_v play_v their_o own_o game_n the_o better_a when_o they_o can_v mint_n miracle_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a book_n absurd_a and_o counterfeit_a tale_n of_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n as_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o can_v bring_v that_o foppish_a book_n the_o legend_n almost_o into_o equal_a authority_n and_o veneration_n with_o the_o bible_n and_o persuade_v the_o easy_a people_n that_o st._n denys_n carry_v his_o own_o head_n in_o his_o hand_n after_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o two_o mile_n and_o kiss_v it_o when_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o monstrous_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n in_o these_o age_n the_o strange_a feat_n they_o play_v and_o what_o absurdity_n they_o impose_v upon_o the_o superstitious_a credulity_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n may_v ready_o imagine_v not_o only_o the_o possibility_n but_o the_o easiness_n of_o innovate_a new_a doctrine_n as_o they_o please_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o antitiquity_n and_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n §_o 8._o and_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v not_o as_o mr._n white_n ridiculous_o compare_v it_o 49._o as_o if_o a_o orator_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v people_n that_o george_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o long_a staff_n and_o a_o nimble_a cast_n of_o his_o body_n and_o such_o like_a advantage_n may_v leap_v over_o paul_n be_v steeple_n never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n the_o disproportion_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o steeple_n so_o say_v he_o he_o that_o discourse_v at_o large_a how_o error_n use_v to_o slide_v into_o man_n life_n without_o compare_v the_o power_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o resist_v which_o consist_v in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n say_v no_o more_o towards_o prove_v a_o error_n be_v overrun_v the_o church_n than_o the_o orator_n for_o george_n be_v leap_v over_o the_o steeple_n how_o vain_a be_v this_o when_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o instance_n that_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o century_n and_o afterward_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o the_o power_n of_o resistance_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o error_n be_v ignorance_n and_o vice_n where_o ignorance_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o power_n where_o vice_n no_o will_n to_o resist_v it_o and_o how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n and_o viciousness_n of_o all_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v be_v too_o too_o apparent_a from_o the_o testimony_n i_o have_v bring_v where_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o resist_a error_n when_o for_o 150_o year_n together_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o man_n bishop_n and_o priest_n overwhelm_v with_o ignorance_n abandon_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o most_o supine_o negligent_a in_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o degenerate_a state_n of_o a_o church_n what_o strength_n be_v there_o in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n when_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o teach_v man_n what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n be_v general_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o ignorant_a themselves_o what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v when_o they_o addict_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o other_o lust_n and_o carry_v on_o design_n of_o gain_n and_o get_v dominion_n over_o the_o people_n what_o can_v hinder_v man_n so_o dispose_v from_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o suit_v it_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o interest_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o people_n from_o embrace_v those_o corruption_n when_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o their_o pastor_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o by_o their_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n they_o be_v become_v utter_o incapable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o that_o in_o a_o age_n 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all_o his_o write_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n to_o remove_v a_o present_a objection_n though_o never_o so_o much_o to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o his_o main_a hypothesis_n than_o which_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o quality_n in_o a_o writer_n which_o do_v more_o certain_o betray_v the_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o of_o sincerity_n or_o of_o a_o good_a cause_n §_o 7._o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v 81._o that_o irenaeus_n his_o testimony_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v no_o tradition_n for_o he_o set_v down_o the_o suppose_a word_n of_o our_o saviour_n which_o plain_o show_v it_o be_v a_o story_n not_o a_o tradition_n a_o tradition_n be_v a_o sense_n deliver_v not_o in_o set_a word_n but_o settle_v in_o the_o auditor_n heart_n by_o hundred_o of_o different_a expression_n explicate_v the_o same_o meaning_n when_o i_o consider_v this_o passage_n of_o mr._n white_a i_o confess_v i_o can_v compliment_v he_o and_o say_v as_o he_o make_v his_o nephew_n do_v in_o the_o dialogue_n 4._o between_o they_o i_o can_v but_o applaud_v your_o discourse_n it_o have_v so_o please_v and_o attractive_a a_o countenance_n and_o again_o 5._o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o oppose_v what_o you_o say_v by_o any_o weighty_a objection_n your_o argument_n be_v not_o only_o strong_a and_o nervous_a but_o of_o so_o comely_a and_o win_a a_o complexion_n etc._n etc._n i_o can_v i_o say_v speak_v all_o this_o of_o his_o present_a argument_n but_o i_o may_v deserve_o apply_v to_o it_o the_o last_o part_n of_o his_o nephew_n compliment_n that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n so_o frame_v as_o if_o without_o any_o evidence_n of_o its_o consequence_n it_o will_v persuade_v man_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o to_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o passage_n it_o seem_v according_a to_o mr._n white_a that_o irenaeus_n be_v mistake_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o tradition_n and_o if_o so_o learn_v a_o father_n be_v ignorant_a in_o the_o common_a rule_n of_o faith_n what_o can_v we_o to_o use_v mr._n s_n word_n 39_o undertake_o promise_v to_o weak_a head_n mr._n s._n instance_v in_o the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n as_o the_o principal_a tradition_n which_o parent_n teach_v their_o child_n but_o now_o mr._n white_n can_v show_v plain_o that_o these_o be_v no_o tradition_n but_o story_n because_o tradition_n be_v a_o sense_n deliver_v not_o in_o set_a word_n etc._n etc._n as_o if_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n can_v deliver_v no_o doctrine_n unless_o they_o express_v the_o same_o thing_n a_o hundred_o several_a way_n but_o suppose_v they_o do_v so_o which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o imagine_v because_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v express_v as_o plain_o by_o one_o way_n as_o by_o a_o hundred_o can_v no_o man_n deliver_v this_o tradition_n who_o speak_v it_o in_o any_o one_o of_o those_o expression_n if_o one_o shall_v employ_v his_o servant_n to_o carry_v a_o message_n and_o because_o mr._n white_n think_v this_o necessary_a shall_v settle_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o his_o 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he_o do_v not_o mean_a that_o these_o controvertist_n be_v to_o blame_v in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o settle_v the_o sense_n of_o these_o point_n by_o hundred_o of_o different_a expression_n explicate_v the_o same_o meaning_n but_o that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v to_o the_o word_n wherein_o the_o church_n have_v in_o council_n or_o otherwise_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o way_n declare_v her_o sense_n of_o those_o point_n again_o 2._o he_o say_v that_o st._n paul_n refer_v to_o the_o doctrine_n settle_v by_o oral_a instruction_n to_o show_v the_o uniformity_n of_o it_o everywhere_o call_v it_o a_o form_n of_o wholesome_a word_n from_o whence_o we_o may_v conclude_v either_o that_o st._n paul_n do_v not_o well_o to_o call_v the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n as_o mr._n cressy_n say_v he_o do_v a_o form_n of_o word_n or_o else_o which_o be_v more_o probable_a that_o mr._n white_n be_v mistake_v in_o say_v that_o a_o tradition_n be_v a_o sense_n not_o deliver_v in_o set-word_n 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upon_o this_o as_o a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o divine_a revelation_n and_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o yet_o it_o seem_v he_o think_v it_o a_o point_n of_o more_o than_o ordinary_a importance_n because_o he_o join_v it_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o resurrection_n and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o disow_v by_o any_o but_o those_o who_o also_o deny_v the_o resurrection_n but_o whereas_o mr._n white_n say_v that_o justin_n acknowledge_v other_o catohlick_n to_o have_v hold_v the_o contrary_a i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o scope_n and_o series_n of_o his_o discourse_n that_o he_o acknowledge_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o that_o the_o plain_a design_n of_o his_o discourse_n be_v to_o show_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v own_v by_o all_o true_a christian_n for_o when_o trypho_n ask_v he_o 1615._o whether_o the_o christian_n do_v indeed_o believe_v that_o jerusalem_n shall_v be_v rebuilt_a etc._n etc._n he_o return_v he_o this_o answer_n i_o be_o not_o such_o a_o wretch_n as_o to_o speak_v otherwise_o than_o i_o think_v i_o have_v tell_v thou_o before_o that_o myself_o and_o many_o other_o as_o you_o all_o know_v be_v of_o the_o mind_n that_o this_o will_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o that_o many_o indeed_o of_o those_o christian_n who_o be_v not_o of_o the_o pure_a and_o pious_a persuasion_n do_v not_o own_o this_o i_o have_v intimate_v to_o thou_o that_o the_o negative_a particle_n though_o omit_v in_o the_o copy_n ought_v to_o be_v thus_o insert_v will_v be_v clear_a to_o any_o one_o that_o consider_v what_o follow_v for_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o those_o who_o disow_v this_o doctrine_n he_o immediate_o add_v by_o way_n of_o further_a description_n of_o they_o that_o
the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o be_o content_a therefore_o wherever_o in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v he_o meet_v that_o term_n so_o apply_v that_o he_o take_v it_o only_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o be_v certain_o true_a for_o i_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n s._n answer_v affirmative_o and_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o present_a church_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o former_a age_n believe_v but_o because_o the_o church_n in_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v and_o 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to_o defend_v against_o what_o mr._n sergeant_n have_v object_v against_o they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n pretend_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a ground_n from_o this_o how_o can_v they_o who_o believe_v that_o church_n infallible_a venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o what_o be_v public_o own_a by_o she_o and_o whosoever_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o believe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n do_v thereby_o show_v that_o his_o obligation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o resolve_v 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themselves_o for_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a age_n no_o more_o ought_v they_o who_o believe_v the_o present_a roman_a church_n to_o have_v the_o same_o infallible_a assistance_n they_o need_v not_o then_o inquire_v whether_o this_o age_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a or_o whether_o one_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o or_o whether_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o error_n may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o demand_n be_v build_v on_o very_o good_a reason_n how_o can_v you_o assure_v i_o the_o present_a church_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o only_a what_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o former_a church_n and_o mr._n s_n answer_n 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