can_v write_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o that_o this_o book_n which_o he_o have_v indict_v be_v so_o write_v and_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o tradition_n for_o its_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n then_o the_o most_o scurrilous_a language_n be_v not_o bad_a enough_o for_o the_o scripture_n then_o what_o be_v those_o sacred_a write_n 319._o but_o ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n 68_o unsense_v character_n waxen_a nature_a word_n not_o yet_o sense_v nor_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o these_o with_o many_o other_o disgraceful_a term_n he_o very_o liberal_o bestow_v upon_o divine_a oracle_n the_o consideration_n whereof_o do_v it_o not_o minister_v too_o much_o horror_n will_v afford_v some_o comfort_n for_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o rude_a usage_n so_o familiar_a with_o he_o towards_o his_o adversary_n one_o may_v reasonable_o conjecture_v that_o he_o do_v not_o reckon_v the_o scripture_n among_o his_o friend_n §_o 9_o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v preserve_v many_o particular_a passage_n which_o because_o their_o source_n or_o first_o attestation_n be_v not_o universal_a nor_o their_o nature_n much_o practical_a may_v possible_o bave_v be_v lose_v in_o their_o conveyance_n down_o by_o tradition_n this_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n for_o if_o neither_o the_o scripture_n letter_n nor_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v have_v be_v secure_v without_o oral_a tradition_n that_o be_v if_o we_o can_v not_o have_v know_v that_o those_o passage_n which_o contain_v the_o main_a point_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n either_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v or_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o they_o be_v but_o from_o the_o consonancy_n and_o agreement_n of_o those_o passage_n with_o the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v oral_o preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n how_o can_v we_o be_v certain_a either_o of_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o other_o particular_a passage_n which_o must_v necessary_o want_v this_o confirmation_n from_o oral_a tradition_n because_o their_o first_o attestation_n be_v not_o universal_a nor_o their_o nature_n much_o practical_a nay_o his_o discourse_n plain_o imply_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n at_o all_o either_o of_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o those_o which_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o these_o word_n 116._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o because_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o tradition_n can_v easy_o guide_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n this_o i_o perceive_v plain_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v at_o they_o will_v correct_v the_o outward_a letter_n of_o scripture_n by_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o then_o instead_o of_o leave_v out_o the_o second_o commandment_n they_o will_v change_v it_o into_o a_o precept_n of_o give_v due_a worship_n to_o image_n according_a to_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o alteration_n they_o must_v make_v in_o the_o bible_n to_o make_v it_o true_o significative_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o church_n but_o sure_o the_o outward_a letter_n of_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o alteration_n and_o yet_o the_o church_n be_v not_o by_o tradition_n provide_v of_o any_o way_n to_o correct_v these_o alteration_n when_o they_o happen_v because_o tradition_n do_v as_o this_o corollary_n imply_v only_o furnish_v the_o church_n with_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n of_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n §_o 10._o again_o he_o tell_v we_o 117._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a &_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o the_o letter_n concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o or_o point_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n so_o that_o whatever_o he_o may_v attribute_v to_o scripture_n for_o fashion_n sake_n and_o to_o avoid_v calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a as_o he_o say_v very_o ingenuous_o in_o his_o explication_n of_o the_o 15_o the_o corollary_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o according_a to_o his_o own_o hypothesis_n he_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o perfect_o useless_a and_o pernicious_a that_o it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_a for_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v secure_o convey_v to_o we_o without_o it_o and_o it_o can_v give_v no_o kind_n of_o confirmation_n to_o it_o because_o it_o receive_v all_o at_o its_o confirmation_n from_o it_o only_o the_o church_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o put_v to_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o trouble_n to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n by_o tradition_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o as_o for_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scriptue_n which_o be_v not_o coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n either_o that_o the_o outward_a letter_n be_v true_a nor_o if_o we_o can_v can_v we_o possible_o arrive_v at_o any_o certain_a sense_n of_o they_o and_o that_o it_o be_v intolerable_o pernicious_a according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_a because_o *_o every_o silly_a and_o upstart_a heresy_n father_n itself_o upon_o it_o and_o when_o man_n leave_v tradition_n as_o he_o suppose_v all_o heretic_n do_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o dangerous_a engine_n that_o can_v have_v be_v invent_v be_v to_o such_o person_n only_o *_o waxen_a nature_a word_n not_o sense_v nor_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o and_o indeed_o if_o his_o hypothesis_n be_v true_a the_o scripture_n may_v well_o deserve_v all_o the_o contemptuous_a language_n which_o he_o use_v against_o they_o and_o 165._o mr._n white_n be_v comparison_n of_o they_o with_o lilly_n almanac_n will_v not_o only_o be_v pardonable_a but_o proper_a and_o unless_o he_o add_v it_o out_o of_o prudence_n and_o for_o the_o people_n sake_n who_o he_o may_v think_v too_o superstitious_o conceit_v of_o those_o book_n he_o may_v have_v spare_v that_o cold_a excuse_n which_o he_o make_v for_o use_v this_o similitude_n that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a rather_o to_o the_o impertinency_n of_o the_o objection_n than_o the_o dignity_n of_o the_o subject_a certain_a it_o be_v if_o these_o man_n be_v true_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n that_o notwithstanding_o the_o high_a reverence_n and_o esteem_v pretend_v to_o be_v bear_v by_o they_o and_o their_o church_n to_o the_o scripture_n they_o must_v hearty_o despise_v they_o and_o wish_v they_o out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o even_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o great_a oversight_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n to_o trouble_v his_o church_n with_o a_o book_n which_o if_o their_o discourse_n be_v of_o any_o consequence_n can_v stand_v catholic_n in_o no_o stead_n at_o all_o and_o be_v so_o dangerous_a and_o mischievous_a a_o weapon_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o heretic_n sect_n iii_o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o take_v a_o view_n of_o his_o opinion_n faith_n and_o consider_v how_o much_o he_o attribute_n to_o oral_a tradition_n and_o how_o little_a to_o the_o scripture_n before_o i_o assail_v this_o hypothesis_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o the_o protestant_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o that_o so_o much_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o answer_n of_o his_o book_n but_o that_o he_o may_v have_v no_o colour_n of_o objection_n that_o i_o proceed_v altogether_o in_o the_o destructive_a way_n and_o overthrow_v his_o principle_n as_o he_o call_v it_o without_o substitute_v another_o in_o its_o room_n the_o opinion_n then_o of_o the_o protestant_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o in_o general_a that_o those_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n have_v be_v bring_v down_o to_o we_o and_o that_o he_o may_v now_o clear_o understand_v this_o together_o with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o which_o
know_v that_o these_o be_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o book_n be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v §_o 8._o nor_o do_v this_o concession_n make_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o oral_a tradition_n can_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n transmit_v a_o book_n to_o after_o age_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v with_o as_o much_o certainty_n convey_v a_o doctrine_n consist_v of_o several_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o many_o as_o mr._n white_n acknowledge_v 9_o and_o many_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o life_n so_o because_o oral_a tradition_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o that_o the_o statute-book_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v those_o law_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o therefore_o by_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o tradition_n itself_o be_v better_o than_o a_o book_n even_o the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o law_n to_o we_o mr._n s._n say_v 93._o express_o it_o be_v but_o how_o true_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v otherwise_o tradition_n be_v already_o define_v to_o we_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n i_o e._n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o message_n of_o christ._n now_o suppose_v any_o oral_a message_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o particularity_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o a_o hundred_o several_a person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n by_o they_o to_o be_v convey_v to_o a_o hundred_o more_o who_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o onward_o to_o a_o hundred_o descent_n be_v it_o probable_a this_o message_n with_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o true_o convey_v through_o so_o many_o mouth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o in_o so_o many_o letter_n concern_v which_o every_o bearer_n shall_v need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o as_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o not_o probable_a though_o the_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o for_o the_o faithful_a delivery_n of_o his_o errand_n or_o letter_n for_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o message_n which_o no_o man_n can_v mistake_v in_o unless_o he_o will_v but_o the_o errand_n so_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v with_o its_o multitude_n of_o particular_n that_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a wager_n against_o every_o one_o of_o the_o messenger_n that_o he_o either_o forget_v or_o mistake_v something_o in_o it_o it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o the_o first_o hundred_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o million_o to_o one_o that_o the_o next_o succession_n do_v not_o all_o deliver_v it_o true_o for_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o first_o hundred_o mistake_v or_o forget_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o impossible_a that_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o right_o and_o so_o the_o far_o it_o go_v the_o great_a change_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o mr._n s_n way_n to_o have_v more_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o than_o the_o original_a letter_n §_o 9_o three_o we_o allow_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o people_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v by_o christian_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o with_o great_a difference_n by_o some_o more_o plain_o and_o true_o and_o perfect_o by_o other_o with_o less_o care_n and_o exactness_n according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o ability_n and_o integrity_n in_o pastor_n or_o parent_n and_o likewise_o with_o very_o different_a success_n according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o learner_n we_o allow_v likewise_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o visible_a action_n conformable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o those_o outward_a act_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v undergo_v great_a variation_n and_o receive_v great_a change_n by_o addition_n to_o they_o and_o defalcation_n from_o they_o in_o several_a age_n that_o this_o not_o only_o be_v possible_a but_o have_v actual_o happen_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o demonstration_n now_o that_o several_a of_o the_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scriptute_fw-la and_o action_n therein_o command_v have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o article_n sum_v up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n so_o far_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o such_o external_a action_n practise_v in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o present_a multitude_n of_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v and_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v so_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o which_o argument_n i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o show_v afterward_o but_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v this_o to_o any_o man_n satisfaction_n must_v make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a monument_n and_o record_n of_o several_a age_n that_o be_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a book_n of_o those_o time_n that_o such_o doctrine_n have_v in_o all_o those_o age_n be_v constant_o and_o universal_o teach_v and_o practise_v but_o then_o if_o from_o those_o record_n of_o former_a time_n it_o appear_v that_o other_o doctrine_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o practise_v universal_o in_o all_o age_n but_o have_v creep_v in_o by_o degree_n some_o in_o one_o age_n and_o some_o in_o another_o according_a as_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o people_n ambition_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v minister_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o the_o innovator_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o confirm_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o acknowledge_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v likewise_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o have_v descend_v without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n all_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o my_o discourse_n then_o can_v the_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v which_o have_v no_o real_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v any_o argument_n against_o these_o book_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v no_o more_o reasonable_a than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o interpret_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o which_o every_o one_o that_o compare_v thing_n fair_o together_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v full_a of_o deviation_n from_o the_o ancient_a law_n sect_n v._o they_o §_o 1._o 2_o dly_a how_o much_o more_o he_o attribute_n to_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o we_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o this_o rule_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v either_o that_o these_o book_n shall_v cease_v to_o descend_v or_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v this_o we_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o they_o because_o there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v we_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o material_o corrupt_v yet_o we_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v burn_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v all_o that_o we_o affirm_v concern_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o to_o convey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o all_o successive_a age_n and_o we_o think_v he_o very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v abundant_o
the_o help_n of_o tradition_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v extreme_o ungratful_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v infinite_o better_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o not_o leave_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o mere_a breath_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o care_n of_o mother_n instruct_v their_o child_n but_o have_v give_v we_o the_o certain_a record_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n preserve_v inviolable_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o church_n see_v with_o what_o care_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n oral_a tradition_n be_v little_o mind_v thence_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v whole_o lose_v all_o the_o care_n be_v employ_v in_o search_v preserve_a and_o deliver_v these_o sacred_a book_n to_o posterity_n to_o these_o the_o primitive_a church_n still_o appeal_v these_o they_o plead_v for_o against_o all_o adversary_n defend_v 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but_o this_o if_o a_o pope_n and_o council_n shall_v define_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o declare_v they_o ground_n themselves_o on_o new_a light_n as_o do_v their_o first_o reformer_n in_o england_n but_o i_o shall_v find_v he_o say_v no_o such_o foppery_n in_o faith-definition_n make_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v this_o the_o man_n who_o make_v choice_n of_o reason_n for_o his_o weapon_n can_v there_o be_v a_o great_a calumny_n cast_v on_o our_o church_n than_o to_o say_v her_o reformer_n ground_v themselves_o on_o new_a light_n when_o our_o great_a charge_n against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v for_o introduce_v novelty_n and_o recede_v from_o pure_a and_o primitive_a antiquity_n whether_o the_o charge_n be_v true_a or_o no_o yet_o sure_o it_o follow_v they_o do_v not_o declare_v they_o ground_n themselves_o on_o new_a light_n but_o express_o the_o contrary_a well_o but_o pope_n and_o council_n neither_o define_v new_a thing_n nor_o ground_n themselves_o on_o they_o but_o 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with_o it_o and_o make_v they_o wise_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v inform_v he_o what_o i_o have_v find_v that_o the_o father_n never_o except_v against_o that_o method_n but_o appeal_v frequent_o from_o the_o slanderous_a report_n and_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o it_o §_o 8._o another_o evidence_n that_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v own_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o father_n in_o their_o homily_n do_v use_v constant_o to_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o practice_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a have_v they_o believe_v not_o the_o scripture_n but_o something_o else_o to_o have_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n for_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o seduce_a 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we_o from_o our_o forefather_n §_o 9_o i_o may_v add_v for_o a_o three_o evidence_n the_o great_a malice_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n against_o this_o book_n and_o their_o cruel_a endeavour_n to_o extort_v it_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n and_o destroy_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v extirpate_v christianity_n for_o it_o seem_v they_o think_v that_o the_o abolish_n of_o this_o book_n will_v have_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o according_a to_o mr._n s_n opinion_n their_o malice_n want_v wit_n for_o have_v all_o the_o bibles_n in_o the_o world_n be_v burn_v christian_a religion_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v be_v entire_o preserve_v and_o safe_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o by_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n with_o the_o good_a help_n of_o of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n nay_o their_o church_n will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a gainer_n by_o it_o for_o this_o occasion_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n she_o may_v have_v have_v all_o in_o she_o own_o hand_n and_o by_o lead_v the_o people_n in_o the_o safe_a path_n of_o tradition_n and_o consequent_o of_o science_n may_v have_v make_v they_o wise_a enough_o to_o obey_v well_o but_o suppose_v the_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n mistake_v themselves_o in_o their_o design_n how_o come_v the_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n to_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o this_o book_n that_o rather_o than_o deliver_v it_o they_o will_v yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o why_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n deliver_v up_o their_o book_n as_o apostate_n and_o renouncer_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o have_v not_o think_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o have_v real_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consideration_n than_o mr._n wh._n and_o mr._n s._n will_v make_v it_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o a_o few_o unsense_v character_n waxen_a nature_a word_n fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o why_o shall_v they_o value_v their_o life_n at_o so_o cheap_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o throw_v they_o away_o for_o a_o few_o insignificant_a scrawl_n and_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n for_o a_o little_a ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o this_o book_n do_v no_o christian_n then_o understand_v that_o which_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n no_o christian_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o viz._n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o unmistakeable_a indefectible_a oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n why_o do_v they_o not_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o letter_n rule_n of_o heretic_n have_v be_v consume_v to_o ash_n yet_o their_o faith_n will_v have_v lie_v safe_a and_o be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o its_o *_o spiritual_a cause_n man_n mind_n the_o noble_a piece_n in_o nature_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v deliver_v up_o their_o book_n and_o be_v call_v traditores_fw-la and_o i_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a traditionary_a christian_n of_o that_o time_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v confessor_n and_o martyr_n for_o the_o letter_n rule_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o christian_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v when_o i_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o testimony_n for_o tradition_n with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o his_o distinction_n between_o speculator_n and_o testifier_n prove_v by_o most_o express_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o if_o his_o demonstration_n of_o the_o infalliblity_n of_o tradition_n will_v enforce_v that_o as_o testifier_n they_o must_v nesds_o have_v speak_v otherwise_o who_o can_v help_v it_o sect_n iv._o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o lay_v down_o the_o protestant_a rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o clear_a and_o full_o state_v of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n brief_o and_o with_o due_a limitation_n 1._o how_o much_o the_o protestant_n do_v allow_v to_o oral_a tradition_n second_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o mr._n saint_n think_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o attribute_v to_o we_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v any_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o differ_v §_o 2._o 1._o how_o much_o protestant_n do_v allow_v to_o oral_a tradition_n first_o we_o grant_v that_o oral_a tradition_n in_o some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n but_o withal_o we_o deny_v that_o such_o circumstance_n be_v now_o in_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v but_o few_o and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a light_n when_o the_o world_n be_v contract_v into_o a_o few_o family_n in_o comparison_n and_o the_o age_n of_o man_n ordinary_o extend_v to_o six_o or_o seven_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o such_o circumstance_n may_v have_v be_v propagate_v by_o oral_a tradition_n without_o any_o great_a change_n or_o alteration_n adam_n live_v till_o methuselah_n be_v above_o two_o hundred_o year_n old_a methuselah_n live_v till_o sem_fw-mi be_v near_o a_o hundred_o and_o sem_fw-mi outlive_v abraham_n so_o that_o this_o tradition_n need_v not_o pass_v through_o more_o than_o two_o hand_n betwixt_o adam_n and_o abraham_n but_o though_o this_o way_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v preserve_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v want_v themselves_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v effectual_a for_o through_o the_o corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o not_o before_o when_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o multiply_v and_o the_o age_n of_o man_n be_v shorten_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n be_v general_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture-history_n the_o only_a record_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n when_o god_n call_v out_o abraham_n from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v lapse_v into_o polytheisme_n and_o idolatry_n therefore_o for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o religion_n
rational_a force_n of_o tradition_n suppose_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o council_n hold_v to_o it_o if_o oral_a tradition_n have_v bring_v down_o a_o certain_a sense_n of_o these_o text_n why_o do_v they_o not_o produce_v it_o and_o agree_v in_o it_o if_o it_o have_v not_o to_o use_v a_o hot_a phrase_n of_o his_o own_o 17._o it_o be_v perfect_a frenzy_n to_o say_v they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o say_v they_o be_v by_o tradition_n make_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o it_o and_o that_o be_v suffcient_a then_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o be_v those_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o make_v up_o the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n he_o will_v tell_v i_o they_o be_v those_o which_o all_o catholic_n agree_v to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o from_o the_o apostle_n by_o a_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n i_o inquire_v far_o how_o i_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o it_o concern_v these_o point_n he_o must_v answer_v as_o before_o that_o that_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n which_o all_o catholic_n agree_v to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o all_o catholic_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o they_o do_v all_o agree_v in_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o the_o protestant_n how_o much_o soever_o at_o present_a they_o differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v in_o time_n come_v to_o as_o good_a a_o agreement_n as_o this_o this_o bring_v to_o my_o remembrance_n a_o passage_n or_o two_o of_o mr._n cressy_n the_o one_o in_o his_o appendix_n 554._o where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o heretic_n shall_v agree_v any_o other_o way_n than_o in_o faction_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o catholic_n shall_v differ_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n why_o so_o be_v not_o those_o catholic_n first_o who_o afterward_o become_v heretic_n and_o when_o they_o become_v so_o do_v they_o not_o differ_v in_o point_n of_o belief_n yes_o but_o here_o lie_v the_o conceit_n when_o they_o begin_v to_o differ_v than_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v catholic_n therefore_o catholic_n can_v never_o differ_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o other_o passage_n be_v where_o he_o say_v 2._o that_o he_o have_v forsake_v a_o church_n where_o unity_n be_v impossible_a etc._n etc._n and_o betake_v himself_o to_o a_o church_n where_o schism_n be_v impossible_a this_o last_o clause_n that_o schism_n be_v impossible_a in_o their_o church_n can_v possible_o be_v true_a but_o in_o the_o same_o absurd_a and_o ludicrous_a sense_n in_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o catholic_n to_o differ_v in_o point_n of_o belief_n for_o he_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o break_v off_o from_o the_o communion_n of_o their_o church_n which_o in_o his_o sense_n be_v schism_n but_o here_o be_v the_o subtlety_n of_o it_o no_o schismatic_a be_v of_o their_o church_n because_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o be_v a_o schismatic_a he_o be_v out_o of_o it_o therefore_o schism_n be_v impossible_a in_o their_o church_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o impossible_a in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n where_o mr._n cr._n may_v have_v do_v well_o to_o have_v continue_v till_o he_o can_v have_v give_v a_o better_a reason_n of_o forsake_v she_o §_o 10._o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o purpose_n mr._n rushworth_n 12._o acknowledge_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v of_o itself_o sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_z matter_n of_o practice_n for_o he_o ask_v who_o be_v so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n by_o a_o sensible_a common_a and_o discreet_a read_n of_o it_o though_o perhaps_o by_o a_o rigorous_a and_o exact_a balance_v of_o every_o particular_a word_n and_o syllable_n any_o of_o these_o thing_n will_v vanish_v away_o we_o know_v not_o how_o so_o that_o for_o the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o action_n he_o confess_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v sufficient_o plain_a if_o man_n will_v but_o read_v it_o sensible_o and_o discreet_o and_o he_o say_v that_o he_o be_v blind_a that_o do_v not_o see_v this_o but_o who_o so_o blind_a as_o he_o that_o will_v not_o see_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v as_o plain_a in_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a st._n austin_n make_v no_o difference_n when_o he_o tell_v we_o 2._o that_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v plain_o set_v down_o in_o scripture_n we_o may_v find_v all_o those_o thing_n in_o which_o faith_n and_o manner_n of_o life_n be_v comprehend_v and_o why_o can_v man_n in_o reference_n to_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o practice_n read_v the_o scripture_n sensible_o and_o discreet_o without_o such_o a_o rigorous_a balance_v of_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n as_o will_v make_v the_o sense_n vanish_v away_o we_o know_v not_o how_o if_o the_o scripture_n be_v but_o sufficient_o plain_a to_o such_o as_o will_v use_v it_o sensible_o and_o discreet_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v what_o great_a plainness_n can_v be_v desire_v in_o a_o rule_n nor_o can_v i_o imagine_v what_o kind_n of_o rule_n it_o must_v be_v that_o can_v be_v unexceptionable_o plain_a to_o captious_a caviller_n and_o such_o as_o be_v bend_v to_o play_v the_o fool_n with_o it_o well_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n be_v not_o sufficient_o clear_a as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o hereupon_o i_o have_v recourse_n to_o the_o church_n for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n must_v i_o believe_v the_o church_n sense_n to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o text_n though_o i_o see_v it_o to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o the_o genuine_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n yes_o that_o i_o must_v or_o else_o i_o make_v myself_o and_o not_o the_o church_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a heresy_n of_o the_o protestant_n but_o then_o i_o must_v not_o suppose_v much_o less_o belive_o that_o the_o church_n sense_n of_o such_o a_o text_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o it_o no_o although_o i_o plain_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o this_o be_v hard_a again_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n especial_o if_o that_o be_v true_a which_o be_v acknowledge_v both_o by_o dr._n holden_n and_o mr._n cressy_n viz._n that_o though_o general_a council_n can_v mistake_v in_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o decree_v yet_o they_o may_v mistake_v in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o they_o from_o text_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n and_o if_o mr._n s._n think_v his_o brethren_n have_v grant_v too_o much_o he_o may_v see_v this_o exemplify_v in_o the_o second_o council_n of_o nice_a to_o mention_v no_o other_o which_o to_o establish_v their_o doctrine_n of_o image-worship_n do_v so_o palpable_o abuse_v and_o wrest_v text_n of_o scripture_n that_o i_o can_v hardly_o believe_v that_o any_o papist_n in_o the_o world_n have_v the_o forehead_n to_o own_o that_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n which_o be_v there_o give_v by_o those_o father_n §_o 11._o second_o how_o the_o traditionary_a church_n can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o their_o traditional_a doctrine_n than_o the_o protestant_n can_v be_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o be_v worthy_a our_o enquiry_n because_o if_o the_o business_n be_v search_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o will_v appear_v beside_o all_o other_o inconvenience_n which_o oral_a tradition_n be_v much_o more_o liable_a to_o than_o scripture_n that_o the_o certain_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o traditional_a doctrine_n be_v as_o hard_a to_o come_v at_o as_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o i_o will_v make_v appear_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n from_o their_o own_o concession_n mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n say_v that_o the_o great_a security_n of_o tradition_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o tie_v to_o certain_a phrase_n and_o set-form_n of_o expression_n but_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v convey_v and_o settle_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o various_a expression_n but_o according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n this_o render_v tradition_n sense_n uncertain_a for_o he_o say_v 6._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o put_v full_o and_o beyond_o all_o quarrel_n the_o same_o sense_n in_o divers_a word_n so_o that_o if_o man_n do_v not_o receive_v tradition_n in_o a_o sensible_a common_a discreet_a way_n as_o mr._n rushw._n speak_v concern_v read_v the_o scripture_n but_o will_v come_v to_o a_o rigorous_a and_o exact_a balance_v of_o every_o particular_a phrase_n word_n and_o
capable_a of_o convince_a demonstration_n again_o do_v but_o consider_v say_v he_o 6._o how_o unequal_a and_o unjust_a a_o condition_n it_o be_v that_o the_o claim_n of_o the_o present_a church_n shall_v not_o be_v hear_v unless_o she_o can_v confute_v all_o the_o peradventure_o that_o wit_n may_v invent_v and_o solve_v all_o the_o argument_n which_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o time_n place_n and_o occasion_n may_v have_v give_v way_n unto_o and_o than_o you_o will_v see_v how_o unreasonable_a a_o adversary_n he_o be_v who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o any_o satisfaction_n but_o such_o as_o man_n nature_n scarce_o afford_v and_o be_v it_o not_o equal_o unjust_a in_o mr._n s._n not_o to_o let_v scripture_n claim_n be_v hear_v unless_o we_o can_v confute_v every_o peradventure_o and_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o that_o wit_n may_v invent_v see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a a_o adversary_n mr._n s._n be_v who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a with_o any_o satisfaction_n but_o such_o as_o according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n man_v nature_n scarce_o afford_v dr._n holden_n i_o confess_v state_v the_o matter_n somewhat_o cautious_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o 1._o that_o it_o shall_v suffice_v for_o present_a to_o determine_v that_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o creator_n have_v afford_v we_o such_o a_o assurance_n especial_o of_o truth_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n as_o be_v suitable_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o best_a fit_v for_o the_o safe_a conduct_n of_o our_o life_n in_o moral_a and_o religious_a affair_n but_o if_o we_o interpret_v these_o general_a expression_n by_o the_o passage_n i_o before_o cite_v out_o of_o mr._n rushworth_n as_o in_o reason_n we_o may_v since_o the_o doctor_n be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o book_n than_o nothing_o can_v make_v more_o against_o mr._n s_n principle_n §_o 5._o mr._n cressy_a in_o his_o exomologesis_fw-la 5._o say_v that_o such_o teacher_n as_o approach_v near_a to_o the_o fountain_n of_o truth_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v mean_n of_o inform_v themselves_o in_o apostolical_a tradition_n incomparable_o beyond_o we_o mr._n s._n may_v do_v well_o to_o show_v what_o those_o mean_n be_v which_o be_v so_o incomparable_o beyond_o his_o infallibility_n and_o demonstration_n the_o same_o author_n 4._o do_v very_o much_o applaud_v stapleton_n determination_n of_o the_o question_n concern_v the_o church_n infallibility_n which_o be_v as_o follow_v that_o the_o church_n do_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v teach_v by_o god_n immediate_o by_o new_a revelation_n but_o make_v use_n of_o several_a mean_n etc._n etc._n as_o be_v govern_v not_o by_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n but_o by_o ordinary_a pastor_n and_o teacher_n that_o these_o pastor_n in_o make_v use_n of_o these_o several_a mean_n of_o decision_n proceed_v not_o as_o the_o apostle_n do_v with_o a_o peculiar_a infallible_a direction_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n but_o with_o a_o prudential_a collection_n not_o always_o necessary_a that_o to_o the_o apostle_n who_o be_v the_o first_o master_n of_o evangelical_n faith_n and_o founder_n of_o the_o church_n such_o a_o infallible_a certitude_n of_o mean_n be_v necessary_a not_o so_o now_o to_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v true_a that_o a_o infallible_a certitude_n of_o mean_n be_v not_o now_o necessary_a to_o the_o church_n and_o that_o her_o pastor_n do_v now_o in_o decide_v matter_n of_o faith_n proceed_v only_o with_o a_o prudent_a collection_n not_o always_o necessary_a than_o it_o shall_v seem_v that_o a_o search_a wit_n may_v maintain_v his_o ground_n of_o suspense_n even_o against_o their_o church_n also_o with_o a_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o again_o mr._n cressy_n 5._o tell_v we_o that_o truth_n and_o our_o obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v in_o a_o high_a degree_n in_o scripture_n than_o in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o church_n as_o bellarmine_n acknowledge_v which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n than_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o doctrine_n from_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n but_o if_o we_o have_v the_o great_a assurance_n that_o can_v be_v of_o truth_n deliver_v to_o we_o by_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v than_o i_o will_v fain_o learn_v of_o he_o what_o that_o great_a degree_n of_o assurance_n be_v which_o stapleton_n speak_v of_o and_o whether_o it_o be_v great_a than_o the_o great_a not_o to_o insist_v upon_o that_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o way_n take_v notice_n of_o that_o mr._n cressy_n by_o his_o approbation_n of_o this_o determination_n of_o bellarmine_n do_v advance_v the_o scripture_n above_o the_o church_n as_o to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n viz._n the_o certainty_n of_o it_o but_o the_o most_o eminent_a testimony_n to_o my_o purpose_n in_o mr._n cressy_n be_v that_o famous_a passage_n etc._n which_o have_v give_v so_o much_o offence_n to_o several_a of_o his_o own_o church_n wherein_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o unfortunateness_n to_o he_o of_o the_o word_n infallibility_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o can_v find_v no_o such_o word_n in_o any_o council_n that_o no_o necessity_n appear_v to_o he_o that_o either_o he_o or_o any_o other_o protestant_n shall_v ever_o have_v hear_v that_o word_n name_v and_o much_o less_o press_v with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n as_o of_o late_o it_o have_v general_o be_v in_o disputation_n and_o book_n of_o controversy_n and_o that_o mr._n chillingworth_n combat_v this_o word_n with_o too_o to_o great_a success_n insomuch_o that_o if_o this_o word_n be_v once_o forget_v or_o but_o lay_v by_o mr._n chillingworth_n argument_n will_v lose_v the_o great_a part_n of_o their_o strength_n and_o that_o if_o this_o word_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o school_n where_o it_o be_v breed_v there_o will_v be_v still_o no_o inconvenience_n and_o that_o since_o by_o manifest_a experience_n the_o english_a protestant_o think_v themselves_o so_o secure_a when_o they_o have_v leave_v to_o stand_v or_o fall_v by_o that_o word_n and_o in_o very_a deed_n have_v so_o much_o to_o say_v for_o themselves_o when_o they_o be_v press_v unnecessary_o with_o it_o since_o likewise_o it_o be_v a_o word_n capable_a of_o so_o high_a a_o sense_n that_o we_o can_v devise_v one_o more_o full_a and_o proper_a to_o attribute_v to_o god_n himself_o etc._n etc._n since_o all_o this_o be_v so_o he_o think_v he_o can_v be_v blame_v if_o such_o reason_n move_v he_o to_o wish_v that_o the_o protestant_n may_v never_o be_v invite_v to_o combat_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n under_o that_o notion_n a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n and_o as_o cross_v to_o mr._n s_n principle_n as_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v but_o the_o word_n infallibility_n be_v not_o so_o unfortunate_a to_o mr._n cressy_n as_o be_v his_o untoward_a explication_n of_o the_o forecited_n passage_n in_o his_o appendix_n which_o he_o afterward_o publish_v chief_o by_o way_n of_o vindication_n of_o himself_o against_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o my_o lord_n falkland_n discourse_n of_o infallibility_n there_o he_o 3_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v several_a degree_n of_o infallibility_n and_o that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o degree_n of_o infallibility_n he_o think_v necessary_a to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o church_n this_o follow_a passage_n will_v inform_v we_o methinks_a say_v he_o if_o god_n have_v furnish_v his_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n with_o evidence_n equal_a to_o this_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v shine_v to_o morrow_n or_o that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o spring_n and_o harvest_n next_o year_n we_o be_v infinite_o oblige_v to_o bless_v his_o providence_n and_o just_o condemn_v if_o we_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o least_o of_o such_o truth_n as_o show_v less_o affection_n to_o save_v our_o soul_n than_o the_o dull_a ploughman_n to_o sow_v their_o corn_n who_o certain_o have_v far_o less_o evidence_n for_o their_o harvest_n than_o catholic_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o they_o insist_v not_o peevish_o upon_o every_o capricious_a objection_n nor_o exact_v a_o infallible_a security_n of_o a_o plentiful_a reap_v next_o summer_n but_o notwithstanding_o all_o difficulty_n and_o contingency_n proceed_v cheerful_o in_o their_o painful_a husbandry_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n whatever_o degree_n of_o assurance_n the_o church_n have_v or_o can_v give_v to_o those_o who_o rely_v upon_o she_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o no_o further_a degree_n be_v necessary_a than_o what_o the_o husbandman_n when_o he_o sow_v have_v of_o a_o plentiful_a harvest_n and_o that_o man_n be_v just_o condemn_v if_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o least_o truth_n upon_o such_o security_n which_o yet_o by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n be_v liable_a to_o contingency_n nay_o further_o that_o man_n be_v
doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o what_o be_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n how_o shall_v this_o principle_n secure_v the_o church_n from_o heresy_n any_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o nothing_o but_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o do_v secure_a man_n from_o error_n or_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o virtuous_a do_v secure_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n from_o folly_n and_o vice_n sect_n viii_o §_o 1._o second_o demonstration_n the_o principle_n upon_o which_o this_o demonstration_n rely_v be_v not_o sufficient_o prove_v by_o he_o his_o first_o principle_n be_v this_o that_o age_n which_o hold_v her_o faith_n deliver_v thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v itself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o nor_o know_v or_o doubt_n that_o any_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v or_o innovate_v any_o thing_n therein_o this_o proposition_n he_o tell_v we_o need_v no_o proof_n to_o evidence_n it_o but_o only_o a_o explication_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v or_o innovate_v in_o the_o case_n propose_v without_o know_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a impossibility_n a_o whole_a age_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o single_a man_n but_o by_o his_o favour_n that_o which_o he_o say_v be_v no_o proof_n but_o only_o a_o explication_n be_v a_o proof_n if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n and_o the_o force_n of_o it_o this_o that_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n if_o one_o single_a man_n be_v manifest_o impossible_a to_o a_o whole_a age_n but_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o single_a man_n to_o hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o impossible_a to_o a_o whole_a age_n and_o consequent_o that_o age_n which_o hold_v her_o faith_n deliver_v thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v itself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n nor_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o make_v good_a of_o this_o first_o principle_n mr._n s._n have_v leave_v nothing_o unprove_v but_o only_o this_o proposition_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o single_a man_n that_o hold_v his_o faith_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n shall_v either_o himself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o or_o know_v or_o doubt_n that_o any_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v or_o innovate_v any_o thing_n therein_o and_o to_o make_v out_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n there_o only_o remain_v this_o to_o be_v prove_v viz._n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o single_a man_n to_o be_v mistake_v for_o if_o that_o be_v possible_a then_o contrary_a to_o mr._n s._n a_o man_n may_v hold_v that_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o a_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o so_o deliver_v §_o 2._o his_o second_o principle_n be_v this_o that_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 he_o prove_v it_o thus_o since_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n he_o must_v have_v some_o reason_n or_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o end_n to_o be_v achieve_v by_o his_o action_n and_o whatever_o his_o remote_a end_n be_v his_o immediate_a end_n in_o tell_v posterity_n a_o late_o invent_v thing_n be_v hold_v immdiate_o before_o be_v to_o make_v they_o belive_o it_o wherefore_o since_o a_o see_v impossibility_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o one_o not_o frantic_a and_o since_o it_o be_v evident_o impossiible_a they_o shall_v make_v posterity_n believe_v a_o thing_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v as_o impossiible_a this_o principle_n shall_v falter_v as_o that_o the_o foregoing_a age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o that_o the_o succeed_a age_n shall_v believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v shall_v hold_v both_o side_n of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o a_o clear_a matter_n of_o fact_n the_o force_n of_o which_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n not_o frantic_a shall_v attempt_v to_o innovate_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n because_o the_o immediate_a end_n of_o such_o a_o attempt_n must_v be_v to_o have_v his_o new_a doctrine_n believe_v but_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v attain_v this_o end_n and_o impossible_a he_o shall_v not_o see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o attain_v it_o now_o a_o see_v impossibility_n be_v a_o end_n that_o can_v move_v any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o frantic_a therefore_o no_o man_n that_o be_v not_o frantic_a can_v attempt_v to_o innovate_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n thus_o he_o have_v demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o heretic_n if_o a_o heretic_n be_v one_o that_o attempt_v to_o innovate_v in_o matter_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o attmpter_n they_o must_v be_v frantic_a and_o if_o they_o be_v frantic_a they_o can_v be_v no_o heretic_n for_o heresy_n imply_v a_o crime_n but_o god_n will_v not_o impute_v the_o action_n of_o mad_a man_n to_o they_o as_o fault_n again_o suppose_v he_o that_o attempt_n to_o innovate_v be_v mistake_v and_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n will_v grant_v that_o a_o heretic_n be_v fallible_a and_o think_v that_o which_o he_o deliver_v as_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v real_o so_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o why_o shall_v such_o a_o person_n think_v it_o impossible_a to_o make_v man_n believe_v that_o to_o be_v receive_v from_o christ_n which_o he_o real_o think_v be_v receive_v and_o think_v he_o can_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o this_o be_v grant_v than_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a that_o man_n though_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n may_v attempt_v to_o innovate_v and_o if_o so_o than_o his_o second_o principle_n be_v not_o prove_v if_o mr._n s._n have_v any_o regard_n to_o the_o noble_a science_n of_o controversy_n whereof_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o master_n he_o will_v not_o bring_v such_o trifle_a sophism_n instead_o of_o demonstrative_a proof_n and_o nothing_o less_o than_o a_o demonstrative_a proof_n will_v serve_v to_o establish_v any_o principle_n upon_o which_o a_o demonstration_n be_v to_o be_v build_v sect_n ix_o §_o 1._o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v innovate_v demonstration_n have_v make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v several_a instance_n one_o among_o the_o jew_n the_o rest_n among_o christian_n 1._o i_o shall_v instance_n among_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n who_o persuasion_n in_o our_o saviour_n time_n be_v and_o still_o be_v that_o their_o oral_a doctrine_n which_o they_o call_v their_o cabala_n have_v descend_v to_o they_o from_o moses_n uninterrupted_o now_o here_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o persuasion_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a without_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o beget_v it_o and_o this_o persuasion_n of_o they_o be_v most_o exact_o parallel_v with_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n according_a to_o mr._n s._n for_o here_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o traditionary_a jew_n manifold_o great_a in_o proportion_n to_o the_o dissenter_n in_o that_o church_n than_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v in_o comparison_n to_o those_o christian_n that_o dissent_v from_o she_o josephus_n tell_v we_o 18._o that_o the_o rich_a sort_n be_v of_o the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o sadducee_n but_o the_o multitude_n be_v on_o the_o pharisee_n side_n so_o that_o the_o pharisee_n have_v this_o mark_n of_o the_o true_a church_n as_o bellarmine_n call_v it_o common_a to_o they_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n that_o they_o be_v the_o great_a number_n and_o so_o they_o continue_v to_o this_o very_a day_n insomuch_o that_o although_o they_o do_v not_o call_v themselves_o the_o catholic_n yet_o i_o be_o sure_a they_o call_v all_o jew_n that_o do_v dissent_n from_o they_o schismatic_n now_o that_o the_o sadducee_n be_v for_o the_o write_a law_n against_o oral_a tradition_n be_v i_o confess_v no_o credit_n to_o we_o but_o that_o our_o saviour_n reprove_v the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o pharisee_n because_o by_o they_o they_o make_v void_a the_o write_a law_n be_v much_o more_o to_o the_o discredit_n of_o the_o assertor_n of_o oral_a tradition_n both_o romanist_n and_o pharisees_n they_o own_o alike_o a_o write_a doctrine_n but_o then_o they_o both_o pretend_v the_o true_a
proof_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o that_o sess._n decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o which_o they_o declare_v that_o because_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o tradition_n pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la ac_fw-la reverentiâ_fw-la with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o consonant_o to_o this_o decree_n the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n make_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o roman_a catechism_n set_v forth_o by_o order_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v praefat._n that_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v distribute_v into_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n bellarmine_n 12._o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o entire_a but_o partial_a one_o the_o entire_a rule_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o partial_a rule_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n according_a to_o this_o the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v contain_v partly_o in_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o the_o principal_a rule_n and_o primary_n foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o tradition_n as_o only_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o some_o doctrine_n and_o rite_n not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o controversial_a divine_n bellarmine_n 9_o where_o he_o give_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o divine_a tradition_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o divine_a tradition_n be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n or_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o embrace_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o further_o 11._o that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v all_o to_o write_v which_o be_v common_o and_o public_o preach_v and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v explicit_o but_o then_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o common_o and_o public_o teach_v and_o these_o they_o do_v not_o commit_v to_o write_v but_o deliver_v they_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o the_o prelate_n and_o priest_n and_o perfect_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n he_o speak_v of_o cardinal_n perron_n 4._o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v found_v in_o general_a on_o these_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n again_o 2.2_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v and_o especial_o to_o declare_v these_o be_v found_v in_o this_o proposition_n viz._n 3.15_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v mr._n knott_n 1_o say_v express_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a rule_n for_o as_o much_o as_o a_o write_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n we_o only_o deny_v that_o it_o exclude_v either_o divine_a tradition_n though_o it_o be_v unwritten_a or_o a_o external_a judge_n to_o keep_v to_o propose_v to_o interpret_v it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v unwritten_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o mr._n s._n do_v a_o concurrent_a oral_a tradition_n of_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o other_o doctrine_n not_o therein_o contain_v be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o 179._o we_o do_v not_o distinguish_v tradition_n from_o the_o write_a word_n because_o tradition_n be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o or_o in_o any_o book_n or_o write_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o srripture_n or_o bible_n bellarmine_n 2._o also_o say_v the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_n but_o of_o a_o judg._n 3_o there_o be_v say_v he_o a_o great_a and_o plain_a distinction_n between_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o rule_n for_o as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o judge_n have_v his_o rule_n to_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o receive_v law_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o able_a to_o declare_v and_o be_v judge_n to_o themselves_o but_o that_o office_n must_v belong_v to_o a_o live_a judge_n so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v and_o may_v be_v a_o rule_n but_o can_v be_v a_o judg._n here_o he_o make_v the_o scripture_n as_o much_o a_o rule_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v for_o civil_a matter_n and_o in_o his_o reply_n to_o mr._n chillingworth_n he_o have_v a_o chapter_n of_o above_o 150_o page_n the_o title_n whereof_o be_v scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v he_o with_o mr._n s._n believe_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o turk_n be_v not_o the_o only_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n mr._n cressy_n likewise_o not_o very_o consistent_o to_o himself_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n 20._o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v contain_v not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n §_o 2._o now_o all_o this_o be_v as_o contrary_a as_o can_v be_v to_o mr._n rushworth_n new_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o mr._n white_n say_v 96._o they_o speak_v ill_o who_o teach_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v know_v in_o the_o church_n from_o scripture_n some_o by_o tradition_n and_o dr._n holden_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v scripture_n any_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n advance_v one_o of_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o uncharitable_a position_n that_o ever_o i_o yet_o meet_v withal_o viz._n 6._o that_o if_o one_o shall_v believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o express_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o implicit_o contain_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o thence_o and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v they_o have_v he_o not_o judge_v that_o they_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n yet_o this_o man_n can_v be_v no_o true_a catholic_n because_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o afterward_o 8._o we_o must_v receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o come_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n for_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n exclude_v the_o scripture_n christ_n have_v appoint_v reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o communicate_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n cardinal_n perron_n unless_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a case_n who_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n itself_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v found_v in_o scripture_n §_o 3._o and_o this_o fundamental_a difference_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n between_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o divine_n and_o mr_n s's_n small_a party_n be_v full_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o traditionist_n themselves_o dr._n holden_n say_v 9_o that_o their_o divine_n who_o resolve_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n do_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o that_o shameful_a circle_n of_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n back_o again_o by_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o dare_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o natural_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n so_o that_o dr._n holden_n way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v different_a from_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o their_o divine_n which_o he_o say_v 3._o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o private_a spirit_n and_o this_o according_a to_o mr._n white_a 70._o
on_o as_o novelty_n therefore_o they_o speak_v much_o of_o tradition_n and_o the_o ancient_a faith_n but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o but_o what_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n for_o by_o these_o they_o judge_v of_o tradition_n and_o not_o the_o oral_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v either_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o number_n of_o roman_a catholic_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n 212._o none_o except_v as_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o confident_a way_n express_v it_o and_o if_o he_o will_v as_o he_o say_v disavow_v the_o maintain_v any_o point_n or_o affect_v any_o way_n which_o be_v not_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o i_o hope_v to_o see_v mr._n s._n retract_v this_o opinion_n and_o either_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o return_v as_o reason_n lead_v he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o what_o follow_v viz._n that_o though_o schoolman_n question_v the_o personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n nay_o of_o a_o general_n council_n yet_o all_o affirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v either_o mr._n s._n mean_n that_o none_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v in_o her_o tradition_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o take_v it_o i_o shall_v easy_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o for_o if_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n can_v not_o concur_v in_o a_o error_n than_o he_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v protestant_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n if_o this_o therefore_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o intend_v viz._n that_o while_o we_o thus_o oppose_v each_o other_o we_o do_v perfect_o agree_v together_o and_o true_o so_o we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o but_o if_o mr._n s_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o of_o their_o religion_n own_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o can_v err_v set_v aside_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v be_v not_o on_o mr._n s_n principle_n but_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o preserve_v that_o church_n from_o error_n so_o that_o this_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o probability_n that_o he_o may_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v own_v by_o they_o all_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o and_o hold_v firm_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v man_n make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v know_v not_o only_o that_o they_o believe_v tradition_n infallible_a but_o on_o what_o account_n they_o do_v so_o for_o if_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a bare_o on_o the_o account_n 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mr._n s._n go_v the_o contrary_a way_n and_o make_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o the_o church_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o therefore_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v we_o must_v still_o oppose_v private_a opinator_n in_o this_o controversy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o have_v declare_v herself_o at_o all_o on_o mr._n s_n behalf_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o generality_n believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a church_n infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a mr._n s._n shall_v find_v no_o difference_n between_o man_n resolve_v faith_n into_o common_a sense_n and_o into_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o controversy_n as_o mr._n s._n pretend_v 213._o we_o see_v how_o unlikely_a they_o be_v to_o agree_v about_o other_o matter_n who_o be_v so_o much_o divide_v about_o the_o principle_n of_o resolve_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o 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one_o i._o b._n be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v all_o the_o public_a patron_n that_o ever_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o oral_a tradition_n have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o mr._n white_n as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o dialogue_n which_o pass_v under_o rushworth_n name_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v yet_o less_o now_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o this_o principle_n esteem_v by_o mr._n s._n so_o fundamental_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o principal_a assertor_n of_o oral_a tradstion_n i_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o these_o great_a patron_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o their_o own_o hythesis_n or_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o these_o very_a person_n do_v sometime_o speak_v very_o big_a word_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n but_o if_o it_o be_v their_o pleasure_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v displease_v so_o neither_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o it_o but_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o mr._n s._n to_o reconcile_v they_o first_o to_o themselves_o and_o then_o if_o he_o please_v afterward_o to_o himself_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o mr._n rushworth_n of_o immortal_a memory_n for_o that_o noble_a attempt_n of_o he_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o oral_a tradition_n yet_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n own_v it_o and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o as_o her_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o in_o his_o three_o dialogue_n 4._o when_o his_o nephew_n object_n to_o he_o that_o perhaps_o a_o protestant_n will_v say_v that_o all_o his_o forego_n discourse_n be_v but_o probability_n and_o and_o likelihood_n and_o therefore_o to_o hazard_v a_o man_n estate_n upon_o peradventure_o be_v something_o hard_o and_o not_o very_o rational_o do_v reply_v thus_o to_o he_o what_o security_n do_v your_o merchant_n your_o statesman_n your_o soldier_n those_o that_o go_v to_o law_n nay_o even_o those_o that_o till_o your_o ground_n and_o work_n for_o their_o live_n what_o security_n i_o say_v do_v all_o these_o go_v upon_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o security_n which_o these_o ground_n afford_v sure_o no._n and_o yet_o no_o man_n esteem_v they_o foolish_a all_o humane_a affair_n be_v hazardous_a and_o have_v some_o adventure_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o who_o require_v evident_a certainty_n only_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n discover_v in_o himself_o a_o less_o mind_n to_o the_o good_n promise_v in_o the_o next_o life_n than_o to_o these_o which_o he_o seek_v here_o in_o this_o world_n upon_o weak_a assurance_n howsoever_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o convince_a demonstration_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n fall_v short_a of_o be_v but_o conjectural_a so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o discretion_n but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o make_v man_n require_v great_a evidence_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o humane_a affair_n which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v hazardous_a and_o have_v some_o adventure_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n beside_o if_o demonstrative_a evidence_n be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v than_o this_o rule_n can_v according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o
what_o he_o say_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o come_v to_o this_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n the_o minor_a he_o thus_o prove_v if_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o the_o precedent_n teach_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o than_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o consequent_a now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o lie_v not_o in_o prove_v the_o minor_a proposition_n or_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o but_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o a_o church_n but_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n in_o one_o whole_a age_n or_o the_o general_a imposture_n of_o it_o which_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o have_v show_v he_o already_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o concession_n and_o i_o may_v more_o large_o show_v it_o from_o those_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v come_v into_o their_o church_n without_o any_o such_o general_a mistake_n or_o imposture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o papal_a infallibility_n and_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n will_v show_v we_o how_o these_o come_v in_o we_o will_v show_v he_o how_o many_o other_o come_v in_o as_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a as_o those_o be_v for_o whether_o they_o account_v these_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a many_o among_o they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n who_o assert_v and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n too_o if_o therefore_o these_o may_v come_v in_o without_o one_o age_n mistake_v or_o deceive_v the_o next_o why_o may_v not_o all_o those_o come_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o error_n of_o their_o church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n come_v in_o may_v corrupt_v practice_n too_o since_o these_o as_o he_o say_v spring_n from_o the_o other_o he_o may_v therefore_o have_v save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o find_v out_o how_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n will_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o way_n 231._o for_o without_o pretend_v to_o be_v either_o of_o these_o i_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n of_o attaque_a it_o than_o mr._n s._n look_v for_o viz._n from_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o concession_n show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o a_o total_a deception_n or_o conspiracy_n in_o any_o one_o age_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v bind_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o ever_o he_o tell_v i_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o never_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o speculation_n or_o private_a opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n have_v come_v to_o be_v account_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n therefore_o his_o way_n of_o proof_n be_v now_o quite_o alter_v and_o he_o can_v say_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o present_a church_n may_v have_v admit_v speculation_n and_o private_a opinion_n into_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v first_o prove_v such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o our_o age_n they_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o as_o to_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o will_v promise_v he_o to_o be_v his_o proselyte_n but_o he_o ought_v still_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o one_o whole_a age_n to_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o error_n to_o come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o mr._n s._n object_n against_o those_o word_n i_o then_o use_v against_o the_o demonstrate_v this_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n shall_v enforce_v it_o but_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v understanding_n of_o another_o mould_n from_o other_o who_o can_v conceive_v it_o impossible_a man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n and_o whatever_o mr._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o can_v yet_o see_v 234._o but_o that_o therein_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o look_v for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n which_o i_o suppose_a can_v not_o be_v unless_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v demonstrate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n christian_n nay_o romanist_n to_o believe_v on_o other_o account_n than_o tradition_n of_o the_o precedent_a age_n i_o pray_v what_o demonstration_n can_v there_o be_v that_o man_n must_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n do_v sure_o if_o mr._n s_n fancy_n have_v not_o be_v very_o extravagant_a he_o can_v never_o have_v think_v here_o of_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o cut_v their_o beard_n or_o wear_v such_o garter_n and_o hatband_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v for_o do_v i_o not_o mention_v believe_v first_o and_o then_o do_v by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o i_o mean_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o practice_n as_o flow_v from_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o crafty_a and_o sophistical_a deal_n as_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o 235._o for_o i_o be_o content_a his_o doctrine_n be_v take_v in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o i_o have_v now_o give_v a_o large_a and_o full_a account_n why_o i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v for_o resolve_v faith_n pass_v by_o therefore_o his_o challenge_n which_o i_o accept_v of_o as_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v to_o the_o weapon_n of_o reason_n and_o civility_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v his_o last_o enquiry_n why_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o such_o a_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n 236._o to_o believe_v their_o ancestor_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o judicious_o resolve_v it_o into_o a_o strange_a distortion_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o such_o as_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o protestant_n temper_n 237._o which_o be_v say_v he_o to_o choose_v every_o one_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o wit_n work_v upon_o disputable_a word_n which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o own_v it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o and_o if_o this_o be_v such_o a_o distortion_n of_o human_a nature_n i_o envy_v not_o mr._n s_n uprightness_n and_o perfection_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o our_o private_a judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n let_v he_o prove_v it_o evident_o in_o one_o particular_a and_o i_o engage_v for_o myself_o and_o all_o true_a protestant_n we_o will_v renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n further_o to_o object_n against_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o know_v where_o to_o attaque_fw-la i_o let_v he_o undertake_v the_o whole_a or_o else_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n thus_o to_o charge_v falsity_n upon_o we_o and_o then_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o choose_v our_o faith_n but_o hearty_o embrace_v whatever_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o we_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n too_o well_o to_o believe_v all_o which_o she_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v she_o choose_v our_o religion_n for_o we_o since_o we_o know_v she_o have_v choose_v so_o ill_o for_o herself_o but_o if_o mr._n s._n will_v not_o believe_v i_o in_o say_v thus_o what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o believe_v he_o in_o say_v otherwise_o such_o general_a charge_n than_o signify_v nothing_o but_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o
be_v to_o show_v 17._o that_o this_o way_n be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v apparent_o alter_v from_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o former_a age_n to_o which_o purpose_n my_o word_n be_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v impossibility_n of_o motion_n when_o i_o see_v man_n move_v no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v vary_v from_o the_o precede_a when_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o argument_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o catch_v easy_a mind_n that_o care_v not_o for_o a_o search_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v rather_o sit_v down_o with_o a_o superficial_a subtlety_n than_o spend_v time_n in_o further_a inquiry_n but_o two_o thing_n m._n s._n tell_v i_o be_v require_v ere_o i_o can_v see_v that_o their_o faith_n vary_v from_o the_o former_a 238._o first_o to_o see_v what_o their_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o then_o to_o see_v what_o the_o former_a church_n hold_v before_o and_o he_o kind_o tell_v i_o if_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n i_o see_v neither_o well_o it_o seem_v i_o want_v mr._n s_n spectacle_n of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o see_v with_o but_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o but_o i_o see_v much_o better_o without_o they_o than_o with_o they_o he_o tell_v i_o i_o can_v see_v what_o their_o present_a church_n hold_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v assure_v any_o what_o be_v hold_v before_o because_o if_o i_o renounce_v tradition_n i_o take_v away_o all_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o can_v candid_o see_v as_o he_o phrase_n it_o what_o their_o church_n hold_v now_o be_v because_o i_o can_v distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o its_o explication_n some_o schoolman_n and_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o know_v what_o their_o church_n 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