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church_n authority_n believe_v infallible_a 7,464 5 9.9342 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62581 The rule of faith, or, An answer to the treatises of Mr. I.S. entituled Sure-footing &c. by John Tillotson ... ; to which is adjoined A reply to Mr. I.S. his 3d appendix &c. by Edw. Stillingfleet. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. Reply to Mr. I.S. his 3d appendix. 1676 (1676) Wing T1218; ESTC R32807 182,586 472

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entertain_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n his_o word_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o ordinary_a knowledge_n by_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o body_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n and_o experience_n the_o former_a of_o which_o belong_v to_o speculator_n or_o doctor_n the_o second_o to_o deliverer_n of_o what_o be_v receive_v or_o testifier_n and_o this_o distinction_n he_o frequent_o admit_v not_o only_o in_o the_o present_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o any_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v in_o all_o from_o hence_o i_o propose_v several_a query_n further_o to_o mr._n s._n 1._o if_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o bound_v to_o believe_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_a age_n do_v whence_o come_v any_o to_o have_v particular_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o for_o either_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v her_o sense_n in_o that_o case_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o tradition_n be_v no_o 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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
a_o hundred_o year_n to_o a_o hundred_o but_o from_o month_n to_o month_n and_o even_o less_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o tradition_n do_v this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v do_v among_o protestant_n and_o that_o with_o great_a advantage_n because_o we_o always_o teach_v child_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n so_o as_o they_o may_v understand_v they_o and_o we_o also_o teach_v they_o the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o no_o more_o so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o infallible_a a_o way_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v it_o among_o we_o and_o we_o do_v over_o and_o beside_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o but_o then_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v as_o his_o hypothesis_n necessary_o enforce_v he_o to_o do_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v equal_o teach_v and_o learn_v by_o all_o but_o by_o some_o more_o by_o other_o less_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o different_a ability_n and_o diligence_n of_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o the_o various_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n of_o child_n whereas_o his_o hypothesis_n fall_v if_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o generality_n of_o parent_n do_v not_o instruct_v their_o child_n with_o the_o like_a exactness_n and_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o child_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v deliver_v for_o if_o it_o be_v teach_v or_o receive_v with_o any_o variation_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o these_o variation_n will_v grow_v daily_o i_o have_v think_v he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o how_o all_o parent_n do_v teach_v their_o child_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o explain_v to_o they_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o several_a expression_n signify_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o not_o have_v instance_a in_o two_o set-form_n such_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n for_o according_a to_o mr._n white_a 81._o that_o can_v be_v a_o tradition_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o set-word_n §_o 2._o have_v thus_o explain_v oral_a tradition_n he_o come_v to_o show_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n agree_v to_o it_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o two_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o oral_a tradition_n may_v deliver_v a_o doctrine_n plain_o and_o intelligible_o i_o grant_v he_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v about_o the_o second_o property_n whether_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o by_o oral_a tradition_n have_v receive_v no_o coruption_n or_o change_n in_o its_o conveyance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n that_o be_v if_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n do_v true_o and_o without_o any_o alteration_n deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o immediate_a successor_n and_o they_o to_o they_o and_o so_o on_o then_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a traditionary_a church_n must_v be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n all_o this_o be_v ready_o grant_v to_o he_o but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v nay_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o as_o he_o pretend_v this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o as_o untrue_a but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o absurd_a proposition_n that_o ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrative_a evidence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n iii_o in_o which_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n and_o corollary_n be_v examine_v sect_n i._o §_o 1._o before_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o to_o his_o demonstration_n general_n i_o shall_v premise_v these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o tradition_n no_o man_n can_v by_o his_o private_a reason_n certain_o find_v out_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v make_v out_o his_o demonstration_n lose_v all_o their_o force_n if_o the_o first_o be_v make_v good_a than_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n nor_o consequent_o that_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o second_o than_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v signify_v nothing_o §_o 2._o first_o no_o man_n can_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o tradition_n by_o his_o private_a reason_n certain_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n suppose_v a_o heathen_a to_o be_v desirous_a to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v take_v a_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o inquire_v of_o christian_n what_o their_o rule_n be_v and_o find_v they_o divide_v about_o it_o some_o say_n that_o the_o scripture_n other_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a without_o a_o revelation_n for_o this_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o his_o own_o private_a reason_n examine_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o pretence_n of_o both_o side_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o unless_o he_o can_v by_o his_o reason_n demonstrate_v that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n and_o the_o other_o not_o so_o he_o have_v not_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o reason_n can_v never_o do_v this_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n for_o speak_v of_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o tradition_n have_v for_o its_o basis_n man_n nature_n not_o according_a to_o his_o intellectual_n which_o do_v but_o dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 183._o speak_v how_o reason_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o use_v this_o comparison_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n can_v be_v found_v on_o demonstration_n because_o it_o be_v not_o found_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n which_o only_o can_v demonstrate_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n yet_o that_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n because_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v dim-sighted_a and_o do_v but_o grope_v dark_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n be_v uncapable_a of_o frame_v demonstration_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n understand_v how_o dim-sighted_a reason_n shall_v see_v clear_o to_o choose_v its_o guide_n any_o more_o than_o its_o way_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o a_o pretty_a contradiction_n it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v dim-sighted_a can_v see_v clear_o but_o mr._n cressy_n be_v not_o content_v to_o call_v every_o man_n reason_n dim-sighted_a he_o venture_v a_o step_n further_o and_o call_v it_o hoodwinked_a and_o blind_a for_o he_o tell_v we_o 8._o that_o private_a reason_n be_v apparent_o a_o most_o fallible_a guide_n and_o he_o pity_v 9_o my_o lord_n falkland_n case_n because_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o do_v betake_v himself_o to_o the_o casual_a conduct_n of_o blind_a humane_a natural_a reason_n which_o afterward_o he_o call_v 11._o a_o guide_n that_o two_o person_n can_v possible_o follow_v together_o because_o no_o two_o person_n that_o ever_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n beside_o authority_n do_v or_o can_v think_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o all_o other_o think_v so_o and_o by_o consequence_n such_o a_o guide_n that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o office_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o church_n any_o where_o which_o say_v he_o be_v a_o infallible_a eviction_n that_o this_o be_v a_o imaginary_a seduce_a guide_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v
sense_n and_o explication_n thereof_o to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o oral_a tradition_n for_o just_a as_o the_o traditionary_a christian_n do_v now_o so_o josephus_n tell_v 12._o we_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n of_o old_a the_o pharisee_n do_v pretend_v by_o their_o oral_a tradition_n to_o interpret_v the_o law_n more_o accurate_o and_o exact_o than_o any_o other_o sect._n in_o like_a manner_n he_o 2._o tell_v we_o that_o all_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o prayer_n and_o divine_a worship_n be_v regulate_v and_o administer_v according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n of_o the_o law_n and_o they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o to_o make_v void_a the_o word_n of_o god_n by_o their_o tradition_n which_o the_o pharisee_n do_v no_o otherwise_o than_o mr._n s._n do_v by_o equal_v oral_a tradition_n to_o scripture_n nay_o prefer_n it_o above_o scripture_n in_o make_v it_o the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o interpret_n the_o scripture_n according_a to_o it_o hence_o be_v those_o common_a say_n in_o the_o talmud_n and_o other_o jewish_a book_n do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o write_a law_n be_v the_o foundation_n but_o that_o the_o law_n oral_o deliver_v be_v the_o right_a foundation_n which_o be_v to_o say_v with_o mr._n s._n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n again_o there_o be_v more_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scribe_n viz._n the_o testifier_n of_o tradition_n than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o the_o write_v law_n again_o the_o oral_a law_n excel_v the_o write_a as_o much_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v the_o body_n which_o accord_v very_o well_o with_o what_o mr._n s._n frequent_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n without_o tradition_n be_v but_o a_o dead_a letter_n destitute_a of_o life_n and_o sense_n hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o they_o require_v the_o people_n as_o the_o traditionary_a church_n do_v now_o to_o yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o tradition_n even_o in_o the_o most_o absurd_a thing_n as_o appear_v by_o that_o common_a say_n among_o they_o if_o the_o scribe_n say_v that_o the_o right_a hand_n be_v the_o left_a and_o the_o leave_v the_o right_n that_o bread_n be_v flesh_n and_o wine_n be_v blood_n harken_v to_o they_o that_o be_v make_v no_o scruple_n of_o whatsoever_o they_o deliver_v as_o tradition_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o sense_n and_o last_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v many_o of_o they_o practical_a such_o be_v all_o those_o which_o concern_v external_a rite_n and_o observance_n as_o wash_v of_o hand_n and_o cup_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o these_o pharisaical_a tradition_n have_v also_o that_o unspeakable_a advantage_n which_o mr._n s._n say_v render_v their_o tradition_n unmistakeable_a that_o they_o be_v daily_o practise_v and_o come_v down_o 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 not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o therefore_o according_a to_o mr._n s_n principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o age_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v persuade_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v command_v by_o moses_n and_o ever_o since_o observe_v if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o our_o saviour_n deny_v these_o custom_n to_o have_v be_v of_o any_o such_o authority_n as_o they_o pretend_v §_o 2._o but_o i_o need_v not_o to_o have_v take_v all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v the_o agreement_n which_o be_v between_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n and_o papist_n their_o own_o writer_n so_o liberal_o acknowledge_v it_o mr._n white_a 6._o indeed_o say_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o jew_n be_v not_o deliver_v to_o they_o oral_o but_o by_o write_v than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o inconsistent_a with_o his_o hypothesis_n for_o if_o the_o jewish_a faith_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o not_o oral_o but_o by_o write_v then_o either_o the_o jewish_a church_n have_v no_o sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o a_o write_n may_v be_v such_o a_o rule_n but_o other_o of_o their_o champion_n make_v great_a use_n of_o the_o parallel_n between_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n and_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o confirm_v from_o thence_o their_o own_o traditionary_a doctrine_n cardinal_n perron_n have_v a_o full_a passage_n to_o this_o purpose_n as_o this_o say_v he_o 4._o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o sound_n and_o entire_a respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o ancient_a mosaic_a scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o observe_v not_o only_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o actual_o contain_v but_o also_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o contain_v mediate_o and_o relative_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o paradise_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v not_o contain_v therein_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o the_o authority_n which_o it_o give_v to_o the_o deposition_n of_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o mosaic_a tradition_n preserve_v by_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o oral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synagogue_n so_o this_o be_v to_o preserve_v a_o sound_n and_o entire_a respect_n to_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o apostolical_a scripture_n to_o believe_v and_o observe_v all_o the_o thing_n which_o it_o contain_v not_o only_o immediate_o and_o by_o itself_o but_o mediate_o and_o by_o reference_n to_o the_o apostolical_a tradition_n to_o which_o in_o gross_a and_o general_o it_o give_v the_o authority_n of_o apostolical_a doctrine_n and_o to_o the_o church_n the_o authority_n of_o guardian_n and_o depositary_a to_o preserve_v and_o attest_v they_o voysin_n in_o his_o observation_n upon_o raymundus_n martin_n 145._o tell_v we_o that_o as_o in_o the_o old_a law_n the_o great_a consistory_n at_o jerusalem_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o true_a tradition_n so_o say_v he_o the_o see_v of_o rome_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o our_o tradition_n and_o as_o the_o continual_a succession_n of_o the_o high_a priest_n and_o father_n among_o the_o jew_n be_v the_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o tradition_n so_o say_v he_o with_o we_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o catholic_n doctrine_n be_v confirm_v by_o a_o continual_a succession_n of_o pope_n §_o 3._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o pharisee_n among_o the_o jew_n make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o oral_a tradition_n which_o the_o papist_n do_v at_o this_o day_n according_a to_o mr._n s._n and_o if_o so_o then_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n a_fw-fr posteriori_fw-la be_v every_o whit_n as_o strong_a for_o the_o jew_n against_o our_o saviour_n as_o it_o be_v for_o the_o papist_n against_o the_o protestant_n for_o we_o find_v that_o in_o our_o saviour_n time_n it_o be_v then_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o the_o traditionary_a jew_n that_o their_o faith_n and_o their_o rite_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o their_o write_a law_n be_v descend_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n to_o they_o uninterrupted_o which_o we_o find_v be_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o jew_n have_v a_o constant_a tradition_n among_o they_o that_o the_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v a_o great_a temporal_a prince_n and_o though_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o prophecy_n concern_v he_o may_v well_o enough_o have_v be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o low_a and_o suffer_a condition_n of_o our_o saviour_n yet_o they_o do_v infallible_o know_v that_o their_o messiah_n be_v to_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o person_n from_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n from_o the_o interpretation_n of_o those_o prophecy_n oral_o bring_v down_o to_o they_o from_o the_o patriarchal_a and_o mosaic_a tradition_n preserve_v by_o heart_n and_o in_o the_o oral_a doctrine_n of_o the_o synagogue_n and_o from_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o their_o church_n essential_a that_o be_v the_o universal_a consent_n of_o the_o then_o traditionary_a jew_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o jewish_a tradition_n do_v indeed_o bring_v down_o several_a doctrine_n not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n of_o paradise_n of_o hell_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n of_o the_o resurrection_n etc._n etc._n as_o cardinal_n perron_n affirm_v but_o it_o do_v not_o bring_v down_o this_o point_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v a_o temporal_a prince_n then_o as_o mr._n s._n 76._o ask_v we_o so_o the_o jew_n do_v he_o by_o what_o virtue_n tradition_n bring_v down_o those_o other_o point_n and_o whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o this_o as_o well_o as_o those_o then_o he_o will_v ask_v he_o far_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o a_o constant_a cause_n and_o its_o formal_a effect_n so_o that_o if_o its_o formal_a effect_n be_v point_n receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o the_o proper_a cause_n must_v be_v a_o ever-delivery_n whence_o he_o will_v argue_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n for_o any_o particular_a point_n and_o consequent_o for_o this_o point_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o jew_n
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 consequent_o whether_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v bare_o into_o oral_a tradition_n 3._o thus_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v object_v against_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o oral_a tradition_n three_o thing_n i_o especial_o insist_v on_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o way_n own_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o 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 if_o these_o three_o be_v make_v good_a there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o glory_n in_o this_o last_o invention_n to_o support_v the_o sink_a fabric_n of_o that_o church_n these_o three_o than_o i_o undertake_v 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 be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfactory_a that_o this_o appear_v by_o her_o manifest_a practice_n never_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v approve_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o former_a age_n do_v for_o this_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o principle_n far_o different_a from_o this_o which_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o inquire_v themselves_o into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o tradition_n can_v not_o fail_v in_o any_o age_n it_o be_v suffient_fw-la for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o declare_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v but_o my_o demand_n go_v on_o what_o evidence_n can_v you_o bring_v to_o convince_v i_o both_o that_o the_o church_n always_o observe_v this_o rule_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o which_o question_n be_v build_v on_o these_o two_o principle_n which_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n stand_v on_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n 2._o that_o if_o it_o do_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v deceive_v both_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o self-evidence_n which_o m._n serjeant_n still_o pretend_v to_o in_o this_o way_n that_o the_o jesuit_n principle_n seem_v much_o more_o rational_a and_o consistent_a than_o these_o do_v for_o grant_v they_o but_o that_o one_o postulatum_fw-la that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o inherent_a infallibility_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o afford_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o doctrine_n follow_v natural_o from_o it_o whereas_o this_o new_a way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v build_v on_o such_o supposition_n which_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o grant_v for_o unless_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n do_v always_o proceed_v on_o this_o ground_n it_o can_v be_v self-evident_a that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v infallible_a because_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o this_o principle_n depend_v on_o this_o that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o age_n forego_v now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v convey_v in_o way_n quite_o different_a from_o this_o what_o self-evidence_n can_v there_o be_v that_o the_o church_n much_o always_o proceed_v upon_o this_o mr._n s._n then_o must_v demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o not_o only_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o make_v it_o at_o all_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n always_o make_v this_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o either_o there_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n another_o way_n viz._n by_o writing_n or_o that_o the_o church_n may_v judge_v that_o way_n more_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o either_o way_n it_o will_v appear_v far_o enough_o from_o self-evidence_n that_o she_o always_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n mere_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o precede_a age_n if_o another_o way_n be_v grant_v possible_a there_o must_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n that_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o this_o do_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o do_v make_v use_n of_o another_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o age_n of_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n
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 their_o authority_n explain_v their_o sense_n vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n tradition_n they_o rely_v not_o on_o any_o further_a than_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o record_n or_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o from_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n of_o those_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v another_o kind_n of_o tradition_n than_o what_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o when_o these_o be_v silence_v all_o the_o dispute_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o proceed_n in_o the_o case_n of_o arius_n and_o pelagius_n wherein_o tradition_n be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o at_o all_o as_o that_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v plead_v from_o tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reject_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o be_v offer_v and_o such_o person_n be_v plain_o tell_v this_o be_v not_o the_o church_n way_n if_o they_o have_v plain_a scripture_n with_o the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o antiquity_n they_o may_v produce_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n beside_o attest_v the_o book_n be_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o impose_v sense_n on_o scripture_n against_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n it_o be_v not_o avoidable_o but_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n prejudices_fw-la learning_n and_o education_n and_o since_o they_o have_v all_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thence_o as_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v easy_o come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v for_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o know_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o very_a assertion_n be_v a_o error_n in_o which_o the_o former_a age_n do_v not_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v possible_a m._n s_n demonstration_n fail_v he_o for_o hereby_o a_o reasonable_a account_n be_v give_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o again_o let_v i_o inquire_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o man_n may_v not_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a to_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n infallible_a in_o their_o decree_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o jesuit_n as_o little_a as_o mr._n s._n love_v they_o or_o they_o him_z may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o this_o if_o they_o may_v believe_v this_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v then_o that_o transubstantiation_n supremacy_n invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v but_o private_a opinion_n before_o but_o be_v now_o define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n these_o man_n can_v but_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v it_o now_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o this_o opinion_n shall_v be_v believe_v or_o entertain_v in_o the_o church_n if_o not_o why_o may_v not_o this_o opinion_n be_v general_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v so_o do_v it_o not_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n must_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o church_n definition_n and_o thus_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n be_v establish_v as_o laudable_a piece_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o thus_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n may_v see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n unless_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o apprehension_n that_o i_o believe_v the_o jesuit_n can_v entertain_v themselves_o without_o smile_n to_o see_v their_o domestic_a adversary_n expose_v themselves_o to_o contempt_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n thus_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v 8._o why_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n my_o word_n be_v for_o i_o see_v the_o roman_a church_n assert_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o at_o least_o pope_n and_o council_n challenge_v this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n maintain_v there_o and_o other_o be_v look_v on_o as_o no_o member_n of_o their_o church_n who_o assert_v the_o contrary_a but_o as_o person_n at_o least_o meritorious_o if_o not_o actual_o excommunicate_v where_o then_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v myself_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o church_n be_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a must_v i_o believe_v a_o very_a few_o person_n who_o the_o rest_n disow_v as_o heretical_a and_o 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which_o as_o he_o say_v be_v only_o to_o put_v the_o faith_n out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v equivocate_v which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o cause_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n shall_v require_v from_o man_n the_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v this_o be_v to_o bind_v man_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o before_o no_o but_o only_o to_o express_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o simple_a term_n because_o otherwise_o they_o may_v call_v he_o god_n by_o office_n and_o not_o by_o nature_n now_o how_o can_v any_o one_o conceive_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v first_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o receive_v a_o new_a obligation_n afterward_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a existence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o immediate_a 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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 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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 of_o a_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o the_o present_a church_n than_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o into_o the_o tradition_n but_o into_o that_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o bare_a tradition_n deliver_v but_o what_o that_o church_n which_o can_v err_v in_o judge_a tradition_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o their_o be_v agree_v in_o general_a that_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a do_v make_v th●m_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o infallibility_n viz._n that_o it_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o all_o person_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o general_a reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a be_v because_o they_o first_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a whereas_o 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 ground_n of_o faith_n than_o most_o romanist_n build_v on_o a_o wrong_a foundation_n but_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o formidable_a structure_n be_v erect_v which_o he_o speak_v of_o woe_n then_o to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v know_v to_o build_v on_o quite_o a_o different_a foundation_n and_o if_o this_o as_o he_o say_v rise_v apace_o and_o have_v advance_v many_o story_n in_o a_o small_a time_n it_o only_o let_v we_o know_v how_o fast_o their_o division_n grow_v and_o that_o they_o be_v build_v so_o fast_o one_o against_o another_o that_o their_o church_n will_v not_o stand_v between_o they_o by_o this_o discourse_n mr._n s._n pretend_v to_o answer_v all_o those_o if_o his_o which_o follow_v which_o be_v these_o in_o case_n the_o church_n may_v determine_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o whether_o the_o present_a church_n do_v then_o believe_v as_o the_o precedent_n do_v or_o no_o if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o if_o it_o do_v not_o what_o assurance_n can_v i_o have_v that_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_n do_v and_o no_o otherwise_o when_o i_o see_v they_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o forego_n than_o a_o church_n may_v deliver_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v never_o account_v so_o before_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o present_a church_n may_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o never_o be_v so_o in_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o the_o infallibility_n on_o the_o account_n of_o tradition_n be_v destroy_v to_o all_o which_o mr._n s._n give_v a_o very_a easy_a answer_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v any_o disparate_a or_o unimply_v point_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v and_o imply_v in_o the_o main_a point_n this_o be_v no_o more_o easy_o say_v then_o understand_v for_o if_o these_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o former_a how_o can_v there_o come_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o to_o take_v his_o own_o instance_n will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n say_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n and_o this_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o a_o example_n how_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v involve_v in_o another_o so_o as_o to_o receive_v a_o distinct_a obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o other_o but_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v assent_v
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
in_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v before_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o i_o shall_v declare_v it_o more_o particular_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n §_o 2._o 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o first_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o by_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v which_o write_n or_o book_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o down_o to_o we_o so_o far_o i_o take_v to_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o present_a adversary_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v part_n of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v afterward_o by_o the_o apostle_n commit_v to_o writing_n he_o also_o grant_v corol._n 29._o 117._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o general_a tenet_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o entire_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o that_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v also_o other_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o oral_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o mr._n s._n who_o suppose_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n do_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v deny_v that_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o he_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o we_o with_o certainty_n so_o that_o we_o can_v by_o they_o be_v infallible_o assure_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o he_o seem_v in_o that_o passage_n i_o last_o cite_v to_o grant_v this_o in_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v both_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n i_o be_o sure_a mr._n white_a who_o he_o follow_v very_o close_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o tradition_n 171._o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n position_n that_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o write_n or_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o grant_v universal_o by_o the_o papist_n as_o to_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v own_v by_o protestant_n for_o canonical_a §_o 3._o second_o that_o the_o way_n of_o write_v be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o time_n very_o remote_a from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o delivery_n according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n with_o certainty_n and_o security_n beside_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v when_o i_o shall_v have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v this_o to_o his_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o can_v be_v oral_o deliver_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o that_o a_o write_n or_o book_n which_o be_v public_a and_o in_o every_o one_o hand_n may_v be_v convey_v down_o with_o at_o least_o as_o much_o certainty_n and_o security_n and_o with_o as_o little_a danger_n of_o alteration_n as_o a_o oral_a tradition_n and_o if_o so_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o book_n to_o convey_v down_o a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n beside_o if_o he_o have_v look_v well_o about_o he_o he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v apprehend_v some_o little_a inconvenience_n in_o make_v that_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v contradict_v by_o plain_a and_o constant_a experience_n for_o that_o any_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n may_v be_v sufficient_o convey_v by_o book_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n provide_v those_o book_n be_v but_o write_v intelligible_o and_o preserve_v from_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o conveyance_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o suppose_v possible_a be_v as_o little_o doubt_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v book_n and_o sure_o we_o christian_n can_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o posterity_n by_o book_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n for_o conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o after-age_n because_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o wise_a a_o agent_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o a_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v attain_v his_o end_n §_o 4._o three_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o other_o plain_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n to_o say_v 39_o that_o the_o great_a wit_n among_o the_o protestant_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v because_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v account_v sufficient_o plain_a but_o what_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o great_a wit_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o wrest_v to_o any_o other_o sense_n not_o only_o the_o scripture_n but_o all_o other_o book_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o he_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n all_o oral_a tradition_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n do_v the_o traditionary_a church_n pretend_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o she_o by_o oral_a tradition_n more_o plain_o than_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o plain_a word_n she_o ever_o use_v to_o express_v this_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n use_v which_o express_o call_v he_o god_n the_o true_a god_n god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o evermore_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v these_o and_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o can_v never_o elude_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o matter_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o the_o same_o art_n will_v equal_o have_v elude_v both_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o latter_a for_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v solicitous_a to_o wrest_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o their_o own_o opinion_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o those_o great_a wit_n as_o he_o call_v they_o have_v believe_v the_o say_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n they_o will_v have_v answer_v text_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n not_o by_o endeavour_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n but_o by_o downright_a deny_v their_o authority_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n with_o the_o write_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a §_o 5._o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o plain_a instance_n in_o two_o great_a wit_n of_o their_o church_n the_o present_a pope_n and_o mr._n white_a the_o one_o the_o head_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n as_o mr._n s._n call_v it_o the_o other_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n these_o two_o great_a wit_n notwithstanding_o the_o plainness_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o mistake_v it_o have_v yet_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v about_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o mr._n white_n be_v unkind_o censure_v for_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o perhaps_o here_o in_o england_n the_o pope_n speed_v no_o better_o however_o the_o difference_n continue_v still_o so_o wide_a that_o mr._n white_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o disobey_v the_o summons_n of_o his_o chief_a pastor_n and_o like_o a_o prudent_a man_n rather_o to_o write_v against_o he_o here_o out_o
as_o the_o capacity_n he_o be_v in_o will_v permit_v he_o to_o have_v and_o as_o mr._n white_n say_v well_o 33._o satisfaction_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o every_o one_o according_a to_o his_o capacity_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o a_o child_n to_o believe_v his_o parent_n for_o a_o clown_n to_o believe_v his_o preacher_n and_o this_o be_v universal_o true_a in_o all_o case_n where_o we_o have_v not_o better_o or_o equal_a evidence_n to_o the_o contrary_n but_o such_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o popish_a doctrine_n that_o if_o people_n be_v permit_v the_o free_a use_n of_o the_o scripture_n they_o will_v easy_o discern_v they_o to_o have_v no_o probable_a foundation_n in_o it_o and_o some_o of_o they_o to_o be_v plain_o contrary_a to_o it_o so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v safe_a for_o their_o preacher_n to_o tell_v the_o people_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n lest_o they_o shall_v find_v cause_n not_o to_o believe_v they_o when_o they_o teach_v doctrine_n so_o plain_o contrary_a to_o that_o rule_n §_o 8._o last_o he_o say_v 17._o the_o protestant_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n do_v he_o mean_v of_o plain_a text_n or_o obscure_a one_o of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o plain_a text_n i_o hope_v every_o one_o may_v be_v certain_a and_o for_o obscure_a one_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a every_o one_o shall_v but_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o plain_a text_n in_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o must_v be_v till_o mr._n s._n can_v show_v a_o better_a either_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o write_v plain_o or_o because_o god_n can_v write_v so_o plain_o as_o man_n or_o because_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o write_v thing_n necessary_a for_o every_o one_o to_o believe_v so_o as_o man_n may_v clear_o understand_v he_o but_o he_o tell_v we_o 17._o the_o numerous_a comment_n upon_o scripture_n be_v a_o evidence_n that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o i_o hope_v not_o for_o if_o those_o numerous_a commentator_n do_v general_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a text_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v then_o this_o argument_n signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o such_o text_n and_o as_o for_o those_o which_o be_v obscure_a let_v commentator_n differ_v about_o they_o as_o much_o as_o they_o please_v so_o long_o as_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o practice_n be_v deliver_v in_o plain_a text_n he_o add_v 17._o there_o be_v infinite_a dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n even_o in_o most_o concern_v point_n as_o in_o that_o of_o christ_n divinity_n but_o be_v not_o commentator_n both_o protestant_n and_o popish_a general_o agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o that_o point_n and_o what_o if_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n do_v mistake_v or_o out_o of_o perverseness_n do_v wrest_v the_o plain_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o another_o sense_n be_v this_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n be_v not_o sufficient_o plain_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v or_o write_v in_o word_n so_o clear_a from_o ambiguity_n which_o a_o perverse_a or_o prejudice_v mind_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o vex_v and_o force_v to_o another_o meaning_n god_n do_v not_o write_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o the_o captious_a but_o for_o those_o who_o will_v read_v they_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n if_o mr._n s._n have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v take_v notice_n with_o what_o confidence_n they_o attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n out_o of_o scripture_n as_o if_o that_o do_v afford_v convince_a argument_n for_o this_o purpose_n st._n chrysostom_n consubstant_a profess_v to_o demonstrate_v out_o of_o scripture_n that_o the_o son_n be_v of_o the_o same_o substance_n with_o the_o father_n and_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n alone_o for_o this_o without_o mention_v any_o other_o kind_n of_o argument_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o insufficiency_n of_o scripture_n for_o the_o conviction_n of_o heretic_n in_o this_o point_n and_o that_o he_o be_v either_o ignorant_a of_o the_o infallible_a way_n of_o demonstrate_v this_o point_n from_o oral_a tradition_n or_o have_v no_o great_a opinion_n of_o it_o the_o same_o father_n elsewhere_o phoca_fw-mi argue_v against_o heretic_n about_o the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n say_v that_o they_o pervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o strengthen_v their_o heresy_n from_o thence_o but_o then_o he_o do_v not_o with_o mr._n s._n blame_v the_o scripture_n and_o say_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v not_o there_o deliver_v with_o sufficient_a clearness_n but_o contrariwise_o he_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v clear_a enough_o but_o the_o corrupt_a mind_n of_o heretic_n will_v not_o see_v what_o be_v there_o contain_v have_v st._n chrysostom_n be_v a_o true_a son_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n he_o will_v have_v lie_v hold_v of_o this_o occasion_n to_o vilify_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o regulate_v our_o faith_n not_o by_o such_o uncertain_a record_n but_o by_o the_o infallible_a report_n of_o oral_a tradition_n §_o 9_o but_o because_o mr._n s._n lay_v great_a weight_n in_o several_a part_n of_o his_o book_n upon_o this_o exception_n against_o scripture_n viz._n that_o protestant_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o content_v myself_o only_o to_o have_v show_v that_o we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n so_o far_o as_o to_o understand_v all_o necessary_a matter_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n and_o that_o more_o than_o this_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o shall_v likewise_o return_v this_o exception_n upon_o he_o by_o inquire_v into_o these_o two_o thing_n 1._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 scripture_n than_o the_o protestant_n 2._o how_o they_o can_v be_v more_o certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o tradition_n than_o protestant_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 1._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 scripture_n than_o protestant_n they_o pretend_v to_o have_v a_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n but_o this_o only_o reach_v to_o those_o text_n which_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o for_o all_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v as_o useless_a to_o papist_n as_o they_o suppose_v they_o be_v to_o we_o because_o want_v the_o help_n of_o oral_a tradition_n they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o one_o tittle_n of_o they_o and_o as_o for_o those_o text_n the_o sense_n whereof_o be_v convey_v down_o by_o oral_a tradition_n this_o sense_n be_v i_o hope_v deliver_v in_o some_o word_n or_o other_o and_o have_v all_o preacher_n and_o father_n and_o mother_n and_o nurse_n the_o faculty_n of_o deliver_v this_o sense_n in_o word_n so_o plain_a as_o can_v possible_o be_v mistake_v or_o wrest_v to_o another_o sense_n i_o be_o sorry_a that_o when_o every_o one_o have_v this_o faculty_n of_o speak_v their_o thought_n plain_o the_o holy_a ghost_n shall_v be_v represent_v as_o not_o able_a to_o convey_v his_o mind_n to_o man_n in_o intelligible_a word_n and_o do_v not_o his_o own_o objection_n rebound_v upon_o himself_o if_o the_o church_n have_v a_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n oral_o deliver_v whence_o be_v the_o numerous_a comment_n of_o the_o father_n upon_o it_o and_o of_o late_a writer_n in_o their_o church_n and_o the_o infinite_a dispute_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o concern_v point_n viz._n the_o efficacy_n of_o god_n grace_n the_o supremacy_n of_o st._n peter_n the_o infallibility_n of_o a_o pope_n and_o council_n by_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n what_o a_o stir_n be_v make_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o dabo_fw-la tibi_fw-la clave_n tu_fw-la es_fw-la petrus_n &_o super_fw-la hanc_fw-la petram_fw-la etc._n etc._n pasce_fw-la oves_fw-la do_v not_o they_o differ_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o text_n among_o themselves_o as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v from_o the_o father_n and_o from_o the_o protestant_n some_o understanding_n they_o of_o st_n peter_n supremacy_n only_o other_o of_o his_o infallibility_n other_o of_o his_o infallibility_n only_o in_o and_o with_o a_o general_a council_n which_o yet_o other_o do_v not_o allow_v to_o pope_n or_o council_n from_o any_o immediate_a assistance_n but_o only_o from_o the_o
syllable_n the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n will_v be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o danger_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o vanish_v we_o know_v not_o how_o dr._n holden_n 9_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o principle_n first_o that_o no_o truth_n can_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o by_o speech_n and_o speech_n can_v be_v but_o by_o word_n and_o all_o word_n be_v either_o equivocal_a in_o themselves_o or_o liable_a to_o be_v different_o understand_v by_o several_a person_n second_o that_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o same_o truth_n may_v be_v different_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o different_a person_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o traditional_a doctrine_n if_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o speech_n and_o word_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o uncertainty_n and_o ambiguity_n as_o to_o their_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n mr._n cressy_n 6._o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o difference_n will_v arise_v even_o about_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n if_o this_o be_v true_a tradition_n whole_o fall_v into_o uncertainty_n for_o if_o difference_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v i_o suppose_v the_o write_n of_o council_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a present_a church_n can_v declare_v her_o sense_n of_o any_o traditional_a doctrine_n otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o council_n unless_o with_o the_o jesuit_n they_o will_v epitomise_v the_o church_n into_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n can_v be_v universal_o disperse_v or_o at_o least_o never_o use_v to_o be_v but_o by_o write_v and_o if_o difference_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o write_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o then_o this_o present_a infallible_a authority_n which_o mr._n cressy_n magnify_v so_o much_o for_o end_v difference_n leave_v all_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n as_o indeterminable_a as_o ever_o and_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v so_o till_o general_a council_n have_v get_v the_o knack_n of_o pen_v their_o decree_n in_o word_n which_o will_v so_o infallible_o express_v their_o meaning_n to_o the_o most_o captious_a caviller_n that_o no_o difference_n can_v possible_o arise_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o or_o else_o which_o will_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o this_o wise_a hypothesis_n till_o general_a council_n be_v convince_v by_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n shall_v come_v to_o understand_v themselves_o so_o well_o as_o not_o to_o entrust_v their_o decree_n any_o more_o to_o the_o uncertain_a way_n of_o write_v but_o for_o the_o future_a to_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o infallible_a way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o mr_n knott_n 6._o who_o agree_v with_o the_o 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that_o in_o which_o i_o understand_v they_o or_o if_o they_o be_v as_o certain_o they_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o of_o these_o other_o sense_n then_o must_v i_o have_v some_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v in_o which_o of_o these_o they_o be_v take_v and_o this_o can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n than_o which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o traditional_a doctrine_n may_v by_o different_a expression_n be_v still_o further_o and_o further_o explain_v to_o i_o till_o i_o come_v certain_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o this_o will_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n for_o if_o these_o kind_n of_o cavil_n be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o word_n till_o he_o can_v by_o a_o infallible_a argument_n demonstrate_v either_o that_o they_o can_v be_v take_v or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v in_o any_o 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it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n incomparable_o beyond_o any_o thing_n else_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v do_v to_o and_o by_o the_o greek_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o nation_n these_o thing_n be_v put_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o any_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o the_o christian_a greek_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v the_o scholar_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v and_o will_v earnest_o commend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o posterity_n if_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o do_v so_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o greek_n church_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o that_o father_n always_o deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o their_o child_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o under_o this_o very_a notion_n and_o title_n as_o receive_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o of_o that_o church_n deliver_v another_o doctrine_n under_o this_o title_n but_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o a_o lie_n by_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n shall_v endeavour_v to_o deliver_v a_o new_a doctrine_n under_o that_o title_n and_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n if_o they_o shall_v leave_v out_o any_o article_n of_o the_o old_a doctrine_n that_o whole_a age_n will_v be_v in_o their_o conscience_n condemn_v of_o perfidiousness_n and_o parricide_n now_o this_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o it_o be_v that_o all_o mankind_n shall_v conspire_v to_o kill_v themselves_o and_o he_o afterward_o 5._o give_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v so_o impossible_a that_o tradition_n shall_v fail_v and_o it_o be_v a_o very_a bold_a and_o saucy_a one_o that_o if_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o more_o firm_a than_o the_o course_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o moon_n and_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n than_o god_n have_v show_v himself_o a_o unskilful_a artificer_n what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o demonstration_n which_o may_v not_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o greek_a church_n with_o as_o much_o force_n and_o advantage_n as_o to_o the_o catholic_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o greece_n may_v conspire_v to_o kill_v themselves_o but_o yet_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v do_v so_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v show_v unless_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o million_o of_o as_o wise_a man_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n together_o to_o conspire_v to_o do_v a_o foolish_a action_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o hundred_o million_o not_o one_o jot_n wise_a than_o the_o other_o shall_v agree_v together_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o §_o 4._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o mr._n white_n be_v answer_v to_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o purpose_n for_o if_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v part_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o greek_a church_n if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n and_o that_o to_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v fail_v where_o then_o be_v the_o force_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v where_o be_v the_o certain_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n why_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n produce_v the_o cause_n be_v put_v actual_o cause_v if_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v this_o doctrine_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o unmistakable_a and_o 54._o bring_v down_o faith_n 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 much_o less_o the_o greek_n that_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nay_o ibid._n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o blot_v knowledge_n thus_o fix_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n much_o more_o out_o of_o so_o vast_a a_o church_n and_o 78._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 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 church_n shall_v in_o any_o age_n 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 86._o since_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o perfect_a nature_n in_o whatever_o be_v good_a in_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o one_o true_o christian_a heart_n be_v far_o more_o fix_v to_o veracity_n than_o other_o not_o imbue_v with_o these_o heavenly_a tenet_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o must_v incomparable_o exceed_v in_o point_n of_o testify_v the_o same_o number_n of_o other_o unfortified_a by_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o since_o 89._o such_o a_o thought_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o most_o deprave_a nature_n as_o to_o harm_v another_o without_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o put_v christian_a father_n misteach_v their_o child_n unreceive_v doctrine_n for_o receive_v and_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n receive_v doctrine_n for_o unreceive_v contrary_a to_o their_o knowledge_n for_o suppose_v sanctity_n in_o the_o greek_z church_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o latin_a that_o be_v that_o multitude_n in_o it_o make_v heaven_n their_o first_o love_n and_o look_v on_o spiritual_a good_n as_o their_o main_n concern_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o have_v the_o father_n of_o that_o church_n in_o any_o age_n consent_v to_o mislead_v their_o posterity_n from_o what_o themselves_o not_o only_o conceit_a but_o know_v to_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o most_o extreme_a harm_n imaginable_a to_o other_o without_o any_o the_o least_o good_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a in_o one_o single_a man_n more_o in_o few_o but_o infinite_o in_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o good_a man_n §_o 5._o thus_o i_o may_v apply_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o rant_a rhetoric_n but_o that_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o transcribe_v it_o concern_v 91._o the_o natural_a love_n of_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o greek_a church_n destitute_a of_o it_o which_o must_v needs_o engage_v they_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n proper_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o natural_a care_n man_n have_v of_o not_o lose_v their_o credit_n by_o tell_v pernicious_a lie_n and_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o demonstration_n 93._o which_o be_v therefore_o prudent_o reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v likewise_o show_v how_o the_o principle_n of_o each_o science_n arithmetic_n geometry_n logic_n nature_n morality_n historical_a prudence_n politic_n metaphysic_n divinity_n and_o last_o of_o all_o the_o new_a science_n of_o controversy_n as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o the_o bless_a art_n of_o eternal_a wrangle_n and_o dispute_v the_o first_o principle_n whereof_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v that_o tradition_n be_v certain_a do_v all_o contribute_v to_o show_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v the_o impossibility_n that_o any_o part_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n shall_v fail_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n any_o more_o than_o in_o the_o latin_n and_o sure_o arithmetic_n geometry_n logic_n natural_a philosophy_n metaphysic_n etc._n etc._n will_v all_o stand_v up_o for_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o this_o quarrel_n for_o consider_v that_o greece_n be_v the_o place_n where_o the_o art_n and_o science_n be_v bear_v and_o breed_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v so_o disingenuous_a and_o unnatural_a as_o not_o to_o contribute_v their_o best_a assistance_n to_o the_o service_n of_o their_o country_n §_o 6._o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o greek_n can_v so_o just_o pretend_v to_o oral_a tradition_n as_o the_o latin_n what_o if_o st._n peter_n the_o head_n of_o the_o apostle_n think_v fit_a to_o share_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n between_o these_o two_o church_n and_o lay_v his_o left_a hand_n on_o the_o greek_a church_n and_o his_o right_n on_o the_o latin_a be_v please_v to_o confer_v the_o great_a blessing_n of_o oral_a tradition_n upon_o the_o latin_a church_n which_o be_v to_o be_v the_o seat_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v but_o fit_v that_o she_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o this_o infallible_a way_n of_o convey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v be_v that_o as_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v leave_v in_o greek_a so_o oral_a tradition_n be_v deliver_v down_o only_o in_o latin_a
innovate_v have_v make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n four_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o he_o call_v the_o traditionary_a christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v to_o they_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n if_o i_o can_v now_o make_v good_a these_o four_o thing_n i_o hope_v his_o demonstration_n be_v at_o a_o end_n sect_n vii_o demonstration_n §_o 1._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 for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o imperfect_o teach_v in_o any_o age_n or_o mistake_v by_o the_o learner_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o forget_v as_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a greek_a church_n have_v forget_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n account_v it_o or_o if_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o necessary_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n then_o there_o may_v have_v be_v change_n and_o innovation_n in_o any_o age_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o have_v follow_v tradition_n but_o i_o have_v show_v that_o ignorance_n and_o negligence_n and_o mistake_v and_o pride_n and_o lust_n and_o ambition_n and_o any_o other_o vice_n or_o interest_n may_v hinder_v those_o cause_n from_o be_v effectual_a to_o preserve_v tradition_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o person_n who_o innovate_v and_o change_v the_o doctrine_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o new_a doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o first_o advance_v they_o as_o pious_a and_o after_o they_o have_v prevail_v and_o gain_v general_a entertainment_n then_o impudent_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n deliver_v which_o they_o may_v very_o secure_o do_v when_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o burn_v all_o that_o shall_v deny_v it_o §_o 2._o i_o will_v give_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o show_v how_o this_o may_v easy_o come_v in_o in_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o age_n after_o christ._n we_o will_v suppose_v then_o that_o about_o this_o time_n when_o universal_a ignorance_n and_o the_o genuine_a daughter_n of_o it_o call_v her_o devotion_n or_o superstition_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v strange_a thing_n and_o even_o the_o great_a contradiction_n be_v recommend_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n be_v tell_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o guide_n that_o the_o more_o contradiction_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o reason_n the_o great_a merit_n there_o be_v in_o believe_v it_o i_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a then_o in_o the_o church_n either_o out_o of_o design_n or_o out_o of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n use_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v advance_v this_o new_a doctrine_n that_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o trope_n as_o the_o like_a form_n in_o scripture_n be_v as_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n i_o be_o the_o door_n which_o be_v plain_a trope_n but_o be_v use_v about_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v in_o they_o some_o notable_a mystery_n which_o they_o will_v do_v if_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n make_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n into_o the_o real_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v too_o usual_a for_o man_n either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o interest_n to_o advance_v new_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o ambitious_a clergy_n of_o that_o time_n as_o a_o probable_a mean_n to_o draw_v in_o the_o people_n to_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o they_o which_o advantage_n mr._n rushworth_n 4._o seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o if_o all_o the_o learned_a clerk_n that_o ever_o live_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v study_v to_o raise_v advance_v and_o magnify_v some_o one_o state_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o reverence_n and_o eminency_n they_o can_v never_o without_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o this_o i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a device_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v invent_v without_o any_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n less_o likely_a to_o take_v and_o prevail_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o age_n prodigious_o ignorant_a and_o strong_o incline_v to_o superstition_n and_o thereby_o well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacrament_n now_o suppose_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o so_o fit_v to_o the_o humour_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n to_o be_v once_o assert_v either_o by_o chance_n or_o out_o of_o design_n it_o will_v take_v like_o wildfire_n especial_o if_o by_o some_o one_o or_o more_o who_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v but_o recommend_v with_o convenient_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n and_o although_o mr._n rushworth_n say_v 7._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n shall_v sway_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n because_o say_v he_o sure_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v rather_o help_v the_o church_n than_o permit_v so_o little_a pride_n among_o man_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o so_o thorough_o satisfy_v with_o this_o cunning_a reason_n for_o though_o he_o deliver_v it_o confident_o and_o with_o a_o sure_o yet_o i_o make_v some_o doubt_n whether_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o help_v the_o church_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o connive_v at_o this_o humble_a and_o obsequious_a temper_n in_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n than_o across_o a_o design_n so_o dear_a to_o he_o by_o unseasonable_a temptation_n to_o pride_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o mr._n rushworth_n reason_n it_o seem_v very_o likely_a that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o such_o a_o age_n may_v easy_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o great_a person_n in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o easy_a and_o passive_a temper_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n than_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o all_o imaginable_a greediness_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a zeal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n who_o make_v objection_n against_o it_o as_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v new_a and_o full_a of_o contradiction_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o the_o eminency_n and_o authority_n and_o pretend_a sanctity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o innovation_n and_o when_o this_o doctrine_n be_v general_o swallow_v and_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o punish_v as_o heretic_n than_o it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o maintain_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o true_a to_o bend_v two_o or_o three_o saying_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradiction_n contain_v in_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v but_o tell_v the_o people_n then_o as_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n now_o that_o contradiction_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o scruple_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o more_o impossible_a any_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o believe_v plain_a possibility_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o gallantry_n and_o heroical_a power_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o oblige_v god_n almighty_a for_o ever_o to_o we_o to_o believe_v flat_a and_o downright_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
discourse_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n humane_a authority_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o it_o which_o have_v not_o be_v answer_v already_o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o explain_v how_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n add_v to_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n because_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o we_o have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n according_a to_o mr._n s._n but_o by_o tradition_n which_o convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o we_o and_o if_o tradition_n of_o itself_o can_v infallible_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o a_o man_n must_v know_v that_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a antecedent_o to_o his_o knowledge_n of_o any_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o so_o what_o can_v any_o supernatural_a assistance_n add_v to_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n which_o i_o do_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o i_o can_v know_v of_o any_o supernatural_a assistance_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o ludicrous_a than_o to_o build_v first_o all_o our_o certainty_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n and_o then_o afterward_o to_o make_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o that_o can_v contribute_v to_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n which_o unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o suppose_v certain_a be_v itself_o whole_o uncertain_a §_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o nine_o discourse_n be_v somewhat_o ecstatical_a possible_o from_o a_o sudden_a disorder_n of_o his_o fancy_n upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n he_o have_v make_v himself_o with_o the_o help_n of_o rushworth_n dialogue_n or_o rather_o what_o his_o party_n have_v make_v he_o by_o the_o office_n they_o put_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o seem_v by_o his_o tell_n 166._o mr._n cressy_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v ordain_v to_o cajoll_v the_o fool_n leave_v he_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o principle_n and_o that_o himself_o be_v choose_v out_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o wise_a or_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o thing_n per_fw-la altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la in_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o glorious_a office_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o intend_v no_o confutation_n of_o those_o author_n which_o mr._n cressy_n and_o other_o have_v meddle_v with_o yet_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o have_v solid_o confute_v they_o because_o he_o have_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o overthrow_v all_o their_o argument_n etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a that_o the_o 159._o intelligent_a reader_n for_o he_o write_v to_o none_o but_o such_o may_v also_o rejoice_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v recite_v the_o whole_a passage_n for_o it_o be_v thick_a of_o demostration_n and_o as_o likely_a as_o any_o in_o his_o book_n to_o have_v the_o altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la contain_v in_o it_o §_o 3._o 93._o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o unfold_v particular_o how_o each_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o show_v the_o inerrable_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o how_o the_o principle_n of_o almost_o each_o science_n be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n arithmetic_n lend_v she_o number_v and_o multiply_v faculty_n to_o scan_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o testifier_n geometry_n her_o proportion_n to_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a strength_n of_o certitude_n in_o christian_a tradition_n above_o those_o atté_fw-fr station_n which_o breed_v certainty_n in_o humane_a affair_n logic_n her_o skill_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o connexion_n it_n have_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n nature_n her_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n morality_n her_o first_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v gratis_o by_o a_o cognoscitive_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o practical_a reason_n historical_a prudence_n clear_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o undiscernible_a revolt_n from_o point_n so_o descend_v and_o hold_v so_o sacred_a politic_n show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o a_o law_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o metaphysic_n engage_v the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o be_v which_o fix_v every_o truth_n so_o establish_v the_o scientifical_a knowledge_n which_o spring_v 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signify_v nothing_o but_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o his_o foregoing_a discourse_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v grant_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v that_o most_o of_o they_o be_v gross_o faulty_a for_o first_o several_a of_o they_o be_v plain_o coincident_a the_o second_o viz._n none_o can_v with_o right_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a same_o in_o sense_n with_o the_o 11_o the_o viz_o no_o company_n of_o man_n hang_v together_o like_o a_o body_n of_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n or_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n so_o likewise_o the_o 12_o the_o and_o 14_o the_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o 15_o the_o the_o 16_o the_o and_o 17_o the_o in_o the_o 19_o the_o the_o 16_o the_o 17_o 18_o the_o and_o 19_o the_o in_o the_o 21_o sy_n and_o the_o 32_o d_o and_o 34_o the_o in_o the_o 31_o sy_n second_o divers_a of_o they_o be_v manifest_o absurd_a as_o the_o 12_o the_o 13_o the_o 14_o the_o 16_o the_o 17_o the_o 18_o the_o 19_o the_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n from_o scripture_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o father_n and_o council_n or_o from_o history_n and_o testimonial_a write_n or_o from_o contrary_a tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o any_o instance_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a that_o tradition_n be_v certain_a than_o it_o can_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a but_o be_v this_o any_o peculiar_a consectary_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n do_v not_o the_o same_o follow_v from_o every_o proposition_n that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o so_o frivolous_a as_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n from_o the_o suppose_a truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n his_o 23_o d_o also_o be_v singular_o absurd_a that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n these_o be_v large_a word_n it_o may_v have_v content_v a_o reasonable_a man_n to_o have_v say_v that_o no_o good_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o but_o he_o be_v jealous_a of_o his_o hypothesis_n and_o can_v never_o think_v it_o safe_a till_o it_o be_v shot-free_a nor_o will_v that_o content_v he_o but_o it_o must_v be_v also_o impossible_a for_o any_o one_o to_o make_v a_o show_n of_o shoot_v at_o it_o this_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o peculiar_a privilege_n of_o mr._n s_n discourse_n above_o other_o man_n if_o they_o be_v as_o he_o say_v by_o evidence_n of_o demonstration_n so_o secure_v that_o not_o only_o no_o substantial_a argument_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o they_o but_o that_o even_o the_o most_o subtle_a schoolman_n of_o they_o all_o shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o come_v near_o
i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o shameful_a a_o circle_n as_o that_o wherewith_o dr._n holden_n upbraid_v the_o generality_n of_o his_o brethren_n §_o 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o authority_n from_o father_n and_o council_n all_o which_o not_o one_o of_o they_o except_v he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o mr._n white_n be_v tabulae_fw-la suffragiales_n without_o the_o least_o acknowledgement_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v not_o consult_v the_o book_n themselves_o for_o they_o he_o have_v take_v they_o with_o all_o their_o fault_n and_o with_o the_o very_a same_o error_n of_o citation_n which_o mr._n white_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o before_o he_o so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v please_v to_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o 239._o he_o he_o be_v a_o bad_a transcriber_n yet_o i_o must_v do_v he_o that_o right_a to_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o do_v it_o very_o punctual_o and_o exact_o §_o 4._o he_o begin_v with_o council_n of_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v only_o mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o synod_n of_o lateran_n one_o may_v have_v expect_v after_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n he_o shall_v have_v produce_v they_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o have_v begin_v with_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n which_o be_v near_o 300_o year_n before_o the_o lateran_n but_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o lateran_n shall_v be_v first_o produce_v viz._n because_o it_o be_v mention_v before_o the_o other_o in_o mr_n white_n be_v book_n well_o but_o what_o say_v this_o synod_n we_o all_o confess_v unanimous_o and_o consequent_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n the_o tenet_n and_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n add_v nothing_o substract_v nothing_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v we_o by_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v as_o the_o father_n have_v believe_v we_o preach_v so_o as_o they_o have_v teach_v the_o force_n of_o which_o testimony_n mr._n s._n lay_v upon_o the_o word_n deliver_v as_o if_o that_o word_n wherever_o it_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o council_n or_o father_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o oral_a delivery_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o general_a word_n indifferent_o use_v for_o conveyance_n either_o by_o writing_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o this_o place_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o write_n of_o particular_a father_n out_o of_o who_o a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o testimony_n against_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o monothelite_n have_v be_v read_v just_a before_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o synod_n now_o what_o signify_v this_o to_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o synod_n declare_v her_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o monothelite_n to_o be_v consonant_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o father_n the_o next_o be_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n out_o of_o a_o epistle_n of_o which_o council_n he_o cite_v these_o word_n we_o have_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o we_o hold_v this_o catholic_n tradition_n faith_n and_o confession_n which_o be_v general_a word_n and_o indifferent_o applicable_a to_o oral_a tradition_n or_o write_v or_o both_o but_o be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v mr._n s._n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o this_o council_n be_v reject_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o orthodox_n father_n as_o 1_o binnius_n acknowledge_v and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n out_o of_o which_o part_n mr._n s._n cite_v these_o word_n which_o contain_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o 347._o baronius_n and_o after_o he_o by_o binnius_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v surreptitious_o add_v for_o though_o it_o be_v find_v in_o theodoret_n and_o mention_v by_o sozomen_n yet_o baronius_n think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o arian_n confession_n compose_v by_o the_o false-synod_n of_o sardica_n which_o sit_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o that_o sozomen_n light_v upon_o it_o perhaps_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o orthodox_n synod_n of_o the_o same_o name_n however_o that_o be_v he_o prove_v out_o of_o athanasius_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a bishop_n that_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o add_v one_o word_n or_o tittle_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o explain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nicene_n faith_n but_o mr._n white_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o and_o therefore_o mr._n s._n can_v not_o who_o be_v no_o speculator_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o only_o as_o a_o testifier_n deliver_v down_o these_o authority_n to_o we_o as_o he_o receive_v they_o by_o hand_n from_o mr._n white_a and_o if_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v but_o in_o they_o they_o be_v demonstrative_a as_o for_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o 2_o d_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o he_o call_v the_o 7_o the_o general_a council_n who_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n of_o image-worship_n to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o prove_v it_o most_o doughty_o by_o text_n of_o scripture_n ridiculous_o wrest_v by_o impertinent_a say_n out_o of_o obscure_a and_o counterfeit_a author_n and_o by_o fond_a and_o immodest_a story_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o pope_n 4._o adrian_n the_o 6_o the_o of_o apparition_n and_o woman_n dream_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o council_n itself_o which_o be_v such_o a_o mess_n of_o poppery_n that_o if_o a_o general_a council_n of_o atheist_n have_v meet_v together_o with_o a_o design_n to_o abuse_v religion_n by_o talk_v ridiculous_o concern_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o i_o say_v as_o for_o his_o testimony_n from_o this_o council_n i_o shall_v refer_v mr._n s_o to_o that_o western_a council_n under_o charles_n the_o great_a which_o a_o little_a after_o at_o francford_n condemn_v and_o also_o full_o confute_v the_o decision_n of_o this_o council_n call_v their_o pretend_a tradition_n of_o image-worship_n putidissimam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la a_o most_o stink_a tradition_n these_o be_v his_o authority_n from_o council_n where_o say_v he_o we_o see_v general_a council_n rely_v on_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o father_n or_o foregoing_a church_n and_o on_o the_o church_n tradition_n as_o their_o rule_n etc._n etc._n where_o do_v he_o see_v any_o such_o matter_n or_o where_o do_v he_o see_v general_a council_n be_v the_o council_n of_o lateran_n a_o general_n one_o or_o be_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n if_o it_o be_v let_v he_o show_v how_o the_o 2_o d._n of_o nice_n can_v be_v the_o 7_o the_o general_n council_n mr._n white_a must_v write_v more_o explicit_o and_o say_v which_o be_v general_a council_n which_o not_o otherwise_o he_o will_v lead_v his_o friend_n into_o dangerous_a mistake_n §_o 4._o after_o ancient_a council_n not_o so_o ancient_a neither_o let_v we_o say_v he_o give_v a_o glance_n at_o father_n glance_n be_v a_o modest_a word_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o father_n have_v so_o much_o as_o that_o from_o he_o before_o i_o speak_v particular_o to_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v mind_v he_o of_o what_o mr._n rushworth_n say_v in_o general_a viz._n 13._o that_o who_o seek_v tradition_n in_o the_o father_n and_o to_o convince_v it_o by_o their_o testimony_n take_v a_o hard_a task_n upon_o he_o etc._n etc._n again_o ibid._n as_o in_o other_o point_n so_o even_o in_o this_o of_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n as_o doctor_n seem_v to_o differ_v now-adays_a so_o may_v the_o father_n also_o if_o this_o be_v true_a mr._n s._n be_v not_o very_o likely_a by_o a_o few_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v do_v towards_o it_o he_o begin_v with_o a_o say_n of_o pope_n celestine_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o ephesin_n council_n now_o therefore_o we_o must_v act_v with_o a_o common_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v thing_n believe_v and_o retain_v to_o this_o very_a time_n by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n binnius_n other_o read_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quite_o spoil_v the_o force_n of_o this_o citation_n which_o mr._n s._n put_v upon_o the_o word_n succession_n but_o read_v it_o how_o he_o will_v why_o may_v not_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v say_v to_o come_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o it_o be_v transmit_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o when_o by_o oral_a tradition_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o same_o celestine_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o cyril_n commend_v he_o for_o defend_v
church_n and_o skip_v into_o the_o opinion_n of_o human_a sect_n 〈◊〉_d not_o of_o human_a election_n as_o mr._n s._n blind_o follow_v mr._n wh._n do_v most_o absurd_o translate_v it_o but_o he_o that_o have_v return_v from_o his_o error_n and_o hearken_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o conform_v his_o life_n to_o the_o truth_n be_v as_o it_o be_v advance_v from_o a_o man_n to_o a_o god_n at_o the_o same_o rate_n he_o go_v on_o for_o several_a page_n together_o take_v the_o scripture_n for_o a_o indemonstrable_a principle_n from_o which_o all_o divine_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o for_o the_o criterion_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o be_v try_v and_o charge_v the_o heretic_n in_o such_o word_n as_o we_o can_v find_v fit_a for_o our_o adversary_n as_o say_v he_o naughty_a boy_n shut_v out_o their_o schoolmaster_n so_o these_o drive_v the_o prophecy_n out_o of_o the_o church_n suspect_v that_o they_o will_v chide_v and_o admonish_v they_o and_o they_o patch_v together_o 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a_o guide_n appoint_v for_o any_o christian_a which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o follower_n ever_o mention_v yea_o which_o formal_o destroy_v one_o of_o our_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n viz._n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n thus_o he_o do_v by_o reason_n clear_o and_o infallible_o evince_v that_o reason_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o a_o most_o blind_a and_o fallible_a guide_n this_o it_o be_v to_o talk_v of_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n look_v only_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o they_o as_o if_o because_o reason_n have_v a_o blind_a side_n and_o be_v uncertain_a in_o some_o thing_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v she_o universal_o blind_a and_o uncertain_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o as_o if_o because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v all_o thing_n reasonable_a which_o any_o one_o man_n think_v to_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v true_a 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acknowledgement_n that_o when_o he_o forsake_v our_o church_n and_o turn_v papist_n he_o lay_v aside_o his_o judgement_n and_o wit_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o heroic_a act_n of_o judgement_n as_o if_o a_o man_n in_o a_o bravery_n to_o show_v his_o liberty_n shall_v sell_v himself_o for_o a_o slave_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v from_o a_o experience_a person_n what_o charge_v a_o man_n must_v be_v at_o when_o he_o turn_v roman-catholique_a namely_o that_o whoever_o will_v embrace_v that_o religion_n must_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n §_o 3._o second_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v according_a to_o mr._n s._n no_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o four_o appendix_n 254._o against_o my_o lord_n of_o down_o one_o of_o the_o eight_o mine_n as_o he_o call_v they_o which_o he_o lay_v to_o blow_v up_o my_o lord_n dissuasive_a against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o the_o method_n he_o take_v in_o dissuade_v can_v be_v hold_v in_o reason_n to_o 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who_o i_o will_v not_o name_n because_o he_o have_v since_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n who_o think_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o quadrature_n of_o the_o circle_n and_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o it_o as_o to_o venture_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o demonstration_n in_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o some_o of_o those_o divinity_n demonstration_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o mr._n s_n since_o therefore_o the_o world_n have_v experience_v so_o much_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n before_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v be_v allow_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n he_o must_v according_a to_o his_o own_o law_n vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o demonstration_n above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o man_n he_o have_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o what_o that_o particularity_n be_v wherein_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v above_o other_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n find_v any_o peculiar_a advantage_n that_o his_o way_n have_v more_o than_o they_o above_o mention_a unless_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o herein_o i_o think_v he_o have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n of_o mr._n charles_n thynne_n and_o unless_o this_o may_v be_v count_v another_o advantage_n that_o he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o demonstration_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o clear_o excel_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v but_o like_o his_o neighbour_n sect_n ii_o §_o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v his_o demonstration_n of_o this_o self-evident_a principle_n as_o he_o often_o call_v it_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o