in_o the_o general_n what_o certainty_n we_o have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n which_o we_o do_v hold_v to_o be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o else_o may_v by_o good_a inference_n be_v deduce_v from_o it_o both_o what_o certainty_n a_o professor_n may_v have_v within_o himself_o and_o also_o what_o certainty_n he_o may_v give_v of_o it_o unto_o other_o or_o receive_v of_o they_o in_o dispute_n or_o by_o way_n of_o persuasion_n and_o as_o for_o such_o article_n in_o particular_a it_o be_v neither_o consistent_a with_o the_o design_a brevity_n of_o this_o paper_n nor_o indeed_o needful_a to_o show_v where_o every_o one_o of_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n or_o how_o deduce_v thence_o this_o be_v already_o do_v to_o every_o one_o hand_n in_o the_o many_o excellent_a write_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o catechism_n and_o system_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n write_v both_o former_o and_o of_o late_a time_n by_o learned_a man_n of_o both_o communion_n whereunto_o private_a person_n may_v have_v recourse_n if_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o attain_v sufficient_a knowledge_n and_o satisfaction_n therein_o by_o hear_v the_o word_n preach_v and_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n part_n ii_o but_o beside_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o in_o common_a have_v receive_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n there_o be_v divers_a other_o matter_n and_o article_n offer_v by_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n as_o necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o we_o which_o she_o tell_v we_o be_v also_o deliver_v and_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v and_o believe_v by_o we_o equal_o with_o those_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v not_o express_o contain_v in_o they_o but_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o convey_v down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n to_o those_o very_a time_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o some_o other_o way_n which_o be_v therefore_o call_v tradition_n or_o traditional_a doctrine_n from_o this_o particular_a way_n of_o conveyance_n distinct_a from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v also_o call_v tradition_n in_o a_o active_a sense_n and_o for_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o which_o they_o offer_v to_o we_o if_o they_o be_v real_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n we_o grant_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v infallible_o true_a and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o attest_v so_o to_o be_v by_o the_o self_n same_o miracle_n which_o they_o wrought_v to_o confirm_v their_o other_o doctrine_n but_o we_o must_v have_v good_a assurance_n that_o these_o be_v teach_v by_o they_o which_o we_o can_v never_o have_v if_o they_o contradict_v those_o record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o have_v be_v teach_v by_o they_o whereof_o we_o be_v so_o well_o assure_v already_o which_o yet_o many_o of_o they_o manifest_o do_v therefore_o let_v we_o see_v what_o ground_n or_o argument_n be_v offer_v to_o we_o for_o the_o proof_n that_o these_o doctrine_n be_v indeed_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o these_o proof_n must_v at_o least_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o by_o which_o we_o be_v ascertain_v that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n else_o we_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o receive_v these_o outly_a doctrine_n with_o equal_a faith_n and_o certainty_n which_o they_o tell_v we_o be_v due_a unto_o they_o as_o those_o record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n for_o our_o satisfaction_n herein_o we_o be_v offer_v infallible_a tradition_n as_o be_v pretend_v that_o be_v that_o some_o man_n have_v in_o all_o age_n to_o this_o present_a day_n be_v infallible_o guide_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o deliver_v these_o doctrine_n to_o their_o successor_n and_o infallible_o to_o testify_v that_o they_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a great_a and_o liberal_a offer_n if_o they_o can_v but_o make_v it_o good_a and_o too_o great_a a_o offer_v not_o to_o be_v suspect_v and_o therefore_o we_o have_v need_v to_o consider_v it_o well_o lest_o so_o great_a a_o matter_n if_o rash_o reject_v shall_v involve_v we_o in_o infidelity_n or_o if_o blind_o swallow_v shall_v prove_v a_o sluice_n to_o let_v in_o upon_o we_o a_o inundation_n of_o man_n dream_n and_o fiction_n pretend_v commission_n from_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n and_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_a judge_n of_o this_o matter_n let_v we_o distinct_o consider_v first_o the_o tradition_n and_o then_o the_o infallibility_n and_o here_o it_o be_v something_o surprise_v and_o entertain_v to_o find_v that_o some_o man_n after_o they_o have_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o tradition_n tell_v we_o that_o without_o it_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n shall_v yet_o attempt_v to_o prove_v the_o same_o when_o they_o come_v to_o treat_v of_o they_o in_o retail_n from_o several_a text_n of_o scripture_n for_o instance_n bellarmine_n de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la lib._n 4._o cap._n 4._o quarto_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la nosse_fw-la extare_fw-la libros_fw-la aliquos_fw-la veer_fw-la divinos_fw-la quod_fw-la certe_fw-la ex_fw-la scripture_n nullo_n modo_fw-la haberi_fw-la potost_fw-fr i_o e._n that_o it_o can_v be_v know_v from_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v any_o book_n extant_a in_o be_v which_o be_v true_o divine_a and_o yet_o the_o some_o man_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la cap._n 2._o can_v argue_v in_o this_o manner_n scripturas_fw-la certissimas_fw-la autem_fw-la atque_fw-la verissimas_fw-la esse_fw-la nec_fw-la humana_fw-la inuenta_fw-la sed_fw-la oracula_fw-la divina_fw-la continere_fw-la 40._o testis_fw-la est_fw-la ipsa_fw-la scriptura_fw-la cujus_fw-la vera_fw-la praedictiones_fw-la verum_fw-la igitur_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la dicitur_fw-la omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la divinitus_fw-la inspirata_fw-la 2_o tim._n 3._o verum_fw-la quod_fw-la dicunt_fw-la omnes_fw-la prophetae_fw-la haec_fw-la dicit_fw-la dominus_fw-la that_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o certain_a and_o most_o true_a and_o contain_v not_o any_o human_a invention_n but_o the_o divine_a oracle_n four_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v witness-whose_a prediction_n be_v true_a therefore_o that_o be_v true_a which_o it_o say_v all_o scripture_n be_v of_o divine_a inspiration_n and_o that_o be_v true_a which_o all_o the_o prophet_n say_v thus_o say_v the_o lord_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o argument_n ad_fw-la homines_fw-la since_o they_o be_v never_o like_a to_o convince_v we_o of_o any_o thing_n from_o scripture_n which_o they_o themselves_o have_v tell_v we_o not_o be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n but_o it_o seem_v such_o a_o disputant_n as_o bellarmine_n can_v prove_v that_o which_o can_v be_v prove_v or_o rather_o it_o show_v how_o little_o they_o dare_v rely_v upon_o their_o own_o tradition_n and_o how_o glad_o they_o will_v beg_v a_o little_a credit_n for_o some_o other_o of_o they_o by_o rub_v their_o copper_n coin_n against_o the_o gold_n of_o scripture_n and_o how_o little_a they_o matter_n it_o if_o they_o may_v but_o advance_v the_o reputation_n of_o their_o tradition_n though_o they_o contradict_v both_o the_o scripture_n and_o themselves_o also_o but_o they_o offer_v we_o tradition_n for_o proof_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o allow_v tradition_n for_o good_a proof_n that_o such_o point_n of_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o we_o have_v do_v for_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o till_o they_o can_v bring_v we_o as_o good_a tradition_n for_o these_o as_o that_o for_o the_o scripture_n be_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o blame_v we_o as_o unfair_a and_o partial_a if_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o let_v they_o show_v we_o the_o unanimous_a comsent_n of_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n time_n attest_v matter_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v of_o universal_a concernment_n for_o our_o salvation_n and_o let_v this_o testimony_n and_o tradition_n concern_v these_o thing_n be_v collateral_o corroborate_v by_o as_o evident_a beam_n of_o divinity_n result_v from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o then_o we_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o pay_v a_o like_a assent_n unto_o these_o doctrine_n as_o we_o do_v unto_o those_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o if_o the_o tradition_n for_o these_o exotic_a or_o exoterick_a doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o first_o and_o pure_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o have_v be_v keep_v under_o ground_n by_o the_o disciplina_fw-la arcani_fw-la as_o we_o be_v tell_v for_o so_o many_o hundred_o year_n together_o and_o if_o they_o have_v since_o be_v reject_v by_o many_o church_n and_o be_v apparent_o the_o private_a interest_n of_o one_o particular_a church_n and_o that_o none_o of_o the_o best_a which_o teach_v they_o what_o reason_n
may_v have_v be_v do_v by_o some_o other_o man_n so_o that_o i_o may_v fold_v up_o what_o have_v be_v say_v into_o this_o form_n of_o argument_n that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o pen_v by_o his_o assistance_n have_v be_v own_v by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o which_o have_v manifest_a character_n of_o of_o divinity_n shine_v in_o it_o have_v be_v own_v believe_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n that_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o do_v contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o pen_v by_o his_o assistance_n have_v be_v own_v by_o his_o special_a providence_n and_o have_v manifest_a character_n of_o divinity_n shine_v in_o it_o have_v be_v own_v believe_v and_o attest_v by_o all_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o pen_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n therefore_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o pen_v by_o the_o infaillible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o do_v contain_v in_o it_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o if_o all_o man_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o have_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o these_o argument_n be_v in_o themselves_o apt_a to_o produce_v in_o well_o dispose_v mind_n they_o must_v needs_o think_v themselves_o under_o the_o high_a obligation_n to_o provide_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o their_o soul_n by_o follow_v the_o direction_n prescribe_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o order_n thereunto_o and_o for_o the_o number_n of_o canonical_a book_n in_o scripture_n we_o have_v the_o like_a uniform_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n in_o all_o age_n ever_o since_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n be_v receive_v by_o the_o latin_a church_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n by_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o two_o book_n do_v not_o add_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o those_o other_o book_n which_o be_v before_o that_o time_n universal_o receive_v but_o every_o faithful_a soul_n have_v a_o far_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o have_v be_v hitherto_o mention_v which_o i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o have_v consider_v the_o second_o proposition_n which_o be_v this_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v and_o profess_v be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o there_o contain_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o in_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o may_v be_v firm_o deduce_v and_o conclude_v now_o have_v such_o a_o assurance_n as_o i_o have_v show_v above_o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o have_v build_v the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o this_o rock_n and_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o receive_v any_o more_o which_o we_o can_v be_v convince_v to_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o but_o no_o other_o till_o we_o have_v good_a assurance_n that_o they_o have_v be_v reveal_v from_o god_n some_o other_o way_n for_o divine_a faith_n must_v be_v found_v on_o a_o divine_a testimony_n but_o for_o the_o better_a clarify_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n in_o this_o our_o second_o inquiry_n it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o for_o we_o to_o distinguish_v 1._o of_o the_o assent_n give_v to_o those_o article_n which_o must_v be_v always_o a_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n but_o a_o divine_a faith_n be_v sometime_o explicit_fw-la and_o express_v when_o we_o do_v actual_o apprehend_v and_o conceive_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o assent_v unto_o whether_o it_o be_v express_o lay_v down_o in_o scripture_n or_o we_o plain_o see_v it_o to_o be_v deduce_v from_o what_o be_v there_o lay_v down_o but_o sometime_o it_o be_v implicit_a and_o virtual_a only_o as_o when_o we_o assent_v unto_o some_o general_a proposition_n actual_o apprehend_v though_o we_o do_v not_o distinct_o consider_v the_o particular_n include_v in_o it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o we_o assent_v unto_o some_o principle_n lay_v down_o in_o holy_a scripture_n though_o we_o do_v not_o actual_o apprehend_v those_o other_o truth_n which_o have_v a_o necessary_a consequential_a dependence_n on_o it_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v these_o latter_a also_o implicit_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o semine_fw-la because_o we_o do_v express_o believe_v that_o which_o imply_v or_o infer_v they_o for_o instance_n when_o i_o assent_v unto_o this_o general_n god_n know_v the_o heart_n of_o all_o man_n i_o do_v implicit_o assent_v unto_o this_o god_n know_v my_o heart_n though_o perhaps_o i_o may_v not_o have_v as_o yet_o particular_o assent_v unto_o it_o and_o so_o when_o i_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o christ_n be_v true_a man_n i_o do_v virtual_o assent_v unto_o this_o that_o christ_n have_v a_o reasonable_a soul_n because_o it_o may_v be_v firm_o infer_v from_o the_o former_a though_o i_o have_v not_o yet_o actual_o infer_v it_o or_o assent_v to_o it_o 2._o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o such_o assent_n which_o be_v diverse_a according_a to_o the_o diverse_a nature_n and_o import_n of_o the_o matter_n to_o be_v believe_v some_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o do_v necessitate_v medii_fw-la or_o else_o we_o shall_v never_o be_v save_v some_o thing_n be_v necessary_a necessitate_v praecepti_fw-la only_a that_o be_v without_o the_o belief_n and_o do_v whereof_o we_o sin_n for_o the_o first_o sort_n they_o be_v such_o thing_n without_o the_o believe_a and_o do_v whereof_o god_n have_v determine_v never_o to_o save_v a_o man_n for_o both_o our_o salvation_n and_o also_o the_o mean_n and_o term_n of_o it_o depend_v whole_o upon_o god_n goodwill_n and_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v take_v our_o measure_n of_o such_o necessity_n from_o god_n reveal_v will_v only_o and_o from_o that_o we_o learn_v that_o god_n have_v afford_v great_a discovery_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v in_o some_o age_n than_o in_o other_o and_o give_v great_a ability_n and_o advantage_n to_o some_o man_n than_o to_o other_o and_z accordingly_z do_v require_v more_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o more_o explicit_a faith_n of_o they_o from_o some_o man_n than_o from_o other_o unto_o which_o by_o his_o providence_n he_o will_v bring_v they_o and_o not_o save_v they_o without_o such_o a_o belief_n of_o such_o truth_n and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a sort_n if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v express_o and_o explicit_o believe_v though_o we_o sin_n if_o we_o do_v not_o so_o believe_v they_o be_v sufficient_o propound_v unto_o we_o and_o we_o have_v ability_n to_o apprehend_v they_o yet_o upon_o a_o sincere_a repentance_n the_o non-belief_n of_o they_o shall_v not_o prejudice_v our_o salvation_n but_o in_o many_o thing_n if_o we_o do_v but_o use_v our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o have_v a_o readiness_n to_o believe_v and_o obey_v whatsoever_o we_o can_v get_v a_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o to_o be_v the_o will_n of_o god_n such_o a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o readiness_n will_v be_v accept_v for_o the_o deed_n as_o if_o we_o have_v express_o believe_v they_o now_o for_o such_o thing_n be_v necessary_a to_o be_v explicit_o believe_v by_o all_o man_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v save_v they_o be_v not_o many_o and_o be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o may_v be_v clear_o learn_v from_o thence_o by_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n the_o ancient_n make_v account_v they_o be_v all_o comprise_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o the_o ten_o commandment_n and_o bellarmine_n himself_o confess_v that_o they_o be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n omne_fw-la sunt_fw-la scripta_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la omnibus_fw-la necessaria_fw-la lib._n 4._o de_fw-fr verbo_fw-la dei_fw-la non_fw-la scripto_fw-la cap._n 11._o and_o that_o they_o be_v so_o will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o will_v examine_v the_o particular_n and_o therefore_o they_o may_v be_v clear_o learn_v from_o thence_o and_o we_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assure_v of_o they_o as_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o
imprimatur_fw-la feb._n 13._o 1689._o carolus_n alston_n r._n p._n d._n hen._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la protestant_n certainty_n or_o a_o short_a treatise_n show_v how_o a_o protestant_n may_v be_v well_o assure_v of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v every_o man_n be_v full_o assure_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n rom._n 14.5_o london_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o white-hart_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1689._o protestant_n certainty_n or_o a_o short_a treatise_n show_v how_o a_o protestant_n may_v be_v assure_v of_o the_o article_n of_o his_o faith_n although_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o every_o real_a christian_n be_v well_o persuade_v in_o his_o own_o mind_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o evangelical_n doctrine_n teach_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n which_o be_v indispensible_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o order_n to_o his_o salvation_n yet_o see_v that_o in_o these_o time_n there_o be_v abroad_o so_o great_a a_o paroxysm_n and_o fermentation_n of_o dispute_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o mean_n whereby_o it_o my_o be_v attain_v and_o such_o endeavour_n use_v by_o some_o man_n to_o unsettle_v we_o therein_o it_o will_v be_v our_o wisdom_n to_o recollect_v and_o consider_v well_o of_o the_o ground_n which_o we_o have_v go_v upon_o that_o we_o may_v be_v the_o better_a able_a to_o hold_v fast_o the_o form_n of_o sound_n of_o word_n that_o which_o be_v good_a our_o faith_n and_o confidence_n and_o our_o profession_n of_o it_o without_o waver_v unto_o the_o end._n according_a as_o we_o be_v exhort_v 1_o thess_n 5.21_o 2_o tim._n 1.13_o heb._n 3.6.10.23_o by_o firmness_n of_o assent_n and_o constancy_n of_o profession_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o force_n and_o fraud_n whereby_o we_o be_v or_o may_v be_v assault_v and_o this_o the_o rather_o because_o our_o faith_n be_v precious_a and_o a_o treasure_n the_o keep_n whereof_o be_v of_o infinite_a concernment_n to_o our_o soul_n and_o because_o we_o have_v be_v forewarn_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o there_o shall_v come_v wolf_n in_o sheep_n clothing_n false_a prophet_n pretend_v infallible_a revelation_n from_o god_n false_a apostle_n pretend_v mission_n and_o commission_n from_o christ_n false_a teacher_n bring_v in_o privy_o damnable_a heresy_n man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n resist_v the_o truth_n reprobate_n concern_v the_o faith_n and_o of_o this_o sort_n be_v they_o that_o creep_v into_o house_n and_o lead_v captive_n silly_a woman_n lade_v with_o sin_n led_z away_o with_o divers_a lust_n ever_o learning_n and_o never_o able_a to_o come_v unto_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n matth._n 7.15_o ch._n 24.3.6_o 8._o against_o such_o man_n we_o have_v see_v many_o worthy_a and_o learned_a champion_n of_o the_o truth_n enter_v the_o list_n be_v raise_v up_o by_o god_n to_o be_v helper_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o to_o contend_v earnest_o for_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n and_o although_o their_o antagonist_n have_v use_v all_o the_o slight_n of_o cunning_a wrestler_n strip_v and_o oil_v themselves_o by_o superficial_a and_o slippery_a representation_n like_o false_a arm_n that_o their_o adversary_n may_v not_o know_v where_o to_o have_v they_o where_o to_o assault_v they_o or_o where_o to_o fasten_v their_o hold_n upon_o they_o and_o proteus_n like_v transform_a themselves_o into_o all_o shape_v that_o if_o possible_a they_o may_v twist_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o gripe_n and_o grasp_v yet_o have_v they_o be_v so_o effectual_o handle_v by_o they_o that_o one_o will_v think_v that_o be_v they_o capable_a of_o any_o impression_n from_o truth_n or_o shame_n they_o will_v either_o have_v come_v over_o or_o at_o least_o have_v give_v over_o before_o this_o time_n both_o side_n in_o make_v their_o appeal_n to_o the_o reader_n do_v seem_v to_o allow_v we_o a_o judgement_n of_o discern_v both_o the_o cause_n and_o their_o defence_n at_o least_o for_o our_o own_o private_a safety_n and_o satisfaction_n but_o yet_o they_o will_v be_v understand_v with_o this_o difference_n the_o one_o will_v allow_v you_o to_o use_v your_o eye_n until_o you_o have_v choose_v their_o side_n but_o than_o you_o must_v resign_v they_o lest_o you_o shall_v chance_v to_o see_v whither_o they_o lead_v you_o but_o the_o other_o exhort_v you_o to_o keep_v your_o eye_n still_o in_o your_o head_n and_o to_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o they_o you_o can_v for_o your_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o security_n that_o you_o be_v fair_o deal_v withal_o and_o not_o betray_v into_o error_n and_o perdition_n which_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o ingenuous_a method_n of_o the_o two_o and_o most_o become_v a_o good_a cause_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v that_o faith_n which_o all_o christian_n make_v profession_n to_o believe_v and_o they_o question_v not_o but_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o infallible_o true_a see_v god_n be_v truth_n itself_o and_o can_v lie_v but_o it_o be_v much_o controvert_v whether_o this_o doctrine_n be_v all_o contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o some_o of_o it_o transmit_v to_o these_o time_n by_o oral_a tradition_n or_o by_o some_o other_o way_n and_o see_v we_o protestant_n do_v profess_v that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o our_o present_a faith_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o holy_a apostle_n let_v we_o sit_v down_o and_o calm_o consider_v with_o ourselves_o what_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o these_o and_o then_o come_v to_o take_v into_o consideration_n those_o other_o article_n which_o be_v offer_v to_o we_o some_o other_o way_n in_o both_o which_o inquiry_n we_o may_v receive_v much_o assistance_n from_o what_o have_v be_v public_o offer_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o excellent_a and_o learned_a men._n and_o i_o think_v if_o we_o can_v make_v out_o to_o ourselves_o but_o these_o two_o thing_n we_o shall_v have_v a_o good_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v as_o all_o may_v who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n i_o and_o will_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o they_o ought_v 1._o that_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n reveal_v by_o he_o and_o commit_v to_o write_v by_o the_o infallible_a guidance_n of_o the_o holy-ghost_n and_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o protestant_n do_v believe_v and_o profess_v be_v record_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o teach_v by_o christ_n his_o holy_a prophet_n and_o apostle_n and_o there_o contain_v either_o in_o express_a word_n or_o in_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o may_v be_v firm_o deduce_v and_o conclude_v but_o before_o we_o come_v to_o consider_v these_o particular_n i_o shall_v observe_v two_o or_o three_o thing_n for_o our_o more_o clear_a proceed_v and_o distinguish_v 1._o between_o the_o kind_n of_o certainty_n there_o be_v a_o certainty_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n which_o be_v here_o in_o the_o doctrine_n believe_v or_o the_o fides_n qua_fw-la creditur_fw-la and_o consist_v in_o its_o immutable_a truth_n found_v on_o god_n immutable_a verity_n there_o be_v also_o a_o certainty_n of_o the_o person_n or_o subject_a which_o be_v the_o firmness_n of_o the_o assent_n give_v unto_o that_o certain_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n on_o cogent_a argument_n and_o exist_v in_o the_o person_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o jesus_n christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n to_o save_v sinner_n be_v a_o truth_n certain_a in_o itself_o even_o before_o we_o hear_v of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a unto_o we_o till_o we_o do_v know_v it_o certain_o to_o be_v true_a this_o last_o be_v call_v subjective_n certainty_n and_o this_o it_o be_v which_o we_o be_v now_o chief_o inquire_v after_o 2._o distinguish_v between_o this_o subjective_a certainty_n or_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n and_o the_o kind_a of_o the_o assent_n give_v the_o assent_n for_o its_o kind_n may_v be_v a_o assent_n of_o divine_a faith_n cause_v by_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o yet_o this_o faith_n will_v have_v more_o or_o less_o certainty_n in_o it_o according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o less_o certainty_n which_o we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o god_n do_v testify_v it_o 3._o we_o must_v distinguish_v also_o between_o the_o certainty_n or_o assurance_n give_v to_o another_o rational_a man_n by_o discursive_a argument_n and_o that_o further_a certainty_n which_o every_o faithful_a soul_n have_v particular_o within_o itself_o for_o the_o argument_n cause_v they_o be_v differ_v and_o shall_v be_v consider_v
from_o thence_o return_v to_o recover_v as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v of_o that_o which_o we_o lay_v aside_o to_o try_v the_o experiment_n and_o last_o for_o the_o new_a demonstration_n which_o some_o have_v late_o advance_v to_o prove_v the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o miscarry_v and_o that_o what_o be_v this_o day_n declare_v for_o apostolical_a doctrine_n must_v needs_o have_v be_v always_o so_o declare_v because_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o deliver_v it_o one_o day_n for_o such_o shall_v have_v forget_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v but_o the_o day_n before_o or_o that_o they_o will_v report_v that_o to_o other_o which_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v themselves_o this_o i_o say_v do_v require_v and_o needs_o more_o charity_n and_o good_a nature_n in_o a_o adversary_n than_o it_o be_v like_a to_o meet_v withal_o out_o of_o their_o own_o communion_n and_o but_o rare_o there_o and_o real_o the_o demonstration_n be_v so_o extraordinary_a that_o do_v not_o we_o see_v it_o make_v use_n of_o by_o themselves_o we_o may_v rather_o have_v suppose_v it_o to_o have_v be_v hatch_v by_o the_o heat_n and_o sweat_v of_o some_o man_n brain_n who_o be_v no_o wellwisher_a to_o the_o doctrine_n which_o it_o be_v bring_v in_o favour_n of_o but_o however_o that_o be_v i_o be_o confident_a that_o seven_o city_n will_v hardly_o contend_v for_o the_o honour_n of_o his_o birth_n who_o have_v the_o felicity_n to_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n and_o for_o ourselves_o we_o shall_v desire_v to_o be_v well_o assure_v not_o only_o of_o the_o goodness_n and_o infallibility_n of_o their_o memory_n and_o of_o their_o honesty_n who_o all_o along_o deliver_v these_o thing_n but_o also_o of_o their_o due_a attention_n to_o and_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o hear_v and_o also_o that_o man_n of_o so_o good_a memory_n may_v not_o likewise_o have_v so_o good_a invention_n or_o at_o least_o some_o of_o they_o as_o to_o light_n upon_o some_o private_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o which_o they_o may_v impart_v unto_o other_o and_o which_o may_v insensible_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n be_v spread_v abroad_o and_o so_o far_o like_v by_o the_o generality_n that_o for_o the_o very_a agreableness_n of_o they_o to_o their_o mind_n and_o convenience_n for_o their_o interest_n they_o may_v be_v worthy_a to_o be_v ascribe_v either_o to_o some_o extraordinary_a spirit_n in_o the_o author_n if_o know_v or_o else_o to_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o and_o this_o be_v speak_v without_o any_o worse_a reflection_n upon_o their_o memory_n or_o fidelity_n which_o have_v be_v show_v to_o be_v a_o very_a insufficient_a enumeration_n of_o the_o possible_a yea_o and_o probable_a cause_n of_o a_o miscarriage_n in_o oral_a tradition_n but_o this_o demonstration_n have_v convince_v protestant_n of_o this_o at_o least_o that_o as_o far_o as_o this_o be_v confide_v in_o demonstration_n at_o present_a run_v very_o low_a in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o country_n people_n from_o be_v overmuch_o convince_v by_o it_o we_o shall_v need_v only_o to_o put_v they_o to_o read_v a_o leaf_n in_o chaucer_n where_o they_o may_v perceive_v that_o our_o language_n notwithstanding_o daily_o use_v and_o tradition_n be_v so_o much_o alter_v from_o what_o it_o be_v three_o hundred_o year_n ago_o that_o what_o be_v then_o ordinary_o speak_v be_v now_o hardly_o to_o be_v understand_v but_o wherever_o the_o romanist_n shall_v at_o length_n agree_v to_o place_v this_o their_o infallibility_n nay_o though_o every_o one_o of_o their_o communion_n may_v have_v it_o who_o will_v but_o pretend_v to_o it_o let_v they_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o it_o they_o can_v for_o their_o own_o private_a assurance_n and_o comfort_n but_o if_o they_o will_v needs_o make_v it_o argumentative_a to_o convince_v other_o of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o what_o they_o deliver_v we_o hope_v they_o will_v first_o prove_v to_o we_o such_o their_o infallibility_n by_o clear_a promise_n in_o scripture_n or_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n or_o else_o by_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n concern_v it_o or_o else_o show_v we_o some_o unquestionable_a work_n of_o divine_a power_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n i_o say_v not_o of_o their_o doctrine_n but_o of_o their_o own_o infallibility_n in_o testify_v that_o the_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v accompany_v the_o tradition_n through_o all_o age_n and_o therefore_o the_o miracle_n must_v run_v parallel_n with_o it_o and_o accompany_v it_o in_o a_o constant_a succession_n to_o be_v the_o credential_n letter_n of_o the_o successive_a deliverer_n and_o reporter_n to_o the_o man_n of_o each_o particular_a generation_n for_o it_o seem_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a thing_n for_o any_o disputant_n to_o require_v such_o a_o postulatum_fw-la to_o be_v grant_v he_o by_o his_o antagonist_n that_o whatsoever_o he_o shall_v say_v be_v not_o only_o true_a but_o infallible_o true_a which_o be_v such_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o question_n as_o show_v how_o poor_o he_o be_v provide_v to_o give_v man_n a_o just_a satisfaction_n and_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v he_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o dispute_v about_o any_o thing_n which_o he_o propose_v i_o will_v add_v no_o more_o but_o only_o this_o upon_o the_o whole_a master_n that_o while_o the_o romanist_n do_v offer_v we_o more_o certainty_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o we_o need_v they_o can_v perform_v to_o we_o so_o much_o certainty_n for_o those_o unscriptural_a doctrine_n as_o we_o do_v just_o require_v and_o expect_v before_o we_o entertain_v they_o so_o prone_a be_v some_o man_n to_o dream_v of_o supererogate_a while_o in_o truth_n they_o fall_v shameful_o short_a of_o do_v their_o necessary_a duty_n finis_fw-la a_o catalogue_n of_o some_o book_n print_v for_o henry_n mortlack_n at_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o the_o lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n relation_n of_o a_o conference_n etc._n etc._n from_o the_o pretend_a answer_n by_o t._n c._n wherein_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_v and_o the_o false_a discover_v the_o church_n of_o england_n vindicate_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o schism_n and_o the_o most_o important_a particular_a controversy_n between_o we_o and_o those_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n thorough_o examine_v by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n and_o dean_n of_o st._n paul_n folio_n the_o second_o edition_n origines_fw-la britannicae_n or_o the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o british_a church_n with_o a_o preface_n concern_v some_o pretend_a antiquity_n relate_v to_o britain_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o st._n asaph_n by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n folio_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o treatise_n of_o mr._n j._n s._n entitle_v sure_o foot_v etc._n etc._n by_o john_n tillotson_n d._n d._n to_o which_o be_v adjoin_v a_o reply_n to_o mr._n j._n s.'s_n three_o appendix_n etc._n etc._n by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n octavo_fw-la a_o letter_n to_o mr._n g_o giving_z a_o true_a account_n of_o a_o late_a conference_n at_o the_o d._n of_o paul_n a_o second_o letter_n to_o mr._n g._n in_o answer_n to_o two_o letter_n late_o publish_v concern_v the_o conference_n at_o the_o d._n of_o paul_n veteres_n vindicati_fw-la in_o a_o expostulary_a letter_n to_o mr._n sclater_n of_o putny_n upon_o his_o consensus_fw-la veterum_fw-la etc._n etc._n wherein_o the_o absurdity_n of_o his_o method_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o reason_n be_v show_v his_o false_a aspersion_n upon_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v wipe_v off_o and_o his_o faith_n concern_v the_o eucharist_n prove_v to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n together_o with_o animadversion_n on_o dean_n boileu'_v french_a translation_n of_o and_o remark_n upon_o bertram_n a_o answer_n to_o the_o compiler_n of_o nubes_fw-la testium_fw-la wherein_o be_v show_v that_o antiquity_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n set_v down_o by_o he_o do_v not_o for_o the_o first_o five_o hundred_o year_n believe_v teach_v and_o practice_n as_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v at_o present_a believe_v teach_v and_o practice_n together_o with_o a_o vindication_n of_o veteres_n vindicati_fw-la from_o the_o late_a weak_a and_o disingenuous_a attempt_n of_o the_o author_n of_o transubstantion_n defend_v by_o the_o author_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o mr._n sclater_n of_o putney_n a_o letter_n to_o father_n lewis_n sabran_n jesuit_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o letter_n to_o a_o peer_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n wherein_o the_o postscript_n to_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o nubes_fw-la testium_fw-la be_v vindicate_v and_o father_n sabran_n mistake_v far_o discover_v a_o second_o letter_n to_o father_n lewis_n sabran_n jesuit_n in_o answer_n to_o his_o reply_n a_o vindication_n of_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o compiler_n of_o nubes_fw-la testium_fw-la in_o answer_n to_o a_o late_a pretend_a letter_n from_o a_o dissenter_n to_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n compare_v in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o guild-hall_n chappel_n nou._n 27._o 1687._o by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n the_o second_o edition_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o answer_n to_o j._n s._n his_o catholic_n letter_n by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st_n paul_n the_o council_n of_o trent_n examine_v and_o disprove_v by_o catholic_n tradition_n in_o the_o main_a point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o time_n and_o occasion_n of_o introduce_v they_o part_n i._o to_o which_o a_o preface_n be_v prefix_v concern_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o ed._n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n