Selected quad for the lemma: doctrine_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
doctrine_n apostle_n church_n primitive_a 4,139 5 9.1134 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59222 Five Catholick letters concerning the means of knowing with absolute certainty what faith now held was taught by Jesus Christ written by J. Sergeant upon occasion of a conference between Dr. Stillingfleet and Mr. Peter Gooden. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707.; Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699.; Gooden, Peter, d. 1695. 1688 (1688) Wing S2568; ESTC R28132 302,336 458

There are 25 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

attest_v and_o blame_v the_o attestation_n and_o tradition_n as_o it_o may_v be_v find_v to_o deserve_v but_o still_o when_o you_o will_v put_v your_o own_o tenet_n as_o distinguish_v it_o from_o we_o be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o put_v we_o too_o and_o do_v not_o stand_v talk_v to_o we_o and_o fool_v your_o reader_n with_o the_o rabbi_n pretend_v tradition_n from_o moses_n his_o mouth_n no_o more_o like_o we_o than_o a_o apple_n be_v like_o a_o oyster_n again_o this_o resolution_n of_o your_o faith_n give_v every_o one_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o believe_v he_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o that_o it_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n and_o yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o whole_a body_n of_o learned_a man_n believe_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o the_o high_a mystery_n of_o christian_a faith._n whence_o follow_v that_o both_o side_n by_o this_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n one_o side_n for_o example_n be_v absolute_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n the_o other_o that_o there_o be_v no_o trinity_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o god._n this_o seem_v but_o a_o very_a odd_a account_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o protestant_n faith._n 17._o but_o you_o refine_v upon_o yourself_o in_o your_o answer_n to_o the_o 3_o d_o question_n p._n 15._o it_o be_v ask_v there_o by_o what_o certain_a rule_n do_v you_o know_v that_o the_o new_a testament_n which_o we_o now_o have_v do_v contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o question_n evident_o aim_v at_o two_o thing_n viz._n first_o whether_o some_o book_n write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v not_o lose_v as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n which_o we_o now_o have_v for_o if_o they_o be_v then_o be_v pen_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v they_o must_v necessary_o contain_v some_o divine_a revelation_n in_o they_o too_o as_o well_o as_o do_v the_o other_o and_o then_o how_o do_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v not_o more_o or_o other_o revelation_n contain_v in_o they_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n now_o extant_a the_o other_o be_v that_o you_o know_v well_o very_a many_o hold_n that_o diverse_a divine_a revelation_n be_v deliver_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o not_o all_o by_o write_v let_v we_o see_v now_o how_o your_o answer_n suit_n with_o this_o question_n by_o the_o universal_a testimony_n say_v you_o of_o the_o christian_a church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n downward_o this_o reply_n if_o pertinent_a to_o that_o question_n must_v mean_v that_o this_o universal_a testimony_n ascertain_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n but_o when_o you_o come_v to_o explain_v yourself_o it_o come_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o apostolical_a and_o the_o succeed_a church_n do_v by_o degree_n make_v man_n fix_v upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n what_o a_o flight_n have_v you_o take_v on_o a_o sudden_a where_o will_v you_o pitch_v when_o you_o light_n i_o be_o sure_a not_o on_o the_o place_n where_o you_o take_v wing_n and_o where_o you_o ought_v to_o have_v stay_v for_o what_o be_v their_o testimony_n for_o the_o book_n we_o now_o have_v to_o the_o book_n which_o have_v or_o may_v have_v prerish_v and_o to_o their_o contain_v some_o other_o divine_a revelation_n or_o what_o be_v the_o fix_v upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o book_n to_o the_o difficulty_n whether_o some_o divine_a revelation_n do_v not_o descend_v by_o tradition_n without_o write_v do_v the_o apostolical_a or_o succeed_a church_n testify_v either_o of_o these_o or_o do_v you_o so_o much_o as_o pretend_v they_o do_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o this_o do_v you_o say_v or_o take_v notice_n of_o and_o so_o not_o a_o syllable_n have_v you_o answer_v to_o his_o question_n which_o be_v not_o about_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n or_o how_o you_o will_v resolve_v your_o faith_n with_o which_o you_o keep_v such_o a_o pother_n over_o and_o over_o but_o whether_o the_o new_a testament_n we_o have_v now_o contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n if_o you_o explicate_v scripture_n no_o better_o for_o your_o faith_n than_o you_o do_v your_o own_o word_n here_o you_o will_v questionless_a make_v a_o very_a extraordinary_a piece_n of_o work_n of_o it_o your_o answer_n come_v now_o and_o then_o pretty_a home_n the_o smartness_n of_o the_o question_n oblige_v you_o to_o it_o but_o your_o explication_n of_o they_o immediate_o after_o seem_v purposely_o frame_v that_o we_o shall_v not_o take_v you_o at_o your_o word_n in_o your_o answer_n 18._o that_o answer_n than_o prevaricate_a from_o the_o whole_a question_n mr._n g._n endeavour_v to_o press_v for_o a_o pertinent_a return_n to_o what_o be_v demand_v and_o therefore_o put_v his_o four_o question_n thus_o be_v that_o universal_a testimony_n a_o infallible_a rule_n to_o assure_v we_o certain_o down_o to_o our_o time_n 17._o that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n your_o answer_n be_v the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n concern_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 19_o here_o be_v many_o thing_n worth_a our_o admiration_n in_o the_o first_o letter_n p._n 7._o this_o universal_a testimony_n be_v only_o to_o ascertain_v the_o scripture_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o the_o three_o question_n here_o it_o be_v only_a to_o assure_v we_o that_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n but_o here_o it_o be_v to_o certify_v we_o of_o the_o doctrine_n too_o contain_v in_o it_o which_o if_o you_o mean_v as_o your_o word_n seem_v to_o sound_v be_v all_o we_o require_v in_o our_o tradition-rule_n there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o subtle_a meaning_n lie_v yet_o couch_v in_o those_o word_n which_o time_n may_v discover_v though_o we_o can_v yet_o till_o he_o that_o make_v the_o lock_n bring_v the_o key_n again_o it_o be_v ask_v if_o it_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n it_o be_v ask_v whether_o this_o testimony_n assure_v we_o certain_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n it_o be_v answer_v it_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v clear_o intend_v for_o a_o diminish_n expression_n and_o argue_v some_o fear_n of_o undertake_v for_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v contain_v there_o or_o all_o the_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o be_v pretend_a p._n 14._o one_o will_v very_o imagine_v by_o this_o unsuitable_a answer_n that_o dr._n st._n and_o mr._n g._n be_v play_v at_o cross-purpose_n the_o answer_n be_v so_o wide_a from_o the_o question_n at_o least_o that_o there_o be_v some_o indirect_a design_n lie_v lurk_v it_o be_v so_o opposite_a to_o the_o way_n of_o honest_a nature_n when_o one_o ask_v a_o positive_a question_n all_o mankind_n expect_v a_o positive_a answer_n to_o the_o very_a word_n as_o they_o lie_v i_o or_o no_o or_o if_o the_o word_n be_v ambiguous_a it_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o the_o answerer_n to_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o asker_n if_o present_a ere_o he_o answer_v without_o which_o in_o that_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o reply_v pertinent_o but_o it_o be_v not_o your_o temper_n nor_o interest_n to_o use_v such_o clear_a and_o open_a candour_n for_o you_o see_v that_o great_a multitude_n have_v the_o letter_n thus_o secure_v to_o they_o yet_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n be_v contain_v in_o it_o therefore_o by_o add_v and_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v therein_o you_o have_v some_o faint_a hope_n you_o may_v be_v safe_a again_o you_o see_v well_o that_o shall_v you_o grant_v universal_a testimony_n to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n you_o will_v hazard_v to_o grant_v too_o much_o to_o tradition_n and_o all_o the_o learned_a jest_n you_o have_v break_v upon_o we_o for_o assert_v infallibility_n will_v fly_v back_o upon_o yourself_o therefore_o grant_v it_o you_o dare_v not_o nor_o yet_o dare_v you_o deny_v it_o to_o be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n for_o then_o since_o one_o of_o the_o two_o it_o must_v forcible_o be_v you_o must_v affirm_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fallible_a rule_n and_o then_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n mr._n t._n among_o the_o rest_n will_v be_v just_o scandalize_v at_o the_o non_fw-fr sense_n for_o a_o intellectual_a ground_n that_o may_v perhaps_o let_v sink_v
acknowledge_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o very_a commendable_a cautiousness_n in_o the_o latin_a &_o greek_a church_n too_o not_o to_o admit_v into_o such_o a_o sacred_a roll_n book_n that_o be_v not_o yet_o clear_o prove_v to_o be_v authentical_o such_o than_o a_o unblamable_a lapse_n or_o so_o heinous_a a_o crime_n that_o for_o commit_v it_o she_o must_v needs_o lose_v all_o her_o title_n to_o christ_n promise_a assistance_n 31._o this_o give_v i_o occasion_n to_o ask_v you_o what_o become_v of_o your_o rule_n and_o consequent_o of_o your_o faith_n all_o that_o while_n if_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o canonical_a book_n that_o be_v of_o the_o whole_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v your_o rule_n and_o those_o book_n be_v part_n of_o this_o canon_n they_o must_v necessary_o be_v part_n of_o your_o rule_n too_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o your_o rule_n be_v not_o entire_a but_o deficient_a for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v collect_v and_o acknowledge_v i_o see_v you_o do_v but_o compliment_v with_o the_o primitive_a church_n of_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o that_o you_o only_o cry_v it_o up_o to_o avoid_v the_o unkindness_n which_o the_o succeed_a age_n show_v to_o your_o cause_n for_o by_o your_o doctrine_n you_o can_v but_o hold_v that_o the_o age_n which_o follow_v it_o be_v to_o be_v prefer_v since_o these_o have_v your_o entire_a rule_n the_o other_o want_v some_o part_n of_o it_o and_o sometime_o hold_v but_o three_o part_n of_o it_o half_a of_o it_o or_o less_o and_o so_o by_o your_o principle_n be_v but_o three_o quarter_n or_o half_a christian_n according_a as_o the_o several_a piece_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v acknowledge_v and_o universal_o accept_v i_o doubt_v mr._n m_n discourse_n about_o the_o number_n of_o book_n more_o perplex_v you_o than_o your_o be_v willing_a to_o make_v show_n of_o for_o pray_v how_o many_o of_o these_o book_n go_v to_o make_v up_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o any_o one_o or_o some_o few_o than_o you_o shall_v not_o have_v stand_v upon_o the_o canon_n we_o have_v now_o that_o be_v all_o the_o apostolical_a book_n or_o scripture_n in_o general_n if_o all_o the_o canonical_a write_n be_v your_o rule_n than_o perhaps_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v but_o half_o their_o faith_n or_o less_o it_o may_v be_v none_o at_o all_o because_o want_v yet_o those_o other_o book_n they_o want_v necessary_a place_n to_o compare_v those_o text_n with_o they_o already_o have_v which_o be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o your_o method_n to_o find_v out_o your_o faith_n in_o scripture_n pray_v satisfy_v we_o about_o this_o exact_a number_n of_o book_n and_o how_o many_o will_v just_o serve_v the_o turn_n and_o make_v something_o cohere_v for_o i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n as_o yet_o find_v any_o thing_n that_o do_v you_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o a_o purse_n and_o say_v it_o must_v be_v full_a but_o when_o we_o come_v to_o look_v at_o it_o more_o narrow_o it_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v for_o some_o time_n but_o half_a a_o purse_n and_o want_v one_o side_n of_o it_o at_o least_o have_v a_o great_a hole_n in_o it_o so_o that_o you_o put_v we_o into_o a_o apprehension_n that_o many_o of_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n point_n may_v have_v drop_v out_o of_o it_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n by_o which_o church_n notwithstanding_o and_o no_o other_o in_o our_o dispute_n about_o faith_n you_o seem_v hearty_o willing_a to_o be_v judge_v but_o 31._o let_v we_o examine_v a_o little_a the_o consent_n of_o all_o your_o christian_n church_n for_o scripture_n you_o make_v such_o brag_n of_o 7._o in_o the_o first_o place_n march_n and_o lead_v the_o van_n your_o christian_a church_n of_o the_o noble_a arch-heretick_n marciou_n who_o blot_v out_o of_o the_o canon_n the_o epistle_n to_o the_o 9_o hebrew_n that_o to_o titus_n and_o both_o those_o to_o timothy_n who_o admit_v only_o st._n luke_n gospel_n to_o be_v divine_a and_o 3._o reject_v all_o the_o epistle_n of_o st._n paul_n as_o a_o apostate_n from_o the_o law._n in_o the_o next_o rank_n go_v abreast_o those_o three_o famous_a christian_a church_n of_o ebion_n valentinus_n and_o cerinthus_n of_o which_o 1._o the_o first_o admit_v only_o st._n matthews_n gospel_n the_o 26._o second_o only_a st._n john_n and_o the_o three_o only_a st._n mark_n be_v after_o they_o come_v other_o mention_v by_o st._n hierom_n and_o epiphanius_n who_o in_o a_o manner_n bring_v all_o into_o doubt_n 76._o especial_o if_o faith_n depend_v in_o those_o day_n on_o the_o compare_v of_o place_n for_o they_o hold_v that_o diverse_a thing_n both_o in_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a be_v not_o inspire_v by_o god_n but_o write_v by_o a_o human_a spirit_n i_o need_v not_o acquaint_v you_o that_o luther_n brentius_n &_o chemnitius_n do_v revive_v the_o old_a doubt_n about_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o the_o apocalypse_n of_o late_a day_n nor_o need_v it_o be_v recount_v how_o many_o orthodox_n christian_n church_n do_v not_o accept_v diverse_a book_n former_o and_o though_o afterward_o as_o you_o say_v well_o they_o come_v by_o degree_n to_o fix_v on_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n yet_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o judge_v that_o this_o be_v not_o perform_v by_o immediate_a testimony_n 15._o for_o the_o witness_n be_v long_o ago_o dead_a and_o their_o grandfather_n too_o who_o can_v attest_v that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v indeed_o to_o their_o knowledge_n write_v by_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n it_o descend_v then_o by_o oral_a tradition_n in_o those_o respective_a church_n whence_o as_o that_o tradition_n be_v not_o so_o practical_a so_o it_o be_v restrain_v to_o some_o few_o in_o each_o church_n and_o be_v withal_o very_o narrow_a at_o first_o in_o comparison_n of_o our_o tradition_n for_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n universal_o and_o public_o preach_v and_o practise_v now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o tradition_n and_o the_o largeness_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o largeness_n of_o the_o first_o attestation_n and_o all_o that_o after-age_n can_v do_v when_o they_o attest_v such_o thing_n be_v to_o witness_v that_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o some_o other_o but_o so_o that_o the_o tradition_n be_v still_o narrow_a as_o it_o come_v near_o the_o fountain_n which_o very_o much_o weaken_v it_o by_o what_o other_o light_v the_o church_n guide_v herself_o in_o her_o accept_n such_o and_o such_o book_n for_o canonical_a scripture_n belong_v to_o another_o place_n your_o tradition_n then_o be_v not_o universal_a for_o scripture_n in_o the_o first_o 300_o year_n and_o its_o original_a attestation_n be_v weak_a in_o comparison_n of_o that_o which_o be_v for_o doctrine_n 20._o 32._o i_o have_v little_a to_o say_v to_o your_o explicit_fw-la or_o implicit_a point_n contain_v in_o scripture_n for_o i_o see_v they_o be_v both_o equal_o to_o no_o purpose_n while_o but_o contain_v there_o till_o you_o bring_v we_o a_o rule_n to_o interpret_v the_o letter_n with_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o any_o aught_o to_o be_v explicit_o there_o none_o can_v have_v so_o good_a a_o title_n to_o it_o as_o those_o high_a and_o most_o fundamental_a article_n speak_v of_o so_o often_o yet_o we_o see_v there_o be_v no_o place_n producible_a for_o they_o but_o may_v have_v other_o sense_n give_v they_o and_o bear_v as_o experience_n show_v we_o not_o yet_o end_v and_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v endless_a dispute_n among_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n attend_v to_o your_o rule_n only_o i_o a_o little_a wonder_n you_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o your_o purpose_n that_o all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o if_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v or_o know_v to_o be_v there_o for_o they_o must_v save_v man_n by_o believe_v they_o and_o act_v according_a to_o that_o belief_n or_o no_o way_n and_o if_o they_o be_v only_o implicit_o there_o they_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a or_o not_o believe_v so_o that_o according_a to_o you_o that_o be_v a_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n which_o do_v not_o at_o all_o conduce_v to_o it_o but_o i_o wonder_v more_o at_o the_o happiness_n of_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n to_o who_o you_o affirm_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o stout_o ibid._n those_o implicit_a point_n will_v become_v explicit_fw-la without_o the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n and_o yet_o you_o call_v it_o assume_v ibid._n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n to_o do_v the_o same_o or_o declare_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o article_n certain_o this_o sober_a enquirer_n be_v your_o special_a darling_n and_o favourite_n he_o
immediate_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o conception_n of_o the_o generality_n but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o when_o in_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o doctrine_n be_v far_o spread_v more_o often_o inculcate_v and_o more_o clear_o explain_v and_o well-instructed_n pastor_n constitute_v to_o teach_v it_o more_o express_o and_o put_v they_o forward_o to_o practice_v it_o he_o mistake●_n then_o and_o misrepresent_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o our_o tradition_n and_o by_o antedate_v it_o sight_n against_o it_o before_o it_o can_v have_v a_o be_v and_o as_o this_o error_n run_v through_o all_o his_o discourse_n and_o weak_a inference_n out_o of_o scripture_n so_o the_o lay_v it_o open_v once_o for_o all_o be_v a_o full_a confutation_n of_o they_o all_o at_o once_o add_v that_o he_o never_o consider_v whether_o when_o those_o several_a church_n err_v or_o be_v in_o hazard_n to_o err_v they_o do_v so_o by_o follow_v even_o that_o particular_a tradition_n or_o preach_v of_o such_o or_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o whether_o they_o come_v to_o err_v by_o desert_v it_o if_o the_o late_a the_o tradition_n be_v not_o faulty_a but_o they_o who_o deserted_n it_z yet_o how_o different_a soever_o these_o two_o point_n be_v the_o one_o make_v for_o that_o particular_a tradition_n the_o other_o against_o it_o he_o never_o think_v of_o distinguish_v they_o or_o let_v the_o reader_n know_v when_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o fault_n and_o when_o the_o person_n but_o run_v on_o in_o common_a word_n as_o if_o he_o have_v no_o design_n or_o determinate_a prospect_n whither_o he_o be_v go_v i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o towards_o the_o true_a question_n nor_o against_o us._n us._n 10._o but_o though_o all_o his_o reflection_n from_o the_o several_a piece_n of_o scripture_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purpose_n yet_o his_o candid_a and_o solid_a way_n of_o manage_v his_o own_o mistake_v and_o how_o he_o wire-draws_a every_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v fit_a deserve_v our_o particular_a observation_n he_o tell_v we_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n of_o corinth_n 5._o that_o they_o which_o signify_v the_o whole_a church_n have_v like_a to_o have_v lose_v all_o their_o faith_n whereas_o the_o text_n only_o say_v some_o among_o you_o and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o wonder_n that_o some_o among_o many_o shall_v hap_v to_o be_v imperfect_o instruct_v fantastical_a or_o refractory_a to_o their_o teacher_n but_o his_o partiality_n be_v most_o remarkable_a when_o he_o be_v force_v to_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o church_n testimony_n of_o doctrine_n which_o be_v our_o tradition_n to_o abet_v the_o scripture_n he_o 11._o can_v tell_v we_o then_o this_o be_v very_o different_a from_o the_o case_n of_o particular_a person_n in_o some_o church_n who_o may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v what_o be_v teach_v but_o say_v he_o the_o church_n themselves_o can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v on_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o so_o that_o there_o it_o be_v a_o very_a different_a case_n but_o here_o it_o seem_v the_o case_n be_v not_o different_a at_o all_o but_o the_o very_a same_o for_o some_o among_o you_o be_v enlarge_v to_o signify_v that_o church_n itself_o and_o whereas_o the_o only_a point_n those_o some_o deny_v be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a to_o let_v you_o see_v how_o utter_o insignificant_a a_o thing_n tradition_n be_v that_o can_v do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o he_o extend_v it_o to_o signify_v all_o their_o faith_n hope_v i_o suppose_v any_o thing_n will_v pass_v upon_o you_o so_o it_o be_v speak_v out_o of_o a_o pulpit_n it_o be_v tell_v you_o there_o all_o be_v god_n word_n and_o he_o presume_v you_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a to_o god_n almighty_a and_o so_o kind_a to_o himself_o as_o to_o accept_v it_o for_o such_o and_o swallow_v it_o for_o pure_a truth_n truth_n 11._o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o allow_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o every_o christian_a church_n do_v show_v the_o concurrence_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n 11._o as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o several_a gospel_n for_o then_o i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o show_v to_o the_o next_o age_n and_o so_o forward_o the_o concurrent_a doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o which_o establish_v the_o original_a of_o our_o tradition_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a he_o discourse_v well_o p._n 11._o and_o he_o end_v better_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o apostle_n doctrine_n be_v so_o fresh_a in_o their_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n who_o have_v teach_v they_o and_o yet_o better_o that_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o all_o the_o apostolical_a church_n can_v not_o let_v they_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o error_n in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o the_o faith_n deliver_v to_o they_o this_o be_v very_o extraordinary_a kind_n and_o no_o less_o solid_a for_o 1._o these_o word_n can_v not_o agree_v to_o approve_v a_o contrary_a doctrine_n make_v their_o testimony_n infallible_a 2._o this_o discourse_n make_v the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o be_v of_o their_o sense_n depend_v on_o unwritten_a tradition_n 3_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o doctrine_n be_v full_a as_o fresh_a in_o their_o memory_n when_o they_o be_v grow_v old_a and_o be_v to_o transmit_v it_o to_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n decease_n as_o it_o be_v before_o unless_o they_o lose_v the_o memory_n of_o it_o by_o discourse_v of_o it_o more_o while_o they_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o &_o by_o practise_v it_o long_o themselves_o 4._o as_o little_o can_v it_o be_v doubt_v but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v as_o fresh_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o second_o age_n since_o they_o lead_v their_o christian_a life_n by_o it_o for_o it_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o of_o equal_a concern_v still_o to_o they_o to_o learn_v and_o teach_v it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o the_o first_o last_o that_o this_o be_v so_o the_o testimony_n of_o that_o body_n even_o now_o adays_o that_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n 11._o be_v in_o effect_n the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o apostle_n that_o teach_v it_o at_o first_o observe_v gentleman_n that_o this_o be_v the_o only_a time_n dr._n st._n have_v so_o much_o as_o touch_v it_o upon_o our_o tradition_n and_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o impugn_v or_o confute_v it_o that_o he_o in_o some_o part_n direct_o in_o other_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n acknowledge_v its_o force_n and_o strong_o abet_n it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o good_a will_n he_o be_v intent_n in_o that_o place_n upon_o make_v good_a the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o assoon_o as_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o serve_v a_o present_a turn_n he_o immediate_o discard_n it_o as_o good_a for_o little_a or_o nothing_o or_o nothing_o to_o the_o particular_a purpose_n he_o have_v late_o allow_v the_o testify_a christ_n doctrine_n doctrine_n 12._o for_o the_o very_a next_o page_n he_o reckon_v up_o three_o thing_n for_o which_o the_o common_a tradition_n of_o the_o apostolical_a church_n be_v useful_a after_o the_o decease_n of_o the_o apostle_n 12._o but_o not_o a_o word_n of_o their_o vsefulness_n to_o testify_v to_o other_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o those_o master_n of_o christianity_n no_o soon_o be_v the_o apostle_n dead_a and_o that_o first_o age_n have_v by_o their_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v receive_v from_o they_o give_v credit_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_a gospel_n but_o immediate_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v lose_v their_o memory_n of_o that_o doctrine_n on_o a_o sudden_a and_o the_o grace_n to_o preserve_v and_o propagate_v it_o one_o will_v think_v by_o this_o wild_a discourse_n of_o he_o that_o both_o common_a natural_a part_n and_o all_o degree_n of_o ordinary_a honesty_n have_v be_v preserve_v to_o they_o miraculous_o thitherto_o mere_o to_o recommend_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o that_o assoon_o as_o that_o be_v do_v and_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n suspend_v or_o rather_o subtract_v for_o ever_o all_o his_o influence_n &_o leave_v they_o a_o tabula_fw-la rasa_fw-la without_o either_o memory_n or_o goodness_n to_o learn_v their_o faith_n a_o new_a out_o of_o scripture_n 13._o scripture_n 13._o and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o he_o rally_v upon_o universal_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n as_o if_o it_o be_v some_o sleight_n story_n of_o a_o few_o tattle_a gossip_n or_o of_o those_o who_o hear_v what_o some_o say_v that_o other_o tell_v they_o who_o have_v it_o from_o such_o etc._n etc._n whereas_o have_v he_o say_v as_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v say_v what_o the_o whole_a first_o age_n of_o christian_n witness_v
to_o the_o next_o age_n that_o they_o have_v hear_v see_v and_o practise_v it_o and_o the_o whole_a next_o age_n to_o the_o three_o and_o so_o forward_o with_o a_o obligation_n still_o to_o transmit_v it_o equal_a to_o that_o the_o first_o age_n have_v to_o believe_v it_o there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n leave_v for_o his_o ridiculous_a raillery_n but_o his_o constant_a method_n be_v this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o put_v you_o out_o of_o conceit_n with_o tradition_n by_o conceal_v every_o thing_n that_o may_v give_v you_o a_o true_a conceit_n what_o tradition_n be_v and_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o 14._o it_o 14._o the_o argument_n or_o instance_n he_o bring_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n be_v mighty_o sink_v in_o the_o second_o century_n be_v if_o possible_a ten_o thousand_o time_n worse_o one_o will_v very_o think_v from_o those_o big_a word_n he_o will_v prove_v that_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n have_v conspire_v to_o tell_v a_o lie_n to_o the_o second_o concern_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o this_o mountainous_a expectation_n come_v off_o with_o a_o poor_a little_a mouse_n the_o relation_n of_o one_o single_a man_n papias_n of_o what_o a_o apostle_n have_v tell_v he_o which_o he_o be_v a_o good_a honest_a soul_n gain_v credit_n with_o diverse_a though_o as_o for_o his_o wit_n dr._n st_n author_n eusebius_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n and_o scarce_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o what_o be_v speak_v i_o wonder_v the_o dr._n blush_v not_o to_o put_v such_o a_o slur_n upon_o his_o auditory_a as_o to_o compare_v the_o public_a authority_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n and_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o god_n church_n to_o the_o private_a story_n of_o one_o weak_a man_n or_o to_o pretend_v hence_o that_o if_o he_o be_v mistake_v the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n mighty_o sink_v and_o fail_v whereas_o it_o be_v only_o his_o own_o credit_n that_o fall_v into_o that_o disaster_n by_o make_v such_o a_o senseless_a argument_n yet_o this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v find_v the_o only_a one_o he_o have_v bring_v to_o prove_v direct_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christian_n have_v belie_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o the_o second_o and_o that_o because_o one_o man_n of_o a_o mean_a capacity_n mistake_v we_o may_v stand_v in_o doubt_n of_o our_o assurance_n whether_o all_o the_o learneder_fw-mi faithful_n nay_o all_o the_o pastor_n and_o bishop_n in_o the_o church_n have_v capacity_n enough_o to_o know_v a_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n what_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v public_o every_o day_n by_o a_o world_n of_o forefather_n or_o the_o integrity_n not_o to_o deceive_v we_o we_o 15._o of_o the_o same_o stamp_n be_v his_o allege_v that_o st._n luke_n reason_n why_o he_o write_v his_o gospel_n 14._o be_v to_o give_v theophilus_n certainty_n of_o those_o thing_n wherein_o he_o have_v be_v instruct_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o enquiry_n be_v about_o the_o high_a point_n of_o christian_a belief_n do_v the_o dr._n think_v then_o that_o theophilus_n be_v not_o a_o christian_a or_o have_v no_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o his_o faith_n ere_o st._n luke_n write_v or_o that_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o instruct_v people_n in_o those_o main_a article_n or_o that_o st._n luke_n write_v those_o point_n in_o short_a for_o those_o point_n we_o speak_v of_o take_v up_o a_o very_a inconsiderable_a part_n of_o his_o gospel_n can_v make_v he_o know_v it_o better_o and_o with_o more_o certainty_n than_o their_o preach_v it_o at_o large_a with_o what_o sense_n can_v any_o of_o this_o be_v pretend_v the_o apostle_n do_v miracle_n to_o attest_v their_o doctrine_n do_v st._n luke_n do_v any_o to_o attest_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o all_o he_o write_v in_o those_o point_n again_o what_o do_v his_o gospel_n contain_v only_o those_o dogmatical_a point_n controvert_v from_o time_n to_o time_n between_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o deserter_n of_o which_o and_o none_o but_o which_o we_o speak_v alas_o these_o be_v the_o least_o part_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o make_v but_o a_o small_a appearance_n in_o it_o he_o relate_v our_o saviour_n genealogy_n temptation_n fast_v miracle_n parable_n his_o send_v his_o apostle_n and_o disciple_n his_o exhortation_n to_o repentance_n and_o good_a life_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o jerusalem_n his_o institute_v the_o last_o supper_n the_o particular_n of_o his_o be_v apprehend_v accuse_v condemn_a and_o crucified_a last_o his_o burial_n resurrection_n apparition_n and_o ascension_n these_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o that_o gospel_n at_o large_a together_o with_o many_o excellent_a say_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n relate_v verbatim_o and_o these_o as_o they_o be_v never_o pretend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o tradition_n so_o though_o speak_v of_o frequent_o and_o perhaps_o various_o among_o christian_n be_v impossible_a ever_o to_o be_v perfect_o remember_v by_o the_o generality_n unless_o put_v in_o a_o book_n and_o therefore_o st._n luke_n give_v theophilus_n and_o other_o the_o certain_a and_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o all_o these_o passage_n by_o write_v and_o dr._n st._n confess_v the_o same_o p._n 17._o and_o that_o his_o aim_n and_o intention_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n but_o not_o a_o word_n that_o his_o write_n be_v to_o give_v theophilus_n certainty_n or_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o those_o main_a article_n to_o ascertain_v which_o tradition_n be_v pretend_v by_o we_o to_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a mean_n mean_n 16._o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o many_o notorious_a prevarication_n and_o fault_n he_o have_v fall_v into_o in_o this_o one_o instance_n 1._o our_o whole_a controversy_n be_v about_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o sublime_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o he_o conceal_v and_o confound_v they_o with_o a_o multitude_n of_o particular_a passage_n 2._o he_o intimate_v our_o tradition_n be_v to_o ascertain_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o st._n luke_n gospel_n whereas_o he_o know_v well_o we_o rely_v upon_o no_o tradition_n but_o what_o be_v in_o some_o degree_n practical_a which_o those_o particular_n be_v not_o unless_o it_o be_v those_o of_o which_o we_o keep_v anniversary_n solemnity_n 3._o he_o be_v so_o angry_a at_o tradition_n 15._o that_o he_o pretend_v the_o very_a oral_a tradition_n or_o preach_v of_o the_o gospel_n by_o the_o apostle_n need_v something_o to_o strengthen_v and_o confirm_v it_o last_o he_o make_v our_o tradition_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o preach_v of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o it_o date_n it_o be_v original_a from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n already_o perfect_o instruct_v by_o they_o during_o all_o their_o life_n and_o settle_v into_o ecclesiastical_a order_n and_o discipline_n at_o their_o decease_n decease_n 17._o he_o seem_v at_o length_n to_o come_v near_o the_o point_n and_o affirm_v that_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o matter_n of_o doctrine_n come_v to_o be_v contest_v 14._o be_v the_o infallible_a rule_n whereby_o they_o be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o better_a that_o they_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o stand_a rule_n whereby_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a doctrine_n of_o christ._n i_o be_o glad_a with_o all_o my_o heart_n to_o hear_v he_o speak_v of_o the_o church_n be_v a_o judge_n of_o controversy_n or_o that_o he_o allow_v her_o any_o hand_n in_o ascertain_v and_o propose_v faith._n i_o ever_o understand_v he_o hitherto_o that_o every_o sober_a enquirer_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n for_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o he_o even_o in_o the_o high_a point_n and_o that_o if_o in_o any_o contest_v or_o dubious_a article_n the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o declare_v it_o explicit_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v 71_o by_o parity_n of_o reason_n render_v any_o implicit_a point_n explicit_fw-la 21._o without_o the_o church_n help_n though_o this_o be_v the_o most_o difficult_a task_n as_o to_o the_o penetrate_a the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o far_o beyond_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v there_o explicit_o he_o tell_v we_o too_o in_o his_o second_o letter_n p._n 31_o 32._o that_o because_o there_o be_v no_o infallible_a judge_n every_o man_n be_v to_o judge_n for_o himself_o and_o this_o by_o scripture_n his_o rule_n but_o here_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v and_o the_o church_n be_v to_o judge_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n by_o scripture_n i_o can_v allow_v honest_a retraction_n without_o upbraid_v they_o and_o be_o content_v that_o the_o church_n shall_v judge_v by_o scripture_n both_o when_o
be_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n he_o will_v have_v have_v recourse_n to_o some_o exacter_n copy_n correct_v their_o faulty_a one_o and_o so_o have_v bear_v up_o still_o to_o that_o rule_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o do_v not_o thus_o he_o make_v then_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n the_o rule_n both_o to_o know_v our_o faith_n and_o also_o to_o correct_v the_o faultiness_n of_o the_o letter_n whether_o this_o suit_n better_a with_o the_o drs._n principle_n or_o we_o be_v leave_v to_o yourselves_o or_o any_o man_n of_o reason_n to_o judge_n and_o determine_v determine_v 30._o thus_o come_v off_o this_o famous_a sermon_n which_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n for_o a_o confutation_n of_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n the_o sum_n of_o it_o be_v 1._o the_o dr._n take_v no_o notice_n of_o the_o main_a question_n betwixt_o we_o which_o be_v about_o the_o absolute-certainty_n that_o our_o faith_n be_v true_o christian_n or_o teach_v by_o christ_n nor_o attempt_n to_o show_v his_o be_v thus_o certain_a but_o preach_v to_o you_o steadfastness_n and_o a_o well-setled_n resolution_n to_o continue_v in_o it_o yet_o avoid_v the_o give_v you_o any_o ground_n to_o make_v you_o steadfast_a and_o well-setled_n in_o that_o resolution_n 2._o he_o conceal_v every_o advantage_n christian_n tradition_n have_v or_o be_v pretend_v to_o have_v that_o be_v he_o will_v persuade_v you_o to_o hate_n it_o before_o you_o see_v it_o and_o to_o compare_v it_o to_o scripture_n before_o you_o know_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v which_o be_v yet_o worse_o he_o show_v you_o another_o thing_n for_o it_o and_o through_o all_o his_o discourse_n pretend_v be_v it_o which_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o it_o but_o utter_o unlike_o it_o viz._n particular_a tradition_n both_o before_o and_o after_o that_o universal_a tradition_n only_a which_o we_o defend_v be_v settle_v 3._o he_o fix_v a_o false_a date_n upon_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o that_o the_o vast_a source_n of_o it_o which_o with_o the_o circumstance_n annex_v be_v able_a to_o continue_v the_o current_n strong_a and_o the_o derivation_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n both_o certain_a and_o perpetual_a may_v not_o be_v reflect_v on_o to_o deform_v it_o the_o more_o he_o make_v it_o mere_o verbal_a as_o if_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o tell_v some_o dry_a story_n by_o surpress_v its_o practicalness_n in_o which_o consist_v its_o chief_a virtue_n 4._o he_o hide_v from_o your_o consideration_n all_o the_o most_o incomparable_a and_o most_o powerful_a motive_n which_o enforce_v its_o continuance_n and_o oblige_v the_o church_n never_o to_o forsake_v the_o first_o deliver_v doctrine_n 5._o he_o never_o regard_v even_o in_o those_o particular_a tradition_n whether_o they_o fail_v the_o person_n or_o the_o person_n fail_v they_o but_o suppose_v still_o the_o tradition_n be_v in_o all_o the_o fault_n without_o attempt_v to_o show_v it_o 6._o he_o will_v have_v you_o imagine_v the_o church_n in_o the_o first_o age_n consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o people_n lose_v all_o their_o memory_n and_o grace_n too_o assoon_o as_o ever_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a lest_o it_o shall_v be_v hold_v able_a and_o willing_a to_o testify_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o the_o next_o age_n which_o by_o parity_n will_v establish_v it_o a_o rule_n for_o all_o succeed_a age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world._n 7._o he_o mingle_v know_v opinion_n and_o which_o he_o hold_v himself_o not_o to_o have_v be_v universal_o deliver_v at_o first_o with_o point_n which_o we_o all_o hold_v to_o have_v be_v first_o deliver_v then_o as_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o object_n of_o tradition_n which_o and_o only_o which_o we_o pretend_v it_o be_v to_o bring_v down_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o deliver_v clear_o viz._n the_o dogmatical_a or_o controvert_v article_n of_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v practical_a he_o never_o mention_n it_o at_o all_o with_o any_o distinction_n but_o tumble_v and_o confound_v it_o with_o all_o thing_n imaginable_a for_o which_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v and_o put_v upon_o tradition_n a_o hundred_o abuse_v task_n as_o never_o think_v of_o by_o we_o so_o improper_a &_o oft_o time_n impossible_a in_o themselves_o as_o the_o derive_v down_o the_o ten_o commandment_n creed_n decree_n of_o council_n set_v form_n of_o word_n a_o infinity_o of_o particular_a passage_n not_o at_o all_o practical_a nay_o whole_a epistle_n and_o gospel_n scheme_n of_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o heathen_a philosopher_n message_n which_o use_v to_o be_v send_v by_o long_a letter_n historical_a narration_n or_o action_n and_o in_o a_o word_n every_o thing_n he_o can_v invent_v but_o the_o right_a one_o viz._n those_o controvert_v point_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o lay_v just_a before_o he_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o controversy_n which_o we_o be_v about_o determine_v our_o discourse_n to_o those_o point_n and_o nothing_o else_o this_o be_v his_o general_n view_v of_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n as_o to_o the_o way_n of_o convey_v down_o matter_n of_o faith._n he_o mean_v a_o general_n view_n which_o misrepresent_v and_o blind_v your_o sight_n of_o it_o in_o every_o particular_a in_o a_o word_n there_o be_v much_o of_o read_v conduct_v and_o wit_n in_o his_o sermon_n but_o whole_o misemploy_v to_o speak_v as_o handsome_o as_o he_o can_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o to_o miss_v the_o whole_a point_n in_o question_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o plausibility_n in_o which_o among_o his_o other_o great_a ability_n just_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v excellent_a consist_v his_o most_o considerable_a talon_n and_o dexterity_n dexterity_n 31._o so_o he_o end_v his_o sermon_n with_o good_a advice_n to_o you_o to_o follow_v christ_n heavenly_a doctrine_n in_o your_o life_n and_o conversation_n which_o as_o he_o worthy_o press_v upon_o you_o so_o i_o shall_v hearty_o pray_v that_o god_n will_v vouchsafe_v you_o his_o grace_n to_o follow_v it_o i_o be_o far_o from_o blame_v his_o or_o any_o one_o preach_v the_o wholesome_a moral_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n and_o lay_v it_o home_o to_o man_n conscience_n but_o i_o ought_v not_o if_o concern_v to_o suffer_v that_o when_o he_o pretend_v to_o speak_v to_o your_o understanding_n and_o establish_v you_o in_o faith_n he_o shall_v bubble_v his_o auditory_a with_o forty_o impertinent_a pretence_n injurious_a to_o his_o candid_a adversary_n and_o to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o to_o yourselves_o please_v and_o delude_v your_o fancy_n with_o a_o great_a show_n of_o his_o read_n and_o little_a conjectural_a reflection_n tack_v pretty_o together_o and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n send_v you_o away_o empty_a of_o know_v any_o ground_n which_o may_v render_v you_o or_o any_o absolute_o certain_a that_o what_o you_o hold_v be_v indeed_o christ_n doctrine_n that_o be_v any_o ground_n of_o perfect_a security_n that_o be_v can_v but_o be_v indeed_o his_o doctrine_n without_o be_v which_o it_o ought_v not_o be_v hold_v true._n whereas_o yet_o it_o be_v only_o this_o certainty_n which_o can_v give_v his_o or_o any_o other_o sermon_n it_o be_v full_a force_n and_o energy_n your_o servant_n in_o christ_n j._n s._n advertisement_n the_o 2_o d._n &_o 3_o d._n catholic_n letter_n be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o m._n turner_n at_o the_o lamb_n in_o high-holbourn_a the_o five_o catholic_n letter_n in_o reply_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n pretend_a answer_v to_o about_o the_o forty_o part_n of_o i._o s's_fw-fr catholic_n letter_n address_v to_o all_o impartial_a reader_n by_o john_n sergeant_n publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o matthew_n turner_n at_o the_o lamb_n in_o high-holborn_n 1688._o the_o preface_n address_v to_o the_o most_o partial_a of_o dr._n stillingfleet_n friend_n gentleman_n when_o a_o person_n be_v incomparable_o qualify_v above_o all_o other_o in_o any_o particular_a man_n use_v to_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o pattern_n in_o that_o kind_a i_o will_v not_o say_v dr_n st._n have_v manifest_v himself_o to_o be_v such_o a_o exemplar_n in_o every_o respect_n that_o can_v be_v a_o ingredient_n of_o a_o ill_a controvertist_n this_o be_v yet_o to_o be_v show_v and_o pretence_n without_o proof_n signify_v nothing_o only_o i_o may_v just_o fear_v that_o while_o you_o be_v read_v my_o reply_n to_o his_o answer_n as_o he_o call_v it_o to_o my_o catholic_n letter_n you_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o judge_v that_o i_o be_o rather_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o what_o human_a weakness_n maintain_v a_o insupportably-ill_a cause_n may_v be_v obnoxious_a to_o than_o give_v a_o just_a character_n of_o his_o performance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a that_o a_o man_n of_o his_o part_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o and_o so_o many_o incredible_a fail_n i_o acknowledge_v with_o all_o due_a respect_n to_o he_o his_o great_a endowment_n and_o be_o hearty_o glad_a in_o
the_o high_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n but_o must_v we_o still_o be_v put_v off_o with_o that_o frigid_a evasion_n that_o such_o sublime_a point_n be_v as_o intelligible_a now_o at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o time_n of_o the_o apostle_n though_o only_o couch_v in_o a_o few_o word_n in_o a_o book_n as_o they_o be_v when_o speak_v by_o those_o live_a teacher_n who_o doubtless_o not_o only_a deliver_v their_o sense_n in_o a_o few_o set_v word_n but_o such_o point_n need_v it_o explain_v it_o and_o dilate_a upon_o it_o to_o settle_v it_o better_o and_o sink_v a_o express_a conceit_n of_o it_o deep_o into_o the_o mind_n of_o their_o auditor_n can_v it_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o many_o of_o the_o people_n and_o the_o pastor_n especial_o put_v their_o doubt_n and_o ask_v they_o question_n concern_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v preach_v and_o receive_v pertinent_a answer_n none_o of_o which_o a_o book_n can_v do_v how_o ridiculous_a a_o pretence_n than_o be_v this_o yet_o this_o be_v his_o best_a shift_n for_o unless_o the_o book_n have_v this_o or_o a_o equivalent_a virtue_n to_o make_v clear_a its_o sense_n it_o can_v have_v the_o plainness_n or_o clearness_n requisite_a to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith._n he_o contend_v that_o if_o those_o point_n be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o must_v be_v so_o plain_a that_o we_o may_v be_v certain_a of_o our_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o which_o retort_v his_o discourse_n upon_o himself_o for_o if_o those_o two_o sublime_a article_n there_o speak_v of_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o the_o generality_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v without_o accuse_v the_o primitive_a church_n of_o tyranny_n for_o cast_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n who_o deny_v they_o than_o they_o must_v be_v certain_a one_o way_n or_o other_o that_o it_o be_v their_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o and_o since_o he_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o say_v this_o duty_n can_v be_v certain_o show_v they_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n it_o follow_v that_o this_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o must_v be_v make_v certain_a by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v they_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v see_v the_o whole_a force_n of_o his_o discourse_n here_o be_v build_v on_o his_o beg_v the_o question_n that_o scripture_n letter_n as_o understand_v by_o private_a judgement_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a in_o all_o necessary_a point_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o do_v without_o show_v we_o first_o which_o point_n be_v necessary_a at_o least_o those_o of_o the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n if_o he_o think_v they_o so_o and_o then_o prove_v his_o rule_n be_v plain_a in_o all_o such_o point_n and_o not_o still_o to_o suppose_v presume_v upon_o and_o occur_v to_o that_o which_o be_v yet_o under_o dispute_n ungranted_a and_o unprove_v let_v i_o then_o mind_v he_o of_o one_o piece_n of_o logic_n which_o though_o it_o be_v not_o admirable_a yet_o it_o be_v solid_a and_o never_o regard_v by_o he_o it_o be_v this_o that_o no_o argument_n have_v any_o force_n upon_o another_o but_o either_o by_o its_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o he_o must_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n to_o deny_v it_o or_o grant_v by_o his_o adversary_n so_o that_o he_o must_v either_o argue_v from_o something_o clear_a of_o itself_o or_o make_v clear_a by_o proof_n or_o else_o argue_v exit_fw-la concessis_fw-la from_o the_o party_n be_v own_o concession_n by_o which_o rule_n if_o all_o the_o reason_n he_o bring_v here_o be_v examine_v it_o will_v manifest_o appear_v he_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o word_n of_o true_a reason_n against_o i_o in_o his_o whole_a answer_n i_o do_v here_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v i_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o argument_n of_o his_o that_o have_v either_o of_o these_o qualification_n and_o to_o encourage_v he_o to_o such_o a_o performance_n if_o he_o can_v show_v i_o any_o one_o such_o i_o promise_v he_o to_o pass_v all_o the_o rest_n for_o valid_a and_o good_a i_o end_v with_o desire_v the_o consider_a reader_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o drs_n discourse_v here_o p_o 82._o and_o upon_o a_o exact_a review_n of_o it_o to_o determine_v whether_o principle_n be_v not_o deep_o lay_v here_o to_o make_v the_o socinian_o and_o many_o other_o know_v heretic_n member_n of_o his_o church_n and_o to_o free_v they_o from_o church_n censurer_n for_o if_o they_o find_v not_o in_o scripture_n that_o the_o apostle_n preach_v the_o trinity_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n in_o clear_a and_o express_a term_n and_o with_o this_o connotate_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n they_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o their_o duty_n to_o believe_v they_o the_o consequence_n of_o which_o i_o need_v not_o dilate_v on_o his_o own_o church_n be_v more_o concern_v to_o look_v to_o his_o tenet_n than_o i_o be_o 83._o 63._o he_o triumph_v much_o that_o i_o grant_v some_o may_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o christ_n teach_v he_o mean_v those_o spiritual_a point_n so_o often_o mention_v but_o if_o he_o know_v how_o little_a advantage_n he_o gain_v by_o it_o he_o will_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a his_o take_a notice_n of_o what_o may_v be_v do_v in_o a_o abstract_a case_n be_v one_o thing_n what_o if_o they_o live_v in_o a_o church_n and_o hold_v heresy_n contrary_a to_o christ_n and_o the_o church_n doctrine_n be_v another_o some_o catholic_n divine_v treat_v of_o faith_n do_v mantain_n that_o to_o hold_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n and_o punisher_n be_v simple_o enough_o for_o salvation_n if_o they_o live_v up_o to_o those_o tenet_n whence_o they_o conceive_v hope_n that_o nabuchadnezzar_n be_v save_v though_o he_o be_v no_o jew._n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o case_n christ_n have_v leave_v we_o a_o body_n of_o doctrine_n and_o since_o he_o do_v nothing_o unnecessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v the_o end_n of_o his_o come_v and_o preach_v each_o point_n conduce_v to_o that_o end_n either_o immediate_o or_o by_o consequence_n whence_o by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v a_o folly_n to_o expect_v the_o apostle_n teach_v such_o point_n as_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n other_o as_o not_o necessary_a since_o no_o point_n be_v unnecessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n except_o when_o they_o say_v for_o distinction_n dico_fw-la ego_fw-la non_fw-la christus_fw-la or_o use_v some_o equivalent_a expression_n but_o to_o return_v god_n have_v also_o settle_v a_o church_n to_o conserve_v that_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n entire_a whence_o if_o any_o fall_v into_o heresy_n contrary_a to_o that_o doctrine_n by_o misunderstand_a scripture_n letter_n in_o such_o passage_n it_o be_v her_o duty_n to_o cast_v they_o out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o deliver_v they_o over_o to_o satan_n for_o their_o contumacious_a pride_n in_o prefer_v their_o own_o private_a judgement_n before_o the_o judgement_n of_o their_o pastor_n and_o the_o church_n who_o god_n appoint_v to_o teach_v them._n whence_o i_o do_v assure_v he_o i_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o any_o one_o such_o privative_a unbeliever_n will_v ever_o be_v save_v though_o he_o hold_v some_o point_n which_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n may_v suffice_v for_o salvation_n for_o such_o a_o man_n believe_v nothing_o at_o all_o but_o upon_o his_o own_o self_n conceit_n and_o the_o very_a ground_n of_o his_o faith_n let_v he_o prate_v of_o scripture_n as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v be_v spiritual_a pride_n which_o vice_n alone_o be_v enough_o to_o damn_v he_o even_o though_o he_o hold_v all_o those_o point_n of_o christ_n faith_n to_o a_o tittle_n hence_o follow_v that_o either_o the_o primitive_a church_n as_o hint_v above_o be_v very_o uncharitable_a in_o excommunicate_v those_o who_o dissent_v from_o those_o high_a article_n or_o else_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v so_o plain_a and_o clear_a that_o it_o must_v preserve_v those_o from_o heresy_n who_o follow_v it_o and_o render_v they_o inexcusable_a who_o by_o desert_v it_o do_v fall_v into_o the_o opposite_a heresy_n and_o therefore_o that_o we_o may_v bring_v our_o discourse_n back_o to_o the_o question_n he_o must_v either_o prove_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v or_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n what_o follow_v to_o p._n 85._o be_v mere_a drollery_n which_o give_v all_o the_o seem_a strength_n to_o his_o weak_a reason_n only_o he_o have_v a_o fling_n at_o transubstantiation_n which_o be_v a_o topick_n of_o course_n in_o his_o controversy_n he_o think_v it_o be_v unnecessary_a to_o the_o church_n but_o the_o church_n it_o seem_v think_v it_o necessary_a to_o define_v it_o in_o her_o circumstance_n and_o i_o humble_o conceive_v the_o necessary_a occasion_n of_o define_v it_o be_v because_o such_o as_o he_o
letter_n or_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o that_o no_o book_n be_v lose_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o his_o problematical_a faith._n i_o must_v confess_v that_o to_o prove_v first_o principle_n false_a be_v something_o difficult_a but_o i_o have_v reduce_v the_o business_n to_o as_o narrow_a a_o compass_n as_o i_o can_v that_o he_o may_v make_v short_a work_n of_o it_o he_o recurr_v at_o present_a for_o want_v of_o some_o clear_a proof_n 93._o to_o god_n providence_n concern_v in_o preserve_a book_n write_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o which_o none_o doubt_v but_o why_o shall_v not_o god_n providence_n be_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o preserve_v his_o church_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n that_o so_o both_o all_o those_o book_n their_o letter_n and_o sense_n may_v be_v keep_v right_a as_o far_o as_o be_v necessary_a or_o why_o be_v god_n providence_n the_o less_o for_o make_v the_o church_n care_n and_o help_v the_o mean_n to_o preserve_v both_o the_o book_n and_o letter_n of_o scripture_n from_o suffer_a detriment_n last_o why_o must_v his_o providence_n be_v confine_v to_o only_a translator_n and_o transcriber_n 68_o dr_n st._n in_o his_o second_o letter_n to_o mr._n g._n p._n 32._o make_v the_o canon_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith._n to_o show_v the_o inconsistency_n of_o his_o tenet_n and_o utter_o overthrow_v his_o pretence_n of_o that_o rule_n i_o 58.59_o allege_v that_o if_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v his_o rule_n than_o his_o rule_n be_v deficient_a for_o some_o hundred_o of_o year_n till_o the_o whole_a canon_n be_v collect_v and_o acknowledge_v i_o press_v far_o that_o since_o it_o must_v take_v up_o some_o time_n ere_o those_o several_a book_n be_v spread_v and_o accept_v sometime_o the_o primitive_a church_n have_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n but_o three_o quarter_n of_o their_o faith_n half_o of_o their_o faith_n or_o less_o and_o so_o be_v but_o three-quarters_o or_o half-christians_a according_a as_o the_o several_a piece_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v universal_o accept_v for_o no_o man_n of_o sense_n can_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o cost_v some_o time_n ere_o the_o church_n so_o diffuse_v hear_v of_o all_o those_o book_n and_o much_o more_o ere_o they_o can_v be_v perfect_o satisfy_v of_o the_o universal_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n ascertain_v they_o to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v in_o regard_v it_o be_v of_o most_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o accept_v that_o for_o god_n word_n which_o be_v not_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n such_o so_o that_o we_o may_v with_o reason_n imagine_v that_o some_o church_n have_v at_o first_o but_o two_o or_o three_o book_n of_o scripture_n other_o but_o four_o or_o five_o that_o be_v well_o attest_v or_o can_v be_v rely_v on_o in_o such_o a_o high_a concern_v add_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a false_a gospel_n and_o spacious_a book_n give_v out_o under_o the_o name_n of_o have_v the_o apostle_n or_o apostolical_a man_n for_o their_o author_n which_o must_v have_v redouble_v their_o care_n and_o make_v they_o backward_o to_o receive_v any_o that_o be_v not_o authentic_a which_o will_v take_v up_o still_o more_o time_n to_o examine_v thorough_o to_o press_v my_o argument_n still_o more_o home_n i_o urge_v that_o perhaps_o according_a to_o he_o they_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o during_o that_o long_a interval_n because_o want_v other_o book_n or_o sufficient_a warrant_n to_o rely_v on_o they_o they_o by_o consequence_n want_v a_o multitude_n of_o other_o text_n with_o which_o they_o may_v compare_v those_o they_o already_o have_v which_o be_v one_o part_n of_o his_o method_n to_o find_v true_a faith_n in_o scripture_n to_o show_v more_o the_o inconsonancy_n of_o his_o doctrine_n i_o note_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o 31._o he_o declare_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o the_o primitive_a church_n though_o so_o ill_o furnish_v with_o his_o rule_n as_o on_o the_o best_a arbitrator_n between_o we_o in_o all_o our_o controversy_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o doubtful_a that_o be_v controvert_v place_n of_o scripture_n now_o one_o will_v very_o think_v this_o press_a discourse_n follow_v the_o point_n in_o question_n so_o close_a and_o pursue_v it_o so_o home_o be_v exceed_o worth_a his_o while_n to_o answer_n if_o he_o can_v since_o it_o touch_v his_o rule_n and_o his_o cause_n to_o the_o quick_a now_o le_fw-fr we_o see_v what_o he_o say_v in_o their_o defence_n the_o substance_n of_o his_o answer_n for_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v impertinent_a be_v a_o most_o doughty_a and_o most_o weighty_a word_n if_o if_o god_n say_v he_o have_v so_o abundant_o provide_v for_o his_o church_n that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o full_a revelation_n of_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o rest_n 95._o than_o the_o dispute_v the_o authority_n of_o such_o a_o epistle_n meaning_n that_o to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v not_o derogate_v from_o the_o compleatness_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith._n what_o be_v become_v of_o his_o sincerity_n and_o moral_a honesty_n which_o he_o so_o profess_v to_o love_n do_v i_o speak_v of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v not_o i_o not_o only_o speak_v of_o but_o most_o express_o discourse_v all_o along_o of_o those_o many_o or_o most_o book_n of_o scripture_n not_o universal_o know_v and_o accept_v at_o the_o very_a first_o but_o by_o degree_n spread_v and_o gain_v in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o credit_n of_o be_v authentic_a do_v not_o my_o discourse_n that_o by_o his_o principle_n the_o primitive_a church_n have_v but_o three_o quarter_n of_o her_o faith_n half_a her_o faith_n or_o less_o bar_v this_o sham_a pretence_n that_o i_o speak_v only_o of_o that_o epistle_n or_o do_v he_o think_v i_o mean_v that_o that_o single_a epistle_n be_v half_a or_o three_o quarter_n of_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n and_o now_o reader_n i_o beg_v thy_o leave_n to_o insist_v here_o upon_o this_o prevarication_n as_o a_o instance_n of_o one_o great_a part_n of_o his_o method_n in_o confute_v he_o pick_v out_o a_o word_n or_o two_o which_o may_v best_o serve_v he_o to_o slip_v away_o from_o the_o point_n and_o turn_v it_o to_o quit_v another_o business_n but_o leave_v the_o whole_a stress_n and_o full_a import_n of_o the_o argument_n unanswered_a it_o be_v tedious_a still_o to_o reflect_v how_o oft_o he_o have_v do_v thus_o in_o this_o pretend_a reply_n to_o my_o catholic_a letter_n but_o whoever_o compare_v his_o several_a answer_n to_o the_o respective_a place_n he_o pretend_v to_o speak_v to_o will_v see_v how_o dull_a and_o insignificant_a they_o be_v though_o if_o he_o be_v read_v alone_o especial_o with_o a_o implicit_a belief_n of_o his_o deal_n fair_o they_o look_v very_o jolly_a and_o brisk_a however_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n eye_n he_o be_v even_o with_o i_o in_o another_o point_n i_o say_v the_o accept_n or_o not_o accept_v book_n whether_o in_o the_o latin_a or_o greek_a church_n be_v a_o act_n of_o prudence_n antecedent_n to_o the_o judgement_n or_o determination_n of_o any_o church_n 57_o and_o so_o can_v not_o make_v or_o mar_v the_o latin_a church_n infallibility_n in_o her_o judgement_n or_o decree_n he_o fall_v into_o a_o gross_a mistake_n of_o the_o word_n antecedent_n and_o erect_v a_o trophy_n of_o victory_n upon_o his_o own_o error_n to_o clear_v which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v observe_v that_o our_o divine_n admit_v prudentiall_a consideration_n in_o any_o church_n even_o though_o hold_v infallible_a previous_a to_o her_o decree_n &_o yet_o do_v not_o hold_v that_o church_n be_v infallible_a in_o those_o act_n of_o prudence_n which_o be_v thus_o antecedent_n now_o though_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o my_o discourse_n there_o show_v clear_o that_o i_o speak_v of_o a_o antecedency_n in_o the_o course_n of_o humane_a action_n or_o of_o a_o prudentiall_a deliberation_n antecedent_n to_o a_o absolute_a decision_n he_o turn_v it_o to_o a_o antecedency_n in_o chronology_n or_o of_o more_o ancient_a writer_n 96._o and_o when_o he_o have_v apply_v that_o word_n to_o a_o wrong_a matter_n he_o have_v the_o vanity_n to_o insult_v but_o he_o say_v i_o say_v not_o a_o syllable_n to_o his_o prove_v hence_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v not_o then_o believe_v infallible_a sure_o he_o never_o consider_v what_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v for_o by_o say_v it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n antecedent_n to_o any_o degree_n i_o show_v there_o be_v no_o occasion_n to_o show_v what_o be_v then_o believe_v of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o not_o believe_v again_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o epistle_n be_v write_v by_o st._n paul_n depend_v on_o testimony_n other_o church_n may_v perhaps_o know_v that_o better_a for_o some_o time_n than_o she._n but_o the_o worst_a be_v he_o be_v prepare_v
to_o justify_v themselves_o for_o not_o believe_v rash_o or_o for_o fear_n of_o make_v they_o sure_o of_o their_o salvation_n 4._o i_o have_v allege_v far_o that_o till_o protestant_n produce_v the_o ground_n which_o prove_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a it_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v truth_n you_o put_v my_o discourse_n first_o in_o my_o word_n only_o leave_v out_o those_o which_o do_v not_o please_v you_o and_o then_o disguise_v it_o in_o your_o own_o and_o laugh_v at_o it_o for_o be_v too_o plain_o true_a for_o plain_a truth_n it_o seem_v be_v a_o ridiculous_a thing_n with_o you_o and_o you_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o more_o plain_a it_o be_v that_o you_o ought_v to_o bring_v your_o proof_n the_o less_o you_o be_v oblige_v to_o bring_v they_o thence_o you_o start_v aside_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o vulgar_a catholic_a have_v less_o certainty_n than_o the_o vulgar_a protestant_n because_o the_o one_o have_v only_o the_o word_n of_o his_o priest_n the_o other_o have_v the_o word_n of_o his_o minister_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n beside_o do_v you_o think_v catholic_a priest_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o tell_v the_o vulgar_a what_o faith_n they_o please_v as_o your_o minister_n may_v interpret_v scripture_n as_o seem_v best_a to_o their_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n when_o you_o can_v but_o know_v they_o dare_v not_o teach_v they_o any_o faith_n but_o what_o the_o church_n hold_v nor_o do_v the_o church_n hold_v any_o but_o upon_o tradition_n again_o you_o do_v well_o to_o say_v your_o people_n have_v it_o in_o scripture_n or_o in_o a_o book_n for_o they_o have_v it_o no_o where_o else_o and_o you_o know_v the_o vulgar_a socinian_o and_o presbyterian_o and_o all_o the_o rest_n have_v it_o as_o much_o there_o as_o your_o vulgar_a protestant_n notwithstanding_o all_o you_o have_v say_v or_o can_v say_v and_o then_o i_o suppose_v you_o do_v not_o think_v they_o true_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n on_o their_o side_n unless_o you_o think_v the_o word_n of_o god_n say_v different_a thing_n to_o different_a hearer_n when_o you_o prove_v that_o you_o and_o your_o minister_n have_v any_o certain_a mean_n of_o make_v it_o out_o that_o the_o sense_n which_o by_o their_o explain_n and_o catechise_v they_o put_v upon_o the_o write_a character_n be_v true_o god_n mean_v you_o will_v do_v something_o make_v many_o convert_v and_o myself_o one_o among_o the_o rest_n till_o then_o to_o possess_v your_o vulgar_a protestant_n with_o a_o conceit_n of_o have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v mere_o to_o delude_v they_o sure_o you_o want_v a_o common-place_n to_o furnish_v out_o your_o paragraph_n or_o else_o write_v it_o in_o a_o dream_n for_o 5._o to_o tell_v i_o that_o truth_n can_v depend_v no_o more_o upon_o the_o say_v of_o a_o romish_a priest_n than_o of_o a_o english_a minister_n when_o i_o tell_v you_o it_o depend_v not_o on_o any_o private_a man_n saying_n be_v not_o a_o reply_n of_o a_o man_n well_o awake_a in_o two_o word_n bring_v you_o proof_n say_v i_o the_o say_v that_o be_v the_o no-proof_n of_o a_o minister_n be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o no-proof_n of_o a_o priest_n say_v you_o and_o the_o short_a and_o the_o long_o be_v no_o proof_n i_o thank_v you_o 5._o but_o two_o thing_n say_v you_o follow_v from_o my_o position_n ibid._n which_o you_o fear_v i_o will_v not_o grant_v the_o first_o be_v that_o if_o we_o can_v with_o reason_n hold_v a_o truth_n till_o the_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o it_o be_v produce_v we_o can_v with_o reason_n hold_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n namely_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v determine_v it_o for_o her_o determination_n be_v no_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o only_o a_o outward_a testimony_n or_o declaration_n of_o it_o and_o then_o what_o be_v become_v either_o of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o authority_n to_o command_v our_o faith_n as_o slip_v of_o honest_a ignorance_n deserve_v compassion_n and_o instruction_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v this_o to_o be_v any_o more_o i_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o set_v you_o right_n authority_n among_o those_o who_o already_o admit_v it_o for_o true_a have_v force_n to_o prove_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o and_o will_v conclude_v against_o those_o who_o allow_v its_o veracity_n if_o it_o be_v show_v to_o be_v engage_v against_o they_o but_o it_o have_v not_o this_o effect_n upon_o human_a nature_n by_o its_o proper_a power_n as_o it_o be_v mere_a authority_n but_o because_o intrinsical_a medium_n justify_v it_o to_o be_v worthy_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o whence_o let_v that_o authority_n come_v into_o dispute_n it_o will_v lose_v its_o credit_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o such_o medium_n to_o deserve_v what_o it_o pretend_v to_o and_o hence_o you_o see_v we_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n in_o derive_v down_o christian_n faith._n to_o clear_a this_o far_a i_o advance_v this_o fundamental_a position_n viz._n no_o authority_n deserve_v any_o assent_n far_o than_o reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o therefore_o without_o abate_v any_o thing_n of_o our_o respect_n we_o may_v affirm_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n will_v be_v no_o great_a than_o that_o of_o a_o old_a woman_n or_o one_o of_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n be_v there_o no_o more_o reason_n to_o be_v give_v for_o believe_v the_o former_a than_o there_o be_v for_o believe_v the_o late_a and_o consonant_o to_o this_o doctrine_n we_o declare_v to_o you_o that_o when_o dr._n st._n come_v to_o argue_v either_o out_o of_o authority_n of_o writer_n or_o instance_n depend_v on_o their_o authority_n against_o tradition_n he_o shall_v be_v press_v to_o make_v out_o by_o intrinsical_a medium_n they_o be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o they_o shall_v deserve_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o contemn_v as_o inconclusive_a by_o this_o time_n i_o hope_v you_o see_v that_o all_o truth_n be_v build_v on_o intrinsical_a medium_n and_o that_o whereas_o you_o apprehend_v they_o will_v overthrow_v our_o church_n testimony_n or_o authority_n such_o medium_n in_o case_n we_o produce_v they_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o establish_v it_o and_o give_v it_o force_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o other_o as_o also_o how_o it_o come_v that_o the_o church_n can_v oblige_v to_o belief_n which_o be_v not_o by_o a_o dry_a command_a our_o faith_n as_o you_o apprehend_v but_o by_o have_v its_o human_a authority_n so_o solid_o ground_v upon_o reason_n that_o itself_o become_v a_o motive_n able_a to_o beget_v according_a to_o the_o best_a maxim_n of_o rational_a nature_n such_o a_o assent_n in_o we_o to_o this_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v such_o doctrine_n but_o what_o a_o put_v off_o be_v this_o we_o say_v truth_n be_v not_o therefore_o truth_n because_o of_o man_n bare_a say_n or_o authority_n and_o therefore_o demand_v your_o proof_n from_o intrinsical_a medium_n for_o thither_o it_o must_v come_v ere_o it_o be_v know_v for_o truth_n to_o make_v out_o what_o you_o pretend_v your_o answer_n in_o effect_n be_v you_o be_v afraid_a to_o do_v it_o lest_o you_o shall_v destroy_v our_o church_n infallibility_n and_o authority_n how_o much_o be_v our_o church_n in_o your_o debt_n that_o the_o care_n of_o she_o make_v you_o careless_a of_o those_o soul_n in_o your_o own_o church_n to_o who_o you_o owe_v this_o satisfaction_n 6._o the_o second_o thing_n you_o fear_v i_o will_v not_o grant_v be_v a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o common_a people_n 5._o with_o which_o they_o may_v discern_v the_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o truth_n you_o give_v yourself_o at_o first_o the_o character_n of_o a_o scrupulous_a man_n and_o i_o see_v by_o this_o you_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o maintain_v it_o you_o know_v that_o those_o who_o write_v and_o print_n can_v have_v no_o design_n their_o book_n shall_v not_o be_v read_v and_o you_o know_v those_o that_o read_v will_n and_o must_v judge_v of_o what_o they_o do_v read_v and_o yet_o your_o scrupulosity_n can_v fear_v i_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o common_a people_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o intrinsical_a ground_n of_o truth_n who_o take_v pain_n they_o may_v judge_v put_v it_o into_o their_o power_n to_o judge_v and_o out_o of_o my_o own_o and_o so_o can_v hinder_v they_o though_o i_o will_v indeed_o i_o think_v it_o no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n to_o pretend_v to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n by_o light_n that_o do_v not_o show_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n i_o wish_v and_o labour_n people_n shall_v not_o venture_v their_o soul_n but_o i_o disallow_v no_o other_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n full_a
may_v make_v false_a construction_n and_o yet_o the_o rule_n be_v a_o good_a rule_n though_o you_o shall_v go_v thither_o for_o your_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n we_o shall_v be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v for_o as_o the_o grammar-rule_n let_v it_o be_v never_o so_o ill_o understand_v will_v make_v good_a construction_n in_o case_n it_o be_v use_v so_o the_o scripture-rule_n if_o it_o be_v as_o you_o put_v it_o use_v must_v needs_o produce_v right_a sense_n but_o the_o truth_n be_v a_o grammar-rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n till_o it_o be_v understand_v for_o he_o who_o understand_v not_o what_o it_o be_v for_o case_n and_o verb_n to_o agree_v have_v no_o rule_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v and_o then_o if_o you_o will_v make_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n such_o a_o rule_n you_o will_v make_v the_o letter_n first_o understand_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o understand_v it_o and_o people_n misunderstand_v what_o they_o understand_v and_o the_o misunderstand_v rule_n be_v a_o rule_n which_o be_v only_o a_o rule_n by_o be_v understand_v in_o short_a turn_v it_o which_o way_n you_o will_v you_o will_v to_o borrow_v a_o expression_n be_v much_o behold_v to_o the_o reader_n to_o make_v sense_n of_o what_o you_o say_v 22._o you_o question_v on_o must_v a_o way_n be_v a_o wrong_a way_n because_o some_o that_o take_v it_o will_v not_o keep_v it_o 15._o riddle_z my_o riddle_n again_o pray_v who_o be_v or_o can_v be_v those_o some_o who_o take_v it_o and_o will_v not_o keep_v it_o as_o long_o as_o they_o take_v it_o they_o keep_v it_o i_o think_v and_o they_o keep_v it_o not_o against_o their_o will_n sure_a he_o who_o have_v no_o will_n to_o keep_v it_o may_v when_o he_o please_v go_v out_o of_o it_o but_o then_o he_o do_v no_o long_o take_v it_o and_o be_v none_o of_o the_o some_o of_o who_o the_o question_n speak_v for_o they_o all_o take_v it_o and_o so_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o he_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o will_v here_o be_v to_o no_o more_o purpose_n than_o the_o understanding_n before_o for_o he_o who_o take_v the_o way_n shall_v certain_o arrive_v at_o his_o journey_n end_v let_v he_o will_v what_o he_o please_v and_o the_o way_n must_v needs_o be_v a_o wrong_a way_n if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v great_a pity_n you_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_a you_o will_v save_v more_o man_n than_o the_o benefit_n of_o their_o clergy_n for_o the_o thief_n in_o a_o cart_n upon_o the_o way_n to_o tyburn_n will_v never_o come_v there_o if_o willing_a not_o to_o keep_v that_o way_n will_v keep_v he_o from_o it_o but_o by_o affirm_v that_o some_o take_v the_o way_n who_o yet_o will_v not_o keep_v it_o you_o affirm_v that_o some_o do_v and_o do_v not_o take_v it_o and_o so_o dr._n st._n be_v well_o help_v up_o with_o a_o reflecter_n who_o imagine_v we_o be_v talk_v of_o one_o who_o only_o take_v the_o way_n at_o first_o and_o afterward_o leave_v it_o whereas_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o argument_n proceed_v of_o such_o as_o make_v the_o way_n their_o choice_n and_o persist_v to_o follow_v no_o other_o to_o their_o life_n end._n ibid._n 23._o last_o you_o tell_v we_o that_o till_o it_o be_v prove_v god_n have_v leave_v such_o a_o way_n or_o rule_n as_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o err_v out_o of_o it_o mistake_v it_o or_o abuse_v it_o etc._n etc._n for_o you_o must_v permit_v i_o to_o stop_v by_o the_o way_n i_o be_o too_o short_a breathe_v to_o run_v over_o the_o long_a period_n at_o a_o loose_a but_o let_v you_o alone_o to_o make_v all_o sure_a you_o be_v safe_a enough_o if_o all_o must_v go_v on_o your_o side_n till_o some_o body_n prove_v to_o you_o that_o no_o man_n can_v err_v out_o of_o the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n mistake_v or_o abuse_v it_o that_o be_v till_o some_o body_n prove_v that_o way_n be_v prison_n out_o of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o escape_n or_o that_o the_o man_n can_v possible_o fall_v into_o error_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o way_n to_o truth_n as_o many_o as_o leave_v the_o catholic_n church_n leave_v the_o way_n leave_v by_o god_n and_o you_o like_o a_o right_n pleasant_a man_n will_v have_v it_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n can_v possible_o be_v do_v which_o we_o see_v be_v do_v by_o million_o and_o will_v have_v we_o who_o say_v they_o all_o do_v err_v and_o mistake_v prove_v they_o can_v all_o this_o while_n i_o a_o little_a suspect_v you_o mean_v otherwise_o than_o you_o say_v and_o that_o by_o your_o word_n error_n and_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v of_o the_o way_n you_o understand_v miss_v the_o end_n of_o the_o way_n truth_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o you_o will_v make_v of_o it_o what_o will_v you_o have_v prove_v next_o why_o that_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o god_n have_v leave_v we_o such_o a_o way_n or_o rule_n as_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o observe_v if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o what_o do_v you_o call_v be_v want_v to_o themselves_o i_o understand_v how_o a_o man_n that_o will_v not_o travel_v or_o leave_v a_o right_a and_o take_v a_o wrong_a way_n be_v want_v to_o himself_o but_o he_o who_o put_v himself_o upon_o the_o way_n continue_v on_o in_o it_o and_o change_v not_o his_o road_n be_v not_o want_v to_o himself_o in_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v imagine_v which_o belong_v to_o the_o way_n and_o the_o way_n of_o this_o traveller_n i_o maintain_v against_o you_o have_v not_o enough_o to_o be_v a_o way_n if_o it_o bare_o may_v and_o yet_o may_v not_o bring_v he_o to_o his_o journey_n end._n what_o will_v this_o come_v to_o at_o last_o why_o till_o these_o thing_n be_v prove_v it_o will_v not_o follow_v that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n in_o the_o sense_n you_o have_v own_a it_o be_v not_o the_o way_n though_o not_o only_a presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o but_o the_o great_a number_n of_o mankind_n shall_v own_v it_o and_o yet_o differ_v about_o fundamental_a point_n contain_v in_o it_o what_o you_o call_v the_o sense_n which_o you_o own_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n will_v come_v by_o and_o by_o but_o will_v not_o that_o follow_v which_o you_o say_v here_o will_v not_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o the_o way_n by_o which_o a_o man_n that_o go_v in_o it_o come_v to_o error_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o truth_n will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o at_o his_o journey_n end_v find_v himself_o at_o york_n do_v not_o go_v the_o way_n to_o london_n pray_v what_o be_v the_o way_n to_o a_o place_n be_v it_o not_o that_o passage_n that_o he_o who_o have_v pass_v it_o find_v himself_o at_o that_o place_n and_o so_o the_o way_n to_o know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v it_o not_o the_o mean_n which_o he_o who_o have_v use_v know_v that_o doctrine_n why_o then_o since_o presbyterian_o and_o socinian_o both_o interpret_v by_o their_o private_a judgement_n and_o one_o side_n know_v not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n it_o follow_v as_o unavoidable_o that_o the_o way_n of_o private_a interpretation_n be_v no_o sure_a way_n to_o know_v it_o as_o that_o he_o who_o have_v go_v through_o the_o strand_n and_o find_v himself_o at_o charing_n cross_n have_v not_o go_v the_o way_n to_o moorfield_n that_o be_v as_o certain_o as_o that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n or_o mean_n to_o bring_v a_o man_n to_o such_o a_o place_n 24._o what_o do_v you_o talk_v then_o of_o err_v for_o and_o mistake_v and_o abuse_v the_o way_n or_o what_o do_v you_o mean_v it_o be_v true_a those_o err_a man_n do_v mistake_v the_o true_a way_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n err_v but_o they_o mistake_v not_o the_o way_n which_o you_o say_v be_v the_o true_a way_n they_o do_v interpret_v by_o their_o private_a judgement_n and_o so_o take_v not_o mistake_v it_o use_v not_o abuse_v it_o sure_o you_o mean_v that_o they_o mistake_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o so_o by_o mistake_v the_o way_n you_o very_o wise_o understand_v mistake_v the_o end._n and_o then_o what_o a_o man_n be_v you_o to_o contend_v their_o way_n be_v a_o way_n and_o a_o sure_a way_n too_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n when_o they_o pursue_v it_o and_o be_v not_o bring_v to_o that_o knowledge_n and_o what_o eye_n have_v you_o who_o perceive_v not_o that_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v a_o sure_a way_n again_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v you_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n may_v understand_v and_o observe_v as_o if_o observe_v concern_v our_o question_n of_o know_v if_o they_o be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o when_o they_o who_o take_v a_o right_a way_n not_o only_o may_v but_o must_v and_o can_v possible_o fail_v of_o come_v whither_o
thing_n than_o the_o credit_n of_o those_o two_o or_o three_o first_o witness_n go_v it_o be_v the_o first_o source_n of_o a_o testimony_n which_o give_v the_o succeed_a one_o all_o their_o weight_n to_o prove_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v witness_v to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v that_o from_o which_o the_o largeness_n and_o firmness_n of_o a_o testimony_n bring_v to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v or_o calculate_v since_o then_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n for_o doctrine_n have_v for_o its_o source_n innumerable_a multitude_n of_o those_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n in_o many_o place_n of_o the_o world_n who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o and_o see_v they_o settle_v the_o practice_n of_o it_o in_o the_o respective_a church_n but_o the_o original_a testifier_n that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v write_v by_o such_o or_o such_o a_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n be_v very_o few_o in_o comparison_n sometime_o perhaps_o not_o past_o two_o or_o three_o it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o sense_n be_v pretend_v that_o the_o tradition_n for_o the_o several_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v in_o any_o degree_n comparable_a in_o either_o regard_n to_o the_o tradition_n for_o doctrine_n your_o next_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o universal_a tradition_n be_v no_o more_o but_o human_a testimony_n 19_o and_o that_o can_v be_v no_o ground_n for_o infallibility_n which_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o error_n pray_o why_o not_o if_o thing_n be_v so_o order_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v that_o the_o testifier_n can_v neither_o be_v deceive_v in_o the_o doctrine_n be_v breed_v and_o bring_v up_o to_o it_o nor_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v the_o world_n in_o any_o age_n that_o the_o new_a doctrine_n they_o have_v invent_v be_v immediate_o deliver_v then_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a any_o error_n can_v come_v in_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o doctrine_n deliver_v from_o the_o beginning_n but_o be_v not_o your_o tradition_n for_o scripture_n human_n testimony_n too_o and_o if_o that_o can_v be_v erroneous_a may_v not_o all_o christian_a faith_n by_o your_o principle_n be_v perhaps_o a_o company_n of_o lie_v story_n you_o must_v be_v force_v by_o your_o own_o word_n here_o to_o confess_v it_o but_o i_o dare_v say_v your_o parishioner_n shall_v you_o open_o avow_v it_o will_v hate_v you_o for_o the_o blasphemy_n you_o will_v tell_v they_o i_o doubt_v not_o as_o you_o do_v we_o that_o moral_a certainty_n be_v enough_o to_o stand_v on_o such_o a_o foundation_n that_o be_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o may_v deceive_v you_o and_o by_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n may_v haste_v to_o overturn_v the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o christian_a faith._n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o see_v how_o manifest_o you_o contradict_v dr._n st._n when_o you_o shall_v defend_v he_o he_o avow_v 7._o absolute_a certainty_n for_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o this_o upon_o the_o foundation_n of_o tradition_n and_o you_o tell_v we_o here_o tradition_n can_v ground_v but_o moral_a certainty_n now_o all_o the_o world_n till_o you_o write_v counter_o distinguish_v absolute_a and_o moral_a certainty_n which_o you_o jumble_v in_o one_o but_o distinct_a they_o ever_o be_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v for_o the_o word_n moral_a signify_v a_o diminution_n or_o imperfection_n of_o certainty_n and_o absolute_a plain_o express_v the_o perfection_n of_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o either_o you_o contradict_v dr._n st._n perhaps_o not_o without_o his_o private_a order_n or_o he_o himself_o we_o shall_v have_v all_o word_n short_o lose_v their_o signification_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o to_o give_v you_o room_n to_o shift_v this_o way_n and_o that_o when_o you_o be_v too_o close_o press_v with_o reason_n 35._o now_o since_o dr._n st._n have_v grant_v that_o tradition_n be_v absolute_o certain_a for_o scripture_n and_o i_o have_v prove_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o infallibility_n what_o shall_v hinder_v i_o from_o infer_v 21._o that_o unless_o some_o special_a difficulty_n be_v find_v in_o other_o thing_n that_o light_n into_o the_o same_o channel_n it_o must_v bring_v they_o down_o infallible_o too_o your_o gift_n of_o interpretation_n expound_v these_o word_n of_o i_o thus_o these_o other_o thing_n be_v thing_n unwritten_a in_o that_o holy_a book_n 21._o i_o do_v assure_v you_o sir_n you_o be_v mighty_o mistake_v i_o never_o tell_v you_o yet_o that_o all_o faith_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n explicit_o or_o implicit_o what_o i_o mean_v be_v that_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o not_o only_o that_o such_o a_o book_n be_v scripture_n nay_o the_o selfsame_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n or_o the_o church_n testimony_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o among_o other_o that_o the_o church_n that_o testify_v it_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o her_o breast_n can_v explain_v her_o meaning_n so_o as_o to_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o question_n to_o learner_n doubter_n and_o enquirer_n which_o the_o scripture_n can_v whence_o we_o need_v not_o fish_n for_o our_o faith_n in_o the_o channel_n of_o tiber_n as_o your_o great_a wit_n tell_v we_o st._n peter_n ship_n the_o church_n that_o catch_v so_o many_o fish_n at_o first_o the_o body_n of_o primitive_a christian_n who_o be_v the_o first_o deliverer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n have_v store_v up_o provision_n enough_o for_o the_o succession_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o world_n end_n there_o we_o find_v it_o to_o our_o hand_n it_o be_v your_o sober_a enquirer_n who_o fish_n for_o it_o among_o dead_a unsense_v character_n and_o in_o the_o lake_n of_o geneva_n from_o whence_o to_o save_v the_o labour_n of_o go_v thither_o you_o and_o your_o friend_n be_v derive_v a_o great_a channel_n to_o run_v into_o thames_n over-swell_a its_o bank_n and_o drown_v all_o the_o church_n lacus_n lemanus_n be_v your_o tiber_n geneva_n your_o rome_n and_o john_n calvin_n the_o prime_n of_o your_o new_a apostle_n your_o st._n peter_n 36._o all_o this_o be_v but_o prelude_n but_o now_o come_v mr._n g's_o argument_n and_o therefore_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v now_o however_o you_o but_o trifle_v hitherto_o more_o pertinent_a &_o close_a discourse_n the_o first_o proposition_n be_v this_o all_o traditionary_a christian_n believe_v the_o same_o to_o day_n they_o do_v yesterday_o &_o so_o up_o to_o the_o time_n of_o our_o b._n saviour_n this_o you_o seem_v to_o deny_v in_o regard_n they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v so_o call_v from_o their_o adhere_v to_o a_o tradition_n which_o reach_v not_o so_o high_a as_o our_o saviour_n time_n but_o only_o pretend_v to_o it_o whither_o we_o only_o pretend_v to_o it_o or_o no_o will_v be_v see_v hereafter_o when_o the_o four_o proposition_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n pray_v jumble_v not_o two_o question_n which_o be_v distinct_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v keep_v so_o the_o whole_a business_n here_o be_v about_o the_o use_n or_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n traditionary_a &_o how_o we_o both_o take_v it_o in_o our_o present_a controversy_n now_o that_o we_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n whence_o traditionary_a be_v derive_v be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o we_o lay_v claim_v to_o such_o a_o tradition_n as_o reach_n to_o christ_n and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o you_o deny_v our_o claim_n and_o endeavour_v to_o disprove_v it_o but_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o deny_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o we_o which_o we_o lay_v claim_n to_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v not_o talk_v of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o so_o shall_v not_o understand_v one_o another_o nor_o can_v discourse_v together_o wherefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a we_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o notion_n or_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n however_o we_o disagree_v in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o person_n nor_o do_v we_o pretend_v in_o the_o least_o what_o you_o will_v put_v upon_o we_o here_o to_o infer_v hence_o that_o this_o body_n of_o christian_n that_o now_o adhere_v to_o it_o do_v always_o so_o but_o only_o contend_v that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o ever_o adhere_v to_o it_o they_o must_v have_v desert_v it_o and_o take_v up_o another_o rule_n and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v true_a claimer_n of_o a_o tradition_n from_o christ_n or_o traditionary_a christian_n moreover_o we_o judge_v we_o have_v right_a to_o lay_v claim_n to_o it_o till_o we_o be_v drive_v out_o of_o it_o by_o a_o former_a and_o better_a title_n since_o we_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o this_o rule_n at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o reformation_n or_o hold_v all_o our_o faith_n upon_o that_o tenure_n 37._o the_o second_o proposition_n be_v this_o if_o they_o follow_v this_o rule_n they_o can_v
against_o too_o by_o other_o yet_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o like_o some_o i_o know_v to_o turn_v a_o dispute_n into_o a_o wrangle_n but_o shall_v apply_v myself_o to_o show_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n be_v from_o deserve_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o such_o injurious_a reflection_n 10._o but_o before_o i_o go_v far_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o your_o quote_v f._n warner_n here_o p._n 8._o and_o your_o appeal_n to_o he_o where_o you_o put_v haeresis_fw-la blacloana_n in_o the_o margin_n by_o which_o you_o seem_v to_o hint_n that_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o that_o book_n and_o a_o adversary_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o tradition_n even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o judge_v it_o not_o sound_v in_o faith_n for_o no_o less_o aversion_n can_v make_v you_o very_o much_o question_n whether_o f._n w._n will_v absolve_v any_o man_n who_o profess_v to_o embrace_v catholic_n faith_n on_o mr._n g_n ground_n 13._o but_o as_o that_o very_o reverend_a person_n declare_v he_o never_o see_v that_o book_n till_o some_o of_o they_o be_v present_v he_o bind_v so_o himself_o have_v forestal_a your_o little_a policy_n aim_v to_o set_v we_o at_o variance_n in_o our_o tenet_n in_o his_o anti-haman_n p._n 203._o we_o catholic_n have_v faith_n because_o we_o believe_v firm_o those_o truth_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v because_o he_o reveal_v they_o to_o the_o church_n which_o as_o a_o faithful_a witness_n give_v hitherto_o and_o will_v give_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n testimony_n to_o that_o revelation_n and_o we_o can_v be_v heretic_n because_o we_o never_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o choose_v ourselves_o or_o admit_v what_o other_o choose_v but_o we_o take_v bona_fw-la fide_fw-la what_o be_v deliver_v we_o reveal_v by_o the_o great_a authority_n imaginable_a on_o earth_n which_o be_v that_o of_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o proceed_v hear_v then_o be_v the_o tenure_n of_o our_o faith._n the_o father_n send_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n consubstantial_a to_o himself_o into_o the_o world_n and_o what_o he_o hear_v of_o his_o father_n he_o make_v know_v to_o we_o io._n 15.11_o the_o father_n and_o son_n send_v the_o h._n ghost_n and_o he_o do_v not_o speak_v of_o himself_o but_o what_o he_o hear_v that_o he_o speak_v io._n 16.13_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v the_o apostle_n and_o they_o declare_v unto_o we_o what_o they_o have_v see_v and_o hear_v 1_o io._n 1.3_o the_o apostle_n send_v the_o high_a and_o low_a prelate_n in_o the_o church_n and_o the_o rule_n by_o which_o they_o frame_v their_o decree_n be_v let_v nothing_o be_v alter_v in_o the_o depositum_fw-la let_v no_o innovation_n be_v admit_v in_o what_o be_v deliver_v quod_fw-la traditum_fw-la est_fw-la non_fw-la innovetur_fw-la but_o he_o more_o express_o yet_o declare_v himself_o no_o adversary_n to_o this_o way_n ibid._n p._n 267._o your_o friend_n mr._n g._n b._n have_v call_v this_o way_n of_o prove_v doctrine_n that_o they_o have_v they_o from_o their_o father_n they_o from_o they_o a_o new_a method_n of_o prove_v popish_a doctrine_n and_o receive_v for_o answer_v these_o word_n you_o discover_v your_o ignorance_n in_o say_v that_o method_n be_v new_a or_o that_o arnaud_n invent_v it_o mr._n thomas_n white_n have_v it_o before_o arnaud_n mr._n fisher_n a_o jesuite_n before_o t._n w._n bellarmin_n before_o he_o &_o st._n austin_n st._n stephen_n pope_n &_o tertullian_n before_o they_o all_o where_o you_o see_v he_o both_o allow_v this_o very_a method_n we_o take_v as_o practise_v by_o modern_a controvertist_n of_o note_n nay_o by_o some_o of_o his_o own_o order_n too_o who_o he_o be_v far_o from_o disapprove_v and_o by_o ancient_a father_n also_o who_o he_o high_o venerate_v your_o petty_a project_n thus_o defeat_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o open_v your_o eye_n if_o they_o be_v not_o which_o god_n grant_v they_o be_v not_o wilful_o shut_v 11._o the_o asserter_n of_o tradition_n observe_v that_o the_o adversary_n they_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o admit_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_a hold_v it_o the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o put_v a_o speedy_a end_n to_o all_o controversy_n which_o experience_n teach_v they_o be_v otherwise_o liable_a to_o be_v spin_v out_o into_o a_o voluminous_a length_n and_o the_o most_o efficacious_a method_n to_o conclude_v all_o the_o heterodox_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n hold_v now_o by_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v christ_n or_o the_o selfsame_a that_o be_v teach_v at_o first_o by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n it_o be_v bootless_a for_o they_o to_o attempt_v to_o prove_v this_o by_o text_n of_o scripture_n manage_v by_o their_o private_a wit_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n depend_v on_o christ_n teach_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a christ_n teach_v it_o it_o can_v not_o be_v evince_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o be_v true._n now_o the_o same_o experience_n inform_v they_o that_o no_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n make_v by_o private_a judgement_n of_o themselves_o or_o other_o can_v arrive_v to_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o will_v leave_v faith_n under_o the_o scandalous_a ignominy_n of_o be_v possible_o and_o perhaps_o actual_o false_a it_o be_v to_o as_o little_a purpose_n to_o allege_v against_o such_o adversary_n the_o divine_a assistance_n to_o the_o church_n or_o christ_n promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o it_o as_o you_o very_o weak_o object_v to_o mr._n g._n p._n 16._o as_o not_o once_o assert_v by_o he_o for_o though_o this_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o faithful_a yet_o it_o be_v disow_v by_o all_o those_o heterodox_n and_o be_v itself_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o seem_v improper_a to_o be_v produce_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith._n beside_o how_o shall_v they_o prove_v this_o divine_a assistance_n if_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o their_o private_a judgement_n these_o not_o be_v absolute_o certain_a it_o will_v have_v weaken_a the_o establishment_n of_o that_o grand_a article_n which_o to_o the_o faithful_a be_v a_o kind_n of_o principle_n to_o all_o the_o rest_n in_o regard_n that_o upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o it_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o all_o the_o other_o article_n be_v to_o depend_v if_o by_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a to_o defend_v that_o method_n not_o to_o run_v round_o in_o a_o circle_n whereas_o all_o regular_a discourse_n ought_v to_o proceed_v straight_o forward_o these_o consideration_n oblige_v they_o to_o set_v themselves_o to_o make_v out_o by_o natural_a medium_n that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o such_o a_o great_a body_n as_o be_v that_o of_o the_o church_n be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o infallible_a in_o convey_v down_o many_o visible_a and_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n or_o rather_o far_o above_o the_o rest_n the_o subject_a be_v practical_a and_o of_o infinite_a concern_v that_o such_o and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v first_o teach_v to_o the_o age_n contiguous_a to_o the_o apostle_n and_o continue_v ever_o since_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o resolve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n into_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o authority_n and_o consequent_o these_o be_v suppose_v by_o both_o party_n to_o be_v divine_a into_o the_o divine_a authority_n grant_v by_o all_o to_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o divine_a faith._n 12._o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o that_o affair_n and_o now_o i_o beseech_v you_o learned_a sir_n where_o be_v the_o polagianism_n where_o be_v the_o least_o ground_n or_o shadow_n of_o ground_n for_o all_o these_o bugbear_n word_n and_o false_a accusation_n which_o to_o make_v they_o sink_v deep_o into_o the_o reader_n be_v belief_n and_o create_v a_o more_o perfect_a abhorrence_n of_o our_o tenet_n come_v mask_v here_o under_o a_o affect_a show_n of_o godliness_n all_o hold_v their_o faith_n rely_v on_o the_o divine_a or_o christ_n authority_n into_o which_o they_o final_o resolve_v it_o and_o all_o catholic_n hold_v grace_n necessary_a to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o divine_a faith_n though_o all_o perhaps_o do_v not_o judge_v grace_n needful_a to_o believe_v upon_o human_a authority_n this_o matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o christ_n teach_v it_o yet_o myself_o in_o 154._o faith_n vindicate_v see_v that_o the_o admit_v this_o truth_n will_v oblige_v the_o heterodox_n to_o relinquish_v their_o ill-chosen_a tenet_n and_o return_v to_o the_o church_n against_o which_o they_o have_v a_o strong_a aversion_n do_v there_o declare_v my_o particular_a sentiment_n that_o god_n grace_n and_o some_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v require_v to_o make_v they_o willing_a to_o see_v the_o force_n even_o of_o this_o natural_a demonstration_n so_o much_o against_o their_o humour_n and_o interest_n be_v it_o
pelagianism_n to_o conclude_v that_o human_a motive_n which_o be_v preliminary_n to_o faith_n and_o on_o which_o the_o assuredness_n of_o faith_n itself_o depend_v as_o to_o we_o be_v true_o certain_a and_o may_v you_o not_o with_o as_o much_o reason_n say_v the_o same_o if_o one_o shall_v maintain_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o our_o sense_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o preliminary_n how_o strange_o do_v you_o misrepresent_v every_o thing_n you_o be_v to_o meddle_v with_o how_o constant_o do_v you_o make_v your_o voluntary_a mistake_n of_o every_o point_n serve_v for_o a_o confutation_n of_o it_o it_o be_v confess_v &_o ever_o be_v that_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n beget_v only_o human_a faith_n as_o its_o immediate_a effect_n but_o by_o bring_v it_o up_o to_o christ_n it_o lead_v we_o to_o what_o be_v divine_a yet_o not_o by_o its_o own_o force_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o supposition_n agree_v upon_o that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v such_o be_v it_o pelagianism_n to_o say_v we_o must_v use_v our_o reason_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n or_o do_v you_o pretend_v all_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o worst_a of_o fanatic_n and_o use_v none_o or_o do_v it_o trouble_v you_o we_o offer_v to_o justify_v that_o the_o reason_n we_o bring_v to_o make_v good_a that_o preliminary_n which_o in_o our_o way_n of_o discourse_v be_v to_o introduce_v faith_n be_v not_o such_o as_o may_v deceive_v we_o and_o that_o we_o do_v not_o confess_v they_o be_v fallible_a or_o may_v deceive_v we_o as_o you_o grant_v of_o your_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o ground_n your_o belief_n no_o sure_o we_o shall_v not_o quit_v the_o certainty_n we_o have_v because_o you_o have_v none_o for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a such_o doctrine_n be_v indeed_o christ_n who_o be_v our_o lawgiver_n we_o can_v be_v sure_a they_o be_v true_a their_o truth_n depend_v on_o his_o authority_n and_o will_v you_o have_v we_o for_o fear_n of_o pelagianism_n confess_v all_o our_o faith_n may_v perhaps_o be_v but_o a_o story_n but_o into_o what_o a_o unadvisedness_n do_v your_o anger_n transport_v you_o to_o run_v the_o weapon_n through_o your_o own_o side_n to_o do_v we_o a_o mischief_n you_o bear_v we_o in_o hand_n first_o letter_n p._n 7._o that_o you_o have_v a_o large_a and_o firm_a tradition_n for_o scripture_n than_o we_o have_v for_o what_o we_o pretend_v to_o yet_o this_o tradition_n can_v cause_v no_o more_o but_o human_a faith_n for_o i_o do_v not_o think_v you_o will_v say_v you_o have_v divine_a faith_n before_o you_o be_v get_v to_o your_o rule_n of_o divine_a faith._n by_o your_o discourse_n then_o yourself_o be_v a_o arrant_a pelagian_a too_o perhaps_o worse_a than_o we_o because_o you_o pretend_v to_o a_o large_a and_o firm_a human_n tradition_n than_o you_o say_v we_o have_v nay_o you_o pretend_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a too_o which_o be_v a_o dangerous_a point_n indeed_o pray_v have_v a_o care_n what_o you_o do_v for_o you_o be_v upon_o the_o very_a brink_n of_o pelagianism_n the_o know_v you_o have_v the_o true_a book_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o most_o necessary_a preliminary_n to_o your_o faith_n for_o without_o know_v that_o you_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v any_o faith_n at_o all_o and_o if_o it_o be_v pelagianism_n in_o we_o to_o hold_v such_o preliminary_n absolute_o certain_a i_o fear_v the_o danger_n may_v come_v to_o reach_v you_o too_o yet_o you_o have_v one_o way_n and_o but_o one_o to_o escape_v that_o damnable_a heresy_n which_o be_v that_o you_o do_v not_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o tradition_n as_o we_o do_v of_o we_o that_o that_o be_v the_o very_a venom_n of_o pelagianism_n but_o take_v comfort_n sir_n my_o life_n for_o you_o you_o will_v never_o fall_v so_o abominable_o into_o the_o mire_n as_o to_o demonstrate_v or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n for_o what_o idea_n soever_o you_o may_v frame_v of_o it_o we_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o demonstrate_v but_o plain_a honest_a conclude_v your_o way_n of_o discourse_v do_v not_o look_v as_o if_o it_o intend_v to_o conclude_v or_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v so_o whole_o pass_n for_o as_o great_a a_o man_n as_o you_o will_v make_v up_o of_o mistake_n misrepresentation_n petty_a cavil_n witty_a shift_n untoward_a explication_n of_o your_o own_o word_n constant_a prevarication_n and_o many_o more_o such_o neat_a dexterity_n that_o whatever_o fault_n it_o may_v through_o human_a frailty_n provoke_v by_o powerful_a necessity_n be_v liable_a to_o i_o dare_v pawn_v my_o life_n it_o will_v never_o be_v guilty_a of_o that_o heinous_a crime_n of_o demonstrate_v or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n no_o not_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o your_o firm_a tradition_n and_o yet_o unless_o you_o can_v prove_v or_o conclude_v it_o be_v thus_o certain_a it_o be_v a_o riddle_n to_o we_o how_o can_v you_o either_o hold_v or_o say_v it_o be_v such_o 13_o pray_v be_v not_o offend_v if_o on_o this_o occasion_n i_o ask_v you_o a_o plain_a downright_a question_n be_v it_o not_o equal_o blamable_a to_o falsify_v your_o adversary_n tenet_n perpetual_o as_o it_o be_v to_o falsify_v his_o word_n nay_o be_v it_o not_o worse_o be_v less_o liable_a to_o discovery_n and_o so_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o pernicious_o injurious_a and_o can_v any_o thing_n excuse_v you_o from_o be_v thus_o faulty_a but_o ignorance_n of_o our_o tenet_n i_o fear_v that_o plea_n will_v utter_o sail_v you_o too_o and_o leave_v you_o expose_v to_o the_o censure_n of_o every_o sincere_a reader_n when_o i_o show_v he_o to_o his_o eye_n that_o you_o can_v not_o but_o know_v all_o this_o before_o for_o in_o error_n nonplus_v p._n 121._o sect._n 8._o you_o must_v needs_o have_v read_v the_o quite_o contrary_a doctrine_n and_o how_o those_o who_o maintain_v tradition_n do_v resolve_v their_o faith._n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n viz._n of_o the_o church_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n 121._o nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a upon_o tradition_n for_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n build_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v on_o the_o church_n sanctity_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v hold_v ever_o from_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o maxim_n of_o mere_a reason_n the_o same_o be_v more_o at_o large_a deliver_v in_o the_o forego_n section_n and_o in_o divers_a other_o place_n now_o this_o book_n be_v write_v against_o yourself_o and_o so_o it_o be_v as_o hardly_o conceivable_a you_o shall_v never_o have_v read_v it_o as_o it_o be_v unconceivable_a how_o you_o shall_v ever_o answer_v it_o and_o if_o you_o do_v read_v it_o what_o be_v become_v of_o your_o sincerity_n when_o you_o counterfeit_v your_o ignorance_n of_o our_o tenet_n all_o be_v resolve_v say_v you_o here_o p._n 9_o into_o mere_a human_a faith_n which_o be_v the_o unavoidable_a consequence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o oral_a tradition_n how_o shrewd_o positive_a you_o be_v in_o your_o say_n how_o modest_a and_o meek_a in_o your_o proof_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o manifest_a from_o our_o constant_o avow_v doctrine_n and_o your_o own_o oppose_v it_o too_o than_o it_o be_v that_o tradition_n resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v and_o pray_v do_v you_o hold_v that_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n or_o that_o the_o believe_v he_o be_v a_o mere_a human_a faith_n or_o that_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o he_o and_o they_o be_v mere_o human_a if_o this_o be_v indeed_o your_o tenet_n i_o be_o sorry_a i_o know_v it_o not_o before_o for_o than_o i_o shall_v have_v think_v fit_a to_o begin_v with_o other_o principle_n to_o confute_v you_o and_o i_o pray_v god_n by_o your_o impugn_v know_v truth_n you_o may_v never_o need_v they_o i_o see_v i_o have_v reason_n to_o allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n that_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n be_v requisite_a to_o make_v man_n assent_v to_o a_o natural_a conclusion_n when_o it_o come_v very_o cross_a to_o their_o interest_n for_o it_o appear_v too_o plain_a it_o be_v exceed_o needful_a to_o assist_v you_o here_o in_o a_o mere_a point_n of_o common_a morality_n which_o be_v to_o enable_v you_o not_o to_o speak_v and_o represent_v thing_n direct_o contrary_a to_o your_o own_o knowledge_n and_o i_o be_o sorry_a i_o must_v tell_v you_o and_o too_o evident_o prove_v it_o that_o the_o great_a part_n of_o your_o write_n against_o catholic_n when_o the_o point_n be_v to_o be_v manage_v by_o reason_n
pretend_v we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a such_o and_o such_o particular_a point_n be_v contain_v there_o otherwise_o your_o general_n ground_n come_v not_o up_o to_o the_o question_n nor_o do_v your_o faith_n any_o service_n at_o all_o since_o it_o leave_v it_o still_o uncertain_a of_o which_o more_o hereafter_o especial_o since_o you_o pretend_v or_o rather_o declare_v open_o p._n 14._o that_o you_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o profession_n reach_v to_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o to_o your_o ground_n of_o faith._n i_o must_v confess_v you_o render_v that_o profession_n insignificant_a and_o cancel_v the_o obligation_n as_o soon_o as_o you_o have_v make_v it_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o those_o word_n immediate_o follow_v which_o make_v those_o hearty_a expression_n absolute_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o you_o resolve_v your_o faith_n into_o scripture_n we_o must_v i_o see_v deal_v with_o you_o as_o those_o who_o have_v a_o pretence_n in_o court_n do_v with_o great_a courtier_n who_o lose_v their_o repute_n with_o they_o as_o ill-bred_a and_o unmannerly_a if_o they_o will_v needs_o take_v they_o at_o their_o word_n and_o do_v not_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v speak_v and_o what_o be_v mean_v your_o answer_n be_v very_o honest_a and_o direct_a we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a we_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o comment_n be_v this_o i_o frame_v my_o answer_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o our_o faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o what_o christ_n teach_v any_o otherwise_o than_o as_o it_o be_v convey_v to_o we_o by_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n &_o evangelist_n whereas_o if_o there_o be_v so_o much_o as_o one_o word_n of_o write_v or_o evangelist_n even_o hint_v in_o your_o answer_n itself_o unless_o the_o word_n teach_v mean_v write_v which_o can_v be_v because_o we_o never_o read_v that_o christ_n write_v any_o book_n or_o the_o least_o semblance_n of_o reason_n for_o make_v this_o skew_a explication_n but_o to_o shuffle_v off_o your_o too_o large_a concession_n i_o will_v confess_v myself_o too_o shallow_a to_o fathom_v the_o profound_a depth_n of_o your_o inscrutable_a sense_n resolve_v then_o your_o faith_n in_o god_n name_n into_o what_o you_o will_v so_o you_o but_o show_v we_o a_o absolute_o certain_a connexion_n between_o the_o point_v resolve_v and_o the_o rule_n into_o which_o you_o profess_v to_o resolve_v it_o otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o resolution_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o continue_a chain_n of_o motive_n wind_v it_o up_o to_o the_o first_o truth_n or_o god_n infinite_a veracity_n hang_v slack_a such_o incoherence_n serve_v not_o for_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v indissoluble_o connect_v to_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o all_o our_o faith_n else_o the_o resolution_n of_o it_o may_v be_v shatter_v and_o break_v to_o piece_n by_o the_o way_n ere_o we_o come_v there_o which_o if_o it_o may_v than_o the_o resolution_n be_v no_o resolution_n for_o that_o speak_v connexion_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o faith_n thus_o resolve_v may_v perhaps_o all_o be_v false_a and_o so_o be_v no_o faith._n it_o be_v your_o work_n then_o to_o show_v in_o particular_a when_o you_o come_v to_o it_o and_o at_o present_a in_o general_n that_o your_o rule_n give_v you_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n more_o than_o it_o do_v the_o socinian_n who_o have_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o profess_v to_o follow_v it_o as_o much_o as_o you_o do_v for_o your_o heart_n and_o yet_o err_v enormous_o nay_o in_o effect_n they_o take_v the_o same_o method_n too_o to_o interpret_v scripture_n which_o you_o do_v for_o though_o you_o give_v good_a word_n to_o the_o consent_n of_o former_a age_n yet_o your_o ground_n do_v not_o allow_v it_o absolute_a certainty_n in_o bring_v down_o doctrine_n or_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o less_o than_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o in_o such_o thing_n signify_v nothing_o in_o our_o case_n and_o it_o be_v either_o by_o your_o rule_n and_o method_n you_o can_v arrive_v thus_o certain_o at_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o by_o nothing_o if_o you_o can_v once_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n convince_v the_o socinian_o of_o obstinacy_n against_o a_o clear_a truth_n by_o your_o rule_n or_o method_n or_o both_o together_o i_o mean_v if_o you_o can_v make_v it_o clear_a to_o they_o that_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v possible_o bear_v any_o other_o sense_n so_o that_o the_o indifferent_a part_n of_o the_o world_n judge_v they_o wilful_a adherer_n to_o a_o false_a interpretation_n or_o that_o you_o can_v silence_v they_o and_o put_v they_o to_o open_a shame_n for_o adhere_v to_o it_o you_o will_v do_v something_o otherwise_o your_o start_n aside_o still_o from_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o point_n even_o thou_o p._n 14._o you_o pretend_v to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a you_o hold_v they_o all_o and_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o nothing_o but_o a_o general_n ground_n be_v mere_a shuffle_n and_o show_v plain_o you_o mean_v not_o real_o in_o that_o answer_n of_o you_o to_o mr._n g_n first_o question_n where_o you_o speak_v of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n which_o include_v every_o particular_a point_n so_o that_o by_o all_o it_o seem_v you_o mean_v none_o it_o be_v very_o paradoxical_a to_o see_v you_o distinguish_v here_o p._n 14_o between_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o that_o which_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n the_o reason_n why_o you_o do_v it_o be_v to_o insinuate_v into_o our_o reader_n that_o we_o derive_v the_o source_n of_o our_o tradition_n from_o christ_n teach_v oral_o as_o the_o jew_n affirm_v of_o moses_n deliver_v a_o unwritten_a law_n else_o to_o what_o purpose_n this_o distinction_n the_o tradition_n we_o lay_v claim_v to_o have_v no_o such_o obscure_a original_a it_o take_v its_o ●ife_n from_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o primitive_a christian_n in_o the_o apostle_n day_n disperse_v in_o great_a multitude_n over_o the_o world_n and_o settle_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o faith_n by_o mean_n of_o their_o preach_v so_o that_o tradition_n start_v into_o motion_n from_o a_o most_o public_a and_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o first_o christian_n such_o a_o faith._n to_o what_o imaginable_a purpose_n than_o be_v this_o frivolous_a distinction_n bring_v in_o you_o know_v this_o be_v our_o tenet_n and_o we_o know_v well_o your_o rule_n be_v scripture_n what_o need_v then_o this_o shuffle_a paraphrase_n by_o tradition_n you_o know_v we_o mean_v a_o testimony_n for_o doctrine_n receive_v if_o the_o source_n be_v weak_a or_o that_o the_o body_n of_o the_o witnesser_n of_o its_o delivery_n at_o first_o and_o successive_o afterward_o be_v small_a the_o tradition_n be_v consequent_o weak_a in_o proportion_n if_o great_a it_o be_v strong_a still_o according_a as_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o attester_n be_v more_o numerous_a and_o their_o credibleness_n more_o unexceptionable_a well_o but_o admit_v your_o faith_n be_v not_o resolve_v into_o what_o christ_n teach_v by_o his_o own_o mouth_n but_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o from_o he_o why_o must_v you_o necessary_o resolve_v your_o faith_n into_o their_o write_n only_a do_v the_o apostle_n when_o they_o go_v to_o convert_v the_o world_n go_v with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n or_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n or_o be_v those_o word_n a_o jot_n less_o sacred_a when_o it_o come_v from_o their_o mouth_n than_o when_o they_o put_v they_o in_o a_o book_n or_o last_o do_v any_o command_n from_o christ_n appear_v to_o write_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n or_o any_o revelation_n before_o hand_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o future_a church_n no_o such_o matter_n and_o the_o accidental_a occasion_n of_o its_o writing_n at_o first_o and_o its_o acceptation_n afterward_o bar_v any_o such_o pretence_n on_o the_o other_o side_n their_o grand_a commission_n be_v not_o scribite_fw-la but_o only_o predicate_v evangelium_fw-la yet_o you_o can_v slubber_v this_o over_o without_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o carry_v it_o as_o if_o the_o apostle_n teach_v mean_v write_v only_o and_o that_o they_o teach_v the_o world_n no_o more_o than_o they_o write_v sure_o you_o do_v not_o mean_v the_o apostle_n take_v text_n out_o of_o their_o own_o book_n and_o preach_v sermon_n upon_o then_o as_o you_o do_v now_o why_o must_v it_o be_v quite_o forget_v then_o and_o bury_v in_o silence_n that_o they_o teach_v any_o thing_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o preach_v the_o gospel_n public_o allow_v that_o to_o be_v equal_o sacred_a as_o what_o be_v write_v and_o to_o be_v embrace_v if_o well_o
that_o decree_n sess._n 4._o be_v to_o repress_v the_o insolency_n of_o heretic_n wrest_v the_o scripture_n to_o their_o own_o private_a sentiment_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n and_o how_o this_o be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o this_o power_n of_o oblige_v to_o believe_v something_o as_o in_o scripture_n explicit_o now_o which_o be_v not_o so_o know_v before_o be_v unconceivable_a unless_o you_o will_v prove_v that_o that_o explicit_fw-la sense_n be_v direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o the_o father_n or_o the_o church_n which_o you_o will_v never_o do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o trivial_a exploit_n to_o make_v mr._n m._n clash_n with_o mr._n g._n or_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n with_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n you_o can_v make_v that_o very_a church_n clash_n with_o herself_o suis_fw-la et_fw-la ipsa_fw-la roma_fw-la and_o that_o open_o and_o profess_o too_o nay_o which_o be_v most_o wonderful_a fall_v out_o with_o herself_o about_o her_o own_o prerogative_n for_o you_o tell_v we_o p._n 23._o that_o thou_o it_o have_v assume_v this_o power_n now_o speak_v of_o yet_o it_o still_o disow_v it_o now_o to_o assume_v a_o power_n be_v to_o challenge_v it_o and_o to_o disow_v it_o be_v to_o renounce_v it_o which_o hang_v together_o much_o alter_v the_o rate_n of_o all_o your_o discourse_n hitherto_o this_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v a_o most_o monstrous_a kind_n of_o creature_n it_o go_v backward_o and_o forward_o blow_n and_o sup_v declare_v for_o and_o against_o and_o all_o at_o once_o but_o we_o must_v imagine_v she_o to_o be_v such_o only_a as_o she_o stand_v portray_v in_o dr._n st_n fancy_n 34._o your_o main_a stratagem_n to_o elude_v all_o this_o discourse_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v more_o full_o detect_v though_o it_o have_v be_v occasional_o touch_v at_o diverse_a time_n former_o it_o be_v this_o that_o you_o be_v now_o upon_o the_o general_n ground_n of_o faith_n 20._o and_o not_o the_o particular_a act_n of_o it_o or_o the_o particular_a certainty_n as_o to_o this_o or_o that_o doctrine_n and_o you_o seem_v to_o have_v reason_n for_o it_o too_o because_o the_o main_a point_n in_o dispute_n be_v whether_o protestant_n can_v show_v any_o ground_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n for_o their_o faith._n 24._o and_o this_o you_o think_v justify_v you_o for_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n and_o only_o talk_v of_o your_o scripture-rule_n in_o common_a without_o light_v on_o or_o apply_v it_o to_o any_o one_o particular_a point_n contain_v in_o that_o rule_n but_o this_o will_v avail_v you_o nothing_o for_o first_o neither_o do_v our_o discourse_n pinch_v upon_o any_o one_o particular_a point_n but_o upon_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o your_o faith_n in_o general_n or_o on_o all_o your_o point_n of_o faith_n at_o once_o as_o build_v on_o your_o ground_n so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o pretend_a ground_n of_o your_o faith_n we_o be_v dispute_v against_o all_o the_o while_n and_o not_o any_o one_o particular_a tenet_n we_o bring_v indeed_o instance_n now_o and_o then_o of_o some_o particular_a article_n but_o it_o be_v to_o show_v that_o if_o your_o ground_n have_v not_o power_n to_o ascertain_v absolute_o those_o most_o fundamental_a point_n it_o have_v power_n to_o ascertain_v none_o and_o so_o be_v no_o ground_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o second_o a_o pretend_a ground_n can_v be_v know_v or_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v a_o real_a and_o firm_a ground_n till_o we_o see_v it_o ground_n something_o it_o be_v notion_n plain_o import_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o superstructure_n and_o you_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v a_o man_n a_o father_n without_o prove_v he_o have_v a_o child_n as_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n without_o prove_v such_o and_o such_o point_n to_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o and_o this_o in_o our_o case_n with_o absolute_a certainty_n pray_v take_v that_o along_o with_o you_o still_o otherwise_o you_o turn_v your_o back_n to_o the_o question_n and_o run_v away_o from_o it_o in_o the_o open_a field_n it_o be_v tedious_a and_o mortify_v beyond_o measure_n to_o hear_v you_o still_o talk_v and_o pretend_v you_o have_v a_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n for_o faith_n and_o yet_o never_o see_v you_o so_o much_o as_o once_o endeavour_v to_o show_v how_o it_o be_v ascertain_a virtue_n affect_v the_o article_n you_o build_v upon_o it_o and_o that_o this_o particular_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o each_o respective_a point_n have_v such_o a_o close_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o letter_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v as_o to_o give_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o to_o all_o that_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n which_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n confute_v and_o our_o own_o eye_n witness_v to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o socinian_o and_o other_o three_o yourself_o confess_v once_o upon_o a_o time_n that_o you_o be_v absolute_o certain_a you_o now_o hold_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n now_o 14._o this_o candid_a expression_n will_v make_v any_o honest_a well-meaning_a man_n very_o believe_v that_o you_o mean_v you_o have_v be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o every_o particular_a christian_a doctrine_n by_o virtue_n of_o your_o ground_n or_o rule_n but_o your_o incomparable_a dexterity_n quite_o and_o clean_o overreached_a we_o for_o when_o you_o come_v to_o explain_v yourself_o there_o it_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o but_o that_o your_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o scripture_n that_o be_v that_o you_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n which_o contain_v all_o or_o as_o you_o tell_v we_o p._n 17._o that_o you_o be_v absolute_o certain_a you_o hold_v all_o because_o you_o hold_v all_o not_o in_o your_o soul_n or_o mind_n where_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v but_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o purse_n as_o it_o be_v as_o one_o be_v say_v when_o he_o hold_v a_o book_n in_o his_o hand_n to_o hold_v all_o that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v possess_v of_o which_o though_o you_o can_v come_v at_o its_o sense_n which_o be_v little_o better_a than_o if_o it_o be_v lock_v up_o in_o a_o trunk_n you_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n notwithstanding_o and_o hold_v very_o firm_o in_o that_o sense_n all_o that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n four_o hence_o you_o have_v not_o perform_v what_o you_o undertake_v viz._n to_o show_v that_o protestant_n have_v any_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n of_o their_o faith._n for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o point_v out_o a_o book_n and_o cry_v out_o aloud_o it_o be_v your_o ground_n but_o you_o must_v show_v that_o it_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o ground_n now_o a_o ground_n or_o rule_n bear_v in_o its_o notion_n evidence_n to_o those_o who_o be_v to_o use_v it_o and_o to_o know_v other_o thing_n by_o its_o direction_n nay_o more_o clear_a evidence_n for_o as_o all_o certainty_n must_v have_v some_o kind_n of_o evidence_n to_o create_v it_o in_o we_o so_o this_o effect_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n can_v have_v no_o less_o than_o clear_a evidence_n for_o its_o cause_n but_o you_o may_v as_o easy_o prove_v mankind_n have_v no_o eye_n to_o see_v with_o as_o go_v about_o to_o show_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v thus_o clear_a in_o order_n to_o the_o discovery_n of_o right_a faith_n even_o in_o the_o high_a and_o most_o concern_v point_n of_o our_o christian_a belief_n five_o it_o be_v pleasant_a to_o observe_v what_o a_o rare_a resolution_n of_o your_o faith_n you_o give_v we_o p._n 24._o our_o faith_n say_v you_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o whatever_o be_v build_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o certain_a you_o must_v indeed_o have_v desert_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n either_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n or_o nothing_o unless_o you_o will_v confess_v yourselves_o to_o be_v pure_a fanatic_n or_o pagan_n and_o it_o look_v mighty_a plausible_o to_o say_v that_o whatever_o be_v build_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o certain_a for_o it_o be_v a_o great_a truth_n but_o the_o only_a point_n be_v still_o be_v you_o absolutely-certain_a by_o your_o ground_n that_o your_o faith_n be_v indeed_o build_v on_o the_o word_n of_o god_n you_o say_v indeed_o scripture_n be_v your_o ground_n you_o pretend_v to_o it_o as_o your_o ground_n perhaps_o you_o think_v it_o so_o too_o and_o it_o be_v not_o about_o your_o say_n pretend_v or_o think_v it_o to_o be_v such_o that_o we_o dispute_v with_o you_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o scruple_n to_o grant_v you_o all_o this_o without_o any_o dispute_n at_o all_o but_o do_v your_o say_n pretend_v or_o think_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o real_o and_o indeed_o all_o
rule_n of_o tradition_n be_v a_o absolute_o or_o infallibly-certain_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n faith_n down_o to_o our_o day_n whence_o i_o deny_v that_o he_o can_v with_o the_o least_o grain_n of_o discretion_n refuse_v to_o communicate_v with_o those_o who_o proceed_v on_o such_o a_o evident_o certain_a rule_n and_o be_v find_v in_o possession_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o that_o secure_a tenure_n and_o adhere_v to_o those_o other_o who_o declare_v against_o any_o infallible_a rule_n that_o be_v who_o confess_v the_o mean_v they_o have_v to_o know_v any_o one_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o any_o faith_n at_o all_o be_v fallible_a that_o their_o guide_n may_v perhaps_o all_o mislead_v they_o and_o their_o rule_n permit_v the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o err._n you_o see_v now_o how_o we_o allow_v they_o the_o use_v of_o their_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n till_o it_o bring_v they_o to_o find_v a_o certain_a authority_n and_o when_o they_o have_v once_o find_v that_o the_o same_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o show_v they_o that_o authority_n be_v absolute_o certain_a oblige_v they_o to_o trust_v it_o when_o it_o tell_v they_o what_o be_v christ_n faith_n without_o use_v their_o private_a judgement_n any_o long_o about_o the_o particular_a point_n themselves_o thus_o ascertain_v to_o they_o but_o submit_v to_o it._n in_o do_v which_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o at_o all_o relinquish_v their_o reason_n but_o follow_v and_o exercise_v it_o for_o nothing_o be_v more_o rational_a than_o to_o submit_v to_o a_o authority_n which_o my_o reason_n have_v tell_v i_o be_v absolute_o certain_a in_o thing_n which_o the_o same_o reason_n assure_v i_o can_v no_o other_o way_n be_v know_v certain_o but_o by_o that_o authority_n 49._o now_o let_v we_o consider_v the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n as_o understand_v by_o you_o of_o which_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n make_v use_v to_o find_v out_o his_o faith._n it_o be_v only_o employ_v about_o search_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o fallible_a mean_n which_o he_o can_v never_o hope_v will_v preserve_v he_o certain_o from_o error_n let_v he_o do_v his_o very_a best_a since_o he_o be_v tell_v even_o by_o yourselves_o that_o great_a body_n of_o very_a learned_a man_n and_o acute_a scripturist_n do_v follow_v the_o same_o rule_n and_o yet_o err_v in_o the_o high_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n nay_o he_o see_v himself_o by_o daily_a experience_n how_o many_o sect_n follow_v that_o for_o their_o rule_n yet_o vast_o differ_v whence_o instead_o of_o judge_v discreet_o he_o commit_v the_o most_o absurd_a indiscretion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o hazard_v his_o salvation_n upon_o his_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o be_v tell_v by_o those_o very_a man_n who_o propose_v to_o he_o this_o rule_n that_o there_o be_v no_o absolute_a security_n neither_o by_o his_o own_o industry_n nor_o his_o church_n veracity_n from_o err_v in_o that_o interpretation_n and_o not_o only_o this_o but_o he_o see_v or_o may_v see_v if_o he_o will_v sober_o inquire_v what_o certain_a ground_n be_v propose_v by_o other_o and_o yet_o suffer_v his_o reason_n and_o the_o truth_n to_o be_v run_v down_o with_o the_o noisy_a hubbub_n against_o popery_n and_o either_o out_o of_o a_o unblamable_a weakness_n or_o perhaps_o out_o of_o a_o inexcusable_a obstinacy_n reject_v those_o ground_n or_o disregard_v the_o look_v into_o they_o i_o say_v again_o inexcusable_a for_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o faith_n tell_v he_o that_o it_o be_v a_o unalterable_a assent_n and_o that_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_n whence_o common_a sense_n will_v tell_v he_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hope_v for_o among_o those_o who_o confess_v that_o all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o have_v of_o each_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o any_o faith_n be_v fallible_a and_o only_o likely_a to_o be_v have_v among_o those_o who_o own_o and_o maintain_v their_o ground_n can_v deceive_v they_o so_o that_o such_o a_o man_n if_o he_o ever_o come_v to_o a_o due_a reflection_n upon_o what_o most_o concern_v he_o sin_n against_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n in_o many_o regard_v and_o what_o you_o call_v judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v convince_v to_o be_v the_o most_o vnjudicious_a indiscretion_n imaginable_a and_o your_o sober_a enquirer_n who_o build_v all_o his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n upon_o such_o a_o judgement_n prove_v himself_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o concern_v be_v due_o consider_v to_o be_v the_o most_o rash_a and_o hare-brained_a opiniastre_n and_o the_o most_o credulous_o blind_a that_o ever_o submit_v and_o prostitute_v his_o rational_a faculty_n with_o which_o god_n have_v endow_v he_o and_o will_v require_v a_o strict_a account_n of_o he_o how_o he_o have_v use_v it_o to_o a_o most_o groundless_a and_o improbable_a conjecture_n disregard_v all_o authority_n out_o of_o his_o presumption_n on_o his_o own_o skill_n or_o that_o he_o be_v more_o in_o god_n favour_n than_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o i_o much_o fear_v out_o of_o a_o spiritual_a pride_n and_o self-conceit_n that_o he_o can_v find_v out_o all_o necessary_a faith_n well_o enough_o of_o himself_o without_o be_v behold_v to_o any_o church_n at_o all_o or_o as_o you_o instruct_v he_o here_o p._n 21._o and_o declare_v open_o and_o avowed_o you_o be_v not_o ashamed_a of_o it_o without_o the_o church_n help_v which_o be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n nay_o the_o quintessence_n of_o all_o heresy_n fanaticism_n in_o the_o egg_n perfect_a enthusiasm_n when_o hatch_v and_o downright_a atheism_n when_o fledge_a finis_fw-la the_o four_o catholic_n letter_n in_o answer_n to_o dr._n stillingfleet_n sermon_n preach_v at_o guildhall_n november_n 27_o the_o 1687._o entitle_v scripture_n &_o tradition_n compare_v address_v to_o his_o auditory_a by_o john_n sergeant_n publish_a with_o allowance_n london_n print_v and_o sell_v by_o matthew_n turner_n at_o the_o lamb_n in_o high-holbourn_a 1688._o to_o the_o reader_n perhaps_o the_o smart_a expression_n and_o plausible_a method_n that_o dr._n st._n so_o affect_v in_o his_o late_a discourse_n concern_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o answer_v the_o catholic_n letter_n may_v have_v raise_v expectation_n in_o many_o indifferent_a man_n and_o triumph_n in_o some_o of_o his_o partial_a admirer_n wherefore_o to_o stay_v the_o appetite_n of_o the_o former_a and_o give_v some_o check_n to_o the_o overween_n of_o the_o late_a i_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o say_v something_o here_o by_o way_n of_o preface_n to_o give_v our_o reader_n a_o short_a account_n of_o his_o main_a performance_n in_o that_o discourse_n till_o i_o come_v to_o publish_v a_o complete_a answer_n to_o the_o whole_a what_o i_o affirm_v of_o it_o and_o undertake_v to_o make_v good_a be_v 1._o that_o he_o so_o strange_o prevaricate_v from_o the_o whole_a business_n we_o be_v about_o that_o he_o even_o forget_v we_o be_v write_v controversy_n and_o will_v turn_v the_o polemical_a contest_v in_o which_o we_o be_v engage_v into_o a_o dispute_n of_o school-divinity_n bear_v the_o reader_n in_o hand_n that_o we_o be_v treat_v of_o faith_n as_o formal_o divine_a and_o of_o all_o the_o intrinsical_a requisite_n to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v such_o though_o none_o of_o they_o be_v controvert_v between_o we_o and_o some_o of_o they_o be_v perhaps_o only_o knowable_a by_o god_n himself_o the_o mean_a reflecter_n may_v discern_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o the_o dr_n myself_o or_o any_o man_n live_v to_o put_v such_o particular_n as_o these_o into_o our_o proof_n or_o argument_n and_o how_o unpardonable_a a_o absurdity_n it_o be_v to_o allege_v they_o in_o our_o circumstance_n the_o very_a nature_n i_o say_v of_o controversy_n oblige_v and_o restrain_v we_o both_o to_o speak_v of_o faith_n precise_o according_a to_o what_o be_v controvert_v between_o the_o contend_v party_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_n contest_v which_o be_v about_o a_o absolutely-certain_a rule_n to_o know_v this_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v the_o doctrine_n we_o profess_v determine_v we_o both_o to_o speak_v of_o divine_a faith_n precise_o as_o it_o stand_v under_o such_o a_o rule_n recommend_v our_o faith_n to_o we_o as_o deliver_v by_o christ_n and_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v his_o genuine_a doctrine_n 2._o that_o whatever_o the_o big_a letter_n in_o his_o title_n pretend_v he_o neither_o show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o lie_v under_o our_o consideration_n that_o it_o do_v not_o need_v the_o perfect_a certainty_n we_o require_v nor_o that_o the_o certainty_n he_o assign_v to_o make_v we_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o true_a be_v not_o perfect_a uncertainty_n since_o he_o do_v not_o bottom_n it_o on_o the_o
very_a principle_n oblige_v i_o to_o declare_v that_o what_o i_o attribute_v to_o they_o be_v first_o that_o they_o have_v all_o those_o excellency_n which_o dr._n st._n yield_v they_o and_o one_o more_o which_o he_o do_v not_o of_o which_o hereafter_o second_o that_o they_o be_v profitable_a to_o all_o the_o end_n st._n paul_n write_v to_o timothy_n ascribe_v to_o they_o and_o that_o in_o such_o a_o high_a measure_n that_o i_o do_v from_o my_o heart_n grant_v they_o to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o instrument_n of_o our_o salvation_n that_o the_o church_n have_v be_v at_o a_o incredible_a loss_n without_o they_o &_o that_o not_o near_o half_a the_o number_n of_o christian_a soul_n will_v have_v be_v save_v have_v it_o not_o please_v god_n to_o leave_v to_o the_o church_n such_o a_o powerful_a mean_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o a_o virtuous_a life_n and_o raise_v they_o up_o to_o it_o three_o that_o when_o they_o be_v animate_v with_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o divinely-inspired_n writer_n by_o a_o certain_a interpretation_n they_o be_v very_o useful_a to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o that_o thus_o interpret_v they_o be_v with_o much_o profit_n make_v use_v of_o to_o that_o end_n by_o father_n and_o council_n four_o that_o though_o they_o be_v write_v on_o several_a occasion_n it_o be_v not_o without_o the_o design_n of_o god_n good_a providence_n which_o order_v all_o our_o action_n to_o the_o bring_n about_o his_o best_a end_n however_o they_o be_v occasional_a to_o we_o much_o more_o a_o affair_n so_o main_o important_a to_o the_o church_n improvement_n five_o that_o there_o be_v also_o a_o peculiar_a providence_n in_o preserve_v the_o letter_n from_o any_o material_a corruption_n and_o that_o the_o second_o cause_n by_o which_o this_o providence_n exert_v itself_o be_v the_o most_o obligatory_a care_n of_o the_o church_n to_o who_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v commit_v and_o the_o knowledge_n she_o ever_o have_v of_o christ_n doctrine_n 6_o thly_a that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v so_o sublime_a in_o spiritual_a point_n and_o high_a mystery_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v above_o nature_n and_o can_v only_o be_v know_v to_o the_o world_n by_o divine_a revelation_n that_o no_o man_n by_o their_o private_a judgement_n much_o less_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n come_v to_o faith_n and_o therefore_o unelevate_v and_o unenlighten_v by_o it_o can_v arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o its_o sense_n by_o the_o letter_n in_o those_o difficult_a text_n with_o such_o a_o unerring_a certainty_n as_o be_v requisite_a for_o that_o most_o firm_a rational_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n call_v faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o in_o these_o they_o need_v the_o help_n of_o the_o church_n whereas_o in_o other_o passage_n that_o be_v historical_a moral_a etc._n etc._n where_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v more_o obvious_a to_o ordinary_a reason_n they_o be_v either_o clear_a of_o themselves_o or_o may_v be_v clear_v as_o much_o as_o be_v necessary_a by_o the_o learning_n of_o the_o more_o know_v faithful_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o hold_v that_o scripture_n thus_o private_o interpret_v be_v not_o convictive_a of_o heretic_n who_o have_v imbibe_v a_o contrary_a sentiment_n to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a enditer_n because_o those_o man_n admit_v no_o certain_a interpreter_n of_o those_o difficult_a place_n and_o this_o want_n of_o clearness_n in_o such_o text_n i_o do_v not_o take_v to_o be_v a_o privative_a imperfection_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o argue_v a_o very_a high_a perfection_n in_o scripture_n viz._n as_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n have_v tell_v we_o 1200_o year_n ago_o commonitor_n cap._n 2._o it_o be_v deep_a sense_n whence_o it_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v call_v proper_o a_o disproportion_n of_o that_o sense_n to_o the_o low_a conception_n of_o private_a judgement_n look_v after_o faith_n or_o a_o obscurity_n relative_o to_o such_o person_n than_o a_o absolute_a one_o since_o the_o faithful_a who_o be_v instruct_v in_o that_o sense_n be_v both_o capable_a to_o understand_v it_o right_n and_o moreover_o to_o discover_v still_o more_o and_o more_o excellent_a truth_n in_o it_o 7_o thly_a that_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o can_v hold_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o mean_n for_o people_n of_o every_o capacity_n look_v after_o faith_n to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o those_o dogmatical_a article_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v show_v 2._o above_o to_o be_v necessary_a for_o a_o ground_n of_o faith_n nor_o can_v i_o allow_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n ought_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o such_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n as_o be_v those_o private_a interpretation_n and_o therefore_o that_o there_o need_v some_o other_o rule_n to_o ascertain_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n what_o be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n in_o those_o point_n moreover_o i_o make_v account_v the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n time_n abet_n my_o position_n every_o heretic_n and_o all_o his_o follower_n rely_v on_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n for_o his_o wicked_a blasphemy_n as_o the_o socinian_o do_v now_o who_o be_v as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v sincere_a and_o exact_a follower_n of_o that_o rule_n or_o vser_n of_o that_o mean_n and_o yet_o fall_v short_a of_o christ_n genuine_a doctrine_n deny_v his_o godhead_n and_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o b._n trinity_n a_o plain_a argument_n that_o that_o can_v be_v the_o way_n to_o truth_n which_o such_o vast_a multitude_n have_v follow_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n unless_o we_o know_v they_o all_o to_o be_v wilful_o sincere_a or_o strange_o negligent_a which_o we_o can_v neither_o know_v nor_o have_v reason_n to_o think_v and_o as_o experience_n have_v show_v this_o to_o every_o man_n eye_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o my_o sentiment_n only_o the_o same_o ibid._n lirinensis_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o scripture_n depth_n as_o many_o opinion_n as_o there_o be_v man_n seem_v possible_a to_o be_v draw_v thence_o where_o he_o ascribe_v the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o letter_n not_o mere_o to_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n nor_o the_o hardness_n of_o the_o word_n in_o which_o the_o sense_n be_v deliver_v but_o to_o the_o profoundness_n of_o the_o sense_n itself_o reason_n and_o experience_n both_o inform_v we_o that_o where_o the_o matter_n be_v above_o the_o reader_n capacity_n though_o the_o word_n be_v never_o so_o plain_a yet_o the_o doctrine_n be_v not_o easy_o comprehend_v without_o some_o who_o be_v already_o skill_a in_o that_o sense_n sense_n 5._o as_o for_o tradition_n the_o very_a sound_n of_o the_o word_n may_v perhaps_o give_v you_o some_o prejudice_n against_o it_o because_o our_o saviour_n reprehend_v the_o jew_n for_o some_o unwarrantable_a tradition_n of_o they_o this_o oblige_v i_o to_o give_v you_o a_o true_a character_n of_o our_o tenet_n concern_v it_o and_o to_o make_v know_v to_o you_o particular_o what_o tradition_n mean_n as_o we_o understand_v it_o in_o our_o controversy_n which_o dr._n st._n though_o he_o know_v it_o will_v never_o do_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a as_o shall_v be_v see_v misrepresent_v it_o all_o along_o very_o disingenuous_o in_o every_o particular_a what_o we_o hold_v of_o it_o then_o be_v first_o that_o the_o apostle_n by_o their_o preach_v during_o the_o whole_a time_n of_o their_o life_n settle_v the_o selfsame_a christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v in_o several_a country_n and_o not_o only_o at_o large_a and_o particular_o explicate_v it_o and_o fix_v it_o by_o their_o heavenly_a preach_v but_o rivet_v it_o as_o we_o may_v say_v by_o miracle_n found_v church_n and_o constitute_v discipline_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o and_o their_o own_o example_n they_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o doctrine_n last_o they_o recommend_v the_o continue_v it_o as_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o swerve_v from_o it_o themselves_o or_o neglect_v to_o educate_v their_o child_n in_o it_o be_v the_o assure_a way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n 2_o dly_z that_o this_o vast_a multitude_n unanimous_o settle_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o we_o make_v the_o first_o source_n of_o tradition_n which_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o attest_v to_o the_o next_o age_n what_o the_o first_o have_v receive_v and_o practise_v nor_o can_v they_o forget_v a_o doctrine_n which_o be_v so_o recommend_v and_o according_a to_o which_o they_o have_v lead_v their_o christian_a life_n so_o long_o nor_o can_v true_a faith_n the_o parent_n of_o all_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v in_o their_o heart_n no_o nor_o even_o the_o natural_a love_n to_o themselves_o and_o their_o child_n permit_v they_o all_o to_o be_v
truth_n be_v behalf_n i_o be_o engage_v with_o a_o adversary_n to_o who_o no_o personal_a insufficiency_n can_v be_v object_v nothing_o can_v make_v the_o victory_n come_v more_o clear_a to_o the_o cause_n i_o be_o defend_v and_o the_o more_o dr_n st._n be_v raise_v above_o the_o common_a level_n of_o writer_n the_o more_o evident_o it_o will_v appear_v that_o nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a force_n of_o truth_n can_v drive_v a_o man_n of_o his_o ability_n to_o such_o unparalleled_a shift_n and_o subterfuge_n to_o palliate_v that_o error_n the_o patronage_n of_o which_o he_o have_v so_o unfortunate_o espouse_v nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o even_o the_o best_a wit_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v baffle_v while_o it_o maintain_v such_o a_o cause_n for_o be_v it_o some_o error_n of_o a_o ordinary_a size_n that_o he_o defend_v or_o be_v the_o truth_n which_o he_o oppose_v of_o a_o trivial_a importance_n rhetoric_n and_o misuse_v wit_n may_v perhaps_o bear_v it_o down_o and_o gain_v a_o seem_a victory_n over_o it_o but_o when_o the_o sole_a point_n be_v whether_o even_o what_o we_o all_o hold_v to_o have_v be_v the_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n may_v for_o aught_o any_o man_n live_v know_v be_v perhaps_o none_o of_o he_o and_o so_o a_o falsehood_n and_o a_o lie_a story_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o any_o trick_n of_o human_a skill_n can_v prevail_v against_o a_o point_n of_o that_o sacred_a concern_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o good_a god_n to_o settle_v those_o thing_n most_o firm_o which_o be_v of_o the_o great_a weight_n and_o therefore_o the_o certainty_n we_o be_v to_o have_v that_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o author_n of_o the_o faith_n we_o profess_v be_v such_o a_o incomparable_a good_a and_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a building_n must_v be_v by_o far_o more_o unremovable_o establish_v and_o more_o sure_o place_v above_o a_o totter_a contingency_n than_o the_o strong_a pillar_n of_o this_o material_a world_n whence_o all_o attempt_v to_o undermine_v and_o weaken_v this_o certainty_n which_o as_o shall_v be_v see_v be_v the_o chief_a endeavour_n of_o dr_n st._n must_v be_v proportionable_o weak_a and_o ruinous_a to_o give_v you_o a_o map_n of_o his_o main_a performance_n take_v from_o his_o book_n in_o short_a and_o prove_v upon_o he_o in_o this_o reply_n first_o whereas_o it_o be_v the_o principal_a duty_n of_o a_o controvertist_n especial_o write_v about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n to_o justify_v that_o be_v to_o prove_v faith_n to_o be_v true_a the_o dr_n be_v so_o far_o from_o do_v or_o allow_v this_o good_a office_n to_o be_v do_v to_o faith_n that_o he_o maintain_v the_o direct_a contrary_n nay_o he_o will_v not_o grant_v so_o much_o honour_n to_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o our_o whole_a faith_n be_v make_v up_o of_o such_o particular_n as_o to_o let_v it_o enjoy_v even_o his_o own_o kind_n of_o absolute_a certainty_n though_o that_o fall_v short_a of_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v above_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o true_a but_o say_v over_o and_o over_o in_o perfect_o equivalent_a term_n that_o the_o sense_n which_o himself_o or_o any_o man_n or_o church_n either_o have_v of_o scripture_n in_o particular_a point_n may_v not_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v may_v not_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o may_v not_o be_v true_a and_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o what_o may_v not_o be_v true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v true_a that_o be_v be_v it_o possible_a that_o truth_n may_v not_o be_v its_o self_n second_o we_o be_v write_v controversy_n and_o consequent_o treat_v of_o faith_n precise_o according_a to_o a_o particular_a consideration_n belong_v to_o it_o which_o be_v by_o what_o way_n it_o be_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n derivable_a from_o christ._n this_o have_v be_v repeat_v and_o echo_a to_o he_o over_o and_o over_o even_o to_o surfeit_v this_o be_v the_o scope_n and_o occasion_n of_o the_o conference_n this_o be_v express_v in_o my_o short_a discourse_n against_o his_o way_n of_o have_v certainty_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o clear_o aim_v at_o in_o mr_n g_n demonstration_n nay_o this_o have_v be_v tell_v he_o fifteen_o year_n ago_o in_o error_n nonplus_v p._n 44._o where_o i_o in_o these_o plain_a word_n thus_o state_v the_o question_n it_o be_v then_o agree_v among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first-taught_a doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith._n yet_o though_o we_o shall_v trumpet_v this_o into_o his_o ear_n every_o moment_n he_o be_v still_o deaf_a and_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o or_o regard_v it_o in_o his_o whole_a reply_n nay_o he_o divert_v from_o it_o with_o all_o the_o have_v he_o can_v make_v when_o our_o express_a word_n force_v he_o to_o it_o to_o do_v this_o with_o the_o great_a formality_n and_o solemnity_n he_o entitle_v his_o book_n he_o discourse_v concern_v the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith._n which_o expression_n be_v so_o large_a that_o it_o leave_v it_o indifferent_a for_o he_o under_o that_o head_n either_o to_o treat_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o self_n viz._n as_o it_o be_v divine_a or_o of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v controvert_v between_o we_o that_o be_v of_o our_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v ascertainable_a to_o we_o to_o be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n and_o that_o we_o may_v see_v this_o be_v do_v by_o design_n when_o he_o come_v to_o determine_v the_o sense_n of_o those_o equivocal_a word_n he_o pitch_v upon_o that_o mean_v of_o they_o which_o be_v quite_o beside_o our_o purpose_n and_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o question_n viz._n upon_o christ_n faith_n as_o it_o be_v divine_a which_o be_v not_o dispute_v but_o agree_v to_o be_v such_o and_o this_o whether_o the_o faith_n come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n by_o tradition_n attest_v it_o or_o by_o a_o absolute_o certain_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o sole_a question_n be_v whether_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o any_o way_n his_o principle_n afford_v we_o be_v the_o more_o certain_a and_o more_o clear_a way_n to_o give_v we_o christ_n sense_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o our_o faith._n how_o untoward_a a_o procedure_n be_v it_o then_o to_o stand_v quote_v our_o school-divines_a against_o i_o whenas_o the_o object_n of_o controversy_n and_o of_o school-divinity_n be_v so_o vast_o different_a the_o one_o treat_v of_o faith_n as_o make_v know_v to_o the_o world_n at_o first_o by_o divinerevelation_n the_o other_o of_o the_o way_n to_o know_v now_o what_o be_v at_o first_o divine_o reveal_v by_o human_a motive_n induce_v man_n to_o the_o acceptation_n of_o it_o of_o for_o the_o same_o doctrine_n hence_o also_o when_o he_o be_v to_o bring_v argument_n which_o shall_v evince_v by_o his_o principle_n that_o the_o faith_n hold_v now_o be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v reveal_v at_o first_o to_o avoid_v that_o impossible_a task_n he_o fall_v unreasonable_o to_o allege_v god_n grace_n and_o invisible_a moral_a qualification_n which_o though_o absolute_o requisite_a in_o many_o regard_v to_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v formal_o divine_a yet_o be_v they_o most_o improper_a to_o be_v allege_v in_o controversy_n against_o a_o adversary_n for_o a_o proof_n that_o what_o he_o hold_v be_v the_o first-taught_a doctrine_n since_o only_o god_n himself_o can_v know_v whether_o the_o alledger_n or_o any_o man_n else_o have_v those_o supernatural_a mean_n or_o no._n to_o put_v a_o stop_v once_o for_o all_o to_o this_o impertinent_a topick_n and_o to_o show_v how_o he_o trifle_n while_o he_o quote_v our_o school-divines_a i_o allege_v first_o that_o the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o question_n late_o give_v which_o run_v through_o our_o whole_a controversy_n have_v forestall_v all_o he_o can_v object_v from_o they_o unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o they_o state_v the_o question_n and_o treat_v of_o faith_n under_o the_o same_o consideration_n as_o we_o do_v in_o our_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o certain_a he_o can_v instance_n in_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o state_n it_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n we_o do_v in_o our_o controversy_n with_o what_o sense_n can_v it_o be_v pretend_v that_o i_o contradict_v they_o or_o they_o i_o whenas_o we_o do_v not_o
retract_v they_o nor_o shall_v he_o name_v any_o one_o learned_a and_o orthodox_n man_n of_o our_o church_n who_o say_v my_o explication_n be_v not_o genuine_a and_o sincere_a whereas_o i_o have_v name_v he_o many_o eminent_a in_o both_o those_o quality_n who_o have_v attest_v under_o their_o hand_n they_o be_v such_o he_o end_v with_o bid_v the_o reader_n judge_v what_o i._o s._n have_v get_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o party_n ibid._n as_o much_o as_o in_o modesty_n he_o can_v have_v wish_v as_o appear_v by_o the_o approbation_n of_o his_o book_n and_o success_n in_o his_o suit._n what_o dr._n st._n have_v get_v by_o the_o confession_n of_o his_o party_n may_v be_v see_v by_o a_o eminent_a man_n not_o write_v in_o hugger-mugger_n and_o disguise_n but_o own_v his_o name_n viz._n that_o he_o 17._o be_v accuse_v of_o have_v mountebankt_v and_o quackt_v for_o full_a five_o and_o twenty_o year_n and_o these_o wretched_a shift_n he_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o use_v here_o to_o avoid_v the_o point_n le_fw-fr we_o we_o see_v he_o have_v not_o leave_v it_o yet_o nor_o be_o i_o to_o expect_v he_o shall_v easy_o quit_v such_o a_o inveterate_a habit_n grow_v into_o a_o kind_n of_o nature_n by_o a_o five_o and_o twenty_o year_n custom_n and_o practice_n 31._o now_o come_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n 21._o as_o his_o second_o letter_n have_v crafty_o put_v it_o though_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v best_a state_v by_o show_v the_o occasion_n and_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o conference_n to_o which_o i_o will_v hold_v nor_o will_v i_o be_v beat_v off_o from_o it_o by_o any_o excursion_n either_o then_o or_o since_o there_o be_v a_o question_n then_o put_v to_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o word_n whether_o you_o be_v absolute_o certain_a that_o you_o hold_v now_o the_o same_o tenet_n in_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v his_o apostle_n i_o think_v i_o do_v well_o in_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v direct_o that_o he_o be_v he_o say_v by_o my_o favour_n he_o use_v other_o word_n and_o what_o be_v those_o why_o instead_o of_o the_o same_o tenet_n in_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o our_o saviour_n teach_v to_o his_o apostle_n he_o answer_v all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n that_o be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n there_o be_v a_o cloud_n in_o this_o carriage_n of_o he_o it_o be_v against_o the_o clear_a way_n of_o honest_a nature_n be_v the_o position_n as_o it_o lay_v in_o the_o term_n of_o the_o proposer_n true_a and_o so_o to_o be_v grant_v why_o do_v he_o not_o grant_v it_o then_o be_v it_o false_a why_o do_v he_o not_o deny_v it_o be_v it_o ambiguous_a why_o do_v he_o not_o the_o proposer_n be_v present_a desire_v he_o to_o explain_v it_o no_o neither_o none_o of_o these_o plain_a and_o common_a method_n will_v please_v he_o what_o then_o he_o will_v needs_o change_v the_o word_n of_o the_o question_n in_o his_o answer_n and_o by_o what_o rule_n be_v his_o answer_n the_o same_o in_o sense_n with_o the_o question_n if_o not_o his_o answer_n be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o question_n but_o the_o say_n another_o thing_n on_o his_o own_o head_n if_o it_o be_v the_o same_o sense_n why_o do_v he_o not_o speak_v to_o it_o direct_o in_o the_o proposer_n word_n the_o reason_n he_o give_v be_v because_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o oral_a tradition_n lest_o it_o shall_v vary_v the_o sense_n who_o sense_n 21._o the_o proposer_n his_o sense_n be_v fix_v in_o determinate_a word_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o know_v the_o doctor_n may_v have_v know_v it_o if_o he_o have_v please_v he_o mean_v then_o his_o own_o sense_n what_o must_v he_o put_v what_o sense_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o the_o question_n this_o be_v a_o quaint_a way_n of_o answer_v and_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o proposer_n fear_n as_o himself_o do_v here_o lest_o by_o change_v his_o word_n as_o he_o do_v enormous_o he_o shall_v change_v his_o sense_n too_o but_o this_o oral_a tradition_n like_o a_o spirit_n so_o haunt_v his_o fancy_n that_o all_o along_o as_o shall_v be_v see_v he_o either_o start_v perpetual_o into_o excursion_n and_o counterfeit_a mirth_n or_o stumble_v into_o downright_a nonsense_n and_o this_o i_o believe_v very_o be_v the_o general_n reason_n of_o all_o his_o fail_n but_o we_o be_v now_o to_o seek_v out_o his_o particular_a reason_n of_o change_v the_o word_n here_o the_o last_o word_n that_o differ_v in_o the_o question_n and_o answer_n can_v break_v no_o square_n for_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n agree_v well_o enough_o and_o that_o heavenly_a master_n of_o they_o teach_v they_o all_o faith_n either_o by_o himself_o or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v in_o his_o name_n the_o danger_n then_o must_v be_v in_o these_o word_n the_o same_o tenet_n in_o faith_n which_o he_o change_v for_o his_o security_n into_o the_o same_o doctrine_n because_o the_o word_n doctrine_n signify_v all_o in_o the_o lump_n as_o 17._o he_o express_v it_o to_o show_v which_o he_o hope_v it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n whereas_o the_o plural_a word_n tenet_n might_n come_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o show_v how_o he_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o each_o or_o any_o point_n in_o particular_a to_o which_o he_o have_v a_o great_a antipathy_n and_o according_o when_o he_o come_v to_o perform_v this_o he_o change_v again_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n into_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n i_o answer_v they_o hold_v more_o to_o be_v of_o faith_n than_o that_o the_o book_n so_o call_v be_v scripture_n he_o first_o trifle_n that_o we_o mean_v more_o than_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n 21._o contrary_a to_o our_o express_a word_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n of_o contain_v or_o not-containing_a all_o faith._n however_o if_o i_o mean_v his_o assent_n to_o point_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n he_o promise_v a_o full_a answer_n afterward_o which_o we_o impatient_o long_v to_o see_v only_o we_o entreat_v he_o because_o it_o be_v a_o far_o off_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v absolute_a certainty_n by_o the_o way_n nor_o fool_v our_o expectation_n when_o we_o come_v at_o it_o by_o let_v the_o full_a answer_n promise_v we_o vanish_v away_o into_o a_o flat_a denial_n he_o have_v any_o such_o certainty_n of_o those_o point_n at_o all_o 32._o i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la that_o 23._o since_o he_o confess_v tradition_n cause_n certainty_n it_o make_v faith_n as_o certain_a as_o scripture_n he_o seem_v to_o confess_v it_o but_o deny_v we_o have_v such_o a_o universal_a tradition_n for_o our_o tridentin_n faith._n as_o if_o the_o faith_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o same_o before_o and_o since_o that_o council_n or_o that_o the_o tradition_n we_o build_v on_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o such_o a_o vast_a body_n of_o attester_n as_o be_v able_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n unless_o those_o who_o have_v renounce_v tradition_n do_v club_n to_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v it_o not_o pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o he_o pretend_v not_o to_o hold_v faith_n to_o be_v certain_a by_o our_o tradition_n because_o it_o be_v not_o universal_a and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n dispute_v against_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a deriver_n of_o christ_n faith_n even_o though_o it_o be_v universal_a for_o his_o principle_n allow_v no_o more_o hand_n in_o our_o faith_n to_o universal_a tradition_n but_o only_o to_o bring_v down_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o then_o make_v that_o book_n the_o only_a ascertainer_n of_o our_o faith._n he_o threaten_v to_o show_v the_o tridentin_n council_n have_v not_o universal_a tradition_n for_o its_o decree_n and_o to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n beforehand_o of_o that_o treatise_n he_o add_v let_v the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n itself_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v one_o of_o those_o point_n well_o shoot_v doctor_n the_o point_n he_o speak_v of_o here_o be_v express_v to_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o tradition_n we_o defend_v in_o our_o controversy_n at_o present_a be_v the_o human_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n which_o we_o make_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n to_o those_o come_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n and_o the_o object_n of_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o do_v he_o in_o his_o great_a learning_n think_v this_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a to_o keep_v this_o rove_a pen_n of_o he_o to_o any_o thing_n but_o he_o design_n to_o prove_v this_o mighty_a advantage_n of_o his_o cause_n and_o that_o no_o catholic_n tradition_n can_v be_v produce_v against_o his_o church_n in_o any_o one_o point_n of_o the_o additional_a creed_n of_o pius_n iv._o suppose_v it_o can_v not_o have_v he_o therefore_o
irregular_o he_o hinder_v any_o conclusion_n from_o follow_v false_a because_o no_o two_o man_n can_v differ_v in_o a_o sum_n unless_o they_o wrong_v or_o abuse_v the_o rule_n of_o computation_n irregular_a because_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n who_o take_v that_o way_n find_v in_o his_o second_o proposition_n and_o in_o our_o discourse_n he_o cog_v in_o the_o word_n make_v use_n of_o that_o way_n which_o be_v not_o so_o express_v in_o sense_n as_o the_o word_n take_v be_v which_o import_v follow_v whither_o it_o lead_v or_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o it_o and_o it_o will_v have_v be_v too_o palpable_o absurd_a to_o say_v a_o man_n take_v a_o way_n who_o leave_v it_o as_o a_o ill-reckone_a must_v needs_o leave_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o arithmetic_n but_o those_o who_o both_o take_v and_o follow_v all_o along_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o their_o private_a self_n and_o this_o to_o their_o power_n and_o be_v skilful_a in_o language_n &_o in_o compare_v place_n do_v yet_o go_v wrong_n therefore_o his_o way_n be_v no_o way_n and_o his_o rule_n be_v no_o rule_n then_o follow_v the_o triumph_n over_o my_o inconsiderateness_n in_o not_o distinguish_v between_o the_o rule_n and_o its_o application_n and_o i_o tell_v he_o the_o take_v it_o follow_v it_o or_o hold_v to_o it_o be_v the_o apply_v it_o and_o all_o the_o application_n it_o can_v need_v nor_o shall_v all_o his_o start_a hole_n and_o trick_n ever_o be_v able_a to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n 40._o 43._o his_o discourse_n of_o moral_a qualification_n requisite_a to_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o apply_v to_o our_o present_a question_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o no_o man_n can_v see_v the_o force_n of_o a_o natural_a medium_fw-la lead_v to_o faith_n without_o humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n prayer_n to_o god_n sincere_a endeavour_n to_o do_v god_n will_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o for_o want_n of_o a_o good_a argument_n he_o have_v leave_v off_o dispute_v and_o fall_v to_o preach_v though_o he_o have_v have_v but_o ill_a success_n in_o his_o guildhall_n sermon_n it_o be_v grant_v all_o these_o be_v excellent_a mean_n to_o purge_v the_o will_n from_o by-affection_n and_o by_o do_v so_o to_o leave_v the_o understanding_n free_a to_o see_v the_o force_n of_o the_o proof_n and_o thence_o infer_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v prove_v or_o show_v to_o our_o reason_n but_o where_o be_v this_o proof_n where_o be_v this_o truth_n all_o the_o while_n must_v we_o produce_v such_o invisible_a thing_n for_o open_a proof_n if_o all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n be_v requisite_a as_o he_o say_v to_o make_v man_n certain_a of_o christ_n doctrine_n he_o must_v prove_v that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o sober_a enquirer_n which_o be_v the_o member_n of_o his_o private-spirited_n church_n have_v all_o these_o qualification_n ere_o we_o or_o any_o man_n live_v can_v be_v certain_a they_o have_v true_a faith._n again_o how_o will_v he_o satisfy_v doubter_n and_o convince_v acute_a opposer_n and_o adversary_n what_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n will_v the_o allege_v invisible_a qualification_n do_v the_o work_n moreover_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o rule_n and_o yet_o his_o rule_n of_o scripture_n ascertain_v none_o by_o his_o doctrine_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o moral_a qualification_n these_o than_o be_v either_o his_o rule_n or_o the_o best_a part_n of_o it_o at_o least_o he_o maintain_v here_o they_o be_v requisite_a and_o that_o otherwise_o scripture_n be_v no_o rule_n he_o must_v then_o prove_v he_o have_v these_o qualification_n or_o he_o can_v show_v he_o have_v any_o rule_n or_o any_o faith._n in_o a_o word_n we_o be_v dispute_v as_o controvertist_n and_o demand_v open_a &_o intelligible_a proof_n and_o he_o send_v we_o to_o invisible_a hole_n which_o only_o god_n the_o searcher_n of_o heart_n can_v find_v out_o and_o be_v not_o this_o mighty_a learned_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o convert_v any_o man_n to_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n by_o these_o principle_n all_o he_o can_v do_v be_v to_o allege_v and_o compare_v text_n to_o prove_v it_o certain_o christ_n doctrine_n i_o but_o sir_n say_v the_o other_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v satisfy_v you_o have_v humility_n of_o mind_n purity_n of_o heart_n etc._n etc._n without_o which_o yourself_o confess_v you_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n at_o all_o what_o be_v the_o doctor_n have_v to_o satisfy_v he_o in_o this_o hard_a point_n i_o know_v not_o but_o set_v the_o doctor_n be_v faith_n aside_o what_o provision_n have_v he_o make_v for_o the_o stand_a visible_a body_n of_o the_o church_n to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v she_o have_v christ_n true_a faith_n none_o in_o the_o world_n by_o his_o principle_n unless_o she_o can_v prove_v she_o have_v all_o these_o moral_a qualification_n so_o that_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o each_o private_a man_n breast_n and_o if_o he_o have_v but_o this_o good_a conceit_n of_o himself_o that_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o those_o excellent_a virtue_n and_o fancy_n that_o he_o pray_v better_a than_o all_o his_o neighbour_n let_v they_o be_v socinian_o quaker_n or_o what_o you_o will_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o self-conceit_n that_o he_o be_v such_o a_o saint_n since_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n without_o firm_a assurance_n that_o he_o be_v thus_o requisit_o qualify_v he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o assurance_n at_o all_o of_o his_o faith._n may_v he_o not_o as_o well_o have_v tell_v we_o in_o one_o word_n that_o himself_o and_o all_o his_o friend_n be_v pure_a saint_n and_o know_v themselves_o to_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v certain_a they_o have_v these_o rare_a qualification_n and_o by_o they_o assurance_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n but_o that_o all_o who_o do_v not_o think_v as_o they_o do_v want_v those_o qualification_n be_v of_o the_o wicked_a and_o child_n of_o darkness_n and_o so_o can_v never_o have_v any_o light_n to_o know_v whether_o they_o have_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n or_o not_o this_o then_o be_v the_o rare_a resolution_n of_o dr._n st_n faith._n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v produce_v clear_a argument_n as_o become_v a_o controvertist_n and_o he_o allege_v the_o most_o hide_a mean_n in_o the_o world_n as_o become_v a_o enthusiast_n 14._o 44._o yet_o the_o force_n of_o truth_n be_v so_o great_a that_o it_o oblige_v he_o to_o confess_v that_o the_o right_a way_n will_v certain_o bring_v man_n to_o their_o journey_n end_v if_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o i_o subsume_v but_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n do_v not_o bring_v the_o socinian_o to_o their_o end_n that_o be_v to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v though_o they_o continue_v in_o it_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o scripture_n letter_n interpretable_a by_o private_a judgement_n be_v not_o the_o right_a way_n to_o know_v sure_o what_o christ_n &_o his_o apostle_n teach_v to_o escape_v this_o most_o evident_a conclusion_n which_o utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a cause_n he_o start_v aside_o with_o one_o if_o to_o the_o remote_a end_n salvation_n whereas_o the_o end_v i_o speak_v of_o in_o my_o discourse_n which_o he_o be_v now_o answer_v be_v express_o to_o know_v assure_o christ_n doctrine_n then_o after_o a_o second_o if_o he_o tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v not_o design_v as_o a_o infallible_a way_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n on_o falsehood_n of_o particular_a opinion_n by_o 20.21_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o opinion_n we_o speak_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o instanced_a express_o in_o the_o bless_a trinity_n and_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ._n be_v these_o with_o he_o but_o opinion_n indeed_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o doubt_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o opinion_n with_o he_o nay_o he_o ought_v to_o doubt_v they_o be_v or_o may_v be_v worse_o than_o opinion_n viz._n heretical_a falsehood_n unless_o he_o think_v himself_o absolute_o certain_a of_o his_o moral_a qualification_n for_o it_o be_v those_o it_o seem_v must_v do_v the_o deed_n when_o all_o argument_n fail_v as_o for_o infallibility_n there_o be_v no_o such_o word_n in_o my_o discourse_n and_o he_o ought_v to_o answer_v my_o argument_n in_o the_o word_n i_o put_v it_o and_o not_o to_o start_v into_o such_o evasion_n and_o logomachy_n though_o the_o allow_v of_o natural_a infallibility_n have_v be_v prove_v against_o he_o by_o reason_n and_o authority_n of_o those_o even_o of_o his_o own_o church_n he_o never_o answer_v it_o but_o bare_o say_v over_o again_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o infallibility_n in_o
from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o which_o his_o rule_n do_v not_o he_o put_v question_n and_o give_v answer_n here_o very_o kind_o for_o his_o own_o behoof_n and_o from_o such_o sleight_n ground_n conclude_v he_o may_v have_v true_a faith_n and_o be_v save_v without_o find_v out_o this_o certain_a authority_n the_o late_a i_o leave_v to_o god_n mercy_n which_o may_v i_o hope_v give_v he_o the_o grace_n to_o repent_v his_o impugn_v know_v truth_n which_o with_o he_o i_o fear_n be_v too_o frequent_a but_o he_o make_v himself_o too_o liberal_a a_o promise_n of_o true_a faith_n without_o it_o however_o he_o express_v it_o modest_o and_o only_o say_v he_o may_v have_v it_o that_o be_v he_o may_v hap_v to_o hold_v right_a in_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o his_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n without_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o he_o may_v hap_v to_o hold_v twenty_o heresy_n his_o five_o head_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o it_o be_v a_o pure_a folly_n to_o talk_v of_o believe_v the_o scripture_n without_o know_v certain_o what_o the_o scripture_n say_v let_v he_o secure_v this_o and_o none_o will_v refuse_v to_o yield_v a_o perfect_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n to_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v we_o by_o it_o our_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o passage_n contain_v dogmatical_a tenet_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o only_a point_n between_o we_o in_o assign_v some_o certain_a mean_n to_o do_v this_o he_o be_v dull_a and_o flat_a or_o else_o perfect_o silent_a but_o mighty_a brisk_a in_o what_o be_v nothing_o to_o our_o purpose_n his_o six_o be_v frivolous_a and_o answer_v with_o a_o bare_a deny_v that_o we_o hold_v that_o tradition_n be_v only_o to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n 66._o and_o this_o he_o know_v before_o as_o he_o do_v five_o hundred_o thing_n he_o pretend_v here_o unknown_a to_o he_o and_o this_o be_v but_o fit_v for_o have_v he_o own_a he_o know_v they_o and_o the_o reason_n bring_v for_o they_o he_o have_v stand_v engage_v to_o answer_v they_o but_o by_o seem_v still_o not_o to_o know_v they_o he_o put_v we_o to_o say_v our_o tenet_n and_o bring_v our_o proof_n over_o and_o over_o again_o in_o the_o mean_a he_o reap_v the_o advantage_n of_o gain_v time_n and_o come_v off_o dextrous_o at_o present_a his_o seven_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o second_o and_o speak_v to_o already_o 67._o his_o cite_n scripture_n text_n have_v the_o same_o fault_n with_o better_a half_n this_o whole_a book_n viz._n something_n be_v say_v in_o common_a never_o apply_v to_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n or_o bring_v close_o to_o it_o but_o leave_v in_o that_o raw_a condition_n to_o make_v the_o reader_n think_v there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o though_o he_o know_v not_o well_o what_o our_o point_n be_v that_o our_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o scan_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n by_o our_o natural_a reason_n after_o we_o have_v find_v a_o certain_a authority_n prove_v they_o to_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o interpret_n such_o text_n of_o scripture_n by_o our_o private_a judgement_n to_o gain_v assurance_n what_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v of_o faith._n the_o first_o text_n i_o speak_v as_o to_o wise_a man_n judge_v you_o what_o i_o say_v may_v for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v show_v relate_v to_o manner_n or_o to_o the_o avoid_v idolatry_n speak_v of_o the_o verse_n before_o which_o be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o something_o relate_v to_o or_o consequent_a from_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n already_o know_v as_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o follow_a verse_n of_o all_o these_o they_o may_v judge_v but_o none_o of_o these_o come_v near_o our_o business_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n the_o second_o text_n be_v prove_v all_o thing_n and_o do_v he_o think_v this_o can_v mean_v they_o shall_v consult_v their_o natural_a reason_n how_o it_o like_v the_o mystery_n or_o rather_o in_o case_n that_o text_n have_v indeed_o relate_v to_o they_o do_v it_o not_o signify_v that_o they_o shall_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o embrace_v they_o the_o three_o be_v try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god._n and_o this_o be_v speak_v in_o order_n to_o the_o ancient_a heretic_n who_o spirit_n they_o be_v to_o try_v by_o examine_v whether_o they_o deviate_v from_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n or_o by_o look_v what_o ground_n or_o motive_n they_o produce_v to_o prove_v their_o new_a doctrine_n to_o be_v christ_n the_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n in_o this_o last_o case_n we_o allow_v and_o the_o two_o former_a be_v both_o of_o they_o wide_o of_o our_o business_n unless_o the_o second_o be_v mean_v of_o examine_v thing_n by_o the_o ground_n for_o they_o it_o be_v good_a to_o dive_v into_o the_o drs_n thought_n and_o get_v light_a what_o it_o be_v he_o will_v here_o be_v at_o the_o apostle_n say_v he_o allow_v they_o to_o make_v use_n of_o their_o understanding_n though_o themselves_o the_o proposer_n be_v infallible_a what_o mean_v these_o dry_a common_a word_n do_v he_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v the_o apostle_n teach_v this_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o every_o hearer_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n and_o the_o very_a end_n of_o all_o teach_v and_o preach_v and_o so_o it_o do_v not_o reach_v the_o peculiarity_n of_o his_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n do_v he_o mean_v they_o be_v to_o examine_v whether_o the_o apostle_n be_v divinely-inspired_a or_o not_o this_o be_v very_o laudable_a in_o they_o for_o this_o be_v to_o use_v their_o reason_n ere_o they_o allow_v their_o authority_n and_o be_v the_o very_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n we_o recommend_v but_o he_o be_v here_o impugn_v our_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n and_o so_o can_v mean_v thus_o he_o be_v then_o contend_v for_o a_o judgement_n of_o discretion_n which_o shall_v scan_v the_o verity_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o or_o the_o matter_n propose_v even_o by_o a_o certain_a authority_n by_o his_o natural_a reason_n i_o be_o loath_a to_o fix_v a_o censure_n upon_o common_a word_n but_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o if_o he_o mean_v so_o and_o that_o though_o we_o receive_v the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o christ_n godhead_n for_o example_n upon_o a_o certain_a authority_n we_o be_v still_o to_o suspend_v our_o assent_n till_o our_o great_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n shall_v consider_v well_o of_o the_o matter_n propose_v and_o reject_v they_o if_o such_o uncouth_a article_n seem_v disagreable_a to_o natural_a reason_n 65._o his_o useful_a servant_n not_o yet_o discard_v if_o this_o be_v his_o tenet_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v than_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o his_o principle_n be_v perfect_o socinian_n whether_o he_o follow_v those_o principle_n in_o his_o particular_a tenet_n i_o be_o not_o to_o judge_v but_o such_o edge_v and_o lean_v towards_o those_o principle_n do_v i_o conceive_v oblige_v he_o to_o satisfy_v the_o world_n he_o be_v not_o that_o way_n affect_v 65._o 55._o but_o what_o if_o man_n differ_v about_o this_o certain_a authority_n wherein_o it_o lie_v and_o how_o far_o it_o extend_v i_o answer_v the_o authority_n our_o question_n proceed_v on_o be_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n derive_v down_o christ_n faith_n nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o catholic_n who_o ever_o impugn_a that_o but_o one_o unknown_a nameless_a author_n lominus_fw-la who_o here_o out_o of_o his_o constant_a love_n to_o sincerity_n he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v other_o but_o in_o case_n any_o shall_v differ_v about_o it_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n previous_a to_o faith_n and_o therefore_o subject_n to_o our_o natural_a reason_n all_o i_o can_v say_v be_v the_o better_a reason_n must_v carry_v it_o he_o know_v well_o how_o many_o most_o eminent_a catholic_n writer_n have_v approve_v and_o follow_v in_o their_o write_n the_o same_o way_n of_o controversy_n i_o take_v but_o he_o be_v not_o now_o in_o such_o good_a circumstance_n as_o candid_o to_o acknowledge_v any_o thing_n he_o be_v put_v to_o his_o shift_n and_o counterfeit_a ignorance_n do_v he_o as_o much_o service_n as_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n but_o how_o prove_v he_o that_o when_o we_o have_v find_v a_o certain_a authority_n we_o must_v not_o follow_v it_o and_o rely_v on_o it_o plain_a sense_n tell_v we_o we_o may_v and_o aught_o why_o he_o say_v it_o be_v put_v out_o our_o eye_n ibid._n throw_v ourselves_o headlong_o from_o a_o precipice_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o controversy_n be_v not_o this_o mighty_a learned_a another_o man_n will_v think_v that_o a_o certain_a authority_n be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o preserve_v we_o from_o all_o these_o inconvenience_n and_o
then_o call_v it_o a_o easy_a answer_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o answer_n at_o all_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a one_o for_o any_o man_n may_v with_o ease_n answer_v a_o thousand_o objection_n in_o a_o trice_n at_o that_o rate_n nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o omit_v all_o that_o be_v object_v but_o i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o whoever_o read_v my_o three_o catholic_n letter_n p._n 37.38.39.40_o where_o four_o several_a prevarication_n be_v charge_v upon_o he_o in_o give_v one_o single_a answer_n to_o mr._n g_n question_n will_v judge_v it_o so_o far_o from_o easy_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o answer_v even_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o plausibility_n but_o with_o this_o sleightness_n he_o slip_v over_o most_o of_o my_o objection_n in_o my_o letter_n and_o supply_v the_o defect_n with_o confident_a talk_n or_o a_o scornful_a jest._n but_o because_o his_o main_a shuffle_n be_v his_o alter_v those_o word_n of_o the_o question_n all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n into_o all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o this_o be_v his_o constant_a evasion_n we_o will_v examine_v it_o more_o particular_o in_o order_n to_o the_o sole_a end_n of_o the_o conference_n to_o which_o all_o the_o particular_a question_n be_v to_o be_v direct_v viz._n his_o show_a ground_n of_o asbolute_a certainty_n for_o his_o faith._n 1._o i_o ask_v with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o his_o jest_n do_v he_o think_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v any_o unnecessary_a point_n if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o use_v such_o cautious_a diminish_v expression_n and_o instead_o of_o all_o their_o doctrine_n put_v all_o matter_n necessary_a to_o our_o salvation_n 2._o christian_n be_v wrought_v up_o to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o by_o motive_n and_o some_o may_v need_v more_o than_o other_o nay_o the_o variety_n of_o people_n temper_n and_o circumstance_n be_v so_o infinite_a that_o scarce_o two_o person_n will_v precise_o need_v the_o same_o he_o be_v to_o acquaint_v we_o then_o how_o he_o know_v or_o how_o he_o can_v make_v out_o that_o every_o man_n shall_v by_o read_v the_o scripture_n be_v sure_a to_o find_v his_o own_o quota_fw-la of_o motive_n adjust_v and_o serve_v for_o his_o particular_a exigency_n 3._o be_v he_o sure_a they_o can_v err_v as_o to_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o salvation_n if_o provide_v they_o do_v their_o best_a they_o can_v than_o every_o man_n be_v so_o far_o infallible_a which_o the_o doctor_n have_v deny_v hitherto_o to_o all_o mankind_n but_o to_o himself_o if_o they_o can_v err_v in_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n then_o doubtless_o many_o will_v err_v and_o how_o can_v error_n save_o they_o 4._o though_o all_o can_v err_v in_o all_o moral_a point_n yet_o can_v he_o show_v we_o any_o thing_n secure_v they_o from_o err_v in_o all_o those_o article_n of_o faith_n hold_v by_o the_o church_n and_o renounce_v by_o her_o heretical_a dissenter_n ever_o since_o christ_n time_n if_o he_o can_v and_o he_o decline_v show_v we_o they_o can_v nay_o he_o by_o his_o doctrine_n confess_v they_o may_v than_o they_o may_v be_v save_v though_o hold_v all_o the_o heresy_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o which_o case_n i_o doubt_v he_o will_v scarce_o find_v they_o competent_a assurance_n of_o their_o salvation_n again_o how_o know_v he_o but_o the_o mixture_n of_o many_o of_o those_o gross_a error_n may_v not_o as_o much_o deprave_v their_o soul_n as_o their_o understanding_n plain_a place_n will_v edify_v they_o especial_o if_o the_o church_n interpose_v and_o excommunicate_v they_o for_o heretic_n for_o his_o ground_n forbid_v they_o to_o meddle_v with_o those_o high_a point_n but_o leave_v the_o whole_a scripture_n to_o their_o scan_n and_o his_o approve_a friend_n dr._n t._n say_v they_o be_v 86.7_o plain_a and_o so_o be_v subject_a to_o their_o profound_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n 5._o he_o must_v tell_v we_o how_o must_v church-disciplin_n be_v exercise_v upon_o such_o a_o miscellany_n of_o heterogeneous_a member_n of_o which_o many_o obstinate_o deny_v what_o other_o pertinacious_o affirm_v 6._o be_v the_o hold_v the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o god_n die_v to_o save_v and_o redeem_v mankind_n a_o matter_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n or_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v only_o a_o man_n to_o who_o they_o owe_v that_o high_a obligation_n to_o love_v he_o let_v he_o speak_v to_o this_o at_o least_o for_o i_o be_o not_o to_o expect_v but_o his_o airy_a wordish_a divinity_n make_v he_o look_v upon_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o most_o bless_a trinity_n as_o on_o a_o kind_n of_o dry_a speculation_n though_o be_v it_o seasonable_a to_o dilate_v on_o that_o article_n i_o can_v show_v he_o that_o beside_o its_o exceed_a usefulness_n to_o the_o sublime_a contemplative_n the_o most_o sacred_a and_o most_o influential_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a language_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o depend_v on_o its_o verity_n last_o who_o tell_v he_o that_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n and_o look_v after_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n shall_v by_o read_v scripture_n come_v to_o all-saving_a faith_n have_v he_o it_o by_o divine_a revelation_n or_o by_o reason_n or_o will_v he_o recur_v to_o divine_a assistance_n to_o keep_v particular_a person_n from_o error_n and_o yet_o deny_v they_o to_o the_o church_n if_o so_o how_o prove_v he_o this_o at_o least_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v speak_v out_o fair_o and_o candid_o to_o these_o point_n and_o make_v something_o cohere_v for_o i_o profess_v with_o all_o sincerity_n i_o can_v for_o my_o heart_n make_v any_o idea_n or_o sense_n of_o this_o motly_n church_n which_o his_o principle_n will_v patch_v up_o the_o several_a member_n of_o it_o hang_v more_o loose_o together_o than_o if_o they_o be_v tie_v to_o one_o another_o with_o point_n nay_o they_o agree_v worse_o than_o fire_n and_o water_n and_o all_o the_o several_a contrariety_n in_o in_o nature_n for_o they_o be_v distance_v by_o direct_a contradiction_n of_o one_o to_o the_o other_o whence_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o any_o kind_n of_o coalition_n there_o be_v no_o imaginable_a mean_n leave_v to_o refract_v the_o irreconcileably-opposit_a quality_n of_o his_o affirmative_a and_o negative_a faithful_a or_o reduce_v so_o many_o independent_a private-spirited_n member_n into_o one_o compound_v he_o be_v to_o show_v we_o then_o how_o the_o part_n of_o this_o rope_n of_o sand_n as_o it_o may_v more_o fit_o be_v call_v must_v hang_v together_o i_o much_o fear_v it_o will_v be_v invisible_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v of_o the_o elect_n and_o at_o the_o same_o rate_n as_o the_o term_n cohere_v in_o the_o invisible_a proof_n he_o allege_v to_o show_v we_o he_o and_o his_o follower_n have_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n 59_o we_o shall_v never_o have_v do_v with_o this_o purse_n of_o he_o ●5_n he_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o the_o pretty_a similitude_n that_o he_o put_v it_o here_o over_o again_o at_o large_a and_o spend_v incomparable_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o defend_v it_o than_o he_o do_v in_o make_v out_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n though_o he_o both_o stand_v engage_v to_o do_v it_o and_o any_o good_a christian_a too_o will_v think_v it_o be_v far_o more_o worth_a his_o while_n have_v he_o do_v this_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v be_v more_o fair_o compound_v and_o his_o purse_n have_v remain_v unransack_v however_o he_o think_v it_o suit_n well_o with_o the_o conceit_n he_o have_v of_o scripture_n but_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o suit_n not_o at_o all_o with_o our_o purpose_n his_o show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o his_o faith._n hence_o i_o 48._o tell_v he_o that_o scripture_n contain_v faith_n be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o conference_n that_o the_o only_a business_n be_v how_o to_o get_v the_o gold_n and_o silver_n of_o faith_n out_o thence_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n and_o how_o to_o secure_v those_o that_o aim_v to_o enrich_v themselves_o by_o it_o that_o instead_o of_o extract_v the_o pure_a gold_n of_o truth_n by_o understanding_n right_o those_o high_a and_o most_o inestimable_a article_n the_o ransacker_n of_o it_o do_v not_o draw_v out_o thence_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n last_o that_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v put_v two_o purse_n one_o the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a into_o which_o the_o apostle_n put_v this_o heavenly_a treasure_n of_o faith_n by_o their_o preach_a the_o other_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n into_o which_o they_o put_v it_o by_o write_v and_o that_o faith_n be_v proper_o in_o the_o former_a only_o in_o regard_n truth_n be_v no_o where_o formal_o but_o in_o the_o
weak_o and_o insincere_o object_v last_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o if_o divine_a faith_n fix_v not_o on_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n than_o we_o may_v have_v divine_a faith_n without_o it_o yes_o by_o his_o enthusiastic_a principle_n but_o not_o by_o connatural_a way_n since_o himself_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o neither_o the_o letter_n nor_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v absolute_o certain_a without_o it_o 79._o it_o will_v be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o see_v how_o this_o gallant_a caviller_n will_v prove_v st._n paul_n a_o pelagian_a heretic_n that_o bless_a apostle_n affirm_v that_o fides_n per_fw-la auditum_fw-la faith_n come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n by_o hear_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o primitive_a faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n as_o the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o the_o first_o knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o of_o that_o sense_n more_o particular_o because_o preach_v be_v the_o way_n of_o instil_a faith_n then_o now_o come_v dr_n st._n and_o have_v pray_v i_o suppose_v for_o wisdom_n beforehand_o tell_v that_o holy_a apostle_n that_o divine_a faith_n must_v have_v infallible_a ground_n but_o that_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n be_v mere_o natural_a that_o he_o run_v from_o divine_a motive_n to_o humane_a one_o he_o ask_v he_o smart_o what_o infallible_a ground_n be_v there_o for_o this_o divine_a faith_n and_o where_o it_o fix_v if_o not_o on_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o sense_n than_o we_o may_v have_v divine_a faith_n without_o they_o if_o it_o do_v fix_v on_o their_o certainty_n then_o divine_a faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a mean_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o pelagianism_n thus_o the_o stupendious_o learned_a and_o more_o than_o supernatural_o enlighten_v dean_n of_o st._n paul_n have_v clear_o prove_v st._n paul_n himself_o a_o arrant_a pelagian_a but_o if_o st._n paul_n shall_v answer_v as_o i_o do_v that_o he_o speak_v not_o of_o divine_a faith_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o as_o in_o it_o self_n or_o as_o it_o be_v formal_o supernatural_a but_o only_o of_o divine_a faith_n as_o stand_v under_o natural_a mean_n for_o we_o to_o come_v to_o know_v it_o than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o it_o will_v require_v high_a ground_n to_o be_v resolve_v into_o as_o it_o be_v divine_a &_o yet_o for_o all_o that_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o nor_o certainty_n of_o it_o unless_o by_o miracle_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o these_o natural_a mean_n to_o give_v he_o knowledge_n of_o it_o but_o our_o verbal_a controvertist_n never_o reflect_v that_o there_o may_v be_v divers_a resolution_n make_v of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v controvert_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n or_o exigency_n of_o the_o dispute_n against_o a_o deist_n that_o hold_v it_o not_o divine_a it_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o this_o must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v engage_v for_o it_o by_o those_o motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v such_o but_o this_o be_v quite_o beside_o our_o present_a dispute_n since_o both_o party_n grant_v it_o and_o consequent_o all_o his_o discourse_n here_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purpose_n 80._o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o dr_n will_v have_v have_v another_o fling_n at_o st._n paul_n for_o pelagianism_n in_o case_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n do_v make_v the_o verdict_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v certain_a and_o piece_n out_o the_o deafishness_n of_o the_o auditor_n when_o that_o sense_n have_v some_o imperfection_n as_o he_o do_v here_o by_o make_v i_o a_o pelagian_a for_o say_v the_o will_v his_o assistance_n can_v make_v a_o argument_n if_o it_o be_v defective_a 114._o especial_o shall_v we_o both_o say_v that_o dr_n st'_v moral_a qualification_n purity_n of_o heart_n humility_n of_o mind_n and_o prayer_n for_o wisdom_n will_v not_o make_v a_o deaf_a ear_n hear_v well_o or_o a_o bad_a argument_n conclude_v for_o both_o our_o case_n be_v perfect_o parallel_v since_o we_o both_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n to_o come_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a faith._n but_o his_o logic_n i_o see_v will_v have_v his_o reader_n when_o a_o argument_n draw_v from_o mere_a nature_n be_v propose_v which_o be_v short_a of_o conclude_v let_v it_o be_v in_o physics_n metaphysic_n or_o what_o he_o will_v for_o it_o alter_v not_o our_o case_n shake_v their_o head_n very_o pious_o and_o answer_v truly_n sir_n though_o i_o see_v your_o reason_n do_v not_o conclude_v or_o satisfy_v my_o understanding_n that_o the_o thing_n you_o will_v prove_v be_v true_a yet_o out_o of_o a_o pious_a inclination_n to_o the_o cause_n i_o will_v call_v in_o my_o will_n assistance_n and_o out_o of_o pure_a goodness_n think_v it_o do_v conclude_v and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v for_o all_o that_o real_o true._n i_o will_v wish_v he_o by_o all_o mean_n to_o maintain_v still_o that_o it_o be_v pelagianism_n to_o deny_v that_o the_o inconclusiveness_n of_o a_o argument_n be_v supply_v by_o the_o kindheartedness_n of_o the_o will._n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o this_o can_v justify_v all_o his_o insignificant_a proof_n &_o make_v they_o pass_v for_o valid_a &_o good_a one_o 114._o it_o be_v ridiculous_a he_o say_v to_o allege_v that_o i_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n teach_v why_o be_v it_o not_o agree_v on_o between_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n divine_a and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o bring_v we_o to_o divine_a faith_n if_o we_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v his_o doctrine_n or_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o our_o purpose_n when_o it_o be_v confess_v on_o both_o side_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v divine_a why_o be_v it_o then_o ridiculous_a to_o profess_v we_o do_v this_o because_o caelestius_n &_o pelagius_n do_v the_o very_a same_o ibid._n and_o so_o i_o must_v be_v a_o pelagian_a still_o that_o be_v resolve_v on_o those_o heretic_n do_v indeed_o pretend_v their_o heresy_n be_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o this_o be_v no_o particularity_n in_o they_o for_o every_o heretic_n since_o christ_n time_n do_v the_o same_o else_o they_o have_v not_o be_v heretic_n but_o pagan_n jew_n turk_n or_o deist_n but_o we_o go_v no_o further_o upon_o this_o principle_n than_o they_o do_v why_o do_v they_o ever_o allege_v ibid_fw-la that_o the_o tradition_n or_o immediate_a testimony_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v down_o their_o doctrine_n for_o christ_n or_o dare_v they_o disgrace_v themselves_o by_o go_v about_o to_o avail_v themselves_o of_o such_o a_o open_a and_o notorious_a lie_n this_o he_o shall_v have_v prove_v solid_o and_o clear_o but_o instead_o of_o prove_v it_o he_o bare_o say_v it_o and_o who_o will_v at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n believe_v his_o word_n and_o yet_o if_o he_o do_v not_o this_o every_o sincere_a reader_n must_v see_v that_o he_o have_v sacrifice_v his_o sincerity_n to_o his_o spite_n against_o catholic_n and_o judge_n slander_n and_o calumny_n no_o sin._n observe_v here_o by_o the_o way_n his_o consistency_n with_o himself_o in_o his_o second_o letter_n to_o mr_n g._n p._n 9_o he_o affirm_v that_o we_o resolve_v all_o into_o mere_a humane_a faith_n and_o here_o he_o confess_v we_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v have_v not_o i_o then_o good_a reason_n to_o ask_v he_o if_o christ_n be_v a_o mere_a man_n it_o fall_v in_o so_o natural_o yet_o he_o be_v mighty_a angry_a at_o those_o word_n and_o say_v he_o give_v no_o occasion_n for_o they_o and_o impute_v it_o to_o malice_n i_o do_v assure_v he_o that_o i_o use_v those_o word_n to_o show_v that_o by_o resolve_v all_o into_o christ_n teach_v i_o resolve_v faith_n final_o into_o what_o be_v confess_o divine_a why_o he_o shall_v take_v it_o so_o to_o heart_n or_o apply_v it_o to_o himself_o when_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o intend_a his_o conscience_n best_o know_v however_o it_o put_v he_o to_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o that_o point_n which_o i_o hearty_o pray_v may_v be_v sincere_a 82._o the_o last_o point_n which_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o 115._o omit_v by_o his_o favour_n many_o which_o be_v more_o concern_v be_v that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n 23._o disow_v a_o power_n of_o make_v implicit_a article_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o scripture_n to_o become_v explicit_fw-la by_o its_o explain_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o he_o prove_v this_o because_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v not_o pretend_v to_o make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n whereas_o to_o make_v implicit_a doctrine_n to_o become_v explicit_fw-la be_v real_o so_o to_o do_v this_o a_o little_a vary_v from_o what_o he_o say_v in_o his_o second_o letter_n nor_o can_v i_o find_v a_o
yet_o for_o all_o his_o flourish_n about_o criterion_n he_o have_v say_v nothing_o to_o those_o reason_n only_o he_o have_v make_v a_o sleight_n discourse_n of_o his_o own_o p._n 53.54_o but_o never_o show_v any_o particular_a mean_n secure_v his_o party_n from_o err_v more_o than_o the_o vile_a heretic_n use_v why_o little_a or_o no_o regard_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v that_o scripture_n interpretable_a by_o their_o private_a judgement_n of_o discretion_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n rely_v on_o 26.27.28.29_o which_o if_o true_a utter_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a pretence_n to_o that_o for_o his_o rule_n he_o blunder_v indeed_o about_o it_o in_o clear_a word_n and_o tell_v his_o own_o tale_n very_o pretty_o but_o he_o have_v not_o answer_v my_o reason_n as_o the_o reader_n may_v discern_v who_o be_v please_v to_o compare_v they_o with_o his_o reply_n last_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o each_o particular_a proposition_n of_o my_o short_a discourse_n 30.31_o or_o show_v it_o inconnect_v demonstrate_v that_o none_o who_o follow_v his_o rule_n can_v have_v assurance_n that_o what_o they_o believe_v be_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o duty_n bring_v pretend_v false_a supposition_n against_o the_o whole_a which_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o judge_v the_o socinian_o insincere_a or_o careless_a or_o less_o skilful_a in_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n than_o we_o have_v to_o think_v he_o be_v 86._o these_o be_v his_o omission_n in_o answer_v my_o first_o catholic_n letter_n as_o for_o my_o second_o since_o his_o title_n pretend_v a_o answer_n to_o they_o all_o in_o general_n and_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o another_o able_a to_o speak_v for_o himself_o mean_v his_o reflecter_n we_o be_v to_o imagine_v he_o make_v account_v he_o have_v answer_v they_o all_o by_o himself_o or_o by_o his_o proxy_n but_o good_a god_n what_o a_o answer_n have_v that_o weak_a man_n give_v we_o his_o discourse_n be_v a_o chain_n of_o sand._n it_o be_v a_o mess_n of_o controversy_n dish_v up_o in_o sippet_n a_o mere_a hash_n of_o repartees_n or_o reason_n tear_v into_o rag_n a_o discourse_n as_o every_o man_n know_v have_v its_o true_a force_n by_o the_o constant_a tenor_n of_o it_o and_o this_o tenor_n be_v shatter_v all_o to_o piece_n by_o a_o new_a invent_a method_n of_o short_a dialogue_n where_o he_o make_v i_o at_o his_o pleasure_n say_v as_o little_a at_o a_o time_n as_o he_o list_v and_o he_o play_v upon_o it_o as_o much_o as_o he_o please_v i_o must_v break-off_a just_a where_o he_o think_v fit_v and_o he_o enlarge_v against_o a_o imperfect_a discourse_n unassisted_a by_o its_o compart_n as_o long_o as_o he_o judge_n convenient_a now_o he_o be_v at_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n and_o immediate_o at_o the_o middle_a or_o end_n of_o it_o gather_v thrums-end_n of_o little_a sentence_n which_o he_o patch_n together_o so_o aukward_o that_o they_o have_v no_o connexion_n at_o all_o but_o what_o his_o unskillful_a or_o partial_a hand_n bestow_v upon_o they_o if_o we_o expect_v reason_n from_o he_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o never_o undertake_v to_o prove_v but_o to_o reflect_v a_o very_a pretty_a come_v off_o p._n i_o wonder_v what_o answer_n be_v proper_a to_o a_o man_n who_o prove_v nothing_o nay_o not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v it_o thus_o much_o for_o his_o method_n but_o the_o trick_n and_o shift_n in_o manage_v it_o be_v innumerable_a it_o be_v almost_o as_o easy_a to_o determine_v how_o many_o word_n may_v be_v make_v of_o the_o four_o and_o twenty_o letter_n as_o to_o trace_v all_o the_o anagram_n he_o make_v of_o my_o sense_n by_o weave_v it_o in_o his_o loom_n to_o suit_v his_o own_o fancy_n or_o interest_n when_o our_o question_n be_v only_o about_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o alter_v it_o when_o he_o list_v to_o a_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n p._n 33._o as_o if_o we_o pretend_v scripture_n not_o clear_a in_o moral_a point_n by_o which_o mean_n he_o turn_v the_o whole_a question_n to_o a_o quite_o different_a subject_n his_o contradiction_n be_v frequent_a for_o he_o never_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o concern_v our_o dispute_n but_o he_o constant_o fall_v into_o that_o irrecoverable_a lapse_n as_o he_o turn_v the_o precise_a duty_n of_o prove_v into_o the_o needless_a impertinency_n of_o reflect_v so_o tell_v he_o of_o falsification_n he_o tell_v you_o p._n 52._o he_o mean_v they_o for_o ironies_n and_o indeed_o his_o whole_a reflexionary_n if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o continue_a irony_n it_o be_v very_o hard_o to_o know_v when_o he_o be_v in_o jest_n when_o in_o earnest_a only_o he_o garnish_n his_o scorn_n with_o demure_a pretence_n of_o charity_n and_o civility_n that_o so_o he_o may_v affront_v his_o adversary_n with_o a_o more_o plausible_a garb_n of_o affect_a gravity_n and_o godliness_n 87._o as_o for_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o reason_n since_o one_o instance_n be_v hold_v by_o dr_n st._n and_o he_o a_o competent_a answer_n to_o a_o pretend_a demonstration_n i_o hope_v one_o pregnant_a instance_n how_o he_o quite_o miss_v the_o whole_a matter_n in_o hand_n may_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o render_v insignificant_a his_o hopping_n and_o skip_a dialogue_n by_o show_v plain_o that_o his_o ill-levelled_a reflection_n hit_v not_o i_o but_o squint_a aside_o to_o other_o subject_n ere_o i_o come_v to_o my_o instance_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o bear_v in_o remembrance_n for_o i_o can_v repeat_v it_o too_o often_o because_o my_o adversary_n be_v resolve_v never_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o our_o controversy_n suppose_n as_o agree_v to_o by_o both_o party_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v divine_a and_o that_o our_o whole_a question_n be_v about_o the_o mean_n to_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o those_o sublime_a spiritual_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n with_o such_o a_o certainty_n and_o clearness_n as_o may_v oblige_v we_o to_o assent_v firm_o and_o unalterable_o that_o what_o we_o hold_v concern_v they_o now_o at_o present_a be_v the_o selfsame_a that_o be_v teach_v by_o he_o and_o his_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o be_v divine_a and_o true._n next_o we_o affirm_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n not_o be_v clear_a to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n look_v after_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n in_o those_o text_n which_o relate_v to_o such_o high_a point_n the_o best_a way_n to_o satisfy_v such_o man_n that_o those_o article_n come_v down_o invariable_o from_o christ_n be_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o last_o that_o the_o credibleness_n of_o this_o authority_n be_v prove_v by_o intrinsical_a medium_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n lie_v level_v to_o our_o reason_n which_o contribute_v to_o support_v it_o from_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v deceive_v or_o to_o deceive_v we_o in_o that_o affair_n viz._n from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n who_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n can_v possible_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o a_o reason_n and_o be_v withal_o endow_v with_o such_o and_o such_o faculty_n belong_v to_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o also_o from_o the_o practical_a nature_n &_o high_a import_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v deliver_v and_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n oblige_v the_o generality_n to_o who_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o transmit_v down_o faithful_o a_o doctrine_n hold_v divine_a and_o last_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o divers_a circumstance_n of_o the_o universe_n all_o which_o be_v lay_v out_o in_o my_o second_o cath._n letter_n p._n 57.58.59.60_o to_o which_o nothing_o but_o a_o very_a sleight_n return_v with_o many_o omission_n have_v be_v give_v we_o by_o he_o and_o nothing_o at_o all_o by_o dr_n st._n though_o these_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v if_o he_o please_v to_o review_v they_o be_v the_o most_o forcible_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n to_o prove_v the_o uninterrupted_a perpetuity_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o on_o which_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o grand_a question_n main_o depend_v it_o be_v enough_o it_o seem_v for_o such_o a_o trifle_a reflecter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o pamphlet_n to_o call_v the_o passage_n he_o have_v omit_v among_o which_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o those_o thing_n hedge_n and_o puddle_n and_o close_a reason_n draw_v from_o they_o frisk_v fancy_n and_o that_o be_v all_o can_v just_o be_v expect_v from_o one_o who_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o swear_a scholar_n to_o the_o great_a professor_n of_o learned_a jest_n and_o ingenious_a prevarication_n 88_o these_o particular_n concern_v our_o tenet_n know_v to_o all_o that_o have_v read_v our_o controversy_n be_v reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v how_o this_o gentleman_n represent_v it_o and_o how_o profound_o he_o discourse_v against_o we_o in_o
into_o certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v scripture_n to_o contain_v the_o word_n of_o god._n 30.31_o why_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n to_o my_o discourse_n there_o and_o in_o many_o other_o place_n show_v that_o scripture_n contain_v faith_n be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o our_o purpose_n but_o the_o get_v out_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v true_a mean_v or_o sense_n this_o only_o be_v our_o faith_n and_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v still_o uncertain_a unless_o there_o be_v certainty_n that_o such_o and_o such_o article_n be_v contain_a there_o which_o point_n though_o it_o be_v of_o the_o high_a consequence_n yet_o he_o never_o set_v himself_o to_o solve_n our_o argument_n against_o it_o in_o his_o whole_a pretend_a answer_n but_o he_o run_v on_o still_o in_o the_o same_o error_n as_o if_o nothing_o have_v be_v allege_v to_o show_v his_o discourse_n insignificant_a and_o frivolous_a why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n prove_v that_o a_o rule_n or_o ground_n be_v none_o if_o it_o carry_v not_o thorough_a to_o the_o particular_a point_n especial_o to_o those_o which_o be_v most_o fundamental_a unless_o grant_v it_o in_o effect_n p._n 36._o and_o allow_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o any_o particular_a point_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v call_v a_o answer_n 32._o why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o skew_a comment_n upon_o his_o own_o answer_n which_o speak_v of_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christ_n doctrine_n which_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a tenet_n to_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n whereas_o there_o be_v not_o a_o word_n of_o write_v in_o mr._n g_n question_n or_o in_o his_o own_o answer_n either_o nor_o any_o notice_n take_v of_o my_o argument_n 32.33_o manifest_v that_o a_o resolution_n of_o faith_n speak_v connexion_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n lay_v home_o to_o he_o in_o a_o close_a discourse_n demonstrate_v the_o necessity_n it_o shall_v be_v such_o 33.34_o why_o no_o account_n of_o his_o distinguish_n between_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n that_o so_o he_o may_v misrepresent_v tradition_n and_o alter_v the_o question_n from_o a_o public_a to_o a_o private_a delivery_n why_o no_o reason_n give_v of_o his_o not_o resolve_v his_o faith_n into_o the_o apostle_n preach_v but_o only_o into_o their_o write_n i_o mean_v 34.35_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v resolve_v it_o into_o the_o former_a at_o least_o equal_o 35._o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n show_v from_o his_o ill-laid_a principle_n that_o perfect_a contradictory_n point_n of_o faith_n and_o wicked_a heresy_n opposite_a to_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o certain_a why_o no_o excuse_n for_o his_o shuffle_n from_o the_o new_a testament_n contain_v all_o the_o divine_a revelation_n 36.37_o to_o the_o church_n make_v man_n fix_v by_o degree_n upon_o the_o certain_a canon_n of_o it_o which_o be_v there_o show_v and_o indeed_o appear_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v a_o quite_o disparate_a business_n why_o not_o the_o least_o excuse_v for_o his_o most_o abominable_a fourfold_a prevarication_n in_o answer_v to_o one_o single_a question_n expose_v there_o at_o large_a 37.38.39.40_o and_o why_o no_o defence_n or_o particular_a explication_n of_o his_o belove_a sufficient_a certainty_n nor_o any_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o nature_n end_n and_o use_v of_o a_o firm_a faith_n that_o any_o point_n be_v christ_n true_a doctrine_n show_v that_o his_o feeble_a motive_n be_v sufficient_a for_o those_o particular_a purpose_n 42.43.44.45_o why_o to_o make_v his_o odd_a similitude_n of_o scripture_n be_v a_o purse_n apposite_a do_v he_o not_o show_v we_o some_o certain_a way_n how_o the_o gold_n and_o silver_n point_v of_o faith_n as_o he_o call_v they_o may_v be_v get_v out_o of_o it_o without_o danger_n of_o extract_v thence_o the_o impure_a dross_n of_o error_n and_o heresy_n instead_o of_o true_a faith_n again_o to_o make_v it_o square_n why_o do_v he_o not_o rather_o make_v the_o head_n and_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a the_o purse_n since_o as_o be_v show_v he_o faith_n be_v more_o proper_o contain_a there_o then_o in_o a_o book_n 45.46.47_o or_o if_o he_o will_v needs_o make_v use_n of_o a_o improper_a container_n of_o faith_n too_o why_o do_v not_o he_o put_v two_o purse_n viz._n the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o the_o scripture_n and_o why_o not_o a_o word_n of_o reply_n to_o my_o plain_a reason_n why_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v both_o these_o 48.49_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o reason_n prove_v that_o all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n and_o for_o the_o church_n otherwise_o than_o by_o ramble_v to_o transubstantiation_n p._n 84._o and_o that_o he_o see_v no_o necessity_n of_o it_o which_o make_v his_o often-alledged_a distinction_n of_o necessary_a &_o unnecessary_a point_n bring_v to_o avoid_v the_o question_n perfect_o frivolous_a and_o why_o run_v he_o still_o on_o with_o the_o same_o distinction_n in_o this_o pretend_a answer_n without_o take_v off_o the_o exception_n against_o it_o by_o only_a cry_n alas_o for_o he_o when_o i_o ask_v he_o if_o christ_n teach_v any_o unnecessary_a article_n 49._o and_o by_o say_v they_o be_v not_o equal_o necessary_a p._n 33._o why_o nothing_o to_o justify_v that_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n may_v not_o be_v false_a and_o so_o no_o faith_n why_o no_o reply_n to_o my_o reason_n that_o notwithstanding_o his_o pretend_a ground_n he_o have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n that_o even_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n be_v right_o whereas_o if_o it_o be_v not_o he_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n but_o all_o be_v wrong_a that_o be_v ground_v upon_o it_o since_o in_o that_o case_n he_o may_v embrace_v a_o grand_a heresy_n for_o true_a faith_n 51.52.53_o why_o no_o answer_n to_o my_o plain_a argument_n show_v how_o christ_n doctrine_n continue_v all_o along_o in_o the_o breast_n of_o the_o church_n be_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o correct_v the_o letter_n in_o text_n that_o contain_v faith_n why_o no_o reply_n to_o my_o many_o reason_n 53.54.55.56_o show_v that_o the_o ancient_a church_n allow_v our_o way_n of_o tradition_n and_o disallow_v his_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v why_o do_v he_o not_o confute_v my_o discourse_n 56._o manifest_v that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o his_o principle_n of_o the_o number_n of_o book_n or_o of_o each_o chapter_n verse_n 57_o and_o material_a word_n in_o each_o verse_n that_o concern_v any_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o do_v which_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v certainty_n of_o the_o letter_n nor_o consequent_o of_o any_o one_o of_o those_o point_n 58.59_o why_o no_o reply_n to_o that_o important_a objection_n that_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o primitive_a church_n have_v for_o some_o time_n but_o half_a or_o three-quarters_n of_o their_o faith_n or_o less_o and_o so_o by_o his_o principle_n be_v but_o three-quarters_o or_o half_a christian_n according_a as_o the_o several_a piece_n come_v by_o degree_n to_o be_v spread_v accept_v or_o universal_o acknowledge_v nay_o perhaps_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o as_o be_v there_o show_v and_o why_o do_v he_o instead_o of_o reply_v above_o turn_v it_o off_o to_o the_o single_a epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n and_o to_o a_o insignificant_a if_o why_o when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o divers_a of_o his_o christian_a church_n doubt_v of_o divers_a book_n of_o scripture_n and_o some_o late_a brethren_n of_o his_o of_o some_o other_o do_v he_o again_o turn_v it_o off_o as_o to_o the_o former_a to_o the_o canon_n of_o scripture_n make_v afterward_o 59_o and_o to_o the_o late_a say_v nothing_o 60._o why_o not_o a_o word_n to_o my_o clear_a proof_n that_o our_o tradition_n or_o testimony_n for_o doctrine_n be_v incomparable_o more_o large_a in_o its_o source_n which_o give_v it_o its_o chief_a force_n than_o his_o be_v for_o scripture_n letter_n why_o do_v he_o not_o clear_v himself_o of_o his_o prefer_v his_o sober_a enquirer_n before_o the_o church_n 61.62.23.64.65_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o which_o be_v urge_v home_o against_o he_o nor_o justify_v his_o weak_a discourse_n in_o some_o sleigter_n passage_n lay_v open_a p._n 64.65_o why_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o that_o most_o highly-concerning_a discourse_n and_o which_o if_o it_o stand_v in_o its_o full_a force_n overthrow_v all_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o his_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o a_o rule_n or_o ground_n be_v relative_n word_n and_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v a_o absolute_a certain_a rule_n or_o ground_n unless_o its_o ascertain_a virtue_n affect_v the_o article_n know_v by_o it_o this_o point_n have_v be_v press_v upon_o he_o so_o vigorous_o 66.67.68.69.70.71_o
so_o wicked_a as_o to_o decline_v from_o it_o voluntary_o or_o neglect_v to_o educate_v the_o other_o in_o it_o however_o it_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v there_o will_v be_v now_o and_o then_o a_o failure_n in_o some_o particular_n desert_v the_o former_a doctrine_n and_o draw_v proselyte_n after_o they_o 3_o dly_z that_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o the_o continuate_a delivery_n of_o the_o same_o doctrine_n by_o the_o second_o age_n to_o the_o three_o and_o so_o still_o forward_o the_o most_o powerful_a motive_n god_n himself_o can_v propose_v be_v lay_v to_o oblige_v christian_n not_o to_o deviate_v from_o it_o in_o the_o least_o or_o be_v careless_a to_o recommend_v it_o and_o those_o motive_n too_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o lively_o imprint_v and_o apprehend_v by_o the_o heaven-instructed_n faithful_n than_o they_o be_v by_o any_o in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n before_o christ._n four_o that_o by_o tradition_n then_o be_v mean_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o whole_a forego_v age_n of_o christian_n to_o the_o next_o age_n of_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v and_o explain_v to_o they_o by_o their_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n or_o take_v tradition_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v for_o oral_a and_o practical_a both_o it_o be_v a_o continue_v education_n of_o undergrow_a posterity_n in_o the_o principle_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o immediate_a predecessor_n 5_o thly_a that_o hence_o it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o need_v proof_n that_o this_o rule_n can_v on_o its_o part_n deceive_v we_o for_o put_v that_o it_o be_v still_o follow_v or_o that_o posterity_n still_o believ_n d_o and_o practise_v as_o their_o immediate_a forefather_n do_v who_o at_o first_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o the_o apostle_n have_v instruct_v they_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o last_o age_n of_o the_o world_n must_v have_v the_o same_o faith_n that_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n have_v whence_o follow_v evident_o that_o no_o error_n can_v possible_o come_v in_o at_o any_o time_n unless_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n have_v be_v desert_v 6_o thly_a that_o tradition_n thus_o understand_v and_o we_o never_o understand_v it_o otherwise_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o immediate_a age_n before_o be_v applicable_a to_o all_o even_a of_o the_o low_a capacity_n as_o we_o experience_n to_o some_o degree_n in_o the_o instruction_n by_o pastor_n even_o now_o adays_o and_o since_o it_o deliver_v its_o sense_n which_o in_o those_o that_o have_v follow_v that_o rule_n have_v be_v even_o now_o show_v to_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n by_o preach_v catechise_v explain_v daily_o practise_v and_o all_o the_o way_n imaginable_a to_o make_v it_o understand_v it_o be_v also_o a_o absolutely-clear_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n downward_o add_v that_o shall_v its_o sense_n be_v at_o any_o time_n misapprehend_v the_o church_n and_o her_o pastor_n can_v explain_v their_o own_o meaning_n pertinent_o to_o the_o asker_n doubter_n or_o mistaker_n exigency_n which_o a_o letter_n in_o a_o book_n can_v 7_o thly_a that_o the_o chief_a care_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o inculcate_v to_o the_o faithful_a and_o preserve_v inviolate_a the_o chief_a point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o therefore_o that_o tradition_n do_v most_o particular_o exert_v its_o self_n in_o teach_v and_o transmit_v those_o 8_o thly_a it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v but_o scriptural_a tradition_n go_v along_o with_o this_o other_o we_o have_v explain_v for_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o sense_n in_o her_o breast_n which_o the_o first_o writer_n have_v be_v consequent_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o it_o which_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o the_o father_n and_o council_n often_o make_v use_n of_o it_o to_o confute_v heretic_n and_o comfort_v the_o faithful_a by_o its_o concurrence_n but_o when_o they_o be_v to_o convert_v any_o to_o faith_n it_o be_v never_o hear_v they_o take_v such_o a_o method_n as_o to_o put_v the_o bible_n in_o his_o hand_n and_o bid_v he_o look_v for_o his_o faith_n there_o tell_v he_o it_o be_v plain_a even_o in_o the_o high_a point_n that_o be_v dubious_a or_o controvert_v to_o every_o capacity_n 9_o thly_a that_o hence_o scripture_n 21._o without_o the_o church_n help_v be_v never_o hold_v by_o they_o ancient_o nor_o can_v with_o reason_n be_v hold_v by_o we_o now_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o sense_n we_o use_v that_o word_n that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mean_n or_o way_n for_o all_o who_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n to_o arrive_v uner_o at_o it_o last_o we_o hold_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n in_o those_o sublime_a point_n surpass_v the_o apprehension_n of_o private_a man_n come_v to_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o letter_n alone_o can_v be_v a_o assure_a ground_n to_o build_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n upon_o whence_o follow_v that_o tradition_n which_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o only_o it_o can_v be_v in_o proper_a speech_n the_o rule_n of_o faith._n faith._n 6._o this_o then_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o this_o be_v our_o true_a tenet_n both_o concern_v scripture_n and_o tradition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o point_n to_o be_v ascertain_v by_o they_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o the_o sermon_n represent_v we_o and_o whether_o your_o admire_a preacher_n do_v so_o much_o as_o touch_v any_o one_o of_o these_o particular_n particular_n 7._o in_o the_o first_o place_n you_o may_v please_v to_o take_v notice_n that_o he_o never_o let_v you_o know_v or_o so_o much_o as_o suspect_v that_o the_o main_a contest_v between_o he_o and_o i_o be_v about_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n his_o wicked_a doctrine_n in_o that_o point_n oblige_v i_o to_o write_v a_o falsehood_n whole_a treatise_n former_o in_o vindication_n of_o christianity_n from_o such_o a_o intolerable_a scandal_n which_o i_o apply_v in_o the_o close_n of_o it_o against_o himself_o and_o dr._n tillotson_n have_v he_o let_v you_o know_v this_o he_o prudent_o foresee_v your_o zeal_n for_o christianity_n your_o best_a concern_v will_v have_v give_v you_o a_o just_a prejudice_n against_o his_o sermon_n and_o the_o preacher_n too_o and_o the_o very_a conceit_n all_o christian_n have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n will_v have_v make_v you_o abhor_v a_o discourse_n out_o of_o a_o pulpit_n maintain_v it_o may_v possible_o be_v a_o ly._n as_o for_o particular_n particular_n 8._o first_o he_o talk_v of_o a_o steadfastness_n and_o a_o firm_a and_o well-settled_n resolution_n to_o adhere_v to_o that_o faith_n which_o christ_n himself_o deliver_v 1._o but_o ought_v you_o not_o to_o be_v assure_v first_o that_o he_o do_v indeed_o deliver_v it_o or_o be_v you_o to_o adhere_v to_o it_o as_o he_o whether_o you_o be_v certain_a it_o be_v he_o or_o no_o or_o be_v a_o resolution_n to_o hold_v steadfast_o to_o what_o you_o judge_v be_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n well-settled_n if_o that_o faith_n of_o you_o the_o basis_n of_o your_o spiritual_a building_n and_o ground_n of_o that_o resolution_n be_v not_o well-settled_n itself_o but_o may_v sink_v into_o falsehood_n this_o be_v the_o true_a point_n you_o be_v to_o look_v after_o and_o till_o you_o have_v perfect_a satisfaction_n from_o he_o in_o this_o wise_o to_o consider_v that_o pious_a talk_n without_o solid_a ground_n to_o support_v their_o truth_n be_v but_o paint_v the_o outside_n of_o a_o sepulchre_n the_o tinkle_a cymbal_n of_o a_o little_a rhetoric_n and_o show_v of_o much_o read_n may_v go_v far_o with_o person_n who_o such_o flourish_n can_v prevail_v upon_o to_o forgo_v their_o reason_n but_o he_o have_v but_o a_o very_a small_a respect_n for_o you_o if_o he_o hope_v you_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o with_o the_o wind_n of_o a_o little_a articulate_a air_n air_n 9_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a he_o say_v for_o they_o to_o have_v mistake_v or_o misremember_v what_o be_v at_o first_o deliver_v 4._o who_o do_v he_o mean_v by_o they_o what_o by_o first_o delivery_n do_v he_o mean_v the_o universality_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o first_o age_n or_o any_o succeed_a one_o or_o that_o those_o great_a body_n settle_v in_o their_o faith_n form_v into_o church-government_n and_o keep_v up_o to_o their_o christian_a duty_n by_o discipline_n can_v thus_o mistake_v or_o misremember_v the_o former_a teach_v and_o practice_n which_o be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n this_o be_v the_o only_a tradition_n we_o ever_o speak_v of_o or_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v none_o doubt_v but_o that_o when_o some_o single_a apostle_n be_v preach_v in_o some_o place_n at_o first_o the_o thought_n of_o the_o hearer_n be_v as_o yet_o raw_a and_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v so_o strange_a that_o they_o do_v not_o