wrong_v that_o notion_n or_o nature_n faith_n then_o in_o common_a as_o distinguish_v from_o science_n and_o opinion_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n and_o firmness_n be_v evident_o a_o perfection_n in_o a_o assent_n divine_a faith_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o far_o great_a degree_n of_o firmness_n in_o it_o than_o any_o humane_a faith_n whatsoever_o wherefore_o since_o humane_a faith_n can_v rise_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o stability_n that_o mankind_n will_v think_v he_o mad_a that_o be_v a_o renouncer_n of_o evident_a reason_n who_o can_v think_v serious_o it_o can_v be_v a_o error_n or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o example_n the_o belief_n of_o this_o present_a age_n concern_v the_o existence_n of_o france_n or_o k._n james_n divine_a faith_n be_v supernatural_a aught_o to_o be_v more_o firm_o ground_v and_o consequent_o more_o high_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o again_o we_o find_v that_o the_o more_o head_n we_o be_v ascertain_v '_o that_z a_o convictive_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o more_o strong_o that_o authority_n be_v apply_v to_o our_o understanding_n and_o consequent_o more_o forcible_o work_v its_o effect_n there_o or_o subduc_n it_o to_o assent_v whence_o this_o certitude_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o belief_n that_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a it_o strengthen_v and_o perfect_v it_o under_o that_o notion_n divine_a faith_n then_o be_v supernatural_a have_v a_o peculiar_a right_n to_o have_v such_o a_o application_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o may_v be_v true_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o by_o such_o a_o application_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o not_o less_o but_o more_o belief_n be_v give_v to_o the_o say_a authority_n and_o the_o understanding_n become_v more_o humble_v and_o subject_v to_o it_o that_o be_v by_o such_o a_o application_n how_o scientifical_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o the_o near_o be_v a_o act_n of_o science_n but_o be_v perfect_a under_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v still_o a_o steady_a hearty_o and_o firm_a assent_n for_o the_o authority_n sake_n which_o be_v thus_o strong_o and_o close_o apply_v and_o a_o great_a reliance_n on_o it_o §_o 12._o moreover_o faith_n be_v to_o work_v through_o charity_n and_o to_o guide_v our_o action_n manner_n as_o we_o be_v christian_n and_o rational_a action_n be_v so_o much_o more_o perfect_a by_o how_o much_o more_o know_o they_o proceed_v from_o the_o agent_n unless_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a christian_a action_n will_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o perfection_n find_v in_o most_o ordinary_a humane_a action_n of_o a_o inferior_a and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_v concern_n and_o a_o christian_a will_v go_v to_o work_v with_o less_o assuredness_n and_o steadiness_n than_o a_o carpenter_n and_o cobbler_n and_o this_o not_o out_o of_o the_o impediment_n of_o original_a sin_n which_o be_v contingent_a and_o extrinsical_a to_o faith_n or_o religion_n but_o mere_o out_o of_o a_o defect_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o intrinsecal_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n which_o beyond_o all_o evasion_n affix_n the_o imperfection_n upon_o christianity_n itself_o §_o 13._o i_o may_v add_v that_o art_n and_o science_n science_n even_o the_o most_o slight_a and_o inconsiderable_a one_o and_o which_o be_v most_o liable_a to_o contingency_n in_o their_o effect_n or_o the_o action_n spring_v from_o they_o have_v yet_o all_o of_o they_o certainty_n in_o their_o principle_n religion_n then_o be_v the_o art_n of_o carry_v or_o guide_v soul_n to_o bliss_n and_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n its_o principle_n in_o virtue_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o perform_v this_o effect_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n the_o main_a and_o supreme_a principle_n who_o firmness_n be_v to_o establish_v the_o rest_n and_o so_o render_v they_o efficacious_a unless_o faith_n itself_o and_o its_o ground_n be_v true_o certain_a the_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v exceed_o more_a defective_a and_o inefficacious_a than_o those_o of_o any_o petty_a mechanical_a trade_n and_o indeed_o no_o principle_n six_o eviction_n §_o 1._o the_o forego_v consideration_n be_v more_o enforce_v by_o this_o that_o it_o faith_n be_v the_o light_n which_o discover_v to_o we_o our_o last_o end_n and_o the_o way_n to_o it_o that_o be_v which_o be_v to_o guide_v we_o in_o that_o to_o which_o all_o our_o other_o concern_v be_v subservient_fw-fr and_o all_o our_o action_n direct_v unless_o therefore_o this_o knowledge_n or_o light_n of_o faith_n be_v steady_a and_o firm_a all_o our_o whole_a life_n as_o christian_n will_v be_v feeble_a totter_a and_o uneven_a as_o want_v certainty_n of_o the_o first_o practical_a principle_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v our_o christian_a behaviour_n nay_o certainty_n of_o the_o end_n we_o shall_v aim_v at_o without_o which_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n must_v needs_o be_v stagger_v and_o inconstant_a and_o itself_o but_o a_o blind_a grope_v in_o the_o dark_a §_o 2._o moreover_o since_o all_o mankind_n morality_n even_o the_o heathen_n themselves_o have_v perfect_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o practical_a principle_n of_o natural_a morality_n which_o ground_v their_o moral_n seem_v virtue_n as_o be_v confess_v which_o virtue_n yet_o for_o want_v of_o the_o light_n of_o faith_n teach_v they_o to_o know_v their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o so_o perform_v the_o act_n of_o those_o virtue_n for_o its_o sake_n or_o order_v they_o to_o heaven_n fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a they_o towards_o it_o and_o bring_v they_o thither_o it_o follow_v that_o have_v there_o not_o be_v provision_n make_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o principle_n of_o christian_a morality_n shall_v be_v as_o certain_a as_o be_v the_o other_o thing_n will_v have_v be_v perverse_o order_v that_o be_v great_a care_n will_v have_v be_v take_v to_o create_v those_o imperfect_a disposition_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o alone_o be_v not_o able_a to_o secure_v one_o man_n from_o the_o state_n of_o eternal_a misery_n than_o for_o those_o sublime_a perfection_n call_v christian_a virtue_n which_o be_v the_o direct_a step_n for_o man_n to_o arrive_v at_o eternal_a bliss_n and_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o attain_v the_o end_n he_o be_v create_v for_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n §_o 3._o especial_o since_o this_o last_o end_n mean_n and_o chief_a good_a of_o mankind_n be_v not_o attainable_a by_o external_n action_n or_o local_a motion_n but_o intellectual_o or_o by_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o which_o he_o be_v promote_v forward_o even_o to_o the_o very_a assecution_n of_o it_o that_o be_v by_o force_n of_o knowledge_n or_o truth_n exciting_a he_o to_o act_v and_o guide_v he_o in_o those_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a the_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o have_v be_v manifold_o prove_v above_o impissible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 4._o again_o virtue_n spring_v connatural_o falsehood_n from_o truth_n and_o vice_n from_o falsehood_n if_o faith_n then_o be_v possible_o false_a the_o practice_n spring_v thence_o be_v possible_o no_o virtue_n but_o vice_n and_o so_o they_o and_o consequent_o faith_n whence_o they_o proceed_v possible_o will_v not_o dispose_v but_o indispose_v we_o towards_o our_o last_o end_n which_o destroy_v perfect_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o virtue_n too_o i'faith_o therefore_o will_v be_v no_o faith_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 5._o you_o will_v object_v a_o reason_n mere_o probable_a or_o morally-certain_a be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o act_v for_o a_o temporal_a good_a much_o more_o then_o for_o a_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a one_o since_o the_o great_a goodness_n be_v in_o the_o object_n the_o less_o be_v the_o hazard_n and_o consequent_o the_o more_o the_o reasonableness_n to_o act_v for_o it_o i_o answer_v though_o if_o all_o other_o thing_n correspond_v the_o objection_n will_v be_v valid_a and_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o speak_v abstract_o be_v real_o conclusive_a yet_o in_o our_o present_a case_n there_o be_v so_o many_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o unparallel_n that_o no_o shadow_n of_o consequence_n can_v be_v make_v from_o the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o first_o for_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v viz._n because_o our_o last_o end_n be_v in_o itself_o spiritual_a and_o most_o perfect_a be_v not_o attainable_a but_o by_o mean_n of_o best_a spiritual_a perfection_n or_o virtue_n and_o the_o more_o know_o these_o proceed_v from_o we_o the_o better_a they_o be_v according_a to_o that_o say_n none_o be_v cordial_o and_o solid_o good_a who_o know_v not_o why_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v good_a whence_o they_o can_v be_v best_o in_o their_o kind_n nor_o consequent_o mean_v fit_a to_o
none_o have_v the_o least_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n of_o it_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v stay_v in_o they_o inform_v we_o sufficient_o to_o what_o a_o changeable_a totter_a and_o ruinous_a condition_n christian_a faith_n will_v be_v reduce_v by_o these_o principle_n and_o parallel_n no_o few_o than_o three_o house_n fall_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o none_o have_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n beforehand_o of_o such_o a_o event_n therefore_o may_v a_o atheist_n say_v down_o fall_v christian_a faith_n too_o who_o foundation_n be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n but_o parallel_n for_o strength_n to_o the_o other_o or_o if_o it_o fall_v not_o in_o so_o long_a time_n it_o have_v only_o something_o better_a luck_n not_o better_a ground_n than_o have_v the_o three_o house_n as_o for_o the_o object_v unsuitableness_n of_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o i_o require_v it_o be_v reply_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n than_o to_o be_v lead_v by_o authority_n nothing_o more_o penetrable_a by_o those_o of_o all_o sort_n than_o the_o infallibleness_n and_o veracity_n of_o exceed_o vast_a and_o grave_a authority_n relate_v matter_n of_o fact_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o belief_n that_o there_o be_v a_o q._n elizabeth_n and_o such_o like_a to_o comprehend_v and_o assent_v immovable_o to_o which_o cost_v they_o not_o the_o least_o over_o strain_v as_o the_o obiecter_n imagine_v which_o be_v so_o i_o make_v account_n that_o god_n both_o in_o his_o power_n and_o wisdom_n can_v &_o in_o his_o goodness_n will_v render_v the_o authority_n of_o his_o church_n the_o ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n as_o evident_a to_o all_o her_o child_n both_o as_o to_o its_o inerrableness_n and_o veracity_n as_o the_o other_o nay_o incomparable_o more_o it_o be_v in_o every_o regard_n so_o requisite_a objection_n vi._n if_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o they_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o they_o will_v of_o themselves_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v and_o so_o there_o will_v need_v no_o precedent_n pious_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o yet_o both_o council_n father_n and_o catholic_n divine_v with_o one_o consent_n require_v nay_o more_o be_v not_o such_o a_o pious_a affection_n put_v act_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v free_n answer_n if_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o even_o assent_v to_o humane_a science_n though_o evident_a from_o intrinsecal_n reason_n comprehensible_a by_o our_o understanding_n and_o pure_o speculative_a be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o a_o affection_n to_o see_v truth_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o carriage_n of_o mere_a sceptic_n who_o have_v entertain_v a_o conceit_n of_o its_o hopelesness_n come_v thence_o to_o want_v love_n or_o affection_n for_o it_o and_o so_o never_o come_v to_o see_v it_o how_o conclusive_a soever_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o by_o far_o must_v some_o good_a affection_n be_v pre-requisit_a to_o assent_v to_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o as_o depend_v upon_o authority_n incomprehensible_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o practical_a that_o be_v obligingly-efficacious_a to_o break_v out_o into_o christian_a action_n or_o love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v the_o first_o obstacle_n of_o the_o three_o mention_v have_v this_o difficulty_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o truth_n which_o come_v direct_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o strike_v our_o understanding_n more_o natural_o penetrate_v it_o more_o deep_o and_o to_o stick_v in_o it_o more_o immovable_o than_o those_o which_o be_v reflect_v to_o we_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o another_o such_o as_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n beside_o the_o new_a difficulty_n of_o see_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o attester_n which_o how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o put_v the_o understanding_n to_o double_a pain_n whereas_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o single_a labour_n and_o so_o less_o confound_v and_o distract_n the_o thought_n the_o second_o obstacle_n incomprehensibleness_n be_v apt_a to_o stupify_v the_o understanding_n and_o retard_v assent_n nay_o even_o to_o deter_v it_o from_o consider_v they_o as_o truth_n the_o atheistical_a temper_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o subsist_v be_v metaphysic_n due_o advance_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o apply_v and_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o those_o considerability_n in_o thing_n and_o those_o nature_n which_o be_v abstract_v from_o matter_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o our_o fancy_n be_v in_o act_n while_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v not_o proper_a phantasm_n the_o only_a agreeable_a one_o to_o material_a man_n who_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o guide_v their_o judgement_n pure_o by_o principle_n and_o connexion_n of_o term_n which_o suit_n to_o such_o abstract_a conception_n but_o metaphorical_a one_o only_o which_o the_o understanding_n must_v in_o rigour_n deny_v to_o be_v right_a one_o even_o while_o by_o necessity_n it_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o object_n and_o principle_n of_o his_o new_a life_n for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o principal_o spiritual_a one_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o for_o this_o very_a regard_n alone_o there_o will_v need_v a_o great_a love_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a good_n to_o make_v the_o understanding_n appliable_a to_o they_o or_o even_o admit_v a_o consideration_n of_o they_o i_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o i_o that_o discourse_v with_o a_o acute_a man_n but_o a_o great_a hater_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o mention_v a_o spirit_n he_o in_o a_o disgust_n break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n let_v we_o talk_v of_o what_o we_o know_v by_o which_o expression_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o mistake_v the_o question_n an_fw-mi est_fw-la for_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la but_o what_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n be_v that_o the_o unknowableness_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n obstruct_v even_o his_o desire_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o &_o consequent_o that_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a desire_n or_o affection_n to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a even_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o their_o be_v much_o more_o to_o conceit_v it_o but_o incomparable_o more_o needful_a be_v such_o a_o affection_n when_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o point_n there_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o incomprehensibleness_n nay_o if_o only_o those_o point_n be_v consider_v a_o incredibleness_n when_o no_o parallel_n can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n nor_o scarce_o any_o similitude_n weak_o to_o shadow_v out_o the_o thing_n and_o its_o possibility_n nay_o when_o some_o of_o those_o point_n direct_o thwart_v the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n whence_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n have_v their_o stability_n then_o i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o affection_n for_o the_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o high_a spiritual_a object_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o hearken_v to_o any_o authority_n propose_v they_o how_o evident_a soever_o the_o motive_n be_v for_o the_o credibleness_n of_o that_o authority_n the_o three_o obstacle_n follow_v take_v from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o faith_n be_v essential_o ordain_v that_o be_v from_o what_o it_o essential_o be_v viz._n a_o mover_n of_o the_o will_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n or_o a_o practical_a principle_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o truth_n that_o by-affection_n and_o contrary_a inclination_n be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o assent_v or_o even_o attend_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o these_o reason_n how_o clear_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o make_v against_o any_o belove_a interest_n whence_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a affection_n to_o these_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o mist_n those_o passion_n have_v raise_v and_o purge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o discern_v what_o it_o can_v not_o before_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o visible_a how_o much_o more_o not_o only_o requisite_a but_o even_o necessary_a must_v some_o pious_a affection_n be_v to_o permit_v the_o mind_n free_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v principle_n which_o enjoin_v a_o disregard_n and_o posthabition_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sweet_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o even_o of_o livelihood_n and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a than_o that_o a_o plough_v
affection_n pre-requisit_a to_o faith_n derogate_v nothing_o from_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o generate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o propose_v the_o most_o convince_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o authority_n convey_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o can_v prevail_v nothing_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n by_o his_o peculiar_a power_n plant_v antecedent_o in_o their_o heart_n this_o good_a disposition_n and_o prepare_v terram_fw-la bonam_fw-la that_o their_o endeavour_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o the_o sower_n seed_n take_v root_n no_o more_o than_o paul_n though_o miraculous_a can_v convert_v all_o that_o see_v his_o miracle_n or_o hear_v his_o preach_a but_o only_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v as_o he_o do_v lydia_n it_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o discourse_n how_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a that_o be_v as_o depend_v on_o this_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o set_v the_o understanding_n on_o work_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o so_o produce_v they_o the_o whole_a humane_a action_n be_v free_a because_o the_o will_n order_v it_o though_o she_o do_v not_o produce_v it_o all_o or_o though_o freedom_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o the_o body_n so_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a because_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n which_o be_v free_a though_o no_o freedom_n be_v find_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o a_o qualification_n but_o pure_a necessity_n of_o assent_v when_o the_o motive_n be_v see_v to_o be_v conclusive_a no_o need_n then_o be_v there_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n to_o piece_n out_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v assent_n to_o a_o degree_n beyond_o what_o it_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v a_o impossibility_n in_o humane_a nature_n right_o and_o connatural_o govern_v and_o i_o much_o fear_v no_o small_a disgrace_n to_o christian_a faith_n consider_v the_o obstinate_a bent_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o confound_v the_o speculative_a thought_n of_o divine_n explain_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n less_o careful_o with_o their_o sentiment_n issue_v natural_o from_o they_o as_o christian_n nay_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o what_o can_v revince_o be_v reply_v to_o a_o atheist_n object_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o christian_n make_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n ground_n stand_v need_v to_o be_v pec_v out_o by_o obscurity_n our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o ignorance_n and_o the_o rationality_n of_o they_o by_o will_n without_o reason_n that_o be_v wilfulness_n wherefore_o i_o carnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v even_o per_fw-la viscera_fw-la christi_fw-la all_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o have_v speculative_o hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n i_o here_o impugn_v for_o practical_o and_o as_o christian_n they_o hold_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o point_n once_o more_o and_o not_o to_o obstruct_v the_o resolve_v christian_a faith_n into_o immovable_a principle_n or_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n by_o a_o opinion_n only_o spring_v from_o the_o conceit_a difficulty_n in_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o yet_o themselves_o to_o a_o man_n profess_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n i_o humble_o beg_v leave_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o these_o few_o consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a faith_n be_v no_o less_o faith_n or_o a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n though_o that_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v both_o firm_a and_o more_o rational_a even_o for_o that_o very_a regard_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v it_o be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o perfect_o rational_a and_o consequent_o that_o its_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v so_o able_a to_o ascertain_v it_o that_o they_o place_v it_o beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o a_o inclination_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v have_v neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n in_o it_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o or_o indeed_o apt_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o tenet_n four_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o a_o antecedent_n pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n be_v still_o requisite_a to_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o perfect_a conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o this_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la at_o least_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o divine_n be_v sufficient_a five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o solid_a divine_n that_o faith_n consist_v with_o evidence_n in_o the_o attester_n six_o that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_v his_o assistance_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a term_n that_o it_o be_v irrational_a or_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o whereas_o all_o good_a christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o judge_v their_o act_n of_o faith_n immovable_a assent_n these_o author_n as_o speculater_n put_v all_o the_o reason_n for_o faith_n to_o leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o make_v this_o pious_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o elevate_v it_o to_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o be_v vast_o high_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n as_o if_o a_o rational_a creature_n not_o deviate_a total_o from_o its_o nature_n but_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n ought_v therefore_o to_o hold_v a_o point_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o itself_o have_v a_o affection_n or_o as_o we_o say_v a_o great_a mind_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o seven_o this_o assertion_n render_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n not_o only_o unmaintainable_a as_o have_v be_v now_o show_v but_o also_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o for_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n to_o other_o that_o my_o affection_n which_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o i_o be_v rational_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o mislead_v i_o when_o as_o the_o very_a position_n oblige_v i_o to_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o this_o affection_n push_v forward_o my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o reason_n it_o have_v that_o be_v as_o to_o this_o degree_n in_o my_o assent_n which_o be_v no_o small_a one_o since_o it_o raise_v it_o from_o judge_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v such_o without_o reason_n or_o will_v not_o this_o speculative_a tenet_n seem_v to_o force_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o most_o intrinsical_a consideration_n viz._n the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n be_v make_v by_o this_o doctrine_n full_a as_o dark_a a_o hole_n as_o it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o private_a spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a authority_n suffice_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n both_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v will_v that_o mankind_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v act_v irrational_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o the_o world_n so_o pestilent_a as_o a_o error_n abet_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a patronage_n of_o god_n authority_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o age_n and_o our_o homebred_a experience_n testify_v whence_o that_o very_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a it_o be_v engage_v for_o a_o truth_n ere_o we_o admit_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o may_v secure_o though_o with_o a_o humble_a truth_n say_v with_o richardus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la domine_fw-la si_fw-la error_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la decepti_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n imaginable_a than_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v it_o
for_o the_o establishment_n or_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v how_o insufficient_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n how_o unfit_a for_o the_o end_n and_o unable_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n true_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a ought_v to_o do_v need_v no_o declaration_n to_o manifest_v it_o since_o no_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v without_o difficulty_n refrain_v from_o smile_v at_o the_o ridiculous_a levity_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o assenter_n inference_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n conclude_v all_o controversy_n 1._o it_o rest_v then_o evince_v and_o demonstrative_o conclude_v with_o as_o great_a firmness_n as_o first_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o for_o premise_n and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n can_v establish_v it_o that_o that_o most_o firm_a or_o unchangeable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o its_o professor_n to_o assert_v it_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n constancy_n and_o pledge_n imaginable_a to_o be_v true_a and_o its_o object_n point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n conclude_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o so_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o since_o nothing_o can_v or_o ought_v in_o true_a reason_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o if_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v weaken_v faith_n itself_o which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o into_o a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n 3._o it_o follow_v with_o the_o same_o clearness_n that_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o we_o be_v any_o live_a authority_n that_o authority_n must_v be_v infallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n for_o if_o fallible_a faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o will_v still_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o likewise_o that_o if_o it_o be_v any_o book_n both_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o book_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v faith_n build_v on_o it_o and_o withal_o the_o sense_n know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o in_o case_n either_o of_o these_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o preserve_v they_o such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v true_o judge_v or_o find_v to_o be_v possible_a faith_n which_o be_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o will_v still_o be_v leave_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a 4._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o those_o pretend_v faithful_a who_o have_v not_o ground_n of_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v no_o act_n of_o belief_n but_o what_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o they_o know_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a nor_o consequent_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v true_o faithful_a as_o not_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n a_o assent_n build_v either_o on_o infallible_a live_a authority_n or_o on_o unmistakeable_a letter_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n §_o 3._o but_o opinion_n only_o 5._o it_o follow_v with_o like_a evidence_n that_o a_o controvertist_n be_v one_o who_o be_v to_o assert_v faith_n not_o by_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o explain_v they_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o school-divine_a but_o into_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o or_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o bring_v proof_n which_o he_o judge_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v nay_o which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o show_v faith_n and_o its_o rule_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a he_o do_v not_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o faith_n nor_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o controvertist_n but_o he_o betray_v faith_n by_o his_o ineffectual_a and_o probable_a managery_n of_o it_o make_v it_o seem_v a_o sleight_n opinion_n or_o light_o ground_v credulity_n especial_o if_o he_o profess_v that_o all_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_a confession_n all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n because_o he_o be_v to_o show_v faith_n the_o subject_a of_o his_o discourse_n to_o be_v what_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a nay_o since_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o certain_a he_o manifest_o destroy_v faith_n when_o he_o shall_v defend_v and_o establish_v it_o by_o profess_v all_o its_o proof_n or_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a 6._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o unless_o some_o other_o medium_fw-la can_v be_v find_v or_o way_n take_v in_o that_o skill_n or_o science_n call_v controversy_n which_o be_v able_a to_o show_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o sure-footing_a which_o partly_o by_o our_o adversary_n confession_n of_o the_o inability_n of_o they_o to_o reach_v infallible_a certainty_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v see_v sure-footing_a corol._n 16_o and_o 40._o be_v evident_o impossible_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o yet_o attempt_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n except_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n it_o follow_v i_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o or_o may_v be_v show_v thus_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a so_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n certain_a likewise_o that_o the_o main_a doctrine_n there_o deliver_v will_v stand_v whatever_o particular_a miscarriage_n may_v have_v happen_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o reason_n there_o give_v and_o the_o force_n of_o my_o adversary_n objection_n 7._o it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a from_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n that_o if_o i_o have_v discourse_v right_a in_o this_o small_a treatise_n of_o i_o and_o have_v prove_v that_o faith_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a then_o mr._n tillotson_n confession_n p._n 118._o to_o which_o m._n stillingfleet_n doctrine_n be_v consonant_a that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o be_v false_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n that_o neither_o be_v the_o book-rule_n he_o maintain_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o nor_o have_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n true_a faith_n §_o 4._o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n own_v take_v away_o private_a spirit_n but_o tradition_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o onely-true-rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o main_a of_o sure-footing_a stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o last_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o his_o own_o book_n which_o oppose_v it_o oppose_v the_o onety-true_a because_o the_o onely-impossible-to-be-false_a ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v in_o that_o supposition_n to_o go_v about_o to_o undermine_v all_o christian_a faith_n whence_o the_o title_n of_o his_o probable-natured_a book_n be_v manifest_v to_o be_v a_o improper_a faith_n nickname_n and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n 8._o this_o last_o point_n be_v hence_o far_o confirm_v because_o mr_n t._n and_o mr._n st._n can_v claim_v no_o admittance_n into_o a_o dispute_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n till_o they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o show_v they_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o since_o a_o assent_n to_o a_o point_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v possible_a to_o to_o be_v false_a can_v never_o rise_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o opinion_n nor_o can_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_v to_o what_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a in_o true_a speech_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o because_o there_o be_v in_o that_o case_n no_o faith_n infer_v 1._o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o because_o what_o we_o see_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o propriety_n be_v call_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o understanding_n direct_v it_o to_o truth_n in_o regard_n for_o any_o thing_n it_o see_v it_o
be_v a_o crooked_a path_n and_o a_o false_a light_n lead_v it_o into_o error_n what_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o destroy_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n to_o that_o truth_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o put_v they_o both_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o see_v they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o begin_v my_o discourse_n high_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o existence_n of_o faith_n by_o remove_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v show_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o totter_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n to_o which_o mr._n t._n and_o mr._n st._n have_v reduce_v it_o that_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v all_o a_o lie_n and_o indeed_o be_v a_o actuality_n of_o be_v as_o to_o we_o 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the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v into_o a_o totter_a contingency_n it_o seem_v to_o threaten_v a_o mischief_n considerable_a enough_o to_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o pernicious_a tenet_n shall_v be_v public_o own_a in_o controversy_n to_o taint_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o reader_n with_o atheism_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v too_o successful_a but_o it_o grow_v intolerable_a when_o it_o dare_v take_v the_o boldness_n to_o appear_v in_o sermon_n pronounce_v in_o very_o honourable_a assembly_n and_o afterward_o publish_v in_o print_n where_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o more_o particular_o be_v show_v hereafter_o i_o envy_v not_o that_o sermon_n and_o some_o other_o production_n of_o mr._n tillotson_n their_o author_n their_o due_a commendation_n though_o he_o be_v my_o adversary_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o his_o clear_a method_n or_o disposition_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o the_o cleanness_n of_o his_o style_n which_o fit_v he_o for_o a_o excellency_n in_o preach_v he_o have_v few_o equal_n and_o that_o have_v he_o good_a principle_n he_o will_v deliver_v they_o as_o intelligible_o as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o what_o i_o be_o on_o this_o occasion_n chief_o to_o reflect_v on_o be_v my_o own_o obligation_n which_o be_v the_o boldness_n of_o own_v and_o publish_v the_o incertainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n to_o assert_v its_o absolute_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n god_n shall_v enable_v i_o and_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o of_o i_o at_o present_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v reply_v to_o mr._n tillotson_n be_v pretend_a answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n who_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o reply_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o what_o he_o deem_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o position_n which_o he_o defend_v p._n 118_o and_o in_o diverse_a other_o place_n imply_v and_o build_v on_o he_o more_o oppugn_v my_o discourse_n than_o by_o any_o other_o thesis_n whatever_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o if_o i_o evince_v than_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n that_o they_o have_v no_o absolutely-certain_a ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n confute_v they_o without_o more_o ado_n and_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v relinquish_v its_o only_a right_n because_o its_o only_a true_o certain_a rule_n tradition_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o my_o chief_a design_n to_o establish_v the_o absolute_a truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o itself_o by_o all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v imagine_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o confute_v protestant_a controvertist_n i_o need_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n thus_o to_o multiply_v demonstration_n or_o even_o allege_v so_o much_o as_o one_o for_o since_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v seem_o to_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n of_o father_n by_o their_o voluminous_a quotation_n yet_o they_o will_v final_o and_o hearty_o stand_v to_o nothing_o in_o contest_v about_o faith_n as_o conclusive_a but_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o weak_a a_o ground_n that_o every_o day_n experience_n show_v its_o fail_n a_o ordinary_a probability_n be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v their_o discourse_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o evident_o a_o false_a one_o whence_o the_o mean_a catholic_n writer_n can_v fail_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n over_o their_o best_a in_o a_o prudential_n man_n esteem_n because_o he_o can_v possible_o miss_v of_o a_o medium_fw-la more_o probable_a than_o be_v their_o main_a ground_n i_o declare_v then_o that_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o settle_v christian_a faith_n or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o must_v be_v true_o or_o absolute_o certain_a and_o that_o my_o apply_v it_o now_o and_o then_o to_o my_o opposer_n be_v only_o a_o secundary_a intention_n and_o mere_o occasional_a ere_o i_o fall_v close_o to_o my_o proof_n that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a to_o avoid_v equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n i_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o word_n faith_n i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a whether_o be_v mean_v our_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n but_o judge_v that_o distinction_n whole_o impertinent_a in_o this_o present_a discourse_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o can_v affirm_v a_o point_n true_a or_o false_a but_o as_o it_o stand_v under_o motive_n able_a to_o make_v i_o judge_v assent_n or_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o or_o such_o which_o motive_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v that_o the_o point_n can_v but_o be_v so_o than_o my_o judgement_n or_o assent_n tothose_n point_n thusconclude_v that_o be_v my_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v but_o be_v true_a because_o it_o depend_v entire_o on_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a viz._n those_o motive_n but_o if_o those_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a the_o thing_n be_v than_o both_o the_o thing_n object_n point_n or_o proposition_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v only_o knowable_a by_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o also_o my_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o belief_n of_o those_o point_n may_v be_v a_o wrong_n or_o erroneous_a judgement_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v false_a to_o ask_v then_o if_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v to_o ask_v whether_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n can_v fail_v to_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v equivalent_o to_o assert_v that_o those_o motive_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o absolute_o conclusive_a firm_a and_o immovable_a hence_o be_v see_v that_o i_o concern_v not_o myself_o in_o this_o discourse_n with_o how_o perfect_o or_o imperfect_o diverse_a person_n penetrate_v those_o motive_n or_o how_o they_o satisfy_v or_o dissatisfy_v some_o particular_a person_n since_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o motive_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o lay_v in_o second_o cause_n by_o god_n providence_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o dimness_n of_o eyesight_n neglect_v to_o look_v at_o all_o or_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n even_o in_o many_o particular_a man_n be_v extrinsecal_n and_o contingent_a last_o to_o avoid_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n i_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o question_n one_o concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n call_v a_o est_fw-la viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o certainly-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o and_o the_o other_o about_o what_o be_v the_o certain_a or_o truely-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n call_v quid_fw-la est_fw-la i_o be_o not_o now_o discourse_v about_o the_o late_a that_o be_v the_o work_n
to_o the_o other_o immediate_o forego_v induce_v all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o pin_n they_o upon_o the_o deity_n as_o on_o their_o first_o cause_n so_o horrible_a and_o diabolical_a a_o tenet_n be_v this_o of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o calumniate_v heaven_n itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o excuse_v they_o from_o high_a blasphemy_n &_o from_o make_v the_o unenvious_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n like_o our_o own_o narrow_a and_o crooked_a self_n five_o eviction_n §_o 1._o let_v we_o hear_v next_o what_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a will_v award_v concern_v the_o point_n in_o question_n §_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n mankind_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o among_o his_o other_o office_n he_o perform_v towards_o mankind_n that_o of_o a_o master_n be_v manifest_o one_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o both_o will_v and_o can_v that_o be_v do_v accomplish_v what_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n again_o true_a divinity_n assign_v one_o main_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o second_o person_n be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a god_n shall_v come_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o visible_o to_o cause_v in_o we_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o be_v our_o master_n and_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o fit_a that_o person_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spring_v peculiar_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o divine_a personality_n and_o not_o of_o his_o humanity_n precise_o as_o do_v his_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o proper_a agent_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n be_v as_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_o consequent_a christ_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n or_o wrought_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o a_o teacher_n as_o such_o with_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v then_o the_o proper_a office_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o master_n or_o teacher_n to_o make_v his_o scholar_n know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o divine_a or_o infinitely-perfect_a master_n make_v they_o absolute_o or_o perfect_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n §_o 4._o and_o because_o the_o end_n of_o this_o teach_v be_v not_o terminate_v in_o those_o few_o himself_o converse_v with_o nor_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v future_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o the_o follow_a world_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o sectator_n or_o follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o he_o their_o master_n unless_o then_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o succeed_a age_n also_o shall_v have_v perfect_a assurance_n or_o know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o true_a he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o a_o school_n and_o lay_v no_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o scholar_n or_o christian_n from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n §_o 5._o all_o christian_n then_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o their_o successor_n have_v and_o will_v have_v mean_n to_o know_v absolute_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o mean_n we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v veracious_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o to_o be_v absolute_o true_a and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 6._o beside_o man_n be_v a_o intellectual_a instruct_v creature_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o true_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v in_o know_v and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o speculater_n or_o as_o a_o actor_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v than_o he_o be_v most_o evident_o ignorant_a whether_o it_o be_v false_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o speak_v imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o he_o be_v to_o act_n about_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o less_o perfection_n and_o worse_a for_o mankind_n to_o go_v to_o work_v unassured_o than_o assure_o faith_n then_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o mankind_n it_o follow_v faith_n be_v perfect_o secure_a to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o contingency_n of_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o but_o leave_v man_n the_o subject_a of_o virtue_n faith_n and_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n itself_o in_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o its_o habit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o rational_a also_o that_o its_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n since_o then_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v former_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n no_o assent_n without_o certain_a ground_n and_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 8._o next_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o perfect_a man_n understanding_n as_o such_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o knowledge_n and_o so_o inform_v his_o mind_n with_o truth_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o force_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o be_v manifold_o demonstrate_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 9_o again_o this_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n call_v faith_n be_v also_o a_o supernatural_a one_o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o proceed_v from_o a_o agent_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n aim_v at_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o inform_v the_o understanding_n will_v be_v perform_v with_o infinite_a advantage_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o supernatural_a agent_n be_v or_o god_n part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exquisite_o perform_v it_o must_v spring_v from_o some_o incapacity_n in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v then_o in_o this_o effect_n of_o inform_v the_o understanding_n two_o consideration_n viz._n evidence_n which_o be_v have_v either_o by_o experience_n of_o our_o sense_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v incapable_a or_o by_o intrinsical_v medium_n that_o be_v demonstration_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o which_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o subject_a of_o faith_n very_o few_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o other_o of_o certainty_n attainable_a both_o by_o those_o intrinsecal_n and_o also_o extrinsical_a medium_n or_o authority_n which_o authority_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o its_o nature_n all_o be_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n able_a to_o understand_v it_o follow_v that_o here_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o generality_n the_o supernatural_a agent_n or_o cause_n of_o faith_n will_v effect_v here_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o mere_a natural_a impression_n can_v produce_v that_o be_v all_o extrinsical_a argument_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o intrinsecal_n one_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o most_o strong_o support_v to_o make_v up_o the_o great_a authority_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o to_o establish_v this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o principle_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a science_n but_o divers_a piece_n of_o humane_a science_n nay_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o true_a science_n be_v acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n therefore_o à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la must_v be_v such_o also_o §_o 10._o this_o supernaturality_n of_o faith_n by_o natural_a which_o word_n we_o mean_v divine_a faith_n convince_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a that_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o partake_v whatever_o perfection_n true_o belong_v to_o faith_n or_o belief_n as_o such_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o far_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o can_v elevate_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n without_o
attain_v that_o end_n unless_o they_o proceed_v at_o least_o from_o true_a knowledge_n which_o can_v be_v have_v by_o a_o mere_a probability_n how_o high_a soever_o it_o be_v whereas_o material_a and_o temporary_a good_n depend_v not_o on_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o cause_n or_o disposition_n towards_o they_o knowable_a by_o we_o but_o very_o frequent_o if_o not_o equal_o on_o a_o chanceable_a or_o contingent_a cast_n of_o thing_n whence_o we_o use_v to_o say_v fool_n have_v the_o best_a fortune_n hence_o the_o intend_v and_o direct_v part_n in_o such_o action_n depend_v on_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o particular_n but_o the_o attainment_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o material_a mean_n nay_o very_o frequent_o there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o requisite_a in_o any_o respect_n for_o example_n he_o that_o by_o the_o death_n of_o a_o hundred_o relation_n in_o a_o plague-time_n shall_v alone_o survive_v and_o so_o inherit_v their_o estate_n will_v be_v real_o rich_a whither_o any_o interior_a act_n of_o his_o mind_n in_o the_o least_o contribute_v to_o it_o or_o not_o that_o be_v though_o he_o never_o desire_v aim_v at_o or_o even_o think_v of_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n in_o time_n of_o persecution_n and_o martyrdom_n shall_v say_v within_o himself_o i_o can_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o next_o world_n yet_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o die_v rather_o than_o deny_v they_o in_o hope_n that_o if_o perhaps_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o state_n he_o will_v give_v i_o a_o far_o great_a reward_n such_o a_o man_n i_o dare_v affirm_v to_o be_v no_o near_a gain_n heaven_n by_o this_o act_n no_o better_o principled_a than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o have_v any_o such_o act_n at_o all_o in_o regard_n he_o want_v that_o first_o necessary_a disposition_n which_o st._n paul_n and_o connaturality_n require_v accedentem_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la quia_fw-la deus_fw-la est_fw-la heb._n 11._o v_o 6._o 6._o again_o faith_n be_v intend_v for_o a_o temptation_n spiritual_a armour_n to_o rebeat_fw-la all_o the_o assault_n and_o temptation_n of_o our_o three_o ghostly_a enemy_n original_a corruption_n in_o we_o the_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n about_o we_o and_o the_o cruelty_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o wicked_a man_n over_o we_o hence_o the_o advice_n of_o the_o apostle_n cui_fw-la resistite_fw-la fortes_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la hence_o his_o recommend_v to_o we_o above_o all_o thing_n to_o take_v scutum_fw-la fidei_fw-la hence_o the_o contempt_n of_o all_o worldly_a honour_n pleasure_n and_o riches_n in_o god_n choice_n saint_n and_o their_o suffer_a persecution_n glad_o for_o conscience_n sake_n hence_o last_o their_o embrace_v and_o even_o court_v torment_n and_o death_n itself_o with_o such_o alacrity_n and_o constancy_n but_o alas_o how_o unactive_a have_v their_o charity_n and_o zeal_n be_v how_o dull_a their_o desire_n to_o forego_v all_o present_a good_n even_o life_n too_o among_o the_o rest_n if_o this_o wicked_a doctrine_n have_v be_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o perhaps_o all_o be_v a_o lie_n which_o they_o profess_v suff'r_v and_o die_v for_o and_o how_o cold_o and_o timorous_o will_v they_o have_v look_v death_n in_o the_o face_n have_v perfect_a certainty_n on_o one_o side_n that_o they_o be_v about_o to_o lose_v all_o the_o know_v good_n they_o possess_v for_o other_o unknown_a and_o uncertain_a well_o may_v a_o natural_a sincerity_n preserve_v diverse_a person_n who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n moral_o honest_a and_o innocent_a but_o we_o must_v not_o hope_v for_o any_o eminent_a sanctity_n or_o heroic_a act_n of_o virtue_n from_o any_o professor_n of_o such_o a_o faith_n if_o they_o follow_v their_o teacher_n maintain_v there_o be_v no_o strong_a motive_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n to_o comfort_v and_o establish_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o though_o their_o highly-conceited_n probability_n or_o moral_a certainty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n while_o man_n be_v in_o a_o state_n of_o security_n and_o all_o thing_n go_v well_o with_o they_o yet_o it_o will_v scarce_o be_v able_a to_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v actual_o when_o they_o be_v upon_o the_o point_n of_o forego_v all_o the_o good_n they_o at_o present_a enjoy_v and_o be_v so_o high_o concern_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o future_a one_o they_o hope_v for_o in_o lieu_n of_o they_o §_o 7._o moreover_o we_o be_v perfect_o certain_a otherwise_o by_o manifest_a experience_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o temporal_a good_n viz._n honour_n life_n pleasure_n riches_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v in_o the_o world_n whereas_o unless_o faith_n be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n can_v be_v perfect_o assure_v even_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o heaven_n or_o those_o future_a good_n for_o which_o they_o be_v to_o relinquish_v all_o present_a one_o wherefore_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v the_o first_o and_o main_a basis_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o the_o other_o motive_n it_o be_v clear_a there_o be_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o act_v for_o heaven_n and_o for_o temporal_a good_n even_o in_o this_o respect_n whatever_o parallel_n may_v be_v pretend_v in_o some_o other_o consideration_n beside_o all_o act_n even_o for_o temporal_a good_n be_v unjustifyable_a unless_o those_o good_n be_v hold_v attainable_a and_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la we_o be_v perfect_o certain_a that_o honour_n pleasure_n riches_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o exist_v but_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n also_o as_o they_o may_v be_v attain_v to_o due_a mean_n use_v since_o we_o experience_v multitude_n of_o man_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o arrive_v at_o they_o but_o even_o though_o heaven_n be_v hold_v to_o be_v yet_o it_o can_v be_v hold_v to_o be_v attainable_a unless_o the_o proposal_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_a since_o neither_o have_v those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o faith_n see_v nor_o experience_v any_o man_n get_v heaven_n nor_o discourse_v with_o any_o who_o they_o know_v to_o have_v come_v thence_o and_o see_v it_o so_o that_o i_o fear_v be_v the_o objection_n concern_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o probable_a motive_n to_o make_v we_o act_v for_o inferior_a or_o humane_a good_n distinct_o clear_v it_o will_v be_v find_v not_o to_o mean_v that_o probability_n of_o those_o humane_a good_a be_v existence_n or_o attainableness_n suffice_v for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v riches_n in_o common_a or_o that_o they_o may_v be_v get_v one_o way_n or_o other_o both_o which_o be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o action_n as_o certain_o know_v but_o it_o seem_v to_o mean_v only_o this_o that_o man_n ought_v to_o proceed_v to_o action_n though_o there_o be_v but_o moral_a certainty_n or_o great_a likelihood_n that_o those_o good_n be_v actual_o to_o be_v attain_v in_o this_o or_o that_o circumstance_n of_o time_n or_o place_n or_o by_o such_o or_o such_o mean_n as_o by_o send_v ship_n to_o the_o indies_n invent_v water-work_n husbandry_n soldiery_n and_o the_o like_a which_o assertion_n hold_v within_o its_o bound_n will_v break_v no_o square_n see_v even_o in_o the_o actual_a attainment_n of_o heaven_n by_o i_o or_o by_o this_o particular_a way_n or_o mean_n when_o those_o mean_n depend_v on_o material_a circumstance_n there_o be_v find_v the_o same_o room_n for_o failure_n and_o contingency_n notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o heaven_n existence_n and_o attainableness_n in_o common_a secure_v to_o we_o perfect_o by_o faith_n for_o though_o virtue_n practise_v be_v a_o infallible_a way_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o bliss_n yet_o no_o man_n have_v certainty_n that_o any_o extrinsical_a state_n he_o put_v himself_o into_o or_o material_a mean_n he_o use_v will_v make_v he_o true_o virtuous_a or_o final_o get_v he_o the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o but_o must_v content_v himself_o with_o likelihood_n or_o the_o seeming-betterness_n of_o his_o put_a himself_o in_o that_o state_n or_o circumstance_n or_o his_o use_v this_o or_o that_o mean_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o happen_v when_o he_o act_n for_o temporary_a good_n and_o for_o the_o success_n leave_v it_o humble_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o divine_a providence_n or_o miserentis_fw-la dei_fw-la acknowledge_v with_o david_n that_o in_o manibus_fw-la tuis_fw-la domine_fw-la sort_n meae_fw-la and_o work_v out_o his_o salvation_n with_o fear_n and_o tremble_a §_o 8._o beside_o to_o act_v external_o be_v in_o heaven_n the_o power_n of_o the_o will_n but_o to_o act_v internal_o at_o least_o as_o be_v requisite_a for_o each_o effect_n be_v not_o so_o for_o however_o the_o will_n may_v set_v the_o understanding_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o object_n be_v goodness_n
or_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o which_o only_o can_v oblige_v connatural_o the_o understanding_n to_o conceit_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_n to_o love_v it_o according_o in_o which_o conceit_v and_o hearty_o love_a not_o only_o the_o intend_v and_o command_v part_n of_o the_o action_n be_v place_v in_o our_o case_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o our_o act_n for_o material_a good_n but_o also_o the_o executive_a and_o assecutive_a part_n of_o it_o not_o the_o same_o sleightness_n of_o motive_n therefore_o or_o moral_a certainty_n will_v here_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o true_a certainty_n or_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o proper_a to_o beget_v a_o hearty_a lively_a steady_a and_o all-over-powering_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o such_o as_o may_v as_o it_o ought_v make_v christian_n practical_o repute_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o §_o 9_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n false_a which_o force_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o beget_v it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n above_o those_o which_o ground_n our_o action_n of_o pursue_v temporary_a good_n be_v the_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n truth_n exalt_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n many_o of_o they_o look_v so_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a to_o our_o course_n humane_a reason_n unrefined_a by_o faith_n that_o as_o they_o seem_v of_o old_a to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n so_o still_o they_o be_v acknowledged_o most_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o grossness_n of_o fancy_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o unelevate_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v lead_v and_o confess_o above_o reason_n insomuch_o as_o it_o cost_v the_o best_a wit_n of_o christianity_n no_o small_a pain_n to_o maintain_v they_o not_o to_o be_v contradictory_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a put_v then_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o only_a seem_a certainty_n i_o may_v say_v the_o confess_a want_n of_o certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o counterballance_v by_o the_o incredibleness_n and_o seem_a contradictoriness_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n or_o rather_o indeed_o overballance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o overplus_n of_o weight_n leave_v to_o incline_v they_o to_o hold_v those_o point_n true_a rather_o than_o false_a much_o less_o to_o make_v they_o absolute_o hold_v they_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v assert_v the_o contrary_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o will_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o or_o by_o what_o standard_n he_o will_v measure_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o two_o counterposed_a unlikelihood_n viz._n that_o the_o possible_o false_a motive_n of_o faith_n shall_v hap_v to_o be_v actual_o such_o or_o that_o the_o seeming-impossibility_n in_o the_o object_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v a_o real_a one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v here_o that_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v exceed_o exalt_v above_o its_o creature_n and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v his_o perfection_n by_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n find_v in_o creature_n but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o for_o however_o this_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o its_o perfection_n as_o in_o itself_o yet_o here_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n in_o regard_n faith_n teach_v we_o many_o other_o point_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o most_o strange_o debase_v and_o vilify_a it_o as_o that_o god_n infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o injurious_a buffering_n scourge_n and_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o a_o creature_n sake_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o that_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n can_v not_o invent_v and_o practise_v some_o easy_a and_o more_o honourable_a way_n to_o work_v the_o end_n they_o intend_v and_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v beseem_v infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o person_n superlative_o innocent_a shall_v be_v so_o severe_o punish_v to_o do_v a_o undue_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o be_v enormous_o wicked_a this_o consideration_n then_o necessitate_v plain_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a for_o else_o it_o will_v be_v irrational_a to_o believe_v it_o and_o last_o it_o show_v the_o case_n of_o christian_a interior_a act_n utter_o unparallel_a to_o that_o of_o act_v exterior_o for_o sensible_a and_o material_a good_n which_o one_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v attainable_a and_o also_o comprehend_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v they_o without_o puzz'le_v his_o understanding_n with_o any_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n in_o the_o business_n to_o check_v his_o assent_n ere_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v well_o on_o the_o condition_n those_o person_n be_v in_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o to_o this_o be_v propose_v for_o object_n to_o the_o one_o side_n the_o motive_n to_o faith_n or_o the_o authority_n in_o our_o case_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o on_o the_o other_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o mystery_n let_v then_o those_o person_n understanding_n no_o better_a elevate_v go_v about_o to_o scan_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o i_o think_v confess_v by_o all_o they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o they_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a but_o this_o motive_n or_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o adversary_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o proportion_v object_n for_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v then_o against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o motive_n of_o dissent_n be_v in_o that_o case_n evident_o great_a than_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_n §_o 10._o again_o since_o it_o be_v incomparable_o faith_n more_o easy_a to_o throw_v down_o than_o to_o build_v or_o less_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v a_o objection_n than_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v orderly_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o severely-connected_n frame_v of_o discourse_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n particular_o when_o those_o point_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a to_o fancy_n and_o even_o exalt_v above_o reason_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o very_o plausible_a and_o easy_o penetrable_a objection_n on_o which_o disadvantage_n or_o disproportion_n to_o weak_a judgement_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a excellency_n on_o the_o object_n be_v side_n atheist_n ground_v their_o drollery_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a there_o will_v be_v consider_v the_o rudeness_n and_o unelevatedness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o their_o fancyled_a understanding_n great_a temptation_n and_o more_o plausible_a that_o be_v to_z they_o strong_a motive_n lay_v to_o make_v they_o dissent_v to_o those_o mystery_n than_o to_o make_v they_o assent_v the_o motive_n to_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o faith_n itself_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a seven_o eviction_n §_o 1._o perhaps_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n express_v most_o manifest_o their_o sentiment_n may_v give_v to_o some_o a_o more_o natural_a and_o penetrable_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a faith_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o all_o the_o speculative_a and_o scientifical_a proof_n hitherto_o deduce_v §_o 2._o for_o their_o language_n then_o i_o only_o will_n hint_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o my_o prudential_a reader_n for_o to_o transcribe_v they_o be_v endless_a all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n father_n council_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o these_o very_a day_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o will_n and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o will_v i_o straighten_v the_o signification_n
of_o the_o word_n knowledge_n to_o mean_v scientifical_a knowledge_n it_o be_v neither_o my_o tenet_n nor_o interest_n but_o will_v leave_v it_o at_o large_a for_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o explicate_v how_o this_o knowledge_n be_v breed_v provide_v they_o leave_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o abusive_o call_v that_o knowledge_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v when_o look_v into_o no_o knowledge_n hence_o i_o argue_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v and_o what_o be_v not_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o here_o be_v no_o contingency_n in_o the_o matter_n impossible_a not_o to_o be_v and_o consequent_o faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 3._o nor_o be_o i_o afraid_a of_o those_o cant_a distinction_n without_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o a_o knowledge_n or_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a moral_o speak_v for_o if_o it_o be_v expend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n moral_o a_o knowledge_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v that_o as_o true_a knowledge_n can_v only_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v so_o this_o counterfeit_n knowledge_n call_v moral_a fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o can_v only_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n to_o be_v and_o so_o can_v only_o have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o specify_v and_o terminate_v a_o act_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o constant_a expression_n of_o all_o who_o be_v general_o call_v and_o repute_v christian_n and_o challenge_v my_o adversary_n to_o produce_v one_o expression_n of_o they_o which_o sound_v thus_o dwindle_o and_o feeble_o as_o if_o it_o mean_v only_o some_o high_a likelihood_n or_o their_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o no_o more_o but_o such_o observe_v but_o the_o life_n and_o energy_n of_o their_o word_n in_o such_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o job_n scio_fw-la quod_fw-la redemptor_n meus_fw-la vivit_fw-la and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n scio_fw-la cui_fw-la credidi_fw-la &_o certus_fw-la sum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v find_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o possess_v of_o the_o object_n be_v existence_n &_o not_o deem_v only_o its_o likelihood_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o oftentimes_o indeed_o they_o deny_v faith_n to_o be_v evidence_n or_o science_n and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n while_o all_o reliance_n on_o authority_n be_v obscure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v by_o mean_n of_o authority_n as_o appear_v in_o diverse_a instance_n of_o humane_a faith_n §_o 4._o particular_o wave_v the_o former_a we_o will_v reflect_v on_o some_o place_n more_o express_o assertive_a of_o our_o position_n as_o that_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 36._o certissimè_fw-la sciat_fw-la ergo_fw-la omnis_fw-la domus_fw-la israel_n etc._n etc._n where_o about_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n he_o express_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o this_o attainable_a by_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n which_o must_v mean_v the_o generality_n at_o least_o §_o 5._o i_o add_v omit_v many_o other_o two_o of_o his_o fellow-apostle_n paul_n the_o first_o col._n 1._o 23._o si_fw-mi tamen_fw-la permanetis_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la fundati_fw-la &_o stabiles_fw-la et_fw-la immobiles_fw-la à _fw-la spe_fw-la evangelii_n now_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v found_v or_o ground_v in_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v eviction_n 2._o §_o 14._o have_v no_o foundation_n principle_n or_o ground_n itself_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v stable_a and_o immovable_a in_o a_o persuasion_n which_o very_a persuasion_n and_o its_o ground_n may_v not_o only_o be_v move_v but_o overthrow_v &_o subvert_v as_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tilletson_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n do_v these_o word_n sound_v only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o it_o at_o present_a which_o protestant_a writer_n make_v sufficient_a to_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o do_v it_o not_o mean_a that_o which_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o can_v admit_v no_o possible_a cause_n of_o doubt_n at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a let_v they_o dispense_v a_o while_n with_o pursue_v their_o affect_a gayness_n in_o the_o outside_n of_o word_n and_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o look_v into_o their_o meaning_n and_o then_o if_o they_o can_v make_v out_o that_o groundedness_n stability_n and_o immobility_n can_v consist_v with_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n i_o shall_v promise_v they_o my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hold_v contradiction_n with_o they_o for_o in_o that_o case_n those_o will_v be_v the_o only_a truth_n §_o 6._o the_o second_o shall_v be_v that_o most_o emphatical_a one_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n licèt_fw-la nos_fw-la aut_fw-la angelus_n de_fw-la coelo_fw-la annuntiaverit_fw-la vobis_fw-la praeter_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la accepistis_fw-la anathema_n sit_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v to_o you_o otherwise_o than_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o be_v a_o very_a rude_a and_o unreasonable_a carriage_n especial_o for_o we_o christian_n now_o adays_o be_v faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o short_a of_o the_o credit_n due_a to_o so_o incomparable_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v seem_v that_o i_o may_v use_v mr._n it_o be_v word_n moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v prove_v to_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o false_a and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v always_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n can_v or_o at_o least_o do_v at_o any_o time_n preach_v false_a it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o reason_n sustain_v itself_o against_o the_o force_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o from_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o christian_n of_o former_a contingencie_n time_n let_v we_o come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o present_a christianity_n to_o say_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a now_o the_o possibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contingency_n of_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o contingency_n in_o they_o but_o that_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o lay_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v conclusive_a they_o can_v not_o possible_o fail_v of_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v and_o so_o faith_n will_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a consider_v then_o the_o nature_n of_o contingency_n whether_o speculative_o in_o itself_o or_o practical_o in_o instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v find_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o imply_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o proportion_n between_o the_o frequency_n of_o effect_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o seldomness_n on_o the_o other_o which_o we_o usual_o express_v by_o ten_o to_o one_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o etc._n etc._n if_o then_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a its_o nature_n will_v bear_v nay_o oblige_v we_o to_o express_v the_o probable_a degree_n of_o its_o likelihood_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n and_o that_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v likely_a in_o such_o a_o proportion_n but_o not-like_o in_o a_o high_a for_o example_n it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o wise_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o thus_o propose_v to_o say_v v_o g._n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n a_o heaven_n or_o a_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o contend_v i_o have_v assign_v too-small_a a_o over-proportion_n to_o faith_n likelihood_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o a_o great_a it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o such_o language_n ought_v in_o true_a speak_n be_v use_v when_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n firmness_n wherefore_o it_o be_v experiential_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o sound_v more_o ugly_a to_o a_o christian_a ear_n than_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o many_o to_o one_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o not_o so_o many_o more_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o
overthrow_v or_o show_v false_a by_o any_o reason_n bring_v against_o it_o both_o which_o equivalent_o imply_v impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n again_o it_o be_v deny_v that_o catholic_n divine_n even_o as_o speculater_n hold_v faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o they_o all_o to_o a_o man_n whatever_o they_o hold_v beside_o hold_v the_o catholic_n church_n infallible_a and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v our_o faith_n from_o her_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n now_o the_o tenet_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proposer_n necessary_o draw_v after_o it_o the_o tenet_n of_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o what_o be_v propose_v that_o be_v in_o faith_n but_o because_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o be_v their_o sentiment_n as_o catholic_n not_o as_o schoolman_n let_v the_o angel_n of_o the_o school_n speak_v for_o the_o school_n themselves_o his_o expression_n be_v common_a and_o so_o reach_v all_o scientia_fw-la say_v he_o sum._n theol._n 2â_fw-la 2e_n q._n 1â_fw-la a._n 50_o ad_fw-la 4m_fw-la cum_fw-la opinion_n simul_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la de_fw-la eodem_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la scientiae_fw-la est_fw-la quòd_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la scitur_fw-la ex_fw-la â—stimetur_fw-la impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la autem_fw-la opinionis_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la opinatum_fw-la existimetur_fw-la possibile_fw-la aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la sed_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la fide_fw-la tenâ—tur_fw-la propter_fw-la fidei_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la existimatur_fw-la etiam_fw-la impossibile_fw-it aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o question_n ao_o 4o._o ad_fw-la 2o._o ea_fw-la quae_fw-la subsunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la dupliciter_fw-la considerari_fw-la possunt_fw-la uno_fw-la modo_fw-la in_o speciali_fw-la &_o sic_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la esse_fw-la simul_fw-la visa_fw-la &_o credita_fw-la alio_fw-la modo_fw-la in_o generali_fw-la scilicet_fw-la sub_fw-la communi_fw-la ratione_fw-la credibilis_fw-la et_fw-la sic_fw-la sunt_fw-la visa_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la qui_fw-la credit_n non_fw-la enim_fw-la crederet_fw-la nisi_fw-la videret_fw-la ea_fw-la esse_fw-la credenda_fw-la vel_fw-la propter_fw-la evidentiam_fw-la signorum_fw-la vel_fw-la propter_fw-la aliquid_fw-la hujusmodi_fw-la it_o be_v easy_a for_o i_o to_o avail_v myself_o by_o these_o testimony_n to_o confirm_v the_o main_a of_o my_o doctrine_n but_o what_o method_n will_v permit_v i_o and_o lead_v i_o to_o at_o present_a be_v only_o this_o to_o show_v that_o this_o great_a father_n of_o the_o church_n and_o doctor_n of_o all_o school_n declare_v the_o common_a sentiment_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o conceit_n of_o faith_n certainty_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o or_o false_a and_o that_o we_o must_v ere_o we_o believe_v have_v evidence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o belief_n which_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o all_o then_o that_o can_v be_v object_v from_o some_o of_o our_o divine_n be_v this_o that_o they_o explicate_v their_o tenet_n so_o as_o by_o consequence_n faith_n be_v leave_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o hold_v a_o tenet_n and_o another_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o out_o in_o the_o former_a they_o all_o agree_v in_o the_o late_a as_o be_v the_o genius_n of_o humane_a understanding_n where_o our_o heavenly_a teacher_n have_v not_o settle_v they_o they_o disagree_v with_o one_o another_o sometime_o with_o themselves_o nor_o can_v it_o bear_v any_o objection_n nor_o breed_v scandal_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v more_o particular_o and_o distinct_o explicate_v now_o than_o former_o for_o since_o controversy_n be_v a_o skill_n why_o shall_v it_o be_v admire_v nay_o why_o shall_v it_o not_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v receive_v improvement_n that_o be_v better_o explain_v its_o proper_a object_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o former_o since_o we_o experience_v a_o progress_n in_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n which_o be_v frequent_a in_o use_n as_o this_o have_v be_v of_o late_a day_n objection_n iu._n a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o first_o eviction_n in_o case_n it_o proceed_v concern_v truth_n in_o we_o as_o it_o ought_v suppose_v the_o vulgar_a skilful_a in_o logic_n and_o to_o frame_v their_o thought_n and_o assent_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o artificial_a discourser_n do_v answer_n it_o suppose_v no_o skill_n or_o art_n in_o the_o vulgar_a or_o generality_n of_o christian_n but_o only_o declare_v artificial_o what_o natural_o pass_v in_o rational_a soul_n when_o they_o assent_v upon_o evidence_n and_o this_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v for_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n frame_v not_o its_o rule_n or_o observation_n at_o random_n but_o take_v they_o from_o the_o thing_n or_o its_o object_n as_o all_o other_o skill_n do_v that_o be_v from_o what_o be_v find_v in_o rational_a soul_n as_o rational_a or_o apt_a to_o discourse_v by_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o which_o when_o it_o behave_v itself_o rational_o the_o logician_n set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o demean_v our_o thought_n steady_o and_o constant_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n so_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v in_o artificial_a discourser_n in_o this_o only_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o natural_a one_o that_o the_o one_o act_n direct_o the_o other_o reflect_o for_o example_n a_o vulgar_a soul_n when_o it_o assent_v interior_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o affirm_v have_v true_o in_o it_o what_o a_o logician_n call_v a_o proposition_n and_o that_o proposition_n have_v true_o in_o it_o what_o correspond_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o subject_a copula_fw-la and_o predicate_v though_o he_o reflect_v not_o on_o it_o as_o do_v a_o logician_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o he_o gather_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o new_a thing_n he_o have_v true_o in_o that_o discourse_n of_o he_o what_o correspond_v to_o major_n minor_n and_o conclusion_n nay_o he_o have_v practical_o in_o he_o what_o necessitate_v the_o consequence_n or_o that_o maxim_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o of_o who_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n he_o can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a though_o all_o this_o while_n he_o reflect_v not_o how_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o he_o acquire_v this_o knowledge_n and_o hence_o light_n be_v afford_v we_o to_o understand_v in_o common_a how_o the_o vulgar_a come_v to_o have_v practical_a self-evidence_n of_o divers_a truth_n for_o the_o maxim_n which_o even_o scientifical_a man_n have_v of_o the_o object_n of_o several_a science_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o object_n of_o those_o science_n and_o those_o maxim_n be_v common_a or_o general_a one_o from_o the_o obvious_a or_o common_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o vulgar_a who_o conver_v with_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o have_v again_o nature_n imbue_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o principle_n on_o which_o the_o force_n of_o all_o consequence_n be_v ground_v as_o also_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o those_o we_o call_v principia_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la or_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n hence_o their_o rational_a nature_n be_v lead_v direct_o by_o a_o natural_a course_n to_o see_v evident_o and_o assent_v to_o divers_a conclusion_n without_o any_o reflection_n or_o speculation_n which_o rude_a but_o unerring_a draught_n of_o knowledge_n be_v call_v by_o i_o in_o sure_a foot_n and_o elsewhere_o practical_a self-evidence_n because_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a result_n of_o practice_n or_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o those_o thing_n a_o instance_n will_v at_o once_o clear_a this_o and_o if_o right_o choose_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o sure_a foot_n a_o unlearned_a person_n that_o can_v read_v a_o word_n believe_v 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experimental_o in_o himself_o which_o do_v deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o will_v as_o teach_v by_o nature_n