but_o that_o christ_n promise_v his_o church_n infallibility_n be_v not_o thus_o self-evident_a but_o needs_o other_o knowledge_n to_o evidence_n it_o unless_o we_o will_v make_v all_o come_v by_o inspiration_n beside_o if_o god_n providence_n lay_v in_o second_o cause_n for_o tradition_n indeficiency_n be_v not_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n abstract_v from_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o faithful_a tradition_n can_v never_o convey_v certain_o that_o promise_n to_o we_o it_o must_v then_o be_v assure_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n letter_n ascertain_v only_o by_o imagine_a diligence_n from_o copy_n to_o copy_n not_o by_o tradition_n that_o be_v that_o letter_n can_v not_o be_v certain_a its_o self_n and_o so_o fit_a to_o ascertain_v other_o till_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v establish_v antecedent_o and_o be_v it_o suppose_v a_o true_a letter_n this_o letter_n tradition_n be_v as_o yet_o suppose_v unknown_a to_o be_v able_a to_o convey_v down_o certain_o christ_n sense_n must_v be_v interpret_v only_o by_o private_a skill_n and_o so_o all_o the_o church_n veracity_n that_o be_v all_o mankind_n salvation_n must_v be_v build_v on_o that_o private_a interpretation_n private_a i_o say_v for_o in_o that_o supposition_n till_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o that_o point_n be_v interpret_v certain_o true_o the_o church_n veracity_n or_o power_n to_o interpret_v it_o true_o be_v not_o yet_o know_v which_o beside_o the_o common_a rule_n that_o no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n be_v particular_o and_o high_o faulty_a in_o this_o case_n that_o it_o will_v make_v our_o fundamental_a of_o fundamental_o the_o certainty_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n rely_v on_o such_o a_o private_a interpretation_n moreover_o to_o say_v tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v certain_a because_o christ_n promise_v it_o put_v it_o to_o be_v believe_v not_o see_v and_o be_v the_o same_o in_o controversy_n as_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n to_o say_v in_o common_a such_o a_o effect_n be_v wrought_v because_o it_o be_v god_n will_n which_o give_v no_o account_n of_o that_o particular_a effect_n but_o only_o say_v something_o in_o common_a wherefore_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v see_v not_o believe_v a_o controversial_a divine_a aught_o to_o make_v it_o see_v that_o be_v aught_o to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o indeficiency_n by_o intrinsical_v medium_n or_o dependence_n on_o proper_a cause_n it_o signisy_n therefore_o no_o more_o in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n to_o say_v christ_n promise_v than_o in_o natural_a science_n to_o answer_v to_o every_o question_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v a_o proper_a cause_n that_o god_n will_v it_o which_o be_v a_o good_a say_n for_o a_o christian_a as_o be_v also_o the_o other_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o a_o competent_a principle_n either_o for_o philosopher_n or_o controvertist_n consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n 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i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o for_o ever_o here_o we_o see_v god_n promise_n to_o perpetuate_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o on_o what_o manner_n that_o be_v by_o oral_a tradition_n or_o deliver_v it_o from_o father_n to_o son_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n or_o teach_v not_o by_o scan_v a_o book_n put_v in_o their_o hand_n we_o see_v it_o promise_v also_o that_o this_o tradition_n shall_v be_v indefectible_a or_o uninterrupted_a and_o last_o that_o his_o spirit_n or_o sanctity_n be_v both_o in_o the_o church_n and_o will_v continue_v ever_o with_o she_o which_o be_v so_o she_o must_v needs_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v incomparable_o above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o this_o effect_n of_o perpetuate_a christ_n doctrine_n by_o tradition_n 4._o as_o pithy_a and_o home_n be_v that_o of_o the_o prophet_n jeremiah_n c._n 31._o i_o will_v give_v my_o law_n in_o their_o bowel_n and_o iâ—_n their_o heart_n will_v i_o write_v it_o and_o still_o more_o that_o of_o st._n paul_n contradistinguish_v the_o law_n of_o grace_n from_o moses_n his_o law_n by_o this_o that_o the_o late_a be_v write_v in_o table_n of_o stone_n the_o former_a in_o the_o fleshy_a table_n of_o man_n heart_n both_o as_o express_v as_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o send_v we_o for_o our_o faith_n to_o live_a sense_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a not_o to_o mere_a dead_a letter_n in_o a_o book_n that_o be_v recommend_v to_o we_o tradition_n which_o be_v the_o perfect_a and_o natural_a way_n imaginable_a to_o write_v they_o there_o as_o have_v be_v show_v note_v the_o word_n heart_n which_o in_o the_o metaphorical_a expression_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o action_n not_o of_o meeâ—_n speculative_a knowledge_n as_o be_v the_o word_n brain_n which_o intimate_v the_o practical_a nature_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o it_o imprint_n christ_n law_n and_o convey_v it_o down_o by_o christian_a carriage_n and_o action_n not_o by_o speculative_a scan_v the_o significativeness_n of_o character_n in_o a_o book_n note_v also_o the_o word_n fleshy_a which_o signify_v that_o the_o manner_n of_o write_v christ_n law_n be_v through_o the_o affect_v the_o soul_n by_o her_o inferior_a part_n consider_v she_o as_o she_o be_v a_o virtue_n of_o understanding_n that_o be_v by_o sensation_n which_o make_v strong_a and_o plain_a impression_n in_o mankind_n according_a to_o their_o material_a part_n and_o so_o force_v into_o they_o natural_a knowledge_n whence_o thing_n thus_o imprint_v be_v apt_a to_o settle_v themselves_o solid_o and_o even_o sink_v deep_o into_o the_o most_o material_a gross_a and_o vulgar_a understanding_n quite_o contrary_a to_o which_o in_o all_o regard_v be_v the_o way_n of_o beginning_n with_o read_v and_o labour_v to_o understand_v certain_o letter_n in_o a_o book_n which_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o speculation_n and_o so_o belong_v to_o the_o superior_a part_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o she_o be_v understanding_n be_v artificial_a both_o in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o such_o character_n the_o skill_n in_o read_v and_o high_a skill_v requisite_a to_o sense_n they_o with_o certainty_n 5._o after_o scripture-verdict_n succeed_v next_o in_o order_n those_o of_o council_n i_o will_v only_o mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n leave_v multitude_n of_o other_o the_o first_o synod_n of_o lateran_n we_o all_o confirm_v unanimous_o and_o consequent_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n the_o tenet_n and_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n add_v nothing_o subtract_v nothing_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v we_o quae_fw-la tradita_fw-la sunt_fw-la nobis_fw-la by_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v so_o as_o the_o father_n have_v believe_v we_o preach_v so_o as_o they_o have_v teach_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n in_o its_o encyclical_a send_v to_o all_o catholic_n bishop_n we_o have_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o we_o hold_v this_o catholic_n tradition_n faith_n and_o confession_n and_o the_o seven_o general_n council_n in_o its_o second_n act._n we_o imbue_v with_o the_o precept_n of_o the_o father_n have_v so_o confess_v and_o do_v confess_v in_o the_o three_o we_o receive_v and_o venerate_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o in_o the_o seven_o act_n give_v their_o final_a determination_n they_o declare_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o proceed_v in_o these_o word_n we_o walk_v in_o the_o king's-high-way_n regiam_fw-la viam_fw-la incedentes_fw-la and_o rely_v on_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o holy_a and_o divine_a father_n and_o observe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n define_v etc._n etc._n where_o we_o see_v general_a council_n that_o be_v the_o great_a authority_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n rely_v on_o the_o teach_v of_o
to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v â—tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v a_o odd_a action_n do_v without_o reason_n to_o trace_v it_o to_o its_o original_a and_o to_o search_v after_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o upon_o consideration_n i_o find_v none_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o effect_n as_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o humour_n of_o quote_v in_o d._n pierce_n and_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n so_o strong_o possess_v they_o and_o even_o naturalize_v into_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v quote_v they_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n or_o not_o this_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o whole_a bead-roll_n of_o his_o citation_n the_o useful_a part_n as_o he_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a performance_n and_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o call_v evidence_n be_v conclusive_a that_o be_v worth_a a_o straw_n or_o to_o purpose_n but_o because_o every_o one_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o see_v it_o in_o those_o citation_n he_o bring_v for_o proof_n i_o let_v they_o see_v it_o in_o those_o his_o late_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o he_o so_o pitiful_o betray_v his_o silly_a and_o vain_a humour_n of_o quote_v to_o no_o imaginable_a end_n but_o to_o satisfy_v his_o customary_a habit_n or_o fancy_n and_o as_o in_o his_o citation_n so_o in_o these_o imagine_v the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o his_o cause_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v it_o that_o i_o conceive_v no_o universitie-wit_n but_o will_v see_v in_o this_o carriage_n of_o he_o that_o dr._n pierce_n head_n be_v not_o too_o scientifical_a nor_o himself_o a_o fit_a man_n to_o to_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n second_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n 1._o i_o beg_v pardon_n of_o my_o reader_n for_o my_o late_a merriment_n and_o child_n play_n with_o airy_a bubble_n and_o feather_n both_o d._n pierce_n manner_n of_o writing_n and_o his_o carriage_n towards_o catholic_n merit_v this_o kind_n of_o return_n i_o hope_v the_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n i_o have_v design_v to_o answer_v will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o solid_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v pick_v out_o those_o which_o aim_v at_o some_o point_n of_o concernment_n i_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n and_o be_o sorry_a his_o grow_a hopefulness_n receive_v a_o foil_n by_o his_o book_n against_o mr._n s._n c._n and_o this_o though_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n the_o badness_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o patronage_n of_o dr._n pierce_n malice_n and_o his_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la with_o so_o learned_a a_o antagonist_n 2._o my_o design_n lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n especial_o of_o that_o passage_n p._n 93._o sect._n 4._o where_o he_o begin_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o explicate_v rather_o than_o prove_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o faith_n which_o because_o it_o look_v plausible_o yet_o be_v prudent_o neglect_v by_o mr._n s_o c._n who_o hear_v of_o more_o eminent_a antagonist_n write_v against_o he_o judge_v it_o wise_a to_o reserve_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o protestanr_n second_v and_o best_a thought_n in_o they_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o challenge_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o romanist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o light_a cross_n to_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v i_o take_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o my_o way_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o discourse_n be_v right_o make_v but_o in_o other_o place_n he_o confound_v guide_n with_o rule_n power_n with_o motive_n and_o by_o strain_v a_o word_n in_o mr._n s._n c._n beyond_o its_o necessary_a signification_n impose_v on_o we_o a_o false_a tenet_n which_o he_o main_o build_v upon_o so_o that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o begin_v my_o answer_n by_o put_v down_o our_o true_a one_o which_o give_v faith_n and_o reason_n both_o their_o due_n this_o do_v his_o superstructute_n on_o that_o supposition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o 3._o our_o tenet_n then_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o belief_n that_o belief_n rely_v on_o authority_n and_o divine_a faith_n or_o belief_n on_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o its_o motive_n and_o on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o applier_n of_o the_o other_o to_o my_o understanding_n at_o next_o i_o hold_v that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v assent_n further_o than_o true_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o hence_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v essential_a truth_n deserve_v in_o true_a reason_n if_o possible_a infinite_o intense_a assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o its_o say_n from_o i_o and_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v find_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o be_v certain_a it_o apply_v with_o certainty_n that_o be_v close_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o oblige_v it_o absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v tell_v and_o to_o submit_v whatever_o reason_n i_o may_v have_v against_o the_o object_n reveal_v to_o this_o all-overpowering_a authority_n of_o essential_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whence_o my_o particular_a reason_n be_v take_v nay_o far_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o adhere_v more_o hearty_o and_o firm_o to_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o any_o conclusion_n of_o any_o science_n whatever_o because_o a_o more_o efficacious_a cause_n equal_o close_o apply_v be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o no_o cause_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a veracity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o cause_v assent_n which_o be_v close_o apply_v by_o i_o to_o the_o church_n assurance_n hence_o my_o faith_n be_v ever_o most_o rational_a because_o â—is_n 〈◊〉_d rational_a to_o believe_v a_o point_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a veracity_n be_v engage_v and_o high_o rational_a to_o believe_v the_o church_n assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v thâ—â—_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v whence_o no_o create_a â—ruth_n can_v thwart_v my_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a hence_o if_o i_o have_v true_a science_n i_o be_o certain_a to_o find_v no_o part_n of_o it_o opposite_a to_o my_o faith_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a conformable_a to_o it_o as_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n essential_a truth_n if_o i_o have_v not_o true_a science_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v so_o nothing_o therefore_o but_o my_o own_o overween_a can_v make_v i_o miscarry_v 4._o reason_n have_v thus_o play_v her_o part_n in_o bring_v i_o to_o faith_n desert_n i_o not_o yet_o while_o i_o act_n in_o it_o nor_o i_o she_o my_o act_n of_o belief_n be_v still_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v at_o first_o
and_o my_o ground_n why_o i_o then_o believe_v rest_n still_o unchanged_a nay_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o yet_o reason_n act_n much_o different_o now_o then_o former_o before_o i_o come_v at_o faith_n she_o act_v about_o she_o own_o object_n motive_n or_o maxim_n by_o which_o she_o scan_v the_o authority_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o in_o act_n of_o faith_n she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o object_n of_o those_o act_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o may_v distinguish_v two_o sense_n in_o the_o word_n reason_n one_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o natural_a faculty_n which_o constitute_v man_n which_o faculty_n never_o desert_n or_o aught_o to_o desert_v we_o in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v manly_n or_o virtuous_a the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o power_n wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n under_o its_o own_o ken_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o call_v it_o human_a reason_n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o natural_a power_n unactuate_v or_o abstract_o for_o then_o the_o word_n human_a be_v a_o tautology_n but_o reason_n as_o conversant_a with_o such_o object_n or_o inform_v by_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v common_o find_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o natural_a condition_n as_o man_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o beget_v science_n and_o this_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o find_v the_o authority_n now_o speak_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n formal_o speak_v be_v out_o of_o her_o reach_n nor_o be_v she_o thus_o understand_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o authority_n only_o wherefore_o into_o authority_n only_o faith_n as_o such_o be_v resolve_v final_o though_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o resolve_v the_o rationalness_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o authority_n itself_o it_o will_v light_v into_o those_o evident_a reason_n which_o your_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n as_o yet_o uninform_v by_o faith_n but_o by_o motive_n or_o maxim_n within_o its_o own_o sphere_n be_v capable_a to_o wield_v 5._o reason_n therefore_o take_v for_o my_o natural_a power_n be_v my_o eye_n or_o interior_a sight_n as_o inform_v by_o common_a principle_n or_o maxim_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n my_o guide_n to_o bring_v i_o to_o believe_v authority_n and_o those_o motive_n or_o maxim_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o my_o reason_n by_o attend_v to_o which_o she_o have_v virtue_n or_o skill_n to_o set_v she_o own_o thought_n right_a that_o be_v to_o guide_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o faith_n but_o when_o i_o have_v once_o come_v to_o believe_v authority_n that_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n not_o reason_n but_o authority_n be_v my_o guide_n for_o i_o follow_v authority_n and_o not_o my_o reason_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o that_o natural_a power_n never_o desert_n i_o yet_o reason_n as_o rule_v by_o she_o own_o natural_a maxim_n be_v useless_a to_o i_o as_o a_o guide_n or_o those_o maxim_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o apply_v neither_o of_o these_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o scan_v their_o verity_n or_o falsity_n by_o but_o pure_o rely_v upon_o authority_n and_o believe_v they_o authority_n then_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o in_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n consist_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n it_o have_v to_o guide_v i_o right_n that_o be_v to_o regulate_v or_o rule_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o as_o one_o who_o must_v have_v such_o certain_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n as_o i_o may_v secure_o build_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o authority_n then_o as_o it_o be_v infallible_a be_v also_o my_o rule_n in_o my_o believe_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n this_o of_o my_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a against_o adversary_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a but_o with_o protestant_n who_o grant_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n and_o consequent_o his_o word_n or_o doctrine_n true_a the_o only_a rule_n and_o guido_n we_o need_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o assure_v it_o to_o we_o we_o affirm_v then_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o guide_n we_o follow_v and_o her_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n hence_o all_o catholic_n profess_v her_o doctrine_n uninterrupted_o succeed_a from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o with_o one_o voice_n they_o lay_v claim_v to_o christ_n gracious_a assistance_n to_o she_o in_o defend_v she_o from_o over-growing_a error_n against_o faith_n or_o heresy_n hence_o all_o profess_v to_o hear_v and_o follow_v she_o and_o pledge_v undoubting_o even_o the_o security_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o rely_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o live_a voice_n for_o their_o tenet_n and_o on_o her_o discipline_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o some_o schoolman_n make_v scripture_n a_o partial_a rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o can_v mean_v only_o material_o not_o formal_o that_o be_v that_o some_o part_n of_o faith_n be_v signify_v by_o scripture_n letter_n not_o that_o scripture_n letter_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a secure_o to_o signify_v it_o to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v that_o most_o strong_a &_o firm_a assent_n find_v in_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o all_o hold_v no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n all_o hold_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o constant_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n now_o faith_n be_v tenet_n and_o sense_n that_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o christ_n sense_n not_o the_o material_a character_n which_o that_o certain_a interpreter_n we_o call_v the_o church_n work_v upon_o and_o by_o her_o practical_a tradition_n interpret_v 6._o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o dr._n pierce_n and_o his_o party_n how_o just_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o how_o mistake_o they_o discourse_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n 7._o first_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o will_v seem_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o tenet_n which_o none_o but_o perfect_a madman_n can_v hold_v namely_o that_o we_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o old_a wife_n dream_n as_o our_o faith_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o less_o reason_n than_o none_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o he_o will_v needs_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o therefore_o the_o enthusiastic_a sectary_n be_v in_o part_n romish_a proselyte_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o upon_o so_o gross_a a_o calumny_n lay_v down_o for_o his_o principle_n and_o a_o sober_a truth_n what_o may_v he_o not_o conclude_v with_o equal_a reason_n he_o may_v have_v infer_v that_o all_o bedlam_n be_v catholic_n and_o that_o to_o turn_v mad_a be_v to_o turn_v a_o romanist_n but_o his_o carriage_n to_o put_v this_o upon_o mr._n s._n c._n be_v strange_o unjust_a since_o he_o know_v and_o hint_n it_o that_o he_o write_v a_o book_n upon_o his_o declare_v himself_n catholic_n entitle_v motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n do_v he_o think_v the_o word_n motive_n do_v not_o signify_v reason_n or_o that_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o reason_n why_o he_o adheae_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v that_o he_o renounce_v all_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v she_o 8._o next_o as_o for_o his_o own_o tenet_n he_o lay_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n that_o reason_n alone_o be_v judge_n in_o all_o case_n i_o will_v propose_v he_o one_o case_n and_o it_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o work_v now_o with_o your_o reason_n about_o this_o object_n and_o see_v how_o you_o evince_v it_o i_o doubt_v your_o best_a reason_n will_v crack_v ere_o you_o make_v all_o end_n meet_v but_o you_o mean_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o conceive_v speak_v proper_o you_o shall_v rather_o say_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o authority_n and_o authority_n to_o believe_v it_o for_o belief_n be_v as_o proper_o relative_a to_o authority_n as_o science_n be_v to_o a_o act_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o evidence_n whence_o it_o be_v as_o incongruous_a to_o say_v i_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o point_n scientifical_o by_o authority_n
the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o all_o mankind_n who_o use_v common_a reason_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a for_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o use_v they_o and_o proceed_v upon_o they_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a vulgar_a 26._o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n be_v establish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v catholic_n or_o the_o church_n essential_a be_v by_o rely_v on_o it_o infallible_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n for_o since_o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a way_n if_o follow_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o &_o 13._o and_o both_o best_a nature_n and_o best_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v ever_o follow_v disc._n 6._o and_o 9_o again_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o faith_n be_v former_o teach_v must_v needs_o descend_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v that_o be_v who_o certainty_n depend_v on_o authority_n and_o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v corol._n 24._o and_o self-evident_a to_o the_o proceeder_n on_o it_o corol._n 25._o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o catholic_n last_o since_o christian_a tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n essential_a as_o deliver_v it_o be_v manifest_o and_o manifold_o evident_a that_o that_o body_n which_o rely_v on_o it_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o corol._n 6._o &_o 11._o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v in_o secure_a possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n 27._o tradition_n once_o establish_v general_a council_n and_o even_o provincial_a one_o nay_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a by_o proceed_v upon_o it._n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o regard_n that_o proceed_n on_o it_o they_o proceed_v upon_o a_o certain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n corol._n 24._o &_o 25._o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o neither_o they_o can_v mistake_v nor_o it_o mislead_v they_o 28._o the_o roman_a see_v with_o its_o head_n be_v particular_o infallible_a by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o in_o regard_n a_o more_o vigorous_a cause_n put_v at_o first_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o the_o coresidence_n joynt-endeavour_n preach_v miracle_n and_o last_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a apostle_n work_v upon_o that_o city_n which_o command_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o vigorous_a cause_n to_o imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n at_o first_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o next_o age_n than_o be_v find_v any_o where_o else_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n in_o its_o source_n and_o first_o put_v into_o motion_n be_v more_o particular_o vigorous_a here_o than_o in_o any_o other_o see_n again_o since_o uninterrupted_a publicity_n of_o profess_v faith_n make_v a_o great_a visibility_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n to_o tradition_n and_o no_o patriarchal_a see_v but_o the_o roman_a have_v continue_v ever_o from_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v hold_v under_o by_o barbarian_n hence_o the_o roman_a see_v and_o inclusive_o their_o pastor_n and_o most_o their_o chief_a pastor_n have_v a_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v on_o tradition_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o not_o to_o mention_v and_o dilate_v on_o the_o particular_a assistance_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o see_v and_o most_o particular_a to_o its_o bishop_n spring_v out_o of_o their_o divine_o constitute_v office_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o position_n unacknowledged_a by_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o be_o discourse_v 29._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o for_o since_o â—tis_o certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v â—tis_o manifest_a the_o scriptureâ—s_n letter_n be_v at_o first_o for_o what_o of_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n significative_a of_o faith_n or_o sense_n write_v by_o miracle_n preach_v and_o practice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a wherefore_o since_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o be_v preach_v at_o first_o be_v preserve_v all_o along_o unalterable_o by_o tradition_n disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o and_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o man_n heart_n can_v easy_o guide_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o significative_a of_o the_o sense_n first_o deliver_v therefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o scripture_n be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o 30._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o that_o letter_n concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o or_o point_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n for_o since_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o tradition_n preserve_v the_o first_o deliver_v sense_n alive_a in_o man_n heart_n send_v down_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n and_o christian_a practice_n and_o these_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n evident_o a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n â—tis_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v still_o such_o wherefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v etc._n etc._n 31._o tradition_n establish_v nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o hâ—ld_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o unless_o hold_v ever_o for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 13._o &_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o &_o corol._n 24_o &_o 25._o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o convey_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o be_v find_v it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n establish_v point_v not_o hold_v ever_o must_v be_v convey_v down_o such_o as_o they_o be_v find_v that_o be_v as_o not_o hold_v ever_o and_o consequent_o not_o as_o hold_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o 32._o tradition_n establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o error_n against_o christâ—_n s_o faith_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o error_n contradict_v faith_n can_v be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n for_o since_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n be_v disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o to_o traditionary_a christian_n the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o corol._n 31._o no_o point_n at_o all_o though_o disparate_a or_o indifferent_a not-held-eve_a can_v be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o much_o less_o can_v a_o erroneous_a point_n contradict_v what_o be_v hold_v ever_o be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a 33._o notwithstanding_o tradition_n erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n for_o since_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n the_o church_n be_v still_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n a_o congregation_n make_v up_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o the_o bad_a will_v do_v like_o themselves_o that_o be_v be_v glad_a to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o shall_v make_v for_o their_o own_o end_n or_o for_o vice_n that_o be_v erroneous_a one_o again_o since_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o multitude_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o use_v their_o private_a reason_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o divers_a particular_a point_n or_o case_n and_o that_o the_o remoteness_n of_o christian_a principle_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o particular_a action_n or_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o opposition_n between_o they_o not_o easy_o nor_o clear_o discoverable_a at_o first_o nay_o the_o ambiguity_n in_o word_v they_o may_v make_v they_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n fair_o reconcilable_a till_o the_o term_n be_v distinguish_v and_o clear_v from_o equivocation_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n hinder_v not_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n 34._o
erroneous_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 15._o corol._n 11._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n rely_v on_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o atte_a forefather_n not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o opinator_n these_o opinion_n can_v never_o have_v any_o firmness_n in_o she_o by_o mean_n of_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v erroneous_a they_o can_v never_o gain_v any_o depth_n of_o adhesion_n by_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a nor_o error_n be_v necessary_o opposite_a to_o truth_n can_v they_o even_o maintain_v their_o quiet_a posture_n by_o be_v evident_o not_o opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o neither_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a at_o least_o the_o intelligent_a party_n of_o they_o or_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v contradict_v or_o have_v their_o verity_n dispute_v by_o the_o search_a and_o unsatisfy_a wit_n of_o opposer_n 35._o the_o prudence_n requisite_a in_o church-government_n be_v one_o cause_o why_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v not_o immediate_o but_o after_o some_o long_a time_n perhaps_o to_o be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o since_o a_o church_n be_v a_o most_o vast_a and_o sacred_a commonwealth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o great_a gravity_n and_o authority_n imaginable_a she_o be_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o engage_v it_o trivial_o in_o sleight_n occasion_n nor_o rash_o when_o the_o point_n be_v unevident_a wherefore_o see_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n while_o hold_v but_o by_o few_o be_v of_o sleight_n concern_v and_o so_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o inferior_a officer_n when_o universal_o hold_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o multitude_n she_o be_v in_o prudence_n to_o suspend_v till_o its_o opposition_n to_o faith_n be_v clear_v by_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n and_o this_o satisfactory_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinatour_n lest_o either_o she_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o tare_n pluck_v up_o wheat_n or_o use_v her_o authority_n more_o to_o destruction_n than_o edification_n by_o a_o too_o hasty_a decision_n 36._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o divinity_n if_o universal_a and_o practical_a can_v be_v very_o long_o permit_v in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o corol._n 31._o a_o mere_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n it_o be_v manifest_a it_o can_v never_o subsist_v when_o it_o be_v show_v to_o clash_v with_o any_o of_o the_o say_a point_n wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o discussion_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o of_o different_a judgement_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o variety_n and_o nature_n of_o worldly_a interest_n be_v such_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o it_o will_v excite_v they_o to_o discussion_n and_o sift_v its_o conformity_n or_o disconformity_n to_o christian_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o clear_v the_o term_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v but_o especial_o see_v absurd_a or_o irrational_a practice_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o that_o our_o natural_a corruption_n incline_v man_n to_o follow_v such_o practice_n till_o they_o be_v check_v by_o regard_n to_o something_o hold_v sacred_a that_o be_v by_o be_v show_v opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v show_v they_o will_v infallible_o grow_v on_o still_o more_o and_o more_o till_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o absurdity_n that_o they_o need_v now_o no_o skill_n to_o discover_v they_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o evident_a method_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o speculation_n be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o matter_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o practice_n those_o irrational_a practice_n therefore_o must_v needs_o after_o some_o time_n discover_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o christian_a behaviour_n and_o consequent_o confess_v the_o principle_n which_o beget_v they_o opposite_a to_o christian_a faith_n which_o do_v it_o present_o lose_v its_o credit_n and_o be_v quash_v by_o the_o incomparable_o more_o powerful_a force_n and_o all_o over-bearing_a authority_n of_o tradition_n 37._o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o the_o irrational_a practice_n issue_v from_o they_o though_o suppose_v universal_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o since_o corol._n 31._o nothing_o not_o hold_v ever_o or_o not_o come_v from_o christ_n can_v possible_o be_v accept_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o come_v from_o christ_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o erroneous_a opinion_n can_v come_v to_o gain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o repute_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n nor_o their_o proper_a practice_n the_o esteem_n of_o christian_a practice_n wherefore_o traditionary_a point_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o absolute_o possess_v the_o judgmenr_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o christian_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o opinion_n can_v ever_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o conceive_v subordination_n to_o traditionary_a point_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o â—_z by_o they_o but_o with_o a_o conceived_a subordination_n and_o conformity_n to_o those_o practice_n which_o spring_v from_o undoubtedly-known_a christian_a tenet_n or_o traditionary_a point_n see_v then_o what_o be_v not_o hold_v and_o â—_z but_o as_o conceive_v subordinate_a to_o other_o tenet_n and_o practice_n must_v needs_o be_v less_o hold_v than_o those_o other_o nay_o not_o hold_v at_o all_o otherwise_o than_o conditional_o or_o upon_o supposal_n of_o such_o a_o subordination_n â—tis_o clear_o consequent_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o antidote_n that_o bad_a opinion_n and_o practice_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o and_o absolute_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a 38._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n or_o its_o proper_a practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v for_o since_o the_o church_n formal_o as_o such_o proceed_v on_o christian_a tradition_n no_o such_o opinion_n nor_o consequent_o practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v but_o only_o to_o some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v as_o leave_v to_o the_o contingent_a force_n of_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o school_n not_o the_o church_n 39_o it_o be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o senseless_a to_o think_v to_o impugn_v the_o church_n by_o object_v to_o her_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n for_o since_o they_o concern_v she_o not_o nor_o be_v imputable_a to_o she_o as_o church_n or_o to_o her_o member_n as_o faithful_a the_o wise_a objection_n can_v only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o church_n have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v fallible_a in_o their_o private_a discourse_n or_o school-disputes_a that_o be_v she_o have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v man_n a_o heavy_a imputation_n 40._o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n that_o be_v without_o which_o nothing_o be_v know_v or_o knowable_a in_o that_o science_n for_o since_o controversy_n or_o the_o science_n which_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o these_o two_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n say_v this_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n as_o we_o now_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n and_o only_o the_o late_a be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n see_v also_o as_o have_v be_v large_o and_o manifold_o evident_a nothing_o can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o this_o but_o tradition_n nor_o it_o unless_o its_o certainty_n be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n 41._o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n however_o comfortable_a to_o the_o faithful_a can_v bear_v no_o part_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o a_o controversial_a divine_a for_o since_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v subsequent_a to_o that_o rule_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n nor_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n again_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n disc._n 1._o §_o 4_o and_o 9_o must_v be_v so_o evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n must_v intervene_v between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o understanding_n and_o it_o and_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a vulgar_a
synod_n in_o its_o definition_n where_o he_o will_v hear_v of_o no_o such_o toy_n as_o new_a revelation_n but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a every_o session_n where_o faith_n be_v define_v profess_v to_o build_v on_o tradition_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o be_v oral_a tradition_n ever_o always_o from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o new_a but_o the_o old-and_a ever-faith_n if_o you_o will_v combat_v our_o church_n here_o you_o have_v she_o fall_v to_o work_v but_o you_o find_v some_o schoolman_n opine_v also_o infallibility_n in_o some_o other_o mean_n beside_o tradition_n and_o judge_v this_o tenet_n easy_o confute_v you_o level_v your_o blow_n at_o it_o because_o the_o other_o be_v out_o of_o your_o reach_n and_o will_v make_v this_o tenet_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o church_n herself_o you_o will_v disgrace_v this_o way_n of_o tradition_n as_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o those_o blemish_v person_n how_o far_o be_v you_o wide_o of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o way_n every_o catholic_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n none_o except_v hold_v and_o follow_v for_o my_o part_n i_o disavow_v the_o maintain_v any_o point_n or_o affect_v any_o way_n which_o be_v not_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o and_o this_o not_o as_o opinion_n but_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o infallible_o certain_a schoolman_n at_o liberty_n question_v personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n some_o grant_v it_o not_o to_o he_o and_o his_o roman_a clergy_n some_o question_n that_o of_o a_o provincial_a synod_n nay_o some_o who_o book_n be_v extant_a and_o yet_o uncensured_a maintain_v even_o a_o general_n council_n may_v possible_o err_v but_o not_o one_o i_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o affirm_v that_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v for_o in_o do_v so_o he_o call_v all_o his_o faith_n in_o question_n and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian._n 9_o this_o then_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a so_o that_o in_o no_o case_n it_o can_v err_v the_o other_o only_o by_o some_o &_o faint_o in_o comparison_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o faithful_n permit_v they_o â—o_o be_v question_v nay_o not_o hold_v at_o all_o infallible_a but_o upon_o supposal_n of_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o which_o also_o divine_v differ_v mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o other_o protestant_a writer_n may_v see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v candid_o impugn_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o trifle_v away_o time_n in_o wrangle_v with_o some_o private_a opinator_n i_o have_v set_v they_o a_o fair_a mark_n in_o my_o discourse_n if_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o point_n and_o the_o end_n of_o my_o preface_n have_v tell_v they_o how_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o overthrow_v this_o all_o the_o other_o infallibility_n now_o speak_v of_o will_v fall_v with_o it_o if_o not_o not_o only_o this_o of_o universal_a tradition_n will_v stand_v but_o also_o all_o the_o other_o infallibility_n will_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v establish_v on_o a_o firm_a basis_n than_o any_o who_o begin_v not_o with_o and_o settle_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n can_v ever_o give_v they_o this_o foundation_n than_o they_o must_v either_o subvert_v or_o they_o may_v fear_v the_o papist_n will_v build_v such_o superstructure_n on_o it_o as_o will_v reach_v to_o heaven_n it_o rise_v apace_o and_o have_v advance_v many_o story_n in_o a_o small_a time_n 10._o by_o this_o discourse_n all_o mr._n stillingfleet_n if_o his_o which_o follow_v have_v their_o answer_n and_o he_o will_v see_v the_o knot_n easy_o lose_v in_o distinguish_v the_o word_n other_o by_o which_o if_o he_o mean_v disparate_a unconnect_v or_o unimply_v point_n of_o faith_n no_o divine_v of_o any_o number_n or_o account_n hold_v they_o can_v be_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la much_o less_o our_o church_n if_o involve_v or_o imply_v in_o the_o main_a point_n he_o must_v show_v it_o be_v absolute_o another_o and_o not_o rather_o a_o piece_n or_o part_n of_o the_o imply_v one_o as_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n be_v a_o part_n of_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o consider_v what_o logic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o reflection_n will_v much_o unblunder_v his_o thought_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v the_o church_n the_o liberty_n to_o take_v asunder_o her_o own_o thought_n and_o clear_v they_o upon_o occasion_n by_o represent_v their_o part_n distinct_o or_o in_o many_o proposition_n which_o be_v invole_v before_o in_o some_o one_o a_o privilege_n nature_n grant_v all_o mankind_n as_o a_o necessary_a conseqent_n to_o their_o work_n by_o abstract_a notion_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o regard_n or_o view_v the_o same_o thing`now_v on_o one_o side_n then_o on_o the_o other_o 11._o his_o second_o chief_a demand_n be_v what_o security_n be_v there_o that_o in_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n any_o practice_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o precedent_n i_o answer_v our_o practice_n spring_v from_o our_o tenet_n if_o then_o he_o mean_v ecclesiastical_a practice_n that_o be_v such_o as_o spring_v from_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n there_o be_v no_o security_n at_o all_o for_o these_o be_v to_o come_v in_o anew_o as_o oft_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n require_v it_o if_o he_o mean_v such_o practice_n as_o spring_v from_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o security_n no_o such_o new_a practice_n can_v be_v introduct_n as_o there_o be_v that_o no_o new_a christian_a tenet_n can_v come_v in_o now_o these_o late_a practice_n be_v those_o we_o make_v use_v of_o in_o tradition_n as_o make_v faith_n visible_a be_v as_o it_o be_v its_o body_n he_o must_v mean_v then_o of_o these_o practice_n to_o do_v his_o discourse_n any_o service_n and_o so_o of_o these_o he_o question_n whether_o the_o descendants_n hold_v themselves_o bind_v unalterable_o to_o observe_v what_o their_o forefather_n do_v otherwise_o to_o know_v bare_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o follow_v it_o he_o argue_v well_o to_o smooth_a as_o many_o rub_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v no_o difficulty_n but_o our_o main_a one_o i_o will_v reflect_v on_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n unalterable_o for_o to_o introduce_v new_a practice_n consequent_a to_o the_o former_a be_v to_o propagate_v enlarge_v extend_v and_o so_o strengthen_v they_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o to_o discourse_v consequent_o to_o a_o principle_n or_o tenet_n be_v so_o far_o from_o alter_v it_o that_o by_o the_o contexture_n of_o other_o truth_n with_o it_o it_o corroborate_v and_o establish_v it_o more_o unalterable_o its_o self_n they_o must_v then_o be_v practice_n not_o of_o a_o subordinate_a but_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o christian_a one_o which_o can_v be_v fear_v to_o alter_v christian_a practice_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o child_n or_o the_o succeed_v age_n hold_v themselves_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o practice_n and_o tenet_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o precedent_n age._n and_o the_o affirmative_a be_v most_o evident_a in_o case_n they_o hold_v those_o tenet_n which_o principled_a those_o action_n true_a teach_v by_o christ_n and_o command_v by_o he_o as_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o those_o practice_n consequent_a if_o then_o they_o hold_v the_o deliver_v doctrine_n christ_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o to_o alter_v it_o nor_o consequent_o its_o practice_n so_o that_o our_o question_n be_v restrain_v to_o to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o the_o only_a difficulty_n now_o be_v whether_o they_o 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shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o method_n of_o controversy_n or_o think_v myself_o a_o fit_a proposer_n or_o presser_z of_o it_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o nature_n herself_o who_o i_o second_o in_o this_o design_n be_v about_o do_v that_o work_n for_o i_o hear_v catholic_n writer_n complain_v of_o the_o protestant_n and_o just_o too_o that_o he_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o hâ—â—_n be_v a_o hundred_o time_n say_v before_o and_o i_o be_o inform_v a_o eminent_a protestant_n now_o write_v in_o behalf_n of_o dr_n pierce_n make_v the_o same_o counter-complaint_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o dissuader_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o the_o same_o resentment_n beside_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o best_a wit_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v weary_a of_o this_o method_n see_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o reciprocate_a a_o saw_n or_o transcribe_v and_o reprinting_a what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o only_o in_o another_o frame_n or_o if_o any_o new_a production_n be_v make_v general_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o some_o note_n collect_v from_o some_o historical_a book_n unobserved_a by_o other_o which_o what_o satisfactory_a evidence_n it_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v with_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v guess_v 6._o now_o all_o this_o happen_v through_o not_o first_o settle_v and_o agree_v in_o some_o first_o principle_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o preface_n but_o also_o because_o as_o will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o without_o thiâ—_n the_o validity_n of_o any_o testimony_n from_o father_n or_o council_n can_v be_v weigh_v understand_v or_o press_v with_o force_n upon_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o these_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a of_o their_o time_n that_o be_v of_o christian_a tradition_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o till_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n be_v evidence_v they_o will_v not_o be_v clear_o know_v again_o tradition_n once_o evidence_v will_v give_v principle_n to_o distinguish_v those_o citation_n by_o and_o to_o secure_v as_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n whence_o clear_a victory_n will_v accrue_v to_o truth_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o her_o ingenuous_a seeker_n not_o that_o i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o catholic_n writer_n of_o the_o testimonial_a strain_n carry_z 4_o strong_a force_n of_o conviction_n with_o they_o but_o i_o see_v thâ—â—â—_n while_o the_o solid_a testimony_n be_v not_o distinguish_v and_o sole_o insist_v on_o but_o run_v mix_v with_o other_o of_o less_o force_n by_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o weaken_v their_o own_o i_o see_v also_o that_o they_o want_v their_o effect_n upon_o the_o protestant_n by_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o first_o press_v to_o admit_v that_o evident_a principle_n on_o which_o their_o strength_n be_v build_v and_o which_o once_o settle_v they_o be_v irresistible_a 7._o the_o settle_v then_o the_o
supernatural_a thing_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o hold_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o some_o very_a great_a good_a reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n nor_o yet_o without_o love_v it_o for_o none_o be_v think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o which_o love_n beside_o the_o knowledge_n that_o heaven_n be_v can_v be_v have_v without_o know_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a incomparable_o great_a than_o any_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v these_o knowledge_n be_v have_v by_o mankind_n but_o by_o believe_v hence_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o faith_n be_v conceive_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nor_o be_v this_o find_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n the_o learneder_n faithful_n make_v concern_v it_o by_o their_o discourse_n but_o in_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o import_v knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n it_o be_v then_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o itself_o most_o rational_a that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v be_v to_o have_v faith_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n must_v be_v appliable_a to_o they_o 9_o moreover_o since_o the_o rude_a or_o unskilfull_a people_n be_v the_o less_o capable_a they_o be_v of_o science_n and_o none_o doubt_v but_o some_o among_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v come_v to_o be_v save_v since_o we_o experience_v they_o have_v oftentimes_o well-meaning_a virtuous_a and_o devout_a heart_n the_o rule_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n must_v also_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o that_o be_v must_v be_v such_o as_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o must_v be_v knowable_a as_o to_o it_o be_v existence_n by_o natural_a impression_n upon_o man_n sense_n affect_v their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n for_o see_v the_o rude_a be_v very_o shallow_a reflecter_n and_o discourser_n and_o suppose_v to_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o kind_n of_o skill_n get_v by_o speculation_n or_o study_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n existence_n must_v not_o need_v any_o skill_n or_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n intervening_a between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o itâ—_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n by_o parag_n 4_o 11._o again_o see_v those_o who_o be_v very_o rude_a be_v yet_o capable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o doubt_n concern_v their_o faith_n either_o by_o sophistry_n or_o faiâ—_n language_n and_o at_o length_n desert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o mean_n lest_o by_o god_n sufficient_a to_o settle_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o only_o mean_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n be_v dissatisfactory_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v show_v worthy_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o iâ—_n either_o by_o its_o own_o light_n evident_o secure_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v hold_v a_o rule_n and_o this_o even_a to_o the_o rude_a who_o can_v doubt_v or_o else_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o by_o intelligent_a person_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o such_o reflection_n and_o this_o out_o of_o principle_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o be_v prove_v parage_v the_o 5_o that_o be_v require_v only_o common_a and_o obvious_a reason_n not_o scientifical_a speculation_n to_o instill_v they_o otherwise_o those_o rude_a person_n will_v be_v leave_v unfurnish_v of_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n 12._o also_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n bear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o virtue_n and_o so_o no_o act_n of_o it_o irrational_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o act_n rational_a and_o the_o submission_n of_o onr_a understanding_n exercisd_v in_o it_o rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la it_o be_v evince_v that_o the_o satisfactorine_n of_o its_o rule_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v evident_a or_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a doubter_n as_o we_o now_o prove_v but_o also_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o the_o faithful_a who_o yet_o have_v no_o doubt_n shall_v do_v rational_o even_o while_o they_o simple_o or_o unreflect_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v supply_v to_o their_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n by_o a_o natural_a way_n what_o it_o want_v of_o reflection_n i_o mean_v so_o that_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v tell_v they_o upon_o solid_a and_o true_a principle_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v or_o follow_v thongh_v they_o dive_v not_o into_o the_o ground_n or_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o tenet_n or_o action_n nor_o can_v give_v account_n of_o they_o 13._o and_o since_o our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v embrace_v faith_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v be_v heterodox_n that_o be_v hold_v contradictory_o to_o the_o church_n in_o what_o they_o dissent_v from_o she_o so_o that_o if_o they_o change_v they_o must_v now_o hold_v be_v indeed_o of_o be_v not_o or_o be_v not_o instead_o of_o be_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a to_o hold_v to_o in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o no_o change_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o in_o a_o rational_a nature_n of_o which_o nature_n those_o heterodox_n be_v without_o true_a reason_n to_o change_v and_o the_o change_n in_o our_o case_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o to_o a_o mere_a suspension_n which_o be_v believe_v nothing_o nor_o to_o a_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o to_o a_o contrary_a or_o rather_o contradictory_n assent_n and_o no_o assent_n can_v beâ—_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o assent_n nor_o be_v any_o sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o put_v that_o effect_n or_o cause_n assent_n in_o a_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o ruleâ—_n of_o faith_n but_o evidence_n for_o while_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o be_v while_o the_o understanding_n must_v aâ—_n yet_o say_v i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v say_v i_o know_v iâ—_n be_v so_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o say_v understand_o or_o to_o assent_n that_o it_o be_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o actual_a assent_v to_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o rational_a include_v in_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o apply_v to_o convettible_a person_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o how_o high_a and_o presume_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o consequent_o certain_a 14._o moreover_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a wit_n in_o the_o chutch_n verse_v in_o true_a logic_n &_o enure_v to_o science_n and_o true_a logic_n and_o the_o course_n of_o science_n necessary_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v in_o perfect_a reason_n be_v hold_v by_o one_o who_o penetrate_v difficulty_n but_o either_o self-evident_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n necessary_o deduce_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n from_o those_o principle_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v necessary_o deduce_v without_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o identification_n of_o the_o term_n with_o the_o medium_fw-la which_o infer_v the_o identity_n between_o themselves_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o that_o what_o be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v thus_o connect_v be_v unknown_a and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v may_v be_v false_a and_o to_o see_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v false_a must_v needs_o breed_v some_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o or_o doubt_v if_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o none_o can_v rational_o assent_v or_o fix_v their_o judgement_n where_o there_o be_v leave_v some_o doubt_n or_o waver_v of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n or_o assent_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v rotional_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a producer_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o rude_a sort_n but_o also_o contain_v in_o itself_o seed_n of_o perfect_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v those_o learned_a person_n who_o shall_v more_o narrow_o examine_v it_o otherwise_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a portion_n and_o
as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n which_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n can_v hold_v nothing_o or_o have_v no_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o church_n must_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o ignorant_a and_o undiscerning_a person_n which_o will_v make_v her_o little_a better_o than_o a_o congregation_n of_o fanatic_n 15._o especial_o the_o church_n have_v many_o adversary_n skill_v in_o natural_a science_n who_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o oppose_v she_o all_o they_o can_v and_o conquer_v she_o too_o can_v they_o take_v any_o just_a advantage_n against_o she_o and_o no_o great_a advantage_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v gain_v or_o more_o deadly_a wound_n to_o be_v give_v she_o than_o to_o prove_v her_o faith_n uncertain_a which_o be_v do_v by_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o at_o once_o enervate_v her_o government_n vilify_v her_o sacrament_n weaken_v all_o the_o motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n which_o she_o propose_v and_o by_o consequence_n quite_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o rather_o this_o make_v manifest_a by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n perpetual_o and_o on_o all_o side_n besiege_v we_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v it_o utter_o and_o last_o make_v christian_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o high_a mystery_n above_o their_o reason_n upon_o uncertain_a ground_n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o the_o only_a safeguard_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v place_v in_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v make_v therefore_o and_o ordain_v to_o ascertain_v faith_n that_o it_o it_o have_v in_o it_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o end_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n absolute_o certain_a that_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v signify_v or_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n thorough_o understand_v 16._o and_o last_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n main_o conduce_v to_o bliss_n as_o be_v see_v §_o 8._o and_o its_o influence_n towards_o bliss_n which_o we_o call_v its_o merit_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n adhere_v unwaver_o to_o such_o truth_n as_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n apply_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o motive_n of_o this_o submission_n assent_n or_o adhesion_n and_o every_o cause_n produce_v its_o effect_n better_o and_o strongly_a by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o and_o close_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o all_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o derive_v down_o to_o we_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n teach_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o thing_n close_o to_o a_o judge_a power_n be_v perform_v by_o certify_v it_o which_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o it_o &_o become_v a_o intimate_a act_n of_o that_o power_n whereas_o uncertainty_n can_v only_o admit_v it_o to_o swim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o bare_a proposal_n or_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o probability_n not_o have_v weight_n enough_o of_o motive_n to_o settle_v deep_a into_o its_o solid_a substance_n which_o be_v cognoscitive_a and_o so_o become_v there_o a_o fix_a judgement_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o merit_n be_v incomparable_o advantage_v by_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o it_o this_o rule_n then_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o absolutely-certain_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 17._o sum_v up_o then_o the_o full_a account_n of_o our_o discourse_n hitherto_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o out_o of_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_v which_o as_o use_v by_o we_o denote_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n &_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v these_o several_a condition_n namely_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n to_o all_o §_o 3_o 4_o 9_o &_o 10._o &_o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n to_o enquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a §_o 5._o &_o 11._o apt_a to_o settle_v &_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n §_o 12._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n §_o 13._o and_o rational_a doubter_n §_o 14._o and_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n §_o 15._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o §_o 6._o 15_o 16._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 5_o 11_o 13_o 14._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o have_v attain_v so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o by_o particular_a mark_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o know_v it_o when_o we_o meet_v it_o especial_o not_o have_v a_o great_a crowd_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o single_a it_o out_o the_o pretender_n to_o that_o title_n be_v very_o few_o and_o indeed_o but_o two_o be_v own_v namely_o tradition_n and_o scripture_n though_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o it_o the_o private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n testimony_n of_o father_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v hold_v the_o ascertainer_n of_o scripture_n sense_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o place_n among_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v those_o which_o be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o relier_n on_o they_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o but_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v scripture_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n scripture_n that_o book_n not_o yet_o sence_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sence_v that_o be_v such_o and_o 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one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n the_o scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o §_o 3_o 4_o 5_o 10_o 11._o of_o our_o former_a discourse_n as_o want_v self-evidence_n of_o its_o existence_n easy_a evidenceableness_n of_o its_o rule_v virtue_n and_o power_n to_o establish_v and_o satisfy_v at_o least_o unlearned_a doubter_n 4._o second_o be_v it_o know_v that_o there_o be_v some_o book_n leave_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v yet_o it_o be_v unknown_a how_o many_o those_o book_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v secure_o be_v put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o which_o it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o either_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o common_a sort_n of_o mankind_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o faithful_a but_o look_v to_o come_v to_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v by_o know_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o 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frenzy_n to_o deny_v it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v allege_v that_o some_o of_o these_o defect_n may_v be_v provide_v against_o by_o skill_n in_o history_n but_o it_o be_v quick_o reply_v that_o then_o none_o can_v be_v secure_a of_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o have_v faith_n unless_o skilled_a in_o history_n or_o know_v â—hose_v man_n to_o be_v so_o and_o withal_o unbyast_o who_o â—hey_n converse_v with_o nay_o without_o know_v that_o those_o man_n know_v certain_o the_o historian_n who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hearsay_n for_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o other_o either_o extant_a or_o perish_v now_o how_o few_o of_o the_o unlearned_a vulgar_a â—ay_v even_o of_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o prudent_a man_n which_o make_v up_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n i_o may_v say_v of_o very_o good_a scholar_n can_v judge_v of_o these_o point_n and_o if_o they_o can_v how_o then_o be_v their_o 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of_o faith_n but_o those_o who_o be_v read_v in_o council_n and_o father_n nor_o yet_o unless_o those_o authority_n be_v hold_v infallible_a in_o such_o a_o office_n which_o none_o but_o catholik_o will_v say_v for_o if_o they_o can_v err_v in_o such_o a_o performance_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v certain_a they_o do_v not_o err_v in_o each_o particular_a interpretation_n without_o some_o other_o guide_n to_o establish_v they_o and_o secure_v we_o which_o guide_n must_v be_v infallible_a in_o such_o a_o affair_n else_o the_o same_o question_n and_o doubt_n return_v concern_v it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v some_o other_o infallible_a guide_n who_o constant_a direction_n secure_v they_o from_o err_v in_o every_o particular_a interpretation_n and_o ascertain_v we_o of_o the_o same_o let_v they_o name_v it_o not_o father_n and_o council_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o but_o the_o three_o and_o most_o fundamental_a fault_n be_v that_o a_o father_n as_o the_o word_n be_v common_o use_v and_o 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enquirer_n let_v we_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o property_n namely_o its_o aptness_n to_o settle_v and_o justify_v those_o unlearned_a person_n who_o rely_v undoubting_o upon_o it_o such_o as_o be_v the_o mean_a sort_n of_o the_o vulgar_a who_o take_v thing_n by_o course_n as_o they_o fall_v in_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o way_n without_o reflect_v upon_o they_o and_o their_o reason_n 2._o since_o than_o no_o man_n or_o rational_a creature_n can_v be_v justifiable_a either_o for_o assent_v or_o practise_v but_o by_o proceed_v upon_o some_o principle_n and_o such_o as_o to_o his_o best_a judgement_n he_o take_v to_o be_v true_a one_o and_o those_o principle_n can_v be_v but_o of_o two_o sort_n viz._n either_o inbred_a in_o he_o by_o the_o ordinary_a light_n of_o nature_n call_v common_a sense_n or_o get_v by_o some_o reflection_n and_o that_o the_o person_n we_o speak_v of_o be_v such_o as_o proceed_v undoubting_o that_o be_v without_o occasion_n to_o reflect_v it_o be_v leave_v that_o 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their_o great_a scholarship_n as_o skill_n in_o history_n language_n read_v of_o father_n council_n and_o such_o like_a yet_o even_o then_o they_o can_v not_o afford_v they_o credit_n to_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o build_v their_o hope_n of_o salvation_n on_o their_o word_n in_o regard_n those_o learned_a man_n profession_n be_v not_o of_o plain_a sensation_n by_o their_o eye_n and_o ear_n which_o the_o vulgar_a experience_n capacitates_fw-la they_o to_o judge_v of_o but_o of_o such_o high_a skill_v as_o unlearned_a man_n know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o and_o even_o understand_v not_o what_o the_o very_a word_n which_o express_v they_o mean_v the_o best_a than_o they_o can_v do_v be_v to_o hope_v that_o perhaps_o those_o man_n may_v have_v some_o such_o strange_a skill_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o trust_v to_o other_o tradesman_n and_o artistâ—s_n they_o have_v hear_v well_o of_o or_o see_v some_o of_o their_o work_n or_o rather_o not_o near_o so_o much_o see_v their_o sense_n give_v they_o a_o far_o better_a knowledge_n of_o these_o handycraftsmen_n skill_n by_o the_o effect_n and_o their_o fitness_n for_o the_o use_n intend_v than_o their_o uncultivated_a reason_n can_v give_v they_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o its_o proportion_n to_o bliss_n but_o the_o main_n be_v when_o they_o shall_v hear_v and_o see_v many_o several_a profession_n all_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n yet_o all_o differ_v damn_v and_o condemn_v one_o another_o perhaps_o persecute_v one_o another_o and_o fight_v about_o religion_n and_o themselves_o unable_a to_o judge_v which_o be_v most_o to_o be_v trust_v what_o can_v common_a sense_n dictate_v to_o they_o but_o a_o inextricable_a blunder_n and_o only_o clear_a to_o they_o thus_o much_o that_o that_o can_v never_o be_v the_o way_n which_o many_o follow_v and_o yet_o many_o must_v needs_o be_v mislead_v their_o most_o
they_o which_o breed_v a_o certain_a awe_n in_o they_o beforehand_o prepare_v their_o mind_n to_o more_o reverence_n for_o the_o future_a afterward_o grow_v up_o they_o come_v acquaint_v with_o the_o creed_n the_o ten_o commandment_n the_o sacrament_n some_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o order_v their_o life_n according_o the_o action_n or_o carriage_n of_o the_o circumstant_fw-la church_n and_o elder_n faithful_a guide_v the_o young_a notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o yet-undigested_n metaphor_n in_o which_o dialect_n faith_n be_v deliver_v to_o frame_v their_o life_n to_o several_a sort_n of_o virtue_n by_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v in_o word_n as_o faith_n hope_n charity_n prayer_n adoration_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o concomitant_a or_o subservient_fw-fr virtue_n to_o these_o and_o the_o more_o intelligent_a who_o understanding_n be_v clear_v by_o study_n and_o the_o circumstance_n of_o converse_v with_o the_o learnede_a sort_n of_o forefather_n to_o do_v out_o of_o knowledge_n and_o reflection_n what_o other_o do_v as_o it_o be_v natural_o and_o by_o mere_a belief_n or_o guidance_n of_o other_o and_o this_o go_v on_o by_o insensible_a degree_n till_o at_o last_o the_o teacher_n die_v and_o leave_v in_o their_o room_n a_o new_a swarm_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n with_o themselves_o as_o to_o christian_a life_n that_o be_v practise_v the_o same_o external_a action_n which_o determine_v to_o a_o certain_a degree_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n they_o have_v be_v inure_v to_o and_o since_o the_o practice_n of_o those_o action_n be_v instill_a from_o their_o infancy_n and_o serious_a hold_v consequent_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o action_n that_o be_v the_o same_o point_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o former_a age._n and_o this_o go_v on_o not_o by_o leap_n from_o a_o hundred_o year_n to_o a_o hundred_o or_o from_o twenty_o to_o twenty_o but_o by_o half-year_n to_o half-year_n nay_o month_n to_o month_n and_o even_o less_o according_a as_o the_o young_a brood_n of_o eaglet_n make_v to_o see_v the_o sun_n in_o his_o full_a glory_n grow_v up_o to_o a_o capacity_n of_o have_v their_o tender_a eye_n acquaint_v first_o with_o the_o dawn_n afterward_o with_o the_o common_a daylight_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n 5._o if_o any_o shall_v be_v so_o dull_a as_o to_o think_v this_o look_n like_o a_o speculation_n only_o and_o not_o to_o see_v plain_o that_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o ten_o thousand_o experement_n every_o day_n i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v how_o the_o primitive_a faithful_n be_v inure_v to_o christianity_n ere_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v write_v or_o communicate_v or_o how_o themselves_o though_o protestant_n or_o presbyterian_o be_v first_o imbue_v with_o christian_a principle_n ere_o they_o can_v read_v and_o they_o shall_v find_v it_o be_v mere_o by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n nay_o more_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o the_o very_a presbyterian_o much_o more_o the_o protestant_n still_o adhere_v to_o their_o faith_n because_o their_o parent_n &_o pastor_n teach_v they_o it_o when_o they_o be_v young_a and_o not_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n letter_n to_o their_o own_o private_a judgement_n which_o be_v manifest_a by_o this_o that_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o under_o mr._n baxter_n be_v apt_a to_o follow_v he_o other_o mr._n pierce_n and_o all_o in_o general_n hold_v fix_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o other_o especial_o if_o their_o parent_n be_v of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n so_o hard_o it_o be_v to_o beat_v down_o nature_n by_o design_n or_o not_o to_o follow_v tradition_n in_o practice_n though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o write_v and_o talk_v never_o so_o vehement_o and_o loud_o against_o it_o nay_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o remark_n that_o those_o who_o be_v bring_v up_o protestant_n while_o they_o follow_v their_o teacher_n and_o forefather_n in_o the_o traditionary_a way_n continue_v firm_o such_o and_o that_o none_o decline_v from_o that_o profession_n until_o they_o begin_v to_o use_v their_o own_o private_a judgement_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o that_o then_o they_o run_v by_o whole_a shoal_n into_o innumerable_a other_o sect_n however_o than_o they_o exclaim_v against_o tradition_n yet_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o owe_v to_o it_o all_o the_o union_n and_o strength_n they_o have_v and_o to_o the_o renounce_v it_o all_o their_o distraction_n and_o weakness_n 6._o what_o be_v say_v hitherto_o be_v only_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n perfect_o and_o to_o settle_v a_o right_a conceit_n of_o it_o which_o do_v many_o objection_n will_v be_v render_v unnecessary_a either_o to_o be_v answer_v or_o mention_v as_o those_o that_o proceed_v against_o a_o kind_n of_o prophetical_a afflatus_fw-la which_o can_v have_v no_o force_n against_o our_o way_n build_v upon_o perfect_a evidence_n of_o our_o best_a sense_n but_o especial_o those_o which_o take_v so_o wrong_a a_o aim_n that_o they_o dispute_v against_o res_fw-la traditae_fw-la or_o the_o thing_n deliver_v instead_o of_o tradition_n itself_o and_o thereupon_o accuse_v we_o for_o hold_v human_a tradition_n or_o thing_n invent_v by_o man_n for_o faith_n whereas_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n tradition_n only_o the_o method_n of_o public_o deliver_v and_o convey_v down_o tenet_n hold_v to_o have_v come_v from_o christ_n in_o the_o manner_n before_o declare_v this_o note_n premise_v to_o avoid_v mistake_n and_o keep_v the_o reader_n be_v mind_n more_o steady_a to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n let_v we_o see_v now_o whether_o tradition_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v do_v by_o examine_v whether_o the_o forenamed_a property_n belong_v to_o it_o or_o no._n 7._o and_o first_o it_o be_v already_o manifest_a from_o what_o be_v say_v that_o the_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n namely_o that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n absolute_o agree_v with_o tradition_n for_o tradition_n be_v the_o open_a conveyance_n down_o of_o practical_a doctrine_n by_o our_o best_a sense_n of_o discipline_n that_o be_v our_o eye_n and_o ear_n and_o this_o by_o sound_n daily_o hear_v and_o action_n daily_o see_v and_o even_o feel_v it_o be_v as_o easy_o appliable_a to_o all_o sort_n or_o evident_a to_o they_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n as_o it_o be_v to_o see_v and_o hear_v so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v insinuate_v into_o or_o affect_v not_o only_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a and_o little_a child_n but_o in_o some_o degree_n even_o very_a babe_n as_o be_v show_v 8._o the_o second_o condition_n which_o be_v that_o its_o rule_v power_n shall_v be_v easy_o evidenceable_a to_o any_o enquirer_n be_v thus_o show_v to_o agree_v to_o tradition_n let_v the_o rude_a doubter_n come_v and_o desire_v to_o be_v certify_v that_o tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n able_a if_o follow_v to_o convey_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o our_o very_a day_n or_o to_o the_o world_n end_n and_o let_v these_o plain_a interrogatory_n be_v put_v to_o he_o suppose_v all_o protestant_n in_o england_n be_v settle_v in_o a_o unanimous_a profession_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o that_o their_o child_n without_o look_v far_o shall_v believe_v and_o practise_v as_o their_o father_n have_v bring_v they_o up_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v in_o self-evident_a term_n that_o those_o child_n while_o they_o follow_v this_o method_n will_v be_v protestant_n too_o suppose_v these_o now_o grow_v man_n under_o those_o parent_n shall_v have_v child_n too_o of_o their_o own_o who_o shall_v behave_v themselves_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n towards_o their_o father_n by_o believe_v and_o practise_v as_o they_o teach_v they_o without_o look_v any_o far_a will_v it_o not_o be_v equal_o evident_a they_o will_v still_o be_v protestant_n also_o since_o to_o believe_v and_o practise_v thus_o be_v to_o be_v a_o protestant_n and_o will_v not_o this_o method_n if_o follow_v carry_v on_o that_o doctrine_n still_o forward_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v then_o most_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a capacity_n that_o this_o immediate_a delivery_n of_o tradition_n as_o above_o explicate_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o derive_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n while_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v this_o property_n therefore_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v find_v evident_o to_o agree_v to_o tradition_n 9_o the_o three_o condition_n which_o be_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o unredoubt_v person_n that_o they_o proceed_v rational_o while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o be_v find_v most_o exact_o in_o tradition_n for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a conversation_n make_v it_o a_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v great_a
compare_v next_o the_o certainty_n each_o christian_a forefather_n have_v of_o what_o he_o have_v practise_v it_o all_o his_o life_n with_o that_o which_o a_o swear_a witness_n in_o a_o court_n have_v of_o what_o he_o see_v or_o hear_v but_o once_o which_o do_v multiply_v these_o thus-qualifyed_a witness_n till_o you_o equal_v the_o vast_a total_a of_o christianity_n and_o then_o invent_v what_o force_n in_o nature_n universe_n be_v comparable_a to_o this_o inerrability_n of_o tradition_n and_o if_o clear_a reason_n evince_n to_o you_o that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o possible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n not_o be_v than_o not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v rivet_v into_o his_o soul_n by_o so-oft-repeated_n sensation_n nay_o if_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n abstract_v from_o the_o case_n of_o madness_n and_o violent_a disease_n to_o blot_v knowledge_n thus_o fix_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n then_o it_o be_v as_o clear_o evince_v that_o soon_o may_v all_o mankind_n perish_v than_o the_o regulative_a virtue_n of_o tradition_n miscarry_v nay_o soon_o may_v the_o sinow_v of_o entire_a nature_n by_o overstrain_v crack_n and_o she_o lose_v all_o her_o activity_n and_o motion_n that_o be_v herself_o than_o one_o single_a part_n of_o that_o innumerable_a multitude_n which_o integrate_a that_o vast_a testification_n we_o call_v tradition_n can_v possible_o be_v violate_v the_o virtue_n then_o by_o which_o tradition_n regulate_v her_o follower_n to_o bring_v down_o faith_n uner_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o far_o strong_a basis_n than_o all_o material_a nature_n that_o be_v on_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v fit_v for_o supreme_a wisdom_n to_o lay_v for_o faith_n be_v so_o near_o and_o necessary_a a_o mean_n to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o his_o beatitude_n which_o be_v the_o end_n of_o all_o this_o corporeal_a architecture_n its_o follower_n i_o say_v for_o i_o only_o contest_v in_o this_o present_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n that_o tradition_n if_o follow_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n whether_o it_o be_v always_o thus_o follow_v or_o no_o belong_v to_o another_o enquiry_n 13._o nor_o must_v i_o neglect_v the_o remind_n in_o this_o place_n what_o be_v produce_v before_o §_o 8._o to_o show_v the_o evidenceableness_n of_o tradition_n rule_v power_n to_o the_o rude_a enquirer_n it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o while_n the_o next_o age_n believe_v and_o practice_n as_o the_o former_a age_n hold_v and_o practise_v it_o that_o be_v while_o the_o rule_n of_o tradition_n be_v follow_v those_o of_o the_o late_a age_n be_v still_o of_o the_o same_o faith_n with_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v that_o to_o believe_v the_o same_o be_v to_o believe_v the_o same_o only_o i_o be_o forbid_v by_o my_o reason_n and_o logic_n to_o call_v this_o a_o proof_n or_o argument_n because_o it_o be_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n idem_fw-la est_fw-la idem_fw-la sibijpsi_fw-la and_o only_o a_o instance_n or_o particular_a of_o it_o as_o these_o proposition_n be_v a_o stone_n be_v a_o stone_n a_o man_n be_v a_o man_n in_o which_o the_o two_o term_n be_v as_o near_o lay_v and_o as_o fast_o connect_v as_o perfect_a identity_n can_v cement_n they_o that_o be_v so_o close_o that_o no_o medium_n can_v come_v between_o to_o make_v they_o capable_a of_o be_v argud_v or_o prove_v that_o be_v it_o be_v self-evident_a and_o so_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o by_o open_v the_o term_n to_o explicate_v the_o proposition_n which_o do_v it_o be_v evident_a beyond_o proof_n 14._o let_v now_o the_o most_o rational_a doubter_n or_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n muster_v all_o the_o caprichoe_n of_o fancy_n invention_n can_v suggest_v and_o the_o subtle_a quirk_n ingenious_o misuse_v logic_n and_o abus'd-into-sophistry_n can_v furnish_v they_o with_o let_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n of_o faith_n whet_v their_o wit_n to_o that_o degree_n of_o sharpness_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o penetrate_v with_o nice_a distinction_n between_o the_o side_n of_o two_o notion_n if_o in_o the_o least_o disagree_v that_o be_v only_o metaphysical_o divisible_a and_o lay_v open_a their_o difference_n what_o can_v they_o say_v in_o this_o case_n if_o they_o will_v argue_v against_o tradition_n it_o must_v be_v out_o of_o some_o knowledge_n but_o knowledge_n be_v take_v from_o thing_n and_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o this_o universe_n to_o wit_n man_n nature_n in_o what_o he_o be_v unalterable_a be_v engage_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n but_o indeed_o their_o proper_a task_n will_v be_v to_o find_v a_o solution_n for_o or_o to_o loose_v those_o two_o notion_n which_o perfect_a identity_n bind_v and_o to_o blunder_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o noon-day-sun_n of_o self_n evidence_n discover_v and_o as_o it_o be_v write_v with_o its_o most_o lightsome_a and_o most_o conspicous_a ray_n 15._o these_o four_o last_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n most_o full_o agree_v with_o tradition_n as_o well_o as_o the_o three_o first_o that_o be_v it_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n §_o 7._o and_o evidenceable_a as_o to_o it_o be_v rule_v power_n to_o any_o vulgar_a enquirer_n §_o 8._o apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n §_o 9_o 10._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o most_o rational_a doubter_n and_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o its_o self_n and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 11_o 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o these_o property_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o be_v incompetent_a to_o any_o competitor_n or_o pretend_a rule_n as_o have_v be_v show_v this_o main_a conclusion_n be_v make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n six_z discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n 1._o all_o this_o be_v well_o may_v some_o say_v in_o case_n tradition_n have_v be_v ever_o hold_v to_o for_o then_o indeed_o faith_n have_v come_v down_o by_o such_o a_o incomparable_a testification_n that_o the_o like_a be_v never_o hear_v of_o but_o how_o know_v we_o who_o begin_v to_o desert_n that_o rule_n and_o who_o ever_o hold_v to_o it_o or_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o hold_v to_o by_o any_o 2._o now_o though_o the_o carriage_n of_o protestant_n make_v this_o labour_n needless_a while_o i_o write_v against_o they_o yet_o i_o owe_v to_o my_o former_a discourse_n a_o clear_n of_o this_o likewise_o their_o carriage_n i_o say_v for_o when_o it_o be_v prove_v evident_o that_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n and_o scripture_n letter_n not_o such_o they_o who_o reject_v the_o former_a to_o adhere_v to_o the_o late_a be_v clear_o cast_v in_o their_o cause_n and_o condemn_v without_o more_o ado_n indeed_o if_o protestant_n fault_v not_o the_o rule_n but_o only_o pretend_v that_o man_n have_v fail_v it_o they_o may_v yet_o delude_v the_o world_n with_o some_o colour_n that_o they_o have_v ever_o hold_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o ancestor_n and_o only_o desert_v we_o because_o we_o have_v desert_v ancestor_n former_o but_o if_o they_o put_v the_o fault_n in_o the_o rule_n itself_o write_v against_o it_o disgrace_n it_o and_o recur_n to_o another_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a sign_n of_o self-condemnation_n and_o that_o they_o judge_v in_o their_o inmost_a thought_n that_o tradition_n or_o immediate_a delivery_n ever_o stand_v our_o friend_n and_o will_v overthrow_v they_o nay_o do_v they_o think_v they_o can_v manifest_v satisfactory_o that_o we_o have_v desert_v former_o the_o faith_n of_o our_o forefather_n as_o they_o pretend_v they_o have_v no_o more_o efficacious_a way_n to_o ruin_v we_o than_o to_o oppose_v we_o upon_o those_o principle_n lay_v in_o this_o former_a discourse_n since_o tradition_n a_o little_a after_o the_o primitive_a time_n at_o which_o time_n they_o pretend_v we_o fall_v have_v not_o go_v down_o many_o step_n and_o so_o the_o renouncer_n of_o it_o will_v in_o reason_n seem_v to_o they_o more_o easy_o discoverable_a by_o its_o vicinity_n to_o the_o apostle_n beside_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o own_a and_o stick_v to_o by_o we_o it_o have_v be_v the_o most_o efficacious_a way_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la to_o confute_v and_o shame_v we_o even_o by_o our_o own_o principle_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o think_v it_o not_o their_o best_a play_n to_o offer_v to_o avail_v themselves_o by_o tradition_n know_v it_o will_v be_v their_o disadvantage_n and_o our_o gain_n that_o be_v they_o in_o effect_n tacit_o yield_v that_o if_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n which_o we_o have_v show_v self-evident_a the_o doctrine_n hold_v by_o our_o church_n to_o be_v of_o faith_n come_v down_o uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n
that_o be_v be_v ever_o or_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n however_o they_o blind_v their_o own_o conscience_n with_o glance_n of_o fancy_n from_o private_a interpretation_n of_o god_n word_n and_o deaf_a their_o own_o and_o other_o ear_n with_o empty_a sound_n rebound_v with_o false_a echo_n from_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n 3._o now_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o unreasonable_a expectation_n to_o require_v that_o a_o rule_n shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o rule_v those_o who_o will_v follow_v it_o but_o also_o shall_v have_v power_n to_o oblige_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o actual_o do_v follow_v it_o not_o to_o desert_v it_o yet_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o our_o saviour_n towards_o his_o church_n to_o order_v that_o the_o rule_n which_o bring_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o shall_v both_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n in_o which_o it_o be_v graft_v and_o much_o more_o by_o mean_n of_o the_o doctrine_n it_o recommend_v be_v of_o so_o wonderful_a a_o efficacy_n 4._o this_o point_n therefore_o of_o the_o actual_a indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v both_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la from_o proper_a cause_n and_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la from_o a_o nowadays_o experience_a effect_n 5._o to_o do_v the_o former_a i_o say_v for_o my_o ground_n first_o that_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v at_o first_o unanimous_o settle_v by_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v in_o great_a multitude_n over_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n second_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v firm_o believe_v by_o all_o those_o faithful_a to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n and_o the_o contradict_a or_o desert_v it_o the_o way_n to_o damnation_n so_o that_o the_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n imaginable_a be_v by_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n encourage_v they_o to_o the_o adhere_n to_o that_o doctrine_n and_o deter_v they_o from_o relinquish_a it_o and_o indeed_o infinite_o great_a than_o any_o other_o whatever_o spring_v from_o any_o temporal_a consideration_n and_o that_o this_o be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o faithful_a three_o that_o hope_n of_o good_n and_o fear_n of_o harm_n strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will._n last_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v feisible_a or_o within_o their_o power_n that_o be_v that_o what_o they_o be_v breed_v to_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o this_o put_v it_o follow_v as_o certain_o that_o a_o great_a number_n or_o body_n of_o the_o first_o believer_n and_o after-faithful_a in_o each_o age_n that_o be_v from_o age_n to_o age_n will_v continue_v to_o hold_v themselves_o and_o teach_v their_o child_n as_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v will_v follow_v and_o stick_v to_o tradition_n as_o it_o do_v that_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v produce_v its_o effect_n actual_o i_o say_v for_o since_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v the_o application_n put_v and_o the_o patient_n dispose_v for_o our_o argument_n put_v this_o to_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o true_a believer_n in_o regard_n the_o first_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n must_v have_v be_v true_a believer_n or_o holder_n of_o it_o ere_o they_o renounce_v it_o it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v still_o actual_o cause_v 6._o i_o foresee_v some_o will_v object_v the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o will_n of_o the_o believe_a parent_n by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n but_o suppose_v i_o dispute_v against_o those_o christian_n who_o hold_v that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v intend_v to_o be_v a_o antidote_n for_o that_o original_a malice_n and_o to_o keep_v man_n will_n already_o possess_v with_o it_o right_a notwithstanding_o the_o poise_n of_o their_o corrupt_a nature_n and_o the_o temptation_n of_o their_o circumstance_n to_o say_v it_o be_v apply_v universal_o to_o all_o several_a sort_n and_o temper_n and_o preserve_v none_o good_a be_v to_o question_v christ_n wisdom_n and_o to_o doubt_v whether_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o do_v the_o effect_v it_o be_v mean_v for_o not_o to_o mind_v the_o object_a how_o many_o thousand_o of_o martyr_n and_o holy_a confessor_n by_o the_o power_n of_o this_o doctrine_n overcome_v this_o inbred_a declivity_n of_o their_o will_n and_o its_o disorderly_a inclination_n to_o the_o dear_a good_n life_n or_o nature_n can_v bestow_v a_o great_a part_n therefore_o will_v be_v virtuous_a and_o so_o it_o be_v easy_a and_o obvious_a as_o our_o former_a discourse_n prove_v will_v teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o believe_v in_o their_o conscience_n to_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o doctrine_n they_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o so_o a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n will_v still_o be_v continue_v to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n nor_o can_v that_o rule_n be_v total_o relinquish_v by_o any_o stratagem_n of_o the_o devil_n or_o prevail_v against_o by_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n again_o though_o nature_n incline_v man_n to_o sin_n or_o vicious_a appetite_n yet_o can_v it_o incline_v they_o all_o to_o this_o sort_n of_o sin_n that_o be_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o they_o think_v will_v damn_v they_o or_o rather_o do_v not_o nature_n most_o strong_o carry_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a their_o original_a corruption_n than_o be_v no_o particular_a inviter_n to_o this_o kind_n of_o sin_n to_o teach_v their_o child_n pernicious_a falsehood_n and_o which_o themselves_o hold_v such_o though_o themselves_o be_v otherwise_o liable_a to_o several_a sort_n of_o particular_a fail_n 7._o if_o any_o object_n the_o fickle_a nature_n of_o the_o will_n and_o imagine_v that_o this_o exempt_v she_o from_o the_o law_n of_o cause_n i_o ask_v they_o without_o engage_v far_o into_o school-disputes_a which_o i_o industrious_o avoid_v whether_o good_a be_v not_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o will_n and_o so_o be_v to_o affect_v it_o when_o sufficient_o apply_v or_o propose_v if_o so_o then_o since_o a_o object_n to_o affect_v a_o power_n be_v to_o put_v it_o in_o act_n and_o the_o act_n of_o the_o power_n we_o call_v the_o will_n be_v actual_a volition_n or_o willing_n good_a propose_v make_v the_o will_n to_o will_n or_o desire_v that_o good_a and_o consequent_o the_o know_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o now_o infinite_a good_n and_o harm_n sufficient_o propose_v be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n incomparable_o more_o powerful_a cause_n to_o carry_v the_o will_n than_o temporal_a one_o since_o then_o when_o two_o cause_n be_v counterpose_v the_o lesser_a when_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n be_v no_o cause_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o effect_n as_o a_o heavy_a weight_n which_o be_v otherwise_o a_o cause_n of_o descend_v be_v no_o such_o cause_n when_o overweigh_v by_o a_o heavy_a as_o not_o make_v its_o scale_n descend_v at_o all_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o move_v the_o will_n of_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o judge_v will_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n infinite_a good_n and_o bring_v they_o infinite_a harm_n such_o strong_a and_o main_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v put_v in_o the_o counterbalance_n in_o case_n a_o sufficient_a proposal_n or_o application_n be_v not_o want_v 8._o the_o last_o attempt_n then_o of_o a_o objectour_n be_v to_o fault_n the_o application_n of_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a good_n and_o to_o enhance_v the_o proposal_n of_o sensible_a and_o temporal_a object_n but_o if_o we_o reflect_v with_o how_o steady_a a_o pursuit_n and_o even_o equal_a to_o that_o of_o eyesight_n or_o any_o other_o sense_n we_o general_o work_v for_o end_n no_o otherwise_o propose_v than_o by_o undoubted_a authority_n as_o when_o a_o king_n prepare_v for_o a_o expedition_n against_o a_o foreign_a country_n he_o never_o see_v or_o a_o gentleman_n for_o a_o journey_n to_o rome_n and_o such_o like_a if_o we_o but_o call_v to_o mind_n how_o the_o great_a testimony_n in_o the_o world_n engage_v god_n supremely-infallible_a veracity_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n it_o propose_v which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o those_o infinite_a good_n and_o harm_n speak_v of_o the_o best_a application_n of_o a_o motive_n to_o a_o true_o rational_a power_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v imagine_v if_o we_o but_o consider_v how_o those_o spiritual_a and_o unseen_a good_n be_v make_v intelligible_a to_o all_o in_o a_o fair_a measure_n by_o most_o fit_a and_o obvious_a metaphor_n familiar_a and_o sensible_a by_o daily_a practice_n and_o as_o it_o be_v experience_n of_o they_o in_o christian_a language_n and_o action_n by_o the_o venerable_a sacrament_n by_o the_o spectable_a majesty_n of_o outward_a ceremony_n all_o include_v our_o spiritual_a last_o end_n or_o intimate_v it_o by_o their_o order_n to_o it_o nay_o if_o we_o but_o contemplate_v even_o essential_a heaven_n itself_o
make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_n among_o we_o his_o be_v bear_v his_o suffering_n cold_a hunger_n persecution_n banishment_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n in_o his_o life_n his_o cure_v our_o disease_a comfort_v our_o afflict_a raise_v our_o dead_a and_o other_o miraculous_a action_n his_o be_v bind_v buffet_v scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o last_o crucify_v and_o all_o this_o believe_v to_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n all_o of_o they_o object_n most_o sensible_o and_o palpable_o affect_v our_o understanding_n and_o thence_o slide_v move_o and_o this_o by_o their_o sensible_a nature_n into_o our_o very_a will_n we_o shall_v discover_v that_o the_o infinite_a spiritual_a good_a we_o speak_v of_o be_v become_v through_o the_o provident_a goodness_n of_o our_o god_n both_o as_o easy_o appliable_a as_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o concern_v civil_a action_n work_v on_o the_o best_a sensation_n of_o our_o forefather_n the_o best_a and_o ample_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v their_o sensation_n we_o and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n action_n sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a show_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v to_o make_v such_o mystery_n maniable_a can_v possible_o render_v they_o and_o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o want_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o sensibleness_n it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o that_o deep_a impression_n which_o the_o sacred_a horror_n of_o the_o reverence_n give_v to_o they_o make_v and_o the_o efficacious_a way_n to_o excite_v and_o and_o preserve_v that_o reverence_n all_o which_o way_n and_o object_n thus_o easy_o and_o strong_o appliable_a be_v frequent_o and_o efficacious_o apply_v by_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o discipline_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bring_v those_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v ever_o and_o must_v needs_o reach_v the_o generality_n in_o a_o word_n christianity_n urge_v to_o execution_n give_v its_o follower_n a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o which_o a_o near_a application_n can_v be_v imagine_v no_o application_n therefore_o be_v want_v wherefore_o the_o efficient_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v proper_a and_o fit_v to_o one_o another_o the_o effect_n must_v still_o be_v or_o continue_v that_o be_v the_o deliver_v down_o sincere_o and_o careful_o christian_a doctrine_n first_o receive_v must_v still_o continue_v in_o some_o great_a multitude_n at_o least_o and_o this_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a 1._o what_o only_a and_o main_o seem_v to_o prejudice_v our_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v many_o heretic_n or_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o some_o contingency_n shall_v have_v place_n where_o a_o whole_a species_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o suffice_v we_o that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o propagagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n not_o be_v to_o continue_v long_o than_o mankind_n its_o only_a subject_n do_v and_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v as_o efficacious_a as_o the_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n before_o explicate_v and_o reflect_v that_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v faâ—_n more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_a than_o their_o faith_n 2._o i_o know_v the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n which_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n rise_v make_v this_o position_n seem_v incredible_a wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v 〈◊〉_d once_o both_o open_a tradition_n and_o make_v good_a ouâ—_n tenet_n we_o will_v reflect_v how_o a_o heresy_n be_v first_o breed_v to_o enforce_v then_o our_o former_a argument_n we_o musâ—_n look_v on_o christ_n church_n not_o only_o as_o on_o a_o congregation_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n already_o speak_v of_o able_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o carry_v each_o single_a heart_n possess_v by_o they_o though_o leave_v at_o its_o own_o liberty_n but_o as_o oâ—_n the_o perfect_a form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v within_o herself_o government_n and_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o so_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o take_v care_n all_o those_o motive_n bâ—_n actual_o apply_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o 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opinion_n or_o ill_a life_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o aggravate_v beyond_o all_o reason_n to_o justify_v their_o rebellion_n and_o 〈◊〉_d invent_v and_o propose_v new_a tenet_n to_o other_o which_o partly_o by_o their_o plausibleness_n partly_o licentiousness_n suit_v with_o the_o curious_a or_o passionate_a humour_n of_o diverse_a if_o governor_n be_v not_o vigilant_a and_o prudent_a draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o faction_n with_o themselves_o especial_o if_o they_o get_v the_o state_n on_o their_o side_n secure_a indemnity_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n draw_v the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o many_o to_o bandy_v with_o their_o fellow-revolters_a against_o the_o former_a church_n thus_o a_o body_n be_v make_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o yet_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o natural_a care_n of_o self-preservation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o the_o church_n stand_v upon_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o her_o doctrine_n from_o christ_n ground_v on_o the_o noonday_n manifestation_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a and_o clear_a attestation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o know_a newness_n make_v it_o impossible_a to_o human_a nature_n though_o most_o deprave_a to_o pretend_v this_o reception_n from_o immediate_a forefather_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o evident_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n eyesight_n that_o this_o be_v to_o tell_v a_o open_o to_o no_o imaginable_a purpose_n they_o must_v cry_v therefore_o the_o church_n have_v err_v in_o faith_n else_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o whence_o they_o be_v oblige_v at_o next_o to_o renounce_v and_o disgrace_v tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o leave_v in_o force_n will_v present_o quash_n and_o strangle_v all_o their_o attempt_n after_o this_o a_o new_a rule_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o either_o some_o private_a inspiration_n or_o some_o waxen-naturâ—d_a word_n not_o yet_o sence_v not_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o their_o policy_n must_v be_v to_o study_v vapour_n in_o wordish_a learning_n to_o be_v dextrous_a in_o criticism_n and_o all_o that_o can_v conduce_v to_o the_o various_a acception_n of_o word_n and_o then_o to_o hook_v catholic_n from_o their_o infallible_a and_o evident_a way_n of_o tradition_n to_o combat_v with_o they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o in_o their_o own_o way_n in_o which_o if_o the_o catholic_n be_v so_o unwary_a or_o good-natured_a as_o to_o engage_v and_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o more_o solid_a and_o sober_a ground_n for_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o skilful_a in_o beat_v the_o air_n as_o his_o bird-witted_n opponent_n present_o a_o victory_n be_v proclaim_v with_o the_o loud_a trumpet_n of_o fame_n and_o vanity_n be_v general_o their_o god_n who_o place_n their_o honour_n in_o such_o airy_a sort_n of_o learning_n
blaze_v up_o and_o down_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o themselves_o and_o perversion_n of_o other_o but_o a_o company_n which_o make_v such_o a_o bustle_n can_v long_o want_v a_o name_n wherefore_o the_o traditionary_a christian_a have_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o appellation_n of_o catholic_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a their_o adversary_n shall_v by_o any_o design_n or_o craft_n after_o the_o common_a language_n of_o mankind_n hopeless_a to_o attain_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n they_o be_v force_v to_o content_v themselves_o though_o unwilling_a with_o some_o other_o new_a one_o which_o nature_n work_v upon_o their_o own_o comportment_n determine_v to_o be_v either_o from_o their_o author_n as_o lutheran_n zuingliaus_fw-la or_o their_o new_a tenet_n as_o tritheits_fw-mi sacramentarian_n or_o some_o combination_n among_o themselves_o as_o protestant_n or_o last_o some_o particular_a carriage_n as_o quaker_n dipper_n etc._n etc._n 3._o these_o first_o adherent_n to_o the_o upstart_n novellist_n be_v cling_v into_o a_o body_n after_o a_o while_o young_a understanding_n ripen_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o faith_n thing_n be_v present_o alter_v the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o scripture_n letter_n selfsufficiency_n be_v immediate_o throw_v by_o as_o useless_a any_o far_o design_n have_v get_v its_o end_n already_o and_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o of_o tradition_n begin_v to_o take_v place_n again_o and_o recover_v its_o self_n nay_o the_o reformer_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o crave_v help_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v their_o company_n together_o child_n be_v teach_v that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o pastor_n and_o father_n and_o though_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n when_o they_o come_v at_o age_n yet_o they_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o sense_n their_o pastor_n and_o father_n give_v it_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n the_o very_a way_n catholic_n ever_o take_v in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o any_o company_n of_o man_n though_o now_o mature_a to_o judge_v presume_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o interpret_n it_o and_o differ_v from_o those_o first_o reformer_n these_o if_o they_o get_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v present_o fall_v to_o oblige_v they_o by_o force_n to_o act_v that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v have_v they_o do_v it_o conscientious_o which_o else_o be_v to_o force_v they_o to_o sin_n to_o hold_v as_o they_o do_v and_o persecute_v or_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o whereas_o they_o guide_v themselves_o to_o their_o best_a capacity_n by_o the_o scripture_n letter_n which_o be_v the_o very_a rule_n of_o faith_n their_o persecutor_n teach_v they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o themselves_o when_o they_o break_v from_o the_o church_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o a_o new_a rule_n be_v introduce_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o the_o letter_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v now_o think_v fit_a to_o guide_v the_o reader_n of_o it_o to_o faith_n but_o those_o man_n interpretation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o break_n from_o tradition_n and_o consequent_o the_o church_n cast_v they_o most_o inevitable_o upon_o these_o self-contradiction_n first_o to_o reform_v npon_n pretence_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o afterward_o in_o practice_n to_o desert_n that_o rule_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o other_o second_o to_o disallow_v to_o other_o those_o ground_n themselves_o proceed_v upon_o three_o to_o pretend_v first_o the_o scripture_n letter_n clear_a of_o itself_o without_o need_v the_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o so_o to_o avoid_v condemnation_n from_o the_o former_a church_n yet_o afterward_o to_o judge_v the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o their_o best_a power_n to_o go_v wrong_n that_o be_v to_o confess_v it_o obscure_v and_o to_o need_v their_o new_a church_n interpretation_n 4_o to_o persecute_v other_o for_o take_v that_o way_n which_o they_o hold_v at_o least_o pretend_a meritorious_a in_o themselves_o 5_o to_o oblige_v other_o to_o relinquish_v the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o to_o rule_v themselves_o by_o their_o tradition_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o write_v and_o dispute_v against_o catholic_n to_o impugn_v tradition_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n as_o unfitting_a to_o sense_n it_o and_o abet_v only_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o last_o to_o impute_v that_o carriage_n to_o our_o church_n as_o a_o fault_n which_o themselves_o practise_v upon_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o which_o be_v most_o material_a our_o church_n punish_v none_o but_o such_o as_o desert_v the_o rule_n she_o recommend_v whereas_o they_o punish_v those_o under_o they_o for_o follow_v too_o close_o that_o rule_n which_o themselves_o recommend_v and_o applaud_v as_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a bafis_n of_o their_o reformation_n 4._o now_o what_o can_v follow_v hence_o but_o that_o their_o ecclesiastical_a subject_n who_o common_a sense_n can_v but_o make_v exceed_o sensible_a of_o such_o their_o unreasonable_a carriage_n in_o persecute_v they_o pure_o for_o follow_v god_n word_n or_o the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o their_o best_a power_n which_o themselves_o have_v teach_v they_o may_v secure_o nay_o aught_o in_o conscience_n be_v follow_v let_v the_o consent_n of_o forefather_n and_o the_o present_a church_n make_v up_o of_o meeâ—_n man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v what_o follow_v we_o i_o say_v but_o that_o exasperate_v beyond_o patience_n by_o this_o procedure_n which_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o most_o senseless_a and_o self-condemning_a tyranny_n over_o their_o conscience_n they_o will_v unless_o governor_n be_v vigilant_a strive_v to_o wreak_v their_o malice_n against_o their_o persecutor_n and_o if_o they_o be_v numerous_a and_o powerful_a endeavour_v to_o involve_v whole_a nation_n in_o war_n and_o blood_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n avert_v from_o our_o distract_a country_n of_o so_o main_a consequence_n it_o be_v both_o for_o church_n and_o state_n that_o man_n mind_n be_v right_o set_v in_o the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n they_o build_v religion_n on_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o unite_v their_o understanding_n and_o by_o it_o their_o affection_n not_o uncertain_a and_o vertible_a which_o must_v needs_o lead_v if_o pursue_v by_o a_o earnest_a zeal_n to_o nothing_o but_o diversity_n in_o opinion_n about_o faith_n thence_o to_o dissension_n and_o feud_n in_o the_o will_n which_o upon_o any_o great_a pressure_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o break_v forth_o into_o action_n of_o high_a enmity_n and_o by_o the_o irreconcileableness_n of_o such_o interest_n neither_o side_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o other_o in_o what_o each_o of_o rhem_n hold_v sacred_a religious_a and_o conscientious_a endless_a and_o fierce_a bicker_n be_v apt_a to_o succeed_v even_o to_o utter_v desolation_n as_o frequent_a history_n too_o lamentable_o record_v not_o that_o i_o intend_v the_o justification_n of_o those_o revolt_a sect_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n of_o controversy_n be_v both_o self-condemned_a by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n for_o disobey_v a_o certain_a and_o know_a legal_a authority_n which_o god_n law_n and_o plain_a reason_n command_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o to_o maintain_v a_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v a_o error_n and_o be_v it_o a_o know_a truth_n they_o hold_v will_v be_v no_o less_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o common_a reason_n nay_o out_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o for_o make_v rebellion_n and_o a_o unimpower_v sword_n the_o defence_n of_o truth_n which_o stand_v firm_a on_o a_o sure_a basis._n i_o only_o mind_n prudent_a considerer_n on_o the_o by_o how_o much_o it_o conduce_v to_o state-unity_n and_o peace_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o convey_v faith_n to_o we_o be_v build_v on_o sensible_a evidence_n acknowledgable_a by_o all_o mankind_n when_o right_o understand_v and_o not_o leave_v to_o giddy_a interpretation_n of_o private_a fancy_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v so_o eccentrical_o to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v they_o shall_v have_v any_o common_a point_n where_o to_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n mind_n and_o afflection_n 5._o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o parergon_n serve_v to_o elucidate_v as_o it_o be_v ptactical_o and_o experimental_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n the_o particular_a use_n we_o make_v of_o it_o in_o this_o present_a discourse_n whence_o we_o digress_v into_o it_o be_v to_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n at_o a_o common_a view_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o actual_a deserter_n of_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o tradition_n have_v be_v but_o few_o to_o wit_v the_o
first_o revolter_n a_o small_a handful_n compare_v to_o all_o christianity_n beside_o and_o only_o occasional_o not_o constant_o happen_v that_o the_o descendants_n of_o these_o revolter_n be_v teach_v by_o they_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o right_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o not_o their_o own_o judgement_n that_o be_v follow_v the_o way_n of_o tradition_n however_o misplace_v to_o which_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o numerous_a contingency_n both_o in_o man_n nature_n and_o other_o circumstance_n hinder_v propagation_n every_o day_n happen_v we_o shall_v find_v much_o reason_n to_o prefer_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o before_o this_o but_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o consideration_n the_o daily_a decay_n of_o innumerable_a particular_n upon_o who_o the_o continuation_n of_o mankind_n depend_v by_o natural_a or_o accidental_a death_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o innumerable_a new_a subject_n and_o even_o whole_a nation_n into_o which_o tradition_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o propagate_v itself_o and_o those_o uninfected_a by_o new_a heresy_n for_o whole_a age_n that_o be_v without_o any_o one_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o none_o of_o those_o behold_n to_o progenitor_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o to_o extern_n who_o convert_v they_o whereas_o propagate_a their_o kind_a can_v only_o be_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o race_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n lay_v to_o propagate_v &_o preserve_v a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n look_v far_o more_o steady_o and_o less_o need_v a_o recourse_n to_o any_o particular_a providence_n than_o those_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v lay_v for_o the_o keep_n on_o foot_n a_o body_n of_o men._n whence_o if_o any_o as_o the_o common_a fashion_n be_v bring_v against_o the_o perpetuation_n of_o tradition_n such_o wildrove_a argument_n as_o will_v equal_o strike_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o perpetuate_a mankind_n or_o continue_v any_o species_n in_o nature_n the_o ready_a answer_n be_v to_o show_v they_o do_v so_o and_o then_o to_o tell_v they_o we_o intend_v not_o tradition_n shall_v last_v long_o than_o the_o only_a species_n capable_a of_o faith_n will_v that_o be_v long_o than_o mankind_n be_v to_o stand_v who_o only_o can_v have_v it_o or_o need_v it_o eight_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la the_o vninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o 1._o have_v see_v and_o weigh_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n and_o thence_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v its_o indefectibleness_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o cause_n we_o will_v now_o begin_v our_o discourse_n at_o the_o other_o end_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v conclude_v the_o same_o from_o some_o proper_a effect_n that_o be_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n as_o can_v only_o have_v spring_v from_o the_o actual_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n as_o its_o cause_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n conveyance_n to_o we_o double_o guard_v and_o on_o all_o side_n evident_a 2_o though_o indeed_o this_o seem_v a_o needless_a endeavour_n against_o the_o protestant_n who_o yield_v that_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o we_o agree_v come_v dowâ—_n by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n whence_o he_o be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o answer_v candid_o these_o queres_fw-la wâ—_n not_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o other_o point_v 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o agree_v hold_v in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n by_o god_n church_n he_o must_v yield_v it_o no_o protestaâ—â—_n ever_o deny_v it_o beside_o that_o we_o both_o agree_v to_o call_v that_o god_n church_n which_o hold_v those_o maiâ—_n point_v of_o faith_n next_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ask_v whether_o see_v those_o point_n be_v hold_v ever_o of_o faith_n father_n do_v not_o actual_o teach_v child_n so_o or_o the_o former_a age_n the_o late_a common_a reason_n will_v teach_v he_o they_o do_v which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o a_o protestant_n must_v confess_v those_o point_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o we_o ask_v he_o next_o by_o what_o virtue_n tradition_n perform_v this_o and_o whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o other_o as_o well_o as_o these_o have_v any_o such_o be_v and_o when_o he_o assign_v this_o virtue_n i_o can_v suspect_v he_o negative_a in_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n ask_v he_o far_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o such_o a_o constant_a cause_n and_o its_o formal_a effect_n so_o that_o if_o its_o formal_a effect_n be_v those_o point_n receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o the_o proper_a cause_n must_v be_v a_o ever-delivery_n whence_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n for_o any_o particular_a point_n and_o consequen_o for_o any_o point_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o point_n we_o hold_v ever_o deliver_v and_o if_o so_o as_o manifest_a reason_n evince_v it_o our_o now-held_a faith_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o our_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o because_o i_o rather_o suspect_v the_o protestant_n see_v his_o cause_n and_o interest_n too_o deep_o engage_v and_o himself_o straighten_v by_o such_o strict_a connexion_n of_o term_n will_v fly_v of_o and_o deny_v tradition_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n notwithstanding_o its_o constant_a tenor_n of_o have_v wrought_v this_o its_o effect_n million_o of_o time_n or_o from_o step_n to_o step_v during_o so_o many_o age_n and_o will_v not_o care_v to_o allege_v that_o all_o this_o be_v pure_a chance_n and_o contingency_n i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o design_n and_o method_n i_o at_o first_o intend_v 3._o the_o effect_n than_o we_o will_v pitch_v upon_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a one_o of_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o traditionary-christians_a or_o catholic_n that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n uninterrupted_o which_o we_o find_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o this_o persuasion_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o beget_v it_o 4._o to_o prove_v this_o i_o lay_v this_o first_o principle_n that_o age_n which_o hold_v her_o faith_n deliver_v thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v itself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o nor_o know_v or_o doubt_n that_o any_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v or_o innovate_v any_o thing_n therein_o this_o proposition_n need_v no_o proof_n to_o evidence_n it_o but_o only_o a_o explication_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v or_o innovate_v in_o the_o case_n propose_v without_o know_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a impossibility_n a_o whole_a age_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o single_a man_n 5._o the_o second_o principle_n shall_v be_v this_o no_o age_n can_v innovate_v any_o thing_n and_o withal_o deliver_v that_o very_a thing_n to_o posterity_n as_o receiuâ—d_v from_o christ_n by_o continual_a succession_n for_o since_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n he_o must_v have_v some_o reason_n or_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o eudina_n to_o be_v achieve_v by_o his_o action_n and_o whatever_o his_o remote_a end_n be_v his_o immediate_a end_n in_o tell_v posterity_n a_o late_o invent_v thing_n be_v hold_v immediate_o before_o be_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o since_o a_o see_v impossibility_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o one_o not_o frantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v make_v posterity_n believe_v a_o thing_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o whole_a age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o tell_v such_o a_o lie_n the_o whole_a i_o say_v otherwise_o the_o refuser_n will_v easy_o discover_v the_o cheat_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a all_o at_o age_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n shall_v conspire_v from_o so_o many_o several_a and_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n in_o the_o precise_a time_n to_o deceive_v the_o new_a offspring_n every_o month_n ripen_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o such_o knowledge_n or_o blot_v out_o all_o the_o monument_n which_o will_v evident_o undeceive_v their_o abuse_a posterity_n it_o be_v then_o as_o impossible_a this_o principle_n shall_v falter_v as_o that_o the_o forego_n age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o that_o the_o succeed_a age_n shall_v believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v shall_v hold_v both_o side_n
of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o a_o clear_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o judge_n or_o congnoscitive_a nature_n 6._o these_o principle_n lay_v we_o we_o will_v advance_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o main_a conclusion_n on_o this_o manner_n that_o since_o neither_o any_o age_n by_o our_o first_o principle_n can_v hold_v a_o new_a introduce_v point_n for_o not-new_a but_o immediate_o deliver_v nor_o yet_o any_o forego_v age_n by_o our_o second_o make_v it_o be_v receive_v as_o not-new_a by_o posterity_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o no_o age_n can_v any_o doctrine_n change_v the_o immediate_a faith_n of_o forefather_n or_o new_a at_o that_o time_n come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o immediate_o deliver_v or_o not-new_a at_o that_o time_n wherefore_o since_o nothing_o can_v descend_v or_o come_v down_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o not-new_a or_o deliver_v uninterrupted_o unless_o it_o first_o come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o not-new_a or_o deliver_v uninterrupted_o nor_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o as_o descend_v under_o such_o a_o notion_n unless_o it_o do_v actual_o descend_v to_o we_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n by_o the_o second_o it_o follow_v manifest_o that_o if_o we_o now_o hold_v it_o descend_v as_o such_o it_o do_v descend_v as_o such_o and_o consequent_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o deliverer_n as_o such_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v equal_o in_o each_o age_n from_o christ_n come_v down_o consequent_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o power_n then_o or_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v make_v our_o faith_n now_o hold_v to_o be_v so_o descend_v but_o its_o have_v be_v actual_o so_o descend_v that_o be_v only_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n indeficiency_n can_v have_v effect_v this_o present_a persuasion_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n or_o catholic_n that_o their_o faith_n descend_v uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v then_o manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o this_o effect_n or_o present_a persuasion_n be_v for_o all_o catholics_n hold_v the_o church_n never_o fail_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v demonstrative_o evident_a that_o its_o proper_a and_o only_a cause_n have_v be_v put_v that_o be_v that_o christian_a tradition_n have_v ever_o be_v hold_v to_o by_o a_o body_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o the_o predecessor_n to_o those_o who_o we_o find_v actual_o thus_o persuade_v nine_o discourse_n open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatual_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o but_o all_o this_o be_v nature_n may_v some_o say_v and_o by_o this_o method_n a_o heathen_a may_v by_o his_o natural_a wit_n become_v a_o good_a christian._n by_o which_o word_n nature_n if_o the_o object_a mean_n reason_v wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n special_a goodness_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o bliss_n i_o wonder_v what_o else_o be_v supernaturality_n but_o this_o which_o he_o miscall_v nature_n and_o why_o reason_n rectify_v by_o such_o light_n and_o proposal_n as_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o have_v aim_v at_o much_o less_o effect_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v affect_v supernatural_o however_o those_o very_a motive_n be_v connatural_a to_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o use_v even_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discourse_v of_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o expect_v no_o constant_a way_n or_o common_a path_n of_o motive_n lay_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o each_o particular_a man_n unravell_n the_o order_n of_o god_n best_a providence_n and_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o fanatickness_n but_o to_o meddle_v with_o this_o point_n be_v out_o of_o my_o road_n otherwise_o than_o to_o take_v my_o rise_n hence_o to_o show_v how_o far_a christian_a tradition_n be_v strengthen_v above_o the_o great_a meerly-human_a testimony_n whatever_o and_o that_o the_o church_n owe_v this_o strength_n to_o those_o motive_n superven_a to_o mere_a nature_n which_o we_o right_o call_v assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v build_v on_o perfection_n of_o will_n in_o the_o faithful_a or_o on_o virtue_n the_o effect_n proper_o attribute_v to_o that_o divine_a person_n 2._o ere_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v what_o advantage_n the_o church_n as_o thus_o divine_o assist_v have_v over_o herself_o as_o mere_o wrought_v upon_o by_o human_a motive_n we_o will_v compare_v first_o her_o human_a authority_n with_o some_o other_o vast_a body_n of_o testifier_n which_o may_v most_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o she_o and_o a_o eminent_a and_o acute_a opposer_n of_o tradition_n have_v already_o point_v we_o out_o a_o choice_n one_o namely_o that_o of_o the_o mahometan_n for_o mahomet_n existence_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o have_v the_o power_n to_o convey_v down_o the_o truth_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o follow_v not_o do_v we_o think_v the_o most_o sceptical_a protestant_a doubt_n but_o it_o have_v have_v the_o force_n to_o make_v itself_o be_v follow_v hitherto_o however_o at_o unaware_o their_o calm_a reason_n grant_v that_o to_o a_o body_n of_o turk_n which_o their_o passion_n make_v they_o question_n and_o even_o deny_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christian_n yet_o i_o aver_v that_o the_o human_a force_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o turk_n for_o mahomet_n existence_n 3._o to_o show_v this_o in_o brief_a i_o note_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o chief_o that_o howsoever_o a_o report_n may_v spread_v universal_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o rumour_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o its_o credibility_n if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v found_v on_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o first_o see_v or_o perceive_v it_o put_v then_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o testifier_n in_o both_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a so_o to_o bring_v our_o controversy_n to_o a_o small_a compass_n and_o compare_v only_o the_o quantity_n or_o number_n of_o the_o original_a testifier_n on_o both_o side_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o that_o handful_n of_o man_n about_o mecha_n and_o some_o few_o other_o place_n where_o mahomet_n conquer_v and_o plant_v his_o doctrine_n and_o those_o vast_a multitude_n who_o all_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o apostolical_a man_n convert_v by_o most_o powerful_a miracle_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o lie_v they_o together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o few_o see_v or_o feel_v that_o be_v be_v witness_n of_o mahomet_n existence_n so_o much_o as_o once_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v every_o day_n imbue_v with_o and_o â—_z christian_n doctrine_n a_o new_a consideration_n spring_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n easy_a for_o that_o single_a company_n of_o arabian_n and_o syrian_n to_o conspire_v to_o a_o lie_n and_o so_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o a_o false_a mahomet_n than_o it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o so_o remote_a country_n as_o first_o suck_v in_o christianity_n to_o conspire_v in_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o have_v such_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o last_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a by_o oft_o repeat_v sensatioâ—s_n to_o know_v christian_a doctrine_n at_o first_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o generality_n it_o give_v the_o principle_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o their_o new_a life_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v for_o these_o other_o witness_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o mahomet_n existence_n and_o much_o easy_a in_o regard_n the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o of_o those_o who_o we_o allow_v witness_n of_o mahomet_n existence_n perhaps_o scarce_o know_v he_o by_o sight_n not_o converse_v he_o daily_o or_o very_a often_o as_o each_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v with_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o guide_v their_o life_n by_o 4._o the_o human_a authority_n then_o of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v she_o evidence_n of_o other_o testimony_n which_o yet_o be_v such_o that_o among_o all_o the_o most_o extravagant_a opiniastre_n none_o be_v ever_o find_v so_o frantic_a as_o to_o doubt_v they_o and_o shall_v any_o do_v so_o all_o sober_a mankind_n will_v esteem_v they_o stark_o mad_a which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o reason_n unless_o they_o renounce_v perfect_a evidence_n that_o be_v unless_o those_o testimony_n be_v perfect_o evident_a this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o some_o may_v think_v it_o superfluous_a and_o a_o quirk_n of_o a_o
it_o corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n 1._o none_o can_v pretend_v to_o have_v faith_n by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o the_o holder_n to_o tradition_n it_o be_v prove_v by_o our_o conclusion_n former_o deduce_v disc._n 5._o §_o 15._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a way_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 2._o none_o can_v with_o right_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o church_n but_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n for_o since_o corol._n 1_o none_o can_v have_v faith_n by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n but_o the_o holder_n to_o tradition_n and_o a_o church_n must_v be_v a_o congregation_n of_o person_n true_o faithful_a or_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n come_v to_o they_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n as_o we_o daily_a experience_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o none_o but_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n can_v pretend_v to_o be_v a_o true_a church_n 3._o none_o can_v be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n but_o follower_n of_o tradition_n for_o see_v a_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o person_n who_o have_v true_a faith_n come_v to_o they_o by_o ordinary_a mean_n and_o disc._n 5._o §_o 15._o tradition_n be_v this_o mean_n it_o follow_v that_o none_o be_v of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n but_o they_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n by_o this_o mean_n that_o be_v who_o follow_v the_o mean_n of_o tradition_n those_o who_o renounce_v tradition_n or_o immediate_a delivery_n be_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v true_o call_v faithful_a for_o see_v that_o be_v to_o we_o or_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_v the_o root_n of_o any_o knowledge_n whence_o that_o knowledge_n spring_v and_o faith_n be_v no_o knowledge_n in_o we_o disc._n 1._o 15._o and_o corol._n 1_o but_o by_o rely_v on_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o tradition_n as_o on_o its_o principle_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o they_o who_o renounce_v tradition_n want_v the_o root_n of_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o be_v faithful_a nor_o of_o the_o church_n but_o be_v dead_a branch_n or_o opiner_n only_o 5._o that_o company_n of_o man_n who_o follow_v such_o ancestor_n as_o former_o renounce_v tradition_n or_o immediate_a delivery_n be_v no_o less_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n for_o since_o corol._n 4._o those_o ancestor_n renounce_v tradition_n former_o be_v by_o so_o do_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n their_o follower_n for_o how_o many_o generation_n soever_o they_o continue_v must_v be_v so_o likewise_o as_o want_v and_o not_o dare_v even_o to_o pretend_v to_o that_o faithâ—causing_a principle_n of_o tradition_n or_o uninterrupted_a delivery_n which_o their_o forefather_n have_v renounce_v 6._o they_o who_o follow_v such_o ancestor_n as_o former_o have_v manifest_o renounce_v tradition_n how_o numerous_a soever_o can_v never_o claim_v to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o christian_a tradition_n or_o deliverer_n of_o faith_n first_o because_o corol._n 5._o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o tradition_n and_o so_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o next_o because_o christian_a tradition_n be_v indeficient_a or_o uninterrupted_a disc._n 6_o 8_o and_o 9_o and_o so_o none_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o it_o who_o can_v lay_v claim_n to_o uninterruptedness_n which_o those_o we_o speak_v of_o can_v the_o say_n then_o of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n id_fw-la teneamus_fw-la quod_fw-la ubique_fw-la quod_fw-la semper_fw-la quod_fw-la ab_fw-la omnibus_fw-la creditum_fw-la est_fw-la and_o that_o we_o must_v follow_v universality_n antiquity_n and_o consent_v can_v only_o be_v mean_v within_o the_o verge_n of_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n or_o follow_v the_o doctrine_n former_o deliver_v not_o of_o those_o who_o have_v break_v from_o it_o otherwise_o all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o the_o primitive_a one_o may_v claim_v to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o church_n 7._o they_o who_o pretend_v themselves_o reformer_n in_o faith_n do_v ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la manifest_v themselves_o cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o church_n for_o since_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o so_o have_v no_o degree_n in_o they_o but_o be_v indivisible_a reformation_n in_o faith_n can_v mean_v mend_v faith_n but_o put_v it_o anew_o but_o this_o presuppose_v tradition_n interrupt_v wherefore_o reformer_n in_o faith_n must_v renounce_v uninterruptedness_n of_o delivery_n that_o be_v they_o must_v renounce_v tradition_n disc._n 6._o 8_o 9_o and_o consequent_o they_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n coral_n 4._o 8._o that_o body_n of_o man_n who_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n can_v evidence_n clear_o and_o plain_o who_o be_v true_o faithful_a who_o not_o for_o since_o coral_n 4._o &_o 5._o to_o those_o man_n it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o renounce_v immediate_a or_o uninterrupted_a delivery_n or_o follow_v those_o who_o renounce_v it_o as_o to_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o one_o to_o be_v faithful_a and_o to_o rely_v on_o that_o principle_n again_o see_v it_o be_v evident_a by_o clear_a matter_n of_o fact_n who_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o who_o not_o that_o body_n of_o man_n who_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n can_v evidence_n clear_o and_o plain_o who_o be_v true_o faithful_a who_o not_o and_o if_o church-government_n be_v institute_v by_o our_o saviour_n and_o so_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o descend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o 9_o none_o else_o can_v give_v any_o certain_a account_n who_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v true_o faithful_a and_o of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o for_o since_o without_o tradition_n both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a disc._n 4._o and_o subject_a to_o dispute_v as_o we_o also_o daily_a experience_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o denier_n of_o tradition_n be_v uncertain_a who_o have_v the_o right_a letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v who_o they_o be_v to_o esteem_v faithful_a or_o sit_v to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o again_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n if_o one_o revolter_v from_o it_o may_v be_v admit_v all_o may_v so_o they_o prosess_v christianity_n in_o outward_a talk_n which_o they_o will_v easy_o do_v wherefore_o since_o the_o denier_n of_o tradition_n deem_v some_o one_o revolter_v from_o it_o to_o be_v of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v himself_o he_o may_v nay_o aught_o judge_v so_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n provide_v they_o talk_v a_o few_o fine_a pious_a word_n of_o god_n and_o christ_n which_o what_o heretic_n but_o do_v 10._o none_o can_v rational_o punish_v the_o revolter_n from_o their_o faith_n but_o that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o radition_n for_o since_o set_v aside_o tradition_n both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v uncertain_a disc._n 4._o the_o gild_n of_o those_o revolter_n be_v also_o uncertain_a see_v than_o none_o can_v even_o pretend_v to_o correct_v a_o fault_n much_o less_o punish_v it_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n none_o can_v rational_o go_v about_o to_o punish_v their_o revolter_n from_o faith_n unless_o it_o be_v that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n and_o they_o can_v for_o in_o regard_n tradition_n certainty_n be_v evident_a to_o the_o rude_a by_o common_a sense_n disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o and_o likewise_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o governor_n who_o revolt_v from_o it_o as_o it_o be_v to_o know_v when_o one_o dis-acknowledges_a and_o rise_v against_o a_o settle_a civil_a authority_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o the_o revolter_n have_v both_o passion_n or_o gild_n enough_o to_o be_v hold_v punishable_a and_o the_o christian_a magistrate_n evidence_n enough_o of_o his_o fact_n to_o go_v about_o to_o punish_v it_o to_o avoid_v mistake_n i_o declare_v that_o in_o this_o corollary_n i_o only_o discourse_v what_o may_v or_o may_v not_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o church-account_n what_o may_v be_v fit_a to_o be_v do_v upon_o a_o state-account_n i_o be_o neither_o able_a to_o judge_v nor_o do_v i_o meddle_v with_o it_o 11._o no_o company_n of_o man_n hang_v together_o like_o a_o body_n of_o a_o christian_a commonwealth_n or_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n for_o since_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o every_o external_a commonwealth_n or_o body_n of_o man_n have_v some_o outward_a mark_n proper_a to_o it_o by_o which_o the_o member_n of_o it_o have_v their_o coherence_n or_o consistency_n and_o that_o those_o be_v certain_a token_n to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o any_o other_o and_o as_o manifest_v that_o all_o the_o mark_n proper_a to_o a_o church_n as_o such_o depend_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n disc._n 1._o §_o 15._o and_o their_o certainty_n on_o it_o and_o last_o that_o
none_o of_o the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o of_o they_o building_n on_o scripture_n letter_n be_v certain_a disc._n 2._o 3_o 4._o without_o tradition_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o company_n have_v any_o principle_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o that_o be_v either_o of_o constitution_n or_o self-preservation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n all_o the_o loud_a outcry_n then_o make_v common_o against_o that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n callâ—d_n roman-catholick_n for_o account_v itself_o only_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o her_o claim_n rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n till_o it_o be_v show_v by_o evident_a discourse_n that_o the_o other_o pretender_n have_v some_o other_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o know_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o than_o this_o of_o tradition_n now_o produce_v and_o explicate_v upon_o which_o she_o proceed_v and_o by_o which_o she_o consist_v 12._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v disc._n 4._o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n without_o tradition_n this_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v certain_a ere_o the_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v rational_o hold_v such_o and_o consequent_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v hold_v uncertain_a while_o tradition_n be_v think_v â—it_n to_o be_v argue_v against_o that_o be_v while_o its_o certainty_n be_v doubt_v of_o wherefore_o since_o none_o can_v argue_v solid_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n none_o ought_v to_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 13._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n against_o tradition_n first_o because_o in_o reality_n tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n material_o with_o the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v so_o ample_a that_o it_o include_v all_o imaginable_a authority_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o a_o church_n second_o because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o generate_a faith_n tradition_n formal_o take_v be_v antecedent_n to_o disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o and_o so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n work_v by_o formal_a and_o abstract_a notion_n its_o notion_n must_v be_v presuppose_v and_o its_o certainty_n establish_v before_o the_o notion_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consequent_o of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o church_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a whence_o they_o will_v argue_v very_o preposterous_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o oppose_v church_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o think_v to_o establish_v the_o house_n by_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n 14._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n or_o council_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o former_a corol._n 13._o in_o regard_n neither_o of_o these_o have_v any_o authority_n but_o as_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o determine_v certain_o what_o be_v a_o father_n or_o council_n disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o till_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o faithful_a that_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o tradition_n be_v certain_o establish_v 15._o no_o disacknowledger_n of_o tradition_n be_v in_o due_a of_o reason_n but_o in_o courtesy_n only_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n father_n or_o council_n for_o since_o want_v tradition_n they_o have_v certainty_n of_o none_o of_o those_o as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o disacknowledge_v tradition_n while_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o thing_n themselves_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o condescendence_n and_o courtesy_n in_o catholics_n to_o let_v they_o run_v forward_o descant_v with_o wordish_a discourse_n on_o those_o testimony_n after_o their_o raw_a manner_n since_o they_o may_v just_o take_v their_o advantage_n against_o they_o and_o show_v they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o ground_n can_v never_o make_v good_a to_o they_o as_o be_v tertullian_n smart_n and_o solid_a way_n de_fw-fr praescr_n haeret._n c._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n who_o deny_v the_o church_n which_o will_v save_v many_o a_o airy_a confuse_a discourse_n about_o word_n unapt_a to_o evidence_n any_o thing_n satisfactory_o nor_o can_v the_o right_a of_o a_o opponent_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la licence_n they_o to_o claim_v this_o favour_n from_o our_o controvertist_n in_o regard_n we_o never_o hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n hammer_v upon_o by_o criticism_n and_o such_o pretty_a knack_n of_o human_a learning_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o way_n to_o establish_v it_o but_o only_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o consequent_o can_v we_o hold_v it_o capable_a to_o be_v prejudice_v by_o such_o endeavour_n of_o private_a wit_n though_o then_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o a_o liberty_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la against_o we_o yet_o we_o never_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o argue_v from_o it_o as_o efficacious_a either_o to_o build_v or_o evert_v faith_n but_o our_o learned_a controvertist_n ever_o hold_v direct_a contrary_n whence_o in_o case_n they_o clamour_v that_o in_o not_o follow_v their_o wild_a method_n we_o desert_n scripture_n to_o avoid_v which_o calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a i_o conceive_v one_o reason_n our_o controvertist_n general_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o they_o as_o to_o cope_v with_o they_o in_o their_o fleight_n way_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o calumny_n be_v to_o be_v make_v appear_v which_o be_v quick_o do_v not_o their_o unreasonable_a expectation_n to_o be_v satisfy_v 16._o no_o authority_n from_o any_o history_n or_o testimonial_a write_n be_v valid_a against_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o since_o falsehood_n be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o print_v as_o truth_n it_o be_v evident_a those_o book_n can_v give_v no_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o that_o what_o they_o express_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o if_o we_o say_v they_o be_v abet_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o book_n the_o same_o question_n recurr_v concern_v they_o in_o what_o age_n soever_o they_o be_v write_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o man_n or_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o convey_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o these_o book_n be_v true_a history_n and_o not_o fable_n which_o give_v they_o any_o authority_n but_o this_o have_v plain_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v therefore_o no_o authority_n but_o by_o force_n of_o tradition_n therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a force_n against_o tradition_n since_o if_o tradition_n or_o the_o convey_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n sense_n write_v thus_o universal_o in_o man_n heart_n can_v deceive_v we_o no_o such_o book_n can_v have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o wherefore_o not_o the_o book_n but_o the_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n upon_o which_o qualification_n the_o truth_n of_o each_o passage_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n be_v build_v be_v to_o be_v allege_v against_o christian_a tradition_n since_o it_o be_v that_o sense_n which_o authorise_v those_o book_n and_o give_v credibility_n to_o those_o passage_n and_o so_o be_v strong_a than_o any_o dead_a testimony_n from_o the_o book_n themselves_o which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o only_o some_o great_a tradition_n or_o live_a testimony_n for_o thing_n past_a can_v in_o point_n of_o authority_n be_v pretend_v a_o equal_a match_n to_o christian_a tradition_n or_o competent_a to_o be_v alledgâ—d_v against_o it_o 17._o no_o tradition_n be_v allege_v or_o alledgeable_a in_o reason_n against_o christian_a tradition_n that_o none_o be_v alledgâ—d_v be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o catholic_n tradition_n never_o pretend_v the_o consent_n or_o constant_a sense_n of_o great_a multitude_n derive_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o live_a voice_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n former_a tradition_n be_v relinquish_v new_a faith_n introduce_v or_o the_o old_a faith_n change_v or_o abolish_v but_o only_o odd_a end_n or_o scrap_n of_o history_n or_o other_o dead_a testimony_n according_a as_o they_o light_v on_o some_o passage_n which_o seem_v favourable_a to_o they_o or_o may_v
be_v render_v interpretable_a that_o way_n whence_o there_o be_v almost_o as_o many_o mind_n as_o man_n about_o the_o time_n when_o any_o change_n be_v make_v nay_o some_o of_o their_o best_a champion_n dr_n whitaker_n and_o mr_n powel_n profess_v the_o time_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n change_n can_v easy_o be_v tell_v and_o that_o they_o can_v tell_v by_o who_o or_o at_o what_o time_n the_o enemy_n do_v sow_v the_o papist_n doctrine_n this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a they_o decline_v the_o pretence_n of_o any_o tradition_n against_o we_o and_o the_o very_a way_n of_o derive_v down_o oral_o and_o practical_o since_o write_v in_o man_n heart_n by_o matter_n of_o fact_n work_v on_o their_o sense_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o recur_n to_o pitiful_a shred_n and_o fragment_n oâ—_n word_n utter_o unauthorise_v if_o the_o tradition_n for_o that_o book_n goodness_n can_v fail_v and_o if_o catholic_n tradition_n which_o in_o its_o source_n be_v so_o large_o extend_v 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itself_o to_o omit_v here_o that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n not_o to_o question_v tradition_n he_o maintain_v continuance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o traditionary_a point_n that_o it_o contribute_v to_o strengthen_v they_o more_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n doctrine_n spread_v by_o time_n and_o so_o the_o sway_n of_o tradition_n descent_n be_v ample_a beside_o that_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o continuance_n establish_v its_o title_n to_o possession_n and_o make_v it_o hainouser_n to_o revolt_v from_o it_o and_o effect_n show_v our_o discourse_n true_a for_o there_o be_v more_o variety_n of_o heresy_n that_o be_v renouncer_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o any_o 400_o year_n since_o nor_o that_o we_o may_v use_v a_o familiar_a instance_n in_o human_a tradition_n do_v i_o conceive_v any_o man_n live_v more_o doubt_n now_o of_o mahomet_n or_o julius_n caesar_n existence_n than_o within_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o they_o live_v 15._o a_o few_o note_n well_o weigh_v will_v strengthen_v the_o force_n of_o these_o allegation_n which_o even_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o look_v very_o favourable_o on_o our_o cause_n i_o mind_v my_o reader_n then_o first_o that_o almost_o every_o citation_n allege_v be_v of_o council_n or_o father_n speak_v direct_o against_o heretic_n that_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o put_v they_o to_o declare_v what_o fix_v they_o catholic_n and_o what_o make_v the_o other_o heretic_n second_o that_o though_o some_o father_n and_o council_n speak_v high_o of_o scripture_n as_o that_o it_o contain_v all_o faith_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v mark_v whether_o they_o speak_v of_o scripture_n sence_v or_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sencâ—t_o and_o if_o the_o late_a by_o who_o or_o whether_o any_o father_n say_v that_o scripture_n wrought_v upon_o by_o private_a 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a_o explication_n of_o our_o church_n sense_n 16._o to_o know_v our_o church_n sense_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v not_o fetch_v our_o testimony_n from_o private_a author_n as_o be_v the_o protestant_n mode_n when_o they_o will_v affix_v any_o thing_n upon_o she_o but_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o her_o own_o live_a voice_n pronounce_v in_o her_o late_a famous_a representative_a the_o council_n of_o trent_n where_o in_o every_o session_n definitive_a of_o faith_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v tradition_n either_o in_o most_o express_a or_o equivalent_a term_n as_o session_n 4_o the_o holy_a synod_n clear_o see_v that_o this_o truth_n and_o discipline_n christ_n doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a book_n and_o tradition_n without_o writing_n which_o receive_v by_o the_o apostle_n from_o christ_n own_o mouth_n or_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o hand_n per_fw-la manus_fw-la traditae_fw-la have_v come_v down_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o also_o the_o tradition_n both_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o dictate_v oral_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o conserve_v by_o continval_n succession_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n &c._n &c._n session_n 5._o the_o holy_a council_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n §_o 4._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o ever_o diffuse_v have_v always_o understand_v it_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n session_n 6._o it_o profess_v to_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o holy_a ghost_n suggest_v perpetual_o or_o interrupt_o retain_v session_n 7._o the_o holy_a synod_n adhere_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o council_n and_o father_n session_n 13._o the_o sound_n 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same_o session_n concern_v extreme_a unction_n allege_v s._n james_n his_o text_n it_o add_v by_o which_o word_n as_o the_o church_n have_v learned_a by_o tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n he_o teach_v etc._n etc._n and_o can._n 3._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n can._n 6._o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o observe_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v observe_v etc._n etc._n session_n 21._o chap._n 1._o the_o council_n profess_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 2._o it_o declare_v that_o this_o power_n have_v perpetvally_o be_v in_o the_o church_n session_n 22._o that_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n may_v be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n ibid._n cap._n 1._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v and_o teach_v chap._n 1._o according_a to_o apostolical_a tradition_n session_n 23_o holy_a write_n show_v it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o teach_v it_o chap._n 2._o they_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n session_n 24._o the_o holy_a father_n council_n and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v and_o speak_v of_o some_o error_n it_o pronounce_v they_o different_a from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o the_o custom_n approve_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n session_n 25._o the_o catholic_n church_n instruct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v out_o of_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n traditam_fw-la deliver_v from_o the_o first_o or_o primitive_a time_n of_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n more_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v find_v in_o this_o session_n and_o to_o close_v up_o all_o in_o their_o acclamation_n they_o use_v this_o
form_n of_o word_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o bless_a peter_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o orthodox_n from_o which_o testimony_n note_v we_o 17._o first_o that_o the_o council_n in_o every_o session_n not_o one_o except_v where_o point_v of_o faith_n be_v handle_v constant_o profess_v to_o follow_v tradition_n second_o it_o lay_v claim_v perpetual_o to_o vninterruptedness_n of_o this_o tradition_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n ever_o always_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o apostle_n have_v come_v down_o by_o hand_n to_o we_o the_o church_n have_v always_o understand_v hold_v open_o profess_v teach_v have_v ever_o keep_v and_o will_v ever_o keep_v perpetual_o commend_v by_o our_o father_n have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n have_v ever_o observe_v and_o such_o like_a plain_o show_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o our_o faith_n descent_n uninterrupted_o be_v deep_o and_o unanimous_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o strengthen_v our_o doctrine_n disc._n 8._o §_o 2._o and_o 3._o 3_o it_o make_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o sanctity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a efficacious_a to_o perpetuate_v the_o delivery_n of_o receive_a doctrine_n see_v sess._n 6._o decreto_fw-la de_fw-la justificatione_n sess._n 13._o de_fw-fr ss_z euchar._n sacramento_n and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o very_a point_n i_o go_v about_o to_o explicate_v in_o my_o 9_o discourse_n 4_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o it_o mention_n the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o with_o tradition_n yet_o this_o be_v both_o very_o rare_o and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o it_o only_o express_v that_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o when_o it_o bring_v place_n of_o scripture_n to_o ground_n definition_n upon_o it_o perpetual_o profess_v to_o interpret_v they_o by_o tradition_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a both_o by_o its_o decree_a this_o in_o common_a sess._n 4._o that_o none_o dare_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n against_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v mean_v that_o sense_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o see_v corol._n 30._o as_o also_o by_o several_a instance_n sess._n 5._o §_o 4._o sess._n 14._o can._n 3._o sess._n 22._o cap._n 1._o and_o to_o omit_v other_o in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a plaâ—e_n sess._n 14._o in_o which_o after_o the_o text_n of_o s._n iamesâ—lledged_v â—lledg'd_z for_o extreme_a unction_n the_o council_n subjoin_v in_o which_o word_n as_o the_o church_n have_v learn_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n be_v teach_v etc._n etc._n where_o tradition_n be_v most_o evident_o make_v the_o rule_n which_o instruct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o council_n no_o where_o ground_n any_o definition_n on_o scripture_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n she_o ground_n her_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n on_o tradition_n which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o council_n make_v tradition_n her_o only_a rule_n to_o know_v certain_o christ_n sense_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o proper_a speak_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 18._o but_o why_o then_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o council_n and_o that_o so_o solemn_o nay_o and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v note_v constant_o put_v before_o tradition_n to_o satisfy_v full_o this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a season_n at_o present_a yet_o be_v a_o good_a point_n and_o worth_a clear_n i_o will_v not_o total_o neglect_v it_o we_o may_v observe_v then_o that_o when_o we_o read_v any_o book_n write_v by_o a_o author_n we_o much_o esteem_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o book_n as_o require_v study_v aristotle_n for_o example_n or_o some_o other_o such_o who_o we_o hold_v scientifical_a we_o sometime_o hope_v well_o as_o it_o be_v when_o we_o apply_v our_o own_o industry_n to_o find_v out_o his_o meaning_n and_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o respect_n for_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n yet_o his_o authority_n take_v not_o full_a hold_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n the_o way_n we_o take_v be_v not_o evident_o convictive_a that_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a sense_n but_o if_o the_o point_n he_o write_v on_o be_v first_o clear_v to_o we_o through_o a_o scientifical_a discourse_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n make_v by_o some_o interpreter_n verse_v in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o perfect_o acquaint_v with_o his_o meaning_n we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v new_a eye_n give_v we_o to_o look_v deep_o and_o thorough_o into_o his_o sense_n and_o by_o this_o security_n of_o arrive_v at_o it_o his_o authority_n in_o case_n we_o high_o esteem_v it_o have_v now_o its_o full_a force_n upon_o we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o assent_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o power_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o understanding_n now_o what_o a_o well-skilled_a and_o insighted_a interpreter_n or_o scientifical_a explicater_v of_o the_o point_n be_v to_o such_o a_o author_n the_o same_o be_v tradition_n to_o scripture_n for_o this_o bring_v down_o certain_o christ_n sense_n in_o every_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o easy_o and_o secure_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o concern_v such_o a_o point_n whereas_o the_o wordish_a way_n of_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n be_v evident_a by_o principle_n to_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o by_o experience_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o different_a sense_n it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v we_o thorough_o that_o the_o sense_n we_o arrive_v at_o by_o this_o method_n be_v infallible_o the_o true_a one_o or_o christ_n and_o so_o never_o engage_v certain_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o scripture_n thus_o interpret_v be_v of_o sleight_n force_n and_o at_o best_a good_a only_o for_o ecclesiastical_a rhetoric_n or_o sermon_n where_o the_o concern_n be_v not_o much_o if_o the_o preacher_n miss_v in_o this_o particular_a passage_n so_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o point_n he_o preach_v on_o or_o his_o text_n be_v true_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o be_v scripture_n thus_o interpret_v even_o a_o competent_a proof_n in_o the_o science_n of_o school-divinity_n as_o be_v uncertain_a and_o so_o unapt_a to_o beget_v science_n whence_o intelligent_a divine_n quote_v and_o build_n on_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o judge_v the_o sense_n they_o build_v on_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o go_v to_o work_v as_o faithful_a or_o part_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la or_o else_o they_o lay_v true_a science_n first_o which_o be_v ever_o agreeable_a to_o faith_n and_o so_o when_o any_o text_n concern_v a_o demonstrate_v point_n they_o know_v by_o science_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o point_n must_v be_v much_o less_o be_v scripture_n wordish_o interpret_v apt_a to_o build_v faith_n on_o the_o unwaveringness_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o secure_a in_o the_o principle_n which_o beget_v it_o and_o not_o mere_o actual_o such_o as_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n whereas_o interpretation_n thus_o make_v faith_n principle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o possible_a if_o not_o probable_a mistake_n this_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o a_o parallel_n make_v by_o a_o learned_a author_n worth_a insert_v because_o it_o strengthen_v our_o discourse_n by_o a_o new_a consideration_n let_v a_o critic_n and_o a_o skill_a carpenter_n read_v vitruvius_n his_o book_n of_o architecture_n the_o critic_n have_v but_o a_o dim_a dry_a and_o uncertain_a conceit_n of_o what_o he_o read_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o carpenter_n or_o architect_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o principle_n and_o practice_n he_o 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true_a sense_n of_o that_o letter_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n deliver_v see_v coral_n 29._o &_o 30_o it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n allege_v by_o the_o church_n rely_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o rule_n engage_v certain_o and_o full_o the_o very_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v writer_n himself_o and_o give_v that_o testimony_n the_o whole_a effect_n upon_o our_o understanding_n which_o that_o sacred_a writer_n authority_n deserve_v to_o have_v give_v it_o no_o wonder_n then_o the_o council_n proceed_v upon_o traditionary_a interpretation_n as_o it_o constant_o declare_v itself_o to_o do_v honour_n scripture-testimony_n so_o as_o to_o put_v it_o before_o tradition_n or_o the_o delivery_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n scripture_n thus_o allege_v and_o secure_v have_v the_o same_o force_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n himself_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o council_n and_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n declare_v his_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o who_o thus_o present_a what_o deference_n the_o council_n will_v have_v give_v be_v obvious_a to_o be_v imagine_v hence_o also_o the_o protestant_n may_v see_v what_o high_a esteem_n our_o church_n give_v to_o god_n word_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v have_v god_n sense_n certainly-known_a to_o be_v such_o in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o outward_a letter_n as_o use_v to_o hammer_v a_o faith_n out_o of_o by_o wordish_a skill_n that_o be_v indeed_o their_o method_n of_o interpret_n it_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n fall_v short_a of_o engage_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n we_o fleight_v and_o scorn_v and_o most_o just_o since_o it_o be_v the_o have_n no_o better_a way_n to_o work_v on_o scripture_n which_o have_v bring_v scripture_n itself_o thus_o use_v to_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o our_o bedlam_n of_o new_a sect_n in_o england_n i_o expect_v here_o some_o mighty_a man_n of_o talk_n but_o very_o weak_a speculator_n shall_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o bring_v all_o into_o our_o church_n hand_n but_o till_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o both_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v knowable_a with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o to_o build_v on_o they_o that_o most_o firm_a assent_v call_v faith_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o this_o of_o tradition_n i_o can_v neither_o hinder_v my_o inference_n nor_o will_v he_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v my_o discourse_n 20._o thus_o much_o to_o show_v evident_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v give_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n be_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o our_o church_n at_o present_a and_o that_o her_o present_a sense_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v now_o but_o to_o show_v that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o breach_n here_o in_o england_n the_o catholic_n be_v find_v adhere_v fast_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n renounce_v by_o the_o protestant_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o hear_v they_o allege_v that_o england_n be_v former_o overgrow_v with_o popery_n that_o the_o new_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v of_o late_o discover_v itself_o that_o they_o reform_v in_o faith_n that_o the_o former_a church_n err_v and_o such_o like_a expression_n which_o natural_o must_v burst_v out_o from_o they_o so_o oft_o you_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n and_o innovator_n which_o expression_n of_o they_o by_o the_o way_n easy_o manifest_a to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a understanding_n who_o â—tis_o that_o have_v renounct_v tradition_n whence_o it_o be_v also_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a capacity_n that_o tradition_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o bring_v down_o faith_n disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o the_o most_o vulgar_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v which_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v for_o the_o two_o former_a point_n be_v know_v they_o be_v certain_a by_o motive_n within_o their_o own_o ken_n that_o protestant_n have_v renounct_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o bring_v down_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o renounct_v tradition_n of_o old_a be_v unacknowledged_a by_o we_o disputable_a and_o only_o knowable_a by_o skill_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o common_a sense_n then_o teach_v they_o they_o must_v guide_v themselves_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o know_v nothing_o and_o that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o at_o their_o hand_n than_o they_o can_v do_v god_n goodness_n have_v provide_v for_o those_o weak_a people_n out_o of_o the_o very_a confession_n of_o traditionâ—s_a deserter_n certain_a mean_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v catholic_n or_o protestant_n but_o to_o return_v whence_o we_o divert_v 21._o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n but_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o catholic_n clergy_n in_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o the_o breach_n manifest_v our_o claim_n and_o constant_a adherence_n to_o tradition_n who_o declaration_n find_v in_o the_o synodal_n book_n 1559._o begin_v thus_o because_o by_o relation_n of_o public_a fame_n it_o have_v late_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n that_o many_o tenet_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o receive_v and_o approuâ—d_v by_o the_o public_a and_o 〈◊〉_d consent_v of_o christian_a nation_n and_o bring_v down_o by_o hand_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o be_v callâ—d_v into_o doubt_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o find_v they_o stick_v firm_o to_o tradition_n and_o insist_v on_o this_o principle_n they_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o lord_n keeper_n but_o the_o state_n by_o power_n over-bearing_a the_o vote_n of_o the_o reverend_a convocation_n and_o persecute_v they_o for_o their_o constancy_n the_o breach_n ensue_v the_o catholic_n cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o old_a rule_n tradition_n the_o protestant_n choose_v a_o new_a one_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v who_o vanity_n a_o little_a reason_n make_v they_o see_v but_o experience_n perfect_o find_v and_o relinquish_a the_o ancient_a rule_n so_o demonstrable_o self-evident_a secure_a and_o solid_a by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n to_o know_v christ_n sense_n that_o be_v from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o fact_n neither_o human_a authority_n multitude_n prosperity_n continuance_n nor_o yet_o all_o their_o voluminous_a wordish_a excuse_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o efface_v animadversion_n on_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n also_o on_o mr._n whitby_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n where_o they_o touch_v the_o way_n lay_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n in_o three_o appendix_n psalm_n 63._o sagittae_fw-la parvulorum_fw-la factae_fw-la sunt_fw-la plagae_fw-la eorum_fw-la anno_fw-la dom._n 1665._o transition_n to_o the_o follow_a appendix_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n how_o dexterous_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o reader_n and_o confutation_n from_o mâ—â—e_a adversary_n but_o i_o account_v those_o only_o my_o proper_a judge_n &_o competent_a adversary_n who_o lay_v their_o principle_n ere_o they_o discourse_v and_o weigh_v the_o efficaciousness_n of_o their_o testimony_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o reason_n ere_o they_o allege_v they_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n lay_v no_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o make_v account_n all_o man_n must_v admit_v they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o bend_v all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n lay_v by_o other_o to_o ascertain_v and_o establish_v the_o 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shall_v impute_v this_o carriage_n to_o i_o
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thus_o we_o find_v a_o present_a effect_n the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o christian_n their_o faith_n descend_v uninterrupted_o from_o christ_n impossible_a to_o be_v without_o such_o a_o cause_n existence_n or_o its_o have_v be_v at_o first_o teach_v by_o christ_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o faith_n come_v from_o christ_n let_v we_o parallel_v it_o then_o to_o he_o find_v he_o any_o such_o effect_n in_o the_o world_n at_o present_a apt_a to_o spring_v only_o from_o the_o world_n eternity_n as_o its_o cause_n or_o cause_n lay_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o world_n apt_a to_o continue_v it_o hitherto_o if_o he_o do_v he_o must_v hold_v it_o be_v eternal_a if_o not_o how_o unconsonant_n be_v his_o parallel_n he_o make_v our_o argument_n run_v thus_o the_o present_a age_n see_v no_o alteration_n in_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v nor_o they_o in_o they_o and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la for_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v never_o make_v and_o so_o eternal_a in_o return_n i_o must_v first_o profess_v there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o it_o parallel_n to_o our_o medium_n and_o at_o next_o that_o i_o never_o see_v in_o my_o life_n more_o absurdity_n couch_v in_o so_o few_o word_n for_o first_o he_o shall_v have_v begin_v the_o present_a age_n have_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n it_o be_v ever_o or_o have_v allege_v some_o other_o effect_n without_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o argue_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n before_o or_o a_o cause_n 2_o lie_v he_o wrong_o suppose_v a_o belief_n in_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o world_n ever-existence_n say_v they_o can_v not_o be_v deceive_v in_o what_o their_o forefather_n believe_v 4_o lie_v the_o word_n nor_o they_o in_o they_o false_o suppose_v a_o continuance_n of_o belief_n upward_o of_o the_o world_n eternity_n 5_o lie_v he_o say_v not_o whether_o this_o belief_n be_v found_v on_o eyesight_n at_o first_o or_o opinion_n if_o the_o late_a it_o be_v contrary_a and_o not_o parallel_v to_o our_o case_n if_o the_o former_a than_o he_o must_v suppose_v some_o man_n see_v the_o world_n make_v ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la 6_o lie_v the_o word_n and_o so_o on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la suppose_v this_o belief_n do_v go_v on_o in_o infinitum_fw-la which_o put_v it_o be_v beyond_o question_n and_o place_v in_o the_o very_a term_n that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a 7_o lie_v his_o reason_n for_o the_o last_o word_n thus_o for_o no_o man_n do_v ever_o see_v the_o world_n make_v be_v manifold_o faulty_a for_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a argument_n and_o as_o such_o inconsequent_a since_o the_o world_n may_v have_v be_v make_v whether_o any_o have_v see_v it_o or_o not_o again_o the_o first_o man_n may_v have_v know_v it_o certain_o to_o have_v be_v make_v whether_o they_o have_v see_v it_o make_v or_o no._n and_o last_o it_o be_v direct_o contradictory_n to_o what_o it_o shall_v parallel_v for_o we_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v teach_v a_o doctrine_n thus_o qualify_v first_o put_v its_o existence_n see_v and_o thence_o conclude_v the_o contrary_n can_v never_o come_v to_o be_v hold_v universal_o or_o else_o we_o take_v a_o present-belief_n of_o its_o then-existence_n as_o ever_o receive_v by_o testify_v neither_o of_o which_o have_v any_o correspondence_n with_o his_o ramble_a chimerical_a argument_n no_o two_o piece_n of_o which_o hang_v together_o with_o themselves_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o 31._o he_o say_v he_o can_v evidence_n the_o alteration_n of_o faith_n i_o wish_v he_o will_v tell_v we_o first_o what_o a_o evidence_n mean_v whether_o a_o strong_a fancy_n of_o his_o own_o or_o a_o demonstration_n only_o which_o can_v excuse_v he_o or_o not_o believe_v the_o former_a age_n attest_v his_o first_o proof_n be_v because_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n incomparable_o argue_v why_o see_v we_o not_o the_o place_n do_v it_o evident_o speak_v of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o universal_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n that_o be_v some_o heretic_n but_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n be_v it_o universal_a do_v it_o suppose_v this_o degeneracy_n already_o past_a which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o your_o purpose_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v that_o be_v do_v it_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o faith_n before_o the_o year_n 1664_o alas_o he_o have_v forget_v this_o yet_o for_o such_o wretched_a proof_n as_o these_o baptize_v god_n word_n have_v they_o leave_v the_o evidently-attested_n doctrine_n and_o the_o union_n of_o the_o former_a church_n his_o next_o evidence_n be_v his_o own_o performance_n in_o some_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n true_o the_o miserableness_n of_o these_o evidence_n disinvite_v i_o from_o think_v the_o other_o worth_a a_o serious_a thought_n but_o if_o perhaps_o there_o be_v ever_o a_o testimony_n among_o they_o that_o be_v not_o coincident_a with_o some_o of_o dr._n pierce_n faulty_a one_o let_v he_o single_a it_o out_o and_o print_v it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o rejoynder_n to_o this_o it_o shall_v have_v a_o fair_a answer_n from_o i_o or_o some_o other_o more_o proper_a finis_fw-la the_o head_n first_o discourse_n show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n what_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 1._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 12._o three_o discourse_n that_o the_o three_o next_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 22._o four_o discourse_n that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n p._n 33._o five_o discourse_n show_v the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it._n p._n 41._o six_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à _fw-la priori_fw-la the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n p._n 57_o seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a p._n 65._o eight_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la the_o vninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o p._n 75._o nine_o discourse_n open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n p._n 81._o corollary_n from_o the_o former_a discourse_n p._n 95._o consent_v of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n p._n 126._o transition_n to_o the_o appendix_n p._n 157._o first_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n p._n 167_o second_v appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 179._o three_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n stillingfleet_n p._n 201._o