will_v believe_v he_o that_o my_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a &_o unchristian_a all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o my_o ground_n and_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o prove_v it_o in_o his_o way_n it_o be_v but_o mistake_v again_o the_o notion_n of_o school-divines_a for_o the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o school_n for_o church_n as_o he_o do_v late_o and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v immediate_o without_o any_o more_o trouble_n he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n in_o his_o first_o principle_n and_o his_o method_n that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a need_v not_o hang_v together_o at_o all_o but_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v incoherent_a and_o the_o late_a be_v a_o build_n upon_o false_a pretence_n and_o wrong_a supposition_n and_o then_o what_o may_v not_o he_o prove_v or_o what_o conquest_n can_v he_o obtain_v by_o such_o powerful_a stratagem_n he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o she_o faith_n possible_o i_o be_o not_o so_o lucky_a as_o to_o light_v on_o this_o large_a proof_n of_o he_o all_o i_o can_v find_v with_o a_o ordinary_a search_n be_v four_o or_o five_o line_n rule_v of_o faith_n pag._n 280._o where_o after_o a_o commonly-objected_n &_o often-answered_a citation_n from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n &_o unwritten_a tradition_n &_o therefore_o that_o they_o receive_v &_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n &_o also_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n he_o add_v which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v put_v this_o very_a objection_n against_o myself_o suref_a pag._n 346._o and_o proceed_v to_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o pag._n 150._o particular_o pag._n 147.149_o upon_o this_o reason_n because_o take_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n as_o the_o council_n express_v itself_o to_o do_v and_o forbid_v any_o man_n to_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o it_o have_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o so_o equal_o to_o be_v reverence_v whereas_o take_v it_o interpret_v by_o private_a head_n which_o only_o will_v serve_v dr_n t_n turn_n it_o be_v nothing_o less_o as_o not_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n at_o all_o but_o now_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v more_o require_v as_o dr._n t._n himself_o grant_v and_o contend_v it_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o sensible_a may_v understand_v it_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o build_v on_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n authority_n and_o judgement_n i_o deny_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o say_v it_o be_v no_o rule_n i_o omit_v the_o repeat_n very_o many_o argument_n from_o the_o council_n for_o that_o point_n deduce_v from_o pag._n 141._o to_o pag._n 146._o never_o touch_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o mock-answ_a of_o he_o §_o 16._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v who_o i_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o least_o from_o the_o way_n to_o it_o who_o not_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o to_o do_v throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n i_o make_v account_v that_o perfect_a charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n above_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o bliss_n or_o vnitive_a of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n also_o that_o this_o virtue_n can_v with_o a_o due_a heartiness_n be_v connatural_o or_o rational_o wrought_v in_o soul_n if_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o of_o christian_a faith_n be_v hold_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o ly._n hence_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o hold_v that_o those_o who_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o absolueely-conclusive_a reason_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o such_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v infallible_a and_o by_o consequence_n their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o all_o catholic_n do_v though_o as_o divine_n they_o fail_v in_o make_v out_o how_o and_o by_o what_o particular_a mean_n it_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a adhesion_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v because_o they_o be_v truth_n apt_a to_o beget_v solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n that_o be_v indeed_o true_a virtue_n such_o as_o be_v a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o fervent_a and_o all-oure-powering_a charity_n hence_o they_o possess_v the_o connatural_a mean_n or_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o esteem_v dr._n it_o be_v way_n of_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deity_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o sermon_n most_o pestilent_a and_o mischievous_a to_o soul_n as_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o incline_v they_o if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o discern_v its_o shallowness_n first_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n and_o at_o next_o to_o carelessness_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n though_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o that_o his_o shortness_n in_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o christianity_n make_v he_o conceit_n he_o do_v excellent_o even_o to_o admiration_n all_o the_o while_o he_o commit_v such_o well-meaning_a folly_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v upon_o second_o thought_n think_v fit_a to_o patronize_v principle_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o protestant_n i_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o who_o all_o with_o one_o mouth_n will_v own_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a position_n as_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a how_o dr._n t._n may_v have_v season_v some_o of_o his_o own_o auditor_n by_o preach_v controversy_n to_o they_o which_o he_o extreme_o affect_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v according_a as_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o more_o than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o sentiment_n he_o oppose_v in_o his_o discourse_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n discourse_n viii_o with_o what_o be_v dr._n t._n answer_v my_o method_n a_o present_v make_v to_o his_o credulous_a friend_n show_v how_o solid_o he_o confute_v sure-footing_a by_o ready_o grant_v the_o main_a of_o the_o book_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o tradition_n that_o j._n s._n be_v not_o singular_a in_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o he_o make_v a_o pass_n or_o two_o at_o my_o method_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v must_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o hear_v be_v threaten_v will_v appear_v very_o short_o but_o this_o pleasant_a preface_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o appear_v and_o all_o that_o appear_v like_o answer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v make_v it_o believe_v he_o ought_v not_o answer_v at_o all_o and_o this_o he_o do_v very_o neat_o and_o like_o a_o master_n for_o let_v no_o man_n think_v i_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o dr._n t._n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o thing_n some_o be_v good_a at_o prove_v some_o at_o disprove_v some_o at_o shift_v of_o the_o question_n without_o either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v every_o one_o in_o his_o way_n and_o in_o his_o way_n i_o know_v no_o man_n live_v a_o great_a master_n nor_o so_o great_a as_o the_o dr._n two_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o both_o of_o they_o strange_a one_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n be_v found_v on_o the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oraâ—_n tradition_n next_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o surefoot_v the_o first_o of_o they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v i_o there_o suppose_v oral_a tradition_n self-evident_o infallible_a and_o then_o run_v on_o all_o the_o way_n upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o if_o it_o obtain_v belief_n as_o from_o his_o credit_n he_o hope_v it_o may_v since_o every_o scholar_n know_v all_o discourse_n must_v be_v found_v either_o on_o first_o principle_n or_o at_o least_o on_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o
say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o humane_a certitude_n of_o which_o it_o may_v simple_o or_o absolute_o be_v say_v non_fw-la posse_fw-la illi_fw-la falsum_fw-la subesse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v produce_v more_o express_o abet_v my_o way_n of_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n nothing_o certain_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v contain_v the_o reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o simple_o infallible_a for_o say_v he_o tradition_n be_v full_a report_n about_o what_o be_v evident_a unto_o sense_n to_o wit_n what_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n public_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a world_n of_o man_n can_v be_v uniform_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v about_o a_o matter_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n so_o divide_v in_o place_n of_o so_o different_a affection_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v so_o have_v agree_v in_o their_o tale_n have_v they_o so_o malicious_o resolve_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n observe_v here_o 1._o that_o he_o allege_v only_o natural_a motive_n or_o speak_v only_o of_o tradition_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o i_o take_v it_o in_o my_o method_n 2._o he_o go_v about_o to_o show_v out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a 3._o he_o make_v this_o tradition_n or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o infallible_a deriver_n down_o or_o ascertainer_n that_o what_o be_v now_o hold_v upon_o that_o tenure_n be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n or_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n which_o once_o know_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o body_n that_o proceed_v upon_o it_o to_o possess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o consequent_o infallible_o know_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o very_a way_n i_o take_v in_o my_o method_n and_o other_o tâ—eatises_n it_o may_v hence_o be_v discern_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n dr._n t._n except_v against_o it_o as_o so_o superlative_o singular_a but_o to_o proceed_v hence_o p._n 40._o he_o aver_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o tradition_n be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o it_o convince_v infidel_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v only_o natural_a reason_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o for_o though_o say_v he_o they_o be_v blind_a not_o to_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v divine_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n impudent_a and_o obstinate_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n catholic_n tradition_n to_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a and_o p._n 41._o the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o man_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n may_v know_v assure_o what_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v to_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n be_v the_o catholic_n tradition_n by_o world_n of_o christian_a father_n and_o pastor_n unto_o world_n of_o christian_a child_n and_o faithful_a people_n which_o word_n as_o full_o express_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a or_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n supply_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o motive_n this_o learned_a writer_n p._n 46_o on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o inward_a assurance_n without_o any_o external_n infallible_a ground_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o truth_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o last_o to_o omit_v other_o p._n 47._o he_o discourse_v thus_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n in_o this_o search_n may_v be_v deceive_v through_o natural_a invincible_a fallibility_n of_o their_o organ_n and_o so_o no_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v altogether_o infallible_a i_o answer_v that_o evidence_n have_v by_o sense_n be_v but_o the_o private_a of_o one_o man_n be_v natural_o and_o physical_o infallible_a but_o when_o the_o same_o be_v also_o public_a and_o catholic_n that_o be_v when_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n concur_v with_o he_o than_o his_o evidence_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a and_o now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n touch_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o either_o the_o selfsame_a or_o else_o necessary_o consequent_a or_o at_o least_o very_a consonant_n to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o cite_v from_o this_o judicious_a author_n and_o great_a champion_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o day_n who_o coincidency_n with_o other_o divine_n into_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o explication_n argue_v strong_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o same_o unanimous_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o true_a catholic_n ground_n which_o can_v breed_v this_o conspire_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discourse_v and_o almost_o the_o selfsame_a word_n §_o 13._o hence_o be_v see_v how_o just_o d._n t._n when_o he_o want_v something_o else_o to_o say_v still_o tax_v i_o with_o singularity_n in_o accept_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n build_v on_o absolutely-conclusive_a motive_n with_o talk_v such_o paradox_n as_o he_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o they_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n that_o all_o mankind_n except_v j._n saint_n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o my_o ground_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o own_o church_n that_o no_o man_n before_o j._n s._n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n which_o word_n fallible_a be_v of_o his_o own_o add_v i_o be_v of_o mankind_n rely_v on_o sensation_n be_v infallible_a that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o twenty_o such_o insignificant_a cavil_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o breed_v his_o vexation_n be_v that_o as_o my_o reason_n incline_v i_o i_o join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o intelligent_a party_n of_o divine_n that_o be_v indeed_o i_o stick_v to_o and_o pursue_v and_o explain_v and_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v far_o those_o ground_n which_o i_o see_v be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v i_o only_o talk_v of_o moral_a certainty_n probability_n and_o such_o wise_a stuff_n when_o i_o be_o settle_v faith_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v like_v i_o exceed_o for_o than_o his_o own_o side_n may_v be_v probable_a too_o which_o sandy_a foundation_n be_v enough_o for_o such_o a_o mercurial_a faith_n as_o nothing_o but_o interest_n be_v apt_a to_o fix_v discourse_n viii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n answer_v my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o his_o attempt_n to_o clear_v object_v fault_n by_o commit_v new_a one_o §_o 1._o my_o confuter_n have_v at_o length_n do_v with_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o my_o methed_a and_o have_v not_o he_o do_v well_o think_v you_o and_o approve_v himself_o a_o excellent_a confuter_n he_o only_o break_v his_o jest_n upon_o every_o passage_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o former_a except_o one_o without_o ever_o hee_v or_o consider_v much_o less_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o one_o single_a reason_n of_o those_o many_o there_o allege_v and_o as_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o seem_v serious_a viz._n how_o the_o faithful_a be_v hold_v by_o i_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n he_o quite_o mistake_v it_o throughout_o again_o as_o for_o my_o method_n he_o first_o give_v a_o wrong_a character_n of_o it_o and_o next_o pretend_v it_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o point_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o be_v which_o he_o have_v ready_o grant_v but_o offer_v not_o one_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o any_o one_o reason_n in_o it_o neither_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v next_o and_o first_o he_o say_v he_o will_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n so_o he_o do_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o too_o for_o he_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n to_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o it_o next_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o ill-language_n which_o he_o say_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o say_v partly_o true_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o i_o than_o when_o i_o expect_v a_o sober_a and_o scholarlike_o answer_v to_o find_v only_o a_o prettily-worded_n fardel_n of_o drollery_n and_o insincerity_n i_o wonder_v what_o gall_v he_o when_o he_o lavish_v out_o so_o much_o ill-language_n in_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n in_o which_o treatise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passionate_a word_n not_o one_o syllable_n
and_o so_o we_o may_v call_v they_o moral_a christian_n which_o epithet_n be_v opposite_a to_o absolute_a signify_v they_o be_v not_o absolute_o christian_n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v indeed_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o it_o be_v true_a sense_n be_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o no_o christian_n yet_o since_o they_o like_v the_o word_n moral_a so_o extreme_o well_o when_o they_o be_v to_o express_v the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v wear_v it_o when_o we_o express_v they_o as_o faithful_a though_o then_o the_o hopeful_a seem_v very_o well_o to_o represent_v their_o humour_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o name_v themselves_o and_o moral_a christian_n let_v they_o be_v against_o these_o moral_a christian_n and_o they_o only_o i_o discourse_v in_o this_o present_a treatise_n but_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o the_o person_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n goodness_n the_o method_n of_o who_o gracious_a providence_n be_v to_o support_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n will_v permit_v very_o often_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o man_n speculation_n with_o connatural_a way_n of_o knowledge_n fix_v they_o thus_o in_o a_o strong_a adherence_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n by_o way_n which_o even_o their_o unreflect_a self_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o whence_o i_o be_o the_o far_a from_o judge_v any_o man_n person_n perhaps_o of_o any_o live_n and_o endeavour_v all_o i_o can_v to_o retain_v a_o charitable_a opinion_n even_o of_o dr._n t_n personal_a intention_n in_o common_a and_o excuse_v he_o diverse_a time_n in_o this_o very_a treatise_n where_o i_o write_v against_o he_o as_o far_o as_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v it_o be_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n then_o and_o it_o only_o which_o i_o combat_v at_o present_a and_o which_o i_o see_v plain_o so_o unsettle_v unhinge_n and_o render_v useless_a and_o ineffectual_a all_o christianity_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o declare_v a_o utter_a and_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n against_o it_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n prosecute_v it_o home_o to_o the_o very_a door_n of_o scepticism_n the_o bane_n of_o all_o humane_a science_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o who_o gloomy_a grott_n situate_v in_o the_o confine_n of_o dark_a ignorance_n mankind_n natural_a hell_n they_o first_o see_v the_o twilight_n or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v bear_v blind_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o declare_v as_o i_o do_v a_o just_a indignation_n against_o this_o wicked_a tenet_n i_o shall_v treat_v a_o writer_n favourable_o consider_v he_o precise_o as_o a_o maintainer_n of_o it_o or_o bear_v myself_o respectful_o to_o those_o insincere_a and_o unhandsome_a method_n and_o way_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o abet_v it_o and_o prejudice_v the_o sacred_a truth_n it_o oppose_v whether_o those_o way_n be_v sophism_n in_o reason_v or_o else_o scurrility_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n the_o main_a engine_n employ_v in_o this_o preface_n i_o shall_v then_o take_v a_o little_a of_o that_o much_o liberty_n he_o use_v to_o give_v they_o the_o entertainment_n and_o return_v due_a in_o justice_n to_o their_o demerit_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n omit_v still_o the_o rude_a hope_v he_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a at_o his_o own_o echo_n since_o if_o he_o have_v not_o originize_v it_o it_o have_v not_o reflect_v and_o if_o he_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o freedom_n to_o abound_v so_o with_o irony_n and_o whole_o neglect_v speak_v to_o my_o reason_n of_o which_o whatever_o they_o be_v none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o i_o use_v to_o have_v good_a store_n in_o my_o write_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v indecent_a if_o now_o and_o then_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o plausible_a irony_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o refute_v otherwise_o since_o according_a to_o dr._n t_n method_n of_o dispute_v these_o be_v my_o only_a confuter_n and_o full_a of_o brag_n and_o triumph_n he_o and_o his_o friend_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v pretend_v as_o they_o do_v former_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n that_o inability_n to_o reply_n have_v cause_v my_o desistance_n i_o come_v then_o to_o examine_v this_o spruce_a preface_n in_o do_v which_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o lay_v open_a at_o large_a his_o knack_n of_o answer_v book_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v just_a title_n to_o make_v some_o request_n to_o you_o our_o umpire_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o right_n proper_a to_o learning_n declare_v beforehand_o that_o wherever_o i_o be_o large_a in_o any_o discourse_n become_v a_o scholar_n it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n pay_v to_o his_o preface_n which_o have_v nothing_o like_o a_o show_n of_o solid_a scholarship_n in_o it_o but_o a_o respect_n due_a to_o you_o our_o learned_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o appeal_v index_n assent_n dissent_n and_o suspense_n pag._n 81_o 82_o etc._n etc._n catholic_n divine_v vindicate_v p._n 18_o 179._o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n deny_v by_o dr._n t._n p._n 120_o 121_o 151._o assert_v by_o j._n s._n p._n 121_o 122._o definition_n of_o general_a council_n why_o necessary_a p._n 181_o 182._o demonstration_n p._n 41_o 42_o 43_o 119_o 120_o 174._o find_v in_o ethic_n and_o physics_n p._n 57_o to_o 63._o first_o principles_n identical_a proposition_n p._n 7._o to_o 41._o dr._n t_o be_v firm_a principle_n show_v weak_a p._n 71_o 72_o etc._n etc._n freedom_n from_o doubt_n not_o sufficient_a for_o faith_n p._n 84._o to_o 94._o p._n 124._o to_o 128._o infallibility_n assert_v p._n 64._o to_o 67.112_o to_o 116._o requisite_a to_o assent_v and_o faith_n p._n 68_o 69._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o admit_v of_o degree_n p._n 138._o to_o â—_o 141._o unlearned_a believer_n how_o infallible_a p._n 134_o 135_o 136_o 181._o moral_a certainty_n p._n 141._o to_o 147._o objection_n from_o catholic_n divine_v refute_v p._n 175._o to_o 179._o practical_a self-evidence_n p._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 116_o 117._o prudential_n ground_n incompetent_a for_o faith_n p._n 142_o to_o 146._o scripture_n letter_n no_o rule_n pref._n p._n 5_o 6_o 7.199_o 200._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 32_o 33_o 183._o grant_v to_o be_v such_o by_o dr._n t._n p._n 192._o to_o p._n 200._o hold_v by_o other_o catholic_n divine_v in_o j._n s._n his_o sense_n p._n 212._o to_o 216._o explain_v p._n 202._o to_o 212._o it_o be_v certainty_n how_o a_o first_o principle_n and_o self-evident_a p._n 3_o 4._o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n t_n preface_n with_o a_o examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n discourse_n i._n clear_v the_o way_n to_o the_o follow_v one_o by_o manifest_v his_o two_o fundamental_a exception_n to_o be_v perfect_o injust_a and_o voluntary_o insincere_a §_o 1._o his_o preface_n begin_v p._n 3_o with_o two_o charge_n viz._n that_o i_o still_o persist_v to_o maintain_v after_o so_o fair_a a_o admonition_n that_o first_o and_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o which_o he_o add_v a_o three_o that_o i_o make_v identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o dispute_n he_o argue_v too_o against_o the_o two_o former_a imaginary_a assertion_n of_o i_o which_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v a_o rare_a thing_n thus_o p._n 37._o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o make_v first_o principle_n more_o evident_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v they_o by_o and_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o reason_n give_v to_o be_v as_o victorious_a as_o any_o passage_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n where_o he_o have_v multitude_n of_o such_o wrong-aimed_a argument_n intend_v i_o conceive_v to_o show_v how_o far_o his_o reason_n can_v carry_v when_o it_o shoot_v at_o rover_n for_o it_o be_v level_v at_o no_o mark_n but_o observe_v i_o beseech_v you_o gentlemen_z how_o i_o be_o deal_v with_o and_o let_v these_o two_o lead_v case_n discover_v his_o way_n of_o confute_v obtain_v a_o just_a suspense_n of_o your_o judgement_n concern_v all_o his_o other_o performance_n till_o you_o see_v they_o examine_v §_o 2._o in_o sure_a footing_n p._n 114._o 2d_o edit_n which_o i_o stâ—ll_v quote_v i_o deduce_v two_o proposition_n the_o former_a that_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 long_o ago_o past_a or_o as_o in_o other_o place_n i_o therefore_o name_v it_o first_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authentication_n of_o book_n and_o monument_n all_o depend_v upon_o tradition_n the_o other_o be_v
side_n he_o who_o discourse_v ill_a violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o run_v into_o contradiction_n absurdity_n and_o what_o mean_v violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o speak_v contradiction_n but_o the_o make_v the_o thing_n not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o so_o falsify_v by_o his_o discourse_n that_o principle_n which_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a in_o this_o circumstance_n to_o the_o contradiction_n he_o sustain_v which_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v for_o example_n dr._n t._n put_v scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o unless_o he_o will_v be_v strange_o uncharitable_a must_v grant_v convince_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o socinian_o and_o other_o that_o many_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o judge_v not_o right_a concern_v what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o not_o which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o make_v a_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o that_o affair_n for_o he_o put_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n ex_fw-la suppositâ—one_fw-la and_o yet_o put_v it_o to_o be_v no_o rule_n because_o the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o their_o power_n be_v mislead_v which_o argue_v there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o fault_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o a_o regulative_a virtue_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n §_o 11._o hence_o be_v easy_o understand_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n viz._n not_o to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o such_o a_o affair_n one_o of_o the_o premise_n in_o a_o syllogism_n much_o less_o to_o make_v that_o one_o single_a identical_a proposition_n both_o the_o premise_n or_o two_o proposition_n as_o our_o shallow_a logician_n in_o his_o wild_a rant_v of_o drollery_n will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n but_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n have_v a_o far_o more_o sovereign_a influence_n over_o the_o discourse_n than_o any_o of_o those_o particular_a proposition_n decisive_o as_o it_o be_v abet_v or_o dis-approving_a the_o whole_a it_o be_v therefore_o to_o stand_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o discourser_n and_o be_v heedful_o attend_v to_o so_o to_o give_v a_o steadiness_n to_o all_o his_o ratiocination_n it_o be_v its_o office_n to_o be_v the_o test_n or_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n or_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v right_a what_o crooked_a oblique_a or_o deviate_a from_o true_a nature_n if_o in_o dispute_n one_o hold_v firm_o to_o that_o it_o authenticate_v his_o discourse_n to_o be_v the_o solid_a gold_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o plausible_a talk_v make_v a_o mock-show_a of_o connexion_n or_o truth_n it_o discover_v the_o cheat_n show_v by_o its_o own_o most_o evident_a connexion_n the_o unconnectedness_n or_o looseness_n of_o the_o other_o empty_a babble_n and_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mere_a dross_n of_o falsehood_n how_o fair_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n at_o first_o and_o how_o pretty_o soever_o it_o be_v superficial_o gild_v with_o sophisticate_a rhetoric_n or_o other_o artificial_a trick_n of_o counterfeit_a truth_n it_o be_v like_o a_o immovable_a basis_n that_o sustain_v all_o the_o superstructure_n of_o truth_n though_o itself_o rise_v not_o above_o its_o own_o firm_a level_n or_o like_o a_o rock_n which_o by_o its_o rigid_a hardness_n dash_v asunder_o into_o contradiction_n and_o folly_n the_o ill-coherent_a and_o weak_a production_n of_o witty_a ignorance_n no_o wonder_n then_o dr._n t._n abuse_v so_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o he_o perceive_v they_o dispose_v to_o abuse_v he_o by_o show_v all_o his_o discourse_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o well-clad_a nonsense_n and_o though_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_n or_o his_o cause_n not_o bear_v it_o he_o can_v work_v with_o they_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o mistake_v they_o will_v make_v work_n with_o he_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o instance_n §_o 12._o i'faith_o meaning_n by_o it_o a_o believe_v upon_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o his_o truth_n as_o i_o express_v myself_o in_o my_o preface_n to_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o elsewhere_o be_v a_o assent_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o this_o be_v find_v in_o its_o definition_n as_o its_o difference_n essential_o distinguish_v it_o from_o opinion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o be_v prove_v by_o more_o than_o forty_o demonstration_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o least_o reply_v to_o wherefore_o be_v a_o direct_a part_n of_o the_o definition_n it_o engage_v that_o first_o verity_n on_o which_o the_o definition_n itself_o be_v ground_v that_o be_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n be_v not_o faith_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n who_o for_o all_o his_o shuffle_n make_v faith_n thus_o understand_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v to_o clash_v with_o that_o self-evident_a identical_a proposition_n by_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o pretend_a demonstration_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n or_o any_o of_o they_o stand_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n dr._n st._n if_o they_o true_o say_v what_o they_o think_v be_v as_o certain_o conclude_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 13._o also_o tradition_n be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n to_o their_o child_n or_o to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o age_n by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v by_o catechise_v preach_a converse_v practise_v and_o all_o the_o way_n thâ—t_o can_v be_v possible_o find_v in_o education_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o mankind_n can_v express_v what_o they_o have_v in_o their_o thought_n to_o other_o at_o long_o run_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v so_o as_o to_o make_v generality_n at_o least_o the_o wise_a understand_v they_o we_o have_v lose_v mankind_n since_o to_o do_v this_o require_v little_o more_o than_o eye_n ear_n power_n of_o speak_v and_o common_a sense_n wherefore_o let_v this_o way_n of_o tradition_n be_v follow_v and_o it_o will_v convey_v the_o first-taught_a faith_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o that_o belong_v intrinsical_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n it_o will_v infallible_o derive_v down_o the_o first_o that_o be_v right_o faâ—th_v since_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o its_o have_v such_o a_o nature_n in_o it_o tradition_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n wherefore_o he_o who_o deny_v that_o tradition_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n deny_v by_o consequence_n that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o he_o who_o deny_v it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n deny_v by_o consequence_n a_o rule_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n §_o 14_o my_o last_o instance_n show_v withal_o more_o ample_o the_o use_n of_o first_o principle_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o identical_a proposition_n which_o ground_n the_o whole_a nature_n of_o discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o be_v thus_o make_v use_n of_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v express_v the_o identity_n or_o as_o we_o may_v say_v the_o sameness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v which_o it_o connect_v and_o it_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v these_o two_o term_n identify_v in_o the_o concsusion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o that_o proposition_n we_o call_v the_o conclusion_n be_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v prove_v a_o three_o term_n be_v seek_v for_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o two_o other_o and_o thence_o '_o tâ—s_v evince_v that_o those_o two_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o why_o because_o otherwise_o that_o three_o term_n will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o own_o self_n or_o be_v what_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v true_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o two_o other_o and_o yet_o those_o two_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o but_o it_o will_v have_v division_n in_o its_o very_a nature_n or_o not_o be_v its_o self_n be_v in_o that_o case_n distract_v into_o more_o essential_a nature_n that_o be_v be_v chimerical_a and_o consequent_o two_o thing_n according_a to_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o of_o those_o term_n according_a to_o the_o other_o the_o
virtue_n of_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o one_o paradox_n to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n nay_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o natural_a science_n to_o boot_v for_o these_o according_a to_o he_o be_v sole_o build_v upon_o induction_n which_o depend_v on_o sensation_n and_o these_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o be_v all_o possible_a to_o be_v deceive_v §_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o by_o these_o ground_n leave_v in_o the_o same_o pickle_n it_o be_v rule_n whether_o it_o be_v tradition_n or_o scripture_n letter_n evident_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v all_o fallible_a and_o what_o be_v build_v on_o a_o fallible_a authority_n say_v common_a sense_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unavoidable_a from_o his_o principle_n that_o all_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a however_o the_o shame_n of_o own_v so_o unchristian_a and_o half-atheistical_a a_o tenet_n make_v he_o very_o stiff_o and_o angry_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n but_o he_o shall_v never_o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n from_o his_o position_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v fallible_a i_o expect_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n he_o will_v tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o my_o conclusion_n or_o start_v aside_o to_o a_o logical_a possibility_n that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o so_o may_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o point_n we_o be_v discourse_v what_o will_v follow_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o cause_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o world_n alwise_a governor_n whence_o if_o those_o portion_n of_o nature_n or_o mankind_n can_v be_v deceive_v without_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseeming_a god_n to_o do_v a_o miracle_n which_o reach_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o whole_a species_n as_o that_o no_o fire_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v burn_v no_o water_n wet_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n nay_o essential_a truth_n itself_o shall_v do_v such_o a_o stupendous_a and_o never-yet-heard-of_a miracle_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n as_o be_v our_o case_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_o consequent_a it_o can_v be_v effect_v at_o all_o that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v fallible_a in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o their_o constant_a sensation_n §_o 20._o it_o follow_v and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v to_o this_o we_o will_v speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o firm_a principle_n he_o proceed_v none_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n in_o america_n as_o jamaica_n yet_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n and_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o free_a from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n true_a none_o can_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v either_o jamaica_n or_o any_o such_o place_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o demonstrate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o attester_n from_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o object_n and_o their_o veracity_n from_o the_o impossibility_n they_o shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o act_v or_o say_v so_o without_o some_o appear_a good_a for_o their_o object_n or_o intend_v to_o deceive_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n and_o so_o circumstance_v when_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o intend_a end_n as_o for_o his_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v as_o free_v from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o he_o be_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n may_v 〈…〉_z yet_o not_o hold_v the_o thing_n true_a as_o shall_v present_o be_v show_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n pleâ—se_v to_o look_v into_o his_o own_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v instill_a through_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o doubt_n viz._n such_o a_o firm_a assent_n &_o adherence_n to_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o he_o will_v deem_v he_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o deserter_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o to_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o why_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n have_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o see_v it_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n impossible_a that_o authority_n shall_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la be_v deceive_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v and_o so_o hold_v the_o authority_n infallible_a as_o to_o this_o point_n i_o expect_v his_o logic_n shall_v inform_v i_o §_o 21._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o dr._n t_n performance_n hitherto_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o proper_a science_n for_o his_o purpose_n metaphysic_n i_o suppose_v because_o it_o sometime_o use_v those_o hard_a word_n potentiality_n and_o actuality_n which_o his_o delicate_a ear_n can_v brook_v and_o have_v seclude_v morality_n physics_n and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n which_o ground_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o christian_a faith_n from_o be_v science_n allow_v it_o only_o to_o the_o mathematics_n which_o will_v make_v one_o very_o think_v the_o world_n be_v perverse_o order_v and_o odd_o disproportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o which_o we_o christian_n agree_v it_o be_v create_v that_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o power_n to_o act_v aright_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o far_o less_o import_n than_o in_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o concern_v incomparable_o high_o yet_o it_o matter_n less_o some_o may_v think_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o of_o those_o conclusion_n in_o those_o respective_a subject_n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o whâ—ch_n dr._n t_n discourse_n call_v into_o question_n or_o rather_o deny_v whence_o iâ—_n we_o have_v in_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v exterior_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o suffice_v but_o now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o faith_n where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o assent_v or_o to_o hold_v fâ—rmly_o and_o very_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n or_o carry_v a_o soul_n to_o bliss_n but_o interior_a act_n of_o a_o firm_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n build_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o a_o ardent_a and_o overpower_v love_n of_o unseen_a goods_n spring_v out_o of_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fit_a we_o for_o a_o union_n with_o our_o infinitely-blissful_a object_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o these_o be_v fundamental_o build_v on_o the_o secureness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v a_o rational_a considerer_n wouâ—d_v think_v it_o very_o requiâ—â—â—e_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o hearty_a a_o assent_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o infinitely-high_a nature_n and_o import_n shall_v be_v fâ—ll_a as_o evident_a as_o the_o most_o evident_a of_o those_o inferior_a concern_v and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_a curiosity_n and_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v manage_v on_o such_o a_o fashion_n as_o if_o mankinâ—_n be_v only_o make_v to_o study_v mathematics_n since_o absolute_a evidence_n his_o best_a natural_a perfection_n be_v according_a to_o dr._n t._n only_o find_v in_o these_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o mathematician_n be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o philosopher_n not_o at_o all_o and_o i_o fear_v christian_n as_o little_a now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v according_a to_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o true_a self-evident_a practical_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a let_v we_o see_v what_o strong_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o immovably-firm_a assent_n dr._n t._n will_v afford_v the_o world_n for_o that_o first_o and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o which_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v all_o else_o that_o belong_v to_o faith_n be_v not_o worth_a hee_n discourse_n v._n dr._n t_n firm_a
the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o these_o be_v my_o word_n then_o and_o i_o be_o sorry_a he_o will_v needs_o dare_v and_o provoke_v i_o to_o make_v they_o good_a in_o which_o if_o i_o have_v justify_v myself_o too_o particular_o let_v he_o blame_v himself_o all_o this_o while_n i_o serious_o declare_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o dr._n t._n himself_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o far_a yet_o from_o imagine_v that_o already_o hold_v one_o he_o shall_v hold_v it_o possible_a afterward_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v which_o ridiculous_a folly_n constant_a to_o his_o prevaricate_a humour_n he_o put_v upon_o i_o p._n 8._o what_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o his_o ill_a principle_n do_v equivalent_o confess_v it_o possible_a there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o i_o have_v abundant_o show_v out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o himself_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v by_o practical_a self-evidence_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v no_o speculater_n or_o scholar_n also_o have_v it_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o despite_n of_o his_o weak_a speculation_n nay_o that_o in_o this_o very_a sermon_n he_o have_v one_o or_o two_o proof_n which_o have_v in_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n though_o his_o not_o understand_v and_o so_o ill-managing_a of_o they_o and_o then_o call_v they_o probability_n have_v endeavour_v all_o that_o may_v be_v to_o render_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o i_o end_v with_o some_o of_o his_o own_o word_n pref._n p._n 37._o that_o if_o dr._n t._n do_v in_o truth_n believe_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o a_o creation_n be_v as_o he_o say_v serm._n p._n 20_o so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v plain_a than_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o he_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a condition_n to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o but_o his_o blind_a and_o sceptical_a way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o the_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v he_o that_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v it_o half_a that_o mischief_n as_o one_o christian_a divine_n may_v who_o by_o his_o earnestness_n manifest_v a_o desire_n to_o do_v the_o best_a he_o can_v by_o the_o vogue_n he_o bear_v seem_v able_a to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o produce_v not_o any_o one_o proof_n which_o he_o vouch_v to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n either_o of_o christianity_n or_o a_o deity_n but_o rather_o by_o his_o carriage_n deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o while_o he_o talk_v of_o likelihood_n probability_n more_o credible_a opinion_n moral_a certainty_n and_o suchlike_a who_o very_a name_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v or_o endure_v in_o a_o discourse_n aim_v to_o settle_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o he_o must_v take_v his_o measure_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o ground_n from_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n not_o from_o our_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n and_o suchlike_a for_o these_o may_v be_v light_a and_o silly_a whereas_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v â—aid_v by_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v wise_a and_o solid_a and_o so_o when_o look_v into_o absolutely-conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n let_v we_o then_o who_o hold_v a_o god_n leave_v creature_n to_o their_o weakness_n vindicate_v our_o maker_n from_o the_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o govern_v mankind_n tyrannical_o by_o command_v we_o to_o assent_v thâ—t_v a_o thing_n be_v which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o see_v may_v not_o be_v so_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n which_o himself_o have_v ingraft_v in_o we_o that_o what_o be_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n possible_a not_o to_o be_v and_o to_o profess_v a_o point_n true_a nay_o die_v to_o attest_v its_o truth_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v show_v false_a to_o morrow_n nay_o which_o ourselves_o see_v may_v be_v now_o false_a he_o tell_v we_o here_o in_o common_a p._n 90_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o true_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o selus_fw-la we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n why_o do_v he_o then_o come_v to_o make_v out_o that_o point_n say_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v clear_a demonstration_n and_o that_o only_a mathematical_a matter_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o why_o pursue_v he_o not_o such_o proof_n as_o these_o and_o make_v they_o out_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o reduce_v they_o to_o first_o principle_n and_o so_o oblige_v humane_a nature_n to_o assent_v to_o they_o under_o evident_a forfeiture_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o even_a manhood_n be_v he_o afraid_a clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n will_v not_o necessary_o conclude_v why_o do_v he_o put_v supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o then_o argue_v thus_o blind_o that_o since_o suppose_v it_o be_v it_o will_v give_v no_o more_o light_n of_o itself_o than_o it_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v be_v there_o any_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a perplex_v and_o inconclusive_a method_n when_o we_o may_v vouch_v we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n last_o why_o do_v he_o distrust_v the_o object_n strength_n and_o explain_v our_o assurance_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o faith_n by_o moral_a certainty_n or_o such_o as_o will_v satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n probability_n amass_v together_o not_o doubt_v and_o other_o suchlike_a feeble_a diminutive_a expression_n be_v not_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o be_v demonstration_n à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la in_o point_n of_o certainty_n incomparable_o beyond_o such_o quiver_a ground_n and_o such_o dwindle_a adhesion_n i_o wish_v dr._n t._n will_v take_v these_o thing_n into_o his_o better_a thought_n and_o at_o least_o by_o amend_v his_o expression_n and_o reason_n hereafter_o make_v some_o tolerable_a satisfaction_n for_o this_o intolerable_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o god_n church_n discourse_n vi._n that_o dr._n t._n make_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a of_o infallibility_n demonstration_n and_o moral_a certainty_n §_o 1._o thus_o much_o to_o justify_v my_o first_o charge_n that_o dr._n t._n make_v that_o fundamental_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o consequent_o all_o religion_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a my_o second_o charge_n be_v that_o he_o particular_o make_v all_o christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o it_o be_v find_v faith_n vindicated_n p._n 171._o where_o i_o put_v down_o his_o own_o word_n which_o concern_v that_o purpose_n though_o he_o who_o presume_v on_o the_o partiality_n of_o his_o friend_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o even_o eyesight_n may_v confute_v assure_v his_o reader_n pag._n 5._o that_o i_o dare_v not_o cite_v they_o i_o lay_v my_o charge_n in_o this_o tenor_n it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a from_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n that_o if_o i_o have_v discourse_v right_a in_o this_o small_a treatise_n of_o i_o and_o have_v prove_v that_o faith_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o mr._n t.'s_n confession_n p._n 118._o to_o which_o mr._n st.'s_n doctrine_n be_v consonant_a that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o be_v false_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n that_o neither_o be_v the_o book-rule_n he_o maintain_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o nor_o have_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n true_a faith_n §_o 4._o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n own_v take_v away_o private_a spirit_n but_o tradition_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only-true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o main_a of_o sure-footing_a stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o last_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o his_o own_o book_n which_o oppose_v it_o oppose_v the_o only-true_a because_o the_o only_a impossible-to-be-false_a ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v in_o that_o supposition_n to_o go_v about_o to_o undermine_v all_o christian_a faith_n whence_o the_o title_n of_o his_o probable-natured_a book_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v manifest_v to_o be_v a_o improper_a nickname_n
and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n you_o see_v here_o gentlemen_z how_o great_a stress_n i_o lay_v upon_o dr._n t.'s_n confession_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o real_o if_o he_o clear_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o suffer_v a_o very_a great_a defeat_n because_o i_o so_o much_o build_v upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n either_o of_o be_v a_o good_a writer_n or_o a_o solid_a christian_a divine_a and_o he_o will_v owe_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o his_o doctrine_n have_v pervert_v by_o turn_v their_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n who_o ground_n and_o consequent_o itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a into_o opinion_n who_o ground_n and_o by_o consequence_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v such_o and_o last_o unless_o he_o avoid_v or_o râ—â—ants_v this_o error_n object_v all_o he_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d convince_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o be_v againâ—â—â—ith_n and_o its_o true_a ground_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o act_n of_o right_a faith_n that_o be_v a_o asseâ—â—_n build_v on_o those_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n for_o mankind_n to_o embrace_v faith_n and_o command_v they_o to_o believe_v upon_o those_o ground_n whether_o scripture_n letter_n or_o the_o church_n voice_n shall_v be_v a_o error_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o a_o lie_n which_o all_o sober_a protestant_n presbyterian_o nay_o almost_o all_o sect_n except_o some_o few_o witty_a man_n incline_v much_o by_o read_v such_o author_n to_o scepticism_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o &_o perhaps_o some_o socinian_o reject_v abominate_a and_o hate_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n the_o charge_n be_v lay_v and_o the_o case_n be_v put_v now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n which_o ere_o we_o do_v i_o desire_v those_o reader_n who_o have_v dr._n t.'s_n preface_n by_o they_o to_o read_v his_o 9_o the_o page_n or_o else_o his_o whole_a page_n 118._o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n lest_o either_o of_o we_o may_v injure_v he_o by_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n i_o discourse_v thus_o §_o 2._o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a make_v faith_n itself_o such_o likewise_o since_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o next_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o dr._n t._n be_v the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n sense_n or_o faith_n last_o that_o in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v and_o relate_v by_o he_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o its_o sense_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v here_o page_z 15._o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v i_o put_v he_o this_o dilemma_n either_o he_o hold_v what_o he_o conceive_v to_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n true_a or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a then_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a he_o must_v hold_v it_o at_o least_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o not_o actual_o such_o but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v true_a then_o since_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o security_n he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o of_o the_o book_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o immediate_o subjoin_v these_o very_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o â—ay_v be_v otherwise_o he_o as_o evident_o say_v that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v that_o what_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a be_v false_a i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o dr._n t._n can_v possible_o speak_v more_o plain_o what_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o than_o he_o have_v do_v in_o those_o word_n unless_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o word_n false_a which_o too_o candid_a and_o rude_a expression_n will_v expose_v he_o open_o to_o the_o dislike_n of_o all_o sober_a mâ—n_z and_o therefore_o he_o disguise_v it_o in_o its_o more_o moderate_a equivalent_a otherwise_o i_o say_v equivalent_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o what_o the_o word_n otherwise_o relate_v too_o human_a language_n forbid_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v otherwise_o unless_o it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o something_o i_o ask_v then_o otherwise_o than_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v when_o be_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discourse_v what_o security_n he_o have_v of_o the_o antiquity_n writer_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o may_v be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a as_o word_n can_v express_v he_o must_v mean_v it_o be_v possible_a the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v possible_a this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o such_o passage_n as_o concern_v faith_n for_o to_o these_o and_o these_o only_a our_o discourse_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o title_n of_o his_o book_n determine_v it_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o none_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o either_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o case_n it_o be_v sole_o ground_v upon_o that_o as_o he_o profess_v see_v reader_n how_o all_o truth_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a one_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o man_n frame_v only_o for_o fine_a talk_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o how_o parallel_a his_o defence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o that_o he_o give_v we_o late_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n he_o so_o prove_v a_o god_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o now_o he_o so_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v no_o rule_n since_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o follow_v may_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v dr._n t._n need_v here_o the_o blessing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o that_o identical_a proposition_n a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n else_o he_o will_v not_o write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v scripture_n a_o rule_n and_o then_o ever_o and_o anon_o in_o equivalent_a language_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o such_o evident_a truth_n and_o not_o out_o of_o a_o openly-declared_a feud_n against_o those_o first_o principle_n fall_v thus_o perpetual_o into_o manifest_a contradiction_n §_o 3._o but_o how_o do_v dr._n t._n clear_a himself_o of_o this_o charge_n of_o i_o or_o how_o come_v he_o off_o from_o his_o own_o word_n first_o he_o again_o put_v down_o those_o very_a word_n which_o say_v over_o and_o over_o what_o i_o charge_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o ask_v very_o confident_o where_o he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a a_o craft_n as_o child_n use_v when_o they_o hoodwink_v themselves_o and_o then_o tell_v the_o bystander_n they_o shall_v not_o see_v they_o next_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o he_o say_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o a_o book_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v these_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o to_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o etc._n etc._n be_v this_o all_o he_o say_v what_o then_o be_v become_v of_o those_o famous_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v only_o object_v but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v whether_o he_o be_v infallible_o certain_a or_o no_o it_o matter_n not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v why_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o faith_n some_o at_o least_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o certain_a of_o both_o in_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o assent_v and_o as_o we_o questionless_a be_v die_v to_o attest_v the_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v absolutely-certain_a truth_n again_o if_o dr._n t._n be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a
both_o pass_v my_o imagination_n and_o i_o be_o confident_a every_o man_n living_n who_o consider_v well_o what_o he_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a then_o from_o dr._n t_n whole_a carriage_n in_o this_o business_n that_o unless_o perhaps_o the_o natural_a force_n of_o tradition_n work_v a_o practical-self_n evidence_n in_o he_o of_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o who_o hold_v to_o tradition_n and_o he_o agree_v which_o he_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o dr._n t._n do_v not_o hold_v his_o faith_n absolute_o but_o moral_o true_a which_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n as_o be_v show_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o will_v be_v see_v hereafter_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v but_o â—itting_v and_o necessary_a that_o i_o shall_v clear_v the_o word_n truth_n from_o a_o ridiculous_a equivocation_n or_o impertinent_a distinction_n put_v upon_o it_o by_o such_o sceptical_a pretender_n to_o christianity_n and_o manifest_a that_o the_o word_n truth_n in_o those_o proposition_n which_o express_v the_o a_o est_fw-la of_o a_o thing_n speak_v be_v and_o so_o necessary_o involve_v impossibility_n of_o not_o be_v or_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o its_o notion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o material_o though_o formal_o it_o be_v different_a that_o what_o be_v true_a must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o hence_o will_v appear_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n more_o than_o mathematically-demonstrative_a because_o it_o be_v immediate_o build_v on_o that_o first_o principle_n in_o metaphysic_n it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o once_o which_o be_v superior_a to_o and_o clear_a than_o any_o mathematical_a principle_n since_o the_o verity_n of_o all_o the_o maxim_n of_o this_o depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o other_o or_o to_o explain_v myself_o more_o full_o because_o it_o be_v entire_o build_v on_o the_o notion_n or_o nature_n of_o be_v which_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o 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that_o because_o we_o be_v inure_v by_o custom_n to_o make_v definition_n or_o explication_n of_o what_o we_o be_v discourse_v about_o and_o here_o the_o subject_a not_o need_v nor_o bear_v it_o we_o can_v make_v none_o of_o be_v which_o be_v the_o principal_a object_n in_o that_o science_n hence_o be_v put_v out_o of_o our_o road_n we_o be_v at_o a_o puzzle_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v lose_v our_o way_n through_o too_o much_o light_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o his_o confutation_n of_o faith_n vindicated_n §_o 12._o his_o next_o answer_n be_v that_o in_o assert_v infallibility_n to_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v the_o generality_n of_o my_o own_o church_n my_o profess_a adversary_n that_o be_v dr._n t._n will_v say_v any_o thing_n let_v he_o show_v i_o i_o will_v not_o say_v the_o generality_n or_o any_o great_a number_n but_o even_o any_o one_o particular_a catholic_n profess_v either_o that_o he_o rely_v not_o on_o the_o church_n for_o his_o faith_n or_o that_o the_o church_n he_o rely_v on_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o i_o here_o declare_v that_o he_o be_v no_o catholic_n and_o doubt_v not_o but_o â—ll_o good_a son_n of_o the_o church_n will_v join_v with_o i_o in_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o i_o hope_v those_o reader_n who_o be_v scholar_n will_v by_o the_o way_n reflect_v how_o solid_a a_o method_n dr._n t._n still_o take_v to_o confute_v my_o discourse_n which_o be_v to_o let_v all_o my_o proof_n or_o premise_n alone_o untouched_a and_o fall_v to_o combat_v my_o conclusion_n with_o extrinsecal_n medium_n next_o he_o tell_v â—s_a the_o church_n of_o rome_n pretend_v only_o to_o infallibility_n found_v on_o christ_n promise_n to_o secure_v the_o church_n from_o error_n by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o be_v evident_o different_a from_o mr._n s_o '_o s._n rational_a infallibility_n of_o tradition_n in_o which_o discourse_n be_v almost_o as_o many_o fault_n as_o word_n for_o 1._o it_o suppose_v the_o church_n exclude_v the_o concurrence_n of_o natural_a mean_n to_o her_o infallibility_n which_o he_o shall_v never_o show_v next_o it_o suppose_v i_o exclude_v supernatural_a assistance_n and_o admit_v only_o natural_a whereas_o i_o express_o include_v and_o open_o vouch_v it_o in_o sure_a foot_n from_o pag._n 85._o to_o pag._n 93._o and_o 3_o lie_n he_o suppose_v that_o supernatural_a and_o rational_a be_v inconsistent_a whereas_o in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v and_o never_o speak_v to_o in_o his_o much_o applaud_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o all_o a_o long_o prove_v the_o supernatural_a mean_n to_o be_v very_o rational_a and_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o god_n government_n of_o the_o world_n as_o to_o make_v account_n that_o supernatural_a thing_n have_v far_o more_o excellent_a reason_n for_o they_o than_o natural_a one_o and_o that_o god_n do_v not_o envious_o hide_v from_o we_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o reason_n but_o permit_v and_o will_v they_o shall_v be_v see_v and_o penetrate_v by_o those_o who_o be_v dispose_v and_o capable_a by_o the_o antecedent_n illumination_n of_o faith_n assist_v by_o other_o natural_a knowledge_n to_o look_v into_o they_o §_o 13._o after_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o our_o church_n before_o this_o new_a way_n be_v find_v out_o do_v general_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n and_o this_o into_o our_o saviour_n promise_n and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o â—rue_a church_n into_o motive_n only_a prudential_n so_o that_o what_o he_o late_o put_v upon_o our_o church_n be_v now_o come_v to_o signify_v divine_n of_o oâ—a_n church_n which_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v dr._n t._n make_v account_v that_o faith_n and_o school-divinity_n church_n and_o school_n humane_a deduction_n and_o divine_a revelation_n signify_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n next_o he_o acquaint_v we_o that_o this_o new_a way_n of_o we_o be_v the_o old_a way_n in_o case_n the_o divine_n do_v general_o before_o this_o new_a way_n be_v find_v out_o resolve_v faith_n into_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o all_o the_o late_a explicaters_n of_o tradition_n make_v it_o the_o same_o with_o the_o attestation_n or_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o which_o follow_v i_o partly_o agree_v with_o that_o other_o sort_n of_o divine_n partly_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o our_o saviour_n promise_v infallibility_n to_o his_o church_n as_o also_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o promise_n have_v by_o faith_n be_v a_o excellent_a satisfaction_n to_o those_o who_o be_v already_o faithful_a but_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o so_o the_o same_o thing_n will_v in_o the_o same_o respect_n be_v
before_o and_o after_o itself_o as_o also_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_v it_o can_v have_v no_o force_n upon_o one_o not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o have_v because_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a to_o he_o §_o 14._o again_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o there_o be_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v many_o several_a prudential_n reason_n suit_v to_o man_n of_o several_a capacity_n and_o circumstance_n move_v they_o to_o disquisition_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o right_a faith_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o inquire_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o assent_v another_o thing_n to_o settle_v he_o in_o a_o most_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o and_o such_o point_n as_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o late_a effect_n can_v be_v wrought_v rational_o without_o ground_n true_o evident_a and_o absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o knowable_a either_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n or_o also_o to_o the_o learned_a by_o a_o certain_o conclude_v proof_n which_o i_o call_v a_o demonstration_n i_o affirm_v moreover_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o those_o divine_n that_o motive_n only_a prudential_n seem_v improper_a to_o be_v name_v in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v principia_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la and_o not_o prudentiae_fw-la which_o can_v rational_o make_v we_o absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o be_v or_o not-being_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n the_o object_n of_o prudence_n be_v agibilia_fw-la and_o not_o intelligibilia_fw-la as_o such_o and_o its_o proper_a exercise_n and_o use_v be_v to_o determine_v a_o man_n to_o act_v exterior_o or_o to_o act_v thus_o in_o circumstance_n where_o contingency_n and_o hazard_n be_v find_v and_o not_o to_o act_v interior_o or_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o intellectual_a certainty_n or_o truth_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o place_v beyond_o all_o contingency_n and_o hazard_n in_o a_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v think_v singular_a in_o my_o principle_n while_o i_o ground_n myself_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o both_o all_o catholic_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n hold_n and_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n the_o prince_n of_o school-divines_a assert_n as_o i_o show_v faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 130._o §_o 14._o as_o for_o all_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n once_o more_o i_o request_v dr._n t._n to_o make_v good_a this_o consequence_n that_o my_o discourse_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o all_o our_o divine_n even_o of_o the_o same_o way_n in_o common_a agree_v with_o i_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o this_o do_v to_o reply_v distinct_o to_o all_o his_o extrinsecal_n and_o impertinent_a exception_n which_o wave_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o premise_n he_o so_o constant_o lelevel_v against_o my_o conclusion_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v i_o can_v reasonable_o charge_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n till_o i_o have_v vindicate_v our_o own_o divine_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v i_o their_o adversary_n charge_v they_o with_o what_o i_o can_v just_o charge_v he_o they_o all_o to_o a_o man_n hold_v the_o catholic_n church_n on_o which_o they_o rely_v infallible_a and_o hold_v this_o more_o firm_o than_o they_o do_v any_o of_o their_o speculation_n and_o consequent_o they_o hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o preserve_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n inviolate_a whereas_o what_o he_o be_v to_o hold_v to_o most_o firm_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n be_v his_o own_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o see_v and_o hold_v to_o be_v fallible_a and_o so_o he_o must_v say_v that_o all_o his_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o lie_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o god_n goodness_n will_v give_v he_o leave_v in_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o corrupt_v it_o into_o opinion_n they_o produce_v motive_n which_o though_o they_o call_v they_o prudential_n be_v indeed_o some_o of_o they_o demonstrative_a and_o coincident_a in_o part_n with_o tradition_n whereas_o dr._n t._n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o his_o ground_n take_v he_o as_o oppose_a catholic_n or_o stand_v to_o his_o own_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o right_o state_v have_v even_o the_o least_o shâ—w_n of_o prudential_n to_o a_o unbyast_a man_n much_o less_o of_o demonstrative_a last_o be_v it_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o handle_v the_o point_n at_o large_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v they_o differ_v only_o in_o a_o word_n but_o dr._n t._n err_v in_o the_o whole_a thing_n though_o indeed_o in_o most_o of_o our_o divine_n here_o cite_v he_o mistake_v they_o and_o not_o they_o the_o main_a point_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v for_o however_o they_o make_v prudential_n motive_n sufficient_a to_o find_v the_o church_n yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n when_o find_v on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o faith_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n than_o such_o a_o evidence_n as_o do_v ordinary_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n since_o they_o all_o hold_v it_o infallible_a which_o be_v vast_o more_o than_o dr._n t._n hold_v to_o ground_v his_o faith_n §_o 15._o his_o three_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o principle_n of_o i_o make_v every_o true_a believer_n infallible_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o say_v he_o be_v such_o a_o paradox_n as_o i_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o it_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n now_o this_o charge_n of_o he_o join_v with_o my_o true_a tenet_n that_o true_a believer_n be_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a and_o strange_a paradox_n that_o those_o that_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n to_o direct_v they_o to_o truth_n shall_v in_o so_o do_v not_o possible_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a paradox_n to_o say_v that_o essential_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o falsehood_n but_o he_o discourse_v still_o upon_o this_o point_n as_o if_o i_o have_v hold_v that_o the_o vulgar_a be_v preserve_v from_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o be_v infallible_a not_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o ground_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o err_v but_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v i_o ever_o think_v or_o say_v even_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a he_o ask_v if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o need_v then_o of_o my_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o need_v governor_n when_o people_n know_v their_o duty_n or_o judge_n see_v the_o main_a of_o the_o common_a law_n be_v traditionary_a &_o to_o man_n verse_v in_o such_o affair_n self-known_a practical_o let_v he_o but_o assure_v the_o world_n that_o no_o upstart_n shall_v have_v a_o humour_n to_o rebel_n and_o innovate_v but_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v practise_v and_o hold_v to_o what_o they_o know_v evident_o be_v practise_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o immediate_o forego_v church_n and_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o there_o will_v need_v no_o infallible_a desiner_n not_o any_o at_o all_o as_o to_o such_o point_n but_o dr._n t._n discourse_n still_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o rude_a dim_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o accurate_a exact_a and_o oft-reflâ—cting_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o great_a learning_n their_o education_n their_o posture_n and_o office_n be_v particular_o verse_v and_o most_o deep_o insighted_a into_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n explain_v or_o word_v it_o &_o thence_o declare_v it_o authentical_o so_o to_o keep_v its_o distinct_a sense_n clear_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o the_o equivocate_a witty_a heretic_n endeavour_v to_o render_v confuse_v and_o obscure_a i_o wish_v he_o will_v study_v our_o tenet_n a_o while_n and_o understand_v they_o ere_o he_o undertake_v to_o confute_v we_o he_o be_v very_o raw_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n §_o 16._o his_o next_o error_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o former_a he_o will_v fain_o persuade_v catholic_n if_o any_o
argue_v he_o see_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a discourser_n that_o ever_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o build_v a_o whole_a treatise_n upon_o a_o supposition_n unprove_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n now_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n i_o deduce_v step_n by_o step_n and_o make_v the_o forego_n proposition_n draw_v still_o after_o it_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n the_o follow_v one_o he_o conceal_v all_o mention_n of_o proof_n or_o endeavour_v of_o it_o call_v my_o conclusion_n principle_n and_o than_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o to_o build_v that_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o desert_v my_o usual_a way_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o know_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o there_o do_v with_o those_o of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o they_o proceed_v minutely_o to_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v have_v his_o friend_n dr._n st._n take_v the_o same_o course_n his_o principle_n will_v have_v evident_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v excuse_v other_o the_o unnecessary_a trouble_n of_o answer_v they_o next_o he_o make_v i_o say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o say_v himself_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o which_o word_n a_o honest_a reader_n will_v very_o think_v i_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o never_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v it_o whereas_o though_o i_o indeed_o hold_v it_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a of_o which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o give_v account_n yet_o i_o proceed_v as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o prove_v §_o 8._o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v infallible_a §_o 10._o that_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o §_o 11._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o reader_n be_v thus_o questionless_a well_o dispose_v to_o think_v it_o very_o unnecessary_a he_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o answer_v any_o passage_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o unproved_a principle_n or_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n he_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a whence_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o deserve_v none_o or_o if_o it_o do_v be_v answer_v this_o reason_n though_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o little_a open_a for_o in_o case_n i_o do_v bring_v any_o argument_n in_o my_o method_n to_o make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o after_o i_o have_v see_v and_o perhaps_o sufficient_o consider_v too_o what_o he_o reply_v to_o surefoot_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v i_o may_v either_o have_v amend_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o surefoot_v or_o produce_v better_a in_o my_o method_n and_o so_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o surefoot_v it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a to_o have_v consider_v and_o say_v something_o to_o the_o method_n too_o unless_o he_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v already_o answer_v the_o veâ—y_a reason_n urge_v in_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o have_v nor_o be_o confident_a himself_n neither_o §_o 2._o but_o yet_o â—o_o instance_n in_o this_o one_o passage_n how_o rare_a a_o piece_n his_o cry'd-up_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o excellent_o it_o answer_v surefoot_v let_v we_o â—_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o â—mounts_n to_o surefooting_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o that_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o pag._n 57_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o 5_o the_o discourse_n who_o title_n be_v of_o 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_o the_o 2_o d._n part_n begin_v discourse_n 6._o and_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o have_v hitherto_o ever_o be_v follow_v the_o confutation_n of_o my_o first_o part_n end_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 150_o the_o answer_n to_o my_o 2_o d._n begin_v pag._n 151._o or_o these_o two_o the_o former_a be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a concern_v of_o my_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o only_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n hitherto_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v by_o those_o against_o who_o i_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o convey_v to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o say_v or_o else_o that_o those_o who_o proceed_v upon_o tradition_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o right_a christian_n whence_o the_o late_a part_n be_v only_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n especial_o in_o case_n i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la this_o be_v so_o let_v dr._n t_n friend_n and_o i_o when_o they_o hap_v to_o discourse_v about_o we_o please_v to_o send_v for_o his_o book_n and_o i_o and_o with_o aâ—_n equal_a partiality_n distrust_v we_o both_o rely_v upon_o sir_n tho._n moor_n pair_n of_o honest_a unbiased_a witness_n their_o own_o eye_n they_o will_v find_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n undertake_v pag._n 146._o to_o answer_v my_o 5_o the_o disc._n which_o pretend_v to_o show_v 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 tradition_n and_o thence_o conclude_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o quote_v pag_n 41._o where_o that_o discourse_n begin_v in_o surefooting_n they_o will_v see_v the_o title_n of_o his_o sect._n 6._o which_o he_o use_v to_o put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n now_o i_o assign_v seven_o such_o property_n surefoot_a pag._n 11_o and_o 12._o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o two_o part._n 2._o sect._n 1_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o sufficient_o certain_a come_v then_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 148._o to_o confute_v that_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n to_o my_o main_a purpose_n he_o complete_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o one_o single_a page_n viz._n 149._o nay_o in_o one_o piece_n of_o that_o page_n this_o will_v seem_v strange_a and_o something_o difficult_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o singular_a method_n of_o answer_v book_n all_o say_v he_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n it_o be_v all_o indeed_o i_o pretend_v and_o all_o i_o desire_v to_o prove_v for_o certain_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n unchanged_a it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o what_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v i_o conceive_v a_o rule_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v follow_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o question_n i_o have_v not_o then_o examine_v but_o reserve_v to_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o this_o then_o after_o his_o sufficient_a consideration_n what_o say_v the_o dr._n all_o this_o say_v he_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o that_o answer_n for_o all_o my_o write_n aim_v at_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v see_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o since_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v i_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_v though_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v cross_a this_o word_n ready_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n after_o he_o have_v employ_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o prepare_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v and_o play_v all_o the_o trick_n which_o may_v make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o answer_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o question_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o he_o can_v do_v no_o other_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v it_o but_o not_o very_o ready_o people_n will_v not_o think_v he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o
safe_a expression_n though_o for_o have_v he_o say_v sufficient_o answer_v or_o confute_v or_o oppose_v so_o much_o as_o by_o a_o bare-denial_n or_o even_o attempt_v to_o do_v any_o of_o these_o all_o this_o be_v ready_o grant_v will_v have_v be_v a_o filthy_a stumble_a block_n in_o his_o way_n but_o those_o safe_a easy_a word_n sufficient_o consider_a be_v very_a choice_n and_o may_v signify_v any_o thing_n or_o nothing_o which_o you_o please_v for_o one_o may_v sufficient_o consider_v a_o thing_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o upon_o sufficient_a consideration_n find_v it_o best_a to_o let_v it_o alone_o and_o say_v never_o a_o syllable_n to_o it_o or_o one_o may_v grant_v or_o deny_v or_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o it_o and_o these_o pliable_a word_n will_v fit_v whatever_o he_o do_v those_o who_o be_v a_o little_a straighten_a and_o find_v impartial_a reason_n not_o so_o favourable_a to_o they_o as_o they_o wish_v shall_v by_o all_o mean_n learn_v this_o gentile_a insignificant_a way_n of_o expression_n which_o may_v happen_v to_o do_v they_o more_o service_n than_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o crabbed_a knowledge_n which_o be_v of_o a_o stubborn_a nature_n and_o do_v veâ—y_o well_o where_o truth_n be_v of_o the_o party_n but_o be_v quite_o out_o and_o signify_v nothing_o against_o it_o whereas_o this_o like_o those_o easy_a pliable_a thing_n probability_n the_o matter_n which_o best_o fit_v this_o pliant_a manner_n of_o express_v be_v wonderful_a complaisant_a and_o if_o you_o happen_v to_o change_v side_n will_v be_v as_o serviceable_a to_o falsehood_n and_o i_o will_v particular_o commend_v this_o phrase_n sufficient_o consider_a for_o a_o pattern_n to_o those_o who_o study_v the_o art_n and_o need_v it_o §_o 5._o people_n will_v not_o expect_v from_o i_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o this_o unexpected_a kindness_n of_o the_o dr._n for_o they_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v i_o be_o not_o of_o his_o council_n but_o i_o think_v he_o grant_v no_o more_o than_o what_o he_o know_v not_o how_o to_o deny_v for_o whoever_o read_v suref_n p._n 48._o &_o 55._o will_v find_v the_o self-evidence_n of_o tradition_n so_o explain_v that_o suppose_v it_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o intelligible_a which_o i_o there_o prove_v and_o he_o here_o grant_v its_o rule_v power_n be_v as_o plain_o make_v out_o as_o this_o identical_a proposition_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o particular_o in_o my_o method_n pag._n 16._o and_o 17._o which_o kind_n of_o proposition_n a_o man_n may_v be_v angry_a at_o but_o can_v so_o handsome_o deny_v for_o if_o he_o can_v i_o suppose_v he_o rather_o will_v have_v do_v â—t_a than_o yield_v the_o very_a point_n in_o controversy_n and_o which_o be_v beside_o so_o favourable_a to_o catholic_n and_o destructive_a to_o his_o cause_n this_o possible_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o his_o resentment_n against_o identical_a proposition_n of_o which_o he_o will_v revenge_v himself_o for_o the_o injury_n they_o have_v do_v he_o and_o therefore_o in_o his_o preface_n very_o politic_o bid_v open_v defiance_n to_o all_o the_o whole_a tribe_n of_o such_o ill-conditioned_a principle_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o beginning_n and_o end_n of_o that_o six_o section_n be_v very_o observable_a the_o title_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o tradition_n and_o this_o signify_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n come_v to_o make_v good_a this_o undertake_n he_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o can_v if_o people_n stick_v to_o it_o preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n from_o change_n and_o this_o signify_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n do_v belong_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n for_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o ever_o pretend_v there_o be_v two_o rule_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o since_o tradition_n have_v power_n to_o do_v what_o a_o rule_n shall_v do_v viz._n preserve_v faith_n uncorrupted_a and_o unchanged_a tradition_n certain_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o so_o he_o express_o call_v it_o p._n 49._o but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v etc._n etc._n and_o may_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v here_o hold_v perhaps_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n his_o title_n be_v that_o tradition_n have_v not_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o be_v no_o rule_n but_o the_o conclusion_n be_v every_o jot_n as_o remarkable_a for_o he_o have_v no_o soon_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v but_o he_o as_o ready_o divert_v the_o reader_n from_o reflect_v upon_o it_o by_o these_o word_n but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v nay_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o as_o he_o pretend_v this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o as_o untrue_a but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o absurd_a proposition_n that_o ever_o pretend_a to_o demonstrative_a evidence_n will_v any_o reader_n suspect_v this_o serious_a clutter_v of_o word_n shall_v be_v both_o untrue_a and_o nothing_o to_o purpose_n beside_o for_o it_o plain_o speak_v of_o a_o question_n which_o be_v not_o the_o question_n in_o that_o place_n but_o reserve_v for_o another_o and_o which_o he_o shall_v have_v let_v alone_o till_o its_o time_n come_v yet_o i_o be_v to_o blame_v to_o say_v it_o be_v nothing_o to_o purpose_n for_o it_o be_v to_o great_a purpose_n and_o the_o transition_n be_v so_o nimble_a and_o delicate_a that_o the_o reader_n cease_v to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o import_n of_o his_o concession_n and_o begin_v to_o think_v i_o a_o man_n of_o confidence_n and_o strange_a confidence_n too_o who_o can_v hold_v such_o palpable_a nonsense_n but_o pray_v where_o do_v i_o ever_o pretend_v it_o be_v unpossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o tradition_n sure_a it_o be_v in_o my_o sleep_n and_o the_o dr._n have_v take_v i_o nap_v otherwise_o as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o acquaint_v with_o myself_o and_o my_o own_o action_n i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o have_v write_v or_o say_v or_o so_o much_o as_o think_v that_o there_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o that_o on_o the_o contrary_n i_o have_v always_o think_v and_o have_v say_v and_o write_v that_o there_o have_v be_v many_o deviation_n from_o it_o and_o as_o many_o as_o there_o have_v be_v heresy_n in_o god_n church_n nay_o as_o far_o as_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v not_o say_v so_o much_o as_o that_o i_o have_v absolute_o demonstrate_v there_o have_v or_o can_v be_v no_o total_a defection_n from_o it_o indeed_o i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o can_v not_o but_o i_o pretend_v no_o more_o but_o to_o endeavour_v it_o and_o the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o and_o eight_o discourse_n in_o surefoot_v will_v bear_v i_o witness_v but_o i_o know_v not_o under_o what_o unlucky_a planet_n the_o dr._n write_v this_o discourse_n where_o nothing_o will_v fadge_v and_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v prove_v against_o hâ—mself_n this_o untrue_a and_o absurd_a proposition_n as_o he_o call_v it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v indeed_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o tradition_n imply_v at_o least_o thus_o much_o that_o this_o deviation_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n for_o else_o scripture_n can_v not_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n from_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o many_o both_o can_v and_o do_v deviate_v wherefore_o the_o proposition_n as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o it_o be_v to_o urge_v it_o against_o tradition_n which_o whatever_o become_v of_o the_o proposition_n be_v never_o a_o whit_n less_o a_o rule_n and_o indeed_o the_o true_a difference_n and_o true_a poinâ—_n of_o controversy_n betwixt_o we_o stand_v thus_o i_o say_v and_o prove_v and_o himself_o by_o grant_v all_o my_o 5_o discourse_n and_o that_o tradition_n be_v plain_a grant_n that_o tradition_n be_v so_o excellent_o qualify_v for_o a_o rule_n that_o let_v man_n but_o endeavour_n to_o follow_v it_o still_o to_o their_o power_n it_o will_v bring_v down_o the_o same_o uncorrupted_a faith_n to_o the_o world_n end_n whereas_o it_o be_v know_v and_o evident_a that_o multitude_n of_o man_n have_v follow_v and_o do_v follâ—â—_n scripture_n to_o their_o power_n and_o differ_v enormous_o in_o their_o tenet_n and_o that_o as_o far_o as_o contradiction_n will_v let_v they_o go_v as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n and_o there_o be_v not_o a_o trinity_n christ_n be_v god_n â—nd_n christ_n be_v not_o god_n than_o which_o as_o none_o can_v be_v more_o wide_a so_o execept_v the_o tenet_n of_o the_o deity_n itself_o none_o can_v be_v more_o fundamental_a or_o have_v great_a influence_n upon_o christian_a life_n §_o 6_o reflect_v then_o
that_o i_o never_o say_v or_o think_v it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o tradition_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v of_o own_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d evident_o infallible_a rule_n abstract_v from_o be_v follow_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o method_n be_v this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n before_o and_o therefore_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o speak_v to_o it_o now_o for_o why_o shall_v people_n expect_v more_o from_o i_o here_o than_o elsewhere_o or_o rather_o i_o have_v grant_v the_o point_n already_o and_o therefore_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o say_v more_o to_o it_o and_o i_o for_o my_o part_n think_v he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a &_o because_o it_o seem_v a_o little_a unreasonable_a to_o require_v the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v twice_o i_o think_v it_o best_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o sufficient-consideration_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v how_o empty_a a_o brag_n it_o be_v in_o the_o drs._n how_o partial_a in_o their_o friend_n to_o magnify_v this_o piece_n as_o unanswerable_a yet_o in_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v such_o for_o a_o ready_a grant_n of_o what_o be_v evident_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v or_o refute_v §_o 7._o his_o next_o pretence_n be_v that_o my_o method_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o our_o own_o church_n to_o which_o though_o enough_o have_v be_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o the_o clear_n this_o will_n at_o once_o give_v account_n of_o what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o affirm_v faith_n must_v be_v know_v antecedent_o to_o church_n which_o bear_v a_o show_n as_o if_o i_o hold_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v be_v something_o large_a in_o declare_v this_o point_n to_o perform_v which_o more_o satisfactory_o i_o note_v 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o from_o their_o childhood_n in_o the_o church_n have_v faith_n instill_a into_o they_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o those_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o another_o profession_n and_o after_o come_v to_o embrace_v the_o right_a faith_n the_o formâ—â—_n be_v imbue_v after_o a_o natural_a way_n with_o the_o church_n doctrine_n and_o be_v educate_v in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereas_o the_o late_a be_v to_o acquire_v faith_n by_o consider_v and_o look_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o be_v educate_v rather_o in_o a_o hatred_n against_o the_o true_a church_n than_o in_o any_o good_a opinion_n of_o she_o the_o former_a therefore_o have_v the_o full_a weight_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n both_o as_o to_o natural_n and_o supernatural_n actual_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o work_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o practical_a self-evidence_n both_o of_o the_o credit_n due_a to_o so_o grave_a learned_a ample_n and_o sacred_a a_o authority_n as_o also_o of_o the_o holiness_n the_o morality_n or_o agreeableness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o right_a reason_n which_o they_o actual_o experience_n render_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o assent_n connatural_a that_o be_v rational_a or_o virtuous_a the_o late_a fancy_n nothing_o supernatural_a in_o she_o nor_o experience_n the_o goodness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n but_o have_v it_o represent_v to_o they_o as_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o a_o word_n the_o former_a have_v both_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o practical_o instill_a into_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o grow_v together_o daily_o to_o new_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o late_a must_v have_v reason_n antecedent_o to_o faith_n and_o apprehend_v as_o yet_o nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o church_n must_v begin_v with_o something_o natural_a or_o mere_o humane_a which_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o unelevated_a reason_n and_o withal_o such_o as_o may_v be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o satisfy_v rational_o that_o haesitation_n and_o disquisitive_a doubt_n wherewith_o they_o be_v perplex_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o firm_a belief_n 2._o my_o discourse_n in_o that_o treatise_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n be_v intend_v for_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o their_o natural_a reason_n by_o propose_v something_o which_o be_v a_o object_n proper_a and_o proportion_v to_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n step_v by_o step_n to_o the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o while_o they_o walk_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v proceed_v upon_o plain_a maxim_n of_o humane_a reason_n every_o step_n they_o take_v 3._o though_o i_o use_v the_o abstract_a word_n tradition_n yet_o i_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v imagine_v i_o mean_v by_o it_o some_o idea_n platonica_fw-la or_o separate_v formalility_n hover_v in_o the_o air_n without_o any_o subject_a but_o that_o the_o thing_n i_o indeed_o mean_v to_o signify_v by_o it_o be_v the_o church_n as_o deliver_v or_o as_o testify_v and_o take_v it_o as_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a to_o discern_v any_o supernaturality_n in_o the_o church_n the_o natural_a or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o church_n testify_v she_o receive_v this_o faith_n uninterrupted_o from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o tradition_n differ_v from_o church_n as_o a_o man_n consider_v precise_o as_o speak_v and_o act_v differ_v from_o himself_o consider_v and_o express_v as_o such_o a_o person_n which_o know_v by_o speech_n and_o carriage_n or_o by_o himself_o as_o speak_v and_o act_v other_o consideration_n also_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o before_o lay_v hide_v and_o be_v involve_v or_o as_o the_o school_n express_v it_o confound_v in_o the_o subject_a or_o suppositum_fw-la become_v know_v likewise_o so_o the_o church_n humane_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n which_o as_o be_v show_v sure_a f._n p._n 81_o 82_o 83._o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_o support_v even_o natural_o of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o proportion_a object_n to_o their_o reason_n who_o yet_o believe_v not_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v know_v thence_o that_o the_o body_n who_o proceed_v on_o that_o ground_n possess_v the_o first-delivered_a that_o be_v right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n immediate_o all_o those_o prerogative_n and_o supernatural_a endowment_n apprehend_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o spring_v out_o of_o it_o or_o attend_v on_o it_o be_v know_v to_o appertain_v and_o to_o have_v ever_o appertain_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n goodness_n or_o sanctity_n the_o proper_a gift_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o which_o with_o a_o incomparable_a efficacy_n strengthen_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o to_o the_o delivery_n of_o right_a faith_n whence_o she_o be_v just_o hold_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o new-converted_n faithful_a to_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o h._n ghost_n which_o till_o some_o motive_n mere_o humane_a have_v first_o introduce_v it_o into_o their_o understanding_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o apprehend_v §_o 8._o in_o this_o way_n then_o of_o discourse_v the_o church_n be_v still_o the_o only_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n either_o take_v in_o her_o whole_a latitude_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v already_o faithful_a or_o consider_v in_o part_n only_o that_o be_v as_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o natural_o testify_v which_o i_o here_o call_v tradition_n in_o order_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n whence_o appear_v the_o perfect_a groundlesness_n of_o dr._n t_n objection_n and_o how_o he_o whole_o misunderstand_v my_o doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n when_o he_o say_v the_o discourse_n in_o my_o method_n do_v unchristian_a the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o our_o own_o church_n for_o first_o he_o mistake_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v to_o those_o actual_o in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o find_v which_o be_v the_o church_n next_o since_o all_o believer_n actual_o in_o the_o church_n even_o to_o a_o man_n rely_v on_o the_o church_n both_o natural_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v and_o i_o be_o diseourse_v only_o about_o the_o natural_a mean_n for_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o his_o discourse_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o because_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o come_v to_o faith_n rely_v only_o on_o the_o humane_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n both_o humane_o
and_o divine_o assist_v be_v no_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n this_o way_n of_o divinity_n or_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o take_v make_v every_o man_n both_o those_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o out_o of_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n authority_n or_o testimony_n diverse_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o so_o still_o make_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n which_o all_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o school-divine_a except_v hold_v the_o secure_a way_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o shall_v any_o one_o dislike_v it_o i_o see_v not_o what_o he_o can_v with_o any_o show_n pretend_v he_o must_v allow_v some_o natural_a motive_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v know_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o that_o be_v he_o must_v grant_v some_o motive_n antecedent_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o where_o he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n any_o such_o motive_n strong_a than_o be_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n i_o profess_v i_o know_v not_o nor_o i_o be_o confident_a can_v any_o man_n live_v imagine_v if_o this_o than_o be_v absolute_o speak_v the_o secure_a way_n that_o be_v it_o be_v secure_a or_o firm_a than_o be_v the_o way_n of_o proceed_v upon_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o incomparable_o more_o secure_a than_o be_v that_o of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o motive_n only_a prudential_n though_o indeed_o thing_n right_o state_v and_o understand_v the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v some_o of_o they_o coincident_a with_o tradition_n and_o the_o rest_n which_o can_v lay_v just_a claim_n to_o certainty_n depend_v on_o it_o take_v at_o large_a as_o their_o ground_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v in_o the_o corollary_n to_o sure-footing_a it_o may_v be_v ask_v why_o since_o tradition_n and_o church_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o do_v not_o choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o church_n give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o deliver_v faith_n rather_o than_o that_o tradition_n do_v so_o see_v none_o can_v have_v scruple_v or_o except_v against_o the_o former_a manner_n of_o expression_n whereas_o this_o give_v occasion_n of_o misapprehension_n to_o some_o unattentive_a reader_n i_o answer_v i_o use_v on_o that_o occasion_n the_o word_n tradition_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o geometrician_n use_v the_o word_n line_n or_o surface_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o express_v body_n as_o long_o or_o broad_a for_o these_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o same_o thing_n with_o body_n but_o in_o regard_n body_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o many_o other_o consideration_n as_o well_o as_o these_o and_o these_o speak_v body_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o length_n and_o breadth_n to_o which_o only_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o speak_v hence_o it_o be_v better_o both_o for_o succinctness_n of_o 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of_o another_o familiar_a instance_n we_o use_v to_o say_v in_o common_a speech_n that_o the_o countenance_n or_o carriage_n of_o a_o man_n make_v know_v his_o genius_n now_o all_o these_o three_o viz._n countenance_n carriage_n and_o genius_n be_v in_o reality_n most_o evident_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o the_o man_n himself_o only_o they_o differ_v from_o it_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o expression_n the_o word_n man_n nominate_v the_o whole_a or_o entire_a thing_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o all_o these_o and_o innumerable_a other_o considerability_n confuse_o imply_v in_o that_o word_n the_o other_o three_o be_v more_o distinct_a indeed_o in_o their_o manner_n of_o signify_v but_o they_o fall_v exceed_o short_a of_o the_o other_o vast_a extent_n and_o express_v man_n but_o in_o part_n or_o only_o a_o few_o respect_n find_v in_o that_o subject_a whereof_o some_o be_v less_o know_v some_o more_o and_o so_o a_o mean_n to_o know_v other_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o 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again_o the_o other_o manner_n of_o expression_n be_v proper_a and_o apt_a whereas_o shall_v one_o put_v it_o thus_o the_o man_n make_v know_v the_o man_n beside_o the_o confusedness_n of_o the_o expression_n since_o man_n signify_v the_o whole_a entire_a thing_n without_o distinguish_v any_o particular_a respect_n it_o will_v make_v the_o whole_a or_o the_o selfsame_a thing_n abstract_v from_o all_o different_a respect_n to_o be_v before_o and_o after_o more_o know_v and_o less_o know_v than_o it_o selâ—_n which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n §_o 10._o apply_v then_o this_o discourse_n the_o word_n church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o man_n answer_n in_o its_o way_n of_o express_v to_o the_o word_n man_n in_o the_o example_n now_o give_v and_o involve_v confuse_o in_o its_o notion_n innumerable_a consideration_n belong_v to_o that_o body_n of_o which_o true_a faith_n which_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o genius_n or_o nature_n of_o the_o true_a church_n be_v of_o itself_o latent_fw-la unknown_a and_o far_o from_o self-discoverable_a other_o such_o as_o be_v the_o humane_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n mean_v in_o those_o circumstance_n by_o the_o word_n tradition_n in_o regard_n it_o depend_v on_o testify_a authority_n be_v more_o know_v and_o be_v oral_a and_o practical_a fit_o correspond_v to_o speech_n countenance_n carriage_n and_o suchlike_a it_o be_v know_v then_o by_o this_o mean_n that_o such_o a_o body_n have_v in_o it_o the_o first-delivered_a or_o true_a faith_n it_o be_v know_v immediate_o that_o have_v in_o it_o the_o genius_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o true_a church_n it_o be_v indeed_o the_o true_a church_n again_o it_o be_v know_v likewise_o and_o conceive_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n that_o true_a faith_n be_v a_o firm_a adhesion_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n also_o it_o be_v apprehend_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o dispute_v nay_o demonstrable_a out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o doctrine_n that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n hence_o it_o be_v just_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n or_o in_o great_a multitude_n of_o this_o body_n a_o due_a love_n of_o heaven_n call_v sanctity_n or_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n peculiar_o attribute_v to_o the_o h._n ghost_n and_o it_o be_v know_v and_o experience_v by_o those_o already_o in_o the_o church_n that_o this_o love_n of_o heaven_n or_o sanctity_n give_v the_o faithful_a a_o particular_a strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n and_o this_o of_o preserve_v uncorrupted_a the_o deliver_v faith_n be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o most_o concern_v one_o hence_o they_o come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o h._n ghost_n as_o in_o all_o other_o good_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o of_o deliver_v and_o continual_o propose_v right_a faith_n so_o that_o as_o reason_n require_v
by_o some_o natural_a and_o therefore_o more_o easily-known_a assistance_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n those_o out_o of_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o she_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v this_o be_v the_o method_n i_o take_v in_o resolve_v faith_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v i_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o more_o solid_a more_o orderly_a more_o connatural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o more_o honourable_a to_o god_n church_n i_o shall_v as_o willing_o and_o easy_o quit_v it_o as_o i_o now_o out_o of_o long_a and_o serious_a consideration_n embrace_v and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o whoever_o contradict_v this_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o point_n which_o occasion_v this_o discourse_n must_v withal_o contradict_v a_o maxim_n on_o which_o all_o science_n be_v principal_o build_v namely_o that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o notion_n define_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a definition_n but_o of_o each_o single_a part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o one_o part_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v the_o whole_a definition_n as_o have_v that_o obscure_a part_n in_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o obscure_a likewise_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n must_v either_o be_v more_o know_v and_o knowable_a than_o that_o of_o church_n and_o consequent_o antecedent_n to_o it_o in_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_n or_o the_o definition_n will_v be_v obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o if_o it_o be_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o end_n definition_n be_v or_o why_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o conduce_v to_o ignorance_n than_o to_o science_n add_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v most_o intrinsical_a and_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o more_o forcible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n to_o convince_v inevitable_o that_o such_o a_o body_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o be_v any_o extrinsecal_n mark_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o extrinsical_a mark_n be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o superficial_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n to_o settle_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o any_o of_o these_o mark_n any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o much_o less_o more_o easy_o know_v if_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o visible_a and_o practical_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v questionable_a and_o that_o neither_o scripture_n father_n council_n history_n monument_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v pretend_v to_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o tradition_n be_v uncertain_a or_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v know_v unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o that_o be_v more_o know_v as_o be_v show_v particular_o in_o the_o corollary_n to_o sure-footing_a §_o 11._o hence_o be_v see_v that_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n for_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n take_v at_o large_a for_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deliver_v and_o last_o for_o its_o divinely-assisted_n or_o supernatural_a authority_n call_v proper_o christian._n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o one_o fence_n when_o in_o another_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n will_v evident_o determine_v only_o we_o must_v note_v that_o these_o three_o notion_n be_v not_o adequate_o contradistinct_a the_o late_a still_o include_v the_o former_a as_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n do_v in_o continue_v quantity_n 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reason_n against_o raillery_n or_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n tillotson_n preface_n against_o j._n s._n with_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n dr._n tillot_n serm._n p._n 121._o anno_fw-la dom._n mdclxxii_o advertisement_n it_o be_v the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n by_o a_o odious_a name_n which_o themselves_o dislike_v and_o particular_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o time_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n popery_n which_o come_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o can_v expect_v my_o present_a adversary_n who_o zeal_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o treatise_n carry_v he_o much_o far_a than_o his_o reason_n shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o a_o fail_v so_o epidemical_a and_o withal_o so_o necessary_a for_o his_o purpose_n for_o nothing_o more_o easy_o solve_v all_o 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first_o that_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n or_o way_n to_o faith_n which_o many_o follow_v to_o their_o power_n yet_o be_v mislead_v and_o this_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o the_o socinian_o and_o other_o for_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o can_v consist_v with_o charity_n or_o even_o with_o humanity_n to_o think_v that_o none_o among_o the_o socinian_o or_o other_o err_a sect_n endeavour_v to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v able_a nor_o how_o it_o can_v be_v make_v out_o that_o all_o without_o exception_n either_o wilful_o or_o negligent_o pervert_v it_o and_o yet_o unless_o it_o be_v show_v rational_a to_o believe_v this_o it_o can_v never_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o useful_a and_o as_o excellent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o other_o respect_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o all_o want_v to_o themselves_o and_o their_o rule_n it_o be_v unavoidable_a that_o their_o rule_n be_v want_v to_o they_o next_o they_o who_o affirm_v the_o letter_n be_v the_o rule_n must_v either_o say_v that_o the_o bare_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v antecedent_o to_o and_o abstract_n from_o all_o interpretation_n whatsoever_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o this_o can_v be_v with_o any_o sense_n maintain_v for_o so_o god_n must_v be_v hold_v to_o have_v hand_n foot_n passion_n etc._n etc._n or_o else_o that_o the_o letter_n alone_o be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v as_o assurance_n of_o god_n sense_n in_o dogmatical_a point_n of_o high_a concern_v as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o some_o interpretation_n and_o to_o say_v this_o be_v to_o say_v as_o express_o as_o can_v be_v say_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n alone_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o give_v not_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o christ_n without_o that_o interpretation_n adjoin_v nay_o more_o since_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o interpretation_n to_o give_v the_o sense_n of_o word_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n of_o christ_n this_o interpretation_n manifest_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o revelation_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o of_o what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n i_o know_v it_o be_v sometime_o say_v that_o the_o letter_n may_v be_v interpret_v by_o itself_o a_o clear_a place_n afford_v light_n to_o one_o more_o obscure_a but_o take_v the_o letter_n as_o antecedent_n to_o all_o interpretation_n as_o in_o this_o case_n it_o ought_v i_o can_v see_v no_o reason_n for_o this_o pretence_n for_o let_v we_o take_v two_o such_o place_n e._n g._n it_o repent_v god_n that_o he_o have_v make_v man_n and_o god_n be_v not_o as_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v repent_v abstract_a from_o all_o interpretation_n and_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o that_o can_v of_o the_o two_o place_n take_v alone_o which_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o which_o be_v the_o obscure_a one_o atheist_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v such_o pretence_n to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n and_o impious_o accuse_v it_o of_o contradiction_n but_o how_o that_o method_n can_v assist_v a_o sincere_a man_n who_o hope_v by_o the_o mere_a letter_n to_o find_v his_o faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o obscure_a place_n from_o darken_n the_o clear_a place_n as_o much_o as_o the_o clear_a one_o enlighten_v the_o obscure_a one_o i_o understand_v not_o in_o fine_a it_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n of_o think_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o scripture_n but_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o truth_n it_o give_v no_o man_n beside_o the_o former_a of_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v return_v again_o for_o the_o socinian_o compare_v place_n to_o place_n as_o well_o as_o other_o other_o sect_n do_v so_o too_o and_o yet_o all_o err_v and_o some_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v either_o presume_v they_o all_o err_v wilful_o or_o the_o way_n can_v be_v presume_v a_o right_a way_n far_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v when_o one_o pitch_v upon_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o any_o place_n beyond_o what_o the_o letter_n enforce_v by_o what_o light_n he_o guide_v himself_o in_o that_o determination_n and_o then_o show_v that_o that_o light_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o not_o the_o letter_n be_v indeed_o the_o formal_a revealer_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o my_o business_n now_o be_v to_o state_n my_o case_n not_o to_o plead_v it_o the_o letter_n rule_v seclude_v i_o advance_v to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n or_o that_o body_n call_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n constitute_v take_v as_o deliver_v her_o thought_n by_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o live_a voice_n and_o practise_v visible_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o absolutely-certain_a way_n of_o convey_v down_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o first_o from_o age_n to_o age_n nay_o year_n to_o year_n and_o so_o to_o our_o time_n which_o be_v in_o other_o term_n to_o say_v that_o pastor_n and_o father_n and_o the_o conversant_a faithful_a by_o discourse_v preach_v teach_v and_o catechise_v and_o live_v and_o practise_v can_v from_o the_o very_a first_o and_o so_o all_o along_o better_a and_o more_o certain_o make_v their_o thought_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o they_o instruct_v than_o a_o book_n which_o lie_v before_o they_o and_o can_v accommodate_v itself_o to_o the_o arise_v difficulty_n of_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o repeat_v my_o reason_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o my_o book_n which_o i_o call_v sure_a foot_n in_o christianity_n and_o because_o i_o observe_v our_o improve_n age_n have_v in_o this_o last_o half_a century_n exceed_o ripen_v and_o advance_v in_o manly_a reason_n strain_v towards_o perfect_a satisfaction_n and_o unwilling_o rest_v on_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o appear_v a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o express_v the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n bend_v their_o thought_n and_o hopeful_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a science_n i_o endeavour_v in_o that_o treatise_n rigorous_o to_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o science_n both_o in_o disprove_v the_o letter-rule_n and_o prove_v the_o live_a rule_n of_o faith_n beginning_n with_o some_o plain_a attribute_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o build_v my_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o they_o with_o care_v not_o to_o swerve_v from_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v as_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v close_o hold_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o hold_v my_o first_o five_o discourse_n demonstrative_a which_o be_v all_o i_o need_v have_v do_v as_o appear_v p._n 57_o and_o 58._o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v add_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o express_v by_o i_o a_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v as_o by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o and_o eight_o discourse_n be_v manifest_a though_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o my_o answerer_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o they_o than_o at_o first_o i_o pretend_v this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v that_o book_n as_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o i_o and_o a_o true_a account_n why_o i_o write_v on_o that_o subject_a and_o in_o that_o manner_n what_o thought_n i_o have_v of_o its_o usefulness_n and_o hope_v it_o may_v prove_v serviceable_a towards_o compose_v the_o difference_n in_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o complain_v though_o from_o the_o long_a and_o deep_a meditation_n i_o must_v necessary_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o principle_n i_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v to_o
earnest_o with_o i_o to_o surcease_v they_o allege_v that_o unpassionate_a examiner_n might_n easy_o discover_v by_o what_o have_v be_v do_v already_o how_o frivolous_a and_o insignificant_a the_o whole_a way_n be_v which_o my_o adversary_n take_v and_o that_o another_o and_o more_o convictive_a reply_n may_v possible_o heighten_v the_o anger_n to_o fatal_a extremity_n that_o if_o i_o be_v less_o sensible_a of_o my_o own_o safety_n i_o shall_v yet_o have_v regard_n to_o my_o friend_n and_o all_o catholic_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v fear_v that_o a_o exception_n against_o a_o particular_a person_n may_v in_o that_o juncture_n be_v enhance_v to_o a_o crime_n of_o the_o whole_a and_o the_o cross_v the_o humour_n or_o interest_n of_o that_o implacable_a party_n raise_v the_o storm_n of_o the_o great_a diana_n of_o the_o ephesian_n and_o give_v the_o gospel-trumpeter_n occasion_n to_o sound_v out_o aloud_o papa_n ad_fw-la portas_fw-la to_o this_o be_v join_v for_o why_o shall_v i_o be_v ashamed_a to_o acknowledge_v my_o poverty_n into_o which_o that_o persecution_n have_v drive_v i_o that_o i_o have_v write_v more_o than_o i_o be_v able_a to_o print_v in_o fine_a authority_n and_o reason_n and_o necessity_n prevail_v with_o i_o and_o i_o forbear_v to_o finish_v what_o i_o have_v begin_v and_o to_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v finish_v but_o yet_o the_o desire_n i_o have_v to_o be_v instrumental_a in_o settle_v so_o important_a a_o truth_n suggest_v to_o i_o a_o middle_a way_n which_o as_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v incapable_a to_o be_v wrest_v into_o offence_n so_o i_o see_v plain_o will_v be_v much_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o to_o the_o learned_a more_o satisfactory_a i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o sermon_n which_o dr._n t._n call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a a_o concession_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o the_o very_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a i_o see_v the_o same_o sense_n often_o imply_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o p._n 1â—8_n plain_o own_a i_o perceive_v and_o know_v all_o man_n of_o insight_n must_v needs_o perceive_v with_o i_o that_o as_o this_o be_v the_o only_a material_a so_o it_o be_v a_o full_a answer_n to_o my_o book_n and_o render_v the_o disquisition_n whether_o this_o or_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n very_o superfluous_a if_o it_o may_v be_v maintain_v it_o have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o for_o a_o rule_n speak_v of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n as_o both_o of_o we_o do_v be_v a_o mean_n to_o make_v we_o certain_o know_v something_o to_o be_v a_o truth_n he_o who_o say_v that_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a or_o not_o be_v a_o truth_n say_v it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o rule_n i_o resolve_v therefore_o to_o write_v a_o treatise_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a in_o which_o i_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o head_n i_o can_v invent_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n or_o those_o who_o rely_v on_o the_o common_a motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o the_o church_n as_o i_o express_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n the_o assent_n call_v faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o erroneous_a and_o apply_v this_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o adherent_n who_o as_o i_o show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n grant_v his_o assent_n build_v on_o that_o which_o he_o esteem_v his_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o conclude_v they_o beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o evasion_n not_o to_o have_v true_a faith_n nor_o be_v true_o faithful_a and_o this_o i_o conceive_v be_v to_o follow_v on_o my_o blow_n as_o i_o have_v promise_v it_o be_v unimaginable_a how_o the_o controversy_n can_v be_v press_v more_o home_n than_o to_o conclude_v my_o adversary_n and_o his_o whole_a cause_n from_o the_o very_a a_o est_fw-la of_o faith_n the_o subject_a of_o our_o dispute_n nor_o how_o his_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v more_o fundamental_o overthrow_v than_o by_o show_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o his_o miscalled_n faith_n have_v no_o rule_n at_o all_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o i_o conceive_v too_o that_o this_o be_v to_o make_v good_a the_o engagement_n into_o which_o i_o have_v enter_v to_o force_v they_o either_o to_o lay_v principle_n which_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o let_v all_o the_o world_n see_v they_o have_v none_o for_o in_o case_n they_o do_v manifest_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o must_v of_o necessity_n build_v it_o upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v sustain_v such_o a_o building_n if_o they_o do_v not_o the_o world_n must_v needs_o judge_v by_o their_o silence_n that_o they_o have_v none_o and_o that_o they_o know_v and_o confess_v they_o can_v not_o evidence_n themselves_o true_o faithful_a and_o right_a christian_n i_o see_v beside_o that_o this_o method_n permit_v i_o to_o pursue_v a_o rational_a close_a way_n of_o discourse_n without_o the_o continual_a interruption_n which_o the_o insist_v upon_o my_o adversary_n mistake_n must_v needs_o occasion_n which_o as_o it_o be_v more_o satisfactory_a to_o i_o and_o more_o creditable_a to_o my_o cause_n so_o i_o judge_v it_o more_o beneficial_a to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n for_o a_o particular_a answer_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v make_v up_o for_o the_o great_a part_n of_o accusation_n where_o the_o answerer_n think_v it_o his_o best_a play_n to_o mistake_v all_o along_o instead_o of_o direct_a confute_v i_o can_v say_v i_o be_o in_o the_o right_n but_o i_o must_v say_v likewise_o that_o who_o say_v otherwise_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o that_o he_o either_o misunderstand_v or_o misrepresent_v and_o this_o either_o ignorant_o or_o wilful_o to_o show_v which_o be_v a_o task_n no_o more_o pleasant_a to_o the_o reader_n than_o the_o writer_n people_n be_v of_o opinion_n and_o i_o think_v they_o have_v great_a reason_n that_o the_o time_n and_o pain_n spend_v in_o such_o wrangling_n may_v with_o much_o more_o advantage_n be_v employ_v in_o convince_a the_o truth_n in_o question_n last_o my_o aim_n be_v from_o the_o beginning_n to_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o conclusion_n in_o order_n to_o which_o i_o have_v propose_v a_o conclusive_a method_n my_o adversary_n neither_o accept_v of_o i_o nor_o propose_v any_o other_o of_o his_o own_o as_o i_o have_v desire_v and_o i_o see_v that_o by_o proceed_v with_o he_o in_o his_o talk_a fashion_n the_o point_n may_v come_v to_o be_v lose_v in_o a_o wilderness_n of_o unconnected_a word_n wherefore_o i_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o pursue_v my_o design_n more_o close_o and_o by_o the_o bare_a state_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o reduce_v all_o dispute_n to_o this_o short_a period_n either_o produce_v and_o vouch_v such_o ground_n for_o your_o faith_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o it_o be_v evident_a you_o have_v none_o it_o seem_v by_o the_o event_n the_o way_n i_o take_v be_v not_o ill_o choose_v dr._n t._n be_v still_o able_a to_o boast_v his_o book_n be_v not_o particular_o answer_v and_o so_o uphold_v his_o credit_n with_o those_o who_o look_v not_o deep_o into_o thing_n seem_v by_o his_o silence_n well-appayed_a and_o i_o hear_v of_o no_o more_o extraordinary_a anger_n against_o i_o and_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_v content_v that_o superficial_a people_n shall_v judge_v as_o their_o wit_n serve_v they_o it_o be_v abundant_a satisfaction_n to_o my_o labour_n that_o intelligent_a and_o insighted_a person_n may_v perceive_v by_o they_o how_o matter_n stand_v and_o into_o how_o narrow_a a_o compass_n controversy_n be_v reduce_v and_o of_o this_o i_o have_v ample_a experience_n from_o the_o most_o judicious_a of_o our_o nation_n who_o unanimous_o assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o carry_v thing_n far_o or_o bring_v controversy_n to_o a_o short_a method_n since_o now_o the_o whole_a cause_n depend_v upon_o one_o single_a proposition_n by_o the_o sole_a examination_n of_o which_o it_o be_v to_o be_v decide_v thus_o stand_v the_o controversy_n and_o thus_o for_o some_o year_n it_o rest_v for_o the_o future_a i_o intend_v when_o it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a to_o write_v only_o such_o ground_n as_o i_o judge_v may_v be_v a_o solid_a foundation_n for_o union_n which_o as_o i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o best_a of_o work_n so_o i_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a till_o order_v be_v first_o take_v to_o secure_v the_o absolute_a and_o immovable_a certainty_n of_o faith_n itself_o which_o i_o think_v be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v do_v then_o by_o show_v how_o and_o which_o way_n it_o come_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o this_o calm_a i_o hear_v several_a report_n that_o the_o
two_o doctor_n wonder_v at_o my_o silence_n which_o they_o interpret_v weakness_n and_o despair_v of_o a_o unmaintainable_a cause_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o pretend_v want_n of_o mean_n for_o my_o disability_n some_o of_o their_o friend_n offer_v to_o get_v any_o thing_n print_v which_o shall_v concern_v either_o of_o they_o but_o i_o be_v not_o stir_v till_o a_o gentleman_n of_o quality_n and_o worth_n who_o for_o his_o friendship_n as_o i_o conceive_v to_o dr._n t._n believe_v his_o book_n true_o unanswerable_a offer_v a_o friend_n of_o i_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o get_v licence_n for_o i_o to_o print_v a_o answer_n if_o i_o will_v or_o can_v make_v any_o so_o fair_a a_o invitation_n move_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o i_o solicit_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o i_o can_v the_o performance_n but_o the_o gentleman_n it_o seem_v mistake_v the_o doctor_n humour_n as_o much_o as_o his_o book_n for_o his_o credit_n prevail_v not_o all_o seem_v bush_v and_o quiet_a 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the_o piquant_a upbraid_v i_o with_o desert_v the_o defence_n of_o sure-footing_a though_o all_o man_n that_o care_v to_o consider_v any_o thing_n see_v i_o have_v already_o write_v two_o book_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o stir_v i_o sufficient_o but_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o all_o this_o provoke_a raillery_n will_v have_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o answer_v particular_o if_o i_o have_v not_o think_v they_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v i_o so_o press_o if_o their_o friend_n have_v not_o indeed_o desire_v i_o shall_v write_v and_o that_o certain_o i_o shall_v not_o offend_v sober_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o by_o do_v only_o what_o themselves_o so_o press_v wary_a people_n have_v indeed_o suggest_v to_o i_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o adversary_n be_v suspicious_a and_o the_o more_o because_o of_o the_o time_n they_o have_v both_o choose_v since_o they_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v i_o and_o other_o answer_n will_v in_o likelihood_n come_v out_o about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o parliament_n be_v design_v to_o sit_v which_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proper_a season_n to_o inflame_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v they_o and_o stir_v up_o a_o new_a persecution_n by_o make_v those_o answer_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o provokingly_a and_o peremptory_o press_v for_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o insolency_n of_o papist_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o popery_n at_o least_o i_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a security_n for_o one_o in_o my_o circumstance_n than_o to_o mean_v upright_o and_o i_o hope_v every_o body_n will_v see_v by_o my_o long_a silence_n i_o have_v use_v all_o the_o caution_n i_o can_v not_o to_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v none_o to_o write_v when_o i_o be_o press_o and_o public_o solicit_v and_o this_o with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o contribute_v if_o i_o can_v to_o the_o long_o desire_a happiness_n of_o bring_v dispute_n and_o disagreement_n 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rather_o as_o he_o call_v it_o only_a moral_o such_o in_o which_o point_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o have_v all_o unprejudiced_a conscientious_a man_n of_o both_o those_o party_n now_o name_v on_o my_o side_n and_o against_o he_o there_o be_v creep_v into_o tho_o world_n insensible_o and_o scepticism_n be_v now_o hatch_n it_o a_o sect_n more_o dangerous_a than_o any_o that_o have_v hitherto_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a point_n they_o go_v as_o yet_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n because_o they_o profess_v many_o perhaps_o most_o point_v of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v their_o own_o expression_n so_o as_o thence_o to_o frame_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o have_v notwithstanding_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o or_o no_o hearty_a firm_a immovable_a assent_n to_o those_o point_n or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o dwindle_a apprehension_n or_o at_o most_o a_o good_a lusty_a hope_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v true_a or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v true_a now_o these_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n own_v no_o infallible_a or_o absolutely-certain_a authority_n so_o to_o preserve_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n inviolate_a or_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o speculation_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v it_o from_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o other_o side_n rely_v either_o on_o some_o authority_n hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la fallible_a that_o be_v which_o they_o see_v may_v perhaps_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o all_o it_o propose_v or_o else_o on_o their_o own_o speculation_n and_o wit_n whether_o exercise_v in_o argue_v from_o thing_n or_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n letter_n and_o withal_o be_v man_n of_o some_o part_n and_o so_o see_v it_o impossible_a to_o make_v out_o that_o either_o those_o reason_n be_v conclusive_a or_o demonstrative_a or_o that_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o possible_o a_o mistake_n hence_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v in_o equivalent_a term_n all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_n though_o they_o express_v it_o wary_o and_o crafty_o because_o they_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o generality_n who_o use_v that_o word_n and_o the_o whole_a genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v opposite_a to_o their_o sentiment_n in_o that_o point_n nature_n therefore_o stand_v against_o they_o necessitate_v they_o contrary_a perhaps_o to_o their_o intention_n take_v they_o in_o other_o circumstance_n to_o pursue_v indirect_a way_n and_o so_o at_o unaware_o though_o certain_o not_o without_o some_o mixture_n of_o carelessness_n and_o precipitant_a passion_n to_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o work_v this_o mischief_n be_v first_o to_o laugh_v at_o principle_n
and_o demonstration_n that_o be_v at_o all_o absolutely-certain_a ground_n and_o conclusion_n which_o if_o they_o can_v bring_v into_o disgrace_n and_o contempt_n as_o they_o hope_v they_o may_v because_o such_o reflection_n be_v unusual_a and_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o fancy_n of_o the_o generality_n they_o see_v plain_o their_o work_n be_v do_v and_o that_o all_o infallibility_n and_o absolute_a certainty_n which_o stand_v against_o they_o because_o they_o can_v with_o no_o show_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o it_o must_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v the_o next_o way_n they_o take_v be_v to_o abuse_v with_o ironies_n any_o man_n who_o offer_v or_o attempt_n to_o settle_v faith_n on_o immovable_o certain_a ground_n as_o confident_a swagger_a man_n or_o vapour_a dogmatist_n as_o if_o it_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o confidence_n to_o say_v and_o go_v about_o to_o maintain_v that_o christian_a faith_n can_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_a imposture_n or_o that_o god_n can_v deceive_v we_o in_o the_o ground_n he_o have_v lay_v for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n a_o three_o mean_v they_o use_v be_v to_o abuse_v and_o baffle_v the_o nature_n of_o true_a certainty_n by_o clap_v to_o it_o the_o epithet_n of_o moral_a and_o then_o propose_v that_o to_o the_o world_n dilate_v upon_o it_o and_o fit_v it_o to_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o they_o be_v able_a which_o conception_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o fancy_n even_o of_o the_o weak_a they_o hope_v it_o will_v take_v with_o those_o who_o reflect_v not_o that_o the_o basis_n of_o mankind_n salvation_n must_v be_v incomparable_o more_o secure_a than_o that_o which_o we_o usual_o have_v for_o the_o attainment_n of_o a_o bag_n of_o money_n a_o place_n at_o court_n merchandise_n from_o the_o indies_n and_o such_o like_a trivial_a concern_v four_o they_o avoid_v by_o all_o mean_n look_v narrow_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n truth_n assent_n demonstration_n principle_n or_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o consequence_n for_o any_o thing_n they_o produce_v and_o above_o all_o settle_v themselves_o or_o yield_v to_o any_o conclusive_a method_n of_o discourse_v propose_v by_o other_o or_o any_o other_o thing_n equivalent_a to_o these_o and_o in_o their_o stead_n they_o be_v give_v to_o talk_v much_o of_o probability_n fair_a proof_n great_a likelihood_n more_o credible_a opinion_n prudential_n reason_n or_o such_o as_o be_v fit_a to_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n of_o not-doubting_a see_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n and_o suchlike_a bashful_a and_o feeble_a expression_n which_o they_o dress_v up_o plausible_o and_o talk_v pretty_o and_o doubt_v not_o but_o by_o this_o mean_n to_o find_v understanding_n enough_o so_o shallow_a as_o to_o admire_v their_o superficial_a gayness_n this_o be_v the_o character_n of_o this_o dangerous_a sect_n of_o which_o what_o opinion_n we_o be_v to_o have_v or_o by_o what_o name_n to_o to_o call_v they_o this_o short_a discourse_n will_v inform_v we_o if_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o christianity_n or_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n it_o be_v questionless_a this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o attain_v bliss_n or_o heaven_n by_o nor_o do_v any_o christian_a doubt_n but_o that_o it_o perform_v this_o by_o raise_v we_o to_o a_o vigorous_a hope_n of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n attainable_a and_o to_o a_o ardent_a and_o over_o pour_a love_n of_o it_o in_o christian_a language_n call_v charity_n as_o also_o that_o both_o these_o excellent_a virtue_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o basis_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v as_o s._n paul_n call_v it_o the_o substance_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v hope_v for_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v the_o conviction_n of_o thing_n unseen_a again_o common_a reason_n inform_v we_o that_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o its_o ground_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v strong_a than_o they_o be_v these_o thing_n understand_v let_v we_o consider_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v have_v a_o efficacious_a hope_n and_o a_o love_n of_o heaven_n while_o he_o judge_v himself_o capable_a to_o understand_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o yet_o see_v they_o may_v be_v all_o false_a and_o consequent_o that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o this_o thing_n call_v heaven_n can_v any_o one_o that_o be_v not_o frantic_a connatural_o hope_v for_o and_o love_v effectual_o a_o thing_n which_o he_o see_v perhaps_o be_v not_o or_o have_v not_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o its_o existence_n a_o merchant_n hope_n and_o desire_v wealth_n from_o the_o indies_n but_o then_o he_o hold_v it_o absolute_o true_a that_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n such_o a_o thing_n as_o wealth_n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o chimaera_n else_o he_o be_v mad_a either_o to_o hope_v or_o desire_v it_o and_o stark_o mad_a to_o love_v it_o above_o all_o thing_n as_o we_o must_v do_v heaven_n even_o above_o the_o dear_a good_n he_o at_o present_a see_v experience_n possess_v and_o actual_o enjoy_v wherefore_o to_o omit_v diverse_a argument_n produce_v for_o this_o point_n in_o faith_n vindicate_v from_o p._n 144._o to_o p._n 164._o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o the_o deny_v any_o ground_n for_o faith_n but_o what_o we_o see_v be_v onely-moral_o certain_a that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v unable_a to_o breed_v that_o disposition_n in_o the_o soul_n as_o fit_v it_o for_o heaven_n and_o so_o as_o far_o as_o be_v on_o its_o part_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n or_o the_o mean_n to_o carry_v soul_n to_o heaven_n in_o those_o man_n who_o see_v that_o what_o they_o be_v to_o love_v above_o all_o thing_n be_v perhaps_o a_o chimaera_n wherefore_o be_v by_o this_o mean_v destitute_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o christianity_n they_o be_v conclude_v take_v they_o precise_o as_o hold_v this_o tenet_n of_o faith_n possible_a falsehood_n to_o be_v in_o reality_n no_o christian_n though_o they_o shall_v profess_v all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v how_o catholic_n that_o speculate_v amiss_o become_v not_o liable_a to_o this_o note_n i_o have_v show_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n p._n 129_o 130._o and_o elsewhere_o in_o this_o present_a treatise_n if_o these_o man_n than_o be_v not_o indeed_o or_o in_o true_a speech_n christian_n what_o must_v we_o call_v they_o seeker_n no_o for_o these_o though_o they_o judge_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o certain_o what_o be_v truth_n yet_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v and_o thence_o continue_v to_o inquire_v after_o it_o whereas_o these_o man_n be_v double_o irrational_a first_o in_o rest_v satisfy_v when_o as_o they_o see_v they_o have_v not_o yet_o find_v out_o certain_o that_o what_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o which_o be_v much_o worse_o equivalent_o say_v that_o it_o can_v be_v find_v out_o to_o be_v truth_n by_o say_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v bear_v it_o atheist_n or_o jew_n they_o be_v not_o because_o they_o deny_v not_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o christianity_n though_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v they_o absolute_o certain_a nor_o yet_o be_v they_o take_v under_o this_o notion_n heretic_n for_o those_o deny_v still_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o other_o whereas_o these_o man_n may_v deny_v none_o but_o hold_v all_o and_o yet_o be_v what_o they_o be_v their_o error_n consist_v in_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n concern_v the_o ground_n or_o certainty_n of_o faith_n which_o render_v all_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n ineffectual_a for_o for_o what_o they_o be_v intend_v whence_o the_o malice_n of_o this_o tenet_n be_v something_o above_o that_o of_o heresy_n as_o not_o destroy_v some_o one_o or_o a_o few_o point_n but_o quite_o enervate_v all_o faith_n nor_o yet_o be_v they_o mere_a sceptic_n in_o religion_n or_o hover_v indifferent_o between_o the_o opposite_a side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n but_o they_o bend_v strong_o towards_o think_v it_o true_a they_o be_v therefore_o certain_a incliner_n to_o christianity_n or_o deemer_n that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o not_o of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v holder_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o christs-doctrine_n but_o rather_o of_o the_o hopeful_a for_o whereas_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a belief_n or_o assent_n that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v true_a and_o so_o settle_v the_o existence_n of_o of_o it_o and_o particular_o of_o a_o heaven_n in_o our_o mind_n antecedent_o to_o hope_n of_o attain_v heaven_n these_o man_n substitute_v hope_n to_o faith_n and_o only_o hope_v those_o point_n be_v true_a or_o in_o all_o likelihood_n may_v be_v true_a whence_o though_o this_o be_v a_o good_a name_n i_o must_v not_o say_v to_o christen_v they_o but_o to_o call_v they_o by_o yet_o perhaps_o their_o own_o dear_a word_n moral_a will_v best_a suit_n with_o their_o genius_n
whatever_o be_v good_a in_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v refund_v into_o god_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n as_o its_o original_a cause_n what_o defective_a into_o the_o limitedness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n §_o 5._o this_o tenet_n of_o infallibility_n which_o unprejudiced_a nature_n teach_v even_o the_o rude_a in_o thing_n subject_a to_o sense_n and_o common_a reason_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o thing_n provable_a by_o exact_a art_n the_o adversary_n of_o true_a certainty_n our_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o render_v ridiculous_a and_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o it_o by_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a pretence_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v which_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o one_o thing_n but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o in_o all_o as_o if_o i_o can_v not_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o my_o chamber_n or_o practise_v open_o among_o those_o i_o converse_v with_o but_o i_o must_v be_v likewise_o 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that_o be_v break_v his_o jest_n our_o prevaricator_n prudent_o omit_v may_v not_o consist_v with_o a_o ignorance_n of_o many_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o sphere_n must_v the_o word_n all_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n need_v signify_v infinite_a or_o do_v the_o common_a reason_n ever_o thus_o go_v wrack_n i_o suppose_v my_o friend_n resolute_a hazard_n against_o identical_a proposition_n make_v he_o fall_v into_o this_o more_o than_o childish_a mistake_n for_o this_o plain_a truth_n what_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o have_v preserve_v he_o from_o this_o nonsense_n but_o he_o take_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o all_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o 〈◊〉_d all_o in_o every_o matter_n or_o which_o be_v more_o be_v infinite_a and_o so_o still_o he_o continue_v most_o learned_o to_o lay_v contradiction_n for_o his_o first_o principle_n because_o their_o interest_n and_o his_o be_v inseparable_o linkâ—_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n identical_a proposition_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v a_o very_a smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o proper_a to_o dr._n t._n unless_o perhaps_o his_o swear_a brother_n at_o hate_v first_a principle_n and_o papist_n put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n it_o appear_v by_o a_o certain_a paper_n call_v dr._n stillingfleet_n against_o dr._n stillingfleet_n he_o be_v a_o strong_a pretender_n and_o will_v cry_v half_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o examine_v his_o answer_n §_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a indeed_o to_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v â—_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v also_o through_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o those_o who_o can_v demonstrate_v but_o yet_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v demonstrable_a else_o it_o be_v not_o knowable_a or_o ascertainable_a for_o demonstrable_a be_v a_o plain_a honest_a word_n what_o game_n soever_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n make_v at_o it_o and_o import_v no_o more_o abstract_n from_o subtle_a quirk_n but_o only_o capable_a to_o be_v know_v or_o intellectual_o see_v by_o way_n of_o proof_n whence_o a_o learned_a man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o strength_n of_o severe_a reason_n ought_v either_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o or_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o dâ—â—y_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v dr._n t._n to_o take_v i_o right_n and_o to_o reflect_v that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v demonstrable_a or_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n demonstration_n with_o all_o those_o many_o subtlety_n and_o perquisit_n the_o school_n require_v i_o as_o little_a love_n nicety_n as_o any_o man_n live_v and_o can_v as_o easy_o dispense_v with_o they_o so_o the_o solid_a part_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n establish_v which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v i_o make_v account_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o these_o case_n in_o which_o assent_n &_o die_v to_o attest_v thing_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v require_v i_o only_o mean_v then_o by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o be_v take_v not_o from_o any_o exrinsecal_n consideration_n as_o be_v authority_n which_o ground_n belief_n but_o from_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o subject_n in_o dispute_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o necessary_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v which_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v without_o engage_v final_o some_o identical_a proposition_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v now_o this_o be_v evident_o so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o let_v dr._n t._n show_v the_o contrary_a i_o will_v ask_v our_o verbal_a divine_a why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o necessary_a conclude_a argument_n both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n assent_v most_o firm_o to_o faith_n build_v according_a to_o he_o sole_o upon_o their_o certainty_n be_v it_o not_o his_o intent_n in_o his_o discourse_n to_o conclude_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o unless_o he_o show_v the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v again_o do_v he_o not_o intend_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o must_v do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o pretend_v that_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o if_o he_o prove_v it_o truâ—_n must_v he_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v its_o contradictory_n false_a and_o be_v any_o thing_n false_a but_o what_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n can_v never_o conclude_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o he_o bring_v a_o proof_n necessary_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o according_a to_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n he_o both_o demonstrate_v and_o also_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n both_o these_o satisfactory_a certainty_n my_o ground_n attribute_v to_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n see_v surâ—f_n pag._n 116_o 117_o in_o point_n appertain_v to_o faith_n and_o he_o here_o deny_v both_o pag._n 10._o whence_o be_v see_v which_o of_o we_o two_o have_v more_o real_a honour_n and_o respect_n for_o scripture_n he_o who_o make_v neither_o its_o letter_n or_o sense_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o ascertain_v they_o that_o be_v as_o to_o our_o purpose_n make_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o or_o i_o who_o grant_v and_o prove_v both_o §_o 7._o i_o suppose_v dr._n t_n will_n say_v again_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o point_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v true_a to_o his_o firm_a principle_n and_o make_v all_o faith_n alike_o uncertain_a i_o answer_v the_o more_o blame_n will_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n who_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o first_o authority_n namely_o tradition_n which_o and_o only_o which_o can_v authenticate_v book_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o high_a concern_v practical_o carry_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o so_o easy_o preserve_v the_o book_n significative_a of_o the_o same_o sense_n noâ—_n doubt_v i_o but_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o england_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o thing_n join_v with_o the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o a_o matter_n daily_o so_o nice_o canvas_v and_o continual_o use_v can_v and_o
tell_v he_o the_o firmness_n of_o a_o rational_a assent_n ought_v to_o be_v take_v from_o principle_n or_o the_o object_n not_o from_o the_o subject_n firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o admonish_v he_o that_o this_o late_a sort_n of_o firmness_n without_o the_o other_o signify_v nothing_o but_o a_o irrational_a resolution_n to_o hold_v a_o thing_n right_a or_o wrong_n he_o cut_v you_o off_o short_a and_o blame_v the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n tell_v you_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v no_o more_o at_o which_o if_o your_o reason_n repine_v and_o begin_v to_o despair_v of_o satisfaction_n he_o tell_v you_o smart_o that_o you_o contradict_v a_o first_o and_o firm_a principle_n that_o to_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n as_o the_o thing_n afford_v you_o be_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o prodigious_a folly_n not_o to_o distinguish_v between_o these_o two_o most_o evident_a notion_n i_o be_o full_o persuade_v and_o the_o thing_n be_v certain_o so_o and_o allege_v our_o not_o doubt_v or_o strong_a adhesion_n to_o a_o thing_n for_o a_o competent_a explication_n of_o that_o certainty_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o great_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n since_o more_o sacred_a concern_v than_o any_o the_o world_n can_v show_v be_v build_v upon_o it_o which_o adhesion_n also_o as_o nature_n teach_v we_o be_v very_o frequent_o a_o effect_n of_o passion_n common_a experience_n manifest_v it_o to_o be_v a_o fault_n annex_v to_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o man_n that_o his_o understanding_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v bias_v by_o his_o will_n where_o his_o very_a essence_n be_v not_o concern_v so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o may_v more_o oftentimes_o to_o hold_v firm_o whatever_o habitual_a prejudice_n affection_n to_o friend_n precipitate_a haste_n or_o sullen_a ignorance_n have_v once_o addict_v he_o to_o all_o i_o can_v imagine_v in_o dr._n t_n behalf_n be_v this_o that_o he_o must_v allege_v he_o conceive_v this_o assurance_n or_o 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nature_n be_v able_a to_o make_v we_o assent_v firm_o to_o it_o as_o a_o truth_n and_o not_o only_o incline_v we_o towards_o it_o as_o a_o likelihood_n let_v he_o go_v to_o work_v logical_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a science_n in_o this_o case_n and_o show_v we_o how_o and_o by_o what_o virtue_n any_o proof_n of_o he_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v this_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o faithful_o to_o respect_n and_o treat_v he_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o honour_n though_o his_o performance_n come_v off_o never_o so_o short_a but_o i_o foresee_v three_o insuperable_a difficulty_n lie_v in_o his_o way_n first_o that_o he_o see_v his_o cause_n can_v bear_v it_o for_o which_o he_o still_o blame_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n next_o that_o the_o deep_a study_n or_o the_o most_o learned_a science_n of_o elegant_a expression_n so_o total_o possess_v his_o mind_n it_o will_v not_o let_v logic_n have_v any_o part_n in_o his_o thought_n and_o last_o if_o it_o do_v yet_o he_o may_v hap_v to_o meet_v there_o with_o some_o unelegant_a term_n of_o art_n which_o will_v quite_o fright_v he_o from_o his_o business_n and_o make_v he_o forswear_v the_o most_o evident_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 9_o but_o he_o have_v only_o skirmish_v hitherto_o now_o â—he_n come_v to_o close_a dispute_n and_o will_v prove_v that_o take_v faith_n how_o i_o will_v he_o do_v not_o in_o these_o word_n avow_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o he_o may_v not_o fail_v to_o hit_v right_a on_o my_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n he_o divide_v the_o text_n and_o give_v we_o many_o sense_n of_o that_o word_n &_o those_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o he_o can_v imagine_v which_o will_v make_v the_o unexamine_v reader_n judge_v very_o that_o i_o be_v out_o of_o my_o wit_n to_o take_v the_o word_n faith_n in_o such_o absurd_a meaning_n and_o then_o hold_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a this_o do_v he_o show_v himself_o a_o most_o victorious_a conqueror_n and_o confute_v i_o powerful_o from_o pag._n 10._o to_o pag._n 13._o at_o least_o will_v not_o dr._n t_n best_a friend_n so_o he_o be_v but_o any_o thing_n ingenuous_a think_v he_o may_v safe_o swear_v that_o either_o he_o do_v not_o know_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n faith_n when_o i_o say_v faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o else_o candid_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o be_v strange_o insincere_a to_o counterfeit_v so_o many_o imaginary_a tenet_n and_o then_o one_o by_o one_o confute_v they_o read_v they_o here_o from_o the_o middle_n of_o pag._n 10._o to_o pag._n 12._o and_o then_o reflect_v on_o my_o word_n find_v in_o my_o introduction_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 17_o which_o be_v these_o to_o ask_v then_o if_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v to_o ask_v whether_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n can_v fail_v to_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v equivalent_o to_o assert_v that_o those_o motive_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o absolute_o conclusive_a firm_a and_o immovable_a hence_o be_v see_v that_o i_o concern_v not_o myself_o in_o this_o discourse_n with_o how_o perfect_o or_o imperfect_o divers_a person_n penetrate_v those_o motive_n or_o how_o they_o satisfy_v or_o dissatisfie_v some_o particular_a person_n since_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o motive_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o lay_v in_o second_o cause_n by_o god_n providence_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o dimness_n of_o eyesight_n neglect_v to_o look_v at_o all_o or_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n even_o in_o many_o particular_a man_n be_v extrinsecal_n and_o contingent_a observe_v gentleman_n what_o exquisite_a care_n i_o take_v to_o declare_v my_o meaning_n so_o perfect_o that_o the_o common_a regard_n to_o reader_n and_o his_o own_o reputation_n may_v restrain_v dr._n t._n from_o impose_v wilful_o a_o wrong_a sense_n to_o which_o habitual_a fault_n i_o know_v he_o have_v otherwise_o most_o strong_a inclination_n observe_v next_o that_o all_o his_o confute_v be_v whole_o build_v on_o this_o know_a mistake_n hence_o his_o object_v the_o weak_a understanding_n of_o some_o believer_n which_o be_v both_o forestal_a by_o the_o woâ—ds_v now_o cite_v declare_v that_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o motive_n to_o light_a mankind_n or_o the_o church_n to_o faith_n and_o what_o they_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o in_o themselves_o not_o how_o perfect_o or_o imperfect_o other_o penetrate_v they_o beside_o i_o put_v this_o very_a objection_n against_o myself_o faith_n vindicated_n p._n 164._o and_o answer_v it_o which_o he_o never_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v i_o put_v here_o as_o his_o own_o against_o i_o without_o take_v the_o least_o notice_n of_o my_o answer_n there_o give_v the_o last_o meaning_n he_o give_v of_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o be_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n to_o faith_n be_v near_o to_o i_o but_o because_o he_o leave_v out_o the_o consideration_n of_o their_o be_v ordain_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n as_o also_o of_o what_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n or_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o object_n and_o speak_v of_o they_o only_o as_o in_o the_o worst_a subject_n viz._n in_o weak_a person_n which_o penetrate_v they_o very_o little_a he_o miss_v whole_o my_o sense_n and_o so_o impugn_v i_o nor_o at_o all_o but_o skirmish_n with_o his_o own_o shadow_n for_o what_o kind_n of_o consequence_n be_v this_o st._n austin_n say_v some_o person_n be_v save_v not_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o understand_n but_o by_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o belief_n therefore_o
the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o if_o the_o simple_a can_v not_o nay_o be_v not_o most_o likely_a of_o all_o other_o to_o believe_v upon_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a motive_n which_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v be_v lay_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v her_o faith_n upon_o or_o as_o if_o the_o most_o simple_a that_o be_v can_v not_o rational_o believe_v the_o church_n and_o so_o become_v infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n by_o adhere_v to_o she_o though_o their_o weak_a understanding_n do_v not_o penetrate_v or_o comprehend_v how_o the_o church_n or_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v so_o nay_o perhaps_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o what_o the_o word_n infallible_a mean_n till_o some_o discourse_n awaken_v the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o they_o §_o 10._o have_v thus_o act_v the_o disputant_n exit_fw-la theologus_fw-la intrat_fw-la scuâ—ra_fw-la and_o pag._n 13.14_o play_v the_o old_a trick_n of_o legerdemain_n over_o again_o that_o be_v leave_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n of_o i_o and_o playâ—_n upon_o the_o other_o half_a with_o all_o the_o disingenuous_a craft_n a_o wit_n bend_v that_o way_n can_v invent_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 89._o and_o 90._o i_o discourse_v thus_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n will_v seem_v to_o a_o heathen_a impossible_a to_o be_v true_a therefore_o the_o motive_n must_v at_o least_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o dr._n t._n confess_v both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o object_n proportion_v to_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o be_v there_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o he_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v have_v view_v my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v by_o my_o confuter_n he_o name_v the_o word_n argument_n say_v two_o pretty_a word_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o surprise_v leaf_n out_o better_a half_n of_o it_o conceal_v perfect_o all_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o conclude_v strong_o against_o his_o own_o insufficient_a ground_n catch_n at_o a_o word_n and_o will_v make_v my_o discouse_n and_o argument_n aim_v to_o prove_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o motive_n be_v only_a seem_o such_o whereas_o every_o page_n in_o that_o book_n and_o its_o whole_a design_n show_v i_o mean_v and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v actual_o real_o and_o indeed_o such_o have_v i_o a_o mind_n to_o evade_v such_o petty_a cavil_n i_o can_v allege_v that_o both_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a yet_o one_o more_o seem_v so_o than_o the_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v advancing_z to_o confute_v he_o i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o contend_v that_o against_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a nothing_o but_o motive_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v hold_v convictive_a but_o he_o have_v no_o motive_n even_o seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o confess_o possible_a to_o be_v such_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o imaginable_a show_n of_o convictiveness_n i_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v asleep_o draw_v match_n as_o he_o call_v it_o between_o equally-seeming_a impossibility_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o object_n be_v by_o much_o a_o overmatch_n to_o what_o be_v less_o than_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o motive_n or_o ground_n but_o both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n his_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_o possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v false_a and_o so_o be_v less_o than_o seem_o even_o to_o himself_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o his_o motive_n to_o believe_v be_v incomparable_o overmatcht_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v rational_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n no_o faith_n at_o all_o this_o be_v my_o true_a argument_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v surprise_v to_o he_o which_o make_v he_o thus_o start_v aside_o from_o put_v or_o answer_v it_o though_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o his_o carriage_n he_o esteem_v not_o it_o and_o other_o such_o like_a very_o pleasant_a indeed_o he_o still_o put_v on_o a_o pleasant_a look_v when_o he_o shall_v be_v sober_a and_o be_v ever_o most_o merry_a when_o it_o become_v he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a but_o this_o be_v long_o since_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a policy_n not_o a_o genuine_a effect_n of_o nature_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a if_o so_o than_o it_o imply_v some_o contradiction_n which_o if_o he_o show_v i_o in_o any_o thing_n hold_v of_o faith_n by_o catholic_n in_o that_o point_n i_o will_v become_v dr._n t_n convert_v and_o obedient_a auditor_n but_o alas_o how_o will_v he_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n since_o those_o faulty_a proposition_n be_v as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2.3_o therefore_o such_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o identical_a one_o or_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v see_v then_o dr._n t._n have_v long_o since_o renounce_v all_o those_o from_o be_v first_o principles_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v discern_v he_o must_v either_o hold_v there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o or_o else_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o hold_v that_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n §_o 11._o but_o he_o go_v forward_o amain_o in_o confute_v a_o point_n which_o no_o man_n live_v ever_o maintain_v viz._n that_o every_o single_a christian_a must_v be_v infallible_a that_o be_v as_o dr._n t._n will_v needs_o take_v it_o must_v so_o penetrate_v his_o ground_n and_o what_o relate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o see_v clear_o he_o can_v be_v deceiuâ—d_v in_o judge_v his_o ground_n of_o faith_n conclusive_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o let_v any_o man_n though_o of_o the_o acute_a understanding_n and_o great_a learning_n that_o may_v be_v entertain_v any_o tenet_n as_o faith_n oâ—_n reveal_v by_o god_n upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o what_o god_n have_v lose_v to_o his_o church_n this_o man_n however_o thus_o endow_v not_o only_o may_v but_o in_o likelihood_n will_v be_v deceive_v not_o for_o want_v of_o wit_n but_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n ascertain_v and_o infallible_o engage_v the_o divine_a revelation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v the_o simple_a and_o weak_a understanding_n that_o be_v happen_v to_o embrace_v faith_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o leave_v in_o his_o church_n he_o be_v infallible_o secure_a from_o be_v in_o a_o error_n not_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o understanding_n perfect_o discern_v and_o penetrate_v the_o conclusive_a nature_n of_o his_o ground_n but_o though_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o ground_n themselves_o or_o of_o the_o cause_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n to_o plant_v and_o continue_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o what_o he_o have_v thus_o more_a by_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n of_o god_n gracious_a providence_n than_o any_o reach_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n or_o judgement_n fortunate_o embrace_v be_v preserve_v impossible_a to_o false_a and_o consequent_o his_o assent_n to_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n because_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v infallible_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v upon_o that_o rule_n god_n have_v leave_v and_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v shall_v be_v thus_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n for_o otherwise_o since_o a_o power_n be_v relative_a to_o its_o proper_a act_n what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a may_v actual_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v lead_v actual_o into_o error_n by_o obey_v god_n command_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o apply_v thâ—s_n if_o dr._n t._n therefore_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o receive_v their_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o do_v so_o have_v command_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o its_o sense_n and_o letter_n take_v they_o as_o he_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o they_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n or_o beside_o the_o many_o absurdity_n already_o mention_v grant_v that_o our_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v possible_o lead_v man_n into_o actual_a error_n nay_o command_v they_o to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o a_o lie_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v
right_a that_o be_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n must_v be_v true_a if_o dr._n t_n faith_n be_v true_a build_v only_o on_o moral_a certainty_n which_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v at_o least_o why_o these_o two_o equal_o match_v moral_a certainty_n shall_v not_o make_v a_o draw_v battle_n of_o it_o or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v on_o who_o side_n the_o certain_a truth_n stand_v i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a task_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o he_o to_o make_v it_o even_o moral_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o trinity_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o manifest_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n bear_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o socinian_o side_n otherwise_o that_o seem_a reason_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o a_o protestant_n to_o suspend_v perhaps_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o be_v morally-certain_a §_o 15._o the_o meaning_n then_o of_o these_o word_n moral_a certainty_n be_v so_o indeterminate_v that_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o no_o wonder_n our_o divine_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o if_o he_o say_v he_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o i_o desire_v to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n by_o produce_v any_o one_o proposition_n hold_v by_o he_o to_o be_v but_o morally-certain_a and_o show_v we_o logical_o art_n be_v the_o test_n of_o nature_n how_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o its_o term_n hang_v together_o or_o to_o make_v out_o according_a to_o his_o own_o notion_n of_o moral_a certainty_n that_o not_o one_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v or_o can_v be_v dissatisfy_v with_o it_o what_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v general_o by_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o high_a probability_n or_o some_o great_a likelihood_n which_o be_v a_o insufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n for_o we_o be_v to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o for_o its_o likelihood_n only_o â—_o judge_v the_o name_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n and_o itâ—_n ground_n unless_o it_o be_v signify_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o be_v use_v catachrestical_o or_o abusive_o to_o mean_v absolute_a certainty_n §_o 16._o i_o expect_v d._n t._n will_n instead_o of_o make_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o chimerical_a certainty_n run_v to_o instance_n for_o example_n that_o of_o our_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v to_o morrow_n and_o such_o like_a but_o first_o i_o contend_v he_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o this_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v let_v he_o give_v his_o ground_n of_o certainty_n for_o it_o and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v or_o conclude_v the_o night_n before_o that_o it_o will_n i_o doubt_v much_o he_o will_v when_o he_o come_v to_o try_v it_o find_v himself_o gravel_v and_o confess_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v only_o high_o likely_a it_o be_v well_o he_o do_v not_o live_v in_o joshuah_n or_o ezekiah_n time_n and_o tell_v they_o the_o day_n before_o that_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v only_o as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v not_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v backward_o the_o next_o day_n for_o if_o so_o i_o doubt_v much_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o believe_v he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o just_a scandal_n at_o their_o faith_n see_v point_n hold_v equal_o certain_a as_o it_o prove_v actual_o false_a again_o what_o more_o certainty_n have_v he_o now_o of_o the_o sun_n rise_v again_o within_o 18_o hour_n after_o his_o set_n than_o they_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o day_n before_o that_o it_o will_v not_o go_v back_o or_o stand_v still_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o that_o judgement_n a_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o d._n t_n moral_a certainty_n mean_v such_o a_o certainty_n w_o ch_z as_o appear_v by_o this_o event_n be_v uncertain_a or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v certain_a peradventure_o now_o this_o nonsense_n have_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o a_o identical_a proposition_n what_o be_v certain_a be_v certain_a which_o weigh_v not_o with_o dr._n t._n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o first_o principle_n in_o a_o word_n our_o b._n saviour_n have_v beforehand_o prevent_v all_o such_o instance_n by_o â—elling_v we_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o fail_v intimate_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o some_o one_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v totter_v and_o unstable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v to_o attest_v it_o §_o 17._o have_v thus_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n and_o establish_v moral_a certainty_n which_o be_v not_o its_o self_n be_v it_o not_o unestablisht_v â—e_n proccee_v p._n 18._o to_o overthrow_v infallibility_n allege_v that_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n but_o either_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o he_o think_v all_o mankind_n but_o mr._n s._n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v not_o or_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o desire_v he_o will_v not_o stretch_v my_o tenet_n beyond_o the_o bound_n myself_o give_v it_o i_o never_o say_v that_o human_a understanding_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o sensation_n in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o first_o principle_n in_o know_v while_o leave_v to_o nature_n till_o speculation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v too_o weak_a put_v they_o into_o a_o puzzle_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n confuse_o and_o in_o common_a something_o belong_v to_o some_o nature_n daily_o converse_v with_o and_o last_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o diverse_a deduction_n of_o evident_a reason_n for_o example_n in_o diverse_a proposition_n in_o euclid_n but_o that_o which_o our_o subject_n restrain_v it_o to_o be_v about_o the_o infallible_a conveyance_n down_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o viz._n infallibility_n of_o our_o sensation_n for_o once_o put_v this_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n speak_v then_o of_o this_o which_o be_v all_o my_o present_a purpose_n require_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o hold_v it_o that_o dr._n t._n except_v sceptic_n if_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v i_o think_v the_o only_a man_n that_o ever_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o both_o of_o we_o infallible_o certain_a that_o we_o eat_v drink_v write_v and_o live_v or_o do_v any_o but_o a_o madman_n ever_o think_v serious_o that_o sober_a mankind_n abstract_v from_o disease_n in_o some_o particular_n may_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o such_o knowledge_n as_o these_o be_v not_o our_o sense_n contrive_v natural_o as_o apt_a to_o convey_v impression_n from_o the_o object_n to_o the_o know_v power_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n necessary_o annex_v to_o each_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a so_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o use_v and_o needful_a speculation_n as_o any_o other_o cause_n in_o nature_n be_v to_o do_v their_o proper_a effect_n have_v they_o not_o also_o as_o little_a contingency_n in_o they_o and_o that_o contingency_n as_o easy_o discoverable_a by_o the_o standard_n of_o circumstant_fw-la mankind_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v as_o in_o icterical_a person_n and_o such_o like_a this_o be_v so_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o basis_n on_o which_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v build_v viz._n natural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o secure_a than_o any_o part_n of_o nature_n since_o natural_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n can_v err_v in_o these_o and_o whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o may_v in_o some_o conjuncture_n become_v god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n even_o in_o considerable_a portion_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o go_v back_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o such_o like_a yet_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o alter_a nature_n course_n in_o such_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o to_o create_v false_a judgement_n or_o error_n in_o mankind_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a essential_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a and_o peculiar_a cause_n natural_o therefore_o it_o can_v happen_v nor_o yet_o supernatural_o for_o though_o take_v the_o proportion_n between_o god_n omnipotence_n single_o consider_v and_o the_o
object_n it_o be_v possible_a or_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n power_n to_o make_v all_o mankind_n err_v yet_o take_v in_o his_o other_o attribute_n which_o determine_v his_o omnipoence_n to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v god_n shall_v either_o will_n or_o do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v effective_o do_v at_o all_o §_o 18._o he_o object_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v infallibility_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v to_o her_o hand_n by_o jesus_n châ—ist_v who_o found_v and_o constitute_v she_o and_o find_v it_o not_o out_o by_o speculative_a reason_n whence_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a concern_v of_o a_o church_n to_o discourse_v very_o particular_o about_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o there_o find_v the_o reason_n of_o those_o truth_n god_n have_v bare_o tell_v we_o next_o it_o be_v only_o of_o faith_n that_o christ_n have_v promise_v to_o assist_v his_o church_n but_o whether_o supernatural_o only_a or_o also_o by_o natural_a mean_n be_v no_o where_o define_v my_o tenet_n be_v that_o he_o assist_v his_o church_n both_o way_n as_o i_o at_o large_a defend_v in_o surefoot_v and_o that_o the_o best_a strength_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n be_v both_o of_o they_o exert_v to_o their_o utmost_a to_o ascertain_v the_o infallible_a authority_n on_o who_o testimony_n we_o receive_v our_o faith_n but_o with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n exceed_o comfort_n faith_n in_o those_o who_o be_v true_a believer_n already_o and_o the_o natural_a assistance_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v the_o due_a satisfaction_n of_o reason_n inform_v the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o yet_o discern_v no_o supernaturality_n at_o all_o 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of_o this_o point_n when_o i_o come_v to_o defend_v my_o method_n §_o 19_o hitherto_o then_o dr._n t._n have_v give_v we_o no_o absolute_a certainty_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n oâ—_n of_o christian_n faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o depend_v on_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n but_o only_o such_o miscall_v certainty_n as_o mean_n uncertainty_n whence_o his_o pretend_a certainty_n of_o its_o sense_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n but_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o vindicate_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o himself_z not_o to_o hold_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a by_o ascertain_v at_o least_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o letter_n be_v right_a he_o tell_v we_o pag._n 20._o that_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o book_n it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a any_o thing_n shall_v be_v deliver_v in_o such_o clear_a and_o certain_a word_n as_o be_v absolute_o incapable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n and_o what_o be_v the_o natural_a sequel_n of_o this_o apply_v to_o scripture_n but_o that_o it_o be_v plain_o impossible_a faith_n build_v on_o thaâ—_n sense_n or_o rather_o which_o be_v that_o sense_n shall_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o the_o letter_n can_v never_o be_v a_o competent_a rule_n of_o faith_n whereas_o in_o this_o way_n of_o convey_v iâ—_n down_o by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v â—y_a catechise_n public_a preach_a private_a discourse_v &_o consonant_a live_n it_o be_v make_v so_o manifest_a to_o the_o generality_n what_o be_v hold_v in_o each_o year_n immemediate_o before_o that_o no_o prejudice_n can_v make_v they_o all_o so_o mad_a as_o either_o to_o mistake_v or_o misrepresent_v it_o as_o it_o be_v for_o example_n in_o england_n for_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_n to_o err_v or_o impose_v this_o this_o year_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o england_n that_o last_o year_n they_o hold_v and_o practise_a prayer_n for_o the_o dead_a or_o assist_v at_o the_o christian_a sacrifice_n by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o see_v whether_o of_o we_o two_o make_v better_a provision_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n he_o proceed_v yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v so_o plain_a as_o that_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o reasonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v they_o let_v he_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n &_o the_o discourse_n stand_v thus_o all_o man_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o prejudice_v who_o take_v not_o scripture_n in_o my_o sense_n if_o this_o be_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o his_o word_n let_v he_o tell_v we_o by_o what_o other_o maxim_n he_o guide_v himself_o in_o judge_v who_o be_v such_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o any_o unprejudiced_a and_o rersonable_a man_n may_v certain_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o can_v assign_v no_o other_o reason_n of_o those_o man_n faultiness_n but_o their_o disagree_v with_o he_o in_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n i_o doubt_v his_o reader_n will_v scarce_o believe_v he_o that_o all_o socinian_o and_o other_o sect_n who_o differ_v from_o he_o in_o main_a point_n be_v passionate_a and_o prejudice_v if_o a_o indifferent_a man_n stand_v by_o while_n d._n t._n and_o a_o socinian_n dispute_v and_o hear_v one_o of_o they_o cite_v place_n after_o place_n compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o and_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v to_o make_v out_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o other_o use_v the_o selfsame_a method_n and_o yet_o nothing_o conclude_v decisive_o as_o it_o never_o be_v in_o this_o way_n of_o manage_v dispute_n i_o fear_v he_o will_v be_v little_a the_o near_a satisfaction_n and_o embrace_v dr._n t_n tenet_n upon_o his_o say_n that_o his_o adversary_n be_v passionate_a and_o prejudice_v he_o parallel_v the_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n sense_n to_o that_o of_o euclid_n definition_n and_o axiom_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o which_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v and_o think_v themselves_o undoubted_o certain_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o the_o word_n in_o which_o they_o be_v express_v may_v possible_o bear_v another_o sense_n he_o trifle_n let_v he_o show_v i_o the_o generality_n of_o scripturist_n as_o unanimous_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o geometrician_n do_v in_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n or_o let_v he_o leave_v of_o bring_v such_o disagree_a parallel_n import_v that_o there_o be_v not_o man_n of_o all_o side_n and_o sect_n as_o willing_a to_o see_v truth_n in_o thing_n belong_v to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n as_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n in_o mathematics_n how_o many_o interpretation_n be_v there_o of_o this_n be_v my_o body_n and_o of_o those_o many_o text_n which_o signify_v christ_n to_o be_v true_a god_n both_o of_o main_n concern_v the_o understanding_n they_o wrong_n be_v on_o one_o side_n idolatry_n on_o the_o other_o blasphemy_n yet_o we_o have_v eminent_a learned_a man_n acute_a wit_n excellent_a linguist_n good_a logician_n and_o historian_n and_o last_o very_o great_a scripturist_n who_o compare_v also_o place_n to_o place_n yet_o all_o this_o notwithstanding_o nothing_o be_v decide_v final_o still_o they_o debate_v write_v quote_v interpret_v and_o will_v do_v while_o this_o method_n be_v take_v to_o the_o world_n end_n do_v dr._n t._n find_v such_o a_o disagreement_n among_o man_n learned_a in_o the_o mathematics_n in_o the_o understanding_n the_o axiom_n and_o definition_n of_o euclid_n add_v that_o those_o man_n in_o other_o matter_n be_v not_o passionate_a or_o prejudice_v but_o be_v hold_v prudent_a and_o sober_a by_o great_a portion_n of_o mankind_n nor_o do_v they_o lose_v their_o repute_n among_o indifferent_a judge_n as_o renounce_v their_o manhood_n or_o perfect_o desert_v reason_n that_o be_v they_o be_v not_o hold_v madman_n for_o not_o adhere_v to_o such_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o those_o place_n which_o argue_v
evident_o that_o they_o renounce_v not_o evidence_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o manage_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o at_o all_o and_o so_o no_o rule_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o one_o great_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o why_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o because_o their_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v more_o concern_v so_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n t._n a_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o discern_v who_o be_v passionate_a prejudice_v interest_v and_o lustful_a again_o this_o reason_n be_v find_v on_o either_o side_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n for_o be_v not_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n so_o evident_a that_o absurd_a man_n will_v incur_v the_o shame_n of_o mankind_n to_o deny_v they_o there_o want_v no_o temptation_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o make_v author_n go_v about_o to_o control_v and_o contradict_v the_o write_n of_o other_o to_o gain_v themselves_o applause_n and_o credit_n but_o if_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o disagreement_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o be_v the_o other_o great_a reason_n but_o of_o these_o we_o hear_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o for_o since_o his_o one_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o ill-disposedness_a of_o the_o person_n the_o other_o great_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o inability_n of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inevidence_n to_o private_a understanding_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v in_o one_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o manifest_o make_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 20._o to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o dr._n t_n vindication_n of_o himself_o from_o make_v according_a to_o his_o ground_n faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a amount_v to_o this_o he_o produce_v word_n to_o disprove_v it_o which_o manifold_o confess_v it_o he_o endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o show_v that_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o either_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o be_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v deceive_v though_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o secure_v they_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o deny_v that_o absolute_o speak_v faith_n be_v certainlytrue_a again_o loath_a to_o speak_v out_o to_o that_o point_n candid_o he_o shuffle_n about_o and_o put_v upon_o his_o adversary_n divers_a odd_a and_o ridiculous_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n omit_v the_o right_a one_o which_o be_v give_v to_o his_o hand_n last_o be_v to_o give_v account_n what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n he_o allow_v to_o faith_n he_o give_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v nothing_o and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o uncertainty_n imaginable_a take_v his_o measure_n of_o certainty_n which_o ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o object_n or_o proof_n from_o the_o subject_n persuasion_n or_o adhesion_n to_o it_o which_o common_a experience_n testify_v may_v indifferent_o be_v find_v in_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o common_a sense_n confute_v nature_n tell_v every_o man_n that_o my_o assent_n be_v not_o therefore_o certain_a because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o see_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_n be_o full_o persuade_v and_o very_o think_v so_o but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o or_o because_o the_o proof_n be_v conclusive_a either_o then_o let_v he_o bring_v such_o proof_n and_o own_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o he_o leave_v his_o cause_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o his_o credit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o defend_v unclear_v by_o yield_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v actual_o such_o discourse_n vii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n reply_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n §_o 1._o dr_n t._n have_v no_o fellow_n nor_o his_o way_n of_o confute_v any_o parallel_n not_o to_o provoke_v the_o peevishness_n of_o malice_n too_o far_o and_o yet_o follow_v home_o my_o blow_n more_o full_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o uphold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n ground_v on_o the_o just_a conceit_n of_o its_o absolute_a certainty_n i_o write_v a_o a_o book_n call_v faith_n vindicated_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o security_n from_o error_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o assent_n provide_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o motive_n god_n have_v leave_v to_o settle_v his_o church_n and_o by_o it_o mankind_n in_o faith_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n it_o pretend_v demonstration_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o have_v not_o one_o drollish_a or_o unsober_a expression_n in_o it_o take_v a_o map_n of_o it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o conceive_v myself_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la and_o hence_o the_o concern_v be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o speculative_a divine_n i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n to_o the_o more_o intelligent_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o eviction_n to_o the_o middle_a or_o prudential_n sort_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fifth·_n and_o to_o they_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n in_o the_o last_o every_o one_o be_v enable_v by_o tradition_n or_o education_n to_o comprehend_v what_o the_o common_a language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n teach_v they_o as_o to_z speechee_n and_o carriage_n appertain_v to_o faith_n i_o begin_v after_o i_o have_v put_v two_o postulatum_fw-la grant_v by_o all_o christian_n with_o logical_a argument_n which_o i_o pursue_v at_o large_a because_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a trick_n in_o sophister_n and_o half_a logician_n to_o abuse_v that_o excellent_a art_n to_o elude_v the_o clear_a evidendence_n so_o it_o become_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n in_o i_o to_o prevent_v by_o the_o close_a proof_n fetch_v it_o from_o almost_o all_o head_n imaginable_a that_o belong_v to_o that_o skill_n any_o misusage_n of_o its_o maxim_n to_o patronize_v falsehood_n this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o very_o speculative_a and_o according_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n what_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o discourse_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o will_v any_o man_n endue_v with_o common_a sense_n wonder_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v logical_a expression_n when_o i_o make_v logical_a discourse_n or_o term_n of_o art_n when_o i_o speak_v to_o scholar_n these_o thing_n reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o a_o dextrous_a way_n our_o learned_a confuter_n take_v to_o answer_v that_o whole_a book_n for_o he_o manifest_v here_o a_o intention_n to_o give_v it_o no_o other_o and_o to_o overthrow_v so_o many_o demonstration_n §_o 2._o his_o first_o way_n of_o confute_v be_v to_o pick_v out_o a_o leaf_n or_o two_o of_o the_o most_o speculative_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n only_o intend_v for_o scholar_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o be_v only_a sermon-pitch_n to_o who_o because_o such_o discourse_n be_v unsuitable_a and_o withal_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o answer_v hence_o he_o very_o politic_o both_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o those_o reader_n and_o avoid_v himself_o the_o difficult_a task_n of_o answer_v the_o press_a reason_n in_o it_o by_o play_v the_o wit_n when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o act_v the_o scholar_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o constant_a friend_n at_o a_o dead_a lift_n drollery_n in_o stead_n of_o rely_v on_o the_o patronage_n of_o reason_n which_o as_o he_o experience_n so_o often_o betray_v and_o expose_v hss_a weakness_n he_o run_v on_o therefore_o a_o whole_a leaf_n or_o two_o in_o this_o jovial_a career_n ere_o he_o can_v recover_v himself_o till_o even_o his_o own_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n admire_v at_o his_o endless_a raillery_n and_o true_a to_o his_o method_n neglect_v whole_o the_o sense_n and_o except_v mighty_o against_o five_o or_o six_o hard_a word_n namely_o potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n determinative_a supervene_v and_o subsume_v which_o it_o seem_v puzzle_v he_o exceed_o for_o he_o profess_v to_o think_v they_o mystical_a he_o call_v the_o discourse_n jargon_fw-la foolish_a and_o nonsense_n which_o two_o last_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o most_o free_a of_o when_o his_o reason_n be_v most_o at_o a_o loss_n he_o liken_n it_o to_o the_o coptick_n and_o slavonian_a language_n talk_v of_o astrology_n palmistry_n chemistry_n and_o what_o not_o and_o with_o such_o kind_n of_o stuff_n confute_v it_o
he_o can_v most_o easy_o seem_v to_o misunderstand_v so_o to_o divert_v the_o discourse_n a_o method_n so_o constant_o observe_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o sure-footing_a where_o he_o make_v witty_a dexterity_n still_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o pertinent_a solidity_n that_o instead_o of_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o aught_o more_o just_o have_v be_v entitle_v sure-footing_a travesty_n 5._o and_o since_o all_o discourse_n be_v ineffectual_a which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o some_o certain_a truth_n and_o consequent_o not_o only_a he_o who_o settle_v or_o build_v but_o also_o he_o who_o aim_v to_o overthrow_v or_o the_o objecter_n must_v ground_v his_o discourse_n on_o some_o certain_a principle_n if_o he_o intend_v to_o convince_v the_o other_o teneâ—_n of_o falsehood_n that_o dr._n t._n will_v therefore_o esteem_v it_o his_o duty_n even_o when_o he_o object_n to_o ground_v his_o opposition_n upon_o some_o firm_a principle_n and_o since_o no_o pretend_a principle_n can_v be_v firm_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o first_o principle_n and_o that_o dr._n t._n have_v disclaim_v here_o identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o either_o confute_v my_o discourse_n produce_v in_o this_o treatise_n prove_v first_a principle_n to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o show_v some_o other_o way_n by_o which_o the_o term_n of_o those_o he_o assign_v for_o such_o do_v better_o cohere_v or_o he_o be_v convince_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o so_o all_o he_o write_v or_o discourse_n must_v be_v groundless_a and_o insignificant_a 6._o thus_o much_o in_o common_a for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o write_n as_o for_o his_o matter_n i_o request_v he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o christian_a faith_n hover_v with_o ambiguous_a gloss_n between_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v between_z be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o speak_v out_o categorical_o and_o plain_o declare_v whether_o he_o hold_v those_o point_n absolute_o true_a that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v absolute_o true_a to_o we_o or_o whether_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v with_o reason_n say_v he_o see_v they_o be_v true_a or_o have_v any_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o conclude_v they_o true_a if_o not_o then_z â—et_z he_o show_v how_o it_o be_v avoidable_o but_o all_o the_o world_n must_v with_o truth_n say_v both_o these_o may_v be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v discern_v than_o which_o nothing_o sound_v more_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a to_o a_o christian_a ear._n if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v such_o reason_n extant_a but_o he_o have_v they_o not_o then_o let_v he_o leave_v off_o attempt_v to_o settle_v those_o tenet_n or_o write_v on_o those_o subject_n since_o he_o confess_v himself_o unqualify_v and_o unfurnish_a with_o mean_n to_o manage_v they_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v such_o proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v they_o let_v he_o produce_v they_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o not_o blame_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o bear_v no_o more_o and_o other_o for_o say_v they_o have_v more_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n do_v bear_v more_o to_o express_v myself_o close_o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o ingenuous_o and_o candid_o to_o these_o query_n whether_o be_v hold_v that_o god_n church_n or_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v furnish_v with_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o for_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v these_o point_n true_a than_o those_o in_o joshua_n and_o hezekiah_n time_n have_v or_o can_v have_v the_o day_n before_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v not_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o the_o next_o day_n than_o that_o person_n who_o throw_v a_o glass_n on_o the_o ground_n which_o break_v not_o have_v or_o can_v have_v that_o it_o will_v not_o break_v â—han_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a house_n have_v that_o they_o will_v not_o sudden_o fall_v which_o yet_o do_v so_o or_o last_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n than_o those_o reason_n be_v which_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n in_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o experience_v themselves_o often_o mistake_v if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v let_v he_o produce_v they_o and_o hearty_o maintain_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o express_v as_o much_o honour_n for_o he_o as_o i_o have_v do_v here_o of_o resentment_n and_o dislike_n for_o advance_v the_o contrary_a position_n but_o if_o he_o profess_v he_o have_v no_o better_a or_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o bear_v it_o there_o can_v no_o better_o be_v give_v then_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a first_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v now_o actual_o false_a since_o point_n which_o have_v reason_n for_o they_o of_o equivalent_a strength_n do_v prove_v actual_o such_o next_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o true_a speech_n certain_a there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o least_o word_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v any_o of_o those_o person_n in_o those_o former_a instance_n of_o equivalent_a strength_n be_v or_o can_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o point_n which_o prove_v actual_o false_a and_o in_o which_o themselves_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o word_n i_o will_v have_v he_o without_o disguise_n let_v the_o world_n know_v whether_o as_o there_o be_v contingency_n in_o those_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o imagine_a or_o hope_v effect_n in_o the_o former_a instance_n miscarry_v and_o prove_v otherwise_o than_o be_v expect_v so_o there_o be_v not_o also_o contingency_n in_o the_o motive_n for_o those_o two_o most_o sacred_a tenet_n upon_o who_o certainty_n the_o eternal_a good_a of_o mankind_n depend_v so_o as_o they_o may_v perhaps_o not_o conclude_v and_o so_o both_o those_o tenet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o otherwise_o than_o we_o christian_n now_o hold_v if_o he_o profess_v to_o embrace_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n and_o his_o word_n be_v too_o express_v for_o it_o ever_o to_o be_v deny_v though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v retract_v he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v shuffle_v off_o without_o any_o at_o all_o and_o to_o my_o reason_n allege_v in_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o same_o point_n faith_n absolute_a certainty_n now_o gentleman_n since_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o knowledge_n in_o any_o kind_n than_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_v be_v unambiguous_o state_v and_o clear_o understand_v and_o that_o a_o solid_a method_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o i_o become_v a_o humble_a petitioner_n to_o yourselves_o as_o you_o tender_v that_o excellent_a concern_v of_o mankind_n and_o that_o most_o sacred_a one_o of_o christianity_n to_o use_v your_o best_a interest_n with_o dr._n t._n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o yield_v to_o these_o duty_n here_o express_v and_o i_o oblige_v myself_o inviolable_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o carriage_n towards_o he_o which_o i_o here_o propose_v and_o press_v he_o will_v use_v towards_o i_o which_o if_o he_o refuse_v i_o declare_v i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o truly-learned_n and_o ingenuous_a person_n however_o he_o triumph_v among_o those_o who_o be_v great_a admirer_n of_o pretty_a expression_n rest_v assure_v that_o yourselves_o will_v not_o only_o hold_v i_o unblameable_a but_o also_o high_o commendable_a for_o noâ—_n lose_v my_o precious_a time_n in_o reciprocate_a his_o trifle_a and_o insignificant_a drollery_n your_o true_a honourer_n and_o humble_a servant_n j._n s._n finis_fw-la amendment_n page_n 1._o line_n 21._o read_v that_o both_o first_o p._n 47._o l._n 3._o self_n possible_a to_o p._n 50._o l._n 20._o solid_a p._n 101._o l._n 6_o 7._o possible_a all_o this_o may_v p._n 115_o l._n 12_o judgement_n in_o which_o it_o be_v l._n 25._o can_v never_o p._n 118._o l._n 26._o resolute_a hatred_n p._n 121._o l._n 23._o do_v equivalent_o p._n 124._o l._n 21._o &_o 28._o speculater_n p._n 127._o l._n 17._o nay_o more_o p._n 135._o l._n 7._o to_o be_v p._n 139._o l._n 18._o great_a degree_n p._n 142._o l._n 2._o be_v not_o true_a or_o not_o to_o dare_v p._n 146._o l._n 14._o chimerical_a p_o 157._o l._n 16._o four_o eviction_n l._n 18._o of_o the_o six_o p._n 162._o l._n 16._o sermon_n equal_o p._n 163._o l_o 27._o parallelepipe_v p._n 166._o l._n 30._o predicate_v p._n 176._o l._n ult_n all_o good_a p._n 183._o l._n 28_o sensible_a man_n may_v p._n 184._o l._n 2._o deduce_v there_o p._n 186._o l._n 12._o of_o discourse_v the_o p._n 199._o l._n 25._o it_o be_v be_v not_o more_o p._n 200._o l._n 16._o of_o its_o own_o p._n 212._o l._n 24._o not_o the_o rule_n deal_n express_v p._n 218._o discourse_n ix_o p._n 219_o l_o 13_o 14._o reason_n in_o it_o p_o 229._o l._n 28_o 29._o the_o author_n mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o p._n 234._o l._n 17._o i_o do_v non_fw-fr stand_n p._n 239._o l._n 5._o apply_v l._n 6._o i_o have_v