Selected quad for the lemma: faith_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
faith_n rule_n scripture_n tradition_n 12,255 5 9.8749 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59241 Reason against raillery, or, A full answer to Dr. Tillotson's preface against J.S. with a further examination of his grounds of religion. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1672 (1672) Wing S2587; ESTC R10318 153,451 304

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discover_v to_o i_o that_o i_o can_v not_o bestow_v my_o pain_n better_a on_o any_o subject_n than_o in_o make_v know_v what_o be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o evidence_v to_o man_n capable_a of_o evidence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n that_o it_o have_v indeed_o the_o quality_n proper_a to_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v virtue_n or_o power_n to_o acquaint_v we_o that_o live_v now_o without_o the_o least_o danger_n of_o error_n what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v at_o first_o to_o this_o end_n i_o show_v first_o in_o sure-footing_a that_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n have_v not_o this_o virtue_n and_o by_o consequence_n can_v not_o be_v the_o rule_n intend_v and_o leave_v we_o by_o christ._n many_o argument_n i_o use_v from_o p._n 1._o to_o p._n 41._o though_o these_o two_o short_a discourse_n be_v sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o point_n to_o any_o who_o be_v not_o beforehand_o resolve_v he_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v 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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 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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 supposit●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 th●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 fa●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 t●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 ple●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 wh●ch_n dr._n t_n discourse_n call_v into_o question_n or_o rather_o deny_v whence_o i●_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 f●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 wou●d_v think_v it_o very_o requi●●●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 f●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 mankin●_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
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 ora●_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
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 ve●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 ●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 ●_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o ●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 a●_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 tru●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 ve●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 ●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 h●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 poin●_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 foll●●_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 ●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
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 for_o the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n include_v tradition_n take_v at_o large_a and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v show_v suref_a p._n 82_o 83._o the_o supernatural_a authority_n include_v all_o find_v in_o the_o other_o two_o and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v particular_o declare_v there_o from_o p._n 84._o to_o p._n 93._o so_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v imaginable_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v christian_n or_o in_o the_o testify_a authority_n of_o christ_n church_n §_o 12._o but_o because_o it_o be_v still_o d._n it_o be_v best_a play_n to_o make_v use_n of_o extrinsecal_n exception_n so_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n eye_n and_o avoid_v answer_v my_o intrinsecal_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o which_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o grapple_v and_o since_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v very_o frequent_a at_o this_o impertinent_a topick_n of_o my_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o other_o divine_n do_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o omit_v many_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o dr._n stratford_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o far_o he_o mistake_v in_o this_o point_n by_o instance_v in_o one_o controvertist_n of_o eminent_a both_o fame_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o in_o his_o time_n one_o who_o write_v before_o rushworth_n dialogue_n appear_v or_o perhaps_o be_v think_v of_o and_o so_o can_v be_v suspect_v a_o follower_n of_o that_o new_a way_n as_o dr._n t._n call_v it_o i_o mean_v mr._n fisher._n this_o able_a controvertist_n in_o his_o censure_n of_o dr._n white_n be_v reply_n p._n 83_o 84_o maintain_v that_o unwritten_a that_o be_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v the_o prime_a ground_n of_o faith_n more_o fundamental_a than_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o his_o adversary_n mr._n white_a the_o minister_n grant_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o point_n p._n 27._o he_o conclude_v strong_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n suppose_v before_o faith_n which_o infidel_n see_v to_o be_v true_a resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o be_v secondary_a truth_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o themselves_o believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n as_o ample_o and_o full_o express_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a or_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n that_o be_v partly_o at_o least_o upon_o the_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n since_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o presuppose_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o argument_n he_o make_v the_o prim●_n principle_n of_o faith_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o that_o be_v the_o same_o we_o mean_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a evident_a in_o itself_o and_o p._n 40._o he_o put_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n to_o be_v what_o be_v the_o external_a infallible_a ground_n unto_o which_o divine_a inspiration_n move_v man_n to_o adhere_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n where_o first_o beside_o god_n grace_n move_v we_o to_o every_o good_a act_n which_o all_o catholic_n hold_v to_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o he_o a_o external_n infallible_a ground_n next_o that_o without_o such_o a_o ground_n a_o man_n can_v be_v settle_v in_o true_a save_a faith_n again_o p._n 38_o come_n to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o know_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apostolical_a he_o mention_n none_o but_o only_o public_a catholic_n tradition_n teach_v unanimous_o and_o perpetual_o by_o pastor_n which_o p._n 37._o he_o call_v a_o rule_n infallible_a and_o say_v that_o only_a heretic_n charge_v it_o to_o be_v fallible_a where_o also_o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o principle_n that_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v the_o catholic_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o father_n unto_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o child_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o by_o the_o word_n now_o cite_v appear_v to_o be_v evident_o the_o same_o i_o defend_v he_o affirm_v p._n 38._o that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v simple_o infallible_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o quote_v suarez_n to_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 t●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
of_o and_o that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o our_o right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n deserve_v to_o be_v judge_v right_o or_o good_a that_o be_v think_v well_o of_o and_o withal_o that_o virtue_n be_v a_o disposition_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n it_o come_v to_o appear_v that_o virtue_n and_o laudable_a have_v in_o the●r_a notion_n something_o that_o be_v formal_o identical_a and_o that_o this_o proposition_n virtue_n be_v laudable_a be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o what_o be_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n or_o humane_a nature_n be_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n which_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v conclude_v and_o all_o further_a disquisition_n surcease_v §_o 22._o this_o be_v my_o method_n which_o i_o observe_v to_o my_o power_n whenever_o i_o profess_v to_o demonstrate_v only_o because_o we_o be_v not_o discourse_v in_o severe_a logical_a form_n i_o endeavour_v to_o engage_v at_o the_o very_a first_o identical_a proposition_n or_o the_o first_o principle_n to_o avoid_v all_o possible_a cavil_n which_o use_v to_o take_v occasion_n from_o a_o definition_n be_v too_o large_a or_o too_o narrow_a to_o confound_v and_o obscure_v the_o discourse_n which_o be_v so_o i_o challenge_v dr._n t._n before_o our_o peer_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v hold_v a_o scholar_n and_o a_o honest_a man_n to_o declare_v why_o in_o his_o preface_n p._n 26._o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n without_o any_o the_o least_o proof_n that_o certain_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n be_v never_o so_o profane_v by_o any_o man_n before_o let_v he_o i_o say_v state_z the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n and_o then_o make_v out_o in_o what_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v wrong_n either_o of_o they_o this_o do_v let_v he_o show_v what_o his_o have_v in_o it_o elevate_a it_o beyond_o mere_a superficial_a talk_n till_o he_o do_v this_o i_o accuse_v he_o of_o affect_a ignorance_n in_o himself_o and_o unjust_a calumny_n towards_o i_o and_o that_o he_o stand_v hoot_v or_o as_o himself_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o whoop_v aloof_o with_o flam_n and_o jeer_n but_o dare_v not_o for_o his_o credit_n come_v close_o to_o the_o point_n as_o judge_v it_o his_o interest_n and_o safety_n to_o avoid_v by_o all_o mean_v the_o settle_v any_o conclusive_a method_n of_o discourse_v lest_o his_o loose_a drollery_n which_o now_o be_v the_o only_a stickler_n and_o domineer_v so_o brisk_o come_v then_o to_o be_v quite_o out_o of_o countenance_n and_o hang_v its_o head_n very_o sorry_o be_v by_o that_o mean_v discover_v to_o be_v perfect_o insignificant_a and_o good_a for_o just_a nothing_o at_o all_o discourse_n iu._n how_o dr._n t._n advance_v to_o prove_v a_o deity_n by_o deny_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o science_n but_o mathematics_n §_o 1._o we_o have_v see_v how_o unfortunate_a dr._n t._n have_v be_v in_o impugn_v my_o first_o principle_n and_o method_n of_o discourse_v it_o come_v next_o to_o be_v examine_v how_o successful_a he_o be_v in_o settle_v his_o own_o but_o ere_o i_o come_v close_o to_o that_o matter_n i_o must_v say_v something_o to_o his_o impertinent_a drollery_n because_o he_o think_v they_o rare_a thing_n and_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o carriage_n all_o along_o place_v most_o of_o his_o confidence_n in_o those_o trifle_n nay_o which_o in_o my_o mind_n be_v no_o very_o wise_a project_n he_o will_v have_v his_o reader_n think_v those_o feather_n weighty_a because_o they_o be_v gay_a beside_o these_o be_v my_o only_a confuter_n and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n my_o duty_n not_o to_o neglect_v they_o §_o 2._o he_o challenge_v i_o p._n 4._o to_o have_v threaten_v never_o to_o leave_v follow_v on_o my_o blow_n till_o i_o have_v either_o bring_v dr._n st._n and_o he_o to_o lay_v principle_n that_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n or_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o world_n they_o have_v none_o and_o i_o conceive_v i_o perform_v this_o in_o my_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o have_v do_v more_o but_o for_o certain_a reason_n which_o i_o give_v in_o my_o preface_n but_o this_o be_v no_o such_o great_a threat_n i_o know_v they_o prone_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o genius_n to_o do_v voluntary_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o now_o both_o of_o they_o have_v like_o true_a friend_n conspire_v to_o do_v i_o that_o favour_n of_o their_o own_o accord_n for_o dr._n t._n declare_v here_o to_o no_o few_o than_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o neither_o have_v any_o principle_n nor_o will_v have_v any_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o but_o identical_a proposition_n as_o speak_v of_o first_o principle_n i_o have_v prove_v there_o be_v not_o and_o dr._n still_o have_v lay_v such_o principle_n of_o late_a as_o will_v make_v any_o understanding_n man_n that_o read_v they_o swear_v he_o be_v as_o far_o from_o have_v any_o as_o his_o friend_n excellent_a one_o indeed_o he_o put_v at_o first_o but_o the_o mischief_n be_v they_o make_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o his_o purpose_n some_o fumble_a proposition_n there_o be_v that_o make_v for_o his_o purpose_n but_o the_o ill_a luck_n be_v they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v the_o least_o semblance_n of_o principle_n that_o no_o wit_n of_o man_n shall_v ever_o make_v they_o look_v like_o good_a conclusion_n and_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n if_o out_o of_o any_o principle_n forelay_v there_o he_o can_v infer_v that_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n only_a point_n viz._n that_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o put_v it_o in_o a_o conclusive_a syllogism_n or_o two_o i_o promise_v he_o upon_o the_o sight_n of_o it_o to_o become_v of_o his_o persuasion_n but_o my_o friend_n tell_v i_o here_o he_o perceive_v great_a mind_n be_v merciful_a and_o do_v sometime_o content_v themselves_o to_o threaten_v when_o they_o can_v destroy_v and_o in_o return_n i_o tell_v he_o i_o be_o sorry_a to_o find_v by_o these_o word_n that_o a_o certain_a person_n not_o unknown_a to_o he_o be_v far_o from_o have_v a_o great_a mind_n who_o immediate_o upon_o the_o publish_n my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o fight_v to_o destroy_v i_o without_o threaten_v §_o 3._o i_o charge_v he_o former_o and_o now_o charge_v he_o again_o to_o make_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o to_o be_v false_a also_o i_o charge_v the_o same_o position_n in_o equivalent_a term_n upon_o a_o sermon_n of_o he_o and_o that_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o still_o be_o ready_a to_o maintain_v that_o charge_n but_o first_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o on_o this_o occasion_n my_o friend_n be_v grow_v much_o out_o of_o humour_n and_o from_o the_o merry_a conceited_a vein_n of_o wit_n and_o drollery_n fall_v into_o downright_a scold_a with_o he_o know_v in_o his_o conscience_n he_o dare_v not_o cite_v etc._n etc._n notorious_a falsehood_n groundless_a calumny_n he_o dare_v not_o refer_v to_o the_o place_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o man_n it_o will_v make_v any_o other_o man_n sufficient_o ashamed_a he_o may_v blush_v to_o acknowledge_v etc._n etc._n why_o what_o be_v the_o matter_n sure_o there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o the_o business_n that_o make_v a_o man_n of_o mirth_n of_o late_a so_o pleasant_a on_o a_o sudden_a thus_o pettish_a he_o say_v i_o dare_v not_o cite_v the_o word_n of_o his_o book_n or_o sermon_n how_o i_o dare_v not_o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o rude_a as_o to_o use_v dr._n t_n word_n here_o p._n 35._o certain_o one_o will_v think_v that_o this_o man_n have_v either_o no_o eye_n or_o no_o forehead_n but_o i_o must_v say_v that_o all_o who_o have_v eye_n may_v see_v and_o all_o who_o have_v any_o degree_n of_o sincerity_n will_v acknowledge_v that_o i_o do_v cite_v those_o word_n out_o of_o his_o book_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n p._n 171._o where_o i_o fasten_v that_o position_n on_o he_o dr._n st._n his_o abetter_n and_o their_o adherent_n and_o as_o for_o the_o word_n of_o his_o sermon_n it_o be_v no_o proper_a place_n to_o cite_v or_o confute_v they_o there_o it_o be_v enough_o there_o to_o add_v as_o i_o do_v after_o my_o charge_n these_o word_n as_o may_v perhaps_o more_o particular_o be_v show_v hereafter_o relate_v to_o a_o future_a examination_n of_o it_o intend_v in_o another_o treatise_n i_o use_v not_o to_o confute_v book_n in_o preface_n as_o be_v the_o late_a mode_n of_o answer_v witness_v dr._n pierce_n against_o mr._n cressy_n the_o dissuader_n against_o the_o discovery_n and_o dr._n t._n here_o against_o three_o of_o i_o which_o as_o his_o friend_n say_v well_o be_v like_a rat_n gnaw_v the_o corner_n of_o book_n or_o as_o dr._n t._n himself_o express_v it_o here_o manful_o
the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o 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 ●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 th●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 r●●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 again●●●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 asse●●_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 ●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 m●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 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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
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 scu●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 play●_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 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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 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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 deceiu●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 o●_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 th●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 ●_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 it●_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 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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 ●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 ●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 ch●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 o●_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 tha●_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 i●_n down_o by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v ●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 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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 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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 ●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 any_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 ●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 ●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 ●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 o●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 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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 sh●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 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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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pick_v a_o word_n or_o two_o out_o of_o those_o conclusion_n which_o take_v alone_o alter_v their_o whole_a sense_n and_o then_o confute_v only_o that_o new_a sense_n his_o design_a alteration_n have_v give_v they_o and_o last_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o his_o mistake_n rectify_v reason_n and_o instance_n bring_v to_o make_v good_a the_o true_a point_n to_o neglect_v they_o all_o say_v over_o again_o bare_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o break_v a_o jest_n or_o two_o upon_o a_o ridiculous_a point_n mere_o invent_v by_o himself_o and_o then_o cry_v victory_n certain_o though_o such_o performance_n may_v serve_v a_o prevaricator_n or_o a_o terrae_fw-la filius_fw-la yet_o some_o wise_a kind_n of_o return_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o scholar_n and_o a_o sober_a man_n as_o for_o that_o point_n which_o he_o most_o confute_v with_o laughter_n viz._n that_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n though_o something_o have_v be_v produce_v in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v and_o not_o yet_o answer_v and_o so_o no_o far_o proof_n be_v due_a or_o needful_a yet_o because_o the_o clear_n this_o point_n fundamental_o conduce_v to_o settle_v the_o way_n to_o science_n therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v true_o learn_v and_o aim_v at_o solid_a improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o exact_a knowledge_n more_o than_o at_o please_v their_o ear_n by_o pretty_a expression_n i_o shall_v treat_v the_o point_n more_o accurate_o the_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o first_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v speculative_a therefore_o those_o reader_n who_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n may_v please_v to_o pass_v over_o these_o two_o discourse_n and_o go_v on_o to_o what_o follow_v though_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v to_o deliver_v it_o so_o that_o a_o good_a natural_a wit_n may_v in_o
a_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n that_o be_v they_o can_v be_v conclude_v or_o admit_v of_o proof_n wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prime_a verity_n can_v admit_v proof_n their_o term_n must_v be_v far_a from_o have_v any_o middle_a term_n come_v between_o they_o that_o be_v imaginable_a that_o be_v must_v be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a notion_n and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v identical_a proposition_n the_o former_a of_o these_o discourse_n be_v put_v down_o by_o i_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o one_o will_v think_v it_o become_v a_o logician_n to_o speak_v to_o but_o my_o adversary_n be_v of_o another_o metal_n not_o the_o very_a same_o but_o near_o akin_a to_o aes_fw-la sonans_fw-la aut_fw-la cymbalum_fw-la tinniens_fw-la he_o never_o meddle_v willing_o with_o premise_n or_o proof_n but_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n stout_o never_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v say_v in_o its_o behalf_n and_o tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o it_o which_o do_v who_o will_v think_v it_o immediate_o as_o with_o some_o charm_n the_o term_n unconnect_v of_o themselves_o and_o miraculous_o fly_v asunder_o and_o though_o before_o it_o look_v like_o good_a honest_a reason_n yet_o by_o his_o give_v it_o a_o disguise_n instead_o of_o a_o confute_v it_o be_v turn_v perfect_a nonsense_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n §_o 5._o logic_n tell_v we_o moreover_o that_o whatever_o accidental_a consideration_n may_v enhance_v opposition_n it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v formal_o and_o intrinsical_o the_o great_a or_o first_o of_o falsehood_n also_o that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v a_o affirm_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o all_o the_o same_o respect_n wherefore_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n be_v the_o first_o of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o those_o that_o be_v a_o affirm_v or_o deny_v the_o same_o of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o all_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v express_v but_o by_o a_o identical_a proposition_n §_o 6._o add_v that_o since_o contradiction_n be_v faulty_a and_o all_o fault_n be_v a_o privation_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a which_o it_o violate_v it_o follow_v that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v innocent_a do_v it_o not_o violate_v some_o opposite_a truth_n since_o then_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v every_o reflect_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o assign_v any_o truth_n opposite_a to_o a_o contradiction_n but_o a_o identical_a proposition_n it_o follow_v that_o first_o truth_n or_o first_o principle_n must_v be_v identical_a proposition_n §_o 7._o to_o explain_v this_o better_a we_o shall_v find_v by_o reflection_n that_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v comprisable_v into_o one_o equivalent_a to_o both_o who_o subject_a and_o predicate_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o peter_n here_o and_o now_o run_v peter_z here_o and_o now_o run_v not_o be_v necessary_o equivalent_a to_o this_o what_o here_o and_o now_o run_v here_o and_o now_o run_v not_o so_o likewise_o scripture's_n letter_n be_v a_o rule_n scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o something_o which_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v how_o clear_a a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o identical_a proposition_n be_v the_o proper_a opposite_n to_o contradiction_n or_o the_o truth_n they_o direct_o and_o immediate_o violate_v and_o consequent_o first_o principles_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n wit_n rack_v to_o its_o utmost_a can_v invent_v any_o opposite_a to_o what_o run_v run_v not_o but_o what_o run_v run_n or_o to_o what_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n but_o what_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n last_o the_o nature_n of_o contradiction_n in_o common_a put_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o once_o and_o consequent_o put_v this_o proposition_n what_o be_v not_o be_v to_o which_o the_o only_a opposite_a truth_n be_v what_o be_v be_v which_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o all_o other_o first_o principle_n as_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n a_o man_n a_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o particular_n subsume_v under_o it_o and_o partake_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n of_o its_o clear_a light_n §_o 8._o far_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o more_o remote_a the_o term_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v from_o formal_a identity_n the_o less_o evident_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o proof_n they_o require_v as_o also_o that_o they_o still_o grow_v near_o and_o near_o to_o evidence_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o approach_n towards_o the_o say_a identity_n wherefore_o since_o all_o approach_n of_o distant_a thing_n if_o pursue_v end_v in_o a_o conjoin_v and_o centre_v in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o distance_n in_o notion_n among_o term_n end_n in_o their_o be_v the_o same_o in_o notion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o identical_a proposition_n as_o also_o that_o such_o proposition_n be_v for_o the_o reason_n give_v the_o most_o evident_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o in_o both_o regard_v the_o very_a first_o principles_n §_o 9_o far_o all_o proposition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n or_o all_o conclusion_n must_v have_v their_o term_n material_o identical_a that_o be_v what_o correspond_v to_o both_o their_o notion_n must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v true_a nor_o capable_a to_o be_v prove_v wherefore_o the_o term_n in_o first_o principle_n must_v be_v formal_o such_o nay_o the_o most_o formal_o that_o be_v possible_a but_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v more_o formal_o identical_a than_o to_o have_v the_o predicate_v and_o subject_a every_o way_n the_o same_o such_o therefore_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v §_o 10._o there_o be_v also_o in_o logic_n a_o way_n of_o argue_v by_o bring_v one_o to_o a_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n and_o this_o be_v perform_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n one_o by_o force_v the_o defendant_n to_o contradict_v himself_o the_o other_o by_o oblige_v he_o to_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v available_a as_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o latter_a attempt_n if_o bring_v to_o effect_v be_v a_o perfect_a conquest_n and_o why_o but_o because_o it_o put_v the_o defendant_n to_o violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n under_o debate_n that_o be_v to_o thwart_v this_o first_o principle_n the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o for_o example_n to_o make_v quantity_n not_o to_o be_v quantity_n a_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n faith_n not_o to_o be_v faith_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o more_o clear_o when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v the_o use_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o particular_a instance_n §_o 11._o moreover_o if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o all_o efficiency_n and_o passiveness_n that_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n exerting_fw-mi or_o as_o it_o be_v imprint_v itself_o upon_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o work_v its_o effect_n for_o example_n when_o a_o brass_n seal_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o soft_a wax_n no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o effect_n abstract_v from_o motion_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o a_o nature_n superior_a to_o body_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o agent_n be_v of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o density_n or_o hardness_n as_o if_o move_v or_o apply_v to_o that_o matter_n be_v apt_a to_o alter_v the_o figure_n of_o its_o part_n according_a to_o its_o own_o mould_n and_o the_o patient_n of_o such_o a_o yield_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o as_o to_o receive_v its_o impression_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o that_o degree_n rare_a as_o to_o lose_v it_o again_o by_o the_o action_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n in_o nature_n till_o some_o more_o particular_a agent_n come_v to_o efface_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o all_o causality_n essential_o depend_v on_o and_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o truth_n that_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v which_o be_v their_o be_v in_o part_n what_o they_o be_v all_o knowledge_n then_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o consequent_o all_o demonstration_n be_v ultimate_o refund_v that_o be_v primary_o build_v on_o those_o proposition_n which_o express_v thing_n be_v what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v into_o identical_a one_o §_o 12._o last_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n itself_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o a_o identical_a proposition_n in_o those_o word_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o which_o be_v the_o first_o increated_a truth_n as_o
which_o he_o can_v never_o be_v drive_v which_o signify_v that_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o natural_o determine_v and_o fix_v he_o in_o a_o immovable_a adherence_n to_o the_o point_n as_o the_o ultimate_a resort_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o persuasion_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o he_o first_o principles_n it_o be_v observable_a also_o that_o they_o be_v never_o more_o serious_a than_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o positive_a kind_n of_o blunt_a manner_n nor_o will_v any_o by-stander_n perhaps_o not_o dr._n t._n himself_o though_o he_o be_v the_o merry_a man_n live_v when_o any_o talk_n be_v of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n fall_v a_o laugh_n at_o they_o as_o ridiculous_a for_o their_o adhere_n final_o to_o identical_a proposition_n which_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v a_o conceit_n that_o first_o principle_n be_v some_o fine_a elaborate_a invention_n of_o wit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o tell_v a_o man_n something_o he_o know_v not_o before_o whereas_o they_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o in_o euclid_n and_o other_o suchlike_a which_o seem_v at_o first_o blush_v full_a as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o he_o so_o laugh_v at_o last_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o witty_a half-speculaters_a who_o scorn_n to_o follow_v nature_n in_o their_o ground_n when_o they_o come_v to_o lay_v any_o themselves_o propose_v mere_a whimsy_n for_o first_o principle_n of_o which_o dr._n t._n be_v a_o pleasant_a instance_n as_o shall_v be_v see_v hereafter_o discourse_n iii_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n prove_v by_o many_o instance_n and_o their_o right_n use_v show_v §_o 1._o thus_o far_o we_o have_v discourse_v the_o nature_n of_o first_o principle_n from_o logic_n and_o metaphysic_n within_o who_o confine_n that_o matter_n be_v place_v which_o no_o intelligent_a reader_n can_v expect_v to_o be_v less_o speculative_o deliver_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o subject_a for_o common_a reason_n tell_v any_o competent_a judge_n in_o such_o affair_n that_o if_o any_o sublunary_a matter_n can_v require_v high_a speculation_n certain_o a_o discourse_n which_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a verity_n must_v forcible_o exact_v it_o wherefore_o to_o make_v it_o more_o intelligible_a i_o shall_v for_o my_o reader_n sake_n do_v three_o thing_n first_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a identical_a proposition_n grant_v by_o all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n in_o their_o respective_a science_n next_o show_v the_o use_n of_o these_o first_o principle_n which_o my_o ignorant_a adversary_n so_o miserable_o mistake_v and_o now_o and_o then_o by_o the_o way_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o present_a controversy_n about_o tradition_n §_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o show_v dr._n t._n letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 25._o a_o example_n of_o one_o first_o principle_n grant_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o who_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o quantity_n though_o he_o out_o of_o a_o constancy_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d humour_n never_o heed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o a_o whole_a be_v more_o than_o a_o part_n nor_o perhaps_o will_v so_o profound_a a_o man_n at_o superficial_a talk_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n in_o regard_n the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v of_o that_o proposition_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v only_a which_o he_o mind_v not_o the_o sense_n seem_v disparate_a in_o their_o notion_n and_o so_o not_o identical_a or_o too_o close_o connect_v which_o he_o have_v a_o most_o special_a antipathy_n against_o in_o first_o principle_n as_o be_v see_v by_o his_o impugn_v it_o in_o i_o and_o will_v more_o ample_o appear_v when_o he_o come_v to_o put_v his_o own_o nay_o the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_a will_v make_v it_o to_o one_o who_o look_v not_o much_o far_o to_o bear_v the_o face_n of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o distance_n and_o disagreement_n in_o sense_n between_o they_o which_o will_v no_o doubt_n please_v he_o huge_o yet_o i_o must_v contest_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v self-evident_a and_o that_o its_o self-evidence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o its_o subject_a and_o predicate_a consider_v logical_o and_o not_o grammatical_o be_v perfect_o identical_a that_o be_v to_o dr._n t._n be_v full_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n which_o i_o thus_o show_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o proposition_n a_o who_o will_v be_v define_v to_o be_v that_o which_o consist_v of_o part_n or_o since_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o consist_v it_o be_v equivalent_a in_o sense_n be_v in_o reality_n a_fw-la whole_a be_v part_n now_o the_o word_n part_v be_v plural_a necessary_o and_o formal_o import_v more_o than_o one_o part_n wherefore_o this_o proposition_n a_o whole_o be_v more_o than_o a_o part_n be_v perfect_o the_o self_n same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o part_n be_v more_o than_o one_o part_n which_o be_v direct_o identical_a §_o 3._o moreover_o some_o late_a philosopher_n build_v their_o physics_n on_o this_o principle_n corpus_fw-la est_fw-la quantum_fw-la in_o which_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v differ_v indeed_o grammatical_o one_o be_v substantive_o the_o other_o adjective_o express_v but_o if_o we_o rifle_v the_o word_n to_o clear_v the_o inward_a sense_n as_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o scholar_n or_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o since_o all_o the_o essential_a difference_n we_o know_v between_o a_o body_n and_o a_o spirit_n be_v this_o that_o this_o be_v indivisible_a the_o other_o divisible_a as_o also_o that_o quantity_n and_o divisibility_n be_v the_o same_o notion_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_o that_o this_o proposition_n body_n be_v quantitative_a be_v accord_v to_o they_o perfect_o equivalent_a in_o sense_n to_o this_o what_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a which_o be_v manifest_o identical_a §_o 4._o again_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n hitherto_o have_v hold_v that_o we_o have_v certain_a maxim_n ingraft_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n i_o mean_v imbue_v our_o mind_n by_o the_o first_o impression_n on_o our_o understanding_n without_o our_o contribute_v to_o their_o generation_n in_o the_o least_o more_o than_o by_o have_v a_o intelligent_a nature_n passive_o receive_v those_o impression_n and_o these_o they_o call_v principia_fw-la intellectus_fw-la which_o general_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o be_v that_o conception_n be_v the_o most_o luminous_a and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o strike_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n be_v produce_v as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o attentive_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o discourse_n consist_v of_o judgement_n express_v by_o proposition_n and_o those_o essential_o depend_v on_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v wherefore_o unless_o this_o be_v know_v antecedent_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o judge_v think_v or_o discourse_n hence_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o self-discovering_a nature_n or_o notion_n of_o be_v and_o the_o most_o obvious_a knowledge_n of_o be_v be_v this_o that_o it_o formal_o exclude_v or_o be_v extreme_o opposite_a to_o not-being_a and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o we_o use_v to_o express_v by_o this_o proposition_n impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la idem_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o be_v this_o therefore_o have_v ever_o be_v deserve_o hold_v a_o first_o principle_n in_o metaphysic_n establish_v all_o our_o discourse_n that_o concern_v the_o actual_a be_v of_o thing_n and_o ground_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o logic_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o mean_a speculater_n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v the_o selfsame_a in_o sense_n with_o this_o what_o be_v be_v which_o be_v most_o formal_o and_o supreme_o identical_a the_o impossibility_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a light_n only_o on_o this_o that_o actual_a be_v and_o not_o be_v shall_v agree_v to_o the_o same_o subject_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v in_o this_o late_a proposition_n shall_v not_o be_v connect_v §_o 5._o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o mathematics_n will_v better_o relish_v to_o our_o fastidious_a age_n which_o neglect_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v geometry_n a_o science_n think_v there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n but_o in_o line_n and_o number_n to_o they_o then_o let_v we_o go_v and_o at_o first_o entrance_n into_o euclid_n we_o be_v meet_v with_o these_o famous_a and_o useful_a principle_n those_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o same_o be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o if_o equal_v be_v add_v to_o equal_n
the_o whole_n be_v equal_a if_o equal_v be_v take_v away_o from_o equal_n the_o remainder_n be_v equal_a those_o which_o be_v twice_o as_o big_a as_o the_o same_o be_v equal_a those_o which_o be_v half_n of_o the_o same_o be_v equal_a beside_o other_o of_o the_o same_o strain_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n a_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o a_o part_n of_o itself_o of_o which_o we_o late_o discourse_v now_o i_o contend_v that_o all_o these_o be_v in_o effect_n identical_a proposition_n and_o in_o the_o common_a sense_n of_o every_o intelligent_a man_n amount_v mere_o to_o as_o much_o as_o this_o aequale_fw-la est_fw-la aequale_fw-la sibi_fw-la a_o equal_a be_v equal_a to_o itself_o or_o else_o suppose_v it_o necessary_o as_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n upon_o who_o most_o evident_a verity_n there_o be_v depend_v for_o example_n this_o proposition_n if_o equal_v be_v add_v to_o equal_n the_o whole_n be_v equal_a be_v clear_o make_v up_o of_o the_o now_o mention_v identical_a proposition_n thrice_o as_o it_o be_v repeat_v and_o be_v plain_o as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v the_o two_o suppose_a equal_n be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o the_o two_o equal_n add_v be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o the_o two_o whole_n make_v up_o of_o both_o those_o equal_n that_o be_v the_o equal_a whole_n be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o kind_n which_o be_v it_o not_o that_o man_n expect_v rigour_n of_o discourse_n in_o the_o subject_a of_o geometry_n and_o have_v entertain_v a_o conceit_n that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v nor_o have_v in_o other_o matter_n will_v look_v full_a as_o ridiculous_a by_o reason_n of_o their_o seem_o too_o great_a plainness_n and_o evidence_n as_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n or_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 6_o i_o come_v now_o to_o perform_v the_o second_o thing_n i_o promise_v which_o be_v to_o show_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o first_o principle_n and_o how_o in_o which_o hard_a point_n my_o friend_n dr._n t._n be_v at_o his_o wit_n end_n and_o first_o he_o tell_v you_o sober_o pref._n p._n 38._o if_o you_o will_v take_v his_o word_n that_o the_o mischief_n be_v they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o which_o be_v i_o confess_v a_o mischief_n with_o a_o witness_n for_o without_o these_o no_o man_n live_v can_v either_o know_v judge_n or_o discourse_n §_o 7._o next_o he_o quote_v aristotle_n against_o i_o as_o dislike_a a_o proposition_n of_o the_o very_a same_o stamp_n with_o ●y_a first_o principle_n to_o which_o my_o answer_n be_v and_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v serve_v for_o his_o object_v all_o other_o mock-authority_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o though_o i_o value_v and_o honour_n aristotle_n exceed_o yet_o neither_o he_o nor_o any_o man_n live_v take_v as_o a_o reasoner_n or_o in_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o humane_a discourse_n have_v any_o the_o least_o authority_n over_o my_o understanding_n but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o reason_n he_o produce_v let_v he_o then_o make_v use_n of_o aristotle_n reason_n and_o the_o like_a i_o say_v of_o school-divines_a against_o i_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v since_o those_o if_o convictive_a may_v subdue_v my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v i●_n ay_o be_v intelligent_a and_o candid_a or_o else_o expose_v i_o to_o the_o disesteem_a of_o learned_a man_n if_o i_o be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o understand_v their_o force_n or_o so_o insincere_o obstinate_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v they_o though_o i_o see_v they_o conclude_v otherwise_o to_o neglect_v to_o allege_v their_o reason_n and_o think_v to_o combat_v and_o overthrow_v i_o by_o object_v their_o bare_a say_n be_v so_o senseless_a a_o conceit_n as_o only_o can_v enter_v into_o the_o head_n of_o such_o a_o puny_a logician_n in_o a_o word_n let_v he_o either_o prove_v this_o a_o necessary_a consequence_n aristotle_n school-divines_a or_o other_o discourser_n say_v such_o a_o thing_n ergo_fw-la it_o be_v true_a or_o else_o desist_v from_o such_o a_o insignificant_a method_n of_o confute_v add_v that_o he_o put_v i_o by_o his_o indistinct_a cite_v the_o place_n to_o find_v out_o one_o half_a line_n perhaps_o in_o a_o large_a treatise_n otherwise_o i_o shall_v not_o doubt_v to_o show_v that_o great_a man_n not_o so_o opposite_a to_o my_o doctrine_n as_o dr._n t._n will_v persuade_v his_o reader_n §_o 8._o after_o this_o he_o assure_v we_o that_o by_o ten_o thousand_o of_o these_o identical_a proposition_n a_o man_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o advance_v one_o step_n in_o knowledge_n because_o they_o produce_v no_o conclusion_n but_o themselves_o by_o which_o he_o give_v we_o very_o learned_o to_o understand_v that_o he_o either_o never_o know_v or_o else_o have_v quite_o forget_v that_o there_o ought_v to_o be_v two_o premise_n to_o infer_v a_o conclusion_n and_o three_o term_n in_o every_o legitimate_a syllogism_n and_o not_o one_o premiss_a and_o one_o or_o at_o most_o two_o term_n only_o and_o lest_o you_o shall_v think_v i_o abuse_v he_o in_o put_v upon_o he_o such_o a_o absurdity_n as_o never_o junior_a sophister_n yet_o be_v guilty_a of_o he_o pursue_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o it_o home_o and_o to_o convince_v i_o forsooth_o of_o the_o foolery_n of_o these_o principle_n he_o will_v needs_o try_v what_o can_v be_v do_v with_o they_o either_o in_o a_o categorical_a or_o hypothetical_n syllogism_n thus_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n but_o tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n ergo_fw-la tradition_n be_v a_o rule_n again_o if_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n than_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n but_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n ergo._fw-la and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v he_o ask_v if_o any_o man_n be_v the_o wise_a for_o all_o this_o i_o answer_v not_o a_o jot_n but_o i_o know_v a_o certain_a person_n much_o foolish_a for_o it_o yet_o he_o say_v it_o may_v be_v mr._n s._n may_v make_v better_a work_n with_o they_o and_o manage_v they_o more_o dextrous_o and_o true_o i_o hope_v so_o too_o else_o he_o will_v deserve_v to_o be_v as_o ridiculous_a as_o himself_o that_o manage_v they_o so_o childish_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v observable_a what_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n he_o take_v to_o confute_v and_o what_o a_o high_a conceit_n he_o have_v of_o his_o jest_n be_v drollery_n ever_o till_o now_o hold_v a_o convictive_a or_o a_o jeer_n a_o demonstration_n alas_o poor_a trifler_n §_o 9_o to_o make_v way_n towards_o the_o declare_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o first_o painciple_n i_o be_o first_o to_o remove_v dr._n t.'s_n misconceit_n and_o to_o instruct_v his_o ignorance_n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n or_o identical_a proposition_n can_v be_v the_o premise_n in_o any_o syllogism_n to_o do_v which_o he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v or_o rather_o to_o reflect_v that_o every_o legitimate_a syllogism_n have_v three_o distinct_a term_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v or_o to_o be_v the_o conclusion_n afford_v we_o two_o the_o three_o or_o middle_a term_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o and_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o hand_n or_o from_o what_o be_v intrinsically_a or_o at_o least_o necessary_o connect_v with_o it_o in_o case_n we_o will_v conclude_v the_o thing_n certain_a this_o middle_a term_n in_o that_o figure_n which_o be_v the_o only_a natural_a and_o proper_a one_o join_v with_o the_o predicate_v of_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v in_o question_n or_o to_o be_v conclude_v make_v the_o major_a the_o same_o with_o the_o subject_a of_o the_o say_a proposition_n make_v the_o minor_n whence_o be_v see_v that_o each_o proposition_n in_o a_o legitimate_a syllogism_n have_v two_o term_n formal_o distinct_a that_o be_v two_o which_o be_v not_o formal_o the_o same_o or_o identical_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n can_v never_o be_v premise_n in_o a_o exact_a syllogism_n speak_v as_o he_o do_v of_o those_o which_o be_v every_o way_n identical_a §_o 10._o to_o show_v then_o their_o proper_a use_n i_o explain_v myself_o thus_o all_o solid_a discourse_n concern_v any_o subject_a aught_o to_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n under_o debate_n and_o to_o endeavour_v all_o what_o may_v be_v to_o hold_v firm_o to_o that_o nature_n which_o if_o it_o do_v it_o be_v right_o make_v and_o demonstrative_a if_o not_o it_o be_v absurd_a and_o contradictory_n wherefore_o he_o who_o discourse_v right_a guide_v himself_o all_o along_o by_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v such_o that_o be_v by_o be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v root_v in_o his_o judgement_n &_o keep_v a_o steady_a eye_n upon_o that_o point_n lest_o in_o discourse_n he_o deviate_v and_o swerve_v from_o its_o nature_n on_o the_o other_o
same_o with_o the_o other_o which_o be_v impossible_a in_o regard_n every_o thing_n be_v precise_o what_o it_o be_v or_o the_o same_o with_o itself_o it_o follow_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o conclusion_n thus_o deduce_v shall_v not_o be_v true_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o the_o extreme_n of_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o selfsame_a as_o far_o as_o concern_v verify_v or_o justify_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n for_o example_n in_o this_o syllogism_n virtue_n be_v laudable_a courtesy_n be_v a_o virtue_n therefore_o courtesy_n be_v laudable_a the_o two_o first_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v express_v identity_n of_o the_o extreme_n we_o see_v that_o laudable_a and_o courtesy_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o same_o with_o virtue_n wherefore_o also_o either_o they_o must_v forcible_o be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o conclusion_n or_o else_o virtue_n must_v be_v not_o one_o but_o two_o that_o be_v must_v involve_v in_o its_o self_n two_o dis-agreeing_a nature_n according_a to_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o laudable_a and_o according_a to_o the_o other_o with_o courtesy_n by_o which_o mean_v courtesy_n and_o laudable_a become_v not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o conclusion_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a virtue_n shall_v have_v intrinsecal_n disagreement_n or_o division_n within_o its_o own_o self_n or_o not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o own_o self_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v not-it-self_n wherefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a those_o two_o term_n true_o express_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o virtue_n in_o the_o premise_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o conclusion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o conclusion_n shall_v not_o be_v true_a §_o 15._o hence_o be_v see_v that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o that_o light_n by_o which_o we_o draw_v new_a knowledge_n out_o of_o foregoing_a one_o be_v that_o very_a light_n which_o shine_v in_o th●s_n self-evident_a proposition_n the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o will_v make_v one_o think_v very_o this_o identical_a proposition_n be_v neither_o ridiculous_a nor_o good_a for_o nothing_o as_o also_o which_o our_o great_a doctor_n will_v wonder_v at_o that_o if_o the_o term_n be_v free_v from_o ambiguity_n and_o a_o middle_a term_n be_v right_o choose_v a_o man_n who_o understand_v logic_n may_v come_v to_o be_v infallible_o assure_v of_o his_o conclusision_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n a_o mathematician_n may_v be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o omne_fw-la triangulum_fw-la habet_fw-la tres_fw-la angulos_fw-la aequales_fw-la duobus_fw-la rectis_fw-la and_o upon_o this_o assurance_n give_v he_o by_o these_o ridiculous_a first_o principle_n as_o our_o ridiculous_a logician_n call_v they_o grow_v so_o hard_o heart_v in_o hold_v to_o his_o conclusion_n thus_o demonstrative_o deduce_v that_o he_o will_v not_o forgo_v it_o though_o two_o admirable_a vndemonstrate_v doctor_n of_o no_o principle_n dr._n st._n and_o dr._n t._n break_v jest_n after_o jest_n which_o my_o friend_n call_v here_o fair_a admonition_n upon_o principle_n demonstration_n rule_n etc._n etc._n and_o upon_o i_o for_o hold_v they_o even_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v good_a dr._n t._n quite_o despair_n of_o convince_a i_o as_o he_o here_o sober_o and_o sad_o complain_v to_o his_o reader_n pref._n p._n 3._o §_o 16._o last_o hence_o be_v see_v in_o what_o way_n we_o make_v use_v of_o this_o first_o principle_n the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v ●aid_v of_o other_o of_o this_o nature_n to_o wit_n thus_o that_o if_o the_o discourse_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o necessary_o to_o engage_v the_o verity_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n it_o must_v most_o inevitable_o and_o infallible_o be_v certain_a and_o demonstrative_a but_o if_o the_o discourse_n clash_n with_o it_o and_o thwart_v it_o it_o be_v as_o certain_o contradictory_n absurd_a and_o false_a §_o 17._o i_o foresee_v this_o first_o principle_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o ground_n all_o reason_n will_v even_o for_o that_o regard_n incur_v dr._n t_n high_a disfavour_n as_o well_o as_o its_o fellow_n for_o a_o very_a small_a stock_n of_o reason_n will_v serve_v to_o set_a up_o a_o talk_v divine_a and_o too_o much_o will_v quite_o break_v he_o and_o therefore_o i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o reconcile_v they_o by_o let_v he_o see_v that_o himself_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n be_v force_v to_o guide_v himself_o by_o those_o first_o principle_n though_o he_o strive_v all_o he_o can_v to_o pervert_v nature_n and_o slight_v they_o nay_o that_o himself_o must_v grant_v that_o identical_a proposition_n deserve_v to_o be_v call_v and_o esteem_v first_o principle_n after_o all_o this_o rant_a and_o swagger_a noise_n against_o they_o to_o do_v this_o i_o will_v put_v they_o on_o his_o side_n hope_v his_o own_o interest_n passion_n and_o partiality_n to_o wh●ch_v his_o reason_n seem_v a_o swear_a slave_n will_v invite_v he_o to_o see_v that_o truth_n which_o in_o other_o circumstance_n he_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 183_o 184._o he_o combat_n sure_a foot_n as_o make_v moral_a motive_n and_o argument_n necessary_o produce_v their_o effect_n upon_o a_o free_a agent_n the_o will_n of_o man_n and_o argue_v pretty_a well_o against_o it_o if_o he_o be_v not_o mistake_v all_o the_o while_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n as_o free_a and_o certain_o he_o must_v see_v it_o be_v his_o own_o best_a and_o close_a play_n to_o contend_v that_o i_o subvert_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o free_a agent_n as_o such_o by_o my_o discourse_n and_o what_o mean_v this_o but_o that_o my_o discourse_n make_v that_o which_o be_v free_a to_o be_v not-free_a and_o be_v not_o this_o as_o plain_o to_o say_v that_o i_o wrong_v that_o principle_n what_o be_v free_a be_v free_a as_o man_n can_v speak_v if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v not_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o first_o truth_n or_o principle_n i_o wrong_v by_o make_v that_o which_o be_v free_a to_o be_v not_o free_a if_o i_o wrong_v no_o principle_n my_o discourse_n will_v be_v unblameable_a if_o any_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v assign_v none_o but_o that_o identical_a proposition_n what_o be_v free_a be_v free_a this_o and_o only_o this_o be_v formal_o oppose_v to_o that_o other_o in_o which_o he_o must_v contend_v my_o discourse_n be_v faulty_a namely_o the_o sustain_a that_o what_o be_v free_a be_v not_o free_a again_o as_o be_v say_v a_o contradiction_n be_v the_o chief_a of_o falsehood_n and_o be_v faulty_a in_o point_n of_o truth_n and_o all_o fault_n or_o defect_n be_v as_o such_o a_o negative_a or_o privative_a its_o malice_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o positive_a good_a which_o it_o violate_v or_o exclude_v that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n by_o the_o opposite_a truth_n which_o it_o destroy_v but_o the_o proper_a opposite_a to_o a_o contradiction_n be_v a_o identical_a proposition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v also_o it_o be_v proper_a opposite_a it_o be_v a_o chief_a falsehood_n be_v a_o chief_a tru●h_n or_o first_o principle_n therefore_o not_o only_o all_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n but_o in_o case_n those_o be_v not_o establish_v first_o contradiction_n will_v be_v harmless_a innocent_a fool_n hurt_v no_o truth_n or_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n and_o even_o though_o they_o be_v establish_v dr._n t._n tell_v we_o very_o serious_o pref._n p._n 38._o they_o be_v good_a for_o nothing_o and_o so_o still_o he_o plead_v for_o the_o innocency_n of_o contradiction_n and_o disgrace_n their_o enemy_n first_o principle_n one_o will_v guess_v he_o have_v far_o more_o of_o those_o on_o his_o side_n than_o of_o these_o as_o it_o will_v appear_v when_o his_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n come_v to_o be_v scan_v and_o particular_o in_o that_o passage_n i_o late_o cite_v where_o though_o it_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a part_n of_o his_o book_n yet_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v partly_o hereafter_o in_o this_o treatise_n partly_o more_o in_o the_o next_o that_o he_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o necessity_n liberty_n will_n and_o even_o manhood_n or_o else_o when_o he_o hap_v to_o hit_v right_a misapplies_a his_o objection_n to_o the_o wrong_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n §_o 18._o if_o after_o all_o this_o dr._n t._n can_v conceive_v that_o the_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n let_v he_o imagine_v a_o man_n divest_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o identical_a proposition_n and_o then_o let_v he_o tell_v i_o how_o or_o in_o virtue_n of_o what_o such_o a_o man_n can_v either_o judge_n know_v or_o discourse_n or_o let_v he_o show_v i_o what_o can_v h●nder_v such_o a_o soul_n from_o take_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n
proper_o a_o science_n for_o this_o abstraction_n or_o manner_n of_o be_v in_o our_o mind_n free_v the_o notion_n or_o nature_n thus_o abstract_v that_o be_v the_o thing_n as_o thus_o conceive_v by_o we_o from_o uncertainty_n nay_o indeed_o fix_v it_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o immutability_n whereas_o be_v it_o consider_v as_o find_v in_o the_o world_n there_o will_v be_v no_o firm_a ground_n at_o all_o for_o any_o discourse_n for_o example_n perhaps_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o perpetual_a turmoil_n of_o thing_n in_o nature_n there_o be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n any_o one_o body_n either_o mathematical_o straight_a circular_a or_o triangular_a yet_o because_o the_o nature_n of_o body_n conceive_v as_o in_o rest_n bear_v it_o &_o we_o can_v abstract_n from_o motion_n and_o so_o consider_v quantitative_a thing_n according_a to_o what_o they_o can_v bear_v in_o themselves_o take_v as_o not_o move_v or_o in_o rest_n therefore_o we_o can_v make_v such_o steady_a notion_n and_o when_o we_o have_v do_v discourse_v they_o and_o ground_n a_o long_a train_n of_o new_a conclusion_n which_o we_o call_v a_o particular_a science_n upon_o such_o a_o nature_n thus_o conceive_v §_o 9_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o ethic_n or_o morality_n be_v not_o equal_o demonstrable_a as_o mathematics_n for_o we_o can_v equal_o abstract_a those_o moral_a notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o consider_v they_o apart_o as_o we_o can_v do_v those_o mathematical_a one_o of_o line_n and_o number_n i_o know_v it_o be_v grow_v a_o common_a humour_n in_o the_o world_n take_v up_o i_o know_v not_o how_o by_o course_n and_o continue_v none_o know_v why_o to_o think_v otherwise_o but_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o never_o can_v discern_v any_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o shall_v be_v thankful_a to_o that_o man_n who_o can_v show_v i_o any_o that_o convince_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o give_v i_o for_o the_o affirmative_a which_o be_v this_o that_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o ethic_n as_o for_o mathematics_n since_o all_o the_o perquisit_n for_o demonstration_n be_v find_v in_o the_o one_o as_o in_o the_o other_o to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o test_n let_v we_o consider_v what_o euclid_n do_v when_o he_o demonstrate_v and_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o we_o see_v he_o put_v his_o definition_n and_o some_o common_a maxim_n peculiar_a to_o that_o subject_a and_o then_o by_o his_o reason_n connect_v the_o first_o deduction_n with_o his_o principle_n and_o the_o follow_a deduction_n with_o the_o forego_n on●●_n weave_v they_o into_o a_o science_n and_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o we_o can_v as_o well_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n which_o express_v virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o so_o as_o well_o define_v they_o as_o we_o can_v those_o other_o also_o that_o the_o common_a maxim_n of_o morality_n be_v as_o self-evident_a to_o humane_a nature_n as_o any_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n i_o admire_v then_o what_o shall_v hinder_v ethic_n to_o be_v as_o perfect_v a_o science_n as_o the_o clear_a piece_n of_o mathematics_n since_o we_o can_v equal_o abstract_a the_o several_a notion_n handle_v in_o it_o from_o matter_n equal_o define_v they_o and_o consequent_o assist_v by_o common_a maxim_n equally-evident_a with_o equal_a clearness_n discourse_v they_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v require_v §_o 10._o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o particular_a moral_a action_n be_v liable_a to_o contingency_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o this_o hinder_v not_o but_o the_o speculative_a part_n of_o morality_n be_v a_o true_a science_n even_o mathematical_a demonstration_n when_o reduce_v to_o practice_n and_o put_v in_o matter_n be_v subject_a also_o to_o contingency_n as_o we_o experience_v daily_o in_o mechanic_n and_o yet_o the_o speculative_a part_n which_o abstract_n from_o matter_n be_v never_o the_o less_o scientifical_a §_o 11._o the_o great_a difficulty_n be_v in_o that_o cardinal_n virtue_n call_v prudence_n and_o i_o confess_v that_o because_o the_o exercise_n of_o this_o virtue_n be_v surround_v with_o a_o incomprehensible_a number_n of_o accident_n and_o waylay_v as_o it_o be_v with_o all_o the_o ambush_n and_o stratagem_n of_o fortune_n and_o consequent_o to_o make_v its_o success_n certain_a we_o must_v be_v put_v to_o fathom_v the_o nature_n of_o many_o several_a thing_n nay_o more_o their_o combination_n or_o joynt-actings_a with_o their_o several_a circumstance_n and_o especial_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o other_o star_n if_o they_o have_v any_o that_o be_v considerable_a and_o last_o of_o the_o element_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o our_o shortsighted_a knowledge_n to_o reach_v hence_o prudence_n in_o its_o execution_n or_o put_v in_o matter_n be_v liable_a to_o more_o contingency_n by_o far_o than_o any_o piece_n of_o the_o mathematics_n where_o we_o have_v but_o one_o or_o two_o single_a notion_n or_o nature_n to_o grapple_v with_o and_o wield_v yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o difficulty_n i_o must_v still_o contest_v that_o the_o maxim_n of_o prudence_n upon_o which_o its_o dictaman_n be_v chief_o ground_v be_v self-evident_a practical_o and_o to_o the_o learned_a demonstrable_a viz._n that_o we_o ought_v to_o sow_v and_o plant_v in_o their_o proper_a season_n that_o it_o be_v best_a for_o merchant_n to_o hazard_v though_o they_o be_v insecure_a of_o the_o event_n and_o a_o thousand_o suchlike_a §_o 12._o i_o expect_v dr._n t._n will_v object_v the_o fickle_a nature_n of_o the_o will_n which_o render_v all_o contingent_a where_o this_o perpetually-changing_a planet_n have_v any_o influence_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v a_o way_n for_o all_o that_o to_o fix_v this_o volatile_a mercurial_a power_n and_o make_v it_o act_v with_o a_o constancy_n as_o great_a as_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o conceive_v how_o this_o may_v be_v effect_v we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o will_v too_o have_v a_o peculiar_a nature_n of_o its_o own_o which_o it_o can_v no_o more_o forgo_v than_o the_o most_o constant_a piece_n find_v in_o nature_n can_v do_v its_o that_o be_v the_o will_n can_v no_o more_o leave_v off_o be_v a_o will_n than_o a_o rule_n can_v notbe_a a_o rule_n faith_n notbe_a faith_n or_o any_o other_o of_o those_o ridiculous_a identical_a proposition_n as_o dr._n t._n call_v they_o not_o be_v true_a now_o the_o will_n be_v a_o power_n and_o power_n take_v their_o several_a nature_n from_o their_o object_n or_o as_o the_o school_n express_v it_o be_v specify_v by_o they_o and_o the_o object_n of_o the_o will_v as_o distinguish_v from_o the_o understanding_n be_v good_a and_o this_o propose_v to_o it_o by_o that_o know_a power_n that_o be_v good_a at_o least_o appear_v such_o if_o it_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a that_o such_o a_o thing_n can_v never_o appear_v a_o good_a to_o the_o subject_a thus_o circumstance_v it_o be_v demonstrable_a the_o will_n can_v will_v it_o nay_o as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o will_n be_v a_o will._n §_o 13._o to_o apply_v this_o to_o particular_n in_o case_n there_o be_v a_o trade_n or_o profession_n of_o merchant_n and_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o the_o follower_n of_o that_o sole_a employment_n that_o themselves_o wife_n and_o child_n must_v starve_v unless_o they_o venture_v to_o sea_n the_o notventure_n can_v never_o appear_v to_o they_o thus_o circumstance_v that_o be_v addict_v to_o that_o only_a way_n of_o livelihood_n as_o be_v suppose_v a_o good_a and_o so_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o abstract_v from_o madness_n or_o exorbitant_a passion_n which_o be_v not_o our_o case_n they_o can_v never_o will_v not-to-venture_a or_o if_o a_o great_a multitude_n of_o man_n have_v embrace_v no_o profession_n but_o that_o of_o the_o law_n and_o as_o we_o will_v suppose_v have_v no_o other_o livelihood_n but_o that_o so_o that_o it_o become_v evident_a it_o can_v never_o appear_v a_o good_a to_o they_o not_o to_o take_v fee_n it_o be_v as_o certain_a they_o will_v not_o refuse_v they_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v itself_o or_o that_o a_o will_n be_v a_o will_n because_o a_o will_n be_v a_o power_n who_o essence_n it_o be_v to_o have_v such_o a_o object_n as_o be_v appear_o good_n §_o 14._o to_o come_v close_o to_o our_o purpose_n suppose_v innumerable_a multitude_n of_o father_n or_o immediate_a predecessor_n in_o any_o age_n have_v a_o inclination_n to_o deceive_v their_o child_n or_o immediate_a successor_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o immediate_a end_n they_o propose_v to_o themselves_o be_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v such_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v receive_v by_o they_o from_o forefather_n which_o be_v indeed_o new_o invent_v these_o man_n i_o say_v in_o case_n they_o must_v see_v
the_o small_a strength_n they_o have_v when_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a be_v not_o earnest_o and_o hearty_o engage_v neither_o in_o the_o patronage_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o in_o prove_v it_o probable_a there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o only_o incline_v favourable_o towards_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v of_o moderate_a temper_n use_v to_o be_v favourable_a to_o every_o body_n and_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o sweet_a soft-natured_a melt_a pliable_a tender-hearted_a compassionate_a and_o indulgent_a thing_n as_o these_o same_o probability_n they_o be_v ever_o at_o hand_n to_o lend_v their_o weak_a help_n to_o any_o body_n that_o want_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o will_v fit_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n good_a or_o bad_a yet_o for_o all_o their_o kind_n and_o gentle_a behaviour_n in_o oblige_v none_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o or_o say_v as_o they_o do_v as_o your_o rude_a demonstration_n use_v i_o have_v notwithstanding_o a_o kind_n of_o prejudice_n against_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v false_a heart_a and_o use_v to_o play_v jack-a-both-side_n most_o egregious_o for_o scarce_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o tenet_n in_o the_o world_n so_o absurd_a but_o when_o not_o one_o good_a reason_n dare_v appear_v for_o it_o this_o tattle_a gossip_n dame_n probability_n will_v for_o all_o that_o undertake_v it_o and_o let_v she_o have_v but_o her_o neat_a chambermaid_n rhetoric_n to_o trick_n she_o up_o with_o lace_n spangle_n curl_n patch_n and_o other_o such_o pretty_a bauble_n she_o will_v dare_v to_o encounter_v with_o any_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n or_o maintain_v the_o most_o absurd_a paradox_n imaginable_a as_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n well_o know_v else_o they_o will_v be_v out_o of_o heart_n ever_o to_o write_v more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o conceive_v why_o p._n 22._o he_o call_v they_o fair_a say_v if_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n and_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o fair_a proof_n he_o say_v not_o good_a proof_n or_o conclusive_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n no_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o this_o will_v quite_o take_v the_o business_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o probability_n which_o a_o rhetorical_a divine_a ought_v not_o to_o do_v for_o nothing_o suit_v with_o rhetoric_n humour_n so_o well_o as_o probability_n do_v and_o demonstration_n care_v not_o one_o straw_n for_o she_o but_o he_o give_v they_o their_o just_a due_n and_o call_v they_o only_o fair_a proof_n and_o fair_a probability_n that_o be_v pretty_a plausible_a and_o take_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o of_o themselves_o what_o be_v there_o which_o a_o little_a daub_v with_o rhetorical_a varnish_n will_v not_o make_v fair_a but_o the_o upshot_n o●_n sum_n total_a of_o his_o proof_n be_v the_o best_a sport_n if_o it_o be_v not_o most_o pernicious_a it_o be_v this_o that_o these_o fair_a probability_n take_v together_o and_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o conviction_n in_o they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o plain_a confession_n though_o couch_v in_o wary_a term_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a proof_n among_o they_o all_o yet_o many_o bad_a one_o put_v together_o will_v make_v a_o good_a one_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o concurrence_n of_o many_o likelihood_n render_v a_o thing_n more_o probable_a and_o encourage_v we_o to_o outward_a action_n but_o to_o think_v that_o many_o probability_n will_v reach_v that_o indivisible_a point_n in_o which_o truth_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n be_v find_v be_v quite_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o assent_n too_o which_o consist_v in_o be_v or_o be_v not_o and_o since_o to_o convince_v rational_o be_v to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n be_v i_o desire_v dr._n t_n logic_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o since_o a_o probable_a proof_n be_v that_o which_o only_o conclude_v the_o thing_n probable_a and_o consequent_o many_o probable_a one_o be_v terminate_v in_o render_v it_o more_o probable_a how_o i_o say_v many_o proof_n only_o probable_a can_v conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v certain_o or_o convince_v the_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v unless_o they_o happen_v to_o engage_v some_o nature_n or_o other_o and_o consequent_o some_o identical_a proposition_n which_o dr._n t._n neither_o pretend_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o show_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n declare_v himself_o a_o utter_a enemy_n to_o such_o principle_n and_o consequent_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o discourse_n §_o 12._o in_o a_o word_n dr._n t_n positive_a proof_n of_o a_o godhead_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n humane_a testimony_n and_o probability_n of_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n serm._n p._n 22_o 23._o and_o testimony_n which_o p._n 22._o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o divide_v into_o universal_a tradition_n and_o write_a history_n now_o write_a history_n be_v not_o therefore_o true_a because_o it_o be_v write_v but_o depend_v upon_o live_v authority_n or_o tradition_n to_o authenticate_v it_o and_o how_o ridiculous_a he_o will_v make_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n even_o that_o which_o be_v confess_o ground_v on_o the_o sensation_n of_o great_a multitude_n which_o be_v vast_o above_o this_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v see_v in_o h●s_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o pref._n p._n 16._o all_o humane_a testimony_n be_v fallible_a and_o so_o all_o build_v on_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a wherefore_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n it_o be_v conclude_v there_o may_v possible_o be_v no_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n humane_a testimony_n say_v to_o the_o point_n 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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 link●_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 ●_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 d●●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 tru●_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 sur●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 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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 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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 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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
more_o blasphemous_a against_o essential_a truth_n and_o goodness_n farther_o i_o declare_v it_o be_v my_o tenet_n that_o notwithstanding_o this_o failure_n in_o some_o particular_n yet_o i_o hold_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v so_o familiar_o acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o testify_v authority_n as_o to_o know_v gross_o and_o confuse_o by_o mean_n of_o practical_a self-evidence_n that_o it_o be_v a_o certain_a rule_n to_o proceed_v upon_o and_o thence_o either_o discern_v themselves_o if_o they_o be_v very_o prudential_a or_o else_o be_v capable_a to_o be_v make_v discern_v who_o proceed_v upon_o that_o rule_n who_o not_o hence_o also_o i_o hold_v that_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n be_v the_o best_a provision_n that_o can_v be_v make_v for_o all_o mankind_n to_o receive_v faith_n upon_o it_o be_v the_o most_o familiar_o and_o most_o obvious_o knowable_a and_o penetrable_a by_o all_o sort_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o far_o more_o than_o language_n translation_n &_o transcription_n on_o which_o the_o letter-rule_n depend_v last_o i_o hold_v that_o what_o be_v thus_o practical_o self-evident_a that_o be_v know_v in_o gross_a and_o confuse_o by_o the_o vulgar_a be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a who_o scan_v with_o exact_a art_n the_o nature_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o wrought_v constant_o that_o certify_a effect_n in_o the_o generality_n and_o find_v out_o according_a to_o what_o precise_o they_o have_v that_o certify_a virtue_n which_o find_v it_o will_v be_v the_o proper_a medium_fw-la to_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o that_o authority_n by_o this_o be_v my_o true_a tenet_n which_o my_o prevaricate_a adversary_n perpetual_o mistake_v because_o he_o will_v do_v it_o and_o he_o therefore_o will_v do_v it_o because_o it_o must_v be_v do_v in_o mala_fw-la causa_fw-la as_o st._n austin_n say_v non_fw-la possunt_fw-la aliter_fw-la §_o 12._o he_o go_v about_o to_o argue_v pag._n 15._o from_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n and_o allege_v that_o a_o freedom_n from_o see_v just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n may_v make_v one_o believe_v or_o real_o assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o live_v according_o and_o be_v save_v by_o which_o i_o conceive_v he_o judge_v a_o christian_n life_n consist_v in_o move_v one_o leg_n arm_n or_o hand_n for_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o stir_v we_o up_o to_o external_n action_n that_o the_o motive_n be_v only_o probable_a but_o if_o a_o christian_n life_n be_v spiritual_a consist_v in_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o understanding_n and_o will_n as_o a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o fervent_a love_n of_o unseen_a and_o unconceivable_a good_n with_o other_o virtue_n subservient_fw-fr to_o these_o and_o all_o these_o depend_v on_o faith_n as_o their_o basis_n and_o faith_n depend_v for_o its_o truth_n which_o give_v it_o all_o its_o efficacy_n on_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o doubt_v it_o will_v scarce_o suffice_v to_o work_v these_o effect_n hearty_o if_o learned_a man_n speak_v out_o candid_o and_o tell_v the_o christian_n they_o be_v to_o govern_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o they_o can_v discern_v they_o can_v see_v absolute_o speak_v that_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o high_a likelihood_n a_o more_o credible_a opinion_n or_o a_o fair_a probability_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v beyond_o all_o these_o and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o main_a point_n then_o that_o dr._n t._n ever_o miss_v in_o be_v this_o that_o he_o still_o omit_v to_o state_n what_o certainty_n be_v due_a to_o christian_a faith_n and_o its_o ground_n per_fw-la se_fw-la loquendo_fw-la or_o according_a to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o the_o interior_a act_n it_o must_v produce_v and_o the_o difficulty_n it_o must_v struggle_v through_o and_o overcome_v even_o in_o the_o wise_a and_o most_o rational_a person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v satisfy_v of_o its_o verity_n and_o so_o embrace_v it_o and_o consider_v it_o perpetual_o according_a to_o what_o per_fw-la accidens_fw-la that_o be_v not_o essential_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o accidental_o may_v consist_v with_o it_o without_o utter_o destroy_v its_o nature_n that_o be_v he_o consider_v it_o not_o as_o found_v in_o those_o subject_n where_o it_o be_v in_o its_o true_a and_o perfect_a state_n or_o free_v from_o all_o alloy_n of_o irrationality_n but_o as_o in_o those_o where_o it_o be_v find_v most_o defective_o and_o imperfect_o or_o as_o it_o most_o deviate_v from_o its_o right_a nature_n and_o this_o he_o be_v force_v to_o do_v because_o he_o see_v that_o shall_v he_o treat_v of_o it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v or_o according_a to_o what_o it_o will_v be_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o the_o giver_n of_o every_o perfect_a gift_n to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o faith_n single_o and_o sole_o consider_v without_o mingle_v the_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n with_o his_o otherwise_o most_o powerful_a and_o wise_a efficiency_n the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n must_v be_v able_a to_o subdue_v to_o a_o hearty_a assent_n the_o most_o learned_a and_o wise_a portion_n of_o mankind_n which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v while_o they_o be_v see_v by_o they_o to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 13._o he_o argue_v that_o infallibility_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n because_o this_o admit_v of_o degree_n that_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o assent_n of_o none_o beside_o infallibility_n be_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o be_v deceive_v and_o there_o be_v no_o degree_n in_o absolute_a impossibility_n i_o answer_v that_o let_v a_o thousand_o intellectual_a creature_n angel_n or_o man_n know_v and_o that_o infallible_o too_o the_o self-same-object_n yet_o they_o all_o know_v it_o in_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n not_o by_o mean_n of_o know_v more_o in_o the_o object_n for_o we_o will_v suppose_v it_o one_o single_a point_n but_o intensive_o or_o 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as_o it_o be_v sink_v it_o deep_o in_o the_o know_a power_n than_o another_o do_v which_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o several_a disposition_n of_o the_o subject_a or_o the_o antecedent_n love_n of_o god_n which_o when_o it_o be_v great_a it_o more_o intimate_o and_o close_o apply_v the_o divine_a object_n to_o the_o fervently●addicted_v power_n again_o on_o the_o object_n side_n there_o may_v be_v in_o some_o sense_n several_a degree_n even_o of_o absolute_a impossibility_n first_o because_o of_o the_o great_a disproportion_n of_o the_o object_n to_o the_o power_n as_o put_v case_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o twenty_o man_n shall_v lift_v such_o a_o weight_n it_o be_v good_a sense_n to_o say_v if_o twenty_o man_n can_v lift_v it_o much_o less_o can_v two_o or_o if_o ten_o man_n can_v possible_o resist_v the_o force_n of_o five_o hundred_o much_o less_o can_v they_o resist_v ten_o thousand_o of_o equal_a strength_n next_o because_o one_o of_o the_o impossibles_fw-fr depend_v upon_o another_o a●_n if_o be_v impossible_a the_o conclusion_n shall_v be_v false_a it_o be_v more_o impossible_a the_o premise_n shall_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o more_o that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n shall_v or_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a 2_o and_o 3_o shall_v not_o make_v ●_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o impossible_a god_n who_o be_v self-existence_n shall_v not_o be_v because_o in_o these_o the_o late_a impossibility_n which_o depend_v on_o the_o forme●_n be_v only_o impossible_a by_o consequence_n though_o still_o absolute_o such_o that_o be_v be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a if_o that_o which_o ground_n it_o be_v not_o so_o whence_o be_v see_v that_o unless_o dr._n t._n will_v say_v that_o all_o create_a understanding_n be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a pitch_n of_o excellence_n he_o must_v say_v that_o even_o suppose_v ●he_v selfsame_o object_n or_o motive_n apt_a to_o assure_v infallible_o one_o may_v better_o penetrate_v it_o and_o so_o be_v more_o
do_v that_o which_o before_o he_o come_v to_o he_o make_v such_o a_o pother_n and_o still_o hang_v back_o and_o pretend_v to_o hold_v the_o contrary_a even_o there_o where_o he_o grant_v it_o as_o be_v see_v in_o his_o title_n but_o i_o be_o not_o so_o peevish_a and_o so_o the_o truth_n be_v agree_v mean_v not_o to_o fall_v out_o about_o the_o word_n let_v he_o use_v what_o he_o please_v in_o god_n name_n marry_o i_o suspect_v his_o friend_n will_v not_o so_o easy_o be_v satisfy_v &_o perhaps_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v that_o this_o be_v a_o more_o speedy_a way_n of_o answer_v than_o a_o good_a way_n of_o confute_v for_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o odd_a way_n of_o show_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n which_o he_o undertake_v in_o his_o title_n to_o grant_v etc._n etc._n that_o it_o can_v do_v what_o a_o rule_n shall_v do_v that_o be_v have_v all_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n all_o i_o have_v to_o complain_v of_o be_v he_o recal_v his_o grant_n and_o will_v not_o stand_v to_o his_o word_n give_v public_o and_o after_o sufficient_a consideration_n but_o after_o he_o have_v acknowledge_v the_o truth_n continue_v still_o to_o contradict_v it_o and_o bear_v other_o in_o hand_n that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o answer_v what_o he_o have_v plain_o grant_v this_o cross_a proceed_n be_v a_o thing_n which_o as_o well_o as_o he_o have_v deserve_v of_o truth_n and_o i_o i_o can_v approve_v and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v for_o his_o own_o and_o the_o world_n sake_n he_o will_v stedy_o own_v at_o least_o his_o own_o concession_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v we_o see_v if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o as_o plain_a as_o plain_o may_v be_v in_o stead_n of_o s●ven_n property_n prove_v in_o my_o discourse_n to_o belong_v to_o tradition_n he_o put_v two_o of_o his_o own_o first_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o this_o he_o grant_v here_o pag._n 149._o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n his_o second_o be_v that_o we_o must_v be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o by_o oral_a tradition_n have_v receive_v no_o corruption_n or_o change_n in_o the_o conveyance_n and_o here_o he_o say_v be_v the_o difficulty_n where_o good_a dr_n we_o be_v inquire_v which_o be_v the_o rule_n must_v we_o before_o we_o can_v find_v it_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o doctrine_n when_o the_o rule_n be_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o give_v we_o this_o assurance_n if_o we_o must_v beforehand_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o need_v a_o rule_n no_o more_o for_o the_o business_n be_v do_v already_o or_o if_o we_o do_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o find_v one_o for_o assurance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o rule_n we_o make_v the_o rule_n the_o effect_n of_o this_o assurance_n and_o so_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n till_o we_o have_v a_o rule_n and_o no_o rule_n till_o we_o have_v this_o assurance_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o difficulty_n and_o i_o 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which_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n can_v possible_o be_v expect_v from_o or_o desire_v in_o a_o rule_n his_o difficulty_n such_o as_o it_o be_v belong_v to_o another_o place_n where_o it_o be_v express_o treat_v and_o this_o be_v dr._n t_n sufficient_a consideration_n of_o the_o point_n §_o 4._o what_o pretty_a fantastical_a thing_n these_o word_n be_v and_o how_o apt_a they_o be_v to_o trapan_n a_o man_n who_o look_v not_o narrow_o into_o their_o sense_n one_o will_v have_v think_v &_o i_o imagine_v the_o dr._n intend_v man_n shall_v think_v that_o his_o sufficient_o consider_v mean_v sufficient_o confute_v when_o alas_o they_o signify_v plain_o and_o ready_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o neat_a and_o a_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 form●●_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 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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 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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
of_o irony_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o least_o of_o a_o impertinent_a nature_n but_o a_o serious_a pursuit_n of_o the_o point_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n it_o seem_v there_o be_v in_o it_o no_o show_n of_o passion_n it_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o gall_v and_o be_v so_o uneasy_a to_o he_o what_o need_n be_v there_o to_o fall_v into_o such_o down_o right_a rudeness_n as_o to_o call_v a_o proposition_n of_o i_o for_o which_o i_o offer_v my_o reason_n most_o impudent_a as_o do_v dr._n t._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 173._o and_o in_o forty_o other_o place_n to_o make_v the_o droll_fw-fr supplier_fw-fr the_o divine_a be_v it_o not_o enough_o to_o answer_v the_o reason_n and_o let_v the_o world_n judge_n if_o he_o can_v show_v any_o such_o rude_a language_n in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o i_o here_o blame_v myself_o for_o it_o though_o it_o be_v responsum_fw-la non_fw-la dictum_fw-la the_o worst_a word_n i_o use_v be_v charge_v h●m_n with_o falsify_v my_o word_n and_o sense_n and_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o but_o hard_a law_n if_o he_o may_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o commit_v such_o fault_n frequent_o and_o i_o may_v not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v his_o fault_n when_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n as_o his_o answerer_n to_o discover_v they_o §_o 2._o he_o will_v clear_v himself_o of_o some_o fault_n object_v to_o do_v which_o he_o summon_v together_o all_o his_o best_a art_n first_o he_o pick_v out_o general_o what_o can_v best_o bear_v a_o show_n of_o reply_n next_o he_o counterfeit_v a_o wrong_a objection_n and_o last_o conceal_v in_o what_o manner_n and_o for_o what_o reason_n it_o be_v press_v against_o he_o and_o by_o this_o mean_v he_o hope_v to_o escape_v blame_n §_o 3._o first_o he_o will_v justify_v himself_o for_o say_v i_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v word_n because_o myself_o say_v i_o will_v examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o they_o which_o seem_v equivalent_a to_o explain_v they_o but_o he_o conceal_v what_o kind_n 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be_v evident_a not_o one_o of_o these_o particular_a affirmation_n or_o say_n have_v the_o least_o show_n of_o he_o conceal_v also_o what_o be_v allege_v letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 6._o for_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o creditable_a that_o candid_a scholar_n shall_v reflect_v on_o it_o viz._n that_o the_o word_n faith_n be_v equivocal_a and_o sometime_o signify_v conscience_n sometime_o fidelity_n or_o honesty_n etc._n etc._n i_o be_v necessary_o to_o explain_v myself_o in_o what_o sense_n i_o understand_v it_o there_o and_o to_o declare_v that_o i_o take_v it_o for_o belief_n and_o according_o say_v faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o believe_v which_o no_o soon_o do_v but_o my_o pleasant_a confuter_n will_v needs_o have_v that_o express_v or_o clear_v its_o distinct_a sense_n in_o one_o single_a word_n to_o be_v a_o definition_n too_o and_o play_v upon_o it_o p._n 3._o with_o such_o affect_a raillery_n as_o will_v make_v any_o sober_a man_n unacquainted_a with_o the_o art_n he_o use_v to_o escape_v the_o duty_n of_o reply_v just_o wonder_v but_o i_o shall_v easy_o satisfy_v our_o reader_n what_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o this_o carriage_n he_o think_v it_o not_o fit_a to_o give_v one_o word_n of_o a_o sober_a and_o solid_a reply_n to_o any_o one_o of_o tho●e_a many_o reason_n in_o that_o first_o discourse_n of_o i_o build_v all_o upon_o those_o affirmation_n or_o predication_n now_o speak_v of_o though_o this_o be_v the_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o rest_n on_o wh●ch_n i_o ground_n rhe_n property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n import_v its_o absolute_a certainty_n but_o neglect_v all_o my_o premise_n and_o proof_n he_o fall_v to_o deny_v my_o conclusion_n and_o talk_v something_o against_o it_o in_o his_o own_o way_n so_o that_o it_o be_v evident_a these_o jest_n be_v to_o divert_v the_o reader_n from_o the_o point_n and_o so_o serve_v instead_o of_o a_o confute_v to_o that_o whole_a discourse_n a_o rare_a method_n signify_v thus_o much_o if_o candidly_n and_o plain_o lay_v open_a and_o bring_v to_o term●_n of_o reason_n because_o i_o can_v pretend_v any_o thing_n and_o play_n upon_o it_o with_o ironies_n pretty_o express_v therefore_o my_o kind_n unexamine_v friend_n be_v inure_v to_o believe_v all_o i_o say_v to_o be_v gospel_n let_v my_o adversary_n say_v what_o he_o will_v he_o shall_v never_o be_v hold_v to_o discourse_v solid_o i_o charge_v he_o then_o afresh_o with_o a_o affect_a disingenuity_n design_v to_o palliate_v h●s_a neglect_n of_o answer_v and_o let_v he_o know_v that_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a out_o of_o my_o book_n i_o build_v not_o there_o those_o seven_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ●he_n reason_n for_o which_o he_o no_o where_o refute_v on_o the_o exactness_n entireness_n or_o goodness_n of_o any_o falsely-pretended_n definition_n or_o explication_n but_o on_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o proposition_n or_o the_o agreement_n of_o those_o attribute_n or_o property_n to_o the_o respective_a nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n as_o their_o subject_n also_o he_o may_v please_v to_o reflect_v that_o these_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o signification_n of_o those_o word_n by_o discover_v and_o then_o dilate_v upon_o each_o of_o those_o single_o i_o declare_v by_o consequence_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v my_o present_a purpose_n without_o compile_v explication_n or_o frame_v definition_n which_o only_o be_v the_o thing_n i_o deny_v last_o i_o charge_v this_o insincerity_n far_o more_o home_n upon_o he_o now_o than_o ever_o that_o whereas_o in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o from_o p._n 5._o to_o p_o 9_o i_o have_v at_o large_a refute_v these_o ridiculous_a exception_n of_o he_o he_o in_o this_o very_a place_n where_o he_o pretend_v to_o speak_v particular_o to_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o never_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o one_o word_n there_o allege_v but_o conceal_v all_o that_o have_v be_v produce_v to_o answer_v those_o exception_n and_o bear_v himself_o as_o if_o no_o such_o answer_n have_v be_v give_v this_o i_o must_v confess_v fall_v much_o short_a of_o either_o nibble_a or_o gnaw_v and_o i_o be_o force_v to_o declare_v that_o this_o constant_a carriage_n of_o he_o discover_v too_o open_o a_o perfect_a disregard_n of_o truth_n abate_v in_o i_o much_o of_o that_o respect_n which_o otherwise_o his_o good_a endowment_n will_v natural_o give_v i_o §_o 4._o his_o second_o remembrance_n of_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o for_o though_o he_o say_v here_o p._n 32._o he_o must_v not_o forget_v it_o yet_o he_o ha●_n be_v perfect_o unmindful_a of_o it_o hitherto_o be_v that_o i_o say_v my_o testimony_n be_v not_o intend_v against_o the_o protestant_n whereas_o my_o book_n be_v write_v
against_o they_o and_o i_o declare_v the_o design_n of_o my_o testimony_n to_o be_v to_o second_v by_o authority_n what_o i_o have_v before_o establish_v by_o reason_n all_o this_o be_v well_o be_v there_o not_o i_o fear_v two_o mistake_n in_o it_o one_o that_o i_o write_v that_o book_n against_o protestant_n particular_o whereas_o it_o equal_o oppugn_v all_o that_o hold_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v teach_v true_a doctrine_n b●t_v deny_v the_o church_n live_v voice_n and_o practice_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v it_o down_o hitherto_o of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o they_o be_v his_o second_o mistake_n be_v his_o not_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o a_o book_n may_v be_v write_v against_o such_o or_o such_o a_o sort_n of_o man_n and_o yet_o the_o whole_a way_n of_o manage_v it_o not_o be_v against_o or_o different_a from_o they_o but_o from_o some_o particular_a divine_n who_o as_o i_o conceive_v will_v better_o relish_v my_o reason_n if_o they_o see_v all_o the_o several_a conclusion_n deduce_v from_o they_o second_v by_o authority_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a case_n but_o dr._n t._n be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o till_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o acknowledge_v the_o distinction_n between_o the_o church_n and_o the_o school_n which_o he_o be_v resolve_v he_o never_o will_v lest_o it_o spoil_v his_o write_a controversy_n §_o 5._o but_o what_o i_o complain_v of_o be_v that_o he_o object_n i_o do_v this_o because_o i_o be_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o those_o testimony_n by_o which_o word_n his_o partial_a friend_n will_v easy_o conclude_v he_o have_v so_o weaken_v those_o testimony_n that_o i_o be_v not_o able_a to_o uphold_v they_o whereas_o letter_n of_o thanks_o from_o p._n 106._o to_o p._n 122._o i_o very_o particular_o reply_v to_o all_o he_o have_v allege_v against_o they_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o his_o performance_n in_o these_o word_n p._n 120._o this_o sir_n be_v the_o upshot_n of_o your_o skill_n in_o notebook_n learning_n the_o three_o first_o testimony_n from_o scripture_n you_o answer_v not_o mistake_v what_o they_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o four_o you_o omit_v you_o have_v give_v pitiful_a answer_n to_o eight_o from_o the_o father_n as_o i_o there_o show_v and_o shuffle_v off_o nine_o more_o without_o answer_n etc._n etc._n which_o charge_n as_o to_o every_o branch_n of_o it_o i_o there_o make_v good_a particular_o and_o he_o no_o where_o clear_v here_o or_o attempt_n to_o clear_v more_o than_o by_o bare_o say_v that_o i_o be_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o my_o testimony_n i_o think_v it_o be_v best_a for_o i_o to_o take_v the_o same_o method_n and_o say_v dr._n t._n be_v conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o all_o he_o have_v write_v and_o so_o in_o a_o ●rice_n confute_v all_o he_o have_v write_v and_o with_o far_o better_a reason_n than_o he_o can_v pretend_v to_o see_v any_o feather_n will_v serve_v to_o sweep_v down_o such_o cobweb_n stuff_n as_o his_o fair_a probability_n now_o gentleman_n do_v dr._n t._n let_v his_o reader_n understand_v this_o performance_n of_o i_o and_o this_o neglect_v of_o he_o it_o will_v not_o appear_v his_o answer_n to_o these_o testimony_n have_v be_v so_o strong_a that_o myself_o have_v any_o cause_n to_o be_v conscious_a of_o their_o weakness_n therefore_o contrary_a to_o his_o promise_n they_o be_v to_o be_v quite_o forget_v it_o be_v but_o fit_v and_o needful_a well_o there_o have_v be_v perhaps_o many_o other_o equally-excellent_a in_o the_o art_n of_o memory_n but_o certain_o in_o that_o ra●e_n and_o useful_a art_n of_o oblivion_n he_o bear_v away_o the_o bell_n from_o all_o writer_n extant_a by_o virtue_n of_o this_o and_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o fallacy_n in_o logic_n call_v non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causâ_fw-la he_o obtain_v all_o his_o imaginary_a victory_n §_o 6._o he_o come_v next_o to_o clear_v himself_o of_o false_a citation_n and_o to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v how_o little_o i_o be_o to_o be_v trust_v he_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o and_o i_o hearty_o desire_v i_o may_v be_v no_o otherwise_o trust_v than_o as_o it_o shall_v appear_v upon_o severe_a examination_n of_o what_o we_o both_o allege_v that_o he_o be_v culpable_a and_o myself_o innocent_a now_o in_o cull_v out_o and_o manage_v his_o instance_n we_o may_v be_v sure_o he_o favour_v himself_o as_o much_o as_o he_o can_v handsome_o the_o two_o first_o of_o they_o be_v trifle_n in_o comparison_n of_o many_o other_o omit_v and_o neither_o of_o they_o charge_v by_o i_o as_o false_a citation_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v mean_v thereby_o add_v diminish_v or_o alter_v the_o word_n of_o the_o author_n also_o the_o very_a first_o of_o these_o be_v the_o easy_a to_o bear_v a_o tolerable_a explication_n of_o any_o one_o object_v in_o the_o book_n in_o examine_v which_o i_o request_v our_o respective_a friend_n to_o be_v severe_o impartial_a and_o attentive_a to_o what_o be_v impute_v by_o i_o and_o what_o answer_v by_o he_o in_o do_v which_o eyesight_n be_v to_o be_v their_o best_a guide_n and_o if_o i_o have_v to_o any_o degree_n wrong_v he_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o a_o jot_n prejudicial_a to_o my_o credit_n to_o declare_v that_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o ought_v to_o mitigate_v or_o retract_v my_o word_n accord_v to_o the_o just_a degree_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n shall_v require_v §_o 7._o i_o charge_v he_o with_o a_o notorious_a abuse_n of_o the_o preface_n to_o rushworth_n dialogue_n in_o cite_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o say_v what_o he_o make_v other_o say_n and_o condemn_v they_o for_o say_v it_o to_o go_v secure_o to_o work_v we_o be_v to_o put_v down_o first_o the_o word_n of_o the_o prefacer_n which_o be_v these_o this_o term_n moral_a certainty_n every_o one_o explicate_v not_o alike_o but_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v otherways_o other_o call_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n which_o etc._n etc._n a_o three_o explication_n of_o that_o word_n be_v etc._n etc._n of_o these_o three_o say_z the_o prefacer_n who_o have_v relate_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o now_o begin_v to_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n the_o first_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o the_o author_n consider_v as_o mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o be_o not_o i_o sure_a i_o shall_v never_o repeat_v in_o the_o same_o order_n all_o the_o word_n i_o have_v speak_v this_o last_o year_n yet_o these_o man_n will_v say_v i_o be_o only_o moral_o certain_a now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o i_o do_v well_o or_o no_o in_o blame_v dr._n t._n for_o impose_v on_o the_o prefacer_n to_o say_v that_o what_o consist_v with_o possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o be_v true_a certainty_n whereas_o that_o 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upon_o the_o prefacer_n by_o leave_v out_o the_o word_n some_o understand_v etc._n etc._n and_o so_o far_o be_v evident_a see_v the_o word_n of_o the_o preface_n some_o understand_v by_o moral_a certainty_n etc._n etc._n see_v dr._n t._n rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 132_o last_o mr._n wh._n do_v most_o express_o contradict_v this_o principle_n of_o m._n s_n in_o these_o follow_a passage_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o mr._n rushworth_n he_o say_v that_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o aught_o absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o those_o author_n be_v mistake_v who_o undervalue_v it_o now_o though_o one_o who_o cite_v
take_v he_o to_o mean_v but_o also_o when_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o in_o which_o sense_n dr._n t._n understand_v he_o but_o i_o must_v avow_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o rational_a deliberate_a man_n who_o endeavour_v to_o look_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n can_v just_o frame_v even_o hence_o any_o such_o imagination_n for_o which_o i_o offer_v these_o reason_n 1._o that_o though_o the_o distinct_a limit_n of_o moral_a certainty_n be_v unknown_a yet_o in_o the_o general_a conceit_n of_o those_o who_o use_v that_o word_n particular_o those_o allude_v to_o here_o moral_a certain●y_n be_v that_o which_o consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o wherefore_o true_a certainty_n which_o be_v here_o counterpose_v to_o moral_a must_v be_v counterpose_v also_o to_o that_o which_o constitute_v moral_a certainty_n namely_o to_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o 2._o since_o absolute_a certainty_n be_v that_o kind_n of_o certainty_n which_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o moral_a one_o the_o true_a certainty_n here_o mention_v must_v mean_v the_o same_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n which_o be_v also_o avow_v and_o require_v by_o that_o author_n p._n 6._o now_o cite_v but_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v that_o absolute_a certainty_n exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n therefore_o the_o true_a certainty_n allow_v and_o approve_v here_o by_o the_o prefacer_n be_v that_o which_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a 3._o these_o thing_n be_v so_o viz._n moral_a certainty_n be_v that_o which_o have_v annex_v to_o it_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n and_o absolute_a or_o true_a certainty_n be_v confess_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o it_o be_v unimaginable_a that_o he_o who_o blame●_n any_o man_n for_o mistake_v or_o undervalue_v a_o thing_n for_o moral_o certain_a shall_v not_o also_o blame_v he_o for_o mistake_v and_o undervalue_v it_o as_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o this_o be_v annex_v in_o 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it_o moral_a certainty_n which_o be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a notion_n my_o charge_n then_o be_v justify_v to_o a_o tittle_n viz._n that_o dr._n t._n leave_v out_o the_o word_n some_o understand_v and_o put_v upon_o the_o prefacer_n to_o say_v it_o most_o express_o whereas_o the_o sense_n he_o impose_v be_v contrary_a to_o express_v word_n of_o he_o in_o divers_a place_n nay_o to_o the_o whole_a intention_n and_o drift_n of_o that_o preface_n and_o necessary_o opposite_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o word_n in_o that_o very_a particular_a place_n he_o cite_v for_o it_o this_o be_v manifest_o dr._n t_n fault_n i_o if_o any_o be_v this_o that_o i_o may_v have_v mitigate_v the_o phrase_n notorious_a abuse_n &c_n &c_n and_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v that_o dr._n t._n do_v not_o use_v to_o look_v so_o narrow_o into_o the_o sense_n of_o word_n as_o i_o still_o expect_v from_o he_o nor_o regard_v the_o antecedent_n or_o consequent_n as_o candid_a adversary_n use_n but_o content_v himself_o with_o the_o first_o countenance_n they_o bear_v right_a or_o wrong_n especial_o if_o it_o make_v for_o his_o interest_n and_o hereupon_o i_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v more_o merciful_a to_o habitual_a imperfection_n i_o have_v be_v large_a in_o clear_v th●s_n point_v because_o i_o hear_v his_o friend_n apprehend_v he_o have_v gain_v a_o notable_a advantage_n against_o i_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o i_o dare_v even_o submit_v it_o to_o their_o judgement_n if_o friendship_n will_v permit_v they_o to_o examine_v it_o with_o any_o degree_n of_o impartiality_n i_o hope_v this_o will_v serve_v for_o a_o instance_n how_o dr._n t._n still_o misunderstand_v our_o d●vi●es_n when_o he_o object_n they_o against_o i_o as_o also_o how_o far_o i_o have_v be_v from_o impose_v any_o thing_n unjust_o upon_o he_o in_o the_o least_o god_n be_v praise_v i_o do_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o such_o petty_a craft_n §_o 11._o in_o clear_v himself_o of_o the_o next_o fault_n object_v he_o be_v still_o himself_o and_o i_o wish_v he_o do_v not_o still_o grow_v worse_o and_o worse_o the_o fallacy_n ca●led_v non_fw-la causa_fw-la pro_fw-la causa_fw-la or_o pretend_v a_o wrong_a reason_n which_o run_v through_o half_a his_o performance_n be_v never_o more_o needful_a than_o in_o this_o present_a conjuncture_n i_o invite_v then_o even_o his_o best_a friend_n dr._n st._n himself_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o case_n and_o desire_v he_o have_v first_o read_v the_o p._n 65._o in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o to_o determine_v the_o point_n in_o controversy_n in_o that_o place_n i_o represent_v dr._n t._n as_o quote_v from_o rushworth_n dialogue_n after_o himself_o have_v preamble_v rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 144._o that_o probable_o it_o be_v prudent_a to_o cast_v in_o a_o few_o good_a word_n concern_v scripture_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o then_o add_v as_o a_o kind_n of_o comment_n upon_o those_o word_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o catholic_n piety_n and_o fortitude_n as_o to_o endure_v patient_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v revile_v or_o slight_v now_o this_o preamble_n &_o comment_n introduce_v by_o it_o seem_v that_o be_v from_o those_o word_n he_o have_v cite_v do_v put_v upon_o that_o author_n and_o by_o he_o on_o catholic_n so_o unworthy_a and_o invidious_a a_o meaning_n that_o it_o oblige_v i_o to_o put_v down_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o word_n immediate_o follow_v in_o the_o dialogue_n and_o omit_v by_o dr._n t._n that_o so_o i_o may_v clear_v the_o sober_a meaning_n and_o intention_n of_o that_o author_n from_o what_o he_o have_v so_o unhandsome_o impose_v and_o not_o trouble_v myself_o to_o repeat_v over_o again_o what_o he_o have_v new_o say_v i_o introduce_v they_o thus_o whereas_o in_o the_o place_n you_o cite_v he_o only_o express_v it_o will_v be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o see_v the_o position_n one_o will_v induce_v they_o to_o embrace_v maintainable_a by_o scripture_n which_o do_v i_o add_v as_o the_o result_n of_o my_o whole_a charge_n which_o be_v so_o different_a from_o the_o invidious_a mean_v your_o malice_n put_v upon_o it_o and_o so_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a in_o itself_o that_o one_o will_v wonder_v with_o what_o conscience_n you_o can_v thus_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o my_o total_a charge_n be_v of_o impose_v a_o invidious_a mean_v of_o wrest_v and_o pervert_v a_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a meaning_n that_o he_o only_o express_v which_o word_n i_o immediate_o subjoin_v after_o the_o doctor_n comment_n and_o not_o after_o rushworth_n word_n it_o will_v be_v a_o satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n to_o see_v those_o position_n maintainable_a by_o scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a charge_n any_o controversy_n about_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n perfect_o or_o imperfect_o quote_v the_o word_n this_o be_v evident_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o any_o ordinary_a understanding_n that_o guide_v itself_o by_o eyesight_n and_o common_a sense_n let_v we_o see_v what_o disingenuous_a way_n dr._n t._n use_v to_o escape_v blame_n 1._o he_o never_o in_o the_o least_o mention_v his_o impose_v upon_o those_o word_n a_o invidious_a mean_v or_o of_o wrest_v a_o innocent_a and_o unoffensive_a intention_n which_o be_v sole_o object_v whence_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o clear_v himself_o from_o the_o fault_n impute_v that_o out_o of_o a_o overtend_a kindheartedness_n to_o his_o own_o credit_n he_o not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o next_o instead_o of_o that_o he_o substitute_n a_o false_a charge_n never_o dream_v on_o by_o any_o man_n but_o himself_o namely_o that_o i_o deny_v those_o word_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o
contradict_v what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v not_o elsewhere_o or_o another_o place_n but_o the_o same_o place_n and_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o my_o principle_n as_o be_v see_v sure●●_n p._n 60._o the_o badness_n of_o which_o excuse_n show_v he_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o discourse_n end_v not_o there_o but_o go_v on_o at_o least_o two_o leave_n far_a clear_n that_o very_a point_n and_o in_o the_o process_n of_o it_o these_o word_n be_v find_v p._n 63._o to_o say_v it_o preserve_v none_o good_a be_v to_o question_v christ_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n a_o great_a part_n therefore_o will_v be_v virtuous_a etc._n etc._n a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n will_v still_o be_v continue_v p._n 64._o all_o which_o way_n and_o object_n thus_o easy_o and_o strong_o appliable_a be_v frequent_o and_o efficacious_o apply_v by_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n and_o the_o discipline_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bring_v those_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v ever_o and_o must_v needs_o reach_v the_o generality_n p._n 65._o must_v still_o continue_v in_o some_o great_a multitude_n all_o these_o expression_n in_o the_o selfsame_a discourse_n and_o on_o the_o selfsame_a subject_n perfect_o explicate_v my_o sense_n to_o be_v that_o that_o plural_a word_n believer_n do_v not_o reach_v all_o not_o one_o except_v this_o then_o be_v dr._n it_o be_v habitual_a imperfection_n which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o mock-answ_a to_o sure_a foot_n he_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o take_v any_o entire_a discourse_n of_o i_o into_o his_o consideration_n or_o grapple_v with_o the_o full_a import_n of_o it_o but_o he_o catch_v at_o some_o word_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o by_o the_o way_n which_o seem_v easy_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o whereas_o any_o candid_a man_n will_v guide_v himself_o by_o the_o annex_v or_o concomitant_a word_n and_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o discourse_n dr._n t._n be_v get_v beyond_o those_o too-ingenuous_a consideration_n and_o know_v very_o well_o as_o he_o express_v it_o serm._n p._n 121._o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o he_o exact_o observe_v that_o method_n and_o abuse_v some_o expression_n or_o word_n by_o force_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n conspire_v to_o rectify_v he_o a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o it_o and_o than_o lest_o those_o rectify_v passage_n annex_v shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o he_o and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o candid_a reader_n of_o impose_v a_o sense_n never_o intend_v by_o the_o author_n it_o be_v but_o accuse_v that_o author_n of_o contradict_v himself_o and_o all_o be_v well_o thus_o he_o use_v the_o prefacer_n p._n 30._o i_n in_o this_o very_a place_n in_o these_o word_n if_o it_o contradict_v what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n and_o sure-footing_a in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n which_o he_o wilful_o misconstrue_v throughout_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o this_o rare_a stratagem_n gain_v two_o notable_a advantage_n against_o any_o author_n whereas_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o be_v offer_v first_o make_v he_o talk_v ridiculous_o next_o make_v he_o contradict_v himself_o both_o of_o they_o build_v upon_o another_o of_o dr._n it_o be_v firm_a principle_n which_o be_v this_o no_o author_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o interpret_v his_o own_o meaning_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v his_o sense_n which_o i_o please_v to_o put_v upon_o any_o particular_a expression_n of_o he_o by_o add_v word_n to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o gloss_v it_o as_o seem_v best_a for_o my_o advantage_n and_o if_o he_o offer_v to_o be_v so_o wary_a as_o to_o annex_v other_o word_n which_o will_v interpret_v 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his_o carriage_n expose_v he_o just_o to_o these_o exception_n first_o that_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o infer_v or_o gather_v what_o he_o impose_v but_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 163._o he_o make_v i_o in_o express_a term_n and_o direct_o say_v that_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n whereas_o in_o my_o word_n put_v down_o by_o himself_o p._n 162._o no_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o be_v find_v annex_v to_o those_o word_n next_o that_o the_o word_n all_o which_o he_o add_v be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o italic_a letter_n in_o a_o even_a tenor_n with_o those_o other_o word_n which_o be_v indeed_o i_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v three_o that_o his_o whole_a attempt_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mere_o to_o confute_v that_o word_n all_o which_o himself_o have_v insert_v as_o may_v be_v see_v letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 77._o where_o i_o instanced_a in_o nine_o or_o ten_o place_n in_o which_o he_o combat_v that_o single_a word_n of_o his_o own_o add_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o as_o i_o there_o show_v from_o p._n 78._o to_o p._n 86._o go_v forward_o to_o make_v out_o that_o pretence_n by_o falsify_v evident_o my_o sense_n and_o sometime_o my_o word_n too_o in_o three_o or_o four_o place_n more_o four_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 165._o l._n 3._o he_o tell_v the_o reader_n i_o say_v express_o those_o cause_n be_v put_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a actual_o cause_v by_o this_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o interpretation_n or_o deduction_n from_o some_o word_n of_o i_o but_o my_o own_o express_a word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o express_a falsification_n last_o he_o neglect_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o those_o word_n which_o manifold_o and_o express_o show_v my_o tenet_n to_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o impose_v this_o be_v my_o total_a charge_n against_o he_o of_o which_o we_o hear_v very_o little_a or_o rather_o nothing_o in_o this_o preface_n where_o he_o go_v about_o to_o clear_v it_o only_o he_o say_v that_o those_o first_o believer_n to_o who_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v strong_o apply_v must_v by_o the_o tenor_n of_o my_o word_n mean_v all_o the_o faithful_a disperse_v over_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o all_o the_o christian_n of_o that_o age_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n of_o the_o follow_a one_o which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o deny_v and_o have_v give_v late_o my_o reason_n why_o they_o can_v not_o beside_o every_o scholar_n know_v that_o author_n first_o speak_v short_a and_o in_o common_a and_o afterward_o when_o they_o come_v to_o explain_v themselves_o more_o particular_o and_o have_v he_o be_v please_v to_o contain_v his_o rare_a gift_n of_o misinterpret_v till_o the_o very_a next_o line_n to_o my_o principle_n weave_v in_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o same_o discourse_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o build_v his_o mistake_n upon_o he_o have_v find_v the_o 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little_a after_o that_o historian_n write_v of_o king_n pepin_n must_v i_o needs_o mean_v by_o historian_n only_o plural_o express_v when_o i_o come_v to_o name_v they_o the_o second_o time_n all_o historian_n no●_n one_o except_v write_v of_o king_n pepin_n what_o logic_n but_o dr._n t_n who_o defy_v all_o principle_n can_v ever_o stumble_v upon_o such_o a_o paradox_n §_o 15._o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n all_o these_o particularity_n here_o relate_v be_v well_o examine_v by_o eyesight_n and_o weigh_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o candid_a considerer_n however_o he_o may_v favourable_o judge_v dr._n t._n mistake_v in_o word_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n bear_v such_o a_o semblance_n to_o one_o who_o read_v but_o half_a the_o discourse_n can_v for_o all_o that_o excuse_v he_o from_o great_a rashness_n and_o strong_a inclination_n to_o draw_v every_o thing_n in_o his_o adversary_n to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n and_o to_o take_v he_o up_o before_o he_o be_v down_o but_o 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so_o much_o as_o one_o argument_n in_o any_o of_o they_o and_o be_v a_o mere_a endeavour_n by_o multitude_n of_o impertinent_a and_o insignificant_a scoff_v to_o make_v some_o plausible_a show_n of_o a_o answer_n for_o those_o merrily-conceited_n reader_n to_o sport_n at_o who_o fancy_n such_o frothy_a talk_n far_o above_o solid_a reason_v in_o which_o pleasant_a strain_n consist_v also_o his_o friend_n dr._n st_n great_a talon_n whence_o the_o comedian_n in_o their_o performance_n supply_v the_o divine_a and_o plautus_n with_o his_o fellow_n be_v by_o far_o more_o propitious_a useful_a and_o influential_a to_o their_o imaginary_a victory_n than_o aristotle_n and_o all_o the_o learned_a author_n in_o the_o world_n who_o write_v sense_n or_o logic_n and_o as_o these_o comic_a controvertist_n affect_v the_o same_o manner_n of_o write_v which_o those_o stager_n do_v so_o their_o end_n and_o aymer_n be_v the_o same_o too_o viz._n not_o to_o propose_v any_o thing_n like_o exact_a 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which_o so_o abound_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n whole_o compose_v this_o preface_n be_v total_o supersede_v and_o only_o serious_a reason_n make_v use_v of_o to_o oblige_v he_o to_o which_o sober_a demand_n i_o promise_v on_o my_o part_n that_o though_o these_o be_v here_o my_o only_a confuter_n i_o be_v force_v at_o present_a to_o give_v they_o sometime_o their_o proper_a answer_n by_o retort_v now_o and_o then_o his_o own_o language_n only_o better_o apply_v yet_o in_o my_o future_a write_n i_o shall_v serious_o pursue_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o point_n without_o mind_v at_o all_o his_o impertinency_n that_o be_v i_o shall_v rigorous_o observe_v the_o same_o sober_a strain_n which_o as_o my_o own_o inclination_n lead_v i_o i_o follow_v in_o sure-footing_a faith_n vindicated_n and_o my_o method_n till_o dr._n t._n see_v it_o his_o interest_n to_o avoid_v answer_v in_o a_o solid_a manner_n or_o close_v by_o way_n of_o rigorous_a discourse_n with_o my_o 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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 ●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 ●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 no●_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