two_o doctor_n wonder_v at_o my_o silence_n which_o they_o interpret_v weakness_n and_o despair_v of_o a_o unmaintainable_a cause_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o pretend_v want_n of_o mean_n for_o my_o disability_n some_o of_o their_o friend_n offer_v to_o get_v any_o thing_n print_v which_o shall_v concern_v either_o of_o they_o but_o i_o be_v not_o stir_v till_o a_o gentleman_n of_o quality_n and_o worth_n who_o for_o his_o friendship_n as_o i_o conceive_v to_o dr._n t._n believe_v his_o book_n true_o unanswerable_a offer_v a_o friend_n of_o i_o to_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o get_v licence_n for_o i_o to_o print_v a_o answer_n if_o i_o will_v or_o can_v make_v any_o so_o fair_a a_o invitation_n move_v i_o to_o accept_v of_o it_o and_o i_o solicit_v with_o as_o much_o earnestness_n as_o i_o can_v the_o performance_n but_o the_o gentleman_n it_o seem_v mistake_v the_o doctor_n humour_n as_o much_o as_o his_o book_n for_o his_o credit_n prevail_v not_o all_o seem_v bush_v and_o quiet_a 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dr._n st._n will_v deserve_v wonderful_o of_o learning_n and_o the_o world_n if_o he_o will_v please_v to_o teach_v we_o this_o admirable_a new_a logic_n of_o conclude_v without_o demonstrate_v and_o demonstrate_v without_o principle_n for_o in_o the_o dull_a way_n of_o learn_v hitherto_o in_o use_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o shameful_a in_o a_o scholar_n to_o own_o he_o have_v demonstrate_v what_o he_o pretend_v shall_v be_v assent_v to_o that_o it_o be_v unpardonable_o shameful_a to_o pretend_v another_o man_n assent_n to_o that_o which_o he_o do_v not_o pretend_v and_o judge_v to_o have_v demonstrate_v i_o have_v not_o time_n to_o settle_v the_o thought_n which_o these_o and_o the_o like_a passage_n stir_v up_o when_o i_o meet_v with_o the_o preface_n to_o dr._n t_o be_v sermon_n direct_v particular_o to_o i_o and_o mean_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v guess_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o two_o or_o three_o book_n i_o must_v confess_v the_o bitter_a smartness_n i_o find_v there_o and_o the_o piquant_a upbraid_v i_o with_o desert_v the_o defence_n of_o sure-footing_a though_o all_o man_n that_o care_v to_o consider_v any_o thing_n see_v i_o have_v already_o write_v two_o book_n in_o defence_n of_o it_o stir_v i_o sufficient_o but_o i_o know_v not_o whether_o all_o this_o provoke_a raillery_n will_v have_v prevail_v with_o i_o to_o answer_v particular_o if_o i_o have_v not_o think_v they_o will_v not_o have_v urge_v i_o so_o press_o if_o their_o friend_n have_v not_o indeed_o desire_v i_o shall_v write_v and_o that_o certain_o i_o shall_v not_o offend_v sober_a man_n of_o what_o persuasion_n soever_o by_o do_v only_o what_o themselves_o so_o press_v wary_a people_n have_v indeed_o suggest_v to_o i_o that_o the_o desire_n of_o adversary_n be_v suspicious_a and_o the_o more_o because_o of_o the_o time_n they_o have_v both_o choose_v since_o they_o can_v not_o but_o foresee_v i_o and_o other_o answer_n will_v in_o likelihood_n come_v out_o about_o the_o time_n when_o the_o parliament_n be_v design_v to_o sit_v which_o may_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o proper_a season_n to_o inflame_v the_o mind_n of_o such_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v they_o and_o stir_v up_o a_o new_a persecution_n by_o make_v those_o answer_n which_o themselves_o have_v so_o provokingly_a and_o peremptory_o press_v for_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o insolency_n of_o papist_n and_o the_o growth_n of_o popery_n at_o least_o i_o see_v there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a security_n for_o one_o in_o my_o circumstance_n than_o to_o mean_v upright_o and_o i_o hope_v every_o body_n will_v see_v by_o my_o long_a silence_n i_o have_v use_v all_o the_o caution_n i_o can_v not_o to_o give_v just_a cause_n of_o offence_n and_o will_v acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v none_o to_o write_v when_o i_o be_o press_o and_o public_o solicit_v and_o this_o with_o no_o other_o design_n than_o to_o contribute_v if_o i_o can_v to_o the_o long_o desire_a happiness_n of_o bring_v dispute_n and_o disagreement_n in_o religion_n to_o a_o period_n if_o this_o be_v insolence_n or_o crime_n i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o honest_a man_n in_o this_o nation_n or_o world_n who_o be_v innocent_a once_o more_o than_o i_o take_v my_o pen_n in_o hand_n with_o this_o promise_n to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n that_o if_o it_o be_v not_o stop_v again_o by_o their_o indirect_a proceed_n as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o judge_v the_o print_n of_o this_o have_v be_v already_o by_o the_o diligent_a search_v for_o it_o they_o shall_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o any_o arrear_n of_o i_o but_o what_o need_v any_o apologize_n at_o present_a to_o prevent_v a_o sinister_a character_n of_o my_o write_n the_o point_n in_o hand_n now_o be_v neither_o the_o defend_v any_o tenet_n of_o protestant_n or_o presbyterian_a on_o dr._n t_n side_n nor_o the_o impugn_v they_o on_o i_o the_o main_a business_n controvert_v between_o he_o and_o i_o at_o present_a be_v whether_o faith_n be_v absolutely-certain_a or_o rather_o as_o he_o call_v it_o only_a moral_o such_o in_o which_o point_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o to_o have_v all_o unprejudiced_a conscientious_a man_n of_o both_o those_o party_n now_o name_v on_o my_o side_n and_o against_o he_o there_o be_v creep_v into_o tho_o world_n insensible_o and_o scepticism_n be_v now_o hatch_n it_o a_o sect_n more_o dangerous_a than_o any_o that_o have_v hitherto_o dissent_v from_o the_o church_n in_o particular_a point_n they_o go_v as_o yet_o under_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n because_o they_o profess_v many_o perhaps_o most_o point_v of_o christianity_n but_o yet_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v their_o own_o expression_n so_o as_o thence_o to_o frame_v a_o judgement_n of_o they_o have_v notwithstanding_o no_o faith_n at_o all_o or_o no_o hearty_a firm_a immovable_a assent_n to_o those_o point_n or_o any_o of_o they_o as_o certain_a truth_n but_o only_o a_o dwindle_a apprehension_n or_o at_o most_o a_o good_a lusty_a hope_n that_o by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n they_o be_v true_a or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v true_a now_o these_o man_n on_o the_o one_o side_n own_v no_o infallible_a or_o absolutely-certain_a authority_n so_o to_o preserve_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n inviolate_a or_o defend_v it_o from_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o speculation_n that_o be_v to_o protect_v it_o from_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o error_n on_o the_o other_o side_n rely_v either_o on_o some_o authority_n hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la fallible_a that_o be_v which_o they_o see_v may_v perhaps_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o all_o it_o propose_v or_o else_o on_o their_o own_o speculation_n and_o wit_n whether_o exercise_v in_o argue_v from_o thing_n or_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n letter_n and_o withal_o be_v man_n of_o some_o part_n and_o so_o see_v it_o impossible_a to_o make_v out_o that_o either_o those_o reason_n be_v conclusive_a or_o demonstrative_a or_o that_o their_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o possible_o a_o mistake_n hence_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v in_o equivalent_a term_n all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_n though_o they_o express_v it_o wary_o and_o crafty_o because_o they_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o generality_n who_o use_v that_o word_n and_o the_o whole_a genius_n of_o christianity_n be_v opposite_a to_o their_o sentiment_n in_o that_o point_n nature_n therefore_o stand_v against_o they_o necessitate_v they_o contrary_a perhaps_o to_o their_o intention_n take_v they_o in_o other_o circumstance_n to_o pursue_v indirect_a way_n and_o so_o at_o unaware_o though_o certain_o not_o without_o some_o mixture_n of_o carelessness_n and_o precipitant_a passion_n to_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o faith_n the_o mean_n by_o which_o they_o work_v this_o mischief_n be_v first_o to_o laugh_v at_o principle_n
whatever_o be_v good_a in_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v refund_v into_o god_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n as_o its_o original_a cause_n what_o defective_a into_o the_o limitedness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n §_o 5._o this_o tenet_n of_o infallibility_n which_o unprejudiced_a nature_n teach_v even_o the_o rude_a in_o thing_n subject_a to_o sense_n and_o common_a reason_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o thing_n provable_a by_o exact_a art_n the_o adversary_n of_o true_a certainty_n our_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o render_v ridiculous_a and_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o it_o by_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a pretence_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v which_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o one_o thing_n but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o in_o all_o as_o if_o i_o can_v not_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o my_o chamber_n or_o practise_v open_o among_o those_o i_o converse_v with_o but_o i_o must_v be_v likewise_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o the_o moon_n and_o dr._n t._n be_v one_o of_o these_o for_o contradiction_n be_v as_o natural_a to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o fish_n to_o swim_v who_o tell_v we_o here_o pag._n 19_o that_o omniscience_n within_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n be_v a_o infinite_a within_o a_o finite_a sphere_n as_o if_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o to_o know_v all_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v to_o know_v infinite_a or_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n or_o so_o hard_a to_o comprehend_v that_o one_o may_v know_v all_o the_o money_n in_o one_o purse_n without_o know_v all_o the_o money_n that_o be_v extant_a or_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o room_n without_o know_v all_o mankind_n i_o wish_v dr._n t._n will_v show_v we_o why_o know_v all_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a matter_n must_v needs_o argue_v a_o infinite_a knowledge_n or_o why_o the_o know_v all_o thing_n in_o a_o determinate_a sphere_n which_o last_o word_n when_o he_o come_v to_o answer_v that_o be_v break_v his_o jest_n our_o prevaricator_n prudent_o omit_v may_v not_o consist_v with_o a_o ignorance_n of_o many_o thing_n out_o of_o that_o sphere_n must_v the_o word_n all_o in_o such_o a_o matter_n need_v signify_v infinite_a or_o do_v the_o common_a reason_n ever_o thus_o go_v wrack_n i_o suppose_v my_o friend_n resolute_a hazard_n against_o identical_a proposition_n make_v he_o fall_v into_o this_o more_o than_o childish_a mistake_n for_o this_o plain_a truth_n what_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o be_v all_o but_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o have_v preserve_v he_o from_o this_o nonsense_n but_o he_o take_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o all_o in_o one_o matter_n only_o 〈◊〉_d all_o in_o every_o matter_n or_o which_o be_v more_o be_v infinite_a and_o so_o still_o he_o continue_v most_o learned_o to_o lay_v contradiction_n for_o his_o first_o principle_n because_o their_o interest_n and_o his_o be_v inseparable_o linkâ—_n against_o the_o common_a enemy_n identical_a proposition_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v a_o very_a smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o proper_a to_o dr._n t._n unless_o perhaps_o his_o swear_a brother_n at_o hate_v first_a principle_n and_o papist_n put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n it_o appear_v by_o a_o certain_a paper_n call_v dr._n stillingfleet_n against_o dr._n stillingfleet_n he_o be_v a_o strong_a pretender_n and_o will_v cry_v half_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o examine_v his_o answer_n §_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a indeed_o to_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v â—_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v also_o through_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o those_o who_o can_v demonstrate_v but_o yet_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v demonstrable_a else_o it_o be_v not_o knowable_a or_o ascertainable_a for_o demonstrable_a be_v a_o plain_a honest_a word_n what_o game_n soever_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n make_v at_o it_o and_o import_v no_o more_o abstract_n from_o subtle_a quirk_n but_o only_o capable_a to_o be_v know_v or_o intellectual_o see_v by_o way_n of_o proof_n whence_o a_o learned_a man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o strength_n of_o severe_a reason_n ought_v either_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o or_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o dâ—â—y_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v dr._n t._n to_o take_v i_o right_n and_o to_o reflect_v that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v demonstrable_a or_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n demonstration_n with_o all_o those_o many_o subtlety_n and_o perquisit_n the_o school_n require_v i_o as_o little_a love_n nicety_n as_o any_o man_n live_v and_o can_v as_o easy_o dispense_v with_o they_o so_o the_o solid_a part_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n establish_v which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v i_o make_v account_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o these_o case_n in_o which_o assent_n &_o die_v to_o attest_v thing_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v require_v i_o only_o mean_v then_o by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o be_v take_v not_o from_o any_o exrinsecal_n consideration_n as_o be_v authority_n which_o ground_n belief_n but_o from_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o subject_n in_o dispute_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o necessary_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v which_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v without_o engage_v final_o some_o identical_a proposition_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v now_o this_o be_v evident_o so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o let_v dr._n t._n show_v the_o contrary_a i_o will_v ask_v our_o verbal_a divine_a why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o necessary_a conclude_a argument_n both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n assent_v most_o firm_o to_o faith_n build_v according_a to_o he_o sole_o upon_o their_o certainty_n be_v it_o not_o his_o intent_n in_o his_o discourse_n to_o conclude_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o unless_o he_o show_v the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v again_o do_v he_o not_o intend_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o must_v do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o pretend_v that_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o if_o he_o prove_v it_o truâ—_n must_v he_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v its_o contradictory_n false_a and_o be_v any_o thing_n false_a but_o what_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n can_v never_o conclude_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o he_o bring_v a_o proof_n necessary_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o according_a to_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n he_o both_o demonstrate_v and_o also_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n both_o these_o satisfactory_a certainty_n my_o ground_n attribute_v to_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n see_v surâ—f_n pag._n 116_o 117_o in_o point_n appertain_v to_o faith_n and_o he_o here_o deny_v both_o pag._n 10._o whence_o be_v see_v which_o of_o we_o two_o have_v more_o real_a honour_n and_o respect_n for_o scripture_n he_o who_o make_v neither_o its_o letter_n or_o sense_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o ascertain_v they_o that_o be_v as_o to_o our_o purpose_n make_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o or_o i_o who_o grant_v and_o prove_v both_o §_o 7._o i_o suppose_v dr._n t_n will_n say_v again_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o point_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o so_o he_o may_v be_v true_a to_o his_o firm_a principle_n and_o make_v all_o faith_n alike_o uncertain_a i_o answer_v the_o more_o blame_n will_v fall_v to_o their_o share_n who_o take_v away_o the_o certainty_n of_o that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n or_o first_o authority_n namely_o tradition_n which_o and_o only_o which_o can_v authenticate_v book_n and_o the_o thing_n be_v of_o high_a concern_v practical_o carry_v down_o the_o same_o doctrine_n and_o so_o easy_o preserve_v the_o book_n significative_a of_o the_o same_o sense_n noâ—_n doubt_v i_o but_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o the_o practice_n of_o england_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o thing_n join_v with_o the_o necessary_a evidence_n of_o any_o alteration_n in_o a_o matter_n daily_o so_o nice_o canvas_v and_o continual_o use_v can_v and_o
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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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 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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
principle_n examine_v of_o suspense_n and_o assent_n of_o great_a likelihood_n freedom_n from_o actual_a doubt_n fair_a probability_n and_o other_o mock-certainty_n §_o 1._o he_o introduce_v his_o discourse_n thus_o so_o that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n by_o all_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v prove_v by_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o that_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o and_o we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n that_o it_o be_v as_o we_o can_v possible_o have_v suppose_v it_o be_v we_o ought_v not_o in_o reason_n to_o make_v any_o doubt_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o that_o thing_n this_o be_v dr._n t_n firm_a principle_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o first_o principle_n too_o be_v so_o universal_o necessary_a that_o without_o admit_v this_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o nor_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o be_v certain_a to_o any_o man_n you_o see_v gentleman_n how_o much_o depend_v upon_o it_o and_o i_o conceive_v you_o will_v easy_o conclude_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v as_o evident_a and_o as_o firm_a as_o any_o first_o principle_n extant_a since_o according_a to_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_n all_o truth_n even_o the_o most_o precious_a concern_v in_o the_o world_n particular_o the_o possibility_n of_o prove_v a_o deity_n must_v run_v its_o fate_n and_o be_v establish_v or_o ruin_v by_o its_o stand_n or_o fall_v now_o my_o judgement_n of_o it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a piece_n of_o folly_n and_o the_o most_o pernicious_a abstract_n of_o pithy_a nonsense_n that_o ever_o be_v lay_v down_o since_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n by_o any_o sober_a man_n for_o such_o a_o principle_n without_o which_o no_o certainty_n at_o all_o can_v be_v have_v no_o not_o even_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n i_o charge_v it_o therefore_o with_o four_o fault_n first_o that_o it_o be_v unprove_v next_o it_o be_v unevident_a of_o itself_o and_o so_o no_o principle_n three_o that_o be_v it_o evident_a it_o be_v impertinent_a to_o the_o end_n it_o be_v produce_v for_o and_o last_o it_o betray_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o lie_n instead_o of_o establish_v it_o §_o 2._o and_o first_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o intend_v it_o as_o a_o conclusion_n by_o his_o introduce_v it_o with_o so_o that_o etc._n etc._n after_o his_o former_a discourse_n but_o as_o i_o have_v already_o confute_v that_o so_o i_o discern_v not_o any_o title_n it_o have_v to_o be_v sequel_n from_o those_o premise_n in_o case_n they_o be_v true_a for_o what_o a_o mad_a consequence_n be_v this_o diverse_a thing_n bear_v diverse_a kind_n of_o proof_n some_o weak_a some_o strong_a therefore_o when_o we_o have_v the_o best_a the_o object_n can_v afford_v we_o we_o be_v to_o rest_v satisfy_v the_o thing_n be_v how_o i_o say_v do_v this_o follow_v unless_o he_o have_v first_o maâ—e_n out_o or_o at_o least_o supposed_a that_o the_o least_o of_o those_o proof_n be_v satisfactory_a or_o that_o there_o be_v no_o object_n in_o the_o world_n but_o be_v capable_a of_o yield_a light_n enough_o to_o satisfy_v which_o position_n every_o day_n experience_n convince_v of_o falsehood_n indeed_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o these_o word_n that_o upon_o our_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o conclusive_a proof_n it_o be_v wisdom_n in_o we_o to_o sit_v down_o satisfy_v that_o no_o more_o be_v to_o be_v have_v and_o so_o surcease_v our_o far_a quest_n i_o understand_v he_o very_o well_o but_o that_o i_o shall_v be_v satisfy_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o or_o acquiesce_v to_o its_o truth_n as_o he_o must_v mean_v to_o make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d for_o his_o purpose_n not_o from_o the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v under_o or_o the_o prevalence_n of_o the_o object_n upon_o my_o understanding_n subdue_a it_o to_o assent_n but_o because_o that_o object_n be_v capable_a to_o bear_v no_o more_o or_o to_o discover_v itself_o no_o better_o to_o my_o sight_n be_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o say_v that_o because_o the_o object_n afford_v i_o no_o certain_a light_n to_o know_v whether_o it_o be_v or_o no_o therefore_o i_o will_v hold_v myself_o well_o apay_v and_o think_v it_o be_v certain_a or_o thus_o though_o i_o see_v absolute_o speak_v it_o be_v uncertain_a yet_o as_o long_o as_o i_o see_v withal_o the_o object_n can_v bear_v no_o more_o or_o can_v be_v make_v absolute_o certain_a i_o will_v therefore_o rest_v satisfy_v or_o judge_v it_o be_v absolute_o certain_a if_o this_o be_v not_o his_o meaning_n i_o desire_v himself_o to_o inform_v i_o better_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o i_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o if_o he_o mean_v anything_o at_o all_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o evince_v a_o deity_n and_o i_o declare_v hearty_o i_o have_v that_o good_a opinion_n of_o he_o as_o to_o hope_v that_o settle_v perhaps_o in_o that_o assent_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n as_o be_v the_o vulgar_a and_o not_o by_o skill_n or_o principle_n as_o scholar_n be_v for_o his_o speculation_n make_v it_o absolute_o uncertain_a he_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a either_o than_o he_o judge_v his_o motive_n he_o have_v to_o evince_v it_o conclusive_a or_o no_o if_o conclusive_a there_o need_v no_o run_v about_o the_o bush_n to_o tell_v we_o of_o several_a kind_n of_o proof_n or_o lay_v such_o whimsical_a principle_n fit_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o make_v the_o witty_a atheist_n laugh_v at_o christianity_n but_o it_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o stand_v to_o it_o hearty_o that_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v so_o because_o the_o argument_n he_o bring_v conclude_v it_o to_o be_v so_o but_o in_o case_n he_o fear_v his_o motive_n be_v not_o absolute_o conclusive_a or_o able_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n and_o that_o this_o be_v his_o sentiment_n appear_v by_o his_o blame_v i_o here_o p._n 20._o for_o pretend_v to_o such_o to_o ground_n faith_n then_o indeed_o it_o be_v but_o good_a policy_n or_o rather_o plain_a necessity_n to_o lay_v some_o principle_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o he_o may_v compound_v the_o business_n between_o the_o object_n and_o the_o understanding_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o this_o seem_v but_o a_o odd_a method_n of_o prove_v as_o friend_n take_v up_o difference_n between_o good_a nature_a creditor_n and_o the_o debtor_n when_o he_o that_o owe_v be_v williâ—â—_n to_o do_v his_o utmost_a but_o yet_o be_v not_o solvent_a and_o 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v before_o so_o to_o accord_v the_o business_n to_o avoid_v rigorous_a dispute_n that_o though_o the_o understanding_n see_v absolute_o speak_v the_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a and_o more_o light_a if_o it_o can_v be_v have_v be_v in_o reality_n due_a ere_o it_o can_v be_v satisfy_v of_o its_o absolute_a certainty_n yet_o because_o the_o object_n be_v able_a to_o afford_v no_o more_o it_o be_v award_v by_o their_o umpire_n dr._n t._n that_o the_o kind-hearted_a understanding_n be_v to_o be_v content_a to_o rest_v apay_v and_o hold_v it_o notwithstanding_o to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o say_v that_o though_o i_o do_v not_o see_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v so_o yet_o because_o the_o thing_n itself_o can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v so_o i_o will_v fancy_v strong_o or_o judge_v i_o see_v it_o to_o be_v so_o let_v we_o parallel_v it_o by_o analogy_n to_o our_o corporal_a sight_n and_o the_o discourse_n stand_v thus_o though_o i_o see_v not_o the_o wall_n to_o be_v white_a because_o it_o be_v so_o far_o distant_a or_o the_o air_n dusky_a yet_o because_o i_o can_v see_v it_o no_o better_o the_o wall_z thus_o circumstance_v not_o be_v able_a to_o inform_v my_o eye_n clear_o therefore_o despair_v of_o the_o wall_n afford_v i_o any_o better_a sight_n of_o itself_o i_o will_v piece_v out_o that_o degree_n of_o obscurity_n in_o the_o object_n with_o a_o strong_a bend_v my_o eye_n till_o i_o fancy_v very_o i_o see_v it_o to_o be_v white_a or_o rather_o out_o of_o a_o civil_a compliance_n with_o its_o defect_n of_o visibleness_n i_o will_v very_o judge_v and_o conclude_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o of_o such_o a_o colour_n and_o than_o if_o any_o object_n folly_n to_o i_o for_o assent_v upon_o infirm_a ground_n i_o will_v tell_v he_o he_o be_v ill-natured_a and_o unmerciful_a the_o poor_a wall_n have_v do_v alas_o all_v it_o can_v and_o who_o can_v in_o reason_n desire_v more_o §_o 3._o i_o expect_v dr._n t._n will_v pretend_v degree_n of_o intellectual_a sight_n and_o that_o by_o a_o less_o degree_n of_o evidence_n he_o see_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v though_o it_o be_v not_o manifest_v to_o he_o by_o the_o great_a but_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o even_a contradictory_n
all_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o proceed_v on_o all_o their_o religion_n for_o all_o this_o be_v wicked_a and_o the_o the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n to_o dame_n juno_n and_o the_o rest_n nay_o die_a for_o their_o sake_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o good_a meaning_n in_o common_a dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n and_o firm_a principle_n a_o diabolical_a and_o mischievous_a action_n not_o a_o jot_n better_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o gain_v heaven_n than_o the_o make_v their_o child_n pass_v through_o the_o fire_n to_o moloch_n pervert_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n that_o perform_v it_o nay_o die_v for_o it_o by_o addict_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o its_o true_a last_o end_n or_o eternal_a good_a and_o all_o this_o because_o there_o want_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n to_o render_v those_o action_n and_o suffering_n virtuous_a wherefore_o unless_o dr._n t._n produce_v some_o immovable_a ground_n to_o establish_v christianity_n to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a especial_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o enfeeble_v all_o the_o rest_n fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n he_o can_v never_o convince_v that_o either_o act_n or_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o heathenism_n when_o the_o same_o be_v do_v for_o their_o false_a god_n and_o so_o he_o can_v never_o with_o reason_n persuade_v his_o auditory_a to_o it_o but_o have_v once_o prove_v that_o it_o matter_n less_o whether_o all_o the_o assenter_n penetrate_v the_o full_a force_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o no_o for_o if_o once_o it_o be_v put_v to_o be_v true_a all_o action_n and_o suffering_n proceed_v from_o those_o truth_n shall_v connatural_o addict_v those_o soul_n to_o their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o dispose_v they_o for_o it_o though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o imperfect_a and_o their_o good_a or_o well-meaning_a will_n certain_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v because_o their_o will_n and_o its_o affection_n be_v good_a which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v as_o be_v prove_v be_v they_o not_o build_v upon_o some_o truth_n §_o 9_o again_o dr._n t._n discourse_v all_o along_o as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o when_o one_o be_v free_a from_o all_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v his_o friend_n serious_o to_o ask_v he_o one_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o though_o his_o ground_n exclude_v all_o doubt_n from_o his_o mind_n at_o present_a yet_o he_o see_v any_o certain_a reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o perhaps_o come_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o his_o faith_n and_o even_o of_o a_o godhead_n too_o to_o morrow_n if_o he_o say_v he_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v he_o must_v say_v withal_o that_o he_o see_v it_o not_o and_o consequent_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o he_o once_o see_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n he_o can_v not_o hold_v it_o possible_a ever_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o with_o reason_n if_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v he_o can_v never_o come_v with_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o than_o he_o see_v his_o ground_n for_o hold_v it_o can_v possible_o be_v show_v false_a else_o it_o may_v both_o be_v doubt_v and_o what_o be_v more_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o hold_v his_o ground_n can_v possible_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v false_a than_o he_o must_v say_v they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v humane_a authority_n infallible_a which_o yet_o he_o stiff_o deny_v but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v he_o hold_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ground_n he_o lay_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o a_o plausible_a likelihood_n else_o common_a sense_n will_v force_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o assent_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o not_o to_o palliate_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o with_o such_o raw_a principle_n and_o petty_a craft_n to_o avoid_v a_o honest_a downright_a procedure_n which_o be_v to_o say_v plain_o my_o ground_n can_v fail_v of_o conclude_v the_o thing_n absolute_o true_a i_o will_v justify_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o here_o they_o be_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o the_o best_a word_n he_o afford_v they_o who_o do_v this_o right_n to_o christianity_n be_v to_o call_v they_o vapour_a and_o swagger_a man_n with_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a irony_n he_o can_v put_v upon_o they_o §_o 10._o by_o this_o time_n my_o last_o charge_n that_o this_o firm_a principle_n of_o he_o betray_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o possibility_n i_o may_v have_v say_v likelihood_n of_o be_v a_o lie_n instead_o of_o establish_v it_o be_v already_o make_v good_a and_o needs_o only_o a_o short_a rehearsal_n for_o 1._o he_o assert_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o entertain_v his_o firm_a principle_n which_o be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n that_o unlesâ—_n it_o be_v in_o bedlam_n i_o know_v no_o place_n in_o england_n where_o it_o be_v like_a to_o find_v entertainment_n that_o the_o evidence_n or_o visibleness_n of_o a_o object_n beget_v certainty_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n ever_o teach_v i_o and_o all_o mankind_n hitherto_o but_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o object_n or_o its_o afford_v we_o no_o true_a evidence_n ground_v our_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o nay_o that_o even_o its_o incapableness_n to_o afford_v we_o any_o in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o consequent_o our_o despair_n of_o see_v any_o such_o evidence_n for_o it_o shall_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o it_o nay_o more_o that_o this_o must_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o all_o mankind_n under_o such_o a_o unmerciful_a penalty_n that_o unless_o they_o entertain_v this_o as_o honourable_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n not_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v such_o a_o super-transcendent_a absurdity_n as_o surpass_v all_o belief_n or_o even_o imagination_n but_o a_o rhetorician_n may_v say_v any_o thing_n when_o talk_v pretty_a plausibility_n be_v only_o in_o vogue_n and_o a_o melodious_a gingle_n to_o please_v the_o ear_n be_v more_o modish_a than_o solid_a reason_n to_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n next_o he_o vouch_v not_o any_o reason_n he_o bring_v to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a and_o consequent_o own_v not_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n no_o not_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a which_o not_o to_o assert_v but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o his_o firm_a principle_n equivalent_o to_o deny_v even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v maintain_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a prejudice_n to_o that_o weighty_a and_o excellent_a cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v and_o so_o be_v engage_v to_o defend_v 3._o he_o wave_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o his_o reason_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o content_v himself_o that_o it_o keep_v we_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n which_o reach_v not_o assent_v for_o to_o doubt_v a_o thing_n be_v to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a and_o so_o not_o to_o doubt_v be_v bare_o not_o to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o hold_v it_o true_a and_o consequent_o from_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n beside_o our_o not_o doubt_v may_v be_v in_o many_o regard_v faulty_a and_o spring_n from_o surprise_n passion_n and_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o ignorance_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o a_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v faulty_a wherefore_o to_o relinquish_v the_o patronage_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o validity_n that_o be_v absolute_a conclusiveness_n of_o christian_a proof_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n for_o this_o point_n defend_v only_o their_o plausibility_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o victorious_a way_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n into_o assent_n require_v only_o a_o feeble_a not_o doubt_v be_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o betray_v his_o cause_n and_o tacit_o or_o rather_o indeed_o too_o open_o to_o accuse_v christianity_n of_o a_o infirmity_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v incapable_a to_o effect_v what_o they_o ought_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n 4._o by_o make_v our_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o motive_n consist_v mere_o in_o our_o not_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o make_v its_o effect_n and_o consequent_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o motive_n themselves_o no_o better_a than_o those_o which_o heathen_n turk_n and_o heretic_n have_v for_o these_o also_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o respective_a sect_n if_o he_o say_v christian_n have_v no_o just_a reason_n
evident_o that_o they_o renounce_v not_o evidence_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o manage_v be_v not_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o at_o all_o and_o so_o no_o rule_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o one_o great_a reason_n as_o he_o call_v it_o why_o man_n do_v not_o agree_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o other_o because_o their_o interest_n and_o lust_n and_o passion_n be_v more_o concern_v so_o that_o according_a to_o dr._n t._n a_o man_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o his_o pastor_n and_o teacher_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v look_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n which_o be_v proper_a to_o god_n alone_o and_o discern_v who_o be_v passionate_a prejudice_v interest_v and_o lustful_a again_o this_o reason_n be_v find_v on_o either_o side_n to_o a_o great_a degree_n for_o be_v not_o those_o axiom_n and_o definition_n so_o evident_a that_o absurd_a man_n will_v incur_v the_o shame_n of_o mankind_n to_o deny_v they_o there_o want_v no_o temptation_n of_o interest_n and_o passion_n to_o make_v author_n go_v about_o to_o control_v and_o contradict_v the_o write_n of_o other_o to_o gain_v themselves_o applause_n and_o credit_n but_o if_o this_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n of_o disagreement_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o be_v the_o other_o great_a reason_n but_o of_o these_o we_o hear_v nothing_o and_o there_o be_v good_a reason_n why_o for_o since_o his_o one_o great_a reason_n be_v the_o ill-disposedness_a of_o the_o person_n the_o other_o great_a reason_n must_v be_v the_o defectiveness_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v the_o inability_n of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o inevidence_n to_o private_a understanding_n to_o make_v they_o agree_v in_o one_o sense_n of_o it_o which_o manifest_o make_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 20._o to_o conclude_v the_o sum_n of_o dr._n t_n vindication_n of_o himself_o from_o make_v according_a to_o his_o ground_n faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a amount_v to_o this_o he_o produce_v word_n to_o disprove_v it_o which_o manifold_o confess_v it_o he_o endeavour_v all_o along_o to_o show_v that_o infallible_a certainty_n can_v be_v have_v of_o either_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o be_v he_o grant_v that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v deceive_v though_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o secure_v they_o in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o deny_v that_o absolute_o speak_v faith_n be_v certainlytrue_a again_o loath_a to_o speak_v out_o to_o that_o point_n candid_o he_o shuffle_n about_o and_o put_v upon_o his_o adversary_n divers_a odd_a and_o ridiculous_a acception_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n omit_v the_o right_a one_o which_o be_v give_v to_o his_o hand_n last_o be_v to_o give_v account_n what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n he_o allow_v to_o faith_n he_o give_v such_o a_o notion_n of_o it_o as_o signify_v nothing_o and_o have_v all_o the_o mark_n of_o uncertainty_n imaginable_a take_v his_o measure_n of_o certainty_n which_o ought_v to_o proceed_v from_o the_o object_n or_o proof_n from_o the_o subject_n persuasion_n or_o adhesion_n to_o it_o which_o common_a experience_n testify_v may_v indifferent_o be_v find_v in_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o common_a sense_n confute_v nature_n tell_v every_o man_n that_o my_o assent_n be_v not_o therefore_o certain_a because_o i_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o see_v not_o the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_n be_o full_o persuade_v and_o very_o think_v so_o but_o because_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v indeed_o to_o be_v so_o or_o because_o the_o proof_n be_v conclusive_a either_o then_o let_v he_o bring_v such_o proof_n and_o own_o and_o show_v they_o to_o be_v such_o or_o he_o leave_v his_o cause_n in_o the_o lurch_n and_o his_o credit_n which_o he_o be_v here_o defend_v unclear_v by_o yield_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v know_v actual_o such_o discourse_n vii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n reply_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n §_o 1._o dr_n t._n have_v no_o fellow_n nor_o his_o way_n of_o confute_v any_o parallel_n not_o to_o provoke_v the_o peevishness_n of_o malice_n too_o far_o and_o yet_o follow_v home_o my_o blow_n more_o full_o and_o yet_o withal_o to_o uphold_v the_o efficacy_n of_o faith_n ground_v on_o the_o just_a conceit_n of_o its_o absolute_a certainty_n i_o write_v a_o a_o book_n call_v faith_n vindicated_n in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o common_a show_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o security_n from_o error_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o assent_n provide_v it_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o motive_n god_n have_v leave_v to_o settle_v his_o church_n and_o by_o it_o mankind_n in_o faith_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o in_o my_o introduction_n it_o pretend_v demonstration_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o the_o end_n and_o have_v not_o one_o drollish_a or_o unsober_a expression_n in_o it_o take_v a_o map_n of_o it_o in_o a_o few_o word_n i_o conceive_v myself_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la and_o hence_o the_o concern_v be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n among_o the_o rest_n to_o speculative_a divine_n i_o resolve_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o argument_n suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n to_o the_o more_o intelligent_a to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o three_o eviction_n to_o the_o middle_a or_o prudential_n sort_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o fifth·_n and_o to_o they_o of_o the_o low_a capacity_n in_o the_o last_o every_o one_o be_v enable_v by_o tradition_n or_o education_n to_o comprehend_v what_o the_o common_a language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n teach_v they_o as_o to_z speechee_n and_o carriage_n appertain_v to_o faith_n i_o begin_v after_o i_o have_v put_v two_o postulatum_fw-la grant_v by_o all_o christian_n with_o logical_a argument_n which_o i_o pursue_v at_o large_a because_o as_o it_o be_v a_o common_a trick_n in_o sophister_n and_o half_a logician_n to_o abuse_v that_o excellent_a art_n to_o elude_v the_o clear_a evidendence_n so_o it_o become_v a_o more_o necessary_a duty_n in_o i_o to_o prevent_v by_o the_o close_a proof_n fetch_v it_o from_o almost_o all_o head_n imaginable_a that_o belong_v to_o that_o skill_n any_o misusage_n of_o its_o maxim_n to_o patronize_v falsehood_n this_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o very_o speculative_a and_o according_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n what_o my_o reader_n be_v to_o expect_v in_o discourse_n of_o that_o kind_n nor_o will_v any_o man_n endue_v with_o common_a sense_n wonder_n that_o i_o shall_v use_v logical_a expression_n when_o i_o make_v logical_a discourse_n or_o term_n of_o art_n when_o i_o speak_v to_o scholar_n these_o thing_n reflect_v on_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o a_o dextrous_a way_n our_o learned_a confuter_n take_v to_o answer_v that_o whole_a book_n for_o he_o manifest_v here_o a_o intention_n to_o give_v it_o no_o other_o and_o to_o overthrow_v so_o many_o demonstration_n §_o 2._o his_o first_o way_n of_o confute_v be_v to_o pick_v out_o a_o leaf_n or_o two_o of_o the_o most_o speculative_a part_n of_o that_o treatise_n only_o intend_v for_o scholar_n and_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o who_o be_v only_a sermon-pitch_n to_o who_o because_o such_o discourse_n be_v unsuitable_a and_o withal_o too_o hard_o for_o he_o to_o answer_v hence_o he_o very_o politic_o both_o gratify_v the_o fancy_n of_o those_o reader_n and_o avoid_v himself_o the_o difficult_a task_n of_o answer_v the_o press_a reason_n in_o it_o by_o play_v the_o wit_n when_o it_o be_v dangerous_a to_o act_v the_o scholar_n and_o make_v use_n of_o his_o constant_a friend_n at_o a_o dead_a lift_n drollery_n in_o stead_n of_o rely_v on_o the_o patronage_n of_o reason_n which_o as_o he_o experience_n so_o often_o betray_v and_o expose_v hss_a weakness_n he_o run_v on_o therefore_o a_o whole_a leaf_n or_o two_o in_o this_o jovial_a career_n ere_o he_o can_v recover_v himself_o till_o even_o his_o own_o friend_n who_o be_v not_o aware_a of_o the_o necessity_n admire_v at_o his_o endless_a raillery_n and_o true_a to_o his_o method_n neglect_v whole_o the_o sense_n and_o except_v mighty_o against_o five_o or_o six_o hard_a word_n namely_o potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n determinative_a supervene_v and_o subsume_v which_o it_o seem_v puzzle_v he_o exceed_o for_o he_o profess_v to_o think_v they_o mystical_a he_o call_v the_o discourse_n jargon_fw-la foolish_a and_o nonsense_n which_o two_o last_o word_n he_o be_v ever_o most_o free_a of_o when_o his_o reason_n be_v most_o at_o a_o loss_n he_o liken_n it_o to_o the_o coptick_n and_o slavonian_a language_n talk_v of_o astrology_n palmistry_n chemistry_n and_o what_o not_o and_o with_o such_o kind_n of_o stuff_n confute_v it_o
will_v believe_v he_o that_o my_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a &_o unchristian_a all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o my_o ground_n and_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o prove_v it_o in_o his_o way_n it_o be_v but_o mistake_v again_o the_o notion_n of_o school-divines_a for_o the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o school_n for_o church_n as_o he_o do_v late_o and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v immediate_o without_o any_o more_o trouble_n he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n in_o his_o first_o principle_n and_o his_o method_n that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a need_v not_o hang_v together_o at_o all_o but_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v incoherent_a and_o the_o late_a be_v a_o build_n upon_o false_a pretence_n and_o wrong_a supposition_n and_o then_o what_o may_v not_o he_o prove_v or_o what_o conquest_n can_v he_o obtain_v by_o such_o powerful_a stratagem_n he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o she_o faith_n possible_o i_o be_o not_o so_o lucky_a as_o to_o light_v on_o this_o large_a proof_n of_o he_o all_o i_o can_v find_v with_o a_o ordinary_a search_n be_v four_o or_o five_o line_n rule_v of_o faith_n pag._n 280._o where_o after_o a_o commonly-objected_n &_o often-answered_a citation_n from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n &_o unwritten_a tradition_n &_o therefore_o that_o they_o receive_v &_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n &_o also_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n he_o add_v which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v put_v this_o very_a objection_n against_o myself_o suref_a pag._n 346._o and_o proceed_v to_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o pag._n 150._o particular_o pag._n 147.149_o upon_o this_o reason_n because_o take_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n as_o the_o council_n express_v itself_o to_o do_v and_o forbid_v any_o man_n to_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o it_o have_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o so_o equal_o to_o be_v reverence_v whereas_o take_v it_o interpret_v by_o private_a head_n which_o only_o will_v serve_v dr_n t_n turn_n it_o be_v nothing_o less_o as_o not_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n at_o all_o but_o now_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v more_o require_v as_o dr._n t._n himself_o grant_v and_o contend_v it_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o sensible_a may_v understand_v it_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o build_v on_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n authority_n and_o judgement_n i_o deny_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o say_v it_o be_v no_o rule_n i_o omit_v the_o repeat_n very_o many_o argument_n from_o the_o council_n for_o that_o point_n deduce_v from_o pag._n 141._o to_o pag._n 146._o never_o touch_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o mock-answ_a of_o he_o §_o 16._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v who_o i_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o least_o from_o the_o way_n to_o it_o who_o not_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o to_o do_v throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n i_o make_v account_v that_o perfect_a charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n above_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o bliss_n or_o vnitive_a of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n also_o that_o this_o virtue_n can_v with_o a_o due_a heartiness_n be_v connatural_o or_o rational_o wrought_v in_o soul_n if_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o of_o christian_a faith_n be_v hold_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o ly._n hence_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o hold_v that_o those_o who_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o absolueely-conclusive_a reason_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o such_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v infallible_a and_o by_o consequence_n their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o all_o catholic_n do_v though_o as_o divine_n they_o fail_v in_o make_v out_o how_o and_o by_o what_o particular_a mean_n it_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a adhesion_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v because_o they_o be_v truth_n apt_a to_o beget_v solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n that_o be_v indeed_o true_a virtue_n such_o as_o be_v a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o fervent_a and_o all-oure-powering_a charity_n hence_o they_o possess_v the_o connatural_a mean_n or_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o esteem_v dr._n it_o be_v way_n of_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deity_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o sermon_n most_o pestilent_a and_o mischievous_a to_o soul_n as_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o incline_v they_o if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o discern_v its_o shallowness_n first_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n and_o at_o next_o to_o carelessness_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n though_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o that_o his_o shortness_n in_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o christianity_n make_v he_o conceit_n he_o do_v excellent_o even_o to_o admiration_n all_o the_o while_o he_o commit_v such_o well-meaning_a folly_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v upon_o second_o thought_n think_v fit_a to_o patronize_v principle_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o protestant_n i_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o who_o all_o with_o one_o mouth_n will_v own_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a position_n as_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a how_o dr._n t._n may_v have_v season_v some_o of_o his_o own_o auditor_n by_o preach_v controversy_n to_o they_o which_o he_o extreme_o affect_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v according_a as_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o more_o than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o sentiment_n he_o oppose_v in_o his_o discourse_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n discourse_n viii_o with_o what_o be_v dr._n t._n answer_v my_o method_n a_o present_v make_v to_o his_o credulous_a friend_n show_v how_o solid_o he_o confute_v sure-footing_a by_o ready_o grant_v the_o main_a of_o the_o book_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o tradition_n that_o j._n s._n be_v not_o singular_a in_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o he_o make_v a_o pass_n or_o two_o at_o my_o method_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v must_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o hear_v be_v threaten_v will_v appear_v very_o short_o but_o this_o pleasant_a preface_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o appear_v and_o all_o that_o appear_v like_o answer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v make_v it_o believe_v he_o ought_v not_o answer_v at_o all_o and_o this_o he_o do_v very_o neat_o and_o like_o a_o master_n for_o let_v no_o man_n think_v i_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o dr._n t._n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o thing_n some_o be_v good_a at_o prove_v some_o at_o disprove_v some_o at_o shift_v of_o the_o question_n without_o either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v every_o one_o in_o his_o way_n and_o in_o his_o way_n i_o know_v no_o man_n live_v a_o great_a master_n nor_o so_o great_a as_o the_o dr._n two_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o both_o of_o they_o strange_a one_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n be_v found_v on_o the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oraâ—_n tradition_n next_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o surefoot_v the_o first_o of_o they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v i_o there_o suppose_v oral_a tradition_n self-evident_o infallible_a and_o then_o run_v on_o all_o the_o way_n upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o if_o it_o obtain_v belief_n as_o from_o his_o credit_n he_o hope_v it_o may_v since_o every_o scholar_n know_v all_o discourse_n must_v be_v found_v either_o on_o first_o principle_n or_o at_o least_o on_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o