and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n you_o see_v here_o gentlemen_z how_o great_a stress_n i_o lay_v upon_o dr._n t.'s_n confession_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o real_o if_o he_o clear_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o suffer_v a_o very_a great_a defeat_n because_o i_o so_o much_o build_v upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n either_o of_o be_v a_o good_a writer_n or_o a_o solid_a christian_a divine_a and_o he_o will_v owe_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o his_o doctrine_n have_v pervert_v by_o turn_v their_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n who_o ground_n and_o consequent_o itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a into_o opinion_n who_o ground_n and_o by_o consequence_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v such_o and_o last_o unless_o he_o avoid_v or_o râ—â—ants_v this_o error_n object_v all_o he_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d convince_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o be_v againâ—â—â—ith_n and_o its_o true_a ground_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o act_n of_o right_a faith_n that_o be_v a_o asseâ—â—_n build_v on_o those_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n for_o mankind_n to_o embrace_v faith_n and_o command_v they_o to_o believe_v upon_o those_o ground_n whether_o scripture_n letter_n or_o the_o church_n voice_n shall_v be_v a_o error_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o a_o lie_n which_o all_o sober_a protestant_n presbyterian_o nay_o almost_o all_o sect_n except_o some_o few_o witty_a man_n incline_v much_o by_o read_v such_o author_n to_o scepticism_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o &_o perhaps_o some_o socinian_o reject_v abominate_a and_o hate_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n the_o charge_n be_v lay_v and_o the_o case_n be_v put_v now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n which_o ere_o we_o do_v i_o desire_v those_o reader_n who_o have_v dr._n t.'s_n preface_n by_o they_o to_o read_v his_o 9_o the_o page_n or_o else_o his_o whole_a page_n 118._o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n lest_o either_o of_o we_o may_v injure_v he_o by_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n i_o discourse_v thus_o §_o 2._o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a make_v faith_n itself_o such_o likewise_o since_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o next_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o dr._n t._n be_v the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n sense_n or_o faith_n last_o that_o in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v and_o relate_v by_o he_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o its_o sense_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v here_o page_z 15._o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v i_o put_v he_o this_o dilemma_n either_o he_o hold_v what_o he_o conceive_v to_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n true_a or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a then_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a he_o must_v hold_v it_o at_o least_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o not_o actual_o such_o but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v true_a then_o since_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o security_n he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o of_o the_o book_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o immediate_o subjoin_v these_o very_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o â—ay_v be_v otherwise_o he_o as_o evident_o say_v that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v that_o what_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a be_v false_a i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o dr._n t._n can_v possible_o speak_v more_o plain_o what_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o than_o he_o have_v do_v in_o those_o word_n unless_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o word_n false_a which_o too_o candid_a and_o rude_a expression_n will_v expose_v he_o open_o to_o the_o dislike_n of_o all_o sober_a mâ—n_z and_o therefore_o he_o disguise_v it_o in_o its_o more_o moderate_a equivalent_a otherwise_o i_o say_v equivalent_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o what_o the_o word_n otherwise_o relate_v too_o human_a language_n forbid_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v otherwise_o unless_o it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o something_o i_o ask_v then_o otherwise_o than_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v when_o be_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discourse_v what_o security_n he_o have_v of_o the_o antiquity_n writer_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o may_v be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a as_o word_n can_v express_v he_o must_v mean_v it_o be_v possible_a the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v possible_a this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o such_o passage_n as_o concern_v faith_n for_o to_o these_o and_o these_o only_a our_o discourse_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o title_n of_o his_o book_n determine_v it_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o none_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o either_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o case_n it_o be_v sole_o ground_v upon_o that_o as_o he_o profess_v see_v reader_n how_o all_o truth_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a one_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o man_n frame_v only_o for_o fine_a talk_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o how_o parallel_a his_o defence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o that_o he_o give_v we_o late_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n he_o so_o prove_v a_o god_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o now_o he_o so_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v no_o rule_n since_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o follow_v may_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v dr._n t._n need_v here_o the_o blessing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o that_o identical_a proposition_n a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n else_o he_o will_v not_o write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v scripture_n a_o rule_n and_o then_o ever_o and_o anon_o in_o equivalent_a language_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o such_o evident_a truth_n and_o not_o out_o of_o a_o openly-declared_a feud_n against_o those_o first_o principle_n fall_v thus_o perpetual_o into_o manifest_a contradiction_n §_o 3._o but_o how_o do_v dr._n t._n clear_a himself_o of_o this_o charge_n of_o i_o or_o how_o come_v he_o off_o from_o his_o own_o word_n first_o he_o again_o put_v down_o those_o very_a word_n which_o say_v over_o and_o over_o what_o i_o charge_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o ask_v very_o confident_o where_o he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a a_o craft_n as_o child_n use_v when_o they_o hoodwink_v themselves_o and_o then_o tell_v the_o bystander_n they_o shall_v not_o see_v they_o next_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o he_o say_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o a_o book_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v these_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o to_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o etc._n etc._n be_v this_o all_o he_o say_v what_o then_o be_v become_v of_o those_o famous_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v only_o object_v but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v whether_o he_o be_v infallible_o certain_a or_o no_o it_o matter_n not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v why_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o faith_n some_o at_o least_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o certain_a of_o both_o in_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o assent_v and_o as_o we_o questionless_a be_v die_v to_o attest_v the_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v absolutely-certain_a truth_n again_o if_o dr._n t._n be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a
it_o be_v the_o first_o create_v one_o or_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o discourse_v about_o creature_n as_o to_o their_o nature_n or_o essâ—nces_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o be_v therefore_o true_a because_o god_n be_v what_o he_o be_v or_o because_o self-existence_n be_v self-existence_n as_o be_v explicate_v above_o §_o 1._o &_o 2._o which_o i_o hope_v dr._n t_n goodness_n will_v so_o much_o prevail_v above_o his_o ignorance_n as_o not_o to_o judge_v ridiculous_a whatever_o he_o think_v of_o the_o first_o create_v truth_n which_o immediate_o depend_v on_o the_o other_o §_o 13._o but_o why_o must_v first_o principles_n be_v necessary_o express_v with_o that_o most_o perfectly-formal_a identity_n or_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v be_v put_v in_o the_o selfsame_a word_n be_v it_o not_o enough_o the_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o as_o be_v find_v in_o definition_n but_o the_o word_n must_v be_v the_o same_o also_o which_o bear_v a_o show_n of_o ridiculousness_n and_o seem_v to_o admit_v of_o no_o possibility_n of_o advance_v towards_o new_a knowledge_n why_o can_v then_o the_o definition_n serve_v to_o principle_n all_o our_o discourse_n about_o the_o thing_n define_v without_o recur_v to_o such_o proposition_n as_o appear_v little_o better_o than_o flâ—t_n and_o insignificant_a as_o to_o that_o purpose_n i_o answer_v the_o objection_n in_o great_a part_n demand_v what_o use_v can_v be_v make_v of_o first_o principle_n which_o shall_v be_v speak_v to_o in_o the_o next_o discourse_n but_o that_o definition_n be_v not_o the_o very_a prime_a verity_n of_o all_o appear_v evident_o already_o because_o those_o proposition_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n possibility_n to_o be_v define_v must_v necessary_o antecede_v the_o definition_n and_o the_o same_o will_v be_v far_o clear_v by_o these_o follow_a consideration_n 1._o that_o definition_n be_v often_o liable_a to_o dispute_v but_o identical_a proposition_n never_o i_o have_v hear_v a_o certain_a learned_a and_o ingenuous_a person_n disallow_v he_o rational_a creature_n to_o be_v a_o right_a definition_n of_o a_o man_n and_o discourse_v very_o sober_o how_o proud_a a_o thing_n mankind_n be_v to_o arrogate_v all_o the_o reason_n to_o himself_o whereas_o diverse_a bird_n and_o beast_n in_o their_o several_a sphere_n have_v as_o much_o or_o more_o reason_n than_o he._n and_o yet_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o same_o gentleman_n will_v hearty_o allow_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n a_o man_n be_v a_o man_n nay_o indeed_o all_o the_o sceptic_n in_o the_o world_n admit_v identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o the_o same_o man_n quarrel_v every_o definition_n extant_a since_o then_o it_o be_v direct_o against_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n to_o be_v dlsputable_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o definition_n can_v be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n of_o all_o 2._o first_o principles_n ought_v to_o be_v principia_fw-la intellectus_fw-la and_o natural_o ingraft_v in_o we_o that_o so_o they_o may_v oblige_v all_o under_o forfeiture_n of_o their_o nature_n to_o acquiesce_v to_o their_o verity_n whereas_o definition_n be_v not_o such_o but_o acquire_v by_o practical_a self-evidence_n for_o example_n by_o a_o long_a course_n of_o observation_n heedful_o attend_v to_o the_o action_n of_o man_n as_o man_n and_o thence_o by_o mean_n of_o some_o first_o principle_n evidence_v so_o constant_a a_o hit_v in_o so_o many_o particular_n to_o be_v beyond_o chance_n or_o accident_n gather_v his_o primary_n and_o proper_a operation_n we_o come_v to_o know_v the_o definition_n of_o man_n none_o of_o which_o need_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o nature-taught_a proposition_n a_fw-la man_n be_v a_o man_n or_o a_o rational_a creature_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n moreover_o definition_n general_o need_v some_o skill_n of_o art_n to_o make_v they_o and_o all_o art_n presuppose_v some_o first_o principle_n whence_o it_o be_v impossible_a definition_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o 3._o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o word_n be_v liable_a to_o equivocation_n where_o there_o be_v few_o word_n there_o be_v less_o room_n for_o equivocate_a wherefore_o since_o first_o principle_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o clear_a and_o consequent_o the_o most_o unequivocal_a that_o can_v be_v imagine_v definition_n which_o explicate_v the_o notion_n in_o more_o word_n afford_v more_o room_n for_o equivocation_n and_o consequent_o be_v even_o in_o this_o regard_n less_o fit_a to_o be_v first_o principles_n 4._o last_o logical_a trick_n of_o nice_o distinguish_v sometime_o elude_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n at_o least_o darken_v it_o from_o which_o inconvenience_n first_o principle_n ought_v to_o be_v the_o most_o free_a that_o may_v be_v now_o definition_n yield_v more_o room_n for_o equivocalness_n do_v by_o consequence_n give_v more_o occasion_n of_o distinguish_v whereas_o identical_a proposition_n afford_v not_o the_o least_o for_o example_n this_o proposition_n a_fw-la man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n bear_v this_o distinction_n a_o man_n be_v rational_a in_o some_o thing_n as_o in_o discourse_v those_o notion_n that_o concern_v quantity_n but_o not_o in_o other_o e._n g._n those_o which_o concern_v be_v or_o rational_a that_o be_v capable_a to_o discourse_v right_o the_o nature_n of_o some_o body_n but_o not_o of_o spirit_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a hence_o that_o this_o definition_n of_o man_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v render_v in_o show_n ambiguous_a and_o i_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n who_o out_o of_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o true_a method_n to_o science_n think_v this_o distinction_n both_o wellgrounded_n and_o very_o pertinent_a now_o this_o be_v so_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o true_a limit_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n become_v doubtful_a by_o such_o kind_n of_o distinction_n and_o consequent_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o definition_n itself_o unknown_a whereas_o nothing_o of_o this_o can_v possible_o happen_v in_o that_o identical_a proposition_n a_o man_n be_v a_o man_n since_o whatever_o distinction_n affect_v the_o predicate_v must_v also_o affect_v the_o subject_a and_o so_o the_o proposition_n remain_v still_o entire_o identical_a and_o perfect_o true_a and_o not_o in_o part_n only_o as_o it_o happen_v in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v conclude_v then_o from_o all_o imaginable_a consideration_n that_o can_v belong_v to_o this_o peculiar_a matter_n that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n else_o but_o identical_a proposition_n §_o 14._o as_o for_o their_o seem_a ridiculous_a to_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v because_o those_o man_n of_o mirth_n be_v lead_v much_o by_o fancy_n and_o inure_v all_o their_o life_n to_o pretty_a plausibility_n and_o seldom_o or_o never_o reflect_v on_o or_o discourse_v orderly_o from_o such_o ground_n be_v hence_o apt_a to_o imagine_v that_o first_o principle_n aâ—e_v certain_a great_a rarity_n or_o production_n of_o some_o extraordinary_a height_n of_o wit_n when_o therefore_o they_o come_v to_o hear_v identical_a proposition_n allege_v for_o first_o principle_n see_v their_o high_a expectation_n so_o strange_o disappoint_v they_o hereupon_o grow_v pleasant_a at_o the_o defeat_n of_o their_o fancy_n never_o consider_v that_o because_o first_o principle_n ground_n all_o possible_a discourse_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o and_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o all_o mankind_n even_o the_o rude_a in_o the_o world_n and_o inbred_a in_o they_o they_o must_v therefore_o be_v the_o far_a from_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o wit_n and_o the_o most_o plain_o down_o right_a say_n that_o can_v be_v conceive_v whence_o they_o be_v better_o learn_v from_o the_o vulgar_a than_o they_o be_v from_o great_a scholar_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o learned_a man_n that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v go_v to_o work_v solid_o ought_v in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o result_v of_o pure_a natural_a knowledge_n attend_v to_o such_o as_o speak_v mere_a nature_n rather_o than_o to_o those_o who_o mingle_v and_o perhaps_o corrupt_v it_o with_o airy_a speculation_n which_o have_v not_o that_o firm_a basis_n to_o ground_v their_o discourse_n now_o it_o be_v obvious_a to_o observe_v that_o the_o nature-instructed_n vulgar_a be_v apt_a to_o deliver_v themselves_o in_o such_o kind_n of_o plain_a speech_n in_o due_a occasion_n and_o make_v use_n of_o they_o as_o truth_n which_o fix_v their_o judgement_n in_o a_o unalterableness_n for_o example_n if_o a_o man_n will_v force_v one_o of_o they_o to_o forgo_v what_o be_v very_o evident_a he_o will_v stick_v firm_o to_o the_o point_n and_o tell_v you_o sober_o that_o truth_n be_v truth_n or_o that_o he_o be_v sure_a a_o spade_n be_v a_o spade_n or_o that_o he_o know_v what_o he_o know_v or_o if_o it_o be_v in_o a_o point_n belong_v to_o justice_n that_o right_o be_v right_o and_o bring_v in_o these_o as_o evidence_n from_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 thâ—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 â—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 whâ—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 truâ—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 hâ—nder_v such_o a_o soul_n from_o take_v direct_a contradiction_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n
nibble_v §_o 4._o but_o i_o may_v blush_v he_o say_v and_o what_o be_v the_o crime_n why_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o ever_o i_o have_v read_v my_o lord_n falkland_n mr._n chillingworth_n and_o doctor_n stillingfleet_n and_o have_v no_o better_o a_o style_n and_o way_n of_o reason_v who_o he_o praise_v for_o person_n of_o admirable_a strength_n and_o clearness_n in_o their_o write_n what_o will_v he_o have_v i_o free_o confess_v and_o ever_o do_v that_o they_o be_v person_n of_o much_o wit_n and_o a_o clear_a expression_n yet_o i_o never_o understand_v till_o now_o that_o man_n use_v to_o read_v their_o book_n to_o learn_v a_o good_a style_n and_o method_n of_o discourse_v as_o for_o their_o admirable_a strength_n i_o can_v never_o find_v it_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o discourse_n as_o i_o imagine_v consist_v in_o its_o ground_n not_o in_o witty_a plausibility_n and_o and_o fine_a language_n though_o i_o know_v dr._n t._n who_o seem_v never_o to_o have_v aim_v at_o any_o high_a pitch_n think_v very_o such_o ingenious_a knack_n make_v a_o discourse_n strong_a than_o all_o the_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o they_o all_o put_v together_o if_o dr._n t._n can_v show_v i_o any_o one_o principle_n in_o any_o of_o they_o which_o they_o hearty_o stand_v to_o able_a to_o put_v christian_a faith_n beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n i_o promise_v to_o yield_v all_o i_o have_v write_v for_o false_a and_o according_o renounce_v it_o §_o 5._o as_o for_o their_o clearness_n and_o dr._n t_n too_o who_o i_o rank_n with_o they_o in_o that_o quality_n have_v real_o a_o disposition_n to_o do_v he_o all_o just_a honour_n he_o make_v himself_o capable_a to_o receive_v i_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v find_v in_o they_o to_o a_o fair_a degree_n of_o excellence_n but_o i_o must_v distinguish_v clearness_n into_o two_o sort_n one_o that_o clear_v their_o own_o thought_n by_o mean_n of_o language_n the_o other_o that_o clear_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n in_o dispute_n which_o be_v do_v by_o mean_n of_o principle_n the_o former_a make_v the_o reader_n understand_v they_o the_o latter_a make_v he_o understand_v truth_n the_o one_o render_v it_o clear_a that_o they_o say_v thus_o the_o other_o make_v it_o clear_a that_o they_o say_v right_a when_o they_o say_v thus_o in_o the_o first_o sort_n of_o clearness_n they_o have_v not_o many_o fellow_n in_o the_o latter_a they_o be_v like_o other_o mortal_n or_o rather_o indeed_o they_o be_v quite_o destitute_a of_o it_o for_o be_v utter_o void_a of_o ground_n they_o leave_v the_o point_n unseen_a to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v obscure_a and_o far_o from_o clear_n and_o if_o dr._n t._n think_v i_o wrong_v they_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o show_v i_o either_o in_o any_o of_o they_o or_o in_o himself_o any_o principle_n he_o can_v just_o call_v they_o or_o he_o and_o then_o go_v to_o work_v logical_o and_o make_v out_o how_o and_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o its_o term_n hang_v together_o and_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o i_o shall_v acknowledge_v public_o my_o error_n and_o make_v they_o all_o honourable_a satisfaction_n the_o very_a next_o piece_n i_o print_v in_o a_o word_n they_o be_v pretty_a dextrous_a at_o pull_v down_o or_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o incertainty_n as_o become_v man_n of_o wit_n and_o fancy_n and_o what_o easy_a than_o to_o raise_v a_o thousand_o wild_a objection_n at_o rover_n without_o ever_o hee_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o aâ—_n building_n which_o require_v a_o judgement_n make_v steady_a by_o ground_n and_o principle_n they_o ever_o do_v and_o ever_o will_v and_o so_o must_v all_o who_o follow_v their_o step_n fall_v infinite_o short_a §_o 6._o as_o for_o my_o style_n i_o declare_v that_o i_o regard_v it_o no_o further_o than_o it_o serve_v to_o express_v my_o thought_n especial_o not_o intend_v to_o persuade_v the_o vulgar_a rhetorical_o by_o advantage_n of_o language_n but_o to_o prove_v severe_o the_o point_n to_o scholar_n by_o the_o connectedness_n of_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o of_o st._n augustine_n mind_n that_o in_o this_o circumstance_n a_o iron-key_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o golden_a one_o where_o no_o more_o be_v requisite_a but_o aperire_fw-la quod_fw-la clausum_fw-la erat_fw-la to_o open_v what_o be_v before_o conceal_v or_o shut_v in_o my_o young_a year_n and_o spring_n time_n of_o my_o life_n i_o apply_v myself_o much_o to_o those_o flourish_n of_o poetry_n and_o rhetoric_n but_o i_o be_o now_o in_o my_o autumn_n and_o my_o ripe_a thought_n apply_v themselves_o to_o study_v knowledge_n the_o flower_n fall_v off_o when_o the_o fruit-time_n be_v come_v i_o endeavour_v as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o fill_v my_o mind_n with_o ground_a and_o solid_a reason_n for_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n and_o then_o let_v my_o sense_n give_v i_o my_o style_n and_o not_o frame_v my_o sense_n to_o my_o word_n or_o make_v my_o word_n supply_v the_o want_n of_o sense_n as_o gay_a discourser_n use_v beside_o no_o man_n attention_n be_v infinite_a and_o so_o shall_v i_o mind_v my_o style_n too_o much_o in_o all_o likelihood_n i_o shall_v mind_v sense_n which_o i_o a_o thousand_o time_n more_o value_n less_o and_o i_o take_v this_o to_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o dr._n t._n for_o otherwise_o the_o man_n have_v a_o very_a good_a wit_n hee_v his_o style_n and_o word_n so_o extreme_o much_o scarce_o attend_v at_o all_o to_o his_o sense_n or_o as_o a_o ingenious_a person_n read_v this_o preface_n express_v it_o have_v rather_o be_v guilty_a of_o ten_o error_n than_o one_o incongruity_n last_o how_o do_v dr._n t._n know_v my_o style_n be_v i_o to_o make_v a_o sermon_n do_v not_o every_o orator_n know_v that_o the_o style_n due_a to_o a_o sermon_n and_o a_o strict_a discourse_n of_o close_a reason_n be_v the_o most_o different_a imaginable_a i_o will_v not_o say_v dr._n t._n have_v no_o good_a judgement_n in_o word_n for_o this_o will_v make_v he_o good_a for_o little_a but_o i_o must_v say_v he_o be_v very_o rash_a in_o conclude_v absolute_o of_o my_o style_n from_o see_v it_o in_o one_o kind_n of_o matter_n only_o and_o this_o the_o most_o incompetent_a of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n to_o show_v what_o language_n one_o be_v master_n of_o now_o to_o his_o sermon_n and_o let_v he_o remember_v it_o be_v himself_n force_v i_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o weakness_n of_o his_o discourse_n by_o his_o frequent_a and_o scornful_a provocation_n which_o i_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o do_v in_o this_o circumstance_n lest_o it_o may_v wrong_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n against_o atheism_n but_o i_o consider_v that_o shall_v christian_n divine_v acquiesce_v and_o seem_v to_o consent_v by_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o judge_v such_o quiver_a ground_n competent_a to_o build_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v a_o far_o just_a scandal_n to_o atheist_n than_o it_o be_v to_o disclaim_v from_o they_o and_o avow_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o those_o maxim_n which_o ground_n our_o persuasion_n as_o christian_n add_v that_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o those_o who_o yet_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o their_o faith_n not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o slide_v into_o a_o less_o hearty_a conceit_n of_o it_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n spring_v from_o it_o do_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n these_o consideration_n justify_v i_o full_o to_o the_o world_n and_o dr._n t_n daring_n provocation_n particular_o to_o hâ—s_a friend_n i_o resolve_v to_o answer_v his_o challenge_n though_o i_o foresee_v my_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a engage_v i_o to_o make_v better_o of_o my_o own_o in_o confutation_n of_o that_o irreligious_a sect_n of_o which_o i_o here_o acknowledge_v myself_o a_o debtor_n to_o my_o reader_n and_o shall_v perform_v that_o obligation_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n who_o make_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n uncertain_a â—nward_a ulcer_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a and_o require_v speedy_a cure_n than_o those_o which_o be_v without_o §_o 7._o his_o intent_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n be_v to_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o let_v we_o christian_n take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v not_o scandal_n to_o atheist_n and_o obstruct_v their_o conversion_n by_o exact_v of_o they_o what_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o or_o right_a reason_n and_o require_v of_o they_o impossibility_n and_o for_o this_o end_n let_v we_o impartial_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o invite_v and_o persuade_v they_o
virtue_n of_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o one_o paradox_n to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n nay_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o natural_a science_n to_o boot_v for_o these_o according_a to_o he_o be_v sole_o build_v upon_o induction_n which_o depend_v on_o sensation_n and_o these_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o be_v all_o possible_a to_o be_v deceive_v §_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o by_o these_o ground_n leave_v in_o the_o same_o pickle_n it_o be_v rule_n whether_o it_o be_v tradition_n or_o scripture_n letter_n evident_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v all_o fallible_a and_o what_o be_v build_v on_o a_o fallible_a authority_n say_v common_a sense_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unavoidable_a from_o his_o principle_n that_o all_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a however_o the_o shame_n of_o own_v so_o unchristian_a and_o half-atheistical_a a_o tenet_n make_v he_o very_o stiff_o and_o angry_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n but_o he_o shall_v never_o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n from_o his_o position_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v fallible_a i_o expect_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n he_o will_v tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o my_o conclusion_n or_o start_v aside_o to_o a_o logical_a possibility_n that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o so_o may_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o point_n we_o be_v discourse_v what_o will_v follow_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o cause_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o world_n alwise_a governor_n whence_o if_o those_o portion_n of_o nature_n or_o mankind_n can_v be_v deceive_v without_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseeming_a god_n to_o do_v a_o miracle_n which_o reach_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o whole_a species_n as_o that_o no_o fire_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v burn_v no_o water_n wet_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n nay_o essential_a truth_n itself_o shall_v do_v such_o a_o stupendous_a and_o never-yet-heard-of_a miracle_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n as_o be_v our_o case_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_o consequent_a it_o can_v be_v effect_v at_o all_o that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v fallible_a in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o their_o constant_a sensation_n §_o 20._o it_o follow_v and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v to_o this_o we_o will_v speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o firm_a principle_n he_o proceed_v none_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n in_o america_n as_o jamaica_n yet_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n and_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o free_a from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n true_a none_o can_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v either_o jamaica_n or_o any_o such_o place_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o demonstrate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o attester_n from_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o object_n and_o their_o veracity_n from_o the_o impossibility_n they_o shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o act_v or_o say_v so_o without_o some_o appear_a good_a for_o their_o object_n or_o intend_v to_o deceive_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n and_o so_o circumstance_v when_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o intend_a end_n as_o for_o his_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v as_o free_v from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o he_o be_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n may_v 〈…〉_z yet_o not_o hold_v the_o thing_n true_a as_o shall_v present_o be_v show_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n pleâ—se_v to_o look_v into_o his_o own_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v instill_a through_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o doubt_n viz._n such_o a_o firm_a assent_n &_o adherence_n to_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o he_o will_v deem_v he_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o deserter_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o to_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o why_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n have_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o see_v it_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n impossible_a that_o authority_n shall_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la be_v deceive_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v and_o so_o hold_v the_o authority_n infallible_a as_o to_o this_o point_n i_o expect_v his_o logic_n shall_v inform_v i_o §_o 21._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o dr._n t_n performance_n hitherto_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o proper_a science_n for_o his_o purpose_n metaphysic_n i_o suppose_v because_o it_o sometime_o use_v those_o hard_a word_n potentiality_n and_o actuality_n which_o his_o delicate_a ear_n can_v brook_v and_o have_v seclude_v morality_n physics_n and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n which_o ground_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o christian_a faith_n from_o be_v science_n allow_v it_o only_o to_o the_o mathematics_n which_o will_v make_v one_o very_o think_v the_o world_n be_v perverse_o order_v and_o odd_o disproportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o which_o we_o christian_n agree_v it_o be_v create_v that_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o power_n to_o act_v aright_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o far_o less_o import_n than_o in_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o concern_v incomparable_o high_o yet_o it_o matter_n less_o some_o may_v think_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o of_o those_o conclusion_n in_o those_o respective_a subject_n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o whâ—ch_n dr._n t_n discourse_n call_v into_o question_n or_o rather_o deny_v whence_o iâ—_n we_o have_v in_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v exterior_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o suffice_v but_o now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o faith_n where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o assent_v or_o to_o hold_v fâ—rmly_o and_o very_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n or_o carry_v a_o soul_n to_o bliss_n but_o interior_a act_n of_o a_o firm_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n build_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o a_o ardent_a and_o overpower_v love_n of_o unseen_a goods_n spring_v out_o of_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fit_a we_o for_o a_o union_n with_o our_o infinitely-blissful_a object_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o these_o be_v fundamental_o build_v on_o the_o secureness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v a_o rational_a considerer_n wouâ—d_v think_v it_o very_o requiâ—â—â—e_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o hearty_a a_o assent_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o infinitely-high_a nature_n and_o import_n shall_v be_v fâ—ll_a as_o evident_a as_o the_o most_o evident_a of_o those_o inferior_a concern_v and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_a curiosity_n and_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v manage_v on_o such_o a_o fashion_n as_o if_o mankinâ—_n be_v only_o make_v to_o study_v mathematics_n since_o absolute_a evidence_n his_o best_a natural_a perfection_n be_v according_a to_o dr._n t._n only_o find_v in_o these_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o mathematician_n be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o philosopher_n not_o at_o all_o and_o i_o fear_v christian_n as_o little_a now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v according_a to_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o true_a self-evident_a practical_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a let_v we_o see_v what_o strong_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o immovably-firm_a assent_n dr._n t._n will_v afford_v the_o world_n for_o that_o first_o and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o which_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v all_o else_o that_o belong_v to_o faith_n be_v not_o worth_a hee_n discourse_n v._n dr._n t_n firm_a
god_n holy_a disposition_n than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v have_v they_o keep_v awake_v that_o degree_n of_o suspense_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o require_v they_o shall_v §_o 8._o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o dr._n t_n performance_n it_o appear_v hence_o that_o one_o may_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o withal_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assent_v firm_o to_o it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n which_o only_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n either_o by_o perfect_o suspend_v and_o incline_v to_o neither_o side_n as_o we_o experience_v our_o understanding_n now_o bear_v itself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o star_n be_v even_o or_o odd_a or_o by_o strong_o hope_v or_o incline_v to_o assent_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a as_o when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n such_o a_o time_n at_o london_n who_o never_o use_v to_o break_v his_o word_n which_o expectation_n though_o one_o may_v have_v very_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_n will_v not_o deceive_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o firm_o as_o i_o do_v to_o my_o faith_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n but_o what_o i_o most_o admire_v be_v that_o dr._n t._n can_v think_v a_o actual_a not_o doubt_v or_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v a_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o ground_n for_o christian_a faith_n as_o he_o all_o over_o inculcate_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v over_o again_o what_o have_v be_v late_o prove_v that_o a_o bear_v not_o doubt_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christianâ—_n it_o be_v evident_a first_fw-mi that_o turk_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o be_v full_o persuade_v what_o they_o hold_v be_v â—rue_a and_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v it_o whence_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o exclude_v doubt_n in_o its_o adherent_n turcism_n judaisme_n and_o perhaps_o paganism_n too_o may_v claim_v to_o be_v true_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o certainty_n or_o security_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n all_o those_o wicked_a sect_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v hold_v certain_a too_o and_o so_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v become_v certain_a by_o which_o stratagem_n dr._n t._n be_v as_o complete_o revenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o reward_v his_o dear_a friend_n and_o faithful_a abetter_n direct_a contradiction_n very_o honourable_o advance_v they_o to_o be_v first_o principle_n and_o even_o as_o certain_a as_o faith_n itself_o second_o passion_n and_o vice_n can_v breed_v in_o a_o man_n a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o a_o error_n be_v true_a and_o such_o a_o apprehension_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o all_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o the_o more_o passion_n a_o man_n be_v in_o and_o the_o more_o obstinate_a he_o be_v in_o that_o passion_n the_o less_o still_o he_o doubt_v so_o that_o by_o dr._n t_n logic_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o christianity_n be_v indeed_o rationally-wise_a or_o passionately-foolish_a in_o caâ—e_a the_o test_n of_o its_o certainty_n or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o ground_n be_v not_o a_o steady_a assent_n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v if_o the_o motive_n to_o embrace_v it_o be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o oneâ—y_o exclusive_a of_o doubt_n three_o ignorance_n and_o dull_a rudeness_n be_v easy_o apay_v with_o any_o silly_a reason_n and_o so_o a_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o be_v void_a of_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a see_v the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v least_o able_a to_o raise_v any_o wherefore_o if_o be_v free_a from_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n be_v the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o christian_a ground_n let_v all_o christian_n be_v but_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o they_o shall_v immediate_o without_o more_o ado_n become_v as_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n as_o may_v be_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o ignorance_n be_v fundamental_o establish_v by_o dr._n t._n the_o mother_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n four_o though_o out_o of_o a_o stupid_a carelessness_n man_n use_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n for_o grant_v upon_o slight_a ground_n while_o it_o be_v cheap_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o no_o danger_n accrue_v upon_o the_o own_v they_o yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n press_v as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n livelihood_n or_o life_n reason_v our_o true_a nature_n teach_v man_n to_o study_v their_o careless_a thought_n over_o again_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o before_o they_o take_v for_o grant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o certain_a motive_n to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o to_o ascertain_v to_o they_o some_o equivalent_a good_a at_o least_o to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o forego_v in_o which_o case_n i_o fear_v it_o will_v yield_v small_a strength_n to_o a_o man_n put_v in_o such_o a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o find_v upon_o review_n of_o his_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v only_o able_a to_o make_v he_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o good_a one_o while_o the_o concern_v be_v remote_a and_o less_o but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o he_o see_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v false_a and_o himself_o a_o great_a fool_n for_o hold_v they_o true_a without_o reason_n convince_a they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o foolish_a perhaps_o wicked_a to_o boot_v for_o suffer_v so_o deep_o to_o attest_v they_o if_o dr._n t._n reply_n that_o such_o man_n die_v for_o what_o they_o conceive_v truth_n mean_v well_o and_o consequent_o act_v virtuous_o i_o must_v ask_v he_o how_o he_o know_v that_o or_o can_v make_v they_o know_v it_o unless_o he_o propose_v motive_n to_o conclude_v those_o tenet_n true_a for_o as_o error_n be_v the_o parent_n and_o origin_n of_o all_o vice_n so_o be_v truth_n of_o all_o virtue_n nor_o be_v virtue_n any_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o follow_v reason_n or_o truth_n whence_o if_o we_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a any_o tenet_n we_o follow_v be_v truth_n we_o can_v be_v absolutely-certain_a any_o action_n be_v virtuous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n virtuous_a to_o mean_v well_o in_o common_a or_o intend_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v only_o free_a from_o doubt_n all_o the_o while_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o substantial_a truth_n to_o proceed_v upon_o which_o render_v their_o meaning_n and_o particular_a action_n good_a as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v man_n true_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o worship_v juno_n venus_n vulcan_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n mean_v well_o in_o common_a be_v free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o have_v dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n too_o that_o be_v have_v a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v full_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n for_o many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a natural_a prudence_n and_o be_v actual_o satisfy_v with_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v for_o polytheism_n last_o they_o have_v dr._n t_n firm_a principle_n too_o on_o their_o side_n for_o they_o have_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n round_o about_o they_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v give_v they_o though_o it_o be_v for_o have_v there_o be_v indeed_o such_o god_n and_o goddess_n yet_o be_v in_o heaven_n they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o light_n concern_v they_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o other_o relate_v also_o as_o doubtless_o they_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n conceive_v to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n for_o they_o and_o what_o doubt_v soever_o a_o few_o speculative_a and_o learned_a man_n raise_v concern_v they_o yet_o the_o generality_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o their_o thought_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o at_o all_o these_o advantage_n i_o say_v the_o heathen_n have_v parallel_n within_o a_o very_a little_a if_o not_o altogether_o to_o dr._n t_n ground_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o equal_a effect_n viz._n not-doubting_a yet_o because_o
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
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 oâ—_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 hâ—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 and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a word_n that_o probability_n of_o reason_n though_o never_o such_o fair_a one_o conclude_v as_o little_a last_o he_o tell_v we_o serm._n p_o 22._o that_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n this_o argument_n have_v all_o the_o strength_n it_o can_v have_v and_o thus_o dr._n t._n instead_o of_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o very_o learned_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n §_o 13._o i_o omit_v his_o abuse_v the_o word_n testimony_n which_o be_v build_v on_o sensation_n in_o allege_v it_o to_o prove_v a_o creation_n which_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o mankind_n nor_o consequent_o can_v the_o persuasion_n of_o future_a deliverer_n and_o writer_n have_v for_o its_o source_n attestation_n or_o testimony_n i_o omit_v also_o his_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o testimony_n to_o prove_v miracle_n god_n proper_a effect_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o sense_n and_o which_o both_o christian_n jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n both_o unanimous_o have_v and_o the_o first_o seer_n can_v proper_o attest_v i_o suppose_v his_o confidence_n in_o his_o rhetoric_n make_v he_o choose_v the_o worse_a argument_n to_o show_v how_o pretty_o he_o can_v make_v they_o look_v or_o perhaps_o the_o genius_n of_o thing_n lie_v so_o that_o the_o slight_a argument_n most_o need_v and_o so_o best_a suit_n with_o rhetorical_a discourser_n §_o 14._o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v gentleman_n there_o will_v appear_v just_a reason_n for_o that_o moderate_a and_o civil_a hint_n i_o give_v dr._n t._n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o ground_n in_o these_o word_n in_o which_o sermon_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v hereafter_o after_o which_o i_o give_v his_o sermon_n all_o its_o due_a commendation_n and_o then_o subjoin_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o
the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o if_o the_o simple_a can_v not_o nay_o be_v not_o most_o likely_a of_o all_o other_o to_o believe_v upon_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a motive_n which_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v be_v lay_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v her_o faith_n upon_o or_o as_o if_o the_o most_o simple_a that_o be_v can_v not_o rational_o believe_v the_o church_n and_o so_o become_v infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n by_o adhere_v to_o she_o though_o their_o weak_a understanding_n do_v not_o penetrate_v or_o comprehend_v how_o the_o church_n or_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v so_o nay_o perhaps_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o what_o the_o word_n infallible_a mean_n till_o some_o discourse_n awaken_v the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o they_o §_o 10._o have_v thus_o act_v the_o disputant_n exit_fw-la theologus_fw-la intrat_fw-la scuâ—ra_fw-la and_o pag._n 13.14_o play_v the_o old_a trick_n of_o legerdemain_n over_o again_o that_o be_v leave_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n of_o i_o and_o playâ—_n upon_o the_o other_o half_a with_o all_o the_o disingenuous_a craft_n a_o wit_n bend_v that_o way_n can_v invent_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 89._o and_o 90._o i_o discourse_v thus_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n will_v seem_v to_o a_o heathen_a impossible_a to_o be_v true_a therefore_o the_o motive_n must_v at_o least_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o dr._n t._n confess_v both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o object_n proportion_v to_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o be_v there_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o he_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v have_v view_v my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v by_o my_o confuter_n he_o name_v the_o word_n argument_n say_v two_o pretty_a word_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o surprise_v leaf_n out_o better_a half_n of_o it_o conceal_v perfect_o all_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o conclude_v strong_o against_o his_o own_o insufficient_a ground_n catch_n at_o a_o word_n and_o will_v make_v my_o discouse_n and_o argument_n aim_v to_o prove_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o motive_n be_v only_a seem_o such_o whereas_o every_o page_n in_o that_o book_n and_o its_o whole_a design_n show_v i_o mean_v and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v actual_o real_o and_o indeed_o such_o have_v i_o a_o mind_n to_o evade_v such_o petty_a cavil_n i_o can_v allege_v that_o both_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a yet_o one_o more_o seem_v so_o than_o the_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v advancing_z to_o confute_v he_o i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o contend_v that_o against_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a nothing_o but_o motive_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v hold_v convictive_a but_o he_o have_v no_o motive_n even_o seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o confess_o possible_a to_o be_v such_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o imaginable_a show_n of_o convictiveness_n i_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v asleep_o draw_v match_n as_o he_o call_v it_o between_o equally-seeming_a impossibility_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o object_n be_v by_o much_o a_o overmatch_n to_o what_o be_v less_o than_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o motive_n or_o ground_n but_o both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n his_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_o possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v false_a and_o so_o be_v less_o than_o seem_o even_o to_o himself_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o his_o motive_n to_o believe_v be_v incomparable_o overmatcht_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v rational_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n no_o faith_n at_o all_o this_o be_v my_o true_a argument_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v surprise_v to_o he_o which_o make_v he_o thus_o start_v aside_o from_o put_v or_o answer_v it_o though_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o his_o carriage_n he_o esteem_v not_o it_o and_o other_o such_o like_a very_o pleasant_a indeed_o he_o still_o put_v on_o a_o pleasant_a look_v when_o he_o shall_v be_v sober_a and_o be_v ever_o most_o merry_a when_o it_o become_v he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a but_o this_o be_v long_o since_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a policy_n not_o a_o genuine_a effect_n of_o nature_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a if_o so_o than_o it_o imply_v some_o contradiction_n which_o if_o he_o show_v i_o in_o any_o thing_n hold_v of_o faith_n by_o catholic_n in_o that_o point_n i_o will_v become_v dr._n t_n convert_v and_o obedient_a auditor_n but_o alas_o how_o will_v he_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n since_o those_o faulty_a proposition_n be_v as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2.3_o therefore_o such_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o identical_a one_o or_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v see_v then_o dr._n t._n have_v long_o since_o renounce_v all_o those_o from_o be_v first_o principles_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v discern_v he_o must_v either_o hold_v there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o or_o else_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o hold_v that_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n §_o 11._o but_o he_o go_v forward_o amain_o in_o confute_v a_o point_n which_o no_o man_n live_v ever_o maintain_v viz._n that_o every_o single_a christian_a must_v be_v infallible_a that_o be_v as_o dr._n t._n will_v needs_o take_v it_o must_v so_o penetrate_v his_o ground_n and_o what_o relate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o see_v clear_o he_o can_v be_v deceiuâ—d_v in_o judge_v his_o ground_n of_o faith_n conclusive_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o let_v any_o man_n though_o of_o the_o acute_a understanding_n and_o great_a learning_n that_o may_v be_v entertain_v any_o tenet_n as_o faith_n oâ—_n reveal_v by_o god_n upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o what_o god_n have_v lose_v to_o his_o church_n this_o man_n however_o thus_o endow_v not_o only_o may_v but_o in_o likelihood_n will_v be_v deceive_v not_o for_o want_v of_o wit_n but_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n ascertain_v and_o infallible_o engage_v the_o divine_a revelation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v the_o simple_a and_o weak_a understanding_n that_o be_v happen_v to_o embrace_v faith_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o leave_v in_o his_o church_n he_o be_v infallible_o secure_a from_o be_v in_o a_o error_n not_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o understanding_n perfect_o discern_v and_o penetrate_v the_o conclusive_a nature_n of_o his_o ground_n but_o though_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o ground_n themselves_o or_o of_o the_o cause_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n to_o plant_v and_o continue_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o what_o he_o have_v thus_o more_a by_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n of_o god_n gracious_a providence_n than_o any_o reach_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n or_o judgement_n fortunate_o embrace_v be_v preserve_v impossible_a to_o false_a and_o consequent_o his_o assent_n to_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n because_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v infallible_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v upon_o that_o rule_n god_n have_v leave_v and_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v shall_v be_v thus_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n for_o otherwise_o since_o a_o power_n be_v relative_a to_o its_o proper_a act_n what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a may_v actual_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v lead_v actual_o into_o error_n by_o obey_v god_n command_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o apply_v thâ—s_n if_o dr._n t._n therefore_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o receive_v their_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o do_v so_o have_v command_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o its_o sense_n and_o letter_n take_v they_o as_o he_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o they_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n or_o beside_o the_o many_o absurdity_n already_o mention_v grant_v that_o our_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v possible_o lead_v man_n into_o actual_a error_n nay_o command_v they_o to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o a_o lie_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v
conjurer_n cry_v up_o he_o may_v proceed_v to_o confute_v he_o on_o this_o manner_n i_o have_v here_o reader_n present_v thou_o with_o a_o discourse_n which_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v euclid_n be_v mathematical_o demonstrable_a a_o rare_a sight_n indeed_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 may_v not_o any_o one_o write_v a_o book_n of_o such_o jargon_n and_o call_v it_o demonstration_n if_o he_o intend_v this_o stuff_n for_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o people_n as_o it_o seem_v by_o his_o write_n it_o in_o greek_a the_o vulgar_a tongue_n he_o do_v he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v write_v it_o in_o the_o coptick_n or_o sclavonian_n language_n yet_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o this_o be_v very_o suitable_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n for_o why_o shall_v not_o their_o science_n as_o well_o as_o their_o service_n be_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n certain_o his_o talon_n do_v not_o lie_v for_o science_n learned_a man_n be_v less_o apt_a to_o admire_v nonsense_n than_o the_o common_a people_n neither_o harphius_n nor_o rusbrochius_n dr._n faustus_n friar_n bungy_n nor_o the_o profound_a mother_n juliana_n or_o mother_n shipton_n ever_o speak_v any_o thing_n charm_n more_o senseless_a and_o obscure_a he_o have_v a_o style_n peculiar_o fit_v for_o mystic_n magic_a for_o even_o in_o this_o parcel_n of_o stuff_n there_o be_v five_o or_o six_o word_n such_o as_o isosceles_a patallelograms_n parallâ—lepiped_v diameter_n cylinder_n eicasoedron_n which_o if_o they_o be_v but_o well_o mingle_v and_o discreet_o order_v will_v half_o set_v up_o a_o man_n in_o that_o way_n and_o â—nable_v he_o to_o write_v as_o mystical_a magical_a a_o discourse_n as_o any_o man_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v wish_v thus_o reader_n thou_o see_v how_o true_a be_v that_o dr._n t_n method_n of_o talk_v be_v none_o since_o i_o dare_v undertake_v take_v that_o let_v he_o and_o his_o fellow-conspirator_n in_o malice_n against_o catholic_n but_o resolve_n to_o preach_v and_o write_v as_o earnest_o that_o mathematician_n be_v conjurer_n as_o they_o do_v that_o catholic_n be_v idolater_n which_o of_o the_o two_o be_v the_o far_o easy_a to_o prove_v and_o the_o method_n he_o observe_v in_o this_o preface_n of_o he_o will_v equal_o serve_v to_o confute_v euclid_n as_o it_o do_v i_o and_o the_o like_a force_n it_o will_v have_v against_o any_o logical_a metaphysical_a natural_a medicinal_a rhetorical_a poetical_a or_o even_o grammatical_a discourse_n each_o have_v their_o term_n of_o art_n proper_a to_o themselves_o which_o look_v odd_a and_o uncouth_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o so_o be_v equal_o liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o render_v ridiculous_a to_o man_n who_o practice_n be_v to_o read_v sermon_n §_o 5._o but_o can_v dr._n t._n serious_o think_v these_o word_n to_o be_v indeed_o so_o hard_o as_o he_o pretend_v the_o word_n potential_a be_v familiar_a to_o we_o both_o when_o we_o be_v in_o our_o accidence_n and_o talk_v of_o the_o potential_a mood_n also_o actual_a and_o determine_v be_v very_o obvious_a i_o suppose_v then_o it_o be_v their_o end_n in_o those_o common_a termination_n thy_fw-mi tion_n and_o tive_a which_o make_v potentiality_n actuality_n actuation_n and_o determinative_a so_o insuperable_o hard_a as_o for_o supervene_v and_o subsume_v it_o may_v just_o be_v wonder_v whether_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o know_v what_o be_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o verb_n venio_fw-la and_o sumo_fw-la or_o the_o preposition_n super_fw-la and_o sub._n but_o he_o mean_v they_o be_v not_o trim_a and_o elegant_a enough_o alas_o good_a gentleman_n i_o doubt_v there_o be_v some_o who_o complain_v of_o the_o tenderness_n of_o their_o ear_n when_o the_o true_a reason_n be_v the_o softness_n of_o their_o head_n but_o enough_o of_o this_o §_o 6._o let_v we_o now_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o true_a force_n of_o one_o of_o these_o demonstration_n which_o he_o most_o oppose_v with_o drollery_n we_o shall_v see_v that_o it_o be_v both_o his_o concern_n to_o answer_v it_o and_o withal_o impossible_a he_o shall_v which_o join_v no_o wonder_n he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v thus_o it_o be_v the_o best_a shift_n he_o have_v all_o logician_n know_v that_o the_o respondent_fw-la by_o bring_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n evade_v grant_v the_o whole_a proposition_n and_o be_v licence_v to_o admit_v it_o but_o in_o part_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o deny_v the_o former_a proposition_n as_o it_o stand_v under_o a_o undistinguished_a manner_n of_o expression_n also_o that_o among_o human_a notion_n some_o be_v more_o potential_a that_o be_v more_o general_n than_o other_o and_o that_o those_o general_a notion_n be_v divide_v or_o distinguish_v into_o more_o particular_a one_o by_o certain_a inâ—eriour_a notion_n adjective_o express_v call_v difference_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v a_o house_n or_o a_o man_n in_o common_a only_a individual_n can_v exist_v that_o be_v only_o these_o have_v a_o capacity_n or_o power_n to_o existence_n and_o consequent_o that_o existence_n be_v relate_v to_o they_o as_o their_o proper_a act._n all_o determine_a notion_n therefore_o that_o can_v belong_v to_o any_o nature_n or_o to_o that_o which_o have_v such_o a_o nature_n in_o it_o or_o the_o thing_n be_v presuppose_v to_o existence_n and_o so_o it_o can_v admit_v no_o further_o determination_n or_o any_o difference_n and_o consequent_o the_o predecate_n existent_a can_v never_o be_v pertinent_o distinguish_v wherefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o distinguish_v the_o copula_fw-la in_o case_n the_o subject_n can_v be_v distinguish_v as_o little_a as_o the_o other_o which_o i_o there_o prove_v it_o must_v follow_v that_o those_o proposition_n which_o have_v in_o they_o such_o a_o predicate_a must_v be_v admit_v in_o their_o whole_a latitude_n and_o simple_o as_o the_o word_n lie_v see_v then_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n true_a as_o to_o those_o point_n of_o a_o trinity_n for_o example_n or_o incarnation_n or_o that_o a_o trinity_n or_o incarnation_n exist_v and_o the_o predicate_v existent_a can_v bear_v no_o distinction_n divide_v its_o simple_a notion_n such_o as_o be_v moral_o hopeful_o in_o great_a likelihood_n or_o such_o dwindle_a kind_n of_o sceptical_a or_o half-atheistical_a expression_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v affirm_v and_o hold_v that_o a_o trinity_n or_o incarnation_n absolute_o be_v and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o be_v whence_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v that_o god_n have_v make_v a_o rational_a nature_n or_o a_o nature_n to_o assent_v upon_o motive_n and_o then_o command_v it_o to_o be_v not-rational_a that_o be_v to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n whieh_n be_v as_o to_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o without_o a_o motive_n we_o must_v conclude_v that_o however_o create_v understanding_n fall_v short_a in_o penetrate_v they_o or_o miscarry_v in_o discourse_v they_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o hold_v thus_o as_o lay_v by_o god_n must_v be_v absolute_o conclusive_a or_o impossible_a not_o to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o not_o only_o moral_o conclusive_a moral_o certain_a great_a likelihood_n fair_a probabilitys_n free_v only_o from_o actual_a doubt_n and_o such_o like_a wherefore_o if_o dr._n t._n will_v approve_v himself_o worthy_a to_o write_v or_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n he_o ought_v to_o profess_v and_o produce_v such_o since_o nothing_o else_o reach_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o can_v rational_o ground_v the_o the_o obligation_n impose_v by_o god_n himself_o of_o profess_v and_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n absolute_o be_v but_o he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o he_o have_v none_o such_o or_o absolute_o conclusive_a therefore_o he_o be_v force_v to_o play_v the_o droll_fw-fr and_o mock_v at_o the_o close_a reason_n that_o will_v oblige_v he_o to_o it_o instead_o of_o answer_v they_o §_o 7._o this_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o our_o great_a divine_a who_o be_v still_o most_o merry_a when_o he_o shall_v be_v most_o serious_a liken_n to_o astrology_n palmistry_n and_o chemistry_n and_o say_v that_o argument_n from_o these_o can_v not_o have_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o to_o argue_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v imprssible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la for_o say_v he_o be_v the_o proposition_n true_a or_o false_a these_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n in_o both_o that_o be_v they_o be_v subject_a predicate_v and_o copula_fw-la which_o learned_a answer_n be_v build_v on_o two_o manifest_a falsification_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n one_o that_o i_o be_o mere_o prove_v or_o conclude_v there_o that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a whereas_o my_o ultimate_a intent_n in_o
before_o and_o after_o itself_o as_o also_o that_o for_o the_o same_o reason_v it_o can_v have_v no_o force_n upon_o one_o not_o yet_o arrive_v at_o faith_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o have_v because_o it_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a to_o he_o §_o 14._o again_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o that_o there_o be_v &_o aught_o to_o be_v many_o several_a prudential_n reason_n suit_v to_o man_n of_o several_a capacity_n and_o circumstance_n move_v they_o to_o disquisition_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o embrace_v the_o right_a faith_n and_o join_v themselves_o to_o the_o true_a church_n but_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n to_o move_v a_o man_n to_o inquire_v and_o incline_v he_o to_o assent_v another_o thing_n to_o settle_v he_o in_o a_o most_o firm_a assent_n to_o such_o and_o such_o point_n as_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n which_o be_v requisite_a to_o faith_n hereupon_o i_o affirm_v that_o this_o late_a effect_n can_v be_v wrought_v rational_o without_o ground_n true_o evident_a and_o absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o knowable_a either_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n or_o also_o to_o the_o learned_a by_o a_o certain_o conclude_v proof_n which_o i_o call_v a_o demonstration_n i_o affirm_v moreover_o with_o due_a respect_n to_o those_o divine_n that_o motive_n only_a prudential_n seem_v improper_a to_o be_v name_v in_o this_o case_n and_o that_o they_o must_v be_v principia_fw-la sapientiae_fw-la and_o not_o prudentiae_fw-la which_o can_v rational_o make_v we_o absolute_o certain_a of_o the_o be_v or_o not-being_a of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o its_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n the_o object_n of_o prudence_n be_v agibilia_fw-la and_o not_o intelligibilia_fw-la as_o such_o and_o its_o proper_a exercise_n and_o use_v be_v to_o determine_v a_o man_n to_o act_v exterior_o or_o to_o act_v thus_o in_o circumstance_n where_o contingency_n and_o hazard_n be_v find_v and_o not_o to_o act_v interior_o or_o meddle_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o intellectual_a certainty_n or_o truth_n depend_v sole_o on_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o therefore_o place_v beyond_o all_o contingency_n and_o hazard_n in_o a_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o be_v think_v singular_a in_o my_o principle_n while_o i_o ground_n myself_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o both_o all_o catholic_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n hold_n and_o st._n thomas_n of_o aquin_n the_o prince_n of_o school-divines_a assert_n as_o i_o show_v faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 130._o §_o 14._o as_o for_o all_o objection_n of_o this_o nature_n once_o more_o i_o request_v dr._n t._n to_o make_v good_a this_o consequence_n that_o my_o discourse_n can_v be_v true_a unless_o all_o our_o divine_n even_o of_o the_o same_o way_n in_o common_a agree_v with_o i_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o this_o do_v to_o reply_v distinct_o to_o all_o his_o extrinsecal_n and_o impertinent_a exception_n which_o wave_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n my_o premise_n he_o so_o constant_o lelevel_v against_o my_o conclusion_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v i_o can_v reasonable_o charge_v he_o with_o those_o thing_n till_o i_o have_v vindicate_v our_o own_o divine_n i_o desire_v he_o to_o consider_v that_o i_o can_v not_o be_v i_o their_o adversary_n charge_v they_o with_o what_o i_o can_v just_o charge_v he_o they_o all_o to_o a_o man_n hold_v the_o catholic_n church_n on_o which_o they_o rely_v infallible_a and_o hold_v this_o more_o firm_o than_o they_o do_v any_o of_o their_o speculation_n and_o consequent_o they_o hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o preserve_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n inviolate_a whereas_o what_o he_o be_v to_o hold_v to_o most_o firm_o according_a to_o his_o principle_n be_v his_o own_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o he_o himself_o and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o see_v and_o hold_v to_o be_v fallible_a and_o so_o he_o must_v say_v that_o all_o his_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o lie_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v by_o which_o mean_n he_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o god_n goodness_n will_v give_v he_o leave_v in_o himself_o and_o other_o and_o corrupt_v it_o into_o opinion_n they_o produce_v motive_n which_o though_o they_o call_v they_o prudential_n be_v indeed_o some_o of_o they_o demonstrative_a and_o coincident_a in_o part_n with_o tradition_n whereas_o dr._n t._n have_v nothing_o at_o all_o in_o his_o ground_n take_v he_o as_o oppose_a catholic_n or_o stand_v to_o his_o own_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o right_o state_v have_v even_o the_o least_o shâ—w_n of_o prudential_n to_o a_o unbyast_a man_n much_o less_o of_o demonstrative_a last_o be_v it_o a_o proper_a place_n to_o handle_v the_o point_n at_o large_a it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v they_o differ_v only_o in_o a_o word_n but_o dr._n t._n err_v in_o the_o whole_a thing_n though_o indeed_o in_o most_o of_o our_o divine_n here_o cite_v he_o mistake_v they_o and_o not_o they_o the_o main_a point_n whatever_o he_o pretend_v for_o however_o they_o make_v prudential_n motive_n sufficient_a to_o find_v the_o church_n yet_o not_o one_o of_o they_o but_o make_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n when_o find_v on_o which_o they_o ground_n their_o faith_n of_o far_o great_a weight_n than_o such_o a_o evidence_n as_o do_v ordinary_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n since_o they_o all_o hold_v it_o infallible_a which_o be_v vast_o more_o than_o dr._n t._n hold_v to_o ground_v his_o faith_n §_o 15._o his_o three_o answer_n be_v that_o this_o principle_n of_o i_o make_v every_o true_a believer_n infallible_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o say_v he_o be_v such_o a_o paradox_n as_o i_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o it_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n now_o this_o charge_n of_o he_o join_v with_o my_o true_a tenet_n that_o true_a believer_n be_v those_o who_o rely_v on_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n signify_v thus_o much_o that_o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a and_o strange_a paradox_n that_o those_o that_o follow_v and_o rely_v on_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n to_o direct_v they_o to_o truth_n shall_v in_o so_o do_v not_o possible_o be_v lead_v into_o error_n that_o be_v it_o be_v a_o most_o absurd_a paradox_n to_o say_v that_o essential_a truth_n shall_v not_o be_v the_o immediate_a and_o proper_a cause_n of_o falsehood_n but_o he_o discourse_v still_o upon_o this_o point_n as_o if_o i_o have_v hold_v that_o the_o vulgar_a be_v preserve_v from_o possibility_n of_o error_n or_o be_v infallible_a not_o through_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o ground_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o err_v but_o from_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o understanding_n which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v i_o ever_o think_v or_o say_v even_o of_o the_o most_o learned_a he_o ask_v if_o this_o be_v true_a what_o need_v then_o of_o my_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n or_o council_n and_o i_o ask_v he_o what_o need_v governor_n when_o people_n know_v their_o duty_n or_o judge_n see_v the_o main_a of_o the_o common_a law_n be_v traditionary_a &_o to_o man_n verse_v in_o such_o affair_n self-known_a practical_o let_v he_o but_o assure_v the_o world_n that_o no_o upstart_n shall_v have_v a_o humour_n to_o rebel_n and_o innovate_v but_o that_o all_o christian_n shall_v practise_v and_o hold_v to_o what_o they_o know_v evident_o be_v practise_v and_o hold_v by_o the_o immediate_o forego_v church_n and_o i_o will_v assure_v he_o there_o will_v need_v no_o infallible_a desiner_n not_o any_o at_o all_o as_o to_o such_o point_n but_o dr._n t._n discourse_n still_o as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o rude_a dim_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o accurate_a exact_a and_o oft-reflâ—cting_a knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o by_o their_o great_a learning_n their_o education_n their_o posture_n and_o office_n be_v particular_o verse_v and_o most_o deep_o insighted_a into_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o right_n explain_v or_o word_v it_o &_o thence_o declare_v it_o authentical_o so_o to_o keep_v its_o distinct_a sense_n clear_a in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a which_o the_o equivocate_a witty_a heretic_n endeavour_v to_o render_v confuse_v and_o obscure_a i_o wish_v he_o will_v study_v our_o tenet_n a_o while_n and_o understand_v they_o ere_o he_o undertake_v to_o confute_v we_o he_o be_v very_o raw_a in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n §_o 16._o his_o next_o error_n be_v worse_a than_o the_o former_a he_o will_v fain_o persuade_v catholic_n if_o any_o
say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o humane_a certitude_n of_o which_o it_o may_v simple_o or_o absolute_o be_v say_v non_fw-la posse_fw-la illi_fw-la falsum_fw-la subesse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v produce_v more_o express_o abet_v my_o way_n of_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n nothing_o certain_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v contain_v the_o reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o simple_o infallible_a for_o say_v he_o tradition_n be_v full_a report_n about_o what_o be_v evident_a unto_o sense_n to_o wit_n what_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n public_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a world_n of_o man_n can_v be_v uniform_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v about_o a_o matter_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n so_o divide_v in_o place_n of_o so_o different_a affection_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v so_o have_v agree_v in_o their_o tale_n have_v they_o so_o malicious_o resolve_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n observe_v here_o 1._o that_o he_o allege_v only_o natural_a motive_n or_o speak_v only_o of_o tradition_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o i_o take_v it_o in_o my_o method_n 2._o he_o go_v about_o to_o show_v out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a 3._o he_o make_v this_o tradition_n or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o infallible_a deriver_n down_o or_o ascertainer_n that_o what_o be_v now_o hold_v upon_o that_o tenure_n be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n or_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n which_o once_o know_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o body_n that_o proceed_v upon_o it_o to_o possess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o consequent_o infallible_o know_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o very_a way_n i_o take_v in_o my_o method_n and_o other_o tâ—eatises_n it_o may_v hence_o be_v discern_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n dr._n t._n except_v against_o it_o as_o so_o superlative_o singular_a but_o to_o proceed_v hence_o p._n 40._o he_o aver_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o tradition_n be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o it_o convince_v infidel_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v only_o natural_a reason_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o for_o though_o say_v he_o they_o be_v blind_a not_o to_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v divine_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n impudent_a and_o obstinate_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n catholic_n tradition_n to_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a and_o p._n 41._o the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o man_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n may_v know_v assure_o what_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v to_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n be_v the_o catholic_n tradition_n by_o world_n of_o christian_a father_n and_o pastor_n unto_o world_n of_o christian_a child_n and_o faithful_a people_n which_o word_n as_o full_o express_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a or_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n supply_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o motive_n this_o learned_a writer_n p._n 46_o on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o inward_a assurance_n without_o any_o external_n infallible_a ground_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o truth_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o last_o to_o omit_v other_o p._n 47._o he_o discourse_v thus_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n in_o this_o search_n may_v be_v deceive_v through_o natural_a invincible_a fallibility_n of_o their_o organ_n and_o so_o no_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v altogether_o infallible_a i_o answer_v that_o evidence_n have_v by_o sense_n be_v but_o the_o private_a of_o one_o man_n be_v natural_o and_o physical_o infallible_a but_o when_o the_o same_o be_v also_o public_a and_o catholic_n that_o be_v when_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n concur_v with_o he_o than_o his_o evidence_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a and_o now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n touch_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o either_o the_o selfsame_a or_o else_o necessary_o consequent_a or_o at_o least_o very_a consonant_n to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o cite_v from_o this_o judicious_a author_n and_o great_a champion_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o day_n who_o coincidency_n with_o other_o divine_n into_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o explication_n argue_v strong_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o same_o unanimous_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o true_a catholic_n ground_n which_o can_v breed_v this_o conspire_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discourse_v and_o almost_o the_o selfsame_a word_n §_o 13._o hence_o be_v see_v how_o just_o d._n t._n when_o he_o want_v something_o else_o to_o say_v still_o tax_v i_o with_o singularity_n in_o accept_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n build_v on_o absolutely-conclusive_a motive_n with_o talk_v such_o paradox_n as_o he_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o they_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n that_o all_o mankind_n except_v j._n saint_n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o my_o ground_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o own_o church_n that_o no_o man_n before_o j._n s._n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n which_o word_n fallible_a be_v of_o his_o own_o add_v i_o be_v of_o mankind_n rely_v on_o sensation_n be_v infallible_a that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o twenty_o such_o insignificant_a cavil_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o breed_v his_o vexation_n be_v that_o as_o my_o reason_n incline_v i_o i_o join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o intelligent_a party_n of_o divine_n that_o be_v indeed_o i_o stick_v to_o and_o pursue_v and_o explain_v and_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v far_o those_o ground_n which_o i_o see_v be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v i_o only_o talk_v of_o moral_a certainty_n probability_n and_o such_o wise_a stuff_n when_o i_o be_o settle_v faith_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v like_v i_o exceed_o for_o than_o his_o own_o side_n may_v be_v probable_a too_o which_o sandy_a foundation_n be_v enough_o for_o such_o a_o mercurial_a faith_n as_o nothing_o but_o interest_n be_v apt_a to_o fix_v discourse_n viii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n answer_v my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o his_o attempt_n to_o clear_v object_v fault_n by_o commit_v new_a one_o §_o 1._o my_o confuter_n have_v at_o length_n do_v with_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o my_o methed_a and_o have_v not_o he_o do_v well_o think_v you_o and_o approve_v himself_o a_o excellent_a confuter_n he_o only_o break_v his_o jest_n upon_o every_o passage_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o former_a except_o one_o without_o ever_o hee_v or_o consider_v much_o less_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o one_o single_a reason_n of_o those_o many_o there_o allege_v and_o as_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o seem_v serious_a viz._n how_o the_o faithful_a be_v hold_v by_o i_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n he_o quite_o mistake_v it_o throughout_o again_o as_o for_o my_o method_n he_o first_o give_v a_o wrong_a character_n of_o it_o and_o next_o pretend_v it_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o point_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o be_v which_o he_o have_v ready_o grant_v but_o offer_v not_o one_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o any_o one_o reason_n in_o it_o neither_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v next_o and_o first_o he_o say_v he_o will_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n so_o he_o do_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o too_o for_o he_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n to_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o it_o next_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o ill-language_n which_o he_o say_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o say_v partly_o true_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o i_o than_o when_o i_o expect_v a_o sober_a and_o scholarlike_o answer_v to_o find_v only_o a_o prettily-worded_n fardel_n of_o drollery_n and_o insincerity_n i_o wonder_v what_o gall_v he_o when_o he_o lavish_v out_o so_o much_o ill-language_n in_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n in_o which_o treatise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passionate_a word_n not_o one_o syllable_n
the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o these_o be_v my_o word_n then_o and_o i_o be_o sorry_a he_o will_v needs_o dare_v and_o provoke_v i_o to_o make_v they_o good_a in_o which_o if_o i_o have_v justify_v myself_o too_o particular_o let_v he_o blame_v himself_o all_o this_o while_n i_o serious_o declare_v that_o i_o be_o far_o from_o think_v that_o dr._n t._n himself_o be_v not_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o far_a yet_o from_o imagine_v that_o already_o hold_v one_o he_o shall_v hold_v it_o possible_a afterward_o god_n shall_v cease_v to_o be_v which_o ridiculous_a folly_n constant_a to_o his_o prevaricate_a humour_n he_o put_v upon_o i_o p._n 8._o what_o i_o affirm_v be_v that_o his_o ill_a principle_n do_v equivalent_o confess_v it_o possible_a there_o neither_o be_v nor_o ever_o be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o i_o have_v abundant_o show_v out_o of_o his_o own_o word_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o himself_o through_o god_n goodness_n have_v by_o practical_a self-evidence_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v no_o speculater_n or_o scholar_n also_o have_v it_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n in_o despite_n of_o his_o weak_a speculation_n nay_o that_o in_o this_o very_a sermon_n he_o have_v one_o or_o two_o proof_n which_o have_v in_o they_o the_o force_n of_o a_o demonstration_n though_o his_o not_o understand_v and_o so_o ill-managing_a of_o they_o and_o then_o call_v they_o probability_n have_v endeavour_v all_o that_o may_v be_v to_o render_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o i_o end_v with_o some_o of_o his_o own_o word_n pref._n p._n 37._o that_o if_o dr._n t._n do_v in_o truth_n believe_v that_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o a_o creation_n be_v as_o he_o say_v serm._n p._n 20_o so_o evident_a that_o they_o can_v hardly_o be_v make_v plain_a than_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o he_o shall_v by_o all_o mean_n have_v let_v they_o alone_o for_o they_o be_v in_o a_o very_a good_a condition_n to_o shift_v for_o themselves_o but_o his_o blind_a and_o sceptical_a way_n of_o prove_v they_o be_v enough_o to_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o the_o clear_a truth_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o must_v take_v the_o liberty_n to_o admonish_v he_o that_o it_o lie_v not_o in_o the_o power_n of_o all_o the_o enemy_n of_o christianity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o do_v it_o half_a that_o mischief_n as_o one_o christian_a divine_n may_v who_o by_o his_o earnestness_n manifest_v a_o desire_n to_o do_v the_o best_a he_o can_v by_o the_o vogue_n he_o bear_v seem_v able_a to_o do_v the_o best_a that_o may_v be_v do_v yet_o produce_v not_o any_o one_o proof_n which_o he_o vouch_v to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n either_o of_o christianity_n or_o a_o deity_n but_o rather_o by_o his_o carriage_n deny_v there_o be_v any_o such_o while_o he_o talk_v of_o likelihood_n probability_n more_o credible_a opinion_n moral_a certainty_n and_o suchlike_a who_o very_a name_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v or_o endure_v in_o a_o discourse_n aim_v to_o settle_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n let_v he_o consider_v that_o he_o must_v take_v his_o measure_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o ground_n from_o the_o object_n or_o thing_n not_o from_o our_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n and_o suchlike_a for_o these_o may_v be_v light_a and_o silly_a whereas_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v â—aid_v by_o god_n must_v necessary_o be_v wise_a and_o solid_a and_o so_o when_o look_v into_o absolutely-conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n let_v we_o then_o who_o hold_v a_o god_n leave_v creature_n to_o their_o weakness_n vindicate_v our_o maker_n from_o the_o scandalous_a imputation_n of_o govern_v mankind_n tyrannical_o by_o command_v we_o to_o assent_v thâ—t_v a_o thing_n be_v which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o see_v may_v not_o be_v so_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v contrary_a to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n which_o himself_o have_v ingraft_v in_o we_o that_o what_o be_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n possible_a not_o to_o be_v and_o to_o profess_v a_o point_n true_a nay_o die_v to_o attest_v its_o truth_n which_o may_v perhaps_o be_v show_v false_a to_o morrow_n nay_o which_o ourselves_o see_v may_v be_v now_o false_a he_o tell_v we_o here_o in_o common_a p._n 90_o and_o he_o tell_v we_o true_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o we_o turn_v our_o selus_fw-la we_o be_v encounter_v with_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n why_o do_v he_o then_o come_v to_o make_v out_o that_o point_n say_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v clear_a demonstration_n and_o that_o only_a mathematical_a matter_n be_v capable_a of_o it_o why_o pursue_v he_o not_o such_o proof_n as_o these_o and_o make_v they_o out_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o reduce_v they_o to_o first_o principle_n and_o so_o oblige_v humane_a nature_n to_o assent_v to_o they_o under_o evident_a forfeiture_n of_o their_o sincerity_n and_o even_a manhood_n be_v he_o afraid_a clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n will_v not_o necessary_o conclude_v why_o do_v he_o put_v supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v and_o then_o argue_v thus_o blind_o that_o since_o suppose_v it_o be_v it_o will_v give_v no_o more_o light_n of_o itself_o than_o it_o do_v therefore_o it_o be_v be_v there_o any_o necessity_n for_o such_o a_o ridiculous_a perplex_v and_o inconclusive_a method_n when_o we_o may_v vouch_v we_o have_v clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n last_o why_o do_v he_o distrust_v the_o object_n strength_n and_o explain_v our_o assurance_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o faith_n by_o moral_a certainty_n or_o such_o as_o will_v satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n probability_n amass_v together_o not_o doubt_v and_o other_o suchlike_a feeble_a diminutive_a expression_n be_v not_o clear_a evidence_n and_o sensible_a demonstration_n that_o be_v demonstration_n à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la in_o point_n of_o certainty_n incomparable_o beyond_o such_o quiver_a ground_n and_o such_o dwindle_a adhesion_n i_o wish_v dr._n t._n will_v take_v these_o thing_n into_o his_o better_a thought_n and_o at_o least_o by_o amend_v his_o expression_n and_o reason_n hereafter_o make_v some_o tolerable_a satisfaction_n for_o this_o intolerable_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o god_n church_n discourse_n vi._n that_o dr._n t._n make_v all_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a of_o infallibility_n demonstration_n and_o moral_a certainty_n §_o 1._o thus_o much_o to_o justify_v my_o first_o charge_n that_o dr._n t._n make_v that_o fundamental_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o consequent_o all_o religion_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a my_o second_o charge_n be_v that_o he_o particular_o make_v all_o christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o it_o be_v find_v faith_n vindicated_n p._n 171._o where_o i_o put_v down_o his_o own_o word_n which_o concern_v that_o purpose_n though_o he_o who_o presume_v on_o the_o partiality_n of_o his_o friend_n take_v the_o liberty_n to_o say_v any_o thing_n which_o even_o eyesight_n may_v confute_v assure_v his_o reader_n pag._n 5._o that_o i_o dare_v not_o cite_v they_o i_o lay_v my_o charge_n in_o this_o tenor_n it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a from_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n that_o if_o i_o have_v discourse_v right_a in_o this_o small_a treatise_n of_o i_o and_o have_v prove_v that_o faith_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o mr._n t.'s_n confession_n p._n 118._o to_o which_o mr._n st.'s_n doctrine_n be_v consonant_a that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o be_v false_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n that_o neither_o be_v the_o book-rule_n he_o maintain_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o nor_o have_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n true_a faith_n §_o 4._o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n own_v take_v away_o private_a spirit_n but_o tradition_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only-true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o main_a of_o sure-footing_a stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o last_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o his_o own_o book_n which_o oppose_v it_o oppose_v the_o only-true_a because_o the_o only_a impossible-to-be-false_a ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v in_o that_o supposition_n to_o go_v about_o to_o undermine_v all_o christian_a faith_n whence_o the_o title_n of_o his_o probable-natured_a book_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v manifest_v to_o be_v a_o improper_a nickname_n