again_o for_o god_n love_n who_o ever_o deny_v they_o ought_v to_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v any_o thing_n more_o frequent_a in_o our_o controvertist_n and_o divine_n treat_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n than_o large_a discourse_n concern_v motive_n of_o credibility_n 9_o three_o he_o say_v that_o dispute_v with_o romanist_n whether_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n he_o mean_v it_o be_v so_o limited_o that_o be_v between_o christian_n who_o have_v already_o acknowledge_v scripture_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o i_o see_v mr_n whitby_n guide_v himself_o by_o sound_n though_o he_o must_v need_v know_v if_o he_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o catholic_n tenâ—â—â—_n our_o sense_n be_v quite_o different_a i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n deal_v fair_o with_o we_o be_v not_o that_o speak_v formal_o and_o proper_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o give_v we_o christ_n sense_n and_o do_v not_o that_o give_v we_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o regulate_v we_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o it_o do_v ever_o catholic_n then_o hold_v that_o scripture_n interpret_v on_o any_o fashion_n much_o less_o on_o your_o fashion_n by_o private_a judgement_n or_o reason_n regulate_v by_o grammatical_a skill_n criticism_n and_o such_o like_a verbal_a knowledge_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n nay_o do_v not_o we_o constant_o abhor_v this_o way_n as_o the_o source_n of_o heresy_n take_v we_o right_o then_o we_o hold_v not_o scripture_n letter_n alone_o a_o rule_n but_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v indeed_o the_o church_n formal_o speak_v and_o so_o you_o see_v you_o mistake_v our_o principle_n yet_o upon_o our_o joint-agreement_n in_o this_o your_o discourse_n against_o we_o proceed_v retrieve_v it_o then_o you_o see_v your_o error_n again_o you_o tell_v we_o scripture_n be_v your_o new_a rule_n but_o forget_v quite_o in_o your_o discourse_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o your_o reason_n assure_v you_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n or_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o since_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a in_o my_o former_a discourse_n it_o be_v evident_a christian_n religion_n have_v descend_v many_o step_n ere_o the_o scripture_n part_n be_v much_o scatter_v much_o less_o the_o whole_a collect_v and_o no_o less_o clear_a that_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o rule_n or_o way_n to_o faith_n which_o many_o follow_v yet_o their_o thought_n straggle_v into_o many_o several_a judgement_n not_o in_o indifferent_a point_n but_o in_o that_o of_o the_o trinity_n among_o the_o rest_n as_o yourself_o profess_v of_o the_o socinian_n that_o he_o reject_v not_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o first_o place_n because_o it_o seem_v a_o contradiction_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o clear_o discover_v in_o scripture_n by_o which_o you_o see_v he_o adhere_v firm_a to_o your_o rule_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v one_o of_o your_o church_n since_o though_o he_o hap_v to_o differ_v in_o some_o point_n yet_o he_o hold_v fast_o the_o rule_n common_a to_o both_o which_o be_v the_o substantiall_a principle_n of_o a_o church_n as_o such_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o faith_n and_o indeed_o your_o kindness_n to_o he_o here_o and_o your_o tender_a care_n not_o to_o displease_v he_o show_v you_o have_v a_o true_a brotherly_a affection_n for_o he_o though_o i_o fear_v he_o he_o will_v con_v you_o small_a thanks_o for_o make_v his_o principle_n run_v thus_o that_o which_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o be_v coniradictory_n ti_fw-mi reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o seem_v to_o imply_v that_o be_v it_o clear_a in_o scripture_n yet_o contradictory_n to_o reason_n than_o he_o will_v notwithstanding_o believe_v it_o a_o over-strain_n of_o piety_n no_o socinian_n be_v ever_o guilty_a of_o and_o i_o can_v assure_v you_o no_o learned_a catholic_n divine_v i_o ever_o hear_v of_o ever_o make_v such_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v another_o case_n if_o it_o only_o seem_v contradictory_n and_o be_v not_o judge_v by_o he_o to_o be_v evident_o such_o for_o then_o there_o be_v room_n leave_v in_o his_o mind_n for_o the_o contrary_a assent_n of_o faith_n to_o settle_v there_o 10._o you_o say_v you_o prescribe_v not_o the_o doctrine_n impute_v to_o the_o socinian_o because_o it_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o faith_n but_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n pray_v take_v pain_n to_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v he_o that_o judge_n must_v have_v some_o principle_n in_o his_o head_n by_o which_o he_o be_v regulate_v in_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n those_o principle_n than_o must_v be_v his_o rule_n in_o that_o action_n and_o if_o that_o judgement_n be_v a_o adhesion_n to_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n those_o principle_n be_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n examine_v now_o well_o your_o own_o thought_n whether_o your_o principle_n by_o which_o you_o find_v out_o certain_o by_o interpret_n scripture_n this_o be_v god_n sense_n or_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o maxim_n of_o your_o human_a reason_n i_o be_o sure_a in_o dispute_n against_o we_o you_o prove_v and_o defend_v your_o faith_n by_o such_o skill_v as_o language_n history_n and_o other_o knowledge_n get_v by_o human_a learning_n and_o consequent_o hold_v it_o yourselves_o upon_o the_o tenor_n of_o those_o skill_n which_o therefore_o be_v your_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o upon_o the_o bare_a letter_n you_o i_o know_v will_v deny_v it_o but_o i_o beg_v your_o second_o thought_n to_o reflect_v that_o a_o rule_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n be_v the_o immediate_a knowledge_n to_o the_o power_n as_o conversant_a about_o that_o effect_n and_o that_o if_o another_o intervene_v it_o regulate_v the_o former_a which_o thereupon_o become_v the_o thing_n rule_v not_o the_o rule_n do_v then_o these_o skill_v clear_a the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v make_v know_v god_n sense_n to_o you_o if_o so_o since_o their_o immediate_a effect_n be_v to_o clear_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o deny_v but_o they_o be_v at_o least_o part_n of_o the_o revelation_n for_o reveal_v be_v clear_v and_o god_n sense_n be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v but_o by_o those_o mean_n that_o be_v by_o human_a maxim_n and_o so_o they_o be_v at_o least_o the_o more_o formal_a part_n of_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n again_o i_o ask_v may_v you_o not_o have_v mistake_v the_o true_a sense_n without_o those_o human_a maxim_n if_o so_o then_z they_o and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n be_v your_o rule_n if_o not_o then_o only_o common_a sense_n be_v requisite_a to_o understand_v clear_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o then_o either_o your_o brother_n socinian_n or_o you_o want_v common_a sense_n which_o i_o think_v you_o will_v scarce_o say_v 11._o but_o will_v you_o see_v you_o still_o hold_v reason_n your_o rule_n notwithstanding_o you_o cry_v up_o the_o write_a word_n find_v you_o not_o there_o express_o that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n nostril_n and_o passion_n like_o we_o and_o this_o in_o clear_a term_n why_o be_v it_o not_o then_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n you_o will_v not_o answer_v sure_a it_o be_v against_o maxim_n of_o reason_n you_o renounce_v they_o former_o p._n 94._o when_o you_o have_v find_v out_o your_o new_a rule_n and_o only_o allow_v your_o reason_n power_n to_o judge_v if_o a_o point_n be_v sufficient_o reveal_v that_o it_o be_v most_o rational_a to_o 〈◊〉_d itself_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o contradict_v or_o thwâ—â—â—_n reason_n now_o this_o be_v sufficient_o reveal_v be_v plain_o write_v in_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o direct_a letter_n of_o scripture_n why_o will_v you_o not_o then_o captivate_v your_o reason_n and_o believe_v it_o i_o see_v you_o do_v but_o compliment_v with_o god_n incomprehensible_a knowledge_n in_o speak_v so_o high_o of_o it_o and_o so_o humble_o of_o your_o own_o shallow_a intellect_n will_v you_o deny_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n so_o plain_o reveal_v for_o your_o own_o capricho_n or_o conceit_n perhaps_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v because_o the_o contrary_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n too_o i_o ask_v be_v it_o as_o plain_a if_o not_o it_o can_v overthrow_v the_o title_n of_o this_o to_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n if_o as_o plain_a why_o shall_v you_o not_o believe_v both_o be_v valiant_a sir_n and_o believe_v a_o contradiction_n it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v perhaps_o it_o seem_v but_o such_o and_o then_o your_o own_o profession_n p._n 94._o oblige_v you_o to_o admit_v it_o you_o that_o can_v acknowledge_v a_o infinite_a extension_n of_o space_n when_o you_o say_v all_o the_o world_n beside_o do_v so_o too_o sure_o you_o think_v all_o the_o world_n be_v in_o your_o fancy_n may_v also_o hold_v materia_fw-la ab_fw-la aeterno_fw-la and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o part_n
and_o my_o ground_n why_o i_o then_o believe_v rest_n still_o unchanged_a nay_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o yet_o reason_n act_n much_o different_o now_o then_o former_o before_o i_o come_v at_o faith_n she_o act_v about_o she_o own_o object_n motive_n or_o maxim_n by_o which_o she_o scan_v the_o authority_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o in_o act_n of_o faith_n she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o object_n of_o those_o act_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o may_v distinguish_v two_o sense_n in_o the_o word_n reason_n one_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o natural_a faculty_n which_o constitute_v man_n which_o faculty_n never_o desert_n or_o aught_o to_o desert_v we_o in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v manly_n or_o virtuous_a the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o power_n wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n under_o its_o own_o ken_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o call_v it_o human_a reason_n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o natural_a power_n unactuate_v or_o abstract_o for_o then_o the_o word_n human_a be_v a_o tautology_n but_o reason_n as_o conversant_a with_o such_o object_n or_o inform_v by_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v common_o find_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o natural_a condition_n as_o man_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o beget_v science_n and_o this_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o find_v the_o authority_n now_o speak_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n formal_o speak_v be_v out_o of_o her_o reach_n nor_o be_v she_o thus_o understand_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o authority_n only_o wherefore_o into_o authority_n only_o faith_n as_o such_o be_v resolve_v final_o though_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o resolve_v the_o rationalness_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o authority_n itself_o it_o will_v light_v into_o those_o evident_a reason_n which_o your_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n as_o yet_o uninform_v by_o faith_n but_o by_o motive_n or_o maxim_n within_o its_o own_o sphere_n be_v capable_a to_o wield_v 5._o reason_n therefore_o take_v for_o my_o natural_a power_n be_v my_o eye_n or_o interior_a sight_n as_o inform_v by_o common_a principle_n or_o maxim_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n my_o guide_n to_o bring_v i_o to_o believe_v authority_n and_o those_o motive_n or_o maxim_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o my_o reason_n by_o attend_v to_o which_o she_o have_v virtue_n or_o skill_n to_o set_v she_o own_o thought_n right_a that_o be_v to_o guide_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o faith_n but_o when_o i_o have_v once_o come_v to_o believe_v authority_n that_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n not_o reason_n but_o authority_n be_v my_o guide_n for_o i_o follow_v authority_n and_o not_o my_o reason_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o that_o natural_a power_n never_o desert_n i_o yet_o reason_n as_o rule_v by_o she_o own_o natural_a maxim_n be_v useless_a to_o i_o as_o a_o guide_n or_o those_o maxim_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o apply_v neither_o of_o these_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o scan_v their_o verity_n or_o falsity_n by_o but_o pure_o rely_v upon_o authority_n and_o believe_v they_o authority_n then_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o in_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n consist_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n it_o have_v to_o guide_v i_o right_n that_o be_v to_o regulate_v or_o rule_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o as_o one_o who_o must_v have_v such_o certain_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n as_o i_o may_v secure_o build_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o authority_n then_o as_o it_o be_v infallible_a be_v also_o my_o rule_n in_o my_o believe_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n this_o of_o my_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a against_o adversary_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a but_o with_o protestant_n who_o grant_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n and_o consequent_o his_o word_n or_o doctrine_n true_a the_o only_a rule_n and_o guido_n we_o need_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o assure_v it_o to_o we_o we_o affirm_v then_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o guide_n we_o follow_v and_o her_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n hence_o all_o catholic_n profess_v her_o doctrine_n uninterrupted_o succeed_a from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o with_o one_o voice_n they_o lay_v claim_v to_o christ_n gracious_a assistance_n to_o she_o in_o defend_v she_o from_o over-growing_a error_n against_o faith_n or_o heresy_n hence_o all_o profess_v to_o hear_v and_o follow_v she_o and_o pledge_v undoubting_o even_o the_o security_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o rely_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o live_a voice_n for_o their_o tenet_n and_o on_o her_o discipline_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o some_o schoolman_n make_v scripture_n a_o partial_a rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o can_v mean_v only_o material_o not_o formal_o that_o be_v that_o some_o part_n of_o faith_n be_v signify_v by_o scripture_n letter_n not_o that_o scripture_n letter_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a secure_o to_o signify_v it_o to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v that_o most_o strong_a &_o firm_a assent_n find_v in_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o all_o hold_v no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n all_o hold_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o constant_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n now_o faith_n be_v tenet_n and_o sense_n that_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o christ_n sense_n not_o the_o material_a character_n which_o that_o certain_a interpreter_n we_o call_v the_o church_n work_v upon_o and_o by_o her_o practical_a tradition_n interpret_v 6._o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o dr._n pierce_n and_o his_o party_n how_o just_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o how_o mistake_o they_o discourse_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n 7._o first_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o will_v seem_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o tenet_n which_o none_o but_o perfect_a madman_n can_v hold_v namely_o that_o we_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o old_a wife_n dream_n as_o our_o faith_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o less_o reason_n than_o none_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o he_o will_v needs_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o therefore_o the_o enthusiastic_a sectary_n be_v in_o part_n romish_a proselyte_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o upon_o so_o gross_a a_o calumny_n lay_v down_o for_o his_o principle_n and_o a_o sober_a truth_n what_o may_v he_o not_o conclude_v with_o equal_a reason_n he_o may_v have_v infer_v that_o all_o bedlam_n be_v catholic_n and_o that_o to_o turn_v mad_a be_v to_o turn_v a_o romanist_n but_o his_o carriage_n to_o put_v this_o upon_o mr._n s._n c._n be_v strange_o unjust_a since_o he_o know_v and_o hint_n it_o that_o he_o write_v a_o book_n upon_o his_o declare_v himself_n catholic_n entitle_v motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n do_v he_o think_v the_o word_n motive_n do_v not_o signify_v reason_n or_o that_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o reason_n why_o he_o adheae_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v that_o he_o renounce_v all_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v she_o 8._o next_o as_o for_o his_o own_o tenet_n he_o lay_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n that_o reason_n alone_o be_v judge_n in_o all_o case_n i_o will_v propose_v he_o one_o case_n and_o it_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o work_v now_o with_o your_o reason_n about_o this_o object_n and_o see_v how_o you_o evince_v it_o i_o doubt_v your_o best_a reason_n will_v crack_v ere_o you_o make_v all_o end_n meet_v but_o you_o mean_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o conceive_v speak_v proper_o you_o shall_v rather_o say_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o authority_n and_o authority_n to_o believe_v it_o for_o belief_n be_v as_o proper_o relative_a to_o authority_n as_o science_n be_v to_o a_o act_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o evidence_n whence_o it_o be_v as_o incongruous_a to_o say_v i_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o point_n scientifical_o by_o authority_n
sure-footing_a in_o christianity_n or_o rational_a discourse_n on_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n with_o short_a animadversion_n on_o dr_n pierce_n sermon_n also_o on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr_n whitby_n and_o m_o stillingfleet_n which_o concern_v that_o rule_n ecce_fw-la nos_fw-la ex_fw-la patribus_fw-la ad_fw-la patres_fw-la per_fw-la manus_fw-la traditam_fw-la fuisse_fw-la hanc_fw-la sententiam_fw-la demonstravimus_fw-la athanasius_n by_o i._n s._n london_n print_v in_o the_o year_n 1665._o to_z the_o queen_n madam_n though_o the_o faith_n i_o write_v for_o be_v far_o more_o firm_o establish_v then_o heaven_n and_o earth_n themselves_o as_o the_o world_n great_a master_n have_v by_o his_o own_o word_n assure_v we_o and_o so_o need_v no_o support_n but_o its_o own_o invincible_a strength_n yet_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o my_o reason_n that_o nothing_o so_o clear_v and_o recommend_v religion_n to_o the_o generality_n as_o the_o virtuous_a life_n and_o eminent_a devotion_n of_o they_o that_o profess_v it_o but_o where_o shall_v i_o seek_v those_o happy_a effect_n and_o noble_a argument_n of_o truth_n if_o i_o consider_v they_o in_o their_o abstract_a idea_n they_o be_v invisible_a as_o angel_n too_o subtle_a and_o delicate_a for_o vulgar_a eye_n where_o then_o may_v i_o hope_v to_o meet_v those_o excellent_a form_n vest_v with_o body_n if_o i_o consult_v the_o common_a judgement_n i_o expect_v to_o be_v send_v to_o some_o hermit_n cell_n or_o the_o private_a oratory_n of_o some_o holy_a votaress_n where_o i_o may_v find_v they_o indeed_o embody_v but_o withal_o half-buryed_a incomparable_a light_n but_o shut_v up_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o dark_a lantern_n where_o they_o burn_v safe_o i_o confess_v but_o shine_v to_o few_o while_o those_o i_o seek_v must_v be_v high_a and_o conspicuous_a to_o send_v forth_o their_o beam_n and_o influence_n over_o all_o the_o world_n and_o in_o that_o regard_n court_n be_v the_o proper_a firmament_n for_o such_o illustrious_a star_n and_o court_n be_v easy_o see_v but_o where_o be_v the_o star_n in_o this_o perplexity_n madam_n it_o please_v the_o goodness_n of_o heaven_n to_o relieve_v i_o for_o as_o the_o mention_n of_o court_n bring_v immediate_o into_o my_o memory_n the_o happiness_n our_o nation_n be_v blessed_v with_o by_o your_o majesty_n residence_n among_o we_o so_o the_o contemplation_n of_o your_o exemplar_n life_n fill_v my_o soul_n with_o joy_n to_o have_v find_v at_o last_o those_o sublime_a and_o heroic_a virtue_n who_o perfect_a conformity_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o catholic_n religion_n be_v alone_z capable_a to_o convince_v the_o certainty_n of_o its_o truth_n such_o a_o unwearied_a constancy_n in_o devotion_n such_o a_o degree_n of_o fervour_n in_o that_o constancy_n can_v possible_o proceed_v from_o a_o lukewarm_a probability_n in_o faith_n such_o frequent_a retirement_n to_o intimate_v conversation_n with_o heaven_n such_o mortification_n and_o contempt_n of_o court-entertainment_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o hard_o such_o innocence_n and_o purity_n amid_o the_o necessary_a admittance_n of_o they_o as_o they_o all_o conspire_v to_o speak_v your_o soul_n angelical_a so_o they_o clear_o prove_v the_o vigorous_a activity_n of_o the_o faith_n that_o breed_v they_o far_o beyond_o the_o drowsy_a indifferency_n of_o a_o probable_a opinion_n thus_o madam_n while_o scholar_n but_o discourse_n you_o live_v demonstration_n permit_v i_o then_o to_o use_v not_o your_o bare_a name_n but_o your_o virtue_n as_o a_o patronage_n to_o my_o endeavour_n since_o the_o motive_n of_o this_o my_o dedicatory_a mean_v these_o for_o its_o substance_n and_o your_o temporal_a supremeness_n only_o for_o a_o circumstance_n other_o compliment_n while_o they_o dedicate_v i_o argue_v all_o the_o while_n nor_o intend_v i_o this_o for_o a_o far_o display_v of_o your_o excellent_a virtue_n which_o already_o be_v sufficient_o manifest_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o to_o breed_v a_o more_o serious_a reflection_n on_o they_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o against_o who_o i_o write_v and_o other_o well-meaning_a but_o mislead_v person_n this_o advantage_n your_o majesty_n and_o the_o practical_a prover_n of_o catholic_n faith_n have_v above_o we_o speculater_n that_o your_o whole_a life_n be_v a_o continual_a argument_n for_o it_o while_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o expect_v season_n and_o wait_v opportunity_n nor_o shall_v i_o at_o this_o time_n have_v offer_v to_o appear_v have_v not_o the_o multitude_n of_o book_n late_o print_v against_o catholic_n religion_n make_v it_o my_o plain_a and_o necessary_a duty_n with_o all_o my_o little_a power_n to_o defend_v it_o what_o i_o have_v endeavour_v i_o most_o humble_o lay_v at_o your_o majesty_n foot_n and_o remain_v madam_n your_o majesty_n most_o dutiful_a subject_n and_o most_o obedient_a servant_n i._n s._n preface_n to_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n 1._o he_o be_v little_o acquaint_v with_o the_o path_n which_o lead_v to_o science_n who_o know_v not_o that_o the_o settle_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o affair_n be_v of_o main_a import_n towards_o satisfaction_n in_o that_o particular_a because_o if_o such_o a_o principle_n be_v not_o first_o settle_v the_o whole_a discourse_n as_o rely_v on_o that_o principle_n for_o its_o certainty_n must_v needs_o waver_v and_o stagger_v reflect_v on_o this_o plain_a truth_n and_o withal_o on_o the_o manner_n how_o very_a many_o i_o wish_v i_o may_v not_o say_v most_o controversy_n be_v manage_v that_o be_v by_o debate_v much_o about_o diverse_a conclusion_n but_o very_o little_a about_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n i_o can_v wonder_v if_o dispute_v come_v slow_o to_o a_o end_n when_o few_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o right_o begin_v another_o mischief_n and_o even_a despair_n of_o entire_a satisfaction_n spring_v from_o hence_o that_o see_v all_o dispute_v suppose_n a_o agreement_n between_o the_o disputer_n in_o some_o acknowledge_a principle_n i_o much_o fear_v while_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o this_o fashion_n this_o requisite_a be_v want_v to_o the_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n controvertist_n for_o neither_o do_v the_o protestant_n from_o his_o heart_n hold_v witness_n the_o book_n of_o their_o most_o extol_v champion_n and_o even_o the_o 39_o article_n to_o the_o contrary_a the_o testimony_n of_o father_n and_o council_n certain_a and_o convictive_a nor_o even_o scripture_n always_o as_o to_o its_o letter_n and_o the_o sense_n they_o give_v it_o for_o they_o pretend_v infallible_a certainty_n of_o none_o of_o these_o much_o less_o do_v the_o catholic_n agree_v that_o private_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n or_o citation_n from_o father_n not_o speak_v as_o witness_n of_o the_o church_n belief_n be_v of_o sufficient_a authority_n to_o settle_v the_o true_a or_o overthrow_v a_o false_a or_o pretend_a faith_n yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o each_o antagonist_n permit_v the_o other_o to_o frame_v his_o discourse_n upon_o these_o ground_n as_o if_o he_o hold_v the_o method_n be_v good_a and_o allowable_a which_o not_o be_v hearty_o grant_v by_o either_o what_o satisfaction_n can_v we_o expect_v but_o endless_a and_o fruitless_a contest_v for_o want_v of_o agreement_n in_o some_o acknowledge_a principle_n while_o this_o method_n be_v follow_v nay_o more_o be_v it_o suppose_v that_o both_o side_n have_v agree_v not_o to_o reject_v in_o their_o dispute_n such_o a_o principle_n yet_o still_o however_o one_o side_n may_v happen_v to_o foil_v the_o other_o so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v he_o contradict_v himself_o yet_o never_o so_o as_o to_o convince_v his_o tenet_n of_o falsehood_n unless_o the_o process_n be_v ground_v upon_o some_o first_o that_o be_v self-evident_a principle_n by_o virtue_n of_o who_o undoubtable_a certainty_n the_o discourse_n build_v on_o it_o may_v gain_v a_o establishment_n whence_o also_o the_o result_n of_o this_o way_n of_o discourse_n can_v be_v only_o the_o credit_n or_o discredit_v of_o the_o author_n and_o touch_v not_o at_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o without_o some_o evident_a principle_n to_o establish_v or_o overthrow_v it_o hover_v in_o its_o pure_a neutral_a condition_n of_o be_v as_o to_o assent_n or_o dissent_n just_o a_o bare_a say_n and_o no_o more_o 2._o the_o reason_n why_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o controversy_n be_v not_o more_o look_v into_o and_o clear_v appear_v to_o i_o evident_o this_o that_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n from_o the_o church_n and_o her_o faith_n see_v which_o be_v common_a to_o they_o with_o all_o other_o maintainer_n of_o error_n that_o to_o begin_v with_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n be_v the_o direct_a road_n to_o science_n and_o therefore_o absolute_o destructive_a of_o their_o interest_n avoid_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o lay_v any_o such_o principle_n and_o instead_o of_o this_o apply_v their_o whole_a endeavour_n to_o airy_a descant_n upon_o word_n by_o such_o mean_n and_o art_n as_o be_v never_o likely_a to_o give_v they_o any_o determinate_a sense_n by_o which_o craft_n the_o way_n
of_o science_n be_v to_o proceed_v from_o one_o piece_n of_o sense_n to_o another_o they_o carry_v the_o war_n out_o of_o the_o bound_n of_o science_n where_o solid_a ground_n be_v to_o be_v find_v to_o fix_v one_o fool_n upon_o so_o to_o overthrow_v or_o be_v overthrow_v and_o transfer_v it_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o spatium_fw-la imaginarium_fw-la of_o fancy_n and_o unsignify_v sound_n the_o proper_a sphere_n for_o chimerical_a discourser_n to_o buzz_v confuse_o and_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o where_o the_o catholic_n must_v either_o let_v they_o alone_o and_o then_o they_o cry_v victory_n or_o follow_v they_o thither_o and_o so_o hazard_v to_o prejudice_v his_o own_o cause_n by_o seem_v to_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o discourse_v whereas_o indeed_o the_o catholic_n be_v force_v by_o their_o importunity_n exciting_a his_o charity_n towards_o the_o unskilful_a to_o show_v how_o weak_o they_o discourse_v in_o their_o own_o shallow_a way_n 3._o how_o little_a faulty_a the_o catholic_n be_v in_o this_o will_v be_v quick_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o â—tis_n against_o his_o principle_n and_o involuntary_a in_o he_o to_o take_v this_o method_n for_o he_o build_v not_o upon_o those_o airy_a skirmish_n for_o his_o faith_n nor_o consequent_o esteem_v he_o it_o conquerable_a by_o such_o attempt_n he_o receive_v his_o faith_n from_o the_o present_a church_n witness_v its_o delivery_n from_o the_o former_a age_n to_o this_o anchorage_n he_o stick_v he_o stand_v on_o immemorial_n possession_n nor_o doubt_v he_o that_o christ_n '_o s_o doctrine_n be_v his_o true_a and_o proper_a inheritance_n while_o bring_v down_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o so_o many_o christian_a nation_n as_o long_o as_o this_o foundation_n stand_v firm_a quirk_n hurt_v not_o he_o shake_v this_o that_o be_v show_v the_o church_n essential_a be_v mistress_n of_o falsehood_n and_o he_o must_v doubt_v all_o his_o faith_n but_o yet_o can_v hold_v the_o protestant_n for_o he_o must_v hold_v nothing_o no_o book_n can_v secure_v he_o when_o that_o principle_n which_o only_o can_v secure_v to_o we_o book_n write_v long_o ago_o be_v insecure_a itself_o now_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o protestant_n build_v his_o faith_n by_o thus_o hammer_v it_o out_o of_o unsenced_a character_n and_o be_v quite_o overthrow_v will_v his_o will_n give_v his_o reason_n leave_v to_o follow_v his_o principle_n if_o another_o more_o dexterous_o fit_v the_o word_n to_o a_o sense_n inconsistent_a with_o he_o and_o his_o hope_n of_o stand_n be_v not_o build_v as_o be_v the_o catholic_n on_o the_o self_n evidence_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o principle_n but_o indeed_o on_o the_o inevidence_n or_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n and_o his_o way_n to_o manage_v they_o which_o be_v to_o let_v no_o live_v authority_n sense_n thew_v and_o so_o they_o will_v more_o easy_o change_v their_o shape_n as_o the_o ingenious_a contrivance_n of_o fancy_n mould_n they_o and_o then_o if_o the_o discourse_n seem_v but_o a_o little_a plausible_a education_n and_o interest_n make_v the_o understanding_n content_a with_o very_o easy_a satisfaction_n 4._o i_o be_o far_o from_o blame_v the_o catholic_n prudence_n for_o engage_v on_o this_o manner_n i_o rather_o admire_v their_o charity_n towards_o their_o weak_a brethren_n that_o at_o the_o expense_n of_o so_o much_o patience_n and_o pain_n such_o excellent_a wit_n will_v condescend_v to_o so_o laborious_a a_o talk_n less_o suitable_a both_o to_o their_o own_o genius_n as_o catholic_n and_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n how_o easy_o may_v they_o rest_v secure_a upon_o immovable_a possession_n and_o demand_v evidence_n and_o demonstration_n from_o the_o protestant_n who_o deny_v his_o right_n to_o christ_n doctrine_n how_o easy_o may_v he_o show_v their_o reason_n inconclusive_a which_o method_n be_v observe_v by_o a_o late_a learned_a writer_n mr._n j._n s._n against_o that_o pulpit-vapour_n of_o dr._n pierce_n especial_o by_o discover_v the_o unsatisfactoriness_n of_o the_o method_n they_o take_v how_o most_o easy_o that_o they_o have_v never_o a_o principle_n or_o self_n evident_a ground_n to_o begin_v with_o that_o till_o they_o settle_v such_o a_o first_o principle_n all_o their_o discourse_n be_v frivolous_a that_o their_o reject_v the_o church_n live_v voice_n or_o tradition_n bring_v all_o into_o doubt_n both_o saying_n of_o father_n and_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o not_o to_o allow_v they_o the_o favour_n of_o dispute_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la from_o scripture_n or_o father_n by_o grant_v they_o any_o thing_n certain_a but_o put_v they_o to_o prove_v all_o for_o since_o they_o be_v to_o object_n and_o bring_v evident_a reason_n for_o change_v it_o lie_v on_o they_o to_o make_v their_o reason_n evident_a nor_o have_v any_o disputant_n right_a to_o have_v any_o thing_n allow_v he_o certain_a who_o renounce_v that_o principle_n which_o if_o renounctâ—_n all_o be_v uncertain_a and_o last_o that_o he_o who_o deny_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o science_n deserve_v not_o â—ay_n can_v in_o reason_n abstract_v from_o circumstance_n be_v discourse_v with_o at_o all_o in_o that_o science_n nor_o they_o in_o controversy_n this_o will_v force_v they_o to_o lay_v some_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o can_v fail_v to_o produce_v these_o two_o advantage_n one_o to_o the_o world_n that_o it_o shall_v get_v into_o a_o method_n of_o conclude_v something_o with_o evidence_n the_o other_o to_o catholic_n religion_n for_o â—twill_v be_v find_v impossible_a their_o reason_n strain_v to_o its_o utmost_a can_v invent_v any_o other_o in_o this_o matter_n but_o that_o of_o tradition_n 5._o this_o will_v clear_o shorten_v our_o debate_n and_o save_v the_o laborious_a transcribe_v and_o print_v volume_n of_o testimony_n by_o bring_v conrroversy_n to_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o first_o authority_n must_v needs_o be_v manifest_v by_o pure_a reason_n but_o who_o be_o i_o that_o i_o shall_v attempt_v such_o a_o change_n in_o the_o method_n of_o controversy_n or_o think_v myself_o a_o fit_a proposer_n or_o presser_z of_o it_o far_o be_v it_o from_o i_o yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o nature_n herself_o who_o i_o second_o in_o this_o design_n be_v about_o do_v that_o work_n for_o i_o hear_v catholic_n writer_n complain_v of_o the_o protestant_n and_o just_o too_o that_o he_o put_v he_o to_o answer_v what_o hâ—â—_n be_v a_o hundred_o time_n say_v before_o and_o i_o be_o inform_v a_o eminent_a protestant_n now_o write_v in_o behalf_n of_o dr_n pierce_n make_v the_o same_o counter-complaint_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o the_o dissuader_n begin_v his_o book_n with_o the_o same_o resentment_n beside_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o best_a wit_n of_o our_o nation_n be_v weary_a of_o this_o method_n see_v it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o reciprocate_a a_o saw_n or_o transcribe_v and_o reprinting_a what_o have_v be_v do_v before_o only_o in_o another_o frame_n or_o if_o any_o new_a production_n be_v make_v general_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o some_o note_n collect_v from_o some_o historical_a book_n unobserved_a by_o other_o which_o what_o satisfactory_a evidence_n it_o be_v like_a to_o bring_v with_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v guess_v 6._o now_o all_o this_o happen_v through_o not_o first_o settle_v and_o agree_v in_o some_o first_o principle_n not_o only_o for_o the_o reason_n give_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o preface_n but_o also_o because_o as_o will_v be_v show_v hereafter_o without_o thiâ—_n the_o validity_n of_o any_o testimony_n from_o father_n or_o council_n can_v be_v weigh_v understand_v or_o press_v with_o force_n upon_o the_o adversary_n for_o if_o these_o be_v but_o part_n of_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a of_o their_o time_n that_o be_v of_o christian_a tradition_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o till_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n be_v evidence_v they_o will_v not_o be_v clear_o know_v again_o tradition_n once_o evidence_v will_v give_v principle_n to_o distinguish_v those_o citation_n by_o and_o to_o secure_v as_o far_o as_o be_v needful_a and_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n whence_o clear_a victory_n will_v accrue_v to_o truth_n and_o full_a satisfaction_n to_o her_o ingenuous_a seeker_n not_o that_o i_o at_o all_o doubt_n but_o that_o many_o thing_n in_o catholic_n writer_n of_o the_o testimonial_a strain_n carry_z 4_o strong_a force_n of_o conviction_n with_o they_o but_o i_o see_v thâ—â—â—_n while_o the_o solid_a testimony_n be_v not_o distinguish_v and_o sole_o insist_v on_o but_o run_v mix_v with_o other_o of_o less_o force_n by_o such_o a_o mixture_n they_o weaken_v their_o own_o i_o see_v also_o that_o they_o want_v their_o effect_n upon_o the_o protestant_n by_o reason_n he_o be_v not_o first_o press_v to_o admit_v that_o evident_a principle_n on_o which_o their_o strength_n be_v build_v and_o which_o once_o settle_v they_o be_v irresistible_a 7._o the_o settle_v then_o the_o
as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n which_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n can_v hold_v nothing_o or_o have_v no_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o church_n must_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o ignorant_a and_o undiscerning_a person_n which_o will_v make_v her_o little_a better_o than_o a_o congregation_n of_o fanatic_n 15._o especial_o the_o church_n have_v many_o adversary_n skill_v in_o natural_a science_n who_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o oppose_v she_o all_o they_o can_v and_o conquer_v she_o too_o can_v they_o take_v any_o just_a advantage_n against_o she_o and_o no_o great_a advantage_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v gain_v or_o more_o deadly_a wound_n to_o be_v give_v she_o than_o to_o prove_v her_o faith_n uncertain_a which_o be_v do_v by_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o at_o once_o enervate_v her_o government_n vilify_v her_o sacrament_n weaken_v all_o the_o motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n which_o she_o propose_v and_o by_o consequence_n quite_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o rather_o this_o make_v manifest_a by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n perpetual_o and_o on_o all_o side_n besiege_v we_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v it_o utter_o and_o last_o make_v christian_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o high_a mystery_n above_o their_o reason_n upon_o uncertain_a ground_n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o the_o only_a safeguard_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v place_v in_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v make_v therefore_o and_o ordain_v to_o ascertain_v faith_n that_o it_o it_o have_v in_o it_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o end_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n absolute_o certain_a that_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v signify_v or_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n thorough_o understand_v 16._o and_o last_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n main_o conduce_v to_o bliss_n as_o be_v see_v §_o 8._o and_o its_o influence_n towards_o bliss_n which_o we_o call_v its_o merit_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n adhere_v unwaver_o to_o such_o truth_n as_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n apply_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o motive_n of_o this_o submission_n assent_n or_o adhesion_n and_o every_o cause_n produce_v its_o effect_n better_o and_o strongly_a by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o and_o close_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o all_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o derive_v down_o to_o we_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n teach_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o thing_n close_o to_o a_o judge_a power_n be_v perform_v by_o certify_v it_o which_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o it_o &_o become_v a_o intimate_a act_n of_o that_o power_n whereas_o uncertainty_n can_v only_o admit_v it_o to_o swim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o bare_a proposal_n or_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o probability_n not_o have_v weight_n enough_o of_o motive_n to_o settle_v deep_a into_o its_o solid_a substance_n which_o be_v cognoscitive_a and_o so_o become_v there_o a_o fix_a judgement_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o merit_n be_v incomparable_o advantage_v by_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o it_o this_o rule_n then_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o absolutely-certain_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 17._o sum_v up_o then_o the_o full_a account_n of_o our_o discourse_n hitherto_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o out_o of_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_v which_o as_o use_v by_o we_o denote_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n &_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v these_o several_a condition_n namely_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n to_o all_o §_o 3_o 4_o 9_o &_o 10._o &_o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n to_o enquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a §_o 5._o &_o 11._o apt_a to_o settle_v &_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n §_o 12._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n §_o 13._o and_o rational_a doubter_n §_o 14._o and_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n §_o 15._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o §_o 6._o 15_o 16._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 5_o 11_o 13_o 14._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o have_v attain_v so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o by_o particular_a mark_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o know_v it_o when_o we_o meet_v it_o especial_o not_o have_v a_o great_a crowd_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o single_a it_o out_o the_o pretender_n to_o that_o title_n be_v very_o few_o and_o indeed_o but_o two_o be_v own_v namely_o tradition_n and_o scripture_n though_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o it_o the_o private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n testimony_n of_o father_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v hold_v the_o ascertainer_n of_o scripture_n sense_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o place_n among_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v those_o which_o be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o relier_n on_o they_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o but_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v scripture_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n scripture_n that_o book_n not_o yet_o sence_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sence_v that_o be_v such_o and_o such_o character_n in_o a_o book_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o assure_o god_n mind_n or_o ascertain_v they_o of_o their_o faith_n for_o abstract_v from_o the_o sense_n or_o actual_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a leave_v but_o those_o character_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v it_o this_o understand_v let_v we_o apply_v now_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o scripture_n letter_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o will_v fit_v 3._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o occurr_n be_v its_o existence_n or_o a_o est_fw-la that_o be_v whether_o those_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v god_n word_n be_v indeed_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v of_o which_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a the_o very_o rude_a sort_n can_v be_v certain_a by_o self-evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v easy_o evidenceable_a to_o those_o doubter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o the_o vulgar_a by_o any_o skill_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o even_o to_o more_o curious_a and_o speculative_a scarcher_n but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o beside_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v solve_v ere_o they_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a nature_n of_o the_o letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v and_o so_o worthy_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o clear_a to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o the_o matter_n know_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v
which_o imbue_v you_o antecedent_o with_o those_o contrary_a tenet_n not_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v your_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o regard_v you_o frame_v it_o according_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o those_o foreheld_v tenet_n he_o press_o therefore_o demand_n whence_o you_o have_v those_o tenet_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o you_o guide_v yourself_o in_o adhere_v or_o not_o adhere_v to_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o lie_v 5._o if_o you_o say_v from_o other_o place_n of_o scripture_n control_v plain_o the_o other_o he_o reply_v this_o can_v only_o make_v you_o acknowledge_v scripture_n letter_n plain_o contradict_v itself_o and_o so_o leave_v you_o doubtful_a which_o side_n to_o hold_v as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v you_o or_o if_o it_o invite_v you_o to_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n what_o therefore_o he_o still_o demand_n be_v what_o it_o be_v which_o forelay_v those_o judgement_n in_o you_o by_o which_o you_o be_v bias_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o the_o letter_n indifferency_n to_o hold_v one_o side_n rather_o than_o â—he_v other_o here_o you_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n with_o your_o pretence_n of_o the_o letter_n authority_n be_v go_v beyond_o it_o if_o then_o you_o recur_n to_o reason_n and_o science_n teach_v you_o that_o god_n be_v immutable_a a_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n he_o straight_o reply_v then_o that_o science_n teach_v you_o that_o point_n whether_o scripture_n have_v be_v or_o no._n it_o therefore_o be_v your_o rule_n in_o this_o and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o whatever_o you_o avail_v yourself_o to_o interpret_v scriptute_fw-la by_o not_o the_o letter_n if_o you_o say_v you_o rely_v on_o the_o science_n or_o skill_n of_o your_o parent_n forefather_n and_o pastor_n than_o their_o skill_n which_o ascertaind_v they_o of_o god_n sense_n not_o scripture_n letter_n be_v their_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v likewise_o you_o for_o whoever_o rely_v on_o any_o precise_o as_o skilful_a rely_v in_o very_a deed_n and_o proper_o on_o their_o skill_n and_o not_o on_o the_o letter_n their_o skill_n work_v upon_o beside_o ove_z not_o skilful_a himself_o be_v a_o bad_a judge_n how_o far_o another_o skill_n extend_v if_o you_o say_v you_o rely_v not_o on_o their_o skill_n fallible_a perhaps_o in_o they_o and_o obscure_a to_o you_o but_o on_o their_o sense_n enable_v they_o to_o be_v know_v witness_n of_o what_o be_v deliver_v they_o and_o free_a from_o the_o former_a exception_n you_o be_v drive_v for_o your_o last_o refuge_n to_o tradition_n and_o still_o desert_n your_o letter-rule_n in_o a_o word_n he_o challenge_v the_o consciousness_n of_o your_o most_o inward_a thought_n whether_o however_o in_o controversy_n against_o other_o you_o quote_v scripture_n yet_o in_o read_v the_o letter_n for_o your_o own_o faith_n you_o bring_v not_o along_o with_o you_o some_o thought_n to_o interpret_v it_o by_o which_o you_o be_v resolve_v to_o hold_v to_o and_o so_o the_o scripture_n letter_n lie_v before_o you_o as_o matter_n to_o work_v on_o so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o significative_a of_o what_o you_o judge_v sound_a and_o not_o to_o frame_v your_o judgement_n by_o that_o be_v you_o use_v it_o as_o a_o thing_n rule_v not_o as_o a_o bull_fw-mi nay_o more_o if_o you_o look_v narrow_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o those_o thought_n you_o shall_v discover_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o tradition_n to_o have_v at_o unaware_o settle_v your_o judgement_n concern_v faith_n and_o actual_o guide_v you_o in_o the_o interpretation_n however_o when_o your_o other_o concern_v awake_a design_n in_o you_o you_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o seem_v perhaps_o to_o your_o unreflect_a self_n to_o embrace_v and_o hold_v to_o the_o mere_a guidance_n of_o the_o letter_n 6._o again_o waive_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o declare_v its_o own_o sense_n he_o ask_v this_o smart_a question_n how_o you_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o this_o very_a text_n and_o demand_v your_o certain_a proof_n or_o demonstration_n either_o either_o for_o the_o thing_n or_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o authority_n upon_o which_o you_o hold_v that_o any_o particular_a text_n you_o allege_v be_v true_o a_o part_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o not_o foist_v in_o or_o some_o way_n alter_v in_o its_o significativeness_n or_o how_o you_o know_v by_o the_o diligence_n of_o the_o letter-examiner_n if_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a proposition_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o insert_v if_o affirmative_a not_o leave_v out_o you_o allege_v consent_n of_o all_o our_o copy_n he_o reply_v first_o that_o this_o only_a argue_v that_o those_o ancient_a copy_n whence_o we_o come_v be_v alike_o perhaps_o not_o so_o much_o but_o who_o know_v or_o can_v undertake_v that_o they_o be_v not_o alike_o faulty_a or_o alike_o unlike_a the_o true_a original_a or_o that_o there_o be_v not_o some_o in_o those_o day_n which_o never_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n different_a from_o we_o in_o the_o very_a point_n between_o we_o in_o a_o word_n that_o all_o depend_v on_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o copy_n immediate_o take_v from_o the_o original_a or_o the_o very_a next_o to_o they_o which_o what_o they_o be_v by_o who_o take_v where_o and_o how_o preserve_v from_o time_n to_o time_n how_o narrow_o examine_v when_o they_o be_v first_o transcribe_v and_o such_o like_a be_v so_o bury_v in_o obscurity_n and_o oblivion_n and_o so_o far_o from_o evidence_n apt_a to_o beget_v certain_a knowledge_n that_o we_o must_v have_v recourse_n to_o charity_n to_o allow_v it_o our_o hope_n have_v we_o no_o other_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o that_o bare_a letter_n again_o though_o human_a diligence_n do_v play_v its_o part_n yet_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v say_v your_o deist_n that_o there_o be_v almost_o innumerable_a variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la in_o it_o still_o controvert_v nay_o so_o many_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n alone_o observe_v by_o one_o man_n my_o lord_n usher_n that_o he_o dare_v not_o print_v they_o for_o fear_n of_o bring_v the_o whole_a book_n into_o doubt_n and_o why_o may_v not_o there_o have_v be_v such_o former_o and_o now_o blind_o determine_v and_o swallow_v in_o each_o text_n that_o concern_v our_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n if_o you_o reply_v as_o nature_n will_v lead_v you_o that_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n believe_v and_o teach_v from_o father_n to_o son_n be_v write_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a and_o this_o make_v they_o both_o able_a and_o willing_a to_o that_o be_v actual_o do_v preserve_v the_o letter_n from_o error_n in_o any_o passage_n that_o concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n he_o challenge_v you_o to_o fly_v your_o colour_n to_o desert_v your_o own_o rule_n and_o embrace_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o roman-catholikes_a and_o last_o that_o you_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o thing_n rule_v not_o the_o rule_n yet_o without_o this_o recourse_n no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v possible_o be_v render_v to_o a_o strict_a examiner_n why_o error_n may_v not_o creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o substantial_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o less_o concern_v passage_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n hold_v forth_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v never_o convince_v a_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n four_o discourse_n that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o there_o remain_v the_o two_o last_o condition_n certainty_n in_o its_o self_n and_o ascertainableness_n to_o we_o that_o the_o late_a be_v incompetent_a to_o scripture_n alone_o or_o unassisted_a by_o another_o certain_a rule_n that_o be_v incompetent_a to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n however_o it_o may_v agree_v to_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n regulate_v or_o rule_v be_v the_o subject_a in_o a_o manner_n of_o all_o our_o forego_n discourse_v and_o it_o so_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a property_n of_o the_o two_o last_o name_v certainty_n in_o itself_o that_o if_o it_o fail_v that_o late_a be_v impossible_a now_o as_o for_o its_o certainty_n in_o its_o self_n or_o its_o be_v establish_v on_o secure_a ground_n we_o may_v consider_v scripture_n letter_n either_o material_o as_o such_o and_o such_o character_n or_o formal_o as_o significative_a of_o a_o determinate_a sense_n suppose_v to_o be_v christ_n and_o both_o of_o these_o either_o in_o its_o single_a self_n or_o as_o dependent_a on_o other_o help_n or_o cause_n on_o foot_n now_o in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a material_a character_n in_o book_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v destroy_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o nature_n as_o burn_v tear_v
advantage_n the_o letter_n give_v they_o as_o compare_v place_n and_o such_o like_a and_o avail_v themselves_o the_o best_a they_o can_v by_o acquire_v skill_n yet_o differ_v in_o so_o main_a point_n as_o those_o of_o the_o b._n trinity_n and_o christ_n divinity_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o undertake_o promise_v to_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n less_o able_a to_o make_v such_o fit_a allusion_n of_o place_n to_o one_o another_o incapable_a of_o such_o mean_n as_o shall_v help_v they_o which_o the_o other_o have_v and_o be_v very_o pertinent_a and_o proper_a to_o work_v upon_o the_o letter_n and_o last_o who_o be_v for_o want_v of_o those_o unfurnish_v of_o any_o steady_a principle_n to_o settle_v their_o judgement_n and_o rational_o determine_v their_o own_o interpretation_n certain_a scripture_n letter_n therefore_o be_v not_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n that_o be_v have_v no_o immovable_o secure_a ground_n enable_v it_o to_o perform_v the_o office_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o guide_v mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n with_o a_o rational_a assuredness_n our_o conclusion_n then_o be_v this_o that_o scripture_n letter_n want_v all_o the_o forementioned_a property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 7._o lest_o any_o shall_v misconstrue_v my_o former_a discourse_n i_o declare_v here_o once_o more_o that_o in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la that_o be_v i_o manifest_v what_o must_v follow_v out_o of_o the_o principle_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v the_o scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n not_o out_o of_o my_o own_o or_o catholic_n one_o i_o declare_v likewise_o that_o i_o with_o all_o reverence_n acknowledge_v such_o excellency_n in_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n as_o will_v taste_v the_o tongue_n both_o of_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o lay_v they_o forth_o i_o only_o contest_v that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v most_o improper_a and_o never_o intend_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v evince_v against_o a_o unobstinate_a adversary_n by_o this_o that_o it_o be_v know_v the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n go_v not_o with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o preach_v and_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o that_o primitive_a antiquity_n learn_v their_o faith_n by_o another_o method_n a_o long_a time_n before_o many_o of_o those_o book_n be_v universal_o spread_v among_o the_o vulgar_a much_o less_o the_o catalogue_n collect_v and_o acknowledge_v till_o the_o revolter_n from_o that_o method_n and_o rule_n be_v manifest_o convince_v of_o novelty_n by_o it_o be_v forâ—t_a to_o invent_v some_o other_o and_o choose_v this_o of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o most_o plausible_a as_o be_v hold_v very_o sacred_a until_o by_o strain_v it_o to_o a_o undue_a use_n and_o to_o please_v the_o people_n put_v it_o without_o any_o distinction_n of_o the_o person_n into_o their_o hand_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o their_o interpretation_n they_o have_v bring_v it_o as_o it_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o the_o vile_a degree_n of_o contempt_n every_o silly_a upstart_n heresy_n father_v itself_o upon_o it._n of_o which_o no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o evident_a a_o instance_n as_o our_o miserable_a country_n distract_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n all_o issue_v from_o that_o principle_n so_o impossible_a to_o be_v bring_v under_o ecclesiastical_a government_n and_o even_o with_o much_o ado_n under_o temporal_a that_o it_o be_v wonderful_a such_o proper_a effect_n especial_o so_o sensible_a burdensome_a so_o universal_o spread_v and_o so_o continual_a shall_v not_o long_o ago_o have_v abundant_o demonstrate_v their_o proper_a cause_n and_o oblige_v they_o to_o renounce_v that_o principle_n which_o be_v the_o necessary_a parent_n of_o such_o ruinous_a and_o unredressable_a disorder_n five_o discourse_n show_v the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it._n 1._o have_v then_o quite_o lose_v our_o labour_n in_o our_o last_o search_n let_v we_o see_v whether_o we_o shall_v have_v better_a success_n in_o this_o second_o enquiry_n which_o be_v whether_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o find_v the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n meet_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v or_o all_o or_o practical_a tradition_n by_o which_o we_o mean_v a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n by_o word_n and_o a_o constant_a course_n of_o frequent_a and_o visible_a action_n conformable_a to_o those_o word_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n 2._o but_o to_o make_v a_o more_o express_a conceit_n of_o tradition_n that_o so_o we_o may_v more_o perfect_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o let_v we_o first_o sober_o reflect_v on_o the_o manner_n how_o child_n learn_v their_o own_o and_o other_o name_n with_o who_o they_o live_v as_o also_o of_o the_o room_n and_o thing_n they_o converse_v with_o afterward_o grow_v up_o to_o exercise_v their_o trade_n to_o write_v read_v or_o use_v civil_a or_o legal_a carriage_n to_o every_o one_o in_o their_o kindsâ—_n and_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n we_o shall_v observe_v that_o they_o first_o glean_v notion_n of_o those_o several_a object_n either_o mere_o through_o impression_n on_o their_o sense_n by_o the_o thing_n itself_o alone_o or_o by_o the_o help_n of_o have_v they_o point_v at_o or_o something_o practic'â—_n about_o they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v name_v and_o afterward_o learn_v to_o repeat_v the_o same_o word_n after_o other_o more_o and_o more_o intelligent_o by_o degree_n and_o to_o practise_v the_o same_o action_n till_o aâ—_n length_n the_o former_a generation_n of_o teacher_n decay_v by_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n a_o new_a one_o iâ—_n spring_v up_o to_o perfection_n furnish_v with_o all_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o the_o former_a and_o continue_v the_o same_o natural_a and_o civil_a knowledge_n action_n and_o convenience_n to_o this_o age_n which_o the_o formeâ—_n enjoy_v and_o so_o forward_o to_o succeed_a generation_n by_o a_o natural_a kind_n of_o method_n without_o need_v book_n or_o new_a skill_n mere_o to_o perform_v this_o effect_n of_o continue_v and_o preserve_v the_o former_a age_n as_o it_o be_v alive_a in_o this_o add_v now_o to_o this_o that_o this_o continuation_n go_v not_o by_o long_a leap_n from_o age_n to_o age_n or_o from_o twenty_o year_n to_o twenty_o but_o from_o year_n to_o year_n nay_o month_n to_o month_n &_o even_o less_o according_a as_o the_o new_a offspring_n grow_v up_o by_o degree_n to_o a_o capacity_n of_o understanding_n and_o practise_v and_o then_o reflect_v on_o this_o whole_a course_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o tradition_n or_o immediate_a delivery_n as_o exercise_v in_o civil_a matter_n and_o human_a convenience_n 3._o we_o want_v nothing_o now_o but_o to_o apply_v this_o selfsame_a method_n to_o spiritual_a or_o ecclesiastical_a affair_n and_o to_o reflect_v how_o it_o bring_v down_o faith_n by_o doctrine_n couch_v in_o word_n and_o express_v in_o conformable_a practice_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v have_v gain_v a_o complete_a and_o proper_a notion_n of_o faith-tradition_n which_o be_v the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o 4._o we_o may_v observe_v then_o that_o the_o child_n of_o christian_n first_o hear_v the_o sound_n afterward_o by_o degree_n get_v dim_a notion_n of_o god_n christ_n saviour_n heaven_n hell_n virtue_n vice_n and_o such_o like_a and_o according_a as_o their_o capacity_n increase_v be_v put_v on_o to_o practise_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v and_o make_v to_o do_v some_o external_a action_n by_o precept_n and_o example_n which_o action_n by_o their_o more_o particularise_v nature_n ripen_v to_o a_o more_o express_a and_o familiar_a conceit_n those_o raw_a apprehension_n or_o judgement_n which_o while_o they_o stand_v under_o bare_a word_n look_v as_o if_o they_o hover_v in_o the_o air_n and_o afar_o off_o they_o be_v deter_v from_o sin_n first_o from_o lie_v and_o disobey_v their_o parent_n afterward_o other_o by_o reproach_n and_o punishment_n and_o encourage_v to_o virtuous_a action_n by_o reward_n such_o as_o their_o age_n bear_v to_o breed_v in_o they_o a_o conceit_n of_o the_o badness_n of_o sin_n and_o goodness_n of_o virtue_n they_o be_v show_v how_o to_o say_v grace_n say_v their_o prayer_n and_o make_v do_v it_o when_o they_o be_v able_a and_o to_o gain_v they_o some_o abstract_a conceit_n of_o those_o action_n they_o be_v inure_v even_o while_o very_a infant_n by_o certain_a carriage_n unusual_a at_o other_o time_n as_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o perhaps_o eye_n kneeling_z keep_v silence_n and_o other_o sober_a posture_n to_o look_v upon_o such_o action_n as_o extraordinary_a one_o when_o as_o yet_o they_o know_v no_o more_o of_o
multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o to_o save_v other_o who_o they_o thus_o instruct_v by_o rely_v on_o this_o truth_n that_o their_o forefather_n thus_o teach_v they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o nature_n or_o common_a reason_n at_o unaware_o steal_v into_o they_o a_o solid_a apprehension_n that_o tradition_n be_v of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o that_o while_o father_n thus_o teach_v child_n it_o be_v ever_o such_o that_o be_v that_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o convey_v down_o faith_n which_o be_v all_o we_o study_v to_o evince_v at_o present_a i_o may_v add_v that_o nature_n tell_v they_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o parent_n general_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a &_o needful_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n their_o natural_a thought_n will_v lead_v they_o by_o a_o downright_a procedure_n to_o judge_v that_o tradition_n be_v ever_o in_o some_o considerable_a body_n of_o deliverer_n who_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o own_a it_o and_o that_o those_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o true_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n teach_v but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o 10._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o multitude_n of_o plain_a honest-meaning_n soul_n be_v as_o much_o justify_v for_o believe_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o you_o mean_v their_o faith_n conceive_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o justifiable_a for_o believe_v any_o set_v aside_o tradition_n help_n for_o without_o this_o it_o total_o depend_v on_o the_o inward_a judgement_n fancy_n or_o skill_n of_o man_n which_o they_o be_v unqualify_v to_o judge_v of_o not_o on_o open_a verdict_n of_o sense_n to_o wield_v the_o certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o which_o lie_v clear_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n letter_n they_o can_v possible_o be_v justify_v in_o reason_n for_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o it_o without_o tradition_n assist_v hand_n and_o preserve_a care_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o because_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a experience_n tell_v they_o that_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n often_o disagree_v but_o their_o plain_a sensation_n especial_o if_o frequent_o repeat_v never_o whence_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o plain_a high-shoe_n will_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o six_o witness_n without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v a_o malefactor_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o thousand_o man_n if_o a_o testimony_n ground_v on_o sense_n be_v not_o bring_v now_o take_v away_o tradition_n and_o all_o ground_n from_o certain_a sense_n fail_v we_o either_o for_o the_o meaning_n or_o even_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n judgement_n build_v on_o latent_fw-la skill_n or_o fancy_n or_o at_o least_o on_o sense_n liable_a to_o great_a and_o numerous_a mistake_n as_o have_v be_v show_v disc._n 4._o §_o 3._o again_o see_v every_o one_o apprehend_v the_o most_o vulgar_a have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o k._n james_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o ascertain_v but_o by_o tradition_n why_o be_v not_o they_o as_o much_o or_o more_o justify_v for_o believe_a point_n of_o faith_n receive_v down_o by_o the_o same_o tenor_n whereas_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pump_v their_o common_a reason_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o statute-book_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o letter_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o blunder_v and_o at_o a_o â—oss_n be_v pose_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n by_o a_o question_n entrench_v upon_o skill_n to_o which_o they_o can_v never_o answer_v with_o a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a witâ—_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffiâ—â—_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v infallible_a to_o we_o anâ—_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v be_v such_o without_o have_v infallibly-câ—â—tain_a ground_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v firm_a to_o we_o than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v its_o ground_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v infallibâ—â—_n certain_a there_o be_v then_o only_o two_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v namely_o deliver_v of_o it_o down_o by_o write_v and_o by_o word_n anâ—_n practice_n which_o we_o call_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n it_o be_v leave_v avoidable_o out_o of_o the_o imposibility_n that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v infallible_a as_o rule_v that_o tradition_n must_v be_v such_o 12._o though_o this_o conclusion_n suppose_v thâ—_n truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o assume_v as_o already_o prove_v be_v sufficient_o consequent_a to_o those_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o contest_v at_o present_a thâ—_n certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o regard_n they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d stick_v to_o grant_v that_o either_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o foresee_v more_o will_n be_v expect_v from_o a_o pretender_n to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v frame_v his_o discourse_n from_o intrinsical_v medium_n reflect_v then_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o before_o explicate_v we_o shall_v observe_v that_o it_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n the_o flower_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n by_o reflect_a thought_n or_o speculation_n amid_o the_o misty_a vapour_n exhale_v by_o his_o passion_n predominant_a over_o his_o rational_a will_n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v heâ—â—_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n again_o those_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v once_o but_o frequent_o and_o in_o most_o many_o time_n every_o day_n moreover_o to_o make_v these_o more_o express_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o precept_n they_o hear_v and_o conformable_a example_n they_o see_v so_o that_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o that_o solid_a plain_a knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v downright_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o
blaze_v up_o and_o down_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o themselves_o and_o perversion_n of_o other_o but_o a_o company_n which_o make_v such_o a_o bustle_n can_v long_o want_v a_o name_n wherefore_o the_o traditionary_a christian_a have_v ever_o enjoy_v the_o appellation_n of_o catholic_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a their_o adversary_n shall_v by_o any_o design_n or_o craft_n after_o the_o common_a language_n of_o mankind_n hopeless_a to_o attain_v the_o name_n of_o catholic_n they_o be_v force_v to_o content_v themselves_o though_o unwilling_a with_o some_o other_o new_a one_o which_o nature_n work_v upon_o their_o own_o comportment_n determine_v to_o be_v either_o from_o their_o author_n as_o lutheran_n zuingliaus_fw-la or_o their_o new_a tenet_n as_o tritheits_fw-mi sacramentarian_n or_o some_o combination_n among_o themselves_o as_o protestant_n or_o last_o some_o particular_a carriage_n as_o quaker_n dipper_n etc._n etc._n 3._o these_o first_o adherent_n to_o the_o upstart_n novellist_n be_v cling_v into_o a_o body_n after_o a_o while_o young_a understanding_n ripen_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o faith_n thing_n be_v present_o alter_v the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o scripture_n letter_n selfsufficiency_n be_v immediate_o throw_v by_o as_o useless_a any_o far_o design_n have_v get_v its_o end_n already_o and_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o of_o tradition_n begin_v to_o take_v place_n again_o and_o recover_v its_o self_n nay_o the_o reformer_n themselves_o be_v force_v to_o crave_v help_n of_o it_o to_o keep_v their_o company_n together_o child_n be_v teach_v that_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v their_o pastor_n and_o father_n and_o though_o they_o be_v permit_v to_o read_v the_o scripture_n when_o they_o come_v at_o age_n yet_o they_o be_v tell_v they_o be_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o sense_n their_o pastor_n and_o father_n give_v it_o which_o be_v that_o they_o ought_v to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o the_o faith_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o teacher_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n the_o very_a way_n catholic_n ever_o take_v in_o that_o particular_a and_o if_o any_o company_n of_o man_n though_o now_o mature_a to_o judge_v presume_v to_o follow_v their_o own_o judgement_n in_o interpret_n it_o and_o differ_v from_o those_o first_o reformer_n these_o if_o they_o get_v the_o power_n in_o their_o hand_n will_v present_o fall_v to_o oblige_v they_o by_o force_n to_o act_v that_o be_v if_o they_o will_v have_v they_o do_v it_o conscientious_o which_o else_o be_v to_o force_v they_o to_o sin_n to_o hold_v as_o they_o do_v and_o persecute_v or_o punish_v they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o whereas_o they_o guide_v themselves_o to_o their_o best_a capacity_n by_o the_o scripture_n letter_n which_o be_v the_o very_a rule_n of_o faith_n their_o persecutor_n teach_v they_o and_o make_v use_n of_o themselves_o when_o they_o break_v from_o the_o church_n which_o evident_o show_v that_o a_o new_a rule_n be_v introduce_v and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o the_o letter_n of_o god_n word_n which_o be_v now_o think_v fit_a to_o guide_v the_o reader_n of_o it_o to_o faith_n but_o those_o man_n interpretation_n of_o it_o so_o that_o the_o break_n from_o tradition_n and_o consequent_o the_o church_n cast_v they_o most_o inevitable_o upon_o these_o self-contradiction_n first_o to_o reform_v npon_n pretence_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o afterward_o in_o practice_n to_o desert_n that_o rule_n in_o their_o carriage_n towards_o other_o second_o to_o disallow_v to_o other_o those_o ground_n themselves_o proceed_v upon_o three_o to_o pretend_v first_o the_o scripture_n letter_n clear_a of_o itself_o without_o need_v the_o church_n to_o interpret_v it_o so_o to_o avoid_v condemnation_n from_o the_o former_a church_n yet_o afterward_o to_o judge_v the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o their_o best_a power_n to_o go_v wrong_n that_o be_v to_o confess_v it_o obscure_v and_o to_o need_v their_o new_a church_n interpretation_n 4_o to_o persecute_v other_o for_o take_v that_o way_n which_o they_o hold_v at_o least_o pretend_a meritorious_a in_o themselves_o 5_o to_o oblige_v other_o to_o relinquish_v the_o sole_a guidance_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o to_o rule_v themselves_o by_o their_o tradition_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n when_o they_o write_v and_o dispute_v against_o catholic_n to_o impugn_v tradition_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n as_o unfitting_a to_o sense_n it_o and_o abet_v only_o the_o selfsufficiency_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o last_o to_o impute_v that_o carriage_n to_o our_o church_n as_o a_o fault_n which_o themselves_o practise_v upon_o their_o own_o subject_n and_o which_o be_v most_o material_a our_o church_n punish_v none_o but_o such_o as_o desert_v the_o rule_n she_o recommend_v whereas_o they_o punish_v those_o under_o they_o for_o follow_v too_o close_o that_o rule_n which_o themselves_o recommend_v and_o applaud_v as_o the_o whole_a and_o sole_a bafis_n of_o their_o reformation_n 4._o now_o what_o can_v follow_v hence_o but_o that_o their_o ecclesiastical_a subject_n who_o common_a sense_n can_v but_o make_v exceed_o sensible_a of_o such_o their_o unreasonable_a carriage_n in_o persecute_v they_o pure_o for_o follow_v god_n word_n or_o the_o scripture_n letter_n to_o their_o best_a power_n which_o themselves_o have_v teach_v they_o may_v secure_o nay_o aught_o in_o conscience_n be_v follow_v let_v the_o consent_n of_o forefather_n and_o the_o present_a church_n make_v up_o of_o meeâ—_n man_n say_v what_o they_o will_v what_o follow_v we_o i_o say_v but_o that_o exasperate_v beyond_o patience_n by_o this_o procedure_n which_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v to_o be_v a_o most_o senseless_a and_o self-condemning_a tyranny_n over_o their_o conscience_n they_o will_v unless_o governor_n be_v vigilant_a strive_v to_o wreak_v their_o malice_n against_o their_o persecutor_n and_o if_o they_o be_v numerous_a and_o powerful_a endeavour_v to_o involve_v whole_a nation_n in_o war_n and_o blood_n which_o god_n of_o his_o mercy_n avert_v from_o our_o distract_a country_n of_o so_o main_a consequence_n it_o be_v both_o for_o church_n and_o state_n that_o man_n mind_n be_v right_o set_v in_o the_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n they_o build_v religion_n on_o be_v evident_a that_o be_v apt_a to_o unite_v their_o understanding_n and_o by_o it_o their_o affection_n not_o uncertain_a and_o vertible_a which_o must_v needs_o lead_v if_o pursue_v by_o a_o earnest_a zeal_n to_o nothing_o but_o diversity_n in_o opinion_n about_o faith_n thence_o to_o dissension_n and_o feud_n in_o the_o will_n which_o upon_o any_o great_a pressure_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o break_v forth_o into_o action_n of_o high_a enmity_n and_o by_o the_o irreconcileableness_n of_o such_o interest_n neither_o side_n be_v able_a to_o yield_v to_o the_o other_o in_o what_o each_o of_o rhem_n hold_v sacred_a religious_a and_o conscientious_a endless_a and_o fierce_a bicker_n be_v apt_a to_o succeed_v even_o to_o utter_v desolation_n as_o frequent_a history_n too_o lamentable_o record_v not_o that_o i_o intend_v the_o justification_n of_o those_o revolt_a sect_n who_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n of_o controversy_n be_v both_o self-condemned_a by_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n for_o disobey_v a_o certain_a and_o know_a legal_a authority_n which_o god_n law_n and_o plain_a reason_n command_v they_o to_o submit_v to_o to_o maintain_v a_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v a_o error_n and_o be_v it_o a_o know_a truth_n they_o hold_v will_v be_v no_o less_o condemn_v by_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o common_a reason_n nay_o out_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n itself_o for_o make_v rebellion_n and_o a_o unimpower_v sword_n the_o defence_n of_o truth_n which_o stand_v firm_a on_o a_o sure_a basis._n i_o only_o mind_n prudent_a considerer_n on_o the_o by_o how_o much_o it_o conduce_v to_o state-unity_n and_o peace_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o convey_v faith_n to_o we_o be_v build_v on_o sensible_a evidence_n acknowledgable_a by_o all_o mankind_n when_o right_o understand_v and_o not_o leave_v to_o giddy_a interpretation_n of_o private_a fancy_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o run_v so_o eccentrical_o to_o one_o another_o that_o we_o can_v never_o expect_v they_o shall_v have_v any_o common_a point_n where_o to_o fix_v and_o unite_v man_n mind_n and_o afflection_n 5._o the_o usefulness_n of_o this_o parergon_n serve_v to_o elucidate_v as_o it_o be_v ptactical_o and_o experimental_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n the_o particular_a use_n we_o make_v of_o it_o in_o this_o present_a discourse_n whence_o we_o digress_v into_o it_o be_v to_o conclude_v as_o well_o as_o we_o can_v of_o thing_n at_o a_o common_a view_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o less_o certain_a that_o the_o number_n of_o the_o actual_a deserter_n of_o the_o natural_a way_n of_o tradition_n have_v be_v but_o few_o to_o wit_v the_o
none_o of_o the_o pretend_a rule_n of_o faith_n all_o of_o they_o building_n on_o scripture_n letter_n be_v certain_a disc._n 2._o 3_o 4._o without_o tradition_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o other_o company_n have_v any_o principle_n of_o distinction_n from_o other_o that_o be_v either_o of_o constitution_n or_o self-preservation_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n but_o that_o which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n all_o the_o loud_a outcry_n then_o make_v common_o against_o that_o body_n which_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n callâ—d_n roman-catholick_n for_o account_v itself_o only_o the_o universal_a church_n and_o exclude_v all_o other_o be_v but_o empty_a noise_n and_o her_o claim_n rational_a and_o wellgrounded_n till_o it_o be_v show_v by_o evident_a discourse_n that_o the_o other_o pretender_n have_v some_o other_o more_o evident_a and_o certain_a rule_n to_o know_v who_o be_v of_o the_o church_n who_o not_o than_o this_o of_o tradition_n now_o produce_v and_o explicate_v upon_o which_o she_o proceed_v and_o by_o which_o she_o consist_v 12._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o scripture_n for_o since_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v disc._n 4._o there_o can_v be_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n without_o tradition_n this_o must_v first_o be_v suppose_v certain_a ere_o the_o scripture_n letter_n can_v be_v rational_o hold_v such_o and_o consequent_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v hold_v uncertain_a while_o tradition_n be_v think_v â—it_n to_o be_v argue_v against_o that_o be_v while_o its_o certainty_n be_v doubt_v of_o wherefore_o since_o none_o can_v argue_v solid_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n none_o ought_v to_o argue_v against_o tradition_n out_o of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n 13._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o any_o church_n against_o tradition_n first_o because_o in_o reality_n tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v the_o same_o thing_n material_o with_o the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a consist_v of_o pastor_n and_o laity_n which_o be_v so_o ample_a that_o it_o include_v all_o imaginable_a authority_n which_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o be_v in_o a_o church_n second_o because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o generate_a faith_n tradition_n formal_o take_v be_v antecedent_n to_o disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o and_o so_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discourse_n work_v by_o formal_a and_o abstract_a notion_n its_o notion_n must_v be_v presuppose_v and_o its_o certainty_n establish_v before_o the_o notion_n and_o certainty_n of_o faith_n consequent_o of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o church_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a whence_o they_o will_v argue_v very_o preposterous_o who_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o oppose_v church_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o think_v to_o establish_v the_o house_n by_o overthrow_v the_o foundation_n 14._o none_o can_v in_o reason_n oppose_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n or_o council_n against_o tradition_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o former_a corol._n 13._o in_o regard_n neither_o of_o these_o have_v any_o authority_n but_o as_o representative_n of_o the_o church_n or_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o can_v any_o determine_v certain_o what_o be_v a_o father_n or_o council_n disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o till_o the_o notion_n of_o church_n that_o be_v of_o faithful_a that_o be_v of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v of_o tradition_n be_v certain_o establish_v 15._o no_o disacknowledger_n of_o tradition_n be_v in_o due_a of_o reason_n but_o in_o courtesy_n only_o to_o be_v allow_v to_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n father_n or_o council_n for_o since_o want_v tradition_n they_o have_v certainty_n of_o none_o of_o those_o as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2._o §_o 11._o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o disacknowledge_v tradition_n while_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o these_o they_o allege_v and_o talk_v of_o thing_n themselves_o do_v not_o know_v to_o be_v certain_a wherefore_o it_o be_v too_o great_a a_o condescendence_n and_o courtesy_n in_o catholics_n to_o let_v they_o run_v forward_o descant_v with_o wordish_a discourse_n on_o those_o testimony_n after_o their_o raw_a manner_n since_o they_o may_v just_o take_v their_o advantage_n against_o they_o and_o show_v they_o have_v no_o right_a to_o make_v use_n of_o principle_n which_o their_o own_o ground_n can_v never_o make_v good_a to_o they_o as_o be_v tertullian_n smart_n and_o solid_a way_n de_fw-fr praescr_n haeret._n c._n 15_o 16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o deny_v they_o the_o use_n of_o scripture_n who_o deny_v the_o church_n which_o will_v save_v many_o a_o airy_a confuse_a discourse_n about_o word_n unapt_a to_o evidence_n any_o thing_n satisfactory_o nor_o can_v the_o right_a of_o a_o opponent_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la licence_n they_o to_o claim_v this_o favour_n from_o our_o controvertist_n in_o regard_n we_o never_o hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n hammer_v upon_o by_o criticism_n and_o such_o pretty_a knack_n of_o human_a learning_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o faith_n nor_o the_o way_n to_o establish_v it_o but_o only_o as_o interpret_v by_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n nor_o consequent_o can_v we_o hold_v it_o capable_a to_o be_v prejudice_v by_o such_o endeavour_n of_o private_a wit_n though_o then_o we_o shall_v allow_v they_o a_o copy_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o consequent_o so_o far_o a_o liberty_n to_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la against_o we_o yet_o we_o never_o allow_v their_o method_n of_o argue_v from_o it_o as_o efficacious_a either_o to_o build_v or_o evert_v faith_n but_o our_o learned_a controvertist_n ever_o hold_v direct_a contrary_n whence_o in_o case_n they_o clamour_v that_o in_o not_o follow_v their_o wild_a method_n we_o desert_n scripture_n to_o avoid_v which_o calumny_n with_o the_o vulgar_a i_o conceive_v one_o reason_n our_o controvertist_n general_o be_v so_o civil_a to_o they_o as_o to_o cope_v with_o they_o in_o their_o fleight_n way_n the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o calumny_n be_v to_o be_v make_v appear_v which_o be_v quick_o do_v not_o their_o unreasonable_a expectation_n to_o be_v satisfy_v 16._o no_o authority_n from_o any_o history_n or_o testimonial_a write_n be_v valid_a against_o the_o force_n of_o tradition_n for_o since_o falsehood_n be_v as_o easy_a to_o be_v write_v or_o print_v as_o truth_n it_o be_v evident_a those_o book_n can_v give_v no_o testimony_n to_o themselves_o that_o what_o they_o express_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o if_o we_o say_v they_o be_v abet_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o book_n the_o same_o question_n recurr_v concern_v they_o in_o what_o age_n soever_o they_o be_v write_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o acceptation_n of_o man_n or_o sense_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o so_o convey_v down_o from_o father_n to_o son_n that_o these_o book_n be_v true_a history_n and_o not_o fable_n which_o give_v they_o any_o authority_n but_o this_o have_v plain_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n they_o have_v therefore_o no_o authority_n but_o by_o force_n of_o tradition_n therefore_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a force_n against_o tradition_n since_o if_o tradition_n or_o the_o convey_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n sense_n write_v thus_o universal_o in_o man_n heart_n can_v deceive_v we_o no_o such_o book_n can_v have_v any_o authority_n at_o all_o wherefore_o not_o the_o book_n but_o the_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o skill_n of_o the_o author_n of_o those_o book_n upon_o which_o qualification_n the_o truth_n of_o each_o passage_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n be_v build_v be_v to_o be_v allege_v against_o christian_a tradition_n since_o it_o be_v that_o sense_n which_o authorise_v those_o book_n and_o give_v credibility_n to_o those_o passage_n and_o so_o be_v strong_a than_o any_o dead_a testimony_n from_o the_o book_n themselves_o which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o only_o some_o great_a tradition_n or_o live_a testimony_n for_o thing_n past_a can_v in_o point_n of_o authority_n be_v pretend_v a_o equal_a match_n to_o christian_a tradition_n or_o competent_a to_o be_v alledgâ—d_v against_o it_o 17._o no_o tradition_n be_v allege_v or_o alledgeable_a in_o reason_n against_o christian_a tradition_n that_o none_o be_v alledgâ—d_v be_v evident_a from_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o the_o adversary_n of_o catholic_n tradition_n never_o pretend_v the_o consent_n or_o constant_a sense_n of_o great_a multitude_n derive_v from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o live_a voice_n that_o at_o such_o a_o time_n former_a tradition_n be_v relinquish_v new_a faith_n introduce_v or_o the_o old_a faith_n change_v or_o abolish_v but_o only_o odd_a end_n or_o scrap_n of_o history_n or_o other_o dead_a testimony_n according_a as_o they_o light_v on_o some_o passage_n which_o seem_v favourable_a to_o they_o or_o may_v
itself_o to_o omit_v here_o that_o he_o make_v it_o the_o very_a temper_n of_o a_o christian_a mind_n not_o to_o question_v tradition_n he_o maintain_v continuance_n of_o time_n to_o be_v so_o far_o from_o weaken_v the_o certainty_n of_o traditionary_a point_n that_o it_o contribute_v to_o strengthen_v they_o more_o and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o church_n doctrine_n spread_v by_o time_n and_o so_o the_o sway_n of_o tradition_n descent_n be_v ample_a beside_o that_o every_o new_a degree_n of_o continuance_n establish_v its_o title_n to_o possession_n and_o make_v it_o hainouser_n to_o revolt_v from_o it_o and_o effect_n show_v our_o discourse_n true_a for_o there_o be_v more_o variety_n of_o heresy_n that_o be_v renouncer_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o first_o 400_o year_n after_o the_o apostle_n than_o we_o read_v of_o in_o any_o 400_o year_n since_o nor_o that_o we_o may_v use_v a_o familiar_a instance_n in_o human_a tradition_n do_v i_o conceive_v any_o man_n live_v more_o doubt_n now_o of_o mahomet_n or_o julius_n caesar_n existence_n than_o within_o a_o 100_o year_n after_o they_o live_v 15._o a_o few_o note_n well_o weigh_v will_v strengthen_v the_o force_n of_o these_o allegation_n which_o even_o at_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o look_v very_o favourable_o on_o our_o cause_n i_o mind_v my_o reader_n then_o first_o that_o almost_o every_o citation_n allege_v be_v of_o council_n or_o father_n speak_v direct_o against_o heretic_n that_o be_v in_o such_o circumstance_n as_o put_v they_o to_o declare_v what_o fix_v they_o catholic_n and_o what_o make_v the_o other_o heretic_n second_o that_o though_o some_o father_n and_o council_n speak_v high_o of_o scripture_n as_o that_o it_o contain_v all_o faith_n etc._n etc._n it_o be_v first_o to_o be_v mark_v whether_o they_o speak_v of_o scripture_n sence_v or_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sencâ—t_o and_o if_o the_o late_a by_o who_o or_o whether_o any_o father_n say_v that_o scripture_n wrought_v upon_o by_o private_a interpretation_n and_o human_a wit_n be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v faith_n or_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o true_a point_n between_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n and_o we_o three_o they_o shall_v observe_v it_o frequent_v in_o father_n to_o force_v heretic_n to_o accept_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n from_o those_o who_o give_v they_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o very_o frequent_a to_o sense_n that_o letter_n even_o when_o dark_a by_o tradition_n but_o never_o to_o bend_v tradition_n to_o the_o outward_a show_v the_o scripture_n letter_n seem_v to_o bear_v as_o interpret_v by_o human_a skill_n or_o to_o say_v universal_a tradition_n be_v insufficient_a or_o uncertain_a unless_o the_o scripture_n letter_n thus_o interpret_v come_v to_o clear_a or_o assist_v it_o last_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v hold_v scripture_n thus_o interpretable_a the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v notorious_a that_o most_o heretic_n against_o who_o they_o write_v hold_v it_o they_o and_o so_o have_v they_o hold_v scripture_n thus_o interpret_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v not_o have_v hold_v they_o heretic_n since_o they_o adhere_v stiff_o to_o that_o rule_n or_o root_n of_o faith_n however_o they_o may_v err_v in_o many_o particular_a tenet_n not_o to_o repeat_v how_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v urter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n letter_n this_o do_v all_o the_o testimony_n for_o scripture_n against_o tradition_n lose_v their_o edge_n that_o be_v if_o my_o discourse_n also_o hold_v the_o test_n it_o will_v appear_v by_o way_n of_o fact_n as_o it_o do_v before_o by_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n against_o tradition_n so_o that_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v but_o to_o show_v that_o our_o church_n at_o present_a ground_n her_o faith_n on_o tradition_n as_o former_o which_o do_v it_o follow_v all_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o forego_v discourse_n be_v but_o a_o explication_n of_o our_o church_n sense_n 16._o to_o know_v our_o church_n sense_n in_o this_o point_n we_o will_v not_o fetch_v our_o testimony_n from_o private_a author_n as_o be_v the_o protestant_n mode_n when_o they_o will_v affix_v any_o thing_n upon_o she_o but_o we_o will_v attend_v to_o what_o her_o own_o live_a voice_n pronounce_v in_o her_o late_a famous_a representative_a the_o council_n of_o trent_n where_o in_o every_o session_n definitive_a of_o faith_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v tradition_n either_o in_o most_o express_a or_o equivalent_a term_n as_o session_n 4_o the_o holy_a synod_n clear_o see_v that_o this_o truth_n and_o discipline_n christ_n doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o write_a book_n and_o tradition_n without_o writing_n which_o receive_v by_o the_o apostle_n from_o christ_n own_o mouth_n or_o from_o the_o very_a apostle_n the_o holy_a ghost_n dictate_v as_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o hand_n per_fw-la manus_fw-la traditae_fw-la have_v come_v down_o to_o we_o etc._n etc._n and_o again_o also_o the_o tradition_n both_o belong_v to_o faith_n and_o manner_n as_o dictate_v oral_o by_o christ_n or_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o conserve_v by_o continval_n succession_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n &c._n &c._n session_n 5._o the_o holy_a council_n follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o church_n ibid._n §_o 4._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n where_o ever_o diffuse_v have_v always_o understand_v it_o for_o by_o reason_n of_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n etc._n etc._n session_n 6._o it_o profess_v to_o follow_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n teach_v the_o apostle_n deliver_v and_o the_o catholic_n church_n the_o holy_a ghost_n suggest_v perpetual_o or_o interrupt_o retain_v session_n 7._o the_o holy_a synod_n adhere_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o consent_n of_o council_n and_o father_n session_n 13._o the_o sound_n and_o sincere_a doctrine_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n have_v ever_o keep_v and_o will_v ever_o keep_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o again_o for_o so_o all_o our_o ancestor_n that_o ever_o be_v in_o the_o true_a church_n of_o christ_n most_o open_o have_v profess_v and_o yet_o again_o cap._n 3._o this_o faith_n be_v ever_o in_o the_o church_n so_o cap._n 4._o it_o be_v ever_o hold_v in_o god_n church_n more_o such_o like_a expression_n be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o session_n but_o to_o proceed_v session_n 14._o chap._n 1._o the_o consent_n of_o all_o the_o father_n ever_o understand_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 5._o the_o church_n of_o god_n never_o teach_v nor_o hold_v etc._n etc._n chap._n 5._o the_o universal_a church_n ever_o understand_v that_o etc._n etc._n chap._n 7._o it_o be_v ever_o hold_v in_o god_n church_n chap._n 8._o it_o be_v perpetvally_o commend_v by_o our_o father_n to_o christian_a people_n no_o catholic_n ever_o hold_v etc._n etc._n and_o in_o the_o same_o session_n concern_v extreme_a unction_n allege_v s._n james_n his_o text_n it_o add_v by_o which_o word_n as_o the_o church_n have_v learned_a by_o tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n he_o teach_v etc._n etc._n and_o can._n 3._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n can._n 6._o which_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o observe_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o do_v observe_v etc._n etc._n session_n 21._o chap._n 1._o the_o council_n profess_v to_o follow_v the_o judgement_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o church_n chap._n 2._o it_o declare_v that_o this_o power_n have_v perpetvally_o be_v in_o the_o church_n session_n 22._o that_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o doctrine_n may_v be_v retain_v in_o the_o church_n ibid._n cap._n 1._o as_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o understand_v and_o teach_v chap._n 1._o according_a to_o apostolical_a tradition_n session_n 23_o holy_a write_n show_v it_o and_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o teach_v it_o chap._n 2._o they_o be_v know_v to_o have_v be_v in_o use_n from_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o the_o church_n session_n 24._o the_o holy_a father_n council_n and_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n have_v always_o teach_v and_o speak_v of_o some_o error_n it_o pronounce_v they_o different_a from_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o from_o the_o custom_n approve_v since_o the_o apostle_n time_n session_n 25._o the_o catholic_n church_n instruct_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v out_o of_o sacred_a write_n and_o the_o ancient_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n etc._n etc._n according_a to_o the_o use_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o apostolic_a church_n traditam_fw-la deliver_v from_o the_o first_o or_o primitive_a time_n of_o christian_a religion_n etc._n etc._n more_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a strain_n be_v find_v in_o this_o session_n and_o to_o close_v up_o all_o in_o their_o acclamation_n they_o use_v this_o
form_n of_o word_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o bless_a peter_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o father_n this_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o orthodox_n from_o which_o testimony_n note_v we_o 17._o first_o that_o the_o council_n in_o every_o session_n not_o one_o except_v where_o point_v of_o faith_n be_v handle_v constant_o profess_v to_o follow_v tradition_n second_o it_o lay_v claim_v perpetual_o to_o vninterruptedness_n of_o this_o tradition_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n ever_o always_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n from_o the_o beginning_n from_o the_o apostle_n have_v come_v down_o by_o hand_n to_o we_o the_o church_n have_v always_o understand_v hold_v open_o profess_v teach_v have_v ever_o keep_v and_o will_v ever_o keep_v perpetual_o commend_v by_o our_o father_n have_v learn_v by_o tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n have_v ever_o observe_v and_o such_o like_a plain_o show_v that_o this_o persuasion_n of_o our_o faith_n descent_n uninterrupted_o be_v deep_o and_o unanimous_o root_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o whole_a catholic_n church_n which_o strengthen_v our_o doctrine_n disc._n 8._o §_o 2._o and_o 3._o 3_o it_o make_v the_o suggestion_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o sanctity_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a efficacious_a to_o perpetuate_v the_o delivery_n of_o receive_a doctrine_n see_v sess._n 6._o decreto_fw-la de_fw-la justificatione_n sess._n 13._o de_fw-fr ss_z euchar._n sacramento_n and_o many_o other_o place_n the_o very_a point_n i_o go_v about_o to_o explicate_v in_o my_o 9_o discourse_n 4_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o though_o it_o mention_n the_o holy_a scripture_n also_o with_o tradition_n yet_o this_o be_v both_o very_o rare_o and_o when_o it_o do_v so_o it_o only_o express_v that_o faith_n be_v contain_v in_o they_o but_o when_o it_o bring_v place_n of_o scripture_n to_o ground_n definition_n upon_o it_o perpetual_o profess_v to_o interpret_v they_o by_o tradition_n which_o be_v most_o evident_a both_o by_o its_o decree_a this_o in_o common_a sess._n 4._o that_o none_o dare_v to_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n against_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o holy_a mother_n the_o church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v mean_v that_o sense_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v the_o rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n by_o see_v corol._n 30._o as_o also_o by_o several_a instance_n sess._n 5._o §_o 4._o sess._n 14._o can._n 3._o sess._n 22._o cap._n 1._o and_o to_o omit_v other_o in_o that_o most_o remarkable_a plaâ—e_n sess._n 14._o in_o which_o after_o the_o text_n of_o s._n iamesâ—lledged_v â—lledg'd_z for_o extreme_a unction_n the_o council_n subjoin_v in_o which_o word_n as_o the_o church_n have_v learn_v by_o apostolical_a tradition_n receive_v down_o by_o hand_n be_v teach_v etc._n etc._n where_o tradition_n be_v most_o evident_o make_v the_o rule_n which_o instruct_v and_o guide_v the_o church_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o council_n no_o where_o ground_n any_o definition_n on_o scripture_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n she_o ground_n her_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n on_o tradition_n which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o the_o council_n make_v tradition_n her_o only_a rule_n to_o know_v certain_o christ_n sense_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o proper_a speak_n the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n 18._o but_o why_o then_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n make_v use_v of_o at_o all_o by_o the_o council_n and_o that_o so_o solemn_o nay_o and_o which_o be_v to_o be_v note_v constant_o put_v before_o tradition_n to_o satisfy_v full_o this_o difficulty_n it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a season_n at_o present_a yet_o be_v a_o good_a point_n and_o worth_a clear_n i_o will_v not_o total_o neglect_v it_o we_o may_v observe_v then_o that_o when_o we_o read_v any_o book_n write_v by_o a_o author_n we_o much_o esteem_v but_o yet_o such_o a_o book_n as_o require_v study_v aristotle_n for_o example_n or_o some_o other_o such_o who_o we_o hold_v scientifical_a we_o sometime_o hope_v well_o as_o it_o be_v when_o we_o apply_v our_o own_o industry_n to_o find_v out_o his_o meaning_n and_o have_v a_o kind_n of_o respect_n for_o what_o we_o conceive_v to_o be_v his_o sense_n yet_o his_o authority_n take_v not_o full_a hold_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n the_o way_n we_o take_v be_v not_o evident_o convictive_a that_o this_o be_v his_o certain_a sense_n but_o if_o the_o point_n he_o write_v on_o be_v first_o clear_v to_o we_o through_o a_o scientifical_a discourse_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n make_v by_o some_o interpreter_n verse_v in_o his_o doctrine_n and_o perfect_o acquaint_v with_o his_o meaning_n we_o have_v as_o it_o be_v new_a eye_n give_v we_o to_o look_v deep_o and_o thorough_o into_o his_o sense_n and_o by_o this_o security_n of_o arrive_v at_o it_o his_o authority_n in_o case_n we_o high_o esteem_v it_o have_v now_o its_o full_a force_n upon_o we_o to_o strengthen_v our_o assent_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o power_n it_o have_v upon_o our_o understanding_n now_o what_o a_o well-skilled_a and_o insighted_a interpreter_n or_o scientifical_a explicater_v of_o the_o point_n be_v to_o such_o a_o author_n the_o same_o be_v tradition_n to_o scripture_n for_o this_o bring_v down_o certain_o christ_n sense_n in_o every_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o easy_o and_o secure_o guide_v we_o to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o scripture_n in_o those_o passage_n which_o concern_v such_o a_o point_n whereas_o the_o wordish_a way_n of_o grammar_n and_o criticism_n be_v evident_a by_o principle_n to_o be_v ambiguous_a and_o by_o experience_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o different_a sense_n it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v we_o thorough_o that_o the_o sense_n we_o arrive_v at_o by_o this_o method_n be_v infallible_o the_o true_a one_o or_o christ_n and_o so_o never_o engage_v certain_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o scripture_n thus_o interpret_v be_v of_o sleight_n force_n and_o at_o best_a good_a only_o for_o ecclesiastical_a rhetoric_n or_o sermon_n where_o the_o concern_n be_v not_o much_o if_o the_o preacher_n miss_v in_o this_o particular_a passage_n so_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o point_n he_o preach_v on_o or_o his_o text_n be_v true_o christ_n doctrine_n nor_o be_v scripture_n thus_o interpret_v even_o a_o competent_a proof_n in_o the_o science_n of_o school-divinity_n as_o be_v uncertain_a and_o so_o unapt_a to_o beget_v science_n whence_o intelligent_a divine_n quote_v and_o build_n on_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v to_o judge_v the_o sense_n they_o build_v on_o to_o be_v the_o church_n and_o so_o they_o be_v presume_v to_o go_v to_o work_v as_o faithful_a or_o part_n of_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la or_o else_o they_o lay_v true_a science_n first_o which_o be_v ever_o agreeable_a to_o faith_n and_o so_o when_o any_o text_n concern_v a_o demonstrate_v point_n they_o know_v by_o science_n what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o point_n must_v be_v much_o less_o be_v scripture_n wordish_o interpret_v apt_a to_o build_v faith_n on_o the_o unwaveringness_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o secure_a in_o the_o principle_n which_o beget_v it_o and_o not_o mere_o actual_o such_o as_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n whereas_o interpretation_n thus_o make_v faith_n principle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o possible_a if_o not_o probable_a mistake_n this_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o a_o parallel_n make_v by_o a_o learned_a author_n worth_a insert_v because_o it_o strengthen_v our_o discourse_n by_o a_o new_a consideration_n let_v a_o critic_n and_o a_o skill_a carpenter_n read_v vitruvius_n his_o book_n of_o architecture_n the_o critic_n have_v but_o a_o dim_a dry_a and_o uncertain_a conceit_n of_o what_o he_o read_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o carpenter_n or_o architect_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o principle_n and_o practice_n he_o have_v already_o of_o those_o matter_n understand_v he_o more_o thorough_o and_o make_v lively_a and_o firm_a conceit_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o excellency_n of_o what_o he_o write_v such_o be_v the_o practical_a way_n of_o know_v christ_n sense_n or_o tradition_n to_o the_o interpret_n scripture_n use_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o critical_a method_n affect_v by_o other_o in_o a_o word_n tradition_n give_v we_o christ_n sense_n that_o be_v the_o life_n of_o the_o letter_n ascertaind_v to_o our_o hand_n which_o therefore_o must_v needs_o move_v the_o letter_n its_o body_n natural_o the_o other_o way_n take_v the_o dead_a letter_n and_o endeavour_n to_o move_v it_o artificial_o to_o counterfeit_v that_o life_n which_o it_o true_o want_v 19_o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o our_o matter_n in_o hand_n tradition_n secure_v to_o we_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n and_o also_o the_o
of_o god_n nature_n as_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o jacob_n beman_n do_v and_o then_o secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la partum_fw-la of_o illam_fw-la will_v do_v the_o work_n and_o give_v a_o true_a sense_n to_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n you_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n make_v it_o seem_v possible_a rather_o than_o question_v a_o plain_a divine_a revelation_n nay_o perhaps_o you_o do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o solution_n i_o have_v help_v you_o out_o with_o at_o least_o that_o your_o demonstration_n be_v but_o a_o seem_a one_o and_o then_o i_o challenge_v your_o candour_n to_o own_o your_o say_n and_o demand_v why_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o use_v this_o shift_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o rather_o than_o violate_v your_o avow_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o deny_v and_o hold_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o you_o allege_v you_o have_v perfect_a science_n of_o the_o contrary_a by_o metaphysic_n then_o though_o i_o expect_v not_o this_o from_o you_o your_o science_n rule_v your_o rule_n of_o faith_n gloss_v or_o rather_o violent_o wrest_v the_o plain_a letter_n and_o so_o be_v so_o absolute_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o control_v and_o even_o baffle_v the_o other_o though_o clear_o reveal_v or_o if_o to_o be_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o those_o word_n clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n signify_v 12._o perhaps_o you_o i_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o your_o new_a rule_n reason_n must_v be_v your_o gvid_n still_o even_o in_o faith_n though_o not_o your_o rule_n but_o i_o ask_v if_o your_o reason_n must_v guide_v you_o sometime_o so_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o clear_a letter_n of_o scripture_n since_o a_o guide_n in_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o some_o knowledge_n in_o that_o affair_n by_o what_o principle_n or_o knowledge_n reason_n be_v to_o regulate_v itself_o while_o it_o guide_v you_o in_o that_o particular_a now_o in_o question_n by_o principle_n of_o faith_n how_o can_v that_o be_v in_o your_o ground_n antecedent_o to_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o principle_n of_o human_a science_n then_o those_o principle_n of_o human_a science_n give_v you_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o the_o write_a word_n when_o itself_o be_v insufficient_a and_o therefore_o be_v still_o true_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o you_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v back_o for_o refuge_n to_o the_o old_a rule_n human_a reason_n which_o you_o seem_o renounce_v when_o you_o have_v find_v your_o new_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o some_o maxim_n of_o your_o reason_n be_v your_o rule_n and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o reprehend_v in_o the_o socinian_n and_o you_o too_o that_o choose_v a_o wrong_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o to_o avoid_v the_o church_n you_o both_o gloss_n it_o as_o seem_v best_a to_o your_o reason_n regulate_v herself_o by_o her_o own_o and_o those_o fallible_a maxim_n they_o by_o certain_a acute_a and_o ingenious_a sophistry_n proper_a to_o themselves_o you_o by_o the_o more_o schoolboy_n way_n of_o grammar_n and_o dictionary_n learning_n and_o so_o both_o of_o you_o make_v your_o rule_n the_o thing_n rule_v nor_o think_v to_o retort_v any_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v we_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o profess_v whereas_o you_o needs_o skill_v and_o help_v of_o studious_a reason_n to_o tell_v you_o what_o it_o will_v say_v we_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o the_o breast_n and_o action_n of_o the_o faithful_a you_o be_v dead_a character_n waxen-natured_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o dedalean_a fancy_n of_o the_o ingenious_a molder_v of_o new_a opinion_n and_o so_o alone_z can_v satisfy_v no_o man_n as_o you_o handle_v it_o 13._o no_o wonder_n now_o if_o have_v no_o certain_a a_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o herself_o your_o church_n be_v shamefast_a of_o oblige_v other_o to_o believe_v she_o man_n nature_n can_v scarce_o own_v or_o permit_v so_o irrational_a a_o tyranny_n yet_o whether_o she_o do_v or_o do_v not_o we_o must_v not_o know_v from_o your_o word_n which_o run_v so_o backward_o and_o forward_o that_o none_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a face_n of_o the_o janus_n first_o p._n 99_o you_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o stout_o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o your_o convocation_n and_o bishop_n and_o from_o your_o own_o tenet_n yet_o afterward_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v they_o do_v require_v a_o positive_a assent_n sometime_o and_o justify_v they_o as_o not_o do_v it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o any_o infallibility_n but_o because_o the_o thing_n determine_v be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o all_o deny_v it_o must_v be_v wilful_a a_o rare_a discourse_n and_o worthy_a a_o deep_a consideration_n pray_v who_o must_v be_v judge_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n as_o to_o render_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o flat_a wilfulness_n the_o bishop_n or_o your_o church_n nothing_o less_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n p._n 93._o you_o plain_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o your_o sense_n to_o be_v clear_o reveal_v or_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n lest_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n they_o become_v judge_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o without_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o require_v assent_n to_o point_n as_o evident_a in_o scripture_n nay_o and_o punish_v the_o dissenter_n too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n for_o governor_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o subject_n without_o have_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o make_v what_o they_o require_v to_o be_v due_o obseruâ—d_v nay_o p._n 93._o you_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o as_o guide_n of_o your_o faith_n a_o moderate_a word_n and_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n which_o signify_v they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o require_v our_o assent_n in_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o guide_v we_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o require_v we_o to_o go_v wrong_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o or_o they_o know_v a_o excellent_a honour_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o her_o champion_n profess_v in_o print_n her_o supreme_a pastor_n have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o guide_v their_o flock_n in_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o it_o again_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o the_o socinian_o wilful_a for_o deny_v it_o why_o be_v they_o then_o so_o kind_o deal_v with_o or_o what_o can_v be_v reply_v to_o a_o socinian_n answer_v when_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o trinity_n be_v require_v that_o he_o humble_o submit_v to_o scripture_n that_o he_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v but_o discover_v it_o not_o so_o evident_a there_o and_o thereupon_o complain_v that_o you_o obtrude_v upon_o his_o equally-learned_n party_n your_o own_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n for_o scripture-evidence_n what_o therefore_o you_o allege_v here_o as_o in_o your_o church_n behalf_n that_o she_o require_v not_o a_o positive_a assent_n upon_o pretence_n of_o any_o infallibility_n more_o condemn_v she_o see_v it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a that_o one_o shall_v require_v any_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o point_n or_o proposition_n whatever_o as_o evident_a in_o scripture_n without_o infallible_a certainty_n at_o least_o imagine_a and_o pretend_a that_o it_o be_v thus_o evident_a there_o for_o shall_v it_o happen_v to_o be_v otherwise_o how_o ridiculous_a be_v his_o authority_n how_o damnable_a and_o diabolical_a his_o tyranny_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n profess_v himself_o ignorant_a whether_o they_o be_v false_a or_o no._n 14._o now_o our_o church_n go_v another_o way_n which_o ere_o i_o declare_v i_o will_v let_v your_o party_n see_v that_o interior_a assent_n may_v be_v require_v by_o governor_n lawful_o and_o rational_o which_o your_o principle_n can_v never_o make_v sense_n of_o suppose_v a_o thousand_o witness_n from_o several_a place_n each_o of_o they_o hold_v always_o man_n of_o good_a conscience_n shall_v swear_v in_o open_a court_n that_o they_o have_v see_v such_o and_o such_o action_n do_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o that_o they_o have_v see_v speak_v or_o converse_v
with_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o he_o mad_a that_o be_v a_o renouncor_n of_o reason_n or_o man_n nature_n who_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o you_o see_v then_o these_o witness_n have_v power_n to_o propose_v such_o a_o object_n as_o can_v oblige_v to_o belief_n you_o see_v the_o dissenter_n be_v irrational_a that_o their_o act_n of_o dissent_v spring_n from_o some_o passion_n or_o vice_n and_o vice_n be_v punishable_a and_o so_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o be_v high_o pernicious_a to_o mankind_n best_a concern_v now_o our_o church_n make_v account_v she_o be_v able_a to_o propose_v a_o authority_n incomparable_o more_o ample_a than_o the_o attestation_n now_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o true_a descent_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o judge_n such_o a_o proposal_n found_v on_o the_o eyesight_n of_o all_o those_o witness_n to_o be_v able_a to_o oblige_v to_o interior_a assent_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o render_v they_o most_o high_o wilful_a vicious_a and_o irrational_a who_o shall_v disbelieve_v it_o hence_o the_o crime_n entrench_v upon_o the_o order_n to_o mankind_n salvation_n the_o high_a concern_v imaginable_a both_o to_o edify_v those_o dissenter_n by_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o circumstant_fw-la faithful_a by_o breed_v a_o conceit_n in_o they_o through_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o sacredness_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n and_o the_o heinousness_n of_o pride_n of_o understand_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o heresy_n they_o may_v nay_o ought_v punish_v their_o interior_a dissent_n not_o out_o of_o a_o height_n of_o authority_n without_o motive_n as_o mr._n whitby_n conceit_n but_o because_o that_o authority_n be_v herself_o such_o a_o motive_n to_o belief_n that_o only_o irrational_a vicious_a and_o wilfully-blind_a person_n can_v recede_v from_o it_o by_o disbelief_n and_o hence_o our_o church_n procedure_v be_v rational_a natural_a sweet_a and_o charitable_a tend_v to_o amend_v a_o enormity_n of_o will_v not_o breed_v from_o a_o rational_o but_o passionate_a dissatisfied_a understanding_n nay_o mr._n whitby_n discourse_n justify_v our_o church_n procedure_v who_o seem_v to_o allow_v his_o church_n a_o power_n to_o require_v a_o positive_a assent_n when_o the_o case_n come_v to_o be_v such_o that_o the_o denier_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v wilful_a and_o our_o church_n neither_o say_v nor_o act_n otherwise_o 15._o by_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mr_n whitby_n imagine_v that_o i_o be_o about_o prove_v our_o church_n infallibility_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o show_v that_o hold_v she_o can_v evidence_n her_o authority_n she_o go_v rational_o to_o work_v and_o consonant_o to_o herself_o in_o require_v assent_n to_o her_o proposal_n whereas_o they_o confess_v herself_o fallible_a even_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o which_o all_o both_o her_o faith_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o church_n depend_v be_v self-condemned_a irrational_a and_o tyrannical_a if_o she_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o require_v any_o such_o interior_a assent_n now_o though_o he_o in_o big_a word_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v her_o carriage_n ask_v when_o do_v they_o mean_v bishop_n convocation_n or_o parliament_n challenge_v any_o power_n over_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o their_o divine_n for_o it_o yet_o i_o wonder_v what_o he_o think_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n make_v by_o a_o protestant_a parliament_n be_v there_o no_o obligation_n there_o to_o hold_v any_o thing_n yes_o as_o strong_a as_o oath_n can_v tie_v it_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v more_o irrational_a to_o go_v about_o to_o bind_v our_o assent_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n than_o to_o bind_v their_o own_o subject_n this_o in_o practice_n be_v perform_v towards_o all_o but_o so_o imprincipled_a a_o procedure_n that_o their_o church_n wave_v it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a scan_n in_o a_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n acknowledge_v so_o their_o want_n of_o ground_n to_o make_v it_o good_a which_o show_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n spring_v from_o the_o parliament_n or_o secular_a state_n in_o regard_n she_o profess_v herself_o very_o hearty_o content_a with_o external_a obedience_n let_v the_o interior_a assent_n go_v where_o it_o will_v most_o unlike_a the_o church_n settle_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o constitute_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n who_o provide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o church_n power_n to_o hold_v we_o to_o the_o same_o tenet_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n know_v that_o unless_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o action_n its_o branch_n must_v needs_o be_v rot_v and_o unconscientious_a and_o that_o no_o congregation_n can_v long_o hold_v together_o nor_o indeed_o long_o than_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o the_o secular_a sword_n awe_v they_o unless_o by_o power_n to_o evidence_n its_o authority_n it_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v man_n understanding_n connatural_o to_o a_o unity_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o do_v all_o else_o will_v follow_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v confess_o in_o the_o protestant_a principle_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o present_a and_o past_a distraction_n and_o divine_a of_o the_o future_a for_o man_n fancy_n be_v natural_o various_a and_o no_o power_n in_o she_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o union_n they_o must_v needs_o ramble_v into_o multitude_n of_o dissent_v sect_n which_o to_o strive_v to_o unite_v into_o one_o be_v to_o force_v both_o nature_n and_o conscience_n too_o nature_n in_o strive_v to_o unite_v their_o understanding_n in_o faith_n without_o offer_v they_o evidence_n of_o authority_n conscience_n in_o bind_v they_o to_o act_n as_o protestant_n do_v whereas_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o stake_v their_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o their_o best_a reason_n work_v upon_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o faith_n protestant_n recommend_v oblige_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o to_o force_v they_o to_o act_v with_o they_o be_v to_o force_v they_o to_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o protestant_n at_o once_o profess_v they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v oblige_v their_o understand_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n contend_v by_o force_n to_o oblige_v their_o will_n without_o nay_o against_o their_o understanding_n 16._o in_o a_o word_n let_v protestant_n write_v talk_z &_o quote_v word_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v plain_a common_a sense_n tell_v they_o and_o every_o man_n who_o consider_v it_o that_o unless_o they_o settle_v some_o undisputable_a method_n of_o arrive_v at_o christ_n sense_n or_o faith_n that_o be_v some_o self-evident_a and_o so_o all-obliging_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o protestant_a church_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o power_n to_o reduce_v their_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o hold_v together_o or_o govern_v efficacious_o their_o own_o subject_n that_o be_v they_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o unity_n within_o themselves_o nor_o last_o union_n with_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o charitable_o endeavour_v they_o may_v have_v it_o too_o three_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n stillingfleet_n 1._o the_o loud_a fame_n of_o mr._n stillingfleet_n book_n prevent_v its_o publication_n and_o withal_o the_o report_n of_o his_o good_a part_n come_v from_o diverse_a judicious_a person_n breed_v in_o i_o a_o great_a impatience_n to_o see_v something_o of_o his_o other_o write_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v more_o solid_a ground_n to_o build_v my_o expectation_n on_o than_o common_a rumour_n or_o commendation_n of_o acquaintance_n a_o protestant_a friend_n show_v i_o a_o little_a treatise_n of_o his_o concern_v excommunication_n i_o peruse_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o and_o immediate_o tell_v he_o mr._n stillingfleet_n be_v a_o very_a ingenious_a person_n and_o write_v the_o best_a i_o ever_o yet_o see_v any_o protestant_n for_o he_o settle_v first_o his_o notion_n or_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o thence_o attempt_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n to_o draw_v immediate_a consequence_n which_o show_v that_o his_o head_n lie_v right_a for_o science_n but_o withal_o i_o assure_v my_o friend_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o can_v write_v against_o we_o and_o take_v that_o method_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o cause_n not_o endure_v so_o severe_a a_o test._n his_o book_n come_v forth_o and_o bear_v in_o its_o title_n a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n my_o expectation_n be_v more_o erect_v and_o till_o myself_o can_v get_v leisure_n to_o peruse_v it_o i_o tell_v diverse_a both_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n that_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o mr._n stillingfleet_n wit_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v either_o for_o the_o late_a or_o against_o the_o former_a but_o come_v to_o overlook_a cursory_o his_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n