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the_o attester_n which_o how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o put_v the_o understanding_n to_o double_a pain_n whereas_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o single_a labour_n and_o so_o less_o confound_v and_o distract_n the_o thought_n the_o second_o obstacle_n incomprehensibleness_n be_v apt_a to_o stupify_v the_o understanding_n and_o retard_v assent_n nay_o even_o to_o deter_v it_o from_o consider_v they_o as_o truth_n the_o atheistical_a temper_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o subsist_v be_v metaphysic_n due_o advance_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o apply_v and_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o those_o considerability_n in_o thing_n and_o those_o nature_n which_o be_v abstract_v from_o matter_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o our_o fancy_n be_v in_o act_n while_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v not_o proper_a phantasm_n the_o only_a agreeable_a one_o 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consider_v a_o incredibleness_n when_o no_o parallel_n can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n nor_o scarce_o any_o similitude_n weak_o to_o shadow_v out_o the_o thing_n and_o its_o possibility_n nay_o when_o some_o of_o those_o point_n direct_o thwart_v the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n whence_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n have_v their_o stability_n then_o i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o affection_n for_o the_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o high_a spiritual_a object_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o hearken_v to_o any_o authority_n propose_v they_o how_o evident_a soever_o the_o motive_n be_v for_o the_o credibleness_n of_o that_o authority_n the_o three_o obstacle_n follow_v take_v from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o faith_n be_v essential_o ordain_v that_o be_v from_o what_o it_o essential_o be_v viz._n a_o mover_n of_o the_o will_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n or_o a_o practical_a principle_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o truth_n that_o by-affection_n and_o contrary_a inclination_n be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o assent_v or_o even_o attend_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o these_o reason_n how_o clear_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o make_v against_o any_o belove_a interest_n whence_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a affection_n to_o these_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o mist_n those_o passion_n have_v raise_v and_o purge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o discern_v what_o it_o can_v not_o before_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o visible_a how_o much_o more_o not_o only_o requisite_a but_o even_o necessary_a must_v some_o pious_a affection_n be_v to_o permit_v the_o mind_n free_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v principle_n which_o enjoin_v a_o disregard_n and_o posthabition_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sweet_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o even_o of_o livelihood_n and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a than_o that_o a_o plough_v
have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o basis_n which_o they_o honest_o understand_v to_o have_v the_o same_o certainty_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o yet_o be_v dress_v up_o by_o their_o plausible_a rhetoric_n and_o advance_v in_o a_o circumstance_n when_o they_o be_v confute_v the_o papist_n the_o middle_a sort_n of_o protestant_a reader_n at_o unaware_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o meritorious_a to_o their_o party_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n embrace_v it_o both_o as_o a_o real_a truth_n and_o also_o as_o make_v best_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o they_o will_v oppugn_v we_o what_o disservice_n soever_o it_o do_v tot_fw-mi he_o common_a cause_n of_o religionor_n christianity_n for_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a so_o strange_o do_v faction_n transport_v they_o so_o they_o can_v in_o their_o conceit_n overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o they_o reduce_v all_o faith_n into_o incertainty_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v into_o a_o totter_a contingency_n it_o seem_v to_o threaten_v a_o mischief_n considerable_a enough_o to_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o pernicious_a tenet_n shall_v be_v public_o own_a in_o controversy_n to_o taint_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o reader_n with_o atheism_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v too_o successful_a but_o it_o grow_v intolerable_a when_o it_o dare_v take_v the_o boldness_n to_o appear_v in_o sermon_n pronounce_v in_o very_o honourable_a assembly_n and_o afterward_o publish_v in_o print_n where_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o more_o particular_o be_v show_v hereafter_o i_o envy_v not_o that_o sermon_n and_o some_o other_o production_n of_o mr._n tillotson_n their_o author_n their_o due_a commendation_n though_o he_o be_v my_o adversary_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o his_o clear_a method_n or_o disposition_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o the_o cleanness_n of_o his_o style_n which_o fit_v he_o for_o a_o excellency_n in_o preach_v he_o have_v few_o equal_n and_o that_o have_v he_o good_a principle_n he_o will_v deliver_v they_o as_o intelligible_o as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o what_o i_o be_o on_o this_o occasion_n chief_o to_o reflect_v on_o be_v my_o own_o obligation_n which_o be_v the_o boldness_n of_o own_v and_o publish_v the_o incertainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n to_o assert_v its_o absolute_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n god_n shall_v enable_v i_o and_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o of_o i_o at_o present_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v reply_v to_o mr._n tillotson_n be_v pretend_a answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n who_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o reply_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o what_o he_o deem_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o position_n which_o he_o defend_v p._n 118_o and_o in_o diverse_a other_o place_n imply_v and_o build_v on_o he_o more_o oppugn_v my_o discourse_n than_o by_o any_o other_o thesis_n whatever_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o if_o i_o evince_v than_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n that_o they_o have_v no_o absolutely-certain_a ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n confute_v they_o without_o more_o ado_n and_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v relinquish_v its_o only_a right_n because_o its_o only_a true_o certain_a rule_n tradition_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o my_o chief_a design_n to_o establish_v the_o absolute_a truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o itself_o by_o all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v imagine_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o confute_v protestant_a controvertist_n i_o need_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n thus_o to_o multiply_v demonstration_n or_o even_o allege_v so_o much_o as_o one_o for_o since_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v seem_o to_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n of_o father_n by_o their_o voluminous_a quotation_n yet_o they_o will_v final_o and_o hearty_o stand_v to_o nothing_o in_o contest_v about_o faith_n as_o conclusive_a but_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o weak_a a_o ground_n that_o every_o day_n experience_n show_v its_o fail_n a_o ordinary_a probability_n be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v their_o discourse_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o evident_o a_o false_a one_o whence_o the_o mean_a catholic_n writer_n can_v fail_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n over_o their_o best_a in_o a_o prudential_n man_n esteem_n because_o he_o can_v possible_o miss_v of_o a_o medium_fw-la more_o probable_a than_o be_v their_o main_a ground_n i_o declare_v then_o that_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o settle_v christian_a faith_n or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o must_v be_v true_o or_o absolute_o certain_a and_o that_o my_o apply_v it_o now_o and_o then_o to_o my_o opposer_n be_v only_o a_o secundary_a intention_n and_o mere_o occasional_a ere_o i_o fall_v close_o to_o my_o proof_n that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a to_o avoid_v equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n i_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o word_n faith_n i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a whether_o be_v mean_v our_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n but_o judge_v that_o distinction_n whole_o impertinent_a in_o this_o present_a discourse_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o can_v affirm_v a_o point_n true_a or_o false_a but_o as_o it_o stand_v under_o motive_n able_a to_o make_v i_o judge_v assent_n or_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o or_o such_o which_o motive_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v that_o the_o point_n can_v but_o be_v so_o than_o my_o judgement_n or_o assent_n tothose_n point_n thusconclude_v that_o be_v my_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v but_o be_v true_a because_o it_o depend_v entire_o on_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a viz._n those_o motive_n but_o if_o those_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a the_o thing_n be_v than_o both_o the_o thing_n object_n point_n or_o proposition_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v only_o knowable_a by_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o also_o my_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o belief_n of_o those_o point_n may_v be_v a_o wrong_n or_o erroneous_a judgement_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v false_a to_o ask_v then_o if_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v to_o ask_v whether_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n can_v fail_v to_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v equivalent_o to_o assert_v that_o those_o motive_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o absolute_o conclusive_a firm_a and_o immovable_a hence_o be_v see_v that_o i_o concern_v not_o myself_o in_o this_o discourse_n with_o how_o perfect_o or_o imperfect_o diverse_a person_n penetrate_v those_o motive_n or_o how_o they_o satisfy_v or_o dissatisfy_v some_o particular_a person_n since_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o motive_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o lay_v in_o second_o cause_n by_o god_n providence_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o dimness_n of_o eyesight_n neglect_v to_o look_v at_o all_o or_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n even_o in_o many_o particular_a man_n be_v extrinsecal_n and_o contingent_a last_o to_o avoid_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n i_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o question_n one_o concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n call_v a_o est_fw-la viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o certainly-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o and_o the_o other_o about_o what_o be_v the_o certain_a or_o truely-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n call_v quid_fw-la est_fw-la i_o be_o not_o now_o discourse_v about_o the_o late_a that_o be_v the_o work_n
to_o the_o other_o immediate_o forego_v induce_v all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o pin_n they_o upon_o the_o deity_n as_o on_o their_o first_o cause_n so_o horrible_a and_o diabolical_a a_o tenet_n be_v this_o of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o calumniate_v heaven_n itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o excuse_v they_o from_o high_a blasphemy_n &_o from_o make_v the_o unenvious_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n like_o our_o own_o narrow_a and_o crooked_a self_n five_o eviction_n §_o 1._o let_v we_o hear_v next_o what_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a will_v award_v concern_v the_o point_n in_o question_n §_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n mankind_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o among_o his_o other_o office_n he_o perform_v towards_o mankind_n that_o of_o a_o master_n be_v manifest_o one_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o both_o will_v and_o can_v that_o be_v do_v accomplish_v what_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n again_o true_a divinity_n assign_v one_o main_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o second_o person_n be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a god_n shall_v come_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o visible_o to_o cause_v in_o we_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o be_v our_o master_n and_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o fit_a that_o person_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spring_v peculiar_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o divine_a personality_n and_o not_o of_o his_o humanity_n precise_o as_o do_v his_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o proper_a agent_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n be_v as_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_o consequent_a christ_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n or_o wrought_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o a_o teacher_n as_o such_o with_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v then_o the_o proper_a office_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o master_n or_o teacher_n to_o make_v his_o scholar_n know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o divine_a or_o infinitely-perfect_a master_n make_v they_o absolute_o or_o perfect_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n §_o 4._o and_o because_o the_o end_n of_o this_o teach_v be_v not_o terminate_v in_o those_o few_o himself_o converse_v with_o nor_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v future_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o the_o follow_a world_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o sectator_n or_o follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o he_o their_o master_n unless_o then_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o succeed_a age_n also_o shall_v have_v perfect_a assurance_n or_o know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o true_a he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o a_o school_n and_o lay_v no_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o scholar_n or_o christian_n from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n §_o 5._o all_o christian_n then_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o their_o successor_n have_v and_o will_v have_v mean_n to_o know_v absolute_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o mean_n we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v veracious_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o to_o be_v absolute_o true_a and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 6._o beside_o man_n be_v a_o intellectual_a instruct_v creature_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o true_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v in_o know_v and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o speculater_n or_o as_o a_o actor_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v than_o he_o be_v most_o evident_o ignorant_a whether_o it_o be_v false_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o speak_v imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o he_o be_v to_o act_n about_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o less_o perfection_n and_o worse_a for_o mankind_n to_o go_v to_o work_v unassured_o than_o assure_o faith_n then_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o mankind_n it_o follow_v faith_n be_v perfect_o secure_a to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o contingency_n of_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o but_o leave_v man_n the_o subject_a of_o virtue_n faith_n and_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n itself_o in_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o its_o habit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o rational_a also_o that_o its_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n since_o then_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v former_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n no_o assent_n without_o certain_a ground_n and_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 8._o next_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o perfect_a man_n understanding_n as_o such_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o knowledge_n and_o so_o inform_v his_o mind_n with_o truth_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o force_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o be_v manifold_o demonstrate_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 9_o again_o this_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n call_v faith_n be_v also_o a_o supernatural_a one_o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o proceed_v from_o a_o agent_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n aim_v at_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o inform_v the_o understanding_n will_v be_v perform_v with_o infinite_a advantage_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o supernatural_a agent_n be_v or_o god_n part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exquisite_o perform_v it_o must_v spring_v from_o some_o incapacity_n in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v then_o in_o this_o effect_n of_o inform_v the_o understanding_n two_o consideration_n viz._n evidence_n which_o be_v have_v either_o by_o experience_n of_o our_o sense_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v incapable_a or_o by_o intrinsical_v medium_n that_o be_v demonstration_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o which_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o subject_a of_o faith_n very_o few_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o other_o of_o certainty_n attainable_a both_o by_o those_o intrinsecal_n and_o also_o extrinsical_a medium_n or_o authority_n which_o authority_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o its_o nature_n all_o be_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n able_a to_o understand_v it_o follow_v that_o here_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o generality_n the_o supernatural_a agent_n or_o cause_n of_o faith_n will_v effect_v here_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o mere_a natural_a impression_n can_v produce_v that_o be_v all_o extrinsical_a argument_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o intrinsecal_n one_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o most_o strong_o support_v to_o make_v up_o the_o great_a authority_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o to_o establish_v this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o principle_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a science_n but_o divers_a piece_n of_o humane_a science_n nay_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o true_a science_n be_v acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n therefore_o à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la must_v be_v such_o also_o §_o 10._o this_o supernaturality_n of_o faith_n by_o natural_a which_o word_n we_o mean_v divine_a faith_n convince_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a that_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o partake_v whatever_o perfection_n true_o belong_v to_o faith_n or_o belief_n as_o such_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o far_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o can_v elevate_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n without_o
affection_n pre-requisit_a to_o faith_n derogate_v nothing_o from_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o generate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o propose_v the_o most_o convince_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o authority_n convey_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o can_v prevail_v nothing_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n by_o his_o peculiar_a power_n plant_v antecedent_o in_o their_o heart_n this_o good_a disposition_n and_o prepare_v terram_fw-la bonam_fw-la that_o their_o endeavour_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o the_o sower_n seed_n take_v root_n no_o more_o than_o paul_n though_o miraculous_a can_v convert_v all_o that_o see_v his_o miracle_n or_o hear_v his_o preach_a but_o only_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v as_o he_o do_v lydia_n it_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o discourse_n how_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a that_o be_v as_o depend_v on_o this_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o set_v the_o understanding_n on_o work_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o so_o produce_v they_o the_o whole_a humane_a action_n be_v free_a because_o the_o will_n order_v it_o though_o she_o do_v not_o produce_v it_o all_o or_o though_o freedom_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o the_o body_n so_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a because_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n which_o be_v free_a though_o no_o freedom_n be_v find_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o a_o qualification_n but_o pure_a necessity_n of_o assent_v when_o the_o motive_n be_v see_v to_o be_v conclusive_a no_o need_n then_o be_v there_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n to_o piece_n out_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v assent_n to_o a_o degree_n beyond_o what_o it_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v a_o impossibility_n in_o humane_a nature_n right_o and_o connatural_o govern_v and_o i_o much_o fear_v no_o small_a disgrace_n to_o christian_a faith_n consider_v the_o obstinate_a bent_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o confound_v the_o speculative_a thought_n of_o divine_n explain_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n less_o careful_o with_o their_o sentiment_n issue_v natural_o from_o they_o as_o christian_n nay_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o what_o can_v revince_o be_v reply_v to_o a_o atheist_n object_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o christian_n make_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n ground_n stand_v need_v to_o be_v pec_v out_o by_o obscurity_n our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o ignorance_n and_o the_o rationality_n of_o they_o by_o will_n without_o reason_n that_o be_v wilfulness_n wherefore_o i_o carnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v even_o per_fw-la viscera_fw-la christi_fw-la all_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o have_v speculative_o hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n i_o here_o impugn_v for_o practical_o and_o as_o christian_n they_o hold_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o point_n once_o more_o and_o not_o to_o obstruct_v the_o resolve_v christian_a faith_n into_o immovable_a principle_n or_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n by_o a_o opinion_n only_o spring_v from_o the_o conceit_a difficulty_n in_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o yet_o themselves_o to_o a_o man_n profess_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n i_o humble_o beg_v leave_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o these_o few_o consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a faith_n be_v no_o less_o faith_n or_o a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n though_o that_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v both_o firm_a and_o more_o rational_a even_o for_o that_o very_a regard_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v it_o be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o perfect_o rational_a and_o consequent_o that_o its_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v so_o able_a to_o ascertain_v it_o that_o they_o place_v it_o beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o a_o inclination_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v have_v neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n in_o it_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o or_o indeed_o apt_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o tenet_n four_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o a_o antecedent_n pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n be_v still_o requisite_a to_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o perfect_a conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o this_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la at_o least_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o divine_n be_v sufficient_a five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o solid_a divine_n that_o faith_n consist_v with_o evidence_n in_o the_o attester_n six_o that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_v his_o assistance_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a term_n that_o it_o be_v irrational_a or_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o whereas_o all_o good_a christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o judge_v their_o act_n of_o faith_n immovable_a assent_n these_o author_n as_o speculater_n put_v all_o the_o reason_n for_o faith_n to_o leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o make_v this_o pious_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o elevate_v it_o to_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o be_v vast_o high_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n as_o if_o a_o rational_a creature_n not_o deviate_a total_o from_o its_o nature_n but_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n ought_v therefore_o to_o hold_v a_o point_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o itself_o have_v a_o affection_n or_o as_o we_o say_v a_o great_a mind_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o seven_o this_o assertion_n render_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n not_o only_o unmaintainable_a as_o have_v be_v now_o show_v but_o also_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o for_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n to_o other_o that_o my_o affection_n which_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o i_o be_v rational_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o mislead_v i_o when_o as_o the_o very_a position_n oblige_v i_o to_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o this_o affection_n push_v forward_o my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o reason_n it_o have_v that_o be_v as_o to_o this_o degree_n in_o my_o assent_n which_o be_v no_o small_a one_o since_o it_o raise_v it_o from_o judge_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v such_o without_o reason_n or_o will_v not_o this_o speculative_a tenet_n seem_v to_o force_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o most_o intrinsical_a consideration_n viz._n the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n be_v make_v by_o this_o doctrine_n full_a as_o dark_a a_o hole_n as_o it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o private_a spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a authority_n suffice_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n both_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v will_v that_o mankind_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v act_v irrational_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o the_o world_n so_o pestilent_a as_o a_o error_n abet_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a patronage_n of_o god_n authority_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o age_n and_o our_o homebred_a experience_n testify_v whence_o that_o very_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a it_o be_v engage_v for_o a_o truth_n ere_o we_o admit_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o may_v secure_o though_o with_o a_o humble_a truth_n say_v with_o richardus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la domine_fw-la si_fw-la error_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la decepti_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n imaginable_a than_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v it_o