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than_o that_o a_o plough_v
be_v a_o crooked_a path_n and_o a_o false_a light_n lead_v it_o into_o error_n what_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o destroy_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n to_o that_o truth_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o put_v they_o both_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o see_v they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o begin_v my_o discourse_n high_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o existence_n of_o faith_n by_o remove_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v show_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o totter_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n to_o which_o mr._n t._n and_o mr._n st._n have_v reduce_v it_o that_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v all_o a_o lie_n and_o indeed_o be_v a_o actuality_n of_o be_v as_o to_o we_o 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prudent_a to_o be_v produce_v to_o justify_v a_o tenet_n every_o way_n so_o irrational_a and_o unprincipled_a or_o rather_o destroy_v the_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o best_a body_n of_o principle_n that_o either_o nature_n or_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n himself_o ever_o instill_a into_o mankind_n last_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o obtain_v for_o i_o if_o thou_o can_v that_o if_o any_o think_v fit_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o treatise_n they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o set_v aside_o all_o witty_a prevarication_n and_o elegant_a drollery_n the_o two_o chief_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n only_o stickler_n in_o the_o pretend_a answer_n to_o sure-footing_a and_o begin_v with_o first_o principle_n to_o draw_v thence_o immediate_a consequence_n as_o i_o have_v constant_o endeavour_v in_o this_o discourse_n by_o
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
impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_o exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o divers_a respect_n faith-proposition_n §_o 7._o the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o those_o faith-proposition_n for_o those_o subject_n be_v proposition_n themselves_o as_o be_v show_v §_o 3._o and_o accept_v for_o truth_n as_o be_v suppose_v they_o be_v incapable_a of_o distinction_n as_o shall_v be_v particular_o show_v hereafter_o evict_v 3._o §_o 5._o beside_o those_o subject_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n that_o be_v not_o descend_v to_o subsume_v respect_n even_o in_o that_o regard_n too_o they_o be_v free_v from_o all_o pertinent_a distinguishableness_n §_o 8._o the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n which_o consist_v in_o indivisible_a a_o indivisible_a whence_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n have_v how_o great_a soever_o the_o conceive_a approach_n towards_o it_o be_v till_o all_o may-not-bee_n or_o potentiality_n to_o be_v otherwise_o be_v utter_o exclude_v by_o the_o actuality_n of_o be_v or_o existence_n which_o put_v or_o discover_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n break_v forth_o and_o the_o dim_a twilight_n of_o may-not-bee_n vanish_v and_o disappear_v §_o 9_o the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v out_o of_o connexion_n the_o nature_n of_o connexion_n find_v in_o the_o aforesaid_a proposition_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a their_o truth_n consist_v in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o make_v the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v whoever_o therefore_o see_v not_o the_o connexion_n between_o those_o notion_n in_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n see_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o of_o those_o proposition_n that_o be_v those_o proposition_n be_v not_o to_o such_o a_o man_n true_a wherefore_o connexion_n exclude_v formal_o inconnexion_n so_o that_o it_o be_v clear_o impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v find_v together_o in_o the_o selfsame_a subject_n and_o the_o falsehood_n of_o such_o proposition_n consist_v in_o the_o unconnectedness_n of_o their_o term_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o who_o be_v oblige_v to_o profess_v those_o faith-proposition_n true_a must_v see_v the_o connexion_n between_o their_o term_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v inconnect_v or_o false_a again_o since_o all_o approach_n or_o vicinity_n to_o connexion_n by_o how_o near_a degree_n soever_o they_o be_v make_v be_v not_o connexion_n it_o follow_v that_o all_o connexion_n consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a and_o can_v admit_v no_o latitude_n for_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o to_o be_v ground_v on_o last_o all_o connexion_n be_v necessary_o immediate_a or_o see_v by_o virtue_n of_o immediateness_n and_o to_o see_v immediate_a connexion_n be_v the_o producer_n of_o certain_a knowledge_n or_o of_o assurance_n the_o thing_n can_v but_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o to_o see_v the_o truth_n of_o such_o proposition_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o immediate_a connexion_n of_o their_o term_n be_v to_o see_v they_o can_v but_o be_v so_o or_o that_o they_o be_v absolute_o void_a of_o all_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n §_o 10._o by_o this_o time_n we_o be_v bring_v opinion_n orderly_o to_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n which_o word_n i_o take_v not_o here_o in_o a_o large_a sense_n for_o any_o kind_n of_o assent_n however_o produce_v it_o but_o for_o a_o assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o a_o tenet_n without_o sufficient_a ground_n to_o evince_v the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o the_o opine_a judge_n as_o it_o be_v take_v in_o that_o proverb_n turpe_fw-la est_fw-la opinari_fw-la now_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o will_v be_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o convince_v in_o case_n the_o term_n or_o point_n be_v see_v to_o be_v deduce_v by_o immediate_a step_n or_o a_o train_n of_o immediate_a connexion_n to_o that_o very_a conclusion_n it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o it_o be_v therefore_o opinion_n and_o blame-worthy_a because_o its_o ground_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v in_o the_o understanding_n of_o the_o assenter_n want_n or_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o immediate_a connexion_n so_o that_o opinion_n be_v a_o judgement_n upon_o remote_a or_o unimmediate_a consideration_n by_o which_o mean_v it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o most_o necessary_a verity_n of_o that_o grand_a principle_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o upon_o which_o all_o certainty_n both_o of_o first_o principle_n and_o of_o deduction_n be_v build_v and_o who_o perfect_a self-evidence_n and_o interessedness_n in_o whatever_o belong_v to_o right_a discourse_n seem_v to_o make_v the_o very_a light_n of_o reason_n consist_v original_o in_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v in_o the_o opiner_n discourse_n whence_o want_v immediateness_n it_o become_v unconnect_v incoherent_a weak_a and_o slack_a or_o rather_o indeed_o null_a no_o wonder_n then_o if_o all_o opinion_n how_o near_o soever_o it_o approach_v seem_o to_o immediate_a connexion_n and_o how_o strong_o soever_o it_o be_v support_v by_o a_o experience_a seldomness_n of_o such_o effect_n or_o the_o conceive_a unaptness_n and_o fewness_n of_o cause_n fit_a to_o produce_v they_o yet_o it_o admit_v possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o in_o regard_v it_o fail_v in_o its_o very_a root_n and_o basis_n by_o not_o rely_v on_o the_o main_a principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o steadiness_n in_o humane_a discourse_n and_o which_o be_v of_o so_o necessary_a a_o truth_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o falter_v or_o give_v way_n to_o uphold_v and_o exempt_v it_o from_o a_o liableness_n to_o disconnexion_n of_o those_o notion_n which_o it_o pretend_v and_o aught_o to_o identify_v that_o be_v from_o a_o liableness_n to_o error_n §_o 11._o from_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n it_o be_v render_v manifest_a out_o of_o what_o fountainhead_n all_o rational_a assent_v flow_v namely_o from_o see_v the_o immediate_a connexion_n of_o one_o term_n with_o another_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o this_o principle_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o stand_v engage_v for_o their_o verity_n also_o that_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n consist_v fundamental_o in_o this_o and_o formal_o in_o derive_v the_o perfect_a visibleness_n of_o this_o to_o make_v other_o proposition_n also_o visible_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n likewise_o that_o assent_v not_o spring_v from_o this_o light_n of_o reason_n must_v be_v as_o such_o irrational_a and_o arise_v necessary_o from_o the_o will_n take_v as_o not_o follow_v the_o light_n of_o understanding_n but_o as_o prompt_v and_o put_v forward_o by_o some_o passion_n viz._n some_o irrational_a desire_n or_o inclination_n the_o thing_n shall_v be_v so_o which_o press_v and_o precipitate_v the_o understanding_n into_o assent_n before_o due_a motive_n force_v it_o as_o likewise_o that_o since_o none_o can_v be_v bind_v constant_o to_o profess_v what_o he_o can_v steady_o see_v to_o be_v true_a a_o christian_n who_o be_v thus_o bind_v to_o profess_v his_o faith_n true_a must_v see_v that_o the_o first_o principle_n now_o speak_v of_o which_o give_v all_o steadiness_n to_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n be_v interest_v in_o the_o patronage_n of_o the_o proposition_n he_o assent_v to_o whence_o true_a faith_n by_o reason_n of_o its_o immovable_a ground_n can_v bear_v a_o assert_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o its_o be_v false_a whereas_o who_o ever_o affirm_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a make_v it_o build_v upon_o remote_a medium_n that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v either_o not_o immediate_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o not_o see_v to_o be_v immediate_a to_o the_o two_o term_n of_o the_o proposition_n assent_v to_o and_o so_o they_o become_v destitute_a of_o the_o invincible_a strength_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n which_o establish_v all_o deduce_v truth_n and_o legitimate_v all_o assent_n to_o they_o whence_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o he_o turn_v all_o faith_n into_o opinion_n make_v faith_n absurd_a preternatural_a and_o irrational_a import_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o man_n must_v assent_v to_o or_o say_v interior_o it_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o see_v no_o solid_a ground_n why_o it_o must_v be_v so_o profess_v stout_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o they_o be_v sure_a of_o it_o and_o yet_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v true_o profess_v with_o all_o that_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o that_o the_o whole_a world_n may_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o last_o he_o leave_v all_o christ_n doctrine_n indefensible_a and_o utter_o unmaintainable_a to_o have_v absolute_o speak_v either_o any_o solidity_n or_o steadiness_n in_o its_o ground_n or_o one_o true_a word_n in_o itself_o second_o eviction_n §_o 1._o from_o this_o notseeing_a the_o connexion_n of_o the_o two_o term_n in_o assent_n the_o conclusion_n by_o a_o medium_fw-la immediate_o connect_v to_o they_o both_o but_o by_o distant_a glance_n only_o which_o have_v not_o
vast_a ocean_n on_o either_o side_n america_n to_o overswell_v the_o continent_n and_o so_o destroy_v it_o they_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v interiorly_a america_n may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v possible_o not_o be_v whence_o they_o be_v force_v to_o suspend_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n and_o only_o assent_v to_o its_o extreme_a likelihood_n of_o exist_v §_o 4._o the_o use_n i_o make_v of_o this_o discourse_n assent_n at_o present_a be_v this_o that_o though_o likelihood_n have_v a_o great_a latitude_n yet_o assent_n be_v the_o terminus_fw-la of_o those_o inclination_n towards_o it_o which_o gradual_o exceed_v one_o another_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a as_o do_v the_o notion_n of_o be_v on_o which_o either_o see_v or_o deem_v to_o be_v see_v it_o be_v build_v and_o to_o which_o it_o go_v parallel_v that_o all_o act_n fall_v short_a of_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n advance_v no_o far_o than_o great_a assent_n to_o its_o likelihood_n and_o fall_v under_o the_o head_n of_o suspensive_a act_n as_o to_o that_o thing_n existence_n as_o the_o soul_n will_v discover_v upon_o reflection_n and_o that_o when_o we_o mistake_v one_o for_o the_o other_o it_o be_v for_o not_o distinguish_v well_o the_o great_a resemblance_n between_o assent_v as_o to_o outward_a action_n and_o as_o to_o the_o speculative_a truth_n as_o also_o between_o assent_v to_o the_o extreme_a likelihood_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o assent_v to_o its_o existence_n that_o whensoever_o we_o see_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v false_a or_o not-existent_a which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o we_o can_v have_v a_o assent_n to_o its_o existence_n but_o to_o the_o likelihood_n of_o it_o only_o and_o suspend_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n or_o actual_a be_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v that_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o mean_v use_v and_o all_o the_o ground_n it_o have_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a to_o we_o can_v be_v hold_v to_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n or_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n but_o to_o suspend_v concern_v their_o truth_n and_o to_o assent_v only_o to_o their_o likelihood_n to_o be_v true_a which_o whether_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a disposition_n to_o denominate_v such_o person_n christian_n will_v easy_o and_o best_o be_v determine_v by_o the_o vulgar_a of_o christianity_n who_o possess_v the_o genuine_a and_o natural_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n untainted_a with_o the_o frantic_a conceit_n spring_v from_o such_o speculation_n as_o be_v take_v out_o of_o fancy_n not_o as_o they_o ought_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n §_o 5._o the_o same_o argument_n may_v be_v hold_v make_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o firm_o hold_v as_o be_v from_o assent_n and_o the_o selfsame_a discourse_n mutatis_fw-la mutandis_fw-la since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a none_o can_v firm_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v that_o be_v holds_z may_v be_v false_a however_o he_o may_v hold_v it_o very_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a §_o 6._o the_o same_o be_v evince_v from_o the_o know_v notion_n of_o know_v which_o word_n i_o take_v here_o abstract_o unconcern_v what_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v provide_v it_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a knowledge_n and_o not_o abusive_o so_o call_v for_o since_o nothing_o can_v be_v know_v to_o be_v but_o what_o be_v nor_o know_v to_o be_v such_o but_o what_o be_v such_o again_o since_o christian_n if_o they_o have_v either_o honesty_n or_o wit_n in_o they_o must_v some_o way_n or_o other_o know_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a who_o truth_n they_o esteem_v themselves_o bind_v to_o profess_v and_o stand_v to_o even_o with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n it_o follow_v those_o point_n must_v be_v what_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v that_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o unless_o knowledge_n can_v be_v ignorance_n impossible_a not_o to_o be_v or_o to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o what_o have_v be_v say_v of_o assent_n and_o hold_v and_o know_v may_v also_o be_v discourse_v regard_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n for_o this_o have_v the_o same_o nature_n with_o the_o former_a as_o it_o be_v a_o determination_n of_o the_o understanding_n i_o mean_v intellectual_a determination_n be_v the_o common_a genus_fw-la to_o they_o all_o and_o they_o differ_v only_o in_o this_o that_o knowledge_n and_o certainty_n be_v proper_a effect_n of_o evidence_n whether_o spring_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o from_o the_o attester_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v where_o there_o be_v want_v the_o intellectual_a light_n issue_v from_o that_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o evidence_n so_o oft_o speak_v of_o whereas_o hâ—lding_v or_o assent_v can_v proceed_v from_o the_o blindness_n of_o passion_n or_o from_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o the_o clear_a sight_n of_o the_o understanding_n now_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n consist_v in_o a_o intellectual_a determination_n thus_o originize_v and_o consequent_o when_o put_v exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v the_o point_n i_o aim_n to_o evince_v appear_v partly_o from_o the_o etymology_n and_o most_o evident_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n for_o certus_n signify_v determinate_a as_o then_o when_o the_o matter_n speak_v of_o restrain_v that_o word_n to_o volition_n it_o signify_v a_o absolute_a determination_n of_o will_n or_o resolution_n as_o certus_fw-la â—undi_fw-la so_o when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o intellectual_a certainty_n and_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v certain_a we_o intend_v to_o express_v full_a as_o much_o as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v which_o speak_v ultimate_a determination_n and_o actuality_n in_o the_o object_n consider_v in_o itself_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n when_o the_o same_o word_n be_v intend_v to_o signify_v formal_a certainty_n in_o we_o or_o that_o disposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n whereby_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v certain_a it_o must_v necessary_o signify_v unless_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o word_n its_o most_o formal_a notion_n be_v less_o rigorous_a than_o those_o which_o be_v less_o formal_a a_o determinate_a state_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o a_o intellectual_a determination_n whence_o as_o a_o thing_n be_v then_o certain_a or_o determinate_a when_o it_o be_v so_o the_o understanding_n be_v then_o determine_v according_a to_o its_o nature_n or_o certain_a when_o the_o thing_n be_v see_v to_o be_v as_o it_o be_v which_o immediate_a effect_n of_o the_o other_o be_v impossible_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o evidence_n make_v that_o clear_a discovery_n and_o this_o engage_v all_o intellectual_a potentiality_n or_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v see_v to_o be_v be_v total_o and_o formal_o that_o be_v most_o absolute_o exclude_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n then_o of_o certainty_n import_v a_o absolute_a impossibility_n that_o that_o judgement_n which_o so_o fix_v and_o determine_v the_o understanding_n shall_v be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a since_o nothing_o can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v but_o what_o real_o be_v §_o 8._o again_o since_o determination_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v the_o terminus_n of_o all_o indetermination_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n and_o so_o beyond_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o certainty_n or_o intellectual_a determination_n be_v place_v beyond_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o indetermination_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o uncertainty_n certainty_n therefore_o be_v not_o attain_v till_o all_o possible_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n to_o we_o or_o error_n be_v transcend_v and_o overcome_v i'faith_o then_o must_v be_v deny_v to_o be_v certain_a if_o it_o be_v put_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a §9_n and_o as_o my_o former_a discourse_n have_v endeavour_v to_o display_v the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n from_o its_o genus_fw-la and_o difference_n which_o compound_v its_o definition_n so_o the_o same_o will_v be_v still_o more_o satisfactory_o evince_v from_o observe_v the_o language_n of_o mankind_n when_o they_o use_v the_o word_n certain_a for_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n which_o the_o intelligent_a user_n of_o that_o word_n intend_v to_o express_v by_o it_o if_o by_o divers_a say_n of_o they_o we_o can_v manifest_v that_o they_o mean_v to_o signify_v such_o a_o conception_n by_o that_o word_n that_o will_v infallible_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o and_o that_o conception_n will_v have_v in_o it_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o certainty_n let_v we_o observe_v then_o attentive_o what_o be_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n when_o they_o use_v these_o and_o the_o like_a familiar_a discourse_n which_o natural_o break_v from_o they_o how_o frequent_a be_v it_o when_o any_o one_o ask_v another_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n true_a and_o the_o other_o reply_n i_o very_o think_v it_o be_v he_o return_v
can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v we_o can_v frame_v a_o inerrable_a judgement_n that_o when_o we_o see_v that_o first_o principle_n engage_v for_o the_o identity_n of_o those_o two_o notion_n it_o be_v engage_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o identify_v that_o be_v we_o must_v know_v infallible_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a this_o i_o say_v in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o true_a certainty_n and_o not_o a_o only_o deem_v or_o mistake_v one_o yet_o even_o then_o there_o be_v a_o deem_v infallibility_n and_o the_o person_n that_o mistake_o judge_v himself_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n judge_n withal_o that_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o that_o particular_a which_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o infallibility_n however_o it_o may_v be_v misapply_v again_o since_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o word_n give_v it_o not_o to_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v i_o be_o infallible_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o infallible_o be_v not_o disparate_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o incompetent_a to_o it_o it_o must_v then_o be_v either_o tautological_a or_o else_o be_v a_o different_a yet_o appliable_a notion_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o difference_n or_o distinguish_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v this_o late_a for_o then_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o logic_n admit_v with_o equal_a sense_n the_o opposite_a difference_n fallible_o which_o we_o experience_v it_o do_v not_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a than_o to_o say_v i_o be_o fallible_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o infallible_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o difference_n the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o not_o a_o different_a notion_n from_o it_o but_o the_o same_o sense_n reiterated_a in_o another_o word_n for_o aggravation_n sake_n as_o when_o we_o say_v i_o see_v it_o with_o my_o own_o eye_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o calm_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o that_o malignant_a word_n infallibility_n which_o so_o bewonder_v our_o opposer_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o but_o true_a certainty_n and_o have_v the_o selfsame_a notion_n with_o it_o §_o 16._o four_o it_o appear_v that_o see_v contingency_n what_o may_v be_v otherwise_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o needs_o but_o a_o lucky_a chance_n to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o say_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a instead_o of_o establish_v it_o subject_n it_o to_o chance_n and_o contingency_n and_o confess_v it_o have_v no_o ground_n so_o to_o secure_v it_o but_o a_o great_a wit_n than_o have_v be_v former_o may_v possible_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v may_v subvert_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o now_o stand_v on_o so_o that_o these_o man_n be_v convince_v not_o to_o settle_v faith_n upon_o any_o firm_a ground_n or_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o hang_v it_o on_o humane_a wit_n that_o be_v on_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o present_a christian_n maintain_v its_o plausibility_n and_o possible_o on_o the_o fortunate_a want_n of_o a_o acuter_n wit_n than_o any_o now_o extant_a who_o when_o he_o shall_v arise_v may_v perhaps_o outwit_v they_o and_o show_v all_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a foolery_n §_o 17._o last_o speak_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v falsehood_n perfect_a nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a since_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n truth_n shall_v be_v falsehood_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o predication_n of_o past_a or_o future_a thing_n viz._n in_o these_o christ_n have_v die_v the_o resurrection_n will_v be_v the_o former_a of_o which_o if_o once_o true_a have_v be_v and_o so_o can_v have_v not_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v go_v in_o which_o only_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v and_o the_o late_a if_o once_o put_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o stand_v under_o certain_a or_o unimpedible_a cause_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o not_o to_o succeed_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o put_v either_o of_o these_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o be_v once_o right_o judge_v truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o fear_v rather_o that_o they_o who_o judge_v the_o late_a possible_a not_o to_o be_v subject_n they_o to_o impedible_a cause_n and_o so_o make_v they_o or_o at_o least_o their_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n future_a contingent_n which_o have_v neither_o determinate_a truth_n nor_o falsehood_n speak_v then_o of_o those_o proposition_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o predicate_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o considerer_n that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o above_o contingency_n and_o in_o case_n this_o be_v not_o their_o very_a determination_n to_o the_o present_a free_v they_o from_o be_v other_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a every_o thing_n while_o it_o be_v be_v necessary_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o shadow_n therefore_o of_o ground_n for_o a_o man_n who_o affirm_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n to_o affirm_v withal_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a all_o i_o can_v imagine_v in_o their_o behalf_n to_o excuse_v they_o from_o speak_v palpable_a contradiction_n be_v this_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v mean_v our_o discourse_n while_o in_o viâ_fw-la to_o find_v out_o these_o truth_n be_v impedible_a and_o so_o there_o be_v then_o a_o possibility_n they_o may_v not_o become_v see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v may_v be_v no_o truth_n to_o we_o but_o the_o question_n return_v whether_o in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o weigh_v their_o motive_n we_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o no_o if_o not_o why_o do_v we_o so_o asseverant_o affirm_v they_o be_v and_o why_o be_v we_o bind_v by_o religion_n to_o profess_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v they_o be_v truth_n how_o be_v we_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o discover_v withal_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n §_o 18._o my_o last_o argument_n from_o logic_n faith_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o prove_v faith_n or_o persuade_v it_o to_o another_o that_o act_n according_a to_o perfect_a reason_n in_o case_n it_o that_o be_v its_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v not_o so_o much_o evident_a from_o any_o particular_a consideration_n in_o logic_n as_o from_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o artificial_a discourse_n or_o disputation_n for_o in_o case_n the_o premise_n be_v but_o moral_o certain_a as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v if_o the_o two_o term_n be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v connect_v these_o proposition_n may_v nay_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o respondent_fw-la who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o grant_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a lest_o he_o ensnare_v himself_o but_o to_o put_v the_o arguer_n to_o prove_v they_o what_o then_o must_v the_o opponent_n or_o arguer_n do_v must_v he_o bring_v a_o syllogism_n consist_v of_o premise_n only_o moral_o certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o make_v the_o other_o good_a what_o will_v it_o avail_v since_o these_o premise_n be_v also_o deniable_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o can_v possible_o be_v conclude_v final_o till_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v produce_v which_o put_v the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v such_o also_o wherefore_o unless_o faith_n have_v ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o able_a to_o show_v it_o such_o also_o none_o can_v rationem_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidei_fw-la give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o such_o a_o one_o at_o best_a as_o in_o due_a right_n of_o dispute_n be_v â—â—deniable_a at_o pleasure_n whence_o faith_n be_v render_v both_o unmaintainable_a or_o indefensible_a in_o itself_o and_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o that_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n for_o however_o all_o who_o discourse_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o will_v convert_v any_o to_o faith_n use_v not_o to_o pin_v their_o motive_n to_o syllogistical_a form_n yet_o since_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o case_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n be_v allowable_a but_o what_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o true_a logic_n and_o this_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v no_o conclude_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o without_o rely_v final_o on_o premise_n or_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o how_o fine_o and_o quaint_o soever_o these_o man_n talk_v unless_o they_o produce_v such_o ground_n they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o all_o their_o importunate_a persuasion_n which_o
be_v not_o reducible_a to_o these_o ground_n nay_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o person_n who_o declare_v against_o have_v any_o such_o ground_n for_o faith_n signify_v just_a as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n be_v so_o good_a nature_a as_o to_o believe_v i_o though_o to_o tell_v you_o true_a i_o acknowledge_v sincere_o neither_o can_v i_o bring_v nor_o can_v there_o possible_o be_v bring_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o say_v or_o any_o undeniable_a premise_n to_o force_v my_o conclusion_n three_o eviction_n §_o 1._o thus_o far_o logic_n let_v we_o see_v next_o subject_a what_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n say_v to_o the_o point_n in_o which_o quest_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o leave_v logick_n assistance_n and_o first_o these_o science_n assure_v we_o that_o as_o all_o capacity_n of_o different_a being_n spring_n from_o first_o matter_n so_o all_o capacity_n of_o contrary_a determination_n arise_v from_o what_o we_o call_v potentiality_n or_o indifferency_n in_o the_o subject_a now_o the_o subject_a in_o our_o present_a case_n be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o mere_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n itself_o in_o our_o soul_n or_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n consider_v precise_o as_o affect_v with_o these_o point_n for_o it_o be_v these_o or_o our_o judge_a power_n take_v mere_o as_o conversant_a about_o these_o that_o be_v our_o judgement_n which_o our_o opponent_n must_v affirm_v true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o therefore_o both_o the_o point_n themselves_o and_o our_o judgement_n consist_v formal_o in_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n that_o be_v in_o be_v and_o be_v not_o which_o be_v indivisible_a and_o constitute_v such_o by_o a_o formality_n the_o most_o formal_a and_o actual_a that_o can_v be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v they_o can_v have_v as_o such_o no_o indifferency_n or_o potentiality_n in_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o natural_a nor_o metaphysical_a nor_o consequent_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n §_o 2._o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n falsehood_n be_v still_o render_v more_o absurd_a by_o this_o consideration_n that_o even_o in_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a potentiality_n that_o be_v viz._n first_o matter_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o opposite_a quality_n at_o once_o but_o successive_o at_o least_o in_o the_o same_o part_n whereas_o their_o position_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o true_a be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a afterward_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o contingent_a matter_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a now_o to_o be_v false_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v now_o false_a for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n know_v that_o be_v the_o understanding_n may_v have_v possible_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o it_o at_o once_o and_o as_o to_o the_o same_o part_n or_o point_n §_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v still_o far_o more_o irrational_a true_a in_o regard_n these_o seem_a contrary_n true_a and_o false_a apply_v to_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o have_v in_o they_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o contradictory_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o which_o speak_v de_fw-la praesenti_fw-la one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o be_v existent_a the_o other_o by_o be_v not_o existent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o which_o speak_v preterit_o and_o future_o that_o one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o other_o by_o have_v not_o be_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o think_v than_o they_o can_v at_o once_o be_v true_a and_o false_a be_v to_o judge_v that_o contradictory_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o same_o or_o that_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a §_o 4._o again_o truth_n be_v a_o conformity_n thing_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o falsehood_n a_o disconformity_n to_o say_v a_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n consider_v as_o judge_o conversant_a about_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o same_o thing_n too_o wild_a a_o position_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o a_o rational_a nature_n by_o any_o thing_n but_o such_o a_o wilful_a and_o blind_a passion_n as_o must_v first_o actual_o corrupt_a and_o in_o fine_a tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n itself_o §_o 5._o and_o to_o void_a this_o thesis_n from_o all_o contradiction_n possible_a evasion_n here_o can_v be_v no_o different_a respect_n according_a to_o which_o these_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n may_v be_v make_v so_o to_o avoid_v contradiction_n but_o all_o such_o respect_n be_v exclude_v both_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o most_o of_o those_o proposition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v evict_v 1._o §_o 5._o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n descend_v nor_o to_o nor_o meddle_v with_o subsume_a respect_n but_o have_v their_o notion_n complete_v in_o the_o common_a word_n which_o express_v they_o and_o last_o because_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o distinction_n and_o respect_n for_o however_o a_o proposition_n take_v into_o consideration_n and_o scan_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o may_v admit_v respect_n and_o distinction_n and_o so_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o regard_n true_a in_o that_o false_a yet_o what_o be_v once_o accept_v to_o be_v true_a can_v in_o any_o respect_n afterward_o be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o true_a or_o false_a for_o example_n this_o proposition_n a_o ethiopian_a be_v white_a be_v distinguish_v by_o respect_n to_o several_a part_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o his_o tooth_n it_o be_v true_a to_o his_o skin_n it_o be_v false_a but_o after_o those_o respect_n have_v distinguish_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o by_o divide_v it_o into_o two_o proposition_n settle_v one_o to_o be_v true_a the_o other_o to_o be_v false_a there_o can_v be_v no_o further_o use_v of_o respect_n or_o distinction_n which_o be_v to_o antecede_v to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n by_o clear_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o proposition_n and_o can_v have_v no_o place_n after_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o acknowledge_v or_o supervene_v to_o it_o he_o than_o that_o once_o acknowledge_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n can_v have_v no_o assistance_n from_o recourse_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n to_o evade_v a_o contradiction_n when_o he_o affirm_v they_o may_v be_v false_a §_o 6._o again_o it_o be_v particular_o opposite_a soul_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o a_o act_n in_o she_o as_o to_o judge_n a_o thing_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o her_o judge_a power_n be_v essential_o a_o capacity_n of_o truth_n whence_o the_o first_o principle_n which_o ground_n all_o truth_n be_v so_o connatural_a to_o she_o that_o she_o can_v but_o embrace_v they_o and_o judge_v they_o true_a nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o truth_n than_o a_o contradiction_n it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o subject_v in_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o her_o judge_a power_n than_o a_o contradiction_n that_o be_v no_o implicatory_a or_o contradictory_n act_n can_v settle_v there_o now_o to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o judge_v the_o thing_n to_o exist_v just_a as_o it_o affirm_v and_o to_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o judge_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o exist_v as_o it_o affirm_v and_o this_o not_o in_o order_n to_o different_a time_n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_z judge_v the_o thing_n actual_o be_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n not_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o our_o case_n by_o difference_n or_o diversity_n of_o respect_n wherefore_o since_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v in_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o he_o who_o hold_v one_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n can_v possible_o hold_v the_o other_o that_o be_v he_o who_o hold_v faith_n may_v be_v false_a can_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o moreover_o the_o soul_n antecedent_o point_n to_o its_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o object_n be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a to_o judge_v it_o true_a or_o false_a that_o be_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o when_o it_o
come_v afterward_o through_o consideration_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n to_o judge_n it_o true_a it_o become_v determine_v and_o how_o but_o by_o a_o notion_n the_o most_o determinative_a of_o any_o other_o viz._n that_o of_o be_v or_o be_v wherefore_o since_o to_o put_v in_o she_o at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o judgement_n of_o its_o possibility_n to_o be_v false_a put_v she_o to_o be_v indetermine_v and_o this_o in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o this_o position_n put_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v at_o once_o determinate_a and_o indeterminate_a as_o to_o the_o same_o which_o state_n be_v as_o vast_o distant_a as_o actual_a be_v and_o not-actual_a be_v can_v remove_v they_o nay_o this_o monstrous_a thesis_n make_v the_o soul_n indeterminate_v to_o either_o side_n that_o be_v to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o to_o falsehood_n even_o after_o it_o have_v suppose_v she_o determine_v to_o truth_n for_o to_o judge_v a_o point_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a put_v the_o judgement_n potential_a or_o indetermine_v as_o to_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o false_a signify_v not-true_a possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v signify_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o include_v potentiality_n or_o indetermination_n to_o truth_n also_o in_o regard_n be_v it_o actual_o true_a it_o can_v not_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o true_a or_o not_o itself_o the_o soul_n must_v then_o be_v indeterminate_a to_o either_o that_o be_v neither_o judge_v it_o true_a nor_o false_a even_o after_o she_o be_v suppose_v to_o judge_n it_o true_a in_o case_n she_o can_v then_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o this_o position_n of_o faith_n possibility_n to_o be_v false_a can_v without_o high_a contradiction_n stand_v with_o a_o hearty_a conceit_n that_o faith_n be_v true_a to_o think_v to_o escape_v the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o allege_v the_o respect_n to_o different_a motive_n or_o that_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o perfect_o but_o partly_o determine_v be_v in_o our_o case_n frivolous_a for_o i_o ask_v be_v it_o determine_v enough_o by_o any_o intellectual_a or_o rational_a motive_n to_o judge_v the_o thing_n be_v if_o not_o what_o make_v it_o judge_v so_o when_o those_o motive_n can_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a it_o must_v be_v some_o weakness_n or_o some_o blind_a motive_n in_o the_o will_n not_o light_n of_o understanding_n but_o if_o it_o be_v determine_v enough_o to_o judge_v the_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v true_a it_o be_v also_o enough_o for_o my_o argument_n and_o purpose_n §_o 8._o especial_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n falsehood_n will_v be_v better_o penetrate_v when_o it_o shall_v be_v well_o consider_v in_o what_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n formal_o consist_v and_o that_o take_v right_o they_o be_v certain_a affection_n or_o disposition_n of_o our_o understanding_n for_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v true_a by_o i_o which_o be_v not_o true_a to_o i_o not_o be_v any_o thing_n true_a to_o i_o but_o when_o it_o be_v see_v by_o i_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o object_n and_o to_o be_v thus_o see_v by_o i_o be_v the_o object_n to_o inform_v and_o actuate_v my_o understanding_n power_n as_o it_o be_v judicative_a whence_o that_o power_n as_o it_o be_v thus_o actuate_v gain_v a_o conformity_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o in_o which_o consist_v the_o precise_a nature_n of_o truth_n however_o than_o truth_n come_v from_o the_o object_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o cause_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o be_v formal_o no_o where_o but_o in_o the_o understanding_n or_o judgement_n as_o appear_v evident_o from_o this_o that_o truth_n be_v find_v in_o proposition_n now_o proposition_n be_v not_o in_o the_o thing_n formal_o though_o when_o true_a they_o be_v derive_v hence_o but_o in_o the_o mind_n only_o and_o significative_o in_o word_n truth_n then_o be_v that_o whereby_o i_o be_o true_a or_o veracious_a when_o i_o say_v interior_o the_o thing_n be_v or_o be_v thus_o and_o thus_o wherefore_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o point_n be_v not_o have_v till_o this_o actuation_n or_o determination_n of_o my_o power_n by_o the_o object_n which_o as_o its_o formal_a cause_n make_v this_o conformity_n to_o it_o be_v put_v and_o this_o put_v to_o think_v that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n or_o at_o once_o the_o mind_n can_v be_v unactuate_v undetermined_a potential_a or_o disconformable_a to_o it_o be_v too_o gross_a a_o conceit_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o head_n of_o any_o man_n endue_v with_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n whoever_o than_o affirm_n faith_n or_o those_o proposition_n which_o express_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a he_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o reason_n in_o case_n the_o desperation_n of_o maintain_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n for_o want_v of_o ground_n drive_v he_o not_o to_o say_v any_o thing_n but_o that_o he_o speak_v candid_o what_o he_o think_v not_o to_o judge_n or_o say_v from_o his_o heart_n his_o faith_n be_v indeed_o true_a have_v never_o experience_v in_o his_o soul_n for_o want_v of_o principle_n to_o put_v it_o there_o that_o the_o object_n or_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n have_v wrought_v in_o it_o that_o conformity_n to_o the_o thing_n in_o which_o truth_n consist_v and_o consequent_o that_o when_o he_o profess_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n he_o either_o by_o a_o fortunate_a piece_n of_o folly_n understand_v not_o what_o he_o say_v or_o collogue_n and_o dissemble_v with_o god_n and_o the_o world_n for_o honour_n or_o some_o other_o interest_n §_o 9_o it_o be_v hence_o far_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o position_n we_o impugn_v destroy_v unity_n the_o notion_n of_o metaphysical_a unity_n consist_v in_o a_o indivision_n or_o indistinction_n of_o any_o notion_n nature_n or_o thing_n in_o itself_o and_o a_o division_n or_o distinction_n of_o it_o from_o all_o other_o for_o according_a to_o this_o tenet_n truth_n or_o the_o conformity_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o object_n put_v by_o our_o joint_a supposition_n that_o the_o proposition_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a may_v possible_o be_v disconformity_n or_o falsehood_n and_o this_o determinate_a state_n indeterminate_a which_o make_v the_o mind_n as_o have_v in_o it_o one_o notion_n that_o be_v indeed_o that_o one_o notion_n capable_a to_o admit_v into_o its_o bowel_n another_o not_o only_o disparate_a but_o opposite_a that_o be_v one_o possible_a to_o be_v not_o one_o but_o another_o §_o 10._o the_o same_o be_v demonstrate_v concern_v verity_n metaphysical_a verity_n for_o this_o position_n make_v the_o selfsame_a mental_a proposition_n or_o disposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n we_o call_v truth_n possible_a to_o be_v falsehood_n that_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o subvert_v all_o metaphysical_a verity_n that_o be_v the_o foundation_n or_o ground_n of_o all_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 11._o the_o same_o injury_n demonstrative_o goodness_n accrue_v to_o metaphysical_a bonity_n or_o goodness_n for_o it_o make_v that_o conformity_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v truth_n and_o so_o the_o good_a or_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o be_v at_o once_o possible_a to_o be_v falsehood_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o good_a but_o harmful_a and_o destructive_a to_o it_o §_o 12._o i_o make_v no_o question_n but_o my_o adversary_n will_v think_v to_o elude_v the_o force_n of_o these_o three_o last_o demonstration_n and_o perhaps_o of_o some_o other_o by_o allege_v that_o they_o deny_v absolute_o truth_n can_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n and_o that_o they_o mean_v only_o that_o though_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n appear_v now_o upon_o considerable_a motive_n to_o be_v true_a yet_o those_o motive_n secure_v it_o not_o from_o be_v absolute_o false_a but_o not_o so_o that_o they_o can_v real_o be_v both_o and_o i_o grant_v this_o will_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n in_o case_n they_o do_v not_o affirm_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v real_o true_a upon_o which_o supposition_n take_v from_o the_o common_a language_n and_o sentiment_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v christianity_n even_o they_o too_o as_o christian_n i_o proceed_v but_o only_o profess_v they_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v true_a for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o follow_v that_o truth_n can_v be_v falsehood_n or_o that_o the_o same_o point_n can_v be_v both_o true_a and_o not_o true_a at_o once_o that_o in_o that_o case_n it_o will_v follow_v they_o ought_v to_o affirm_v they_o be_v neither_o true_a nor_o false_a since_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o true_a indeed_o be_v no_o more_o the_o same_o than_o a_o statue_n which_o be_v like_o a_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o man_n but_o if_o all_o christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v and_o themselves_o actual_o do_v so_o that_o their_o faith_n be_v indeed_o
real_o since_o this_o motive_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o other_o judgement_n and_o a_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v so_o in_o reality_n and_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o incompossibility_n of_o be_v and_o not-being_n or_o on_o the_o simplicity_n of_o the_o notion_n be_v and_o last_o on_o a_o maxim_n as_o evident_a as_o what_o be_v most_o namely_o that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o whence_o i_o make_v account_n whoever_o have_v sufficient_a ground_n to_o affirm_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v or_o be_v true_a that_o be_v be_v more_o than_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a have_v withal_o true_a ground_n to_o affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o who_o confess_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a disclaim_v any_o true_a ground_n of_o judge_v or_o profess_v it_o be_v or_o be_v true_a and_o so_o judge_v it_o in_o his_o heart_n to_o be_v but_o a_o high_a probability_n or_o a_o good_a likelihood_n at_o most_o which_o be_v enough_o for_o plausible_a talker_n but_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o make_v a_o man_n a_o true_a christian._n §_o 3._o and_o hence_o we_o may_v with_o horror_n and_o pity_n reflect_v upon_o the_o perniciousness_n of_o heresy_n in_o corrupt_v the_o understanding_n that_o eye_n who_o defect_n fill_v as_o our_o saviour_n discourse_v it_o the_o whole_a body_n with_o darkness_n by_o subvert_v fundamental_o all_o those_o principle_n in_o which_o the_o common_a light_n of_o all_o knowledge_n consist_v and_o pervert_v as_o much_o as_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n establish_v by_o our_o creator_n will_v suffer_v it_o that_o very_a faculty_n which_o make_v we_o man_n in_o what_o be_v most_o intrinsical_v and_o essential_a to_o it_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n that_o be_v despoil_v it_o quite_o of_o all_o intellectual_a perfection_n due_a to_o its_o nature_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n §_o 4._o can_v any_o discourse_n be_v take_v high_a than_o from_o first_o principles_n yes_o in_o some_o sort_n there_o can_v that_o be_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n or_o be_v or_o à _fw-la patre_fw-la luminum_fw-la the_o father_n of_o light_n from_o who_o all_o create_a nature_n whence_o those_o principle_n be_v borrow_v and_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o our_o understanding_n itself_o where_o they_o be_v find_v derive_v their_o origin_n this_o first_o be_v metaphysic_n demonstrate_v to_o be_v self_n existent_a that_o be_v infinite_a and_o unlimited_a in_o existence_n and_o consequent_o in_o all_o perfection_n among_o which_o since_o to_o be_v a_o self-determination_n to_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o god_n have_v or_o rather_o be_v that_o too_o it_o be_v then_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o do_v what_o be_v see_v clear_o to_o be_v best_a all_o thing_n consider_v god_n see_v what_o be_v absolute_o best_a must_v therefore_o be_v self-determined_a to_o do_v still_o what_o be_v best_a this_o put_v look_v into_o the_o notion_n of_o good_a and_o best_a we_o find_v they_o to_o be_v both_o relative_a and_o that_o what_o be_v good_a to_o none_o be_v be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o apply_v which_o to_o god_n perfection_n every_o way_n infinite_a and_o no_o way_n far_o perfectible_a it_o be_v see_v manifest_o that_o when_o he_o be_v say_v to_o operate_v exterior_o in_o this_o world_n what_o be_v best_a it_o can_v mean_v what_o be_v good_a or_o best_a to_o himself_o or_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v his_o own_o good_a or_o perfection_n but_o what_o be_v good_a or_o best_a to_o his_o creature_n and_o hence_o we_o settle_v this_o most_o comfortable_a most_o evident_a and_o most_o enlighten_v conclusion_n that_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o creature_n and_o it_o be_v evident_o best_o for_o they_o to_o be_v guide_v or_o govern_v according_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n which_o he_o have_v give_v they_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o god_n govern_v his_o creature_n connatural_o or_o suitable_o to_o their_o right_a nature_n §_o 5_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o if_o we_o can_v once_o demonstrate_v that_o to_o act_n thus_o or_o thus_o be_v most_o connatural_a to_o such_o a_o species_n or_o nature_n we_o can_v demonstrate_v from_o the_o high_a first_o best_a and_o most_o immutable_a cause_n that_o however_o contingency_n find_v place_n in_o divers_a particular_n yet_o that_o kind_n as_o it_o be_v subject_v to_o god_n guidance_n be_v govern_v most_o agreeable_o to_o its_o true_a and_o right_a nature_n which_o his_o creative_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n have_v at_o first_o give_v it_o §_o 6_o particular_o it_o be_v consequent_a that_o it_o can_v be_v god_n shall_v command_v or_o expect_v from_o his_o creature_n what_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v they_o for_o since_o their_o be_v what_o they_o be_v or_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n be_v fix_v by_o the_o idea_n in_o his_o own_o divine_a understanding_n from_o which_o in_o their_o creation_n they_o uner_o flow_v hence_o as_o to_o put_v they_o at_o first_o be_v to_o act_v conformable_o to_o himself_o or_o his_o own_o wisdom_n so_o to_o violate_v they_o be_v to_o work_v disconformable_o and_o unlike_a to_o himself_o which_o it_o can_v be_v think_v god_n shall_v do_v through_o inclination_n or_o choice_n and_o as_o little_o be_v make_v to_o do_v it_o through_o force_n §_o 7._o again_o since_o we_o can_v no_o otherwise_o discourse_n of_o god_n but_o by_o such_o notion_n as_o we_o gather_v here_o from_o creature_n which_o however_o improper_a yet_o all_o grant_n to_o be_v true_o pronounce_v of_o he_o if_o they_o signify_v perfection_n hence_o if_o we_o can_v demonstrative_o evince_v that_o such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o agreeable_a to_o wisdom_n goodness_n mercy_n etc._n etc._n and_o such_o other_o disagreeable_a we_o can_v know_v demonstrative_o that_o those_o be_v worthy_a to_o proceed_v from_o he_o these_o impossible_a to_o have_v so_o infinite_o perfect_v a_o author_n §_o 8._o what_o use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o this_o deity_n principle_n of_o supreme_a wisdom_n god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o his_o creature_n will_v be_v see_v hereafter_o the_o use_n we_o make_v of_o it_o at_o present_a be_v to_o add_v a_o new_a degree_n of_o establishment_n to_o our_o former_a discourse_n by_o apply_v it_o to_o they_o i_o argue_v then_o thus_o since_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o rational_a nature_n or_o rather_o since_o it_o be_v the_o very_a nature_n itself_o not_o to_o hold_v any_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o tenure_n of_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o see_v that_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o rational_a discourse_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o truth_n both_o of_o the_o premise_n and_o consequence_n since_o assent_v not_o thus_o abet_v be_v but_o opinion_n and_o as_o such_o deprave_v humane_a nature_n since_o nothing_o but_o true_a certainty_n can_v fix_v the_o understanding_n in_o a_o steadness_n of_o judgement_n since_o it_o be_v connatural_a to_o rational_a nature_n to_o proceed_v upon_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o to_o be_v have_v where_o there_o be_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n since_o this_o possibility_n render_v faith_n unmaintainable_a and_o so_o contrary_a to_o rational_a nature_n make_v christian_n hold_v and_o profess_v what_o they_o can_v make_v good_a since_o the_o put_a point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a put_v the_o soul_n in_o violent_a and_o incompossible_a state_n as_o of_o indetermination_n and_o determination_n conformity_n and_o disconformity_n to_o the_o object_n nay_o subject_n she_o to_o the_o judge_a contradiction_n true_a which_o be_v most_o repugnant_a to_o her_o nature_n since_o it_o subvert_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n both_o logical_o and_o metaphysical_o consider_v that_o be_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o destroy_v all_o possible_a rationality_n since_o it_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o by_o consequence_n the_o stability_n of_o all_o the_o nature_n in_o the_o world_n since_o i_o say_v these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o have_v be_v particular_o prove_v in_o my_o precedent_a discourse_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a impossibility_n that_o god_n who_o do_v the_o best_a for_o his_o creature_n can_v govern_v or_o manage_v his_o darling-creature_n mankind_n on_o this_o preternatural_a fashion_n but_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o way_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n be_v particular_o lay_v by_o god_n providence_n and_o so_o be_v a_o especial_a part_n of_o his_o government_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v know_v also_o and_o acknowledge_v that_o he_o have_v command_v we_o to_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n in_o due_a occasion_n therefore_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o mean_n ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o shall_v be_v capable_a to_o be_v false_a see_v this_o last_o position_n join_v
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
none_o but_o only_o a_o affection_n or_o determination_n of_o a_o thing_n both_o know_v by_o plain_a nature_n whatever_o some_o schoolman_n speculate_v for_o these_o put_v mere_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v pillar_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v round_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o in_o this_o proposition_n the_o pillar_n be_v round_a the_o two_o extreme_a notion_n be_v indeed_o that_o be_v with_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o thing_n identify_v or_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a but_o to_o return_v home_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n exist_v by_o the_o same_o existence_n or_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n after_o its_o manner_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n or_o soul_n as_o apt_a to_o judge_n after_o it_o be_v that_o be_v judge_o but_o truth_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o either_o of_o these_o manner_n of_o be_v as_o be_v discourse_v former_o in_o the_o parallel_n case_n of_o notion_n but_o pure_o and_o adequate_o consist_v in_o the_o unity_n or_o community_n of_o form_n which_o my_o judgement_n have_v with_o the_o thing_n by_o have_v which_o in_o she_o the_o soul_n gain_v a_o conformity_n to_o it_o in_o this_o common_a form_n consider_v as_o in_o the_o thing_n consist_v its_o metaphysical_a verity_n or_o it_o be_v be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o this_o verity_n consider_v as_o apt_a to_o stamp_v or_o imprint_v itself_o on_o my_o judge_a power_n be_v call_v objective_n truth_n as_o receive_v in_o i_o and_o fashion_v or_o conform_v my_o say_a power_n to_o the_o thing_n as_o in_o itself_o and_o so_o make_v my_o judgement_n true_a it_o be_v call_v formal_a truth_n this_o declare_v i_o deny_v that_o i_o any_o where_o confound_v objective_a truth_n with_o formal_a or_o what_o be_v in_o the_o thing_n with_o what_o be_v in_o i_o as_o in_o i_o for_o that_o be_v to_o identify_v those_o two_o most_o vast_o and_o most_o evident_o different_a state_n a_o supineness_n too_o gross_a for_o any_o attentive_a discourser_n to_o fall_v into_o i_o conceive_v then_o what_o the_o objecter_n will_v allege_v be_v that_o i_o confound_v those_o truth_n speak_v of_o with_o truth_n to_o we_o or_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la as_o the_o school_n speak_v for_o though_o what_o be_v truth_n to_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o we_o in_o regard_n we_o can_v know_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o what_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o truth_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n one_o may_v upon_o probable_a nay_o improbable_a or_o even_o false_a ground_n light_n upon_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o which_o case_n his_o mind_n as_o judge_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n or_o true_a yet_o still_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a to_o he_o in_o regard_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n able_a to_o conclude_v it_o such_o or_o to_o make_v he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v true_a truth_n then_o to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o that_o be_v with_o certainty_n or_o determination_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o force_n of_o intellectual_a motive_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o often_o seem_v to_o confound_v with_o truth_n in_o the_o two_o former_a acception_n but_o i_o therefore_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o because_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o transcribe_v and_o apply_v so_o often_o my_o postulata_fw-la and_o suppose_v my_o judicious_a reader_n bear_v they_o in_o mind_n which_o if_o he_o please_v to_o understand_v as_o subjoin_v to_o those_o discourse_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o perhaps_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v so_o severe_o obligatory_a to_o be_v thus_o constant_o profess_v and_o hold_v so_o and_o consequent_o by_o my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o all_o my_o mistake_a proof_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o conclude_v it_o true_a to_o we_o that_o be_v certain_z you_o will_v say_v why_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o god_n to_o provide_v that_o our_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o true_a in_o we_o since_o so_o they_o will_v perfect_v our_o understanding_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o guide_v we_o right_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v true_a to_o we_o or_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v for_o two_o reason_n one_o because_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v preternatural_a oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v profess_v and_o die_v for_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v such_o the_o other_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o exercise_v will_v perpetual_o involve_v a_o error_n in_o case_n the_o motive_n to_o those_o assent_n be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n for_o however_o one_o may_v light_v by_o haphazard_n or_o through_o weakness_n on_o a_o truth_n from_o a_o inclusive_a motive_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o rational_a creature_n shall_v assent_v but_o upon_o some_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a hence_o every_o assent_n practical_o imply_v it_o be_v true_a for_o this_o reason_n wherefore_o if_o the_o reason_n ground_v such_o assent_n be_v unapt_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o judgement_n necessary_o involve_v a_o falsehood_n or_o error_n however_o it_o be_v otherwise_o conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v truth_n then_o be_v bastard_n illegitimate_a and_o monstrous_a both_o the_o intellectualness_n and_o supernaturalness_n of_o that_o virtue_n call_v faith_n make_v it_o scorn_v to_o own_o such_o defective_a prâ—ductions_n objection_n iii_o the_o meaning_n of_o word_n be_v indeed_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v only_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n though_o then_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n mean_v by_o it_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o the_o best_a of_o which_o and_o catholic_n among_o the_o rest_n grant_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a answer_n that_o maxim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o proposition_n which_o require_v some_o speculation_n to_o infer_v they_o in_o which_o case_n also_o even_o the_o unlearned_a be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o learned_a man_n take_v precise_o as_o man_n of_o skill_n because_o general_o it_o be_v practically-self-evident_a to_o they_o that_o such_o speculative_a man_n differ_v oft_o time_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o they_o be_v unfurnish_a of_o due_a mean_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v in_o the_o right_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o such_o affair_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o prudence_n to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v general_o repute_v most_o and_o able_a and_o then_o their_o proceedure_n be_v laudable_a because_o they_o do_v the_o best_a secundum_fw-la ultimum_fw-la potentiae_fw-la or_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n whence_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v ability_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o reason_n those_o speculater_n give_v behave_v themselves_o imprudent_o and_o blameable_o if_o they_o even_o proceed_v to_o outward_a action_n mere_o upon_o their_o judgement_n without_o examine_v the_o reason_n they_o allege_v in_o case_n they_o have_v leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v so_o but_o now_o the_o maxim_n hold_v not_o all_o for_o those_o proposition_n in_o which_o it_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o evident_a to_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n that_o the_o predicate_v be_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o subject_a as_o it_o be_v for_o example_n in_o this_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n or_o this_o which_o be_v palpable_o consequent_a from_o the_o former_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o gain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o such_o as_o these_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v full_a as_o certain_a as_o those_o of_o speculater_n perhaps_o certain_a and_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o predicate_a possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v necessary_o be_v see_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o faith_n by_o all_o those_o who_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n they_o believe_v beside_o they_o hold_v that_o faith_n make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n that_o their_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v immovable_a or_o adhere_v to_o all_o their_o life_n that_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v
stand_v to_o it_o and_o deliver_v himself_o in_o some_o rude_a say_n or_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o it_o for_o example_n tell_v he_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o k._n james_n because_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o live_v then_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v his_o answer_n will_v in_o likelihood_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n what_o a_o god_n name_n be_v they_o blind_a in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v who_o be_v king_n then_o which_o express_v natural_o his_o conceit_n of_o their_o inerrableness_n in_o such_o a_o point_n in_o case_n they_o have_v eye_n which_o nature_n teach_v he_o man_n general_o have_v insist_v far_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o cozen_v all_o england_n that_o come_v after_o they_o nature_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o this_o or_o some_o such_o kind_n of_o reply_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o all_o make_v fool_n of_o every_o body_n which_o word_n though_o rude_o express_v yet_o couch_v in_o themselves_o the_o full_a reason_n give_v in_o sure_a foot_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v build_v on_o nature_n for_o first_o it_o imply_v that_o man_n nature_n with_o which_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a acquaintance_n in_o common_a be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n for_o a_o purpose_n end_n or_o reason_n next_o his_o interrogatory_n way_n be_v in_o his_o rude_a style_n equivalent_a to_o a_o negative_a and_o so_o it_o signify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o last_o his_o stand_n to_o his_o former_a tenet_n imply_v virtual_o a_o conclusion_n from_o the_o reason_n give_v that_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v do_v which_o involve_v necessary_o a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n on_o which_o all_o force_n of_o consequence_n be_v ground_v and_o also_o of_o that_o principle_n no_o effect_n can_v be_v without_o a_o due_a cause_n both_o perfect_o suppose_v and_o hold_v by_o he_o though_o not_o express_v in_o his_o rude_a enthymeme_n from_o this_o discourse_n be_v collect_v what_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o experience_n in_o this_o that_o experience_n be_v only_o find_v of_o what_o use_v to_o make_v the_o minor_a in_o this_o virtual_a discourse_n but_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v of_o conclusion_n deduce_v as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o common_a maxim_n natural_o know_v as_o the_o major_a and_o a_o minor_a for_o the_o most_o part_n experiential_o or_o else_o practical_o know_v which_o join_v with_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o consequence_n consist_v make_v up_o that_o virtual_a discourse_n again_o it_o differ_v from_o science_n in_o that_o a_o man_n of_o science_n reflect_o see_v a_o medium_fw-la identify_v the_o two_o extreme_n and_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o beget_v evidence_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v rather_o passive_a from_o natural_a impression_n than_o active_a by_o any_o self-industry_n in_o these_o knowledge_n and_o rather_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o those_o cause_n in_o his_o own_o adhesion_n than_o see_v it_o second_o it_o be_v collect_v that_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v notwithstanding_o true_a knowledge_n though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o slight_a kind_n of_o it_o in_o which_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o opinion_n build_v on_o probability_n for_o see_v such_o assenter_n have_v both_o by_o experience_n or_o by_o common_a conversation_n true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o diverse_a thing_n in_o common_a which_o make_v the_o minor_a as_o also_o by_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o countervail_v the_o major_a and_o force_v the_o consequence_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v entire_o and_o adequate_o ground_v on_o true_a knowledge_n both_o as_o to_o premise_n and_o consequence_n and_o cossequent_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o true_a knowledge_n likewise_o which_o consideration_n will_v help_v to_o explain_v my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la and_o show_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v possible_a all_o christian_n may_v know_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o the_o same_o the_o apostle_n teach_v by_o the_o church_n testimony_n because_o they_o know_v the_o inerrableness_n and_o veracity_n of_o vast_a and_o grave_a multitude_n in_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v practiceable_a daily_o and_o last_o it_o be_v collect_v that_o what_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a to_o the_o unlearned_a be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a in_o regard_v these_o be_v capable_a of_o see_v by_o what_o virtue_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o self-evidence_n breed_v that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o other_n be_v incultivate_v reason_n will_v give_v no_o account_n of_o objection_n v._n that_o first_o principle_n every_o thing_n while_o it_o be_v be_v necessary_o what_o it_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v often_o time_n misapply_v particular_o evict_v 2._o §_o 11._o &_o 13._o to_o truth_n at_o present_a whence_o the_o arguer_n will_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v also_o at_o present_a false_a which_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o objective_a truth_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o miss_v the_o question_n but_o the_o consequence_n hold_v not_o in_o case_n the_o discourse_n be_v of_o formal_a truth_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n in_o we_o or_o of_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o be_v of_o certainty_n for_o none_o pretend_v that_o his_o judgement_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o speak_v those_o inrintsecall_a disposition_n call_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o we_o or_o that_o himself_o can_v be_v cetrain_n or_o uncertain_a of_o it_o at_o once_o which_o express_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o we_o this_o be_v put_v those_o motive_n which_o only_o he_o have_v at_o present_a in_o his_o understanding_n able_a to_o prove_v the_o point_n true_a and_o false_a both_o or_o at_o once_o whereas_o what_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o objecter_n be_v only_o this_o that_o though_o upon_o present_a motive_n he_o now_o judge_n it_o true_a and_o certain_a yet_o afterward_o upon_o other_o motive_n he_o may_v come_v to_o see_v it_o false_a answer_n i_o mean_v in_o those_o place_n truth_n to_o we_o or_o certainty_n but_o the_o objection_n proceed_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o as_o if_o true_a false_a certain_a and_o uncertain_a can_v be_v relative_a to_o one_o person_n only_o first_o then_o my_o position_n be_v that_o whoever_o put_v a_o thing_n true_a to_o himself_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o another_o put_v no_o less_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v at_o once_o thus_o true_a and_o false_a though_o in_o several_a subject_n than_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o one_o subject_n only_o next_o he_o suppose_v each_o of_o those_o different_a judger_n to_o have_v possible_o just_a ground_n for_o so_o judge_v since_o he_o put_v in_o one_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o possible_a one_o to_o conclude_v its_o falsehood_n for_o our_o question_n be_v not_o to_o what_o degree_n weak_a soul_n can_v miscarry_v in_o assent_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o strength_n be_v find_v in_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n which_o the_o objecter_n as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o a_o holder_n that_o point_v of_o faith_n be_v truth_n must_v affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o as_o himself_o contend_v leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v provable_a by_o other_o ground_n to_o be_v so_o for_o else_o the_o word_n false_a can_v mean_v false_a to_o we_o or_o in_o the_o subject_a as_o be_v pretend_v that_o be_v he_o must_v make_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v just_o or_o in_o right_a reason_n hold_v by_o one_o true_a by_o the_o other_o false_a now_o it_o be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o such_o opposite_a ground_n i_o constant_o maintain_v or_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a three_o hence_o i_o go_v far_o and_o urge_v that_o if_o those_o different_a motive_n can_v oblige_v just_o one_o man_n to_o hold_v faith_n true_a the_o other_o to_o hold_v it_o false_a then_o put_v they_o in_o the_o same_o man_n it_o ought_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o this_o enforce_v my_o proof_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o three_o eviction_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o answe'rd_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o motive_n be_v disparate_a the_o more_o probable_a one_o will_v when_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n overpower_v the_o other_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o opposite_a assent_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o intellectual_a motive_n or_o reason_n have_v their_o power_n to_o
bind_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v not_o from_o their_o relation_n to_o other_o extrinsecall_v proof_n correspond_v or_o discorrespond_v with_o they_o but_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n on_o which_o they_o intrinsical_o depend_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o final_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v build_v on_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n if_o then_o the_o motive_n one_o man_n have_v at_o present_a be_v sufficient_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o oblige_v he_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o judge_v faith_n true_a who_o ever_o have_v humane_a reason_n ought_v to_o assent_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v show_v false_a or_o possible_a that_o other_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v it_o so_o put_v those_o ground_n also_o in_o the_o same_o man_n and_o since_o they_o must_v be_v convictive_a of_o 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truth_n on_o either_o side_n in_o that_o matter_n or_o subject_n objection_n vi._n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n may_v be_v false_a the_o arguer_n misunderstand_v it_o to_o mean_v that_o we_o assert_v it_o may_v actual_o and_o indeed_o be_v show_v so_o whereas_o it_o be_v only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o for_o any_o thing_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n evince_n or_o force_v to_o the_o contrary_n answer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o possibility_n to_o any_o thing_n mean_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o relation_n to_o its_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o nor_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a to_o we_o but_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o such_o that_o be_v of_o be_v actual_o show_v so_o to_o we_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v forcible_o admit_v by_o he_o who_o put_v no_o proper_a or_o necessary_a cause_n in_o the_o thing_n nor_o consequent_o conclusive_a motive_n in_o man_n understanding_n why_o this_o faith_n now_o profess_v shall_v necessary_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o different_a thing_n to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o he_o who_o maintain_v that_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a if_o he_o be_v honest_a know_v what_o he_o maintain_v to_o be_v true_a otherwise_o certain_o he_o be_v very_o wicked_a who_o will_v thus_o disgrace_v or_o diminish_v faith_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v his_o position_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n whence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o man_n must_v not_o only_o say_v i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o he_o must_v if_o he_o will_v speak_v out_o what_o he_o think_v be_v oblige_v to_o say_v i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v false_a however_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o declare_v categorical_o and_o sincere_o his_o tenet_n in_o so_o odious_a a_o point_n or_o hazard_v his_o credit_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o sentiment_n he_o contradict_v so_o express_o objection_n vii_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o faith_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n that_o america_n will_v not_o be_v drown_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o henry_n the_o eight_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v only_o moral_o certain_a and_o enough_o for_o humane_a action_n since_o they_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n or_o leave_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n behind_o they_o which_o as_o mr._n still_v fleet_n tell_v we_o app._n p._n 76._o be_v the_o high_a actual_a certainty_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v certainty_n enough_o for_o i_o to_o use_v my_o house_n that_o i_o be_o moral_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v on_o my_o head_n though_o i_o have_v no_o absolute_a security_n but_o it_o may_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o certainty_n seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o mankind_n be_v more_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o the_o generality_n than_o the_o other_o rigorous_a and_o over-straining_a certainty_n which_o seem_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o high_a sort_n of_o speculater_n than_o for_o a_o world_n of_o man_n which_o comprehend_v capacity_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perhaps_o of_o little_a learning_n answer_n the_o objecter_n must_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o instance_n be_v only-morally-certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a ere_o he_o allege_v they_o for_o such_o that_o of_o henry_n the_o eight_o which_o do_v indeed_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o belief_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v practical_o self_n evident_a and_o demonstrable_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a to_o parallel_v faith_n certitude_n be_v all_o of_o material_a thing_n who_o very_a essence_n be_v to_o be_v mutable_a whereas_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o matter_n not_o subject_a to_o contingency_n be_v essential_o incapable_a of_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v that_o be_v still_o truth_n so_o that_o far_o easy_a be_v it_o that_o all_o material_a nature_n shall_v undergo_v all_o the_o change_n imaginable_a than_o that_o any_o such_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v itself_o or_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v in_o we_o desist_v to_o be_v true_a or_o conclusive_a in_o particular_a i_o will_v askâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o immediate_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v drown_v which_o exceed_v the_o case_n of_o america_n possible_a destruction_n or_o as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o after_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v never_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o or_o last_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o house_n of_o who_o firmness_n none_o have_v actual_a doubt_n shall_v fall_v if_o so_o than_o the_o stand_v of_o the_o sun_n in_o ioshuah_n time_n and_o its_o retrogradation_n in_o ezekiah_n show_v the_o unparallelness_n of_o these_o instance_n you_o will_v say_v these_o be_v both_o miraculous_a but_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n first_o because_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o sober_a man_n that_o even_o miracle_n can_v make_v such_o truth_n falsehood_n or_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o point_n inconclusive_a or_o invalid_n next_o because_o if_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o a_o deist_n demand_v how_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v prove_v indeed_o false_a we_o can_v be_v assure_v god_n goodness_n to_o mankind_n will_v not_o step_v in_o even_o miraculous_o to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o illusion_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o falsehood_n so_o absurd_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o high_a repute_n of_o sacred_a and_o divine_a truth_n concern_v the_o last_o instance_n of_o the_o moral_a certainty_n of_o a_o house_n stand_v which_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o by_o learned_a protestant_n as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o act_v as_o steady_o and_o hearty_o as_o if_o i_o have_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o will_v not_o possible_o fall_v beside_o the_o general_n answer_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n which_o render_v the_o case_n unparallel_a i_o reply_v that_o the_o two_o house_n the_o one_o in_o holborn_n the_o other_o in_o king_n street_n which_o of_o late_a year_n &_o a_o three_o in_o cock_n lane_n which_o of_o late_a day_n fall_v when_o
for_o the_o establishment_n or_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v how_o insufficient_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n how_o unfit_a for_o the_o end_n and_o unable_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n true_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a ought_v to_o do_v need_v no_o declaration_n to_o manifest_v it_o since_o no_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v without_o difficulty_n refrain_v from_o smile_v at_o the_o ridiculous_a levity_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o assenter_n inference_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n conclude_v all_o controversy_n 1._o it_o rest_v then_o evince_v and_o demonstrative_o conclude_v with_o as_o great_a firmness_n as_o first_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o for_o premise_n and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n can_v establish_v it_o that_o that_o most_o firm_a or_o unchangeable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o its_o professor_n to_o assert_v it_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n constancy_n and_o pledge_n imaginable_a to_o be_v true_a and_o its_o object_n point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n conclude_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o so_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o since_o nothing_o can_v or_o ought_v in_o true_a reason_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o if_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v weaken_v faith_n itself_o which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o into_o a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n 3._o it_o follow_v with_o the_o same_o clearness_n that_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o we_o be_v any_o live_a authority_n that_o authority_n must_v be_v infallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n for_o if_o fallible_a faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o will_v still_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o likewise_o that_o if_o it_o be_v any_o book_n both_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o book_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v faith_n build_v on_o it_o and_o withal_o the_o sense_n know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o in_o case_n either_o of_o these_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o preserve_v they_o such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v true_o judge_v or_o find_v to_o be_v possible_a faith_n which_o be_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o will_v still_o be_v leave_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a 4._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o those_o pretend_v faithful_a who_o have_v not_o ground_n of_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v no_o act_n of_o belief_n but_o what_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o they_o know_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a nor_o consequent_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v true_o faithful_a as_o not_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n a_o assent_n build_v either_o on_o infallible_a live_a authority_n or_o on_o unmistakeable_a letter_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n §_o 3._o but_o opinion_n only_o 5._o it_o follow_v with_o like_a evidence_n that_o a_o controvertist_n be_v one_o who_o be_v to_o assert_v faith_n not_o by_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o explain_v they_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o school-divine_a but_o into_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o or_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o bring_v proof_n which_o he_o judge_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v nay_o which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o show_v faith_n and_o its_o rule_n 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