affection_n pre-requisit_a to_o faith_n derogate_v nothing_o from_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o generate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o propose_v the_o most_o convince_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o authority_n convey_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o can_v prevail_v nothing_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n by_o his_o peculiar_a power_n plant_v antecedent_o in_o their_o heart_n this_o good_a disposition_n and_o prepare_v terram_fw-la bonam_fw-la that_o their_o endeavour_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o the_o sower_n seed_n take_v root_n no_o more_o than_o paul_n though_o miraculous_a can_v convert_v all_o that_o see_v his_o miracle_n or_o hear_v his_o preach_a but_o only_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v as_o he_o do_v lydia_n it_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o discourse_n how_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a that_o be_v as_o depend_v on_o this_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o set_v the_o understanding_n on_o work_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o so_o produce_v they_o the_o whole_a humane_a action_n be_v free_a because_o the_o will_n order_v it_o though_o she_o do_v not_o produce_v it_o all_o or_o though_o freedom_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o the_o body_n so_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a because_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n which_o be_v free_a though_o no_o freedom_n be_v find_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o a_o qualification_n but_o pure_a necessity_n of_o assent_v when_o the_o motive_n be_v see_v to_o be_v conclusive_a no_o need_n then_o be_v there_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n to_o piece_n out_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v assent_n to_o a_o degree_n beyond_o what_o it_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v a_o impossibility_n in_o humane_a nature_n right_o and_o connatural_o govern_v and_o i_o much_o fear_v no_o small_a disgrace_n to_o christian_a faith_n consider_v the_o obstinate_a bent_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o confound_v the_o speculative_a thought_n of_o divine_n explain_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n less_o careful_o with_o their_o sentiment_n issue_v natural_o from_o they_o as_o christian_n nay_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o what_o can_v revince_o be_v reply_v to_o a_o atheist_n object_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o christian_n make_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n ground_n stand_v need_v to_o be_v pec_v out_o by_o obscurity_n our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o ignorance_n and_o the_o rationality_n of_o they_o by_o will_n without_o reason_n that_o be_v wilfulness_n wherefore_o i_o carnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v even_o per_fw-la viscera_fw-la christi_fw-la all_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o have_v speculative_o hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n i_o here_o impugn_v for_o practical_o and_o as_o christian_n they_o hold_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o point_n once_o more_o and_o not_o to_o obstruct_v the_o resolve_v christian_a faith_n into_o immovable_a principle_n or_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n by_o a_o opinion_n only_o spring_v from_o the_o conceit_a difficulty_n in_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o yet_o themselves_o to_o a_o man_n profess_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n i_o humble_o beg_v leave_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o these_o few_o consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a faith_n be_v no_o less_o faith_n or_o a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n though_o that_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v both_o firm_a and_o more_o rational_a even_o for_o that_o very_a regard_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v it_o be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o perfect_o rational_a and_o consequent_o that_o its_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v so_o able_a to_o ascertain_v it_o that_o they_o place_v it_o beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o a_o inclination_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v have_v neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n in_o it_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o or_o indeed_o apt_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o tenet_n four_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o a_o antecedent_n pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n be_v still_o requisite_a to_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o perfect_a conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o this_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la at_o least_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o divine_n be_v sufficient_a five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o solid_a divine_n that_o faith_n consist_v with_o evidence_n in_o the_o attester_n six_o that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_v his_o assistance_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a term_n that_o it_o be_v irrational_a or_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o whereas_o all_o good_a christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o judge_v their_o act_n of_o faith_n immovable_a assent_n these_o author_n as_o speculater_n put_v all_o the_o reason_n for_o faith_n to_o leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o make_v this_o pious_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o elevate_v it_o to_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o be_v vast_o high_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n as_o if_o a_o rational_a creature_n not_o deviate_a total_o from_o its_o nature_n but_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n ought_v therefore_o to_o hold_v a_o point_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o itself_o have_v a_o affection_n or_o as_o we_o say_v a_o great_a mind_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o seven_o this_o assertion_n render_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n not_o only_o unmaintainable_a as_o have_v be_v now_o show_v but_o also_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o for_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n to_o other_o that_o my_o affection_n which_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o i_o be_v rational_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o mislead_v i_o when_o as_o the_o very_a position_n oblige_v i_o to_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o this_o affection_n push_v forward_o my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o reason_n it_o have_v that_o be_v as_o to_o this_o degree_n in_o my_o assent_n which_o be_v no_o small_a one_o since_o it_o raise_v it_o from_o judge_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v such_o without_o reason_n or_o will_v not_o this_o speculative_a tenet_n seem_v to_o force_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o most_o intrinsical_a consideration_n viz._n the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n be_v make_v by_o this_o doctrine_n full_a as_o dark_a a_o hole_n as_o it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o private_a spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a authority_n suffice_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n both_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v will_v that_o mankind_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v act_v irrational_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o the_o world_n so_o pestilent_a as_o a_o error_n abet_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a patronage_n of_o god_n authority_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o age_n and_o our_o homebred_a experience_n testify_v whence_o that_o very_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a it_o be_v engage_v for_o a_o truth_n ere_o we_o admit_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o may_v secure_o though_o with_o a_o humble_a truth_n say_v with_o richardus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la domine_fw-la si_fw-la error_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la decepti_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n imaginable_a than_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v it_o
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
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
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
or_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o which_o only_o can_v oblige_v connatural_o the_o understanding_n to_o conceit_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_n to_o love_v it_o according_o in_o which_o conceit_v and_o hearty_o love_a not_o only_o the_o intend_v and_o command_v part_n of_o the_o action_n be_v place_v in_o our_o case_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o our_o act_n for_o material_a good_n but_o also_o the_o executive_a and_o assecutive_a part_n of_o it_o not_o the_o same_o sleightness_n of_o motive_n therefore_o or_o moral_a certainty_n will_v here_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o true_a certainty_n or_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o proper_a to_o beget_v a_o hearty_a lively_a steady_a and_o all-over-powering_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o such_o as_o may_v as_o it_o ought_v make_v christian_n practical_o repute_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o §_o 9_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n false_a which_o force_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o beget_v it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n above_o those_o which_o ground_n our_o action_n of_o pursue_v temporary_a good_n be_v the_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n truth_n exalt_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n many_o of_o they_o look_v so_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a to_o our_o course_n humane_a reason_n unrefined_a by_o faith_n that_o as_o they_o seem_v of_o old_a to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n so_o still_o they_o be_v acknowledged_o most_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o grossness_n of_o fancy_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o unelevate_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v lead_v and_o confess_o above_o reason_n insomuch_o as_o it_o cost_v the_o best_a wit_n of_o christianity_n no_o small_a pain_n to_o maintain_v they_o not_o to_o be_v contradictory_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a put_v then_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o only_a seem_a certainty_n i_o may_v say_v the_o confess_a want_n of_o certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o counterballance_v by_o the_o incredibleness_n and_o seem_a contradictoriness_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n or_o rather_o indeed_o overballance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o overplus_n of_o weight_n leave_v to_o incline_v they_o to_o hold_v those_o point_n true_a rather_o than_o false_a much_o less_o to_o make_v they_o absolute_o hold_v they_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v assert_v the_o contrary_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o will_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o or_o by_o what_o standard_n he_o will_v measure_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o two_o counterposed_a unlikelihood_n viz._n that_o the_o possible_o false_a motive_n of_o faith_n shall_v hap_v to_o be_v actual_o such_o or_o that_o the_o seeming-impossibility_n in_o the_o object_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v a_o real_a one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v here_o that_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v exceed_o exalt_v above_o its_o creature_n and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v his_o perfection_n by_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n find_v in_o creature_n but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o for_o however_o this_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o its_o perfection_n as_o in_o itself_o yet_o here_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n in_o regard_n faith_n teach_v we_o many_o other_o point_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o most_o strange_o debase_v and_o vilify_a it_o as_o that_o god_n infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o injurious_a buffering_n scourge_n and_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o a_o creature_n sake_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o that_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n can_v not_o invent_v and_o practise_v some_o easy_a and_o more_o honourable_a way_n to_o work_v the_o end_n they_o intend_v and_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v beseem_v infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o person_n superlative_o innocent_a shall_v be_v so_o severe_o punish_v to_o do_v a_o undue_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o be_v enormous_o wicked_a this_o consideration_n then_o necessitate_v plain_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a for_o else_o it_o will_v be_v irrational_a to_o believe_v it_o and_o last_o it_o show_v the_o case_n of_o christian_a interior_a act_n utter_o unparallel_a to_o that_o of_o act_v exterior_o for_o sensible_a and_o material_a good_n which_o one_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v attainable_a and_o also_o comprehend_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v they_o without_o puzz'le_v his_o understanding_n with_o any_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n in_o the_o business_n to_o check_v his_o assent_n ere_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v well_o on_o the_o condition_n those_o person_n be_v in_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o to_o this_o be_v propose_v for_o object_n to_o the_o one_o side_n the_o motive_n to_o faith_n or_o the_o authority_n in_o our_o case_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o on_o the_o other_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o mystery_n let_v then_o those_o person_n understanding_n no_o better_a elevate_v go_v about_o to_o scan_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o i_o think_v confess_v by_o all_o they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o they_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a but_o this_o motive_n or_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o adversary_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o proportion_v object_n for_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v then_o against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o motive_n of_o dissent_n be_v in_o that_o case_n evident_o great_a than_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_n §_o 10._o again_o since_o it_o be_v incomparable_o faith_n more_o easy_a to_o throw_v down_o than_o to_o build_v or_o less_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v a_o objection_n than_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v orderly_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o severely-connected_n frame_v of_o discourse_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n particular_o when_o those_o point_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a to_o fancy_n and_o even_o exalt_v above_o reason_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o very_o plausible_a and_o easy_o penetrable_a objection_n on_o which_o disadvantage_n or_o disproportion_n to_o weak_a judgement_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a excellency_n on_o the_o object_n be_v side_n atheist_n ground_v their_o drollery_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a there_o will_v be_v consider_v the_o rudeness_n and_o unelevatedness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o their_o fancyled_a understanding_n great_a temptation_n and_o more_o plausible_a that_o be_v to_z they_o strong_a motive_n lay_v to_o make_v they_o dissent_v to_o those_o mystery_n than_o to_o make_v they_o assent_v the_o motive_n to_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o faith_n itself_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a seven_o eviction_n §_o 1._o perhaps_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n express_v most_o manifest_o their_o sentiment_n may_v give_v to_o some_o a_o more_o natural_a and_o penetrable_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a faith_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o all_o the_o speculative_a and_o scientifical_a proof_n hitherto_o deduce_v §_o 2._o for_o their_o language_n then_o i_o only_o will_n hint_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o my_o prudential_a reader_n for_o to_o transcribe_v they_o be_v endless_a all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n father_n council_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o these_o very_a day_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o will_n and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o will_v i_o straighten_v the_o signification_n
of_o the_o mysterye_n themselves_o exceed_o enhaunce_v the_o other_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v a_o high_a disadvantage_n on_o faith_n side_n nay_o grant_v a_o pretty_a high_a probability_n which_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o they_o care_v for_o yet_o the_o notone_o improbability_n but_o seeming-impossibility_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n if_o take_v not_o as_o stand_n under_o authority_n but_o as_o object_n of_o our_o humane_a reason_n as_o in_o this_o counterballancing_a case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v quite_o overpoise_v the_o probable_a motive_n and_o incline_v the_o soul_n strong_o towards_o dissent_n unless_o interest_n custom_n or_o some_o other_o affection_n come_v in_o to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o weak_a motive_n print_v it_o in_o a_o big_a letter_n and_o diminish_v the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o object_n by_o not_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v or_o penetrate_v that_o be_v by_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o right_a reason_n now_o in_o this_o case_n if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v a_o protestant_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n lay_v odds_o and_o wager_v two_o to_o one_o at_o least_o his_o faith_n be_v all_o a_o falsehood_n a_o strange_a impiety_n but_o yet_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o impious_a tenet_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a sequel_n of_o deny_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 10._o the_o same_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o martyr_n and_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o circumstance_n of_o all_o witness_n the_o most_o solemn_a and_o serious_a and_o the_o perfect_a under_o that_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o engage_v not_o only_a his_o word_n but_o his_o life_n and_o dear_a blood_n for_o what_o he_o testify_v now_o all_o witness_v or_o attestation_n be_v most_o evident_o of_o what_o the_o witnesser_n know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o nothing_o sound_v more_o unnatural_o or_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o action_n than_o to_o have_v a_o likelihood_n for_o its_o object_n or_o to_o witness_v what_o he_o know_v not_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o occasion_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o martyr_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n faith_n must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o that_o one_o can_v know_v what_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o no_o less_o unnatural_o will_v it_o false_a sound_v shall_v we_o gather_v together_o and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o equivalent_a speech_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a such_o as_o be_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o heaven_n no_o man_n know_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n a_o hell_n a_o jesus_n christ_n a_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n no_o man_n see_v any_o reason_n secure_v faith_n from_o be_v a_o lie_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v unstable_a and_o may_v be_v overthrow_v absolute_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o christian_n be_v to_o profess_v and_o aught_o to_o die_v for_o it_o may_v be_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o many_o lie_v and_o false_a as_o so_o many_o oldwife_n tale_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v spiritual_a darkness_n and_o error_n what_o we_o hold_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n may_v perhaps_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o all_o lie_n all_o our_o supernatural_a truth_n may_v be_v diabolical_a falsehood_n faith_n have_v no_o principle_n the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o truth_n but_o likelihood_n only_o these_o and_o innumerable_a such_o other_o be_v all_o equivalent_a periphrasis_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o in_o this_o treatise_n have_v be_v manifest_v but_o how_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a needs_o no_o proof_n but_o thebare_a rehearse_n of_o they_o §_o 12._o from_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n faith_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a profess_v faith_n we_o come_v next_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o christianity_n not_o proceed_v as_o speculater_n and_o scholar_n a_o most_o trifle_a impertinent_a topick_n when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n yet_o most_o frequent_o use_v by_o our_o adversary_n especial_o mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o mr._n pool_n who_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o practice_v that_o wilful_a mistake_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o faithful_a and_o this_o not_o only_o act_v or_o speak_v in_o abstraction_n from_o humane_a knowledge_n but_o as_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n and_o despite_n of_o it_o now_o with_o these_o intelligent_a person_n it_o be_v very_o solemn_a after_o by_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v come_v to_o embrace_v faith_n itself_o immediate_o to_o discard_v &_o renounce_v all_o tenet_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a faith_n how_o certain_a soever_o they_o hold_v they_o former_o nay_o to_o stand_v with_o a_o mind_n prepare_v to_o disassent_v to_o anypiece_n of_o humane_a learning_n how_o scientifical_a soever_o it_o look_v which_o they_o see_v evident_o to_o thwart_v any_o of_o those_o believe_v truth_n make_v account_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n captivare_fw-la intellectum_fw-la in_o obsequium_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o yield_v they_o total_o up_o by_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n and_o not_o to_o heed_n or_o credit_v any_o objection_n or_o proposal_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a when_o once_o the_o stable_n and_o immovable_a ground_n or_o motive_n of_o divine_a belief_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v subdue_v their_o judgement_n to_o that_o invincible_a assent_n but_o to_o rest_v well_o assure_v that_o all_o reason_n be_v fallacious_a and_o all_o position_n false_a which_o go_v against_o those_o sacred_a and_o establish_v truth_n this_o be_v ever_o their_o unanimous_a and_o constant_a profession_n particular_o the_o father_n be_v full_a of_o expression_n of_o that_o kind_n a_o evident_a argument_n that_o as_o christian_n they_o ever_o hold_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o honesty_n and_o their_o love_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o have_v so_o ready_o reject_v their_o formerly-conceited_n truth_n nor_o to_o have_v stop_v their_o ear_n so_o obstinate_o to_o new_a reason_n against_o faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o ought_v in_o due_a candour_n to_o have_v still_o weigh_v the_o opposite_a thesis_n and_o the_o objection_n perpetual_o allege_v against_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n and_o consider_v which_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o have_v still_o conclude_v so_o partial_o on_o faith_n side_n and_o obstinate_o resolve_v to_o hear_v nothing_o against_o it_o bear_v themselves_o as_o if_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o faith_n rule_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v indeed_o as_o if_o faith_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v false_a §_o 13._o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o life_n hold_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a aught_o in_o conscience_n and_o their_o natural_a duty_n or_o love_n to_o truth_n remain_v seeker_n all_o their_o life_n for_o however_o they_o may_v hope_v at_o present_a that_o what_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o since_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v the_o affair_n and_o its_o concern_n be_v so_o 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a._n 50_o ad_fw-la 4m_fw-la cum_fw-la opinion_n simul_fw-la esse_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la simpliciter_fw-la de_fw-la eodem_fw-la quia_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la scientiae_fw-la est_fw-la quòd_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la scitur_fw-la ex_fw-la â—stimetur_fw-la impossibile_fw-it esse_fw-la aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la de_fw-la ratione_fw-la autem_fw-la opinionis_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la opinatum_fw-la existimetur_fw-la possibile_fw-la aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la sed_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la fide_fw-la tenâ—tur_fw-la propter_fw-la fidei_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la existimatur_fw-la etiam_fw-la impossibile_fw-it aliter_fw-la se_fw-la habere_fw-la and_o again_o in_o the_o same_o question_n ao_o 4o._o ad_fw-la 2o._o ea_fw-la quae_fw-la subsunt_fw-la fidei_fw-la dupliciter_fw-la considerari_fw-la possunt_fw-la uno_fw-la modo_fw-la in_o speciali_fw-la &_o sic_fw-la non_fw-la possunt_fw-la esse_fw-la simul_fw-la visa_fw-la &_o credita_fw-la 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as_o all_o other_o skill_n do_v that_o be_v from_o what_o be_v find_v in_o rational_a soul_n as_o rational_a or_o apt_a to_o discourse_v by_o observe_v the_o motion_n of_o which_o when_o it_o behave_v itself_o rational_o the_o logician_n set_v down_o rule_n how_o to_o demean_v our_o thought_n steady_o and_o constant_o according_a to_o right_a reason_n so_o that_o the_o manner_n of_o work_v in_o artificial_a discourser_n in_o this_o only_o differ_v from_o that_o of_o natural_a one_o that_o the_o one_o act_n direct_o the_o other_o reflect_o for_o example_n a_o vulgar_a soul_n when_o it_o assent_v interior_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o affirm_v have_v true_o in_o it_o what_o a_o logician_n call_v a_o proposition_n and_o that_o proposition_n have_v true_o in_o it_o what_o correspond_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o subject_a copula_fw-la and_o predicate_v though_o he_o reflect_v not_o on_o it_o as_o do_v a_o logician_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n when_o he_o gather_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o new_a 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who_o conver_v with_o they_o can_v choose_v but_o have_v again_o nature_n imbue_v they_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o principle_n on_o which_o the_o force_n of_o all_o consequence_n be_v ground_v as_o also_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o all_o those_o we_o call_v principia_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la or_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n hence_o their_o rational_a nature_n be_v lead_v direct_o by_o a_o natural_a course_n to_o see_v evident_o and_o assent_v to_o divers_a conclusion_n without_o any_o reflection_n or_o speculation_n which_o rude_a but_o unerring_a draught_n of_o knowledge_n be_v call_v by_o i_o in_o sure_a foot_n and_o elsewhere_o practical_a self-evidence_n because_o it_o be_v a_o natural_a result_n of_o practice_n or_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o those_o thing_n a_o instance_n will_v at_o once_o clear_a this_o and_o if_o right_o choose_v be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o reader_n of_o sure_a foot_n a_o unlearned_a person_n that_o can_v read_v a_o word_n believe_v 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experimental_o in_o himself_o which_o do_v deny_v the_o goodness_n of_o it_o and_o you_o shall_v find_v he_o will_v as_o teach_v by_o nature_n
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 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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
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