Selected quad for the lemma: ground_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
ground_n faith_n rule_n scripture_n 4,181 5 6.7162 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A65779 Controversy-logicke, or, The methode to come to truth in debates of religion written by Thomas White, Gentleman. White, Thomas, 1593-1676. 1659 (1659) Wing W1816; ESTC R8954 77,289 240

There are 4 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

defendant_n for_o his_o answer_v and_o according_o since_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o nothing_o but_o demonstration_n can_v give_v security_n of_o a_o disputable_a truth_n he_o who_o in_o a_o disputation_n of_o this_o nature_n undertake_v to_o prove_v a_o assertion_n ought_v first_o to_o engage_v his_o credit_n that_o in_o his_o conscience_n he_o esteem_v the_o argument_n he_o intend_v to_o propose_v to_o be_v demonstrative_a how_o ever_o he_o may_v apprehend_v a_o fail_n on_o his_o part_n in_o press_v it_o either_o through_o want_n of_o sufficient_a skill_n or_o through_o the_o over_o proportion_n of_o his_o adversary_n ability_n or_o through_o the_o difficulty_n of_o well_o open_v the_o matter_n and_o make_v the_o truth_n appear_v if_o he_o refuse_v to_o do_v this_o he_o be_v to_o be_v protest_v against_o for_o a_o thief_n and_o a_o robber_n as_o our_o saviour_n himself_o style_v such_o who_o have_v a_o design_n to_o abuse_v his_o hearer_n and_o to_o draw_v their_o soul_n for_o some_o private_a interest_n of_o his_o own_o into_o eternal_a damnation_n and_o the_o auditory_a be_v to_o be_v contest_v that_o such_o a_o disputation_n as_o the_o arguer_n intend_v be_v a_o mere_a juggle_n and_o imposture_n a_o brabble_a base_a counterscuffle_n not_o fit_a for_o a_o grave_a man_n to_o have_v a_o share_n in_o but_o a_o mere_a scold_n loss_n of_o time_n and_o vexation_n both_o to_o the_o hearer_n and_o to_o the_o actor_n the_o respondent_n task_n be_v not_o so_o rigorous_a it_o be_v enough_o for_o he_o to_o maintain_v that_o his_o adversary_n can_v not_o convince_v his_o tenet_n of_o falsity_n he_o be_v for_o this_o passage_n but_o a_o defendant_n not_o a_o prover_n thus_o far_o for_o opponent_n and_o defendant_n in_o common_a but_o now_o to_o apply_v this_o to_o catholic_n and_o to_o those_o who_o have_v part_v from_o they_o let_v we_o begin_v with_o consider_v how_o their_o main_a difference_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o catholic_a hold_v his_o doctrine_n because_o it_o come_v to_o he_o by_o his_o forefather_n from_o christ_n and_o rely_v upon_o his_o forefather_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o the_o adversary_n universal_o do_v rely_v upon_o either_o scripture_n or_o reason_n as_o for_o reason_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o a_o doctrine_n that_o be_v hold_v by_o authority_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n the_o catholic_a maintain_v it_o as_o strong_o as_o they_o neither_o have_v they_o it_o but_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o catholic_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o argument_n they_o can_v bring_v out_o of_o scripture_n against_o catholic_n do_v bear_v in_o their_o forehead_n a_o prejudice_n of_o be_v either_o false_a or_o at_o least_o uncertain_a the_o tienth_fw-mi reflection_n of_o some_o particular_n belong_v to_o catholic_n other_o to_o their_o adversary_n out_o of_o these_o premise_n there_o follow_v some_o very_a considerable_a difference_n between_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n in_o point_n of_o disputation_n the_o first_o be_v that_o a_o catholic_a ought_v not_o for_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n to_o admit_v of_o any_o disputation_n at_o all_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n for_o he_o rely_v upon_o a_o better_a ground_n than_o any_o his_o adversary_n can_v offer_v to_o he_o namely_o a_o infallible_a and_o irrefragable_a authority_n he_o take_v reason_n for_o a_o insufficient_a judge_n in_o controversy_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o against_o dispute_v out_o of_o scripture_n he_o have_v two_o prejudice_n the_o one_o that_o he_o hold_v his_o faith_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o receive_v the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o if_o scripture_n shall_v prove_v any_o thing_n against_o his_o faith_n which_o be_v impossible_a it_o will_v make_v he_o believe_v neither_o and_o so_o will_v not_o change_v he_o to_o be_v of_o a_o new_a religion_n but_o cause_v he_o to_o be_v of_o none_o the_o other_o prejudice_n be_v that_o he_o who_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n proceed_v text_n who_o sense_n be_v disputable_a in_o the_o word_n themselves_o whereas_o the_o catholic_a be_v beforehand_o assure_v of_o the_o sense_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n therefore_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o he_o to_o search_v in_o a_o uncertain_a instructor_n the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o he_o already_o know_v certain_o yet_o further_o if_o any_o catholic_a do_v admit_v disputation_n for_o his_o own_o sake_n and_o satisfaction_n he_o leave_v be_v a_o catholic_a for_o the_o end_n of_o disputation_n be_v to_o clear_v a_o doubt_n and_o therefore_o where_o be_v no_o doubt_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o dispute_v neither_o can_v a_o catholic_a have_v any_o doubt_n in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n unless_o he_o suspect_v his_o rule_n which_o if_o he_o once_o do_v he_o be_v no_o long_o a_o catholic_a on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o protestant_a build_v all_o his_o faith_n upon_o the_o ambiguous_a word_n of_o scripture_n so_o loud_o dispute_v and_o eternal_o disputable_a must_v necessary_o if_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a man_n live_v in_o perpetual_a doubt_n for_o the_o very_a opposition_n of_o so_o many_o wise_a and_o learned_a man_n as_o affirm_v that_o the_o word_n he_o allege_v do_v not_o signify_v that_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o his_o position_n be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v any_o rational_a man_n be_v in_o doubt_n of_o a_o exposition_n of_o word_n that_o may_v bear_v several_a sense_n which_o he_o see_v be_v so_o obvious_a and_o ordinary_a a_o rock_n of_o mistake_v therefore_o a_o protestant_a be_v not_o rational_a if_o he_o shall_v not_o always_o demand_v search_v and_o dispute_v until_o experience_n shall_v have_v teach_v he_o there_o be_v no_o end_n of_o it_o or_o by_o it_o he_o must_v resolve_v either_o to_o be_v ignorant_a and_o to_o trust_v or_o else_o to_o dispute_v without_o end_n and_o in_o very_a truth_n his_o dispute_v be_v to_o no_o end_n for_o suppose_v he_o be_v the_o arguent_fw-la and_o do_v convince_v his_o adversary_n yet_o after_o all_o his_o pain_n he_o have_v gain_v no_o more_o than_o only_o to_o perceive_v that_o his_o adversary_n be_v a_o weak_a disputant_n than_o he_o or_o that_o peradventure_o he_o be_v at_o that_o time_n surprise_v so_o that_o when_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o his_o better_a wit_n he_o may_v happy_o be_v able_a to_o salve_v his_o argument_n and_o if_o he_o be_v the_o defendant_n and_o chance_v to_o maintain_v his_o position_n yet_o it_o follow_v not_o that_o a_o better_a opponent_n than_o he_o have_v to_o deal_v withal_o may_v not_o have_v convince_v he_o so_o that_o on_o neither_o side_n there_o be_v any_o security_n to_o he_o because_o he_o bring_v no_o demonstration_n but_o only_o the_o bare_a appearance_n of_o ambiguous_a word_n there_o be_v a_o other_o impurity_n between_o catholic_n and_o their_o adversary_n in_o this_o that_o if_o the_o catholic_a be_v the_o opponent_n he_o can_v dispute_v but_o of_o one_o point_n namely_o of_o the_o infalliblity_n of_o the_o church_n because_o his_o adversary_n be_v oblige_v to_o no_o other_o for_o take_v what_o point_n you_o will_v beside_o and_o one_o may_v be_v a_o perfect_a protestant_a whether_o he_o hold_v it_o or_o deny_v it_o the_o authority_n of_o bishop_n be_v the_o main_a point_n of_o protestancy_n by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o sestary_n yet_o when_o it_o be_v for_o their_o turn_n the_o french_a presbyterian_n so_o great_a enemy_n to_o that_o government_n of_o the_o church_n be_v their_o dear_a brethren_n the_o greek_n the_o lutheran_n the_o socinian_o the_o anabaptist_n how_o many_o position_n do_v they_o maintain_v different_a from_o the_o protestant_n nevertheless_o when_o it_o please_v a_o protestant_n to_o make_v his_o boast_n of_o the_o large_a extent_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n all_o these_o be_v of_o this_o communion_n nay_o nay_o when_o he_o talk_v of_o the_o universal_a church_n no_o arrian_a eutychian_n nestorian_a or_o other_o professor_n of_o whatsoever_o damn_a heresy_n that_o have_v a_o share_n against_o popery_n be_v exclude_v by_o he_o from_o be_v a_o orthodox_a member_n of_o the_o catholic_a church_n but_o all_o be_v register_v in_o his_o calendar_n as_o professor_n of_o the_o only_a true_a faith_n and_o as_o witness_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n so_o that_o if_o a_o catholic_a be_v to_o argue_v he_o lose_v his_o labour_n in_o dispute_v of_o any_o point_n but_o of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n because_o he_o advance_v nothing_o by_o have_v the_o victory_n in_o any_o other_o for_o though_o he_o shall_v reduce_v his_o adversary_n to_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n in_o all_o other_o article_n yet_o not_o be_v so_o in_o this_o too_o he_o be_v as_o far_o as_o ever_o from_o be_v a_o catholic_a since_o the_o not_o believe_v of_o any_o one_o article_n of_o faith_n make_v a_o man_n no_o catholic_a or_o which_o
unprofitable_a servant_n in_o all_o which_o text_n neither_o be_v that_o say_a so_o much_o as_o by_o the_o outward_a word_n which_o they_o intend_v by_o allege_v they_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o show_n of_o connexion_n with_o what_o they_o pretend_v but_o rather_o for_o the_o most_o part_n such_o place_n do_v favour_v the_o adverse_a party_n as_o the_o first_o reprehend_v the_o fast_n of_o the_o wicked_a jew_n because_o they_o continue_v their_o impiety_n notwithstanding_o their_o afflict_v themselves_o which_o signify_v that_o the_o fast_n themselves_o be_v good_a but_o that_o the_o manner_n and_o circumstance_n in_o which_o they_o be_v do_v be_v nought_o the_o second_o clear_o conclude_v that_o see_v the_o disobedience_n in_o eat_v forbid_v meat_n flow_v from_o the_o heart_n it_o be_v sin_n not_o to_o abstain_v from_o they_o the_o three_o suppose_v evident_o that_o the_o commandment_n may_v be_v fullfil_v which_o be_v deny_v by_o protestant_n and_o imply_v that_o more_o may_v be_v do_v and_o consequent_o admit_v work_n of_o super_fw-la errogation_n i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o both_o these_o sort_n of_o argument_n be_v common_a to_o both_o party_n yet_o it_o be_v with_o this_o difference_n that_o the_o catholic_a rely_v not_o upon_o they_o as_o be_v fix_v upon_o his_o own_o firm_a and_o solid_a basis_n of_o have_v receive_v his_o faith_n by_o succession_n from_o christ_n and_o therefore_o in_o his_o mouth_n such_o be_v condescience_n to_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o auditory_a who_o he_o hope_v by_o this_o milk_n to_o make_v capable_a of_o a_o strong_a settlement_n but_o among_o protestant_n such_o argument_n and_o conjectural_a inference_n be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o their_o religion_n unto_o which_o sandy_a ground_n they_o strive_v to_o bring_v their_o auditory_a hinder_v they_o from_o settle_v upon_o the_o rock_n of_o the_o church_n the_o thirteen_o reflection_n of_o other_o sort_n of_o argument_n draw_v out_o of_o scripture_n but_o leave_v these_o shuttlecock_n argument_n which_o be_v easy_o bandy_v from_o either_o side_n let_v we_o look_v upon_o the_o next_o kind_n of_o argument_n which_o make_v use_n of_o a_o heap_n of_o text_n to_o prove_v the_o conclusion_n intend_v i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o this_o be_v a_o strong_a proceed_n if_o it_o find_v either_o a_o able_a logician_n to_o manage_v it_o or_o a_o auditory_a capable_a of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v very_o rare_a and_o therefore_o this_o course_n be_v fit_a for_o writing_n and_o for_o read_v with_o deliberation_n then_o for_o a_o sudden_a conflict_n upon_o the_o place_n there_o be_v two_o way_n of_o use_v this_o weapon_n the_o one_o simple_o accumulate_v many_o text_n give_v every_o one_o its_o force_n in_o short_a and_o overwhelm_v the_o auditor_n by_o their_o multitude_n this_o do_v well_o in_o a_o oration_n or_o sermon_n and_o carry_v a_o great_a resemblance_n of_o strength_n in_o it_o but_o if_o the_o whole_a discourse_n come_v to_o be_v anatomize_v by_o the_o adversary_n and_o the_o wakeness_n of_o every_o e_fw-it text_n show_v in_o particular_a then_o the_o conclusion_n stand_v naked_a and_o ashamed_a and_o the_o author_n amaze_v a_o see_v his_o own_o opinion_n so_o unexpected_o change_v and_o therefore_o in_o a_o disputation_n where_o the_o adversary_n have_v his_o law_n to_o answer_v only_o one_o this_o accumulation_n of_o text_n serve_v to_o little_a purpose_n more_o than_o to_o spend_v time_n the_o other_o way_n of_o employ_v a_o conglobation_n of_o text_n be_v to_o pretend_v to_o bring_v all_o the_o text_n that_o may_v be_v find_v in_o scripture_n favourable_a to_o either_o side_n and_o by_o compare_v they_o to_o show_v which_o party_n stand_v with_o scripture_n which_o against_o it_o but_o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o this_o proceed_n be_v not_o proper_a for_o a_o regular_a combat_n for_o the_o adversary_n will_v have_v right_a to_o claim_v the_o plant_n of_o his_o own_o batterye_n himself_o and_o may_v refuse_v to_o accept_v it_o from_o his_o enemy_n again_o to_o do_v this_o thing_n well_o and_o to_o make_v this_o comparison_n in_o due_a manner_n so_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o it_o be_v rather_o the_o subject_n of_o a_o book_n then_o fit_a for_o the_o proposal_n of_o one_o party_n to_o which_o the_o other_o be_v to_o answer_v immediate_o upon_o the_o place_n for_o the_o text_n ought_v to_o be_v examine_v that_o it_o may_v be_v determine_v which_o of_o they_o do_v formal_o contain_v the_o position_n that_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v and_o which_o only_o some_o verity_n connex_v to_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o may_v be_v draw_v and_o the_o degree_n of_o such_o connexion_n again_o what_o speech_n be_v proper_a what_o metaphorical_a and_o the_o degree_n of_o translation_n in_o they_o likewise_o the_o occasion_n of_o the_o speak_v those_o word_n and_o their_o coherence_n with_o action_n or_o word_n precedent_n and_o subsequent_a all_o which_o consideration_n be_v so_o manifold_a and_o so_o tedious_a to_o be_v well_o perform_v that_o they_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o brevity_n of_o a_o dialogisticall_a opposition_n but_o will_v require_v the_o make_n of_o long_a speech_n like_o whole_a sermon_n on_o each_o side_n which_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v irksome_a and_o displease_a to_o the_o auditory_a and_o in_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o be_v without_o effect_n see_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a ordinary_a memory_n shall_v bear_v away_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o notion_n so_o perfect_o as_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o frame_v a_o exact_a judgement_n of_o they_o beside_o if_o any_o one_o text_n of_o these_o be_v absolute_o convince_a the_o rest_n will_v be_v burdensome_a and_o but_o hinder_v and_o embroil_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o conclusion_n and_o if_o none_o of_o they_o do_v prove_v it_o clear_o then_o all_o of_o they_o together_o can_v but_o make_v one_o side_n more_o probable_a than_o the_o other_o which_o signify_v no_o more_o then_o that_o since_o the_o best_a of_o they_o be_v but_o probable_a you_o can_v rely_v on_o neither_o of_o they_o as_o true_a and_o certain_a and_o consequent_o all_o that_o be_v say_v be_v of_o no_o effect_n towards_o the_o end_n of_o controversy_n but_o be_v pure_o a_o superfluous_a labour_n and_o a_o trial_n of_o wit_n not_o a_o decide_n of_o question_n or_o a_o settle_n of_o the_o auditory_a in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n it_o now_o remain_v only_o in_o order_n to_o scripture-disputation_n that_o we_o speak_v of_o such_o argument_n as_o be_v draw_v from_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v plain_o contain_v such_o verity_n as_o be_v know_v and_o agree_v upon_o by_o both_o party_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o prove_v they_o so_o that_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o place_n be_v not_o at_o all_o ambiguous_a or_o controvert_v by_o either_o side_n and_o out_o of_o these_o you_o make_v your_o way_n to_o your_o conclusion_n or_o to_o other_o truth_n that_o be_v as_o yet_o unknown_a to_o you_o but_o that_o you_o desire_v to_o have_v certainty_n of_o now_o clear_v it_o be_v that_o it_o will_v avail_v as_o much_o to_o take_v the_o naked_a truth_n in_o themselves_o without_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o allege_v the_o word_n in_o this_o case_n for_o the_o truth_n themselves_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o both_o party_n it_o be_v needless_a to_o bring_v any_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o scripture_n serve_v but_o for_o a_o ornament_n in_o this_o discourse_n and_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o confess_a truth_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o this_o be_v a_o discourse_n of_o reason_n not_o of_o authority_n however_o a_o far_o off_o it_o may_v in_o some_o sort_n depend_v on_o scripture_n therefore_o we_o need_v not_o trouble_v ourselves_o at_o present_a with_o discuss_v this_o sort_n of_o argument_n but_o shall_v remit_v it_o to_o the_o examination_n of_o reason_n where_o on_o it_o depend_v i_o shall_v here_o end_v speak_v of_o argue_v out_o of_o scripture_n but_o because_o it_o be_v that_o which_o our_o adversary_n do_v use_v most_o at_o least_o the_o protestant_n and_o calvinist_n and_o the_o sect_n of_o their_o growth_n and_o because_o some_o person_n be_v so_o madde_o careless_a of_o their_o own_o salvation_n that_o they_o will_v content_v themselves_o with_o probability_n for_o their_o religion_n especial_o if_o scripture_n be_v make_v the_o pretence_n of_o it_o i_o be_o force_v to_o add_v yet_o a_o few_o line_n in_o regard_n of_o such_o person_n as_o make_v scripture_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o judge_v their_o controversy_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o aim_v at_o convince_a argument_n by_o the_o allegation_n that_o be_v bring_v out_o of_o holy_a written_a nor_o whether_o the_o point_n propose_v be_v true_a
there_o have_v be_v no_o place_n for_o that_o disjunctive_a syllable_n i_o easy_o believe_v that_o many_o a_o pert_a bachelor_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o can_v find_v way_n to_o salve_v all_o these_o place_n of_o scripture_n and_o many_o more_o if_o they_o be_v urge_v but_o that_o concern_v not_o i_o i_o inquire_v only_o what_o the_o outward_a face_n of_o scripture_n be_v and_o to_o what_o belief_n it_o will_v lead_v a_o honest_a heart_n leave_v to_o its_o own_o strength_n for_o if_o those_o queinte_v disputant_n do_v encounter_v with_o a_o person_n that_o be_v not_o enure_v to_o the_o sophistry_n they_o will_v turn_v black_a into_o white_a make_v two_o egg_n three_o as_o the_o tale_n go_v of_o the_o impertinent_a forward_a scholar_n and_o bring_v to_o pass_v whatsoever_o they_o undertake_v therefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o impose_v among_o the_o condition_n of_o read_v the_o bible_n this_o for_o a_o principal_a one_o that_o they_o who_o by_o scripture_n aim_v at_o come_v to_o the_o truth_n shall_v admit_v of_o no_o interpreter_n and_o this_o because_o of_o the_o danger_n in_o light_v upon_o a_o false_a one_o instead_o of_o a_o true_a one_o before_o one_o have_v ground_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v a_o false_a one_o and_o which_o a_o true_a one_o for_o the_o case_n be_v very_o indifferent_a between_o a_o catholic_a interpreter_n and_o any_o other_o the_o catholic_a know_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n independent_o from_o the_o word_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o in_o substantial_a point_n which_o concern_v christ_n doctrine_n he_o can_v teach_v or_o interpret_v amiss_o without_o swerve_v from_o his_o own_o faith_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o other_o who_o have_v no_o rule_n for_o his_o belief_n beside_o the_o bare_a letter_n and_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v subject_a to_o error_n through_o every_o passion_n and_o prejudice_n which_o hide_o sway_v his_o heart_n awry_o and_o corrupt_v his_o judgement_n by_o pride_n or_o other_o affection_n so_o that_o he_o may_v be_v right_o compare_v to_o a_o rot_a cane_n that_o be_v lean_v upon_o will_v break_v and_o with_o its_o splinter_n wound_n and_o gore_v he_o that_o expect_v support_v from_o it_o the_o seven_o reflection_n that_o the_o read_n of_o the_o father_n will_v bring_v a_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o natural_a reason_n will_v great_o advance_v a_o man_n thereunto_o it_o seem_v strange_a to_o i_o that_o any_o man_n who_o acknowledge_v scripture_n shall_v reject_v the_o father_n since_o he_o can_v not_o renounce_v they_o without_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n by_o so_o do_v that_o he_o believe_v himself_o to_o be_v able_a with_o his_o little_a wit_n and_o general_o less_o study_n and_o learning_n to_o penetrate_v deep_a into_o the_o intelligence_n of_o scripture_n than_o so_o many_o age_n eminent_a for_o industry_n science_n and_o holiness_n can_v reach_v unto_o and_o all_o this_o upon_o no_o other_o pretence_n but_o because_o they_o be_v man_n and_o consequent_o liable_a to_o err_a as_o if_o himself_o be_v not_o a_o man_n but_o something_o else_o so_o far_o beyond_o comparison_n with_o all_o other_o man_n that_o we_o ought_v rather_o to_o confide_v in_o his_o ability_n and_o honesty_n then_o in_o all_o mankind_n that_o go_v before_o he_o which_o be_v so_o unworthy_a and_o so_o intolerable_a a_o pride_n that_o i_o admire_v how_o any_o auditory_a can_v endure_v it_o but_o to_o come_v more_o close_o to_o the_o point_n i_o say_v that_o see_v the_o holy_a father_n do_v both_o receive_v the_o prevach_n of_o the_o apostle_n near_a hand_n than_o we_o do_v and_o do_v hold_v the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n as_o strong_o as_o we_o do_v and_o do_v spend_v much_o time_n in_o the_o earnest_a study_n of_o it_o and_o proceed_v therein_o with_o as_o sincere_a heart_n as_o we_o can_v it_o may_v in_o no_o wise_a be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o have_v the_o mean_n and_o the_o will_n of_o have_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o have_v it_o therefore_o what_o be_v their_o universal_a tenet_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n can_v not_o be_v false_a nor_o aught_o to_o be_v reject_v or_o with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n be_v question_v by_o we_o as_o disagree_v with_o scripture_n beside_o their_o writing_n be_v large_a and_o numerous_a in_o which_o upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o in_o differ_v circumstance_n they_o repeat_v and_o inculcate_v the_o same_o thing_n by_o different_a word_n and_o expression_n it_o must_v needs_o thence_o follow_v that_o their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n in_o most_o thing_n of_o importance_n can_v not_o choose_v but_o be_v sufficient_o explicate_v so_o as_o who_o ever_o shall_v read_v they_o with_o candour_n ingenuity_n and_o judgement_n can_v not_o possible_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o according_o experience_n have_v show_v we_o that_o the_o judicious_a protestant_n who_o give_v themselves_o to_o the_o read_n of_o the_o father_n be_v in_o judgement_n near_o unto_o catholic_n in_o most_o of_o their_o opinion_n and_o that_o which_o detain_v they_o from_o be_v absolute_o catholic_n be_v beside_o the_o chain_n of_o interest_n nothing_o but_o a_o secret_a pride_n of_o not_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o some_o particular_a point_n in_o which_o tradition_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a to_o they_o though_o withal_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o that_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n of_o some_o catholic_a tenet_n presume_v upon_o the_o explication_n of_o some_o particular_a doctor_n may_v unhappy_o contribute_v to_o this_o their_o obstinacy_n no_o doubt_n then_o but_o if_o any_o indifferent_a person_n not_o preimbibe_v with_o any_o wrong_a maxim_n shall_v bestow_v competent_a pain_n in_o read_v the_o father_n he_o will_v infallible_o become_v catholic_a especial_o if_o he_o take_v this_o rule_n along_o with_o he_o to_o compare_v the_o practice_n of_o protestant_n with_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o former_a church_n by_o which_o he_o will_v see_v that_o this_o which_o they_o call_v reformation_n have_v cut_v away_o under_o pretence_n of_o abuse_n not_o the_o abuse_n but_o the_o very_a thing_n themselves_o in_o which_o the_o abuse_n be_v like_o unskillful_a chirurgeon_n that_o cut_v of_o a_o leg_n to_o cure_v a_o small_a sore_n in_o it_o or_o like_o mahomet_n who_o take_v away_o all_o use_n of_o wine_n to_o cure_v drunkenness_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n they_o cavil_v at_o petty_a question_n in_o which_o they_o strive_v to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n have_v err_v as_o for_o natural_a reason_n no_o man_n will_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o entire_a mean_n of_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o christian_a religion_n but_o only_o that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o help_n thereunto_o by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o contradict_v reason_n as_o indeed_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o conformable_a to_o true_a reason_n than_o the_o whole_a economy_n of_o they_o be_v and_o i_o dare_v promise_v whosoever_o shall_v seek_v this_o that_o if_o he_o come_v unto_o it_o arm_v with_o true_a and_o sound_a philosophy_n he_o may_v arrive_v to_o a_o full_a contentment_n of_o his_o understanding_n and_o heart_n in_o all_o that_o concern_v so_o noble_a a_o enquiry_n now_o since_o catholic_a religion_n have_v be_v so_o intelligible_o divulge_v in_o the_o world_n st._n augustin_n make_v mention_v that_o he_o find_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o the_o platonist_n book_n now_o if_o you_o ask_v i_o how_o this_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o answer_v that_o god_n provide_v in_o alexandria_n a_o city_n much_o addict_v to_o learning_n one_o ammonius_n hermias_n a_o great_a philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_n he_o to_o make_v christian_a religion_n more_o acceptable_a seek_v to_o join_v it_o with_o platonic_a philosophy_n which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v plato_n have_v be_v be_v as_o numenius_n say_v of_o he_o moses_n speak_v greek_a that_o be_v to_o say_v one_o who_o have_v light_v upon_o the_o hebrew_n learning_n have_v suck_v much_o out_o of_o it_o now_o this_o ammonius_n find_v in_o plato_n the_o idea_n of_o be_v and_o of_o unity_n and_o of_o life_n and_o such_o other_o airy_a notion_n easy_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o to_o what_o he_o design_v endeavour_v by_o these_o to_o instill_v into_o his_o scholar_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n which_o he_o do_v with_o such_o happy_a success_n that_o of_o the_o three_o prime_a wit_n of_o his_o school_n the_o one_o origen_n become_v so_o great_a and_o eminent_a a_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n as_o antiquity_n have_v acknowledge_v he_o the_o other_o two_o amelius_n and_o plotinus_n prove_v two_o conductor_n of_o the_o
or_o false_a but_o whether_o side_n be_v the_o more_o probable_a or_o plausible_a pure_o in_o relation_n to_o scripture_n clear_o he_o who_o in_o any_o point_n will_v proceed_v according_a to_o conscience_n and_o prudence_n in_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v oblige_v to_o consider_v all_o that_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o whole_a scripture_n concerning_o that_o point_n weigh_v what_o he_o put_v in_o each_o side_n of_o the_o balance_n with_o the_o best_a judgement_n god_n afford_v he_o that_o so_o he_o may_v judicious_o pronounce_v sentence_n for_o the_o do_n of_o which_o he_o ought_v to_o consider_v not_o only_o the_o number_n of_o place_n that_o concern_v his_o purpose_n but_o their_o quality_n also_o and_o be_v able_a to_o compare_v those_o one_o with_o a_o other_o now_o this_o be_v so_o hard_a a_o task_n that_o the_o learn_a and_o able_a man_n a_o live_v may_v despair_v of_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v it_o for_o how_o can_v he_o or_o any_o man_n with_o reason_n persuade_v himself_o that_o either_o he_o or_o any_o other_o have_v ever_o produce_v or_o ever_o can_v produce_v out_o of_o scripture_n all_o that_o may_v from_o thence_o be_v allege_v for_o any_o point_n in_o controversy_n since_o our_o saviour_n himself_o have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a example_n that_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v and_o those_o efficacious_a one_o from_o text_n where_o we_o least_o dream_v of_o any_o such_o sense_n as_o when_o dispute_v against_o the_o sadducee_n he_o make_v this_o argument_n god_n be_v god_n of_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n but_o he_o be_v not_o god_n of_o nothing_o therefore_o abraham_n isaac_n and_o jacob_n shall_v rise_v again_o or_o do_v remain_v in_o soul_n hope_v for_o their_o body_n and_o resurrection_n who_o can_v be_v confident_a of_o say_v or_o know_v all_o that_o be_v in_o scripture_n concerning_o any_o point_n when_o the_o proof_n of_o truth_n may_v lie_v in_o such_o unlikely_a place_n sure_o it_o must_v be_v either_o a_o great_a ignorance_n or_o a_o great_a temerity_n to_o undertake_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o arrive_v so_o far_o in_o this_o way_n of_o search_n as_o to_o know_v real_o what_o be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a out_o of_o scripture_n but_o all_o that_o we_o may_v hope_v to_o attain_v unto_o be_v only_o to_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v what_o be_v more_o or_o less_o probable_a out_o of_o those_o place_n which_o well_o ourselves_o do_v know_v or_o at_o most_o out_o of_o those_o place_n which_o the_o author_n we_o have_v see_v do_v bring_v and_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o who_o rely_v on_o scripture_n or_o rather_o that_o profess_v to_o do_v so_o do_v not_o in_o truth_n rely_v upon_o it_o but_o upon_o their_o own_o or_o their_o teacher_n diligence_n who_o they_o suppose_v to_o know_v the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o scripture-proof_n which_o be_v not_o only_o false_a but_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o do_v the_o fourteen_o reflection_n on_o the_o argument_n draw_v out_o of_o the_o father_n the_o second_o nest_n of_o authority_n out_o of_o which_o argument_n take_v wing_n be_v the_o copious_a library_n of_o father_n wherein_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o whether_o catholic_a or_o protestant_a be_v to_o argue_v the_o text_n he_o allege_v have_v a_o double_a remove_n from_o the_o conclusion_n he_o will_v prove_v for_o whereas_o in_o allegation_n of_o scripture_n both_o side_n agree_v that_o what_o it_o say_v be_v certain_o true_a and_o so_o all_o the_o difficulty_n consist_v in_o know_v what_o be_v true_a meaning_n of_o the_o place_n allege_v it_o be_v otherwise_o allegation_n of_o father_n for_o in_o they_o there_o arise_v two_o question_n the_o one_o whether_o that_o which_o the_o argugent_n pretend_v be_v the_o father_n opinion_n the_o other_o whether_o that_o which_o the_o father_n say_v be_v true_a after_o it_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v his_o opinion_n for_o neither_o catholic_a nor_o protestant_a do_v agree_v to_o all_o thing_n that_o one_o or_o two_o father_n may_v hold_v but_o indeed_o protestant_n do_v defy_v they_o all_o and_o catholic_n require_v a_o universality_n in_o they_o to_o make_v they_o infallible_a so_o that_o if_o either_o catholic_a or_o protestant_a be_v the_o arguer_n he_o ought_v to_o settle_v beforehand_o with_o his_o adversary_n that_o such_o a_o father_n or_o father_n as_o he_o intend_v to_o produce_v be_v of_o unquestionable_a authority_n between_o they_o or_o else_o not_o to_o meddle_v with_o they_o for_o it_o be_v but_o labour_v lose_v and_o breath_n cast_v away_o the_o protestant_n use_v to_o make_v two_o comparison_n in_o father_n the_o one_o in_o age_n or_o antiquity_n the_o other_o in_o learning_n or_o reputation_n as_o for_o the_o former_a they_o insist_v much_o upon_o the_o three_o first_o age_n suppose_v they_o to_o be_v pure_a than_o the_o rest_n in_o do_v of_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o their_o aim_n be_v to_o reject_v all_o for_o when_o they_o list_v and_o that_o it_o concern_v they_o they_o will_v tell_v you_o that_o the_o impurity_n of_o doctrine_n begin_v as_o soon_o as_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a now_o if_o by_o this_o impurity_n they_o mean_v damnable_a error_n then_o by_o say_v so_o they_o evacuate_v all_o the_o authority_n of_o father_n for_o they_o allow_v it_o no_o further_o then_o as_o it_o please_v every_o disputant_n or_o minister_n to_o declare_v the_o point_n controvert_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v a_o damnable_a error_n and_o thus_o even_o the_o three_o first_o age_n be_v blow_v away_o with_o the_o rest_n but_o if_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n be_v no_o damnable_a error_n than_o the_o father_n authority_n import_v little_a err_v being_n but_o of_o small_a consequence_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o do_v not_o concern_v salvation_n and_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n upon_o a_o christian_n to_o know_v unnecessary_a truth_n in_o a_o word_n if_o the_o church_n can_v err_v and_o have_v err_v these_o thousand_o year_n it_o be_v but_o courtesy_n to_o say_v she_o do_v not_o so_o in_o the_o former_a six_o hundred_o and_o so_o in_o truth_n the_o father_n have_v no_o authority_n at_o all_o but_o if_o it_o can_v not_o err_v nor_o have_v err_v then_o the_o father_n of_o the_o latter_a age_n own_o as_o good_a witness_n as_o those_o of_o the_o former_a so_o they_o be_v induce_v with_o universality_n the_o other_o comparison_n or_o distinction_n that_o protestant_n use_v to_o make_v of_o the_o father_n concerning_o their_o learning_n and_o reputation_n be_v as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n as_o that_o of_o their_o antiquity_n for_o we_o do_v not_o cite_v father_n as_o doctor_n who_o opinion_n be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o reason_n they_o bring_v for_o it_o but_o as_o witness_n who_o authority_n consist_v in_o a_o grave_n and_o moderate_a knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v by_o the_o church_n in_o the_o age_n respective_o wherein_o they_o live_v and_o out_o of_o this_o it_o follow_v that_o for_o wittness_v of_o christian_a faith_n no_o one_o father_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o other_o it_o be_v true_a in_o some_o sense_n the_o testimony_n of_o a_o more_o ancient_a father_n may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o a_o more_o modern_a one_o because_o the_o formal_a witness_n of_o it_o be_v of_o more_o nearness_n to_o christ_n and_o of_o long_a durance_n towards_o we_o but_o in_o regard_n of_o learning_n no_o father_n have_v more_o authority_n nor_o be_v more_o to_o be_v value_v then_o a_o other_o for_o what_o concern_v faith_n though_o in_o other_o respect_n it_o be_v very_o considerable_a for_o a_o less_o learned_a father_n be_v as_o credible_a a_o witness_n as_o the_o learn_a of_o what_o be_v the_o present_a practice_n and_o belief_n of_o christian_n so_o he_o have_v learning_n sufficient_a to_o warrant_v his_o understanding_n and_o know_v so_o much_o and_o in_o reality_n any_o father_n who_o authority_n carry_v we_o beyond_o the_o apparent_a memory_n of_o mankind_n at_o present_n live_v be_v as_o good_a as_o the_o best_a for_o declare_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o time_n he_o live_v in_o which_o because_o it_o receive_v its_o doctrine_n by_o entail_n from_o age_n to_o age_n every_o father_n testimony_n in_o such_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o irrefragable_a to_o conclude_v therefore_o the_o catholic_a make_v no_o difference_n of_o the_o quality_n of_o father_n nor_o much_o of_o their_o antiquity_n but_o admit_v all_o so_o they_o come_v with_o universality_n the_o protestant_a though_o he_o will_v a_o little_a simper_n at_o it_o yet_o in_o conclusion_n he_o reject_v all_o set_v his_o own_o judgement_n which_o he_o call_v scripture_n for_o high_a umpire_n of_o what_o in_o they_o be_v right_a what_o wrong_v therefore_o