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judgement_n church_n scripture_n tradition_n 1,430 5 9.3304 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

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be_v to_o be_v a_o protestant_n and_o will_v not_o this_o method_n if_o follow_v carry_v on_o that_o doctrine_n still_o forward_o from_o generation_n to_o generation_n to_o the_o very_a end_n of_o the_o world_n it_o be_v then_o most_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a capacity_n that_o this_o immediate_a delivery_n of_o tradition_n as_o above_o explicate_v be_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o derive_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n while_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v this_o property_n therefore_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v find_v evident_o to_o agree_v to_o tradition_n 9_o the_o three_o condition_n which_o be_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o unredoubt_v person_n that_o they_o proceed_v rational_o while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o be_v find_v most_o exact_o in_o tradition_n for_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a conversation_n make_v it_o a_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v great_a
multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o to_o save_v other_o who_o they_o thus_o instruct_v by_o rely_v on_o this_o truth_n that_o their_o forefather_n thus_o teach_v they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o nature_n or_o common_a reason_n at_o unaware_o steal_v into_o they_o a_o solid_a apprehension_n that_o tradition_n be_v of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o that_o while_o father_n thus_o teach_v child_n it_o be_v ever_o such_o that_o be_v that_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o convey_v down_o faith_n which_o be_v all_o we_o study_v to_o evince_v at_o present_a i_o may_v add_v that_o nature_n tell_v they_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o parent_n general_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a &_o needful_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n their_o natural_a thought_n will_v lead_v they_o by_o a_o downright_a procedure_n to_o judge_v that_o tradition_n be_v ever_o in_o some_o considerable_a body_n of_o deliverer_n who_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o own_a it_o and_o that_o those_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o true_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n teach_v but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o 10._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o multitude_n of_o plain_a honest-meaning_n soul_n be_v as_o much_o justify_v for_o believe_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o you_o mean_v their_o faith_n conceive_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o justifiable_a for_o believe_v any_o set_v aside_o tradition_n help_n for_o without_o this_o it_o total_o depend_v on_o the_o inward_a judgement_n fancy_n or_o skill_n of_o man_n which_o they_o be_v unqualify_v to_o judge_v of_o not_o on_o open_a verdict_n of_o sense_n to_o wield_v the_o certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o which_o lie_v clear_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n letter_n they_o can_v possible_o be_v justify_v in_o reason_n for_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o it_o without_o tradition_n assist_v hand_n and_o preserve_a care_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o because_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a experience_n tell_v they_o that_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n often_o disagree_v but_o their_o plain_a sensation_n especial_o if_o frequent_o repeat_v never_o whence_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o plain_a high-shoe_n will_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o six_o witness_n without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v a_o malefactor_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o thousand_o man_n if_o a_o testimony_n ground_v on_o sense_n be_v not_o bring_v now_o take_v away_o tradition_n and_o all_o ground_n from_o certain_a sense_n fail_v we_o either_o for_o the_o meaning_n or_o even_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n judgement_n build_v on_o latent_fw-la skill_n or_o fancy_n or_o at_o least_o on_o sense_n liable_a to_o great_a and_o numerous_a mistake_n as_o have_v be_v show_v disc._n 4._o §_o 3._o again_o see_v every_o one_o apprehend_v the_o most_o vulgar_a have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o k._n james_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o ascertain_v but_o by_o tradition_n why_o be_v not_o they_o as_o much_o or_o more_o justify_v for_o believe_a point_n of_o faith_n receive_v down_o by_o the_o same_o tenor_n whereas_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pump_v their_o common_a reason_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o statute-book_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o letter_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o blunder_v and_o at_o a_o ●oss_n be_v pose_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n by_o a_o question_n entrench_v upon_o skill_n to_o which_o they_o can_v never_o answer_v with_o a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a wit●_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffi●●_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v infallible_a to_o we_o an●_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v be_v such_o without_o have_v infallibly-c●●tain_a ground_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v firm_a to_o we_o than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v its_o ground_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v infallib●●_n certain_a there_o be_v then_o only_o two_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v namely_o deliver_v of_o it_o down_o by_o write_v and_o by_o word_n an●_n practice_n which_o we_o call_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n it_o be_v leave_v avoidable_o out_o of_o the_o imposibility_n that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v infallible_a as_o rule_v that_o tradition_n must_v be_v such_o 12._o though_o this_o conclusion_n suppose_v th●_n truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o assume_v as_o already_o prove_v be_v sufficient_o consequent_a to_o those_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o contest_v at_o present_a th●_n certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o regard_n they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d stick_v to_o grant_v that_o either_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o foresee_v more_o will_n be_v expect_v from_o a_o pretender_n to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v frame_v his_o discourse_n from_o intrinsical_v medium_n reflect_v then_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o before_o explicate_v we_o shall_v observe_v that_o it_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n the_o flower_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n by_o reflect_a thought_n or_o speculation_n amid_o the_o misty_a vapour_n exhale_v by_o his_o passion_n predominant_a over_o his_o rational_a will_n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v he●●_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n again_o those_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v once_o but_o frequent_o and_o in_o most_o many_o time_n every_o day_n moreover_o to_o make_v these_o more_o express_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o precept_n they_o hear_v and_o conformable_a example_n they_o see_v so_o that_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o that_o solid_a plain_a knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v downright_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o
erroneous_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 15._o corol._n 11._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n rely_v on_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o atte_a forefather_n not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o opinator_n these_o opinion_n can_v never_o have_v any_o firmness_n in_o she_o by_o mean_n of_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v erroneous_a they_o can_v never_o gain_v any_o depth_n of_o adhesion_n by_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a nor_o error_n be_v necessary_o opposite_a to_o truth_n can_v they_o even_o maintain_v their_o quiet_a posture_n by_o be_v evident_o not_o opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o neither_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a at_o least_o the_o intelligent_a party_n of_o they_o or_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v contradict_v or_o have_v their_o verity_n dispute_v by_o the_o search_a and_o unsatisfy_a wit_n of_o opposer_n 35._o the_o prudence_n requisite_a in_o church-government_n be_v one_o cause_o why_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v not_o immediate_o but_o after_o some_o long_a time_n perhaps_o to_o be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o since_o a_o church_n be_v a_o most_o vast_a and_o sacred_a commonwealth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o great_a gravity_n and_o authority_n imaginable_a she_o be_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o engage_v it_o trivial_o in_o sleight_n occasion_n nor_o rash_o when_o the_o point_n be_v unevident_a wherefore_o see_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n while_o hold_v but_o by_o few_o be_v of_o sleight_n concern_v and_o so_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o inferior_a officer_n when_o universal_o hold_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o multitude_n she_o be_v in_o prudence_n to_o suspend_v till_o its_o opposition_n to_o faith_n be_v clear_v by_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n and_o this_o satisfactory_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinatour_n lest_o either_o she_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o tare_n pluck_v up_o wheat_n or_o use_v her_o authority_n more_o to_o destruction_n than_o edification_n by_o a_o too_o hasty_a decision_n 36._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o divinity_n if_o universal_a and_o practical_a can_v be_v very_o long_o permit_v in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o corol._n 31._o a_o mere_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n it_o be_v manifest_a it_o can_v never_o subsist_v when_o it_o be_v show_v to_o clash_v with_o any_o of_o the_o say_a point_n wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o discussion_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o of_o different_a judgement_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o variety_n and_o nature_n of_o worldly_a interest_n be_v such_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o it_o will_v excite_v they_o to_o discussion_n and_o sift_v its_o conformity_n or_o disconformity_n to_o christian_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o clear_v the_o term_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v but_o especial_o see_v absurd_a or_o irrational_a practice_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o that_o our_o natural_a corruption_n incline_v man_n to_o follow_v such_o practice_n till_o they_o be_v check_v by_o regard_n to_o something_o hold_v sacred_a that_o be_v by_o be_v show_v opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v show_v they_o will_v infallible_o grow_v on_o still_o more_o and_o more_o till_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o absurdity_n that_o they_o need_v now_o no_o skill_n to_o discover_v they_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o evident_a method_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o speculation_n be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o matter_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o practice_n those_o irrational_a practice_n therefore_o must_v needs_o after_o some_o time_n discover_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o christian_a behaviour_n and_o consequent_o confess_v the_o principle_n which_o beget_v they_o opposite_a to_o christian_a faith_n which_o do_v it_o present_o lose_v its_o credit_n and_o be_v quash_v by_o the_o incomparable_o more_o powerful_a force_n and_o all_o over-bearing_a authority_n of_o tradition_n 37._o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o the_o irrational_a practice_n issue_v from_o they_o though_o suppose_v universal_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o since_o corol._n 31._o nothing_o not_o hold_v ever_o or_o not_o come_v from_o christ_n can_v possible_o be_v accept_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o come_v from_o christ_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o erroneous_a opinion_n can_v come_v to_o gain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o repute_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n nor_o their_o proper_a practice_n the_o esteem_n of_o christian_a practice_n wherefore_o traditionary_a point_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o absolute_o possess_v the_o judgmenr_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o christian_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o opinion_n can_v ever_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o conceive_v subordination_n to_o traditionary_a point_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o ●_z by_o they_o but_o with_o a_o conceived_a subordination_n and_o conformity_n to_o those_o practice_n which_o spring_v from_o undoubtedly-known_a christian_a tenet_n or_o traditionary_a point_n see_v then_o what_o be_v not_o hold_v and_o ●_z but_o as_o conceive_v subordinate_a to_o other_o tenet_n and_o practice_n must_v needs_o be_v less_o hold_v than_o those_o other_o nay_o not_o hold_v at_o all_o otherwise_o than_o conditional_o or_o upon_o supposal_n of_o such_o a_o subordination_n ●tis_o clear_o consequent_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o antidote_n that_o bad_a opinion_n and_o practice_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o and_o absolute_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a 38._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n or_o its_o proper_a practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v for_o since_o the_o church_n formal_o as_o such_o proceed_v on_o christian_a tradition_n no_o such_o opinion_n nor_o consequent_o practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v but_o only_o to_o some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v as_o leave_v to_o the_o contingent_a force_n of_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o school_n not_o the_o church_n 39_o it_o be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o senseless_a to_o think_v to_o impugn_v the_o church_n by_o object_v to_o her_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n for_o since_o they_o concern_v she_o not_o nor_o be_v imputable_a to_o she_o as_o church_n or_o to_o her_o member_n as_o faithful_a the_o wise_a objection_n can_v only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o church_n have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v fallible_a in_o their_o private_a discourse_n or_o school-disputes_a that_o be_v she_o have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v man_n a_o heavy_a imputation_n 40._o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n that_o be_v without_o which_o nothing_o be_v know_v or_o knowable_a in_o that_o science_n for_o since_o controversy_n or_o the_o science_n which_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o these_o two_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n say_v this_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n as_o we_o now_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n and_o only_o the_o late_a be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n see_v also_o as_o have_v be_v large_o and_o manifold_o evident_a nothing_o can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o this_o but_o tradition_n nor_o it_o unless_o its_o certainty_n be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n 41._o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n however_o comfortable_a to_o the_o faithful_a can_v bear_v no_o part_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o a_o controversial_a divine_a for_o since_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v subsequent_a to_o that_o rule_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n nor_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n again_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n disc._n 1._o §_o 4_o and_o 9_o must_v be_v so_o evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n must_v intervene_v between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o understanding_n and_o it_o and_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a vulgar_a
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lay_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n in_o three_o appendix_n psalm_n 63._o sagittae_fw-la parvulorum_fw-la factae_fw-la sunt_fw-la plagae_fw-la eorum_fw-la anno_fw-la dom._n 1665._o transition_n to_o the_o follow_a appendix_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n how_o dexterous_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o reader_n and_o confutation_n from_o m●●e_a adversary_n but_o i_o account_v those_o only_o my_o proper_a judge_n &_o competent_a adversary_n who_o lay_v their_o principle_n ere_o they_o discourse_v and_o weigh_v the_o efficaciousness_n of_o their_o testimony_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o reason_n ere_o they_o allege_v they_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n lay_v no_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o make_v account_n all_o man_n must_v admit_v they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o bend_v all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n lay_v by_o other_o to_o ascertain_v and_o establish_v the_o 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first_o revolter_n a_o small_a handful_n compare_v to_o all_o christianity_n beside_o and_o only_o occasional_o not_o constant_o happen_v that_o the_o descendants_n of_o these_o revolter_n be_v teach_v by_o they_o to_o believe_v they_o in_o the_o right_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o not_o their_o own_o judgement_n that_o be_v follow_v the_o way_n of_o tradition_n however_o misplace_v to_o which_o if_o we_o compare_v the_o numerous_a contingency_n both_o in_o man_n nature_n and_o other_o circumstance_n hinder_v propagation_n every_o day_n happen_v we_o shall_v find_v much_o reason_n to_o prefer_v the_o multitude_n of_o the_o other_o before_o this_o but_o if_o we_o add_v to_o this_o consideration_n the_o daily_a decay_n of_o innumerable_a particular_n upon_o who_o the_o continuation_n of_o mankind_n depend_v by_o natural_a or_o accidental_a death_n and_o reflect_v on_o the_o innumerable_a new_a subject_n and_o even_o whole_a nation_n into_o which_o tradition_n have_v and_o do_v daily_o propagate_v itself_o and_o those_o uninfected_a by_o new_a heresy_n for_o whole_a age_n that_o be_v without_o any_o one_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n among_o they_o and_o none_o of_o those_o behold_n to_o progenitor_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o to_o extern_n who_o convert_v they_o whereas_o propagate_a their_o kind_a can_v only_o be_v by_o those_o of_o the_o same_o race_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o cause_n lay_v to_o propagate_v &_o preserve_v a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n look_v far_o more_o steady_o and_o less_o need_v a_o recourse_n to_o any_o particular_a providence_n than_o those_o which_o we_o can_v discover_v lay_v for_o the_o keep_n on_o foot_n a_o body_n of_o men._n whence_o if_o any_o as_o the_o common_a fashion_n be_v bring_v against_o the_o perpetuation_n of_o tradition_n such_o wildrove_a argument_n as_o will_v equal_o strike_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o perpetuate_a mankind_n or_o continue_v any_o species_n in_o nature_n the_o ready_a answer_n be_v to_o show_v they_o do_v so_o and_o then_o to_o tell_v they_o we_o intend_v not_o tradition_n shall_v last_v long_o than_o the_o only_a species_n capable_a of_o faith_n will_v that_o be_v long_o than_o mankind_n be_v to_o stand_v who_o only_o can_v have_v it_o or_o need_v it_o eight_o discourse_n endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la the_o vninterruptedness_n of_o tradition_n hitherto_o 1._o have_v see_v and_o weigh_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n and_o thence_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v its_o indefectibleness_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o cause_n we_o will_v now_o begin_v our_o discourse_n at_o the_o other_o end_n and_o try_v if_o we_o can_v conclude_v the_o same_o from_o some_o proper_a effect_n that_o be_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n as_o can_v only_o have_v spring_v from_o the_o actual_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n as_o its_o cause_n that_o so_o we_o may_v show_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n conveyance_n to_o we_o double_o guard_v and_o on_o all_o side_n evident_a 2_o though_o indeed_o this_o seem_v a_o needless_a endeavour_n against_o the_o protestant_n who_o yield_v that_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o we_o agree_v come_v dow●_n by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n whence_o he_o be_v to_o be_v press_v to_o answer_v candid_o these_o queres_fw-la w●_n not_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o other_o point_v 〈◊〉_d which_o we_o agree_v hold_v in_o all_o age_n since_o christ_n by_o god_n church_n he_o must_v yield_v it_o no_o protesta●●_n ever_o deny_v it_o beside_o that_o we_o both_o agree_v to_o call_v that_o god_n church_n which_o hold_v those_o mai●_n point_v of_o faith_n next_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ask_v whether_o see_v those_o point_n be_v hold_v ever_o of_o faith_n father_n do_v not_o actual_o teach_v child_n so_o or_o the_o former_a age_n the_o late_a common_a reason_n will_v teach_v he_o they_o do_v which_o devolve_v into_o this_o that_o a_o protestant_n must_v confess_v those_o point_n come_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o that_o tradition_n have_v not_o fail_v to_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o we_o ask_v he_o next_o by_o what_o virtue_n tradition_n perform_v this_o and_o whether_o the_o same_o virtue_n be_v not_o powerful_a to_o bring_v down_o other_o as_o well_o as_o these_o have_v any_o such_o be_v and_o when_o he_o assign_v this_o virtue_n i_o can_v suspect_v he_o negative_a in_o so_o plain_a a_o point_n ask_v he_o far_o be_v there_o not_o a_o necessary_a connexion_n and_o relation_n between_o such_o a_o constant_a cause_n and_o its_o formal_a effect_n so_o that_o if_o its_o formal_a effect_n be_v those_o point_n receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o the_o proper_a cause_n must_v be_v a_o ever-delivery_n whence_o we_o can_v argue_v from_o such_o a_o effect_n to_o its_o cause_n for_o any_o particular_a point_n and_o consequen_o for_o any_o point_n that_o be_v in_o controversy_n between_o they_o and_o we_o in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o point_n we_o hold_v ever_o deliver_v and_o if_o so_o as_o manifest_a reason_n evince_v it_o our_o now-held_a faith_n be_v teach_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o our_o dispute_n be_v at_o a_o end_n but_o because_o i_o rather_o suspect_v the_o protestant_n see_v his_o cause_n and_o interest_n too_o deep_o engage_v and_o himself_o straighten_v by_o such_o strict_a connexion_n of_o term_n will_v fly_v of_o and_o deny_v tradition_n to_o be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n notwithstanding_o its_o constant_a tenor_n of_o have_v wrought_v this_o its_o effect_n million_o of_o time_n or_o from_o step_n to_o step_v during_o so_o many_o age_n and_o will_v not_o care_v to_o allege_v that_o all_o this_o be_v pure_a chance_n and_o contingency_n i_o shall_v pursue_v the_o design_n and_o method_n i_o at_o first_o intend_v 3._o the_o effect_n than_o we_o will_v pitch_v upon_o and_o avow_v to_o be_v the_o proper_a one_o of_o such_o a_o cause_n be_v the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o traditionary-christians_a or_o catholic_n that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n uninterrupted_o which_o we_o find_v most_o firm_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o the_o existence_n of_o this_o persuasion_n we_o affirm_v to_o be_v impossible_a without_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o beget_v it_o 4._o to_o prove_v this_o i_o lay_v this_o first_o principle_n that_o age_n which_o hold_v her_o faith_n deliver_v thus_o from_o the_o apostle_n neither_o can_v itself_o have_v change_v any_o thing_n in_o it_o nor_o know_v or_o doubt_n that_o any_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n have_v change_v or_o innovate_v any_o thing_n therein_o this_o proposition_n need_v no_o proof_n to_o evidence_n it_o but_o only_o a_o explication_n for_o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v or_o innovate_v in_o the_o case_n propose_v without_o know_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a impossibility_n a_o whole_a age_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o single_a man_n 5._o the_o second_o principle_n shall_v be_v this_o no_o age_n can_v innovate_v any_o thing_n and_o withal_o deliver_v that_o very_a thing_n to_o posterity_n as_o receiu●d_v from_o christ_n by_o continual_a succession_n for_o since_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n he_o must_v have_v some_o reason_n or_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a which_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o as_o a_o eudina_n to_o be_v achieve_v by_o his_o action_n and_o whatever_o his_o remote_a end_n be_v his_o immediate_a end_n in_o tell_v posterity_n a_o late_o invent_v thing_n be_v hold_v immediate_o before_o be_v to_o make_v they_o believe_v it_o wherefore_o since_o a_o see_v impossibility_n can_v be_v a_o motive_n to_o one_o not_o frantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v make_v posterity_n believe_v a_o thing_n so_o universal_o know_v to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o must_v needs_o be_v because_o be_v it_o possible_a the_o whole_a age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o tell_v such_o a_o lie_n the_o whole_a i_o say_v otherwise_o the_o refuser_n will_v easy_o discover_v the_o cheat_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a all_o at_o age_n to_o know_v the_o truth_n shall_v conspire_v from_o so_o many_o several_a and_o so_o far_o distant_a place_n in_o the_o precise_a time_n to_o deceive_v the_o new_a offspring_n every_o month_n ripen_v to_o a_o capacity_n of_o such_o knowledge_n or_o blot_v out_o all_o the_o monument_n which_o will_v evident_o undeceive_v their_o abuse_a posterity_n it_o be_v then_o as_o impossible_a this_o principle_n shall_v falter_v as_o that_o the_o forego_n age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o act_v without_o a_o motive_n or_o that_o the_o succeed_a age_n shall_v believe_v what_o they_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v shall_v hold_v both_o side_n
which_o only_o themselves_o know_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o appear_v why_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o impression_n be_v impossible_a nay_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v clear_a none_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o inward_a light_n be_v existence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o inward_a persuasion_n fanatic_n have_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o unknown_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o way_n to_o conclude_v against_o it_o be_v to_o show_v out_o of_o evident_a principle_n the_o contrary_a to_o these_o inspiration_n to_o be_v truth_n none_o therefore_o as_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n testify_v take_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o principle_n absolute_o evident_a or_o demonstrate_v but_o catholics_n or_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o they_o effect_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n disc._n 5_o 6_o 8._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n and_o conclude_v their_o inward_a light_n delusive_a again_o since_o a_o fanatic_a build_v on_o conceit_a experience_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o convince_v his_o judgement_n without_o produce_v demonstration_n for_o the_o contrary_a a_o task_n only_o performable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v enforce_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o basis_n of_o tradidition_n be_v natural_a knowledge_n direct_o imprint_v by_o his_o sense_n in_o which_o knowledge_n he_o be_v undeceivable_a and_o these_o sensation_n or_o knowledge_n be_v daily_o repeat_v not_o on_o one_o private_a temper_n but_o on_o innumerable_a million_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o that_o be_v tradition_n be_v build_v on_o almost_o infinite_a daily_a and_o most_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o the_o conceit_a effect_n of_o inspiration_n or_o his_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o god_n speak_v thus_o inward_o be_v find_v with_o consent_n of_o tenet_n in_o a_o few_o only_o and_o liable_a to_o deceit_n by_o depend_v upon_o fancy_n not_o sense_n as_o appear_v in_o disease_a or_o mad_a person_n and_o the_o fanatic_n contradict_v one_o another_o though_o both_o proceed_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o tradition_n help_n then_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n as_o experience_n also_o testify_v by_o protestant_n be_v force_v to_o recur_n to_o tradidion_n in_o dispute_n with_o they_o though_o very_o easy_a with_o it_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o 22._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n without_o question_v the_o constancy_n of_o every_o species_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o whole_a nature_n for_o see_v man_n nature_n be_v as_o necessary_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o direct_a impression_n of_o object_n on_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o as_o necessary_o determine_v to_o work_v for_o a_o motive_n or_o reason_n good_a or_o bad_a as_o fire_n be_v to_o heat_n or_o water_n to_o wet_v and_o this_o absolute_o and_o always_o abstract_v from_o disease_n incapacitate_v he_o to_o use_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o fancy_n and_o both_o these_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o rational_a or_o of_o such_o a_o species_n which_o original_a corruption_n hinder_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o those_o operation_n and_o consequent_o will_v as_o frequent_o perform_v they_o as_o fire_n burn_v water_n wet_a fruit-tree_n bear_v fruit_n or_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n do_v its_o ptope_a effect_n that_o be_v general_o and_o only_o rare_o and_o contingent_o fail_v unless_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n order_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o it_o worse_o for_o man_n than_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n since_o we_o find_v a_o course_n of_o supernatural_n on_o foot_n and_o that_o they_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v man_n true_a nature_n as_o have_v be_v former_o declare_v less_o liable_a than_o be_v the_o human_a species_n to_o contingency_n in_o those_o its_o natural_a operation_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n be_v wherefore_o see_v tradition_n certainty_n be_v ground_v upon_o direct_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o its_o indefectiveness_n on_o mankind_n incapableness_n to_o act_v without_o some_o motive_n to_o argue_v against_o it_o be_v to_o question_v these_o that_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o best-supported_n species_n in_o nature_n and_o a_o fortiori_fw-la the_o constancy_n of_o the_o rest_n note_v here_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o witty_a reasoner_n against_o tradition_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o contingency_n of_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_n whence_o by_o a_o wild_a kind_n of_o rove_a way_n they_o will_v conclude_v the_o defectibleness_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o of_o the_o entire_a species_n but_o because_o it_o look_v too_o palpable_o inconsequent_a in_o logical_a form_n to_o say_v a_o few_o can_v err_v ergo_fw-la all_o therefore_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o why_o not_o so_o that_o all_o the_o arguer_n against_o tradition_n from_o natural_a reason_n oppose_v direct_o any_o constancy_n in_o the_o species_n or_o generality_n and_o so_o be_v destroyer_n of_o natural_a certainty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o argument_n to_o boot_v 23._o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o scripture_n copy_n or_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o tittle_n uncertain_a disc._n 2_o and_o 4._o without_o tradition_n as_o also_o that_o the_o write_n of_o father_n council_n history_n and_o of_o any_o write_v or_o dead_a testimony_n whatever_o corol._n 14_o and_o 16._o be_v utter_o unauthorise_v otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o no_o live_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v alledgable_a against_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o or_o catholic_n tradition_n corol._n 13._o and_o 17._o nor_o any_o pretend_a instance_n of_o tradition●s_n fail_v have_v force_v but_o by_o its_o be_v faithful_o convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o certainty_n corol._n 19_o and_o all_o argument_n from_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n in_o that_o matter_n while_o level_v against_o tradition_n corol._n 18._o &_o 22._o it_o follow_v that_o no_o argument_n from_o any_o authority_n public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o from_o intrinsical_v medium_n fetch_v from_o second_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v bear_v any_o show_n against_o tradition_n nor_o yet_o from_o private_a effect_n pretend_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n call_v inspiration_n or_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n corol._n 21._o for_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v conclude_v for_o this_o point_n however_o this_o preten●e_n may_v make_v the_o first_o syll●●gism_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v outward_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n inspire_v thus_o or_o thus_o no_o extraordinary_a effect_n proper_a to_o that_o cause_n as_o miracle_n be_v producible_a their_o argue_v or_o proof_n be_v at_o a_o end_n however_o their_o inward_a adhesion_n stand_v there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o argument_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n live_v or_o dead_a or_o else_o from_o effect_n or_o experience_n testifiable_a by_o those_o authority_n or_o from_o proper_a effect_n or_o cause_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a thing_n or_o from_o extraordinary_a private_a and_o unseen_a pretend_a effect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o none_o of_o these_o bear_n any_o show_n against_o tradition_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n 24._o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a for_o see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o knowledge_n into_o which_o all_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v resolve_v to_o establish_v their_o certainty_n and_o all_o ptetended_a authority_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a corol._n 16._o and_o consequent_o all_o knowledge_n cause_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a 25._o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 9_o tertullian_n lib._n de_fw-la carne_fw-la christi_fw-la if_o thou_o be_v but_o a_o christian_a believe_v what_o be_v traditum_fw-la deliver_v and_o speak_v to_o a_o heretic_n by_o renounce_v what_o thou_o have_v believe_v thou_o prove_v that_o before_o thou_o do_v renounce_v it_o what_o thou_o believe_v be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v then_o deliver_v otherwise_o moreover_o what_o be_v deliver_v that_o be_v true_a as_o deliver_v by_o those_o to_o who_o it_o belong_v to_o deliver_v wherefore_o renounce_v what_o be_v deliver_v thou_o have_v renounce_v what_o be_v true_a so_o that_o in_o this_o father_n judgement_n a_o christian_a and_o follower_n of_o tradition_n be_v the_o same_o and_o that_o to_o renounce_v what_o come_v by_o tradition_n be_v to_o renounce_v truth_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o test_n of_o christianity_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n also_o he_o intimate_v that_o it_o belong_v to_o some_o to_o deliver_v to_o some_o not_o and_o if_o to_o any_o to_o who_o but_o those_o who_o lie_v claim_v and_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n and_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o it_o not_o to_o those_o who_o be_v know_v to_o have_v break_v from_o tradition_n and_o impugn_v its_o certainty_n 10._o athanasius_n in_o lib._n de_fw-fr synodis_fw-la they_o have_v declare_v themselves_o to_o be_v unbeliever_n by_o seek_v what_o they_o have_v not_o all_o therefore_o that_o be_v seeker_n of_o faith_n be_v unbeliever_n they_o only_o to_o who_o faith_n come_v down_o from_o their_o ancestor_n that_o be_v from_o christ_n by_o father_n do_v not_o seek_v and_o therefore_o they_o only_o have_v faith_n if_o thou_o come_v to_o faith_n by_o seek_v thou_o be_v before_o a_o vnbeliever_n and_o in_o his_o discourse_n against_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la de_fw-la incarnatione_fw-la he_o that_o search_v after_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v beyond_o his_o strength_n stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n but_o he_o that_o stick_v to_o 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to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v ●tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v a_o odd_a action_n do_v without_o reason_n to_o trace_v it_o to_o its_o original_a and_o to_o search_v after_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o upon_o consideration_n i_o find_v none_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o effect_n as_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o humour_n of_o quote_v in_o d._n pierce_n and_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n so_o strong_o possess_v they_o and_o even_o naturalize_v into_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v quote_v they_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n or_o not_o this_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o whole_a bead-roll_n of_o his_o citation_n the_o useful_a part_n as_o he_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a performance_n and_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o call_v evidence_n be_v conclusive_a that_o be_v worth_a a_o straw_n or_o to_o purpose_n but_o because_o every_o one_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o see_v it_o in_o those_o citation_n he_o bring_v for_o proof_n i_o let_v they_o see_v it_o in_o those_o his_o late_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n 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occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o solid_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v pick_v out_o those_o which_o aim_v at_o some_o point_n of_o concernment_n i_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n and_o be_o sorry_a his_o grow_a hopefulness_n receive_v a_o foil_n by_o his_o book_n against_o mr._n s._n c._n and_o this_o though_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n the_o badness_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o patronage_n of_o dr._n pierce_n malice_n and_o his_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la with_o so_o learned_a a_o antagonist_n 2._o my_o design_n lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n especial_o of_o that_o passage_n p._n 93._o sect._n 4._o where_o he_o begin_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o explicate_v rather_o than_o prove_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o faith_n which_o because_o it_o look_v plausible_o yet_o be_v prudent_o neglect_v by_o mr._n s_o c._n who_o hear_v of_o more_o eminent_a antagonist_n write_v against_o he_o judge_v it_o wise_a to_o reserve_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o protestanr_n second_v and_o best_a thought_n in_o they_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o challenge_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o romanist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o light_a cross_n to_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v i_o take_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o my_o way_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o discourse_n be_v right_o make_v but_o in_o other_o place_n he_o confound_v guide_n with_o rule_n power_n with_o motive_n and_o by_o strain_v a_o word_n in_o mr._n s._n c._n beyond_o its_o necessary_a signification_n impose_v on_o we_o a_o false_a tenet_n which_o he_o main_o build_v upon_o so_o that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o begin_v my_o answer_n by_o put_v down_o our_o true_a one_o which_o give_v faith_n and_o reason_n both_o their_o due_n this_o do_v his_o superstructute_n on_o that_o supposition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o 3._o our_o tenet_n then_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o belief_n that_o belief_n rely_v on_o authority_n and_o divine_a faith_n or_o belief_n on_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o its_o motive_n and_o on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o applier_n of_o the_o other_o to_o my_o understanding_n at_o next_o i_o hold_v that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v assent_n further_o than_o true_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o hence_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v essential_a truth_n deserve_v in_o true_a reason_n if_o possible_a infinite_o intense_a assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o its_o say_n from_o i_o and_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v find_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o be_v certain_a it_o apply_v with_o certainty_n that_o be_v close_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o oblige_v it_o absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v tell_v and_o to_o submit_v 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it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v th●●_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o 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to_o salvation_n so_o that_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o or_o hold_v or_o practice_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n be_v all_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o their_o forefather_n do_v and_o not_o introduce_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o those_o they_o have_v receive_v have_v it_o be_v i_o say_v thus_o propose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o wonderment_n but_o all_o these_o that_o be_v indeed_o all_o of_o weight_n in_o the_o point_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o such_o poor_a shift_n even_o the_o best_a wit_n must_v be_v drive_v to_o when_o they_o will_v maintain_v a_o false_a cause_n 25._o one_o word_n to_o m._n stillingfleet_n he_o have_v challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o this_o obligation_n to_o belief_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o traditionary_a way_n he_o have_v offer_v we_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o weapon_n either_o reason_n particular_a testimony_n or_o universal_a tradition_n i_o have_v accept_v his_o offer_n choose_v my_o weapon_n and_o give_v here_o the_o first_o blow_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o now_o run_v the_o field_n but_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v by_o his_o offer_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o his_o sake_n my_o reflection_n here_o be_v not_o more_o elaborate_a be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n in_o loose_a quarter_n of_o sheet_n as_o soon_o as_o write_v more_o time_n not_o be_v allow_v i_o nor_o i_o hope_v needful_a to_o answer_v such_o mistake_n only_o i_o request_v he_o when_o he_o reply_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subjecta_fw-la materia_fw-la the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o give_v weight_n to_o both_o as_o i_o have_v declare_v above_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o god_n assist_v i_o a_o very_a serious_a reply_n 26._o ere_o i_o quite_o 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william_n the_o conqueror_n harry_n the_o eighth_n or_o mahomet_n existence_n much_o less_o judge_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o be_v a_o strange_a distorsion_n or_o rather_o destruction_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o can_v so_o alter_v it_o now_o look_v into_o thing_n i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o protestant_n temper_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o who_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n for_o their_o humour_n be_v to_o choose_v every_o one_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o wit_n work_v upon_o disputable_a word_n they_o wonder_v and_o judge_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a their_o posterity_n thus_o imbue_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o ancestor_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v i_o too_o for_o while_o they_o can_v never_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o receive_v ever_o by_o the_o way_n of_o infallible_a sense_n or_o witness_v but_o must_v say_v the_o former_a church_n 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signify_v choice_n or_o choose_v one_o religion_n mention_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n cite_v above_o p._n 135._o and_o counterpose_v by_o he_o to_o tradition_n as_o also_o by_o s._n athanasius_n cite_v p._n 133._o 134._o where_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o describe_v and_o homely_a apply_v to_o the_o protestant_n and_o such_o other_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v i_o be_o a_o bad_a transcriber_n 27._o i_o have_v do_v my_o main_a task_n and_o so_o shall_v only_o touch_v at_o his_o next_o paragraph_n it_o begin_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n when_o i_o see_v man_n move_v no_o more_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v vary_v from_o the_o forego_n when_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v they_o have_v do_v it_o you_o argue_v well_o but_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v ere_o you_o can_v see_v our_o faith_n vary_v from_o the_o former_a first_o to_o see_v what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o then_o to_o 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