Selected quad for the lemma: nature_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n ability_n absolute_a great_a 17 3 2.0871 3 false
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
A59220 Errour non-plust, or, Dr. Stillingfleet shown to be the man of no principles with an essay how discourses concerning Catholick grounds bear the highest evidence. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1673 (1673) Wing S2565; ESTC R18785 126,507 288

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

learn_v at_o school_n but_o be_v either_o inbred_a or_o by_o a_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o the_o world_n instil_v into_o they_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o they_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o account_n of_o it_o of_o themselves_o occasion_n be_v give_v as_o also_o to_o awaken_v as_o it_o be_v those_o dormant_a knowledge_n in_o the_o vulgar_a and_o make_v they_o reflect_v and_o see_v not_o with_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sight_n as_o do_v the_o wise_a portion_n of_o the_o church_n but_o with_o a_o gr●sse_n and_o confuse_a yet_o solid_a knowledge_n and_o suitable_a to_o their_o pitch_n that_o a_o rule_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n be_v certain_a and_o so_o those_o who_o profess_o own_o and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n they_o who_o reject_v it_o in_o a_o error_n whereas_o yet_o they_o be_v utter_o incapable_a by_o any_o maxim_n in_o their_o rude_a understanding_n either_o to_o know_v that_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n on_o the_o rightness_n of_o which_o all_o depend_v be_v preserve_v from_o error_n among_o so_o many_o translatious_a and_o transcription_n or_o that_o the_o sense_n be_v necessary_o such_o as_o they_o conceive_v it_o to_o be_v amid_o such_o multitude_n of_o commentator_n and_o sect_n wrangle_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o that_o letter_n nor_o yet_o be_v they_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o skill_n of_o all_o those_o several_a sect_n and_o sort_n of_o man_n who_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o tradition_n then_o of_o the_o church_n be_v thus_o prove_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v both_o far_a show_v how_o unreasonable_a unnatural_a and_o unsafe_a dr._n st_n private-spirited_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o also_o even_o hence_o demonstrate_v against_o he_o here_o that_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a since_o be_v by_o this_o moan_n prove_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n appoint_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o their_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o rely_v and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o shall_v be_v lead_v into_o error_n and_o also_o impossible_a that_o faith_n itself_o thus_o ground_v shall_v be_v false_a but_o i_o need_v not_o have_v go_v thus_o far_o to_o confute_v d._n st_n four_o principle_n now_o under_o hand_n the_o four_o first_o note_n have_v abundant_o give_v they_o their_o answer_n and_o it_o be_v time_n we_o now_o begin_v to_o apply_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n whereas_o then_o he_o ground_n they_o all_o on_o our_o tenet_n that_o no_o divine_a faith_n can_v be_v without_o a_o infallible_a assent_n he_o may_v please_v to_o know_v that_o we_o only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n there_o material_o infallible_a or_o so_o as_o can_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n we_o own_o the_o position_n and_o so_o must_v he_o too_o unless_o he_o will_v speak_v open_a blasphemy_n for_o divine_a faith_n be_v a_o believe_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n and_o as_o we_o both_o suppose_v upon_o some_o mean_v lay_v by_o god_n himself_o by_o which_o he_o propose_v to_o we_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v by_o tell_v we_o he_o have_v say_v it_o in_o case_n a_o assent_n thus_o ground_v can_v possible_o be_v a_o errou●_n it_o will_v follow_v necessary_o that_o god_n himself_o will_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o error_n the_o substance_n then_o of_o faith_n can_v be_v preserve_v and_o the_o chief_a end_n of_o faith_n our_o salvation_n on_o some_o fashion_n attain_v be_v there_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o be_v though_o never_o a_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n do_v know_v or_o can_v come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v infallible_a provide_v none_o in_o the_o church_n do_v speculate_v and_o so_o look_v into_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o find_v they_o as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v see_v inconclusive_a do_v begin_v to_o suspect_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o any_o out_o of_o the_o church_n do_v oppose_v faith_n for_o the_o faithful_n will_v in_o that_o case_n be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o those_o excellent_a truth_n call_v point_n of_o faith_n firm_o assent_v to_o by_o their_o understanding_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v tho●e_o good_a disposition_n of_o their_o will_n call_v virtue_n in_o the_o same_o sort_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n as_o they_o do_v now_o and_o by_o mean_n of_o they_o they_o may_v arrive_v at_o heaven_n thus_o the_o dr._n may_v see_v that_o all_o he_o build_v on_o be_v a_o pure_a mistake_n and_o that_o all_o the_o faithful_a may_v be_v thus_o infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n and_o thus_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o proposer_n do_v not_o nay_o can_v deceive_v we_o nay_o infallible_a in_o judge_v thus_o of_o the_o matter_n propose_v to_o we_o to_o believe_v and_o yet_o not_o one_o man_n be_v infallible_o sure_a by_o way_n of_o evident_a knowledge_n that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a because_o all_o this_o proceed_v not_o in_o the_o least_o in_o this_o supposition_n from_o the_o reach_n of_o any_o man_n intellective_a faculty_n but_o pure_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o conclusivenesse_n of_o the_o ground_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o his_o good_a providence_n which_o lead_v those_o man_n to_o embrace_v they_o though_o they_o neither_o penetrate_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o discourse_v they_o but_o simple_o to_o believe_v they_o on_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o our_o rude_a unreflect_v vulgar_a be_v lead_v now_o but_o in_o this_o case_n be_v all_o the_o world_n no_o wise_a the_o wise_a in_o the_o church_n will_v be_v no_o wise_a than_o the_o weak_a and_o rude_a vulgar_a now_o mention_v wherefore_o both_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o many_o other_o '_o assign_v in_o my_o 3d_o and_o four_o note_n it_o be_v absolute_o requisite_a to_o the_o church_n and_o so_o become_a god_n providence_n to_o order_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o and_o that_o the_o conclusiveness_n of_o those_o infallible_a ground_n on_o which_o god_n have_v found_v our_o faith_n shall_v be_v penetrable_a by_o those_o who_o set_v themselves_o to_o such_o speculation_n or_o fall_v into_o doubt_n concern_v they_o according_a as_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o need_v such_o help_n if_o this_o will_v not_o serve_v dr._n st._n i_o be_o sure_a it_o will_v serve_v to_o defeat_v all_o his_o argument_n i_o shall_v far_o tell_v he_o that_o the_o generality_n or_o main_a body_n in_o the_o church_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o be_v such_o in_o deliver_v down_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v in_o my_o 6_o and_o seven_o note_n and_o elsewhere_o beside_o my_o reason_n give_v there_o and_o in_o other_o place_n i_o must_v desire_v he_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o my_o reader_n that_o in_o conceive_v how_o this_o may_v be_v they_o will_v take_v their_o measure_n from_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n such_o people_n be_v capable_a of_o in_o parallel_n matter_n and_o not_o from_o their_o ability_n to_o explain_v or_o defend_v this_o absolute_a certainty_n or_o their_o constancy_n in_o adhere_v to_o it_o if_o combat_v by_o plausible_a reason_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a mean_a reflecter_n upon_o nature_n who_o observe_v not_o that_o the_o vulgar_a have_v absolute_a natural_a evidence_n of_o many_o truth_n which_o yet_o they_o can_v neither_o give_v reason_n for_o declare_v defend_v nor_o perhaps_o through_o levity_n incident_a to_o such_o weak_a soul_n do_v very_o firm_o adhere_v to_o and_o no_o wonder_n since_o so_o great_a a_o man_n as_o sextus_n empiricus_n speculate_v himself_o out_o of_o the_o conceit_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o sense_n of_o which_o yet_o none_o doubt_v but_o nature_n till_o he_o begin_v to_o pervert_v it_o by_o wrong_a speculation_n have_v give_v he_o as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o to_o any_o other_o also_o they_o be_v to_o reflect_v how_o infallibility_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o certainty_n may_v be_v in_o a_o thousand_o different_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o they_o will_v best_o comprehend_v by_o reflect_v with_o how_o different_a a_o clearness_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v at_o age_n and_o how_o dim_o when_o we_o be_v young_a which_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o yet_o do_v one_o of_o those_o infallibility_n speak_v of_o render_v the_o other_o vseless_a for_o they_o may_v either_o be_v about_o different_a object_n as_o if_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o particular_a point_n come_v down_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o penetrate_v the_o distinct_a limit_n of_o each_o point_n and_o those_o other_o particular_a person_n be_v only_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o
to_o be_v ascertain_v that_o he_o who_o be_v real_o god_n infinite_a in_o all_o his_o attribute_n and_o infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v pure_o out_o of_o his_o overflow_a goodness_n towards_o miserable_a mankind_n take_v his_o nature_n upon_o he_o become_v his_o brother_n friend_n physician_n master_n nay_o suffer_v for_o his_o sake_n many_o hardship_n during_o his_o life_n and_o at_o length_n buffet_n scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o a_o most_o cruel_a death_n on_o the_o cross_n and_o to_o keep_v the_o remembrance_n of_o these_o many_o benefit_n warm_a in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v we_o after_o a_o wonderful_a manner_n his_o most_o precious_a body_n and_o blood_n in_o a_o sacrament_n institute_v for_o that_o end_n by_o this_o mean_v not_o only_o revive_v the_o memory_n of_o the_o former_a incomparable_a love-motive_n but_o also_o add_v new_a incitement_n to_o that_o best_a of_o virtue_n by_o our_o apprehend_n lively_o that_o he_o so_o dear_o embreast_n and_o embosom_v himself_o with_o we_o by_o his_o unite_n himself_o to_o we_o through_o his_o corporal_a presence_n that_o so_o our_o soul_n may_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o love_n spring_v from_o this_o consideration_n feed_v on_o and_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o spiritual_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o these_o be_v not_o truth_n but_o that_o the_o church_n may_v perhaps_o err_v in_o embrace_v they_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o church_n itself_o be_v idolatrous_a at_o least_o material_o in_o give_v true_a divine_a honour_n which_o be_v proper_a only_o to_o the_o creator_n to_o a_o creature_n each_o of_o these_o two_o point_n then_o be_v of_o that_o high_a concern_v as_o to_o christian_a life_n and_o practice_n that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n either_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a heresy_n to_o deny_v or_o else_o to_o assert_v it_o wherefore_o it_o be_v the_o high_a impiety_n to_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v leave_v no_o way_n to_o ascertain_v mankind_n whether_o these_o two_o point_n omit_v many_o other_o be_v true_a or_o false_a since_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a they_o be_v if_o true_a the_o great_a and_o most_o efficacious_a help_n to_o christian_a devotion_n that_o can_v be_v if_o false_a the_o great_a hindrance_n to_o the_o same_o as_o corrupt_v the_o best_a devotion_n of_o those_o christian_n into_o idolatrous_a worship_n the_o know_v then_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v most_o certain_o will_v by_o god_n we_o be_v to_o expect_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v declarative_n of_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n let_v we_o now_o consider_v whether_o write_v be_v the_o best_a mean_n for_o such_o a_o end_n which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o it_o may_v certain_o be_v conclude_v from_o god_n wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o or_o intend_v by_o god_n for_o it_o but_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o dr._n st._n perpetual_o wave_v any_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o choose_v rather_o to_o argue_v from_o god_n power_n which_o though_o i_o have_v already_o show_v how_o incompetent_a and_o absurd_a it_o be_v let_v we_o examine_v at_o lest_o what_o work_v he_o make_v of_o it_o if_o say_v he_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n it_o must_v either_o be_v etc._n etc._n i_o must_v distinguish_v the_o word_n can_v be_v declare_v by_o writing_n as_o i_o do_v former_o and_o affirm_v that_o they_o may_v either_o mean_v that_o the_o way_n of_o write_v as_o take_v in_o the_o whole_a latitude_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o stand_v under_o god_n infinite_a power_n order_v it_o with_o all_o possible_a advantage_n to_o the_o end_n intend_v can_v sufficient_o declare_v god_n will_n as_o to_o such_o point_n or_o they_o may_v mean_v that_o god_n revelation_n of_o his_o will_n by_o write_v so_o qualify_v as_o it_o be_v now_o actual_o find_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v sufficient_o or_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n declare_v god_n will_v as_o to_o the_o point_n aforesaid_a to_o man_n of_o all_o capacity_n in_o all_o future_a age_n take_v they_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o say_v that_o god_n will_v as_o to_o such_o point_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v by_o write_v for_o it_o be_v absolute_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n power_n to_o contrive_v a_o book_n on_o that_o manner_n as_o may_v define_v exact_o or_o else_o explicate_v at_o large_a in_o what_o precise_a sense_n every_o word_n that_o express_v each_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v take_v and_o to_o provide_v that_o it_o shall_v never_o be_v take_v in_o that_o book_n in_o more_o than_o that_o one_o sense_n or_o if_o in_o more_o to_o notify_v to_o we_o in_o which_o place_v it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o different_a meaning_n he_o can_v also_o have_v lay_v it_o so_o that_o a_o hundred_o or_o two_o of_o original_n of_o these_o book_n may_v be_v preserve_v public_o in_o several_a distant_a country_n from_o the_o beginning_n which_o may_v by_o their_o perfect_a agreement_n bear_v testimony_n to_o one_o another_o and_o so_o assure_v we_o the_o text_n be_v keep_v hitherto_o inviolate_a even_o to_o a_o tittle_n and_o also_o remain_v a_o standard_n to_o correct_v all_o the_o multitude_n of_o diverse_a readins_n which_o as_o experience_n show_v we_o be_v apt_a otherwise_o to_o set_v the_o copy_n at_o variance_n with_o one_o another_o he_o can_v also_o have_v so_o order_v it_o that_o the_o original_a language_n may_v have_v be_v as_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o church_n as_o their_o own_o be_v &_o so_o have_v avoid_v the_o uncertainty_n of_o translation_n again_o lest_o crafty_a heretic_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a by_o witty_o allude_v place_n or_o play_v upon_o word_n or_o other_o sophistries_n pervert_v the_o sense_n god_n power_n can_v have_v cause_v a_o book_n to_o be_v write_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o large_a prophecy_n foretell_v that_o in_o such_o a_o time_n 〈◊〉_d place_n such_o and_o such_o a_o heretic_n shall_v arise_v pervert_v such_o and_o such_o a_o point_n and_o forewarn_v man_n of_o his_o sophism_n and_o error_n this_o and_o much_o more_o may_v have_v be_v effect_v by_o god_n power_n to_o establish_v write_v such_o a_o absolute_o certain_a and_o intelligible_a way_n which_o why_o his_o wisdom_n shall_v not_o have_v do_v in_o case_n faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o while_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v for_o mankind_n can_v be_v a_o error_n as_o it_o may_v be_v if_o none_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a both_o of_o the_o text_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o will_v glad_o be_v inform_v especial_o since_o dr._n st._n tell_v we_o here_o princ._n 15._o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v they_o and_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o fall_v short_a of_o elevate_a it_o above_o possibility_n of_o be_v a_o error_n whence_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n tradition_n of_o the_o church_n fail_v or_o be_v set_v aside_o to_o secure_v we_o absolute_o of_o this_o it_o can_v only_o be_v have_v by_o the_o extraordinary_a operation_n of_o god_n power_n secure_v the_o letter_n of_o such_o write_n and_o render_v those_o write_n themselves_o perfect_o intelligible_a in_o the_o manner_n assign_v in_o case_n write_v be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n write_v then_o can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o able_a thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o if_o god_n infinite_a power_n undertake_v the_o frame_n it_o such_o as_o i_o have_v express_v but_o because_o experience_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v not_o so_o order_v let_v we_o leave_v this_o platonic_a way_n of_o consider_v how_o thing_n shall_v be_v in_o that_o supposition_n and_o follow_v the_o aristotelian_a consider_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v and_o according_o examine_v how_o g●ds_n wisdom_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o order_v such_o write_n actual_o and_o thence_o gather_v whether_o however_o it_o be_v agree_v between_o we_o they_o be_v most_o excellent_a for_o other_o use_n and_o end_n they_o be_v ever_o intend_v by_o the_o same_o wisdom_n for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o evince_v the_o contrary_a of_o which_o not_o to_o repeat_v those_o many_o argument_n i_o have_v bring_v elsewhere_o i_o fartner_n offer_v these_o reason_n first_o if_o the_o write_n of_o man_n divine_o inspire_v be_v mean_v for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o either_o all_o such_o write_n as_o such_o be_v therefore_o to_o belong_v to_o that_o rule_n or_o some_o only_o if_o all_o then_o since_o some_o write_n grant_v to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o
if_o they_o do_v not_o it_o be_v their_o own_o fault_n they_o shall_v be_v sure_a to_o be_v save_v and_o as_o for_o such_o point_n as_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n real_a presence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o even_o in_o case_n they_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o of_o necessity_n to_o salvation_n since_o none_o doubt_v but_o this_fw-mi absolute_o speak_v possible_a to_o be_v save_v without_o knowledge_n of_o they_o since_o many_o have_v be_v actual_o save_v who_o never_o hear_v of_o any_o such_o point_n have_v impartial_o say_v in_o short_a the_o best_a i_o can_v in_o dr._n sts._n behalf_n and_o much_o more_o than_o he_o have_v say_v for_o himself_o let_v we_o see_v now_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v reply_v in_o behalf_n of_o truth_n to_o make_v way_n to_o it_o i_o premise_v these_o maxim_n 1._o that_o according_a to_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n man_n be_v save_v by_o mean_n 2._o that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o some_o degree_n mean_v of_o salvation_n 3._o that_o according_a to_o the_o several_a circumstance_n and_o exigency_n of_o particular_a person_n one_o need_v more_o mean_n than_o another_o 4._o that_o therefore_o it_o must_v be_v say_v some_o have_v miscarry_v because_o they_o have_v no_o more_o of_o those_o mean_n of_o salvation_n apply_v to_o they_o who_o may_v yet_o have_v be_v save_v have_v they_o have_v more_o this_o be_v so_o how_o great_a a_o presumption_n and_o madness_n it_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o every_o man_n who_o read_v the_o scripture_n shall_v be_v sure_a to_o understand_v there_o so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a mean_n for_o his_o salvation_n or_o motive_n to_o work_v up_o his_o soul_n to_o a_o disposition_n for_o heaven_n consider_v his_o exigency_n without_o need_v the_o knowledge_n of_o other_o point_n which_o contain_v other_o motive_n ten_o time_n more_o forcible_a perhaps_o to_o move_v and_o excite_v he_o to_o true_a interior_a goodness_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a that_o consider_v man_n several_a capacity_n which_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a frenzy_n to_o think_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v perfect_o adjust_v to_o their_o spiritual_a necessity_n one_o may_n as_o well_o say_v that_o every_o one_o who_o throw_v a_o die_n upon_o a_o fortune_n book_n shall_v most_o certain_o light_a on_o his_o own_o lot_n as_o that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v scripture_n shall_v let_v his_o exigency_n be_v what_o they_o will_v find_v motive_n sufficient_a for_o his_o salvation_n if_o dr._n st._n say_v that_o some_o one_o or_o two_o point_n have_v prove_v sufficient_a for_o some_o few_o therefore_o they_o may_v have_v serve_v all_o if_o they_o will_v and_o that_o god_n goodness_n towards_o christian_n oblige_v he_o to_o no_o more_o i_o reply_v first_o that_o he_o speak_v against_o nature_n since_o it_o be_v evident_a some_o temptation_n require_v great_a motive_n to_o overcome_v they_o than_o other_o and_o no_o man_n can_v assure_v we_o that_o those_o who_o have_v few_o motive_n shall_v not_o have_v the_o strong_a temptation_n and_o if_o it_o be_v but_o right_o comprehend_v that_o it_o be_v love_n of_o god_n which_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o so_o save_v we_o and_o that_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o this_o those_o miscarry_n who_o do_v miscarry_v it_o will_v be_v easy_o understand_v that_o many_o excellent_a and_o incomparable_a motive_n as_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o such_o like_a be_v lose_v to_o weak_a soul_n and_o consequent_o heaven_n by_o their_o not_o understand_v they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o by_o the_o necessary_a connexion_n of_o truth_n with_o one_o another_o while_o they_o misunderstand_v the_o scripture_n and_o so_o by_o their_o hold_v opposite_a to_o such_o great_a truth_n oppose_v in_o their_o thought_n other_o point_n of_o faith_n those_o also_o lose_v their_o motive_n force_n whence_o their_o soul_n become_v taint_v with_o multitude_n of_o erroneous_a maxim_n and_o practice_n second_o this_o answer_n take_v away_o the_o necessity_n of_o all_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o such_o a_o few_o of_o they_o only_o which_o have_v happen_v by_o the_o very_a especial_a assistance_n of_o god_n prevent_v and_o assist_v grace_n to_o have_v accidental_o as_o it_o be_v suffice_v to_o have_v save_v some_o few_o if_o he_o say_v that_o proceed_v on_o this_o manner_n none_o can_v hold_v a_o error_n for_o they_o be_v to_o hold_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o see_v to_o be_v evident_o there_o and_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o see_v not_o they_o be_v to_o suspend_v i_o will_v know_v what_o shall_v hinder_v they_o from_o think_v they_o see_v that_o to_o be_v evident_o there_o which_o be_v not_o evident_o there_o since_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v the_o vulgar_a or_o generality_n be_v but_o bad_a judge_n and_o distinguisher_n of_o a_o true_a evidence_n from_o a_o counterfeit_n one_o beside_o there_o be_v in_o the_o open_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v many_o heresy_n and_o if_o they_o know_v these_o to_o be_v such_o how_o can_v they_o be_v sure_a of_o any_o thing_n they_o read_v there_o to_o be_v true_a since_o nothing_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o letter_n than_o be_v those_o heresy_n unless_o it_o be_v say_v that_o natural_a or_o moral_a maxim_n teach_v they_o these_o place_n be_v to_o be_v literal_o understand_v and_o do_v not_o tell_v they_o so_o of_o the_o other_o and_o then_o they_o be_v behold_v to_o those_o maxim_n and_o not_o to_o scripture_n for_o their_o faith_n since_o in_o that_o case_n it_o have_v teach_v they_o no_o more_o than_o they_o know_v before_o again_o may_v not_o a_o acute_a wit_n make_v out_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o d._n sts._n faithful_n that_o to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n right_n they_o must_v compare_v one_o place_n with_o another_o and_o then_o by_o do_v so_o dexterous_o make_v they_o believe_v a_o thousand_o error_n to_o be_v pure_a scripture_n and_o god_n word_n which_o be_v not_o much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o i_o only_o make_v one_o reflection_n on_o this_o principle_n and_o so_o proceed_v his_o intent_n in_o it_o be_v to_o show_v which_o party_n run_v great_a hazard_n the_o adherer_n to_o scripture_n use_v on_o his_o fashion_n or_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o he_o will_v run_v we_o down_o by_o virtue_n of_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n that_o the_o church_n be_v not_o infallible_a to_o offer_v he_o fair_a play_n let_v we_o grant_v he_o all_o the_o advantage_n he_o pretend_v to_o in_o scripture_n and_o let_v he_o grant_v we_o all_o we_o pretend_v to_o secure_v we_o in_o the_o church_n and_o then_o compare_v the_o two_o hazard_n together_o nay_o more_o let_v we_o condescend_v as_o much_o as_o himself_o can_v imagine_v even_o so_o as_o to_o abate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o to_o grant_v that_o she_o be_v fallible_a and_o yet_o the_o very_a light_n of_o nature_n will_v stand_v on_o the_o side_n of_o our_o faithful_a against_o he_o for_o this_o teach_v they_o that_o superior_n be_v to_o be_v obey_v and_o their_o teacher_n to_o be_v hear_v and_o believe_v in_o thing_n not_o know_v to_o be_v against_o god_n command_n and_o experience_n tell_v they_o that_o scripture_n be_v oft_o time_n liable_a to_o dispute_v in_o passage_n that_o to_o both_o side_n seem_v clear_a both_o humility_n prudence_n obedience_n and_o the_o due_a care_n of_o their_o salvation_n and_o all_o virtue_n that_o can_v be_v concern_v in_o this_o kind_n of_o action_n incline_v they_o strong_o rather_o to_o adhere_v to_o what_o person_n wise_a than_o themselves_o or_o their_o pastor_n conceive_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o what_o seem_v so_o to_o themselves_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o same_o pastor_n and_o multitude_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v evident_o of_o great_a knowledge_n and_o as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v be_v inform_v of_o equal_a sincerity_n 19_o the_o assistance_n which_o god_n have_v promise_v to_o those_o who_o sincere_o desire_v to_o know_v his_o will_n may_v give_v they_o great_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o great_a infallibility_n in_o any_o other_o person_n to_o do_v suppose_v they_o have_v not_o such_o assurance_n of_o their_o infallibility_n god_n have_v promise_v no_o assistance_n that_o those_o shall_v arrive_v at_o their_o end_n who_o take_v a_o way_n disproportion_v to_o that_o end_n otherwise_o god_n shall_v oblige_v himself_o to_o work_v constant_a miracle_n as_o oft_o as_o well-meaning_a people_n out_o of_o weakness_n shall_v act_v imprudent_o next_o if_o man_n desire_v sincere_o to_o know_v god_n will_v and_o be_v humble_a and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o it_o be_v doubtful_a their_o desire_n be_v not_o sincere_a as_o be_v
to_o to_o our_o sense_n testimony_n be_v sufficient_a to_o do_v it_o so_o it_o be_v sufficient_o qualify_v that_o be_v the_o best_a and_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n support_v that_o any_o ordinary_a mean_n can_v be_v such_o be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n which_o beside_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a testimony_n have_v also_o the_o whole_a body_n &_o joint_a force_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n to_o preserve_v the_o testifier_n attentive_a and_o veracious_a thus_o the_o church_n or_o the_o christian_a society_n of_o man_n be_v establish_v infallible_a in_o deliver_v down_o faith_n need_v not_o prove_v her_o infallibility_n by_o miracle_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a the_o faithful_a believe_v that_o christ_n promise_v to_o protect_v she_o from_o error_n and_o consequent_o to_o believe_v the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o her_o infallibility_n or_o that_o she_o be_v infallible_a upon_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o believe_v all_o their_o faith_n and_o the_o scripture_n too_o viz._n upon_o tradition_n and_o that_o her_o controversiall_a divine_n who_o be_v to_o defend_v faith_n by_o way_n of_o reason_n or_o argument_n prove_v the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o this_o infallibility_n or_o make_v out_o in_o what_o it_o consist_v or_o in_o what_o second_o cause_n this_o ordinary_a and_o constant_a assistance_n be_v found_v and_o consequent_o prove_v its_o force_n by_o such_o maxim_n as_o ground_v the_o certainty_n of_o humane_a testimony_n and_o if_o the_o reader_n comprehend_v they_o by_o the_o strange_a efficacy_n of_o supernatural_a motive_n also_o conspire_v to_o strengthen_v nature_n as_o to_o that_o effect_n of_o right_o testify_v the_o doctrine_n receive_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v christ_n 8._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n then_o of_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n mere_o by_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o infallibility_n nor_o do_v the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n commit_v a_o circle_n in_o believe_v that_o the_o church_n be_v infallible_a upon_o tradition_n for_o first_o take_v they_o as_o faithful_a precise_o they_o be_v mere_o believer_n not_o reasoner_n or_o such_o as_o put_v one_o proposition_n artificial_o before_o or_o after_o another_o next_o they_o believe_v only_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n build_v on_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n that_o be_v on_o the_o church_n sanctity_n and_o this_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o have_v be_v ever_o hold_v since_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o human_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v by_o maxim_n of_o mere_a reason_n add_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o such_o a_o va●t_a testimony_n be_v self-evident_a practical_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o england_n can_v deceive_v we_o in_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o king_n james_n whence_o no_o circle_n can_v possible_o be_v commit_v if_o it_o be_v believe_v for_o its_o own_o sake_n or_o rather_o know_v by_o its_o own_o light_n though_o there_o will_v be_v if_o discourse_v it_o rational_o we_o shall_v put_v the_o same_o proposition_n to_o be_v before_o and_o after_o itself_o 9_o since_o those_o who_o have_v the_o least_o capacity_n of_o penetrate_a scripture_n and_o consequent_o according_a to_o dr._n st._n have_v the_o few_o motive_n of_o good_a life_n apply_v to_o they_o may_v frequent_o live_v among_o great_a temptation_n that_o be_v in_o circumstance_n of_o need_v the_o most_o it_o be_v a_o blind_a undertake_n and_o no_o secure_a nor_o wise_a than_o idle_a fortune-telling_n to_o bear_v man_n in_o hand_n that_o person_n of_o all_o capacity_n who_o sincere_o endeavour_n shall_v understand_v scripture_n in_o all_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v necessary_a for_o their_o salvation_n 10._o since_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o private_a judgement_n may_v err_v in_o understand_a scripture_n but_o not_o evident_a that_o christ_n have_v not_o promise_v his_o church_n security_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n they_o run_v the_o great_a hazard_n by_o far_o who_o rely_v on_o their_o private_a sense_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o do_v who_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n especial_o since_o the_o church_n deny_v not_o scripture_n but_o profess_v to_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o so_o in_o common_a reason_n be_v likely_a to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n far_o better_o than_o private_a man_n but_o most_o especial_o since_o our_o modern_n when_o they_o first_o begin_v to_o rely_v on_o their_o own_o judgement_n of_o scripture_n for_o their_o faith_n revolt_v from_o hear_v the_o church_n and_o rebel_v against_o pastor_n and_o lawful_a superior_n which_o both_o god_n law_n and_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v they_o they_o be_v to_o follow_v and_o submit_v to_o thus_o our_o new_a apostle_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n of_o gift_n and_o new_a light_n have_v endeavour_v to_o pull_v down_o the_o church_n and_o subvert_v the_o foundation_n lay_v by_o christ_n and_o instead_o thereof_o to_o set_v up_o as_o many_o church_n as_o there_o be_v private_a and_o proud_a fancy_n in_o the_o world_n each_o of_o which_o may_v by_o this_o devilish_a doctrine_n defy_v the_o church_n for_o teach_v he_o his_o faith_n or_o for_o govern_v he_o as_o as_o a_o church_n that_o be_v govern_v he_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a for_o she_o can_v bind_v never_o a_o subject_n in_o conscience_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o herself_o and_o each_o man_n judge_n to_o be_v true_a and_o sound_a wherefore_o if_o any_o or_o each_o private_a person_n understand_v scripture_n another_o way_n than_o she_o do_v he_o be_v enfranchise_v by_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o ought_v not_o relinquish_v from_o her_o authority_n she_o may_v in_o that_o case_n wish_v he_o well_o and_o pity_v he_o as_o every_o old_a wife_n may_v also_o do_v and_o he_o in_o return_n may_v wish_v well_o to_o the_o church_n end_n pity_v she_o she_o may_v endeavour_v to_o admonish_v and_o instruct_v he_o better_o so_o to_o pluck_v he_o out_o of_o his_o error_n and_o he_o in_o requital_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v behindhand_o with_o the_o church_n in_o courtesy_n may_v with_o equal_a nay_o better_a title_n admonish_v the_o church_n of_o her_o fail_n and_o endeavour_v to_o pull_v she_o out_o of_o her_o error_n or_o as_o the_o new_a phrase_n be_v reform_v she_o for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o that_o he_o read_v the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o endeavour_v to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o he_o have_v all_o the_o security_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o church_n be_v in_o a_o error_n that_o may_v be_v nor_o can_v he_o be_v thus_o gift_v want_v power_n to_o preach_v to_o she_o and_o other_o for_o certain_o the_o world_n will_v be_v most_o perverse_o order_v if_o they_o who_o be_v in_o error_n shall_v have_v licence_n and_o power_n to_o propagate_v their_o error_n and_o those_o who_o follow_v truth_n shall_v have_v no_o leave_n to_o propagate_v truth_n thus_o the_o church_n have_v lose_v all_o power_n that_o be_v have_v lose_v herself_o be_v able_a neither_o to_o lead_v nor_o drive_v her_o equally-gifted_n subject_n so_o that_o her_o exercise_v jurisdiction_n over_o they_o will_v by_o this_o wicked_a doctrine_n be_v a_o most_o tyrannical_a persecution_n and_o every_o such_o private_a man_n refractory_a disobedience_n see_v the_o wonderful_a gift_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n will_v become_v a_o most_o glorious_a confession_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o every_o rebel_n act_v against_o the_o church_n so_o he_o be_v but_o so_o self-conceited_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o know_v more_o of_o god_n mind_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o all_o the_o church_n beside_o will_v by_o this_o doctrine_n in_o case_n the_o secular_a power_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o curb_v his_o insolence_n be_v a_o most_o bless_a martyr_n such_o no_o doubt_n as_o john_n fox'e_v be_v the_o five_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o eleven_o remain_a principle_n which_o seem_v chief_o to_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n whoever_o have_v peruse_v the_o forego_n examine_v and_o reflect_v well_o upon_o what_o a_o sandy_a foundation_n dr._n st._n have_v build_v his_o faith_n will_v doubtless_o expect_v that_o he_o will_v assign_v it_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v of_o no_o exceed_v great_a strength_n for_o fear_n lest_o his_o weak_a ground_n '_o shall_v not_o support_v his_o superstructure_n nor_o his_o proof_n carry_v home_o to_o his_o conclusion_n now_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v of_o faith_n import_v its_o true_a nature_n be_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o assent_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a whence_o follow_v that_o its_o ground_n be_v likewise_o such_o and_o indeed_o since_o all_o hold_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o immovable_a and_o unalterable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o ●light_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o pr●scribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o ●oth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n if_o the_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o the_o assent_n be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v footstep_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o which_o he_o have_v imprint_v all_o create_a truth_n and_o establish_v they_o under_o penalty_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o be_v inerrable_o what_o they_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n have_v from_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o a_o true_a evidence_n or_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n our_o understand_a power_n will_v be_v the_o same_o within_o as_o they_o be_v without_o and_o so_o inerrable_a in_o its_o assent_n and_o it_o certainty_n build_v on_o those_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n immediate_o depend_v on_o god_n be_v fix_v by_o that_o essential_o unchangeable_a be_v in_o a_o participate_v but_o yet_o absolute_a unchangeableness_n in_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v a_o immediate_a effect_n of_o those_o nature_n thus_o establish_v work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n transfuse_v into_o it_o that_o be_v into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n an●_n certainty_n such_o a_o proper_a effect_n of_o themselves_o as_o suit_n with_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v viz._n a_o intellectual_a unchangeableness_n or_o a_o unchangeableness_n build_v on_o knowledge_n of_o those_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o infallibleness_n no_o wonder_n then_o both_o our_o drs._n in_o their_o weak_a discourse_n fly_v off_o so_o from_o depend_v for_o their_o assent_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o object_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o recur_n still_o to_o the_o subject_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v common_a sense_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n grow_v in_o great_a request_n and_o first_o infallibility_n or_o true_a certainty_n be_v radical_o destroy_v which_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o ●t_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o ●hat_n no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o
multitude_n of_o exception_n as_o have_v be_v show_v in_o the_o proper_a answer_n to_o each_o 4_o and_o 5_o the_o consequence_n connexion_n or_o follow_v of_o these_o pretend_a conclusion_n out_o of_o their_o premise_n be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_v to_o be_v show_v nor_o any_o one_o of_o they_o relate_v to_o any_o principle_n or_o principle_n but_o all_o the_o figure_n which_o distinguish_v both_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o stand_v for_o cypher●_n and_o be_v useless_a last_o be_v all_o these_o conclusion_n grant_v he_o yet_o still_o he_o be_v never_o the_o near_o have_v prove_v or_o compass_v what_o he_o intend_v for_o suppose_v we_o grant_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n to_o do_v that_o which_o can_v be_v do_v as_o well_o without_o they_o what_o if_o the_o supernatural_a infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v examine_v by_o the_o fame_n faculty_n and_o the_o same_o way_n point_n of_o faith_n be_v or_o it_o be_v natural_a infallibility_n the_o same_o way_n it_o be_v natural_a or_o human_a authority_n be_v examine_v what_o if_o we_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o if_o its_o miracle_n be_v less_o convince_a its_o mark_n more_o doubtful_a and_o its_o sense_n more_o obscure_a and_o great_a reason_n to_o reject_v it_o the_o more_o absurd_a its_o opinion_n be_v and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n what_o if_o to_o disown_n such_o doctrine_n be_v not_o to_o question_v god_n veracity_n what_o i_o say_v if_o all_o these_o be_v grant_v by_o we_o as_o they_o will_v have_v be_v very_o ready_o at_o the_o first_o though_o he_o have_v never_o skirmish_v and_o flourish_v and_o keep_v this_o pother_n with_o lay_v so_o formal_o six_o principle_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n and_o then_o thirty_o other_o of_o his_o own_o yet_o he_o be_v not_o one_o jot_n the_o near_o the_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n which_o be_v promise_v we_o at_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o we_o ought_v to_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o it_o when_o he_o have_v deduce_v his_o conclusion_n which_o use_v to_o infer_v the_o intent_n propose_v to_o himself_o by_o the_o disputant_n and_o to_o come_v home_o to_o the_o very_a point_n the_o arguer_n will_v be_v at_o indeed_o if_o he_o can_v show_v we_o solid_o that_o infallibility_n in_o a_o church_n be_v useless_a that_o examine_v by_o such_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o it_o ought_v it_o will_v be_v overthrow_v and_o can_v not_o stand_v the_o trial_n that_o its_o miracle_n be_v unconvince_v its_o mark_n doubtful_a it_o be_v sense_n declare_v by_o it_o obscure_a or_o that_o its_o opinion_n be_v indeed_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n very_o great_a matter_n have_v indeed_o in_o that_o case_n be_v do_v against_o our_o church_n and_o faith_n yet_o still_o nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o establishment_n of_o his_o own_o a_o catholic_n might_n in_o that_o case_n have_v indeed_o lose_v his_o own_o faith_n and_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o another_o but_o never_o find_v any_o mere_o by_o mean_n of_o these_o destructive_a position_n alone_o unless_o dr._n st._n can_v settle_v he_o some_o other_o ground_n build_v on_o better_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o be_v competent_a to_o settle_v faith_n on_o which_o fallible_a certainty_n be_v it_o sense_n will_v never_o reach_v so_o that_o be_v all_o his_o conclusion_n hitherto_o free_o grant_v he_o be_v still_o as_o far_o from_o have_v attain_v what_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o and_o promise_v other_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v imagine_v why_o he_o make_v we_o this_o mock-shew_a of_o consequence_n but_o only_o that_o as_o at_o the_o beginning_n he_o put_v down_o most_o undeniable_a and_o most_o sacred_a principle_n agree_v on_o both_o side_n so_o to_o make_v his_o reader_n apprehend_v beforehand_o he_o must_v needs_o conquer_v who_o have_v such_o sure_a card_n to_o play_v though_o by_o his_o shynesse_n to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o home_n it_o appear_v he_o have_v no_o title_n to_o they_o so_o now_o he_o put_v five_o undeniable_a proposition_n for_o conclusion_n to_o make_v weak_a nnattentive_a reader_n imagine_v he_o have_v actual_o conquer_v for_o nothing_o sound_v a_o more_o complete_a victory_n that_o to_o in●ferr_v evident_a conclusion_n but_o the_o ill_a luck_n be_v not_o one_o of_o they_o be_v a_o conclusion_n not_o have_v that_o kind_n of_o evidence_n in_o it_o which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o such_o proposition_n viz._n evidence-had_a by_o mean_n of_o proof_n but_o they_o be_v all_o evident_a of_o themselves_o or_o self-evident_a and_o so_o a_o good_a plot_n be_v unlucky_o spoil_v i_o have_v yet_o one_o thing_n more_o to_o say_v to_o they_o that_o they_o have_v all_o of_o they_o evident_o the_o nature_n of_o premise_n in_o they_o and_o will_v do_v extraordinary_a service_n to_o his_o cause_n take_v in_o that_o capacity_n as_o far_o i_o mean_v as_o he_o aim_v to_o overthrow_v the_o catholic_n church_n if_o the_o badness_n of_o it_o will_v let_v he_o pursue_v they_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o apply_v they_o to_o show_v which_o i_o will_v put_v they_o down_o in_o a_o clear_a method_n that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v where_o the_o point_n stick_v the_o first_o conclusion_n than_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o major_a proposition_n and_o put_v in_o a_o discourse_n stand_v thus_o that_o infallibility_n without_o which_o man_n may_v be_v certain_a of_o faith_n and_o can_v have_v great_a assurance_n of_o faith_n be_v it_o put_v be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v put_v but_o suoh_o be_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v the_o second_o stand_v thus_o if_o it_o can_v at_o all_o concern_v the_o purpose_n that_o infallibility_n which_o be_v to_o be_v examine_v by_o the_o same_o faculty_n rule_n of_o trial_n and_o motive_n by_o which_o the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n be_v can_v bear_v the_o test_n but_o must_v be_v overthrow_v but_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o examine_v therefore_o it_o can_v stand_v the_o test_n but_o must_v be_v overthrow_v the_o three_o stand_v thus_o that_o church_n who_o miracle_n be_v less_o convince_a mark_v more_o doubtful_a sense_n more_o obscure_a have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v believe_v but_o such_o be_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n therefore_o she_o have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v believe_v the_o four_o thus_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o church_n who_o opinion_n be_v absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n have_v great_a reason_n to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o grand_a imposture_n but_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o infallibility_n of_o such_o a_o church_n who_o opinion_n be_v absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n therefore_o it_o be_v infallibility_n ought_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o a_o grand_a imposture_n the_o five_o thus_o they_o who_o disown_a doctrine_n thus_o absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n do_v own_o and_o not_o question_v therein_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n but_o we_o in_o disow_v the_o roman_a church_n disow_v such_o doctrine_n therefore_o we_o in_o so_o do_v own_o or_o do_v not_o question_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n by_o which_o discourse_v it_o be_v evident_o see_v that_o the_o natural_a posture_n and_o place_n for_o these_o five_o proposition_n in_o a_o attempt_n to_o overthrow_v the_o roman_a church_n infallibility_n and_o to_o excuse_v the_o protestant_n for_o not_o obey_v she_o as_o be_v here_o intend_a for_o they_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o to_o the_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n which_o they_o be_v pretend_o bring_v for_o be_v to_o make_v they_o the_o major_a proposition_n where_o the_o chief_a principle_n to_o all_o conclusion_n use_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v place_v it_o be_v evident_a also_o that_o these_o premise_n or_o principle_n stand_v firm_a in_o their_o own_o undeniable_a verity_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n for_o he_o to_o do_v be_v to_o make_v good_a all_o the_o minor_a proposition_n which_o do_v all_o the_o conclusion_n must_v necessary_o follow_v and_o so_o his_o work_n be_v do_v as_o indeed_o it_o always_o aught_o to_o be_v when_o the_o conclusion_n be_v infer_v whereas_o make_v these_o major_a proposition_n the_o conclusion_n it_o be_v manife●_n he_o be_v to_o begin_v again_o and_o argue_v from_o they_o when_o he_o have_v conclude_v and_o so_o be_v at_o a_o end_n o●_n his_o discourse_n so_o that_o it_o be_v most_o
palpable_o evident_a that_o dr._n st._n most_o absurd_o unskilful_o and_o prepo●cerously_o make_v those_o his_o principle_n which_o be_v obscure_a and_o ungranted_a and_o have_v hundred_o of_o exception_n against_o they_o and_o so_o need_v proof_n that_o be_v make_v those_o his_o principle_n which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v his_o con●lusions_n and_o put_v those_o for_o his_o conclusion_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n self-evident_a and_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o mankind_n and_o which_o natural_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o major_n in_o any_o discourse_n on_o this_o subject_a that_o be_v he_o mistake_v principle_n for_o conclusion_n and_o conclusion_n for_o principle_n which_o perhaps_o be_v the_o reason_n he_o make_v use_v of_o those_o word_n reduce_v to_o principle_n in_o stead_n of_o deduce_v from_o principle_n intimate_v thereby_o that_o his_o conclusion_n be_v all_o of_o they_o indeed_o principle_n do_v ever_o logic_n and_o common_a sense_n go_v thus_o to_o wrack_n his_o 6_o conclusion_n remain_v yet_o to_o be_v speak_v to_o and_o it_o be_v this_o 6._o though_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n declaree_v to_o be_v so_o yet_o this_o do_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o neither_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o any_o sound_a part_n or_o member_n of_o it_o this_o be_v far_o from_o be_v self-evident_a as_o be_v the_o former_a but_o of_o itself_o as_o obscure_a as_o may_v be_v and_o in_o that_o regard_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v a_o conclusion_n have_v there_o be_v any_o premise_n to_o infer_v it_o it_o come_v home_n also_o to_o the_o point_n as_o far_o as_o his_o intent_n be_v to_o impugn_v catholic_n for_o be_v that_o which_o it_o contain_v conclude_v it_o will_v import_v no_o less_o than_o the_o utter_a overthrow_n of_o the_o roman_a cause_n but_o where_o be_v the_o premise_n or_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o infer_v it_o must_v every_o bold_a and_o unprove_v say_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n be_v call_v a_o conclusion_n whether_o it_o have_v any_o principle_n or_o no_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o if_o then_o it_o have_v none_o why_o do_v he_o put_v it_o for_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o pretend_v he_o have_v conclude_v it_o if_o any_o why_o do_v he_o not_o show_v we_o they_o and_o relate_v to_o they_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o important_a then_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o those_o perilous_a all-overturning_a principle_n on_o which_o a_o conclusion_n so_o desperate_o destructive_a to_o rome_n be_v ground_v or_o may_v we_o not_o just_o suspect_v that_o not_o give_v we_o notice_n with_o which_o of_o his_o insignificant_a thirty_o principle_n this_o romantical_a six_o conclusion_n have_v any_o commerce_n he_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o it_o follow_v from_o none_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o have_v a_o mighty_a mind_n to_o be_v think_v to_o have_v conclude_v it_o he_o therefore_o very_o politic_o call_v his_o own_o say_v a_o conclusion_n i_o know_v he_o have_v pretend_v elsewhere_o idolatrous_a worship_n forsooth_o have_v corrupt_v she_o and_o make_v her_o unsound_a and_o twenty_o other_o flaw_n he_o find_v in_o she_o but_o than_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v make_v this_o proposition_n be_v relate_v to_o those_o discourse_n and_o not_o pretend_v they_o follow_v out_o of_o his_o thirty_o principle_n where_o not_o a_o word_n to_o that_o purpose_n be_v find_v moreover_o these_o church_n now_o in_o communion_n with_o rome_n be_v once_o true_a church_n how_o come_v they_o then_o or_o when_o to_o be_v now_o so_o rot_v and_o unsound_a let_v the_o time_n be_v assign_v when_o by_o alter_v their_o faith_n and_o worship_n they_o become_v corrupt_v let_v the_o person_n place_n manner_n of_o beginning_n proceed_v and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v particularise_v that_o so_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o this_o manifest_a and_o concern_v nature_n may_v be_v make_v credible_a above_o all_o how_o it_o happen_v that_o matter_n of_o this_o notorious_a and_o important_a nature_n shall_v remain_v unrecord_v and_o still_o believe_v that_o no_o such_o change_n be_v and_o this_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o a_o testify_a authority_n so_o great_a that_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v even_o by_o our_o enemy_n that_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v since_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o world_n that_o so_o many_o vast_a nation_n shall_v swallow_v so_o prodigious_a a_o error_n so_o tame_o in_o a_o most_o manifest_a and_o most_o concern_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o which_o if_o it_o be_v indeed_o a_o error_n none_o can_v be_v absolute_o secure_a of_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o former_a king_n or_o action_n do_v before_o our_o time_n much_o less_o of_o the_o authority_n or_o text_n of_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n but_o i_o suppose_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v press_v the_o best_a answer_n will_v be_v some_o text_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o the_o enemy_n sow_v tare_n while_o man_n sleep_v which_o interpret_v by_o dr._n st_n private_a spirit_n shall_v sanctify_v to_o we_o this_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o nonsense_n that_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n alter_v her_o faith_n and_o christian_a practice_n and_o yet_o none_o observe_v it_o or_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o that_o be_v that_o those_o many_o million_o of_o her_o subject_n begin_v as_o they_o must_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o if_o she_o indeed_o alter_v her_o faith_n to_o believe_v and_o practise_v otherwise_o then_o they_o do_v yet_o none_o of_o they_o know_v they_o do_v so_o all_o sleep_v and_o be_v wrap_v up_o god_n wot_v in_o the_o dark_a night_n of_o ignorance_n till_o owl-eyed_a luther_n even_o at_o that_o midnight_n of_o infidelity_n most_o bless_o espy_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n dawn_v and_o show_v it_o to_o dr._n st_n predecessor_n now_o whoever_o reflect_v how_o considerable_a a_o part_n of_o christianity_n those_o church_n in_o communion_n with_o rome_n make_v and_o how_o many_o abominable_a corruption_n or_o sickness_n there_o be_v in_o she_o if_o those_o of_o dr._n st_n private-spirited_n church_n may_v be_v trust_v will_v with_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o the_o church_n have_v as_o many_o disease_n in_o she_o as_o a_o old_a horse_n and_o very_o few_o limb_n of_o her_o free_a so_o that_o it_o will_v appear_v she_o for_o who_o sake_n whole_a nature_n be_v make_v be_v the_o great_a monster_n for_o wretchedness_n and_o that_o her_o condition_n be_v more_o miserable_a than_o any_o other_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o consequent_o that_o god_n providence_n have_v a_o slendere_a care_n of_o his_o church_n then_o of_o the_o most_o trifle_a toy_n in_o the_o world_n which_o ill_a suit_n with_o the_o great_a wonder_n and_o extraordinary_a thing_n he_o have_v do_v for_o she_o as_o be_v make_v man_n die_v for_o she_o and_o such_o like_a it_o be_v good_a too_o to_o know_v how_o long_o a_o member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v remain_v unsound_a ere_o it_o be_v time_n to_o cut_v it_o off_o also_o whether_o it_o can_v be_v cut_v off_o or_o who_o be_v likely_a to_o cut_v it_o off_o without_o which_o the_o church_n case_n must_v needs_o be_v most_o desperate_a to_o be_v almost_o from_o top_n to_o to●_n as_o full_a of_o disease_n as_o she_o can_v well_o hold_v and_o no_o mean_n extant_a to_o give_v her_o help_n but_o alas_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n but_o herself_o and_o some_o few_o sect_n that_o have_v manifest_o go_v out_o from_o she_o and_o it_o sound_v so_o unnatural_o to_o say_v the_o tree_n can_v be_v cut_v off_o from_o its_o branch_n that_o whatever_o such_o talker_n may_v say_v in_o common_a yet_o come_v once_o to_o put_v it_o in_o execution_n the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o bewray_v the_o falsehood_n of_o tenet_n but_o to_o come_v close_o to_o this_o voluntary_a say_n of_o he_o either_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n rely_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o faith_n on_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n appoint_v by_o god_n or_o she_o do_v not_o if_o not_o she_o have_v no_o faith_n at_o all_o but_o only_a opinion_n however_o she_o may_v hap_v to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o many_o point_n she_o hold_v for_o her_o assent_n will_v want_v the_o certainty_n requisite_a to_o faith_n as_o not_o be_v build_v on_o the_o stable_a ground_n god_n have_v lay_v to_o give_v it_o that_o certainty_n and_o if_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v no_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v a_o church_n or_o any_o part_n of_o a_o church_n sound_n or_o unsound_a as_o want_v what_o be_v most_o essential_a true_a faith_n and_o so_o dr._n st._n have_v provide_v rare_o well_o for_o the_o mission_n of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o if_o we_o be_v no_o church_n she_o have_v no_o
the_o twelve_o have_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v build_v on_o this_o manifest_a truth_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v without_o mean_n to_o assure_v which_o since_o mean_v speak_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a a_o end_n s_o to_o be_v compass_v that_o be_v without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v amount_v to_o this_o self-evident_a truth_n that_o can_v be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v §_o 13._o the_o thirteen_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n this_o undeniable_a verity_n it_o be_v presumable_a that_o they_o who_o constant_o maintain_v a_o tenet_n do_v hold_v the_o same_o tenet_n and_o judge_v it_o available_a to_o their_o cause_n or_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o who_o write_v against_o it_o and_o vilify_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n nor_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v available_a to_o their_o cause_n both_o which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o this_o proposition_n which_o practice_n make_v self-evident_a man_n not_o frantic_a or_o in_o some_o high_a passion_n will_v not_o act_v direct_o against_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o to_o their_o own_o overthrow_n or_o too_o this_o which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o rational_a agent_n leave_v to_o their_o nature_n will_v act_v as_o they_o be_v that_o be_v rational_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o §_o be_v show_v to_o be_v self-evident_a in_o our_o discussion_n of_o the_o 11_o §_o 14._o the_o fourteen_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o 11_o 13_o and_o 10_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o clear_a truth_n they_o act_v irrational_o and_o unjustifiable_o who_o relinquish_v a_o rule_n infallibly-certain_a upon_o uncertain_a ground_n or_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o proceed_v upon_o certainty_n than_o uncertainty_n which_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n §_o 15._o the_o fifteen_o contain_v these_o two_o truth_n for_o its_o supporter_n both_o of_o they_o self-evident_a practical_o that_o charge_n be_v irrational_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o thing_n unknown_a to_o the_o accuser_n and_o that_o rational_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n §_o 16._o the_o sixteen_o subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o evident_a truth_n a_o universal_a change_n in_o matter_n both_o manifest_a to_o sense_n and_o most_o concern_v must_v needs_o be_v notorious_a which_o engage_v that_o principle_n man_n be_v sensitive_a or_o a_o animal_n whence_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a part_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n it_o be_v consequent_o self-evident_a §_o 17._o the_o seventeen_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o plain_a proposition_n men_n of_o reason_n can_v hold_v and_o own_v themselves_o and_o propose_v to_o other_o point_n most_o difficult_a to_o believe_v upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n and_o yet_o yield_v nor_o own_o any_o reason_n why_o they_o hold_v they_o come_v from_o christ_n or_o thus_o man_n either_o have_v or_o else_o yield_v no_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o both_o which_o come_v to_o this_o that_o he_o press_v necessity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o violent_a of_o cause_n &_o which_o in_o our_o case_n strain_v humane_a nature_n &_o if_o it_o act_n nor_o frustrate_v it_o of_o its_o end_n have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o which_o destroy_v all_o causality_n and_o consequent_o all_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 18._o the_o eighteen_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n among_o which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n person_n of_o great_a wit_n &_o goodness_n in_o matter_n of_o high_a moment_n and_o which_o require_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n can_v continue_v to_o hold_v such_o thing_n and_o yet_o confess_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o hold_v it_o naught_o and_o insufficient_a or_o upon_o second_o thought_n go_v about_o to_o settle_v a_o better_a palpable_o and_o direct_o contradict_v their_o own_o pretence_n which_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o reason_n man_n do_v not_o use_v it_o at_o all_o and_n since_o effect_n be_v not_o do_v without_o cause_n which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v motive_n and_o the_o great_a necessity_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o motive_n or_o cause_n if_o that_o move_v they_o not_o to_o act_v rational_o nothing_o will_v do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o imply_v by_o consequence_n the_o contradictory_n to_o this_o identical_a proposition_n rational_a agent_n be_v capable_a to_o act_v rational_o §_o 19_o the_o nineteen_o have_v the_o same_o basis_n with_o the_o 16_o and_o 17_o §_o 20._o the_o 20_o be_v mere_o this_o identical_a proposition_n dilate_a all_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v the_o universality_n or_o all_o in_o that_o kind_n §_o 21_o the_o twenty_o first_o and_o second_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o evident_a truth_n those_o who_o have_v mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o end_n can_v arrive_v at_o that_o end_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o mean_n can_v and_o since_o mean_v speak_v that_o which_o make_v a_o end_n compassable_a they_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o wh●●●c●●_n be_v do_v can_v be_v do_v and_o that_o which_o can_v can_v §_o 22._o the_o last_o paragraph_n suppose_v the_o foregoing_a one_o true_a be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n and_o full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o end_n without_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n or_o that_o that_o can_v be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v postscript_n have_v thus_o attempt_v to_o reduce_v the_o main_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n to_o first_o principle_n it_o be_v require_v of_o dr._n st._n that_o in_o maintain_v he_o he_o will_v not_o decline_v the_o same_o test_n this_o if_o he_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o undertake_v it_o will_v quick_o and_o evident_o appear_v on_o who_o side_n truth_n stand_v and_o this_o be_v mainfest_o his_o task_n who_o pretend_v to_o principle_n for_o he_o must_v either_o vouch_v those_o he_o produce_v to_o be_v first_o principle_n or_o reducible_a to_o the_o first_o else_o he_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o have_v little_a hope_n he_o will_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o expose_v his_o discourse_n to_o this_o noon-day-evidence_n nor_o indeed_o will_v the_o genius_n of_o error_n endure_v such_o a_o trial_n as_o the_o go_n about_o to_o connect_v it_o with_o first_o and_o self-evident_a truth_n for_o what_o communication_n can_v that_o darkness_n have_v with_o this_o clear_a light_n and_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v clearness_n of_o style_n that_o be_v a_o grammatical_a or_o rhetorical_a clearness_n and_o not_o a_o logical_a or_o rational_a one_o which_o consist_v in_o resolve_v his_o discourse_n into_o first_o principle_n that_o dr._n tillotson_n boast_o attribute_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sermon-preface_n for_o himself_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o whole_a way_n of_o writing_n never_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o it_o be_v more_o to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n which_o be_v to_o keep_v thing_n from_o be_v understand_v to_o avoid_v by_o all_o mean_v this_o discover_v method_n and_o all_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whence_o he_o foresee_v no_o small_a danger_n of_o too_o great_a evidence_n be_v likely_a to_o spring_v and_o to_o lead_v his_o reader_n into_o a_o wilderness_n of_o word_n whole_a library_n of_o author_n where_o by_o his_o way_n of_o manage_v citation_n which_o be_v by_o criticise_v upon_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o phrase_n they_o may_v dance_v in_o the_o maze_n till_o they_o be_v weary_a i_o hear_v he_o be_v about_o this_o stratagem_n and_o that_o he_o aim_v out_o of_o some_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o vselesness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n but_o alas_o how_o he_o will_v be_v defeat_v not_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n will_v be_v find_v which_o come_v home_o to_o his_o purpose_n or_o prove_v that_o private_a man_n need_v not_o the_o church_n interpretation_n ere_o they_o can_v secure_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o it_o to_o save_v he_o therefore_o the_o labour_n of_o collect_v and_o print_v multitude_n of_o these_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o his_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitless_a toil_n of_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o impertinence_n i_o produce_v he_o one_o out_o of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n worth_n thousand_o for_o it_o speak_v with_o as_o high_a reverence_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o its_o fullness_n perfection_n and_o selfsufficiency_n as_o any_o perhaps_o more_o and_o so_o he_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n except_o against_o it_o and_o be_v intend_v purposely_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a decider_n of_o the_o question_n that_o can_v be_v not_o to_o add_v the_o acceptation_n and_o esteem_n that_o excellent_a treatise_n