no_o fault_n in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o express_v not_o all_o the_o truth_n it_o ought_v for_o god_n not_o only_o can_v act_v contrary_a to_o those_o essential_a attribute_n but_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o very_a nature_n to_o act_v perfect_o according_a to_o they_o in_o make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o way_n or_o rule_n to_o make_v know_v his_o will_n unto_o man_n by_o as_o shall_v be_v all_o thing_n consider_v most_o proper_a for_o mankind_n that_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o the_o respective_a capacity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v lead_v by_o it_o that_o so_o their_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o the_o provision_n of_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n may_v be_v pefect_o rational_a and_o also_o most_o effectual_a to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n intend_v that_o rule_n and_o faith_n which_o depend_v on_o it_o these_o be_v the_o six_o principle_n dr._n st._n propose_v as_o agree_v to_o by_o both_o side_n which_o in_o the_o main_a and_o thus_o 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rope_n of_o â—and_n for_o want_n of_o declare_v their_o relation_n to_o other_o and_o though_o now_o and_o then_o they_o counterfeit_v a_o semblance_n of_o some_o sleight_n coherence_n yet_o their_o whole_a frame_n be_v loose_a and_o ill-built_a for_o want_v of_o a_o orderly_a and_o visible_a dependence_n of_o one_o part_n on_o another_o now_o this_o odd_a variety_n in_o their_o complexion_n put_v a_o attentive_a considerer_n at_o some_o loss_n what_o to_o name_v they_o no_o apellation_n fit_v the_o thirty_o but_o that_o which_o be_v common_a to_o such_o quantity_n of_o matter_n or_o multitude_n of_o line_n whether_o it_o be_v sense_n or_o nonsense_n such_o as_o be_v paragraph_n section_n and_o such_o like_a since_o their_o motley_n nature_n will_v neither_o let_v we_o call_v they_o deduction_n nor_o conclusion_n nor_o principle_n nor_o proposition_n nor_o discourse_n nor_o inference_n nor_o postulatum_n nor_o axiom_n nor_o maxim_n nor_o proof_n nor_o any_o thing_n of_o any_o such_o nature_n and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n the_o superscription_n be_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 3._o it_o be_v not_o amiss_o for_o all_o that_o to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n himself_o call_v they_o and_o to_o hope_v thence_o for_o some_o better_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n than_o we_o can_v attain_v to_o by_o our_o own_o consideration_n but_o he_o be_v at_o variance_n with_o himself_o about_o the_o point_n no_o one_o common_a name_n be_v capable_a to_o fit_v they_o all_o where_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v name_v be_v of_o so_o many_o parish_n or_o family_n all_o he_o do_v as_o appear_v by_o his_o transition_n to_o make_v they_o all_o take_v together_o amount_v to_o a_o inquiry_n into_o the_o particular_a way_n which_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o for_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n i_o do_v not_o by_o any_o mean_n like_o this_o
insignificant_a word_n inquiry_n it_o be_v so_o very_o safe_a that_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconfutable_a have_v he_o say_v candid_o and_o plain_o hear_v follow_v the_o principle_n not_o agree_v on_o voluntary_o which_o therefore_o i_o will_v make_v evident_a that_o my_o adversary_n reason_n may_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v my_o discourse_n proceed_v and_o way_n be_v make_v towards_o some_o conclusion_n he_o have_v offer_v i_o some_o play_n for_o than_o i_o may_v possible_o have_v discover_v the_o weakness_n or_o inevidence_n of_o his_o principle_n or_o the_o slackness_n of_o his_o consequence_n but_o now_o all_o my_o attempt_n be_v defeat_v by_o this_o one_o pretty_a word_n inquiry_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v hap_v to_o confute_v every_o line_n in_o all_o the_o thirty_o paragraph_n yet_o still_o after_o all_o this_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n whether_o he_o have_v produce_v one_o word_n to_o evince_v it_o or_o no_o thus_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o late_a preface_n get_v rid_v of_o the_o hard_a and_o main_o concern_v passage_n in_o sure-footing_a by_o virtue_n of_o two_o insignificant_a word_n allege_v that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v it_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n be_v perfect_o verify_v though_o as_o appear_v in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n disc._n 8_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o as_o to_o that_o point_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v our_o learned_a reader_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o different_a manner_n in_o which_o i_o and_o my_o adversary_n bear_v ourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o i_o candid_o avow_v my_o ground_n to_o be_v evident_a principle_n my_o consequence_n to_o be_v necessary_a my_o argument_n to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a or_o demonstrative_a and_o by_o so_o do_v i_o offer_v they_o all_o the_o fair_a play_n imaginable_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o truth_n expose_v myself_o 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of_o their_o discourse_n 4._o notwithstanding_o that_o dr._n st._n be_v thus_o shy_a to_o name_v these_o thirty_o paragraph_n principle_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v so_o monstrous_o unlike_o those_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n which_o use_n and_o aught_o to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o carriage_n he_o mean_v they_o for_o such_o and_o will_v have_v they_o think_v such_o too_o for_o they_o immediate_o follow_v after_o the_o six_o principle_n voluntary_o agree_v on_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o principle_n not_o voluntary_o agree_v to_o and_o all_o of_o they_o antecede_v his_o six_o conclusion_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o he_o put_v immediate_o to_o follow_v out_o of_o they_o again_o the_o run_v title_n superscribe_v to_o they_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n all_o which_o manifest_v to_o we_o beyond_o evasion_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o principle_n though_o he_o be_v something_o bashful_a to_o call_v they_o so_o direct_o wherefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o intention_n we_o will_v for_o once_o strain_v a_o word_n to_o the_o high_a catachresis_fw-la that_o may_v be_v and_o by_o a_o strange_a antiphrasis_n call_v black_a white_a and_o all_o these_o paragraph_n principle_n 5._o yet_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o candid_a and_o clear_a and_o consonant_a to_o any_o maxim_n even_o of_o natural_a logic_n in_o this_o discourse_n yet_o i_o must_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cunning_a and_o slight_a and_o sophistry_n in_o it_o as_o can_v well_o be_v stuff_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o room_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v like_o he_o i_o shall_v open_o profess_v before_o hand_n what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o show_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o efficacious_a word_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o intend_v that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o one_o principle_n one_o reason_n one_o argument_n either_o settle_n in_o the_o least_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n nor_o unsettle_v that_o of_o catholic_n this_o will_v be_v see_v by_o our_o examination_n of_o each_o particular_a principle_n in_o order_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o to_o which_o i_o now_o address_v 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n than_o such_o whereby_o man_n may_v know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o his_o sake_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n do_v by_o consequence_n include_v in_o itself_o eminent_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n yet_o this_o love_n or_o charity_n presuppose_v hope_n and_o both_o hope_n and_o love_n presuppose_v faith_n as_o their_o basis_n both_o of_o these_o do_v by_o consequence_n come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o several_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o sober_a protestant_n will_v grant_v again_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o command_v by_o he_o and_o it_o be_v against_o those_o attribute_n of_o god_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n to_o command_v man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n himself_o have_v give_v he_o and_o establish_v it_o essential_a to_o he_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o true_a reason_n also_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o right_a nature_n nay_o more_o a_o supernatural_a virtue_n and_o so_o perfect_v and_o elevate_a right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n not_o debase_v or_o destroy_v it_o it_o follow_v from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n call_v faith_n must_v be_v rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la a_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o that_o our_o assent_n call_v belief_n take_v it_o as_o impose_v by_o god_n be_v conformable_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o it_o perfect_v and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pervert_v human_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o give_v we_o by_o god_n or_o to_o right_a reason_n to_o assent_v and_o profess_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v we_o in_o case_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v sole_o on_o the_o divine_a authority_n for_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o this_o our_o believe_v or_o hold_v they_o such_o and_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o doubt_v concern_v their_o truth_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o see_v any_o ground_n absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v indeed_o 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by_o he_o and_o what_o be_v agreeable_a can_v now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o signify_v nothing_o either_o to_o the_o exclusion_n or_o admission_n of_o any_o particular_a way_n unless_o we_o subsume_v thus_o but_o this_o or_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o say_a attribute_n whence_o follow_v therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o reject_v by_o he_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o attribute_n alone_o without_o take_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o and_o its_o sufficiency_n or_o insufficiency_n as_o dr._n st._n himself_o confess_v in_o common_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 8_o principle_n though_o he_o perpetual_o avoid_v to_o examine_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o his_o way_n and_o its_o fitness_n of_o mankind_n to_o build_v faith_n upon_o its_o evidence_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v at_o least_o though_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o point_n how_o 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be_v capable_a of_o certain_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o may_v be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o he_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v his_o will_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a à _fw-fr priori_fw-la to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v choose_v any_o particular_a way_n to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o but_o such_o which_o evident_o prove_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o mean_n for_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o first_o take_v the_o word_n certain_a convey_n to_o mean_v absolute_a certainty_n as_o i_o prove_v before_o in_o this_o and_o in_o divers_a treatise_n of_o i_o to_o be_v requisite_a i_o be_o next_o to_o distinguish_v the_o word_n capable_a which_o may_v either_o mean_a that_o the_o way_n in_o common_a may_v possible_o bear_v it_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o use_v his_o best_a power_n to_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v up_o its_o defect_n with_o all_o the_o 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the_o former_a sense_n may_v always_o be_v thus_o make_v choice_n of_o by_o god_n for_o however_o such_o a_o way_n in_o common_a may_v be_v make_v capable_a to_o do_v that_o effect_n if_o it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o exert_v his_o power_n to_o support_v its_o natural_a defectiveness_n as_o be_v exemplify_v before_o in_o dream_n apparition_n and_o those_o other_o odd_a method_n there_o mention_v yet_o it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n goodness_n or_o other_o attribute_n to_o show_v himself_o so_o extraordinary_o in_o thing_n which_o reach_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o for_o a_o perpetuity_n and_o so_o ought_v to_o be_v allow_v only_o his_o ordinary_a concourse_n especial_o if_o other_o mean_n be_v already_o place_v in_o the_o world_n able_a to_o perform_v this_o with_o a_o constant_a orderly_a and_o connatural_a assistance_n if_o then_o we_o can_v prove_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o any_o particular_a mean_n take_v it_o alone_o as_o it_o be_v now_o find_v extant_a belong_v to_o such_o a_o way_n in_o common_a for_o example_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o now_o be_v to_o give_v mankind_n absolute_a certainty_n of_o god_n sense_n or_o faith_n then_o however_o the_o way_n of_o write_v in_o common_a can_v possible_o be_v support_v by_o god_n infinite_a power_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o work_v the_o effect_n of_o thus_o certify_v we_o of_o its_o sense_n yet_o not_o be_v such_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n take_v it_o as_o it_o stand_v now_o thus_o contrive_v it_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a instrument_n for_o god_n ordinary_a providence_n to_o make_v use_n of_o for_o such_o a_o general_a effect_n as_o be_v the_o certify_v all_o sort_n of_o people_n of_o their_o faith_n 9_o there_o be_v several_a way_n conceivable_a by_o we_o how_o
god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o either_o by_o immediate_a voice_n from_o heaven_n or_o inward_a inspiration_n to_o every_o particular_a person_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o or_o assist_v they_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o write_v such_o book_n which_o shall_v contain_v the_o will_n of_o god_n for_o the_o benefit_n of_o distant_a person_n and_o future_a age_n all_o this_o be_v grant_v and_o much_o more_o for_o there_o be_v innumerable_a other_o way_n conceivable_a how_o god_n may_v make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o we_o beside_o those_o here_o recount_v in_o case_n we_o regard_v only_o god_n power_n to_o do_v it_o and_o set_v aside_o his_o wisdom_n and_o other_o attribute_n namely_o those_o four_o way_n mention_v by_o i_o above_o and_o multitude_n of_o other_o such_o but_o out_o of_o all_o these_o god_n wisdom_n which_o have_v pre-established_a the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n will_v make_v choice_n of_o that_o which_o be_v fit_a to_o perform_v the_o effect_n intend_v that_o be_v to_o certify_v absolute_o the_o first_o deliver_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o leave_v it_o shall_v be_v too_o early_o understand_v which_o way_n be_v best_a for_o that_o end_n which_o will_v forestall_v and_o render_v void_a dr._n st_n future_a discourse_n he_o therefore_o very_o politic_o quite_o leave_v out_o any_o peculiar_a mention_n of_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o one_o may_v have_v think_v deserve_v a_o place_n among_o the_o rest_n leave_v out_o i_o say_v for_o those_o word_n or_o inspire_v some_o to_o speak_v personal_o to_o other_o suit_n better_o with_o prophetical_a messenger_n than_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o god_n church_n wherefore_o premise_v this_o note_n that_o it_o be_v agree_v christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v and_o settle_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o faith_n at_o first_o and_o therefore_o that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o for_o we_o to_o know_v god_n will_v now_o but_o to_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o best_a mean_n of_o convey_v the_o same_o down_o to_o our_o day_n i_o beg_v leave_n to_o supply_v dr._n st_n neglect_n and_o to_o insert_v into_o the_o middle_n of_o this_o §_o these_o word_n or_o else_o by_o the_o way_n of_o open_a attestation_n of_o a_o world_n of_o immediate_a christian_a father_n to_o a_o world_n of_o child_n by_o live_a voice_n and_o constant_a practice_n of_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v by_o their_o daily_a sensation_n which_o have_v dr._n st._n do_v any_o considerate_a reader_n who_o his_o much_o talk_n of_o god_n power_n and_o what_o god_n may_v do_v have_v not_o divert_v from_o reflect_v that_o his_o wisdom_n determin_n his_o power_n in_o ordinary_a and_o general_a effect_n to_o do_v what_o accord_v to_o the_o establish_a nature_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o fit_a mean_n to_o compass_v such_o a_o end_n will_v quick_o have_v incline_v to_o judge_v this_o the_o most_o connatural_a and_o fit_a way_n and_o therefore_o actual_o to_o have_v be_v make_v 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dexterous_o bring_v in_o not_o by_o connexion_n of_o term_n far_o be_v any_o such_o piece_n of_o confidence_n from_o so_o learned_a and_o profound_a a_o jeerer_n at_o demonstration_n but_o by_o the_o virtue_n of_o some_o pretty_a equivocation_n i_o remind_v the_o reader_n of_o the_o chief_a of_o they_o by_o put_v some_o of_o my_o opposite_a proposition_n each_o of_o which_o be_v make_v good_a in_o its_o respective_a place_n 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v principal_o perform_v by_o a_o heartily-assenting_a faith_n a_o lively_a hope_n and_o a_o ardent_a charity_n and_o not_o by_o outward_a action_n otherwise_o than_o as_o they_o spring_v from_o these_o therefore_o the_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ground_n these_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o the_o nature_n of_o the_o mystery_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v more_o remove_v from_o our_o knowledge_n than_o those_o maxim_n which_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n reveal_v they_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o proper_a to_o begin_v with_o examine_v those_o point_n but_o the_o ground_n for_o god_n reveal_v they_o 3._o this_o way_n of_o proceed_v be_v perfect_o secure_a for_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v grant_v veracious_a if_o there_o be_v infallible_a ground_n that_o god_n have_v say_v they_o those_o point_n be_v infallible_o true_a if_o not_o they_o be_v not_o point_n of_o â—aith_n and_o so_o not_o worth_a examine_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o no._n 4._o god_n power_n alone_o give_v we_o no_o light_n what_o be_v or_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o his_o wisdom_n goodness_n etc._n etc._n join_v with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o fitness_n or_o vnfitness_n of_o the_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v so_o 5._o god_n wisdom_n make_v choice_n of_o that_o way_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n which_o according_a to_o its_o nature_n as_o now_o establish_v be_v a_o capable_a or_o fit_a instrument_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n and_o not_o by_o that_o way_n which_o be_v only_o capable_a to_o do_v it_o by_o a_o extraordinary_a work_n of_o his_o power_n these_o may_v serve_v for_o antidote_n to_o the_o opposite_a position_n if_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o own_v they_o for_o though_o he_o be_v able_a to_o deliver_v himself_o as_o clear_o as_o most_o man_n if_o he_o please_v yet_o he_o affect_v all_o over_o this_o discourse_n a_o strange_a perplex_a intricacy_n and_o ambiguity_n and_o he_o put_v down_o his_o principle_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o a_o crafty_a lawyer_n who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o bring_v a_o estate_n afterward_o into_o dispute_n pen_n write_n much_o shift_a wit_n there_o be_v in_o they_o but_o nothing_o of_o candid_a clear_a and_o down_o right_a and_o this_o intricacy_n be_v make_v great_a by_o his_o unconnected_a way_n of_o discourse_v no_o man_n live_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v in_o better_a half_o of_o his_o odd-natured_a principle_n what_o influence_n they_o have_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v upon_o any_o thing_n follow_v the_o rest_n of_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o these_o nine_o be_v either_o absurdity_n already_o lay_v open_a or_o else_o impertinent_a truth_n as_o will_v be_v see_v by_o their_o uselessness_n in_o the_o process_n of_o this_o discourse_n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n necessary_a to_o the_o better_a clear_v the_o follow_a principle_n the_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v at_o least_o as_o many_o as_o dr._n sy_n thought_n fit_a be_v propose_v he_o go_v about_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o establish_v one_o of_o they_o viz._n write_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o fit_a mean_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n to_o we_o who_o live_v now_o and_o this_o he_o do_v in_o the_o first_o five_o principle_n whence_o he_o proceed_v to_o reject_v the_o infallibility_n of_o any_o church_n whatever_o either_o to_o attest_v or_o explain_v those_o write_n and_o this_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o fiveâ—exâ—_n â—exâ—_z on_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o declare_v before_o hand_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o to_o repeat_v something_o of_o that_o much_o i_o have_v write_v former_o concern_v that_o point_n in_o my_o second_o appendix_n to_o sure-footing_a and_o elsewhere_o that_o so_o all_o equivocation_n be_v take_v away_o it_o may_v more_o clear_o be_v see_v where_o the_o point_n stick_v on_o dr._n st_n side_n as_o also_o that_o his_o understanding_n i_o to_o have_v different_a sentiment_n from_o some_o catholic_n divine_v in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v remove_v for_o if_o i_o understand_v myself_o or_o they_o there_o be_v no_o variance_n at_o all_o between_o we_o in_o the_o thing_n but_o
only_o in_o the_o word_n it_o be_v agree_v then_o among_o we_o all_o that_o what_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v be_v god_n word_n or_o his_o will_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v do_v by_o we_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o know_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n what_o be_v the_o first_o teach_v doctrine_n or_o christ_n sense_n and_o whatever_o can_v thus_o assure_v we_o of_o that_o be_v deserve_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o the_o word_n rule_v make_v use_n of_o to_o mean_v a_o spiritual_a or_o intellectual_a direction_n be_v metaphorical_a or_o translate_v from_o some_o material_a thing_n as_o most_o word_n that_o express_v spiritual_a notion_n be_v and_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o kind_n of_o metaphor_n which_o be_v transfer_v from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o for_o some_o proportion_n or_o resemblance_n between_o they_o for_o as_o a_o material_a rule_n be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o if_o one_o endeavour_n to_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o decline_v not_o from_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v crooked_a so_o this_o intellectual_a rule_n call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o if_o one_o go_v according_a to_o it_o and_o swerve_v not_o from_o it_o it_o preserve_v one_o from_o go_v wrong_a or_o from_o err_v in_o his_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v true_a or_o first-delivered_a faith_n and_o faith_n be_v intend_v for_o person_n of_o all_o sort_n or_o capacity_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v able_a to_o preserve_v even_o those_o of_o the_o mean_a capacity_n from_o err_v in_o faith_n while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it._n agian_a this_o be_v the_o proper_a and_o primary_n effect_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o every_o nature_n that_o be_v have_v essential_o in_o itself_o a_o power_n to_o produce_v of_o its_o self_n and_o without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o its_o primary_n effect_v or_o rather_o be_v itself_o that_o power_n as_o man_n to_o discourse_n fire_v to_o burn_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o since_o to_o preserve_v all_o that_o rely_v on_o it_o in_o right_a faith_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n what_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o the_o power_n to_o do_v this_o and_o this_o of_o its_o self_n independent_o on_o any_o thing_n else_o but_o on_o god_n who_o establish_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n to_o be_v certain_a power_n to_o produce_v their_o proper_a effect_n be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n a_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o than_o not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n hold_v that_o scripture_n letter_n of_o itself_o and_o independent_o on_o something_o else_o viz_o thâ—_n church_n tradition_n attest_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o same_o letter_n and_o interpret_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o power_n thus_o to_o certify_v person_n of_o all_o capacity_n of_o christian_a faith_n without_o possibility_n of_o err_v nor_o any_o one_o but_o hold_v the_o church_n authority_n be_v able_a alone_o to_o do_v this_o effect_n since_o it_o be_v know_v and_o confess_v it_o actual_o perform_v this_o in_o the_o beginning_n there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n that_o i_o know_v of_o who_o hold_v either_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n take_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n or_o that_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o church_n live_v voice_n and_o practice_n or_o tradition_n be_v it_o and_o so_o take_v the_o word_n proper_o as_o i_o do_v they_o all_o agree_v with_o i_o on_o the_o other_o side_n take_v those_o word_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o any_o thing_n that_o contain_v faith_n or_o that_o may_v signify_v it_o with_o absolute_a certainty_n to_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n not_o of_o itself_o but_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o another_o who_o power_n of_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o those_o passage_n at_o least_o that_o concern_v christian_a faith_n and_o of_o uner_o interpret_n it_o lend_v it_o to_o be_v thus_o certain_o significative_a of_o god_n will_n take_z i_o say_v rule_v of_o faith_n in_o this_o sense_n as_o some_o of_o we_o do_v i_o grant_v with_o they_o that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o still_o i_o agree_v with_o they_o in_o the_o thing_n only_o i_o dissent_v from_o they_o in_o the_o word_n and_o judge_v that_o this_o container_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n as_o now_o describe_v be_v but_o improper_o call_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o not_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v not_o have_v a_o power_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o its_o self_n thus_o to_o ascertain_v faith_n by_o absolute_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n this_o distinction_n now_o give_v i_o learn_v from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n which_o no_o where_o say_v that_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o do_v express_o of_o tradition_n sess._n 5._o but_o only_a that_o it_o contain_v faith_n as_o also_o tradition_n do_v but_o whether_o it_o contain_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o have_v faith_n by_o rely_v on_o it_o may_v by_o so_o do_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o err_a which_o be_v requisite_a over_o and_o above_o to_o make_v it_o in_o true_a speech_n deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o rule_n the_o council_n say_v nothing_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o be_v far_o from_o say_v that_o people_n of_o all_o sort_n read_v the_o scripture_n and_o attend_v sole_o to_o the_o letter_n as_o interpret_v and_o understand_v by_o their_o private_a self_n shall_v be_v sure_a never_o to_o err_v in_o right_a faith_n nay_o it_o engage_v not_o for_o their_o security_n from_o err_v so_o much_o as_o in_o any_o one_o point_n which_o yet_o ought_v to_o be_v say_v if_o scripture_n in_o itself_o and_o of_o itself_o have_v the_o power_n of_o regulate_v they_o in_o their_o faith_n or_o be_v a_o rule_n rather_o the_o council_n by_o its_o carriage_n say_v the_o direct_a contrary_n for_o though_o be_v about_o to_o define_v against_o heretic_n it_o profess_v to_o follow_v in_o its_o definition_n the_o write_a word_n yet_o it_o be_v observable_a 146._o that_o it_o no_o where_o build_v on_o any_o place_n of_o scripture_n but_o it_o profess_v at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o build_v its_o interpretation_n of_o that_o place_n on_o tradition_n which_o evident_o argue_v that_o though_o scripture_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o council_n contain_v the_o point_n yet_o that_o which_o indeed_o regulate_v the_o council_n in_o its_o definition_n be_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n as_o it_o also_o express_o declare_v where_o ever_o it_o define_v and_o i_o dare_v say_v that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n who_o think_v the_o council_n know_v not_o both_o what_o and_o how_o to_o define_v against_o luther_n and_o calvin_n at_o that_o time_n without_o need_v to_o seek_v its_o faith_n anew_o in_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o plain_o conclude_v that_o the_o council_n be_v not_o regulate_v by_o it_o or_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o her_o rule_n but_o only_o consider_v it_o as_o of_o a_o sacred_a authority_n and_o available_a against_o heretic_n profess_v to_o rely_v on_o scripture_n and_o accuse_v the_o church_n for_o go_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n nay_o the_o council_n define_v that_o none_o shall_v dare_v to_o interpret_v scripture_n contrary_a to_o the_o sense_n which_o our_o h._n mother_n the_o catholic_n church_n have_v hold_v and_o do_v hold_v which_o clear_o take_v it_o out_o of_o private_a hand_n and_o make_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n ever_o hold_v the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n especial_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o extend_v to_o all_o scripture_n which_o unavoidable_o make_v it_o no_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o distinction_n now_o give_v show_v my_o sentiment_n consistent_a if_o not_o perfect_o agree_v with_o that_o common_a opinion_n of_o our_o divine_n that_o scripture_n be_v a_o partial_a rule_n or_o that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n integrate_a one_o complete_a rule_n for_o they_o clear_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o faith_n be_v partly_o contain_v in_o scripture_n partly_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n so_o that_o what_o they_o have_v a_o eye_n to_o in_o so_o do_v be_v not_o the_o evidence_n requisite_a to_o a_o rule_n but_o only_o the_o degree_n of_o extent_n of_o scripture_n to_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o whence_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o mean_v only_o that_o scripture_n contain_v some_o part_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o perfect_o allow_v to_o it_o and_o perhaps_o more_o this_o be_v my_o judgement_n concern_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v such_o a_o rule_n and_o these_o my_o reason_n for_o that_o judgement_n if_o any_o one_o think_v
the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o infallibility_n be_v deny_v or_o last_o how_o will_v their_o evidence_n be_v clear_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o mâ—ral_a thing_n will_v not_o bear_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n or_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o light_n of_o themselves_o as_o by_o it_o to_o conclude_v absolute_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n i_o foresee_v both_o these_o profound_a admirer_n of_o moral_a certainty_n will_v hearty_o maintain_v and_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n 29._o in_o express_a term_n blame_v i_o for_o expect_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a i_o grant_v it_o absurd_a nay_o more_o i_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n they_o be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v in_o case_n their_o certainty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n than_o not_o only_o they_o may_v not_o knâ—w_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o not_o at_o any_o time_n ever_o afterward_o unless_o the_o thing_n itself_o hap_v to_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n alterable_a for_o true_a certainty_n be_v build_v on_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v true_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v but_o if_o he_o take_v certainty_n in_o a_o wrong_a sense_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a however_o that_o assent_n be_v ground_v then_o though_o upon_o supposition_n he_o firm_o assent_v he_o can_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n be_v shake_v in_o that_o assent_n or_o not_o firm_o assent_v yet_o he_o be_v far_o in_o that_o case_n from_o any_o knowledge_n or_o intellectual_a certainty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n whence_o only_o true_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v whatever_o he_o deem_v or_o imagine_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o firm_o assent_v to_o laâ—tly_o these_o excuse_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purposex_v i_o never_o accuse_v their_o thought_n they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o my_o sight_n but_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n i_o can_v see_v and_o discover_v that_o they_o make_v faith_n possible_a to_o oâ—_n false_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n i_o meddle_v not_o then_o with_o what_o they_o assent_n to_o or_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o can_v or_o do_v hold_v the_o contrary_a what_o i_o object_v be_v that_o their_o word_n in_o their_o book_n import_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o they_o yet_o owe_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o common_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v give_v none_o at_o all_o 26._o whatever_o necessary_o prove_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prâ—ve_v it_o impâ—ssible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o they_o who_o assent_n firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o the_o first_o part_n i_o easy_o grant_v and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o to_o be_v most_o valid_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o expect_v he_o will_v in_o counterchange_n grant_v i_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o word_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v a_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o true_a and_o then_o dr._n t._n must_v consider_v how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o who_o make_v scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o only_a mean_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o profess_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o protestant_n take_v they_o to_o be_v which_o in_o case_n they_o take_v their_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a must_v mean_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a whether_o his_o own_o contrary_a position_n hang_v together_o or_o no_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v as_o for_o his_o inference_n i_o deny_v that_o assent_v be_v a_o interior_a act_n be_v declare_v one_o belief_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v it_o thus_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v they_n assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o this_o be_v ready_o also_o grant_v only_o in_o requital_n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o must_v grant_v i_o this_o counter-proposition_n that_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n or_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v thereby_o declare_v they_o do_v not_o assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a which_o do_v let_v dr._n st._n and_o his_o friend_n look_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o lie_v still_o very_o heavy_a upon_o their_o credit_n as_o writer_n and_o ever_o must_v till_o they_o retract_v it_o no_o sincere_a protestant_a who_o love_v his_o faith_n more_o than_o their_o write_n will_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o endure_v it_o if_o he_o once_o set_v himself_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o 27._o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v several_a name_n either_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n thus_o moral_a certainty_n may_v be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n but_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v or_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v only_o great_a probability_n of_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o assert_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v moral_a but_o not_o only_o in_o the_o latter_a this_o principle_n be_v pernicious_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o like_o itself_o first_o it_o design_n to_o give_v we_o the_o several_a name_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v but_o it_o do_v indeed_o acquaint_v we_o with_o some_o species_n or_o kind_n of_o certainty_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o moral_a certainty_n he_o assign_v to_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o probability_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v loath_a to_o own_o next_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o discourse_v of_o one_o or_o more_o sort_n of_o certainty_n or_o to_o distinguish_v its_o notion_n unless_o we_o firâ—t_o know_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o certainty_n itself_o the_o word_n moral_a which_o be_v one_o of_o its_o difference_n and_o chief_o intend_v to_o be_v explain_v here_o be_v hard_a enough_o of_o itself_o alone_o but_o when_o to_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o new_a difficulty_n of_o not_o know_v what_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o genus_fw-la mean_n we_o be_v like_a to_o make_v a_o wise_a business_n of_o it_o now_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v hitherto_o gain_v of_o certainty_n in_o a_o discourse_n purposely_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n both_o manifest_o imply_v in_o his_o discourse_n where_o all_o that_o we_o can_v gather_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n by_o the_o former_a be_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v asleep_o fix_v or_o rest_v in_o some_o tenet_n without_o any_o ground_n and_o by_o the_o late_a that_o it_o be_v a_o chimaera_n or_o nonsense_n three_o he_o distinguish_v certainty_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o i_o vehement_o deny_v it_o as_o the_o most_o absurd_a position_n imaginable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o certainty_n take_v from_o the_o degree_n â—f_v the_o assent_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o will_v make_v as_o if_o the_o subject_n or_o person_n assent_v more_o or_o less_o do_v constitute_v
such_o firm_a and_o evident_a ground_n but_o i_o presume_v i_o have_v already_o perform_v this_o in_o my_o sure-footing_a and_o its_o corollary_n as_o also_o in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o its_o inference_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v appear_v needful_a or_o be_v require_v of_o i_o by_o learned_a man_n it_o may_v perhaps_o hereafter_o be_v bring_v into_o a_o close_a and_o more_o rigorous_a form_n yet_o that_o it_o may_v be_v see_v how_o easy_o our_o discourse_n concern_v the_o certainty_n and_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v resolvable_a into_o evident_a principle_n i_o shall_v annex_v for_o a_o instance_n a_o small_a peace_n of_o i_o whiâ—h_o though_o it_o be_v never_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o severe_a process_n by_o way_n of_o principle_n but_o only_o mean_v for_o a_o connected_a discourse_n yet_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o each_o main_a joint_n of_o it_o where_o it_o speak_v assertive_o have_v a_o firm_a and_o evident_a principle_n at_o the_o bottom_n giving_z it_o stability_n and_o evidence_n and_o through_o virtue_n of_o these_o qualification_n render_v it_o solid_o and_o absolute_o convictiveâ—_n the_o method_n to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n 1._o since_o all_o superstructure_n mnâ—t_v needs_o be_v weak_a who_o foundation_n be_v not_o sure_o lay_v he_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v satisfy_v in_o religion_n aught_o to_o begin_v with_o search_v out_o and_o establish_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o religion_n be_v build_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n into_o which_o the_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v resolve_v and_o on_o which_o their_o certainty_n as_o to_o we_o depend_v 2._o to_o do_v this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o a_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a and_o faithful_a be_v those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n again_o a_o council_n be_v a_o representative_a a_o father_n a_o eminent_a member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o a_o witness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n wherefore_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v a_o council_n or_o who_o a_o father_n last_o since_o we_o can_v know_v which_o be_v scripture_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o those_o who_o recommend_v it_o and_o of_o heretic_n we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o they_o have_v not_o corrupt_v it_o in_o favour_n of_o their_o false_a tenet_n neither_o can_v we_o be_v secure_a which_o be_v scripture_n till_o we_o be_v satisfy_v who_o be_v the_o true_o faithful_a on_o who_o testimony_n we_o may_v safe_o rely_v in_o this_o affair_n 3._o wherefore_o he_o who_o sincere_o aim_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o find_v out_o and_o establish_v some_o assure_a mean_n or_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v secure_v which_o be_v true_a faith_n for_o till_o this_o be_v do_v he_o can_v be_v secure_a either_o of_o scripture_n church_n council_n or_o father_n but_o have_v once_o do_v this_o be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o judge_n certain_o of_o all_o whereas_o if_o he_o begin_v with_o any_o of_o the_o other_o or_o indeed_o argue_v from_o they_o at_o all_o till_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o settle_v he_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n and_o break_v the_o law_n of_o discourse_n by_o beginning_n with_o what_o be_v less_o cortain_a and_o indeed_o to_o he_o as_o yet_o uncertain_a and_o in_o effect_n put_v the_o conclusion_n before_o the_o premise_n unless_o he_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la or_o against_o the_o personal_a tenet_n of_o his_o adversary_n which_o be_v a_o good_a way_n to_o confute_v but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v 4._o and_o because_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v know_v before_o faith_n can_v be_v know_v and_o faith_n before_o scripture_n church_n council_n and_o father_n it_o appear_v that_o to_o the_o find_v out_o this_o rule_n no_o assistance_n of_o book_n will_v be_v requisite_a for_o every_o one_o who_o need_v faith_n be_v not_o capable_a to_o read_v and_o understand_v book_n there_o be_v leave_v then_o only_a reason_n to_o use_v in_o this_o inquiry_n and_o since_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n be_v to_o be_v save_v much_o sharpness_n and_o depth_n of_o wit_n will_v not_o be_v requisite_a but_o plain_a natural_a reason_n right_o direct_v will_v suffice_v 5._o this_o be_v so_o the_o method_n of_o seek_v satisfaction_n in_o religion_n be_v become_v strange_o both_o more_o short_a and_o easy_a for_o here_o will_v need_v no_o tedious_a turn_n over_o library_n nor_o learning_n language_n nor_o endless_a compare_v voluminous_a quotation_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o the_o skill_n to_o read_v english_a all_o be_v reduce_v to_o the_o consider_v one_o single_a point_n but_o such_o a_o one_o as_o bear_v all_o along_o with_o it_o and_o this_o too_o comprehensible_a as_o will_v appear_v to_o a_o mean_a understanding_n again_o the_o large_a debate_v particular_a point_n in_o a_o controversiall_a way_n be_v by_o this_o mean_v avoid_v for_o when_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v certain_o know_v then_o as_o certain_o as_o there_o be_v any_o faith_n in_o the_o world_n all_o that_o be_v receive_v on_o that_o rule_n be_v certain_a and_o of_o faith_n not_o but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n too_o to_o cherish_v and_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n especial_o of_o young_a believer_n by_o show_v each_o particular_a point_n agreeable_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o christian_a principle_n and_o record_v express_o in_o or_o deduce_v by_o consequence_n from_o the_o divinely-inspired_n book_n 6._o last_o this_o method_n be_v particular_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o sincere_a inquirer_n who_o if_o they_o want_v the_o liberty_n of_o their_o own_o native_a indifferency_n and_o be_v awe_v by_o any_o authority_n whatever_o before_o that_o authority_n be_v make_v out_o can_v but_o remain_v unsatisfy_a and_o inward_o feel_v they_o proceed_v not_o according_a to_o nature_n and_o the_o conduct_n of_o unbyast_a reason_n whereas_o when_o the_o authority_n be_v once_o make_v evident_a reason_n will_v clear_o inform_v they_o that_o it_o become_v their_o nature_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o 7._o but_o how_o will_v it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v so_o easy_o determinable_a by_o common_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n very_o evident_o but_o first_o we_o must_v observe_v the_o assent_n call_v faith_n depend_v upon_o two_o proposition_n what_o god_n have_v say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n have_v say_v this_o out_o of_o which_o two_o necessary_o follow_v the_o conclusion_n that_o this_o or_o that_o in_o particular_a be_v true_a of_o these_o two_o we_o be_v concern_v only_o in_o the_o late_a for_o to_o examine_v why_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o have_v say_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o call_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o task_n for_o those_o who_o own_o christianity_n but_o all_o we_o have_v to_o do_v be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o god_n have_v say_v or_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v all_o one_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v and_o that_o whatever_o it_o be_v which_o acqnaint_v we_o with_o this_o we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o that_o which_o regulate_v our_o belief_n concern_v christ_n doctrine_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n now_o i_o affirm_v iâ—_n may_v be_v obvious_a reason_n be_v discover_v which_o this_o rule_n be_v and_o that_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o or_o consider_v what_o kind_n of_o thing_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v which_o be_v no_o more_o than_o attentive_o to_o reflect_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o ordinary_a word_n rule_v &_o faith_n 8._o and_o both_o of_o they_o acquaint_v we_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v the_o mean_n to_o assure_v we_o infallible_o what_o christ_n teach_v for_o in_o case_n a_o rule_n though_o we_o apply_v it_o to_o our_o power_n and_o swerve_v not_o from_o it_o leave_v we_o still_o deceivable_a in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o it_o shall_v regulate_v we_o we_o need_v another_o rule_n to_o secure_v we_o that_o we_o be_v not_o actual_o deceive_v and_o so_o this_o other_o and_o not_o the_o former_a be_v our_o rule_n next_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n differ_v â—rom_o opinion_n in_o this_o that_o opinion_n may_v be_v false_a but_o faith_n can_v wherefore_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o as_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n and_o as_o it_o ground_n faith_n double_o involve_v infallibility_n in_o its_o notion_n 9_o let_v we_o apply_v this_o to_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n for_o set_v aside_o the_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n ground_v phanaticism_n there_o be_v no_o more_o which_o claim_n to_o be_v rule_n of_o faith_n &_o see_v to_o which_o of_o they_o this_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 whâ—â—â—câ—â—_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