the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n can_v yield_v and_o not_o as_o those_o physician_n who_o when_o they_o have_v promise_v no_o less_o than_o immortality_n can_v at_o last_o only_o reach_v to_o some_o conservation_n of_o health_n or_o youth_n in_o some_o small_a degree_n so_o i_o can_v wish_v the_o author_n to_o well_o assure_v himself_o first_o that_o there_o be_v possible_a a_o infallibility_n before_o he_o be_v too_o earnest_a to_o be_v content_v with_o nothing_o less_o for_o what_o if_o humane_a nature_n shall_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o so_o great_a a_o good_a will_v he_o therefore_o think_v it_o fit_v to_o live_v without_o any_o religion_n because_o he_o can_v not_o get_v such_o a_o one_o as_o himself_o desire_v though_o with_o more_o than_o a_o man_n wish_n be_v it_o not_o rational_a to_o see_v whether_o among_o religion_n some_o one_o have_v not_o such_o notable_a advantage_n over_o the_o rest_n as_o in_o reason_n it_o may_v seem_v humane_a nature_n may_v be_v content_v withal_o let_v he_o cast_v his_o account_n with_o the_o dear_a thing_n he_o have_v his_o own_o or_o friend_n life_n his_o estate_n his_o hope_n of_o posterity_n and_o see_v upon_o what_o term_n of_o advantage_n he_o be_v ready_a to_o venture_v all_o these_o and_o then_o return_v to_o religion_n and_o see_v whether_o if_o he_o do_v not_o venture_v his_o soul_n upon_o the_o like_a it_o be_v true_o reason_n or_o some_o other_o not_o confess_v motive_n which_o withdraw_v he_o for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o of_o a_o infallibility_n so_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o set_v that_o aside_o there_o be_v those_o excellency_n find_v on_o the_o catholic_n party_n which_o may_v force_v a_o man_n to_o prefer_v it_o and_o to_o venture_v all_o he_o have_v upon_o it_o before_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o sect_n in_o the_o world_n why_o then_o may_v not_o one_o who_o after_o long_o search_v find_v no_o infallibility_n rest_v himself_o on_o the_o like_a suppose_v man_n nature_n afford_v no_o better_a be_v not_o these_o fair_a concession_n which_o the_o evidence_n and_o force_n of_o truth_n have_v extort_a from_o these_o author_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o that_o which_o mr._n s._n call_v 5._o a_o civil_a piece_n of_o atheistry_n be_v advance_v in_o most_o express_a word_n by_o his_o best_a friend_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v as_o he_o threaten_v i_o be_v smart_n with_o they_o in_o opposition_n to_o so_o damnable_a and_o fundamental_a a_o error_n and_o whenever_o he_o attempt_v this_o i_o will_v entreat_v he_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o have_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o prove_v first_o that_o no_o evidence_n but_o demonstration_n can_v give_v a_o man_n sufficient_a assurance_n of_o any_o thing_n second_o that_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v otherwise_o be_v a_o rational_a cause_n of_o doubt_v and_o a_o wise_a ground_n of_o suspense_n which_o when_o he_o have_v prove_v i_o shall_v not_o grudge_v he_o his_o infallibility_n sect_n v._o certain_a §_o 1._o the_o last_o part_n of_o this_o three_o discourse_n endeavour_n to_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o convictive_a of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n as_o for_o the_o obstinate_a he_o know_v my_o mind_n already_o let_v we_o see_v why_o the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n may_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o scripture_n because_o as_o he_o object_n 28._o first_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o this_o book_n be_v god_n word_n because_o of_o the_o many_o strange_a absurdity_n and_o heresy_n in_o the_o open_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v as_o that_o god_n have_v hand_n and_o foot_n etc._n etc._n and_o because_o of_o the_o contradiction_n in_o it_o to_o which_o i_o have_v already_o return_v a_o answer_n second_o because_o as_o he_o say_v 31._o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n in_o any_o particular_a text_n that_o it_o be_v not_o foist_v in_o or_o some_o way_n alter_v in_o its_o significativeness_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o negative_a proposition_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o insert_v if_o affirmative_a not_o leave_v out_o and_o if_o we_o pretend_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o this_o he_o demand_v 31._o our_o demonstration_n for_o it_o but_o how_o unreasonable_a this_o demand_n be_v i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v and_o to_o show_v it_o yet_o further_o i_o ask_v he_o how_o their_o church_n know_v that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o leave_v out_o of_o any_o text_n in_o which_o it_o be_v now_o find_v in_o their_o copy_n i_o know_v he_o have_v a_o ready_a answer_n viz._n by_o oral_a tradition_n but_o this_o according_a to_o he_o 116._o only_a reach_n to_o scripture_n letter_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o rest_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n that_o they_o shall_v have_v any_o security_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o undue_o insert_v or_o leave_v out_o by_o the_o transcriber_n nay_o as_o to_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n i_o demand_v his_o demonstration_n that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o undue_o insert_v or_o leave_v out_o not_o only_o in_o those_o text_n but_o also_o in_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o doctrine_n coincident_a with_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o age_n shall_v conspire_v to_o leave_v out_o or_o insert_v the_o particle_n not_o in_o the_o oral_a tradition_n so_o say_v i_o it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v conspire_v to_o leave_v it_o out_o of_o the_o write_a text_n but_o then_o i_o differ_v from_o he_o thus_o far_o that_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o natural_o impossible_a so_o as_o that_o it_o can_v rigorous_o be_v demonstrate_v but_o only_o moral_o impossible_a so_o that_o no_o body_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o which_o to_o a_o prudent_a man_n be_v as_o good_a as_o a_o demonstration_n pyrrho_n himself_o never_o advance_v any_o principle_n of_o scepticism_n beyond_o this_o viz._n that_o man_n ought_v to_o question_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o book_n concern_v which_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v as_o to_o every_o sentence_n in_o they_o that_o the_o particle_n not_o be_v not_o insert_v if_o it_o be_v affirmative_a or_o leave_v out_o if_o it_o be_v negative_a if_o so_o much_o be_v require_v to_o free_v a_o man_n from_o reasonable_a doubt_v concern_v a_o book_n how_o happy_a be_v they_o that_o have_v attain_v to_o infallibility_n what_o he_o say_v concern_v the_o variae_fw-la lectiones_fw-la 32._o of_o scripture_n have_v already_o have_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n §_o 2._o in_o his_o four_o discourse_n he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v 33._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o certain_a in_o itself_o and_o consequent_o not_o ascertain_v to_o we_o first_o not_o certain_a material_o consider_v 34._o as_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o such_o character_n because_o book_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v burn_v tear_v blot_v wear_v out_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o that_o any_o or_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v burn_v but_o then_o we_o say_v likewise_o that_o a_o book_n so_o universal_o disperse_v may_v easy_o be_v preserve_v though_o we_o have_v no_o assurance_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v it_o in_o case_n all_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o foolish_a or_o so_o careless_a as_o to_o endeavour_v or_o suffer_v the_o abolition_n of_o it_o but_o it_o seem_v the_o scripture_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o they_o be_v liable_a to_o any_o external_a accident_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o 34._o though_o it_o may_v seem_v a_o remote_a and_o impertinent_a exception_n yet_o to_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o wise_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o will_v deserve_v a_o deep_a consideration_n because_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n make_v nature_n the_o mean_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o settle_v strong_a and_o unalterable_a than_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n whatever_o but_o notwithstanding_o this_o wise_a reason_n this_o exception_n still_o seem_v to_o i_o both_o remote_a and_o impertinent_a for_o if_o this_o which_o he_o call_v a_o reason_n be_v a_o truth_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o necessary_o follow_v not_o only_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n must_v be_v convey_v by_o such_o a_o mean_n as_o be_v more_o unalterable_a than_o the_o course_n of_o nature_n but_o also_o by_o a_o clear_a parity_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o our_o salvation_n do_v operate_v towards_o the_o accomplish_n of_o their_o end_n with_o great_a certainty_n than_o the_o fire_n burn_v or_o the_o sun_n shine_v which_o they_o can_v never_o do_v unless_o they_o operate_v
more_o necessary_o than_o any_o natural_a cause_n now_o how_o they_o can_v do_v so_o upon_o voluntary_a agent_n i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o inform_v i_o §_o 3._o he_o proceed_v by_o a_o long_a harangue_n to_o show_v 34._o that_o not_o only_o these_o material_a character_n in_o themselves_o be_v corruptible_a but_o in_o complexion_n with_o the_o cause_n actual_o lay_v in_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v they_o entire_a because_o either_o those_o cause_n be_v material_a and_o then_o they_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o continual_a alteration_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o from_o these_o we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n hope_n for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o constancy_n than_o from_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o very_a strange_a paradox_n that_o the_o action_n of_o voluntary_a agent_n have_v a_o great_a certainty_n and_o constancy_n in_o they_o than_o those_o of_o natural_a agent_n of_o which_o the_o fall_n of_o angel_n and_o man_n compare_v with_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n in_o their_o first_o state_n be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n §_o 4._o but_o he_o add_v a_o caution_n 35._o that_o they_o be_v perfect_o unalterable_a from_o their_o nature_n and_o unerrable_a if_o due_a circumstance_n be_v observe_v that_o be_v if_o due_a proposal_n be_v make_v to_o beget_v certain_a knowledge_n and_o due_a care_n use_v to_o attend_v to_o such_o proposal_n but_o who_o can_v warrant_v that_o due_a proposal_n will_v always_o be_v make_v to_o man_n and_o due_a care_n use_v by_o they_o if_o these_o be_v uncertain_a where_o be_v the_o constancy_n and_o unerrableness_n he_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o so_o that_o notwithstanding_o the_o constancy_n of_o this_o spiritual_a cause_n the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o preserve_v scripture_n entire_a yet_o in_o order_n to_o this_o as_o he_o tell_v 36._o we_o so_o many_o action_n be_v to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v up_o of_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o several_a particularity_n to_o be_v observe_v every_o of_o which_o may_v be_v mistake_v apart_o each_o be_v a_o distinct_a little_a action_n in_o its_o single_a self_n such_o as_o be_v the_o transcribe_v of_o a_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o such_o myriad_n of_o word_n single_a letter_n and_o tittle_n or_o stop_n and_o the_o several_a action_n of_o write_v over_o each_o of_o these_o so_o short_a and_o cursory_a that_o it_o prevent_v diligence_n and_o exceed_v humane_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o every_o of_o these_o distinct_a action_n mr._n rushworth_n 7._o much_o outdo_v mr._n s._n in_o these_o minute_n cavil_v for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o suppose_v a_o original_a copy_n of_o christ_n word_n write_v by_o one_o of_o the_o evangelist_n in_o the_o same_o language_n let_v he_o have_v set_v down_o every_o word_n and_o syllable_n yet_o man_n conversant_a in_o note_v the_o change_n of_o meaning_n in_o word_n will_v tell_v we_o that_o divers_a accent_n in_o the_o pronunciation_n of_o they_o the_o turn_n of_o the_o speaker_n head_n or_o body_n this_o way_n or_o that_o way_n etc._n etc._n may_v so_o change_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o they_o will_v seem_v quite_o different_a in_o write_v from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o speak_v i_o hope_v that_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n have_v be_v careful_a to_o preserve_v all_o these_o circumstance_n and_o have_v deliver_v down_o christ_n doctrine_n with_o all_o the_o right_a traditionary_a accent_n nod_n and_o gesture_n necessary_a for_o the_o understanding_n of_o it_o otherwise_o the_o omission_n of_o these_o may_v have_v so_o alter_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o it_o may_v be_v now_o quite_o different_a from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o but_o to_o answer_v mr._n s._n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o be_v assure_v that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v be_v corrupt_v or_o change_v but_o only_o to_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v that_o they_o have_v not_o receive_v any_o material_a alteration_n from_o as_o good_a argument_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_n will_v bear_v but_o if_o his_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v very_o short_a and_o cursory_a he_o may_v easy_o have_v reflect_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v equal_o liable_a to_o all_o these_o contingency_n for_o it_o do_v as_o much_o prevent_v diligence_n and_o exceed_v humane_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o the_o distinct_a action_n of_o speak_v as_o of_o writing_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o a_o doctrine_n oral_o deliver_v consist_v of_o word_n and_o letter_n and_o accent_n and_o stop_n as_o well_o as_o a_o doctrine_n write_v and_o that_o the_o several_a action_n of_o speak_v be_v as_o short_a and_o cursory_a as_o of_o writing_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o tell_v we_o 38._o scripture_n formal_o consider_v as_o to_o its_o significativeness_n be_v also_o uncertain_a first_o 38._o because_o of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n this_o be_v already_o answer_v second_o 38._o because_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v arrive_v to_o by_o the_o vulgar_a who_o be_v destitute_a of_o language_n and_o arts._n true_a where_o man_n be_v not_o permit_v to_o have_v the_o scripture_n in_o their_o own_o language_n and_o understand_v no_o other_o but_o where_o they_o be_v allow_v the_o scripture_n translate_v into_o their_o own_o language_n they_o may_v understand_v they_o all_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a in_o any_o translation_n of_o the_o bible_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o that_o 38._o eminent_a wit_n can_v agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o text_n which_o concern_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v speak_v to_o already_o §_o 6._o as_o for_o the_o reverence_n he_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o four_o discourse_n he_o may_v have_v spare_v that_o after_o all_o the_o raillery_n and_o rudeness_n he_o have_v use_v against_o it_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o conjecture_v both_o from_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o uncivil_a expression_n concern_v they_o what_o his_o esteem_n be_v of_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n probably_n it_o be_v requisite_a in_o prudence_n to_o cast_v in_o a_o few_o good_a word_n concern_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o the_o more_o tender_a and_o squeamish_a novice_n of_o their_o religion_n or_o as_o mr._n rushworth_n nephew_n 14._o say_v frank_o and_o open_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n who_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o yet_o attain_v to_o that_o degree_n of_o catholic_n piety_n and_o fortitude_n as_o to_o endure_v patient_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v revile_v or_o slight_v beside_o that_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o who_o they_o hope_v hereafter_o to_o convert_v who_o may_v be_v too_o much_o alienate_v from_o their_o religion_n if_o he_o have_v express_v nothing_o but_o contempt_n towards_o a_o book_n which_o protestant_n and_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n till_o the_o very_a dregs_o of_o popery_n have_v be_v breed_v up_o to_o a_o high_a veneration_n of_o it_o be_v not_o much_o amiss_o to_o pass_v this_o formal_a compliment_n upon_o the_o bible_n which_o the_o wise_a of_o his_o own_o religion_n will_v easy_o understand_v and_o may_v serve_v to_o catch_v the_o rest_n but_o let_v he_o not_o deceive_v himself_o god_n be_v not_o mock_v sect_n vi_o §_o 1._o second_o he_o come_v to_o show_v tradition_n that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n and_o first_o he_o gives_z a_o tedious_a explication_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o oral_a practical_a tradition_n which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o as_o in_o reference_n to_o the_o civil_a education_n of_o child_n they_o be_v teach_v their_o own_o and_o other_o name_n to_o write_v and_o read_v and_o exercise_v their_o trade_n so_o in_o reference_n to_o religion_n the_o child_n of_o christian_n first_o hear_v sound_n afterward_o by_o degree_n get_v dim_a notion_n of_o god_n christ_n saviour_n heaven_n hell_n virtue_n vice_n and_o by_o degree_n practice_v what_o they_o have_v hear_v they_o be_v show_v to_o say_v grace_n and_o their_o prayer_n to_o hold_v up_o their_o hand_n or_o perhaps_o eye_n and_o to_o kneel_v and_o other_o posture_n afterward_o they_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o creed_n ten_o commandment_n and_o sacrament_n some_o common_a form_n of_o prayer_n and_o other_o practice_n of_o christianity_n and_o be_v direct_v to_o order_v their_o life_n according_o and_o be_v guide_v in_o all_o this_o by_o the_o action_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o elder_a faithful_a and_o this_o go_v on_o by_o insensible_a degree_n not_o by_o leap_n from_o
can_v never_o be_v prevail_v with_o to_o bring_v forth_o his_o own_o but_o keep_v it_o for_o a_o secret_a to_o his_o die_a day_n but_o to_o put_v a_o final_a stop_n to_o this_o cant_v demand_n of_o a_o catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o which_o yet_o i_o perceive_v i_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v because_o it_o be_v one_o of_o those_o expletive_a topic_n which_o popish_a writer_n especial_o those_o of_o the_o low_a form_n do_v general_o make_v use_n of_o to_o help_v out_o a_o book_n however_o to_o do_v what_o i_o can_v towards_o the_o stop_n of_o it_o i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o answer_v the_o reason_n whereby_o his_o friend_n dr._n holden_n 4._o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o demand_n and_o likewise_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o catalogue_n will_v not_o only_o be_v useless_a and_o pernicious_a if_o it_o can_v be_v give_v but_o that_o it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a to_o give_v such_o a_o precise_a catalogue_n second_o he_o ask_v 21._o be_v it_o a_o fundamental_a that_o christ_n be_v god_n if_o so_o whether_o this_o be_v clear_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o gad_n have_v hand_n foot_n &_o c_o to_o which_o i_o answer_v by_o another_o question_n be_v it_o clear_a that_o there_o be_v figure_n in_o scripture_n and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v speak_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o man_n and_o by_o way_n of_o condescension_n and_o accommodation_n to_o our_o capacity_n and_o that_o custom_n and_o common_a sense_n teach_v man_n to_o distinguish_v between_o thing_n figurative_o and_o proper_o speak_v if_o so_o why_o can_v every_v one_o easy_o understand_v that_o when_o the_o scripture_n say_v god_n have_v hand_n and_o foot_n and_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o vine_n and_o the_o door_n these_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v proper_o as_o we_o take_v this_o proposition_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n in_o which_o no_o man_n have_v any_o reason_n to_o suspect_v a_o figure_n when_o mr._n s._n tell_v we_o that_o he_o perch_v upon_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o thing_n will_v it_o not_o offend_v he_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v be_v so_o silly_a as_o to_o conclude_v from_o hence_o that_o mr._n s._n believe_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o bird_n and_o nature_n a_o perch_n and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o scripture_n but_o all_o sober_a writer_n be_v free_a from_o such_o force_a and_o fantastical_a metaphor_n i_o remember_v that_o origen_n 4._o tax_v celsus_n his_o wilful_a ignorance_n in_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o scripture_n for_o attribute_v to_o god_n humane_a affection_n as_o anger_n etc._n etc._n and_o tell_v he_o that_o any_o one_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o understand_v the_o scripture_n may_v easy_o see_v that_o such_o expression_n be_v accommodate_v to_o we_o and_o according_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o that_o no_o man_n that_o will_v but_o compare_v these_o expression_n with_o other_o passage_n of_o scripture_n need_v to_o fail_v of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o but_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n origen_n be_v to_o blame_v to_o find_v fault_n with_o celsus_n for_o think_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v real_o attribute_v humane_a affection_n to_o god_n for_o how_o can_v he_o think_v otherwise_o when_o the_o most_o fundamental_a point_n be_v not_o clear_a in_o scripture_n than_o that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n &_o c_o how_o can_v origen_n in_o reason_n expect_v from_o celsus_n though_o never_o so_o great_a a_o philosopher_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a without_o the_o help_n of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o be_v speak_v literal_o and_o what_o by_o a_o certain_a scheme_n of_o speech_n theodoret_n 4._o tell_v we_o of_o one_o audaeus_n who_o hold_v that_o god_n have_v a_o humane_a shape_n and_o bodily_a member_n but_o he_o do_v not_o say_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o error_n be_v because_o he_o make_v scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o express_o because_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o do_v foolish_o understand_v those_o thing_n which_o the_o divine_a scripture_n speak_v by_o way_n of_o condescension_n so_o that_o although_o mr._n s._n be_v please_v to_o make_v this_o wise_a objection_n yet_o it_o seem_v according_a to_o theodoret_n that_o man_n do_v not_o mistake_v such_o text_n either_o for_o want_v of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o of_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o the_o scripture_n but_o for_o want_v of_o common_a reason_n and_o sense_n and_o if_o mr._n s._n know_v of_o any_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v secure_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v mistake_v by_o foolish_a and_o perverse_a man_n i_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o it_o sect_n iv._o §_o 1._o in_o his_o next_o discourse_n he_o endeavour_n to_o show_v doubter_n that_o unlearned_a person_n can_v be_v justify_v as_o act_v rational_o in_o receive_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o rely_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a rule_n because_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o satisfaction_n concern_v these_o matter_n but_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o they_o be_v and_o shall_v not_o repeat_v the_o same_o over_o again_o and_o whereas_o he_o say_v 24._o that_o several_a profession_n all_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n and_o yet_o differ_v and_o damn_v and_o persecute_v one_o another_o about_o these_o difference_n the_o answer_n be_v easy_a that_o they_o all_o pretend_v to_o scripture_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o they_o all_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o be_v general_o agree_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o plain_a text_n which_o contain_v the_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a in_o that_o those_o several_a profession_n acknowledge_v the_o article_n contain_v in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n to_o be_v sufficient_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o profession_n differ_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o plain_a text_n that_o be_v not_o a_o argument_n that_o plain_a text_n be_v obsure_n but_o that_o some_o man_n be_v perverse_a and_o if_o those_o profession_n damn_v and_o persecute_v one_o another_o about_o the_o meaning_n of_o obscure_a text_n the_o scripture_n be_v not_o in_o fault_n but_o those_o that_o do_v so_o §_o 2._o and_o whereas_o he_o pretend_v 27._o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o able_a to_o satisfy_v sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n because_o nothing_o under_o a_o demonstration_n can_v satisfy_v such_o person_n so_o well_o concern_v the_o incorruptedness_n of_o original_n the_o faithfulness_n of_o translation_n etc._n etc._n but_o that_o search_a and_o sincere_a wit_n may_v still_o maintain_v their_o ground_n of_o suspense_n with_o a_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o this_o have_v be_v answer_v already_o partly_o by_o show_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o intend_v to_o satisfy_v sceptic_n and_o that_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o they_o and_o partly_o by_o show_v that_o rational_a doubter_n may_v have_v as_o much_o satisfaction_n concern_v those_o matter_n as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o he_o be_v not_o a_o rational_a doubter_n that_o desire_v more_o but_o that_o he_o may_v see_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v brief_o show_v he_o that_o all_o mankind_n do_v in_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n accept_v of_o such_o evidence_n as_o fall_v short_a of_o demonstration_n and_o that_o his_o great_a friend_n and_o master_n from_o who_o he_o have_v take_v the_o main_a ground_n of_o his_o book_n though_o he_o manage_v they_o to_o less_o advantage_n do_v frequent_o acknowledge_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o man_n to_o acquiesce_v in_o such_o assurance_n as_o fall_v short_a of_o infallibility_n and_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v less_o than_o demonstration_n do_v not_o mankind_n think_v themselves_o sufficient_o assure_v of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o author_n of_o several_a book_n for_o which_o they_o have_v not_o demonstrative_a evidence_n do_v not_o aristotle_n say_v that_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a and_o civil_a nature_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o be_v incapable_a of_o demonstration_n and_o that_o it_o be_v madness_n to_o expect_v it_o for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v there_o no_o passage_n in_o book_n so_o plain_a that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o this_o and_o no_o other_o be_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o they_o if_o there_o be_v none_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v speak_v in_o plain_a word_n than_o it_o may_v be_v write_v if_o it_o can_v how_o can_v we_o be_v satisfy_v of_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o any_o doctrine_n oral_o deliver_v and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v so_o satisfy_v where_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o if_o book_n may_v be_v write_v so_o plain_o as_o that_o we_o may_v be_v abundant_o satisfy_v that_o this_o be_v the_o certain_a
of_o harms-way_n than_o to_o venture_v the_o infallibility_n of_o plain_a oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o doctrine_n he_o maintain_v against_o a_o practical_a tradition_n which_o they_o have_v at_o rome_n of_o kill_a heretic_n methinks_v mr._n s._n may_v have_v spare_v his_o brag_n that_o he_o have_v evince_v from_o clear_a reason_n 54._o that_o it_o be_v far_o more_o impossible_a to_o make_v a_o man_n not_o to_o be_v than_o not_o to_o know_v what_o be_v rivet_v into_o his_o soul_n by_o so_o oft_o repeat_v sensation_n as_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n and_o that_o it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n abstract_v from_o the_o case_n of_o madness_n and_o violent_a disease_n to_o blot_v knowledge_n thus_o fix_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n insomuch_o that_o soon_o may_v all_o mankind_n perish_v than_o the_o regulative_a virtue_n of_o tradition_n miscarry_v nay_o soon_o may_v the_o sinew_n of_o entire_a nature_n by_o overstrain_v crack_n and_o she_o lose_v all_o her_o activity_n and_o motion_n that_o be_v herself_o than_o one_o single_a part_n of_o that_o innumerable_a multitude_n which_o integrate_a the_o vast_a testification_n which_o we_o call_v tradition_n can_v possible_o be_v violate_v when_o after_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o 116._o that_o the_o city_n of_o rome_n be_v blessed_v with_o more_o vigorous_a cause_n to_o imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n at_o first_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o next_o age_n than_o be_v find_v any_o where_o else_o and_o consequent_o that_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n in_o its_o source_n and_o first_o put_v into_o motion_n be_v more_o particular_o vigorous_a there_o than_o in_o any_o other_o see_v and_o that_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o that_o see_v have_v a_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v upon_o tradition_n above_o any_o other_o pastor_n whatsoever_o not_o to_o dilate_v on_o the_o particular_a assistance_n to_o that_o bishop_n spring_v out_o of_o his_o divine_o constitute_v office_n when_o i_o say_v after_o all_o this_o quaint_a reason_n and_o rumble_a rhetoric_n about_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o the_o particular_a infallibility_n of_o the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n build_v on_o tradition_n we_o can_v but_o remember_v that_o this_o great_a oracle_n of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o pope_n and_o this_o great_a master_n of_o it_o mr._n white_a who_o be_v so_o peculiar_o skilled_a in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v so_o manifest_o declare_v themselves_o to_o differ_v in_o point_n of_o faith_n for_o that_o the_o pope_n and_o his_o congregation_n general_a at_o rome_n have_v condemn_v all_o his_o book_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o 9_o they_o contain_v several_a proposition_n manifest_o heretical_a be_v a_o sign_n that_o these_o two_o great_a wit_n do_v not_o very_o well_o hit_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o either_o that_o they_o do_v not_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o one_o of_o they_o do_v not_o right_o understand_v it_o or_o not_o follow_v it_o and_o now_o why_o may_v not_o that_o which_o mr._n s._n unjust_o say_v concern_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n be_v upon_o this_o account_n just_o apply_v to_o the_o business_n of_o oral_a tradition_n 39_o if_o we_o see_v two_o such_o eminent_a wit_n among_o the_o papist_n the_o pope_n and_o mr._n white_a make_v use_n of_o the_o selfsame_a and_o as_o they_o conceive_v the_o best_a advantage_n their_o rule_n of_o faith_n give_v they_o and_o avail_v themselves_o the_o best_a they_o can_v by_o acquire_v skill_n yet_o differ_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n what_o certainty_n can_v we_o undertake_o promise_v to_o weak_a head_n that_o be_v to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o papist_n in_o who_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n do_v profess_o cherish_v ignorance_n for_o the_o increase_n of_o their_o devotion_n §_o 6._o four_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v this_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o authority_n of_o all_o book_n because_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a whether_o they_o be_v the_o same_o now_o that_o they_o be_v at_o first_o or_o else_o give_v some_o probable_a reason_n why_o these_o shall_v be_v more_o liable_a to_o corruption_n than_o other_o but_o any_o man_n that_o consider_v thing_n will_v easy_o find_v that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o improbable_a that_o these_o book_n shall_v have_v be_v either_o wilful_o or_o involuntary_o corrupt_v in_o any_o thing_n material_a to_o faith_n or_o a_o good_a life_n than_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n whether_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a providence_n of_o god_n engage_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o they_o or_o the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o these_o book_n if_o they_o be_v wrirten_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v and_o be_v of_o use_n to_o christian_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v at_o least_o in_o word_n on_o all_o hand_n nothing_o be_v more_o credible_a than_o that_o the_o same_o divine_a providence_n which_o take_v care_n for_o the_o publish_n of_o they_o will_v likewise_o be_v concern_v to_o preserve_v they_o entire_a and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o peculiar_a circumstance_n of_o these_o book_n we_o shall_v find_v it_o moral_o impossible_a that_o they_o shall_v have_v be_v material_o corrupt_v because_o be_v of_o universal_a and_o mighty_a concernment_n and_o at_o first_o diffuse_v into_o many_o hand_n and_o soon_o after_o translate_v into_o most_o language_n and_o most_o passage_n in_o they_o cite_v in_o book_n now_o extant_a and_o all_o these_o now_o agree_v in_o all_o matter_n of_o importance_n we_o have_v as_o great_a assurance_n as_o can_v be_v have_v concern_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n that_o they_o have_v not_o suffer_v any_o material_a alteration_n and_o far_o great_a than_o any_o man_n can_v have_v concern_v the_o incorruption_n of_o their_o oral_a tradition_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v the_o thing_n which_o he_o call_v demonstration_n §_o 7._o five_o that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la the_o scripture_n have_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n in_o former_a age_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n have_v with_o great_a certainty_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o one_o good_a evidence_n of_o this_o be_v that_o the_o primitive_a adversary_n of_o christian_a religion_n do_v always_o look_v upon_o the_o scripture_n as_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o in_o all_o their_o writing_n against_o christianity_n take_v that_o for_o grant_v to_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n there_o have_v not_o as_o yet_o any_o philosopher_n rise_v up_o who_o have_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o world_n that_o a_o doctrine_n can_v not_o with_o sufficient_a certainty_n and_o clearness_n be_v convey_v by_o write_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o but_o how_o absurd_a have_v this_o method_n of_o confute_v christian_a religion_n be_v if_o it_o have_v be_v then_o the_o public_a profession_n of_o christian_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n how_o easy_a have_v it_o be_v for_o the_o father_n who_o apologize_v for_o and_o defend_v christian_a religion_n to_o have_v tell_v they_o they_o take_v a_o wrong_a measure_n of_o their_o doctrine_n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o principle_n of_o christian_n that_o their_o faith_n be_v convey_v to_o they_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o fond_a undertake_n to_o attaque_fw-la their_o religion_n that_o way_n but_o if_o they_o will_v effectual_o argue_v against_o it_o they_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v oral_o deliver_v from_o father_n to_o son_n without_o which_o the_o scripture_n can_v signify_v no_o more_o to_o they_o than_o a_o unknown_a cipher_n without_o a_o key_n be_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o light_n of_o oral_a tradition_n only_o a_o heap_n of_o unintelligible_a word_n unsense_v cha_fw-mi racter_n and_o ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n in_o they_o to_o think_v they_o can_v understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n like_o their_o own_o philosophy_n by_o read_v of_o those_o book_n or_o confute_v it_o by_o confute_v they_o thus_o the_o father_n may_v have_v defend_v their_o religion_n nay_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v take_v this_o course_n and_o to_o have_v appeal_v from_o those_o dead_a senseless_a book_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a but_o do_v mr._n s._n find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o father_n if_o he_o have_v discover_v any_o such_o matter_n he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n
its_o end_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a it_o can_v convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o our_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v real_o such_o §_o 3._o i_o know_v he_o assign_v more_o property_n of_o this_o mean_n which_o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o either_o fall_v in_o with_o these_o two_o or_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o first_o that_o 11._o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o frivolous_a than_o to_o make_v this_o a_o property_n of_o any_o thing_n because_o whosoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o property_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v second_o that_o it_o be_v 11._o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v himself_o 3_o that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o must_v either_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o than_o it_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o second_o property_n i_o mention_v and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o six_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o or_o else_o he_o mean_v more_o general_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o a_o man_n can_v know_v that_o any_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o than_o by_o know_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v multiply_v the_o property_n of_o thing_n without_o end_n if_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n be_v one_o property_n and_o then_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v another_o §_o 4._o three_o that_o it_o be_v 12._o apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n what_o he_o mean_v here_o by_o settle_v undoubting_a person_n i_o be_o not_o able_a on_o the_o sudden_a to_o comprehend_v because_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o unsettle_v a_o man_n beside_o doubt_v for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v but_o so_o well_o satisfy_v about_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n concern_v it_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o apprehend_v how_o he_o can_v be_v settle_v better_a that_o be_v how_o his_o mind_n can_v be_v more_o at_o rest_n than_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o if_o by_o undoubt_v person_n he_o mean_v those_o who_o do_v not_o doubt_v for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o may_v doubt_v than_o i_o perceive_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o apt_a to_o settle_v undoubt_v person_n viz._n apt_a to_o settle_v person_n when_o they_o do_v doubt_n that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o undoubt_v person_n as_o for_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o whosoever_o secure_o rely_v on_o this_o rule_n aught_o of_o right_a to_o be_v acquit_v as_o act_v rational_o in_o so_o do_v this_o be_v plain_o consequent_a upon_o the_o two_o property_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a every_o man_n that_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o so_o do_v because_o he_o trust_v a_o mean_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n §_o 5._o four_o that_o 12._o it_o be_v apt_a to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n for_o it_o be_v aptitude_n to_o satisfy_v rational_a doubter_n that_o plain_o follow_v from_o the_o sufficient_a certainty_n of_o it_o but_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v apt_a to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n i_o can_v no_o more_o divine_a than_o i_o can_v why_o he_o shall_v call_v a_o dissenter_n sceptical_a which_o be_v repugnant_a term_n for_o a_o sceptic_a be_v one_o who_o neither_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n nor_o dissent_v but_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a suspense_n because_o he_o look_v upon_o every_o opinion_n as_o balance_v by_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o equal_a probability_n without_o any_o inclination_n of_o the_o scale_n either_o way_n but_o if_o by_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n he_o mean_v only_o a_o sceptic_a one_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o then_o will_v i_o fain_o know_v what_o that_o be_v which_o in_o reason_n be_v apt_a full_o to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o person_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v sure_o a_o demonstration_n will_n but_o there_o be_v no_o aptitude_n at_o all_o in_o a_o demonstration_n to_o satisfy_v he_o who_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o demonstration_n and_o likewise_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o any_o conclusion_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o those_o who_o be_v most_o sceptical_a profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o this_o §_o 6._o five_o that_o it_o 12._o be_v apt_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n if_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o it_o if_o he_o will_v that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o if_o he_o be_v obstinate_a that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o will_v persist_v in_o his_o error_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v he_o than_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o kind_n of_o evidence_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o convince_v that_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v expect_v this_o from_o any_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o never_o so_o self-evident_a he_o may_v have_v learn_v from_o the_o same_o author_n in_o who_o he_o may_v find_v his_o chief_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o have_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o have_v consider_v his_o explication_n of_o they_o i_o mean_v dr._n holden_n 3._o who_o lay_v down_o the_o second_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v truth_n in_o these_o word_n another_o viz._n condition_n of_o this_o mean_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o afford_v the_o great_a true_a and_o rational_a certainty_n to_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o shall_v come_v provide_v they_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n purify_v from_o all_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o do_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o cap._n 6._o often_o hinder_v the_o most_o sagacious_a person_n from_o understand_v the_o most_o evident_a and_o manifest_a truth_n now_o i_o suppose_v obstinacy_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o passion_n and_o lust._n if_o mr._n s._n mean_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o conquer_v obstinacy_n and_o make_v man_n lay_v it_o aside_o i_o can_v understand_v this_o neither_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o cudgel_n which_o the_o traditionary_a church_n have_v be_v good_a at_o and_o may_v use_v it_o again_o when_o occasion_n serve_v for_o none_o but_o they_o have_v title_n to_o it_o upon_o a_o church-account_n as_o mr._n s._n tell_v we_o corol._n 10._o but_o set_v aside_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o conquer_v obstinacy_n not_o the_o clear_a reason_n or_o the_o strong_a demonstration_n for_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v no_o way_n fit_v to_o combat_v a_o wilful_a and_o unreasonable_a humour_n with_o any_o probability_n of_o success_n and_o if_o any_o one_o doubt_n of_o this_o if_o he_o will_v but_o make_v trial_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v by_o experience_n how_o unapt_a obstinate_a person_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o ever_o carry_v great_a evidence_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o confirm_v by_o multitude_n of_o unquestionable_a miracle_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v by_o the_o success_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o very_o apt_a to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o no_o man_n can_v judge_n of_o the_o aptitude_n of_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n
if_o they_o receive_v it_o from_o oral_a tradition_n which_o convey_v thing_n to_o they_o under_o this_o notion_n as_o ever_o deliver_v and_o yet_o st._n hierom_n speak_v not_o as_o a_o speculator_n but_o a_o testifier_n say_v express_o of_o it_o 8._o that_o the_o custom_n of_o the_o latin_a church_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o among_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n what_o say_v mr._n s._n to_o this_o it_o be_v clear_a from_o this_o testimony_n that_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o st._n hierom_n time_n do_v not_o acknowledge_v this_o epistle_n for_o canonical_a and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n do_v receive_v it_o for_o canonical_a where_o be_v then_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n how_o do_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n assure_v we_o that_o what_o book_n be_v now_o receive_v by_o she_o be_v ever_o receive_v by_o she_o and_o if_o it_o can_v do_v this_o but_o the_o matter_n must_v come_v to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o best_a record_n of_o former_a age_n which_o the_o protestant_n be_v willing_a to_o have_v their_o catalogue_n try_v by_o than_o it_o seem_v the_o protestant_n have_v a_o better_a way_n to_o know_v what_o book_n be_v canonical_a than_o be_v the_o infallible_a way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o so_o long_o as_o it_o be_v better_a no_o matter_n though_o it_o be_v not_o call_v infallible_a §_o 6._o three_o he_o say_v 15._o the_o protestant_n can_v know_v that_o the_o very_a original_a or_o a_o perfect_o true_a copy_n of_o these_o book_n have_v be_v preserve_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o they_o shall_v know_v either_o of_o these_o it_o be_v sufficient_a that_o they_o know_v that_o those_o copy_n which_o rhey_n have_v be_v not_o material_o corrupt_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o practice_n and_o that_o they_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o this_o i_o have_v already_o show_v and_o how_o do_v he_o prove_v the_o contrary_a by_o his_o usual_a argument_n with_o say_v it_o be_v manifest_o impossible_a but_o how_o do_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n know_v that_o they_o have_v perfect_o true_a copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o original_a language_n they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v this_o the_o learned_a man_n of_o that_o church_n acknowledge_v the_o various_a readins_n as_o well_o as_o we_o and_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v otherwise_o than_o by_o probable_a conjecture_n as_o we_o also_o may_v do_v which_o of_o those_o readins_n be_v the_o true_a one_o and_o why_o shall_v it_o be_v more_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o know_v this_o than_o for_o they_o if_o they_o think_v it_o reasonable_a to_o content_v themselves_o with_o know_v that_o no_o material_a corruption_n have_v creep_v into_o those_o book_n so_o may_v we_o and_o that_o there_o have_v not_o we_o know_v by_o better_a argument_n than_o oral_a tradition_n even_o by_o the_o assurance_n we_o have_v of_o god_n vigilant_a providence_n and_o from_o a_o moral_a impossibility_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o a_o book_n so_o universal_o disperse_v and_o translate_v into_o so_o many_o language_n and_o constant_o read_v in_o the_o assembly_n of_o christian_n shall_v have_v be_v material_o corrupt_v so_o as_o that_o all_o those_o copy_n and_o translation_n shall_v have_v agree_v in_o those_o corruption_n and_o this_o reason_n st._n austin_n 48._o give_v of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o scripture_n entire_a rather_o than_o any_o other_o book_n if_o mr._n s._n like_v it_o not_o he_o may_v call_v st._n austin_n to_o account_v for_o it_o §_o 7._o four_o he_o say_v 15._o the_o protestant_n at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o those_o book_n be_v right_o translate_v because_o they_o can_v be_v assure_v either_o of_o the_o ability_n or_o integrity_n of_o translator_n five_o nor_o can_v they_o say_v 17._o he_o be_v assure_v that_o the_o transcriber_n and_o printer_n and_o corrector_n of_o the_o press_n have_v careful_o and_o faithful_o do_v their_o part_n in_o transcribe_v and_o print_v the_o several_a copy_n and_o translation_n of_o scripture_n aright_o because_o they_o only_o can_v have_v evidence_n of_o the_o right_a letter_n of_o scripture_n who_o stand_v at_o their_o elbow_n attentive_o watch_v they_o shall_v not_o err_v in_o make_v it_o perfect_o like_o a_o former_a copy_n and_o even_o then_o why_o may_v they_o not_o mistrust_v their_o own_o eye_n and_o aptness_n to_o oversee_v i_o put_v these_o two_o exception_n together_o because_o the_o same_o answer_n will_v serve_v they_o both_o the_o ground_n of_o these_o exception_n if_o they_o have_v any_o be_v these_o that_o no_o man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v either_o for_o his_o skill_n or_o honesty_n and_o that_o it_o be_v dangerous_a for_o man_n to_o trust_v their_o own_o eye_n unless_o both_o these_o be_v true_a these_o exception_n be_v of_o no_o force_n for_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o other_o man_n have_v sufficient_a skill_n in_o any_o thing_n which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o sufficient_o understand_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o those_o who_o translate_v the_o bible_n have_v skill_n in_o the_o original_a language_n because_o very_o credible_a person_n tell_v we_o so_o and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v their_o testimony_n in_o this_o particular_a more_o than_o in_o any_o other_o matter_n so_o that_o if_o we_o can_v have_v sufficient_a assurance_n of_o man_n integrity_n in_o any_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o skill_n of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n or_o printer_n and_o if_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n of_o man_n integrity_n in_o any_o thing_n than_o no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o henry_n the_o eight_o and_o yet_o i_o hope_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n make_v no_o doubt_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n be_v assure_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o rome_n who_o have_v not_o see_v it_o nay_o if_o he_o have_v 16._o why_o may_v he_o not_o mistrust_v his_o own_o eye_n and_o which_o be_v the_o sad_a inconvenience_n of_o all_o if_o no_o body_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v nor_o man_n own_a eye_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n sure_a not_o their_o ear_n what_o become_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n which_o necessary_o suppose_v a_o competent_a understanding_n a_o faithful_a memory_n a_o honest_a mind_n in_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n down_o to_o we_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v soever_o a_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o these_o by_o the_o same_o he_o may_v much_o more_o easy_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o translator_n transcriber_n and_o printer_n but_o above_o all_o it_o suppose_v that_o man_n ear_n and_o eye_n can_v deceive_v they_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o see_v practise_v be_v it_o not_o very_o pretty_a to_o see_v what_o pitiful_a shift_n man_n that_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n be_v put_v to_o when_o to_o maintain_v infallibility_n they_o be_v force_v to_o run_v to_o the_o extremity_n of_o scepticism_n and_o to_o defend_v the_o certainty_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o depend_v upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o man_n sense_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o the_o ability_n and_o integrity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v dead_a 1500_o year_n before_o we_o be_v bear_v be_v glad_a to_o take_v refuge_n in_o principle_n quite_o contrary_a such_o as_o these_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n but_o that_o whole_a profession_n of_o man_n 16._o may_v hap_v to_o be_v knave_n that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o sufficient_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n make_v his_o copy_n perfect_o like_o the_o former_a unless_o 16._o we_o stand_v at_o his_o elbow_n attentive_o watch_v he_o nay_o and_o if_o we_o do_v so_o we_o have_v still_o reason_n to_o distrust_v our_o sense_n in_o short_a all_o human_a faith_n suppose_v honesty_n among_o man_n and_o that_o for_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o plain_a object_n of_o sense_n the_o general_a and_o uncontrolled_a testimony_n of_o mankind_n be_v to_o be_v credit_v and_o for_o matter_n of_o peculiar_a skill_n and_o knowledge_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v account_v skilful_a in_o that_o kind_n be_v to_o be_v rely_v upon_o for_o as_o aristotle_n well_o observe_v there_o be_v no_o great_a sign_n of_o a_o undisciplined_a wit_n or_o to_o use_v one_o of_o mr._n s_n fine_a phrase_n preface_n of_o a_o man_n not_o acquaint_v with_o the_o path_n of_o science_n than_o to_o expect_v great_a evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o every_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o sufficient_a evidence_n when_o he_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n for_o it_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n will_v bear_v and_o
and_o if_o so_o notwithstanding_o whatever_o mr._n s._n can_v demonstrate_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o age_n may_v have_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o the_o immediate_o precede_v do_v for_o let_v we_o but_o suppose_v that_o all_o necessary_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v betimes_o record_v in_o the_o church_n in_o book_n universal_o receive_v by_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v it_o not_o possible_a that_o age_n which_o first_o embrace_v these_o book_n may_v deliver_v they_o to_o posterity_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o so_o down_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o and_o do_v it_o not_o hence_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v quite_o different_a from_o a_o mere_a oral_a tradition_n let_v mr._n s._n then_o either_o show_v it_o impossible_a that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v write_v or_o that_o be_v write_v they_o shall_v be_v universal_o receive_v or_o that_o be_v universal_o receive_v in_o one_o age_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o or_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o next_o those_o book_n shall_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o contain_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o they_o or_o though_o they_o be_v so_o yet_o that_o still_o oral_a tradition_n be_v whole_o rely_v on_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o i_o shall_v free_o grant_v that_o mr._n s._n have_v attempt_v something_o towards_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n but_o as_o thing_n now_o stand_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n have_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o principle_n that_o we_o find_v it_o look_v on_o as_o a_o great_a novelty_n among_o they_o in_o their_o own_o church_n and_o it_o will_v be_v a_o rare_a thing_n for_o a_o new_a invention_n to_o have_v be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n which_o if_o it_o have_v be_v the_o strength_n of_o it_o be_v thereby_o take_v away_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v that_o the_o church_n do_v proceed_v upon_o this_o principle_n 4_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v embrace_v but_o what_o be_v derive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n how_o do_v it_o thence_o follow_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v admit_v into_o the_o church_n but_o what_o be_v real_o so_o derive_v from_o they_o do_v we_o not_o see_v in_o the_o world_n at_o this_o day_n that_o among_o those_o who_o own_o this_o principle_n contradictory_n proposition_n be_v believe_v and_o both_o side_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v on_o this_o account_n because_o their_o doctrine_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o the_o greek_a church_n profess_v to_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_a if_o that_o tradition_n fail_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n which_o be_v preserve_v in_o the_o latin_a either_o mr._n s._n must_v instance_n on_o his_o own_o principle_n in_o that_o age_n which_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o or_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o while_o man_n own_o tradition_n they_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o forego_n age_n teach_v they_o and_o consequent_o those_o thing_n may_v be_v admit_v as_o doctrine_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v not_o so_o and_o some_o which_o do_v may_n be_v lose_v and_o yet_o the_o pretence_n of_o tradition_n remain_v still_o what_o self-evidence_n then_o can_v there_o be_v in_o this_o principle_n when_o two_o part_n of_o the_o church_n may_v both_o own_v it_o and_o yet_o believe_v contradiction_n on_o the_o account_n of_o it_o it_o be_v then_o worth_a our_o inquire_n what_o self-evidence_n this_o be_v which_o mr._n s._n speak_v so_o much_o of_o which_o be_v neither_o more_o nor_o less_o but_o that_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v eye_n ear_n 205._o and_o other_o sense_n also_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o much_o memory_n as_o to_o remember_v their_o own_o name_n and_o frequent_o inculcate_v action_n which_o be_v so_o very_o reasonable_a a_o postulatum_fw-la that_o i_o suppose_v none_o who_o enjoy_v any_o of_o these_o will_v deny_v it_o let_v we_o therefore_o see_v how_o he_o proceed_v upon_o it_o if_o you_o disprove_v this_o i_o doubt_v we_o have_v lose_v mankind_n the_o subject_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o till_o you_o disprove_v it_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o this_o rule_n depend_v on_o testify_v that_o be_v sense_n or_o experience_n can_v possible_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v deceivable_a big_a word_n indeed_o but_o such_o as_o evidence_n that_o all_o man_n who_o be_v in_o their_o wit_n do_v not_o constant_o use_v they_o for_o i_o pray_v sir_n what_o do_v mr_n s._n think_v of_o the_o greek_a church_n have_v not_o those_o in_o it_o eye_n ear_n and_o other_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o latin_a do_v not_o they_o pretend_v and_o appeal_v to_o what_o they_o receive_v from_o their_o forefather_n as_o well_o as_o the_o latin_n it_o seem_v then_o a_o deception_n be_v possible_a in_o the_o case_n of_o testify_v and_o therefore_o this_o do_v more_o than_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v deceivable_a for_o here_o have_v be_v a_o actual_a deception_n on_o one_o side_n or_o other_o but_o we_o need_v not_o fear_v lose_v mankind_n in_o this_o for_o the_o possibility_n of_o error_n suppose_v mankind_n to_o continue_v still_o and_o if_o we_o take_v away_o that_o we_o may_v soon_o lose_v it_o than_o by_o the_o contrary_n but_o what_o repugnancy_n can_v we_o imagine_v to_o humane_a nature_n that_o man_n suppose_v doctrine_n of_o faith_n to_o come_v down_o from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n shall_v yet_o mistake_v in_o judge_v what_o those_o doctrine_n be_v have_v not_o man_n eye_n and_o ear_n and_o common_a sense_n in_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o yet_o we_o see_v even_o then_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v mistake_v and_o be_v it_o such_o a_o wonder_n it_o shall_v be_v in_o succeed_a age_n do_v not_o the_o nazarenes_n mistake_v in_o point_n of_o circumcision_n the_o corinthian_n as_o to_o the_o resurrection_n and_o yet_o the_o mean_a time_n agree_v in_o this_o that_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o come_v from_o he_o do_v not_o the_o disciple_n themselves_o err_v even_o while_o they_o be_v with_o christ_n and_o certain_o have_v eye_n and_o ear_n and_o common_a sense_n as_o other_o man_n have_v concern_v some_o great_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n viz._n christ_n passion_n resurrection_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o kingdom_n if_o then_o such_o who_o have_v the_o great_a opportunity_n imaginable_a and_o the_o high_a apprehension_n of_o christ_n may_v so_o easy_o mistake_v in_o point_n of_o such_o moment_n what_o ground_n have_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o succeed_a age_n shall_v not_o be_v liable_a to_o such_o misapprehension_n and_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o the_o want_n of_o clear_a divine_a revelation_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o mistake_n for_o these_o thing_n be_v plain_a enough_o to_o person_n not_o possess_v with_o prejudices_fw-la but_o those_o be_v so_o strong_a as_o to_o make_v they_o apprehend_v thing_n quite_o another_o way_n than_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o it_o be_v then_o and_o so_o it_o be_v in_o succeed_a age_n for_o let_v parent_n teach_v what_o they_o please_v for_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o prejudice_n and_o liableness_n to_o mistake_v in_o child_n may_v easy_o make_v they_o misapprehend_v either_o the_o nature_n or_o weight_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o they_o so_o that_o set_v aside_o a_o certain_a way_n of_o record_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o these_o preserve_v entire_a in_o every_o age_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o conceive_v how_o in_o a_o short_a time_n christian_n religion_n will_v have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o much_o as_o ever_o any_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o when_o we_o consider_v how_o much_o notwithstanding_o scripture_n the_o pride_n passion_n and_o interest_n of_o man_n have_v endeavour_v to_o deface_v christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n what_o will_v not_o these_o have_v do_v if_o there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o certain_a rule_n to_o judge_n of_o it_o by_o mr._n s._n imagine_v himself_o in_o repub_fw-la platonis_fw-la but_o it_o appear_v he_o be_v still_o in_o faece_fw-la romuli_n he_o fancy_v there_o never_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o difference_n among_o christian_n and_o that_o all_o christian_n make_v it_o their_o whole_a business_n to_o teach_v their_o posterity_n matter_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o they_o mind_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n but_o the_o imprint_n that_o on_o their_o mind_n that_o they_o may_v have_v it_o ready_a for_o their_o child_n and_o that_o all_o parent_n have_v equal_a skill_n and_o fidelity_n in_o deliver_v matter_n of_o