synod_n in_o its_o definition_n where_o he_o will_v hear_v of_o no_o such_o toy_n as_o new_a revelation_n but_o direct_o the_o contrary_a every_o session_n where_o faith_n be_v define_v profess_v to_o build_v on_o tradition_n teach_v and_o preach_v that_o be_v oral_a tradition_n ever_o always_o from_o the_o beginning_n etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o new_a but_o the_o old-and_a ever-faith_n if_o you_o will_v combat_v our_o church_n here_o you_o have_v she_o fall_v to_o work_v but_o you_o find_v some_o schoolman_n opine_v also_o infallibility_n in_o some_o other_o mean_n beside_o tradition_n and_o judge_v this_o tenet_n easy_o confute_v you_o level_v your_o blow_n at_o it_o because_o the_o other_o be_v out_o of_o your_o reach_n and_o will_v make_v this_o tenet_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o so_o seem_v to_o oppose_v the_o church_n herself_o you_o will_v disgrace_v this_o way_n of_o tradition_n as_o maintain_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o those_o blemish_v person_n how_o far_o be_v you_o wide_o of_o the_o truth_n it_o be_v the_o way_n every_o catholic_n in_o the_o whole_a church_n none_o except_v hold_v and_o follow_v for_o my_o part_n i_o disavow_v the_o maintain_v any_o point_n or_o affect_v any_o way_n which_o be_v not_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o and_o this_o not_o as_o opinion_n but_o deep_o root_v in_o their_o heart_n as_o infallible_o certain_a schoolman_n at_o liberty_n question_v personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n some_o grant_v it_o not_o to_o he_o and_o his_o roman_a clergy_n some_o question_n that_o of_o a_o provincial_a synod_n nay_o some_o who_o book_n be_v extant_a and_o yet_o uncensured_a maintain_v even_o a_o general_n council_n may_v possible_o err_v but_o not_o one_o i_o have_v hear_v or_o read_v of_o affirm_v that_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v for_o in_o do_v so_o he_o call_v all_o his_o faith_n in_o question_n and_o so_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o christian._n 9_o this_o then_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a so_o that_o in_o no_o case_n it_o can_v err_v the_o other_o only_o by_o some_o &_o faint_o in_o comparison_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o faithful_n permit_v they_o â—o_o be_v question_v nay_o not_o hold_v at_o all_o infallible_a but_o upon_o supposal_n of_o certain_a condition_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o which_o also_o divine_v differ_v mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o other_o protestant_a writer_n may_v see_v what_o they_o have_v to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v candid_o impugn_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o not_o trifle_v away_o time_n in_o wrangle_v with_o some_o private_a opinator_n i_o have_v set_v they_o a_o fair_a mark_n in_o my_o discourse_n if_o they_o will_v speak_v to_o the_o point_n and_o the_o end_n of_o my_o preface_n have_v tell_v they_o how_o to_o do_v it_o if_o they_o overthrow_v this_o all_o the_o other_o infallibility_n now_o speak_v of_o will_v fall_v with_o it_o if_o not_o not_o only_o this_o of_o universal_a tradition_n will_v stand_v but_o also_o all_o the_o other_o infallibility_n will_v in_o virtue_n of_o it_o be_v establish_v on_o a_o firm_a basis_n than_o any_o who_o begin_v not_o with_o and_o settle_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n can_v ever_o give_v they_o this_o foundation_n than_o they_o must_v either_o subvert_v or_o they_o may_v fear_v the_o papist_n will_v build_v such_o superstructure_n on_o it_o as_o will_v reach_v to_o heaven_n it_o rise_v apace_o and_o have_v advance_v many_o story_n in_o a_o small_a time_n 10._o by_o this_o discourse_n all_o mr._n stillingfleet_n if_o his_o which_o follow_v have_v their_o answer_n and_o he_o will_v see_v the_o knot_n easy_o lose_v in_o distinguish_v the_o word_n other_o by_o which_o if_o he_o mean_v disparate_a unconnect_v or_o unimply_v point_n of_o faith_n no_o divine_v of_o any_o number_n or_o account_n hold_v they_o can_v be_v de_fw-fr novo_fw-la much_o less_o our_o church_n if_o involve_v or_o imply_v in_o the_o main_a point_n he_o must_v show_v it_o be_v absolute_o another_o and_o not_o rather_o a_o piece_n or_o part_n of_o the_o imply_v one_o as_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n be_v a_o part_n of_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la in_o the_o mean_a time_n let_v he_o consider_v what_o logic_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o conclusion_n be_v in_o the_o premise_n which_o reflection_n will_v much_o unblunder_v his_o thought_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v the_o church_n the_o liberty_n to_o take_v asunder_o her_o own_o thought_n and_o clear_v they_o upon_o occasion_n by_o represent_v their_o part_n distinct_o or_o in_o many_o proposition_n which_o be_v invole_v before_o in_o some_o one_o a_o privilege_n nature_n grant_v all_o mankind_n as_o a_o necessary_a conseqent_n to_o their_o work_n by_o abstract_a notion_n this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o regard_n or_o view_v the_o same_o thing`now_v on_o one_o side_n then_o on_o the_o other_o 11._o his_o second_o chief_a demand_n be_v what_o security_n be_v there_o that_o in_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n any_o practice_n shall_v come_v in_o which_o be_v not_o in_o the_o precedent_n i_o answer_v our_o practice_n spring_v from_o our_o tenet_n if_o then_o he_o mean_v ecclesiastical_a practice_n that_o be_v such_o as_o spring_v from_o ecclesiastical_a constitution_n there_o be_v no_o security_n at_o all_o for_o these_o be_v to_o come_v in_o anew_o as_o oft_o as_o the_o necessity_n of_o discipline_n or_o government_n require_v it_o if_o he_o mean_v such_o practice_n as_o spring_v from_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n there_o be_v the_o same_o security_n no_o such_o new_a practice_n can_v be_v introduct_n as_o there_o be_v that_o no_o new_a christian_a tenet_n can_v come_v in_o now_o these_o late_a practice_n be_v those_o we_o make_v use_v of_o in_o tradition_n as_o make_v faith_n visible_a be_v as_o it_o be_v its_o body_n he_o must_v mean_v then_o of_o these_o practice_n to_o do_v his_o discourse_n any_o service_n and_o so_o of_o these_o he_o question_n whether_o the_o descendants_n hold_v themselves_o bind_v unalterable_o to_o observe_v what_o their_o forefather_n do_v otherwise_o to_o know_v bare_o what_o they_o do_v be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v they_o follow_v it_o he_o argue_v well_o to_o smooth_a as_o many_o rub_n as_o i_o can_v that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v no_o difficulty_n but_o our_o main_a one_o i_o will_v reflect_v on_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n unalterable_o for_o to_o introduce_v new_a practice_n consequent_a to_o the_o former_a be_v to_o propagate_v enlarge_v extend_v and_o so_o strengthen_v they_o not_o to_o alter_v they_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o to_o discourse_v consequent_o to_o a_o principle_n or_o tenet_n be_v so_o far_o from_o alter_v it_o that_o by_o the_o contexture_n of_o other_o truth_n with_o it_o it_o corroborate_v and_o establish_v it_o more_o unalterable_o its_o self_n they_o must_v then_o be_v practice_n not_o of_o a_o subordinate_a but_o a_o opposite_a nature_n to_o christian_a one_o which_o can_v be_v fear_v to_o alter_v christian_a practice_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o child_n or_o the_o succeed_v age_n hold_v themselves_o still_o bind_v not_o to_o bring_v in_o practice_n and_o tenet_n contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o precedent_n age._n and_o the_o affirmative_a be_v most_o evident_a in_o case_n they_o hold_v those_o tenet_n which_o principled_a those_o action_n true_a teach_v by_o christ_n and_o command_v by_o he_o as_o the_o way_n to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o those_o practice_n consequent_a if_o then_o they_o hold_v the_o deliver_v doctrine_n christ_n they_o can_v not_o but_o hold_v themselves_o oblige_v not_o to_o alter_v it_o nor_o consequent_o its_o practice_n so_o that_o our_o question_n be_v restrain_v to_o to_o a_o narrow_a compass_n and_o the_o only_a difficulty_n now_o be_v whether_o they_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o no._n 12._o i_o be_o hearty_o glad_a so_o acute_a a_o adversary_n as_o mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o one_o choose_v out_o if_o i_o be_o inform_v right_a as_o a_o person_n conceive_v the_o able_a to_o write_v against_o catholic_n have_v so_o candid_o confess_v here_o p._n 629._o that_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v prove_v in_o this_o case_n be_v that_o every_o age_n in_o the_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o it_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v not_o to_o vary_v in_o any_o thing_n from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o precedent_n age._n he_o offer_v i_o my_o choice_n of_o three_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o accept_v of_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n he_o press_v for_o a_o demonstrative_a medium_n to_o prove_v it_o yet_o seem_v to_o dislike_v our_o pretence_n
erroneous_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 15._o corol._n 11._o the_o church_n be_v a_o body_n of_o man_n rely_v on_o tradition_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o atte_a forefather_n not_o on_o the_o authority_n of_o opinator_n these_o opinion_n can_v never_o have_v any_o firmness_n in_o she_o by_o mean_n of_o authority_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n be_v erroneous_a they_o can_v never_o gain_v any_o depth_n of_o adhesion_n by_o be_v demonstrable_o true_a nor_o error_n be_v necessary_o opposite_a to_o truth_n can_v they_o even_o maintain_v their_o quiet_a posture_n by_o be_v evident_o not_o opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o neither_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v they_o sink_v deep_a into_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o faithful_a at_o least_o the_o intelligent_a party_n of_o they_o or_o gain_v any_o solid_a foot_n in_o the_o church_n but_o be_v subject_a to_o be_v contradict_v or_o have_v their_o verity_n dispute_v by_o the_o search_a and_o unsatisfy_a wit_n of_o opposer_n 35._o the_o prudence_n requisite_a in_o church-government_n be_v one_o cause_o why_o erroneous_a opinion_n be_v not_o immediate_o but_o after_o some_o long_a time_n perhaps_o to_o be_v declare_v against_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o since_o a_o church_n be_v a_o most_o vast_a and_o sacred_a commonwealth_n and_o so_o of_o the_o great_a gravity_n and_o authority_n imaginable_a she_o be_v not_o in_o prudence_n to_o engage_v it_o trivial_o in_o sleight_n occasion_n nor_o rash_o when_o the_o point_n be_v unevident_a wherefore_o see_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n while_o hold_v but_o by_o few_o be_v of_o sleight_n concern_v and_o so_o only_o fit_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o inferior_a officer_n when_o universal_o hold_v be_v of_o great_a authority_n among_o the_o multitude_n she_o be_v in_o prudence_n to_o suspend_v till_o its_o opposition_n to_o faith_n be_v clear_v by_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n and_o this_o satisfactory_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o opinatour_n lest_o either_o she_o shall_v in_o stead_n of_o tare_n pluck_v up_o wheat_n or_o use_v her_o authority_n more_o to_o destruction_n than_o edification_n by_o a_o too_o hasty_a decision_n 36._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n in_o divinity_n if_o universal_a and_o practical_a can_v be_v very_o long_o permit_v in_o the_o church_n for_o since_o corol._n 31._o a_o mere_a opinion_n can_v never_o gain_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n it_o be_v manifest_a it_o can_v never_o subsist_v when_o it_o be_v show_v to_o clash_v with_o any_o of_o the_o say_a point_n wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o discussion_n and_o man_n be_v natural_o of_o different_a judgement_n and_o interest_n and_o the_o variety_n and_o nature_n of_o worldly_a interest_n be_v such_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o some_o it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n against_o the_o interest_n of_o another_o it_o will_v excite_v they_o to_o discussion_n and_o sift_v its_o conformity_n or_o disconformity_n to_o christian_a principle_n which_o be_v the_o way_n to_o clear_v the_o term_n and_o make_v it_o appear_v but_o especial_o see_v absurd_a or_o irrational_a practice_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o erroneous_a principle_n and_o that_o our_o natural_a corruption_n incline_v man_n to_o follow_v such_o practice_n till_o they_o be_v check_v by_o regard_n to_o something_o hold_v sacred_a that_o be_v by_o be_v show_v opposite_a to_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o till_o this_o opposition_n be_v show_v they_o will_v infallible_o grow_v on_o still_o more_o and_o more_o till_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o height_n of_o absurdity_n that_o they_o need_v now_o no_o skill_n to_o discover_v they_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o most_o palpable_a and_o evident_a method_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o speculation_n be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o matter_n and_o bring_v it_o into_o practice_n those_o irrational_a practice_n therefore_o must_v needs_o after_o some_o time_n discover_v themselves_o opposite_a to_o christian_a behaviour_n and_o consequent_o confess_v the_o principle_n which_o beget_v they_o opposite_a to_o christian_a faith_n which_o do_v it_o present_o lose_v its_o credit_n and_o be_v quash_v by_o the_o incomparable_o more_o powerful_a force_n and_o all_o over-bearing_a authority_n of_o tradition_n 37._o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o the_o irrational_a practice_n issue_v from_o they_o though_o suppose_v universal_a and_o of_o long_a continuance_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a for_o since_o corol._n 31._o nothing_o not_o hold_v ever_o or_o not_o come_v from_o christ_n can_v possible_o be_v accept_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o come_v from_o christ_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o erroneous_a opinion_n can_v come_v to_o gain_v the_o sacredness_n and_o repute_n of_o a_o traditionary_a point_n nor_o their_o proper_a practice_n the_o esteem_n of_o christian_a practice_n wherefore_o traditionary_a point_n be_v the_o principle_n which_o absolute_o possess_v the_o judgmenr_n and_o govern_v the_o life_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o christian_n it_o follow_v that_o no_o opinion_n can_v ever_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o but_o in_o a_o conceive_v subordination_n to_o traditionary_a point_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n nor_o â—_z by_o they_o but_o with_o a_o conceived_a subordination_n and_o conformity_n to_o those_o practice_n which_o spring_v from_o undoubtedly-known_a christian_a tenet_n or_o traditionary_a point_n see_v then_o what_o be_v not_o hold_v and_o â—_z but_o as_o conceive_v subordinate_a to_o other_o tenet_n and_o practice_n must_v needs_o be_v less_o hold_v than_o those_o other_o nay_o not_o hold_v at_o all_o otherwise_o than_o conditional_o or_o upon_o supposal_n of_o such_o a_o subordination_n â—tis_o clear_o consequent_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v so_o powerful_a a_o antidote_n that_o bad_a opinion_n and_o practice_n can_v never_o corrupt_v substantial_o and_o absolute_o the_o judgement_n or_o will_n of_o the_o faithful_a 38._o no_o erroneous_a opinion_n or_o its_o proper_a practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v for_o since_o the_o church_n formal_o as_o such_o proceed_v on_o christian_a tradition_n no_o such_o opinion_n nor_o consequent_o practice_n be_v imputable_a to_o the_o church_n proper_o and_o formal_o take_v but_o only_o to_o some_o man_n in_o the_o church_n material_o consider_v as_o leave_v to_o the_o contingent_a force_n of_o their_o private_a discourse_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o school_n not_o the_o church_n 39_o it_o be_v exceed_o weak_a and_o senseless_a to_o think_v to_o impugn_v the_o church_n by_o object_v to_o her_o such_o opinion_n and_o practice_n for_o since_o they_o concern_v she_o not_o nor_o be_v imputable_a to_o she_o as_o church_n or_o to_o her_o member_n as_o faithful_a the_o wise_a objection_n can_v only_o signify_v thus_o much_o that_o the_o church_n have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v fallible_a in_o their_o private_a discourse_n or_o school-disputes_a that_o be_v she_o have_v man_n in_o she_o who_o be_v man_n a_o heavy_a imputation_n 40._o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n that_o be_v without_o which_o nothing_o be_v know_v or_o knowable_a in_o that_o science_n for_o since_o controversy_n or_o the_o science_n which_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o these_o two_o proposition_n whatever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a and_o god_n say_v this_o the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v out_o of_o controversy_n as_o we_o now_o handle_v it_o with_o our_o modern_a dissenter_n and_o only_o the_o late_a be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o debate_n see_v also_o as_o have_v be_v large_o and_o manifold_o evident_a nothing_o can_v ascertain_v we_o of_o this_o but_o tradition_n nor_o it_o unless_o its_o certainty_n be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v the_o first_o knowledge_n or_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n 41._o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n however_o comfortable_a to_o the_o faithful_a can_v bear_v no_o part_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n nor_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o a_o controversial_a divine_a for_o since_o christ_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n be_v hold_v as_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v receive_v upon_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v subsequent_a to_o that_o rule_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n nor_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n again_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n disc._n 1._o §_o 4_o and_o 9_o must_v be_v so_o evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n that_o no_o other_o knowledge_n must_v intervene_v between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o understanding_n and_o it_o and_o this_o in_o the_o mean_a vulgar_a
believe_v ancestor_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n seeking_z what_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n that_o be_v to_o hammer_v a_o certain_a faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o their_o private_a wit._n which_o reflect_v on_o a_o little_a reason_n enlighten_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o manifold_a experience_n will_v easy_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o ground_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v rational_a nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o faith_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o and_o the_o solid_a secureness_n connaturalness_n and_o satisfactoriness_n of_o we_o which_o make_v few_o or_o none_o leave_v we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v the_o motive_n of_o their_o revolt_n 11._o yet_o one_o more_o from_o this_o illustrious_a father_n as_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o famous_a contrast_n with_o the_o impious_a arian_n it_o concern_v to_o be_v more_o express_a in_o inculcate_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o write_v to_o epictetus_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v say_v he_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o of_o itself_o suffice_v that_o those_o be_v vot_o of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n and_o that_o our_o ancestor_n never_o hold_v so_o so_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n or_o belief_n of_o ancestor_n be_v hold_v by_o he_o a_o sole-sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o only_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v why_o we_o reject_v point_n from_o faith_n or_o admit_v they_o into_o it_o that_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o carriage_n for_o otherwise_o another_o answer_n will_v be_v requisite_a 12._o we_o will_v be_v short_a in_o the_o rest_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n stromatôn_n 7o._o as_o if_o one_o of_o a_o man_n become_v a_o beast_n like_o those_o infect_v by_o circe_n poison_n so_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o be_v a_o man-of-god_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o lord_n who_o spurn_v against_o the_o church_n tradition_n and_o leap_v into_o opinion_n of_o human_a election_n basil_n against_o eunomius_n will_v thou_o have_v we_o all_o persuade_v by_o thou_o prefer_v your_o conceit_n before_o the_o tradition_n of_o faith_n which_o perpetual_o have_v conquer_v under_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o speak_v against_o two_o other_o heretic_n sabellius_n and_o arius_n let_v tradition_n bridle_v thou_o our_o lord_n teach_v thus_o the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o the_o father_n conserve_v it_o our_o ancestor_n confirm_v it_o be_v content_a to_o say_v as_o thou_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o clear_v then_o that_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n see_v corol._n 4._o that_o all_o be_v man_n conceit_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n which_o the_o word_n heresy_n import_v that_o be_v opposite_a to_o tradition_n we_o have_v last_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o faith_n descent_n from_o christ_n to_o we_o yet_o not_o a_o word_n of_o descend_v by_o scripture_n or_o letter_n in_o book_n but_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v and_o teach_v that_o be_v oral_a delivery_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n 13._o i_o omit_v many_o other_o father_n but_o i_o must_v not_o s._n austin_n ea_fw-la potius_fw-la credam_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v rather_o believe_v say_v he_o contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la fundamenti_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v celebrate_v now_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o be_v confirm_v throughout_o all_o nation_n by_o most_o grave_a authority_n and_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o force_n to_o cause_n faith_n and_o assurance_n which_o authority_n from_o the_o best_a establish_a seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o series_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v they_o and_o by_o the_o assertion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n in_o both_o place_n he_o he_o make_v the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a bishop_n and_o conspire_a people_n continue_v down_o to_o these_o day_n that_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a or_o tradition_n the_o most_o grave_a authority_n apt_a to_o ascertain_v we_o and_o cause_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o make_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o build_v its_o strength_n as_o we_o also_o do_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o asserter_n or_o testifier_n of_o its_o descent_n also_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n the_o faithful_a say_v he_o do_v possess_v persevere_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n common_a to_o little_a and_o great_a in_o the_o church_n where_o every_o word_n be_v emphatical_a that_o the_o church_n voice_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v common_a to_o learued_a and_o unlearned_a that_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o acute_a discourser_n and_o yet_o understandable_a by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a last_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o and_o that_o persevere_o or_o unshaken_o which_o show_v it_o self-evident_a else_o both_o the_o unlearned_a at_o least_o may_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o it_o see_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 14._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n it_o be_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v who_o enjoy_v this_o tradition_n or_o what_o point_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o by_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n must_v we_o not_o run_v to_o private_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o or_o at_o least_o to_o library_n of_o book_n write_v in_o all_o former_a age_n to_o see_v if_o perhaps_o their_o author_n mightâ—have_v dream_v of_o our_o now_o difficulty_n and_o then_o prophesy_v we_o a_o satisfaction_n so_o express_v and_o ample_a that_o no_o cavil_n can_v avoid_v it_o no_o we_o have_v manifest_a certainty_n of_o it_o other_o way_n if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o father_n we_o will_v only_o allege_v two_o both_o very_a ancient_n and_o great_a master_n of_o controversy_n against_o the_o heretic_n of_o their_o time_n s._n ireneus_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o all_o those_o who_o will_v hear_v truth_n may_v at_o present_v perfect_o discern_v adest_fw-la perspicere_fw-la in_o the_o church_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n proceed_v upon_o or_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o what_o it_o teach_v now_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o tertullian_n contra_fw-la marcionem_fw-la that_o be_v manifest_o true_a which_o be_v first_o that_o first_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o will_v manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v be_v establish_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n of_o the_o apostle_n where_o first_o he_o ascend_v and_o confound_v novelty_n or_o heresy_n by_o show_v that_o the_o priority_n of_o what_o they_o leave_v argue_v it_o to_o have_v be_v ever_o or_o from_o the_o apostle_n and_o so_o true_a and_o then_o prove_v and_o manifest_o too_o that_o that_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v find_v establish_v that_o be_v hold_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o all_o his_o former_a doctrine_n run_v as_o sacred_a in_o the_o church_n at_o present_a which_o be_v found_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o express_a in_o his_o first_o book_n against_o the_o same_o heretic_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v a_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o what_o be_v at_o this_o present_a day_n profess_v for_o such_o in_o their_o church_n so_o that_o he_o send_v we_o not_o to_o volume_n of_o history_n and_o other_o writer_n which_o if_o tradition_n can'fail_v be_v of_o no_o authority_n to_o find_v what_o be_v the_o ancient_a or_o primitive_a tradition_n or_o what_o the_o apostle_n teach_v or_o deliver_v but_o only_o to_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n which_o have_v be_v but_o a_o weak_a procedure_n in_o case_n their_o hold_v now_o a_o thing_n deliver_v be_v not_o argumentative_a that_o it_o be_v deliver_v ever_o which_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o my_o proof_n a_o posteriori_fw-la for_o the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n and_o lest_o it_o shall_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o argument_n lose_v its_o force_n by_o tract_n of_o time_n or_o the_o long-continuance_n of_o the_o church_n peter_n chrysologus_fw-la in_o his_o 85._o sermon_n secure_v we_o from_o that_o danger_n a_o christian_a mind_n know_v not_o how_o to_o bring_v into_o dispute_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v strengthen_v by_o tradition_n of_o the_o father_n and_o even_o ipsis_fw-la temporibus_fw-la by_o time_n
of_o god_n nature_n as_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o jacob_n beman_n do_v and_o then_o secundum_fw-la hanc_fw-la partum_fw-la of_o illam_fw-la will_v do_v the_o work_n and_o give_v a_o true_a sense_n to_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n you_o shall_v do_v any_o thing_n which_o can_v by_o any_o mean_n make_v it_o seem_v possible_a rather_o than_o question_v a_o plain_a divine_a revelation_n nay_o perhaps_o you_o do_v not_o think_v you_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o contrary_a to_o the_o solution_n i_o have_v help_v you_o out_o with_o at_o least_o that_o your_o demonstration_n be_v but_o a_o seem_a one_o and_o then_o i_o challenge_v your_o candour_n to_o own_o your_o say_n and_o demand_v why_o you_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o use_v this_o shift_n and_o a_o thousand_o other_o rather_o than_o violate_v your_o avow_v rule_n of_o faith_n and_o deny_v and_o hold_v against_o the_o clear_a letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o you_o allege_v you_o have_v perfect_a science_n of_o the_o contrary_a by_o metaphysic_n then_o though_o i_o expect_v not_o this_o from_o you_o your_o science_n rule_v your_o rule_n of_o faith_n gloss_v or_o rather_o violent_o wrest_v the_o plain_a letter_n and_o so_o be_v so_o absolute_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o control_v and_o even_o baffle_v the_o other_o though_o clear_o reveal_v or_o if_o to_o be_v in_o express_a term_n in_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v clear_o reveal_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o those_o word_n clear_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n signify_v 12._o perhaps_o you_o i_o say_v that_o notwithstanding_o your_o new_a rule_n reason_n must_v be_v your_o gvid_n still_o even_o in_o faith_n though_o not_o your_o rule_n but_o i_o ask_v if_o your_o reason_n must_v guide_v you_o sometime_o so_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o clear_a letter_n of_o scripture_n since_o a_o guide_n in_o any_o thing_n must_v be_v regulate_v by_o some_o knowledge_n in_o that_o affair_n by_o what_o principle_n or_o knowledge_n reason_n be_v to_o regulate_v itself_o while_o it_o guide_v you_o in_o that_o particular_a now_o in_o question_n by_o principle_n of_o faith_n how_o can_v that_o be_v in_o your_o ground_n antecedent_o to_o the_o know_a sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o principle_n of_o human_a science_n then_o those_o principle_n of_o human_a science_n give_v you_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o the_o write_a word_n when_o itself_o be_v insufficient_a and_o therefore_o be_v still_o true_o your_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o you_o be_v force_v to_o fly_v back_o for_o refuge_n to_o the_o old_a rule_n human_a reason_n which_o you_o seem_o renounce_v when_o you_o have_v find_v your_o new_a rule_n of_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v evident_a then_o that_o some_o maxim_n of_o your_o reason_n be_v your_o rule_n and_o not_o scripture_n letter_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o reprehend_v in_o the_o socinian_n and_o you_o too_o that_o choose_v a_o wrong_a rule_n of_o faith_n so_o to_o avoid_v the_o church_n you_o both_o gloss_n it_o as_o seem_v best_a to_o your_o reason_n regulate_v herself_o by_o her_o own_o and_o those_o fallible_a maxim_n they_o by_o certain_a acute_a and_o ingenious_a sophistry_n proper_a to_o themselves_o you_o by_o the_o more_o schoolboy_n way_n of_o grammar_n and_o dictionary_n learning_n and_o so_o both_o of_o you_o make_v your_o rule_n the_o thing_n rule_v nor_o think_v to_o retort_v any_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n upon_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o this_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v we_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o the_o point_n we_o be_v to_o profess_v whereas_o you_o needs_o skill_v and_o help_v of_o studious_a reason_n to_o tell_v you_o what_o it_o will_v say_v we_o be_v alive_a and_o in_o the_o breast_n and_o action_n of_o the_o faithful_a you_o be_v dead_a character_n waxen-natured_a and_o pliable_a to_o the_o dedalean_a fancy_n of_o the_o ingenious_a molder_v of_o new_a opinion_n and_o so_o alone_z can_v satisfy_v no_o man_n as_o you_o handle_v it_o 13._o no_o wonder_n now_o if_o have_v no_o certain_a a_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o herself_o your_o church_n be_v shamefast_a of_o oblige_v other_o to_o believe_v she_o man_n nature_n can_v scarce_o own_v or_o permit_v so_o irrational_a a_o tyranny_n yet_o whether_o she_o do_v or_o do_v not_o we_o must_v not_o know_v from_o your_o word_n which_o run_v so_o backward_o and_o forward_o that_o none_o can_v tell_v which_o be_v the_o true_a face_n of_o the_o janus_n first_o p._n 99_o you_o seem_v to_o deny_v it_o stout_o from_o the_o carriage_n of_o your_o convocation_n and_o bishop_n and_o from_o your_o own_o tenet_n yet_o afterward_o you_o seem_v to_o grant_v they_o do_v require_v a_o positive_a assent_n sometime_o and_o justify_v they_o as_o not_o do_v it_o upon_o pretence_n of_o any_o infallibility_n but_o because_o the_o thing_n determine_v be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n that_o all_o deny_v it_o must_v be_v wilful_a a_o rare_a discourse_n and_o worthy_a a_o deep_a consideration_n pray_v who_o must_v be_v judge_v it_o be_v so_o evident_a in_o scripture_n as_o to_o render_v the_o dissenter_n guilty_a of_o flat_a wilfulness_n the_o bishop_n or_o your_o church_n nothing_o less_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o discourse_n p._n 93._o you_o plain_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v judge_n of_o faith_n now_o in_o your_o sense_n to_o be_v clear_o reveal_v or_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o to_o be_v of_o faith_n be_v all_o one_o so_o that_o they_o must_v not_o be_v judge_n of_o what_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n lest_o by_o necessary_a consequence_n they_o become_v judge_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o without_o have_v power_n to_o judge_v what_o be_v evident_a in_o scripture_n they_o must_v have_v power_n to_o require_v assent_n to_o point_n as_o evident_a in_o scripture_n nay_o and_o punish_v the_o dissenter_n too_o for_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n for_o governor_n to_o require_v any_o thing_n of_o their_o subject_n without_o have_v reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o make_v what_o they_o require_v to_o be_v due_o obseruâ—d_v nay_o p._n 93._o you_o absolute_o refuse_v to_o admit_v they_o as_o guide_n of_o your_o faith_n a_o moderate_a word_n and_o less_o than_o to_o be_v a_o judge_n which_o signify_v they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o require_v our_o assent_n in_o matter_n in_o which_o they_o have_v no_o power_n to_o guide_v we_o that_o be_v they_o may_v have_v power_n to_o require_v we_o to_o go_v wrong_n for_o any_o thing_n we_o or_o they_o know_v a_o excellent_a honour_n for_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o her_o champion_n profess_v in_o print_n her_o supreme_a pastor_n have_v no_o power_n at_o all_o to_o guide_v their_o flock_n in_o their_o faith_n or_o to_o it_o when_o they_o be_v out_o of_o it_o again_o i_o will_v ask_v whether_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o evident_a in_o scripture_n and_o the_o socinian_o wilful_a for_o deny_v it_o why_o be_v they_o then_o so_o kind_o deal_v with_o or_o what_o can_v be_v reply_v to_o a_o socinian_n answer_v when_o his_o assent_n to_o the_o trinity_n be_v require_v that_o he_o humble_o submit_v to_o scripture_n that_o he_o use_v all_o the_o mean_n he_o can_v but_o discover_v it_o not_o so_o evident_a there_o and_o thereupon_o complain_v that_o you_o obtrude_v upon_o his_o equally-learned_n party_n your_o own_o conceit_n or_o opinion_n for_o scripture-evidence_n what_o therefore_o you_o allege_v here_o as_o in_o your_o church_n behalf_n that_o she_o require_v not_o a_o positive_a assent_n upon_o pretence_n of_o any_o infallibility_n more_o condemn_v she_o see_v it_o be_v most_o absurd_a and_o irrational_a that_o one_o shall_v require_v any_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o point_n or_o proposition_n whatever_o as_o evident_a in_o scripture_n without_o infallible_a certainty_n at_o least_o imagine_a and_o pretend_a that_o it_o be_v thus_o evident_a there_o for_o shall_v it_o happen_v to_o be_v otherwise_o how_o ridiculous_a be_v his_o authority_n how_o damnable_a and_o diabolical_a his_o tyranny_n to_o oblige_v man_n to_o the_o hazard_n of_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n belong_v to_o his_o eternal_a salvation_n and_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n profess_v himself_o ignorant_a whether_o they_o be_v false_a or_o no._n 14._o now_o our_o church_n go_v another_o way_n which_o ere_o i_o declare_v i_o will_v let_v your_o party_n see_v that_o interior_a assent_n may_v be_v require_v by_o governor_n lawful_o and_o rational_o which_o your_o principle_n can_v never_o make_v sense_n of_o suppose_v a_o thousand_o witness_n from_o several_a place_n each_o of_o they_o hold_v always_o man_n of_o good_a conscience_n shall_v swear_v in_o open_a court_n that_o they_o have_v see_v such_o and_o such_o action_n do_v by_o such_o a_o man_n or_o that_o they_o have_v see_v speak_v or_o converse_v
the_o most_o vulgar_a that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o principle_n in_o he_o impel_v he_o to_o act_n which_o we_o agree_v to_o call_v a_o will._n such_o likewise_o be_v all_o proposition_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o the_o church_n use_v upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o emergent_a heresy_n to_o explain_v herself_o and_o put_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v equivocate_v example_n of_o the_o late_a sort_n be_v theological_a conclusion_n in_o which_o a_o natural_a truth_n be_v one_o of_o the_o premise_n join_v with_o the_o supernatural_a one_o to_o infer_v they_o to_o omit_v this_o as_o little_a to_o our_o purpose_n at_o present_a of_o the_o former_a sort_n the_o church_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n upon_o occasion_n that_o be_v when_o any_o heretic_n question_n those_o and_o eâdem_fw-la operâ_fw-la the_o whole_a point_n of_o faith_n itself_o of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o part_n upon_o occasion_n i_o say_v for_o what_o concern_v its_o the_o faithful_a or_o who_o ever_o hear_v much_o noise_n of_o this_o proposition_n christ_n have_v two_o will_n thus_o single_v out_o and_o express_v apart_o till_o the_o monothelite_n grant_v he_o but_o one_o force_v the_o church_n that_o she_o may_v preserve_v the_o main_a tenet_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v god_n and_o man_n to_o maintain_v publish_v and_o define_v that_o other_o 6._o to_o apply_v this_o then_o since_o none_o can_v have_v obligation_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v not_o obligation_n to_o think_v of_o and_o that_o in_o some_o age_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v no_o occasion_n nor_o consequent_o obligation_n to_o mind_n reflect_v or_o think_v on_o those_o proposition_n involud_v in_o the_o main_a stock_n of_o faith_n and_o true_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la or_o obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o perhaps_o mr._n stillingfleet_n may_v ask_v how_o the_o church_n can_v have_v power_n to_o oblige_v the_o generality_n to_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o point_n i_o answer_v she_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n be_v a_o self-evident_a rule_n and_o these_o employ_v point_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v self-evidently-connected_n with_o those_o main_a and_o perpetually-used_a point_n so_o that_o the_o vulgar_a can_v be_v rational_o and_o connatural_o make_v capable_a of_o this_o their_o obligation_n whence_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n be_v still_o justify_v to_o be_v sweet_a and_o according_a to_o right_a nature_n and_o yet_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a to_o hold_v her_o subject_n in_o a_o strict_a union_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o these_o point_n also_o descend_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o tradition_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v occasion_n in_o explain_v faith_n to_o speak_v of_o these_o however_o the_o no_o necessity_n bring_v they_o not_o so_o much_o into_o play_n but_o leave_v they_o unreflected_a on_o by_o the_o generality_n 7._o but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n stillingfleet_n who_o act_v here_o like_o a_o politician_n and_o will_v conquer_v we_o by_o first_o divide_v we_o and_o make_v odious_a comparison_n between_o two_o party_n of_o divine_n but_o he_o may_v please_v to_o reflect_v how_o we_o all_o hold_v firm_o the_o same_o divinely-constituted_n church-government_n and_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o give_v our_o understanding_n the_o same_o principle_n as_o christian_n and_o so_o our_o will_n the_o same_o action_n and_o those_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n whence_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o even_o malice_n of_o hell_n to_o disunite_v we_o as_o we_o be_v faithful_a as_o private_a discourser_n our_o different_a nature_n and_o circumstance_n must_v needs_o distinguish_v we_o every_o one_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o come_v to_o explicate_v this_o belief_n they_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o their_o understand_a power_n and_o yet_o m._n stillingfleet_n be_v not_o aware_a how_o little_a we_o differ_v even_o as_o divine_n for_o though_o some_o speculater_n attribute_v to_o the_o church_n a_o power_n of_o define_v thing_n not_o hold_v before_o yet_o few_o will_v say_v she_o have_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n &_o those_o only_a some_o lawyer_n who_o talk_v ultra_fw-la crepidam_fw-la no_o divine_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o none_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a lawgiver_n which_o be_v necessary_a consequent_n or_o rather_o in_o a_o manner_n identical_a to_o the_o other_o and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n those_o man_n explain_v themselves_o that_o all_o be_v deliver_v faith_n either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o bear_v a_o very_a good_a sense_n in_o my_o explication_n of_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la he_o tell_v we_o pope_n and_o council_n challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o he_o speak_v only_o in_o common_a and_o prove_v it_o not_o have_v he_o bring_v instance_n it_o may_v have_v be_v better_o clear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o have_v show_v he_o how_o take_v they_o right_n this_o be_v both_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o a_o church_n what_o will_v avail_v he_o be_v if_o a_o pope_n and_o council_n shall_v define_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o declare_v they_o ground_n themselves_o on_o new_a light_n as_o do_v their_o first_o reformer_n in_o england_n but_o he_o will_v find_v no_o such_o foppery_n in_o faith-definition_n make_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v at_o a_o end_n of_o his_o argument_n against_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o evident_a sign_n of_o it_o than_o to_o leave_v off_o assault_v she_o confound_v she_o with_o the_o school_n or_o some_o private_a opinater_n and_o then_o carp_v at_o these_o man_n tenet_n whereas_o m._n stillingfleet_n want_v not_o wit_n to_o know_v that_o no_o sober_a catholic_n hold_v human_a deduction_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n schoolman_n definer_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o school_n the_o tribunal_n whence_o to_o propose_v it_o authoritative_o and_o oblige_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a much_o less_o a_o few_o divine_n which_o be_v far_o from_o reach_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o school_n yet_o how_o much_o of_o his_o book_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n be_v this_o impertinent_a topick_n lay_v aside_o but_o well_o let_v school_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v let_v every_o master_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o bishop_n what_o mean_v he_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o word_n common_a doctrine_n do_v he_o make_v account_v every_o school-doctrin_n must_v be_v equal_o in_o vogue_n or_o that_o a_o opinion_n be_v common_a define_v it_o faith_n and_o condemn_v the_o other_o for_o heretical_a where_o be_v his_o reason_n the_o direct_a contrary_n follow_v from_o its_o be_v common_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n which_o other_o though_o not_o so_o many_o may_v contradict_v and_o he_o be_v but_o mean_o verse_v in_o our_o school_n if_o he_o see_v not_o very_o many_o public_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a revelation_n without_o dread_v excommunication_n or_o be_v hold_v heretical_a and_o seditious_a so_o they_o grant_v the_o church_n power_n as_o they_o ought_v by_o new_a proposition_n and_o new_a but_o expressive_a word_n yet_o both_o the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o so_o not_o new_a in_o substance_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o new_a blunder_a cavil_n of_o innovator_n 8._o yet_o all_o this_o while_n m._n stillingfleet_n can_v see_v how_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a nor_o ever_o will_v while_o he_o wilful_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n that_o be_v towards_o some_o particular_a schoolman_n or_o divine_n not_o towards_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o church_n what_o need_v he_o counterfeit_v this_o puzzle_n do_v he_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o find_v it_o again_o do_v not_o he_o know_v all_o the_o catholic_n church_n allow_v more_o a_o thousand_o time_n to_o it_o than_o to_o all_o the_o schoolman_n in_o the_o world_n yes_o very_o well_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o he_o run_v to_o some_o schoolman_n and_o neglect_v the_o church_n speak_v in_o her_o representative_a because_o he_o may_v find_v there_o a_o clear_a solution_n of_o his_o doubt_n by_o the_o constant_a procedure_n of_o that_o most_o grave_a
to_o salvation_n so_o that_o to_o vary_v from_o it_o or_o hold_v or_o practice_v the_o contrary_a be_v the_o way_n to_o eternal_a misery_n be_v all_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o their_o forefather_n do_v and_o not_o introduce_v contrary_a doctrine_n and_o practice_n to_o those_o they_o have_v receive_v have_v it_o be_v i_o say_v thus_o propose_v there_o have_v be_v no_o such_o cause_n of_o wonderment_n but_o all_o these_o that_o be_v indeed_o all_o of_o weight_n in_o the_o point_n be_v quite_o leave_v out_o such_o poor_a shift_n even_o the_o best_a wit_n must_v be_v drive_v to_o when_o they_o will_v maintain_v a_o false_a cause_n 25._o one_o word_n to_o m._n stillingfleet_n he_o have_v challenge_v we_o to_o make_v out_o this_o obligation_n to_o belief_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v in_o the_o traditionary_a way_n he_o have_v offer_v we_o the_o choice_n of_o our_o weapon_n either_o reason_n particular_a testimony_n or_o universal_a tradition_n i_o have_v accept_v his_o offer_n choose_v my_o weapon_n and_o give_v here_o the_o first_o blow_n i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o now_o run_v the_o field_n but_o return_v a_o answer_n to_o my_o discourse_n in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o i_o have_v choose_v by_o his_o offer_n i_o be_o sorry_a for_o his_o sake_n my_o reflection_n here_o be_v not_o more_o elaborate_a be_v send_v to_o the_o press_n in_o loose_a quarter_n of_o sheet_n as_o soon_o as_o write_v more_o time_n not_o be_v allow_v i_o nor_o i_o hope_v needful_a to_o answer_v such_o mistake_n only_o i_o request_v he_o when_o he_o reply_v to_o take_v along_o with_o he_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subjecta_fw-la materia_fw-la the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n we_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v it_o and_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o give_v weight_n to_o both_o as_o i_o have_v declare_v above_o and_o i_o promise_v he_o god_n assist_v i_o a_o very_a serious_a reply_n 26._o ere_o i_o quite_o leave_v this_o matter_n i_o desire_v to_o take_v the_o reader_n along_o with_o i_o in_o my_o quest_n for_o a_o reason_n or_o proper_a cause_n why_o so_o judicious_a a_o person_n as_o mr._n stillingfleet_n can_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o such_o a_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v their_o ancestor_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o a_o matter_n deliver_v to_o have_v be_v not_o deem_v or_o think_v but_o do_v or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a be_v its_o necessary_a effect_n see_v or_o know_v by_o sense_n for_o i_o make_v account_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o ever_o be_v such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o rational_a nature_n give_v we_o by_o god_n who_o in_o his_o natural_a thought_n can_v ever_o raise_v such_o a_o doubt_n or_o think_v he_o can_v possible_o frame_v his_o thought_n to_o a_o disbelief_n of_o the_o contrary_a no_o more_o than_o any_o man_n in_o england_n who_o speculative_a scepticism_n have_v not_o besot_v and_o unman_v can_v doubt_v of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n harry_n the_o eighth_n or_o mahomet_n existence_n much_o less_o judge_v the_o contrary_a and_o it_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n to_o be_v a_o strange_a distorsion_n or_o rather_o destruction_n of_o human_a nature_n which_o can_v so_o alter_v it_o now_o look_v into_o thing_n i_o find_v it_o to_o be_v a_o proper_a and_o natural_a effect_n of_o the_o protestant_n temper_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o who_o have_v leave_v the_o church_n for_o their_o humour_n be_v to_o choose_v every_o one_o his_o faith_n by_o his_o private_a judgement_n or_o wit_n work_v upon_o disputable_a word_n they_o wonder_v and_o judge_v it_o very_o unreasonable_a their_o posterity_n thus_o imbue_v shall_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o act_v as_o ancestor_n do_v and_o so_o shall_v i_o too_o for_o while_o they_o can_v never_o deliver_v it_o to_o their_o child_n as_o receive_v ever_o by_o the_o way_n of_o infallible_a sense_n or_o witness_v but_o must_v say_v the_o former_a church_n de_fw-fr facto_fw-la err_v and_o consequent_o that_o themselves_o may_v do_v so_o too_o so_o that_o they_o can_v only_o deliver_v it_o as_o depend_v or_o build_v on_o their_o own_o fallible_a opinion_n in_o interpret_n scripture_n all_o which_o be_v imply_v in_o their_o make_v scriptur_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o allow_v no_o live_v interpreter_n able_a to_o give_v infallible_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o it_o be_v natural_a their_o posterity_n shall_v 〈◊〉_d hold_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v immediate_a ancestor_n but_o use_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o choose_v their_o own_o faith_n when_o they_o come_v at_o age_n as_o well_o as_o they_o do_v and_o experience_n tell_v we_o they_o have_v do_v so_o in_o england_n till_o they_o have_v choose_v fair_o and_o this_o horrid_a unreasonableness_n be_v the_o venomous_a source_n the_o first_o defective_a principle_n or_o indeed_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o all_o heresy_n import_v also_o in_o the_o very_a word_n which_o signify_v choice_n or_o choose_v one_o religion_n mention_v by_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n cite_v above_o p._n 135._o and_o counterpose_v by_o he_o to_o tradition_n as_o also_o by_o s._n athanasius_n cite_v p._n 133._o 134._o where_o it_o be_v most_o excellent_o describe_v and_o homely_a apply_v to_o the_o protestant_n and_o such_o other_o as_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v i_o be_o a_o bad_a transcriber_n 27._o i_o have_v do_v my_o main_a task_n and_o so_o shall_v only_o touch_v at_o his_o next_o paragraph_n it_o begin_v thus_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n when_o i_o see_v man_n move_v no_o more_o it_o be_v to_o prove_v no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v vary_v from_o the_o forego_n when_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v they_o have_v do_v it_o you_o argue_v well_o but_o two_o thing_n be_v require_v ere_o you_o can_v see_v our_o faith_n vary_v from_o the_o former_a first_o to_o see_v what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o then_o to_o see_v what_o the_o former_a church_n hold_v before_o and_o if_o i_o see_v any_o thing_n you_o see_v neither_o well_o for_o while_o you_o can_v distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o its_o explication_n some_o schoolman_n and_o church_n i_o have_v no_o hope_n you_o shall_v see_v candid_o what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o and_o if_o you_o can_v at_o present_v see_v what_o our_o church_n hold_v now_o how_o and_o by_o what_o method_n will_v you_o assure_v we_o you_o see_v what_o she_o hold_v former_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v be_v a_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o you_o have_v renounce_v all_o live_a attestation_n the_o common_a and_o secure_a way_n to_o bring_v it_o down_o and_o consequent_o father_n too_o for_o father_n speak_v of_o they_o as_o such_o be_v evident_a witnesser_n transmitter_n or_o propagate_v of_o the_o faith_n receive_v to_o immediate_a posterity_n if_o you_o question_v delivery_n or_o tradition_n which_o you_o do_v while_o you_o doubt_v obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v ancestor_n you_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o so_o any_o father_n and_o i_o wonder_v how_o you_o can_v imagine_v any_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v father_n historian_n or_o any_o that_o writ_n or_o testify_v thing_n long_o ago_o and_o yet_o think_v the_o next_o age_n not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o former_a in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v in_o their_o own_o day_n how_o far_o short_a then_o be_v your_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a church_n doctrine_n like_a to_o prove_v of_o be_v parallel_n to_o our_o see_v a_o man_n move_v with_o our_o corporeal_a eye_n but_o you_o may_v say_v any_o thing_n or_o rather_o indeed_o force_v by_o your_o bad_a cause_n you_o must_v do_v so_o 28._o you_o call_v this_o way_n of_o we_o a_o superficial_a subtlety_n i_o beseech_v you_o consider_v what_o you_o say_v be_v that_o which_o be_v whole_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o you_o see_v we_o do_v superficial_a or_o you_o which_o be_v mere_o a_o airy_a descant_n upon_o dead_a word_n what_o do_v you_o think_v controversy_n be_v i_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o you_o may_v take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o talk_v and_o i_o think_v you_o do_v so_o though_o you_o will_v not_o profess_v it_o but_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o noble_a science_n i_o hold_v its_o object_n to_o be_v rationem_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidei_fw-la or_o to_o maintain_v question_v faith_n which_o be_v chief_o do_v by_o show_v the_o authority_n on_o which_o faith_n depend_v quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la certain_a hence_o all_o other_o authority_n depend_v on_o tradition_n i_o hold_v knowledge_n of_o its_o certainty_n the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n and_o this_o being_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la necessary_o antecedent_n to_o authority_n it_o can_v only_o be_v
the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o all_o mankind_n who_o use_v common_a reason_n this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a for_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o use_v they_o and_o proceed_v upon_o they_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a vulgar_a 26._o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n be_v establish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v catholic_n or_o the_o church_n essential_a be_v by_o rely_v on_o it_o infallible_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n for_o since_o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a way_n if_o follow_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o &_o 13._o and_o both_o best_a nature_n and_o best_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v ever_o follow_v disc._n 6._o and_o 9_o again_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o faith_n be_v former_o teach_v must_v needs_o descend_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v that_o be_v who_o certainty_n depend_v on_o authority_n and_o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v corol._n 24._o and_o self-evident_a to_o the_o proceeder_n on_o it_o corol._n 25._o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o catholic_n last_o since_o christian_a tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n essential_a as_o deliver_v it_o be_v manifest_o and_o manifold_o evident_a that_o that_o body_n which_o rely_v on_o it_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o corol._n 6._o &_o 11._o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v in_o secure_a possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n 27._o tradition_n once_o establish_v general_a council_n and_o even_o provincial_a one_o nay_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a by_o proceed_v upon_o it._n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o regard_n that_o proceed_n on_o it_o they_o proceed_v upon_o a_o certain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n corol._n 24._o &_o 25._o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o neither_o they_o can_v mistake_v nor_o it_o mislead_v they_o 28._o the_o roman_a see_v with_o its_o head_n be_v particular_o infallible_a by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o in_o regard_n a_o more_o vigorous_a cause_n put_v at_o first_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o the_o coresidence_n joynt-endeavour_n preach_v miracle_n and_o last_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a apostle_n work_v upon_o that_o city_n which_o command_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v 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 it_o follow_v 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 here_o than_o in_o any_o other_o see_n again_o since_o uninterrupted_a publicity_n of_o profess_v faith_n make_v a_o great_a visibility_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n to_o tradition_n and_o no_o patriarchal_a see_v but_o the_o roman_a have_v continue_v ever_o from_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v hold_v under_o by_o barbarian_n hence_o the_o roman_a see_v and_o inclusive_o their_o pastor_n and_o most_o their_o chief_a pastor_n have_v a_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v on_o tradition_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o not_o to_o mention_v and_o dilate_v on_o the_o particular_a assistance_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o see_v and_o most_o particular_a to_o its_o bishop_n spring_v out_o of_o their_o divine_o constitute_v office_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o position_n unacknowledged_a by_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o be_o discourse_v 29._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_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 preach_v at_o first_o for_o since_o â—tis_o certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v â—tis_o manifest_a the_o scriptureâ—s_n letter_n be_v at_o first_o for_o what_o of_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n significative_a of_o faith_n or_o sense_n write_v by_o miracle_n preach_v and_o practice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a wherefore_o since_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o be_v preach_v at_o first_o be_v preserve_v all_o along_o unalterable_o by_o tradition_n disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o and_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o man_n heart_n can_v easy_o guide_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o significative_a of_o the_o sense_n first_o deliver_v therefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o scripture_n be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o 30._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o that_o letter_n concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o or_o point_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n for_o since_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o tradition_n preserve_v the_o first_o deliver_v sense_n alive_a in_o man_n heart_n send_v down_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n and_o christian_a practice_n and_o these_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n evident_o a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n â—tis_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v still_o such_o wherefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v etc._n etc._n 31._o tradition_n establish_v nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o hâ—ld_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o unless_o hold_v ever_o for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 13._o &_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o &_o corol._n 24_o &_o 25._o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o convey_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o be_v find_v it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n establish_v point_v not_o hold_v ever_o must_v be_v convey_v down_o such_o as_o they_o be_v find_v that_o be_v as_o not_o hold_v ever_o and_o consequent_o not_o as_o hold_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o 32._o tradition_n establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o error_n against_o christâ—_n s_o faith_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o error_n contradict_v faith_n can_v be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n for_o since_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n be_v disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o to_o traditionary_a christian_n the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o corol._n 31._o no_o point_n at_o all_o though_o disparate_a or_o indifferent_a not-held-eve_a can_v be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o much_o less_o can_v a_o erroneous_a point_n contradict_v what_o be_v hold_v ever_o be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a 33._o notwithstanding_o tradition_n erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n for_o since_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n the_o church_n be_v still_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n a_o congregation_n make_v up_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o the_o bad_a will_v do_v like_o themselves_o that_o be_v be_v glad_a to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o shall_v make_v for_o their_o own_o end_n or_o for_o vice_n that_o be_v erroneous_a one_o again_o since_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o multitude_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o use_v their_o private_a reason_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o divers_a particular_a point_n or_o case_n and_o that_o the_o remoteness_n of_o christian_a principle_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o particular_a action_n or_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o opposition_n between_o they_o not_o easy_o nor_o clear_o discoverable_a at_o first_o nay_o the_o ambiguity_n in_o word_v they_o may_v make_v they_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n fair_o reconcilable_a till_o the_o term_n be_v distinguish_v and_o clear_v from_o equivocation_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n hinder_v not_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n 34._o