the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o be_o content_a therefore_o wherever_o in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v he_o meet_v that_o term_n so_o apply_v that_o he_o take_v it_o only_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o be_v certain_o true_a for_o i_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n s._n answer_v affirmative_o and_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o present_a church_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o former_a age_n believe_v but_o because_o the_o church_n in_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v bare_o into_o oral_a tradition_n 3._o thus_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v object_v against_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o oral_a tradition_n three_o thing_n i_o especial_o insist_v on_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o way_n own_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v apparent_o alter_v from_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o former_a age_n if_o these_o three_o be_v make_v good_a there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o glory_n in_o this_o last_o invention_n to_o support_v the_o sink_a fabric_n of_o that_o church_n these_o three_o than_o i_o undertake_v to_o defend_v against_o what_o mr._n sergeant_n have_v object_v against_o they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n pretend_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a ground_n from_o this_o how_o can_v they_o who_o believe_v that_o church_n infallible_a venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o what_o be_v public_o own_a by_o she_o and_o whosoever_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o believe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n do_v thereby_o show_v that_o his_o obligation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o into_o that_o immediate_a assistance_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o a_o like_a assistance_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v lie_v in_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o tradition_n but_o in_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o they_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v assist_v by_o for_o suppose_v this_o oral_a tradition_n shall_v fail_v and_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o it_o have_v actual_o fail_v yet_o if_o the_o former_a supposition_n be_v true_a there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n remain_v still_o and_o what_o assurance_n can_v any_o one_o have_v that_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v nothing_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v be_v derive_v in_o every_o age_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o such_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o present_a church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a age_n no_o more_o ought_v they_o who_o believe_v the_o present_a roman_a church_n to_o have_v the_o same_o infallible_a assistance_n they_o need_v not_o then_o inquire_v whether_o this_o age_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a or_o whether_o one_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o or_o whether_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o error_n may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o demand_n be_v build_v on_o very_o good_a reason_n how_o can_v you_o assure_v i_o the_o present_a church_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o only_a what_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o former_a church_n and_o mr._n s_n answer_n be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfactory_a that_o this_o appear_v by_o her_o manifest_a practice_n never_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v approve_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o former_a age_n do_v for_o this_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o principle_n far_o different_a from_o this_o which_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o inquire_v themselves_o into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o tradition_n can_v not_o fail_v in_o any_o age_n it_o be_v suffient_fw-la for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o declare_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v but_o my_o demand_n go_v on_o what_o evidence_n can_v you_o bring_v to_o convince_v i_o both_o that_o the_o church_n always_o observe_v this_o rule_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o which_o question_n be_v build_v on_o these_o two_o principle_n which_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n stand_v on_o 1._o that_o the_o church_n must_v always_o go_v upon_o this_o ground_n 2._o that_o if_o it_o do_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a she_o shall_v be_v deceive_v both_o which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o that_o self-evidence_n which_o m._n serjeant_n still_o pretend_v to_o in_o this_o way_n that_o the_o jesuit_n principle_n seem_v much_o more_o rational_a and_o consistent_a than_o these_o do_v for_o grant_v they_o but_o that_o one_o postulatum_fw-la that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o inherent_a infallibility_n in_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n to_o afford_v sufficient_a foundation_n for_o divine_a faith_n all_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o doctrine_n follow_v natural_o from_o it_o whereas_o this_o new_a way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v build_v on_o such_o supposition_n which_o no_o man_n well_o in_o his_o wit_n will_v be_v ready_a to_o grant_v for_o unless_o it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o the_o church_n do_v always_o proceed_v on_o this_o ground_n it_o can_v be_v self-evident_a that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v infallible_a because_o the_o self-evidence_n of_o this_o principle_n depend_v on_o this_o that_o in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o church_n the_o only_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n be_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o age_n forego_v now_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v convey_v in_o way_n quite_o different_a from_o this_o what_o self-evidence_n can_v there_o be_v that_o the_o church_n much_o always_o proceed_v upon_o this_o mr._n s._n then_o must_v demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v convey_v to_o posterity_n in_o any_o other_o way_n than_o oral_a tradition_n and_o not_o only_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v impossible_a but_o that_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n judge_v it_o to_o be_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o make_v it_o at_o all_o evident_a that_o the_o church_n always_o make_v this_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o either_o there_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n another_o way_n viz._n by_o writing_n or_o that_o the_o church_n may_v judge_v that_o way_n more_o certain_a whether_o it_o be_v so_o or_o not_o either_o way_n it_o will_v appear_v far_o enough_o from_o self-evidence_n that_o she_o always_o judge_v of_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n mere_o by_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o precede_a age_n if_o another_o way_n be_v grant_v possible_a there_o must_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n that_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o this_o do_v never_o make_v use_n of_o it_o for_o if_o it_o do_v make_v use_n of_o another_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n then_o in_o that_o age_n of_o the_o church_n oral_a tradition_n be_v not_o look_v on_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n
to_o faith_n to_o arise_v from_o any_o thing_n but_o divine_a revelation_n and_o i_o do_v not_o yet_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v divine_o reveal_v but_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o my_o wonderment_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o great_a because_o i_o suppose_v this_o inconsistent_a with_o mr._n s_n principle_n for_o oral_a tradition_n do_v necessary_o imply_v that_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v first_o teach_v by_o christ_n and_o convey_v by_o tradition_n to_o we_o but_o if_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o this_o latter_a sense_n which_o be_v not_o before_o what_o become_v of_o resolve_v faith_n whole_o into_o oral_a tradition_n for_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o that_o from_o whence_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v come_v but_o here_o mr._n s._n confess_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v do_v arise_v from_o something_o quite_o different_a from_o oral_a tradition_n and_o therefore_o faith_n must_v be_v resolve_v into_o it_o beside_o all_o the_o sense_n i_o can_v find_v in_o that_o distinction_n be_v that_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v something_o in_o one_o age_n which_o they_o be_v not_o in_o another_o and_o if_o so_o i_o shall_v desire_v mr._n s._n to_o unperplex_v i_o in_o this_o how_o every_o age_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_n do_v and_o yet_o one_o age_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v more_o than_o the_o precedent_n but_o however_o i_o be_o much_o oblige_v to_o he_o for_o his_o endeavour_n to_o unperplex_v i_o as_o he_o speak_v for_o real_o i_o look_v on_o no_o civility_n to_o be_v great_a than_o those_o which_o be_v design_v for_o clear_v our_o understanding_n so_o great_a a_o adorer_n be_o i_o of_o true_a reason_n and_o a_o intelligible_a religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o perfect_o agree_v with_o he_o in_o his_o say_n 206._o that_o christianity_n aim_v not_o to_o make_v we_o beast_n but_o more_o perfect_o man_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o manhood_n consist_v in_o the_o use_n of_o our_o reason_n from_o whence_o he_o infer_v that_o it_o be_v reasonable_a consequence_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o he_o say_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o such_o as_o need_v no_o more_o but_o common_a sense_n to_o deduce_v they_o the_o other_o be_v such_o as_o need_v the_o maxim_n of_o some_o science_n get_v by_o speculation_n to_o infer_v they_o and_o these_o be_v theological_a conclusion_n the_o former_a sort_n he_o tell_v we_o the_o church_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n of_o upon_o occasion_n i._n e._n when_o any_o heretic_n question_n those_o and_o eadem_fw-la opera_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 as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o monothelite_n about_o christ_n have_v two_o will_n but_o all_o this_o while_n i_o be_o far_o enough_o from_o be_v unperplex_v nay_o by_o this_o discourse_n i_o see_v every_o one_o who_o offer_v to_o unperplex_v another_o be_v not_o very_o clear_v himself_o for_o since_o he_o make_v no_o theological_a conclusion_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la but_o only_o such_o consequence_n as_o common_a sense_n draw_v i_o will_v willing_o understand_v how_o common_a sense_n receive_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o faith_n for_o to_o my_o apprehension_n the_o deduce_n of_o consequence_n from_o principle_n by_o common_a sense_n be_v not_o a_o act_n of_o believe_v but_o of_o knowledge_n consequent_a upon_o a_o principle_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o meaning_n be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o man_n when_o they_o say_v they_o believe_v thing_n shall_v not_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o certain_o they_o will_v do_v if_o they_o deny_v those_o consequence_n which_o common_a sense_n draw_v from_o they_o as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o monothelite_n for_o man_n to_o assert_v that_o christ_n have_v two_o nature_n and_o yet_o not_o two_o will_n when_o the_o will_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o inclination_n of_o the_o nature_n to_o that_o good_a which_o belong_v to_o it_o so_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o distinct_a obligation_n to_o believe_v such_o consequence_n as_o be_v draw_v by_o common_a sense_n but_o every_o one_o that_o believe_v the_o principle_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v draw_v be_v thereby_o bind_v to_o believe_v all_o the_o consequence_n which_o immediate_o follow_v from_o they_o indeed_o the_o church_n when_o people_n will_v be_v so_o unreasonable_a to_o deny_v such_o thing_n may_v explain_v her_o sense_n of_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n in_o those_o term_n which_o may_v best_o prevent_v dispute_n but_o this_o be_v only_o to_o discriminate_a the_o person_n who_o true_o believe_v this_o article_n from_o such_o as_o do_v not_o not_o that_o any_o new_a obligation_n to_o faith_n result_v from_o this_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o better_a to_o prevent_v cavil_n she_o explain_v her_o sense_n of_o the_o article_n itself_o in_o more_o explicit_a term_n which_o as_o he_o say_v be_v only_o to_o put_v the_o faith_n out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v equivocate_v which_o be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o cause_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v as_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o prevent_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o socinian_n doctrine_n shall_v require_v from_o man_n the_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n will_v this_o be_v to_o bind_v man_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o before_o no_o but_o only_o to_o express_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o deity_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o simple_a term_n because_o otherwise_o they_o may_v call_v he_o god_n by_o office_n and_o not_o by_o nature_n now_o how_o can_v any_o one_o conceive_v that_o any_o shall_v be_v first_o oblige_v to_o believe_v that_o christ_n be_v god_n and_o yet_o receive_v a_o new_a obligation_n afterward_o to_o believe_v his_o eternal_a existence_n thus_o it_o be_v in_o all_o immediate_a consequence_n draw_v by_o common_a sense_n in_o all_o which_o the_o primary_n obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o thing_n itself_o extend_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o in_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o least_o controvert_v term_n which_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o impose_v on_o man_n faith_n but_o to_o promote_v the_o church_n peace_n for_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o new_a object_n of_o faith_n for_o how_o can_v that_o be_v which_o common_a sense_n draw_v from_o what_o be_v believe_v already_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o infallible_a proponent_n unless_o common_a sense_n have_v usurp_v the_o pope_n prerogative_n but_o mr._n s._n offer_v at_o a_o reason_n for_o this_o which_o be_v that_o none_o can_v have_v a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v not_o a_o obligation_n to_o think_v of_o and_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 involve_v in_o the_o main_a stock_n of_o faith_n from_o whence_o he_o say_v 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 but_o let_v mr._n s._n show_v how_o a_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n who_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o think_v of_o all_o the_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o it_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n which_o ought_v to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o consequence_n of_o thing_n which_o it_o do_v believe_v but_o mr._n s_n mistake_n lie_v here_o in_o not_o distinguish_v the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v from_o the_o obligation_n to_o a_o explicit_a declaration_n of_o that_o assent_n the_o former_a come_v only_o from_o god_n and_o no_o new_a obligation_n can_v arise_v from_o any_o act_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o latter_a be_v a_o thing_n tend_v to_o the_o church_n peace_n may_v be_v require_v by_o it_o on_o some_o occasion_n i._n e._n when_o the_o doctrine_n be_v assault_v by_o heretic_n as_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o four_o first_o general_n council_n but_o still_o a_o man_n be_v not_o at_o all_o the_o more_o oblige_v to_o assent_v but_o to_o express_v his_o assent_n in_o order_n to_o the_o church_n satisfaction_n but_o mr._n s._n suppose_v i_o to_o inquire_v 208._o 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 to_o which_o his_o answer_n be_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 imply_v point_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v self-evident_o connect_v with_o those_o main_a and_o perpetual_o use_v point_n so_o that_o the_o vulgar_a can_v be_v rational_o and_o connatural_o
on_o as_o novelty_n therefore_o they_o speak_v much_o of_o tradition_n and_o the_o ancient_a faith_n but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o but_o what_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n for_o by_o these_o they_o judge_v of_o tradition_n and_o not_o the_o oral_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v either_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o number_n of_o roman_a catholic_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n 212._o none_o except_v as_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o confident_a way_n express_v it_o and_o if_o he_o will_v as_o he_o say_v 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 i_o hope_v to_o see_v mr._n s._n retract_v this_o opinion_n and_o either_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o return_v as_o reason_n lead_v he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o what_o follow_v viz._n that_o though_o schoolman_n question_v the_o personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n nay_o of_o a_o general_n council_n yet_o all_o affirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a and_o this_o he_o say_v be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v either_o mr._n s._n mean_n that_o none_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v in_o her_o tradition_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o take_v it_o i_o shall_v easy_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o for_o if_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n can_v not_o concur_v in_o a_o error_n than_o he_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v protestant_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n if_o this_o therefore_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o intend_v viz._n that_o while_o we_o thus_o oppose_v each_o other_o we_o do_v perfect_o agree_v together_o and_o true_o so_o we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o but_o if_o mr._n s_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o of_o their_o religion_n own_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o can_v err_v set_v aside_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o say_v their_o church_n can_v err_v be_v not_o on_o mr._n s_n principle_n but_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o preserve_v that_o church_n from_o error_n so_o that_o this_o fall_v far_o short_a of_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o probability_n that_o he_o may_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v own_v by_o they_o all_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o and_o hold_v firm_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v man_n make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v know_v not_o only_o that_o they_o believe_v tradition_n infallible_a but_o on_o what_o account_n they_o do_v so_o for_o if_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a bare_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o the_o present_a church_n than_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o into_o the_o tradition_n but_o into_o that_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o bare_a tradition_n deliver_v but_o what_o that_o church_n which_o can_v err_v in_o judge_a tradition_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o their_o be_v agree_v in_o general_a that_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a do_v make_v thâ—m_n agree_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o infallibility_n viz._n that_o it_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o all_o person_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o general_a reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a be_v because_o they_o first_o believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a whereas_o mr._n s._n go_v the_o contrary_a way_n and_o make_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o the_o church_n to_o depend_v on_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o therefore_o for_o all_o that_o i_o can_v see_v we_o must_v still_o oppose_v private_a opinator_n in_o this_o controversy_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o have_v declare_v herself_o at_o all_o on_o mr._n s_n behalf_n but_o the_o contrary_a and_o the_o generality_n believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o present_a church_n infallibility_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a mr._n s._n shall_v find_v no_o difference_n between_o man_n resolve_v faith_n into_o common_a sense_n and_o into_o the_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n if_o this_o than_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o controversy_n as_o mr._n s._n pretend_v 213._o we_o see_v how_o unlikely_a they_o be_v to_o agree_v about_o other_o matter_n who_o be_v so_o much_o divide_v about_o the_o principle_n of_o resolve_v they_o and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n than_o most_o romanist_n build_v on_o a_o wrong_a foundation_n but_o if_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o that_o formidable_a structure_n be_v erect_v which_o he_o speak_v of_o woe_n then_o to_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n for_o that_o be_v know_v to_o build_v on_o quite_o a_o different_a foundation_n and_o if_o this_o as_o he_o say_v rise_v apace_o and_o have_v advance_v many_o story_n in_o a_o small_a time_n it_o only_o let_v we_o know_v how_o fast_o their_o division_n grow_v and_o that_o they_o be_v build_v so_o fast_o one_o against_o another_o that_o their_o church_n will_v not_o stand_v between_o they_o by_o this_o discourse_n mr._n s._n pretend_v to_o answer_v all_o those_o if_o his_o which_o follow_v which_o be_v these_o in_o case_n the_o church_n may_v determine_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o whether_o the_o present_a church_n do_v then_o believe_v as_o the_o precedent_n do_v or_o no_o if_o it_o do_v how_o come_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o if_o it_o do_v not_o what_o assurance_n can_v i_o have_v that_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n believe_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_n do_v and_o no_o otherwise_o when_o i_o see_v they_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o if_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o a_o forego_n than_o a_o church_n may_v deliver_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n at_o one_o time_n which_o be_v never_o account_v so_o before_o by_o which_o mean_v the_o present_a church_n may_v oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v that_o as_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o never_o be_v so_o in_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o the_o infallibility_n on_o the_o account_n of_o tradition_n be_v destroy_v to_o all_o which_o mr._n s._n give_v a_o very_a easy_a answer_n viz._n that_o they_o do_v not_o hold_v any_o disparate_a or_o unimply_v point_n of_o faith_n but_o such_o as_o be_v involve_v and_o imply_v in_o the_o main_a point_n this_o be_v no_o more_o easy_o say_v then_o understand_v for_o if_o these_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o former_a how_o can_v there_o come_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v they_o for_o to_o take_v his_o own_o instance_n will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n say_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n and_o this_o he_o make_v choice_n of_o as_o a_o example_n how_o one_o point_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v involve_v in_o another_o so_o as_o to_o receive_v a_o distinct_a obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o grant_v that_o homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n be_v involve_v in_o the_o other_o but_o he_o that_o shall_v say_v that_o after_o he_o have_v assent_v
as_o it_o be_v a_o conclusion_n it_o can_v only_o beget_v a_o probable_a assent_n which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o consider_v bare_o as_o a_o conclusion_n and_o so_o far_o as_o in_o reason_n it_o can_v deserve_v assent_n it_o be_v only_o probable_a but_o consider_v as_o it_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n and_o be_v convenient_a to_o be_v believe_v with_o reason_n or_o without_o so_o it_o be_v infallible_a but_o to_o carry_v the_o supposition_n further_o put_v the_o case_n that_o the_o whole_a present_a age_n assemble_v in_o a_o general_a council_n shall_v declare_v that_o such_o a_o point_n be_v deliver_v to_o they_o yet_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n we_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o this_o unless_o we_o know_v certain_o that_o those_o who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hear-say_n for_o what_o they_o deliver_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v within_o the_o space_n of_o 1500_o year_n by_o any_o of_o those_o that_o be_v dead_a which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o one_o now_o to_o know_v but_o to_o show_v how_o inconsistent_a he_o be_v with_o himself_o in_o these_o matter_n i_o will_v present_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o passage_n or_o two_o in_o another_o part_n of_o his_o book_n where_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v that_o man_n may_v safe_o rely_v on_o a_o general_a and_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n he_o tell_v we_o 49._o that_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a conversation_n make_v it_o a_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v great_a multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o a_o little_a after_o ibid._n nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettle_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n agree_v unanimous_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n now_o if_o man_n be_v but_o suppose_v to_o write_v as_o well_o as_o to_o speak_v what_o they_o know_v and_o to_o agree_v in_o their_o write_n about_o matter_n of_o fact_n than_o it_o will_v be_v the_o same_o madness_n not_o to_o believe_v multitude_n of_o historian_n where_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o have_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o and_o man_n brain_n must_v rove_v wild_o and_o be_v unsettle_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o frenzy_n who_o suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o great_a unhappiness_n of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n that_o they_o proceed_v upon_o conrtadictory_n principle_n so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o demonstrate_v of_o thc_a uncertainty_n of_o book_n and_o write_n he_o must_v supopse_n all_o those_o principle_n to_o be_v uncertain_a which_o he_o take_v to_o be_v self-evident_a and_o unquestionable_a when_o he_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v thc_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n §_o 13._o second_o he_o tell_v we_o 18._o the_o providence_n of_o god_n be_v no_o security_n against_o those_o contingency_n the_o scripture_n be_v subject_a to_o because_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o divine_a providence_n or_o assistance_n to_o his_o church_n but_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n therefore_o that_o must_v first_o be_v prove_v certain_a before_o we_o mention_v the_o church_n or_o god_n assistance_n to_o she_o as_o if_o we_o pretend_v there_o be_v any_o promise_n in_o scripture_n that_o god_n will_v preserve_v the_o letter_n of_o it_o entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a or_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o otherwise_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o as_o if_o the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v not_o assure_v we_o of_o god_n providence_n in_o general_n and_o of_o his_o more_o especial_a care_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o such_o as_o this_o be_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v the_o method_n and_o the_o term_n of_o salvation_n shall_v be_v preserve_v from_o any_o material_a corruption_n he_o may_v as_o well_o have_v say_v that_o without_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n we_o can_v know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n §_o 14_o three_o nor_o say_v he_o 19_o can_v testimony_n of_o council_n and_o father_n be_v sufficient_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n we_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v our_o principle_n be_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v sufficient_o interpret_v itself_o that_o be_v be_v plain_a to_o all_o capacity_n in_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v and_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o father_n in_o this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sufficient_a plainness_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o shall_v afterward_o show_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n against_o they_o as_o for_o obscure_a and_o more_o doubtful_a text_n we_o acknowledge_v the_o comment_n of_o the_o father_n to_o be_v a_o good_a help_n but_o no_o certain_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o that_o the_o papist_n think_v so_o as_o well_o as_o we_o be_v plain_a inasmuch_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o father_n to_o differ_v among_o themselves_o in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o several_a text_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o familiar_a in_o all_o popish_a commentator_n than_o to_o differ_v from_o the_o ancient_a father_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o as_o for_o council_n dr._n holden_n and_o mr._n cressy_n as_o i_o say_v before_o do_v not_o think_v it_o necessary_a to_o believe_v that_o always_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o text_n which_o council_n give_v of_o they_o when_o they_o bring_v they_o to_o confirm_v point_n of_o faith_n nay_o if_o any_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n principle_n for_o a_o council_n to_o decide_v either_o that_o or_o any_o other_o controversy_n for_o he_o 8._o make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o prove_v that_o controversy_n can_v be_v decide_v by_o word_n and_o if_o this_o be_v so_o than_o they_o can_v be_v decide_v at_o all_o unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o they_o may_v be_v decide_v without_o word_n and_o consequent_o that_o council_n may_v do_v their_o work_n best_o in_o the_o quaker_n way_n by_o silent_a meeting_n §_o 15._o four_o nor_o can_v say_v he_o 21._o the_o clearness_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o fundamental_o be_v any_o help_n against_o these_o defect_n why_o not_o first_o because_o a_o certain_a catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o be_v never_o give_v and_o agree_v to_o by_o sufficient_a authority_n and_o yet_o without_o this_o all_o go_v to_o wrack_n i_o hope_v not_o so_o long_o as_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n will_v make_v nothing_o necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o he_o have_v make_v plain_a and_o so_o long_o as_o man_n do_v believe_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v plain_o reveal_v which_o be_v every_o one_o fault_n if_o he_o do_v not_o man_n may_v do_v well_o enough_o without_o a_o precise_a catalogue_n but_o suppose_v we_o say_v that_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n contain_v all_o necessary_a matter_n of_o simple_a belief_n what_o have_v mr._n s._n to_o say_v against_o this_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o roman_a catechism_n set_v forth_o by_o the_o decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v praefat._n as_o much_o as_o this_o come_v to_o viz._n that_o the_o apostle_n have_v receive_v a_o command_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n think_v fit_a to_o compose_v a_o form_n of_o christian_a faith_n namely_o to_o this_o end_n that_o they_o may_v all_o think_v and_o speak_v the_o same_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o schism_n among_o those_o who_o they_o have_v call_v to_o the_o unity_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o they_o may_v all_o be_v perfect_a in_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o the_o same_o opinion_n and_o this_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o hope_n so_o frame_v by_o they_o the_o apostle_n call_v the_o symbol_n or_o creed_n now_o how_o this_o end_n of_o bring_v man_n to_o unity_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v they_o perfect_o of_o the_o same_o sense_n and_o opinion_n can_v probable_o be_v attain_v by_o mean_n of_o the_o creed_n if_o it_o do_v not_o contain_v all_o necessary_a point_n of_o simple_a belief_n i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n understand_v beside_o a_o certain_a catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o be_v as_o necessary_a for_o they_o as_o for_o we_o and_o when_o mr._n s_o give_v in_o his_o we_o be_v ready_a mr._n chillingworth_n have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o have_v see_v mr._n knott_n catalogue_n of_o fundamental_o and_o challenge_v he_o to_o produce_v it_o and_o offer_v he_o very_o fair_o that_o when_o ever_o he_o may_v with_o one_o hand_n receive_v he_o he_o will_v with_o the_o other_o deliver_v his_o own_o but_o mr._n knott_n though_o he_o still_o persist_v in_o the_o same_o demand_n
a_o guide_n appoint_v for_o any_o christian_a which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o follower_n ever_o mention_v yea_o which_o formal_o destroy_v one_o of_o our_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n viz._n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n thus_o he_o do_v by_o reason_n clear_o and_o infallible_o evince_v that_o reason_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o a_o most_o blind_a and_o fallible_a guide_n this_o it_o be_v to_o talk_v of_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n look_v only_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o they_o as_o if_o because_o reason_n have_v a_o blind_a side_n and_o be_v uncertain_a in_o some_o thing_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v she_o universal_o blind_a and_o uncertain_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o as_o if_o because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v all_o thing_n reasonable_a which_o any_o one_o man_n think_v to_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v true_a which_o mankind_n be_v general_o agree_v in_o and_o that_o mr._n cressy_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a reason_n in_o the_o find_n out_o of_o our_o rule_n be_v clear_a from_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o section_n viz._n that_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n inquire_v into_o scripture_n and_o search_v after_o tradition_n may_v possible_o stumble_v upon_o the_o way_n to_o unity_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n if_o this_o be_v true_a why_o do_v mr._n s._n pretend_v that_o he_o can_v by_o reason_n demonstrate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o by_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o a_o pitiful_a encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n who_o know_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o his_o reason_n whereby_o to_o find_v out_o whether_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n he_o may_v possible_o stumble_v upon_o the_o right_a a_o man_n may_v just_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o these_o man_n discourse_n and_o principle_n in_o one_o mood_n they_o be_v all_o for_o demonstration_n and_o for_o convince_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfect_a science_n which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o again_o when_o another_o fit_a take_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o science_n humane_a reason_n grow_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a dim-sighted_a and_o at_o the_o next_o word_n be_v strike_v stark_o blind_a and_o then_o the_o very_a utmost_a that_o it_o can_v do_v towards_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o leave_v he_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o stumble_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o make_v use_v of_o private_a reason_n for_o his_o guide_n than_o 8._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o he_o with_o his_o blind_a guide_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n imagine_v how_o they_o can_v reconcile_v the_o blindness_n of_o humane_a reason_n with_o all_o that_o noise_n which_o they_o make_v about_o science_n and_o demonstration_n but_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o mr._n s._n and_o mr._n cressy_n be_v very_o proper_a argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n in_o mr._n cressy_n which_o give_v i_o very_o great_a satisfaction_n concern_v these_o matter_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o the_o wit_n and_o judgement_n of_o catholic_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o depose_v their_o own_o wit._n now_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v do_v this_o may_v write_v contradiction_n and_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o challenge_v he_o for_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o when_o he_o forsake_v our_o church_n and_o turn_v papist_n he_o lay_v aside_o his_o judgement_n and_o wit_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o heroic_a act_n of_o judgement_n as_o if_o a_o man_n in_o a_o bravery_n to_o show_v his_o liberty_n shall_v sell_v himself_o for_o a_o slave_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v from_o a_o experience_a person_n what_o charge_v a_o man_n must_v be_v at_o when_o he_o turn_v roman-catholique_a namely_o that_o whoever_o will_v embrace_v that_o religion_n must_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n §_o 3._o second_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v according_a to_o mr._n s._n no_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o four_o appendix_n 254._o against_o my_o lord_n of_o down_o one_o of_o the_o eight_o mine_n as_o he_o call_v they_o which_o he_o lay_v to_o blow_v up_o my_o lord_n dissuasive_a against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o the_o method_n he_o take_v in_o dissuade_v can_v be_v hold_v in_o reason_n to_o have_v power_n to_o dissuade_v unless_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o effect_n that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o that_o effect_n and_o a_o contrary_a one_o now_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o no_o method_n or_o way_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n which_o many_o follow_v and_o take_v yet_o arrive_v not_o at_o that_o effect_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o my_o lord_n of_o down_o miscall_v his_o book_n a_o dissuasive_a and_o that_o it_o can_v have_v in_o it_o no_o power_n of_o move_v the_o understanding_n one_o way_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o can_v first_o vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o the_o method_n he_o take_v above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o in_o which_o we_o experience_n miscarriage_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o his_o method_n of_o demonstration_n be_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v because_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o no_o way_n to_o a_o effect_n which_o many_o follow_v and_o take_v yet_o arrive_v not_o at_o that_o effect_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v have_v in_o they_o no_o power_n of_o move_v the_o understanding_n one_o way_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o can_v vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o the_o demonstration_n he_o pretend_v to_o bring_v above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o pretend_a demonstration_n in_o which_o we_o experience_v miscarriage_n do_v not_o thomas_n and_o scotus_n as_o mr._n white_n tell_v we_o 24._o all_o along_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o at_o least_o where_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o one_o of_o they_o fail_v in_o his_o demonstration_n do_v not_o mr._n charles_n thynne_n pretend_v to_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o a_o man_n at_o one_o jump_n may_v leap_v from_o london_n to_o rome_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o one_o be_v ever_o satisfy_v with_o his_o demonstration_n and_o mr._n s._n know_v one_o in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o will_v not_o name_n because_o he_o have_v since_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n who_o think_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o quadrature_n of_o the_o circle_n and_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o it_o as_o to_o venture_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o demonstration_n in_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o some_o of_o those_o divinity_n demonstration_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o mr._n s_n since_o therefore_o the_o world_n have_v experience_v so_o much_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n before_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v be_v allow_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n he_o must_v according_a to_o his_o own_o law_n vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o demonstration_n above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o man_n he_o have_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o what_o that_o particularity_n be_v wherein_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v above_o other_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n find_v any_o peculiar_a advantage_n that_o his_o way_n have_v more_o than_o they_o above_o mention_a unless_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o herein_o i_o think_v he_o have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n of_o mr._n charles_n thynne_n and_o unless_o this_o may_v be_v count_v another_o advantage_n that_o he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o demonstration_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o clear_o excel_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v but_o like_o his_o neighbour_n sect_n ii_o §_o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v his_o demonstration_n of_o this_o self-evident_a principle_n as_o he_o often_o call_v it_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o
that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o may_v then_o have_v take_v place_n for_o what_o weed_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v in_o so_o rank_a a_o soil_n do_v mr._n s._n think_v it_o impossible_a that_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o scarce_o any_o one_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o or_o that_o it_o can_v then_o have_v be_v alter_v when_o so_o few_o understand_v and_o few_o practise_v it_o when_o ptodigious_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n do_v overspread_v the_o church_n from_o the_o pope_n down_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o laity_n can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o man_n general_o make_v conscience_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o mistake_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n unless_o he_o be_v of_o mr._n rushworth_n 7._o mind_n who_o reckon_v ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n where_o be_v then_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v be_v they_o strong_o apply_v or_o be_v they_o not_o be_v they_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o christian_n to_o believe_v well_o when_o they_o live_v so_o ill_o or_o be_v christianity_n only_o fit_v to_o form_v man_n mind_n to_o a_o right_a belief_n but_o of_o no_o efficacy_n to_o govern_v their_o life_n have_v christ_n take_v care_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o error_n but_o not_o from_o vice_n as_o the_o great_a cardinal_n perron_n 6._o stoop_v below_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n sing_v and_o will_v sing_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o black_a but_o i_o be_o fair_a that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o be_o black_a in_o manner_n but_o fair_a in_o doctrine_n as_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o scripture_n make_v to_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n she_o shall_v be_v wicked_a but_o orthodox_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v then_o the_o vigorous_a cause_n imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o continue_v it_o more_o particular_o at_o rome_n than_o any_o where_o else_o and_o of_o secure_v that_o see_v and_o its_o supreme_a pastor_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v so_o little_o verse_v in_o history_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o dismal_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o know_v what_o advantage_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o servile_a clergy_n make_v of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o those_o and_o the_o succeed_a age_n and_o by_o what_o art_n and_o step_n they_o raise_v themselves_o to_o that_o power_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a while_n after_o when_o they_o can_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v a_o great_a king_n walk_v barefoot_a and_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v scourge_v by_o a_o company_n of_o petulant_a monk_n when_o they_o can_v send_v any_o man_n upon_o a_o errand_n to_o visit_v the_o holy_a sepulchre_n or_o the_o shrine_n of_o such_o a_o saint_n and_o command_v five_o or_o six_o king_n with_o great_a army_n upon_o a_o needless_a expedition_n into_o the_o holy_a land_n that_o so_o during_o their_o absence_n they_o may_v play_v their_o own_o game_n the_o better_a when_o they_o can_v mint_n miracle_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a book_n absurd_a and_o counterfeit_a tale_n of_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n as_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o can_v bring_v that_o foppish_a book_n the_o legend_n almost_o into_o equal_a authority_n and_o veneration_n with_o the_o bible_n and_o persuade_v the_o easy_a people_n that_o st._n denys_n carry_v his_o own_o head_n in_o his_o hand_n after_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o two_o mile_n and_o kiss_v it_o when_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o monstrous_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n in_o these_o age_n the_o strange_a feat_n they_o play_v and_o what_o absurdity_n they_o impose_v upon_o the_o superstitious_a credulity_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n may_v ready_o imagine_v not_o only_o the_o possibility_n but_o the_o easiness_n of_o innovate_a new_a doctrine_n as_o they_o please_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o antitiquity_n and_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n §_o 8._o and_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v not_o as_o mr._n white_n ridiculous_o compare_v it_o 49._o as_o if_o a_o orator_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v people_n that_o george_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o long_a staff_n and_o a_o nimble_a cast_n of_o his_o body_n and_o such_o like_a advantage_n may_v leap_v over_o paul_n be_v steeple_n never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n the_o disproportion_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o steeple_n so_o say_v he_o he_o that_o discourse_v at_o large_a how_o error_n use_v to_o slide_v into_o man_n life_n without_o compare_v the_o power_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o resist_v which_o consist_v in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n say_v no_o more_o towards_o prove_v a_o error_n be_v overrun_v the_o church_n than_o the_o orator_n for_o george_n be_v leap_v over_o the_o steeple_n how_o vain_a be_v this_o when_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o instance_n that_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o century_n and_o afterward_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o the_o power_n of_o resistance_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o error_n be_v ignorance_n and_o vice_n where_o ignorance_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o power_n where_o vice_n no_o will_n to_o resist_v it_o and_o how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n and_o viciousness_n of_o all_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v be_v too_o too_o apparent_a from_o the_o testimony_n i_o have_v bring_v where_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o resist_a error_n when_o for_o 150_o year_n together_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o man_n bishop_n and_o priest_n overwhelm_v with_o ignorance_n abandon_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o most_o supine_o negligent_a in_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o degenerate_a state_n of_o a_o church_n what_o strength_n be_v there_o in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n when_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o teach_v man_n what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n be_v general_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o ignorant_a themselves_o what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v when_o they_o addict_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o other_o lust_n and_o carry_v on_o design_n of_o gain_n and_o get_v dominion_n over_o the_o people_n what_o can_v hinder_v man_n so_o dispose_v from_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o suit_v it_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o interest_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o people_n from_o embrace_v those_o corruption_n when_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o their_o pastor_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o by_o their_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n they_o be_v become_v utter_o incapable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o that_o in_o a_o age_n of_o such_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o vice_n and_o general_a neglect_n of_o instruction_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a for_o error_n to_o overrun_v a_o church_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o george_n long_a staff_n and_o advantageous_a cast_n of_o his_o body_n be_v more_o powerful_a cause_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o leap_v over_o paul_n steeple_n than_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n be_v to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a age_n when_o few_o or_o none_o be_v either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o truth_n for_o suppose_v this_o always_o to_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_n viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o the_o
entertain_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n his_o word_n be_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o ordinary_a knowledge_n by_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o body_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n and_o experience_n the_o former_a of_o which_o belong_v to_o speculator_n or_o doctor_n the_o second_o to_o deliverer_n of_o what_o be_v receive_v or_o testifier_n and_o this_o distinction_n he_o frequent_o admit_v not_o only_o in_o the_o present_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o in_o any_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v in_o all_o from_o hence_o i_o propose_v several_a query_n further_o to_o mr._n s._n 1._o if_o every_o one_o in_o the_o church_n look_v on_o himself_o as_o bound_v to_o believe_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_a age_n do_v whence_o come_v any_o to_o have_v particular_a opinion_n of_o their_o own_o for_o either_o the_o church_n have_v deliver_v her_o sense_n in_o that_o case_n or_o not_o if_o not_o than_o tradition_n be_v no_o certain_a conveyer_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n if_o she_o have_v than_o those_o who_o vent_v private_a speculation_n be_v heretic_n in_o so_o do_v because_o they_o oppose_v that_o doctrine_n which_o the_o church_n receive_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o mr._n s._n reply_n that_o private_a speculation_n be_v in_o such_o case_n where_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o faith_n at_o all_o he_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o help_v himself_o by_o that_o distinction_n in_o the_o case_n of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o i_o demand_v whether_o be_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o man_n ought_v to_o believe_v oral_a tradition_n infallible_a if_o not_o how_o can_v man_n ground_v their_o faith_n upon_o it_o if_o it_o be_v then_o either_o some_o be_v mere_a speculator_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o all_o who_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n be_v heretic_n for_o so_o do_v 2._o if_o there_o be_v speculator_n in_o former_a age_n as_o well_o as_o this_o whether_o do_v those_o man_n believe_v their_o own_o speculation_n or_o no_o if_o not_o than_o the_o father_n be_v great_a impostor_n who_o vent_v those_o speculation_n in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v themselves_o and_o it_o be_v plain_a mr._n s._n speak_v of_o such_o opinion_n which_o the_o asserter_n of_o do_v firm_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o they_o do_v than_o they_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o bound_v to_o believe_v something_o which_o be_v not_o found_v on_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o own_o oral_a tradition_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o as_o many_o speculator_n as_o we_o find_v in_o the_o church_n so_o many_o testifier_n we_o have_v against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n 3._o whether_o those_o person_n who_o do_v themselves_o believe_v those_o opinion_n to_o be_v true_a do_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o tell_v other_o they_o ought_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o consequent_o to_o deliver_v these_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o their_o child_n let_v mr._n s._n show_v i_o any_o inconsequence_n in_o this_o but_o that_o it_o unavoidable_o follow_v upon_o his_o principle_n that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o receive_v as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o the_o obligation_n be_v in_o all_o respect_v equal_a as_o if_o they_o have_v believe_v these_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o oral_a tradition_n 4._o if_o child_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n then_o upon_o mr._n s_n own_o concession_n be_v not_o posterity_n bind_v to_o believe_v something_o which_o original_o come_v not_o from_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n for_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o case_n that_o the_o first_o rise_n be_v from_o a_o private_a opinion_n of_o some_o doctor_n of_o the_o church_n but_o they_o believe_v these_o opinion_n themselves_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o propagate_v they_o to_o other_o and_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o learning_n and_o authority_n these_o opinion_n may_v by_o degree_n gain_v a_o general_a acceptance_n in_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o who_o believe_v they_o true_a think_v they_o ought_v to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n and_o child_n they_o be_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o thus_o from_o mr._n s_n own_o principle_n thing_n that_o never_o be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n may_v come_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o present_a church_n thus_o the_o intelligent_a reader_n need_v no_o body_n help_v but_o mr._n s._n to_o let_v he_o understand_v how_o invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n transubstantiation_n etc._n etc._n though_o never_o deliver_v either_o by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n may_v yet_o now_o be_v look_v on_o as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o either_o then_o mr._n s._n must_v say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o private_a opinator_n or_o speculator_n in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o testifier_n and_o then_o he_o unavoidable_o contradict_v himself_o or_o he_o must_v deny_v that_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o forefather_n deliver_v they_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o his_o whole_a demonstration_n perhaps_o he_o will_v answer_v that_o child_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o bare_o their_o parent_n or_o any_o other_o number_n of_o person_n may_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o every_o age_n deliver_v this_o though_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v say_v in_o the_o case_n yet_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o inextricable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o resolve_v faith_n for_o suppose_v any_o child_n teach_v by_o their_o parent_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v mr._n s._n must_v say_v they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o present_o but_o to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o agree_v with_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o that_o age_n first_o before_o they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o assent_v which_o be_v a_o impossible_a task_n either_o for_o child_n or_o man_n of_o age_n to_o find_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n do_v but_o offer_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o infidelity_n for_o we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o mr._n s._n to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o their_o church_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n the_o far_o great_a number_n as_o speculator_n oppose_v the_o way_n assert_v by_o he_o how_o much_o more_o difficult_a than_o must_v it_o need_v be_v to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a essential_a church_n be_v in_o all_o matter_n which_o parent_n may_v teach_v their_o child_n for_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o child_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o till_o they_o know_v they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n teach_v it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o teach_v they_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v as_o mr._n s._n make_v much_o use_n of_o it_o than_o it_o appear_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n at_o first_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o speculation_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o be_v deliver_v as_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o thing_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n for_o such_o which_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o no_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v 7._o this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v several_z other_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o two_o more_o 1._o misinterpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n 2._o suppose_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o no_o imaginable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v either_o of_o the_o writing_n or_o universal_a reception_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n and_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v possible_a for_o the_o main_a and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n creed_n give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o to_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o
make_v capable_a of_o this_o their_o obligation_n but_o we_o be_v not_o now_o inquire_v what_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n be_v nor_o whether_o tradition_n be_v a_o self-evident_a rule_n but_o how_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v something_o self-evident_o connect_v with_o the_o former_a point_n be_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n to_o understand_v and_o they_o must_v be_v vulgar_a understanding_n indeed_o that_o can_v rational_o and_o connatural_o be_v make_v capable_a of_o such_o a_o obligation_n for_o if_o it_o be_v self-evident_o connect_v with_o the_o main_a point_n no_o one_o can_v believe_v the_o one_o without_o believe_v the_o other_o for_o nothing_o be_v self-evident_a but_o what_o a_o man_n assent_v to_o at_o the_o first_o apprehension_n of_o it_o and_o if_o he_o do_v so_o how_o come_v there_o a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v it_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o believe_v that_o any_o thing_n consist_v of_o part_n and_o not_o believe_v that_o that_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o of_o those_o part_n for_o this_o be_v a_o thing_n self-evident_o connect_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o whole_a but_o these_o be_v self-evident_a riddle_n as_o the_o former_a be_v unintelligible_a demonstration_n and_o yet_o though_o these_o be_v rare_a theory_n the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o the_o case_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n exceed_v all_o the_o rest_n whence_o say_v he_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 although_o i_o admire_v many_o thing_n in_o mr._n s_n book_n yet_o i_o can_v say_v i_o do_v any_o thing_n more_o than_o this_o passage_n that_o because_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v no_o imply_v point_n but_o such_o as_o be_v self-evident_o connect_v with_o the_o main_a one_o therefore_o the_o government_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v sweet_a and_o according_a to_o right_a nature_n etc._n etc._n alas_o then_o how_o much_o have_v we_o be_v mistake_v all_o this_o while_n that_o have_v charge_v she_o with_o impose_v hard_a and_o unsufferable_a condition_n of_o communion_n with_o she_o no_o she_o be_v so_o gentle_a and_o sweet_a that_o she_o require_v nothing_o but_o the_o main_a point_n on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o self-evident_a rule_n and_o imply_v point_n by_o reason_n of_o self-evident_a connexion_n with_o the_o former_a i_o see_v mr._n s._n if_o he_o will_v make_v good_a his_o word_n be_v the_o only_a person_n who_o be_v ever_o like_a to_o reconcile_v i_o with_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o i_o assure_v you_o i_o never_o desire_v any_o better_a term_n of_o communion_n with_o a_o church_n than_o to_o have_v no_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n require_v from_o i_o to_o assent_v to_o but_o what_o be_v build_v on_o a_o self-evident_a rule_n nor_o any_o imply_v point_n but_o such_o as_o be_v self-evident_o connect_v with_o the_o former_a and_o no_o work_n can_v be_v more_o easy_a than_o to_o convince_v i_o upon_o these_o ground_n for_o all_o endeavour_n of_o proof_n be_v take_v away_o by_o the_o thing_n be_v say_v to_o be_v self-evident_a for_o the_o very_a offer_n of_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v so_o self-evident_o prove_v they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o what_o ever_o be_v prove_v by_o something_o beside_o itself_o can_v never_o be_v say_v without_o a_o contradiction_n to_o be_v self-evident_a but_o not_o to_o tie_v up_o mr._n s._n from_o his_o excellent_a faculty_n of_o prove_v if_o mr._n s._n will_v prove_v to_o i_o that_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o as_o transubstantiation_n purgatory_n supremacy_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n etc._n etc._n have_v any_o self-evident_a connexion_n with_o any_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n i_o solemn_o promise_v he_o to_o retract_v all_o i_o have_v write_v against_o that_o church_n so_o far_o shall_v i_o be_v from_o need_v a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v they_o but_o if_o these_o be_v so_o remote_a from_o self-evidence_n that_o they_o be_v plain_o repugnant_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n witness_n that_o self-evident_a doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n what_o then_o must_v we_o think_v of_o mr._n s._n sure_o the_o least_o be_v that_o since_o his_o be_v a_o roman_n catholic_n his_o mind_n be_v strange_o enlighten_v so_o far_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v self-evident_a to_o he_o which_o be_v contradiction_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n but_o withal_o m._n s._n acquaint_v we_o with_o another_o mystery_n which_o be_v how_o these_o point_n descend_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o tradition_n and_o yet_o confess_v they_o be_v never_o think_v of_o or_o reflect_v on_o by_o the_o generality_n till_o the_o church_n take_v occasion_n to_o explain_v they_o such_o a_o silent_a tradition_n do_v very_o suitable_o follow_v the_o former_a self-evident_a connexion_n for_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v transubstantiation_n ro_o be_v self-evident_a no_o wonder_n if_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o a_o constant_a tradition_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o these_o now_o mr._n s._n be_v please_v to_o return_v to_o i_o and_o draw_v up_o a_o fresh_a charge_n against_o i_o which_o be_v that_o i_o act_n like_o a_o politician_n and_o will_v conquer_v they_o by_o first_o divide_v they_o and_o make_v odious_a comparison_n between_o two_o party_n of_o divine_n but_o to_o show_v we_o how_o little_o they_o differ_v he_o distinguish_v they_o as_o faithful_a and_o as_o private_a discourser_n in_o the_o former_a notion_n he_o say_v they_o all_o hold_v the_o same_o divine_o constitute_v church-government_n and_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o private_a discourser_n he_o acknowledge_v they_o differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o belief_n i_o meddle_v not_o here_o with_o the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v divine_o constitute_v but_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v that_o self-evident_a rule_n which_o that_o church_n proceed_v on_o yes_o say_v mt._n s._n they_o be_v all_o as_o faithful_a agree_v in_o it_o but_o as_o discourse_n they_o differ_v about_o it_o which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o all_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o opinion_n know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o they_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o do_v real_o believe_v which_o in_o plain_a english_a be_v that_o they_o be_v egregious_a dissembler_n and_o prevaricator_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v intolerable_o flatter_v the_o pope_n and_o present_a church_n with_o loud_a declamation_n for_o their_o infallibility_n but_o they_o do_v real_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o resolve_v all_o into_o oral_a tradition_n but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o excellent_a agreement_n among_o they_o when_o mr._n white_a and_o his_o party_n not_o only_o disow_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o romanist_n say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o this_o lodge_v in_o pope_n and_o council_n that_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v this_o be_v dangerous_a seditious_a heretical_a person_n according_o their_o book_n be_v censure_v at_o rome_n their_o opinion_n dispute_v against_o and_o their_o person_n condemn_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o these_o stick_v together_o like_o two_o smooth_a marble_n as_o faithful_a though_o they_o be_v knock_v one_o against_o another_o as_o discourser_n and_o that_o they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n when_o all_o their_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n be_v about_o it_o and_o those_o manage_v with_o so_o great_a heat_n that_o heresy_n be_v charge_v of_o one_o side_n and_o arch-heresie_n and_o undermine_a religion_n on_o the_o other_o do_v he_o think_v we_o never_o hear_v of_o mr._n white_n be_v sonus_n succinae_fw-la nor_o of_o that_o chapter_n in_o it_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n infallibility_n tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n 158._o and_o that_o the_o propagate_a such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o burn_a temple_n ravish_v the_o sacred_a virgin_n on_o the_o altar_n trample_v on_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o send_v the_o turk_n or_o antichrist_n into_o christian_a country_n or_o do_v he_o think_v we_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n the_o jesuit_n
to_o that_o proposition_n homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la he_o may_v be_v capable_a of_o a_o new_a obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o former_a which_o be_v involve_v in_o this_o it_o may_v be_v just_o question_v whether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o to_o himself_o can_v true_o say_v homo_fw-la est_fw-la animal_n rationale_fw-la or_o no._n but_o after_o such_o rare_a subtlety_n he_o do_v very_o well_o to_o tell_v i_o that_o i_o ought_v to_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 in_o his_o his_o courtlike_a expression_n he_o say_v 214._o will_v much_o unblunder_v my_o thought_n but_o let_v the_o conclusion_n be_v as_o long_o as_o it_o will_v in_o the_o premise_n will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n say_v that_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n be_v not_o hereby_o bind_v to_o believe_v the_o conclusion_n and_o the_o more_o the_o one_o be_v involve_v in_o the_o other_o the_o less_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o make_v the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v they_o distinct_a and_o it_o be_v hard_o for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v a_o way_n to_o unblunder_v my_o thought_n when_o i_o see_v what_o horrible_a confusion_n such_o expression_n argue_v in_o his_o own_o let_v the_o church_n then_o clear_a her_o thought_n never_o so_o much_o yet_o all_o this_o can_v amount_v to_o a_o distinct_a obligation_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v involve_v before_o but_o to_o a_o more_o explicit_a declare_v they_o for_o the_o church_n peace_n and_o satisfaction_n the_o only_a conclusion_n then_o involve_v in_o these_o premise_n be_v that_o if_o some_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o than_o the_o present_a age_n may_v believe_v otherwise_o than_o the_o precedent_n do_v and_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v hold_v in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o mr._n s_n first_o principle_n of_o controversy_n be_v far_o from_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v my_o second_o chief_a argument_n against_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v 13._o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v own_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n to_o manifest_v which_o i_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o obligation_n in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n to_o believe_v and_o practice_v just_a as_o the_o precedent_n do_v mr._n s._n rejoice_v in_o that_o confession_n of_o i_o that_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v prove_v in_o this_o case_n be_v 216._o that_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o all_o person_n in_o it_o look_v on_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_a age_n and_o i_o there_o offer_v the_o choice_n of_o three_o way_n to_o prove_v it_o reason_n testimony_n or_o tradition_n he_o tell_v i_o he_o except_v the_o way_n of_o reason_n yet_o quarrel_n with_o i_o for_o press_v for_o a_o demonstrative_a medium_n to_o prove_v it_o when_o yet_o mr._n s._n seldom_o speak_v under_o the_o rate_n of_o demonstration_n but_o he_o thereby_o note_v the_o unconsonancy_n of_o my_o carriage_n wherein_o i_o wonder_v that_o i_o shall_v desire_v they_o to_o perform_v this_o promise_n viz._n to_o give_v we_o demonstration_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n but_o say_v withal_o he_o will_v yield_v i_o the_o honour_n of_o profess_v i_o have_v no_o demonstration_n but_o probability_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o i_o and_o he_o make_v this_o serious_a protestation_n for_o himself_o that_o he_o shall_v esteem_v himself_o very_o dishonest_a do_v he_o assert_v and_o press_v on_o other_o any_o argument_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n which_o he_o judge_v not_o evident_a that_o be_v demonstrative_a what_o be_v it_o these_o man_n mean_v when_o they_o cry_v up_o their_o own_o way_n for_o demonstrative_a and_o say_v that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n mere_o on_o probability_n do_v they_o say_v that_o religion_n be_v capable_a of_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a demonstration_n if_o so_o let_v they_o demonstrate_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o as_o much_o evidence_n as_o that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n and_o it_o be_v strange_a if_o they_o think_v particular_a problem_n in_o religion_n be_v more_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n than_o those_o theorem_n on_o which_o they_o be_v build_v but_o by_o all_o the_o enquiry_n i_o can_v make_v all_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v that_o mr._n s._n will_v have_v that_o call_v a_o demonstration_n which_o be_v scarce_o a_o probability_n and_o we_o call_v that_o sufficient_a reason_n which_o any_o wise_a man_n may_v safe_o rely_v on_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n how_o much_o do_v we_o suffer_v by_o our_o modesty_n that_o because_o we_o speak_v not_o as_o big_a as_o mr._n s._n do_v we_o must_v be_v censure_v present_o to_o have_v nothing_o but_o probability_n fot_o our_o faith_n be_v those_o bare_a probability_n which_o leave_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n behind_o they_o and_o such_o we_o free_o assert_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o do_v i._n e._n i_o assert_v that_o we_o have_v the_o high_a actual_a certainty_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v and_o if_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v do_v any_o more_o than_o this_o let_v he_o tell_v we_o what_o it_o be_v for_o my_o part_n i_o know_v nothing_o high_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n than_o a_o certain_a assent_n and_o if_o i_o do_v not_o think_v there_o be_v the_o great_a ground_n in_o religion_n for_o that_o i_o abhor_v dissimulation_n so_o much_o that_o i_o shall_v leave_v off_o persuade_v man_n to_o embrace_v it_o and_o if_o any_o man_n have_v make_v we_o shy_a of_o the_o word_n demonstration_n and_o infallibility_n they_o be_v such_o man_n as_o mr._n s._n have_v do_v it_o who_o talk_v of_o these_o thing_n when_o their_o argument_n fall_v beneath_o some_o of_o the_o remote_a probability_n we_o insist_v on_o nay_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o his_o demonstration_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n it_o have_v be_v use_v by_o we_o long_o before_o his_o book_n see_v the_o light_n but_o we_o love_v to_o give_v the_o true_a name_n to_o thing_n and_o not_o to_o lose_v our_o credit_n with_o all_o intelligent_a person_n by_o play_v mountebank_n in_o religion_n cry_v up_o those_o thing_n for_o infallible_a cure_n which_o a_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v discern_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o but_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n but_o justice_n and_o reason_n in_o i_o to_o expect_v and_o call_v for_o a_o demonstration_n from_o they_o who_o talk_v of_o nothing_o under_o it_o and_o therefore_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n unless_o it_o be_v prove_v impossible_a for_o man_n not_o to_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n do_v for_o where_o the_o contrary_a be_v not_o only_o possible_a but_o easy_o supposable_a as_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v those_o thing_n as_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n i_o wonder_v how_o mr._n s._n will_v demonstrate_v that_o man_n must_v look_v on_o themselves_o as_o oblige_v to_o believe_v just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n do_v for_o i_o have_v think_v demonstration_n have_v never_o place_n in_o contingent_a proposition_n but_o it_o seem_v mr._n s._n who_o tell_v i_o logic_n will_v unblunder_v my_o thought_n intend_v to_o make_v a_o new_a one_o for_o i_o and_o i_o assure_v you_o so_o he_o have_v need_n before_o i_o shall_v ever_o call_v his_o argument_n demonstration_n and_o although_o he_o think_v himself_o very_o honest_a in_o call_v they_o so_o yet_o i_o shall_v think_v he_o much_o wise_a if_o he_o do_v not_o but_o before_o i_o come_v to_o the_o particular_a debate_n of_o these_o thing_n 14._o i_o free_o tell_v he_o that_o i_o grant_v all_o he_o request_v i_o shall_v take_v along_o with_o i_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n 236._o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n speak_v of_o the_o manner_n of_o deliver_v they_o the_o necessary_a circumstance_n which_o give_v weight_n to_o both_o yet_o for_o all_o these_o i_o can_v look_v on_o his_o way_n as_o demonstrative_a and_o that_o both_o our_o meaning_n may_v be_v better_o understand_v it_o be_v very_o necessary_a the_o reader_n shall_v have_v a_o true_a account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o if_o he_o will_v believe_v i_o i_o never_o intend_v to_o dispute_v with_o he_o
what_o he_o say_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o come_v to_o this_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n the_o minor_a he_o thus_o prove_v if_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o the_o precedent_n teach_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o than_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o consequent_a now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o lie_v not_o in_o prove_v the_o minor_a proposition_n or_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o but_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o a_o church_n but_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n in_o one_o whole_a age_n or_o the_o general_a imposture_n of_o it_o which_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o have_v show_v he_o already_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o concession_n and_o i_o may_v more_o large_o show_v it_o from_o those_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v come_v into_o their_o church_n without_o any_o such_o general_a mistake_n or_o imposture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o papal_a infallibility_n and_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n will_v show_v we_o how_o these_o come_v in_o we_o will_v show_v he_o how_o many_o other_o come_v in_o as_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a as_o those_o be_v for_o whether_o they_o account_v these_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a many_o among_o they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n who_o assert_v and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n too_o if_o therefore_o these_o may_v come_v in_o without_o one_o age_n mistake_v or_o deceive_v the_o next_o why_o may_v not_o all_o those_o come_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o error_n of_o their_o church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n come_v in_o may_v corrupt_v practice_n too_o since_o these_o as_o he_o say_v spring_n from_o the_o other_o he_o may_v therefore_o have_v save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o find_v out_o how_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n will_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o way_n 231._o for_o without_o pretend_v to_o be_v either_o of_o these_o i_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n of_o attaque_a it_o than_o mr._n s._n look_v for_o viz._n from_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o concession_n show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o a_o total_a deception_n or_o conspiracy_n in_o any_o one_o age_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v bind_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o ever_o he_o tell_v i_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o never_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o speculation_n or_o private_a opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n have_v come_v to_o be_v account_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n therefore_o his_o way_n of_o proof_n be_v now_o quite_o alter_v and_o he_o can_v say_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o present_a church_n may_v have_v admit_v speculation_n and_o private_a opinion_n into_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v first_o prove_v such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o our_o age_n they_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o as_o to_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o will_v promise_v he_o to_o be_v his_o proselyte_n but_o he_o ought_v still_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o one_o whole_a age_n to_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o error_n to_o come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o mr._n s._n object_n against_o those_o word_n i_o then_o use_v against_o the_o demonstrate_v this_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n shall_v enforce_v it_o but_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v understanding_n of_o another_o mould_n from_o other_o who_o can_v conceive_v it_o impossible_a man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n and_o whatever_o mr._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a i_o can_v yet_o see_v 234._o but_o that_o therein_o i_o argue_v from_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o i_o look_v for_o be_v a_o demonstration_n which_o i_o suppose_a can_v not_o be_v unless_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_n be_v demonstrate_v but_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n christian_n nay_o romanist_n to_o believe_v on_o other_o account_n than_o tradition_n of_o the_o precedent_a age_n i_o pray_v what_o demonstration_n can_v there_o be_v that_o man_n must_v think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n do_v sure_o if_o mr._n s_n fancy_n have_v not_o be_v very_o extravagant_a he_o can_v never_o have_v think_v here_o of_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o cut_v their_o beard_n or_o wear_v such_o garter_n and_o hatband_n as_o their_o forefather_n do_v for_o do_v i_o not_o mention_v believe_v first_o and_o then_o do_v by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o apprehend_v that_o i_o mean_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o such_o practice_n as_o flow_v from_o they_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o such_o crafty_a and_o sophistical_a deal_n as_o he_o charge_v i_o with_o 235._o for_o i_o be_o content_a his_o doctrine_n be_v take_v in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o i_o have_v now_o give_v a_o large_a and_o full_a account_n why_o i_o be_o far_o from_o be_v convince_v by_o the_o way_n he_o have_v use_v for_o resolve_v faith_n pass_v by_o therefore_o his_o challenge_n which_o i_o accept_v of_o as_o long_o as_o he_o hold_v to_o the_o weapon_n of_o reason_n and_o civility_n i_o come_v to_o consider_v his_o last_o enquiry_n why_o i_o shall_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o such_o a_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n 236._o to_o believe_v their_o ancestor_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o he_o judicious_o resolve_v it_o into_o a_o strange_a distortion_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o such_o as_o it_o seem_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o protestant_n temper_n 237._o which_o be_v say_v he_o 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 which_o as_o far_o as_o we_o own_v it_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o see_v no_o ground_n for_o and_o if_o this_o be_v such_o a_o distortion_n of_o human_a nature_n i_o envy_v not_o mr._n s_n uprightness_n and_o perfection_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o we_o build_v our_o faith_n on_o our_o private_a judgement_n in_o opposition_n to_o scripture_n or_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o all_o age_n let_v he_o prove_v it_o evident_o in_o one_o particular_a and_o i_o engage_v for_o myself_o and_o all_o true_a protestant_n we_o will_v renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o if_o he_o have_v any_o thing_n further_o to_o object_n against_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n he_o know_v where_o to_o attaque_fw-la i_o let_v he_o undertake_v the_o whole_a or_o else_o acknowledge_v it_o a_o most_o unreasonable_a thing_n thus_o to_o charge_v falsity_n upon_o we_o and_o then_o say_v we_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o say_v for_o ourselves_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o choose_v our_o faith_n but_o hearty_o embrace_v whatever_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n but_o we_o know_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n too_o well_o to_o believe_v all_o which_o she_o will_v impose_v upon_o we_o and_o be_v loath_a to_o have_v she_o choose_v our_o religion_n for_o we_o since_o we_o know_v she_o have_v choose_v so_o ill_o for_o herself_o but_o if_o mr._n s._n will_v not_o believe_v i_o in_o say_v thus_o what_o reason_n have_v i_o to_o believe_v he_o in_o say_v otherwise_o such_o general_a charge_n than_o signify_v nothing_o but_o every_o one_o must_v judge_v according_a to_o the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n i_o now_o come_v to_o the_o last_o part_n of_o my_o task_n which_o
be_v to_o show_v 17._o that_o this_o way_n be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v apparent_o alter_v from_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o former_a age_n to_o which_o purpose_n my_o word_n be_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v impossibility_n of_o motion_n when_o i_o see_v man_n move_v no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o prove_v that_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v vary_v from_o the_o precede_a when_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v that_o they_o have_v do_v it_o and_o therefore_o this_o argument_n be_v intend_v only_o to_o catch_v easy_a mind_n that_o care_v not_o for_o a_o search_n into_o the_o history_n of_o the_o several_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o have_v rather_o sit_v down_o with_o a_o superficial_a subtlety_n than_o spend_v time_n in_o further_a inquiry_n but_o two_o thing_n m._n s._n tell_v i_o be_v require_v ere_o i_o can_v see_v that_o their_o faith_n vary_v from_o the_o former_a 238._o first_o to_o see_v what_o their_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 he_o kind_o tell_v i_o if_o he_o see_v any_o thing_n i_o see_v neither_o well_o it_o seem_v i_o want_v mr._n s_n spectacle_n of_o oral_a tradition_n to_o see_v with_o but_o as_o yet_o i_o have_v no_o cause_n to_o complain_v of_o the_o want_n of_o they_o but_o i_o see_v much_o better_o without_o they_o than_o with_o they_o he_o tell_v i_o i_o can_v see_v what_o their_o present_a church_n hold_v and_o therefore_o i_o can_v assure_v any_o what_o be_v hold_v before_o because_o if_o i_o renounce_v tradition_n i_o take_v away_o all_o mean_n of_o know_v the_o reason_n why_o i_o can_v candid_o see_v as_o he_o phrase_n it_o what_o their_o church_n hold_v now_o be_v because_o i_o can_v distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o its_o explication_n some_o schoolman_n and_o the_o church_n by_o which_o it_o seem_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o know_v what_o their_o church_n hold_v concern_v invocation_n of_o saint_n worship_n of_o image_n communion_n in_o one_o kind_n for_o those_o be_v the_o point_v i_o there_o mention_v wherein_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v recede_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o be_v these_o only_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o some_o schoolman_n among_o they_o and_o not_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n but_o that_o we_o may_v come_v to_o some_o full_a state_n of_o these_o controversy_n i_o wish_v m._n s._n will_v settle_v some_o sure_a way_n whereby_o we_o may_v know_v distinct_o what_o be_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o their_o church_n if_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n and_o roman_a catechism_n be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o doctrine_n i_o desire_v no_o other_o so_o that_o those_o may_v be_v interpret_v by_o practice_n universal_o allow_v among_o they_o as_o when_o that_o council_n only_o define_v that_o due_a honour_n be_v give_v to_o saint_n the_o general_a practice_n of_o that_o church_n may_v tell_v we_o what_o they_o mean_v by_o that_o due_a honour_n and_o if_o that_o be_v not_o fair_a i_o know_v not_o what_o be_v but_o i_o see_v all_o the_o shift_n mr._n s._n have_v be_v when_o he_o be_v pinch_v to_o say_v these_o be_v the_o opinion_n of_o schoolman_n and_o private_a speculator_n and_o not_o the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n and_o if_o such_o shift_n as_o these_o be_v must_v serve_v the_o turn_n i_o shall_v wonder_v if_o ever_o he_o be_v to_o seek_v for_o a_o answer_n but_o the_o short_a answer_n of_o all_o will_v be_v that_o none_o but_o those_o of_o their_o church_n can_v know_v what_o she_o hold_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n for_o protestant_n to_o write_v against_o she_o or_o it_o may_v be_v that_o none_o but_o mr_n s._n and_o one_o or_o two_o more_o can_v tell_v for_o many_o among_o they_o say_v those_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n which_o they_o deny_v to_o be_v so_o that_o except_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n and_o some_o very_o few_o demonstrator_n more_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v schoolman_n private_a opinator_n and_o not_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o but_o i_o can_v see_v what_o their_o church_n hold_v former_o neither_o 236._o no_o wonder_n at_o all_o of_o that_o for_o if_o i_o can_v see_v a_o object_n so_o near_o i_o as_o the_o present_a church_n how_o can_v it_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v see_v one_o so_o much_o further_o off_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o former_a age_n and_o his_o reason_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o may_v well_o persuade_v i_o out_o of_o one_o at_o least_o of_o my_o five_o sense_n for_o say_v he_o if_o i_o question_v tradition_n i_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 be_v not_o this_o argue_v like_o a_o demonstrator_n first_o he_o suppose_v there_o never_o be_v any_o way_n use_v in_o the_o world_n but_o oral_a tradition_n and_o then_o strong_o infer_v if_o i_o deny_v that_o i_o can_v know_v nothing_o but_o i_o can_v yet_o hardly_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o father_n only_o sit_v in_o chimney-corner_n teach_v their_o child_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v so_o to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o love_v preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a care_n never_o to_o write_v down_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o why_o i_o wonder_v shall_v mr._n s._n think_v that_o if_o i_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o oral_a tradition_n i_o must_v needs_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o father_n i_o have_v think_v i_o may_v have_v know_v there_o have_v be_v father_n by_o their_o child_n i_o mean_v the_o book_n they_o leave_v behind_o they_o but_o if_o all_o mr._n s._n plead_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o no_o book_n can_v be_v certain_o convey_v without_o tradition_n he_o dispute_n without_o a_o adversary_n but_o as_o i_o never_o oppose_v this_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o do_v he_o little_a service_n it_o be_v then_o from_o the_o book_n of_o the_o father_n that_o i_o find_v what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n of_o their_o age_n be_v and_o from_o thence_o i_o have_v show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v from_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a although_o then_o i_o may_v not_o think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o believe_v all_o that_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o matter_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v find_v what_o the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o former_a church_n be_v by_o the_o record_n that_o be_v leave_v of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o can_v think_v any_o one_o oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v be_v because_o i_o think_v no_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o i_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o several_a age_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o well_o but_o i_o call_v this_o way_n a_o superficial_a subtlety_n 18._o and_o so_o i_o think_v it_o still_o so_o little_o have_v mr._n s_n demonstation_n wrought_v upon_o i_o but_o say_v he_o be_v that_o which_o be_v whole_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n superficial_a no_o but_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o build_v may_v and_o of_o that_o nature_n i_o have_v show_v this_o way_n to_o be_v and_o not_o the_o former_a but_o that_o i_o may_v not_o think_v he_o superficial_a as_o well_o as_o his_o way_n he_o put_v a_o profound_a question_n to_o i_o what_o do_v i_o think_v controversy_n be_v and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a let_v i_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o answer_v himself_o i_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o say_v he_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 but_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o i_o will_v deal_v as_o plain_o with_o he_o as_o he_o do_v with_o i_o i_o will_v profess_v it_o that_o i_o not_o only_o think_v controversy_n as_o usual_o manage_v but_o some_o man_n way_n of_o demonstrate_v mr._n s._n may_v easy_o know_v who_o i_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a art_n of_o talk_v and_o nothing_o else_o but_o he_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o noble_a science_n yes_o doubtless_o if_o mr._n s._n manage_v it_o and_o he_o be_v the_o judge_n of_o it_o himself_o his_o meaning_n i_o suppose_v be_v by_o his_o follow_a word_n 240._o that_o he_o go_v upon_o certain_a principle_n and_o we_o do_v not_o we_o have_v already_o see_v how_o certain_a his_o principle_n have_v
in_o reason_n he_o ought_v to_o have_v do_v before_o he_o have_v forsake_v we_o i_o shall_v declare_v it_o more_o particular_o in_o these_o follow_a proposition_n §_o 2._o 1._o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o first_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o by_o they_o commit_v to_o write_v which_o write_n or_o book_n have_v be_v transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o down_o to_o we_o so_o far_o i_o take_v to_o be_v grant_v by_o our_o present_a adversary_n that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v by_o christ_n deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n and_o by_o they_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v part_n of_o their_o own_o hypothesis_n that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v afterward_o by_o the_o apostle_n commit_v to_o writing_n he_o also_o grant_v corol._n 29._o 117._o it_o be_v certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o they_o teach_v i_o know_v it_o be_v the_o general_a tenet_n of_o the_o papist_n that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o contain_v the_o entire_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o that_o beside_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o scripture_n there_o be_v also_o other_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o by_o oral_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n but_o mr._n s._n who_o suppose_v the_o whole_a doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v certain_o convey_v down_o to_o we_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n do_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v deny_v that_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n only_o he_o deny_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v a_o mean_v sufficient_a to_o convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o we_o with_o certainty_n so_o that_o we_o can_v by_o they_o be_v infallible_o assure_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o what_o not_o nay_o he_o seem_v in_o that_o passage_n i_o last_o cite_v to_o grant_v this_o in_o say_v that_o the_o apostle_n do_v both_o teach_v and_o write_v the_o same_o doctrine_n i_o be_o sure_a mr._n white_a who_o he_o follow_v very_o close_o throughout_o his_o whole_a book_n do_v not_o deny_v this_o in_o his_o apology_n for_o tradition_n 171._o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o catholic_n position_n that_o all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o those_o write_n or_o book_n which_o we_o call_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v be_v transmit_v down_o to_o we_o be_v unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n and_o grant_v universal_o by_o the_o papist_n as_o to_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v own_v by_o protestant_n for_o canonical_a §_o 3._o second_o that_o the_o way_n of_o write_v be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o who_o live_v in_o time_n very_o remote_a from_o the_o age_n of_o its_o first_o delivery_n according_a to_o his_o hypothesis_n there_o be_v no_o possible_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n with_o certainty_n and_o security_n beside_o that_o of_o oral_a tradition_n the_o falsehood_n of_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v when_o i_o shall_v have_v show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v agree_v to_o the_o scripture_n and_o not_o to_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v only_o offer_v this_o to_o his_o consideration_n that_o whatever_o can_v be_v oral_o deliver_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n and_o that_o a_o write_n or_o book_n which_o be_v public_a and_o in_o every_o one_o hand_n may_v be_v convey_v down_o with_o at_o least_o as_o much_o certainty_n and_o security_n and_o with_o as_o little_a danger_n of_o alteration_n as_o a_o oral_a tradition_n and_o if_o so_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o can_v render_v it_o impossible_a for_o a_o book_n to_o convey_v down_o a_o doctrine_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n beside_o if_o he_o have_v look_v well_o about_o he_o he_o can_v not_o but_o have_v apprehend_v some_o little_a inconvenience_n in_o make_v that_o a_o essential_a part_n of_o his_o hypothesis_n which_o be_v contradict_v by_o plain_a and_o constant_a experience_n for_o that_o any_o kind_n of_o doctrine_n may_v be_v sufficient_o convey_v by_o book_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o after-age_n provide_v those_o book_n be_v but_o write_v intelligible_o and_o preserve_v from_o change_n and_o corruption_n in_o the_o conveyance_n both_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o suppose_v possible_a be_v as_o little_o doubt_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n as_o that_o there_o be_v book_n and_o sure_o we_o christian_n can_v think_v it_o impossible_a to_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n to_o posterity_n by_o book_n when_o we_o consider_v that_o god_n himself_o pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n for_o conveyance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o jewish_a religion_n to_o after-age_n because_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o so_o wise_a a_o agent_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o a_o mean_n whereby_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v attain_v his_o end_n §_o 4._o three_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a as_o to_o all_o thing_n necessary_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o practise_v he_o that_o deny_v this_o aught_o in_o reason_n to_o instance_n in_o some_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o practice_n which_o be_v not_o in_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n or_o other_o plain_o deliver_v for_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a objection_n to_o say_v 39_o that_o the_o great_a wit_n among_o the_o protestant_n differ_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o generality_n of_o they_o suppose_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n to_o be_v plain_o and_o clear_o express_v because_o if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v account_v sufficient_o plain_a but_o what_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o great_a wit_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o wrest_v to_o any_o other_o sense_n not_o only_o the_o scripture_n but_o all_o other_o book_n and_o which_o be_v worst_a of_o all_o to_o he_o that_o make_v this_o objection_n all_o oral_a tradition_n will_v fall_v into_o uncertainty_n do_v the_o traditionary_a church_n pretend_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n divinity_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o she_o by_o oral_a tradition_n more_o plain_o than_o it_o be_v express_v in_o scripture_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o plain_a word_n she_o ever_o use_v to_o express_v this_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o than_o what_o the_o scripture_n use_v which_o express_o call_v he_o god_n the_o true_a god_n god_n over_o all_o bless_v for_o evermore_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o divinity_n of_o christ_n have_v be_v able_a to_o evade_v these_o and_o all_o other_o text_n of_o scripture_n but_o they_o can_v never_o elude_v the_o definition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o that_o matter_n it_o be_v easy_o answer_v that_o the_o same_o art_n will_v equal_o have_v elude_v both_o but_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o shall_v trouble_v themselves_o so_o much_o about_o the_o latter_a for_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v solicitous_a to_o wrest_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n and_o conform_v they_o to_o their_o own_o opinion_n who_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o church_n authority_n if_o those_o great_a wit_n as_o he_o call_v they_o have_v believe_v the_o say_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o no_o great_a authority_n than_o the_o definition_n of_o council_n they_o will_v have_v answer_v text_n of_o scripture_n as_o they_o have_v do_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n not_o by_o endeavour_v to_o interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n but_o by_o downright_a deny_v their_o authority_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n with_o the_o write_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a §_o 5._o and_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v he_o a_o plain_a instance_n in_o two_o great_a wit_n of_o their_o church_n the_o present_a pope_n and_o mr._n white_a the_o one_o the_o head_n of_o the_o traditionary_a church_n as_o mr._n s._n call_v it_o the_o other_o the_o great_a master_n of_o the_o traditionary_a doctrine_n these_o two_o great_a wit_n notwithstanding_o the_o plainness_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o the_o impossibility_n of_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o or_o mistake_v it_o have_v yet_o be_v so_o unhappy_a as_o to_o differ_v about_o several_a point_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o mr._n white_n be_v unkind_o censure_v for_o it_o at_o rome_n and_o perhaps_o here_o in_o england_n the_o pope_n speed_v no_o better_o however_o the_o difference_n continue_v still_o so_o wide_a that_o mr._n white_n have_v think_v fit_a to_o disobey_v the_o summons_n of_o his_o chief_a pastor_n and_o like_o a_o prudent_a man_n rather_o to_o write_v against_o he_o here_o out_o
know_v that_o these_o be_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o book_n be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v §_o 8._o nor_o do_v this_o concession_n make_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o oral_a tradition_n can_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n transmit_v a_o book_n to_o after_o age_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v with_o as_o much_o certainty_n convey_v a_o doctrine_n consist_v of_o several_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o many_o as_o mr._n white_n acknowledge_v 9_o and_o many_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o life_n so_o because_o oral_a tradition_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o that_o the_o statute-book_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v those_o law_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o therefore_o by_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o tradition_n itself_o be_v better_o than_o a_o book_n even_o the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o law_n to_o we_o mr._n s._n say_v 93._o express_o it_o be_v but_o how_o true_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v otherwise_o tradition_n be_v already_o define_v to_o we_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n i_o e._n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o message_n of_o christ._n now_o suppose_v any_o oral_a message_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o particularity_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o a_o hundred_o several_a person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n by_o they_o to_o be_v convey_v to_o a_o hundred_o more_o who_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o onward_o to_o a_o hundred_o descent_n be_v it_o probable_a this_o message_n with_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o true_o convey_v through_o so_o many_o mouth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o in_o so_o many_o letter_n concern_v which_o every_o bearer_n shall_v need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o as_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o not_o probable_a though_o the_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o for_o the_o faithful_a delivery_n of_o his_o errand_n or_o letter_n for_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o message_n which_o no_o man_n can_v mistake_v in_o unless_o he_o will_v but_o the_o errand_n so_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v with_o its_o multitude_n of_o particular_n that_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a wager_n against_o every_o one_o of_o the_o messenger_n that_o he_o either_o forget_v or_o mistake_v something_o in_o it_o it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o the_o first_o hundred_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o million_o to_o one_o that_o the_o next_o succession_n do_v not_o all_o deliver_v it_o true_o for_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o first_o hundred_o mistake_v or_o forget_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o impossible_a that_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o right_o and_o so_o the_o far_o it_o go_v the_o great_a change_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o mr._n s_n way_n to_o have_v more_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o than_o the_o original_a letter_n §_o 9_o three_o we_o allow_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o people_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v by_o christian_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o with_o great_a difference_n by_o some_o more_o plain_o and_o true_o and_o perfect_o by_o other_o with_o less_o care_n and_o exactness_n according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o ability_n and_o integrity_n in_o pastor_n or_o parent_n and_o likewise_o with_o very_o different_a success_n according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o learner_n we_o allow_v likewise_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o visible_a action_n conformable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o those_o outward_a act_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v undergo_v great_a variation_n and_o receive_v great_a change_n by_o addition_n to_o they_o and_o defalcation_n from_o they_o in_o several_a age_n that_o this_o not_o only_o be_v possible_a but_o have_v actual_o happen_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o demonstration_n now_o that_o several_a of_o the_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scriptute_fw-la and_o action_n therein_o command_v have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o article_n sum_v up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n so_o far_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o such_o external_a action_n practise_v in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o present_a multitude_n of_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v and_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v so_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o which_o argument_n i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o show_v afterward_o but_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v this_o to_o any_o man_n satisfaction_n must_v make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a monument_n and_o record_n of_o several_a age_n that_o be_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a book_n of_o those_o time_n that_o such_o doctrine_n have_v in_o all_o those_o age_n be_v constant_o and_o universal_o teach_v and_o practise_v but_o then_o if_o from_o those_o record_n of_o former_a time_n it_o appear_v that_o other_o doctrine_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o practise_v universal_o in_o all_o age_n but_o have_v creep_v in_o by_o degree_n some_o in_o one_o age_n and_o some_o in_o another_o according_a as_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o people_n ambition_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v minister_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o the_o innovator_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o confirm_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o acknowledge_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v likewise_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o have_v descend_v without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n all_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o my_o discourse_n then_o can_v the_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v which_o have_v no_o real_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v any_o argument_n against_o these_o book_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v no_o more_o reasonable_a than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o interpret_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o which_o every_o one_o that_o compare_v thing_n fair_o together_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v full_a of_o deviation_n from_o the_o ancient_a law_n sect_n v._o they_o §_o 1._o 2_o dly_a how_o much_o more_o he_o attribute_n to_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o we_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o this_o rule_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v either_o that_o these_o book_n shall_v cease_v to_o descend_v or_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v this_o we_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o they_o because_o there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v we_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o material_o corrupt_v yet_o we_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v burn_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v all_o that_o we_o affirm_v concern_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o to_o convey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o all_o successive_a age_n and_o we_o think_v he_o very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v abundant_o
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
all_o with_o a_o great_a secret_n of_o the_o protestant_a doctrine_n which_o it_o seem_v he_o have_v hitherto_o be_v ignorant_a of_o for_o i_o be_o still_o more_o confirm_v in_o my_o opinion_n that_o he_o forsake_v our_o religion_n before_o he_o understand_v it_o that_o when_o they_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o mean_n whereby_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o they_o they_o mean_v by_o the_o scripture_n book_n write_v in_o such_o word_n as_o do_v sufficient_o express_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n §_o 5._o and_o to_o satisfy_v he_o that_o we_o be_v not_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a in_o suppose_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v such_o a_o book_n i_o will_v beg_v the_o favour_n of_o he_o to_o grant_v i_o these_o four_o thing_n or_o show_v reason_n to_o the_o contrary_n first_o that_o whatever_o can_v be_v speak_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n and_o such_o as_o have_v a_o certain_a sense_n may_v be_v write_v in_o the_o same_o word_n second_o that_o the_o same_o word_n be_v as_o intelligible_a when_o they_o be_v write_v as_o when_o they_o be_v speak_v three_o that_o god_n if_o he_o please_v can_v indite_v a_o book_n in_o as_o plain_a word_n as_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n four_o that_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n affect_v obscurity_n and_o envy_v that_o man_n shall_v understand_v he_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v necessary_a for_o they_o to_o know_v and_o which_o must_v have_v be_v write_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o we_o can_v understand_v they_o st._n luke_n 4._o tell_v theophilus_n that_o he_o write_v the_o history_n of_o christ_n to_o he_o on_o purpose_n to_o give_v he_o a_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o write_v but_o how_o a_o book_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a sense_n shall_v give_v a_o man_n certain_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v beyond_o my_o capacity_n st._n john_n 20.31_o say_v that_o he_o purposely_o commit_v several_a of_o christ_n miracle_n to_o write_v that_o man_n may_v believe_v on_o he_o but_o now_o have_v mr._n s._n be_v at_o his_o elbow_n he_o will_v have_v advise_v he_o to_o spare_v his_o labour_n and_o will_v have_v give_v he_o this_o good_a reason_n for_o it_o because_o when_o he_o have_v write_v his_o book_n no_o body_n will_v be_v able_a to_o find_v the_o certain_a sense_n of_o it_o without_o oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o alone_o will_v secure_o and_o intelligible_o convey_v both_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o those_o miracle_n which_o he_o wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o if_o these_o four_o thing_n be_v but_o grant_v i_o see_v not_o why_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v to_o we_o christ_n doctrine_n we_o may_v not_o be_v allow_v to_o understand_v by_o the_o scripture_n a_o book_n which_o do_v in_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a word_n express_v to_o we_o this_o doctrine_n sect_n iii_o 6_o 1._o and_o now_o examine_v although_o this_o may_v have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o his_o exception_n against_o the_o scripture_n as_o be_v incapable_a of_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o all_o of_o they_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v apparent_o false_a and_o absurd_a as_o grant_v by_o protestant_n viz._n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v only_o a_o heap_n of_o dead_a letter_n and_o insignificant_a character_n without_o any_o sense_n under_o they_o and_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v that_o only_a which_o give_v they_o life_n and_o sense_n yet_o because_o several_a of_o his_o exception_n pretend_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o at_o all_o appertain_v to_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o i_o shall_v give_v particular_a answer_n to_o they_o and_o as_o i_o go_v along_o show_v that_o tradition_n be_v liable_a to_o all_o or_o most_o of_o those_o exception_n and_o to_o far_o great_a than_o those_o §_o 2._o whereas_o he_o say_v 13._o it_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o protestant_n from_o their_o principle_n that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v original_o write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v i_o will_v show_v he_o that_o it_o may_v and_o then_o answer_v the_o reason_n of_o this_o exception_n it_o be_v evident_a from_o a_o universal_a constant_a and_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n among_o christian_n not_o only_o oral_a but_o write_v and_o from_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o great_a adversary_n of_o our_o religion_n that_o these_o book_n be_v original_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n and_o this_o be_v not_o only_o a_o protestant_a principle_n but_o the_o principle_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o a_o undoubted_a tradition_n be_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o author_n of_o a_o book_n and_o all_o the_o extrinsical_a argument_n that_o can_v ordinary_o be_v have_v of_o a_o book_n write_v long_o ago_o next_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v that_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o doctrine_n from_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a to_o imagine_v that_o the_o divine_a power_n shall_v immediate_o interpose_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n and_o give_v so_o eminent_a a_o attestation_n to_o the_o apostle_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v immediate_o appoint_v and_o commission_v by_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o secure_v they_o from_o error_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o and_o that_o such_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v be_v evident_a from_o as_o credible_a history_n as_o we_o have_v for_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v and_o this_o be_v better_a evidence_n that_o the_o apostle_n be_v man_n divine_o inspire_v than_o bare_a oral_a tradition_n can_v furnish_v we_o withal_o for_o set_v aside_o the_o authentic_a relation_n of_o these_o matter_n in_o book_n it_o be_v most_o probable_a that_o oral_a tradition_n of_o itself_o and_o without_o book_n will_v scarce_o have_v preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o any_o of_o those_o particular_a miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o for_o the_o probability_n of_o this_o i_o offer_v these_o two_o thing_n to_o his_o consideration_n first_o no_o man_n can_v deny_v that_o memorable_a person_n have_v live_v and_o action_n be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n innumerable_a whereof_o no_o history_n now_o extant_a make_v any_o mention_n second_o he_o himself_o will_v grant_v that_o our_o saviour_n wrought_v innumerable_a more_o miracle_n than_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n and_o now_o i_o challenge_v he_o to_o show_v the_o single_a virtue_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o give_v a_o account_n of_o any_o of_o those_o person_n or_o their_o action_n who_o live_v 1500_o or_o 2000_o year_n ago_o beside_o those_o which_o be_v mention_v in_o book_n or_o to_o give_v a_o catalogue_n but_o of_o ten_o of_o those_o innumerable_a miracle_n wrought_v by_o our_o saviour_n which_o be_v nor_o record_v by_o the_o evangelist_n with_o circumstance_n as_o punctual_a and_o particular_a as_o those_o be_v clothe_v withal_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v a_o good_a evidence_n that_o oral_a tradition_n single_o and_o by_o itself_o can_v do_v something_o but_o if_o he_o can_v it_o be_v as_o plain_a a_o evidence_n on_o the_o contrary_a that_o if_o those_o action_n of_o former_a time_n and_o those_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o be_v record_v in_o book_n have_v never_o be_v write_v but_o entrust_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n we_o shall_v have_v hear_v as_o little_a of_o they_o at_o this_o day_n as_o we_o do_v of_o those_o that_o be_v not_o write_v §_o 3._o now_o to_o examine_v his_o reason_n for_o this_o exception_n first_o he_o say_v 13._o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o this_o can_v be_v make_v evident_a to_o the_o vulgar_a that_o scripture_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v this_o reason_n be_v as_o easy_o answer_v by_o saying_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o it_o can_v but_o beside_o say_v so_o i_o have_v show_v how_o it_o may_v be_v make_v as_o evident_a to_o the_o vulgar_a as_o other_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v most_o firm_o and_o upon_o good_a ground_n believe_v even_o the_o rude_a of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o those_o who_o can_v read_v do_v believe_v upon_o very_o good_a ground_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o king_n as_o william_n the_o conqueror_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v capable_a of_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o we_o have_v for_o this_o second_o he_o say_v 14._o this_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o curious_a and_o most_o speculative_a searcher_n
but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v unless_o it_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o that_o do_v you_o likewise_o unto_o they_o because_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mystery_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v i_o hope_v a_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v without_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o mystery_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o any_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o plaineness_n or_o sublimity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o person_n be_v so_o inspire_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o that_o be_v if_o he_o work_v miracle_n now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o learned_a man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o §_o 4._o three_o because_o 14._o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v solve_v before_o we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o clear_a to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o the_o matter_n know_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o believe_v a_o book_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v because_o there_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v can_v easy_o have_v be_v solve_v by_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v or_o as_o if_o oral_a tradition_n can_v help_v a_o man_n to_o solve_v these_o contradiction_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o particular_n necessary_a for_o the_o clear_a solution_n of_o they_o be_v as_o himself_o confess_v wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n if_o mr._n s._n can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n demonstrate_v that_o oral_a tradition_n have_v to_o this_o day_n preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o particular_n necessary_a for_o that_o purpose_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o since_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n than_o i_o will_v ready_o yield_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o this_o particular_a the_o advantage_n of_o we_o but_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o why_o do_v he_o make_v that_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o rule_n which_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o his_o own_o this_o be_v just_a like_o capt._n everard_n friend_n way_n of_o argue_v against_o the_o protestant_n that_o they_o can_v rely_v upon_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n impossible_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o contradiction_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o three_o fourteen_o generation_n mention_v in_o the_o first_o of_o st._n matthew_n because_o the_o three_o series_n of_o generation_n if_o they_o be_v count_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o thirteen_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o how_o this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v both_o by_o protestant_a and_o popish_a commentator_n without_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o make_v this_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o protestant_n when_o it_o come_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o force_n upon_o themselves_o suppose_v this_o contradiction_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o solution_n by_o protestant_n as_o he_o affirm_v and_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o infallibility_n can_v make_v thirteen_o fourteen_o if_o it_o can_v how_o be_o i_o near_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o mr_n s_n exception_n if_o i_o own_v oral_a tradition_n i_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o solve_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n these_o exception_n if_o they_o be_v true_a will_v not_o strike_v at_o protestancy_n but_o at_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a argument_n than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o true_a mother_n because_o she_o have_v rather_o christianity_n shall_v be_v destroy_v than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o any_o other_o church_n have_v a_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o heretic_n martion_n to_o assault_v religion_n this_o way_n who_o as_o tertullian_n martion_n tell_v we_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v antithesis_n wherein_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o contradiction_n as_o he_o think_v between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o the_o papist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o discover_v as_o many_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o this_o sacred_a instrument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o even_o christianity_n itself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n therefore_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a with_o mr._n s._n and_o captain_n everard_n i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a to_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o bible_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o say_v 14._o that_o protestant_n can_v know_v how_o many_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v be_v secure_o put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o say_v it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n this_o again_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o most_o palpable_a but_o i_o shall_v deal_v more_o liberal_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o know_v that_o just_a so_o many_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o uncontroverted_a book_n concern_v which_o it_o can_v be_v show_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o controversy_n and_o so_o many_o as_o controvert_v concern_v which_o it_o appear_v that_o question_n have_v be_v make_v and_o if_o those_o which_o have_v be_v controvert_v have_v be_v since_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n which_o once_o doubt_v of_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o further_o doubt_v concern_v they_o because_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a certainty_n oral_a tradition_n can_v give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v some_o book_n have_v be_v controvert_v or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o make_v a_o supposition_n of_o controvert_v book_n if_o oral_a tradition_n acknowledge_v some_o to_o have_v be_v controvert_v than_o it_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v controvert_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o never_o have_v be_v controvert_v but_o only_o as_o such_o concern_v which_o those_o church_n who_o do_v once_o raise_v a_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v be_v since_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v canonical_a the_o traditionary_a church_n now_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o canonical_a i_o ask_v do_v they_o receive_v it_o as_o ever_o deliver_v for_o such_o that_o they_o must_v
a_o hundred_o year_n to_o a_o hundred_o but_o from_o month_n to_o month_n and_o even_o less_o if_o this_o be_v all_o that_o tradition_n do_v this_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v do_v among_o protestant_n and_o that_o with_o great_a advantage_n because_o we_o always_o teach_v child_n to_o say_v their_o prayer_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n so_o as_o they_o may_v understand_v they_o and_o we_o also_o teach_v they_o the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n and_o the_o sacrament_n so_o many_o as_o christ_n have_v institute_v and_o no_o more_o so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v so_o infallible_a a_o way_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n we_o have_v it_o among_o we_o and_o we_o do_v over_o and_o beside_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o authentic_a instrument_n whereby_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o but_o then_o we_o do_v not_o suppose_v as_o his_o hypothesis_n necessary_o enforce_v he_o to_o do_v that_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v equal_o teach_v and_o learn_v by_o all_o but_o by_o some_o more_o by_o other_o less_o perfect_o according_a to_o the_o different_a ability_n and_o diligence_n of_o parent_n and_o teacher_n and_o the_o various_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n of_o child_n whereas_o his_o hypothesis_n fall_v if_o all_o or_o at_o least_o the_o generality_n of_o parent_n do_v not_o instruct_v their_o child_n with_o the_o like_a exactness_n and_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o child_n do_v not_o receive_v this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o same_o perfection_n that_o it_o be_v deliver_v for_o if_o it_o be_v teach_v or_o receive_v with_o any_o variation_n it_o must_v necessary_o be_v so_o convey_v and_o these_o variation_n will_v grow_v daily_o i_o have_v think_v he_o will_v have_v tell_v we_o how_o all_o parent_n do_v teach_v their_o child_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o explain_v to_o they_o every_o part_n of_o it_o in_o a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o several_a expression_n signify_v the_o same_o sense_n and_o not_o have_v instance_a in_o two_o set-form_n such_o as_o the_o creed_n and_o ten_o commandment_n for_o according_a to_o mr._n white_a 81._o that_o can_v be_v a_o tradition_n which_o be_v deliver_v in_o set-word_n §_o 2._o have_v thus_o explain_v oral_a tradition_n he_o come_v to_o show_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n agree_v to_o it_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o true_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v but_o two_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a and_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_o certain_a the_o first_o of_o these_o that_o oral_a tradition_n may_v deliver_v a_o doctrine_n plain_o and_o intelligible_o i_o grant_v he_o all_o the_o difficulty_n be_v about_o the_o second_o property_n whether_o we_o have_v sufficient_a assurance_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v down_o by_o oral_a tradition_n have_v receive_v no_o coruption_n or_o change_n in_o its_o conveyance_n and_o all_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n that_o be_v if_o the_o next_o age_n after_o the_o apostle_n do_v true_o and_o without_o any_o alteration_n deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o immediate_a successor_n and_o they_o to_o they_o and_o so_o on_o then_o upon_o this_o supposition_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a traditionary_a church_n must_v be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v deliver_v to_o the_o apostle_n all_o this_o be_v ready_o grant_v to_o he_o but_o that_o this_o rule_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v nay_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v have_v be_v any_o deviation_n from_o it_o as_o he_o pretend_v this_o we_o deny_v not_o only_o as_o untrue_a but_o as_o one_o of_o the_o most_o absurd_a proposition_n that_o ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrative_a evidence_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n iii_o in_o which_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n and_o corollary_n be_v examine_v sect_n i._o §_o 1._o before_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v particular_o to_o his_o demonstration_n general_n i_o shall_v premise_v these_o two_o consideration_n first_o that_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o tradition_n no_o man_n can_v by_o his_o private_a reason_n certain_o find_v out_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n second_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o either_o of_o these_o be_v make_v out_o his_o demonstration_n lose_v all_o their_o force_n if_o the_o first_o be_v make_v good_a than_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n nor_o consequent_o that_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o second_o than_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n which_o he_o pretend_v to_o take_v signify_v nothing_o §_o 2._o first_o no_o man_n can_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o patron_n of_o tradition_n by_o his_o private_a reason_n certain_o find_v out_o what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n suppose_v a_o heathen_a to_o be_v desirous_a to_o inform_v himself_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n in_o order_n to_o which_o he_o be_v inquisitive_a after_o some_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o may_v take_v a_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o come_v certain_o to_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o inquire_v of_o christian_n what_o their_o rule_n be_v and_o find_v they_o divide_v about_o it_o some_o say_n that_o the_o scripture_n other_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n in_o this_o case_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a without_o a_o revelation_n for_o this_o man_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o by_o his_o own_o private_a reason_n examine_v and_o weigh_v the_o argument_n and_o pretence_n of_o both_o side_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o unless_o he_o can_v by_o his_o reason_n demonstrate_v that_o the_o one_o be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n and_o the_o other_o not_o so_o he_o have_v not_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o reason_n can_v never_o do_v this_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n for_o speak_v of_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o tradition_n have_v for_o its_o basis_n man_n nature_n not_o according_a to_o his_o intellectual_n which_o do_v but_o dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n etc._n etc._n and_o again_o 183._o speak_v how_o reason_n bring_v man_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o use_v this_o comparison_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n can_v be_v found_v on_o demonstration_n because_o it_o be_v not_o found_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n of_o man_n which_o only_o can_v demonstrate_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v found_v in_o the_o intellectual_a part_n yet_o that_o can_v never_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n because_o that_o faculty_n which_o be_v dim-sighted_a and_o do_v but_o grope_v dark_o in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n be_v uncapable_a of_o frame_v demonstration_n nor_o can_v any_o man_n understand_v how_o dim-sighted_a reason_n shall_v see_v clear_o to_o choose_v its_o guide_n any_o more_o than_o its_o way_n especial_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v what_o a_o pretty_a contradiction_n it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v dim-sighted_a can_v see_v clear_o but_o mr._n cressy_n be_v not_o content_v to_o call_v every_o man_n reason_n dim-sighted_a he_o venture_v a_o step_n further_o and_o call_v it_o hoodwinked_a and_o blind_a for_o he_o tell_v we_o 8._o that_o private_a reason_n be_v apparent_o a_o most_o fallible_a guide_n and_o he_o pity_v 9_o my_o lord_n falkland_n case_n because_o in_o the_o search_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n he_o do_v betake_v himself_o to_o the_o casual_a conduct_n of_o blind_a humane_a natural_a reason_n which_o afterward_o he_o call_v 11._o a_o guide_n that_o two_o person_n can_v possible_o follow_v together_o because_o no_o two_o person_n that_o ever_o follow_v any_o other_o guide_n beside_o authority_n do_v or_o can_v think_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v reasonable_a that_o all_o other_o think_v so_o and_o by_o consequence_n such_o a_o guide_n that_o as_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v in_o that_o office_n there_o can_v possible_o be_v any_o church_n any_o where_o which_o say_v he_o be_v a_o infallible_a eviction_n that_o this_o be_v a_o imaginary_a seduce_a guide_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o that_o shall_v be_v
reasonable_a to_o be_v suppose_v or_o no_o may_v easy_o be_v determine_v not_o only_o from_o every_o man_n be_v own_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o a_o more_o advantageous_a instance_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o know_v and_o diligent_a teacher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o his_o disciple_n fall_v into_o many_o mistake_n concern_v it_o so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a propagate_a of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o endue_v even_o those_o who_o have_v learn_v this_o doctrine_n from_o himself_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_n which_o have_v be_v unnecessary_a have_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o mistake_v this_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n who_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o with_o infinite_o more_o advantage_n than_o ordinary_a parent_n can_v teach_v their_o child_n yet_o in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o they_o plant_v they_o find_v christian_n very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v and_o pervert_v their_o doctrine_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o frequent_a complaint_n in_o most_o of_o their_o epistle_n nay_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o hebrew_n 12._o with_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n that_o after_o fit_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o instruction_n they_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o when_o for_o the_o time_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o have_v need_v that_o one_o shall_v teach_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o luciferian_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v taint_v with_o many_o gross_a error_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n yet_o warm_a in_o judea_n but_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v better_a teacher_n since_o and_o child_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o learn_v now_o than_o man_n be_v then_o who_o know_v how_o the_o world_n may_v be_v change_v §_o 2._o second_o this_o demonstration_n suppose_v the_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o christian_n religion_n apply_v to_o man_n mind_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o man_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o adhere_v to_o it_o that_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a i_o have_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 75._o that_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n and_o what_o those_o cause_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o before_o 60._o that_o they_o be_v hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v but_o i_o hope_v that_o the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n can_v be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o strong_a application_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n unless_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o that_o effect_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o christian_n to_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n for_o if_o these_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_v be_v constant_a as_o he_o must_v suppose_v than_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a cause_n of_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o act_n be_v necessary_a while_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v constant_o in_o act_n the_o effect_n be_v always_o necessary_a but_o what_o a_o wild_a supposition_n be_v this_o that_o moral_a motive_n and_o argument_n work_v upon_o a_o free_a principle_n the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v necessary_o produce_v their_o effect_n be_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n shall_v keep_v christian_n constant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o necessary_a that_o these_o argument_n shall_v prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o man_n must_v be_v good_a who_o have_v sufficient_a argument_n propound_v to_o they_o when_o experience_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a nay_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n impossible_a that_o moral_a argument_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a efficacy_n because_o they_o be_v always_o propound_v to_o a_o free_a agent_n who_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v yield_v to_o they_o or_o not_o indeed_o it_o be_v always_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v yield_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v reasonable_a they_o will_v but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v free_v it_o can_v never_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o they_o will_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o free_a it_o be_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o in_o they_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o these_o argument_n for_o what_o virtue_n can_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o live_v according_o if_o he_o do_v all_o this_o necessary_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o can_v no_o more_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v so_o or_o not_o than_o whether_o he_o will_v see_v the_o light_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o his_o open_a eye_n or_o whether_o he_o will_v hear_v a_o sound_n when_o all_o the_o bell_n in_o the_o town_n be_v ring_v in_o his_o ear_n or_o to_o use_v mr._n s_n 53._o own_o similitude_n whether_o he_o will_v feel_v heat_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n that_o affect_v his_o sense_n we_o see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a his_o supposition_n be_v and_o yet_o without_o these_o ground_n his_o demonstration_n fall_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o christian_n may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o be_v defective_a in_o diligence_n to_o instruct_v other_o in_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v free_a may_v not_o be_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o sway_v by_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o tradition_n may_v fail_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a demonstration_n which_o support_v itself_o upon_o such_o principle_n as_o do_v direct_o affront_v the_o constant_a experience_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o mankind_n §_o 3._o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o inconsistent_a he_o be_v to_o himself_o in_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o tradition_n have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n etc._n etc._n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v heat_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n the_o basis_n of_o tradition_n be_v not_o man_n nature_n consider_v as_o moral_a and_o capable_a of_o intellectual_a reflection_n for_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v dark_a and_o defectible_a but_o man_n nature_n consider_v only_o as_o capable_a of_o direct_a sensitive_a knowledge_n and_o as_o act_v natural_o and_o necessary_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o tradition_n be_v foundded_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consider_v not_o as_o a_o man_n but_o a_o brute_n under_o which_o consideration_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v call_v it_o the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n but_o now_o how_o will_v he_o reconcile_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o stability_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v in_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v the_o object_n of_o which_o be_v future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o man_n immediate_o by_o direct_a impression_n upon_o his_o sense_n but_o must_v work_v upon_o he_o by_o way_n of_o intellectual_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n for_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v work_v upon_o man_n according_a to_o his_o
innovate_v have_v make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n four_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o he_o call_v the_o traditionary_a christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v to_o they_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n if_o i_o can_v now_o make_v good_a these_o four_o thing_n i_o hope_v his_o demonstration_n be_v at_o a_o end_n sect_n vii_o demonstration_n §_o 1._o that_o these_o principle_n whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o imperfect_o teach_v in_o any_o age_n or_o mistake_v by_o the_o learner_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o forget_v as_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a greek_a church_n have_v forget_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n account_v it_o or_o if_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o necessary_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n then_o there_o may_v have_v be_v change_n and_o innovation_n in_o any_o age_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o have_v follow_v tradition_n but_o i_o have_v show_v that_o ignorance_n and_o negligence_n and_o mistake_v and_o pride_n and_o lust_n and_o ambition_n and_o any_o other_o vice_n or_o interest_n may_v hinder_v those_o cause_n from_o be_v effectual_a to_o preserve_v tradition_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o person_n who_o innovate_v and_o change_v the_o doctrine_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o new_a doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o first_o advance_v they_o as_o pious_a and_o after_o they_o have_v prevail_v and_o gain_v general_a entertainment_n then_o impudent_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n deliver_v which_o they_o may_v very_o secure_o do_v when_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o burn_v all_o that_o shall_v deny_v it_o §_o 2._o i_o will_v give_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o show_v how_o this_o may_v easy_o come_v in_o in_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o age_n after_o christ._n we_o will_v suppose_v then_o that_o about_o this_o time_n when_o universal_a ignorance_n and_o the_o genuine_a daughter_n of_o it_o call_v her_o devotion_n or_o superstition_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v strange_a thing_n and_o even_o the_o great_a contradiction_n be_v recommend_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n be_v tell_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o guide_n that_o the_o more_o contradiction_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o reason_n the_o great_a merit_n there_o be_v in_o believe_v it_o i_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a then_o in_o the_o church_n either_o out_o of_o design_n or_o out_o of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n use_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v advance_v this_o new_a doctrine_n that_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o trope_n as_o the_o like_a form_n in_o scripture_n be_v as_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n i_o be_o the_o door_n which_o be_v plain_a trope_n but_o be_v use_v about_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v in_o they_o some_o notable_a mystery_n which_o they_o will_v do_v if_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n make_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n into_o the_o real_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v too_o usual_a for_o man_n either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o interest_n to_o advance_v new_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o ambitious_a clergy_n of_o that_o time_n as_o a_o probable_a mean_n to_o draw_v in_o the_o people_n to_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o they_o which_o advantage_n mr._n rushworth_n 4._o seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o if_o all_o the_o learned_a clerk_n that_o ever_o live_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v study_v to_o raise_v advance_v and_o magnify_v some_o one_o state_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o reverence_n and_o eminency_n they_o can_v never_o without_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o this_o i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a device_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v invent_v without_o any_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n less_o likely_a to_o take_v and_o prevail_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o age_n prodigious_o ignorant_a and_o strong_o incline_v to_o superstition_n and_o thereby_o well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacrament_n now_o suppose_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o so_o fit_v to_o the_o humour_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n to_o be_v once_o assert_v either_o by_o chance_n or_o out_o of_o design_n it_o will_v take_v like_o wildfire_n especial_o if_o by_o some_o one_o or_o more_o who_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v but_o recommend_v with_o convenient_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n and_o although_o mr._n rushworth_n say_v 7._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n shall_v sway_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n because_o say_v he_o sure_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v rather_o help_v the_o church_n than_o permit_v so_o little_a pride_n among_o man_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o so_o thorough_o satisfy_v with_o this_o cunning_a reason_n for_o though_o he_o deliver_v it_o confident_o and_o with_o a_o sure_o yet_o i_o make_v some_o doubt_n whether_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o help_v the_o church_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o connive_v at_o this_o humble_a and_o obsequious_a temper_n in_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n than_o across_o a_o design_n so_o dear_a to_o he_o by_o unseasonable_a temptation_n to_o pride_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o mr._n rushworth_n reason_n it_o seem_v very_o likely_a that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o such_o a_o age_n may_v easy_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o great_a person_n in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o easy_a and_o passive_a temper_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n than_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o all_o imaginable_a greediness_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a zeal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n who_o make_v objection_n against_o it_o as_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v new_a and_o full_a of_o contradiction_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o the_o eminency_n and_o authority_n and_o pretend_a sanctity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o innovation_n and_o when_o this_o doctrine_n be_v general_o swallow_v and_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o punish_v as_o heretic_n than_o it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o maintain_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o true_a to_o bend_v two_o or_o three_o saying_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradiction_n contain_v in_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v but_o tell_v the_o people_n then_o as_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n now_o that_o contradiction_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o scruple_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o more_o impossible_a any_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o believe_v plain_a possibility_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o gallantry_n and_o heroical_a power_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o oblige_v god_n almighty_a for_o ever_o to_o we_o to_o believe_v flat_a and_o downright_a
〈◊〉_d of_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n etc._n etc._n viz._n myself_o and_o many_o other_o again_o myself_o and_o as_o many_o christian_n as_o be_v thorough_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o right_a persuasion_n second_o who_o deny_v the_o millennium_n many_o christian_n say_v justin_n but_o what_o christian_n of_o a_o right_a persuasion_n that_o say_v he_o i_o have_v signify_v before_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n for_o i_o have_v show_v thou_o of_o they_o who_o be_v call_v christian_n but_o be_v indeed_o atheist_n and_o impious_a heretic_n that_o they_o teach_v blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a and_o absurd_a thing_n and_o true_a it_o be_v he_o do_v show_v before_o that_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o millennium_n be_v many_o in_o number_n and_o be_v call_v christian_n etc._n etc._n but_o be_v teacher_n of_o blasphemous_a and_o atheistical_a thing_n etc._n etc._n and_o know_v to_o be_v atheist_n and_o impious_a etc._n etc._n but_o he_o show_v it_o of_o none_o other_o beside_o these_o so_o that_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v likewise_o deny_v by_o many_o christian_n of_o the_o pure_a and_o pious_a persuasion_n than_o justin_n martyr_n have_v foul_o forget_v himself_o but_o if_o not_o than_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o transcriber_n have_v wrong_v justin_n by_o leave_v out_o a_o negative_a which_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v insert_v it_o be_v worth_a observe_v by_o the_o way_n how_o mr._n white_n please_v himself_o with_o false_a and_o frivolous_a criticism_n upon_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d false_a they_o be_v as_o mr._n white_n shall_v know_v if_o he_o desire_v to_o hear_v any_o more_o of_o they_o and_o frivolous_a they_o be_v render_v by_o my_o precede_a discourse_n for_o which_o reason_n i_o say_v no_o more_o of_o they_o but_o i_o think_v he_o may_v do_v well_o hereafter_o as_o mr._n s._n 68_o wary_o suggest_v not_o to_o engage_v himself_o nor_o be_v hook_a by_o other_o out_o of_o his_o own_o infallible_a way_n but_o leave_v it_o whole_o to_o the_o 69._o bird-witted_n heretic_n as_o mr._n s._n call_v they_o to_o perch_v upon_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o word_n as_o he_o do_v of_o thing_n §_o 9_o beside_o these_o instance_n i_o have_v give_v of_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n which_o mr._n s._n can_v deny_v to_o have_v be_v innovate_v i_o may_v instance_n likewise_o in_o the_o chief_a point_n of_o popery_n and_o show_v that_o for_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o tradition_n they_o be_v real_o innovation_n but_o because_o this_o will_v engage_v i_o in_o tedious_a dispute_n about_o particular_a point_n i_o will_v only_o single_a out_o one_o of_o their_o most_o fundamental_a doctrine_n viz._n that_o of_o transubstantiation_n concern_v which_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v the_o universal_a persuasion_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n yet_o they_o have_v not_o nor_o can_v have_v any_o assurance_n that_o it_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o it_o be_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n i_o shall_v not_o at_o all_o contend_v against_o the_o word_n transubstantiation_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v new_a but_o only_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o a_o substantial_a change_n of_o the_o bread_n and_o wine_n into_o the_o body_n and_o blood_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o i_o may_v show_v at_o large_a not_o to_o have_v be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o because_o mr._n white_n and_o dr._n holden_n and_o mr._n cressy_n do_v so_o frequent_o and_o confident_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v repute_v a_o traditionary_a doctrine_n the_o contrary_a whereof_o have_v be_v public_o hold_v by_o any_o catholic_n who_o continue_v afterward_o uncensured_a and_o in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o i_o shall_v content_v myself_o at_o present_a with_o one_o clear_a testimony_n and_o that_o of_o a_o very_a eminent_a person_n in_o the_o church_n st._n theodoret_n concern_v who_o pope_n leo_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o he_o at_o the_o end_n of_o theodoret_n work_n give_v this_o testimony_n that_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o apostolic_a see_v he_o be_v free_a from_o all_o stain_n of_o heresy_n the_o passage_n i_o intend_v be_v in_o his_o dialogue_n between_o a_o catholic_n under_o the_o name_n of_o orthodoxus_n and_o eraniste_n who_o sustain_v the_o person_n of_o a_o heretic_n eraniste_n 2._o maintain_v that_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n be_v change_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o divinity_n he_o illustrate_v it_o by_o this_o similitude_n as_o say_v he_o the_o symbol_n of_o the_o lord_n body_n and_o blood_n be_v one_o thing_n before_o the_o invocation_n of_o the_o priest_n but_o after_o the_o invocation_n be_v change_v and_o do_v become_v another_o thing_n so_o the_o body_n of_o our_o lord_n after_o his_o ascension_n be_v change_v into_o the_o divine_a substance_n to_o which_o orthodoxus_n return_v this_o answer_n thou_o be_v catch_v in_o thy_o own_o net_n because_o the_o mystical_a symbol_n after_o consecration_n do_v not_o pass_v out_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o they_o remain_v in_o their_o former_a substance_n figure_n and_o appearance_n and_o may_v be_v see_v and_o handle_v even_o as_o before_o he_o do_v not_o only_o in_o express_a word_n deny_v the_o substance_n of_o the_o symbol_n to_o be_v change_v but_o the_o occasion_n upon_o which_o these_o word_n be_v bring_v in_o and_o the_o scope_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v of_o any_o force_n against_o the_o heretic_n illustration_n render_v they_o uncapable_a of_o any_o other_o sense_n when_o mr._n s._n have_v answer_v this_o testimony_n i_o have_v more_o for_o he_o that_o which_o i_o main_o urge_v against_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o monstrous_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n contain_v in_o it_o together_o with_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o they_o several_a of_o the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o be_v well_o bring_v together_o by_o scotus_n 3._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o to_o prove_v the_o possibility_n of_o christ_n body_n be_v contain_v under_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n many_o thing_n must_v be_v prove_v which_o seem_v to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n as_o 1._o that_o one_o quantum_fw-la or_o extend_v body_n may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o very_a same_o place_n with_o another_o 2._o that_o a_o less_o quantum_fw-la may_v be_v together_o in_o the_o same_o place_n with_o a_o great_a i._n e._n a_o body_n of_o less_o extension_n may_v occupy_v not_o only_o the_o same_o but_o as_o much_o room_n as_o a_o body_n of_o great_a extension_n do_v which_o be_v to_o say_v no_o more_o but_o this_o that_o a_o body_n less_o than_o another_o may_v be_v as_o great_a as_o that_o other_o even_o while_o it_o be_v less_o than_o it_o 3._o that_o a_o great_a quantum_fw-la may_v be_v together_o with_o every_o part_n of_o a_o less_o quantum_fw-la i._n e._n a_o body_n that_o be_v great_a than_o another_o may_v be_v as_o little_a as_o the_o least_o part_n of_o that_o other_o body_n which_o be_v less_o than_o it_o 4._o that_o a_o subject_n may_v be_v without_o quantity_n i._n e._n there_o may_v be_v a_o body_n which_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o magnitude_n 5._o that_o a_o body_n may_v be_v somewhere_o where_o it_o be_v not_o before_o without_o change_v its_o place_n i·_fw-la e._n a_o body_n may_v be_v remove_v to_o another_o place_n while_o it_o remain_v still_o in_o the_o same_o place_n 6._o that_o a_o quantum_fw-la may_v be_v without_o any_o quantitative_a mode_n i._n e._n a_o body_n may_v be_v extend_v without_o any_o manner_n of_o extension_n the_o possibility_n of_o all_o which_o he_o say_v and_o i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o his_o mind_n it_o will_v be_v too_o tedious_a a_o work_n to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o he_o only_o attempt_n to_o prove_v the_o two_o last_o which_o in_o all_o reason_n be_v work_n enough_o for_o one_o man_n all_o these_o seem_a contradiction_n as_o he_o modest_o call_v they_o be_v by_o his_o own_o acknowledgement_n involve_v in_o this_o doctrine_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v many_o more_o as_o how_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v change_v into_o another_o thing_n which_o do_v exist_v before_o how_o a_o body_n can_v be_v present_a in_o a_o place_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o affirm_v concern_v the_o presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n one_o may_v as_o well_o say_v that_o snow_n be_v black_a but_o not_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o blackness_n but_o in_o the_o way_n of_o whiteness_n which_o be_v to_o talk_v nonsense_n after_o the_o manner_n of_o sense_n how_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ_n can_v be_v contain_v under_o the_o least_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o species_n of_o bread_n as_o be_v general_o affirm_v nay_o and_o scotus_n 12._o
proof_n of_o this_o i_o appeal_v to_o that_o sess._n decree_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o which_o they_o declare_v that_o because_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n and_o unwritten_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n therefore_o they_o do_v receive_v and_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o also_o tradition_n pari_fw-la pietatis_fw-la affectu_fw-la ac_fw-la reverentiâ_fw-la with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o consonant_o to_o this_o decree_n the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n be_v that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n make_v up_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o roman_a catechism_n set_v forth_o by_o order_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n say_v praefat._n that_o the_o sum_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v to_o the_o faithful_a be_v contain_v in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v distribute_v into_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n bellarmine_n 12._o speak_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n not_o a_o entire_a but_o partial_a one_o the_o entire_a rule_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v divide_v into_o two_o partial_a rule_n scripture_n and_o tradition_n according_a to_o this_o the_o adequate_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o be_v contain_v partly_o in_o scripture_n and_o partly_o in_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n and_o that_o scripture_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o as_o the_o principal_a rule_n and_o primary_n foundation_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o tradition_n as_o only_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o some_o doctrine_n and_o rite_n not_o contain_v in_o scripture_n must_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o one_o that_o have_v be_v conversant_a in_o the_o chief_a of_o their_o controversial_a divine_n bellarmine_n 9_o where_o he_o give_v the_o mark_n of_o a_o divine_a tradition_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o that_o which_o they_o call_v a_o divine_a tradition_n be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n or_o rite_n as_o be_v not_o find_v in_o scripture_n but_o embrace_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n and_o for_o that_o reason_n believe_v to_o have_v descend_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o he_o tell_v we_o further_o 11._o that_o the_o apostle_n commit_v all_o to_o write_v which_o be_v common_o and_o public_o preach_v and_o that_o all_o thing_n be_v in_o scripture_n which_o man_n be_v bind_v to_o know_v and_o believe_v explicit_o but_o then_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n do_v not_o common_o and_o public_o teach_v and_o these_o they_o do_v not_o commit_v to_o write_v but_o deliver_v they_o only_o by_o word_n of_o mouth_n to_o the_o prelate_n and_o priest_n and_o perfect_a man_n of_o the_o church_n and_o these_o be_v the_o apostolical_a tradition_n he_o speak_v of_o cardinal_n perron_n 4._o say_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n either_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o and_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o unwritten_a tradition_n be_v found_v in_o general_a on_o these_o sentence_n of_o the_o apostle_n 2.15_o hold_v the_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n again_o 2.2_o the_o thing_n which_o thou_o have_v hear_v of_o i_o among_o many_o witness_n commit_v to_o faithful_a man_n etc._n etc._n and_o that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n to_o preserve_v and_o especial_o to_o declare_v these_o be_v found_v in_o this_o proposition_n viz._n 3.15_o that_o the_o church_n be_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o the_o primary_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o scripture_n in_o which_o the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v mr._n knott_n 1_o say_v express_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o h._n scripture_n to_o be_v a_o most_o perfect_a rule_n for_o as_o much_o as_o a_o write_n can_v be_v a_o rule_n we_o only_o deny_v that_o it_o exclude_v either_o divine_a tradition_n though_o it_o be_v unwritten_a or_o a_o external_a judge_n to_o keep_v to_o propose_v to_o interpret_v it_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o scripture_n be_v a_o perfect_a rule_n only_o it_o do_v not_o exclude_v unwritten_a tradition_n etc._n etc._n by_o which_o that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v as_o mr._n s._n do_v a_o concurrent_a oral_a tradition_n of_o all_o the_o same_o doctrine_n which_o be_v contain_v in_o scripture_n but_o other_o doctrine_n not_o therein_o contain_v be_v plain_a from_o what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o 179._o we_o do_v not_o distinguish_v tradition_n from_o the_o write_a word_n because_o tradition_n be_v not_o write_v by_o any_o or_o in_o any_o book_n or_o write_n but_o because_o it_o be_v not_o write_v in_o the_o srripture_n or_o bible_n bellarmine_n 2._o also_o say_v the_o same_o and_o as_o for_o the_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o office_n of_o a_o rule_n but_o of_o a_o judg._n 3_o there_o be_v say_v he_o a_o great_a and_o plain_a distinction_n between_o a_o judge_n and_o a_o rule_n for_o as_o in_o a_o kingdom_n the_o judge_n have_v his_o rule_n to_o follow_v which_o be_v the_o receive_v law_n and_o custom_n which_o be_v not_o fit_a or_o able_a to_o declare_v and_o be_v judge_n to_o themselves_o but_o that_o office_n must_v belong_v to_o a_o live_a judge_n so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v and_o may_v be_v a_o rule_n but_o can_v be_v a_o judg._n here_o he_o make_v the_o scripture_n as_o much_o a_o rule_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o law_n of_o the_o land_n be_v for_o civil_a matter_n and_o in_o his_o reply_n to_o mr._n chillingworth_n he_o have_v a_o chapter_n of_o above_o 150_o page_n the_o title_n whereof_o be_v scripture_n be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v he_o with_o mr._n s._n believe_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o will_v be_v to_o write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o turk_n be_v not_o the_o only_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n mr._n cressy_n likewise_o not_o very_o consistent_o to_o himself_o lay_v down_o this_o conclusion_n 20._o the_o entire_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v contain_v not_o only_o in_o scripture_n but_o likewise_o in_o unwritten_a tradition_n §_o 2._o now_o all_o this_o be_v as_o contrary_a as_o can_v be_v to_o mr._n rushworth_n new_a rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o mr._n white_n say_v 96._o they_o speak_v ill_o who_o teach_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v know_v in_o the_o church_n from_o scripture_n some_o by_o tradition_n and_o dr._n holden_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o make_v scripture_n any_o part_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n advance_v one_o of_o the_o most_o wild_a and_o uncharitable_a position_n that_o ever_o i_o yet_o meet_v withal_o viz._n 6._o that_o if_o one_o shall_v believe_v all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o catholic_n faith_n etc._n etc._n for_o this_o reason_n because_o he_o think_v they_o be_v all_o express_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n or_o implicit_o contain_v so_o as_o they_o may_v be_v deduce_v from_o thence_o and_o will_v not_o have_v believe_v they_o have_v he_o not_o judge_v that_o they_o may_v be_v evince_v from_o scripture_n yet_o this_o man_n can_v be_v no_o true_a catholic_n because_o as_o he_o tell_v we_o afterward_o 8._o we_o must_v receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o come_v to_o we_o by_o tradition_n for_o only_o by_o this_o mean_n exclude_v the_o scripture_n christ_n have_v appoint_v reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v receive_v and_o communicate_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n cardinal_n perron_n unless_o he_o alter_v his_o mind_n be_v in_o a_o sad_a case_n who_o believe_v the_o authority_n of_o tradition_n itself_o for_o this_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v found_v in_o scripture_n §_o 3._o and_o this_o fundamental_a difference_n about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n between_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o divine_n and_o mr_n s's_n small_a party_n be_v full_o acknowledge_v by_o the_o traditionist_n themselves_o dr._n holden_n say_v 9_o that_o their_o divine_n who_o resolve_v faith_n according_a to_o the_o common_a opinion_n do_v inevitable_o fall_v into_o that_o shameful_a circle_n of_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n and_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n back_o again_o by_o the_o scripture_n because_o they_o dare_v not_o build_v their_o faith_n upon_o the_o natural_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n so_o that_o dr._n holden_n way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v different_a from_o the_o common_a opinion_n of_o their_o divine_n which_o he_o say_v 3._o do_v not_o differ_v from_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o who_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o private_a spirit_n and_o this_o according_a to_o mr._n white_a 70._o
they_o with_o so_o much_o as_o a_o videtur_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la but_o it_o may_v be_v he_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o this_o corollary_n than_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o 18_o the_o viz._n that_o no_o solid_a argument_n from_o reason_n can_v be_v bring_v against_o tradition_n if_o so_o than_o the_o sense_n of_o his_o 23_o d_o corollary_n must_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n with_o any_o solid_a show_n or_o substantial_a shadow_n of_o reason_n which_o will_v be_v a_o little_a inconvenient_a i_o will_v instance_n but_o in_o one_o more_o his_o 40_o the_o which_o be_v this_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 i._n e._n without_o which_o nothing_o be_v know_v or_o knowable_a in_o that_o science_n which_o be_v to_o infer_v that_o because_o he_o have_v with_o much_o pain_n prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n therefore_o it_o be_v self_n evident_a i._n e._n need_v no_o proof_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o conclude_v the_o present_a matter_n in_o controversy_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a debate_n of_o his_o book_n to_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversial_a divinity_n i._n e._n such_o a_o proposition_n as_o every_o one_o ought_v to_o grant_v before_o he_o can_v have_v any_o right_a to_o dispute_v about_o it_o this_o be_v a_o very_a prudent_a course_n to_o make_v beg_v the_o question_n the_o first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n which_o will_v it_o but_o be_v grant_v i_o be_o very_o much_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o the_o method_n he_o take_v will_v be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o make_v controversy_n a_o science_n because_o he_o that_o shall_v have_v the_o luck_n or_o boldness_n to_o beg_v first_o will_v have_v it_o in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v what_o he_o please_v certain_a §_o 2._o be_v it_o worth_a while_n i_o may_v further_o pursue_v the_o absurdity_n of_o his_o corollary_n for_o they_o be_v not_o so_o terrible_a as_o he_o make_v show_v of_o by_o his_o tell_n dr._n casaubon_n 330._o that_o sure-footing_a and_o its_o corollary_n may_v put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o wit_n which_o though_o intend_v for_o a_o affront_n to_o the_o doctor_n yet_o it_o may_v be_v mollify_v with_o a_o good_a interpretation_n for_o if_o the_o read_n of_o wild_a and_o fantastical_a stuff_n be_v apt_a to_o disorder_v a_o very_a learned_a head_n than_o so_o far_o mr._n s_n saying_n may_v have_v truth_n in_o it_o it_o remain_v only_o that_o i_o requite_v his_o 41_o corol._n not_o with_o a_o equal_a number_n but_o with_o two_o or_o three_o natural_a consectary_n from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o his_o book_n first_o no_o man_n can_v certain_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o book_n whatsoever_o any_o far_a than_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o a_o concurrent_a oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o argument_n whereby_o he_o and_o mr._n rushworth_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a without_o tradition_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n do_v equal_o extend_v to_o all_o other_o book_n second_o the_o memory_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o may_v be_v better_o preserve_v by_o general_a rumour_n than_o by_o public_a record_n for_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a english_a of_o that_o assertion_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o better_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n of_o conveyance_n than_o write_v three_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o papist_n be_v no_o christian_n for_o if_o as_o he_o affirm_v tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o those_o who_o disow_v this_o rule_n be_v *_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n i._n e._n unchristian_v and_o if_o as_o i_o have_v show_v the_o generality_n of_o papist_n do_v disow_v this_o rule_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o be_v no_o christian_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n iu_o testimony_n concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n sect_n i._o §_o 1._o thus_o far_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o principles_n the_o rest_n be_v notebook_n learning_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o examine_v he_o be_v not_o much_o a_o friend_n to_o and_o there_o be_v no_o kindness_n lose_v for_o it_o be_v as_o little_a a_o friend_n to_o he_o and_o his_o cause_n as_o he_o can_v be_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v first_o examine_v the_o authority_n he_o bring_v for_o tradition_n and_o then_o produce_v express_a testimony_n in_o behalf_n of_o scripture_n in_o both_o which_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o brief_a in_o the_o one_o because_o his_o testimony_n require_v no_o long_a answer_n in_o the_o other_o because_o it_o will_v be_v to_o little_a purpose_n to_o trouble_v mr._n s._n with_o many_o father_n who_o for_o aught_o appear_v by_o his_o book_n be_v acquaint_v with_o none_o but_o father_n white_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o by_o the_o way_n i_o can_v much_o blame_v he_o for_o the_o course_n he_o use_v to_o take_v with_o other_o man_n testimony_n because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a way_n that_o a_o man_n in_o his_o circumstance_n can_v take_v otherwise_o nothing_o can_v be_v in_o itself_o more_o unreasonable_a than_o to_o pretend_v to_o answer_v testimony_n by_o rank_v they_o under_o so_o many_o faulty_a head_n and_o have_v so_o do_v magisterial_o to_o require_v his_o adversary_n to_o vindicate_v they_o by_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o fall_v under_o some_o of_o those_o head_n though_o he_o have_v not_o say_v one_o word_n against_o any_o of_o they_o particular_o nay_o though_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o recite_v any_o one_o of_o they_o for_o then_o the_o trick_n will_v be_v spoil_v and_o his_o catholic_n reader_n who_o perhaps_o may_v believe_v he_o in_o the_o general_n may_v see_v reason_n not_o to_o do_v so_o if_o he_o shall_v descend_v to_o particular_n which_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v will_v make_v his_o 161._o discourse_n to_o look_v with_o a_o contingent_a face_n §_o 2._o i_o begin_v with_o his_o three_o authority_n from_o scripture_n which_o when_o i_o consider_v i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o of_o all_o man_n shall_v find_v fault_n with_o my_o lord_n bishop_n of_o down_n dissuasive_a for_o be_v so_o 320._o thin_a and_o sleight_n in_o scripture-citation_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o he_o will_v answer_v it_o to_o mr._n rushworth_n for_o transgress_v that_o prudent_a rule_n of_o he_o viz._n 14._o that_o the_o catholic_n shall_v never_o undertake_v to_o convince_v his_o adversary_n out_o of_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o substantial_a reason_n ibid._n because_o this_o be_v to_o strengthen_v his_o opponent_n in_o his_o own_o ground_n and_o principle_n viz._n that_o all_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v out_o of_o scripture_n which_o he_o tell_v we_o present_o after_o be_v no_o more_o fit_a to_o convince_v than_o a_o beetle_n be_v to_o cut_v withal_o meaning_n it_o perhaps_o of_o text_n so_o apply_v as_o these_o be_v which_o follow_v 35.8_o this_o shall_v be_v to_o you_o a_o direct_a way_n so_o that_o fool_n can_v err_v in_o it_o 59.21_o this_o be_v my_o covenant_n with_o they_o say_v the_o lord_n my_o spirit_n which_o be_v in_o thou_o and_o my_o word_n which_o i_o have_v put_v in_o thy_o mouth_n shall_v not_o depart_v from_o thy_o mouth_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n and_o from_o the_o mouth_n of_o thy_o seed_n seed_n from_o henceforth_o for_o ever_o 31._o i_o will_v give_v my_o law_n in_o their_o bowel_n and_o in_o their_o heart_n will_v i_o write_v it_o from_o which_o text_n if_o mr._n s._n can_v prove_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n any_o better_a than_o the_o philosopher_n stone_n or_o the_o longitude_n may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o 1_o cap._n of_o genesis_n i_o be_o content_a they_o shall_v pass_v for_o valid_a testimony_n though_o i_o may_v require_v of_o he_o by_o his_o own_o law_n before_o these_o text_n can_v signify_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o purpose_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o this_o be_v the_o traditionary_a sense_n of_o these_o text_n and_o that_o it_o have_v be_v universal_o in_o all_o age_n receive_v by_o the_o church_n under_o that_o notion_n and_o then_o to_o show_v how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o so_o many_o of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o their_o own_o commentator_n have_v interpret_v they_o to_o another_o sense_n and_o last_o to_o show_v how_o scripture_n which_o have_v no_o certain_a sense_n but_o from_o tradition_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n whereof_o tradition_n can_v assure_v we_o unless_o it_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v how_o scripture_n can_v prove_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o can_v prove_v nothing_o at_o all_o unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o prove_v to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n this_o
say_v 3._o neither_o ought_v i_o now_o to_o allege_v the_o nicene_n council_n nor_o thou_o that_o of_o arminium_n for_o neither_o be_o i_o bind_v to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o one_o nor_o thou_o of_o the_o other_o let_v we_o both_o contest_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v wtiness_n common_a to_o we_o both_o and_o also_o against_o the_o donatist_n in_o these_o word_n 16._o let_v they_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v their_o church_n not_o by_o the_o talk_n and_o rumour_n or_o oral_a tradition_n of_o the_o african_n not_o by_o the_o council_n of_o their_o own_o bishop_n not_o by_o the_o book_n of_o their_o disputer_n not_o by_o deceitful_a miracle_n &c_n &c_n but_o by_o the_o prescript_n of_o the_o law_n prophet_n etc._n etc._n i._n e._n by_o all_o the_o canonical_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a book_n hierom_n say_v 1._o of_o those_o thing_n which_o without_o the_o authority_n and_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n man_n invent_v of_o their_o own_o head_n as_o from_o apostolical_a tradition_n they_o be_v smite_v with_o the_o sword_n of_o god_n theophilus_n alexandr_n who_o hierom_n have_v translate_v call_v scripture_n more_o than_o once_o 3._o the_o rule_n and_o the_o testimony_n of_o it_o the_o firm_a foundation_n of_o doctrine_n and_o again_o say_v 2._o it_o come_v from_o a_o demonical_a spirit_n that_o man_n follow_v the_o sophism_n of_o humane_a mind_n and_o think_v any_o thing_n divine_a that_o want_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n theodoret_n 5._o charge_v all_o heresy_n upon_o the_o not_o follow_v of_o scripture_n which_o he_o call_v the_o inflexible_a rule_n of_o truth_n again_o we_o have_v have_v learn_v the_o rule_n of_o opinion_n from_o the_o divine_a scripture_n after_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o testimony_n of_o two_o eminent_a person_n of_o latter_a time_n gerson_n and_o lyra._n gerson_n in_o his_o 2._o book_n of_o the_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n have_v this_o remarkable_a passage_n in_o the_o trial_n of_o doctrine_n that_o which_o be_v first_o and_o principal_o to_o be_v consider_v be_v whether_o a_o doctrine_n be_v conformable_a to_o the_o h._n scripture_n etc._n etc._n the_o reason_n of_o this_o be_v because_o the_o scripture_n be_v deliver_v to_o we_o as_o a_o sufficient_a and_o infallible_a rule_n for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o whole_a ecclesiastical_a body_n and_o its_o member_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n so_o that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o art_n such_o a_o rule_n or_o exemplar_n that_o any_o other_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o conformable_a to_o it_o be_v to_o be_v renounce_v as_o heretical_a or_o to_o be_v account_v suspicious_a or_o not_o at_o all_o appertain_v to_o religion_n again_o falsis_fw-la it_o be_v evident_a how_o pernicious_a the_o rejection_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n be_v and_o how_o certain_a a_o preparatory_a for_o the_o reception_n of_o antichrist_n once_o more_o etc._n what_o mischief_n what_o danger_n what_o confusion_n have_v happen_v through_o contempt_n of_o the_o h._n scripture_n which_o sure_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o church_n else_o christ_n must_v have_v be_v a_o imperfect_a lawgiver_n let_v we_o ask_v experience_n etc._n etc._n lyra_n etc._n also_o write_v thus_o etc._n as_o in_o philosophy_n truth_n be_v discover_v by_o reduce_v thing_n to_o their_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n so_o in_o the_o write_n deliver_v by_o the_o h._n doctor_n truth_n be_v discover_v as_o to_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o reduce_v they_o to_o the_o canonical_a scripture_n sir_n you_o know_v how_o easy_a it_o be_v to_o swell_v up_o a_o large_a volume_n with_o testimony_n to_o this_o purpose_n especial_o if_o i_o shall_v take_v the_o course_n that_o mr._n wh._n do_v to_o hale_v in_o quotation_n though_o never_o so_o impertinent_a or_o use_v the_o wretched_a importunity_n which_o mr._n s._n do_v to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v pertinent_a but_o these_o testimony_n which_o i_o have_v naked_o set_v down_o leave_v they_o to_o speak_v for_o themselves_o be_v enough_o to_o satisfy_v a_o unpassionate_a reader_n such_o a_o one_o as_o dare_v trust_v himself_o with_o the_o use_n of_o his_o own_o eye_n and_o reason_n as_o for_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n which_o choose_v to_o follow_v noise_n rather_o than_o light_v we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o leave_v they_o to_o the_o blind_a conduct_n of_o those_o guide_n who_o have_v no_o better_a mean_n to_o keep_v their_o follower_n to_o they_o go_v hallow_n in_o the_o dark_a and_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o the_o insignificant_a sound_n of_o infallibility_n indefectibility_n self-evidence_n and_o demonstration_n concern_v the_o appendix_n wherein_o you_o be_v particular_o challenge_v i_o hope_v for_o a_o account_n very_o short_o and_o so_o take_v leave_v sir_n your_o affectionate_a friend_n john_n tillotson_n lincolns-inn_n febr._n 20._o 1665._o finis_fw-la a_o reply_n to_o m_n r._n j._n s._n his_o 3_o d_o appendix_n contain_v some_o animadversion_n on_o the_o book_n entitle_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n by_o ed._n stillingfleet_n b._n d._n london_n print_v by_o h.c._n for_o henry_n mortlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n near_o the_o little_a north-door_n 1675._o a_o appendix_n to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o his_o honour_a friend_n mr._n john_n tillotson_n sir_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o understand_v your_o intention_n to_o answer_v mr._n serjeant_n â—_o i_o can_v not_o but_o rejoice_v on_o his_o behalf_n as_o well_o as_o on_o the_o truth_n and_o your_o own_o for_o i_o have_v that_o real_a kindness_n for_o he_o that_o i_o hearty_o wish_v he_o that_o reason_n and_o science_n he_o pretend_v to_o which_o i_o can_v not_o but_o despair_n of_o his_o attain_n unless_o he_o be_v undeceive_v in_o that_o monstrous_a opinion_n he_o have_v of_o himself_o and_o his_o undertake_n and_o i_o know_v no_o person_n more_o fit_a than_o you_o to_o let_v he_o understand_v the_o truth_n and_o himself_o together_o in_o which_o your_o performance_n have_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o satisfactory_a that_o i_o hope_v mr._n sergeant_n in_o stead_n of_o another_o letter_n of_o direction_n to_o his_o answerer_n will_v write_v you_o one_o of_o thanks_o for_o the_o reason_n and_o kindness_n you_o have_v show_v he_o throughout_o your_o book_n unless_o it_o fare_v with_o you_o as_o it_o have_v do_v with_o some_o other_o adversary_n of_o they_o that_o their_o civility_n have_v be_v interpret_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o uncertainty_n and_o their_o own_o confidence_n cry_v up_o for_o a_o demonstration_n in_o which_o sense_n only_o i_o shall_v grant_v our_o protestant_a writer_n to_o build_v on_o uncertainty_n and_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n sergeant_n to_o be_v the_o great_a demonstrator_n of_o this_o age_n if_o their_o own_o reason_n have_v be_v as_o severe_a as_o the_o censure_n at_o rome_n against_o they_o they_o have_v save_v we_o the_o labour_n of_o any_o answer_n and_o will_v have_v find_v out_o their_o own_o sophistry_n without_o a_o confutation_n but_o the_o least_o thing_n we_o can_v imagine_v by_o their_o excessive_a confidence_n be_v that_o they_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o part_n of_o charity_n to_o they_o as_o well_o as_o justice_n to_o the_o truth_n to_o let_v the_o world_n see_v that_o big_a word_n be_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o science_n and_o a_o strong_a presumption_n from_o a_o regular_a demonstration_n as_o to_o which_o no_o more_o need_n to_o have_v be_v say_v than_o what_o you_o have_v already_o do_v if_o mr._n serjeant_n have_v not_o think_v it_o a_o accession_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o achievement_n to_o lead_v two_o page_n of_o my_o book_n in_o triumph_n after_o he_o i_o confess_v i_o be_v somewhat_o surprise_v to_o see_v a_o person_n who_o will_v be_v note_v for_o his_o valour_n in_o assault_a protestant_a writer_n steal_v so_o behind_o the_o main_a bulk_n and_o design_n of_o my_o book_n and_o when_o he_o have_v get_v two_o single_a page_n by_o themselves_o fall_v upon_o they_o with_o as_o much_o pomp_n and_o ostentation_n as_o if_o he_o have_v attack_v the_o whole_a and_o this_o must_v be_v noise_v abroad_o as_o a_o answer_n to_o i_o by_o the_o same_o figure_n that_o his_o argument_n be_v call_v demonstration_n which_o be_v by_o a_o hyperbole_n unfit_a for_o any_o but_o such_o who_o never_o flag_n below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n in_o their_o own_o judgement_n though_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o come_v near_o it_o in_o other_o yet_o since_o mr._n serjeant_n be_v not_o only_o please_v to_o concern_v himself_o so_o far_o as_o to_o answer_v that_o part_n of_o my_o book_n relate_v to_o oral_a tradition_n but_o in_o most_o express_a term_n to_o challenge_v i_o to_o reply_v to_o he_o 236._o he_o may_v now_o see_v assoon_o as_o i_o can_v get_v any_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
the_o help_n of_o tradition_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v extreme_o ungratful_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v infinite_o better_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o not_o leave_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o mere_a breath_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o care_n of_o mother_n instruct_v their_o child_n but_o have_v give_v we_o the_o certain_a record_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n preserve_v inviolable_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o church_n see_v with_o what_o care_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n oral_a tradition_n be_v little_o mind_v thence_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v whole_o lose_v all_o the_o care_n be_v employ_v in_o search_v preserve_a and_o deliver_v these_o sacred_a book_n to_o posterity_n to_o these_o the_o primitive_a church_n still_o appeal_v these_o they_o plead_v for_o against_o all_o adversary_n defend_v their_o authority_n explain_v their_o sense_n vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n tradition_n they_o rely_v not_o on_o any_o further_a than_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o record_n or_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o from_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n of_o those_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v another_o kind_n of_o tradition_n than_o what_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o when_o these_o be_v silence_v all_o the_o dispute_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o proceed_n in_o the_o case_n of_o arius_n and_o pelagius_n wherein_o tradition_n be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o at_o all_o as_o that_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v plead_v from_o tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reject_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o be_v offer_v and_o such_o person_n be_v plain_o tell_v this_o be_v not_o the_o church_n way_n if_o they_o have_v plain_a scripture_n with_o the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o antiquity_n they_o may_v produce_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n beside_o attest_v the_o book_n be_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o impose_v sense_n on_o scripture_n against_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n it_o be_v not_o avoidable_o but_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n prejudices_fw-la learning_n and_o education_n and_o since_o they_o have_v all_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thence_o as_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v easy_o come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v for_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o know_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o very_a assertion_n be_v a_o error_n in_o which_o the_o former_a age_n do_v not_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v possible_a m._n s_n demonstration_n fail_v he_o for_o hereby_o a_o reasonable_a account_n be_v give_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o again_o let_v i_o inquire_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o man_n may_v not_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a to_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n infallible_a in_o their_o decree_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o jesuit_n as_o little_a as_o mr._n s._n love_v they_o or_o they_o him_z may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o this_o if_o they_o may_v believe_v this_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v then_o that_o transubstantiation_n supremacy_n invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v but_o private_a opinion_n before_o but_o be_v now_o define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n these_o man_n can_v but_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v it_o now_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o this_o opinion_n shall_v be_v believe_v or_o entertain_v in_o the_o church_n if_o not_o why_o may_v not_o this_o opinion_n be_v general_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v so_o do_v it_o not_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n must_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o church_n definition_n and_o thus_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n be_v establish_v as_o laudable_a piece_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o thus_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n may_v see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n unless_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o apprehension_n that_o i_o believe_v the_o jesuit_n can_v entertain_v themselves_o without_o smile_n to_o see_v their_o domestic_a adversary_n expose_v themselves_o to_o contempt_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n thus_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v 8._o why_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n my_o word_n be_v for_o i_o see_v the_o roman_a church_n assert_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o at_o least_o pope_n and_o council_n challenge_v this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n maintain_v there_o and_o other_o be_v look_v on_o as_o no_o member_n of_o their_o church_n who_o assert_v the_o contrary_a but_o as_o person_n at_o least_o meritorious_o if_o not_o actual_o excommunicate_v where_o then_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v myself_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o church_n be_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a must_v i_o believe_v a_o very_a few_o person_n who_o the_o rest_n disow_v as_o heretical_a and_o seditious_a or_o aught_o i_o not_o rather_o to_o take_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o approve_a person_n of_o that_o church_n and_o these_o disown_n any_o such_o doctrine_n but_o assert_v that_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n s._n beg_v leave_v to_o distinguish_v the_o word_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la 205._o which_o may_v either_o mean_a christian_a faith_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o then_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v be_v in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o or_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la may_v mean_v obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o this_o latter_a sense_n none_o i_o think_v say_v he_o deny_v thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n none_o hold_v it_o upon_o which_o very_o triumphant_o he_o conclude_v what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o your_o difficulty_n i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o some_o wonderment_n and_o think_v i_o elude_v it_o rather_o than_o answer_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o unperplex_v you_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o a_o fault_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o admire_v thing_n which_o man_n understand_v not_o on_o which_o account_n i_o can_v free_v myself_o from_o some_o temptation_n to_o that_o he_o call_v wonderment_n but_o i_o be_o present_o cure_v of_o it_o when_o i_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v his_o distinction_n to_o reason_n for_o instead_o of_o explain_v his_o term_n he_o shall_v have_v show_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o his_o endeavour_n to_o unperplex_v i_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o yet_o i_o apprehend_v not_o because_o i_o understand_v no_o obligation_n
be_v and_o i_o shall_v be_v somewhat_o ashamed_a of_o my_o religion_n if_o i_o have_v no_o better_o but_o what_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v have_v be_v ample_o discourse_v already_o by_o you_o and_o that_o in_o mr._n s_n clear_v method_n that_o nothing_o be_v leave_v for_o i_o to_o do_v but_o to_o touch_v at_o what_o remain_v and_o conclude_v this_o answer_n i_o have_v the_o better_a to_o illustrate_v the_o weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n from_o oral_a tradition_n bring_v a_o instance_n in_o that_o case_n parallel_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o age_n deliver_v to_o another_o will_v prove_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o age_n unalterable_a because_o no_o age_n do_v testify_v any_o such_o alteration_n to_o be_v in_o it_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n the_o world_n may_v be_v prove_v eternal_a because_o no_o age_n do_v ever_o testify_v to_o another_o that_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v so_o that_o if_o oral_a tradition_n be_v only_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o world_n must_v be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v always_o what_o we_o see_v it_o be_v this_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a ratiocination_n and_o purposely_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v admit_v of_o other_o rule_n to_o judge_n of_o alteration_n in_o the_o church_n by_o beside_o oral_a tradition_n but_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o own_o expression_n strange_o rove_a from_o the_o mark_n i_o aim_v at_o profess_v there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o it_o parallel_n to_o his_o medium_n 241._o nay_o that_o he_o never_o see_v in_o his_o life_n more_o absurdity_n couch_v in_o few_o word_n but_o i_o must_v take_v all_o patient_o from_o a_o man_n who_o still_o perch_v on_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o never_o flag_n below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n yet_o by_o his_o good_a leave_n he_o either_o apprehend_v not_o or_o wilful_o mistake_v my_o meaning_n for_o my_o argument_n do_v not_o proceed_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o world_n eternity_n which_o in_o his_o answer_n he_o run_v whole_o upon_o as_o far_o as_o eighthly_a and_o last_o 242._o but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o oral_a traditias_fw-la too_o no_o discernible_a alteration_n in_o any_o age_n of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n between_o we_o be_v whether_o in_o matter_n of_o alteration_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o rely_v only_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o oral_a tradition_n so_o that_o if_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_n any_o alteration_n be_v make_v and_o this_o deliver_v by_o that_o age_n than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v there_o have_v be_v no_o alteration_n since_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n now_o i_o say_v if_o this_o hold_v good_a i_o will_v prove_v the_o world_n eternal_a by_o the_o same_o argument_n take_v this_o for_o our_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o rely_v only_o on_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o case_n original_o derive_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n see_v by_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o that_o which_o never_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v be_v eternal_a but_o we_o can_v know_v by_o oral_a tradition_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v for_o no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_o we_o have_v any_o testimony_n of_o any_o alteration_n that_o be_v in_o it_o either_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v what_o it_o be_v i._n e._n eternal_a or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v bare_o on_o oral_a tradition_n in_o this_o case_n but_o we_o must_v judge_n whether_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o no_o by_o other_o medium_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o viz._n to_o show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n from_o oral_a tradition_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v scripture_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v upon_o and_o so_o i_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n though_o we_o can_v not_o prove_v bare_o from_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o one_o age_n that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n whether_o this_o be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n or_o it_o be_v such_o a_o ramble_a chimerical_a argument_n as_o he_o call_v it_o 243._o no_o two_o piece_n of_o which_o hang_v together_o with_o themselves_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o which_o be_v expression_n of_o as_o great_a modesty_n as_o science_n i_o be_o content_a mr_n s._n shall_v bear_v away_o the_o hoour_fw-mi of_o they_o and_o his_o demonstration_n together_o the_o last_o thing_n he_o quarrel_v with_o i_o for_o 19_o be_v that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v evident_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v alteration_n in_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o impossible_a which_o we_o see_v actual_o do_v and_o this_o appear_v not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v if_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v infallible_o believe_v and_o practice_v as_o the_o precedent_n up_o to_o christ_n time_n do_v but_o because_o we_o can_v produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o present_a church_n which_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o some_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o all_o which_o i_o say_v i_o have_v prove_v evident_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o these_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o present_a church_n and_o therefore_o this_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n s._n wish_n i_o will_v tell_v he_o first_o what_o evidence_n mean_v whether_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o a_o demonstration_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n who_o judge_n according_a to_o the_o clear_a reason_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v more_o than_o ever_o his_o demonstration_n will_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o see_v how_o mr._n saint_n lay_v about_o he_o at_o my_o say_n that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n incomparable_o argue_v say_v he_o why_o see_v we_o not_o the_o place_n do_v it_o evident_o speak_v of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o universal_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n but_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n be_v it_o universal_a do_v it_o suppose_v this_o degeneracy_n already_o past_a which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o your_o purpose_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v that_o be_v do_v it_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o faith_n before_o the_o year_n 1664_o alas_o he_o have_v forget_v this_o most_o incomparable_o answer_v for_o if_o the_o degeneracy_n be_v in_o 1665._o or_o any_o year_n after_o what_o become_v of_o m._n s_n demonstration_n then_o that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o demonstration_n hold_v but_o till_o 1664._o and_o i_o easy_o believe_v another_o year_n will_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o degeneracy_n be_v possible_a how_o then_o stand_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o degeneracy_n without_o fall_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n have_v already_o be_v in_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o shall_v refer_v mr._n s_o to_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o late_a idea_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o synopsis_fw-la prophetica_fw-la where_o he_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o his_o demonstration_n be_v far_o from_o hold_v so_o long_o as_o 1664._o and_o now_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_n whether_o the_o forego_n evidence_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n have_v the_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o stoop_v so_o far_o from_o the_o height_n of_o his_o perch_n as_o to_o