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
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
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
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
and_o all_o the_o papist_n of_o foreign_a country_n do_v as_o faithful_a agree_v with_o mr._n white_a in_o this_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o by_o the_o proceed_n in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n against_o he_o in_o which_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o inquisition_n against_o he_o date_v 17._o november_n 1661._o his_o doctrine_n be_v condemn_v not_o only_o as_o false_a seditious_a and_o scandalous_a but_o as_o heretical_a and_o erroneous_a in_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o very_a doctrine_n he_o be_v there_o censure_v why_o do_v mr._n white_a set_v himself_o purposely_o to_o defend_v it_o in_o his_o tabulae_fw-la suffragiale_n if_o these_o than_o do_v agree_v as_o faithful_a who_o can_v but_o envy_v the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o man_n condemn_v each_o other_o for_o heretic_n and_o yet_o all_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o well_o sir_n i_o be_o in_o hope_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n mr._n s._n will_v yield_v 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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 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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
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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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 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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 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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 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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
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 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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
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 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 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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