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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n church_n faith_n infallible_a 3,610 5 9.7555 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59241 Reason against raillery, or, A full answer to Dr. Tillotson's preface against J.S. with a further examination of his grounds of religion. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1672 (1672) Wing S2587; ESTC R10318 153,451 304

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object_n it_o be_v possible_a or_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o god_n power_n to_o make_v all_o mankind_n err_v yet_o take_v in_o his_o other_o attribute_n which_o determine_v his_o omnipoence_n to_o do_v only_o what_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o according_a to_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v god_n shall_v either_o will_n or_o do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v effective_o do_v at_o all_o §_o 18._o he_o object_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n challenge_v infallibility_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o that_o of_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o answer_v the_o church_n have_v her_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v to_o her_o hand_n by_o jesus_n ch●ist_v who_o found_v and_o constitute_v she_o and_o find_v it_o not_o out_o by_o speculative_a reason_n whence_o it_o be_v not_o the_o proper_a concern_v of_o a_o church_n to_o discourse_v very_o particular_o about_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o speculative_a divine_n who_o look_v into_o the_o 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man_n live_v a_o great_a master_n nor_o so_o great_a as_o the_o dr._n two_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o both_o of_o they_o strange_a one_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n be_v found_v on_o the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o ora●_n tradition_n next_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o surefoot_v the_o first_o of_o they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v i_o there_o suppose_v oral_a tradition_n self-evident_o infallible_a and_o then_o run_v on_o all_o the_o way_n upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o if_o it_o obtain_v belief_n as_o from_o his_o credit_n he_o hope_v it_o may_v since_o every_o scholar_n know_v all_o discourse_n must_v be_v found_v either_o on_o first_o principle_n or_o at_o least_o on_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o
say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o humane_a certitude_n of_o which_o it_o may_v simple_o or_o absolute_o be_v say_v non_fw-la posse_fw-la illi_fw-la falsum_fw-la subesse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v produce_v more_o express_o abet_v my_o way_n of_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n nothing_o certain_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v contain_v the_o reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o simple_o infallible_a for_o say_v he_o tradition_n be_v full_a report_n about_o what_o be_v evident_a unto_o sense_n to_o wit_n what_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n public_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a world_n of_o man_n can_v be_v uniform_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v about_o a_o matter_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n so_o divide_v in_o place_n of_o so_o different_a affection_n and_o condition_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v so_o have_v agree_v in_o their_o tale_n have_v they_o so_o malicious_o resolve_v to_o deceive_v the_o world_n observe_v here_o 1._o that_o he_o allege_v only_o natural_a motive_n or_o speak_v only_o of_o tradition_n as_o it_o signify_v the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n that_o be_v as_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n wherein_o i_o take_v it_o in_o my_o method_n 2._o he_o go_v about_o to_o show_v out_o of_o its_o very_a nature_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a 3._o he_o make_v this_o tradition_n or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n a_o infallible_a deriver_n down_o or_o ascertainer_n that_o what_o be_v now_o hold_v upon_o that_o tenure_n be_v the_o apostle_n doctrine_n or_o the_o first-taught_a faith_n which_o once_o know_v those_o who_o be_v yet_o unbeliever_n may_v infallible_o know_v that_o body_n that_o proceed_v upon_o it_o to_o possess_v the_o true_a faith_n and_o consequent_o infallible_o know_v the_o true_a church_n which_o be_v the_o very_a way_n i_o take_v in_o my_o method_n and_o other_o t●eatises_n it_o may_v hence_o be_v discern_v with_o how_o little_a reason_n dr._n t._n except_v against_o it_o as_o so_o superlative_o singular_a but_o to_o proceed_v hence_o p._n 40._o he_o aver_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o tradition_n be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a that_o it_o convince_v infidel_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v only_o natural_a reason_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o for_o though_o say_v he_o they_o be_v blind_a not_o to_o see_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n to_o be_v divine_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n impudent_a and_o obstinate_a as_o to_o deny_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_n catholic_n tradition_n to_o be_v true_o christian_n and_o apostolical_a and_o p._n 41._o the_o only_a mean_n whereby_o man_n succeed_v the_o apostle_n may_v know_v assure_o what_o scripture_n and_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v to_o the_o primitive_a catholic_n church_n be_v the_o catholic_n tradition_n by_o world_n of_o christian_a father_n and_o pastor_n unto_o world_n of_o christian_a child_n and_o faithful_a people_n which_o word_n as_o full_o express_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o only_a or_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o whereas_o some_o hold_n that_o a_o inward_a work_n of_o god_n spirit_n supply_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o motive_n this_o learned_a writer_n p._n 46_o on_o the_o contrary_n affirm_v that_o inward_a assurance_n without_o any_o external_n infallible_a ground_n to_o assure_v man_n of_o truth_n be_v proper_a unto_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o first_o publisher_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o last_o to_o omit_v other_o p._n 47._o he_o discourse_v thus_o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n in_o this_o search_n may_v be_v deceive_v through_o natural_a invincible_a fallibility_n of_o their_o organ_n and_o so_o no_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v altogether_o infallible_a i_o answer_v that_o evidence_n have_v by_o sense_n be_v but_o the_o private_a of_o one_o man_n be_v natural_o and_o physical_o infallible_a but_o when_o the_o same_o be_v also_o public_a and_o catholic_n that_o be_v when_o a_o whole_a world_n of_o man_n concur_v with_o he_o than_o his_o evidence_n be_v altogether_o infallible_a and_o now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v what_o there_o be_v in_o any_o of_o my_o book_n touch_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v not_o either_o the_o selfsame_a or_o else_o necessary_o consequent_a or_o at_o least_o very_a consonant_n to_o what_o i_o have_v here_o cite_v from_o this_o judicious_a author_n and_o great_a champion_n of_o truth_n in_o his_o day_n who_o coincidency_n with_o other_o divine_n into_o the_o same_o manner_n of_o explication_n argue_v strong_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o same_o unanimous_a notion_n and_o conceit_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o true_a catholic_n ground_n which_o can_v breed_v this_o conspire_v into_o the_o same_o way_n of_o discourse_v and_o almost_o the_o selfsame_a word_n §_o 13._o hence_o be_v see_v how_o just_o d._n t._n when_o he_o want_v something_o else_o to_o say_v still_o tax_v i_o with_o singularity_n in_o accept_v of_o nothing_o but_o infallibility_n build_v on_o absolutely-conclusive_a motive_n with_o talk_v such_o paradox_n as_o he_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o they_o enter_v into_o any_o other_o man_n mind_n that_o all_o mankind_n except_v j._n saint_n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o no_o humane_a understanding_n be_v secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n from_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o my_o ground_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n and_o excommunicate_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o own_o church_n that_o no_o man_n before_o j._n s._n be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o maintain_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o fallible_a man_n which_o word_n fallible_a be_v of_o his_o own_o add_v i_o be_v of_o mankind_n rely_v on_o sensation_n be_v infallible_a that_o this_o be_v a_o new_a way_n and_o twenty_o such_o insignificant_a cavil_n but_o the_o thing_n which_o breed_v his_o vexation_n be_v that_o as_o my_o reason_n incline_v i_o i_o join_v with_o those_o who_o be_v the_o most_o solid_a and_o intelligent_a party_n of_o divine_n that_o be_v indeed_o i_o stick_v to_o and_o pursue_v and_o explain_v and_o endeavour_v to_o advance_v far_o those_o ground_n which_o i_o see_v be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v i_o only_o talk_v of_o moral_a certainty_n probability_n and_o such_o wise_a stuff_n when_o i_o be_o settle_v faith_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o he_o will_v like_v i_o exceed_o for_o than_o his_o own_o side_n may_v be_v probable_a too_o which_o sandy_a foundation_n be_v enough_o for_o such_o a_o mercurial_a faith_n as_o nothing_o but_o interest_n be_v apt_a to_o fix_v discourse_n viii_o in_o what_o manner_n dr._n t._n answer_v my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o his_o attempt_n to_o clear_v object_v fault_n by_o commit_v new_a one_o §_o 1._o my_o confuter_n have_v at_o length_n do_v with_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o my_o methed_a and_o have_v not_o he_o do_v well_o think_v you_o and_o approve_v himself_o a_o excellent_a confuter_n he_o only_o break_v his_o jest_n upon_o every_o passage_n he_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o former_a except_o one_o without_o ever_o hee_v or_o consider_v much_o less_o attempt_v to_o answer_v any_o one_o single_a reason_n of_o those_o many_o there_o allege_v and_o as_o for_o that_o one_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o seem_v serious_a viz._n how_o the_o faithful_a be_v hold_v by_o i_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n he_o quite_o mistake_v it_o throughout_o again_o as_o for_o my_o method_n he_o first_o give_v a_o wrong_a character_n of_o it_o and_o next_o pretend_v it_o whole_o to_o rely_v upon_o a_o point_n which_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o be_v which_o he_o have_v ready_o grant_v but_o offer_v not_o one_o syllable_n of_o answer_n to_o any_o one_o reason_n in_o it_o neither_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o be_v to_o be_v overthrow_v next_o and_o first_o he_o say_v he_o will_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n of_o it_o and_o i_o assure_v the_o reader_n so_o he_o do_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o too_o for_o he_o speak_v not_o a_o word_n to_o any_o one_o piece_n of_o it_o next_o he_o complain_v of_o the_o ill-language_n which_o he_o say_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o say_v partly_o true_a for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o uneasy_a to_o i_o than_o when_o i_o expect_v a_o sober_a and_o scholarlike_o answer_v to_o find_v only_o a_o prettily-worded_n fardel_n of_o drollery_n and_o insincerity_n i_o wonder_v what_o gall_v he_o when_o he_o lavish_v out_o so_o much_o ill-language_n in_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n in_o which_o treatise_n there_o be_v not_o one_o passionate_a word_n not_o one_o syllable_n
right_a that_o be_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n must_v be_v true_a if_o dr._n t_n faith_n be_v true_a build_v only_o on_o moral_a certainty_n which_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v at_o least_o why_o these_o two_o equal_o match_v moral_a certainty_n shall_v not_o make_v a_o draw_v battle_n of_o it_o or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v on_o who_o side_n the_o certain_a truth_n stand_v i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a task_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o he_o to_o make_v it_o even_o moral_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o trinity_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o manifest_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n bear_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o socinian_o side_n otherwise_o that_o seem_a reason_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o a_o protestant_n to_o suspend_v perhaps_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o be_v morally-certain_a §_o 15._o the_o meaning_n then_o of_o these_o word_n moral_a certainty_n be_v so_o indeterminate_v that_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o no_o wonder_n our_o divine_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o if_o he_o say_v he_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o i_o desire_v to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n by_o produce_v any_o one_o proposition_n hold_v by_o he_o to_o be_v but_o morally-certain_a and_o show_v we_o logical_o art_n be_v the_o test_n of_o nature_n how_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o its_o term_n hang_v together_o or_o to_o make_v out_o according_a to_o his_o own_o notion_n of_o moral_a certainty_n that_o not_o one_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v or_o can_v be_v dissatisfy_v with_o it_o what_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v general_o by_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o high_a probability_n or_o some_o great_a likelihood_n which_o be_v a_o insufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n for_o we_o be_v to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o for_o its_o likelihood_n only_o ●_o judge_v the_o name_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n and_o it●_n ground_n unless_o it_o be_v signify_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o be_v use_v catachrestical_o or_o abusive_o to_o mean_v absolute_a certainty_n §_o 16._o i_o expect_v d._n t._n will_n instead_o of_o make_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o chimerical_a certainty_n run_v to_o instance_n for_o example_n that_o of_o our_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v to_o morrow_n and_o such_o like_a but_o first_o i_o contend_v he_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o this_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v let_v he_o give_v his_o ground_n of_o certainty_n for_o it_o and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v or_o conclude_v the_o night_n before_o that_o it_o will_n i_o doubt_v much_o he_o will_v when_o he_o come_v to_o try_v it_o find_v himself_o gravel_v and_o confess_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v only_o high_o likely_a it_o be_v well_o he_o do_v not_o live_v in_o joshuah_n or_o ezekiah_n time_n and_o tell_v they_o the_o day_n before_o that_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v only_o as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v not_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v backward_o the_o next_o day_n for_o if_o so_o i_o doubt_v much_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o believe_v he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o just_a scandal_n at_o their_o faith_n see_v point_n hold_v equal_o certain_a as_o it_o prove_v actual_o false_a again_o what_o more_o certainty_n have_v he_o now_o of_o the_o sun_n rise_v again_o within_o 18_o hour_n after_o his_o set_n than_o they_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o day_n before_o that_o it_o will_v not_o go_v back_o or_o stand_v still_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o that_o judgement_n a_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o d._n t_n moral_a certainty_n mean_v such_o a_o certainty_n w_o ch_z as_o appear_v by_o this_o event_n be_v uncertain_a or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v certain_a peradventure_o now_o this_o nonsense_n have_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o a_o identical_a proposition_n what_o be_v certain_a be_v certain_a which_o weigh_v not_o with_o dr._n t._n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o first_o principle_n in_o a_o word_n our_o b._n saviour_n have_v beforehand_o prevent_v all_o such_o instance_n by_o ●elling_v we_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o fail_v intimate_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o some_o one_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v totter_v and_o unstable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v to_o attest_v it_o §_o 17._o have_v thus_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n and_o establish_v moral_a certainty_n which_o be_v not_o its_o self_n be_v it_o not_o unestablisht_v ●e_n proccee_v p._n 18._o to_o overthrow_v infallibility_n allege_v that_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n but_o either_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o he_o think_v all_o mankind_n but_o mr._n s._n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v not_o or_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o desire_v he_o will_v not_o stretch_v my_o tenet_n beyond_o the_o bound_n myself_o give_v it_o i_o never_o say_v that_o human_a understanding_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o sensation_n in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o first_o principle_n in_o know_v while_o leave_v to_o nature_n till_o speculation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v too_o weak_a put_v they_o into_o a_o puzzle_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n confuse_o and_o in_o common_a something_o belong_v to_o some_o nature_n daily_o converse_v with_o and_o last_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o diverse_a deduction_n of_o evident_a reason_n for_o example_n in_o diverse_a proposition_n in_o euclid_n but_o that_o which_o our_o subject_n restrain_v it_o to_o be_v about_o the_o infallible_a conveyance_n down_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o viz._n infallibility_n of_o our_o sensation_n for_o once_o put_v this_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n speak_v then_o of_o this_o which_o be_v all_o my_o present_a purpose_n require_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o hold_v it_o that_o dr._n t._n except_v sceptic_n if_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v i_o think_v the_o only_a man_n that_o ever_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o both_o of_o we_o infallible_o certain_a that_o we_o eat_v drink_v write_v and_o live_v or_o do_v any_o but_o a_o madman_n ever_o think_v serious_o that_o sober_a mankind_n abstract_v from_o disease_n in_o some_o particular_n may_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o such_o knowledge_n as_o these_o be_v not_o our_o sense_n contrive_v natural_o as_o apt_a to_o convey_v impression_n from_o the_o object_n to_o the_o know_v power_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n necessary_o annex_v to_o each_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a so_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o use_v and_o needful_a speculation_n as_o any_o other_o cause_n in_o nature_n be_v to_o do_v their_o proper_a effect_n have_v they_o not_o also_o as_o little_a contingency_n in_o they_o and_o that_o contingency_n as_o easy_o discoverable_a by_o the_o standard_n of_o circumstant_fw-la mankind_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v as_o in_o icterical_a person_n and_o such_o like_a this_o be_v so_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o basis_n on_o which_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v build_v viz._n natural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o secure_a than_o any_o part_n of_o nature_n since_o natural_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n can_v err_v in_o these_o and_o whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o may_v in_o some_o conjuncture_n become_v god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n even_o in_o considerable_a portion_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o go_v back_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o such_o like_a yet_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o alter_a nature_n course_n in_o such_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o to_o create_v false_a judgement_n or_o error_n in_o mankind_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a essential_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a and_o peculiar_a cause_n natural_o therefore_o it_o can_v happen_v nor_o yet_o supernatural_o for_o though_o take_v the_o proportion_n between_o god_n omnipotence_n single_o consider_v and_o the_o
argue_v he_o see_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a discourser_n that_o ever_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o build_v a_o whole_a treatise_n upon_o a_o supposition_n unprove_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n now_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n i_o deduce_v step_n by_o step_n and_o make_v the_o forego_n proposition_n draw_v still_o after_o it_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n the_o follow_v one_o he_o conceal_v all_o mention_n of_o proof_n or_o endeavour_v of_o it_o call_v my_o conclusion_n principle_n and_o than_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o to_o build_v that_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o desert_v my_o usual_a way_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o know_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o there_o do_v with_o those_o of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o they_o proceed_v minutely_o to_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v have_v his_o friend_n dr._n st._n take_v the_o same_o course_n his_o principle_n will_v have_v evident_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v excuse_v other_o the_o unnecessary_a trouble_n of_o answer_v they_o next_o he_o make_v i_o say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o say_v himself_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o which_o word_n a_o honest_a reader_n will_v very_o think_v i_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o never_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v it_o whereas_o though_o i_o indeed_o hold_v it_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a of_o which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o give_v account_n yet_o i_o proceed_v as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o prove_v §_o 8._o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v infallible_a §_o 10._o that_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o §_o 11._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o reader_n be_v thus_o questionless_a well_o dispose_v to_o think_v it_o very_o unnecessary_a he_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o answer_v any_o passage_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o unproved_a principle_n or_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n he_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a whence_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o deserve_v none_o or_o if_o it_o do_v be_v answer_v this_o reason_n though_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o little_a open_a for_o in_o case_n i_o do_v bring_v any_o argument_n in_o my_o method_n to_o make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o after_o i_o have_v see_v and_o perhaps_o sufficient_o consider_v too_o what_o he_o reply_v to_o surefoot_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v i_o may_v either_o have_v amend_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o surefoot_v or_o produce_v better_a in_o my_o method_n and_o so_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o surefoot_v it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a to_o have_v consider_v and_o say_v something_o to_o the_o method_n too_o unless_o he_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v already_o answer_v the_o ve●y_a reason_n urge_v in_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o have_v nor_o be_o confident_a himself_n neither_o §_o 2._o but_o yet_o ●o_o instance_n in_o this_o one_o passage_n how_o rare_a a_o piece_n his_o cry'd-up_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o excellent_o it_o answer_v surefoot_v let_v we_o ●_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o ●mounts_n to_o surefooting_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o that_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o pag._n 57_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o 5_o the_o discourse_n who_o title_n be_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o 2_o d._n part_n begin_v discourse_n 6._o and_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o have_v hitherto_o ever_o be_v follow_v the_o confutation_n of_o my_o first_o part_n end_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 150_o the_o answer_n to_o my_o 2_o d._n begin_v pag._n 151._o or_o these_o two_o the_o former_a be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a concern_v of_o my_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o only_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n hitherto_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v by_o those_o against_o who_o i_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o convey_v to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o say_v or_o else_o that_o those_o who_o proceed_v upon_o tradition_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o right_a christian_n whence_o the_o late_a part_n be_v only_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n especial_o in_o case_n i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la this_o be_v so_o let_v dr._n t_n friend_n and_o i_o when_o they_o hap_v to_o discourse_v about_o we_o please_v to_o send_v for_o his_o book_n and_o i_o and_o with_o a●_n equal_a partiality_n distrust_v we_o both_o rely_v upon_o sir_n tho._n moor_n pair_n of_o honest_a unbiased_a witness_n their_o own_o eye_n they_o will_v find_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n undertake_v pag._n 146._o to_o answer_v my_o 5_o the_o disc._n which_o pretend_v to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o tradition_n and_o thence_o conclude_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o quote_v pag_n 41._o where_o that_o discourse_n begin_v in_o surefooting_n they_o will_v see_v the_o title_n of_o his_o sect._n 6._o which_o he_o use_v to_o put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n now_o i_o assign_v seven_o such_o property_n surefoot_a pag._n 11_o and_o 12._o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o two_o part._n 2._o sect._n 1_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o sufficient_o certain_a come_v then_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 148._o to_o confute_v that_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n to_o my_o main_a purpose_n he_o complete_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o one_o single_a page_n viz._n 149._o nay_o in_o one_o piece_n of_o that_o page_n this_o will_v seem_v strange_a and_o something_o difficult_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o singular_a method_n of_o answer_v book_n all_o say_v he_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n it_o be_v all_o indeed_o i_o pretend_v and_o all_o i_o desire_v to_o prove_v for_o certain_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n unchanged_a it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o what_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v i_o conceive_v a_o rule_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v follow_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o question_n i_o have_v not_o then_o examine_v but_o reserve_v to_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o this_o then_o after_o his_o sufficient_a consideration_n what_o say_v the_o dr._n all_o this_o say_v he_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o that_o answer_n for_o all_o my_o write_n aim_v at_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v see_v the_o tru●h_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o since_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v i_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_v though_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v cross_a this_o word_n ready_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n after_o he_o have_v employ_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o prepare_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v and_o play_v all_o the_o trick_n which_o may_v make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o answer_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o question_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o he_o can_v do_v no_o other_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v it_o but_o not_o very_o ready_o people_n will_v not_o think_v he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o
that_o i_o never_o say_v or_o think_v it_o be_v self-evident_a that_o tradition_n have_v always_o be_v follow_v but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v of_o own_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d evident_o infallible_a rule_n abstract_v from_o be_v follow_v his_o answer_n to_o my_o method_n be_v this_o i_o have_v not_o speak_v to_o the_o point_n before_o and_o therefore_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o speak_v to_o it_o now_o for_o why_o shall_v people_n expect_v more_o from_o i_o here_o than_o elsewhere_o or_o rather_o i_o have_v grant_v the_o point_n already_o and_o therefore_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o say_v more_o to_o it_o and_o i_o for_o my_o part_n think_v he_o be_v in_o the_o right_a &_o because_o it_o seem_v a_o little_a unreasonable_a to_o require_v the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v do_v twice_o i_o think_v it_o best_o to_o leave_v he_o to_o his_o sufficient-consideration_n and_o go_v on_o to_o the_o next_o only_o i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v how_o empty_a a_o brag_n it_o be_v in_o the_o drs._n how_o partial_a in_o their_o friend_n to_o magnify_v this_o piece_n as_o unanswerable_a yet_o in_o one_o sense_n it_o be_v such_o for_o a_o ready_a grant_n of_o what_o be_v evident_a truth_n can_v never_o be_v answer_v or_o refute_v §_o 7._o his_o next_o pretence_n be_v that_o my_o method_n exclude_v from_o salvation_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o our_o own_o church_n to_o which_o though_o enough_o have_v be_v say_v already_o yet_o because_o the_o clear_n this_o will_n at_o once_o give_v account_n of_o what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o affirm_v faith_n must_v be_v know_v antecedent_o to_o church_n which_o bear_v a_o show_n as_o if_o i_o hold_v we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n for_o our_o faith_n i_o shall_v be_v something_o large_a in_o declare_v this_o point_n to_o perform_v which_o more_o satisfactory_o i_o note_v 1._o that_o those_o who_o be_v actual_o from_o their_o childhood_n in_o the_o church_n have_v faith_n instill_a into_o they_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n from_o those_o who_o be_v educate_v in_o another_o profession_n and_o after_o come_v to_o embrace_v the_o right_a faith_n the_o form●●_n be_v imbue_v after_o a_o natural_a way_n with_o the_o church_n doctrine_n and_o be_v educate_v in_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o church_n itself_o whereas_o the_o late_a be_v to_o acquire_v faith_n by_o consider_v and_o look_v into_o its_o ground_n and_o be_v educate_v rather_o in_o a_o hatred_n against_o the_o true_a church_n than_o in_o any_o good_a opinion_n of_o she_o the_o former_a therefore_o have_v the_o full_a weight_n of_o the_o church_n authority_n both_o as_o to_o natural_n and_o supernatural_n actual_o apply_v to_o they_o and_o work_v its_o effect_n upon_o they_o practical_a self-evidence_n both_o of_o the_o credit_n due_a to_o so_o grave_a learned_a ample_n and_o sacred_a a_o authority_n as_o also_o of_o the_o holiness_n the_o morality_n or_o agreeableness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n to_o right_a reason_n which_o they_o actual_o experience_n render_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o assent_n connatural_a that_o be_v rational_a or_o virtuous_a the_o late_a fancy_n nothing_o supernatural_a in_o she_o nor_o experience_n the_o goodness_n of_o her_o doctrine_n but_o have_v it_o represent_v to_o they_o as_o wicked_a and_o abominable_a in_o a_o word_n the_o former_a have_v both_o faith_n and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o practical_o instill_a into_o they_o in_o a_o manner_n at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o grow_v together_o daily_o to_o new_a degree_n of_o perfection_n whereas_o the_o late_a must_v have_v reason_n antecedent_o to_o faith_n and_o apprehend_v as_o yet_o nothing_o supernatural_a in_o the_o church_n must_v begin_v with_o something_o natural_a or_o mere_o humane_a which_o may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o a_o unelevated_a reason_n and_o withal_o such_o as_o may_v be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o satisfy_v rational_o that_o haesitation_n and_o disquisitive_a doubt_n wherewith_o they_o be_v perplex_v and_o settle_v they_o in_o a_o firm_a belief_n 2._o my_o discourse_n in_o that_o treatise_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o title_n be_v intend_v for_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o be_v for_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o of_o the_o church_n and_o so_o i_o be_o to_o speak_v to_o their_o natural_a reason_n by_o propose_v something_o which_o be_v a_o object_n proper_a and_o proportion_v to_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v lead_v they_o by_o the_o hand_n step_v by_o step_n to_o the_o church_n though_o all_o the_o while_o they_o walk_v upon_o their_o own_o leg_n and_o see_v with_o their_o own_o eye_n that_o be_v proceed_v upon_o plain_a maxim_n of_o humane_a reason_n every_o step_n they_o take_v 3._o though_o i_o use_v the_o abstract_a word_n tradition_n yet_o i_o conceive_v no_o wise_a man_n will_v imagine_v i_o mean_v by_o it_o some_o idea_n platonica_fw-la or_o separate_v formalility_n hover_v in_o the_o air_n without_o any_o subject_a but_o that_o the_o thing_n i_o indeed_o mean_v to_o signify_v by_o it_o be_v the_o church_n as_o deliver_v or_o as_o testify_v and_o take_v it_o as_o apply_v to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o capable_a to_o discern_v any_o supernaturality_n in_o the_o church_n the_o natural_a or_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o church_n testify_v she_o receive_v this_o faith_n uninterrupted_o from_o the_o beginning_n so_o that_o tradition_n differ_v from_o church_n as_o a_o man_n consider_v precise_o as_o speak_v and_o act_v differ_v from_o himself_o consider_v and_o express_v as_o such_o a_o person_n which_o know_v by_o speech_n and_o carriage_n or_o by_o himself_o as_o speak_v and_o act_v other_o consideration_n also_o belong_v to_o he_o which_o before_o lay_v hide_v and_o be_v involve_v or_o as_o the_o school_n express_v it_o confound_v in_o the_o subject_a or_o suppositum_fw-la become_v know_v likewise_o so_o the_o church_n humane_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n which_o as_o be_v show_v sure_a f._n p._n 81_o 82_o 83._o be_v the_o great_a and_o most_o powerful_o support_v even_o natural_o of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n be_v a_o proper_a and_o proportion_a object_n to_o their_o reason_n who_o yet_o believe_v not_o the_o church_n but_o it_o be_v know_v thence_o that_o the_o body_n who_o proceed_v on_o that_o ground_n possess_v the_o first-delivered_a that_o be_v right_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v the_o true_a church_n immediate_o all_o those_o prerogative_n and_o supernatural_a endowment_n apprehend_v by_o all_o who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n to_o spring_v out_o of_o it_o or_o attend_v on_o it_o be_v know_v to_o appertain_v and_o to_o have_v ever_o appertain_v to_o the_o true_a church_n and_o among_o the_o rest_n goodness_n or_o sanctity_n the_o proper_a gift_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n with_o all_o the_o mean_n to_o it_o which_o with_o a_o incomparable_a efficacy_n strengthen_v the_o soul_n of_o the_o faithful_a as_o to_o the_o delivery_n of_o right_a faith_n whence_o she_o be_v just_o hold_v and_o believe_v by_o the_o new-converted_n faithful_a to_o be_v assist_v by_o the_o h._n ghost_n which_o till_o some_o motive_n mere_o humane_a have_v first_o introduce_v it_o into_o their_o understanding_n that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a church_n they_o can_v not_o possible_o apprehend_v §_o 8._o in_o this_o way_n then_o of_o discourse_v the_o church_n be_v still_o the_o only_a ascertainer_n of_o faith_n either_o take_v in_o her_o whole_a latitude_n as_o in_o those_o who_o be_v already_o faithful_a or_o consider_v in_o part_n only_o that_o be_v as_o deliver_v by_o way_n of_o natural_o testify_v which_o i_o here_o call_v tradition_n in_o order_n to_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n whence_o appear_v the_o perfect_a groundlesness_n of_o dr._n t_n objection_n and_o how_o he_o whole_o misunderstand_v my_o doctrine_n in_o this_o point_n when_o he_o say_v the_o discourse_n in_o my_o method_n do_v unchristian_a the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o our_o own_o church_n for_o first_o he_o mistake_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v to_o those_o actual_o in_o the_o church_n for_o that_o which_o be_v the_o ground_n for_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o find_v which_o be_v the_o church_n next_o since_o all_o believer_n actual_o in_o the_o church_n even_o to_o a_o man_n rely_v on_o the_o church_n both_o natural_o and_o supernatural_o assist_v and_o i_o be_o diseourse_v only_o about_o the_o natural_a mean_n for_o those_o who_o be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o his_o discourse_n amount_v to_o this_o that_o because_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o come_v to_o faith_n rely_v only_o on_o the_o humane_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n therefore_o they_o who_o be_v in_o the_o church_n and_o rely_v upon_o the_o church_n both_o humane_o
and_o divine_o assist_v be_v no_o christian_n in_o a_o word_n this_o way_n of_o divinity_n or_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o i_o take_v make_v every_o man_n both_o those_o in_o the_o church_n and_o those_o out_o of_o it_o rely_v on_o the_o church_n authority_n or_o testimony_n diverse_o consider_v in_o order_n to_o their_o respective_a capacity_n and_o so_o still_o make_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n which_o all_o catholic_n in_o the_o world_n not_o so_o much_o as_o any_o one_o school-divine_a except_v hold_v the_o secure_a way_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v and_o shall_v any_o one_o dislike_v it_o i_o see_v not_o what_o he_o can_v with_o any_o show_n pretend_v he_o must_v allow_v some_o natural_a motive_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n and_o what_o be_v know_v by_o mean_n of_o it_o that_o be_v he_o must_v grant_v some_o motive_n antecedent_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o where_o he_o will_v find_v in_o the_o whole_a world_n 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that_o the_o church_n give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o the_o first_o deliver_v faith_n rather_o than_o that_o tradition_n do_v so_o see_v none_o can_v have_v scruple_v or_o except_v against_o the_o former_a manner_n of_o expression_n whereas_o this_o give_v occasion_n of_o misapprehension_n to_o some_o unattentive_a reader_n i_o answer_v i_o use_v on_o that_o occasion_n the_o word_n tradition_n rather_o than_o the_o word_n church_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o geometrician_n use_v the_o word_n line_n or_o surface_n when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o express_v body_n as_o long_o or_o broad_a for_o these_o be_v in_o reality_n the_o same_o thing_n with_o body_n but_o in_o regard_n body_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o many_o other_o consideration_n as_o well_o as_o these_o and_o these_o speak_v body_n precise_o according_a to_o the_o consideration_n of_o length_n and_o breadth_n to_o which_o only_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o speak_v hence_o it_o be_v better_o both_o for_o succinctness_n of_o 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that_o it_o be_v a_o mean_n to_o love_n god_n above_o all_o thing_n hence_o it_o be_v just_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n or_o in_o great_a multitude_n of_o this_o body_n a_o due_a love_n of_o heaven_n call_v sanctity_n or_o charity_n which_o be_v the_o gift_n peculiar_o attribute_v to_o the_o h._n ghost_n and_o it_o be_v know_v and_o experience_v by_o those_o already_o in_o the_o church_n that_o this_o love_n of_o heaven_n or_o sanctity_n give_v the_o faithful_a a_o particular_a strength_n and_o power_n to_o perform_v all_o good_a duty_n and_o this_o of_o preserve_v uncorrupted_a the_o deliver_v faith_n be_v one_o and_o that_o a_o most_o concern_v one_o hence_o they_o come_v to_o know_v that_o the_o church_n be_v assist_v by_o the_o h._n ghost_n as_o in_o all_o other_o good_a duty_n so_o especial_o in_o this_o of_o deliver_v and_o continual_o propose_v right_a faith_n so_o that_o as_o reason_n require_v
by_o some_o natural_a and_o therefore_o more_o easily-known_a assistance_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n those_o out_o of_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o she_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v this_o be_v the_o method_n i_o take_v in_o resolve_v faith_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v i_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o more_o solid_a more_o orderly_a more_o connatural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o more_o honourable_a to_o god_n church_n i_o shall_v as_o willing_o and_o easy_o quit_v it_o as_o i_o now_o out_o of_o long_a and_o serious_a consideration_n embrace_v and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o whoever_o contradict_v this_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o point_n which_o occasion_v this_o discourse_n must_v withal_o contradict_v a_o maxim_n on_o which_o all_o science_n be_v principal_o build_v namely_o that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o notion_n define_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a definition_n but_o of_o each_o single_a part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o one_o part_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v the_o whole_a definition_n as_o have_v that_o obscure_a part_n in_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o obscure_a likewise_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n must_v either_o be_v more_o know_v and_o knowable_a than_o that_o of_o church_n and_o consequent_o antecedent_n to_o it_o in_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_n or_o the_o definition_n will_v be_v obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o if_o it_o be_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o end_n definition_n be_v or_o why_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o conduce_v to_o ignorance_n than_o to_o science_n add_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v most_o intrinsical_a and_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o more_o forcible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n to_o convince_v inevitable_o that_o such_o a_o body_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o be_v any_o extrinsecal_n mark_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o extrinsical_a mark_n be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o superficial_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n to_o settle_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o any_o of_o these_o mark_n any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o much_o less_o more_o easy_o know_v if_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o visible_a and_o practical_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v questionable_a and_o that_o neither_o scripture_n father_n council_n history_n monument_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v pretend_v to_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o tradition_n be_v uncertain_a or_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v know_v unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o that_o be_v more_o know_v as_o be_v show_v particular_o in_o the_o corollary_n to_o sure-footing_a §_o 11._o hence_o be_v see_v that_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n for_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n take_v at_o large_a for_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deliver_v and_o last_o for_o its_o divinely-assisted_n or_o supernatural_a authority_n call_v proper_o christian._n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o one_o fence_n when_o in_o another_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n will_v evident_o determine_v only_o we_o must_v note_v that_o these_o three_o notion_n be_v not_o adequate_o contradistinct_a the_o late_a still_o include_v the_o former_a as_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n do_v in_o continue_v quantity_n for_o the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n include_v tradition_n take_v at_o large_a and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v show_v suref_a p._n 82_o 83._o the_o supernatural_a authority_n include_v all_o find_v in_o the_o other_o two_o and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v particular_o declare_v there_o from_o p._n 84._o to_o p._n 93._o so_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v imaginable_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v christian_n or_o in_o the_o testify_a authority_n of_o christ_n church_n §_o 12._o but_o because_o it_o be_v still_o d._n it_o be_v best_a play_n to_o make_v use_n of_o extrinsecal_n exception_n so_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n eye_n and_o avoid_v answer_v my_o intrinsecal_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o which_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o grapple_v and_o since_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v very_o frequent_a at_o this_o impertinent_a topick_n of_o my_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o other_o divine_n do_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o omit_v many_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o dr._n stratford_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o far_o he_o mistake_v in_o this_o point_n by_o instance_v in_o one_o controvertist_n of_o eminent_a both_o fame_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o in_o his_o time_n one_o who_o write_v before_o rushworth_n dialogue_n appear_v or_o perhaps_o be_v think_v of_o and_o so_o can_v be_v suspect_v a_o follower_n of_o that_o new_a way_n as_o dr._n t._n call_v it_o i_o mean_v mr._n fisher._n this_o able_a controvertist_n in_o his_o censure_n of_o dr._n white_n be_v reply_n p._n 83_o 84_o maintain_v that_o unwritten_a that_o be_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v the_o prime_a ground_n of_o faith_n more_o fundamental_a than_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o his_o adversary_n mr._n white_a the_o minister_n grant_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o point_n p._n 27._o he_o conclude_v strong_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n suppose_v before_o faith_n which_o infidel_n see_v to_o be_v true_a resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o be_v secondary_a truth_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o themselves_o believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n as_o ample_o and_o full_o express_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a or_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n that_o be_v partly_o at_o least_o upon_o the_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n since_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o presuppose_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o argument_n he_o make_v the_o prim●_n principle_n of_o faith_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o that_o be_v the_o same_o we_o mean_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a evident_a in_o itself_o and_o p._n 40._o he_o put_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n to_o be_v what_o be_v the_o external_a infallible_a ground_n unto_o which_o divine_a inspiration_n move_v man_n to_o adhere_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n where_o first_o beside_o god_n grace_n move_v we_o to_o every_o good_a act_n which_o all_o catholic_n hold_v to_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o he_o a_o external_n infallible_a ground_n next_o that_o without_o such_o a_o ground_n a_o man_n can_v be_v settle_v in_o true_a save_a faith_n again_o p._n 38_o come_n to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o know_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apostolical_a he_o mention_n none_o but_o only_o public_a catholic_n tradition_n teach_v unanimous_o and_o perpetual_o by_o pastor_n which_o p._n 37._o he_o call_v a_o rule_n infallible_a and_o say_v that_o only_a heretic_n charge_v it_o to_o be_v fallible_a where_o also_o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o principle_n that_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v the_o catholic_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o father_n unto_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o child_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o by_o the_o word_n now_o cite_v appear_v to_o be_v evident_o the_o same_o i_o defend_v he_o affirm_v p._n 38._o that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v simple_o infallible_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o quote_v suarez_n to_o
he_o can_v most_o easy_o seem_v to_o misunderstand_v so_o to_o divert_v the_o discourse_n a_o method_n so_o constant_o observe_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o sure-footing_a where_o he_o make_v witty_a dexterity_n still_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o pertinent_a solidity_n that_o instead_o of_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o aught_o more_o just_o have_v be_v entitle_v sure-footing_a travesty_n 5._o and_o since_o all_o discourse_n be_v ineffectual_a which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o some_o certain_a truth_n and_o consequent_o not_o only_a he_o who_o settle_v or_o build_v but_o also_o he_o who_o aim_v to_o overthrow_v or_o the_o objecter_n must_v ground_v his_o discourse_n on_o some_o certain_a principle_n if_o he_o intend_v to_o convince_v the_o other_o tene●_n of_o falsehood_n that_o dr._n t._n will_v therefore_o esteem_v it_o his_o duty_n even_o when_o he_o object_n to_o ground_v his_o opposition_n upon_o some_o firm_a principle_n and_o since_o no_o pretend_a principle_n can_v be_v firm_a but_o 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declare_v whether_o he_o hold_v those_o point_n absolute_o true_a that_o be_v whether_o they_o be_v absolute_o true_a to_o we_o or_o whether_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v with_o reason_n say_v he_o see_v they_o be_v true_a or_o have_v any_o reason_n or_o argument_n to_o conclude_v they_o true_a if_o not_o then_z ●et_z he_o show_v how_o it_o be_v avoidable_o but_o all_o the_o world_n must_v with_o truth_n say_v both_o these_o may_v be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o can_v discern_v than_o which_o nothing_o sound_v more_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a to_o a_o christian_a ear._n if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v such_o reason_n extant_a but_o he_o have_v they_o not_o then_o let_v he_o leave_v off_o attempt_v to_o settle_v those_o tenet_n or_o write_v on_o those_o subject_n since_o he_o confess_v himself_o unqualify_v and_o unfurnish_a with_o mean_n to_o manage_v they_o if_o he_o say_v there_o be_v such_o proof_n and_o that_o he_o have_v they_o let_v he_o produce_v they_o and_o stand_v by_o they_o and_o not_o blame_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o bear_v no_o more_o and_o other_o for_o say_v they_o have_v more_o and_o that_o the_o thing_n do_v bear_v more_o to_o express_v myself_o close_o and_o more_o particular_o let_v he_o speak_v out_o ingenuous_o and_o candid_o to_o these_o query_n whether_o be_v hold_v that_o god_n church_n or_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v furnish_v with_o better_a ground_n for_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o for_o christian_a faith_n or_o any_o strong_a reason_n to_o prove_v these_o point_n true_a than_o those_o in_o joshua_n and_o hezekiah_n time_n have_v or_o can_v have_v the_o day_n before_o that_o the_o sun_n shall_v not_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o the_o next_o day_n than_o that_o person_n who_o throw_v a_o glass_n on_o the_o ground_n which_o break_v not_o have_v or_o can_v have_v that_o it_o will_v not_o break_v ●han_o the_o inhabitant_n of_o divers_a house_n have_v that_o they_o will_v not_o sudden_o fall_v which_o yet_o do_v so_o or_o last_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n than_o those_o reason_n be_v which_o satisfy_v prudent_a man_n in_o humane_a affair_n in_o which_o notwithstanding_o they_o experience_v themselves_o often_o mistake_v if_o he_o say_v he_o have_v let_v he_o produce_v they_o and_o hearty_o maintain_v they_o and_o endeavour_v to_o make_v they_o out_o and_o i_o shall_v hereafter_o express_v as_o much_o honour_n for_o he_o as_o i_o have_v do_v here_o of_o resentment_n and_o dislike_n for_o advance_v the_o contrary_a position_n but_o if_o he_o profess_v he_o have_v no_o better_a or_o that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n not_o bear_v it_o there_o can_v no_o better_o be_v give_v then_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a first_o that_o the_o most_o sacred_a tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o all_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v now_o actual_o false_a since_o point_n which_o have_v reason_n for_o they_o of_o equivalent_a strength_n do_v prove_v actual_o such_o next_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o true_a speech_n certain_a there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o least_o word_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v any_o of_o those_o person_n in_o those_o former_a instance_n of_o equivalent_a strength_n be_v or_o can_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o point_n which_o prove_v actual_o false_a and_o in_o which_o themselves_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o word_n i_o will_v have_v he_o without_o disguise_n let_v the_o world_n know_v whether_o as_o there_o be_v contingency_n in_o those_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o imagine_a or_o hope_v effect_n in_o the_o former_a instance_n miscarry_v and_o prove_v otherwise_o than_o be_v expect_v so_o there_o be_v not_o also_o contingency_n in_o the_o motive_n for_o those_o two_o most_o sacred_a tenet_n upon_o who_o certainty_n the_o eternal_a good_a of_o mankind_n depend_v so_o as_o they_o may_v perhaps_o not_o conclude_v and_o so_o both_o those_o tenet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o otherwise_o than_o we_o christian_n now_o hold_v if_o he_o profess_v to_o embrace_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n and_o his_o word_n be_v too_o express_v for_o it_o ever_o to_o be_v deny_v though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v retract_v he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v shuffle_v off_o without_o any_o at_o all_o and_o to_o my_o reason_n allege_v in_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o same_o point_n faith_n absolute_a certainty_n now_o gentleman_n since_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o knowledge_n in_o any_o kind_n than_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_v be_v unambiguous_o state_v and_o clear_o understand_v and_o that_o a_o solid_a method_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o i_o become_v a_o humble_a petitioner_n to_o yourselves_o as_o you_o tender_v that_o excellent_a concern_v of_o mankind_n and_o that_o most_o sacred_a one_o of_o christianity_n to_o use_v your_o best_a interest_n with_o dr._n t._n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o yield_v to_o these_o duty_n here_o express_v and_o i_o oblige_v myself_o inviolable_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o carriage_n towards_o he_o which_o i_o here_o propose_v and_o press_v he_o will_v use_v towards_o i_o which_o if_o he_o refuse_v i_o declare_v i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o truly-learned_n and_o ingenuous_a person_n however_o he_o triumph_v among_o those_o who_o be_v great_a admirer_n of_o pretty_a expression_n rest_v assure_v that_o yourselves_o will_v not_o only_o hold_v i_o unblameable_a but_o also_o high_o commendable_a for_o no●_n lose_v my_o precious_a time_n in_o reciprocate_a his_o trifle_a and_o insignificant_a drollery_n your_o true_a honourer_n and_o humble_a servant_n j._n s._n finis_fw-la amendment_n page_n 1._o line_n 21._o read_v that_o both_o first_o p._n 47._o l._n 3._o self_n possible_a to_o p._n 50._o l._n 20._o solid_a p._n 101._o l._n 6_o 7._o possible_a all_o this_o may_v p._n 115_o l._n 12_o judgement_n in_o which_o it_o be_v l._n 25._o can_v never_o p._n 118._o l._n 26._o resolute_a hatred_n p._n 121._o l._n 23._o do_v equivalent_o p._n 124._o l._n 21._o &_o 28._o speculater_n p._n 127._o l._n 17._o nay_o more_o p._n 135._o l._n 7._o to_o be_v p._n 139._o l._n 18._o great_a degree_n p._n 142._o l._n 2._o be_v not_o true_a or_o not_o to_o dare_v p._n 146._o l._n 14._o chimerical_a p_o 157._o l._n 16._o four_o eviction_n l._n 18._o of_o the_o six_o p._n 162._o l._n 16._o sermon_n equal_o p._n 163._o l_o 27._o parallelepipe_v p._n 166._o l._n 30._o predicate_v p._n 176._o l._n ult_n all_o good_a p._n 183._o l._n 28_o sensible_a man_n may_v p._n 184._o l._n 2._o deduce_v there_o p._n 186._o l._n 12._o of_o discourse_v the_o p._n 199._o l._n 25._o it_o be_v be_v not_o more_o p._n 200._o l._n 16._o of_o its_o own_o p._n 212._o l._n 24._o not_o the_o rule_n deal_n express_v p._n 218._o discourse_n ix_o p._n 219_o l_o 13_o 14._o reason_n in_o it_o p_o 229._o l._n 28_o 29._o the_o author_n mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o p._n 234._o l._n 17._o i_o do_v non_fw-fr stand_n p._n 239._o l._n 5._o apply_v l._n 6._o i_o have_v
virtue_n of_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o one_o paradox_n to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n nay_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o natural_a science_n to_o boot_v for_o these_o according_a to_o he_o be_v sole_o build_v upon_o induction_n which_o depend_v on_o sensation_n and_o these_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o be_v all_o possible_a to_o be_v deceive_v §_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o by_o these_o ground_n leave_v in_o the_o same_o pickle_n it_o be_v rule_n whether_o it_o be_v tradition_n or_o scripture_n letter_n evident_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v all_o fallible_a and_o what_o be_v build_v on_o a_o fallible_a authority_n say_v common_a sense_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unavoidable_a from_o his_o principle_n that_o all_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a however_o the_o shame_n of_o own_v so_o unchristian_a and_o half-atheistical_a a_o tenet_n make_v he_o very_o stiff_o and_o angry_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n but_o he_o shall_v never_o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n from_o his_o position_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v fallible_a i_o expect_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n he_o will_v tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o my_o conclusion_n or_o start_v aside_o to_o a_o logical_a possibility_n that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o so_o may_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o point_n we_o be_v discourse_v what_o will_v follow_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o cause_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o world_n alwise_a governor_n whence_o if_o those_o portion_n of_o nature_n or_o mankind_n can_v be_v deceive_v without_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseeming_a god_n to_o 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be_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n may_v 〈…〉_z yet_o not_o hold_v the_o thing_n true_a as_o shall_v present_o be_v show_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n ple●se_v to_o look_v into_o his_o own_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v instill_a through_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o doubt_n viz._n such_o a_o firm_a assent_n &_o adherence_n to_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o he_o will_v deem_v he_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o deserter_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o to_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o why_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n have_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o see_v it_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n impossible_a that_o authority_n shall_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la be_v deceive_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v and_o so_o hold_v the_o authority_n infallible_a as_o to_o this_o point_n i_o expect_v his_o logic_n shall_v inform_v i_o §_o 21._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o dr._n t_n performance_n hitherto_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o proper_a science_n for_o his_o purpose_n metaphysic_n i_o suppose_v because_o it_o sometime_o use_v those_o hard_a word_n potentiality_n and_o actuality_n which_o his_o delicate_a ear_n can_v brook_v and_o have_v seclude_v morality_n physics_n and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n which_o ground_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o christian_a faith_n from_o be_v science_n allow_v it_o only_o to_o the_o mathematics_n which_o will_v make_v one_o very_o think_v the_o world_n be_v perverse_o order_v and_o odd_o disproportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o which_o we_o christian_n agree_v it_o be_v create_v that_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o power_n to_o act_v aright_o 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unseen_a goods_n spring_v out_o of_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fit_a we_o for_o a_o union_n with_o our_o infinitely-blissful_a object_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o these_o be_v fundamental_o build_v on_o the_o secureness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v a_o rational_a considerer_n wou●d_v think_v it_o very_o requi●●●e_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o hearty_a a_o assent_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o infinitely-high_a nature_n and_o import_n shall_v be_v f●ll_a as_o evident_a as_o the_o most_o evident_a of_o those_o inferior_a concern_v and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_a curiosity_n and_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v manage_v on_o such_o a_o fashion_n as_o if_o mankin●_n be_v only_o make_v to_o study_v mathematics_n since_o absolute_a evidence_n his_o best_a natural_a perfection_n be_v according_a to_o dr._n t._n only_o find_v in_o these_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o mathematician_n be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o philosopher_n not_o at_o all_o and_o i_o fear_v christian_n as_o little_a now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v according_a to_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o true_a self-evident_a practical_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a let_v we_o see_v what_o strong_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o immovably-firm_a assent_n dr._n t._n will_v afford_v the_o world_n for_o that_o first_o and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o which_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v all_o else_o that_o belong_v to_o faith_n be_v not_o worth_a hee_n discourse_n v._n dr._n t_n firm_a
to_o doubt_v i_o ask_v he_o how_o he_o will_v prove_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o exclude_v all_o reason_n of_o actual_a doubt_n from_o the_o mind_n even_o of_o the_o wise_a christian_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v those_o ground_n can_v possible_o be_v doubt_v of_o with_o reason_n for_o otherwise_o if_o those_o man_n may_v possible_o doubt_v with_o reason_n it_o be_v ten_o to_o one_o they_o will_v do_v so_o actual_o at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o he_o ought_v then_o to_o say_v those_o motive_n exclude_v all_o possible_a doubt_n or_o be_v undoubtable_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n and_o so_o take_v it_o out_o of_o the_o subject_n strength_n or_o weakness_n and_o put_v it_o upon_o the_o object_n but_o this_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o say_v dread_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v this_o that_o he_o who_o affirm_v a_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v possible_o doubt_v of_o in_o true_a reason_n must_v affirm_v withal_o that_o he_o have_v motive_n conclude_v it_o absolute_o true_a that_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o it_o depend_v on_o authority_n infallible_a testimony_n for_o it_o which_o his_o superficial_a reason_n full_o resolve_v against_o first_o principle_n or_o identical_a proposition_n can_v never_o reach_v it_o remain_v then_o that_o he_o must_v hold_v to_o actual_a not-doubting_a on_o the_o subject_n side_n that_o be_v he_o must_v say_v the_o motive_n be_v only_o such_o as_o preseru_v prudent_a person_n from_o doubt_n and_o then_o he_o must_v either_o make_v out_o that_o christian_n have_v more_o natural_a prudence_n than_o those_o in_o those_o other_o sect_n natural_a i_o say_v for_o all_o motive_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n must_v be_v object_n of_o our_o natural_a part_n or_o endowment_n or_o else_o confess_v that_o he_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o reason_n for_o those_o other_o sect_n and_o those_o for_o christianity_n according_a to_o the_o ground_n deliver_v by_o he_o here_o both_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n in_o person_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o equal_a in_o prudence_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n neither_o of_o they_o exclude_v possible_a rational_a doubt_n each_o one_o have_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o their_o deity_n they_o adore_v as_o they_o can_v have_v in_o their_o circumstance_n suppose_v those_o deity_n be_v and_o no_o true_a or_o absolute_o conclusive_a evidence_n appear_v on_o either_o side_n both_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n as_o the_o thing_n afford_v suppose_v it_o be_v and_o such_o as_o exclude_v doubt_v therefore_o according_a to_o dr._n t_n doctrine_n both_o have_v certainty_n and_o all_o be_v parallel_v and_o so_o farewell_n christianity_n religion_n and_o first_o principle_n too_o that_o be_v farewell_o common_a sense_n and_o all_o possibility_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n all_o truth_n and_o goodness_n must_v needs_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o principle_n natural_o self-evident_a and_o establish_v by_o god_n himself_o the_o founder_n of_o nature_n be_v relinquish_v and_o other_o make_v up_o of_o mere_a fancy_n and_o air_n be_v take_v up_o in_o their_o stead_n §_o 10._o i_o know_v dr._n t._n will_v sweat_v and_o fume_n and_o bestir_v all_o his_o knack_n of_o rhetoric_n to_o avoid_v these_o consequence_n of_o his_o doctrine_n i_o expect_v he_o will_v pelt_v i_o with_o ironies_n and_o bitter_a jeer_n cavil_v at_o unelegant_a word_n tell_v i_o what_o some_o divine_n of_o we_o say_v and_o perhaps_o mistake_v they_o all_o the_o while_n stout_o deny_v all_o my_o conclusion_n instead_o of_o answer_v my_o discourse_n nay_o fall_v into_o another_o peevish_a fit_n of_o the_o spleen_n and_o say_v i_o have_v no_o forehead_n for_o drive_v on_o his_o principle_n to_o such_o conclusion_n as_o he_o who_o be_v too_o busy_a at_o word_n to_o mind_n or_o amend_v his_o reason_n never_o dream_v of_o therefore_o to_o defend_v my_o forehead_n it_o be_v not_o amiss_o to_o make_v use_n of_o some_o phylactery_n contain_v such_o expression_n take_v out_o of_o his_o first_o sermon_n as_o best_a discover_v to_o we_o his_o thought_n as_o to_o the_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n of_o his_o positive_a proof_n and_o the_o point_n itself_o as_o prove_v by_o they_o i_o mean_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n or_o a_o creation_n such_o as_o be_v serm._n p._n 19_o a_o be_v suppose_v of_o infinite_a goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v a_o very_a likely_a cause_n of_o these_o thing_n what_o more_o likely_a to_o make_v this_o vast_a world_n etc._n etc._n what_o more_o likely_a to_o communicate_v be_v what_o more_o likely_a to_o contrive_v this_o admirable_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n this_o seem_v no_o unreasonable_a account_n p._n 21._o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o this_o sort_n of_o atheist_n come_v to_o this_o which_o be_v the_o more_o credible_a opinion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v never_o make_v etc._n etc._n or_o that_o there_o be_v from_o all_o eternity_n such_o a_o be_v as_o we_o conceive_v god_n to_o be_v now_o compare_v the_o probability_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v etc._n etc._n p._n 22._o the_o question_n whether_o the_o world_n be_v create_v or_o not_o can_v only_a be_v decide_v by_o testimony_n and_o probability_n of_o reason_n testimony_n be_v the_o principal_a argument_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o if_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o it_o etc._n etc._n p._n 29._o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n do_v all_o likewise_o favour_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n p._n 32._o another_o probability_n be_v etc._n etc._n p._n 34._o these_o be_v the_o chief_z probability_n on_o our_o side_n which_o be_v take_v together_o and_o in_o their_o unite_a sense_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o conviction_n in_o they_o §_o 11._o upon_o these_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o he_o i_o make_v these_o reflection_n 1._o that_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o state_v the_o point_n p._n 21._o he_o make_v it_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o question_n as_o indeed_o it_o do_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o creation_n or_o a_o first_o be_v create_v the_o world_n who_o we_o call_v god_n so_o that_o all_o his_o proof_n be_v indifferent_o to_o be_v take_v as_o aim_v to_o evince_v one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o 2._o that_o this_o be_v so_o he_o stand_v not_o hearty_o to_o any_o one_o argument_n he_o bring_v as_o able_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v or_o creator_n existence_n 3._o that_o his_o word_n which_o be_v expressive_a of_o the_o evidence_n of_o his_o ground_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o point_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n manifest_v too_o plain_o that_o he_o judge_n according_a to_o his_o speculative_a thought_n at_o least_o he_o have_v neither_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o for_o if_o it_o be_v but_o likely_a though_o it_o be_v exceed_o such_o yet_o as_o common_a experience_n teach_v we_o it_o may_v notwithstanding_o be_v false_a if_o the_o account_n he_o give_v of_o a_o 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also_o if_o we_o ought_v to_o compare_v the_o probability_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o may_v know_v on_o which_o side_n the_o advantage_n lie_v it_o be_v intimate_v to_o we_o and_o grant_v that_o it_o be_v probable_a there_o be_v no_o god_n though_o it_o be_v more_o probable_a there_o be_v and_o while_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a though_o it_o be_v very_o much_o more_o yet_o it_o may_v very_o easy_o be_v false_a as_o every_o day_n experience_n teach_v we_o in_o a_o thousand_o instance_n wherein_o ourselves_o be_v mistake_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n which_o common_o happen_v when_o the_o far_o more_o probable_a side_n prove_v false_a else_o we_o have_v not_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o true_a and_o by_o that_o mean_v be_v mistake_v again_o if_o the_o probability_n of_o reason_n do_v but_o favour_v our_o side_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o
whatever_o be_v good_a in_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v refund_v into_o god_n the_o author_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n as_o its_o original_a cause_n what_o defective_a into_o the_o limitedness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o creature_n §_o 5._o this_o tenet_n of_o infallibility_n which_o unprejudiced_a nature_n teach_v even_o the_o rude_a in_o thing_n subject_a to_o sense_n and_o common_a reason_n and_o learned_a man_n in_o thing_n provable_a by_o exact_a art_n the_o adversary_n of_o true_a certainty_n our_o sceptic_n in_o religion_n endeavour_v to_o render_v ridiculous_a and_o cast_v a_o mist_n about_o it_o by_o the_o most_o unreasonable_a pretence_n that_o ever_o be_v invent_v which_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v infallible_a in_o one_o thing_n but_o he_o must_v be_v so_o in_o all_o as_o if_o i_o can_v not_o infallible_o know_v what_o be_v do_v in_o my_o chamber_n or_o practise_v open_o among_o those_o i_o converse_v with_o but_o i_o must_v be_v likewise_o 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the_o common_a enemy_n identical_a proposition_n this_o i_o must_v confess_v be_v a_o very_a smart_n and_o ingenious_a kind_n of_o reason_v and_o proper_a to_o dr._n t._n unless_o perhaps_o his_o swear_a brother_n at_o hate_v first_a principle_n and_o papist_n put_v in_o for_o a_o share_n it_o appear_v by_o a_o certain_a paper_n call_v dr._n stillingfleet_n against_o dr._n stillingfleet_n he_o be_v a_o strong_a pretender_n and_o will_v cry_v half_n but_o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o examine_v his_o answer_n §_o 6._o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a indeed_o to_o truth_n that_o every_o one_o shall_v demonstrate_v a_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v ●_o contradiction_n for_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v know_v also_o through_o practical_a self-evidence_n to_o those_o who_o can_v demonstrate_v but_o yet_o the_o thing_n must_v be_v demonstrable_a else_o it_o be_v not_o knowable_a or_o ascertainable_a for_o demonstrable_a be_v a_o plain_a honest_a word_n what_o game_n soever_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n make_v at_o it_o and_o import_v no_o more_o abstract_n from_o subtle_a quirk_n but_o only_o capable_a to_o be_v know_v or_o intellectual_o see_v by_o way_n of_o proof_n whence_o a_o learned_a man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v any_o thing_n by_o strength_n of_o severe_a reason_n ought_v either_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o or_o he_o fall_v short_a of_o his_o d●●y_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v dr._n t._n to_o take_v i_o right_n and_o to_o reflect_v that_o when_o i_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v demonstrable_a or_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n demonstration_n with_o all_o those_o many_o subtlety_n and_o perquisit_n the_o school_n require_v i_o as_o little_a love_n nicety_n as_o any_o man_n live_v and_o can_v as_o easy_o dispense_v with_o they_o so_o the_o solid_a part_n be_v well_o provide_v for_o and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n establish_v which_o if_o it_o be_v not_o do_v i_o make_v account_n nothing_o be_v do_v in_o these_o case_n in_o which_o assent_n &_o die_v to_o attest_v thing_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v require_v i_o only_o mean_v then_o by_o demonstration_n such_o a_o proof_n as_o be_v take_v not_o from_o any_o exrinsecal_n consideration_n as_o be_v authority_n which_o ground_n belief_n but_o from_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o subject_n in_o dispute_n and_o such_o a_o proof_n as_o necessary_o conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v which_o can_v be_v possible_o do_v without_o engage_v final_o some_o identical_a proposition_n or_o that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v on_o which_o all_o be_v build_v now_o this_o be_v evident_o so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o let_v dr._n t._n show_v the_o contrary_a i_o will_v ask_v our_o verbal_a divine_a why_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o be_v prove_v by_o necessary_a conclude_a argument_n both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n if_o he_o will_v have_v man_n assent_v most_o firm_o to_o faith_n build_v according_a to_o he_o sole_o upon_o their_o certainty_n be_v it_o not_o his_o intent_n in_o his_o discourse_n to_o conclude_v what_o he_o speak_v of_o how_o can_v he_o do_v this_o unless_o he_o show_v the_o conclusion_n necessary_o follow_v again_o do_v he_o not_o intend_v to_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o truth_n that_o this_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o must_v do_v so_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o pretend_v that_o faith_n build_v upon_o it_o be_v truth_n and_o if_o he_o prove_v it_o tru●_n must_v he_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n prove_v its_o contradictory_n false_a and_o be_v any_o thing_n false_a but_o what_o say_v a_o thing_n be_v so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o so_o or_o be_v not_o so_o when_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o which_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n can_v never_o conclude_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a unless_o he_o bring_v a_o proof_n necessary_o engage_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o according_a to_o my_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n he_o both_o demonstrate_v and_o also_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o to_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n both_o these_o satisfactory_a certainty_n my_o ground_n attribute_v to_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n see_v sur●f_n pag._n 116_o 117_o in_o point_n appertain_v to_o faith_n and_o he_o here_o deny_v both_o pag._n 10._o whence_o be_v see_v which_o of_o we_o two_o have_v more_o real_a honour_n and_o respect_n for_o scripture_n he_o who_o make_v neither_o its_o letter_n or_o sense_n to_o have_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o ascertain_v they_o that_o be_v as_o to_o our_o purpose_n make_v they_o good_a for_o nothing_o or_o i_o who_o grant_v and_o prove_v both_o §_o 7._o i_o suppose_v dr._n t_n will_n say_v again_o as_o he_o do_v in_o that_o point_n of_o a_o deity_n that_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v not_o bear_v a_o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n or_o sense_n that_o so_o he_o 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infallible_o certain_a on_o the_o subject_n side_n than_o another_o and_o thus_o in_o the_o same_o person_n his_o faith_n may_v be_v come_v more_o lively_a than_o former_o according_a as_o he_o render_v it_o more_o express_a to_o his_o thought_n and_o better_a dint_a or_o imprint_v in_o they_o which_o be_v do_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n habitual_o by_o often_o think_v on_o the_o point_n which_o way_n be_v proper_a to_o the_o vulgar_a or_o know_o by_o penetrate_v its_o ground_n still_o better_a and_o better_o and_o so_o make_v those_o judgement_n solider_fw-la and_o firm_a it_o be_v see_v also_o that_o one_o object_n maybe_o just_o say_v to_o be_v more_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o another_o because_o that_o other_o be_v not_o at_o all_o such_o but_o by_o virtue_n of_o it_o and_o dependence_n on_o it_o according_a to_o that_o axiom_n quod_fw-la per_fw-la se_fw-la est_fw-la tale_n est_fw-la magis_fw-la tale_n what_o be_v so_o of_o itself_o be_v more_o or_o more_o perfect_o 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proceed_v yet_o it_o be_v also_o frequent_o use_v for_o a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o be_v fit_a full_o to_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n here_o be_v many_o thing_n worth_a remark_n if_o one_o have_v leisure_n and_o first_o what_o mean_v a_o undoubted_a assent_n it_o be_v the_o thing_n proper_o speak_v be_v undoubted_a or_o not-doubted_n of_o and_o not_o the_o assent_n but_o that_o be_v but_o a_o slip_n of_o word_n i_o conceive_v by_o the_o word_n yet_o which_o introduce_v it_o he_o mean_v a_o undoubtful_a assent_n only_o he_o fear_v the_o inelegancy_n of_o the_o word_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o doubtful_a assent_n here_o speak_v of_o and_o because_o speak_v proper_o the_o opposite_a to_o doubt_n be_v hope_n a_o vndoubtful_a assent_n mean_v a_o hopeful_a assent_n which_o since_o doubt_v speak_v a_o disincline_n to_o assent_n or_o judge_v the_o thing_n so_o and_o hope_v a_o incline_n to_o it_o very_o fair_o give_v we_o a_o 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