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the_o obscure_a one_o atheist_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o take_v such_o pretence_n to_o reject_v the_o scripture_n and_o impious_o accuse_v it_o of_o contradiction_n but_o how_o that_o method_n can_v assist_v a_o sincere_a man_n who_o hope_v by_o the_o mere_a letter_n to_o find_v his_o faith_n and_o hinder_v the_o obscure_a place_n from_o darken_n the_o clear_a place_n as_o much_o as_o the_o clear_a one_o enlighten_v the_o obscure_a one_o i_o understand_v not_o in_o fine_a it_o expose_v a_o man_n to_o the_o scandal_n and_o temptation_n of_o think_v there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o scripture_n but_o absolute_a assurance_n of_o truth_n it_o give_v no_o man_n beside_o the_o former_a of_o the_o reason_n late_o give_v return_v again_o for_o the_o socinian_o compare_v place_n to_o place_n as_o well_o as_o other_o other_o sect_n do_v so_o too_o and_o yet_o all_o err_v and_o some_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n wherefore_o it_o must_v be_v either_o presume_v they_o all_o err_v wilful_o or_o 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age_n nay_o year_n to_o year_n and_o so_o to_o our_o time_n which_o be_v in_o other_o term_n to_o say_v that_o pastor_n and_o father_n and_o the_o conversant_a faithful_a by_o discourse_v preach_v teach_v and_o catechise_v and_o live_v and_o practise_v can_v from_o the_o very_a first_o and_o so_o all_o along_o better_a and_o more_o certain_o make_v their_o thought_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o they_o instruct_v than_o a_o book_n which_o lie_v before_o they_o and_o can_v accommodate_v itself_o to_o the_o arise_v difficulty_n of_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o repeat_v my_o reason_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o my_o book_n which_o i_o call_v sure_a foot_n in_o christianity_n and_o because_o i_o observe_v our_o improve_n age_n have_v in_o this_o last_o half_a century_n exceed_o ripen_v and_o advance_v in_o manly_a reason_n strain_v towards_o perfect_a satisfaction_n and_o unwilling_o rest_v on_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o appear_v a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o express_v the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n bend_v their_o thought_n and_o hopeful_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a science_n i_o endeavour_v in_o that_o treatise_n rigorous_o to_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o science_n both_o in_o disprove_v the_o letter-rule_n and_o prove_v the_o live_a rule_n of_o faith_n beginning_n with_o some_o plain_a attribute_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o build_v my_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o they_o with_o care_v not_o to_o swerve_v from_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v as_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v close_o hold_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o hold_v my_o first_o five_o discourse_n demonstrative_a which_o be_v all_o i_o need_v have_v do_v as_o appear_v p._n 57_o and_o 58._o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v add_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o express_v by_o i_o a_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v as_o by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o and_o eight_o discourse_n be_v manifest_a though_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o my_o answerer_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o they_o than_o at_o first_o i_o pretend_v this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v that_o book_n as_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o i_o and_o a_o true_a account_n why_o i_o write_v on_o that_o subject_a and_o in_o that_o manner_n what_o thought_n i_o have_v of_o its_o usefulness_n and_o hope_v it_o may_v prove_v serviceable_a towards_o compose_v the_o difference_n in_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o complain_v though_o from_o the_o long_a and_o deep_a meditation_n i_o must_v necessary_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o principle_n i_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v to_o
this_o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n or_o matter_n of_o fact_n before_o our_o time_n be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o can_v need_v the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o all_o mankind_n who_o use_v common_a reason_n that_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o or_o by_o ordinary_a converse_n with_o the_o world_n see_v sure_a f._n disc._n 1._o §_o 12._o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o those_o word_n all_o mankind_n who_o use_v common_a reason_n shall_v mean_a speculater_n and_o it_o seem_v very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n that_o if_o the_o vulgar_a must_v rely_v on_o and_o use_v attestation_n as_o it_o be_v manifest_a they_o must_v they_o shall_v since_o they_o be_v not_o scholar_n know_v by_o a_o natural_a mean_n that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o the_o fair_a admonition_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o for_o these_o two_o fault_n of_o i_o be_v find_v rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 47._o where_o i_o be_o sober_o warn_v to_o take_v heed_n 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vulgar_a know_v practical_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o k._n james_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o needless_a for_o one_o who_o be_v treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o authority_n to_o make_v out_o speculative_o that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v right_o ground_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o mankind_n and_o how_o this_o assurance_n be_v wrought_v in_o they_o out_o of_o the_o practically-instilled_a knowledge_n of_o that_o nature_n §_o 3._o but_o what_o i_o most_o complain_v of_o because_o which_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o say_v it_o argue_v a_o perfect_a wilfulness_n of_o insincerity_n be_v this_o that_o after_o i_o have_v in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 10._o offer_v my_o proof_n that_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n and_o can_v be_v no_o other_o also_o after_o that_o p._n 24_o 25._o i_o have_v show_v that_o thing_n practical_o self-evident_a may_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o produce_v divers_a instance_n as_o that_o the_o vulgar_a know_v the_o diameter_n of_o the_o square_n be_v a_o near_a way_n than_o to_o go_v by_o the_o two_o side_n that_o thing_n see_v afar_o off_o be_v not_o so_o little_a as_o they_o seem_v which_o yet_o mathematician_n demonstrate_v and_o none_o apprehend_v they_o to_o do_v a_o needless_a action_n dr._n t._n not_o so_o much_o as_o attempt_n to_o answer_v either_o my_o instance_n or_o my_o reason_n but_o perfect_o conceal_v they_o from_o his_o reader_n and_o bear_v himself_o all_o along_o triumphant_o as_o if_o i_o have_v produce_v none_o at_o all_o bare_o say_v over_o again_o his_o own_o raw_a say_n a_o little_a more_o merry_o and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n i_o beseech_v you_o gentlemen_z will_v this_o be_v hold_v a_o competent_a answer_n in_o the_o university-school_n first_o to_o admonish_v the_o defendant_n to_o relinquish_v his_o conclusion_n instead_o of_o beat_v he_o from_o it_o by_o reason_n then_o to_o combat_v the_o conclusion_n instead_o of_o invalidate_v the_o premise_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v next_o to_o pick_v a_o word_n or_o two_o out_o of_o those_o conclusion_n which_o take_v alone_o alter_v their_o whole_a sense_n and_o then_o confute_v only_o that_o new_a sense_n his_o design_a alteration_n have_v give_v they_o and_o last_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v of_o it_o his_o mistake_n rectify_v reason_n and_o instance_n bring_v to_o make_v good_a the_o true_a point_n to_o neglect_v they_o all_o say_v over_o again_o bare_o what_o he_o have_v say_v before_o break_v a_o jest_n or_o two_o upon_o a_o ridiculous_a point_n mere_o invent_v by_o himself_o and_o then_o cry_v victory_n certain_o though_o such_o performance_n may_v serve_v a_o prevaricator_n or_o a_o terrae_fw-la filius_fw-la yet_o some_o wise_a kind_n of_o return_n ought_v in_o reason_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o scholar_n and_o a_o sober_a man_n as_o for_o that_o point_n which_o he_o most_o confute_v with_o laughter_n viz._n that_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n though_o something_o have_v be_v produce_v in_o my_o letter_n of_o thanks_o in_o the_o place_n cite_v and_o not_o yet_o answer_v and_o so_o no_o far_o proof_n be_v due_a or_o needful_a yet_o because_o the_o clear_n this_o point_n fundamental_o conduce_v to_o settle_v the_o way_n to_o science_n therefore_o for_o their_o sake_n who_o be_v true_o learn_v and_o aim_v at_o solid_a improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n by_o exact_a knowledge_n more_o than_o at_o please_v their_o ear_n by_o pretty_a expression_n i_o shall_v treat_v the_o point_n more_o accurate_o the_o state_v the_o nature_n of_o first_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v speculative_a therefore_o those_o reader_n who_o pretend_v not_o to_o science_n may_v please_v to_o pass_v over_o these_o two_o discourse_n and_o go_v on_o to_o what_o follow_v though_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v as_o well_o as_o the_o matter_n will_v bear_v to_o deliver_v it_o so_o that_o a_o good_a natural_a wit_n may_v in_o
a_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n that_o be_v they_o can_v be_v conclude_v or_o admit_v of_o proof_n wherefore_o since_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o the_o prime_a verity_n can_v admit_v proof_n their_o term_n must_v be_v far_a from_o have_v any_o middle_a term_n come_v between_o they_o that_o be_v imaginable_a that_o be_v must_v be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a notion_n and_o so_o they_o must_v be_v identical_a proposition_n the_o former_a of_o these_o discourse_n be_v put_v down_o by_o i_o letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 10_o 11_o 12._o which_o one_o will_v think_v it_o become_v a_o logician_n to_o speak_v to_o but_o my_o adversary_n be_v of_o another_o metal_n not_o the_o very_a same_o but_o near_o akin_a to_o aes_fw-la sonans_fw-la aut_fw-la cymbalum_fw-la tinniens_fw-la he_o never_o meddle_v willing_o with_o premise_n or_o proof_n but_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n stout_o never_o acknowledge_v what_o be_v say_v in_o its_o behalf_n and_o tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o it_o which_o do_v who_o will_v think_v it_o immediate_o as_o with_o some_o charm_n the_o term_n unconnect_v of_o themselves_o and_o miraculous_o fly_v asunder_o and_o though_o before_o it_o look_v like_o good_a honest_a reason_n yet_o by_o his_o give_v it_o a_o disguise_n instead_o of_o a_o confute_v it_o be_v turn_v perfect_a nonsense_n but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o argument_n §_o 5._o logic_n tell_v we_o moreover_o that_o whatever_o accidental_a consideration_n may_v enhance_v opposition_n it_o be_v agree_v by_o all_o that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v formal_o and_o intrinsical_o the_o great_a or_o first_o of_o falsehood_n also_o that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v a_o affirm_v and_o deny_v the_o same_o of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o all_o the_o same_o respect_n wherefore_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n be_v the_o first_o of_o truth_n aught_o to_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o those_o that_o be_v a_o affirm_v or_o deny_v the_o same_o of_o the_o same_o according_a to_o all_o the_o same_o respect_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v express_v but_o by_o a_o identical_a proposition_n §_o 6._o add_v that_o since_o contradiction_n be_v faulty_a and_o all_o fault_n be_v a_o privation_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a which_o it_o violate_v it_o follow_v that_o a_o contradiction_n be_v innocent_a do_v it_o not_o violate_v some_o opposite_a truth_n since_o then_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v every_o reflect_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o assign_v any_o truth_n opposite_a to_o a_o contradiction_n but_o a_o identical_a proposition_n it_o follow_v that_o first_o truth_n or_o first_o principle_n must_v be_v identical_a proposition_n §_o 7._o to_o explain_v this_o better_a we_o shall_v find_v by_o reflection_n that_o two_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v comprisable_v into_o one_o equivalent_a to_o both_o who_o subject_a and_o predicate_v contradict_v one_o another_o as_o peter_n here_o and_o now_o run_v peter_z here_o and_o now_o run_v not_o be_v necessary_o equivalent_a to_o this_o what_o here_o and_o now_o run_v here_o and_o now_o run_v not_o so_o likewise_o scripture's_n letter_n be_v a_o rule_n scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o something_o which_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n and_o so_o of_o the_o rest_n by_o which_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o discern_v how_o clear_a a_o truth_n it_o be_v that_o identical_a proposition_n be_v the_o proper_a opposite_n to_o contradiction_n or_o the_o truth_n they_o direct_o and_o immediate_o violate_v and_o consequent_o first_o principles_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a man_n wit_n rack_v to_o its_o utmost_a can_v invent_v any_o opposite_a to_o what_o run_v run_v not_o but_o what_o run_v run_n or_o to_o what_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n but_o what_o be_v a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n last_o the_o nature_n of_o contradiction_n in_o common_a put_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o once_o and_o consequent_o put_v this_o proposition_n what_o be_v not_o be_v to_o which_o the_o only_a opposite_a truth_n be_v what_o be_v be_v which_o be_v therefore_o the_o first_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o all_o other_o first_o principle_n as_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n a_o man_n a_o man_n etc._n etc._n be_v but_o particular_n subsume_v under_o it_o and_o partake_v in_o the_o most_o perfect_a manner_n of_o its_o clear_a light_n §_o 8._o far_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o more_o remote_a the_o term_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v from_o formal_a identity_n the_o less_o evident_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o proof_n they_o require_v as_o also_o that_o they_o still_o grow_v near_o and_o near_o to_o evidence_n according_a to_o the_o degree_n of_o their_o approach_n towards_o the_o say_a identity_n wherefore_o since_o all_o approach_n of_o distant_a thing_n if_o pursue_v end_v in_o a_o conjoin_v and_o centre_v in_o the_o same_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o all_o distance_n in_o notion_n among_o term_n end_n in_o their_o be_v the_o same_o in_o notion_n that_o be_v in_o a_o identical_a proposition_n as_o also_o that_o such_o proposition_n be_v for_o the_o reason_n give_v the_o most_o evident_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o in_o both_o regard_v the_o very_a first_o principles_n §_o 9_o far_o all_o proposition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o proof_n or_o all_o conclusion_n must_v have_v their_o term_n material_o identical_a that_o be_v what_o correspond_v to_o both_o their_o notion_n must_v be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n else_o they_o can_v not_o be_v true_a nor_o capable_a to_o be_v prove_v wherefore_o the_o term_n in_o first_o principle_n must_v be_v formal_o such_o nay_o the_o most_o formal_o that_o be_v possible_a but_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v more_o formal_o identical_a than_o to_o have_v the_o predicate_v and_o subject_a every_o way_n the_o same_o such_o therefore_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n ought_v necessary_o to_o be_v §_o 10._o there_o be_v also_o in_o logic_n a_o way_n of_o argue_v by_o bring_v one_o to_o a_o absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n and_o this_o be_v perform_v two_o manner_n of_o way_n one_o by_o force_v the_o defendant_n to_o contradict_v himself_o the_o other_o by_o oblige_v he_o to_o contradict_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n the_o former_a of_o these_o be_v available_a as_o a_o argument_n ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la but_o the_o latter_a attempt_n if_o bring_v to_o effect_v be_v a_o perfect_a conquest_n and_o why_o but_o because_o it_o put_v the_o defendant_n to_o violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n under_o debate_n that_o be_v to_o thwart_v this_o first_o principle_n the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o for_o example_n to_o make_v quantity_n not_o to_o be_v quantity_n a_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n faith_n not_o to_o be_v faith_n as_o shall_v be_v show_v hereafter_o more_o clear_o when_o we_o come_v to_o see_v the_o use_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n in_o particular_a instance_n §_o 11._o moreover_o if_o it_o be_v well_o examine_v it_o will_v be_v find_v that_o all_o efficiency_n and_o passiveness_n that_o be_v all_o kind_n of_o operation_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n exerting_fw-mi or_o as_o it_o be_v imprint_v itself_o upon_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o work_v its_o effect_n for_o example_n when_o a_o brass_n seal_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o soft_a wax_n no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o this_o effect_n abstract_v from_o motion_n which_o be_v cause_v by_o a_o nature_n superior_a to_o body_n but_o only_o this_o that_o the_o agent_n be_v of_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o density_n or_o hardness_n as_o if_o move_v or_o apply_v to_o that_o matter_n be_v apt_a to_o alter_v the_o figure_n of_o its_o part_n according_a to_o its_o own_o mould_n and_o the_o patient_n of_o such_o a_o yield_a nature_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o as_o to_o receive_v its_o impression_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o that_o degree_n rare_a as_o to_o lose_v it_o again_o by_o the_o action_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n in_o nature_n till_o some_o more_o particular_a agent_n come_v to_o efface_v it_o it_o be_v manifest_a then_o that_o all_o causality_n essential_o depend_v on_o and_o be_v final_o resolve_v into_o this_o truth_n that_o thing_n be_v such_o as_o they_o be_v which_o be_v their_o be_v in_o part_n what_o they_o be_v all_o knowledge_n then_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o consequent_o all_o demonstration_n be_v ultimate_o refund_v that_o be_v primary_o build_v on_o those_o proposition_n which_o express_v thing_n be_v what_o they_o be_v that_o be_v into_o identical_a one_o §_o 12._o last_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a wisdom_n and_o truth_n itself_o have_v propose_v to_o we_o a_o identical_a proposition_n in_o those_o word_n i_o be_o what_o i_o be_o which_o be_v the_o first_o increated_a truth_n as_o
to_o viz._n to_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o certain_a truth_n nay_o lay_v down_o their_o lâ—ves_n upon_o occasion_n to_o attest_v they_o be_v such_o and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o assent_v it_o be_v to_o say_v interior_o or_o judge_v very_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o can_v a_o motive_n or_o reason_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a ever_o induce_v in_o true_a reason_n such_o a_o obligation_n or_o work_v rational_o such_o a_o effect_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v since_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n must_v on_o the_o one_o side_n judge_v the_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o a_o truth_n and_o yet_o must_v at_o the_o same_o tâ—me_n necessary_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o see_v the_o motive_n he_o have_v offer_v he_o raise_v it_o no_o high_o that_o be_v he_o must_v hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a now_o true_a evidence_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n and_o so_o oblige_v to_o assent_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n produce_v such_o proof_n as_o make_v the_o point_n true_o evident_a a_o atheist_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a if_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o if_o by_o those_o word_n atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o thing_n afford_v no_o true_a evidence_n at_o all_o and_o judge_n atheist_n unreasonable_a for_o not_o assent_v without_o true_a evidence_n because_o the_o thing_n afford_v none_o he_o in_o effect_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v forfeit_v their_o manhood_n ere_o they_o can_v be_v christian_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o reflect_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v more_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a divine_a to_o propose_v let_v we_o â—ee_n how_o far_o dr._n t._n be_v unblamable_a in_o this_o particular_a he_o discourse_v thus_o and_o since_o he_o so_o earnest_o press_v it_o we_o will_v take_v his_o word_n in_o order_n §_o 8._o aristotle_n say_v he_o have_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o proof_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v for_o same_o thing_n aristotle_n say_v very_o well_o for_o speak_v of_o proof_n in_o common_a and_o at_o large_a those_o we_o have_v for_o success_n in_o our_o exterior_a action_n on_o the_o hope_n of_o which_o we_o proceed_v to_o act_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v but_o probable_a but_o this_o reach_v not_o our_o present_a business_n about_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o this_o preamble_n be_v frame_v where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n be_v be_v necessary_o require_v the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o aristotle_n do_v or_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n say_v that_o a_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v a_o creature_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o deduce_v conclusion_n by_o discourse_n from_o premise_n or_o build_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o those_o upon_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o these_o can_v be_v oblige_v in_o true_a reason_n or_o act_v according_a to_o right_a nature_n to_o assent_v judge_n or_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a without_o such_o motive_n or_o proof_n which_o do_v conclude_v it_o true_a or_o that_o what_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a do_v not_o also_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v grant_v then_o that_o in_o our_o exterior_a operation_n exercise_v upon_o particular_n where_o contingency_n rule_v we_o must_v rest_v content_v with_o probability_n of_o the_o event_n and_o proceed_v to_o act_v upon_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v oblige_v we_o for_o shall_v all_o the_o world_n surcease_v from_o action_n till_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o it_o all_o commerce_n and_o negotiation_n must_v be_v leave_v off_o nay_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o live_v must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v or_o judge_v absolute_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v succeed_v well_o because_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n or_o conclusive_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o act_v though_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n of_o the_o success_n for_o which_o assent_n also_o we_o have_v absolute_a evidence_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v now_o speak_v of_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n which_o as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n or_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o hope_n from_o hope_n to_o charity_n the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n the_o whole_a interior_a fabric_n be_v build_v on_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n which_o ground_n our_o profession_n wherefore_o if_o the_o foundation_n for_o this_o assent_n be_v not_o well_o lay_v all_o the_o superstructure_n of_o religion_n be_v ruinous_a now_o nature_n have_v frame_v thing_n so_o and_o the_o maxim_n of_o our_o understanding_n give_v it_o that_o those_o who_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o wise_a soul_n be_v unapt_a to_o assent_v but_o upon_o evidence_n whereas_o the_o weak_a sort_n as_o experience_n teach_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v upon_o any_o silly_a probability_n hence_o unless_o such_o man_n see_v proof_n absolute_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a they_o be_v unapt_a to_o be_v draw_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o as_o certain_a truth_n especial_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o to_o assent_v as_o there_o be_v to_o act_v outward_o in_o regard_n nature_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n of_o suspending_a which_o nothing_o can_v subdue_v rational_o in_o such_o man_n at_o least_o but_o true_a evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n work_v this_o clear_a sight_n in_o they_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o else_o by_o effect_n or_o cause_n necessary_o connect_v with_o it._n other_o evidence_n i_o know_v none_o it_o may_v be_v dr._n t._n do_v let_v we_o see_v §_o 8._o mathematical_a thing_n say_v he_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o experiment_n thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n by_o moral_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v this_o discourse_n deserve_v deep_a consideration_n and_o first_o it_o will_v be_v askâ—_n why_o metaphysic_n be_v omit_v here_o which_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v mention_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n since_o its_o proper_a subject_n be_v those_o notion_n which_o concern_v be_v and_o to_o give_v be_v or_o create_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a be_v whence_o it_o seem_v the_o proper_a science_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o deity_n in_o case_n metaphysical_a thing_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v deny_v for_o if_o as_o he_o say_v here_o thing_n be_v therefore_o demonstrable_a because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n the_o object_n of_o metaphysic_n which_o be_v be_v be_v far_o more_o abstract_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o from_o motion_n and_o its_o necessary_a concomitant_a uncertainty_n or_o contingency_n than_o be_v quantity_n the_o subject_n of_o mathematics_n for_o this_o primary_n affection_n of_o body_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o proper_a cause_n of_o of_o all_o variation_n and_o unsteadiness_n since_o all_o natural_a motion_n or_o mutation_n arise_v from_o divisibility_n yet_o because_o all_o science_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n as_o stand_v under_o our_o notion_n or_o conception_n and_o not_o according_a as_o they_o exist_v in_o themselves_o where_o thousand_o of_o considerability_n be_v confuse_o jumble_v into_o one_o common_a stock_n of_o existence_n or_o one_o thing_n also_o because_o we_o can_v abstract_n by_o our_o consideration_n the_o notion_n or_o nature_n of_o quantity_n nay_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n mere_o as_o affect_v body_n as_o it_o be_v steady_o or_o extend_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n as_o the_o proper_a cause_n or_o source_n of_o motion_n hence_o the_o mathematics_n have_v title_n to_o be_v true_o and_o
god_n holy_a disposition_n than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v have_v they_o keep_v awake_v that_o degree_n of_o suspense_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o require_v they_o shall_v §_o 8._o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o dr._n t_n performance_n it_o appear_v hence_o that_o one_o may_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o withal_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assent_v firm_o to_o it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n which_o only_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n either_o by_o perfect_o suspend_v and_o incline_v to_o neither_o side_n as_o we_o experience_v our_o understanding_n now_o bear_v itself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o star_n be_v even_o or_o odd_a or_o by_o strong_o hope_v or_o incline_v to_o assent_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a as_o when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n such_o a_o time_n at_o london_n who_o never_o use_v to_o break_v his_o word_n which_o expectation_n though_o one_o may_v have_v very_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_n will_v not_o deceive_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o firm_o as_o i_o do_v to_o my_o faith_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n but_o what_o i_o most_o admire_v be_v that_o dr._n t._n can_v think_v a_o actual_a not_o doubt_v or_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v a_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o ground_n for_o christian_a faith_n as_o he_o all_o over_o inculcate_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v over_o again_o what_o have_v be_v late_o prove_v that_o a_o bear_v not_o doubt_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christianâ—_n it_o be_v evident_a first_fw-mi that_o turk_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o be_v full_o persuade_v what_o they_o hold_v be_v â—rue_a and_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v it_o whence_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o exclude_v doubt_n in_o its_o adherent_n turcism_n judaisme_n and_o perhaps_o paganism_n too_o may_v claim_v to_o be_v true_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o certainty_n or_o security_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n all_o those_o wicked_a sect_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v hold_v certain_a too_o and_o so_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v become_v certain_a by_o which_o stratagem_n dr._n t._n be_v as_o complete_o revenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o reward_v his_o dear_a friend_n and_o faithful_a abetter_n direct_a contradiction_n very_o honourable_o advance_v they_o to_o be_v first_o principle_n and_o even_o as_o certain_a as_o faith_n itself_o second_o passion_n and_o vice_n can_v breed_v in_o a_o man_n a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o a_o error_n be_v true_a and_o such_o a_o apprehension_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o all_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o the_o more_o passion_n a_o man_n be_v in_o and_o the_o more_o obstinate_a he_o be_v in_o that_o passion_n the_o less_o still_o he_o doubt_v so_o that_o by_o dr._n t_n logic_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o christianity_n be_v indeed_o rationally-wise_a or_o passionately-foolish_a in_o caâ—e_a the_o test_n of_o its_o certainty_n or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o ground_n be_v not_o a_o steady_a assent_n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v if_o the_o motive_n to_o embrace_v it_o be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o oneâ—y_o exclusive_a of_o doubt_n three_o ignorance_n and_o dull_a rudeness_n be_v easy_o apay_v with_o any_o silly_a reason_n and_o so_o a_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o be_v void_a of_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a see_v the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v least_o able_a to_o raise_v any_o wherefore_o if_o be_v free_a from_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n be_v the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o christian_a ground_n let_v all_o christian_n be_v but_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o they_o shall_v immediate_o without_o more_o ado_n become_v as_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n as_o may_v be_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o ignorance_n be_v fundamental_o establish_v by_o dr._n t._n the_o mother_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n four_o though_o out_o of_o a_o stupid_a carelessness_n man_n use_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n for_o grant_v upon_o slight_a ground_n while_o it_o be_v cheap_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o no_o danger_n accrue_v upon_o the_o own_v they_o yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n press_v as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n livelihood_n or_o life_n reason_v our_o true_a nature_n teach_v man_n to_o study_v their_o careless_a thought_n over_o again_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o before_o they_o take_v for_o grant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o certain_a motive_n to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o to_o ascertain_v to_o they_o some_o equivalent_a good_a at_o least_o to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o forego_v in_o which_o case_n i_o fear_v it_o will_v yield_v small_a strength_n to_o a_o man_n put_v in_o such_o a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o find_v upon_o review_n of_o his_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v only_o able_a to_o make_v he_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o good_a one_o while_o the_o concern_v be_v remote_a and_o less_o but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o he_o see_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v false_a and_o himself_o a_o great_a fool_n for_o hold_v they_o true_a without_o reason_n convince_a they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o foolish_a perhaps_o wicked_a to_o boot_v for_o suffer_v so_o deep_o to_o attest_v they_o if_o dr._n t._n reply_n that_o such_o man_n die_v for_o what_o they_o conceive_v truth_n mean_v well_o and_o consequent_o act_v virtuous_o i_o must_v ask_v he_o how_o he_o know_v that_o or_o can_v make_v they_o know_v it_o unless_o he_o propose_v motive_n to_o conclude_v those_o tenet_n true_a for_o as_o error_n be_v the_o parent_n and_o origin_n of_o all_o vice_n so_o be_v truth_n of_o all_o virtue_n nor_o be_v virtue_n any_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o follow_v reason_n or_o truth_n whence_o if_o we_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a any_o tenet_n we_o follow_v be_v truth_n we_o can_v be_v absolutely-certain_a any_o action_n be_v virtuous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n virtuous_a to_o mean_v well_o in_o common_a or_o intend_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v only_o free_a from_o doubt_n all_o the_o while_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o substantial_a truth_n to_o proceed_v upon_o which_o render_v their_o meaning_n and_o particular_a action_n good_a as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v man_n true_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o worship_v juno_n venus_n vulcan_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n mean_v well_o in_o common_a be_v free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o have_v dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n too_o that_o be_v have_v a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v full_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n for_o many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a natural_a prudence_n and_o be_v actual_o satisfy_v with_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v for_o polytheism_n last_o they_o have_v dr._n t_n firm_a principle_n too_o on_o their_o side_n for_o they_o have_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n round_o about_o they_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v give_v they_o though_o it_o be_v for_o have_v there_o be_v indeed_o such_o god_n and_o goddess_n yet_o be_v in_o heaven_n they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o light_n concern_v they_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o other_o relate_v also_o as_o doubtless_o they_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n conceive_v to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n for_o they_o and_o what_o doubt_v soever_o a_o few_o speculative_a and_o learned_a man_n raise_v concern_v they_o yet_o the_o generality_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o their_o thought_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o at_o all_o these_o advantage_n i_o say_v the_o heathen_n have_v parallel_n within_o a_o very_a little_a if_o not_o altogether_o to_o dr._n t_n ground_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o equal_a effect_n viz._n not-doubting_a yet_o because_o
all_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o proceed_v on_o all_o their_o religion_n for_o all_o this_o be_v wicked_a and_o the_o the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n to_o dame_n juno_n and_o the_o rest_n nay_o die_a for_o their_o sake_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o good_a meaning_n in_o common_a dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n and_o firm_a principle_n a_o diabolical_a and_o mischievous_a action_n not_o a_o jot_n better_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o gain_v heaven_n than_o the_o make_v their_o child_n pass_v through_o the_o fire_n to_o moloch_n pervert_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n that_o perform_v it_o nay_o die_v for_o it_o by_o addict_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o its_o true_a last_o end_n or_o eternal_a good_a and_o all_o this_o because_o there_o want_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n to_o render_v those_o action_n and_o suffering_n virtuous_a wherefore_o unless_o dr._n t._n produce_v some_o immovable_a ground_n to_o establish_v christianity_n to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a especial_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o enfeeble_v all_o the_o rest_n fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n he_o can_v never_o convince_v that_o either_o act_n or_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o heathenism_n when_o the_o same_o be_v do_v for_o their_o false_a god_n and_o so_o he_o can_v never_o with_o reason_n persuade_v his_o auditory_a to_o it_o but_o have_v once_o prove_v that_o it_o matter_n less_o whether_o all_o the_o assenter_n penetrate_v the_o full_a force_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o no_o for_o if_o once_o it_o be_v put_v to_o be_v true_a all_o action_n and_o suffering_n proceed_v from_o those_o truth_n shall_v connatural_o addict_v those_o soul_n to_o their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o dispose_v they_o for_o it_o though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o imperfect_a and_o their_o good_a or_o well-meaning_a will_n certain_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v because_o their_o will_n and_o its_o affection_n be_v good_a which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v as_o be_v prove_v be_v they_o not_o build_v upon_o some_o truth_n §_o 9_o again_o dr._n t._n discourse_v all_o along_o as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o when_o one_o be_v free_a from_o all_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v his_o friend_n serious_o to_o ask_v he_o one_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o though_o his_o ground_n exclude_v all_o doubt_n from_o his_o mind_n at_o present_a yet_o he_o see_v any_o certain_a reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o perhaps_o come_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o his_o faith_n and_o even_o of_o a_o godhead_n too_o to_o morrow_n if_o he_o say_v he_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v he_o must_v say_v withal_o that_o he_o see_v it_o not_o and_o consequent_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o he_o once_o see_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n he_o can_v not_o hold_v it_o possible_a ever_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o with_o reason_n if_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v he_o can_v never_o come_v with_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o than_o he_o see_v his_o ground_n for_o hold_v it_o can_v possible_o be_v show_v false_a else_o it_o may_v both_o be_v doubt_v and_o what_o be_v more_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o hold_v his_o ground_n can_v possible_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v false_a than_o he_o must_v say_v they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v humane_a authority_n infallible_a which_o yet_o he_o stiff_o deny_v but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v he_o hold_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ground_n he_o lay_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o a_o plausible_a likelihood_n else_o common_a sense_n will_v force_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o assent_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o not_o to_o palliate_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o with_o such_o raw_a principle_n and_o petty_a craft_n to_o avoid_v a_o honest_a downright_a procedure_n which_o be_v to_o say_v plain_o my_o ground_n can_v fail_v of_o conclude_v the_o thing_n absolute_o true_a i_o will_v justify_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o here_o they_o be_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o the_o best_a word_n he_o afford_v they_o who_o do_v this_o right_n to_o christianity_n be_v to_o call_v they_o vapour_a and_o swagger_a man_n with_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a irony_n he_o can_v put_v upon_o they_o §_o 10._o by_o this_o time_n my_o last_o charge_n that_o this_o firm_a principle_n of_o he_o betray_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o possibility_n i_o may_v have_v say_v likelihood_n of_o be_v a_o lie_n instead_o of_o establish_v it_o be_v already_o make_v good_a and_o needs_o only_o a_o short_a rehearsal_n for_o 1._o he_o assert_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o entertain_v his_o firm_a principle_n which_o be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n that_o unlesâ—_n it_o be_v in_o bedlam_n i_o know_v no_o place_n in_o england_n where_o it_o be_v like_a to_o find_v entertainment_n that_o the_o evidence_n or_o visibleness_n of_o a_o object_n beget_v certainty_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n ever_o teach_v i_o and_o all_o mankind_n hitherto_o but_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o object_n or_o its_o afford_v we_o no_o true_a evidence_n ground_v our_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o nay_o that_o even_o its_o incapableness_n to_o afford_v we_o any_o in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o consequent_o our_o despair_n of_o see_v any_o such_o evidence_n for_o it_o shall_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o it_o nay_o more_o that_o this_o must_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o all_o mankind_n under_o such_o a_o unmerciful_a penalty_n that_o unless_o they_o entertain_v this_o as_o honourable_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n not_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v such_o a_o super-transcendent_a absurdity_n as_o surpass_v all_o belief_n or_o even_o imagination_n but_o a_o rhetorician_n may_v say_v any_o thing_n when_o talk_v pretty_a plausibility_n be_v only_o in_o vogue_n and_o a_o melodious_a gingle_n to_o please_v the_o ear_n be_v more_o modish_a than_o solid_a reason_n to_o satisfy_v the_o understanding_n next_o he_o vouch_v not_o any_o reason_n he_o bring_v to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a and_o consequent_o own_v not_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n no_o not_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o be_v absolute_o certain_a which_o not_o to_o assert_v but_o as_o have_v be_v show_v from_o his_o firm_a principle_n equivalent_o to_o deny_v even_o then_o when_o he_o be_v maintain_v it_o be_v a_o intolerable_a prejudice_n to_o that_o weighty_a and_o excellent_a cause_n he_o have_v undertake_v and_o so_o be_v engage_v to_o defend_v 3._o he_o wave_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o his_o reason_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a and_o content_v himself_o that_o it_o keep_v we_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n which_o reach_v not_o assent_v for_o to_o doubt_v a_o thing_n be_v to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a and_o so_o not_o to_o doubt_v be_v bare_o not_o to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o hold_v it_o true_a and_o consequent_o from_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n beside_o our_o not_o doubt_v may_v be_v in_o many_o regard_v faulty_a and_o spring_n from_o surprise_n passion_n and_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o ignorance_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o a_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v faulty_a wherefore_o to_o relinquish_v the_o patronage_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o validity_n that_o be_v absolute_a conclusiveness_n of_o christian_a proof_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n for_o this_o point_n defend_v only_o their_o plausibility_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o victorious_a way_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n into_o assent_n require_v only_o a_o feeble_a not_o doubt_v be_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o betray_v his_o cause_n and_o tacit_o or_o rather_o indeed_o too_o open_o to_o accuse_v christianity_n of_o a_o infirmity_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v incapable_a to_o effect_v what_o they_o ought_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n 4._o by_o make_v our_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o motive_n consist_v mere_o in_o our_o not_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o make_v its_o effect_n and_o consequent_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o motive_n themselves_o no_o better_a than_o those_o which_o heathen_n turk_n and_o heretic_n have_v for_o these_o also_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o respective_a sect_n if_o he_o say_v christian_n have_v no_o just_a reason_n
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
the_o small_a strength_n they_o have_v when_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a be_v not_o earnest_o and_o hearty_o engage_v neither_o in_o the_o patronage_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o in_o prove_v it_o probable_a there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o only_o incline_v favourable_o towards_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v of_o moderate_a temper_n use_v to_o be_v favourable_a to_o every_o body_n and_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o sweet_a soft-natured_a melt_a pliable_a tender-hearted_a compassionate_a and_o indulgent_a thing_n as_o these_o same_o probability_n they_o be_v ever_o at_o hand_n to_o lend_v their_o weak_a help_n to_o any_o body_n that_o want_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o will_v fit_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n good_a or_o bad_a yet_o for_o all_o their_o kind_n and_o gentle_a behaviour_n in_o oblige_v none_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o or_o say_v as_o they_o do_v as_o your_o rude_a demonstration_n use_v i_o have_v notwithstanding_o a_o kind_n of_o prejudice_n against_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v false_a heart_a and_o use_v to_o play_v jack-a-both-side_n most_o egregious_o for_o scarce_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o tenet_n in_o the_o world_n so_o absurd_a but_o when_o not_o one_o good_a reason_n dare_v appear_v for_o it_o this_o tattle_a gossip_n dame_n probability_n will_v for_o all_o that_o undertake_v it_o and_o let_v she_o have_v but_o her_o neat_a chambermaid_n rhetoric_n to_o trick_n she_o up_o with_o lace_n spangle_n curl_n patch_n and_o other_o such_o pretty_a bauble_n she_o will_v dare_v to_o encounter_v with_o any_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n or_o maintain_v the_o most_o absurd_a paradox_n imaginable_a as_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n well_o know_v else_o they_o will_v be_v out_o of_o heart_n ever_o to_o write_v more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o conceive_v why_o p._n 22._o he_o call_v they_o fair_a say_v if_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n and_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o fair_a proof_n he_o say_v not_o good_a proof_n or_o conclusive_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n no_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o this_o will_v quite_o take_v the_o business_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o probability_n which_o a_o rhetorical_a divine_a ought_v not_o to_o do_v for_o nothing_o suit_v with_o rhetoric_n humour_n so_o well_o as_o probability_n do_v and_o demonstration_n care_v not_o one_o straw_n for_o she_o but_o he_o give_v they_o their_o just_a due_n and_o call_v they_o only_o fair_a proof_n and_o fair_a probability_n that_o be_v pretty_a plausible_a and_o take_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o of_o themselves_o what_o be_v there_o which_o a_o little_a daub_v with_o rhetorical_a varnish_n will_v not_o make_v fair_a but_o the_o upshot_n oâ—_n sum_n total_a of_o his_o proof_n be_v the_o best_a sport_n if_o it_o be_v not_o most_o pernicious_a it_o be_v this_o that_o these_o fair_a probability_n take_v together_o and_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o conviction_n in_o they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o plain_a confession_n though_o couch_v in_o wary_a term_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a proof_n among_o they_o all_o yet_o many_o bad_a one_o put_v together_o will_v make_v a_o good_a one_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o concurrence_n of_o many_o likelihood_n render_v a_o thing_n more_o probable_a and_o encourage_v we_o to_o outward_a action_n but_o to_o think_v that_o many_o probability_n will_v reach_v that_o indivisible_a point_n in_o which_o truth_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n be_v find_v be_v quite_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o assent_n too_o which_o consist_v in_o be_v or_o be_v not_o and_o since_o to_o convince_v rational_o be_v to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n be_v i_o desire_v dr._n t_n logic_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o since_o a_o probable_a proof_n be_v that_o which_o only_o conclude_v the_o thing_n probable_a and_o consequent_o many_o probable_a one_o be_v terminate_v in_o render_v it_o more_o probable_a how_o i_o say_v many_o proof_n only_o probable_a can_v conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v certain_o or_o convince_v the_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v unless_o they_o happen_v to_o engage_v some_o nature_n or_o other_o and_o consequent_o some_o identical_a proposition_n which_o dr._n t._n neither_o pretend_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o show_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n declare_v himself_o a_o utter_a enemy_n to_o such_o principle_n and_o consequent_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o discourse_n §_o 12._o in_o a_o word_n dr._n t_n positive_a proof_n of_o a_o godhead_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n humane_a testimony_n and_o probability_n of_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n serm._n p._n 22_o 23._o and_o testimony_n which_o p._n 22._o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o divide_v into_o universal_a tradition_n and_o write_a history_n now_o write_a history_n be_v not_o therefore_o true_a because_o it_o be_v write_v but_o depend_v upon_o live_v authority_n or_o tradition_n to_o authenticate_v it_o and_o how_o ridiculous_a he_o will_v make_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n even_o that_o which_o be_v confess_o ground_v on_o the_o sensation_n of_o great_a multitude_n which_o be_v vast_o above_o this_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v see_v in_o hâ—s_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o pref._n p._n 16._o all_o humane_a testimony_n be_v fallible_a and_o so_o all_o build_v on_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a wherefore_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n it_o be_v conclude_v there_o may_v possible_o be_v no_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n humane_a testimony_n say_v to_o the_o point_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a word_n that_o probability_n of_o reason_n though_o never_o such_o fair_a one_o conclude_v as_o little_a last_o he_o tell_v we_o serm._n p_o 22._o that_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n this_o argument_n have_v all_o the_o strength_n it_o can_v have_v and_o thus_o dr._n t._n instead_o of_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o very_o learned_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n §_o 13._o i_o omit_v his_o abuse_v the_o word_n testimony_n which_o be_v build_v on_o sensation_n in_o allege_v it_o to_o prove_v a_o creation_n which_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o mankind_n nor_o consequent_o can_v the_o persuasion_n of_o future_a deliverer_n and_o writer_n have_v for_o its_o source_n attestation_n or_o testimony_n i_o omit_v also_o his_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o testimony_n to_o prove_v miracle_n god_n proper_a effect_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o sense_n and_o which_o both_o christian_n jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n both_o unanimous_o have_v and_o the_o first_o seer_n can_v proper_o attest_v i_o suppose_v his_o confidence_n in_o his_o rhetoric_n make_v he_o choose_v the_o worse_a argument_n to_o show_v how_o pretty_o he_o can_v make_v they_o look_v or_o perhaps_o the_o genius_n of_o thing_n lie_v so_o that_o the_o slight_a argument_n most_o need_v and_o so_o best_a suit_n with_o rhetorical_a discourser_n §_o 14._o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v gentleman_n there_o will_v appear_v just_a reason_n for_o that_o moderate_a and_o civil_a hint_n i_o give_v dr._n t._n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o ground_n in_o these_o word_n in_o which_o sermon_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v hereafter_o after_o which_o i_o give_v his_o sermon_n all_o its_o due_a commendation_n and_o then_o subjoin_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o
most_o unmerciful_o even_o to_o utter_v desolation_n §_o 3._o in_o return_n to_o which_o kind_n of_o carriage_n though_o it_o deserve_v only_a contempt_n let_v we_o hear_v first_o how_o dr._n t._n answer_v himself_o who_o serm_n pag._n 120.121_o very_o zealous_o reprehend_v and_o preach_v against_o this_o absurd_a fault_n in_o himself_o in_o these_o word_n let_v none_o say_v he_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n or_o those_o reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o profess_v it_o be_v absolutely-true_a because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a to_o despise_v and_o deride_v for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v nothing_n be_v so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o it_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o traduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jâ—st_a may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o those_o reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o hold_v and_o profess_v faith_n absolutely-true_a because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n nonplus_v controvertist_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a dr._n t._n know_v that_o by_o long_a and_o very_a useful_a experience_n as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n ase_a must_v despise_v all_z thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o short_a way_n be_v to_o condemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n also_o in_o his_o forego_n sermon_n pag._n 86_o 87._o he_o give_v good_a doctrine_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n but_o never_o intend_v to_o follow_v it_o himself_o these_o thing_n whether_o faith_n be_v absolute_o true_a or_o no_o be_v of_o infinite_a consequence_n to_o we_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o a_o matter_n to_o be_v slight_o and_o superficial_o think_v upon_o much_o less_o as_o the_o way_n of_o atheistical_a men_n be_v to_o be_v play_v and_o jest_v withal_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v turn_v religion_n or_o a_o discourse_n aim_v to_o show_v it_o absolute_o certain_a into_o raillery_n and_o think_v to_o confute_n it_o by_o two_o or_o three_o bold_a jest_n this_o man_n do_v not_o render_v it_o but_o himself_o ridiculous_a again_o though_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o the_o proof_n of_o faith_n absolute_a certainty_n be_v never_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a yet_o they_o may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_n by_o vain_a and_o frothy_a man_n as_o the_o grave_a and_o wise_a personage_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v abuse_v by_o be_v put_v into_o a_o fool_n coat_n and_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a poem_n may_v be_v debase_v and_o make_v vile_a by_o be_v turn_v into_o burles_n qve_fw-la thus_o dr_n t._n by_o preach_v what_o he_o never_o intend_v to_o practice_n have_v most_o ample_o lay_v open_a his_o own_o folly_n and_o hit_v himself_o still_o while_o he_o aim_v at_o the_o atheist_n and_o no_o wonder_n for_o their_o cause_n as_o far_o as_o i_o impugn_v he_o here_o be_v not_o very_o wide_a of_o one_o another_o since_o nothing_o approach_v near_a to_o the_o deny_v all_o religion_n than_o to_o hold_v it_o all_o uncertain_a at_o least_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o in_o what_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_n here_o against_o my_o reason_n for_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n differ_v from_o that_o of_o atheist_n against_o a_o deity_n and_o all_o religion_n the_o point_n to_o be_v consider_v by_o both_o of_o they_o be_v of_o a_o solid_a and_o concern_v nature_n and_o both_o handle_v they_o drollish_o and_o make_v raillery_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n nor_o will_v it_o avail_v he_o to_o reply_v that_o my_o proof_n be_v not_o solid_a and_o so_o oughr_fw-mi to_o be_v confute_v with_o mockery_n for_o he_o ought_v first_o show_v by_o reason_n that_o they_o thus_o high_o misdeserve_v and_o then_o employ_v his_o talon_n of_o irony_n upon_o they_o afterward_o and_o not_o make_v mere_a irony_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n beside_o himself_o acknowledge_v pag_n 87._o that_o if_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v doubtful_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o this_o concern_v we_o so_o near_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v serious_a in_o the_o examination_n of_o they_o and_o certain_o no_o judicious_a or_o good_a man_n will_v doubt_v but_o that_o it_o high_o and_o near_o concern_v all_o good_a christian_n to_o know_v whether_o their_o faith_n the_o substance_n of_o all_o their_o hope_n particular_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n the_o point_n i_o mention_v be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o not_o i_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o choice_n of_o dr._n t_n friend_n whether_o they_o will_v rather_o approve_v his_o doctrine_n in_o his_o sermon_n or_o his_o unconsonant_a practice_n in_o this_o preface_n if_o the_o former_a they_o must_v condemn_v he_o out_o of_o his_o own_o mouth_n to_o be_v foolish_a ridiculous_a and_o a_o imitator_n of_o atheist_n and_o his_o way_n of_o write_v insignificant_a but_o if_o they_o like_o the_o late_a than_o they_o must_v conclude_v his_o sermon_n as_o equal_o blame-worthy_a for_o oppose_v so_o laudable_a a_o practice_n unfortunate_a man_n who_o very_o grave_o take_v text_n against_o scoffer_n and_o make_v sermon_n upon_o they_o and_o then_o behave_v himself_o all_o over_o so_o scurrilous_o and_o drollish_o in_o his_o whole_a preface_n to_o they_o as_o level_v those_o very_a sermon_n as_o direct_o against_o himself_o as_o can_v possible_o be_v contrive_v or_o imagine_v which_o be_v in_o effect_n by_o his_o carriage_n to_o tell_v the_o atheist_n that_o that_o scoff_v and_o drollish_a way_n of_o answer_v and_o manage_v discourse_n about_o religion_n which_o be_v so_o horrid_a sin_n in_o they_o because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o ungodly_a and_o wicked_a be_v notwithstanding_o none_o at_o all_o but_o a_o very_a great_a virtue_n in_o the_o saint_n and_o the_o godly_a and_o in_o a_o particular_a manner_n meritorious_a so_o it_o be_v practise_v against_o those_o man_n of_o sin_n the_o most_o abominable_a papist_n §_o 4._o beside_o as_o dr._n t._n well_o observe_v when_o he_o be_v in_o a_o more_o sober_a humour_n every_o thing_n even_o the_o best_a be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v and_o make_v ridiculous_a by_o drollish_a jest_n and_o consequent_o this_o method_n be_v so_o exact_o obseruss_v when_o he_o be_v to_o confute_v i_o will_v as_o he_o very_o well_o express_v it_o in_o his_o pref._n pag._n 26_o equal_o serve_v to_o prove_v or_o confute_v any_o thing_n to_o show_v the_o all-powerful_a strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o it_o let_v we_o imagine_v that_o euclid_n have_v be_v a_o catholic_n dr._n t._n may_v have_v preach_v â—_o sermon_n or_o two_o full_a of_o zeal_n against_o witchcraft_n and_o have_v produce_v some_o fair_a probability_n to_o persuade_v the_o people_n that_o mathematician_n be_v all_o mere_a friar_n bacon_n and_o absolute_a conjurer_n because_o they_o use_v to_o draw_v circle_n and_o uncouth_a figure_n which_o look_v like_o magic_n to_o second_v which_o dr._n st'_v book_n concern_v image_n will_v mutatis_fw-la mutandiâ—_n light_v very_o pat_o and_o home_n and_o then_o when_o he_o have_v do_v write_v a_o preface_n to_o those_o sermon_n against_o the_o prince_n of_o conjurer_n or_o the_o belzebub_n of_o those_o incarnate_a devil_n euclid_n and_o confute_v he_o on_o this_o manner_n first_o he_o may_v pick_v out_o some_o demonstration_n of_o his_o in_o which_o be_v five_o or_o six_o word_n hard_a than_o ordinary_a at_o least_o too_o hard_a for_o the_o vulgar_a though_o clear_a enough_o to_o the_o learned_a man_n in_o that_o art_n as_o isosceles_a parallelograms_n parallelepipe_n cylinder_n diameter_n eicosaedron_n and_o such_o like_a and_o when_o he_o have_v transcribe_v they_o into_o a_o ridiculous_a preface_n which_o he_o be_v sure_o no_o good_a mathematician_n will_v ever_o care_v to_o read_v but_o vulgar_a soul_n will_v much_o admire_v and_o out_o of_o their_o hatred_n to_o these_o popish_a
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 formâ—â—_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
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 tâ—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
apparent_a respect_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v find_v in_o rushworth_n whereas_o there_o be_v not_o a_o syllable_n to_o that_o purpose_n in_o my_o book_n three_o to_o give_v countenance_n to_o this_o false_a charge_n those_o word_n of_o i_o whereas_o in_o the_o place_n you_o cite_v he_o only_o express_v which_o in_o i_o be_v immediate_o subjoin_v to_o his_o comment_n and_o be_v evident_o design_v to_o restrain_v that_o author_n word_n to_o a_o sense_n different_a from_o what_o he_o have_v impose_v he_o here_o join_v immediate_o after_o the_o very_a woâ—ds_n themselves_o though_o there_o be_v three_o or_o four_o line_n between_o one_o and_o the_o other_o by_o this_o stratagem_n make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v the_o word_n only_a be_v exclusive_a or_o negative_a of_o more_o word_n find_v in_o rushworth_n whereas_o by_o the_o whoâ—e_a tenor_n of_o the_o charge_n by_o all_o the_o word_n which_o express_v it_o and_o last_o by_o the_o place_v those_o word_n he_o only_o express_a immediate_o after_o his_o unhandsome_a comment_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a they_o only_o exclude_v any_o ground_n or_o occasion_n of_o so_o strange_a a_o misconstruction_n and_o aim_v not_o in_o the_o least_o at_o deny_v any_o other_o word_n but_o only_o at_o clear_v that_o this_o be_v that_o author_n sole_a intention_n yet_o in_o confidence_n of_o these_o blind_a craft_n and_o that_o his_o unexamine_v reader_n will_v believe_v all_o he_o say_v he_o sound_v the_o triumph_n of_o his_o own_o victory_n in_o this_o rude_a and_o confident_a manner_n certain_o one_o will_v think_v that_o either_o this_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n or_o no_o forehead_n i_o will_v not_o say_v as_o dr._n t._n do_v here_o in_o a_o sermon_n preach_v against_o himself_o p._n 123._o that_o a_o little_a wit_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o ill-nature_n will_v furnish_v a_o man_n for_o satyr_n only_o i_o must_v say_v that_o the_o ten_o part_n of_o this_o rudeness_n in_o another_o though_o just_o occasion_v too_o will_v have_v be_v call_v passion_n and_o ill_a language_n but_o i_o see_v what_o be_v a_o most_o horrid_a sin_n in_o the_o abominable_a papist_n be_v still_o a_o great_a virtue_n in_o the_o saint_n on_o this_o occasion_n since_o he_o be_v so_o hot_a and_o rustic_a i_o must_v be_v serious_a with_o he_o and_o demand_v of_o he_o public_o in_o the_o face_n of_o the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o this_o unjust_a calumny_n and_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v too_o rigorous_a with_o he_o i_o will_v yield_v he_o innocent_a in_o all_o the_o rest_n if_o he_o clear_v himself_o of_o this_o one_o passage_n in_o which_o he_o counterfeit_v the_o great_a triumph_n and_o victory_n of_o this_o fault_n i_o say_v which_o he_o have_v new_o commit_v even_o then_o when_o he_o go_v about_o to_o clear_a himsellf_n of_o a_o former_a §_o 12._o his_o last_o attempt_n be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n why_o he_o add_v that_o large_a sense_v monosyllable_n all_o to_o my_o word_n which_o be_v the_o only_a false_a citation_n 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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 teneâ—_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 â—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 â—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 noâ—_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