Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n mean_v motive_n object_n 2,243 5 10.7872 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

There are 7 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

and_o my_o ground_n why_o i_o then_o believe_v rest_n still_o unchanged_a nay_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o yet_o reason_n act_n much_o different_o now_o then_o former_o before_o i_o come_v at_o faith_n she_o act_v about_o she_o own_o object_n motive_n or_o maxim_n by_o which_o she_o scan_v the_o authority_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o in_o act_n of_o faith_n she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o object_n of_o those_o act_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o may_v distinguish_v two_o sense_n in_o the_o word_n reason_n one_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o natural_a faculty_n which_o constitute_v man_n which_o faculty_n never_o desert_n or_o aught_o to_o desert_v we_o in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v manly_n or_o virtuous_a the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o power_n wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n under_o its_o own_o ken_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o call_v it_o human_a reason_n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o natural_a power_n unactuate_v or_o abstract_o for_o then_o the_o word_n human_a be_v a_o tautology_n but_o reason_n as_o conversant_a with_o such_o object_n or_o inform_v by_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v common_o find_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o natural_a condition_n as_o man_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o beget_v science_n and_o this_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o find_v the_o authority_n now_o speak_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n formal_o speak_v be_v out_o of_o her_o reach_n nor_o be_v she_o thus_o understand_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o authority_n only_o wherefore_o into_o authority_n only_o faith_n as_o such_o be_v resolve_v final_o though_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o resolve_v the_o rationalness_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o authority_n itself_o it_o will_v light_v into_o those_o evident_a reason_n which_o your_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n as_o yet_o uninform_v by_o faith_n but_o by_o motive_n or_o maxim_n within_o its_o own_o sphere_n be_v capable_a to_o wield_v 5._o reason_n therefore_o take_v for_o my_o natural_a power_n be_v my_o eye_n or_o interior_a sight_n as_o inform_v by_o common_a principle_n or_o maxim_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n my_o guide_n to_o bring_v i_o to_o believe_v authority_n and_o those_o motive_n or_o maxim_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o my_o reason_n by_o attend_v to_o which_o she_o have_v virtue_n or_o skill_n to_o set_v she_o own_o thought_n right_a that_o be_v to_o guide_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o faith_n but_o when_o i_o have_v once_o come_v to_o believe_v authority_n that_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n not_o reason_n but_o authority_n be_v my_o guide_n for_o i_o follow_v authority_n and_o not_o my_o reason_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o that_o natural_a power_n never_o desert_n i_o yet_o reason_n as_o rule_v by_o she_o own_o natural_a maxim_n be_v useless_a to_o i_o as_o a_o guide_n or_o those_o maxim_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o apply_v neither_o of_o these_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o scan_v their_o verity_n or_o falsity_n by_o but_o pure_o rely_v upon_o authority_n and_o believe_v they_o authority_n then_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o in_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n consist_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n it_o have_v to_o guide_v i_o right_n that_o be_v to_o regulate_v or_o rule_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o as_o one_o who_o must_v have_v such_o certain_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n as_o i_o may_v secure_o build_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o authority_n then_o as_o it_o be_v infallible_a be_v also_o my_o rule_n in_o my_o believe_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n this_o of_o my_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a against_o adversary_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a but_o with_o protestant_n who_o grant_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n and_o consequent_o his_o word_n or_o doctrine_n true_a the_o only_a rule_n and_o guido_n we_o need_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o assure_v it_o to_o we_o we_o affirm_v then_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o guide_n we_o follow_v and_o her_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n hence_o all_o catholic_n profess_v her_o doctrine_n uninterrupted_o succeed_a from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o with_o one_o voice_n they_o lay_v claim_v to_o christ_n gracious_a assistance_n to_o she_o in_o defend_v she_o from_o over-growing_a error_n against_o faith_n or_o heresy_n hence_o all_o profess_v to_o hear_v and_o follow_v she_o and_o pledge_v undoubting_o even_o the_o security_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o rely_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o live_a voice_n for_o their_o tenet_n and_o on_o her_o discipline_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o some_o schoolman_n make_v scripture_n a_o partial_a rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o can_v mean_v only_o material_o not_o formal_o that_o be_v that_o some_o part_n of_o faith_n be_v signify_v by_o scripture_n letter_n not_o that_o scripture_n letter_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a secure_o to_o signify_v it_o to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v that_o most_o strong_a &_o firm_a assent_n find_v in_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o all_o hold_v no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n all_o hold_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o constant_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n now_o faith_n be_v tenet_n and_o sense_n that_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o christ_n sense_n not_o the_o material_a character_n which_o that_o certain_a interpreter_n we_o call_v the_o church_n work_v upon_o and_o by_o her_o practical_a tradition_n interpret_v 6._o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o dr._n pierce_n and_o his_o party_n how_o just_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o how_o mistake_o they_o discourse_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n 7._o first_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o will_v seem_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o tenet_n which_o none_o but_o perfect_a madman_n can_v hold_v namely_o that_o we_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o old_a wife_n dream_n as_o our_o faith_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o less_o reason_n than_o none_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o he_o will_v needs_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o therefore_o the_o enthusiastic_a sectary_n be_v in_o part_n romish_a proselyte_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o upon_o so_o gross_a a_o calumny_n lay_v down_o for_o his_o principle_n and_o a_o sober_a truth_n what_o may_v he_o not_o conclude_v with_o equal_a reason_n he_o may_v have_v infer_v that_o all_o bedlam_n be_v catholic_n and_o that_o to_o turn_v mad_a be_v to_o turn_v a_o romanist_n but_o his_o carriage_n to_o put_v this_o upon_o mr._n s._n c._n be_v strange_o unjust_a since_o he_o know_v and_o hint_n it_o that_o he_o write_v a_o book_n upon_o his_o declare_v himself_n catholic_n entitle_v motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n do_v he_o think_v the_o word_n motive_n do_v not_o signify_v reason_n or_o that_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o reason_n why_o he_o adheae_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v that_o he_o renounce_v all_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v she_o 8._o next_o as_o for_o his_o own_o tenet_n he_o lay_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n that_o reason_n alone_o be_v judge_n in_o all_o case_n i_o will_v propose_v he_o one_o case_n and_o it_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o work_v now_o with_o your_o reason_n about_o this_o object_n and_o see_v how_o you_o evince_v it_o i_o doubt_v your_o best_a reason_n will_v crack_v ere_o you_o make_v all_o end_n meet_v but_o you_o mean_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o conceive_v speak_v proper_o you_o shall_v rather_o say_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o authority_n and_o authority_n to_o believe_v it_o for_o belief_n be_v as_o proper_o relative_a to_o authority_n as_o science_n be_v to_o a_o act_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o evidence_n whence_o it_o be_v as_o incongruous_a to_o say_v i_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o point_n scientifical_o by_o authority_n
supernatural_a thing_n again_o it_o be_v evident_a and_o hold_v by_o those_o christian_n that_o none_o can_v come_v to_o heaven_n without_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n or_o some_o very_a great_a good_a reserve_v for_o the_o next_o life_n nor_o yet_o without_o love_v it_o for_o none_o be_v think_v to_o go_v to_o heaven_n whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o which_o love_n beside_o the_o knowledge_n that_o heaven_n be_v can_v be_v have_v without_o know_v likewise_o that_o it_o be_v a_o good_a incomparable_o great_a than_o any_o in_o this_o life_n nor_o can_v these_o knowledge_n be_v have_v by_o mankind_n but_o by_o believe_v hence_o belief_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n or_o faith_n be_v conceive_v necessary_a for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n nor_o be_v this_o find_v only_o in_o the_o judgement_n the_o learneder_n faithful_n make_v concern_v it_o by_o their_o discourse_n but_o in_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o it_o import_v knowledge_n of_o supernatural_a thing_n it_o be_v then_o grant_v by_o all_o and_o in_o itself_o most_o rational_a that_o some_o at_o least_o of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v to_o be_v save_v that_o be_v be_v to_o have_v faith_n or_o knowledge_n of_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o certain_a mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n must_v be_v appliable_a to_o they_o 9_o moreover_o since_o the_o rude_a or_o unskilfull_a people_n be_v the_o less_o capable_a they_o be_v of_o science_n and_o none_o doubt_v but_o some_o among_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v come_v to_o be_v save_v since_o we_o experience_v they_o have_v oftentimes_o well-meaning_a virtuous_a and_o devout_a heart_n the_o rule_n or_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n must_v also_o be_v appliable_a to_o these_o that_o be_v must_v be_v such_o as_o even_o the_o rude_a may_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n 10._o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n therefore_o must_v be_v knowable_a as_o to_o it_o be_v existence_n by_o natural_a impression_n upon_o man_n sense_n affect_v their_o soul_n according_a to_o the_o common_a light_n of_o understanding_n for_o see_v the_o rude_a be_v very_o shallow_a reflecter_n and_o discourser_n and_o suppose_v to_o be_v utter_o unacquainted_a with_o any_o kind_n of_o skill_n get_v by_o speculation_n or_o study_n the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n existence_n must_v not_o need_v any_o skill_n or_o science_n acquire_v by_o study_n intervening_a between_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o it●_n otherwise_o it_o can_v not_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n by_o parag_n 4_o 11._o again_o see_v those_o who_o be_v very_o rude_a be_v yet_o capable_a of_o be_v put_v into_o doubt_n concern_v their_o faith_n either_o by_o sophistry_n or_o fai●_n language_n and_o at_o length_n desert_v it_o and_o it_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a there_o shall_v be_v no_o mean_n lest_o by_o god_n sufficient_a to_o settle_v they_o nor_o can_v any_o mean_n be_v sufficient_a if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o best_a if_o not_o only_o mean_v to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o faith_n be_v dissatisfactory_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v show_v worthy_a to_o be_v rely_v on_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i●_n either_o by_o its_o own_o light_n evident_o secure_a and_o worthy_a to_o be_v hold_v a_o rule_n and_o this_o even_a to_o the_o rude_a who_o can_v doubt_v or_o else_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o to_o be_v such_o by_o intelligent_a person_n who_o be_v verse_v in_o such_o reflection_n and_o this_o out_o of_o principle_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o as_o be_v prove_v parage_v the_o 5_o that_o be_v require_v only_o common_a and_o obvious_a reason_n not_o scientifical_a speculation_n to_o instill_v they_o otherwise_o those_o rude_a person_n will_v be_v leave_v unfurnish_v of_o due_a mean_n to_o be_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n 12._o also_o since_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n bear_v that_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o a_o virtue_n and_o so_o no_o act_n of_o it_o irrational_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a all_o its_o act_n rational_a and_o the_o submission_n of_o onr_a understanding_n exercisd_v in_o it_o rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la it_o be_v evince_v that_o the_o satisfactorine_n of_o its_o rule_n ought_v not_o only_o to_o be_v evident_a or_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a doubter_n as_o we_o now_o prove_v but_o also_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o the_o faithful_a who_o yet_o have_v no_o doubt_n shall_v do_v rational_o even_o while_o they_o simple_o or_o unreflect_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v supply_v to_o their_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n by_o a_o natural_a way_n what_o it_o want_v of_o reflection_n i_o mean_v so_o that_o the_o common_a light_n of_o reason_n may_v tell_v they_o upon_o solid_a and_o true_a principle_n teach_v they_o by_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n this_o be_v to_o be_v hold_v or_o follow_v thongh_v they_o dive_v not_o into_o the_o ground_n or_o particular_a reason_n of_o their_o tenet_n or_o action_n nor_o can_v give_v account_n of_o they_o 13._o and_o since_o our_o saviour_n intend_v those_o out_o of_o the_o church_n shall_v embrace_v faith_n and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v convert_v be_v heterodox_n that_o be_v hold_v contradictory_o to_o the_o church_n in_o what_o they_o dissent_v from_o she_o so_o that_o if_o they_o change_v they_o must_v now_o hold_v be_v indeed_o of_o be_v not_o or_o be_v not_o instead_o of_o be_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a to_o hold_v to_o in_o those_o point_n in_o which_o they_o differ_v from_o she_o and_o no_o change_n ought_v to_o be_v in_o reason_n or_o in_o a_o rational_a nature_n of_o which_o nature_n those_o heterodox_n be_v without_o true_a reason_n to_o change_v and_o the_o change_n in_o our_o case_n be_v to_o be_v make_v not_o to_o a_o mere_a suspension_n which_o be_v believe_v nothing_o nor_o to_o a_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o to_o a_o contrary_a or_o rather_o contradictory_n assent_n and_o no_o assent_n can_v be●_n without_o sufficient_a cause_n of_o assent_n nor_o be_v any_o sufficient_a in_o reason_n to_o put_v that_o effect_n or_o cause_n assent_n in_o a_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n as_o be_v the_o rule●_n of_o faith_n but_o evidence_n for_o while_o it_o be_v but_o probable_a that_o be_v while_o the_o understanding_n must_v a●_n yet_o say_v i_o know_v not_o it_o be_v so_o it_o can_v say_v i_o know_v i●_n be_v so_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o say_v understand_o or_o to_o assent_n that_o it_o be_v so_o now_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o actual_a assent_v to_o the_o church_n faith_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o follow_v out_o of_o the_o notion_n of_o rational_a include_v in_o the_o word_n faith_n as_o apply_v to_o convettible_a person_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v beyond_o all_o peradventure_o how_o high_a and_o presume_v soever_o they_o be_v that_o be_v absolute_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o consequent_o certain_a 14._o moreover_o there_o be_v many_o eminent_a wit_n in_o the_o chutch_n verse_v in_o true_a logic_n &_o enure_v to_o science_n and_o true_a logic_n and_o the_o course_n of_o science_n necessary_o tell_v they_o that_o nothing_o can_v in_o perfect_a reason_n be_v hold_v by_o one_o who_o penetrate_v difficulty_n but_o either_o self-evident_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n necessary_o deduce_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n from_o those_o principle_n nor_o can_v they_o be_v necessary_o deduce_v without_o immediate_a connexion_n or_o identification_n of_o the_o term_n with_o the_o medium_fw-la which_o infer_v the_o identity_n between_o themselves_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o that_o what_o be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v thus_o connect_v be_v unknown_a and_o so_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v may_v be_v false_a and_o to_o see_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v false_a must_v needs_o breed_v some_o fear_n of_o be_v so_o or_o doubt_v if_o we_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o truth_n or_o falsity_n of_o that_o thing_n and_o none_o can_v rational_o assent_v or_o fix_v their_o judgement_n where_o there_o be_v leave_v some_o doubt_n or_o waver_v of_o judgement_n and_o the_o judgement_n or_o assent_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v rotional_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a producer_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n that_o it_o must_v not_o only_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o rude_a sort_n but_o also_o contain_v in_o itself_o seed_n of_o perfect_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v those_o learned_a person_n who_o shall_v more_o narrow_o examine_v it_o otherwise_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a portion_n and_o
multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o to_o save_v other_o who_o they_o thus_o instruct_v by_o rely_v on_o this_o truth_n that_o their_o forefather_n thus_o teach_v they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o nature_n or_o common_a reason_n at_o unaware_o steal_v into_o they_o a_o solid_a apprehension_n that_o tradition_n be_v of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o that_o while_o father_n thus_o teach_v child_n it_o be_v ever_o such_o that_o be_v that_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o convey_v down_o faith_n which_o be_v all_o we_o study_v to_o evince_v at_o present_a i_o may_v add_v that_o nature_n tell_v they_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o parent_n general_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a &_o needful_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n their_o natural_a thought_n will_v lead_v they_o by_o a_o downright_a procedure_n to_o judge_v that_o tradition_n be_v ever_o in_o some_o considerable_a body_n of_o deliverer_n who_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o own_a it_o and_o that_o those_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o true_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n teach_v but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o 10._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o multitude_n of_o plain_a honest-meaning_n soul_n be_v as_o much_o justify_v for_o believe_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o you_o mean_v their_o faith_n conceive_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o justifiable_a for_o believe_v any_o set_v aside_o tradition_n help_n for_o without_o this_o it_o total_o depend_v on_o the_o inward_a judgement_n fancy_n or_o skill_n of_o man_n which_o they_o be_v unqualify_v to_o judge_v of_o not_o on_o open_a verdict_n of_o sense_n to_o wield_v the_o certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o which_o lie_v clear_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n letter_n they_o can_v possible_o be_v justify_v in_o reason_n for_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o it_o without_o tradition_n assist_v hand_n and_o preserve_a care_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o because_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a experience_n tell_v they_o that_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n often_o disagree_v but_o their_o plain_a sensation_n especial_o if_o frequent_o repeat_v never_o whence_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o plain_a high-shoe_n will_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o six_o witness_n without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v a_o malefactor_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o thousand_o man_n if_o a_o testimony_n ground_v on_o sense_n be_v not_o bring_v now_o take_v away_o tradition_n and_o all_o ground_n from_o certain_a sense_n fail_v we_o either_o for_o the_o meaning_n or_o even_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n judgement_n build_v on_o latent_fw-la skill_n or_o fancy_n or_o at_o least_o on_o sense_n liable_a to_o great_a and_o numerous_a mistake_n as_o have_v be_v show_v disc._n 4._o §_o 3._o again_o see_v every_o one_o apprehend_v the_o most_o vulgar_a have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o k._n james_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o ascertain_v but_o by_o tradition_n why_o be_v not_o they_o as_o much_o or_o more_o justify_v for_o believe_a point_n of_o faith_n receive_v down_o by_o the_o same_o tenor_n whereas_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pump_v their_o common_a reason_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o statute-book_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o letter_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o blunder_v and_o at_o a_o ●oss_n be_v pose_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n by_o a_o question_n entrench_v upon_o skill_n to_o which_o they_o can_v never_o answer_v with_o a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a wit●_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffi●●_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v infallible_a to_o we_o an●_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v be_v such_o without_o have_v infallibly-c●●tain_a ground_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v firm_a to_o we_o than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v its_o ground_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v infallib●●_n certain_a there_o be_v then_o only_o two_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v namely_o deliver_v of_o it_o down_o by_o write_v and_o by_o word_n an●_n practice_n which_o we_o call_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n it_o be_v leave_v avoidable_o out_o of_o the_o imposibility_n that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v infallible_a as_o rule_v that_o tradition_n must_v be_v such_o 12._o though_o this_o conclusion_n suppose_v th●_n truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o assume_v as_o already_o prove_v be_v sufficient_o consequent_a to_o those_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o contest_v at_o present_a th●_n certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o regard_n they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d stick_v to_o grant_v that_o either_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o foresee_v more_o will_n be_v expect_v from_o a_o pretender_n to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v frame_v his_o discourse_n from_o intrinsical_v medium_n reflect_v then_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o before_o explicate_v we_o shall_v observe_v that_o it_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n the_o flower_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n by_o reflect_a thought_n or_o speculation_n amid_o the_o misty_a vapour_n exhale_v by_o his_o passion_n predominant_a over_o his_o rational_a will_n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v he●●_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n again_o those_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v once_o but_o frequent_o and_o in_o most_o many_o time_n every_o day_n moreover_o to_o make_v these_o more_o express_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o precept_n they_o hear_v and_o conformable_a example_n they_o see_v so_o that_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o that_o solid_a plain_a knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v downright_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o
her_o certainty_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n 6._o this_o tenor_n of_o my_o discourse_n brief_o reflect_v on_o i_o beg_v of_o my_o intelligent_a reader_n to_o regard_v it_o once_o more_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o he_o will_v see_v that_o i_o begin_v with_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o my_o principle_n be_v antecedent_n to_o authority_n and_o so_o be_v competent_a mean_n to_o judge_v authority_n by_o that_o i_o studious_o avoid_v wordish_a ambiguity_n which_o rhetorical_a discourser_n lie_v open_a to_o hold_v rigorous_o to_o the_o notion_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o lay_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o two_o familiar_a word_n rule_n and_o faith_n for_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o my_o discourse_n that_o i_o endeavour_v to_o pursue_v my_o principle_n by_o very_o obvious_a and_o immediate_a connexion_n that_o all_o the_o way_n i_o attend_v heedful_o to_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o short_a devolve_v to_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v at_o least_o by_o my_o method_n that_o there_o need_v nothing_o but_o time_n and_o industry_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v up_o in_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a form_n that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v here_o deliver_v in_o a_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n and_o ease_n of_o my_o reader_n who_o may_v see_v evidence_n in_o my_o discourse_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o bend_v their_o brain_n to_o study_v my_o book_n with_o that_o severity_n as_o they_o will_v do_v a_o euclid_n 7._o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v my_o reader_n reflect_v on_o all_o the_o discourse_n concern_v faith_n make_v by_o any_o protestant_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v short_a from_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o such_o performance_n but_o even_o a_o attempt_n of_o evidence_n first_o principles_n they_o lay_v none_o and_o consequent_o evidence_n of_o deduction_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o for_o want_v first_a principle_n it_o be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o deduce_v again_o for_o want_v of_o such_o principle_n they_o want_v certainty_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v it_o against_o a_o atheist_n or_o deist_n they_o want_v self-evident_a principle_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o interpret_n their_o uncertain_a letter_n and_o so_o confute_v other_o sect_n which_o differ_v from_o their_o church_n and_o the_o method_n they_o take_v to_o do_v it_o be_v evident_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o scientifical_a they_o have_v nothing_o upon_o account_n of_o live_v teacher_n which_o ascertain_v sense_n so_o that_o you_o must_v to_o find_v your_o faith_n not_o build_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o two_o or_o a_o few_o familiar_a word_n but_o of_o a_o whole_a large_a book_n that_o be_v on_o million_o of_o word_n and_o those_o too_o not_o only_o unsence_v but_o also_o very_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a they_o suppose_v all_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v all_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o induce_v faith_n and_o so_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n against_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v upon_o that_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_n or_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o i_o doubt_v fancy_n or_o value_v that_o method_n when_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n principle_n to_o weigh_v each_o testimony_n by_o they_o lay_v none_o and_o so_o quote_v at_o random_n certainty_n they_o seek_v not_o nor_o care_n for_o for_o they_o quote_v the_o father_n and_o scripture_n as_o by_o themselves_o interpret_v and_o yet_o neither_o hold_v the_o testimony_n of_o father_n infallible_a nor_o yet_o themselves_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n yet_o plain_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o unless_o the_o father_n or_o themselves_o be_v infallible_a hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o this_o say_n or_o interpretation_n they_o be_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la fallible_a that_o be_v all_o build_v on_o that_o testimony_n or_o interpretation_n be_v contingent_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o of_o such_o citation_n no_o better_o authorise_a cl●d_v perhaps_o in_o some_o fine_a word_n the_o book_n of_o their_o best_a champion_n be_v make_v up_o so_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v not_o to_o study_v thing_n but_o word_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v scholar_n or_o knower_n but_o empty_a talker_n and_o so_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o endeavour_n can_v never_o be_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o intelligent_a soul_n but_o only_o tickle_v the_o ear_n or_o please_v the_o fancy_n 9_o as_o i_o have_v show_v this_o ungrounded_a proceed_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o principle_n so_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o instance_n but_o ere_o i_o go_v about_o this_o undertake_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o objection_n obvious_a to_o many_o reader_n it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v strange_a all_o catholic_n do_v not_o take_v this_o way_n it_o be_v so_o conclusive_a as_o well_o as_o i._o 10._o i_o answer_v that_o all_o truth_n be_v connect_v it_o be_v evident_a each_o truth_n even_o for_o be_v such_o be_v maintainable_a several_a way_n especial_o supreme_a ●nd_n very_o concern_v one_o among_o which_o way_n some_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o capacity_n other_o to_o other_o wherefore_o catholic_n controvertist_n esteem_v themselves_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la or_o to_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o thing_n per_fw-la altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o so_o nor_o fly_v high_o than_o a_o prudential_a pitch_n and_o the_o late_a of_o these_o be_v the_o generality_n hereupon_o the_o charity_n and_o prudence_n of_o those_o learned_a opposer_n of_o dr._n pierce_n and_o very_o many_o other_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o address_v to_o these_o by_o answer_v his_o testimony_n particular_o leave_v i_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o principle_n though_o in_o danger_n to_o receive_v much_o disadvantage_n by_o my_o imperfect_a delivery_n and_o secure_a under_o the_o managery_n of_o their_o able_a head_n and_o pen_n i_o declare_v therefore_o that_o i_o intend_v no_o confutation_n of_o any_o of_o those_o author_n nor_o to_o share_v in_o the_o victory_n of_o those_o excellent_a champion_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v perhaps_o needless_a to_o the_o generality_n however_o very_o satisfactory_a to_o examine_v wit_n to_o confute_v that_o in_o common_a which_o be_v already_o confute_v by_o retail_n i_o write_v more_o against_o their_o way_n than_o their_o book_n yet_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o judge_v my_o short_a hint_n to_o bear_v the_o force_n of_o a_o solid_a confutation_n because_o they_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o overthrow_v all_o their_o argument_n and_o very_a method_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v advantage_n i_o shall_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o but_o the_o main_n be_v it_o import_v not_o in_o maintain_v truth_n what_o other_o do_v or_o do_v not_o but_o if_o it_o be_v show_v that_o catholic_n principle_n i_o mean_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v bear_v such_o a_o rigorous_a test_n of_o reason_n and_o appear_v more_o lustrous_a and_o bright_a by_o so_o severe_a a_o trial_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o revolter_n from_o she_o be_v so_o little_a solid_a so_o volatile_a and_o mere_o make_v up_o of_o fancy_n that_o they_o evaporate_v into_o air_n and_o even_o shrink_v into_o nothing_o when_o set_v in_o the_o midday_a beam_n of_o truth_n the_o rule_n of_o evidence_n i_o desire_v no_o high_o a_o honour_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o deep_a discredit_n to_o her_o adversary_n first_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o dr_n pierce_n sermon_n 1._o look_v about_o for_o instance_n of_o protestant_n book_n most_o proper_a to_o be_v confute_v by_o my_o former_a doctrine_n my_o thought_n pitch_v natural_o on_o mr_n whitby_n where_o he_o go_v about_o to_o settle_v rational_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o on_o mr_n stillingfleet_n where_o he_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n but_o it_o seem_v convenient_a to_o take_v to_o task_n also_o some_o adversary_n who_o insist_v on_o testimony_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o ground_n because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o bring_v testimony_n to_o ground_n to_o confute_v one_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o confute_v all_o dr_n hamond_n seem_v proper_a but_o his_o book_n be_v now_o out_o of_o vogue_n if_o it_o be_v ever_o in_o it_o for_o i_o never_o hear_v pass_v two_o or_o three_o person_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o best_a protestant_a wit_n of_o our_o nation_n never_o value_v he_o as_o a_o smart_n and_o efficacious_a writer_n beside_o the_o note_n i_o have_v late_o give_v upon_o the_o
to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v ●tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v a_o odd_a action_n do_v without_o reason_n to_o trace_v it_o to_o its_o original_a and_o to_o search_v after_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o upon_o consideration_n i_o find_v none_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o effect_n as_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o humour_n of_o quote_v in_o d._n pierce_n and_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n so_o strong_o possess_v they_o and_o even_o naturalize_v into_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v quote_v they_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n or_o not_o this_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o whole_a bead-roll_n of_o his_o citation_n the_o useful_a part_n as_o he_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a performance_n and_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o call_v evidence_n be_v conclusive_a that_o be_v worth_a a_o straw_n or_o to_o purpose_n but_o because_o every_o one_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o see_v it_o in_o those_o citation_n he_o bring_v for_o proof_n i_o let_v they_o see_v it_o in_o those_o his_o late_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n in_o which_o he_o so_o pitiful_o betray_v his_o silly_a and_o vain_a humour_n of_o quote_v to_o no_o imaginable_a end_n but_o to_o satisfy_v his_o customary_a habit_n or_o fancy_n and_o as_o in_o his_o citation_n so_o in_o these_o imagine_v the_o application_n of_o they_o to_o his_o cause_n in_o stead_n of_o show_v it_o that_o i_o conceive_v no_o universitie-wit_n but_o will_v see_v in_o this_o carriage_n of_o he_o that_o dr._n pierce_n head_n be_v not_o too_o scientifical_a nor_o himself_o a_o fit_a man_n to_o to_o demonstrate_v against_o the_o papist_n second_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n 1._o i_o beg_v pardon_n of_o my_o reader_n for_o my_o late_a merriment_n and_o child_n play_n with_o airy_a bubble_n and_o feather_n both_o d._n pierce_n manner_n of_o writing_n and_o his_o carriage_n towards_o catholic_n merit_v this_o kind_n of_o return_n i_o hope_v the_o passage_n in_o mr._n whitby_n i_o have_v design_v to_o answer_v will_v give_v i_o occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o solid_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v pick_v out_o those_o which_o aim_v at_o some_o point_n of_o concernment_n i_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n and_o be_o sorry_a his_o grow_a hopefulness_n receive_v a_o foil_n by_o his_o book_n against_o mr._n s._n c._n and_o this_o though_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n the_o badness_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o patronage_n of_o dr._n pierce_n malice_n and_o his_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la with_o so_o learned_a a_o antagonist_n 2._o my_o design_n lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n especial_o of_o that_o passage_n p._n 93._o sect._n 4._o where_o he_o begin_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o explicate_v rather_o than_o prove_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o faith_n which_o because_o it_o look_v plausible_o yet_o be_v prudent_o neglect_v by_o mr._n s_o c._n who_o hear_v of_o more_o eminent_a antagonist_n write_v against_o he_o judge_v it_o wise_a to_o reserve_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o protestanr_n second_v and_o best_a thought_n in_o they_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o challenge_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o romanist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o light_a cross_n to_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v i_o take_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o my_o way_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o discourse_n be_v right_o make_v but_o in_o other_o place_n he_o confound_v guide_n with_o rule_n power_n with_o motive_n and_o by_o strain_v a_o word_n in_o mr._n s._n c._n beyond_o its_o necessary_a signification_n impose_v on_o we_o a_o false_a tenet_n which_o he_o main_o build_v upon_o so_o that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o begin_v my_o answer_n by_o put_v down_o our_o true_a one_o which_o give_v faith_n and_o reason_n both_o their_o due_n this_o do_v his_o superstructute_n on_o that_o supposition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o 3._o our_o tenet_n then_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o belief_n that_o belief_n rely_v on_o authority_n and_o divine_a faith_n or_o belief_n on_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o its_o motive_n and_o on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o applier_n of_o the_o other_o to_o my_o understanding_n at_o next_o i_o hold_v that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v assent_n further_o than_o true_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o hence_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v essential_a truth_n deserve_v in_o true_a reason_n if_o possible_a infinite_o intense_a assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o its_o say_n from_o i_o and_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v find_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o be_v certain_a it_o apply_v with_o certainty_n that_o be_v close_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o oblige_v it_o absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v tell_v and_o to_o submit_v whatever_o reason_n i_o may_v have_v against_o the_o object_n reveal_v to_o this_o all-overpowering_a authority_n of_o essential_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whence_o my_o particular_a reason_n be_v take_v nay_o far_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o adhere_v more_o hearty_o and_o firm_o to_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o any_o conclusion_n of_o any_o science_n whatever_o because_o a_o more_o efficacious_a cause_n equal_o close_o apply_v be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o no_o cause_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a veracity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o cause_v assent_n which_o be_v close_o apply_v by_o i_o to_o the_o church_n assurance_n hence_o my_o faith_n be_v ever_o most_o rational_a because_o ●is_n 〈◊〉_d rational_a to_o believe_v a_o point_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a veracity_n be_v engage_v and_o high_o rational_a to_o believe_v the_o church_n assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v th●●_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v whence_o no_o create_a ●ruth_n can_v thwart_v my_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a hence_o if_o i_o have_v true_a science_n i_o be_o certain_a to_o find_v no_o part_n of_o it_o opposite_a to_o my_o faith_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a conformable_a to_o it_o as_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n essential_a truth_n if_o i_o have_v not_o true_a science_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v so_o nothing_o therefore_o but_o my_o own_o overween_a can_v make_v i_o miscarry_v 4._o reason_n have_v thus_o play_v her_o part_n in_o bring_v i_o to_o faith_n desert_n i_o not_o yet_o while_o i_o act_n in_o it_o nor_o i_o she_o my_o act_n of_o belief_n be_v still_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v at_o first_o
with_o such_o a_o person_n be_v not_o he_o mad_a that_o be_v a_o renouncor_n of_o reason_n or_o man_n nature_n who_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o you_o see_v then_o these_o witness_n have_v power_n to_o propose_v such_o a_o object_n as_o can_v oblige_v to_o belief_n you_o see_v the_o dissenter_n be_v irrational_a that_o their_o act_n of_o dissent_v spring_n from_o some_o passion_n or_o vice_n and_o vice_n be_v punishable_a and_o so_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o that_o dissent_n if_o it_o be_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n as_o be_v high_o pernicious_a to_o mankind_n best_a concern_v now_o our_o church_n make_v account_v she_o be_v able_a to_o propose_v a_o authority_n incomparable_o more_o ample_a than_o the_o attestation_n now_o speak_v of_o for_o the_o true_a descent_n of_o her_o faith_n and_o judge_n such_o a_o proposal_n found_v on_o the_o eyesight_n of_o all_o those_o witness_n to_o be_v able_a to_o oblige_v to_o interior_a assent_n in_o such_o a_o degree_n as_o to_o render_v they_o most_o high_o wilful_a vicious_a and_o irrational_a who_o shall_v disbelieve_v it_o hence_o the_o crime_n entrench_v upon_o the_o order_n to_o mankind_n salvation_n the_o high_a concern_v imaginable_a both_o to_o edify_v those_o dissenter_n by_o correct_v their_o vice_n and_o the_o circumstant_fw-la faithful_a by_o breed_v a_o conceit_n in_o they_o through_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o other_o of_o the_o sacredness_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n and_o the_o heinousness_n of_o pride_n of_o understand_v the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o heresy_n they_o may_v nay_o ought_v punish_v their_o interior_a dissent_n not_o out_o of_o a_o height_n of_o authority_n without_o motive_n as_o mr._n whitby_n conceit_n but_o because_o that_o authority_n be_v herself_o such_o a_o motive_n to_o belief_n that_o only_o irrational_a vicious_a and_o wilfully-blind_a person_n can_v recede_v from_o it_o by_o disbelief_n and_o hence_o our_o church_n procedure_v be_v rational_a natural_a sweet_a and_o charitable_a tend_v to_o amend_v a_o enormity_n of_o will_v not_o breed_v from_o a_o rational_o but_o passionate_a dissatisfied_a understanding_n nay_o mr._n whitby_n discourse_n justify_v our_o church_n procedure_v who_o seem_v to_o allow_v his_o church_n a_o power_n to_o require_v a_o positive_a assent_n when_o the_o case_n come_v to_o be_v such_o that_o the_o denier_n of_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v wilful_a and_o our_o church_n neither_o say_v nor_o act_n otherwise_o 15._o by_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o have_v mr_n whitby_n imagine_v that_o i_o be_o about_o prove_v our_o church_n infallibility_n in_o this_o place_n but_o only_o show_v that_o hold_v she_o can_v evidence_n her_o authority_n she_o go_v rational_o to_o work_v and_o consonant_o to_o herself_o in_o require_v assent_n to_o her_o proposal_n whereas_o they_o confess_v herself_o fallible_a even_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n upon_o which_o all_o both_o her_o faith_n and_o authority_n as_o a_o church_n depend_v be_v self-condemned_a irrational_a and_o tyrannical_a if_o she_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o require_v any_o such_o interior_a assent_n now_o though_o he_o in_o big_a word_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v her_o carriage_n ask_v when_o do_v they_o mean_v bishop_n convocation_n or_o parliament_n challenge_v any_o power_n over_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n and_o allege_v the_o consent_n of_o their_o divine_n for_o it_o yet_o i_o wonder_v what_o he_o think_v of_o the_o oath_n of_o allegiance_n and_o supremacy_n make_v by_o a_o protestant_a parliament_n be_v there_o no_o obligation_n there_o to_o hold_v any_o thing_n yes_o as_o strong_a as_o oath_n can_v tie_v it_o and_o which_o be_v worse_o it_o be_v more_o irrational_a to_o go_v about_o to_o bind_v our_o assent_n who_o be_v not_o of_o their_o church_n than_o to_o bind_v their_o own_o subject_n this_o in_o practice_n be_v perform_v towards_o all_o but_o so_o imprincipled_a a_o procedure_n that_o their_o church_n wave_v it_o when_o it_o come_v to_o a_o rational_a scan_n in_o a_o dispute_n and_o controversy_n acknowledge_v so_o their_o want_n of_o ground_n to_o make_v it_o good_a which_o show_v that_o the_o authority_n of_o their_o church_n spring_v from_o the_o parliament_n or_o secular_a state_n in_o regard_n she_o profess_v herself_o very_o hearty_o content_a with_o external_a obedience_n let_v the_o interior_a assent_n go_v where_o it_o will_v most_o unlike_a the_o church_n settle_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n and_o constitute_v the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n who_o provide_v in_o the_o first_o place_n for_o the_o church_n power_n to_o hold_v we_o to_o the_o same_o tenet_n which_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o our_o action_n know_v that_o unless_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n be_v sound_a the_o action_n its_o branch_n must_v needs_o be_v rot_v and_o unconscientious_a and_o that_o no_o congregation_n can_v long_o hold_v together_o nor_o indeed_o long_o than_o the_o plain_a force_n of_o the_o secular_a sword_n awe_v they_o unless_o by_o power_n to_o evidence_n its_o authority_n it_o have_v power_n to_o oblige_v man_n understanding_n connatural_o to_o a_o unity_n in_o the_o same_o faith_n which_o do_v all_o else_o will_v follow_v and_o hence_o we_o may_v see_v confess_o in_o the_o protestant_a principle_n the_o reason_n of_o their_o present_a and_o past_a distraction_n and_o divine_a of_o the_o future_a for_o man_n fancy_n be_v natural_o various_a and_o no_o power_n in_o she_o to_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o union_n they_o must_v needs_o ramble_v into_o multitude_n of_o dissent_v sect_n which_o to_o strive_v to_o unite_v into_o one_o be_v to_o force_v both_o nature_n and_o conscience_n too_o nature_n in_o strive_v to_o unite_v their_o understanding_n in_o faith_n without_o offer_v they_o evidence_n of_o authority_n conscience_n in_o bind_v they_o to_o act_n as_o protestant_n do_v whereas_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o stake_v their_o salvation_n upon_o it_o that_o their_o best_a reason_n work_v upon_o the_o very_a rule_n of_o faith_n protestant_n recommend_v oblige_v they_o to_o the_o contrary_a and_o that_o to_o force_v they_o to_o act_v with_o they_o be_v to_o force_v they_o to_o sin_n so_o that_o the_o protestant_n at_o once_o profess_v they_o will_v not_o or_o can_v oblige_v their_o understand_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n contend_v by_o force_n to_o oblige_v their_o will_n without_o nay_o against_o their_o understanding_n 16._o in_o a_o word_n let_v protestant_n write_v talk_z &_o quote_v word_n as_o long_o as_o they_o will_v plain_a common_a sense_n tell_v they_o and_o every_o man_n who_o consider_v it_o that_o unless_o they_o settle_v some_o undisputable_a method_n of_o arrive_v at_o christ_n sense_n or_o faith_n that_o be_v some_o self-evident_a and_o so_o all-obliging_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o protestant_a church_n can_v never_o hope_v for_o power_n to_o reduce_v their_o dissenter_n nor_o to_o hold_v together_o or_o govern_v efficacious_o their_o own_o subject_n that_o be_v they_o can_v never_o hope_v for_o unity_n within_o themselves_o nor_o last_o union_n with_o they_o that_o have_v it_o and_o charitable_o endeavour_v they_o may_v have_v it_o too_o three_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o some_o passage_n in_o mr._n stillingfleet_n 1._o the_o loud_a fame_n of_o mr._n stillingfleet_n book_n prevent_v its_o publication_n and_o withal_o the_o report_n of_o his_o good_a part_n come_v from_o diverse_a judicious_a person_n breed_v in_o i_o a_o great_a impatience_n to_o see_v something_o of_o his_o other_o write_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v more_o solid_a ground_n to_o build_v my_o expectation_n on_o than_o common_a rumour_n or_o commendation_n of_o acquaintance_n a_o protestant_a friend_n show_v i_o a_o little_a treatise_n of_o his_o concern_v excommunication_n i_o peruse_v the_o beginning_n of_o it_o and_o immediate_o tell_v he_o mr._n stillingfleet_n be_v a_o very_a ingenious_a person_n and_o write_v the_o best_a i_o ever_o yet_o see_v any_o protestant_n for_o he_o settle_v first_o his_o notion_n or_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o thence_o attempt_v by_o intrinsical_v medium_n to_o draw_v immediate_a consequence_n which_o show_v that_o his_o head_n lie_v right_a for_o science_n but_o withal_o i_o assure_v my_o friend_n it_o be_v impossible_a he_o can_v write_v against_o we_o and_o take_v that_o method_n the_o nature_n of_o his_o cause_n not_o endure_v so_o severe_a a_o test._n his_o book_n come_v forth_o and_o bear_v in_o its_o title_n a_o rational_a account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o protestant_a religion_n my_o expectation_n be_v more_o erect_v and_o till_o myself_o can_v get_v leisure_n to_o peruse_v it_o i_o tell_v diverse_a both_o catholic_n and_o protestant_n that_o they_o may_v expect_v from_o mr._n stillingfleet_n wit_n the_o most_o that_o can_v be_v say_v either_o for_o the_o late_a or_o against_o the_o former_a but_o come_v to_o overlook_a cursory_o his_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n
the_o most_o vulgar_a that_o every_o man_n have_v a_o principle_n in_o he_o impel_v he_o to_o act_n which_o we_o agree_v to_o call_v a_o will._n such_o likewise_o be_v all_o proposition_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o the_o church_n use_v upon_o occasion_n of_o some_o emergent_a heresy_n to_o explain_v herself_o and_o put_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n out_o of_o danger_n of_o be_v equivocate_v example_n of_o the_o late_a sort_n be_v theological_a conclusion_n in_o which_o a_o natural_a truth_n be_v one_o of_o the_o premise_n join_v with_o the_o supernatural_a one_o to_o infer_v they_o to_o omit_v this_o as_o little_a to_o our_o purpose_n at_o present_a of_o the_o former_a sort_n the_o church_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v use_n upon_o occasion_n that_o be_v when_o any_o heretic_n question_n those_o and_o eâdem_fw-la operâ_fw-la the_o whole_a point_n of_o faith_n itself_o of_o which_o they_o be_v a_o part_n upon_o occasion_n i_o say_v for_o what_o concern_v its_o the_o faithful_a or_o who_o ever_o hear_v much_o noise_n of_o this_o proposition_n christ_n have_v two_o will_n thus_o single_v out_o and_o express_v apart_o till_o the_o monothelite_n grant_v he_o but_o one_o force_v the_o church_n that_o she_o may_v preserve_v the_o main_a tenet_n of_o christ_n have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v god_n and_o man_n to_o maintain_v publish_v and_o define_v that_o other_o 6._o to_o apply_v this_o then_o since_o none_o can_v have_v obligation_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o have_v not_o obligation_n to_o think_v of_o and_o that_o in_o some_o age_n the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a have_v no_o occasion_n nor_o consequent_o obligation_n to_o mind_n reflect_v or_o think_v on_o those_o proposition_n involud_v in_o the_o main_a stock_n of_o faith_n and_o true_o part_n of_o it_o that_o be_v indeed_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la or_o obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o perhaps_o mr._n stillingfleet_n may_v ask_v how_o the_o church_n can_v have_v power_n to_o oblige_v the_o generality_n to_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o point_n i_o answer_v she_o oblige_v they_o to_o believe_v the_o main_a point_n of_o faith_n by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n be_v a_o self-evident_a rule_n and_o these_o employ_v point_n by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v self-evidently-connected_n with_o those_o main_a and_o perpetually-used_a point_n so_o that_o the_o vulgar_a can_v be_v rational_o and_o connatural_o make_v capable_a of_o this_o their_o obligation_n whence_o the_o government_n of_o our_o church_n be_v still_o justify_v to_o be_v sweet_a and_o according_a to_o right_a nature_n and_o yet_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a to_o hold_v her_o subject_n in_o a_o strict_a union_n not_o to_o mention_v how_o these_o point_n also_o descend_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o tradition_n for_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o the_o apostle_n have_v occasion_n in_o explain_v faith_n to_o speak_v of_o these_o however_o the_o no_o necessity_n bring_v they_o not_o so_o much_o into_o play_n but_o leave_v they_o unreflected_a on_o by_o the_o generality_n 7._o but_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n stillingfleet_n who_o act_v here_o like_o a_o politician_n and_o will_v conquer_v we_o by_o first_o divide_v we_o and_o make_v odious_a comparison_n between_o two_o party_n of_o divine_n but_o he_o may_v please_v to_o reflect_v how_o we_o all_o hold_v firm_o the_o same_o divinely-constituted_n church-government_n and_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o give_v our_o understanding_n the_o same_o principle_n as_o christian_n and_o so_o our_o will_n the_o same_o action_n and_o those_o be_v firm_o root_v in_o all_o our_o heart_n to_o have_v be_v recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n whence_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o all_o the_o wit_n of_o man_n or_o even_o malice_n of_o hell_n to_o disunite_v we_o as_o we_o be_v faithful_a as_o private_a discourser_n our_o different_a nature_n and_o circumstance_n must_v needs_o distinguish_v we_o every_o one_o believe_v the_o same_o but_o come_v to_o explicate_v this_o belief_n they_o vary_v according_a to_o the_o several_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o their_o understand_a power_n and_o yet_o m._n stillingfleet_n be_v not_o aware_a how_o little_a we_o differ_v even_o as_o divine_n for_o though_o some_o speculater_n attribute_v to_o the_o church_n a_o power_n of_o define_v thing_n not_o hold_v before_o yet_o few_o will_v say_v she_o have_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n &_o those_o only_a some_o lawyer_n who_o talk_v ultra_fw-la crepidam_fw-la no_o divine_n that_o i_o know_v of_o and_o none_o that_o christ_n be_v not_o a_o perfect_a lawgiver_n which_o be_v necessary_a consequent_n or_o rather_o in_o a_o manner_n identical_a to_o the_o other_o and_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n those_o man_n explain_v themselves_o that_o all_o be_v deliver_v faith_n either_o explicit_o or_o implicit_o which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o bear_v a_o very_a good_a sense_n in_o my_o explication_n of_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la he_o tell_v we_o pope_n and_o council_n challenge_v a_o power_n to_o make_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o he_o speak_v only_o in_o common_a and_o prove_v it_o not_o have_v he_o bring_v instance_n it_o may_v have_v be_v better_o clear_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o have_v show_v he_o how_o take_v they_o right_n this_o be_v both_o perfect_o innocent_a and_o unavoidable_o necessary_a to_o a_o church_n what_o will_v avail_v he_o be_v if_o a_o pope_n and_o council_n shall_v define_v a_o new_a thing_n and_o declare_v they_o ground_n themselves_o on_o new_a light_n as_o do_v their_o first_o reformer_n in_o england_n but_o he_o will_v find_v no_o such_o foppery_n in_o faith-definition_n make_v by_o the_o catholic_n church_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n maintain_v by_o which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v at_o a_o end_n of_o his_o argument_n against_o our_o church_n there_o be_v no_o evident_a sign_n of_o it_o than_o to_o leave_v off_o assault_v she_o confound_v she_o with_o the_o school_n or_o some_o private_a opinater_n and_o then_o carp_v at_o these_o man_n tenet_n whereas_o m._n stillingfleet_n want_v not_o wit_n to_o know_v that_o no_o sober_a catholic_n hold_v human_a deduction_n the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n schoolman_n definer_n of_o it_o nor_o the_o school_n the_o tribunal_n whence_o to_o propose_v it_o authoritative_o and_o oblige_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a much_o less_o a_o few_o divine_n which_o be_v far_o from_o reach_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o school_n yet_o how_o much_o of_o his_o book_n will_v need_v no_o answer_n be_v this_o impertinent_a topick_n lay_v aside_o but_o well_o let_v school_n and_o church_n be_v all_o one_o that_o be_v let_v every_o master_n of_o divinity_n be_v a_o bishop_n what_o mean_v he_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o word_n common_a doctrine_n do_v he_o make_v account_v every_o school-doctrin_n must_v be_v equal_o in_o vogue_n or_o that_o a_o opinion_n be_v common_a define_v it_o faith_n and_o condemn_v the_o other_o for_o heretical_a where_o be_v his_o reason_n the_o direct_a contrary_n follow_v from_o its_o be_v common_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n which_o other_o though_o not_o so_o many_o may_v contradict_v and_o he_o be_v but_o mean_o verse_v in_o our_o school_n if_o he_o see_v not_o very_o many_o public_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v no_o new_a revelation_n without_o dread_v excommunication_n or_o be_v hold_v heretical_a and_o seditious_a so_o they_o grant_v the_o church_n power_n as_o they_o ought_v by_o new_a proposition_n and_o new_a but_o expressive_a word_n yet_o both_o the_o same_o in_o sense_n and_o so_o not_o new_a in_o substance_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o new_a blunder_a cavil_n of_o innovator_n 8._o yet_o all_o this_o while_n m._n stillingfleet_n can_v see_v how_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o church_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a nor_o ever_o will_v while_o he_o wilful_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n that_o be_v towards_o some_o particular_a schoolman_n or_o divine_n not_o towards_o the_o universality_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o church_n what_o need_v he_o counterfeit_v this_o puzzle_n do_v he_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v it_o so_o hard_a to_o find_v it_o again_o do_v not_o he_o know_v all_o the_o catholic_n church_n allow_v more_o a_o thousand_o time_n to_o it_o than_o to_o all_o the_o schoolman_n in_o the_o world_n yes_o very_o well_o how_o come_v it_o then_o that_o he_o run_v to_o some_o schoolman_n and_o neglect_v the_o church_n speak_v in_o her_o representative_a because_o he_o may_v find_v there_o a_o clear_a solution_n of_o his_o doubt_n by_o the_o constant_a procedure_n of_o that_o most_o grave_a