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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n motive_n object_n use_v 9,665 5 11.0811 5 true
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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

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which_o only_o themselves_o know_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o appear_v why_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o impression_n be_v impossible_a nay_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v clear_a none_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o inward_a light_n be_v existence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o inward_a persuasion_n fanatic_n have_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o unknown_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o way_n to_o conclude_v against_o it_o be_v to_o show_v out_o of_o evident_a principle_n the_o contrary_a to_o these_o inspiration_n to_o be_v truth_n none_o therefore_o as_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n testify_v take_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o principle_n absolute_o evident_a or_o demonstrate_v but_o catholics_n or_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o they_o effect_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n disc._n 5_o 6_o 8._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n and_o conclude_v their_o inward_a light_n delusive_a again_o since_o a_o fanatic_a build_v on_o conceit_a experience_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o convince_v his_o judgement_n without_o produce_v demonstration_n for_o the_o contrary_a a_o task_n only_o performable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v enforce_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o basis_n of_o tradidition_n be_v natural_a knowledge_n direct_o imprint_v by_o his_o sense_n in_o which_o knowledge_n he_o be_v undeceivable_a and_o these_o sensation_n or_o knowledge_n be_v daily_o repeat_v not_o on_o one_o private_a temper_n but_o on_o innumerable_a million_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o that_o be_v tradition_n be_v build_v on_o almost_o infinite_a daily_a and_o most_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o the_o conceit_a effect_n of_o inspiration_n or_o his_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o god_n speak_v thus_o inward_o be_v find_v with_o consent_n of_o tenet_n in_o a_o few_o only_o and_o liable_a to_o deceit_n by_o depend_v upon_o fancy_n not_o sense_n as_o appear_v in_o disease_a or_o mad_a person_n and_o the_o fanatic_n contradict_v one_o another_o though_o both_o proceed_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o tradition_n help_n then_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n as_o experience_n also_o testify_v by_o protestant_n be_v force_v to_o recur_n to_o tradidion_n in_o dispute_n with_o they_o though_o very_o easy_a with_o it_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o 22._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n without_o question_v the_o constancy_n of_o every_o species_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o whole_a nature_n for_o see_v man_n nature_n be_v as_o necessary_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o direct_a impression_n of_o object_n on_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o as_o necessary_o determine_v to_o work_v for_o a_o motive_n or_o reason_n good_a or_o bad_a as_o fire_n be_v to_o heat_n or_o water_n to_o wet_v and_o this_o absolute_o and_o always_o abstract_v from_o disease_n incapacitate_v he_o to_o use_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o fancy_n and_o both_o these_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o rational_a or_o of_o such_o a_o species_n which_o original_a corruption_n hinder_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o those_o operation_n and_o consequent_o will_v as_o frequent_o perform_v they_o as_o fire_n burn_v water_n wet_a fruit-tree_n bear_v fruit_n or_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n do_v its_o ptope_a effect_n that_o be_v general_o and_o only_o rare_o and_o contingent_o fail_v unless_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n order_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o it_o worse_o for_o man_n than_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n since_o we_o find_v a_o course_n of_o supernatural_n on_o foot_n and_o that_o they_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v man_n true_a nature_n as_o have_v be_v former_o declare_v less_o liable_a than_o be_v the_o human_a species_n to_o contingency_n in_o those_o its_o natural_a operation_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n be_v wherefore_o see_v tradition_n certainty_n be_v ground_v upon_o direct_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o its_o indefectiveness_n on_o mankind_n incapableness_n to_o act_v without_o some_o motive_n to_o argue_v against_o it_o be_v to_o question_v these_o that_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o best-supported_n species_n in_o nature_n and_o a_o fortiori_fw-la the_o constancy_n of_o the_o rest_n note_v here_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o witty_a reasoner_n against_o tradition_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o contingency_n of_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_n whence_o by_o a_o wild_a kind_n of_o rove_a way_n they_o will_v conclude_v the_o defectibleness_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o of_o the_o entire_a species_n but_o because_o it_o look_v too_o palpable_o inconsequent_a in_o logical_a form_n to_o say_v a_o few_o can_v err_v ergo_fw-la all_o therefore_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o why_o not_o so_o that_o all_o the_o arguer_n against_o tradition_n from_o natural_a reason_n oppose_v direct_o any_o constancy_n in_o the_o species_n or_o generality_n and_o so_o be_v destroyer_n of_o natural_a certainty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o argument_n to_o boot_v 23._o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o scripture_n copy_n or_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o tittle_n uncertain_a disc._n 2_o and_o 4._o without_o tradition_n as_o also_o that_o the_o write_n of_o father_n council_n history_n and_o of_o any_o write_v or_o dead_a testimony_n whatever_o corol._n 14_o and_o 16._o be_v utter_o unauthorise_v otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o no_o live_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v alledgable_a against_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o or_o catholic_n tradition_n corol._n 13._o and_o 17._o nor_o any_o pretend_a instance_n of_o tradition●s_n fail_v have_v force_v but_o by_o its_o be_v faithful_o convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o certainty_n corol._n 19_o and_o all_o argument_n from_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n in_o that_o matter_n while_o level_v against_o tradition_n corol._n 18._o &_o 22._o it_o follow_v that_o no_o argument_n from_o any_o authority_n public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o from_o intrinsical_v medium_n fetch_v from_o second_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v bear_v any_o show_n against_o tradition_n nor_o yet_o from_o private_a effect_n pretend_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n call_v inspiration_n or_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n corol._n 21._o for_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v conclude_v for_o this_o point_n however_o this_o preten●e_n may_v make_v the_o first_o syll●●gism_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v outward_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n inspire_v thus_o or_o thus_o no_o extraordinary_a effect_n proper_a to_o that_o cause_n as_o miracle_n be_v producible_a their_o argue_v or_o proof_n be_v at_o a_o end_n however_o their_o inward_a adhesion_n stand_v there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o argument_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n live_v or_o dead_a or_o else_o from_o effect_n or_o experience_n testifiable_a by_o those_o authority_n or_o from_o proper_a effect_n or_o cause_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a thing_n or_o from_o extraordinary_a private_a and_o unseen_a pretend_a effect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o none_o of_o these_o bear_n any_o show_n against_o tradition_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n 24._o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a for_o see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o knowledge_n into_o which_o all_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v resolve_v to_o establish_v their_o certainty_n and_o all_o ptetended_a authority_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a corol._n 16._o and_o consequent_o all_o knowledge_n cause_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a 25._o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_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
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 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of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o a_o clear_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o judge_n or_o congnoscitive_a nature_n 6._o these_o principle_n lay_v we_o we_o will_v advance_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o main_a conclusion_n on_o this_o manner_n that_o since_o neither_o any_o age_n by_o our_o first_o principle_n can_v hold_v a_o new_a introduce_v point_n for_o not-new_a but_o immediate_o deliver_v nor_o yet_o any_o forego_v age_n by_o our_o second_o make_v it_o be_v receive_v as_o not-new_a by_o posterity_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o no_o age_n can_v any_o doctrine_n change_v the_o immediate_a faith_n of_o forefather_n or_o new_a at_o that_o time_n come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o immediate_o deliver_v or_o not-new_a at_o that_o time_n wherefore_o since_o nothing_o can_v descend_v or_o come_v down_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o not-new_a or_o deliver_v uninterrupted_o unless_o it_o first_o come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o 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the_o power_n to_o convey_v down_o the_o truth_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o follow_v not_o do_v we_o think_v the_o most_o sceptical_a protestant_a doubt_n but_o it_o have_v have_v the_o force_n to_o make_v itself_o be_v follow_v hitherto_o however_o at_o unaware_o their_o calm_a reason_n grant_v that_o to_o a_o body_n of_o turk_n which_o their_o passion_n make_v they_o question_n and_o even_o deny_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christian_n yet_o i_o aver_v that_o the_o human_a force_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o turk_n for_o mahomet_n existence_n 3._o to_o show_v this_o in_o brief_a i_o note_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o chief_o that_o howsoever_o a_o report_n may_v spread_v universal_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o rumour_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o its_o credibility_n if_o it_o be_v a_o 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and_o ●_z christian_n doctrine_n a_o new_a consideration_n spring_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n easy_a for_o that_o single_a company_n of_o arabian_n and_o syrian_n to_o conspire_v to_o a_o lie_n and_o so_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o a_o false_a mahomet_n than_o it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o so_o remote_a country_n as_o first_o suck_v in_o christianity_n to_o conspire_v in_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o have_v such_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o last_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a by_o oft_o repeat_v sensatio●s_n to_o know_v christian_a doctrine_n at_o first_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o generality_n it_o give_v the_o principle_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o their_o new_a life_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v for_o these_o other_o witness_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o mahomet_n existence_n and_o much_o easy_a in_o regard_n the_o great_a part_n 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true_a sense_n of_o that_o letter_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n deliver_v see_v coral_n 29._o &_o 30_o it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n allege_v by_o the_o church_n rely_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o rule_n engage_v certain_o and_o full_o the_o very_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v writer_n himself_o and_o give_v that_o testimony_n the_o whole_a effect_n upon_o our_o understanding_n which_o that_o sacred_a writer_n authority_n deserve_v to_o have_v give_v it_o no_o wonder_n then_o the_o council_n proceed_v upon_o traditionary_a interpretation_n as_o it_o constant_o declare_v itself_o to_o do_v honour_n scripture-testimony_n so_o as_o to_o put_v it_o before_o tradition_n or_o the_o delivery_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n scripture_n thus_o allege_v and_o secure_v have_v the_o same_o force_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n himself_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o council_n and_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n declare_v his_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o 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catholic_n be_v find_v adhere_v fast_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n renounce_v by_o the_o protestant_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o hear_v they_o allege_v that_o england_n be_v former_o overgrow_v with_o popery_n that_o the_o new_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v of_o late_o discover_v itself_o that_o they_o reform_v in_o faith_n that_o the_o former_a church_n err_v and_o such_o like_a expression_n which_o natural_o must_v burst_v out_o from_o they_o so_o oft_o you_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n and_o innovator_n which_o expression_n of_o they_o by_o the_o way_n easy_o manifest_a to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a understanding_n who_o ●tis_o that_o have_v renounct_v tradition_n whence_o it_o be_v also_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a capacity_n that_o tradition_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o bring_v down_o faith_n disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o the_o most_o vulgar_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v which_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v for_o the_o two_o former_a point_n be_v know_v they_o be_v certain_a by_o motive_n within_o their_o own_o ken_n that_o protestant_n have_v renounct_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o bring_v down_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o renounct_v tradition_n of_o old_a be_v unacknowledged_a by_o we_o disputable_a and_o only_o knowable_a by_o skill_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o common_a sense_n then_o teach_v they_o they_o must_v guide_v themselves_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o know_v nothing_o and_o that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o at_o their_o hand_n than_o they_o can_v do_v god_n goodness_n have_v provide_v for_o those_o weak_a people_n out_o of_o the_o very_a confession_n of_o tradition●s_a deserter_n certain_a mean_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v catholic_n or_o protestant_n but_o to_o return_v whence_o we_o divert_v 21._o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n but_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o catholic_n clergy_n in_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o the_o breach_n manifest_v our_o claim_n and_o constant_a adherence_n to_o tradition_n who_o declaration_n find_v in_o the_o synodal_n book_n 1559._o begin_v thus_o because_o by_o relation_n of_o public_a fame_n it_o have_v late_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n that_o many_o tenet_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o receive_v and_o approu●d_v by_o the_o public_a and_o 〈◊〉_d consent_v of_o christian_a nation_n and_o bring_v down_o by_o hand_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o be_v call●d_v into_o doubt_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o find_v they_o stick_v firm_o to_o tradition_n and_o insist_v on_o this_o principle_n they_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o lord_n keeper_n but_o the_o state_n by_o power_n over-bearing_a the_o vote_n of_o the_o reverend_a convocation_n and_o persecute_v they_o for_o their_o constancy_n the_o breach_n ensue_v the_o catholic_n cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o old_a rule_n tradition_n the_o protestant_n choose_v a_o new_a one_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v who_o vanity_n a_o little_a reason_n make_v they_o see_v but_o experience_n perfect_o find_v and_o relinquish_a the_o ancient_a rule_n so_o demonstrable_o self-evident_a secure_a and_o solid_a by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n to_o know_v christ_n sense_n that_o be_v from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o fact_n neither_o human_a authority_n multitude_n prosperity_n continuance_n nor_o yet_o all_o their_o voluminous_a wordish_a excuse_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o efface_v animadversion_n on_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n also_o on_o mr._n whitby_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n where_o they_o touch_v the_o way_n lay_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n in_o three_o appendix_n psalm_n 63._o sagittae_fw-la parvulorum_fw-la factae_fw-la sunt_fw-la plagae_fw-la eorum_fw-la anno_fw-la dom._n 1665._o transition_n to_o the_o follow_a appendix_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n how_o dexterous_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o reader_n and_o confutation_n from_o m●●e_a adversary_n but_o i_o account_v those_o only_o my_o proper_a judge_n &_o competent_a adversary_n who_o lay_v their_o principle_n ere_o they_o discourse_v and_o weigh_v the_o efficaciousness_n of_o their_o testimony_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o reason_n ere_o they_o allege_v they_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n lay_v no_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o make_v account_n all_o man_n must_v admit_v they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o bend_v all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n lay_v by_o other_o to_o ascertain_v and_o establish_v the_o groundwork_n of_o christianity_n if_o i_o find_v one_o ignorant_a of_o or_o resolve_v against_o the_o onely-certain_a method_n and_o rule_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v that_o no_o position_n deserve_v assent_v unless_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o term_n be_v evident_a which_o must_v either_o be_v when_o they_o be_v evident_o connect_v of_o themselves_o of_o which_o nature_n ought_v to_o be_v all_o first_o principle_n or_o make_v evidently-connected_n by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o other_o which_o we_o call_v evident-by-consequence_n or_o deduction_n last_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n wed_v to_o parrat-talk_a of_o air_n and_o sound_n that_o he_o think_v it_o a_o rare_a thing_n to_o load_v margin_n with_o citation_n without_o first_o distinguish_v they_o and_o consider_v what_o strength_n each_o aught_o to_o have_v according_a to_o rational_a principle_n i_o decline_v such_o a_o empty_a soul_n for_o my_o judge_n and_o sleight_v he_o as_o my_o adversary_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v impute_v this_o carriage_n to_o i_o
as_o it_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n which_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n can_v hold_v nothing_o or_o have_v no_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o church_n must_v only_o be_v make_v up_o of_o ignorant_a and_o undiscerning_a person_n which_o will_v make_v her_o little_a better_o than_o a_o congregation_n of_o fanatic_n 15._o especial_o the_o church_n have_v many_o adversary_n skill_v in_o natural_a science_n who_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o oppose_v she_o all_o they_o can_v and_o conquer_v she_o too_o can_v they_o take_v any_o just_a advantage_n against_o she_o and_o no_o great_a advantage_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v gain_v or_o more_o deadly_a wound_n to_o be_v give_v she_o than_o to_o prove_v her_o faith_n uncertain_a which_o be_v do_v by_o show_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o knowledge_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o at_o once_o enervate_v her_o government_n vilify_v her_o sacrament_n weaken_v all_o the_o motive_n to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n which_o she_o propose_v and_o by_o consequence_n quite_o enfeeble_v the_o vigour_n of_o christian_a life_n or_o rather_o this_o make_v manifest_a by_o reason_n of_o temptation_n to_o the_o love_n of_o creature_n perpetual_o and_o on_o all_o side_n besiege_v we_o endanger_v to_o extinguish_v it_o utter_o and_o last_o make_v christian_n the_o most_o ridiculous_a people_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v such_o high_a mystery_n above_o their_o reason_n upon_o uncertain_a ground_n it_o be_v manifest_a therefore_o that_o the_o only_a safeguard_n and_o all_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a religion_n be_v place_v in_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v make_v therefore_o and_o ordain_v to_o ascertain_v faith_n that_o it_o it_o have_v in_o it_o what_o be_v fit_a for_o this_o end_n that_o be_v it_o be_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n absolute_o certain_a that_o be_v absolute_a certainty_n be_v find_v in_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o be_v signify_v or_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n thorough_o understand_v 16._o and_o last_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n main_o conduce_v to_o bliss_n as_o be_v see_v §_o 8._o and_o its_o influence_n towards_o bliss_n which_o we_o call_v its_o merit_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o it_o make_v we_o submit_v our_o understanding_n to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n adhere_v unwaver_o to_o such_o truth_n as_o raise_v we_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o divine_a authority_n apply_v be_v the_o principal_a cause_n or_o motive_n of_o this_o submission_n assent_n or_o adhesion_n and_o every_o cause_n produce_v its_o effect_n better_o and_o strongly_a by_o how_o much_o the_o near_o and_o close_o it_o be_v apply_v and_o all_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o we_o consist_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o derive_v down_o to_o we_o those_o doctrine_n christ_n teach_v and_o to_o assure_v we_o that_o christ_n say_v they_o and_o the_o application_n of_o a_o thing_n close_o to_o a_o judge_a power_n be_v perform_v by_o certify_v it_o which_o make_v it_o sink_v into_o it_o &_o become_v a_o intimate_a act_n of_o that_o power_n whereas_o uncertainty_n can_v only_o admit_v it_o to_o swim_v as_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o surface_n of_o the_o soul_n much_o after_o the_o manner_n of_o a_o bare_a proposal_n or_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o at_o best_a as_o a_o probability_n not_o have_v weight_n enough_o of_o motive_n to_o settle_v deep_a into_o its_o solid_a substance_n which_o be_v cognoscitive_a and_o so_o become_v there_o a_o fix_a judgement_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o merit_n be_v incomparable_o advantage_v by_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o very_o feeble_a and_o inefficacious_a without_o it_o this_o rule_n then_o must_v be_v absolutely-certain_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o absolutely-certain_a be_v involve_v in_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 17._o sum_v up_o then_o the_o full_a account_n of_o our_o discourse_n hitherto_o it_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o out_o of_o the_o genuine_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_v which_o as_o use_v by_o we_o denote_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n &_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n it_o be_v clear_o evince_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v have_v these_o several_a condition_n namely_o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n to_o all_o §_o 3_o 4_o 9_o &_o 10._o &_o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n to_o enquirer_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a §_o 5._o &_o 11._o apt_a to_o settle_v &_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n §_o 12._o to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n §_o 13._o and_o rational_a doubter_n §_o 14._o and_o to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n §_o 15._o build_v upon_o unmoveable_a ground_n that_o be_v certain_a in_o itself_o §_o 6._o 15_o 16._o and_o absolute_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o §_o 5_o 11_o 13_o 14._o second_o discourse_n show_v the_o two_o first_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n utter_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o have_v attain_v so_o clear_a a_o description_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o it_o by_o particular_a mark_n we_o may_v with_o reason_n conceive_v good_a hope_n of_o know_v it_o when_o we_o meet_v it_o especial_o not_o have_v a_o great_a crowd_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o single_a it_o out_o the_o pretender_n to_o that_o title_n be_v very_o few_o and_o indeed_o but_o two_o be_v own_v namely_o tradition_n and_o scripture_n though_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o it_o the_o private_a spirit_n private_a reason_n testimony_n of_o father_n or_o whatsoever_o else_o be_v hold_v the_o ascertainer_n of_o scripture_n sense_n ought_v to_o have_v a_o place_n among_o the_o pretender_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n since_o it_o be_v those_o which_o be_v think_v to_o give_v the_o relier_n on_o they_o all_o the_o security_n they_o have_v of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v of_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v to_o they_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 2._o but_o to_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o language_n who_o say_v scripture_n be_v their_o rule_n we_o must_v premise_v this_o note_n that_o they_o can_v mean_v by_o scripture_n the_o sense_n of_o it_o that_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v know_v for_o those_o they_o confess_v be_v the_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n of_o which_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o ascertain_v we_o when_o they_o say_v then_o that_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n they_o can_v only_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n scripture_n that_o book_n not_o yet_o sence_v or_o interpret_v but_o as_o yet_o to_o be_v sence_v that_o be_v such_o and_o such_o character_n in_o a_o book_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o assure_o god_n mind_n or_o ascertain_v they_o of_o their_o faith_n for_o abstract_v from_o the_o sense_n or_o actual_a signification_n of_o those_o word_n there_o be_v nothing_o imaginable_a leave_v but_o those_o character_n with_o their_o aptness_n to_o signify_v it_o this_o understand_v let_v we_o apply_v now_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o scripture_n letter_n that_o we_o may_v see_v how_o they_o will_v fit_v 3._o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o occurr_n be_v its_o existence_n or_o a_o est_fw-la that_o be_v whether_o those_o book_n pretend_v to_o be_v god_n word_n be_v indeed_o scripture_n that_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v of_o which_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a the_o very_o rude_a sort_n can_v be_v certain_a by_o self-evidence_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v easy_o evidenceable_a to_o those_o doubter_n that_o be_v the_o ordinary_a sort_n of_o the_o vulgar_a by_o any_o skill_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o nor_o even_o to_o more_o curious_a and_o speculative_a scarcher_n but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o beside_o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v solve_v ere_o they_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a nature_n of_o the_o letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v and_o so_o worthy_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o clear_a to_o those_o of_o the_o age_n in_o which_o they_o be_v write_v and_o the_o matter_n know_v must_v needs_o be_v so_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v
blot_v wear_v out_o etc._n etc._n which_o though_o it_o seem_v a_o remote_a and_o impertinent_a exception_n yet_o to_o one_o who_o consider_v the_o wise_a disposition_n of_o divine_a providence_n it_o will_v deserve_v a_o deep_a consideration_n for_o see_v the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o god_n make_v nature_n the_o mean_n to_o it_o shall_v be_v more_o settle_v strong_a and_o unalterable_a than_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o nature_n whatever_o put_v then_o scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v this_o rule_n and_o that_o all_o its_o significativeness_n of_o god_n sense_n that_o be_v all_o its_o virtue_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v lose_v if_o the_o material_a character_n its_o basis_n be_v destroy_v or_o alter_v who_o see_v not_o a_o very_a disorderly_a proceed_n in_o lay_v so_o weak_a mean_n in_o such_o immediateness_n to_o so_o main_a a_o end_n and_o conclude_v not_o thence_o that_o faith_n rule_n ought_v in_o right_a reason_n have_v a_o better_a basis_n than_o such_o perishable_a and_o alterable_a element_n 3._o reflect_v next_o on_o those_o material_a character_n in_o complexion_n with_o the_o cause_n actual_o lay_v in_o the_o world_n to_o preserve_v they_o entire_a we_o shall_v find_v that_o either_o those_o cause_n be_v material_a and_o then_o themselves_o be_v also_o liable_a to_o continual_a alteration_n and_o innumerable_a contingency_n or_o spiritual_a that_o be_v man_n mind_n now_o these_o be_v the_o noble_a piece_n in_o nature_n and_o free_v in_o part_n from_o physical_a mutability_n by_o their_o immateriality_n we_o may_v with_o good_a reason_n hope_n for_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o constancy_n from_o they_o than_o from_o any_o other_o and_o indeed_o for_o a_o perfect_a unalterableness_n from_o their_o nature_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v truth_n a_o inerrableness_n if_o due_a circumstance_n be_v observe_v that_o be_v if_o due_a proposal_n be_v make_v to_o beget_v certain_a knowledge_n and_o due_a care_n use_v to_o attend_v to_o such_o proposal_n otherwise_o their_o very_a createdness_n and_o finitness_n entitle_v they_o to_o defectibility_n beside_o their_o obnoxiousness_n to_o mutation_n and_o perpetual_a alteration_n through_o the_o alloy_n of_o their_o material_a compart_n i_o call_v it_o due_a proposal_n when_o it_o must_v necessary_o affect_v the_o sense_n and_o so_o beget_v natural_a knowledge_n or_o when_o unequivocal_a term_n be_v so_o immediate_o and_o orderly_o lay_v that_o the_o conclusion_n must_v as_o necessary_o be_v see_v in_o the_o premise_n as_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v both_o be_v and_o notbe_a at_o once_o by_o a_o mind_n inure_v to_o reflection_n and_o speculation_n and_o i_o call_v that_o due_a care_n which_o preserve_v the_o soul_n in_o such_o temper_n as_o permit_v the_o object_n impression_n to_o be_v heed_v and_o the_o mind_n to_o be_v affect_v by_o it_o 4._o this_o premise_a we_o may_v reflect_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v proud_a disc._n 1._o §_o 4_o 5_o 10_o 11._o must_v be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o ordinary_a sense_n and_o not_o only_o to_o speculator_n as_o also_o that_o object_n of_o the_o sense_n may_v be_v of_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o the_o first_o be_v thing_n in_o nature_n or_o else_o simple_a vulgar_a action_n and_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o if_o oft_o repeat_v and_o familiarize_v be_v unmistakable_a and_o consequent_o the_o perceiver_n inerrable_a in_o such_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o second_o be_v such_o action_n as_o be_v compound_v and_o make_v up_o of_o a_o innumerable_a multitude_n of_o several_a particularity_n to_o be_v observe_v every_o of_o which_o may_v be_v mistake_v apart_o each_o be_v a_o distinct_a little_a action_n in_o its_o single_a self_n such_o as_o be_v the_o transcribe_v a_o whole_a book_n consist_v of_o such_o miriads_o of_o word_n single_a letter_n and_o tittle_n or_o stop_v and_o the_o several_a action_n of_o write_v over_o each_o of_o these_o so_o short_a and_o cursory_a that_o it_o prevent_v diligence_n and_o exceed_v human_a care_n to_o keep_v awake_a and_o apply_v distinct_a attention_n to_o every_o of_o these_o distinct_a action_n and_o yet_o to_o do_v our_o opposer_n right_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o each_o of_o these_o fail_n may_v possible_o be_v provide_v against_o by_o oft-repeated_n correction_n of_o many_o sedulous_a and_o sober_a examiner_n set_v apart_o for_o that_o business_n and_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o a_o whole_a book_n may_v to_o a_o very_a great_a degree_n if_o not_o altogether_o be_v ascertain_v to_o we_o be_v the_o examiner_n of_o each_o copy_n know_v to_o be_v very_o numerous_a prudent_a and_o honest_a and_o each_o of_o they_o testify_v his_o single_a examination_n of_o it_o word_n by_o word_n for_o then_o the_o difficulty_n consist_v in_o the_o multiplicity_n and_o the_o variety_n be_v provide_v against_o by_o the_o multitude_n of_o the_o preserve_a cause_n and_o their_o multifariousness_n make_v convictive_a to_o we_o by_o their_o well-testifyed_a consent_n 5._o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n if_o we_o be_v certain_a there_o have_v be_v ancient_o a_o multitude_n of_o examiner_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n in_o each_o copy_n take_v from_o the_o first_o original_a or_o the_o next_o copy_n from_o these_o and_o so_o forward_o with_o the_o exact_a care_n we_o have_v define_v the_o single_a examination_n of_o each_o and_o the_o amendment_n of_o the_o copy_n according_a to_o their_o examination_n convince_o testify_v and_o that_o by_o excommunication_n or_o heavy_a ecclesiastical_a prohibition_n and_o mulct_n it_o have_v be_v provide_v for_o from_o the_o beginning_n that_o none_o shall_v presume_v to_o take_v a_o copy_n of_o it_o and_o that_o copy_n be_v permit_v to_o be_v read_v or_o see_v till_o it_o be_v thus_o examine_v much_o may_v have_v be_v say_v for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n upon_o these_o man_n principle_n but_o if_o no_o such_o order_n or_o exactness_n be_v ever_o hear_v of_o especial_o of_o the_o new_a testament_n upon_o the_o truth_n of_o who_o letter_n they_o build_v christian_a faith_n if_o the_o multitude_n of_o letter_n commaes_n blotting_n or_o illegibleness_n of_o the_o original_n like-appearance_n of_o letter_n and_o even_o whole_a word_n in_o in_o the_o book_n like-sounding_a in_o the_o ear_n or_o fancy_n of_o the_o transcriber_n possibility_n of_o misplace_v omit_v insert_v etc._n etc._n do_v administer_v very_o fruitful_a occasion_n to_o human_a over●ight_n if_o the_o more_o copy_n be_v take_v the_o more_o the_o error_n be_v like_a to_o grow_v and_o the_o far_o from_o correct_v if_o experience_n testify_v no_o such_o exact_a diligence_n have_v be_v former_o use_v by_o the_o diverse_a readins_n of_o several_a copy_n now_o extant_a and_o thousand_o of_o correction_n which_o have_v late_o be_v make_v of_o the_o vulgar_a edition_n the_o most_o universal_o currant_n perhaps_o of_o any_o other_o what_o can_v we_o say_v but_o that_o for_o any_o thing_n these_o principle_n afford_v scripture_n letter_n may_v be_v uncertain_a in_o every_o tittle_n not_o withstand_v the_o diligence_n which_o have_v de_fw-la facto_fw-la be_v use_v to_o preserve_v it_o uncorrupted_a in_o the_o way_n of_o those_o who_o hold_v it_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o way_n i_o say_v who_o will_v not_o have_v the_o sense_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n write_v in_o christian_n heart_n the_o rule_n for_o the_o corrector_n of_o the_o letter_n to_o guide_v themselves_o by_o but_o the_o mere_a letter_n of_o a_o forme●_n and_o god_n know_v controvertible_a copy_n out_o of_o which_o the_o transcription_n and_o by_o which_o only_a the_o examination_n be_v make_v what_o certainty_n accrue_v to_o scripture_n letter_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o present_a church_n in_o each_o age_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o another_o enquiry_n 6._o now_o as_o for_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o scripture_n significativeness_n which_o be_v the_o other_o branch_n nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o this_o be_v quite_o lose_v to_o all_o in_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o letter_n and_o 〈◊〉_d evident_a that_o it_o be_v unattainable_a by_o the_o vulgar_a that_o be_v the_o better_a half_n of_o mankind_n since_o they_o be_v unfurnish_a of_o those_o art_n and_o skill_n as_o language_n grammar_n logic_n history_n metaphysic_n divinity_n etc._n etc._n requisite_a to_o establish_v and_o render_v certain_a the_o sense_n they_o conceive_v the_o letter_n ought_v to_o bear_v without_o which_o they_o can_v never_o make_v such_o a_o interpretation_n of_o it_o but_o a_o acute_a scholar_n skilled_a in_o those_o mean_n will_v be_v able_a to_o blunder_v they_o and_o make_v a_o seem_n clear_a one_o of_o his_o own_o in_o a_o word_n if_o we_o see_v eminent_a wit_n of_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o socinian_o make_v use_n of_o the_o selfsame_a and_o as_o they_o conceive_v the_o best_a
make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_n among_o we_o his_o be_v bear_v his_o suffering_n cold_a hunger_n persecution_n banishment_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n in_o his_o life_n his_o cure_v our_o disease_a comfort_v our_o afflict_a raise_v our_o dead_a and_o other_o miraculous_a action_n his_o be_v bind_v buffet_v scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o last_o crucify_v and_o all_o this_o believe_v to_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n all_o of_o they_o object_n most_o sensible_o and_o palpable_o affect_v our_o understanding_n and_o thence_o slide_v move_o and_o this_o by_o their_o sensible_a nature_n into_o our_o very_a will_n we_o shall_v discover_v that_o the_o infinite_a spiritual_a good_a we_o speak_v of_o be_v become_v through_o the_o provident_a goodness_n of_o our_o god_n both_o as_o easy_o appliable_a as_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o concern_v civil_a action_n work_v on_o the_o best_a 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reach_v the_o generality_n in_o a_o word_n christianity_n urge_v to_o execution_n give_v its_o follower_n a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o which_o a_o near_a application_n can_v be_v imagine_v no_o application_n therefore_o be_v want_v wherefore_o the_o efficient_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v proper_a and_o fit_v to_o one_o another_o the_o effect_n must_v still_o be_v or_o continue_v that_o be_v the_o deliver_v down_o sincere_o and_o careful_o christian_a doctrine_n first_o receive_v must_v still_o continue_v in_o some_o great_a multitude_n at_o least_o and_o this_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a 1._o what_o only_a and_o main_o seem_v to_o prejudice_v our_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v many_o heretic_n or_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o some_o 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laity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v awe_v by_o wholesome_a discipline_n to_o conform_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v yet_o notwithstanding_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n maugre_o the_o law_n and_o care_n of_o governor_n it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o some_o particular_a person_n turn_v rebel_n or_o outlaw_n and_o associate_n to_o himself_n other_o so_o it_o happen_v sometime_o in_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n shall_v extend_v itself_o in_o so_o vast_a a_o multititude_n to_o every_o particular_a some_o one_o or_o few_o person_n by_o neglect_n of_o apply_v christian_n motive_n to_o their_o soul_n fall_v into_o extravagancy_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n ambition_n lust_n or_o other_o vice_n and_o itch_a with_o desire_n of_o follower_n to_o honour_n and_o support_v they_o they_o first_o lie_v hold_v on_o some_o accidental_a miscarriage_n as_o foolish_a opinion_n 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in_o such_o airy_a sort_n of_o learning_n
the_o multitude_n of_o virtuous_a person_n will_v ●elp_v to_o increase_v both_o virtue_n and_o glory_n too_o in_o ●heir_a fellow_n and_o relation_n it_o follow_v that_o ●ad_v those_o father_n in_o any_o age_n consent_v to_o mis●●ad_v their_o posterity_n from_o what_o themselves_o con●eit_v to_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o most_o extreme_o ●arm_v imaginable_a to_o other_o without_o any_o the_o ●east_o good_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a in_o one_o single_a man_n more_o in_o a_o few_o but_o infinite_o in_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o good_a man_n moreover_o christ_n law_n be_v the_o law_n of_o charity_n which_o include_v love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o christi●nity_n to_o do_v they_o a_o injury_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d to_o debar_v they_o heaven_n and_o send_v they_o to_o hel●_n and_o all_o this_o gratis_o 11._o again_o the_o great_a the_o recommend_v any_o truth_n be_v the_o 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society_n or_o commerce_n and_o without_o which_o none_o can_v expect_v 〈◊〉_d thrive_v in_o his_o vocation_n or_o live_v with_o comfort_n ●eflecting_v next_o on_o the_o degree_n of_o discredit_v we_o ●nd_v that_o he_o who_o tell_v a_o lie_n for_o his_o own_o advantage_n though_o without_o any_o harm_n to_o other_o with_o ●uch_o ado_n escape_v some_o disrepute_n but_o if_o his_o ●yes_n be_v pernicious_a he_o be_v hold_v a_o arrant_a villain_n ●f_o to_o near_a friend_n and_o relation_n still_o great_a ●f_o the_o mischief_n he_o do_v by_o his_o false_a word_n or_o dealing_n be_v exceed_o great_a one_o he_o be_v yet_o more_o abominable_a and_o proportional_o still_o as_o the_o harm_n ●e_n induce_v grow_v if_o the_o motive_n he_o have_v to_o keep_v ●im_a good_a be_v very_o strong_a and_o efficacious_a he_o ●s_v still_o more_o enormous_a and_o as_o the_o strength_n of_o ●hose_n preservative_n motive_n increase_v so_o be_v his_o ma●ice_n still_o enhance_v but_o if_o he_o go_v about_o all_o this_o wickedness_n bold_o and_o confident_o without_o ca●ing_v who_o know_v it_o especial_o if_o he_o back_o his_o most_o notorious_a and_o most_o pernicious_a lie_n with_o deep_a oath_n and_o perjury_n by_o thing_n most_o sacred_a he_o be_v now_o conceive_v to_o be_v arrive_v at_o such_o a_o pitch_n of_o wickedness_n that_o he_o be_v no_o long_o to_o be_v hold_v a_o man_n but_o a_o devil_n incarnate_a but_o how_o incomparable_o more_o wicked_a and_o consequent_o disgraceful_a must_v that_o man_n be_v who_o believe_v christ_n doctrine_n to_o be_v thus_o receive_v and_o the_o mean_n to_o salvation_n shall_v teach_v his_o child_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v mischief_n he_o do_v his_o near_a relation_n no_o less_o than_o the_o loss_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o sad_a gain_n of_o hell-fire_n for_o all_o eternity_n the_o motive_n he_o have_v not_o to_o do_v it_o as_o to_o his_o own_o concern_v full_a as_o infinite_a his_o lie_n most_o notorious_a to_o all_o about_o he_o and_o even_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o if_o he_o be_v a_o pastor_n who_o beside_o other_o sacrament_n imply_v most_o oblige_a vow_n not_o to_o renounce_v his_o faith_n be_v consecrate_v by_o a_o particular_a one_o to_o preach_v christ_n doctrine_n true_o and_o to_o preserve_v his_o flock_n sound_n in_o faith_n to_o his_o power_n then_o to_o prevaricate_v from_o this_o duty_n render_v he_o a_o sacrilegious_a abuser_n of_o the_o most_o holy_a state_n of_o life_n and_o most_o inviolable_a tie_v this_o world_n as_o sanctify_v by_o our_o saviour_n have_v in_o it_o what_o inconcievable_a villainy_n then_o and_o consequent_o discredit_n must_v that_o man_n see_o undergo_v who_o shall_v misteach_v his_o own_o fancy_n for_o doctrine_n deliver_v and_o how_o impossible_a be_v it_o a_o world_n of_o forefather_n shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o make_v so_o desperate_a and_o absolute_a a_o forfeit_n of_o their_o reputation_n and_o honesty_n it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v sum_v up_o or_o even_o guess_v at_o be_v beyond_o all_o proportion_n the_o advantage_n then_o with_o which_o christian_a doctrine_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o each_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o most_o of_o the_o faithful_a rivet_n and_o confirm_v this_o natural_a care_n of_o credit_n to_o the_o preserve_a tradition_n inviolable_a be_v incomparable_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a 14._o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o unfold_v particular_o how_o each_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o show_v the_o inerrable_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o how_o the_o principle_n of_o almost_o each_o science_n be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n arithmetic_n lend_v she_o number_v and_o multiply_v faculty_n to_o scan_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o testifier_n geometry_n her_o proportion_n to_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a strength_n of_o certitude_n in_o christian_a tradition_n above_o those_o attestation_n which_o breed_v certainty_n in_o human_a affair_n logic_n her_o skill_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o connexion_n it_n have_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n nature_n her_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n morality_n her_o first_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v gratis_o by_o a_o cognoscitive_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o practical_a reason_n historical_a prudence_n clear_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o undiscernible_a revolt_n from_o point_n to_o descend_v &_o hold_v so_o sacred_a politic_n show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o a_o law_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o metaphysic_n engage_v the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o be_v which_o fix_v every_o truth_n so_o establish_v the_o scientifical_a knowledge_n which_o spring_v from_o each_o particular_a nature_n by_o their_o first_o cause_n or_o reason_n exempt_a from_o change_n or_o motion_n divinity_n demonstrate_v it_o most_o worthy_a god_n and_o most_o conducive_a to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o bliss_n last_o controversy_n evidence_n the_o total_a uncertainty_n of_o any_o thing_n concern_v faith_n if_o this_o can_v be_v uncertain_a and_o make_v use_v of_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o establish_v the_o certainty_n of_o this_o first_o principle_n and_o which_o settle_v secure_v scripture_n as_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a and_o all_o thing_n else_o that_o can_v main_o concern_v salvation_n to_o pursue_v these_o and_o many_o other_o testimony_n of_o tradition_n infallibleness_n be_v not_o my_o task_n at_o present_a i_o shall_v content_v myself_o with_o conclude_v that_o as_o we_o have_v prove_v it_o self-evident_a that_o tradition_n if_o ever_o hold_v to_o be_v a_o inerrable_a rule_n so_o our_o four_o last_o discourse_n have_v show_v its_o ever-indeficiency_a or_o rather_o indefectibleness_n scientifical_o evident_a and_o as_o strong_a as_o nature_n and_o grace_n strain_v as_o we_o may_v say_v to_o their_o utmost_a can_v make_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 this_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o former_a for_o first_o principle_n be_v to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o use_v they_o and_o proceed_v upon_o they_o which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o most_o ordinary_a vulgar_a 26._o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n be_v establish_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o the_o faithful_a by_o which_o i_o mean_v catholic_n or_o the_o church_n essential_a be_v by_o rely_v on_o it_o infallible_o certain_a that_o it_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n for_o since_o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a way_n if_o follow_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o &_o 13._o and_o both_o best_a nature_n and_o best_a grace_n in_o this_o world_n be_v engage_v that_o it_o have_v be_v and_o shall_v be_v ever_o follow_v disc._n 6._o and_o 9_o again_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o what_o faith_n be_v former_o teach_v must_v needs_o descend_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v that_o be_v who_o certainty_n depend_v on_o authority_n and_o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n former_o pass_v corol._n 24._o and_o self-evident_a to_o the_o proceeder_n on_o it_o corol._n 25._o that_o be_v to_o the_o body_n of_o catholic_n last_o since_o christian_a tradition_n right_o understand_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n essential_a as_o deliver_v it_o be_v manifest_o and_o manifold_o evident_a that_o that_o body_n which_o rely_v on_o it_o that_o be_v the_o catholic_n church_n or_o corol._n 6._o &_o 11._o the_o whole_a church_n essential_a be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o she_o be_v in_o secure_a possession_n of_o christ_n true_a doctrine_n 27._o tradition_n once_o establish_v general_a council_n and_o even_o provincial_a one_o nay_o particular_a church_n be_v infallible_a by_o proceed_v upon_o it._n for_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o regard_n that_o proceed_n on_o it_o they_o proceed_v upon_o a_o certain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n corol._n 24._o &_o 25._o that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o neither_o they_o can_v mistake_v nor_o it_o mislead_v they_o 28._o the_o roman_a see_v with_o its_o head_n be_v particular_o infallible_a by_o the_o same_o mean_n for_o in_o regard_n a_o more_o vigorous_a cause_n put_v at_o first_o be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o the_o coresidence_n joynt-endeavour_n preach_v miracle_n and_o last_o martyrdom_n of_o the_o two_o chief_a apostle_n work_v upon_o that_o city_n which_o command_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n be_v more_o vigorous_a cause_n to_o imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n at_o first_o and_o recommend_v it_o to_o the_o next_o age_n than_o be_v find_v any_o where_o else_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o stream_n of_o tradition_n in_o its_o source_n and_o first_o put_v into_o motion_n be_v more_o particular_o vigorous_a here_o than_o in_o any_o other_o see_n again_o since_o uninterrupted_a publicity_n of_o profess_v faith_n make_v a_o great_a visibility_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o manifest_a advantage_n to_o tradition_n and_o no_o patriarchal_a see_v but_o the_o roman_a have_v continue_v ever_o from_o the_o primitive_a time_n in_o a_o public_a profession_n of_o christ_n faith_n be_v hold_v under_o by_o barbarian_n hence_o the_o roman_a see_v and_o inclusive_o their_o pastor_n and_o most_o their_o chief_a pastor_n have_v a_o particular_a title_n to_o infallibility_n build_v on_o tradition_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o not_o to_o mention_v and_o dilate_v on_o the_o particular_a assistance_n to_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o see_v and_o most_o particular_a to_o its_o bishop_n spring_v out_o of_o their_o divine_o constitute_v office_n in_o regard_n it_o be_v a_o position_n unacknowledged_a by_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o be_o discourse_v 29._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o for_o since_o ●tis_o certain_a the_o apostle_n teach_v the_o same_o doctrine_n they_o write_v ●tis_o manifest_a the_o scripture●s_n letter_n be_v at_o first_o for_o what_o of_o it_o be_v intend_v to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n significative_a of_o faith_n or_o sense_n write_v by_o miracle_n preach_v and_o practice_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o first_o faithful_a wherefore_o since_o the_o same_o sense_n that_o be_v preach_v at_o first_o be_v preserve_v all_o along_o unalterable_o by_o tradition_n disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o and_o the_o same_o sense_n in_o man_n heart_n can_v easy_o guide_v they_o to_o correct_v the_o alteration_n of_o the_o outward_a letter_n so_o as_o to_o preserve_v it_o significative_a of_o the_o sense_n first_o deliver_v therefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o preserve_v a_o copy_n of_o the_o scripture_n letter_n true_o significative_a of_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o scripture_n be_v coincident_a with_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o 30._o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v of_o a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a rule_n to_o interpret_v scripture_n letter_n by_o so_o as_o to_o arrive_v certain_o at_o christ_n sense_n as_o far_o as_o that_o letter_n concern_v the_o body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n preach_v at_o first_o or_o point_n requisite_a to_o salvation_n for_o since_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o tradition_n preserve_v the_o first_o deliver_v sense_n alive_a in_o man_n heart_n send_v down_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n and_o christian_a practice_n and_o these_o be_v in_o the_o begin_n evident_o a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o letter_n ●tis_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v still_o such_o wherefore_o tradition_n establish_v the_o church_n be_v provide_v etc._n etc._n 31._o tradition_n establish_v nothing_o can_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n as_o h●ld_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o unless_o hold_v ever_o for_o since_o disc._n 5._o §_o 13._o &_o disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o &_o corol._n 24_o &_o 25._o tradition_n be_v self-evident_o a_o certain_a method_n of_o convey_v down_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o they_o be_v find_v it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n establish_v point_v not_o hold_v ever_o must_v be_v convey_v down_o such_o as_o they_o be_v find_v that_o be_v as_o not_o hold_v ever_o and_o consequent_o not_o as_o hold_v from_o the_o first_o or_o ever_o 32._o tradition_n establish_v it_o be_v impossible_a any_o error_n against_o christ●_n s_o faith_n shall_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o church_n that_o be_v no_o error_n contradict_v faith_n can_v be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n for_o since_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o of_o faith_n be_v disc._n 6._o &_o 8._o to_o traditionary_a christian_n the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o hold_v ever_o or_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o corol._n 31._o no_o point_n at_o all_o though_o disparate_a or_o indifferent_a not-held-eve_a can_v be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o much_o less_o can_v a_o erroneous_a point_n contradict_v what_o be_v hold_v ever_o be_v receive_v as_o held-eve_a 33._o notwithstanding_o tradition_n erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n for_o since_o notwithstanding_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n the_o church_n be_v still_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n a_o congregation_n make_v up_o of_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o the_o bad_a will_v do_v like_o themselves_o that_o be_v be_v glad_a to_o invent_v and_o propagate_v such_o principle_n as_o shall_v make_v for_o their_o own_o end_n or_o for_o vice_n that_o be_v erroneous_a one_o again_o since_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v but_o that_o multitude_n even_o of_o good_a man_n in_o the_o church_n shall_v in_o use_v their_o private_a reason_n be_v liable_a to_o error_n in_o divers_a particular_a point_n or_o case_n and_o that_o the_o remoteness_n of_o christian_a principle_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o principle_n of_o particular_a action_n or_o case_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v the_o opposition_n between_o they_o not_o easy_o nor_o clear_o discoverable_a at_o first_o nay_o the_o ambiguity_n in_o word_v they_o may_v make_v they_o appear_v at_o first_o sight_n fair_o reconcilable_a till_o the_o term_n be_v distinguish_v and_o clear_v from_o equivocation_n it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o tradition_n certainty_n hinder_v not_o but_o erroneous_a opinion_n and_o their_o proper_a effect_n absurd_a practice_n may_v creep_v into_o the_o church_n and_o spread_v there_o for_o a_o while_n 34._o
believe_v ancestor_n that_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o stand_v upon_o a_o precipice_n seeking_z what_o be_v beyond_o their_o power_n that_o be_v to_o hammer_v a_o certain_a faith_n out_o of_o scripture_n letter_n by_o their_o private_a wit._n which_o reflect_v on_o a_o little_a reason_n enlighten_v by_o so_o plain_a and_o manifold_a experience_n will_v easy_o tell_v they_o that_o it_o be_v the_o shallowness_n of_o their_o ground_n unable_a to_o satisfy_v rational_a nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o of_o they_o take_v upon_o they_o to_o seek_v for_o faith_n and_o so_o leave_v they_o and_o the_o solid_a secureness_n connaturalness_n and_o satisfactoriness_n of_o we_o which_o make_v few_o or_o none_o leave_v we_o and_o those_o who_o do_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o discover_v the_o motive_n of_o their_o revolt_n 11._o yet_o one_o more_o from_o this_o illustrious_a father_n as_o one_o who_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o famous_a contrast_n with_o the_o impious_a arian_n it_o concern_v to_o be_v more_o express_a in_o inculcate_v and_o stick_v to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o write_v to_o epictetus_n bishop_n of_o corinth_n it_o be_v to_o be_v answer_v say_v he_o to_o those_o thing_n which_o alone_o of_o itself_o suffice_v that_o those_o be_v vot_o of_o the_o orthodox_n church_n and_o that_o our_o ancestor_n never_o hold_v so_o so_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n tradition_n or_o belief_n of_o ancestor_n be_v hold_v by_o he_o a_o sole-sufficient_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o only_a answer_n to_o be_v give_v why_o we_o reject_v point_n from_o faith_n or_o admit_v they_o into_o it_o that_o be_v a_o evident_a reason_n for_o such_o a_o carriage_n for_o otherwise_o another_o answer_n will_v be_v requisite_a 12._o we_o will_v be_v short_a in_o the_o rest_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n stromatôn_n 7o._o as_o if_o one_o of_o a_o man_n become_v a_o beast_n like_o those_o infect_v by_o circe_n poison_n so_o he_o have_v forfeit_v his_o be_v a_o man-of-god_n and_o faithful_a to_o our_o lord_n who_o spurn_v against_o the_o church_n tradition_n and_o leap_v into_o opinion_n of_o human_a election_n basil_n against_o eunomius_n will_v thou_o have_v we_o all_o persuade_v by_o thou_o prefer_v your_o conceit_n before_o the_o tradition_n of_o faith_n which_o perpetual_o have_v conquer_v under_o so_o many_o holy_a man_n and_o speak_v against_o two_o other_o heretic_n sabellius_n and_o arius_n let_v tradition_n bridle_v thou_o our_o lord_n teach_v thus_o the_o apostle_n preach_v it_o the_o father_n conserve_v it_o our_o ancestor_n confirm_v it_o be_v content_a to_o say_v as_o thou_o be_v teach_v we_o have_v it_o clear_v then_o that_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a that_o be_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n see_v corol._n 4._o that_o all_o be_v man_n conceit_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n which_o the_o word_n heresy_n import_v that_o be_v opposite_a to_o tradition_n we_o have_v last_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o faith_n descent_n from_o christ_n to_o we_o yet_o not_o a_o word_n of_o descend_v by_o scripture_n or_o letter_n in_o book_n but_o by_o the_o way_n of_o preach_v and_o teach_v that_o be_v oral_a delivery_n and_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n 13._o i_o omit_v many_o other_o father_n but_o i_o must_v not_o s._n austin_n ea_fw-la potius_fw-la credam_fw-la etc._n etc._n i_o will_v rather_o believe_v say_v he_o contra_fw-la epistolam_fw-la fundamenti_fw-la those_o thing_n which_o be_v celebrate_v now_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a and_o be_v confirm_v throughout_o all_o nation_n by_o most_o grave_a authority_n and_o again_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v of_o force_n to_o cause_n faith_n and_o assurance_n which_o authority_n from_o the_o best_a establish_a seat_n of_o the_o apostle_n even_o to_o this_o very_a day_n be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o series_n of_o bishop_n succeed_v they_o and_o by_o the_o assertion_n of_o so_o many_o nation_n in_o both_o place_n he_o he_o make_v the_o consent_n of_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a bishop_n and_o conspire_a people_n continue_v down_o to_o these_o day_n that_o be_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a or_o tradition_n the_o most_o grave_a authority_n apt_a to_o ascertain_v we_o and_o cause_n faith_n that_o be_v he_o make_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o build_v its_o strength_n as_o we_o also_o do_v on_o the_o multitude_n and_o consent_n of_o the_o asserter_n or_o testifier_n of_o its_o descent_n also_o in_o his_o 58._o epistle_n the_o faithful_a say_v he_o do_v possess_v persevere_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n common_a to_o little_a and_o great_a in_o the_o church_n where_o every_o word_n be_v emphatical_a that_o the_o church_n voice_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o rule_n be_v common_a to_o learued_a and_o unlearned_a that_o be_v able_a to_o satisfy_v the_o acute_a discourser_n and_o yet_o understandable_a by_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a last_o that_o they_o hold_v it_o and_o that_o persevere_o or_o unshaken_o which_o show_v it_o self-evident_a else_o both_o the_o unlearned_a at_o least_o may_v come_v to_o doubt_v of_o it_o see_v disc._n 5._o §_o 8_o 9_o 10_o 11._o 14._o thus_o much_o for_o the_o credit_n of_o tradition_n it_o be_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n certain_a and_o uninterrupted_a but_o how_o shall_v we_o know_v who_o enjoy_v this_o tradition_n or_o what_o point_n have_v be_v hand_v down_o by_o it_o from_o the_o beginning_n must_v we_o not_o run_v to_o private_a exposition_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o this_o or_o at_o least_o to_o library_n of_o book_n write_v in_o all_o former_a age_n to_o see_v if_o perhaps_o their_o author_n might●have_v dream_v of_o our_o now_o difficulty_n and_o then_o prophesy_v we_o a_o satisfaction_n so_o express_v and_o ample_a that_o no_o cavil_n can_v avoid_v it_o no_o we_o have_v manifest_a certainty_n of_o it_o other_o way_n if_o we_o may_v trust_v the_o father_n we_o will_v only_o allege_v two_o both_o very_a ancient_n and_o great_a master_n of_o controversy_n against_o the_o heretic_n of_o their_o time_n s._n ireneus_fw-la lib._n 1._o cap._n 3._o all_o those_o who_o will_v hear_v truth_n may_v at_o present_v perfect_o discern_v adest_fw-la perspicere_fw-la in_o the_o church_n the_o tradition_n of_o the_o apostle_n manifest_a in_o the_o whole_a world_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o present_a church_n proceed_v upon_o or_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n be_v a_o manifest_a argument_n that_o what_o it_o teach_v now_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o tertullian_n contra_fw-la marcionem_fw-la that_o be_v manifest_o true_a which_o be_v first_o that_o first_o which_o be_v from_o the_o beginning_n that_o from_o the_o beginning_n which_o be_v from_o the_o apostle_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o will_v manifest_o appear_v to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n which_o shall_v be_v 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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 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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 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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 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