know_v that_o these_o be_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n yet_o these_o book_n be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o consequent_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v §_o 8._o nor_o do_v this_o concession_n make_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n as_o if_o because_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o oral_a tradition_n can_v with_o sufficient_a certainty_n transmit_v a_o book_n to_o after_o age_n we_o must_v therefore_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v with_o as_o much_o certainty_n convey_v a_o doctrine_n consist_v of_o several_a article_n of_o faith_n nay_o very_o many_o as_o mr._n white_n acknowledge_v 9_o and_o many_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o life_n so_o because_o oral_a tradition_n sufficient_o assure_v we_o that_o this_o be_v magna_fw-la charta_fw-la and_o that_o the_o statute-book_n in_o which_o be_v contain_v those_o law_n which_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o therefore_o by_o like_a parity_n of_o reason_n it_o must_v follow_v that_o tradition_n itself_o be_v better_o than_o a_o book_n even_o the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o law_n to_o we_o mr._n s._n say_v 93._o express_o it_o be_v but_o how_o true_o i_o appeal_v to_o experience_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o our_o lawgiver_n who_o seem_v to_o think_v otherwise_o tradition_n be_v already_o define_v to_o we_o a_o delivery_n down_o from_o hand_n to_o hand_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o faith_n of_o forefather_n i_o e._n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o message_n of_o christ._n now_o suppose_v any_o oral_a message_n consist_v of_o a_o hundred_o particularity_n be_v to_o be_v deliver_v to_o a_o hundred_o several_a person_n of_o different_a degree_n of_o understanding_n and_o memory_n by_o they_o to_o be_v convey_v to_o a_o hundred_o more_o who_o be_v to_o convey_v it_o to_o other_o and_o so_o onward_o to_o a_o hundred_o descent_n be_v it_o probable_a this_o message_n with_o all_o the_o particularity_n of_o it_o will_v be_v as_o true_o convey_v through_o so_o many_o mouth_n as_o if_o it_o be_v write_v down_o in_o so_o many_o letter_n concern_v which_o every_o bearer_n shall_v need_v to_o say_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o he_o as_o a_o letter_n write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n be_v subscribe_v to_o it_o i_o think_v it_o not_o probable_a though_o the_o man_n life_n be_v concern_v every_o one_o for_o the_o faithful_a delivery_n of_o his_o errand_n or_o letter_n for_o the_o letter_n be_v a_o message_n which_o no_o man_n can_v mistake_v in_o unless_o he_o will_v but_o the_o errand_n so_o difficult_a and_o perplex_v with_o its_o multitude_n of_o particular_n that_o it_o be_v a_o equal_a wager_n against_o every_o one_o of_o the_o messenger_n that_o he_o either_o forget_v or_o mistake_v something_o in_o it_o it_o be_v ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o the_o first_o hundred_o do_v not_o all_o agree_v in_o it_o it_o be_v a_o million_o to_o one_o that_o the_o next_o succession_n do_v not_o all_o deliver_v it_o true_o for_o if_o any_o one_o of_o the_o first_o hundred_o mistake_v or_o forget_v any_o thing_n it_o be_v then_o impossible_a that_o he_o that_o receive_v it_o from_o he_o shall_v deliver_v it_o right_o and_o so_o the_o far_o it_o go_v the_o great_a change_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o i_o do_v not_o say_v but_o it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v in_o mr._n s_n way_n to_o have_v more_o of_o certainty_n in_o it_o than_o the_o original_a letter_n §_o 9_o three_o we_o allow_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n have_v in_o all_o age_n be_v preach_v to_o the_o people_n by_o the_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n and_o teach_v by_o christian_a parent_n to_o their_o child_n but_o with_o great_a difference_n by_o some_o more_o plain_o and_o true_o and_o perfect_o by_o other_o with_o less_o care_n and_o exactness_n according_a to_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o ability_n and_o integrity_n in_o pastor_n or_o parent_n and_o likewise_o with_o very_o different_a success_n according_a to_o the_o different_a capacity_n and_o disposition_n of_o the_o learner_n we_o allow_v likewise_o that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o constant_a course_n of_o visible_a action_n conformable_a in_o some_o measure_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o then_o we_o say_v that_o those_o outward_a act_n and_o circumstance_n of_o religion_n may_v have_v undergo_v great_a variation_n and_o receive_v great_a change_n by_o addition_n to_o they_o and_o defalcation_n from_o they_o in_o several_a age_n that_o this_o not_o only_o be_v possible_a but_o have_v actual_o happen_v i_o shall_v show_v when_o i_o come_v to_o answer_v his_o demonstration_n now_o that_o several_a of_o the_o the_o main_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o scriptute_fw-la and_o action_n therein_o command_v have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n as_o the_o article_n sum_v up_o in_o the_o apostle_n creed_n the_o use_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n be_v a_o good_a evidence_n so_o far_o that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v how_o we_o come_v to_o know_v that_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v teach_v and_o such_o external_a action_n practise_v in_o all_o age_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v there_o be_v a_o present_a multitude_n of_o christian_n that_o profess_v to_o have_v receive_v such_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v and_o from_o hence_o to_o infer_v that_o they_o be_v so_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o which_o argument_n i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n to_o show_v afterward_o but_o he_o that_o will_v prove_v this_o to_o any_o man_n satisfaction_n must_v make_v it_o evident_a from_o the_o best_a monument_n and_o record_n of_o several_a age_n that_o be_v from_o the_o most_o authentic_a book_n of_o those_o time_n that_o such_o doctrine_n have_v in_o all_o those_o age_n be_v constant_o and_o universal_o teach_v and_o practise_v but_o then_o if_o from_o those_o record_n of_o former_a time_n it_o appear_v that_o other_o doctrine_n not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o teach_v and_o practise_v universal_o in_o all_o age_n but_o have_v creep_v in_o by_o degree_n some_o in_o one_o age_n and_o some_o in_o another_o according_a as_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n in_o the_o people_n ambition_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o chief_a pastor_n of_o the_o church_n have_v minister_v occasion_n and_o opportunity_n and_o that_o the_o innovator_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n have_v all_o along_o pretend_v to_o confirm_v they_o out_o of_o scripture_n as_o the_o acknowledge_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o have_v likewise_o acknowledge_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n to_o have_v descend_v without_o any_o material_a corruption_n or_o alteration_n all_o which_o will_v sufficient_o appear_v in_o the_o process_n of_o my_o discourse_n then_o can_v the_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n concern_v any_o doctrine_n as_o ever_o believe_v and_o practise_v which_o have_v no_o real_a foundation_n in_o scripture_n be_v any_o argument_n against_o these_o book_n as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o full_o and_o clear_o contain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o to_o say_v the_o scripture_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v no_o more_o reasonable_a than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o interpret_v the_o ancient_a book_n of_o the_o law_n by_o the_o present_a practice_n of_o it_o which_o every_o one_o that_o compare_v thing_n fair_o together_o must_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v full_a of_o deviation_n from_o the_o ancient_a law_n sect_n v._o they_o §_o 1._o 2_o dly_a how_o much_o more_o he_o attribute_n to_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o we_o think_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o we_o 1._o we_o do_v not_o say_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o this_o rule_n shall_v fail_v that_o be_v either_o that_o these_o book_n shall_v cease_v to_o descend_v or_o shall_v be_v corrupt_v this_o we_o do_v not_o attribute_v to_o they_o because_o there_o be_v no_o need_n we_o shall_v we_o believe_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n will_v take_v care_n of_o they_o and_o secure_v they_o from_o be_v either_o lose_v or_o material_o corrupt_v yet_o we_o think_v it_o very_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o book_n in_o the_o world_n may_v be_v burn_v or_o otherwise_o destroy_v all_o that_o we_o affirm_v concern_v our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o to_o convey_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o all_o successive_a age_n and_o we_o think_v he_o very_o unreasonable_a that_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v do_v more_o than_o what_o be_v abundant_o
but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v unless_o it_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o that_o do_v you_o likewise_o unto_o they_o because_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mystery_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v i_o hope_v a_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v without_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o mystery_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o any_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o plaineness_n or_o sublimity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o person_n be_v so_o inspire_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o that_o be_v if_o he_o work_v miracle_n now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o learned_a man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o §_o 4._o three_o because_o 14._o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v solve_v before_o we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o he_o tell_v we_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 one_o of_o the_o most_o difficult_a task_n in_o the_o world_n as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o believe_v a_o book_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v because_o there_o seem_v now_o to_o be_v some_o contradiction_n in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v can_v easy_o have_v be_v solve_v by_o those_o who_o live_v in_o the_o age_n in_o which_o it_o be_v write_v or_o as_o if_o oral_a tradition_n can_v help_v a_o man_n to_o solve_v these_o contradiction_n when_o the_o memory_n of_o particular_n necessary_a for_o the_o clear_a solution_n of_o they_o be_v as_o himself_o confess_v wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n if_o mr._n s._n can_v in_o order_n to_o the_o solution_n of_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n demonstrate_v that_o oral_a tradition_n have_v to_o this_o day_n preserve_v the_o memory_n of_o those_o particular_n necessary_a for_o that_o purpose_n the_o memory_n of_o which_o must_v needs_o be_v long_o since_o wear_v out_o by_o tract_n of_o time_n than_o i_o will_v ready_o yield_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v in_o this_o particular_a the_o advantage_n of_o we_o but_o if_o he_o can_v do_v this_o why_o do_v he_o make_v that_o a_o argument_n against_o our_o rule_n which_o be_v as_o strong_a against_o his_o own_o this_o be_v just_a like_o capt._n everard_n friend_n way_n of_o argue_v against_o the_o protestant_n that_o they_o can_v rely_v upon_o scripture_n because_o it_o be_v full_a of_o plain_a contradiction_n impossible_a to_o be_v reconcile_v and_o therefore_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n and_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o such_o a_o contradiction_n he_o pitch_v upon_o the_o three_o fourteen_o generation_n mention_v in_o the_o first_o of_o st._n matthew_n because_o the_o three_o series_n of_o generation_n if_o they_o be_v count_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o thirteen_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o how_o this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v both_o by_o protestant_a and_o popish_a commentator_n without_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o make_v this_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o protestant_n when_o it_o come_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o force_n upon_o themselves_o suppose_v this_o contradiction_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o solution_n by_o protestant_n as_o he_o affirm_v and_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o infallibility_n can_v make_v thirteen_o fourteen_o if_o it_o can_v how_o be_o i_o near_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o mr_n s_n exception_n if_o i_o own_v oral_a tradition_n i_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o solve_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n these_o exception_n if_o they_o be_v true_a will_v not_o strike_v at_o protestancy_n but_o at_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a argument_n than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o true_a mother_n because_o she_o have_v rather_o christianity_n shall_v be_v destroy_v than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o any_o other_o church_n have_v a_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o heretic_n martion_n to_o assault_v religion_n this_o way_n who_o as_o tertullian_n martion_n tell_v we_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v antithesis_n wherein_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o contradiction_n as_o he_o think_v between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o the_o papist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o discover_v as_o many_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o this_o sacred_a instrument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o even_o christianity_n itself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n therefore_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a with_o mr._n s._n and_o captain_n everard_n i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a to_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o bible_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o say_v 14._o that_o protestant_n can_v know_v how_o many_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v be_v secure_o put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o say_v it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n this_o again_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o most_o palpable_a but_o i_o shall_v deal_v more_o liberal_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o know_v that_o just_a so_o many_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o uncontroverted_a book_n concern_v which_o it_o can_v be_v show_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o controversy_n and_o so_o many_o as_o controvert_v concern_v which_o it_o appear_v that_o question_n have_v be_v make_v and_o if_o those_o which_o have_v be_v controvert_v have_v be_v since_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n which_o once_o doubt_v of_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o further_o doubt_v concern_v they_o because_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a certainty_n oral_a tradition_n can_v give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v some_o book_n have_v be_v controvert_v or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o make_v a_o supposition_n of_o controvert_v book_n if_o oral_a tradition_n acknowledge_v some_o to_o have_v be_v controvert_v than_o it_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v controvert_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o never_o have_v be_v controvert_v but_o only_o as_o such_o concern_v which_o those_o church_n who_o do_v once_o raise_v a_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v be_v since_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v canonical_a the_o traditionary_a church_n now_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o canonical_a i_o ask_v do_v they_o receive_v it_o as_o ever_o deliver_v for_o such_o that_o they_o must_v
with_o it_o and_o make_v they_o wise_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o shall_v inform_v he_o what_o i_o have_v find_v that_o the_o father_n never_o except_v against_o that_o method_n but_o appeal_v frequent_o from_o the_o slanderous_a report_n and_o misrepresentation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o their_o doctrine_n to_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n as_o the_o true_a standard_n of_o it_o §_o 8._o another_o evidence_n that_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n have_v own_v the_o scripture_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v that_o the_o father_n in_o their_o homily_n do_v use_v constant_o to_o declare_v to_o the_o people_n what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o what_o they_o be_v to_o practice_v out_o of_o the_o scripture_n which_o have_v be_v most_o absurd_a and_o senseless_a have_v they_o believe_v not_o the_o scripture_n but_o something_o else_o to_o have_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n for_o what_o can_v tend_v more_o to_o the_o seduce_a of_o the_o people_n from_o mr._n s_n suppose_a rule_n of_o faith_n oral_a tradition_n than_o to_o make_v a_o daily_a practice_n of_o declare_v and_o confirm_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o scripture_n have_v the_o ancient_a father_n be_v right_o for_o mr._n s_n way_n they_o will_v not_o have_v build_v their_o doctrine_n upon_o scripture_n perhaps_o not_o have_v mention_v it_o for_o fear_v of_o give_v the_o people_n a_o occasion_n to_o grow_v familiar_a with_o so_o dangerous_a a_o book_n but_o rather_o as_o their_o more_o prudent_a posterity_n have_v do_v will_v have_v lock_v it_o up_o from_o the_o people_n in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n and_o have_v set_v open_a the_o store_v of_o good_a wholesome_a tradition_n and_o instead_o of_o tell_v they_o as_o they_o do_v most_o frequent_o thus_o say_v the_o scripture_n will_v only_o have_v tell_v they_o this_o be_v the_o voice_n of_o the_o essential_a church_n thus_o it_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o hand_n to_o we_o from_o our_o forefather_n §_o 9_o i_o may_v add_v for_o a_o three_o evidence_n the_o great_a malice_n of_o the_o enemy_n and_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n against_o this_o book_n and_o their_o cruel_a endeavour_n to_o extort_v it_o out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o christian_n and_o destroy_v it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n that_o by_o this_o mean_v they_o may_v extirpate_v christianity_n for_o it_o seem_v they_o think_v that_o the_o abolish_n of_o this_o book_n will_v have_v be_v the_o ruin_n of_o that_o religion_n but_o according_a to_o mr._n s_n opinion_n their_o malice_n want_v wit_n for_o have_v all_o the_o bibles_n in_o the_o world_n be_v burn_v christian_a religion_n will_v nevertheless_o have_v be_v entire_o preserve_v and_o safe_o transmit_v down_o to_o we_o by_o sense_n write_v in_o man_n heart_n with_o the_o good_a help_n of_o of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n nay_o their_o church_n will_v have_v be_v a_o great_a gainer_n by_o it_o for_o this_o occasion_n and_o parent_n of_o all_o heresy_n the_o scripture_n be_v once_o out_o of_o the_o way_n she_o may_v have_v have_v all_o in_o she_o own_o hand_n and_o by_o lead_v the_o people_n in_o the_o safe_a path_n of_o tradition_n and_o consequent_o of_o science_n may_v have_v make_v they_o wise_a enough_o to_o obey_v well_o but_o suppose_v the_o persecutor_n of_o christianity_n mistake_v themselves_o in_o their_o design_n how_o come_v the_o christian_n in_o those_o day_n to_o be_v so_o tenacious_a of_o this_o book_n that_o rather_o than_o deliver_v it_o they_o will_v yield_v up_o themselves_o to_o torment_n and_o death_n and_o why_o do_v they_o look_v upon_o those_o who_o out_o of_o fear_n deliver_v up_o their_o book_n as_o apostate_n and_o renouncer_n of_o christianity_n if_o they_o have_v not_o think_v this_o book_n to_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o salvation_n and_o if_o it_o have_v real_o be_v of_o no_o great_a consideration_n than_o mr._n wh._n and_o mr._n s._n will_v make_v it_o why_o shall_v they_o be_v so_o loath_a to_o part_v with_o a_o few_o unsense_v character_n waxen_a nature_a word_n fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o why_o shall_v they_o value_v their_o life_n at_o so_o cheap_a a_o rate_n as_o to_o throw_v they_o away_o for_o a_o few_o insignificant_a scrawl_n and_o to_o shed_v their_o blood_n for_o a_o little_a ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n do_v they_o not_o know_v that_o the_o safety_n of_o christianity_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o this_o book_n do_v no_o christian_n then_o understand_v that_o which_o according_a to_o mr._n s._n no_o christian_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o viz._n that_o not_o the_o scripture_n but_o unmistakeable_a indefectible_a oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n why_o do_v they_o not_o consider_v that_o though_o this_o letter_n rule_n of_o heretic_n have_v be_v consume_v to_o ash_n yet_o their_o faith_n will_v have_v lie_v safe_a and_o be_v preserve_v entire_a in_o its_o *_o spiritual_a cause_n man_n mind_n the_o noble_a piece_n in_o nature_n some_o of_o they_o indeed_o do_v deliver_v up_o their_o book_n and_o be_v call_v traditores_fw-la and_o i_o have_v some_o ground_n to_o believe_v that_o these_o be_v the_o only_a traditionary_a christian_n of_o that_o time_n and_o that_o the_o rest_n be_v confessor_n and_o martyr_n for_o the_o letter_n rule_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o evidence_n enough_o that_o the_o scripture_n have_v always_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o christian_n for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v when_o i_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o testimony_n for_o tradition_n with_o the_o good_a leave_n of_o his_o distinction_n between_o speculator_n and_o testifier_n prove_v by_o most_o express_a testimony_n that_o it_o be_v the_o general_a opinion_n of_o the_o father_n that_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o if_o his_o demonstration_n of_o the_o infalliblity_n of_o tradition_n will_v enforce_v that_o as_o testifier_n they_o must_v nesds_o have_v speak_v otherwise_o who_o can_v help_v it_o sect_n iv._o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o lay_v down_o the_o protestant_a rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o all_o that_o now_o remain_v for_o i_o to_o do_v towards_o the_o clear_a and_o full_o state_v of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v to_o take_v notice_n brief_o and_o with_o due_a limitation_n 1._o how_o much_o the_o protestant_n do_v allow_v to_o oral_a tradition_n second_o what_o those_o thing_n be_v which_o mr._n saint_n think_v fit_a to_o attribute_v to_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o see_v no_o cause_n to_o attribute_v to_o we_o and_o when_o this_o be_v do_v any_o one_o may_v easy_o discern_v how_o far_o we_o differ_v §_o 2._o 1._o how_o much_o protestant_n do_v allow_v to_o oral_a tradition_n first_o we_o grant_v that_o oral_a tradition_n in_o some_o circumstance_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n but_o withal_o we_o deny_v that_o such_o circumstance_n be_v now_o in_o be_v in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n when_o the_o credenda_fw-la or_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o agenda_fw-la or_o precept_n of_o it_o be_v but_o few_o and_o such_o as_o have_v the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a light_n when_o the_o world_n be_v contract_v into_o a_o few_o family_n in_o comparison_n and_o the_o age_n of_o man_n ordinary_o extend_v to_o six_o or_o seven_o hundred_o year_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o such_o circumstance_n may_v have_v be_v propagate_v by_o oral_a tradition_n without_o any_o great_a change_n or_o alteration_n adam_n live_v till_o methuselah_n be_v above_o two_o hundred_o year_n old_a methuselah_n live_v till_o sem_fw-mi be_v near_o a_o hundred_o and_o sem_fw-mi outlive_v abraham_n so_o that_o this_o tradition_n need_v not_o pass_v through_o more_o than_o two_o hand_n betwixt_o adam_n and_o abraham_n but_o though_o this_o way_n be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v preserve_v religion_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n have_v not_o be_v want_v themselves_o yet_o we_o find_v it_o do_v not_o prove_v effectual_a for_o through_o the_o corruption_n and_o negligence_n of_o man_n after_o the_o flood_n if_o not_o before_o when_o the_o world_n begin_v to_o multiply_v and_o the_o age_n of_o man_n be_v shorten_v the_o knowledge_n and_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n be_v general_o lose_v in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o scripture-history_n the_o only_a record_n we_o have_v of_o those_o time_n when_o god_n call_v out_o abraham_n from_o ur_fw-la of_o the_o chaldee_n the_o whole_a world_n be_v lapse_v into_o polytheisme_n and_o idolatry_n therefore_o for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o religion_n
afterward_o when_o the_o posterity_n of_o abraham_n be_v multiply_v into_o a_o great_a nation_n the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o entrust_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n any_o long_o to_o the_o fallible_a and_o uncertain_a way_n of_o tradition_n but_o commit_v it_o to_o writing_n now_o that_o god_n pitch_v upon_o this_o way_n after_o the_o world_n have_v sad_o experience_v the_o unsuccesfulness_n of_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o very_a good_a evidence_n that_o this_o be_v the_o better_a and_o more_o secure_a way_n it_o be_v the_o usual_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a dispensation_n not_o to_o go_v backward_o but_o to_o move_v towards_o perfection_n and_o to_o proceed_v from_o that_o which_o be_v less_o perfect_a to_o that_o which_o be_v more_o and_o the_o apostle_n 8.7_o reason_v concern_v the_o two_o covenant_n be_v very_o applicable_a to_o these_o two_o method_n of_o convey_v the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n if_o the_o first_o have_v be_v faultless_a then_o shall_v no_o place_n have_v be_v seek_v for_o a_o second_o §_o 3._o so_o likewise_o when_o christ_n reveal_v his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n it_o be_v not_o in_o his_o life-time_n commit_v to_o writing_n because_o it_o be_v entertain_v but_o by_o a_o few_o who_o be_v his_o disciple_n and_o follower_n and_o who_o so_o long_o as_o he_o continue_v with_o they_o have_v a_o live_a oracle_n to_o teach_v they_o after_o his_o death_n the_o apostle_n who_o be_v to_o publish_v this_o doctrine_n to_o the_o world_n be_v assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n so_o as_o they_o be_v secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o it_o but_o when_o this_o extraordinary_a assistance_n fail_v there_o be_v need_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n to_o convey_v it_o to_o posterity_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fix_a and_o stand_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o manner_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o this_o end_n the_o providence_n of_o god_n take_v care_n to_o have_v it_o commit_v to_o writing_n and_o that_o mr._n saint_n may_v see_v this_o be_v not_o a_o conjecture_n of_o protestant_n but_o the_o sense_n of_o former_a time_n i_o shall_v refer_v he_o to_o st._n chrysostom_n homil._n 1._o in_o matth._n who_o tell_v we_o that_o christ_n leave_v nothing_o in_o write_v to_o his_o apostle_n but_o in_o stead_n thereof_o do_v promise_n to_o bestow_v upon_o they_o the_o grace_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n say_v john_n 14._o he_o shall_v bring_v all_o thing_n to_o your_o remembrance_n etc._n etc._n but_o because_o in_o progress_n of_o time_n there_o be_v many_o grievous_a miscarriage_n both_o in_o matter_n of_o opinion_n and_o also_o of_o life_n and_o manner_n therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o the_o memory_n of_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v preserve_v by_o write_v so_o long_o then_o as_o the_o apostle_n live_v who_o be_v thus_o infallible_o assist_v the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v secure_a but_o no_o long_o nor_o even_o then_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o from_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a assistance_n which_o accompany_v the_o deliverer_n §_o 4._o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o good_a way_n of_o argument_n against_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n by_o writing_n which_o he_o lay_v so_o much_o weight_n upon_o 40._o that_o the_o apostle_n and_o their_o successor_n go_v not_o with_o book_n in_o their_o hand_n to_o preach_v and_o deliver_v christ_n doctrine_n but_o word_n in_o their_o mouth_n and_o that_o primitive_a antiquity_n learn_v their_o faith_n by_o another_o method_n a_o long_a time_n before_o many_o of_o those_o book_n be_v universal_o spread_v among_o the_o vulgar_a for_o what_o if_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o write_v this_o doctrine_n whilst_o those_o live_a oracle_n the_o apostle_n be_v present_a with_o the_o church_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o afterward_o when_o the_o apostle_n be_v dead_a and_o that_o extraordinary_a and_o supernatural_a assistance_n be_v cease_v if_o the_o preacher_n now_o adays_o can_v give_v we_o any_o such_o assurance_n and_o confirm_v all_o they_o preach_v by_o such_o frequent_a and_o public_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n do_v then_o we_o need_v not_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n they_o teach_v by_o any_o other_o rule_n but_o aught_o to_o regulate_v our_o belief_n by_o what_o they_o deliver_v to_o we_o but_o see_v this_o be_v not_o the_o case_n that_o aught_o in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o our_o faith_n which_o have_v bring_v down_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n with_o the_o great_a certainty_n and_o this_o i_o shall_v prove_v the_o scripture_n to_o have_v do_v §_o 5._o so_o that_o in_o those_o circumstance_n i_o have_v mention_v we_o allow_v oral_a tradition_n to_o have_v be_v a_o sufficient_a way_n of_o convey_v a_o doctrine_n but_o now_o consider_v the_o great_a increase_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o shortness_n of_o man_n life_n in_o these_o latter_a age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o long_a tract_n of_o time_n from_o the_o apostle_n age_n down_o to_o we_o and_o the_o innumerable_a accident_n whereby_o in_o the_o space_n of_o 1500_o year_n oral_a tradition_n may_v receive_v insensible_a alteration_n so_o as_o at_o last_o to_o become_v quite_o another_o thing_n from_o what_o it_o be_v at_o first_o by_o pass_v through_o many_o hand_n in_o which_o passage_n all_o the_o mistake_n and_o corruption_n which_o in_o the_o several_a age_n through_o which_o it_o be_v transmit_v do_v happen_v either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o forgetfulness_n or_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o design_n be_v necessary_o derive_v into_o the_o last_o so_o that_o the_o further_a it_o go_v the_o more_o alteration_n it_o be_v liable_a to_z because_o as_o it_o pass_v along_o more_o error_n and_o corruption_n be_v infuse_v into_o it_o i_o say_v consider_v all_o this_o we_o deny_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a religion_n can_v with_o any_o probable_a security_n and_o certainty_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o therefore_o do_v reasonable_o believe_v that_o god_n foreseeing_a this_o do_v in_o his_o wisdom_n so_o order_v thing_n that_o those_o person_n who_o be_v assist_v by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n in_o the_o delivery_n of_o this_o doctrine_n shall_v before_o they_o leave_v the_o world_n commit_v it_o to_o writing_n which_o be_v according_o do_v and_o by_o this_o instrument_n the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o §_o 6._o second_o we_o allow_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o considerable_a assurance_n to_o we_o that_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n which_o we_o now_o have_v be_v the_o very_a book_n which_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n but_o withal_o we_o deny_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v therefore_o to_o be_v account_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n the_o general_a assurance_n that_o we_o have_v concern_v book_n write_v long_o ago_o that_o they_o be_v so_o ancient_a and_o be_v write_v by_o those_o who_o name_n they_o bear_v be_v a_o constant_a and_o uncontrolled_a tradition_n of_o this_o transmit_v from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o partly_o oral_o and_o partly_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o other_o book_n thus_o much_o be_v common_a to_o scripture_n with_o other_o book_n but_o then_o the_o scripture_n have_v this_o peculiar_a advantage_n above_o other_o book_n that_o be_v of_o a_o great_a and_o more_o universal_a concernment_n they_o have_v be_v more_o common_a and_o in_o every_o body_n hand_n more_o read_v and_o study_v than_o any_o other_o book_n in_o the_o world_n whatsoever_o and_o consequent_o they_o have_v a_o more_o universal_a and_o better_a ground_a attestation_n moreover_o they_o have_v not_o only_o be_v own_v universal_o in_o all_o age_n by_o christian_n except_o three_o or_o four_o book_n of_o they_o which_o for_o some_o time_n be_v question_v by_o some_o church_n but_o have_v since_o be_v general_o receive_v but_o the_o great_a enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n the_o jew_n and_o heathen_n never_o question_v the_o antiquity_n of_o they_o but_o have_v always_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a book_n which_o the_o apostle_n write_v and_o this_o be_v as_o great_a a_o assurance_n as_o we_o can_v have_v concern_v any_o ancient_a book_n without_o a_o particular_a and_o immediate_a revelation_n §_o 7._o and_o this_o concession_n do_v not_o as_o m._n s_o suppose_v make_v oral_a tradition_n to_o be_v final_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o meaning_n of_o this_o question_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v what_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a mean_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o so_o that_o although_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o
sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n then_o we_o may_v reasonable_o rest_v satisfy_v in_o evidence_n for_o these_o matter_n short_a of_o demonstration_n for_o be_v ever_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o word_n so_o plain_a as_o that_o there_o do_v not_o remain_v this_o ground_n of_o suspense_n that_o those_o word_n may_v be_v capable_a of_o another_o sense_n mr._n rushworth_n 7._o say_v that_o disputative_a scholar_n do_v find_v mean_n daily_o to_o explicate_v the_o plain_a word_n of_o a_o author_n to_o a_o quitc_n different_a sense_n and_o that_o the_o world_n may_v be_v furnish_v with_o a_o advantageous_a instance_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o raynaudus_n libris_fw-la a_o writer_n of_o their_o own_o have_v make_v a_o wanton_a experiment_n upon_o the_o apostle_n creed_n and_o by_o a_o sinister_a but_o possible_a interpretation_n have_v make_v every_o article_n of_o it_o heresy_n and_o blasphemy_n on_o purpose_n to_o show_v that_o the_o plain_a word_n be_v not_o free_a from_o ambiguity_n but_o may_v be_v mr._n s._n can_v outdo_v the_o apostle_n and_o can_v deliver_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n so_o clear_o that_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n upon_o any_o of_o his_o word_n than_o that_o which_o he_o intend_v i_o do_v not_o know_v what_o may_v be_v do_v but_o if_o mr._n s._n do_v this_o he_o must_v both_o mend_v his_o style_n and_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v mr._n s._n sufficient_o assure_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o america_n and_o can_v he_o demonstrate_v this_o to_o any_o man_n without_o carry_v he_o thither_o can_v he_o show_v by_o any_o necessary_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o relation_n concern_v that_o place_n shall_v be_v false_a when_o his_o demonstration_n have_v do_v their_o utmost_a can_v 27._o a_o search_a and_o sincere_a wit_n at_o least_o maintain_v his_o ground_n of_o suspense_n with_o a_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o and_o with_o a_o be_v it_o not_o possible_a that_o all_o man_n may_v be_v liar_n or_o that_o a_o company_n of_o traveller_n may_v have_v make_v use_n of_o their_o privilege_n to_o abuse_v the_o world_n by_o false_a report_n and_o to_o put_v a_o trick_n upon_o mankind_n or_o that_o all_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o go_v thither_o and_o bring_v their_o commodity_n from_o thence_o may_v go_v to_o some_o other_o part_n of_o the_o world_n and_o take_v pleasure_n in_o abuse_v other_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o they_o have_v be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o may_v say_v they_o have_v be_v at_o america_n who_o can_v tell_v but_o all_o this_o may_v be_v so_o and_o yet_o i_o suppose_v notwithstanding_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n be_v now_o possess_v with_o so_o incredible_a a_o folly_n as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o ancient_a book_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o plain_a expression_n we_o have_v no_o demonstration_n for_o these_o thing_n and_o we_o expect_v none_o because_o we_o know_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o it_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n but_o we_o be_v very_o well_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o nor_o have_v any_o prudent_a man_n any_o just_a cause_n to_o make_v the_o least_o doubt_n of_o it_o for_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v or_o not_o be_v be_v no_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o not_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o the_o people_n in_o france_n may_v die_v this_o night_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o possibility_n of_o this_o do_v not_o incline_v any_o man_n in_o the_o least_o to_o think_v it_o will_v be_v so_o it_o be_v possible_a the_o sun_n may_v not_o rise_v to_o morrow_n morning_n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v that_o no_o man_n have_v the_o least_o doubt_n but_o that_o it_o will_n §_n 3._o but_o because_o this_o principle_n viz._n that_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n a_o man_n can_v be_v reasonable_o satisfy_v with_o any_o thing_n less_o than_o that_o infallible_a assurance_n which_o be_v wrought_v by_o demonstration_n be_v the_o main_a pillar_n of_o mr._n s_n book_n therefore_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o principle_n i_o shall_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o manifest_v to_o he_o how_o much_o he_o be_v contradict_v in_o this_o by_o the_o chief_a of_o his_o brethren_n of_o the_o tradition_n viz._n mr._n rushworth_n dr._n holden_n mr._n cressy_n and_o mr._n white_a who_o beside_o mr._n s._n and_o one_o i._o b._n be_v so_o far_o as_o i_o can_v learn_v all_o the_o public_a patron_n that_o ever_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o oral_a tradition_n have_v have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o mr._n white_n as_o i_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v be_v the_o author_n of_o those_o dialogue_n which_o pass_v under_o rushworth_n name_n the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v yet_o less_o now_o if_o i_o can_v show_v that_o this_o principle_n esteem_v by_o mr._n s._n so_o fundamental_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n be_v plain_o contradict_v by_o the_o principal_a assertor_n of_o oral_a tradstion_n i_o shall_v hereby_o gain_v one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n either_o that_o these_o great_a patron_n of_o oral_a tradition_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a foundation_n of_o their_o own_o hythesis_n or_o that_o this_o principle_n be_v not_o necessary_a for_o the_o support_n of_o it_o not_o that_o i_o will_v be_v so_o understand_v as_o if_o i_o do_v deny_v that_o these_o very_a person_n do_v sometime_o speak_v very_o big_a word_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n but_o if_o it_o be_v their_o pleasure_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o as_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v displease_v so_o neither_o to_o be_v concern_v for_o it_o but_o shall_v leave_v it_o to_o mr._n s._n to_o reconcile_v they_o first_o to_o themselves_o and_o then_o if_o he_o please_v afterward_o to_o himself_o §_o 4._o i_o begin_v with_o mr._n rushworth_n of_o immortal_a memory_n for_o that_o noble_a attempt_n of_o he_o to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o notwithstanding_o he_o be_v the_o first_o inventor_n of_o this_o hypothesis_n of_o oral_a tradition_n yet_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o church_n have_v in_o all_o age_n own_v it_o and_o proceed_v upon_o it_o as_o her_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n he_o in_o his_o three_o dialogue_n 4._o when_o his_o nephew_n object_n to_o he_o that_o perhaps_o a_o protestant_n will_v say_v that_o all_o his_o forego_n discourse_n be_v but_o probability_n and_o and_o likelihood_n and_o therefore_o to_o hazard_v a_o man_n estate_n upon_o peradventure_o be_v something_o hard_o and_o not_o very_o rational_o do_v reply_v thus_o to_o he_o what_o security_n do_v your_o merchant_n your_o statesman_n your_o soldier_n those_o that_o go_v to_o law_n nay_o even_o those_o that_o till_o your_o ground_n and_o work_n for_o their_o live_n what_o security_n i_o say_v do_v all_o these_o go_v upon_o be_v it_o great_a than_o the_o security_n which_o these_o ground_n afford_v sure_o no._n and_o yet_o no_o man_n esteem_v they_o foolish_a all_o humane_a affair_n be_v hazardous_a and_o have_v some_o adventure_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o who_o require_v evident_a certainty_n only_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n discover_v in_o himself_o a_o less_o mind_n to_o the_o good_n promise_v in_o the_o next_o life_n than_o to_o these_o which_o he_o seek_v here_o in_o this_o world_n upon_o weak_a assurance_n howsoever_o the_o great_a evidence_n that_o can_v be_v to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o convince_a demonstration_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n fall_v short_a of_o be_v but_o conjectural_a so_o that_o according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n it_o be_v not_o reason_n and_o discretion_n but_o want_v of_o love_n to_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o make_v man_n require_v great_a evidence_n for_o matter_n of_o religion_n than_o for_o humane_a affair_n which_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v hazardous_a and_o have_v some_o adventure_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n beside_o if_o demonstrative_a evidence_n be_v a_o essential_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v than_o this_o rule_n can_v according_a to_o mr._n rushworth_n be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n because_o they_o be_v not_o
a_o guide_n appoint_v for_o any_o christian_a which_o neither_o christ_n nor_o his_o apostle_n nor_o any_o of_o their_o follower_n ever_o mention_v yea_o which_o formal_o destroy_v one_o of_o our_o twelve_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n viz._n i_o believe_v the_o holy_a catholic_n church_n thus_o he_o do_v by_o reason_n clear_o and_o infallible_o evince_v that_o reason_n can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o a_o most_o blind_a and_o fallible_a guide_n this_o it_o be_v to_o talk_v of_o thing_n when_o a_o man_n look_v only_o upon_o one_o side_n of_o they_o as_o if_o because_o reason_n have_v a_o blind_a side_n and_o be_v uncertain_a in_o some_o thing_n therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v she_o universal_o blind_a and_o uncertain_a in_o every_o thing_n and_o as_o if_o because_o all_o man_n can_v think_v all_o thing_n reasonable_a which_o any_o one_o man_n think_v to_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v doubt_v whether_o those_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n be_v true_a which_o mankind_n be_v general_o agree_v in_o and_o that_o mr._n cressy_n speak_v here_o of_o the_o use_n of_o our_o private_a reason_n in_o the_o find_n out_o of_o our_o rule_n be_v clear_a from_o what_o he_o say_v in_o the_o next_o section_n viz._n that_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n inquire_v into_o scripture_n and_o search_v after_o tradition_n may_v possible_o stumble_v upon_o the_o way_n to_o unity_n and_o truth_n that_o be_v the_o true_a catholic_n church_n if_o this_o be_v true_a why_o do_v mr._n s._n pretend_v that_o he_o can_v by_o reason_n demonstrate_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n and_o by_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n lead_v man_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o what_o a_o pitiful_a encouragement_n will_v this_o be_v to_o a_o inquisitive_a philosopher_n who_o know_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o his_o reason_n whereby_o to_o find_v out_o whether_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n to_o tell_v he_o that_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o hoodwinked_a guide_n he_o may_v possible_o stumble_v upon_o the_o right_a a_o man_n may_v just_o stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o inconsistency_n of_o these_o man_n discourse_n and_o principle_n in_o one_o mood_n they_o be_v all_o for_o demonstration_n and_o for_o convince_a man_n in_o the_o way_n of_o perfect_a science_n which_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o then_o again_o when_o another_o fit_a take_v they_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o science_n humane_a reason_n grow_v all_o on_o the_o sudden_a dim-sighted_a and_o at_o the_o next_o word_n be_v strike_v stark_o blind_a and_o then_o the_o very_a utmost_a that_o it_o can_v do_v towards_o the_o bring_n of_o a_o unprejudiced_a and_o inquisitive_a person_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o leave_v he_o in_o a_o possibility_n of_o stumble_v upon_o it_o but_o if_o he_o be_v a_o heretic_n that_o make_v use_v of_o private_a reason_n for_o his_o guide_n than_o 8._o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o he_o with_o his_o blind_a guide_n shall_v fall_v into_o the_o pit_n i_o can_v for_o my_o part_n imagine_v how_o they_o can_v reconcile_v the_o blindness_n of_o humane_a reason_n with_o all_o that_o noise_n which_o they_o make_v about_o science_n and_o demonstration_n but_o this_o i_o must_v confess_v that_o these_o kind_n of_o discourse_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o mr._n s._n and_o mr._n cressy_n be_v very_o proper_a argument_n to_o persuade_v a_o man_n of_o the_o blindness_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o indeed_o there_o be_v one_o passage_n in_o mr._n cressy_n which_o give_v i_o very_o great_a satisfaction_n concern_v these_o matter_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o ibid._n that_o the_o wit_n and_o judgement_n of_o catholic_n be_v to_o renounce_v their_o own_o judgement_n and_o depose_v their_o own_o wit._n now_o he_o that_o profess_v to_o have_v do_v this_o may_v write_v contradiction_n and_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o challenge_v he_o for_o it_o however_o it_o be_v a_o very_a ingenuous_a acknowledgement_n that_o when_o he_o forsake_v our_o church_n and_o turn_v papist_n he_o lay_v aside_o his_o judgement_n and_o wit_n which_o be_v just_a such_o a_o heroic_a act_n of_o judgement_n as_o if_o a_o man_n in_o a_o bravery_n to_o show_v his_o liberty_n shall_v sell_v himself_o for_o a_o slave_n i_o be_o glad_a to_o understand_v from_o a_o experience_a person_n what_o charge_v a_o man_n must_v be_v at_o when_o he_o turn_v roman-catholique_a namely_o that_o whoever_o will_v embrace_v that_o religion_n must_v forfeit_v his_o reason_n §_o 3._o second_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v according_a to_o mr._n s._n no_o certain_a way_n to_o find_v out_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o his_o four_o appendix_n 254._o against_o my_o lord_n of_o down_o one_o of_o the_o eight_o mine_n as_o he_o call_v they_o which_o he_o lay_v to_o blow_v up_o my_o lord_n dissuasive_a against_o popery_n be_v this_o that_o the_o method_n he_o take_v in_o dissuade_v can_v be_v hold_v in_o reason_n to_o have_v power_n to_o dissuade_v unless_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o that_o effect_n that_o be_v not_o common_a to_o that_o effect_n and_o a_o contrary_a one_o now_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o no_o method_n or_o way_n to_o such_o a_o effect_n which_o many_o follow_v and_o take_v yet_o arrive_v not_o at_o that_o effect_n it_o be_v plain_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o my_o lord_n of_o down_o miscall_v his_o book_n a_o dissuasive_a and_o that_o it_o can_v have_v in_o it_o no_o power_n of_o move_v the_o understanding_n one_o way_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o can_v first_o vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o the_o method_n he_o take_v above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o in_o which_o we_o experience_n miscarriage_n etc._n etc._n if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o his_o method_n of_o demonstration_n be_v no_o way_n to_o make_v man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v because_o that_o be_v most_o evident_o no_o way_n to_o a_o effect_n which_o many_o follow_v and_o take_v yet_o arrive_v not_o at_o that_o effect_n so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v have_v in_o they_o no_o power_n of_o move_v the_o understanding_n one_o way_n or_o other_o unless_o he_o can_v vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o the_o demonstration_n he_o pretend_v to_o bring_v above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o pretend_a demonstration_n in_o which_o we_o experience_v miscarriage_n do_v not_o thomas_n and_o scotus_n as_o mr._n white_n tell_v we_o 24._o all_o along_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v and_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o believe_v that_o at_o least_o where_o they_o contradict_v one_o another_o one_o of_o they_o fail_v in_o his_o demonstration_n do_v not_o mr._n charles_n thynne_n pretend_v to_o have_v demonstrate_v that_o a_o man_n at_o one_o jump_n may_v leap_v from_o london_n to_o rome_n and_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v any_o one_o be_v ever_o satisfy_v with_o his_o demonstration_n and_o mr._n s._n know_v one_o in_o the_o world_n who_o i_o will_v not_o name_n because_o he_o have_v since_o ingenuous_o acknowledge_v his_o error_n who_o think_v he_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o quadrature_n of_o the_o circle_n and_o be_v so_o confident_a of_o it_o as_o to_o venture_v the_o reputation_n of_o his_o demonstration_n in_o divinity_n upon_o it_o and_o some_o of_o those_o divinity_n demonstration_n be_v the_o very_a same_o with_o mr._n s_n since_o therefore_o the_o world_n have_v experience_v so_o much_o miscarriage_n in_o the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n before_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n can_v be_v allow_v to_o signify_v any_o thing_n he_o must_v according_a to_o his_o own_o law_n vouch_v some_o particularity_n in_o his_o way_n and_o method_n of_o demonstration_n above_o what_o be_v in_o other_o man_n he_o have_v not_o any_o where_o that_o i_o remember_v tell_v we_o what_o that_o particularity_n be_v wherein_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v above_o other_o man_n nor_o can_v i_o upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a search_n find_v any_o peculiar_a advantage_n that_o his_o way_n have_v more_o than_o they_o above_o mention_a unless_o this_o be_v one_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n and_o herein_o i_o think_v he_o have_v plain_o the_o advantage_n of_o mr._n charles_n thynne_n and_o unless_o this_o may_v be_v count_v another_o advantage_n that_o he_o have_v so_o extraordinary_a a_o confidence_n and_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o demonstration_n and_o in_o this_o particular_a i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o he_o clear_o excel_v all_o that_o have_v go_v before_o he_o in_o all_o other_o thing_n his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n be_v but_o like_o his_o neighbour_n sect_n ii_o §_o 1._o i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v his_o demonstration_n of_o this_o self-evident_a principle_n as_o he_o often_o call_v it_o that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a and_o infallible_a way_n of_o
moral_a and_o intellectual_a part_n else_o how_o be_v they_o argument_n and_o if_o man_n according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n be_v as_o he_o say_v defectible_a how_o can_v the_o indefectibility_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v in_o those_o argument_n which_o work_v upon_o man_n only_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n i_o have_v purposely_o all_o along_o both_o for_o the_o reader_n ease_n and_o i_o own_o neglect_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o several_a of_o his_o inconsistency_n but_o these_o be_v such_o clear_a and_o transparent_a contradiction_n that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o make_v a_o example_n of_o they_o sect_n v._o §_o 1._o three_o this_o demonstration_n be_v confute_v by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o first_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n which_o be_v the_o easy_a to_o be_v preserve_v of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n be_v short_a and_o plain_a plant_v in_o every_o man_n nature_n and_o perfect_o suit_v to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o yet_o this_o tradition_n not_o have_v past_a through_o many_o hand_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o long_a age_n of_o man_n be_v so_o deface_v and_o corrupt_v that_o the_o world_n do_v lapse_n into_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n now_o a_o man_n that_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o demonstrate_v against_o matter_n of_o fact_n may_v by_o a_o strong_a demonstration_n than_o mr._n s_n prove_v that_o though_o it_o be_v certain_a this_o tradition_n have_v fail_v yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v fail_v as_o zeno_n demonstrate_v the_o impossibility_n of_o motion_n against_o diogenes_n walk_v before_o his_o eye_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n be_v settle_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o noah_n and_o firm_o believe_v by_o he_o to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o the_o contradict_a or_o desert_v of_o this_o to_o be_v the_o way_n to_o misery_n and_o this_o doctrine_n be_v by_o he_o so_o teach_v to_o his_o child_n who_o be_v encourage_v by_o these_o motive_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n and_o to_o propagate_v it_o to_o their_o child_n and_o be_v deter_v by_o they_o from_o relinquish_a it_o and_o this_o be_v in_o all_o age_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o faithful_a now_o the_o hope_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o misery_n strong_o apply_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n beside_o the_o thing_n be_v feasible_a or_o within_o their_o power_n that_o be_v what_o they_o be_v breed_v to_o be_v knowable_a by_o they_o and_o that_o much_o more_o easy_o than_o any_o other_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o be_v short_a and_o plain_a and_o natural_a this_o put_v it_o follow_v as_o certain_o that_o a_o great_a number_n in_o each_o age_n will_v continue_v to_o hold_v themselves_o and_o teach_v their_o child_n as_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v that_o be_v will_v follow_v and_o stick_v to_o this_o tradition_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n as_o it_o do_v that_o a_o cause_n put_v actual_o cause_v produce_v its_o effect_n actual_o i_o say_v for_o since_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v and_o the_o patient_n dispose_v it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v still_o actual_o cause_v this_o demonstration_n which_o conclude_v a_o apparent_a falsehood_n have_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o mr._n s_n and_o several_a advantage_n beyond_o it_o for_o the_o doctrine_n convey_v by_o this_o tradition_n be_v the_o most_o important_a be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v it_o as_o great_a the_o facility_n of_o preserve_v it_o much_o great_a than_o of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n for_o the_o cause_n before_o mention_v and_o yet_o after_o all_o it_o signify_v nothing_o against_o certain_a experience_n and_o unquestionable_a matter_n of_o fact_n only_o it_o sufficient_o show_v the_o vanity_n of_o mr._n s_n pretend_a demonstration_n build_v upon_o the_o same_o or_o weak_a ground_n §_o 2._o second_o the_o other_o instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o entire_a from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o propagate_v it_o true_o to_o posterity_n and_o the_o same_o fear_n and_o hope_n strong_o apply_v to_o be_v the_o actual_a cause_n of_o will_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o cause_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v and_o yet_o to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n tradition_n have_v fail_v among_o they_o for_o as_o speculator_n they_o deny_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o as_o testifier_n they_o disow_v any_o such_o doctrine_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precedent_a age_n or_o to_o any_o other_o age_n of_o their_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n §_o 3._o to_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n because_o mr._n white_n have_v offer_v something_o by_o way_n of_o answer_n i_o shall_v here_o consider_v it_o he_o tell_v we_o 51._o that_o the_o plea_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n be_v non-tradition_n allege_v only_o this_o that_o their_o father_n do_v not_o deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n not_o that_o they_o say_v the_o contrary_a which_o clear_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o opposite_a tradition_n between_o they_o and_o we_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n mr._n white_n be_v concern_v to_o do_v to_o demonstrate_v there_o be_v no_o opposite_a tradition_n between_o the_o greek_n and_o the_o latin_n but_o to_o secure_v his_o main_a demonstration_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o tradition_n fail_v against_o this_o instance_n for_o that_o the_o greek_n have_v no_o such_o tradition_n as_o this_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n proceed_v from_o the_o son_n be_v as_o good_a a_o evidence_n of_o the_o failure_n of_o tradition_n as_o if_o they_o have_v a_o positive_a tradition_n that_o he_o proceed_v only_o from_o the_o father_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v that_o they_o 7._o charge_v the_o latin_a church_n with_o innovation_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o say_v that_o the_o addition_n of_o that_o clause_n of_o the_o procession_n from_o the_o son_n also_o be_v a_o corruption_n of_o the_o ancient_a faith_n and_o a_o devilish_a invention_n why_o then_o do_v mr._n white_n go_v about_o to_o baffle_v so_o material_a a_o objection_n and_o i_o fear_v his_o own_o conscience_n likewise_o by_o a_o pitiful_a evasion_n instead_o of_o a_o solid_a answer_n what_o though_o there_o be_v no_o opposite_a tradition_n between_o the_o greek_a and_o latin_a church_n yet_o if_o their_o faith_n be_v opposite_a will_v it_o not_o from_o hence_o follow_v that_o tradition_n have_v fail_v in_o one_o of_o they_o i_o wonder_v that_o mr._n white_a who_o have_v so_o very_o well_o confute_v the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n and_o thereby_o undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o that_o religion_n shall_v not_o by_o the_o same_o light_n of_o reason_n discover_v the_o fondness_n of_o his_o own_o opinion_n concern_v the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o have_v more_o and_o great_a absurdity_n in_o it_o than_o that_o which_o he_o confute_v and_o to_o show_v mr._n white_a the_o absurdity_n of_o it_o i_o will_v apply_v his_o demonstration_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o christian_a tradition_n in_o general_n to_o the_o greek_a church_n in_o particular_a by_o which_o every_o one_o will_v see_v that_o it_o do_v as_o strong_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o tradition_n fail_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n as_o in_o the_o roman-catholick_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o his_o demonstration_n be_v this_o 4._o christ_n command_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o lest_o any_o one_o shall_v doubt_v of_o the_o effect_n he_o send_v his_o spirit_n into_o they_o to_o bring_v to_o their_o remembrance_n what_o he_o have_v teach_v they_o which_o spirit_n do_v not_o only_o give_v they_o a_o power_n to_o do_v what_o he_o incline_v they_o to_o but_o do_v cause_v they_o actual_o to_o do_v it_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n by_o the_o way_n of_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v that_o man_n may_v doubt_v whether_o those_o who_o be_v to_o teach_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n will_v remember_v it_o and_o teach_v it_o to_o other_o unless_o they_o have_v that_o extraordinary_a and_o efficacious_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v if_o this_o be_v true_a his_o demonstration_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o he_o can_v plead_v that_o this_o assistance_n have_v be_v continue_v ever_o since_o the_o apostle_n he_o proceed_v the_o apostle_n preach_v this_o doctrine_n the_o nation_n understand_v it_o live_v according_a to_o it_o and_o value_v
innovate_v have_v make_v the_o same_o pretence_n to_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n four_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o present_a persuasion_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o he_o call_v the_o traditionary_a christian_n nor_o ever_o be_v that_o their_o faith_n have_v descend_v to_o they_o sole_o by_o oral_a tradition_n if_o i_o can_v now_o make_v good_a these_o four_o thing_n i_o hope_v his_o demonstration_n be_v at_o a_o end_n sect_n vii_o demonstration_n §_o 1._o that_o these_o principle_n whole_o rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n a_o priori_fw-la for_o if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v either_o imperfect_o teach_v in_o any_o age_n or_o mistake_v by_o the_o learner_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o forget_v as_o it_o seem_v the_o whole_a greek_a church_n have_v forget_v that_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o the_o roman_a church_n account_v it_o or_o if_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v not_o necessary_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n then_o there_o may_v have_v be_v change_n and_o innovation_n in_o any_o age_n and_o yet_o man_n may_v pretend_v to_o have_v follow_v tradition_n but_o i_o have_v show_v that_o ignorance_n and_o negligence_n and_o mistake_v and_o pride_n and_o lust_n and_o ambition_n and_o any_o other_o vice_n or_o interest_n may_v hinder_v those_o cause_n from_o be_v effectual_a to_o preserve_v tradition_n entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a and_o when_o they_o do_v so_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o those_o person_n who_o innovate_v and_o change_v the_o doctrine_n shall_v acknowledge_v that_o their_o new_a doctrine_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n but_o that_o they_o shall_v at_o first_o advance_v they_o as_o pious_a and_o after_o they_o have_v prevail_v and_o gain_v general_a entertainment_n then_o impudent_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v the_o very_a doctrine_n which_o christ_n deliver_v which_o they_o may_v very_o secure_o do_v when_o they_o have_v it_o in_o their_o power_n to_o burn_v all_o that_o shall_v deny_v it_o §_o 2._o i_o will_v give_v a_o clear_a instance_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o this_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n by_o show_v how_o this_o may_v easy_o come_v in_o in_o the_o nine_o or_o ten_o age_n after_o christ._n we_o will_v suppose_v then_o that_o about_o this_o time_n when_o universal_a ignorance_n and_o the_o genuine_a daughter_n of_o it_o call_v her_o devotion_n or_o superstition_n have_v overspread_v the_o world_n and_o the_o generality_n of_o people_n be_v strong_o incline_v to_o believe_v strange_a thing_n and_o even_o the_o great_a contradiction_n be_v recommend_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n be_v tell_v by_o their_o priest_n and_o guide_n that_o the_o more_o contradiction_n any_o thing_n be_v to_o reason_n the_o great_a merit_n there_o be_v in_o believe_v it_o i_o say_v let_v we_o suppose_v that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o or_o more_o of_o the_o most_o eminent_a then_o in_o the_o church_n either_o out_o of_o design_n or_o out_o of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n and_o mistake_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n use_v in_o the_o consecration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n shall_v advance_v this_o new_a doctrine_n that_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n this_o be_v my_o body_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o trope_n as_o the_o like_a form_n in_o scripture_n be_v as_o i_o be_o the_o vine_n i_o be_o the_o door_n which_o be_v plain_a trope_n but_o be_v use_v about_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o sacrament_n ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v in_o they_o some_o notable_a mystery_n which_o they_o will_v do_v if_o they_o be_v understand_v of_o a_o real_a change_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o bread_n and_o wine_n make_v by_o virtue_n of_o these_o word_n into_o the_o real_a body_n and_o blood_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a that_o it_o be_v too_o usual_a for_o man_n either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o interest_n to_o advance_v new_a opinion_n in_o religion_n and_o such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o be_v very_o likely_a to_o be_v advance_v by_o the_o ambitious_a clergy_n of_o that_o time_n as_o a_o probable_a mean_n to_o draw_v in_o the_o people_n to_o a_o great_a veneration_n of_o they_o which_o advantage_n mr._n rushworth_n 4._o seem_v to_o be_v very_o sensible_a of_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o priest_n in_o this_o particular_a be_v such_o a_o privilege_n as_o if_o all_o the_o learned_a clerk_n that_o ever_o live_v since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n shall_v have_v study_v to_o raise_v advance_v and_o magnify_v some_o one_o state_n of_o man_n to_o the_o high_a pitch_n of_o reverence_n and_o eminency_n they_o can_v never_o without_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n have_v think_v of_o any_o thing_n comparable_a to_o this_o i_o be_o of_o his_o mind_n that_o it_o be_v a_o very_a notable_a device_n but_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v invent_v without_o any_o special_a light_n from_o heaven_n nor_o be_v such_o a_o doctrine_n less_o likely_a to_o take_v and_o prevail_v among_o the_o people_n in_o a_o age_n prodigious_o ignorant_a and_o strong_o incline_v to_o superstition_n and_o thereby_o well_o prepare_v to_o receive_v the_o gross_a absurdity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n especial_o if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o may_v seem_v to_o conciliate_v a_o great_a honour_n and_o reverence_n to_o the_o sacrament_n now_o suppose_v such_o a_o doctrine_n as_o this_o so_o fit_v to_o the_o humour_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o age_n to_o be_v once_o assert_v either_o by_o chance_n or_o out_o of_o design_n it_o will_v take_v like_o wildfire_n especial_o if_o by_o some_o one_o or_o more_o who_o bear_v sway_n in_o the_o church_n it_o be_v but_o recommend_v with_o convenient_a gravity_n and_o solemnity_n and_o although_o mr._n rushworth_n say_v 7._o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o authority_n of_o one_o man_n shall_v sway_v so_o much_o in_o the_o world_n because_o say_v he_o sure_o the_o devil_n himself_o will_v rather_o help_v the_o church_n than_o permit_v so_o little_a pride_n among_o man_n yet_o i_o be_o not_o so_o thorough_o satisfy_v with_o this_o cunning_a reason_n for_o though_o he_o deliver_v it_o confident_o and_o with_o a_o sure_o yet_o i_o make_v some_o doubt_n whether_o the_o devil_n will_v be_v so_o forward_o to_o help_v the_o church_n nay_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o connive_v at_o this_o humble_a and_o obsequious_a temper_n in_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o religion_n than_o across_o a_o design_n so_o dear_a to_o he_o by_o unseasonable_a temptation_n to_o pride_n so_o that_o notwithstanding_o mr._n rushworth_n reason_n it_o seem_v very_o likely_a that_o such_o a_o doctrine_n in_o such_o a_o age_n may_v easy_o be_v propagate_v by_o the_o influence_n and_o authority_n of_o one_o or_o a_o few_o great_a person_n in_o the_o church_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o the_o easy_a and_o passive_a temper_n of_o superstitious_a ignorance_n than_o to_o entertain_v such_o a_o doctrine_n with_o all_o imaginable_a greediness_n and_o to_o maintain_v it_o with_o a_o proportionable_a zeal_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o wise_a than_o the_o rest_n who_o make_v objection_n against_o it_o as_o if_o this_o doctrine_n be_v new_a and_o full_a of_o contradiction_n they_o may_v easy_o be_v bear_v down_o by_o the_o stream_n and_o by_o the_o eminency_n and_o authority_n and_o pretend_a sanctity_n of_o those_o who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o this_o innovation_n and_o when_o this_o doctrine_n be_v general_o swallow_v and_o all_o that_o oppose_v it_o be_v look_v upon_o and_o punish_v as_o heretic_n than_o it_o be_v seasonable_a to_o maintain_v that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n to_o which_o end_n it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o those_o who_o be_v willing_a to_o have_v it_o true_a to_o bend_v two_o or_o three_o saying_n of_o the_o ancient_n to_o that_o purpose_n and_o as_o for_o the_o contradiction_n contain_v in_o this_o doctrine_n it_o be_v but_o tell_v the_o people_n then_o as_o they_o do_v in_o effect_n now_o that_o contradiction_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o scruple_n in_o the_o way_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o more_o impossible_a any_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v the_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v that_o it_o be_v not_o praiseworthy_a to_o believe_v plain_a possibility_n but_o that_o this_o be_v the_o gallantry_n and_o heroical_a power_n of_o faith_n this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o oblige_v god_n almighty_a for_o ever_o to_o we_o to_o believe_v flat_a and_o downright_a
contradiction_n for_o god_n require_v at_o the_o people_n hand_n as_o mr._n rushworth_n 4._o tell_v we_o a_o credulity_n of_o thing_n above_o and_o beyond_o nature_n nay_o beyond_o all_o the_o fable_n be_v it_o speak_v with_o respect_n that_o ever_o man_n invent_v after_o this_o doctrine_n have_v proceed_v thus_o far_o and_o by_o the_o most_o inhuman_a severity_n and_o cruelty_n suppress_v dissenter_n or_o in_o a_o good_a measure_n root_v they_o out_o then_o if_o they_o please_v even_o this_o new_a word_n transubstantiation_n may_v pretend_v also_o to_o antiquity_n and_o in_o time_n be_v confident_o vouch_v for_o a_o word_n use_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n and_o transmit_v down_o to_o they_o by_o those_o from_o who_o they_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n as_o a_o term_n of_o art_n appendant_a to_o it_o and_o when_o a_o superstitious_a church_n and_o design_v governor_n have_v once_o gain_v this_o post_n and_o by_o mean_n of_o this_o enormous_a article_n of_o transubstantiation_n have_v sufficient_o debauch_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o their_o understanding_n wide_a enough_o for_o the_o entertain_n of_o any_o error_n though_o never_o so_o gross_a and_o senseless_a then_o innovation_n come_v in_o amain_o and_o by_o shoal_n and_o the_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a any_o thing_n be_v it_o be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n the_o more_o proper_a matter_n for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o any_o of_o these_o innovation_n be_v object_v against_o as_o contrary_a to_o former_a belief_n and_o practice_n it_o be_v but_o put_v forth_o a_o lusty_a act_n of_o faith_n and_o believe_v another_o contradiction_n that_o though_o they_o be_v contrary_a yet_o they_o be_v the_o same_o §_o 3._o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a both_o to_o history_n and_o experience_n for_o that_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o age_n and_o those_o which_o follow_v they_o till_o the_o reformation_n be_v thus_o prodigious_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a be_v confirm_v by_o the_o unanimous_a consent_n of_o all_o historian_n and_o even_o by_o those_o writer_n that_o have_v be_v the_o great_a pillar_n of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o in_o what_o age_n soever_o there_o be_v a_o great_a company_n of_o superstitious_a people_n there_o will_v never_o be_v want_v a_o few_o crafty_a fellow_n to_o make_v use_n of_o this_o easy_a and_o pliable_a humour_n to_o their_o own_o end_n now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o those_o age_n of_o the_o church_n will_v be_v evident_a to_o any_o from_o these_o testimony_n platina_n 900._o write_v of_o pope_n romanus_n that_o he_o null_v the_o act_n of_o his_o predecessor_n stephanus_n for_o say_v he_o these_o pope_n mind_a nothing_o else_o but_o how_o they_o may_v extinguish_v both_o the_o name_n and_o dignity_n of_o their_o predecessor_n and_o if_o so_o who_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o pope_n who_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o destroy_v the_o very_a memory_n of_o their_o ancestor_n will_v be_v very_o little_a careful_a to_o preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o forefather_n but_o what_o the_o care_n of_o those_o time_n be_v in_o this_o particular_a may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o what_o onuphrius_n platin._n say_v by_o way_n of_o confutation_n of_o that_o passage_n in_o platina_n concern_v pope_n joan_n read_v public_o at_o rome_n at_o her_o first_o come_v thither_o this_o say_v he_o be_v utter_o false_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o they_o be_v less_o solicitous_a about_o in_o those_o time_n than_o to_o furnish_v the_o city_n with_o any_o public_a teacher_n and_o the_o time_n which_o onuphrius_n speak_v of_o be_v much_o about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o ten_o century_n phil._n bergomensis_n 506._o say_v it_o happen_v in_o that_o age_n through_o the_o slothfulness_n of_o man_n that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a decay_n of_o virtue_n both_o in_o the_o head_n and_o member_n again_o 9.8_o these_o time_n through_o the_o ambition_n and_o cruel_a tyranny_n of_o the_o pope_n be_v extreme_o unhappy_a for_o the_o pope_n set_v aside_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n and_o his_o worship_n fall_v into_o such_o enmity_n among_o themselves_o as_o cruel_a tyrant_n exercise_v towards_o one_o another_o sabellicus_n 900._o say_v it_o be_v wonderful_a to_o observe_v what_o a_o strange_a forgetfulness_n of_o all_o art_n do_v about_o this_o time_n seize_v upon_o man_n insomuch_o that_o neither_o the_o pope_n nor_o other_o prince_n seem_v to_o have_v any_o sense_n or_o apprehension_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o may_v be_v useful_a to_o humane_a life_n there_o be_v no_o wholesome_a law_n no_o reparation_n of_o church_n no_o pursuit_n of_o liberal_a art_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o stupidity_n and_o madness_n and_o forgetfulness_n of_o manner_n have_v possess_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o a_o little_a after_o i_o can_v say_v he_o but_o much_o wonder_n from_o whence_o these_o tragical_a example_n of_o pope_n shall_v spring_v and_o how_o their_o mind_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o devoid_a of_o all_o piety_n as_o neither_o to_o regard_v the_o person_n which_o they_o sustain_v nor_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o sigonius_n 6._o speak_v of_o these_o time_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o ten_o century_n call_v they_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o antiquity_n genebrard_n 4._o speak_v of_o the_o same_o time_n this_o say_v he_o be_v call_v the_o unhappy_a age_n be_v destitute_a of_o man_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n as_o also_o of_o famous_a prince_n and_o pope_n in_o this_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v worthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o posterity_n and_o he_o add_v afterward_o but_o chief_o unhappy_a in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o for_o almost_o 150_o year_n together_o about_o 50_o pope_n do_v utter_o degenerate_a from_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o ancestor_n he_o shall_v have_v add_v further_o but_o even_o to_o a_o miracle_n happy_a in_o another_o respect_n that_o during_o this_o long_a and_o total_a degeneracy_n from_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o ancestor_n they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o swerve_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n a_o thing_n incredible_a be_v there_o not_o demonstration_n for_o it_o werner_n tempor_fw-la give_v this_o character_n of_o that_o time_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o there_o begin_v a_o effeminate_a time_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n begin_v to_o degenerate_v exceed_o and_o to_o decline_v from_o its_o ancient_a vigour_n insomuch_o that_o in_o many_o country_n of_o christendom_n neither_o sacrament_n nor_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n be_v observe_v and_o people_n be_v give_v to_o soothsay_v and_o witchcraft_n and_o the_o priest_n be_v like_o the_o people_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o testimony_n that_o tradition_n do_v falter_v a_o little_a in_o that_o age_n else_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v degenerate_v and_o decline_v so_o very_a much_o and_o which_o threaten_v mr._n s_n demonstration_n most_o of_o all_o that_o the_o practical_a tradition_n of_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a observance_n do_v fail_v in_o many_o christian_a country_n gerbert_n 40._o who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n give_v this_o short_a character_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o stephen_n deacon_n of_o that_o church_n the_o world_n stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o manner_n of_o rome_n but_o most_o full_a be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o great_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o concern_v those_o time_n in_o the_o west_n say_v he_o and_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n over_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v call_v the_o faithful_a faith_n fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n among_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o argument_n of_o fear_n have_v lose_v its_o force_n justice_n be_v perish_v from_o among_o man_n and_o violence_n prevail_v against_o equity_n govern_v the_o nation_n fraud_n deceit_n and_o the_o art_n of_o cozenage_n be_v grow_v universal_a all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n give_v way_n as_o a_o useless_a thing_n and_o wickedness_n supply_v its_o place_n the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v decline_v apace_o towards_o its_o evening_n and_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o draw_v near_o for_o love_n be_v grow_v cold_a and_o faith_n be_v not_o find_v upon_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o confusion_n and_o the_o world_n look_v as_o if_o it_o will_v return_v to_o its_o old_a chaos_n all_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v commit_v with_o the_o same_o freedom_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v lawful_a action_n for_o man_n neither_o blush_v at_o they_o nor_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o nor_n do_v the_o clergy_n
i_o take_v to_o be_v as_o shameful_a a_o circle_n as_o that_o wherewith_o dr._n holden_n upbraid_v the_o generality_n of_o his_o brethren_n §_o 3._o i_o proceed_v to_o his_o authority_n from_o father_n and_o council_n all_o which_o not_o one_o of_o they_o except_v he_o have_v take_v out_o of_o mr._n white_n be_v tabulae_fw-la suffragiales_n without_o the_o least_o acknowledgement_n from_o who_o he_o have_v they_o and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v evident_a that_o he_o have_v not_o consult_v the_o book_n themselves_o for_o they_o he_o have_v take_v they_o with_o all_o their_o fault_n and_o with_o the_o very_a same_o error_n of_o citation_n which_o mr._n white_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o before_o he_o so_o that_o though_o he_o be_v please_v to_o say_v of_o himself_o that_o 239._o he_o he_o be_v a_o bad_a transcriber_n yet_o i_o must_v do_v he_o that_o right_a to_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o he_o do_v it_o very_o punctual_o and_o exact_o §_o 4._o he_o begin_v with_o council_n of_o which_o he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v only_o mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n the_o first_o be_v the_o first_o synod_n of_o lateran_n one_o may_v have_v expect_v after_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v mention_v three_o in_o several_a age_n he_o shall_v have_v produce_v they_o according_a to_o the_o order_n of_o time_n and_o have_v begin_v with_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n which_o be_v near_o 300_o year_n before_o the_o lateran_n but_o there_o be_v a_o good_a reason_n why_o the_o lateran_n shall_v be_v first_o produce_v viz._n because_o it_o be_v mention_v before_o the_o other_o in_o mr_n white_n be_v book_n well_o but_o what_o say_v this_o synod_n we_o all_o confess_v unanimous_o and_o consequent_o with_o one_o heart_n and_o mouth_n the_o tenet_n and_o say_n of_o the_o holy_a father_n add_v nothing_o substract_v nothing_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v we_o by_o they_o and_o we_o believe_v as_o the_o father_n have_v believe_v we_o preach_v so_o as_o they_o have_v teach_v the_o force_n of_o which_o testimony_n mr._n s._n lay_v upon_o the_o word_n deliver_v as_o if_o that_o word_n wherever_o it_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o council_n or_o father_n must_v needs_o be_v understand_v of_o oral_a delivery_n whereas_o it_o be_v a_o general_a word_n indifferent_o use_v for_o conveyance_n either_o by_o writing_n or_o word_n of_o mouth_n in_o this_o place_n it_o plain_o refer_v to_o the_o write_n of_o particular_a father_n out_o of_o who_o a_o long_a catalogue_n of_o testimony_n against_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o monothelite_n have_v be_v read_v just_a before_o this_o declaration_n of_o the_o synod_n now_o what_o signify_v this_o to_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o this_o synod_n declare_v her_o faith_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o heresy_n of_o the_o monothelite_n to_o be_v consonant_n in_o all_o thing_n to_o those_o testimony_n which_o have_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o the_o father_n the_o next_o be_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n out_o of_o a_o epistle_n of_o which_o council_n he_o cite_v these_o word_n we_o have_v receive_v this_o doctrine_n we_o have_v be_v teach_v so_o we_o hold_v this_o catholic_n tradition_n faith_n and_o confession_n which_o be_v general_a word_n and_o indifferent_o applicable_a to_o oral_a tradition_n or_o write_v or_o both_o but_o be_v they_o what_o they_o will_v mr._n s._n ought_v not_o to_o have_v be_v ignorant_a that_o this_o council_n be_v reject_v by_o st._n austin_n and_o other_o orthodox_n father_n as_o 1_o binnius_n acknowledge_v and_o which_o be_v more_o that_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n out_o of_o which_o part_n mr._n s._n cite_v these_o word_n which_o contain_v a_o confession_n of_o faith_n be_v by_o 347._o baronius_n and_o after_o he_o by_o binnius_n prove_v to_o have_v be_v surreptitious_o add_v for_o though_o it_o be_v find_v in_o theodoret_n and_o mention_v by_o sozomen_n yet_o baronius_n think_v that_o it_o be_v the_o arian_n confession_n compose_v by_o the_o false-synod_n of_o sardica_n which_o sit_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o that_o sozomen_n light_v upon_o it_o perhaps_o mistake_v it_o for_o the_o confession_n of_o the_o orthodox_n synod_n of_o the_o same_o name_n however_o that_o be_v he_o prove_v out_o of_o athanasius_n and_o from_o the_o testimony_n both_o of_o the_o eastern_a and_o western_a bishop_n that_o the_o council_n of_o sardica_n do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o add_v one_o word_n or_o tittle_n no_o nor_o so_o much_o as_o explain_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o nicene_n faith_n but_o mr._n white_n say_v nothing_o of_o this_o and_o therefore_o mr._n s._n can_v not_o who_o be_v no_o speculator_n in_o these_o matter_n but_o only_o as_o a_o testifier_n deliver_v down_o these_o authority_n to_o we_o as_o he_o receive_v they_o by_o hand_n from_o mr._n white_a and_o if_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v but_o in_o they_o they_o be_v demonstrative_a as_o for_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o 2_o d_o council_n of_o nice_a which_o he_o call_v the_o 7_o the_o general_a council_n who_o pretend_v their_o doctrine_n of_o image-worship_n to_o have_v descend_v to_o they_o by_o a_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n and_o prove_v it_o most_o doughty_o by_o text_n of_o scripture_n ridiculous_o wrest_v by_o impertinent_a say_n out_o of_o obscure_a and_o counterfeit_a author_n and_o by_o fond_a and_o immodest_a story_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o pope_n 4._o adrian_n the_o 6_o the_o of_o apparition_n and_o woman_n dream_n etc._n etc._n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o council_n itself_o which_o be_v such_o a_o mess_n of_o poppery_n that_o if_o a_o general_a council_n of_o atheist_n have_v meet_v together_o with_o a_o design_n to_o abuse_v religion_n by_o talk_v ridiculous_o concern_v it_o they_o can_v not_o have_v do_v it_o more_o effectual_o i_o say_v as_o for_o his_o testimony_n from_o this_o council_n i_o shall_v refer_v mr._n s_o to_o that_o western_a council_n under_o charles_n the_o great_a which_o a_o little_a after_o at_o francford_n condemn_v and_o also_o full_o confute_v the_o decision_n of_o this_o council_n call_v their_o pretend_a tradition_n of_o image-worship_n putidissimam_fw-la traditionem_fw-la a_o most_o stink_a tradition_n these_o be_v his_o authority_n from_o council_n where_o say_v he_o we_o see_v general_a council_n rely_v on_o the_o teach_v of_o the_o father_n or_o foregoing_a church_n and_o on_o the_o church_n tradition_n as_o their_o rule_n etc._n etc._n where_o do_v he_o see_v any_o such_o matter_n or_o where_o do_v he_o see_v general_a council_n be_v the_o council_n of_o lateran_n a_o general_n one_o or_o be_v the_o council_n of_o sardica_n if_o it_o be_v let_v he_o show_v how_o the_o 2_o d._n of_o nice_n can_v be_v the_o 7_o the_o general_n council_n mr._n white_a must_v write_v more_o explicit_o and_o say_v which_o be_v general_a council_n which_o not_o otherwise_o he_o will_v lead_v his_o friend_n into_o dangerous_a mistake_n §_o 4._o after_o ancient_a council_n not_o so_o ancient_a neither_o let_v we_o say_v he_o give_v a_o glance_n at_o father_n glance_n be_v a_o modest_a word_n and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v whether_o ever_o the_o father_n have_v so_o much_o as_o that_o from_o he_o before_o i_o speak_v particular_o to_o his_o testimony_n from_o the_o father_n i_o shall_v mind_v he_o of_o what_o mr._n rushworth_n say_v in_o general_a viz._n 13._o that_o who_o seek_v tradition_n in_o the_o father_n and_o to_o convince_v it_o by_o their_o testimony_n take_v a_o hard_a task_n upon_o he_o etc._n etc._n again_o ibid._n as_o in_o other_o point_n so_o even_o in_o this_o of_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n as_o doctor_n seem_v to_o differ_v now-adays_a so_o may_v the_o father_n also_o if_o this_o be_v true_a mr._n s._n be_v not_o very_o likely_a by_o a_o few_o testimony_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o have_v do_v towards_o it_o he_o begin_v with_o a_o say_n of_o pope_n celestine_n to_o the_o father_n of_o the_o ephesin_n council_n now_o therefore_o we_o must_v act_v with_o a_o common_a endeavour_n to_o preserve_v thing_n believe_v and_o retain_v to_o this_o very_a time_n by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n binnius_n other_o read_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d quite_o spoil_v the_o force_n of_o this_o citation_n which_o mr._n s._n put_v upon_o the_o word_n succession_n but_o read_v it_o how_o he_o will_v why_o may_v not_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v say_v to_o come_v by_o succession_n from_o the_o apostle_n when_o it_o be_v transmit_v to_o we_o by_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o when_o by_o oral_a tradition_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o same_o celestine_n in_o a_o epistle_n to_o cyril_n commend_v he_o for_o defend_v
religion_n to_o their_o posterity_n whereas_o in_o truth_n we_o find_v in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n several_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o difference_n continue_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o party_n still_o plead_v that_o their_o doctrine_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n &_o it_o fall_v out_o unhappy_o for_o mr._n s._n that_o those_o be_v common_o most_o gross_o deceive_v who_o pretend_v the_o most_o to_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n still_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a debate_n be_v what_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o not_o whereas_o have_v tradition_n be_v so_o infallible_a a_o way_n of_o convey_v how_o can_v this_o ever_o have_v come_v into_o debate_n among_o they_o what_o do_v not_o they_o know_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v not_o or_o their_o parent_n be_v no_o more_o agree_v than_o themselves_o for_o their_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v end_v this_o way_n afterward_o come_v in_o for_o many_o age_n such_o a_o succession_n of_o ignorance_n and_o barbarism_n that_o christian_a religion_n be_v little_o mind_v either_o by_o parent_n or_o child_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v instead_o of_o that_o some_o foppery_n and_o superstition_n be_v huge_o in_o request_n and_o the_o man_n who_o foment_v these_o thing_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o great_a saint_n and_o worker_n of_o miracle_n so_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o s._n francis_n and_o s._n dominick_n be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o careful_o convey_v from_o parent_n to_o child_n in_o that_o age_n than_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o on_o this_o account_n posterity_n must_v be_v equal_o bind_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o have_v their_o person_n in_o equal_a veneration_n if_o man_n at_o last_o be_v grow_v wise_a it_o be_v because_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v mr._n s_n principle_n that_o they_o ought_v to_o receive_v what_o be_v deliver_v by_o their_o parent_n but_o they_o begin_v to_o search_v and_o inquire_v into_o the_o write_n of_o former_a age_n and_o to_o examine_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o present_a with_o those_o of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n there_o come_v a_o restauration_n of_o learning_n and_o religion_n together_o 5._o but_o though_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a and_o evident_a in_o this_o case_n yet_o m._n s._n will_v prove_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v any_o error_n come_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o his_o main_a argument_n be_v this_o because_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n but_o before_o i_o come_v more_o particular_o to_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o this_o argument_n by_o manifest_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o such_o a_o conspiracy_n as_o this_o be_v i_o shall_v propound_v some_o query_n to_o he_o 1._o what_o age_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v instance_n in_o wherein_o all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n concern_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o e._n that_o none_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v more_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n than_o other_o do_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v neither_o instance_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o nor_o in_o those_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o unless_o mr._n s._n the_o better_a to_o defend_v his_o hypothesis_n will_v question_v all_o write_a record_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o dead_a letter_n and_o unsence_v character_n and_o wordish_a testimony_n never_o consider_v that_o while_o he_o utter_v this_o he_o write_v himself_o unless_o he_o imagine_v there_o be_v more_o of_o life_n sense_n and_o certainty_n in_o his_o book_n than_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o there_o must_v not_o be_v different_a tradition_n in_o the_o next_o for_o as_o he_o look_v on_o all_o parent_n as_o bound_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n so_o on_o child_n as_o bound_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o on_o which_o supposition_n different_a tradition_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n must_v needs_o follow_v different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o precedent_n 3._o whether_o person_n agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n may_v not_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n all_o may_v agree_v in_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n but_o yet_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o tradition_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n inquire_v what_o be_v deliver_v but_o under_o what_o notion_n it_o be_v deliver_v whether_o as_o a_o allowable_a opinion_n or_o a_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o several_a person_n nay_o multitude_n in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v different_a notion_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o point_n by_o what_o mean_n shall_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v deliver_v as_o a_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o mr._n s._n throughout_o his_o discourse_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o believe_v and_o deliver_v all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o still_o suppose_v the_o same_o sacredness_n concern_v necessity_n in_o deliver_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o romanist_n and_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o those_o main_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o which_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o head_n of_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n but_o as_o extravagant_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o his_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v he_o that_o the_o infinite_a concern_v which_o depend_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v of_o so_o prevalent_a nature_n with_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v any_o one_o age_n shall_v neglect_v the_o know_v they_o or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o age_n about_o they_o yet_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o will_n mr._n s._n prove_v the_o same_o sacredness_n necessity_n concern_v and_o miraculous_o attestedness_n as_o he_o phrase_n it_o in_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n transubstantiation_n supremacy_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o believe_v the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v this_o he_o do_v nothing_o for_o his_o argument_n may_v hold_v for_o doctrine_n judge_v universal_o necessary_a but_o for_o no_o other_o therefore_o mr._n s._n have_v a_o new_a task_n which_o he_o think_v not_o of_o which_o be_v to_o manifest_v that_o these_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o opinion_n but_o be_v embrace_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o he_o prove_v they_o such_o he_o can_v neither_o prove_v any_o obligation_n in_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n nor_o in_o child_n to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v but_o only_o to_o hold_v they_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n which_o they_o do_v themselves_o when_o mr._n s._n will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o may_v more_o easy_o believe_v that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o offer_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o about_o they_o but_o when_o mr._n s._n reflect_v on_o his_o frequent_a concession_n that_o there_o be_v private_a opinion_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v remember_v before_o he_o can_v bring_v home_o his_o ground_n to_o the_o case_n between_o their_o church_n and_o we_o that_o he_o must_v prove_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n be_v ever_o entertain_v as_o private_a opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o private_a opinion_n in_o one_o age_n to_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o 6._o but_o because_o this_o distinction_n of_o his_o ruin_n his_o whole_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v first_o propound_v it_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o then_o show_v how_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v