self-evident_a no_o wonder_n if_o he_o believe_v that_o to_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o a_o constant_a tradition_n which_o be_v never_o hear_v of_o from_o the_o apostle_n time_n to_o these_o now_o mr._n s._n be_v please_v to_o return_v to_o i_o 10._o and_o draw_v up_o a_o fresh_a charge_n against_o i_o which_o be_v that_o i_o act_n like_o a_o politician_n and_o will_v conquer_v they_o by_o first_o divide_v they_o and_o make_v odious_a comparison_n between_o two_o party_n of_o divine_n but_o to_o show_v we_o how_o little_o they_o differ_v he_o distinguish_v they_o as_o faithful_a and_o as_o private_a discourser_n in_o the_o former_a notâ—on_n he_o say_v they_o all_o hold_v the_o same_o divine_o constitute_v church-government_n and_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n but_o as_o private_a discourser_n he_o acknowledge_v they_o differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o their_o belief_n i_o meddle_v not_o here_o â—â—th_v the_o government_n of_o their_o church_n which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o prove_v to_o be_v far_o enough_o from_o be_v divine_o constitute_v but_o with_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o infallibility_n of_o or_o altradition_n be_v that_o self-evident_a rule_n which_o that_o church_n proceed_v on_o yes_o say_v mr._n s._n they_o be_v all_o as_o faithful_a agree_v in_o it_o but_o as_o discourser_n they_o differ_v about_o it_o which_o in_o short_a be_v that_o all_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n who_o be_v not_o of_o his_o opinion_n know_v not_o what_o they_o say_v and_o that_o they_o oppose_v that_o which_o they_o do_v real_o believe_v which_o in_o plain_a english_a be_v that_o they_o be_v egregious_a dissembler_n and_o prevaricator_n in_o religion_n that_o they_o do_v intolerable_o flatter_v the_o pope_n and_o present_a church_n with_o loud_a declamation_n for_o their_o infallibility_n but_o they_o do_v real_o believe_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o resolve_v all_o into_o oral_a tradition_n but_o be_v not_o this_o a_o excellent_a agreement_n among_o they_o when_o mr._n white_a and_o his_o party_n not_o only_o disow_v the_o common_a doctrine_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n but_o dispute_v against_o it_o as_o pernicious_a and_o destructive_a to_o christian_a faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o romanist_n say_v there_o can_v be_v no_o certainty_n of_o faith_n unless_o there_o be_v a_o infallible_a divine_a testimony_n in_o the_o present_a church_n and_o this_o lodge_v in_o pope_n and_o council_n that_o those_o who_o endeavour_n to_o overthrow_v this_o be_v dangerous_a seditious_a heretical_a person_n according_o their_o book_n be_v censure_v at_o rome_n their_o opinion_n dispute_v against_o and_o their_o person_n condemn_v and_o yet_o all_o this_o while_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o these_o stick_v together_o like_o two_o smooth_a marble_n as_o faithful_a though_o they_o be_v knock_v one_o against_o another_o as_o discourser_n and_o that_o they_o perfect_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n when_o all_o their_o quarrel_n and_o contention_n be_v about_o it_o and_o those_o manage_v with_o so_o great_a heat_n that_o heresy_n be_v charge_v of_o one_o side_n and_o arch-heresie_n and_o undermine_a religion_n on_o the_o other_o do_v he_o think_v we_o never_o hear_v of_o mr._n whites_n sonus_n succinae_fw-la nor_o of_o that_o chapter_n in_o it_o where_o he_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o pope_n and_o council_n 158._o infallibility_n tend_v to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o that_o the_o propagate_a such_o a_o doctrine_n be_v a_o great_a crime_n than_o burn_a temple_n ravish_v the_o sacred_a virgin_n on_o the_o altar_n trample_v on_o the_o body_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o send_v the_o turk_n or_o antichrist_n into_o christian_a country_n or_o do_v he_o think_v we_o can_v believe_v that_o the_o pope_n and_o cardinal_n the_o jesuit_n and_o all_o the_o papist_n of_o foreign_a country_n do_v as_o faithful_a agree_v with_o mr._n white_a in_o this_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o by_o the_o proceed_n in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n against_o he_o in_o which_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o inquisition_n against_o he_o date_v 17._o november_n 1661._o his_o doctrine_n be_v condemn_v not_o only_o as_o false_a seditious_a and_o scandalous_a but_o as_o heretical_a and_o erroneous_a in_o faith_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o this_o very_a doctrine_n he_o be_v there_o censure_v why_o do_v mr._n white_a set_v himself_o purposely_o to_o defend_v it_o in_o his_o tabulae_fw-la suffragiale_n if_o these_o than_o do_v agree_v as_o faithful_a who_o can_v but_o envy_v the_o excellent_a harmony_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o which_o man_n condemn_v each_o other_o for_o heretic_n and_o yet_o all_o believe_v the_o same_o thing_n still_o well_o sir_n i_o be_o in_o hope_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n mr._n s._n will_v yield_v we_o the_o same_o charity_n too_o and_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o agree_v with_o he_o as_o faithful_a only_o we_o differ_v a_o little_a from_o he_o as_o discourser_n for_o i_o assure_v you_o there_o be_v as_o great_a reason_n the_o only_a difference_n be_v we_o give_v they_o not_o such_o ill_a word_n as_o they_o do_v each_o other_o for_o let_v mr._n s._n show_v we_o wherein_o we_o differ_v more_o from_o he_o about_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n than_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o for_o mr_n white_a when_o he_o have_v say_v that_o all_o kind_n of_o heresy_n do_v arise_v from_o hence_o that_o man_n make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n or_o a_o private_a spirit_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o present_o ibid._n add_v it_o be_v all_o one_o if_o one_o make_v council_n or_o pope_n any_o other_o way_n than_o as_o witness_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o faith_n for_o say_v he_o this_o be_v to_o subject_v the_o whole_a church_n to_o that_o slavery_n to_o receive_v any_o error_n for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o shall_v define_v or_o propose_v modo_fw-la illegitimo_fw-la i._n e._n any_o other_o way_n then_o as_o witness_n of_o tradition_n either_o then_o we_o differ_v from_o mr._n s._n only_o as_o discourser_n or_o he_o and_o his_o brethren_n differ_v from_o each_o other_o more_o than_o as_o such_o and_o so_o any_o one_o will_v think_v who_o read_v the_o opposition_n and_o argument_n against_o each_o other_o on_o this_o subject_n particular_o mr._n whites_n tabulae_fw-la suffragiale_n but_o let_v mr._n white_n say_v what_o he_o will_v mr._n s._n tell_v i_o i_o be_o not_o aware_a how_o little_a they_o differ_v even_o as_o divine_n the_o more_o shame_n for_o they_o to_o have_v such_o furious_a 209._o heat_n and_o opposition_n where_o there_o be_v so_o little_a difference_n but_o as_o little_a as_o they_o differ_v mr._n white_n think_v it_o safe_a to_o talk_v of_o their_o unity_n in_o england_n than_o to_o try_v whether_o they_o be_v of_o his_o mind_n at_o rome_n by_o go_v thither_o to_o clear_v himself_o for_o he_o just_o fear_v he_o shall_v find_v they_o differ_v from_o he_o some_o other_o way_n theâ—_n as_o bare_a discourser_n yet_o let_v we_o heaâ—_n mr._n s_n reason_n for_o say_v he_o though_o some_o speculator_n attribute_v to_o the_o church_n a_o power_n of_o define_v thing_n not_o hold_v before_o yet_o few_o will_v say_v she_o have_v new_a revelation_n or_o new_a article_n of_o faith_n buâ—_n we_o know_v the_o temper_n of_o these_o man_n better_o than_o to_o rely_v on_o what_o they_o barelâ—_n say_v for_o they_o say_v what_o they_o think_v 〈◊〉_d most_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o onâ—_n of_o mr._n whites_n adversary_n if_o himself_o may_v be_v credit_v plain_o tell_v he_o iâ—_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o pope_n infallibility_n werâ—_n 318._o not_o true_a yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v defend_v bâ—cause_fw-mi it_o be_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n for_o which_o he_o be_v sufficient_o rebuke_v by_o he_o it_o be_v one_o thing_n theâ—_n what_o they_o say_v and_o another_o what_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o assert_v but_o for_o plain_a deal_n commend_v i_o to_o the_o canonist_n who_o say_v express_o the_o church_n by_o whicâ—_n they_o mean_v the_o pope_n may_v make_v new_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o rest_n though_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o speak_v out_o else_o mr._n white_n be_v much_o too_o blame_v in_o spend_v so_o much_o time_n in_o prove_v the_o contrary_a but_o what_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n can_v imagine_v that_o these_o man_n can_v mean_v otherwise_o who_o assert_v such_o a_o infallibility_n in_o pope_n and_o council_n as_o to_o oblige_v man_n under_o pain_n of_o eternal_a damnation_n to_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o before_o such_o a_o definition_n and_o what_o can_v this_o be_v else_o but_o to_o make_v new_a
no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o either_o then_o mr._n s._n must_v say_v there_o never_o be_v any_o private_a opinator_n or_o speculator_n in_o the_o church_n as_o distinct_a from_o testifier_n and_o then_o he_o unavoidable_o contradict_v himself_o or_o he_o must_v deny_v that_o posterity_n be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o forefather_n deliver_v they_o as_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o destroy_v the_o force_n of_o his_o whole_a demonstration_n perhaps_o he_o will_v answer_v that_o child_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o bare_o their_o parent_n or_o another_o number_n of_o person_n may_v deliver_v matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o every_o age_n deliver_v this_o â—ough_o the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v say_v in_o â—e_a case_n yet_o be_v most_o unreasonable_a because_o it_o run_v man_n upon_o inextricable_a difficulty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o their_o resolve_v â—ith_o for_o suppose_v any_o child_n â—ught_v by_o their_o parent_n what_o they_o be_v â—_o believe_v mr._n s._n must_v say_v they_o be_v â—ot_n bind_v to_o believe_v they_o present_o â—ut_v to_o inquire_v whether_o they_o agree_v â—ith_o the_o whole_a church_n of_o that_o ageâ—rst_a â—rst_z before_o they_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o asâ—nt_v which_o be_v a_o impossible_a task_n â—ther_n for_o child_n or_o man_n of_o age_n â—_o find_v out_o in_o the_o way_n of_o oral_a tradiâ—on_n this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n â—oth_v but_o offer_v a_o fair_a pretence_n for_o â—fidelity_n for_o we_o see_v how_o impossible_a it_o be_v for_o mr._n s._n to_o make_v it_o appear_v â—hat_n their_o church_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o â—ule_n of_o faith_n for_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n â—he_v far_o great_a number_n as_o speculatorsâ—ppose_v â—ppose_z the_o way_n assert_v by_o he_o how_o â—uch_o more_o difficult_a than_o must_v it_o needs_o â—e_a to_o find_v out_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o whole_a essential_a church_n be_v in_o all_o matter_n which_o parent_n may_v teach_v their_o child_n for_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o chrildren_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o till_o they_o know_v they_o teach_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o whole_a church_n teach_v it_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o teach_v they_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v at_o all_o but_o if_o this_o distinction_n be_v admit_v as_o mr._n s._n make_v much_o use_n of_o it_o than_o it_o appear_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n at_o first_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o speculation_n and_o by_o degree_n to_o be_v deliver_v as_o point_n of_o faith_n by_o which_o mean_v those_o thing_n may_v be_v receive_v in_o the_o church_n for_o such_o which_o be_v never_o deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o yet_o no_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v show_v this_o be_v one_o way_n of_o show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n 7._o without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v several_z other_o i_o may_v insist_v upon_o but_o i_o shall_v mention_v only_o two_o more_o 1._o misinterpret_v the_o sense_n of_o scripure_a 2._o suppose_v it_o in_o the_o power_n oâ—_n some_o part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o the_o first_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o no_o imaginable_a account_n can_v be_v give_v either_o of_o the_o writing_n or_o universal_a reception_n of_o the_o book_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o they_o be_v not_o design_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n and_o although_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v possible_a â—or_a the_o main_n and_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o apostle_n creed_n give_v a_o summary_n account_v of_o â—o_o have_v be_v preserve_v by_o the_o help_n of_o tradition_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v extreme_o ungrateful_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v infinite_o â—etter_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o not_o leave_v â—he_n ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o â—eer_a breath_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o care_n â—f_a mother_n instruct_v their_o child_n â—ut_fw-la have_v give_v we_o the_o certain_a record_n ofall_v the_o doctrine_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n preserve_v inviolable_o from_o the_o first_o age_n â—f_n the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o churchâ—w_n â—w_z with_o what_o care_n god_n have_v provide_v â—r_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n traditionâ—as_v â—as_z little_o mind_v thence_o the_o memory_n â—f_n those_o other_o thing_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v whole_o lose_v all_o the_o care_n â—as_v employ_v in_o search_v preserve_v and_o deliver_v these_o sacred_a book_n tâ—_n posterity_n to_o these_o the_o primitive_a church_n still_o appeal_v these_o they_o pleaâ—_n for_o against_o all_o adversary_n defend_v their_o authority_n explain_v their_o sense_n vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n tradition_n they_o rely_v not_o on_o any_o far_a than_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o trutâ—_n of_o these_o record_n or_o to_o clear_v the_o senâ—_n of_o they_o from_o the_o perverse_a interprâ—_n tation_n of_o those_o heretic_n who_o pretenâ—_n ed_z another_o kind_n of_o tradition_n thâ—_n what_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o when_o theâ—_n be_v silence_v all_o the_o dispute_v thâ—_n arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v matteâ—_n of_o faith_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o book_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o proceeding_n in_o the_o case_n of_o arius_n and_o pelagic_a wherein_o tradition_n be_v only_o use_v a_o mean_n to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o sâ—ptures_n but_o not_o at_o all_o as_o that_o which_o tâ—_n faith_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v plead_v frâ—_n tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v ground_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reject_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o be_v offer_v aâ—_n such_o person_n be_v plain_o tell_v tâ—_n be_v not_o the_o church_n way_n if_o they_o bâ—_n plain_a scripture_n with_o the_o concurrâ—_n sense_n of_o antiquity_n they_o may_v produce_v â—t_a and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a â—se_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n beside_o attest_v the_o book_n be_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o impose_v sense_n on_o scripture_n against_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n it_o be_v not_o avoidable_o but_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n prejudices_fw-la learning_n and_o education_n and_o since_o they_o have_v all_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thence_o as_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v easy_o come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v for_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o know_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o very_a assertion_n be_v a_o error_n in_o which_o the_o former_a age_n do_v not_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v possible_a m._n s_n demonstration_n fail_v he_o for_o hereby_o a_o reasonable_a account_n be_v give_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o again_o let_v i_o inquire_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o man_n may_v not_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a to_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n infallible_a in_o their_o decree_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o jesuit_n as_o little_a as_o mr._n s._n love_v they_o or_o they_o him_z may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o this_o if_o they_o may_v believe_v this_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v then_o that_o transubstantiation_n supremacy_n invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v but_o private_a opinion_n before_o but_o be_v now_o define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n these_o man_n can_v but_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v it_o
his_o book_n or_o not_o iâ—_n not_o to_o what_o purpose_n do_v he_o write_v â—_o if_o he_o do_v than_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v soâ—_n matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v intelligible_o convey_v by_o writing_n especial_o if_o mr._n s._n do_v it_o but_o by_o no_o mean_n we_o be_v tâ—_n believe_v that_o ever_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n caâ—_n do_v it_o for_o whatever_o be_v write_v by_o meâ—_n assist_v by_o that_o be_v according_a to_o he_o buâ—_n a_o heap_n of_o dead_a letter_n and_o insignificant_a character_n when_o mr._n s._n the_o mean_a while_o be_v full_a of_o sense_n and_o demonstration_n happy_a man_n that_o can_v thus_o outdo_v inanite_a wisdom_n and_o write_v far_o beyond_o either_o prophet_n or_o apostle_n but_o if_o he_o will_v condescend_v so_o far_o as_o to_o allow_v that_o to_o inspire_a person_n which_o he_o confident_o believe_v of_o himself_o viz._n that_o he_o can_v write_v a_o book_n full_a of_o sense_n and_o that_o any_o ordinary_a capacity_n may_v apprehend_v the_o design_n of_o it_o our_o controversy_n be_v at_o a_o end_n for_o than_o matter_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v intelligible_o and_o certain_o convey_v to_o posterity_n by_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o if_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n 5._o if_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n do_v not_o certain_o and_o intelligible_o convey_v all_o matter_n of_o faith_n what_o make_v they_o be_v receive_v with_o so_o much_o veneration_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o be_v best_a able_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v â—n_v they_o and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o the_o book_n themselves_o and_o therein_o we_o still_o find_v that_o appeal_n be_v make_v to_o they_o that_o they_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o vindicate_v they_o against_o all_o objection_n of_o heathen_n and_o other_o and_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v make_v into_o they_o and_o not_o tradition_n as_o i_o have_v already_o manifest_v and_o must_v not_o repeat_v 6._o whether_o it_o be_v in_o the_o least_o â—_o credible_a since_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v suppose_v to_o contain_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n that_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n shall_v look_v on_o itself_o as_o oblige_v absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o precedent_n by_o virtue_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n for_o since_o they_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o write_a book_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o oral_a tradition_n although_o then_o the_o apostle_n do_v deliver_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n to_o all_o their_o disciple_n yet_o since_o the_o record_n of_o it_o be_v embrace_v in_o the_o church_n man_n judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o doctrine_n by_o the_o conveniency_n or_o repugnancy_n of_o they_o to_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n by_o which_o we_o understand_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o precedent_a age_n do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o oral_a tradition_n of_o it_o but_o by_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o the_o present_a age_n that_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o contain_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o return_v to_o mr._n s._n etc._n who_o proceed_v still_o to_o manifest_v this_o obligation_n in_o posterity_n to_o believe_v what_o be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n by_o the_o precedent_a age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o the_o force_n of_o all_o be_v the_o same_o still_o viz._n that_o otherwise_o one_o age_n must_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o the_o inconsequence_n of_o that_o i_o have_v full_o show_v already_o unless_o he_o demonstrate_v it_o impossible_a for_o error_n to_o come_v in_o any_o other_o way_n for_o if_o we_o reduce_v the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o say_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o come_v to_o this_o where_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o faith_n but_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n in_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n ergo_fw-la in_o every_o age_n there_o be_v a_o absolute_a obligation_n to_o believe_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n the_o minor_a he_o thus_o prove_v if_o no_o age_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o the_o precedent_n teach_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o than_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n in_o any_o age_n but_o the_o antecedent_n be_v true_a and_o therefore_o the_o consequent_a now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o the_o force_n of_o all_o this_o lie_v not_o in_o prove_v the_o minor_a proposition_n or_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o but_o the_o consequence_n viz._n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o a_o church_n but_o by_o a_o general_a mistake_n in_o one_o whole_a age_n or_o the_o general_a imposture_n of_o it_o which_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o have_v show_v he_o already_o the_o falseness_n of_o it_o from_o his_o own_o concession_n and_o i_o may_v more_o large_o show_v it_o from_o those_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v come_v into_o their_o church_n without_o any_o such_o general_a mistake_n or_o imposture_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o papal_a infallibility_n and_o the_o common_a belief_n of_o purgatory_n the_o very_a same_o way_n that_o mr._n white_a and_o mr._n s._n will_v show_v we_o how_o these_o come_v in_o we_o will_v show_v he_o how_o many_o other_o come_v in_o as_o erroneous_a and_o scandalous_a as_o those_o be_v for_o whether_o they_o account_v these_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o it_o be_v certain_a many_o among_o they_o do_v and_o that_o the_o far_o great_a number_n who_o assert_v and_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n too_o if_o therefore_o these_o may_v come_v in_o without_o one_o age_n mistake_v or_o deceive_v the_o next_o why_o may_v not_o all_o those_o come_v in_o the_o same_o way_n which_o we_o charge_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o error_n of_o their_o church_n and_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n that_o corrupt_a doctrine_n come_v in_o may_v corrupt_v practice_n too_o since_o these_o as_o he_o say_v spring_v srom_o the_o other_o he_o may_v therefore_o have_v save_v himself_o the_o trouble_n of_o find_v out_o how_o a_o acute_a wit_n or_o great_a scholar_n will_v discover_v the_o 231._o weakness_n of_o this_o way_n for_o without_o pretend_v to_o be_v either_o of_o these_o i_o have_v find_v out_o another_o way_n of_o attaque_a it_o then_o mr._n s._n look_v for_o viz._n from_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o concession_n show_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o a_o total_a deception_n or_o conspiracy_n in_o any_o one_o age_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a he_o can_v bind_v i_o to_o believe_v what_o ever_o he_o tell_v i_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o this_o never_o come_v into_o the_o church_n as_o a_o speculation_n or_o private_a opinion_n and_o from_o thence_o by_o degree_n have_v come_v to_o be_v account_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n therefore_o his_o way_n of_o proof_n be_v now_o quite_o alter_v and_o he_o can_v say_v we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o that_o which_o he_o call_v the_o present_a church_n may_v have_v admit_v speculation_n and_o private_a opinion_n into_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n but_o he_o must_v first_o prove_v such_o doctrine_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n and_o that_o from_o his_o time_n down_o to_o our_o age_n they_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o whole_a church_n for_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o when_o he_o have_v do_v this_o as_o to_o any_o of_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o we_o i_o will_v promise_v he_o to_o be_v his_o proselyte_n but_o he_o ought_v still_o to_o remember_v that_o he_o be_v not_o to_o prove_v it_o impossible_a for_o one_o whole_a age_n to_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o that_o suppose_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o error_n to_o come_v into_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o church_n let_v we_o now_o see_v what_o mr._n s._n object_n against_o those_o word_n i_o then_o use_v against_o the_o demonstrate_v this_o way_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v what_o reason_n shall_v enforce_v it_o but_o such_o as_o prove_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o they_o have_v understanding_n of_o another_o mould_n from_o other_o who_o can_v conceive_v it_o impossible_a man_n shall_v not_o think_v themselves_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o do_v all_o just_a as_o their_o predecessor_n and_o whatever_o mr._n s._n say_v to_o the_o contrary_a
like_o a_o demonstrator_n first_o he_o suppose_v there_o never_o be_v any_o way_n use_v in_o the_o world_n but_o oral_a tradition_n and_o then_o strong_o infer_v if_o i_o deny_v that_o i_o can_v know_v nothing_o but_o i_o can_v yet_o hardly_o persuade_v myself_o that_o the_o father_n only_o sit_v in_o chimney_n corner_n teach_v their_o child_n by_o word_n of_o mouth_n and_o charge_v they_o to_o be_v sure_a to_o do_v so_o to_o they_o but_o as_o they_o love_v preserve_v the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a care_n never_o to_o write_v down_o a_o word_n of_o it_o but_o why_o i_o wonder_v shall_v mr._n s._n think_v that_o if_o i_o do_v not_o allow_v of_o â—ral_a tradition_n i_o must_v needs_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o father_n i_o have_v think_v i_o may_v have_v know_v there_o have_v â—een_n father_n by_o their_o child_n i_o mean_v â—he_n book_n they_o leave_v behind_o they_o but_o if_o â—ll_a mr._n s._n plead_v for_o be_v only_o this_o that_o â—o_o book_n can_v be_v certain_o convey_v without_o tradition_n he_o dispute_v without_o a_o adversary_n but_o as_o i_o never_o oppose_v this_o so_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o do_v he_o light_a service_n it_o be_v then_o from_o the_o book_n â—f_v the_o father_n that_o i_o find_v what_o the_o sense_n â—f_o the_o church_n of_o their_o age_n be_v and_o â—om_n thence_o i_o have_v show_v how_o vast_o different_a the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o â—e_a roman_a church_n be_v from_o those_o of_o â—e_n primitive_a although_o then_o i_o may_v â—ot_n think_v myself_o oblige_v to_o believe_v â—ll_o that_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v for_o â—atter_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v find_v â—hat_n the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o â—ormer_a church_n be_v by_o the_o record_n â—hat_n be_v leave_v of_o it_o and_o the_o reason_n â—hy_a i_o can_v think_v any_o one_o oblige_v â—o_o believe_v what_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v be_v because_o i_o think_v no_o man_n oblige_v to_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o i_o see_v the_o opinion_n and_o practice_n of_o several_a age_n apparent_o contrary_a to_o each_o other_o well_o but_o i_o call_v this_o way_n a_o superficial_a 18._o subtlety_n and_o so_o i_o think_v it_o still_o so_o little_o have_v mr._n s_n demonstration_n wrought_v upon_o i_o but_o say_v he_o be_v that_o which_o be_v whole_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n superficial_a no_o but_o that_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v so_o build_v may_v and_o of_o that_o nature_n i_o have_v show_v thiâ—_n way_n to_o be_v and_o not_o the_o former_a buâ—_n that_o i_o may_v not_o think_v he_o superficial_a as_o well_o as_o his_o way_n he_o put_v a_o profound_a question_n to_o i_o what_o do_v i_o think_v controversy_n be_v and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_a let_v i_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o answer_v himself_o i_o deal_v plain_o with_o you_o say_v he_o you_o may_v take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o aâ—_n of_o talk_v and_o i_o think_v you_o do_v so_o though_o you_o will_v not_o profess_v it_o but_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v a_o noble_a science_n but_o to_o let_v he_o see_v that_o i_o will_v deal_v as_o plain_o with_o he_o as_o he_o do_v with_o i_o i_o will_v profess_v it_o that_o i_o not_o only_o think_v controversy_n as_o usual_o manage_v but_o some_o man_n way_n of_o demonstrate_v mr._n s._n may_v easy_o know_v who_o i_o mean_v to_o be_v a_o mere_a art_n of_o â—alking_v and_o nothing_o else_o but_o he_o take_v â—t_a to_o be_v a_o noble_a science_n yes_o doubtless_o â—f_n mr._n s._n manage_v it_o and_o he_o be_v the_o â—udge_n of_o it_o himself_o his_o meaning_n i_o suppose_v be_v by_o his_o follow_a word_n 240._o â—hat_n be_v go_v upon_o certain_a principle_n and_o â—e_n do_v not_o we_o have_v already_o see_v how_o â—ertain_a his_o principle_n have_v be_v and_o i_o â—hould_v be_v somewhat_o ashamed_a of_o my_o religion_n if_o i_o have_v no_o better_o but_o what_o â—ur_n rule_n of_o faith_n be_v have_v be_v so_o ample_o discourse_v already_o by_o you_o and_o that_o in_o â—r_n s_n clear_v method_n that_o nothing_o â—_o leave_v for_o i_o to_o do_v but_o to_o touch_v at_o â—hat_n remain_v and_o conclude_v this_o anâ—er_n i_o have_v the_o better_a to_o illustrate_v â—he_v weakness_n of_o that_o argument_n from_o â—ral_a tradition_n bring_v a_o instance_n in_o â—hat_n case_n parallel_n viz._n that_o if_o one_o age_n deliver_v to_o another_o will_v prove_v that_o â—e_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v in_o every_o age_n â—nalterable_a because_o no_o age_n do_v testify_v â—ny_n such_o alteration_n to_o be_v in_o it_o by_o â—he_n same_o argument_n the_o world_n may_v be_v â—roved_v eternal_a because_o no_o age_n do_v â—ver_o testify_v to_o another_o that_o the_o world_n â—as_v ever_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v so_o that_o â—f_o oral_a tradition_n be_v only_o to_o be_v rely_v on_o there_o can_v be_v no_o evidence_n give_v of_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v and_o consequent_o the_o world_n must_v be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v always_o what_o we_o see_v it_o be_v this_o aâ—_n far_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v be_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a ratiocination_n and_o purposely_o design_v to_o prove_v that_o we_o must_v admit_v oâ—_n other_o rule_n to_o judge_v of_o alteration_n iâ—_n the_o church_n by_o beside_o oral_a tradition_n but_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o own_o expression_n strange_o rove_a from_o the_o mark_n i_o aimeâ—_n at_o profess_v there_o be_v not_o a_o tittle_n in_o iâ—_n 241._o parallel_v to_o his_o medium_n nay_o that_o he_o never_o see_v in_o his_o life_n more_o absurdity_n coucheâ—_n in_o few_o word_n but_o i_o must_v take_v alâ—_n patient_o from_o a_o man_n who_o still_o percheâ—_n on_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o never_o flag_n below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n yet_o by_o his_o good_a leave_n he_o either_o apprehend_v not_o or_o wilful_o mistake_v my_o meaning_n for_o my_o argument_n do_v noâ—_n proceed_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o worldâ—_n eternity_n which_o in_o his_o answer_n he_o runâ—_n whole_o upon_o as_o far_o as_o eighthly_a and_o last_o 242._o but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o oral_a tradition_n as_o to_o no_o discernible_a alteration_n in_o anâ—_n age_n of_o it_o for_o the_o question_n between_o usâ—_n be_v whether_o in_o matter_n of_o alteration_n iâ—_n the_o faâ—_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o rely_v only_o on_o the_o testimony_n of_o oral_a tradition_n so_o that_o if_o no_o age_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_n any_o alteration_n be_v make_v and_o this_o deliver_v by_o that_o age_n than_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v there_o have_v be_v no_o alteraration_n since_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n time_n now_o i_o say_v if_o this_o â—old_a good_a i_o will_v prove_v the_o world_n eternal_a by_o the_o same_o argument_n take_v this_o for_o our_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o rely_v only_o on_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o case_n original_o derive_v from_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n see_v by_o those_o of_o the_o first_o age_n for_o that_o which_o never_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v be_v eternal_a but_o we_o can_v know_v by_o oral_a tradition_n that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v otherwise_o then_o it_o be_v for_o no_o age_n of_o the_o world_n can_v be_v instance_a in_o wherein_o we_o have_v any_o testimony_n of_o any_o alteration_n that_o be_v in_o it_o either_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o world_n ever_o be_v what_o it_o be_v i._n e._n eternal_a or_o else_o we_o must_v say_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o rely_v bare_o on_o oral_a tradition_n in_o this_o case_n but_o we_o must_v judge_v whether_o the_o world_n be_v make_v or_o no_o by_o other_o medium_n of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n and_o this_o be_v all_o which_o i_o aim_v at_o viz._n to_o show_v that_o where_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n from_o oral_a tradition_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v scripture_n and_o reason_n there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o our_o faith_n to_o stand_v upon_o and_o so_o i_o apply_v it_o to_o the_o present_a case_n though_o we_o can_v not_o prove_v bare_o from_o the_o tradition_n of_o any_o one_o age_n that_o there_o have_v be_v any_o alteration_n in_o the_o faith_n or_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n yet_o if_o i_o can_v prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o and_o now_o i_o dare_v appeal_n to_o the_o indifferent_a reader_n â—ether_o thiâ—_n be_v so_o full_a of_o absurdity_n or_o it_o bâ—_n such_o a_o ramble_a chimerical_a argument_n as_o he_o call_v it_o no_o two_o piece_n â—_o which_o hang_v together_o with_o themselves_o 〈◊〉_d 243._o any_o thing_n else_o which_o
be_v expression_n of_o as_o great_a modesty_n as_o science_n i_o be_o content_a mr._n s._n shall_v bear_v away_o the_o honour_n of_o they_o and_o his_o demoâ—strations_n together_o the_o last_o thing_n he_o quarrel_v witâ—_n i_o for_o be_v that_o i_o say_v if_o we_o can_v tv_v gentle_fw-mi 19_o prove_v that_o there_o have_v be_v alâ—_n ration_n in_o the_o church_n than_o it_o be_v to_o â—_o purpose_n to_o prove_v that_o impossible_a which_o we_o see_v actual_o do_v and_o this_o appear_v not_o only_o because_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n which_o can_v never_o be_v if_o every_o age_n of_o the_o church_n do_v insaâ—libly_o believe_v and_o practice_v as_o the_o precedent_n up_o to_o christ_n time_n do_v but_o because_o we_o can_v produce_v clear_a evidence_n that_o some_o thing_n be_v deliver_v by_o the_o present_a church_n which_o must_v be_v bring_v in_o by_o some_o age_n since_o the_o time_n of_o christ._n for_o which_o i_o refer_v the_o reader_n to_o what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o communion_n in_o one_o kind_n invocation_n of_o saint_n and_o worship_n of_o image_n in_o all_o which_o i_o say_v i_o have_v prove_v evident_o that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o use_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o these_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o present_a church_n and_o therefore_o this_o principle_n must_v needs_o be_v false_a in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n s._n wish_n i_o will_v tell_v he_o first_o what_o evidence_n mean_v whether_o a_o strong_a fancy_n or_o a_o demonstration_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o persuade_v a_o wise_a man_n who_o judge_n according_a to_o the_o clear_a reason_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v more_o than_o ever_o his_o demonstration_n will_v do_v but_o it_o be_v a_o pleasant_a spectacle_n to_o see_v how_o mr._n s._n lay_v about_o he_o at_o my_o say_n that_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v a_o degeneracy_n in_o the_o christian_a church_n incomparable_o argue_v say_v he_o why_o see_v we_o not_o the_o place_n do_v it_o evident_o speak_v of_o faith_n or_o manner_n the_o universal_a church_n or_o particular_a person_n but_o be_v it_o in_o faith_n be_v it_o universal_a do_v it_o suppose_v this_o degeneracy_n already_o past_a which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o your_o purpose_n or_o yet_o to_o come_v that_o be_v do_v it_o say_v there_o must_v be_v a_o total_a apostasy_n in_o faith_n before_o the_o year_n 1664._o alas_o he_o have_v forget_v this_o most_o incomparable_o answer_v for_o if_o the_o degeneracy_n be_v in_o 1665._o or_o any_o year_n aâ—ter_v what_o become_v of_o m._n s_n demonstration_n then_o that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n but_o it_o seem_v his_o demonstration_n hold_v but_o till_o 1664._o and_o i_o easy_o believe_v a_o other_o year_n will_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o if_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o degeneracy_n be_v possible_a how_o then_o stand_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n when_o there_o can_v be_v no_o degeneracy_n without_o fall_v from_o the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o that_o such_o a_o degeneracy_n have_v already_o be_v in_o that_o which_o call_v itself_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o that_o both_o in_o faith_n and_o manner_n i_o shall_v refer_v mr._n s._n to_o the_o learned_a author_n of_o the_o late_a idea_n of_o antichristianism_n and_o synopsis_fw-la prophetica_fw-la where_o he_o may_v find_v enough_o to_o persuade_v he_o that_o his_o demonstration_n be_v far_o from_o hold_v so_o long_o as_o 1664._o and_o now_o i_o leave_v the_o reader_n to_o judge_v whether_o the_o forego_n evidence_n against_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n or_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n have_v the_o great_a force_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o and_o if_o he_o will_v not_o stoop_v so_o far_o from_o the_o height_n of_o his_o perch_n as_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o say_v i_o be_o resolve_v to_o let_v he_o see_v i_o be_o not_o at_o all_o concern_v about_o it_o i_o begin_v to_o understand_v he_o so_o well_o by_o this_o appendix_n that_o i_o can_v give_v myself_o a_o reasonable_a account_n why_o he_o think_v it_o not_o sit_v to_o meddle_v with_o any_o other_o part_n of_o my_o book_n but_o if_o mr._n s._n be_v resolve_v not_o to_o answer_v any_o of_o the_o testimony_n i_o there_o produce_v unless_o i_o 244._o single_v they_o out_o and_o print_v they_o at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o answer_n i._n e._n remove_v they_o from_o that_o evidence_n which_o attend_v they_o in_o the_o series_n of_o the_o discourse_n i_o can_v only_o say_v he_o be_v the_o most_o imperious_a answerer_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o who_o be_v resolve_v never_o to_o deal_v with_o a_o adversary_n but_o on_o his_o own_o unreasonable_a term_n thus_o hearty_o wish_v mr._n s_n science_n as_o great_a as_o his_o opinion_n of_o it_o and_o a_o good_a effect_n of_o our_o endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o one_o by_o remove_v the_o other_o i_o be_o sir_n your_o affectionate_a friend_n and_o servant_n edward_z stillingfleet_n london_n june_n 28._o finis_fw-la postscript_n sir_n since_o the_o dispatch_n of_o the_o former_a paper_n i_o have_v meet_v with_o another_o treatise_n wherein_o i_o find_v myself_o concern_v write_v by_o the_o author_n of_o fiat_n lux_fw-la the_o title_n whereof_o be_v diaphanta_n i_o be_o afraid_a the_o title_n affright_v you_o for_o i_o assure_v you_o it_o be_v the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n in_o his_o whole_a book_n but_o the_o man_n be_v a_o very_a modest_a man_n and_o huge_o different_a from_o mr._n s_n humour_n for_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o offer_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n that_o all_o he_o pretend_v to_o in_o the_o title_n of_o his_o book_n iâ—_n to_o excuse_n catholic_n religion_n against_o the_o opposition_n of_o several_a adversary_n what_o fault_n i_o pray_v have_v the_o catholic_n religion_n commit_v that_o it_o must_v now_o come_v to_o be_v excuse_v instead_o of_o be_v defend_v but_o when_o i_o look_v into_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v myself_o i_o present_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o to_o excuse_v catholic_n religion_n but_o themselves_o for_o not_o be_v able_a to_o defend_v it_o for_o he_o very_o ingenuous_o tell_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a and_o constant_a 210._o though_o all_o his_o talk_n for_o it_o be_v miserable_o weak_a i._n e._n he_o be_v sure_a they_o have_v a_o excellent_a religion_n though_o he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v for_o it_o and_o their_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a good_a faith_n but_o it_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o be_v understand_v by_o they_o for_o he_o acknowledge_v that_o as_o often_o as_o they_o dispute_v 2â—9_n they_o be_v beyond_o the_o business_n so_o may_v any_o one_o believe_v who_o read_v their_o late_a book_n which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v of_o dispute_v any_o long_o with_o adversary_n about_o their_o faith_n only_o they_o must_v believe_v it_o stout_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o offer_v to_o defend_v it_o nay_o it_o do_v their_o faith_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o mischief_n for_o say_v he_o in_o read_v controversy_n we_o see_v not_o so_o much_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o faith_n as_o the_o wit_n of_o he_o who_o oppose_v or_o defend_v it_o from_o whence_o we_o may_v easy_o gather_v what_o unspeakable_a mischief_n they_o do_v their_o cause_n by_o write_v for_o it_o by_o which_o expression_n we_o may_v guess_v at_o what_o a_o low_a ebb_n the_o defence_n of_o their_o faith_n be_v among_o they_o for_o the_o way_n now_o take_v to_o defend_v it_o be_v by_o disow_v the_o defender_n of_o it_o and_o by_o say_v that_o they_o only_o vent_v their_o own_o opinion_n and_o though_o we_o confute_v they_o never_o so_o much_o yet_o their_o faith_n hold_v good_a still_o be_v ever_o a_o good_a cause_n drive_v to_o such_o miserable_a shift_n as_o these_o be_v especial_o among_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o wit_n and_o learning_n one_o he_o say_v t._n c._n vent_v a_o private_a opinion_n of_o his_o own_o and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o pin_n matter_n whether_o it_o stand_v or_o fall_v another_o he_o say_v the_o same_o of_o i._n s._n a_o three_o of_o j._n v._o c._n and_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o their_o religion_n be_v very_o firm_a and_o sure_a and_o they_o all_o at_o perfect_a agreement_n about_o it_o be_v this_o the_o victory_n over_o i_o mr._n s._n mention_n to_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o thing_n i_o see_v that_o by_o the_o same_o figure_n mr._n s._n call_v his_o way_n of_o argue_v demonstration_n run_v out_o of_o the_o field_n shall_v be_v account_v conquer_a for_o i_o never_o see_v any_o person_n do_v it_o
be_v a_o novel_a fancy_n of_o some_o few_o half-catholicks_a in_o england_n and_o tend_v to_o subvert_v the_o roman_a church_n but_o be_v the_o present_a pope_n with_o mr._n s._n a_o private_a opinator_fw-la or_o be_v the_o last_o a_o mere_a schoolman_fw-mi i_o be_o sure_a what_o ever_o mr._n s._n think_v of_o he_o he_o think_v not_o so_o of_o himself_o when_o he_o say_v he_o be_v no_o divine_a in_o the_o controversy_n of_o jansenius_n do_v the_o court_n of_o rome_n signify_v no_o more_o with_o mr._n s._n then_o a_o company_n of_o scholastic_a pedant_n that_o know_v not_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v concern_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o school_n but_o with_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o present_a church_n and_o he_o who_o mr._n s._n own_v for_o the_o head_n of_o it_o and_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o his_o headship_n to_o condemn_v that_o doctrine_n which_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o only_a certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n mr._n s._n may_v then_o see_v they_o be_v no_o such_o impertinent_a topic_n which_o i_o insist_v on_o and_o as_o stout_a as_o mr._n s._n seem_v to_o be_v i_o be_o apt_a to_o believe_v he_o will_v not_o look_v on_o the_o censure_n of_o the_o inquisition_n as_o a_o impertinent_a topick_n but_o at_o last_o mr._n s._n offer_v at_o something_o 12._o whereby_o he_o will_v satisfy_v i_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n as_o to_o this_o particular_a and_o therefore_o ask_v whether_o i_o never_o hear_v of_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n i_o must_v ingenuous_o 211._o confess_v i_o have_v and_o see_v more_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o it_o than_o i_o be_o satisfy_v with_o but_o what_o of_o that_o there_o he_o tell_v i_o i_o may_v find_v a_o clear_a solution_n of_o my_o doubt_n by_o the_o constant_a procedure_n of_o that_o most_o grave_a synod_n in_o its_o definition_n that_o be_v i_o hope_v to_o find_v that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v acknowledge_v there_o as_o the_o only_a self-evident_a rule_n of_o faith_n if_o i_o do_v this_o i_o confess_v myself_o satisfy_v in_o this_o enquiry_n but_o how_o much_o to_o the_o contrary_n be_v there_o very_o obvious_a in_o the_o proceed_n of_o it_o for_o in_o the_o 4._o session_n the_o decree_n be_v that_o scripture_n and_o tradition_n shall_v be_v embrace_v with_o equal_a piety_n and_o reverence_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n be_v contain_v partly_o in_o scripture_n partly_o in_o tradition_n but_o what_o art_n must_v mr._n s._n use_v to_o infer_v from_o hence_o that_o oral_a tradition_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o scripture_n be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n i_o can_v but_o say_v that_o the_o roll_a man_n of_o that_o council_n be_v man_n wise_a enough_o in_o their_o generation_n and_o they_o be_v too_o wise_a whole_o to_o exclude_v scripture_n but_o because_o they_o know_v that_o of_o itself_o can_v not_o serve_v their_o purpose_n they_o therefore_o help_v it_o out_o with_o tradition_n and_o make_v both_o together_o the_o complete_a rule_n of_o faith_n where_o i_o pray_v in_o all_o the_o proceed_n of_o that_o council_n do_v mr._n s._n find_v they_o desine_fw-la any_o thing_n on_o the_o account_n of_o oral_a tradition_n instead_o of_o which_o we_o find_v continual_a bandying_n about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o father_n which_o may_v have_v be_v all_o spare_v if_o they_o have_v be_v so_o wise_a as_o to_o consider_v they_o can_v not_o but_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o present_a church_n nor_o that_o of_o the_o precedent_n and_o so_o up_o to_o the_o time_n of_o christ._n but_o they_o be_v either_o so_o ignorant_a as_o not_o to_o light_v on_o this_o happy_a invention_n or_o so_o wise_a and_o know_v as_o to_o despise_v it_o it_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o have_v their_o doctrine_n look_v on_o as_o novelty_n therefore_o they_o speak_v much_o of_o tradition_n and_o the_o ancient_a faith_n but_o that_o be_v not_o by_o what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o but_o what_o the_o father_n of_o the_o church_n deliver_v in_o their_o write_n for_o by_o these_o they_o judge_v of_o tradition_n and_o not_o the_o oral_a way_n and_o therefore_o i_o see_v little_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v either_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n or_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o any_o number_n of_o roman_a catholic_n much_o less_o of_o the_o whole_a church_n none_o except_v as_o mr._n s._n in_o his_o 212._o confident_a way_n express_v it_o and_o if_o he_o will_v as_o he_o say_v disavow_v the_o maintain_v any_o point_n or_o affect_v any_o way_n which_o be_v not_o assent_v to_o by_o all_o i_o hope_v to_o see_v mr._n s._n retract_v this_o opinion_n and_o either_o fall_n in_o with_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n or_o return_v as_o reason_n lead_v he_o into_o the_o bosom_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o there_o seem_v to_o be_v somewhat_o more_o in_o what_o follow_v viz._n that_o though_o schoolman_n question_v the_o personal_a infallibility_n of_o the_o pope_n or_o of_o the_o roman_a clergy_n nay_o of_o a_o general_n council_n yet_o all_o affirm_v the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a and_o this_o he_o faith_n be_v hold_v by_o all_o hold_v firm_o and_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a to_o this_o therefore_o i_o answer_v either_o mr._n s._n mean_n that_o none_o do_v affirm_v that_o the_o universal_a tradition_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v or_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v the_o church_n essential_a can_v err_v in_o her_o tradition_n but_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o take_v it_o i_o shall_v easy_o show_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o prove_v that_o he_o design_v it_o for_o for_o if_o he_o take_v it_o in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n that_o all_o the_o faithful_a in_o all_o age_n can_v not_o concur_v in_o a_o error_n than_o he_o may_v as_o well_o prove_v protestant_n of_o his_o mind_n as_o papist_n for_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o particular_a book_n of_o scripture_n if_o this_o therefore_o prove_v any_o thing_n it_o prove_v more_o than_o he_o intend_v viz._n that_o while_o we_o thus_o oppose_v each_o other_o we_o do_v perfect_o agree_v together_o and_o true_o so_o we_o do_v as_o much_o as_o they_o do_v among_o themselves_o but_o if_o mr._n s_n meaning_n be_v that_o all_o of_o their_o religion_n own_o the_o roman_a church_n to_o be_v the_o church_n essential_a and_o on_o that_o account_n that_o it_o can_v err_v set_v aside_o the_o absurdity_n of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o i_o say_v from_o hence_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o they_o make_v orâ—l_a tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o ground_n why_o they_o say_v theiâ—_n church_n can_v err_v be_v not_o on_o mr._n s_n principle_n but_o on_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n which_o preserve_v that_o church_n from_o error_n so_o that_o this_o fallâ—_n far_o short_a of_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v all_o agree_v in_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o far_o from_o probability_n that_o he_o may_v by_o the_o same_o argument_n prove_v that_o scripture_n be_v own_v by_o they_o all_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n for_o i_o hope_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o all_o and_o hold_v firm_o that_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o god_n in_o scripture_n as_o deliver_v to_o we_o be_v infallible_a and_o if_o so_o then_o there_o be_v as_o much_o ground_n for_o this_o as_o the_o other_o but_o if_o we_o inquire_v what_o it_o be_v man_n make_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v know_v not_o only_o that_o they_o believe_v tradition_n infallible_a but_o on_o what_o account_n they_o do_v so_o for_o if_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a bare_o on_o the_o account_n of_o a_o promise_n of_o infallibility_n to_o the_o present_a church_n than_o the_o resolution_n of_o say_v be_v not_o into_o the_o tradition_n but_o into_o that_o infallible_a assistance_n and_o consequent_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o what_o bare_a tradition_n deliver_v but_o what_o that_o church_n which_o can_v err_v in_o judge_a tradition_n do_v propose_v to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o therefore_o their_o be_v agree_v in_o general_n that_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a do_v make_v they_o agree_v in_o the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o they_o must_v agree_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o that_o infallibility_n viz._n that_o it_o depend_v on_o this_o that_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o but_o all_o person_n who_o understand_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n know_v very_o well_o that_o the_o general_a reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v believe_v infallible_a be_v