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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sense_n believe_v scripture_n word_n 5,887 5 4.8689 4 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A71073 A second discourse in vindication of the Protestant grounds of faith, against the pretence of infallibility in the Roman Church in answer to The guide in controversies by R.H., Protestancy without principles, and Reason and religion, or, The certain rule of faith by E.W. : with a particular enquiry into the miracles of the Roman Church / by Edward Stillingfleet ... Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. 1673 (1673) Wing S5634; ESTC R12158 205,095 420

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revelation_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o that_o faith_n by_o th●_n church_n infallibility_n why_o will_v not_o the_o sam●_n reason_n hold_v for_o the_o last_o act_n which_o must_v hau●_n as_o good_a a_o foundation_n as_o the_o other_o or_o els●_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a faith_n as_o well_o as_o ●he_v other_o but_o the_o subtlety_n of_o all_o this_o be_v ●ou_fw-mi have_v it_o seem_v by_o your_o office_n of_o guide●he_n ●he_z open_v of_o the_o gate_n and_o you_o hold_v it_o ●pen_v so_o long_o as_o to_o let_v through_o all_o your_o friend_n ●or_a infallibility_n and_o tradition_n must_v by_o any_o mean_n be_v let_v through_o and_o when_o these_o be_v ●assed_v down_o fall_v the_o gate_n in_o so_o rude_a a_o man●er_n as_o be_v enough_o to_o cripple_v any_o other_o that_o endeavour_v to_o get_v passage_n can_v any_o man_n possible_o assign_v a_o reason_n why_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n shall_v not_o have_v as_o great_a force_n before_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v let_v in_o but_o this_o it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o guide_n in_o controversy_n ●o_o direct_a infallibility_n tradition_n and_o the_o ho●y_a ghost_n to_o know_v their_o distance_n and_o to_o keep_v ●heir_o due_a place_n and_o it_o be_v a_o great_a favour_n ●hat_n the_o holy_a spirit_n be_v allow_v to_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n and_o to_o make_v all_o sure_a but_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o offer_v to_o go_v before_o infallibility_n or_o tradition_n for_o these_o be_v capable_a of_o do_v better_a service_n afterward_o than_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v ever_o like_a to_o do_v they_o the_o great_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o make_v good_a a_o pass_n that_o nothing_o follow_v to_o disturb_v the_o march_n of_o infallibility_n and_o tradition_n but_o if_o i_o may_v be_v so_o bold_a once_o more_o to_o presume_v to_o ask_v this_o wonderful_a guide_n when_o the_o dispute_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n why_o he_o do_v believe_v such_o a_o particular_a sense_n which_o do_v 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give_v a_o admirable_a reason_n for_o it_o which_o be_v that_o this_o intrinsical_o follow_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n as_o it_o be_v altogether_o infallible_a and_o can_v oblige_v to_o believe_v those_o thing_n which_o god_n speak_v as_o infallible_a for_o in_o speak_v any_o thing_n he_o thereby_o declare_v his_o own_o veracity_n in_o what_o he_o affirm_v for_o by_o this_o mean_n h●_n induce_v man_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o consequent_o his_o own_o veracity_n a_o man_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v the_o testimony_n infallible_a and_o therefore_o from_o the_o intrinsical_a nature_n of_o such_o a_o act_n o●_n faith_n and_o such_o a_o object_n it_o follow_v that_o th●_n same_o testimony_n which_o suffice_v for_o the_o beli●●_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v will_v likewise_o suffice_v t●_n believe_v god_n infallible_a veracity_n in_o reveal_v this_o reason_n i_o grant_v be_v very_o well_o accommodate_v to_o the_o mysteriousness_n of_o faith_n but_o i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o it_o will_v satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o shall_v doubt_v of_o god_n veracity_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v the_o more_o consider_v since_o in_o the_o forego_n section_n he_o name_v some_o of_o their_o own_o writer_n who_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o intrinsical_a evil_a in_o a_o falsity_n and_o therefore_o god_n may_v be_v he_o please_v reveal_v one_o so_o as_o to_o oblige_v mank_v to_o believe_v it_o i_o will_v willing_o know_v then_o how_o the_o obligation_n on_o our_o part_n to_o believe_v what_o god_n say_v can_v satisfy_v any_o man_n of_o the_o infallible_a veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n for_o all_o that_o there_o be_v in_o this_o reason_n be_v that_o god_n can_v oblige_v man_n to_o believe_v a_o falsity_n which_o it_o seem_v some_o of_o their_o own_o schoolman_n will_v not_o yield_v to_o but_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o god_n have_v declare_v he_o never_o will_v do_v it_o no_o suarez_n himself_o 9_o plain_o refute_v that_o by_o say_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a that_o god_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o his_o absolute_a power_n in_o those_o declaration_n and_o if_o he_o can_v tell_v a_o lie_n he_o may_v not_o perform_v his_o own_o promise_n and_o therefore_o god_n ordinary_a power_n can_v serve_v the_o turn_n since_o by_o his_o absolute_a power_n he_o can_v act_v against_o it_o cardinal_n lugo_n although_o he_o see_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o reject_v the_o former_a opinion_n of_o suarez_n yet_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o assent_n to_o god_n veracity_n must_v be_v supernatural_a and_o elicit_v ib._n from_o the_o habit_n of_o infuse_a faith_n which_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o understand_v since_o they_o all_o make_v this_o supernatural_a infuse_a faith_n to_o be_v a_o obscure_a inevident_a assent_n and_o himself_o grant_v this_o to_o be_v a_o evident_a assent_n from_o natural_a reason_n but_o how_o the_o same_o assent_n shall_v be_v evident_a 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this_o ground_n that_o she_o declare_v the_o scripture_n genuine_a sense_n which_o prove_v she_o a_o infallible_a oracle_n no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o nay_o that_o be_v a_o little_a strange_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n upon_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o scripture_n who_o sense_n can_v not_o be_v insallible_o know_v without_o the_o supposal_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o they_o but_o how_o come_v there_o to_o be_v no_o difficulty_n at_o all_o in_o this_o matter_n because_o this_o very_a exposition_n or_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n bring_v to_o its_o last_o principle_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o and_o therefore_o again_o believe_v upon_o the_o same_o infallible_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o rather_o upon_o scripture_n and_o the_o church_n interpretation_n together_o what_o a_o strange_a thing_n the_o difference_n of_o man_n understanding_n be_v that_o which_o
miracle_n to_o convert_v they_o b●●_n withal_o say_v that_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n 〈◊〉_d not_o so_o necessary_a now_o as_o in_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o in_o this_o ordinary_o bestow_v this_o gift_n on_o man_n although_o he_o m●●_n do_v it_o in_o some_o extraordinary_a case_n wh●●_n shall_v we_o say_v now_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o thi●_n learned_a bishop_n have_v he_o never_o hear_v 〈◊〉_d st._n james_n of_o compostella_n and_o the_o miracle_n pretend_v to_o be_v wrought_v there_o and_o can_v 〈◊〉_d believe_v they_o and_o write_v these_o thing_n ha●_n he_o never_o hear_v of_o st._n vincentius_n ferreri●●_n who_o live_v in_o some_o part_n of_o the_o same_o time_n wit●_n he_o and_o if_o he_o have_v believe_v the_o miracle_n report_v of_o he_o he_o will_v neither_o have_v p●●_n the_o question_n nor_o answer_v it_o so_o as_o he_o di●_n after_o he_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o testimony_n 〈◊〉_d fisher_n bishop_n of_o rochester_n in_o his_o answer_n t●_n luther_n who_o to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o interpret_n 4._o scripture_n by_o the_o continue_a sense_n 〈◊〉_d the_o church_n and_o not_o by_o the_o bare_a letter_n offe●_n to_o produce_v such_o word_n of_o christ_n in_o which_o besides_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o the_o command_n there_o be_v a_o promise_n annex_v and_o yet_o say_v he_o in_o our_o day_n no_o effect_n of_o this_o promise_n i●_n see_v and_o then_o bring_v the_o word_n of_o scriptu●●_n wherein_o it_o be_v say_v that_o christ_n cure_v t●●_n blind_a and_o the_o lame_a and_o cast_v out_o devil_n and_o he_o command_v his_o disciple_n to_o do_v 〈◊〉_d same_o and_o make_v a_o promise_n to_o they_o that_o ●hould_v believe_v in_o christ._n mark_n 16._o that_o many_o sign_n shall_v follow_v they_o and_o yet_o this_o promise_n say_v he_o have_v no_o effect_n now_o for_o no_o man_n ●ow_o cast_v out_o devil_n nor_o heal_v disease_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o question_n but_o there_o be_v many_o that_o believe_v but_o what_o then_o be_v the_o promise_n of_o christ_n of_o no_o effect_n no_o say_v he_o christ_n intend_v it_o only_o for_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n but_o when_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v disperse_v over_o the_o world_n there_o be_v no_o long_a need_n of_o miracle_n can_v any_o testimony_n be_v more_o plain_a or_o weighty_a in_o our_o case_n than_o this_o it_o be_v from_o one_o who_o undoubted_o know_v all_o the_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n that_o be_v then_o make_v erasmus_n express_o say_v that_o the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n 13._o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n as_o speak_v with_o strange_a tongue_n miraculous_a cure_n prophesy_v and_o such_o like_a miracle_n be_v be_v now_o cease_v stella_fw-la not_o only_o say_v that_o 29._o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n be_v cease_v but_o he_o say_v that_o the_o receive_v it_o will_v do_v more_o hurt_n than_o good_a for_o man_n will_v say_v that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v not_o sufficient_o confirm_v before_o of_o all_o case_n we_o may_v most_o reasonable_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v if_o ever_o renew_v this_o gift_n in_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n and_o yet_o franciscus_n à_fw-fr victoria_n say_v that_o he_o hear_v of_o no_o 200._o miracle_n or_o sign_n that_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o the_o indian_n josephus_n acost●_n 10._o at_o large_a debate_n this_o case_n why_o god_n do_v n●●_n now_o give_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n among_o those_o who_o preach_v to_o infidel_n as_o he_o do_v of_o old_a an●_n he_o offer_v at_o several_a reason_n for_o it_o of_o which_o this_o be_v the_o chief_a that_o miracle_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o begin_n of_o christian_a religion_n but_o not_o now_o and_o if_o the_o church_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n where_o it_o be_v the_o most_o necessary_a what_o reasonable_a ground_n can_v there_o be_v to_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v employ_v his_o power_n not_o for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o infidel_n but_o of_o the_o credulous_a and_o superstitious_a as_o god_n never_o work_v miracle_n to_o convince_v obstinate_a atheist_n so_o neither_o do_v he_o to_o gratify_v the_o curiosity_n of_o old_a woman_n and_o pilgrim_n but_o if_o ever_o he_o do●●_n it_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v a_o sufficient_a foundation_n for_o those_o to_o believe_v who_o be_v otherwise_o destitute_a of_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o such_o person_n who_o be_v employ_v upon_o the_o work_n of_o convert_v infidel_n do_v want_v the_o testimony_n of_o miracle_n i_o know_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o imploy●●_n it_o for_o other_o end_n and_o if_o these_o person_n have_v believe_v that_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n have_v be_v any_o where_o else_o in_o the_o church_n they_o will_v have_v make_v that_o considerable_a objection_n to_o themselves_o why_o god_n shall_v give_v it_o where_o there_o be_v less_o need_n and_o deny_v it_o where_o there_o be_v great_a but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o the_o miracle_n pretend_v to_o be_v wrought_v by_o xaverius_n and_o other_o in_o the_o east-indies_n i_o say_v that_o if_o they_o be_v sufficient_o attest_v we_o may_v be_v much_o more_o incline_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n than_o of_o the_o lady_n of_o loretto_n or_o st._n james_n of_o compostella_n or_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n which_o e._n w._n refer_v we_o to_o for_o if_o it_o be_v at_o any_o time_n reasonable_a to_o expect_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n it_o will_v be_v for_o the_o conversion_n of_o infidel_n and_o xaverius_n and_o his_o companion_n go_v upon_o so_o generous_a a_o design_n may_v be_v favour_v in_o it_o by_o some_o extraordinary_a effect_n of_o divine_a power_n but_o then_o in_o all_o reason_n the_o miracle_n will_v be_v such_o as_o be_v most_o accommodate_v to_o that_o design_n as_o the_o speak_n with_o the_o tongue_n in_o which_o they_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o by_o the_o letter_n of_o xaverius_n himself_o we_o find_v that_o he_o be_v extreme_o put_v to_o it_o for_o want_v of_o this_o gift_n of_o tongue_n both_o on_o the_o coast_n of_o commorin_n and_o especial_o in_o japan_n for_o in_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n he_o lament_v his_o condition_n very_o much_o because_o 30._o the_o people_n be_v willing_a to_o learn_v and_o he_o as_o willing_a to_o instruct_v they_o for_o want_v of_o the_o language_n they_o converse_v with_o each_o other_o like_o statue_n and_o when_o they_o ask_v he_o question_n he_o can_v give_v they_o no_o answer_n but_o by_o degree_n he_o say_v he_o learn_v to_o prattle_v like_o a_o child_n among_o they_o can_v any_o one_o now_o imagine_v that_o god_n have_v bestow_v the_o gift_n of_o miracle_n upon_o xaverius_n for_o propagate_a christianity_n and_o yet_o shall_v deny_v he_o that_o without_o which_o all_o other_o miracle_n will_v be_v to_o no_o purpose_n if_o he_o can_v not_o deliver_v the_o doctrine_n those_o miracle_n be_v to_o confirm_v so_o as_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o the_o people_n but_o in_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o xaverius_n himself_o in_o any_o of_o his_o epistle_n do_v make_v any_o pretence_n to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n after_o his_o death_n indeed_o the_o jesuit_n in_o those_o part_n to_o increase_v the_o glory_n of_o their_o society_n and_o their_o brethren_n in_o these_o part_n as_o ready_o concur_v to_o such_o a_o design_n publish_v some_o miracle_n which_o they_o say_v be_v wrought_v by_o he_o so_o melchior_n nunezius_fw-la in_o his_o epistle_n to_o ignatius_n loyola_n where_o he_o give_v a_o account_n of_o 91._o the_o death_n of_o francis_n xaverius_n say_v that_o many_o thing_n be_v discover_v since_o his_o death_n that_o be_v not_o know_v while_o he_o be_v alive_a and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a probable_a circumstance_n that_o he_o have_v a_o power_n of_o miracle_n will_v the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n have_v convert_v infidel_n if_o they_o have_v not_o be_v know_v while_o they_o be_v live_v and_o yet_o these_o miracle_n he_o report_n be_v very_o few_o and_o deliver_v on_o the_o single_a testimony_n of_o no_o very_a considerable_a man_n the_o rest_n he_o faith_n for_o brevity_n sake_n he_o omit_v which_o be_v not_o very_o probable_a consider_v how_o long_o he_o insist_o upon_o the_o story_n of_o the_o miraculous_a incorruption_n of_o his_o body_n after_o his_o decease_n which_o bellarmin_n likewise_o magnify_v viz._n that_o his_o body_n be_v 14._o cast_v into_o lime_n be_v preserve_v fifteen_o month_n entire_a and_o free_a from_o corruption_n what_o will_v not_o these_o man_n make_v miracle_n of_o when_o they_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o it_o when_o maffeius_n say_v 8._o that_o the_o relic_n of_o st._n thomas_n at_o
fall_v into_o another_o but_o since_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v this_o guide_n in_o controversy_n to_o be_v infallible_a any_o more_o than_o the_o pope_n himself_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v have_v leave_n to_o ask_v he_o some_o few_o question_n do_v he_o in_o earnest_n believe_v that_o our_o assurance_n of_o god_n veracity_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o revelation_n do_v flow_v from_o the_o immediate_a illumination_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v then_o 1._o why_o he_o trouble●_n himself_o about_o any_o other_o resolution_n of_o faith_n for_o by_o this_o way_n he_o resolve_v faith_n in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o it_o if_o you_o ask_v the_o first_o ●_z why_o you_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o god_n reveal_v the_o answer_n be_v ready_a the_o holy_a ghost_n illuminate_v my_o mind_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o this_o if_o you_o again_o ask_v why_o you_o believe_v these_o particular_a article_n to_o be_v god_n revelation_n the_o answer_n be_v already_o give_v the_o same_o holy_a ghost_n illuminate_v my_o mind_n in_o that_o too_o what_o need_v church-infallibility_a apostolical_a tradition_n motive_n of_o credibility_n or_o any_o other_o way_n the_o work_n be_v complete_o and_o effectual_o do_v without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o of_o they_o 2._o be_v not_o this_o to_o tell_v unbeliever_n that_o we_o can_v give_v they_o no_o satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o divine_a faith_n it_o be_v true_a he_o grant_v something_o may_v be_v say_v for_o a_o dull_a kind_n of_o humane_a and_o acquisite_a faith_n which_o other_o be_v capable_a of_o understanding_n but_o for_o divine_a faith_n that_o depend_v upon_o such_o secret_a and_o private_a illumination_n which_o no_o person_n can_v at_o all_o judge_n of_o but_o he_o that_o have_v they_o nor_o he_o very_o well_o unless_o another_o revelation_n assure_v he_o that_o these_o be_v the_o illumination_n of_o god_n spirit_n and_o not_o the_o deception_n of_o his_o own_o especial_o since_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o no_o man_n can_v attain_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o grace_n without_o a_o particular_a revelation_n from_o god_n see_v then_o what_o a_o wilderness_n this_o guide_n have_v lead_v we_o into_o we_o ●re_n to_o believe_v that_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v ●s_a true_a and_o that_o he_o have_v reveal_v these_o thing_n ●rom_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n ●ut_v we_o can_v certain_o know_v that_o we_o have_v ●uch_o a_o illumination_n without_o another_o revelation_n to_o discover_v that_o and_o so_o we_o must_v run_v ●n_v without_o end_n or_o turn_v back_o again_o the_o same_o way_n we_o go_v to_o believe_v illumination_n by_o revelation_n and_o revelation_n by_o illumination_n 3._o how_o he_o can_v possible_o give_v himself_o any_o good_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n in_o this_o manner_n for_o since_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o faith_n ●s_v the_o veracity_n of_o god_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o god_n veracity_n be_v here_o attribute_v to_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o may_v see_v how_o excellent_a a_o guide_n this_o be_v that_o thus_o stumble_v in_o a_o plain_a way_n or_o must_v of_o necessity_n go_v forward_o and_o backward_o for_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o satisfy_v i_o according_a to_o this_o resolution_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o question_n why_o he_o do_v believe_v whatsoever_o god_n say_v be_v true_a his_o answer_n be_v because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n by_o his_o inward_a illumination_n assure_v i_o so_o but_o than_o i_o ask_v again_o why_o he_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n enlighten_v he_o his_o answer_n must_v be_v if_o he_o speak_v at_o all_o to_o the_o purpose_n because_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v god_n and_o can_v speak_v any_o thing_n but_o truth_n so_o that_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v prove_v by_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n and_o the_o spirit_n illumination_n by_o go●_n veracity_n but_o there_o be_v yet_o another_o principle_n which_o faith_n stand_v upon_o which_o be_v that_o go●_n have_v reveal_v the_o thing_n we_o believe_v he●_n again_o i_o ask_v why_o he_o believe_v these_o article_n a●_n god_n revelation_n his_o answer_n be_v the_o hol●_n ghost_n by_o enlighten_v my_o mind_n have_v assure_v i_o of_o it_o but_o then_o i_o ask_v how_o he_o be_v su●_n with_o a_o divine_a faith_n which_o in_o this_o case_n be_v necessary_a that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o tha●_n this_o be_v the_o illumination_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost●_n here_o he_o must_v return_v again_o to_o divine_a revelation_n wherein_o the_o promise_n of_o the_o holy_a ghos●_n be_v make_v judge_v now_o reader_n whether_o thi●_n be_v not_o a_o admirable_a guide_n in_o controversy_n and_o whether_o he_o have_v not_o give_v a_o very_a satisfactory_a account_n of_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n §_o 8._o beside_o that_o this_o way_n be_v thus_o unsatisfactory_a principle_n in_o itself_o i_o have_v this_o further_a charge_n against_o it_o that_o other_o way_n be_v liable_a only_o to_o the_o single_a absurdity_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a opinion_n but_o this_o blind_a guide_n hope_v to_o clea●_n himself_o of_o one_o great_a absurdity_n have_v not_o only_o run_v into_o it_o the_o very_a way_n he_o seek_v to_o escape_v it_o but_o into_o many_o more_o beside_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n absurd_a in_o the_o calvinist_n resolution_n of_o faith_n he_o have_v take_v in_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n absurd_a in_o resolve_v faith_n by_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n he_o be_v liable_a to_o ●hat_n too_o because_o though_o he_o do_v not_o think_v ●t_a necessary_a he_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v good_a and_o last_o of_o all_o that_o which_o he_o look_v upon_o as_o the_o advantage_n of_o their_o faith_n above_o we_o plunge_v he_o unavoidable_o in_o as_o bad_a a_o circle_n as_o may_v ●e_v and_o that_o be_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n 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to_o believe_v but_o which_o be_v more_o pleasant_a he_o yet_o add_v it_o be_v true_a the_o more_o evident_a 11._o these_o motive_n appear_v the_o better_a they_o induce_v to_o believe_v yet_o for_o that_o reason_n have_v less_o to_o do_v with_o the_o very_a act_n of_o faith_n which_o as_o he_o say_v rest_v upon_o and_o lay_v claim_v to_o no_o low_a a_o verity_n than_o the_o most_o pure_a and_o supreme_a only_o and_o if_o it_o rest_v not_o here_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o this_o he_o assert_n that_o the_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n apparent_a in_o 7._o those_o manifest_a sign_n and_o mark_n which_o illustrate_v true_a christianity_n be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o induce_v the_o most_o obdurate_a heart_n in_o the_o world_n to_o believe_v with_o such_o a_o assent_n as_o suit_n god_n great_a majesty_n i._n e._n with_o a_o faith_n most_o firm_a and_o infallible_a here_o we_o have_v motive_n such_o motive_n as_o give_v evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n 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do_v not_o believe_v on_o the_o infallibility_n of_o your_o church_n their_o faith_n be_v but_o a_o kind_n of_o guild_a and_o splendid_a infidelity_n and_o none_o of_o they_o christian_n because_o not_o jesuit_n and_o do_v not_o this_o principle_n then_o fair_o advance_v christianity_n in_o the_o world_n when_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o come_v to_o be_v settle_v on_o foundation_n never_o hear_v of_o in_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a time_n of_o it_o nay_o such_o foundation_n as_o for_o want_v of_o their_o believe_v they_o their_o faith_n must_v be_v all_o in_o vain_a and_o christ_n die_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o and_o what_o now_o say_v e._n w._n to_o all_o this_o first_o he_o say_v i_o do_v not_o bring_v instance_n enough_o second_o that_o i_o bring_v too_o many_o 1._o that_o i_o do_v not_o bring_v enough_o for_o he_o much_o wonder_n i_o omit_v to_o touch_v upon_o a_o instance_n 6._o far_o more_o difficult_a than_o any_o of_o these_o concern_v rude_a and_o illiterate_a person_n which_o 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can_v be_v from_o those_o motive_n but_o from_o those_o promise_n which_o be_v suppose_v in_o scripture_n to_o imply_v it_o so_o that_o still_o the_o circle_n return_v for_o they_o believe_v the_o scripture_n infallible_a because_o of_o the_o church_n testimony_n and_o the_o church_n infallible_a because_o of_o the_o promis●_n of_o scripture_n this_o he_o grave_o call_v a●_n 11._o unlearned_a objection_n that_o be_v even_o as_o i●_n please_v he_o but_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v he_o for_o a_o infallible_a judge_n of_o learning_n how_o ever_o it_o be_v no_o great_a matter_n learned_a o●_n unlearned_a it_o be_v more_o than_o he_o give_v any_o tolerable_a answer_n to_o but_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o call_v it_o so_o unless_o it_o be_v because_o he_o say_v it_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o objection_n repeat_v again_o and_o he_o think_v a_o man_n may_v be_v allow_v to_o call_v his_o creditor_n rogu●_n or_o rascal_n that_o come_v a_o second_o time_n because_o he_o can_v get_v no_o good_a answer_n at_o first_o however_o such_o be_v the_o civility_n of_o e._n w._n that_o he_o will_v not_o send_v it_o away_o without_o a_o sufficient_a answer_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o we_o have_v nothing_o for_o payment_n but_o the_o first_o general_a act_n of_o faith_n one_o will_v have_v think_v it_o have_v be_v the_o act_n of_o public_a faith_n by_o the_o badness_n of_o the_o payment_n and_o this_o first_o general_a act_n of_o faith_n he_o say_v w●olly_n rely_v upon_o the_o church_n own_o infallible_a testimony_n without_o depend_v on_o scripture_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o divine_a faith_n we_o inquire_v after_o and_o which_o he_o say_v must_v rest_v upon_o a_o infallible_a authority_n for_o since_o faith_n must_v rest_v upon_o its_o motive_n and_o those_o motive_n be_v confess_v to_o be_v fallible_a this_o can_v be_v that_o assent_n of_o faith_n which_o himself_o make_v to_o be_v necessary_a and_o we_o have_v make_v appear_v notwithstanding_o all_o his_o shusfle_n unavoidable_o bring_v they_o into_o a_o circle_n chap._n iii_o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n §_o 1._o the_o next_o thing_n which_o i_o object_v church_n against_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v that_o it_o be_v notorious_o false_a viz._n that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o motive_n of_o credibility_n for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n that_o there_o be_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n or_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n the_o natural_a consequence_n i_o say_v of_o affirm_v 12._o this_o be_v that_o there_o be_v as_o great_a danger_n in_o not_o believe_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n insallible_a as_o in_o not_o believe_v moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n to_o have_v be_v send_v from_o god_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o equal_a obligation_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o equal_a sin_n in_o not_o believe_v and_o where_o the_o sin_n be_v equal_a it_o stand_v to_o reason_n that_o the_o punishment_n shall_v be_v so_o too_o so_o that_o the_o denial_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n infallibility_n must_v be_v account_v by_o they_o as_o high_a a_o piece_n of_o infidelity_n as_o call_v in_o question_n the_o infallibility_n of_o christ_n himself_o or_o deny_v the_o scripture_n this_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o startle_v e._n w._n for_o he_o bold_o assert_n that_o there_o be_v equal_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o to_o their_o church_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n he_o frequent_o challenge_v i_o to_o show_v the_o disparity_n nay_o he_o put_v the_o whole_a issue_n of_o his_o cause_n upon_o it_o as_o may_v be_v see_v by_o these_o word_n of_o he_o the_o main_a argument_n of_o t._n c._n 2._o he_o say_v be_v this_o as_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n prove_v themselves_o oracle_n send_v from_o god_n by_o their_o work_n sign_n and_o miracle_n again_o as_o the_o primitive_a christian_n induce_v by_o such_o sign_n believe_v christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o own_o testimony_n to_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n so_o we_o have_v ever_o have_v the_o very_a like_o work_n sign_n and_o miracle_n manifest_a in_o the_o church_n be_v prudent_o induce_v to_o believe_v she_o as_o a_o infallible_a oracle_n upon_o her_o own_o infallible_a testimony_n to_o solve_v this_o plain_a and_o press_a argument_n say_v e._n w._n one_o of_o these_o two_o thing_n must_v be_v do_v either_o a_o disparity_n be_v to_o be_v give_v between_o those_o first_o sign_n and_o miracle_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o the_o late_a of_o the_o church_n or_o it_o must_v be_v show_v wherein_o the_o inference_n make_v be_v defective_a or_o unconclude_a viz._n that_o the_o church_n evidence_v by_o her_o sign_n be_v not_o prove_v god_n infallible_a oracle_n as_o the_o apostle_n be_v prove_v by_o their_o sign_n to_o be_v infallible_a teacher_n afterwards_o he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o 4._o church_n have_v wrought_v miracle_n every_o way_n equal_a with_o those_o which_o the_o apostle_n wrought_v in_o those_o chapter_n to_o which_o he_o refer_v we_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o find_v this_o assertion_n in_o the_o beginning_n i_o say_v first_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a miracle_n of_o the_o like_a quality_n with_o those_o 1._o which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v have_v be_v ever_o since_o most_o glorious_o manifest_v in_o the_o roman-catholick_n church_n and_o in_o no_o other_o society_n of_o christian_n afterward_o he_o call_v their_o miracle_n glorious_a miracle_n stand_v upon_o inslubitable_a record_n and_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o these_o miracle_n he_o appeal_v to_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o certain_a church-history_n beside_o 4._o the_o testimony_n of_o some_o father_n of_o miracle_n do_v in_o their_o time_n not_o at_o all_o to_o his_o purpose_n as_o shall_v afterward_o appear_v he_o appeal_v to_o the_o
imprimatur_fw-la sam._n parker_n r._n in_o christo_fw-la patri_fw-la ac_fw-la d_o no._n d_o no._n gilberto_n arch._n episc._n cantuar._n à_fw-la sac_fw-la dom._n april_n 15._o 1673._o a_o second_o discourse_n in_o vindication_n of_o the_o protestant_a ground_n of_o faith_n against_o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o answer_n to_o the_o guide_n in_o controversy_n by_o r._n h_n protestancy_n without_o principle_n and_o reason_n and_o religion_n or_o the_o certain_a rule_n of_o faith_n by_o e._n w._n with_o a_o particular_a enquiry_n into_o the_o miracle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n by_o edward_n stillingfleet_n d._n d._n chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v by_o r._n w._n for_o h._n martlock_n at_o the_o sign_n of_o the_o phoenix_n in_o st._n paul_n churchyard_n and_o at_o the_o white_a hart_n in_o westminster_n hall_n 1673._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a anthony_n earl_n of_o shaftsbury_n lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v think_v unseasonable_a to_o make_v a_o address_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o your_o lordship_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o term_n since_o the_o great_a cause_n at_o present_a in_o your_o court_n as_o one_o of_o late_a pleasant_o say_v be_v thaet_fw-la between_o the_o king_n and_o the_o pope_n between_o our_o church_n and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n and_o while_o so_o many_o witness_n be_v daily_o swear_v of_o the_o king_n and_o the_o church_n side_n it_o may_v not_o be_v improper_a to_o lay_v open_a to_o your_o lordship_n the_o nature_n and_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n a_o cause_n my_o lord_n which_o be_v at_o first_o set_v on_o foot_n by_o ambition_n carry_v on_o by_o faction_n and_o must_v therefore_o be_v maintain_v by_o the_o like_a mean_n but_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o prevail_v among_o we_o again_o till_o subjection_n to_o a_o foreign_a power_n can_v be_v think_v our_o interest_n and_o to_o part_v at_o once_o with_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v esteem_v our_o honour_n it_o be_v a_o cause_n much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o some_o other_o depend_v before_o your_o lordship_n more_o vexatious_a than_o difficult_a and_o manage_v by_o such_o advocate_n who_o be_v retain_v in_o the_o cause_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o say_v for_o it_o yet_o be_v ashamed_a to_o be_v silent_a who_o be_v always_o dispute_v about_o a_o end_n of_o controversy_n but_o at_o the_o same_o time_n do_v their_o utmost_a to_o increase_v and_o perpetuate_v they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o foment_n our_o difference_n that_o they_o may_v make_v use_n of_o they_o to_o their_o own_o advantage_n while_o we_o have_v such_o restless_a adversary_n to_o deal_v with_o part_n of_o our_o danger_n lie_v in_o be_v too_o secure_a of_o the_o goodness_n of_o our_o cause_n and_o methinks_v there_o can_v be_v little_a satisfaction_n in_o lie_v still_o or_o quarrel_v with_o each_o other_o when_o we_o know_v our_o common_a enemy_n to_o be_v at_o work_n undermine_v of_o we_o but_o whatever_o repose_v other_o enjoy_v my_o adversary_n seem_v to_o deal_v with_o i_o as_o some_o do_v with_o those_o who_o they_o suspect_v of_o witchcraft_n they_o think_v by_o pinch_v i_o so_o often_o and_o keep_v i_o from_o take_v rest_n to_o make_v i_o say_v at_o last_o as_o they_o will_v have_v i_o but_o the_o comfort_n be_v as_o long_o as_o i_o be_o secure_a of_o my_o sense_n i_o be_o of_o my_o religion_n against_o they_o if_o i_o once_o lose_v they_o or_o my_o understanding_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o it_o may_v be_v my_o fortune_n to_o be_v carry_v to_o rome_n or_o some_o more_o convenient_a place_n and_o in_o my_o opinion_n they_o deal_v with_o those_o under_o their_o care_n as_o if_o they_o believe_v they_o not_o to_o be_v in_o their_o right_a sense_n for_o they_o keep_v they_o always_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o think_v nothing_o more_o dangerous_a than_o to_o let_v in_o light_n upon_o they_o wherein_o i_o can_v deny_v but_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o their_o cause_n they_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a course_n to_o maintain_v it_o for_o it_o not_o be_v capable_a of_o endure_v a_o severe_a trial_n nothing_o can_v preserve_v its_o reputation_n but_o ignorance_n and_o credulity_n which_o be_v therefore_o in_o so_o great_a esteem_n among_o they_o that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o custom_n to_o canonize_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o person_n we_o may_v find_v those_o sacred_a name_n in_o their_o litany_n and_o address_n as_o solemn_a make_v to_o they_o as_o ever_o be_v to_o faith_n and_o virtue_n among_o the_o elder_n and_o wise_a roman_n i_o need_v not_o go_v far_o for_o a_o instance_n of_o their_o design_n to_o advance_v even_o in_o this_o inquisitive_a age_n the_o honour_n of_o these_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o their_o church_n for_o if_o your_o lordship_n shall_v be_v please_v to_o cast_v your_o eye_n on_o the_o follow_a discourse_n especial_o that_o part_n which_o concern_v the_o miracle_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n you_o will_v find_v fufficient_a evidence_n of_o it_o almost_o in_o every_o page_n when_o i_o first_o engage_v in_o this_o controversy_n i_o can_v hardly_o believe_v what_o i_o now_o see_v that_o they_o will_v ever_o have_v bring_v it_o to_o this_o issue_n with_o i_o viz._n that_o they_o will_v renounce_v all_o claim_n to_o infallibility_n if_o they_o do_v not_o produce_v as_o great_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o their_o church_n to_o attest_v it_o as_o ever_o be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n the_o boldness_n of_o which_o assertion_n and_o the_o pernicious_a influence_n of_o it_o upon_o christianity_n itself_o have_v make_v i_o take_v the_o more_o pain_n in_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o which_o i_o have_v do_v with_o so_o much_o care_n in_o consult_v their_o own_o approve_a author_n that_o i_o hope_v at_o last_o they_o will_v grow_v ashamed_a of_o that_o groundless_a calumny_n that_o i_o do_v not_o deal_v fair_o in_o the_o cite_n of_o they_o a_o calumny_n so_o void_a of_o proof_n that_o i_o can_v desire_v no_o better_a argument_n of_o a_o baffle_a cause_n than_o such_o impertinent_a clamour_n but_o if_o impudent_a say_n will_v serve_v their_o turn_n they_o need_v never_o fear_v what_o can_v be_v write_v against_o they_o do_v they_o indeed_o think_v i_o a_o man_n so_o void_a of_o common_a sense_n as_o to_o expose_v myself_o so_o easy_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o every_o one_o that_o will_v but_o take_v pain_n to_o compare_v my_o citation_n have_v i_o the_o book_n only_o in_o my_o own_o keep_n or_o be_v they_o so_o rare_a that_o they_o can_v get_v a_o sight_n of_o they_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o know_v they_o to_o be_v false_a quote_v but_o alas_o they_o be_v man_n of_o business_n and_o have_v not_o leisure_n to_o search_v out_o and_o compare_v book_n and_o therefore_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o say_v that_o without_o doubt_n they_o be_v all_o false_a their_o number_n certain_o be_v not_o so_o small_a nor_o their_o business_n so_o great_a but_o they_o may_v have_v spare_v some_o to_o have_v undertake_v this_o task_n particular_o if_o i_o have_v be_v faulty_a and_o in_o my_o mind_n it_o have_v be_v of_o some_o consequence_n to_o have_v free_v their_o church_n from_o those_o heavy_a imputation_n of_o fanaticism_n and_o destroy_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o good_a life_n from_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o author_n but_o if_o these_o can_v not_o move_v they_o i_o desire_v they_o not_o to_o spare_v i_o in_o this_o present_a subject_n of_o miracle_n wherein_o i_o profess_v to_o rely_v on_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o writer_n if_o they_o show_v i_o any_o wilful_a mistake_n therein_o i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o give_v they_o public_a satisfaction_n be_v i_o not_o well_o assure_v my_o lord_n of_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o evidence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o my_o cause_n i_o shall_v never_o have_v appear_v in_o it_o before_o a_o person_n of_o so_o sharp_a and_o pierce_a a_o judgement_n as_o your_o lordship_n but_o i_o have_v the_o rather_o presume_v to_o offer_v this_o discourse_n into_o your_o lordship_n hand_n and_o to_o send_v it_o abroad_o under_o the_o protection_n of_o your_o name_n not_o only_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o particular_a favour_n i_o have_v receive_v from_o your_o lordship_n but_o to_o thank_v you_o on_o a_o more_o public_a account_n i_o mean_v for_o your_o late_a generous_a own_v the_o cause_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o church_n in_o so_o critical_a a_o time_n which_o not_o only_o give_v a_o present_a lustre_n to_o your_o name_n but_o will_v preserve_v it_o with_o honour_n to_o posterity_n i_o be_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o oblige_v and_o faithful_a servant_n edward_n stillingfleet_n the_o content_n chap._n 1._o a_o answer_n to_o
foundation_n for_o it_o but_o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n do●●_n overthrow_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o put_v the_o whole_a trial_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n upon_o the_o pitiful_a proof_n which_o the●_n bring_v for_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n infallibility_n and_o when_o they_o have_v bring_v man_n to_o it_o they_o can_v assure_v they_o what_o that_o church_n be_v which_o they_o attribute_v this_o infallibility_n to_o who_o in_o that_o church_n be_v the_o proper_a subject_n of_o it_o what_o kind_n of_o infallibility_n it_o be_v no●_n when_o the_o church_n do_v define_v infallible_o so_o many_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v without_o reason_n both_o as_o the_o person_n who_o be_v to_o define_v and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o definition_n 2._o suppose_v this_o way_n true_a the_o circle_n still_o remain_v which_o i_o prove_v by_o three_o thing_n ●_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o faith_n they_o inquire_v for_o a_o resolution_n of_o which_o be_v not_o humane_a but_o divine_a faith_n for_o the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o by_o another_o kind_n of_o assent_n they_o can_v not_o escape_v the_o circle_n but_o whether_o they_o can_v ●o_o it_o in_o the_o resolution_n of_o divine_a faith_n or_o not_o either_o then_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n or_o there_o may_v be_v a_o divine_a faith_n without_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n or_o this_o divine_a faith_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n must_v be_v build_v on_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o the_o circle_n return_v 2._o from_o the_o person_n who_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v the_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n be_v a_o different_a thing_n from_o prove_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n to_o a_o adversary_n grant_v then_o that_o to_o those_o who_o deny_v the_o church_n infallibility_n but_o allow_v the_o scripture_n they_o may_v prove_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o yet_o this_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o resolution_n of_o their_o own_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n inquire_v after_o and_o yet_o even_o in_o prove_v to_o ●d●ersaries_n the_o church_n infallibility_n from_o scripture_n they_o can_v avoid_v the_o circle_n when_o the_o question_n return_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o place_n for_o than_o they_o must_v run_v to_o the_o church_n because_o the_o church_n which_o be_v infallible_a have_v deliver_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o 3._o from_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o infallibility_n which_o they_o attribute_v to_o the_o church_n which_o be_v not_o by_o immediate_a divine_a revelation_n but_o by_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n promise_v in_o scripture_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o prove_v this_o infallibility_n but_o by_o first_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o tha●_n scripture_n wherein_o these_o promise_n be_v contain_v and_o so_o the_o circle_n still_o return_v for_o the_o believe_v the_o scripture_n infallible_a because_o o●_n the_o church_n testimony_n and_o they_o belie●●_n the_o church_n infallible_a because_o of_o the_o promise_n of_o her_o assistance_n record_v in_o scripture_n 3._o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o to_o the_o church_n infallibility_n which_o there_o be_v for_o the_o infallibility_n of_o mos●●_n and_o the_o prophet_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o t._n c._n therefore_o very_o wise_o decline_v t●_n prove_v and_o only_o say_v it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o she●_n how_o he_o have_v escape_v the_o circle_n §_o 2._o this_o be_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o that_o pan_n 123._o of_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v bee●_n since_o assault_v by_o two_o several_a adversary_n but_z in_o different_a way_n the_o first_o of_o they_o i●_n the_o guide_n in_o controversy_n who_o ingenuous_o confess_v the_o question_n about_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n upon_o their_o principle_n to_o be_v intricate_a so_o any_o one_o may_v easy_o guess_v by_o the_o 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assent_n can_v be_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o testimony_n consider_v in_o itself_o but_o according_a to_o the_o reason_n which_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o testimony_n infallible_a and_o in_o all_o such_o case_n where_o i_o believe_v one_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o another_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o object_n believe_v be_v according_a to_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o medium_fw-la on_o which_o i_o believe_v it_o as_o our_o light_n be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o light_n in_o the_o body_n of_o the_o sun_n but_o that_o which_o press_v on_o our_o organ_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o suppose_v their_o church_n testimony_n to_o be_v infallible_a in_o itself_o if_o one_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o judge_v whether_o it_o be_v infallible_a or_o no_o one_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o such_o thing_n which_o he_o believe_v on_o that_o suppose_a infallibility_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o assent_n to_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n shall_v rise_v high_o or_o stand_v firm_a than_o the_o assent_n to_o the_o testimony_n upon_o which_o those_o thing_n be_v believe_v but_o now_o to_o prove_v the_o church_n infallibility_n they_o make_v use_v only_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o themselves_o grant_v can_v be_v the_o foundation_n only_o of_o a_o fallible_a assent_n this_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o then_o urge_v i_o must_v now_o consider_v what_o e._n w._n say_v in_o answer_n to_o it_o and_o the_o force_n of_o his_o answer_n lie_v in_o these_o thing_n 1._o that_o all_o this_o proceed_v from_o ignorance_n 4._o of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o discourse_v not_o like_a to_o science_n for_o he_o grant_v that_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o concern_v god_n revelation_n can_v be_v prove_v by_o another_o believe●_n article_n of_o faith_n whole_o as_o obscure_v to_o we_o ●_o that_o be_v for_o that_o will_v proceed_v in_o infinitum_fw-la therefore_o all_o rational_a proof_n avail_v t●●get_v faith_n in_o any_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v extrinsical_a to_o belief_n and_o lie_v as_o it_o be_v i●_n another_o region_n more_o clear_a yet_o less_o certain_a than_o the_o reveal_v mystery_n be_v we_o assent_n to_o by_o faith_n and_o so_o in_o that_o article_n of_o faith_n the_o church_n be_v god_n infallible_a oracle_n he_o say_v that_o antecedent_o to_o faith_n it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o argument_n as_o obscure_v and_o of_o the_o same_o infallible_a certainty_n with_o faith_n for_o then_o faith_n will_v be_v superfluous_a or_o rather_o we_o shall_v believe_v by_o a_o firm_a and_o infallible_a assent_n before_o we_o do_v believe_v on_o the_o motive_n of_o god_n insallible_a revelation_n which_o be_v impossible_a so_o that_o the_o extrinsical_a motive_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v prove_v independent_o on_o scripture_n be_v not_o of_o the_o same_o certainty_n with_o supernatural_a faith_n itself_o and_o only_o prove_v the_o evident_a credibility_n either_o of_o the_o scripture_n or_o the_o church_n 2._o that_o the_o force_n of_o this_o argument_n will_v hold_v against_o ourselves_o and_o those_o who_o believe_v in_o the_o apostle_n time_n who_o infallible_a assent_n of_o faitb_n do_v as_o much_o exceed_v all_o proportion_n or_o degree_n of_o evidence_n as_o they_o do_v in_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n on_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n in_o order_n to_o the_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a answer_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v ●_o what_o those_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v we_o now_o discourse_v of_o 2._o what_o influence_n the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n have_v upon_o they_o 1._o for_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n there_o be_v two_o assign_v by_o e._n w._n 1._o that_o whereby_o man_n be●elieve_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o whereby_o man_n believe_v the_o church_n to_o be_v infallible_a both_o these_o he_o acknowledge_v ●re_n article_n of_o faith_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o ●an_v infallible_a assent_n but_o here_o mark_v the_o shuffle_n the_o first_o of_o these_o can_v be_v believe_v but_o by_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n viz._n of_o the_o church_n for_o that_o end_n the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v make_v necessary_a that_o the_o faith_n may_v be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a because_o divine_a faith_n can_v rest_v only_o upon_o infallible_a testimony_n but_o ●hen_o in_o the_o other_o act_n of_o faith_n whereby_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v believe_v we_o hear_v no_o more_o of_o this_o infallible_a testimony_n because_o than_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o avoid_v the_o circle_n i_o propose_v therefore_o this_o dilemma_n to_o e._n w._n either_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o every_o act_n of_o divine_a faith_n to_o have_v a_o infallible_a testimony_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a then_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o assert_v the_o church_n infallibility_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o so_o the_o cause_n be_v gain_v if_o it_o be_v necessary_a than_o the_o faith_n whereby_o the_o church_n infallibility_n be_v believe_v must_v have_v such_o a_o divine_a testimony_n and_o so_o either_o a_o process_n in_o infinitum_fw-la or_o a_o circle_n be_v unavoidable_a by_o he_o if_o he_o consider_v this_o and_o yet_o wri●_n two_o such_o book_n to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o infallibility_n in_o order_n to_o faith_n he_o betray_v too_o much_o insincerity_n for_o a_o man_n to_o deal_v with_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o need_v not_o complain_v so_o much_o of_o other_o ignorance_n he_o may_v easy_o find_v enough_o near_a home_n and_o therefore_o all_o the_o fault_n of_o these_o man_n do_v not_o lie_v bare_o in_o make_v the_o assent_n to_o be_v more_o certain_a than_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o in_o require_v so_o strict_o in_o one_o act_n of_o faith_n a_o proportionable_a certainty_n to_o the_o assent_n and_o not_o in_o another_o for_o what_o be_v there_o i_o beseech_v e._n w._n in_o believe_v the_o church_n infallibility_n which_o shall_v not_o make_v it_o as_o necessary_a for_o that_o to_o be_v support_v by_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n as_o that_o whereby_o we_o believe_v the_o divine_a revelation_n if_o faith_n have_v n●_n ground_n and_o do_v not_o discourse_n as_o science_n do_v than_o i_o hope_v the_o case_n be_v alike_o in_o both●_n and_o so_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o infallible_a testimony_n must_v be_v affirm_v of_o the_o one_o or_o equal_o deny_v in_o the_o other_o but_o he_o seem_v to_o assert_v that_o faith_n whatever_o object_n it_o respect_v do_v not_o discourse_n as_o science_n do_v but_o sole_o rely_v on_o god_n reveal_v testimony_n without_o the_o mixture_n of_o reason_n grant_v this_o at_o present_a but_o then_o i_o hope_v both_o these_o act_n of_o faith_n equal_o do_v so_o and_o still_o ●he_v church_n infallibility_n can_v be_v make_v necessary_a to_o faith_n for_o if_o faith_n immediate_o ●elies_v on_o god_n testimony_n what_o need_v any_o other_o to_o ascertain_v it_o or_o any_o other_o proposition_n than_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v know_v ●he_v object_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o end_n no_o infallibility_n in_o the_o proponent_n be_v necessary_a any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o act_n of_o love_n ●oward_n a_o desirable_a object_n that_o he_o that_o show_v a_o beauty_n shall_v be_v infallible_a in_o the_o description_n of_o she_o if_o all_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o church_n proposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o convey_v the_o divine_a testimony_n to_o we_o as_o e._n w._n sometime_o imply_v let_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o a_o little_a better_a 18._o purpose_n in_o prove_v that_o such_o a_o conditio_fw-la applicans_fw-la as_o he_o call_v it_o must_v have_v infallibility_n belong_v to_o it_o for_o infallibility_n be_v then_o only_o necessary_a when_o it_o be_v rely_v upon_o
and_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o believe_v and_o not_o where_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a condition_n of_o understanding_n if_o a_o prince_n send_v a_o ambassador_n about_o a_o match_n to_o a_o foreign_a princess_n declare_v that_o he_o will_v whole_o rely_v upon_o his_o testimony_n of_o she_o in_o this_o case_n there_o need_v the_o great_a judgement_n and_o veracity_n in_o the_o person_n trust_v because_o the_o prince_n resolve_v his_o judgement_n into_o his_o ambassador_n testimony_n but_o if_o he_o only_o employ_v a_o person_n to_o bring_v she_o into_o the_o room_n where_o he_o may_v see_v she_o and_o judge_v of_o she_o himself_o in_o this_o case_n there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o any_o other_o quality_n th●●_n only_a obedience_n and_o fidelity_n so_o we_o say_v as_o the_o church_n if_o the_o church_n testimony_n to_o be_v rely_v upon_o as_o the_o foundation_n of_o o●_n belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o it_o be_v necessary_a the_o church_n shall_v be_v infallible_a if_o there_o c●●_n be_v no_o faith_n without_o such_o a_o testimony_n b●_n if_o all_o the_o office_n of_o the_o church_n be_v only_o to_o pr●_n pose_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v view_v and_o co●_n sidere_v by_o we_o than_o a_o common_a veracity_n m●_n be_v sufficient_a for_o it_o and_o in_o this_o case_n i_o gran●_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o the_o condition_n of_o apply_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n any_o mo●_n than_o love_n be_v into_o the_o light_n whereby_o a_o m●_n see_v beauty_n or_o the_o burn_n of_o fire_n into_o th●_n lay_v near_o of_o the_o fuel_n but_o if_o it_o be_v assert●_n that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o divine_a faith_n without_o ●_o infallible_a testimony_n that_o this_o testimony_n i●_n that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o therefore_o upon_o thi●_n infallible_a testimony_n we_o must_v build_v our_o say_v he_o be_v blind_a that_o do_v not_o see_v in_o this_o case_n tha●_n it_o must_v be_v resolve_v into_o this_o infallible_a testimony_n and_o therefore_o e._n w._n very_o impertinent_o charge_v i_o with_o this_o constant_a error_n viz._n make_v the_o motive_n of_o faith_n the_o foundation_n 19_o of_o it_o and_o that_o hereby_o i_o confound_v th●_n judgement_n of_o credibility_n with_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n by_o make_v the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o church_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v it_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n for_o although_o the_o common_a motive_n of_o faith_n shall_v do_v no_o more_o than_o ●ake_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n appear_v evident_o ●edible_a and_o so_o the_o faith_n of_o such_o person_n be_v ●e●olved_v into_o a_o further_a reason_n than_o those_o move_v yet_o they_o who_o do_v believe_v upon_o the_o account_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n testimony_n must_v resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o that_o which_o to_o they_o be_v the_o only_a infallible_a and_o adequate_a ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o 2._o to_o lay_v open_a the_o foundation_n of_o all_o these_o mistake_n about_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n faith_n i_o shall_v inquire_v into_o the_o influence_n which_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n have_v upon_o believe_v and_o therein_o give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o three_o thing_n 1._o what_o the_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v 2._o how_o far_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n 3._o what_o influence_n they_o have_v upon_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n 1._o what_o these_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v suarez_n bring_v they_o under_o four_o head_n 1._o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o christian_a 3._o doctrine_n and_o those_o be_v 1._o it_o be_v truth_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o falsehood_n but_o faith_n he_o if_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n true_a and_o some_o false_a it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a sign_n that_o doctrine_n be_v not_o from_o god_n as_o it_o be_v among_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a the_o way_n to_o judge_v of_o this_o quality_n he_o thus_o lay_v down_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n speak_v of_o which_o may_v be_v know●_n by_o natural_a light_n be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o th●_n common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n those_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o it_o be_v not_o repugnant_a to_o any_o principle_n of_o it_o but_o be_v agreeable_a t●_n the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a majesty_n o●_n god_n 2._o the_o sanctity_n and_o purity_n of_o this_o doctrine_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o precept_n of_o it_o the_o moral_a precept_n not_o only_o agreeable_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o tend_v much_o to_o the_o improvement_n of_o it_o the_o spiritual_a precept_n have_v nothing_o contrary_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o morality_n and_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o the_o efficacy_n of_o it_o which_o be_v see_v by_o the_o strange_a and_o miraculous_a way_n of_o its_o propagation_n by_o such_o instrument_n as_o be_v never_o like_a to_o effect_v their_o design_n without_o a_o divine_a power_n 2._o the_o second_o motive_n be_v from_o the_o number_n of_o witness_n of_o the_o whole_a trinity_n at_o the_o baptism_n of_o christ_n of_o christ_n himself_o in_o his_o holy_a and_o innocent_a life_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n before_o he_o of_o the_o apostle_n after_o he_o of_o the_o devil_n themselves_o of_o the_o multitude_n of_o martyr_n of_o all_o kind_n suffer_v with_o so_o much_o patience_n and_o courage_n and_o christian_a religion_n increase_v by_o it_o 3._o from_o the_o testimony_n god_n give_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o the_o miracle_n which_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o doctrine_n preach_v in_o which_o ought_v to_o be_v consider_v the_o nature_n the_o effect_n the_o frequency_n the_o manner_n of_o work_v they_o and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v wrought_v which_o must_v be_v not_o mere_o for_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o person_n on_o who_o they_o be_v wrought_v but_o for_o a_o testimony_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v otherwise_o he_o grant_v a_o deceiver_n may_v work_v miracle_n 4._o from_o the_o continuance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n be_v so_o hard_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n the_o precept_n of_o it_o meet_v with_o such_o multitude_n of_o enemy_n of_o all_o kind_n out_o of_o all_o which_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v be_v demonstrate_v a_o divine_a providence_n be_v suppose_v to_o take_v care_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o mankind_n greg._n de_fw-fr valentiâ_fw-la 2._o reckon_v up_o these_o motive_n to_o 19_o michael_n medina_n follow_v ●cotus_fw-la and_o make_v 10._o or_o 11._o of_o they_o on_o which_o he_o large_o insist_o viz._n the_o fulfil_n of_o prophecy_n the_o consent_n of_o scripture_n their_o authority_n and_o truth_n the_o care_n and_o diligence_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n in_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n the_o excellency_n of_o it_o in_o all_o its_o part_n the_o propagation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o world_n the_o miracle_n wrought_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o it_o the_o testimony_n of_o enemy_n the_o justice_n of_o providence_n and_o the_o destruction_n of_o its_o adversary_n to_o the_o same_o 4._o purpose_n cardinal_n lugo_n and_o other_o of_o the_o schoolman_n make_v a_o enumeration_n of_o the●_n 6._o motive_n of_o credibility_n but_o a_o late_a jesuit_n ha●_n reduce_v they_o all_o to_o the_o four_o chief_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o wisdom_n goodness_n powe●_n and_o providence_n but_o enlarge_n upon_o the●_n much_o in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o suarez_n have_v don●_n thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v for_o understanding_n what_o these_o motive_n of_o credibility_n be_v wh●●_n be_v acknowledge_v to_o make_v up_o a_o demonstration_n for_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n 2._o how_o far_o these_o be_v necessary_a to_o faith_n for_o that_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o faith_n bein●_n a_o assent_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n in_o man_n mu●_n proceed_v upon_o such_o ground_n as_o may_v justify_v th●_n assent_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n which_o can_v b●_n unless_o sufficient_a reason_n appear_v to_o induce_v th●_n mind_n to_o assent_v which_o reason_n appear_v ●_o all_o one_o with_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o object_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v here_o what_o may_v be_v believe_v either_o with_o or_o without_o reason_n but_o wha●_n all_o circumstance_n consider_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v by_o every_o prudent_a person_n and_o in_o thi●_n sense_n suarez_n assert_n the_o necessity_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o credibility_n to_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n for_o 3._o say_v he_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o object_n o●_n faith_n be_v propose_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n but_o i●_n be_v necessary_a that_o it_o be_v propose_v with_o such_o circumstance_n as_o make_v it_o appear_v prudent_o credible_a in_o that_o way_n it_o be_v propose_v for_o levill_a
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christian_n wherein_o they_o give_v so_o large_a a_o account_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o christian_a faith_n of_o the_o modern_a method_n for_o resolve_v faith_n nay_o what_o one_o ancient_a father_n or_o council_n give_v the_o least_o countenance_n to_o this_o pretend_a infallibility_n much_o less_o make_v it_o the_o only_a sure_a foundation_n of_o faith_n as_o you_o do_v nay_o how_o very_a few_o be_v there_o among_o yourselves_o who_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o never_o the_o worse_a christian_n for_o it_o if_o then_o your_o doctrine_n be_v true_a what_o become_v of_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o these_o person_n mention_v upon_o your_o principle_n their_o faith_n can_v not_o be_v true_a and_o divine_a faith_n that_o be_v let_v they_o all_o think_v they_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n never_o so_o hearty_o and_o obey_v it_o never_o so_o conscientious_o yet_o because_o they_o
power_n in_o the_o cure_n of_o disease_n at_o the_o memory_n of_o the_o mariyr_n or_o upon_o the_o prayer_n of_o the_o faithful_a of_o which_o he_o there_o give_v several_a example_n but_o elsewhere_o he_o show_v that_o the_o miracle_n 1._o wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v ●rought_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o satisfaction_n of_o future_a age_n as_o well_o as_o their_o own_o that_o so_o none_o may_v complain_v for_o want_v of_o a_o power_n of_o miracle_n and_o when_o the_o donatists_n afteward_n appeal_v to_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o donatus_n 10._o and_o pontius_n and_o to_o vision_n and_o revelation_n st._n augustin_n very_o smart_o bid_v they_o lay_v aside_o those_o feign_a miracle_n or_o diabolical_a imposture_n for_o either_o they_o be_v not_o true_a or_o if_o they_o be_v we_o have_v so_o much_o the_o more_o reason_n to_o beware_v of_o they_o because_o our_o saviour_n have_v foretell_v that_o false_a prophet_n shall_v arise_v work_v sign_n and_o wonder_n that_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o shall_v deceive_v the_o very_a elect._n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o this_o st._n augustin_n do_v only_o upbraid_v the_o schismatical_a donatists_n wit●_n lie_v miracle_n and_o not_o take_v away_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n from_o the_o true_a church_n 〈◊〉_d that_o st._n augustin_n himself_o answer_v that_o the_o catholic_n do_v not_o bring_v the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n to_o prove_v the_o true_a church_n by_o nor_o yet_o o●_n vision_n and_o revelation_n for_o say_v he_o 〈◊〉_d such_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v approve_v because_o they_o be_v do_v in_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o n●●_n that_o the_o church_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v catholics_n because_o such_o thing_n be_v do_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o say_v that_o controversy_n of_o the_o church_n must_v be_v end_v by_o the_o scripture_n from_o whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o st._n augustin_n can_v never_o think_v the_o miracle_n do_v in_o his_o time_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o wrought_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n or_o can_v give_v equal_a evidence_n of_o credibility_n either_o concern_v the_o doctrine_n or_o the_o church_n which_o deliver_v it_o never_o do_v two_o man_n more_o plain_o contradict_v each_o other_o in_o this_o point_n than_o st._n augustin_n and_o e._n w._n who_o appeal_v to_o miracle_n for_o proof_n of_o the_o catholic_n and_o infallible_a church_n and_o such_o as_o be_v equal_a to_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n but_o whether_o st._n augustin_n or_o e._n w._n deserve_v the_o great_a credit_n that_o be_v another_o controversy_n which_o i_o be_o not_o now_o at_o leisure_n to_o engage_v in_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n st._n augustin_n speak_v in_o another_o place_n viz_o that_o miracle_n be_v no_o proof_n of_o the_o true_a church_n for_o 3._o though_o pontius_n and_o do●atus_n may_v do_v wonder_n and_o see_v vision_n yet_o christ_n have_v now_o forewarn_v we_o quia_fw-la &_o miraculis_fw-la decipi_fw-la non_fw-la debemus_fw-la we_o ought_v not_o now_o to_o be_v deceive_v by_o miracle_n the_o force_n of_o which_o argument_n from_o our_o saviour_n caution_n depend_v upon_o this_o viz._n that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v once_o establish_v by_o plain_a and_o evident_a miracle_n there_o will_v be_v no_o necessity_n in_o after_o age_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n again_o for_o if_o no_o new_a doctrine_n be_v deliver_v what_o need_n can_v there_o be_v of_o new_a miracle_n let_v no_o man_n therefore_o now_o complain_v say_v the_o same_o st._n augustin_n because_o 18._o christ_n do_v not_o work_v the_o same_o miracle_n now_o that_o he_o do_v in_o former_a time_n for_o he_o have_v say_v bless_v be_v they_o which_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v who_o do_v he_o mean_v say_v he_o but_o we_o and_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v after_o we_o but_o those_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o christ_n to_o draw_v man_n to_o faith_n and_o this_o faith_n be_v now_o spread_v over_o the_o world_n and_o now_o although_o he_o do_v not_o work_v the_o same_o cure_n he_o do_v great_a now_o the_o blind_a eye_n do_v not_o receive_v sight_n by_o a_o miracle_n of_o christ_n but_o the_o blind_a heart_n do_v see_v by_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n now_o dead_a body_n be_v not_o raise_v but_o soul_n that_o be_v dead_a in_o live_a body_n do_v rise_v again_o now_o deaf_a ear_n be_v not_o open_v but_o deaf_a mind_n be_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n word_n so_o that_o they_o believe_v and_o live_v well_o who_o be_v unbeliever_n and_o wicked_a and_o disobedient_a can_v any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n have_v use_v these_o expression_n if_o he_o have_v think_v there_o be_v either_o any_o necessity_n of_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v in_o his_o time_n or_o that_o there_o be_v such_o miracle_n then_o wrought_v which_o may_v be_v compare_v with_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o as_o he_o elsewhere_o full_o speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n sign●_n and_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o 63._o bring_v man_n from_o infidelity_n to_o faith_n that_o man_n see_v those_o thing_n do_v which_o be_v impossible_a with_o man_n may_v acknowledge_v that_o the_o preach_n be_v from_o god_n by_o which_o power_n they_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v among_o believer_n than_o sign_n and_o miracle_n be_v not_o not_o necessary_a but_o only_o a_o firm_a hope_n from_o these_o testimony_n of_o st._n augustin_n thus_o lay_v together_o we_o observe_v these_o thing_n 1._o that_o the_o main_a intention_n of_o miracle_n be_v to_o convince_v unbeliever_n 2._o that_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v establish_v there_o be_v no_o long_o any_o necessity_n of_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n 3._o that_o though_o there_o be_v not_o any_o such_o necessity_n yet_o god_n out_o of_o his_o abundant_a kindness_n be_v please_v to_o do_v some_o extraordinary_a thing_n among_o they_o in_o their_o time_n 4._o that_o in_o dispute_n about_o the_o true_a church_n they_o never_o appeal_v to_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o to_o the_o scripture_n who_o doctrine_n be_v already_o confirm_v by_o miracle_n 5._o that_o those_o out_o of_o the_o true_a church_n may_v make_v as_o great_a a_o pretence_n to_o miracle_n vision_n and_o revelation_n as_o those_o who_o be_v in_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o donatist_n 6._o that_o some_o kind_n of_o miracle_n be_v whole_o cease_v then_o in_o the_o church_n as_o the_o gift_n of_o tongue_n and_o the_o common_a miraculous_a cure_n of_o disease_n by_o those_o that_o preach_v 7._o that_o those_o which_o do_v then_o remain_v be_v not_o in_o any_o respect_n for_o number_n or_o quality_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n as_o the_o cure_n of_o one_o blind_a man_n at_o mi●●n_n or_o those_o other_o cure_v of_o a_o cancer_n a_o fistula_n or_o the_o two_o shake_a person_n in_o africa_n for_o when_o himself_o speak_v most_o favourable_o of_o the_o miracle_n then_o wrought_v he_o say_v they_o be_v not_o so_o great_a nor_o so_o many_o as_o those_o do_v by_o christ_n or_o his_o apostle_n §_o 10._o but_o what_o shall_v we_o now_o say_v to_o the_o succeed_a age_n of_o the_o church_n for_o after_o church_n the_o first_o 600_o year_n be_v pass_v and_o there_o be_v no_o more_o st._n chrysostoms_n or_o st._n augustins_n and_o one_o of_o the_o great_a prodigy_n as_o tully_n say_v of_o old_a be_v a_o wise_a man_n the_o pretence_n of_o the_o common_a work_n of_o miracle_n be_v again_o start_v by_o those_o who_o undertake_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n for_o they_o think_v they_o say_v nothing_o in_o effect_n of_o they_o if_o they_o do_v not_o attribute_v the_o power_n of_o miracle_n upon_o any_o occasion_n to_o they_o then_o st._n gregory_n and_o st._n bede_n show_v the_o way_n to_o the_o rest_n and_o by_o their_o own_o credulity_n and_o want_n of_o judgement_n give_v a_o pattern_n and_o encouragement_n to_o all_o the_o monkish_a tale_n and_o imposture_n afterward_o but_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v our_o obligation_n to_o some_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o judicious_a man_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n who_o in_o several_a age_n have_v blast_v the_o credit_n and_o discover_v the_o imposture_n of_o these_o legendary_a writer_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n i_o be_o to_o prove_v viz._n 2._o that_o the_o credibility_n of_o their_o miracle_n in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v destroy_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o their_o own_o more_o judicious_a writer_n ludovicus_n vives_n after_o he_o have_v discourse_v of_o all_o 5._o other_o history_n come_v to_o that_o of_o the_o church_n and_o particular_o the_o life_n of_o the_o saint_n of_o which_o he_o say_v that_o they_o be_v general_o corrupt_v with_o