Selected quad for the lemma: sense_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
sense_n faith_n speak_v word_n 4,670 5 4.7227 4 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59221 Faith vindicated from possibility of falshood, or, The immovable firmness and certainty of the motives to Christian faith asserted against that tenet, which, denying infallibility of authority, subverts its foundation, and renders it uncertain Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1667 (1667) Wing S2566; ESTC R783 77,674 212

There are 9 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

of_o the_o word_n knowledge_n to_o mean_v scientifical_a knowledge_n it_o be_v neither_o my_o tenet_n nor_o interest_n but_o will_v leave_v it_o at_o large_a for_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o explicate_v how_o this_o knowledge_n be_v breed_v provide_v they_o leave_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o abusive_o call_v that_o knowledge_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v when_o look_v into_o no_o knowledge_n hence_o i_o argue_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v and_o what_o be_v not_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o here_o be_v no_o contingency_n in_o the_o matter_n impossible_a not_o to_o be_v and_o consequent_o faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 3._o nor_o be_o i_o afraid_a of_o those_o cant_a distinction_n without_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o a_o knowledge_n or_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a moral_o speak_v for_o if_o it_o be_v expend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n moral_o a_o knowledge_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v that_o as_o true_a knowledge_n can_v only_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v so_o this_o counterfeit_n knowledge_n call_v moral_a fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o can_v only_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n to_o be_v and_o so_o can_v only_o have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o specify_v and_o terminate_v a_o act_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o constant_a expression_n of_o all_o who_o be_v general_o call_v and_o repute_v christian_n and_o challenge_v my_o adversary_n to_o produce_v one_o expression_n of_o they_o which_o sound_v thus_o dwindle_o and_o feeble_o as_o if_o it_o mean_v only_o some_o high_a likelihood_n or_o their_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o no_o more_o but_o such_o observe_v but_o the_o life_n and_o energy_n of_o their_o word_n in_o such_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o job_n scio_fw-la quod_fw-la redemptor_n meus_fw-la vivit_fw-la and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n scio_fw-la cui_fw-la credidi_fw-la &_o certus_fw-la sum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v find_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o possess_v of_o the_o object_n be_v existence_n &_o not_o deem_v only_o its_o likelihood_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o oftentimes_o indeed_o they_o deny_v faith_n to_o be_v evidence_n or_o science_n and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n while_o all_o reliance_n on_o authority_n be_v obscure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v by_o mean_n of_o authority_n as_o appear_v in_o diverse_a instance_n of_o humane_a faith_n §_o 4._o particular_o wave_v the_o former_a we_o will_v reflect_v on_o some_o place_n more_o express_o assertive_a of_o our_o position_n as_o that_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 36._o certissimè_fw-la sciat_fw-la ergo_fw-la omnis_fw-la domus_fw-la israel_n etc._n etc._n where_o about_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n he_o express_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o this_o attainable_a by_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n which_o must_v mean_v the_o generality_n at_o least_o §_o 5._o i_o add_v omit_v many_o other_o two_o of_o his_o fellow-apostle_n paul_n the_o first_o col._n 1._o 23._o si_fw-mi tamen_fw-la permanetis_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la fundati_fw-la &_o stabiles_fw-la et_fw-la immobiles_fw-la à_fw-la spe_fw-la evangelii_n now_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v found_v or_o ground_v in_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v eviction_n 2._o §_o 14._o have_v no_o foundation_n principle_n or_o ground_n itself_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v stable_a and_o immovable_a in_o a_o persuasion_n which_o very_a persuasion_n and_o its_o ground_n may_v not_o only_o be_v move_v but_o overthrow_v &_o subvert_v as_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tilletson_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n do_v these_o word_n sound_v only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o it_o at_o present_a which_o protestant_a writer_n make_v sufficient_a to_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o do_v it_o not_o mean_a that_o which_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o can_v admit_v no_o possible_a cause_n of_o doubt_n at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a let_v they_o dispense_v a_o while_n with_o pursue_v their_o affect_a gayness_n in_o the_o outside_n of_o word_n and_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o look_v into_o their_o meaning_n and_o then_o if_o they_o can_v make_v out_o that_o groundedness_n stability_n and_o immobility_n can_v consist_v with_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n i_o shall_v promise_v they_o my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hold_v contradiction_n with_o they_o for_o in_o that_o case_n those_o will_v be_v the_o only_a truth_n §_o 6._o the_o second_o shall_v be_v that_o most_o emphatical_a one_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n licèt_fw-la nos_fw-la aut_fw-la angelus_n de_fw-la coelo_fw-la annuntiaverit_fw-la vobis_fw-la praeter_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la accepistis_fw-la anathema_n sit_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v to_o you_o otherwise_o than_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o be_v a_o very_a rude_a and_o unreasonable_a carriage_n especial_o for_o we_o christian_n now_o adays_o be_v faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o short_a of_o the_o credit_n due_a to_o so_o incomparable_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v seem_v that_o i_o may_v use_v mr._n it_o be_v word_n moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v prove_v to_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o false_a and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v always_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n can_v or_o at_o least_o do_v at_o any_o time_n preach_v false_a it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o reason_n sustain_v itself_o against_o the_o force_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o from_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o christian_n of_o former_a contingencie_n time_n let_v we_o come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o present_a christianity_n to_o say_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a now_o the_o possibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contingency_n of_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o contingency_n in_o they_o but_o that_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o lay_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v conclusive_a they_o can_v not_o possible_o fail_v of_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v and_o so_o faith_n will_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a consider_v then_o the_o nature_n of_o contingency_n whether_o speculative_o in_o itself_o or_o practical_o in_o instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v find_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o imply_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o proportion_n between_o the_o frequency_n of_o effect_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o seldomness_n on_o the_o other_o which_o we_o usual_o express_v by_o ten_o to_o one_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o etc._n etc._n if_o then_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a its_o nature_n will_v bear_v nay_o oblige_v we_o to_o express_v the_o probable_a degree_n of_o its_o likelihood_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n and_o that_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v likely_a in_o such_o a_o proportion_n but_o not-like_o in_o a_o high_a for_o example_n it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o wise_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o thus_o propose_v to_o say_v v_o g._n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n a_o heaven_n or_o a_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o contend_v i_o have_v assign_v too-small_a a_o over-proportion_n to_o faith_n likelihood_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o a_o great_a it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o such_o language_n ought_v in_o true_a speak_n be_v use_v when_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n firmness_n wherefore_o it_o be_v experiential_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o sound_v more_o ugly_a to_o a_o christian_a ear_n than_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o many_o to_o one_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o not_o so_o many_o more_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o
else_o by_o see_v that_o they_o be_v each_o of_o they_o the_o same_o with_o a_o three_o whence_o follow_v that_o unless_o that_o three_o notion_n can_v fail_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o those_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o can_v possible_o fail_v to_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o the_o former_a be_v call_v self-evidence_n this_o late_a evidence_n by_o deduction_n both_o be_v build_v immediate_o upon_o this_o grand_a verity_n that_o the_o same_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o wherefore_o unless_o it_o be_v see_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o most_o self-evident_a axiom_n be_v engage_v in_o their_o patronage_n they_o can_v be_v even_o know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o it_o be_v see_v that_o it_o be_v thus_o engage_v they_o must_v needs_o be_v know_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_o impossible_a that_o first_o principle_n shall_v be_v false_a or_o that_o the_o same_o shall_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o wherefore_o either_o point_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o be_v know_v to_o be_v truth_n or_o else_o they_o must_v by_o reflecte●s_n at_o least_o be_v know_v impossible_a to_o he_o false_a §_o 3._o the_o same_o be_v evince_v from_o the_o nature_n faith-proposition_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o those_o proposition_n which_o affirm_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o point_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o subject_a in_o those_o be_v either_o formal_o or_o in_o effect_n a_o proposition_n itself_o as_o when_o we_o say_v this_o proposition_n christ_n be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n be_v true_a that_o god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o be_v true_a etc._n etc._n where_o the_o subject_n be_v manifest_o these_o christ_n be_v real_o in_o the_o sacrament_n god_n be_v one_o and_o three_o or_o a_o trinity_n be_v a_o proposition_n then_o be_v a_o speech_n apt_a to_o express_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n nay_o necessary_o determine_v to_o do_v the_o one_o except_v those_o which_o speak_v of_o a_o future_a contingent_a it_o follow_v that_o who_o ever_o be_v bind_v in_o reason_n to_o affirm_v that_o the_o proposition_n express_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a be_v bind_v likewise_o to_o affirm_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n he_o mean_v it_o that_o be_v indeed_o if_o take_v for_o the_o same_o proposition_n since_o it_o be_v impossible_a truth_n shall_v be_v falsehood_n either_o then_o christ_n follower_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o affirm_v the_o point_n they_o profess_v be_v true_a which_o thwart_v the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o christian_a part_n of_o mankind_n or_o else_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v oblige_v withal_o to_o affirm_v they_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 4._o the_o same_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o copula_fw-la nature_n of_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v who_o office_n be_v to_o connect_n or_o identify_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v that_o be_v to_o express_v that_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o notion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o have_v one_o common_a stock_n of_o be_v its_o proper_a signification_n be_v be_v or_o existence_n not_o absolute_o as_o if_o it_o mean_v that_o either_o of_o the_o term_n exist_v in_o thing_n but_o comparative_o or_o conditional_o as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v which_o belong_v to_o one_o of_o the_o term_n be_v the_o same_o be_v with_o that_o which_o belong_v to_o the_o other_o or_o that_o by_o the_o same_o be_v whereby_o one_o of_o the_o term_n be_v the_o other_o be_v also_o now_o then_o this_o kind_n of_o expression_n or_o signification_n be_v such_o as_o have_v no_o latitude_n between_o it_o and_o its_o utmost_a opposite_a or_o contradictory_n be_v not_o it_o be_v the_o most_o uncompounded_a notion_n that_o be_v and_o not_o capable_a to_o be_v mingle_v with_o any_o alloy_n or_o participation_n of_o its_o opposite_a as_o it_o happen_v in_o contrary_n it_o follow_v that_o who_o hold_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o the_o identification_n of_o the_o two_o term_n express_v by_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v must_v hold_v it_o absolute_o and_o the_o opposite_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o that_o be_v and_o be_v not_o shall_v both_o be_v true_a at_o once_o or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v the_o same_o and_o not_o the_o same_o in_o the_o same_o respect_n that_o be_v shall_v be_v true_a and_o not_o be_v true_a and_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o though_o distinction_n use_v to_o fall_v upon_o the_o equivocalness_n of_o the_o two_o term_n yet_o no_o man_n that_o know_v what_o logic_n mean_v ever_o distinguish_v the_o mere_a copula_fw-la its_o simple_a notion_n not_o admit_v any_o possible_a division_n §_o 5._o our_o argument_n from_o the_o copula_fw-la proposition_n be_v particular_o strengthen_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o i_o mean_v in_o such_o speech_n as_o affirm_v such_o and_o such_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a for_o true_a mean_n existent_a in_o proposition_n which_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n as_o most_o point_n of_o faith_n do_v which_o speak_v abstract_o and_o tell_v notwherein_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a it_o speak_v of_o consist_v or_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la so_o that_o most_o of_o the_o proposition_n christian_n be_v bind_v to_o profess_v be_v full_o express_v thus_o a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a a_o christ_n god-and-man_n be_v existent_a etc._n etc._n and_o the_o like_a may_v be_v say_v of_o those_o point_n which_o belong_v to_o a_o thing_n or_o action_n past_a as_o creation_n be_v christ_n crucify_a be_v etc._n etc._n for_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a in_o these_o too_o only_o affix_v to_o another_o difference_n of_o time_n and_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a such_o subject_n shall_v neither_o have_v be_v nor_o not_o have_v be_v or_o have_v be_v and_o have_v not_o be_v at_o once_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v neither_o be_v nor_o not_o be_v at_o present_a or_o both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o present_a regard_v then_o steadfast_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o predicate_a existent_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o it_o express_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o as_o take_v in_o the_o posture_n it_o bear_v in_o those_o proposition_n that_o actuality_n exercise_v that_o be_v the_o utmost_a actuality_n in_o its_o most_o actual_a state_n that_o be_v as_o absolute_o exclude_v all_o manner_n or_o least_o degree_n of_o potentiality_n and_o confequent_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v radical_o destroy_v when_o all_o potentiality_n be_v take_v away_o this_o discourse_n hold_v which_o in_o right_a to_o truth_n i_o shall_v not_o fear_v to_o affirm_v unconcern_v in_o the_o drollery_n of_o any_o opposer_n to_o be_v more_o than_o mathematical_o demonstrative_a as_o shall_v be_v show_v more_o particular_o hereafter_o it_o follow_v inevitable_o that_o who_o so_o be_v bind_v to_o profess_v a_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v or_o be_v existent_a be_v also_o bind_v to_o profess_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v not-existent_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a §_o 6._o the_o same_o appear_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n predicate_a of_o distinction_n or_o division_n apply_v to_o our_o predicate_a existent_n as_o find_v in_o these_o proposition_n for_o can_v that_o predicate_v bear_v a_o pertinent_a distinction_n express_v this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n or_o thus_o and_o thus_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v according_a to_o one_o of_o those_o respect_n or_o thus_o consider_v and_o not_o be_v according_a to_o another_o that_o be_v another_o way_n consider_v but_o this_o evasion_n be_v here_o impossible_a for_o either_o those_o distinguish_a notion_n must_v be_v more_o potential_a or_o antecedent_n to_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n and_o then_o they_o neither_o reach_v existent_a nor_o supervene_v to_o it_o as_o its_o determination_n or_o actuation_n which_o difference_n ought_v to_o do_v nor_o can_v any_o notion_n be_v more_o actual_a or_o determinative_a in_o the_o line_n of_o substance_n or_o be_v than_o existent_n be_v and_o so_o fit_a to_o distinguish_v it_o in_o that_o line_n nor_o last_o can_v any_o determination_n in_o the_o line_n of_o accident_n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o these_o suppose_v existence_n already_o put_v and_o so_o the_o whole_a truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n entire_a and_o complete_a antecedent_o to_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o
will_v never_o the_o soon_o discover_v her_o face_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o will_v still_o appear_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o practical_a conclusion_n natural_o follow_v hence_o will_v be_v this_o to_o fix_v there_o where_o it_o light_v most_o advantageous_a to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n addict_v themselves_o to_o this_o or_o that_o trade_n cry_v it_o up_o and_o maintain_v it_o stout_o to_o be_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v creditable_a to_o the_o profession_n though_o they_o judge_v all_o the_o while_o it_o may_v be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o because_o they_o see_v their_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o certain_a or_o firm_a ground_n undertake_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o faith_n itself_o need_v have_v none_o by_o the_o best_a assistance_n plausible_a rhetoric_n seemingly-probable_a reason_n weak_a or_o misuse_v testimony_n and_o voluntary_a cavil_n and_o mistake_v can_v lend_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n since_o they_o be_v not_o in_o circumstance_n to_o settle_v any_o thing_n to_o laugh_v hearty_o at_o those_o who_o go_v about_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v very_o politic_o to_o pull_v down_o every_o thing_n which_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v manifest_o see_v by_o this_o establish_n treatise_n compare_v to_o their_o performance_n to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o adversary_n labour_n §_o 14._o the_o unnaturalness_n of_o this_o tenet_n exhortation_n will_v perhaps_o be_v bring_v near_a home_n and_o so_o be_v better_o penetrate_v even_o by_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o if_o we_o reflect_v how_o wicked_o it_o will_v sound_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n if_o after_o a_o sermon_n exhort_v and_o press_v the_o faithful_a to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n or_o particular_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v in_o the_o close_a to_o prevent_v in_o their_o auditor_n the_o misunderstanding_n some_o overstrain_v expression_n add_v a_o ingenuous_a caution_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v false_a nor_o work_v for_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a this_o in_o our_o case_n honest-dealing_a profession_n will_v enervate_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v propose_v and_o press_v and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a preach_v spring_n natural_o from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o this_o profession_n but_o the_o impiousness_n of_o it_o which_o will_v so_o scandalize_v the_o hearer_n and_o either_o avert_v they_o from_o the_o preacher_n or_o make_v they_o cold_a in_o virtue_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o all_o the_o forceable_a application_n of_o christian_a motive_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v ground_v on_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o who_o hold_v the_o opposite_a tenet_n and_o will_v be_v honest_a shall_v either_o leave_v off_o preach_v for_o which_o this_o tenet_n make_v he_o unfit_a or_o else_o use_v much_o caution_n while_o he_o preach_v lest_o by_o imply_v the_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o practise_v assentation_n to_o that_o he_o become_v injurious_a to_o truth_n and_o consequent_o to_o it_o too_o if_o it_o be_v true_a §_o 15._o but_o to_o conclude_v it_o have_v be_v belief_n no_o less_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la to_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v what_o they_o recommend_v to_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o mr._n whitby_o in_o his_o late_a treatise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d page_v 53_o 54._o assert_n the_o same_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o their_o creed_n or_o fundamental_o which_o have_v faith_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v signify_v just_a thus_o much_o as_o if_o the_o governor_n shall_v say_v you_o shall_v believe_v it_o though_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o you_o shall_v believe_v we_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o though_o both_o we_o and_o the_o authority_n we_o trust_v for_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v and_o as_o if_o the_o person_n govern_v shall_v answer_v we_o will_v believe_v you_o though_o we_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o point_n itself_o false_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v profess_v they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v they_o let_v it_o prove_v what_o it_o will_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a so_o strange_a a_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o commander_n and_o slavery_n in_o the_o believer_n or_o obeyer_n as_o be_v impossible_a in_o either_o to_o consist_v with_o humane_a nature_n have_v not_o both_o of_o they_o the_o obeyer_n at_o least_o be_v very_o persuade_v those_o commander_n have_v such_o motive_n to_o propose_v as_o shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o oblige_v assent_n without_o which_o all_o command_n of_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n oh_o but_o will_n a_o witty_a atheist_n say_v humane_a policy_n may_v have_v make_v the_o governor_n conceal_v the_o cheat_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o ignorant_a govern_v be_v fright_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n very_o likely_a indeed_o that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o and_o of_o those_o many_o saint_n by_o our_o adversary_n own_o confession_n all_o shall_v persist_v and_o be_v true_a conspirator_n in_o so_o unnatural_a a_o confederacy_n or_o that_o in_o so_o free_a a_o admission_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o prudent_a people_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v practise_v in_o christendom_n insomuch_o that_o there_o be_v find_v many_o thousand_o of_o the_o govern_v equal_a in_o part_n and_o learning_n to_o divers_a of_o the_o chief_a governor_n and_o superior_a to_o very_o many_o of_o they_o all_o shall_v so_o come_o permit_v themselves_o and_o the_o world_n to_o be_v abuse_v in_o a_o point_n no_o less_o important_a than_o their_o very_a manhood_n it_o be_v then_o above_o policy_n and_o force_n and_o only_o atchievable_a by_o the_o natural_a strength_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o oblige_v such_o multitude_n and_o so_o qualify_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o these_o motive_n must_v have_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a none_o else_o be_v able_a to_o subdue_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o a_o great_a portion_n of_o mankind_n to_o hold_v their_o proposal_n true_a or_o justify_v all_o the_o church-governor_n in_o all_o age_n from_o a_o most_o unjust_a and_o most_o unnatural_a tyranny_n divers_a principal_a objection_n answer_v to_o mistake_v every_o passage_n voluntary_o be_v so_o in_o fashion_n and_o so_o continual_o pursue_v as_o the_o best_a method_n to_o answer_v discourse_n which_o proceed_v by_o the_o way_n of_o principle_n that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o imprudent_a to_o forestall_v such_o blind_v and_o prevent_v such_o misrepresenters_a from_o raise_v their_o light_n and_o airy_a dust_n by_o act_v ourselves_o if_o we_o can_v the_o part_n of_o a_o opponent_n after_o a_o solider_fw-la manner_n than_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v from_o those_o prevaricate_a discourser_n beside_o nothing_o more_o clear_v a_o point_n than_o to_o manifest_v that_o such_o objection_n which_o aim_v at_o the_o root_n of_o it_o quite_o lose_v their_o force_n while_o level_v against_o it_o i_o recommend_v this_o forego_v discourse_n when_o i_o have_v finish_v it_o to_o the_o perusal_n of_o divers_a of_o the_o most_o judicious_a and_o impartial_a friend_n i_o can_v pick_v out_o court_v their_o severe_a candour_n to_o acquaint_v i_o with_o its_o defect_n their_o most_o pertinent_a and_o most_o fundamental_a exception_n i_o present_v the_o reader_n with_o which_o i_o have_v strengthen_v as_o well_o as_o i_o can_v and_o add_v divers_a of_o my_o own_o protest_v that_o do_v i_o know_v myself_o or_o know_v where_o to_o learn_v of_o other_o more_o forcible_a and_o efficacious_a one_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v decline_v the_o propose_v they_o nor_o have_v fear_v to_o oppose_v the_o invincibleness_n of_o the_o truth_n i_o here_o defend_v against_o the_o strong_a assault_n of_o the_o most_o ingenious_a most_o rational_a and_o most_o acute_a discourser_n objection_n i._n the_o word_n truth_n be_v both_o in_o the_o postulata_fw-la and_o all_o over_o this_o treatise_n take_v in_o too_o metaphysical_a a_o rigour_n in_o which_o sense_n it_o may_v perhaps_o be_v deny_v that_o faith_n be_v true_a or_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n do_v so_o esteem_v it_o answer_n i_o take_v that_o word_n in_o the_o plain_a
be_v a_o crooked_a path_n and_o a_o false_a light_n lead_v it_o into_o error_n what_o therefore_o they_o be_v to_o do_v in_o the_o circumstance_n they_o have_v bring_v themselves_o into_o be_v to_o show_v that_o they_o destroy_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n to_o that_o truth_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o put_v they_o both_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o see_v they_o do_v and_o therefore_o be_v oblige_v to_o begin_v my_o discourse_n high_o and_o to_o settle_v the_o existence_n of_o faith_n by_o remove_v the_o possibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n that_o so_o it_o may_v be_v show_v able_a to_o bear_v the_o have_v a_o rule_n which_o while_o it_o be_v in_o the_o totter_a and_o uncertain_a condition_n to_o which_o mr._n t._n and_o mr._n st._n have_v reduce_v it_o that_o be_v in_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v all_o a_o lie_n and_o indeed_o be_v a_o actuality_n of_o be_v as_o to_o we_o not-truth_n but_o at_o most_o a_o great_a likelihood_n it_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o since_o therefore_o in_o the_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_v a_o est_fw-fr ought_v to_o antecede_v quid_fw-la ests_n they_o have_v lose_v their_o right_n to_o be_v discourse_v with_o about_o the_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o what_o be_v that_o rule_n till_o they_o can_v justify_v themselves_o not_o to_o have_v destroy_v the_o very_a a_o est_fw-la or_o existence_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n both_o with_o which_o mr._n t._n be_v now_o challenge_v from_o his_o own_o word_n and_o mr._n st._n from_o his_o abet_v he_o and_o espouse_v his_o patronage_n both_o nature_n therefore_o and_o be_v excuse_v i_o from_o reply_v to_o mr_n t._n and_o mr._n st._n where_o the_o just_a law_n of_o severe_a and_o rigorous_a reason_n exact_o observe_v and_o so_o it_o be_v only_o a_o voluntary_a courtesy_n not_o a_o obligatory_a duty_n to_o afford_v they_o or_o any_o other_o writer_n thus_o principled_a any_o answer_n at_o all_o or_o to_o admit_v they_o to_o a_o dispute_n about_o this_o point_n what_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n last_o hence_o be_v infer_v that_o a_o conclusive_a method_n or_o short_a way_n of_o end_v all_o controversy_n between_o the_o catho_n like_o church_n and_o all_o her_o relinquisher_n be_v settle_v by_o this_o doctrine_n for_o if_o right_a faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o or_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v if_o the_o motive_n to_o embrace_v christianity_n must_v be_v thus_o firm_a then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o that_o party_n who_o writer_n renounce_v the_o have_v any_o such_o motive_n in_o case_n those_o writer_n speak_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o party_n be_v not_o right_o christian_n or_o true_o faithful_a 4_o but_o a_o distinct_a sect_n from_o the_o body_n of_o right_n christian_n or_o it_o be_v most_o unjust_a that_o the_o discourse_n of_o private_a speculater_n shall_v be_v pin_v upon_o the_o whole_a party_n if_o they_o write_v thing_n deniable_a by_o that_o party_n in_o case_n any_o such_o party_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o disclaim_v such_o writer_n as_o private_a discourser_n and_o their_o tenet_n of_o christian_a faith_n not_o be_v absolute_o certain_a which_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v and_o set_v some_o other_o writer_n to_o maintain_v the_o opposite_a thesis_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v infallible_a ground_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v any_o authority_n convey_v christ_n faith_n down_o to_o we_o infallible_o which_o they_o must_v bring_v 2._o if_o they_o will_v prove_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a distinct_a from_o what_o the_o catholic_a church_n hold_v to_o and_o which_o themselves_o renounce_v when_o they_o forsake_v her_o communion_n but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o ground_n as_o these_o that_o be_v ground_n inerrable_o bring_v down_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n faith_n to_o we_o that_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o discern_v by_o the_o carriage_n write_n or_o discourse_n of_o any_o party_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v their_o tenet_n if_o then_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v abundant_o conclude_v it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o those_o who_o deny_v they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n do_v by_o that_o very_a denial_n confess_v they_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n nor_o be_v true_o faithful_a nor_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n postscript_n thus_o reader_n thou_o see_v i_o still_o endeavour_v candid_o to_o put_v controversy_n home_o as_o far_o as_o my_o discourse_n can_v carry_v it_o and_o that_o i_o have_v resume_v here_o all_o the_o scatter_a end_n of_o voluminous_a dispute_n into_o one_o point_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o all_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v see_v at_o a_o short_a view_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v if_o they_o look_v into_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o they_o be_v professor_n of_o christianity_n they_o will_v find_v it_o write_v there_o in_o capital_n that_o christian_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o illusion_n '_o or_o falsehood_n also_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o true_a and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o suffer_v all_o persecution_n and_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v such_o this_o find_v and_o due_o reflect_v on_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v that_o they_o press_v their_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v lead_v to_o show_v they_o by_o such_o ground_n as_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n permit_v they_o to_o hold_v that_o be_v by_o their_o ground_n that_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o can_v as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o can_v than_o their_o adherent_n may_v in_o reason_n hope_v well_o of_o their_o own_o condition_n till_o they_o see_v those_o attempt_n evident_o show_v invalid_a but_o if_o they_o profess_v still_o they_o can_v and_o that_o faith_n need_v no_o such_o certainty_n then_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a dictamen_fw-la of_o christianity_n in_o their_o own_o breast_n ought_v to_o make_v they_o distrust_v the_o principle_n of_o their_o party_n find_v to_o be_v so_o destructive_a to_o christian_a faith_n but_o also_o i_o shall_v hope_v there_o be_v some_o proof_n in_o this_o forego_n treatise_n which_o they_o will_v judge_n require_v a_o answer_n i_o expect_v my_o answerer_n will_v sow_v together_o many_o thin_a rhetorical_a figleaf_n to_o cover_v the_o deformity_n of_o that_o abominable_a thesis_n that_o faith_n may_v be_v false_a which_o to_o propose_v undisguised_a be_v too_o open_o shameful_a but_o i_o hope_v thou_o will_v be_v able_a to_o discern_v their_o sense_n through_o their_o rhetoric_n and_o heedful_o to_o mark_v with_o a_o steadfast_a eye_n that_o in_o how_o quaint_a and_o elegant_a phrase_n soever_o they_o cloak_n their_o tenet_n yet_o the_o genuine_a downright_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o position_n they_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v will_v still_o be_v this_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v all_o be_v so_o many_o lie_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v absolute_o know_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o bundle_n of_o falsehood_n i_o expect_v also_o many_o plausible_a instance_n and_o pretend_a parallel_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o inferior_a degree_n of_o certitude_n for_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a end_n but_o what_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v whether_o those_o end_n be_v parallel_n or_o equal_v to_o that_o high_a end_n and_o concern_v of_o christian_a faith_n these_o thing_n i_o expect_v but_o i_o expect_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o principle_n that_o will_v be_v find_v to_o deserve_v that_o name_n will_v ever_o be_v think_v prudent_a to_o be_v produce_v to_o justify_v a_o tenet_n every_o way_n so_o irrational_a and_o unprincipled_a or_o rather_o destroy_v the_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o best_a body_n of_o principle_n that_o either_o nature_n or_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n himself_o ever_o instill_a into_o mankind_n last_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o obtain_v for_o i_o if_o thou_o can_v that_o if_o any_o think_v fit_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o treatise_n they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o set_v aside_o all_o witty_a prevarication_n and_o elegant_a drollery_n the_o two_o chief_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n only_o stickler_n in_o the_o pretend_a answer_n to_o sure-footing_a and_o begin_v with_o first_o principle_n to_o draw_v thence_o immediate_a consequence_n as_o i_o have_v constant_o endeavour_v in_o this_o discourse_n by_o
upon_o he_o with_o this_o press_a demand_n i_o but_o be_v you_o certain_a of_o it_o may_v not_o you_o be_v mistake_v which_o clear_o intimate_v that_o that_o disposition_n call_v certainty_n be_v beyond_o all_o inclination_n motion_n or_o indeterminate_a tendency_n of_o the_o understanding_n make_v it_o very_o think_v it_o be_v true_a which_o speak_v the_o next_o remove_n as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o certain_a assent_n and_o consequent_o that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a determination_n and_o fixure_n of_o the_o soul_n that_o it_o be_v true_a as_o also_o that_o certainty_n elevate_v the_o soul_n beyond_o hazard_n of_o mistake_n again_o many_o time_n when_o one_o be_v smart_o question_v if_o he_o be_v certain_a of_o a_o thing_n not_o dare_v upon_o better_a reflection_n pretend_v to_o certainty_n he_o reply_v wary_o in_o a_o moderate_a word_n which_o diminish_v and_o fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o that_o he_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o it_o which_o evidence_n that_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n be_v in_o point_n of_o fix_v or_o determine_v the_o understanding_n beyond_o that_o counterfeit_a certainty_n call_v moral_a certainty_n wherefore_o since_o all_o moral_a certainty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o how_o great_a soever_o though_o it_o be_v penetrate_v perfect_o according_a as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v see_v to_o consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o true_a certainty_n which_o exceed_v it_o must_v needs_o include_v a_o impossibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o i'faith_o then_o be_v not_o in_o true_a speech_n certain_a unless_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 10._o again_o let_v a_o overween_a after_o his_o mistake_n become_v visible_a be_v challenge_v with_o it_o we_o find_v that_o in_o common_a speech_n we_o use_v these_o or_o the_o like_a word_n you_o say_v or_o thought_n you_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o but_o you_o see_v you_o be_v mistake_v be_v it_o not_o evident_a that_o the_o word_n certain_a exclude_v a_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o since_o his_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o former_o be_v deny_v pure_o upon_o this_o score_n because_o he_o be_v mistake_v which_o show_v that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o certain_a be_v inconsistent_a with_o mistake_n that_o be_v that_o certainty_n imply_v unmistakableness_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o inerrability_n hîc_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o the_o present_a affair_n whereas_o have_v the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n admit_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o be_v as_o he_o judge_v he_o have_v not_o be_v so_o mistake_v in_o judge_v that_o certain_a which_o by_o actual_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v be_v show_v afterward_o possible_a not_o to_o be_v to_o think_v to_o evade_v by_o allege_v that_o it_o be_v not_o mean_v his_o mistake_n consist_v in_o judge_v that_o certain_a or_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v which_o be_v possible_a not_o to_o be_v but_o in_o judge_v that_o will_v be_v which_o afterward_o hap_v not_o to_o be_v be_v mere_o childishness_n and_o folly_n among_o man_n who_o hold_v that_o thing_n be_v carry_v on_o by_o the_o course_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_v and_o that_o thing_n therefore_o happen_v because_o a_o cause_n put_v they_o or_o not_o happen_v because_o no_o cause_n put_v they_o to_o judge_n then_o a_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v be_v the_o same_o among_o intelligent_a man_n as_o to_z judge_v there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o make_v it_o be_v and_o if_o there_o will_v be_v none_o such_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a it_o can_v not_o be_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v in_o this_o order_n of_o the_o world_n such_o answer_n be_v fit_a for_o man_n who_o be_v lead_v more_o by_o sound_n than_o sense_n and_o who_o think_v a_o different_a word_n will_v gain_v they_o a_o escape_n though_o that_o word_n signify_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o former_a 11._o the_o same_o will_v appear_v from_o the_o absurdity_n which_o palpable_o discover_v itself_o in_o any_o expression_n that_o modify_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o certain_a with_o a_o contingency_n as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v it_o be_v certain_a per_fw-la adventure_n or_o it_o be_v fallible_o certain_a the_o nonsense_n of_o which_o show_v that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o certainty_n imply_v a_o oppositness_n to_o all_o contingency_n or_o a_o impossibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o you_o will_v ask_v what_o then_o must_v be_v say_v of_o the_o phrase_n moral_a certainty_n where_o certainty_n seem_v to_o admit_v a_o allay_n of_o contingency_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v evident_a even_o hence_o and_o from_o all_o my_o former_a discourse_n that_o the_o word_n certainty_n be_v there_o use_v catachrestical_o or_o abusive_o for_o some_o great_a likelihood_n and_o its_o epithet_n mean_v such_o a_o degree_n of_o it_o as_o be_v find_v general_o in_o humane_a exterior_a action_n which_o depend_v on_o freewill_n and_o be_v contingent_a as_o be_v particular_n and_o speak_v not_o proper_a certainty_n as_o it_o be_v mean_v to_o signify_v that_o perfect_a intellectual_a determination_n who_o principle_n and_o cause_n be_v high_a truth_n be_v unalterable_a whence_o moral_a certainty_n how_o high_a soever_o it_o be_v exalt_v and_o triumph_v in_o a_o empty_a name_n be_v in_o reality_n uncertainty_n and_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o moral_a certainty_n be_v the_o low_a degree_n of_o uncertainty_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v of_o that_o which_o express_v a_o intellectual_a indetermination_n §_o 12._o thus_o much_o from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n which_o when_o it_o fall_v natural_o and_o affect_o from_o the_o tongue_n of_o the_o speaker_n be_v a_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o notion_n or_o meaning_n in_o their_o soul_n that_o be_v of_o the_o signification_n of_o that_o word_n whence_o it_o be_v a_o apt_a medium_fw-la to_o demonstrate_v that_o notion_n its_o proper_a cause_n à_fw-la posteriori_fw-la §_o 13._o from_o this_o discourse_n follow_v first_o that_o since_o speak_v of_o the_o present_a and_o the_o same_o in_o proportion_n hold_v of_o other_o difference_n of_o time_n it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v certain_a as_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o to_o say_v the_o thing_n be_v speak_v indivisibility_n the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n too_o consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v that_o one_o certainty_n may_v not_o be_v great_a than_o another_o both_o from_o a_o great_a perfection_n in_o the_o subject_a and_o a_o great_a certify_a power_n in_o the_o object_n but_o that_o certainty_n in_o the_o way_n of_o be_v generate_v in_o the_o soul_n be_v either_o there_o all_o at_o once_o or_o not_o at_o all_o in_o the_o same_o sort_n as_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o be_v and_o be_v not_o or_o half-being_n of_o they_o which_o be_v the_o formal_a expresser_n of_o certainty_n whence_o again_o appear_v that_o what_o we_o abusive_o call_v moral_a certainty_n be_v indeed_o none_o at_o all_o because_o it_o reach_v not_o that_o indivisible_a or_o determinative_a point_n in_o which_o true_a certainty_n consist_v §_o 14._o second_o since_o true_a certainty_n principle_n be_v cause_v in_o we_o by_o see_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v see_v but_o by_o virtue_n of_o principle_n especial_o that_o chief_a one_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o principle_n be_v truth_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v both_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o that_o what_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a subsist_v upon_o no_o principle_n whence_o all_o moral_a certainty_n as_o they_o call_v it_o as_o also_o all_o high_a probability_n which_o confess_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v to_o subsist_v upon_o no_o principle_n and_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v they_o have_v but_o moral_a certainty_n and_o high_a probability_n for_o their_o faith_n or_o opinion_n confess_v they_o have_v no_o principle_n which_o in_o true_a language_n deserve_v that_o name_n to_o ground_v they_o but_o at_o best_a certain_a likely_a topical_a medium_n that_o oft_o prove_v true_a or_o hold_v for_o the_o most_o part_n which_o may_v serve_v for_o a_o talk_a kind_n of_o discourse_n or_o exterior_a action_n but_o be_v flat_a thing_n and_o useless_a when_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v conclude_v §_o 15._o three_o it_o follow_v that_o true_a infallibility_n certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v the_o selfsame_a with_o infallibility_n or_o inerrability_n as_o to_o the_o same_o thing_n for_o certainty_n be_v not_o have_v till_o it_o be_v see_v that_o that_o first_o principle_n a_fw-la thing_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o be_v engage_v for_o the_o identification_n of_o the_o two_o notion_n which_o make_v up_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o be_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o proposition_n wherefore_o since_o we_o can_v have_v infallible_a assurance_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n as_o also_o of_o this_o that_o nothing_o
can_v be_v see_v to_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v we_o can_v frame_v a_o inerrable_a judgement_n that_o when_o we_o see_v that_o first_o principle_n engage_v for_o the_o identity_n of_o those_o two_o notion_n it_o be_v engage_v for_o it_o and_o so_o they_o identify_v that_o be_v we_o must_v know_v infallible_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a this_o i_o say_v in_o case_n it_o be_v a_o true_a certainty_n and_o not_o a_o only_o deem_v or_o mistake_v one_o yet_o even_o then_o there_o be_v a_o deem_v infallibility_n and_o the_o person_n that_o mistake_o judge_v himself_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n judge_n withal_o that_o he_o can_v be_v mistake_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o that_o particular_a which_o manifest_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o certainty_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o infallibility_n however_o it_o may_v be_v misapply_v again_o since_o the_o natural_a use_n of_o word_n give_v it_o not_o to_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v i_o be_o infallible_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o infallible_o be_v not_o disparate_a from_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o incompetent_a to_o it_o it_o must_v then_o be_v either_o tautological_a or_o else_o be_v a_o different_a yet_o appliable_a notion_n and_o so_o apt_a to_o difference_n or_o distinguish_v it_o but_o it_o can_v be_v this_o late_a for_o then_o the_o notion_n of_o certain_a aught_o in_o all_o reason_n and_o logic_n admit_v with_o equal_a sense_n the_o opposite_a difference_n fallible_o which_o we_o experience_v it_o do_v not_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a than_o to_o say_v i_o be_o fallible_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o infallible_o be_v not_o fit_a to_o difference_n the_o notion_n of_o certain_a or_o not_o a_o different_a notion_n from_o it_o but_o the_o same_o sense_n reiterated_a in_o another_o word_n for_o aggravation_n sake_n as_o when_o we_o say_v i_o see_v it_o with_o my_o own_o eye_n or_o such_o like_a that_o be_v if_o we_o consider_v it_o calm_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o that_o malignant_a word_n infallibility_n which_o so_o bewonder_v our_o opposer_n amount_n to_o no_o more_o but_o true_a certainty_n and_o have_v the_o selfsame_a notion_n with_o it_o §_o 16._o four_o it_o appear_v that_o see_v contingency_n what_o may_v be_v otherwise_o how_o unlikely_a soever_o needs_o but_o a_o lucky_a chance_n to_o be_v so_o they_o who_o say_v faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a instead_o of_o establish_v it_o subject_n it_o to_o chance_n and_o contingency_n and_o confess_v it_o have_v no_o ground_n so_o to_o secure_v it_o but_o a_o great_a wit_n than_o have_v be_v former_o may_v possible_o show_v it_o to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v may_v subvert_v all_o the_o ground_n it_o now_o stand_v on_o so_o that_o these_o man_n be_v convince_v not_o to_o settle_v faith_n upon_o any_o firm_a ground_n or_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o to_o hang_v it_o on_o humane_a wit_n that_o be_v on_o the_o wit_n of_o the_o present_a christian_n maintain_v its_o plausibility_n and_o possible_o on_o the_o fortunate_a want_n of_o a_o acuter_n wit_n than_o any_o now_o extant_a who_o when_o he_o shall_v arise_v may_v perhaps_o outwit_v they_o and_o show_v all_o their_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a foolery_n §_o 17._o last_o speak_v of_o truth_n it_o be_v falsehood_n perfect_a nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a since_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n truth_n shall_v be_v falsehood_n as_o be_v evident_a in_o predication_n of_o past_a or_o future_a thing_n viz._n in_o these_o christ_n have_v die_v the_o resurrection_n will_v be_v the_o former_a of_o which_o if_o once_o true_a have_v be_v and_o so_o can_v have_v not_o be_v the_o circumstance_n of_o time_n be_v go_v in_o which_o only_o it_o can_v not_o have_v be_v and_o the_o late_a if_o once_o put_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v to_o stand_v under_o certain_a or_o unimpedible_a cause_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o not_o to_o succeed_v so_o that_o it_o be_v the_o great_a madness_n and_o folly_n in_o the_o world_n to_o put_v either_o of_o these_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o be_v once_o right_o judge_v truth_n and_o indeed_o i_o fear_v rather_o that_o they_o who_o judge_v the_o late_a possible_a not_o to_o be_v subject_n they_o to_o impedible_a cause_n and_o so_o make_v they_o or_o at_o least_o their_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n future_a contingent_n which_o have_v neither_o determinate_a truth_n nor_o falsehood_n speak_v then_o of_o those_o proposition_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o predicate_v de_fw-fr praesenti_fw-la it_o will_v be_v find_v by_o the_o considerer_n that_o they_o be_v all_o in_o a_o matter_n which_o be_v unalterable_a and_o above_o contingency_n and_o in_o case_n this_o be_v not_o their_o very_a determination_n to_o the_o present_a free_v they_o from_o be_v other_o than_o they_o be_v for_o the_o present_a every_o thing_n while_o it_o be_v be_v necessary_o what_o it_o be_v there_o be_v no_o shadow_n therefore_o of_o ground_n for_o a_o man_n who_o affirm_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n to_o affirm_v withal_o they_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a all_o i_o can_v imagine_v in_o their_o behalf_n to_o excuse_v they_o from_o speak_v palpable_a contradiction_n be_v this_o that_o perhaps_o they_o may_v mean_v our_o discourse_n while_o in_o viâ_fw-la to_o find_v out_o these_o truth_n be_v impedible_a and_o so_o there_o be_v then_o a_o possibility_n they_o may_v not_o become_v see_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v may_v be_v no_o truth_n to_o we_o but_o the_o question_n return_v whether_o in_o the_o end_n of_o our_o weigh_v their_o motive_n we_o discover_v they_o to_o be_v truth_n or_o no_o if_o not_o why_o do_v we_o so_o asseverant_o affirm_v they_o be_v and_o why_o be_v we_o bind_v by_o religion_n to_o profess_v they_o to_o be_v so_o or_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v they_o be_v truth_n how_o be_v we_o so_o stupid_a as_o not_o to_o discover_v withal_o that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n §_o 18._o my_o last_o argument_n from_o logic_n faith_n shall_v be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n leave_v to_o prove_v faith_n or_o persuade_v it_o to_o another_o that_o act_n according_a to_o perfect_a reason_n in_o case_n it_o that_o be_v its_o ground_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o that_o this_o be_v so_o be_v not_o so_o much_o evident_a from_o any_o particular_a consideration_n in_o logic_n as_o from_o the_o whole_a nature_n of_o artificial_a discourse_n or_o disputation_n for_o in_o case_n the_o premise_n be_v but_o moral_o certain_a as_o they_o call_v it_o or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v if_o the_o two_o term_n be_v not_o see_v to_o be_v connect_v these_o proposition_n may_v nay_o aught_o to_o be_v deny_v by_o the_o respondent_fw-la who_o office_n and_o right_o it_o be_v to_o grant_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a lest_o he_o ensnare_v himself_o but_o to_o put_v the_o arguer_n to_o prove_v they_o what_o then_o must_v the_o opponent_n or_o arguer_n do_v must_v he_o bring_v a_o syllogism_n consist_v of_o premise_n only_o moral_o certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o make_v the_o other_o good_a what_o will_v it_o avail_v since_o these_o premise_n be_v also_o deniable_a for_o the_o same_o reason_n and_o so_o in_o infinitum_fw-la that_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o can_v possible_o be_v conclude_v final_o till_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v produce_v which_o put_v the_o conclusion_n may_v be_v such_o also_o wherefore_o unless_o faith_n have_v ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o able_a to_o show_v it_o such_o also_o none_o can_v rationem_fw-la reddere_fw-la fidei_fw-la give_v a_o true_a reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o such_o a_o one_o at_o best_a as_o in_o due_a right_n of_o dispute_n be_v ●●deniable_a at_o pleasure_n whence_o faith_n be_v render_v both_o unmaintainable_a or_o indefensible_a in_o itself_o and_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o that_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n for_o however_o all_o who_o discourse_n of_o religion_n when_o they_o will_v convert_v any_o to_o faith_n use_v not_o to_o pin_v their_o motive_n to_o syllogistical_a form_n yet_o since_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o case_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n be_v allowable_a but_o what_o will_v bear_v the_o test_n of_o true_a logic_n and_o this_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v no_o conclude_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o without_o rely_v final_o on_o premise_n or_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o how_o fine_o and_o quaint_o soever_o these_o man_n talk_v unless_o they_o produce_v such_o ground_n they_o can_v conclude_v nothing_o at_o all_o and_o all_o their_o importunate_a persuasion_n which_o
true_a then_o let_v we_o see_v how_o they_o will_v avoid_v the_o consequence_n of_o my_o former_a discourse_n when_o they_o assert_v it_o withal_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v that_o very_o individual_a judgement_n they_o make_v concern_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n or_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o must_v affirm_v to_o be_v true_a or_o a_o truth_n that_o be_v conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v of_o the_o selfsame_a judgement_n though_o call_v by_o they_o a_o truth_n of_o which_o they_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o disconformable_a to_o the_o object_n and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o mean_v as_o if_o it_o shall_v become_v so_o afterward_o either_o by_o some_o alteration_n of_o that_o judgement_n into_o another_o or_o of_o the_o thing_n to_o which_o it_o be_v conformable_a but_o that_o even_o that_o very_o selfsame_a judgement_n while_o they_o speak_v and_o hold_v it_o after_o their_o fashion_n true_a may_v even_o then_o possible_o be_v false_a from_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o for_o want_v of_o solid_a ground_n to_o settle_v point_n of_o faith_n in_o their_o soul_n as_o truth_n they_o hold_v they_o indeed_o only_a likelihood_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v f●lse_o and_o yet_o force_v by_o the_o natural_a sense_n and_o language_n of_o christianity_n which_o it_o be_v dishonourable_a to_o they_o too_o palpable_o to_o contradict_v they_o become_v oblige_v to_o profess_v they_o truth_n who_o firm_a ground_n make_v they_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o affix_v to_o they_o the_o proper_a badge_n of_o likelihood_n possibility_n of_o falsehood_n whence_o by_o confound_v the_o pure_a and_o solid_a nature_n of_o truth_n be_v gold_n with_o other_o notion_n of_o so_o base_a a_o alloy_n that_o it_o can_v admit_v any_o mixture_n with_o they_o all_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o support_v the_o true_a nature_n or_o being_n of_o thing_n be_v by_o consequence_n attack_v and_o can_v their_o position_n stand_v will_v quite_o be_v overthrow_v four_o eviction_n §_o 1._o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o all_o truth_n can_v escape_v the_o pernicious_a metaphysic_n attempt_n of_o this_o erroneous_a tenet_n it_o be_v this_o quicquid_fw-la est_fw-la dum_fw-la est_fw-la impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la or_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o once_o for_o in_o faith-proposition_n especial_o those_o in_o which_o existent_n be_v the_o predicate_a as_o the_o trinity_n be_v etc._n etc._n it_o be_v the_o same_o to_o say_v the_o proposition_n be_v true_a as_o to_o say_v the_o subject_n be_v existent_a and_o the_o same_o to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v false_a as_o to_o say_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o existent_a or_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v and_o our_o adversary_n relate_v not_o this_o to_o a_o several_a circumstance_n of_o time_n in_o which_o they_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o agree_v to_o the_o subject_a successive_o for_o their_o sense_n be_v that_o this_o proposition_n a_o trinity_n be_v etc._n etc._n may_v for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v even_o now_o possible_o be_v false_a while_o they_o pronounce_v it_o true_a since_o then_o to_o affirm_v a_o thing_n existent_a and_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v not_o existent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v to_o say_v direct_o that_o it_o may_v be_v and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o once_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o either_o they_o must_v not_o say_v a_o trinity_n be_v existent_a or_o else_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a not_o to_o be_v existent_a at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o be_v if_o indeed_o that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a they_o must_v withal_o affirm_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o also_o that_o they_o who_o affirm_v both_o profess_v to_o hold_v direct_a contradictory_n so_o that_o while_o these_o man_n go_v about_o to_o violate_v the_o sanctuary_n of_o faith_n who_o solid_a nature_n be_v so_o build_v that_o it_o be_v intrinsical_o repugnant_a to_o falsity_n they_o by_o consequence_n subvert_v the_o groundwork_n and_o bottom-principle_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o wise_o do_v that_o best_a master_n of_o mankind_n settle_v his_o doctrine_n that_o we_o can_v call_v into_o question_n that_o which_o make_v we_o christian_n without_o renounce_v all_o that_o make_v we_o men._n §_o 2._o i_o foresee_v my_o adversary_n will_v still_o false_a object_v that_o i_o mistake_v they_o and_o impose_v upon_o they_o to_o relate_v their_o discourse_n to_o the_o real_a be_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o the_o thing_n itself_o whereas_o they_o intend_v it_o only_o to_o mean_v the_o thing_n as_o stand_v under_o notion_n or_o consider_v according_a to_o divers_a motive_n they_o either_o have_v or_o may_v have_v to_o persuade_v or_o dissuade_v they_o as_o to_o the_o verity_n of_o it_o and_o in_o plain_a term_n that_o they_o mean_v only_o this_o that_o faith_n be_v not_o so_o convenient_o propose_v to_o they_o but_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o any_o thing_n appear_v evident_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o answer_v that_o i_o also_o speak_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o stand_v under_o notion_n else_o how_o can_v i_o put_v it_o in_o proposition_n and_o discourse_n from_o the_o nature_n and_o contradictoriness_n of_o those_o proposition_n as_o i_o do_v all_o along_o but_o yet_o lest_o my_o notion_n shall_v be_v airy_a and_o empty_a i_o be_o careful_a to_o take_v they_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o to_o rate_v the_o truth_n of_o my_o proposition_n from_o the_o conformity_n they_o have_v to_o the_o object_n as_o in_o itself_o and_o the_o force_n of_o my_o motive_n from_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o first_o principle_n and_o then_o i_o be_o sure_a to_o discourse_v and_o speak_v solid_o the_o same_o i_o expect_v from_o they_o whence_o i_o ask_v they_o whether_o they_o assent_v to_o this_o proposition_n a_fw-la trinity_n be_v existent_a that_o be_v judge_v it_o real_o and_o indeed_o true_a or_o not_o if_o not_o i_o argue_v not_o against_o they_o at_o present_a but_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o punsh_v by_o the_o abhorrence_n of_o all_o that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n even_o their_o own_o party_n of_o who_o i_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n that_o they_o will_v hearty_o abominate_a that_o man_n who_o shall_v make_v any_o difficulty_n to_o profess_v and_o maintain_v that_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o trinity_n or_o that_o his_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o in_o case_n they_o do_v assent_v indeed_o to_o this_o proposition_n a_fw-la trinity_n be_v or_o judge_v it_o true_a than_o i_o contend_v far_o that_o they_o must_v be_v force_v likewise_o to_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o as_o they_o predicate_v that_o be_v there_o be_v find_v in_o the_o same_o thing_n or_o be_v what_o correspond_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o trinity_n and_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n which_o put_v and_o that_o they_o thus_o judge_v it_o to_o pass_v in_o the_o thing_n i_o affirm_v that_o out_o of_o the_o formal_a opposition_n between_o existent_n and_o not-existent_a and_o their_o incompossibility_n in_o the_o same_o subject_n which_o they_o can_v but_o know_v it_o follow_v necessary_o that_o they_o must_v judge_v it_o impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v not-existent_a or_o that_o that_o proposition_n shall_v be_v false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o judge_v it_o true_a and_o the_o thing_n existent_a nor_o ever_o afterward_o unless_o the_o thing_n whence_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v take_v be_v alterable_a i_o will_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v myself_o a_o little_o clear_a if_o i_o can_v as_o real_a existence_n so_o ultimate_o determine_v and_o actuate_v the_o thing_n in_o which_o it_o be_v that_o it_o exclude_v while_o there_o all_o possibility_n of_o real_a nonexistence_n so_o intellectual_a or_o judge_v existence_n express_v by_o the_o word_n be_v so_o ultimate_o determine_v and_o actuate_v the_o soul_n as_o to_o its_o judge_a power_n that_o it_o exclude_v while_o there_o all_o possibility_n of_o judge_v nonexistence_n in_o such_o sort_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o nature_n frame_v a_o capacity_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v no_o less_o impossible_a it_o can_v judge_v a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o may_v not_o be_v at_o once_o than_o it_o be_v that_o a_o thing_n shall_v at_o once_o be_v and_o not_o be_v in_o reality_n again_o i_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a the_o motive_n which_o in_o case_n she_o act_v rational_o convince_v the_o soul_n the_o thing_n be_v shall_v consist_v with_o a_o possibility_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v as_o it_o be_v that_o the_o soul_n can_v at_o once_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v and_o not_o to_o be_v or_o that_o the_o thing_n can_v both_o be_v and_o not_o be_v
for_o the_o establishment_n or_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v how_o insufficient_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n how_o unfit_a for_o the_o end_n and_o unable_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n true_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a ought_v to_o do_v need_v no_o declaration_n to_o manifest_v it_o since_o no_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v without_o difficulty_n refrain_v from_o smile_v at_o the_o ridiculous_a levity_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o assenter_n inference_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n conclude_v all_o controversy_n 1._o it_o rest_v then_o evince_v and_o demonstrative_o conclude_v with_o as_o great_a firmness_n as_o first_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o for_o premise_n and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n can_v establish_v it_o that_o that_o most_o firm_a or_o unchangeable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o its_o professor_n to_o assert_v it_o with_o the_o great_a seriousness_n constancy_n and_o pledge_n imaginable_a to_o be_v true_a and_o its_o object_n point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v to_o be_v a_o erroneous_a judgement_n or_o a_o mistake_n of_o our_o understanding_n 2._o it_o be_v with_o the_o same_o certainty_n conclude_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o so_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o since_o nothing_o can_v or_o ought_v in_o true_a reason_n be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o if_o this_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o can_v be_v no_o rule_n of_o faith_n because_o it_o will_v weaken_v faith_n itself_o which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o into_o a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n inconsistent_a with_o its_o nature_n 3._o it_o follow_v with_o the_o same_o clearness_n that_o if_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o immediate_a mean_n to_o convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o we_o be_v any_o live_a authority_n that_o authority_n must_v be_v infallible_a as_o to_o that_o effect_n for_o if_o fallible_a faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o will_v still_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o likewise_o that_o if_o it_o be_v any_o book_n both_o the_o letter_n of_o that_o book_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v be_v corrupt_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v faith_n build_v on_o it_o and_o withal_o the_o sense_n know_v to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v mistake_v for_o in_o case_n either_o of_o these_o all_o the_o cause_n be_v put_v to_o preserve_v they_o such_o as_o we_o have_v say_v be_v true_o judge_v or_o find_v to_o be_v possible_a faith_n which_o be_v to_o depend_v on_o they_o will_v still_o be_v leave_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a 4._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o those_o pretend_v faithful_a who_o have_v not_o ground_n of_o faith_n thus_o qualify_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n that_o be_v no_o act_n of_o belief_n but_o what_o notwithstanding_o all_o that_o they_o know_v or_o can_v know_v of_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a nor_o consequent_o be_v they_o to_o be_v account_v true_o faithful_a as_o not_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o be_v in_o our_o case_n a_o assent_n build_v either_o on_o infallible_a live_a authority_n or_o on_o unmistakeable_a letter_n and_o sense_n of_o a_o book_n §_o 3._o but_o opinion_n only_o 5._o it_o follow_v with_o like_a evidence_n that_o a_o controvertist_n be_v one_o who_o be_v to_o assert_v faith_n not_o by_o look_v into_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n and_o explain_v they_o this_o be_v the_o office_n of_o a_o school-divine_a but_o into_o the_o motive_n to_o it_o or_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o bring_v proof_n which_o he_o judge_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o maintain_v nay_o which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n apt_a to_o show_v faith_n and_o its_o rule_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a he_o do_v not_o the_o duty_n he_o owe_v to_o faith_n nor_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o controvertist_n but_o he_o betray_v faith_n by_o his_o ineffectual_a and_o probable_a managery_n of_o it_o make_v it_o seem_v a_o sleight_n opinion_n or_o light_o ground_v credulity_n especial_o if_o he_o profess_v that_o all_o proof_n which_o can_v be_v produce_v in_o this_o matter_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o then_o it_o be_v a_o plain_a and_o open_a confession_n all_o his_o endeavour_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n because_o he_o be_v to_o show_v faith_n the_o subject_a of_o his_o discourse_n to_o be_v what_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v that_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a nay_o since_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o certain_a he_o manifest_o destroy_v faith_n when_o he_o shall_v defend_v and_o establish_v it_o by_o profess_v all_o its_o proof_n or_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a 6._o it_o follow_v immediate_o that_o unless_o some_o other_o medium_fw-la can_v be_v find_v or_o way_n take_v in_o that_o skill_n or_o science_n call_v controversy_n which_o be_v able_a to_o show_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o what_o be_v lay_v down_o in_o sure-footing_a which_o partly_o by_o our_o adversary_n confession_n of_o the_o inability_n of_o they_o to_o reach_v infallible_a certainty_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o be_v see_v sure-footing_a corol._n 16_o and_o 40._o be_v evident_o impossible_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o yet_o attempt_v by_o any_o other_o mean_n except_o by_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n it_o follow_v i_o say_v that_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o or_o may_v be_v show_v thus_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a so_o it_o be_v by_o consequence_n certain_a likewise_o that_o the_o main_a doctrine_n there_o deliver_v will_v stand_v whatever_o particular_a miscarriage_n may_v have_v happen_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o which_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o my_o reason_n there_o give_v and_o the_o force_n of_o my_o adversary_n objection_n 7._o it_o be_v necessary_o consequent_a from_o the_o forego_n paragraph_n that_o if_o i_o have_v discourse_v right_a in_o this_o small_a treatise_n of_o i_o and_o have_v prove_v that_o faith_n and_o consequent_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a then_o mr._n tillotson_n confession_n p._n 118._o to_o which_o m._n stillingfleet_n doctrine_n be_v consonant_a that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v to_o be_v false_a that_o any_o book_n be_v so_o ancient_a as_o it_o pretend_v to_o be_v or_o that_o it_o be_v write_v by_o he_o who_o name_n it_o bear_v or_o that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a conviction_n that_o neither_o be_v the_o book-rule_n he_o maintain_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 3._o nor_o have_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n true_a faith_n §_o 4._o and_o consequent_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n own_v take_v away_o private_a spirit_n but_o tradition_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o onely-true-rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 6._o and_o so_o the_o main_a of_o sure-footing_a stand_v yet_o firm_a and_o last_o it_o be_v evince_v that_o his_o own_o book_n which_o oppose_v it_o oppose_v the_o onety-true_a because_o the_o onely-impossible-to-be-false_a ground_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v he_o be_v convince_v in_o that_o supposition_n to_o go_v about_o to_o undermine_v all_o christian_a faith_n whence_o the_o title_n of_o his_o probable-natured_a book_n be_v manifest_v to_o be_v a_o improper_a faith_n nickname_n and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n 8._o this_o last_o point_n be_v hence_o far_o confirm_v because_o mr_n t._n and_o mr._n st._n can_v claim_v no_o admittance_n into_o a_o dispute_n whether_o this_o or_o the_o other_o be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n till_o they_o approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v christian_n and_o show_v they_o hold_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o faith_n or_o that_o it_o can_v bear_v the_o have_v any_o rule_n at_o all_o since_o a_o assent_n to_o a_o point_n see_v and_o acknowledge_v possible_a to_o to_o be_v false_a can_v never_o rise_v to_o be_v more_o than_o a_o opinion_n nor_o can_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_v to_o what_o may_v possible_o be_v false_a in_o true_a speech_n be_v call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o because_o there_o be_v in_o that_o case_n no_o faith_n infer_v 1._o and_o so_o it_o can_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o what_o be_v not_o as_o also_o because_o what_o we_o see_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o propriety_n be_v call_v a_o rule_n to_o the_o understanding_n direct_v it_o to_o truth_n in_o regard_n for_o any_o thing_n it_o see_v it_o
natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n in_o which_o all_o mankind_n take_v it_o for_o what_o in_o reality_n and_o indeed_o be_v so_o which_o i_o affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n or_o to_o ground_v all_o those_o argument_n which_o i_o bring_v thence_o to_o evince_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n but_o i_o fear_v the_o objecter_n confound_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o the_o second_o that_o be_v our_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n truth_n or_o true_a with_o the_o proposition_n or_o judgement_n make_v concern_v it_o for_o not_o only_o weak_a people_n judge_v many_o thing_n true_a which_o stand_v under_o no_o certain_a ground_n but_o even_o solid_a man_n when_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o point_n be_v sleight_n and_o no_o circumstance_n awake_v they_o into_o a_o heedfulness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v engage_v their_o honesty_n to_o speak_v rigorous_a truth_n oftentimes_o careless_o and_o unconcerned_o admit_v thing_n for_o truth_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o have_v ground_n elevate_a they_o to_o a_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n and_o indeed_o be_v far_o from_o be_v judge_v truth_n even_o by_o themselves_o while_o they_o seem_v to_o admit_v they_o for_o such_o nay_o more_o though_o they_o sometime_o use_v they_o as_o truth_n when_o the_o weight_n be_v not_o much_o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o as_o when_o in_o a_o rhetorical_a discourse_n or_o even_o in_o a_o solid_a one_o for_o illustration_n sake_n we_o make_v use_v of_o the_o story_n of_o the_o phoenix_n or_o such_o like_a or_o when_o in_o ordinary_a conversation_n we_o relate_v many_o passage_n abet_v by_o no_o certain_a authority_n but_o take_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o rumour_n perhaps_o invent_v by_o witty_a humour_n the_o truth_n of_o which_o it_o be_v in_o those_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o impertinent_a to_o discountenance_v but_o to_o let_v they_o go_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o transeat_fw-la or_o a_o valeant_fw-la quantum_fw-la valere_fw-la possunt_fw-la yet_o in_o both_o case_n what_o the_o solid_a man_n out_o of_o unconcernedness_n pass_v and_o what_o the_o vulgar_a man_n out_o of_o weakness_n judge_n as_o a_o truth_n both_o the_o one_o pass_v the_o other_o judge_n to_o be_v in_o reality_n and_o indeed_o so_o whence_o both_o of_o they_o have_v the_o genuine_a simple_a apprehension_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n truth_n and_o the_o same_o all_o other_o man_n have_v however_o the_o one_o misapply_v it_o the_o other_o permit_v it_o to_o be_v misapply_v in_o proposition_n nor_o will_v any_o distinction_n of_o truth_n moral_o speak_v probable_o truth_n etc._n etc._n serve_v the_o turn_n for_o truth_n as_o be_v say_v speak_v the_o conformity_n of_o the_o judge_a power_n to_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v a_o real_a disposition_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o therefore_o either_o be_v or_o be_v not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o wall_n be_v either_o white_a or_o not_o white_a not_o admit_v for_o its_o difference_n probable_o or_o not-probable_o any_o more_o than_o be_v do_v but_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o wall_n if_o it_o be_v not_o white_a must_v necessary_o be_v not-white_a or_o have_v some_o other_o disposition_n in_o it_o which_o be_v not-whiteness_n so_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o the_o mind_n if_o not_o conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n or_o true_a must_v be_v un-conformable_a or_o not-true_a mean_v not-true_a negative_o not_o privative_o so_o as_o to_o signify_v false_a and_o consequent_o in_o stead_n of_o that_o conformity_n it_o must_v have_v some_o other_o disposition_n in_o it_o whatever_o that_o disposition_n be_v objection_n ii_o in_o some_o place_n of_o this_o forego_n treatise_n objective_a truth_n be_v confound_v with_o that_o disposition_n of_o the_o understanding_n or_o conformity_n of_o it_o to_o the_o thing_n call_v formal_a truth_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o answer_n the_o clear_v this_o require_v the_o make_v a_o exacter_n discovery_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n to_o do_v which_o we_o will_v begin_v our_o explication_n with_o note_v that_o our_o understanding_n have_v two_o operation_n omit_v the_o three_o discourse_v as_o not_o pertinent_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n viz._n simple_a apprehension_n and_o judgement_n the_o result_n or_o effect_n of_o the_o first_o be_v call_v a_o notion_n concern_v which_o philosopher_n discourse_v thus_o that_o when_o i_o apprehend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n man_n or_o have_v that_o notion_n in_o i_o man_n nature_n be_v both_o in_o the_o thing_n and_o in_o my_o conception_n for_o it_o be_v impossiole_n my_o conception_n be_v a_o imminent_a act_n i_o shall_v conceive_v what_o be_v not_o in_o my_o conception_n or_o that_o my_o act_n of_o conceive_v shall_v be_v intrinsical_o determine_v to_o be_v this_o but_o by_o what_o be_v intrinsical_v or_o in_o it_o what_o be_v mean_v then_o by_o the_o word_n man_n be_v two_o state_n one_o in_o the_o thing_n as_o existent_a out_o of_o i_o the_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n as_o existent_a in_o i_o as_o the_o selfsame_a figure_n be_v in_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o wax_n yet_o neither_o of_o these_o different_a state_n enter_v into_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o man_n but_o mere_o what_o be_v common_a to_o the_o thing_n under_o either_o state_n which_o be_v what_o answer_v to_o the_o definition_n for_o both_o man_n take_v as_o in_o himself_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n and_o also_o what_o i_o conceive_v or_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n man_n be_v rational_a creature_n though_o the_o word_n rational_a creature_n express_v neither_o the_o be_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o out_o of_o it_o but_o abstract_n from_o either_o by_o this_o mean_v my_o mind_n concieve_v man_n gain_v a_o unity_n of_o form_n with_o the_o thing_n out_o of_o it_o or_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o which_o disposition_n want_v nothing_o to_o be_v call_v truth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o ground_v affirmation_n or_o negation_n the_o bare_a meaning_n of_o the_o word_n man_n neither_o imply_v be_v nor_o be_v not_o whence_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v usual_a say_v to_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o first_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n we_o will_v make_v way_n to_o the_o second_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o first_o imagine_v then_o there_o be_v propose_v to_o my_o eye_n a_o round_a pillar_n which_o it_o affect_v and_o by_o it_o my_o brain_n and_o so_o my_o understanding_n it_o can_v fail_v to_o beget_v there_o a_o simple_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o a_o notion_n of_o what_o be_v direct_o imprint_v which_o be_v that_o thing_n with_o as_o many_o of_o its_o qualification_n as_o be_v apt_a to_o be_v convey_v in_o by_o mean_n of_o that_o sense_n confuse_o blend_v together_o as_o also_o by_o my_o experience_n that_o it_o affect_v or_o be_v affect_v i_o of_o its_o existence_n moreover_o as_o occasion_n or_o indeed_o nature_n guide_v i_o i_o may_v have_v distinct_a or_o abstract_a notion_n of_o pillar_n roundness_n and_o existence_n nay_o more_o of_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n as_o exercise_v or_o actual_o have_v the_o same_o existence_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o proposition_n the_o pillar_n be_v round_a that_o be_v of_o what_o correspond_v to_o those_o three_o distinct_a notion_n put_v now_o in_o a_o frame_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o so_o immediate_o apt_a to_o express_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o yet_o not_o proceed_v to_o behave_v myself_o affirm_o or_o deny_o or_o judge_v any_o thing_n concern_v they_o but_o mere_o to_o conceive_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n way_n be_v thus_o orderly_o make_v towards_o the_o second_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o dispose_v the_o separate_a notion_n in_o a_o fit_a posture_n by_o the_o first_o nature_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o shall_v supervene_v and_o so_o the_o understanding_n set_v itself_o to_o judge_n whether_o those_o extreme_a or_o distant_a notion_n exhibit_v by_o the_o first_o in_o the_o posture_n of_o connexion_n be_v indeed_o connect_v or_o no_o the_o standard_n or_o measure_n of_o which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n now_o in_o self-evident_a proposition_n and_o first_o principle_n the_o understanding_n guide_v itself_o by_o that_o imbred_a or_o nature-taught_a principium_fw-la intellectûs_fw-la the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n in_o deduce_v proposition_n by_o the_o same_o principle_n fundamental_o or_o original_o and_o immediate_o by_o this_o those_o notion_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o a_o three_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o butler_n in_o our_o present_a instance_n experience_v alone_o suffice_v to_o inform_v the_o understanding_n suppose_v the_o obvious_a knowledge_n of_o what_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n be_v and_o that_o a_o pillar_n be_v a_o thing_n whereas_o roundness_n without_o pillar_n be_v