different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n from_o the_o convince_v argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n &_o reason_n i_o wish_v d._n s._n have_v explain_v himself_o here_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n whither_o some_o glance_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o truth_n call_v great_a or_o lesser_a probability_n or_o such_o intellectual_a sight_n at_o the_o least_o of_o they_o discover_v the_o thâ—ng_n thâ—â—_n evidence_v to_o â—e_v be_v indeed_o so_o or_o true_a i_o suspect_v much_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a because_o thâ—se_a be_v the_o most_o proper_a ground_n for_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o establish_v whereas_o the_o latter_a sort_n of_o evidence_n will_v hazard_v to_o carry_v too_o far_o and_o to_o beget_v infallible_a certainty_n which_o will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o most_o excellent_a design_n of_o settle_v the_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o evidence_n which_o show_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a show_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a whence_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o belove_a fallible_a certainty_n and_o endanger_v to_o introduce_v again_o by_o necessary_a and_o enforce_v consequence_n that_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n which_o he_o have_v new_o discard_v when_o he_o add_v that_o every_o christian_a may_v by_o the_o mean_n here_o assign_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n etc._n etc._n i_o have_v think_v he_o have_v mean_v certainty_n of_o the_o point_n of_o his_o faith_n but_o my_o hope_n be_v much_o defeat_v when_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o fly_v off_o to_o his_o christian_n not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v far_o wide_a of_o our_o purpose_n and_o his_o promise_n which_o be_v to_o reduce_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n to_o principle_n whereas_o these_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o but_o not_o to_o doubt_v of_o christianity_n be_v the_o true_a religion_n or_o scripture_n be_v god_n word_n but_o reach_v not_o to_o what_o be_v those_o point_n of_o christianity_n or_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o particular_a which_o constitute_v protestantism_n and_o only_o concern_v our_o debate_n now_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o roman-catholic_n profess_v not_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o convince_a ground_n of_o christianity_n nor_o yet_o of_o scripture_n but_o to_o hold_v that_o christianity_n be_v the_o only-true_a religion_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v holy_a and_o god_n word_n and_o yet_o we_o differ_v so_o much_o from_o protestant_n that_o he_o think_v we_o idolater_n what_o we_o be_v then_o in_o reason_n to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n be_v that_o he_o will_v bring_v we_o ground_n for_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o to_o determinate_a point_n viz._n christ_n godhead_n a_o trinity_n reality_n or_o not-reality_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o such_o like_a and_o those_o so_o certain_a as_o that_o we_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o what_o we_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o doubt_v of_o they_o as_o he_o here_o pretend_v and_o not_o put_v we_o off_o with_o common_a word_n in_o stead_n of_o particular_a satisfaction_n concern_v his_o faith_n and_o the_o certainty_n thereof_o i_o will_v ask_v he_o then_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o socinian_n who_o he_o will_v not_o deny_v to_o have_v both_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n and_o both_o the_o convince_a argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o make_v use_n of_o how_o i_o say_v he_o come_v so_o to_o fall_v short_a of_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o certainty_n spring_v from_o that_o evidence_n concern_v christ_n godhead_n which_o be_v a_o fundamental_a point_n of_o christian_a faith_n that_o he_o doubt_v it_o nay_o utter_o deny_v it_o whereas_o yet_o the_o protestant_a have_v the_o same_o mean_n to_o work_v with_o judges_z he_o have_v evidence_n and_o certainty_n ground_v on_o that_o evidence_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n yet_o all_o this_o while_n they_o dissent_v not_o at_o all_o in_o thing_n most_o evident_a to_o sense_n or_o reason_n i_o much_o fear_v our_o drs._n big_a word_n concern_v his_o degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o his_o faith_n build_v on_o those_o degree_n will_v when_o examine_v amount_v to_o a_o very_a obscure_a evidence_n and_o a_o problematical_a kind_n of_o assuredness_n much_o like_o those_o comfortable_a light_n which_o both_o party_n have_v when_o they_o lie_v even_o wager_n at_o cockfighting_n &_o such_o game_n give_v good_a hope_n to_o both_o side_n but_o good_a security_n to_o neither_o but_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o infallible_o but_o only_o fallibly-certain_a which_o be_v all_o he_o be_v bend_v to_o prove_v 25._o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a which_o be_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o overthrow_v any_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n this_o principle_n and_o the_o next_o be_v i_o conceive_v intend_v to_o preserve_v the_o dr_n and_o his_o friend_n credit_v against_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o diverse_a other_o passage_n show_v they_o either_o to_o be_v far_o from_o good_a christian_n in_o hold_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o lie_v imposture_n or_o else_o very_o bad_a discourser_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n whilst_o they_o equivalent_o express_v themselves_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o believe_v nay_o more_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n this_o if_o justify_v can_v but_o reflect_v on_o they_o be_v so_o concern_v a_o lapse_n and_o i_o have_v at_o dr._n st_n brisk_a instigation_n charge_v it_o home_o in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n though_o i_o still_o express_v myself_o to_o incline_v to_o the_o more_o civil_a and_o more_o charitable_a side_n and_o rather_o lay_v the_o blame_n on_o their_o understanding_n then_o on_o their_o will_n and_o intention_n which_o book_n have_v dr._n st._n see_v when_o he_o write_v this_o he_o will_v have_v discern_v the_o triflingness_n of_o these_o weak_a excuse_n but_o let_v we_o see_v what_o he_o say_v his_o firâ—t_o part_n be_v build_v on_o a_o most_o gross_a and_o senseless_a error_n which_o be_v that_o he_o who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v certain_a of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o those_o word_n for_o this_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n i_o wonder_v exceed_o where_o the_o dr._n â—earned_v this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n not_o from_o mankind_n i_o be_o sure_a at_o least_o not_o from_o those_o who_o have_v the_o use_n of_o their_o reason_n for_o all_o these_o already_o know_v it_o to_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o man_n may_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o yet_o that_o thing_n be_v false_a must_v that_o man_n therefore_o be_v certain_a of_o that_o falsehood_n and_o that_o it_o be_v though_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o we_o experience_n that_o opposite_a party_n firm_o assent_v to_o contrary_a tenet_n as_o true_a for_o example_n the_o socinian_o firm_o assent_v that_o christ_n be_v not_o god_n we_o and_o the_o protestant_n that_o christ_n be_v god_n catholic_n assent_v firm_o that_o they_o be_v not_o idolater_n when_o they_o make_v use_v of_o holy_a image_n in_o divine_a worship_n d._n st._n firm_o assent_v they_o be_v at_o least_o he_o will_v persuade_v his_o 〈◊〉_d by_o his_o book_n he_o do_v so_o be_v all_o these_o opposite_a side_n certain_a of_o their_o several_a tenet_n because_o each_o side_n firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o true_a
the_o church_n may_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n if_o infallibility_n be_v deny_v or_o last_o how_o will_v their_o evidence_n be_v clear_a if_o the_o nature_n of_o mâ—ral_a thing_n will_v not_o bear_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n or_o afford_v we_o so_o much_o light_n of_o themselves_o as_o by_o it_o to_o conclude_v absolute_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n i_o foresee_v both_o these_o profound_a admirer_n of_o moral_a certainty_n will_v hearty_o maintain_v and_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o sermon_n p._n 29._o in_o express_a term_n blame_v i_o for_o expect_v in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o thâ—se_a who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a i_o grant_v it_o absurd_a nay_o more_o i_o affirm_v that_o in_o case_n they_o be_v true_o certain_a that_o be_v in_o case_n their_o certainty_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n than_o not_o only_o they_o may_v not_o knâ—w_v at_o the_o same_o time_n but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o not_o at_o any_o time_n ever_o afterward_o unless_o the_o thing_n itself_o hap_v to_o be_v in_o that_o regard_n alterable_a for_o true_a certainty_n be_v build_v on_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v as_o it_o be_v and_o nothing_o can_v ever_o be_v true_o know_v to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v but_o if_o he_o take_v certainty_n in_o a_o wrong_a sense_n for_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a however_o that_o assent_n be_v ground_v then_o though_o upon_o supposition_n he_o firm_o assent_v he_o can_v at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n be_v shake_v in_o that_o assent_n or_o not_o firm_o assent_v yet_o he_o be_v far_o in_o that_o case_n from_o any_o knowledge_n or_o intellectual_a certainty_n one_o way_n or_o other_o because_o he_o regard_v not_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n whence_o only_o true_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v whatever_o he_o deem_v or_o imagine_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o he_o firm_o assent_v to_o laâ—tly_o these_o excuse_n be_v quite_o beside_o the_o purposex_v i_o never_o accuse_v their_o thought_n they_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o my_o sight_n but_o their_o discourse_n and_o write_n i_o can_v see_v and_o discover_v that_o they_o make_v faith_n possible_a to_o oâ—_n false_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n i_o meddle_v not_o then_o with_o what_o they_o assent_n to_o or_o whether_o or_o no_o they_o can_v or_o do_v hold_v the_o contrary_a what_o i_o object_v be_v that_o their_o word_n in_o their_o book_n import_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n for_o which_o they_o yet_o owe_v satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_n for_o the_o common_a injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o as_o yet_o they_o have_v give_v none_o at_o all_o 26._o whatever_o necessary_o prove_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n prâ—ve_v it_o impâ—ssible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v true_a and_o false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n therefore_o they_o who_o assent_n firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o the_o first_o part_n i_o easy_o grant_v and_o the_o reason_n for_o it_o to_o be_v most_o valid_a and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o expect_v he_o will_v in_o counterchange_n grant_v i_o this_o proposition_n that_o whatever_o word_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v a_o thing_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n say_v prove_v or_o imply_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o true_a and_o then_o dr._n t._n must_v consider_v how_o he_o will_v avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o who_o make_v scripture_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o only_a mean_n for_o mankind_n to_o be_v assure_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o yet_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 118._o profess_v that_o both_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o the_o protestant_n take_v they_o to_o be_v which_o in_o case_n they_o take_v their_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a must_v mean_v possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a that_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a whether_o his_o own_o contrary_a position_n hang_v together_o or_o no_o be_v not_o my_o concern_v as_o for_o his_o inference_n i_o deny_v that_o assent_v be_v a_o interior_a act_n be_v declare_v one_o belief_n but_o i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v it_o thus_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v they_n assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a do_v thereby_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o and_o thus_o this_o be_v ready_o also_o grant_v only_o in_o requital_n i_o expect_v he_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o must_v grant_v i_o this_o counter-proposition_n that_o therefore_o they_o who_o declare_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith_n and_o its_o ground_n or_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v thereby_o declare_v they_o do_v not_o assent_v firm_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o true_a which_o do_v let_v dr._n st._n and_o his_o friend_n look_v to_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o lie_v still_o very_o heavy_a upon_o their_o credit_n as_o writer_n and_o ever_o must_v till_o they_o retract_v it_o no_o sincere_a protestant_a who_o love_v his_o faith_n more_o than_o their_o write_n will_v ever_o be_v bring_v to_o endure_v it_o if_o he_o once_o set_v himself_o serious_o to_o consider_v it_o 27._o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v several_a name_n either_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n thus_o moral_a certainty_n may_v be_v so_o call_v either_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o mathematical_a evidence_n but_o imply_v a_o firm_a assent_n upon_o the_o high_a evidence_n that_o moral_a thing_n can_v receive_v or_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n in_o the_o same_o kind_n so_o moral_a certainty_n imply_v only_o great_a probability_n of_o one_o side_n than_o the_o other_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n we_o assert_v the_o certainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o be_v moral_a but_o not_o only_o in_o the_o latter_a this_o principle_n be_v pernicious_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o to_o faith_n and_o destructive_a to_o all_o principle_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v true_a one_o and_o not_o like_o itself_o first_o it_o design_n to_o give_v we_o the_o several_a name_n which_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n do_v receive_v but_o it_o do_v indeed_o acquaint_v we_o with_o some_o species_n or_o kind_n of_o certainty_n unless_o he_o will_v say_v that_o the_o moral_a certainty_n he_o assign_v to_o faith_n be_v of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o probability_n which_o i_o perceive_v he_o be_v loath_a to_o own_o next_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o discourse_v of_o one_o or_o more_o sort_n of_o certainty_n or_o to_o distinguish_v its_o notion_n unless_o we_o firâ—t_o know_v the_o common_a notion_n of_o certainty_n itself_o the_o word_n moral_a which_o be_v one_o of_o its_o difference_n and_o chief_o intend_v to_o be_v explain_v here_o be_v hard_a enough_o of_o itself_o alone_o but_o when_o to_o this_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o new_a difficulty_n of_o not_o know_v what_o certainty_n which_o be_v the_o genus_fw-la mean_n we_o be_v like_a to_o make_v a_o wise_a business_n of_o it_o now_o all_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v hitherto_o gain_v of_o certainty_n in_o a_o discourse_n purposely_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n both_o manifest_o imply_v in_o his_o discourse_n where_o all_o that_o we_o can_v gather_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n by_o the_o former_a be_v that_o perhaps_o it_o be_v asleep_o fix_v or_o rest_v in_o some_o tenet_n without_o any_o ground_n and_o by_o the_o late_a that_o it_o be_v a_o chimaera_n or_o nonsense_n three_o he_o distinguish_v certainty_n according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n or_o the_o degree_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o i_o vehement_o deny_v it_o as_o the_o most_o absurd_a position_n imaginable_a that_o there_o can_v be_v any_o kind_n of_o certainty_n take_v from_o the_o degree_n â—f_v the_o assent_n in_o contradistinction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proof_n for_o this_o will_v make_v as_o if_o the_o subject_n or_o person_n assent_v more_o or_o less_o do_v constitute_v
he_o can_v go_v to_o work_v more_o logical_o and_o exact_o in_o find_v out_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o show_v i_o i_o take_v it_o improper_o i_o shall_v hearty_o thank_v he_o and_o acknowledge_v my_o mistake_n but_o i_o never_o yet_o discern_v any_o such_o attempt_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v any_o reason_n to_o fear_v any_o such_o performance_n and_o i_o much_o doubt_n shall_v any_o catholic_n divine_v out_o of_o a_o charitable_a intention_n of_o union_n which_o i_o shall_v ever_o commend_v and_o hearty_o approve_v trust_v to_o the_o equivocalness_n of_o the_o word_n say_v scripture_n be_v the_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n i_o much_o doubt_v i_o say_v that_o when_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o be_v examine_v to_o the_o bottom_n it_o will_v scarce_o tend_v to_o any_o solid_a good_a for_o however_o word_n may_v bend_v yet_o the_o true_a ground_n of_o catholic_n faith_n be_v inflexible_a and_o we_o must_v take_v heed_n lest_o while_o we_o yield_v they_o the_o word_n they_o expect_v not_o as_o they_o may_v just_o have_v such_o occasion_n that_o we_o shall_v grant_v the_o thing_n proper_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n which_o if_o they_o do_v we_o must_v either_o recede_v or_o else_o forgo_v catholic_n ground_n but_o now_o the_o difference_n between_o i_o and_o dr._n st_n party_n be_v in_o the_o very_a thing_n itself_o and_o this_o as_o wide_a as_o contradiction_n can_v distance_n we_o for_o 118._o dr._n t._n who_o he_o still_o abett_n make_v it_o possible_a that_o he_o have_v neither_o true_a letter_n nor_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v make_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n build_v sole_o on_o it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o all_o that_o go_v that_o way_n fall_v unavoidable_o into_o that_o precipice_n while_o they_o admit_v no_o ground_n but_o what_o be_v fallible_a as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n whereas_o i_o still_o bear_v up_o to_o the_o impossibility_n that_o christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o consequent_o i_o maintain_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o its_o truth_n sole_o depend_v and_o without_o engage_v which_o it_o may_v be_v all_o false_a must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_o certain_a and_o hence_o take_v my_o rise_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o which_o all_o protestant_n and_o indeed_o all_o that_o have_v the_o name_n of_o christian_n except_o some_o few_o speculator_n agree_v with_o i_o viz._n that_o take_v it_o as_o build_v on_o those_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o be_v take_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v it_o be_v above_o opinion_n and_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a hence_o i_o say_v build_v on_o this_o mutual_a agreement_n i_o pursue_v a_o solid_a union_n which_o i_o declare_v myself_o most_o hearty_o to_o zeal_n hope_v that_o this_o point_n once_o distinct_o clear_v against_o the_o sophism_n and_o blind_a craft_n of_o some_o weak_a heterodox_n writer_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v every_o man_n concern_v who_o be_v of_o capacity_n to_o look_v after_o such_o ground_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n on_o which_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o faith_n depend_v be_v engage_v for_o the_o point_n he_o hold_v as_o be_v absolute_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o i_o make_v account_n that_o be_v this_o quest_n hearty_o pursue_v it_o will_v quick_o appear_v both_o by_o other_o confess_v the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o they_o as_o also_o by_o enforce_a reason_n nay_o by_o dr._n tillitsons_n yield_v to_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o this_o rule_n etc._n even_o when_o he_o be_v to_o impugn_v it_o that_o nothing_o but_o tradition_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v such_o a_o ground_n perhaps_o also_o it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o both_o more_o learned_a and_o more_o sober_a protestant_a author_n have_v own_a the_o admit_v tradition_n and_o a_o reliance_n on_o the_o church_n authority_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o for_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o the_o attain_v true_a faith_n than_o those_o be_v who_o have_v maintain_v this_o private-spirited_n way_n so_o zealous_o advance_v by_o dr._n st._n of_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v interpret_v by_o every_o vulgar_a head_n to_o the_o utter_a destruction_n of_o church_n and_o church-government_n this_o be_v and_o shall_v be_v my_o way_n of_o endeavour_v union_n which_o beginning_n at_o the_o bottom_n and_o with_o our_o mutual_a agreement_n in_o so_o main_a a_o point_n that_o it_o bear_v all_o along_o with_o it_o viz._n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v hopeful_a to_o be_v solid_a and_o well_o build_v and_o so_o effectual_a if_o it_o please_v god_n to_o inspire_v some_o eminent_a and_o good_a man_n to_o pursue_v home_o a_o principle_n which_o themselves_o have_v already_o hearty_o embrace_v if_o not_o i_o have_v this_o satisfaction_n that_o i_o have_v do_v a_o due_a right_n and_o honour_n to_o christian_a faith_n and_o give_v it_o that_o advantage_n by_o assert_v its_o perfect_a security_n from_o error_n as_o god_n grace_n assist_v be_v apt_a to_o make_v it_o work_v more_o efficacious_o both_o interiorly_a and_o exterior_o in_o those_o who_o already_o possess_v it_o four_o examen_fw-la sift_v the_o the_o ten_o follow_a principle_n concern_v the_o letter-rule_n and_o live_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o right_a nature_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v thus_o state_v it_o be_v high_a time_n to_o address_v to_o our_o examen_fw-la how_v dr._n st._n from_o principles_n settle_v we_o such_o a_o rule_n beginning_n from_o his_o ten_o 10._o if_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o write_v it_o must_v either_o be_v because_o no_o write_n can_v be_v intelligible_a enough_o for_o that_o end_n or_o that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v know_v to_o be_v write_v by_o man_n infallible_o assist_v the_o former_a be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n for_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v the_o late_a overthrow_n the_o possibility_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v know_v to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o have_v already_o say_v and_o in_o divers_a book_n manifold_o prove_v that_o no_o declaration_n of_o god_n will_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o in_o our_o case_n no_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v sufficient_a consider_v the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d obligation_n arise_v from_o it_o but_o 〈…〉_z to_o be_v false_a and_o build_v on_o infallible_a ground_n this_o premise_a we_o be_v to_o inquire_v whether_o write_v be_v the_o best_a way_n for_o thus_o assure_v it_o in_o all_o age_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v then_o close_o to_o our_o answer_n we_o be_v first_o to_o reflect_v again_o what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n at_o lest_o what_o he_o ought_v to_o mean_v by_o it_o for_o these_o word_n at_o the_o first_o sight_n seem_v to_o signify_v only_o some_o external_n action_n command_v by_o god_n to_o be_v perform_v or_o avoid_v and_o it_o be_v the_o dr_n interest_n they_o shall_v be_v take_v only_o in_o this_o sense_n for_o such_o a_o will_n be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v signify_v by_o write_v than_o some_o other_o thing_n of_o a_o more_o abstruse_a spiritual_a and_o dogmatical_a nature_n which_o yet_o be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o be_v believe_v by_o the_o church_n such_o as_o be_v the_o point_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o godhead_n of_o christ_n who_o die_v for_o we_o since_o then_o god_n will_v extend_v not_o only_o to_o aim_v at_o mankind_n attainment_n of_o his_o last_o end_n or_o true_a happiness_n but_o also_o to_o provide_v for_o the_o best_a mean_n to_o it_o or_o to_o give_v we_o knowledge_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v apt_a to_o create_v in_o man_n a_o hearty_a love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n the_o best_a condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n or_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o hold_v all_o those_o tenet_n which_o contain_v in_o themselves_o such_o motive_n do_v all_o come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o omit_v many_o other_o i_o will_v instance_n in_o two_o point_n of_o main_a concern_v and_o influence_n towards_o christian_a life_n namely_o the_o godhead_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n now_o who_o see_v not_o how_o wonderful_a a_o ascendent_n both_o these_o if_o verify_v must_v needs_o have_v over_o christian_a heart_n can_v any_o amulet_n of_o love_n be_v so_o charm_v or_o apt_a to_o elevate_v to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n as_o
which_o place_n each_o word_n be_v to_o be_v take_v thus_o or_o thus_o nor_o can_v it_o justify_v with_o absolute_a or_o infallible_a certainty_n either_o its_o text_n or_o copy_n to_o be_v substantial_o like_o the_o original_a nor_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v dr._n st._n here_o princ._n 15._o can_v any_o authority_n on_o earth_n supply_v that_o necessary_a duty_n for_o it_o nor_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o compare_v one_o place_n to_o another_o so_o to_o find_v out_o the_o sense_n do_v it_o tell_v we_o which_o place_n be_v to_o be_v compare_v to_o another_o as_o its_o proper_a explainer_n nor_o of_o the_o two_o allude_v place_n which_o be_v to_o stand_v firm_a and_o be_v take_v as_o the_o letter_n lie_v which_o to_o bend_v its_o signification_n in_o correspondency_n to_o that_o other_o without_o foreknowledge_n of_o which_o it_o be_v pure_a folly_n to_o think_v to_o avail_v ourselves_o by_o compare_v place_n none_o of_o these_o thing_n i_o say_v be_v find_v in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n as_o it_o lie_v which_o notwithstanding_o and_o perhaps_o many_o other_o such_o like_a it_o have_v be_v agreeable_a to_o god_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o have_v give_v it_o in_o case_n it_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o he_o for_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o such_o a_o direction_n by_o rely_v on_o which_o people_n of_o all_o capacity_n may_v have_v so_o wellgrounded_n a_o assent_n to_o those_o point_n as_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n while_o they_o thus_o rely_v on_o it_o which_o assent_n in_o christian_a language_n we_o call_v faith_n on_o the_o other_o side_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o of_o some_o point_n it_o give_v only_o accidental_a hint_n here_o and_o there_o without_o insist_v upon_o they_o ample_o or_o explain_v they_o full_o and_o that_o book_n which_o be_v most_o design_o intend_v to_o assert_v christ_n divinity_n be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o put_v it_o out_o of_o all_o dispute_n or_o preserve_v it_o from_o be_v oppose_v and_o call_v in_o question_n that_o never_o yet_o do_v heresy_n prevail_v so_o much_o against_o god_n church_n as_o do_v the_o arian_n who_o deny_v that_o very_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o need_v more_o to_o evince_v this_o point_n than_o these_o two_o argument_n one_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la the_o other_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la all_o word_n be_v either_o proper_a or_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a of_o which_o proper_a one_o express_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o but_o improper_a one_o that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o or_o in_o reality_n so_o whence_o it_o happen_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o so_o exact_a truth_n as_o point_n of_o faith_n especial_o when_o the_o point_n be_v of_o main_a concern_v it_o import_v a_o plain_a heresy_n either_o to_o take_v a_o proper_a word_n for_o a_o improper_a or_o a_o improper_a one_o for_o a_o proper_a for_o example_n those_o text_n express_v that_o god_n have_v hand_n foot_n repent_v grieve_v be_v move_v by_o our_o prayer_n etc._n etc._n be_v if_o take_v proper_o wicked_a heresy_n and_o destroy_v the_o spiritual_a and_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n also_o to_o take_v those_o word_n christ_n be_v man_n suffer_v die_v rise_v again_o etc._n etc._n improper_o be_v wicked_a heresy_n too_o and_o take_v away_o the_o main_a support_n of_o our_o salvation_n this_o be_v so_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o absolutely-certain_a knowledge_n when_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o be_v determinative_a of_o what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o heresy_n it_o must_v be_v have_v from_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n itself_o and_o so_o from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n if_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o rule_n but_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o have_v from_o the_o scripture_n letter_n for_o this_o must_v either_o be_v do_v by_o that_o letter_n signify_v in_o each_o place_n express_o or_o equivalent_o that_o the_o word_n be_v proper_o or_o improper_o there_o take_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v show_v nor_o be_v ever_o pretend_v or_o else_o by_o signify_v the_o contrary_a point_n in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n and_o this_o as_o far_o as_o the_o bare_a letter_n carry_v or_o abstract_v from_o all_o interpretation_n can_v only_o signify_v that_o the_o letter_n in_o one_o place_n seem_v to_o contradict_v itself_o in_o another_o place_n which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o give_v we_o a_o unerring_a security_n which_o side_n be_v truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v say_v the_o letter_n alone_o give_v we_o not_o this_o security_n without_o some_o interpretation_n than_o this_o interpretation_n perform_v what_o the_o letter_n if_o it_o be_v a_o rule_n ought_v but_o can_v not_o and_o determine_v with_o absolute_a certainty_n when_o the_o word_n be_v take_v proper_o when_o not_o that_o be_v give_v we_o our_o faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o light_n or_o knowledge_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o the_o interpreter_n bring_v with_o he_o and_o have_v it_o not_o from_o the_o letter_n give_v we_o the_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o so_o it_z not_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n from_o the_o effect_n or_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la i_o argue_v thus_o we_o experience_v that_o great_a body_n of_o man_n of_o divers_a sect_n with_o equal_a earnestness_n as_o far_o as_o appear_v to_o we_o go_v about_o to_o find_v their_o faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o equal_o profess_v to_o rely_v upon_o god_n assistance_n to_o that_o end_n wherefore_o either_o we_o must_v be_v force_v to_o judge_v that_o none_o of_o those_o several_a sect_n do_v sincere_o desire_v to_o find_v true_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o so_o by_o dr._n st_n principle_n no_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n have_v right_a faith_n which_o quite_o take_v away_o all_o christianity_n or_o else_o we_o must_v think_v all_o of_o they_o true_o desire_v to_o find_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o rely_v on_o god_n help_n to_o assist_v they_o in_o which_o case_n since_o the_o fault_n be_v not_o in_o they_o take_v as_o apply_v themselves_o to_o their_o rule_n and_o rely_v on_o it_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v manife_a they_o differ_v that_o be_v one_o side_n err_v in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n as_o in_o the_o trinity_n divinity_n of_o christ_n real_a presence_n of_o christ_n body_n in_o the_o sacrament_n etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v unavoidable_o that_o the_o faulâ—_n be_v in_o those_o person_n in_o hold_v it_o their_o rule_n for_o in_o case_n they_o err_v not_o in_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o be_v in_o case_n it_o be_v indeed_o apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o absolute_o if_o they_o apply_v it_o and_o that_o they_o do_v actual_o apply_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v ever_o err_v scripture_n letter_n then_o be_v far_o from_o secure_v man_n of_o all_o sort_n while_o they_o rely_v on_o it_o from_o error_n since_o whole_a body_n of_o man_n and_o among_o those_o multitude_n of_o great_a scholar_n and_o learned_a scripturist_n err_v grievous_o and_o that_o in_o most_o fundamental_a point_n even_o while_o they_o rely_v upon_o it_o which_o if_o it_o destroy_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n i_o know_v not_o what_o do_v this_o discourse_n be_v forelay_v we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o make_v short_a work_n with_o his_o principle_n to_o which_o we_o now_o address_v whereas_o then_o in_o his_o ten_o principle_n he_o contend_v that_o the_o will_n of_o god_n can_v be_v sufficient_o declare_v to_o man_n by_o writing_n i_o answer_v that_o by_o extraordinary_a contrivance_n and_o act_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n it_o may_v but_o that_o this_o will_v avail_v he_o little_a since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o de_fw-la facto_fw-la god_n have_v not_o thus_o exert_v his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n in_o make_v scripture_n letter_n fit_a for_o that_o end_n whence_o we_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v never_o mean_v for_o a_o rule_n and_o whereas_o he_o say_v that_o word_n be_v equal_o capable_a of_o be_v understand_v speak_v or_o write_v i_o deny_v it_o absolute_o for_o nature_n teach_v we_o that_o the_o countenance_n and_o carriage_n of_o the_o speaker_n the_o accent_n of_o the_o voice_n the_o giving_z a_o due_a and_o live_a emphasis_n to_o the_o word_n with_o the_o whole_a complexion_n of_o circumstance_n in_o which_o the_o speaker_n be_v find_v and_o which_o general_o be_v not_o unknown_a to_o the_o person_n to_o who_o he_o speak_v and_o among_o these_o principal_o his_o apply_v himself_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a exigency_n thought_n and_o expectation_n of_o the_o hearer_n all_o these_o i_o say_v and_o
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v â—tne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o
divinity_n p._n 191._o 192._o in_o logic_n p._n 228._o 236._o 237._o his_o performance_n reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a principle_n contradiction_n p._n 236._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 45._o 46._o 141._o 142._o union_n how_o to_o be_v hope_v p._n 51._o 52._o write_v how_o capable_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 36._o 37._o 38._o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 4._o receive_v p._n 11._o l._n 21._o perfect_o p._n 15._o l_o 2._o disparate_a p._n 32._o l._n 1â—_n than_o we_o can_v p._n 45._o l._n 12._o again_o p._n 67._o l._n 27._o deal_n and_o this_o as_o far_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o line_n after_o p._n 81._o l._n 29._o deal_n of_o p._n 84._o l._n 2._o endeavorer_n l._n 29._o endeavorer_n p._n 104._o l._n 4._o deal_n we_o p._n 100l_n l._n 5._o his_fw-la p._n 124._o l._n 5._o and._n p._n 131._o l._n 30._o deal_n in_o the._n p._n â—_o 2._o l._n 11._o infallible_o l._n 23._o then_o p._n 834._o l._n 17._o be_v false_a l._n 20._o about_o p._n 159._o l._n 22._o if_o p._n 100l_n l._n 14._o as_o l._n 15._o deal_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 11._o deal_n if_o p_o 173._o l._n 18._o to_o a_o high_a degree_n p._n 177._o l._n 23._o which_o be_v p._n 181._o l._n 2._o degree_n p._n 184._o l._n 24._o ground_n p._n 185._o l._n 15._o reason_n give_v l._n 18._o keep_v man_n p._n 187._o l._n 14._o be_v p._n 188._o l._n 14._o dissatisfaction_n l._n 21._o some_o p._n 192._o l._n 5._o conformable_a l._n 16._o it_o l._n 26._o by_o she_o all_o p._n 193._o l._n 17._o our_o p._n 198._o l._n 2._o receive_v p._n 199._o l._n 14._o in_o wiseman_n in_o this_o point_n p._n 202._o l._n ult_n the_o 5_o and_o 6_o p._n 214._o l._n 3._o deal_n to_o p._n 216._o l._n 12._o be_v p_o 221._o l._n 18._o dr._n st._n p._n 234._o l._n 18._o apply_v it_o p._n 235._o l._n 23._o produce_v one_o p._n 250._o l._n 9_o not_o the_o first_o examen_fw-la concern_v dr._n stillingfleet_n design_n in_o this_o discourse_n as_o express_v in_o his_o title_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o title_n superscribe_v to_o this_o discourse_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a conceit_n of_o what_o we_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n in_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 2._o now_o principle_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o preface_n must_v either_o be_v evident_a to_o both_o party_n or_o at_o least_o hold_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o else_o no_o discourse_n can_v proceed_v for_o want_v of_o agreement_n in_o that_o on_o which_o all_o rational_a process_n be_v ground_v also_o they_o must_v be_v proper_a for_o the_o end_v intend_v or_o influential_a upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o arguer_n aim_v to_o evince_v otherwise_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n deceive_v not_o its_o evidence_n and_o truth_n from_o they_o though_o those_o proposition_n be_v never_o so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v to_o it_o or_o in_o this_o circumstance_n a_o principle_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o wherefore_o to_o make_v good_a this_o title_n dr._n st._n be_v to_o produce_v nothing_o for_o a_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v either_o grant_v at_o first_o by_o both_o party_n or_o else_o be_v of_o so_o open_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n as_o all_o the_o world_n must_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o as_o be_v either_o first_o principle_n or_o those_o which_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o or_o if_o he_o build_v on_o any_o proposition_n as_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o need_n proof_n he_o be_v at_o least_o to_o render_v they_o evident_a ere_o he_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o apply_v they_o close_o to_o that_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o conclude_v from_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o show_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n in_o this_o occasion_n any_o more_o than_o one_o can_v be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o offspring_n or_o than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n which_o have_v no_o superstructure_n 3._o next_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o think_v i_o injure_v he_o in_o suppose_v he_o have_v so_o good_a thought_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n as_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a opinion_n who_o ground_n may_v all_o be_v false_a for_o if_o so_o the_o assent_n of_o protestant_n as_o faithful_a may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o all_o the_o tenet_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v prove_v nothing_o perhaps_o in_o reality_n but_o a_o company_n of_o lie_n if_o then_o as_o in_o this_o supposition_n he_o must_v he_o holâ—s_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o protestant_n impossible_a to_o be_v faâ—â—e_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o reduce_v it_o into_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o if_o it_o rely_v on_o authority_n he_o be_v to_o bring_v infallible_a authority_n for_o it_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n teach_v admit_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o whatever_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o such_o ground_n then_o or_o principle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n in_o case_n he_o hold_v it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v a_o error_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o his_o church_n know_v but_o in_o case_n he_o judge_v this_o assent_n or_o belief_n of_o protestant_n may_v be_v true_a faith_n though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v false_a than_o he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n where_o the_o contrary_a be_v prove_v by_o multitude_n of_o argument_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o receive_v one_o word_n of_o sober_a reply_n from_o he_o or_o dr._n tillotson_n though_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n it_o most_o high_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o several_a reason_n it_o contain_v 4._o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o reflect_v what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n reduce_v in_o the_o say_a title_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n not_o self-evident_a nor_o know_v by_o immediate_a impression_n on_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o derive_v or_o deduce_v from_o principle_n this_o word_n reduce_v have_v a_o signification_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o dr._n st._n make_v account_v he_o have_v begin_v by_o put_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o bring_v it_o back_o for_o so_o the_o word_n reduce_v import_v to_o principle_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o scholar_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o here_o pretend_v first_o lay_v six_o principle_n agree_v on_o than_o thirty_o other_o which_o since_o they_o go_v before_o his_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o mean_v for_o principle_n too_o and_o thence_o draw_v in_o the_o close_a six_o inference_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o be_v most_o manifest_o to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n not_o to_o reduce_v to_o they_o 5._o but_o however_o it_o be_v unblamable_a in_o one_o who_o own_v himself_o a_o scholar_n especial_o pretend_v the_o rigorous_a and_o learned_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o principle_n not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n himself_o take_v yet_o let_v we_o kind_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n out_o of_o a_o unwariness_n only_o make_v use_v by_o chance_n of_o a_o improper_a word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o human_a lapse_n be_v more_o easy_o pardonable_a especial_o since_o the_o method_n he_o here_o undertake_v viz._n to_o begin_v with_o principle_n be_v if_o right_o manage_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o scholar_n and_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o deserve_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o many_o great_a fault_n let_v he_o then_o by_o reduce_v to_o principle_n mean_v deduce_v from_o principle_n yet_o since_o both_o reduce_n and_o deduce_v imply_v the_o show_v a_o connexion_n between_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o this_o either_o immediate_a as_o to_o every_o particular_a conclusion_n or_o mediate_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n shall_v still_o show_v we_o this_o connexion_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o clear_o do_v by_o relate_v each_o of_o his_o six_o conclusion_n to_o their_o respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n that_o so_o by_o this_o distinct_a proceed_n and_o own_v
be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o able_a to_o discourse_v of_o those_o ground_n and_o make_v out_o their_o absolute_a certainty_n by_o way_n of_o skill_n or_o art_n there_o ought_v to_o be_v moreover_o another_o sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n formally-infallible_a in_o discern_v the_o true_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o each_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o be_v the_o proper_a work_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n for_o these_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o state_n of_o life_n which_o be_v to_o meditate_v on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n their_o perpetual_a converse_n with_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n by_o preach_v teach_v catechise_v exhort_v their_o concern_v to_o overlook_v their_o flock_n lest_o any_o innovatour_n shall_v infect_v they_o with_o novelty_n their_o constant_a addiction_n to_o observe_v exact_o their_o rule_n tradition_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o they_o govern_v themselves_o in_o distinguish_v the_o true_a faithful_a from_o revolt_a apostat_n or_o heretic_n their_o duty_n to_o be_v well_o verse_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o father_n and_o act_n of_o former_a council_n and_o according_a to_o these_o sober_o and_o grave_o not_o quirkingly_a and_o with_o witty_a trick_n to_o understand_v and_o interpret_v holy_a scripture_n these_o eminent_a personage_n and_o chief_a magistrate_n and_o master_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v tâ—us_o furnish_v with_o all_o requisite_a endowment_n to_o give_v they_o a_o most_o distinct_a and_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n descend_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o case_n any_o heretic_n revolt_v open_o from_o the_o former_o deliver_v faith_n these_o man_n i_o say_v be_v by_o the_o majesty_n and_o sway_n of_o their_o moâ—t_o venerable_a and_o most_o ample_a authority_n to_o quash_n and_o subdue_v his_o petty_a party_n new_o spring_v up_o and_o either_o reduce_v he_o to_o his_o duty_n by_o wholesome_a advice_n and_o discipline_n or_o if_o he_o persist_v in_o his_o obstinacy_n to_o cut_v he_o off_o solemn_o from_o the_o church_n by_o excommunication_n that_o so_o the_o sound_a faithful_a may_v look_v upon_o he_o according_a to_o our_o saviour_n command_n as_o on_o a_o heathen_a or_o a_o publican_n it_o be_v thus_o make_v evident_a that_o he_o stand_v against_o all_o his_o superiors_n and_o rebel_n against_o the_o most_o sacred_a authority_n upon_o earth_n or_o in_o case_n that_o heretic_n cloak_n his_o poisonous_a doctrine_n in_o ambiguous_a expression_n or_o go_v about_o to_o pervert_v the_o word_n use_v former_o by_o the_o church_n by_o draw_v they_o to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n never_o intend_v by_o she_o they_o be_v perfect_o acquaint_v with_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o invent_v and_o assign_v proper_a word_n to_o express_v the_o church_n sense_n and_o such_o as_o be_v pertinent_a and_o effectual_a for_o the_o present_a juncture_n and_o exigency_n to_o defeat_v the_o crafty_a attempt_n of_o those_o quibble_v underminer_n of_o faith_n or_o else_o they_o be_v to_o clear_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o former_a word_n use_v by_o the_o church_n by_o declare_v in_o what_o meaning_n the_o church_n take_v and_o ever_o take_v they_o and_o sometime_o too_o beat_v the_o heretic_n at_o his_o own_o weapon_n scripture_n letter_n by_o avow_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n in_o which_o the_o church_n ever_o take_v such_o and_o such_o place_n hence_o they_o be_v say_v to_o define_v faith_n that_o be_v to_o express_v in_o distinct_a word_n it_o be_v precise_a limit_n and_o bound_n that_o so_o no_o leaven_n of_o error_n may_v possible_o intermingle_v itself_o and_o to_o seal_v and_o recommend_v their_o act_n by_o stamp_v on_o they_o the_o most_o grave_a most_o venerable_a and_o most_o sacred_a authority_n in_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n now_o that_o this_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n representative_a be_v infallible_a in_o know_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o on_o the_o best_a manner_n be_v prove_v hence_o because_o if_o such_o a_o learned_a body_n consist_v of_o the_o most_o eminent_a and_o know_v personage_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v deceive_v while_o they_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o preserve_v mankind_n from_o error_n in_o understand_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v â—â—cured_v thereby_o from_o error_n and_o so_o the_o mean_n will_v be_v no_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o truth_n but_o rather_o a_o mean_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n since_o they_o err_v rely_v sole_o on_o that_o which_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o have_v be_v intend_v by_o god_n for_o a_o contrary_a end_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a 5._o though_o the_o substance_n or_o essence_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o believe_v what_o be_v true_a upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n certain_o engage_v for_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o trne_v faith_n that_o the_o â—generality_n of_o the_o church_n or_o the_o vulgar_a be_v material_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n yet_o it_o add_v evident_o a_o great_a perfection_n to_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v formal_o infallible_a and_o that_o the_o faithful_a see_v with_o infallible_a certainty_n that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v actual_o engage_v when_o they_o believe_v first_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n and_o so_o to_o proceed_v know_o upon_o its_o ground_n make_v it_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o understanding_n and_o perfective_a of_o it_o 2._o because_o the_o more_o evident_a it_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v the_o more_o hearty_o those_o who_o reverence_v it_o be_v dispose_v to_o submit_v their_o judgement_n by_o believe_v whence_o faith_n in_o such_o person_n be_v more_o lively_a firm_a and_o immovable_a also_o more_o efficacious_a and_o if_o other_o consideration_n be_v equal_a more_o apt_a to_o work_v through_o charity_n than_o it_o be_v in_o other_o moreover_o such_o faithful_a be_v incomparable_o more_o able_a to_o satisfy_v and_o convert_v other_o being_z able_a as_o be_v suppose_v to_o make_v â—ut_v evident_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n wherefore_o every_o thing_n be_v then_o in_o its_o perfect_a state_n when_o it_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v its_o like_a or_o another_o of_o it_o be_v own_o kind_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n that_o faith_n in_o such_o man_n be_v ripe_a manly_n and_o perfect_a since_o it_o be_v able_a to_o propagate_v it_o sâ—lf_o to_o other_o or_o as_o s._n paul_n phrase_n it_o gignere_fw-la in_fw-la evangelio_n whence_o those_o who_o be_v to_o convert_v soul_n and_o propagate_v faith_n be_v oblige_v to_o labour_v all_o that_o may_v be_v to_o accomplish_v themselves_o in_o this_o particular_a lest_o they_o fall_v short_a of_o this_o perfection_n which_o seem_v proper_o and_o peculiar_o due_a to_o their_o state_n for_o it_o be_v not_o so_o opprobrious_a to_o the_o laity_n to_o be_v unable_a to_o perform_v this_o but_o it_o be_v high_o so_o to_o they_o because_o they_o be_v lame_a without_o it_o 6._o notwithstanding_o this_o it_o be_v god_n will_n that_o all_o the_o faithful_n shall_v be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o their_o faith_n or_o know_v infallible_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v false_a as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a for_o this_o be_v as_o be_v late_o show_v a_o perfection_n in_o faith_n and_o god_n who_o be_v essential_a goodness_n not_o be_v envious_a but_o desirous_a his_o creature_n shall_v have_v all_o the_o good_a they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v especial_o such_o good_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o better_n their_o soul_n and_o promote_a they_o towards_o heaven_n it_o follow_v that_o he_o will_v they_o this_o perfection_n in_o faith_n as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v stand_v with_o the_o universal_a order_n of_o the_o world_n or_o the_o particular_a nature_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a to_o receive_v it_o 7._o he_o have_v therefore_o ordain_v such_o a_o mean_n by_o which_o to_o know_v his_o will_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v our_o belief_n or_o what_o he_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v that_o be_v he_o have_v constitute_v such_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o its_o certainty_n may_v be_v most_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n of_o the_o faithful_a whence_o follow_v most_o evident_o that_o tradition_n and_o not_o scripture_n be_v that_o rule_n for_o of_o all_o way_n of_o know_v and_o ascertain_v imaginable_a nothing_o be_v more_o easy_a to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o to_o satisfy_v people_n of_o all_o sort_n than_o be_v that_o of_o witness_v authority_n as_o we_o experience_n in_o their_o perfect_a belief_n of_o k._n james_n or_o k._n h._n 8th_n existence_n and_o such_o like_a the_o ground_n of_o which_o truth_n not_o need_v to_o be_v
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o â—light_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o prâ—scribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o â—oth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n if_o the_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o the_o assent_n be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v footstep_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o which_o he_o have_v imprint_v all_o create_a truth_n and_o establish_v they_o under_o penalty_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o be_v inerrable_o what_o they_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n have_v from_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o a_o true_a evidence_n or_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n our_o understand_a power_n will_v be_v the_o same_o within_o as_o they_o be_v without_o and_o so_o inerrable_a in_o its_o assent_n and_o it_o certainty_n build_v on_o those_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n immediate_o depend_v on_o god_n be_v fix_v by_o that_o essential_o unchangeable_a be_v in_o a_o participate_v but_o yet_o absolute_a unchangeableness_n in_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v a_o immediate_a effect_n of_o those_o nature_n thus_o establish_v work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n transfuse_v into_o it_o that_o be_v into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n anâ—_n certainty_n such_o a_o proper_a effect_n of_o themselves_o as_o suit_n with_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v viz._n a_o intellectual_a unchangeableness_n or_o a_o unchangeableness_n build_v on_o knowledge_n of_o those_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o infallibleness_n no_o wonder_n then_o both_o our_o drs._n in_o their_o weak_a discourse_n fly_v off_o so_o from_o depend_v for_o their_o assent_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o object_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o recur_n still_o to_o the_o subject_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v common_a sense_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n grow_v in_o great_a request_n and_o first_o infallibility_n or_o true_a certainty_n be_v radical_o destroy_v which_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o â—t_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o â—hat_n no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o