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sense_n wit_n world_n write_v 75 3 4.7187 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59241 Reason against raillery, or, A full answer to Dr. Tillotson's preface against J.S. with a further examination of his grounds of religion. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1672 (1672) Wing S2587; ESTC R10318 153,451 304

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say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o humane_a certitude_n of_o which_o it_o may_v simple_o or_o absolute_o be_v say_v non_fw-la posse_fw-la illi_fw-la falsum_fw-la subesse_fw-la that_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v produce_v more_o express_o abet_v my_o way_n of_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n nothing_o certain_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o which_o immediate_o follow_v contain_v the_o reason_n why_o tradition_n be_v by_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o it_o simple_o infallible_a for_o say_v he_o tradition_n be_v full_a report_n about_o what_o be_v evident_a unto_o sense_n to_o wit_n what_o doctrine_n and_o scripture_n the_o apostle_n public_o deliver_v unto_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v false_a world_n of_o man_n can_v be_v uniform_o mistake_v and_o deceive_v about_o a_o matter_n evident_a to_o sense_n and_o not_o be_v deceive_v be_v so_o many_o in_o number_n so_o divide_v in_o place_n of_o so_o 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conclude_v absolute_o of_o my_o style_n from_o see_v it_o in_o one_o kind_n of_o matter_n only_o and_o this_o the_o most_o incompetent_a of_o any_o in_o the_o world_n to_o show_v what_o language_n one_o be_v master_n of_o now_o to_o his_o sermon_n and_o let_v he_o remember_v it_o be_v himself_n force_v i_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o weakness_n of_o his_o discourse_n by_o his_o frequent_a and_o scornful_a provocation_n which_o i_o be_v very_o loath_a to_o do_v in_o this_o circumstance_n lest_o it_o may_v wrong_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o christianity_n against_o atheism_n but_o i_o consider_v that_o shall_v christian_n divine_v acquiesce_v and_o seem_v to_o consent_v by_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o judge_v such_o quiver_a ground_n competent_a to_o build_v their_o faith_n and_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n upon_o it_o will_v be_v a_o far_o just_a scandal_n to_o atheist_n than_o it_o be_v to_o disclaim_v from_o they_o and_o avow_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o rest_n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o those_o maxim_n which_o ground_n our_o persuasion_n as_o christian_n add_v that_o it_o be_v my_o duty_n to_o those_o who_o yet_o be_v firm_o persuade_v of_o their_o faith_n not_o to_o permit_v they_o to_o slide_v into_o a_o less_o hearty_a conceit_n of_o it_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n spring_v from_o it_o do_v require_v at_o their_o hand_n these_o consideration_n justify_v i_o full_o to_o the_o world_n and_o dr._n t_n daring_n provocation_n particular_o to_o h●s_a friend_n i_o resolve_v to_o answer_v his_o challenge_n though_o i_o foresee_v my_o discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o his_o discourse_n upon_o this_o subject_a engage_v i_o to_o make_v better_o of_o my_o own_o in_o confutation_n of_o that_o irreligious_a sect_n of_o which_o i_o here_o acknowledge_v myself_o a_o debtor_n to_o my_o reader_n and_o shall_v perform_v that_o obligation_n as_o soon_o as_o i_o have_v do_v with_o those_o pretender_n to_o christianity_n who_o make_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n uncertain_a ●nward_a ulcer_n be_v far_o more_o dangerous_a and_o require_v speedy_a cure_n than_o those_o which_o be_v without_o §_o 7._o his_o intent_n in_o his_o first_o sermon_n be_v to_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n upon_o this_o account_n because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n for_o thing_n than_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o but_o let_v we_o christian_n take_v heed_n that_o we_o give_v not_o scandal_n to_o atheist_n and_o obstruct_v their_o conversion_n by_o exact_v of_o they_o what_o be_v opposite_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o or_o right_a reason_n and_o require_v of_o they_o impossibility_n and_o for_o this_o end_n let_v we_o impartial_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v we_o invite_v and_o persuade_v they_o
and_o the_o book_n itself_o to_o merit_v no_o reply_n you_o see_v here_o gentlemen_z how_o great_a stress_n i_o lay_v upon_o dr._n t.'s_n confession_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n and_o consequent_o his_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o real_o if_o he_o clear_v himself_o of_o it_o i_o must_v acknowledge_v i_o suffer_v a_o very_a great_a defeat_n because_o i_o so_o much_o build_v upon_o it_o if_o he_o do_v not_o he_o be_v utter_o overthrow_v as_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n either_o of_o be_v a_o good_a writer_n or_o a_o solid_a christian_a divine_a and_o he_o will_v owe_v the_o world_n satisfaction_n for_o the_o injury_n do_v to_o faith_n and_o the_o soul_n of_o those_o who_o his_o doctrine_n have_v pervert_v by_o turn_v their_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n who_o ground_n and_o consequent_o itself_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a into_o opinion_n who_o ground_n and_o by_o consequence_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v such_o and_o last_o unless_o he_o avoid_v or_o r●●ants_v this_o error_n object_v all_o he_o have_v write_v 〈◊〉_d convince_v without_o any_o more_o ado_n to_o be_v again●●●ith_n and_o its_o true_a ground_n and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v quite_o overthrow_v in_o the_o esteem_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o act_n of_o right_a faith_n that_o be_v a_o asse●●_n build_v on_o those_o ground_n god_n have_v leave_v in_o the_o church_n for_o mankind_n to_o embrace_v faith_n and_o command_v they_o to_o believe_v upon_o those_o ground_n whether_o scripture_n letter_n or_o the_o church_n voice_n shall_v be_v a_o error_n or_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o a_o lie_n which_o all_o sober_a protestant_n presbyterian_o nay_o almost_o all_o sect_n except_o some_o few_o witty_a man_n incline_v much_o by_o read_v such_o author_n to_o scepticism_n that_o be_v incline_v to_o be_v nothing_o at_o all_o &_o perhaps_o some_o socinian_o reject_v abominate_a and_o hate_v with_o all_o their_o heart_n the_o charge_n be_v lay_v and_o the_o case_n be_v put_v now_o let_v we_o come_v to_o the_o trial_n which_o ere_o we_o do_v i_o desire_v those_o reader_n who_o have_v dr._n t.'s_n preface_n by_o they_o to_o read_v his_o 9_o the_o page_n or_o else_o his_o whole_a page_n 118._o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n lest_o either_o of_o we_o may_v injure_v he_o by_o a_o wrong_a apprehension_n i_o discourse_v thus_o §_o 2._o first_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o he_o who_o make_v the_o ground_n and_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a make_v faith_n itself_o such_o likewise_o since_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v strong_a than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o next_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o dr._n t._n be_v the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v god_n sense_n or_o faith_n last_o that_o in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v and_o relate_v by_o he_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o its_o sense_n as_o he_o acknowledge_v here_o page_z 15._o these_o thing_n thus_o premise_v i_o put_v he_o this_o dilemma_n either_o he_o hold_v what_o he_o conceive_v to_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n that_o be_v his_o faith_n true_a or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o he_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a then_o it_o be_v unavoidable_a he_o must_v hold_v it_o at_o least_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o not_o actual_o such_o but_o if_o he_o say_v he_o hold_v it_o to_o be_v true_a then_o since_o after_o he_o have_v speak_v of_o the_o security_n he_o have_v or_o have_v not_o of_o the_o book_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o immediate_o subjoin_v these_o very_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o ●ay_v be_v otherwise_o he_o as_o evident_o say_v that_o what_o he_o conceive_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o sense_n of_o such_o or_o such_o passage_n in_o it_o that_o be_v his_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o it_o be_v that_o what_o be_v otherwise_o than_o true_a be_v false_a i_o do_v not_o know_v how_o dr._n t._n can_v possible_o speak_v more_o plain_o what_o i_o charge_v he_o with_o than_o he_o have_v do_v in_o those_o word_n unless_o he_o shall_v use_v the_o word_n false_a which_o too_o candid_a and_o rude_a expression_n will_v expose_v he_o open_o to_o the_o dislike_n of_o all_o sober_a m●n_z and_o therefore_o he_o disguise_v it_o in_o its_o more_o moderate_a equivalent_a otherwise_o i_o say_v equivalent_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o he_o what_o the_o word_n otherwise_o relate_v too_o human_a language_n forbid_v that_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v otherwise_o unless_o it_o be_v otherwise_o than_o something_o i_o ask_v then_o otherwise_o than_o what_o do_v he_o mean_v when_o be_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o discourse_v what_o security_n he_o have_v of_o the_o antiquity_n writer_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o may_v be_v otherwise_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a as_o word_n can_v express_v he_o must_v mean_v it_o be_v possible_a the_o book_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o so_o ancient_a as_o the_o apostle_n time_n it_o be_v possible_a it_o be_v not_o write_v by_o the_o apostle_n and_o evangelist_n it_o be_v possible_a this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o in_o such_o passage_n as_o concern_v faith_n for_o to_o these_o and_o these_o only_a our_o discourse_n and_o the_o nature_n and_o title_n of_o his_o book_n determine_v it_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o none_o have_v absolute_a certainty_n of_o either_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n nor_o consequent_o of_o his_o faith_n in_o case_n it_o be_v sole_o ground_v upon_o that_o as_o he_o profess_v see_v reader_n how_o all_o truth_n even_o the_o most_o sacred_a one_o go_v to_o wrack_n when_o man_n frame_v only_o for_o fine_a talk_v undertake_v to_o prove_v and_o how_o parallel_a his_o defence_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n be_v to_o that_o he_o give_v we_o late_o of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n he_o so_o prove_v a_o god_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a there_o may_v be_v none_o and_o now_o he_o so_o prove_v scripture_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n that_o he_o grant_v it_o possible_a it_o may_v be_v no_o rule_n since_o common_a sense_n tell_v we_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o follow_v may_v lead_v into_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v dr._n t._n need_v here_o the_o blessing_n as_o he_o call_v it_o of_o that_o identical_a proposition_n a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n else_o he_o will_v not_o write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v scripture_n a_o rule_n and_o then_o ever_o and_o anon_o in_o equivalent_a language_n tell_v we_o it_o be_v none_o i_o wish_v he_o will_v now_o and_o then_o reflect_v upon_o such_o evident_a truth_n and_o not_o out_o of_o a_o openly-declared_a feud_n against_o those_o first_o principle_n fall_v thus_o perpetual_o into_o manifest_a contradiction_n §_o 3._o but_o how_o do_v dr._n t._n clear_a himself_o of_o this_o charge_n of_o i_o or_o how_o come_v he_o off_o from_o his_o own_o word_n first_o he_o again_o put_v down_o those_o very_a word_n which_o say_v over_o and_o over_o what_o i_o charge_v upon_o he_o and_o then_o ask_v very_o confident_o where_o he_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n which_o be_v just_a as_o wise_a a_o craft_n as_o child_n use_v when_o they_o hoodwink_v themselves_o and_o then_o tell_v the_o bystander_n they_o shall_v not_o see_v they_o next_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o all_o he_o say_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o infallible_a in_o judge_v of_o the_o antiquity_n of_o a_o book_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o mean_v that_o we_o can_v demonstrate_v these_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o to_o show_v the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n but_o yet_o etc._n etc._n be_v this_o all_o he_o say_v what_o then_o be_v become_v of_o those_o famous_a word_n it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v be_v otherwise_o which_o be_v only_o object_v but_o let_v we_o examine_v what_o he_o do_v acknowledge_v whether_o he_o be_v infallible_o certain_a or_o no_o it_o matter_n not_o but_o it_o shall_v be_v show_v why_o if_o scripture_n be_v the_o sole_a ground_n of_o faith_n some_o at_o least_o in_o the_o world_n who_o be_v to_o govern_v and_o instruct_v the_o church_n shall_v not_o be_v thus_o certain_a of_o both_o in_o case_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o assent_v and_o as_o we_o questionless_a be_v die_v to_o attest_v the_o point_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o be_v absolutely-certain_a truth_n again_o if_o dr._n t._n be_v not_o infallible_o certain_a
contradict_v what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n for_o this_o be_v not_o elsewhere_o or_o another_o place_n but_o the_o same_o place_n and_o the_o very_a next_o word_n to_o my_o principle_n as_o be_v see_v sure●●_n p._n 60._o the_o badness_n of_o which_o excuse_n show_v he_o be_v inexcusable_a but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o that_o discourse_n end_v not_o there_o but_o go_v on_o at_o least_o two_o leave_n far_a clear_n that_o very_a point_n and_o in_o the_o process_n of_o it_o these_o word_n be_v find_v p._n 63._o to_o say_v it_o preserve_v none_o good_a be_v to_o question_v christ_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n a_o great_a part_n therefore_o will_v be_v virtuous_a etc._n etc._n a_o body_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n will_v still_o be_v continue_v p._n 64._o all_o which_o way_n and_o object_n thus_o easy_o and_o strong_o appliable_a be_v frequent_o and_o efficacious_o apply_v by_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n and_o the_o discipline_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bring_v those_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v ever_o and_o must_v needs_o reach_v the_o generality_n p._n 65._o must_v still_o continue_v in_o some_o great_a multitude_n all_o these_o expression_n in_o the_o selfsame_a discourse_n and_o on_o the_o selfsame_a subject_n perfect_o explicate_v my_o sense_n to_o be_v that_o that_o plural_a word_n believer_n do_v not_o reach_v all_o not_o one_o except_v this_o then_o be_v dr._n it_o be_v habitual_a imperfection_n which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o mock-answ_a to_o sure_a foot_n he_o have_v no_o patience_n to_o take_v any_o entire_a discourse_n of_o i_o into_o his_o consideration_n or_o grapple_v with_o the_o full_a import_n of_o it_o but_o he_o catch_v at_o some_o word_n at_o the_o beginning_n or_o by_o the_o way_n which_o seem_v easy_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v and_o whereas_o any_o candid_a man_n will_v guide_v himself_o by_o the_o annex_v or_o concomitant_a word_n and_o the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o discourse_n dr._n t._n be_v get_v beyond_o those_o too-ingenuous_a consideration_n and_o know_v very_o well_o as_o he_o express_v it_o serm._n p._n 121._o that_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o he_o exact_o observe_v that_o method_n and_o abuse_v some_o expression_n or_o word_n by_o force_v in_o despite_n of_o all_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n conspire_v to_o rectify_v he_o a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o it_o and_o than_o lest_o those_o rectify_v passage_n annex_v shall_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o he_o and_o accuse_v he_o to_o the_o candid_a reader_n of_o impose_v a_o sense_n never_o intend_v by_o the_o author_n it_o be_v but_o accuse_v that_o author_n of_o contradict_v himself_o and_o all_o be_v well_o thus_o he_o use_v the_o prefacer_n p._n 30._o i_n in_o this_o very_a place_n in_o these_o word_n if_o it_o contradict_v what_o he_o say_v elsewhere_o it_o be_v no_o new_a or_o strange_a thing_n and_o sure-footing_a in_o most_o of_o those_o place_n which_o he_o wilful_o misconstrue_v throughout_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n by_o this_o rare_a stratagem_n gain_v two_o notable_a advantage_n against_o any_o author_n whereas_o not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o be_v offer_v first_o make_v he_o talk_v ridiculous_o next_o make_v he_o contradict_v himself_o both_o of_o they_o build_v upon_o another_o of_o dr._n it_o be_v firm_a principle_n which_o be_v this_o no_o author_n shall_v be_v allow_v to_o interpret_v his_o own_o meaning_n but_o that_o shall_v be_v his_o sense_n which_o i_o please_v to_o put_v upon_o any_o particular_a expression_n of_o he_o by_o add_v word_n to_o it_o or_o otherwise_o gloss_v it_o as_o seem_v best_a for_o my_o advantage_n and_o if_o he_o offer_v to_o be_v so_o wary_a as_o to_o annex_v other_o word_n which_o will_v interpret_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v otherwise_o he_o be_v a_o fool_n and_o contradict_v himself_o now_o though_o this_o principle_n which_o ground_n this_o procedure_n be_v a_o odd_a one_o yet_o dr._n t._n hold_v faithful_o to_o what_o he_o have_v once_o espouse_v and_o be_v it_o now_o seasonable_a i_o dare_v undertake_v to_o reckon_v up_o twenty_o place_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n where_o he_o vaunt_v himself_o thus_o double_o victorious_a by_o make_v use_n of_o this_o one_o artifice_n §_o 13._o but_o in_o case_n that_o plural_a word_n have_v seem_v to_o he_o to_o infer_v a_o universality_n why_o can_v he_o not_o content_v himself_o with_o give_v his_o reason_n why_o it_o seem_v to_o follow_v thence_o have_v he_o do_v this_o none_o can_v have_v accuse_v he_o of_o falsify_v for_o every_o one_o have_v liberty_n to_o offer_v his_o conceit_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o judge_v so_o without_o merit_v or_o incur_v any_o harsh_a note_n than_o that_o of_o a_o mis-reasone_a whereas_o now_o his_o carriage_n expose_v he_o just_o to_o these_o exception_n first_o that_o he_o go_v not_o about_o to_o infer_v or_o gather_v what_o he_o impose_v but_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 163._o he_o make_v i_o in_o express_a term_n and_o direct_o say_v that_o great_a hope_n and_o fear_n be_v strong_o apply_v to_o the_o mind_n of_o all_o christian_n whereas_o in_o my_o word_n put_v down_o by_o himself_o p._n 162._o no_o such_o thing_n as_o all_o be_v find_v annex_v to_o those_o word_n next_o that_o the_o word_n all_o which_o he_o add_v be_v put_v in_o the_o same_o italic_a letter_n in_o a_o even_a tenor_n with_o those_o other_o word_n which_o be_v indeed_o i_o as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o place_n now_o cite_v three_o that_o his_o whole_a attempt_n in_o that_o place_n be_v mere_o to_o confute_v that_o word_n all_o which_o himself_o have_v insert_v as_o may_v be_v see_v letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 77._o where_o i_o instanced_a in_o nine_o or_o ten_o place_n in_o which_o he_o combat_v that_o single_a word_n of_o his_o own_o add_v and_o nothing_o else_o and_o as_o i_o there_o show_v from_o p._n 78._o to_o p._n 86._o go_v forward_o to_o make_v out_o that_o pretence_n by_o falsify_v evident_o my_o sense_n and_o sometime_o my_o word_n too_o in_o three_o or_o four_o place_n more_o four_o that_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 165._o l._n 3._o he_o tell_v the_o reader_n i_o say_v express_o those_o cause_n be_v put_v in_o all_o the_o faithful_a actual_o cause_v by_o this_o mean_n endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o reader_n it_o be_v not_o his_o own_o interpretation_n or_o deduction_n from_o some_o word_n of_o i_o but_o my_o own_o express_a word_n which_o be_v a_o most_o express_a falsification_n last_o he_o neglect_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o any_o of_o those_o word_n which_o manifold_o and_o express_o show_v my_o tenet_n to_o be_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o impose_v this_o be_v my_o total_a charge_n against_o he_o of_o which_o we_o hear_v very_o little_a or_o rather_o nothing_o 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