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but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o as_o if_o we_o can_v not_o be_v assure_v that_o any_o thing_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v unless_o it_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a understanding_n and_o as_o if_o no_o man_n can_v know_v that_o this_o be_v our_o saviour_n doctrine_n whatever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o that_o do_v you_o likewise_o unto_o they_o because_o every_o one_o can_v understand_v it_o but_o if_o there_o be_v more_o mystery_n in_o the_o scripture_n than_o there_o be_v i_o hope_v a_o man_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v without_o a_o clear_a comprehension_n of_o all_o those_o mystery_n the_o evidence_n of_o the_o inspiration_n of_o any_o person_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o the_o plaineness_n or_o sublimity_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o he_o but_o upon_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o tend_v to_o persuade_v we_o that_o the_o person_n be_v so_o inspire_v and_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v most_o fit_a to_o satisfy_v we_o of_o that_o be_v if_o he_o work_v miracle_n now_o i_o will_v glad_o know_v why_o a_o learned_a man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a sensible_a matter_n of_o fact_n do_v long_o ago_o but_o by_o so_o deep_a a_o inspection_n into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o shall_v discover_v such_o secret_n that_o philosophy_n and_o human_a industry_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o §_o 4._o three_o because_o 14._o all_o the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v solve_v before_o we_o can_v out_o of_o the_o bare_a letter_n conclude_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v to_o solve_v which_o literal_o plain_o and_o satisfactory_o he_o tell_v we_o the_o memory_n of_o so_o many_o particular_n which_o make_v they_o 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generation_n if_o they_o be_v count_v will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v but_o thirteen_o not_o to_o mention_v now_o how_o this_o difficulty_n have_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v both_o by_o protestant_a and_o popish_a commentator_n without_o any_o recourse_n to_o oral_a tradition_n that_o which_o i_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o make_v this_o a_o exception_n against_o the_o protestant_n when_o it_o come_v with_o every_o whit_n as_o much_o force_n upon_o themselves_o suppose_v this_o contradiction_n not_o capable_a of_o any_o solution_n by_o protestant_n as_o he_o affirm_v and_o i_o shall_v submit_v to_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n can_v he_o assure_v i_o that_o infallibility_n can_v make_v thirteen_o fourteen_o if_o it_o can_v how_o be_o i_o near_a satisfaction_n in_o this_o point_n by_o acknowledge_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o church_n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o as_o to_o mr_n s_n exception_n if_o i_o own_v oral_a tradition_n i_o shall_v be_v never_o the_o near_o solve_v the_o seem_a contradiction_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o i_o can_v not_o in_o reason_n conclude_v it_o to_o be_v of_o god_n endite_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n these_o exception_n if_o they_o be_v true_a will_v not_o strike_v at_o protestancy_n but_o at_o christian_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o general_a unhappiness_n of_o most_o of_o the_o popish_a argument_n than_o which_o there_o be_v no_o great_a evidence_n that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o the_o true_a mother_n because_o she_o have_v rather_o christianity_n shall_v be_v destroy_v than_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o any_o other_o church_n have_v a_o claim_n to_o it_o it_o be_v a_o work_n very_o proper_a for_o the_o heretic_n martion_n to_o assault_v religion_n this_o way_n who_o as_o tertullian_n martion_n tell_v we_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n which_o he_o call_v antithesis_n wherein_o he_o reckon_v up_o all_o the_o contradiction_n as_o he_o think_v between_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n but_o methinks_v it_o be_v very_o improper_a for_o the_o papist_n who_o pretend_v to_o be_v the_o only_a true_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n to_o strain_v their_o wit_n to_o discover_v as_o many_o contradiction_n as_o they_o can_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o way_n of_o reconcile_a they_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o which_o be_v the_o expose_v of_o this_o sacred_a instrument_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o even_o christianity_n itself_o to_o the_o scorn_n of_o atheist_n therefore_o to_o be_v very_o plain_a with_o mr._n s._n and_o captain_n everard_n i_o be_o hearty_o sorry_a to_o see_v that_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a fruit_n of_o their_o conversion_n be_v to_o abuse_v the_o bible_n §_o 5._o second_o he_o say_v 14._o that_o protestant_n can_v know_v how_o many_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n ought_v to_o be_v and_o which_o of_o the_o many_o controvert_v one_o may_v be_v secure_o put_v in_o that_o catalogue_n which_o not_o this_o he_o prove_v by_o say_v it_o be_v most_o palpable_a that_o few_o or_o at_o least_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a can_v never_o be_v assure_v of_o it_o and_o if_o this_o be_v a_o good_a argument_n this_o again_o be_v a_o good_a answer_n to_o say_v it_o be_v not_o most_o palpable_a but_o i_o shall_v deal_v more_o liberal_o and_o tell_v he_o that_o we_o know_v that_o just_a so_o many_o aught_o to_o be_v receive_v as_o uncontroverted_a book_n concern_v which_o it_o can_v be_v show_v there_o be_v ever_o any_o controversy_n and_o so_o many_o as_o controvert_v concern_v which_o it_o appear_v that_o question_n have_v be_v make_v and_o if_o those_o which_o have_v be_v controvert_v have_v be_v since_o receive_v by_o those_o church_n which_o once_o doubt_v of_o they_o there_o be_v now_o no_o further_o doubt_v concern_v they_o because_o the_o controversy_n about_o they_o be_v at_o a_o end_n and_o now_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o great_a certainty_n oral_a tradition_n can_v give_v we_o of_o the_o true_a catalogue_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n for_o it_o must_v either_o acknowledge_v some_o book_n have_v be_v controvert_v or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v he_o make_v a_o supposition_n of_o controvert_v book_n if_o oral_a tradition_n acknowledge_v some_o to_o have_v be_v controvert_v than_o it_o can_v assure_v we_o that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v controvert_v nor_o consequent_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v as_o never_o have_v be_v controvert_v but_o only_o as_o such_o concern_v which_o those_o church_n who_o do_v once_o raise_v a_o controversy_n about_o they_o have_v be_v since_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v canonical_a the_o traditionary_a church_n now_o receive_v the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n as_o canonical_a i_o ask_v do_v they_o receive_v it_o as_o ever_o deliver_v for_o such_o that_o they_o must_v
be_v the_o very_a way_n of_o the_o calvinist_n and_o of_o the_o absurde_a sect_n nay_o mr._n white_n say_v far_a ibid._n that_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o suffer_v all_o the_o punishment_n that_o be_v due_a to_o calumniator_n if_o the_o roman_a divine_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o do_v not_o hold_v the_o same_o rule_n of_o faith_n with_o the_o calvinist_n and_o all_o the_o absurde_a sect_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o the_o calvinist_n etc._n etc._n do_v not_o in_o their_o rule_n of_o faith_n differ_v from_o the_o papist_n but_o only_o from_o mr._n white_n mr._n s._n etc._n etc._n now_o the_o divine_n he_o there_o speak_v of_o be_v the_o censor_n of_o doctrine_n at_o rome_n according_a to_o who_o advice_n his_o infallible_a holiness_n and_o the_o cardinal_n of_o the_o inquisition_n do_v usual_a proceed_v in_o censure_v of_o doctrine_n concern_v these_o divine_n he_o go_v on_o to_o expostulate_v in_o this_o manner_n 73._o shall_v we_o endure_v these_o man_n to_o sit_v as_o censor_n and_o judge_n of_o faith_n who_o agree_v with_o heretic_n in_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n which_o distinguish_v catholic_n from_o heretic_n again_o 144._o these_o be_v thy_o god_n o_o rome_n upon_o these_o thou_o depende_v while_o prate_a ignorance_n triumph_v in_o the_o roman_a college_n and_o he_o say_v the_o same_o likewise_o of_o the_o generality_n of_o their_o school-divines_a who_o he_o call_v sceptic_n because_o they_o do_v not_o own_o his_o demonstrative_a way_n insomuch_o that_o he_o tell_v we_o 64._o that_o few_o sound_a part_n be_v leave_v uninfected_a with_o this_o plague_n of_o scepticism_n 149._o that_o this_o be_v a_o universal_a gangrene_n 68_o that_o there_o be_v but_o few_o that_o go_v the_o way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o these_o be_v either_o weary_v out_o or_o else_o live_v retire_o or_o despair_v of_o any_o remedy_n of_o these_o thing_n and_o indeed_o all_o along_o that_o book_n he_o bemoan_v himself_o and_o his_o traditionary_a brethren_n as_o a_o desolate_a and_o forlorn_a party_n who_o have_v truth_n on_o their_o side_n but_o want_v company_n and_o encouragement_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 101._o that_o the_o true_a scientifical_a divine_n dare_v not_o profess_v their_o knowledge_n lest_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v by_o the_o sophister_n of_o their_o church_n to_o the_o derision_n and_o scorn_n either_o of_o their_o judge_n or_o of_o the_o people_n §_o 4._o so_o that_o upon_o examination_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o appear_v that_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a supposition_n that_o it_o be_v the_o persuasion_n of_o their_o present_a church_n that_o tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n for_o there_o be_v no_o such_o matter_n unless_o mr._n s._n mean_v by_o their_o church_n a_o few_o private_a person_n who_o be_v look_v upon_o by_o those_o who_o have_v the_o chief_a power_n in_o their_o church_n as_o heretical_a as_o we_o may_v reasonable_o conjecture_v by_o the_o proceed_n at_o rome_n against_o mr._n white_n many_o of_o who_o book_n be_v there_o condemn_v 9_o as_o contain_v thing_n manifest_o heretical_a erroneous_a in_o the_o faith_n rash_a scandalous_a seditious_a and_o false_a respective_o etc._n etc._n and_o all_o this_o do_v notwithstanding_o that_o the_o chief_a subject_n of_o those_o book_n be_v the_o explication_n and_o defence_n of_o this_o most_o catholic_n principle_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n to_o sum_n up_o then_o the_o whole_a business_n if_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v own_v for_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o the_o traditionist_n say_v but_o what_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o those_o who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v in_o the_o communion_n of_o the_o roman_n catholic_n church_n then_o much_o less_o can_v this_o principle_n that_o oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o sole_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o whole_a christian_a doctrine_n be_v receive_v as_o descend_v from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o general_a persuasion_n of_o that_o church_n at_o the_o present_a that_o it_o have_v be_v and_o still_o be_v general_o disow_v but_o mr._n white_n have_v a_o salvo_fw-la for_o this_o for_o although_o he_o grant_v 38._o that_o very_o many_o of_o their_o schoolman_n maintain_v that_o tradition_n be_v necessary_a only_o for_o some_o point_n not_o clear_o express_v in_o scripture_n whence_o he_o say_v it_o seem_v to_o follow_v that_o they_o build_v not_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o their_o faith_n upon_o tradition_n yet_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o rely_v on_o tradition_n and_o say_v or_o think_v we_o dâ—_n so_o suppose_v there_o be_v yet_o i_o hope_v that_o man_n saying_n that_o they_o do_v not_o rely_v on_o tradition_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n be_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o they_o do_v not_o than_o any_o man_n surmise_n to_o the_o contrary_n be_v that_o they_o do_v though_o they_o think_v and_o say_v they_o do_v not_o which_o be_v in_o effect_n to_o say_v that_o they_o do_v though_o we_o have_v as_o much_o assurance_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o they_o do_v not_o beside_o how_o be_v this_o rule_n self-evident_a to_o all_o even_o to_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a as_o to_o its_o roll_a power_n as_o mr._n s._n affirm_v it_o be_v when_o the_o great_a part_n even_o of_o the_o learned_a among_o they_o think_v and_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a rule_n but_o mr._n white_a endeavour_n to_o illustrate_v this_o dark_a point_n by_o a_fw-fr 39_o similitude_n which_o be_v to_o this_o sense_n as_o the_o sceptic_n who_o deny_v this_o principle_n that_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o once_o yet_o in_o their_o life_n and_o civil_a action_n proceed_v as_o if_o they_o own_v it_o so_o the_o schoolman_n though_o they_o deny_v tradition_n to_o be_v the_o only_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n yet_o by_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o church_n which_o own_v this_o principle_n they_o do_v also_o in_o practice_n own_v it_o though_o they_o say_v they_o do_v not_o so_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o learned_a papist_n be_v just_a such_o catholic_n as_o the_o sceptic_n be_v dogmatist_n that_o be_v a_o company_n of_o absurd_a people_n that_o confute_v their_o principle_n by_o their_o practice_n according_a to_o this_o reason_n i_o perceive_v the_o protestant_n will_v prove_v as_o good_a catholic_n as_o any_o for_o they_o do_v only_o think_v and_o say_v that_o tradition_n be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o that_o they_o practical_o rely_v upon_o it_o mr._n s._n have_v pass_v his_o word_n for_o they_o for_o he_o assure_v we_o 31._o and_o we_o may_v rely_v upon_o a_o man_n that_o write_v nothing_o but_o demonstration_n that_o if_o we_o look_v narrow_o into_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o heart_n we_o shall_v discover_v the_o natural_a method_n of_o tradition_n to_o have_v unaware_o settle_v our_o judgement_n concern_v faith_n however_o when_o our_o other_o concern_v awake_a design_n in_o we_o we_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o seem_v perhaps_o to_o our_o unreflect_a self_n to_o embrace_v and_o hold_v to_o the_o mere_a guidance_n of_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n so_o that_o in_o reality_n we_o be_v as_o good_a catholic_n and_o as_o true_a holder_n to_o tradition_n as_o any_o papist_n of_o they_o all_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o our_o thought_n and_o in_o our_o settle_a judgement_n however_o we_o have_v take_v up_o a_o humour_n to_o protest_v against_o it_o and_o may_v seem_v perhaps_o to_o our_o unreflect_a self_n to_o be_v protestant_n §_o 5._o thus_o much_o may_v suffice_v to_o have_v speak_v to_o his_o two_o great_a argument_n or_o 173._o as_o he_o good_a man_n unfortunate_o call_v they_o demonstration_n which_o yet_o to_o say_v truth_n be_v not_o proper_o he_o but_o the_o author_n of_o rushworth_n dialogue_n the_o main_a foundation_n of_o which_o book_n be_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o demonstration_n only_o before_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o they_o i_o can_v but_o reflect_v upon_o a_o passage_n of_o mr._n s_o s_o 163._o wherein_o he_o tell_v his_o reader_n that_o they_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o bend_v their_o brain_n to_o study_v his_o book_n with_o that_o severity_n as_o they_o will_v do_v a_o euclid_n meaning_n perhaps_o one_o of_o mr._n white_n be_v euclid_n for_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v by_o his_o way_n of_o demonstration_n that_o ever_o he_o deal_v with_o any_o other_o as_o for_o the_o true_a euclid_n i_o suppose_v any_o one_o that_o have_v taste_v his_o write_n will_v at_o the_o read_n of_o mr._n s_n unbend_v his_o brain_n without_o bid_v and_o smile_v to_o see_v himself_o so_o demure_o discharge_v from_o a_o study_n so_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a sect_n xi_o etc._n §_o 1._o i_o shall_v now_o take_v into_o consideration_n his_o nine_o
enough_o for_o the_o perpetuate_n of_o christian_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 2._o second_o nor_o do_v we_o say_v that_o that_o certainty_n and_o assurance_n which_o we_o have_v that_o these_o book_n be_v the_o same_o that_o be_v write_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n capable_a of_o evidence_n sufficient_a and_o as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v have_v for_o a_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n mr._n s._n may_v if_o he_o please_v say_v that_o tradition_n certainty_n be_v a_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n but_o then_o he_o that_o say_v this_o shall_v take_v heed_n how_o he_o take_v upon_o he_o to_o demonstrate_v it_o aristole_n be_v so_o wise_a as_o never_o to_o demonstrate_v first_o principles_n for_o which_o he_o give_v this_o very_a good_a reason_n because_o they_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o most_o prudent_a man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o a_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v demonstrate_v because_o it_o need_v not_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v a_o man_n write_v a_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o every_o man_n must_v assent_v to_o without_o any_o proof_n so_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o i_o have_v always_o take_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n to_o be_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o have_v in_o itself_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o own_o truth_n and_o not_o need_v to_o be_v make_v evident_a by_o any_o thing_n else_o if_o i_o be_v herein_o mistake_v i_o desire_v mr._n s._n to_o inform_v i_o better_o §_o 3._o so_o that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v whether_o oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n in_o opposition_n to_o write_v and_o book_n be_v the_o only_a way_n and_o mean_n whereby_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o who_o live_v at_o this_o distance_n from_o the_o age_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n this_o he_o affirm_v and_o the_o protestant_n deny_v not_o only_o that_o it_o be_v the_o sole_a mean_n but_o that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o certain_a conveyance_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o withal_o affirm_v that_o this_o doctrine_n have_v be_v convey_v down_o to_o we_o by_o the_o book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n as_o the_o proper_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o our_o religion_n but_o then_o they_o do_v not_o exclude_v oral_a tradition_n from_o be_v the_o mean_n of_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o these_o book_n nor_o do_v they_o exclude_v the_o authentic_a record_n of_o former_a age_n nor_o the_o constant_a teach_n and_o practice_n of_o this_o doctrine_n from_o be_v subordinate_a mean_n and_o help_v of_o convey_v it_o from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o exclude_v these_o concurrent_a mean_n that_o they_o suppose_v they_o always_o to_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o have_v be_v of_o great_a advantage_n for_o the_o propagate_a and_o explain_v of_o this_o doctrine_n so_o far_o as_o they_o have_v be_v true_o subordinate_a to_o and_o regulate_v by_o these_o sacred_a oracle_n the_o holy_a scripture_n which_o they_o say_v do_v true_o and_o full_o contain_v that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n deliver_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o they_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n to_o illustrate_v this_o by_o a_o instance_n suppose_v there_o be_v a_o controversy_n now_o on_o foot_n how_o man_n may_v come_v to_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a art_n of_o logic_n which_o aristotle_n teach_v his_o scholar_n and_o some_o shall_v be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o only_a way_n to_o know_v this_o will_v be_v by_o oral_a tradition_n from_o his_o scholar_n which_o we_o may_v easy_o understand_v by_o consult_v those_o of_o the_o present_a age_n who_o learn_v it_o from_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o they_o who_o at_o last_o have_v it_o from_o aristotle_n himself_n but_o other_o shall_v think_v it_o the_o sure_a way_n to_o study_v his_o organon_n a_o book_n acknowledge_v by_o all_o his_o scholar_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o himself_o and_o to_o contain_v that_o doctrine_n which_o he_o teach_v they_o they_o who_o take_v this_o latter_a course_n suppose_v the_o authority_n of_o oral_a tradition_n for_o the_o convey_n to_o they_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o book_n and_o do_v suppose_v this_o doctrine_n to_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o practise_v in_o all_o age_n and_o a_o great_a many_o book_n to_o have_v be_v write_v by_o way_n of_o comment_n and_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o that_o these_o have_v be_v good_a help_n of_o promote_a the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o and_o they_o may_v well_o enough_o suppose_v all_o this_o and_o yet_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o the_o true_a measure_n and_o standard_n of_o aristotle_n doctrine_n be_v his_o own_o book_n and_o that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o fond_a thing_n in_o any_o man_n by_o force_v a_o interpretation_n upon_o his_o book_n either_o contrary_a to_o or_o very_o foreign_a and_o remote_a from_o the_o obvious_a sense_n of_o his_o word_n to_o go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v this_o book_n with_o that_o method_n of_o dispute_v which_o be_v use_v by_o the_o profess_a aristotelian_o of_o the_o present_a age_n and_o withal_o that_o scholastic_a jargon_n which_o mr._n s._n learn_v at_o lisbon_n and_o have_v make_v he_o so_o great_a a_o man_n in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n as_o to_o enable_v he_o to_o demonstrate_v first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n a_o trick_n not_o to_o be_v learn_v out_o of_o aristotle_n organon_n the_o application_n be_v so_o easy_a that_o i_o need_v not_o make_v it_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n part_n ii_o concern_v the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o whether_o they_o agree_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n sect_n i._o §_o 1._o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n between_o we_o to_o its_o clear_a and_o true_a state_n that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o quarrel_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o dispute_v about_o we_o know_v not_o what_o i_o come_v now_o to_o grapple_v more_o close_o with_o his_o book_n and_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o his_o discourse_n may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o three_o head_n first_o that_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o such_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n belong_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n this_o he_o endeavour_v to_o prove_v in_o his_o five_o first_o discourse_n second_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o this_o way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n shall_v fail_v and_o this_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o his_o four_o last_o discourse_n three_o that_o oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v generallly_n repute_v by_o christian_n in_o all_o age_n the_o sole_a way_n and_o mean_n of_o convey_v down_o to_o they_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n and_o this_o he_o attempt_v to_o show_v in_o his_o last_o chapter_n which_o he_o call_v the_o consent_n of_o authority_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o forego_v discourse_n if_o he_o make_v good_a these_o three_o thing_n he_o have_v acquit_v himself_o well_o in_o his_o undertake_n but_o whether_o he_o have_v make_v they_o good_a or_o not_o be_v now_o to_o be_v examine_v §_o 2._o first_o whether_o the_o essential_a property_n of_o such_o a_o way_n and_o mean_n as_o can_v with_o certainty_n and_o security_n convey_v down_o to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n belong_v sole_o to_o oral_a tradition_n the_o true_a way_n to_o measure_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o this_o or_o that_o mean_n be_v by_o consider_v its_o sufficiency_n for_o its_o end_n for_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v any_o mean_v sufficient_a for_o the_o obtain_n of_o its_o end_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v and_o essential_a property_n of_o that_o mean_n and_o nothing_o else_o now_o because_o the_o end_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o be_v the_o conveyance_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v to_o know_v it_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a and_o secure_a that_o it_o have_v receive_v no_o change_n or_o corruption_n from_o what_o it_o be_v when_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o mean_n to_o this_o end_n must_v have_v these_o two_o property_n 1._o it_o must_v be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a 2_o lie_n it_o must_v be_v sufficient_o certain_a to_o we_o that_o be_v such_o as_o we_o may_v be_v full_o satisfy_v concern_v it_o that_o it_o have_v receive_v no_o corruption_n or_o alteration_n if_o it_o have_v these_o two_o condition_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n but_o if_o it_o want_v either_o of_o they_o it_o must_v necessary_o fall_v short_a of_o
its_o end_n for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a it_o can_v convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o our_o knowledge_n if_o it_o be_v not_o certain_a we_o can_v be_v assure_v that_o that_o doctrine_n which_o it_o bring_v down_o to_o we_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v real_o such_o §_o 3._o i_o know_v he_o assign_v more_o property_n of_o this_o mean_n which_o he_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n but_o upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v that_o they_o either_o fall_v in_o with_o these_o two_o or_o do_v not_o at_o all_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o first_o that_o 11._o it_o must_v be_v plain_a and_o self-evident_a to_o all_o as_o to_o its_o existence_n nothing_o can_v be_v more_o frivolous_a than_o to_o make_v this_o a_o property_n of_o any_o thing_n because_o whosoever_o inquire_v into_o the_o property_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v already_o satisfy_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v second_o that_o it_o be_v 11._o evidenceable_a as_o to_o its_o rule_v power_n that_o be_v as_o he_o explain_v himself_o 3_o that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o must_v either_o understand_v the_o certainty_n of_o it_o and_o than_o it_o fall_v in_o with_o the_o second_o property_n i_o mention_v and_o be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o six_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o or_o else_o he_o mean_v more_o general_o that_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o a_o man_n can_v know_v that_o any_o thing_n deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n otherwise_o than_o by_o know_v that_o it_o have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v that_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n a_o man_n may_v multiply_v the_o property_n of_o thing_n without_o end_n if_o the_o evidence_n of_o a_o thing_n as_o to_o its_o existence_n be_v one_o property_n and_o then_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v that_o it_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n be_v another_o §_o 4._o three_o that_o it_o be_v 12._o apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n what_o he_o mean_v here_o by_o settle_v undoubting_a person_n i_o be_o not_o able_a on_o the_o sudden_a to_o comprehend_v because_o i_o understand_v not_o what_o unsettle_v a_o man_n beside_o doubt_v for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v but_o so_o well_o satisfy_v about_o any_o thing_n as_o to_o have_v no_o doubt_n concern_v it_o i_o do_v not_o easy_o apprehend_v how_o he_o can_v be_v settle_v better_a that_o be_v how_o his_o mind_n can_v be_v more_o at_o rest_n than_o not_o to_o doubt_v but_o if_o by_o undoubt_v person_n he_o mean_v those_o who_o do_v not_o doubt_v for_o the_o present_a but_o afterward_o may_v doubt_v than_o i_o perceive_v what_o he_o mean_v by_o apt_a to_o settle_v undoubt_v person_n viz._n apt_a to_o settle_v person_n when_o they_o do_v doubt_n that_o be_v when_o they_o be_v not_o undoubt_v person_n as_o for_o justify_v undoubting_a person_n if_o he_o mean_v that_o whosoever_o secure_o rely_v on_o this_o rule_n aught_o of_o right_a to_o be_v acquit_v as_o act_v rational_o in_o so_o do_v this_o be_v plain_o consequent_a upon_o the_o two_o property_n i_o have_v lay_v down_o for_o if_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v christ_n doctrine_n be_v sufficient_o plain_a and_o certain_a every_o man_n that_o rely_v upon_o it_o be_v justify_v in_o so_o do_v because_o he_o trust_v a_o mean_n which_o be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o end_n §_o 5._o four_o that_o 12._o it_o be_v apt_a to_o satisfy_v full_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n for_o it_o be_v aptitude_n to_o satisfy_v rational_a doubter_n that_o plain_o follow_v from_o the_o sufficient_a certainty_n of_o it_o but_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o necessary_a property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v apt_a to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n i_o can_v no_o more_o divine_a than_o i_o can_v why_o he_o shall_v call_v a_o dissenter_n sceptical_a which_o be_v repugnant_a term_n for_o a_o sceptic_a be_v one_o who_o neither_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n nor_o dissent_v but_o be_v in_o a_o perpetual_a suspense_n because_o he_o look_v upon_o every_o opinion_n as_o balance_v by_o a_o contrary_a opinion_n of_o equal_a probability_n without_o any_o inclination_n of_o the_o scale_n either_o way_n but_o if_o by_o the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n he_o mean_v only_o a_o sceptic_a one_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n nor_o any_o thing_n else_o then_o will_v i_o fain_o know_v what_o that_o be_v which_o in_o reason_n be_v apt_a full_o to_o satisfy_v such_o a_o person_n if_o any_o thing_n will_v sure_o a_o demonstration_n will_n but_o there_o be_v no_o aptitude_n at_o all_o in_o a_o demonstration_n to_o satisfy_v he_o who_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o demonstration_n and_o likewise_o question_n the_o certainty_n of_o all_o those_o principle_n from_o whence_o any_o conclusion_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v and_o those_o who_o be_v most_o sceptical_a profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o this_o §_o 6._o five_o that_o it_o 12._o be_v apt_a to_o convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n if_o the_o rule_n be_v plain_a and_o certain_a the_o most_o acute_a adversary_n may_v be_v convince_v by_o it_o if_o he_o will_v that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v not_o obstinate_a but_o if_o he_o be_v obstinate_a that_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v but_o will_v persist_v in_o his_o error_n in_o despite_n of_o all_o evidence_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v he_o than_o i_o must_v profess_v that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o kind_n of_o evidence_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o convince_v that_o man_n that_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v by_o any_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v expect_v this_o from_o any_o rule_n of_o faith_n though_o never_o so_o self-evident_a he_o may_v have_v learn_v from_o the_o same_o author_n in_o who_o he_o may_v find_v his_o chief_a property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n if_o he_o have_v but_o have_v the_o patience_n to_o have_v consider_v his_o explication_n of_o they_o i_o mean_v dr._n holden_n 3._o who_o lay_v down_o the_o second_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o reveal_v truth_n in_o these_o word_n another_o viz._n condition_n of_o this_o mean_n etc._n etc._n be_v that_o it_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o afford_v the_o great_a true_a and_o rational_a certainty_n to_o all_o man_n without_o exception_n to_o who_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o shall_v come_v provide_v they_o be_v furnish_v with_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o have_v their_o mind_n purify_v from_o all_o passion_n and_o lust_n which_o do_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o cap._n 6._o often_o hinder_v the_o most_o sagacious_a person_n from_o understand_v the_o most_o evident_a and_o manifest_a truth_n now_o i_o suppose_v obstinacy_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o passion_n and_o lust._n if_o mr._n s._n mean_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o conquer_v obstinacy_n and_o make_v man_n lay_v it_o aside_o i_o can_v understand_v this_o neither_o unless_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o cudgel_n which_o the_o traditionary_a church_n have_v be_v good_a at_o and_o may_v use_v it_o again_o when_o occasion_n serve_v for_o none_o but_o they_o have_v title_n to_o it_o upon_o a_o church-account_n as_o mr._n s._n tell_v we_o corol._n 10._o but_o set_v aside_o this_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n else_o that_o be_v apt_a to_o conquer_v obstinacy_n not_o the_o clear_a reason_n or_o the_o strong_a demonstration_n for_o that_o i_o be_o sure_a be_v no_o way_n fit_v to_o combat_v a_o wilful_a and_o unreasonable_a humour_n with_o any_o probability_n of_o success_n and_o if_o any_o one_o doubt_n of_o this_o if_o he_o will_v but_o make_v trial_n he_o may_v easy_o be_v convince_v by_o experience_n how_o unapt_a obstinate_a person_n be_v to_o be_v convince_v by_o reason_n i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n that_o ever_o carry_v great_a evidence_n than_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n preach_v by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n to_o the_o obstinate_a jew_n and_o confirm_v by_o multitude_n of_o unquestionable_a miracle_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o find_v by_o the_o success_n of_o it_o that_o it_o be_v so_o very_o apt_a to_o convince_v those_o that_o be_v obstinate_a and_o no_o man_n can_v judge_n of_o the_o aptitude_n of_o a_o mean_n to_o a_o end_n
syllable_n the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n will_v be_v in_o the_o very_a same_o danger_n of_o uncertainty_n and_o be_v liable_a to_o vanish_v we_o know_v not_o how_o dr._n holden_n 9_o lay_v down_o these_o two_o principle_n first_o that_o no_o truth_n can_v be_v convey_v down_o from_o man_n to_o man_n but_o by_o speech_n and_o speech_n can_v be_v but_o by_o word_n and_o all_o word_n be_v either_o equivocal_a in_o themselves_o or_o liable_a to_o be_v different_o understand_v by_o several_a person_n second_o that_o such_o be_v the_o frame_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o the_o same_o truth_n may_v be_v different_o apprehend_v and_o understand_v by_o different_a person_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o traditional_a doctrine_n if_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o speech_n and_o word_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o uncertainty_n and_o ambiguity_n as_o to_o their_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n mr._n cressy_n 6._o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n and_o experience_n show_v that_o difference_n will_v arise_v even_o about_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n and_o any_o thing_n but_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o present_a church_n if_o this_o be_v true_a tradition_n whole_o fall_v into_o uncertainty_n for_o if_o difference_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n how_o they_o be_v to_o be_v interpret_v i_o suppose_v the_o write_n of_o council_n will_v be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n and_o if_o the_o whole_a present_a church_n can_v declare_v her_o sense_n of_o any_o traditional_a doctrine_n otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o council_n unless_o with_o the_o jesuit_n they_o will_v epitomise_v the_o church_n into_o the_o pope_n and_o the_o decree_n of_o a_o council_n can_v be_v universal_o disperse_v or_o at_o least_o never_o use_v to_o be_v but_o by_o write_v and_o if_o difference_n will_v arise_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o that_o write_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o then_o this_o present_a infallible_a authority_n which_o mr._n cressy_n magnify_v so_o much_o for_o end_v difference_n leave_v all_o controversy_n arise_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o tradition_n as_o indeterminable_a as_o ever_o and_o they_o must_v for_o ever_o remain_v so_o till_o general_a council_n have_v get_v the_o knack_n of_o pen_v their_o decree_n in_o word_n which_o will_v so_o infallible_o express_v their_o meaning_n to_o the_o most_o captious_a caviller_n that_o no_o difference_n can_v possible_o arise_v about_o the_o interpretation_n of_o they_o or_o else_o which_o will_v be_v more_o suitable_a to_o this_o wise_a hypothesis_n till_o general_a council_n be_v convince_v by_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n shall_v come_v to_o understand_v themselves_o so_o well_o as_o not_o to_o entrust_v their_o decree_n any_o more_o to_o the_o uncertain_a way_n of_o write_v but_o for_o the_o future_a to_o communicate_v they_o to_o the_o world_n by_o the_o infallible_a way_n of_o oral_a tradition_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o mr_n knott_n 6._o who_o agree_v with_o the_o other_o thus_o far_o that_o the_o certain_a sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v from_o the_o church_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o before_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o a_o text_n we_o must_v either_o be_v certain_a that_o this_o text_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o sense_n as_o figurative_a mystical_a or_o moral_a or_o if_o it_o be_v we_o must_v have_v some_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n to_o know_v in_o which_o of_o they_o it_o be_v take_v which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n if_o this_o be_v true_a then_o by_o a_o fair_a parity_n of_o reason_n before_o i_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o a_o doctrinal_a tradition_n deliver_v down_o to_o i_o i_o must_v either_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o word_n in_o which_o this_o tradition_n be_v express_v when_o it_o be_v deliver_v to_o i_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o sense_n as_o figurative_a mystical_a or_o moral_a beside_o that_o in_o which_o i_o understand_v they_o or_o if_o they_o be_v as_o certain_o they_o will_v be_v capable_a of_o any_o of_o these_o other_o sense_n then_o must_v i_o have_v some_o certain_a and_o infallible_a mean_n whereby_o to_o know_v in_o which_o of_o these_o they_o be_v take_v and_o this_o can_v no_o more_o be_v know_v without_o a_o revelation_n than_o which_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o such_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o traditional_a doctrine_n may_v by_o different_a expression_n be_v still_o further_o and_o further_o explain_v to_o i_o till_o i_o come_v certain_o to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o this_o will_v not_o help_v the_o matter_n for_o if_o these_o kind_n of_o cavil_n be_v good_a that_o a_o man_n can_v be_v certain_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o word_n till_o he_o can_v by_o a_o infallible_a argument_n demonstrate_v either_o that_o they_o can_v be_v take_v or_o that_o they_o be_v not_o take_v in_o any_o other_o sense_n i_o say_v if_o this_o cavil_n will_v hold_v than_o every_o new_a expression_n whereby_o any_o one_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o explain_v any_o traditional_a doctrine_n be_v liable_a to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n which_o those_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v first_o deliver_v to_o i_o be_v liable_a to_o from_o all_o which_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o traditionary_a church_n can_v be_v no_o more_o certain_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o their_o traditional_a doctrine_n than_o protestant_n may_v be_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n §_o 12._o these_o be_v his_o exception_n contain_v in_o his_o second_o discourse_n and_o of_o what_o force_n they_o be_v have_v be_v examine_v but_o because_o he_o foresee_v that_o it_o may_v be_v reply_v that_o these_o defect_n may_v in_o part_n be_v provide_v against_o by_o history_n by_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o testimony_n of_o council_n and_o father_n and_o by_o the_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o fundamental_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o these_o signify_v little_a to_o this_o purpose_n first_o not_o history_n 18._o because_o few_o be_v skill_v in_o history_n and_o they_o that_o be_v not_o can_v safe_o rely_v upon_o those_o that_o be_v skilled_a unless_o they_o know_v certain_o that_o the_o historian_n who_o they_o rely_v on_o have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hear-say_n for_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o other_o either_o extant_a or_o perish_v how_o much_o credit_n be_v to_o be_v give_v to_o uncontrolled_a history_n by_o the_o learned_a and_o how_o much_o by_o the_o vulgar_a to_o man_n of_o skill_n i_o have_v already_o show_v i_o shall_v only_o add_v now_o that_o if_o this_o reason_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o be_v certain_a by_o history_n of_o any_o ancient_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o namely_o that_o there_o be_v such_o person_n as_o julius_n caesar_n and_o william_n the_o conqueror_n and_o that_o they_o invade_v and_o conquer_v england_n because_o according_a to_o he_o we_o can_v know_v certain_o that_o the_o historian_n who_o relate_v these_o thing_n and_o upon_o who_o authority_n we_o rely_v have_v secure_a ground_n and_o not_o bare_a hear-say_n for_o what_o they_o write_v and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o other_o either_o extant_a or_o perish_v be_v i_o be_o sure_a impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o know_v for_o who_o can_v tell_v now_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o book_n which_o be_v perish_v so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v every_o historical_a relation_n credible_a to_o know_v certain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o contradict_v by_o any_o of_o those_o book_n which_o we_o do_v not_o know_v what_o they_o be_v nor_o what_o be_v in_o they_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o any_o ancient_a fact_n or_o history_n for_o who_o know_v certain_o that_o some_o book_n that_o be_v perish_v do_v not_o contradict_v whatever_o be_v 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discourse_n in_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n humane_a authority_n and_o the_o advantage_n which_o accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o material_a in_o it_o which_o have_v not_o be_v answer_v already_o only_o i_o desire_v he_o to_o explain_v how_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n can_v according_a to_o his_o principle_n add_v to_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n because_o we_o can_v have_v no_o great_a certainty_n of_o the_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o we_o have_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n and_o of_o this_o we_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n according_a to_o mr._n s._n but_o by_o tradition_n which_o convey_v this_o doctrine_n to_o we_o and_o if_o tradition_n of_o itself_o can_v infallible_o assure_v we_o that_o there_o be_v supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n than_o a_o man_n must_v know_v that_o tradition_n be_v infallible_a antecedent_o to_o his_o knowledge_n of_o any_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o if_o so_o what_o can_v any_o supernatural_a assistance_n add_v to_o my_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n which_o i_o do_v suppose_v to_o be_v infallible_a before_o i_o can_v know_v of_o any_o supernatural_a assistance_n can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o ludicrous_a than_o to_o build_v first_o all_o our_o certainty_n of_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n upon_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n and_o then_o afterward_o to_o make_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n to_o rely_v upon_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o if_o that_o can_v contribute_v to_o our_o assurance_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n which_o unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o suppose_v certain_a be_v itself_o whole_o uncertain_a §_o 2._o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o nine_o discourse_n be_v somewhat_o ecstatical_a possible_o from_o a_o sudden_a disorder_n of_o his_o fancy_n upon_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o performance_n to_o see_v what_o a_o man_n he_o have_v make_v himself_o with_o the_o help_n of_o rushworth_n dialogue_n or_o rather_o what_o his_o party_n have_v make_v he_o by_o the_o office_n they_o put_v upon_o he_o for_o it_o seem_v by_o his_o tell_n 166._o mr._n cressy_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v ordain_v to_o cajoll_v the_o fool_n leave_v he_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o principle_n and_o that_o himself_o be_v choose_v out_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o the_o wise_a or_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o thing_n per_fw-la altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la in_o the_o discharge_n of_o which_o glorious_a office_n he_o declare_v that_o he_o intend_v no_o confutation_n of_o those_o author_n which_o mr._n cressy_n and_o other_o have_v meddle_v with_o yet_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o judge_v he_o have_v solid_o confute_v they_o because_o he_o have_v radical_o and_o fundamental_o overthrow_v all_o their_o argument_n etc._n etc._n he_o shall_v rejoice_v and_o be_v thankful_a that_o the_o 159._o intelligent_a reader_n for_o he_o write_v to_o none_o but_o such_o may_v also_o rejoice_v with_o he_o i_o shall_v recite_v the_o whole_a passage_n for_o it_o be_v thick_a of_o demostration_n and_o as_o likely_a as_o any_o in_o his_o book_n to_o have_v the_o altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la contain_v in_o it_o §_o 3._o 93._o it_o will_v require_v a_o large_a volume_n to_o unfold_v particular_o how_o each_o virtue_n contribute_v to_o show_v the_o inerrable_a indeficiency_n of_o tradition_n and_o how_o the_o principle_n of_o almost_o each_o science_n be_v concern_v in_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n arithmetic_n lend_v she_o number_v and_o multiply_v faculty_n to_o scan_v the_o vast_a number_n of_o testifier_n geometry_n her_o proportion_n to_o show_v a_o kind_n of_o infinite_a strength_n of_o certitude_n in_o christian_a tradition_n above_o those_o atté_fw-fr station_n which_o breed_v certainty_n in_o humane_a affair_n logic_n her_o skill_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v we_o see_v the_o connexion_n it_n have_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n nature_n her_o law_n of_o motion_n and_o action_n morality_n her_o first_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v do_v gratis_o by_o a_o cognoscitive_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o body_n of_o traditionary_a doctrine_n be_v most_o conformable_a to_o practical_a reason_n historical_a prudence_n clear_v the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o undiscernible_a revolt_n from_o point_n so_o descend_v and_o hold_v so_o sacred_a politic_n show_v this_o to_o be_v the_o best_a way_n imaginable_a to_o convey_v down_o such_o a_o law_n as_o it_o concern_v every_o man_n to_o be_v skilful_a in_o metaphysic_n engage_v the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o be_v which_o fix_v every_o truth_n so_o establish_v the_o scientifical_a knowledge_n which_o spring_v 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the_o 17_o the_o 18_o the_o 19_o the_o the_o sum_n of_o which_o be_v that_o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n from_o scripture_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n or_o father_n and_o council_n or_o from_o history_n and_o testimonial_a write_n or_o from_o contrary_a tradition_n or_o reason_n or_o any_o instance_n whatsoever_o which_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v if_o this_o proposition_n be_v true_a that_o tradition_n be_v certain_a than_o it_o can_v by_o any_o kind_n of_o argument_n be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a but_o be_v this_o any_o peculiar_a consectary_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n do_v not_o the_o same_o follow_v from_o every_o proposition_n that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a it_o can_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a yet_o no_o man_n be_v ever_o yet_o so_o frivolous_a as_o to_o draw_v such_o a_o consequence_n from_o the_o suppose_a truth_n of_o any_o proposition_n his_o 23_o d_o also_o be_v singular_o absurd_a that_o there_o be_v no_o 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the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o be_o content_a therefore_o wherever_o in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v he_o meet_v that_o term_n so_o apply_v that_o he_o take_v it_o only_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o be_v certain_o true_a for_o i_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n s._n answer_v affirmative_o and_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o present_a church_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o former_a age_n believe_v but_o because_o the_o church_n in_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v and_o 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to_o defend_v against_o what_o mr._n sergeant_n have_v object_v against_o they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n pretend_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a ground_n from_o this_o how_o can_v they_o who_o believe_v that_o church_n infallible_a venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o what_o be_v public_o own_a by_o she_o and_o whosoever_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o believe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n do_v thereby_o show_v that_o his_o obligation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o resolve_v 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