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without_o this_o recourse_n no_o satisfactory_a account_n can_v possible_o be_v render_v to_o a_o strict_a examiner_n why_o error_n may_v not_o creep_v into_o the_o text_n in_o substantial_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o in_o less_o concern_v passage_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n hold_v forth_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v never_o convince_v a_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n four_o discourse_n that_o the_o two_o last_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v clear_o incompetent_a to_o scripture_n 1._o there_o remain_v the_o two_o last_o condition_n certainty_n in_o its_o self_n and_o ascertainableness_n to_o we_o that_o the_o late_a be_v incompetent_a to_o scripture_n alone_o or_o unassisted_a by_o another_o certain_a rule_n that_o be_v incompetent_a to_o it_o as_o a_o rule_n however_o it_o may_v agree_v to_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n regulate_v or_o rule_v be_v the_o subject_a in_o a_o manner_n of_o all_o our_o forego_n discourse_v and_o it_o so_o depend_v upon_o the_o former_a property_n of_o the_o two_o last_o name_v certainty_n in_o itself_o that_o if_o it_o fail_v that_o late_a be_v impossible_a now_o as_o for_o its_o certainty_n in_o its_o self_n or_o its_o be_v establish_v on_o secure_a ground_n we_o may_v consider_v scripture_n letter_n either_o material_o as_o such_o and_o such_o character_n or_o formal_o as_o significative_a of_o a_o determinate_a sense_n suppose_v to_o be_v christ_n and_o both_o of_o these_o either_o in_o its_o single_a self_n or_o as_o dependent_a on_o other_o help_n or_o cause_n on_o foot_n now_o in_o the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o course_n of_o thing_n 2._o and_o as_o for_o the_o mere_a material_a character_n in_o book_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v of_o themselves_o as_o liable_a to_o be_v destroy_v as_o any_o thing_n else_o in_o nature_n as_o burn_v tear_v
overstrain_v fancy_n to_o contend_v there_o be_v any_o great_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o conveyance_n of_o our_o faith_n from_o christ_n time_n to_o we_o but_o whoever_o reflect_v on_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o word_n sic_fw-la deus_fw-la dilexit_fw-la mundum_fw-la ut_fw-la filium_fw-la suum_fw-la vnigenitum_fw-la daret_fw-la john_n 3._o 16._o or_o for_o those_o nunquid_fw-la de_fw-la bobus_fw-la cura_fw-la est_fw-la deo_fw-la 1_o cor._n 9_o 9_o nun_n vos_fw-la magis_fw-la pluris_fw-la estis_fw-la volatilibus_fw-la caeli_fw-la mat._n 6._o 26._o and_o such_o like_a or_o on_o what_o metaphysic_n demonstrate_v concern_v the_o perfect_a method_n and_o way_n of_o essential_a wisdom_n will_v easy_o be_v convince_v that_o if_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o material_a world_n creation_n the_o providence_n to_o bring_v about_o this_o end_n ought_v in_o true_a wisdom_n be_v so_o particular_a and_o so_o sublime_o efficacious_a that_o the_o mean_v lay_v for_o the_o preservation_n of_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n will_v scarce_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o a_o providence_n in_o comparison_n of_o the_o other_o whence_o follow_v that_o the_o mean_n which_o be_v main_o influential_a to_o promote_v man_n towards_o bliss_n such_o as_o be_v faith_n the_o rule_n of_o that_o life_n by_o which_o he_o tend_v to_o heaven_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o hope_n which_o give_v the_o vigour_n to_o that_o life_n must_v be_v certain_a its_o efficacy_n depend_v on_o this_o certainty_n beyond_o any_o evidence_n mere_a nature_n can_v compass_v which_o that_o great_a mèditater_n on_o god_n law_n day_n and_o night_n well_o comprehend_v when_o out_o of_o the_o full_a sight_n of_o this_o truth_n he_o burst_v out_o into_o that_o expression_n of_o wonderment_n testimonia_fw-la tua_fw-la domine_fw-la credibilia_fw-la facta_fw-la suut_n nimis_fw-la 5._o we_o will_v brief_o touch_v at_o some_o of_o the_o advantage_n which_o those_o assistance_n superad_v to_o nature_n give_v the_o church_n and_o leave_v they_o to_o be_v scan_v by_o the_o leisurely_o thought_n of_o attentive_a considerer_n 6._o first_o then_o we_o find_v that_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o every_o man_n that_o his_o phantasm_n shall_v be_v such_o as_o the_o impression_n of_o the_o object_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v they_o his_o thought_n appropriate_v to_o his_o phantasm_n and_o his_o outward_a expression_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o among_o they_o his_o word_n conformable_a to_o his_o thought_n so_o that_o true_a word_n and_o sincere_a action_n be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o the_o other_o cause_n and_o necessary_o produce_v by_o they_o if_o design_v hinder_v not_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o that_o whenever_o one_o speak_v false_a witting_o artifice_n make_v he_o cast_v about_o to_o contrive_v a_o lie_n fitting_o to_o the_o end_n he_o aim_v at_o whence_o it_o be_v that_o fool_n and_o drunken_a man_n who_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o artifice_n use_v to_o tell_v the_o plain_a truth_n if_o this_o be_v so_o in_o nature_n and_o that_o grace_n be_v to_o perfect_a nature_n in_o whatever_o be_v good_a in_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o one_o true_o christian_a heart_n be_v far_o more_o fix_v to_o veracity_n than_o other_o not_o imbue_v with_o those_o heavenly_a tenet_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o incomparable_o exceed_v in_o point_n of_o testify_v the_o same_o number_n of_o other_o unfortify_v by_o christ_n doctrine_n 7._o this_o will_v be_v clear_a if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o the_o way_n by_o which_o original_a corruption_n violate_v frequent_o in_o execution_n this_o natural_a veracity_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o incline_v and_o transport_v they_o to_o the_o undue_a love_n of_o creature_n even_o to_o the_o injure_v know_v rational_a order_n lay_v in_o the_o world_n and_o most_o necessary_a for_o the_o subsistence_n or_o universal_a well-being_n of_o mankind_n which_o we_o call_v the_o commandment_n hence_o afraid_a to_o own_o such_o a_o enormous_a procedure_n they_o cast_v about_o to_o cloak_v it_o with_o seek_v pretence_n the_o sum_n therefore_o of_o christianity_n tend_v to_o implant_v in_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o faithful_a a_o overpower_v love_n of_o supreme_a spiritual_a good_n attainable_a in_o the_o next_o life_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o take_v off_o their_o extravagant_a affection_n to_o earthly_a thing_n it_o leave_v man_n natural_a disposition_n to_o truth_n free_a to_o do_v its_o effect_n and_o render_v needless_a that_o crafty_a way_n of_o design_n only_o which_o can_v bias_n and_o pervert_v the_o will_n from_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o nature_n 8._o compare_v we_o now_o the_o positive_a motive_n natural_a and_o supernatural_a oblige_v to_o veracity_n and_o we_o find_v the_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o christianity_n propose_v to_o make_v and_o keep_v man_n good_a as_o infinite_o exceed_v the_o natural_a one_o as_o eternity_n do_v a_o moment_n abate_v the_o intenseness_n of_o the_o good_n and_o harm_n hope_v for_o and_o fear_v nay_o hold_v firm_o by_o all_o and_o conceit_a lively_a by_o many_o to_o be_v beyond_o all_o imaginable_a comparison_n great_a than_o the_o other_o yet_o experience_n tell_v we_o and_o none_o doubt_v but_o that_o these_o transitory_a and_o incomparably-less_a good_n and_o harm_n be_v sufficient_a motive_n to_o oblige_v body_n of_o man_n to_o deliver_v down_o politic_a or_o natural_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o former_a king_n to_o blunder_v which_o truth_n there_o want_v not_o high_a interest_n be_v it_o conceive_v feisible_a such_o eclipse_n war_n etc._n etc._n inconcievable_o more_o powerful_a than_o must_v the_o other_o motive_n be_v to_o oblige_v they_o to_o veracity_n in_o such_o narration_n on_o which_o the_o destroy_n or_o preserve_v those_o high_a concern_v depend_v and_o what_o prevalency_n eternal_a motive_n have_v over_o temporal_a one_o when_o they_o come_v to_o clash_v so_o near_o as_o one_o must_v forego_v one_o hope_n or_o the_o other_o be_v see_v by_o the_o perpetual_a and_o constant_a suffering_n of_o the_o martyr_n in_o all_o age_n and_o the_o many_o persecution_n daily_a and_o glad_o undergo_v every_o day_n in_o many_o place_n for_o conscience-sake_n 9_o in_o the_o natural_a commonwealth_n there_o be_v multitude_n of_o man_n depute_v particular_o to_o great_a trust_n and_o some_o extraordinary_a ceremony_n do_v upon_o they_o to_o make_v they_o true_a to_o such_o trust_n nay_o oath_n by_o thing_n they_o high_o reverence_v take_v not_o only_o by_o those_o officer_n but_o sometime_o though_o rare_o by_o the_o generality_n to_o secure_v their_o fidelity_n but_o what_o proportion_n can_v those_o ceremony_n bear_v be_v but_o of_o human_a institution_n to_o the_o sacrament_n of_o the_o church_n hold_v to_o have_v be_v institute_v by_o christ_n himself_o many_o of_o which_o be_v common_a to_o all_o christian_n some_o to_o initiate_v they_o most_o solemn_o at_o first_o or_o to_o rivet_v that_o initiation_n with_o a_o new_a military_a tessera_fw-la some_o to_o strengthen_v and_o cure_v the_o languish_a some_o to_o win_v to_o love_n by_o act_n of_o great_a bounty_n other_o be_v proper_a to_o empower_v some_o as_o officer_n to_o oversee_v the_o common_a affair_n of_o faith_n all_o tend_v to_o strengthen_v powerful_o the_o generality_n not_o to_o prevaricate_v from_o the_o faith_n hold_v ever_o true_o receive_v down_o and_o particular_o to_o oblige_v governor_n not_o to_o bely_v themselves_o or_o connive_v at_o other_o gross_o belie_v their_o forefather_n and_o betray_v their_o depositum_fw-la 10._o though_o nature_n teach_v the_o rude_a that_o they_o shall_v not_o do_v to_o another_o what_o they_o will_v â—ot_n have_v do_v to_o themselves_o yet_o original_a corâ—â—ption_n too_o often_o make_v we_o prevaricate_v in_o praâ—ice_n from_o that_o evident_a rule_n and_o the_o reason_n because_o while_o man_n affection_n be_v chief_o â—tched_v on_o temporal_a good_n hence_o in_o regard_n â—hey_n be_v finite_a that_o be_v such_o that_o if_o one_o have_v â—ore_o another_o have_v less_o of_o they_o such_o man_n be_v â—t_a envious_o to_o deprive_v their_o partake_a neighbour_n of_o they_o that_o so_o the_o great_a part_n may_v â—ll_o to_o their_o own_o share_n but_o such_o a_o action_n can_v ever_o proceed_v from_o nor_o think_v enter_v into_o the_o â—ost_o deprave_a nature_n as_o to_o harm_v another_o without_o â—y_a good_a to_o himself_o now_o this_o in_o our_o case_n â—ust_z be_v put_v if_o we_o put_v christian_a father_n misâ—aching_v their_o child_n unreceive_v doctrine_n for_o â—â—ceived_a contrary_n to_o their_o own_o knowledge_n for_o suppose_v sanctity_n in_o the_o church_n that_o be_v that_o â—ultitudes_n in_o it_o make_v heaven_n their_o first_o love_n â—nd_v look_v on_o spiritual_a good_n as_o their_o main_n concern_v which_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o none_o have_v â—ess_n for_o another_o have_n more_o but_o on_o the_o conâ—â—ary_a
which_o only_o themselves_o know_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o appear_v why_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o impression_n be_v impossible_a nay_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v clear_a none_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o inward_a light_n be_v existence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o inward_a persuasion_n fanatic_n have_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o unknown_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o way_n to_o conclude_v against_o it_o be_v to_o show_v out_o of_o evident_a principle_n the_o contrary_a to_o these_o inspiration_n to_o be_v truth_n none_o therefore_o as_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n testify_v take_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o principle_n absolute_o evident_a or_o demonstrate_v but_o catholics_n or_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o they_o effect_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n disc._n 5_o 6_o 8._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n and_o conclude_v their_o inward_a light_n delusive_a again_o since_o a_o fanatic_a build_v on_o conceit_a experience_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o convince_v his_o judgement_n without_o produce_v demonstration_n for_o the_o contrary_a a_o task_n only_o performable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v enforce_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o basis_n of_o tradidition_n be_v natural_a knowledge_n direct_o imprint_v by_o his_o sense_n in_o which_o knowledge_n he_o be_v undeceivable_a and_o these_o sensation_n or_o knowledge_n be_v daily_o repeat_v not_o on_o one_o private_a temper_n but_o on_o innumerable_a million_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o that_o be_v tradition_n be_v build_v on_o almost_o infinite_a daily_a and_o most_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o the_o conceit_a effect_n of_o inspiration_n or_o his_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o god_n speak_v thus_o inward_o be_v find_v with_o consent_n of_o tenet_n in_o a_o few_o only_o and_o liable_a to_o deceit_n by_o depend_v upon_o fancy_n not_o sense_n as_o appear_v in_o disease_a or_o mad_a person_n and_o the_o fanatic_n contradict_v one_o another_o though_o both_o proceed_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o tradition_n help_n then_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n as_o experience_n also_o testify_v by_o protestant_n be_v force_v to_o recur_n to_o tradidion_n in_o dispute_n with_o they_o though_o very_o easy_a with_o it_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o 22._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n without_o question_v the_o constancy_n of_o every_o species_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o whole_a nature_n for_o see_v man_n nature_n be_v as_o necessary_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o direct_a impression_n of_o object_n on_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o as_o necessary_o determine_v to_o work_v for_o a_o motive_n or_o reason_n good_a or_o bad_a as_o fire_n be_v to_o heat_n or_o water_n to_o wet_v and_o this_o absolute_o and_o always_o abstract_v from_o disease_n incapacitate_v he_o to_o use_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o fancy_n and_o both_o these_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o rational_a or_o of_o such_o a_o species_n which_o original_a corruption_n hinder_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o those_o operation_n and_o consequent_o will_v as_o frequent_o perform_v they_o as_o fire_n burn_v water_n wet_a fruit-tree_n bear_v fruit_n or_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n do_v its_o ptope_a effect_n that_o be_v general_o and_o only_o rare_o and_o contingent_o fail_v unless_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n order_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o it_o worse_o for_o man_n than_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n since_o we_o find_v a_o course_n of_o supernatural_n on_o foot_n and_o that_o they_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v man_n true_a nature_n as_o have_v be_v former_o declare_v less_o liable_a than_o be_v the_o human_a species_n to_o contingency_n in_o those_o its_o natural_a operation_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n be_v wherefore_o see_v tradition_n certainty_n be_v ground_v upon_o direct_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o its_o indefectiveness_n on_o mankind_n incapableness_n to_o act_v without_o some_o motive_n to_o argue_v against_o it_o be_v to_o question_v these_o that_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o best-supported_n species_n in_o nature_n and_o a_o fortiori_fw-la the_o constancy_n of_o the_o rest_n note_v here_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o witty_a reasoner_n against_o tradition_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o contingency_n of_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_n whence_o by_o a_o wild_a kind_n of_o rove_a way_n they_o will_v conclude_v the_o defectibleness_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o of_o the_o entire_a species_n but_o because_o it_o look_v too_o palpable_o inconsequent_a in_o logical_a form_n to_o say_v a_o few_o can_v err_v ergo_fw-la all_o therefore_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o why_o not_o so_o that_o all_o the_o arguer_n against_o tradition_n from_o natural_a reason_n oppose_v direct_o any_o constancy_n in_o the_o species_n or_o generality_n and_o so_o be_v destroyer_n of_o natural_a certainty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o argument_n to_o boot_v 23._o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o scripture_n copy_n or_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o tittle_n uncertain_a disc._n 2_o and_o 4._o without_o tradition_n as_o also_o that_o the_o write_n of_o father_n council_n history_n and_o of_o any_o write_v or_o dead_a testimony_n whatever_o corol._n 14_o and_o 16._o be_v utter_o unauthorise_v otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o no_o live_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v alledgable_a against_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o or_o catholic_n tradition_n corol._n 13._o and_o 17._o nor_o any_o pretend_a instance_n of_o traditionâ—s_n fail_v have_v force_v but_o by_o its_o be_v faithful_o convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o certainty_n corol._n 19_o and_o all_o argument_n from_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n in_o that_o matter_n while_o level_v against_o tradition_n corol._n 18._o &_o 22._o it_o follow_v that_o no_o argument_n from_o any_o authority_n public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o from_o intrinsical_v medium_n fetch_v from_o second_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v bear_v any_o show_n against_o tradition_n nor_o yet_o from_o private_a effect_n pretend_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n call_v inspiration_n or_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n corol._n 21._o for_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v conclude_v for_o this_o point_n however_o this_o pretenâ—e_n may_v make_v the_o first_o syllâ—â—gism_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v outward_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n inspire_v thus_o or_o thus_o no_o extraordinary_a effect_n proper_a to_o that_o cause_n as_o miracle_n be_v producible_a their_o argue_v or_o proof_n be_v at_o a_o end_n however_o their_o inward_a adhesion_n stand_v there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o argument_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n live_v or_o dead_a or_o else_o from_o effect_n or_o experience_n testifiable_a by_o those_o authority_n or_o from_o proper_a effect_n or_o cause_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a thing_n or_o from_o extraordinary_a private_a and_o unseen_a pretend_a effect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o none_o of_o these_o bear_n any_o show_n against_o tradition_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n 24._o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a for_o see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o knowledge_n into_o which_o all_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v resolve_v to_o establish_v their_o certainty_n and_o all_o ptetended_a authority_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a corol._n 16._o and_o consequent_o all_o knowledge_n cause_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a 25._o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n before_o our_o time_n be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o can_v need_v
her_o certainty_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o science_n of_o controversy_n 6._o this_o tenor_n of_o my_o discourse_n brief_o reflect_v on_o i_o beg_v of_o my_o intelligent_a reader_n to_o regard_v it_o once_o more_o in_o the_o bulk_n and_o he_o will_v see_v that_o i_o begin_v with_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o my_o principle_n be_v antecedent_n to_o authority_n and_o so_o be_v competent_a mean_n to_o judge_v authority_n by_o that_o i_o studious_o avoid_v wordish_a ambiguity_n which_o rhetorical_a discourser_n lie_v open_a to_o hold_v rigorous_o to_o the_o notion_n or_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n that_o i_o lay_v but_o the_o meaning_n of_o two_o familiar_a word_n rule_n and_o faith_n for_o the_o basis_n of_o all_o my_o discourse_n that_o i_o endeavour_v to_o pursue_v my_o principle_n by_o very_o obvious_a and_o immediate_a connexion_n that_o all_o the_o way_n i_o attend_v heedful_o to_o and_o build_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o in_o short_a devolve_v to_o this_o that_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v at_o least_o by_o my_o method_n that_o there_o need_v nothing_o but_o time_n and_o industry_n to_o frame_v and_o make_v up_o in_o rigorous_a demonstrative_a form_n that_o sense_n which_o i_o have_v here_o deliver_v in_o a_o way_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o temper_n of_o the_o world_n and_o ease_n of_o my_o reader_n who_o may_v see_v evidence_n in_o my_o discourse_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o bend_v their_o brain_n to_o study_v my_o book_n with_o that_o severity_n as_o they_o will_v do_v a_o euclid_n 7._o when_o this_o be_v do_v let_v my_o reader_n reflect_v on_o all_o the_o discourse_n concern_v faith_n make_v by_o any_o protestant_n and_o see_v how_o far_o they_o be_v short_a from_o i_o will_v not_o say_v any_o such_o performance_n but_o even_o a_o attempt_n of_o evidence_n first_o principles_n they_o lay_v none_o and_o consequent_o evidence_n of_o deduction_n can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o for_o want_v first_a principle_n it_o be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n to_o talk_v of_o deduce_v again_o for_o want_v of_o such_o principle_n they_o want_v certainty_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n to_o justify_v it_o against_o a_o atheist_n or_o deist_n they_o want_v self-evident_a principle_n to_o guide_v they_o in_o interpret_n their_o uncertain_a letter_n and_o so_o confute_v other_o sect_n which_o differ_v from_o their_o church_n and_o the_o method_n they_o take_v to_o do_v it_o be_v evident_o quite_o of_o another_o nature_n than_o scientifical_a they_o have_v nothing_o upon_o account_n of_o live_v teacher_n which_o ascertain_v sense_n so_o that_o you_o must_v to_o find_v your_o faith_n not_o build_v upon_o the_o sense_n of_o two_o or_o a_o few_o familiar_a word_n but_o of_o a_o whole_a large_a book_n that_o be_v on_o million_o of_o word_n and_o those_o too_o not_o only_o unsence_v but_o also_o very_o abstruse_a and_o mysterious_a they_o suppose_v all_o which_o be_v antecedent_n to_o faith_n that_o be_v all_o principle_n which_o be_v to_o induce_v faith_n and_o so_o make_v no_o provision_n for_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n against_o heathen_n and_o atheist_n the_o nature_n of_o thing_n they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o proceed_v upon_o that_o they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o mind_n or_o think_v of_o they_o nor_o i_o doubt_v fancy_n or_o value_v that_o method_n when_o set_v before_o their_o eye_n principle_n to_o weigh_v each_o testimony_n by_o they_o lay_v none_o and_o so_o quote_v at_o random_n certainty_n they_o seek_v not_o nor_o care_n for_o for_o they_o quote_v the_o father_n and_o scripture_n as_o by_o themselves_o interpret_v and_o yet_o neither_o hold_v the_o testimony_n of_o father_n infallible_a nor_o yet_o themselves_o in_o interpret_n scripture_n yet_o plain_a reason_n tell_v we_o that_o unless_o the_o father_n or_o themselves_o be_v infallible_a hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la in_o this_o say_n or_o interpretation_n they_o be_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la fallible_a that_o be_v all_o build_v on_o that_o testimony_n or_o interpretation_n be_v contingent_a and_o uncertain_a yet_o of_o such_o citation_n no_o better_o authorise_a clâ—d_v perhaps_o in_o some_o fine_a word_n the_o book_n of_o their_o best_a champion_n be_v make_v up_o so_o that_o they_o be_v convince_v not_o to_o study_v thing_n but_o word_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v scholar_n or_o knower_n but_o empty_a talker_n and_o so_o the_o effect_n of_o their_o endeavour_n can_v never_o be_v satisfaction_n to_o a_o intelligent_a soul_n but_o only_o tickle_v the_o ear_n or_o please_v the_o fancy_n 9_o as_o i_o have_v show_v this_o ungrounded_a proceed_n of_o the_o protestant_n by_o principle_n so_o i_o intend_v to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o instance_n but_o ere_o i_o go_v about_o this_o undertake_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o meet_v with_o a_o objection_n obvious_a to_o many_o reader_n it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v strange_a all_o catholic_n do_v not_o take_v this_o way_n it_o be_v so_o conclusive_a as_o well_o as_o i._o 10._o i_o answer_v that_o all_o truth_n be_v connect_v it_o be_v evident_a each_o truth_n even_o for_o be_v such_o be_v maintainable_a several_a way_n especial_o supreme_a â—nd_n very_o concern_v one_o among_o which_o way_n some_o be_v suitable_a to_o some_o capacity_n other_o to_o other_o wherefore_o catholic_n controvertist_n esteem_v themselves_o debtor_n both_o sapientibus_fw-la or_o to_o those_o who_o judge_v of_o thing_n per_fw-la altissimas_fw-la causas_fw-la and_o insipientibus_fw-la or_o those_o who_o do_v not_o so_o nor_o fly_v high_o than_o a_o prudential_a pitch_n and_o the_o late_a of_o these_o be_v the_o generality_n hereupon_o the_o charity_n and_o prudence_n of_o those_o learned_a opposer_n of_o dr._n pierce_n and_o very_o many_o other_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o address_v to_o these_o by_o answer_v his_o testimony_n particular_o leave_v i_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o principle_n though_o in_o danger_n to_o receive_v much_o disadvantage_n by_o my_o imperfect_a delivery_n and_o secure_a under_o the_o managery_n of_o their_o able_a head_n and_o pen_n i_o declare_v therefore_o that_o i_o intend_v no_o confutation_n of_o any_o of_o those_o author_n nor_o to_o share_v in_o the_o victory_n of_o those_o excellent_a champion_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v perhaps_o needless_a to_o the_o generality_n however_o very_o satisfactory_a to_o examine_v wit_n to_o confute_v that_o in_o common_a which_o be_v already_o confute_v by_o retail_n i_o write_v more_o against_o their_o way_n than_o their_o book_n yet_o if_o any_o will_v be_v so_o charitable_a as_o to_o judge_v my_o short_a hint_n to_o bear_v the_o force_n of_o a_o solid_a confutation_n because_o they_o radical_o and_o fundamental_o overthrow_v all_o their_o argument_n and_o very_a method_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v truth_n be_v advantage_n i_o shall_v give_v god_n thanks_o for_o it_o and_o be_v glad_a of_o it_o but_o the_o main_n be_v it_o import_v not_o in_o maintain_v truth_n what_o other_o do_v or_o do_v not_o but_o if_o it_o be_v show_v that_o catholic_n principle_n i_o mean_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n or_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n can_v bear_v such_o a_o rigorous_a test_n of_o reason_n and_o appear_v more_o lustrous_a and_o bright_a by_o so_o severe_a a_o trial_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o revolter_n from_o she_o be_v so_o little_a solid_a so_o volatile_a and_o mere_o make_v up_o of_o fancy_n that_o they_o evaporate_v into_o air_n and_o even_o shrink_v into_o nothing_o when_o set_v in_o the_o midday_a beam_n of_o truth_n the_o rule_n of_o evidence_n i_o desire_v no_o high_o a_o honour_n to_o the_o catholic_n church_n nor_o deep_a discredit_n to_o her_o adversary_n first_o appendix_n animadversion_n on_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o dr_n pierce_n sermon_n 1._o look_v about_o for_o instance_n of_o protestant_n book_n most_o proper_a to_o be_v confute_v by_o my_o former_a doctrine_n my_o thought_n pitch_v natural_o on_o mr_n whitby_n where_o he_o go_v about_o to_o settle_v rational_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o on_o mr_n stillingfleet_n where_o he_o oppose_v the_o way_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n but_o it_o seem_v convenient_a to_o take_v to_o task_n also_o some_o adversary_n who_o insist_v on_o testimony_n and_o bring_v he_o to_o ground_n because_o in_o the_o way_n of_o reason_n which_o bring_v testimony_n to_o ground_n to_o confute_v one_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n to_o confute_v all_o dr_n hamond_n seem_v proper_a but_o his_o book_n be_v now_o out_o of_o vogue_n if_o it_o be_v ever_o in_o it_o for_o i_o never_o hear_v pass_v two_o or_o three_o person_n speak_v of_o it_o and_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o best_a protestant_a wit_n of_o our_o nation_n never_o value_v he_o as_o a_o smart_n and_o efficacious_a writer_n beside_o the_o note_n i_o have_v late_o give_v upon_o the_o