the_o power_n to_o make_v one_o see_v intellectual_o the_o thing_n be_v or_o assent_v join_v with_o this_o that_o notwithstanding_o it_o be_v not_o see_v those_o term_n be_v opposite_a or_o inconnectible_a the_o soul_n become_v hereupon_o as_o it_o be_v environ_v with_o a_o kind_n of_o intellectual_a darkness_n and_o see_v not_o which_o way_n to_o step_v forward_o without_o danger_n of_o harm_v hor_o cognoscitive_a or_o truth-affecting_a nature_n by_o error_n whence_o she_o remain_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o neutral_a condition_n which_o we_o call_v suspense_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o note_v that_o this_o suspensive_a condition_n of_o the_o soul_n not_o be_v a_o state_n of_o actuality_n or_o determination_n much_o less_o of_o utmost_a actuality_n as_o be_v the_o see_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o main_a principle_n beforenamed_a that_o a_o thing_n be_v but_o of_o indetermination_n potentiality_n and_o confusedness_n its_o nature_n admit_v consequent_o infinite_a degree_n according_a as_o the_o appearance_n which_o incline_v she_o towards_o assent_n or_o dissent_n be_v great_a or_o less_o moreover_o as_o in_o the_o pass_n from_o indetermination_n to_o determination_n for_o example_n in_o a_o motion_n to_o a_o terminus_n of_o rest_n there_o be_v diverse_a approach_n of_o that_o motion_n quantity_n so_o very_a near_o the_o terminus_n or_o end_n that_o their_o distance_n be_v undiscernible_a to_o a_o vulgar_a eye_n and_o needs_o exact_a skill_n to_o distinguish_v they_o so_o it_o happen_v here_o that_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v find_v divers_a inclination_n or_o approach_n towards_o assent_n which_o have_v so_o small_a a_o degree_n of_o suspense_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v hard_a to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o absolute_a assent_n but_o by_o a_o learned_a reflecter_n and_o the_o way_n he_o take_v to_o distinguish_v they_o must_v be_v to_o observe_v whether_o the_o understanding_n act_v reflect_o that_o be_v look_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o its_o own_o act_n find_v there_o that_o it_o absolute_o yield_v itself_o over_o to_o judge_n the_o thing_n be_v existent_a or_o true_a or_o whether_o it_o only_a judge_n it_o very_o probable_a or_o truthlikely_a for_o any_o assent_n to_o the_o great_a likelihood_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o thing_n existence_n as_o the_o notion_n of_o existent_n or_o true_a be_v from_o the_o notion_n of_o very_a likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o the_o assent_n to_o the_o former_a be_v not_o actual_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o late_a yet_o tend_v towards_o it_o as_o it_o do_v then_o it_o be_v potential_a in_o respect_n of_o it_o and_o so_o include_v some_o degree_n of_o suspense_n which_o defect_n only_o can_v in_o our_o present_a case_n hinder_v the_o other_o from_o be_v actual_o it_o according_a to_o our_o former_a discourse_n assent_n then_o to_o the_o mere_a likelihood_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o at_o least_o imply_v suspense_n of_o its_o existence_n §_o 2._o another_o thing_n which_o incline_v man_n to_o confound_v the_o assent_n to_o the_o likelihood_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o the_o assent_n to_o its_o existence_n or_o truth_n be_v habituation_n or_o custom_n for_o man_n be_v use_v to_o proceed_v natural_o to_o outward_a action_n upon_o a_o very_a high_a probability_n without_o more_o ado_n or_o examination_n they_o be_v hence_o apt_a to_o apprehend_v that_o a_o conceit_n which_o have_v so_o little_a and_o so_o undiscernible_a a_o proportion_n of_o suspense_n in_o it_o be_v a_o perfect_a assent_n and_o that_o because_o the_o soul_n quite_o yield_v to_o the_o motive_n as_o to_o exterior_a action_n therefore_o it_o yield_v likewise_o as_o to_o interior_n assent_n whereas_o by_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o act_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o by_o retrive_v its_o ground_n we_o come_v to_o discover_v that_o however_o the_o soul_n run_v prompt_o and_o rational_o to_o outward_a action_n upon_o such_o a_o motive_n when_o she_o be_v concern_v to_o act_n even_o after_o deliberation_n yet_o not_o so_o to_o interior_a assent_n if_o she_o act_v rational_o but_o upon_o reflection_n find_v in_o herself_o nothing_o to_o fix_v in_o she_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o elevate_v it_o beyond_o the_o possibility_n of_o not-being_a or_o be_v false_a she_o hang_v back_o from_o assent_v the_o thing_n be_v and_o be_v constrain_v to_o say_v interior_o or_o acknowledge_v in_o she_o own_o breast_n she_o may_v possible_o be_v mistake_v and_o the_o thing_n possible_o be_v not-existent_a for_o aught_o she_o see_v which_o restrain_v she_o from_o true_o assent_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v §_o 3._o a_o instance_n will_v render_v our_o discourse_n clear_a it_o be_v propose_v then_o for_o example_n to_o our_o judge_a power_n whether_o america_n be_v or_o no_o and_o we_o will_v suppose_v to_o avoid_v a_o dispute_v case_n the_o evidence_n of_o authority_n have_v convince_v the_o understanding_n it_o once_o be_v by_o the_o impossibility_n the_o several_a attester_n shall_v either_o be_v deceive_v in_o a_o plain_a object_n of_o eyesight_n or_o have_v a_o common_a motive_n able_a to_o make_v they_o conspire_v to_o bely_v their_o eye_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o it_o be_v now_o or_o no._n and_o the_o uncouthness_n and_o unlikelihood_n that_o so_o vast_a a_o place_n shall_v be_v destroy_v join_v with_o the_o customariness_n of_o act_v upon_o a_o very_a great_a probability_n make_v he_o who_o be_v to_o act_v in_o order_n to_o it_o for_o example_n send_v a_o ship_n thither_o proceed_v to_o his_o intend_a outward_a action_n fearless_o and_o esteem_v he_o mad_a who_o desi_v upon_o a_o conceit_n of_o so_o unlikely_a a_o failure_n for_o since_o all_o action_n be_v in_o particular_n and_o particular_n be_v the_o very_a sphere_n of_o contingency_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o must_v not_o act_v at_o all_o if_o we_o expect_v demonstration_n of_o the_o several_a object_n and_o adjunct_n of_o our_o outward_a action_n whence_o he_o deserve_v just_o to_o be_v account_v frantic_a who_o shall_v desist_v from_o action_n where_o there_o be_v so_o high_a a_o probability_n for_o this_o extravagant_a cautiousness_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o take_v away_o the_o motive_n to_o any_o exterior_a action_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o all_o such_o action_n itself_o but_o now_o let_v two_o speculater_n or_o scholar_n meet_v together_o who_o consider_v not_o the_o practicableness_n but_o mere_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n and_o aim_v not_o to_o better_v their_o purse_n by_o merchandize_v or_o outward_a endeavour_n but_o their_o understanding_n by_o rightly-made_a judgement_n or_o assent_n that_o be_v by_o knowledge_n and_o we_o shall_v see_v their_o work_n on_o the_o point_n turn_v upon_o other_o hinge_n in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v necessity_n of_o act_v without_o which_o the_o world_n can_v not_o subsist_v but_o here_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o assent_v which_o we_o suppose_v only_o aim_v at_o at_o present_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o unless_o that_o principle_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o assent_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o come_v to_o exercise_v its_o overpower_v virtue_n upon_o the_o soul_n there_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o prudential_a consideration_n discover_v a_o betterness_n to_o act_v exterior_o all_o thing_n weigh_v to_o which_o need_v not_o a_o severity_n of_o principle_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o here_o those_o principle_n which_o be_v the_o maxim_n of_o metaphysic_n or_o supreme_a wisdom_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n to_o be_v consult_v and_o the_o prudential_a weigh_v of_o particular_n avail_v little_a or_o nothing_o towards_o the_o secure_a establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n aim_v at_o there_o some_o harm_n be_v likely_a to_o ensue_v if_o they_o act_v not_o exterior_o and_o go_v not_o about_o their_o work_n but_o here_o no_o harm_n at_o all_o can_v come_v by_o not_o act_v interior_o i_o mean_v by_o not-assenting_a but_o suspending_a till_o the_o beam_n of_o truth_n by_o the_o fountain-light_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n clear_v their_o understanding_n rather_o on_o the_o contrary_a a_o great_a harm_n be_v certain_a to_o ensue_v upon_o assent_v in_o that_o case_n that_o be_v a_o injury_n to_o reason_n their_o true_a nature_n by_o conclude_v without_o see_v a_o middle_a term_n connect_v the_o two_o extreme_n on_o which_o every_o act_n of_o right_a reason_n be_v build_v these_o scholar_n then_o or_o pursuer_n of_o truth_n consult_v with_o speculative_a not_o practical_a principle_n to_o guide_v their_o assent_n by_o they_o be_v certain_a that_o such_o a_o effect_n as_o be_v the_o destruction_n of_o america_n can_v be_v without_o a_o cause_n and_o experience_n tell_v they_o such_o cause_n seldom_o or_o never_o happen_v yet_o know_v that_o all_o material_a thing_n have_v contingency_n annex_v to_o their_o nature_n and_o not_o discover_v any_o evident_a principle_n in_o nature_n hinder_v the_o
their_o attempt_n or_o neglect_v to_o do_v this_o and_o only_o by_o that_o test_n it_o will_v be_v see_v whether_o my_o eviction_n stand_v or_o fall_v whereas_o from_o flashy_a wit_n so_o little_a be_v gain_v that_o even_o what_o be_v solid_a suffer_v disgrace_n by_o such_o a_o managery_n and_o i_o here_o very_o penitent_o beg_v pardon_n of_o my_o reader_n that_o i_o have_v sometime_o heretofore_o spend_v my_o precious_a time_n and_o less-fruitful_a labour_n which_o may_v have_v be_v better_o employ_v in_o pursue_v that_o way_n of_o folly_n for_o such_o my_o more_o deliberate_a thought_n now_o discover_v it_o however_o the_o repute_a profoundness_n but_o indeed_o real_a shallowness_n of_o my_o adversary_n make_v it_o at_o that_o season_n seem_v most_o convenient_a finis_fw-la correction_n of_o the_o press_n page_n 6._o line_n 5._o build_v upon_o p._n 14._o l._n 13._o the_o ten_o et_fw-fr p._n 25._o l._n 10._o acts._n as_o p._n 33._o l_o 5._o not_o be_v be_v p._n 43._o l._n 9_o be_v deniable_a p._n 89._o l_o 25._o object_n on_o p._n 112._o l._n ult_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 121._o l._n 2._o it_o be_v neither_o affirmation_n nor_o l._n 9_o usual_o p._n 126._o l._n 26._o such_o truth_n p._n 128._o l._n 9_o their_o power_n l._n 18._o at_o all_o p._n 130._o l._n 25._o of_o the_o school_n p._n 134._o l._n 26._o find_v p._n 139._o l._n 18._o be_v to_o l._n 21._o both_o at_o p._n 149._o objection_n viii_o p._n 161._o l._n 13._o parologysm_n l_o 21_o nut_n at_o p._n 164_o l._n 1._o objection_n ix_o l._n 5._o to_o have_v p._n 171._o l._n 22._o onely-true_a postulata_fw-la the_o thesis_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o evidence_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a in_o faith-proposition_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o copula_fw-la from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o most_o of_o those_o proposition_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o distinction_n as_o apply_v to_o the_o predicate_a from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o subject_n of_o faith-proposition_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n consist_v in_o a_o indivisible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o connexion_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n the_o origin_n and_o nature_n of_o suspense_n and_o assent_n the_o point_n evince_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o suspense_n and_o assent_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o hold_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o know_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o certainty_n in_o many_o regard_n from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o what_o may_v be_v false_a can_v have_v any_o principle_n from_o the_o identity_n of_o certainty_n with_o infallibility_n from_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n unavoidable_o subject_v faith_n to_o chance_n and_o contingency_n from_o the_o incompossibility_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o disputation_n and_o the_o impossibility_n otherwise_o to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n the_o main_a thesis_n demonstrate_v from_o the_o want_n of_o potentiality_n in_o the_o subject_a from_o the_o otherwise_o necessity_n of_o put_v a_o consistency_n of_o truth_n with_o falsehood_n from_o the_o otherwise_o necessity_n of_o put_v contradictory_n to_o be_v true_a from_o the_o otherwise_o necessity_n of_o put_v it_o possible_a the_o mind_n shall_v be_v at_o once_o conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o thing_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o different_a respect_n here_o so_o to_o avoid_v a_o contradiction_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o put_v the_o soul_n at_o once_o determine_v and_o indetermine_v in_o order_n to_o the_o same_o point_n from_o the_o formal_a nature_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o metaphysical_a unity_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o metaphysical_a verity_n from_o the_o notion_n of_o metaphysical_a bonity_n or_o goodness_n from_o the_o contrary_a thesis_n be_v destructive_a to_o the_o fiâ—st_a principle_n in_o all_o metaphysic_n from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o a_o sufficient_a motive_n to_o judge_n a_o thing_n true_a with_o a_o motive_n to_o judge_n it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n or_o the_o deity_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o proper_a agent_n in_o instruct_v mankind_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o person_n instruct_v from_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectu_fw-la all_o virtue_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o supernatural_a virtue_n from_o the_o firmness_n supernatural_a faith_n ought_v to_o hâ—uâ—â—bove_o natural_a another_o proof_n from_o the_o same_o head_n from_o the_o requisiteness_n that_o christian_a action_n shall_v proceed_v from_o the_o actor_n in_o the_o perfect_a manner_n that_o otherwise_o christian_a religion_n will_v be_v more_o defective_a in_o point_n of_o principle_n than_o any_o other_o art_n or_o science_n from_o faith_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o last_o end_n and_o of_o the_o way_n to_o it_o from_o the_o certainty_n the_o heathen_n have_v of_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o imperfect_a morality_n from_o man_n last_o end_n be_v only_o attainable_a by_o intellectual_a mean_n from_o virtue_n be_v being_n the_o connatural_a effect_n of_o truth_n and_o vice_n of_o falsehood_n from_o the_o otherwise_o inability_n of_o faith_n to_o resist_v &_o overcome_v temptation_n from_o the_o otherwise_o uncertainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o spiritual_a good_n or_o the_o attainableness_n of_o they_o in_o the_o next_o life_n from_o the_o otherwise_o preternaturality_o in_o produce_v a_o due_a love_n of_o heaven_n from_o the_o incredibleness_n of_o the_o mystery_n nor_o superable_a by_o any_o motive_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o otherwise_o great_a plausibility_n of_o objection_n against_o faith_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n &_o of_o his_o will_n from_o faith_n be_v place_v beyond_o contingencie_n from_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o christian_n express_v themselves_o when_o they_o profess_v their_o faith_n from_o this_o that_o otherwise_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o lay_v a_o wager_n christian_n faith_n be_v a_o ly._n from_o the_o carriage_n of_o the_o martyr_n if_o suppose_v honest_a &_o prudent_a from_o the_o blasphemousnes_n of_o the_o equivalency_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o learn_a christian_n in_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o faith_n from_o the_o duty_n incumbent_a on_o the_o maintainer_n of_o the_o impugned_a tenet_n to_o remain_v seeker_n all_o their_o life_n from_o the_o inefficaciousness_n it_o bring_v to_o christian_a preach_v and_o exhortation_n from_o the_o church_n constant_a practice_n of_o oblige_v to_o belief_n belief_n rule_n of_o faith_n faith_n infer_v 4_o 4_o infer_v 2._o
affection_n pre-requisit_a to_o faith_n derogate_v nothing_o from_o its_o certainty_n but_o be_v perfect_o consistent_a with_o the_o evidence_n of_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o generate_v it_o and_o that_o the_o governor_n and_o officer_n of_o the_o church_n though_o propose_v the_o most_o convince_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n for_o the_o authority_n convey_v down_o faith_n to_o we_o can_v prevail_v nothing_o unless_o the_o great_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a gift_n by_o his_o peculiar_a power_n plant_v antecedent_o in_o their_o heart_n this_o good_a disposition_n and_o prepare_v terram_fw-la bonam_fw-la that_o their_o endeavour_n may_v take_v effect_n and_o the_o sower_n seed_n take_v root_n no_o more_o than_o paul_n though_o miraculous_a can_v convert_v all_o that_o see_v his_o miracle_n or_o hear_v his_o preach_a but_o only_o such_o who_o heart_n god_n open_v as_o he_o do_v lydia_n it_o appear_v also_o by_o the_o same_o discourse_n how_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a that_o be_v as_o depend_v on_o this_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n which_o set_v the_o understanding_n on_o work_n to_o consider_v the_o motive_n and_o so_o produce_v they_o the_o whole_a humane_a action_n be_v free_a because_o the_o will_n order_v it_o though_o she_o do_v not_o produce_v it_o all_o or_o though_o freedom_n be_v not_o formal_o in_o the_o body_n so_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v free_a because_o it_o be_v order_v by_o the_o will_n which_o be_v free_a though_o no_o freedom_n be_v find_v in_o the_o understanding_n which_o be_v incapable_a of_o such_o a_o qualification_n but_o pure_a necessity_n of_o assent_v when_o the_o motive_n be_v see_v to_o be_v conclusive_a no_o need_n then_o be_v there_o upon_o any_o account_n of_o a_o pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n to_o piece_n out_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v and_o to_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o motive_n that_o be_v assent_n to_o a_o degree_n beyond_o what_o it_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v a_o impossibility_n in_o humane_a nature_n right_o and_o connatural_o govern_v and_o i_o much_o fear_v no_o small_a disgrace_n to_o christian_a faith_n consider_v the_o obstinate_a bent_n of_o the_o church_n adversary_n to_o confound_v the_o speculative_a thought_n of_o divine_n explain_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n less_o careful_o with_o their_o sentiment_n issue_v natural_o from_o they_o as_o christian_n nay_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n itself_o what_o can_v revince_o be_v reply_v to_o a_o atheist_n object_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o christian_n make_v the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n ground_n stand_v need_v to_o be_v pec_v out_o by_o obscurity_n our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o by_o ignorance_n and_o the_o rationality_n of_o they_o by_o will_n without_o reason_n that_o be_v wilfulness_n wherefore_o i_o carnest_o obtest_v and_o beseech_v even_o per_fw-la viscera_fw-la christi_fw-la all_o who_o shall_v read_v this_o treatise_n and_o yet_o have_v speculative_o hold_v and_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n i_o here_o impugn_v for_o practical_o and_o as_o christian_n they_o hold_v the_o contrary_a conclusion_n serious_o to_o weigh_v the_o point_n once_o more_o and_o not_o to_o obstruct_v the_o resolve_v christian_a faith_n into_o immovable_a principle_n or_o absolute_o certain_a ground_n by_o a_o opinion_n only_o spring_v from_o the_o conceit_a difficulty_n in_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o yet_o themselves_o to_o a_o man_n profess_v and_o hold_v as_o they_o be_v christian_n i_o humble_o beg_v leave_v to_o propose_v to_o they_o these_o few_o consideration_n first_o it_o be_v certain_a faith_n be_v no_o less_o faith_n or_o a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n though_o that_o authority_n be_v demonstrate_v to_o be_v infallible_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o it_o be_v both_o firm_a and_o more_o rational_a even_o for_o that_o very_a regard_n second_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v it_o be_v true_a to_o we_o and_o withal_o perfect_o rational_a and_o consequent_o that_o its_o ground_n or_o principle_n be_v so_o able_a to_o ascertain_v it_o that_o they_o place_v it_o beyond_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n three_o it_o be_v no_o less_o evident_a that_o a_o inclination_n or_o motion_n of_o the_o will_n be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v have_v neither_o truth_n nor_o falsehood_n in_o it_o can_v be_v no_o rational_a principle_n or_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n or_o act_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o ascertain_v they_o or_o indeed_o apt_a to_o establish_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o tenet_n four_o that_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o my_o forego_n discourse_n that_o a_o antecedent_n pious_a disposition_n of_o the_o will_n be_v still_o requisite_a to_o faith_n notwithstanding_o the_o perfect_a conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v and_o that_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n depend_v on_o this_o quoad_fw-la exercitium_fw-la at_o least_o as_o the_o school_n speak_v which_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o many_o divine_n be_v sufficient_a five_o that_o it_o be_v the_o common_a opinion_n of_o the_o solid_a divine_n that_o faith_n consist_v with_o evidence_n in_o the_o attester_n six_o that_o faith_n or_o a_o firm_a and_o immovable_a assent_n upon_o authority_n be_v not_o thorough_o rational_a and_o by_o consequence_n partly_o faulty_a if_o the_o motive_n be_v not_o alone_o able_a to_o convince_v a_o understanding_n right_o dispose_v without_o the_o will_v his_o assistance_n for_o what_o can_v be_v say_v for_o that_o degree_n of_o assent_n which_o be_v beyond_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n be_v it_o not_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a term_n that_o it_o be_v irrational_a or_o without_o any_o reason_n but_o the_o worst_a be_v that_o whereas_o all_o good_a christian_n hold_v their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o judge_v their_o act_n of_o faith_n immovable_a assent_n these_o author_n as_o speculater_n put_v all_o the_o reason_n for_o faith_n to_o leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o make_v this_o pious_a affection_n the_o only_a thing_n which_o elevate_v it_o to_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o be_v vast_o high_a in_o point_n of_o certainty_n as_o if_o a_o rational_a creature_n not_o deviate_a total_o from_o its_o nature_n but_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n ought_v therefore_o to_o hold_v a_o point_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o itself_o have_v a_o affection_n or_o as_o we_o say_v a_o great_a mind_n it_o shall_v be_v so_o seven_o this_o assertion_n render_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n not_o only_o unmaintainable_a as_o have_v be_v now_o show_v but_o also_o unperswadable_a to_o other_o for_o how_o shall_v i_o be_v able_a to_o give_v account_n to_o other_o that_o my_o affection_n which_o work_v this_o persuasion_n in_o i_o be_v rational_a and_o not_o apt_a to_o mislead_v i_o when_o as_o the_o very_a position_n oblige_v i_o to_o profess_v the_o contrary_a and_o to_o grant_v that_o this_o affection_n push_v forward_o my_o understanding_n to_o assent_v beyond_o the_o reason_n it_o have_v that_o be_v as_o to_o this_o degree_n in_o my_o assent_n which_o be_v no_o small_a one_o since_o it_o raise_v it_o from_o judge_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o judge_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v such_o without_o reason_n or_o will_v not_o this_o speculative_a tenet_n seem_v to_o force_v this_o inference_n that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o its_o most_o intrinsical_a consideration_n viz._n the_o impossibility_n of_o its_o falsehood_n be_v make_v by_o this_o doctrine_n full_a as_o dark_a a_o hole_n as_o it_o be_v to_o allege_v the_o private_a spirit_n nor_o can_v the_o reverence_n due_a to_o the_o divine_a authority_n suffice_v for_o such_o a_o effect_n both_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a god_n shall_v will_v that_o mankind_n for_o his_o sake_n shall_v act_v irrational_o as_o also_o because_o there_o be_v no_o poison_n in_o the_o world_n so_o pestilent_a as_o a_o error_n abet_v by_o the_o most_o sacred_a patronage_n of_o god_n authority_n as_o the_o history_n of_o the_o fanatic_n in_o all_o age_n and_o our_o homebred_a experience_n testify_v whence_o that_o very_a reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a authority_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v so_o sure_a it_o be_v engage_v for_o a_o truth_n ere_o we_o admit_v it_o for_o such_o that_o we_o may_v secure_o though_o with_o a_o humble_a truth_n say_v with_o richardus_fw-la de_fw-la sancto_fw-la victore_fw-la domine_fw-la si_fw-la error_n est_fw-la quod_fw-la credimus_fw-la à _fw-la te_fw-la decepti_fw-la sumus_fw-la so_o that_o there_o be_v indeed_o no_o great_a injury_n and_o abuse_n to_o the_o divine_a name_n imaginable_a than_o to_o hazard_v the_o make_v it_o
patronize_v falsehood_n against_o this_o deceit_n our_o saviour_n have_v forearm_v we_o by_o his_o forewarn_v we_o with_o a_o nolite_fw-la credere_fw-la when_o any_o one_o pretend_v loe_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o be_v christ._n last_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o any_o indifferent_a understanding_n that_o those_o divine_n who_o defend_v this_o influence_n of_o the_o pious_a affection_n upon_o the_o settle_n of_o faith_n certainty_n though_o in_o other_o point_n very_o rational_a and_o acute_a yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o they_o be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o can_v make_v nothing_o cohere_v philippus_n de_fw-fr sancta_fw-la trinitate_fw-la contradict_v himself_o twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o one_o leaf_n while_o he_o attempt_v to_o defend_v it_o but_o i_o instance_n in_o one_o for_o all_o that_o be_v father_n vincentius_n baronius_n a_o doctor_n of_o tholouse_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n dominick_n a_o person_n of_o as_o much_o eminency_n gravity_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o of_o late_a day_n this_o great_a writer_n in_o his_o manuductio_fw-la ad_fw-la moralem_fw-la theologiam_fw-la p._n 130_o 131._o fall_n upon_o caramuel_n in_o these_o word_n distinguit_fw-la caramuel_n duplicem_fw-la honestatis_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la seu_fw-la veritatem_fw-la formalem_fw-la unam_fw-la vocat_fw-la alteram_fw-la objectivam_fw-la istam_fw-la negat_fw-la cuilibet_fw-la opinioni_fw-la probabili_fw-la ill_a be_o concedit_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la hoc_fw-la nobis_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la prodiglum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritatis_fw-la dari_fw-la veritatem_fw-la aut_fw-la falsitatem_fw-la certitudinemque_fw-la cui_fw-la nulla_fw-la objectiva_fw-la correspondeat_fw-la hoc_fw-la ne_fw-la deo_fw-la quidem_fw-la concessum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la scientiam_fw-la habeat_fw-la rei_fw-la non_fw-la scibilis_fw-la i._n e._n veritatem_fw-la formalem_fw-la rei_fw-la quae_fw-la objectiuâ_fw-la careat_fw-la yet_o the_o same_o author_n p._n 271_o be_v force_v by_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o ill_a ground_a tenet_n which_o he_o have_v espouse_v into_o the_o same_o paralogysm_n which_o he_o have_v so_o grave_o severe_o and_o learned_o reprehend_v in_o another_o where_o put_v the_o objection_n very_a home_n he_o ask_v si_fw-la praevium_fw-la illud_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la judicium_fw-la sit_fw-la intra_fw-la probabilitatis_fw-la fine_n quâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la poterit_fw-la mens_fw-la assurgere_fw-la in_o assensum_fw-la illo_fw-la seu_fw-la opinion_n firmiorem_fw-la ergo_fw-la fidei_fw-la certitudo_fw-la nutlat_fw-la si_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la judicio_fw-la quod_fw-la prudenter_fw-la probabile_fw-la dixi_fw-la pendeat_fw-la nec_fw-la aliunde_fw-la repetatur_fw-la this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o tota_fw-la controversia_fw-la &_o fidei_fw-la summa_fw-la be_v contain_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o answer_v it_o first_o slight_o by_o a_o example_n that_o this_o precedent_a judgement_n be_v to_o faith_n as_o accidental_a alteration_n to_o the_o substantial_a form_n and_o so_o be_v only_o a_o disposition_n to_o it_o may_v be_v less_o noble_a or_o certain_a than_o faith_n be_v itself_o whereas_o if_o our_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o rational_a this_o previous_a judgement_n be_v that_o on_o which_o this_o assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o we_o or_o as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n must_v at_o least_o be_v firm_a and_o immovable_a itself_o since_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n build_v on_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o beyond_o probability_n whence_o the_o example_n be_v most_o unsuitable_a signify_v that_o as_o nature_n dispose_v matter_n by_o imperfect_a degree_n towards_o a_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a effect_n so_o infirm_a principle_n may_v rational_o beget_v a_o firm_a assent_n after_o this_o he_o allege_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v it_o from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o infuse_v light_a and_o give_v most_o efficacious_a strength_n to_o believe_v but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o god_n ordinary_o and_o abstract_v from_o miracle_n infuse_v light_a into_o rational_a creature_n but_o by_o mean_n of_o motive_n or_o reason_n and_o whether_o it_o require_v such_o strength_n or_o rather_o be_v not_o a_o unwise_a credulousness_n that_o be_v a_o great_a weakness_n to_o believe_v beyond_o what_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o do_v and_o so_o unworthy_a god_n the_o giver_n of_o every_o good_a and_o perfect_a gift_n last_o he_o affirm_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v it_o from_o the_o pious_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n qui_fw-la mentem_fw-la rebus_fw-la credendis_fw-la indubitato_fw-la &_o immoto_fw-la assensu_fw-la alligat_fw-la quasi_fw-la nodo_fw-la indissolubili_fw-la which_o as_o it_o be_v by_o a_o indissoluble_a knot_n tie_v the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o undoubted_a and_o unmoved_a assent_n but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o this_o knot_n be_v indissoluble_a in_o case_n the_o probable_a reason_n prove_v false_a unless_o the_o soul_n be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o why_o a_o resolvedness_n in_o the_o will_n can_v rational_o establish_v a_o true_a intellectual_a certainty_n what_o i_o chief_o conclude_v from_o these_o answer_n of_o he_o be_v that_o he_o perpetual_o wave_v certainty_n have_v from_o the_o object_n and_o so_o unavoidable_o be_v force_v to_o put_v a_o formal_a certainty_n in_o as_o to_o which_o no_o objective_a certainty_n correspond_v which_o his_o excellent_a wit_n in_o another_o circumstance_n see_v to_o be_v prodigious_o faulty_a and_o a_o certainty_n that_o be_v a_o perfection_n not_o competent_a even_o to_o god_n himself_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o error_n prejudice_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o either_o by_o opposition_n to_o first_o principle_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v falsehood_n or_o by_o self-contradiction_n in_o their_o maintainer_n confess_v it_o themselves_o objection_n vii_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o diverse_a weak_a people_n assent_v upon_o very_o inconclusive_a nay_o silly_a or_o less_o than_o probable_a motive_n who_o yet_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v deny_v have_v save_v faith_n the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n than_o require_v not_o necessary_o motive_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o that_o faith_n be_v true_a to_o we_o but_o may_v be_v without_o any_o such_o qualification_n answer_n when_o we_o say_v faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a we_o take_v the_o word_n faith_n in_o its_o proper_a and_o primary_n signification_n now_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a signification_n of_o a_o word_n that_o be_v most_o usual_a and_o that_o most_o usual_a which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o user_n of_o it_o the_o proper_a signification_n that_o be_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v that_o which_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n which_o be_v evident_o a_o assent_n to_o be_v adhere_v to_o all_o one_o life_n to_o be_v die_v in_o and_o die_v for_o and_o the_o object_n or_o form_n of_o that_o assent_n be_v truth_n and_o so_o itself_o true_a it_o be_v most_o manifest_o in_o each_o of_o those_o regard_n imply_v that_o it_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o or_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n that_o be_v it_o must_v have_v ground_n able_a to_o show_v it_o nay_o actual_o show_v it_o so_o to_o they_o whatever_o contingency_n may_v happen_v in_o a_o few_o particular_n for_o want_n of_o apply_v to_o they_o the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n beside_o faith_n must_v be_v a_o knowledge_n of_o divine_a thing_n a_o virtuous_a act_n and_o so_o rational_a and_o a_o most_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o work_v for_o heaven_n also_o its_o ground_n must_v be_v apt_a to_o establish_v the_o most_o speculative_a faithful_a to_o convert_v or_o confound_v the_o most_o acute_a wit_n deny_v or_o oppose_v it_o etc._n etc._n all_o which_o and_o much_o more_o be_v prove_v in_o the_o first_o discourse_n of_o sure_a foot_n by_o argument_n as_o yet_o not_o attempt_v to_o be_v invalidate_v by_o any_o however_o something_o have_v be_v offer_v against_o those_o conclusion_n which_o attribute_n it_o can_v possible_o justify_v nor_o yet_o perform_v those_o office_n without_o be_v true_a to_o we_o or_o have_v ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o word_n faith_n then_o apply_v to_o those_o weak_a person_n now_o speak_v of_o signify_v not_o the_o same_o as_o when_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o assenter_n but_o mere_o a_o simple_a credulity_n of_o any_o thing_n tell_v they_o by_o a_o person_n that_o look_v serious_o when_o he_o speak_v it_o and_o be_v conceit_v by_o the_o believer_n to_o be_v wise_a or_o to_o have_v hear_v more_o than_o himself_o which_o kind_n of_o assent_n if_o it_o be_v second_v by_o favourable_a circumstance_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n especial_o by_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v find_v in_o the_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n so_o as_o it_o beget_v a_o love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n may_v suffice_v to_o save_v those_o weak_a and_o well_o meaning_n catholic_n but_o how_o incompetent_a a_o assent_n no_o better_o ground_v be_v
or_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o proposal_n of_o it_o which_o only_o can_v oblige_v connatural_o the_o understanding_n to_o conceit_v it_o as_o it_o ought_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_n to_o love_v it_o according_o in_o which_o conceit_v and_o hearty_o love_a not_o only_o the_o intend_v and_o command_v part_n of_o the_o action_n be_v place_v in_o our_o case_n as_o it_o happen_v in_o our_o act_n for_o material_a good_n but_o also_o the_o executive_a and_o assecutive_a part_n of_o it_o not_o the_o same_o sleightness_n of_o motive_n therefore_o or_o moral_a certainty_n will_v here_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o true_a certainty_n or_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n be_v require_v this_o be_v the_o best_a and_o proper_a to_o beget_v a_o hearty_a lively_a steady_a and_o all-over-powering_a affection_n for_o heaven_n and_o such_o as_o may_v as_o it_o ought_v make_v christian_n practical_o repute_v all_o other_o thing_n as_o dung_n in_o comparison_n of_o that_o §_o 9_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n false_a which_o force_v the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o beget_v it_o that_o be_v of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n above_o those_o which_o ground_n our_o action_n of_o pursue_v temporary_a good_n be_v the_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n truth_n exalt_v above_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n as_o far_o as_o heaven_n be_v above_o the_o earth_n many_o of_o they_o look_v so_o odd_a and_o uncouth_a to_o our_o course_n humane_a reason_n unrefined_a by_o faith_n that_o as_o they_o seem_v of_o old_a to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n so_o still_o they_o be_v acknowledged_o most_o unsuitable_a to_o the_o grossness_n of_o fancy_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o world_n especial_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o unelevate_v by_o christian_a principle_n be_v lead_v and_o confess_o above_o reason_n insomuch_o as_o it_o cost_v the_o best_a wit_n of_o christianity_n no_o small_a pain_n to_o maintain_v they_o not_o to_o be_v contradictory_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a put_v then_o the_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o only_a seem_a certainty_n i_o may_v say_v the_o confess_a want_n of_o certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o believe_v will_v be_v so_o counterballance_v by_o the_o incredibleness_n and_o seem_a contradictoriness_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o object_n or_o rather_o indeed_o overballance_v in_o the_o conceit_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n that_o there_o will_v be_v no_o overplus_n of_o weight_n leave_v to_o incline_v they_o to_o hold_v those_o point_n true_a rather_o than_o false_a much_o less_o to_o make_v they_o absolute_o hold_v they_o be_v certain_a truth_n and_o he_o that_o shall_v assert_v the_o contrary_a i_o wonder_v how_o he_o will_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v it_o or_o by_o what_o standard_n he_o will_v measure_v whether_o be_v the_o great_a of_o the_o two_o counterposed_a unlikelihood_n viz._n that_o the_o possible_o false_a motive_n of_o faith_n shall_v hap_v to_o be_v actual_o such_o or_o that_o the_o seeming-impossibility_n in_o the_o object_n shall_v chance_v to_o be_v a_o real_a one_o for_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o say_v here_o that_o we_o be_v in_o reason_n to_o expect_v the_o divine_a nature_n shall_v be_v exceed_o exalt_v above_o its_o creature_n and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o to_o measure_v his_o perfection_n by_o the_o ordinary_a rule_n find_v in_o creature_n but_o think_v it_o reasonable_a he_o shall_v infinite_o exceed_v they_o for_o however_o this_o have_v weight_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o concern_v the_o divine_a nature_n and_o its_o perfection_n as_o in_o itself_o yet_o here_o it_o will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n in_o regard_n faith_n teach_v we_o many_o other_o point_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n itself_o and_o most_o strange_o debase_v and_o vilify_a it_o as_o that_o god_n infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o injurious_a buffering_n scourge_n and_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o a_o creature_n sake_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o that_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n can_v not_o invent_v and_o practise_v some_o easy_a and_o more_o honourable_a way_n to_o work_v the_o end_n they_o intend_v and_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v beseem_v infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o person_n superlative_o innocent_a shall_v be_v so_o severe_o punish_v to_o do_v a_o undue_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o be_v enormous_o wicked_a this_o consideration_n then_o necessitate_v plain_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a for_o else_o it_o will_v be_v irrational_a to_o believe_v it_o and_o last_o it_o show_v the_o case_n of_o christian_a interior_a act_n utter_o unparallel_a to_o that_o of_o act_v exterior_o for_o sensible_a and_o material_a good_n which_o one_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v attainable_a and_o also_o comprehend_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v they_o without_o puzz'le_v his_o understanding_n with_o any_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n in_o the_o business_n to_o check_v his_o assent_n ere_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v well_o on_o the_o condition_n those_o person_n be_v in_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o to_o this_o be_v propose_v for_o object_n to_o the_o one_o side_n the_o motive_n to_o faith_n or_o the_o authority_n in_o our_o case_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o on_o the_o other_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o mystery_n let_v then_o those_o person_n understanding_n no_o better_a elevate_v go_v about_o to_o scan_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o i_o think_v confess_v by_o all_o they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o they_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a but_o this_o motive_n or_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o adversary_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o proportion_v object_n for_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v then_o against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o motive_n of_o dissent_n be_v in_o that_o case_n evident_o great_a than_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_n §_o 10._o again_o since_o it_o be_v incomparable_o faith_n more_o easy_a to_o throw_v down_o than_o to_o build_v or_o less_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v a_o objection_n than_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v orderly_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o severely-connected_n frame_v of_o discourse_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n particular_o when_o those_o point_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a to_o fancy_n and_o even_o exalt_v above_o reason_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o very_o plausible_a and_o easy_o penetrable_a objection_n on_o which_o disadvantage_n or_o disproportion_n to_o weak_a judgement_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a excellency_n on_o the_o object_n be_v side_n atheist_n ground_v their_o drollery_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a there_o will_v be_v consider_v the_o rudeness_n and_o unelevatedness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o their_o fancyled_a understanding_n great_a temptation_n and_o more_o plausible_a that_o be_v to_z they_o strong_a motive_n lay_v to_o make_v they_o dissent_v to_o those_o mystery_n than_o to_o make_v they_o assent_v the_o motive_n to_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o faith_n itself_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a seven_o eviction_n §_o 1._o perhaps_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n of_o christianity_n express_v most_o manifest_o their_o sentiment_n may_v give_v to_o some_o a_o more_o natural_a and_o penetrable_a satisfaction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a faith_n shall_v be_v false_a than_o all_o the_o speculative_a and_o scientifical_a proof_n hitherto_o deduce_v §_o 2._o for_o their_o language_n then_o i_o only_o will_n hint_n to_o the_o memory_n of_o my_o prudential_a reader_n for_o to_o transcribe_v they_o be_v endless_a all_o those_o expression_n so_o frequent_a in_o scripture_n father_n council_n and_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o faithful_a to_o these_o very_a day_n viz._n that_o faith_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n his_o will_n and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n nor_o will_v i_o straighten_v the_o signification_n
of_o the_o mysterye_n themselves_o exceed_o enhaunce_v the_o other_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v a_o high_a disadvantage_n on_o faith_n side_n nay_o grant_v a_o pretty_a high_a probability_n which_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o they_o care_v for_o yet_o the_o notone_o improbability_n but_o seeming-impossibility_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n if_o take_v not_o as_o stand_n under_o authority_n but_o as_o object_n of_o our_o humane_a reason_n as_o in_o this_o counterballancing_a case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v quite_o overpoise_v the_o probable_a motive_n and_o incline_v the_o soul_n strong_o towards_o dissent_n unless_o interest_n custom_n or_o some_o other_o affection_n come_v in_o to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o weak_a motive_n print_v it_o in_o a_o big_a letter_n and_o diminish_v the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o object_n by_o not_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v or_o penetrate_v that_o be_v by_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o right_a reason_n now_o in_o this_o case_n if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v a_o protestant_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n lay_v odds_o and_o wager_v two_o to_o one_o at_o least_o his_o faith_n be_v all_o a_o falsehood_n a_o strange_a impiety_n but_o yet_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o impious_a tenet_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a sequel_n of_o deny_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 10._o the_o same_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o martyr_n and_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o circumstance_n of_o all_o witness_n the_o most_o solemn_a and_o serious_a and_o the_o perfect_a under_o that_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o engage_v not_o only_a his_o word_n but_o his_o life_n and_o dear_a blood_n for_o what_o he_o testify_v now_o all_o witness_v or_o attestation_n be_v most_o evident_o of_o what_o the_o witnesser_n know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o nothing_o sound_v more_o unnatural_o or_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o action_n than_o to_o have_v a_o likelihood_n for_o its_o object_n or_o to_o witness_v what_o he_o know_v not_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o occasion_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o martyr_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n faith_n must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o that_o one_o can_v know_v what_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o no_o less_o unnatural_o will_v it_o false_a sound_v shall_v we_o gather_v together_o and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o equivalent_a speech_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a such_o as_o be_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o heaven_n no_o man_n know_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n a_o hell_n a_o jesus_n christ_n a_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n no_o man_n see_v any_o reason_n secure_v faith_n from_o be_v a_o lie_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v unstable_a and_o may_v be_v overthrow_v absolute_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o christian_n be_v to_o profess_v and_o aught_o to_o die_v for_o it_o may_v be_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o many_o lie_v and_o false_a as_o so_o many_o oldwife_n tale_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v spiritual_a darkness_n and_o error_n what_o we_o hold_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n may_v perhaps_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o all_o lie_n all_o our_o supernatural_a truth_n may_v be_v diabolical_a falsehood_n faith_n have_v no_o principle_n the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o truth_n but_o likelihood_n only_o these_o and_o innumerable_a such_o other_o be_v all_o equivalent_a periphrasis_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o in_o this_o treatise_n have_v be_v manifest_v but_o how_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a needs_o no_o proof_n but_o thebare_a rehearse_n of_o they_o §_o 12._o from_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n faith_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a profess_v faith_n we_o come_v next_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o christianity_n not_o proceed_v as_o speculater_n and_o scholar_n a_o most_o trifle_a impertinent_a topick_n when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n yet_o most_o frequent_o use_v by_o our_o adversary_n especial_o mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o mr._n pool_n who_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o practice_v that_o wilful_a mistake_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o faithful_a and_o this_o not_o only_o act_v or_o speak_v in_o abstraction_n from_o humane_a knowledge_n but_o as_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n and_o despite_n of_o it_o now_o with_o these_o intelligent_a person_n it_o be_v very_o solemn_a after_o by_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v come_v to_o embrace_v faith_n itself_o immediate_o to_o discard_v &_o renounce_v all_o tenet_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a faith_n how_o certain_a soever_o they_o hold_v they_o former_o nay_o to_o stand_v with_o a_o mind_n prepare_v to_o disassent_v to_o anypiece_n of_o humane_a learning_n how_o scientifical_a soever_o it_o look_v which_o they_o see_v evident_o to_o thwart_v any_o of_o those_o believe_v truth_n make_v account_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n captivare_fw-la intellectum_fw-la in_o obsequium_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o yield_v they_o total_o up_o by_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n and_o not_o to_o heed_n or_o credit_v any_o objection_n or_o proposal_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a when_o once_o the_o stable_n and_o immovable_a ground_n or_o motive_n of_o divine_a belief_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v subdue_v their_o judgement_n to_o that_o invincible_a assent_n but_o to_o rest_v well_o assure_v that_o all_o reason_n be_v fallacious_a and_o all_o position_n false_a which_o go_v against_o those_o sacred_a and_o establish_v truth_n this_o be_v ever_o their_o unanimous_a and_o constant_a profession_n particular_o the_o father_n be_v full_a of_o expression_n of_o that_o kind_n a_o evident_a argument_n that_o as_o christian_n they_o ever_o hold_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o honesty_n and_o their_o love_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o have_v so_o ready_o reject_v their_o formerly-conceited_n truth_n nor_o to_o have_v stop_v their_o ear_n so_o obstinate_o to_o new_a reason_n against_o faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o ought_v in_o due_a candour_n to_o have_v still_o weigh_v the_o opposite_a thesis_n and_o the_o objection_n perpetual_o allege_v against_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n and_o consider_v which_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o have_v still_o conclude_v so_o partial_o on_o faith_n side_n and_o obstinate_o resolve_v to_o hear_v nothing_o against_o it_o bear_v themselves_o as_o if_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o faith_n rule_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v indeed_o as_o if_o faith_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v false_a §_o 13._o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o life_n hold_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a aught_o in_o conscience_n and_o their_o natural_a duty_n or_o love_n to_o truth_n remain_v seeker_n all_o their_o life_n for_o however_o they_o may_v hope_v at_o present_a that_o what_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o since_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v the_o affair_n and_o its_o concern_n be_v so_o weighty_a to_o be_v still_o examine_v its_o ground_n and_o cast_v about_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o they_o already_o see_v be_v not_o indeed_o actual_o such_o though_o as_o yet_o they_o see_v it_o not_o or_o at_o least_o whether_o some_o other_o profession_n may_v not_o after_o long_a consideration_n appear_v less_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o another_o still_o less_o than_o that_o that_o so_o they_o may_v go_v as_o near_a truth_n as_o they_o can_v weigh_v discreet_o and_o impartial_o what_o deism_n paganism_n turcism_n and_o such_o other_o wise_o represent_v without_o their_o poetical_a fancy_n and_o foolery_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o or_o last_o if_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o doubt_v be_v the_o true_a case_n as_o to_o judge_n such_o a_o quest_n lose_v labour_n because_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sullen_a dame_n truth_n
none_o but_o only_o a_o affection_n or_o determination_n of_o a_o thing_n both_o know_v by_o plain_a nature_n whatever_o some_o schoolman_n speculate_v for_o these_o put_v mere_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v pillar_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v round_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o in_o this_o proposition_n the_o pillar_n be_v round_a the_o two_o extreme_a notion_n be_v indeed_o that_o be_v with_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o thing_n identify_v or_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a but_o to_o return_v home_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n exist_v by_o the_o same_o existence_n or_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n after_o its_o manner_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n or_o soul_n as_o apt_a to_o judge_n after_o it_o be_v that_o be_v judge_o but_o truth_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o either_o of_o these_o manner_n of_o be_v as_o be_v discourse_v 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will_v say_v why_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o god_n to_o provide_v that_o our_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o true_a in_o we_o since_o so_o they_o will_v perfect_v our_o understanding_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o guide_v we_o right_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v true_a to_o we_o or_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v for_o two_o reason_n one_o because_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v preternatural_a oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v profess_v and_o die_v for_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v such_o the_o other_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o exercise_v will_v perpetual_o involve_v a_o error_n in_o case_n the_o motive_n to_o those_o assent_n be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n for_o however_o one_o may_v light_v by_o haphazard_n or_o through_o weakness_n on_o a_o truth_n from_o a_o inclusive_a motive_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o rational_a creature_n shall_v assent_v but_o upon_o some_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a hence_o every_o assent_n practical_o imply_v it_o be_v true_a for_o this_o reason_n wherefore_o if_o the_o reason_n ground_v such_o assent_n be_v unapt_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o judgement_n necessary_o involve_v a_o falsehood_n or_o error_n however_o it_o be_v otherwise_o conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v truth_n then_o be_v bastard_n illegitimate_a and_o monstrous_a both_o the_o intellectualness_n and_o supernaturalness_n of_o that_o virtue_n call_v faith_n make_v it_o scorn_v to_o own_o such_o defective_a prâ—ductions_n objection_n iii_o the_o meaning_n of_o word_n be_v indeed_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v only_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n though_o then_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o the_o 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right_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o such_o affair_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o prudence_n to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v general_o repute_v most_o and_o able_a and_o then_o their_o proceedure_n be_v laudable_a because_o they_o do_v the_o best_a secundum_fw-la ultimum_fw-la potentiae_fw-la or_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n whence_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v ability_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o reason_n those_o speculater_n give_v behave_v themselves_o imprudent_o and_o blameable_o if_o they_o even_o proceed_v to_o outward_a action_n mere_o upon_o their_o judgement_n without_o examine_v the_o reason_n they_o allege_v in_o case_n they_o have_v leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v so_o but_o now_o the_o maxim_n hold_v not_o all_o for_o those_o proposition_n in_o which_o it_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o evident_a to_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n that_o the_o predicate_v be_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o subject_a as_o it_o be_v for_o example_n in_o this_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n or_o this_o which_o be_v palpable_o consequent_a from_o the_o former_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o gain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o such_o as_o these_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v full_a as_o certain_a as_o those_o of_o speculater_n perhaps_o certain_a and_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o predicate_a possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v necessary_o be_v see_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o faith_n by_o all_o those_o who_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n they_o believe_v beside_o they_o hold_v that_o faith_n make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n that_o their_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v immovable_a or_o adhere_v to_o all_o their_o life_n that_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v
none_o have_v the_o least_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n of_o it_o else_o sure_o they_o will_v never_o have_v stay_v in_o they_o inform_v we_o sufficient_o to_o what_o a_o changeable_a totter_a and_o ruinous_a condition_n christian_a faith_n will_v be_v reduce_v by_o these_o principle_n and_o parallel_n no_o few_o than_o three_o house_n fall_v in_o the_o compass_n of_o a_o short_a time_n and_o none_o have_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n beforehand_o of_o such_o a_o event_n therefore_o may_v a_o atheist_n say_v down_o fall_v christian_a faith_n too_o who_o foundation_n be_v by_o this_o doctrine_n but_o parallel_n for_o strength_n to_o the_o other_o or_o if_o it_o fall_v not_o in_o so_o long_a time_n it_o have_v only_o something_o better_a luck_n not_o better_a ground_n than_o have_v the_o three_o house_n as_o for_o the_o object_v unsuitableness_n of_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o i_o require_v it_o be_v reply_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o the_o 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false_a to_o we_o they_o will_v necessary_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n wherefore_o they_o will_v of_o themselves_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v and_o so_o there_o will_v need_v no_o precedent_n pious_a affection_n of_o the_o will_n which_o yet_o both_o council_n father_n and_o catholic_n divine_v with_o one_o consent_n require_v nay_o more_o be_v not_o such_o a_o pious_a affection_n put_v act_n of_o faith_n will_v not_o be_v free_n answer_n if_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o even_o assent_v to_o humane_a science_n though_o evident_a from_o intrinsecal_n reason_n comprehensible_a by_o our_o understanding_n and_o pure_o speculative_a be_v not_o to_o be_v acquire_v without_o a_o affection_n to_o see_v truth_n as_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o carriage_n of_o mere_a sceptic_n who_o have_v entertain_v a_o conceit_n of_o its_o hopelesness_n come_v thence_o to_o want_v love_n or_o affection_n for_o it_o and_o so_o never_o come_v to_o see_v it_o how_o conclusive_a soever_o the_o reason_n be_v much_o more_o by_o far_o must_v some_o good_a affection_n be_v pre-requisit_a to_o assent_v to_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a truth_n which_o be_v obscure_a in_o themselves_o as_o depend_v upon_o authority_n incomprehensible_a to_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o practical_a that_o be_v obligingly-efficacious_a to_o break_v out_o into_o christian_a action_n or_o love_n of_o heaven_n above_o all_o sublunary_a thing_n as_o true_a faith_n must_v be_v the_o first_o obstacle_n of_o the_o three_o mention_v have_v this_o difficulty_n that_o the_o beam_n of_o truth_n which_o come_v direct_o from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v general_o apt_a to_o strike_v our_o understanding_n more_o natural_o penetrate_v it_o more_o deep_o and_o to_o stick_v in_o it_o more_o immovable_o than_o those_o which_o be_v reflect_v to_o we_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o another_o such_o as_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n beside_o the_o new_a difficulty_n of_o see_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o attester_n which_o how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v yet_o it_o put_v the_o understanding_n to_o double_a pain_n whereas_o evidence_n have_v from_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o a_o single_a labour_n and_o so_o less_o confound_v and_o distract_n the_o thought_n the_o second_o obstacle_n incomprehensibleness_n be_v apt_a to_o stupify_v the_o understanding_n and_o retard_v assent_n nay_o even_o to_o deter_v it_o from_o consider_v they_o as_o truth_n the_o atheistical_a temper_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v not_o subsist_v be_v metaphysic_n due_o advance_v sufficient_o inform_v we_o how_o difficult_a it_o be_v for_o man_n to_o apply_v and_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o those_o considerability_n in_o thing_n and_o those_o nature_n which_o be_v abstract_v from_o matter_n the_o reason_n whereof_o be_v because_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o our_o fancy_n be_v in_o act_n while_o our_o understanding_n be_v so_o and_o there_o be_v not_o proper_a phantasm_n the_o only_a agreeable_a one_o to_o material_a man_n who_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o guide_v their_o judgement_n pure_o by_o principle_n and_o connexion_n of_o term_n which_o suit_n to_o such_o abstract_a conception_n but_o metaphorical_a one_o only_o which_o the_o understanding_n must_v in_o rigour_n deny_v to_o be_v right_a one_o even_o while_o by_o necessity_n it_o be_v force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o they_o hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v to_o serve_v god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n and_o so_o the_o object_n and_o principle_n of_o his_o new_a life_n for_o the_o most_o part_n and_o principal_o spiritual_a one_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o for_o this_o very_a regard_n alone_o there_o will_v need_v a_o great_a love_n of_o truth_n and_o spiritual_a good_n to_o make_v the_o understanding_n appliable_a to_o they_o or_o even_o admit_v a_o consideration_n of_o they_o i_o be_v tell_v by_o a_o worthy_a friend_n of_o i_o that_o discourse_v with_o a_o acute_a man_n but_o a_o great_a hater_n of_o metaphysic_n and_o mention_v a_o spirit_n he_o in_o a_o disgust_n break_v out_o into_o these_o word_n let_v we_o talk_v of_o what_o we_o know_v by_o which_o expression_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o he_o mistake_v the_o question_n an_fw-mi est_fw-la for_o quid_fw-la est_fw-la but_o what_o make_v for_o my_o purpose_n be_v that_o the_o unknowableness_n of_o the_o essence_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n to_o we_o in_o this_o state_n obstruct_v even_o his_o desire_n to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o no_o &_o consequent_o that_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a desire_n or_o affection_n to_o know_v spiritual_a thing_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a even_o to_o entertain_v a_o thought_n of_o their_o be_v much_o more_o to_o conceit_v it_o but_o incomparable_o more_o needful_a be_v such_o a_o affection_n when_o to_o the_o spirituality_n of_o those_o point_n there_o shall_v be_v add_v a_o incomprehensibleness_n nay_o if_o only_o those_o point_n be_v consider_v a_o incredibleness_n when_o no_o parallel_n can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n nor_o scarce_o any_o similitude_n weak_o to_o shadow_v out_o the_o thing_n and_o its_o possibility_n nay_o when_o some_o of_o those_o point_n direct_o thwart_v the_o course_n of_o natural_a cause_n whence_o all_o our_o other_o knowledge_n have_v their_o stability_n then_o i_o say_v if_o ever_o there_o be_v requisite_a a_o affection_n for_o the_o nobleness_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o high_a spiritual_a object_n to_o make_v we_o willing_a to_o hearken_v to_o any_o authority_n propose_v they_o how_o evident_a soever_o the_o motive_n be_v for_o the_o credibleness_n of_o that_o authority_n the_o three_o obstacle_n follow_v take_v from_o the_o end_n for_o which_o faith_n be_v essential_o ordain_v that_o be_v from_o what_o it_o essential_o be_v viz._n a_o mover_n of_o the_o will_n to_o virtue_n and_o goodness_n or_o a_o practical_a principle_n now_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o this_o truth_n that_o by-affection_n and_o contrary_a inclination_n be_v apt_a to_o hinder_v the_o understanding_n from_o assent_v or_o even_o attend_v candid_o and_o calm_o to_o these_o reason_n how_o clear_a soever_o they_o be_v which_o make_v against_o any_o belove_a interest_n whence_o there_o need_v a_o contrary_a affection_n to_o these_o other_o to_o remove_v the_o mist_n those_o passion_n have_v raise_v and_o purge_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n that_o so_o it_o may_v become_v capable_a of_o discern_v what_o it_o can_v not_o before_o though_o in_o itself_o most_o visible_a how_o much_o more_o not_o only_o requisite_a but_o even_o necessary_a must_v some_o pious_a affection_n be_v to_o permit_v the_o mind_n free_o to_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christian_a faith_n contain_v principle_n which_o enjoin_v a_o disregard_n and_o posthabition_n of_o all_o that_o be_v sweet_a to_o flesh_n and_o blood_n nay_o even_o of_o livelihood_n and_o life_n itself_o it_o be_v most_o manifest_a than_o that_o a_o plough_v
for_o the_o establishment_n or_o propagation_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v how_o insufficient_a for_o the_o body_n of_o the_o faithful_a or_o the_o church_n how_o unfit_a for_o the_o end_n and_o unable_a to_o produce_v the_o effect_n true_a faith_n or_o the_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a ought_v to_o do_v need_v no_o declaration_n to_o manifest_v it_o since_o no_o person_n of_o ordinary_a capacity_n can_v without_o difficulty_n refrain_v from_o smile_v at_o the_o ridiculous_a levity_n of_o such_o kind_n of_o assenter_n inference_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n conclude_v all_o controversy_n 1._o it_o rest_v then_o evince_v and_o demonstrative_o conclude_v with_o as_o great_a firmness_n as_o first_o principle_n make_v use_v of_o for_o premise_n and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o those_o principle_n can_v establish_v it_o that_o that_o most_o firm_a or_o unchangeable_a assent_n call_v christian_a faith_n lay_v a_o obligation_n on_o its_o 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stand_v to_o it_o and_o deliver_v himself_o in_o some_o rude_a say_n or_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o it_o for_o example_n tell_v he_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o k._n james_n because_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o live_v then_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v his_o answer_n will_v in_o likelihood_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n what_o a_o god_n name_n be_v they_o blind_a in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v who_o be_v king_n then_o which_o express_v natural_o his_o conceit_n of_o their_o inerrableness_n in_o such_o a_o point_n in_o case_n they_o have_v eye_n which_o nature_n teach_v he_o man_n general_o have_v insist_v far_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o cozen_v all_o england_n that_o come_v after_o they_o nature_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o this_o or_o some_o such_o kind_n of_o reply_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o all_o make_v fool_n of_o every_o body_n which_o word_n though_o rude_o express_v 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at_o present_a whence_o the_o arguer_n will_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v also_o at_o present_a false_a which_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o objective_a truth_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o miss_v the_o question_n but_o the_o consequence_n hold_v not_o in_o case_n the_o discourse_n be_v of_o formal_a truth_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n in_o we_o or_o of_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o be_v of_o certainty_n for_o none_o pretend_v that_o his_o judgement_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o speak_v those_o inrintsecall_a disposition_n call_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o we_o or_o that_o himself_o can_v be_v cetrain_n or_o uncertain_a of_o it_o at_o once_o which_o express_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o we_o this_o be_v put_v those_o motive_n which_o only_o he_o have_v at_o present_a in_o his_o understanding_n able_a to_o prove_v the_o point_n true_a and_o false_a both_o or_o 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he_o put_v in_o one_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o possible_a one_o to_o conclude_v its_o falsehood_n for_o our_o question_n be_v not_o to_o what_o degree_n weak_a soul_n can_v miscarry_v in_o assent_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o strength_n be_v find_v in_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n which_o the_o objecter_n as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o a_o holder_n that_o point_v of_o faith_n be_v truth_n must_v affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o as_o himself_o contend_v leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v provable_a by_o other_o ground_n to_o be_v so_o for_o else_o the_o word_n false_a can_v mean_v false_a to_o we_o or_o in_o the_o subject_a as_o be_v pretend_v that_o be_v he_o must_v make_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v just_o or_o in_o right_a reason_n hold_v by_o one_o true_a by_o the_o other_o false_a now_o it_o be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o such_o opposite_a ground_n i_o constant_o maintain_v or_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a three_o hence_o i_o go_v far_o and_o urge_v that_o if_o those_o different_a motive_n can_v oblige_v just_o one_o man_n to_o hold_v faith_n true_a the_o other_o to_o hold_v it_o false_a then_o put_v they_o in_o the_o same_o man_n it_o ought_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o this_o enforce_v my_o proof_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o three_o eviction_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o answe'rd_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o motive_n be_v disparate_a the_o more_o probable_a one_o will_v when_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n overpower_v the_o other_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o opposite_a assent_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o intellectual_a motive_n or_o reason_n have_v their_o power_n to_o
bind_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v not_o from_o their_o relation_n to_o other_o extrinsecall_v proof_n correspond_v or_o discorrespond_v with_o they_o but_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n on_o which_o they_o intrinsical_o depend_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o final_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v build_v on_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n if_o then_o the_o motive_n one_o man_n have_v at_o present_a be_v sufficient_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o oblige_v he_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o judge_v faith_n true_a who_o ever_o have_v humane_a reason_n ought_v to_o assent_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v show_v false_a or_o possible_a that_o other_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v it_o so_o put_v those_o ground_n also_o in_o the_o same_o man_n and_o since_o they_o must_v be_v convictive_a of_o humane_a understanding_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v their_o formal_a effect_n where_o they_o be_v that_o be_v convince_v it_o of_o faith_n falsehood_n too_o which_o however_o absurd_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o genuine_a and_o necessary_a sequel_n of_o this_o source_n of_o absurdity_n viz._n that_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a how_o the_o force_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v avoidable_o but_o by_o allege_v that_o no_o man_n act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v his_o faith_n true_a to_o we_o or_o can_v ever_o have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v it_o false_a to_o we_o which_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n to_o we_o the_o opposer_n own_o position_n i_o profess_v myself_o utter_o unable_a to_o discern_v now_o he_o that_o hold_v these_o position_n be_v a_o perfect_a sceptic_a or_o a_o pyrrhonian_n as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n since_o he_o put_v a_o absolute_a desperateness_n of_o know_v the_o truth_n on_o either_o side_n in_o that_o matter_n or_o subject_n objection_n vi._n when_o it_o be_v say_v that_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n may_v be_v false_a the_o arguer_n misunderstand_v it_o to_o mean_v that_o we_o assert_v it_o may_v actual_o and_o indeed_o be_v show_v so_o whereas_o it_o be_v only_o mean_v by_o those_o word_n that_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v or_o for_o any_o thing_n the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n evince_n or_o force_v to_o the_o contrary_n answer_n i_o know_v not_o what_o possibility_n to_o any_o thing_n mean_v if_o it_o be_v not_o a_o relation_n to_o its_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o nor_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v false_a to_o we_o but_o a_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o such_o that_o be_v of_o be_v actual_o show_v so_o to_o we_o and_o all_o this_o must_v be_v forcible_o admit_v by_o he_o who_o put_v no_o proper_a or_o necessary_a cause_n in_o the_o thing_n nor_o consequent_o conclusive_a motive_n in_o man_n understanding_n why_o this_o faith_n now_o profess_v shall_v necessary_o be_v the_o same_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v it_o be_v indeed_o a_o different_a thing_n to_o say_v it_o may_v be_v so_o and_o to_o say_v i_o do_v not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v so_o but_o he_o who_o maintain_v that_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a if_o he_o be_v honest_a know_v what_o he_o maintain_v to_o be_v true_a otherwise_o certain_o he_o be_v very_o wicked_a who_o will_v thus_o disgrace_v or_o diminish_v faith_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v his_o position_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n whence_o follow_v that_o such_o a_o man_n must_v not_o only_o say_v i_o know_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a but_o he_o must_v if_o he_o will_v speak_v out_o what_o he_o think_v be_v oblige_v to_o say_v i_o know_v it_o may_v be_v false_a however_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o declare_v categorical_o and_o sincere_o his_o tenet_n in_o so_o odious_a a_o point_n or_o hazard_v his_o credit_n with_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n who_o sentiment_n he_o contradict_v so_o express_o objection_n vii_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o faith_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v rise_v to_o morrow_n that_o america_n will_v not_o be_v drown_v as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o henry_n the_o eight_o etc._n etc._n which_o be_v only_o moral_o certain_a and_o enough_o for_o humane_a action_n since_o they_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n or_o leave_v no_o suspicion_n of_o doubt_n behind_o they_o which_o as_o mr._n still_v fleet_n tell_v we_o app._n p._n 76._o be_v the_o high_a actual_a certainty_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o any_o reasonable_a man_n can_v desire_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v certainty_n enough_o for_o i_o to_o use_v my_o house_n that_o i_o be_o moral_o certain_a it_o will_v not_o fall_v on_o my_o head_n though_o i_o have_v no_o absolute_a security_n but_o it_o may_v and_o this_o kind_n of_o certainty_n seem_v more_o suitable_a to_o mankind_n be_v more_o easy_o penetrable_a by_o the_o generality_n than_o the_o other_o rigorous_a and_o over-straining_a certainty_n which_o seem_v more_o fit_a and_o proper_a for_o the_o high_a sort_n of_o speculater_n than_o for_o a_o world_n of_o man_n which_o comprehend_v capacity_n of_o all_o degree_n and_o sort_n and_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perhaps_o of_o little_a learning_n answer_n the_o objecter_n must_v prove_v that_o all_o those_o instance_n be_v only-morally-certain_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a ere_o he_o allege_v they_o for_o such_o that_o of_o henry_n the_o eight_o which_o do_v indeed_o oblige_v the_o understanding_n to_o belief_n i_o affirm_v to_o be_v practical_o self_n evident_a and_o demonstrable_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o for_o the_o rest_n they_o be_v utter_o unfit_a to_o parallel_v faith_n certitude_n be_v all_o of_o material_a thing_n who_o very_a essence_n be_v to_o be_v mutable_a whereas_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o in_o matter_n not_o subject_a to_o contingency_n be_v essential_o incapable_a of_o be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v that_o be_v still_o truth_n so_o that_o far_o easy_a be_v it_o that_o all_o material_a nature_n shall_v undergo_v all_o the_o change_n imaginable_a than_o that_o any_o such_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v itself_o or_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v in_o we_o desist_v to_o be_v true_a or_o conclusive_a in_o particular_a i_o will_v askâ—_n whether_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o faith_n to_o be_v as_o certain_a to_o we_o christian_n as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o immediate_o before_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o whole_a world_n shall_v not_o be_v drown_v which_o exceed_v the_o case_n of_o america_n possible_a destruction_n or_o as_o it_o be_v to_o those_o after_o the_o flood_n that_o the_o sun_n shall_v never_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v back_o or_o last_o as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o house_n of_o who_o firmness_n none_o have_v actual_a doubt_n shall_v fall_v if_o so_o than_o the_o stand_v of_o the_o sun_n in_o ioshuah_n time_n and_o its_o retrogradation_n in_o ezekiah_n show_v the_o unparallelness_n of_o these_o instance_n you_o will_v say_v these_o be_v both_o miraculous_a but_o this_o alter_v not_o the_o case_n first_o because_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v nor_o can_v it_o be_v hold_v by_o any_o sober_a man_n that_o even_o miracle_n can_v make_v such_o truth_n falsehood_n or_o those_o motive_n which_o be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n able_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o such_o point_n inconclusive_a or_o invalid_n next_o because_o if_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n and_o so_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o give_v a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o a_o deist_n demand_v how_o in_o case_n they_o shall_v prove_v indeed_o false_a we_o can_v be_v assure_v god_n goodness_n to_o mankind_n will_v not_o step_v in_o even_o miraculous_o to_o discover_v the_o vanity_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o illusion_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o falsehood_n so_o absurd_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o high_a repute_n of_o sacred_a and_o divine_a truth_n concern_v the_o last_o instance_n of_o the_o moral_a certainty_n of_o a_o house_n stand_v which_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o by_o learned_a protestant_n as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o act_v as_o steady_o and_o hearty_o as_o if_o i_o have_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o will_v not_o possible_o fall_v beside_o the_o general_n answer_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n which_o render_v the_o case_n unparallel_a i_o reply_v that_o the_o two_o house_n the_o one_o in_o holborn_n the_o other_o in_o king_n street_n which_o of_o late_a year_n &_o a_o three_o in_o cock_n lane_n which_o of_o late_a day_n fall_v when_o