argue_v he_o see_v i_o must_v needs_o be_v hold_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a discourser_n that_o ever_o speak_v or_o write_v to_o build_v a_o whole_a treatise_n upon_o a_o supposition_n unprove_v and_o which_o beg_v the_o whole_a question_n now_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n i_o deduce_v step_n by_o step_n and_o make_v the_o forego_n proposition_n draw_v still_o after_o it_o by_o undeniable_a consequence_n the_o follow_v one_o he_o conceal_v all_o mention_n of_o proof_n or_o endeavour_v of_o it_o call_v my_o conclusion_n principle_n and_o than_o who_o will_v think_v but_o that_o i_o have_v lay_v they_o to_o build_v that_o discourse_n upon_o they_o and_o desert_v my_o usual_a way_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o know_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n as_o i_o there_o do_v with_o those_o of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o from_o they_o proceed_v minutely_o to_o whatever_o i_o conclude_v have_v his_o friend_n dr._n st._n take_v the_o same_o course_n his_o principle_n will_v have_v evident_o discover_v their_o own_o weakness_n of_o themselves_o and_o have_v excuse_v other_o the_o unnecessary_a trouble_n of_o answer_v they_o next_o he_o make_v i_o say_v that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o say_v himself_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n by_o which_o word_n a_o honest_a reader_n will_v very_o think_v i_o suppose_v it_o gratis_o to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o never_o trouble_v myself_o to_o prove_v it_o whereas_o though_o i_o indeed_o hold_v it_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a of_o which_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o give_v account_n yet_o i_o proceed_v as_o if_o i_o do_v not_o but_o prove_v §_o 8._o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n whatever_o it_o be_v must_v be_v infallible_a §_o 10._o that_o therefore_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o §_o 11._o that_o tradition_n be_v the_o reader_n be_v thus_o questionless_a well_o dispose_v to_o think_v it_o very_o unnecessary_a he_o shall_v consider_v as_o he_o call_v it_o or_o answer_v any_o passage_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v up_o of_o unproved_a principle_n or_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n he_o tell_v he_o far_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a whence_o he_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o at_o present_a and_o so_o the_o business_n be_v do_v for_o why_o shall_v he_o take_v pain_n to_o give_v answer_n to_o that_o which_o deserve_v none_o or_o if_o it_o do_v be_v answer_v this_o reason_n though_o by_o the_o way_n be_v a_o little_a open_a for_o in_o case_n i_o do_v bring_v any_o argument_n in_o my_o method_n to_o make_v good_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o after_o i_o have_v see_v and_o perhaps_o sufficient_o consider_v too_o what_o he_o reply_v to_o surefoot_v for_o any_o thing_n appear_v i_o may_v either_o have_v amend_v the_o reason_n give_v in_o surefoot_v or_o produce_v better_a in_o my_o method_n and_o so_o whatever_o he_o have_v say_v to_o surefoot_v it_o may_v have_v be_v proper_a to_o have_v consider_v and_o say_v something_o to_o the_o method_n too_o unless_o he_o can_v say_v with_o truth_n that_o he_o have_v already_o answer_v the_o veâ—y_a reason_n urge_v in_o it_o which_o i_o do_v not_o remember_v he_o have_v nor_o be_o confident_a himself_n neither_o §_o 2._o but_o yet_o â—o_o instance_n in_o this_o one_o passage_n how_o rare_a a_o piece_n his_o cry'd-up_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o how_o excellent_o it_o answer_v surefoot_v let_v we_o â—_o little_a reflect_v what_o this_o sufficient_a consideration_n of_o his_o â—mounts_n to_o surefooting_n be_v divide_v into_o two_o part_n the_o first_o from_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v that_o rule_n and_o this_o be_v the_o business_n of_o that_o book_n from_o the_o begin_n to_o pag._n 57_o and_o particular_o of_o the_o 5_o the_o discourse_n who_o title_n be_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o it_o the_o 2_o d._n part_n begin_v discourse_n 6._o and_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o have_v hitherto_o ever_o be_v follow_v the_o confutation_n of_o my_o first_o part_n end_v in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n pag._n 150_o the_o answer_n to_o my_o 2_o d._n begin_v pag._n 151._o or_o these_o two_o the_o former_a be_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a concern_v of_o my_o book_n for_o if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o only_a conveyer_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n hitherto_o it_o must_v either_o be_v say_v by_o those_o against_o who_o i_o argue_v that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v hitherto_o convey_v to_o we_o at_o all_o and_o so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n which_o they_o will_v not_o say_v or_o else_o that_o those_o who_o proceed_v upon_o tradition_n for_o their_o rule_n be_v the_o right_a christian_n whence_o the_o late_a part_n be_v only_o ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la not_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n especial_o in_o case_n i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la this_o be_v so_o let_v dr._n t_n friend_n and_o i_o when_o they_o hap_v to_o discourse_v about_o we_o please_v to_o send_v for_o his_o book_n and_o i_o and_o with_o aâ—_n equal_a partiality_n distrust_v we_o both_o rely_v upon_o sir_n tho._n moor_n pair_n of_o honest_a unbiased_a witness_n their_o own_o eye_n they_o will_v find_v that_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n undertake_v pag._n 146._o to_o answer_v my_o 5_o the_o disc._n which_o pretend_v to_o show_v that_o all_o the_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v clear_o agree_v to_o tradition_n and_o thence_o conclude_v tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o according_o quote_v pag_n 41._o where_o that_o discourse_n begin_v in_o surefooting_n they_o will_v see_v the_o title_n of_o his_o sect._n 6._o which_o he_o use_v to_o put_v in_o the_o margin_n be_v that_o the_o property_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o oral_a tradition_n now_o i_o assign_v seven_o such_o property_n surefoot_a pag._n 11_o and_o 12._o he_o be_v please_v to_o make_v but_o two_o part._n 2._o sect._n 1_o sufficient_o plain_a &_o sufficient_o certain_a come_v then_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o pag._n 148._o to_o confute_v that_o whole_a discourse_n which_o be_v the_o most_o substantial_a part_n of_o my_o book_n and_o contain_v the_o most_o press_a argument_n to_o my_o main_a purpose_n he_o complete_v his_o answer_n to_o it_o in_o one_o single_a page_n viz._n 149._o nay_o in_o one_o piece_n of_o that_o page_n this_o will_v seem_v strange_a and_o something_o difficult_a if_o any_o thing_n be_v so_o to_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o singular_a method_n of_o answer_v book_n all_o say_v he_o that_o he_o pretend_v to_o prove_v in_o this_o discourse_n be_v that_o if_o this_o rule_n have_v be_v follow_v and_o keep_v to_o all_o along_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v receive_v any_o change_n it_o be_v all_o indeed_o i_o pretend_v and_o all_o i_o desire_v to_o prove_v for_o certain_o if_o it_o can_v preserve_v christian_a doctrine_n unchanged_a it_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n and_o what_o have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v i_o conceive_v a_o rule_n whether_o it_o have_v be_v follow_v or_o not_o which_o be_v a_o question_n i_o have_v not_o then_o examine_v but_o reserve_v to_o my_o follow_a discourse_n to_o this_o then_o after_o his_o sufficient_a consideration_n what_o say_v the_o dr._n all_o this_o say_v he_o be_v ready_o grant_v he_o for_o my_o part_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o that_o answer_n for_o all_o my_o write_n aim_v at_o be_v that_o people_n shall_v see_v the_o truâ—h_n and_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o since_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o pretend_v to_o prove_v i_o be_v very_o unreasonable_a if_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v content_v though_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v cross_a this_o word_n ready_o be_v something_o liable_a to_o exception_n after_o he_o have_v employ_v a_o good_a part_n of_o his_o book_n in_o prepare_v to_o speak_v to_o the_o main_a question_n in_o divide_v and_o subdivide_v and_o play_v all_o the_o trick_n which_o may_v make_v it_o look_v like_o a_o answer_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o the_o question_n to_o grant_v it_o because_o he_o can_v do_v no_o other_o be_v indeed_o to_o grant_v it_o but_o not_o very_o ready_o people_n will_v not_o think_v he_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o
by_o some_o natural_a and_o therefore_o more_o easily-known_a assistance_n belong_v to_o the_o church_n those_o out_o of_o she_o be_v bring_v to_o the_o knowledge_n that_o she_o be_v supernatural_o assist_v this_o be_v the_o method_n i_o take_v in_o resolve_v faith_n if_o any_o man_n can_v show_v i_o any_o other_o that_o be_v either_o more_o solid_a more_o orderly_a more_o connatural_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n or_o more_o honourable_a to_o god_n church_n i_o shall_v as_o willing_o and_o easy_o quit_v it_o as_o i_o now_o out_o of_o long_a and_o serious_a consideration_n embrace_v and_o firm_o adhere_v to_o it_o but_o it_o appear_v plain_a to_o i_o that_o whoever_o contradict_v this_o especial_o as_o to_o that_o point_n which_o occasion_v this_o discourse_n must_v withal_o contradict_v a_o maxim_n on_o which_o all_o science_n be_v principal_o build_v namely_o that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o notion_n define_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v understand_v not_o only_o of_o the_o whole_a definition_n but_o of_o each_o single_a part_n of_o it_o for_o if_o any_o one_o part_n be_v more_o obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v the_o whole_a definition_n as_o have_v that_o obscure_a part_n in_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v more_o obscure_a likewise_o wherefore_o the_o definition_n of_o a_o church_n be_v coetus_fw-la fidelium_fw-la etc._n etc._n a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a etc._n etc._n the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o consequent_o of_o faith_n must_v either_o be_v more_o know_v and_o knowable_a than_o that_o of_o church_n and_o consequent_o antecedent_n to_o it_o in_o right_a method_n of_o discourse_n or_o the_o definition_n will_v be_v obscure_a than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o if_o it_o be_v say_v i_o must_v confess_v i_o know_v not_o to_o what_o end_n definition_n be_v or_o why_o they_o do_v not_o rather_o conduce_v to_o ignorance_n than_o to_o science_n add_v that_o true_a faith_n be_v most_o intrinsical_a and_o essential_a to_o a_o church_n it_o be_v by_o consequence_n a_o more_o forcible_a and_o demonstrative_a argument_n to_o convince_v inevitable_o that_o such_o a_o body_n in_o which_o it_o be_v find_v be_v the_o true_a church_n than_o be_v any_o extrinsecal_n mark_v whatsoever_o and_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o extrinsical_a mark_n be_v more_o easy_o knowable_a i_o doubt_v not_o but_o in_o those_o who_o be_v lead_v away_o by_o superficial_a appearance_n there_o be_v some_o show_n of_o reason_n in_o this_o objection_n but_o i_o utter_o deny_v that_o if_o we_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n to_o settle_v the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o any_o of_o these_o mark_n any_o of_o they_o can_v be_v know_v at_o all_o much_o less_o more_o easy_o know_v if_o the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o visible_a and_o practical_a matter_n of_o fact_n be_v questionable_a and_o that_o neither_o scripture_n father_n council_n history_n monument_n or_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o that_o nature_n can_v pretend_v to_o absolute_a certainty_n if_o tradition_n be_v uncertain_a or_o can_v pretend_v to_o be_v know_v unless_o tradition_n be_v first_o that_o be_v more_o know_v as_o be_v show_v particular_o in_o the_o corollary_n to_o sure-footing_a §_o 11._o hence_o be_v see_v that_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v take_v in_o a_o threefold_a sense_n for_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n or_o delivery_n take_v at_o large_a for_o the_o humane_a or_o natural_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n as_o deliver_v and_o last_o for_o its_o divinely-assisted_n or_o supernatural_a authority_n call_v proper_o christian._n when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o one_o fence_n when_o in_o another_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o the_o concomitant_a circumstance_n will_v evident_o determine_v only_o we_o must_v note_v that_o these_o three_o notion_n be_v not_o adequate_o contradistinct_a the_o late_a still_o include_v the_o former_a as_o length_n breadth_n and_o depth_n do_v in_o continue_v quantity_n for_o the_o humane_a authority_n of_o the_o church_n include_v tradition_n take_v at_o large_a and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o nature_n as_o be_v show_v suref_a p._n 82_o 83._o the_o supernatural_a authority_n include_v all_o find_v in_o the_o other_o two_o and_o add_v to_o it_o the_o best_a assistance_n of_o grace_n as_o be_v particular_o declare_v there_o from_o p._n 84._o to_o p._n 93._o so_o that_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v imaginable_a be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o that_o which_o we_o call_v christian_n or_o in_o the_o testify_a authority_n of_o christ_n church_n §_o 12._o but_o because_o it_o be_v still_o d._n it_o be_v best_a play_n to_o make_v use_n of_o extrinsecal_n exception_n so_o to_o divert_v the_o reader_n eye_n and_o avoid_v answer_v my_o intrinsecal_n reason_n take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n with_o which_o he_o be_v loath_a to_o grapple_v and_o since_o among_o the_o rest_n he_o be_v very_o frequent_a at_o this_o impertinent_a topick_n of_o my_o discourse_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n after_o a_o different_a manner_n than_o other_o divine_n do_v it_o be_v not_o amiss_o omit_v many_o pregnant_a instance_n which_o may_v be_v collect_v out_o of_o dr._n stratford_n the_o learned_a author_n of_o protestancy_n without_o principle_n and_o many_o other_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n to_o show_v how_o far_o he_o mistake_v in_o this_o point_n by_o instance_v in_o one_o controvertist_n of_o eminent_a both_o fame_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o in_o his_o time_n one_o who_o write_v before_o rushworth_n dialogue_n appear_v or_o perhaps_o be_v think_v of_o and_o so_o can_v be_v suspect_v a_o follower_n of_o that_o new_a way_n as_o dr._n t._n call_v it_o i_o mean_v mr._n fisher._n this_o able_a controvertist_n in_o his_o censure_n of_o dr._n white_n be_v reply_n p._n 83_o 84_o maintain_v that_o unwritten_a that_o be_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n be_v the_o prime_a ground_n of_o faith_n more_o fundamental_a than_o scripture_n and_o show_v how_o his_o adversary_n mr._n white_a the_o minister_n grant_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o in_o his_o answer_n to_o the_o nine_o point_n p._n 27._o he_o conclude_v strong_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n suppose_v before_o faith_n which_o infidel_n see_v to_o be_v true_a resolve_v to_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o be_v secondary_a truth_n dark_a and_o obscure_a in_o themselves_o believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n as_o ample_o and_o full_o express_v that_o scripture_n be_v not_o the_o express_a rule_n of_o faith_n as_o can_v be_v imagine_v for_o how_o shall_v that_o have_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o intellectual_a rule_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v dark_a and_o obscure_a or_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v believe_v upon_o the_o prime_a principle_n that_o be_v partly_o at_o least_o upon_o the_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v any_o part_n of_o that_o rule_n since_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o presuppose_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n also_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o argument_n he_o make_v the_o primâ—_n principle_n of_o faith_n or_o unwritten_a tradition_n as_o he_o elsewhere_o call_v it_o that_o be_v the_o same_o we_o mean_v by_o oral_n and_o practical_a evident_a in_o itself_o and_o p._n 40._o he_o put_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o protestant_n to_o be_v what_o be_v the_o external_a infallible_a ground_n unto_o which_o divine_a inspiration_n move_v man_n to_o adhere_v that_o they_o may_v be_v settle_v in_o the_o true_a save_a faith_n where_o first_o beside_o god_n grace_n move_v we_o to_o every_o good_a act_n which_o all_o catholic_n hold_v to_o be_v necessary_a there_o be_v requisite_a according_a to_o he_o a_o external_n infallible_a ground_n next_o that_o without_o such_o a_o ground_n a_o man_n can_v be_v settle_v in_o true_a save_a faith_n again_o p._n 38_o come_n to_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o know_v any_o doctrine_n to_o be_v apostolical_a he_o mention_n none_o but_o only_o public_a catholic_n tradition_n teach_v unanimous_o and_o perpetual_o by_o pastor_n which_o p._n 37._o he_o call_v a_o rule_n infallible_a and_o say_v that_o only_a heretic_n charge_v it_o to_o be_v fallible_a where_o also_o he_o explain_v the_o meaning_n of_o his_o principle_n that_o the_o apostolical_a doctrine_n be_v the_o catholic_n after_o this_o manner_n the_o doctrine_n which_o be_v deliver_v from_o the_o apostle_n by_o the_o tradition_n of_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o father_n unto_o whole_a christian_a world_n of_o child_n etc._n etc._n of_o this_o tradition_n which_o by_o the_o word_n now_o cite_v appear_v to_o be_v evident_o the_o same_o i_o defend_v he_o affirm_v p._n 38._o that_o it_o be_v prove_v to_o be_v simple_o infallible_a by_o the_o very_a nature_n thereof_o and_o quote_v suarez_n to_o
little_a after_o that_o historian_n write_v of_o king_n pepin_n must_v i_o needs_o mean_v by_o historian_n only_o plural_o express_v when_o i_o come_v to_o name_v they_o the_o second_o time_n all_o historian_n noâ—_n one_o except_v write_v of_o king_n pepin_n what_o logic_n but_o dr._n t_n who_o defy_v all_o principle_n can_v ever_o stumble_v upon_o such_o a_o paradox_n §_o 15._o to_o conclude_v this_o matter_n all_o these_o particularity_n here_o relate_v be_v well_o examine_v by_o eyesight_n and_o weigh_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a any_o candid_a considerer_n however_o he_o may_v favourable_o judge_v dr._n t._n mistake_v in_o word_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n bear_v such_o a_o semblance_n to_o one_o who_o read_v but_o half_a the_o discourse_n can_v for_o all_o that_o excuse_v he_o from_o great_a rashness_n and_o strong_a inclination_n to_o draw_v every_o thing_n in_o his_o adversary_n to_o a_o sinister_a sense_n and_o to_o take_v he_o up_o before_o he_o be_v down_o but_o 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reason_n against_o raillery_n or_o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n tillotson_n preface_n against_o j._n s._n with_o a_o far_a examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n dr._n tillot_n serm._n p._n 121._o anno_fw-la dom._n mdclxxii_o advertisement_n it_o be_v the_o general_a temper_n of_o mankind_n to_o call_v any_o thing_n by_o a_o odious_a name_n which_o themselves_o dislike_v and_o particular_o the_o humour_n of_o the_o time_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n popery_n which_o come_v cross_a to_o their_o interest_n i_o can_v expect_v my_o present_a adversary_n who_o zeal_n as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o perusal_n of_o this_o treatise_n carry_v he_o much_o far_a than_o his_o reason_n shall_v be_v exempt_a from_o a_o fail_v so_o epidemical_a and_o withal_o so_o necessary_a for_o his_o purpose_n for_o nothing_o more_o easy_o solve_v all_o 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the_o way_n can_v be_v presume_v a_o right_a way_n far_o it_o may_v be_v ask_v when_o one_o pitch_v upon_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o any_o place_n beyond_o what_o the_o letter_n enforce_v by_o what_o light_n he_o guide_v himself_o in_o that_o determination_n and_o then_o show_v that_o that_o light_n whatever_o it_o be_v and_o not_o the_o letter_n be_v indeed_o the_o formal_a revealer_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n much_o more_o may_v be_v say_v on_o this_o occasion_n but_o my_o business_n now_o be_v to_o state_n my_o case_n not_o to_o plead_v it_o the_o letter_n rule_v seclude_v i_o advance_v to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n or_o that_o body_n call_v the_o church_n which_o christ_n by_o himself_o and_o his_o apostle_n constitute_v take_v as_o deliver_v her_o thought_n by_o a_o constant_a tenor_n of_o live_a voice_n and_o practise_v visible_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v the_o absolutely-certain_a way_n of_o convey_v down_o the_o doctrine_n teach_v at_o first_o from_o age_n to_o age_n nay_o year_n to_o year_n and_o so_o to_o our_o time_n which_o be_v in_o other_o term_n to_o say_v that_o pastor_n and_o father_n and_o the_o conversant_a faithful_a by_o discourse_v preach_v teach_v and_o catechise_v and_o live_v and_o practise_v can_v from_o the_o very_a first_o and_o so_o all_o along_o better_a and_o more_o certain_o make_v their_o thought_n or_o christ_n doctrine_n be_v understand_v by_o those_o who_o they_o instruct_v than_o a_o book_n which_o lie_v before_o they_o and_o can_v accommodate_v itself_o to_o the_o arise_v difficulty_n of_o the_o reader_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o repeat_v my_o reason_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o my_o book_n which_o i_o call_v sure_a foot_n in_o christianity_n and_o because_o i_o observe_v our_o improve_n age_n have_v in_o this_o last_o half_a century_n exceed_o ripen_v and_o advance_v in_o manly_a reason_n strain_v towards_o perfect_a satisfaction_n and_o unwilling_o rest_v on_o any_o thing_n in_o which_o appear_v a_o possibility_n to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o express_v the_o same_o in_o other_o word_n bend_v their_o thought_n and_o hopeful_a endeavour_n to_o perfect_a science_n i_o endeavour_v in_o that_o treatise_n rigorous_o to_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o science_n both_o in_o disprove_v the_o letter-rule_n and_o prove_v the_o live_a rule_n of_o faith_n beginning_n with_o some_o plain_a attribute_n belong_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n and_o build_v my_o whole_a discourse_n upon_o they_o with_o care_v not_o to_o swerve_v from_o they_o in_o the_o least_o and_o be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o that_o i_o have_v as_o i_o propose_v to_o do_v close_o hold_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o hand_n i_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o hold_v my_o first_o five_o discourse_n demonstrative_a which_o be_v all_o i_o need_v have_v do_v as_o appear_v p._n 57_o and_o 58._o the_o rest_n that_o follow_v be_v add_v ex_fw-la abundanti_fw-la and_o express_v by_o i_o a_o endeavour_n to_o demonstrate_v as_o by_o the_o title_n of_o the_o six_o and_o eight_o discourse_n be_v manifest_a though_o i_o do_v not_o perceive_v by_o the_o opposition_n of_o my_o answerer_n why_o i_o shall_v not_o have_v better_a thought_n of_o they_o than_o at_o first_o i_o pretend_v this_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v that_o book_n as_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o i_o and_o a_o true_a account_n why_o i_o write_v on_o that_o subject_a and_o in_o that_o manner_n what_o thought_n i_o have_v of_o its_o usefulness_n and_o hope_v it_o may_v prove_v serviceable_a towards_o compose_v the_o difference_n in_o religion_n of_o which_o the_o world_n have_v so_o long_o complain_v though_o from_o the_o long_a and_o deep_a meditation_n i_o must_v necessary_o have_v make_v upon_o those_o principle_n i_o may_v reasonable_o be_v judge_v to_o
and_o so_o we_o may_v call_v they_o moral_a christian_n which_o epithet_n be_v opposite_a to_o absolute_a signify_v they_o be_v not_o absolute_o christian_n and_o since_o nothing_o be_v indeed_o that_o which_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o it_o be_v true_a sense_n be_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o no_o christian_n yet_o since_o they_o like_v the_o word_n moral_a so_o extreme_o well_o when_o they_o be_v to_o express_v the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v wear_v it_o when_o we_o express_v they_o as_o faithful_a though_o then_o the_o hopeful_a seem_v very_o well_o to_o represent_v their_o humour_n yet_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v they_o shall_v have_v the_o privilege_n of_o name_v themselves_o and_o moral_a christian_n let_v they_o be_v against_o these_o moral_a christian_n and_o they_o only_o i_o discourse_v in_o this_o present_a treatise_n but_o what_o have_v i_o to_o do_v with_o the_o person_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o god_n goodness_n the_o method_n of_o who_o gracious_a providence_n be_v to_o support_v the_o fail_n of_o his_o creature_n as_o far_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o particular_a thing_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n will_v permit_v very_o often_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o man_n speculation_n with_o connatural_a way_n of_o knowledge_n fix_v they_o thus_o in_o a_o strong_a adherence_n to_o the_o most_o concern_v truth_n by_o way_n which_o even_o their_o unreflect_a self_n be_v not_o aware_a of_o whence_o i_o be_o the_o far_a from_o judge_v any_o man_n person_n perhaps_o of_o any_o live_n and_o endeavour_v all_o i_o can_v to_o retain_v a_o charitable_a opinion_n even_o of_o dr._n t_n personal_a intention_n in_o common_a and_o excuse_v he_o diverse_a time_n in_o this_o very_a treatise_n where_o i_o write_v against_o he_o as_o far_o as_o evidence_n of_o the_o contrary_n will_v give_v i_o leave_v it_o be_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n then_o and_o it_o only_o which_o i_o combat_v at_o present_a and_o which_o i_o see_v plain_o so_o unsettle_v unhinge_n and_o render_v useless_a and_o ineffectual_a all_o christianity_n that_o i_o ought_v to_o declare_v a_o utter_a and_o irreconcilable_a enmity_n against_o it_o and_o that_o i_o shall_v through_o god_n assistance_n prosecute_v it_o home_o to_o the_o very_a door_n of_o scepticism_n the_o bane_n of_o all_o humane_a science_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n in_o who_o gloomy_a grott_n situate_v in_o the_o confine_n of_o dark_a ignorance_n mankind_n natural_a hell_n they_o first_o see_v the_o twilight_n or_o rather_o indeed_o be_v bear_v blind_a yet_o it_o can_v be_v expect_v that_o declare_v as_o i_o do_v a_o just_a indignation_n against_o this_o wicked_a tenet_n i_o shall_v treat_v a_o writer_n favourable_o consider_v he_o precise_o as_o a_o maintainer_n of_o it_o or_o bear_v myself_o respectful_o to_o those_o insincere_a and_o unhandsome_a method_n and_o way_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o abet_v it_o and_o prejudice_v the_o sacred_a truth_n it_o oppose_v whether_o those_o way_n be_v sophism_n in_o reason_v or_o else_o scurrility_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o reason_n the_o main_a engine_n employ_v in_o this_o preface_n i_o shall_v then_o take_v a_o little_a of_o that_o much_o liberty_n he_o use_v to_o give_v they_o the_o entertainment_n and_o return_v due_a in_o justice_n to_o their_o demerit_n yet_o that_o i_o may_v avoid_v all_o just_a occasion_n of_o offence_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v for_o the_o most_o part_n to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n omit_v still_o the_o rude_a hope_v he_o will_v have_v less_o reason_n to_o be_v angry_a at_o his_o own_o echo_n since_o if_o he_o have_v not_o originize_v it_o it_o have_v not_o reflect_v and_o if_o he_o assume_v to_o himself_o the_o freedom_n to_o abound_v so_o with_o irony_n and_o whole_o neglect_v speak_v to_o my_o reason_n of_o which_o whatever_o they_o be_v none_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o i_o use_v to_o have_v good_a store_n in_o my_o write_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v not_o be_v indecent_a if_o now_o and_o then_o i_o speak_v to_o those_o plausible_a irony_n themselves_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o refute_v otherwise_o since_o according_a to_o dr._n t_n method_n of_o dispute_v these_o be_v my_o only_a confuter_n and_o full_a of_o brag_n and_o triumph_n he_o and_o his_o friend_n will_v most_o certain_o have_v pretend_v as_o they_o do_v former_o on_o the_o like_a occasion_n that_o inability_n to_o reply_n have_v cause_v my_o desistance_n i_o come_v then_o to_o examine_v this_o spruce_a preface_n in_o do_v which_o i_o must_v be_v force_v to_o lay_v open_a at_o large_a his_o knack_n of_o answer_v book_n that_o so_o i_o may_v have_v just_a title_n to_o make_v some_o request_n to_o you_o our_o umpire_n in_o behalf_n of_o the_o right_n proper_a to_o learning_n declare_v beforehand_o that_o wherever_o i_o be_o large_a in_o any_o discourse_n become_v a_o scholar_n it_o be_v not_o a_o duty_n pay_v to_o his_o preface_n which_o have_v nothing_o like_o a_o show_n of_o solid_a scholarship_n in_o it_o but_o a_o respect_n due_a to_o you_o our_o learned_a judge_n to_o who_o i_o appeal_v index_n assent_n dissent_n and_o suspense_n pag._n 81_o 82_o etc._n etc._n catholic_n divine_v vindicate_v p._n 18_o 179._o certainty_n of_o scripture_n letter_n and_o sense_n deny_v by_o dr._n t._n p._n 120_o 121_o 151._o assert_v by_o j._n s._n p._n 121_o 122._o definition_n of_o general_a council_n why_o necessary_a p._n 181_o 182._o demonstration_n p._n 41_o 42_o 43_o 119_o 120_o 174._o find_v in_o ethic_n and_o physics_n p._n 57_o to_o 63._o first_o principles_n identical_a proposition_n p._n 7._o to_o 41._o dr._n t_o be_v firm_a principle_n show_v weak_a p._n 71_o 72_o etc._n etc._n freedom_n from_o doubt_n not_o sufficient_a for_o faith_n p._n 84._o to_o 94._o p._n 124._o to_o 128._o infallibility_n assert_v p._n 64._o to_o 67.112_o to_o 116._o requisite_a to_o assent_v and_o faith_n p._n 68_o 69._o in_o what_o sense_n it_o admit_v of_o degree_n p._n 138._o to_o â—_o 141._o unlearned_a believer_n how_o infallible_a p._n 134_o 135_o 136_o 181._o moral_a certainty_n p._n 141._o to_o 147._o objection_n from_o catholic_n divine_v refute_v p._n 175._o to_o 179._o practical_a self-evidence_n p._n 4_o 5_o 6_o 116_o 117._o prudential_n ground_n incompetent_a for_o faith_n p._n 142_o to_o 146._o scripture_n letter_n no_o rule_n pref._n p._n 5_o 6_o 7.199_o 200._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 32_o 33_o 183._o grant_v to_o be_v such_o by_o dr._n t._n p._n 192._o to_o p._n 200._o hold_v by_o other_o catholic_n divine_v in_o j._n s._n his_o sense_n p._n 212._o to_o 216._o explain_v p._n 202._o to_o 212._o it_o be_v certainty_n how_o a_o first_o principle_n and_o self-evident_a p._n 3_o 4._o a_o full_a answer_n to_o dr._n t_n preface_n with_o a_o examination_n of_o his_o ground_n of_o religion_n discourse_n i._n clear_v the_o way_n to_o the_o follow_v one_o by_o manifest_v his_o two_o fundamental_a exception_n to_o be_v perfect_o injust_a and_o voluntary_o insincere_a §_o 1._o his_o preface_n begin_v p._n 3_o with_o two_o charge_n viz._n that_o i_o still_o persist_v to_o maintain_v after_o so_o fair_a a_o admonition_n that_o first_o and_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v fit_a to_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o which_o he_o add_v a_o three_o that_o i_o make_v identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n in_o the_o matter_n under_o dispute_n he_o argue_v too_o against_o the_o two_o former_a imaginary_a assertion_n of_o i_o which_o in_o this_o preface_n be_v a_o rare_a thing_n thus_o p._n 37._o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o to_o make_v first_o principle_n more_o evident_a because_o there_o be_v nothing_o before_o they_o to_o demonstrate_v they_o by_o and_o i_o acknowledge_v the_o reason_n give_v to_o be_v as_o victorious_a as_o any_o passage_n in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n where_o he_o have_v multitude_n of_o such_o wrong-aimed_a argument_n intend_v i_o conceive_v to_o show_v how_o far_o his_o reason_n can_v carry_v when_o it_o shoot_v at_o rover_n for_o it_o be_v level_v at_o no_o mark_n but_o observe_v i_o beseech_v you_o gentlemen_z how_o i_o be_o deal_v with_o and_o let_v these_o two_o lead_v case_n discover_v his_o way_n of_o confute_v obtain_v a_o just_a suspense_n of_o your_o judgement_n concern_v all_o his_o other_o performance_n till_o you_o see_v they_o examine_v §_o 2._o in_o sure_a footing_n p._n 114._o 2d_o edit_n which_o i_o stâ—ll_v quote_v i_o deduce_v two_o proposition_n the_o former_a that_o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_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 or_o as_o in_o other_o place_n i_o therefore_o name_v it_o first_o authority_n because_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o the_o authentication_n of_o book_n and_o monument_n all_o depend_v upon_o tradition_n the_o other_o be_v
which_o he_o can_v never_o be_v drive_v which_o signify_v that_o such_o truth_n as_o these_o be_v the_o principle_n which_o natural_o determine_v and_o fix_v he_o in_o a_o immovable_a adherence_n to_o the_o point_n as_o the_o ultimate_a resort_n and_o reason_n of_o his_o persuasion_n that_o be_v they_o be_v to_o he_o first_o principles_n it_o be_v observable_a also_o that_o they_o be_v never_o more_o serious_a than_o when_o they_o be_v put_v to_o express_v themselves_o in_o this_o positive_a kind_n of_o blunt_a manner_n nor_o will_v any_o by-stander_n perhaps_o not_o dr._n t._n himself_o though_o he_o be_v the_o merry_a man_n live_v when_o any_o talk_n be_v of_o principle_n and_o demonstration_n fall_v a_o laugh_n at_o they_o as_o ridiculous_a for_o their_o adhere_n final_o to_o identical_a proposition_n which_o evidence_n that_o he_o have_v a_o conceit_n that_o first_o principle_n be_v some_o fine_a elaborate_a invention_n of_o wit_n and_o that_o they_o be_v to_o tell_v a_o man_n something_o he_o know_v not_o before_o whereas_o they_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o no_o man_n can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o as_o appear_v in_o those_o in_o euclid_n and_o other_o suchlike_a which_o seem_v at_o first_o blush_v full_a as_o ridiculous_a as_o those_o he_o so_o laugh_v at_o last_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o witty_a half-speculaters_a who_o scorn_n to_o follow_v nature_n in_o their_o ground_n when_o they_o come_v to_o lay_v any_o themselves_o propose_v mere_a whimsy_n for_o first_o principle_n of_o which_o dr._n t._n be_v a_o pleasant_a instance_n as_o shall_v be_v see_v hereafter_o discourse_n iii_o that_o first_o principle_n be_v identical_a proposition_n prove_v by_o many_o instance_n and_o their_o right_n use_v show_v §_o 1._o thus_o far_o we_o have_v discourse_v the_o nature_n of_o first_o principle_n from_o logic_n and_o metaphysic_n within_o who_o confine_n that_o matter_n be_v place_v which_o no_o intelligent_a reader_n can_v expect_v to_o be_v less_o speculative_o deliver_v consider_v the_o nature_n of_o that_o subject_a for_o common_a reason_n tell_v any_o competent_a judge_n in_o such_o affair_n that_o if_o any_o sublunary_a matter_n can_v require_v high_a speculation_n certain_o a_o discourse_n which_o state_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o supreme_a verity_n must_v forcible_o exact_v it_o wherefore_o to_o make_v it_o more_o intelligible_a i_o shall_v for_o my_o reader_n sake_n do_v three_o thing_n first_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a identical_a proposition_n grant_v by_o all_o the_o world_n to_o be_v first_o principle_n in_o their_o respective_a science_n next_o show_v the_o use_n of_o these_o first_o principle_n which_o my_o ignorant_a adversary_n so_o miserable_o mistake_v and_o now_o and_o then_o by_o the_o way_n apply_v they_o to_o the_o present_a controversy_n about_o tradition_n §_o 2._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o show_v dr._n t._n letter_n of_o thanks_o p._n 25._o a_o example_n of_o one_o first_o principle_n grant_v to_o be_v such_o by_o all_o who_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o quantity_n though_o he_o out_o of_o a_o constancy_n to_o his_o 〈◊〉_d humour_n never_o heed_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v this_o a_o whole_a be_v more_o than_o a_o part_n nor_o perhaps_o will_v so_o profound_a a_o man_n at_o superficial_a talk_n deny_v this_o to_o be_v a_o first_o principle_n in_o regard_n the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v of_o that_o proposition_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v only_a which_o he_o mind_v not_o the_o sense_n seem_v disparate_a in_o their_o notion_n and_o so_o not_o identical_a or_o too_o close_o connect_v which_o he_o have_v a_o most_o special_a antipathy_n against_o in_o first_o principle_n as_o be_v see_v by_o his_o impugn_v it_o in_o i_o and_o will_v more_o ample_o appear_v when_o he_o come_v to_o put_v his_o own_o nay_o the_o great_a difference_n in_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_a will_v make_v it_o to_o one_o who_o look_v not_o much_o far_o to_o bear_v the_o face_n of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o distance_n and_o disagreement_n in_o sense_n between_o they_o which_o will_v no_o doubt_n please_v he_o huge_o yet_o i_o must_v contest_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v self-evident_a and_o that_o its_o self-evidence_n consist_v in_o this_o that_o its_o subject_a and_o predicate_a consider_v logical_o and_o not_o grammatical_o be_v perfect_o identical_a that_o be_v to_o dr._n t._n be_v full_o as_o ridiculous_a as_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n which_o i_o thus_o show_v the_o subject_a of_o that_o proposition_n a_o who_o will_v be_v define_v to_o be_v that_o which_o consist_v of_o part_n or_o since_o a_o thing_n be_v that_o of_o which_o it_o consist_v it_o be_v equivalent_a in_o sense_n be_v in_o reality_n a_fw-la whole_a be_v part_n now_o the_o word_n part_v be_v plural_a necessary_o and_o formal_o import_v more_o than_o one_o part_n wherefore_o this_o proposition_n a_o whole_o be_v more_o than_o a_o part_n be_v perfect_o the_o self_n same_o in_o sense_n with_o this_o that_o which_o be_v more_o than_o one_o part_n be_v more_o than_o one_o part_n which_o be_v direct_o identical_a §_o 3._o moreover_o some_o late_a philosopher_n build_v their_o physics_n on_o this_o principle_n corpus_fw-la est_fw-la quantum_fw-la in_o which_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v differ_v indeed_o grammatical_o one_o be_v substantive_o the_o other_o adjective_o express_v but_o if_o we_o rifle_v the_o word_n to_o clear_v the_o inward_a sense_n as_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o scholar_n or_o philosopher_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o since_o all_o the_o essential_a difference_n we_o know_v between_o a_o body_n and_o a_o spirit_n be_v this_o that_o this_o be_v indivisible_a the_o other_o divisible_a as_o also_o that_o quantity_n and_o divisibility_n be_v the_o same_o notion_n it_o will_v appear_v evident_o that_o this_o proposition_n body_n be_v quantitative_a be_v accord_v to_o they_o perfect_o equivalent_a in_o sense_n to_o this_o what_o be_v divisible_a be_v divisible_a which_o be_v manifest_o identical_a §_o 4._o again_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n hitherto_o have_v hold_v that_o we_o have_v certain_a maxim_n ingraft_v in_o we_o by_o nature_n i_o mean_v imbue_v our_o mind_n by_o the_o first_o impression_n on_o our_o understanding_n without_o our_o contribute_v to_o their_o generation_n in_o the_o least_o more_o than_o by_o have_v a_o intelligent_a nature_n passive_o receive_v those_o impression_n and_o these_o they_o call_v principia_fw-la intellectus_fw-la which_o general_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o be_v that_o conception_n be_v the_o most_o luminous_a and_o by_o mean_n of_o which_o strike_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o soul_n all_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n be_v produce_v as_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o attentive_o consider_v that_o all_o our_o discourse_n consist_v of_o judgement_n express_v by_o proposition_n and_o those_o essential_o depend_v on_o the_o notion_n of_o be_v wherefore_o unless_o this_o be_v know_v antecedent_o it_o be_v impossible_a either_o to_o judge_v think_v or_o discourse_n hence_o follow_v that_o the_o first_o of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v of_o the_o self-discovering_a nature_n or_o notion_n of_o be_v and_o the_o most_o obvious_a knowledge_n of_o be_v be_v this_o that_o it_o formal_o exclude_v or_o be_v extreme_o opposite_a to_o not-being_a and_o therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o it_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o we_o use_v to_o express_v by_o this_o proposition_n impossibile_fw-it est_fw-la idem_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o non_fw-la esse_fw-la it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o be_v this_o therefore_o have_v ever_o be_v deserve_o hold_v a_o first_o principle_n in_o metaphysic_n establish_v all_o our_o discourse_n that_o concern_v the_o actual_a be_v of_o thing_n and_o ground_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o logic_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o the_o mean_a speculater_n that_o this_o proposition_n be_v the_o selfsame_a in_o sense_n with_o this_o what_o be_v be_v which_o be_v most_o formal_o and_o supreme_o identical_a the_o impossibility_n mention_v in_o the_o former_a light_n only_o on_o this_o that_o actual_a be_v and_o not_o be_v shall_v agree_v to_o the_o same_o subject_a or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v in_o this_o late_a proposition_n shall_v not_o be_v connect_v §_o 5._o but_o it_o may_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o mathematics_n will_v better_o relish_v to_o our_o fastidious_a age_n which_o neglect_v to_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v geometry_n a_o science_n think_v there_o be_v no_o demonstration_n but_o in_o line_n and_o number_n to_o they_o then_o let_v we_o go_v and_o at_o first_o entrance_n into_o euclid_n we_o be_v meet_v with_o these_o famous_a and_o useful_a principle_n those_o which_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o same_o be_v equal_a to_o one_o another_o if_o equal_v be_v add_v to_o equal_n
side_n he_o who_o discourse_v ill_a violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o run_v into_o contradiction_n absurdity_n and_o what_o mean_v violate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o speak_v contradiction_n but_o the_o make_v the_o thing_n not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o so_o falsify_v by_o his_o discourse_n that_o principle_n which_o be_v diametrical_o opposite_a in_o this_o circumstance_n to_o the_o contradiction_n he_o sustain_v which_o be_v that_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v for_o example_n dr._n t._n put_v scripture_n letter_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o unless_o he_o will_v be_v strange_o uncharitable_a must_v grant_v convince_v by_o experience_n in_o the_o socinian_o and_o other_o that_o many_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o judge_v not_o right_a concern_v what_o be_v true_a faith_n what_o not_o which_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n or_o make_v a_o rule_n not_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n contrary_a to_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o that_o affair_n for_o he_o put_v it_o to_o be_v a_o rule_n ex_fw-la suppositâ—one_fw-la and_o yet_o put_v it_o to_o be_v no_o rule_n because_o the_o follower_n of_o it_o to_o their_o power_n be_v mislead_v which_o argue_v there_o be_v in_o this_o case_n no_o fault_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o a_o regulative_a virtue_n in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n §_o 11._o hence_o be_v easy_o understand_v what_o use_n be_v to_o be_v make_v of_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n viz._n not_o to_o make_v that_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o such_o a_o affair_n one_o of_o the_o premise_n in_o a_o syllogism_n much_o less_o to_o make_v that_o one_o single_a identical_a proposition_n both_o the_o premise_n or_o two_o proposition_n as_o our_o shallow_a logician_n in_o his_o wild_a rant_v of_o drollery_n will_v persuade_v the_o reader_n but_o the_o very_a first_o principle_n have_v a_o far_o more_o sovereign_a influence_n over_o the_o discourse_n than_o any_o of_o those_o particular_a proposition_n decisive_o as_o it_o be_v abet_v or_o dis-approving_a the_o whole_a it_o be_v therefore_o to_o stand_v fix_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o discourser_n and_o be_v heedful_o attend_v to_o so_o to_o give_v a_o steadiness_n to_o all_o his_o ratiocination_n it_o be_v its_o office_n to_o be_v the_o test_n or_o touchstone_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n or_o a_o rule_n which_o be_v a_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v right_a what_o crooked_a oblique_a or_o deviate_a from_o true_a nature_n if_o in_o dispute_n one_o hold_v firm_o to_o that_o it_o authenticate_v his_o discourse_n to_o be_v the_o solid_a gold_n of_o truth_n if_o any_o plausible_a talk_v make_v a_o mock-show_a of_o connexion_n or_o truth_n it_o discover_v the_o cheat_n show_v by_o its_o own_o most_o evident_a connexion_n the_o unconnectedness_n or_o looseness_n of_o the_o other_o empty_a babble_n and_o demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v the_o mere_a dross_n of_o falsehood_n how_o fair_a soever_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n at_o first_o and_o how_o pretty_o soever_o it_o be_v superficial_o gild_v with_o sophisticate_a rhetoric_n or_o other_o artificial_a trick_n of_o counterfeit_a truth_n it_o be_v like_o a_o immovable_a basis_n that_o sustain_v all_o the_o superstructure_n of_o truth_n though_o itself_o rise_v not_o above_o its_o own_o firm_a level_n or_o like_o a_o rock_n which_o by_o its_o rigid_a hardness_n dash_v asunder_o into_o contradiction_n and_o folly_n the_o ill-coherent_a and_o weak_a production_n of_o witty_a ignorance_n no_o wonder_n then_o dr._n t._n abuse_v so_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o good_a for_o nothing_o for_o he_o perceive_v they_o dispose_v to_o abuse_v he_o by_o show_v all_o his_o discourse_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o well-clad_a nonsense_n and_o though_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_n or_o his_o cause_n not_o bear_v it_o he_o can_v work_v with_o they_o yet_o if_o i_o be_v not_o much_o mistake_v they_o will_v make_v work_n with_o he_o ere_o it_o be_v long_o but_o to_o return_v to_o our_o instance_n §_o 12._o i'faith_o meaning_n by_o it_o a_o believe_v upon_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n in_o his_o church_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o his_o truth_n as_o i_o express_v myself_o in_o my_o preface_n to_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o elsewhere_o be_v a_o assent_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o this_o be_v find_v in_o its_o definition_n as_o its_o difference_n essential_o distinguish_v it_o from_o opinion_n which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o be_v prove_v by_o more_o than_o forty_o demonstration_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o be_v in_o the_o least_o reply_v to_o wherefore_o be_v a_o direct_a part_n of_o the_o definition_n it_o engage_v that_o first_o verity_n on_o which_o the_o definition_n itself_o be_v ground_v that_o be_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n be_v not_o faith_n wherefore_o dr._n t._n who_o for_o all_o his_o shuffle_n make_v faith_n thus_o understand_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v convince_v to_o clash_v with_o that_o self-evident_a identical_a proposition_n by_o make_v faith_n to_o be_v not_o faith_n and_o if_o the_o pretend_a demonstration_n in_o faith_n vindicated_n or_o any_o of_o they_o stand_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n dr._n st._n if_o they_o true_o say_v what_o they_o think_v be_v as_o certain_o conclude_v to_o be_v none_o of_o the_o faithful_a as_o it_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 13._o also_o tradition_n be_v a_o delivery_n of_o the_o faith_n and_o sense_n of_o immediate_a forefather_n to_o their_o child_n or_o to_o those_o of_o the_o next_o age_n by_o live_v voice_n and_o practice_n that_o be_v by_o catechise_v preach_a converse_v practise_v and_o all_o the_o way_n thâ—t_o can_v be_v possible_o find_v in_o education_n it_o follow_v that_o if_o mankind_n can_v express_v what_o they_o have_v in_o their_o thought_n to_o other_o at_o long_o run_v as_o we_o use_v to_o say_v so_o as_o to_o make_v generality_n at_o least_o the_o wise_a understand_v they_o we_o have_v lose_v mankind_n since_o to_o do_v this_o require_v little_o more_o than_o eye_n ear_n power_n of_o speak_v and_o common_a sense_n wherefore_o let_v this_o way_n of_o tradition_n be_v follow_v and_o it_o will_v convey_v the_o first-taught_a faith_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o first_o christian_n that_o be_v true_a faith_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n therefore_o it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o that_o belong_v intrinsical_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v if_o man_n be_v not_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n it_o will_v infallible_o derive_v down_o the_o first_o that_o be_v right_o faâ—th_v since_o then_o every_o thing_n be_v what_o it_o be_v by_o its_o have_v such_o a_o nature_n in_o it_o tradition_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v indeed_o a_o rule_n wherefore_o he_o who_o deny_v that_o tradition_n have_v in_o it_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n deny_v by_o consequence_n that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o he_o who_o deny_v it_o have_v in_o it_o all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n deny_v by_o consequence_n a_o rule_n to_o be_v a_o rule_n §_o 14_o my_o last_o instance_n show_v withal_o more_o ample_o the_o use_n of_o first_o principle_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o identical_a proposition_n which_o ground_n the_o whole_a nature_n of_o discourse_n and_o it_o be_v this_o the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o itself_o which_o be_v thus_o make_v use_n of_o the_o copula_fw-la be_v express_v the_o identity_n or_o as_o we_o may_v say_v the_o sameness_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o predicate_v which_o it_o connect_v and_o it_o be_v the_o aim_n of_o reason_n to_o prove_v these_o two_o term_n identify_v in_o the_o concsusion_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o that_o proposition_n we_o call_v the_o conclusion_n be_v true_a but_o how_o shall_v this_o be_v prove_v a_o three_o term_n be_v seek_v for_o which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o those_o two_o other_o and_o thence_o '_o tâ—s_v evince_v that_o those_o two_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o in_o the_o conclusion_n and_o why_o because_o otherwise_o that_o three_o term_n will_v not_o be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o own_o self_n or_o be_v what_o it_o be_v if_o it_o be_v true_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o two_o other_o and_o yet_o those_o two_o be_v not_o the_o same_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o but_o it_o will_v have_v division_n in_o its_o very_a nature_n or_o not_o be_v its_o self_n be_v in_o that_o case_n distract_v into_o more_o essential_a nature_n that_o be_v be_v chimerical_a and_o consequent_o two_o thing_n according_a to_o one_o of_o which_o it_o be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o of_o those_o term_n according_a to_o the_o other_o the_o
to_o viz._n to_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n as_o certain_a truth_n nay_o lay_v down_o their_o lâ—ves_n upon_o occasion_n to_o attest_v they_o be_v such_o and_o what_o be_v it_o to_o assent_v it_o be_v to_o say_v interior_o or_o judge_v very_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o and_o can_v a_o motive_n or_o reason_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a ever_o induce_v in_o true_a reason_n such_o a_o obligation_n or_o work_v rational_o such_o a_o effect_n how_o shall_v it_o be_v since_o in_o that_o case_n a_o man_n must_v on_o the_o one_o side_n judge_v the_o thing_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o a_o truth_n and_o yet_o must_v at_o the_o same_o tâ—me_n necessary_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o he_o see_v the_o motive_n he_o have_v offer_v he_o raise_v it_o no_o high_o that_o be_v he_o must_v hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a now_o true_a evidence_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o take_v away_o all_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n and_o so_o oblige_v to_o assent_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n produce_v such_o proof_n as_o make_v the_o point_n true_o evident_a a_o atheist_n be_v unreasonable_a and_o obstinate_a if_o he_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o it_o but_o if_o by_o those_o word_n atheism_n be_v unreasonable_a because_o it_o require_v more_o evidence_n than_o the_o thing_n be_v capable_a of_o he_o mean_v that_o the_o thing_n afford_v no_o true_a evidence_n at_o all_o and_o judge_n atheist_n unreasonable_a for_o not_o assent_v without_o true_a evidence_n because_o the_o thing_n afford_v none_o he_o in_o effect_n tell_v they_o they_o must_v forfeit_v their_o manhood_n ere_o they_o can_v be_v christian_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v more_o reflect_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n or_o be_v more_o unworthy_a a_o christian_a divine_a to_o propose_v let_v we_o â—ee_n how_o far_o dr._n t._n be_v unblamable_a in_o this_o particular_a he_o discourse_v thus_o and_o since_o he_o so_o earnest_o press_v it_o we_o will_v take_v his_o word_n in_o order_n §_o 8._o aristotle_n say_v he_o have_v long_o since_o observe_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v to_o expect_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o proof_n for_o every_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v for_o same_o thing_n aristotle_n say_v very_o well_o for_o speak_v of_o proof_n in_o common_a and_o at_o large_a those_o we_o have_v for_o success_n in_o our_o exterior_a action_n on_o the_o hope_n of_o which_o we_o proceed_v to_o act_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_v but_o probable_a but_o this_o reach_v not_o our_o present_a business_n about_o a_o deity_n in_o order_n to_o which_o this_o preamble_n be_v frame_v where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o serve_v the_o turn_n but_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o existence_n of_o such_o a_o sovereign_n be_v be_v necessary_o require_v the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o aristotle_n do_v or_o can_v with_o any_o reason_n say_v that_o a_o rational_a creature_n that_o be_v a_o creature_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o deduce_v conclusion_n by_o discourse_n from_o premise_n or_o build_v the_o certain_a truth_n of_o those_o upon_o the_o certain_a truth_n of_o these_o can_v be_v oblige_v in_o true_a reason_n or_o act_v according_a to_o right_a nature_n to_o assent_v judge_n or_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a without_o such_o motive_n or_o proof_n which_o do_v conclude_v it_o true_a or_o that_o what_o conclude_v a_o thing_n true_a do_v not_o also_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o or_o to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v grant_v then_o that_o in_o our_o exterior_a operation_n exercise_v upon_o particular_n where_o contingency_n rule_v we_o must_v rest_v content_v with_o probability_n of_o the_o event_n and_o proceed_v to_o act_v upon_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v oblige_v we_o for_o shall_v all_o the_o world_n surcease_v from_o action_n till_o they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o good_a success_n of_o it_o all_o commerce_n and_o negotiation_n must_v be_v leave_v off_o nay_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o live_v must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o then_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v or_o judge_v absolute_o that_o the_o thing_n will_v succeed_v well_o because_o we_o have_v no_o certain_a ground_n or_o conclusive_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v best_a to_o act_v though_o upon_o uncertain_a ground_n of_o the_o success_n for_o which_o assent_n also_o we_o have_v absolute_a evidence_n from_o the_o necessity_n of_o act_v now_o speak_v of_o whereas_o on_o the_o other_o side_n where_o the_o whole_a business_n of_o our_o christian_a life_n which_o as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n or_o approach_v to_o he_o by_o ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n that_o be_v from_o faith_n to_o hope_n from_o hope_n to_o charity_n the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n the_o whole_a interior_a fabric_n be_v build_v on_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n which_o ground_n our_o profession_n wherefore_o if_o the_o foundation_n for_o this_o assent_n be_v not_o well_o lay_v all_o the_o superstructure_n of_o religion_n be_v ruinous_a now_o nature_n have_v frame_v thing_n so_o and_o the_o maxim_n of_o our_o understanding_n give_v it_o that_o those_o who_o guide_v themselves_o by_o perfect_a reason_n that_o be_v the_o strong_a and_o wise_a soul_n be_v unapt_a to_o assent_v but_o upon_o evidence_n whereas_o the_o weak_a sort_n as_o experience_n teach_v we_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v upon_o any_o silly_a probability_n hence_o unless_o such_o man_n see_v proof_n absolute_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a they_o be_v unapt_a to_o be_v draw_v to_o yield_v to_o they_o and_o embrace_v they_o as_o certain_a truth_n especial_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n at_o all_o to_o assent_v as_o there_o be_v to_o act_v outward_o in_o regard_n nature_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o faculty_n of_o suspending_a which_o nothing_o can_v subdue_v rational_o in_o such_o man_n at_o least_o but_o true_a evidence_n have_v from_o the_o object_n work_v this_o clear_a sight_n in_o they_o either_o by_o itself_o or_o else_o by_o effect_n or_o cause_n necessary_o connect_v with_o it._n other_o evidence_n i_o know_v none_o it_o may_v be_v dr._n t._n do_v let_v we_o see_v §_o 8._o mathematical_a thing_n say_v he_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n be_v only_o capable_a of_o clear_a demonstration_n but_o conclusion_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o a_o sufficient_a induction_n of_o experiment_n thing_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n by_o moral_a argument_n and_o matter_n of_o fact_n by_o credible_a testimony_n and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v this_o discourse_n deserve_v deep_a consideration_n and_o first_o it_o will_v be_v askâ—_n why_o metaphysic_n be_v omit_v here_o which_o of_o all_o other_o ought_v to_o have_v be_v mention_v and_o that_o in_o the_o first_o place_n since_o its_o proper_a subject_n be_v those_o notion_n which_o concern_v be_v and_o to_o give_v be_v or_o create_v be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o he_o who_o be_v essential_a be_v whence_o it_o seem_v the_o proper_a science_n that_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v a_o deity_n in_o case_n metaphysical_a thing_n be_v demonstrable_a and_o that_o they_o be_v such_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v deny_v for_o if_o as_o he_o say_v here_o thing_n be_v therefore_o demonstrable_a because_o they_o be_v of_o a_o abstract_a nature_n the_o object_n of_o metaphysic_n which_o be_v be_v be_v far_o more_o abstract_v from_o matter_n and_o so_o from_o motion_n and_o its_o necessary_a concomitant_a uncertainty_n or_o contingency_n than_o be_v quantity_n the_o subject_n of_o mathematics_n for_o this_o primary_n affection_n of_o body_n be_v the_o ground_n and_o proper_a cause_n of_o of_o all_o variation_n and_o unsteadiness_n since_o all_o natural_a motion_n or_o mutation_n arise_v from_o divisibility_n yet_o because_o all_o science_n be_v take_v from_o the_o thing_n as_o stand_v under_o our_o notion_n or_o conception_n and_o not_o according_a as_o they_o exist_v in_o themselves_o where_o thousand_o of_o considerability_n be_v confuse_o jumble_v into_o one_o common_a stock_n of_o existence_n or_o one_o thing_n also_o because_o we_o can_v abstract_n by_o our_o consideration_n the_o notion_n or_o nature_n of_o quantity_n nay_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n mere_o as_o affect_v body_n as_o it_o be_v steady_o or_o extend_v it_o without_o consider_v the_o same_o quantity_n as_o the_o proper_a cause_n or_o source_n of_o motion_n hence_o the_o mathematics_n have_v title_n to_o be_v true_o and_o
virtue_n of_o the_o plain_a evidence_n of_o this_o one_o paradox_n to_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n nay_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o natural_a science_n to_o boot_v for_o these_o according_a to_o he_o be_v sole_o build_v upon_o induction_n which_o depend_v on_o sensation_n and_o these_o if_o we_o may_v trust_v he_o be_v all_o possible_a to_o be_v deceive_v §_o 19_o and_o be_v not_o faith_n itself_o by_o these_o ground_n leave_v in_o the_o same_o pickle_n it_o be_v rule_n whether_o it_o be_v tradition_n or_o scripture_n letter_n evident_o depend_v upon_o humane_a authority_n and_o this_o say_v he_o be_v all_o fallible_a and_o what_o be_v build_v on_o a_o fallible_a authority_n say_v common_a sense_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n or_o false_a therefore_o it_o be_v most_o unavoidable_a from_o his_o principle_n that_o all_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a however_o the_o shame_n of_o own_v so_o unchristian_a and_o half-atheistical_a a_o tenet_n make_v he_o very_o stiff_o and_o angry_o deny_v the_o conclusion_n but_o he_o shall_v never_o show_v why_o it_o be_v not_o a_o most_o necessary_a and_o genuine_a consequence_n from_o his_o position_n of_o all_o humane_a authority_n be_v fallible_a i_o expect_v that_o instead_o of_o a_o direct_a answer_n to_o the_o force_n of_o my_o argument_n he_o will_v tinkle_v a_o little_a rhetoric_n against_o my_o conclusion_n or_o start_v aside_o to_o a_o logical_a possibility_n that_o man_n may_v be_v deceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o term_n and_o so_o may_v be_v effect_v by_o the_o divine_a omnipotence_n but_o that_o be_v not_o our_o point_n we_o be_v discourse_v what_o will_v follow_v out_o of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o cause_n the_o conduct_n of_o which_o be_v the_o work_n of_o the_o world_n alwise_a governor_n whence_o if_o those_o portion_n of_o nature_n or_o mankind_n can_v be_v deceive_v without_o miracle_n and_o it_o be_v most_o unbeseeming_a god_n to_o do_v a_o miracle_n which_o reach_v in_o a_o manner_n a_o whole_a species_n as_o that_o no_o fire_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v burn_v no_o water_n wet_a especial_o if_o it_o be_v most_o absurd_a to_o conceive_v that_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n nay_o essential_a truth_n itself_o shall_v do_v such_o a_o stupendous_a and_o never-yet-heard-of_a miracle_n to_o lead_v man_n into_o error_n as_o be_v our_o case_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_o consequent_a it_o can_v be_v effect_v at_o all_o that_o mankind_n shall_v be_v fallible_a in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o their_o constant_a sensation_n §_o 20._o it_o follow_v and_o though_o none_o of_o these_o be_v strict_a demonstration_n yet_o have_v we_o a_o undoubted_a assurance_n of_o they_o when_o they_o be_v prove_v by_o the_o best_a argument_n that_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v to_o this_o we_o will_v speak_v when_o we_o come_v to_o examine_v his_o firm_a principle_n he_o proceed_v none_o can_v demonstrate_v to_o i_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n in_o america_n as_o jamaica_n yet_o upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o credible_a person_n and_o author_n who_o have_v write_v of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o free_a from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n true_a none_o can_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v either_o jamaica_n or_o any_o such_o place_n yet_o i_o see_v not_o why_o they_o may_v not_o demonstrate_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o attester_n from_o the_o visibility_n of_o the_o object_n and_o their_o veracity_n from_o the_o impossibility_n they_o shall_v all_o conspire_v to_o act_v or_o say_v so_o without_o some_o appear_a good_a for_o their_o object_n or_o intend_v to_o deceive_v in_o such_o a_o matter_n and_o so_o circumstance_v when_o it_o be_v evident_o impossible_a they_o shall_v compass_v their_o intend_a end_n as_o for_o his_o affirm_v that_o he_o be_v as_o free_v from_o all_o doubt_n concern_v it_o as_o he_o be_v from_o doubt_v of_o the_o clear_a mathematical_a demonstration_n i_o answer_v that_o a_o man_n may_v 〈…〉_z yet_o not_o hold_v the_o thing_n true_a as_o shall_v present_o be_v show_v and_o if_o dr._n t._n pleâ—se_v to_o look_v into_o his_o own_o thought_n he_o shall_v find_v instill_a through_o the_o goodness_n of_o nature_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n more_o than_o a_o bare_a freedom_n from_o doubt_n viz._n such_o a_o firm_a assent_n &_o adherence_n to_o it_o as_o a_o certain_a truth_n that_o he_o will_v deem_v he_o a_o madman_n or_o a_o deserter_n of_o humane_a nature_n who_o can_v doubt_v of_o it_o and_o in_o a_o word_n as_o firm_a a_o assent_n as_o to_o any_o mathematical_a demonstration_n which_o why_o he_o shall_v according_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n have_v unless_o he_o have_v a_o demonstration_n of_o it_o or_o at_o least_o see_v it_o by_o practical_a self-evidence_n impossible_a that_o authority_n shall_v hic_fw-la &_o nunc_fw-la be_v deceive_v or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v and_o so_o hold_v the_o authority_n infallible_a as_o to_o this_o point_n i_o expect_v his_o logic_n shall_v inform_v i_o §_o 21._o we_o be_v now_o come_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o dr._n t_n performance_n hitherto_o he_o have_v omit_v the_o proper_a science_n for_o his_o purpose_n metaphysic_n i_o suppose_v because_o it_o sometime_o use_v those_o hard_a word_n potentiality_n and_o actuality_n which_o his_o delicate_a ear_n can_v brook_v and_o have_v seclude_v morality_n physics_n and_o the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n which_o ground_n all_o humane_a authority_n and_o christian_a faith_n from_o be_v science_n allow_v it_o only_o to_o the_o mathematics_n which_o will_v make_v one_o very_o think_v the_o world_n be_v perverse_o order_v and_o odd_o disproportion_v to_o the_o nature_n and_o good_a of_o mankind_n for_o which_o we_o christian_n agree_v it_o be_v create_v that_o great_a evidence_n and_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o power_n to_o act_v aright_o shall_v be_v find_v in_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v of_o far_o less_o import_n than_o in_o those_o which_o be_v of_o a_o concern_v incomparable_o high_o yet_o it_o matter_n less_o some_o may_v think_v as_o long_o as_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v to_o any_o of_o those_o conclusion_n in_o those_o respective_a subject_n the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o whâ—ch_n dr._n t_n discourse_n call_v into_o question_n or_o rather_o deny_v whence_o iâ—_n we_o have_v in_o these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o knowledge_n enough_o to_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v exterior_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o suffice_v but_o now_o when_o we_o come_v to_o faith_n where_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o assent_v or_o to_o hold_v fâ—rmly_o and_o very_o judge_v the_o thing_n true_a and_o where_o exterior_a act_n will_v not_o do_v the_o work_n or_o carry_v a_o soul_n to_o bliss_n but_o interior_a act_n of_o a_o firm_a faith_n a_o vigorous_a hope_n build_v on_o that_o faith_n and_o a_o ardent_a and_o overpower_v love_n of_o unseen_a goods_n spring_v out_o of_o both_o these_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o fit_a we_o for_o a_o union_n with_o our_o infinitely-blissful_a object_n and_o the_o strength_n of_o all_o these_o be_v fundamental_o build_v on_o the_o secureness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n in_o this_o case_n i_o say_v a_o rational_a considerer_n wouâ—d_v think_v it_o very_o requiâ—â—â—e_a that_o the_o reason_n of_o so_o hearty_a a_o assent_n but_o especial_o for_o that_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n it_o be_v of_o a_o infinitely-high_a nature_n and_o import_n shall_v be_v fâ—ll_a as_o evident_a as_o the_o most_o evident_a of_o those_o inferior_a concern_v and_o in_o comparison_n trifle_a curiosity_n and_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v manage_v on_o such_o a_o fashion_n as_o if_o mankinâ—_n be_v only_o make_v to_o study_v mathematics_n since_o absolute_a evidence_n his_o best_a natural_a perfection_n be_v according_a to_o dr._n t._n only_o find_v in_o these_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o mathematician_n be_v infinite_o behold_v to_o he_o but_o philosopher_n not_o at_o all_o and_o i_o fear_v christian_n as_o little_a now_o these_o two_o point_n be_v according_a to_o my_o way_n of_o discourse_v for_o this_o very_a reason_n take_v from_o the_o end_n and_o use_v of_o faith_n and_o the_o obligation_n lie_v on_o we_o to_o hold_v and_o profess_v it_o true_a self-evident_a practical_o to_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a let_v we_o see_v what_o strong_a ground_n of_o such_o a_o immovably-firm_a assent_n dr._n t._n will_v afford_v the_o world_n for_o that_o first_o and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n of_o all_o religion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o which_o if_o we_o can_v be_v assure_v all_o else_o that_o belong_v to_o faith_n be_v not_o worth_a hee_n discourse_n v._n dr._n t_n firm_a
god_n holy_a disposition_n than_o they_o will_v have_v have_v have_v they_o keep_v awake_v that_o degree_n of_o suspense_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v they_o require_v they_o shall_v §_o 8._o it_o be_v time_n now_o to_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o dr._n t_n performance_n it_o appear_v hence_o that_o one_o may_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o yet_o withal_o have_v no_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o assent_v firm_o to_o it_o as_o a_o most_o certain_a truth_n which_o only_o be_v to_o his_o purpose_n and_o this_o may_v be_v do_v two_o way_n either_o by_o perfect_o suspend_v and_o incline_v to_o neither_o side_n as_o we_o experience_v our_o understanding_n now_o bear_v itself_o in_o order_n to_o the_o star_n be_v even_o or_o odd_a or_o by_o strong_o hope_v or_o incline_v to_o assent_v the_o thing_n be_v true_a as_o when_o we_o expect_v a_o friend_n such_o a_o time_n at_o london_n who_o never_o use_v to_o break_v his_o word_n which_o expectation_n though_o one_o may_v have_v very_o great_a ground_n to_o hope_n will_v not_o deceive_v we_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o mad_a thing_n to_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o firm_o as_o i_o do_v to_o my_o faith_n or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god._n but_o what_o i_o most_o admire_v be_v that_o dr._n t._n can_v think_v a_o actual_a not_o doubt_v or_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v be_v a_o competent_a assurance_n of_o the_o ground_n for_o christian_a faith_n as_o he_o all_o over_o inculcate_n for_o not_o to_o repeat_v over_o again_o what_o have_v be_v late_o prove_v that_o a_o bear_v not_o doubt_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christianâ—_n it_o be_v evident_a first_fw-mi that_o turk_n jew_n and_o heathen_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o be_v full_o persuade_v what_o they_o hold_v be_v â—rue_a and_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v it_o whence_o by_o this_o kind_n of_o argue_v if_o it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o christian_a faith_n to_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o exclude_v doubt_n in_o its_o adherent_n turcism_n judaisme_n and_o perhaps_o paganism_n too_o may_v claim_v to_o be_v true_a religion_n by_o the_o same_o title_n and_o if_o the_o certainty_n or_o security_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o freedom_n from_o doubt_n all_o those_o wicked_a sect_n have_v good_a reason_n to_o be_v hold_v certain_a too_o and_o so_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v become_v certain_a by_o which_o stratagem_n dr._n t._n be_v as_o complete_o revenge_v of_o his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n as_o his_o own_o heart_n can_v wish_v and_o reward_v his_o dear_a friend_n and_o faithful_a abetter_n direct_a contradiction_n very_o honourable_o advance_v they_o to_o be_v first_o principle_n and_o even_o as_o certain_a as_o faith_n itself_o second_o passion_n and_o vice_n can_v breed_v in_o a_o man_n a_o full_a persuasion_n that_o a_o error_n be_v true_a and_o such_o a_o apprehension_n as_o shall_v take_v away_o all_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o the_o more_o passion_n a_o man_n be_v in_o and_o the_o more_o obstinate_a he_o be_v in_o that_o passion_n the_o less_o still_o he_o doubt_v so_o that_o by_o dr._n t_n logic_n no_o man_n can_v tell_v whether_o christianity_n be_v indeed_o rationally-wise_a or_o passionately-foolish_a in_o caâ—e_a the_o test_n of_o its_o certainty_n or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o ground_n be_v not_o a_o steady_a assent_n that_o it_o be_v true_a that_o be_v if_o the_o motive_n to_o embrace_v it_o be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o doctrine_n but_o oneâ—y_o exclusive_a of_o doubt_n three_o ignorance_n and_o dull_a rudeness_n be_v easy_o apay_v with_o any_o silly_a reason_n and_o so_o a_o most_o excellent_a way_n to_o be_v void_a of_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o of_o all_o man_n in_o the_o world_n those_o who_o be_v perfect_o ignorant_a see_v the_o least_o cause_n of_o doubt_v be_v least_o able_a to_o raise_v any_o wherefore_o if_o be_v free_a from_o see_v any_o just_a cause_n of_o doubt_n be_v the_o utmost_a effect_n of_o christian_a ground_n let_v all_o christian_n be_v but_o gross_o ignorant_a and_o they_o shall_v immediate_o without_o more_o ado_n become_v as_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n as_o may_v be_v and_o by_o that_o mean_n be_v the_o best_a christian_n in_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o ignorance_n be_v fundamental_o establish_v by_o dr._n t._n the_o mother_n of_o all_o true_a devotion_n four_o though_o out_o of_o a_o stupid_a carelessness_n man_n use_v to_o take_v many_o thing_n for_o grant_v upon_o slight_a ground_n while_o it_o be_v cheap_a to_o admit_v they_o and_o no_o danger_n accrue_v upon_o the_o own_v they_o yet_o experience_n teach_v we_o that_o when_o any_o great_a inconvenience_n press_v as_o the_o loss_n of_o friend_n livelihood_n or_o life_n reason_v our_o true_a nature_n teach_v man_n to_o study_v their_o careless_a thought_n over_o again_o by_o which_o mean_n they_o begin_v now_o to_o doubt_v of_o that_o which_o before_o they_o take_v for_o grant_v if_o they_o have_v not_o certain_a motive_n to_o establish_v they_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o to_o ascertain_v to_o they_o some_o equivalent_a good_a at_o least_o to_o what_o they_o be_v in_o danger_n to_o forego_v in_o which_o case_n i_o fear_v it_o will_v yield_v small_a strength_n to_o a_o man_n put_v in_o such_o a_o strong_a temptation_n to_o find_v upon_o review_n of_o his_o ground_n that_o they_o be_v only_o able_a to_o make_v he_o let_v they_o pass_v for_o good_a one_o while_o the_o concern_v be_v remote_a and_o less_o but_o that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o he_o see_v they_o may_v perhaps_o be_v false_a and_o himself_o a_o great_a fool_n for_o hold_v they_o true_a without_o reason_n convince_a they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o consequent_o foolish_a perhaps_o wicked_a to_o boot_v for_o suffer_v so_o deep_o to_o attest_v they_o if_o dr._n t._n reply_n that_o such_o man_n die_v for_o what_o they_o conceive_v truth_n mean_v well_o and_o consequent_o act_v virtuous_o i_o must_v ask_v he_o how_o he_o know_v that_o or_o can_v make_v they_o know_v it_o unless_o he_o propose_v motive_n to_o conclude_v those_o tenet_n true_a for_o as_o error_n be_v the_o parent_n and_o origin_n of_o all_o vice_n so_o be_v truth_n of_o all_o virtue_n nor_o be_v virtue_n any_o thing_n but_o a_o disposition_n of_o the_o will_v to_o follow_v reason_n or_o truth_n whence_o if_o we_o can_v be_v absolute_o certain_a any_o tenet_n we_o follow_v be_v truth_n we_o can_v be_v absolutely-certain_a any_o action_n be_v virtuous_a and_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v a_o man_n virtuous_a to_o mean_v well_o in_o common_a or_o intend_v to_o do_v his_o duty_n and_o be_v only_o free_a from_o doubt_n all_o the_o while_n unless_o they_o have_v some_o substantial_a truth_n to_o proceed_v upon_o which_o render_v their_o meaning_n and_o particular_a action_n good_a as_o to_o the_o main_a by_o direct_v it_o to_o that_o which_o be_v man_n true_a happiness_n for_o it_o be_v questionless_a that_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o heathen_n who_o worship_v juno_n venus_n vulcan_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o that_o rabble_n mean_v well_o in_o common_a be_v free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n nay_o have_v dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n too_o that_o be_v have_v a_o firm_a and_o undoubted_a assent_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o will_v full_o satisfy_v a_o prudent_a man_n for_o many_o of_o they_o be_v man_n of_o great_a natural_a prudence_n and_o be_v actual_o satisfy_v with_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v for_o polytheism_n last_o they_o have_v dr._n t_n firm_a principle_n too_o on_o their_o side_n for_o they_o have_v as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v discern_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n round_o about_o they_o that_o be_v as_o much_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n can_v give_v they_o though_o it_o be_v for_o have_v there_o be_v indeed_o such_o god_n and_o goddess_n yet_o be_v in_o heaven_n they_o can_v have_v no_o more_o light_n concern_v they_o than_o by_o authority_n of_o other_o relate_v also_o as_o doubtless_o they_o do_v many_o wonderful_a thing_n conceive_v to_o be_v do_v by_o their_o mean_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n they_o have_v all_o the_o authority_n extant_a at_o that_o time_n for_o they_o and_o what_o doubt_v soever_o a_o few_o speculative_a and_o learned_a man_n raise_v concern_v they_o yet_o the_o generality_n who_o be_v unacquainted_a with_o their_o thought_n have_v no_o occasion_n to_o raise_v any_o at_o all_o these_o advantage_n i_o say_v the_o heathen_n have_v parallel_n within_o a_o very_a little_a if_o not_o altogether_o to_o dr._n t_n ground_n and_o principle_n that_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o equal_a effect_n viz._n not-doubting_a yet_o because_o
all_o happen_v to_o be_v a_o lie_n that_o they_o proceed_v on_o all_o their_o religion_n for_o all_o this_o be_v wicked_a and_o the_o the_o most_o zealous_a devotion_n to_o dame_n juno_n and_o the_o rest_n nay_o die_a for_o their_o sake_n be_v notwithstanding_o their_o good_a meaning_n in_o common_a dr._n t_n moral_a certainty_n and_o firm_a principle_n a_o diabolical_a and_o mischievous_a action_n not_o a_o jot_n better_o as_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o gain_v heaven_n than_o the_o make_v their_o child_n pass_v through_o the_o fire_n to_o moloch_n pervert_v and_o destroy_v the_o soul_n that_o perform_v it_o nay_o die_v for_o it_o by_o addict_v it_o to_o what_o be_v not_o its_o true_a last_o end_n or_o eternal_a good_a and_o all_o this_o because_o there_o want_v truth_n at_o the_o bottom_n to_o render_v those_o action_n and_o suffering_n virtuous_a wherefore_o unless_o dr._n t._n produce_v some_o immovable_a ground_n to_o establish_v christianity_n to_o be_v most_o certain_o true_a especial_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o enfeeble_v all_o the_o rest_n fall_v down_o to_o the_o ground_n he_o can_v never_o convince_v that_o either_o act_n or_o suffer_v for_o it_o be_v a_o virtue_n any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v in_o heathenism_n when_o the_o same_o be_v do_v for_o their_o false_a god_n and_o so_o he_o can_v never_o with_o reason_n persuade_v his_o auditory_a to_o it_o but_o have_v once_o prove_v that_o it_o matter_n less_o whether_o all_o the_o assenter_n penetrate_v the_o full_a force_n of_o the_o motive_n or_o no_o for_o if_o once_o it_o be_v put_v to_o be_v true_a all_o action_n and_o suffering_n proceed_v from_o those_o truth_n shall_v connatural_o addict_v those_o soul_n to_o their_o true_a last_o end_n and_o dispose_v they_o for_o it_o though_o their_o understanding_n be_v never_o so_o imperfect_a and_o their_o good_a or_o well-meaning_a will_n certain_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n but_o it_o be_v because_o their_o will_n and_o its_o affection_n be_v good_a which_o they_o can_v not_o be_v as_o be_v prove_v be_v they_o not_o build_v upon_o some_o truth_n §_o 9_o again_o dr._n t._n discourse_v all_o along_o as_o if_o all_o be_v well_o when_o one_o be_v free_a from_o all_o doubt_n but_o i_o will_v desire_v his_o friend_n serious_o to_o ask_v he_o one_o question_n which_o be_v whether_o though_o his_o ground_n exclude_v all_o doubt_n from_o his_o mind_n at_o present_a yet_o he_o see_v any_o certain_a reason_n why_o he_o may_v not_o perhaps_o come_v to_o doubt_v of_o all_o his_o faith_n and_o even_o of_o a_o godhead_n too_o to_o morrow_n if_o he_o say_v he_o see_v not_o but_o he_o may_v he_o must_v say_v withal_o that_o he_o see_v it_o not_o and_o consequent_o hold_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o he_o once_o see_v it_o to_o be_v truth_n he_o can_v not_o hold_v it_o possible_a ever_o to_o be_v doubt_v of_o with_o reason_n if_o he_o affirm_v that_o he_o see_v he_o can_v never_o come_v with_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o it_o than_o he_o see_v his_o ground_n for_o hold_v it_o can_v possible_o be_v show_v false_a else_o it_o may_v both_o be_v doubt_v and_o what_o be_v more_o deny_v and_o if_o he_o hold_v his_o ground_n can_v possible_o be_v make_v out_o to_o be_v false_a than_o he_o must_v say_v they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o if_o they_o be_v humane_a authority_n infallible_a which_o yet_o he_o stiff_o deny_v but_o the_o plain_a truth_n be_v he_o hold_v not_o by_o virtue_n of_o any_o ground_n he_o lay_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o a_o plausible_a likelihood_n else_o common_a sense_n will_v force_v he_o to_o acknowledge_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o that_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o he_o build_v his_o assent_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o not_o to_o palliate_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o it_o with_o such_o raw_a principle_n and_o petty_a craft_n to_o avoid_v a_o honest_a downright_a procedure_n which_o be_v to_o say_v plain_o my_o ground_n can_v fail_v of_o conclude_v the_o thing_n absolute_o true_a i_o will_v justify_v they_o to_o be_v such_o and_o here_o they_o be_v but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o this_o that_o the_o best_a word_n he_o afford_v they_o who_o do_v this_o right_n to_o christianity_n be_v to_o call_v they_o vapour_a and_o swagger_a man_n with_o all_o the_o disgraceful_a irony_n he_o can_v put_v upon_o they_o §_o 10._o by_o this_o time_n my_o last_o charge_n that_o this_o firm_a principle_n of_o he_o betray_v all_o religion_n into_o the_o possibility_n i_o may_v have_v say_v likelihood_n of_o be_v a_o lie_n instead_o of_o establish_v it_o be_v already_o make_v good_a and_o needs_o only_o a_o short_a rehearsal_n for_o 1._o he_o assert_n that_o we_o can_v be_v certain_a of_o a_o deity_n unless_o we_o entertain_v his_o firm_a principle_n which_o be_v so_o full_o stuff_v with_o nonsense_n and_o folly_n that_o unlesâ—_n it_o be_v in_o bedlam_n i_o know_v no_o place_n in_o england_n where_o it_o be_v like_a to_o find_v entertainment_n that_o the_o evidence_n or_o visibleness_n of_o a_o object_n beget_v certainty_n in_o we_o be_v that_o which_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n ever_o teach_v i_o and_o all_o mankind_n hitherto_o but_o that_o the_o obscurity_n of_o a_o object_n or_o its_o afford_v we_o no_o true_a evidence_n ground_v our_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o nay_o that_o even_o its_o incapableness_n to_o afford_v we_o any_o in_o our_o circumstance_n and_o consequent_o our_o despair_n of_o see_v any_o such_o evidence_n for_o it_o shall_v contribute_v to_o make_v we_o certain_a of_o it_o nay_o more_o that_o this_o must_v be_v entertain_v as_o a_o firm_a principle_n and_o which_o be_v yet_o more_o be_v obtrude_v upon_o all_o mankind_n under_o such_o a_o unmerciful_a penalty_n that_o unless_o they_o entertain_v this_o as_o honourable_o as_o a_o firm_a principle_n not_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v certain_a of_o any_o thing_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v such_o a_o 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it_o keep_v we_o free_a from_o actual_a doubt_n which_o reach_v not_o assent_v for_o to_o doubt_v a_o thing_n be_v to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a and_o so_o not_o to_o doubt_v be_v bare_o not_o to_o incline_v to_o think_v it_o false_a which_o be_v far_o short_a of_o hold_v it_o true_a and_o consequent_o from_o make_v a_o man_n a_o christian_n beside_o our_o not_o doubt_v may_v be_v in_o many_o regard_v faulty_a and_o spring_n from_o surprise_n passion_n and_o ignorance_n as_o well_o as_o from_o ignorance_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v but_o a_o good_a reason_n can_v be_v faulty_a wherefore_o to_o relinquish_v the_o patronage_n of_o the_o goodness_n and_o validity_n that_o be_v absolute_a conclusiveness_n of_o christian_a proof_n of_o which_o there_o be_v good_a store_n for_o this_o point_n defend_v only_o their_o plausibility_n and_o instead_o of_o that_o victorious_a way_n of_o convince_a the_o understanding_n into_o assent_n require_v only_o a_o feeble_a not_o doubt_v be_v in_o plain_a term_n to_o betray_v his_o cause_n and_o tacit_o or_o rather_o indeed_o too_o open_o to_o accuse_v christianity_n of_o a_o infirmity_n in_o its_o ground_n as_o be_v incapable_a to_o effect_v what_o they_o ought_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o point_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o to_o absolute_o certain_a truth_n 4._o by_o make_v our_o certainty_n of_o it_o or_o the_o adequate_a effect_n of_o its_o motive_n consist_v mere_o in_o our_o not_o doubt_v of_o it_o he_o make_v its_o effect_n and_o consequent_o the_o efficacy_n of_o those_o motive_n themselves_o no_o better_a than_o those_o which_o heathen_n turk_n and_o heretic_n have_v for_o these_o also_o exclude_v actual_a doubt_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o these_o respective_a sect_n if_o he_o say_v christian_n have_v no_o just_a reason_n
the_o small_a strength_n they_o have_v when_o they_o do_v their_o utmost_a be_v not_o earnest_o and_o hearty_o engage_v neither_o in_o the_o patronage_n of_o our_o cause_n or_o in_o prove_v it_o probable_a there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o only_o incline_v favourable_o towards_o we_o rather_o than_o the_o other_o beside_o those_o who_o be_v of_o moderate_a temper_n use_v to_o be_v favourable_a to_o every_o body_n and_o there_o be_v not_o in_o the_o whole_a world_n such_o sweet_a soft-natured_a melt_a pliable_a tender-hearted_a compassionate_a and_o indulgent_a thing_n as_o these_o same_o probability_n they_o be_v ever_o at_o hand_n to_o lend_v their_o weak_a help_n to_o any_o body_n that_o want_v a_o good_a argument_n and_o will_v fit_v any_o cause_n in_o the_o world_n good_a or_o bad_a yet_o for_o all_o their_o kind_n and_o gentle_a behaviour_n in_o oblige_v none_o to_o assent_v to_o they_o or_o say_v as_o they_o do_v as_o your_o rude_a demonstration_n use_v i_o have_v notwithstanding_o a_o kind_n of_o prejudice_n against_o they_o which_o be_v that_o they_o be_v false_a heart_a and_o use_v to_o play_v jack-a-both-side_n most_o egregious_o for_o scarce_o be_v there_o ever_o any_o tenet_n in_o the_o world_n so_o absurd_a but_o when_o not_o one_o good_a reason_n dare_v appear_v for_o it_o this_o tattle_a gossip_n dame_n probability_n will_v for_o all_o that_o undertake_v it_o and_o let_v she_o have_v but_o her_o neat_a chambermaid_n rhetoric_n to_o trick_n she_o up_o with_o lace_n spangle_n curl_n patch_n and_o other_o such_o pretty_a bauble_n she_o will_v dare_v to_o encounter_v with_o any_o truth_n in_o the_o world_n or_o maintain_v the_o most_o absurd_a paradox_n imaginable_a as_o dr._n t._n and_o his_o friend_n well_o know_v else_o they_o will_v be_v out_o of_o heart_n ever_o to_o write_v more_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n i_o conceive_v why_o p._n 22._o he_o call_v they_o fair_a say_v if_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n and_o no_o less_o than_o thrice_o in_o the_o same_o page_n he_o make_v mention_n of_o fair_a proof_n he_o say_v not_o good_a proof_n or_o conclusive_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n no_o take_v heed_n of_o that_o this_o will_v quite_o take_v the_o business_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o probability_n which_o a_o rhetorical_a divine_a ought_v not_o to_o do_v for_o nothing_o suit_v with_o rhetoric_n humour_n so_o well_o as_o probability_n do_v and_o demonstration_n care_v not_o one_o straw_n for_o she_o but_o he_o give_v they_o their_o just_a due_n and_o call_v they_o only_o fair_a proof_n and_o fair_a probability_n that_o be_v pretty_a plausible_a and_o take_v and_o if_o they_o be_v not_o so_o of_o themselves_o what_o be_v there_o which_o a_o little_a daub_v with_o rhetorical_a varnish_n will_v not_o make_v fair_a but_o the_o upshot_n oâ—_n sum_n total_a of_o his_o proof_n be_v the_o best_a sport_n if_o it_o be_v not_o most_o pernicious_a it_o be_v this_o that_o these_o fair_a probability_n take_v together_o and_o in_o their_o unite_a force_n have_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o conviction_n in_o they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o plain_a confession_n though_o couch_v in_o wary_a term_n that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o good_a proof_n among_o they_o all_o yet_o many_o bad_a one_o put_v together_o will_v make_v a_o good_a one_o i_o know_v indeed_o that_o a_o concurrence_n of_o many_o likelihood_n render_v a_o thing_n more_o probable_a and_o encourage_v we_o to_o outward_a action_n but_o to_o think_v that_o many_o probability_n will_v reach_v that_o indivisible_a point_n in_o which_o truth_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n as_o a_o truth_n be_v find_v be_v quite_o to_o mistake_v the_o nature_n of_o truth_n and_o assent_n too_o which_o consist_v in_o be_v or_o be_v not_o and_o since_o to_o convince_v rational_o be_v to_o conclude_v the_o thing_n be_v i_o desire_v dr._n t_n logic_n to_o inform_v the_o world_n how_o since_o a_o probable_a proof_n be_v that_o which_o only_o conclude_v the_o thing_n probable_a and_o consequent_o many_o probable_a one_o be_v terminate_v in_o render_v it_o more_o probable_a how_o i_o say_v many_o proof_n only_o probable_a can_v conclude_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o be_v to_o be_v certain_o or_o convince_v the_o understanding_n that_o it_o be_v unless_o they_o happen_v to_o engage_v some_o nature_n or_o other_o and_o consequent_o some_o identical_a proposition_n which_o dr._n t._n neither_o pretend_v nor_o go_v about_o to_o show_v but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n declare_v himself_o a_o utter_a enemy_n to_o such_o principle_n and_o consequent_o to_o such_o a_o way_n of_o discourse_n §_o 12._o in_o a_o word_n dr._n t_n positive_a proof_n of_o a_o godhead_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o head_n humane_a testimony_n and_o probability_n of_o reason_n as_o appear_v by_o his_o own_o word_n serm._n p._n 22_o 23._o and_o testimony_n which_o p._n 22._o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o principal_a argument_n in_o a_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n he_o divide_v into_o universal_a tradition_n and_o write_a history_n now_o write_a history_n be_v not_o therefore_o true_a because_o it_o be_v write_v but_o depend_v upon_o live_v authority_n or_o tradition_n to_o authenticate_v it_o and_o how_o ridiculous_a he_o will_v make_v the_o certainty_n of_o tradition_n even_o that_o which_o be_v confess_o ground_v on_o the_o sensation_n of_o great_a multitude_n which_o be_v vast_o above_o this_o here_o speak_v of_o be_v see_v in_o hâ—s_n rule_n of_o faith_n and_o here_o again_o he_o tell_v we_o pref._n p._n 16._o all_o humane_a testimony_n be_v fallible_a and_o so_o all_o build_v on_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o this_o plain_a reason_n because_o all_o man_n be_v fallible_a wherefore_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n it_o be_v conclude_v there_o may_v possible_o be_v no_o god_n for_o any_o thing_n humane_a testimony_n say_v to_o the_o point_n and_o it_o be_v as_o evident_a from_o the_o very_a word_n that_o probability_n of_o reason_n though_o never_o such_o fair_a one_o conclude_v as_o little_a last_o he_o tell_v we_o serm._n p_o 22._o that_o fair_a probability_n of_o reason_n concur_v with_o testimony_n this_o argument_n have_v all_o the_o strength_n it_o can_v have_v and_o thus_o dr._n t._n instead_o of_o prove_v there_o be_v a_o god_n have_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o very_o learned_o that_o it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n and_o that_o neither_o reason_n nor_o authority_n can_v evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o point_n §_o 13._o i_o omit_v his_o abuse_v the_o word_n testimony_n which_o be_v build_v on_o sensation_n in_o allege_v it_o to_o prove_v a_o creation_n which_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o first_o mankind_n nor_o consequent_o can_v the_o persuasion_n of_o future_a deliverer_n and_o writer_n have_v for_o its_o source_n attestation_n or_o testimony_n i_o omit_v also_o his_o neglect_v to_o make_v use_n of_o testimony_n to_o prove_v miracle_n god_n proper_a effect_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o sense_n and_o which_o both_o christian_n jew_n and_o heathen_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o time_n both_o unanimous_o have_v and_o the_o first_o seer_n can_v proper_o attest_v i_o suppose_v his_o confidence_n in_o his_o rhetoric_n make_v he_o choose_v the_o worse_a argument_n to_o show_v how_o pretty_o he_o can_v make_v they_o look_v or_o perhaps_o the_o genius_n of_o thing_n lie_v so_o that_o the_o slight_a argument_n most_o need_v and_o so_o best_a suit_n with_o rhetorical_a discourser_n §_o 14._o by_o this_o time_n i_o suppose_v gentleman_n there_o will_v appear_v just_a reason_n for_o that_o moderate_a and_o civil_a hint_n i_o give_v dr._n t._n in_o my_o introduction_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n of_o the_o weakness_n of_o his_o ground_n in_o these_o word_n in_o which_o sermon_n under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o be_v more_o particular_o show_v hereafter_o after_o which_o i_o give_v his_o sermon_n all_o its_o due_a commendation_n and_o then_o subjoin_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o
the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o if_o the_o simple_a can_v not_o nay_o be_v not_o most_o likely_a of_o all_o other_o to_o believe_v upon_o weak_a and_o incompetent_a motive_n which_o therefore_o can_v never_o have_v be_v lay_v by_o god_n for_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v her_o faith_n upon_o or_o as_o if_o the_o most_o simple_a that_o be_v can_v not_o rational_o believe_v the_o church_n and_o so_o become_v infallible_a in_o their_o assent_n by_o adhere_v to_o she_o though_o their_o weak_a understanding_n do_v not_o penetrate_v or_o comprehend_v how_o the_o church_n or_o themselves_o come_v to_o be_v so_o nay_o perhaps_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a sight_n of_o what_o the_o word_n infallible_a mean_n till_o some_o discourse_n awaken_v the_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o they_o §_o 10._o have_v thus_o act_v the_o disputant_n exit_fw-la theologus_fw-la intrat_fw-la scuâ—ra_fw-la and_o pag._n 13.14_o play_v the_o old_a trick_n of_o legerdemain_n over_o again_o that_o be_v leave_v out_o half_a a_o argument_n of_o i_o and_o playâ—_n upon_o the_o other_o half_a with_o all_o the_o disingenuous_a craft_n a_o wit_n bend_v that_o way_n can_v invent_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n pag._n 89._o and_o 90._o i_o discourse_v thus_o the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n will_v seem_v to_o a_o heathen_a impossible_a to_o be_v true_a therefore_o the_o motive_n must_v at_o least_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o dr._n t._n confess_v both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v his_o rule_n of_o faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o object_n proportion_v to_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 that_o be_v to_o make_v it_o seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o be_v there_o no_o better_a ground_n than_o he_o it_o will_v be_v against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v have_v view_v my_o discourse_n i_o desire_v the_o reader_n to_o peruse_v the_o answer_n here_o give_v by_o my_o confuter_n he_o name_v the_o word_n argument_n say_v two_o pretty_a word_n upon_o it_o that_o it_o be_v pleasant_a and_o surprise_v leaf_n out_o better_a half_n of_o it_o conceal_v perfect_o all_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o conclude_v strong_o against_o his_o own_o insufficient_a ground_n catch_n at_o a_o word_n and_o will_v make_v my_o discouse_n and_o argument_n aim_v to_o prove_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a because_o the_o motive_n be_v only_a seem_o such_o whereas_o every_o page_n in_o that_o book_n and_o its_o whole_a design_n show_v i_o mean_v and_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v actual_o real_o and_o indeed_o such_o have_v i_o a_o mind_n to_o evade_v such_o petty_a cavil_n i_o can_v allege_v that_o both_o may_v seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a yet_o one_o more_o seem_v so_o than_o the_o other_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v advancing_z to_o confute_v he_o i_o argue_v ad_fw-la hominem_fw-la and_o contend_v that_o against_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a nothing_o but_o motive_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v hold_v convictive_a but_o he_o have_v no_o motive_n even_o seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o confess_o possible_a to_o be_v such_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o imaginable_a show_n of_o convictiveness_n i_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v asleep_o draw_v match_n as_o he_o call_v it_o between_o equally-seeming_a impossibility_n and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o therefore_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o object_n be_v by_o much_o a_o overmatch_n to_o what_o be_v less_o than_o a_o seem_a impossibility_n to_o be_v false_a in_o the_o motive_n or_o ground_n but_o both_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n his_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_o possible_a to_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v false_a and_o so_o be_v less_o than_o seem_o even_o to_o himself_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a therefore_o his_o motive_n to_o believe_v be_v incomparable_o overmatcht_v by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o there_o can_v be_v rational_o according_a to_o his_o ground_n no_o faith_n at_o all_o this_o be_v my_o true_a argument_n which_o perhaps_o may_v be_v surprise_v to_o he_o which_o make_v he_o thus_o start_v aside_o from_o put_v or_o answer_v it_o though_o we_o may_v perceive_v by_o his_o carriage_n he_o esteem_v not_o it_o and_o other_o such_o like_a very_o pleasant_a indeed_o he_o still_o put_v on_o a_o pleasant_a look_v when_o he_o shall_v be_v sober_a and_o be_v ever_o most_o merry_a when_o it_o become_v he_o to_o be_v the_o most_o serious_a but_o this_o be_v long_o since_o understand_v to_o be_v a_o necessary_a policy_n not_o a_o genuine_a effect_n of_o nature_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a if_o so_o than_o it_o imply_v some_o contradiction_n which_o if_o he_o show_v i_o in_o any_o thing_n hold_v of_o faith_n by_o catholic_n in_o that_o point_n i_o will_v become_v dr._n t_n convert_v and_o obedient_a auditor_n but_o alas_o how_o will_v he_o prove_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o contradiction_n since_o those_o faulty_a proposition_n be_v as_o be_v prove_v disc._n 2.3_o therefore_o such_o because_o they_o be_v opposite_a to_o identical_a one_o or_o the_o first_o principle_n as_o have_v be_v prove_v see_v then_o dr._n t._n have_v long_o since_o renounce_v all_o those_o from_o be_v first_o principles_n for_o any_o thing_n i_o can_v discern_v he_o must_v either_o hold_v there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n at_o all_o or_o else_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o hold_v that_o contradiction_n be_v truth_n §_o 11._o but_o he_o go_v forward_o amain_o in_o confute_v a_o point_n which_o no_o man_n live_v ever_o maintain_v viz._n that_o every_o single_a christian_a must_v be_v infallible_a that_o be_v as_o dr._n t._n will_v needs_o take_v it_o must_v so_o penetrate_v his_o ground_n and_o what_o relate_v to_o they_o as_o to_o see_v clear_o he_o can_v be_v deceiuâ—d_v in_o judge_v his_o ground_n of_o faith_n conclusive_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o let_v any_o man_n though_o of_o the_o acute_a understanding_n and_o great_a learning_n that_o may_v be_v entertain_v any_o tenet_n as_o faith_n oâ—_n reveal_v by_o god_n upon_o any_o other_o motive_n than_o what_o god_n have_v lose_v to_o his_o church_n this_o man_n however_o thus_o endow_v not_o only_o may_v but_o in_o likelihood_n will_v be_v deceive_v not_o for_o want_v of_o wit_n but_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n ascertain_v and_o infallible_o engage_v the_o divine_a revelation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n let_v the_o simple_a and_o weak_a understanding_n that_o be_v happen_v to_o embrace_v faith_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n and_o leave_v in_o his_o church_n he_o be_v infallible_o secure_a from_o be_v in_o a_o error_n not_o through_o the_o strength_n of_o his_o understanding_n perfect_o discern_v and_o penetrate_v the_o conclusive_a nature_n of_o his_o ground_n but_o though_o the_o strength_n of_o those_o ground_n themselves_o or_o of_o the_o cause_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n to_o plant_v and_o continue_v right_a faith_n in_o the_o church_n by_o mean_n of_o which_o what_o he_o have_v thus_o more_a by_o the_o peculiar_a disposition_n of_o god_n gracious_a providence_n than_o any_o reach_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n or_o judgement_n fortunate_o embrace_v be_v preserve_v impossible_a to_o false_a and_o consequent_o his_o assent_n to_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v a_o error_n because_o the_o church_n authority_n upon_o which_o he_o receive_v it_o be_v infallible_a and_o sure_o it_o be_v but_o fit_v that_o all_o who_o believe_v upon_o that_o rule_n god_n have_v leave_v and_o command_v we_o to_o follow_v shall_v be_v thus_o secure_v from_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n for_o otherwise_o since_o a_o power_n be_v relative_a to_o its_o proper_a act_n what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a may_v actual_o be_v so_o and_o so_o we_o may_v come_v to_o be_v lead_v actual_o into_o error_n by_o obey_v god_n command_n which_o be_v impossible_a to_o apply_v thâ—s_n if_o dr._n t._n therefore_o make_v scripture_n letter_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n leave_v by_o god_n for_o mankind_n to_o receive_v their_o faith_n upon_o and_o by_o do_v so_o have_v command_v they_o to_o believe_v it_o he_o must_v either_o say_v that_o its_o sense_n and_o letter_n take_v they_o as_o he_o build_v his_o faith_n on_o they_o have_v no_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n or_o beside_o the_o many_o absurdity_n already_o mention_v grant_v that_o our_o alwise_a and_o good_a god_n can_v possible_o lead_v man_n into_o actual_a error_n nay_o command_v they_o to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o a_o lie_n than_o which_o nothing_o can_v be_v imagine_v
right_a that_o be_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n must_v be_v true_a if_o dr._n t_n faith_n be_v true_a build_v only_o on_o moral_a certainty_n which_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o enemy_n identical_a proposition_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v at_o least_o why_o these_o two_o equal_o match_v moral_a certainty_n shall_v not_o make_v a_o draw_v battle_n of_o it_o or_o how_o it_o shall_v be_v determine_v on_o who_o side_n the_o certain_a truth_n stand_v i_o doubt_v it_o will_v be_v the_o hard_a task_n that_o ever_o be_v for_o he_o to_o make_v it_o even_o moral_o certain_a there_o be_v a_o trinity_n for_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o manifest_v the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n bear_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o socinian_o side_n otherwise_o that_o seem_a reason_n may_v be_v a_o just_a cause_n for_o a_o protestant_n to_o suspend_v perhaps_o doubt_v of_o it_o and_o so_o not_o be_v morally-certain_a §_o 15._o the_o meaning_n then_o of_o these_o word_n moral_a certainty_n be_v so_o indeterminate_v that_o dr._n t._n himself_o can_v tell_v what_o to_o make_v of_o it_o no_o wonder_n our_o divine_n can_v agree_v about_o it_o if_o he_o say_v he_o understand_v it_o very_o well_o i_o desire_v to_o put_v it_o to_o the_o trial_n by_o produce_v any_o one_o proposition_n hold_v by_o he_o to_o be_v but_o morally-certain_a and_o show_v we_o logical_o art_n be_v the_o test_n of_o nature_n how_o or_o by_o virtue_n of_o what_o its_o term_n hang_v together_o or_o to_o make_v out_o according_a to_o his_o own_o notion_n of_o moral_a certainty_n that_o not_o one_o prudent_a man_n in_o the_o world_n do_v or_o can_v be_v dissatisfy_v with_o it_o what_o i_o conceive_v be_v mean_v general_o by_o moral_a certainty_n be_v a_o high_a probability_n or_o some_o great_a likelihood_n which_o be_v a_o insufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n for_o we_o be_v to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faith_n and_o not_o for_o its_o likelihood_n only_o â—_o judge_v the_o name_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n due_a to_o faith_n and_o itâ—_n ground_n unless_o it_o be_v signify_v at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o it_o be_v use_v catachrestical_o or_o abusive_o to_o mean_v absolute_a certainty_n §_o 16._o i_o expect_v d._n t._n will_n instead_o of_o make_v out_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o chimerical_a certainty_n run_v to_o instance_n for_o example_n that_o of_o our_o be_v moral_o certain_a of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v to_o morrow_n and_o such_o like_a but_o first_o i_o contend_v he_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o this_o his_o own_o instance_n if_o he_o be_v let_v he_o give_v his_o ground_n of_o certainty_n for_o it_o and_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v or_o conclude_v the_o night_n before_o that_o it_o will_n i_o doubt_v much_o he_o will_v when_o he_o come_v to_o try_v it_o find_v himself_o gravel_v and_o confess_v with_o i_o that_o it_o be_v only_o high_o likely_a it_o be_v well_o he_o do_v not_o live_v in_o joshuah_n or_o ezekiah_n time_n and_o tell_v they_o the_o day_n before_o that_o moses_n his_o law_n be_v only_o as_o certain_a as_o that_o the_o sun_n will_v not_o stand_v still_o or_o go_v backward_o the_o next_o day_n for_o if_o so_o i_o doubt_v much_o those_o who_o have_v hear_v and_o believe_v he_o will_v have_v take_v a_o just_a scandal_n at_o their_o faith_n see_v point_n hold_v equal_o certain_a as_o it_o prove_v actual_o false_a again_o what_o more_o certainty_n have_v he_o now_o of_o the_o sun_n rise_v again_o within_o 18_o hour_n after_o his_o set_n than_o they_o in_o those_o day_n be_v the_o day_n before_o that_o it_o will_v not_o go_v back_o or_o stand_v still_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v they_o be_v not_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o we_o know_v they_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o it_o and_o that_o judgement_n a_o error_n by_o which_o we_o see_v that_o d._n t_n moral_a certainty_n mean_v such_o a_o certainty_n w_o ch_z as_o appear_v by_o this_o event_n be_v uncertain_a or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v certain_a peradventure_o now_o this_o nonsense_n have_v no_o harm_n in_o it_o but_o that_o it_o be_v opposite_a to_o a_o identical_a proposition_n what_o be_v certain_a be_v certain_a which_o weigh_v not_o with_o dr._n t._n who_o have_v renounce_v all_o first_o principle_n in_o a_o word_n our_o b._n saviour_n have_v beforehand_o prevent_v all_o such_o instance_n by_o â—elling_v we_o that_o heaven_n and_o earth_n shall_v fail_v but_o his_o word_n shall_v not_o fail_v intimate_v that_o the_o whole_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n much_o more_o some_o one_o great_a part_n of_o it_o be_v totter_v and_o unstable_a in_o comparison_n of_o the_o unchangeable_a nature_n of_o truth_n and_o such_o all_o good_a christian_n be_v to_o profess_v their_o faith_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o die_v to_o attest_v it_o §_o 17._o have_v thus_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n and_o establish_v moral_a certainty_n which_o be_v not_o its_o self_n be_v it_o not_o unestablisht_v â—e_n proccee_v p._n 18._o to_o overthrow_v infallibility_n allege_v that_o the_o understanding_n can_v be_v absolute_o secure_v from_o all_o possibility_n of_o mistake_n but_o either_o by_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o he_o think_v all_o mankind_n but_o mr._n s._n have_v hitherto_o grant_v that_o it_o can_v not_o or_o by_o supernatural_a assistance_n i_o desire_v he_o will_v not_o stretch_v my_o tenet_n beyond_o the_o bound_n myself_o give_v it_o i_o never_o say_v that_o human_a understanding_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o in_o knowledge_n build_v on_o sensation_n in_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o first_o principle_n in_o know_v while_o leave_v to_o nature_n till_o speculation_n for_o which_o they_o be_v too_o weak_a put_v they_o into_o a_o puzzle_n by_o practical_a self-evidence_n confuse_o and_o in_o common_a something_o belong_v to_o some_o nature_n daily_o converse_v with_o and_o last_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o diverse_a deduction_n of_o evident_a reason_n for_o example_n in_o diverse_a proposition_n in_o euclid_n but_o that_o which_o our_o subject_n restrain_v it_o to_o be_v about_o the_o infallible_a conveyance_n down_o of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o of_o those_o viz._n infallibility_n of_o our_o sensation_n for_o once_o put_v this_o tradition_n be_v a_o infallible_a rule_n speak_v then_o of_o this_o which_o be_v all_o my_o present_a purpose_n require_v i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o be_v the_o only_a man_n who_o hold_v it_o that_o dr._n t._n except_v sceptic_n if_o perhaps_o he_o be_v not_o one_o of_o that_o sect_n be_v i_o think_v the_o only_a man_n that_o ever_o deny_v it_o be_v not_o both_o of_o we_o infallible_o certain_a that_o we_o eat_v drink_v write_v and_o live_v or_o do_v any_o but_o a_o madman_n ever_o think_v serious_o that_o sober_a mankind_n abstract_v from_o disease_n in_o some_o particular_n may_v possible_o be_v deceive_v in_o such_o knowledge_n as_o these_o be_v not_o our_o sense_n contrive_v natural_o as_o apt_a to_o convey_v impression_n from_o the_o object_n to_o the_o know_v power_n i_o speak_v not_o of_o the_o different_a degree_n of_o perfection_n necessary_o annex_v to_o each_o but_o as_o to_o the_o main_a so_o as_o to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o use_v and_o needful_a speculation_n as_o any_o other_o cause_n in_o nature_n be_v to_o do_v their_o proper_a effect_n have_v they_o not_o also_o as_o little_a contingency_n in_o they_o and_o that_o contingency_n as_o easy_o discoverable_a by_o the_o standard_n of_o circumstant_fw-la mankind_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v as_o in_o icterical_a person_n and_o such_o like_a this_o be_v so_o i_o affirm_v that_o the_o basis_n on_o which_o our_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v build_v viz._n natural_a knowledge_n be_v more_o secure_a than_o any_o part_n of_o nature_n since_o natural_o it_o be_v impossible_a mankind_n can_v err_v in_o these_o and_o whereas_o we_o be_v not_o certain_a but_o it_o may_v in_o some_o conjuncture_n become_v god_n infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o exert_v his_o divine_a omnipotence_n and_o alter_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n even_o in_o considerable_a portion_n of_o it_o as_o in_o the_o instance_n give_v of_o the_o sun_n be_v stand_v still_o and_o go_v back_o the_o universal_a deluge_n and_o such_o like_a yet_o in_o our_o case_n it_o be_v impossible_a because_o the_o alter_a nature_n course_n in_o such_o as_o these_o be_v direct_o to_o create_v false_a judgement_n or_o error_n in_o mankind_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a essential_a wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n shall_v be_v the_o immediate_a and_o peculiar_a cause_n natural_o therefore_o it_o can_v happen_v nor_o yet_o supernatural_o for_o though_o take_v the_o proportion_n between_o god_n omnipotence_n single_o consider_v and_o the_o
the_o former_a proof_n as_o put_v down_o by_o himself_o here_o pag._n 24._o be_v to_o conclude_v it_o impossible_a that_o these_o point_n of_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a that_o be_v such_o point_n as_o express_v only_o the_o a_o est_fw-fr of_o a_o thing_n and_o so_o have_v for_o their_o predicate_a existent_n as_o i_o express_v myself_o in_o that_o argument_n and_o my_o conclusion_n of_o the_o 2_o d._n proof_n be_v this_o as_o put_v down_o by_o himself_o here_o pag._n 25._o it_o be_v impossible_a therefore_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o affirm_v to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v in_o such_o word_n as_o can_v bear_v no_o pertinent_a distinction_n shall_v in_o any_o regard_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o impossibility_n of_o distinguish_v the_o predicate_a pertinent_a lie_v exclude_v here_o all_o possibility_n of_o diverse_a respect_n be_v this_o bare_o to_o go_v about_o to_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o rather_o that_o no_o different_a regard_n or_o respect_n can_v in_o such_o faith-proposition_n as_o these_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o elude_v or_o diminish_v the_o grant_v their_o entire_a truth_n the_o proposition_n a_o ethiopian_a be_v black_a be_v but_o in_o part_n true_a because_o it_o can_v bear_v diverse_a respect_n or_o regard_v to_o distinguish_v it_o pertinent_o viz._n according_a to_o his_o tooth_n and_o his_o skin_n but_o in_o those_o proposition_n which_o have_v existent_a for_o their_o predicate_v no_o imaginable_a regard_n can_v be_v find_v appliable_a to_o it_o so_o to_o distinguish_v it_o pertinent_o the_o next_o falsification_n of_o my_o intention_n be_v to_o pretend_v that_o i_o argue_v bare_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o subject_a copula_fw-la and_o predicate_v whereas_o by_o my_o whole_a discourse_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o i_o argue_v precise_o from_o their_o be_v such_o subject_n and_o predicate_v that_o be_v such_o as_o can_v bear_v no_o pertinent_a distinction_n diminish_v the_o integrity_n of_o their_o truth_n in_o a_o word_n the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o truth_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o impossibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith-proposition_n and_o i_o be_v there_o treat_v it_o logical_o i_o will_v glad_o then_o have_v any_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a man_n inform_v i_o why_o it_o be_v not_o as_o proper_a and_o pertinent_a for_o i_o to_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o proposition_n in_o which_o only_a truth_n be_v find_v and_o particular_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o proposition_n that_o be_v those_o who_o have_v such_o subject_n &_o such_o predicate_v in_o they_o as_o it_o be_v for_o a_o mathematician_n write_v a_o discourse_n of_o trigonometry_n to_o argue_v out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o angle_n or_o a_o triangular_a figure_n or_o why_o in_o so_o do_v i_o can_v just_o be_v think_v to_o have_v deflect_v from_o the_o rule_n or_o method_n of_o exact_a art_n §_o 8._o in_o a_o word_n have_v i_o in_o a_o christian_a english_a sermon_n stand_v very_o grave_o repeat_v sixteen_o verse_n out_o of_o a_o heathenish_a latin_a poet_n or_o have_v i_o after_o i_o have_v so_o often_o mock_v at_o other_o for_o bombast_n rhetoric_n and_o so_o indirect_o extol_v myself_o for_o my_o smooth_a style_n talk_v of_o person_n of_o a_o profligate_n temper_v as_o do_v dr._n t._n here_o pag._n 33._o and_o pag._n 163._o some_o idle_a wit_n who_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v may_v perhaps_o have_v take_v just_a occasion_n to_o sport_n himself_o with_o my_o imperfection_n but_o to_o mock_v at_o a_o writer_n for_o use_v the_o term_n proper_a to_o the_o be_v he_o be_v discourse_v in_o seem_v to_o argue_v a_o very_o profligate_v temper_n of_o levity_n at_o least_o that_o i_o may_v say_v no_o worse_o §_o 9_o thus_o much_o for_o his_o first_o answer_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n consist_v whole_o of_o drollery_n neglect_v and_o other_o worse_a fault_n his_o second_o be_v that_o the_o main_a of_o that_o book_n be_v to_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o oppose_v no_o body_n that_o â—e_n know_v of_o in_o this_o matter_n i_o answer_v whoever_o please_v to_o run_v over_o the_o several_a head_n from_o which_o i_o argue_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n hint_v brief_o in_o the_o margin_n will_v see_v that_o that_o which_o he_o pretend_v in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n be_v but_o once_o design_o make_v use_v of_o and_o very_o rare_o touch_v at_o in_o other_o place_n and_o that_o there_o be_v near_o forty_o proof_n of_o another_o nature_n though_o sometime_o all_o truth_n be_v connect_v they_o happen_v to_o be_v partly_o coincident_a into_o the_o same_o sometime_o also_o i_o suppose_v it_o but_o it_o bear_v no_o show_n of_o reason_n that_o most_o of_o my_o book_n be_v spend_v in_o prove_v it_o but_o be_v it_o so_o clear_a that_o i_o oppose_v no_o body_n he_o know_v of_o in_o prove_v that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a do_v not_o he_o know_v one_o dr._n t._n that_o same_o person_n i_o suppose_v will_v tell_v we_o sober_o that_o he_o can_v prove_v his_o faith_n true_a rely_v on_o what_o he_o conceive_v to_o be_v the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o yet_o speak_v of_o the_o certainty_n he_o have_v of_o both_o these_o he_o tell_v we_o express_o rale_n of_o faith_n pag._n 118._o all_o this_o may_v possible_o be_v otherwise_o that_o be_v that_o possible_o he_o have_v neither_o right_a letter_n nor_o right_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o consequent_o that_o what_o he_o affirm_v to_o be_v his_o faith_n and_o true_a be_v notwithstanding_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o same_o man_n be_v to_o vindicate_v himself_o in_o this_o pref._n pag._n 10._o explain_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o he_o can_v not_o demonstrate_v those_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a necessary_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n now_o if_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o contrary_a to_o any_o thing_n involve_v a_o contradiction_n he_o can_v never_o prove_v that_o contrary_a to_o be_v false_a nothing_o be_v false_a which_o clash_v not_o by_o consequence_n at_o least_o with_o some_o first_o principle_n or_o involve_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o long_o as_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o false_a it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v and_o if_o the_o contrary_a to_o faith_n be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v true_a faith_n itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o though_o his_o discourse_n make_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o he_o as_o a_o christian_a force_v he_o 〈◊〉_d affirm_v that_o it_o be_v notwithstanding_o true_a so_o that_o the_o goodness_n of_o christianity_n join_v with_o the_o badness_n of_o his_o ground_n oblige_v he_o to_o grant_v equivalent_o though_o he_o be_v wary_a than_o to_o do_v it_o direct_o that_o what_o be_v true_a be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 10._o now_o because_o it_o be_v against_o the_o very_a grain_n of_o rational_a nature_n to_o admire_v of_o such_o a_o palpable_a contradiction_n if_o the_o word_n truth_n be_v right_o and_o proper_o understand_v hence_o i_o be_o certain_a he_o and_o such_o as_o he_o be_v provide_v with_o a_o distinction_n at_o the_o bottom_n of_o their_o heart_n and_o only_o hold_v that_o their_o faith_n be_v moral_o true_a that_o be_v some_o great_a likelihood_n or_o as_o true_a as_o many_o thing_n be_v of_o which_o we_o judge_v ourselves_o moral_o certain_a and_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o doubt_n of_o they_o yet_o oftentimes_o upon_o clear_a information_n have_v find_v ourselves_o deceive_v in_o our_o opinion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a and_o that_o this_o be_v dr._n t_n sentiment_n in_o this_o matter_n appear_v far_a beside_o what_o have_v be_v now_o say_v from_o his_o own_v such_o a_o moral_a certainty_n only_o for_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o faith_n as_o free_v one_o from_o doubt_n from_o his_o feeble_a and_o dwindling_n expression_n of_o his_o certainty_n of_o a_o godhead_n and_o last_o from_o his_o blame_v i_o pag._n 29._o for_o râ—sting_v content_v with_o no_o less_o certain_a ground_n than_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o how_o one_o who_o rely_v on_o his_o speculative_a proof_n for_o the_o renouncer_n of_o tradition_n can_v have_v no_o claim_n to_o practical_a self-evidence_n can_v be_v think_v to_o hold_v faith_n absolute_o true_a and_o yet_o disclaim_v himself_o and_o blame_v in_o other_o the_o pretend_v to_o such_o motive_n as_o absolute_o conclude_v or_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v true_a or_o how_o a_o man_n can_v with_o honesty_n affirm_v a_o thing_n be_v absolute_o true_a and_o yet_o deny_v he_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o it_o i_o must_v confess_v
will_v believe_v he_o that_o my_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a &_o unchristian_a all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o my_o ground_n and_o nothing_o be_v easy_a than_o to_o prove_v it_o in_o his_o way_n it_o be_v but_o mistake_v again_o the_o notion_n of_o school-divines_a for_o the_o notion_n of_o faithful_a and_o school_n for_o church_n as_o he_o do_v late_o and_o the_o deed_n be_v do_v immediate_o without_o any_o more_o trouble_n he_o be_v the_o happy_a man_n in_o his_o first_o principle_n and_o his_o method_n that_o i_o ever_o meet_v with_o the_o part_n of_o the_o former_a need_v not_o hang_v together_o at_o all_o but_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v incoherent_a and_o the_o late_a be_v a_o build_n upon_o false_a pretence_n and_o wrong_a supposition_n and_o then_o what_o may_v not_o he_o prove_v or_o what_o conquest_n can_v he_o obtain_v by_o such_o powerful_a stratagem_n he_o say_v he_o have_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure-footing_a that_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n do_v not_o make_v oral_a tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o she_o faith_n possible_o i_o be_o not_o so_o lucky_a as_o to_o light_v on_o this_o large_a proof_n of_o he_o all_o i_o can_v find_v with_o a_o ordinary_a search_n be_v four_o or_o five_o line_n rule_v of_o faith_n pag._n 280._o where_o after_o a_o commonly-objected_n &_o often-answered_a citation_n from_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n declare_v that_o christian_a faith_n and_o discipline_n be_v contain_v in_o write_a book_n &_o unwritten_a tradition_n &_o therefore_o that_o they_o receive_v &_o honour_v the_o book_n of_o scripture_n &_o also_o tradition_n with_o equal_a pious_a affection_n and_o reverence_n he_o add_v which_o i_o understand_v not_o how_o those_o do_v who_o set_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o make_v tradition_n the_o sole_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n now_o i_o have_v put_v this_o very_a objection_n against_o myself_o suref_a pag._n 346._o and_o proceed_v to_o clear_v it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o pag._n 150._o particular_o pag._n 147.149_o upon_o this_o reason_n because_o take_v the_o scripture_n interpret_v by_o tradition_n as_o the_o council_n express_v itself_o to_o do_v and_o forbid_v any_o man_n to_o interpret_v it_o otherwise_o it_o have_v the_o full_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n and_o so_o equal_o to_o be_v reverence_v whereas_o take_v it_o interpret_v by_o private_a head_n which_o only_o will_v serve_v dr_n t_n turn_n it_o be_v nothing_o less_o as_o not_o engage_v the_o divine_a authority_n at_o all_o but_o now_o to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o rule_n there_o be_v more_o require_v as_o dr._n t._n himself_o grant_v and_o contend_v it_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o every_o sensible_a may_v understand_v it_o as_o to_z matter_n of_o faith_n and_o this_o build_v on_o the_o council_n of_o trent_n authority_n and_o judgement_n i_o deny_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o bare_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o hence_o say_v it_o be_v no_o rule_n i_o omit_v the_o repeat_n very_o many_o argument_n from_o the_o council_n for_o that_o point_n deduce_v from_o pag._n 141._o to_o pag._n 146._o never_o touch_v nor_o so_o much_o as_o take_v notice_n of_o in_o that_o mock-answ_a of_o he_o §_o 16._o but_o that_o he_o may_v not_o mistake_v i_o i_o shall_v not_o stick_v to_o declare_v who_o i_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n at_o least_o from_o the_o way_n to_o it_o who_o not_o and_o upon_o what_o ground_n speak_v of_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o god_n providence_n as_o i_o declare_v myself_o to_o do_v throughout_o this_o whole_a treatise_n i_o make_v account_v that_o perfect_a charity_n or_o love_n of_o god_n above_o and_o in_o all_o thing_n be_v the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o bliss_n or_o vnitive_a of_o a_o soul_n to_o god_n also_o that_o this_o virtue_n can_v with_o a_o due_a heartiness_n be_v connatural_o or_o rational_o wrought_v in_o soul_n if_o the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v existence_n and_o of_o christian_a faith_n be_v hold_v possible_a to_o be_v a_o ly._n hence_o i_o be_o oblige_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o hold_v that_o those_o who_o judge_v there_o be_v no_o absolueely-conclusive_a reason_n for_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n nor_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v as_o such_o out_o of_o the_o road_n of_o salvation_n on_o the_o other_o side_n those_o who_o hold_v the_o church_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o the_o truth_n they_o profess_v infallible_a and_o by_o consequence_n their_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o all_o catholic_n do_v though_o as_o divine_n they_o fail_v in_o make_v out_o how_o and_o by_o what_o particular_a mean_n it_o come_v to_o be_v infallible_a yet_o through_o the_o virtue_n of_o this_o firm_a and_o steady_a adhesion_n to_o such_o principle_n as_o be_v because_o they_o be_v truth_n apt_a to_o beget_v solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n that_o be_v indeed_o true_a virtue_n such_o as_o be_v a_o vigorous_a hope_n and_o a_o fervent_a and_o all-oure-powering_a charity_n hence_o they_o possess_v the_o connatural_a mean_n or_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n to_o heaven_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n i_o esteem_v dr._n it_o be_v way_n of_o discourse_v concern_v a_o deity_n and_o faith_n in_o his_o sermon_n most_o pestilent_a and_o mischievous_a to_o soul_n as_o be_v apt_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o incline_v they_o if_o they_o have_v wit_n to_o discern_v its_o shallowness_n first_o to_o a_o kind_n of_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n and_o at_o next_o to_o carelessness_n irreligion_n and_o atheism_n though_o true_o i_o think_v it_o be_v not_o his_o intention_n to_o do_v so_o but_o that_o his_o shortness_n in_o understanding_n the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o christianity_n make_v he_o conceit_n he_o do_v excellent_o even_o to_o admiration_n all_o the_o while_o he_o commit_v such_o well-meaning_a folly_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v the_o church_n of_o england_n will_v upon_o second_o thought_n think_v fit_a to_o patronize_v principle_n so_o destructive_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n find_v in_o the_o breast_n of_o every_o protestant_n i_o ever_o yet_o meet_v with_o who_o all_o with_o one_o mouth_n will_v own_o that_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a christian_a faith_n shall_v be_v a_o lie_n and_o abhor_v the_o contrary_a position_n as_o wicked_a and_o damnable_a how_o dr._n t._n may_v have_v season_v some_o of_o his_o own_o auditor_n by_o preach_v controversy_n to_o they_o which_o he_o extreme_o affect_v i_o can_v tell_v it_o be_v according_a as_o they_o incline_v to_o believe_v he_o more_o than_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n who_o sentiment_n he_o oppose_v in_o his_o discourse_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n discourse_n viii_o with_o what_o be_v dr._n t._n answer_v my_o method_n a_o present_v make_v to_o his_o credulous_a friend_n show_v how_o solid_o he_o confute_v sure-footing_a by_o ready_o grant_v the_o main_a of_o the_o book_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o tradition_n that_o j._n s._n be_v not_o singular_a in_o his_o way_n of_o discourse_v of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n §_o 1._o he_o make_v a_o pass_n or_o two_o at_o my_o method_n and_o that_o i_o conceive_v must_v serve_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o it_o for_o a_o answer_n i_o hear_v be_v threaten_v will_v appear_v very_o short_o but_o this_o pleasant_a preface_n be_v the_o only_a thing_n which_o appear_v and_o all_o that_o appear_v like_o answer_n in_o it_o be_v that_o he_o will_v make_v it_o believe_v he_o ought_v not_o answer_v at_o all_o and_o this_o he_o do_v very_o neat_o and_o like_o a_o master_n for_o let_v no_o man_n think_v i_o have_v a_o mean_a opinion_n of_o dr._n t._n but_o every_o one_o be_v not_o good_a at_o all_o thing_n some_o be_v good_a at_o prove_v some_o at_o disprove_v some_o at_o shift_v of_o the_o question_n without_o either_o prove_v or_o disprove_v every_o one_o in_o his_o way_n and_o in_o his_o way_n i_o know_v no_o man_n live_v a_o great_a master_n nor_o so_o great_a as_o the_o dr._n two_o thing_n he_o do_v and_o both_o of_o they_o strange_a one_o first_o he_o affirm_v that_o discourse_n be_v found_v on_o the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oraâ—_n tradition_n next_o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v that_o point_n in_o the_o answer_n to_o surefoot_v the_o first_o of_o they_o will_v make_v the_o reader_n apprehend_v i_o there_o suppose_v oral_a tradition_n self-evident_o infallible_a and_o then_o run_v on_o all_o the_o way_n upon_o that_o supposition_n which_o if_o it_o obtain_v belief_n as_o from_o his_o credit_n he_o hope_v it_o may_v since_o every_o scholar_n know_v all_o discourse_n must_v be_v found_v either_o on_o first_o principle_n or_o at_o least_o on_o such_o as_o be_v grant_v by_o those_o against_o who_o we_o
he_o can_v most_o easy_o seem_v to_o misunderstand_v so_o to_o divert_v the_o discourse_n a_o method_n so_o constant_o observe_v in_o his_o reply_n to_o sure-footing_a where_o he_o make_v witty_a dexterity_n still_o supply_v the_o place_n of_o pertinent_a solidity_n that_o instead_o of_o rule_n of_o faith_n it_o aught_o more_o just_o have_v be_v entitle_v sure-footing_a travesty_n 5._o and_o since_o all_o discourse_n be_v ineffectual_a which_o be_v not_o ground_v on_o some_o certain_a truth_n and_o consequent_o not_o only_a he_o who_o settle_v or_o build_v but_o also_o he_o who_o aim_v to_o overthrow_v or_o the_o objecter_n must_v ground_v his_o discourse_n on_o some_o certain_a principle_n if_o he_o intend_v to_o convince_v the_o other_o teneâ—_n of_o falsehood_n that_o dr._n t._n will_v therefore_o esteem_v it_o his_o duty_n even_o when_o he_o object_n to_o ground_v his_o opposition_n upon_o some_o firm_a principle_n and_o since_o no_o pretend_a principle_n can_v be_v firm_a but_o by_o virtue_n of_o some_o first_o principle_n and_o that_o dr._n t._n have_v disclaim_v here_o identical_a proposition_n to_o be_v such_o it_o be_v requisite_a that_o he_o either_o confute_v my_o discourse_n produce_v in_o this_o treatise_n prove_v first_a principle_n to_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o show_v some_o other_o way_n by_o which_o the_o term_n of_o those_o he_o assign_v for_o such_o do_v better_o cohere_v or_o he_o be_v convince_v to_o have_v none_o at_o all_o and_o so_o all_o he_o write_v or_o discourse_n must_v be_v groundless_a and_o insignificant_a 6._o thus_o much_o in_o common_a for_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o write_n as_o for_o his_o matter_n i_o request_v he_o will_v not_o in_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o present_a discourse_n about_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o christian_a faith_n hover_v with_o ambiguous_a gloss_n between_o certainty_n and_o uncertainty_n that_o be_v between_z be_v and_o be_v not_o but_o speak_v out_o categorical_o and_o plain_o 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actual_o such_o next_o that_o no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v in_o true_a speech_n certain_a there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o least_o word_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v true_a since_o it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v any_o of_o those_o person_n in_o those_o former_a instance_n of_o equivalent_a strength_n be_v or_o can_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o point_n which_o prove_v actual_o false_a and_o in_o which_o themselves_o be_v mistake_v in_o a_o word_n i_o will_v have_v he_o without_o disguise_n let_v the_o world_n know_v whether_o as_o there_o be_v contingency_n in_o those_o cause_n and_o so_o the_o imagine_a or_o hope_v effect_n in_o the_o former_a instance_n miscarry_v and_o prove_v otherwise_o than_o be_v expect_v so_o there_o be_v not_o also_o contingency_n in_o the_o motive_n for_o those_o two_o most_o sacred_a tenet_n upon_o who_o certainty_n the_o eternal_a good_a of_o mankind_n depend_v so_o as_o they_o may_v perhaps_o not_o conclude_v and_o so_o both_o those_o tenet_n may_v perhaps_o be_v real_o and_o actual_o otherwise_o than_o we_o christian_n now_o hold_v if_o he_o profess_v to_o embrace_v this_o wicked_a tenet_n and_o his_o word_n be_v too_o express_v for_o it_o ever_o to_o be_v deny_v though_o upon_o second_o thought_n i_o hope_v they_o may_v be_v retract_v he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o faith_n vindicated_n which_o hitherto_o he_o have_v shuffle_v off_o without_o any_o at_o all_o and_o to_o my_o reason_n allege_v in_o this_o treatise_n for_o the_o same_o point_n faith_n absolute_a certainty_n now_o gentleman_n since_o nothing_o conduce_v more_o to_o knowledge_n in_o any_o kind_n than_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o dispute_v be_v unambiguous_o state_v and_o clear_o understand_v and_o that_o a_o solid_a method_n be_v observe_v in_o the_o manage_n it_o i_o become_v a_o humble_a petitioner_n to_o yourselves_o as_o you_o tender_v that_o excellent_a concern_v of_o mankind_n and_o that_o most_o sacred_a one_o of_o christianity_n to_o use_v your_o best_a interest_n with_o dr._n t._n that_o he_o will_v please_v to_o yield_v to_o these_o duty_n here_o express_v and_o i_o oblige_v myself_o inviolable_o to_o observe_v the_o same_o carriage_n towards_o he_o which_o i_o here_o propose_v and_o press_v he_o will_v use_v towards_o i_o which_o if_o he_o refuse_v i_o declare_v i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o the_o censure_n of_o all_o truly-learned_n and_o ingenuous_a person_n however_o he_o triumph_v among_o those_o who_o be_v great_a admirer_n of_o pretty_a expression_n rest_v assure_v that_o yourselves_o will_v not_o only_o hold_v i_o unblameable_a but_o also_o high_o commendable_a for_o noâ—_n lose_v my_o precious_a time_n in_o reciprocate_a his_o trifle_a and_o insignificant_a drollery_n your_o true_a honourer_n and_o humble_a servant_n j._n s._n finis_fw-la amendment_n page_n 1._o line_n 21._o read_v that_o both_o first_o p._n 47._o l._n 3._o self_n possible_a to_o p._n 50._o l._n 20._o solid_a p._n 101._o l._n 6_o 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14._o reason_n in_o it_o p_o 229._o l._n 28_o 29._o the_o author_n mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o p._n 234._o l._n 17._o i_o do_v non_fw-fr stand_n p._n 239._o l._n 5._o apply_v l._n 6._o i_o have_v