multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o 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a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a witâ—_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffiâ—â—_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v 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subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v heâ—â—_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n again_o those_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v once_o but_o frequent_o and_o in_o most_o many_o time_n every_o day_n moreover_o to_o make_v these_o more_o express_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o precept_n they_o hear_v and_o conformable_a example_n they_o see_v so_o that_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o that_o solid_a plain_a knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v downright_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o
to_o a_o lesser_a one_o in_o the_o margin_n and_o that_o to_o luke_n 19_o 22._o and_o david_n cut_v of_o goliah_n head_n with_o his_o own_o sword_n a_o story_n know_v undoubted_o by_o all_o that_o be_v like_a to_o read_v his_o sermon_n shall_v be_v secure_v from_o be_v think_v a_o piece_n of_o a_o romance_n or_o knight-errantry_a by_o a_o punctual_a citation_n in_o the_o open_a margin_n 1_o sam._n 17._o 51._o and_o to_o omit_v diverse_a of_o the_o like_a pleasant_a strain_n lest_o any_o unbeliever_n shall_v be_v so_o impious_a as_o to_o doubt_v that_o his_o theopneust_n aholiab_n be_v a_o embroiderer_n you_o shall_v see_v it_o as_o plain_a as_o the_o nose_n on_o a_o man_n face_n in_o a_o express_a text_n exod._n 35._o 30._o 34._o 11._o but_o why_o insist_v i_o thus_o on_o so_o poor_a a_o foolery_n in_o a_o book_n i_o design_v for_o solid_a or_o what_o advantage_n can_v i_o gain_v to_o my_o cause_n by_o so_o sleight_v a_o animadversion_n i'answer_v â—tis_o my_o temper_n when_o i_o see_v a_o odd_a action_n do_v without_o reason_n to_o trace_v it_o to_o its_o original_a and_o to_o search_v after_o its_o proper_a cause_n and_o upon_o consideration_n i_o find_v none_o so_o proper_a for_o this_o effect_n as_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o humour_n of_o quote_v in_o d._n pierce_n and_o other_o of_o his_o brethren_n so_o strong_o possess_v they_o and_o even_o naturalize_v into_o they_o that_o so_o they_o be_v quote_v they_o matter_n not_o much_o whether_o it_o be_v to_o purpose_n or_o not_o this_o i_o have_v show_v in_o the_o whole_a bead-roll_n of_o his_o citation_n the_o useful_a part_n as_o he_o say_v of_o his_o whole_a performance_n and_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o he_o call_v evidence_n be_v conclusive_a that_o be_v worth_a a_o straw_n or_o to_o purpose_n but_o because_o every_o one_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a to_o see_v it_o in_o those_o citation_n he_o bring_v for_o proof_n i_o let_v they_o see_v it_o in_o those_o his_o late_a quotation_n of_o scripture_n 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occasion_n to_o speak_v more_o solid_o and_o that_o they_o may_v do_v so_o i_o will_v pick_v out_o those_o which_o aim_v at_o some_o point_n of_o concernment_n i_o have_v a_o particular_a respect_n for_o the_o person_n and_o be_o sorry_a his_o grow_a hopefulness_n receive_v a_o foil_n by_o his_o book_n against_o mr._n s._n c._n and_o this_o though_o a_o threefold_a disadvantage_n the_o badness_n of_o his_o cause_n the_o patronage_n of_o dr._n pierce_n malice_n and_o his_o impar_fw-la congressus_fw-la with_o so_o learned_a a_o antagonist_n 2._o my_o design_n lead_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n especial_o of_o that_o passage_n p._n 93._o sect._n 4._o where_o he_o begin_v a_o discourse_n about_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o reason_n and_o explicate_v rather_o than_o prove_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o what_o be_v his_o rule_n and_o guide_n to_o faith_n which_o because_o it_o look_v plausible_o yet_o be_v prudent_o neglect_v by_o mr._n s_o c._n who_o hear_v of_o more_o eminent_a antagonist_n write_v against_o he_o judge_v it_o wise_a to_o reserve_v himself_o to_o answer_v the_o protestanr_n second_v and_o best_a thought_n in_o they_o in_o case_n they_o be_v find_v to_o deserve_v it_o and_o because_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o challenge_n be_v make_v to_o all_o the_o romanist_n in_o the_o world_n and_o many_o passage_n in_o it_o light_a cross_n to_o the_o ground_n i_o have_v lay_v i_o take_v leave_v to_o consider_v and_o examine_v it_o my_o way_n in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o especial_o at_o the_o beginning_n the_o discourse_n be_v right_o make_v but_o in_o other_o place_n he_o confound_v guide_n with_o rule_n power_n with_o motive_n and_o by_o strain_v a_o word_n in_o mr._n s._n c._n beyond_o its_o necessary_a signification_n impose_v on_o we_o a_o false_a tenet_n which_o he_o main_o build_v upon_o so_o that_o i_o be_o force_v to_o begin_v my_o answer_n by_o put_v down_o our_o true_a one_o which_o give_v faith_n and_o reason_n both_o their_o due_n this_o do_v his_o superstructute_n on_o that_o supposition_n will_v fall_v of_o themselves_o 3._o our_o tenet_n then_o be_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o same_o with_o belief_n that_o belief_n rely_v on_o authority_n and_o divine_a faith_n or_o belief_n on_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o its_o motive_n and_o on_o the_o church_n as_o on_o the_o applier_n of_o the_o other_o to_o my_o understanding_n at_o next_o i_o hold_v that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v assent_n further_o than_o true_a reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v and_o hence_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v essential_a truth_n deserve_v in_o true_a reason_n if_o possible_a infinite_o intense_a assent_n or_o adhesion_n to_o its_o say_n from_o i_o and_o the_o church_n authority_n be_v find_v by_o my_o reason_n to_o be_v certain_a it_o apply_v with_o certainty_n that_o be_v close_o the_o divine_a authority_n to_o my_o understanding_n and_o so_o oblige_v it_o absolute_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n god_n have_v tell_v and_o to_o submit_v whatever_o reason_n i_o may_v have_v against_o the_o object_n reveal_v to_o this_o all-overpowering_a authority_n of_o essential_a truth_n this_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n whence_o my_o particular_a reason_n be_v take_v nay_o far_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o i_o adhere_v more_o hearty_o and_o firm_o to_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n than_o to_o any_o conclusion_n of_o any_o science_n whatever_o because_o a_o more_o efficacious_a cause_n equal_o close_o apply_v be_v apt_a to_o produce_v a_o great_a effect_n and_o no_o cause_n be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o 〈◊〉_d reason_n comparable_a to_o that_o of_o the_o divine_a veracity_n in_o the_o point_n of_o cause_v assent_n which_o be_v close_o apply_v by_o i_o to_o the_o church_n assurance_n hence_o my_o faith_n be_v ever_o most_o rational_a because_o â—is_n 〈◊〉_d rational_a to_o believe_v a_o point_n for_o which_o the_o divine_a veracity_n be_v engage_v and_o high_o rational_a to_o believe_v the_o church_n assure_v i_o that_o it_o be_v engage_v for_o such_o and_o such_o point_n nor_o yet_o be_v the_o divine_a authority_n or_o the_o church_n as_o mr._n whitby_n p._n 96._o very_a mistake_o argue_v behold_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o private_a reason_n for_o my_o belief_n of_o her_o infallibility_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a my_o private_a reason_n be_v behold_v to_o they_o for_o that_o judgement_n see_v i_o therefore_o come_v to_o have_v that_o judgement_n because_o those_o as_o object_n wrought_v upon_o my_o apprehension_n and_o imprint_v a_o conceit_n of_o they_o there_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o so_o oblige_v my_o reason_n to_o conclude_v and_o my_o judgement_n to_o hold_v they_o such_o as_o they_o be_v this_o rational_a assent_n establish_v my_o faith_n against_o the_o assauld_n of_o any_o doubt_n from_o human_a reason_n rest_v assure_v thâ—â—_n the_o same_o god_n who_o tell_v i_o this_o be_v the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n else_o and_o have_v write_v all_o create_a truth_n in_o the_o thing_n he_o have_v make_v whence_o no_o create_a â—ruth_n can_v thwart_v my_o faith_n unless_o he_o can_v contradict_v himself_o which_o be_v impossible_a hence_o if_o i_o have_v true_a science_n i_o be_o certain_a to_o find_v no_o part_n of_o it_o opposite_a to_o my_o faith_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_a conformable_a to_o it_o as_o be_v a_o child_n of_o the_o same_o parent_n essential_a truth_n if_o i_o have_v not_o true_a science_n i_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v so_o nothing_o therefore_o but_o my_o own_o overween_a can_v make_v i_o miscarry_v 4._o reason_n have_v thus_o play_v her_o part_n in_o bring_v i_o to_o faith_n desert_n i_o not_o yet_o while_o i_o act_n in_o it_o nor_o i_o she_o my_o act_n of_o belief_n be_v still_o rational_a because_o it_o be_v rational_a to_o believe_v at_o first_o
and_o my_o ground_n why_o i_o then_o believe_v rest_n still_o unchanged_a nay_o be_v unchangeable_a but_o yet_o reason_n act_n much_o different_o now_o then_o former_o before_o i_o come_v at_o faith_n she_o act_v about_o she_o own_o object_n motive_n or_o maxim_n by_o which_o she_o scan_v the_o authority_n we_o speak_v of_o but_o in_o act_n of_o faith_n she_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o the_o object_n of_o those_o act_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n she_o be_v like_o a_o dim-sighted_a man_n who_o use_v his_o reason_n to_o find_v a_o trusty_a friend_n to_o lead_v he_o in_o the_o twilight_n and_o then_o rely_v on_o his_o guidance_n rational_o without_o use_v his_o own_o reason_n at_o all_o about_o the_o way_n itself_o to_o make_v this_o clear_a we_o may_v distinguish_v two_o sense_n in_o the_o word_n reason_n one_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o natural_a faculty_n which_o constitute_v man_n which_o faculty_n never_o desert_n or_o aught_o to_o desert_v we_o in_o any_o action_n that_o be_v manly_n or_o virtuous_a the_o other_o as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o that_o power_n wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n under_o its_o own_o ken_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n we_o call_v it_o human_a reason_n by_o which_o be_v not_o mean_v the_o natural_a power_n unactuate_v or_o abstract_o for_o then_o the_o word_n human_a be_v a_o tautology_n but_o reason_n as_o conversant_a with_o such_o object_n or_o inform_v by_o such_o knowledge_n as_o be_v common_o find_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o natural_a condition_n as_o man_n such_o as_o be_v those_o which_o beget_v science_n and_o this_o leave_v we_o when_o we_o have_v once_o find_v the_o authority_n now_o speak_v of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n formal_o speak_v be_v out_o of_o her_o reach_n nor_o be_v she_o thus_o understand_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n but_o authority_n only_o wherefore_o into_o authority_n only_o faith_n as_o such_o be_v resolve_v final_o though_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o resolve_v the_o rationalness_n of_o assent_v to_o the_o authority_n itself_o it_o will_v light_v into_o those_o evident_a reason_n which_o your_o natural_a power_n of_o reason_n as_o yet_o uninform_v by_o faith_n but_o by_o motive_n or_o maxim_n within_o its_o own_o sphere_n be_v capable_a to_o wield_v 5._o reason_n therefore_o take_v for_o my_o natural_a power_n be_v my_o eye_n or_o interior_a sight_n as_o inform_v by_o common_a principle_n or_o maxim_n antecedent_n to_o faith_n my_o guide_n to_o bring_v i_o to_o believe_v authority_n and_o those_o motive_n or_o maxim_n be_v the_o rule_n to_o my_o reason_n by_o attend_v to_o which_o she_o have_v virtue_n or_o skill_n to_o set_v she_o own_o thought_n right_a that_o be_v to_o guide_v i_o in_o my_o way_n to_o faith_n but_o when_o i_o have_v once_o come_v to_o believe_v authority_n that_o be_v come_v to_o faith_n not_o reason_n but_o authority_n be_v my_o guide_n for_o i_o follow_v authority_n and_o not_o my_o reason_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v faith_n what_o not_o and_o though_o the_o light_n of_o that_o natural_a power_n never_o desert_n i_o yet_o reason_n as_o rule_v by_o she_o own_o natural_a maxim_n be_v useless_a to_o i_o as_o a_o guide_n or_o those_o maxim_n as_o a_o rule_n for_o i_o apply_v neither_o of_o these_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n to_o scan_v their_o verity_n or_o falsity_n by_o but_o pure_o rely_v upon_o authority_n and_o believe_v they_o authority_n then_o be_v my_o guide_n and_o in_o the_o infallibility_n of_o that_o authority_n consist_v the_o power_n or_o virtue_n it_o have_v to_o guide_v i_o right_n that_o be_v to_o regulate_v or_o rule_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o faithful_a or_o as_o one_o who_o must_v have_v such_o certain_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n as_o i_o may_v secure_o build_v my_o salvation_n on_o this_o authority_n then_o as_o it_o be_v infallible_a be_v also_o my_o rule_n in_o my_o believe_a or_o the_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n this_o of_o my_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a against_o adversary_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a but_o with_o protestant_n who_o grant_v christ_n to_o be_v god_n and_o consequent_o his_o word_n or_o doctrine_n true_a the_o only_a rule_n and_o guido_n we_o need_v be_v to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o he_o say_v and_o assure_v it_o to_o we_o we_o affirm_v then_o that_o the_o catholic_n church_n be_v the_o guide_n we_o follow_v and_o her_o infallibility_n consist_v in_o tradition_n our_o rule_n of_o faith_n hence_o all_o catholic_n profess_v her_o doctrine_n uninterrupted_o succeed_a from_o the_o apostle_n time_n and_o so_o to_o continue_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n hence_o with_o one_o voice_n they_o lay_v claim_v to_o christ_n gracious_a assistance_n to_o she_o in_o defend_v she_o from_o over-growing_a error_n against_o faith_n or_o heresy_n hence_o all_o profess_v to_o hear_v and_o follow_v she_o and_o pledge_v undoubting_o even_o the_o security_n of_o their_o salvation_n by_o rely_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o her_o live_a voice_n for_o their_o tenet_n and_o on_o her_o discipline_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o their_o faith_n and_o though_o some_o schoolman_n make_v scripture_n a_o partial_a rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o they_o can_v mean_v only_o material_o not_o formal_o that_o be_v that_o some_o part_n of_o faith_n be_v signify_v by_o scripture_n letter_n not_o that_o scripture_n letter_n alone_o be_v sufficient_a secure_o to_o signify_v it_o to_o private_a understanding_n so_o as_o to_o beget_v that_o most_o strong_a &_o firm_a assent_n find_v in_o divine_a faith_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o this_o that_o all_o hold_v no_o scripture_n be_v of_o private_a interpretation_n all_o hold_v the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n and_o her_o constant_a practice_n be_v the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n now_o faith_n be_v tenet_n and_o sense_n that_o must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o ascertain_v we_o of_o christ_n sense_n not_o the_o material_a character_n which_o that_o certain_a interpreter_n we_o call_v the_o church_n work_v upon_o and_o by_o her_o practical_a tradition_n interpret_v 6._o it_o be_v high_a time_n now_o to_o look_v back_o upon_o dr._n pierce_n and_o his_o party_n how_o just_o they_o deal_v with_o we_o and_o how_o mistake_o they_o discourse_v when_o they_o come_v to_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o faith_n 7._o first_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o his_o discourse_n he_o will_v seem_v to_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o a_o tenet_n which_o none_o but_o perfect_a madman_n can_v hold_v namely_o that_o we_o profess_v we_o have_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o church_n which_o devolve_v to_o this_o that_o we_o must_v profess_v we_o have_v as_o much_o reason_n to_o believe_v a_o old_a wife_n dream_n as_o our_o faith_n since_o there_o can_v be_v no_o less_o reason_n than_o none_o at_o all_o and_o hence_o he_o will_v needs_o assure_v the_o reader_n that_o therefore_o the_o enthusiastic_a sectary_n be_v in_o part_n romish_a proselyte_n etc._n etc._n and_o indeed_o upon_o so_o gross_a a_o calumny_n lay_v down_o for_o his_o principle_n and_o a_o sober_a truth_n what_o may_v he_o not_o conclude_v with_o equal_a reason_n he_o may_v have_v infer_v that_o all_o bedlam_n be_v catholic_n and_o that_o to_o turn_v mad_a be_v to_o turn_v a_o romanist_n but_o his_o carriage_n to_o put_v this_o upon_o mr._n s._n c._n be_v strange_o unjust_a since_o he_o know_v and_o hint_n it_o that_o he_o write_v a_o book_n upon_o his_o declare_v himself_n catholic_n entitle_v motive_n of_o his_o conversion_n do_v he_o think_v the_o word_n motive_n do_v not_o signify_v reason_n or_o that_o to_o write_v a_o whole_a book_n of_o reason_n why_o he_o adheae_v to_o the_o catholic_n church_n signify_v that_o he_o renounce_v all_o reason_n why_o he_o believe_v she_o 8._o next_o as_o for_o his_o own_o tenet_n he_o lay_v this_o for_o his_o ground_n that_o reason_n alone_o be_v judge_n in_o all_o case_n i_o will_v propose_v he_o one_o case_n and_o it_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o trinity_n to_o work_v now_o with_o your_o reason_n about_o this_o object_n and_o see_v how_o you_o evince_v it_o i_o doubt_v your_o best_a reason_n will_v crack_v ere_o you_o make_v all_o end_n meet_v but_o you_o mean_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v it_o i_o conceive_v speak_v proper_o you_o shall_v rather_o say_v you_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v the_o authority_n and_o authority_n to_o believe_v it_o for_o belief_n be_v as_o proper_o relative_a to_o authority_n as_o science_n be_v to_o a_o act_n of_o true_a reason_n or_o evidence_n whence_o it_o be_v as_o incongruous_a to_o say_v i_o must_v have_v reason_n to_o believe_v such_o a_o point_n as_o to_o say_v i_o know_v such_o a_o point_n scientifical_o by_o authority_n
first_o principle_n in_o controversy_n be_v so_o supreme_o important_a i_o have_v attempt_v it_o put_v this_o dilemma_n to_o the_o protestant_n either_o controversy_n or_o the_o skill_n which_o enable_v we_o to_o conclude_v certain_o what_o be_v faith_n be_v a_o science_n or_o not_o if_o not_o why_o do_v we_o meddle_v with_o it_o since_o without_o science_n or_o knowledge_n all_o be_v mere_a beat_v the_o air_n and_o empty_a ignorant_a talk_n if_o it_o be_v common_a seuse_n tell_v we_o it_o must_v be_v ground_v on_o some_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n let_v we_o to_o work_n then_o and_o settle_v this_o principle_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v something_o to_o agree_v in_o and_o proceed_v upon_o that_o be_v be_v able_a to_o discourse_v together_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v the_o first_o principle_n we_o catholic_n proceed_v on_o establish_v on_o rational_a ground_n and_o self-evident_a let_v the_o protestant_n either_o agree_v with_o we_o in_o it_o or_o settle_v some_o other_o able_a to_o render_v his_o citation_n certain_a without_o which_o they_o ought_v allege_v nothing_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o for_o they_o to_o catch_v at_o single_a word_n or_o little_a parcel_n of_o my_o discourse_n as_o their_o way_n be_v but_o it_o be_v connect_v they_o must_v overthrow_v the_o main_a of_o it_o nor_o that_o but_o they_o must_v lay_v some_o first_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o else_o they_o ought_v affirm_v nothing_o nor_o speak_v for_o why_o shall_v any_o one_o say_v what_o he_o know_v not_o or_o how_o can_v he_o know_v without_o principle_n especial_o the_o protestant_n be_v oblige_v to_o do_v this_o who_o can_v stand_v on_o possession_n but_o on_o his_o reason_n why_o he_o move_v what_o he_o find_v settle_v this_o principle_n than_o they_o be_v tie_v by_o all_o honest_a consideration_n to_o produce_v and_o till_o they_o do_v so_o i_o must_v frank_o declare_v what_o reason_n tell_v ever_o intelligent_a man_n that_o those_o many_o flashy_a book_n of_o late_a against_o catholic_n by_o whosoever_o write_v deserve_v not_o a_o word_n in_o answer_n first_o discourse_n show_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n what_o property_n belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 1._o as_o common_a reason_n give_v it_o evident_a that_o no_o satisfaction_n at_o all_o can_v be_v have_v in_o any_o point_n whatever_o without_o know_v first_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n since_o without_o this_o the_o discourser_n must_v talk_v of_o they_o know_v not_o what_o so_o the_o art_n of_o logic_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o mean_v of_o those_o word_n exact_o know_v a_o ready_a way_n be_v open_v to_o a_o clear_a decision_n of_o the_o most_o perplex_v difficulty_n for_o see_v the_o mean_v of_o a_o word_n include_v in_o itself_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n in_o regard_n it_o can_v not_o mean_v that_o thing_n unless_o it_o also_o mean_v it_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n which_o constitute_v that_o thing_n so_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n once_o know_v perfect_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o signify_v by_o that_o word_n must_v be_v know_v likewise_o wherefore_o since_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n bear_v along_o with_o it_o all_o those_o consideration_n and_o attribute_n which_o intrinsical_o belong_v to_o such_o a_o nature_n and_o exclude_v all_o those_o which_o be_v incompetent_a to_o the_o same_o nature_n it_o acquaint_v we_o with_o what_o can_v be_v both_o say_v and_o deny_v of_o the_o thing_n as_o far_o as_o express_v by_o that_o word_n the_o perfect_a knowledge_n then_o of_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n afford_v we_o the_o certain_a solution_n of_o all_o question_n whether_o affirmative_a or_o negative_a and_o be_v the_o most_o compendious_a way_n to_o settle_v all_o controversy_n let_v we_o therefore_o apply_v this_o method_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n and_o examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n we_o be_v discuss_v namely_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o may_v with_o good_a ground_n expect_v a_o solid_a clear_a and_o brief_a satisfaction_n both_o of_o what_o be_v not_o that_o rule_n and_o what_o be_v it._n 2._o to_o begin_v then_o with_o what_o be_v most_o evident_a see_v a_o rule_n signify_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v able_a to_o regulate_v or_o guide_v he_o who_o use_v it_o it_o must_v consequent_o have_v in_o it_o all_o those_o quality_n by_o which_o it_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v proper_a effect_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o rule_n that_o be_v it_o be_v not_o apt_a or_o able_a to_o do_v what_o a_o rule_n shall_v do_v 3._o it_o must_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v evident_a as_o to_o its_o existence_n unto_o the_o sense_n if_o it_o be_v to_o guide_v it_o or_o to_o the_o understanding_n if_o it_o be_v a_o intellectual_a rule_n for_o how_o shall_v either_o of_o these_o be_v guide_v by_o what_o they_o neither_o see_v nor_o know_v 4._o whence_o follow_v that_o it_o must_v be_v evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v to_o they_o no_o rule_n since_o be_v unknown_a it_o reach_v not_o or_o affect_v not_o those_o person_n who_o be_v to_o be_v rule_v by_o it_o that_o be_v reach_v not_o those_o thing_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v to_o do_v its_o effect_n and_o so_o can_v rule_v they_o or_o be_v a_o rule_n to_o they_o 5._o moreover_o to_o those_o who_o can_v raise_v doubt_n or_o can_v have_v doubt_n raise_v in_o they_o that_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n all_o mankind_n even_o the_o rude_a vulgar_a it_o must_v be_v knowable_a that_o the_o intellectual_a rule_n they_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v by_o have_v in_o itself_o a_o virtue_n to_o rule_v or_o guide_v their_o understanding_n right_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v capable_a to_o know_v that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v rely_v on_o as_o a_o rule_n wherefore_o this_o must_v either_o be_v evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n or_o at_o least_o easy_o evidenceable_a by_o other_o knowledge_n or_o skill_v presuppose_v in_o those_o user_n of_o reason_n who_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o that_o rule_n otherwise_o it_o be_v against_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o yield_v over_o one_o understanding_n to_o be_v guide_v by_o that_o which_o he_o can_v never_o come_v to_o understand_v that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o any_o ability_n or_o power_n to_o guide_v he_o 6._o and_o because_o nothing_o can_v be_v evident_a to_o be_v what_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o thing_n pretend_v to_o be_v a_o rule_n must_v also_o be_v certain_a in_o its_o self_n or_o establish_v on_o secure_a ground_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a that_o can_v in_o true_a sense_n be_v call_v a_o rule_n which_o one_o may_v follow_v and_o yet_o go_v wrong_n or_o be_v miss_v the_o directive_n power_n then_o which_o it_o have_v must_v not_o be_v waver_v wherefore_o also_o the_o cause_n which_o conserve_v it_o so_o constant_o able_a to_o perform_v that_o effect_n must_v be_v establish_v too_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o keep_v it_o fit_v to_o do_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o its_o nature_n which_o be_v to_o be_v certain_a in_o its_o self_n 7._o thus_o much_o be_v evident_o gather_v out_o of_o the_o common_a notion_n or_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n that_o be_v out_o of_o the_o genuine_a and_o proper_a meaning_n of_o that_o single_a word_n we_o be_v next_o to_o consider_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n by_o which_o we_o intend_v not_o to_o give_v rigorous_a school-definition_n of_o either_o this_o or_o the_o former_a word_n but_o only_o to_o reflect_v on_o and_o make_v use_n of_o some_o attribute_n predicate_v or_o property_n which_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o such_o who_o intelligent_o use_v those_o word_n be_v apprehend_v to_o be_v involve_v in_o or_o true_o appertain_v to_o their_o signification_n this_o caution_n 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the_o true_a sense_n of_o that_o point_n must_v be_v much_o less_o be_v scripture_n wordish_o interpret_v apt_a to_o build_v faith_n on_o the_o unwaveringness_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o assent_n must_v be_v ground_v and_o secure_a in_o the_o principle_n which_o beget_v it_o and_o not_o mere_o actual_o such_o as_o it_o be_v by_o accident_n whereas_o interpretation_n thus_o make_v faith_n principle_n in_o this_o case_n be_v liable_a to_o possible_a if_o not_o probable_a mistake_n this_o will_v be_v clear_a by_o a_o parallel_n make_v by_o a_o learned_a author_n worth_a insert_v because_o it_o strengthen_v our_o discourse_n by_o a_o new_a consideration_n let_v a_o critic_n and_o a_o skill_a carpenter_n read_v vitruvius_n his_o book_n of_o architecture_n the_o critic_n have_v but_o a_o dim_a dry_a and_o uncertain_a conceit_n of_o what_o he_o read_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o carpenter_n or_o architect_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o principle_n and_o practice_n he_o 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for_o fastidiousness_n i_o offer_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n and_o yet_o go_v about_o to_o lay_v none_o himself_o be_v the_o method_n of_o a_o sceptic_a and_o from_o he_o indeed_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o if_o i_o can_v forcâ—_n he_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n but_o that_o one_o who_o pretend_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o holder_n of_o christ_n law_n that_o be_v if_o he_o go_v consequent_o a_o rely_a upon_o some_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n for_o hold_v that_o christ_n say_v thus_o or_o thus_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o impugn_v principle_n bring_v to_o ascertain_v fundamental_o that_o point_n and_o yet_o himself_o lay_v none_o to_o do_v that_o effect_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o impugner_n of_o tradition_n be_v to_o let_v he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o renouncer_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o any_o assuredness_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o 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