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it_o be_v prove_v
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different_a degree_n according_a to_o the_o great_a or_o lesser_a capacity_n of_o the_o subject_n which_o they_o will_v best_o comprehend_v by_o reflect_v with_o how_o different_a a_o clearness_n many_o thing_n appear_v to_o we_o now_o we_o be_v at_o age_n and_o how_o dim_o when_o we_o be_v young_a which_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o certain_a of_o at_o that_o time_n nor_o yet_o do_v one_o of_o those_o infallibility_n speak_v of_o render_v the_o other_o vseless_a for_o they_o may_v either_o be_v about_o different_a object_n as_o if_o the_o church_n officer_n be_v formal_o infallible_a in_o know_v what_o particular_a point_n come_v down_o from_o christ_n time_n and_o penetrate_v the_o distinct_a limit_n of_o each_o point_n and_o those_o other_o particular_a person_n be_v only_o infallible_a in_o judge_v the_o church_n to_o
it_o be_v a_o excellent_a world_n for_o heretic_n if_o this_o notion_n of_o certainty_n will_v take_v for_o these_o be_v obstinate_a in_o their_o error_n no_o man_n more_o firm_o assent_v to_o falsehood_n than_o they_o and_o questionless_a the_o generality_n of_o they_o judge_v what_o they_o hold_v true_a too_o nay_o they_o must_v all_o do_v so_o if_o they_o once_o be_v put_v firm_o assent_v as_o in_o our_o case_n for_o to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n be_v to_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v indeed_o true_a by_o which_o mean_v all_o heretic_n in_o the_o world_n be_v certain_a of_o their_o error_n and_o if_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o they_o common_a sense_n tell_v they_o they_o ought_v to_o hold_v what_o they_o be_v certain_a of_o again_o â—light_a probability_n make_v many_o weak_a people_n firm_o assent_v so_o do_v passion_n and_o interest_n yet_o they_o be_v all_o by_o this_o new_a doctrine_n certain_a of_o what_o they_o hold_v and_o so_o all_o be_v well_o it_o be_v now_o come_v to_o light_v what_o kind_n of_o certainty_n d._n st._n intend_v to_o prâ—scribe_v for_o faith_n after_o he_o have_v reject_v infallibility_n namely_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o one_o may_v have_v whether_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a or_o no_o mere_o by_o virtue_n of_o firm_o assent_v to_o it_o as_o true_a and_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o think_v i_o may_v say_v he_o be_v certain_a of_o his_o faith_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v be_v so_o civil_a as_o to_o requite_v i_o with_o maintain_v that_o i_o be_o certain_a of_o my_o faith_n too_o for_o we_o â—oth_v firm_o assent_v to_o they_o as_o truth_n and_o so_o we_o be_v both_o very_a good_a friend_n and_o by_o the_o same_o method_n so_o be_v turk_n and_o jew_n atone_v to_o christian_n nothing_o be_v so_o proper_a to_o reconcile_v contradiction_n as_o a_o chimaera_n viz._n a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v none_o identical_a proposition_n be_v mere_a toy_n to_o they_o or_o as_o dr._n t._n say_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o certainty_n that_o be_v no_o certainty_n can_v work_v wonder_n and_o even_o do_v more_o than_o miracle_n ridiculous_a folly_n not_o to_o see_v that_o when_o any_o one_o say_v i_o be_o certain_a of_o such_o a_o thing_n all_o mankind_n understand_v he_o to_o mean_v he_o have_v such_o ground_n as_o infer_v that_o thing_n be_v as_o he_o say_v and_o not_o only_o that_o he_o have_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o it_o as_o true_a without_o intend_v that_o he_o have_v any_o ground_n to_o enforce_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o this_o be_v what_o i_o often_o reflect_v upon_o in_o dr._n t._n reason_n against_o raillery_n that_o his_o discourse_n still_o aim_v to_o take_v the_o business_n of_o certainty_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o object_n and_o put_v it_o constant_o upon_o the_o subject_a and_o to_o make_v account_n he_o be_v sure_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o because_o he_o very_o judge_v it_o or_o do_v not_o doubt_v it_o to_o be_v so_o and_o dr._n st._n be_v here_o carry_v on_o the_o same_o wise_a plot_n to_o which_o he_o begin_v to_o make_v way_n in_o his_o 20_o princip_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o their_o evidence_n to_o we_o '_o indeed_o if_o he_o speak_v of_o a_o assent_n which_o it_o matter_n not_o whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o false_a or_o rather_o which_o be_v or_o may_v be_v false_a it_o be_v mere_o build_v on_o our_o own_o fancy_n and_o conceit_n which_o i_o suppose_v he_o must_v mean_v there_o by_o the_o word_n evidence_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n we_o speak_v of_o and_o to_o which_o himself_o apply_v it_o be_v that_o of_o faith_n which_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a both_o it_o and_o the_o evidence_n which_o immediate_o breed_v it_o must_v forcible_o either_o be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o else_o on_o nothing_o and_o so_o both_o the_o pretend_a evidence_n be_v a_o false_a light_n and_o the_o assent_n itself_o false_a and_o chimerical_a on_o the_o other_o side_n in_o case_n if_o the_o evidence_n and_o consequent_o the_o assent_n be_v build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v footstep_n of_o god_n infinite_a wisdom_n in_o which_o he_o have_v imprint_v all_o create_a truth_n and_o establish_v they_o under_o penalty_n of_o the_o high_a folly_n and_o contradiction_n to_o be_v inerrable_o what_o they_o be_v it_o follow_v that_o in_o case_n the_o evidence_n have_v from_o those_o thing_n be_v indeed_o a_o true_a evidence_n or_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o their_o nature_n our_o understand_a power_n will_v be_v the_o same_o within_o as_o they_o be_v without_o and_o so_o inerrable_a in_o its_o assent_n and_o it_o certainty_n build_v on_o those_o nature_n so_o that_o as_o their_o metaphysical_a verity_n immediate_o depend_v on_o god_n be_v fix_v by_o that_o essential_o unchangeable_a be_v in_o a_o participate_v but_o yet_o absolute_a unchangeableness_n in_o be_v what_o they_o be_v so_o formal_a verity_n or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v a_o immediate_a effect_n of_o those_o nature_n thus_o establish_v work_v upon_o our_o understanding_n transfuse_v into_o it_o that_o be_v into_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o our_o assent_n anâ—_n certainty_n such_o a_o proper_a effect_n of_o themselves_o as_o suit_n with_o the_o subject_a in_o which_o it_o be_v receive_v viz._n a_o intellectual_a unchangeableness_n or_o a_o unchangeableness_n build_v on_o knowledge_n of_o those_o nature_n that_o be_v a_o infallibleness_n no_o wonder_n then_o both_o our_o drs._n in_o their_o weak_a discourse_n fly_v off_o so_o from_o depend_v for_o their_o assent_n or_o faith_n on_o the_o object_n or_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o recur_n still_o to_o the_o subject_a for_o by_o this_o mean_v common_a sense_n be_v drive_v out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n grow_v in_o great_a request_n and_o first_o infallibility_n or_o true_a certainty_n be_v radical_o destroy_v which_o otherwise_o according_a to_o the_o discourse_n now_o make_v must_v forcible_o be_v admit_v then_o fallible_a certainty_n come_v into_o great_a credit_n or_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o be_v firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a whether_o â—t_a be_v true_a or_o no_o that_o be_v such_o certainty_n as_o be_v no_o certainty_n but_o wilful_a adhesion_n such_o a_o faith_n as_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o fancy_n such_o a_o religion_n as_o be_v no_o religion_n but_o folly_n or_o interest_n and_o such_o truth_n as_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o possible_a falsehood_n in_o a_o word_n the_o object_n set_v aside_o and_o the_o dependence_n of_o our_o assent_n upon_o thing_n without_o we_o as_o the_o dr._n will_v have_v it_o the_o subject_n be_v at_o liberty_n to_o hold_v and_o say_v what_o best_o like_v the_o spirit_n within_o they_o or_o their_o voluntary_a fancy_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o glorious_a liberty_n of_o d._n st_n bless_a reformation_n i_o grant_v he_o then_o â—hat_n no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o falsehood_n but_o i_o deny_v that_o this_o plea_n will_v either_o acquit_v he_o or_o dr._n t._n from_o the_o imputation_n of_o make_v christian_a faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v object_v for_o why_o may_v not_o this_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a now_o or_o to_o day_n both_o suspect_n and_o see_v it_o to_o be_v false_a to_o morrow_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o that_o assent_n of_o he_o depend_v on_o the_o object_n or_o be_v build_v on_o the_o unchangeably-fixt_a nature_n of_o thing_n which_o dr._n st._n deny_v in_o express_a term_n princ._n 20._o or_o what_o can_v establish_v he_o in_o his_o assent_n of_o faith_n if_o that_o do_v not_o be_v it_o not_o evident_a he_o may_v change_v if_o he_o may_v see_v true_a reason_n may_v be_v bring_v against_o it_o what_o will_v do_v he_o credit_v in_o this_o case_n be_v to_o offer_v to_o make_v it_o out_o that_o assent_n require_v evidence_n and_o so_o firm_a assent_n clear_a evidence_n he_o have_v this_o clear_a evidence_n from_o the_o object_n to_o ground_v this_o firm_a assent_n for_o than_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a his_o assent_n will_v be_v unalterable_a and_o solidly-grounded_n or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o become_v faith_n not_o desultory_n inconstant_a and_o weakly-built_a as_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o opinion_n but_o this_o my_o two_o adversary_n must_v not_o do_v for_o how_o can_v they_o pretend_v to_o a_o unalterable_a assent_n if_o assent_n be_v not_o build_v on_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o which_o be_v unchangeable_a or_o how_o to_o clear_a evidence_n if_o they_o may_v notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n be_v still_o deceive_v as_o they_o must_v say_v all_o
divinity_n p._n 191._o 192._o in_o logic_n p._n 228._o 236._o 237._o his_o performance_n reduce_v to_o their_o proper_a principle_n contradiction_n p._n 236._o tradition_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 45._o 46._o 141._o 142._o union_n how_o to_o be_v hope_v p._n 51._o 52._o write_v how_o capable_a to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n p._n 36._o 37._o 38._o errata_fw-la page_n 2._o line_n 4._o receive_v p._n 11._o l._n 21._o perfect_o p._n 15._o l_o 2._o disparate_a p._n 32._o l._n 1â—_n than_o we_o can_v p._n 45._o l._n 12._o again_o p._n 67._o l._n 27._o deal_n and_o this_o as_o far_o etc._n etc._n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o four_o line_n after_o p._n 81._o l._n 29._o deal_n of_o p._n 84._o l._n 2._o endeavorer_n l._n 29._o endeavorer_n p._n 104._o l._n 4._o deal_n we_o p._n 100l_n l._n 5._o his_fw-la p._n 124._o l._n 5._o and._n p._n 131._o l._n 30._o deal_n in_o the._n p._n â—_o 2._o l._n 11._o infallible_o l._n 23._o then_o p._n 834._o l._n 17._o be_v false_a l._n 20._o about_o p._n 159._o l._n 22._o if_o p._n 100l_n l._n 14._o as_o l._n 15._o deal_n be_v p._n 167._o l._n 11._o deal_n if_o p_o 173._o l._n 18._o to_o a_o high_a degree_n p._n 177._o l._n 23._o which_o be_v p._n 181._o l._n 2._o degree_n p._n 184._o l._n 24._o ground_n p._n 185._o l._n 15._o reason_n give_v l._n 18._o keep_v man_n p._n 187._o l._n 14._o be_v p._n 188._o l._n 14._o dissatisfaction_n l._n 21._o some_o p._n 192._o l._n 5._o conformable_a l._n 16._o it_o l._n 26._o by_o she_o all_o p._n 193._o l._n 17._o our_o p._n 198._o l._n 2._o receive_v p._n 199._o l._n 14._o in_o wiseman_n in_o this_o point_n p._n 202._o l._n ult_n the_o 5_o and_o 6_o p._n 214._o l._n 3._o deal_n to_o p._n 216._o l._n 12._o be_v p_o 221._o l._n 18._o dr._n st._n p._n 234._o l._n 18._o apply_v it_o p._n 235._o l._n 23._o produce_v one_o p._n 250._o l._n 9_o not_o the_o first_o examen_fw-la concern_v dr._n stillingfleet_n design_n in_o this_o discourse_n as_o express_v in_o his_o title_n 1._o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o title_n superscribe_v to_o this_o discourse_n and_o signify_v to_o we_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v well_o weigh_v that_o so_o we_o may_v make_v a_o right_a conceit_n of_o what_o we_o be_v just_o to_o expect_v from_o dr._n st._n in_o this_o occasion_n it_o be_v this_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n 2._o now_o principle_n as_o we_o have_v discourse_v in_o the_o preface_n must_v either_o be_v evident_a to_o both_o party_n or_o at_o least_o hold_v and_o grant_v by_o both_o else_o no_o discourse_n can_v proceed_v for_o want_v of_o agreement_n in_o that_o on_o which_o all_o rational_a process_n be_v ground_v also_o they_o must_v be_v proper_a for_o the_o end_v intend_v or_o influential_a upon_o the_o conclusion_n which_o the_o arguer_n aim_v to_o evince_v otherwise_o if_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n deceive_v not_o its_o evidence_n and_o truth_n from_o they_o though_o those_o proposition_n be_v never_o so_o evident_a in_o themselves_o yet_o they_o can_v be_v to_o it_o or_o in_o this_o circumstance_n a_o principle_n whatever_o they_o may_v be_v in_o other_o wherefore_o to_o make_v good_a this_o title_n dr._n st._n be_v to_o produce_v nothing_o for_o a_o principle_n but_o what_o be_v either_o grant_v at_o first_o by_o both_o party_n or_o else_o be_v of_o so_o open_a and_o undeniable_a a_o evidence_n as_o all_o the_o world_n must_v see_v and_o acknowledge_v it_o such_o as_o be_v either_o first_o principle_n or_o those_o which_o immediate_o depend_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v comprehend_v under_o they_o or_o if_o he_o build_v on_o any_o proposition_n as_o principle_n which_o be_v not_o thus_o evident_a but_o need_n proof_n he_o be_v at_o least_o to_o render_v they_o evident_a ere_o he_o build_v upon_o they_o and_o last_o he_o be_v to_o apply_v they_o close_o to_o that_o which_o he_o profess_v to_o conclude_v from_o they_o otherwise_o he_o can_v never_o show_v they_o to_o be_v principle_n in_o this_o occasion_n any_o more_o than_o one_o can_v be_v a_o father_n who_o have_v no_o offspring_n or_o than_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v a_o ground_n which_o have_v no_o superstructure_n 3._o next_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o dr._n st._n mean_n by_o the_o word_n faith_n in_o this_o place_n and_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o think_v i_o injure_v he_o in_o suppose_v he_o have_v so_o good_a thought_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n as_o to_o hold_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o bare_a opinion_n who_o ground_n may_v all_o be_v false_a for_o if_o so_o the_o assent_n of_o protestant_n as_o faithful_a may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o all_o the_o tenet_n they_o profess_v to_o be_v truth_n and_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v by_o believe_v they_o liable_a to_o be_v prove_v nothing_o perhaps_o in_o reality_n but_o a_o company_n of_o lie_n if_o then_o as_o in_o this_o supposition_n he_o must_v he_o holâ—s_v the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o protestant_n impossible_a to_o be_v faâ—â—e_n he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o reduce_v it_o into_o 〈◊〉_d ground_n and_o principle_n as_o be_v likewise_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o consequent_o if_o it_o rely_v on_o authority_n he_o be_v to_o bring_v infallible_a authority_n for_o it_o all_o that_o be_v fallible_a as_o common_a sense_n teach_v admit_v possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o whatever_o be_v ground_v on_o it_o such_o ground_n then_o or_o principle_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o produce_v for_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n in_o case_n he_o hold_v it_o may_v not_o perhaps_o be_v a_o error_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o or_o his_o church_n know_v but_o in_o case_n he_o judge_v this_o assent_n or_o belief_n of_o protestant_n may_v be_v true_a faith_n though_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o may_v be_v false_a than_o he_o owe_v i_o a_o answer_n to_o faith_n vindicated_n where_o the_o contrary_a be_v prove_v by_o multitude_n of_o argument_n not_o one_o of_o which_o have_v yet_o receive_v one_o word_n of_o sober_a reply_n from_o he_o or_o dr._n tillotson_n though_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o that_o book_n it_o most_o high_o concern_v they_o both_o to_o speak_v to_o the_o several_a reason_n it_o contain_v 4._o in_o the_o three_o place_n we_o be_v to_o reflect_v what_o may_v be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n reduce_v in_o the_o say_a title_n and_o since_o all_o truth_n not_o self-evident_a nor_o know_v by_o immediate_a impression_n on_o sense_n be_v at_o first_o derive_v or_o deduce_v from_o principle_n this_o word_n reduce_v have_v a_o signification_n direct_o contrary_a to_o the_o other_o intimate_v to_o we_o that_o dr._n st._n make_v account_v he_o have_v begin_v by_o put_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n which_o be_v the_o conclusion_n and_o bring_v it_o back_o for_o so_o the_o word_n reduce_v import_v to_o principle_n whereas_o it_o be_v evident_a to_o every_o scholar_n he_o proceed_v in_o a_o way_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o here_o pretend_v first_o lay_v six_o principle_n agree_v on_o than_o thirty_o other_o which_o since_o they_o go_v before_o his_o conclusion_n we_o be_v to_o think_v he_o mean_v for_o principle_n too_o and_o thence_o draw_v in_o the_o close_a six_o inference_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o be_v most_o manifest_o to_o deduce_v from_o principle_n not_o to_o reduce_v to_o they_o 5._o but_o however_o it_o be_v unblamable_a in_o one_o who_o own_v himself_o a_o scholar_n especial_o pretend_v the_o rigorous_a and_o learned_a way_n of_o proceed_v by_o principle_n not_o to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n himself_o take_v yet_o let_v we_o kind_o suppose_v that_o dr._n st._n out_o of_o a_o unwariness_n only_o make_v use_v by_o chance_n of_o a_o improper_a word_n which_o be_v but_o a_o human_a lapse_n be_v more_o easy_o pardonable_a especial_o since_o the_o method_n he_o here_o undertake_v viz._n to_o begin_v with_o principle_n be_v if_o right_o manage_v and_o perform_v the_o most_o honourable_a for_o a_o scholar_n and_o the_o most_o satisfactory_a that_o may_v be_v and_o so_o deserve_v to_o make_v amends_o for_o many_o great_a fault_n let_v he_o then_o by_o reduce_v to_o principle_n mean_v deduce_v from_o principle_n yet_o since_o both_o reduce_n and_o deduce_v imply_v the_o show_v a_o connexion_n between_o those_o principle_n and_o what_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o they_o and_o this_o either_o immediate_a as_o to_o every_o particular_a conclusion_n or_o mediate_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v dr._n st._n shall_v still_o show_v we_o this_o connexion_n which_o be_v best_a and_o most_o clear_o do_v by_o relate_v each_o of_o his_o six_o conclusion_n to_o their_o respective_a premise_n or_o principle_n that_o so_o by_o this_o distinct_a proceed_n and_o own_v
insignificant_a word_n inquiry_n it_o be_v so_o very_o safe_a that_o it_o be_v absolute_o inconfutable_a have_v he_o say_v candid_o and_o plain_o hear_v follow_v the_o principle_n not_o agree_v on_o voluntary_o which_o therefore_o i_o will_v make_v evident_a that_o my_o adversary_n reason_n may_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o verity_n and_o by_o that_o mean_v my_o discourse_n proceed_v and_o way_n be_v make_v towards_o some_o conclusion_n he_o have_v offer_v i_o some_o play_n for_o than_o i_o may_v possible_o have_v discover_v the_o weakness_n or_o inevidence_n of_o his_o principle_n or_o the_o slackness_n of_o his_o consequence_n but_o now_o all_o my_o attempt_n be_v defeat_v by_o this_o one_o pretty_a word_n inquiry_n for_o though_o i_o shall_v hap_v to_o confute_v every_o line_n in_o all_o the_o thirty_o paragraph_n yet_o still_o after_o all_o this_o none_o can_v deny_v but_o he_o have_v inquire_v into_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n whether_o he_o have_v produce_v one_o word_n to_o evince_v it_o or_o no_o thus_o dr._n t._n in_o his_o late_a preface_n get_v rid_v of_o the_o hard_a and_o main_o concern_v passage_n in_o sure-footing_a by_o virtue_n of_o two_o insignificant_a word_n allege_v that_o he_o have_v sufficient_o consider_v it_o in_o his_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o word_n be_v perfect_o verify_v though_o as_o appear_v in_o reason_n against_o raillery_n disc._n 8_o he_o ready_o grant_v all_o i_o contend_v for_o as_o to_o that_o point_n once_o more_o i_o desire_v our_o learned_a reader_n to_o reflect_v on_o the_o different_a manner_n in_o which_o i_o and_o my_o adversary_n bear_v ourselves_o towards_o one_o another_o i_o candid_o avow_v my_o ground_n to_o be_v evident_a principle_n my_o consequence_n to_o be_v necessary_a my_o argument_n to_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a or_o demonstrative_a and_o by_o so_o do_v i_o offer_v they_o all_o the_o fair_a play_n imaginable_a and_o trust_v to_o the_o invincible_a force_n of_o truth_n expose_v myself_o free_o for_o they_o to_o lay_v hold_n of_o my_o discourse_n where_o they_o see_v it_o their_o best_a advantage_n they_o on_o the_o other_o side_n make_v a_o show_n indeed_o of_o bring_v their_o faith_n to_o principle_n because_o the_o very_a pretence_n be_v honourable_a but_o when_o it_o come_v to_o performance_n be_v so_o far_o from_o own_v the_o principle_n they_o proceed_v on_o for_o such_o that_o except_o in_o those_o six_o agree_v on_o which_o as_o shall_v be_v show_v be_v not_o one_o jot_n influential_a to_o the_o point_n they_o be_v aim_v to_o evince_v they_o not_o so_o much_o as_o name_v the_o word_n principle_n nor_o vouch_v any_o argument_n conclusive_a or_o any_o consequence_n to_o be_v necessary_a much_o less_o candid_o affirm_v such_o in_o particular_a to_o be_v thus_o qualify_v but_o hide_v and_o obscure_v all_o these_o in_o one_o dough-baked_a slippery_a word_n inquiry_n by_o which_o mean_v none_o can_v tell_v where_o to_o take_v any_o sure_a hold_n of_o any_o part_n of_o their_o discourse_n 4._o notwithstanding_o that_o dr._n st._n be_v thus_o shy_a to_o name_v these_o thirty_o paragraph_n principle_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v so_o monstrous_o unlike_o those_o clear_a and_o evident_a truth_n which_o use_n and_o aught_o to_o bear_v that_o sacred_a name_n yet_o it_o be_v manifest_a by_o his_o carriage_n he_o mean_v they_o for_o such_o and_o will_v have_v they_o think_v such_o too_o for_o they_o immediate_o follow_v after_o the_o six_o principle_n voluntary_o agree_v on_o as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o other_o sort_n of_o principle_n not_o voluntary_o agree_v to_o and_o all_o of_o they_o antecede_v his_o six_o conclusion_n or_o sequels_fw-fr which_o he_o put_v immediate_o to_o follow_v out_o of_o they_o again_o the_o run_v title_n superscribe_v to_o they_o be_v the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n reduce_v to_o principle_n all_o which_o manifest_v to_o we_o beyond_o evasion_n that_o he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o rely_v on_o they_o as_o principle_n though_o he_o be_v something_o bashful_a to_o call_v they_o so_o direct_o wherefore_o in_o compliance_n with_o his_o intention_n we_o will_v for_o once_o strain_v a_o word_n to_o the_o high_a catachresis_fw-la that_o may_v be_v and_o by_o a_o strange_a antiphrasis_n call_v black_a white_a and_o all_o these_o paragraph_n principle_n 5._o yet_o though_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o candid_a and_o clear_a and_o consonant_a to_o any_o maxim_n even_o of_o natural_a logic_n in_o this_o discourse_n yet_o i_o must_v allow_v that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o cunning_a and_o slight_a and_o sophistry_n in_o it_o as_o can_v well_o be_v stuff_v into_o so_o narrow_a a_o room_n wherefore_o that_o i_o may_v not_o be_v like_o he_o i_o shall_v open_o profess_v before_o hand_n what_o i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o show_v plain_o that_o he_o have_v not_o speak_v one_o efficacious_a word_n to_o the_o purpose_n he_o intend_v that_o be_v he_o have_v not_o produce_v any_o one_o principle_n one_o reason_n one_o argument_n either_o settle_n in_o the_o least_o the_o faith_n of_o protestant_n nor_o unsettle_v that_o of_o catholic_n this_o will_v be_v see_v by_o our_o examination_n of_o each_o particular_a principle_n in_o order_n and_o the_o answer_n to_o they_o to_o which_o i_o now_o address_v 1._o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o that_o end_n than_o such_o whereby_o man_n may_v know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o his_o sake_n be_v the_o fulfil_v of_o the_o law_n do_v by_o consequence_n include_v in_o itself_o eminent_o a_o entire_a obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v agree_v to_o be_v the_o condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n yet_o this_o love_n or_o charity_n presuppose_v hope_n and_o both_o hope_n and_o love_n presuppose_v faith_n as_o their_o basis_n both_o of_o these_o do_v by_o consequence_n come_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o obey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o their_o several_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a nature_n condition_n of_o man_n happiness_n as_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o all_o sober_a protestant_n will_v grant_v again_o faith_n be_v part_n of_o our_o obedience_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o so_o command_v by_o he_o and_o it_o be_v against_o those_o attribute_n of_o god_n agree_v on_o by_o both_o side_n to_o command_v man_n to_o act_v contrary_a to_o the_o right_a nature_n himself_o have_v give_v he_o and_o establish_v it_o essential_a to_o he_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o true_a reason_n also_o faith_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o so_o agreeable_a to_o right_a nature_n nay_o more_o a_o supernatural_a virtue_n and_o so_o perfect_v and_o elevate_a right_a nature_n or_o true_a reason_n not_o debase_v or_o destroy_v it_o it_o follow_v from_o these_o and_o many_o other_o reason_n allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n that_o this_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n call_v faith_n must_v be_v rationabile_fw-la obsequium_fw-la a_o reasonable_a obedience_n and_o that_o our_o assent_n call_v belief_n take_v it_o as_o impose_v by_o god_n be_v conformable_a to_o maxim_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o it_o perfect_v and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o pervert_v human_a nature_n but_o it_o be_v direct_o opposite_a to_o human_a nature_n as_o give_v we_o by_o god_n or_o to_o right_a reason_n to_o assent_v and_o profess_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v true_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o christianity_n settle_v by_o our_o saviour_n enjoin_v we_o in_o case_n we_o be_v to_o rely_v sole_o on_o the_o divine_a authority_n for_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o this_o our_o believe_v or_o hold_v they_o such_o and_o yet_o when_o we_o come_v to_o doubt_v concern_v their_o truth_n can_v possible_o arrive_v to_o see_v any_o ground_n absolute_o certain_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v indeed_o engage_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o say_a point_n also_o it_o be_v quite_o opposite_a to_o human_a nature_n to_o love_v heaven_n above_o all_o thing_n in_o case_n there_o be_v not_o ground_n absolute_o certain_a that_o god_n have_v tell_v we_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o heaven_n or_o such_o a_o blissful_a state_n attainable_a by_o we_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o he_o wherefore_o when_o dr._n st._n say_v no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v in_o itself_o necessary_a to_o this_o end_n or_o to_o the_o entire_a obedience_n to_o god_n will_n than_o such_o whereby_o man_n may_v know_v what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v we_o be_v to_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n know_v that_o at_o least_o the_o govern_v part_n of_o god_n church_n or_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la may_v be_v absolutly-certain_a that_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n the_o assent_v to_o and_o profess_v which_o
and_o ground_v upon_o they_o hope_n and_o this_o all-over-powering_a love_n of_o heaven_n the_o main_a part_n of_o our_o obedience_n be_v true_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o then_o dr._n st._n take_v the_o word_n know_v in_o this_o signification_n this_o principle_n be_v grant_v if_o in_o any_o other_o or_o for_o a_o great_a hope_n only_o that_o they_o be_v true_a as_o i_o fear_v when_o it_o come_v to_o the_o point_n he_o intend_v no_o more_o i_o must_v for_o the_o reason_n here_o give_v and_o many_o more_o allege_v in_o faith_n vindicated_n and_o reason_n against_o raillery_n deny_v that_o no_o other_o way_n of_o revelation_n be_v necessary_a and_o put_v he_o to_o prove_v it_o which_o he_o neither_o have_v do_v nor_o can_v do_v 2._o man_n be_v frame_v a_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o reflect_v upon_o himself_o may_v antecedent_o to_o any_o external_n revelation_n certain_o know_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o his_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v natural_o please_v unto_o he_o else_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a religion_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n god_n the_o true_a god_n and_o then_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a that_o every_o man_n in_o the_o state_n of_o corrupt_a nature_n may_v arrive_v to_o know_v he_o however_o some_o few_o may_v and_o in_o the_o state_n of_o right_a nature_n all._n and_o in_o case_n he_o take_v the_o word_n certain_o know_v in_o their_o proper_a signification_n than_o he_o may_v consider_v how_o ill_o his_o friend_n dr._n tillotson_n discourse_n who_o profess_v not_o to_o have_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o christianity_n that_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o as_o dr._n still_o say_v be_v attainable_a by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o natural_a reason_n 3._o all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n must_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n for_o unless_o we_o be_v antecedent_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v he_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o by_o any_o supernatural_a mean_n if_o he_o mean_v here_o priority_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v grant_v for_o this_o proposition_n god_n have_v reveal_v imply_v and_o presuppose_v as_o its_o basis_n god_n be_v butler_n if_o he_o understand_v it_o of_o priority_n of_o time_n as_o i_o conceive_v he_o do_v than_o i_o both_o deny_v the_o proposition_n and_o the_o validity_n of_o the_o reason_n give_v for_o it_o for_o it_o be_v evident_a both_o by_o reason_n and_o experience_n that_o manifest_a and_o convictive_a miracle_n which_o be_v supernatural_a and_o external_a revelation_n do_v before_o the_o heathen_n who_o yet_o know_v not_o the_o true_a god_n in_o testimony_n of_o christianty_n at_o once_o or_o at_o the_o same_o time_n make_v it_o certain_a that_o he_o who_o we_o adore_v be_v the_o true_a god_n and_o also_o that_o god_n reveal_v his_o will_n by_o supernatural_a mean_n and_o so_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a as_o dr._n st._n here_o affirm_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o such_o a_o revelation_n without_o know_v any_o time_n before_o hand_n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n nor_o must_v all_o supernatural_a and_o external_n revelation_n need_v suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o natural_a religion_n that_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a god_n as_o he_o pretend_v since_o such_o a_o revelation_n may_v cause_v that_o knowledge_n and_o so_o antecede_v it_o not_o be_v antecedent_n to_o it_o 4_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o that_o be_v to_o overthrow_v the_o mean_n whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v concern_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o divine_a revelation_n this_o discourse_n seem_v at_o the_o first_o show_n to_o carry_v so_o clear_a a_o evidence_n with_o it_o that_o nothing_o appear_v so_o irrational_a as_o to_o doubt_v or_o dispute_v it_o and_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o less_o if_o the_o word_n in_o which_o it_o be_v couch_v be_v not_o equivocal_o take_v but_o still_o be_v mean_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n to_o prevent_v then_o the_o growth_n of_o a_o witty_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n which_o i_o foresee_v creep_v in_o under_o the_o disguise_n of_o a_o ambiguous_a word_n i_o be_o to_o provide_v against_o it_o with_o a_o distinction_n both_o pertinent_a and_o necessary_a to_o the_o present_a matter_n these_o word_n divine_a revelation_n may_v either_o mean_v the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v or_o else_o they_o may_v mean_v the_o thing_n divine_o reveal_v that_o be_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o differ_v as_o show_v and_o thing_n show_v or_o as_o a_o action_n and_o its_o effect_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o the_o word_n tradition_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o way_n of_o delivery_n sometime_o for_o the_o thing_n or_o point_n deliver_v when_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o one_o when_o for_o the_o other_o partly_o the_o circumstance_n and_o the_o aim_n of_o the_o discourse_n determine_v partly_o some_o annex_v particle_n or_o variation_n of_o the_o word_n so_o that_o if_o they_o be_v take_v for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v or_o deliver_v and_o be_v express_v singular_o it_o be_v call_v a_o divine_a revelation_n or_o a_o tradition_n if_o plural_o divine_a revelation_n or_o tradition_n now_o it_o seem_v something_o doubtful_a in_o whether_o sense_n it_o be_v take_v here_o for_o §_o 1._o he_o speak_v of_o the_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o can_v only_o mean_a reveal_n and_o in_o the_o two_o follow_a one_o it_o be_v take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o word_n god_n have_v reveal_v find_v in_o the_o three_o but_o this_o matter_n not_o much_o so_o it_o be_v here_o take_v in_o the_o same_o sense_n throughout_o which_o i_o fear_v it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o word_n revelation_n be_v here_o make_v use_n of_o thrice_o and_o in_o the_o first_o and_o last_o place_n it_o seem_v plain_o to_o mean_v the_o point_v reveal_v in_o the_o middle_a the_o way_n or_o act_n of_o reveal_v yet_o the_o two_o follow_a principle_n incline_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o the_o expression_n to_o mean_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o though_o this_o be_v to_o speak_v moderate_o by_o far_o the_o more_o preposterous_a and_o absurd_a tenet_n as_o shall_v hereafter_o be_v show_v but_o i_o be_o to_o provide_v for_o both_o part_n since_o i_o be_o to_o skirmish_v with_o such_o a_o ambidextrous_a adversary_n and_o therefore_o apply_v this_o discourse_n to_o his_o proposition_n i_o distinguish_v thus_o and_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v the_o act_n of_o reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o the_o act_n of_o reveal_v also_o i_o grant_v that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v admit_v for_o divine_a revelation_n take_v those_o word_n to_o signify_v point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v which_o overthrow_v the_o certainty_n of_o those_o principle_n which_o must_v be_v antecedent_o suppose_v to_o those_o point_n this_o be_v candid_a and_o clear_a deal_n and_o far_o from_o that_o sophistical_a and_o equivocate_a ambiguity_n which_o contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o truth_n he_o so_o constant_o and_o so_o industrious_o affect_v 5._o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n imagine_v whereby_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n which_o if_o we_o do_v not_o exercise_v in_o judge_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o must_v be_v impose_v upon_o by_o every_o thing_n which_o pretend_v to_o 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discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n again_o what_o be_v mean_v here_o by_o divine_v revelation_n if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o formal_a act_n of_o reveal_v then_o it_o be_v false_a that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o mean_n to_o judge_v of_o its_o truth_n but_o a_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o discern_a truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o matter_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n for_o these_o matter_n be_v point_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o madness_n to_o think_v we_o must_v begin_v with_o examine_v their_o truth_n ere_o we_o can_v know_v that_o god_n have_v true_o or_o indeed_o reveal_v they_o since_o the_o knowledge_n that_o god_n have_v reveal_v or_o speak_v be_v have_v ordinary_o by_o natural_a mean_n antecedent_n even_o to_o the_o revelation_n itself_o much_o more_o antecedent_n to_o those_o point_n viz._n by_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o show_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v for_o their_o truth_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o divine_a revelation_n the_o thing_n or_o 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as_o we_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v lie_v and_o that_o god_n have_v say_v this_o for_o these_o put_v the_o thing_n be_v most_o certain_o true_a 6._o the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n in_o any_o person_n or_o society_n of_o man_n must_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o that_o infallibility_n be_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n and_o for_o that_o end_n to_o assure_v man_n what_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v the_o same_o mean_n must_v be_v use_v for_o the_o trial_n of_o that_o as_o for_o any_o other_o supernatural_a way_n of_o god_n make_v know_v his_o will_n to_o man_n here_o the_o word_n he_o divine_v revelation_n which_o he_o now_o first_o use_n give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o dr._n st._n mean_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o god_n reveal_v it_o or_o divine_a revelation_n which_o word_n he_o use_v former_o and_o this_o be_v far_o confirm_v by_o his_o say_n that_o that_o infallibility_n which_o be_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o supernatural_a assistance_n must_v be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o such_o a_o infallibility_n through_o supernatural_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n consist_v in_o the_o sanctity_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n and_o so_o the_o word_n he_o divine_v revelation_n which_o he_o join_v and_o parallel_v to_o it_o must_v mean_v a_o point_n of_o faith_n also_o whence_o be_v discern_v what_o marvellous_a dexterity_n dr._n st._n have_v use_v to_o gain_v a_o notable_a point_n against_o we_o and_o how_o smooth_o he_o have_v slide_v from_o god_n reveal_v faith_n to_o we_o or_o the_o act_n call_v revelation_n to_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n reveal_v in_o hope_n by_o this_o confound_a one_o with_o another_o to_o persuade_v his_o unattentive_a reader_n that_o because_o it_o be_v the_o only_a right_a way_n of_o procedure_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o use_v our_o natural_a reason_n so_o to_o judge_v whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v such_o a_o point_n or_o no_o therefore_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o begin_v with_o the_o same_o method_n in_o examine_v the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o which_o pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v and_o thence_o conclude_v whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o divine_o reveal_v or_o no_o which_o how_o absurd_a it_o be_v have_v late_o be_v show_v but_o to_o come_v close_o and_o apply_v this_o to_o his_o present_a discourse_n the_o pretence_n of_o infallibility_n by_o virtue_n of_o supernatural_a assistance_n must_v indeed_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n be_v for_o both_o of_o they_o be_v point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v judge_v by_o the_o same_o way_n all_o other_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v viz._n by_o the_o evidence_n there_o be_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n can_v deceive_v and_o that_o it_o stand_v engage_v for_o those_o point_n 7._o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v 〈◊〉_d will_v to_o we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a wâ—y_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o but_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o way_n god_n himself_o have_v choose_v and_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o infinite_a justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o remember_v to_o have_v hear_v that_o any_o man_n live_v ever_o go_v about_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n alone_o the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a way_n to_o the_o exclusion_n of_o all_o other_o nor_o do_v it_o appear_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o do_v it_o without_o consider_v also_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o several_a way_n of_o reveal_v in_o do_v which_o if_o we_o come_v to_o discover_v that_o only_a one_o be_v as_o thing_n stand_v of_o itself_o 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by_o he_o and_o what_o be_v agreeable_a can_v now_o who_o see_v not_o that_o this_o signify_v nothing_o either_o to_o the_o exclusion_n or_o admission_n of_o any_o particular_a way_n unless_o we_o subsume_v thus_o but_o this_o or_o that_o be_v most_o agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o say_a attribute_n whence_o follow_v therefore_o it_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v or_o reject_v by_o he_o whence_o it_o be_v clear_o see_v that_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o attribute_n alone_o without_o take_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o way_n itself_o and_o its_o sufficiency_n or_o insufficiency_n as_o dr._n st._n himself_o confess_v in_o common_a at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o 8_o principle_n though_o he_o perpetual_o avoid_v to_o examine_v the_o particular_a nature_n of_o his_o way_n and_o its_o fitness_n of_o mankind_n to_o build_v faith_n upon_o its_o evidence_n yet_o let_v we_o see_v at_o least_o though_o it_o be_v so_o plain_a a_o point_n how_o weak_o he_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o argue_v from_o those_o attribute_n it_o being_n say_v he_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o several_a way_n etc._n etc._n we_o ought_v not_o to_o dispute_v from_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o necessity_n of_o one_o particular_a etc._n etc._n so_o that_o the_o argument_n stand_v thus_o because_o it_o be_v within_o the_o extent_n of_o god_n power_n therefore_o it_o cross_v not_o but_o agree_v with_o all_o those_o other_o attribute_n otherwise_o if_o it_o do_v we_o can_v with_o good_a reason_n argue_v from_o they_o against_o god_n have_v make_v choice_n of_o such_o a_o way_n now_o this_o reason_n of_o he_o be_v so_o palpable_o absurd_a that_o i_o admire_v the_o mean_a divine_a live_n can_v stumble_v upon_o it_o for_o what_o man_n who_o hold_v god_n omnipotent_a can_v doubt_v but_o that_o his_o power_n can_v reach_v to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o every_o single_a man_n by_o hourly_a apparition_n the_o fly_a of_o bird_n nocturnal_a dream_n or_o throw_v of_o dice_n upon_o a_o fortune-book_n yet_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v doubt_v but_o be_v we_o to_o inquire_v what_o be_v the_o way_n fit_a for_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n by_o we_o shall_v reject_v these_o as_o misbecome_a god_n wisdom_n etc._n etc._n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n all_o other_o but_o one_o in_o case_n nonex_fw-la but_o that_o one_o be_v of_o itself_o qualify_v to_o do_v that_o effect_n as_o it_o ought_v and_o so_o befit_v god_n wisdom_n to_o make_v choice_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o it_o may_v lie_v within_o the_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v several_a other_o it_o follow_v but_o we_o ought_v to_o inquire_v what_o way_n god_n himself_o have_v choose_v and_o whatever_o he_o have_v do_v we_o be_v sure_o can_v be_v repugnant_a to_o infinite_a justice_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n all_o this_o be_v yield_v to_o unless_o he_o mean_v this_o to_o 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be_v capable_a of_o certain_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o may_v be_v make_v choice_n of_o by_o he_o for_o the_o mean_n of_o make_v know_v his_o will_n in_o order_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n so_o that_o no_o argument_n can_v be_v sufficient_a à _fw-fr priori_fw-la to_o prove_v that_o god_n can_v choose_v any_o particular_a way_n to_o reveal_v his_o mind_n by_o but_o such_o which_o evident_o prove_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o that_o mean_n for_o convey_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o first_o take_v the_o word_n certain_a convey_n to_o mean_v absolute_a certainty_n as_o i_o prove_v before_o in_o this_o and_o in_o divers_a treatise_n of_o i_o to_o be_v requisite_a i_o be_o next_o to_o distinguish_v the_o word_n capable_a which_o may_v either_o mean_a that_o the_o way_n in_o common_a may_v possible_o bear_v it_o in_o case_n it_o shall_v please_v god_n to_o use_v his_o best_a power_n to_o improve_v it_o and_o make_v up_o its_o defect_n with_o all_o the_o 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and_o near_o than_o now_o some_o unlearned_a person_n err_v damnable_o in_o mistake_v and_o misconceive_a they_o that_o be_v while_o they_o go_v about_o to_o frame_v their_o faith_n out_o of_o they_o it_o be_v questionless_a also_o they_o rely_v upon_o they_o as_o god_n word_n or_o dictate_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n else_o they_o have_v not_o so_o build_v upon_o they_o or_o adhere_v to_o they_o they_o may_v sincere_o endeavour_v too_o to_o know_v their_o meaning_n yet_o if_o the_o write_n be_v disproportion_v to_o their_o pitch_n they_o may_v err_v damnable_o for_o all_o that_o what_o far_a end_n god_n intend_v the_o h._n scripture_n for_o appear_v not_o by_o any_o express_v either_o promise_n or_o declaration_n of_o our_o saviour_n but_o out_o of_o the_o knowledge_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o the_o experience_n the_o church_n have_v of_o their_o vsefulness_n towards_o instruction_n and_o good_a life_n join_v with_o the_o common_a knowledge_n 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controversy_n or_o final_o silence_v heretic_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o do_v by_o the_o unavoidable_a evidence_n of_o the_o text_n to_o private_a person_n no_o use_n be_v ever_o make_v of_o they_o alone_o with_o any_o success_n as_o the_o father_n also_o complain_v unless_o the_o the_o church_n authority_n go_v along_o animate_v the_o dead_a letter_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n and_o show_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o place_n to_o have_v be_v perpetual_o hold_v from_o the_o beginning_n and_o so_o give_v it_o the_o sense_n majesty_n authority_n and_o force_n of_o god_n word_n elevate_a it_o thus_o above_o the_o repute_n of_o be_v some_o private_a conceit_n or_o production_n of_o skill_n and_o wit_n interpret_n the_o letter_n scripture_n then_o be_v perfect_a or_o have_v all_o due_a to_o the_o nature_n god_n intend_v it_o if_o due_o make_v use_n of_o as_o the_o church_n best_a instrument_n it_o be_v able_a to_o work_v those_o effect_n speak_v of_o though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o evident_a or_o self-authorized_a as_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n we_o give_v it_o absolute_a pre-eminence_n in_o its_o kind_n that_o be_v above_o all_o other_o write_n that_o ever_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n but_o we_o prefer_v before_o it_o tradition_n or_o god_n church_n which_o be_v the_o spouse_n of_o christ_n the_o pillar_n and_o ground_n of_o truth_n and_o consist_v of_o the_o live_a temple_n of_o the_o h._n ghost_n for_o who_o sole_a good_a as_o its_o final_a end_n scripture_n itself_o be_v intend_v and_o write_v 15._o these_o write_n be_v own_v as_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o whole_a will_n of_o god_n so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o sober_a enquirer_n can_v miss_v of_o what_o be_v necessary_a for_o salvation_n there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n suppose_v of_o any_o infallible_a society_n of_o man_n either_o
different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a assistance_n but_o every_o christian_a by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o common_a help_n of_o grace_n may_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o certainty_n from_o the_o convince_v argument_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o on_o the_o same_o ground_n on_o which_o man_n doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o they_o may_v as_o well_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v to_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o sense_n &_o reason_n i_o wish_v d._n s._n have_v explain_v himself_o here_o what_o he_o mean_v by_o different_a degree_n of_o evidence_n whither_o some_o glance_n or_o likely_a appearance_n of_o truth_n call_v great_a or_o lesser_a probability_n or_o such_o intellectual_a sight_n at_o the_o least_o of_o they_o discover_v the_o thâ—ng_n thâ—â—_n evidence_v to_o â—e_v be_v indeed_o so_o or_o true_a i_o suspect_v much_o he_o mean_v the_o former_a because_o thâ—se_a be_v the_o most_o proper_a ground_n for_o fallible_a certainty_n which_o he_o be_v now_o go_v to_o establish_v whereas_o the_o latter_a sort_n of_o evidence_n will_v hazard_v to_o carry_v too_o far_o and_o to_o beget_v infallible_a certainty_n which_o will_v quite_o spoil_v his_o most_o excellent_a design_n of_o settle_v the_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n for_o those_o evidence_n which_o show_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a show_v it_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a whence_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o such_o evidence_n as_o these_o will_v utter_o destroy_v his_o belove_a fallible_a certainty_n and_o endanger_v to_o introduce_v again_o by_o necessary_a and_o enforce_v consequence_n that_o popish_a doctrine_n of_o infallibility_n which_o he_o have_v new_o discard_v when_o he_o add_v that_o every_o christian_a may_v by_o the_o mean_n here_o assign_v attain_v to_o so_o great_a a_o degree_n 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of_o his_o faith_n build_v on_o those_o degree_n will_v when_o examine_v amount_v to_o a_o very_a obscure_a evidence_n and_o a_o problematical_a kind_n of_o assuredness_n much_o like_o those_o comfortable_a light_n which_o both_o party_n have_v when_o they_o lie_v even_o wager_n at_o cockfighting_n &_o such_o game_n give_v good_a hope_n to_o both_o side_n but_o good_a security_n to_o neither_o but_o so_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v if_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o infallible_o but_o only_o fallibly-certain_a which_o be_v all_o he_o be_v bend_v to_o prove_v 25._o no_o man_n who_o firm_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n entertain_v any_o suspicion_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o it_o for_o that_o be_v to_o make_v he_o certain_a and_o uncertain_a of_o the_o same_o thing_n it_o be_v therefore_o absurd_a to_o say_v that_o these_o who_o be_v certain_a of_o what_o they_o believe_v may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n not_o know_v but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a which_o be_v a_o apparent_a contradiction_n and_o overthrow_v any_o faculty_n in_o we_o of_o judge_v of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n this_o principle_n and_o the_o next_o be_v i_o conceive_v intend_v to_o preserve_v the_o dr_n and_o his_o friend_n credit_v against_o the_o inference_n at_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n vindicate_v and_o diverse_a other_o passage_n show_v they_o either_o to_o be_v far_o from_o good_a christian_n in_o hold_v that_o all_o christian_a faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o error_n and_o lie_v imposture_n or_o else_o very_o bad_a discourser_n of_o their_o own_o thought_n whilst_o they_o equivalent_o express_v themselves_o in_o divers_a place_n to_o be_v possible_o in_o a_o error_n in_o all_o they_o believe_v nay_o more_o all_o christian_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n to_o be_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n this_o if_o justify_v can_v but_o reflect_v on_o they_o be_v so_o concern_v a_o lapse_n and_o i_o have_v at_o dr._n st_n brisk_a instigation_n charge_v it_o 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as_o well_o as_o a_o private_a man_n to_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v also_o i_o be_o sure_a it_o as_o much_o concern_v she_o and_o so_o the_o church_n or_o as_o he_o call_v it_o a_o society_n of_o man_n may_v also_o be_v infallible_a in_o understanding_n and_o explain_v scripture_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n we_o be_v come_v about_o again_o to_o a_o infallible_a proponent_n which_o we_o have_v so_o zealous_o labour_v to_o avoid_v in_o a_o word_n after_o he_o have_v put_v all_o mean_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o our_o faith_n and_o all_o the_o diligence_n and_o care_n possible_a to_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o lay_v hold_n on_o those_o mean_n let_v he_o either_o acknowledge_v that_o any_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o so_o a_o fortiori_fw-la god_n church_n or_o any_o sâ—ciety_n of_o man_n exact_o follow_v &_o rely_v on_o those_o mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o right_a faith_n be_v by_o so_o do_v infallible_a in_o that_o thing_n or_o in_o 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a_o very_a good_a wit_n yet_o by_o reason_n of_o his_o sole_a application_n to_o verbal_a divinity_n which_o never_o reach_v the_o ground_n or_o bottom_n of_o any_o thing_n it_o talk_v of_o be_v very_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o christian_a life_n and_o its_o opposite_a vice_n or_o sin_n i_o will_v take_v a_o little_a pain_n to_o inform_v he_o better_o he_o may_v please_v then_o to_o know_v that_o it_o suit_v best_o with_o god_n wisdom_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o way_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n he_o carry_v on_o the_o course_n of_o his_o ordinary_a providence_n even_o in_o supernatural_n by_o mean_n of_o disposition_n the_o whole_a design_n then_o of_o his_o goodness_n be_v to_o plant_v those_o disposition_n in_o our_o soul_n by_o mean_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v make_v we_o most_o comfortable_a to_o himself_o that_o so_o ascensiones_fw-la in_o cord_n nostro_fw-la disponendo_fw-la asceendamus_fw-la de_fw-la virtute_fw-la in_o virtutem_fw-la donec_fw-la videatur_fw-la deus_fw-la deorum_fw-la in_o zion_n that_o be_v by_o order_v those_o rise_a step_n in_o our_o heart_n we_o may_v ascend_v from_o virtue_n to_o virtue_n till_o the_o god_n of_o god_n be_v see_v in_o zion_n hence_o the_o life_n of_o a_o christian_a as_o such_o be_v spiritual_a and_o the_o proper_a way_n for_o he_o to_o worship_n god_n be_v in_o spirit_n that_o be_v by_o spiritual_a act_n or_o habit_n to_o perfect_v his_o soul_n or_o that_o part_n in_o we_o which_o be_v spiritual_a and_o dispose_n be_v for_o heaven_n but_o error_n be_v also_o spiritual_a and_o yet_o be_v far_o from_o perfect_v our_o soul_n therefore_o truth_n must_v go_v along_o with_o it_o and_o so_o we_o be_v to_o worship_n god_n in_o spirit_n and_o truth_n hence_o the_o first_o of_o virtue_n in_o priority_n of_o nature_n be_v true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o motive_n or_o mean_n to_o attain_v he_o and_o the_o only_a way_n for_o the_o generality_n to_o arrive_v at_o these_o be_v by_o believe_v his_o divine_a authority_n upon_o some_o way_n of_o revelation_n which_o give_v his_o church_n and_o by_o she_o and_o all_o other_o absolute_a certainty_n it_o be_v engage_v by_o which_o mean_n we_o be_v perfect_o secure_a that_o what_o we_o proceed_v upon_o be_v god_n sense_n or_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o our_o spiritual_a building_n out_o of_o these_o knowledge_n be_v apt_a to_o spring_v adoration_n reverence_n hope_n and_o love_n of_o he_o above_o all_o thing_n in_o christian_a language_n call_v charity_n the_o queen_n of_o all_o virtue_n major_a autem_fw-la horuni_fw-la charitas_fw-la say_v st._n paul_n and_o out_o of_o this_o love_n of_o god_n above_o all_o thing_n love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n as_o ourselves_o in_o the_o heartiness_n of_o which_o or_o the_o have_v that_o rational_a disposition_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o do_v as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v to_o consist_v the_o keep_n all_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n which_o be_v also_o our_o good_a for_o so_o more_o undisturbed_a by_o passion_n or_o vexation_n from_o the_o exterior_a world_n who_o order_n we_o violate_v in_o transgress_v against_o these_o we_o be_v more_o free_a to_o practise_v those_o other_o virtue_n which_o be_v to_o elevate_v we_o towards_o heaven_n and_o fit_v we_o according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o out_o pitch_v appoint_v by_o god_n for_o the_o attainment_n of_o bliss_n hence_o be_v see_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o sin_n or_o vice_n for_o this_o be_v formal_o a_o defect_n be_v only_o a_o want_n of_o the_o opposite_a good_a disposition_n or_o virtue_n the_o chief_a vice_n then_o be_v hatred_n of_o god_n or_o a_o very_a slight_v and_o perfect_o deliberate_a disregard_n &_o posthabition_n of_o his_o incomparable_a self_n our_o final_a bliss_n to_o a_o creature_n next_o despair_n irreverence_n infidelity_n total_o as_o in_o heathenism_n or_o in_o some_o particular_a as_o turâ—ism_n judaism_n heresy_n in_o the_o last_o place_n come_v the_o want_n of_o that_o due_a love_n of_o our_o neighbour_n for_o god_n sake_n as_o leave_v our_o will_n dispose_v as_o far_o as_o that_o motive_n carry_v we_o to_o do_v he_o any_o injury_n for_o our_o own_o temporal_a convenience_n in_o which_o consist_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o second_o table_n insomuch_o as_o though_o a_o man_n commit_v not_o one_o of_o those_o act_n there_o forbid_v out_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o worldly_a honour_n civility_n fear_v or_o any_o other_o such_o like_a yet_o if_o he_o want_v that_o rightly-grounded_n interior_a love_n of_o his_o neighbour_n and_o build_v not_o his_o avoidance_n of_o harm_v he_o on_o that_o motive_n that_o be_v if_o he_o be_v dispose_v to_o commit_v they_o all_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o motive_n will_v hinder_v he_o however_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o man_n or_o exterior_o he_o keep_v those_o commandment_n yet_o be_v he_o guilty_a of_o they_o all_o interiorly_a or_o in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n to_o apply_v this_o then_o to_o our_o present_a purpose_n it_o be_v see_v hence_o that_o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o virtuous_a life_n and_o consequent_o the_o want_n of_o it_o the_o ruin_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o the_o ready_a way_n to_o all_o vice_n and_o sin_n for_o external_a act_v or_o avoid_v be_v nothing_o to_o christian_a virtue_n unless_o they_o spring_v from_o a_o christian_a motive_n and_o it_o be_v only_a faith_n which_o give_v we_o those_o motive_n and_o the_o stability_n well-groundedness_a or_o truth_n of_o faith_n which_o render_v those_o motive_n effectual_a wherefore_o unless_o the_o faithful_a be_v material_o infallible_a while_o they_o believe_v god_n have_v reveal_v such_o and_o fuch_o thing_n that_o be_v unless_o god_n do_v indeed_o reveal_v they_o and_o so_o their_o faith_n be_v real_o true_a all_o god_n worship_n and_o good_a life_n be_v ill-built_a ruinous_a and_o false_a to_o the_o ground_n and_o unless_o some_o of_o they_o or_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a to_o understand_v it_o to_o be_v true_a be_v formal_o infallible_a it_o will_v work_v less_o effectual_o in_o all_o those_o who_o shall_v reâ—lect_v that_o they_o see_v not_o but_o it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o be_v make_v so_o reflect_v by_o other_o who_o be_v enemy_n to_o faith_n nor_o can_v the_o truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v defend_v or_o make_v out_o or_o be_v justifiable_o recommend_v to_o other_o as_o true_a nor_o with_o wisdom_n and_o honesty_n be_v profess_v true_a by_o those_o who_o judge_v themselves_o capable_a to_o look_v through_o its_o ground_n and_o yet_o see_v nothing_o conclusive_a of_o truth_n in_o they_o wherefore_o this_o fallible_a certainty_n of_o he_o destroy_v all_o efficacy_n all_o defence_n and_o even_a essence_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o radical_o subvert_v and_o overthrow_v all_o christian_a virtue_n and_o all_o true_a goodness_n which_o i_o attest_v
the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o i_o with_o so_o much_o zeal_n and_o earnestness_n oppose_v he_o and_o his_o friend_n for_o advance_v uncertainty_n and_o consequent_o scepticism_n in_o faith_n however_o they_o and_o their_o angry_a passionate_a party_n be_v please_v to_o apprehend_v i_o i_o perceive_v dr._n st._n will_v hope_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o christian_a virtue_n may_v be_v uphold_v by_o the_o certainty_n we_o have_v of_o some_o point_n of_o faith_n though_o other_o be_v uncertain_a which_o point_n to_o make_v his_o uncertainty_n of_o faith_n go_v down_o the_o better_a he_o call_v here_o opinion_n but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o opinion_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o trinity_n christ_n godhead_n and_o presence_n in_o the_o b._n sacrament_n all_o most_o high_o concern_v christian_n life_n one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o which_o we_o discern_v great_a party_n differ_v who_o all_o admit_v the_o scripture_n and_o use_v the_o best_a mean_n to_o interpret_v it_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v perceive_v nay_o and_o consider_v the_o consequence_n of_o mistake_v too_o which_o he_o make_v the_o very_o best_a mean_n of_o all_o if_o i_o say_v these_o and_o such_o as_o these_o be_v the_o opinion_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o counterpose_v they_o to_o mean_n to_o keep_v man_n from_o sin_n in_o their_o life_n and_o that_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n he_o assign_v leaf_n whole_a body_n of_o relier_n on_o it_o in_o actual_a error_n in_o such_o fundamental_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o most_o high_a concernment_n to_o good_a life_n as_o have_v be_v show_v even_o while_o they_o proceed_v upon_o it_o it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n god_n intend_v his_o church_n and_o mankind_n to_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o and_o so_o none_o can_v presume_v of_o security_n of_o mistake_n by_o rely_v pure_o upon_o it_o but_o all_o of_o concern_v not_o know_v before_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n that_o be_v all_o which_o it_o alone_o hold_v forth_o may_v be_v also_o liable_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n likewise_o unless_o some_o other_o authority_n more_o ascertainable_a to_o we_o than_o it_o abet_n its_o letter_n in_o such_o passage_n as_o be_v plain_a because_o they_o be_v either_o mere_o moral_a or_o narrative_n or_o explain_v its_o sense_n in_o other_o which_o be_v more_o spiritual_a and_o supernatural_a and_o so_o more_o peculiar_a and_o fundamental_a to_o christianity_n recapitulation_n to_o meet_v with_o the_o absurd_a position_n express_v or_o else_o imply_v in_o the_o doctrine_n deliver_v here_o by_o dr._n st._n in_o these_o last_o eleven_o principle_n of_o he_o i_o take_v leave_n to_o remind_n the_o reader_n of_o these_o few_o opposite_a truth_n establish_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n 1._o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n take_v as_o build_v on_o the_o motive_n leave_v by_o god_n to_o light_a mankind_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n that_o be_v take_v as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v take_v and_o as_o it_o be_v find_v in_o the_o generality_n be_v for_o that_o reason_n absolute_o that_o be_v more_o than_o moral_o certain_a or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a 2._o though_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n depend_v immediate_o on_o the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n when_o it_o be_v rational_a yet_o in_o case_n it_o be_v true_a as_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v build_v and_o depend_v fundamental_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n since_o without_o dependence_n on_o it_o this_o evidence_n itself_o can_v possible_o be_v have_v 3._o a_o man_n may_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o out_o of_o possibility_n of_o be_v actual_o deceive_v in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v by_o adhere_v to_o another_o judgement_n who_o be_v infallible_a or_o in_o the_o right_n in_o thus_o judge_v though_o he_o penetrate_v not_o the_o reason_n why_o that_o other_o man_n come_v to_o be_v infallible_a also_o he_o who_o be_v thus_o infallible_a be_v in_o possession_n of_o those_o truth_n relieve_v upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n as_o the_o formal_a motive_n of_o believe_v they_o which_o truth_n as_o principle_n beget_v those_o good_a affection_n in_o he_o in_o which_o consist_v our_o christian_a life_n such_o a_o man_n i_o say_v have_v consequent_o enough_o speak_v abstract_o for_o the_o essence_n of_o save_v faith_n though_o he_o be_v not_o formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a by_o penetrate_v the_o conclusiveness_n of_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n 4._o to_o be_v thus_o material_o infallible_a or_o thus_o in_o the_o right_n in_o judge_v the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v be_v requisite_a and_o necessary_a for_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n otherwise_o the_o believe_v upon_o the_o divin_n authority_n when_o it_o be_v not_o engage_v and_o so_o perhaps_o the_o believe_a and_o hold_v firm_o to_o abominable_a error_n and_o heretical_a tenet_n may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o faith_n to_o assert_v which_o be_v both_o absurd_a and_o most_o impious_a 5._o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o perfection_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o since_o it_o hazard_v heresy_n and_o error_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o divine_a authority_n be_v engage_v for_o any_o point_n when_o it_o be_v not_o it_o ought_v to_o breed_v suspense_n and_o caution_n in_o reflecter_n till_o they_o see_v it_o engage_v &_o consequent_o the_o better_a they_o see_v this_o the_o more_o hearty_a they_o be_v apt_a to_o assent_v to_o the_o point_n upon_o the_o divine_a authority_n so_o that_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o ground_n which_o conclude_v the_o divine_a authority_n engage_v better_n and_o strengthen_v the_o act_n of_o faith_n 6._o however_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o faith_n of_o those_o who_o downright_a rudeness_n let_v they_o not_o reflect_v at_o all_o to_o be_v only_o material_o infallible_a that_o god_n authority_n be_v engage_v yet_o it_o be_v beside_o of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o reflecter_n who_o raise_v doubt_n especial_o for_o those_o who_o be_v very_o acute_a to_o discern_v some_o reason_n which_o can_v deceive_v they_o or_o to_o be_v formal_o or_o know_o infallible_a that_o it_o be_v indeed_o actual_o engage_v for_o those_o point_n otherwise_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o provision_n enough_o have_v be_v make_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v or_o cause_n save_v faith_n in_o fool_n and_o none_o at_o all_o to_o breed_v faith_n wise_a man_n which_o without_o satisfaction_n in_o this_o in_o point_n be_v in_o possible_a to_o be_v expect_v in_o such_o through-sighted_n reflecter_n the_o same_o formal_a infallibility_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o wise_a sort_n of_o man_n in_o the_o church_n both_o to_o deâ—end_v faith_n and_o establish_v its_o ground_n in_o a_o scholarlike_o way_n as_o also_o for_o their_o profession_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o faith_n and_o other_o obligation_n incumbent_a on_o they_o as_o faithful_a and_o last_o for_o the_o effect_n which_o be_v to_o be_v breed_v in_o they_o by_o faith_n certainty_n 7._o though_o then_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n need_v not_o to_o be_v actual_o penetrate_v by_o all_o the_o faithful_a while_o they_o proceed_v unreflect_o yet_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v so_o qualify_v that_o it_o may_v satisfy_v all_o who_o be_v apt_a to_o reflect_v and_o so_o to_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n that_o be_v it_o be_v ruling_n power_n ought_v to_o be_v penetrable_a or_o evidenceable_a to_o they_o if_o they_o come_v to_o doubt_v and_o also_o so_o connatural_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o unelevated_a and_o unreflect_a thought_n of_o man_n of_o all_o sort_n that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o apt_a that_o maybe_o to_o establish_v the_o faithful_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n and_o preserve_v they_o from_o doubt_v of_o their_o faith_n both_o these_o be_v find_v in_o tradition_n or_o testify_a authority_n and_o not_o in_o scripture_n letter_n that_o therefore_o and_o not_o this_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n 8._o infallible_a certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v reject_v the_o moral_a certainâ—y_n he_o substitute_n must_v either_o be_v a_o fallible_a certainty_n or_o none_o this_o late_a be_v impious_a the_o former_a be_v nonsense_n wherefore_o all_o dr._n st_n discourse_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o reject_v infallibility_n must_v forcible_o have_v the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o of_o these_o qualification_n 9_o a_o firm_a assent_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a render_v no_o man_n certain_a of_o what_o he_o thus_o assent_v to_o for_o so_o heretic_n may_v be_v true_o certain_a of_o all_o the_o pestilent_a error_n they_o hold_v so_o they_o but_o firm_o assent_v they_o be_v true_a 10._o faith_n be_v the_o basis_n of_o all_o christian_a virtue_n on_o which_o all_o our_o spiritual_a edifice_n be_v build_v and_o from_o whence_o we_o derive_v all_o the_o
gratis_o this_o position_n that_o nothing_o but_o miracle_n ought_v to_o serve_v whether_o there_o be_v other_o mean_v lay_v or_o no_o or_o that_o no_o proof_n but_o miracle_n can_v possible_o be_v sufficient_a to_o satisfy_v man_n reason_n in_o a_o thing_n subject_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o natural_a assistance_n of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o of_o itself_o and_o the_o suppernatural_a suppose_v the_o knowledge_n of_o sanctity_n in_o the_o church_n be_v as_o plain_a reason_n as_o that_o the_o great_a motive_n to_o goodness_n and_o interior_a goodness_n cause_v by_o those_o motive_n will_v make_v those_o good_a man_n who_o have_v it_o act_n as_o good_a man_n ought_v and_o be_v apt_a to_o do_v the_o 17_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o a_o false_a imputation_n lay_v on_o our_o church_n and_o on_o his_o confound_a most_o absurd_o the_o notion_n of_o the_o church_n with_o that_o of_o the_o school_n or_o rather_o take_v a_o few_o speculative_a divine_n and_o those_o the_o weak_a to_o be_v the_o church_n the_o 18_o be_v again_o build_v on_o a_o unproved_a supposition_n of_o which_o kind_n of_o ground_n he_o be_v still_o very_o free_a and_o on_o a_o false_o pretend_a promise_n from_o god_n so_o to_o secure_v any_o private-spirited_n contemner_n of_o the_o church_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n whether_o he_o errâ—_n or_o no_o though_o as_o common_a sense_n and_o the_o order_n of_o the_o world_n give_v it_o he_o forfeit_v both_o his_o reason_n and_o his_o virtue_n by_o not_o hear_v his_o lawful_a and_o learned_a pastor_n rather_o than_o his_o self-conceited_a ignorant_a self_n the_o 19_o have_v the_o same_o fault_n with_o the_o former_a and_o be_v whole_o false_a even_o though_o his_o own_o supposition_n mention_v in_o the_o close_a be_v free_o grant_v he_o which_o it_o be_v not_o the_o four_o principle_n follow_v be_v make_v up_o of_o these_o error_n 1._o that_o we_o hold_v that_o no_o man_n can_v have_v a_o true_a and_o save_a faith_n unless_o he_o see_v and_o know_v that_o the_o proponent_n be_v infallible_a 2._o that_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n when_o rational_a depend_v not_o on_o the_o object_n 3._o that_o one_o can_v have_v a_o infallible_a assent_n in_o faith_n without_o infallible_a assistance_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n themselves_o 4._o that_o there_o be_v no_o middle_n between_o no_o particular_a person_n and_o every_o particular_a person_n be_v formal_o infallible_a whereas_o my_o tenet_n be_v that_o some_o must_v be_v so_o most_o may_v be_v so_o and_o all_o need_v not_o be_v so_o 5._o that_o because_o all_o must_v be_v material_o infallible_a or_o in_o the_o true_a faith_n but_o know_v not_o how_o they_o be_v so_o therefore_o it_o be_v useless_a that_o any_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o make_v out_o those_o ground_n to_o settle_v explain_v and_o defend_v faith_n and_o its_o certainty_n these_o with_o his_o self-contradiction_n be_v the_o jar_a element_n which_o compound_v these_o four_o terrible_a principle_n with_o which_o he_o hope_v to_o undermine_v and_o blow_v up_o the_o church_n infallibility_n and_o the_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o all_o christian_a faith_n the_o 24_o give_v good_a word_n in_o common_a of_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n but_o he_o mean_v by_o the_o former_a fallible_a certainty_n by_o the_o late_a only_o some_o probability_n or_o improbability_n so_o it_o but_o appear_v so_o to_o the_o subject_a and_o be_v a_o total_a prevarication_n from_o settle_v the_o truth_n of_o faith_n to_o not_o doubt_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o question_n the_o 25_o hold_v forth_o a_o most_o wicked_a and_o gross_a absurdity_n destructive_a of_o all_o certainty_n evidence_n faith_n christianity_n and_o even_o manhood_n viz._n that_o to_o assent_v firm_o to_o any_o thing_n as_o true_a be_v to_o be_v certain_a of_o it_o and_o intimate_v two_o other_o viz._n that_o a_o man_n who_o be_v now_o certain_a of_o a_o thing_n may_v at_o another_o time_n know_v that_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a though_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n as_o also_o that_o such_o a_o certainty_n be_v competent_a for_o belief_n or_o faith_n the_o 26._o speak_v evident_a truth_n in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o but_o be_v nothing_o available_a to_o his_o cause_n but_o rather_o against_o he_o the_o inference_n thence_o be_v false_a be_v defective_o express_v and_o when_o rectify_v be_v also_o a_o clear_a truth_n but_o high_o prejudices_fw-la himself_o the_o 27._o be_v utter_o 〈◊〉_d of_o common_a sense_n certainty_n faith_n and_o christianity_n the_o 28._o principle_n be_v a_o weak_a and_o inconsistent_a discourse_n the_o 29._o suppose_n scripture_n intelligible_a enough_o in_o all_o point_n of_o faith_n without_o the_o church_n and_o to_o contain_v express_o god_n whole_a will_n oâ—_n every_o article_n of_o faith_n or_o at_o least_o with_o such_o a_o ground_n of_o it_o there_o as_o that_o it_o be_v deducible_a thence_o by_o private_a understanding_n with_o a_o certainty_n competent_a for_o faith_n none_o of_o which_o he_o have_v at_o all_o prove_v nor_o ever_o will_n the_o 30_o and_o last_o confess_v all_o man_n liable_a to_o error_n in_o faith_n though_o rely_v on_o the_o mean_v leave_v by_o god_n to_o secure_v they_o from_o it_o which_o evident_o make_v that_o mean_v to_o be_v none_o and_o assign_v a_o way_n for_o their_o best_a security_n which_o all_o err_v sect_n in_o the_o world_n as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v discern_v take_v and_o yet_o still_o err_v and_o last_o for_o a_o upshot_n he_o make_v account_n like_o a_o solid_a divine_a that_o our_o christian_a life_n be_v not_o at_o all_o interior_a but_o only_o exterior_a and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n be_v no_o part_n of_o a_o christian_n life_n nor_o the_o mean_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o it_o nor_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n a_o sin_n or_o vice_n and_o then_o all_o be_v safe_a and_o his_o principle_n stand_v firm_a for_o then_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o every_o private_a man_n may_v reject_v the_o church_n at_o pleasure_n and_o be_v sure_a to_o understand_v as_o much_o in_o scripture_n as_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n for_o if_o these_o be_v no_o sin_n and_o so_o do_v not_o damn_v a_o man_n either_o immediate_o or_o mediate_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o will_n but_o indeed_o in_o dr._n st_n kind_n of_o reformation_n they_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v account_v cardinal_n and_o fundamental_a virtue_n such_o senseless_a principle_n ought_v to_o produce_v no_o better_a fruit_n for_o this_o suit_n their_o practice_n and_o his_o principle_n rebel_n against_o god_n church_n break_v the_o most_o sacred_a order_n of_o the_o world_n and_o do_v but_o talk_v stout_o and_o with_o a_o bold_a grace_n and_o a_o pretty_a way_n of_o expression_n of_o scripture_n and_o god_n word_n and_o then_o all_o be_v holy_a and_o good_n reflect_v then_o back_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o principle_n and_o consider_v that_o to_o deserve_v that_o name_n they_o must_v necessary_o have_v in_o they_o two_o qualification_n viz._n evidence_n in_o themselves_o and_o influence_n upon_o some_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v to_o derive_v their_o evidence_n from_o they_o and_o it_o be_v manifest_a both_o out_o of_o this_o short_a review_n and_o much_o more_o out_o of_o the_o full_a reply_v to_o each_o of_o they_o that_o not_o one_o of_o those_o which_o d._n st._n here_o call_v principle_n but_o be_v either_o vnevident_a and_o false_a or_o if_o true_a impertinent_a and_o void_a of_o any_o the_o least_o influence_n upon_o the_o point_n he_o aim_v to_o prove_v by_o they_o they_o be_v clear_o convince_v to_o have_v nothing_o in_o they_o like_o principle_n or_o entitle_v they_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o name_n and_o that_o he_o may_v with_o far_o more_o reason_n have_v call_v they_o conceit_n paradox_n quodlibet_n or_o crotchet_n and_o i_o know_v no_o better_a way_n for_o he_o to_o vindicate_v they_o but_o to_o entreat_v his_o fellow-hater_n of_o infallibility_n dr._n t._n who_o have_v a_o special_a gift_n at*_n last_o put_v principle_n into_o categorical_a and_o hypothetical_n syllogism_n to_o undertake_v these_o that_o so_o the_o world_n may_v see_v the_o rare_a consequence_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o to_o which_o lest_o he_o shall_v fail_v his_o friend_n we_o now_o address_v the_o six_o examen_fw-la of_o dr._n st_n six_o conclusion_n any_o man_n who_o have_v either_o hear_v of_o logic_n or_o reflect_v a_o little_a upon_o nature_n will_v very_o have_v think_v that_o such_o obscure_a principle_n shall_v necessary_o have_v produce_v more_o obscure_a conclusion_n since_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o late_a be_v derive_v only_o from_o the_o former_a and_o participate_v from_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v find_v in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o these_o than_o be_v the_o evidence_n of_o those_o former_a from_o whence_o it_o
the_o true_a church_n likewise_o that_o a_o representative_a of_o that_o body_n be_v a_o true_a council_n and_o that_o a_o eminent_a member_n of_o it_o deliver_v down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n the_o doctrine_n believe_v in_o his_o whether_o by_o express_o avouch_v it_o the_o chnrches_n sense_n or_o confute_v heretic_n be_v a_o true_a father_n last_o they_o can_v have_v infallible_a certainty_n both_o of_o the_o letter_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v faith_n for_o if_o any_o fault_n which_o shock_n their_o faith_n whether_o of_o translator_n or_o transcriber_n creep_v into_o any_o passage_n or_o if_o the_o text_n be_v indeed_o right_a but_o yet_o ambiguous_a they_o can_v rectify_v the_o letter_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n and_o assign_v it_o a_o sense_n agreeable_a to_o the_o faith_n which_o they_o find_v there_o between_o which_o and_o that_o of_o the_o holy_a writer_n they_o be_v sure_o there_o can_v be_v no_o disagreement_n as_o be_v both_o inspire_v by_o the_o same_o unerring_a light_n 22._o contrariwise_o those_o that_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n of_o what_o denomination_n soever_o first_o can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n themselves_o it_o be_v possible_a indeed_o and_o usual_a that_o some_o and_o not_o seldom_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a and_o the_o same_o the_o true_o faithful_a assent_n to_o yet_o their_o assent_n to_o they_o be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a and_o not_o only_o the_o point_n assent_v to_o but_o the_o assent_n itself_o must_v have_v that_o distance_n from_o falsehood_n as_o be_v prove_v at_o large_a in_o faith_n vindicate_v else_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o degenerate_v into_o a_o low_a act_n and_o be_v call_v opinion_n now_o the_o strength_n of_o a_o assent_n rational_o make_v depend_v upon_o the_o strength_n of_o its_o ground_n &_o all_o ground_n of_o that_o assent_n call_v faith_n i_o mean_v such_o ground_n as_o tell_v we_o what_o christ_n teach_v beside_o tradition_n be_v prove_v §_o 10._o weak_a and_o none_o without_o it_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o true_a faith_n next_o for_o want_v of_o that_o only_a infallble_a ground_n they_o can_v have_v certainty_n which_o be_v true_a faith_n who_o true_o faithful_a which_o the_o true_a church_n which_o a_o true_a council_n who_o a_o true_a father_n nor_o last_o which_o be_v either_o the_o letter_n or_o sense_n of_o scripture_n in_o dogmatical_a passage_n that_o concern_v faith_n and_o since_o they_o have_v no_o certainty_n of_o these_o thing_n they_o have_v no_o right_n nor_o ought_v in_o a_o discourse_n about_o faith_n be_v admit_v to_o quote_v any_o of_o they_o but_o be_v themselves_o and_o the_o whole_a cause_n conclude_v in_o this_o single_a inquiry_n who_o have_v a_o competent_a that_o be_v a_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a or_o infallible_a rule_n to_o arrive_v at_o faith_n 23._o the_o solid_a satisfaction_n therefore_o of_o those_o who_o inquire_v after_o true_a faith_n be_v only_o to_o be_v gain_v by_o examine_v who_o have_v or_o who_o have_v not_o such_o a_o rule_n this_o method_n be_v short_a and_o easy_a and_o yet_o alone_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n all_o other_o till_o this_o be_v have_v be_v superficial_a tedious_a and_o for_o want_v of_o ground_n insignificant_a the_o former_a discourse_n reduce_v to_o principle_n to_o show_v the_o precedent_n discourse_v build_v on_o most_o firm_a and_o most_o evident_a principle_n and_o such_o as_o i_o have_v describe_v in_o my_o preface_n i_o request_v the_o reader_n to_o look_v back_o with_o attentive_a consideration_n upon_o its_o several_a part_n and_o he_o will_v discern_v that_o §_o 1._o the_o first_o paragraph_n be_v only_o a_o descant_n upon_o this_o proposition_n the_o ground_n be_v to_o be_v lay_v before_o the_o superstructure_n or_o which_o come_v to_o the_o same_o that_o he_o who_o build_v must_v build_v upon_o something_o or_o to_o put_v it_o in_o more_o immediate_a term_n what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v begin_v with_o that_o be_v what_o be_v first_o be_v to_o be_v first_o which_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o this_o proposition_n supreme_o identical_a a_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v what_o it_o be_v §_o 2._o the_o second_o rely_v on_o that_o famous_a maxim_n of_o logician_n that_o the_o definition_n be_v more_o know_v than_o the_o thing_n define_v which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o for_o the_o word_n once_o understand_v it_o come_v to_o this_o that_o what_o clear_v another_o thing_n must_v be_v clear_a itself_o that_o what_o explain_v must_v explain_v the_o latter_a part_n of_o it_o imply_v that_o in_o plain_a thing_n depend_v on_o authority_n honest_a man_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v before_o knave_n which_o be_v self-evident_a practical_o §_o 3._o the_o three_o be_v but_o a_o inference_n from_o the_o two_o foregoing_a one_o and_o manifest_o depend_v on_o the_o same_o self-evident_a principle_n §_o 4._o the_o four_o be_v a_o far_a deduction_n and_o since_o to_o satisfy_v rational_o be_v to_o make_v man_n know_v one_o way_n or_o other_o plain_o amount_v to_o this_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v know_v by_o all_o which_o be_v as_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o can_v or_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v â—tne_n §_o 5._o the_o five_o be_v only_o a_o short_a descant_n upon_o the_o foregoing_a part_n of_o this_o discourse_n and_o so_o be_v reduce_v into_o the_o same_o ground_n with_o they_o §_o 6._o the_o six_o be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o man_n be_v not_o to_o assent_v upon_o authority_n or_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o or_o that_o rational_a agent_n be_v to_o act_v rational_o §_o 7._o the_o seven_o state_n the_o question_n concern_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o show_v the_o way_n to_o look_v after_o it_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o plain_a truth_n the_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n signify_v any_o natune_n be_v the_o nature_n signify_v by_o that_o word_n or_o which_o be_v the_o very_a same_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o any_o word_n be_v mean_v by_o that_o word_n §_o 8._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 8_o be_v resume_v into_o this_o clear_a truth_n what_o leave_v we_o in_o need_n of_o a_o rule_n be_v not_o a_o rule_n or_o a_o rule_n be_v able_a to_o regulate_v which_o be_v perfect_o equivalent_a to_o this_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n the_o second_o part_n averr_v that_o faith_n take_v it_o for_o a_o assent_n upon_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n which_o can_v lead_v into_o error_n be_v not_o its_o opposite_a opinion_n which_o be_v equivalent_a to_o this_o faith_n be_v faith_n §_o 9_o the_o nine_o only_o direct_v our_o application_n of_o the_o two_o precede_a paragraph_n to_o the_o same_o purpose_n §_o 10._o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o ten_o be_v full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o those_o who_o be_v not_o scholar_n as_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v not_o can_v be_v satisfy_v d_o rational_o in_o those_o thing_n which_o require_v scholarship_n which_o since_o to_o be_v satisfy_v rational_o signify_v to_o know_v import_v thus_o much_o that_o those_o who_o can_v know_v can_v know_v and_o the_o second_o part_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o it_o be_v that_o that_o be_v not_o the_o way_n which_o multitude_n take_v &_o yet_o go_v wrong_v which_o since_o a_o way_n be_v that_o which_o be_v to_o carry_v one_o right_a be_v as_o palpable_o self-evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o a_o way_n be_v a_o way_n §_o 11._o the_o eleven_o which_o contain_v the_o main_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o only_a point_n have_v two_o part_n one_o that_o mankind_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o do_v for_o since_o both_o reason_n and_o experience_n tell_v we_o that_o sense_n in_o man_n be_v conveyer_n of_o outward_a impression_n to_o the_o know_v power_n shall_v impression_n upon_o those_o part_v not_o be_v convey_v thither_o they_o will_v in_o that_o case_n not_o be_v sensitive_a or_o animal_n and_o so_o no_o man_n and_o do_v they_o not_o perceive_v when_o such_o impression_n be_v convey_v as_o they_o ought_v they_o will_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o power_n receive_v knowledge_n by_o sense_n and_o so_o again_o no_o men._n so_o that_o this_o first_o part_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n be_v mankind_n and_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o §_o direct_o engage_v this_o identical_a proposition_n the_o same_n be_v the_o same_o with_o its_o self_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o be_v self-evident_a or_o immediate_o imply_v what_o be_v so_o §_o 12._o
the_o twelve_o have_v nothing_o new_a but_o what_o be_v build_v on_o this_o manifest_a truth_n none_o can_v be_v assure_v without_o mean_n to_o assure_v which_o since_o mean_v speak_v that_o by_o virtue_n of_o which_o as_o a_o necessary_a requisite_a a_o end_n s_o to_o be_v compass_v that_o be_v without_o which_o it_o can_v be_v compass_v amount_v to_o this_o self-evident_a truth_n that_o can_v be_v do_v which_o can_v be_v do_v §_o 13._o the_o thirteen_o have_v for_o its_o basis_n this_o undeniable_a verity_n it_o be_v presumable_a that_o they_o who_o constant_o maintain_v a_o tenet_n do_v hold_v the_o same_o tenet_n and_o judge_v it_o available_a to_o their_o cause_n or_o for_o their_o purpose_n and_o that_o they_o who_o write_v against_o it_o and_o vilify_v it_o do_v not_o hold_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n nor_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v available_a to_o their_o cause_n both_o which_o be_v perfect_o the_o same_o with_o this_o proposition_n which_o practice_n make_v self-evident_a man_n not_o frantic_a or_o in_o some_o high_a passion_n will_v not_o act_v direct_o against_o their_o own_o interest_n or_o to_o their_o own_o overthrow_n or_o too_o this_o which_o be_v self-evident_a speculative_o rational_a agent_n leave_v to_o their_o nature_n will_v act_v as_o they_o be_v that_o be_v rational_o the_o rest_n of_o this_o §_o be_v show_v to_o be_v self-evident_a in_o our_o discussion_n of_o the_o 11_o §_o 14._o the_o fourteen_o suppose_v the_o evidence_n of_o the_o 11_o 13_o and_o 10_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o clear_a truth_n they_o act_v irrational_o and_o unjustifiable_o who_o relinquish_v a_o rule_n infallibly-certain_a upon_o uncertain_a ground_n or_o that_o it_o be_v better_a to_o proceed_v upon_o certainty_n than_o uncertainty_n which_o nature_n teach_v all_o mankind_n §_o 15._o the_o fifteen_o contain_v these_o two_o truth_n for_o its_o supporter_n both_o of_o they_o self-evident_a practical_o that_o charge_n be_v irrational_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o a_o thing_n unknown_a to_o the_o accuser_n and_o that_o rational_a which_o be_v ground_v on_o matter_n of_o fact_n notorious_a to_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n §_o 16._o the_o sixteen_o subsist_v by_o virtue_n of_o this_o evident_a truth_n a_o universal_a change_n in_o matter_n both_o manifest_a to_o sense_n and_o most_o concern_v must_v needs_o be_v notorious_a which_o engage_v that_o principle_n man_n be_v sensitive_a or_o a_o animal_n whence_o this_o be_v a_o direct_a part_n of_o the_o definition_n of_o man_n it_o be_v consequent_o self-evident_a §_o 17._o the_o seventeen_o be_v reduce_v to_o this_o plain_a proposition_n men_n of_o reason_n can_v hold_v and_o own_v themselves_o and_o propose_v to_o other_o point_n most_o difficult_a to_o believe_v upon_o pretence_n that_o they_o come_v from_o christ_n and_o yet_o yield_v nor_o own_o any_o reason_n why_o they_o hold_v they_o come_v from_o christ_n or_o thus_o man_n either_o have_v or_o else_o yield_v no_o reason_n where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o both_o which_o come_v to_o this_o that_o he_o press_v necessity_n which_o be_v the_o most_o violent_a of_o cause_n &_o which_o in_o our_o case_n strain_v humane_a nature_n &_o if_o it_o act_n nor_o frustrate_v it_o of_o its_o end_n have_v no_o effect_n at_o all_o which_o destroy_v all_o causality_n and_o consequent_o all_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 18._o the_o eighteen_o be_v as_o plain_a as_o it_o be_v that_o mankind_n among_o which_o be_v in_o all_o age_n person_n of_o great_a wit_n &_o goodness_n in_o matter_n of_o high_a moment_n and_o which_o require_v the_o best_a and_o sure_a ground_n can_v continue_v to_o hold_v such_o thing_n and_o yet_o confess_v the_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o hold_v it_o naught_o and_o insufficient_a or_o upon_o second_o thought_n go_v about_o to_o settle_v a_o better_a palpable_o and_o direct_o contradict_v their_o own_o pretence_n which_o be_v to_o say_v where_o there_o be_v most_o need_n of_o reason_n man_n do_v not_o use_v it_o at_o all_o and_n since_o effect_n be_v not_o do_v without_o cause_n which_o in_o our_o case_n be_v motive_n and_o the_o great_a necessity_n be_v the_o most_o powerful_a of_o motive_n or_o cause_n if_o that_o move_v they_o not_o to_o act_v rational_o nothing_o will_v do_v it_o and_o so_o it_o imply_v by_o consequence_n the_o contradictory_n to_o this_o identical_a proposition_n rational_a agent_n be_v capable_a to_o act_v rational_o §_o 19_o the_o nineteen_o have_v the_o same_o basis_n with_o the_o 16_o and_o 17_o §_o 20._o the_o 20_o be_v mere_o this_o identical_a proposition_n dilate_a all_n in_o any_o kind_n be_v the_o universality_n or_o all_o in_o that_o kind_n §_o 21_o the_o twenty_o first_o and_o second_o be_v ground_v on_o those_o evident_a truth_n those_o who_o have_v mean_n to_o arrive_v at_o a_o end_n can_v arrive_v at_o that_o end_n and_o those_o who_o have_v not_o mean_n can_v and_o since_o mean_v speak_v that_o which_o make_v a_o end_n compassable_a they_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o whâ—â—â—câ—â—_n be_v do_v can_v be_v do_v and_o that_o which_o can_v can_v §_o 22._o the_o last_o paragraph_n suppose_v the_o foregoing_a one_o true_a be_v of_o the_o same_o strain_n and_o full_a as_o evident_a as_o it_o be_v that_o none_o can_v arrive_v at_o a_o end_n without_o what_o be_v necessary_a to_o arrive_v at_o that_o end_n or_o that_o that_o can_v be_v do_v which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v postscript_n have_v thus_o attempt_v to_o reduce_v the_o main_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o faith_n to_o first_o principle_n it_o be_v require_v of_o dr._n st._n that_o in_o maintain_v he_o he_o will_v not_o decline_v the_o same_o test_n this_o if_o he_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o undertake_v it_o will_v quick_o and_o evident_o appear_v on_o who_o side_n truth_n stand_v and_o this_o be_v mainfest_o his_o task_n who_o pretend_v to_o principle_n for_o he_o must_v either_o vouch_v those_o he_o produce_v to_o be_v first_o principle_n or_o reducible_a to_o the_o first_o else_o he_o must_v confess_v they_o to_o be_v none_o at_o all_o i_o have_v little_a hope_n he_o will_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o expose_v his_o discourse_n to_o this_o noon-day-evidence_n nor_o indeed_o will_v the_o genius_n of_o error_n endure_v such_o a_o trial_n as_o the_o go_n about_o to_o connect_v it_o with_o first_o and_o self-evident_a truth_n for_o what_o communication_n can_v that_o darkness_n have_v with_o this_o clear_a light_n and_o i_o conceive_v it_o be_v clearness_n of_o style_n that_o be_v a_o grammatical_a or_o rhetorical_a clearness_n and_o not_o a_o logical_a or_o rational_a one_o which_o consist_v in_o resolve_v his_o discourse_n into_o first_o principle_n that_o dr._n tillotson_n boast_o attribute_v to_o he_o in_o his_o sermon-preface_n for_o himself_o as_o be_v evident_a by_o his_o whole_a way_n of_o writing_n never_o dream_v of_o any_o other_o it_o be_v more_o to_o dr._n st_n purpose_n which_o be_v to_o keep_v thing_n from_o be_v understand_v to_o avoid_v by_o all_o mean_v this_o discover_v method_n and_o all_o argue_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whence_o he_o foresee_v no_o small_a danger_n of_o too_o great_a evidence_n be_v likely_a to_o spring_v and_o to_o lead_v his_o reader_n into_o a_o wilderness_n of_o word_n whole_a library_n of_o author_n where_o by_o his_o way_n of_o manage_v citation_n which_o be_v by_o criticise_v upon_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o phrase_n they_o may_v dance_v in_o the_o maze_n till_o they_o be_v weary_a i_o hear_v he_o be_v about_o this_o stratagem_n and_o that_o he_o aim_v out_o of_o some_o high_a expression_n of_o the_o father_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o selfsufficiency_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o prove_v the_o vselesness_n of_o the_o church_n to_o ascertain_v faith_n but_o alas_o how_o he_o will_v be_v defeat_v not_o one_o testimony_n of_o any_o authority_n will_v be_v find_v which_o come_v home_o to_o his_o purpose_n or_o prove_v that_o private_a man_n need_v not_o the_o church_n interpretation_n ere_o they_o can_v secure_o build_v their_o faith_n on_o it_o to_o save_v he_o therefore_o the_o labour_n of_o collect_v and_o print_v multitude_n of_o these_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o his_o reader_n from_o the_o fruitless_a toil_n of_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o impertinence_n i_o produce_v he_o one_o out_o of_o vincentius_n lirinensis_n worth_n thousand_o for_o it_o speak_v with_o as_o high_a reverence_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o its_o fullness_n perfection_n and_o selfsufficiency_n as_o any_o perhaps_o more_o and_o so_o he_o can_v not_o with_o any_o reason_n except_o against_o it_o and_o be_v intend_v purposely_o to_o speak_v to_o this_o point_n must_v needs_o be_v the_o most_o apposite_a decider_n of_o the_o question_n that_o can_v be_v not_o to_o add_v the_o acceptation_n and_o esteem_n that_o excellent_a treatise_n