Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n divine_a reason_n revelation_n 1,875 5 9.2536 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A67621 The natural fanatick, or, Reason consider'd in its extravagancy in religion and (in some late treatises) usurping the authority of the Church and councils by John Warly ... Warly, John, d. 1679. 1676 (1676) Wing W876; ESTC R15139 52,674 234

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of_o that_o which_o be_v debate_v this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o syllogism_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v less_o know_v by_o other_o which_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o medium_n which_o be_v a_o ingredient_n of_o both_o proposition_n be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o certain_a as_o a_o common_a notion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n depend_v on_o it_o which_o if_o mistake_v make_v the_o syllogism_n a_o fallacy_n suppose_v therefore_o the_o member_n of_o a_o council_n as_o so_o many_o scholastics_n argue_v they_o have_v no_o such_o common_a notion_n as_o philosopher_n have_v by_o which_o as_o media_fw-la they_o can_v draw_v conclusion_n although_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n can_v judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n viz._n it_o be_v impossible_a 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of_o faith_n the_o definition_n and_o conclusion_n of_o council_n thus_o hypothetical_o draw_v be_v not_o less_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v such_o see_v the_o antecedent_n of_o their_o proposition_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o who_o discourse_n have_v divine_a assistance_n in_o discern_v the_o connexion_n and_o infer_v the_o consequence_n now_o the_o connexion_n and_o sequel_n be_v true_a because_o of_o the_o divine_a direction_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v and_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v their_o truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n may_v discern_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o reason_n may_v be_v allow_v a_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n though_o not_o in_o all_o doubt_n which_o come_v under_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v this_o
be_v prove_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n which_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v delude_v his_o creature_n with_o a_o false_a draught_n of_o himself_o this_o argument_n be_v of_o so_o great_a force_n that_o i_o know_v none_o so_o cogent_a if_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o mind_n praedispose_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o truth_n but_o be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o beat_v the_o sceptic_a off_o his_o ground_n because_o the_o very_a sinew_n of_o this_o argument_n borrow_v their_o strength_n from_o a_o supposition_n one_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_o suppose_v viz._n his_o goodness_n before_o the_o reasoner_n can_v put_v himself_o in_o a_o capacity_n of_o argue_v however_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o supposition_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o certainty_n of_o find_v truth_n for_o to_o suppose_v falsity_n in_o some_o case_n be_v a_o sure_a way_n to_o find_v truth_n as_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o false_a in_o arithmetic_n but_o this_o method_n fail_v in_o this_o case_n for_o in_o those_o operation_n the_o supposition_n be_v raze_v out_o and_o lay_v by_o when_o the_o work_n be_v perfect_v but_o in_o this_o argument_n the_o supposition_n can_v never_o be_v lay_v aside_o for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n depend_v on_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n as_o know_v to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o impose_v on_o his_o creature_n which_o the_o sceptic_a will_v look_v on_o as_o but_o suppose_v if_o it_o be_v urge_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o former_a argument_n that_o reason_n conclude_v the_o be_v or_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o understand_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n by_o rule_n equal_o certain_a with_o those_o in_o the_o arithmatical_a instance_n see_v the_o soul_n faculty_n be_v as_o a_o standard_n by_o which_o it_o can_v measure_v the_o divine_a perfection_n and_o find_v what_o be_v goodness_n or_o wisdom_n in_o god_n by_o measure_v they_o with_o the_o notion_n or_o footstep_n of_o they_o leave_v in_o the_o mind_n the_o argument_n thus_o 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and_o extravagancy_n which_o be_v not_o tolerable_a in_o a_o guide_n that_o argument_n which_o be_v most_o obvious_a be_v draw_v from_o the_o admirable_a fabric_n of_o the_o world_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o have_v its_o due_a force_n when_o it_o meet_v with_o a_o ductile_a mind_n far_o remove_v from_o sceptical_a stiffness_n make_v so_o by_o a_o divine_a disposition_n for_o receive_v truth_n without_o which_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o conduct_v man_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o incline_v the_o mind_n to_o idolatry_n heathen_n practice_n be_v a_o undeniable_a evidence_n of_o this_o truth_n for_o it_o may_v be_v a_o reasonable_a conjecture_n that_o idolatry_n take_v its_o rise_n from_o the_o gross_a consideration_n of_o wisdom_n and_o power_n which_o appear_v in_o the_o lovely_a frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o afterward_o this_o power_n be_v divide_v and_o subdivide_v into_o several_a rank_n of_o god_n and_o semigod_n that_o the_o whole_a 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which_o orpheus_n give_v of_o that_o idolise_v name_n in_o another_o place_n further_o to_o be_v consider_v but_o see_v this_o way_n of_o argument_n from_o practice_n may_v not_o appear_v so_o convince_a as_o that_o of_o theory_n because_o all_o do_v not_o tread_v the_o same_o step_n with_o equal_a success_n and_o the_o question_n be_v not_o what_o knowledge_n of_o god_n have_v be_v but_o what_o may_v be_v learn_v from_o the_o creation_n to_o this_o demand_n a_o short_a answer_n may_v be_v return_v when_o a_o man_n take_v a_o serious_a prospect_n of_o the_o world_n one_o of_o these_o thought_n will_v arise_v either_o that_o it_o have_v a_o beginning_n of_o itself_o or_o that_o it_o be_v the_o work_n of_o some_o architect_n if_o he_o be_v inclinable_a to_o allow_v the_o former_a all_o that_o reason_n can_v do_v in_o order_n to_o his_o conviction_n be_v to_o show_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v be_v its_o own_o cause_n or_o maker_n this_o prove_v can_v only_o remove_v 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say_v that_o he_o who_o deny_v that_o a_o fabric_n can_v raise_v itself_o tacit_o imply_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o be_v of_o some_o builder_n this_o grant_v will_v not_o relieve_v the_o idiot_n for_o the_o builder_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o say_v to_o be_v know_v by_o he_o than_o under_o the_o general_a notion_n of_o a_o cause_n now_o who_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o man_n understand_v what_o a_o architect_n be_v and_o what_o kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n give_v he_o that_o name_n who_o have_v only_o a_o general_a notion_n of_o he_o by_o which_o he_o call_v he_o the_o cause_n of_o a_o house_n which_o description_n be_v so_o rude_a that_o it_o can_v be_v allow_v except_o logic_n can_v justify_v it_o by_o term_n of_o art_n unknown_a to_o the_o idiot_n however_o it_o can_v acquit_v he_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o gross_a ignorance_n which_o will_v appear_v great_a when_o he_o consider_v the_o nice_a operation_n of_o nature_n for_o if_o creature_n be_v look_v upon_o which_o be_v most_o expose_v to_o common_a view_n nature_n sit_v in_o they_o as_o on_o the_o stage_n it_o be_v but_o little_a and_o that_o conjectural_a knowledge_n he_o can_v pretend_v to_o let_v the_o heavenly_a body_n be_v a_o instance_n to_o prove_v man_n ignorance_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o influence_n who_o will_v pretend_v to_o know_v except_o from_o astrologer_n as_o ignorant_a as_o bold_a for_o what_o design_n the_o heaven_n so_o regular_o muster_v their_o force_n till_o the_o event_n show_v it_o or_o to_o determine_v what_o dependence_n the_o world_n have_v on_o some_o of_o the_o star_n and_o positive_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o world_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o frame_n with_o this_o of_o which_o man_n be_v inhabitant_n now_o if_o man_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o dependence_n
infallible_a in_o define_v matter_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o council_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o eyesight_n alter_v in_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v deny_v any_o alteration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o infallible_a in_o a_o council_n thus_o make_v the_o private_a reasoner_n and_o rational_a member_n of_o a_o council_n to_o discover_v truth_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o mere_a natural_a sight_n the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_o he_o conclude_v they_o equal_o infallible_a this_o project_n be_v build_v on_o a_o weak_a foundation_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o consider_v the_o unaptness_n or_o indisposition_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o religious_a debate_n which_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o vain_a attempt_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o frequent_a act_n which_o make_v a_o habit_n to_o facilitate_v knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n for_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n after_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o endeavour_n to_o improve_v its_o understanding_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o or_o dependent_a on_o some_o power_n beside_o its_o own_o which_o must_v help_v it_o as_o well_o as_o bring_v the_o object_n nigh_o for_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v improve_v we_o must_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o the_o believer_n soul_n must_v have_v divine_a aid_n or_o assistance_n either_o mediate_v or_o immediate_a in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v call_v grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o dispose_v the_o organ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o mad_a man_n and_o those_o which_o be_v fool_n only_o by_o a_o bodily_a defect_n which_o render_v those_o part_n useless_a which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o function_n it_o be_v more_o than_o bring_v the_o object_n nigh_o logician_n which_o be_v only_o a_o hard_a name_n for_o rational_a man_n say_v there_o be_v potentia_fw-la prima_fw-la which_o render_v a_o blind_a man_n as_o capable_a of_o see_v if_o the_o organ_n be_v well_o dispose_v as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o perfect_a sight_n and_o those_o who_o say_v all_o soul_n be_v equal_a conclude_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o organ_n if_o a_o man_n after_o the_o utmost_a of_o industry_n join_v with_o advantage_n be_v a_o fool_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o of_o the_o great_a sophy_n this_o instance_n will_v agree_v with_o the_o reasoner_n case_n who_o will_v allow_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fool_n but_o on_o his_o own_o default_n wherefore_o he_o stretch_v the_o interpretation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v the_o sensual_a man_n which_o can_v be_v allow_v for_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o debauch_a epicure_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v assure_v of_o find_v truth_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n sensuality_n according_a to_o his_o assertion_n be_v remove_v what_o can_v hinder_v for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v and_o the_o object_n high_a the_o the_o eye_n can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o discern_v spiritual_a truth_n for_o the_o most_o sober_a heathen_n heave_v complain_v they_o be_v in_o darkness_n quancum_fw-la mortalia_fw-la caecae_fw-la pectora_fw-la noctis_fw-la habent_fw-la the_o natural_a frame_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n occasion_v this_o invincible_a ignorance_n which_o may_v be_v so_o call_v see_v it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o humane_a art_n or_o industry_n any_o more_o than_o a_o mad_a man_n can_v 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withdraw_v some_o perfection_n or_o at_o least_o his_o grace_n or_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a for_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o religious_a debate_n than_o the_o concourse_n of_o providence_n which_o hinder_v the_o world_n from_o turn_v to_o its_o first_o nothing_o the_o former_a opinion_n can_v be_v allow_v the_o late_a if_o grant_v will_v serve_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v as_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v and_o can_v make_v the_o soul_n less_o perfect_a by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n he_o can_v and_o do_v improve_v it_o by_o supply_n of_o the_o same_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v although_o it_o may_v seem_v obscure_a if_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o reasoner_n who_o perhaps_o will_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o the_o word_n grace_n as_o he_o be_v with_o the_o word_n schism_n which_o demur_n will_v soon_o be_v remove_v if_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o divine_a assistance_n which_o perfect_v the_o understanding_n although_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v do_v can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o conjectural_o express_v for_o the_o strict_a reasoner_n say_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a what_o be_v and_z how_o be_v not_o and_o not_o to_o hinder_v assent_n wherefore_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o examine_v strict_o the_o manner_n any_o more_o than_o when_o we_o take_v it_o grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n can_v act_v on_o matter_n though_o the_o invention_n can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n if_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n do_v only_o excite_v notion_n in_o the_o mind_n not_o only_o by_o proposal_n of_o object_n nigh_o but_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v its_o assent_n without_o which_o these_o notion_n or_o conclusion_n will_v have_v be_v dormant_a or_o at_o least_o doubtful_o entertain_v by_o mere_a reason_n follow_v its_o own_o conduct_n before_o i_o dispatch_v this_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v what_o may_v be_v object_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n viz._n if_o adam_n in_o his_o pure_a natural_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o can_v have_v assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o other_o assistance_n than_o the_o bare_a proposal_n of_o they_o with_o appeal_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n lay_v aside_o sensuality_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n without_o strain_v cabalistical_a divinity_n which_o call_v it_o forbid_v fruit_n so_o his_o posterity_n may_v be_v abstract_v their_o thought_n from_o sensual_a object_n arrive_v at_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o perfection_n this_o grant_v which_o can_v be_v will_v not_o qualify_v the_o reasoner_n for_o christian_a belief_n for_o can_v he_o suppose_v himself_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n with_o which_o innocency_n be_v invest_v he_o will_v be_v but_o a_o viator_n as_o the_o school_n say_v more_o imperfect_a than_o the_o christian_n not_o a_o comprehensor_fw-la of_o matter_n of_o faith_n some_o scholastics_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o adam_n have_v of_o god_n at_o least_o as_o triunus_fw-la be_v pure_o natural_a that_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v it_o infuse_v for_o this_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n undec_fw-la de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la litter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o protoplast_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o adam_n
own_o principle_n and_o when_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v because_o reason_n be_v inform_v by_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o religious_a mystery_n yet_o that_o assent_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n instead_o of_o evidence_n divert_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o their_o usual_a method_n be_v enough_o to_o assert_v reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v way_n for_o a_o cavil_v complaint_n that_o the_o divine_a determination_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o faculty_n whilst_o thus_o divert_v from_o their_o usual_a method_n for_o the_o divine_a concourse_n which_o determine_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v violence_n than_o the_o mathematician_n information_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n can_v be_v call_v compulsion_n when_o he_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o pass_v true_a sentence_n which_o he_o without_o the_o artist_n can_v not_o have_v pronounce_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o matter_n of_o belief_n be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v for_o faith_n take_v its_o name_n from_o persuasion_n which_o be_v not_o always_o beget_v by_o demonstration_n and_o from_o assent_n more_o than_o from_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o divine_a method_n have_v several_a way_n to_o command_v belief_n sometime_o it_o make_v a_o extempore_o convert_v grace_n work_v effectual_o in_o a_o moment_n sometime_o it_o operate_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o man_n life_n to_o perfect_v the_o work_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o their_o assent_n be_v terminate_v in_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o divine_a determination_n which_o make_v the_o will_n like_o the_o loadstone_n which_o instance_n be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o reconciler_n which_o will_v certain_o conduct_v the_o mariner_n though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v direct_v whether_o by_o a_o materia_fw-la subtilis_fw-la pass_v through_o the_o pole_n of_o this_o low_a vortex_n or_o any_o other_o mysterious_a way_n of_o nature_n to_o speak_v all_o if_o sail_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o pilot_n can_v demonstrate_v its_o infallible_a direction_n from_o its_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v unknown_a and_o the_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la will_v take_v more_o room_n in_o the_o map_n than_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v until_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v explain_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v pass_v as_o infidel_n thus_o far_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a sight_n have_v be_v discover_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o reconciler_n who_o urge_v belief_n as_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n by_o which_o if_o he_o only_o understand_v a_o rational_a choice_n exclude_v grace_n the_o former_a discourse_n will_v equal_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o the_o reasoner_n for_o if_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a prudence_n must_v necessary_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o its_o content_n be_v such_o as_o will_v command_v assent_n from_o the_o reasonable_a man_n he_o shut_v out_o grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o sufficient_a and_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o athanasius_n cyril_n and_o other_o holy_a father_n it_o be_v to_o show_v they_o be_v self-sufficient_a without_o the_o subsidy_n of_o tradition_n not_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n for_o although_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o proposal_n of_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o infidel_n as_o imprudent_a yet_o this_o condemnation_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v only_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o petition_v for_o grace_n and_o oppose_v it_o when_o offer_v to_o help_v unbelief_n do_v adjust_a the_o severity_n of_o that_o say_n he_o who_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v natural_a prudence_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o the_o embrace_a christian_a religion_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o aristotle_n sense_n who_o define_v it_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o practice_n lib._n sexto_fw-la ethicor._fw-la ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prudence_n thus_o define_v can_v have_v no_o place_n as_o antecedent_n to_o belief_n because_o that_o mere_a reason_n in_o several_a case_n can_v judge_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o therefore_o will_v demur_v at_o some_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o happiness_n such_o as_o be_v self-denial_n and_o other_o injunction_n which_o natural_a prudence_n will_v not_o choose_v if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o subsequent_a to_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o practice_n and_o what_o be_v evil_a for_o duty_n in_o religion_n be_v indispensable_o enjoin_v which_o destroy_v consultation_n which_o denominate_v a_o man_n prudent_a i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o christ_n decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o rank_v the_o prudent_a man_n in_o this_o sense_n not_o so_o wise_a as_o a_o babe_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o better_a sense_n divine_a direction_n and_o concourse_n be_v suppose_v as_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o may_v challenge_v the_o etymology_n which_o aristotle_n give_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n add_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n that_o a_o prudential_n choice_n of_o religion_n suppose_v it_o and_o its_o reward_n too_o to_o be_v expose_v as_o a_o prize_n not_o in_o the_o apostlical_a sense_n so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o great_a stock_n of_o prudence_n must_v pass_v as_o most_o religious_a when_o he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o be_v esteem_v a_o reprobate_n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n see_v our_o eyesight_n need_v alteration_n and_o itself_o be_v indispose_v the_o believer_n do_v safe_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a philosopher_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o truth_n but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n who_o say_v we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n as_o safe_o trust_v other_o as_o ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n sext._n ethic._n ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la so_o far_o as_o man_n follow_v a_o unerring_a conduct_n so_o far_o they_o be_v infallible_a though_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o leader_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o single_a person_n but_o the_o follow_a disquisition_n consider_v it_o in_o a_o multitude_n or_o a_o assembly_n as_o it_o attend_v their_o sacred_a vote_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v more_o infallible_a than_o when_o as_o a_o monarch_n it_o assert_v its_o seem_a privilege_n by_o renounce_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v nature_n afford_v rely_v on_o private_a evidence_n which_o also_o be_v suppose_v in_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o a_o council_n therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o examine_v whether_o reason_n only_o enlighten_v by_o apprehend_v the_o story_n and_o content_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o as_o judge_n and_o the_o last_o determiner_n of_o controversy_n so_o as_o it_o can_v pass_v infallible_a judgement_n on_o proposition_n offer_v as_o revelation_n and_o whether_o the_o fallibility_n of_o some_o council_n render_v all_o so_o suspicious_a that_o the_o christian_a can_v safe_o rely_v on_o conciliary_a definition_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o inquiry_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a for_o by_o infinuate_v that_o all_o council_n be_v fallible_a he_o presume_v he_o may_v as_o well_o appeal_v to_o a_o fallible_a self_n as_o a_o fallible_a multitude_n but_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v check_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o these_o proposition_n general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o all_o have_v be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v grant_v it_o will_v destroy_v the_o certainty_n
miracle_n be_v work_n which_o exceed_v mere_a natural_a power_n or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o what_o not_o but_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o high_a mystery_n this_o assertion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v check_v by_o a_o instance_n in_o conciliary_a proceed_n in_o discern_a canonical_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o apocryphal_a or_o any_o false_o so_o call_v in_o which_o judgement_n be_v pass_v by_o mere_a rational_a evidence_n whilst_o it_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o content_n this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o though_o the_o content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a characteristic_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o which_o be_v not_o canonical_a when_o there_o be_v any_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n concern_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o canon_n appeal_n be_v not_o make_v to_o mere_a reason_n to_o judge_n of_o its_o content_n any_o further_a than_o by_o comparison_n of_o they_o with_o those_o of_o other_o book_n which_o be_v receive_v without_o any_o controversy_n it_o be_v the_o council_n business_n to_o argue_v as_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n conclude_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n deduction_n of_o reason_n artic._n 21_o which_o admit_v of_o this_o limitation_n or_o rather_o interpretation_n that_o though_o reason_n draw_v the_o conclussion_n yet_o their_o truth_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o a_o bare_a congruity_n to_o it_o but_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o the_o most_o free_a and_o unbiased_a council_n and_o so_o much_o of_o its_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o jewish_a catalogue_n and_o by_o several_a other_o rule_n which_o be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v gold_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o base_a metal_n to_o speak_v all_o conciliary_a discussion_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o inquire_v how_o revelation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o revelation_n and_o what_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v compare_v one_o text_n with_o another_o till_o they_o agree_v which_o consent_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o truth_n however_o it_o be_v scarce_o probable_a that_o the_o reasoner_n will_v be_v persuade_v or_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o pretend_a private_a infallibility_n whilst_o he_o conclude_v every_o individual_a man_n may_v proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o council_n do_v because_o each_o rational_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o draw_v conclusion_n by_o analogy_n or_o compare_v the_o several_a content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o reasonable_a man_n be_v natural_o qualify_v to_o find_v truth_n yet_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a foundation_n on_o which_o infallibility_n can_v rest_v be_v not_o to_o a_o single_a person_n those_o natural_a qualification_n can_v assure_v they_o of_o find_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o reasoner_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o urge_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o former_a assertion_n do_v take_v the_o privilege_n from_o every_o private_a person_n so_o that_o in_o any_o case_n he_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n may_v be_v safe_o maintain_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o private_a person_n who_o be_v know_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n which_o must_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o pass_v judgement_n in_o particular_a case_n for_o they_o may_v not_o appeal_v from_o synod_n to_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o because_o truth_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o council_n and_o there_o be_v rule_n of_o find_v it_o if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v whether_o a_o private_a person_n who_o have_v neither_o learning_n or_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o salvation_n as_o this_o propose_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n so_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v dubious_o return_v however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o any_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o be_v a_o know_a member_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o pastor_n be_v as_o mouth_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o suppose_v a_o christian_a so_o unfortunate_o among_o the_o infidel_n place_v that_o he_o can_v have_v access_n to_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o propose_v another_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v time_n though_o nothingmore_o can_v be_v want_v whilst_o christ_n be_v with_o he_o do_v give_v assent_n to_o all_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n by_o faith_n as_o explicit_a as_o be_v require_v of_o other_o christian_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o more_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o will_v help_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o other_o doubt_n the_o manner_n of_o conciliary_a proceed_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o mere_a reasoner_n for_o such_o debate_n in_o he_o next_o place_n the_o necessity_n of_o council_n shall_v be_v prove_v by_o which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v such_o sacred_a assembly_n be_v necessary_a though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n for_o some_o age_n pass_v without_o they_o for_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n require_v such_o supply_n to_o imagine_v it_o can_v always_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o conclude_v it_o exempt_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a and_o independent_a as_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o lead_v it_o and_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o former_a can_v be_v grant_v for_o heresy_n must_v be_v and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o great_a necessity_n of_o their_o condemnation_n the_o latter_a can_v be_v allow_v for_o as_o it_o intrenche_n on_o the_o divine_a dominion_n so_o it_o do_v equalise_v the_o church_n militant_a with_o the_o triumphant_a who_o great_a trimuph_n be_v our_o error_n this_o necessity_n of_o council_n be_v confirm_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o different_a opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o equal_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a and_o render_v his_o will_n so_o indifferent_a that_o he_o know_v not_o to_o which_o part_n to_o incline_v till_o determine_v by_o authority_n it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o meet_v with_o two_o opinion_n in_o other_o case_n which_o plead_v for_o themselves_o with_o such_o equal_a probability_n that_o the_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n will_v rather_o suspend_v its_o belief_n than_o give_v assent_v to_o either_o neither_o let_v it_o appear_v a_o prodigy_n if_o religion_n afford_v such_o case_n as_o will_v render_v its_o proselyte_n or_o professor_n sceptical_o puzzle_v without_o a_o more_o infallible_a guide_n than_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o case_n the_o wise_a man_n do_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o a_o sect_n or_o council_n of_o philosopher_n to_o be_v vmpire_n in_o dubious_a matter_n this_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o most_o fame_a sophy_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a debate_n for_o a_o single_a person_n may_v be_v qualify_v for_o find_v truth_n in_o philosophy_n with_o such_o certainty_n as_o may_v vie_v with_o the_o numerous_a sect_n but_o no_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v pretend_v to_o that_o cretainty_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v in_o council_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o man_n may_v be_v master_n of_o more_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o one_o walk_v library_n more_o valuable_a than_o a_o vatican_n but_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v so_o monastical_a as_o to_o live_v in_o solitude_n or_o a_o single_a person_n beside_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v the_o same_o assurance_n of_o a_o true_a conduct_n in_o their_o doubt_n by_o reason_n which_o the_o council_n have_v by_o divine_a supply_n he_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a