faith_n vindicated_n from_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n or_o the_o immovable_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o motive_n to_o christian_a faith_n asserted_n against_o that_o tenet_n which_o deny_v infallibility_n of_o authority_n subvert_v its_o foundation_n and_o render_v it_o uncertain_a desistes_fw-la adversus_fw-la alios_fw-la dicere_fw-la caeterùm_fw-la ita_fw-la pro_fw-la veritate_fw-la loquêris_fw-la ut_fw-la ea_fw-la quae_fw-la dicuntur_fw-la argui_fw-la refellique_n non_fw-la possint_fw-la dionys._n areopag_n epist._n 6._o louvain_n a._n d._n mdclxvii_o introduction_n though_o nothing_o be_v more_o natural_a than_o that_o all_o who_o deny_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v deny_v also_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n itself_o since_o the_o certainty_n of_o this_o late_a depend_v on_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o former_a and_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o conclusion_n shall_v be_v hold_v certain_a unless_o the_o premise_n be_v hold_v so_o too_o yet_o the_o conceit_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o call_v themselv'_v faithful_a or_o christian_n have_v of_o their_o faith_n and_o consequent_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o assent_n be_v such_o that_o nothing_o can_v sound_v more_o horrid_o and_o blasphemous_o to_o their_o ear_n than_o blunt_o and_o without_o disguise_n to_o say_v that_o all_o their_o faith_n may_v possible_o be_v a_o lie_n for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v absolute_o know_v for_o a_o certain_a goodness_n of_o rational_a nature_n have_v fix_v this_o apprehension_n in_o they_o that_o since_o the_o world_n be_v make_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n it_o be_v unsuitable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o providence_n which_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o mean_n of_o certainty_n for_o our_o inferior_a concern_v that_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o eternity_n depend_v shall_v fall_v short_a of_o that_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o of_o strength_n and_o efficacy_n to_o move_v &_o carry_v we_o on_o to_o a_o steady_a pursuit_n of_o that_o great_a and_o in_o comparison_n only_a interest_n notwithstanding_o so_o unresistible_a be_v the_o force_n of_o this_o evident_a truth_n that_o whoever_o have_v desert_v the_o catholic_n church_n and_o her_o rule_n of_o faith_n tradition_n can_v have_v no_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v indeed_o no_o true_a faith_n for_o that_o true_o be_v faith_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o use_v the_o word_n mean_v by_o it_o that_o the_o more_o intelligent_a among_o they_o conscious_a of_o the_o manifest_a weakness_n of_o their_o ground_n be_v necessitate_v in_o their_o controversy_n when_o they_o shall_v defend_v their_o faith_n in_o plain_a term_n to_o disgrace_n and_o betray_v it_o choose_v rather_o candid_o to_o confess_v it_o to_o be_v all_o a_o possible_a falsehood_n than_o to_o undertake_v that_o impossible_a performance_n to_o maintain_v that_o it_o be_v a_o absolute_a truth_n i_o can_v resemble_v this_o natural_a conceit_n of_o the_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o faith_n inbred_a as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o have_v have_v even_o a_o glimmer_n of_o christianity_n to_o any_o thing_n so_o well_o as_o to_o the_o apprehension_n the_o former_a world_n have_v of_o a_o godhead_n for_o as_o natural_a instinct_n force_v those_o who_o have_v not_o light_a to_o know_v the_o true_a god_n to_o affix_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o some_o false_a one_o as_o some_o eminent_a hero_n the_o sun_n thunder_n fire_n nay_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o ridiculous_a but_o they_o will_v make_v a_o god_n of_o it_o rather_o than_o forgo_v the_o tenet_n of_o a_o sovereign_a power_n so_o deep_o root_v in_o they_o by_o nature_n so_o our_o modern_a misbeliever_n rather_o than_o they_o will_v relinquish_v their_o opinion_n that_o faith_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o way_n to_o heaven_n be_v absolutely-certain_a spring_v natural_o from_o the_o conceit_n they_o have_v that_o god_n have_v a_o providence_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n choose_v to_o misplace_v the_o notion_n of_o the_o certain_a mean_n to_o know_v god_n will_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o most_o unlikely_a thing_n imaginable_a as_o in_o a_o ridiculous_a whimsy_n of_o fancy_n little_o better_o than_o a_o dream_n nay_o sometime_o in_o a_o dream_n itself_o or_o in_o the_o motion_n of_o some_o hypocondriacal_a vapour_n as_o do_v the_o fanatic_n other_o in_o other_o thing_n seem_o wise_a as_o in_o their_o opinion_n of_o some_o man_n they_o esteem_v good_a and_o learned_a in_o mere_o their_o be_v educate_v thus_o by_o parent_n who_o confess_v they_o have_v relinquish_v what_o themselves_o have_v be_v educate_v to_o in_o interpretation_n of_o word_n by_o grammatical_a skill_n which_o be_v write_v long_o ago_o and_o in_o dogmatical_a point_n where_o every_o word_n be_v capable_a of_o equivocalness_n nay_o which_o be_v indeed_o as_o mad_a as_o the_o most_o extatick_a of_o they_o all_o to_o affirm_v that_o such_o word_n be_v so_o plain_a to_o every_o reader_n that_o none_o can_v miss_v the_o right_a sense_n of_o they_o all_o which_o though_o plain_o confute_v by_o this_o principle_n which_o nature_n teach_v the_o rude_a that_o that_o can_v never_o be_v a_o way_n which_o many_o follow_v to_o their_o power_n and_o yet_o the_o great_a part_n be_v mislead_v join_v to_o their_o plain_a experience_n that_o many_o follower_n of_o these_o way_n exceed_o differ_v yet_o so_o prevalent_a be_v the_o force_n of_o the_o other_o truth_n that_o they_o will_v wink_v at_o this_o late_a to_o embrace_v that_o insomuch_o that_o none_o of_o those_o i_o except_a seeker_n by_o what_o name_n soever_o they_o be_v call_v as_o not_o be_v pretender_n to_o faith_n but_o be_v they_o ask_v whether_o they_o be_v not_o as_o certain_a of_o their_o faith_n as_o that_o they_o live_v will_v ready_o and_o hearty_o answer_v affirmative_o i_o mean_v those_o of_o every_o sort_n who_o follow_v mere_o the_o guidance_n of_o uncorrupted_a nature_n in_o this_o affair_n notwithstanding_o as_o in_o the_o pa_n begin_v world_n there_o be_v find_v many_o witty_a man_n who_o out_o of_o unacquaintance_n with_o the_o true_a godhead_n and_o the_o unworthiness_n of_o the_o false_a god_n then_o in_o vogue_n or_o out_o of_o a_o conceit_n of_o many_o misgovernment_n in_o the_o world_n speculate_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o natural_a notion_n and_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v absolute_o there_o be_v any_o god_n at_o all_o so_o it_o happen_v that_o among_o those_o who_o have_v desert_v the_o catholic_n church_n there_o be_v find_v diverse_a man_n of_o speculative_a and_o search_a brain_n who_o out_o of_o unacquaintance_n with_o or_o at_o least_o their_o slight_o penetrate_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o catholic_n rule_n of_o faith_n the_o live_a voice_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o church_n or_o tradition_n and_o withal_o see_v the_o vanity_n and_o manifest_a inability_n of_o their_o own_o pretend_a rule_n to_o ascertain_v they_o absolute_o their_o faith_n be_v true_a join_v with_o the_o experience_a disagreement_n in_o faith_n among_o diverse_a pretender_n to_o it_o will_v speculate_v themselves_o out_o of_o their_o natural_a christianity_n and_o deny_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n at_o all_o of_o faith_n or_o the_o way_n to_o salvation_n content_v themselves_o with_o a_o probability_n in_o the_o ground_n it_o be_v build_v on_o miscall_v by_o they_o moral_a certainty_n confess_o consistent_a with_o a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o kind_n of_o ground_n permit_v that_o perhaps_o all_o may_v chance_v to_o be_v show_v to_o morrow_n a_o mere_a illusion_n and_o a_o bold_a lie_n and_o all_o the_o christian_a world_n hitherto_o to_o have_v be_v possible_o lead_v by_o the_o nose_n by_o a_o false_a impostùre_n nay_o to_o have_v hold_v that_o imposture_n most_o sacred_a and_o prefer_v the_o adhere_n to_o it_o before_o all_o the_o good_n life_n or_o nature_n can_v bestow_v how_o near_o this_o wicked_a tenet_n approach_v to_o atheism_n appear_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o godhead_n to_o deny_v that_o in_o proper_a speech_n we_o know_v he_o or_o the_o way_n to_o he_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a position_n of_o those_o who_o put_v a_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n in_o faith_n since_o none_o can_v true_o be_v say_v to_o know_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o he_o see_v and_o acknowledge_v may_v not_o be_v true_a at_o the_o same_o time_n this_o seed_n of_o infidelity_n sow_v when_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v renounce_v first_o dare_v to_o appear_v public_o above_o ground_n in_o the_o write_n of_o mr._n chillingworth_n and_o the_o l._n falkland_n and_o though_o have_v it_o be_v propose_v barefaced_a in_o another_o occasion_n it_o can_v have_v hope_v for_o no_o welcome_a reception_n even_o among_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o protestant_n themselves_z who_o be_v make_v believe_v ever_o since_o their_o break_v from_o the_o church_n their_o faith_n
of_o the_o mysterye_n themselves_o exceed_o enhaunce_v the_o other_o it_o be_v manifest_a there_o will_v be_v a_o high_a disadvantage_n on_o faith_n side_n nay_o grant_v a_o pretty_a high_a probability_n which_o be_v perhaps_o as_o much_o as_o they_o care_v for_o yet_o the_o notone_o improbability_n but_o seeming-impossibility_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n if_o take_v not_o as_o stand_n under_o authority_n but_o as_o object_n of_o our_o humane_a reason_n as_o in_o this_o counterballancing_a case_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v will_v quite_o overpoise_v the_o probable_a motive_n and_o incline_v the_o soul_n strong_o towards_o dissent_n unless_o interest_n custom_n or_o some_o other_o affection_n come_v in_o to_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o weak_a motive_n print_v it_o in_o a_o big_a letter_n and_o diminish_v the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o object_n by_o not_o let_v it_o be_v consider_v or_o penetrate_v that_o be_v by_o hinder_v the_o work_n of_o right_a reason_n now_o in_o this_o case_n if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v a_o protestant_n may_v with_o a_o safe_a conscience_n lay_v odds_o and_o wager_v two_o to_o one_o at_o least_o his_o faith_n be_v all_o a_o falsehood_n a_o strange_a impiety_n but_o yet_o the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o that_o impious_a tenet_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o this_o be_v the_o genuine_a sequel_n of_o deny_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n §_o 10._o the_o same_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o martyr_n and_o the_o proper_a signification_n of_o that_o word_n which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o witness_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o his_o circumstance_n of_o all_o witness_n the_o most_o solemn_a and_o serious_a and_o the_o perfect_a under_o that_o notion_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v as_o engage_v not_o only_a his_o word_n but_o his_o life_n and_o dear_a blood_n for_o what_o he_o testify_v now_o all_o witness_v or_o attestation_n be_v most_o evident_o of_o what_o the_o witnesser_n know_v to_o be_v true_a and_o nothing_o sound_v more_o unnatural_o or_o be_v more_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o kind_n of_o action_n than_o to_o have_v a_o likelihood_n for_o its_o object_n or_o to_o witness_v what_o he_o know_v not_o as_o will_v appear_v by_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o it_o in_o all_o other_o occasion_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o martyr_n or_o witness_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o christ_n faith_n must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v more_o than_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a than_o that_o one_o can_v know_v what_o be_v not_o impossible_a not_o to_o be_v true_a or_o to_o be_v false_a §_o 11._o no_o less_o unnatural_o will_v it_o false_a sound_v shall_v we_o gather_v together_o and_o make_v use_n of_o all_o the_o equivalent_a speech_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a such_o as_o be_v there_o be_v no_o certain_a way_n to_o heaven_n no_o man_n know_v there_o be_v a_o heaven_n a_o hell_n a_o jesus_n christ_n a_o trinity_n etc._n etc._n no_o man_n see_v any_o reason_n secure_v faith_n from_o be_v a_o lie_n the_o ground_n of_o all_o our_o hope_n be_v unstable_a and_o may_v be_v overthrow_v absolute_o speak_v it_o may_v be_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o that_o which_o christian_n be_v to_o profess_v and_o aught_o to_o die_v for_o it_o may_v be_v point_n of_o faith_n be_v so_o many_o lie_v and_o false_a as_o so_o many_o oldwife_n tale_n the_o light_n of_o faith_n may_v be_v spiritual_a darkness_n and_o error_n what_o we_o hold_v to_o come_v from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o truth_n may_v perhaps_o come_v from_o the_o devil_n the_o author_n of_o all_o lie_n all_o our_o supernatural_a truth_n may_v be_v diabolical_a falsehood_n faith_n have_v no_o principle_n the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o truth_n but_o likelihood_n only_o these_o and_o innumerable_a such_o other_o be_v all_o equivalent_a periphrasis_n to_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o in_o this_o treatise_n have_v be_v manifest_v but_o how_o horrid_a and_o blasphemous_a needs_o no_o proof_n but_o thebare_a rehearse_n of_o they_o §_o 12._o from_o the_o language_n and_o practice_n faith_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a profess_v faith_n we_o come_v next_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o wit_n of_o christianity_n not_o proceed_v as_o speculater_n and_o scholar_n a_o most_o trifle_a impertinent_a topick_n when_o we_o be_v speak_v of_o faith_n yet_o most_o frequent_o use_v by_o our_o adversary_n especial_o mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o mr._n pool_n who_o be_v obstinate_o bend_v to_o practice_v that_o wilful_a mistake_n but_o as_o christian_n or_o faithful_a and_o this_o not_o only_o act_v or_o speak_v in_o abstraction_n from_o humane_a knowledge_n but_o as_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o it_o and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o defiance_n and_o despite_n of_o it_o now_o with_o these_o intelligent_a person_n it_o be_v very_o solemn_a after_o by_o penetrate_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n they_o have_v come_v to_o embrace_v faith_n itself_o immediate_o to_o discard_v &_o renounce_v all_o tenet_n opposite_a to_o the_o say_a faith_n how_o certain_a soever_o they_o hold_v they_o former_o nay_o to_o stand_v with_o a_o mind_n prepare_v to_o disassent_v to_o anypiece_n of_o humane_a learning_n how_o scientifical_a soever_o it_o look_v which_o they_o see_v evident_o to_o thwart_v any_o of_o those_o believe_v truth_n make_v account_n it_o be_v their_o duty_n captivare_fw-la intellectum_fw-la in_o obsequium_fw-la fidei_fw-la to_o captivate_v their_o understanding_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n or_o to_o yield_v they_o total_o up_o by_o a_o absolute_a and_o perfect_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o mystery_n and_o not_o to_o heed_n or_o credit_v any_o objection_n or_o proposal_n of_o humane_a reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a when_o once_o the_o stable_n and_o immovable_a ground_n or_o motive_n of_o divine_a belief_n that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n have_v subdue_v their_o judgement_n to_o that_o invincible_a assent_n but_o to_o rest_v well_o assure_v that_o all_o reason_n be_v fallacious_a and_o all_o position_n false_a which_o go_v against_o those_o sacred_a and_o establish_v truth_n this_o be_v ever_o their_o unanimous_a and_o constant_a profession_n particular_o the_o father_n be_v full_a of_o expression_n of_o that_o kind_n a_o evident_a argument_n that_o as_o christian_n they_o ever_o hold_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o otherwise_o they_o have_v be_v oblige_v by_o honesty_n and_o their_o love_n of_o truth_n not_o to_o have_v so_o ready_o reject_v their_o formerly-conceited_n truth_n nor_o to_o have_v stop_v their_o ear_n so_o obstinate_o to_o new_a reason_n against_o faith_n but_o as_o long_o as_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a they_o ought_v in_o due_a candour_n to_o have_v still_o weigh_v the_o opposite_a thesis_n and_o the_o objection_n perpetual_o allege_v against_o the_o strength_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n and_o consider_v which_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o have_v still_o conclude_v so_o partial_o on_o faith_n side_n and_o obstinate_o resolve_v to_o hear_v nothing_o against_o it_o bear_v themselves_o as_o if_o all_o must_v needs_o be_v true_a which_o faith_n rule_n teach_v we_o that_o be_v indeed_o as_o if_o faith_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v false_a §_o 13._o whence_o follow_v that_o all_o who_o life_n hold_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a aught_o in_o conscience_n and_o their_o natural_a duty_n or_o love_n to_o truth_n remain_v seeker_n all_o their_o life_n for_o however_o they_o may_v hope_v at_o present_a that_o what_o they_o adhere_v to_o be_v true_a yet_o since_o they_o hold_v it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n they_o know_v they_o ought_v the_o affair_n and_o its_o concern_n be_v so_o weighty_a to_o be_v still_o examine_v its_o ground_n and_o cast_v about_o to_o see_v whether_o this_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n which_o they_o already_o see_v be_v not_o indeed_o actual_o such_o though_o as_o yet_o they_o see_v it_o not_o or_o at_o least_o whether_o some_o other_o profession_n may_v not_o after_o long_a consideration_n appear_v less_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o another_o still_o less_o than_o that_o that_o so_o they_o may_v go_v as_o near_a truth_n as_o they_o can_v weigh_v discreet_o and_o impartial_o what_o deism_n paganism_n turcism_n and_o such_o other_o wise_o represent_v without_o their_o poetical_a fancy_n and_o foolery_n can_v say_v for_o themselves_o or_o last_o if_o they_o come_v to_o such_o a_o scepticism_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o doubt_v be_v the_o true_a case_n as_o to_o judge_n such_o a_o quest_n lose_v labour_n because_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o sullen_a dame_n truth_n
bind_v the_o understanding_n to_o assent_v not_o from_o their_o relation_n to_o other_o extrinsecall_v proof_n correspond_v or_o discorrespond_v with_o they_o but_o from_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o premise_n on_o which_o they_o intrinsical_o depend_v and_o the_o goodness_n of_o the_o consequence_n and_o final_o by_o virtue_n of_o their_o be_v build_v on_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n if_o then_o the_o motive_n one_o man_n have_v at_o present_a be_v sufficient_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o oblige_v he_o act_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o judge_v faith_n true_a who_o ever_o have_v humane_a reason_n ought_v to_o assent_v upon_o they_o and_o if_o faith_n be_v still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v false_a to_o we_o that_o be_v be_v possible_a to_o be_v show_v false_a or_o possible_a that_o other_o may_v have_v just_a ground_n to_o hold_v it_o so_o put_v those_o ground_n also_o in_o the_o same_o man_n and_o since_o they_o must_v be_v convictive_a of_o 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vanity_n of_o so_o universal_a a_o illusion_n and_o the_o abuse_n of_o falsehood_n so_o absurd_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n as_o to_o obtain_v the_o high_a repute_n of_o sacred_a and_o divine_a truth_n concern_v the_o last_o instance_n of_o the_o moral_a certainty_n of_o a_o house_n stand_v which_o have_v be_v object_v to_o i_o by_o learned_a protestant_n as_o sufficient_a to_o make_v i_o act_v as_o steady_o and_o hearty_o as_o if_o i_o have_v a_o demonstration_n that_o it_o will_v not_o possible_o fall_v beside_o the_o general_n answer_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n which_o render_v the_o case_n unparallel_a i_o reply_v that_o the_o two_o house_n the_o one_o in_o holborn_n the_o other_o in_o king_n street_n which_o of_o late_a year_n &_o a_o three_o in_o cock_n lane_n which_o of_o late_a day_n fall_v when_o
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the_o whole_a party_n if_o they_o write_v thing_n deniable_a by_o that_o party_n in_o case_n any_o such_o party_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o disclaim_v such_o writer_n as_o private_a discourser_n and_o their_o tenet_n of_o christian_a faith_n not_o be_v absolute_o certain_a which_o they_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o do_v and_o set_v some_o other_o writer_n to_o maintain_v the_o opposite_a thesis_n it_o will_v quick_o be_v see_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v infallible_a ground_n of_o faith_n i_o mean_v any_o authority_n convey_v christ_n faith_n down_o to_o we_o infallible_o which_o they_o must_v bring_v 2._o if_o they_o will_v prove_v faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a distinct_a from_o what_o the_o catholic_a church_n hold_v to_o and_o which_o themselves_o renounce_v when_o they_o forsake_v her_o communion_n but_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o ground_n as_o these_o that_o be_v ground_n inerrable_o bring_v down_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n faith_n to_o we_o that_o be_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o we_o i_o can_v never_o yet_o discern_v by_o the_o carriage_n write_n or_o discourse_n of_o any_o party_n that_o dissent_v from_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o be_v their_o tenet_n if_o then_o it_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o faith_n must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a as_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v abundant_o conclude_v it_o be_v also_o most_o certain_a that_o those_o who_o deny_v they_o have_v such_o a_o faith_n do_v by_o that_o very_a denial_n confess_v they_o have_v no_o true_a faith_n nor_o be_v true_o faithful_a nor_o of_o the_o true_a catholic_n church_n postscript_n thus_o reader_n thou_o see_v i_o still_o endeavour_v candid_o to_o put_v controversy_n home_o as_o far_o as_o my_o discourse_n can_v carry_v it_o and_o that_o i_o have_v resume_v here_o all_o the_o scatter_a end_n of_o voluminous_a dispute_n into_o one_o point_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o sincere_a protestant_n and_o all_o other_o out_o of_o the_o church_n may_v see_v at_o a_o short_a view_n what_o they_o be_v to_o do_v if_o they_o look_v into_o their_o own_o breast_n as_o they_o be_v professor_n of_o christianity_n they_o will_v find_v it_o write_v there_o in_o capital_n that_o christian_a faith_n can_v be_v a_o illusion_n '_o or_o falsehood_n also_o that_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v hold_v by_o they_o true_a and_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o suffer_v all_o persecution_n and_o death_n itself_o for_o the_o profess_v it_o to_o be_v such_o this_o find_v and_o due_o reflect_v on_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v be_v that_o they_o press_v their_o learned_a man_n by_o who_o they_o be_v lead_v to_o show_v they_o by_o such_o ground_n as_o their_o separation_n from_o the_o catholic_n church_n permit_v they_o to_o hold_v that_o be_v by_o their_o ground_n that_o christian_a faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a if_o they_o can_v as_o hitherto_o they_o have_v tell_v we_o they_o can_v than_o their_o adherent_n may_v in_o 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steadfast_a eye_n that_o in_o how_o quaint_a and_o elegant_a phrase_n soever_o they_o cloak_n their_o tenet_n yet_o the_o genuine_a downright_a and_o natural_a sense_n of_o the_o position_n they_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v will_v still_o be_v this_o the_o mystery_n of_o christian_a faith_n may_v all_o be_v so_o many_o lie_v for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n live_v absolute_o know_v and_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n a_o bundle_n of_o falsehood_n i_o expect_v also_o many_o plausible_a instance_n and_o pretend_a parallel_n of_o the_o sufficiency_n of_o inferior_a degree_n of_o certitude_n for_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a end_n but_o what_o thou_o be_v to_o consider_v be_v whether_o those_o end_n be_v parallel_n or_o equal_v to_o that_o high_a end_n and_o concern_v of_o christian_a faith_n these_o thing_n i_o expect_v but_o i_o expect_v not_o that_o so_o much_o as_o one_o principle_n that_o will_v be_v find_v to_o deserve_v that_o name_n will_v ever_o be_v think_v prudent_a to_o be_v produce_v to_o justify_v a_o tenet_n every_o way_n so_o irrational_a and_o unprincipled_a or_o rather_o destroy_v the_o certainty_n and_o consequent_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o the_o best_a body_n of_o principle_n that_o either_o nature_n or_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n himself_o ever_o instill_a into_o mankind_n last_o i_o beseech_v thou_o to_o obtain_v for_o i_o if_o thou_o can_v that_o if_o any_o think_v fit_a to_o reply_v to_o this_o treatise_n they_o will_v be_v persuade_v to_o set_v aside_o all_o witty_a prevarication_n and_o elegant_a drollery_n the_o two_o chief_a and_o in_o a_o manner_n only_o stickler_n in_o the_o pretend_a answer_n to_o sure-footing_a and_o begin_v with_o first_o principle_n to_o draw_v thence_o immediate_a consequence_n as_o i_o have_v constant_o endeavour_v in_o this_o discourse_n by_o
have_v the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o its_o basis_n which_o they_o honest_o understand_v to_o have_v the_o same_o certainty_n as_o if_o god_n himself_o have_v speak_v it_o yet_o be_v dress_v up_o by_o their_o plausible_a rhetoric_n and_o advance_v in_o a_o circumstance_n when_o they_o be_v confute_v the_o papist_n the_o middle_a sort_n of_o protestant_a reader_n at_o unaware_o let_v it_o pass_v as_o meritorious_a to_o their_o party_n and_o the_o wise_a sort_n embrace_v it_o both_o as_o a_o real_a truth_n and_o also_o as_o make_v best_o for_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o cause_n when_o they_o will_v oppugn_v we_o what_o disservice_n soever_o it_o do_v tot_fw-mi he_o common_a cause_n of_o religionor_n christianity_n for_o they_o be_v not_o at_o all_o solicitous_a so_o strange_o do_v faction_n transport_v they_o so_o they_o can_v in_o their_o conceit_n overthrow_v the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n though_o they_o reduce_v all_o faith_n into_o incertainty_n and_o all_o the_o ground_n on_o which_o it_o be_v build_v into_o a_o totter_a contingency_n it_o seem_v to_o threaten_v a_o mischief_n considerable_a enough_o to_o christianity_n that_o such_o a_o pernicious_a tenet_n shall_v be_v public_o own_a in_o controversy_n to_o taint_v the_o wise_a sort_n of_o reader_n with_o atheism_n in_o which_o it_o have_v be_v too_o successful_a but_o it_o grow_v intolerable_a when_o it_o dare_v take_v the_o boldness_n to_o appear_v in_o sermon_n pronounce_v in_o very_o honourable_a assembly_n and_o afterward_o publish_v in_o print_n where_o under_o the_o title_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o be_v religious_a and_o a_o great_a many_o seem_a show_n and_o i_o hearty_o think_v very_o real_a intention_n of_o impugn_a atheism_n by_o a_o ill-principled_n and_o in_o that_o circumstance_n imprudent_a and_o unnecessary_a confession_n in_o equivalent_a term_n of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n nay_o even_o as_o to_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o fundamental_a point_n the_o tenet_n of_o a_o deity_n religion_n receive_v a_o deep_a wound_n and_o atheism_n a_o especial_a advantage_n as_o may_v perhaps_o more_o particular_o be_v show_v hereafter_o i_o envy_v not_o that_o sermon_n and_o some_o other_o production_n of_o mr._n tillotson_n their_o author_n their_o due_a commendation_n though_o he_o be_v my_o adversary_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o in_o his_o clear_a method_n or_o disposition_n of_o his_o matter_n and_o the_o cleanness_n of_o his_o style_n which_o fit_v he_o for_o a_o excellency_n in_o preach_v he_o have_v few_o equal_n and_o that_o have_v he_o good_a principle_n he_o will_v deliver_v they_o as_o intelligible_o as_o any_o man_n i_o know_v only_o i_o can_v wish_v he_o have_v right_a principle_n to_o ground_n his_o discourse_n without_o which_o he_o can_v never_o make_v a_o controvertist_n but_o must_v needs_o undermine_v the_o solid_a foundation_n of_o christianity_n if_o he_o undertake_v to_o meddle_v with_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o even_o while_o he_o go_v about_o to_o defend_v it_o what_o i_o be_o on_o this_o occasion_n chief_o to_o reflect_v on_o be_v my_o own_o obligation_n which_o be_v the_o boldness_n of_o own_v and_o publish_v the_o incertainty_n of_o christian_a faith_n be_v come_v to_o the_o height_n to_o assert_v its_o absolute_a firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o the_o best_a manner_n god_n shall_v enable_v i_o and_o his_o providence_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o of_o i_o at_o present_a in_o regard_n it_o be_v expect_v i_o shall_v reply_v to_o mr._n tillotson_n be_v pretend_a answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n who_o first_o principle_n in_o that_o reply_n seem_v to_o be_v this_o that_o what_o he_o deem_v the_o rule_n of_o christian_a faith_n and_o consequent_o that_o faith_n itself_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a for_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o position_n which_o he_o defend_v p._n 118_o and_o in_o diverse_a other_o place_n imply_v and_o build_v on_o he_o more_o oppugn_v my_o discourse_n than_o by_o any_o other_o thesis_n whatever_o the_o contrary_a to_o which_o if_o i_o evince_v than_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n that_o they_o have_v no_o absolutely-certain_a ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n confute_v they_o without_o more_o ado_n and_o conclude_v they_o to_o have_v relinquish_v its_o only_a right_n because_o its_o only_a true_o certain_a rule_n tradition_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o my_o chief_a design_n to_o establish_v the_o absolute_a truth_n of_o christian_a faith_n in_o itself_o by_o all_o the_o argument_n i_o can_v imagine_v and_o not_o mere_o to_o confute_v protestant_a controvertist_n i_o need_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n thus_o to_o multiply_v demonstration_n or_o even_o allege_v so_o much_o as_o one_o for_o since_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v seem_o to_o antiquity_n or_o authority_n of_o father_n by_o their_o voluminous_a quotation_n yet_o they_o will_v final_o and_o hearty_o stand_v to_o nothing_o in_o contest_v about_o faith_n as_o conclusive_a but_o their_o own_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v so_o weak_a a_o ground_n that_o every_o day_n experience_n show_v its_o fail_n a_o ordinary_a probability_n be_v abundant_o enough_o to_o overthrow_v their_o discourse_n who_o very_a principle_n be_v not_o only_o improbable_a but_o evident_o a_o false_a one_o whence_o the_o mean_a catholic_n writer_n can_v fail_v to_o have_v the_o advantage_n over_o their_o best_a in_o a_o prudential_n man_n esteem_n because_o he_o can_v possible_o miss_v of_o a_o medium_fw-la more_o probable_a than_o be_v their_o main_a ground_n i_o declare_v then_o that_o my_o chief_a end_n in_o this_o treatise_n be_v to_o settle_v christian_a faith_n or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o must_v be_v true_o or_o absolute_o certain_a and_o that_o my_o apply_v it_o now_o and_o then_o to_o my_o opposer_n be_v only_o a_o secundary_a intention_n and_o mere_o occasional_a ere_o i_o fall_v close_o to_o my_o proof_n that_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a to_o avoid_v equivocation_n in_o the_o word_n i_o declare_v that_o by_o the_o word_n faith_n i_o be_o not_o solicitous_a whether_o be_v mean_v our_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o object_n of_o that_o act_n but_o judge_v that_o distinction_n whole_o impertinent_a in_o this_o present_a discourse_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o i_o can_v affirm_v a_o point_n true_a or_o false_a but_o as_o it_o stand_v under_o motive_n able_a to_o make_v i_o judge_v assent_n or_o believe_v it_o be_v such_o or_o such_o which_o motive_n if_o they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v able_a to_o convince_v that_o the_o point_n can_v but_o be_v so_o than_o my_o judgement_n or_o assent_n tothose_n point_n thusconclude_v that_o be_v my_o act_n of_o faith_n can_v but_o be_v true_a because_o it_o depend_v entire_o on_o ground_n impossible_a to_o be_v false_a viz._n those_o motive_n but_o if_o those_o motive_n be_v not_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o be_v absolute_o conclusive_a the_o thing_n be_v than_o both_o the_o thing_n object_n point_n or_o proposition_n of_o faith_n as_o be_v only_o knowable_a by_o virtue_n of_o they_o may_v be_v otherwise_o and_o also_o my_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o belief_n of_o those_o point_n may_v be_v a_o wrong_n or_o erroneous_a judgement_n that_o be_v both_o of_o they_o may_v be_v false_a to_o ask_v then_o if_o faith_n can_v possible_o be_v false_a be_v to_o ask_v whether_o the_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n providence_n for_o mankind_n or_o his_o church_n to_o embrace_v christian_a faith_n must_v be_v such_o as_o of_o their_o own_o nature_n can_v fail_v to_o conclude_v those_o point_n true_a and_o to_o affirm_v that_o faith_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v equivalent_o to_o assert_v that_o those_o motive_n or_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v thus_o absolute_o conclusive_a firm_a and_o immovable_a hence_o be_v see_v that_o i_o concern_v not_o myself_o in_o this_o discourse_n with_o how_o perfect_o or_o imperfect_o diverse_a person_n penetrate_v those_o motive_n or_o how_o they_o satisfy_v or_o dissatisfy_v some_o particular_a person_n since_o i_o only_o speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o those_o motive_n in_o themselves_o and_o as_o lay_v in_o second_o cause_n by_o god_n providence_n to_o light_a mankind_n in_o their_o way_n to_o faith_n to_o which_o the_o dimness_n of_o eyesight_n neglect_v to_o look_v at_o all_o or_o look_v the_o wrong_a way_n even_o in_o many_o particular_a man_n be_v extrinsecal_n and_o contingent_a last_o to_o avoid_v mistake_n and_o confusion_n i_o declare_v that_o there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o question_n one_o concern_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o thing_n call_v a_o est_fw-la viz._n whether_o there_o be_v any_o certainly-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n or_o no_o and_o the_o other_o about_o what_o be_v the_o certain_a or_o truely-conclusive_a rule_n of_o faith_n call_v quid_fw-la est_fw-la i_o be_o not_o now_o discourse_v about_o the_o late_a that_o be_v the_o work_n
of_o sure_a foot_n but_o the_o former_a only_o indeed_o in_o my_o first_o discourse_n there_o i_o endeavour_v to_o evince_v this_o truth_n from_o par_fw-fr 1._o to_o par_fw-fr 17._o by_z diverse_a argument_n but_o because_o mr._n t._n wave_v the_o speak_n to_o those_o premise_n as_o they_o tend_v to_o infer_v my_o conclusion_n and_o only_o discourse_v a_o little_a mistake_o against_o the_o conclusion_n themselves_o therefore_o be_v resolve_v to_o write_v a_o treatise_n to_o establish_v christian_a faith_n i_o think_v fit_a to_o apply_v it_o to_o his_o proceedure_n there_o that_o so_o i_o may_v both_o more_o forcible_o invite_v he_o to_o that_o necessary_a though_o neglect_a duty_n and_o withal_o that_o by_o settle_v the_o existence_n &_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o rule_n first_o i_o may_v clear_v the_o way_n methodical_o to_o discover_v what_o and_o only_o what_o can_v be_v the_o right_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o possible_o in_o my_o next_o treatise_n if_o mr._n t._n and_o mr._n st._n think_v fit_a to_o continue_v on_o this_o discourse_n forward_o by_o answer_v this_o they_o may_v by_o deny_v that_o in_o true_a speech_n the_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n or_o faith_n be_v true_a oblige_v i_o to_o begin_v yet_o high_o and_o make_v use_n of_o such_o medium_n as_o be_v more_o direct_a and_o immediate_o fit_a to_o confute_v atheism_n the_o understand_a reader_n will_v easy_o pardon_v the_o speculativeness_n of_o this_o treatise_n in_o great_a part_n of_o it_o if_o he_o reflect_v that_o discourse_n build_v on_o intrinsecal_n medium_n and_o manage_v in_o the_o way_n of_o severe_a reason_n do_v natural_o nay_o most_o necessary_o bear_v up_o to_o the_o first_o principle_n yet_o by_o the_o harmony_n and_o connexion_n of_o truth_n with_o one_o another_o there_o will_v be_v find_v also_o very_a many_o proof_n fair_o intelligible_a by_o the_o middle_a sort_n of_o prudential_n man_n especial_o in_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o practice_n and_o if_o i_o flatter_v not_o myself_o some_o proof_n and_o those_o convince_v one_o too_o suitable_a to_o every_o capacity_n this_o comfort_n my_o reader_n may_v expect_v to_o reap_v by_o this_o procedure_n that_o it_o must_v forcible_o shorten_v dispute_n and_o bring_v controversy_n after_o a_o while_n to_o a_o period_n unless_o our_o adversary_n be_v still_o obstinate_o bend_v to_o play_v the_o droll_n instead_o of_o sober_o and_o pertinent_o dispute_v for_o hardly_o can_v error_n hide_v her_o deformity_n when_o she_o be_v expose_v naked_a to_o the_o view_n of_o rational_a nature_n in_o the_o noon-day-light_n of_o first-principle_n faith_n vindicated_n from_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n first_o eviction_n §_o 1._o i_o lay_v for_o the_o basis_n of_o my_o present_a discourse_n these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o christian_n be_v oblige_v to_o hold_v firm_o profess_v and_o stand_v to_o it_o even_o with_o postulata_fw-la the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n that_o point_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n 2._o none_o can_v be_v thus_o oblige_v to_o hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v that_o to_o be_v truth_n which_o they_o know_v not_o to_o be_v so_o the_o late_a of_o these_o be_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o god_n the_o imposer_n of_o this_o obligation_n be_v good_a for_o how_o unworthy_a his_o infinite_a goodness_n be_v it_o to_o will_v that_o rational_a nature_n or_o mankind_n shall_v act_v irrational_o by_o hold_v firm_o what_o it_o have_v no_o firm_a ground_n to_o hold_v that_o be_v what_o it_o know_v not_o to_o be_v so_o or_o to_o sacrifice_v its_o very_a be_v to_o testify_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n concern_v which_o if_o it_o work_v according_a to_o right_a reason_n the_o nature_n god_n have_v give_v it_o and_o deviate_v not_o from_o that_o by_o a_o weak_a credulity_n it_o can_v never_o be_v perfect_o satisfy_v that_o they_o be_v indeed_o truth_n which_o it_o can_v never_o be_v if_o notwithstanding_o all_o it_o know_v they_o yet_o may_v possible_o be_v falsehood_n no_o man_n in_o true_a morality_n ought_v to_o say_v what_o he_o know_v not_o much_o less_o so_o asseverant_o as_o to_o seal_v it_o with_o his_o blood_n as_o for_o the_o former_a proposition_n which_o i_o account_v most_o fundamental_a to_o the_o ensue_a discourse_n i_o be_o to_o declare_v that_o by_o hold_v etc._n etc._n a_o thing_n to_o be_v a_o truth_n i_o understand_v the_o hold_v that_o the_o thing_n absolute_o in_o reality_n or_o indeed_o be_v so_o as_o i_o judge_v whence_o to_o this_o hold_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v truth_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o a_o man_n hold_v it_o be_v so_o to_o the_o best_a of_o his_o judgement_n but_o it_o be_v require_v moreover_o that_o he_o hold_v he_o be_v not_o deceive_v in_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n and_o this_o because_o he_o hold_v his_o thought_n conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n for_o this_o settle_v verity_n or_o truth_n on_o its_o proper_a and_o firm_a foundation_n the_o thing_n and_o not_o on_o the_o unstable_a motion_n of_o his_o judgement_n as_o do_v the_o other_o my_o first_o and_o chief_a postulatum_fw-la thus_o understand_v i_o esteem_v to_o be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o that_o converse_v with_o christianity_n take_v in_o its_o large_a sense_n as_o i_o declare_v in_o my_o introduction_n set_v aside_o that_o sort_n of_o speculater_n i_o mean_v those_o of_o our_o modern_a adversary_n against_o who_o i_o dispute_v at_o present_a and_o of_o who_o the_o question_n be_v now_o agitate_a whether_o they_o be_v indeed_o to_o be_v hold_v right_a christian_n or_o no._n and_o i_o conceive_v that_o he_o who_o shall_v deny_v it_o must_v be_v bind_v to_o put_v the_o contradictory_n position_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o christian_n be_v not_o bind_v firm_o to_o hold_v profess_v and_o maintain_v with_o the_o loss_n of_o their_o life_n the_o truth_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o its_o likelihood_n only_o he_o that_o affirm_v this_o if_o he_o will_v be_v hold_v a_o christian_a be_v to_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n from_o who_o he_o dissent_v in_o so_o fundamental_a a_o point_n as_o be_v the_o right_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o which_o it_o so_o high_o import_v they_o to_o know_v that_o be_v indeed_o in_o right_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n if_o he_o be_v no_o christian_n yet_o hold_v the_o godhead_n it_o be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v partly_o from_o the_o proper_a effect_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o great_a difficulty_n both_o intellectual_a and_o moral_a which_o it_o be_v ordain_v to_o master_n partly_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n oblige_v he_o to_o lay_v mean_v proportion_v to_o a_o intend_a end_n or_o to_o establish_v every_o thing_n according_a to_o the_o concern_v that_o depend_v on_o it_o which_o concern_v in_o our_o case_n be_v the_o high_a imaginable_a to_o wit_n the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n the_o end_n of_o create_v those_o very_a entity_n on_o which_o the_o certitude_n of_o science_n be_v build_v or_o last_o if_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n the_o deity_n and_o its_o attribute_n be_v first_o to_o be_v demonstrate_v as_o also_o what_o be_v man_n summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la and_o the_o immediate_a disposition_n to_o it_o and_o then_o the_o nature_n and_o certitude_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o of_o its_o rule_n be_v to_o be_v demonstrate_v suppose_v then_o my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la to_o be_v evident_a to_o all_o that_o know_v there_o be_v a_o wise_a and_o good_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n and_o who_o understand_v the_o common_a principle_n of_o morality_n and_o my_o former_a postulatum_fw-la to_o be_v clear_a and_o undeniable_a matter_n of_o fact_n to_o those_o who_o converse_v with_o christianity_n and_o therefore_o to_o have_v unavoidable_a force_n upon_o all_o that_o will_v be_v hold_v professor_n thereof_o i_o shall_v be_v bold_a to_o proceed_v upon_o they_o and_o first_o logic_n who_o proper_a office_n it_o be_v to_o look_v into_o the_o nature_n and_o action_n of_o our_o soul_n as_o rational_a and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o anatomize_v her_o thought_n take_v up_o the_o discourse_n and_o proceed_v thus_o §_o 2._o truth_n be_v find_v in_o proposition_n evidence_n a_o proposition_n consist_v of_o two_o notion_n call_v subject_a and_o predicate_v and_o a_o three_o who_o office_n it_o be_v to_o connect_v they_o whence_o to_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v truth_n or_o true_a be_v to_o see_v the_o connexion_n between_o the_o two_o notion_n speak_v of_o or_o to_o see_v that_o the_o three_o true_o connect_v they_o now_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n imaginable_a abstract_v from_o experience_n how_o this_o may_v be_v see_v either_o by_o see_v immediate_o that_o those_o two_o notion_n be_v the_o same_o with_o one_o another_o out_o of_o the_o very_a notion_n themselves_o or_o
be_v not_o reducible_a to_o these_o ground_n nay_o be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o person_n who_o declare_v against_o have_v any_o such_o ground_n for_o faith_n signify_v just_a as_o much_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v say_v i_o beseech_v you_o sir_n be_v so_o good_a nature_a as_o to_o believe_v i_o though_o to_o tell_v you_o true_a i_o acknowledge_v sincere_o neither_o can_v i_o bring_v nor_o can_v there_o possible_o be_v bring_v any_o ground_n able_a to_o make_v good_a what_o i_o say_v or_o any_o undeniable_a premise_n to_o force_v my_o conclusion_n three_o eviction_n §_o 1._o thus_o far_o logic_n let_v we_o see_v next_o subject_a what_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n say_v to_o the_o point_n in_o which_o quest_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o leave_v logick_n assistance_n and_o first_o these_o science_n assure_v we_o that_o as_o all_o capacity_n of_o different_a being_n spring_n from_o first_o matter_n so_o all_o capacity_n of_o contrary_a determination_n arise_v from_o what_o we_o call_v potentiality_n or_o indifferency_n in_o the_o subject_a now_o the_o subject_a in_o our_o present_a case_n be_v not_o so_o much_o our_o mere_a faculty_n of_o understanding_n as_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n itself_o in_o our_o soul_n or_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o our_o soul_n consider_v precise_o as_o affect_v with_o these_o point_n for_o it_o be_v these_o or_o our_o judge_a power_n take_v mere_o as_o conversant_a about_o these_o that_o be_v our_o judgement_n which_o our_o opponent_n must_v affirm_v true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a since_o therefore_o both_o the_o point_n themselves_o and_o our_o judgement_n consist_v formal_o in_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n that_o be_v in_o be_v and_o be_v not_o which_o be_v indivisible_a and_o constitute_v such_o by_o a_o formality_n the_o most_o formal_a and_o actual_a that_o can_v be_v as_o have_v be_v show_v they_o can_v have_v as_o such_o no_o indifferency_n or_o potentiality_n in_o they_o to_o the_o contrary_a neither_o natural_a nor_o metaphysical_a nor_o consequent_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n §_o 2._o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n falsehood_n be_v still_o render_v more_o absurd_a by_o this_o consideration_n that_o even_o in_o nature_n where_o there_o be_v the_o great_a potentiality_n that_o be_v viz._n first_o matter_n the_o subject_n be_v not_o yet_o capable_a of_o opposite_a quality_n at_o once_o but_o successive_o at_o least_o in_o the_o same_o part_n whereas_o their_o position_n be_v not_o that_o faith_n which_o be_v now_o true_a be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a afterward_o upon_o the_o alteration_n of_o some_o contingent_a matter_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a now_o to_o be_v false_a or_o possible_a to_o be_v now_o false_a for_o any_o thing_n any_o man_n know_v that_o be_v the_o understanding_n may_v have_v possible_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o it_o at_o once_o and_o as_o to_o the_o same_o part_n or_o point_n §_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v still_o far_o more_o irrational_a true_a in_o regard_n these_o seem_a contrary_n true_a and_o false_a apply_v to_o the_o proposition_n we_o speak_v of_o have_v in_o they_o the_o perfect_a nature_n of_o contradictory_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o those_o which_o speak_v de_fw-la praesenti_fw-la one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o be_v existent_a the_o other_o by_o be_v not_o existent_a as_o it_o be_v in_o those_o which_o speak_v preterit_o and_o future_o that_o one_o shall_v be_v express_v by_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v the_o other_o by_o have_v not_o be_v or_o shall_v not_o be_v to_o think_v than_o they_o can_v at_o once_o be_v true_a and_o false_a be_v to_o judge_v that_o contradictory_n may_v be_v verify_v of_o the_o same_o or_o that_o both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n may_v be_v true_a §_o 4._o again_o truth_n be_v a_o conformity_n thing_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o the_o thing_n and_o falsehood_n a_o disconformity_n to_o say_v a_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o say_v that_o the_o mind_n consider_v as_o judge_o conversant_a about_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o same_o thing_n too_o wild_a a_o position_n to_o be_v introduce_v into_o a_o rational_a nature_n by_o any_o thing_n but_o such_o a_o wilful_a and_o blind_a passion_n as_o must_v first_o actual_o corrupt_a and_o in_o fine_a tend_v to_o destroy_v the_o very_a nature_n itself_o §_o 5._o and_o to_o void_a this_o thesis_n from_o all_o contradiction_n possible_a evasion_n here_o can_v be_v no_o different_a respect_n according_a to_o which_o these_o affirmation_n and_o negation_n may_v be_v make_v so_o to_o avoid_v contradiction_n but_o all_o such_o respect_n be_v exclude_v both_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o predicate_v in_o most_o of_o those_o proposition_n as_o have_v be_v show_v evict_v 1._o §_o 5._o as_o also_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o stand_v in_o the_o abstract_n descend_v nor_o to_o nor_o meddle_v with_o subsume_a respect_n but_o have_v their_o notion_n complete_v in_o the_o common_a word_n which_o express_v they_o and_o last_o because_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o distinction_n and_o respect_n for_o however_o a_o proposition_n take_v into_o consideration_n and_o scan_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o may_v admit_v respect_n and_o distinction_n and_o so_o be_v affirm_v to_o be_v in_o this_o regard_n true_a in_o that_o false_a yet_o what_o be_v once_o accept_v to_o be_v true_a can_v in_o any_o respect_n afterward_o be_v affirm_v possible_a to_o be_v not_o true_a or_o false_a for_o example_n this_o proposition_n a_o ethiopian_a be_v white_a be_v distinguish_v by_o respect_n to_o several_a part_n and_o in_o regard_n to_o his_o tooth_n it_o be_v true_a to_o his_o skin_n it_o be_v false_a but_o after_o those_o respect_n have_v distinguish_v the_o ambiguity_n of_o it_o and_o so_o by_o divide_v it_o into_o two_o proposition_n settle_v one_o to_o be_v true_a the_o other_o to_o be_v false_a there_o can_v be_v no_o further_o use_v of_o respect_n or_o distinction_n which_o be_v to_o antecede_v to_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n by_o clear_v the_o doubtfulness_n of_o proposition_n and_o can_v have_v no_o place_n after_o the_o truth_n be_v once_o acknowledge_v or_o supervene_v to_o it_o he_o than_o that_o once_o acknowledge_v point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v truth_n can_v have_v no_o assistance_n from_o recourse_n to_o this_o and_o the_o other_o respect_n to_o evade_v a_o contradiction_n when_o he_o affirm_v they_o may_v be_v false_a §_o 6._o again_o it_o be_v particular_o opposite_a soul_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o soul_n to_o have_v such_o a_o act_n in_o she_o as_o to_o judge_n a_o thing_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o our_o soul_n as_o to_o her_o judge_a power_n be_v essential_o a_o capacity_n of_o truth_n whence_o the_o first_o principle_n which_o ground_n all_o truth_n be_v so_o connatural_a to_o she_o that_o she_o can_v but_o embrace_v they_o and_o judge_v they_o true_a nothing_o therefore_o be_v more_o opposite_a to_o truth_n than_o a_o contradiction_n it_o follow_v that_o nothing_o be_v more_o impossible_a to_o be_v receive_v or_o subject_v in_o the_o soul_n according_a to_o her_o judge_a power_n than_o a_o contradiction_n that_o be_v no_o implicatory_a or_o contradictory_n act_n can_v settle_v there_o now_o to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o judge_v the_o thing_n to_o exist_v just_a as_o it_o affirm_v and_o to_o judge_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v to_o judge_v it_o possible_a not_o to_o exist_v as_o it_o affirm_v and_o this_o not_o in_o order_n to_o different_a time_n but_o the_o same_o that_o be_v to_o judge_v a_o proposition_n or_o point_n true_a yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_z judge_v the_o thing_n actual_o be_v and_o yet_o perhaps_o be_v not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o this_o as_o appear_v by_o our_o former_a discourse_n not_o to_o be_v avoid_v in_o our_o case_n by_o difference_n or_o diversity_n of_o respect_n wherefore_o since_o such_o a_o act_n be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v in_o the_o judge_a power_n of_o the_o soul_n it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o he_o who_o hold_v one_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n can_v possible_o hold_v the_o other_o that_o be_v he_o who_o hold_v faith_n may_v be_v false_a can_v hold_v that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o that_o if_o it_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v to_o be_v true_a it_o ought_v also_o to_o be_v hold_v and_o profess_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o moreover_o the_o soul_n antecedent_o point_n to_o its_o be_v inform_v by_o the_o object_n be_v indifferent_a and_o undetermined_a to_o judge_v it_o true_a or_o false_a that_o be_v to_o be_v or_o not_o to_o be_v but_o when_o it_o
to_o the_o other_o immediate_o forego_v induce_v all_o the_o absurdity_n mention_v in_o my_o former_a discourse_n and_o pin_n they_o upon_o the_o deity_n as_o on_o their_o first_o cause_n so_o horrible_a and_o diabolical_a a_o tenet_n be_v this_o of_o the_o possible_a falsehood_n of_o faith_n that_o it_o calumniate_v heaven_n itself_o nor_o can_v any_o thing_n but_o a_o invincible_a ignorance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o it_o excuse_v they_o from_o high_a blasphemy_n &_o from_o make_v the_o unenvious_a fountain_n of_o all_o goodness_n like_o our_o own_o narrow_a and_o crooked_a self_n five_o eviction_n §_o 1._o let_v we_o hear_v next_o what_o the_o science_n of_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a will_v award_v concern_v the_o point_n in_o question_n §_o 2._o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o eternal_a father_n mankind_n have_v be_v please_v to_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o and_o among_o his_o other_o office_n he_o perform_v towards_o mankind_n that_o of_o a_o master_n be_v manifest_o one_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o he_o both_o will_v and_o can_v that_o be_v do_v accomplish_v what_o belong_v to_o that_o office_n again_o true_a divinity_n assign_v one_o main_a if_o not_o the_o chief_a reason_n why_o the_o second_o person_n be_v make_v man_n to_o be_v this_o that_o it_o be_v requisite_a god_n shall_v come_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o visible_o to_o cause_v in_o we_o knowledge_n of_o his_o heavenly_a doctrine_n or_o be_v our_o master_n and_o knowledge_n or_o wisdom_n be_v appropriate_v to_o the_o second_o person_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o fit_a that_o person_n shall_v be_v incarnate_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n in_o our_o saviour_n christ_n spring_v peculiar_o out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o his_o divine_a personality_n and_o not_o of_o his_o humanity_n precise_o as_o do_v his_o suffer_v and_o die_v for_o we_o etc._n etc._n wherefore_o the_o proper_a agent_n of_o instruct_v and_o teach_v mankind_n be_v as_o such_o infinite_o perfect_a it_o be_v evident_o consequent_a christ_n perform_v the_o office_n of_o a_o master_n or_o wrought_v the_o effect_n proper_a to_o a_o teacher_n as_o such_o with_o all_o imaginable_a perfection_n §_o 3._o it_o be_v then_o the_o proper_a office_n or_o effect_n of_o a_o master_n or_o teacher_n to_o make_v his_o scholar_n know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v true_a we_o can_v think_v but_o that_o this_o divine_a or_o infinitely-perfect_a master_n make_v they_o absolute_o or_o perfect_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n §_o 4._o and_o because_o the_o end_n of_o this_o teach_v be_v not_o terminate_v in_o those_o few_o himself_o converse_v with_o nor_o in_o the_o christian_n of_o the_o first_o age_n but_o be_v principal_o intend_v for_o the_o body_n of_o mankind_n which_o be_v future_a in_o respect_n of_o they_o it_o follow_v that_o this_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v now_o speak_v of_o be_v to_o be_v equal_o extend_v to_o the_o follow_a world_n of_o christian_n they_o be_v all_o sectator_n or_o follower_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o be_v his_o scholar_n and_o he_o their_o master_n unless_o then_o he_o have_v take_v order_n that_o succeed_a age_n also_o shall_v have_v perfect_a assurance_n or_o know_v his_o doctrine_n be_v absolute_o true_a he_o will_v have_v set_v up_o a_o school_n and_o lay_v no_o mean_n to_o preserve_v the_o far_o great_a part_n and_o in_o a_o manner_n the_o whole_a body_n of_o his_o scholar_n or_o christian_n from_o ignorance_n and_o error_n §_o 5._o all_o christian_n then_o both_o the_o primitive_a and_o their_o successor_n have_v and_o will_v have_v mean_n to_o know_v absolute_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v true_a this_o mean_n we_o call_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n both_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n then_o must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v veracious_a and_o faith_n which_o be_v build_v on_o it_o to_o be_v absolute_o true_a and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 6._o beside_o man_n be_v a_o intellectual_a instruct_v creature_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o true_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n consist_v in_o know_v and_o this_o whether_o we_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o speculater_n or_o as_o a_o actor_n for_o if_o the_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v false_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v than_o he_o be_v most_o evident_o ignorant_a whether_o it_o be_v false_a or_o no_o that_o be_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o no_o which_o speak_v imperfection_n in_o his_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v a_o capacity_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o he_o be_v to_o act_n about_o it_o it_o be_v evident_o a_o less_o perfection_n and_o worse_a for_o mankind_n to_o go_v to_o work_v unassured_o than_o assure_o faith_n then_o be_v god_n ordinance_n and_o god_n do_v what_o be_v best_a for_o mankind_n it_o follow_v faith_n be_v perfect_o secure_a to_o he_o that_o be_v he_o must_v know_v it_o to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o contingency_n of_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o but_o leave_v man_n the_o subject_a of_o virtue_n faith_n and_o reflect_v upon_o faith_n itself_o in_o we_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o to_o our_o consideration_n be_v that_o its_o habit_n be_v a_o virtue_n and_o consequent_o rational_a also_o that_o its_o act_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o authority_n since_o then_o it_o be_v demonstrate_v former_o that_o there_o can_v be_v in_o reason_n no_o assent_n without_o certain_a ground_n and_o that_o what_o be_v certain_a be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o follow_v that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 8._o next_o faith_n be_v a_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o perfect_a man_n understanding_n as_o such_o that_o be_v it_o be_v to_o he_o a_o knowledge_n and_o so_o inform_v his_o mind_n with_o truth_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n than_o force_v that_o point_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v truth_n and_o so_o as_o be_v manifold_o demonstrate_v faith_n itself_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 9_o again_o this_o intellectual_a virtue_n virtue_n call_v faith_n be_v also_o a_o supernatural_a one_o and_o therefore_o as_o such_o proceed_v from_o a_o agent_n infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o any_o can_v be_v find_v in_o nature_n therefore_o the_o immediate_a effect_n aim_v at_o by_o faith_n that_o be_v the_o inform_v the_o understanding_n will_v be_v perform_v with_o infinite_a advantage_n as_o far_o as_o concern_v that_o supernatural_a agent_n be_v or_o god_n part_n and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o exquisite_o perform_v it_o must_v spring_v from_o some_o incapacity_n in_o the_o subject_a there_o be_v then_o in_o this_o effect_n of_o inform_v the_o understanding_n two_o consideration_n viz._n evidence_n which_o be_v have_v either_o by_o experience_n of_o our_o sense_n of_o which_o spiritual_a nature_n the_o chief_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v incapable_a or_o by_o intrinsical_v medium_n that_o be_v demonstration_n of_o those_o spiritual_a thing_n of_o which_o take_v the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n the_o subject_a of_o faith_n very_o few_o be_v capable_a and_o that_o other_o of_o certainty_n attainable_a both_o by_o those_o intrinsecal_n and_o also_o extrinsical_a medium_n or_o authority_n which_o authority_n by_o mean_n of_o the_o practicableness_n of_o its_o nature_n all_o be_v to_o a_o great_a degree_n able_a to_o understand_v it_o follow_v that_o here_o be_v no_o violence_n or_o unsuitableness_n to_o humane_a nature_n consider_v in_o its_o generality_n the_o supernatural_a agent_n or_o cause_n of_o faith_n will_v effect_v here_o a_o great_a certainty_n than_o mere_a natural_a impression_n can_v produce_v that_o be_v all_o extrinsical_a argument_n be_v final_o resolve_v into_o intrinsecal_n one_o the_o best_a and_o chief_a nature_n in_o the_o world_n will_v be_v make_v use_n of_o and_o most_o strong_o support_v to_o make_v up_o the_o great_a authority_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o so_o to_o establish_v this_o certainty_n of_o faith_n and_o its_o principle_n beyond_o that_o of_o any_o humane_a science_n but_o divers_a piece_n of_o humane_a science_n nay_o the_o least_o particle_n of_o true_a science_n be_v acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a faith_n therefore_o à _fw-la fortiori_fw-la must_v be_v such_o also_o §_o 10._o this_o supernaturality_n of_o faith_n by_o natural_a which_o word_n we_o mean_v divine_a faith_n convince_v that_o it_o ought_v to_o exceed_v all_o other_o faith_n be_v according_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n in_o common_a that_o be_v it_o ought_v to_o partake_v whatever_o perfection_n true_o belong_v to_o faith_n or_o belief_n as_o such_o in_o a_o especial_a manner_n and_o far_o above_o what_o be_v find_v in_o humane_a faith_n in_o a_o word_n it_o ought_v to_o have_v as_o much_o in_o it_o as_o can_v elevate_v it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n without_o
of_o the_o word_n knowledge_n to_o mean_v scientifical_a knowledge_n it_o be_v neither_o my_o tenet_n nor_o interest_n but_o will_v leave_v it_o at_o large_a for_o any_o that_o be_v concern_v to_o explicate_v how_o this_o knowledge_n be_v breed_v provide_v they_o leave_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o knowledge_n and_o do_v not_o abusive_o call_v that_o knowledge_n which_o in_o reality_n be_v when_o look_v into_o no_o knowledge_n hence_o i_o argue_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a any_o one_o shall_v know_v what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v and_o what_o be_v not_o be_v not_o to_o be_v know_v it_o follow_v that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v and_o so_o here_o be_v no_o contingency_n in_o the_o matter_n impossible_a not_o to_o be_v and_o consequent_o faith_n or_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 3._o nor_o be_o i_o afraid_a of_o those_o cant_a distinction_n without_o sense_n that_o it_o be_v moral_o a_o knowledge_n or_o that_o they_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a moral_o speak_v for_o if_o it_o be_v expend_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o these_o word_n moral_o a_o knowledge_n it_o will_v quick_o appear_v that_o as_o true_a knowledge_n can_v only_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v so_o this_o counterfeit_n knowledge_n call_v moral_a fall_v short_a of_o the_o other_o can_v only_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n to_o be_v and_o so_o can_v only_o have_v for_o its_o object_n the_o thing_n be_v likelihood_n which_o whether_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o specify_v and_o terminate_v a_o act_n of_o christian_a faith_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o constant_a expression_n of_o all_o who_o be_v general_o call_v and_o repute_v christian_n and_o challenge_v my_o adversary_n to_o produce_v one_o expression_n of_o they_o which_o sound_v thus_o dwindle_o and_o feeble_o as_o if_o it_o mean_v only_o some_o high_a likelihood_n or_o their_o apprehension_n of_o it_o as_o no_o more_o but_o such_o observe_v but_o the_o life_n and_o energy_n of_o their_o word_n in_o such_o occasion_n as_o that_o of_o job_n scio_fw-la quod_fw-la redemptor_n meus_fw-la vivit_fw-la and_o that_o of_o s._n paul_n scio_fw-la cui_fw-la credidi_fw-la &_o certus_fw-la sum_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o we_o shall_v find_v their_o understanding_n so_o perfect_o possess_v of_o the_o object_n be_v existence_n &_o not_o deem_v only_o its_o likelihood_n that_o they_o seem_v rather_o to_o want_v word_n to_o express_v their_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o it_o oftentimes_o indeed_o they_o deny_v faith_n to_o be_v evidence_n or_o science_n and_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v obscure_a but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n while_o all_o reliance_n on_o authority_n be_v obscure_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n can_v be_v have_v by_o mean_n of_o authority_n as_o appear_v in_o diverse_a instance_n of_o humane_a faith_n §_o 4._o particular_o wave_v the_o former_a we_o will_v reflect_v on_o some_o place_n more_o express_o assertive_a of_o our_o position_n as_o that_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o apostle_n act_n 2._o 36._o certissimè_fw-la sciat_fw-la ergo_fw-la omnis_fw-la domus_fw-la israel_n etc._n etc._n where_o about_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o faith_n he_o express_v it_o to_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a knowledge_n and_o this_o attainable_a by_o the_o whole_a house_n of_o israel_n which_o must_v mean_v the_o generality_n at_o least_o §_o 5._o i_o add_v omit_v many_o other_o two_o of_o his_o fellow-apostle_n paul_n the_o first_o col._n 1._o 23._o si_fw-mi tamen_fw-la permanetis_fw-la in_o fide_fw-la fundati_fw-la &_o stabiles_fw-la et_fw-la immobiles_fw-la à _fw-la spe_fw-la evangelii_n now_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v found_v or_o ground_v in_o faith_n if_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v eviction_n 2._o §_o 14._o have_v no_o foundation_n principle_n or_o ground_n itself_o how_o any_o one_o can_v be_v stable_a and_o immovable_a in_o a_o persuasion_n which_o very_a persuasion_n and_o its_o ground_n may_v not_o only_o be_v move_v but_o overthrow_v &_o subvert_v as_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v inform_v by_o mr._n tilletson_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n do_v these_o word_n sound_v only_o a_o exclusion_n of_o actual_a doubt_n or_o suspicion_n of_o it_o at_o present_a which_o protestant_a writer_n make_v sufficient_a to_o a_o act_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o do_v it_o not_o mean_a that_o which_o of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o as_o can_v admit_v no_o possible_a cause_n of_o doubt_n at_o any_o time_n for_o the_o future_a let_v they_o dispense_v a_o while_n with_o pursue_v their_o affect_a gayness_n in_o the_o outside_n of_o word_n and_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o look_v into_o their_o meaning_n and_o then_o if_o they_o can_v make_v out_o that_o groundedness_n stability_n and_o immobility_n can_v consist_v with_o possibility_n of_o falsehood_n i_o shall_v promise_v they_o my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o hold_v contradiction_n with_o they_o for_o in_o that_o case_n those_o will_v be_v the_o only_a truth_n §_o 6._o the_o second_o shall_v be_v that_o most_o emphatical_a one_o of_o the_o same_o apostle_n licèt_fw-la nos_fw-la aut_fw-la angelus_n de_fw-la coelo_fw-la annuntiaverit_fw-la vobis_fw-la praeter_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la accepistis_fw-la anathema_n sit_v though_o we_o or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n shall_v preach_v to_o you_o otherwise_o than_o you_o have_v receive_v let_v he_o be_v accurse_v which_o be_v a_o very_a rude_a and_o unreasonable_a carriage_n especial_o for_o we_o christian_n now_o adays_o be_v faith_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o so_o short_a of_o the_o credit_n due_a to_o so_o incomparable_a authority_n for_o since_o it_o be_v know_v that_o many_o thing_n which_o have_v seem_v that_o i_o may_v use_v mr._n it_o be_v word_n moral_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v prove_v to_o be_v actual_o and_o indeed_o false_a and_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v always_o possible_a to_o be_v so_o but_o it_o be_v never_o hear_v that_o a_o apostle_n of_o jesus_n christ_n or_o a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n can_v or_o at_o least_o do_v at_o any_o time_n preach_v false_a it_o be_v most_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o which_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v with_o any_o reason_n sustain_v itself_o against_o the_o force_n of_o their_o authority_n and_o that_o faith_n which_o ought_v to_o do_v so_o must_v be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a §_o 7._o from_o the_o language_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o christian_n of_o former_a contingencie_n time_n let_v we_o come_v near_a home_n and_o see_v how_o unsuitable_a it_o be_v to_o the_o notion_n and_o expression_n of_o present_a christianity_n to_o say_v faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a now_o the_o possibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n be_v build_v on_o the_o contingency_n of_o the_o motive_n which_o be_v to_o ground_v it_o for_o be_v there_o no_o contingency_n in_o they_o but_o that_o their_o cause_n be_v so_o lay_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v not_o be_v conclusive_a they_o can_v not_o possible_o fail_v of_o be_v able_a to_o conclude_v and_o so_o faith_n will_v of_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a consider_v then_o the_o nature_n of_o contingency_n whether_o speculative_o in_o itself_o or_o practical_o in_o instance_n wherein_o it_o be_v find_v we_o may_v observe_v that_o it_o imply_v a_o certain_a kind_n of_o proportion_n between_o the_o frequency_n of_o effect_n on_o the_o one_o side_n and_o the_o seldomness_n on_o the_o other_o which_o we_o usual_o express_v by_o ten_o to_o one_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o etc._n etc._n if_o then_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a its_o nature_n will_v bear_v nay_o oblige_v we_o to_o express_v the_o probable_a degree_n of_o its_o likelihood_n in_o such_o kind_n of_o language_n and_o that_o we_o assert_v it_o to_o be_v likely_a in_o such_o a_o proportion_n but_o not-like_o in_o a_o high_a for_o example_n it_o will_v be_v perhaps_o wise_a and_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o thus_o propose_v to_o say_v v_o g._n it_o be_v a_o hundred_o to_o one_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n a_o heaven_n or_o a_o hell_n but_o it_o be_v not_o a_o thousand_o to_o one_o that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n or_o if_o any_o contend_v i_o have_v assign_v too-small_a a_o over-proportion_n to_o faith_n likelihood_n yet_o at_o least_o he_o must_v grant_v that_o in_o a_o great_a it_o will_v inevitable_o follow_v that_o such_o language_n ought_v in_o true_a speak_n be_v use_v when_o we_o be_v to_o express_v the_o degree_n of_o faith_n firmness_n wherefore_o it_o be_v experiential_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o sound_v more_o ugly_a to_o a_o christian_a ear_n than_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v so_o many_o to_o one_o faith_n be_v true_a but_o not_o so_o many_o more_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o
will_v never_o the_o soon_o discover_v her_o face_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o will_v still_o appear_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o practical_a conclusion_n natural_o follow_v hence_o will_v be_v this_o to_o fix_v there_o where_o it_o light_v most_o advantageous_a to_o their_o temporal_a interest_n in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o man_n addict_v themselves_o to_o this_o or_o that_o trade_n cry_v it_o up_o and_o maintain_v it_o stout_o to_o be_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v creditable_a to_o the_o profession_n though_o they_o judge_v all_o the_o while_o it_o may_v be_v a_o falsehood_n and_o because_o they_o see_v their_o faith_n can_v have_v no_o certain_a or_o firm_a ground_n undertake_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o faith_n itself_o need_v have_v none_o by_o the_o best_a assistance_n plausible_a rhetoric_n seemingly-probable_a reason_n weak_a or_o misuse_v testimony_n and_o voluntary_a cavil_n and_o mistake_v can_v lend_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n since_o they_o be_v not_o in_o circumstance_n to_o settle_v any_o thing_n to_o laugh_v hearty_o at_o those_o who_o go_v about_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v very_o politic_o to_o pull_v down_o every_o thing_n which_o any_o intelligent_a reader_n will_v manifest_o see_v by_o this_o establish_n treatise_n compare_v to_o their_o performance_n to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o my_o adversary_n labour_n §_o 14._o the_o unnaturalness_n of_o this_o tenet_n exhortation_n will_v perhaps_o be_v bring_v near_a home_n and_o so_o be_v better_o penetrate_v even_o by_o our_o opposer_n themselves_o if_o we_o reflect_v how_o wicked_o it_o will_v sound_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o preacher_n if_o after_o a_o sermon_n exhort_v and_o press_v the_o faithful_a to_o the_o love_n of_o heaven_n or_o particular_o to_o stand_v steadfast_a in_o their_o faith_n they_o shall_v in_o the_o close_a to_o prevent_v in_o their_o auditor_n the_o misunderstanding_n some_o overstrain_v expression_n add_v a_o ingenuous_a caution_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o for_o all_o that_o adhere_v to_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o can_v not_o be_v false_a nor_o work_v for_o heaven_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o absolute_a certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v it_o not_o manifest_a this_o in_o our_o case_n honest-dealing_a profession_n will_v enervate_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o motive_n they_o have_v propose_v and_o press_v and_o if_o so_o be_v it_o not_o as_o evident_a that_o all_o the_o efficacy_n of_o christian_a preach_v spring_n natural_o from_o the_o impossibility_n that_o faith_n shall_v be_v false_a for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o unseasonableness_n of_o this_o profession_n but_o the_o impiousness_n of_o it_o which_o will_v so_o scandalize_v the_o hearer_n and_o either_o avert_v they_o from_o the_o preacher_n or_o make_v they_o cold_a in_o virtue_n it_o be_v clear_a then_o that_o all_o the_o forceable_a application_n of_o christian_a motive_n to_o the_o heart_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o the_o faithful_a be_v ground_v on_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n and_o that_o therefore_o he_o who_o hold_v the_o opposite_a tenet_n and_o will_v be_v honest_a shall_v either_o leave_v off_o preach_v for_o which_o this_o tenet_n make_v he_o unfit_a or_o else_o use_v much_o caution_n while_o he_o preach_v lest_o by_o imply_v the_o perfect_a certainty_n of_o faith_n while_o he_o practise_v assentation_n to_o that_o he_o become_v injurious_a to_o truth_n and_o consequent_o to_o it_o too_o if_o it_o be_v true_a §_o 15._o but_o to_o conclude_v it_o have_v be_v belief_n no_o less_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o governor_n of_o the_o church_n or_o ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la to_o oblige_v the_o faithful_a to_o believe_v what_o they_o recommend_v to_o they_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n nay_o mr._n whitby_o in_o his_o late_a treatise_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d page_v 53_o 54._o assert_n the_o same_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o to_o their_o creed_n or_o fundamental_o which_o have_v faith_n be_v hold_v by_o the_o governor_n and_o the_o govern_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a have_v signify_v just_a thus_o much_o as_o if_o the_o governor_n shall_v say_v you_o shall_v believe_v it_o though_o we_o know_v it_o may_v be_v false_a or_o you_o shall_v believe_v we_o tell_v you_o the_o apostle_n teach_v it_o though_o both_o we_o and_o the_o authority_n we_o trust_v for_o it_o may_v be_v deceive_v for_o any_o thing_n we_o know_v and_o as_o if_o the_o person_n govern_v shall_v answer_v we_o will_v believe_v you_o though_o we_o know_v you_o may_v be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o the_o point_n itself_o false_a which_o be_v in_o effect_n the_o same_o as_o if_o they_o shall_v profess_v they_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v they_o let_v it_o prove_v what_o it_o will_v right_a or_o wrong_n true_a or_o false_a so_o strange_a a_o tyranny_n in_o the_o imposer_n or_o commander_n and_o slavery_n in_o the_o believer_n or_o obeyer_n as_o be_v impossible_a in_o either_o to_o consist_v with_o humane_a nature_n have_v not_o both_o of_o they_o the_o obeyer_n at_o least_o be_v very_o persuade_v those_o commander_n have_v such_o motive_n to_o propose_v as_o shall_v have_v be_v able_a to_o oblige_v assent_n without_o which_o all_o command_n of_o a_o interior_a act_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v nonsense_n and_o folly_n oh_o but_o will_n a_o witty_a atheist_n say_v humane_a policy_n may_v have_v make_v the_o governor_n conceal_v the_o cheat_n by_o which_o mean_v the_o ignorant_a govern_v be_v fright_v into_o a_o belief_n of_o any_o thing_n very_o likely_a indeed_o that_o among_o so_o many_o million_o and_o of_o those_o many_o saint_n by_o our_o adversary_n own_o confession_n all_o shall_v persist_v and_o be_v true_a conspirator_n in_o so_o unnatural_a a_o confederacy_n or_o that_o in_o so_o free_a a_o admission_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o prudent_a people_n to_o any_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v practise_v in_o christendom_n 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natural_a and_o proper_a sense_n in_o which_o all_o mankind_n take_v it_o for_o what_o in_o reality_n and_o indeed_o be_v so_o which_o i_o affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n or_o to_o ground_v all_o those_o argument_n which_o i_o bring_v thence_o to_o evince_v the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n falsehood_n but_o i_o fear_v the_o objecter_n confound_v the_o first_o operation_n of_o our_o understanding_n with_o the_o second_o that_o be_v our_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o mean_v of_o the_o word_n truth_n or_o true_a with_o the_o proposition_n or_o judgement_n make_v concern_v it_o for_o not_o only_o weak_a people_n judge_v many_o thing_n true_a which_o stand_v under_o no_o certain_a ground_n but_o even_o solid_a man_n when_o the_o concern_v of_o the_o point_n be_v sleight_n and_o no_o circumstance_n awake_v they_o into_o a_o heedfulness_n and_o as_o it_o be_v engage_v their_o honesty_n to_o speak_v rigorous_a truth_n oftentimes_o careless_o and_o unconcerned_o admit_v 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existent_a out_o of_o i_o the_o other_o in_o the_o thing_n as_o existent_a in_o i_o as_o the_o selfsame_a figure_n be_v in_o the_o seal_n and_o the_o wax_n yet_o neither_o of_o these_o different_a state_n enter_v into_o the_o notion_n i_o have_v of_o man_n but_o mere_o what_o be_v common_a to_o the_o thing_n under_o either_o state_n which_o be_v what_o answer_v to_o the_o definition_n for_o both_o man_n take_v as_o in_o himself_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n and_o also_o what_o i_o conceive_v or_o mean_v by_o the_o word_n man_n be_v rational_a creature_n though_o the_o word_n rational_a creature_n express_v neither_o the_o be_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o out_o of_o it_o but_o abstract_n from_o either_o by_o this_o mean_v my_o mind_n concieve_v man_n gain_v a_o unity_n of_o form_n with_o the_o thing_n out_o of_o it_o or_o a_o conformity_n to_o it_o which_o disposition_n want_v nothing_o to_o be_v call_v truth_n but_o that_o it_o be_v incapable_a of_o ground_v affirmation_n or_o negation_n 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have_v distinct_a or_o abstract_a notion_n of_o pillar_n roundness_n and_o existence_n nay_o more_o of_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n as_o exercise_v or_o actual_o have_v the_o same_o existence_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o this_o proposition_n the_o pillar_n be_v round_a that_o be_v of_o what_o correspond_v to_o those_o three_o distinct_a notion_n put_v now_o in_o a_o frame_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o so_o immediate_o apt_a to_o express_v truth_n or_o falsehood_n and_o yet_o not_o proceed_v to_o behave_v myself_o affirm_o or_o deny_o or_o judge_v any_o thing_n concern_v they_o but_o mere_o to_o conceive_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n way_n be_v thus_o orderly_o make_v towards_o the_o second_o operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o dispose_v the_o separate_a notion_n in_o a_o fit_a posture_n by_o the_o first_o nature_n seem_v to_o require_v it_o shall_v supervene_v and_o so_o the_o understanding_n set_v itself_o to_o judge_n whether_o 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none_o but_o only_o a_o affection_n or_o determination_n of_o a_o thing_n both_o know_v by_o plain_a nature_n whatever_o some_o schoolman_n speculate_v for_o these_o put_v mere_a experience_n teach_v we_o that_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v pillar_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v call_v round_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o that_o in_o this_o proposition_n the_o pillar_n be_v round_a the_o two_o extreme_a notion_n be_v indeed_o that_o be_v with_o a_o conformity_n to_o the_o thing_n identify_v or_o that_o that_o proposition_n be_v true_a but_o to_o return_v home_o to_o our_o purpose_n it_o be_v clear_a that_o pillar_n and_o roundness_n exist_v by_o the_o same_o existence_n or_o in_o the_o same_o thing_n be_v find_v in_o the_o thing_n after_o its_o manner_n and_o in_o my_o judgement_n or_o soul_n as_o apt_a to_o judge_n after_o it_o be_v that_o be_v judge_o but_o truth_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o either_o of_o these_o manner_n of_o be_v as_o be_v discourse_v 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different_a state_n a_o supineness_n too_o gross_a for_o any_o attentive_a discourser_n to_o fall_v into_o i_o conceive_v then_o what_o the_o objecter_n will_v allege_v be_v that_o i_o confound_v those_o truth_n speak_v of_o with_o truth_n to_o we_o or_o quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la as_o the_o school_n speak_v for_o though_o what_o be_v truth_n to_o we_o must_v needs_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o and_o in_o we_o in_o regard_n we_o can_v know_v that_o to_o be_v which_o be_v not_o yet_o what_o be_v truth_n in_o itself_o or_o truth_n in_o we_o be_v not_o therefore_o truth_n to_o we_o in_o regard_n one_o may_v upon_o probable_a nay_o improbable_a or_o even_o false_a ground_n light_n upon_o a_o right_a judgement_n in_o which_o case_n his_o mind_n as_o judge_v be_v conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n or_o true_a yet_o still_o that_o thing_n be_v not_o true_a to_o he_o in_o regard_n he_o have_v no_o reason_n able_a to_o conclude_v it_o such_o or_o to_o make_v he_o see_v it_o to_o be_v true_a truth_n then_o to_o we_o be_v the_o same_o with_o our_o sight_n of_o it_o that_o be_v with_o certainty_n or_o determination_n of_o our_o understanding_n by_o force_n of_o intellectual_a motive_n and_o this_o indeed_o i_o often_o seem_v to_o confound_v with_o truth_n in_o the_o two_o former_a acception_n but_o i_o therefore_o seem_v to_o do_v it_o because_o i_o be_o loath_a to_o transcribe_v and_o apply_v so_o often_o my_o postulata_fw-la and_o suppose_v my_o judicious_a reader_n bear_v they_o in_o mind_n which_o if_o he_o please_v to_o understand_v as_o subjoin_v to_o those_o discourse_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o what_o be_v so_o in_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o perhaps_o in_o we_o if_o it_o be_v so_o severe_o obligatory_a to_o be_v thus_o constant_o profess_v and_o hold_v so_o and_o consequent_o by_o my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la necessary_a to_o be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o all_o my_o mistake_a proof_n will_v be_v bring_v to_o conclude_v it_o true_a to_o we_o that_o be_v certain_z you_o will_v say_v why_o be_v it_o not_o enough_o for_o god_n to_o provide_v that_o our_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v indeed_o true_a in_o we_o since_o so_o they_o will_v perfect_v our_o understanding_n by_o conform_v they_o to_o the_o thing_n and_o guide_v we_o right_o but_o they_o must_v also_o be_v true_a to_o we_o or_o be_v know_v to_o be_v true_a i_o answer_v for_o two_o reason_n one_o because_o god_n government_n of_o mankind_n will_v by_o this_o mean_n be_v preternatural_a oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v profess_v and_o die_v for_o profess_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n which_o he_o know_v not_o to_o be_v such_o the_o other_o reason_n be_v because_o every_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o exercise_v will_v perpetual_o involve_v a_o error_n in_o case_n the_o motive_n to_o those_o assent_n be_v not_o conclusive_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n for_o however_o one_o may_v light_v by_o haphazard_n or_o through_o weakness_n on_o a_o truth_n from_o a_o inclusive_a motive_n yet_o since_o it_o be_v impossible_a a_o rational_a creature_n shall_v assent_v but_o upon_o some_o motive_n good_a or_o bad_a hence_o every_o assent_n practical_o imply_v it_o be_v true_a for_o this_o reason_n wherefore_o if_o the_o reason_n ground_v such_o assent_n be_v unapt_a to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n that_o judgement_n necessary_o involve_v a_o falsehood_n or_o error_n however_o it_o be_v otherwise_o conformable_a to_o the_o thing_n abstract_o consider_v truth_n then_o be_v bastard_n illegitimate_a and_o monstrous_a both_o the_o intellectualness_n and_o supernaturalness_n of_o that_o virtue_n call_v faith_n make_v it_o scorn_v to_o own_o such_o defective_a prâ—ductions_n objection_n iii_o the_o meaning_n of_o word_n be_v indeed_o to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o vulgar_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n be_v to_o be_v take_v only_o from_o the_o judgement_n of_o learned_a man_n though_o then_o that_o be_v indeed_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n faith_n which_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n mean_v by_o it_o yet_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o proposition_n faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v be_v judge_v of_o by_o the_o sentiment_n of_o the_o most_o learned_a divine_n the_o generality_n at_o least_o the_o best_a of_o which_o and_o catholic_n among_o the_o rest_n grant_v the_o ground_n of_o faith_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o faith_n itself_o to_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a answer_n that_o maxim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o those_o proposition_n which_o require_v some_o speculation_n to_o infer_v they_o in_o which_o case_n also_o even_o the_o unlearned_a be_v not_o bind_v to_o assent_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o learned_a man_n take_v precise_o as_o man_n of_o skill_n because_o general_o it_o be_v practically-self-evident_a to_o they_o that_o such_o speculative_a man_n differ_v oft_o time_n in_o their_o sentiment_n and_o they_o be_v unfurnish_a of_o due_a mean_n to_o discern_v which_o be_v in_o the_o right_n yet_o if_o they_o be_v to_o act_v in_o such_o affair_n they_o be_v bind_v in_o prudence_n to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o part_n which_o be_v general_o repute_v most_o and_o able_a and_o then_o their_o proceedure_n be_v laudable_a because_o they_o do_v the_o best_a secundum_fw-la ultimum_fw-la potentiae_fw-la or_o that_o lie_v in_o the_o power_n whence_o learned_a man_n who_o have_v ability_n to_o judge_n of_o the_o reason_n those_o speculater_n give_v behave_v themselves_o imprudent_o and_o blameable_o if_o they_o even_o proceed_v to_o outward_a action_n mere_o upon_o their_o judgement_n without_o examine_v the_o reason_n they_o allege_v in_o case_n they_o have_v leisure_n and_o opportunity_n to_o do_v so_o but_o now_o the_o maxim_n hold_v not_o all_o for_o those_o proposition_n in_o which_o it_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o evident_a to_o common_a and_o uncultivated_a reason_n that_o the_o predicate_v be_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o the_o subject_a as_o it_o be_v for_o example_n in_o this_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n or_o this_o which_o be_v palpable_o consequent_a from_o the_o former_a man_n be_v capable_a of_o gain_v knowledge_n for_o in_o such_o as_o these_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o the_o vulgar_a be_v full_a as_o certain_a as_o those_o of_o speculater_n perhaps_o certain_a and_o with_o the_o same_o evidence_n the_o predicate_a possible_a to_o be_v false_a must_v necessary_o be_v see_v to_o be_v connect_v with_o faith_n by_o all_o those_o who_o esteem_v themselves_o oblige_v by_o god_n command_n to_o profess_v and_o die_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o point_n they_o believe_v beside_o they_o hold_v that_o faith_n make_v they_o know_v god_n and_o his_o will_n that_o their_o assent_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v immovable_a or_o adhere_v to_o all_o their_o life_n that_o be_v such_o as_o can_v be_v
stand_v to_o it_o and_o deliver_v himself_o in_o some_o rude_a say_n or_o other_o in_o behalf_n of_o it_o for_o example_n tell_v he_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o k._n james_n because_o those_o who_o pretend_v to_o live_v then_o have_v tell_v we_o so_o but_o what_o if_o they_o be_v mistake_v his_o answer_n will_v in_o likelihood_n be_v to_o this_o purpose_n what_o a_o god_n name_n be_v they_o blind_a in_o those_o day_n that_o they_o can_v not_o see_v who_o be_v king_n then_o which_o express_v natural_o his_o conceit_n of_o their_o inerrableness_n in_o such_o a_o point_n in_o case_n they_o have_v eye_n which_o nature_n teach_v he_o man_n general_o have_v insist_v far_o perhaps_o they_o be_v not_o mistake_v but_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o cozen_v all_o england_n that_o come_v after_o they_o nature_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o this_o or_o some_o such_o kind_n of_o reply_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v they_o all_o make_v fool_n of_o every_o body_n which_o word_n though_o rude_o express_v yet_o couch_v in_o themselves_o the_o full_a reason_n give_v in_o sure_a foot_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v build_v on_o nature_n for_o first_o it_o imply_v that_o man_n nature_n with_o which_o he_o have_v a_o fair_a acquaintance_n in_o common_a be_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n for_o a_o purpose_n end_n or_o reason_n next_o his_o interrogatory_n way_n be_v in_o his_o rude_a style_n equivalent_a to_o a_o negative_a and_o so_o it_o signify_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o and_o last_o his_o stand_n to_o his_o former_a tenet_n imply_v virtual_o a_o conclusion_n from_o the_o reason_n give_v that_o the_o thing_n can_v not_o be_v do_v which_o involve_v necessary_o a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o first_o principle_n on_o which_o all_o force_n of_o consequence_n be_v ground_v and_o also_o of_o that_o principle_n no_o effect_n can_v be_v without_o a_o due_a cause_n both_o perfect_o suppose_v and_o hold_v by_o he_o though_o not_o express_v in_o his_o rude_a enthymeme_n from_o this_o discourse_n be_v collect_v what_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v and_o that_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o experience_n in_o this_o that_o experience_n be_v only_o find_v of_o what_o use_v to_o make_v the_o minor_a in_o this_o virtual_a discourse_n but_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v of_o conclusion_n deduce_v as_o it_o be_v from_o a_o common_a maxim_n natural_o know_v as_o the_o major_a and_o a_o minor_a for_o the_o most_o part_n experiential_o or_o else_o practical_o know_v which_o join_v with_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n in_o which_o the_o force_n of_o consequence_n consist_v make_v up_o that_o virtual_a discourse_n again_o it_o differ_v from_o science_n in_o that_o a_o man_n of_o science_n reflect_o see_v a_o medium_fw-la identify_v the_o two_o extreme_n and_o be_v aware_a of_o the_o virtue_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o beget_v evidence_n whereas_o the_o other_o be_v rather_o passive_a from_o natural_a impression_n than_o active_a by_o any_o self-industry_n in_o these_o knowledge_n and_o rather_o feel_v the_o force_n of_o those_o cause_n in_o his_o own_o adhesion_n than_o see_v it_o second_o it_o be_v collect_v that_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v notwithstanding_o true_a knowledge_n though_o perhaps_o it_o be_v the_o slight_a kind_n of_o it_o in_o which_o it_o be_v difference_v from_o opinion_n build_v on_o probability_n for_o see_v such_o assenter_n have_v both_o by_o experience_n or_o by_o common_a conversation_n true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o diverse_a thing_n in_o common_a which_o make_v the_o minor_a as_o also_o by_o nature_n of_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o countervail_v the_o major_a and_o force_v the_o consequence_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o this_o practical_a self-evidence_n be_v entire_o and_o adequate_o ground_v on_o true_a knowledge_n both_o as_o to_o premise_n and_o consequence_n and_o cossequent_o it_o be_v itself_o a_o true_a knowledge_n likewise_o which_o consideration_n will_v help_v to_o explain_v my_o late_a postulatum_fw-la and_o show_v by_o what_o mean_v it_o be_v possible_a all_o christian_n may_v know_v their_o faith_n to_o be_v true_a or_o the_o same_o the_o apostle_n teach_v by_o the_o church_n testimony_n because_o they_o know_v the_o inerrableness_n and_o veracity_n of_o vast_a and_o grave_a multitude_n in_o open_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v practiceable_a daily_o and_o last_o it_o be_v collect_v that_o what_o be_v practical_o self-evident_a to_o the_o unlearned_a be_v demonstrable_a to_o the_o learned_a in_o regard_v these_o be_v capable_a of_o see_v by_o what_o virtue_n the_o cause_n of_o this_o self-evidence_n breed_v that_o knowledge_n which_o the_o other_n be_v incultivate_v reason_n will_v give_v no_o account_n of_o objection_n v._n that_o first_o principle_n every_o thing_n while_o it_o be_v be_v necessary_o what_o it_o be_v seem_v to_o be_v often_o time_n misapply_v particular_o evict_v 2._o §_o 11._o &_o 13._o to_o truth_n at_o present_a whence_o the_o arguer_n will_v conclude_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v also_o at_o present_a false_a which_o be_v true_a if_o it_o be_v mean_v of_o objective_a truth_n but_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o miss_v the_o question_n but_o the_o consequence_n hold_v not_o in_o case_n the_o discourse_n be_v of_o formal_a truth_n that_o be_v of_o truth_n in_o we_o or_o of_o truth_n to_o we_o that_o be_v of_o certainty_n for_o none_o pretend_v that_o his_o judgement_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v conformable_a and_o disconformable_a to_o the_o thing_n which_o speak_v those_o inrintsecall_a disposition_n call_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n in_o we_o or_o that_o himself_o can_v be_v cetrain_n or_o uncertain_a of_o it_o at_o once_o which_o express_v truth_n and_o falsehood_n to_o we_o this_o be_v put_v those_o motive_n which_o only_o he_o have_v at_o present_a in_o his_o understanding_n able_a to_o prove_v the_o point_n true_a and_o false_a both_o or_o at_o once_o whereas_o what_o be_v pretend_v by_o the_o objecter_n be_v only_o this_o that_o though_o upon_o present_a motive_n he_o now_o judge_n it_o true_a and_o certain_a yet_o afterward_o upon_o other_o motive_n he_o may_v come_v to_o see_v it_o false_a answer_n i_o mean_v in_o those_o place_n truth_n to_o we_o or_o certainty_n but_o the_o objection_n proceed_v as_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o man_n in_o the_o world_n or_o as_o if_o true_a false_a certain_a and_o uncertain_a can_v be_v relative_a to_o one_o person_n only_o first_o then_o my_o position_n be_v that_o whoever_o put_v a_o thing_n true_a to_o himself_o yet_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a to_o another_o put_v no_o less_o a_o capacity_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v be_v at_o once_o thus_o true_a and_o false_a though_o in_o several_a subject_n than_o as_o if_o it_o be_v in_o one_o subject_n only_o next_o he_o suppose_v each_o of_o those_o different_a judger_n to_o have_v possible_o just_a ground_n for_o so_o judge_v since_o he_o put_v in_o one_o motive_n sufficient_a to_o evince_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o other_o possible_a one_o to_o conclude_v its_o falsehood_n for_o our_o question_n be_v not_o to_o what_o degree_n weak_a soul_n can_v miscarry_v in_o assent_v but_o what_o degree_n of_o strength_n be_v find_v in_o the_o motive_n to_o faith_n which_o the_o objecter_n as_o a_o christian_a that_o be_v as_o a_o holder_n that_o point_v of_o faith_n be_v truth_n must_v affirm_v to_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v it_o true_a and_o yet_o as_o himself_o contend_v leave_v it_o still_o possible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o be_v provable_a by_o other_o ground_n to_o be_v so_o for_o else_o the_o word_n false_a can_v mean_v false_a to_o we_o or_o in_o the_o subject_a as_o be_v pretend_v that_o be_v he_o must_v make_v it_o possible_a to_o be_v just_o or_o in_o right_a reason_n hold_v by_o one_o true_a by_o the_o other_o false_a now_o it_o be_v the_o impossibility_n of_o such_o opposite_a ground_n i_o constant_o maintain_v or_o that_o the_o ground_n of_o faith_n be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a three_o hence_o i_o go_v far_o and_o urge_v that_o if_o those_o different_a motive_n can_v oblige_v just_o one_o man_n to_o hold_v faith_n true_a the_o other_o to_o hold_v it_o false_a then_o put_v they_o in_o the_o same_o man_n it_o ought_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o hold_v both_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o this_o enforce_v my_o proof_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o my_o three_o eviction_n i_o know_v it_o will_v be_v ready_o answe'rd_v that_o this_o will_v not_o follow_v because_o the_o motive_n be_v disparate_a the_o more_o probable_a one_o will_v when_o in_o the_o same_o subject_n overpower_v the_o other_o and_o so_o hinder_v the_o opposite_a assent_n but_o i_o desire_v it_o may_v be_v consider_v that_o intellectual_a motive_n or_o reason_n have_v their_o power_n to_o
patronize_v falsehood_n against_o this_o deceit_n our_o saviour_n have_v forearm_v we_o by_o his_o forewarn_v we_o with_o a_o nolite_fw-la credere_fw-la when_o any_o one_o pretend_v loe_o here_o be_v christ_n or_o there_o be_v christ._n last_o it_o be_v visible_a to_o any_o indifferent_a understanding_n that_o those_o divine_n who_o defend_v this_o influence_n of_o the_o pious_a affection_n upon_o the_o settle_n of_o faith_n certainty_n though_o in_o other_o point_n very_o rational_a and_o acute_a yet_o when_o they_o come_v to_o this_o they_o be_v at_o a_o utter_a loss_n and_o can_v make_v nothing_o cohere_v philippus_n de_fw-fr sancta_fw-la trinitate_fw-la contradict_v himself_o twice_o or_o thrice_o in_o one_o leaf_n while_o he_o attempt_v to_o defend_v it_o but_o i_o instance_n in_o one_o for_o all_o that_o be_v father_n vincentius_n baronius_n a_o doctor_n of_o tholouse_n and_o of_o the_o holy_a order_n of_o s._n dominick_n a_o person_n of_o as_o much_o eminency_n gravity_n and_o learning_n as_o any_o of_o late_a day_n this_o great_a writer_n in_o his_o manuductio_fw-la ad_fw-la moralem_fw-la theologiam_fw-la p._n 130_o 131._o fall_n upon_o caramuel_n in_o these_o word_n distinguit_fw-la caramuel_n duplicem_fw-la honestatis_fw-la certitudinem_fw-la seu_fw-la veritatem_fw-la formalem_fw-la unam_fw-la vocat_fw-la alteram_fw-la objectivam_fw-la istam_fw-la negat_fw-la cuilibet_fw-la opinioni_fw-la probabili_fw-la ill_a be_o concedit_fw-la etc._n etc._n sed_fw-la hoc_fw-la nobis_fw-la ignorantiae_fw-la prodiglum_fw-la est_fw-la aut_fw-la temeritatis_fw-la dari_fw-la veritatem_fw-la aut_fw-la falsitatem_fw-la certitudinemque_fw-la cui_fw-la nulla_fw-la objectiva_fw-la correspondeat_fw-la hoc_fw-la ne_fw-la deo_fw-la quidem_fw-la concessum_fw-la est_fw-la ut_fw-la scientiam_fw-la habeat_fw-la rei_fw-la non_fw-la scibilis_fw-la i._n e._n veritatem_fw-la formalem_fw-la rei_fw-la quae_fw-la objectiuâ_fw-la careat_fw-la yet_o the_o same_o author_n p._n 271_o be_v force_v by_o the_o defence_n of_o this_o ill_a ground_a tenet_n which_o he_o have_v espouse_v into_o the_o same_o paralogysm_n which_o he_o have_v so_o grave_o severe_o and_o learned_o reprehend_v in_o another_o where_o put_v the_o objection_n very_a home_n he_o ask_v si_fw-la praevium_fw-la illud_fw-la ad_fw-la fidem_fw-la judicium_fw-la sit_fw-la intra_fw-la probabilitatis_fw-la fine_n quâ_fw-la ratione_fw-la poterit_fw-la mens_fw-la assurgere_fw-la in_o assensum_fw-la illo_fw-la seu_fw-la opinion_n firmiorem_fw-la ergo_fw-la fidei_fw-la certitudo_fw-la nutlat_fw-la si_fw-la ab_fw-la illo_fw-la judicio_fw-la quod_fw-la prudenter_fw-la probabile_fw-la dixi_fw-la pendeat_fw-la nec_fw-la aliunde_fw-la repetatur_fw-la this_o do_v acknowledge_v that_o tota_fw-la controversia_fw-la &_o fidei_fw-la summa_fw-la be_v contain_v as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o this_o argument_n he_o address_v himself_o to_o answer_v it_o first_o slight_o by_o a_o example_n that_o this_o precedent_a judgement_n be_v to_o faith_n as_o accidental_a alteration_n to_o the_o substantial_a form_n and_o so_o be_v only_o a_o disposition_n to_o it_o may_v be_v less_o noble_a or_o certain_a than_o faith_n be_v itself_o whereas_o if_o our_o assent_n of_o faith_n ought_v to_o be_v thorough_o rational_a this_o previous_a judgement_n be_v that_o on_o which_o this_o assent_n be_v build_v as_o to_o we_o or_o as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n must_v at_o least_o be_v firm_a and_o immovable_a itself_o since_o the_o assent_n of_o faith_n build_v on_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v such_o and_o consequent_o beyond_o probability_n whence_o the_o example_n be_v most_o unsuitable_a signify_v that_o as_o nature_n dispose_v matter_n by_o imperfect_a degree_n towards_o a_o perfect_a and_o ultimate_a effect_n so_o infirm_a principle_n may_v rational_o beget_v a_o firm_a assent_n after_o this_o he_o allege_v that_o the_o certainty_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v fetch_v it_o from_o god_n the_o author_n of_o it_o who_o infuse_v light_a and_o 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be_v how_o this_o knot_n be_v indissoluble_a in_o case_n the_o probable_a reason_n prove_v false_a unless_o the_o soul_n be_v wilful_o blind_a or_o why_o a_o resolvedness_n in_o the_o will_n can_v rational_o establish_v a_o true_a intellectual_a certainty_n what_o i_o chief_o conclude_v from_o these_o answer_n of_o he_o be_v that_o he_o perpetual_o wave_v certainty_n have_v from_o the_o object_n and_o so_o unavoidable_o be_v force_v to_o put_v a_o formal_a certainty_n in_o as_o to_o which_o no_o objective_a certainty_n correspond_v which_o his_o excellent_a wit_n in_o another_o circumstance_n see_v to_o be_v prodigious_o faulty_a and_o a_o certainty_n that_o be_v a_o perfection_n not_o competent_a even_o to_o god_n himself_o so_o impossible_a it_o be_v that_o error_n prejudice_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n shall_v not_o either_o by_o opposition_n to_o first_o principle_n be_v discover_v to_o be_v falsehood_n or_o by_o self-contradiction_n in_o their_o maintainer_n confess_v it_o 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as_o that_o god_n infinite_o happy_a in_o himself_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o injurious_a buffering_n scourge_n and_o a_o ignominious_a death_n for_o a_o creature_n sake_n that_o in_o comparison_n of_o he_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o and_o that_o omniscience_n and_o omnipotence_n can_v not_o invent_v and_o practise_v some_o easy_a and_o more_o honourable_a way_n to_o work_v the_o end_n they_o intend_v and_o last_o that_o it_o shall_v beseem_v infinite_a goodness_n that_o a_o person_n superlative_o innocent_a shall_v be_v so_o severe_o punish_v to_o do_v a_o undue_a favour_n to_o those_o who_o be_v enormous_o wicked_a this_o consideration_n then_o necessitate_v plain_o the_o impossibility_n of_o faith_n be_v false_a for_o else_o it_o will_v be_v irrational_a to_o believe_v it_o and_o last_o it_o show_v the_o case_n of_o christian_a interior_a act_n utter_o unparallel_a to_o that_o of_o act_v exterior_o for_o sensible_a and_o material_a good_n which_o one_o may_v apprehend_v to_o be_v attainable_a and_o also_o comprehend_v the_o way_n to_o attain_v they_o without_o puzz'le_v his_o understanding_n with_o any_o unconceivable_a mysteriousness_n in_o the_o business_n to_o check_v his_o assent_n ere_o i_o leave_v this_o point_n i_o must_v desire_v the_o reader_n to_o reflect_v well_o on_o the_o condition_n those_o person_n be_v in_o who_o be_v yet_o to_o embrace_v faith_n they_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n and_o to_o this_o be_v propose_v for_o object_n to_o the_o one_o side_n the_o motive_n to_o faith_n or_o the_o authority_n in_o our_o case_n that_o god_n have_v speak_v it_o on_o the_o other_o the_o strangeness_n of_o the_o mystery_n let_v then_o those_o person_n understanding_n no_o better_a elevate_v go_v about_o to_o scan_v the_o profound_a mystery_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o i_o think_v confess_v by_o all_o they_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o they_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a but_o this_o motive_n or_o this_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v confess_v by_o our_o adversary_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a nor_o it_o be_v a_o fit_a and_o proportion_v object_n for_o humane_a reason_n be_v there_o any_o thing_n to_o make_v it_o seem_v better_a than_o it_o be_v or_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a it_o be_v then_o against_o all_o reason_n to_o believe_v be_v faith_n and_o its_o ground_n possible_a to_o be_v false_a the_o motive_n of_o dissent_n be_v in_o that_o case_n evident_o great_a than_o be_v the_o motive_n of_o assent_n §_o 10._o again_o since_o it_o be_v incomparable_o faith_n more_o easy_a to_o throw_v down_o than_o to_o build_v or_o less_o difficult_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v a_o objection_n than_o it_o be_v to_o lay_v orderly_o in_o the_o soul_n a_o severely-connected_n frame_v of_o discourse_n force_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o point_n particular_o when_o those_o point_n be_v utter_o unsuitable_a to_o fancy_n and_o even_o exalt_v above_o reason_n and_o so_o lie_v open_a to_o very_o plausible_a and_o easy_o penetrable_a objection_n on_o which_o disadvantage_n or_o disproportion_n to_o weak_a judgement_n that_o be_v indeed_o a_o high_a excellency_n on_o the_o object_n be_v side_n atheist_n ground_v their_o drollery_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n it_o follow_v that_o be_v not_o the_o chief_a motive_n to_o faith_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n practical_o self-evident_a and_o so_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a there_o will_v be_v consider_v the_o rudeness_n and_o unelevatedness_n of_o the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v to_o come_v to_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o unsuitableness_n of_o the_o mystery_n to_o their_o fancyled_a understanding_n great_a temptation_n and_o more_o plausible_a that_o be_v to_z they_o strong_a motive_n lay_v to_o make_v they_o 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straighten_v the_o signification_n