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world_n church_n faith_n unity_n 1,807 5 9.0990 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62581 The rule of faith, or, An answer to the treatises of Mr. I.S. entituled Sure-footing &c. by John Tillotson ... ; to which is adjoined A reply to Mr. I.S. his 3d appendix &c. by Edw. Stillingfleet. Tillotson, John, 1630-1694.; Stillingfleet, Edward, 1635-1699. Reply to Mr. I.S. his 3d appendix. 1676 (1676) Wing T1218; ESTC R32807 182,586 472

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unknown_a cipher_n without_o a_o key_n be_v of_o themselves_o without_o the_o light_n of_o oral_a tradition_n only_o a_o heap_n of_o unintelligible_a word_n unsense_v cha_fw-mi racter_n and_o ink_n various_o figure_v in_o a_o book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n in_o they_o to_o think_v they_o can_v understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n like_o their_o own_o philosophy_n by_o read_v of_o those_o book_n or_o confute_v it_o by_o confute_v they_o thus_o the_o father_n may_v have_v defend_v their_o religion_n nay_o they_o ought_v in_o all_o reason_n to_o have_v take_v this_o course_n and_o to_o have_v appeal_v from_o those_o dead_a senseless_a book_n to_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n essential_a but_o do_v mr._n s._n find_v any_o thing_n to_o this_o purpose_n in_o the_o apology_n of_o the_o father_n if_o he_o have_v discover_v any_o such_o matter_n he_o may_v do_v well_o to_o acquaint_v the_o world_n
either_o whole_o or_o for_o the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o they_o take_v upan_n humour_n against_o propagate_a mankind_n and_o yet_o both_o history_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o present_a age_n assure_v we_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o asia_n and_o of_o africa_n where_o the_o most_o flourish_a church_n in_o the_o world_n once_o be_v be_v fall_v off_o from_o christianity_n and_o become_v either_o mahometan_n or_o heathen_n in_o africa_n almost_o all_o those_o vast_a region_n which_o christianity_n have_v gain_v from_o heathenism_n mahometanism_n have_v regain_v from_o christianity_n all_o the_o north-part_n of_o africa_n lie_v along_o the_o mediterranean_a where_o christianity_n flourish_v once_o as_o much_o as_o ever_o it_o do_v at_o rome_n be_v at_o this_o time_n utter_o void_a of_o christian_n except_v a_o few_o town_n in_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o european_a prince_n and_o not_o to_o mention_v all_o particular_a place_n the_o large_a region_n of_o nubia_n which_o have_v as_o be_v think_v from_o the_o apostle_n time_n profess_v the_o christian_a faith_n have_v within_o these_o 150_o year_n for_o want_n of_o minister_n as_o alvarez_n aethiop_n tell_v we_o quit_v christianity_n and_o be_v partly_o revolt_a to_o heathenism_n partly_o fall_v off_o to_o mahometanism_n so_o that_o it_o seem_v that_o notwithstanding_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n the_o very_a teacher_n of_o tradition_n may_v fail_v in_o a_o large_o extend_v church_n as_o for_o asia_n in_o the_o easterly_a part_n of_o it_o there_o be_v not_o now_o one_o christian_a to_o four_o of_o what_o there_o be_v 500_o year_n ago_o and_o in_o the_o more_o southerly_a part_n of_o it_o where_o christianity_n have_v take_v deep_a root_n the_o christian_n be_v far_o inferior_a in_o number_n to_o the_o idolater_n and_o mahometan_n and_o do_v daily_o decrease_v what_o think_v mr._n s._n of_o all_o this_o have_v those_o christian_a nation_n which_o be_v turn_v mahometan_n and_o pagan_n fail_v in_o their_o faith_n or_o not_o if_o they_o have_v i_o expect_v from_o he_o clear_a instance_n of_o more_o that_o have_v fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_n §_o 7._o but_o beside_o those_o who_o have_v total_o apostatise_v from_o christianity_n have_v not_o the_o whole_a greek_a church_n with_o the_o jacobite_n and_o nestorian_n and_o all_o those_o other_o sect_n which_o agree_v with_o and_o depend_v upon_o these_o and_o which_o take_v together_o be_v manifold_o great_a than_o the_o roman_a church_n i_o say_v have_v not_o all_o these_o renounce_v tradition_n for_o several_a age_n and_o here_o in_o europe_n have_v not_o a_o great_a part_n of_o poland_n hungary_n both_o germany's_n france_n and_o switzerland_n have_v not_o the_o kingdom_n of_o great_a britain_n denmark_n sweden_n and_o a_o considerable_a part_n of_o ireland_n in_o mr._n s_n opinion_n desert_v tradition_n if_o i_o shall_v once_o see_v a_o whole_a nation_n fail_v because_o no_o body_n will_v marry_v and_o contribute_v to_o the_o propagation_n of_o mankind_n and_o shall_v find_v this_o sullen_a humour_n to_o prevail_v in_o several_a nation_n and_o to_o overspread_v vast_a part_n of_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v then_o in_o good_a earnest_n think_v it_o possible_a for_o mankind_n to_o fail_v unless_o i_o can_v show_v it_o impossible_a for_o other_o nation_n to_o do_v that_o which_o i_o see_v some_o to_o have_v do_v who_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o unlikely_a to_o have_v do_v it_o so_o that_o whatever_o cause_n he_o assign_v of_o heresy_n 67._o as_o pride_n ambition_n lust_n or_o any_o other_o vice_n or_o interest_n if_o these_o can_v take_v place_n in_o whole_a nation_n and_o make_v they_o renounce_v tradition_n then_o where_o be_v the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a in_o any_o for_o the_o demonstration_n hold_v as_o strong_o for_o all_o christian_n as_o for_o any_o §_o 8._o second_o from_o these_o ground_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o christian_n can_v live_v wicked_o because_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o good_a life_n the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n must_v in_o all_o reason_n be_v as_o powerful_a and_o efficacious_a cause_n of_o a_o good_a life_n as_o of_o a_o true_a belief_n and_o that_o his_o demonstration_n prove_v the_o one_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o will_v be_v evident_a from_o his_o own_o reason_n for_o he_o 62._o argue_v in_o this_o manner_n good_a be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o the_o will_n good_a propose_v make_v the_o will_n to_o desire_v that_o good_a and_o consequent_o the_o know_a mean_n to_o obtain_v it_o now_o infinite_a good_n and_o harm_n sufficient_o propose_v be_v of_o their_o own_o nature_n incomparable_o more_o powerful_a cause_n to_o carry_v the_o will_n than_o temporal_a one_o since_o then_o when_o two_o cause_n be_v counterpoise_v the_o lesser_a when_o it_o come_v to_o execution_n be_v no_o cause_n as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o effect_n it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o move_v the_o will_n of_o a_o world_n of_o believer_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v that_o which_o they_o judge_v will_v lose_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n infinite_a good_n and_o bring_v they_o infinite_a harm_n etc._n etc._n in_o case_n a_o sufficient_a proposal_n or_o application_n be_v not_o want_v which_o he_o tell_v we_o 6●_n be_v not_o want_v because_o christianity_n urge_v to_o execution_n give_v its_o follower_n a_o new_a life_n and_o a_o new_a nature_n than_o which_o a_o near_a application_n can_v be_v imagine_v do_v not_o this_o argument_n extend_v to_o the_o life_n of_o christian_n as_o well_o as_o their_o belief_n so_o that_o he_o may_v as_o well_o infer_v from_o these_o ground_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n shall_v live_v contrary_a to_o it_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v fail_v to_o deliver_v down_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n because_o whatever_o can_v be_v a_o inducement_n and_o temptation_n to_o any_o man_n to_o contradict_v this_o doctrine_n by_o his_o practice_n may_v equal_o prevail_v upon_o he_o to_o falsify_v it_o for_o why_o shall_v man_n make_v any_o more_o scruple_n of_o damn_v themselves_o and_o their_o posterity_n by_o teach_v they_o false_a doctrine_n than_o by_o live_v wicked_a life_n which_o be_v equal_o pernicious_a with_o heretical_a doctrine_n not_o only_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o bad_a influence_n which_o such_o example_n of_o father_n and_o teacher_n be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o their_o scholar_n but_o likewise_o as_o they_o be_v one_o of_o the_o strong_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o persuade_v they_o that_o their_o teacher_n do_v not_o themselves_o believe_v that_o religion_n which_o they_o teach_v for_o if_o they_o do_v they_o will_v live_v according_a to_o it_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v that_o those_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v which_o will_v not_o prevail_v upon_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n to_o make_v they_o live_v holy_a life_n shall_v be_v so_o necessary_o efficacious_a to_o make_v they_o so_o much_o concern_v for_o the_o preserve_n of_o a_o right_a belief_n nay_o we_o have_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o such_o person_n will_v endeavour_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o bend_v and_o accommodate_v their_o belief_n to_o their_o life_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a source_n of_o those_o innovation_n in_o faith_n for_o which_o we_o challenge_v the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o any_o man_n may_v easy_o discern_v who_o will_v but_o consider_v how_o all_o their_o new_a doctrine_n be_v fit_v to_o a_o secular_a interest_n and_o the_o gratify_n of_o that_o inordinate_a appetite_n after_o riches_n and_o dominion_n which_o reign_v in_o the_o court_n of_o rome_n and_o in_o the_o upper_a part_n of_o the_o clergy_n of_o that_o church_n sect_n iv._o §_o 1._o second_o demonstration_n the_o main_a ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n be_v apparent_o false_a for_o first_o this_o demonstration_n suppose_v that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_a parent_n in_o all_o age_n perfect_o understand_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o do_v not_o mistake_v any_o part_n of_o it_o that_o they_o remember_v it_o perfect_o and_o that_o they_o be_v faithful_a and_o diligent_a to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o it_o which_o be_v as_o contrary_a to_o experience_n as_o that_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n be_v know_v and_o honest_a it_o suppose_v likewise_o that_o this_o doctrine_n and_o every_o substantial_a part_n of_o it_o be_v receive_v and_o remember_v by_o the_o generality_n of_o child_n as_o it_o be_v teach_v and_o be_v understand_v perfect_o by_o they_o without_o the_o least_o material_a mistake_n so_o he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o the_o substance_n of_o faith_n come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o but_o whether_o this_o be_v
reasonable_a to_o be_v suppose_v or_o no_o may_v easy_o be_v determine_v not_o only_o from_o every_o man_n be_v own_o experience_n of_o the_o world_n but_o from_o a_o more_o advantageous_a instance_n of_o the_o experience_n of_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n be_v there_o ever_o a_o more_o know_v and_o diligent_a teacher_n of_o this_o doctrine_n than_o our_o saviour_n and_o yet_o his_o disciple_n fall_v into_o many_o mistake_n concern_v it_o so_o that_o in_o order_n to_o the_o certain_a propagate_a of_o it_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n think_v it_o requisite_a to_o endue_v even_o those_o who_o have_v learn_v this_o doctrine_n from_o himself_o with_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v lead_v into_o all_o truth_n and_o secure_v from_o error_n and_o mistake_n which_o have_v be_v unnecessary_a have_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o they_o to_o mistake_v this_o doctrine_n the_o apostle_n who_o teach_v the_o world_n by_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n and_o with_o infinite_o more_o advantage_n than_o ordinary_a parent_n can_v teach_v their_o child_n yet_o in_o all_o the_o church_n which_o they_o plant_v they_o find_v christian_n very_o apt_a to_o mistake_v and_o pervert_v their_o doctrine_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o frequent_a complaint_n in_o most_o of_o their_o epistle_n nay_o the_o apostle_n charge_v the_o generality_n of_o the_o hebrew_n 12._o with_o such_o a_o degree_n of_o dulness_n and_o stupidity_n that_o after_o fit_a time_n and_o mean_n of_o instruction_n they_o be_v still_o ignorant_a of_o the_o very_a principle_n of_o christianity_n so_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o when_o for_o the_o time_n they_o ought_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o other_o they_o have_v need_v that_o one_o shall_v teach_v they_o again_o which_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n and_o st._n hierom_n tell_v we_o luciferian_n that_o the_o primitive_a church_n be_v taint_v with_o many_o gross_a error_n while_o the_o apostle_n be_v alive_a and_o the_o blood_n of_o christ_n yet_o warm_a in_o judea_n but_o it_o may_v be_v there_o have_v be_v better_a teacher_n since_o and_o child_n be_v more_o apt_a to_o learn_v now_o than_o man_n be_v then_o who_o know_v how_o the_o world_n may_v be_v change_v §_o 2._o second_o this_o demonstration_n suppose_v the_o hope_n and_o fear_n which_o christian_n religion_n apply_v to_o man_n mind_n to_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o man_n to_o adhere_v to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o must_v necessary_o adhere_v to_o it_o that_o he_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v necessary_a i_o have_v his_o own_o word_n for_o it_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o 75._o that_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n as_o the_o proper_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o those_o cause_n which_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n and_o what_o those_o cause_n be_v he_o tell_v we_o before_o 60._o that_o they_o be_v hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v but_o i_o hope_v that_o the_o indefectibleness_n of_o tradition_n can_v be_v a_o necessary_a effect_n of_o the_o strong_a application_n of_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n unless_o those_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o that_o effect_n and_o indeed_o this_o be_v sufficient_o imply_v in_o his_o say_n that_o they_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o christian_n to_o adhere_v to_o tradition_n for_o if_o these_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_v be_v constant_a as_o he_o must_v suppose_v than_o they_o be_v certain_a and_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a cause_n of_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n for_o whatever_o be_v in_o act_n be_v necessary_a while_o it_o be_v so_o and_o if_o it_o be_v constant_o in_o act_n the_o effect_n be_v always_o necessary_a but_o what_o a_o wild_a supposition_n be_v this_o that_o moral_a motive_n and_o argument_n work_v upon_o a_o free_a principle_n the_o will_n of_o man_n do_v necessary_o produce_v their_o effect_n be_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o hope_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o fear_n of_o hell_n shall_v keep_v christian_n constant_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o be_v it_o not_o as_o necessary_a that_o these_o argument_n shall_v prevail_v upon_o they_o to_o the_o practice_n of_o it_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o all_o man_n must_v be_v good_a who_o have_v sufficient_a argument_n propound_v to_o they_o when_o experience_n tell_v we_o the_o contrary_a nay_o it_o be_v in_o reason_n impossible_a that_o moral_a argument_n shall_v be_v of_o a_o necessary_a and_o infallible_a efficacy_n because_o they_o be_v always_o propound_v to_o a_o free_a agent_n who_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v yield_v to_o they_o or_o not_o indeed_o it_o be_v always_o reasonable_a that_o man_n shall_v yield_v to_o they_o and_o if_o they_o be_v reasonable_a they_o will_v but_o so_o long_o as_o they_o be_v free_v it_o can_v never_o be_v infallible_o certain_a that_o they_o will_n and_o if_o man_n be_v not_o free_a it_o be_v no_o virtue_n at_o all_o in_o they_o to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o these_o argument_n for_o what_o virtue_n can_v it_o be_v in_o any_o man_n to_o entertain_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o live_v according_o if_o he_o do_v all_o this_o necessary_o that_o be_v whether_o he_o will_v or_o no_o and_o can_v no_o more_o choose_v whether_o he_o will_v do_v so_o or_o not_o than_o whether_o he_o will_v see_v the_o light_n when_o the_o sun_n shine_v upon_o his_o open_a eye_n or_o whether_o he_o will_v hear_v a_o sound_n when_o all_o the_o bell_n in_o the_o town_n be_v ring_v in_o his_o ear_n or_o to_o use_v mr._n s_n 53._o own_o similitude_n whether_o he_o will_v feel_v heat_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n that_o affect_v his_o sense_n we_o see_v then_o how_o unreasonable_a his_o supposition_n be_v and_o yet_o without_o these_o ground_n his_o demonstration_n fall_v for_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o christian_n may_v mistake_v or_o forget_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n or_o any_o part_n of_o it_o or_o be_v defective_a in_o diligence_n to_o instruct_v other_o in_o it_o or_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o will_n of_o man_n which_o be_v free_a may_v not_o be_v necessary_o and_o infallible_o sway_v by_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o tradition_n may_v fail_v and_o be_v not_o this_o a_o good_a demonstration_n which_o support_v itself_o upon_o such_o principle_n as_o do_v direct_o affront_v the_o constant_a experience_n and_o the_o clear_a reason_n of_o mankind_n §_o 3._o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n how_o inconsistent_a he_o be_v to_o himself_o in_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o tradition_n certainty_n in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o book_n he_o tell_v we_o 53._o that_o tradition_n have_v for_o its_o basis_n the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n that_o be_v man_n not_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n defectible_a by_o reason_n of_o original_a corruption_n nor_o yet_o his_o intellectual_n dark_o grope_v in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o science_n etc._n etc._n but_o according_a to_o those_o faculty_n in_o he_o perfect_o and_o necessary_o subject_a to_o the_o operation_n and_o stroke_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v his_o eye_n ear_n handle_v and_o the_o direct_a impression_n of_o knowledge_n as_o natural_o and_o necessary_o issue_v from_o the_o affect_v those_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v to_o feel_v heat_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n so_o that_o according_a to_o this_o discourse_n the_o basis_n of_o tradition_n be_v not_o man_n nature_n consider_v as_o moral_a and_o capable_a of_o intellectual_a reflection_n for_o in_o this_o consideration_n it_o be_v dark_a and_o defectible_a but_o man_n nature_n consider_v only_o as_o capable_a of_o direct_a sensitive_a knowledge_n and_o as_o act_v natural_o and_o necessary_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o tradition_n be_v foundded_a in_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n consider_v not_o as_o a_o man_n but_o a_o brute_n under_o which_o consideration_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v call_v it_o the_o best_a nature_n in_o the_o universe_n but_o now_o how_o will_v he_o reconcile_v this_o discourse_n with_o the_o ground_n of_o his_o demonstration_n where_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o stability_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v in_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v the_o object_n of_o which_o be_v future_a and_o at_o a_o distance_n can_v work_v upon_o a_o man_n immediate_o by_o direct_a impression_n upon_o his_o sense_n but_o must_v work_v upon_o he_o by_o way_n of_o intellectual_a reflection_n and_o consideration_n for_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v work_v upon_o man_n according_a to_o his_o
moral_a and_o intellectual_a part_n else_o how_o be_v they_o argument_n and_o if_o man_n according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n be_v as_o he_o say_v defectible_a how_o can_v the_o indefectibility_n of_o tradition_n be_v found_v in_o those_o argument_n which_o work_v upon_o man_n only_o according_a to_o his_o moral_a part_n i_o have_v purposely_o all_o along_o both_o for_o the_o reader_n ease_n and_o i_o own_o neglect_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o several_a of_o his_o inconsistency_n but_o these_o be_v such_o clear_a and_o transparent_a contradiction_n that_o i_o can_v do_v no_o less_o than_o make_v a_o example_n of_o they_o sect_n v._o §_o 1._o three_o this_o demonstration_n be_v confute_v by_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a instance_n to_o the_o contrary_n i_o will_v mention_v but_o two_o first_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n which_o be_v the_o easy_a to_o be_v preserve_v of_o any_o doctrine_n in_o the_o world_n be_v short_a and_o plain_a plant_v in_o every_o man_n nature_n 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instance_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o greek_a church_n who_o receive_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n as_o entire_a from_o the_o apostle_n and_o have_v as_o great_a a_o obligation_n to_o propagate_v it_o true_o to_o posterity_n and_o the_o same_o fear_n and_o hope_n strong_o apply_v to_o be_v the_o actual_a cause_n of_o will_n in_o a_o word_n all_o the_o same_o argument_n and_o cause_n to_o preserve_v and_o continue_v tradition_n on_o foot_n which_o the_o roman_a church_n have_v and_o yet_o to_o the_o utter_a confusion_n of_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n tradition_n have_v fail_v among_o they_o for_o as_o speculator_n they_o deny_v the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n from_o the_o son_n and_o as_o testifier_n they_o disow_v any_o such_o doctrine_n to_o have_v be_v deliver_v to_o they_o by_o the_o precedent_a age_n or_o to_o any_o other_o age_n of_o their_o church_n by_o the_o apostle_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ._n §_o 3._o to_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o greek_a church_n 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it_o as_o that_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o they_o and_o their_o posterity_n incomparable_o beyond_o any_o thing_n else_o all_o this_o i_o suppose_v do_v to_o and_o by_o the_o greek_n as_o well_o as_o any_o other_o nation_n these_o thing_n be_v put_v it_o can_v enter_v into_o any_o man_n understanding_n but_o that_o the_o christian_a greek_n of_o the_o first_o age_n be_v the_o scholar_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v and_o will_v earnest_o commend_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o their_o posterity_n if_o so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o do_v so_o that_o the_o continuance_n of_o the_o purity_n of_o the_o faith_n in_o the_o greek_n church_n be_v found_v upon_o this_o that_o father_n always_o deliver_v the_o same_o doctrine_n to_o their_o child_n which_o they_o have_v receive_v from_o their_o father_n and_o do_v believe_v it_o under_o this_o very_a notion_n and_o title_n as_o receive_v nor_o can_v any_o one_o of_o that_o church_n deliver_v another_o doctrine_n under_o this_o 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demonstration_n which_o may_v not_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o greek_a church_n with_o as_o much_o force_n and_o advantage_n as_o to_o the_o catholic_n unless_o he_o can_v show_v that_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o greece_n may_v conspire_v to_o kill_v themselves_o but_o yet_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o all_o the_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v do_v so_o which_o i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v show_v unless_o he_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o a_o million_o of_o as_o wise_a man_n as_o any_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o world_n together_o to_o conspire_v to_o do_v a_o foolish_a action_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o hundred_o million_o not_o one_o jot_n wise_a than_o the_o other_o shall_v agree_v together_o to_o the_o do_v of_o it_o §_o 4._o from_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o mr._n white_n be_v answer_v to_o this_o objection_n do_v not_o signify_v any_o thing_n to_o his_o purpose_n for_o if_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v part_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n than_o it_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o apostle_n to_o the_o greek_a church_n if_o so_o they_o can_v not_o fail_v to_o deliver_v it_o down_o to_o the_o next_o age_n and_o that_o to_o the_o next_o and_o so_o on_o but_o it_o seem_v they_o have_v fail_v where_o then_o be_v the_o force_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_n strong_o apply_v where_o be_v the_o certain_a cause_n of_o actual_a will_n to_o adhere_v to_o this_o doctrine_n why_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n produce_v the_o cause_n be_v put_v actual_o cause_v if_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v this_o doctrine_n oral_a tradition_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o unmistakable_a and_o 54._o bring_v down_o faith_n clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v much_o less_o the_o greek_n that_o be_v the_o flower_n of_o mankind_n can_v not_o possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o nay_o ibid._n it_o exceed_v all_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o blot_v knowledge_n thus_o fix_v out_o of_o the_o soul_n of_o one_o single_a believer_n much_o more_o out_o of_o so_o vast_a a_o church_n and_o 78._o since_o no_o man_n can_v hold_v contrary_a to_o his_o knowledge_n or_o doubt_v of_o what_o he_o hold_v nor_o change_v and_o innovate_v without_o know_v he_o do_v so_o it_o be_v a_o manifest_a impossibility_n a_o whole_a church_n shall_v in_o any_o age_n fall_v into_o a_o absurdity_n so_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o one_o single_a man_n and_o 86._o since_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n to_o speak_v truth_n and_o grace_n be_v to_o perfect_a nature_n in_o whatever_o be_v good_a in_o it_o it_o follow_v that_o one_o true_o christian_a heart_n be_v far_o more_o fix_v to_o veracity_n than_o other_o not_o imbue_v with_o these_o heavenly_a tenet_n and_o consequent_o that_o a_o multitude_n of_o such_o must_v incomparable_o exceed_v in_o point_n of_o testify_v the_o same_o number_n of_o other_o unfortified_a by_o christ_n doctrine_n and_o since_o 89._o such_o a_o thought_n can_v enter_v into_o the_o most_o deprave_a nature_n as_o to_o harm_v another_o without_o any_o good_a to_o himself_o and_o yet_o this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o put_v christian_a father_n misteach_v their_o child_n unreceive_v doctrine_n for_o receive_v and_o i_o hope_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n receive_v doctrine_n for_o unreceive_v contrary_a to_o their_o knowledge_n for_o suppose_v sanctity_n in_o the_o greek_z church_n and_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o latin_a that_o be_v that_o multitude_n in_o it_o make_v heaven_n their_o first_o love_n and_o look_v on_o spiritual_a good_n as_o their_o main_n concern_v etc._n etc._n it_o follow_v that_o have_v the_o father_n of_o that_o church_n in_o any_o age_n consent_v to_o mislead_v their_o posterity_n from_o what_o themselves_o not_o only_o conceit_a but_o know_v to_o be_v true_a they_o shall_v do_v the_o most_o extreme_a harm_n imaginable_a to_o other_o without_o any_o the_o least_o good_a to_o themselves_o which_o be_v perhaps_o impossible_a in_o one_o single_a man_n more_o in_o few_o but_o infinite_o in_o a_o multitude_n especial_o of_o good_a man_n §_o 5._o thus_o i_o may_v apply_v the_o rest_n of_o his_o rant_a rhetoric_n but_o that_o i_o be_o weary_a of_o transcribe_v it_o concern_v 91._o the_o natural_a love_n of_o parent_n to_o their_o child_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o greek_a church_n destitute_a of_o it_o which_o must_v needs_o engage_v they_o to_o use_v the_o mean_n proper_a to_o bring_v they_o to_o heaven_n and_o save_v they_o from_o hell_n as_o also_o concern_v the_o natural_a care_n man_n have_v of_o not_o lose_v their_o credit_n by_o tell_v pernicious_a lie_n and_o not_o to_o omit_v the_o best_a part_n of_o his_o demonstration_n 93._o which_o be_v therefore_o prudent_o reserve_v to_o the_o last_o place_n i_o may_v likewise_o show_v how_o the_o principle_n of_o each_o science_n arithmetic_n geometry_n logic_n nature_n 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example_n of_o pope_n shall_v spring_v and_o how_o their_o mind_n shall_v come_v to_o be_v so_o devoid_a of_o all_o piety_n as_o neither_o to_o regard_v the_o person_n which_o they_o sustain_v nor_o the_o place_n they_o be_v in_o sigonius_n 6._o speak_v of_o these_o time_n about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o ten_o century_n call_v they_o the_o foul_a and_o black_a both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o wickedness_n of_o prince_n and_o the_o madness_n of_o the_o people_n that_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o antiquity_n genebrard_n 4._o speak_v of_o the_o same_o time_n this_o say_v he_o be_v call_v the_o unhappy_a age_n be_v destitute_a of_o man_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n as_o also_o of_o famous_a prince_n and_o pope_n in_o this_o time_n there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n do_v worthy_a to_o be_v remember_v by_o posterity_n and_o he_o add_v afterward_o but_o chief_o unhappy_a in_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o for_o almost_o 150_o year_n together_o about_o 50_o pope_n do_v utter_o degenerate_a from_o the_o virtue_n of_o their_o ancestor_n he_o shall_v have_v add_v further_o but_o even_o to_o a_o miracle_n happy_a in_o another_o respect_n that_o during_o this_o long_a and_o total_a degeneracy_n from_o the_o piety_n and_o virtue_n of_o their_o ancestor_n they_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o swerve_v from_o they_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o doctrine_n a_o thing_n incredible_a be_v there_o not_o demonstration_n for_o it_o werner_n tempor_fw-la give_v this_o character_n of_o that_o time_n about_o the_o year_n of_o our_o lord_n one_o thousand_o there_o begin_v a_o effeminate_a time_n in_o which_o the_o christian_a faith_n begin_v to_o degenerate_v exceed_o and_o to_o decline_v from_o its_o ancient_a vigour_n insomuch_o that_o in_o many_o country_n of_o christendom_n neither_o sacrament_n nor_o ecclesiastical_a rite_n be_v observe_v and_o people_n be_v give_v to_o soothsay_v and_o witchcraft_n and_o the_o priest_n be_v like_o the_o people_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o testimony_n that_o tradition_n do_v falter_v a_o little_a in_o that_o age_n else_o the_o christian_a faith_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v degenerate_v and_o decline_v so_o very_a much_o and_o which_o threaten_v mr._n s_n demonstration_n most_o of_o all_o that_o the_o practical_a tradition_n of_o sacrament_n and_o other_o ecclesiastical_a observance_n do_v fail_v in_o many_o christian_a country_n gerbert_n 40._o who_o live_v in_o that_o time_n give_v this_o short_a character_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o a_o epistle_n of_o he_o to_o stephen_n deacon_n of_o that_o church_n the_o world_n stand_v amaze_v at_o the_o manner_n of_o rome_n but_o most_o full_a be_v the_o complaint_n of_o a_o great_a prelate_n of_o the_o church_n 8._o concern_v those_o time_n in_o the_o west_n say_v he_o and_o almost_o all_o the_o world_n over_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o be_v call_v the_o faithful_a faith_n fail_v and_o there_o be_v no_o fear_n of_o god_n among_o they_o it_o seem_v the_o argument_n of_o fear_n have_v lose_v its_o force_n justice_n be_v perish_v from_o among_o man_n and_o violence_n prevail_v against_o equity_n govern_v the_o nation_n fraud_n deceit_n and_o the_o art_n of_o cozenage_n be_v grow_v universal_a all_o kind_n of_o virtue_n give_v way_n as_o a_o useless_a thing_n and_o wickedness_n supply_v its_o place_n the_o world_n seem_v to_o be_v decline_v apace_o towards_o its_o evening_n and_o the_o second_o come_v of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n to_o draw_v near_o for_o love_n be_v grow_v cold_a and_o faith_n be_v not_o find_v upon_o earth_n all_o thing_n be_v in_o confusion_n and_o the_o world_n look_v as_o if_o it_o will_v return_v to_o its_o old_a chaos_n all_o sort_n of_o fornication_n be_v commit_v with_o the_o same_o freedom_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v lawful_a action_n for_o man_n neither_o blush_v at_o they_o nor_o be_v punish_v for_o they_o nor_n do_v the_o clergy_n
that_o can_v be_v imagine_v it_o may_v then_o have_v take_v place_n for_o what_o weed_n will_v not_o have_v grow_v in_o so_o rank_a a_o soil_n do_v mr._n s._n think_v it_o impossible_a that_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o church_n then_o shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o scarce_o any_o one_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o teach_v it_o they_o or_o that_o it_o can_v then_o have_v be_v alter_v when_o so_o few_o understand_v and_o few_o practise_v it_o when_o ptodigious_a impiety_n and_o wickedness_n do_v overspread_v the_o church_n from_o the_o pope_n down_o to_o the_o mean_a of_o the_o laity_n can_v any_o one_o believe_v that_o man_n general_o make_v conscience_n to_o instruct_v their_o child_n in_o the_o true_a faith_n of_o christ_n be_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n when_o all_o other_o fail_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o mistake_n about_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o ignorance_n unless_o he_o be_v of_o mr._n rushworth_n 7._o mind_n who_o reckon_v ignorance_n among_o the_o parent_n of_o religion_n where_o be_v then_o the_o argument_n of_o hope_n and_o fear_v be_v they_o strong_o apply_v or_o be_v they_o not_o be_v they_o cause_n of_o actual_a will_n in_o christian_n to_o believe_v well_o when_o they_o live_v so_o ill_o or_o be_v christianity_n only_o fit_v to_o form_v man_n mind_n to_o a_o right_a belief_n but_o of_o no_o efficacy_n to_o govern_v their_o life_n have_v christ_n take_v care_n to_o keep_v his_o church_n from_o error_n but_o not_o from_o vice_n as_o the_o great_a cardinal_n perron_n 6._o stoop_v below_o his_o own_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o serve_v a_o bad_a cause_n tell_v we_o that_o the_o church_n sing_v and_o will_v sing_v to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n i_o be_o black_a but_o i_o be_o fair_a that_o be_v to_o say_v i_o be_o black_a in_o manner_n but_o fair_a in_o doctrine_n as_o if_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o prophecy_n and_o promise_n of_o scripture_n make_v to_o the_o church_n be_v this_o that_o by_o the_o extraordinary_a care_n of_o god_n providence_n and_o peculiar_a assistance_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n she_o shall_v be_v wicked_a but_o orthodox_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n where_o be_v then_o the_o vigorous_a cause_n imprint_v christ_n doctrine_n and_o continue_v it_o more_o particular_o at_o rome_n than_o any_o where_o else_o and_o of_o secure_v that_o see_v and_o its_o supreme_a pastor_n in_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n above_o any_o other_o see_v or_o pastor_n whatsoever_o who_o be_v so_o little_o verse_v in_o history_n as_o not_o to_o understand_v the_o dismal_a state_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o romish_a church_n in_o those_o time_n who_o do_v not_o know_v what_o advantage_n the_o bishop_n of_o rome_n and_o their_o servile_a clergy_n make_v of_o the_o ignorance_n and_o superstition_n of_o those_o and_o the_o succeed_a age_n and_o by_o what_o art_n and_o step_n they_o raise_v themselves_o to_o that_o power_n which_o they_o hold_v in_o the_o church_n for_o a_o long_a while_n after_o when_o they_o can_v tread_v upon_o the_o neck_n of_o prince_n and_o make_v a_o great_a king_n walk_v barefoot_a and_o yield_v himself_o to_o be_v scourge_v by_o a_o company_n of_o petulant_a monk_n when_o they_o can_v send_v any_o man_n upon_o a_o errand_n to_o visit_v the_o holy_a sepulchre_n or_o the_o shrine_n of_o such_o a_o saint_n and_o command_v five_o or_o six_o king_n with_o great_a army_n upon_o a_o needless_a expedition_n into_o the_o holy_a land_n that_o so_o during_o their_o absence_n they_o may_v play_v their_o own_o game_n the_o better_a when_o they_o can_v mint_n miracle_n and_o impose_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o people_n without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ancient_a book_n absurd_a and_o counterfeit_a tale_n of_o ancient_a saint_n and_o martyr_n as_o deliver_v down_o to_o they_o by_o tradition_n and_o can_v bring_v that_o foppish_a book_n the_o legend_n almost_o into_o equal_a authority_n and_o veneration_n with_o the_o bible_n and_o persuade_v the_o easy_a people_n that_o st._n denys_n carry_v his_o own_o head_n in_o his_o hand_n after_o it_o be_v cut_v off_o two_o mile_n and_o kiss_v it_o when_o he_o lay_v it_o down_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o monstrous_a practice_n of_o the_o roman_a bishop_n and_o clergy_n in_o these_o age_n the_o strange_a feat_n they_o play_v and_o what_o absurdity_n they_o impose_v upon_o the_o superstitious_a credulity_n of_o prince_n and_o people_n may_v ready_o imagine_v not_o only_o the_o possibility_n but_o the_o easiness_n of_o innovate_a new_a doctrine_n as_o they_o please_v under_o the_o specious_a pretence_n of_o antitiquity_n and_o constant_a and_o uninterrupted_a tradition_n §_o 8._o and_o this_o kind_n of_o discourse_n concern_v the_o possibility_n of_o error_n come_v into_o the_o church_n be_v not_o as_o mr._n white_n ridiculous_o compare_v it_o 49._o as_o if_o a_o orator_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o persuade_v people_n that_o george_n by_o the_o help_n of_o a_o long_a staff_n and_o a_o nimble_a cast_n of_o his_o body_n and_o such_o like_a advantage_n may_v leap_v over_o paul_n be_v steeple_n never_o consider_v all_o the_o while_n the_o disproportion_n of_o all_o these_o advantage_n to_o the_o height_n of_o the_o steeple_n so_o say_v he_o he_o that_o discourse_v at_o large_a how_o error_n use_v to_o slide_v into_o man_n life_n without_o compare_v the_o power_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n to_o the_o strength_n of_o resist_v which_o consist_v in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n etc._n etc._n say_v no_o more_o towards_o prove_v a_o error_n be_v overrun_v the_o church_n than_o the_o orator_n for_o george_n be_v leap_v over_o the_o steeple_n how_o vain_a be_v this_o when_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o instance_n that_o i_o have_v give_v of_o the_o state_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n in_o the_o nine_o and_o ten_o century_n and_o afterward_o that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v infinite_o strong_a than_o the_o power_n of_o resistance_n the_o great_a cause_n of_o error_n be_v ignorance_n and_o vice_n where_o ignorance_n reign_v there_o be_v no_o power_n where_o vice_n no_o will_n to_o resist_v it_o and_o how_o great_a the_o ignorance_n and_o viciousness_n of_o all_o order_n of_o man_n in_o the_o roman_a church_n be_v be_v too_o too_o apparent_a from_o the_o testimony_n i_o have_v bring_v where_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o resist_a error_n when_o for_o 150_o year_n together_o the_o pope_n be_v the_o vile_a of_o man_n bishop_n and_o priest_n overwhelm_v with_o ignorance_n abandon_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o vice_n and_o most_o supine_o negligent_a in_o instruct_v the_o people_n in_o such_o a_o degenerate_a state_n of_o a_o church_n what_o strength_n be_v there_o in_o this_o principle_n nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n when_o those_o who_o ought_v to_o teach_v man_n what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v which_o be_v derive_v to_o they_o by_o tradition_n be_v general_o careless_a of_o their_o duty_n and_o ignorant_a themselves_o what_o that_o doctrine_n be_v when_o they_o addict_v themselves_o whole_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o ambition_n and_o other_o lust_n and_o carry_v on_o design_n of_o gain_n and_o get_v dominion_n over_o the_o people_n what_o can_v hinder_v man_n so_o dispose_v from_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o suit_v it_o to_o their_o own_o lust_n and_o interest_n and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v the_o people_n from_o embrace_v those_o corruption_n when_o by_o the_o negligence_n of_o their_o pastor_n to_o instruct_v they_o and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o also_o by_o their_o be_v deprive_v of_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o know_a tongue_n they_o be_v become_v utter_o incapable_a of_o know_v what_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v so_o that_o in_o a_o age_n of_o such_o profound_a ignorance_n and_o vice_n and_o general_a neglect_n of_o instruction_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v impossible_a for_o error_n to_o overrun_v a_o church_n that_o the_o contrary_n be_v moral_o impossible_a and_o george_n long_a staff_n and_o advantageous_a cast_n of_o his_o body_n be_v more_o powerful_a cause_n to_o enable_v he_o to_o leap_v over_o paul_n steeple_n than_o this_o principle_n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v but_o what_o descend_v by_o tradition_n be_v to_o keep_v error_n out_o of_o a_o church_n in_o a_o ignorant_a and_o vicious_a age_n when_o few_o or_o none_o be_v either_o able_a or_o willing_a to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o truth_n for_o suppose_v this_o always_o to_o have_v be_v the_o principle_n of_o christian_n viz._n that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o the_o
the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n i_o be_o content_a therefore_o wherever_o in_o what_o i_o have_v write_v he_o meet_v that_o term_n so_o apply_v that_o he_o take_v it_o only_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n for_o that_o which_o be_v certain_o true_a for_o i_o mean_v no_o more_o by_o it_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n mr._n s._n answer_v affirmative_o and_o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o not_o only_o because_o the_o present_a church_n can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o the_o church_n of_o the_o former_a age_n believe_v but_o because_o the_o church_n in_o no_o age_n can_v conspire_v against_o her_o knowledge_n to_o deceive_v that_o age_n immediate_o follow_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o question_n than_o be_v whether_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n for_o i_o to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v certain_o true_a or_o to_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n which_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v and_o consequent_o whether_o the_o resolution_n of_o faith_n be_v bare_o into_o oral_a tradition_n 3._o thus_o we_o see_v the_o clear_a state_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o i_o come_v therefore_o to_o the_o vindication_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v object_v against_o this_o way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n into_o oral_a tradition_n three_o thing_n i_o especial_o insist_v on_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n 2._o that_o it_o have_v not_o be_v the_o way_n own_v in_o all_o age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o experience_n and_o that_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v apparent_o alter_v from_o what_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o former_a age_n if_o these_o three_o be_v make_v good_a there_o will_v be_v no_o cause_n to_o glory_n in_o this_o last_o invention_n to_o support_v the_o sink_a fabric_n of_o that_o church_n these_o three_o than_o i_o undertake_v to_o defend_v against_o what_o mr._n sergeant_n have_v object_v against_o they_o 1._o that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o pretension_n of_o the_o present_a roman_a church_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o it_o to_o rely_v upon_o it_o for_o if_o so_o be_v that_o church_n pretend_v that_o the_o obligation_n to_o faith_n arise_v from_o a_o quite_o different_a ground_n from_o this_o how_o can_v they_o who_o believe_v that_o church_n infallible_a venture_v their_o faith_n upon_o any_o other_o principle_n than_o what_o be_v public_o own_a by_o she_o and_o whosoever_o think_v himself_o bind_v to_o believe_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o infallible_a assistance_n of_o the_o present_a church_n do_v thereby_o show_v that_o his_o obligation_n do_v not_o depend_v upon_o what_o be_v deliver_v by_o the_o former_a age_n of_o the_o church_n as_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o apostle_n be_v infallible_a in_o their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o resolve_v their_o faith_n into_o the_o infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n but_o into_o that_o immediate_a assistance_n by_o which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o belief_n of_o a_o like_a assistance_n the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v lie_v in_o the_o indefectibility_n of_o tradition_n but_o in_o that_o infallible_a spirit_n which_o they_o suppose_v the_o church_n to_o be_v assist_v by_o for_o suppose_v this_o oral_a tradition_n shall_v fail_v and_o that_o man_n may_v believe_v that_o it_o have_v actual_o fail_v yet_o if_o the_o former_a supposition_n be_v true_a there_o be_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o faith_n remain_v still_o and_o what_o assurance_n can_v any_o one_o have_v that_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v nothing_o for_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o have_v be_v derive_v in_o every_o age_n from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n if_o such_o a_o infallible_a spirit_n be_v suppose_v in_o the_o present_a church_n which_o be_v in_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o for_o on_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o those_o who_o hear_v the_o apostle_n be_v not_o bind_v to_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o former_a age_n no_o more_o ought_v they_o who_o believe_v the_o present_a roman_a church_n to_o have_v the_o same_o infallible_a assistance_n they_o need_v not_o then_o inquire_v whether_o this_o age_n know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o former_a or_o whether_o one_o age_n can_v conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o or_o whether_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o error_n may_v not_o come_v into_o the_o church_n it_o be_v sufficient_a for_o they_o that_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o present_a church_n be_v infallible_a in_o all_o matter_n of_o faith_n therefore_o my_o demand_n be_v build_v on_o very_o good_a reason_n how_o can_v you_o assure_v i_o the_o present_a church_n oblige_v i_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o only_a what_o and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o receive_v from_o the_o former_a church_n and_o mr._n s_n answer_n be_v far_o from_o be_v satisfactory_a that_o this_o appear_v by_o her_o manifest_a practice_n never_o refuse_v communion_n to_o any_o man_n that_o can_v approve_v himself_o to_o believe_v all_o the_o former_a age_n do_v for_o this_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o a_o principle_n far_o different_a from_o this_o which_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o present_a church_n for_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o inquire_v themselves_o into_o the_o reason_n why_o the_o tradition_n can_v not_o fail_v in_o any_o age_n it_o be_v suffient_fw-la for_o they_o to_o believe_v the_o church_n infallible_a and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o in_o propose_v matter_n of_o faith_n it_o must_v be_v so_o in_o declare_v what_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o former_a age_n be_v but_o my_o demand_n go_v on_o what_o evidence_n can_v you_o bring_v to_o convince_v i_o both_o that_o the_o church_n always_o observe_v this_o rule_n and_o can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o it_o which_o question_n 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religion_n to_o their_o posterity_n whereas_o in_o truth_n we_o find_v in_o the_o early_a age_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n several_a difference_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o these_o difference_n continue_v to_o posterity_n but_o all_o party_n still_o plead_v that_o their_o doctrine_n come_v from_o the_o apostle_n &_o it_o fall_v out_o unhappy_o for_o mr._n s._n that_o those_o be_v common_o most_o gross_o deceive_v who_o pretend_v the_o most_o to_o oral_a tradition_n from_o the_o apostle_n still_o we_o find_v the_o grand_a debate_n be_v what_o come_v from_o the_o apostle_n and_o what_o not_o whereas_o have_v tradition_n be_v so_o infallible_a a_o way_n of_o convey_v how_o can_v this_o ever_o have_v come_v into_o debate_n among_o they_o what_o do_v not_o they_o know_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o it_o seem_v they_o do_v not_o or_o their_o parent_n be_v no_o more_o agree_v than_o themselves_o for_o their_o difference_n can_v never_o be_v end_v this_o way_n 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propound_v some_o query_n to_o he_o 1._o what_o age_n of_o the_o church_n he_o will_v instance_n in_o wherein_o all_o person_n who_o be_v not_o cast_v out_o of_o the_o church_n have_v the_o same_o apprehension_n concern_v all_o point_n of_o faith_n i_o e._n that_o none_o among_o they_o do_v believe_v more_o thing_n deliver_v by_o christ_n or_o the_o apostle_n than_o other_o do_v i_o be_o sure_a he_o can_v neither_o instance_n in_o the_o age_n of_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o nor_o in_o those_o immediate_o succeed_v they_o unless_o mr._n s._n the_o better_a to_o defend_v his_o hypothesis_n will_v question_v all_o write_a record_n because_o they_o consist_v of_o dead_a letter_n and_o unsence_v character_n and_o wordish_a testimony_n never_o consider_v that_o while_o he_o utter_v this_o he_o write_v himself_o unless_o he_o imagine_v there_o be_v more_o of_o life_n sense_n and_o certainty_n in_o his_o book_n than_o in_o the_o scripture_n or_o any_o other_o write_v whatsoever_o 2._o where_o there_o be_v different_a apprehension_n in_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n whether_o there_o must_v not_o be_v different_a tradition_n in_o the_o next_o for_o as_o he_o look_v on_o all_o parent_n as_o bound_v to_o teach_v their_o child_n so_o on_o child_n as_o bound_v to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v they_o on_o which_o supposition_n different_a tradition_n in_o the_o succeed_a age_n must_v needs_o follow_v different_a apprehension_n in_o the_o precedent_n 3._o whether_o person_n agree_v in_o the_o substance_n of_o doctrine_n may_v not_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o they_o as_o for_o instance_n all_o may_v agree_v in_o the_o article_n of_o christ_n descent_n into_o hell_n but_o yet_o may_v differ_v in_o the_o explication_n of_o it_o and_o in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o order_n to_o salvation_n so_o that_o we_o must_v not_o only_o in_o tradition_n about_o matter_n of_o faith_n inquire_v what_o be_v deliver_v but_o under_o what_o notion_n it_o be_v deliver_v whether_o as_o a_o allowable_a opinion_n or_o a_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n but_o if_o several_a person_n nay_o multitude_n in_o the_o church_n may_v have_v different_a notion_n as_o to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o same_o point_n by_o what_o mean_n shall_v we_o discern_v what_o be_v deliver_v as_o a_o opinion_n in_o the_o church_n and_o what_o as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o mr._n s._n throughout_o his_o discourse_n take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o necessity_n of_o believe_v and_o deliver_v all_o thing_n which_o concern_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o still_o suppose_v the_o same_o sacredness_n concern_v necessity_n in_o deliver_v all_o the_o point_n in_o controversy_n between_o the_o romanist_n and_o we_o as_o there_o be_v in_o those_o main_a article_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o and_o we_o be_v agree_v in_o which_o be_v so_o extravagant_a a_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v it_o shall_v ever_o enter_v into_o the_o head_n of_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o reason_n but_o as_o extravagant_a as_o it_o be_v it_o be_v that_o without_o which_o his_o whole_a fabric_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n for_o suppose_v we_o shall_v grant_v he_o that_o the_o infinite_a concern_v which_o depend_v on_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v of_o so_o prevalent_a nature_n with_o the_o world_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v any_o one_o age_n shall_v neglect_v the_o know_v they_o or_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o age_n about_o they_o yet_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o matter_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o will_n mr._n s._n prove_v the_o same_o sacredness_n necessity_n concern_v and_o miraculous_o attestedness_n as_o he_o phrase_n it_o in_o the_o invocation_n of_o saint_n purgatory_n transubstantiation_n supremacy_n etc._n etc._n as_o in_o the_o believe_v the_o death_n and_o resurrection_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n if_o he_o do_v not_o prove_v this_o he_o do_v nothing_o for_o his_o argument_n may_v hold_v for_o doctrine_n judge_v universal_o necessary_a but_o for_o no_o other_o therefore_o mr._n s._n have_v a_o new_a task_n which_o he_o think_v not_o of_o which_o be_v to_o manifest_v that_o these_o can_v not_o be_v look_v on_o as_o opinion_n but_o be_v embrace_v as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n for_o unless_o he_o prove_v they_o such_o he_o can_v neither_o prove_v any_o obligation_n in_o parent_n to_o teach_v they_o their_o child_n nor_o in_o child_n to_o believe_v what_o their_o parent_n teach_v but_o only_o to_o hold_v they_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n which_o they_o do_v themselves_o when_o mr._n s._n will_v undertake_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o whole_a church_n from_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n do_v agree_v in_o the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o as_o necessary_a article_n of_o faith_n i_o may_v more_o easy_o believe_v that_o no_o age_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o they_o or_o offer_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o about_o they_o but_o when_o mr._n s._n reflect_v on_o his_o frequent_a concession_n that_o there_o be_v private_a opinion_n in_o the_o church_n distinct_a from_o matter_n of_o faith_n he_o must_v remember_v before_o he_o can_v bring_v home_o his_o ground_n to_o the_o case_n between_o their_o church_n and_o we_o that_o he_o must_v prove_v none_o of_o the_o thing_n in_o debate_n be_v ever_o entertain_v as_o private_a opinion_n and_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o that_o which_o be_v a_o private_a opinion_n in_o one_o age_n to_o become_v a_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o next_o 6._o but_o because_o this_o distinction_n of_o his_o ruin_n his_o whole_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v first_o propound_v it_o in_o his_o own_o term_n and_o then_o show_v how_o from_o thence_o it_o follow_v that_o error_n may_v come_v into_o the_o church_n and_o be_v
the_o help_n of_o tradition_n yet_o unless_o we_o be_v extreme_o ungratful_a we_o can_v but_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v infinite_o better_o provide_v for_o we_o in_o not_o leave_v the_o ground_n of_o our_o religion_n to_o the_o mere_a breath_n of_o the_o people_n or_o the_o care_n of_o mother_n instruct_v their_o child_n but_o have_v give_v we_o the_o certain_a record_n of_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n preserve_v inviolable_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o when_o the_o church_n see_v with_o what_o care_n god_n have_v provide_v for_o the_o mean_n of_o faith_n oral_a tradition_n be_v little_o mind_v thence_o the_o memory_n of_o those_o other_o thing_n not_o record_v in_o scripture_n be_v whole_o lose_v all_o the_o care_n be_v employ_v in_o search_v preserve_a and_o deliver_v these_o sacred_a book_n to_o posterity_n to_o these_o the_o primitive_a church_n still_o appeal_v these_o they_o plead_v for_o against_o all_o adversary_n defend_v their_o authority_n explain_v their_o sense_n vindicate_v they_o from_o all_o corruption_n tradition_n they_o rely_v not_o on_o any_o further_a than_o as_o a_o testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o record_n or_o to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o they_o from_o the_o perverse_a interpretation_n of_o those_o heretic_n who_o pretend_v another_o kind_n of_o tradition_n than_o what_o be_v in_o scripture_n and_o when_o these_o be_v silence_v all_o the_o dispute_n that_o arise_v in_o the_o church_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o these_o book_n as_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o proceed_n in_o the_o case_n of_o arius_n and_o pelagius_n wherein_o tradition_n be_v only_o use_v as_o a_o mean_n to_o clear_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o not_o at_o all_o as_o that_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o all_o be_v to_o be_v resolve_v into_o but_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v plead_v from_o tradition_n for_o which_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n in_o scripture_n it_o be_v reject_v with_o the_o same_o ease_n it_o be_v offer_v and_o such_o person_n be_v plain_o tell_v this_o be_v not_o the_o church_n way_n if_o they_o have_v plain_a scripture_n with_o the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o antiquity_n they_o may_v produce_v it_o and_o rely_v upon_o it_o so_o that_o the_o whole_a use_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o primitive_a church_n beside_o attest_v the_o book_n be_v to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o impose_v sense_n on_o scripture_n against_o the_o universal_a sense_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o apostle_n time_n but_o as_o long_o as_o man_n be_v man_n it_o be_v not_o avoidable_o but_o they_o must_v fall_v into_o different_a apprehension_n of_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o different_a judgement_n prejudices_fw-la learning_n and_o education_n and_o since_o they_o have_v all_o this_o apprehension_n that_o the_o scripture_n contain_v all_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n thence_o as_o man_n judge_v of_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o they_o differ_v in_o their_o apprehension_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o thence_o error_n and_o mistake_n may_v easy_o come_v into_o the_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o nay_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o man_n to_o rely_v on_o tradition_n without_o scripture_n this_o may_v easy_o be_v do_v for_o by_o that_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o new_a rule_n of_o faith_n not_o know_v to_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o consequent_o that_o very_a assertion_n be_v a_o error_n in_o which_o the_o former_a age_n do_v not_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o and_o if_o these_o thing_n be_v possible_a m._n s_n demonstration_n fail_v he_o for_o hereby_o a_o reasonable_a account_n be_v give_v how_o error_n may_v come_v into_o a_o church_n without_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o again_o let_v i_o inquire_v of_o mr._n s._n whether_o man_n may_v not_o believe_v it_o in_o the_o power_n of_o the_o roll_a part_n of_o the_o church_n to_o oblige_v the_o whole_a to_o a_o assent_n to_o the_o definition_n of_o it_o to_o speak_v plain_a be_v it_o not_o possible_a for_o man_n to_o believe_v the_o pope_n and_o council_n infallible_a in_o their_o decree_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o jesuit_n as_o little_a as_o mr._n s._n love_v they_o or_o they_o him_z may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o more_o than_o the_o bare_a possibility_n of_o this_o if_o they_o may_v believe_v this_o do_v it_o not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v whatever_o they_o declare_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n suppose_v then_o that_o transubstantiation_n supremacy_n invocation_n of_o saint_n be_v but_o private_a opinion_n before_o but_o be_v now_o define_v by_o pope_n and_o council_n these_o man_n can_v but_o look_v on_o themselves_o as_o much_o oblige_v to_o believe_v they_o as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v deliver_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o every_o age_n since_o the_o apostle_n time_n be_v it_o now_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n that_o this_o opinion_n shall_v be_v believe_v or_o entertain_v in_o the_o church_n if_o not_o why_o may_v not_o this_o opinion_n be_v general_o receive_v if_o it_o be_v so_o do_v it_o not_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o the_o faith_n of_o man_n must_v alter_v according_a to_o the_o church_n definition_n and_o thus_o private_a opinion_n may_v be_v believe_v as_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o corrupt_a practice_n be_v establish_v as_o laudable_a piece_n of_o devotion_n and_o yet_o no_o one_o age_n of_o the_o church_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o thus_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n may_v see_v how_o far_o it_o be_v from_o be_v a_o self-evident_a principle_n that_o no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o the_o church_n unless_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v the_o next_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n evident_a in_o a_o manner_n to_o the_o whole_a world_n which_o be_v so_o wild_a a_o apprehension_n that_o i_o believe_v the_o jesuit_n can_v entertain_v themselves_o without_o smile_n to_o see_v their_o domestic_a adversary_n expose_v themselves_o to_o contempt_n with_o so_o much_o confidence_n thus_o i_o come_v to_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v 8._o why_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n my_o word_n be_v for_o i_o see_v the_o roman_a church_n assert_n that_o thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o at_o least_o pope_n and_o council_n challenge_v this_o and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n maintain_v there_o and_o other_o be_v look_v on_o as_o no_o member_n of_o their_o church_n who_o assert_v the_o contrary_a but_o as_o person_n at_o least_o meritorious_o if_o not_o actual_o excommunicate_v where_o then_o shall_v i_o satisfy_v myself_o what_o the_o sense_n of_o your_o church_n be_v as_o to_o this_o particular_a must_v i_o believe_v a_o very_a few_o person_n who_o the_o rest_n disow_v as_o heretical_a and_o seditious_a or_o aught_o i_o not_o rather_o to_o take_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o approve_a person_n of_o that_o church_n and_o these_o disown_n any_o such_o doctrine_n but_o assert_v that_o the_o church_n may_v determine_v thing_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la which_o be_v not_o before_o in_o answer_n to_o this_o mr._n s._n beg_v leave_v to_o distinguish_v the_o word_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la 205._o which_o may_v either_o mean_a christian_a faith_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n and_o then_o he_o grant_v it_o be_v nonsense_n to_o say_v they_o can_v be_v in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o or_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la may_v mean_v obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o this_o latter_a sense_n none_o i_o think_v say_v he_o deny_v thing_n may_v be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n and_o not_o in_o another_o in_o the_o former_a sense_n none_o hold_v it_o upon_o which_o very_o triumphant_o he_o conclude_v what_o be_v now_o become_v of_o your_o difficulty_n i_o believe_v you_o be_v in_o some_o wonderment_n and_o think_v i_o elude_v it_o rather_o than_o answer_v it_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o unperplex_v you_o i_o must_v confess_v it_o a_o fault_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o admire_v thing_n which_o man_n understand_v not_o on_o which_o account_n i_o can_v free_v myself_o from_o some_o temptation_n to_o that_o he_o call_v wonderment_n but_o i_o be_o present_o cure_v of_o it_o when_o i_o endeavour_v to_o reduce_v his_o distinction_n to_o reason_n for_o instead_o of_o explain_v his_o term_n he_o shall_v have_v show_v how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o age_n of_o the_o church_n which_o be_v no_o point_n of_o faith_n teach_v by_o christ_n which_o notwithstanding_o his_o endeavour_n to_o unperplex_v i_o be_v a_o thing_n as_o yet_o i_o apprehend_v not_o because_o i_o understand_v no_o obligation_n
principle_n and_o he_o that_o can_v believe_v that_o i_o wonder_v he_o shall_v scruple_n believe_v the_o pope_n infallibility_n for_o certain_o no_o principle_n of_o the_o jesuit_n be_v more_o wild_a and_o absurd_a than_o this_o be_v beside_o i_o admire_v how_o it_o come_v into_o mr._n s_n head_n to_o think_v no_o error_n can_v come_v into_o history_n unless_o one_o age_n conspire_v to_o deceive_v another_o when_o we_o find_v no_o age_n agree_v in_o the_o present_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v do_v in_o it_o as_o to_o the_o ground_n and_o particular_n of_o they_o to_o give_v mr._n s._n a_o instance_n home_o to_o his_o purpose_n in_o the_o late_a council_n of_o trent_n we_o see_v already_o what_o different_a representation_n there_o be_v make_v of_o it_o in_o so_o little_a a_o time_n as_o have_v already_o pass_v since_o the_o sit_v of_o it_o one_o though_o he_o have_v all_o the_o advantage_n imaginable_a of_o know_v all_o proceed_n in_o it_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n converse_v with_o the_o person_n present_v at_o it_o have_v the_o memoir_n and_o record_n of_o the_o secretary_n themselves_o yet_o his_o story_n be_v since_o endeavour_v to_o be_v blast_v by_o a_o great_a person_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n as_o fictitious_a and_o partial_a we_o see_v than_o it_o be_v at_o least_o suppose_a that_o interest_n and_o prejudice_n may_v have_v a_o great_a hand_n in_o abuse_v the_o world_n in_o matter_n of_o story_n though_o one_o age_n never_o agree_v to_o deceive_v another_o and_o instead_o of_o be_v persuade_v by_o mr._n s_n demonstration_n i_o be_o still_o of_o the_o mind_n that_o we_o have_v no_o sufficient_a security_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o story_n which_o be_v not_o write_v while_o those_o person_n be_v in_o be_v who_o be_v able_a to_o contradict_v the_o error_n of_o it_o however_o i_o deny_v not_o but_o some_o notorious_a matter_n of_o fact_n such_o as_o alexander_n bare_a conquest_n of_o asia_n may_v by_o the_o visible_a effect_n of_o it_o 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