Selected quad for the lemma: soul_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
soul_n body_n call_v reason_n 4,039 5 4.9623 4 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59248 Sure-footing in Christianity, or Rational discourses on the rule of faith with short animadversions on Dr. Pierce's sermon : also on some passages in Mr. Whitby and M. Stillingfleet, which concern that rule / by J.S. Sergeant, John, 1622-1707. 1665 (1665) Wing S2595; ESTC R8569 122,763 264

There are 8 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

part_n 1_o cap._n 6._o and_o the._n protestant_n way_n of_o resolve_v faith_n cap._n 7._o i_o have_v quite_o lose_v mr._n stillingfleet_n and_o instead_o of_o he_o have_v find_v a_o dr._n hammond_n dr._n pierce_n or_o a_o dissuader_n who_o talk_v not_o out_o of_o nature_n or_o thing_n but_o word_n &_o imagination_n i_o plain_o discover_v there_o be_v not_o one_o proposition_n in_o those_o two_o discourse_n which_o can_v be_v a_o solid_a ground_n for_o a_o rational_a understanding_n that_o will_v be_v true_a to_o itself_o to_o settle_v and_o rely_v on_o and_o be_v desirous_a to_o show_v it_o have_v it_o not_o be_v uncivil_a to_o put_v my_o sickle_n into_o another_o man_n harvest_n and_o crop_v the_o victory_n due_a to_o another_o learning_n and_o industry_n victory_n i_o say_v for_o he_o that_o defend_v his_o cause_n no_o better_o in_o effect_n yield_v it_o lose_v yet_o i_o beg_v leave_n of_o the_o judicious_a author_n of_o labyrinthus_n cantuariensis_n to_o maintain_v one_o breach_n where_o i_o find_v myself_o more_o direct_o assault_v oral_a tradition_n be_v the_o post_n i_o have_v take_v upon_o i_o to_o explicate_v further_o &_o defend_v because_o i_o conceive_v it_o the_o solid_a ground_n on_o which_o the_o church_n or_o all_o catholic_n both_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a rely_v as_o faithful_a however_o some_o schoolman_n abound_v in_o their_o own_o sense_n ground_n also_o their_o explication_n of_o the_o church_n infallibility_n on_o something_o beside_o 2._o mr_n stillingfleet_n then_o part_n 3_o chap._n 5._o §_o 4_o &_o 5._o set_n himself_o to_o oppose_v oral_a tradition_n who_o infallibility_n he_o oppose_v to_o doctrinal_a infallibility_n in_o pope_n or_o council_n where_o if_o by_o doctrinal_a infallibility_n he_o mean_v that_o which_o they_o have_v as_o doctor_n or_o scholar_n he_o may_v reflect_v that_o no_o catholic_n make_v such_o a_o infallibility_n proper_a to_o the_o church_n or_o church-governor_n as_o such_o however_o it_o may_v be_v sometime_o necessary_a to_o proceed_v upon_o it_o in_o some_o signal_n occasion_n now_o take_v away_o this_o infallibility_n there_o be_v none_o leave_v but_o the_o infallibility_n of_o tradition_n perform_v by_o testify_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o have_v but_o two_o way_n of_o ordinary_a knowledge_n by_o act_n of_o our_o soul_n or_o operation_n on_o our_o body_n that_o be_v by_o reason_n and_o experience_n the_o former_a of_o which_o belong_v to_o speculater_n or_o doctor_n the_o second_o to_o deliverer_n of_o what_o be_v receive_v or_o to_o testifier_n whence_o m._n stillingfleet_n may_v see_v he_o stumble_v at_o the_o very_a threshold_n by_o counterpose_v doctrinal_a infallibility_n to_o traditionary_a since_o that_o which_o we_o call_v ecclesia_fw-la docens_fw-la profess_v constant_o to_o ground_n herself_o on_o tradition_n witness_v the_o council_n of_o trent_n in_o every_o session_n where_o she_o define_v faith_n 3._o no_o wonder_n then_o if_o ground_v on_o this_o mistake_n mr_n stillingfleet_n declare_v himself_o unsatisfied_a he_o ask_v therefore_o whether_o he_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v what_o the_o present_a church_n deliver_v to_o be_v infallible_a i_o understand_v he_o not_o have_v he_o instead_o of_o the_o word_n infallible_a put_v receive_v as_o deliver_v ever_o or_o infallible_o true_a i_o have_v for_o fallibility_n and_o infallibility_n belong_v to_o the_o know_v power_n or_o the_o person_n that_o have_v it_o not_o to_o the_o object_n the_o object_n be_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o not_o deceive_v but_o we_o well_o but_o suppose_v he_o mean_v by_o it_o deliver_v ever_o or_o which_o be_v equivalent_a certain_o true_a for_o what_o come_v from_o christ_n must_v be_v so_o in_o that_o case_n we_o answer_v affirmative_o he_o ask_v again_o on_o what_o account_n be_v he_o bind_v to_o believe_v it_o and_o he_o make_v our_o answer_n to_o be_v 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 nor_o that_o in_o the_o precedent_n and_o so_o up_o till_o christ._n this_o be_v indeed_o part_n of_o our_o answer_n the_o other_o part_n be_v that_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 upon_o this_o he_o fall_v into_o two_o new_a demand_n which_o take_v up_o this_o whole_a paragraph_n 4._o the_o first_o be_v how_o we_o can_v assure_v he_o the_o present_a church_n oblige_v he_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 i_o answer_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 i_o can_v here_o distinguish_v the_o word_n believe_v but_o i_o refer_v it_o till_o i_o come_v to_o speak_v of_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la he_o proceed_v 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 for_o the_o late_a i_o hope_v i_o need_v bring_v no_o great_a evidence_n than_o this_o that_o man_n in_o all_o age_n have_v eye_n ear_n and_o other_o sense_n also_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o much_o memory_n as_o to_o remember_v their_o own_o name_n and_o frequently-inculcated_n action_n if_o you_o disprove_v this_o i_o doubt_v we_o have_v lose_v mankind_n the_o subject_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o and_o till_o you_o disprove_v it_o neither_o i_o nor_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v doubt_v that_o this_o rule_n depend_v on_o testify_v that_o be_v sense_n or_o experience_n can_v possible_o permit_v man_n to_o be_v deceivable_a the_o former_a part_n i_o shall_v speak_v to_o when_o i_o come_v to_o show_v the_o obligation_n not_o to_o vary_v from_o faith_n his_o scruple_n spring_v hence_o that_o he_o see_v the_o roman_a church_n assert_n thing_n to_o be_v de_fw-fr fide_fw-la in_o one_o age_n which_o be_v not_o in_o another_o etc._n etc._n that_o this_o be_v the_o common_a doctrine_n and_o the_o denier_n ill-looked_a on_o i_o beg_v leave_n to_o distinguish_v the_o word_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la 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 than_o you_o see_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 for_o what_o christ_n have_v teach_v he_o have_v teach_v and_o the_o preteritness_n of_o the_o thing_n have_v so_o fix_v its_o existence_n to_o its_o proper_a time_n that_o it_o be_v not_o now_o obnoxious_a to_o variation_n quod_fw-la factum_fw-la est_fw-la infectum_fw-la fieri_fw-la non_fw-la potest_fw-la or_o de_fw-fr fide_fw-la may_v mean_v obligatory_a to_o be_v believe_v in_o this_o late_a sense_n none_o i_o think_v 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 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 5._o christianity_n aim_v not_o to_o make_v we_o beast_n but_o more_o perfect_o man_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o our_o manhood_n consist_v in_o use_v our_o reason_n since_o than_o natural_a consequence_n be_v apt_a to_o spring_v from_o natural_a principle_n by_o the_o operation_n of_o reason_n and_o we_o can_v but_o think_v that_o the_o consequence_n apt_a to_o flow_v from_o supernatural_a principle_n or_o point_n of_o faith_n deliver_v down_o from_o christ_n only_a which_o be_v de_fw-la fide_fw-la in_o the_o former_a sense_n be_v of_o incomparable_o great_a excellency_n than_o natural_a truth_n it_o follow_v that_o christianity_n or_o christian_a faith_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v the_o faithful_a from_o deduce_v out_o of_o they_o that_o both_o out_o of_o their_o nature_n as_o supreme_a truth_n or_o principle_n and_o out_o of_o their_o high_a excellency_n they_o invite_v and_o prompt_v most_o strong_o to_o it_o now_o these_o point_n deduct_v out_o of_o principle_n of_o faith_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n the_o former_a those_o which_o need_v no_o more_o but_o common_a sense_n or_o the_o ordinary_a natural_a light_n of_o reason_n to_o discover_v their_o arise_v thence_o nor_o any_o piece_n of_o skill_n or_o science_n to_o infer_v they_o but_o be_v see_v by_o the_o bare_a principle_n of_o faith_n or_o rather_o in_o it_o be_v indeed_o but_o a_o branch_n or_o part_n of_o that_o principle_n the_o late_a be_v those_o which_o need_n beside_o the_o maxim_n of_o some_o science_n get_v by_o speculation_n to_o infer_v they_o a_o example_n of_o the_o former_a sort_n be_v that_o against_o the_o monothelite_n of_o christ_n have_v a_o human_a will_n for_o common_a experience_n tell_v
multitude_n of_o knower_n if_o no_o possible_a consideration_n can_v awaken_v in_o our_o reason_n a_o doubt_n that_o they_o conspire_v to_o deceive_v we_o now_o in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n all_o deliverer_n or_o immediate_a forefather_n be_v knower_n as_o appear_v in_o those_o who_o immediate_o hear_v the_o apostle_n all_o the_o knowledge_n requisite_a be_v of_o what_o they_o be_v teach_v and_o practise_v it_o according_o all_o their_o life_n of_o which_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o rude_a person_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a who_o ever_o have_v any_o effect_n of_o such_o a_o teach_v wrought_v upon_o he_o nor_o can_v any_o unless_o their_o brain_n rove_v wild_o or_o be_v unsettled_a even_o to_o the_o degree_n of_o madness_n suspect_v deceit_n where_o such_o multitude_n unanimous_o agree_v in_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n look_v serious_o when_o they_o speak_v act_n themselves_o and_o practice_n according_o and_o show_v in_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o their_o carriage_n that_o they_o hope_v to_o be_v save_v themselves_o and_o to_o save_v other_o who_o they_o thus_o instruct_v by_o rely_v on_o this_o truth_n that_o their_o forefather_n thus_o teach_v they_o which_o amount_v to_o this_o that_o nature_n or_o common_a reason_n at_o unaware_o steal_v into_o they_o a_o solid_a apprehension_n that_o tradition_n be_v of_o a_o certain_a kind_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o that_o while_o father_n thus_o teach_v child_n it_o be_v ever_o such_o that_o be_v that_o tradition_n be_v a_o certain_a rule_n of_o convey_v down_o faith_n which_o be_v all_o we_o study_v to_o evince_v at_o present_a i_o may_v add_v that_o nature_n tell_v they_o by_o their_o own_o experience_n that_o parent_n general_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o teach_v their_o child_n what_o themselves_o have_v be_v teach_v and_o believe_v to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a &_o needful_a to_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n their_o natural_a thought_n will_v lead_v they_o by_o a_o downright_a procedure_n to_o judge_v that_o tradition_n be_v ever_o in_o some_o considerable_a body_n of_o deliverer_n who_o stick_v to_o it_o and_o own_a it_o and_o that_o those_o have_v true_a faith_n or_o true_o that_o doctrine_n which_o christ_n and_o the_o first_o planter_n of_o christianity_n teach_v but_o of_o this_o point_n more_o hereafter_o 10._o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o this_o multitude_n of_o plain_a honest-meaning_n soul_n be_v as_o much_o justify_v for_o believe_a scripture_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o you_o mean_v their_o faith_n conceive_v to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o a_o determinate_a sense_n of_o scripture_n letter_n it_o can_v with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n be_v pretend_v that_o they_o be_v as_o much_o justifiable_a for_o believe_v any_o set_v aside_o tradition_n help_n for_o without_o this_o it_o total_o depend_v on_o the_o inward_a judgement_n fancy_n or_o skill_n of_o man_n which_o they_o be_v unqualify_v to_o judge_v of_o not_o on_o open_a verdict_n of_o sense_n to_o wield_v the_o certainty_n or_o uncertainty_n of_o which_o lie_v clear_o within_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o common_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o scripture_n letter_n they_o can_v possible_o be_v justify_v in_o reason_n for_o believe_v even_o the_o substantial_a truth_n of_o it_o without_o tradition_n assist_v hand_n and_o preserve_a care_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o because_o the_o common_a course_n of_o human_a experience_n tell_v they_o that_o judgement_n or_o opinion_n often_o disagree_v but_o their_o plain_a sensation_n especial_o if_o frequent_o repeat_v never_o whence_o a_o jury_n of_o the_o plain_a high-shoe_n will_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o sight_n of_o six_o witness_n without_o more_o ado_n condemn_v a_o malefactor_n but_o not_o upon_o the_o judgement_n of_o a_o thousand_o man_n if_o a_o testimony_n ground_v on_o sense_n be_v not_o bring_v now_o take_v away_o tradition_n and_o all_o ground_n from_o certain_a sense_n fail_v we_o either_o for_o the_o meaning_n or_o even_a letter_n of_o scripture_n and_o all_o be_v leave_v to_o man_n judgement_n build_v on_o latent_fw-la skill_n or_o fancy_n or_o at_o least_o on_o sense_n liable_a to_o great_a and_o numerous_a mistake_n as_o have_v be_v show_v disc._n 4._o §_o 3._o again_o see_v every_o one_o apprehend_v the_o most_o vulgar_a have_v reason_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o k._n james_n and_o q._n elizabeth_n of_o which_o they_o be_v no_o otherwise_o ascertain_v but_o by_o tradition_n why_o be_v not_o they_o as_o much_o or_o more_o justify_v for_o believe_a point_n of_o faith_n receive_v down_o by_o the_o same_o tenor_n whereas_o if_o you_o go_v about_o to_o pump_v their_o common_a reason_n about_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o statute-book_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o its_o letter_n you_o shall_v find_v they_o blunder_v and_o at_o a_o ●oss_n be_v pose_v beyond_o their_o sphere_n of_o 〈◊〉_d nature_n by_o a_o question_n entrench_v upon_o skill_n to_o which_o they_o can_v never_o answer_v with_o a_o steady_a assuredness_n inward_o and_o if_o they_o do_v so_o outward_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o some_o passion_n and_o not_o their_o reason_n breed_v that_o irrational_a profession_n the_o three_o condition_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v to_o be_v apt_a to_o settle_v and_o justify_v unreflect_v and_o undoubt_v vulgar_a be_v manifest_o find_v agree_v to_o tradition_n 11._o i_o put_v next_o the_o 6_o condition_n because_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o evident_o prove_v the_o four_o five_o and_o seven_o for_o what_o be_v build_v on_o immovable_a ground_n or_o certain_a in_o its_o self_n have_v in_o it_o wherewith_o to_o settle_v and_o satisfy_v the_o most_o pierce_a wit●_n convince_v the_o most_o obstinate_a adversary_n and_o to_o ascertain_v we_o absolute_o to_o prove_v that_o tradition_n have_v certain_a and_o infallible_a ground_n it_o may_v suffi●●_n to_o note_v that_o disc._n 1._o §_o 13_o 14_o 15._o it_o be_v evident_o prove_v faith_n must_v be_v infallible_a to_o we_o an●_n no_o less_o evident_a that_o it_o can_v be_v such_o without_o have_v infallibly-c●●tain_a ground_n since_o nothing_o can_v be_v firm_a to_o we_o than_o the_o ground_n it_o stand_v on_o now_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v its_o ground_n it_o follow_v evident_o that_o this_o must_v likewise_o be_v infallib●●_n certain_a there_o be_v then_o only_o two_o ground_n or_o rule_n of_o faith_n own_v namely_o deliver_v of_o it_o down_o by_o write_v and_o by_o word_n an●_n practice_n which_o we_o call_v oral_a and_o practical_a tradition_n it_o be_v leave_v avoidable_o out_o of_o the_o imposibility_n that_o scripture_n shall_v be_v infallible_a as_o rule_v that_o tradition_n must_v be_v such_o 12._o though_o this_o conclusion_n suppose_v th●_n truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n i_o assume_v as_o already_o prove_v be_v sufficient_o consequent_a to_o those_o adversary_n against_o who_o i_o contest_v at_o present_a th●_n certainty_n of_o tradition_n in_o regard_n they_o do_v 〈◊〉_d stick_v to_o grant_v that_o either_o scripture_n or_o tradition_n must_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o i_o foresee_v more_o will_n be_v expect_v from_o a_o pretender_n to_o demonstrate_v its_o certainty_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v frame_v his_o discourse_n from_o intrinsical_v medium_n reflect_v then_o on_o the_o nature_n of_o tradition_n as_o before_o explicate_v we_o shall_v observe_v that_o it_o 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 the_o flower_n and_o end_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o this_o 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 by_o reflect_a thought_n or_o speculation_n amid_o the_o misty_a vapour_n exhale_v by_o his_o passion_n predominant_a over_o his_o rational_a will_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 he●●_n cold_a pain_n pleasure_n or_o any_o other_o material_a quality_n again_o those_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o make_v once_o but_o frequent_o and_o in_o most_o many_o time_n every_o day_n moreover_o to_o make_v these_o more_o express_a and_o apt_a to_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o their_o life_n be_v to_o be_v frame_v by_o the_o precept_n they_o hear_v and_o conformable_a example_n they_o see_v so_o that_o faith_n i_o mean_v the_o substance_n of_o it_o or_o that_o solid_a plain_a knowledge_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v apt_a to_o cause_v downright_a christian_a 〈◊〉_d come_v clad_v in_o such_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n that_o the_o most_o stupid_a man_n live_v can_v possible_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o
vulgar_a reason_n easy_o tell_v they_o that_o there_o can_v be_v but_o one_o truth_n that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o other_o professor_n to_o follow_v scripture_n do_v notwithstanding_o believe_v and_o speak_v false_a now_o these_o honest_a scholar_n of_o plain_a down_o right_a nature_n &_o that_o of_o her_o low_a form_n too_o be_v unable_a to_o judge_v which_o true_o follow_v the_o scripture_n letter_n and_o only_o capable_a to_o know_v they_o all_o profess_v it_o with_o word_n and_o action_n express_v the_o great_a seriousness_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o think_v that_o all_o equal_o mean_a to_o follow_v it_o to_o their_o power_n whence_o their_o common_a reason_n will_v tell_v they_o though_o they_o can_v express_v it_o in_o our_o term_n or_o defend_v it_o that_o mere_o for_o want_v of_o light_n that_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o directive_n power_n of_o that_o rule_n they_o all_o but_o one_o party_n and_o perhaps_o that_o too_o as_o well_o as_o the_o rest_n go_v most_o miserable_o astray_o this_o three_o property_n then_o of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n namely_o to_o justify_v the_o undoubting_a vulgar_a be_v want_v to_o scripture_n letter_n 3._o there_o follow_v the_o four_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v that_o it_o must_v be_v able_a of_o its_o own_o nature_n to_o satisfy_v the_o most_o sceptical_a dissenter_n and_o rational_a doubter_n that_o the_o doctrine_n it_o hold_v forth_o come_v from_o christ._n to_o make_v a_o true_a conceit_n of_o what_o may_v be_v judge_v sufficient_a for_o this_o end_n let_v we_o reflect_v on_o the_o nature_n and_o temper_n of_o such_o dissenter_n and_o doubter_n and_o we_o shall_v quick_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v man_n give_v to_o stir_v their_o thought_n by_o much_o reflection_n and_o to_o call_v they_o to_o a_o strict_a account_n ere_o they_o yield_v they_o over_o to_o assent_v wherefore_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o true_a to_o their_o own_o thought_n and_o not_o to_o betray_v the_o light_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o some_o passion_n in_o which_o case_n their_o faith_n itself_o be_v in_o they_o a_o vice_n we_o can_v imagine_v that_o any_o thing_n under_o demonstration_n can_v bind_v and_o restrain_v those_o active_a and_o volatile_a soul_n from_o flutter_v still_o in_o objection_n and_o hover_v in_o doubt_n when_o their_o eternal_a good_a be_v concern_v especial_o when_o a_o authority_n be_v about_o scan_v upon_o who_o word_n they_o be_v bind_v after_o they_o have_v approve_v it_o to_o believe_v unconcievable_a and_o unheard_a of_o thing_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a reason_n &_o apprehension_n let_v now_o any_o man_n go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v to_o those_o great_a wit_n these_o point_n that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v write_v by_o man_n divine_o inspire_v that_o there_o be_v never_o a_o real_a one_o however_o there_o may_v be_v many_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o it_o and_o this_o to_o be_v show_v out_o of_o the_o very_a letter_n itself_o that_o just_o this_o catalogue_n or_o number_n of_o book_n be_v enough_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o no_o one_o necessary_a that_o be_v lose_v none_o be_v abate_v or_o if_o so_o how_o many_o that_o the_o original_n out_o of_o which_o the_o translation_n be_v make_v be_v entire_a and_o uncorrupted_a that_o the_o first_o translation_n be_v skilful_o &_o right_o make_v and_o afterward_o derive_v down_o sincere_a notwithstanding_o the_o errableness_n of_o thousand_o of_o transcriber_n printer_n corrector_n etc._n etc._n and_o the_o malice_n of_o ancient_a heretic_n and_o jew_n who_o have_v it_o in_o their_o hand_n and_o last_o that_o this_o and_o this_o only_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o to_o which_o be_v requisite_a great_a skill_n in_o language_n to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o word_n in_o grammar_n to_o know_v what_o meaning_n they_o shall_v general_o beat_v according_a to_o its_o rule_n as_o thus_o construe_v or_o put_v together_o criticism_n to_o know_v what_o a_o word_n do_v most_o common_o or_o may_v possible_o signify_v by_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d nice_a etymology_n or_o acception_n of_o author_n ancient_a or_o modern_a by_o dialect_n of_o several_a country_n etc._n etc._n history_n to_o make_v know_v the_o true_a scope_n of_o the_o author_n the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o his_o meaning_n logic_n to_o draw_v consequence_n aright_o and_o so_o find_v out_o the_o thread_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o avoid_v equivocation_n in_o word_n by_o discover_v which_o be_v to_o be_v take_v proper_o which_o metaphorical_o and_o to_o apply_v this_o right_n foam_n skill_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o metaphysic_n especial_o that_o which_o treat_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n as_o the_o soul_n angel_n god_n and_o his_o attribute_n but_o especial_o in_o divinity_n both_o speculative_a and_o moral_a which_o by_o the_o way_n suppose_v faith_n and_o come_v after_o it_o and_o so_o can_v be_v presuppose_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n which_o precede_v it_o let_v any_o man_n i_o say_v go_v about_o to_o demonstrate_v all_o these_o difficult_a point_n ro_o those_o acute_a man_n and_o will_v they_o not_o smile_v at_o his_o endeavour_n since_o most_o of_o they_o that_o concern_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o letter_n be_v such_o that_o we_o want_v principle_n to_o go_v about_o to_o evidence_n they_o and_o the_o rest_n so_o obscure_a that_o a_o search_a and_o sincere_a wit_n will_v still_o find_v something_o to_o reply_v to_o rational_o or_o at_o least_o maintain_v his_o ground_n of_o suspense_n with_o a_o may_v it_o not_o be_v otherwise_o and_o be_v some_o one_o or_o two_o of_o these_o point_n demonstrable_a yet_o who_o see_v not_o it_o be_v a_o task_n of_o so_o long_a study_n that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o a_o man_n life_n will_v be_v spend_v in_o a_o wearisome_a and_o hopeless_a endeavour_n to_o come_v to_o faith_n by_o this_o tedious_a method_n which_o will_v both_o dis-invite_a to_o a_o pursuit_n and_o even_o a_o diligent_a man_n may_v in_o likelihood_n die_v ere_o he_o can_v rational_o embrace_v any_o faith_n at_o all_o i'faith_o then_o be_v intend_v for_o a_o man_n to_o lead_v his_o life_n by_o it_o be_v necessary_a its_o rule_n and_o the_o mean_n to_o come_v to_o it_o shall_v be_v easy_o victorious_a by_o reason_n of_o its_o certainty_n and_o evidence_n over_o the_o shock_n of_o doubt_n or_o the_o assault_n of_o intellectual_a fear_n in_o which_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v defective_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o be_v far_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o rule_n of_o faith_n 4._o the_o same_o discourse_n hold_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o scripture_n letter_n be_v not_o convictive_a of_o the_o most_o obstinate_a and_o acute_a adversary_n which_o be_v the_o five_o property_n of_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n yet_o to_o apprehend_v this_o more_o lively_a let_v we_o imagine_v it_o apply_v to_o practice_n and_o that_o some_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v quote_v to_o convince_v a_o deist_n in_o some_o point_n he_o ask_v how_o you_o be_v certain_a that_o book_n be_v god_n word_n you_o allege_v the_o excellency_n of_o it_o which_o indeed_o be_v such_o that_o eye_n already_o enlighten_v by_o true_a faith_n may_v discern_v something_o in_o it_o above_o nature_n and_o cry_v digitus_fw-la d●i_fw-la est_fw-la hîc_fw-la though_o not_o his_o dim_a sight_n he_o answer_v that_o many_o part_n of_o it_o be_v indeed_o very_o excellent_o good_a but_o that_o the_o devil_n can_v transform_v himself_o into_o a_o angel_n of_o light_n on_o the_o other_o side_n he_o requite_v your_o excellency_n with_o many_o strange_a absurdity_n and_o heresy_n even_o by_o your_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o open_a letter_n as_o it_o lie_v and_o most_o unworthy_a god_n as_o that_o he_o have_v hand_n foot_n and_o passion_n like_o we_o according_o to_o which_o he_o be_v variable_a he_o find_v you_o direct_a text_n against_o acknowledge_a science_n in_o divers_a particular_n and_o reckon_v up_o a_o multitude_n of_o contradiction_n to_o his_o judgement_n you_o answer_v that_o those_o place_n be_v understand_v according_a to_o human_a apprehension_n and_o be_v indeed_o incompetent_a to_o god_n but_o that_o there_o be_v mystical_a and_o spiritual_a meaning_n couch_v in_o those_o sacred_a oracle_n which_o with_o the_o help_n of_o history_n will_v reconcile_v those_o seem_a contradiction_n he_o cry_v you_o quite_o abandon_v your_o pretend_a rule_n that_o since_o you_o confess_v heresy_n be_v in_o the_o open_a letter_n take_v as_o it_o lie_v you_o must_v have_v some_o knowledge_n in_o your_o head_n concern_v god_n which_o make_v you_o decline_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n as_o they_o lie_v and_o run_v to_o gloss_n they_o and_o demand_n whence_o you_o come_v by_o those_o tenet_n which_o oblige_v you_o to_o correct_v the_o plain_a letter_n challenge_v your_o thought_n and_o carriage_n as_o witness_n that_o that_o
make_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n to_o comply_v with_o our_o weakness_n by_o the_o word_n be_v be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_n among_o we_o his_o be_v bear_v his_o suffering_n cold_a hunger_n persecution_n banishment_n and_o other_o inconvenience_n in_o his_o life_n his_o cure_v our_o disease_a comfort_v our_o afflict_a raise_v our_o dead_a and_o other_o miraculous_a action_n his_o be_v bind_v buffet_v scourge_v crown_v with_o thorn_n and_o last_o crucify_v and_o all_o this_o believe_v to_o be_v for_o our_o sake_n all_o of_o they_o object_n most_o sensible_o and_o palpable_o affect_v our_o understanding_n and_o thence_o slide_v move_o and_o this_o by_o their_o sensible_a nature_n into_o our_o very_a will_n we_o shall_v discover_v that_o the_o infinite_a spiritual_a good_a we_o speak_v of_o be_v become_v through_o the_o provident_a goodness_n of_o our_o god_n both_o as_o easy_o appliable_a as_o the_o most_o visible_a and_o concern_v civil_a action_n work_v on_o the_o best_a sensation_n of_o our_o forefather_n the_o best_a and_o ample_a authority_n in_o the_o world_n to_o make_v their_o sensation_n we_o and_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o life_n action_n sacrament_n and_o all_o other_o outward_a show_n which_o can_v be_v invent_v to_o make_v such_o mystery_n maniable_a can_v possible_o render_v they_o and_o that_o if_o after_o all_o this_o they_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o want_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o sensibleness_n it_o be_v abundant_o supply_v by_o that_o deep_a impression_n which_o the_o sacred_a horror_n of_o the_o reverence_n give_v to_o they_o make_v and_o the_o efficacious_a way_n to_o excite_v and_o and_o preserve_v that_o reverence_n all_o which_o way_n and_o object_n thus_o easy_o and_o strong_o appliable_a be_v frequent_o and_o efficacious_o apply_v by_o the_o education_n of_o parent_n and_o by_o the_o discipline_n and_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o church_n which_o bring_v those_o speculation_n to_o practice_n be_v ever_o and_o must_v needs_o reach_v the_o generality_n in_o a_o word_n 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 no_o application_n therefore_o be_v want_v wherefore_o the_o efficient_a and_o the_o matter_n be_v proper_a and_o fit_v to_o one_o another_o the_o effect_n must_v still_o be_v or_o continue_v that_o be_v the_o deliver_v down_o sincere_o and_o careful_o christian_a doctrine_n first_o receive_v must_v still_o continue_v in_o some_o great_a multitude_n at_o least_o and_o this_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n seven_o discourse_n a_o objection_n clear_v and_o the_o beginning_n and_o progress_n of_o a_o heresy_n connatural_o lay_v open_a 1._o what_o only_a and_o main_o seem_v to_o prejudice_v our_o argument_n be_v that_o there_o have_v actual_o be_v many_o heretic_n or_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v but_o some_o contingency_n shall_v have_v place_n where_o a_o whole_a species_n in_o a_o manner_n be_v to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o it_o suffice_v we_o that_o the_o cause_n to_o preserve_v faith_n indeficient_o entire_a be_v as_o efficacious_a as_o those_o which_o be_v lay_v for_o the_o propagagation_n of_o mankind_n the_o virtue_n of_o faith_n not_o be_v to_o continue_v long_o than_o mankind_n its_o only_a subject_n do_v and_o they_o will_v easy_o appear_v as_o efficacious_a as_o the_o other_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o strength_n of_o those_o cause_n before_o explicate_v and_o reflect_v that_o they_o be_v effective_o powerful_a to_o make_v multitude_n daily_o debar_v themselves_o of_o those_o pleasure_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o mankind_n propagation_n and_o if_o we_o look_v into_o history_n for_o experience_n of_o what_o have_v pass_v in_o the_o world_n since_o the_o first_o plant_n of_o christianity_n we_o shall_v find_v fa●_n more_o particular_n fail_v in_o propagate_a their_o kind_a than_o their_o faith_n 2._o i_o know_v the_o multitude_n of_o heretic_n which_o have_v from_o time_n to_o time_n rise_v make_v this_o position_n seem_v incredible_a wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v 〈◊〉_d once_o both_o open_a tradition_n and_o make_v good_a ou●_n tenet_n we_o will_v reflect_v how_o a_o heresy_n be_v first_o breed_v to_o enforce_v then_o our_o former_a argument_n we_o mus●_n look_v on_o christ_n church_n not_o only_o as_o on_o a_o congregation_n have_v in_o their_o heart_n those_o most_o powerful_a motive_n already_o speak_v of_o able_a of_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o carry_v each_o single_a heart_n possess_v by_o they_o though_o leave_v at_o its_o own_o liberty_n but_o as_o o●_n the_o perfect_a form_n of_o a_o commonwealth_n have_v within_o herself_o government_n and_o officer_n appoint_v by_o christ_n himself_o and_o so_o look_v upon_o by_o the_o faithful_a to_o take_v care_n all_o those_o motive_n b●_n actual_o apply_v as_o much_o as_o may_v be_v to_o the_o subject_a laity_n and_o that_o all_o the_o son_n of_o the_o church_n be_v awe_v by_o wholesome_a discipline_n to_o conform_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o profess_v yet_o notwithstanding_o as_o in_o the_o civil_a state_n maugre_o the_o law_n and_o care_n of_o governor_n it_o happen_v sometime_o that_o some_o particular_a person_n turn_v rebel_n or_o outlaw_n and_o associate_n to_o himself_n other_o so_o it_o happen_v sometime_o in_o the_o church_n that_o because_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o perfection_n of_o discipline_n shall_v extend_v itself_o in_o so_o vast_a a_o multititude_n to_o every_o particular_a some_o one_o or_o few_o person_n by_o neglect_n of_o apply_v christian_n motive_n to_o their_o soul_n fall_v into_o extravagancy_n of_o spiritual_a pride_n ambition_n lust_n or_o other_o vice_n and_o itch_a with_o desire_n of_o follower_n to_o honour_n and_o support_v they_o they_o first_o lie_v hold_v on_o some_o accidental_a miscarriage_n as_o foolish_a opinion_n or_o ill_a life_n of_o some_o in_o the_o church_n which_o they_o aggravate_v beyond_o all_o reason_n to_o justify_v their_o rebellion_n and_o 〈◊〉_d invent_v and_o propose_v new_a tenet_n to_o other_o which_o partly_o by_o their_o plausibleness_n partly_o licentiousness_n suit_v with_o the_o curious_a or_o passionate_a humour_n of_o diverse_a if_o governor_n be_v not_o vigilant_a and_o prudent_a draw_v they_o into_o the_o same_o faction_n with_o themselves_o especial_o if_o they_o get_v the_o state_n on_o their_o side_n secure_a indemnity_n and_o hope_n of_o reward_n draw_v the_o corrupt_a heart_n of_o many_o to_o bandy_v with_o their_o fellow-revolters_a against_o the_o former_a church_n thus_o a_o body_n be_v make_v inconsiderable_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o whole_a which_o yet_o be_v engage_v by_o the_o natural_a care_n of_o self-preservation_n to_o make_v head_n against_o it_o the_o church_n stand_v upon_o the_o uninterrupted_a succession_n of_o her_o doctrine_n from_o christ_n ground_v on_o the_o noonday_n manifestation_n of_o the_o most_o universal_a and_o clear_a attestation_n in_o the_o world_n the_o other_o know_a newness_n make_v it_o impossible_a to_o human_a nature_n though_o most_o deprave_a to_o pretend_v this_o reception_n from_o immediate_a forefather_n the_o contrary_a be_v so_o evident_a to_o the_o whole_a world_n eyesight_n that_o this_o be_v to_o tell_v a_o open_o to_o no_o imaginable_a purpose_n they_o must_v cry_v therefore_o the_o church_n have_v err_v in_o faith_n else_o they_o condemn_v themselves_o whence_o they_o be_v oblige_v at_o next_o to_o renounce_v and_o disgrace_v tradition_n or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o church_n as_o unfit_a to_o be_v a_o rule_n which_o leave_v in_o force_n will_v present_o quash_n and_o strangle_v all_o their_o attempt_n after_o this_o a_o new_a rule_n must_v be_v seek_v for_o either_o some_o private_a inspiration_n or_o some_o waxen-natur●d_a word_n not_o yet_o sence_v not_o have_v any_o certain_a interpreter_n but_o fit_a to_o be_v play_v upon_o diverse_o by_o quirk_n of_o wit_n that_o be_v apt_a to_o blunder_v and_o confound_v but_o to_o clear_v little_a or_o nothing_o their_o policy_n must_v be_v to_o study_v vapour_n in_o wordish_a learning_n to_o be_v dextrous_a in_o criticism_n and_o all_o that_o can_v conduce_v to_o the_o various_a acception_n of_o word_n and_o then_o to_o hook_v catholic_n from_o their_o infallible_a and_o evident_a way_n of_o tradition_n to_o combat_v with_o they_o at_o their_o own_o weapon_n and_o in_o their_o own_o way_n in_o which_o if_o the_o catholic_n be_v so_o unwary_a or_o good-natured_a as_o to_o engage_v and_o have_v be_v enure_v to_o more_o solid_a and_o sober_a ground_n for_o his_o faith_n be_v not_o perhaps_o so_o skilful_a in_o beat_v the_o air_n as_o his_o bird-witted_n opponent_n present_o a_o victory_n be_v proclaim_v with_o the_o loud_a trumpet_n of_o fame_n and_o vanity_n be_v general_o their_o god_n who_o place_n their_o honour_n in_o such_o airy_a sort_n of_o learning_n
of_o a_o contradiction_n in_o a_o clear_a matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o a_o judge_n or_o congnoscitive_a nature_n 6._o these_o principle_n lay_v we_o we_o will_v advance_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o our_o main_a conclusion_n on_o this_o manner_n that_o since_o neither_o any_o age_n by_o our_o first_o principle_n can_v hold_v a_o new_a introduce_v point_n for_o not-new_a but_o immediate_o deliver_v nor_o yet_o any_o forego_v age_n by_o our_o second_o make_v it_o be_v receive_v as_o not-new_a by_o posterity_n it_o follow_v that_o in_o no_o age_n can_v any_o doctrine_n change_v the_o immediate_a faith_n of_o forefather_n or_o new_a at_o that_o time_n come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o immediate_o deliver_v or_o not-new_a at_o that_o time_n wherefore_o since_o nothing_o can_v descend_v or_o come_v down_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o not-new_a or_o deliver_v uninterrupted_o unless_o it_o first_o come_v in_o or_o be_v receive_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o not-new_a or_o deliver_v uninterrupted_o nor_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o as_o descend_v under_o such_o a_o notion_n unless_o it_o do_v actual_o descend_v to_o we_o under_o such_o a_o notion_n by_o the_o second_o it_o follow_v manifest_o that_o if_o we_o now_o hold_v it_o descend_v as_o such_o it_o do_v descend_v as_o such_o and_o consequent_o be_v receive_v by_o the_o deliverer_n as_o such_o and_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v equal_o in_o each_o age_n from_o christ_n come_v down_o consequent_o from_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o power_n then_o or_o wit_n of_o man_n can_v make_v our_o faith_n now_o hold_v to_o be_v so_o descend_v but_o its_o have_v be_v actual_o so_o descend_v that_o be_v only_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n indeficiency_n can_v have_v effect_v this_o present_a persuasion_n of_o traditionary_a christian_n or_o catholic_n that_o their_o faith_n descend_v uninterrupted_o from_o the_o apostle_n it_o be_v then_o manifest_a by_o experience_n that_o this_o effect_n or_o present_a persuasion_n be_v for_o all_o catholics_n hold_v the_o church_n never_o fail_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v demonstrative_o evident_a that_o its_o proper_a and_o only_a cause_n have_v be_v put_v that_o be_v that_o christian_a tradition_n have_v ever_o be_v hold_v to_o by_o a_o body_n of_o man_n consist_v of_o the_o predecessor_n to_o those_o who_o we_o find_v actual_o thus_o persuade_v nine_o discourse_n open_v the_o incomparable_a strength_n of_o the_o church_n human_a authority_n and_o the_o infinite_a advantage_n accrue_v to_o it_o by_o the_o supernatual_a assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n 1._o but_o all_o this_o be_v nature_n may_v some_o say_v and_o by_o this_o method_n a_o heathen_a may_v by_o his_o natural_a wit_n become_v a_o good_a christian._n by_o which_o word_n nature_n if_o the_o object_a mean_n reason_v wrought_v upon_o by_o motive_n lay_v by_o god_n special_a goodness_n to_o bring_v soul_n to_o bliss_n i_o wonder_v what_o else_o be_v supernaturality_n but_o this_o which_o he_o miscall_v nature_n and_o why_o reason_n rectify_v by_o such_o light_n and_o proposal_n as_o the_o force_n of_o nature_n can_v not_o have_v aim_v at_o much_o less_o effect_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v affect_v supernatural_o however_o those_o very_a motive_n be_v connatural_a to_o our_o soul_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o we_o use_v even_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o our_o reason_n in_o discourse_v of_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n to_o expect_v no_o constant_a way_n or_o common_a path_n of_o motive_n lay_v for_o the_o salvation_n of_o mankind_n but_o extraordinary_a inspiration_n for_o each_o particular_a man_n unravell_n the_o order_n of_o god_n best_a providence_n and_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o fanatickness_n but_o to_o meddle_v with_o this_o point_n be_v out_o of_o my_o road_n otherwise_o than_o to_o take_v my_o rise_n hence_o to_o show_v how_o far_a christian_a tradition_n be_v strengthen_v above_o the_o great_a meerly-human_a testimony_n whatever_o and_o that_o the_o church_n owe_v this_o strength_n to_o those_o motive_n superven_a to_o mere_a nature_n which_o we_o right_o call_v assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o regard_n they_o be_v build_v on_o perfection_n of_o will_n in_o the_o faithful_a or_o on_o virtue_n the_o effect_n proper_o attribute_v to_o that_o divine_a person_n 2._o ere_o we_o come_v to_o explain_v what_o advantage_n the_o church_n as_o thus_o divine_o assist_v have_v over_o herself_o as_o mere_o wrought_v upon_o by_o human_a motive_n we_o will_v compare_v first_o her_o human_a authority_n with_o some_o other_o vast_a body_n of_o testifier_n which_o may_v most_o seem_v to_o stand_v in_o competition_n with_o she_o and_o a_o eminent_a and_o acute_a opposer_n of_o tradition_n have_v already_o point_v we_o out_o a_o choice_n one_o namely_o that_o of_o the_o mahometan_n for_o mahomet_n existence_n which_o we_o doubt_v not_o to_o have_v the_o power_n to_o convey_v down_o the_o truth_n thereof_o with_o infallible_a certainty_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o follow_v not_o do_v we_o think_v the_o most_o sceptical_a protestant_a doubt_n but_o it_o have_v have_v the_o force_n to_o make_v itself_o be_v follow_v hitherto_o however_o at_o unaware_o their_o calm_a reason_n grant_v that_o to_o a_o body_n of_o turk_n which_o their_o passion_n make_v they_o question_n and_o even_o deny_v to_o a_o church_n of_o christian_n yet_o i_o aver_v that_o the_o human_a force_n of_o tradition_n in_o the_o church_n for_o the_o descent_n of_o the_o main_a body_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n far_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o turk_n for_o mahomet_n existence_n 3._o to_o show_v this_o in_o brief_a i_o note_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o chief_o that_o howsoever_o a_o report_n may_v spread_v universal_o from_o a_o small_a beginning_n in_o the_o quality_n of_o a_o rumour_n yet_o the_o force_n of_o its_o credibility_n if_o it_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v found_v on_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o those_o who_o first_o see_v or_o perceive_v it_o put_v then_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o testifier_n in_o both_o case_n to_o be_v equal_a so_o to_o bring_v our_o controversy_n to_o a_o small_a compass_n and_o compare_v only_o the_o quantity_n or_o number_n of_o the_o original_a testifier_n on_o both_o side_n what_o proportion_n be_v there_o between_o that_o handful_n of_o man_n about_o mecha_n and_o some_o few_o other_o place_n where_o mahomet_n conquer_v and_o plant_v his_o doctrine_n and_o those_o vast_a multitude_n who_o all_o the_o apostle_n disciple_n and_o apostolical_a man_n convert_v by_o most_o powerful_a miracle_n in_o so_o many_o distant_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n if_o we_o lie_v they_o together_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o few_o see_v or_o feel_v that_o be_v be_v witness_n of_o mahomet_n existence_n so_o much_o as_o once_o in_o comparison_n of_o those_o who_o be_v every_o day_n imbue_v with_o and_o ●_z christian_n doctrine_n a_o new_a consideration_n spring_v hence_o that_o it_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n easy_a for_o that_o single_a company_n of_o arabian_n and_o syrian_n to_o conspire_v to_o a_o lie_n and_o so_o deliver_v down_o to_o we_o a_o false_a mahomet_n than_o it_o be_v for_o such_o a_o multitude_n of_o people_n in_o so_o remote_a country_n as_o first_o suck_v in_o christianity_n to_o conspire_v in_o the_o very_a thought_n of_o have_v such_o a_o conspiracy_n and_o last_o it_o be_v as_o easy_a by_o oft_o repeat_v sensatio●s_n to_o know_v christian_a doctrine_n at_o first_o to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o govern_v their_o action_n by_o it_o which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a for_o the_o generality_n it_o give_v the_o principle_n to_o the_o daily_a practice_n of_o their_o new_a life_n as_o they_o be_v christian_n as_o it_o be_v for_o these_o other_o witness_n to_o be_v certain_a of_o mahomet_n existence_n and_o much_o easy_a in_o regard_n the_o great_a part_n by_o far_o of_o those_o who_o we_o allow_v witness_n of_o mahomet_n existence_n perhaps_o scarce_o know_v he_o by_o sight_n not_o converse_v he_o daily_o or_o very_a often_o as_o each_o of_o the_o primitive_a christian_n do_v with_o those_o point_n of_o faith_n they_o guide_v their_o life_n by_o 4._o the_o human_a authority_n then_o of_o the_o church_n be_v such_o as_o exceed_v she_o evidence_n of_o other_o testimony_n which_o yet_o be_v such_o that_o among_o all_o the_o most_o extravagant_a opiniastre_n none_o be_v ever_o find_v so_o frantic_a as_o to_o doubt_v they_o and_o shall_v any_o do_v so_o all_o sober_a mankind_n will_v esteem_v they_o stark_o mad_a which_o can_v not_o be_v do_v in_o reason_n unless_o they_o renounce_v perfect_a evidence_n that_o be_v unless_o those_o testimony_n be_v perfect_o evident_a this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o some_o may_v think_v it_o superfluous_a and_o a_o quirk_n of_o a_o
which_o only_o themselves_o know_v and_o be_v conscious_a of_o and_o on_o the_o other_o side_n nothing_o appear_v why_o such_o a_o kind_n of_o impression_n be_v impossible_a nay_o it_o be_v grant_v possible_a it_o be_v clear_a none_o can_v argue_v against_o that_o inward_a light_n be_v existence_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o inward_a persuasion_n fanatic_n have_v in_o regard_n it_o be_v latent_fw-la and_o unknown_a it_o follow_v then_o that_o the_o way_n to_o conclude_v against_o it_o be_v to_o show_v out_o of_o evident_a principle_n the_o contrary_a to_o these_o inspiration_n to_o be_v truth_n none_o therefore_o as_o plain_a matter_n of_o fact_n testify_v take_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v from_o principle_n absolute_o evident_a or_o demonstrate_v but_o catholics_n or_o the_o follower_n of_o tradition_n and_o they_o effect_v this_o by_o virtue_n of_o tradition_n disc._n 5_o 6_o 8._o it_o follow_v that_o they_o and_o only_o they_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n and_o conclude_v their_o inward_a light_n delusive_a again_o since_o a_o fanatic_a build_v on_o conceit_a experience_n of_o divine_a inspiration_n there_o be_v no_o hope_n to_o convince_v his_o judgement_n without_o produce_v demonstration_n for_o the_o contrary_a a_o task_n only_o performable_a in_o the_o way_n of_o tradition_n which_o be_v enforce_v and_o strengthen_v by_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o basis_n of_o tradidition_n be_v natural_a knowledge_n direct_o imprint_v by_o his_o sense_n in_o which_o knowledge_n he_o be_v undeceivable_a and_o these_o sensation_n or_o knowledge_n be_v daily_o repeat_v not_o on_o one_o private_a temper_n but_o on_o innumerable_a million_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o that_o be_v tradition_n be_v build_v on_o almost_o infinite_a daily_a and_o most_o manifest_a experience_n whereas_o the_o conceit_a effect_n of_o inspiration_n or_o his_o strong_a persuasion_n that_o god_n speak_v thus_o inward_o be_v find_v with_o consent_n of_o tenet_n in_o a_o few_o only_o and_o liable_a to_o deceit_n by_o depend_v upon_o fancy_n not_o sense_n as_o appear_v in_o disease_a or_o mad_a person_n and_o the_o fanatic_n contradict_v one_o another_o though_o both_o proceed_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n without_o tradition_n help_n then_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o confute_v fanatic_n as_o experience_n also_o testify_v by_o protestant_n be_v force_v to_o recur_n to_o tradidion_n in_o dispute_n with_o they_o though_o very_o easy_a with_o it_o or_o by_o mean_n of_o it_o 22._o there_o be_v no_o argue_v against_o tradition_n without_o question_v the_o constancy_n of_o every_o species_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o certainty_n of_o whole_a nature_n for_o see_v man_n nature_n be_v as_o necessary_o fit_a to_o receive_v the_o direct_a impression_n of_o object_n on_o his_o soul_n that_o be_v natural_a knowledge_n and_o as_o necessary_o determine_v to_o work_v for_o a_o motive_n or_o reason_n good_a or_o bad_a as_o fire_n be_v to_o heat_n or_o water_n to_o wet_v and_o this_o absolute_o and_o always_o abstract_v from_o disease_n incapacitate_v he_o to_o use_v his_o sense_n or_o his_o fancy_n and_o both_o these_o spring_n out_o of_o the_o very_a substance_n of_o his_o nature_n as_o rational_a or_o of_o such_o a_o species_n which_o original_a corruption_n hinder_v not_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o be_v as_o fit_v for_o those_o operation_n and_o consequent_o will_v as_o frequent_o perform_v they_o as_o fire_n burn_v water_n wet_a fruit-tree_n bear_v fruit_n or_o any_o other_o species_n in_o nature_n do_v its_o ptope_a effect_n that_o be_v general_o and_o only_o rare_o and_o contingent_o fail_v unless_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n order_n the_o whole_a course_n of_o it_o worse_o for_o man_n than_o for_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o say_v and_o contrary_a to_o experience_n since_o we_o find_v a_o course_n of_o supernatural_n on_o foot_n and_o that_o they_o comfort_n and_o strengthen_v man_n true_a nature_n as_o have_v be_v former_o declare_v less_o liable_a than_o be_v the_o human_a species_n to_o contingency_n in_o those_o its_o natural_a operation_n than_o any_o other_o kind_n be_v wherefore_o see_v tradition_n certainty_n be_v ground_v upon_o direct_a natural_a knowledge_n and_o its_o indefectiveness_n on_o mankind_n incapableness_n to_o act_v without_o some_o motive_n to_o argue_v against_o it_o be_v to_o question_v these_o that_o be_v the_o constancy_n of_o the_o best_a and_o best-supported_n species_n in_o nature_n and_o a_o fortiori_fw-la the_o constancy_n of_o the_o rest_n note_v here_o that_o all_o the_o argument_n bring_v by_o witty_a reasoner_n against_o tradition_n be_v fetch_v from_o the_o contingency_n of_o some_o one_o or_o some_o few_o particular_n whence_o by_o a_o wild_a kind_n of_o rove_a way_n they_o will_v conclude_v the_o defectibleness_n of_o the_o generality_n or_o of_o the_o entire_a species_n but_o because_o it_o look_v too_o palpable_o inconsequent_a in_o logical_a form_n to_o say_v a_o few_o can_v err_v ergo_fw-la all_o therefore_o they_o use_v to_o bring_v it_o in_o with_o a_o why_o not_o so_o that_o all_o the_o arguer_n against_o tradition_n from_o natural_a reason_n oppose_v direct_o any_o constancy_n in_o the_o species_n or_o generality_n and_o so_o be_v destroyer_n of_o natural_a certainty_n and_o of_o their_o own_o argument_n to_o boot_v 23._o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v at_o all_o against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n for_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o scripture_n copy_n or_o letter_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a and_o every_o tittle_n uncertain_a disc._n 2_o and_o 4._o without_o tradition_n as_o also_o that_o the_o write_n of_o father_n council_n history_n and_o of_o any_o write_v or_o dead_a testimony_n whatever_o corol._n 14_o and_o 16._o be_v utter_o unauthorise_v otherwise_o than_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n and_o that_o no_o live_a testimony_n or_o tradition_n be_v alledgable_a against_o the_o tradition_n we_o speak_v of_o or_o catholic_n tradition_n corol._n 13._o and_o 17._o nor_o any_o pretend_a instance_n of_o tradition●s_n fail_v have_v force_v but_o by_o its_o be_v faithful_o convey_v down_o by_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o certainty_n corol._n 19_o and_o all_o argument_n from_o natural_a reason_n be_v so_o weak_a that_o they_o destroy_v all_o certainty_n in_o that_o matter_n while_o level_v against_o tradition_n corol._n 18._o &_o 22._o it_o follow_v that_o no_o argument_n from_o any_o authority_n public_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o yet_o from_o intrinsical_v medium_n fetch_v from_o second_o cause_n in_o nature_n can_v bear_v any_o show_n against_o tradition_n nor_o yet_o from_o private_a effect_n pretend_v from_o the_o first_o cause_n call_v inspiration_n or_o light_n of_o the_o private_a spirit_n corol._n 21._o for_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v conclude_v for_o this_o point_n however_o this_o preten●e_n may_v make_v the_o first_o syll●●gism_n yet_o when_o it_o come_v to_o be_v prove_v that_o be_v make_v appear_v outward_o that_o the_o first_o cause_n inspire_v thus_o or_o thus_o no_o extraordinary_a effect_n proper_a to_o that_o cause_n as_o miracle_n be_v producible_a their_o argue_v or_o proof_n be_v at_o a_o end_n however_o their_o inward_a adhesion_n stand_v there_o be_v then_o no_o other_o argument_n imaginable_a but_o what_o be_v fetch_v from_o authority_n live_v or_o dead_a or_o else_o from_o effect_n or_o experience_n testifiable_a by_o those_o authority_n or_o from_o proper_a effect_n or_o cause_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a thing_n or_o from_o extraordinary_a private_a and_o unseen_a pretend_a effect_n of_o the_o first_o cause_n and_o none_o of_o these_o bear_n any_o show_n against_o tradition_n it_o be_v evident_a there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o argue_v against_o tradition_n right_o understand_v or_o the_o live_a voice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n with_o any_o show_n of_o reason_n 24._o tradition_n be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o engage_v for_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a for_o see_v that_o be_v the_o first_o principle_n in_o any_o knowledge_n into_o which_o all_o knowledge_n in_o that_o kind_n be_v resolve_v to_o establish_v their_o certainty_n and_o all_o ptetended_a authority_n for_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a corol._n 16._o and_o consequent_o all_o knowledge_n cause_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v final_o into_o tradition_n and_o depend_v on_o it_o for_o their_o certainty_n it_o follow_v that_o tradition_n be_v the_o very_a first_o principle_n in_o the_o way_n of_o authority_n as_o it_o undertake_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o matter_n of_o fact_n long_o ago_o past_a 25._o tradition_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o tradition_n that_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o fact_n before_o our_o time_n be_v self-evident_a to_o all_o those_o who_o can_v need_v
true_a sense_n of_o that_o letter_n in_o point_n of_o faith_n deliver_v see_v coral_n 29._o &_o 30_o it_o follow_v that_o scripture_n allege_v by_o the_o church_n rely_v on_o tradition_n for_o its_o rule_n engage_v certain_o and_o full_o the_o very_a authority_n of_o the_o divine_o inspire_v writer_n himself_o and_o give_v that_o testimony_n the_o whole_a effect_n upon_o our_o understanding_n which_o that_o sacred_a writer_n authority_n deserve_v to_o have_v give_v it_o no_o wonder_n then_o the_o council_n proceed_v upon_o traditionary_a interpretation_n as_o it_o constant_o declare_v itself_o to_o do_v honour_n scripture-testimony_n so_o as_o to_o put_v it_o before_o tradition_n or_o the_o delivery_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n from_o hand_n to_o hand_n scripture_n thus_o allege_v and_o secure_v have_v the_o same_o force_n as_o if_o the_o apostle_n or_o evangelist_n himself_o shall_v sit_v in_o the_o council_n and_o by_o way_n of_o live_a voice_n declare_v his_o own_o sense_n in_o the_o matter_n to_o who_o thus_o present_a what_o deference_n the_o council_n will_v have_v give_v be_v obvious_a to_o be_v imagine_v hence_o also_o the_o protestant_n may_v see_v what_o high_a esteem_n our_o church_n give_v to_o god_n word_n true_o so_o call_v that_o be_v have_v god_n sense_n certainly-known_a to_o be_v such_o in_o it_o and_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o outward_a letter_n as_o use_v to_o hammer_v a_o faith_n out_o of_o by_o wordish_a skill_n that_o be_v indeed_o their_o method_n of_o interpret_n it_o which_o by_o reason_n of_o its_o uncertainty_n fall_v short_a of_o engage_v the_o sacred_a authority_n of_o god_n word_n we_o fleight_v and_o scorn_v and_o most_o just_o since_o it_o be_v the_o have_n no_o better_a way_n to_o work_v on_o scripture_n which_o have_v bring_v scripture_n itself_o thus_o use_v to_o scorn_v and_o contempt_n as_o appear_v in_o the_o carriage_n of_o our_o bedlam_n of_o new_a sect_n in_o england_n i_o expect_v here_o some_o mighty_a man_n of_o talk_n but_o very_o weak_a speculator_n shall_v object_v that_o this_o be_v a_o excellent_a way_n to_o bring_v all_o into_o our_o church_n hand_n but_o till_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o both_o letter_n &_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v knowable_a with_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o to_o build_v on_o they_o that_o most_o firm_a assent_v call_v faith_n by_o any_o other_o way_n than_o this_o of_o tradition_n i_o can_v neither_o hinder_v my_o inference_n nor_o will_v he_o ever_o be_v able_a to_o confute_v my_o discourse_n 20._o thus_o much_o to_o show_v evident_o that_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o doctrine_n we_o have_v give_v in_o our_o former_a discourse_n be_v the_o very_a sense_n of_o our_o church_n at_o present_a and_o that_o her_o present_a sense_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o ancient_a father_n and_o council_n i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v now_o but_o to_o show_v that_o at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o the_o breach_n here_o in_o england_n the_o catholic_n be_v find_v adhere_v fast_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o tradition_n renounce_v by_o the_o protestant_n this_o be_v evident_a by_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n for_o as_o oft_o as_o you_o hear_v they_o allege_v that_o england_n be_v former_o overgrow_v with_o popery_n that_o the_o new_a light_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v of_o late_o discover_v itself_o that_o they_o reform_v in_o faith_n that_o the_o former_a church_n err_v and_o such_o like_a expression_n which_o natural_o must_v burst_v out_o from_o they_o so_o oft_o you_o hear_v they_o acknowledge_v themselves_o deserter_n of_o tradition_n and_o innovator_n which_o expression_n of_o they_o by_o the_o way_n easy_o manifest_a to_o the_o most_o vulgar_a understanding_n who_o ●tis_o that_o have_v renounct_v tradition_n whence_o it_o be_v also_o easy_o evidenceable_a to_o the_o rude_a capacity_n that_o tradition_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a way_n of_o bring_v down_o faith_n disc._n 5._o §_o 8._o the_o most_o vulgar_a soul_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v which_o profession_n it_o be_v to_o follow_v for_o the_o two_o former_a point_n be_v know_v they_o be_v certain_a by_o motive_n within_o their_o own_o ken_n that_o protestant_n have_v renounct_v the_o certain_a way_n to_o bring_v down_o faith_n but_o that_o we_o renounct_v tradition_n of_o old_a be_v unacknowledged_a by_o we_o disputable_a and_o only_o knowable_a by_o skill_v they_o be_v not_o master_n of_o common_a sense_n then_o teach_v they_o they_o must_v guide_v themselves_o by_o reason_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o and_o not_o by_o reason_n of_o which_o they_o know_v nothing_o and_o that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o at_o their_o hand_n than_o they_o can_v do_v god_n goodness_n have_v provide_v for_o those_o weak_a people_n out_o of_o the_o very_a confession_n of_o tradition●s_a deserter_n certain_a mean_n to_o judge_v whether_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v catholic_n or_o protestant_n but_o to_o return_v whence_o we_o divert_v 21._o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o protestant_n own_o confession_n but_o the_o open_a profession_n of_o the_o catholic_n clergy_n in_o the_o very_a nick_n of_o the_o breach_n manifest_v our_o claim_n and_o constant_a adherence_n to_o tradition_n who_o declaration_n find_v in_o the_o synodal_n book_n 1559._o begin_v thus_o because_o by_o relation_n of_o public_a fame_n it_o have_v late_o come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n that_o many_o tenet_n of_o christian_a religion_n hitherto_o receive_v and_o approu●d_v by_o the_o public_a and_o 〈◊〉_d consent_v of_o christian_a nation_n and_o bring_v down_o by_o hand_n even_o from_o the_o apostle_n to_o we_o be_v call●d_v into_o doubt_n therefore_o etc._n etc._n where_o we_o find_v they_o stick_v firm_o to_o tradition_n and_o insist_v on_o this_o principle_n they_o proceed_v to_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o their_o faith_n which_o they_o exhibit_v to_o the_o bishop_n to_o be_v give_v to_o the_o lord_n keeper_n but_o the_o state_n by_o power_n over-bearing_a the_o vote_n of_o the_o reverend_a convocation_n and_o persecute_v they_o for_o their_o constancy_n the_o breach_n ensue_v the_o catholic_n cleave_v fast_o to_o his_o old_a rule_n tradition_n the_o protestant_n choose_v a_o new_a one_o of_o scripture_n private_o interpret_v who_o vanity_n a_o little_a reason_n make_v they_o see_v but_o experience_n perfect_o find_v and_o relinquish_a the_o ancient_a rule_n so_o demonstrable_o self-evident_a secure_a and_o solid_a by_o which_o mean_n they_o become_v cut_v off_o from_o the_o only_a certain_a way_n to_o know_v christ_n sense_n that_o be_v from_o the_o root_n of_o faith_n and_o consequent_o from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n the_o gild_n of_o which_o fact_n neither_o human_a authority_n multitude_n prosperity_n continuance_n nor_o yet_o all_o their_o voluminous_a wordish_a excuse_n will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o efface_v animadversion_n on_o dr._n pierce_n sermon_n also_o on_o mr._n whitby_n and_o mr._n stillingfleet_n where_o they_o touch_v the_o way_n lay_v in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n in_o three_o appendix_n psalm_n 63._o sagittae_fw-la parvulorum_fw-la factae_fw-la sunt_fw-la plagae_fw-la eorum_fw-la anno_fw-la dom._n 1665._o transition_n to_o the_o follow_a appendix_n i_o have_v finish_v my_o discourse_n how_o dexterous_o must_v be_v determine_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o my_o reader_n and_o confutation_n from_o m●●e_a adversary_n but_o i_o account_v those_o only_o my_o proper_a judge_n &_o competent_a adversary_n who_o lay_v their_o principle_n ere_o they_o discourse_v and_o weigh_v the_o efficaciousness_n of_o their_o testimony_n in_o the_o scale_n of_o reason_n ere_o they_o allege_v they_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n lay_v no_o principle_n of_o his_o own_o but_o suppose_v they_o and_o make_v account_n all_o man_n must_v admit_v they_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o he_o or_o his_o party_n and_o yet_o bend_v all_o his_o endeavour_n to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n lay_v by_o other_o to_o ascertain_v and_o establish_v the_o groundwork_n of_o christianity_n if_o i_o find_v one_o ignorant_a of_o or_o resolve_v against_o the_o onely-certain_a method_n and_o rule_n of_o discourse_n which_o be_v that_o no_o position_n deserve_v assent_v unless_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o term_n be_v evident_a which_o must_v either_o be_v when_o they_o be_v evident_o connect_v of_o themselves_o of_o which_o nature_n ought_v to_o be_v all_o first_o principle_n or_o make_v evidently-connected_n by_o the_o interposition_n of_o some_o other_o which_o we_o call_v evident-by-consequence_n or_o deduction_n last_o if_o i_o find_v a_o man_n wed_v to_o parrat-talk_a of_o air_n and_o sound_n that_o he_o think_v it_o a_o rare_a thing_n to_o load_v margin_n with_o citation_n without_o first_o distinguish_v they_o and_o consider_v what_o strength_n each_o aught_o to_o have_v according_a to_o rational_a principle_n i_o decline_v such_o a_o empty_a soul_n for_o my_o judge_n and_o sleight_v he_o as_o my_o adversary_n and_o lest_o any_o shall_v impute_v this_o carriage_n to_o i_o
for_o fastidiousness_n i_o offer_v my_o reason_n for_o it_o for_o to_o cavil_v at_o principle_n and_o yet_o go_v about_o to_o lay_v none_o himself_o be_v the_o method_n of_o a_o sceptic_a and_o from_o he_o indeed_o i_o must_v suffer_v it_o if_o i_o can_v forc●_n he_o to_o hold_v his_o tongue_n but_o that_o one_o who_o pretend_v himself_o a_o christian_n that_o be_v a_o holder_n of_o christ_n law_n that_o be_v if_o he_o go_v consequent_o a_o rely_a upon_o some_o first_o or_o self-evident_a principle_n for_o hold_v that_o christ_n say_v thus_o or_o thus_o shall_v be_v permit_v to_o impugn_v principle_n bring_v to_o ascertain_v fundamental_o that_o point_n and_o yet_o himself_o lay_v none_o to_o do_v that_o effect_n as_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o the_o impugner_n of_o tradition_n be_v to_o let_v he_o behave_v himself_o like_o a_o renouncer_n of_o christianity_n and_o to_o fight_v against_o any_o assuredness_n of_o christianity_n that_o be_v to_o contradict_v himself_o and_o all_o his_o own_o position_n as_o he_o be_v christian_a which_o permission_n be_v unreasonable_a according_a to_o maxim_n of_o common_a sense_n and_o illegal_a by_o the_o rule_n of_o true_a logic_n again_o if_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o understanding_n give_v it_o manifest_a that_o nothing_o can_v be_v see_v intellectual_o but_o what_o be_v either_o evident_a by_o its_o own_o light_n or_o by_o deduction_n in_o the_o manner_n declare_v it_o be_v as_o evident_a that_o to_o frame_v discourse_n in_o another_o method_n than_o this_o or_o at_o least_o loose_a discourse_n that_o have_v no_o connexion_n involve_v in_o they_o enable_v they_o to_o bear_v the_o test_n of_o this_o method_n can_v be_v only_o to_o talk_v uncertainty_n that_o be_v of_o we_o know_v not_o what_o which_o be_v unworthy_a a_o man_n much_o more_o a_o scholar_n and_o last_o since_o it_o be_v evident_a by_o reason_n that_o every_o sleight_n authority_n be_v not_o comparable_a to_o that_o of_o god_n church_n it_o be_v evident_a likewise_o that_o reason_n be_v to_o weigh_v what_o be_v due_a to_o authority_n and_o that_o no_o authority_n deserve_v any_o assent_n further_o than_o reason_n give_v it_o to_o deserve_v now_o this_o be_v so_o to_o allege_v authority_n undistinguish_o whereas_o there_o be_v such_o diversity_n of_o degree_n in_o they_o that_o perhaps_o there_o be_v no_o two_n to_o be_v find_v perfect_o alike_o in_o merit_n be_v such_o a_o wild_a proceed_n hand_n over_o head_n such_o a_o careless_a say_v any_o thing_n to_o no_o imaginable_a purpose_n but_o pure_o to_o talk_v that_o no_o sober_a discourser_n can_v think_v it_o fit_a to_o spend_v time_n in_o combat_v such_o a_o airy_a adversary_n 2._o i_o make_v it_o my_o request_n to_o my_o intelligent_a reader_n for_o i_o write_v to_o none_o but_o such_o that_o he_o will_v reflect_v back_o on_o the_o method_n i_o have_v take_v in_o my_o short_a discouse_n and_o he_o will_v see_v that_o however_o my_o performance_n speed_v i_o pursue_v the_o way_n of_o evidence_n and_o aim_v at_o least_o at_o perfect_a science_n of_o the_o point_n in_o hand_n he_o will_v see_v i_o take_v my_o rise_n at_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n rule_n and_o faith_n this_o know_v i_o establish_v my_o first_o principle_n in_o this_o present_a matter_n to_o be_v these_o a_o rule_n be_v a_o rule_n faith_n be_v faith_n hence_o i_o proceed_v to_o discover_v diverse_a attribute_n necessary_o connext_v with_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o two_o word_n and_o if_o to_o avoid_v witty_a cavil_n i_o decline_v the_o pretence_n of_o rigorous_a definition_n of_o either_o word_n without_o press_v the_o essentialness_n of_o any_o of_o those_o attribute_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o rule_n and_o faith_n i_o hope_v i_o shall_v merit_v both_o pardon_n and_o thanks_o from_o those_o who_o look_v for_o satisfaction_n for_o as_o long_o as_o those_o attribute_n must_v necessary_o accompany_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o do_v my_o work_n without_o engage_v into_o nice_a disquisition_n those_o attribute_n be_v show_v necessary_o connect_v with_o the_o notion_n of_o rule_n of_o faith_n i_o apply_v they_o to_o my_o matter_n in_o hand_n by_o mean_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n bear_v a_o necessity_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o very_a term_n that_o be_v not_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o attribute_n necessary_o belong_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n belong_v not_o and_o that_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o which_o property_n belong_v only_o to_o such_o a_o rule_n do_v belong_v hence_o i_o reject_v scripture_n letter_n from_o be_v that_o rule_n and_o assert_v tradition_n to_o be_v it_o and_o this_o be_v enough_o perhaps_o for_o i_o to_o do_v if_o i_o only_o mind_v opposition_n to_o those_o who_o adhere_v to_o scripture_n letter_n for_o their_o rule_n in_o contradistinction_n and_o opposition_n to_o tradition_n be_v such_o 3._o but_o intend_v to_o avail_v myself_o and_o my_o cause_n by_o the_o strength_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n not_o the_o weakness_n and_o passion_n of_o other_o i_o go_v forward_o have_v first_o show_v it_o clear_o self-evident_a that_o tradition_n be_v a_o most_o certain_a rule_n if_o follow_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o indefectiveness_n of_o tradition_n or_o that_o it_o be_v ever_o follow_v and_o this_o i_o attempt_v by_o those_o mean_n i_o take_v the_o allow_v definition_n of_o man_n the_o subject_a of_o the_o effect_v i_o be_v to_o show_v which_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n i_o find_v the_o proper_a agent_n or_o efficient_a to_o work_v upon_o he_o as_o such_o to_o be_v motive_n or_o reason_n and_o from_o the_o impossibility_n of_o any_o such_o motive_n to_o make_v he_o prevaricate_v from_o openly-delivered_a faith_n nay_o the_o necessity_n of_o see_v he_o must_v destroy_v his_o credit_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o compass_v his_o end_n i_o endeavour_v to_o conclude_v that_o faith_n thus_o descend_v be_v never_o prevaricate_v from_o then_o take_v the_o way_n of_o demonstrate_v the_o same_o a_o poste●iori_fw-la i_o take_v a_o effect_n i_o conceive_v impossible_a to_o be_v introduce_v into_o a_o know_a nature_n without_o the_o existence_n of_o tradition_n ever-indeficiency_a to_o engraft_v it_o there_o or_o rather_o to_o imbue_v soul_n with_o it_o natural_o and_o as_o it_o be_v ex_fw-la traduce_n 4._o see_v by_o this_o time_n that_o my_o discourse_n by_o stoop_v from_o my_o first_o principle_n while_o i_o apply●d_v they_o to_o my_o business_n seem_v immerse_v in_o matter_n and_o by_o the_o blunder_n of_o many_o more_o and_o more_o particular_a term_n than_o be_v in_o the_o mere_a principle_n forcible_o take_v in_o begin_v to_o look_v with_o a_o contingent_a face_n though_o indeed_o i_o still_o perch_v upon_o the_o specifical_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o never_o flag_v below_o the_o sphere_n of_o science_n therefore_o to_o comfort_v the_o reader_n understand_v apt_a to_o grow_v turbid_v by_o my_o approach_n towards_o practice_n i_o consider_v tradition_n practical_o and_o open_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o by_o reflect_v connatural_o how_o the_o revolt_n from_o it_o which_o we_o call_v heresy_n come_v to_o be_v originize_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n i_o compare_v the_o human_a force_n of_o christian_a tradition_n with_o another_o vast_a tradition_n mere_o human_a &_o then_o touch_v at_o some_o divine_a assistance_n show_v how_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v establish_v the_o best_a piece_n of_o it_o man_n nature_n by_o particular_a mean_n exceed_v she_o own_o native_a strength_n to_o this_o effect_n of_o preserve_v the_o descent_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n unalterable_a and_o uninterrupted_a that_o be_v i_o show_v tradition_n most_o certain_a and_o most_o indefective_a and_o far_o beyond_o the_o establishment_n of_o any_o other_o piece_n of_o natural_a science_n whatsoever_o 5._o last_o observe_v that_o my_o discourse_n by_o process_n as_o the_o custom_n be_v in_o all_o discourse_n however_o evident_a if_o not_o bind_v to_o syllogistical_a form_n begin_v to_o look_v dishevel_a i_o add_v diverse_a corollary_n in_o some_o of_o which_o i_o make_v many_o several_a end_n of_o it_o meet_v in_o a_o close_a frame_n in_o other_o i_o advance_v forward_o to_o show_v that_o the_o church_n unity_n power_n to_o oblige_v and_o govern_v her_o subject_n as_o faithful_a and_o her_o infallibility_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o several_a part_n of_o she_o be_v found_v in_o tradition_n nay_o that_o by_o mean_n of_o tradition_n she_o enjoy_v a_o wonderful_a sacredness_n of_o authority_n be_v not_o only_o unexpugnable_a but_o also_o unimpugnable_a without_o destroy_v all_o kind_n of_o certainty_n that_o be_v without_o high_a nonsense_n in_o the_o opposer_n and_o hence_o i_o seat_n tradition_n on_o her_o throne_n demonstrate_v she_o they_o the_o first_o and_o consequent_o self-evident_a principle_n in_o affair_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o therefore_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o