A DISCOVRSE OF MIRACLES WROUGHT IN THE ROMAN CATHOLICK CHVRCH , OR , A full refutation of Dr Stillingfleets unjust exceptions against Miracles , together with à large discovery of the Doctors unexcusable frauds , Manifest in his many false , perverted , and impertinent Quotations .

BY E. W.

ANTWERP , Printed by MICHAEL CNOBBAERT , at the Sign of S. Peter . 1676.

Permissu Superiorum .

A Year and more is pas't , since it pleased Doctor Edward Stillingfleet to move some difficulties about Two main points in Controversy , and to Show his Skill in Both. The one speculative relates to the Churches Infallibility , and the Resolution of Faith . The other , in the Second Part , touch'd upon à plain Matter of Fact , the Miraculous Translation of the H●ly house of Loreto from Nazareth to the place w 〈…〉 now stands , honoured by à frequent Concourse of People from all Parts of Europe . In my last little Treatise , I endeavovred to Satisfy the Dr in the Speculative Part , and , as I think , cleared all Difficulties objected against that Miraculous Translation , And did this to please the Dr , though hitherto He never gave mee thanks for my pains ▪ much less returned any Word of Answer . Having ended that short Treatise , I promised à Satisfactory Reply to the rest of Dr Stillingfleet's many Cavils carelesly thrown out at Miracles wrought in the Roman Catholick Church ; And here comply with my Promise , where I show that never man had worser luck in any Engagement than the Dr in this undertaken Enquiry . His chiefest Aime was , as every one see 's , so to manage matters as not only to cast à blemish upon some latter Miracles , but to disgrace all wrought in the Church , though in the Pursuit , he shrinks so far as never to meddle with the true State of the Question proposed , or rationally to oppose one clear and approved Miracle , as you shall see hereafter .

The Method held by me in this Treatise is as followes . I first Evince the Truth of our Saviours Miracles by Arguments drawn from rational Principles , For we may ( I hope ) suppose this to bee à rational Princiciple , That some Books of History universally received are for the Substance true , and not wholly forged . Thus much only granted . I Discourse , and require no more . 2. I prove upon the same rational Grounds hereafter alledged , true Miracles to have been wrought in the Roman Catholick Church , and produce many most clear ones seen by Ey-witnesses , whereof none ever yet doubted . 3. I waite on the Dr in his other Pilgrimâges made to Compostella , and S. Maximin's in France , and upon that occasion defend Pope Evaristus his Writings . 4. I produce the Testimonies of Ancient Fathers so manifest and pregnant for the Churches Miracles , that no Catholick Writer of this Age ever yet did , or can speak with greater Energy . 5. I examin such Authorities ( and herein have taken some pains ) as the Dr thinks , make most against the working of new Miracles since the Apostles Dayes . And I did more willingly engage in this particular upon the Dr's own Provocation . I desire them , saith he , in his Epistle Dedicatory , not to spare me in this present subject of Miracles , wherein I profess to relye on their own Writers . If they show me any wilful mistakes therein , I will endeavour to give them publick satisfaction . Stand to your word Mr Dr , And if I do not show à whole large List of many gross mistakes driven on by Malice Ignorance , or both , I 'le crave your Pardon , and willingly own my Errour before the whole world . Reader , in this Contest , there can be no long debate , the comparing Authorities ( after you have opened the Dr's Book and mine ) , will clear all , and afford Great Store of Mistakes .

Now Seing the Dr relies on our own Writers , and hopes he err's not , my Demand is , In what doth he rely on them for ? Has be any Catholick Author that opposes approved Miracles ? So it is , saith the Dr. The Testimony of those who Dr p. 440. deliver Miracles hath been contradicted by men of greater Authority than themselve . I Say contrary . The Proposition is manifestly untrue , Such men of greater Authority were never yet heard of ( nor can one be named ) as is made out in this Treatise , where you will se , that the Dr fraudulently introduces Authors contrary to Miracles , who with all might and main in express Terms allow them . It is true , Dr Iohn Launoy ( one of little credit as appear's afterwards ) quibbles at many matters of Fact reputed Miraculous , yet never hitherto durst deny the Church to have had true Miracles wrought in it . What the Dr Quotes from Melchior Canus and Ludovicus Vives relating to à suspension of all latter Miracles , is more than most profoundly simple , as you may read C. 10. n. 16. Now if the Dr in Lieu of relying on true Miracles , lean upon this fallacious Principle , That there have been Many forged by ungodly men , and will list these among the Churches true Signs , he is unworthy to be dealt with , and doth not only Mistake , but most grosly Calumniat's .

Some ( who they are I know not ) thought the Dr not to deal fairly in his Quoting Authors , whereof be seem's very sensible in his Preface , and deem's it so groundlesse à Calumny , yea so void of Proof , that he desires no better Argument of à bafled Cause , than such impertinent Clamours . Soon after followes à Brag of à larger Size . Do they indeed think me à man so void of Common sence , as to expose my selfe to the contempt of every one , that will take pains to compare my Citations ? Have I Books only in my own keeping ? Or are they so rare , that they cannot get à sight of them ? How then come they to know them false cited ? Reader , I have be● me , Thanks be to God , the Books the Dr remits me to , I have compared with my own eyes his Citations , and after that pains taken certainly know , that the Dr has grosly erred , or to use his own words , exposed himselfe to publick Contempt . For Proof hereof I must speak plainly ( though little to the Dr's comfort ) and do make my Assertion good in the ensuing Treatise . Not one only , but all the Dr's Citations produced against the Churches approved Miracles , are either very falsely Quoted ; Or peevishly perverted to à sinister Sence ; or finally wholly impertinent to the matter here debated . False Citations are many , perverted ones more , and the impertinent almost numberless . To prove every part of my Assertion in this place , were to bring back one great Piece of this whole Treatise into the narrow compass of à short Preface . However à few hints at some cannot take up much roome . It is false ( though the Dr assert's it ) That Gerson Saies in à certain Epistle , That now the working of Miracles is wholly taken away , and none but false Christians Dr p. 688. pretend to it . It is salse , That according to S. Gregory , whatever Miracles we Suppose to remain in the Church , we do not look on them , as wrought for the confirmation of any necessary Part of Christian Faith . All is Dr p. 613. Contrary . The Saint as you may read C. 3. produces à stupendious Miracle done upon à Roman incredulous Matrone to confirme the Doctrin of the Real Presence . It is false , That Didacus Stella ( who expresly own's great Miracles ) saith , That the Power of Miracles is ceased . It is false , That according to Suares , Dr p. 686. such Miracles as were wrought upon Father Mastrilli , and the young Man of Zaragoza , were only done for the Benefit of those who received them , and not to confirm the Churches Infallible Doctrin . It is false , That Maldonate confesses , That since Christian Religion has been confirmed Dr p. 687. by Miracles in the Churches beginning , there is no necessity of Miracles for that End . It is false That either Iosephus Acosta , or S. Hippolitus teach , That Antichrist shall do far greater Miracles , Dr p. 688 , than the Cures wrought upon F. Marcellus , or on the restored Leg at Zaragoza . It is false , That the bleeding wounds of S. Francis imprinted on his Dr p. 504. side , hands , and feet , were so concealed , That no , man could ever fully discern them in his life time , only Fryer Ruffin once thought he espied the wound in his side . Thus much of false Citations for an Essay only , the Treatise will afford many more .

Should I now trace the Dr though his gross perverted Quotations quite contrary to the meaning of Authors , the work would be long . One or Two only at present shall suffice , The remainder you have afterwards . And first , what man in his Wits would ever have cited S. Augustine as one that opposes latter Miracles , when he could not but know , that no Catholick Author in this Age said more in their Defence , as appear's by his large Dr P. 582. prosecuting this Subject in his 22. Book de Civit. C. 8 , ● yet forsooth , Miracles are no Proof of the true Church ( though the Saint plainly professes , Miracles held him in the Church ) Nor in rigour to be called Miracles , But some extraordinary Things among them in their time : That is , the Dr would have us believe , Dr p. 584. the restoring Sight to the blind , raising the dead to life , curing incurable Maladies ( for of these S. Augustine expresly speak's ) are not like the Apostolical Miracles , but of an Inferiour rank , Extraordinary things , forsooth , and no more . Is nor this à plain Corruption of an Authors significant words and meaning ?

None hitherto in any Age maintained the Churches Miracles with greater Zeal than S. Chrisostom , Abbulensis , and our learned Bishop Fisher , as is amply proved in this Treatise , yet the Dr by the help of an open Cheat depraves their meaning , and will needs perswade us that they teach , Miracles to have ceased in the Church . Reader the Cheat is thus . As S. Chrysostom and the other Authors now cited , grant à special Prerogative to the Twelve Apostles , in Writing Canonical Scripture by Divine Inspiration , so also ( and most truly ) they yeild them à power of working all manner of admirable Miracles , particularly in laying hands on the lately Baptized , and visibly giving the Holy Ghost ( the like Priviledge the Primitive Christians participated in some measure ) . These singular Graces say Authors annexed to the Twelve , were never entailed upon any like set number of men , though Prelates and Pastors in the Church ? , and therefore ceased . Whence the Dr would conclude , That all other Miracles whatever , as raysing the Dead , and curing desperate Infirmities had à stop in after Ages , and ceased also . Which is to tell us , because God honoured not the Churches Prelates with the very like , or so great à Prerogative as he did the Apostles , All Miracles Seem so suspended , that no more are wrought , A foul Cheat ( worse than à Mistake ) quite contrary to the Quoted Authors words and Doctrin . See C. IX . from n. 11. and C. XI . from n. 7. The impertinent Citations , or such as look from the matter now disputed , are innumerable . All those whether true or false produced against forged Miracles , known as forged , no more concern the present Controversy , than the Dr's pretty Verse cited out of Virgil. Speluncam Dido &c. His other Testimonies Quoted from Paulus Zaccheus , Fortunatus Scacchus , and Contelorius , are meer insignificant Cyphers , take up roome , and that 's all the good they do . These and the remainder you will have laid forth in the Treatise . It is therefore needless to insist on more at present .

Another grand Mistake or gross Errour , you meet with in the Dr , where He sayes . The greatest number of Miracles in the Roman Church have been believed upon the Credit of Fables , and uncertain Reports ; And this hee offer 's to show upon strict Examination . I Answer first . Were all Fables which the Dr deem's so , the Proposition confutes it selfe , For Miracles upheld by Fables , are no Church Miracles , But I boldly assert , that Mr Dr through his whole Book has not proved so much as one received Church-Miracle , ( much less the greater number ) to have had their Origen from Fables , or ever gained repute in the world upon uncertain Reports , nor shall he hereafter in any low degree make his Assertion Probable . His strict Examination fall's first upon the Miraculous Translation of the House of Loreto from Nazareth , thought by him fabulous , whereof I spake largely in my last Treatitise . Here I require that all diligently observe whither this rigid Examination is brought at last ? Reader , it comes to two or three Idle Questions attended with some Saucy Schoffs , and there is all . What saith the Dr ( after he had recounted Teremanus his Table concerning the Translation ) Is not this à pleasant Story to be matched in point of Credibility with the Miracles of Christ and his Apostles ? Again , what do these men think in their hearts , that dare avouch such ridiculous Fictions as these ? Such simple Demands , Reader , which have neither weight , nor Bottom , nor Principle to stand on , set forth with Bobs and Ieers give force to our Dr's Swinging proofs , finish his fearful rigid Examination , and must be thought powerful enough to throw down the House of Loreto . The like strain He hold's through his whole Book . It seem's by the Dr , that our Venerable Bede relates some strange Miracles wrought upon S. Cuthbert . One is ( to be brief ( that Angels appearing to the Saint on horseback when he was young , prescribed à Poultess to cure his Sore Knee . Another is of his Seeing à Troop of Angels conveying the Soul of S. Aidan into Heaven . The Dr to perfect his strict Examination ; only Asks ( there 's all ) what must we think of these Angels appearing , And that he is of à good easy Faith that can believe them ? He might as wisel● have demanded , what shall we think of those Visions of Armies fighting in the Air ouer ▪ Hierusalem fourty Dayes together . Machabees . 2 , C. 5 ? What must we think of the Angel Raphael , that prescribed ( No Poultess but ) the gall of à Fish for the Cure of old Tobias his Eyes . Tobit . 11. Such Wonders recounted in History never contradicted , are wholly as strange as what Bede Writes , though most lamely cast off by the Dr and refuted by asking . What shall we think of them ? Much less can such trifling Questions , imply any thing like à strict Examination . A strict Examination , Reader ponder's first , what Strength the Authors have which are produced for à Thesis , The Dr weigh's none , nor alledges any , that calls the Translation of that House , or these other Wonders now recorded , Fabulous . It supposes . 2. That whoever denies an Assertion plainly proved ( and what can be more plain than my alledged proofs for the Translation ) Is obliged to give measure for measure , and either show his Adversaries Testimonies unconcluding , or infringe their force by some contrary Reason or Authority . The Dr Strangely forgetful of this Duty , doth neither , But as far as Huffs and flurts hurry him on , layes about him lustily . You have no more : However such faint empty stuff must passe for à strict and rigid Examination . May this Procedure hold , à Iew or Heathen needs only to Huffe and tell us . We Christians are all ridiculous in believing à Crucifyed man to be our Redeemer , wherunto if he give an Overplus of Ieers , easily cast out of an Infidels mouth , he proves every whit as much against Christ , as our Dr doth against the House of Loreto . There is yet more of this ill Nicknam'd strict Examination in the Dr. Reflect à little . I Quoted Reas: and Relig. C. 8. n. 5. as grave and learned Fathers as ever wrote , S , Irenaeus , S. Basil , S. Hierome , S. Ambrose , and S. Augustine so clear aend express for Miracles , that no Testimonies can be plainer . It seem's the Dr durst not jerk these great Authors with his usual Taunts and Scoffs , but betakes himselfe to another Subterfuge ( men who live by shifting can do no better ) , I 'll tell you what it is . Very wisely he waves all , slip's by these Authorities , and though provoked to reply , return's not one word of Answer to any . May not this think ye pass also for another Strenuous proof of his Strict and careful Examination ?

Two things may be considered in the Dr's wild Enquiry . The one what he hold's of substance in it . The other relates to his pretty Mode and odd way in writing . To the First , I say in à word ( plain Dealing is best ) and more amply prove it in this Treatise . There appear's nothing like Substance through his whole Enquiry . And first , if the Dr shift's off all I required Satisfaction in , or rather , if he wholly wave what the world look's on as most Material in our present Controversy , He is far from meddling with that , which deserves the name of Substance : But , this is Evidently so . Fray Reader , reflect à little . My desire was , and is still , ( This all men look on as Substantial ) that the Dr would upon solid Principles Show but so much as one approved Miracle , forged , false , or fabulous : In Lieu of doing this , Mountebank like , he step 's upon the Stage , and would beguile us with à varnish of meer painted wares , Idle Stories I mean , concerning Miracles feigned by ungodly People , altogether as impertinent as if he had told us so many Fables out of Aesop : For no more can forged Miracles disparage God's true Wonders , than Counterfeit Scripture the Verities revealed in the Gospel . Again ( And here once more we find à want of Substance ) Who would not have expected from this Man of Words after so many brisk Attempts , and flurts at Miracles ▪ Some clear Testimonies taken from the Ancient Church , from Ancient Records , from Tradition , Councils , Doctors , and Divins ? But herein he is as mute as à Fish , and neither doth nor can attaque us this way . You have heard how the ancient Fathers and Modern Authors renowned upon the account of their Learning and Virtue , plead in Defence of Miracles , And all the right the Dr doth such men , is not to believe them , Yet requires , that we credit his Philostorgius , his Hazenmiller and his false Daniel de Dieu , Vile Outcasts and detestable Heretiques . Are we not thus think ye Substantially Match't with Authorities ? I produce Miracles Seen and attested upon Oath , wrought by Saints and great Servants of Almighty God , And He to be even with me , makes à florish with the golden Thigh of Pythagoras , and Aesculapius his cure done upon à dead woman , Both false and fabulous , or at most works of Necromancy as is proved in the Treatise . I all along insist upon such Miracles as have been known and owned by the Very best of Christians And he to retaliate ( like one that had Vowed never to meddle with what is Substantial ) trifles away time , in telling long Tales of the Prioresse of the Annunciada at Lisboe , and of one Fulco cryed up for à worker of Wonders , who , as the Dr will have it , proved an Impostor . I bring to light Miracles so clear and illustrious that none upon the Sight of their Evidence , ever yet could ( though Criticks , wise , and learned call into doubt , And this Dr to Eclipse their glory , fob's me off with such as are either dubious , or at most but in à mean Degree probable . Most fitly did S. Augustine Writing against Faustus lib. 5. C. Vltimo , once blame this unjust Proceeding in his Adversary . Vestrum oculum malevolus error , Saith the Saint . Thy Peevish and perverse Errour drawes thy Eye , Faustus , to regard nothing but chaffe in our standing Corne , whereas had'st thou look't about thee , thou might'st have found wheat , both pure and precious . Reader , Miracles only doubtful ( much more forged ones ) passe for Chaffe , the Church relies not on them , yet with such Deceiptful Baites the Dr like Faustus , would fain whedle us into à mean conceipt of God's certain great Wonders , Whereas the Contrary is evident , for false and forged Miracles when discovered ( as the most have been ) are so far from fouling the Glory of God's true Wonders , that they confirme their Truth and make them more Illustrious ; Had the Inquisitors or Prelates of the Church ( think yee ) who left no stone unturned to find out such Forgeries , and discovered many , upon that Sight à less Esteem of God's Certain Miracles , that pass't the Churches Tribunal with all possible Applause ? No. All thereupon extolled the Churches zeal and Vigilancy , having Long since learned from S. Augustine , That as Evil has its Good , and gives à Grace to Vertue , Errour add's Beauty to Truth , So these feigned Signs set forth the Glory of true Miracles . The Dr therefore get's nothing by his long list of forged Wonders .

Reader , you will find hereafter the Dr's Arguments in this Controversy , drawn from Reason , as lame and bare as his Instances and Authorities . Whence I conclude , that if he bottom his Discourse upon the fore-mentioned Principles , And these fail or yeild him no support , I rightly insinuated above , and here again Say it more plainly , That his whole Book is nothing but à Rapsody , or à Work too unadvisedly set forth , in real Truth not worth Notice , or Answer . Howeuer , because once engaged . I haue undertaken à Confutation , not ill thought of by good Divines , Though the Dr , most likely , will not allow me so favourable à Censure .

The Dr's way or mode in writing , whilst Substance failes , cannot but be worthless , unsavory , and distastful . Peruse him , Reader , page after page you will find the man all along in à peevish Humour , when you see his Book brim full of tare biting Ironies , Drolleries , Comical Expressions , impertinent Demands , Idle Stories &c. As if the disgorging à little Gall , were enough to bring into Contempt the Clearest Miracles God ever wrought . Had he had but common Prudence , He might well have thought , that for one Petit private man hid in à corner of the world , pertly to rise up against all ancient Fathers , Doctors , and Divines , without Manifest Proofs reduced to sound Principles , would never take , But appear to every Iudicious Reader ) as it is ) an unluckly Management of an ill cause . Herein , without all doubt Passion blinded the man , And I am sure left him no clear Ey-Sight when he too boldly tell 's us above , That be relies on our own Writers in this Controversy , and thinks himselfe not mistaken , I say once more the Pretence , is most false , having not so much as one Catholick Author that opposes approved Miracles . But suppose one or two could be racked to his Sence , ( hitherto I neuer met with any ) might not the Dr haue called to mind his own Apology made in behalfe of Mr Thorndick , Who as Zealously clear's the Catholick Church from Idolatry , as the Dr fondly laies that foul Aspersion on Her ? If we should grant ( They are the Dr's words in his General Preface ) That He ( Mr Thorndick ) held some things singular in this matter , what is that to the constant Opinion of our Church ? So say I , should we grant ( which I shall neuer yeild ) that some one or other Catholick Author were singular in this matter now debated , what 's that to the contrary Iudgement of all other Writers , and the Sentiment of à whole Church besides ? But now when the Dr has none that sides with him , His only course will be to sit down silent , and talk no more of our Writers .

By what is hitherto said , T' is hard , methinks , to conceive what moved the Dr to quarrel with our Miracles . Has God angred the man in Showing so many clear Legible Characters Written by his own powerful hand , intending thereby to make his Church glorious ? I say many , For there is no Kingdom ( Saith S. Chrysostom ) no Country , no common wealth , no famous City in the world , where innumerable have not either seen or heard of Miracles attested by most faithful Witnesses , and upon that Account haue rendred humble thanks to God for so signal Testimonies of his favours . It may bee the Dr thinks that those who have Written of Miracles are but à few only , Vulgar and ignorant . It is à Cavil . Many stout Champions , inferiour to none in knowledge have defended them , These are our Combatants , and Conquerours in this Controversy . But perhaps these learned only recount some Trivial matters , or as the Dr speak's à few extraordinary Things . Quite contrary . They mention most Signal Works , great Wonders , as raysing the Dead , restoring sight to the blind , and curing incurable Infirmities , clear effects of God only Omnipotent . But stay , have not our Learned Writers , willing to wave pains , slightly passed over such Matters of Fact ? No. Never any were , or can be more accurate in laying forth the Substance and all Circumstances relating to Miracles , than S. Irenaeus , S. Hierom , S. Augustine , S. Gregory Thaumaturgus , and S. Bernard . These Admirable Saints ( to omit latter Authors ) have either wrought great Miracles , or Written of them with so much care and diligent Study , That one with halfe an Ey may perceive ; As They themselves never doubted of what they wrote , so they purposely strove to fix à firm Belief of them in the minds of others . Hence S. Augustine cited afterward Lib. 22. de Civit. Cap. 8. assures us , He wrote the Miracles there specifyed for this End , that they might be publickly read before the People , and known to all ; For saith the Saint . Such was my express will , Because when we saw the Signs and Miracles wrought frequently in our time , like those which God anciently evidenced to the world , I endeavovred that their memory should not perish . If therefore Miracles have been frequent , If known the whole world over , If seen and attested by Many Ey-Witnesses , if legible Characters Written by God's own hand , if great and prodigious ; If finally wrought for this End , that their Memory might be preserved and known to all ; What could induce our unadvised Dr most rashly to publish his lame and imperfect Enquiry against Miracles ? This to me appear's à Paradox , or rather à Riddle which no Oedipus can solve .

Had not this man shown Spight enough in his former Treatises , where he set's that Vile and Infamous Mark of Idolatry upon our Ancient Church , though She drew whole Nations from Idolatry to the Christian Faith ? But thanks be to God . He has not , ( as I hear ) gained three Iudicious men of his own Profession to believe him . Had He not spit out Venome enough in stiling the most Learned with in this great Moral Body Rebel teachers , and Sowers of Divisions ? Had he not in some Frolick gnash't his teeth enough in his more than bold presumptious railing at the Saints in Heaven ? How could à renowned S. Benet , S. Dominick , or S. Francis , fall under his lash , and raise up so much unruly Passion in à Dr ? Could he not he have left these happie Souls in their eternal Rest free from his Scratches , Taunts , aend bitter Obloquies ? Without doubt he look't on them as some of old did on the wild beasts in Theaters , publickly exposed to be bated , and furiously encountred . Yet to make the burthen of his sins more heavy , he sports himselfe with all that can be serious . Do but mention the Sanctity and Austerity of thousands yet living in the Church , all with him is thought Hypocrisy . Speak of our Catholick Doctrin , taught his Progenitors for à thousand years and more , it Led them , forsooth , into so many abominable Errours , that 't is hard to say , whether they are saved or damned . Bring to light the clearest Miracles God ever wrought . what are they ? Nothing but painted Strawes and Counterfeit Trances . And thus he add's Sin to Sin without remorse or check of Conscience , upheld by no other Principles than Drollery , vain Florishes , lowd untruths , and Calumnies . Dr Iohn Avila , à man of great learning and à renowned Preacher hearing , soon after the death of à Priest , of one sole neglect and t' was , that but once only he had offered up in his whole life time the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass , spake these few but weighty words . Multum defert ad Iudicem This man upon that Account , carries much with him to be answered for before his Iudge . What was this little small Omission compared with Dr Stillingfleet's enormous Commissions ? Down Cries He with their Sacrifice , away with their Mass all is Superstition , and the highest Idolatry , He might yet have called to mind that the very gravest of the English Clergy pretend ( whether truly , I dispute not ) to have received the Order of Priesthood from the hands of our Catholick Bishops , and I am sure the Dignity of à Priest necessarily implies the Power of offering up Sacrifice , though the Dr has been so far from complying with that one duty his whole life long , that had his power equal'd his Malice , neither Priest nor Sacrifice , had now remained in the world . Believe it Reader , for this and many other Clamorous Sins . Multum deferet ad Iudicem . The Dr without Serious Repentance , will have much to Answer for at his dying Day .

Had He in Lieu of opposing Miracles told us , that his beloued Puritanisme , though lately brought into the world may notwitstanding be bugg'd by him as his Dearest Benjamin , or owned as the sweetest Religion , being never invented to Curbe Passion , or trouble any with Austerity , but chiefly to pamper up à few Ministers with their Feminine followers , None could have wondered . The very most might have said the man spake as he thought . Nay more ; had he been so wise as to leave this Bustle of Polemicks to others far above him in learning , or only kept within the Bounds of Speculative Matters , and there blundered and erred , as he has done , The subtility of that knowledge , and his little skill in speculation , would have born out an excuse , and pleaded in his behalfe . But to run headlong , and proclaime open war against plain Matters of fact seen by thousands , and furiously to encounter God's own Signal wonders clearly shown to the world , is an Offence of so high à nature , and so contrary to common Prudence , that though the Dr lived Ages , he shall never wash off the stain which his unruly passion has cast upon him .

One word , and I end . My hope is , Mr Dr will take courage and Answer this Treatise , if so ; I heartily wish he talk no more of drawing off the whole Substance here set down into the narrow compass of à few lines , That 's impossible , when so many plain Matters of Fact as are now offer'd him to examin , necessarily require no doging , but à full and serious Reply . Neither is it enough to tell us , he hold's not himselfe obliged to take notice of every Idle Book that comes forth , and bear 's his name in the Title ; That will bewray his Ignorance , and too plainly confirme the Opinion most have of him , which is , That he cannot Answer . But above all , let him not run to one of his Hocus Pocus Tricks , or Say ; He would fain fly at his Adversary , but now cannot , being wholly taken up with some other great work against Popery . Such far fetcht excuses Argue à cowardly Proceeding , For , Reader , euer to be brandishing his sowrd , and threaten ( without hurt to any ) and neuer to defend himselfe , when attacked , is contrary to the Stile and strain of all Writers ancient and Modern , who first endeavour their Adversaries Satisfaction , And then begin with what new attempts they please . The Dr , I am sure , has work enough cut out for him . First those particulars clearly laid forth in the Preface to my last Treatise ( all waved by the Dr ) are many : That excellent learned Book entituled Dr Stillingfleet against Dr Stillingfleet , lately printed , highly , methinks , deserves an Answer , and I am sure ( to say nothing of others ) he is yet behind hand with his worthy Adversary N. O. We liue in hopes these Debts will be paid at last , And that the Dr when his Passion is allayed , may give such honest men as have taken pains for him some reasonable Satisfaction . Now in case he turn's all off with Quibbles , pritty Ierks , and such like Artifices , The world will Iudge as I do , that Dr Stillingfleet was most unfortunate in beginning à Quarrel about Polemicks , which as he has not hitherto ▪ so never shall be hereafter , End with Credit .