not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o by_o it_o but_o this_o will_v cross_v my_o way_n again_o in_o another_o place_n 9_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v here_o what_o further_a consideration_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o there_o 16._o to_o return_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obscurity_n and_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n it_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o formal_a reason_n which_o you_o see_v may_v be_v clear_a enough_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o only_a to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n again_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v no_o evidence_n from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o be_v remark_v before_o not_o that_o this_o again_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o simple_o intelligible_a as_o to_o the_o very_a literal_a sense_n and_o direct_v signification_n of_o its_o term_n no_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o than_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v still_o so_o much_o a_o luminous_a assent_n and_o a_o act_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o it_o challenge_n our_o assent_n for_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o connexion_n between_o idea_n i_o say_v ideas_n for_o truth_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o sound_n or_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n therefore_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o such_o idea_n but_o then_o a_o man_n must_v know_v what_o those_o idea_n be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v they_o be_v connect_v therefore_o he_o must_v understand_v something_o more_o than_o the_o term_n themselves_o he_o must_v also_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o those_o term_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o under_o stand_v the_o mean_v and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o faith_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v simple_o intelligible_a and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obseâ—â—ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
and_o the_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v be_v that_o which_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o ear_n shall_v i_o say_v of_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o else_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v contradictory_n because_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o so_o be_v not_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o therefore_o these_o may_v stand_v together_o though_o the_o other_o can_v 10._o but_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o great_a and_o very_o popular_a objection_n yet_o a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o eye_n though_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a blind_a one_o that_o do_v not_o see_v it_o already_o i_o will_v put_v it_o into_o form_n and_o give_v it_o a_o formal_a answer_n if_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n than_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n can_v rational_o be_v believe_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n ergo._fw-la for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o distinguish_v if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n than_o i_o deny_v the_o minor_a faith_n be_v not_o so_o a_o rational_a act._n but_o if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o external_n evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n than_o indeed_o i_o grant_v the_o minor_a but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n mean_v by_o it_o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o external_n evidence_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n for_o believe_v that_o therefore_o the_o thing_n belieuâ—d_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v altogether_o inevident_a and_o so_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n for_o though_o evidence_n be_v contradictory_n to_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o â—ame_n yet_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o at_o all_o exclude_v it_o they_o may_v therefore_o both_o stand_v together_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v be_v believe_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o celebrate_a objection_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o true_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a a_o sophism_n that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o impose_v upon_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o it_o have_v do_v and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o acute_a and_o nice_a considerer_n of_o thing_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o it_o be_v by_o this_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o detect_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v those_o head_n worth_a much_o inform_v that_o shall_v be_v further_o impose_v on_o by_o it_o 11._o but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a and_o fundamental_a maxim_n so_o press_o inculcate_v by_o des_n cast_v and_o his_o follower_n and_o not_o disallow_v of_o by_o other_o that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a if_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a how_o then_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a or_o if_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a how_o then_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a do_v not_o these_o seem_v flat_a contradiction_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o adjust_a the_o matter_n between_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o deny_v that_o cartesian_a maxim_n to_o be_v true_a or_o by_o show_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o assertion_n here_o maintain_v but_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o the_o first_o way_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v i_o allow_v the_o maxim_n to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v withal_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n of_o error_n the_o only_a remedy_n and_o caution_n against_o which_o be_v never_o to_o let_v our_o judgement_n prevent_v our_o conception_n or_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_v notion_n of_o and_o where_o we_o see_v only_o by_o half_n and_o with_o a_o imperfect_a light_n or_o perhaps_o do_v not_o see_v at_o all_o but_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o adventure_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o to_o maintain_v a_o evidence_n in_o all_o our_o reason_n which_o according_o be_v make_v by_o m._n malebranche_n the_o first_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o method_n he_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o make_v a_o wrong_a use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n particular_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v to_o suspend_v judgement_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o evidence_n require_v it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v also_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o of_o our_o error_n and_o wrong_a assent_n 165._o as_o the_o same_o excellent_a person_n show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o particular_a to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scholastic_a philosophy_n 12._o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v my_o own_o assertion_n by_o deny_v des_n cartes_n maxim_n but_o rather_o by_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o but_o first_o we_o must_v see_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v or_o rather_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a though_o this_o may_v be_v without_o much_o difficulty_n collect_v by_o any_o attentive_a reader_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o i_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n prevent_v this_o objection_n but_o to_o consider_v it_o more_o direct_o to_o verify_v this_o maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a the_o usual_a way_n have_v be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n say_v they_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v it_o hold_v according_o when_o it_o be_v object_v against_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o reply_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o reason_n etc._n etc._n imply_v that_o if_o they_o do_v then_o indeed_o the_o objection_n will_v be_v good_a and_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o assent_v to_o they_o which_o imply_v again_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a though_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v but_o we_o have_v remark_v already_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reason_n we_o be_v force_v to_o assent_v to_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n assent_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n this_o distinction_n therefore_o will_v not_o do_v 13._o in_o stead_n therefore_o of_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o distinguish_v of_o evidence_n we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a say_v our_o maxim_n very_o good_n now_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v internal_a evidence_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o light_a intrinsic_n to_o it_o be_v evident_a than_o the_o maxim_n be_v false_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n too_o wherein_o we_o find_v ourselves_o often_o constrain_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o this_o internal_a evidence_n but_o be_v as_o to_o what_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o altogether_o obscure_a and_o
be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n that_o require_v it_o shall_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o evidence_n though_o it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o it_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o as_o a_o motive_n so_o then_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o clear_a the_o matter_n of_o it_o absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v clear_a or_o not_o clear_a as_o it_o happen_v according_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o as_o believe_v or_o as_o consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v always_o inevident_a and_o obscure_a as_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o evidence_n even_o when_o it_o have_v any_o but_o whole_o upon_o another_o account_n already_o sufficient_o represent_v 23._o and_o thus_o have_v strike_v some_o light_n into_o the_o darkness_n of_o faith_n by_o state_v and_o explain_v with_o what_o exactness_n i_o can_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n i_o can_v forbear_v observe_v by_o the_o way_n though_o a_o little_a of_o the_o soon_a of_o what_o service_n this_o account_n may_v be_v towards_o the_o grand_a question_n of_o believe_a thing_n above_o reason_n for_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n so_o far_o at_o least_o as_o not_o to_o respect_v the_o evidence_n of_o its_o object_n why_o may_v not_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n for_o what_o though_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v it_o therefore_o above_o faith_n have_v faith_n any_o regard_n to_o evidence_n or_o be_v it_o determine_v by_o any_o rational_a motive_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n even_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v evident_a faith_n be_v not_o suppose_v to_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o its_o evidence_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v though_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a some_o contend_v that_o faith_n and_o evidence_n can_v possible_o consist_v together_o and_o according_a to_o they_o not_o only_o what_o be_v inevident_a may_v be_v believe_v but_o whatever_o be_v believe_v must_v be_v inevident_a but_o this_o i_o look_v upon_o and_o have_v already_o show_v to_o be_v a_o mistake_n and_o it_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o extremity_n too_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o much_o a_o extreme_a to_o say_v that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o inevident_a as_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v always_o evident_a however_o it_o be_v always_o inevident_a so_o far_o as_o believe_v which_o be_v the_o middle_a point_n between_o the_o two_o extreme_n the_o nature_n of_o faith_n require_v at_o least_o this_o relative_n inevidence_n of_o the_o object_n whatever_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o we_o need_v no_o more_o for_o if_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o inevident_a so_o far_o as_o believe_v then_o will_v it_o not_o follow_v that_o it_o may_v be_v believe_v though_o inevident_a for_o my_o part_n i_o see_v nothing_o that_o shall_v hinder_v this_o consequence_n if_o the_o principle_n it_o proceed_v upon_o be_v right_a the_o principle_n be_v and_o a_o very_a moderate_a one_o sure_a the_o generality_n of_o writer_n strain_v the_o matter_n a_o great_a deal_n high_a that_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o far_o as_o believe_v the_o consequence_n be_v that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v believe_v though_o inevident_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o one_o of_o these_o be_v a_o absolute_a and_o the_o other_o only_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n but_o this_o signify_v nothing_o to_o the_o argument_n for_o why_o may_v not_o a_o thing_n real_o and_o in_o itself_o inevident_a be_v believe_v when_o even_o that_o which_o be_v evident_a be_v consider_v by_o faith_n as_o inevident_a why_o then_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o faith_n as_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o for_o what_o do_v the_o evidence_n signify_v or_o what_o real_a alteration_n do_v it_o make_v if_o faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o nor_o consideration_n of_o it_o and_o what_o shall_v hinder_v then_o but_o that_o a_o thing_n real_o inevident_a may_v be_v believe_v especial_o if_o reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o concern_v himself_o the_o short_a be_v faith_n as_o faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o evidence_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o faith_n as_o divine_a have_v no_o need_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o why_o a_o inevident_a thing_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v be_v what_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o learn_v 24._o but_o to_o return_v for_o i_o look_v upon_o this_o as_o too_o much_o a_o digression_n from_o the_o present_a and_o too_o much_o a_o prevention_n of_o what_o be_v to_o follow_v to_o be_v further_o pursue_v after_o have_v thus_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n in_o general_n and_o the_o double_a distribution_n of_o it_o into_o humane_a and_o divine_a with_o proper_a consideration_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v now_o further_o consider_v that_o each_o of_o these_o may_v be_v either_o explicit_fw-la or_o implicit_a then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v explicit_o when_o we_o believe_v determinate_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o particular_a distinct_o know_v what_o that_o particular_a thing_n be_v and_o then_o implicit_o when_o we_o believe_v indeterminate_o and_o at_o large_a whatever_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o authority_n not_o know_v what_o in_o particular_a be_v propose_v or_o what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o assent_n too_o blind_a and_o hoodwinked_a to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v yet_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n become_v he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o rational_a a_o assent_n in_o its_o ground_n and_o principle_n for_o all_o explicit_fw-la faith_n be_v found_v upon_o implicit_a and_o have_v implicit_a faith_n in_o it_o 25._o to_o understand_v both_o this_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o implicit_a faith_n the_o better_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v what_o have_v be_v already_o intimate_v that_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o premise_n as_o well_o as_o science_n and_o be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n and_o i_o further_o note_v what_o perhaps_o may_v not_o be_v unworthy_a the_o observation_n of_o the_o curious_a that_o the_o major_a proposition_n in_o faith_n explicit_fw-la be_v the_o conclusion_n in_o faith_n implicit_a as_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o syllogism_n before_o set_v down_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o major_a proposition_n here_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o implicit_a faith_n who_o act_n be_v as_o much_o to_o believe_v to_o be_v true_a whatever_o god_n reveal_v as_o the_o act_n of_o explicit_fw-la faith_n be_v to_o believe_v that_o this_o or_o that_o in_o particular_a be_v so_o so_o that_o explicit_fw-la faith_n proceed_v upon_o implicit_a borrow_v from_o it_o its_o conclusion_n for_o its_o principle_n and_o begin_v where_o the_o other_o leave_v off_o just_o as_o in_o the_o subalternation_n of_o science_n that_o which_o be_v a_o conclusion_n in_o one_o be_v a_o principle_n in_o the_o other_o so_o it_o be_v here_o in_o the_o subalternation_n of_o these_o two_o faith_n whereof_o that_o which_o be_v explicit_fw-la may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v subalternate_v to_o that_o which_o be_v implicit_a let_v not_o any_o therefore_o vilify_v or_o disparage_v implicit_a faith_n as_o a_o blind_a and_o irrational_a assent_n since_o it_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o explicit_fw-la which_o serve_v itself_o of_o it_o use_v its_o conclusion_n as_o a_o principle_n even_o as_o what_o be_v a_o conclusion_n in_o geometry_n be_v a_o principle_n in_o perspective_n and_o as_o geometry_n be_v therefore_o account_v the_o superior_a science_n so_o ought_v implicit_a faith_n to_o be_v reckon_v as_o the_o superior_a faith_n upon_o who_o conclusion_n the_o other_o proceed_v and_o which_o itself_o proceed_v thus_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o that_o be_v infallible_a be_v true_a god_n be_v infallible_a therefore_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a here_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o be_v see_v that_o the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o last_o syllogism_n be_v the_o principle_n of_o the_o precedent_a one_o and_o that_o explicit_fw-la faith_n suppose_v what_o be_v prove_v in_o implicit_a it_o may_v be_v further_o note_v that_o implicit_a faith_n as_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n be_v due_a only_a to_o the_o high_a that_o be_v to_o a_o infallible_a authority_n the_o reason_n why_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v here_o conclude_v to_o be_v true_a be_v
much_o evidence_n still_o we_o be_v say_v to_o assent_v because_o we_o know_v and_o to_o what_o we_o know_v so_o that_o our_o knowledge_n be_v here_o presuppose_a to_o our_o assent_n and_o consequent_o be_v in_o order_n of_o nature_n at_o least_o before_o it_o and_o therefore_o can_v consist_v in_o it_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o knowledge_n be_v not_o evident_a assent_n but_o perception_n particular_o that_o perception_n which_o i_o call_v complex_n the_o perception_n of_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n whether_o as_o to_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n which_o i_o think_v till_o we_o can_v meet_v with_o a_o better_a may_v serve_v for_o a_o tolerable_a definition_n of_o knowledge_n 16._o but_o now_o whereas_o this_o complex_n perception_n as_o be_v note_v above_o be_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v hence_o it_o be_v that_o our_o knowledge_n also_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o division_n be_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v or_o if_o you_o please_v intuitive_a or_o demonstrative_a between_o which_o two_o the_o difference_n usual_o make_v be_v that_o in_o intuitive_a knowledge_n we_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o simultaneous_a view_n of_o thing_n and_o see_v all_o at_o once_o whereas_o in_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n our_o prospect_n open_v by_o degree_n and_o we_o proceed_v step_n by_o step_n advancing_z from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o that_o of_o another_o this_o account_n indeed_o be_v true_a but_o not_o explicit_a enough_o to_o make_v it_o clear_a for_o it_o be_v characterise_v from_o the_o effect_n only_o and_o do_v not_o explain_v how_o our_o view_n in_o intuitive_a knowledge_n come_v to_o be_v so_o entire_a and_o in_o demonstrative_a so_o gradual_a and_o progressive_a this_o therefore_o must_v be_v deduce_v high_a and_o explain_v by_o a_o more_o distinct_a principle_n and_o i_o think_v we_o shall_v distinguish_v they_o more_o clear_o and_o exact_o by_o say_v that_o intuitive_a knowledge_n be_v when_o we_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o one_o idea_n with_o another_o immediate_o and_o by_o themselves_o without_o the_o mediation_n or_o intervention_n of_o any_o other_o idea_n demonstrative_a when_o this_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n be_v perceive_v not_o immediate_o by_o compare_v the_o idea_n with_o themselves_o but_o mediate_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o a_o three_o that_o be_v when_o we_o perceive_v they_o to_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o themselves_o as_o we_o find_v they_o to_o do_v so_o with_o some_o three_o idea_n which_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v to_o make_v use_n of_o as_o a_o common_a measure_n because_o we_o can_v always_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o faculty_n so_o collate_n and_o confront_v our_o other_o idea_n together_o as_o to_o see_v whether_o they_o agree_v or_o no_o by_o their_o mere_a comparison_n 17._o this_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n be_v what_o in_o the_o school_n be_v call_v science_n concern_v which_o great_a stir_n be_v make_v and_o variety_n of_o definition_n give_v but_o which_o by_o the_o measure_n already_o lay_v down_o appear_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o mediate_v perception_n or_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o some_o other_o idea_n this_o other_o idea_n be_v what_o we_o usual_o call_v a_o medium_fw-la or_o proof_n because_o it_o be_v the_o common_a measure_n whereby_o our_o idea_n be_v compare_v and_o the_o relation_n between_o they_o perceive_v and_o it_o be_v the_o form_n and_o process_n of_o the_o understanding_n use_v this_o middle_a idea_n as_o a_o measure_n whereby_o to_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o the_o other_o according_a as_o they_o agree_v or_o disagree_v with_o this_o that_o i_o will_v call_v reason_v which_o be_v not_o the_o very_a same_o with_o science_n but_o the_o way_n and_o method_n to_o it_o for_o we_o be_v say_v to_o reason_n in_o order_n to_o know_v and_o science_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o demonstration_n according_a to_o that_o know_a saying_n in_o logic_n demonstratio_fw-la est_fw-la syllogismus_fw-la scientiam_fw-la pariens_fw-la 18._o if_o this_o account_n of_o reason_v be_v not_o clear_a enough_o to_o make_v it_o intelligible_a in_o itself_o or_o to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o science_n i_o will_v further_o explain_v it_o thus_o by_o say_v that_o reason_v as_o i_o here_o consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o understanding_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o successive_a perception_n of_o each_o of_o the_o extreme_a idea_n with_o the_o middle_a one_o in_o order_n to_o perceive_v the_o union_n that_o be_v between_o they_o by_o the_o union_n that_o they_o have_v with_o the_o middle_a idea_n as_o for_o example_n i_o be_o to_o perceive_v that_o space_n be_v body_n and_o not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v this_o by_o the_o immediate_a inspection_n of_o these_o two_o idea_n i_o call_v in_o a_o three_o to_o my_o assistance_n and_o proceed_v to_o the_o perception_n of_o it_o thus_o whatever_o be_v extend_v be_v body_n space_n be_v extend_v therefore_o space_n be_v body_n here_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o i_o perceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o extreme_a idea_n space_n and_o body_n by_o the_o successive_a perception_n of_o the_o union_n that_o each_o of_o they_o have_v with_o the_o middle_a idea_n extend_v now_o the_o very_a perception_n itself_o of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o extreme_a idea_n space_n and_o body_n by_o the_o mediation_n of_o the_o three_o and_o middle_a one_o be_v what_o i_o will_v call_v science_n for_o it_o be_v in_o the_o formality_n of_o this_o mediate_v perception_n that_o i_o be_o say_v to_o know_v that_o space_n be_v body_n but_o the_o successive_a perception_n that_o i_o have_v of_o the_o union_n of_o each_o of_o these_o two_o extreme_a idea_n with_o the_o middle_a idea_n in_o order_n to_o perceive_v the_o union_n they_o have_v among_o themselves_o be_v what_o i_o will_v call_v reason_v which_o certain_o can_v be_v the_o very_a perception_n of_o the_o conclusion_n itself_o for_o that_o will_v confound_v it_o with_o science_n and_o â—et_o must_v be_v perception_n too_o or_o else_o it_o will_v not_o belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o successive_a perception_n that_o i_o speak_v of_o whereby_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o reason_v here_o specify_v be_v not_o only_o distinct_a from_o science_n but_o also_o from_o that_o reason_v which_o consist_v in_o illative_a affirmation_n and_o negation_n and_o so_o be_v a_o species_n of_o judgement_n and_o according_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n not_o to_o the_o understanding_n as_o be_v both_o remark_v and_o account_v for_o before_o 19_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v know_v or_o perceive_v by_o intuitive_a knowledge_n we_o call_v principle_n and_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v perceive_v by_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n we_o call_v conclusion_n which_o though_o equal_o certain_a because_o the_o object_n of_o knowledge_n be_v yet_o not_o so_o clear_a as_o principle_n which_o serve_v indeed_o to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o other_o thing_n but_o need_v none_o themselves_o as_o be_v visible_a by_o their_o own_o light_n and_o sometime_o be_v so_o evident_a that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o capable_a of_o any_o but_o be_v strict_o indemonstrable_a there_o be_v nothing_o more_o clear_a than_o themselves_o whereby_o they_o may_v receive_v further_a evidence_n we_o say_v of_o such_o proposition_n that_o they_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n and_o there_o be_v more_o aptness_n in_o the_o comparison_n than_o all_o that_o use_v it_o i_o believe_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o light_n be_v see_v immediate_o and_o by_o itself_o and_o not_o by_o the_o mediation_n of_o any_o thing_n else_o whereas_o all_o other_o thing_n be_v see_v by_o light_n the_o light_n that_o be_v thus_o see_v by_o itself_o answer_v to_o principle_n and_o those_o other_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v by_o light_a answer_n to_o conclusion_n and_o the_o resemblance_n hold_v as_o well_o on_o the_o part_n of_o the_o act_n as_o of_o the_o object_n for_o the_o first_o of_o these_o way_n of_o see_v answer_n to_o intuition_n and_o the_o last_o to_o demonstration_n so_o surprise_v be_v the_o agreement_n between_o vision_n and_o knowledge_n and_o so_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a the_o proportion_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n between_o the_o sensible_a and_o the_o intellectual_a world_n 20._o intuition_n be_v by_o far_o the_o most_o perfect_a and_o excellent_a way_n of_o knowledge_n as_o be_v more_o clear_a more_o simple_a and_o more_o entire_a more_o clear_a for_o here_o we_o have_v all_o light_n without_o any_o mixture_n of_o darkness_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o there_o be_v one_o dark_a side_n more_o simple_a for_o here_o the_o mind_n perceive_v the_o truth_n by_o one_o single_a view_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v fain_o to_o multiply_v its_o
because_o he_o be_v infallible_a infallibility_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a ground_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o according_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n assume_v to_o herself_o the_o character_n of_o infallible_a do_v upon_o that_o supposition_n right_o require_v it_o i_o say_v upon_o that_o supposition_n for_o she_o be_v right_a enough_o in_o her_o consequence_n suppose_v her_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o extravagant_a and_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o matchless_a arrogance_n and_o presumption_n as_o befit_v only_o he_o who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 4._o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o he_o only_o have_v right_a to_o require_v implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o he_o indeed_o it_o be_v due_a from_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a measure_n imaginable_a as_o be_v also_o implicit_a obedience_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o signal_n example_n in_o abraham_n 8._o who_o when_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v after_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v obey_v and_o to_o have_v go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v 26._o but_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dark_a and_o inevident_a than_o this_o implicit_a faith_n it_o be_v formal_a reason_n indeed_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o it_o resolve_v at_o last_o into_o a_o ground_n high_o rational_a and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a reveal_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o darkness_n on_o this_o side_n nay_o even_o the_o light_n itself_o do_v not_o shine_v more_o clear_n but_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o where_o nothing_o distinct_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v sure_a as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v so_o dark_a as_o even_o to_o be_v invisible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v at_o large_a without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n whatever_o god_n shall_v propose_v to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v not_o know_v what_o that_o be_v like_o abraham_n go_v not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v be_v such_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o have_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o but_o the_o humility_n and_o devotion_n of_o he_o who_o so_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o faith_n worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o for_o so_o far_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o evident_a what_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v here_o then_o be_v the_o very_a blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v this_o enfold_v faith_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v and_o can_v thus_o trust_v god_n in_o the_o dark_a where_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o only_a the_o general_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v not_o likely_a in_o any_o of_o the_o more_o explicit_a instance_n of_o it_o to_o plead_v the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o article_n to_o excuse_v his_o infidelity_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n to_o a_o otherwise_o sufficient_o clear_a revelation_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v above_o his_o shallow_a reason_n 27._o upon_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v in_o few_o word_n a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o a_o celebrate_a question_n which_o among_o the_o schoolman_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o be_v whether_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o measure_n already_o lay_v down_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a for_o faith_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o assent_n and_o assent_n be_v a_o species_n of_o judgement_n and_o judgement_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n not_o of_o the_o understanding_n who_o only_a operation_n be_v perception_n and_o consequent_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o embrace_v acquiesce_a and_o repose_v itself_o in_o what_o the_o understanding_n represent_v as_o propose_v and_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o indeed_o unless_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o will_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v blame-worthy_a for_o any_o of_o his_o opinion_n or_o how_o he_o shall_v stand_v accountable_a either_o for_o error_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o for_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n on_o the_o other_o for_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n then_o since_o the_o only_a operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v perception_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o a_o infidel_n or_o a_o heretic_n will_v be_v non-perception_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o error_n but_o ignorance_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n be_v always_o suppose_v to_o include_v error_n and_o to_o be_v also_o the_o worst_a of_o error_n and_o this_o non-perception_a be_v only_o a_o negation_n and_o such_o as_o resolve_v into_o want_n of_o part_n which_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o natural_a defect_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n as_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v faulty_a be_v understand_v to_o be_v privation_n and_o defect_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n but_o then_o to_o make_v they_o so_o they_o must_v be_v voluntary_a nothing_o be_v faulty_a but_o what_o be_v so_o that_o be_v again_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n whereof_o those_o sin_n be_v privation_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n or_o else_o in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o virtue_n in_o have_v it_o nor_o vice_n in_o be_v without_o it_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n in_o upbraid_v the_o jew_n with_o infidelity_n do_v all_o along_o not_o only_o by_o confequence_n but_o direct_o and_o express_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o will_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 28._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o what_o i_o intend_v and_o what_o indeed_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o if_o i_o differ_v from_o any_o author_n of_o the_o better_a character_n that_o have_v either_o profess_o or_o occasional_o write_v upon_o it_o particular_o baronius_n and_o dr._n pearson_n it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o love_v to_o lay_v aside_o great_a authority_n or_o affect_v to_o be_v by_o myself_o but_o because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n of_o my_o understanding_n write_v with_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n what_o i_o think_v and_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v without_o have_v regard_n to_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o i_o think_v it_o join_v with_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o shall_v also_o be_v my_o rule_n in_o what_o remain_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v reason_n and_o faith_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a preparation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o distinction_n of_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v consider_v and_o right_o state_v which_o be_v the_o task_n allot_v for_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v without_o a_o difference_n though_o difference_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o distinction_n and_o this_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o will_v have_v the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v coincident_a and_o that_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n signify_v in_o reality_n alike_o and_o be_v but_o different_a expression_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suspect_v to_o do_v this_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o cause_n for_o who_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o distinction_n take_v away_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v the_o same_o upon_o those_o that_o hold_v it_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o dextrous_a shift_n and_o evasion_n invent_v by_o subtle_a man_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o
or_o other_o whether_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n for_o the_o way_n and_o method_n be_v the_o same_o in_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a or_o impossible_a as_o in_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o according_o as_o the_o process_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v in_o the_o latter_a so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o the_o former_a but_o though_o there_o be_v these_o different_a way_n of_o perceive_v the_o impossiblity_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o the_o general_n perception_n of_o its_o impossibility_n and_o not_o in_o the_o several_a way_n of_o it_o that_o its_o contrariety_n to_o reason_n must_v be_v make_v formal_o to_o consist_v even_o as_o it_o be_v show_v before_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v make_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n and_o not_o in_o this_o or_o that_o determinate_a manner_n of_o perceive_v it_o which_o indeed_o serve_v afterward_o to_o distinguish_v knowledge_n into_o its_o kind_n as_o suppose_v intuitive_a and_o demonstrative_a but_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o its_o first_o and_o general_a idea_n for_o which_o consideration_n i_o think_v the_o perception_n of_o a_o thing_n impossibility_n do_v better_a express_v its_o contrariety_n to_o reason_n than_o the_o repugnance_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o instance_n and_o specification_n and_o but_o one_o single_a one_o too_o of_o its_o impossibility_n 19_o so_o now_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v or_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o then_o contrary_a to_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v perceive_v that_o it_o can_v be_v or_o be_v impossible_a as_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a instance_n of_o each_o of_o these_o that_o the_o side_n of_o a_o hyperbola_n shall_v be_v always_o approach_v to_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o never_o meet_v though_o continue_v to_o infinity_n be_v a_o proposition_n of_o unquestioned_a certainty_n in_o geometry_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o pass_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n to_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o now_o that_o a_o triangle_n shall_v have_v parallel_n sides_n be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o here_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o only_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o comprehend_v how_o it_o may_v be_v but_o do_v positive_o and_o evident_o perceive_v that_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o figure_n of_o three_o line_n shall_v have_v its_o side_n parallel_v to_o each_o other_o 20._o now_o though_o by_o this_o explanation_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v already_o obvious_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o stare_v a_o man_n in_o the_o very_a face_n like_o thing_n of_o great_a inequality_n who_o disproportion_n appear_v at_o view_n without_o measure_v they_o yet_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n be_v sake_n and_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o all_o but_o those_o who_o either_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o use_v their_o understanding_n let_v we_o a_o little_a compare_v these_o idea_n together_o thereby_o the_o better_a to_o illustrate_v their_o difference_n 21._o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v two_o real_o distinct_a idea_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o the_o other_o this_o immediate_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a direct_a view_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o not_o to_o comprehend_v how_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o to_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v be_v two_o different_a thing_n and_o what_o better_a way_n have_v we_o to_o know_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o be_v not_o the_o idea_n of_o another_o but_o then_o beside_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o formal_o different_a from_o each_o other_o but_o have_v also_o different_a property_n and_o character_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o such_o too_o as_o be_v exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o which_o therefore_o do_v manifest_o show_v the_o idea_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o be_v distinct_a for_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n imply_v only_o a_o negation_n the_o not_o comprehend_v how_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v but_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n imply_v the_o position_n of_o a_o intellectual_a act_n the_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v again_o in_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o proposition_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v whereas_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o that_o to_o be_v false_a and_o impossible_a again_o in_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o mind_n determine_v nothing_o concern_v the_o object_n propose_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o that_o she_o determine_v be_v concern_v she_o own_o act_n that_o she_o do_v not_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o that_o she_o do_v not_o affirm_v but_o hold_v herself_o in_o a_o perfect_a suspense_n but_o now_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o mind_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o positive_a and_o decisive_a and_o do_v determine_v as_o bold_o and_o free_o as_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o according_a to_o it_o whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v above_o it_o and_o that_o the_o mind_n proceed_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o in_o the_o former_a than_o in_o the_o latter_a the_o language_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v only_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n she_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a roundly_o pronounce_v this_o can_v be_v so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o negation_n and_o a_o positive_a act_n between_o the_o ignorance_n or_o non-perception_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a between_o suspension_n and_o a_o peremptory_a determination_n between_o a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o it_o be_v most_o undeniable_o evident_a that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o only_o real_o but_o wide_o different_a and_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v another_o 22._o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v as_o some_o perhaps_o may_v be_v likely_a to_o object_n that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n imply_v a_o negation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o suppose_a to_o be_v comprehend_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v false_a and_o can_v be_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o agree_v in_o one_o of_o the_o main_a instance_n of_o their_o difference_n to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v clear_a and_o full._n i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o negation_n in_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o but_o then_o i_o distinguish_v of_o negation_n there_o be_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o act_n and_o a_o negation_n of_o the_o object_n contrary_n to_o reason_n do_v indeed_o imply_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o object_n that_o be_v it_o imply_v a_o separation_n and_o dis-union_n of_o certain_a idea_n as_o inconsistent_a and_o incompatible_a one_o with_o another_o but_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o act_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a because_o the_o understanding_n be_v here_o suppose_a positive_o to_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n and_o withal_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o thing_n above_o reason_n wherein_o the_o negation_n be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n so_o that_o this_o first_o and_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o stand_v firm_a and_o good_a 23._o and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o justify_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n both_o by_o the_o explanation_n and_o collation_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o thereby_o appear_v to_o consist_v of_o idea_n as_o different_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v i_o may_v further_o proceed_v to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o produce_v some_o instance_n of_o thing_n confess_o above_o reason_n that_o be_v also_o notwithstanding_o as_o confess_o true_a for_o if_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v yet_o find_v
when_o all_o that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v here_o be_v finite_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o uneasiness_n the_o melancholy_a the_o disconsolateness_n the_o aridity_n that_o accompany_v human_a life_n will_v be_v find_v if_o trace_v to_o the_o original_a to_o proceed_v from_o hence_o viz._n from_o the_o little_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o gratification_n between_o what_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o desire_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a punishment_n to_o we_o hereafter_o when_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o faculty_n shall_v be_v more_o invigorate_v and_o enlarge_v if_o we_o have_v not_o then_o a_o infinite_a good_a to_o enjoy_v â—twill_n be_v at_o least_o the_o worst_a ingredient_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n if_o not_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o will_n be_v inâ—â—nite_a only_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la objecti_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o not_o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la actûs_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v it_o infinite_o or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a force_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o finite_a nature_n shall_v have_v any_o power_n or_o force_n in_o it_o that_o be_v strict_o infinite_a or_o that_o any_o such_o act_n or_o operation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o it_o but_o then_o what_o will_v the_o affliction_n be_v if_o the_o act_n be_v infinite_a as_o well_o as_o the_o object_n and_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o a_o infinite_a good_a with_o a_o infinite_a desire_n what_o conception_n can_v frame_n a_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o can_v it_o be_v much_o less_o for_o a_o infinite_a intelligence_n to_o have_v only_o a_o finite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o painful_a or_o afflictive_a in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o supreme_o and_o complete_o bless_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o the_o infinite_a will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o good_a full_o commensurate_a and_o adequate_a to_o its_o unlimited_a activity_n whereon_o it_o may_v centre_n and_o repose_v its_o weight_n so_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n have_v also_o a_o infinite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n and_o since_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o understanding_n in_o general_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a be_v truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o will_n be_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v again_o that_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n 17._o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v it_o so_o when_o we_o convert_v ourselves_o to_o it_o by_o study_n and_o meditation_n when_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o set_v our_o self_n to_o muse_v and_o think_v do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o we_o launch_v forth_o into_o a_o vast_a intelligible_a sea_n that_o have_v neither_o bottom_n nor_o shore_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o the_o more_o we_o meditate_v be_v we_o not_o still_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o this_o and_o do_v we_o not_o discover_v the_o further_o we_o go_v in_o our_o intellectual_a progress_n that_o there_o still_o lie_v more_o and_o more_o beyond_o we_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a traveller_n think_v most_o magnificent_o of_o the_o world_n do_v we_o not_o find_v as_o in_o a_o spacious_a campaigne_n so_o in_o the_o immense_a field_n of_o truth_n that_o our_o eye_n weary_v and_o our_o sight_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o boundless_a prospect_n and_o that_o beside_o the_o clear_a view_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o a_o little_a distance_n from_o we_o there_o lie_v all_o round_o we_o vast_a tract_n unmeasurable_o diffuse_v whereof_o we_o have_v only_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a image_n like_o the_o faint_a blue_n of_o the_o far_o distant_a hill_n be_v not_o the_o relation_n and_o combination_n of_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o infinite_a and_o shall_v but_o one_o link_n in_o this_o endless_a chain_n be_v alter_v will_v not_o innumerable_a alteration_n ensue_v upon_o it_o shall_v but_o one_o proposition_n that_o be_v false_a be_v suppose_v true_a or_o one_o that_o be_v true_a be_v suppose_v false_a what_o understanding_n but_o the_o divine_a can_v go_v on_o with_o the_o train_n of_o new_a consequence_n that_o will_v result_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n i_o say_v new_a consequence_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n with_o their_o settle_a coherency_n and_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o according_a as_o they_o real_o stand_v in_o their_o natural_a order_n there_o be_v a_o secondary_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o may_v call_v hypothetical_n that_o result_v from_o any_o suppose_a change_n make_v in_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n whence_o will_v still_o arise_v new_a and_o new_a consequence_n even_o to_o infinity_o but_o not_o to_o consider_v hypothetical_n truth_n can_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a be_v ever_o fix_v or_o its_o stock_n ever_o exhaust_v do_v it_o not_o after_o all_o the_o study_n that_o have_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o it_o furnish_v perpetual_a matter_n for_o our_o contemplation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o subject_a for_o everlasting_a thought_n and_o consideration_n have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a research_n of_o the_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a for_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o every_o age_n refine_v upon_o its_o predecessor_n and_o produce_v new_a discovery_n be_v not_o the_o science_n continual_o improve_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o still_o depth_n in_o every_o science_n which_o no_o line_n of_o thought_n can_v ever_o fathom_n what_o a_o vast_a fecundity_n be_v there_o in_o some_o plain_a simple_a proposition_n nay_o who_o can_v number_v the_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o any_o one_o principle_n take_v the_o most_o simple_a figure_n in_o geometry_n and_o where_o be_v the_o mathematician_n who_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n study_n can_v reckon_v up_o all_o the_o property_n that_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o it_o both_o as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o figure_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o whole_a science_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n and_o dependency_n particular_o of_o algebra_n the_o main_a ocean_n of_o this_o bottomless_a sea_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o metaphysick_n another_o unmeasurable_a abyss_n and_o what_o of_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o truth_n if_o not_o the_o same_o which_o one_o of_o iob_n friend_n say_v of_o god_n 7._o can_v thou_o by_o search_a â—ind_n out_o truth_n can_v thou_o find_v she_o out_o unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o because_o they_o after_o all_o be_v finite_a whereas_o this_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o infinite_a which_o by_o the_o way_n sufficient_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v truth_n who_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v bless_v for_o ever_o 18._o but_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v if_o truth_n be_v indeed_o as_o you_o see_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o full_o adequate_v to_o it_o do_v not_o entire_o possess_v it_o nor_o all_o over_o and_o whole_o comprehend_v it_o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o lay_v open_o the_o great_a weakness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o light_n nor_o the_o shortness_n of_o its_o view_n nor_o the_o slenderness_n of_o its_o attainment_n nor_o the_o very_a narrow_a extent_n of_o its_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o very_a little_a progress_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v always_o discern_v the_o relation_n and_o connexion_n that_n be_v between_o they_o and_o that_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o the_o idea_n themselves_o to_o have_v their_o relation_n perceive_v immediate_o without_o compare_v they_o with_o other_o mediate_a idea_n or_o else_o for_o want_v of_o such_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_n wherewith_o to_o compare_v they_o and_o
much_o heathenize_v religion_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v also_o very_o deserve_o retire_v behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o decline_v come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o fear_v the_o absurdity_n and_o monstrous_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n in_o that_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n in_o evangelical_n christianity_n that_o need_v fly_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o it_o christian_n religion_n be_v all_o over_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v too_o reasonable_a a_o master_n to_o impose_v any_o other_o or_o to_o require_v as_o his_o vicar_n do_v that_o man_n shall_v follow_v he_o blindfold_a and_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n no_o he_o that_o miraculous_o give_v sight_n to_o so_o many_o have_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o pleasure_n in_o the_o blind_a nor_o have_v his_o divine_a religion_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o judge_n or_o professor_n for_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a wisdom_n the_o divine_a word_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o all_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o measure_n of_o sound_a discourse_n or_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v true_o opposite_a to_o right_a reason_n hour_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v above_o it_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v theological_o true_a which_o be_v philosophical_o false_a as_o some_o with_o great_a profoundness_n be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v for_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o true_o from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o light_n may_v exceed_v and_o outshine_v the_o former_a it_o can_v never_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o god_n as_o the_o sovereign_a truth_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n and_o as_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nay_o to_o descend_v some_o degree_n below_o this_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o be_v against_o reason_n but_o even_o what_o be_v without_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o require_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n especial_o from_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n 5._o we_o therefore_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o it_o there_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unfair_o do_v of_o our_o adversary_n so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a as_o they_o do_v for_o i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n i_o do_v know_v which_o in_o those_o that_o suggest_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v plain_o by_o run_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o vein_n to_o imply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o whether_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o no._n but_o now_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o little_a for_o a_o senseless_a and_o irrational_a faith_n as_o they_o can_v be_v this_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o popular_a declamatory_n strain_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n whereas_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o deliberation_n because_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n the_o only_a considerable_a thing_n then_o here_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o author_n or_o no._n and_o here_o reason_n be_v to_o clear_v her_o eye_n put_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o best_a light_n call_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o head_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o sincerity_n that_o she_o can_v but_o as_o to_o the_o comprehensibility_n or_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o article_n this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o question_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o she_o scrute_v or_o debate_n since_o if_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o her_o comprehension_n it_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o proper_a object_n for_o her_o belief_n 7._o the_o sum_n be_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o therefore_o in_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o thing_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o my_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o i_o as_o from_o god_n all_o that_o my_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v serious_o sober_o diligent_o impartial_o and_o i_o add_v humble_o to_o examine_v whether_o it_o come_v with_o the_o true_a credential_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o real_a author_n or_o no._n this_o be_v all_o that_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o she_o have_v do_v this_o she_o be_v to_o rise_v from_o the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o resign_v it_o to_o faith_n which_o either_o give_v or_o refuse_v her_o assent_n not_o as_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a â—itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o â—hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a