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the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o 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knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
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 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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
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
and_o so_o much_o contest_v whether_o true_a or_o no_o can_v never_o be_v make_v too_o clear_a and_o sometime_o a_o different_a though_o not_o better_o representation_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v contribute_v to_o its_o further_a illustration_n every_o reader_n have_v his_o particular_a point_n of_o view_n so_o as_o that_o the_o very_a â—ame_n notion_n or_o truth_n that_o do_v not_o meet_a with_o he_o in_o one_o posture_n may_v shine_v full_a in_o his_o face_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o success_n in_o another_o i_o shall_v therefore_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o mr._n boyle_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o light_n venture_v to_o set_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n concern_v this_o weighty_a point_n apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o think_v the_o other_o account_v most_o defective_a 14._o and_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a either_o to_o clear_a or_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n since_o it_o may_v be_v both_o again_o demand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o what_o repugnant_a and_o again_o dispute_v whether_o incomprehensible_a and_o repugnant_a be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o this_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v then_o too_o gross_a and_o general_a to_o be_v rest_v in_o and_o we_o must_v be_v therefore_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a in_o our_o explanation_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v more_o clear_n 15._o however_o since_o general_n be_v to_o go_v before_o and_o do_v also_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o particular_n i_o shall_v first_o propose_v the_o general_a idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o then_o particularize_v upon_o that_o idea_n by_o open_v and_o unfold_a more_o distinct_o and_o explicit_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o by_o so_o compare_v and_o collate_v together_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o notion_n as_o to_o show_v the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o work_n of_o the_o explanatory_n and_o justificatory_a part_n suppose_v that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o distinction_n than_o only_o to_o have_v the_o member_n of_o it_o well_o explain_v for_o if_o the_o idea_n of_o above_o reason_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o idea_n of_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o explanation_n of_o they_o will_v show_v that_o it_o be_v than_o the_o distinction_n proceed_v upon_o a_o real_a difference_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a and_o good_a distinction_n 16._o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n then_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o such_o as_o reason_n of_o itself_o can_v discover_v but_o such_o as_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o conceive_v such_o as_o it_o can_v and_o do_v actual_o comprehend_v and_o that_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o in_o other_o word_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_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 positive_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n 17._o but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o particular_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v upon_o the_o first_o part_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o word_n reason_n here_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a operation_n of_o that_o namely_o perception_n by_o comprehend_v here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o by_o perceive_v so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o understanding_n can_v perceive_v but_o then_o when_o we_o say_v can_v perceive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o grammatical_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a but_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o concern_v faith_n and_o then_o again_o when_o we_o say_v that_o above_o reason_n be_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v or_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n this_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n so_o that_o as_o many_o truth_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o can_v thus_o thorough_o comprehend_v and_o pursue_v throughout_o all_o their_o consequence_n and_o relation_n to_o other_o truth_n for_o then_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n but_o only_o of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n of_o those_o immediate_a idea_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n suppose_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n consist_v and_o which_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n not_o because_o the_o simple_a and_o direct_a mean_v of_o its_o term_n be_v unintelligible_a or_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comprehensible_a in_o its_o remote_a and_o utmost_a extent_n but_o pure_o because_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o idea_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o that_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v their_o union_n intuitive_o and_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_fw-la whereby_o to_o compare_v they_o so_o as_o to_o discern_v their_o union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o science_n and_o demonstration_n 18._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o explanation_n that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v impossible_a than_o such_o as_o appear_v contrary_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n this_o be_v the_o more_o general_n and_o absolute_a idea_n whereof_o the_o two_o other_o be_v but_o instance_n and_o specification_n for_o than_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v impossible_a when_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o or_o be_v unite_v which_o may_v be_v either_o because_o of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o with_o themselves_o so_o as_o mutual_o to_o exclude_v each_o other_o as_o in_o a_o contradiction_n or_o because_o of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o other_o truth_n with_o which_o it_o can_v comport_v or_o in_o other_o word_n either_o because_o one_o of_o the_o idea_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o or_o because_o the_o union_n of_o both_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o truth_n or_o other_o which_o therefore_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v which_o truth_n will_v be_v indeed_o either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o perceive_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a when_o we_o perceive_v that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o and_o that_o either_o immediate_o by_o the_o very_a inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o or_o mediate_o by_o the_o repugnance_n that_o they_o carry_v to_o some_o other_o truth_n whether_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n which_o repugnance_n i_o take_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o suppose_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o union_n of_o such_o idea_n and_o that_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o principle_n or_o such_o a_o conclusion_n be_v true_a as_o be_v suppose_v then_o such_o idea_n be_v not_o unite_v and_o indeed_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o union_n that_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o that_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v in_o short_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o it_o or_o that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o which_o it_o do_v either_o immediate_o by_o perceive_v the_o direct_a inconsistency_n of_o those_o idea_n or_o mediate_o by_o perceive_v their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o evident_a and_o incontestable_a truth_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 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