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authority_n wisdom_n word_n writer_n 15 3 7.1882 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A41173 The interest of reason in religion with the import & use of scripture-metaphors, and the nature of the union betwixt Christ & believers : (with reflections on several late writings, especially Mr. Sherlocks Discourse concerning the knowledg of Jesus Christ, &c.) modestly enquired into and stated / by Robert Ferguson. Ferguson, Robert, d. 1714. 1675 (1675) Wing F740; ESTC R20488 279,521 698

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efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o through_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o he_o become_v not_o according_a to_o mr._n sherlock_n a_o quicken_a head_n and_o a_o vital_a root_n of_o influence_n to_o we_o 159._o he_o be_v say_v he_o only_o style_v our_o head_n 165._o because_o invest_v with_o authority_n to_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o our_o union_n with_o he_o as_o such_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n hence_o the_o make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n a_o fountain_n of_o grace_n be_v reflect_v upon_o by_o our_o author_n in_o word_n full_a of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n 213._o and_o by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n so_o emphatical_o speak_v of_o we_o be_v tell_v there_o be_v only_o mean_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v betwixt_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n 187._o and_o inferior_n hence_o also_o that_o fullness_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v say_v to_o reside_v in_o christ_n 216._o be_v declare_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o reveal_n the_o gospel_n to_o we_o which_o may_v well_o be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o contain_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n and_o our_o receive_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n be_v paraphrase_a to_o denote_v no_o more_o but_o our_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 217._o hence_o likewise_o christ_n be_v style_v our_o life_n be_v gloss_v to_o import_v only_o his_o publish_n the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o plain_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o now_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n 231._o be_v both_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o also_o enforce_v by_o 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be_v render_v more_o easy_a and_o familiar_a for_o our_o mind_n to_o contemplate_v and_o that_o our_o faith_n concern_v they_o may_v be_v promote_v and_o assist_v by_o their_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o under_o obvious_a and_o sensible_a image_n we_o have_v also_o elsewhere_o intimate_v that_o where_o the_o term_n be_v metaphorick_n yet_o the_o truth_n intend_a and_o express_v by_o they_o be_v real_a and_o as_o to_o that_o which_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o it_o be_v high_o remarkable_a that_o there_o be_v no_o one_o kind_a of_o union_n in_o nature_n which_o serve_v full_o to_o illustrate_v the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n that_o therefore_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v seek_v to_o enlighten_v it_o by_o similitude_n and_o resemblance_n transfer_v and_o borrow_v from_o all_o sort_n of_o union_n for_o as_o chrysostom_n well_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d christ_n unite_v we_o to_o himself_o by_o many_o pattern_n cor._n and_o it_o be_v worth_a take_v notice_n of_o that_o have_v give_v we_o a_o list_n and_o collection_n of_o some_o of_o they_o he_o shut_v up_o the_o whole_a with_o this_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o these_o thing_n declare_v a_o union_n between_o christ_n &_o believer_n &_o such_o a_o one_o as_o will_v not_o admit_v the_o least_o thing_n to_o come_v between_o they_o have_v our_o oneness_n with_o christ_n be_v only_o represent_v by_o the_o relation_n between_o a_o shepherd_n and_o sheep_n the_o conjunction_n between_o a_o husband_n &_o wife_n or_o the_o habitude_n between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n there_o may_v have_v be_v some_o probability_n in_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n but_o be_v also_o represent_v by_o resemblance_n draw_v from_o natural_a and_o artificial_a union_n as_o the_o insition_n of_o branch_n into_o their_o root_n the_o copulation_n of_o member_n to_o their_o vital_a head_n the_o incorporation_n of_o concoct_v food_n with_o our_o pre-existent_a flesh_n the_o cohesion_n of_o a_o build_n by_o a_o 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conceive_v i_o shall_v only_o urge_v this_o from_o two_o other_o pattern_n union_n to_o which_o the_o scripture_n in_o the_o shadow_a forth_o and_o illustrate_v the_o oneness_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n signal_o allude_v the_o first_o of_o these_o symbolical_a union_n be_v that_o of_o the_o association_n and_o adhesion_n of_o the_o component_a particle_n &_o corpuscle_n of_o meal_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o compact_v for_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d see_v it_o be_v one_o loaf_n of_o which_o we_o partake_v we_o be_v therefore_o one_o body_n viz._n in_o christ_n who_o participate_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n loc._n 1_o cor._n 10.17_o picherellus_n well_o observe_v that_o paul_n do_v not_o say_v we_o be_v one_o loaf_n or_o bread_n though_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o so_o but_o that_o he_o argue_v from_o the_o coalition_n of_o the_o cluster_n of_o the_o small_a corpuscle_n of_o meal_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v knead_v and_o contex_v to_o the_o identity_n and_o oneness_n that_o intervene_v between_o christ_n and_o believer_n and_o according_o beza_n translate_v it_o as_o the_o loaf_n of_o which_o we_o all_o eat_v be_v one_o so_o we_o partake_v of_o that_o one_o loaf_n although_o we_o be_v many_o be_v but_o one_o body_n to_o christ._n thus_o also_o chrysostom_n paraphrase_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n what_o be_v that_o loaf_n it_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n viz._n sacramental_o what_o be_v those_o who_o partake_v of_o it_o they_o be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n not_o many_o body_n but_o one._n for_o as_o the_o many_o grain_n of_o which_o a_o loaf_n be_v form_v be_v so_o convene_v into_o one_o mass_n that_o the_o distinction_n and_o diversity_n of_o one_o from_o another_o do_v not_o appear_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o same_o manner_n be_v we_o conjoin_v to_o christ_n and_o one_o another_o in_o 1_o cor._n hom._n 24._o the_o cohesion_n of_o the_o many_o little_a part_n 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o the_o weigelian_o wild_o and_o blasphemous_o imagine_v that_o be_v here_o to_o be_v understand_v nor_o do_v the_o particle_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d always_o signify_v sameness_n but_o be_v often_o use_v to_o denote_v similitude_n and_o likeness_n as_o matth._n 9.48_o luk._n 6.36_o but_o yet_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v mere_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o oneness_n of_o will_n and_o affection_n between_o the_o father_n and_o son_n as_o the_o arian_n and_o socinian_o pretend_v that_o be_v here_o mean_v nor_o indeed_o can_v there_o be_v a_o oneness_n of_o will_n and_o a_o universal_a consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o design_n and_o affection_n where_o there_o be_v not_o previous_o either_o a_o specific_a or_o a_o numerical_a oneness_n of_o nature_n a_o attendance_n to_o other_o text_n such_o as_o joh._n 10.30_o joh._n 14._o 9_o 10._o 1_o joh._n 5.9_o where_o the_o same_o phrase_n occur_v will_v best_o resolve_v we_o what_o kind_n of_o oneness_n between_o the_o father_n and_o son_n we_o be_v here_o to_o understand_v and_o certain_o unless_o we_o will_v betray_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o worst_a enemy_n it_o be_v a_o essential_a unity_n that_o be_v there_o mean_v now_o though_o we_o plead_v not_o for_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o oneness_n between_o christ_n and_o believer_n as_o be_v between_o the_o father_n and_o son_n yet_o we_o affirm_v that_o something_o more_o sublime_a than_o bare_o a_o political_a relation_n between_o he_o and_o they_o be_v adumbrate_v and_o shadow_v forth_o to_o we_o it_o be_v not_o a_o sameness_n of_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n with_o that_o betwixt_o the_o father_n and_o son_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n intend_v by_o
be_v the_o same_o pleasure_n to_o i_o to_o have_v my_o notion_n confute_v when_o unsound_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n when_o i_o have_v be_v sick_a §_o 8._o have_v brief_o view_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v ere_o we_o make_v any_o further_o proceed_v infer_v and_o conclude_v from_o hence_o its_o authority_n for_o upon_o its_o divine_a original_a do_v its_o authority_n bear_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n speak_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v found_v not_o only_o in_o the_o supereminence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o as_o our_o maker_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n he_o may_v according_o rule_v we_o by_o law_n back_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o may_v deny_v he_o obedience_n but_o that_o militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n that_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o of_o rule_v they_o nor_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n arise_v from_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o his_o speak_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n of_o that_o significancy_n to_o determine_v our_o assent_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v to_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n than_o that_o the_o affirmer_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o infinite_o good_a and_o can_v deceive_v other_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o se_fw-la in_o its_o self_n from_o its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o talk_v without_o either_o reason_n or_o sense_n for_o 1_o authority_n be_v a_o relative_n term_n nothing_o can_v have_v authority_n in_o itself_o which_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nothing_o be_v a_o law_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o some_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o any_o to_o command_n without_o suppose_v a_o obligation_n in_o some_o to_o obey_v if_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n 3._o at_o all_o 2_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n how_o come_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o antecedent_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o her_o reject_v it_o 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n and_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o credible_a which_o be_v altogether_o false_a it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o both_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o her_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v to_o 4._o every_o testimony_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o be_v according_o true_a or_o false_a as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o bear_v witness_v to_o if_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimonial_a of_o the_o church_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o antecedent_o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o right_n of_o command_v we_o independent_o on_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o church_n then_o no_o private_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v or_o can_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o any_o be_v of_o the_o least_o force_n or_o significancy_n nor_o can_v they_o to_o who_o god_n by_o vision_n dream_n inspiration_n or_o otherwise_o make_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o and_o publish_v to_o other_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o they_o till_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v authentic_a have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n namely_o on_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o speak_v in_o it_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_n of_o that_o notion_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o some_o other_o 24._o viz._n deum_fw-la posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la that_o god_n can_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v no_o one_o deny_v but_o there_o both_o may_v be_v and_o be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o man_n may_v turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o be_v deceive_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a cause_n of_o error_n to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n if_o he_o will_v god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la abstract_v from_o his_o decree_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v will_n to_o do_v if_o we_o prove_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o power_n to_o do_v so_o first_o then_o if_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o if_o he_o may_v deceive_v at_o all_o i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v even_o then_o deceive_v we_o when_o he_o inform_v we_o he_o will_v not_o second_o no_o one_o can_v deceive_v a_o other_o but_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n error_n or_o malice_n but_o all_o these_o interfere_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la lie_v cross_v to_o his_o nature_n also_o to_o deceive_v argue_v either_o want_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n or_o veracity_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o sense_n can_v god_n deceive_v see_v he_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v wise_a nor_o give_v over_o to_o be_v good_a nor_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a three_o though_o a_o finite_a ignorant_a and_o mistake_v creature_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o without_o say_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o think_v another_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wise_a and_o omniscient_a be_v shall_v deceive_v any_o but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v we_o have_v both_o the_o testimony_n of_o scrpture_n tit._n 1.2_o and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o hence_o no_o one_o ever_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o he_o withal_o include_v in_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n §_o 9_o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n be_v raise_v on_o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o as_o doctor_n hammond_n say_v in_o another_o case_n 3_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o person_n infallible_a also_o so_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v infallible_a our_o assent_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o ground_n be_v infallible_a likewise_o assent_n be_v not_o specificate_v and_o denominate_v from_o their_o object_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o faculty_n that_o elicit_v they_o but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v whilst_o then_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a our_o assurance_n of_o its_o divinity_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a also_o for_o as_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o have_v foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o the_o two_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o nature_n do_v excellent_o harmonise_v this_o be_v premise_v among_o other_o truth_n which_o beside_o their_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v also_o evidence_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o quality_n viz._n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o wave_v these_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a brevity_n consider_v what_o media_fw-la there_o be_v in_o nature_n by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v n●t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
rational_o in_o surrender_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o it_o the_o article_n itself_o may_v be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o mode_n of_o it_o lie_v altogether_o hide_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v overpower_v our_o faculty_n and_o dazzle_v they_o with_o its_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n 1._o reason_n be_v often_o nonplus_v and_o puzzle_v about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n it_o be_v never_o adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n see_v this_o argument_n elegant_o and_o strenuous_o handle_v by_o bradwardine_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 1._o here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o to_o 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will_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o not_o only_o once_o but_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o establish_v it_o 4._o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v say_v it_o and_o to_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o declare_v his_o own_o veracity_n unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o which_o agree_v a_o passage_n of_o smalcius_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joan._n that_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o not_o only_o often_o but_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n but_o while_o they_o renounce_v doctrine_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o their_o incomprehensibleness_n or_o because_o we_o can_v full_o fathom_v they_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v who_o principle_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o plead_v thus_o have_v i_o discourse_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o as_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o have_v say_v any_o more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v general_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o sober_a nonconformist_n so_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o charge_n which_o some_o man_n have_v fasten_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o whole_o renounce_v reason_n in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o contradiction_n can_v astonish_v or_o stagger_v we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o support_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o party_n especial_o among_o vulgar_a hearer_n be_v a_o false_a aspersion_n groundless_a calumny_n and_o a_o impudent_a crimination_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o savour_n of_n overmuch_o modesty_n that_o a_o few_o young_a theologue_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o shall_v monopolise_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o rational_a divine_n yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o neither_o envy_v they_o the_o title_n nor_o have_v any_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o want_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o as_o it_o have_v general_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v too_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o rely_v upon_o reason_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o irrational_a sentiment_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o new_a rationalist_n as_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a make_v reason_n their_o only_a rule_n and_o yet_o most_o of_o their_o religious_a opinion_n whether_o in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n or_o moral_a obedience_n be_v perfect_o irrational_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o pretend_v to_o pay_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a veneration_n to_o reason_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o tenet_n lie_v more_o cross_a to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o it_o than_o some_o of_o they_o do_v for_o to_o give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n for_o such_o they_o allow_v christ_n only_o to_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o fore_n knowledge_n of_o future_a contingent_n &_o to_o ascribe_v passion_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o be_v such_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n renounce_v that_o as_o well_o as_o revelation_n ere_o he_o can_v admit_v they_o so_o i_o account_v it_o of_o easy_a proof_n that_o many_o of_o the_o darling_n notion_n about_o original_a sin_n convert_v grace_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justification_n itself_o etc._n etc._n of_o our_o pretend_a late_o rational_a divine_n be_v as_o well_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v to_o scripture_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture-metaphor_n sect_n i._o some_o man_n have_v espouse_v corrupt_a design_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o pursuance_n thereof_o lead_v to_o method_n which_o may_v subserve_v and_o countenance_v their_o undertake_n for_o the_o end_n be_v fix_v mean_n must_v be_v find_v out_o and_o adapt_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o now_o among_o other_o little_a art_n and_o contrivance_n suppose_v conducible_a to_o their_o undertake_n i_o find_v some_o late_a writer_n improve_n their_o skill_n and_o industry_n especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o under_o pretence_n of_o banish_v all_o wrangle_n brawl_a and_o vain_a talk_n they_o study_v to_o cashier_v and_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n upon_o two_o account_n so_o to_o do_v 1._o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v
do_v not_o make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n as_o when_o embellish_v with_o handsome_a language_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o persuasive_a as_o well_o as_o delightful_a than_o to_o find_v good_a word_n accompany_v excellent_a sense_n and_o the_o better_a any_o subject_n be_v the_o more_o worthy_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v account_v of_o a_o rich_a and_o polish_a though_o not_o of_o a_o gaudy_a dress_n and_o indeed_o elegant_a expression_n be_v impertinent_o bestow_v where_o the_o matter_n and_o sense_n be_v not_o considerable_a nor_o be_v there_o a_o great_a evidence_n of_o folly_n in_o a_o speaker_n or_o writer_n 27._o than_o to_o affect_v a_o loftiness_n of_o expression_n on_o a_o mean_a and_o petty_a subject_n word_n be_v manifestative_a of_o conception_n and_o thing_n aught_o to_o be_v proportionate_a to_o the_o theme_n whereof_o we_o treat_v and_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o they_o where_o there_o be_v not_o something_o substantial_a and_o weighty_a underneath_o a_o 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accompany_v with_o a_o neglect_n of_o logic_n argument_n weigh_v more_o in_o a_o close_a discourse_n than_o either_o a_o elaborate_a phrase_n or_o a_o quaint_a similitude_n nothing_o in_o a_o disputation_n render_v a_o cause_n more_o suspect_v than_o to_o find_v it_o manage_v with_o too_o much_o ornament_n nor_o can_v it_o but_o huge_o displease_v to_o be_v put_v off_o with_o a_o embarras_n of_o word_n when_o we_o look_v for_o demonstration_n of_o all_o sign_n whatsoever_o allegory_n and_o metaphor_n be_v the_o unfit_a to_o declare_v logical_a notion_n by_o and_o whoever_o they_o be_v that_o manage_n debate_n in_o metaphorical_a term_n they_o do_v but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d play_v the_o fool_n that_o i_o may_v use_v longinus_n phrase_n and_o put_v the_o world_n off_o with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o flourish_n of_o word_n in_o stead_n of_o argument_n the_o only_a use_n i_o know_v of_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n in_o disputation_n be_v to_o refresh_v the_o spirit_n of_o the_o reader_n and_o awaken_v it_o when_o it_o be_v weary_a persuade_v and_o convince_v they_o can_v metaphorick_n flourish_n may_v be_v also_o useful_a to_o illustrate_v and_o brighten_v truth_n when_o it_o be_v once_o establish_v but_o the_o naked_a and_o plain_a mode_n of_o dispute_v conduce_v only_o to_o the_o conviction_n and_o demonstration_n of_o it_o but_o as_o to_o the_o usage_n of_o metaphor_n in_o popular_a sermon_n and_o practical_a discourse_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o whatsoever_o be_v pleadable_a in_o their_o behalf_n upon_o any_o occasion_n serve_v to_o justify_v the_o usurpation_n of_o they_o in_o discourse_n ad_fw-la populum_fw-la and_o didactical_a write_n the_o inducement_n and_o motive_n of_o their_o allowance_n in_o rhetorical_a tract_n oration_n or_o whatever_o else_o do_v best_a admit_v these_o ornament_n of_o eloquence_n do_v all_o of_o they_o evince_v their_o agreeableness_n to_o the_o oratory_n of_o the_o pulpit_n the_o original_a and_o primitive_a cause_n of_o the_o usurpation_n of_o metaphor_n in_o discourse_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v necessity_n and_o delight_n though_o afterward_o a_o itch_n and_o ambition_n of_o not_o be_v understand_v may_v influence_n some_o man_n both_o to_o a_o excess_n this_o way_n and_o to_o a_o affectation_n of_o metaphor_n that_o be_v altogether_o poetical_a and_o presumptuous_a instead_o of_o be_v content_a with_o such_o as_o be_v easy_a and_o common_a now_o the_o several_a spring_n and_o fountain_n of_o this_o necessity_n appear_v to_o have_v be_v 1_o a_o penury_n of_o word_n though_o to_o i_o term_n thus_o apply_v to_o intimate_v different_a thing_n ought_v ●ather_o to_o be_v style_v homonymous_n &_o aequivocal_a than_o metaphorick_n a_o cognation_n of_o affection_n property_n &_o operation_n in_o being_n otherwise_o vast_o different_a be_v accompany_v with_o a_o scarcity_n of_o term_n to_o express_v they_o all_o by_o distinct_a sign_n have_v occasion_v the_o impose_v one_o and_o the_o 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the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misnamed_n time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o 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that_o we_o need_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o convince_v we_o who_o they_o be_v but_o they_o carry_v a_o demonstrative_a assurance_n of_o their_o author_n in_o themselves_o the_o like_a evidence_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v to_o attend_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v to_o accompany_v his_o work_n and_o indeed_o god_n end_v in_o revelation_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o his_o end_n in_o creation_n and_o the_o world_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o that_o matter_n than_o in_o this_o it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v leave_v at_o least_o as_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o himself_o upon_o his_o word_n as_o upon_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o book_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v on_o they_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o rational_a creature_n but_o withal_o 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gravity_n without_o affectation_n with_o what_o eloquence_n without_o meretricious_a ornament_n with_o what_o plainness_n without_o flatness_n or_o sordidness_n with_o what_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n without_o unsuitableness_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v the_o scripture_n write_v when_o the_o holy_a inspirer_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n stoop_v most_o to_o our_o capacity_n he_o even_o then_o retain_v a_o prerogative_n in_o his_o style_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o mere_o humane_a write_n there_o be_v that_o succinctness_n prespicuity_n plenitude_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture-law_n that_o sweetness_n and_o spirituality_n in_o promise_n that_o austerity_n in_o commination_n that_o wonderful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d force_n and_o emotion_n in_o expostulation_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v accommodation_n of_o word_n unto_o thing_n through_o the_o whole_a bible_n 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