be_v st._n paul_n use_v great_a 13._o plainess_n of_o speech_n ergò_fw-la they_o have_v as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o speak_v as_o they_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n nay_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o how_o he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n without_o doubt_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o this_o whole_a vision_n on_o their_o imagination_n as_o he_o that_o see_v it_o nay_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o we_o may_v expect_v no_o less_o from_o this_o profound_a revealer_n of_o mystery_n than_o that_o he_o will_v quote_v we_o all_o these_o unspeakable_a word_n in_o his_o next_o book_n and_o so_o by_o the_o follow_a quotation_n he_o think_v he_o have_v knock_v we_o down_o when_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o mystery_n be_v make_v manifest_a or_o know_v to_o all_o nation_n ergò_fw-la the_o very_a manner_n and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o this_o man_n i_o warrant_v you_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o secret_a council_n of_o god_n now_o who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o dark_a contrivance_n of_o that_o cabal_n against_o all_o reveal_v religion_n where_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v first_o lay_v and_o the_o rest_n be_v now_o a_o forge_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v but_o he_o who_o have_v hitherto_o hinder_v we_o trust_v will_v hinder_v till_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o their_o wickedness_n be_v reveal_v and_o here_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v merry_a i_o can_v make_v better_a sport_n with_o the_o history_n of_o this_o man_n life_n than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o parishioner_n 109._o for_o i_o have_v trace_v he_o in_o this_o too_o from_o the_o time_n he_o first_o give_v out_o he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o a_o sect_n before_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age_n till_o he_o become_v a_o author_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o his_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n to_o spread_v his_o heresy_n and_o put_v his_o design_n in_o execution_n but_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o a_o subject_a in_o divinity_n and_o not_o make_v a_o farce_n and_o perhaps_o i_o may_v have_v another_o opportunity_n of_o give_v the_o world_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o so_o formidable_a and_o swell_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o have_v run_v down_o three_o kingdom_n only_o with_o one_o cross_a question_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o book_n viz._n how_o can_v a_o man_n believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n of_o he_o in_o religion_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o objection_n he_o bring_v 120._o be_v three_o or_o four_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v nothing_o against_o either_o what_o he_o or_o we_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o such_o as_o enthusiast_n bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a unless_o he_o dispute_v against_o the_o quaker_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o base_a disingenuity_n of_o the_o man_n who_o by_o this_o will_v make_v unthinking_a or_o prejudice_v people_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v those_o ignorant_a perverse_a man_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o rank_a enthusiast_n whereas_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o we_o be_v as_o vigorous_a defender_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o he_o can_v be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v establish_v and_o remain_v unshaken_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o their_o subtle_a enemy_n it_o be_v by_o this_o we_o confute_v his_o error_n it_o be_v before_o the_o evidence_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o his_o operose_fw-la and_o laborious_a sophism_n disappear_v like_o empty_a shadow_n and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o when_o we_o thus_o contend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n then_o on_o one_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v all_o revelation_n and_o when_o we_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v with_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n as_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o cease_v to_o be_v man_n before_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v state_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v in_o short_a and_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n 1._o we_o allow_v that_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o only_a faculty_n we_o have_v of_o know_v or_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n and_o we_o allow_v that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n apply_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o these_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o either_o create_v any_o new_a one_o or_o make_v any_o essential_a alteration_n in_o these_o we_o have_v for_o then_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n will_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o 2._o we_o allow_v that_o what_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n we_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o entertain_v by_o we_o for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o place_v these_o in_o we_o will_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v we_o so_o 3._o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n be_v better_o suit_v to_o the_o present_a object_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v to_o those_o of_o another_o for_o otherwise_o we_o argue_v god_n of_o want_n of_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n and_o if_o they_o be_v now_o as_o well_o fit_v for_o the_o object_n of_o another_o life_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o change_n at_o the_o last_o day_n 4._o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n even_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v be_v total_o obscure_v both_o from_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o make_v out_o so_o that_o if_o people_n will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o another_o life_n they_o must_v do_v so_o without_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o since_o we_o have_v not_o capacity_n for_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o relate_v to_o another_o life_n but_o by_o analogy_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o the_o glory_n and_o intellectual_a light_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o that_o we_o have_v from_o the_o sun_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o man_n proceed_n from_o the_o lion_n of_o another_o etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o let_v i_o again_o distinguish_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o every_o revelation_n or_o mystery_n 1._o that_o analogous_a object_n of_o this_o life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o which_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o another_o life_n to_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o fall_v in_o all_o respect_n under_o the_o severe_a censure_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n the_o saint_n shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o mystery_n the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n the_o analogous_n object_n make_v use_v of_o by_o god_n for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o the_o splendour_n and_o grandeur_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o latter_a our_o reason_n have_v full_a scope_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o commendable_a nay_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o exact_a in_o our_o scrutiny_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understand_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o proposition_n we_o must_v be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v no_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n in_o it_o nay_o more_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v convince_v and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a evidence_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n
frame_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v material_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n cyrill_n say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v divine_a thing_n be_v by_o example_n or_o similitude_n after_o the_o same_o gross_a manner_n we_o represent_v the_o heavenly_a orb_n upon_o a_o piece_n of_o paper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gregory_n nazianzen_n discourse_v full_o 34._o how_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n tho'_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v or_o express_v what_o he_o be_v and_o have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n concern_v our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o he_o plain_o suppose_v it_o as_o impossible_a for_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v immerse_v in_o these_o gross_a body_n to_o frame_v any_o conception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a object_n as_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overtake_v our_o shadow_n or_o to_o see_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o god_n to_o say_v that_o when_o we_o conceive_v he_o as_o be_v a_o substance_n as_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a nay_o as_o have_v life_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o but_o figurative_a representation_n of_o something_o in_o god_n which_o transcend_v all_o that_o we_o can_v imagine_v dionysius_n or_o whoever_o be_v author_n no_o of_o those_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o in_o his_o mystical_a theology_n speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n say_v very_o apt_o that_o this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o existence_n without_o substance_n without_o a_o mind_n without_o life_n not_o by_o way_n of_o privation_n as_o marius_n victorinus_n in_o his_o four_o book_n against_o arius_n observe_v but_o by_o way_n of_o excellence_n because_o the_o notion_n affix_v to_o these_o word_n express_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n when_o refer_v to_o god_n very_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v act_n 17_o 27._o where_o he_o express_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o feel_v after_o he_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o expressive_a for_o it_o signify_v the_o grepe_v for_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n speak_v of_o 5._o the_o method_n we_o have_v of_o come_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n say_v that_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v arrive_v to_o be_v to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o not_o what_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n this_o man_n have_v to_o quote_v those_o father_n who_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v both_o the_o new_a and_o the_o old_a of_o the_o world_n but_o his_o heresy_n be_v as_o old_a as_o eunomius_n and_o now_o revive_v by_o this_o upstart_n as_o he_o very_o apt_o call_v himself_o and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o call_v this_o new_a old_a sect_n of_o he_o the_o genestick_n of_o our_o age_n since_o they_o be_v a_o profound_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o set_v up_o for_o know_v every_o thing_n and_o believe_v nothing_o he_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o plead_v prescription_n and_o that_o his_o book_n too_o shall_v in_o after_o age_n be_v value_v as_o the_o father_n be_v in_o this_o but_o alas_o tho'_o he_o want_v no_o qualification_n of_o error_n and_o impiety_n for_o this_o ambition_n of_o he_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o be_v a_o heretic_n upon_o record_n such_o book_n as_o these_o seldom_o live_v any_o long_a than_o till_o their_o fallacy_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o then_o they_o perish_v and_o rot_n with_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o author_n whereas_o the_o father_n who_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n for_o defend_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o corrupt_v will_v have_v their_o just_a authority_n among_o all_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v do_v i_o must_v confess_v the_o man_n be_v not_o worth_a my_o trouble_n but_o the_o cause_n be_v rich_o so_o and_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n that_o we_o think_v no_o thing_n can_v gain_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o sound_n reason_v and_o argument_n whereas_o there_o have_v be_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a enthusiast_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n proselyte_n enough_o to_o bring_v church_n and_o staâ—e_v into_o confusion_n he_o have_v as_o little_a of_o true_a reason_v or_o argument_n as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o his_o pretence_n be_v plausible_a and_o those_o be_v the_o book_n which_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n only_o of_o the_o poison_n but_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o age_n which_o seem_v strange_o dispose_v for_o infidelity_n and_o a_o contemt_a of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o i_o have_v contrive_v this_o letter_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o answer_v not_o only_o to_o he_o but_o to_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v do_v something_o towards_o the_o right_n state_v this_o who_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o much_o mistake_v on_o both_o side_n for_o whilst_o man_n on_o one_o hand_n expect_v a_o rational_a account_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o be_v whole_o unaccountable_a by_o â—â—_o and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n at_o all_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n man_n go_v about_o with_o endless_a labour_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v inexplicable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o these_o controversy_n which_o multiply_v upon_o we_o every_o day_n but_o if_o we_o all_o agree_v to_o leave_v off_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o free_o own_o what_o we_o must_v confess_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o that_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o at_o present_a be_v by_o intervention_n of_o the_o common_a object_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o whole_a controversy_n will_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a short_a â—â—â—â—â—_o and_o all_o the_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n establish_v upon_o those_o foundation_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n trin_n coll._n dub._n may_v 1._o 1697._o errata_fw-la page_n 10._o line_n 13._o for_o sense_n r._n sense_n and_o so_o wherever_o the_o word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o reason_n p._n 24._o l._n 1._o r._n ground_n p._n 25._o l._n 3._o r._n evidence_n p._n 30._o l._n 3._o r._n persuasion_n p._n 63._o l._n 3._o r._n of_o p._n 85._o ult_n r._n deference_n p_o 134._o l._n 20_o r._n teach_v ibid_fw-la 27._o r._n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v p._n 143._o l._n 7._o r_o cant_v p._n 156._o l._n 8._o r._n ratiocination_n p._n 185._o l._n 11._o r._n after_o p._n 186._o l._n 7._o r._n magician_n p._n 187._o l._n 1._o r._n and_o p._n 199._o l._n 2._o r._n abstruse_a p._n 206._o l._n 1._o r._n arian_n p_o 219._o l._n 18._o r._n fides_fw-la p._n 222._o l._n 23._o r._n hymn_n p_o 87_o last_o edition_n 1_o cor_n 15_o 51_o 52._o 1_o joh_n 3_o 2._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o p._n 11._o p._n 13._o p._n 18._o p._n 16._o 16._o to_o make_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n more_o intelligible_a the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o by_o evidence_n he_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o these_o two_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o you_o can_v give_v your_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o you_o know_v all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o one_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o other_o affect_o obscure_v but_o i_o must_v use_v his_o own_o cant_n otherwise_o tho'_o i_o speak_v ever_o so_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o answer_v answer_v to_o prevent_v all_o ambiguity_n i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n substance_n here_o strict_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mode_n and_o accident_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o it_o include_v they_o p._n 43._o &_o 128._o 128._o that_o which_o may_v make_v this_o paragraph_n obscure_a be_v the_o mistake_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n or_o knowledge_n for_o those_o proof_n which_o be_v only_o
the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n because_o if_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o he_o will_v have_v make_v you_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o these_o perfect_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v certain_o want_v of_o sincerity_n or_o ability_n in_o he_o but_o let_v this_o blasphemer_n know_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o want_n of_o veracity_n nor_o ability_n in_o god_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v conceive_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n who_o have_v no_o capacity_n for_o they_o as_o yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o now_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v upon_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v of_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o assent_n so_o god_n will_v one_o day_n manifest_v his_o power_n in_o bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v and_o will_v so_o enlarge_v our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v clear_o apprehend_v they_o and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o another_o world_n he_o proceed_v and_o say_v that_o god_n will_v loose_v his_o end_n if_o what_o he_o say_v 12â—_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n iâ—_n god_n shall_v speak_v nonsense_n to_o you_o in_o his_o revelation_n you_o will_v be_v never_o the_o wise_a for_o if_o he_o shall_v reveal_v to_o you_o that_o a_o thing_n call_v blictri_n have_v a_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o not_o inform_v you_o what_o this_o blictri_n be_v you_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o now_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o he_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n of_o all_o the_o object_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n do_v happy_o show_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o rational_a assent_n and_o a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a book_n let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v these_o two_o word_n blictri_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o seven_o letter_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o i_o and_o as_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o i_o can_v believe_v nothing_o concern_v it_o but_o the_o uncertain_a find_v it_o make_v to_o my_o â—â—t_n and_o that_o seven_o letter_n make_v two_o syllable_n in_o write_v as_o to_o the_o other_o word_n glory_n i_o grant_v i_o know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o do_v what_o that_o blictri_n mean_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n when_o he_o reveal_v to_o mâ—_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o heaven_n as_o glory_n for_o one_a tho'_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n the_o great_a image_n i_o now_o be_o able_a to_o frame_v of_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o relation_n this_o glory_n have_v to_o i_o viz._n that_o it_o expect_v i_o in_o the_o heaven_n that_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v render_v i_o happy_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n but_o i_o be_o no_o more_o able_a to_o conceive_v that_o happiness_n than_o that_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n with_o this_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o prevail_a motive_n of_o my_o obedience_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 4._o i_o have_v not_o capacity_n at_o present_a to_o apprehend_v the_o real_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o perfect_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n to_o we_o tho'_o we_o have_v not_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v nay_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o more_o idea_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o than_o we_o have_v of_o what_o blictri_n be_v beside_o the_o text_n he_o bring_v to_o back_v 129._o this_o sophism_n of_o he_o explain_v the_o matter_n far_o and_o lay_v open_v the_o fallacy_n heb._n 11_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o by_o which_o we_o see_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n by_o we_o now_o be_v his_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o we_o viz_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v own_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o we_o know_v of_o god_n tho'_o he_o flat_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o he_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o at_o least_o as_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o he_o go_v on_o and_o ask_v without_o conceive_v 130._o faith_n after_o this_o manner_n i._n e._n without_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o knowledge_n how_o can_v christ_n be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n i._n e_fw-la unless_o he_o give_v you_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o reveal_v as_o you_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n i_o answer_v by_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o their_o existence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a but_o for_o he_o for_o thus_o he_o have_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o back_v his_o precept_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a reward_n which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o and_o the_o best_a thought_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o exceed_v all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v but_o say_v he_o that_o remarkable_a instance_n 131._o of_o abraham_n faith_n will_v be_v object_v yes_o it_o be_v object_v and_o the_o way_n he_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o say_v as_o we_o do_v and_o leave_v his_o own_o opinion_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o give_v he_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n in_o isaac_n after_o this_o before_o isaac_n have_v a_o child_n god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n he_o obey_v upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o again_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o he_o at_o first_o raise_v he_o out_o of_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb._n now_o the_o question_n between_o he_o and_o i_o be_v not_o whether_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o 132._o substantial_a reason_n which_o we_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o abraham_n give_v his_o assent_n to_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v which_o he_o must_v own_v unless_o he_o prove_v that_o abraham_n know_v as_o perfect_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o god_n raise_v a_o body_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o from_o a_o womb_n past_o child_n bear_v as_o he_o do_v the_o procreation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n have_v abraham_n be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n will_v raise_v his_o son_n &_o to_o conceive_v exact_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v then_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o knowledge_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o have_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o know_v no_o more_o how_o god_n will_v raise_v he_o than_o he_o know_v how_o he_o make_v the_o world_n after_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n 133._o to_o prove_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n 1._o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v false_a like_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o tho'_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o of_o a_o thing_n than_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o be_o fat_a from_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v vary_v in_o degree_n either_o according_a to_o the_o proof_n
act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o knowledge_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o person_n but_o according_a to_o he_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o now_o have_v i_o do_v this_o man_n any_o wrong_n by_o charge_v he_o with_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a government_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o law_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v i._o e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v nothing_o but_o implicit_a assent_n and_o blind_a credulity_n and_o therefore_o here_o again_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o move_v by_o any_o heat_n of_o passion_n but_o by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o have_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o here_o he_o plead_v a_o toleration_n but_o 110._o for_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o toleration_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o tho'_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o yet_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o industrious_o spread_v such_o impious_a notion_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o from_o open_o revile_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o imposture_n and_o implicit_a blind_a credulity_n again_o it_o be_v object_v against_o he_o that_o 140._o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a yes_o it_o do_v for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v ever_o so_o well_o and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o full_o as_o we_o do_v a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n because_o that_o after_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v take_v this_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o another_o but_o much_o more_o do_v it_o make_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o upon_o this_o score_n likewise_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v this_o positive_a man_n assert_n here_o what_o he_o have_v be_v assert_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n but_o give_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v we_o if_o so_o you_o must_v believe_v all_o relation_n true_a or_o false_a indifferent_o when_o you_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o nay_o if_o two_o contrary_a proposition_n equal_o intelligible_a be_v relate_v he_o must_v believe_v they_o both_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o believe_v i_o when_o i_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o a_o secret_a club_n who_o set_v themselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o industry_n to_o destroy_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o tool_n only_o and_o have_v push_v he_o before_o they_o to_o try_v with_o what_o safety_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o may_v be_v open_o avow_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v and_o open_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o secret_a cabal_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o whosoever_o read_v this_o must_v believe_v it_o because_o they_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o they_o for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o they_o understand_v 139._o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v i_o in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o i_o relate_v of_o he_o for_o if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a then_o either_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v we_o both_o when_o we_o relate_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n or_o they_o must_v be_v sway_v one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o i_o and_o whether_o they_o believe_v he_o or_o i_o it_o will_v sufficient_o confute_v he_o for_o it_o will_v show_v that_o authority_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v not_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o that_o evidence_n he_o contend_v â—or_a in_o all_o relation_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o raise_v against_o this_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o passage_n 1._o pet._n 2_o 12._o where_o there_o be_v this_o expression_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n speak_v oâ—_n here_o be_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o time_n present_a that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o natural_a inference_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o thing_n yet_o be_v mystery_n even_o to_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n which_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o when_o they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o be_v mystery_n to_o we_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o this_o expression_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o time_n past_a and_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v he_o these_o two_o â—_z concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v believe_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o inquire_v into_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o than_o we_o find_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o believe_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v for_o if_o the_o angel_n understand_v they_o full_o when_o they_o believe_v why_o shall_v they_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o they_o 2._o whether_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o will_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v thing_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v if_o we_o have_v than_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v 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imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a etc._n etc._n may_v 6._o 1697._o narcissus_n dublin_n a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a as_o also_o to_o all_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n &_o mystery_n by_o peter_n browne_n b_o d._n sen_n fellow_n of_o trin._n coll._n dub_v dublin_n print_v by_o joseph_n ray_n in_o essex_n street_n for_o john_n north_n in_o skinner_n row_n 1697._o a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a sir_n when_o i_o send_v to_o borrow_v of_o you_o the_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a i_o little_o think_v of_o draw_v on_o myself_o any_o trouble_n beyond_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o it_o but_o since_o you_o have_v desire_v my_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o be_v unwilling_a 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as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o 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operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n 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of_o we_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a monster_n this_o knight_n errant_a set_v up_o for_o himself_o to_o engage_v with_o it_o be_v the_o spurious_a off_o spring_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o yet_o he_o father_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o introduce_v it_o with_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v never_o make_v to_o signify_v this_o by_o any_o beside_o himself_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n will_v have_v come_v into_o my_o head_n here_o he_o have_v make_v his_o own_o word_n good_a that_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v two_o emphatical_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o absurd_a definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemnity_n to_o encounter_v it_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o for_o a_o man_n 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to_o prove_v if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v argue_v close_o who_o mistake_v the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v however_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o proof_n yet_o but_o run_v upon_o another_o digression_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n and_o particular_o what_o it_o signify_v among_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o it_o signify_v quite_o another_o thing_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o he_o say_v not_o for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o 68_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n 73._o or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v both_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o christian_a mystery_n in_o common_a but_o take_v a_o christian_a mystery_n even_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n i._n e._n as_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o jewish_a type_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o 1._o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o god_n whereas_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v discoverable_a by_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o man_n 2._o beside_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o the_o thing_n involve_v in_o the_o jewish_a type_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n very_o intelligible_a for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o obvious_a to_o reason_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n and_o the_o thing_n inten_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n whereas_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o idolatry_n and_o many_o other_o gross_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o difference_n here_o for_o tho'_o it_o do_v not_o hit_v this_o description_n of_o his_o immediate_o because_o he_o may_v perhaps_o say_v those_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o soul_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v level_v at_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o by_o this_o time_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o 4._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a priest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n know_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o conceal_v they_o industrious_o from_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v of_o all_o christian_a priest_n viz._n that_o we_o full_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n ourselves_o and_o palm_n they_o upon_o the_o people_n for_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o virulent_a expression_n of_o his_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o 72._o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n we_o maintain_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o call_v it_o a_o gainful_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o only_a design_n 73._o of_o christian_a mystery_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n he_o call_v christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v a_o implicit_a constitution_n and_o say_v the_o 73._o venerable_a teacher_n play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n to_o amuse_v the_o people_n but_o he_o 74._o like_o a_o sharp_a inquisitive_a man_n it_o seem_v have_v find_v out_o our_o mystery_n and_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o next_o book_n to_o discover_v they_o all_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o the_o world_n like_o heathen_a priest_n as_o he_o make_v we_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o section_n where_o there_o 74._o be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o all_o that_o chapter_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o book_n and_o because_o he_o deliver_v it_o confuse_o i_o will_v reduce_v it_o to_o form_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o think_v i_o do_v do_v he_o justice_n let_v he_o manage_v it_o better_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o argue_v be_v this_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o we_o 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of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v 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prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n
he_o quote_v against_o we_o be_v justin_n martyr_n who_o say_v moses_n with_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o at_o the_o battle_n with_o the_o amalakste_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o he_o use_v these_o word_n type_n simbol_n mystery_n etc._n etc._n to_o signify_v thing_n once_o hide_v but_o now_o reveal_v so_o do_v we_o all_o to_o this_o day_n use_v these_o word_n to_o express_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o hide_v and_o now_o reveal_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o all_o that_o and_o if_o he_o will_v look_v into_o his_o tract_n of_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v never_o again_o cite_v this_o father_n against_o we_o at_o least_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o call_v he_o all_o to_o nought_o as_o he_o have_v do_v we_o when_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o propose_v many_o intricate_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n perhaps_o say_v he_o these_o unconceivable_a difficulty_n may_v perplex_v your_o mind_n and_o stagger_v your_o faith_n as_o for_o i_o when_o i_o be_o in_o any_o perplexity_n about_o these_o christian_a mystery_n i_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o those_o thing_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n above_o reason_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o create_a nature_n and_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solution_n to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o of_o a_o ready_a faith_n he_o argue_v moreover_o the_o impossibility_n of_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a object_n from_o the_o disproportion_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o our_o present_a capacity_n and_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o what_o confidence_n can_v you_o go_v about_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a solution_n of_o divine_a thing_n i_o leave_v this_o man_n who_o be_v concern_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n the_o next_o quotation_n be_v out_o of_o tertullian_n who_o have_v this_o expression_n in_o his_o apology_n cum_fw-la vel_fw-la ex_fw-la formâ_fw-la omnibus_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la silentij_fw-la fiides_fw-la habeatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o be_v in_o that_o place_n defend_v the_o christian_n from_o those_o crime_n of_o incest_n adultery_n and_o murder_v of_o child_n which_o the_o heathen_a charge_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o there_o meeting_n that_o they_o be_v groundless_a rumour_n and_o nothing_o more_o he_o argue_v thus_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v first_o discover_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o not_o by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v they_o but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v privy_a to_o they_o not_o by_o ourselves_o for_o none_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o horrid_a crime_n will_v discover_v thing_n which_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o immediate_a punishment_n of_o the_o law_n though_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v deserve_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o comparison_n with_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o the_o samothracian_a and_o elusinian_n mystery_n be_v keep_v so_o secret_a which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o discover_v how_o much_o more_o must_v you_o think_v such_o herrid_a and_o dangerous_a mystery_n as_o you_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v will_v be_v keep_v secret_a and_o his_o inâ—erence_n be_v very_o natural_a viz_o that_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v mere_a rumour_n since_o if_o they_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o be_v discover_v or_o if_o they_o be_v discover_v must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o spare_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v dicimur_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la dicimur_fw-la tamen_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vos_fw-la quod_fw-la tam_fw-la diù_fw-fr dicimur_fw-la eruere_fw-la cuâ—atis_fw-la ergò_fw-la aut_fw-la cruite_n si_fw-la creditis_fw-la aut_fw-la nolite_fw-la credere_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la eruisâ—is_fw-la this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o how_o this_o man_n will_v wrest_v his_o inference_n out_o of_o it_o ergò_fw-la there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n i_o can_v imagine_v the_o last_o he_o cite_v be_v origen_n who_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v all_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v of_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o intend_v by_o they_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v the_o ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n again_o he_o say_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n this_o man_n inference_n be_v ergò_fw-la now_o this_o be_v know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n can_v be_v no_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o whole_a six_o book_n of_o he_o against_o celsus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o what_o this_o man_n infist_n upon_o in_o his_o last_o chap._n viz._n to_o prove_v against_o that_o heretic_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a let_v he_o answer_v that_o book_n before_o he_o set_v about_o answer_v i_o these_o be_v all_o his_o pompous_a citation_n from_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v what_o no_o one_o deny_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o therefore_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n no_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mysterious_a now_o after_o all_o i_o find_v this_o be_v no_o new_a heresy_n but_o a_o old_a one_o of_o eunomius_n revive_v who_o affirm_v the_o real_a true_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o we_o eunoâ—_n which_o be_v long_o ago_o conjure_v in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o by_o st._n basil._n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o heap_v up_o quotation_n here_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n be_v that_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o express_a in_o greg_n nazianzen_n call_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o he_o deum_fw-la to_o god_n he_o have_v this_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o can_v the_o mind_n frame_v any_o notion_n of_o thou_o who_o be_v incomprehensible_a have_v thus_o show_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n be_v and_o how_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v true_o mysterious_a because_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v our_o manner_n of_o form_v idea_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n may_v look_v a_o little_a odd_a at_o first_o sight_n as_o if_o i_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o allegory_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n destroy_v the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n of_o i_o but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n 27._o way_n of_o intercourse_n with_o man_n but_o by_o take_v on_o he_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n by_o which_o he_o accommodate_v the_o insupportable_a majesty_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o our_o â—rail_a and_o imperfect_a state_n deus_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la humanos_fw-la congressus_fw-la inire_fw-la nisi_fw-la humanos_fw-la &_o sensus_fw-la &_o affectus_fw-la suscepisset_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vim_o majestatis_fw-la suae_fw-la intolerabilem_fw-la utique_fw-la humanae_fw-la mediocritati_fw-la humilitate_fw-la temperaret_fw-la gregory_n nyssen_n discourse_v at_o large_a haeret._n how_o the_o sacred_a style_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n by_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v familiar_a to_o we_o add_v these_o word_n for_o how_o say_v he_o can_v that_o immensity_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a be_v it_o not_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dionysius_n speak_v of_o this_o symbolical_a and_o figurative_a way_n of_o conceive_v and_o express_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n call_v those_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ti._n signa_fw-la figmenta_fw-la which_o be_v better_o render_v by_o the_o english_a word_n substitute_n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o substitute_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o have_v form_n and_o figure_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o have_v none_o again_o dionysius_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o hi._n to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o immaterial_a object_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o help_n of_o those_o notion_n we_o