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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
conscience_n faith_n hold_v shipwreck_n 2,221 5 12.7929 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52412 An account of reason & faith in relation to the mysteries of Christianity / by John Norris. Norris, John, 1657-1711. 1697 (1697) Wing N1243; ESTC R17698 127,080 368

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it_o to_o your_o more_o sober_a thought_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o every_o whit_n as_o great_a a_o extremity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o rational_a speculation_n to_o dogmatise_v so_o far_o as_o to_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v every_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o sceptic_n and_o pyrrhonian_n that_o we_o know_v nothing_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o however_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o moral_a consequence_n may_v be_v more_o innocent_o and_o safe_o affirm_v than_o the_o former_a since_o in_o that_o we_o only_o humble_o degrade_v ourselves_o and_o be_v content_a to_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o level_n of_o brute_n whereas_o in_o this_o we_o aspire_v to_o what_o be_v infinite_o above_o we_o and_o advance_v ourselves_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o you_o know_v a_o excess_n of_o self-dejection_n be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o tolerable_a extreme_a but_o if_o
perusal_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o considerate_a reader_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._n of_o reason_n page_n 18._o chapter_n ii_o of_o faith_n p._n 53._o chapter_n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v p._n 100_o chapter_n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 137._o chapter_n v._n that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a p._n 230._o chapter_n vi._n that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 243._o chapter_n vii_o that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o cartesian_a maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a p._n 251._o chapter_n viii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v p._n 282._o chapter_n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n p._n 294._o chapter_n x._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o socinian_o p._n 307._o postscript_n p._n 339._o the_o introduction_n 1._o among_o the_o various_a conjecture_n man_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n have_v fall_v into_o concern_v the_o last_o event_n we_o have_v have_v 338._o this_o opinion_n not_o long_o since_o advance_v for_o one_o that_o as_o god_n former_o by_o reject_v the_o jew_n make_v way_n for_o the_o gentile_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n he_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o reject_v the_o gentile_n make_v way_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v entire_o corrupt_a and_o all_o over_o anti-christianized_a the_o first_o of_o those_o viol_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v to_o exterminate_v the_o wicked_a and_o usher_v in_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o christendom_n shall_v be_v utter_o dissolve_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v replace_v and_o reestablish_v upon_o its_o ruin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o worthy_a of_o so_o sore_a a_o calamity_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n shall_v not_o only_o great_o depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a power_n of_o the_o evangelic_a spirit_n by_o apostatise_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o both_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o we_o have_v already_o see_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o shall_v even_o lay_v down_o their_o holy_a profession_n renounce_v their_o very_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o turn_v infidel_n upon_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o opinion_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o cast_v a_o very_a suspicious_a aspect_n 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o upon_o the_o former_a do_v also_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o that_o i_o may_v be_v graff_v in_o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o that_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a wither_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n before_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o every_o unfruitful_a branch_n shall_v be_v 2._o 2._o and_o true_o if_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o man_n opinion_n by_o the_o present_a face_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o true_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o right_a key_n of_o prophecy_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o sure_a by_o all_o sign_n and_o appearance_n the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o drive_v this_o way_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fatal_a revolution_n to_o come_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o be_v with_o large_a step_n hasten_v to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n continual_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o unsettled_a and_o undermine_v its_o venerable_a article_n dispute_v and_o ridicule_v and_o by_o what_o a_o slender_a thread_n do_v christianity_n hang_v the_o great_a complaint_n for_o a_o long_a while_n have_v be_v of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n but_o now_o our_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v as_o well_o as_o our_o manner_n and_o we_o every_o day_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o have_v now_o fill_v our_o measure_n and_o be_v every_o way_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n some_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o christian_n other_o allow_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o religion_n deny_v that_o of_o its_o author_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o again_o own_v his_o divinity_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o other_o again_o grant_v that_o and_o the_o other_o point_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v not_o only_o resolve_v into_o mere_a prudential_n reason_n as_o former_o instead_o of_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a order_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o be_v bring_v down_o so_o low_a of_o late_a as_o to_o be_v make_v a_o accommodation_n and_o condescension_n to_o and_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o the_o common_a weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n thus_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o mangle_v and_o dismember_a by_o some_o and_o so_o odd_o and_o insidious_o represent_v by_o other_o that_o between_o they_o both_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v endanger_v and_o a_o ready_a way_n prepare_v to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n 3._o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v any_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o consider_v christian_n or_o prejudice_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n to_o see_v so_o many_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o apostasy_n and_o revolting_n from_o it_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v often_o forewarn_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n wherein_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v resist_v the_o truth_n 3._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n and_o moreover_o that_o they_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2._o even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o christian_n and_o so_o neither_o aught_o the_o poor_a humble_a suffer_v condition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v be_v any_o to_o the_o jew_n since_o this_o also_o be_v plain_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o make_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o present_a suffering_n i_o may_v say_v crucifixion_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o many_o christian_n the_o generality_n of_o which_o measure_n the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o be_v apt_a more_o to_o stagger_v and_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o untoward_a appearance_n of_o any_o event_n than_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n from_o its_o agreement_n with_o ancient_a prophecy_n 4._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o do_v those_o without_o think_v of_o we_o particular_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v some_o that_o neither_o want_n intelligence_n nor_o curiosity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christendom_n what_o a_o confirmation_n must_v it_o be_v to_o these_o man_n in_o their_o infidelity_n to_o see_v christian_n grow_v weary_a of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o holy_a martyr_n shed_v their_o blood_n and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o might_n and_o power_n of_o their_o cruel_a emperor_n can_v it_o
though_o upon_o a_o different_a medium_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o medium_fw-la that_o specify_v faith_n and_o though_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o evident_a and_o not_o evident_a yet_o why_o may_v it_o not_o sustain_v two_o different_a relation_n or_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a medium_n so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o perceive_v by_o its_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o assent_v to_o upon_o authority_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v do_v as_o full_o and_o with_o as_o little_a regard_n to_o its_o evidence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o belief_n not_o to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o evidence_n but_o upon_o its_o own_o proper_a medium_fw-la authority_n 20._o but_o to_o use_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v less_o abstract_a though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o more_o press_v and_o convince_a suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o a_o geometrical_a truth_n as_o that_o two_o triangle_n have_v the_o same_o base_a and_o be_v within_o the_o same_o parallel_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a authority_n shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o myself_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o art_n who_o that_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v say_v that_o my_o science_n evacuate_v my_o faith_n and_o that_o i_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n assoon_o as_o i_o become_v a_o mathematician_n for_o though_o i_o be_o now_o suppose_v to_o know_v what_o before_o i_o only_o believe_v yet_o why_o shall_v this_o knowledge_n destroy_v my_o faith_n since_o i_o may_v still_o have_v as_o much_o regard_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v before_o the_o demonstration_n and_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o use_v another_o sensible_n though_o not_o so_o artificial_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n will_v refuse_v a_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o injure_v or_o destroy_v his_o faith_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v if_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v so_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n be_v so_o absolute_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o pretend_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o acquire_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o any_o reveal_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o destroy_v one_o faith_n and_o every_o believer_n will_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v all_o further_a light_n and_o information_n about_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o yet_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o a_o extravagant_a scruple_n such_o as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v much_o less_o stay_v long_o in_o any_o consider_v head_n and_o be_v withal_o contrary_a to_o a_o plain_a exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n 5._o 21._o when_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n believe_v be_v charge_v with_o obscurity_n and_o faith_n itself_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v say_v as_o it_o common_o be_v to_o be_v of_o inevident_a thing_n the_o mean_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v so_o all_o over_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v while_n believe_v absolute_o be_v know_v but_o only_o that_o it_o can_v under_o that_o formality_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_o in_o that_o respect_n inevident_a how_o bright_a or_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v evident_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believe_v or_o in_o relation_n to_o faith_n because_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o evidence_n how_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v shine_v but_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o another_o argument_n between_o which_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n or_o communication_n the_o short_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n simple_o and_o absolute_o speak_v may_v admit_v of_o evidence_n but_o than_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o demonstrable_a in_o itself_o yet_o as_o believe_v it_o be_v always_o obscure_a faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o proper_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n who_o bare_a authority_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n that_o determine_v her_o assent_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n upon_o which_o she_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o absolute_o consider_v may_v also_o stand_v upon_o other_o foundation_n be_v rational_o account_v for_o by_o argument_n from_o within_o and_o so_o be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o let_v the_o light_n shine_v never_o so_o bright_a upon_o the_o object_n from_o other_o side_n faith_n let_v in_o none_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o she_o find_v there_o but_o connive_n at_o it_o and_o walk_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o her_o eye_n shut_v content_v herself_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n and_o leave_v to_o science_n if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o object_n be_v always_o dark_a to_o she_o how_o clear_a and_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o or_o appear_v when_o absolute_o consider_v to_o a_o philosophic_a eye_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o science_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o as_o be_v say_v before_o all_o which_o be_v brief_o couch_v in_o that_o excellent_a account_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v where_o by_o substance_n and_o argument_n he_o equal_v it_o with_o science_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o vail_n and_o stoop_v to_o it_o in_o point_n of_o evidence_n in_o which_o respect_n indeed_o faith_n as_o firm_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v be_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o science_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n 22._o to_o gather_v up_o then_o what_o have_v be_v here_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o inevidence_n of_o faith_n into_o one_o view_n when_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a we_o shall_v not_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o or_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a from_o within_o this_o again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a this_o again_o last_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v always_o and_o necessary_o so_o in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a but_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o absolute_o and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n inevident_a for_o it_o may_v be_v so_o too_o as_o will_v be_v see_v afterward_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o so_o there_o