express_a and_o explicit_a authority_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o for_o whosoever_o explicit_o reveal_n the_o thing_n define_v reveal_v in_o effect_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v enumerate_v concern_v it_o while_o the_o scripture_n for_o example_n assure_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n it_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n and_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n it_o do_v in_o effect_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o angel_n and_o however_o some_o late_a papist_n talk_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v shift_v the_o protestant_a argument_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o most_o learned_a that_o ever_o espouse_v the_o roman_a cause_n be_v at_o a_o agreement_n with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n that_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n soto_n say_v bellarmine_n which_o god_n have_v either_o reveal_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o which_o may_v be_v evident_o infer_v from_o thence_o smiglesius_fw-la against_o mascorovius_fw-la proclaim_v it_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v express_o reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v evident_o deduce_v thence_o though_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n go_v to_o the_o deducement_n of_o it_o have_v its_o certainty_n only_o in_o natural_a light_n say_v canus_n and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o conclusio_fw-la sequitur_fw-la debiliorem_fw-la partem_fw-la the_o conclusion_n receive_v it_o specification_n and_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o weak_a proposition_n i_o reply_v 1_o be_v that_o logical_a maxim_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o universal_a latitude_n which_o they_o affix_v to_o it_o they_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o gain_v any_o thing_n thereby_o that_o their_o whole_a cause_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v supplant_v for_o if_o both_o proposition_n be_v evident_o true_a their_o dogm_n must_v be_v evident_o false_a see_v the_o conclusion_n that_o lie_v in_o repugnancy_n to_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n be_v judge_n deduce_v from_o true_a proposition_n god_n be_v as_o much_o the_o author_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n in_o its_o regular_a exercise_n as_o of_o scripture_n hierocl_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o proposition_n in_o a_o philosophical_a sense_n be_v the_o weak_a which_o be_v remote_a from_o self_n evidence_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v two_o premise_n whereof_o the_o one_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o what_o it_o borrow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a revealer_n the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n hauâ—ng_v â—ts_n evidence_n from_o a_o light_n reside_v in_o itself_o and_o from_o its_o congruity_n to_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n if_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o weak_a proposition_n it_o must_v be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o science_n for_o though_o the_o certitude_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o equal_a but_o transcendent_a to_o the_o certitude_n of_o reason_n sense_n and_o experience_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n assent_v to_o &_o the_o habitude_n it_o stand_v in_o to_o we_o beyond_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 5._o â—_o 1_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o nor_o do_v the_o school_n man_n only_o allow_v a_o proposition_n ground_v on_o a_o axiom_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o a_o proposition_n found_v only_o on_o revelation_n but_o withal_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o learned_a romanist_n both_o schoolman_n and_o other_o will_v have_v the_o former_a to_o be_v also_o more_o certain_a at_o lest_o quo_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la than_o the_o latter_a see_v bellarm_n lib._n 3._o the_o justify_v cap._n 2._o durand_n in_o 3._o d._n 23._o quest_n 7._o compt._n tom._n poster_n disp_n 9_o 3._o the_o forementioned_a logical_a axiom_n refer_v only_o to_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o not_o to_o any_o other_o affection_n incident_a to_o they_o if_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v negative_a the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o allege_a maxim_n must_v be_v negative_a also_o or_o if_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n be_v a_o particular_a nothing_o beyond_o a_o particular_a can_v be_v conclude_v though_o the_o other_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o howsoever_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v hold_v further_o yet_o this_o and_o no_o more_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o the_o first_o establisher_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o admittable_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n which_o the_o term_n seem_v to_o bear_v see_v of_o two_o proposition_n whereof_o the_o one_o only_o be_v true_a there_o may_v follow_v sometime_o a_o conclusion_n that_o be_v true_a though_o the_o other_o proposition_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n palpable_o false_a but_o ere_o i_o undertake_v the_o probation_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n must_v be_v necessary_o premise_v 1._o that_o all_o fundamental_a article_n be_v contain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o the_o enunciation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v term_n and_o phrase_n make_v use_v of_o to_o declare_v they_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n &_o to_o secure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o explain_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n yea_o all_o moral_a duty_n for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o that_o the_o father_n be_v this_o one_o god_n and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v so_o also_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o be_v declare_v in_o many_o express_a testimony_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n namely_o how_o god_n be_v one_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n how_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n he_o subsist_v in_o these_o three_o distinct_a person_n what_o be_v their_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o subsistence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v such_o woâ—ds_n and_o phrase_n make_v use_v of_o as_o be_v not_o literal_o and_o syllabical_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o teach_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v 2._o that_o these_o very_a fundamental_a article_n may_v be_v also_o confirm_v by_o consequence_n and_o logical_a deduction_n from_o express_v literal_a testimony_n nor_o do_v probation_n of_o this_o nature_n alter_v or_o enervate_v the_o quality_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o same_o though_o the_o method_n of_o proof_n be_v vary_v for_o example_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v equal_o a_o fundamental_a whether_o we_o prove_v it_o from_o express_a text_n or_o by_o consequence_n from_o literal_a testimony_n or_o by_o its_o connexion_n with_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o oeconomy_n of_o redemption_n etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o though_o all_o fundamental_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la express_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o yet_o these_o very_a truth_n do_v include_v other_o in_o they_o which_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o consequence_n for_o instance_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spâ—rit_n be_v reveal_v in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o hand_n nor_o foot_n nor_o any_o corporeal_a member_n can_v only_o be_v conclude_v by_o way_n of_o consequence_n in_o lâ—ke_a manner_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n predicable_a of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o demonstrate_v but_o by_o consequence_n and_o by_o borrow_v some_o proposition_n or_o other_o from_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o argue_v from_o express_a scripture-truths_n by_o deduction_n of_o conclusion_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o bible_n in_o letter_n and_o syllable_n be_v
to_o himself_o and_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n such_o harsh_a and_o uncouth_a trope_n as_o none_o but_o himself_o and_o some_o socinian_o ever_o dream_v of_o thus_o while_o other_o interpreter_n expound_v christ_n be_v make_v of_o god_n unto_o we_o wisdom_n righteousness_n sanctification_n and_o redemption_n 1_o cor._n 1.30_o of_o his_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o these_o not_o only_o in_o the_o reveal_n wherein_o wisdom_n righteousness_n etc._n etc._n do_v consist_v but_o in_o way_n of_o causality_n by_o a_o easy_a metonymy_n of_o the_o effect_n for_o the_o cause_n yet_o after_o a_o different_a manner_n in_o analogy_n to_o the_o thing_n themselves_o that_o be_v speak_v of_o 700._o mr._n sherlock_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o christ_n be_v make_v wisdom_n to_o we_o he_o can_v understand_v no_o more_o than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o those_o revelation_n christ_n have_v make_v of_o god_n will_v to_o the_o world_n p._n 103._o i_o will_v willing_o know_v how_o he_o will_v paraphrase_n the_o rest_n of_o the_o verse_n so_o as_o to_o make_v sense_n of_o it_o &_o yet_o preserve_v a_o consistency_n to_o his_o commentary_n upon_o the_o first_o paâ—â—_n without_o frame_v other_o trope_n than_o those_o do_v who_o miscarriage_n in_o this_o particular_a he_o so_o much_o blame_v in_o their_o interpret_n of_o scripture_n likewise_o whereas_o other_o commentator_n expound_v joh._n 14.6_o where_o christ_n say_v of_o himself_o i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n by_o admit_v only_o a_o simple_a and_o familiar_a metaphor_n in_o the_o term_n way_n mr._n sherlock_n do_v over_o and_o above_o fancy_v a_o metonymy_n in_o the_o pronoun_n i._o for_o p._n 31._o he_o paraphrase_v the_o text_n thus_o i_o alone_o declare_v the_o true_a way_n to_o life_n and_o happiness_n which_o he_o again_o repeat_v p._n 229._o i_o will_v not_o be_v so_o severe_a as_o to_o railly_fw-fr upon_o his_o manner_n of_o express_v himself_o in_o this_o matter_n p._n 135._o where_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i_o e._n christ_n himself_n but_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n because_o i_o suppose_v his_o meaning_n to_o be_v that_o though_o christ_n be_v so_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v not_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o gospel_n though_o i_o can_v have_v wish_v that_o out_o of_o respect_n to_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o modesty_n he_o have_v otherwise_o declare_v himself_o than_o there_o he_o do_v 4_o i_o be_o the_o less_o surprise_v to_o find_v the_o popular_a discourse_n of_o some_o nonconformist_n arraign_v as_o stuff_v with_o metaphor_n and_o their_o sermon_n and_o didactical_a write_n not_o only_o brand_v upon_o that_o account_n as_o unintelligible_a and_o that_o their_o notion_n will_v appear_v jejunâ—_n and_o ridiculous_a stuff_n do_v they_o want_v the_o varnish_n of_o fine_a metaphor_n and_o glitter_v allusion_n p._n but_o their_o person_n load_v with_o calumny_n as_o if_o they_o trifle_v away_o the_o duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o childish_a allegory_n and_o similitude_n ibid._n i_o say_v i_o be_o the_o less_o surprise_v at_o this_o in_o that_o i_o find_v the_o scripture_n itself_o impeach_v in_o the_o same_o manner_n by_o other_o upon_o the_o like_a account_n for_o as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n the_o scripture_n be_v blame_v as_o dull_a flat_a and_o unaffecting_a by_o man_n of_o a_o wanton_a and_o profane_a wit_n because_o of_o its_o not_o be_v adorn_v with_o flower_n of_o rhetoric_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o who_o find_v fault_n with_o it_o as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a because_o of_o the_o many_o rhetorical_a trope_n and_o figure_n with_o it_o be_v replenish_v which_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o topick_n which_o the_o papist_n to_o justify_v the_o withhold_a the_o laity_n from_o the_o read_n of_o the_o bible_n 7._o and_o to_o serve_v the_o design_n of_o erect_v a_o live_a infallible_a judge_n manage_v with_o more_o confidence_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n than_o that_o there_o be_v many_o trope_n figure_n and_o rhetorical_a schem'_v in_o the_o stile_n of_o it_o the_o divine_a end_n in_o interweave_v so_o many_o figurative_a expression_n into_o the_o phraseology_n of_o the_o bible_n shall_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o declare_v afterward_o and_o the_o scripture_n acquit_v from_o any_o just_a imputation_n of_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o rhetorical_a ornament_n with_o which_o it_o be_v embellish_v but_o as_o to_o the_o charge_n fasten_v upon_o some_o of_o late_a of_o obscure_a religion_n and_o darken_n what_o be_v otherwise_o plain_a and_o easy_a mere_o for_o indulge_v themselves_o now_o &_o then_o in_o the_o use_n of_o a_o metaphor_n and_o similitude_n i_o shall_v brief_o return_v these_o thing_n 1_o that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n in_o popular_a discourse_n where_o less_o accuracy_n and_o propriety_n in_o expression_n be_v require_v than_o in_o polemical_a and_o controversal_a write_n that_o this_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o our_o great_a end_n be_v to_o instruct_v and_o persuade_v and_o the_o modes_n of_o speak_v and_o write_v be_v but_o a_o organical_a art_n in_o order_n thereunto_o all_o method_n of_o discourse_n must_v be_v estimate_v by_o their_o commensurateness_n to_o this_o end_n 2_o many_o of_o the_o expression_n quarrel_v with_o in_o sermon_n and_o practical_a tract_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a term_n and_o phrase_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n condescend_v to_o declare_v sacred_a thing_n by_o nor_o can_v any_o reproach_n be_v fasten_v on_o they_o in_o the_o write_n of_o man_n where_o they_o occur_v without_o reflection_n on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o use_v they_o in_o the_o like_a case_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n fit_a and_o more_o emphatical_a expression_n to_o declare_v divine_a thing_n there_o be_v none_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a ghost_n have_v precede_v we_o in_o there_o be_v none_o that_o teach_v like_o god_n 36.22_o nor_o be_v the_o scripture_n only_o the_o rule_n of_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_n but_o also_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o expression_n about_o sacred_a thing_n which_o we_o be_v to_o declare_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v 13._o god_n not_o only_o inspire_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n with_o a_o knowledge_n and_o apprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n they_o be_v to_o reveal_v but_o he_o suggest_v the_o very_a word_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o express_v what_o their_o mind_n have_v conceive_v hence_o we_o be_v not_o only_o oblige_v to_o teach_v no_o other_o doctrine_n but_o what_o the_o scripture_n authorise_v but_o we_o be_v advise_v to_o pay_v a_o particular_a regard_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o wholesome_a word_n even_o the_o word_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ._n 6.3_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o the_o apostle_n there_o perstringe_v refer_v not_o only_o to_o the_o teach_n of_o doctrine_n unadapt_v to_o the_o promotion_n of_o godliness_n but_o the_o decline_a scripture_n word_n &_o phrase_n in_o the_o unfold_a mystery_n of_o faith_n the_o sacred_a oracle_n be_v not_o only_o our_o standard_n in_o the_o former_a but_o also_o in_o the_o latter_a hence_o likewise_o it_o be_v that_o we_o have_v in_o command_n to_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o form_n of_o sound_a word_n 1.13_o i._n e._n to_o conform_v ourselves_o in_o the_o explicate_a of_o gospel_n mystery_n to_o the_o term_n and_o expression_n which_o the_o apostle_n have_v manifest_v and_o declare_v they_o by_o and_o it_o be_v make_v a_o character_n of_o a_o good_a minister_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nourish_v up_o in_o the_o word_n of_o faith_n and_o of_o good_a doctrine_n 4.6_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n require_v a_o rhetoric_n proper_a and_o peculiar_a to_o themselves_o and_o as_o it_o be_v only_o from_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o can_v be_v supply_v with_o glorious_a image_n and_o excellent_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o we_o treat_v of_o so_o it_o alone_o can_v best_o furnish_v we_o with_o all_o ornament_n of_o speech_n and_o eloquence_n as_o well_o to_o beautify_v as_o declare_v they_o 3._o rhetorical_a trope_n and_o figure_n have_v be_v usual_o account_v for_o light_n &_o colour_n to_o illustrate_v thing_n and_o not_o for_o shade_n and_o cloud_n to_o darken_v and_o obscure_v they_o as_o of_o all_o trope_n metaphor_n be_v the_o most_o usual_a in_o profane_a author_n so_o unless_o perhaps_o we_o except_o metonymy_n they_o be_v more_o obvious_a in_o sacred_a writer_n than_o any_o other_o orat_fw-la and_o as_o they_o add_v a_o wonderful_a
that_o can_v be_v possible_o imagine_v of_o do_v it_o with_o security_n i_o ready_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o article_n and_o precept_n of_o religion_n may_v in_o some_o case_n and_o circumstance_n be_v safe_o preserve_v and_o secure_o convey_v down_o from_o age_n to_o age_n by_o oral_a tradition_n namely_o when_o the_o thing_n themselves_o to_o be_v preserve_v and_o report_v be_v few_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n to_o be_v instruct_v in_o they_o small_a the_o age_n of_o those_o to_o who_o the_o successive_a communication_n be_v give_v lengthen_v out_o for_o several_a hundred_o year_n and_o mankind_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n neither_o slothful_a nor_o great_o corrupt_v and_o according_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n by_o excellent_a counsel_n and_o in_o his_o most_o extraordinary_a work_n use_v natural_a agent_n as_o far_o as_o their_o capacity_n will_v serve_v do_v for_o some_o time_n take_v this_o method_n not_o think_v it_o fit_a in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n to_o commit_v the_o revelation_n he_o vouchsafe_v it_o to_o write_v but_o take_v the_o case_n as_o it_o now_o be_v namely_o that_o mankind_n be_v vast_o multiply_v that_o our_o life_n be_v much_o shorten_v and_o contract_v to_o what_o at_o first_o they_o be_v that_o the_o doctrine_n institution_n and_o duty_n which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v instruct_v in_o be_v numerous_a and_o many_o and_o that_o carelessness_n and_o debauchery_n have_v arrest_v the_o world_n and_o i_o affirm_v that_o some_o other_o mean_v beside_o oral_a tradition_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o safe_a conveyance_n of_o revelation_n from_o one_o age_n to_o another_o for_o 1._o the_o failure_n of_o oral_a tradition_n in_o the_o preserve_n either_o thing_n humane_a or_o divine_a argue_v that_o god_n have_v merciful_o condescend_v to_o give_v a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o man_n shall_v pitch_v upon_o some_o more_o certain_a method_n of_o convey_v it_o to_o such_o as_o live_v in_o place_n and_o time_n remote_a from_o the_o first_o delivery_n of_o it_o than_o tradition_n be_v how_o many_o famous_a institutes_n of_o ethnic_a legislator_n and_o theory_n of_o ancient_a philosopher_n be_v lose_v through_o not_o be_v commit_v to_o write_v i_o will_v take_v it_o for_o grant_v at_o present_a that_o the_o world_n have_v a_o beginning_n that_o man_n be_v not_o self-originated_n and_o that_o they_o be_v not_o create_v impure_a but_o that_o sin_n by_o some_o accident_n or_o other_o make_v its_o entrance_n afterward_o into_o the_o world_n i_o will_v likewise_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o the_o first_o common_a parent_n of_o mankind_n whoever_o they_o be_v make_v their_o immediate_a posterity_n acquaint_v with_o those_o important_a thing_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o experience_n tell_v we_o how_o insufficient_a oral_a tradition_n have_v be_v to_o preserve_v they_o among_o the_o gentile_a nation_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d out_o of_o which_o those_o philosopher_n who_o approach_n near_a the_o truth_n allege_v thing_n to_o have_v be_v at_o first_o make_v be_v plain_o borrow_v from_o the_o moysaicall_a record_n the_o entrance_n of_o sin_n by_o the_o mean_n of_o certain_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d insolent_a daemon_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o serpent_n which_o some_o of_o they_o suggest_v be_v evident_o steal_v from_o the_o sacred_a write_n or_o at_o least_o learned_a by_o converse_n with_o the_o jewish_a nation_n to_o which_o the_o oracle_n of_o god_n be_v commit_v but_o shall_v we_o grant_v that_o all_o these_o and_o whatever_o else_o we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o heathen_a writer_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v preserve_v by_o tradition_n among_o themselves_o yet_o their_o account_n about_o these_o great_a important_a matter_n be_v so_o scanty_a inconsistent_a and_o ridiculous_a that_o we_o can_v be_v so_o foolish_a as_o to_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o just_a and_o full_a report_n which_o be_v communicate_v by_o our_o first_o parent_n to_o their_o immediate_a offspring_n i_o shall_v only_o add_v that_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o one_o true_a god_n though_o most_o easy_a to_o have_v be_v preserve_v be_v not_o only_o short_a and_o plain_a but_o have_v foundation_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v nevertheless_o soon_o corrupt_v and_o deface_v by_o the_o world_n lapse_v into_o polytheism_n 2._o in_o order_n to_o tradition_n be_v a_o sufficient_a mean_n of_o convey_v down_o revelation_n to_o successive_a age_n we_o must_v suppose_v both_o a_o care_n from_o time_n to_o time_n in_o all_o to_o learn_v it_o and_o that_o perfect_o a_o equal_a capacity_n in_o all_o to_o understand_v and_o remember_v it_o a_o regard_n in_o every_o one_o to_o instruct_v other_o without_o the_o least_o variation_n in_o what_o themselves_o have_v learned_a for_o if_o either_o through_o sloth_n difference_n of_o ability_n entanglement_n by_o the_o world_n or_o corruption_n of_o manner_n there_o shall_v be_v a_o failure_n in_o any_o of_o these_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v what_o will_v soon_o become_v of_o reveal_v doctrine_n be_v there_o nothing_o else_o to_o secure_v their_o communication_n from_o one_o generation_n to_o another_o beside_o tradition_n now_o he_o that_o will_v believe_v all_o man_n to_o be_v of_o equal_a capacity_n equal_a fidelity_n equal_a diligence_n etc._n etc._n not_o only_o contradict_v the_o daily_a experience_n which_o we_o have_v of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n but_o withal_o affirm_v that_o to_o be_v impossible_a namely_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o error_n in_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n or_o mistake_v about_o institution_n of_o worship_n etc._n etc._n which_o yet_o we_o find_v actual_o to_o be_v 3._o that_o can_v be_v a_o sufficient_a and_o certain_a medium_fw-la of_o convey_v revelation_n to_o mankind_n by_o which_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o palpable_a falsehood_n under_o pretence_n of_o be_v part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o the_o world_n in_o proof_n of_o this_o i_o need_v only_a instance_n the_o oral_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o unwritten_a tradition_n of_o the_o papist_n among_o which_o i_o may_v say_v with_o modesty_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n to_o be_v meet_v with_o so_o far_o from_o have_v be_v at_o any_o time_n reveal_v by_o god_n that_o it_o be_v a_o wonder_n be_v so_o trifle_a absurd_a and_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n they_o shall_v have_v ever_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o man_n 4_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o arriv'_v with_o he_o in_o way_n of_o tradition_n till_o he_o have_v some_o assurance_n that_o all_o mankind_n be_v agree_v and_o of_o the_o same_o persuasion_n with_o his_o instructer_n unless_o he_o shall_v take_v his_o teacher_n to_o be_v infallible_a now_o as_o the_o first_o of_o these_o be_v moral_o impossible_a at_o least_o for_o most_o person_n in_o the_o world_n who_o neither_o have_v time_n ability_n nor_o opportunity_n of_o resolve_v themselves_o by_o converse_n with_o every_o individual_a so_o the_o last_o be_v groundless_a and_o absurd_a and_o indeed_o constitute_v all_o man_n infallible_a neither_o capable_a of_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o impose_v upon_o other_o what_o i_o have_v say_v against_o the_o convey_n down_o revelation_n with_o security_n by_o oral_a tradition_n make_v equal_o against_o its_o conveyance_n in_o write_v by_o man_n not_o divine_o inspire_v as_o word_n be_v the_o representation_n of_o conception_n so_o write_v be_v the_o register_n of_o word_n and_o if_o man_n may_v deceive_v in_o their_o vocal_a report_n they_o may_v do_v the_o like_a in_o the_o consignment_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o word_n to_o script_n beside_o we_o shall_v be_v first_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o know_v whether_o those_o that_o do_v not_o write_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n who_o be_v ever_o the_o major_a number_n be_v at_o a_o agreement_n with_o those_o that_o write_v second_o be_v be_v not_o only_o difficult_a but_o impossible_a for_o person_n of_o mean_a part_n secular_a vocation_n etc._n etc._n to_o consult_v the_o write_n of_o all_o those_o that_o have_v write_v of_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o can_v make_v a_o judgement_n in_o this_o matter_n three_o we_o shall_v find_v ourselves_o endless_o entangle_v when_o we_o find_v they_o contradict_v one_o another_o and_o four_o to_o add_v no_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n both_o whether_o in_o that_o they_o write_v they_o be_v not_o impose_v upon_o by_o those_o of_o who_o they_o receive_v it_o and_o also_o whether_o they_o live_v and_o die_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o all_o that_o which_o may_v be_v in_o their_o young_a and_o unexperienced_a year_n they_o throw_v into_o paper_n or_o whether_o afterward_o in_o some_o thing_n or_o other_o they_o
not_o material_a and_o make_v not_o to_o the_o business_n itself_o mahometism_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o six_o century_n about_o which_o time_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a season_n before_o the_o whole_a east_n be_v sore_o infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o rend_v by_o schism_n which_o together_o with_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o west_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v this_o deceiver_n to_o accost_v the_o world_n arabia_n have_v be_v ever_o fertile_a of_o dotage_n and_o dream_n for_o beside_o other_o heretic_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o collyridians_n spring_v from_o thence_o so_o that_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n that_o it_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o mahomet_n obtrude_a a_o new_a religion_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neither_o reason_n nor_o any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n befriend_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v justify_v his_o mission_n by_o some_o miracle_n or_o other_o as_o to_o what_o he_o go_v about_o but_o these_o himself_n plain_o disclaim_v and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v such_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o disparage_v both_o the_o person_n and_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v bring_v i_o know_v that_o all_o person_n who_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v not_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o needful_a especial_o when_o they_o only_o call_v man_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o so_o attest_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v spare_v of_o miracle_n and_o indeed_o he_o thereby_o better_o provide_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n new_a and_o also_o more_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v wonder_n in_o attestation_n of_o every_o ordinary_a messenger_n and_o familiar_a truth_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o none_o of_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n save_v moses_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o promulger_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o every_o herald_n of_o heaven_n have_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n yet_o no_o one_o come_v inspire_v by_o god_n who_o have_v not_o some_o testimony_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o he_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o impostor_n either_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v be_v of_o that_o sublimeness_n that_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v have_v invent_v they_o and_o yet_o when_o discover_v be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o our_o rational_a desire_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o our_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v due_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v what_o i_o look_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v or_o else_o they_o make_v know_v some_o present_a matter_n which_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n such_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o declare_v some_o fact_n do_v either_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o with_o that_o secrecy_n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o or_o else_o they_o foretell_v some_o future_a contingent_a soon_o after_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o according_o fell_a out_o in_o every_o circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o unlikely_a but_o that_o most_o 22._o if_o not_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n have_v their_o mission_n confirm_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o some_o thing_n future_a which_o no_o humane_a prudence_n can_v foresee_v or_o else_o they_o be_v bear_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o prevalency_n and_o immediate_a success_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o prevent_v some_o impendent_a judgement_n or_o in_o the_o procure_n some_o needful_a mercy_n for_o thereby_o be_v declare_v either_o their_o foresight_n of_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o the_o interest_n favour_n and_o power_n they_o have_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o probability_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n 27.18_o justify_v their_o mission_n by_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o mahomet_n though_o he_o not_o only_o pretend_v to_o speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n but_o withal_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n real_o new_a yet_o he_o come_v authorize_v by_o no_o miracle_n sign_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o impostor_n yea_o whereas_o he_o own_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a it_o have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o jew_n and_o 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