a_o eternal_a god_n without_o know_v how_o any_o thing_n be_v eternal_a these_o be_v dispute_n in_o philosophy_n and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o vain_a man_n will_v dispute_v about_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v above_o our_o compreâ—…ension_n and_o therefore_o no_o reasonable_a â—…bjection_n against_o our_o faith_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarâ—…ation_n nothing_o can_v be_v plain_o in_o scripâ—…ure_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v â—…an_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o this_o article_n be_v pure_o philosophical_a some_o man_n reject_v it_o because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n other_o confound_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n as_o eutyches_n do_v or_o divide_v the_o person_n as_o nestoriâ—…us_n do_v both_o which_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o article_n of_o the_o incarnation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v flesh_n unless_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v god_n be_v man_n too_o and_o continue_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n after_o this_o union_n but_o all_o these_o dispute_n concern_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v separate_v between_o faith_n and_o philosophy_n such_o dispute_n may_v soon_o be_v end_v thus_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o pelagian_a and_o quinquarticular_a controversy_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o fate_n and_o prescience_n liberty_n and_o necessity_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n or_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v time_n permit_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v this_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o what_o he_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o such_o nice_a philosophical_a question_n as_o man_n raise_v about_o these_o matter_n which_o occasion_n all_o these_o dispute_n it_o have_v often_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n to_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o scripture-word_n and_o expression_n without_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o they_o but_o this_o will_v make_v only_o a_o agreement_n in_o word_n not_o a_o consent_n in_o opinion_n not_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n while_o all_o man_n know_v that_o under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n they_o have_v very_o different_a and_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o will_v still_o make_v they_o as_o much_o heretic_n to_o each_o other_o as_o if_o their_o word_n do_v as_o express_o contradict_v each_o other_o as_o their_o faith_n but_o will_v man_n reduce_v all_o their_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n and_o make_v that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o intermix_v any_o philosophical_a dispute_n with_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o union_n for_o it_o be_v only_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n which_o raise_v all_o â—…ese_n dispute_v and_o then_o tempt_v man_n to_o â—…ervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o â—…hilosophy_n in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o â—…quire_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o â—…o_o far_o our_o faith_n be_v concern_v and_o these_o â—…re_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a disâ—…utes_n if_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o â—…uch_o be_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o cathoâ—…k_a father_n with_o the_o sabellian_n arian_n and_o â—…hotinian_n heretic_n whether_o father_n â—…on_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o three_o name_n or_o three_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n or_o any_o other_o three_o but_o three_o true_a proper_a coeternal_a and_o coequal_a person_n or_o whether_o he_o who_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n or_o a_o son_n and_o god_n by_o nature_n true_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n or_o whether_o christ_n be_v god_n incarnate_a or_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o their_o ancient_a creed_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o teach_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o must_v explain_v the_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v and_o to_o let_v other_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o if_o to_o assert_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n against_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n shall_v be_v call_v new_a explication_n we_o can_v help_v it_o for_o we_o must_v explain_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o these_o article_n and_o how_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o mere_a philosophical_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n nor_o to_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o these_o mystery_n beyond_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n will_v justify_v indeed_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n do_v very_o often_o engage_v the_o catholic_n father_n in_o philosophical_a dispute_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o explain_v the_o christian_a mystery_n by_o philosophy_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o as_o incomprehensible_a as_o these_o mystery_n be_v the_o philosophy_n of_o heretic_n and_o their_o objection_n against_o these_o article_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o shame_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n while_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o this_o issue_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o â—…eat_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o reject_v all_o the_o â—…in_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n â—…en_o oppose_v to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n â—…r_o that_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o this_o â—…ution_n not_o to_o discourage_v the_o use_n of_o â—…eason_n or_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n â—…hich_v be_v great_a improvement_n and_o a_o â—…lightful_a entertainment_n of_o humane_a â—…inds_n and_o with_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a â—…onduct_n may_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o reâ—…gion_n too_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v up_o any_o â—…onclusions_n in_o philosophy_n against_o the_o â—…hristian_a faith_n nor_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n â—…ith_v a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o reâ—…ct_v any_o reveal_v truth_n for_o want_v of_o â—…atural_a idea_n to_o conceive_v they_o by_o to_o shorten_v this_o discourse_n as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o show_v you_o â—…hat_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v those_o â—…octrines_n which_o be_v think_v the_o most_o â—…ysterious_a and_o inconceivable_a notwithâ—…tanding_v any_o objection_n from_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n against_o they_o and_o the_o account_n of_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v â—…nto_o the_o nature_n use_v and_o authority_n of_o revelation_n that_o revelation_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n must_v serve_v instead_o of_o sense_n natural_a idea_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n whiâ—…_n we_o do_v not_o see_v thing_n which_o we_o haâ—…_n not_o natural_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o naturâ—…_n reason_n for_o without_o this_o there_o be_v littlâ—…_n use_v of_o faith_n no_o authority_n of_o pure_a revelation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_n corruption_n oâ—…_n mankind_n make_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o revive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o reinforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o command_n but_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o any_o natural_a evidence_n at_o least_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v if_o god_n know_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o when_o he_o see_v it_o useful_a for_o mankind_n now_o if_o god_n ever_o do_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n we_o must_v believe_v without_o any_o natural_a evidence_n mere_o because_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o revelation_n nor_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o â—…pernatural_a truth_n that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o natural_a
god_n for_o man_n will_v swallow_v i_o up_o he_o â—…ting_v daily_o oppress_v i_o my_o eneâ—…es_n will_v daily_o swallow_v i_o up_o for_o they_o 〈◊〉_d many_o that_o rise_v up_o against_o i_o o_o thou_o most_o â—…igh_a what_o time_n i_o be_o afraid_a i_o will_v â—…ust_v in_o thou_o in_o god_n i_o will_v praise_v his_o â—…rd_n in_o god_n i_o have_v put_v my_o trust_n i_o will_v â—…t_o fear_v what_o flesh_n can_v do_v unto_o i_o four_o when_o god_n do_v think_v fit_a to_o â—…rrect_v his_o people_n yet_o he_o always_o reâ—…oves_v his_o judgement_n upon_o their_o sincere_a â—…epentance_n this_o be_v god_n express_a â—…ovenant_n with_o israel_n 26._o levit._fw-la 40_o â—…1_n 42._o if_o they_o shall_v confess_v their_o iniquiâ—…_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o father_n with_o the_o trespass_n which_o they_o trespass_v against_o i_o and_o also_o that_o they_o have_v walkâ—…d_v contrary_a to_o i_o and_o that_o i_o also_o have_v â—…alked_v contrary_a to_o they_o and_o have_v bring_v â—…hem_n into_o the_o land_n of_o their_o enemy_n 〈◊〉_d then_o their_o uncircumcised_a heart_n be_v humâ—…led_v and_o they_o then_o accept_v of_o the_o punishment_n of_o their_o iniquity_n then_o will_v i_o remember_v my_o covenant_n with_o jacob_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o isaac_n and_o also_o my_o covenant_n with_o abraham_n will_v i_o remember_v and_o i_o will_v remember_v the_o land_n thus_o in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o judge_n when_o god_n for_o their_o sin_n deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o their_o enemy_n when_o they_o cry_v to_o god_n he_o raise_v up_o saviour_n for_o they_o nay_o many_o time_n when_o their_o repentance_n be_v not_o very_o sincere_a nor_o last_a yet_o in_o great_a goodness_n and_o compassion_n he_o spare_v they_o when_o he_o slay_v they_o than_o they_o seek_v he_o and_o return_v and_o inquire_v early_o after_o god_n and_o they_o remember_v that_o god_n be_v their_o rock_n and_o the_o high_a god_n their_o redeemer_n neuèrtheless_o they_o do_v flatter_v he_o with_o their_o mouth_n and_o they_o lie_v unto_o he_o with_o their_o tongue_n for_o their_o heart_n be_v not_o right_a with_o he_o neither_o be_v they_o steadfast_a in_o his_o covenant_n but_o he_o be_v full_a of_o compassion_n forgive_v their_o iniquity_n and_o destroy_v they_o not_o yea_o many_o a_o time_n turn_v he_o his_o anger_n away_o and_o do_v not_o stir_v up_o all_o his_o wrath_n for_o he_o remember_v that_o they_o be_v but_o flesh_n a_o wind_n that_o pass_v away_o and_o come_v not_o again_o 78._o psalm_n 34_o etc._n etc._n so_o that_o how_o angry_a soever_o god_n be_v we_o have_v a_o certain_a way_n of_o appease_v his_o anger_n nothing_o but_o sin_n can_v provoke_v a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o compassionate_a father_n to_o punish_v he_o have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o all_o his_o creature_n he_o do_v not_o afflict_v willing_o nor_o grieve_v the_o child_n of_o man_n and_o therefore_o he_o be_v more_o easy_o appease_v than_o he_o be_v provoke_v judgement_n be_v his_o strange_a work_n but_o he_o â—…ights_v in_o act_n of_o mercy_n and_o seem_v â—…ased_v with_o a_o honourable_a occasion_n 〈◊〉_d show_v mercy_n without_o expose_v his_o â—…ws_n and_o government_n to_o contempt_n â—…d_v therefore_o repentance_n and_o reforâ—…tion_n will_v always_o appease_v he_o nay_o â—…metimes_o we_o see_v that_o the_o very_a show_v â—…d_v appearance_n of_o a_o public_a and_o solemn_a â—…pentance_n though_o it_o be_v not_o so_o sinâ—…re_a and_o hearty_a as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v â—…akes_v he_o stay_v his_o hand_n and_o expect_v â—…r_a return_n and_o this_o be_v a_o great_a encouâ—…gement_n and_o a_o powerful_a obligation_n on_o 〈◊〉_d to_o return_v to_o god_n when_o he_o strike_v 〈◊〉_d humble_a ourselves_o under_o his_o mighty_a â—…nd_n for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o reâ—…ove_v his_o judgement_n and_o this_o will_v do_v 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o trust_v in_o army_n â—…d_a navy_n in_o the_o courage_n and_o conâ—…ct_n of_o prince_n and_o general_n when_o â—…ur_n sin_v fight_v against_o we_o when_o god_n â—…efuses_v to_o go_v forth_o with_o our_o army_n â—…r_v no_o king_n be_v save_v by_o the_o multitude_n of_o â—…n_a host_n a_o horse_n be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o safeâ—…y_n neither_o shall_v he_o deliver_v any_o by_o his_o â—…reat_a strength_n but_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v upon_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o upon_o they_o that_o â—…ope_v in_o his_o mercy_n 33._o psal._n 16_o 17_o 18._o nay_o the_o justice_n and_o righteousness_n of_o our_o cause_n will_v not_o always_o secure_a 〈◊〉_d of_o success_n for_o those_o who_o have_v a_o very_a just_a cause_n may_v deserve_v to_o be_v punish_v and_o then_o god_n may_v just_o punish_v they_o and_o deliver_v they_o into_o the_o hand_n 〈◊〉_d their_o enemy_n god_n do_v not_o always_o determine_v what_o be_v right_o and_o wrong_n by_o the_o event_n of_o war_n for_o he_o be_v the_o sovereign_a judge_n of_o the_o world_n and_o may_v punish_v a_o wicked_a nation_n by_o unjust_a oppressor_n as_o he_o often_o do_v the_o israelite_n the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n will_v not_o always_o secure_v we_o when_o ouâ—…_n sin_v cry_v for_o vengeance_n when_o the_o jew_n cry_v the_o temple_n of_o the_o lord_n 〈◊〉_d temple_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o prophet_n tell_v they_o they_o trust_v in_o lie_a word_n for_o will_v you_o steal_v and_o murder_n and_o commit_v adultery_n and_o swear_v false_o and_o burn_v incense_n to_o baal_n and_o come_v and_o stand_v before_o i_o in_o this_o house_n which_o be_v call_v by_o my_o name_n and_o say_v we_o be_v deliver_v to_o do_v all_o these_o abomination_n 7_o jer._n 4_o 10._o to_o glory_v in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o true_a faith_n or_o in_o a_o vigorous_a opposition_n to_o the_o error_n and_o corruption_n of_o religion_n when_o we_o be_v atheist_n or_o infidel_n in_o our_o life_n may_v make_v god_n punish_v we_o but_o be_v no_o reason_n on_o our_o part_n why_o he_o shall_v save_v we_o but_o true_a and_o sincere_a repenâ—…ance_n will_v save_v we_o we_o profess_v the_o sinâ—…ere_a faith_n of_o christ_n we_o fight_v in_o a_o just_a cause_n if_o it_o be_v lawful_a to_o defend_v our_o â—…elves_n against_o the_o powerful_a oppressor_n â—…f_o the_o protestant_n that_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n and_o the_o liberty_n of_o europe_n and_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o fear_v â—…ny_n thing_n but_o our_o sin_n let_v we_o but_o reâ—…orm_v our_o life_n and_o put_v away_o the_o evil_a â—…f_n our_o do_n and_o our_o arm_n will_v be_v as_o prosperous_a as_o our_o cause_n be_v just_a god_n will_v then_o gird_v our_o prince_n and_o soldier_n â—…ith_o strength_n to_o the_o battle_n will_v teach_v â—…heir_a hand_n to_o war_n and_o their_o finger_n to_o â—…ght_n 5thly_a faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v more_o â—…owerful_a than_o arm_n as_o it_o must_v necesâ—…arily_o be_v if_o god_n only_o give_v victory_n â—…nd_v success_n this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o â—…hole_a history_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o apoâ—…le_n to_o the_o hebrew_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a â—…ccount_n of_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n ii_o heb._n â—…2_n 33_o 34._o of_o gideon_n and_o barach_n and_o samson_n and_o jeptha_n and_o david_n who_o â—…hrough_a faith_n subdue_v kingdom_n wrought_v â—…ighteousness_n obtain_v promise_n stop_v â—…he_a mouth_n of_o lion_n quench_v the_o violence_n â—…f_a fire_n escape_v the_o edge_n of_o the_o sword_n out_o of_o weakness_n be_v make_v strong_a wax_v valivaliant_a in_o fight_n turn_v to_o flight_n the_o army_n of_o the_o alien_n moses_n his_o prayer_n be_v more_o powerful_a than_o ioshua_n arm_n for_o when_o moses_n hold_v up_o his_o hand_n israel_n prevail_v when_o he_o let_v down_o his_o hand_n amalek_n prevail_v 17._o exo._n ii_o hezekiah_n prayer_n overthrow_v the_o assyrian_a army_n when_o rabshekah_n come_v against_o jerusalem_n and_o reproach_v they_o with_o their_o trust_n in_o god_n we_o must_v not_o indeed_o expect_v such_o miraculous_a victory_n as_o god_n give_v to_o israel_n but_o this_o make_v no_o difference_n for_o the_o power_n of_o faith_n and_o prayer_n be_v the_o same_o still_o and_o all_o victory_n be_v god_n still_o who_o give_v success_n as_o well_o by_o invisible_a mean_n and_o seem_a accident_n as_o by_o the_o most_o visible_a interposal_n of_o a_o miraculous_a power_n for_o god_n give_v israel_n miraculous_a deliverance_n not_o because_o he_o can_v not_o save_v they_o without_o a_o miracle_n but_o because_o he_o will_v make_v it_o visible_a to_o all_o the_o world_n that_o he_o be_v their_o saviour_n but_o still_o god_n hear_v our_o prayer_n and_o answer_v they_o he_o be_v still_o the_o saviour_n and_o deliverer_n of_o all_o those_o who_o trust_v in_o he_o and_o hope_v in_o his_o mercy_n and_o therefore_o the_o only_a sure_a way_n to_o conquer_v our_o enemy_n be_v to_o prevail_v with_o god_n by_o
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o revelation_n in_o general_n the_o book_n of_o moses_n be_v the_o most_o ancient_a and_o that_o consider_v the_o best_a attest_v history_n in_o the_o world_n the_o whole_a nation_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o history_n he_o write_v pay_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o he_o and_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o he_o relate_v he_o be_v certain_o a_o inspire_a man_n who_o can_v neither_o deceive_v nor_o be_v deceive_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o have_v great_a evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o authenticalness_n of_o any_o write_n at_o such_o a_o distance_n of_o time_n than_o we_o have_v for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o indeed_o the_o infidel_n of_o our_o age_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v pure_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o history_n and_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o all_o their_o other_o objection_n shall_v come_v too_o late_o unless_o they_o will_v justify_v pharaoh_n in_o disbelieve_v moses_n and_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
the_o thing_n and_o the_o only_a dispute_n be_v about_o matter_n of_o fact_n whether_o god_n have_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v such_o inspire_a man_n send_v by_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n whether_o there_o ever_o be_v any_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v or_o any_o certain_a prediction_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v and_o when_o man_n be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o thing_n may_v be_v as_o they_o certain_o may_v be_v if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n it_o will_v dispose_v they_o to_o a_o more_o modest_a and_o impartial_a examination_n of_o such_o matter_n and_o not_o suffer_v they_o to_o despise_v reveal_v religion_n at_o all_o adventure_n for_o in_o matter_n especial_o of_o such_o vast_a moment_n no_o wise_a man_n will_v reject_v and_o scorn_v what_o may_v be_v true_a till_o he_o can_v prove_v it_o to_o be_v false_a 2._o since_o than_o we_o must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n let_v we_o consider_v which_o be_v most_o probable_a which_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o those_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v or_o shall_v not_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n of_o his_o will._n now_o if_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o the_o general_a sense_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n in_o the_o world_n in_o former_a age_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n but_o do_v believe_v also_o some_o kind_n of_o commerce_n and_o communication_n between_o god_n and_o men._n this_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o their_o religious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n which_o every_o nation_n pretend_v to_o receive_v from_o their_o go_n this_o give_v birth_n to_o all_o their_o superstitious_a art_n of_o divination_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o god_n have_v a_o perpetual_a intercourse_n with_o man_n and_o by_o various_a mean_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o thing_n to_o come_v â—…nd_v the_o stoic_a in_o tully_n think_v that_o â—…e_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n do_v as_o â—…ecessarily_o infer_v divination_n as_o divinaâ—…on_n do_v prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n ego_fw-la â—…im_fw-la sic_fw-la existimo_fw-la si_fw-la sint_fw-la ea_fw-la genera_fw-la diviâ—…andi_fw-la vera_fw-la de_fw-la quibus_fw-la accepimus_fw-la quoeque_fw-la coâ—…imus_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la vicissimque_fw-la si_fw-la dii_fw-la sint_fw-la esse_fw-la â—…ui_fw-la divinent_fw-la be_v it_o possible_a as_o i_o observe_v before_o to_o â—…magine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v reasoâ—…able_a creature_n who_o be_v make_v to_o know_v â—…im_a and_o to_o be_v happy_a in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o love_n and_o admiration_n of_o he_o and_o withdraw_v himself_o from_o they_o without_o give_v they_o any_o visible_a token_n of_o his_o presence_n or_o any_o other_o view_n of_o his_o glory_n then_o in_o the_o weak_a and_o glimmer_a reflection_n of_o his_o work_n have_v man_n preserve_v the_o innocence_n and_o purity_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whether_o we_o believe_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n or_o not_o if_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n make_v man_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o he_o make_v he_o holy_a he_o have_v be_v fit_a for_o the_o presence_n and_o conversation_n of_o god_n as_o angel_n and_o holy_a and_o pure_a spirit_n be_v and_o in_o this_o state_n there_o can_v be_v no_o doubt_n but_o god_n will_v have_v show_v himself_o and_o his_o glory_n to_o man_n in_o some_o measure_n and_o proportion_n as_o he_o do_v to_o the_o angel_n in_o heaven_n as_o the_o history_n of_o moses_n assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v to_o adam_n in_o paradise_n so_o that_o man_n be_v make_v if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v with_o reverence_n for_o the_o conversation_n of_o god_n which_o pious_a and_o devout_a soul_n recover_v in_o some_o measure_n on_o earth_n and_o which_o we_o all_o hope_v perfect_o to_o enjoy_v in_o heaven_n sin_n indeed_o as_o necessary_o it_o must_v have_v make_v a_o great_a distance_n between_o god_n and_o man_n but_o if_o we_o must_v live_v in_o the_o other_o world_n and_o be_v happy_a or_o miserable_a there_o as_o the_o deist_n profess_v to_o believe_v if_o god_n still_o exercise_v any_o care_n and_o providence_n over_o mankind_n it_o seem_v absolute_o necessary_a that_o he_o shall_v give_v some_o sensible_a token_n of_o his_o own_o be_v and_o presence_n and_o instruct_v they_o more_o perfect_o in_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o will_n than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n teach_v for_o how_o much_o soever_o man_n may_v magnify_v the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n be_v very_o ignorant_a and_o corrupt_a and_o mankind_n know_v little_a of_o god_n beyond_o a_o general_a persuasion_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o therefore_o worship_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o god_n and_o any_o thing_n for_o god_n and_o that_o with_o such_o ridiculous_a and_o barbarous_a rite_n as_o be_v a_o reproach_n to_o the_o naâ—…e_n both_o of_o god_n and_o man._n and_o can_v â—…y_v man_n who_o believe_v a_o divine_a proviâ—…nce_n think_v that_o god_n take_v no_o care_n of_o â—…s_n own_o glory_n and_o worship_n nor_o of_o the_o â—…uls_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o have_v â—…ken_v none_o if_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v â—…mself_n and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n especial_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o â—…ose_n dark_a time_n of_o paganism_n the_o deâ—…l_n and_o evil_a spirit_n have_v every_o where_o â—…eir_n temple_n and_o altar_n and_o priest_n â—…d_a sacrifice_n frequent_o appear_v to_o â—…eir_n votary_n in_o visible_a shape_v and_o inâ—…ituted_v their_o own_o rite_n of_o worship_n and_o â—…ave_v forth_o their_o oracle_n and_o response_n â—…nd_v by_o their_o various_a art_n of_o divinatiâ—…n_n give_v they_o notice_n of_o many_o event_n â—…or_n though_o these_o be_v cheat_n and_o imâ—…ostures_n they_o be_v not_o all_o the_o cheat_n â—…f_a priest_n but_o of_o evil_a spirit_n who_o imâ—…osed_v both_o upon_o priest_n and_o people_n and_o â—…y_v these_o art_n beget_v in_o they_o a_o great_a oâ—…inion_n of_o their_o own_o divinity_n as_o we_o must_v confess_v unless_o we_o will_v deny_v the_o credit_n of_o all_o history_n and_o when_o this_o by_o the_o secret_a and_o hide_a counsel_n of_o god_n be_v the_o miserable_a and_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n can_v we_o think_v that_o god_n shall_v leave_v himself_o without_o any_o other_o witness_v than_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n shall_v give_v no_o demonstration_n of_o a_o power_n superior_a to_o all_o these_o vulgar_a deity_n nor_o give_v man_n any_o certain_a notice_n of_o his_o will_n no_o rule_n of_o conversation_n or_o worship_n it_o be_v certain_a in_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o all_o the_o reformation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v in_o man_n faith_n and_o worship_n and_o manner_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o jewish_a and_o christian_a religion_n this_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o their_o absurd_a idolatry_n and_o restore_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o one_o supreme_a god_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v so_o wonderful_a a_o change_n as_o can_v not_o have_v be_v wrought_v without_o some_o visible_a and_o irresistible_a proof_n of_o divinity_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o show_v how_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o those_o man_n who_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o deny_v all_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n can_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n if_o he_o please_v and_o that_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o think_v he_o have_v do_v it_o the_o design_n of_o all_o which_o be_v no_o more_o but_o this_o to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la against_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o a_o reveal_v religion_n for_o be_v this_o effectual_o do_v they_o will_v soon_o discover_v the_o most_o unquestionable_a character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o we_o do_v believe_v a_o god_n and_o another_o world_n nothing_o can_v be_v so_o desirable_a as_o a_o more_o explicit_a and_o perfect_a account_n of_o â—…he_n will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n than_o mere_a nature_n can_v give_v we_o what_o impression_n this_o may_v make_v upon_o profess_a deist_n i_o can_v tell_v they_o â—…ave_v so_o use_v themselves_o to_o laugh_v at_o eveâ—…y_a thing_n that_o be_v serious_a and_o to_o confute_v â—…he_v wise_a argument_n with_o bold_a and_o profane_a jest_n that_o little_a good_a can_v be_v expect_v from_o they_o but_o i_o hope_v this_o may_v caution_n those_o who_o be_v not_o yet_o â—…nfected_v and_o make_v the_o name_n of_o a_o deistâ—…n_n â—…n_z a_o christian_a nation_n as_o contemptible_a â—…s_v the_o name_n of_o a_o atheist_n they_o be_v both_o â—…wing_v to_o the_o same_o cause_n they_o live_v much_o alike_o they_o be_v equal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o equal_o dangerous_a to_o any_o government_n where_o they_o themselves_o be_v not_o â—…ppermost_a it_o be_v a_o