tendency_n to_o make_v man_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o useful_a to_o one_o another_o all_o which_o raise_v such_o a_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n who_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n to_o i_o that_o i_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o and_o strict_o a_o mystery_n but_o when_o i_o think_v of_o this_o proposition_n again_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n i_o must_v own_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n which_o i_o form_n a_o improper_a idea_n of_o from_o the_o procreation_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o have_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n with_o the_o divinity_n nor_o can_v i_o in_o the_o least_o imagine_v wherein_o this_o equality_n consist_v these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o my_o capacity_n and_o total_o obscure_v from_o i_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o the_o authority_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n and_o my_o christian_a faith_n of_o this_o article_n consist_v in_o thus_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o when_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o give_v i_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o he_o and_o i_o trust_v he_o will_v accept_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o rash_a inconsiderate_a assent_n but_o that_o i_o use_v those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v as_o strict_o and_o impartial_o in_o this_o as_o i_o will_v do_v in_o any_o affair_n which_o immediate_o concern_v my_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v it_o plain_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n these_o people_n have_v to_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o a_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n or_o easy_a credulity_n since_o in_o our_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o build_v our_o assent_n upon_o no_o foundation_n but_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v firm_a and_o now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n i_o shall_v repeat_v in_o short_a the_o principle_n he_o lay_v down_o â—or_a himself_o to_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o he_o threaten_v the_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o his_o logic_n in_o short_a then_o be_v this_o 1._o evidence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i._n e._n you_o can_v never_o give_v your_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n or_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o you_o know_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o you_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o comprehend_v it_o as_o full_o and_o perfect_o as_o that_o 2_o and_o 3_o make_v 5._o which_o be_v plain_o to_o say_v you_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o know_v to_o you_o that_o you_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v his_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n he_o know_v perfect_o well_o as_o no_o man_n can_v help_v believe_v that_o 2_o and_o 2_o make_v 4._o a_o thing_n may_v be_v very_o true_a indeed_o and_o you_o not_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a to_o you_o your_o assent_n must_v necessary_o follow_v so_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o when_o you_o can_v help_v it_o and_o when_o you_o can_v avoid_v it_o than_o you_o must_v believe_v it_o 22._o for_o god_n have_v take_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o dissent_v from_o a_o evident_a proposition_n and_o our_o kind_a disposer_n have_v put_v we_o under_o 23._o a_o law_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n must_v make_v such_o a_o idol_n of_o it_o as_o total_o to_o exclude_v all_o deefrence_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o another_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v 2._o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n i._n e._n you_o can_v believe_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n upon_o their_o word_n for_o they_o can_v only_o relate_v a_o thing_n to_o you_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v influence_n your_o mind_n to_o a_o assent_n so_o that_o to_o speak_v plain_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o assent_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o the_o devil_n tell_v you_o a_o thing_n for_o tho'_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n always_o tell_v truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n yet_o still_o you_o believe_v the_o thing_n never_o the_o more_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n alas_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o case_n no_o you_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n only_o but_o suppose_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n speak_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eve_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o diego_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o diego_n the_o word_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v equal_o clear_a to_o she_o she_o understand_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o alike_o and_o her_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n to_o the_o latter_a it_o can_v not_o be_v evidence_n for_o according_a to_o he_o both_o these_o proposition_n have_v equal_a pretence_n to_o her_o die_v assent_n upon_o this_o score_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n but_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o sway_v she_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n because_o she_o knâ—w_v it_o come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o lie_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v she_o rebel_v against_o this_o evidence_n whereas_o have_v she_o be_v under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n she_o will_v not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v transgress_v as_o she_o do_v and_o then_o he_o have_v not_o now_o be_v fall_v down_o thus_o prostrate_a to_o igno_fw-la rance_n and_o error_n that_o which_o show_v the_o ridiculousness_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v that_o upon_o they_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v tho'_o it_o be_v the_o next_o hour_n for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v concern_v any_o of_o the_o most_o familiar_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o you_o have_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v yet_o unless_o you_o will_v allow_v authority_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n you_o can_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o evidence_n of_o this_o till_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assent_n but_o the_o veracity_n or_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n or_o another_o and_o thus_o he_o utter_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o prophecy_n for_o tho'_o they_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v they_o so_o till_o the_o relation_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o till_o the_o thing_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o short_a way_n of_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o say_v before_o that_o in_o divine_a proposition_n evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o act_v of_o revelation_n and_o here_o i_o say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a same_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n they_o be_v both_o true_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o whole_a discourse_n more_o clear_a and_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o show_v the_o diffe_n rinse_v between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o revelation_n 1
be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v nay_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o now_o we_o see_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o yet_o affirm_v for_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n he_o labour_v to_o disprove_v and_o by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confound_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o they_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v a_o mystery_n with_o so_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o the_o case_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o have_v i_o take_v any_o other_o mystery_n for_o a_o instance_n either_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n or_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v require_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o quit_v this_o and_o take_v any_o other_o for_o a_o instance_n which_o he_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o now_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o to_o disprove_v but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v about_o prove_v or_o disprove_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v perplex_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o fantastical_a term_n and_o distinction_n if_o he_o have_v mean_v honest_o and_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o will_v have_v speak_v plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o question_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o spend_v above_o one_o three_o of_o his_o book_n in_o lose_v of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o rescue_v the_o subject_n from_o obscurity_n and_o force_v this_o man_n to_o speak_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n be_v 10_o not_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o nor_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v reason_v about_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n nor_o be_v it_o authority_n what_o trifle_v this_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o head_n that_o form_v the_o thought_n nor_o the_o finger_n that_o write_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o brain_n itself_o no_o nor_o be_v my_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o another_o man._n our_o reader_n be_v like_a to_o be_v much_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o after_o this_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v 11._o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o second_o chapter_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o simplex_n apprehensio_fw-la nor_o judicium_fw-la but_o that_o it_o be_v discursus_fw-la that_o be_v proper_o call_v reason_n which_o last_o he_o will_v not_o express_v by_o syllogism_n the_o word_n for_o it_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v but_o he_o must_v call_v it_o the_o application_n of_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v distant_a from_o one_o 13._o another_o and_o lie_v too_o far_o asunder_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o two_o house_n with_o a_o line_n because_o you_o can_v take_v one_o house_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o in_o another_o and_o so_o clap_v they_o together_o to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v high_a what_o be_v this_o but_o make_v a_o syllogism_n by_o apply_v the_o medius_n terminus_n to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o his_o reader_n have_v not_o learned_a logic_n yes_o he_o have_v a_o drift_n in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o our_o modern_a writer_n against_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o false_a rule_n of_o reason_v the_o consequence_n he_o will_v make_v will_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a tho'_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o every_o common_a logic_n yet_o what_o follow_v be_v his_o own_o and_o be_v both_o trifle_a and_o false_a for_o first_o his_o four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o and_o the_o distinction_n frivolous_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n 18._o the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o usual_a speak_n sense_n and_o reason_n human_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o at_o first_o sight_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o any_o revelation_n by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n still_o and_o then_o as_o to_o his_o make_a authority_n 16._o a_o mean_n only_o of_o information_n and_o answer_v evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o his_o book_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o these_o modern_a writer_n who_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o reason_n and_o evidence_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o falsity_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v and_o of_o he_o who_o give_v the_o information_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n for_o how_o come_v any_o one_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v of_o himself_o why_o by_o a_o other_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o 2._o when_o consider_v in_o the_o informer_n it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n relate_v to_o i_o from_o another_o because_o of_o the_o veracity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n that_o make_v the_o information_n but_o this_o cunning_a man_n will_v ask_v how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o another_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o assent_n in_o my_o mind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o i_o of_o his_o ability_n and_o veracity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o assent_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n indeed_o be_v evidence_n but_o then_o this_o evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n only_o and_o that_o worth_a or_o authority_n of_o he_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v to_o i_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o very_a clear_a and_o undeniable_a let_v we_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o two_o proposition_n wherein_o these_o two_o ground_n may_v be_v consider_v separately_z the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o in_o a_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o proposition_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n or_o assent_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o be_v because_o he_o find_v out_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o extreme_n by_o intermediate_v idea_n and_o thus_o as_o he_o speak_v the_o demonstration_n at_o last_o become_v self_n evident_a but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n relate_v it_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v know_v this_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n authority_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n so_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v believe_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v that_o this_o revelation_n have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o
all_o faith_n both_o human_a and_o divine_a for_o thus_o he_o proceed_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v and_o then_o he_o be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o ay_o e_o when_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o as_o evident_a as_o what_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n for_o you_o know_v seeing_n believe_v all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o evidence_n be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v his_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o evidence_n this_o opinion_n carry_v a_o face_n of_o fairness_n and_o probability_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o by_o the_o common_a inclination_n of_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o all_o restraint_n in_o think_v as_o well_o as_o act_n 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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 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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 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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 something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
these_o three_o be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o explain_v himself_o and_o say_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o three_o man_n be_v one_o man_n or_o that_o one_o man_n be_v three_o man_n they_o who_o cry_v there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n seem_v to_o i_o neither_o to_o know_v what_o a_o contradiction_n be_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n concern_v the_o trinity_n for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o divinity_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n then_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o we_o affirm_v the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o godhead_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o different_a respect_n so_o that_o all_o this_o noise_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v one_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v three_o and_o therefore_o because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o we_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o i_o grant_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o account_v for_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o solve_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o union_n and_o distinction_n it_o will_v â—â—aâ—e_v to_o be_v such_o thus_o much_o of_o it_o be_v pure_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o 3._o i_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n i_o have_v for_o this_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o so_o that_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n or_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o perhaps_o this_o man_n will_v object_n that_o tho'_o he_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o no_o far_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o out_o at_o the_o begin_n that_o both_o what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o can_v know_v be_v both_o in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o evidence_n the_o first_o assent_n be_v proper_o faith_n the_o last_o be_v knowledge_n and_o so_o likewise_o if_o i_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n it_o shall_v be_v thus_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o the_o agreablness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o whatever_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o come_v from_o god_n i_o find_v he_o in_o many_o place_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n and_o title_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o discourse_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o use_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a divine_a be_v which_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n under_o that_o name_n and_o sometime_o after_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a because_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n at_o each_o of_o these_o say_n to_o stone_n he_o as_o a_o blasphemer_n because_o he_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n if_o these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n they_o take_v they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v undeceive_v they_o and_o have_v make_v it_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o understand_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v only_o a_o god_n by_o deputation_n according_a to_o the_o wild_a notion_n of_o the_o socinian_o but_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o right_n that_o he_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n the_o very_a same_o god_n who_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o sacred_a name_n i_o am._n and_o he_o have_v never_o undeceive_v either_o they_o or_o we_o to_o this_o day_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v use_v many_o expression_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v this_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o act_n like_o a_o reasonable_a man_n i_o be_o under_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o this_o or_o of_o utter_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n now_o have_v he_o be_v and_o impostor_n god_n who_o show_v himself_o always_o very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o with_o such_o repeat_v testimony_n if_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v only_o a_o messenger_n come_v from_o god_n and_o a_o mere_a man_n who_o speak_v only_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o commission_n he_o will_v never_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n as_o must_v natural_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o lead_v thousand_o into_o the_o gross_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o detestable_a to_o god_n moses_n be_v never_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o much_o less_o suspicious_a expression_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n too_o must_v we_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a insinuation_n that_o they_o wrought_v that_o miracle_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a power_n and_o proper_a efficacy_n this_o come_v much_o short_a of_o these_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o again_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v down_o my_o liâ—e_z and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o indeed_o that_o passage_n concern_v moses_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n since_o this_o inference_n be_v very_o natural_a and_o obvious_a from_o it_o viz._n if_o god_n be_v so_o incense_v with_o moses_n for_o make_v use_n of_o one_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o encroach_v upon_o his_o prerogative_n then_o how_o far_o will_v he_o have_v be_v from_o give_v testimony_n of_o much_o more_o frequent_a and_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o person_n who_o by_o many_o plain_a expression_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o full_a power_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n if_o he_o be_v not_o real_o what_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v because_o i_o can_v reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n therefore_o i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n and_o confess_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o mystery_n upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o my_o faith_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o i_o know_v clear_o who_o i_o mean_v by_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n that_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o crucify_a under_o pontius_n pilate_n i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o and_o i_o apprehend_v very_o well_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o i._n e._n that_o divine_a be_v who_o necessary_a existence_n i_o infer_v from_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o who_o nature_n tho'_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o i_o form_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o he_o i_o can_v by_o enlarge_n all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o thus_o i_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o contradictory_n to_o my_o reason_n and_o last_o i_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n and_o of_o those_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v the_o agreableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a
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 difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v 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of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_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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by_o such_o proof_n to_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o divinity_n as_o shall_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n such_o as_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n or_o the_o agreableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o unless_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n which_o i_o allow_v thus_o far_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o any_o adversary_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n pure_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o require_v it_o any_o far_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o demand_v a_o rational_a account_n from_o we_o of_o what_o we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o upon_o such_o testimony_n and_o proof_n as_o shall_v cause_v this_o evidence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o analogy_n as_o the_o real_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n be_v in_o this_o mystery_n it_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o enquiry_n of_o reason_n and_o herein_o be_v my_o faith_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o come_v from_o god_n tho'_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o some_o worldly_a object_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o faith_n be_v nice_o and_o most_o exact_o define_v the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v because_o faith_n be_v no_o such_o precarious_a implicit_a assent_n as_o these_o champion_n for_o reason_n think_v but_o it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o thing_n which_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o now_o yet_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o they_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o we_o by_o such_o proof_n as_o 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the_o strict_a examination_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o distrust_v our_o cause_n or_o oblige_v man_n to_o walk_v blindfold_a that_o we_o give_v their_o reason_n all_o the_o help_v we_o can_v and_o man_n be_v never_o better_o dispose_v for_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n than_o when_o they_o follow_v the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o for_o our_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o strict_a retiocination_n and_o therefore_o have_v state_v the_o true_a extent_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v 126._o his_o friend_n objection_n against_o his_o book_n viz._n that_o it_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n a_o shrewd_a objection_n it_o be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o never_o will_v evade_v tho'_o he_o have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n to_o help_v he_o and_o that_o person_n whosoever_o he_o be_v will_v have_v be_v more_o his_o friend_n if_o he_o have_v in_o time_n open_v to_o he_o all_o the_o other_o false_a and_o impious_a consequence_n of_o his_o book_n before_o it_o come_v abroad_o to_o spread_v infection_n and_o blast_v the_o credit_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o now_o alas_o it_o be_v too_o late_o for_o nothing_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o a_o man_n of_o some_o part_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o true_a sense_n of_o piety_n to_o qualify_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o be_v now_o to_o stand_v by_o it_o with_o his_o soul_n and_o venture_v damnation_n rather_o than_o lessen_v himself_o by_o a_o public_a recantation_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o half_a learned_a and_o debauch_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o run_v down_o that_o institution_n which_o if_o it_o be_v true_a must_v rise_v up_o in_o judgement_n against_o they_o at_o the_o last_o day_n 126._o the_o force_n of_o the_o objection_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o 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reputation_n â—â—_o their_o personâ—_n and_o profession_n and_o â—â—_o make_v it_o such_o a_o religion_n as_o god_n design_v it_o i._n e._n a_o religion_n for_o all_o men._n but_o how_o do_v he_o go_v about_o this_o by_o scrap_n of_o metaphysical_a abstraction_n which_o be_v tolerable_a where_o he_o find_v they_o but_o spoil_v in_o the_o application_n by_o talk_v of_o adequate_a inadequate_a and_o intermediate_n idea_n by_o the_o nominal_a and_o real_a essence_n of_o thing_n by_o irivolous_a distinction_n between_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o by_o littlâ—_n nicety_n concern_v the_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n iâ—_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v the_o method_n this_o grand_a reformer_n take_v to_o restore_v christianity_n to_o its_o native_a simplicity_n and_o make_v it_o a_o religion_n for_o all_o people_n whereas_o it_o be_v not_o one_o of_o ten_o thousand_o that_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o any_o of_o these_o word_n and_o phrase_n by_o which_o he_o darken_v what_o be_v in_o itself_o plain_a and_o obvious_a and_o render_v every_o thing_n in_o religion_n a_o mystery_n to_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o very_a man_n that_o talk_v so_o much_o against_o the_o new_a convert_v philosopher_n 154_o for_o confound_v their_o philasophy_n â—nd_v divinity_n together_o and_o by_o that_o mean_n render_v every_o thing_n abstruse_a by_o term_n and_o who_o rail_v at_o our_o clergy_n for_o darken_n every_o thing_n in_o religion_n and_o industrious_o conceal_v it_o from_o the_o people_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o real_a design_n of_o thiâ—_n man_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o he_o former_o declare_v and_o whaâ—_n he_o open_o affect_v viz._n to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o a_o sect._n and_o set_v up_o for_o a_o reformer_n for_o beside_o many_o general_a expression_n he_o have_v several_a very_o particular_a one_o to_o this_o purpose_n as_o where_o he_o say_v that_o 165._o the_o very_a nature_n and_o use_n of_o the_o sacrament_n be_v absolute_o pervert_v and_o destroy_v and_o be_v not_o yet_o full_o restore_v by_o the_o pure_a reformation_n in_o christian_a doâ—_n and_o that_o expression_n in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o book_n because_o several_a turn_v libertine_n and_o atheist_n when_o priestcraft_n be_v lay_v â—o_o open_a at_o the_o reformation_n be_v luther_n câ—lvin_n or_o zwinglius_fw-la to_o be_v blame_v for_o it_o which_o be_v speak_v by_o way_n of_o defence_n of_o that_o great_a reformation_n he_o intend_v whatever_o the_o ill_a consequence_n of_o it_o be_v now_o the_o method_n he_o have_v take_v to_o effect_v this_o grand_a design_n of_o he_o be_v first_o to_o amuse_v the_o generality_n of_o people_n with_o a_o little_a show_n of_o learning_n by_o hard_a word_n and_o several_a impertinent_a quotation_n to_o get_v a_o reputation_n among_o they_o his_o next_o business_n be_v to_o insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o people_n a_o disesteem_a of_o the_o religion_n they_o now_o profess_v and_o make_v they_o believe_v that_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v be_v no_o better_a than_o heathenism_n which_o he_o do_v by_o compare_v 6._o they_o in_o several_a instance_n and_o tell_v we_o plain_o he_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o show_v how_o the_o divine_a institution_n of_o christianity_n through_o the_o craft_n and_o 163._o ambition_n of_o priest_n and_o philosopher_n do_v degenerate_a into_o mere_a paganism_n he_o call_v our_o principle_n narrow_a bigote_v tenet_n and_o in_o short_a say_v they_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n he_o call_v the_o present_a theology_n the_o gibberish_n of_o our_o divinity_n school_n and_o the_o language_n of_o the_o beast_n he_o will_v have_v no_o ceremony_n 141._o no_o time_n place_n or_o particular_a action_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n 167._o and_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o virulent_a expression_n and_o many_o more_o through_o his_o whole_a book_n against_o the_o religion_n profess_v and_o establish_v among_o we_o he_o say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o deplorable_a 2._o condition_n of_o our_o age_n that_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o open_o and_o direct_o own_o what_o he_o think_v of_o divine_a matter_n if_o it_o but_o uâ—ry_o slight_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v receive_v by_o any_o party_n or_o that_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o have_v open_o say_v so_o much_o already_o what_o be_v it_o he_o will_v not_o say_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o law_n undoubted_o he_o have_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o say_v whenever_o this_o new_a sect_n of_o he_o become_v so_o numerous_a that_o they_o shall_v outbrave_v the_o law_n and_o labour_n for_o a_o public_a reformation_n of_o all_o the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v this_o man_n make_v any_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n more_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a than_o they_o be_v before_o he_o have_v do_v worthy_o and_o may_v have_v hope_v for_o a_o reward_n from_o god_n and_o esteem_v from_o man_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n will_v have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o resent_v it_o that_o they_o will_v have_v thank_v he_o for_o it_o and_o not_o fail_v to_o have_v acquaint_v their_o people_n with_o it_o but_o by_o this_o scurrilous_a libel_n upon_o all_o these_o doctrine_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o christianity_n and_o by_o rail_a at_o all_o the_o teacher_n and_o professor_n of_o it_o for_o sixteen_o hundred_o year_n as_o if_o they_o have_v all_o be_v fool_n and_o knave_n and_o bigot_n at_o the_o best_a till_o he_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n he_o be_v just_o become_v odious_a and_o detestable_a by_o all_o man_n who_o have_v any_o concern_v lest_o for_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v set_v his_o forehead_n like_o a_o flint_n and_o be_v