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imprimatur_fw-la ab._n campion_n r_o mo_z d_o no_z arch._n car._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v feb._n 12_o '_o 167â—_n exit_fw-la aedib_n lamb._n a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o divine_a dream_n mention_v in_o scripture_n together_o with_o the_o mark_n and_o character_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o vain_a delusion_n in_o a_o letter_n to_o monsieur_n gach_v by_o moses_n amyraldus_n translate_v out_o of_o french_a by_o ja._n loud_a fellow_n of_o clare-hall_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v by_o a._n c._n for_o walter_n kettilby_n at_o the_o bishops-head_n in_o saint_n to_o paul_n churchyard_n 1676._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a john_n earl_n of_o bridgewater_n viscount_n brackley_n baron_n of_o elsemere_n lord_n lieutenant_n of_o the_o county_n of_o buck_n and_o one_o of_o his_o majesty_n most_o honourable_a privy_a council_n my_o lord_n the_o first_o fruit_n by_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n be_v due_a to_o god_n yet_o be_v it_o no_o violation_n now_o of_o the_o 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by_o a_o tedious_a address_n misemploy_v those_o precious_a minute_n which_o be_v usual_o spend_v either_o in_o your_o serious_a and_o private_a study_n or_o in_o more_o public_a employment_n i_o shall_v only_o beg_v that_o god_n will_v long_o continue_v you_o among_o we_o and_o bless_v your_o endeavour_n in_o settle_v and_o secure_v the_o kingdom_n by_o your_o counsel_n and_o support_v the_o church_n by_o your_o constant_a affection_n which_o be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o your_o humble_o devote_a servant_n ja._n loud_a the_o preface_n to_o the_o reader_n i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o make_v any_o tedious_a apology_n for_o the_o publication_n of_o this_o treatise_n be_v conscious_a to_o myself_o of_o the_o innocence_n of_o my_o intention_n that_o however_o i_o may_v be_v mistake_v in_o my_o apprehension_n or_o have_v fail_v in_o my_o design_n yet_o i_o do_v intend_v herein_o not_o to_o offend_v but_o to_o serve_v thou_o for_o i_o be_o not_o of_o the_o temper_n of_o those_o 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this_o treatise_n if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a series_n and_o method_n of_o its_o mannagement_n seem_v a_o sufficient_a vindication_n of_o the_o sober_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o natural_a and_o necessary_a deduction_n which_o the_o learned_a author_n make_v from_o certain_a and_o undoubted_a principle_n and_o those_o other_o rational_a motive_n of_o credibility_n which_o he_o make_v use_v of_o to_o prove_v those_o dream_n he_o there_o treat_v of_o to_o be_v true_o divine_a yet_o not_o so_o as_o to_o exclude_v that_o secret_a sense_n and_o inward_a consciousness_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a result_n of_o the_o divine_a impression_n make_v upon_o their_o mind_n by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n especial_o in_o those_o dream_n and_o vision_n where_o particular_a and_o personal_a command_n be_v convey_v to_o any_o of_o his_o servant_n as_o to_o joseph_n to_o convey_v our_o
either_o concern_v the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o doubtful_a and_o disputatious_a philosophy_n of_o the_o gentile_n either_o of_o the_o science_n false_o so_o call_v which_o the_o gnostic_n so_o boast_v of_o or_o of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n as_o such_o destitute_a of_o divine_a revelation_n or_o last_o of_o the_o carnal_a appetite_n of_o christian_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o law_n of_o the_o member_n war_a against_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n second_o by_o reason_n we_o know_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o by_o reason_n we_o come_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o they_o and_o by_o reason_n we_o know_v the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o therefrom_o and_o without_o this_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v a_o way_n how_o god_n can_v either_o have_v convey_v the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n to_o we_o or_o of_o our_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o scripture_n shall_v condemn_v that_o without_o which_o all_o its_o own_o command_n will_v signify_v very_o little_a or_o nothing_o i_o shall_v here_o therefore_o brief_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o reason_n both_o as_o it_o be_v in_o innocence_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v now_o in_o this_o state_n of_o depravation_n for_o the_o want_n of_o a_o right_n distinguish_v herein_o have_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o many_o error_n and_o mistake_n about_o the_o power_n and_o property_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v that_o which_o must_v needs_o cause_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n in_o what_o be_v say_v concern_v it_o in_o this_o complexed_a and_o undistinguished_a capacity_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o seem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o fundamental_a error_n in_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o politic_n that_o he_o do_v not_o sufficient_o distinguish_v betwixt_o pure_a and_o corrupt_a nature_n so_o that_o there_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n in_o some_o thing_n and_o confusion_n in_o other_o when_o he_o ascribe_v that_o to_o nature_n in_o general_a which_o do_v not_o belong_v to_o it_o but_o in_o such_o a_o particular_a respect_n and_o private_a consideration_n reason_n in_o innocence_n be_v that_o inward_a principle_n that_o divine_a light_n set_v up_o in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o bear_v a_o equal_a respect_n to_o truth_n and_o goodness_n by_o which_o we_o be_v both_o instruct_v in_o our_o duty_n and_o enable_v to_o perform_v it_o it_o be_v part_n of_o that_o divine_a image_n wherein_o man_n be_v create_v and_o that_o which_o direct_v both_o the_o speculative_a and_o practical_a dictate_v of_o the_o understanding_n to_o their_o respective_a end_n viz._n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o yield_a obedience_n to_o his_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o practice_n now_o do_v right_a reason_n enjoy_v a_o universal_a and_o undisturbed_a empire_n now_o be_v there_o not_o that_o contrariety_n in_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n but_o what_o be_v knowledge_n in_o the_o understanding_n immediate_o become_v obedience_n in_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n now_o be_v reason_n and_o righteousness_n as_o it_o be_v the_o very_a complexion_n of_o the_o man_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o further_a need_n of_o supernatural_a grace_n to_o be_v super_fw-la add_v to_o he_o beside_o what_o be_v natural_o contain_v in_o these_o essential_a principle_n of_o his_o constitution_n which_o make_v he_o such_o as_o god_n design_v he_o viz._n a_o man_n in_o innocence_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o reason_n before_o the_o fall_n and_o it_o yet_o remain_v the_o same_o in_o substance_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o purity_n and_o perfection_n as_o before_o it_o be_v the_o relic_n of_o the_o divine_a image_n yet_o remain_v in_o we_o by_o which_o we_o be_v still_o enable_v in_o some_o measure_n to_o understand_v truth_n and_o practice_v our_o duty_n it_o be_v that_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o the_o soul_n itself_o as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o a_o power_n and_o ability_n of_o draw_v right_a consequence_n therefrom_o but_o yet_o so_o obscure_v and_o weaken_v that_o there_o be_v now_o need_v of_o divine_a illumination_n and_o assistance_n for_o the_o perform_n of_o that_o which_o before_o we_o be_v able_a of_o ourselves_o to_o do_v but_o then_o though_o god_n do_v thus_o punish_v man_n by_o take_v away_o part_n of_o that_o strength_n which_o he_o have_v so_o misemploy_v which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o justice_n yet_o do_v not_o his_o goodness_n suffer_v he_o to_o sink_v below_o himself_o though_o he_o become_v weak_a and_o guilty_a yet_o he_o remain_v a_o man_n his_o faculty_n though_o deprave_v yet_o be_v they_o not_o annihilate_v and_o as_o the_o principle_n be_v not_o whole_o take_v away_o so_o neither_o be_v the_o act_n and_o exercise_n thereof_o necessary_o false_a so_o that_o we_o be_v not_o abandon_v to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o we_o have_v still_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n within_o ourselves_o for_o we_o have_v better_o have_v no_o such_o faculty_n as_o pretend_v to_o reason_n than_o such_o as_o shall_v always_o deceive_v we_o even_o in_o thing_n that_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v and_o here_o may_v be_v as_o strong_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n that_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o first_o sin_n do_v not_o extend_v to_o a_o absolute_a falsification_n or_o total_a corruption_n of_o our_o faculty_n as_o there_o may_v be_v from_o his_o veracity_n that_o he_o give_v we_o true_a one_o at_o first_o for_o indeed_o to_o assert_v reason_n thus_o whole_o corrupt_v will_v be_v to_o introduce_v such_o a_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o providence_n such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o shall_v think_v that_o god_n will_v rather_o have_v annihilate_v the_o whole_a race_n of_o mankind_n than_o ever_o have_v suffer_v it_o in_o the_o world_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o reason_n in_o itself_o before_o the_o fall_n and_o as_o it_o be_v in_o we_o now_o since_o only_o here_o we_o must_v further_o know_v that_o this_o natural_a faculty_n of_o reason_n in_o christian_n be_v further_o enlighten_v and_o enable_v by_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n and_o by_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n i_o can_v wish_v therefore_o that_o those_o man_n will_v speak_v more_o intelligible_o who_o go_v about_o to_o give_v such_o particular_a &_o distinct_a difference_n betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n as_o they_o call_v he_o in_o their_o action_n relate_v to_o religion_n as_o if_o there_o be_v any_o character_n either_o more_o certain_a in_o itself_o or_o more_o warrantable_a to_o we_o to_o judge_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o a_o man_n by_o then_o by_o its_o produce_v the_o effect_n of_o righteousness_n in_o he_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o grace_n be_v two_o distinct_a thing_n flow_v from_o different_a fountain_n be_v certain_o true_a but_o then_o why_o we_o shall_v oppose_v these_o two_o especial_o in_o a_o christian_a state_n where_o god_n be_v never_o want_v by_o his_o grace_n to_o assist_v the_o humble_a and_o sincere_a exercise_n of_o man_n reason_n where_o the_o more_o true_o rational_a any_o man_n be_v the_o more_o spiritual_a they_o be_v and_o the_o more_o spiritual_a the_o more_o true_o rational_a here_o actual_o to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n when_o the_o same_o effect_n of_o real_a righteousness_n equal_o appear_v in_o both_o this_o be_v arrogant_o to_o take_v upon_o himself_o that_o which_o be_v only_o proper_a to_o god_n to_o be_v a_o searcher_n of_o heart_n as_o for_o that_o place_n of_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o upon_o the_o misunderstanding_n whereof_o they_o seem_v principal_o to_o find_v this_o their_o opinion_n but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v here_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v not_o mean_v the_o christian_a rational_a man_n but_o a_o man_n endow_v only_o with_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n void_a of_o evangelical_n grace_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o this_o can_v be_v apply_v to_o a_o christian_n who_o enjoy_v both_o in_o their_o respective_a degree_n so_o that_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o that_o place_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o the_o matter_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o preach_v by_o the_o apostle_n be_v such_o as_o the_o learned_a philosopher_n of_o the_o
heathen_n and_o other_o who_o be_v only_o lead_v by_o humane_a reason_n do_v absolute_o despise_v as_o seem_a foolishness_n unto_o they_o nor_o can_v they_o by_o any_o study_n of_o their_o own_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v only_o to_o be_v have_v by_o understand_v the_o prophecy_n of_o scripture_n and_o other_o such_o mean_n as_o depend_v upon_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o the_o christian_n do_v receive_v and_o believe_v the_o gospel_n and_o the_o thing_n therein_o contain_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o by_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o other_o evidence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n afford_v therein_o and_o by_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n derive_v therefrom_o but_o then_o this_o do_v not_o exclude_v but_o include_v reason_n for_o grace_n be_v not_o a_o super_fw-la addition_n of_o a_o new_a faculty_n but_o a_o new_a power_n and_o principle_n to_o the_o old_a now_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o those_o who_o be_v baptise_v into_o the_o same_o faith_n and_o live_v in_o the_o same_o christian_a communion_n and_o give_v all_o due_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o man_n according_a to_o their_o power_n why_o any_o such_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o not_o also_o from_o that_o of_o a_o true_o divine_a and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n save_v grace_n and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o only_o because_o some_o few_o man_n who_o be_v high_o conceit_v of_o themselves_o and_o censorious_a of_o other_o who_o pretend_v to_o a_o monopoly_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o as_o it_o be_v to_o a_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o pass_v sentence_n on_o all_o who_o differ_v from_o they_o only_o because_o these_o man_n be_v please_v to_o vote_n whosoever_o they_o will_v formal_a moral_a and_o mere_a rational_a men._n but_o indeed_o those_o who_o be_v thus_o particular_a in_o describe_v how_o far_o a_o mere_a rational_a man_n may_v go_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n what_o sin_n he_o may_v avoid_v and_o what_o duty_n he_o may_v perform_v and_o yet_o have_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a spirit_n of_o god_n and_o save_v grace_n these_o man_n however_o they_o may_v pretend_v and_o perhaps_o real_o be_v great_a enemy_n to_o pelagianism_n yet_o they_o seem_v herein_o to_o be_v too_o great_a exalter_n of_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o all_o probability_n too_o uncharitable_a censurer_n of_o divine_a grace_n whilst_o they_o attribute_v all_o the_o good_a work_n perform_v by_o those_o mere_a rational_a man_n either_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o to_o common_a grace_n as_o they_o call_v it_o which_o according_a to_o their_o interpretation_n and_o explication_n of_o it_o be_v little_o better_a see_v it_o be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a nor_o by_o god_n appointment_n intend_v to_o bring_v any_o one_o to_o salvation_n that_o distinction_n therefore_o betwixt_o common_a and_o save_v grace_n as_o grace_n do_v signify_v those_o inward_a motion_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n by_o which_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o believe_v and_o practice_v aright_o according_a to_o this_o acceptation_n it_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o scripture_n for_o all_o such_o grace_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a and_o by_o god_n appointment_n design_v to_o bring_v salvation_n if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o event_n though_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o this_o also_o may_v differ_v in_o degree_n among_o other_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o this_o their_o mistake_n this_o seem_v not_o the_o least_o that_o they_o entertain_v too_o mean_a apprehension_n of_o that_o covenant_n which_o god_n have_v make_v with_o christian_n and_o their_o child_n and_o also_o of_o the_o sacrament_n of_o baptism_n by_o which_o they_o be_v admit_v member_n of_o christ_n church_n yet_o notwithstanding_o both_o these_o they_o look_v upon_o a_o man_n before_o a_o certain_a critical_a moment_n of_o conversion_n as_o they_o suppose_v it_o little_o better_o than_o a_o heathen_a and_o that_o all_o the_o good_a work_n that_o they_o have_v or_o can_v perform_v before_o it_o stand_v they_o in_o little_a or_o no_o stead_n in_o order_n to_o their_o conversion_n and_o that_o after_o this_o all_o the_o wickedness_n that_o they_o do_v or_o can_v commit_v shall_v do_v they_o no_o prejudice_n in_o reference_n to_o their_o salvation_n which_o opinion_n be_v of_o very_o bad_a consequence_n to_o the_o concernment_n of_o a_o christian_a life_n but_o here_o we_o must_v also_o know_v that_o there_o be_v need_n of_o a_o continue_a course_n of_o sanctification_n throughout_o our_o whole_a life_n both_o to_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o holiness_n first_o begin_v in_o we_o and_o also_o by_o reason_n of_o those_o many_o sin_n and_o infirmity_n which_o we_o be_v all_o subject_n to_o which_o be_v to_o be_v turn_v from_o by_o repentance_n and_o reformation_n and_o as_o this_o opposition_n betwixt_o the_o spiritual_a and_o mere_a rational_a man_n be_v without_o any_o warrant_n from_o scripture_n so_o be_v it_o very_o difficult_a if_o at_o all_o possible_a to_o assign_v the_o exact_a limit_n betwixt_o grace_n and_o reason_n in_o ourselves_o and_o then_o much_o more_o in_o other_o 1._o in_o ourselves_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o action_n of_o our_o reason_n only_o that_o a_o act_n of_o the_o more_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n joh._n 3.8_o the_o wind_n blow_v where_o it_o list_v and_o thou_o hear_v the_o sound_n thereof_o but_o can_v not_o tell_v whence_o it_o come_v and_o whether_o it_o go_v so_o be_v every_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o spirit_n thus_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v anew_o be_v discernable_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n than_o he_o be_v before_o thus_o his_o new_a birth_n be_v see_v by_o the_o fruit_n though_o the_o beginning_n and_o the_o mode_n of_o procedure_n and_o the_o mean_n of_o convey_v this_o to_o he_o be_v undiscernible_a mark_v 4._o 26._o 27._o so_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n that_o be_v the_o kingdom_n of_o grace_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v cast_v feed_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o shall_v sleep_v and_o rise_v night_n and_o day_n and_o the_o seed_n shall_v spring_v and_o grow_v up_o he_o know_v not_o how_o these_o be_v the_o more_o ordinary_a method_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n but_o then_o when_o god_n call_v out_o some_o particular_a person_n on_o some_o great_a and_o eminent_a employment_n either_o to_o do_v or_o suffer_v in_o his_o service_n he_o frequent_o confer_v more_o sensible_a influence_n of_o his_o grace_n and_o spirit_n on_o such_o neither_o be_v this_o speak_v in_o the_o least_o to_o oppose_v the_o joy_n and_o consolation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n nor_o the_o sober_a and_o well-grounded_n experience_n of_o pious_a men._n and_o as_o we_o can_v distinguish_v betwixt_o these_o in_o ourselves_o much_o less_o can_v we_o do_v it_o in_o other_o for_o if_o a_o man_n be_v outward_o pious_a and_o give_v no_o just_a occasion_n of_o suspect_v his_o real_a honesty_n and_o sincerity_n whether_o such_o a_o one_o be_v notwithstanding_o a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v best_a know_v to_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n yet_o we_o by_o the_o law_n of_o charity_n be_v to_o judge_v the_o best_a but_o if_o such_o a_o one_o under_o all_o this_o be_v a_o hypocrite_n this_o be_v that_o which_o a_o man_n may_v also_o be_v under_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n so_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o event_n that_o must_v determine_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o man_n profession_n the_o sum_n of_o what_o i_o here_o intend_v be_v this_o that_o provide_v we_o become_v new_a man_n if_o we_o cease_v to_o sin_n and_o learn_v to_o do_v well_o if_o we_o turn_v from_o wickedness_n and_o perform_v real_a and_o sincere_a obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n indeed_o be_v so_o must_v it_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v the_o principal_a cause_n of_o this_o change_n in_o we_o yet_o we_o need_v not_o here_o trouble_v ourselves_o too_o nice_o to_o determine_v the_o exact_a limit_n how_o far_o our_o reason_n as_o a_o less_o principal_a cause_n either_o might_n or_o may_v not_o be_v instrumental_a herein_o but_o the_o proper_a use_n and_o just_a extent_n of_o reason_n will_v further_o appear_v by_o consider_v its_o object_n which_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o divine_a will_n the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o these_o or_o any_o of_o these_o come_v under_o humane_a cognisance_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v either_o our_o perfection_n to_o know_v or_o our_o duty_n to_o practice_v so_o that_o nothing_o but_o either_o the_o impossibility_n or_o the_o unlawfulness_n of_o the_o
morality_n seem_v to_o understand_v not_o only_o this_o but_o also_o include_v in_o it_o all_o the_o assistance_n and_o encouragement_n that_o attend_v christianity_n whether_o be_v the_o proper_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v yet_o however_o those_o who_o take_v it_o in_o this_o latter_a sense_n can_v be_v think_v to_o ascribe_v too_o much_o to_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o they_o include_v more_o in_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n so_o take_v then_o perhaps_o can_v proper_o belong_v to_o it_o i_o shall_v here_o only_o add_v one_o consideration_n which_o refer_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o speculation_n and_o so_o put_v a_o end_n to_o this_o digression_n it_o be_v this_o that_o it_o no_o way_n reflect_v dishonourable_o upon_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o its_o power_n to_o convince_v a_o sceptic_a scepticus_fw-la nec_fw-la potest_fw-la alium_fw-la redarguere_fw-la nec_fw-la ipse_fw-la redargui_fw-la and_o the_o reason_n of_o both_o be_v because_o he_o neither_o assert_n nor_o grant_v any_o principle_n whereby_o he_o may_v either_o prevail_v upon_o other_o or_o he_o himself_o be_v confute_v scepticism_n be_v a_o capricious_a frenzy_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o it_o tend_v no_o more_o to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n that_o it_o can_v cure_v it_o than_o it_o do_v to_o the_o dishonour_n of_o grace_n that_o it_o do_v not_o always_o captivate_v the_o perverse_a will_n of_o wicked_a man_n but_o there_o be_v degree_n in_o this_o sceptical_a humour_n and_o we_o then_o seem_v to_o retain_v some_o tincture_n of_o it_o when_o we_o unreasonable_o and_o immoderate_o undervalue_v and_o enervate_v those_o argument_n which_o natural_a reason_n bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o natural_a religion_n viz._n the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n revelation_n indeed_o have_v advance_v these_o to_o high_a degree_n of_o certainty_n then_o before_o they_o have_v but_o i_o see_v not_o how_o it_o tend_v to_o the_o advancement_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o divine_a revelation_n by_o too_o rigid_a if_o not_o sceptical_a denial_n to_o invalidate_v all_o those_o argument_n that_o reason_n may_v suggest_v in_o proof_n or_o confirmation_n hereof_o reason_n methinks_v here_o shall_v not_o be_v treat_v as_o a_o enemy_n but_o rather_o help_v and_o encourage_v then_o discountenance_v in_o so_o good_a a_o design_n we_o shall_v rather_o procure_v and_o maintain_v a_o certain_a rational_a tenderness_n and_o modesty_n of_o mind_n whereby_o we_o shall_v be_v ashamed_a either_o to_o assert_v or_o deny_v any_o thing_n upon_o unjust_a ground_n and_o this_o temper_n of_o mind_n be_v equal_o distant_a from_o a_o vain_a credulity_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o a_o unreasonable_a demand_v of_o demonstration_n in_o matter_n uncapable_a of_o they_o on_o the_o other_o it_o assent_v not_o to_o thing_n on_o weak_a ground_n than_o reason_n may_v just_o require_v nor_o do_v it_o require_v more_o evidence_n than_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o but_o i_o must_v remember_v that_o i_o write_v a_o preface_n not_o a_o treatise_n i_o shall_v now_o only_o premise_v something_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o prophecy_n and_o divine_a revelation_n in_o general_n and_o so_o refer_v thou_o to_o the_o follow_a discourse_n for_o further_a satisfaction_n an_fw-mi operose_fw-la attempt_n to_o prove_v that_o which_o no_o sober_a and_o considerate_a man_n ever_o go_v about_o to_o deny_v will_v rather_o weaken_v then_o add_v any_o strength_n to_o the_o thing_n design_v yet_o i_o can_v wish_v that_o either_o the_o affectation_n of_o singularity_n or_o a_o more_o pernicious_a design_n of_o some_o in_o this_o present_a age_n have_v not_o render_v the_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o divine_a revelation_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o who_o will_v ascribe_v all_o pprophecy_n to_o some_o low_a principle_n not_o altogether_o unnecessary_a it_o be_v indeed_o both_o unjust_a and_o uncharitable_a to_o suggest_v unreasonable_a surmise_n of_o the_o possible_a intention_n of_o a_o author_n contrary_a to_o his_o express_a word_n only_o here_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o show_v the_o reason_n why_o it_o may_v be_v suspect_v that_o the_o author_n of_o tractatus_fw-la theologico-politicus_a notwithstanding_o what_o he_o there_o speak_v of_o it_o yet_o may_v indeed_o assert_v no_o other_o prophecy_n or_o revelation_n than_o what_o be_v within_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n to_o perform_v 1._o in_o his_o six_o chapter_n he_o absolute_o deny_v all_o miracle_n in_o general_a &_o then_o it_o be_v very_o inconsistent_a with_o and_o natural_o consequent_a upon_o this_o his_o principle_n to_o deny_v this_o of_o pprophecy_n in_o particular_a the_o opinion_n of_o miracle_n according_a to_o he_o be_v found_v in_o the_o ignorance_n of_o natural_a cause_n since_o nature_n never_o go_v out_o of_o her_o fix_a order_n and_o settle_a course_n whatever_o we_o may_v weak_o or_o ignorant_o conceive_v of_o it_o now_o according_a to_o this_o way_n of_o argue_v pprophecy_n may_v as_o well_o be_v the_o result_n either_o of_o blind_a chance_n or_o natural_a cause_n though_o such_o as_o be_v not_o common_o know_v as_o other_o miracle_n now_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o a_o miracle_n do_v as_o well_o belong_v to_o the_o certain_a prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n and_o the_o declare_v and_o reveal_v thing_n natural_o unknowable_a as_o it_o do_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o leave_v more_o immediate_a and_o sensible_a effect_n behind_o they_o and_o if_o god_n by_o such_o a_o eternal_a decree_n have_v so_o fix_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o can_v no_o way_n now_o be_v alter_v than_o pprophecy_n must_v run_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o miracle_n and_o he_o that_o deny_v one_o if_o he_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o must_v deny_v both_o 2._o he_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n may_v reveal_v by_o way_n of_o prophesy_v such_o thing_n as_o we_o already_o know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n that_o which_o i_o here_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v not_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o assertion_n but_o only_o that_o he_o do_v no_o where_o plain_o and_o clear_o tell_v we_o whether_o the_o prophecy_v contain_v in_o scripture_n be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n or_o no_o or_o whether_o they_o may_v not_o natural_o follow_v from_o such_o a_o system_fw-la of_o the_o world_n as_o he_o suppose_v 3._o he_o himself_o do_v sufficient_o explain_v his_o own_o opinion_n herein_o towards_o the_o end_n of_o his_o first_o chapter_n denique_fw-la prophetae_fw-la dei_fw-la spiritum_fw-la habere_fw-la dicebantur_fw-la quia_fw-la homines_fw-la causas_fw-la propheticae_fw-la cognitionis_fw-la ignorabant_fw-la eandemque_fw-la admirabantur_fw-la &_o propterea_fw-la ut_fw-la reliqua_fw-la portenta_fw-la ipsam_fw-la ad_fw-la deum_fw-la refer_v deique_fw-la cognitionem_fw-la vocare_fw-la solebant_fw-la wherein_o he_o positive_o resolve_v prophesy_v as_o well_o as_o other_o miracle_n into_o natural_a cause_n though_o such_o as_o be_v unknown_a to_o we_o my_o design_n here_o will_v not_o give_v i_o leave_v full_o to_o examine_v his_o opinion_n either_o concern_v miracle_n or_o pprophecy_n only_o i_o shall_v observe_v in_o general_a that_o it_o be_v but_o a_o very_a weak_a way_n of_o argue_v which_o he_o there_o use_v viz._n that_o because_o god_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o the_o accidental_a ministry_n of_o some_o other_o mean_n in_o work_v of_o miracle_n therefore_o to_o ascribe_v the_o whole_a causality_n or_o efficiency_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o god_n for_o other_o reason_n think_v fit_a to_o employ_v on_o those_o occasion_n thus_o he_o assert_v moses_n his_o throw_a ash_n into_o the_o air_n to_o be_v the_o natural_a cause_n of_o the_o biles_n that_o thereupon_o befall_v the_o egyptian_n thus_o also_o because_o god_n make_v use_v of_o the_o fancy_n in_o the_o convey_n of_o prophesy_n therefore_o must_v it_o whole_o be_v subject_v here_o and_o reach_v no_o far_o therefore_o he_o conclude_v that_o the_o prophet_n prophesy_v according_a to_o the_o various_a temperament_n and_o complexion_n of_o their_o body_n and_o some_o prophet_n be_v more_o obscure_a in_o their_o prophecy_n then_o other_o because_o their_o fancy_n be_v not_o so_o good_a nor_o their_o imagination_n so_o strong_a as_o the_o rest_n but_o this_o kind_n of_o reason_v seem_v much_o what_o like_o that_o of_o the_o man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o miracle_n of_o christ_n feed_n five_o thousand_o with_o five_o barly-loave_n and_o two_o fish_n joh._n 6._o 10._o give_v this_o account_n of_o it_o that_o what_o they_o want_v in_o meat_n they_o make_v up_o with_o grass_n because_o it_o be_v there_o occasional_o say_v that_o there_o be_v much_o grass_n in_o the_o place_n prophesy_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o may_v include_v those_o two_o thing_n 1._o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a contingency_n a_o foretell_v not_o only_o