〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a proposition_n almost_o in_o term_n of_o my_o four_o chapter_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examineed_a and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n may_v or_o 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same_o hitherto_o appear_v now_o to_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n true_a and_o rational_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v such_o thing_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v proper_o mystery_n that_o be_v though_o not_o real_o contradictory_n yet_o plain_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o present_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n thus_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o original_a constitution_n and_o great_a catastrophe_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o the_o past_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o light_n as_o that_o they_o can_v otherwise_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o credibility_n of_o they_o till_o the_o new_a improvement_n in_o philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o sure_a the_o ignorance_n or_o incapacity_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o incredulity_n or_o justify_v man_n in_o their_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o impeach_v the_o veracity_n or_o providence_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o which_o weighty_a and_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n very_o pertinent_a word_n of_o this_o worthy_a author_n i_o seal_v up_o my_o own_o and_o leave_v they_o both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n finis_fw-la correction_n page_n 176._o line_n 22._o after_o describe_v read_v it_o p._n 250._o l._n 11._o r._n confute_v p._n 206._o l._n 17._o after_o perfection_n r._n be_v as_o p._n 273._o l._n 1._o r._n proceed_v p._n 287._o l._n 12._o for_o as_o his_o vicar_n do_v r._n whatever_o his_o vicar_n may_v do_v p._n 289._o l._n 23._o after_o or_o r._n as_o p._n 292._o l._n 9_o r._n scrutiny_n p._n 303._o l._n 17._o r._n christian._n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n a_o collection_n of_o miscellany_n consist_v of_o poem_n essay_n discourse_n and_o letter_n in_o large_a 8_o o_o theory_n and_o regulation_n of_o love_n a_o moral_a essay_n in_o two_o part_n to_o which_o be_v add_v letter_n philosophical_a and_o moral_a between_o the_o author_n and_o dr._n more_o the_o 2_o d._n edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o which_o be_v add_v reflection_n upon_o a_o late_a essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n vol._n i._n the_o three_o edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n ii_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n iii_o letter_n philosophical_a moral_a and_o divine_a to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n with_o his_o answer_n in_o 8_o o_o treatise_n upon_o several_a subject_n former_o print_v single_o now_o collect_v into_o one_o volume_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a these_o eight_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n a_o treatise_n of_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o christ._n show_v the_o ungodly_a their_o contempt_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o a_o preface_n chief_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o dissenter_n and_o to_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o 8_o o_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o 10_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n price_n 1_v 6d_o a_o dialogue_n betwixt_o two_o protestant_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o popish_a catechism_n call_v a_o short_a catechism_n against_o the_o sectary_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o sectary_n but_o true_a catholic_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 2s_n poetic_a miscellany_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o the_o christian_a monitor_n the_o nineteen_o edition_n price_n 3d._n have_v already_o sell_v 95_o thousand_o and_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o and_o so_o proportionable_o for_o a_o small_a quantity_n these_o five_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n jo._n rawlet_n a_o essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n in_o four_o book_n the_o three_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o io._n locke_n gent._n folio_n malebranch_n search_v after_o truth_n complete_a in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o o._n to_o the_o 2_o d._n be_v add_v the_o author_n defence_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o m._n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr ville_fw-fr also_o the_o life_n of_o f_o malebranch_n do_v out_o of_o french_a by_o mr._n sault_n christian_n conference_n demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o morality_n by_o f._n malebranch_n practical_a discourse_n on_o the_o pararable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o f._n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o new_a voyage_n into_o italy_n with_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o same_o by_o max._n misson_n in_o 2_o vol._n do_v out_o of_o french_a and_o illustrate_v with_o sculp_v the_o roman_a history_n from_o the_o build_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o perfect_a settlement_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o augustus_n caesar._n by_o sa._n echard_n the_o 2_o d._n edition_n with_o amendment_n a_o full_a large_a and_o general_a phrase_n book_n by_o vv._n robertson_n a._n m._n price_n 5s_n bind_v reflection_n on_o the_o good_a tempâ—_n and_o fair_a deal_v of_o the_o animadverter_n upon_o d._n sherlock_n vindication_n or_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 4_o o._n price_n 6d_o essay_n of_o michael_n seignieur_n de_fw-fr montaigne_n in_o 3_o book_n do_v into_o english_a by_o c._n cotton_n esq_n in_o three_o vol._n a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n by_o vv._n beveridge_n d._n d._n the_o eleven_o edition_n price_n 3d_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n price_n 6d_o a_o new_a voyage_n to_o the_o levant_n contain_v remarkable_a curiosity_n in_o germany_n france_n italy_n malta_n &_o turkey_n by_o the_o sieur_n de_fw-fr mont._n the_o second_o edition_n price_n 5s_n 5s_n see_v mrs._n bourignon_n be_v work_n at_o large_a particular_o vol._n 7._o part_n 2d_o pag._n 193._o as_o also_o mr._n poiret_n be_v oeconomic_a divine_a vol._n 5._o p._n 338._o luk._n 18._o 8._o rom._n 11._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o joh._n 15._o 2._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 2_o pet._n 2._o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o metaphysical_a meditat._n philoso_n contract_n p._n 242._o recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr veritè_fw-fr liv._o 1._o p._n 10._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o 22_o â—_o q._n 1._o art_n 1._o chap._n 7._o artic._n 9_o tom._n 9_o p._n 107._o 2_o pet._n 5._o heb._n 11._o 1._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 4._o heb._n 11._o 8._o joh._n 〈◊〉_d 40._o avis_n stir_v le_fw-fr tableâ—â—_n du_fw-fr socinianism_n traité_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 14_o l'_fw-mi art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr p._n 432._o cogit_fw-la rational_a de_fw-fr deo_fw-la p._n 296._o mr._n malebranche_fw-mi malebranche_fw-mi veritas_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la incommutabilis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la dicitur_fw-la in_o principio_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la erat_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la s._n austin_n in_o psal._n 123._o job_n 11._o 7._o psal._n 97._o 2._o rom._n 11._o 33._o 33._o i_o the_o rather_o instance_n in_o the_o divine_a immensity_n because_o the_o devout_a psalmist_n do_v herein_o particularise_v his_o ignorance_n make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o astonishment_n rather_o than_o his_o curiosity_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o psal._n 139._o â—erardi_fw-la de_fw-la vries_n prasessoris_fw-la vâ—traâ—_n 〈◊〉_d exercitationes_fw-la rationales_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la divinisque_fw-la perfectoinibus_fw-la pag._n 248._o psal._n 4._o le_fw-fr clerk_n physics_n pag._n 14._o 〈…〉_z recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verité_fw-fr tom._n 2._o p._n 165._o 〈…〉_z psal._n 32._o 10._o 〈…〉_z christianity_n not_o myâ—ter_n p._n 90._o serm._n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n life_n of_o christ_n p._n 184._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o p._n 379._o
upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n of_o like_a uncertainty_n though_o otherwise_o of_o different_a nature_n now_o as_o this_o faith_n resemble_v opinion_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o divine_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v science_n or_o rather_o that_o second_o assent_n for_o so_o i_o be_o force_v to_o call_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a name_n which_o we_o late_o discourse_v of_o and_o place_v between_o opinion_n and_o faith_n the_o comparison_n here_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o to_o certainty_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n as_o to_o uncertainty_n divine_a faith_n have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o much_o as_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_n can_v have_v there_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assurance_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o assent_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o word_n what_o a_o man_n believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o 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matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
a_o desperate_a argument_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o 2._o which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o evasion_n either_o the_o deny_v or_o the_o allow_v this_o distinction_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o which_o beside_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o our_o clear_a proceed_v in_o what_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o be_o the_o rather_o induce_v to_o undertake_v because_o as_o mr._n boyle_n observe_v in_o a_o little_a treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v divers_a that_o employ_v this_o distinction_n few_o that_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o none_o that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o justify_v it_o indeed_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v write_v profess_o about_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o curiosity_n and_o importance_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o consider_v though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v not_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o subject_a nor_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a even_o as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v however_o because_o he_o have_v some_o considerable_a observation_n upon_o it_o as_o indeed_o his_o thought_n be_v general_o very_o good_a and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v refuse_v any_o additional_a light_n in_o so_o dark_a and_o untrodden_a a_o way_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o further_a advantage_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o matter_n first_o draw_v up_o into_o a_o short_a view_n what_o that_o excellent_a person_n have_v meditate_a concern_v it_o with_o such_o occasional_a remark_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v necessary_a and_o then_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o thing_n according_a to_o my_o own_o conception_n hope_v that_o between_o we_o both_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o that_o nothing_o of_o any_o consequence_n will_v be_v overlook_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o so_o little_o consider_v and_o almost_o virgin_n subject_a 3._o to_o give_v you_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o sum_n of_o mr._n boyle_n account_v he_o propose_v in_o general_n two_o thing_n 1._o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 2._o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o illusory_a distinction_n but_o ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n he_o conceive_v such_o notion_n and_o proposition_n as_o mere_a reason_n that_o be_v unassisted_a by_o revelation_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n clear_o comprehensible_a or_o not_o and_o that_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o understand_v such_o conception_n and_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n but_o such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v evident_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o to_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n 4._o now_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_o i_o will_v here_o by_o this_o great_a man_n leave_n and_o with_o due_a deference_n to_o his_o high_a character_n remark_n that_o though_o thing_n undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n may_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o surpass_v the_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v the_o first_o discovery_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o what_o divine_v mean_a by_o above_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o this_o distinction_n oppose_v it_o to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o this_o distinction_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o general_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o only_o above_o it_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v no_o distinction_n but_o a_o mere_a shift_n and_o evasion_n pretend_v that_o the_o i_o art_n of_o it_o fall_v in_o together_o and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o both_o they_o that_o use_v this_o distinction_n and_o they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v use_v do_v not_o mean_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v beyond_o the_o first_o invention_n or_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o to_o mean_v that_o our_o mystery_n be_v only_o undiscoverable_a when_o we_o say_v they_o be_v above_o reason_n will_v be_v too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o oppose_v to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o intend_v by_o mystery_n since_o though_o the_o undiscoverableness_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o be_v so_o call_v before_o their_o revelation_n it_o can_v be_v none_o now_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o say_v of_o these_o mystery_n now_o that_o they_o be_v above_o reason_n we_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o undiscoverableness_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o that_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o understand_v we_o for_o they_o deny_v that_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o according_a to_o they_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v all_o one_o but_o now_o no_o socinian_n that_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n will_v deny_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o that_o signify_v only_o undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o much_o less_o will_v he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o no_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n both_o allow_v we_o the_o distinction_n and_o the_o mystery_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o but_o then_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o more_o than_o we_o 5._o instead_o therefore_o of_o say_v undiscoverable_a he_o shall_v have_v say_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n into_o which_o he_o slip_v unaware_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v appear_v repugnant_a etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o former_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v even_o when_o discover_v and_o not_o such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a only_o to_o discover_v since_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o second_o part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o except_o those_o word_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a which_o in_o my_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v expunge_v as_o the_o production_n of_o the_o first_o mistake_n 6._o mr._n boyle_n proceed_v to_o illustrate_v his_o explanation_n of_o this_o distinction_n by_o a_o comparison_n draw_v from_o sight_n he_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o diver_n what_o he_o can_v see_v in_o a_o deep_a sea_n to_o which_o the_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v see_v into_o a_o sea-green_a liquor_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o some_o yard_n and_o no_o further_o so_o that_o if_o further_o ask_v if_o he_o can_v see_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n his_o answer_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o then_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v let_v himself_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o bring_v up_o thence_o and_o show_v he_o oyster_n or_o muscle_n with_o pearl_n in_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v both_o that_o they_o lie_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o the_o pearl_n be_v genuine_a and_o good_n but_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v further_o pretend_v that_o each_o of_o these_o pearl_n be_v big_a than_o the_o shell_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o will_v be_v think_v not_o only_o undiscernible_a by_o the_o eye_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o information_n and_o to_o admit_v this_o will_v argue_v the_o sight_n not_o only_o to_o be_v imperfect_a but_o false_a and_o delusory_a and_o according_o be_v presume_v that_o this_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v 7._o now_o i_o not_o only_o allow_v this_o comparison_n but_o even_o admire_v it_o for_o the_o singular_a aptness_n and_o pertinency_n of_o it_o to_o illustrate_v even_o to_o the_o sense_n the_o difference_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n only_o i_o think_v it_o seem_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o it_o which_o certain_o will_v make_v the_o comparison_n
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