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
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 comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o full_o as_o we_o do_v a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n because_o that_o after_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v take_v this_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o another_o but_o much_o more_o do_v it_o make_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o upon_o this_o score_n likewise_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v this_o positive_a man_n assert_n here_o what_o he_o have_v be_v assert_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n but_o give_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v we_o if_o so_o you_o must_v believe_v all_o relation_n true_a or_o false_a indifferent_o when_o you_o understand_v 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 know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o be_v mystery_n to_o we_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o this_o expression_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o time_n past_a and_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v he_o these_o two_o â—_z concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v believe_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o inquire_v into_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o than_o we_o find_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o believe_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v for_o if_o the_o angel_n understand_v they_o full_o when_o they_o believe_v why_o shall_v they_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o they_o 2._o whether_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o will_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v thing_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v if_o we_o have_v than_o there_o be_v 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
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 raise_v up_o in_o our_o mind_n the_o great_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o will_v strike_v all_o these_o opposer_n of_o faith_n and_o revelation_n dumb_a when_o they_o appear_v at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o then_o have_v it_o to_o say_v that_o god_n require_v their_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o what_o they_o understand_v as_o well_o as_o they_o can_v understand_v any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o for_o the_o divine_a revelation_n of_o which_o they_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n if_o they_o do_v but_o consider_v they_o to_o raise_v up_o in_o their_o mind_n a_o evidence_n as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a as_o they_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n and_o thus_o he_o see_v how_o groundless_a all_o those_o objection_n be_v and_o malicious_a insinuation_n against_o we_o and_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n as_o if_o we_o in_o any_o point_n of_o it_o decline_v 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 distinct_a idea_n of_o in_o the_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o believe_v nothing_o upon_o the_o worth_n and_o veracity_n of_o another_o person_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o thus_o there_o can_v be_v no_o faith_n either_o divine_a or_o human._n for_o if_o a_o man_n of_o who_o sincerity_n you_o be_v thorough_o convince_v shall_v tell_v you_o that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o indie_n who_o scourge_n their_o idol_n severe_o when_o any_o thing_n go_v cross_a to_o their_o expectation_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o you_o to_o believe_v this_o unless_o you_o see_v it_o for_o tho'_o you_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o apprehend_v clear_o what_o a_o idol_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o scourge_v it_o yet_o if_o the_o relation_n of_o ten_o thousand_o people_n and_o ever_o so_o many_o circumstance_n concur_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o yet_o you_o can_v never_o give_v your_o assent_n to_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o term_n than_o he_o do_v who_o see_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v you_o this_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o he_o make_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n and_o then_o if_o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o real_a mode_n and_o property_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o than_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o another_o world_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v such_o idea_n of_o they_o therefore_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o endeavour_v to_o get_v over_o this_o my_o reader_n think_v i_o warrant_v that_o he_o be_v go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o his_o principle_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o spend_v sixteen_o page_n in_o show_v you_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n as_o you_o will_v see_v plain_o i_o shall_v take_v he_o in_o order_n and_o answer_v every_o paragraph_n because_o this_o be_v the_o most_o plausible_a part_n of_o his_o sophistry_n first_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o that_o to_o be_v confident_a 127_o of_o any_o thing_n without_o conceive_v it_o be_v no_o real_a faith_n or_o persuasion_n but_o a_o rash_a presumption_n and_o a_o obstinate_a prejudice_n if_o he_o mean_v by_o not_o conceive_v it_o not_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o but_o if_o he_o mean_v by_o conceive_v it_o the_o have_v as_o full_a and_o complete_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o phenomena_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v absolute_o false_a for_o as_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n when_o we_o can_v conceive_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o their_o real_a nature_n and_o that_o our_o christian_a faith_n be_v however_o no_o rash_a presumption_n or_o obstinate_a prejudice_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o sufficient_a testimony_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o the_o proposition_n believe_v in_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o drive_v at_o viz._n that_o we_o have_v a_o full_a and_o complete_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o to_o make_v it_o plausible_a he_o say_v that_o god_n have_v no_o interest_n to_o delude_v his_o creature_n nor_o want_v ability_n to_o inform_v they_o â—rgo_v he_o reveal_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o make_v they_o perfect_o comprehend_v therefore_o he_o have_v not_o reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o
the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n because_o if_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o he_o will_v have_v make_v you_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o these_o perfect_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v certain_o want_v of_o sincerity_n or_o ability_n in_o he_o but_o let_v this_o blasphemer_n know_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o want_n of_o veracity_n nor_o ability_n in_o god_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v conceive_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n who_o have_v no_o capacity_n for_o they_o as_o yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o now_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v upon_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v of_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o assent_n so_o god_n will_v one_o day_n manifest_v his_o power_n in_o bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v and_o will_v so_o enlarge_v our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v clear_o apprehend_v they_o and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o another_o world_n he_o proceed_v and_o say_v that_o god_n will_v loose_v his_o end_n if_o what_o he_o say_v 12â—_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n iâ—_n god_n shall_v speak_v nonsense_n to_o you_o in_o his_o revelation_n you_o will_v be_v never_o the_o wise_a for_o if_o he_o shall_v reveal_v to_o you_o that_o a_o thing_n call_v blictri_n have_v a_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o not_o inform_v you_o what_o this_o blictri_n be_v you_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o now_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o he_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n of_o all_o the_o object_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n do_v happy_o show_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o rational_a assent_n and_o a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a book_n let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v these_o two_o word_n blictri_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o seven_o letter_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o i_o and_o as_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o i_o can_v believe_v nothing_o concern_v it_o but_o the_o uncertain_a find_v it_o make_v to_o my_o â—â—t_n and_o that_o seven_o letter_n make_v two_o syllable_n in_o write_v as_o to_o the_o other_o word_n glory_n i_o grant_v i_o know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o do_v what_o that_o blictri_n mean_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n when_o he_o reveal_v to_o mâ—_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o heaven_n as_o glory_n for_o one_a tho'_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n the_o great_a image_n i_o now_o be_o able_a to_o frame_v of_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o relation_n this_o glory_n have_v to_o i_o viz._n that_o it_o expect_v i_o in_o the_o heaven_n that_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v render_v i_o happy_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n but_o i_o be_o no_o more_o able_a to_o conceive_v that_o happiness_n than_o that_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n with_o this_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o prevail_a motive_n of_o my_o obedience_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 4._o i_o have_v not_o capacity_n at_o present_a to_o apprehend_v the_o real_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o perfect_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n to_o we_o tho'_o we_o have_v not_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v nay_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o more_o idea_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o than_o we_o have_v of_o what_o blictri_n be_v beside_o the_o text_n he_o bring_v to_o back_v 129._o this_o sophism_n of_o he_o explain_v the_o matter_n far_o and_o lay_v open_v the_o fallacy_n heb._n 11_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o by_o which_o we_o see_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n by_o we_o now_o be_v his_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o we_o viz_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v own_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o we_o know_v of_o god_n tho'_o he_o flat_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o he_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o at_o least_o as_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o he_o go_v on_o and_o ask_v without_o conceive_v 130._o faith_n after_o this_o manner_n i._n e._n without_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o knowledge_n how_o can_v christ_n be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n i._n e_fw-la unless_o he_o give_v you_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o reveal_v as_o you_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n i_o answer_v by_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o their_o existence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a but_o for_o he_o for_o thus_o he_o have_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o back_v his_o precept_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a reward_n which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o and_o the_o best_a thought_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o exceed_v all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v but_o say_v he_o that_o remarkable_a instance_n 131._o of_o abraham_n faith_n will_v be_v object_v yes_o it_o be_v object_v and_o the_o way_n he_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o say_v as_o we_o do_v and_o leave_v his_o own_o opinion_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o give_v he_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n in_o isaac_n after_o this_o before_o isaac_n have_v a_o child_n god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n he_o obey_v upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o again_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o he_o at_o first_o raise_v he_o out_o of_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb._n now_o the_o question_n between_o he_o and_o i_o be_v not_o whether_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o 132._o substantial_a reason_n which_o we_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o abraham_n give_v his_o assent_n to_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v which_o he_o must_v own_v unless_o he_o prove_v that_o abraham_n know_v as_o perfect_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o god_n raise_v a_o body_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o from_o a_o womb_n past_o child_n bear_v as_o he_o do_v the_o procreation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n have_v abraham_n be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n will_v raise_v his_o son_n &_o to_o conceive_v exact_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v then_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o knowledge_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o have_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o know_v no_o more_o how_o god_n will_v raise_v he_o than_o he_o know_v how_o he_o make_v the_o world_n after_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n 133._o to_o prove_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n 1._o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v false_a like_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o tho'_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o of_o a_o thing_n than_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o be_o fat_a from_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v vary_v in_o degree_n either_o according_a to_o the_o proof_n
i_o have_v for_o it_o or_o according_a as_o i_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a 134._o to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n who_o doubt_v it_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v one_o proposition_n we_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o because_o we_o do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v we_o therefore_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o &_o must_v we_o reject_v it_o all_o as_o fallacy_n &_o imposture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16_o 16._o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o that_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n especial_o since_o the_o belief_n there_o mean_v be_v something_o plain_o distinct_a from_o knowledge_n for_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o think_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v not_o as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o he_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v damn_a which_o be_v all_o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n again_o 3._o if_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v unintelligible_a 135._o it_o can_v never_o be_v right_o translate_v a_o very_a wise_a observation_n who_o ever_o question_v it_o but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o tho'_o i_o be_o whole_o ignorant_a wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v â—o_o that_o i_o can_v however_o translate_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o proposition_n exact_o and_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v such_o wretch_n as_o he_o who_o affirm_v the_o contrary_a that_o plentiful_o furnish_v the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a with_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o scripture_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o time_n god_n will_v put_v it_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o our_o governor_n to_o remedy_v these_o disorder_n 4._o except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a 136._o persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n it_o be_v very_o true_a it_o be_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n and_o ground_v upon_o the_o strict_a reason_n but_o he_o with_o a_o hardy_a confidence_n open_o pretend_v that_o we_o deny_v people_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o understand_v their_o faith_n and_o so_o run_v into_o a_o comparison_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o idol_n of_o the_o siamese_n upon_o our_o principle_n now_o he_o be_v past_o all_o reason_n and_o modesty_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o deliver_v he_o up_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o governor_n we_o may_v confute_v his_o error_n but_o it_o be_v they_o only_o can_v suppress_v his_o insolence_n we_o only_o can_v endeavour_v to_o heal_v those_o who_o be_v already_o infect_v it_o be_v they_o alone_o can_v hinder_v the_o infection_n from_o spread_v far_o 5._o that_o either_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o 137._o write_v more_o intelligible_o of_o the_o repute_a mystery_n or_o they_o will_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v of_o these_o real_a mystery_n they_o have_v make_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v not_o neither_o need_v they_o have_v make_v they_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v rail_v at_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o all_o the_o clergy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o conceal_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o they_o know_v themselves_o he_o go_v on_o '_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v yes_o he_o have_v and_o according_o do_v require_v it_o and_o again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v that_o in_o this_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o tyranny_n as_o only_o become_v the_o devil_n he_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o change_n of_o they_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n tho'_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v like_o a_o tyrant_n in_o this_o that_o he_o act_n like_o a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o tender_a father_n for_o he_o herein_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o reveal_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v they_o and_o promise_v that_o if_o they_o have_v that_o influence_n upon_o we_o which_o he_o design_n i._n e_fw-la to_o excite_v our_o gratitude_n and_o make_v we_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o will_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n give_v we_o capacity_n to_o see_v they_o clear_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o that_o these_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v at_o last_o but_o not_o till_o we_o come_v to_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v they_o only_o to_o puzzle_v our_o head_n but_o for_o wise_a and_o 138._o excellent_a end_n viz._n to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o all_o these_o observation_n he_o con_v 139._o clude_v that_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o his_o sense_n be_v contradictory_n 1._o to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n whereas_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o religion_n at_o all_o either_o natural_a or_o reveal_v 2._o to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n i._n e._n because_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o but_o this_o quibble_n i_o have_v sufficient_o remove_v and_o 3._o to_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n who_o as_o he_o intimate_v before_o be_v as_o much_o a_o tyrant_n as_o the_o devil_n for_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n we_o can_v comprehend_v if_o god_n have_v require_v we_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o he_o will_v have_v require_v impossibility_n if_o he_o have_v require_v we_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n or_o evidence_n for_o he_o will_v have_v require_v what_o be_v unreasonable_a but_o when_o he_o adapt_n the_o revelation_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v to_o our_o capacity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o do_v apprehend_v clear_o and_o full_o it_o be_v the_o great_a argument_n of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o when_o he_o require_v no_o assent_n from_o we_o without_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o any_o consider_v unprejudiced_a person_n it_o be_v a_o great_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n and_o these_o revelation_n of_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v as_o they_o be_v most_o powerful_a incitement_n to_o gratitude_n here_o so_o they_o will_v be_v the_o subject_n of_o our_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n hereafter_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v perfect_o remove_v and_o that_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o apprehend_v they_o clear_o now_o after_o all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v that_o 139._o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n he_o say_v this_o will_v be_v object_v against_o he_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o this_o will_v be_v ever_o object_v against_o he_o till_o he_o recant_v his_o error_n public_o but_o how_o do_v he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v it_o why._n that_o knowledge_n which_o be_v the_o present_a &_o immediate_a view_n oâ—_n a_o thing_n be_v not_o faith_n he_o say_v well_o but_o what_o be_v faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v he_o will_v stand_v by_o it_o with_o soul_n and_o body_n that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o that_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o faith_n no_o one_o deny_v but_o any_o man_n of_o common_a sense_n may_v see_v that_o this_o and_o the_o other_o definition_n be_v the_o same_o for_o pray_v what_o be_v understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v but_o have_v a_o present_a immediate_a knowledge_n of_o it_o unless_o he_o will_v say_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v a_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v forget_v he_o know_v it_o that_o which_o constitute_v the_o formal_a
of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v it_o but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o all_o the_o pompous_a citation_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o give_v the_o father_n as_o foul_a language_n as_o he_o do_v the_o modern_a clergy_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o objection_n hold_v against_o the_o bible_n itself_o for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v of_o as_o little_a â—orce_n as_o a_o quotation_n out_o of_o any_o fabulous_a heathen_a author_n to_o influenceo_fw-la ur_fw-la assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n he_o introduce_v they_o after_o the_o most_o scornful_a manner_n he_o can_v contrive_v and_o say_v that_o the_o mention_v of_o schutcheon_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v this_o expression_n by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n the_o father_n the_o admire_a father_n their_o opinion_n he_o call_v whymsy_n and_o their_o work_n insuperable_a labyrinth_n and_o call_v the_o just_a esteem_n we_o have_v for_o they_o a_o blind_a veneration_n for_o those_o who_o live_v before_o we_o he_o never_o mention_n they_o without_o the_o great_a contemt_a and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o venerable_a name_n and_o pompous_a citation_n that_o have_v no_o value_n but_o such_o as_o a_o ugly_a rust_n and_o colour_n give_v ancient_a coin_n but_o this_o similitude_n that_o he_o design_n by_o way_n of_o derision_n do_v very_o well_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o father_n for_o as_o ancient_a coin_n be_v now_o of_o no_o great_a intrinsic_a value_n than_o the_o bare_a weight_n of_o the_o metal_n they_o be_v make_v of_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o give_v we_o light_v into_o the_o time_n and_o custom_n of_o antiquity_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n be_v of_o vasy_o great_a value_n than_o any_o modern_a coin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o father_n they_o be_v man_n and_o write_v like_o such_o and_o tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o their_o work_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o have_v be_v write_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o these_o write_n of_o they_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o come_v to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o after_o they_o to_o have_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v write_v by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n arrogant_a treatment_n of_o the_o father_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o ignorant_a child_n revile_v the_o prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n
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 and_o be_v as_o uneasy_a at_o any_o fetter_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o upon_o their_o body_n they_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o have_v clear_a &_o distinct_a idea_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v apt_a to_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o now_o because_o i_o design_v this_o letter_n in_o answer_v not_o only_o to_o this_o book_n but_o to_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n upon_o the_o like_a principle_n of_o set_v up_o for_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o particular_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o plain_o to_o they_o the_o deep_a deceit_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n by_o require_v their_o assent_n to_o his_o revelation_n do_v as_o little_a violence_n to_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o their_o body_n and_o that_o he_o leave_v their_o reason_n as_o full_a a_o scope_n and_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o so_o that_o they_o will_v find_v we_o as_o great_a stickler_n for_o clear_a idea_n strict_a reason_n and_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v be_v for_o their_o heart_n these_o man_n speak_v much_o truth_n but_o make_v false_a inference_n never_o consider_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o proposition_n but_o confound_v they_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n which_o consider_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o for_o that_o other_o which_o they_o make_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o for_o the_o clear_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o some_o thing_n give_v we_o a_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n that_o we_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o so_o that_o these_o two_o say_n wide_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n i_o can_v give_v no_o assent_n without_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o i_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o all_o our_o quaint_a reasoner_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o fallacy_n wâ—â—â—â—by_o they_o impose_v upon_o other_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o as_o distinct_o and_o pâ—â—â—nly_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v observe_v thâ—â—_n since_o it_o appear_v undeniable_o from_o wâ—â—â—_n have_v be_v say_v that_o evidence_n be_v â—oâ—â—â—e_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o not_o but_o that_o i_o allow_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o some_o thing_n to_o make_v we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o what_o this_o man_n will_v insinuate_v do_v not_o follow_v viz_o that_o therefore_o all_o its_o relation_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la for_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o severe_a search_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o that_o i_o now_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o fallacy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o set_v they_o both_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n i_o shall_v six_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o most_o ambiguous_a word_n which_o he_o have_v compel_v i_o to_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v but_o grope_v for_o truth_n in_o the_o dark_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o adequate_a idea_n be_v sure_a and_o fix_a ay_o e_o a_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a in_o it_o but_o how_o far_o short_a what_o man_n call_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n come_v of_o that_o adequate_a conception_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v because_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v vary_v almost_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o perhaps_o we_o have_v not_o idea_n of_o any_o two_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o therefore_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o metaphysical_a nicety_n and_o infist_n upon_o nothing_o but_o genuine_a reason_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n be_v signify_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o conception_n as_o we_o ordinary_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o main_a thing_n he_o contend_v for_o in_o his_o whole_a book_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o all_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o no_o far_o than_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a or_o immediate_a idea_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o 2._o that_o though_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a or_o immediate_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o by_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a idea_n i_o mean_v a_o conception_n or_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o by_o a_o mediate_a or_o improper_a idea_n i_o mean_v a_o notion_n we_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o analogy_n or_o now_o similitude_n whether_o this_o distinction_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a one_o and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o set_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o may_v clear_o apprehend_v where_o knowledge_n end_v and_o faith_n proceed_v alone_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o distinction_n will_v effectual_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o this_o controversy_n about_o mystery_n now_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o conception_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o either_o by_o give_v
they_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v for_o what_o any_o man_n say_v than_o i_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o we_o be_v only_o soft_a and_o credulous_a fool_n it_o be_v every_o man_n native_a right_n and_o privilege_n to_o judge_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n before_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o alone_a which_o distinguish_v our_o christian_a faith_n from_o blind_a credulity_n because_o it_o admit_v of_o such_o enquiry_n for_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n we_o full_o understand_v and_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o argue_v in_o divine_a thing_n be_v this_o from_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n we_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n this_o corruptible_a shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_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 a_o body_n to_o corrupt_v and_o rot_v and_o likewise_o i_o know_v what_o a_o athletic_a habit_n of_o body_n be_v and_o for_o a_o person_n to_o have_v a_o firm_a constitution_n and_o to_o remain_v always_o in_o the_o utmost_a beauty_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o bloom_a youth_n which_o be_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o incorruption_n that_o i_o can_v frame_v to_o myself_o now_o and_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o because_o i_o have_v any_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o that_o immutable_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o and_o which_o be_v here_o represent_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o incorruption_n but_o because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o this_o type_n or_o figure_n by_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o have_v i._n e._n the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v who_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o reveal_v this_o to_o i_o and_o thus_o likewise_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o yet_o we_o infer_v his_o existence_n from_o those_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o very_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v all_z that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a 19_o thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o some_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o make_v the_o heathen_a world_n run_v into_o idolatry_n and_o represent_v he_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o now_o by_o revelation_n what_o we_o come_v to_o know_v more_o of_o he_o be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o follow_v it_o be_v this_o will_v one_o day_n render_v all_o infidel_n without_o excuse_n because_o tho'_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v they_o without_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o existence_n nay_o great_a than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o from_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n because_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o one_o be_v ground_v be_v fallible_a and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o infallible_a and_o consequent_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o use_v these_o two_o word_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n so_o promiscuous_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n be_v but_o a_o precarious_a assent_n but_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v call_v knowledge_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a sense_n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v infallible_a prooffor_o which_o again_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o say_n of_o he_o which_o he_o lay_v such_o a_o stress_n upon_o that_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o degree_n oâ—_n perspicuity_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspecuity_n but_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n ergò_fw-la and_o now_o we_o see_v plain_o the_o error_n of_o those_o man_n who_o out_o of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n have_v set_v themselves_o to_o defend_v they_o by_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o level_n of_o a_o man_n and_o endeavour_v by_o thin_a spin_a notion_n to_o solve_v the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n these_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a attempt_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v their_o fail_v in_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v the_o best_a defence_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o determinate_a sense_n for_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v they_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v full_o solve_v and_o explain_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v mystery_n this_o have_v give_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o when_o they_o find_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o account_v for_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o degree_n of_o revelation_n we_o now_o have_v they_o utter_o reject_v they_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o never_o distinguish_v between_o that_o part_n of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o understand_v clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o morâ—sest_a reasoner_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o raise_v any_o dispute_n about_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v two_o such_o quicksight_v blind_a man_n as_o i_o speak_v of_o dispute_v warm_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o light_n and_o how_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n they_o will_v start_v concern_v it_o as_o how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o every_o point_n of_o such_o a_o vast_a space_n in_o the_o same_o instant_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o touch_v so_o many_o million_o of_o object_n at_o once_o since_o this_o be_v their_o chief_a way_n of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o fall_v out_o about_o these_o imaginary_a difficulty_n irreconcilable_o whereas_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o very_o happy_a some_o time_n or_o other_o when_o god_n shall_v open_v their_o eye_n their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a clear_o and_o distinct_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o thing_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v real_o reveal_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n whereof_o they_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n if_o it_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o it_o than_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o without_o any_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o we_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n against_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n when_o we_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v to_o they_o what_o be_v real_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o now_o many_o such_o profane_a and_o impious_a book_n as_o these_o have_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o we_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o apprehend_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o mystery_n nor_o if_o we_o know_v they_o can_v we_o explain_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v other_o people_n understand_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o great_a boldness_n because_o it_o be_v search_v into_o what_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o and_o all_o these_o elaborate_a intricacy_n be_v but_o mischievous_a trifle_n and_o when_o man_n talk_v so_o