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
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 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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
these_o three_o be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o explain_v himself_o and_o say_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o three_o man_n be_v one_o man_n or_o that_o one_o man_n be_v three_o man_n they_o who_o cry_v there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n seem_v to_o i_o neither_o to_o know_v what_o a_o contradiction_n be_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n concern_v the_o trinity_n for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o divinity_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n then_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o we_o affirm_v the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o godhead_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o different_a respect_n so_o that_o all_o this_o noise_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v one_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v three_o and_o therefore_o because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o we_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o i_o grant_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o account_v for_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o solve_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o union_n and_o distinction_n it_o will_v â—â—aâ—e_v to_o be_v such_o thus_o much_o of_o it_o be_v pure_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o 3._o i_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n i_o have_v for_o this_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o so_o that_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n or_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o perhaps_o this_o man_n will_v object_n that_o tho'_o he_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o no_o far_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o out_o at_o the_o begin_n that_o both_o what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o can_v know_v be_v both_o in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o evidence_n the_o first_o assent_n be_v proper_o faith_n the_o last_o be_v knowledge_n and_o so_o likewise_o if_o i_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n it_o shall_v be_v thus_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o the_o agreablness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o whatever_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o come_v from_o god_n i_o find_v he_o in_o many_o place_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n and_o title_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o discourse_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o use_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a divine_a be_v which_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n under_o that_o name_n and_o sometime_o after_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a because_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n at_o each_o of_o these_o say_n to_o stone_n he_o as_o a_o blasphemer_n because_o he_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n if_o these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n they_o take_v they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v undeceive_v they_o and_o have_v make_v it_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o understand_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v only_o a_o god_n by_o deputation_n according_a to_o the_o wild_a notion_n of_o the_o socinian_o but_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o right_n that_o he_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n the_o very_a same_o god_n who_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o sacred_a name_n i_o am._n and_o he_o have_v never_o undeceive_v either_o they_o or_o we_o to_o this_o day_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v use_v many_o expression_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v this_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o act_n like_o a_o reasonable_a man_n i_o be_o under_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o this_o or_o of_o utter_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n now_o have_v he_o be_v and_o impostor_n god_n who_o show_v himself_o always_o very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o with_o such_o repeat_v testimony_n if_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v only_o a_o messenger_n come_v from_o god_n and_o a_o mere_a man_n who_o speak_v only_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o commission_n he_o will_v never_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n as_o must_v natural_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o lead_v thousand_o into_o the_o gross_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o detestable_a to_o god_n moses_n be_v never_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o much_o less_o suspicious_a expression_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n too_o must_v we_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a insinuation_n that_o they_o wrought_v that_o miracle_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a power_n and_o proper_a efficacy_n this_o come_v much_o short_a of_o these_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o again_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v down_o my_o liâ—e_z and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o indeed_o that_o passage_n concern_v moses_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n since_o this_o inference_n be_v very_o natural_a and_o obvious_a from_o it_o viz._n if_o god_n be_v so_o incense_v with_o moses_n for_o make_v use_n of_o one_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o encroach_v upon_o his_o prerogative_n then_o how_o far_o will_v he_o have_v be_v from_o give_v testimony_n of_o much_o more_o frequent_a and_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o person_n who_o by_o many_o plain_a expression_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o full_a power_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n if_o he_o be_v not_o real_o what_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v because_o i_o can_v reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n therefore_o i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n and_o confess_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o mystery_n upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o my_o faith_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o i_o know_v clear_o who_o i_o mean_v by_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n that_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o crucify_a under_o pontius_n pilate_n i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o and_o i_o apprehend_v very_o well_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o i._n e._n that_o divine_a be_v who_o necessary_a existence_n i_o infer_v from_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o who_o nature_n tho'_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o i_o form_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o he_o i_o can_v by_o enlarge_n all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o thus_o i_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o contradictory_n to_o my_o reason_n and_o last_o i_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n and_o of_o those_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v the_o agreableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a
as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n 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more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v 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 we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o
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
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assent_n and_o blind_a credulity_n and_o therefore_o here_o again_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o move_v by_o any_o heat_n of_o passion_n but_o by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o have_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o here_o he_o plead_v a_o toleration_n but_o 110._o for_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o toleration_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o tho'_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o yet_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o industrious_o spread_v such_o impious_a notion_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o from_o open_o revile_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o imposture_n and_o implicit_a blind_a credulity_n again_o it_o be_v object_v against_o he_o that_o 140._o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a yes_o it_o do_v for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v ever_o so_o well_o and_o 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the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o nay_o if_o two_o contrary_a proposition_n equal_o intelligible_a be_v relate_v he_o must_v believe_v they_o both_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o believe_v i_o when_o i_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o a_o secret_a club_n who_o set_v themselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o industry_n to_o destroy_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o tool_n only_o and_o have_v push_v he_o before_o they_o to_o try_v with_o what_o safety_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o may_v be_v open_o avow_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v and_o open_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o secret_a cabal_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v
design_v to_o signify_v the_o plainess_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n of_o obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v troublesome_a and_o tedious_a to_o learn_v and_o observe_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o text_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o then_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n because_o all_o the_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o his_o law_n be_v then_o to_o be_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o according_o this_o be_v now_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o its_o plainess_n be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o its_o excellence_n and_o divinity_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o any_o clear_a &_o distinct_a knowledge_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o expression_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a and_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n the_o first_o be_v very_o true_a and_o the_o last_o be_v absolute_o false_a or_o a_o treatise_n show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o among_o we_o ever_o say_v there_o be_v but_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v add_v his_o book_n will_v have_v be_v the_o short_a by_o fourteen_o page_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o it_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o stitch_v pamphlet_n and_o cry_v about_o with_o almanac_n nor_o above_o reason_n this_o likewise_o be_v a_o dubious_a say_n for_o if_o it_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o than_o it_o be_v very_o true_a for_o tho'_o some_o passage_n be_v difficult_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a and_o be_v there_o any_o expression_n in_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v write_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o if_o by_o not_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v of_o in_o it_o but_o what_o we_o have_v as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o false_a as_o i_o hope_v will_v sufficient_o appear_v and_o thus_o the_o whole_a title_n page_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o equivocation_n and_o sophism_n however_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o that_o it_o suit_v the-book_n very_o well_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sâ—t_v up_o natural_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o revelation_n and_o these_o same_o equivocation_n begin_v in_o the_o title_n page_n run_v through_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v his_o introduction_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o state_n the_o question_n require_v no_o answer_n for_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o private_a doctor_n or_o council_n or_o any_o infallible_a head_n so_o there_o be_v six_o page_n of_o impertinence_n cut_v off_o already_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o set_v out_o with_o a_o fling_n at_o the_o divine_n the_o man_n he_o be_v all_o along_o so_o angry_a with_o who_o grave_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v yes_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v adore_v god_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v comprehend_v he_o let_v he_o prove_v we_o can_v if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o without_o give_v himself_o or_o we_o any_o far_a trouble_n we_o will_v put_v the_o whole_a controversy_n to_o a_o short_a issue_n and_o let_v it_o lie_v upon_o this_o one_o point_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v out_o that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n then_o what_o will_v this_o man_n deserve_v for_o that_o arrogant_a expression_n of_o he_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v himself_o can_v edition_n with_o more_o reason_n be_v account_v mysterious_a than_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o his_o creature_n his_o business_n here_o be_v to_o have_v state_v the_o question_n and_o let_v we_o have_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o go_v a_o great_a way_n about_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v take_v no_o where_o but_o from_o thence_o which_o no_o one_o deny_v and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o i_o must_v that_o both_o he_o and_o i_o may_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n and_o neither_o of_o we_o hereafter_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o impertinence_n now_o the_o clear_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o do_v of_o this_o be_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o one_o for_o all_o to_o let_v we_o see_v what_o a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o first_o i_o think_v of_o that_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o this_o say_v 52._o behold_v i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n again_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o matter_n say_v it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o from_o whence_o we_o see_v a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v something_o which_o relate_v to_o another_o life_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o now_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v we_o know_v it_o but_o it_o in_o part_n and_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o or_o short_a it_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o part_n as_o particular_o this_o of_o our_o be_v change_v at_o the_o last_o day_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o truth_n relate_v to_o another_o life_n which_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o head_n to_o think_v of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n and_o now_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v so_o that_o in_o a_o christian_a mystery_n there_o be_v something_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o something_o that_o we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o we_o do_v know_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o hide_v from_o 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that_o be_v afford_v we_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o change_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v from_o whence_o i_o shall_v infer_v only_o thus_o much_o at_o present_a that_o what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o be_v yet_o conceal_v from_o we_o be_v in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v of_o it_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n oblige_v from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o
be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v nay_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o now_o we_o see_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o yet_o affirm_v for_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n he_o labour_v to_o disprove_v and_o by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confound_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o they_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v a_o mystery_n with_o so_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o the_o case_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o have_v i_o take_v any_o other_o mystery_n for_o a_o instance_n either_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n or_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v require_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o quit_v this_o and_o take_v any_o other_o for_o a_o instance_n which_o he_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o now_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o to_o disprove_v but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v about_o prove_v or_o disprove_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v perplex_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o fantastical_a term_n and_o distinction_n if_o he_o have_v mean_v honest_o and_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o will_v have_v speak_v plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o question_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o spend_v above_o one_o three_o of_o his_o book_n in_o lose_v of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o rescue_v the_o subject_n from_o obscurity_n and_o force_v this_o man_n to_o speak_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n be_v 10_o not_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o nor_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v reason_v about_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n nor_o be_v it_o authority_n what_o trifle_v this_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o head_n that_o form_v the_o thought_n nor_o the_o finger_n that_o write_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o brain_n itself_o no_o nor_o be_v my_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o another_o man._n our_o reader_n be_v like_a to_o be_v much_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o after_o this_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v 11._o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o second_o chapter_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o simplex_n apprehensio_fw-la nor_o judicium_fw-la but_o that_o it_o be_v discursus_fw-la that_o be_v proper_o call_v reason_n which_o last_o he_o will_v not_o express_v by_o syllogism_n the_o word_n for_o it_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v but_o he_o must_v call_v it_o the_o application_n of_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v distant_a from_o one_o 13._o another_o and_o lie_v too_o far_o asunder_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o two_o house_n with_o a_o line_n because_o you_o can_v take_v one_o house_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o in_o another_o and_o so_o clap_v they_o together_o to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v high_a what_o be_v this_o but_o make_v a_o syllogism_n by_o apply_v the_o medius_n terminus_n to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o his_o reader_n have_v not_o learned_a logic_n yes_o he_o have_v a_o drift_n in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o our_o modern_a writer_n against_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o false_a rule_n of_o reason_v the_o consequence_n he_o will_v make_v will_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a tho'_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o every_o common_a logic_n yet_o what_o follow_v be_v his_o own_o and_o be_v both_o trifle_a and_o false_a for_o first_o his_o four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o and_o the_o distinction_n frivolous_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n 18._o the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o usual_a speak_n sense_n and_o reason_n human_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o at_o first_o sight_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o any_o revelation_n by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n still_o and_o then_o as_o to_o his_o make_a authority_n 16._o a_o mean_n only_o of_o information_n and_o answer_v evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o his_o book_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o these_o modern_a writer_n who_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o reason_n and_o evidence_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o falsity_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v and_o of_o he_o who_o give_v the_o information_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n for_o how_o come_v any_o one_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v of_o himself_o why_o by_o a_o other_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o 2._o when_o consider_v in_o the_o informer_n it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n relate_v to_o i_o from_o another_o because_o of_o the_o veracity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n that_o make_v the_o information_n but_o this_o cunning_a man_n will_v ask_v how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o another_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o assent_n in_o my_o mind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o i_o of_o his_o ability_n and_o veracity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o assent_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n indeed_o be_v evidence_n but_o then_o this_o evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n only_o and_o that_o worth_a or_o authority_n of_o he_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v to_o i_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o very_a clear_a and_o undeniable_a let_v we_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o two_o proposition_n wherein_o these_o two_o ground_n may_v be_v consider_v separately_z the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o in_o a_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o proposition_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n or_o assent_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o be_v because_o he_o find_v out_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o extreme_n by_o intermediate_v idea_n and_o thus_o as_o he_o speak_v the_o demonstration_n at_o last_o become_v self_n evident_a but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n relate_v it_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v know_v this_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n authority_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n so_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v believe_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v that_o this_o revelation_n have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o 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a_o notion_n of_o this_o be_v by_o continue_a accumulation_n and_o then_o a_o confuse_a idea_n of_o what_o remain_v when_o we_o be_v weary_a of_o this_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v not_o one_o addition_n we_o make_v but_o ipso_fw-la facto_fw-la we_o destroy_v its_o be_v the_o very_a thought_n of_o addition_n do_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n carry_v the_o mind_n far_o from_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o it_o and_o how_o little_a this_o will_v help_v we_o to_o any_o immediate_a positive_a idea_n of_o it_o be_v plain_a because_o that_o when_o we_o have_v imagine_v all_o the_o atom_n that_o go_v to_o the_o composition_n of_o the_o universe_n tell_v as_o many_o time_n over_o as_o we_o can_v heap_v up_o number_n for_o it_o we_o be_v as_o far_o from_o any_o true_a idea_n of_o infinity_o as_o when_o we_o begin_v to_o reckon_v two_n have_v i_o say_v one_o we_o shall_v in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v be_v near_a it_o as_o a_o instant_n of_o time_n have_v be_v find_v a_o better_a 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for_o without_o the_o use_n of_o one_o of_o his_o eye_n at_o least_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o that_o he_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o must_v never_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n now_o it_o be_v a_o very_a pretty_a way_n of_o reveal_v the_o nature_n of_o light_n to_o this_o man_n by_o open_v of_o his_o eye_n then_o i_o must_v confess_v light_n will_v be_v no_o long_o a_o mystery_n to_o he_o and_o when_o this_o man_n make_v we_o understand_v as_o he_o have_v undertake_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o perfect_o as_o that_o man_n do_v the_o nature_n of_o light_n when_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v i_o will_v yield_v but_o till_o then_o i_o must_v free_o own_v we_o to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o that_o blind_a man_n in_o respect_n of_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o before_o this_o wonderful_a 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much_o oâ—_n what_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o must_v always_o end_v in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v intelligible_a and_o plain_a be_v ever_o so_o and_o that_o part_n which_o be_v mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n will_v ever_o be_v so_o till_o we_o coâ—â—_n to_o another_o world_n therefore_o our_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n be_v to_o fix_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o convince_v any_o reasonable_a unprejudiced_a man_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v for_o their_o infidelity_n thus_o we_o shall_v 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belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n lay_v aside_o all_o affectation_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n i_o will_v do_v it_o thus_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n in_o order_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o those_o revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v better_a proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v such_o testimony_n of_o their_o come_n from_o god_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n that_o if_o i_o use_v my_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n in_o these_o that_o i_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n i_o must_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o those_o write_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 57_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o posterity_n from_o whence_o and_o from_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o godhead_n under_o these_o three_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n which_o the_o church_n have_v express_v altogether_o by_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o single_o by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o i_o think_v these_o term_n proper_a enough_o to_o express_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o this_o mystery_n now_o i_o find_v no_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n i_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v something_o more_o than_o if_o that_o commission_n have_v run_v thus_o go_v baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n and_o of_o elohim_n and_o of_o adonai_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o intend_v than_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o needless_a tautology_n again_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a different_a spirit_n for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v three_o god_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v there_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n and_o something_o less_o than_o that_o of_o three_o different_a spirit_n and_o because_o i_o find_v each_o person_n seperat_o as_o well_o as_o joint_o mention_v as_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n allow_v and_o pay_v to_o they_o therefore_o as_o that_o excellent_a creed_n express_v it_o i_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n athe._n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o allow_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n how_o strict_a this_o union_n be_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o distinction_n it_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o my_o reason_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v beyond_o my_o sight_n and_o any_o man_n who_o strive_v to_o conceive_v it_o himself_o or_o take_v pain_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o folly_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o action_n in_o nature_n extravagant_a enough_o to_o match_v it_o if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n stretch_v up_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n to_o pull_v down_o a_o star_n we_o shall_v certain_o conclude_v he_o distract_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reach_v it_o or_o grasp_v it_o if_o he_o can_v it_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o distinction_n for_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o insolent_a man_n that_o i_o thus_o adore_v what_o i_o can_v comprehend_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o a_o mystery_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v yet_o say_v or_o ever_o will_v say_v for_o the_o union_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n however_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o be_v not_o precarious_a and_o implicit_a or_o any_o easy_a blind_a credulity_n but_o be_v â—ounded_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o reasonable_a think_v man_n concern_v any_o proposition_n wherein_o a_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v 1._o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o understand_v well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o he_o discern_v no_o contradiction_n in_o they_o 3._o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mystery_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o themselves_o who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n they_o will_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o argue_v against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o confute_v nonsense_n but_o say_v it_o be_v such_o so_o that_o thus_o far_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a these_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o see_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o will_v utter_o reject_v it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o three_o be_v one_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a in_o ordinary_a discourse_n than_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o three_o or_o any_o other_o great_a number_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o and_o if_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v catch_v up_o immediate_o and_o force_v to_o explain_v himself_o upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n it_o will_v make_v conversation_n very_o troublesome_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n a_o body_n the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n and_o yet_o
by_o such_o proof_n to_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o divinity_n as_o shall_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n such_o as_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n or_o the_o agreableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o unless_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n which_o i_o allow_v thus_o far_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o any_o adversary_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n pure_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o require_v it_o any_o far_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o demand_v a_o rational_a account_n from_o we_o of_o what_o we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o upon_o such_o testimony_n and_o proof_n as_o shall_v cause_v this_o evidence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o analogy_n as_o the_o real_a state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n be_v in_o this_o mystery_n it_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o the_o enquiry_n of_o reason_n and_o herein_o be_v my_o faith_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o come_v from_o god_n tho'_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o that_o divine_a truth_n which_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o some_o worldly_a object_n and_o thus_o you_o see_v how_o faith_n be_v nice_o and_o most_o exact_o define_v the_o evidence_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v because_o faith_n be_v no_o such_o precarious_a implicit_a assent_n as_o these_o champion_n for_o reason_n think_v but_o it_o be_v the_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o thing_n which_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o now_o yet_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o they_o be_v demonstrate_v to_o we_o by_o such_o proof_n as_o 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the_o strict_a examination_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o distrust_v our_o cause_n or_o oblige_v man_n to_o walk_v blindfold_a that_o we_o give_v their_o reason_n all_o the_o help_v we_o can_v and_o man_n be_v never_o better_o dispose_v for_o the_o belief_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n than_o when_o they_o follow_v the_o guidance_n and_o conduct_n of_o it_o for_o our_o whole_a christian_a faith_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o strict_a retiocination_n and_o therefore_o have_v state_v the_o true_a extent_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o consider_v 126._o his_o friend_n objection_n against_o his_o book_n viz._n that_o it_o destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n a_o shrewd_a objection_n it_o be_v and_o that_o which_o he_o never_o will_v evade_v tho'_o he_o have_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o old_a serpent_n to_o help_v he_o and_o that_o person_n whosoever_o he_o be_v will_v have_v be_v more_o his_o friend_n if_o he_o have_v 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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 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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 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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 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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
he_o quote_v against_o we_o be_v justin_n martyr_n who_o say_v moses_n with_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o at_o the_o battle_n with_o the_o amalakste_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o he_o use_v these_o word_n type_n simbol_n mystery_n etc._n etc._n to_o signify_v thing_n once_o hide_v but_o now_o reveal_v so_o do_v we_o all_o to_o this_o day_n use_v these_o word_n to_o express_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o hide_v and_o now_o reveal_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o all_o that_o and_o if_o he_o will_v look_v into_o his_o tract_n of_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v never_o again_o cite_v this_o father_n against_o we_o at_o least_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o call_v he_o all_o to_o nought_o as_o he_o have_v do_v we_o when_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o propose_v many_o intricate_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n perhaps_o say_v he_o these_o unconceivable_a difficulty_n may_v perplex_v your_o mind_n and_o stagger_v your_o faith_n as_o for_o i_o when_o i_o be_o in_o any_o perplexity_n about_o these_o christian_a mystery_n i_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o those_o thing_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n above_o reason_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o create_a nature_n and_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solution_n to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o of_o a_o ready_a faith_n he_o argue_v moreover_o the_o impossibility_n of_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a object_n from_o the_o disproportion_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o our_o present_a capacity_n and_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o what_o confidence_n can_v you_o go_v about_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a solution_n of_o divine_a thing_n i_o leave_v this_o man_n who_o be_v concern_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n the_o next_o quotation_n be_v out_o of_o tertullian_n who_o have_v this_o expression_n in_o his_o apology_n cum_fw-la vel_fw-la ex_fw-la formâ_fw-la omnibus_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la silentij_fw-la fiides_fw-la habeatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o be_v in_o that_o place_n defend_v the_o christian_n from_o those_o crime_n of_o incest_n adultery_n and_o murder_v of_o child_n which_o the_o heathen_a charge_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o there_o meeting_n that_o they_o be_v groundless_a rumour_n and_o nothing_o more_o he_o argue_v thus_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v first_o discover_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o not_o by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v they_o but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v privy_a to_o they_o not_o by_o ourselves_o for_o none_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o horrid_a crime_n will_v discover_v thing_n which_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o immediate_a punishment_n of_o the_o law_n though_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v deserve_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o comparison_n with_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o the_o samothracian_a and_o elusinian_n mystery_n be_v keep_v so_o secret_a which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o discover_v how_o much_o more_o must_v you_o think_v such_o herrid_a and_o dangerous_a mystery_n as_o you_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v will_v be_v keep_v secret_a and_o his_o inâ—erence_n be_v very_o natural_a viz_o that_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v mere_a rumour_n since_o if_o they_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o be_v discover_v or_o if_o they_o be_v discover_v must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o spare_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v dicimur_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la dicimur_fw-la tamen_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vos_fw-la quod_fw-la tam_fw-la diù_fw-fr dicimur_fw-la eruere_fw-la cuâ—atis_fw-la ergò_fw-la aut_fw-la cruite_n si_fw-la creditis_fw-la aut_fw-la nolite_fw-la credere_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la eruisâ—is_fw-la this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o how_o this_o man_n will_v wrest_v his_o inference_n out_o of_o it_o ergò_fw-la there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n i_o can_v imagine_v the_o last_o he_o cite_v be_v origen_n who_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v all_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v of_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o intend_v by_o they_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v the_o ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n again_o he_o say_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n this_o man_n inference_n be_v ergò_fw-la now_o this_o be_v know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n can_v be_v no_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o whole_a six_o book_n of_o he_o against_o celsus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o what_o this_o man_n infist_n upon_o in_o his_o last_o chap._n viz._n to_o prove_v against_o that_o heretic_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a let_v he_o answer_v that_o book_n before_o he_o set_v about_o answer_v i_o these_o be_v all_o his_o pompous_a citation_n from_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v what_o no_o one_o deny_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o therefore_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n no_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mysterious_a now_o after_o all_o i_o find_v this_o be_v no_o new_a heresy_n but_o a_o old_a one_o of_o eunomius_n revive_v who_o affirm_v the_o real_a true_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o we_o eunoâ—_n which_o be_v long_o ago_o conjure_v in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o by_o st._n basil._n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o heap_v up_o quotation_n here_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n be_v that_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o express_a in_o greg_n nazianzen_n call_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o he_o deum_fw-la to_o god_n he_o have_v this_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o can_v the_o mind_n frame_v any_o notion_n of_o thou_o who_o be_v incomprehensible_a have_v thus_o show_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n be_v and_o how_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v true_o mysterious_a because_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v our_o manner_n of_o form_v idea_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n may_v look_v a_o little_a odd_a at_o first_o sight_n as_o if_o i_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o allegory_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n destroy_v the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n of_o i_o but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n 27._o way_n of_o intercourse_n with_o man_n but_o by_o take_v on_o he_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n by_o which_o he_o accommodate_v the_o insupportable_a majesty_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o our_o â—rail_a and_o imperfect_a state_n deus_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la humanos_fw-la congressus_fw-la inire_fw-la nisi_fw-la humanos_fw-la &_o sensus_fw-la &_o affectus_fw-la suscepisset_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vim_o majestatis_fw-la suae_fw-la intolerabilem_fw-la utique_fw-la humanae_fw-la mediocritati_fw-la humilitate_fw-la temperaret_fw-la gregory_n nyssen_n discourse_v at_o large_a haeret._n how_o the_o sacred_a style_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n by_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v familiar_a to_o we_o add_v these_o word_n for_o how_o say_v he_o can_v that_o immensity_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a be_v it_o not_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dionysius_n speak_v of_o this_o symbolical_a and_o figurative_a way_n of_o conceive_v and_o express_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n call_v those_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ti._n signa_fw-la figmenta_fw-la which_o be_v better_o render_v by_o the_o english_a word_n substitute_n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o substitute_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o have_v form_n and_o figure_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o have_v none_o again_o dionysius_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o hi._n to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o immaterial_a object_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o help_n of_o those_o notion_n we_o