the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n london_n print_v by_o w._n onley_n for_o alex._n rosvile_n at_o the_o dial_n against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvi_o the_o content_n be_v article_n most_o of_o they_o advance_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o human_a knowledge_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n page_n 2._o transubstantiation_n why_o to_o be_v reject_v p._n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a object_n ib._n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a object_n p._n 11._o of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n p._n 14._o three_o inference_n p._n 15._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o maxim_n in_o adore_v when_o we_o can_v comprehend_v p._n 18._o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n p._n 22_o 23._o 41_o 42._o matter_n of_o revelation_n not_o so_o easy_o nor_o clear_o comprehend_v as_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n p._n 23._o 25._o his_o notion_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n reject_v and_o disprove_v p._n 33._o two_o limitation_n to_o be_v observe_v before_o we_o can_v pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 33_o 34._o both_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n p._n 40._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o assert_v p._n 46_o contradiction_n not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n p._n 47_o 48._o revelation_n a_o motive_n of_o assent_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o information_n p._n 49._o matter_n of_o revelation_n how_o far_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a p._n 51._o the_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n on_o that_o account_n p._n 52._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n as_o apply_v to_o thing_n incomprehensible_a p._n 56._o 61._o his_o notion_n of_o a_o mysteryexploded_a p._n 58._o mystery_n state_v with_o respect_n to_o inadequate_a idea_n p._n 59_o 60_o 62._o and_o prove_v against_o he_o on_o his_o own_o principle_n p._n 62._o the_o notion_n of_o comprehend_v thing_n state_v p._n 67._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n with_o respect_n to_o scripture_n p._n 73_o 74._o authority_n of_o scripture_n where_o mystery_n be_v apply_v to_o incomprehensible_a truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o p._n 81._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o p._n 84._o doctrine_n or_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v represent_v as_o mysterious_a and_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o p._n 89._o the_o first_o instance_n from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o 24._o second_o instance_n 1_o cor._n 13._o v._n 9_o p._n 94._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o p._n 96._o and_o col._n 2._o 23._o p._n 97._o all_o which_o be_v expound_v at_o large_a and_o each_o exposition_n ratify_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n produce_v against_o he_o even_o of_o those_o he_o have_v cite_v p._n 105_o 106._o how_o far_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n be_v require_v in_o faith_n p._n 118_o 119._o that_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n or_o science_n and_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o assent_n to_o reveal_v truth_n as_o they_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o human_a perception_n p._n 121_o 122._o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n p._n 123_o 124._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n instance_a p._n 120._o mystery_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n p._n 134._o miracle_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o why_o ib._n miracle_n a_o argument_n a_o majore_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 136_o 137._o his_o historical_a account_n of_o mystery_n explode_v p._n 138._o the_o method_n of_o initiation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n rite_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o paganism_n or_o imposture_n p._n 140._o these_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o product_n of_o mystery_n p._n 143._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o ceremony_n especial_o such_o as_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v p._n 145._o the_o authority_n of_o they_o assert_v p._n 146._o not_o opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 147._o the_o pernicious_a design_n of_o his_o treatise_n detect_v p._n 149_o 150._o the_o conclusion_n in_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a method_n of_o answer_v by_o instance_n p._n 151._o edition_n of_o the_o father_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n ed._n par._n 1629._o justin_n martyr_n par._n 1615._o irenaeus_n ed._n erasmi_n basil._n 1560._o tertullianus_n ed._n par._n 1675._o origen_n contra_fw-la cels._fw-la edit_fw-la cant._n 1677._o dionys._n vulgo_fw-la areopag_n antw._n 1634._o johan_n chrysost._n par._n 1621._o isiodor_n pelysiot_n par._n 1638._o theophilact_fw-mi lond._n 1636._o origen_n comment_fw-fr rothomag_n 1668._o athanasius_n ex_fw-la officina_fw-la commeliana_n 1601._o certain_a christian_a doctrine_n proper_o call_v mystery_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o reason_n etc._n etc._n before_o i_o make_v any_o formal_a return_v to_o the_o position_n advance_v by_o this_o zealous_a advocate_n for_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v or_o state_n the_o several_a measure_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n of_o corporeal_a and_o spiritual_a substance_n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o first_o i_o can_v free_o grant_v what_o have_v cost_v our_o adversary_n some_o page_n to_o prove_v viz._n that_o nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n sect._n 1_o cap._n 3._o but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o advance_v one_o rule_n or_o standard_n for_o every_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o form_v argument_n and_o charge_v contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n without_o make_v the_o least_o allowance_n or_o distinction_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o method_n of_o know_v it_o here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n whereby_o as_o will_v anon_o more_o full_o appear_v he_o have_v cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o reason_n rather_o than_o improve_v its_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o proper_a seat_n as_o well_o as_o principle_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v here_o entertain_v by_o the_o object_n of_o the_o material_a world_n for_o nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o transmit_v and_o fix_v a_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n and_o certain_o here_o be_v the_o great_a original_a stock_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o only_o the_o stand_a vehicles_n to_o all_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o mind_n since_o even_o faith_n and_o revelation_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o these_o very_a idea_n if_o positive_a and_o form_v on_o thing_n and_o substance_n be_v little_a else_o but_o the_o resemblance_n of_o material_a sensation_n or_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o object_n of_o sense_n however_o exalt_v and_o refine_a may_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n that_o have_v thing_n present_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o immediate_a intuition_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o sense_n and_o matter_n and_o those_o of_o a_o very_a coarse_a allay_v must_v have_v all_o our_o idea_n tinge_v with_o material_a adumbration_n these_o be_v that_o glass_n upon_o the_o mind_n through_o which_o we_o see_v dark_o and_o that_o wonderful_o incrassate_v and_o disguise_n the_o image_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o object_n of_o sense_n our_o idea_n must_v be_v comparative_o clear_a and_o exact_a because_o we_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n or_o centre_n of_o the_o material_a world_n where_o its_o object_n perpetual_o crowd_v in_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v continual_o present_v to_o
argument_n the_o subject_a of_o which_o be_v chief_o finite_a object_n the_o present_a enquiry_n then_o be_v after_o the_o knowledge_n of_o infinite_a object_n and_o here_o certain_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o be_v that_o think_v and_o know_v will_v determine_v the_o case_n i_o mean_v demonstrate_v the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n in_o term_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o imagine_v that_o a_o finite_a mind_n shall_v gain_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v insomuch_o that_o it_o seem_v no_o presumption_n to_o affirm_v that_o god_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o omnipotence_n after_o he_o have_v instate_v we_o in_o the_o beatific_a vision_n and_o discover_v thing_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v nor_o heart_n conceive_v or_o in_o a_o word_n after_o we_o have_v see_v he_o as_o he_o be_v can_v possess_v we_o with_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o his_o immense_a and_o infinite_a be_v so_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o godhead_n we_o must_v affirm_v that_o our_o idea_n be_v make_v up_o of_o negative_n and_o consequent_o with_o clemens_n alex._n affirm_v that_o we_o rather_o know_v god_n by_o conceal_v what_o he_o be_v not_o than_o what_o he_o be_v 5._o or_o at_o least_o if_o we_o attempt_v any_o positive_a conception_n we_o be_v force_v to_o shadow_v they_o forth_o by_o some_o finite_a idea_n which_o we_o have_v take_v up_o and_o be_v already_o implant_v in_o we_o thus_o the_o divine_a attribute_n of_o wisdom_n we_o be_v force_v to_o resemble_v by_o a_o faculty_n of_o discern_v and_o comprehend_v infinite_o surpass_v the_o sphere_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n thus_o the_o immensity_n of_o god_n by_o a_o vast_a space_n or_o a_o idea_n that_o be_v without_o bound_n or_o limit_n or_o be_v not_o to_o be_v circumscribe_v thus_o eternity_n by_o a_o endless_a succession_n of_o time_n thus_o we_o see_v after_o our_o nice_a conception_n and_o after_o the_o most_o accurate_a character_n and_o description_n from_o revelation_n itself_o we_o be_v force_v to_o call_v in_o finite_a object_n and_o measure_v the_o bless_a attribute_n of_o our_o creator_n by_o finite_a idea_n a_o undertake_n so_o unworthy_a of_o he_o that_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o piece_n of_o petty_a larceny_n or_o rather_o a_o lesser_a sort_n of_o idolatry_n as_o it_o be_v a_o kind_a of_o representation_n of_o the_o invisible_a god_n by_o thing_n that_o be_v see_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o gold_n or_o wood_n or_o stone_n grave_v in_o the_o shallow_a understanding_n of_o impotent_a men._n here_o our_o weakness_n our_o blindness_n plain_o discover_v itself_o for_o though_o knowledge_n in_o finite_a object_n may_v appear_v bright_a and_o shine_a here_o it_o must_v suffer_v a_o eclipse_n and_o lie_v confound_v in_o depth_n of_o mystery_n and_o in_o a_o word_n humble_o make_v st._n paul_n recognition_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o immenseness_n of_o god_n how_o unsearchable_a etc._n etc._n but_o four_o let_v we_o descend_v to_o the_o last_o stage_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v that_o about_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o first_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o pure_a matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v thing_n of_o which_o the_o mind_n by_o its_o own_o intrinsic_a light_n can_v form_v no_o idea_n and_o consequent_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o of_o they_o than_o god_n in_o a_o reveal_v way_n be_v please_v to_o communicate_v it_o be_v true_a he_o seem_v to_o be_v oblige_v to_o communicate_v himself_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o his_o revelation_n at_o least_o may_v bear_v a_o resemblance_n to_o some_o of_o those_o idea_n we_o have_v already_o conceive_v or_o by_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v attain_v to_o thus_o do_v he_o reveal_v a_o saviour_n that_o be_v god-man_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o ascribe_v such_o character_n of_o divinity_n to_o he_o as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o reveal_v character_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o those_o idea_n we_o can_v form_v of_o it_o and_o in_o like_a manner_n as_o to_o his_o humanity_n for_o otherwise_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o reveal_v truth_n can_v be_v imprint_v on_o the_o mind_n without_o special_a inspiration_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n when_o god_n publish_v a_o reveal_v truth_n in_o such_o character_n as_o suffice_v to_o inform_v we_o what_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o viz._n a_o saviour_n that_o be_v god-man_n or_o the_o like_a he_o be_v not_o oblige_v neither_o be_v it_o any_o way_n requisite_a to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n first_o because_o the_o subject_a of_o revelation_n be_v matter_n not_o attainable_a by_o reason_n and_o god_n the_o author_n of_o they_o as_o long_o as_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o a_o idea_n of_o what_o god_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v place_v on_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n second_o because_o a_o lead_a design_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o establish_v a_o confidence_n in_o god_n power_n and_o veracity_n in_o order_n to_o a_o absolute_a obedience_n and_o worship_n he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o philosopher_n but_o reveal_v what_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o direct_v we_o to_o adore_v when_o we_o can_v comprehend_v from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v we_o may_v form_v two_o or_o three_o inference_n one_a with_o respect_n to_o this_o last_o argument_n whatever_o our_o attainment_n may_v be_v in_o matter_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n it_o appear_v that_o pure_a matter_n of_o revelation_n lie_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o consequent_o knowledge_n can_v penetrate_v much_o beyond_o the_o surface_n since_o they_o be_v not_o only_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n profound_a and_o intricate_a but_o all_o our_o discovery_n rest_v on_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n that_o communicate_v '_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o revelation_n itself_o tell_v we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n or_o imperfect_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v it_o and_o place_v all_o difficulty_n on_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n or_o the_o depth_n and_o mysteriousness_n of_o reveal_v truth_n two_o it_o be_v a_o notorious_a absurdity_n to_o argue_v from_o idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o material_a object_n against_o immaterial_a one_o or_o finite_a against_o infinite_a much_o more_o against_o reveal_v one_o for_o it_o manifest_o appear_v that_o the_o measure_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o each_o respective_a object_n for_o as_o every_o object_n have_v a_o distinct_a essence_n or_o nature_n so_o it_o have_v distinct_a property_n and_o modes_n peculiar_a to_o its_o nature_n and_o the_o idea_n we_o conceive_v of_o the_o one_o may_v not_o reach_v or_o measure_v the_o other_o this_o be_v even_o so_o clear_a that_o even_o in_o property_n that_o be_v common_a to_o several_a object_n such_o as_o spirit_n and_o body_n when_o apply_v to_o their_o respective_a object_n carry_v no_o manner_n of_o resemblance_n to_o each_o other_o thus_o it_o be_v a_o inseparable_a property_n of_o a_o spirit_n and_o body_n to_o occupy_v a_o place_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o exist_v in_o a_o place_n be_v no_o doubt_n vast_o different_a insomuch_o that_o i_o can_v find_v how_o any_o idea_n of_o the_o vbi_fw-la of_o body_n can_v conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o that_o of_o spirit_n much_o less_o measure_n or_o define_v it_o and_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v say_v as_o much_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o body_n and_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n or_o the_o divine_a essence_n may_v be_v preserve_v and_o yet_o communicate_v itself_o to_o three_o personal_a subsistence_n and_o it_o must_v be_v absurd_a to_o deny_v this_o because_o it_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o our_o common_a idea_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o body_n three_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v as_o absurd_a to_o argue_v against_o reveal_v truth_n when_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v describe_v in_o such_o a_o manner_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o be_v intend_v by_o it_o because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o it_o since_o this_o will_v oblige_v we_o to_o reject_v several_a thing_n even_o in_o object_n of_o sense_n that_o be_v hitherto_o unquestionable_a what_o i_o have_v hitherto_o deliver_v be_v by_o way_n of_o principle_n and_o i_o shall_v stand_v by_o it_o as_o such_o in_o defiance_n of_o the_o utmost_a attempt_n of_o our_o assume_v reasoner_n and_o have_v lay_v this_o foundation_n i_o promise_v myself_o success_n in_o unravel_v his_o argument_n and_o
our_o view_n and_o observation_n but_o yet_o in_o object_n of_o sense_n which_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o converse_v with_o we_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n pretend_v a_o adequate_a knowledge_n for_o we_o can_v comprehend_v or_o penetrate_v into_o their_o proper_a essence_n or_o radical_a substance_n no_o we_o can_v go_v no_o further_o than_o property_n power_n or_o faculty_n that_o discover_v themselves_o in_o their_o effect_n strike_v the_o sense_n and_o leave_v a_o impression_n whence_o a_o distinct_a idea_n be_v form_v again_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o discover_v the_o true_a modes_n of_o these_o property_n power_n or_o faculty_n so_o as_o to_o discern_v wherein_o the_o precise_a nature_n of_o they_o consist_v for_o at_o least_o we_o can_v only_o resemble_v it_o by_o some_o idea_n that_o be_v form_v by_o the_o noble_a of_o sense_n that_o of_o see_v thus_o of_o smell_v and_o taste_n and_o the_o like_a so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o high_a philosophical_a exercitation_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o sense_n be_v at_o last_o wrap_v up_o in_o that_o we_o can_v just_o call_v a_o mystery_n it_o be_v true_a object_n of_o sense_n though_o form_v from_o effect_n and_o property_n create_v a_o very_a certain_a and_o indisputable_a knowledge_n because_o confirm_v by_o daily_a and_o continue_a observation_n and_o because_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o that_o part_n which_o as_o before_o conclude_v be_v not_o only_o the_o vehicle_n but_o first_o elaboratory_n of_o all_o idea_n i_o mean_v the_o outward_a sense_n and_o therefore_o in_o object_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v receive_v and_o embrace_v a_o thing_n as_o it_o present_v itself_o to_o the_o view_n of_o our_o sense_n since_o we_o be_v assure_v that_o god_n have_v appoint_v no_o other_o way_n of_o communicate_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n to_o mankind_n and_o to_o receive_v a_o object_n of_o sense_n contrary_n to_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n though_o upon_o the_o pretend_a authority_n of_o revelation_n must_v overturn_v all_o the_o measure_n and_o principle_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n obliterate_v the_o notice_n and_o distinction_n of_o truth_n and_o error_n raze_v the_o prime_a faculty_n and_o motrement_n of_o reason_n and_o reduce_v man_n the_o glory_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o god_n image_n and_o representative_a infinite_o below_o the_o level_n of_o brute_n that_o perish_v for_o this_o reason_n we_o may_v reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n notwithstanding_o the_o high_a pretence_n to_o miracle_n or_o mystery_n since_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n of_o the_o testimony_n of_o all_o our_o sense_n in_o matter_n of_o sense_n but_o second_o let_v we_o consider_v humane_a knowledge_n as_o engage_v about_o the_o object_n of_o the_o spiritual_a world_n or_o spiritual_a or_o immaterial_a being_n for_o this_o must_v very_o much_o alter_v the_o scene_n of_o knowledge_n and_o fix_v it_o upon_o new_a measure_n and_o principle_n and_o one_a it_o be_v indisputable_o evident_a that_o our_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n be_v of_o a_o mix_v nature_n since_o it_o take_v its_o rise_n partly_o from_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o partly_o from_o revelation_n the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n may_v in_o some_o measure_n be_v trace_v from_o the_o power_n of_o natural_a reason_n the_o frame_n of_o our_o own_o being_n as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o the_o universe_n will_v instruct_v we_o that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o eternal_a alwise_a and_o all-powerful_a mover_n agreeable_a to_o the_o sacred_a language_n the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n i._n 20._o but_o as_o for_o the_o existence_n of_o other_o being_n we_o call_v spirit_n or_o their_o order_n and_o society_n we_o must_v whole_o receive_v it_o from_o revelation_n again_o as_o for_o the_o nature_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o spirit_n this_o must_v certain_o rest_v on_o the_o instruction_n of_o reason_n and_o revelation_n and_o after_o the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v give_v god_n know_v our_o attainment_n be_v very_o lame_a and_o imperfect_a the_o excellency_n of_o our_o own_o faculty_n and_o operation_n tell_v we_o that_o we_o be_v act_v by_o a_o principle_n within_o that_o must_v be_v high_o distinct_a from_o matter_n or_o least_o that_o we_o see_v and_o handle_v much_o more_o from_o that_o great_a god_n who_o workmanship_n be_v this_o very_a reason_n that_o thus_o dictate_v this_o very_a argument_n sufficient_o instruct_v we_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v like_a unto_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o man_n device_n act_v xvii_o 29._o but_o now_o though_o from_o good_a argument_n we_o may_v conclude_v that_o a_o spirit_n be_v a_o be_v somewhat_o distinct_a from_o matter_n yet_o our_o most_o exalt_a idea_n will_v be_v but_o a_o mere_a negative_a or_o if_o positive_a a_o resemblance_n of_o a_o refine_a aerial_a kind_n of_o matter_n so_o that_o our_o idea_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v much_o more_o abstruse_a imperfect_a and_o conjectural_a than_o that_o of_o a_o body_n notwithstanding_o the_o utmost_a assistance_n of_o revelation_n and_o here_o i_o be_o oblige_v to_o make_v some_o return_v to_o what_o this_o infallible_a reasoner_n with_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o great_a man_n on_o his_o side_n as_o he_o call_v he_o have_v deliver_v on_o the_o subject_a it_o amount_v to_o this_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v a_o idea_n of_o spirit_n as_o body_n since_o both_o be_v only_o to_o be_v know_v by_o their_o property_n and_o the_o property_n of_o a_o spirit_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o those_o of_o a_o body_n see_v sect._n 3_o cap._n 2._o n._n 16_o 17_o 19_o but_o with_o submission_n to_o the_o infallible_a chair_n though_o some_o property_n which_o belong_v to_o those_o being_n we_o call_v spirit_n be_v clear_o know_v and_o agree_v upon_o yet_o they_o be_v not_o so_o many_o nor_o yet_o so_o distinguish_v as_o those_o of_o body_n for_o beside_o the_o property_n of_o particular_a body_n that_o distinguish_v each_o other_o there_o be_v property_n certain_o know_v that_o belong_v to_o a_o body_n as_o a_o body_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o spirit_n and_o every_o be_v that_o can_v be_v imagine_v such_o be_v extension_n of_o part_n and_o a_o faculty_n of_o possess_v a_o place_n in_o proportion_n to_o '_o they_o these_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n object_n of_o sense_n and_o self-evident_a but_o we_o can_v decipher_v or_o determine_v any_o peculiar_a property_n that_o belong_v to_o a_o spirit_n as_o a_o spirit_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o body_n or_o matter_n and_o every_o thing_n else_o we_o may_v indeed_o conceive_v spirit_n as_o finite_a being_n by_o the_o resemblance_n of_o body_n and_o consequent_o make_v they_o exist_v in_o a_o place_n and_o possess_v sometime_o one_o place_n and_o sometime_o another_o but_o we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n how_o they_o exist_v in_o place_n as_o we_o do_v of_o body_n as_o for_o think_v reason_v and_o willing_a these_o seem_v to_o be_v too_o remote_a to_o be_v the_o distinguish_a property_n of_o a_o spiritual_a substance_n as_o such_o be_v faculty_n that_o seem_v to_o slow_a after_o its_o radical_a or_o original_a property_n be_v give_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o can_v be_v so_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o my_o author_n be_v great_a man_n since_o in_o one_o place_n he_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v impossible_a without_o revelation_n to_o discover_v whether_o omnipotency_n have_v not_o give_v to_o some_o system_n of_o matter_n fit_o dispose_v a_o power_n to_o perceive_v or_o think_v and_o again_o i_o see_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o that_o the_o first_o eternal_a think_v be_v or_o omnipotent_a spirit_n shall_v if_o he_o please_v give_v to_o certain_a system_n of_o create_v senseless_a matter_n put_v together_o as_o he_o think_v fit_a some_o degree_n of_o sense_n perception_n and_o thought_n lock_n be_v human_a understanding_n 3._o lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o n._n 6._o and_o therefore_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o spirit_n and_o body_n insomuch_o that_o we_o may_v just_o pronounce_v that_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o spirit_n as_o spiritual_a substance_n but_o what_o carry_v the_o resemblance_n of_o matter_n in_o they_o other_o idea_n must_v be_v form_v by_o compare_v they_o with_o matter_n and_o pronounce_v what_o they_o be_v not_o rather_o than_o what_o they_o be_v but_o three_o let_v we_o examine_v the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v finite_a or_o infinite_a as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o finite_a object_n a_o estimate_n may_v be_v take_v from_o what_o have_v be_v deliver_v on_o the_o two_o precede_a
hence_o i_o pass_v to_o n._n 9_o for_o nothing_o intervene_v that_o direct_o concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o have_v a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v join_v with_o he_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o for_o i_o think_v the_o difference_n be_v palpable_a in_o all_o case_n but_o especial_o in_o contradiction_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o we_o call_v that_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n when_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n discover_v itself_o but_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a conviction_n of_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v this_o must_v arise_v for_o want_v of_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o each_o term_n or_o rather_o object_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o till_o this_o be_v gain_v reason_n must_v suspend_v and_o neither_o determine_v that_o she_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n till_o fresh_a evidence_n offer_v to_o turn_v the_o scale_n but_o now_o a_o real_a contradiction_n or_o rather_o a_o clear_a contradiction_n for_o it_o shall_v pass_v under_o this_o name_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a idea_n of_o both_o part_n of_o it_o or_o both_o object_n and_o thence_o conceive_v a_o irreconcilable_a repugnancy_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n who_o nature_n be_v spiritual_a and_o infinite_a i_o can_v see_v how_o reason_n can_v direct_v we_o to_o pronounce_v or_o determine_v real_a or_o clear_a contradiction_n between_o they_o and_o common_a notion_n because_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o adequate_a or_o clear_a idea_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v comparative_o so_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o of_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o can_v decree_v what_o real_a repugnancy_n lie_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o seem_a contradiction_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v by_o compare_v reveal_v truth_n with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n reason_n can_v as_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o pronounce_v a_o real_a contradiction_n and_o suspect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reveal_v truth_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o the_o thing_n correspond_v with_o idea_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n here_o reason_n must_v oblige_v we_o to_o place_v the_o contradiction_n on_o our_o inability_n in_o comprehend_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n for_o when_o revelation_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o clear_a character_n and_o the_o very_a same_o in_o which_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o revelation_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o godhead_n if_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o discard_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v yield_v any_o assent_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n for_o where_o the_o character_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o both_o rest_n on_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o of_o revelation_n to_o dispute_v the_o one_o must_v call_v in_o question_n the_o other_o proceed_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v deliver_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n he_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a cap._n 2._o n._n 11._o and_o here_o i_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o distinction_n he_o give_v we_o revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n now_o true_o i_o can_v see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o say_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v a_o mean_a of_o information_n and_o a_o motive_n of_o a_o assent_n too_o for_o a_o information_n carry_v a_o assent_n along_o with_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o informer_n now_o revelation_n be_v certain_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n since_o it_o present_v we_o with_o new_a object_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o discover_v but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o information_n that_o proceed_v from_o infinite_a veracity_n attend_v with_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n herein_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o human_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o when_o once_o we_o be_v assure_v so_o as_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n that_o such_o a_o particular_a article_n be_v reveal_v it_o become_v the_o most_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o this_o be_v grant_v here_o be_v infinite_a veracity_n wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n against_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o the_o seem_a difficulty_n found_v in_o '_o they_o when_o once_o we_o assent_v or_o yield_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v against_o this_o reasoner_n we_o may_v believe_v pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n at_o least_o such_o as_o he_o require_v in_o the_o thing_n '_o emselves_fw-mi here_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v not_o my_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o what_o he_o say_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o for_o what_o this_o reasoner_n say_v of_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o contradiction_n n._n 13._o no_o one_o be_v so_o silly_a to_o imagine_v that_o real_a contradiction_n be_v a_o object_n of_o omnipotence_n but_o there_o may_v be_v contradiction_n which_o we_o apprehend_v as_o real_a that_o in_o truth_n be_v but_o seem_a one_o and_o particular_o when_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o both_o the_o term_n or_o object_n and_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n reason_n will_v often_o direct_v we_o to_o suspect_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o such_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o pronounce_v seem_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n a_o proper_a subject_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n thus_o far_o our_o saviour_n will_v bear_v we_o out_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n matt._n nineteeen_o 26._o but_o to_o pursue_v he_o a_o little_a further_o he_o tell_v we_o n._n 16._o speak_v of_o god_n revelation_n his_fw-la word_n must_v be_v intelligible_a and_o the_o matter_n possible_a and_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 for_o the_o conceive_a idea_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o all_o matter_n reveal_v by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a we_o be_v then_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n he_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n from_o god_n as_o from_o man_n though_o more_o of_o certitude_n from_o the_o first_o than_o the_o last_o he_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o publisher_n answ._n what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v upon_o matter_n of_o revelation_n i_o hope_v will_v satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n how_o far_o a_o reveal_v truth_n be_v require_v to_o be_v intelligible_a it_o be_v conclude_v god_n have_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v truth_n as_o be_v useful_a or_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o he_o have_v at_o least_o discover_v so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o upon_o principle_n of_o revelation_n what_o he_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o philosopher_n so_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o reveal_v truth_n or_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o existence_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o '_o they_o this_o we_o can_v pretend_v even_o in_o physical_a disquisition_n nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v just_o conclude_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n spiritual_n and_o infinite_a we_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o existence_n by_o measure_v they_o by_o object_n of_o sense_n for_o in_o reality_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n since_o we_o can_v absolute_o declare_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o existence_n without_o a_o faculty_n of_o comprehend_v and_o determine_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o it_o and_o pass_v a_o estimate_n upon_o it_o as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o to_o conceive_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o not_o to_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n such_o idea_n be_v not_o the_o necessary_a subject_n of_o faith_n again_o in_o humane_a revelation_n the_o object_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o thing_n we_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o
they_o see_v they_o through_o a_o veil_n or_o in_o st._n paul_n language_n with_o respect_n to_o further_a discovery_n through_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o they_o know_v they_o in_o part_n or_o by_o inadequate_a idea_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o knowledge_n be_v as_o much_o cramp_v in_o several_a of_o those_o instance_n produce_v by_o our_o author_n from_o the_o intricacy_n and_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n as_o those_o gospel-truth_n shut_v up_o from_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a veil_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o consequent_o why_o be_v not_o the_o one_o as_o much_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o the_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v they_o inadequate_o but_o to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o with_o he_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o question_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o reveal_v matter_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o even_o by_o common_a notion_n both_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o what_o he_o assert_n must_v be_v a_o criterion_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n too_o that_o that_o thing_n who_o manner_n or_o existence_n can_v be_v conceive_v even_o with_o as_o much_o ease_n and_o clearness_n as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o above_o reason_n certain_o here_o be_v a_o fair_a concession_n and_o such_o as_o will_v make_v thing_n mysterious_a because_o we_o can_v but_o form_v inadequate_a idea_n for_o as_o this_o author_n confess_v we_o can_v form_v idea_n of_o the_o being_n of_o thing_n and_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a from_o their_o property_n and_o effect_n whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o production_n see_v n._n 8_o 11._o the_o one_o of_o plant_n and_o the_o other_o of_o rain_n here_o he_o manifest_o fix_v our_o inadequate_a idea_n upon_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o operation_n and_o existence_n that_o be_v our_o idea_n be_v inadequate_a because_o we_o can_v decipher_v wherein_o their_o modus_fw-la consist_v though_o we_o know_v their_o principal_a property_n by_o their_o effect_n and_o uses_n and_o now_o we_o may_v call_v in_o his_o own_o principle_n to_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o affirm_v that_o inadequate_a idea_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mystery_n for_o inadequate_a idea_n imply_v our_o ignorance_n as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o that_o thing_n who_o modus_fw-la can_v be_v comprehend_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n here_o i_o think_v he_o pretend_v to_o outdo_a the_o most_o improve_v art_n of_o priestcraft_n whilst_o he_o declare_v for_o nothing_o but_o reason_n and_o banish_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o impose_v thing_n that_o surpass_v the_o high_a mystery_n since_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n embrace_v his_o contradiction_n for_o the_o undoubted_a decree_n of_o reason_n this_n be_v in_o his_o own_o language_n trifle_v with_o a_o witness_n or_o pitiful_a shift_a or_o fool_n or_o what_o not_o and_o such_o as_o discover_v a_o mighty_a scarcity_n of_o good_a argument_n n._n 13._o but_o he_o have_v not_o do_v with_o we_o yet_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v with_o a_o oblige_a proposal_n if_o they_o will_v still_o be_v fool_v and_o call_v these_o thing_n mystery_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o admit_v as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v in_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v i_o likewise_o to_o make_v i_o as_o intelligible_a to_o other_o as_o these_o be_v to_o i_o ib._n i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o part_n that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a mystery_n even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a triumph_n we_o have_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr majori_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o revelation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o majori_fw-la to_o every_o one_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a spirit_n be_v a_o object_n equal_o intelligible_a with_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o with_o wood_n or_o stone_n as_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o his_o proposal_n i_o believe_v every_o one_o will_v consent_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o reveal_v truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n as_o intelligible_a as_o he_o be_v able_a provide_v he_o will_v promise_v not_o to_o reject_v they_o because_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o undertake_n or_o in_o a_o word_n because_o he_o can_v make_v they_o compare_v with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o invalidate_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o lest_o he_o shall_v think_v i_o rude_a or_o that_o i_o neglect_v he_o too_o much_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o short_a return_v to_o a_o few_o passage_n that_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o one_a he_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n viz._n when_o it_o be_v chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a use_v be_v know_v to_o we_o for_o to_o comprehend_v in_o all_o correct_a author_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v and_o as_o of_o what_o be_v not_o knowable_a we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n so_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o admit_z that_o in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a perception_n or_o comprehension_n we_o think_v we_o know_v or_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o when_o its_o chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a uses_n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o may_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v that_o there_o be_v other_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la or_o precise_a nature_n of_o those_o we_o know_v be_v inconceivable_a and_o so_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n or_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o speech_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n mysterious_a in_o the_o thing_n and_o above_o reason_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o pronounce_v it_o above_o reason_n as_o he_o suggest_v ib._n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o inconceivable_a though_o to_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o concern_v we_o but_o 2_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v mysterious_a even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o mean_v as_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comprehend_v or_o define_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o no_o mystery_n however_o since_o we_o discern_v in_o certain_a reveal_v truth_n something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v believe_v those_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v so_o far_o mysterious_a and_o they_o so_o far_o concern_v we_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o and_o not_o reject_v the_o whole_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v every-thing_n that_o belong_v to_o '_o they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n to_o our_o author_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o principle_n we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o its_o uses_n set_v forth_o but_o we_o have_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o principal_a property_n of_o the_o godhead_n even_o such_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v or_o know_v this_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n arise_v as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n or_o otherwise_o that_o be_v mysterious_a not_o knowable_a or_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n his_o own_o rule_n direct_v he_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o this_o divine_a truth_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ridiculous_a not_o to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n in_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o direct_o concern_v we_o another_o assertion_n of_o he_o ib._n it_o be_v undoubted_o ridiculous_a to_o make_v disquisition_n in_o such_o case_n and_o make_v they_o a_o argument_n for_o reject_v the_o clear_a reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o modern_a reasoner_n
above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o reverend_a father_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o conclude_v he_o be_v not_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v contain_v the_o thing_n if_o not_o the_o word_n we_o contend_v for_o i_o mean_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n the_o last_o argument_n i_o shall_v produce_v be_v two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o because_o they_o bear_v a_o affinity_n to_o one_o another_o i_o shall_v examine_v and_o conclude_v they_o under_o one_o argument_n i_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n account_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n even_o under_o this_o last_o state_n of_o revelation_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n who_o undoubted_o enjoy_v the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v almost_o overwhelm_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n 1_o cor._n cap._n 13._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o reason_n assign_v be_v we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o ver_fw-la 12._o so_o that_o the_o impediment_n seem_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o immenseness_n of_o the_o object_n not_o in_o god_n that_o deny_v we_o a_o competent_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o glass_n argue_v a_o imperfection_n or_o inability_n in_o comprehend_v some_o of_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v but_o if_o this_o glass_n be_v a_o veil_n which_o god_n cast_v before_o our_o eye_n like_o that_o upon_o the_o jew_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v not_o impart_v in_o this_o life_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o certain_a gospel-truths_n then_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o author_n there_o be_v still_o mystery_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n but_o true_o st._n clemens_n fix_v it_o upon_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n since_o he_o represent_v the_o mind_n in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o view_v thing_n through_o sense_n after_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a manner_n whereas_o in_o another_o world_n our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v high_o enlarge_v for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v face_n to_o face_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o a_o pure_a and_o naked_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intuition_n again_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o object_n of_o this_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n the_o fundamental_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o apostle_n must_v at_o least_o comprehend_v if_o not_o principal_o intend_v they_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o and_o we_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n that_o be_v those_o truth_n we_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o part_n since_o we_o can_v only_o pretend_v to_o know_v or_o comprehend_v they_o in_o part_n and_o true_o st._n clement_n assert_n as_o much_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n for_o thus_o on_o his_o word_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o 4._o where_o no_o doubt_n he_o receive_v the_o chief_a instruction_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v he_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o precept_n give_v that_o oblige_v he_o to_o stifle_v any_o of_o those_o christian_a truth_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o in_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a he_o intend_v to_o represent_v the_o ineffability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o confirm_v this_o notion_n he_o cite_v three_o passage_n that_o represent_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n rom._n xi_o 33._o oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o again_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v even_o when_o we_o speak_v it_o else_o it_o prove_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n 1_o cor._n two_o 7._o and_o last_o colos._n two_o ver._n 23._o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o ancient_n readins_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n clement_n it_o be_v visible_a he_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v a_o mystery_n though_o reveal_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o it_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v just_a before_o assert_v indeed_o our_o adversary_n think_v he_o have_v evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o exposition_n by_o tell_v we_o without_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v style_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o fundamental_a truth_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o something_o that_o be_v hide_v or_o mysterious_a for_o thus_o much_o the_o follow_a verse_n apparent_o hint_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n in_o which_o if_o this_o exposition_n obtain_v be_v hide_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o reveal_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v when_o acknowledge_v and_o embrace_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o hide_a or_o mysterious_a thus_o we_o may_v conclude_v against_o our_o reasoner_n that_o mystery_n may_v be_v put_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o call_v so_o because_o it_o contain_v certain_a truth_n who_o nature_n can_v be_v full_o comprehend_v or_o certain_a truth_n that_o contain_v something_o in_o they_o that_o to_o we_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o his_o majesterial_a decisive_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n i_o think_v the_o word_n more_o natural_o point_n at_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v hereto_o the_o ancient_a read_v use_v by_o these_o father_n st._n austin_n and_o st._n ambrose_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n not_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n as_o this_o vain_a disputer_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v it_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o one_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o immediate_o follow_v must_v more_o natural_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n not_o to_o mystery_n agreeable_a to_o our_o translation_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o hierom._n hom._n 8._o pag._n 99_o 2_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o christ_n himself_o be_v intend_v it_o will_v be_v improper_a to_o say_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n be_v hide_v in_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v institution_n therefore_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v pursuant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n clement_n that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o redeemer_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n derive_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o unravel_v or_o full_o comprehend_v for_o since_o it_o be_v express_o propose_v as_o a_o mystery_n and_o remain_v one_o when_o embrace_v or_o acknowledge_v it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v hide_v or_o incomprehensible_a indeed_o origen_n manifest_o join_v in_o this_o notion_n for_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o matt._n xiii_o 44._o he_o make_v the_o field_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o great_a clearness_n but_o the_o treasure_n to_o be_v christ_n because_o in_o he_o all_o the_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n be_v hide_v in_o he_o in_o a_o mystery_n cite_v this_o very_a passage_n of_o st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o proof_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dissertis_fw-la verbis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v a_o appeal_n as_o he_o do_v to_o all_o equitable_a person_n n._n 35._o whether_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o
semper_fw-la discat_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la here_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n he_o cite_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o v_o 13._o semper_fw-la enim_fw-la fides_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la magistrum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la permanet_fw-la firma_fw-la asseverans_fw-la nobis_fw-la quoniam_fw-la solus_fw-la veer_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o afterward_o conclude_v si_fw-mi secundum_fw-la hunc_fw-la modum_fw-la quem_fw-la diximus_fw-la quaedam_fw-la quidem_fw-la quaestionum_fw-la deo_fw-la commiserimus_fw-la &_o fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la servabimus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la ideo_fw-la nobis_fw-la data_fw-la consonans_fw-la nobis_fw-la invenietur_fw-la lib._n 2._o adu._n haer._n cap._n 47._o ed._n eras._n i_o have_v cite_v this_o at_o large_a because_o i_o find_v every_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o have_v hitherto_o advance_v as_o one_a mystery_n be_v indisputable_o apply_v to_o reveal_v truth_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a comprehension_n two_o such_o reveal_v truth_n apparent_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o we_o can_v resolve_v the_o difficulty_n that_o seem_v to_o accompany_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o to_o embrace_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o as_o found_v in_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o veracity_n three_o our_o unskilfulness_n not_o to_o say_v inability_n in_o comprehend_v object_n of_o sense_n or_o physical_a matter_n be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n i_o have_v hitherto_o confine_v myself_o to_o his_o rule_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n but_o true_o i_o can_v see_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o father_n of_o after-age_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o present_a controversy_n at_o least_o as_o witness_n if_o not_o judge_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v nothing_o abstract_a but_o his_o groundless_a fiction_n of_o a_o general_a combination_n to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n for_o as_o for_o the_o receive_a use_n or_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n certain_o after-age_n may_v be_v as_o competent_a judge_n as_o those_o of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o as_o for_o the_o controversy_n itself_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n mysterious_a certain_o that_o age_n ought_v to_o be_v appeal_v to_o that_o have_v a_o more_o special_a occasion_n to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o stage_n and_o this_o the_o arrian_n age_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v it_o for_o in_o this_o age_n it_o be_v well_o know_v those_o doctrine_n we_o contend_v be_v mysterious_a be_v more_o nice_o controvert_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v to_o those_o passage_n already_o cite_v a_o few_o more_o which_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o thing_n incomprehensible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o christianity_n pronounce_v mystery_n and_o that_o too_o for_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o '_o they_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o be_v dionys._n areop_n where_o in_o one_o place_n he_o describe_v our_o saviour_n incarnation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cap._n 4._o the_o coel_a hierarch_n in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sect._n 9_o cap._n 2._o de_fw-la divinis_fw-la nomin_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v from_o a_o tract_n entitle_v expositio_fw-la fidei_fw-la reject_v indeed_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o justin_n martyr_n yet_o from_o leontin_n and_o other_o conclude_a argument_n just_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o arrian_n age_n he_o style_v the_o unity_n and_o trinity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o confess_v it_o can_v be_v unfold_v by_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o such_o deep_a research_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o now_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n much_o in_o the_o same_o strain_n that_o he_o do_v n._n 45._o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v exact_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o and_o for_o a_o alloy_n to_o his_o jealousy_n i_o think_v they_o be_v pretty_a consistent_a as_o well_o as_o unanimous_a but_o then_o this_o consistency_n and_o unanimity_n happen_v to_o be_v against_o a_o trifle_a reasoner_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v take_v the_o reverse_n to_o his_o conclude_a period_n and_o just_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a or_o mystery_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v more_o zealous_o maintain_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o respect_v father_n scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o chapt._n sect._n 3._o which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o scripture-objection_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o find_v this_o discourse_n swell_v upon_o i_o beyond_o expectation_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o scripture-passage_n cite_v by_o he_o though_o there_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o he_o have_v suggest_v yet_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n turn_v upon_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v up_o his_o friend_n argument_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o try_v if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v compel_v by_o dint_n of_o argument_n since_o he_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n n._n 51._o and_o first_o as_o for_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v n._n 52_o 53._o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o what_o have_v already_o receive_v a_o answer_n particular_o what_o be_v cite_v sect._n 2._o c._n 2_o &_o 7._o or_o at_o least_o but_o what_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o will_v be_v conclude_v by_o what_o i_o be_o go_v to_o offer_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o for_o a_o full_a or_o competent_a answer_n viz._n reason_n be_v a_o necessary_a handmaid_n or_o instrument_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o rational_a motive_n and_o conviction_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o know_v no_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o will_v dissent_v from_o he_o as_o for_o what_o be_v deliver_v n._n 54._o that_o faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n knowledge_n and_o assent_n i_o think_v no_o one_o will_v be_v so_o absurd_a to_o deny_v it_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o can_v be_v no_o assent_n without_o knowledge_n therefore_o in_o a_o word_n have_v i_o know_v his_o design_n i_o shall_v have_v excuse_v the_o labour_n of_o cite_v so_o many_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n grant_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n we_o call_v the_o pure_a credenda_fw-la of_o religion_n we_o be_v at_o least_o to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o form_v a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o enable_v to_o unravel_v and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o very_a modes_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o property_n or_o much_o less_o give_v a_o rationale_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o no_o if_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o submit_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o to_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o yield_v a_o assent_n notwithstanding_o some_o seem_a absurdity_n upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o god_n this_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o a_o bare_a rational_a assent_n in_o common_a matter_n and_o all_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v n._n 55_o 56._o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o what_o be_v there_o offer_v to_o proceed_v then_o in_o order_n to_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o but_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v heb._n xi_o v_o 3._o here_o i_o think_v be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n creative_a power_n in_o raise_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o restore_v a_o dead_a person_n to_o life_n again_o before_o the_o corruptible_a part_n be_v any_o wise_a dissolve_v indeed_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o production_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v so_o vast_a a_o stock_n of_o matter_n even_o all_o create_a nature_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v form_v any_o
tolerable_a idea_n of_o and_o yet_o without_o any_o material_n to_o work_n upon_o can_v never_o be_v comprehend_v the_o platonist_n suppose_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o aristotelian_a a_n first_o mover_n but_o can_v never_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o mundane_a matter_n without_o make_v it_o eternal_a in_o short_a they_o always_o teach_v that_o a_o agent_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o patient_n real_o distinct_a from_o the_o patient_n especial_o in_o external_a action_n and_o we_o know_v in_o number_n it_o be_v universal_o true_a exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la and_o we_o can_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o in_o nature_n at_o least_o the_o reasoner_n can_v on_o his_o principle_n pretend_v to_o it_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v form_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o common_a idea_n when_o all_o our_o idea_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o create_a being_n even_o that_o of_o the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v be_v resemble_v by_o object_n of_o his_o own_o production_n it_o be_v true_a we_o say_v this_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n but_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n unless_o we_o apply_v infinite_a power_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o into_o every_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o this_o infinite_a power_n pure_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o finite_a being_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v evident_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o imply_v a_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v a_o object_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n and_o consequent_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o faith_n which_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n often_o imply_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o indeed_o that_o object_n of_o faith_n contain_v thing_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o indisputable_a that_o faith_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church-writer_n be_v on_o this_o account_n distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o object_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o second_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o propose_v '_o they_o three_o in_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o have_v form_v at_o least_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o for_o the_o quomodo_fw-la sint_fw-la that_o be_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v or_o existence_n that_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n or_o science_n but_o not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o seem_a contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n arise_v on_o this_o account_n and_o consequent_o be_v thus_o far_o just_o incomprehensible_a faith_n throw_v we_o upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o first_o the_o passage_n already_o cite_v from_o irenaeus_n manifest_o instruct_v we_o that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n and_o mystery_n in_o reveal_v truth_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o commit_v all_o such_o matter_n to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o embrace_v and_o believe_v upon_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o method_n fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la servabimus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la nobis_fw-la data_fw-la consonans_fw-la nobis_fw-la invenietur_fw-la do_v not_o this_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n contain_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a yea_o rather_o that_o all_o seem_a difficulty_n or_o absurdity_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o when_o scan_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o god_n as_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v a_o right_a faith_n see_v pag._n 64._o but_o second_o clemens_n alexand._n seem_v to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o faith_n more_o clear_o in_o opposition_n to_o science_n and_o first_o he_o fix_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o irrefragible_a foundation_n that_o carry_v the_o high_a demonstration_n in_o it_o and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v no_o further_o than_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la upon_o which_o he_o advance_v this_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o he_o extend_v it_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o forecited_n passage_n to_o the_o heb._n cap._n twelve_o v_o 12._o and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n stro._n lib._n 2._o p._n 362_o 3_o 4._o and_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n he_o be_v more_o full_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o see_v faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n here_o we_o find_v science_n and_o faith_n oppose_v the_o one_o require_v demonstration_n or_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o other_o not_o so_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n that_o contain_v matter_n incomprehensible_a or_o not_o reconcileable_a with_o common_a notion_n faith_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o father_n will_v command_v a_o assent_n insomuch_o that_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n must_v overbalance_n all_o seem_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n thus_o he_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n two_o v_o 14._o viz._n for_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n far_o exceed_v the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o most_o improve_v reason_n and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o and_o upon_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creation_n heb._n xi_o v_o 3._o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d she_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o sense_n and_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o pass_v over_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o afterward_o whereas_o say_v he_o faith_n be_v vilify_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v void_a of_o demonstration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rather_o a_o thing_n full_a of_o folly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n show_v we_o in_o this_o one_o instance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o very_a article_n say_v he_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o reason_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 22._o in_o epist._n heb._n again_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v faith_n under_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n hom._n 23._o in_o ter._n johan._n where_o upon_o nichodemus_n word_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a v_o 4._o he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o which_o he_o enlarge_v and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o question_n of_o heretic_n upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n demand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v destroy_v his_o immense_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o such_o practice_n or_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o on_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n about_o enter_v the_o womb_n a_o second_o time_n he_o observe_v when_o a_o man_n proceed_v upon_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o talk_v like_o a_o drunken_a or_o madman_n utter_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o now_o certain_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o st._n chrysostom_n notion_n of_o faith_n be_v without_o draw_v inference_n and_o that_o it_o every_o way_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n not_o only_o
as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o contain_v thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o it_o yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o great_a man_n have_v drop_v such_o unlucky_a word_n against_o our_o adversary_n principle_n or_o his_o method_n of_o examine_v divine_a truth_n as_o if_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v prepare_v to_o accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n or_o some_o sly_a maxim_n that_o look_v that_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o advise_v he_o to_o weigh_v the_o opinion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n before_o he_o advance_v too_o far_o and_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o severe_a censure_n he_o have_v pass_v upon_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o age_n i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o give_v advice_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o i_o can_v think_v he_o will_v ever_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o faith_n from_o a_o age_n or_o any_o writer_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o league_n to_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n and_o this_o another_o to_o be_v name_n for_o imposture_n or_o priestcraft_n if_o this_o be_v true_a to_o be_v instruct_v by_o such_o a_o race_n of_o man_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o take_v up_o one_o faith_n from_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o return_v then_o it_o be_v now_o abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o now_o contend_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n contrive_v to_o advance_v a_o particular_a hypothesis_n or_o serve_v a_o particular_a design_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o suggest_v viz._n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o demand_v a_o reason_n where_o none_o can_v be_v give_v and_o to_o keep_v as_o many_o in_o ignorance_n as_o interest_n shall_v think_v convenient_a see_v n._n 48._o but_o i_o hope_v a_o impartial_a reader_n will_v find_v it_o establish_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o in_o a_o word_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o subvert_v or_o remove_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v a_o contrivance_n we_o have_v this_o apology_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o late_a forgery_n since_o we_o have_v trace_v it_o almost_o as_o far_o as_o any_o ecclesiastical_a record_n beside_o those_o of_o scripture_n admit_v of_o and_o this_o be_v a_o considerable_a presumption_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o foul-mouthed_a aspersion_n till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o better_a set_a of_o argument_n to_o remove_v it_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v examine_v but_o true_o there_o appear_v so_o little_a in_o they_o that_o i_o think_v they_o scarce_o deserve_v a_o distinct_a examination_n the_o first_o be_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n nor_o difference_n of_o it_o now_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o argument_n be_v advance_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o that_o which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o observation_n viz._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o degree_n of_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n whereas_o we_o say_v there_o must_v be_v at_o least_o such_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n as_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o comprehend_v the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rationale_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o real_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o that_o too_o by_o try_v it_o by_o common_a notion_n and_o moreover_o we_o say_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o faith_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n rise_v from_o such_o a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n no_o when_o once_o we_o know_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n the_o degree_n of_o faith_n arise_v from_o the_o application_n of_o god_n veracity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o place_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n in_o it_o though_o we_o can_v form_v a_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v embrace_v it_o with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o man_n of_o reason_n might_n have_v learn_v from_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o abraham_n who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v also_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n four_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o 2d_o arg._n the_o subject_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a 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 as_o for_o the_o intelligibleness_n of_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v already_o state_v how_o far_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o with_o submission_n i_o think_v the_o sin_n and_o damnation_n of_o unbelief_n arise_v not_o because_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o perfect_a rationale_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o reject_v it_o but_o because_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o to_o know_v that_o he_o have_v propose_v they_o and_o we_o will_v full_o reject_v they_o and_o consequent_o what_o he_o propose_v but_o more_o especial_o because_o he_o have_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o now_o you_o say_v you_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v four_o arg._n except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o inference_n be_v apparent_o false_a for_o we_o certain_o give_v a_o reason_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n peter_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o that_o we_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o we_o can_v remove_v every_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n as_o for_o his_o three_o and_o fifth_z observation_n i_o shall_v appeal_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a reader_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reply_n more_o than_o in_o those_o objection_n he_o first_o frame_v and_o then_o answer_v for_o as_o the_o former_a prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o advance_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v such_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n that_o contain_v thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o faith_n yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v his_o reply_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n cap._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o first_o he_o entertain_v you_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o i_o find_v in_o the_o main_n no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o it_o after_o this_o he_o guard_v it_o with_o some_o limitation_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v contrary_a to_o common_a notion_n or_o those_o idea_n which_o reason_n have_v form_v from_o sense_n experience_n or_o instruction_n and_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a limitation_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v perform_v upon_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v a_o address_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n accommodate_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o some_o sensible_a effect_n or_o operation_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o miracle_n that_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o we_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o judge_n of_o its_o possibility_n