the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n that_o how_o unaccountable_a soever_o these_o mystery_n be_v it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n still_o behind_o which_o i_o find_v nettle_n this_o author_n and_o i_o do_v wonder_n at_o it_o to_o show_v how_o much_o it_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a for_o though_o natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o human_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a yet_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forâ—ive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n this_o he_o imperfect_o transcribe_v and_o add_v true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n but_o to_o another_o namely_o to_o this_o why_o revelation_n or_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a here_o he_o have_v overshoot_v himself_o in_o allow_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a and_o therefore_o immediate_o qualify_v it_o with_o or_o however_o high_o requisite_a which_o declare_v this_o socinian_n opinion_n that_o we_o may_v have_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel-revelation_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v any_o thing_n more_o necessary_a than_o the_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o only_o high_o requisite_a we_o may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o objection_n be_v concern_v a_o revelation_n and_o faith_n not_o intelligible_a or_o not_o conceivable_a the_o answer_n be_v only_o concern_v revelation_n or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o general_a why_o it_o be_v give_v to_o man_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o nor_o so_o the_o objection_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n prove_v from_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n which_o contain_v these_o mystery_n for_o if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n serm._n p._n 24._o but_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o supernatural_o reveal_v and_o unconceivable_a the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o yet_o a_o system_fw-la so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o the_o woman_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o â—ven_o to_o little_a child_n this_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o supernatural_a knowledge_n as_o oppose_v to_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n such_o thing_n as_o nature_n can_v teach_v we_o may_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n may_v make_v this_o in_o his_o language_n high_o requisite_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o nature_n can_v teach_v but_o must_v be_v learn_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o a_o mysterious_a knowledge_n it_o be_v which_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v necessary_a as_o necessary_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o precept_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o both_o contain_v in_o the_o same_o revelation_n he_o add_v it_o be_v not_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o its_o difficulty_n mysteriousness_n or_o transcendency_n of_o the_o human_a understanding_n but_o to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enforce_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o discovery_n or_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o only_o to_o give_v great_a certainty_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n of_o nature_n and_o here_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o join_v issue_n with_o this_o socinian_n and_o be_o glad_a to_o take_v the_o least_o hint_n for_o some_o useful_a discourse_n whether_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n contain_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v we_o and_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v or_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o give_v great_a certainty_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o what_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v nor_o mere_a natural_a reason_n comprehend_v i_o shall_v prove_v not_o from_o the_o name_n or_o notion_n of_o mystery_n which_o these_o man_n so_o foolish_o and_o absurd_o ridicule_n but_o from_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o present_a dispute_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o natural_a man_n as_o theophilact_fw-mi and_o other_o greek_a father_n observe_v be_v the_o man_n who_o judge_n only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n and_o will_v receive_v and_o believe_v nothing_o beyond_o what_o nature_n teach_v and_o the_o context_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n that_o as_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n so_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1.22_o nothing_o will_v content_v they_o but_o some_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o natural_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o call_v the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o infallible_a proof_n than_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n for_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n by_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 21._o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o infidelity_n in_o these_o word_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o examine_v what_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a context_n that_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n this_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n ver_fw-la 7._o
a_o objection_n against_o any_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o as_o we_o apprehend_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v this_o i_o think_v be_v plain_a sense_n and_o good_a reason_n too_o but_o this_o he_o say_v be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n why_o shall_v reasonable_a creature_n be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v thing_n without_o reason_n nor_o be_v it_o ever_o intend_a as_o a_o immediate_a answer_n to_o it_o the_o answer_v i_o give_v be_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n but_o when_o such_o man_n as_o this_o author_n object_n far_o that_o to_o believe_v thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n it_o be_v a_o proper_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o reason_n be_v not_o judge_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o against_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o reason_n as_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o â—ssences_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v serm._n p._n 19_o but_o herein_o it_o seem_v i_o be_v mistake_v for_o i_o have_v meet_v with_o a_o man_n at_o last_o who_o make_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o all_o this_o for_o if_o these_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o reason_n reason_n have_v no_o object_n at_o all_o for_o our_o reason_n can_v be_v no_o otherwise_o employ_v but_o either_o about_o substance_n or_o their_o union_n essential_a reason_n operation_n or_o property_n p._n 20._o very_o right_a we_o may_v know_v something_o of_o all_o this_o but_o i_o speak_v of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n now_o can_v this_o new_a philosopher_n tell_v we_o what_o the_o pure_a simple_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v what_o naked_a matter_n strip_v of_o all_o accident_n and_o quality_n be_v how_o soul_n and_o body_n be_v unite_v which_o can_v touch_v each_o other_o how_o a_o spirit_n shall_v feel_v pain_n or_o pleasure_n from_o the_o impression_n on_o the_o body_n how_o we_o think_v and_o reason_n nay_o how_o we_o see_v and_o hear_v how_o thought_n move_v our_o body_n and_o excite_v our_o passion_n and_o a_o thousand_o such_o like_a mystery_n which_o can_v he_o unriddle_v he_o will_v infinite_o gratify_v the_o inquisitive_a world_n but_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o pure_a simple_a nature_n be_v too_o great_a discovery_n for_o one_o age_n and_o yet_o if_o ever_o this_o happen_v they_o must_v go_v together_o for_o as_o i_o observe_v this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n the_o first_o concern_v the_o pure_a nature_n essence_n substance_n of_o god_n and_o the_o essential_a distinction_n and_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v know_v any_o thing_n of_o for_o all_o nature_n be_v a_o secret_a and_o mystery_n to_o we_o much_o more_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o second_o concern_v 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 which_o be_v a_o mystery_n but_o what_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o complain_v of_o since_o the_o philosophy_n of_o all_o natural_a union_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o we_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o reason_n and_o therefore_o though_o we_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o revelation_n without_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o they_o this_o be_v not_o to_o believe_v without_o or_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o what_o now_o do_v this_o socinian_n say_v to_o this_o true_o not_o one_o word_n but_o fall_v out_o with_o socinus_n and_o crellius_n and_o some_o of_o his_o best_a friend_n for_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o mystery_n which_o by_o the_o way_n show_v that_o this_o be_v not_o such_o a_o new_a and_o unheard_a of_o objection_n as_o he_o will_v pretend_v for_o now_o he_o have_v find_v out_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n at_o all_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n if_o his_o socinian_n explication_n of_o these_o doctrine_n which_o destroy_v the_o mystery_n and_o the_o catholic_n faith_n together_o may_v pass_v for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n but_o there_o have_v be_v enough_o say_v of_o that_o in_o the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v which_o the_o reader_n may_v consult_v and_o this_o author_n answer_v at_o his_o leisure_n though_o i_o be_o very_o sensible_a he_o can_v never_o want_v such_o answer_n as_o this_o for_o any_o thing_n 2_o dly_z the_o second_o objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o a_o revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o serm._n p._n 2d_o this_o be_v another_o objection_n which_o he_o think_v no_o sect_n of_o religious_a ever_o make_v p._n 24._o but_o the_o irreligious_a mâ—y_n make_v this_o objection_n and_o there_o be_v more_o than_o one_o sect_n of_o these_o as_o to_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o i_o observe_v that_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n this_o i_o show_v both_o in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o god_n and_o add_v we_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a reason_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n this_o last_o clause_n he_o fix_v his_o remark_n on_o and_o that_o he_o may_v have_v something_o to_o remark_n he_o change_v my_o word_n thus_o we_o may_v use_v the_o world_n as_o full_o and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o to_o as_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o reason_n and_o internal_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o then_o add_v no_o trisler_n not_o so_o full_o nor_o to_o so_o good_a purpose_n as_o if_o we_o better_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n now_o this_o full_o and_o to_o as_o good_a purpose_n be_v not_o my_o word_n but_o his_o own_o nay_o we_o can_v make_v no_o use_n at_o all_o of_o it_o but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o we_o understand_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o thing_n in_o it_o we_o can_v use_v nothing_o to_o any_o purpose_n till_o we_o know_v or_o understand_v something_o of_o its_o nature_n and_o no_o far_o can_v we_o apply_v it_o and_o use_v it_o than_o we_o understand_v its_o nature_n and_o know_v its_o property_n and_o power_n now_o this_o be_v not_o mere_o trifle_v but_o knavery_n he_o represent_v i_o very_o ridiculous_o assert_v that_o we_o may_v as_o full_o and_o to_o as_o good_a purpose_n use_v every_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n without_o know_v its_o nature_n virtue_n and_o property_n as_o if_o we_o know_v they_o whereas_o i_o express_o assert_v that_o we_o must_v first_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o the_o better_a we_o know_v this_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o better_a and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v when_o by_o experience_n and_o observation_n we_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v good_a for_o we_o know_v how_o to_o use_v they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n and_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n as_o how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o how_o the_o corn_n grow_v or_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o and_o the_o like_a and_o thus_o i_o show_v it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o
two_o idol_n of_o atheist_n and_o heretic_n and_o that_o make_v atheist_n to_o be_v atheist_n and_o heretic_n to_o be_v heretic_n p._n 12._o his_o second_o proposition_n ibid._n run_v thus_o that_o to_o ascertain_v the_o very_a and_o true_a faith_n we_o must_v attend_v only_o to_o that_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n which_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n do_v imply_v reject_v all_o mixture_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n in_o our_o dispute_n about_o religion_n and_o our_o inquiry_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n now_o let_v any_o reader_n try_v whether_o he_o can_v find_v any_o such_o proposition_n as_o this_o in_o all_o my_o sermon_n either_o in_o word_n or_o sense_n i_o can_v not_o for_o some_o time_n guess_v what_o shadow_n of_o pretence_n he_o can_v have_v for_o charge_v such_o a_o proposition_n on_o i_o i_o do_v indeed_o in_o some_o principal_a article_n distinguish_v between_o faith_n and_o philosophy_n between_o what_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n and_o what_o philosophical_a dispute_n which_o the_o scripture_n take_v no_o notice_n of_o have_v be_v raise_v about_o they_o and_o warn_v all_o man_n from_o mix_v and_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n with_o philosophy_n but_o do_v this_o forbid_v we_o expound_v scripture_n agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o common_a sense_n and_o philosophy_n too_o where_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n be_v proper_a judge_n they_o be_v not_o the_o supreme_a and_o absolute_a judge_n in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n but_o do_v it_o hence_o follow_v that_o they_o can_v judge_v of_o their_o proper_a object_n do_v i_o any_o where_o say_v that_o we_o must_v always_o expound_v the_o scripture_n to_o a_o literal_a sense_n that_o when_o christ_n be_v call_v a_o way_n a_o door_n a_o rock_n we_o must_v understand_v this_o literal_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v plain_o what_o he_o will_v have_v to_o be_v my_o sense_n as_o his_o belove_a instance_n of_o transubstantiation_n show_v in_o this_o sermon_n i_o have_v give_v no_o rule_n for_o expound_v scripture_n which_o in_o time_n i_o hope_v i_o may_v but_o what_o i_o assert_v be_v this_o that_o when_o by_o all_o those_o method_n which_o wise_a man_n observe_v in_o expound_v any_o write_n we_o have_v find_v out_o what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o scripture_n must_v be_v we_o must_v not_o reject_v such_o doctrine_n mere_o because_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v or_o comprehend_v they_o that_o revelation_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n must_v serve_v instead_o of_o sense_n natural_a idea_n and_o natural_a reason_n p._n 11._o this_o give_v a_o plain_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o cant_n about_o transubstantiation_n from_o our_o saviour_n word_n this_o be_v my_o body_n p._n 12._o for_o be_v there_o no_o way_n of_o know_v what_o be_v bread_n and_o what_o be_v flesh_n but_o by_o revelation_n be_v not_o this_o the_o proper_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o then_o it_o do_v not_o come_v within_o my_o rule_n for_o sense_n and_o reason_n must_v judge_v of_o their_o proper_a object_n though_o revelation_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o revelation_n that_o be_v as_o i_o express_o add_v we_o must_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n believe_v thing_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v thing_n which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o natural_a reason_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o it_o be_v reveal_v in_o scripture_n that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a word_n his_o only-begotten_a son_n and_o that_o in_o time_n this_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o this_o son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n that_o god_n send_v forth_o his_o son_n make_v of_o a_o woman_n make_v under_o the_o law_n though_o neither_o sense_n nor_o natural_a idea_n nor_o mere_a natural_a reason_n give_v we_o any_o notice_n of_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o will_v own_v a_o revelation_n we_o must_v believe_v it_o upon_o the_o sole_a authority_n of_o revelation_n but_o though_o revelation_n in_o such_o case_n be_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o we_o because_o we_o have_v no_o other_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o sense_n must_v judge_v of_o the_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o object_n of_o natural_a reason_n but_o revelation_n be_v never_o intend_v to_o unteach_v we_o what_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n evident_o teach_v and_o therefore_o it_o can_v teach_v we_o that_o bread_n be_v flesh_n and_o wine_n be_v blood_n but_o this_o socinian_n be_v get_v so_o far_o towards_o popery_n that_o he_o will_v not_o allow_v sense_n to_o be_v judge_n of_o this_o matter_n whether_o the_o bread_n be_v transubstantiate_v or_o not_o and_o that_o for_o a_o very_a pleasant_a reason_n his_o word_n be_v these_o p._n 13._o he_o can_v have_v recourse_n to_o sense_n in_o the_o case_n it_o be_v only_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n can_v help_v he_o out_o for_o though_o the_o apostle_n who_o see_v and_o taste_v that_o it_o be_v bread_n only_o and_o not_o flesh_n may_v have_v appeal_v also_o to_o their_o sense_n yet_o we_o that_o never_o see_v or_o taste_v the_o substance_n which_o jesus_n give_v then_o to_o the_o disciple_n can_v know_v by_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n only_o by_o nothing_o else_o that_o it_o be_v not_o his_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o be_v i_o can_v know_v by_o sense_n that_o christ_n give_v bread_n and_o wine_n and_o not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n to_o his_o disciple_n because_o i_o do_v not_o see_v and_o taste_v myself_o that_o very_a substance_n that_o christ_n give_v to_o his_o disciple_n but_o can_v i_o judge_v by_o sense_n that_o what_o i_o myself_o see_v and_o taste_n in_o the_o lord_n supper_n be_v bread_n and_o wine_n after_o consecration_n not_o flesh_n and_o blood_n for_o that_o be_v the_o question_n between_o we_o and_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n not_o whether_o we_o receive_v the_o same_o now_o which_o christ_n give_v to_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o first_o institution_n which_o they_o take_v for_o grant_v and_o to_o question_v which_o be_v mere_a scepticism_n but_o what_o that_o change_n be_v which_o the_o word_n of_o consecration_n make_v in_o the_o element_n to_o this_o day_n and_o if_o we_o can_v judge_v of_o this_o by_o sense_n the_o church_n of_o rome_n have_v a_o better_a plea_n for_o themselves_o than_o i_o think_v they_o have_v and_o if_o i_o can_v now_o judge_v by_o my_o own_o sense_n what_o it_o be_v christ_n give_v to_o his_o apostle_n and_o what_o they_o see_v and_o taste_v i_o fear_v it_o will_v much_o weaken_v some_o other_o very_o good_a argument_n against_o transubstantiation_n but_o how_o will_v this_o socinian_n who_o reject_v the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n confute_v transubstantiation_n why_o that_o be_v easy_o do_v by_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n as_o thus_o the_o text_n express_o say_v it_o be_v bread_n which_o he_o bless_a and_o break_v and_o call_v it_o his_o body_n therefore_o it_o be_v his_o body_n in_o sign_n and_o signification_n not_o in_o reality_n all_o this_o be_v argue_v it_o be_v reason_n that_o convince_v we_o not_o sense_n that_o the_o substance_n he_o divide_v to_o they_o be_v indeed_o bread_n not_o his_o flesh_n which_o he_o neither_o bless_v nor_o break_v this_o be_v reason_v indeed_o but_o do_v i_o ever_o reject_v reason_v and_o argue_v about_o the_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n word_n and_o phrase_n and_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v there_o no_o difference_n between_o reason_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o set_v up_o the_o conclusion_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n against_o the_o plain_a and_o evident_a doctrine_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v certain_a i_o make_v a_o manifest_a distinction_n between_o they_o p._n 9_o in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o article_n be_v for_o this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o so_o far_o our_o faith_n be_v concern_v and_o these_o be_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a dispute_n if_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o such_o be_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o catholic_n father_n with_o the_o sabellian_n arian_n and_o photinian_n heretic_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o i_o allow_v of_o argue_v and_o reason_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v and_o add_v but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o mere_a philosophical_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n nor_o to_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o these_o mystery_n beyond_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n will_v justify_v this_o distinction_n he_o know_v very_o well_o but_o very_o honest_o dissemble_v
and_o what_o this_o be_v immediate_o follow_v which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n which_o can_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v we_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o sâ—en_o neither_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o v_o 9_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o sense_n nor_o natural_a reason_n can_v inform_v we_o of_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n which_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v proper_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n the_o free_a result_v of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v know_v and_o can_v be_v reveal_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n receive_v not_o now_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v a_o plain_a proof_n than_o this_o how_o incompetent_a a_o judge_n mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o gospel-grace_n for_o what_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o be_v because_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v foolishness_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o what_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o natural_a reason_n can_v discern_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n than_o this_o if_o we_o believe_v st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v or_o approve_v but_o reject_v with_o scorn_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n find_v out_o or_o discover_v these_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v assert_v before_o but_o these_o word_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n the_o scribes_z the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o reject_v the_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o receive_v or_o approve_v the_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o reject_v it_o as_o foolishness_n as_o absurd_a contradictious_a impossible_a unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n like_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o encounter_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o preach_v at_o athens_n and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v other_o some_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o setter_n forth_o of_o strange_a god_n because_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n 17._o act_n 18._o if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v approve_v comprehend_v it_o but_o account_v it_o absurd_a ridiculous_a foolish_a for_o thus_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o st._n paul_n day_n and_o thus_o they_o will_v always_o be_v nay_o if_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n than_o such_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v have_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n if_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n nay_o let_v i_o add_v far_o that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v always_o own_v and_o defend_v with_o the_o warm_a zeal_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o oppose_v and_o reject_v with_o as_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n by_o pagan_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n as_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n always_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v gospel-doctrine_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n reject_v they_o as_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceiveable_a and_o absurd_a to_o human_a reason_n and_o such_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v to_o such_o natural_a men._n nay_o far_o if_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n receive_v not_o but_o account_v foolishness_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o be_v not_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o contain_v none_o of_o these_o mystery_n none_o of_o this_o hide_a wisdom_n none_o of_o these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n let_v the_o socinian_n then_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o which_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n they_o glory_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v a_o reasonable_a faith_n that_o they_o have_v strip_v christian_a religion_n of_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n and_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o level_n and_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n wherein_o they_o glory_n be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o they_o that_o socinianism_n be_v not_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o that_o contain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o mere_a natural_a reason_n receive_v not_o they_o common_o laugh_v at_o that_o distinction_n between_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n which_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o judge_n of_o we_o assert_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v never_o contradict_v true_a reason_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v true_a and_o true_a reason_n be_v true_a and_o truth_n can_v contradict_v truth_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o which_o natural_a man_n may_v call_v contradiction_n if_o every_o thing_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v approve_v allow_v but_o after_o all_o they_o must_v find_v something_o above_o natural_a reason_n if_o they_o will_v believe_v like_o christian_n for_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o let_v they_o distinguish_v as_o they_o can_v between_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o it_o but_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o these_o word_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o can_v know_v they_o viz._n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o judge_v of_o only_a by_o spiritual_a argument_n and_o method_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reject_v all_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o know_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v learn_v not_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n the_o philosopher_n expect_v the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1.22_o but_o â—t_a paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n send_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n v_o 17._o &c_n &c_n 2.4_o 5._o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n i_o do_v not_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n by_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a interpretation_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o these_o divine_a mystery_n must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v also_o which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a language_n belong_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o faith_n not_o from_o natural_a idea_n or_o the_o word_n and_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o socinian_n language_n by_o expound_v scripture_n by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o study_v the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o it_o especial_o by_o compare_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o natural_a man_n despise_v and_o therefore_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v all_o this_o i_o think_v abundant_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v can_v prove_v can_v receive_v and_o comprehend_v can_v interpret_v which_o show_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o pure_a faith_n and_o philosophy_n and_o what_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v for_o i_o suppose_v no_o body_n will_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v defend_v myself_o against_o his_o ridiculous_a charge_n that_o i_o be_o a_o socinian_n which_o have_v he_o believe_v i_o shall_v have_v find_v better_a treatment_n from_o he_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o rave_v by_o himself_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o these_o hurricane_n of_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n as_o a_o good_a sign_n that_o they_o feel_v themselves_o mortal_o wound_v the_o end_n the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v etc._n etc._n consideration_n on_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n p._n 21_o 22._o vindicatition_n p._n 150._o