flesh_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n as_o well_o as_o against_o right_a reaâ—…on_n 7._o these_o be_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imagination_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o think_v which_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 5._o namely_o those_o reason_n and_o discourse_n which_o minister_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d natural_a man_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o 14._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 for_o this_o be_v that_o animal_n man_n which_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o those_o know_v well_o enough_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n signify_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o body_n and_o he_o that_o be_v such_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o thing_n contain_v there_o be_v mere_a foolishness_n to_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n they_o be_v discern_v by_o a_o humble_a mind_n compose_a affection_n clear_a light_n and_o pure_a and_o internal_a sense_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n puâ—…ed_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n 18._o unto_o which_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v foolishâ—…ess_n for_o the_o obâ—…ure_a life_n and_o ignominious_a death_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o count_v ridiculous_a by_o a_o mind_n turgid_a &_o swell_v with_o high_a notion_n and_o conceit_n last_o this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o 6._o opinionative_n knowledge_n which_o god_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o foolishness_n such_o wisdom_n and_o ratiocination_n as_o these_o be_v not_o the_o offspring_n of_o true_a reason_n but_o the_o fallacy_n and_o paralogism_n of_o a_o mind_n blind_v with_o lust_n by_o right_a reason_n therefore_o i_o understand_v that_o innate_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o which_o it_o discern_v the_o reason_n and_o mutual_a affection_n of_o thing_n and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o now_o i_o say_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n thus_o understand_v there_o be_v two_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n pertinent_a to_o this_o occasion_n viz._n that_o something_o may_v either_o be_v above_o or_o contrary_n to_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v free_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o whatever_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o belief_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o above_o reason_n unless_o these_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o acception_n namely_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o high_a and_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n that_o bare_a â—…ntellect_n can_v not_o light_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v very_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o to_o some_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v thus_o for_o example_n it_o exceed_v the_o strength_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o resurrection_n &_o glorification_n or_o to_o make_v a_o perfect_a description_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o future_a life_n or_o to_o show_v how_o the_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v one_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n one_o christ_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v no_o express_a revelation_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o explicit_fw-la faith_n require_v and_o beside_o this_o obscurity_n be_v not_o a_o lâ—…ttle_a subservient_fw-fr for_o the_o beget_n and_o conciliate_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o which_o a_o explicit_fw-la faith_n be_v require_v which_o so_o far_o exceed_v reason_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o form_v any_o conception_n of_o it_o for_o faith_n consist_v in_o assent_n the_o assent_n follow_v the_o judgement_n but_o no_o judgement_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o know_v or_o understand_v therefore_o whatever_o exceed_v all_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o likewise_o exceed_v all_o belief_n and_o he_o that_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o believe_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o miserable_o impose_v upon_o himself_o with_o a_o company_n of_o word_n pretty_o put_v together_o and_o give_v a_o great_a sound_n which_o yet_o have_v no_o conception_n answer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o while_o he_o dream_v of_o believe_v some_o unintelligible_a mystery_n he_o only_o pursue_v mere_a shadow_n of_o word_n from_o which_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v withdraw_v all_o faith_n and_o sense_n present_o vanish_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n first_o if_o god_n shall_v propound_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o right_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o four_o absurdity_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v of_o a_o five_o will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o it_o either_o that_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v or_o that_o the_o reason_n and_o affection_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a or_o last_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n when_o they_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a perception_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o first_o and_o second_o of_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v implant_v in_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o the_o three_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o certain_a person_n who_o assert_n the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o arbitrarious_fw-la and_o that_o blasphemy_n lie_v perjury_n nay_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n may_v be_v reckon_v into_o the_o account_n of_o virtue_n and_o become_v a_o worship_n please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o good_a god_n what_o rash_a and_o abominable_a position_n do_v we_o hear_v such_o as_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o eternal_a oblivion_n or_o not_o to_o be_v name_v without_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n search_v the_o ancient_a council_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v no_o heresy_n more_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n than_o this_o nay_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o hell_n can_v not_o belch_v out_o any_o thing_n more_o detestable_a and_o blasphemous_a for_o this_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n immutability_n goodness_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n we_o attribute_v to_o he_o it_o overthrow_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o discourse_n make_v contradiction_n become_v probable_a destroy_v all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o banish_v all_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n that_o all_o these_o consequence_n do_v natural_o flow_v from_o this_o principle_n we_o have_v prove_v elsewhere_o and_o the_o same_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v attentive_o consider_v it_o the_o four_o that_o god_n shall_v plant_v such_o faculty_n in_o we_o as_o may_v then_o deceive_v we_o when_o they_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v their_o respective_a object_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n moreover_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n unless_o we_o first_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v give_v credit_n to_o our_o own_o faculty_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o faculty_n or_o other_o but_o and_o if_o that_o faculty_n may_v be_v deceive_v when_o it_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perâ—…eives_v its_o object_n how_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o this_o deception_n may_v not_o happen_v in_o the_o present_a case_n especial_o whâ—…n_v reason_n the_o chief_a of_o our_o faculty_n clear_o and_o evident_o find_v that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v offer_v under_o the_o specious_a pretext_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o revelation_n must_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o â—…ar_n or_o some_o other_o external_n sense_n or_o else_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o ought_v we_o not_o much_o rather_o to_o 〈◊〉_d that_o to_o be_v a_o illusion_n which_o be_v conâ—…rary_a to_o the_o principle_n
or_o ray_n of_o the_o intellectual_a sun_n bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o primigenial_a light_n for_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o steady_a comprehension_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n together_o with_o those_o reason_n aâ—…ections_n and_o mutual_a relation_n whether_o of_o concord_n or_o discord_n which_o immediate_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o as_o relation_n poâ—…ito_fw-la fundamento_fw-la &_o termino_fw-la and_o the_o divine_a intellect_n do_v intimate_o penetrate_v and_o behold_v at_o one_o view_v these_o affection_n together_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o discern_v their_o order_n and_o reciprocation_n now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o fix_v and_o stable_a reason_n look_v upon_o the_o reason_n and_o connection_n of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o unmoved_a eye_n who_o express_a and_o accurate_a resemblance_n be_v right_a reason_n engrave_v on_o humane_a mind_n which_o though_o it_o can_v know_v and_o lay_v open_a all_o thing_n and_o their_o respective_a reason_n by_o one_o single_a act_n yet_o it_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v they_o successive_o and_o in_o order_n moreover_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o consent_n or_o discrepancy_n of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o idea_n and_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o and_o according_o undertake_v either_o the_o probation_n or_o refutation_n of_o one_o from_o another_o wherefore_o humane_a reason_n do_v true_o imitate_v and_o express_v divine_a wisdom_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o what_o she_o comprehend_v at_o once_o with_o one_o single_a act_n reason_n deduce_v by_o many_o and_o operose_fw-la consequence_n that_o god_n shall_v therefore_o reveal_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o right_o reason_n be_v alike_o impious_a as_o to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o to_o contradict_v the_o internal_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n for_o right_o reason_n and_o divine_a wisdom_n give_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o humane_a understanding_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n determine_v otherwise_o that_o must_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o fault_n of_o reason_n but_o of_o ignorance_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n propound_v under_o the_o plausible_a name_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n i_o ought_v to_o suspect_v that_o i_o do_v not_o full_o conprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v insist_v upon_o a_o further_a search_n and_o resolve_v that_o god_n intend_v that_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o shall_v be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n nevertheless_o i_o will_v not_o have_v humane_a understanding_n arrogate_v too_o much_o to_o itself_o nor_o rash_o attempt_v to_o condemn_v present_o that_o which_o exceed_v its_o capacity_n for_o if_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o consign_v by_o divine_a testimony_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o consonant_a to_o ouâ—…_n faculty_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o yield_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n though_o they_o seem_v otherwise_o to_o clash_v with_o reason_n yet_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n although_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v yet_o so_o full_o understand_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o all_o as_o to_o its_o precept_n their_o purity_n sanctity_n and_o usefulness_n both_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n and_o also_o the_o public_a be_v so_o clear_a to_o every_o attentive_a and_o considerative_a man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o superâ—…luous_a to_o go_v about_o to_o evince_v their_o agreement_n with_o reason_n more_o especial_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o full_o make_v good_a already_o by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n from_o hence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n and_o commination_n in_o religion_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hedge_n and_o security_n for_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o though_o these_o three_o part_n of_o christianity_n do_v far_o excel_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o different_a from_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o philosophical_a pagan_n who_o set_v the_o precept_n of_o morality_n at_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o also_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o ancient_a piety_n and_o wisdom_n may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o even_o the_o most_o profané_fw-fr and_o atheistical_a wit_n upon_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v confess_v that_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o most_o excellent_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o discourse_v brief_o of_o christianity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o determiâ—…ate_a religion_n different_a from_o all_o other_o that_o its_o conformity_n with_o right_a reason_n may_v from_o hence_o likewise_o be_v make_v apparent_a first_o therefore_o what_o can_v be_v think_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o god_n shall_v intrust_v some_o certain_a person_n with_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o for_o the_o degenerate_a offspring_n of_o adam_n be_v huge_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n whence_o so_o many_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v observable_a throughout_o all_o age_n and_o very_o much_o need_v a_o teacher_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o bend_v upon_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n want_v such_o a_o lawgiver_n as_o may_v cause_n a_o veneration_n and_o fear_n in_o they_o and_o that_o this_o legislator_n shall_v be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o unspotted_a and_o blameless_a life_n be_v very_o congruous_a both_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o and_o likewise_o beget_v a_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o man_n be_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o his_o person_n be_v separate_v from_o humane_a defilement_n and_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v intimate_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o true_o and_o proper_o god_n add_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v nor_o can_v god_n signify_v his_o will_n in_o a_o way_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o he_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a veil_n and_o what_o more_o fit_a mansion_n or_o cover_v then_o our_o flesh_n why_o may_v not_o god_n make_v use_n of_o some_o one_o of_o we_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v of_o the_o body_n as_o a_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n he_o may_v discover_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o here_o be_v nothing_o either_o contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n more_o trouble_v the_o understanding_n than_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n for_o the_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_a nature_n any_o thing_n be_v of_o with_o the_o great_a facility_n may_v it_o insinuate_v and_o derive_v itself_o but_o though_o this_o person_n be_v so_o illustrious_a yet_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o bodily_a life_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o mean_a quality_n and_o obscure_a condition_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o evil_n and_o infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v expose_v for_o so_o we_o shall_v have_v mighty_a incentives_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o patient_n bear_v of_o affliction_n when_o we_o see_v the_o most_o innocent_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n suffer_v foe_n much_o upon_o our_o account_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o be_v himself_o make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n know_v how_o to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v oppress_v under_o they_o moreover_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o some_o great_a certainty_n of_o eternal_a and_o immortal_a life_n than_o what_o be_v find_v among_o the_o heathen_a who_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o
certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o derogatory_n to_o that_o sacred_a oeconomy_n which_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o son_n of_o god_n have_v set_v on_o foot_n nor_o give_v great_a ground_n to_o the_o bold_a cavil_n and_o pretension_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o disguise_a atheist_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o design_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o to_o amuse_n and_o puzzle_v humane_a understanding_n by_o propound_v a_o company_n of_o intricate_a and_o perplex_a riddle_n of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o apprehension_n but_o must_v believe_v they_o mere_o because_o they_o be_v unintelligible_a for_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o whatever_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n unconceivable_a can_v be_v no_o object_n of_o humane_a understanding_n and_o consequent_o can_v be_v no_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o god_n reveal_v unconceivable_a mystery_n to_o we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o 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yet_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o god_n imply_v incomprehensibility_n in_o it_o yet_o notwithstanding_o a_o rational_a mind_n may_v have_v a_o very_a evident_a and_o clear_a conception_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o dazzle_v our_o eye_n with_o such_o a_o amaze_a lustre_n in_o christianity_n that_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v not_o think_v either_o unintelligible_a or_o irrational_a by_o the_o wiseâ—…_n and_o most_o learned_a pagan_n though_o such_o be_v the_o profoundness_n of_o the_o mystery_n that_o humane_a understanding_n can_v never_o have_v fall_v upon_o any_o such_o thing_n without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n therefore_o what_o the_o best_a of_o the_o pagan_n discourse_v of_o it_o be_v but_o a_o communication_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o tradition_n from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o world_n and_o be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o supernatural_a revelation_n the_o same_o we_o may_v say_v of_o all_o other_o mysterious_a point_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v they_o bear_v a_o please_a and_o agreeable_a harmony_n with_o our_o reason_n and_o do_v intimate_o correspond_v with_o something_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n pag._n 4._o this_o obscurity_n be_v not_o a_o little_a subservient_fw-fr to_o beget_v and_o conciliate_v reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n the_o christian_a religion_n have_v this_o in_o common_a with_o all_o other_o mystery_n that_o it_o have_v a_o veil_n draw_v over_o its_o more_o recondite_v and_o hide_a doctrine_n partly_o that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v profane_v and_o expose_v to_o contempt_n by_o every_o common_a eye_n and_o partly_o to_o whet_v and_o sharpen_v the_o industry_n of_o capacious_a mind_n to_o a_o diligent_a search_n and_o inquisition_n after_o such_o inestimable_a treasure_n for_o as_o the_o initiati_fw-la in_o the_o mysterious_a rite_n both_o of_o greek_n and_o egyptian_n be_v first_o to_o undergo_v a_o due_a purification_n of_o themselves_o before_o they_o be_v admit_v to_o the_o presence_n and_o fruition_n of_o the_o worship_v deity_n so_o do_v christian_a religion_n declare_v its_o end_n to_o be_v the_o perfect_a humane_a soul_n and_o at_o last_o conduct_v they_o by_o a_o orderly_a pâ—…cation_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n into_o the_o sacred_a adytum_fw-la to_o enjoy_v the_o presence_n of_o god_n in_o the_o high_a heaven_n for_o evermore_o hence_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v a_o mystery_n so_o in_o opposition_n to_o the_o profane_a rite_n of_o the_o heathen_a worship_n it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 3._o 16._o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n 1_o tim._n 6._o 3._o and_o it_o be_v very_o decorous_a and_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o hide_v and_o conceal_v the_o choice_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n as_o precious_a treasure_n behind_o a_o cloud_n that_o they_o may_v not_o be_v the_o too_o easy_a purchase_n of_o every_o dissolute_a person_n and_o that_o religion_n itself_o may_v not_o be_v contemn_v and_o disesteem_v by_o suppose_v it_o to_o have_v nothing_o venerable_a and_o excellent_a in_o it_o but_o as_o the_o spectator_n at_o the_o foot_n of_o the_o hill_n behold_v no_o great_a beauty_n and_o comeliness_n in_o the_o face_n of_o our_o saviour_n then_o in_o other_o man_n but_o when_o he_o ascend_v the_o mount_n his_o countenance_n appear_v to_o those_o that_o be_v capable_a with_o a_o brightness_n and_o lustre_n far_o surpass_v that_o of_o the_o sun_n thus_o it_o be_v with_o his_o doctrine_n while_o we_o converse_v only_o below_o and_o our_o eye_n be_v fill_v with_o dust_n and_o our_o mind_n swell_v with_o the_o lust_n and_o vanity_n of_o the_o world_n we_o see_v no_o more_o excellency_n and_o beauty_n to_o command_v our_o veneration_n and_o love_n in_o christianity_n then_o in_o other_o thing_n but_o if_o we_o will_v ascend_v up_o to_o the_o top_n of_o the_o mount_n by_o a_o due_a purification_n of_o our_o spirit_n by_o mortification_n of_o our_o irregular_a appetite_n and_o by_o assimilation_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o god_n we_o shall_v behold_v admirable_a glory_n and_o be_v enravish_v with_o the_o pulchritude_n of_o the_o transfigure_v face_n of_o jesus_n for_o the_o secret_a of_o the_o lord_n be_v 14._o only_o with_o they_o that_o fear_v he_o pag._n 5._o there_o be_v a_o certain_a person_n who_o assert_n the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o arbitrarious_fw-la the_o person_n intend_v here_o be_v szydlovius_n who_o in_o a_o treatise_n entitle_v vindicioe_v quoestionum_fw-la aliquot_fw-la difficilium_fw-la &_o controversarum_fw-la in_o theologia_n print_v at_o franeker_n among_o other_o thing_n lay_v down_o such_o position_n as_o these_o quoeritur_fw-la inquit_fw-la a_o detur_fw-la aliquid_fw-la antecedenter_fw-la bonum_fw-la ad_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la dei_fw-la sive_fw-la a_o res_fw-la sint_fw-la ideò_fw-la justoe_fw-mi &_o bonoe_v quia_fw-la deus_fw-la eas_fw-la vult_fw-la vel_fw-la an_fw-mi ideò_fw-la eas_fw-la velit_fw-la quia_fw-la justoe_fw-mi sint_fw-la negatur_fw-la dari_fw-la aliquid_fw-la antecedenter_fw-la bonum_fw-la ad_fw-la voluntatem_fw-la dei_fw-la &_o affirmatur_fw-la res_fw-la ideò_fw-la esse_fw-la justas_fw-la &_o bonas_fw-la quia_fw-la eas_fw-la deus_fw-la vult_fw-la non_fw-la contra_fw-la ideò_fw-la eas_fw-la velle_fw-la deum_fw-la quia_fw-la justoe_fw-mi &_o bonoe_v sint_fw-la and_o afterward_o he_o thus_o go_v on_o objiciet_fw-la quispiam_fw-la ergo_fw-la sic_fw-la deus_fw-la poterit_fw-la imperare_fw-la blasphemiam_fw-la perjurium_fw-la mendacium_fw-la etc._n etc._n quod_fw-la absurdum_fw-la videtur_fw-la resp._n etiam_fw-la in_o illis_fw-la quoe_fw-la ad_fw-la cultum_fw-la dei_fw-la pertinent_a nullo_n aâ—…o_fw-la modo_fw-la homines_fw-la obligantur_fw-la nisi_fw-la ex_fw-la proecepto_fw-la &_o per_fw-la legem_fw-la si_fw-mi enim_fw-la deus_fw-la voluisset_fw-la tum_fw-la potuisset_fw-la alium_fw-la cultum_fw-la vel_fw-la modum_fw-la cultûs_fw-la jubere_fw-la sibi_fw-la proestari_fw-la itaque_fw-la etiam_fw-la ista_fw-la quoe_fw-la ad_fw-la cultum_fw-la suum_fw-la pertinent_a deus_fw-la liberrimè_fw-la proecepit_fw-la &_o quidem_fw-la ut_fw-la potuerit_fw-la aliter_fw-la proecepisse_v ideóque_fw-la ex_fw-la hypothesi_fw-la tantùm_fw-la mandati_fw-la divini_fw-la ista_fw-la sunt_fw-la vitia_fw-la et_fw-la videtur_fw-la hîc_fw-la proesupponi_fw-la quasi_fw-la mendacium_fw-la &_o blasphemia_fw-la afficiant_fw-la deum_fw-la aliquo_fw-la modo_fw-la quod_fw-la prorsus_fw-la falsum_fw-la est_fw-la certum_fw-la igitur_fw-la est_fw-la deum_fw-la potuisse_fw-la contrarium_fw-la modum_fw-la cultûs_fw-la sibi_fw-la jubere_fw-la proestari_fw-la which_o execrable_a position_n our_o author_n out_o of_o that_o tender_a and_o delicate_a sense_n he_o have_v of_o truth_n and_o mighty_a zeal_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n do_v just_o detest_v and_o abominate_a and_o therefore_o set_v himself_o to_o confute_v such_o blasphemous_a assertion_n as_o these_o in_o a_o short_a but_o exceed_v compact_a and_o rational_a discourse_n which_o since_o his_o much_o lament_a death_n have_v be_v publish_v by_o the_o title_n of_o a_o discourse_n of_o truth_n and_o be_v
it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o wise_a can_v be_v deceive_v or_o be_v most_o veracious_a can_v deceive_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v true_a for_o no_o man_n be_v so_o incredulous_a or_o self-conceited_a but_o he_o will_v present_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a attestation_n but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a testimony_n will_v it_o appear_v from_o miracle_n alone_o we_o shall_v find_v pythagoras_n apollonius_n tyanoeus_fw-la who_o endeavour_v by_o magic_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o crediâ—…_n of_o decay_v and_o sink_v idolatry_n be_v famous_a for_o these_o who_o contemporary_n dare_v oppose_v he_o to_o christ_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o book_n of_o hierocles_n and_o philostratus_n write_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o may_v likewise_o introduce_v the_o magician_n of_o both_o world_n all_o which_o have_v act_v diverse_a thing_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o by_o demoniacal_a assistance_n if_o any_o one_o therefore_o shall_v pretend_v a_o divine_a commission_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o prove_v his_o authority_n by_o miracle_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o every_o way_n useful_a to_o mankind_n if_o he_o bring_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o send_v from_o god_n but_o it_o no_o way_n comport_v with_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o falsehood_n or_o to_o expose_v man_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o everlasting_a and_o inevitable_a delusion_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v at_o miracle_n but_o at_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pretend_v they_o to_o gain_v to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o the_o pharisee_n who_o object_v to_o he_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n viz._n that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v 25._o bring_v to_o desolation_n therefore_o since_o he_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o whole_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o satan_n therefore_o to_o make_v up_o a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v attest_v aught_o to_o come_v into_o consideration_n which_o if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o settle_a principle_n of_o nature_n those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a but_o as_o diabolical_a delusion_n the_o beroean_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n i._n e._n of_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o pliable_a temper_n in_o that_o they_o search_v the_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n speak_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v so_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o commendation_n belong_v likewise_o to_o we_o if_o we_o put_v to_o a_o severe_a scrutiny_n &_o trial_n whatever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o any_o person_n for_o a_o divine_a law_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o delight_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v please_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o indeed_o to_o know_v conclusion_n themselves_o unless_o we_o likewise_o be_v ascertain_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o flow_v yield_v but_o a_o slender_a delight_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o mathematical_a genius_n result_v not_o from_o have_v geometrical_a problem_n as_o undoubted_a axiom_n by_o heart_n but_o â—…rom_o the_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v their_o demonstration_n deduce_v by_o a_o long_a series_n of_o proposition_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o â—…ar_o to_o indulge_v and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o may_v find_v the_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o reason_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o as_o object_n of_o faith_n for_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o mankind_n and_o bruit_n in_o their_o be_v capable_a of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n abhorrent_n from_o all_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o the_o sole_a propriety_n of_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o perplex_v humane_a intellect_n with_o inexplicable_a subtlety_n or_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o more_o excellent_a and_o venerable_a because_o it_o exceed_v all_o understanding_n be_v he_o to_o be_v deem_v the_o fit_a subject_n for_o religion_n who_o be_v most_o bigotical_a and_o careless_o credulous_a be_v we_o to_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v become_v religious_a sure_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o all_o religion_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v every_o man_n judgement_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o absurd_a unbecoming_a or_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n for_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o that_o religion_n most_o worthy_a of_o my_o choice_n which_o come_v off_o victorious_a when_o call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o strict_a reason_n wherefore_o shall_v a_o gracious_a god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o do_v its_o office_n when_o our_o concern_n be_v most_o in_o question_n or_o what_o other_o faculty_n be_v there_o leave_v by_o whoâ—…e_a conduct_n we_o can_v search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o reason_n must_v not_o all_o religion_n be_v owe_v either_o to_o education_n superstition_n or_o some_o fanatical_a impulse_n but_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v too_o much_o darken_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o be_v the_o faint_a and_o more_o languish_a ray_n of_o the_o decline_a sun_n therefore_o contemptible_a and_o to_o be_v repute_v darkness_n because_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o meridian_n and_o more_o exalt_v light_n must_v he_o who_o eye_n be_v somewhat_o dull_a be_v therefore_o account_v stark_o blind_a or_o must_v we_o quite_o shut_v our_o eye_n because_o they_o want_v the_o sharpness_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o eagle_n be_v not_o religion_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o require_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o in_o which_o to_o have_v err_v be_v our_o great_a infelicity_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v our_o faculty_n give_v if_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o most_o need_v they_o shall_v another_o judge_n for_o we_o or_o shall_v the_o understanding_n of_o another_o direct_a my_o will_n shall_v i_o fee_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n or_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n that_o another_o carry_v before_o i_o shall_v i_o mortify_v my_o irregular_a affection_n with_o argument_n that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o govern_v my_o life_n by_o the_o meaâ—…ure_n of_o another_o man_n principle_n be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o proper_a judgement_n intellect_n and_o light_n and_o can_v this_o be_v effect_v without_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nay_o further_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o regulation_n of_o life_n but_o only_o of_o reason_n religion_n be_v a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a thing_n that_o force_v none_o but_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n with_o its_o own_o solitary_a beauty_n &_o pulchritude_n and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o false_o accuse_v religion_n &_o introduce_v superstition_n into_o its_o place_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n i_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o right_a reason_n from_o whence_o arise_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o no_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o dâ—…vine_a mind_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v of_o a_o celestial_a original_a frame_v after_o the_o image_n of_o uncreated_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a beam_n