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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
nature_n distinct_a person_n trinity_n 2,621 5 10.4968 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A29845 A letter in answer to a book entitled, Christianity not mysterious as also, to all those who set up for reason and evidence in opposition to revelation & mysteries / by Peter Browne ... Browne, Peter, ca. 1666-1735. 1697 (1697) Wing B5134; ESTC R19095 82,171 238

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as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v 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i_o find_v he_o in_o many_o place_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n and_o title_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o discourse_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o use_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a divine_a be_v which_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n under_o that_o name_n and_o sometime_o after_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a because_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n at_o each_o of_o these_o say_n to_o stone_n he_o as_o a_o blasphemer_n because_o he_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n if_o these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n they_o take_v they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v undeceive_v they_o and_o have_v make_v it_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o understand_v he_o but_o that_o 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confess_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o mystery_n upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o my_o faith_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o i_o know_v clear_o who_o i_o mean_v by_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n that_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o crucify_a under_o pontius_n pilate_n i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o and_o i_o apprehend_v very_o well_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o i._n e._n that_o divine_a be_v who_o necessary_a existence_n i_o infer_v from_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o who_o nature_n tho'_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o i_o form_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o he_o i_o can_v by_o enlarge_n all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o thus_o i_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o contradictory_n to_o my_o reason_n and_o last_o i_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n and_o of_o those_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v the_o agreableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a
of_o we_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a monster_n this_o knight_n errant_a set_v up_o for_o himself_o to_o engage_v with_o it_o be_v the_o spurious_a off_o spring_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o yet_o he_o father_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o introduce_v it_o with_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v never_o make_v to_o signify_v this_o by_o any_o beside_o himself_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n will_v have_v come_v into_o my_o head_n here_o he_o have_v make_v his_o own_o word_n good_a that_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v two_o emphatical_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o absurd_a definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemnity_n to_o encounter_v it_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o ridiculous_a antic_a posture_n and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o his_o shadow_n for_o it_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v how_o to_o proceed_v with_o this_o man_n he_o have_v be_v run_v away_o from_o the_o question_n ever_o since_o he_o begin_v and_o now_o that_o he_o put_v we_o in_o hope_n of_o come_v to_o it_o again_o you_o see_v how_o gross_o we_o be_v disappoint_v i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n stick_v by_o the_o first_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n which_o with_o a_o little_a addition_n i_o allow_v to_o be_v very_o good_a a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v a_o divine_a truth_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o cover_v and_o obscure_v from_o we_o now_o in_o this_o life_n that_o reason_n can_v penetrate_v the_o veil_n to_o see_v what_o be_v under_o it_o till_o this_o veil_n be_v remove_v in_o another_o life_n by_o the_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n let_v he_o confute_v this_o definition_n if_o he_o can_v for_o i_o will_v never_o fall_v out_o with_o he_o about_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v have_v it_o all_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v his_o own_o creature_n let_v he_o be_v as_o severe_a upon_o it_o as_o he_o please_v but_o because_o he_o have_v so_o blind_o mistake_v the_o matter_n i_o must_v tell_v he_o once_o more_o what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o have_v any_o controversy_n with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e._n either_o a_o full_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o or_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o ordinary_a object_n in_o nature_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n intend_v in_o some_o point_n reveal_v beyond_o what_o we_o be_v now_o able_a thus_o to_o comprehend_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o lay_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v argue_v close_o who_o mistake_v the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v however_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o proof_n yet_o but_o run_v upon_o another_o digression_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n and_o particular_o what_o it_o signify_v among_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o it_o signify_v quite_o another_o thing_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o he_o say_v not_o for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o 68_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n 73._o or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v both_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o christian_a mystery_n in_o common_a but_o take_v a_o christian_a mystery_n even_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n i._n e._n as_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o jewish_a type_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o 1._o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o god_n whereas_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v discoverable_a by_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o man_n 2._o beside_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o the_o thing_n involve_v in_o the_o jewish_a type_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n very_o intelligible_a for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o obvious_a to_o reason_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n and_o the_o thing_n inten_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n whereas_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o idolatry_n and_o many_o other_o gross_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o difference_n here_o for_o tho'_o it_o do_v not_o hit_v this_o description_n of_o his_o immediate_o because_o he_o may_v perhaps_o say_v those_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o soul_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v level_v at_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o by_o this_o time_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o 4._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a priest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n know_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o conceal_v they_o industrious_o from_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v of_o all_o christian_a priest_n viz._n that_o we_o full_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n ourselves_o and_o palm_n they_o upon_o the_o people_n for_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o virulent_a expression_n of_o his_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o 72._o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n we_o maintain_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o call_v it_o a_o gainful_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o only_a design_n 73._o of_o christian_a mystery_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n he_o call_v christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v a_o implicit_a constitution_n and_o say_v the_o 73._o venerable_a teacher_n play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n to_o amuse_v the_o people_n but_o he_o 74._o like_o a_o sharp_a inquisitive_a man_n it_o seem_v have_v find_v out_o our_o mystery_n and_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o next_o book_n to_o discover_v they_o all_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o the_o world_n like_o heathen_a priest_n as_o he_o make_v we_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o section_n where_o there_o 74._o be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o all_o that_o chapter_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o book_n and_o because_o he_o deliver_v it_o confuse_o i_o will_v reduce_v it_o to_o form_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o think_v i_o do_v do_v he_o justice_n let_v he_o manage_v it_o better_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o argue_v be_v this_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o minor_a he_o prove_v thus_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n 86._o of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n ergò_fw-la now_o do_v but_o deny_v this_o minor_a and_o he_o put_v you_o off_o
to_o another_o book_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a substance_n of_o his_o reason_n here_o but_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o impiety_n and_o profaneness_n of_o that_o say_n of_o he_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v itself_o be_v not_o more_o mysterious_a than_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o his_o creature_n i_o will_v give_v he_o a_o reason_n why_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o ever_o to_o prove_v what_o he_o pretend_v and_o that_o be_v because_o even_o the_o most_o glorious_a of_o his_o creature_n be_v finite_a and_o limit_v whereas_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o therefore_o even_o when_o we_o come_v to_o heaven_n he_o will_v be_v mysterious_a to_o we_o in_o a_o more_o proper_a sense_n than_o any_o thing_n else_o because_o we_o shall_v not_o even_o then_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o he_o as_o we_o shall_v have_v of_o the_o great_a of_o his_o creature_n that_o which_o he_o build_v upon_o be_v this_o 75._o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o it_o and_o a_o distinct_a view_n of_o all_o its_o property_n at_o once_o but_o who_o ever_o say_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v such_o only_a for_o this_o reason_n i_o grant_v he_o if_o this_o be_v all_o then_o as_o he_o say_v every_o thing_n in_o nature_n will_v be_v a_o mystery_n for_o we_o have_v not_o a_o full_a and_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n the_o true_a reason_n why_o our_o christian_a mystery_n be_v such_o in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a and_o proper_a sense_n be_v because_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o they_o be_v more_o imperfect_a and_o less_o adequate_a than_o those_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n this_o be_v the_o point_n in_o difference_n between_o we_o whether_o we_o have_v as_o perfect_v and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n this_o be_v what_o he_o affirm_v and_o we_o deny_v and_o for_o proof_n as_o i_o say_v before_o he_o refer_v we_o to_o another_o book_n in_o reversion_n here_o he_o only_o affirm_v it_o bold_o and_o instead_o of_o prove_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o these_o divine_a thing_n be_v as_o exact_v and_o full_a as_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n he_o spend_v this_o whole_a chapter_n in_o prove_v by_o several_a instance_n as_o of_o the_o table_n he_o write_v upon_o of_o rain_n and_o a_o drop_n of_o water_n etc._n etc._n that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o why_o do_v he_o thus_o beat_v the_o air_n who_o ever_o deny_v it_o and_o yet_o this_o poor_a hungry_a thought_n be_v the_o only_a appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n through_o his_o book_n it_o be_v for_o this_o only_a the_o whole_a be_v write_v and_o the_o only_a skill_n he_o have_v show_v in_o it_o be_v in_o beat_v up_o so_o little_a sense_n into_o all_o this_o froth_n now_o because_o there_o be_v no_o proof_n here_o there_o can_v be_v no_o far_o answer_n however_o since_o he_o have_v order_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o look_v like_o reason_v to_o amuse_v the_o mind_n of_o unthinking_a people_n i_o shall_v show_v the_o difference_n between_o the_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o usual_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o 1._o tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v what_o be_v absolute_o false_a and_o what_o he_o be_v to_o have_v give_v some_o proof_n for_o if_o he_o have_v be_v able_a that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n be_v upon_o the_o same_o level_n as_o to_o our_o knowledge_n that_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o both_o and_o comprehend_v they_o alike_o yet_o his_o inference_n will_v not_o follow_v from_o hence_o viz_o that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o mystery_n in_o a_o more_o proper_a sense_n than_o a_o spire_n of_o grass_n a_o stock_n or_o stone_n for_o tho'_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o two_o thing_n yet_o there_o may_v be_v much_o more_o behind_o to_o be_v know_v in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o and_o therefore_o upon_o this_o score_n may_v much_o more_o proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n for_o certain_o tho'_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o god_n now_o as_o we_o do_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n yet_o sure_o he_o will_v allow_v there_o be_v infinite_o more_o yet_o to_o be_v know_v in_o that_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n that_o rich_a treasure_n of_o wisdom_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v comprehend_v now_o that_o he_o shall_v never_o be_v exhaust_v to_o all_o eternity_n we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o all_o the_o other_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o be_v as_o perfect_v and_o that_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o they_o now_o as_o we_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v infinite_o more_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o and_o that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o behind_o to_o be_v know_v in_o they_o yet_o they_o will_v deserve_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n in_o a_o much_o more_o proper_a sense_n than_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v that_o they_o be_v not_o only_o more_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o but_o they_o be_v of_o much_o great_a concernment_n to_o we_o as_o they_o relate_v to_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o our_o well-being_n for_o ever_o in_o another_o world_n which_o make_v they_o deserve_v more_o regard_n and_o consequent_o a_o better_a name_n if_o we_o have_v it_o to_o give_v they_o wherefore_o we_o may_v well_o wonder_v what_o end_n any_o man_n can_v have_v in_o start_v such_o a_o notion_n as_o this_o be_v unless_o it_o be_v to_o vilify_v and_o debase_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o cunning_o to_o lessen_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o its_o teacher_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o man_n as_o if_o they_o already_o have_v too_o great_a thought_n of_o god_n and_o his_o revelation_n 2._o but_o there_o be_v a_o yet_o great_a difference_n than_o this_o for_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o make_v they_o mysterious_a be_v such_o as_o exceed_v our_o present_a capacity_n of_o knowledge_n whereas_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n fall_v within_o their_o sphere_n and_o be_v in_o themselves_o immediate_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n tho'_o many_o of_o they_o be_v such_o that_o we_o neither_o do_v nor_o ever_o can_v actual_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o they_o and_o to_o lay_v this_o difference_n open_a to_o all_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o this_o of_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v a_o aequivocal_a expression_n and_o signify_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n 1._o it_o signify_v a_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o exceed_v our_o power_n of_o understanding_n but_o be_v conceal_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n by_o some_o accidental_a impediment_n or_o obstruction_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o remove_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n to_o know_v certain_o what_o be_v at_o the_o centre_n of_o the_o earth_n or_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o inhabitant_n in_o saturn_n or_o of_o what_o species_n they_o be_v what_o be_v the_o true_a motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n and_o what_o order_n they_o observe_v among_o themselves_o and_o the_o different_a configuration_n of_o the_o little_a part_n of_o matter_n etc._n etc._n that_o which_o make_v these_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o any_o thing_n essential_a to_o they_o but_o something_o accidental_a and_o therefore_o we_o find_v our_o knowledge_n very_o much_o improve_v and_o promote_v by_o the_o help_n of_o glass_n which_o discover_v thing_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o their_o smallness_n and_o distance_n be_v not_o preceptible_a by_o the_o naked_a eye_n nor_o certain_o discoverable_a by_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v say_v many_o thing_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n before_o these_o help_n be_v find_v out_o which_o be_v not_o so_o now_o and_o if_o these_o help_n can_v be_v carry_v on_o and_o improve_v to_o that_o degree_n as_o to_o lay_v open_a to_o our_o view_n the_o small_a part_n of_o matter_n and_o at_o the_o great_a distance_n or_o that_o a_o rational_a account_n be_v give_v we_o of_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n in_o nature_n by_o any_o intelligent_a be_v superior_a to_o we_o we_o shall_v apprehend_v it_o distinct_o and_o perfect_o and_o then_o nothing_o in_o nature_n will_v be_v above_o our_o reason_n 2._o to_o be_v
we_o can_v apprehend_v it_o than_o a_o circle_n be_v because_o we_o may_v but_o why_o because_o reason_n go_v as_o far_o as_o it_o can_v in_o both_o the_o circle_n be_v to_o be_v imagine_v but_o eternity_n be_v not_o essential_o imaginable_a if_o it_o be_v reason_n will_v have_v it_o as_o well_o as_o the_o circle_n yes_o that_o it_o will_v but_o you_o will_v not_o have_v reason_n to_o imagine_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v and_o yet_o but_o a_o few_o line_n after_o he_o will_v make_v we_o imagine_v it_o in_o his_o next_o book_n as_o perfect_o as_o that_o 3_o and_o 2_o make_v 5._o but_o this_o be_v a_o strange_a circle_n in_o argue_v to_o prove_v that_o eternity_n be_v not_o above_o our_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v and_o you_o see_v the_o cause_n of_o this_o blunder_n be_v because_o he_o confound_v idea_n with_o imagination_n one_o of_o the_o best_a distinction_n we_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o modern_a logician_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a there_o be_v many_o thing_n we_o have_v idea_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o imagine_v and_o eternity_n be_v one_o of_o they_o and_o because_o we_o can_v frame_v any_o imagination_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o we_o can_v apprehend_v it_o at_o all_o for_o reason_n can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o it_o do_v of_o the_o other_o thing_n of_o another_o life_n i._n e._n by_o analogy_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n it_o be_v more_o a_o mystery_n than_o a_o circle_n which_o we_o perfect_o imagine_v once_o more_o tho'_o the_o essence_n of_o matter_n lie_v hide_v from_o we_o as_o well_o as_o that_o of_o a_o spirit_n yet_o we_o know_v much_o more_o of_o its_o property_n as_o that_o it_o have_v gravity_n extension_n solidity_n impenetrability_n divisibility_n and_o this_o table_n on_o which_o i_o write_v tho'_o i_o can_v actual_o divide_v it_o into_o infinite_a part_n yet_o i_o can_v carry_v it_o on_o in_o my_o mind_n and_o conceive_v it_o divisible_a now_o these_o be_v property_n of_o matter_n which_o agree_v to_o it_o in_o general_a and_o be_v not_o mere_a modification_n of_o it_o but_o we_o know_v no_o more_o of_o a_o spirit_n but_o that_o it_o think_v i._n e._n just_a enough_o to_o prove_v its_o existence_n and_o no_o more_o for_o as_o to_o all_o the_o different_a modification_n of_o thought_n it_o be_v but_o think_v still_o and_o therefore_o be_v answerable_a but_o to_o that_o one_o property_n of_o extension_n in_o matter_n beside_o we_o do_v attribute_v this_o of_o think_v immediate_o and_o positive_o to_o a_o spirit_n for_o we_o do_v say_v a_o spirit_n think_v because_o we_o know_v so_o much_o of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o to_o discover_v this_o but_o we_o say_v it_o think_v because_o we_o can_v prove_v that_o matter_n can_v now_o when_o i_o say_v the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o a_o spirit_n be_v not_o positive_a i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o in_o respect_n of_o our_o understanding_n because_o we_o have_v no_o way_n of_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o spirit_n but_o by_o a_o negation_n of_o it_o to_o matter_n i_o must_v confess_v if_o we_o take_v a_o spirit_n in_o the_o sense_n that_o some_o man_n do_v i._n e._n only_o for_o a_o think_v be_v then_o indeed_o we_o come_v to_o the_o notion_n of_o it_o by_o reflection_n we_o find_v something_o in_o we_o that_o think_v and_o from_o thence_o we_o immediate_o attribute_v it_o to_o that_o be_v but_o for_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v yet_o conclude_v this_o think_v be_v may_v be_v mere_a matter_n and_o when_o we_o proceed_v to_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o matter_n and_o in_o which_o sense_n god_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o spirit_n than_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o it_o be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v positive_a as_o the_o word_n by_o which_o we_o express_v it_o then_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n of_o conceive_v it_o but_o by_o remove_v from_o it_o extension_n divisibility_n solidity_n etc._n etc._n which_o be_v the_o property_n of_o body_n and_o we_o conclude_v that_o the_o substance_n in_o we_o that_o think_v must_v be_v immaterial_a because_o this_o operation_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o mere_a matter_n i._n e._n while_o it_o be_v such_o for_o if_o god_n shall_v alter_v all_o the_o property_n of_o it_o so_o as_o to_o make_v it_o something_o else_o and_o not_o matter_n than_o no_o one_o can_v deny_v but_o it_o may_v think_v but_o how_o far_o this_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n i_o shall_v not_o now_o dispute_v so_o that_o again_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v any_o one_o shall_v affirm_v positive_o that_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o spirit_n as_o we_o have_v of_o body_n mr_n lock_n be_v notion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v only_o 71._o that_o of_o a_o think_v substance_n without_o any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o materiality_n or_o immateriality_n of_o it_o though_o one_o will_v 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scripture_n he_o make_v use_v of_o i_o know_v it_o be_v easy_a for_o a_o person_n to_o deny_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstration_n which_o be_v not_o mathematical_o such_o but_o if_o it_o appear_v that_o we_o have_v as_o good_a proof_n for_o the_o immateriality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o we_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v for_o any_o natural_a or_o moral_a truth_n this_o be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o conviction_n of_o any_o except_o those_o who_o by_o their_o principle_n be_v oblige_v to_o oppose_v it_o but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o form_v any_o idea_n of_o spirit_n as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a as_o that_o we_o have_v of_o matter_n that_o we_o can_v form_v a_o simple_a idea_n of_o any_o property_n in_o it_o which_o be_v positive_a in_o respect_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o therefore_o since_o simple_a idea_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n as_o they_o be_v lay_v down_o by_o that_o 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i_o have_v for_o it_o or_o according_a as_o i_o weigh_v and_o consider_v they_o 2._o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a 134._o to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n who_o doubt_v it_o let_v he_o if_o he_o can_v produce_v one_o proposition_n we_o believe_v which_o be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o because_o we_o do_v full_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v we_o therefore_o whole_o ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o it_o &_o must_v we_o reject_v it_o all_o as_o fallacy_n &_o imposture_n if_o it_o be_v say_v he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v mark_v 16_o 16._o then_o what_o will_v become_v of_o he_o that_o take_v all_o this_o pain_n to_o show_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n especial_o since_o the_o belief_n there_o mean_v be_v something_o plain_o distinct_a from_o knowledge_n for_o sure_o he_o do_v not_o think_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o text_n be_v this_o he_o that_o have_v not_o as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n reveal_v as_o he_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v damn_a which_o be_v all_o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n again_o 3._o if_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v unintelligible_a 135._o it_o can_v never_o be_v right_o translate_v a_o very_a wise_a observation_n who_o ever_o question_v it_o but_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o have_v a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o they_o as_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o these_o word_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o tho'_o i_o be_o whole_o ignorant_a wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v ●o_o that_o i_o can_v however_o translate_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o proposition_n exact_o and_o perfect_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v such_o 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governor_n we_o may_v confute_v his_o error_n but_o it_o be_v they_o only_o can_v suppress_v his_o insolence_n we_o only_o can_v endeavour_v to_o heal_v those_o who_o be_v already_o infect_v it_o be_v they_o alone_o can_v hinder_v the_o infection_n from_o spread_v far_o 5._o that_o either_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o 137._o write_v more_o intelligible_o of_o the_o repute_a mystery_n or_o they_o will_v not_o i_o answer_v that_o all_o that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v of_o these_o real_a mystery_n they_o have_v make_v so_o plain_a that_o they_o can_v not_o neither_o need_v they_o have_v make_v they_o more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a as_o for_o the_o other_o part_n of_o they_o they_o know_v as_o little_a of_o it_o as_o we_o do_v and_o therefore_o we_o do_v rail_v at_o they_o as_o he_o do_v at_o all_o the_o clergy_n as_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o conceal_v any_o thing_n from_o we_o which_o they_o know_v themselves_o he_o go_v on_o '_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v yes_o he_o have_v and_o according_o do_v require_v it_o and_o again_o i_o say_v it_o be_v blasphemy_n to_o affirm_v that_o in_o this_o he_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o tyranny_n as_o only_o become_v the_o devil_n he_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n and_o divinity_n of_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n and_o change_n of_o they_o into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n etc._n etc._n tho'_o we_o can_v comprehend_v they_o and_o yet_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o act_v like_o a_o tyrant_n in_o this_o that_o he_o act_n like_o a_o merciful_a god_n and_o a_o tender_a father_n for_o he_o herein_o condescend_v to_o our_o capacity_n and_o reveal_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n and_o the_o future_a state_n of_o heaven_n to_o we_o after_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v they_o and_o promise_v that_o if_o they_o have_v that_o influence_n upon_o we_o which_o he_o design_n i._n e_fw-la to_o excite_v our_o gratitude_n and_o make_v we_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a he_o will_v at_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n give_v we_o capacity_n to_o see_v they_o clear_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o so_o that_o these_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v at_o last_o but_o not_o till_o we_o come_v to_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o reveal_v they_o only_o to_o puzzle_v our_o head_n but_o for_o wise_a and_o 138._o excellent_a end_n viz._n to_o bring_v mankind_n to_o salvation_n by_o such_o method_n as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o freedom_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o all_o these_o observation_n he_o con_v 139._o clude_v that_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o his_o sense_n be_v contradictory_n 1._o to_o the_o end_n of_o religion_n whereas_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a that_o upon_o 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