nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o considerable_a argument_n for_o they_o and_o such_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o faith_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o human_a origin_n but_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o what_o do_v so_o very_a much_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v do_v no_o less_o exceed_v his_o ability_n to_o invent_v and_o according_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n for_o which_o some_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v false_a be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o a_o very_a rational_a author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v how_o he_o manage_n it_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o they_o 〈…〉_z the_o more_o obscure_a be_v our_o mystery_n strange_a paradox_n the_o more_o credible_a they_o now_o appear_v to_o i_o yes_o i_o find_v even_o 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so_o many_o different_a nation_n the_o more_o this_o adorable_a mystery_n appear_v monstrous_a suffer_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o it_o shock_n human_a reason_n the_o more_o the_o imagination_n mutiny_n against_o it_o the_o more_o obscure_a incomprehensibâ—â—_n and_o impenetrable_a it_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v natural_o insiâ—â—ate_v itself_o into_o the_o mind_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o christian_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o distant_a country_n never_o do_v the_o same_o error_n spread_v universal_o especial_o such_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o so_o strange_o offend_v the_o imagination_n which_o have_v nothing_o sensible_a in_o they_o and_o which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o most_o simple_a and_o common_a notion_n if_o jesus_n â—hrist_n do_v not_o watch_n over_o his_o church_n the_o number_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z will_v quick_o exceed_v that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d orthodox_n christian_n for_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o sentiment_n 〈…〉_z that_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z the_o mind_n and_o 〈…〉_z that_o 〈…〉_z to_o our_o understand_n may_v establish_v themselves_o in_o time_n but_o that_o a_o truth_n so_o sublime_a so_o far_o remove_v from_o sense_n so_o cross_a to_o human_a reason_n so_o contrary_a in_o short_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o be_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v of_o this_o character_n shall_v spread_v itself_o universal_o and_o triumph_n over_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n suppose_v that_o these_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v neither_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o â—aid_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o mystery_n this_o certain_o be_v what_o can_v be_v conceive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heretic_n that_o shall_v oppose_v a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a be_v nothing_o strange_a nor_o be_o i_o surprise_v at_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o 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the_o thought_n of_o man._n 3._o you_o see_v here_o how_o this_o excellent_a person_n strike_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n by_o improve_n even_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n into_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o credibility_n of_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v the_o artillery_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o themselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o bold_a achievement_n anâ—_n as_o fortunate_a a_o one_o too_o for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o his_o reason_v but_o i_o need_v not_o push_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o nor_o follow_v so_o home_o into_o the_o enemy_n camp_n as_o to_o plant_v their_o own_o cannon_n against_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n and_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o by_o the_o principle_n before_o establish_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o they_o this_o therefore_o i_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o my_o reason_n mighty_o deceive_v i_o not_o dare_v engage_v final_o to_o stand_v to_o for_o if_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v no_o conclusive_a argument_n against_o either_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o then_o since_o negative_a proposition_n do_v separate_v the_o attribute_n from_o the_o subject_a according_a to_o all_o the_o extent_n which_o the_o subject_n have_v in_o the_o proposition_n what_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v none_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v never_o the_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v 4._o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v beside_o my_o undertake_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v nor_o need_v i_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o question_n since_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o can_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v be_v withal_o so_o abundant_o and_o convince_o make_v good_a by_o those_o able_a hand_n which_o have_v go_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o undertake_v the_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n therefore_o be_v so_o well_o discharge_v already_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o no_o further_o with_o it_o than_o only_a in_o consequence_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o one_o single_a necessary_a remark_n viz._n that_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o just_a objection_n
perception_n more_o entire_a for_o here_o again_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n lie_v altogether_o before_o we_o in_o its_o full_a and_o whole_a extent_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o it_o open_v gradual_o and_o successive_o the_o light_n steal_v in_o upon_o we_o more_o and_o more_o as_o we_o go_v further_o and_o further_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o man_n that_o travel_v towards_o the_o east_n to_o which_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o intuitive_a knowledge_n suppose_v and_o proceed_v from_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n who_o perceptive_a faculty_n be_v hereby_o argue_v to_o be_v very_o bright_a and_o clear_a for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a perception_n to_o perceive_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n by_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o whereas_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n and_o the_o necesslty_n of_o reason_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o intellectual_a capacity_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o proposition_n by_o the_o single_a collation_n of_o the_o two_o idea_n that_o compose_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o three_o as_o a_o common_a measure_n between_o they_o and_o so_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o more_o clear_a and_o better_o know_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o search_n of_o what_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o know_v according_o we_o attribute_v the_o way_n of_o intuition_n to_o the_o most_o perfect_a being_n god_n and_o angel_n though_o as_o to_o angel_n i_o make_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o that_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o very_a compound_a question_n and_o such_o as_o include_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o relation_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o we_o as_o in_o the_o more_o simple_a one_o we_o use_v intuition_n as_o well_o as_o they_o though_o perhaps_o after_o a_o much_o more_o perfect_a manner_n and_o by_o such_o compendious_a and_o facilitating_a rule_n as_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v when_o they_o do_v reason_n to_o reason_v better_a and_o more_o expedite_o than_o we_o so_o with_o equal_a probability_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v consider_v the_o great_a disproportion_n of_o nature_n and_o state_n between_o we_o that_o they_o use_v intuition_n in_o very_a many_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o reason_v 21._o hereafter_o indeed_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v imperfect_a about_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o like_v but_o equal_a to_o the_o angel_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v by_o intuition_n too_o and_o that_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v not_o only_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o think_v impossible_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o only_o above_o our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o think_v contrary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o reason_v better_a than_o we_o do_v now_o but_o shall_v in_o most_o thing_n not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o reason_v at_o all_o but_o shall_v with_o one_o simple_a view_n glance_v over_o and_o through_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n and_o so_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o fair_a field_n of_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a we_o must_v travel_v it_o over_o and_o that_o with_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v by_o intuition_n no_o more_o than_o just_a to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o encourage_v both_o our_o desire_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o that_o perfect_a state_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o need_v any_o logic_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o comparison_n but_o little_a need_n or_o use_v even_o of_o reason_n itself_o but_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o our_o nonage_n and_o infirmity_n our_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o our_o intuition_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a and_o reach_v so_o very_o little_a a_o way_n that_o as_o if_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o very_o scanty_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v near_o light_n enough_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n through_o the_o world_n so_o if_o we_o will_v know_v more_o and_o see_v to_o a_o further_a distance_n from_o we_o we_o must_v assist_v our_o feeble_a eye_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o reason_n be_v this_o glass_n naturally_n indeed_o a_o very_a good_a prospective_n but_o which_o logic_n and_o especial_o algebra_n have_v improve_v into_o a_o telescope_n but_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o a_o artificial_a way_n of_o see_v and_o all_o art_n suppose_v and_o argue_v a_o defect_n in_o nature_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v no_o very_a great_a commendation_n to_o a_o man_n eyesight_n to_o see_v with_o spectacle_n 22._o and_o why_o then_o be_v we_o proud_a and_o why_o proud_a of_o that_o which_o shall_v rather_o deject_v we_o and_o make_v we_o humble_a of_o our_o imperfection_n and_o our_o defect_n our_o natural_a reason_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o our_o limitation_n as_o creature_n and_o our_o artificial_a one_o of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o man_n and_o both_o together_o give_v we_o but_o little_a light_n and_o help_v we_o to_o see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n off_o and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a manner_n such_o as_o upbraid_v our_o ignorance_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n that_o it_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n our_o reason_n not_o so_o much_o enlighten_v as_o betray_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n some_o few_o thing_n indeed_o we_o know_v as_o angel_n do_v by_o intuition_n or_o else_o we_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o still_o the_o main_a fund_z of_o our_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o the_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a kind_n and_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v clue_n and_o chain_n to_o conduct_v our_o thought_n through_o the_o infinite_a maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o truth_n to_o proceed_v in_o a_o train_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o walk_v step_n by_o step_n and_o feel_v out_o our_o way_n with_o wariness_n and_o caution_n like_o man_n that_o go_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o such_o indeed_o be_v our_o state_n in_o this_o body_n and_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v now_o a_o kind_n of_o night_n with_o we_o as_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_a the_o lesser_a light_n reason_n for_o our_o difection_n as_o for_o the_o great_a intuition_n we_o have_v little_o more_o of_o that_o than_o of_o the_o refracted_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n a_o little_a before_o its_o rise_n and_o after_o its_o set_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o twilight_n a_o mixture_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o such_o a_o mixture_n as_o be_v very_o unequal_a darkness_n make_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o composition_n and_o be_v not_o this_o consideration_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v down_o our_o pride_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o sentiment_n of_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o self-dejection_n if_o not_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o even_o this_o lesser_a light_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o present_a night_n and_o darkness_n do_v oftentimes_o fail_v we_o and_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o dark_a side_n yet_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o much_o low_a dispensation_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o great_a importance_n wherein_o our_o reason_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v help_v we_o out_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sight_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v altogether_o by_o faith_n concern_v which_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o term_n of_o great_a ambiguity_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v either_o in_o divine_a or_o in_o humane_a write_n i_o shall_v only_o define_v in_o what_o sense_n i_o here_o take_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o such_o consideration_n upon_o it_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o lay_v open_a its_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o present_a design_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o take_v faith_n here_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o ethical_o consider_v as_o it_o denote_v the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o veracity_n fidelity_n honesty_n and_o the_o like_a but_o logical_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o certain_a assent_n judgement_n or_o
also_o a_o more_o dark_a side_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o must_v give_v it_o the_o precedency_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o call_v a_o dark_a side_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o which_o be_v still_o so_o much_o the_o dark_a because_o it_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o faith_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o its_o character_n be_v the_o main_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_v before_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o to_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n therein_o they_o agree_v for_o faith_n may_v be_v firm_a because_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o hesitate_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o most_o certain_a foundation_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a himself_o and_o can_v deceive_v 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know_v call_v they_o both_o object_n 1._o and_o then_o after_o distinguish_v they_o by_o call_v the_o former_a the_o material_a object_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n according_o he_o say_v that_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o truth_n mean_v as_o he_o afterward_o explain_v himself_o that_o faith_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n which_o medium_fw-la i_o choose_v rather_o to_o call_v and_o i_o think_v more_o intelligible_o the_o formal_a reason_n than_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o term_n object_n seem_v more_o proper_o to_o design_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o be_v hardly_o applicable_a to_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v however_o since_o we_o both_o mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o need_v be_v no_o debate_n upon_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v it_o especial_o since_o if_o any_o one_o 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no_o other_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o since_o this_o include_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o of_o what_o authority_n will_v be_v the_o revelation_n i_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v joint_o make_v up_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o according_o proceed_v upon_o this_o double_a principle_n 1._o that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a 2._o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o faith_n have_v its_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o science_n though_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o its_o reason_n be_v these_o two_o as_o will_n more_o distinct_o appear_v by_o dispose_v the_o process_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n which_o will_v be_v this_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o 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our_o faith_n be_v wellgrounded_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v common_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a in_o its_o fund_z and_o principle_n and_o do_v at_o last_o resolve_n as_o much_o as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n into_o a_o rational_a ground_n of_o unquestionable_a light_n and_o evidence_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o a_o conclusion_n in_o geometry_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o within_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whereas_o our_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o without_o viz._n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o however_o in_o light_n and_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o other_o 15._o this_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n above_o reason_n run_v out_o into_o a_o popular_a veâ—â—_n of_o harangue_n about_o the_o reasonable_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o great_a accommodation_n to_o human_a nature_n cry_v out_o with_o repeat_v importunity_n that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n christianity_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n nay_o even_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o the_o like_a as_o if_o we_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o as_o if_o because_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n from_o without_o for_o believe_v therefore_o the_o thing_n believe_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n so_o as_o
much_o more_o apposite_a and_o exact_a whereof_o he_o himself_o appear_v sensible_a at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o where_o offer_v to_o consider_v the_o matter_n more_o distinct_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o may_v be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o kind_n sufficient_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v these_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v and_o other_o that_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v this_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v so_o soon_o and_o have_v tell_v we_o withal_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n he_o mean_v the_o latter_a sort_n only_o the_o former_a not_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n 8._o however_o he_o proceed_v upon_o that_o part_n first_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a truth_n in_o the_o christian_a 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to_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o those_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o notion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v more_o obvious_a and_o superficial_a though_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v philosophical_a and_o accurate_a 10._o after_o this_o explanation_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o do_v by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o thing_n above_o reason_n shall_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o he_o show_v first_o of_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n and_o since_o thing_n according_a to_o this_o 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absolute_a thing_n but_o a_o respective_a one_o import_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o belong_v to_o human_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v not_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o more_o enlighten_v intellect_n etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o be_v right_o and_o very_o judicious_o remark_v in_o itself_o and_o no_o less_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a business_n and_o again_o when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n true_a which_o yet_o be_v liable_a to_o objection_n not_o direct_o answerable_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n he_o instance_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n where_o each_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n be_v press_v with_o unanswerable_a objection_n and_o yet_o as_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o take_v which_o you_o will_v you_o run_v into_o invincible_a difficulty_n which_o indeed_o well_o conclude_v 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distinction_n will_v be_v of_o bad_a consequence_n as_o afford_v shelter_n to_o any_o unintelligible_a stuff_n that_o a_o bold_a enthusiast_n may_v obtrude_v under_o the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v very_o judicious_o that_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o distinction_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v ill_o employ_v but_o that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o divers_a other_o distinction_n which_o be_v without_o scruple_n admit_v because_o useful_a and_o not_o reject_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o privilege_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v misapply_v and_o that_o therefore_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o other_o distinction_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o it_o become_v man_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o strict_o examine_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v as_o a_o mystery_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o justify_v any_o thing_n that_o though_o style_v a_o mystery_n be_v but_o a_o pretend_a one_o the_o error_n as_o he_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o will_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o distinction_n but_o in_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o the_o application_n 13._o in_o this_o you_o have_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n as_o brief_o and_o as_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v it_o of_o mr._n boyle_n thought_n concern_v thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o like_o all_o his_o be_v great_a and_o strong_a and_o allow_v only_o for_o those_o inaccuracy_n take_v notice_n of_o just_a and_o true_a and_o now_o though_o what_o this_o excellent_a person_n have_v offer_v may_v serve_v to_o let_v in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o light_n into_o the_o distinction_n yet_o since_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n if_o true_a
so_o from_o the_o second_o and_o middle_a relation_n result_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 8._o i_o go_v here_o upon_o the_o common_a and_o allow_v distinction_n between_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a truth_n and_o upon_o the_o as_o much_o allow_v supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a which_o therefore_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o decline_v the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o confess_v as_o well_o as_o evident_a thing_n and_o i_o care_v not_o for_o prove_v any_o more_o evident_a thing_n than_o i_o needs_o must_v and_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v in_o this_o precise_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v contingent_a that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o regard_v the_o abstract_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o idea_n and_o not_o as_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la since_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o contingent_a truth_n which_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n and_o because_o these_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o principal_a sort_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o science_n and_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o theory_n and_o contemplation_n and_o because_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n whenever_o we_o speak_v of_o truth_n absolute_o and_o in_o general_n we_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v necessary_a and_o immutable_a truth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v common_o say_v by_o metaphysical_a writer_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n though_o indeed_o this_o be_v strict_o true_a only_o of_o necessary_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o this_o and_o so_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o be_v grant_v i_o at_o least_o that_o the_o general_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 9_o i_o further_o add_v that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o exact_o speak_v all_o idea_n be_v divine_a idea_n even_o those_o which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o own_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o might_n easy_o and_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n be_v show_v that_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n in_o which_o we_o see_v and_o contemplate_v all_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o sublime_a speculation_n at_o present_a it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o unless_o the_o idea_n who_o relation_n constitute_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a be_v the_o divine_a idea_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n shall_v be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a for_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o relation_n shall_v be_v more_o necessary_a or_o eternal_a than_o the_o subject_n from_o which_o they_o result_v unless_o these_o idea_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a how_o can_v their_o relation_n be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a but_o now_o i_o pray_v what_o idea_n be_v so_o but_o the_o divine_a what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v relation_n between_o idea_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v between_o either_o create_a entity_n themselves_o or_o between_o they_o and_o their_o idea_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o contingent_a not_o of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n those_o only_o be_v sufficient_o steady_a and_o permanent_a subject_n to_o sustain_v such_o stable_a and_o immutable_a relation_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o representative_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v idea_n there_o will_v be_v no_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a essence_n to_o support_v these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o relation_n and_o if_o no_o such_o relation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n than_o no_o science_n which_o by_o the_o way_n will_v most_o convine_o prove_v to_o any_o capable_a and_o attentive_a understanding_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o most_o inmost_a ground_n and_o central_n support_v of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n 10._o well_o then_o it_o can_v no_o long_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n but_o now_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o real_o identify_v with_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n so_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o relation_n that_o result_v from_o they_o and_o subsist_v between_o they_o must_v also_o be_v infinite_a and_o then_o since_o these_o truth_n do_v essential_o consist_v in_o and_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o formality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o these_o ideal_o relation_n it_o no_o less_o evident_o follow_v that_o truth_n also_o must_v be_v infinite_a too_o 11._o which_o also_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v upon_o another_o account_n for_o i_o confider_v again_o that_o since_o relation_n do_v not_o in_o reality_n differ_v as_o distinct_a entity_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o term_n as_o the_o relation_n of_o two_o circle_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a to_o each_o other_o do_v not_o real_o differ_v from_o the_o circle_n themselves_o so_o relate_v these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o which_o these_o idea_n be_v identify_v and_o according_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v also_o as_o to_o the_o real_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n 12._o and_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o may_v be_v further_o and_o somewhat_o more_o direct_o demonstrate_v thus_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o himself_o or_o that_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o acknowledge_a principle_n necessary_a truth_n than_o be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n the_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o that_o supposition_n draw_v after_o it_o i_o think_v will_v oblige_v he_o that_o consider_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v for_o first_o if_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v against_o the_o supposition_n or_o if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_v it_o must_v have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o cause_n necessary_o determine_v to_o act_v and_o so_o god_n will_v be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n even_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la he_o will_v also_o be_v a_o unintelligent_a agent_n the_o consequence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n then_o antecedent_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n because_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o know_v and_o so_o god_n in_o the_o production_n of_o truth_n if_o indeed_o he_o do_v produce_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o without_o any_o intelligence_n again_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o depend_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n nay_o upon_o something_o create_v
that_o be_v not_o god_n but_o now_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a that_o be_v not_o god_n if_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a which_o present_o run_v we_o into_o the_o cartesian_a absurdity_n of_o the_o arbitrary_a position_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o it_o must_v be_v god_n the_o short_a be_v truth_n be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n then_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o des_fw-mi cartes_n say_v but_o if_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o the_o consequent_a absurdity_n from_o that_o principle_n demonstrate_v and_o as_o be_v general_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o as_o we_o say_v it_o must_v be_v one_o or_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o say_v that_o truth_n be_v god_n or_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v each_o of_o they_o consistent_a proposition_n though_o from_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a only_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o right_n but_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o god_n be_v all_o over_o unmaintainable_a and_o inconsistent_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o be_v both_o general_o and_o just_o acknowledge_v than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v god_n since_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n 15._o and_o indeed_o if_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o glorious_a ensign_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o wear_v the_o character_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o have_v so_o many_o of_o his_o peculiar_a and_o incommunicable_a attribute_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a immutable_a eternal_a self-existent_a increated_a immense_a omni-present_a and_o independent_a and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o conception_n of_o any_o mind_n whether_o human_a or_o angelical_a but_o even_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v never_o have_v be_v make_v or_o may_v now_o be_v annihilate_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o be_v of_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o natural_a and_o actual_a existency_n but_o only_o the_o abstract_a essence_n of_o thing_n for_o be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o real_a circle_n or_o triangle_n in_o nature_n it_o will_v still_o be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a that_o their_o abstract_a essence_n will_v be_v determinate_a and_o invariable_a and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o distinct_a property_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o convince_v that_o truth_n be_v none_o of_o the_o effect_n work_n or_o creature_n of_o god_n since_o it_o do_v exist_v before_o they_o do_v not_o now_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o will_v remain_v the_o selfsame_a immutable_a thing_n without_o they_o but_o then_o i_o demand_v whence_o have_v it_o this_o self-subsistence_n and_o independency_n of_o be_v whence_o again_o have_v it_o its_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a nature_n such_o as_o we_o can_v neither_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o nor_o diminish_v aught_o from_o how_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o all_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o be_v contemplate_v by_o they_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o dis-imagine_a it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o fiction_n and_o supposition_n remove_v it_o out_o of_o be_v but_o it_o still_o return_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o invincible_a spring_n since_o even_o the_o very_a supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n carry_v a_o formal_a proposition_n in_o it_o who_o idea_n have_v a_o certain_a habitude_n to_o each_o other_o and_o so_o contradict_v itself_o beside_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v any_o thing_n a_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o himself_o how_o come_v it_o also_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_o reasonable_a and_o true_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o himself_o do_v he_o consult_v or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v one_o with_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n and_o yet_o god_n consult_v and_o follow_v truth_n and_o can_v act_v but_o according_a to_o its_o immutable_a law_n and_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o real_o distinguish_v from_o he_o but_o coeternal_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o he_o and_o so_o in_o consult_v truth_n he_o consult_v his_o own_o essence_n 123._o even_o the_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eternal_a and_o increated_a wisdom_n the_o true_a intelligible_a light_n in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o idea_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n the_o fullness_n of_o be_v and_o truth_n who_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n who_o be_v eternal_o contemplate_v by_o he_o with_o infinite_a joy_n and_o complacency_n and_o who_o say_v of_o himself_o incarnate_a i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o all_o these_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n shall_v agree_v to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o divine_a nature_n particular_o i_o demand_v whence_o have_v it_o that_o unshakeable_a firmness_n and_o stability_n that_o invincible_a permanency_n and_o steadfastness_n that_o necessity_n of_o existence_n that_o utter_a repugnance_n to_o not_o be_v but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v real_o coessential_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o he_o who_o name_n be_v jehovah_n and_o who_o be_v be_v itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o exist_v or_o rather_o who_o very_a essence_n be_v existence_n 16._o but_o now_o from_o this_o coessentiality_n and_o consubstantiality_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o noble_a and_o sublime_a theory_n but_o which_o i_o do_v but_o light_o touch_v over_o have_v not_o room_n here_o to_o pursue_v it_o at_o large_a it_o evident_o and_o necessary_o follow_v again_o that_o truth_n be_v infinite_a there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o immediate_a nor_o a_o more_o necessary_a nor_o a_o more_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o any_o two_o thing_n than_o between_o this_o consequence_n and_o that_o principle_n and_o indeed_o if_o truth_n be_v not_o infinite_a how_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o not_o sure_a as_o concrete_o and_o objective_o consider_v for_o that_o manifest_o imply_v the_o infinity_o of_o its_o object_n and_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a or_o of_o any_o other_o understanding_n but_o truth_n and_o shall_v knowledge_n here_o be_v take_v for_o the_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o infinite_a power_n of_o know_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a to_o be_v know_v and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o power_n be_v uneasy_a and_o afflictive_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o unless_o the_o object_n be_v suppose_v to_o carry_v due_a proportion_n to_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o uneasy_a a_o reflection_n to_o some_o of_o we_o to_o have_v such_o short_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n when_o the_o compass_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o large_a and_o spacious_a a_o extent_n to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v so_o little_a when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v know_v how_o much_o more_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o supreme_a intelligence_n to_o have_v a_o infinite_a understanding_n when_o all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a be_v but_o finite_a will_v not_o that_o infinity_o of_o his_o capacity_n serve_v to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v he_o more_o than_o the_o narrowness_n of_o we_o do_v we_o the_o difference_n be_v as_o much_o as_o between_o have_v a_o great_a stomach_n and_o but_o little_a meat_n and_o a_o little_a stomach_n when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o meat_n whereof_o which_o be_v the_o great_a punishment_n be_v obvious_a to_o imagine_v and_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o ourselves_o we_o have_v in_o we_o a_o capacity_n boundless_a and_o unlimited_a for_o though_o our_o understanding_n be_v finite_a our_o will_n know_v no_o measure_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a as_o god_n have_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o infinite_a good_a so_o nothing_o less_o than_o that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o desire_n for_o we_o desire_v good_a as_o good_a and_o consequent_o all_o possible_a good_n now_o we_o find_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a
when_o all_o that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v here_o be_v finite_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o uneasiness_n the_o melancholy_a the_o disconsolateness_n the_o aridity_n that_o accompany_v human_a life_n will_v be_v find_v if_o trace_v to_o the_o original_a to_o proceed_v from_o hence_o viz._n from_o the_o little_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o gratification_n between_o what_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o desire_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a punishment_n to_o we_o hereafter_o when_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o faculty_n shall_v be_v more_o invigorate_v and_o enlarge_v if_o we_o have_v not_o then_o a_o infinite_a good_a to_o enjoy_v â—twill_n be_v at_o least_o the_o worst_a ingredient_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n if_o not_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o will_n be_v inâ—â—nite_a only_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la objecti_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o not_o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la actûs_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v it_o infinite_o or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a force_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o finite_a nature_n shall_v have_v any_o power_n or_o force_n in_o it_o that_o be_v strict_o infinite_a or_o that_o any_o such_o act_n or_o operation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o it_o but_o then_o what_o will_v the_o affliction_n be_v if_o the_o act_n be_v infinite_a as_o well_o as_o the_o object_n and_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o a_o infinite_a good_a with_o a_o infinite_a desire_n what_o conception_n can_v frame_n a_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o can_v it_o be_v much_o less_o for_o a_o infinite_a intelligence_n to_o have_v only_o a_o finite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o painful_a or_o afflictive_a in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o supreme_o and_o complete_o bless_v and_o therefore_o we_o 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hill_n be_v not_o the_o relation_n and_o combination_n of_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o infinite_a and_o shall_v but_o one_o link_n in_o this_o endless_a chain_n be_v alter_v will_v not_o innumerable_a alteration_n ensue_v upon_o it_o shall_v but_o one_o proposition_n that_o be_v false_a be_v suppose_v true_a or_o one_o that_o be_v true_a be_v suppose_v false_a what_o understanding_n but_o the_o divine_a can_v go_v on_o with_o the_o train_n of_o new_a consequence_n that_o will_v result_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n i_o say_v new_a consequence_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n with_o their_o settle_a coherency_n and_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o according_a as_o they_o real_o stand_v in_o their_o natural_a order_n there_o be_v a_o secondary_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o may_v call_v hypothetical_n that_o result_v from_o any_o suppose_a change_n make_v in_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n whence_o will_v still_o arise_v new_a and_o new_a consequence_n even_o to_o infinity_o but_o not_o to_o consider_v hypothetical_n truth_n can_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a be_v ever_o fix_v or_o its_o stock_n ever_o exhaust_v do_v it_o not_o after_o all_o the_o study_n that_o have_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o it_o furnish_v perpetual_a matter_n for_o our_o contemplation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o subject_a for_o everlasting_a thought_n and_o consideration_n have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a research_n of_o the_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a for_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o every_o age_n refine_v upon_o its_o predecessor_n and_o produce_v new_a discovery_n be_v not_o the_o science_n continual_o improve_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o still_o depth_n in_o every_o science_n which_o no_o line_n of_o thought_n can_v ever_o fathom_n what_o a_o vast_a fecundity_n be_v there_o in_o some_o plain_a simple_a proposition_n nay_o who_o can_v number_v the_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o any_o one_o principle_n take_v the_o most_o simple_a figure_n in_o geometry_n and_o where_o be_v the_o mathematician_n who_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n study_n can_v reckon_v up_o all_o the_o property_n that_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o it_o both_o as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o figure_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o whole_a science_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n and_o dependency_n particular_o of_o algebra_n the_o main_a ocean_n of_o this_o bottomless_a sea_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o metaphysick_n another_o unmeasurable_a abyss_n and_o what_o of_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o truth_n if_o not_o the_o same_o which_o one_o of_o iob_n friend_n say_v of_o god_n 7._o can_v thou_o by_o search_a â—ind_n out_o truth_n can_v thou_o find_v she_o out_o unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o because_o they_o after_o all_o be_v finite_a whereas_o this_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o infinite_a which_o by_o the_o way_n sufficient_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v truth_n who_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v bless_v for_o ever_o 18._o but_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v if_o truth_n be_v indeed_o as_o you_o see_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o full_o adequate_v to_o it_o do_v not_o entire_o possess_v it_o nor_o all_o over_o and_o whole_o comprehend_v it_o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o lay_v open_o the_o great_a weakness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o light_n nor_o the_o shortness_n of_o its_o view_n nor_o the_o slenderness_n of_o its_o attainment_n nor_o the_o very_a narrow_a extent_n of_o its_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o very_a little_a progress_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v always_o discern_v the_o relation_n and_o connexion_n that_n be_v between_o they_o and_o that_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o the_o idea_n themselves_o to_o have_v their_o relation_n perceive_v immediate_o without_o compare_v they_o with_o other_o mediate_a idea_n or_o else_o for_o want_v of_o such_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_n wherewith_o to_o compare_v they_o and_o
quick_o see_v the_o regularity_n of_o the_o most_o uneven_a and_o odd-figured_n part_n and_o how_o wonderful_o they_o conspire_v like_o the_o flat_n and_o sharps_n of_o music_n to_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o that_o excellent_a and_o surprise_v beauty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v this_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v repress_v our_o forwardness_n to_o fit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o thing_n so_o far_o above_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o court_n and_o though_o we_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o god_n to_o be_v all_o wise_a good_a just_a and_o holy_a yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o implicit_a knowledge_n found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n only_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n even_o the_o general_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n without_o any_o clear_a and_o immediate_a discernment_n of_o the_o internal_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v all_o well_o and_o right_o because_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n sit_v at_o the_o helm_n but_o then_o again_o because_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a we_o can_v found_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n as_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o a_o infinite_o wise_a agent_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n wise_o and_o yet_o beyond_o our_o understanding_n nor_o reconcile_v all_o his_o particular_a proceed_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o equity_n but_o the_o more_o we_o study_v about_o these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n the_o further_o we_o wade_v into_o this_o sea_n the_o deep_a we_o find_v it_o till_o at_o last_o we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o most_o inspire_a apostle_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 33._o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o a_o entire_a and_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o very_o compound_v truth_n be_v impossible_a without_o the_o clear_a perception_n of_o the_o simple_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o a_o man_n will_v to_o no_o purpose_n beat_v his_o brain_n about_o the_o consideration_n of_o conical_a section_n till_o he_o have_v first_o well_o possess_v himself_o of_o ordinary_a geometry_n how_o much_o less_o than_o may_v we_o conclude_v be_v the_o intricate_a and_o very_a complicate_v event_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unravel_v without_o a_o collect_v and_o simultaneous_a idea_n of_o the_o universal_a systeme_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n to_o which_o they_o relate_v and_o from_o their_o concentricity_n with_o which_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o order_n and_o beauty_n but_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o compass_n enough_o in_o our_o prospect_n by_o which_o single_a instance_n it_o appear_v among_o many_o other_o that_o may_v have_v be_v give_v how_o the_o incapacity_n of_o comprehend_v truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n may_v disable_v we_o from_o comprehend_v many_o particular_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o same_o infinity_o of_o truth_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o comprehend_v it_o according_a to_o that_o extent_n must_v also_o hinder_v we_o as_o much_o from_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v every_o particular_a truth_n so_o then_o there_o will_v be_v particular_a truth_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o consequent_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o all_o truth_n not_o only_o as_o collective_o but_o even_o as_o distributive_o consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o as_o distributive_o because_o not_o as_o collective_o 22._o but_o then_o to_o raise_v our_o speculation_n a_o little_a high_o i_o consider_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o infinity_o of_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o a_o infinity_o of_o extent_n but_o also_o a_o infinity_o of_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o the_o compass_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o boundless_a and_o illimited_a and_o that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n which_o like_o the_o source_n of_o light_n be_v never_o to_o be_v draw_v dry_a by_o the_o most_o thirsty_a draught_n of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a truth_n of_o a_o nature_n true_o infinite_a and_o by_o consequence_n incomprehensible_a to_o any_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o we_o be_v here_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o truth_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n now_o though_o these_o idea_n be_v all_o equal_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o equal_o divine_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n that_o be_v not_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o general_a and_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o some_o of_o these_o divine_a idea_n be_v absolute_a and_o some_o relative_n that_o be_v some_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n simple_o and_o absolute_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o again_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n consider_v pure_o in_o relation_n to_o thing_n without_o he_o either_o in_o act_n or_o in_o possibility_n and_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v representative_a of_o creature_n or_o if_o you_o will_v thus_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o twofold_a be_v in_o idea_n esse_fw-la real_a and_o esse_fw-la ideale_n or_o repraesentativum_fw-la some_o idea_n be_v divine_a not_o only_o according_a to_o their_o esse_fw-la real_a for_o so_o they_o be_v all_o but_o also_o according_a to_o their_o esse_fw-la repraesentativum_fw-la as_o represent_v god_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o 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its_o infinite_a simplicity_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o and_o representative_a of_o thing_n without_o either_o of_o a_o actual_a or_o of_o a_o possible_a existence_n and_o so_o the_o idea_n or_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n only_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o that_o essence_n be_v representative_a of_o thing_n out_o of_o itself_o upon_o which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o suppose_v must_v be_v ground_v if_o we_o will_v resolve_v thing_n into_o their_o last_o principle_n the_o common_a distinction_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n into_o communicable_a and_o incommunicable_a the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v those_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o the_o communicable_a those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a essence_n relative_o consider_v and_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n to_o who_o according_o they_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n true_o applicable_a whereas_o the_o former_a be_v not_o but_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o which_o sufficient_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o this_o double_a order_n of_o divine_a idea_n but_o to_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o intelligible_a by_o a_o instance_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o we_o call_v his_o immensity_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v universal_o diffuse_v entire_o present_a in_o and_o fill_v all_o place_n without_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o any_o yet_o without_o any_o local_a extension_n but_o now_o the_o
idea_n of_o extension_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o virtual_o eminent_o and_o modo_fw-la intelligibili_fw-la answer_v to_o extension_n and_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v by_o mr._n malebranch_n l'_fw-mi ètendue_v intelligiblâ—_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o matter_n or_o body_n and_o imitable_a or_o participable_a by_o it_o according_a to_o those_o limitation_n and_o imperfection_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o be_v and_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o this_o its_o idea_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o express_v myself_o to_o the_o conception_n of_o every_o reader_n but_o i_o be_o sufficient_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o myself_o and_o whoever_o be_v not_o much_o want_v either_o in_o metaphysic_n or_o in_o attention_n can_v i_o think_v well_o miss_v my_o mean_v 23_o now_o the_o use_n that_o i_o make_v of_o this_o speculation_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v this_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o that_o divine_a essence_n according_a to_o some_o certain_a limitation_n and_o inadequate_a consideration_n of_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o creature_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n because_o however_o true_o divine_a and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o consider_v according_a to_o certain_a abstraction_n and_o limitation_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v idea_n do_v require_v and_o according_o such_o idea_n be_v ordinary_o say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a for_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v he_o though_o essential_a to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o creature_n who_o be_v finite_a they_o be_v indeed_o divine_a idea_n because_o essential_a to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o creature_n and_o be_v representative_a of_o they_o of_o creature_n therefore_o they_o be_v the_o idea_n and_o god_n in_o see_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o see_v himself_o though_o they_o be_v of_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v creature_n because_o though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o according_a to_o such_o precision_n limitation_n and_o inadequation_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v expressive_a and_o representative_a of_o their_o finite_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o reality_n which_o these_o idea_n represent_v be_v finite_a so_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o as_o finite_a too_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infinite_a consider_v as_o infinite_a shall_v be_v representative_a of_o what_o be_v finite_a and_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v finite_a so_o be_v they_o also_o by_o consequence_n so_o proportionate_a and_o of_o a_o measure_n so_o adjust_v to_o finite_a understanding_n as_o to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o and_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o comprehension_n which_o must_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v conclude_v of_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o experiment_n answer_v the_o theory_n we_o find_v that_o not_o only_o contingent_a truth_n that_o regard_v only_o the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n such_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n human_a event_n etc._n etc._n but_o even_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o which_o be_v ideal_o and_o necessary_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o abstract_a reason_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o in_o metaphysic_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o which_o science_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o we_o well_o understand_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n and_o conception_n 24._o but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o first_o order_n nor_o with_o their_o truth_n though_o those_o divine_a idea_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n be_v both_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o limit_a understanding_n which_o indeed_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o science_n yet_o these_o absolute_a idea_n which_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v neither_o finite_a nor_o comprehensible_a for_o these_o idea_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o separately_z consider_v according_o to_o its_o simple_a and_o absolute_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n or_o as_o representative_a of_o any_o reality_n out_o of_o itself_o and_o according_o god_n in_o contemplate_v these_o idea_n of_o he_o may_v be_v true_o and_o strict_o say_v to_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o do_v as_o real_o contemplate_v god_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n beside_o or_o out_o of_o itself_o these_o idea_n therefore_o be_v strict_o infinite_a because_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v be_v so_o and_o consequent_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o finite_a and_o consequent_o by_o human_a understanding_n god_n only_o can_v comprehend_v these_o idea_n and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o can_v comprehend_v himself_o human_a reason_n indeed_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v such_o idea_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o be_v withal_o able_a to_o discern_v enough_o of_o they_o to_o raise_v her_o great_a wonder_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o make_v she_o despise_v all_o other_o intelligible_a object_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr and_o the_o angelic_a spirit_n that_o wait_v about_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o better_a light_n be_v able_a to_o see_v yet_o more_o of_o they_o but_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v comprehend_v they_o full_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o other_o idea_n be_v finite_a and_o comprehensible_a these_o be_v true_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n above_o propose_v of_o each_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o finite_a and_o as_o narrow_o bound_v as_o they_o be_v we_o have_v a_o very_a distinct_a view_n of_o it_o we_o perceive_v it_o we_o comprehend_v it_o among_o all_o intelligible_a object_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a nor_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o exact_a notion_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v all_o that_o peculiar_a clearness_n evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o geometric_a science_n which_o alone_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v free_a from_o dispute_n and_o without_o contestation_n to_o find_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o other_o seek_v after_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o have_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o notion_n of_o its_o general_a subject_n extension_n but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o 139._o divine_a immensity_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o have_v a_o clear_a conception_n of_o that_o that_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o contemplate_v this_o vast_a idea_n but_o we_o enter_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n or_o rather_o into_o such_o a_o overshining_a and_o insupportable_a light_n as_o dazzle_v and_o blind_v our_o eye_n yea_o hurt_n and_o pain_n they_o till_o they_o can_v no_o long_o endure_v to_o gaze_v but_o be_v force_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o either_o by_o let_v down_o their_o weary_a lid_n suspense_n of_o thought_n or_o by_o turn_v their_o view_n upon_o less_o glorious_a object_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o other_o idea_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o wade_v in_o a_o river_n where_o we_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o bottom_n and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o pretty_a way_n together_o smooth_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n only_o now_o and_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o intangle_a weed_n that_o let_v and_o incumber_n our_o progress_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o main_a sea_n at_o the_o very_a first_o plunge_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o a_o abyss_n
that_o know_v no_o bottom_n 25._o i_o use_v a_o little_a figure_n and_o imagery_n here_o the_o better_a to_o impress_v this_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o habituate_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n by_o pure_a intellection_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o need_v none_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o metaphorical_a way_n be_v strict_o and_o severe_o true_a and_o by_o these_o two_o instance_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o divine_a idea_n the_o absolute_a and_o the_o relative_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o in_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n the_o first_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a the_o second_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a for_o you_o see_v here_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v full_o and_o adequate_o conceive_v but_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n have_v nothing_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o it_o but_o be_v all_o over_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o such_o as_o quite_o astonish_v and_o confound_v we_o with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o first_o application_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o it_o as_o indeed_o do_v all_o the_o absolute_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o infinite_a and_o equal_o incomprehensible_a to_o finite_a spirit_n however_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v representative_a of_o and_o carry_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o reality_n which_o either_o actual_o do_v or_o possible_o may_v exist_v out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o set_v aside_o only_o the_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n than_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a they_o be_v so_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a even_o the_o same_o that_o make_v they_o incommunicable_a viz._n their_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o absolute_a simplicity_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o all_o those_o idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o which_o be_v in_o this_o absolute_a sense_n essential_a to_o he_o must_v be_v also_o of_o a_o alike_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o silence_n the_o presumptuous_a cavil_n of_o those_o who_o draw_v objection_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o his_o attribute_n since_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v have_v incomprehensible_a attribute_n which_o unless_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o think_v either_o right_o or_o worthy_o of_o he_o 26._o but_o to_o resume_v our_o point_n we_o see_v then_o here_o what_o a_o large_a field_n be_v now_o open_v to_o our_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n even_o of_o a_o compass_n as_o large_a as_o the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o though_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o though_o even_o the_o divine_a idea_n that_o represent_v they_o as_o far_o as_o representative_a of_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o limit_a consideration_n yet_o those_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o such_o external_a reference_n but_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a simple_a abstract_a self_n must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a infinity_o and_o be_v as_o 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a_o thing_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v full_a and_o complete_a from_o the_o former_a wherein_o the_o evidence_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v so_o perfect_a i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o so_o little_o have_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o ought_v there_o be_v no_o proper_a name_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o it_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o incomplete_a evidence_n we_o call_v it_o opinion_n and_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n who_o evidence_n be_v complete_a this_o have_v be_v usual_o call_v knowledge_n but_o certain_o with_o the_o utmost_a impropriety_n knowledge_n as_o appear_v be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o by_o what_o name_n to_o call_v it_o or_o how_o to_o distinguish_v it_o i_o proâ—ess_v i_o know_v not_o not_o for_o want_v of_o real_a difference_n and_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o my_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v very_o distinct_a but_o mere_o because_o we_o want_v a_o word_n for_o it_o as_o we_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o assent_n upon_o reason_n in_o general_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o assent_n upon_o authority_n in_o general_n for_o as_o assent_v upon_o authority_n in_o general_a abstract_n from_o humane_a or_o divine_a be_v call_v faith_n so_o also_o assent_v upon_o reason_n in_o general_a abstract_n from_o complete_a or_o incomplete_a shall_v be_v call_v somewhat_o if_o one_o can_v tell_v what_o as_o every_o generical_a idea_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v by_o a_o generical_a name_n but_o since_o our_o language_n afford_v not_o any_o one_o word_n that_o will_v serve_v to_o either_o of_o these_o purpose_n we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o the_o deâ—initio_fw-la instead_o of_o the_o definitum_fw-la and_o express_v the_o thing_n at_o large_a by_o say_v assent_n upon_o reason_n or_o evidence_n and_o assent_v upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o assent_n upon_o evidence_n incomplete_a though_o we_o have_v no_o one_o proper_a word_n for_o this_o as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v fit_o call_v opinion_n whereby_o we_o denote_v the_o imperfection_n both_o of_o the_o evidence_n and_o of_o the_o assent_n 6._o but_o now_o if_o the_o assent_n he_o not_o ground_v upon_o any_o internal_a reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o upon_o testimony_n or_o authority_n than_o we_o call_v it_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o other_o two_o for_o they_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o assent_n upon_o evidence_n and_o differ_v only_a as_o the_o evidence_n differ_v and_o that_o be_v gradual_o as_o complete_a differ_v from_o incomplete_a but_o faith_n differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a kind_a as_o have_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o but_o only_a authority_n for_o its_o ground_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v here_o a_o threefold_a assent_n though_o not_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o school_n the_o account_n of_o which_o in_o short_a proceed_v thus_o all_o assent_n in_o general_n be_v either_o upon_o reason_n or_o authority_n if_o the_o reason_n be_v incomplete_a then_o it_o be_v opinion_n if_o complete_a then_o it_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o assent_n for_o which_o as_o yet_o there_o want_v a_o name_n as_o also_o there_o do_v for_o assent_v upon_o reason_n in_o general_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n be_v upon_o authority_n only_o then_o it_o be_v faith_n 7._o now_o this_o authority_n may_v be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o man._n if_o the_o authority_n whereupon_o our_o assent_n be_v ground_v be_v of_o man_n than_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v so_o ground_a be_v human_a faith_n if_o of_o god_n then_o it_o be_v divine_a faith_n between_o which_o two_n there_o be_v this_o in_o common_a that_o they_o both_o proceed_v not_o
upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n of_o like_a uncertainty_n though_o otherwise_o of_o different_a nature_n now_o as_o this_o faith_n resemble_v opinion_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o divine_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v science_n or_o rather_o that_o second_o assent_n for_o so_o i_o be_o force_v to_o call_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a name_n which_o we_o late_o discourse_v of_o and_o place_v between_o opinion_n and_o faith_n the_o comparison_n here_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o to_o certainty_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n as_o to_o uncertainty_n divine_a faith_n have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o much_o as_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_n can_v have_v there_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assurance_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o assent_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o word_n what_o a_o man_n believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v