or_o ray_n of_o the_o intellectual_a sun_n bear_v the_o resemblance_n of_o primigenial_a light_n for_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o steady_a comprehension_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n together_o with_o those_o reason_n aâ—…ections_n and_o mutual_a relation_n whether_o of_o concord_n or_o discord_n which_o immediate_o slow_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n themselves_o as_o relation_n poâ—…ito_fw-la fundamento_fw-la &_o termino_fw-la and_o the_o divine_a intellect_n do_v intimate_o penetrate_v and_o behold_v at_o one_o view_v these_o affection_n together_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o discern_v their_o order_n and_o reciprocation_n now_o what_o be_v this_o but_o fix_v and_o stable_a reason_n look_v upon_o the_o reason_n and_o connection_n of_o all_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o as_o it_o be_v with_o a_o unmoved_a eye_n who_o express_a and_o accurate_a resemblance_n be_v right_a reason_n engrave_v on_o humane_a mind_n which_o though_o it_o can_v know_v and_o lay_v open_a all_o thing_n and_o their_o respective_a reason_n by_o one_o single_a act_n yet_o it_o explicate_v and_o unfold_v they_o successive_o and_o in_o order_n moreover_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o the_o consent_n or_o discrepancy_n of_o so_o many_o of_o these_o idea_n and_o reason_n as_o we_o have_v a_o entire_a and_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o and_o according_o undertake_v either_o the_o probation_n or_o refutation_n of_o one_o from_o another_o wherefore_o humane_a reason_n do_v true_o imitate_v and_o express_v divine_a wisdom_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o what_o she_o comprehend_v at_o once_o with_o one_o single_a act_n reason_n deduce_v by_o many_o and_o operose_fw-la consequence_n that_o god_n shall_v therefore_o reveal_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o right_o reason_n be_v alike_o impious_a as_o to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o liar_n and_o to_o contradict_v the_o internal_a conception_n of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n for_o right_o reason_n and_o divine_a wisdom_n give_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o humane_a understanding_n shall_v at_o any_o time_n determine_v otherwise_o that_o must_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o fault_n of_o reason_n but_o of_o ignorance_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n propound_v under_o the_o plausible_a name_n of_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n i_o ought_v to_o suspect_v that_o i_o do_v not_o full_o conprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o must_v insist_v upon_o a_o further_a search_n and_o resolve_v that_o god_n intend_v that_o to_o be_v believe_v which_o shall_v be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n nevertheless_o i_o will_v not_o have_v humane_a understanding_n arrogate_v too_o much_o to_o itself_o nor_o rash_o attempt_v to_o condemn_v present_o that_o which_o exceed_v its_o capacity_n for_o if_o the_o chief_a part_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v deliver_v and_o consign_v by_o divine_a testimony_n be_v worthy_a of_o god_n and_o consonant_a to_o ouâ—…_n faculty_n as_o to_o other_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o yield_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n though_o they_o seem_v otherwise_o to_o clash_v with_o reason_n yet_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o at_o least_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n although_o what_o that_o be_v we_o can_v yet_o so_o full_o understand_v 5._o a_o five_o and_o last_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n itself_o and_o first_o of_o all_o as_o to_o its_o precept_n their_o purity_n sanctity_n and_o usefulness_n both_o as_o to_o particular_a person_n and_o also_o the_o public_a be_v so_o clear_a to_o every_o attentive_a and_o considerative_a man_n that_o it_o will_v be_v altogether_o superâ—…luous_a to_o go_v about_o to_o evince_v their_o agreement_n with_o reason_n more_o especial_o when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v so_o full_o make_v good_a already_o by_o the_o learned_a dr._n hammond_n from_o hence_o it_o likewise_o follow_v that_o the_o promise_n and_o commination_n in_o religion_n be_v extreme_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o be_v a_o kind_n of_o hedge_n and_o security_n for_o the_o precept_n contain_v in_o it_o and_o though_o these_o three_o part_n of_o christianity_n do_v far_o excel_v yet_o they_o be_v not_o whole_o different_a from_o other_o religion_n that_o have_v take_v place_n in_o the_o world_n especial_o among_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o philosophical_a pagan_n who_o set_v the_o precept_n of_o morality_n at_o a_o high_a pitch_n and_o also_o hold_v the_o doctrine_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n so_o that_o whatever_o may_v be_v say_v in_o vindication_n of_o the_o ancient_a piety_n and_o wisdom_n may_v with_o great_a reason_n be_v speak_v in_o behalf_n of_o christian_a religion_n for_o even_o the_o most_o profané_fw-fr and_o atheistical_a wit_n upon_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v confess_v that_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o the_o most_o excellent_a precept_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n therefore_o i_o shall_v choose_v rather_o to_o discourse_v brief_o of_o christianity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o determiâ—…ate_a religion_n different_a from_o all_o other_o that_o its_o conformity_n with_o right_a reason_n may_v from_o hence_o likewise_o be_v make_v apparent_a first_o therefore_o what_o can_v be_v think_v more_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n then_o that_o god_n shall_v intrust_v some_o certain_a person_n with_o the_o office_n of_o teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o discharge_v of_o their_o duty_n to_o he_o and_o to_o one_o another_o for_o the_o degenerate_a offspring_n of_o adam_n be_v huge_o ignorant_a of_o their_o duty_n whence_o so_o many_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o superstition_n have_v be_v observable_a throughout_o all_o age_n and_o very_o much_o need_v a_o teacher_n and_o beside_o they_o be_v obstinate_o and_o wilful_o bend_v upon_o the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o for_o this_o reason_n want_v such_o a_o lawgiver_n as_o may_v cause_n a_o veneration_n and_o fear_n in_o they_o and_o that_o this_o legislator_n shall_v be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o unspotted_a and_o blameless_a life_n be_v very_o congruous_a both_o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n to_o we_o and_o likewise_o beget_v a_o reverence_n and_o esteem_n of_o his_o doctrine_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o man_n be_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o his_o person_n be_v separate_v from_o humane_a defilement_n and_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v intimate_o unite_v to_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o so_o true_o and_o proper_o god_n add_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v nor_o can_v god_n signify_v his_o will_n in_o a_o way_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n for_o he_o can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a veil_n and_o what_o more_o fit_a mansion_n or_o cover_v then_o our_o flesh_n why_o may_v not_o god_n make_v use_n of_o some_o one_o of_o we_o as_o the_o soul_n do_v of_o the_o body_n as_o a_o instrument_n by_o who_o intervention_n he_o may_v discover_v his_o mind_n to_o we_o here_o be_v nothing_o either_o contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o hard_o to_o be_v understand_v for_o why_o shall_v the_o conjunction_n of_o the_o deity_n with_o the_o nature_n of_o christ_n more_o trouble_v the_o understanding_n than_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n with_o the_o body_n for_o the_o high_a and_o more_o exalt_a nature_n any_o thing_n be_v of_o with_o the_o great_a facility_n may_v it_o insinuate_v and_o derive_v itself_o but_o though_o this_o person_n be_v so_o illustrious_a yet_o it_o seem_v reasonable_a that_o in_o reference_n to_o this_o bodily_a life_n he_o shall_v be_v of_o mean_a quality_n and_o obscure_a condition_n obnoxious_a to_o the_o same_o evil_n and_o infirmity_n to_o which_o we_o ourselves_o be_v expose_v for_o so_o we_o shall_v have_v mighty_a incentives_n to_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o patient_n bear_v of_o affliction_n when_o we_o see_v the_o most_o innocent_a captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n suffer_v foe_n much_o upon_o our_o account_n beside_o that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o great_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o be_v himself_o make_v perfect_a through_o suffering_n know_v how_o to_o succour_v and_o relieve_v those_o that_o be_v oppress_v under_o they_o moreover_o we_o may_v reasonable_o expect_v that_o god_n shall_v give_v we_o some_o great_a certainty_n of_o eternal_a and_o immortal_a life_n than_o what_o be_v find_v among_o the_o heathen_a who_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o it_o as_o likewise_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v more_o full_o assure_v of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o
obscure_a but_o false_a because_o it_o perceive_v or_o conceive_v otherwise_o then_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v which_o be_v the_o true_a and_o universal_o acknowledge_v notion_n of_o what_o be_v false_a in_o the_o conceive_n of_o thing_n pag._n 8._o our_o reason_n will_v immediate_o have_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n that_o god_n may_v permit_v a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n to_o work_v miracle_n we_o have_v the_o express_a testimony_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n confirm_v in_o the_o egyptiâ—…_n soâ—…cerers_n deut._n 13._o 1_o 2._o moses_n tell_v the_o 〈◊〉_d that_o if_o any_o perâ—…on_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o name_n of_o a_o prophet_n and_o shall_v do_v a_o miracle_n iâ—…_n that_o prophet_n 〈◊〉_d attempt_n by_o this_o to_o seduce_v they_o to_o idolatry_n than_o he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v belâ—…eved_v because_o god_n may_v suffer_v this_o in_o tentationem_fw-la to_o prove_v their_o faith_n and_o belief_n in_o the_o true_a god_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o a_o prophet_n shall_v come_v in_o the_o naâ—…e_n of_o god_n and_o produce_v mâ—…acles_n as_o the_o credential_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o commission_n and_o shall_v exhort_v they_o only_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n of_o israel_n than_o he_o 〈◊〉_d to_o â—…e_v believe_v for_o this_o be_v the_o sign_n or_o note_n by_o which_o they_o shall_v know_v a_o true_a prophet_n from_o a_o false_a deut._n 18._o 21_o 22._o in_o like_a manner_n we_o that_o be_v christian_n have_v the_o law_n of_o right_a reason_n engrave_v in_o our_o soul_n aught_o to_o be_v as_o cautious_a and_o jealous_a of_o admit_v belief_n though_o a_o person_n shall_v by_o miracle_n seek_v to_o extort_v it_o from_o we_o if_o under_o pretence_n of_o divine_a revelation_n he_o will_v introduce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o clear_v and_o evident_a reason_n because_o we_o may_v be_v assure_v that_o no_o such_o thing_n can_v be_v authorize_v of_o god_n but_o that_o if_o the_o miracle_n be_v true_a and_o real_a they_o be_v do_v in_o tentationem_fw-la see_v annotat._n upon_o p._n 14._o pag._n 10._o we_o find_v most_o of_o these_o to_o have_v be_v actuate_v with_o a_o excess_n of_o joy_n and_o transport_v with_o a_o seem_o divine_a fervour_n how_o far_o a_o natural_a enthuâ—…iasm_n may_v prevail_v upon_o man_n be_v evident_o see_v in_o the_o fresh_a example_n which_o every_o age_n produce_v and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o those_o sect_n among_o we_o which_o pretend_v most_o to_o divine_a inspiration_n be_v most_o of_o all_o inâ—…ected_a and_o agitate_a with_o melancholy_a which_o arise_v from_o the_o low_a region_n of_o the_o body_n and_o ascend_v in_o copious-steam_n with_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n into_o the_o brain_n ferment_n like_o new_a wine_n and_o stain_v the_o imagination_n with_o variety_n of_o phantasm_n and_o impression_n and_o if_o this_o happen_v to_o a_o devotional_a and_o religious_a temper_n who_o understanding_n be_v not_o strong_a enough_o to_o discern_v the_o illusion_n of_o fancy_n from_o the_o dictate_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n it_o present_o beget_v in_o he_o a_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a conceit_n that_o he_o be_v divine_o act_v and_o inspire_v with_o which_o delusion_n they_o be_v the_o more_o easy_o impose_v upon_o for_o want_v of_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o prophetical_a spirit_n who_o impulse_n and_o influence_n upon_o the_o mind_n though_o it_o be_v strong_a and_o vigorous_a be_v in_o the_o heart_n as_o a_o burn_a fire_n shut_v up_o in_o the_o bone_n which_o sensible_o afflict_a and_o pain_v till_o it_o receive_v a_o vent_n as_o be_v express_v by_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n chap._n 20._o 9_o yet_o it_o never_o alter_v nor_o cloud_v the_o rational_a faculty_n but_o the_o intellectual_a light_n remain_v still_o free_a and_o undisturbed_a nor_o do_v ever_o any_o prophet_n when_o act_v by_o divine_a inspiration_n deliver_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o fix_a and_o eternal_a law_n of_o reason_n now_o the_o way_n to_o distinguish_v these_o enthusiastical_a imposture_n from_o divine_a influx_n and_o illumination_n be_v by_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o know_a and_o infallible_a dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n for_o no_o truth_n deliver_v by_o divine_a revelation_n be_v ever_o contrary_a or_o contradictious_a to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n of_o mankind_n he_o that_o will_v know_v more_o of_o the_o effect_n of_o this_o natural_a enthusiasm_n may_v consult_v that_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o dr._n more_o entitle_v enthusiasmus_fw-la triumphatus_n pag._n 12._o so_o long_o as_o that_o brisk_a and_o lively_a relish_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n draw_v away_o the_o mind_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o soft_a whisper_v of_o that_o gentle_a monitor_n within_o there_o be_v in_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n a_o double_a nature_n intellectual_a and_o animal_n which_o the_o scripture_n call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n or_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o inner_a and_o outer_a man._n and_o according_a to_o this_o double_a capacity_n the_o respective_a object_n be_v likewise_o different_a the_o animal_n nature_n or_o outer_a man_n dictate_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o be_v pleasant_a or_o profitable_a in_o the_o gross_a sense_n and_o be_v only_o that_o blind_a and_o irrational_a appetite_n which_o result_v from_o the_o soul_n union_n and_o conjunction_n with_o the_o body_n with_o reference_n to_o this_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o joh._n 2._o 16._o all_o that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o flesh_n the_o lust_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o the_o pride_n of_o life_n be_v not_o of_o the_o father_n but_o of_o the_o world_n i._n e._n these_o be_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o mundane_a life_n or_o animal_n nature_n and_o about_o such_o thing_n as_o these_o the_o corporeal_a life_n be_v perpetual_o conversant_a as_o with_o its_o proper_a object_n but_o now_o the_o intellectual_a nature_n or_o inner_a man_n take_v for_o its_o object_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d what_o ought_v to_o be_v do_v be_v rule_v and_o guide_v by_o the_o counsel_n and_o inspiration_n of_o right_a reason_n now_o because_o the_o soul_n can_v attend_v to_o two_o different_a faculty_n or_o capacity_n at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o their_o high_a act_n and_o invigoration_n it_o follow_v that_o upon_o the_o prevalency_n and_o enlargement_n of_o either_o of_o they_o the_o other_o be_v sensible_o diminiâ—…hed_v abate_v and_o debilitate_a for_o who_o be_v there_o that_o see_v not_o how_o craze_v and_o besot_v those_o person_n be_v in_o their_o intellectual_n who_o let_v themselves_o loose_a to_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o irregular_a lust_n and_o appetite_n and_o plunge_v their_o soul_n without_o bound_n or_o measure_n in_o corporeal_a joy_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o their_o external_n shape_n there_o will_v be_v little_a difference_n between_o they_o and_o bruit_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a now_o to_o discern_v the_o faint_a and_o weak_a glimmering_n of_o intellectual_a light_n through_o such_o profound_a and_o clammy_a darkness_n nay_o it_o be_v very_o easy_a to_o conceive_v that_o the_o rampancy_n and_o luxuriancy_n of_o the_o animal_n life_n may_v arise_v to_o such_o a_o height_n as_o to_o form_v a_o extraordinary_a and_o thick_a cortex_fw-la over_o the_o intellectual_a or_o divine_a principle_n that_o its_o act_n shall_v never_o be_v perceptible_a any_o more_o but_o like_o the_o central_n fire_n in_o a_o incrustated_a star_n be_v total_o extinguish_v at_o the_o long_o run_v of_o so_o high_a a_o concernment_n be_v it_o to_o mankind_n to_o mortify_v and_o subdue_v the_o irregular_a excursion_n of_o this_o plastic_a or_o animal_n life_n and_o 〈◊〉_d its_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d irrational_a and_o blind_a appetite_n in_o the_o embryo_n or_o first_o rudimental_a efformation_n for_o the_o flush_a eruption_n and_o blaze_a of_o the_o corporeal_a life_n be_v a_o sad_a presage_v of_o the_o death_n and_o extinction_n of_o the_o divine_a faculty_n and_o death_n itself_o in_o a_o physical_a sense_n be_v only_o the_o consopition_n or_o lay_v asleep_o some_o power_n that_o other_o may_v awake_v in_o their_o stead_n hence_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n affirm_v that_o those_o who_o live_v in_o pleasure_n i._n e._n licentious_o and_o delicate_o omit_v no_o opportunity_n of_o gratify_v that_o worser_o life_n to_o which_o they_o have_v so_o tender_a a_o regard_n be_v dead_a while_o 6._o they_o live_v to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o plotinus_n ennead_n 1._o l._n 8._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o vicious_a person_n die_v after_o that_o manner_n the_o soul_n be_v capable_a of_o die_v and_o the_o death_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v by_o a_o total_a immersion_n and_o repletion_n
of_o evident_a and_o sound_a reason_n then_o to_o â—…ancy_n that_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n for_o a_o guide_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o its_o clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a conception_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o throw_v a_o way_n reason_n there_o be_v no_o other_o directive_n faculty_n but_o external_n sense_n and_o its_o inclination_n and_o blind_a and_o uncertain_a fancy_n which_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o innumerable_a deception_n wherefore_o bid_v adieu_n to_o reason_n do_v we_o not_o evident_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o illusion_n of_o every_o juggle_a spirit_n who_o by_o crafty_a trick_n shall_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n if_o therefore_o moses_n ordain_v his_o law_n as_o a_o touchstone_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophet_n advise_v his_o people_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v do_v sign_n and_o miracle_n if_o he_o teach_v aâ—…y_a thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o law_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o from_o god_n ought_v not_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o examine_v all_o those_o that_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o by_o a_o inâ—…allible_a and_o unerring_a rule_n by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o i_o here_o speak_v of_o incorrupted_a reason_n free_v from_o all_o evil_a affection_n and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o guide_n our_o mind_n perhaps_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o confidence_n and_o obstinate_a persuasion_n but_o can_v never_o attain_v any_o settle_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n to_o say_v that_o reason_n may_v indeed_o judge_v of_o humane_a but_o not_o of_o divine_a thing_n for_o though_o this_o be_v true_a of_o reason_n darken_v with_o evil_a passion_n and_o indubitable_a in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v rather_o object_n of_o taste_n and_o internal_a sense_n than_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o where_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n alone_o be_v require_v for_o whatever_o be_v propose_v as_o matter_n of_o explicit_fw-la belief_n there_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v a_o conception_n form_v of_o it_o but_o now_o whatever_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o conception_n of_o there_o reason_n either_o discover_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v and_o its_o agreement_n with_o some_o common_a notion_n and_o so_o pronounce_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a or_o eâ—…se_v it_o find_v the_o term_n to_o be_v contradictory_n and_o repugnant_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o some_o iâ—…ate_a principle_n and_o consequent_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v false_a or_o else_o it_o perceive_v the_o term_n to_o be_v partly_o agree_v and_o partly_o diâ—…onant_a or_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o one_o another_o and_o from_o hence_o affirm_v and_o allow_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v either_o probable_a or_o possible_a and_o now_o if_o any_o part_n either_o of_o the_o probability_n or_o poâ—…bility_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o some_o illustrious_a miracle_n than_o reason_n add_v its_o suffrage_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o for_o example_n let_v we_o imagine_v what_o be_v already_o do_v a_o certain_a person_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n and_o wâ—…olly_a intent_n upon_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o promise_v eternal_a blessedness_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n he_o himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n lead_v a_o most_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n and_o withal_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n send_v from_o god_n and_o to_o have_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v all_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n through_o his_o mediation_n here_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o that_o imply_v a_o contradicâ—…on_n or_o be_v repugnant_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n though_o reason_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v some_o pride_n and_o affectation_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o worship_n to_o lie_v underneath_o but_o now_o when_o that_o which_o be_v bare_o look_v upon_o as_o possible_a shall_v be_v effect_v and_o accomplish_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n enable_v to_o work_v such_o stupendous_a miracle_n as_o never_o man_n before_o see_v reason_n will_v present_o conclude_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v very_o credible_a yet_o not_o withstand_v if_o this_o perâ—…on_n shall_v have_v teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o introduce_v either_o a_o proâ—…ane_n and_o imâ—…ious_a doctrine_n or_o countenance_v a_o licentious_a and_o disorderly_a way_n of_o live_v and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o persuade_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v go_v about_o to_o confirm_v his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n our_o reason_n will_v immediate_o have_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o god_n or_o by_o any_o person_n commissionated_a by_o he_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o miracle_n since_o these_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v suppose_v to_o derive_v from_o god_n yet_o because_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v whether_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v for_o a_o trial_n or_o for_o some_o other_o end_n unknown_a to_o i_o yet_o agreeâ—…ble_a to_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v rather_o dâ—…strust_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v then_o admit_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o divine_a which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a principle_n of_o nature_n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o it_o can_v yield_v assent_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n which_o that_o it_o may_v more_o clear_o appear_v we_o shall_v borrow_v some_o few_o thing_n huge_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n from_o the_o famous_a lord_n herbert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o his_o opinion_n therefore_o there_o be_v four_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n natural_a instinct_n or_o that_o faculty_n which_o diâ—…cerneth_v common_a notion_n internal_a sense_n external_n sense_n and_o discourse_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v collect_v this_o great_a truth_n more_o valuable_a than_o whole_a volume_n write_v concern_v the_o souâ—…_n and_o its_o faculâ—…es_n that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d be_v know_v neither_o by_o natural_a instinct_n internal_a sense_n external_n sense_n nor_o by_o discourse_n can_v any_o way_n be_v prove_v proper_o true_a now_o since_o these_o be_v faculty_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v must_v necessary_o correspond_v and_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n affirm_v that_o to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v right_o dâ—…posed_v creâ—…t_o be_v to_o be_v give_v viz._n to_o natural_a instâ—…t_n to_o inteâ—…nal_a and_o exâ—…nal_a sense_n moreover_o reason_n itself_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a office_n make_v use_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o aforesaid_a faculty_n and_o rely_v upon_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n summons_n discourse_n and_o deduce_v conclusion_n natural_a instinct_n be_v always_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o sense_n as_o well_o external_n as_o internal_a may_v sometime_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o sometime_o deserve_v credit_n and_o at_o other_o time_n not_o to_o discriminate_a and_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n alone_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n to_o preside_v in_o this_o case_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o mind_n can_v assent_v to_o any_o thing_n where_o right_a reason_n or_o at_o least_o some_o shadow_n of_o it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o precede_a light_n and_o then_o that_o christian_a religion_n require_v faith_n can_v force_v or_o compel_v assent_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n but_o against_o these_o clear_a and_o natural_a sentiment_n the_o enthusiast_n importunate_o urge_v the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o every_o man_n will_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n tâ—…at_fw-mi he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o favour_v of_o god_n than_o other_o if_o we_o demand_v how_o they_o know_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o discern_v the_o splendour_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o own_o
proper_a light_n but_o we_o insist_v further_o that_o witness_n which_o the_o spirit_n bear_v to_o itself_o be_v it_o a_o strong_a and_o obstinate_a persuasion_n or_o a_o ecstatical_a joy_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o mind_n or_o last_o a_o clear_a and_o savoury_a persuasion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v if_o this_o last_o it_o be_v very_o consentaneous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o particular_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v what_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o man_n there_o have_v be_v who_o upon_o such_o like_a ground_n have_v very_o pertinacious_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v compound_v oâ—…_n glass_n or_o butter_n to_o be_v dog_n cat_n king_n emperor_n pope_n the_o paraclete_n the_o messiah_n the_o last_o and_o great_a prophet_n the_o judge_n of_o quâ—…ck_n and_o dead_a nay_o even_o god_n himself_o and_o we_o find_v most_o of_o these_o to_o have_v be_v actuate_v with_o a_o excess_n of_o joy_n and_o transport_v with_o a_o seem_o divine_a fervour_n all_o which_o effect_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o frenzy_n and_o symptom_n of_o melancholy_a and_o derive_v their_o original_a from_o no_o high_a principle_n than_o the_o undue_a fermentation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o chief_o from_o that_o melancholy_n which_o above_o all_o other_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o fancy_v divine_a influx_n and_o illumination_n for_o this_o as_o aristotle_n affirm_v be_v wont_a to_o produce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a and_o credulous_a in_o believe_v a_o obstinate_a persuasion_n or_o strong_a imagination_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o exultancy_n or_o zeal_n with_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a want_n of_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n but_o we_o be_v to_o note_v especial_o where_o our_o internal_a sense_n be_v so_o obnoxious_a to_o error_n that_o the_o suffrage_n of_o other_o faculty_n be_v first_o to_o be_v obtain_v upon_o who_o refusal_n it_o behoove_v we_o at_o least_o to_o suspend_v our_o assent_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v â—…itly_o here_o suggest_v what_o mere_a nothing_o we_o be_v and_o how_o little_a it_o be_v we_o can_v do_v without_o his_o help_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n whatever_o that_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o the_o supervenient_a assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o as_o this_o be_v clear_o attest_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o dispute_v against_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o though_o some_o one_o as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o zeno_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o subtlety_n of_o argumentation_n to_o banish_v quantity_n matter_n and_o time_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o induce_v any_o sober_a person_n whole_o to_o distrust_v his_o eye_n and_o hand_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n since_o every_o man_n find_v his_o sense_n high_o gratify_v with_o that_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o external_n and_o mundane_a object_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v alike_o affect_v with_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a nature_n how_o much_o resistance_n soever_o he_o may_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o severe_a reason_n and_o strive_v to_o alienate_v his_o mind_n from_o those_o as_o thing_n less_o comport_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o reclaim_v himself_o than_o the_o argument_n of_o zeno_n be_v able_a to_o move_v diogenes_n moreover_o so_o long_o as_o that_o brisk_a and_o lively_a relish_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n draw_v away_o the_o mind_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o soâ—…t_n whisper_v of_o that_o gentle_a monitor_n within_o or_o perhaps_o it_o will_v easy_o slop_n its_o mouth_n or_o at_o least_o allure_v it_o to_o its_o own_o side_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o sense_n either_o external_n or_o internal_a not_o by_o dry_a and_o insipid_a reason_n which_o give_v much_o what_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o a_o blind_a man_n will_v do_v of_o colour_n and_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n to_o teach_v a_o blind_a man_n how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n and_o recreate_v himself_o with_o the_o variety_n of_o object_n it_o be_v only_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o may_v affect_v the_o mind_n you_o can_v never_o persuade_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a slave_n to_o his_o pleasure_n that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o understanding_n the_o reason_n of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n than_o there_o be_v in_o wine_n or_o the_o caress_n of_o a_o mistress_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o bashful_a in_o declare_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v subjugate_v to_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v of_o present_a sense_n and_o unless_o god_n so_o affect_v our_o mind_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o may_v find_v some_o allay_n &_o uneasiness_n in_o these_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o give_v they_o some_o prelibation_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thing_n celestial_a it_o can_v hardly_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v either_o be_v wean_v from_o those_o or_o very_o much_o desirous_a of_o these_o i_o add_v moreover_o that_o to_o render_v ourselves_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heaâ—…enly_a father_n be_v the_o only_a plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o the_o attain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o a_o in_o ward_n relish_n and_o affect_a light_n as_o divine_a grace_n usual_o impart_v to_o defecate_v &_o humble_a mind_n and_o further_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v go_v astray_o to_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n and_o to_o fix_v and_o impress_v the_o argument_n of_o godliness_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v drive_v away_o with_o the_o least_o wind_n of_o a_o temptation_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o beâ—…ign_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n by_o that_o congruity_n they_o retain_v with_o that_o divine_a principle_n the_o only_o remain_v of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o if_o we_o discharge_v this_o criterium_fw-la of_o truth_n and_o subject_a our_o reason_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o prevail_a phansis_n we_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o under_o pretence_n of_o divine_a inspâ—…ration_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o result_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o feculent_a steam_n of_o the_o blood_n thus_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v alike_o for_o by_o what_o argument_n shall_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n appear_v above_o 〈◊〉_d or_o gentilism_n when_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n we_o must_v know_v tâ—…at_v nothing_o be_v perceive_v by_o we_o but_o the_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o thereâ—…re_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n in_o we_o be_v either_o internal_a sense_n or_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v the_o only_a faculty_n unless_o we_o will_v add_v natural_a instinct_n capable_a of_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o return_v therefore_o from_o whence_o we_o have_v digress_v since_o our_o internal_a sense_n be_v so_o slippery_a and_o fallacious_a that_o man_n that_o shall_v hearken_v to_o its_o testimony_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o all_o his_o other_o faculty_n must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o very_a imprudent_a and_o temerarious_a belief_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o argument_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o reason_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v froâ—…_n hence_o that_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o credit_v a_o divine_a attestation_n though_o the_o matter_n attest_v be_v never_o so_o much_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o humane_a understanding_n may_v thenerr_n when_o
it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o wise_a can_v be_v deceive_v or_o be_v most_o veracious_a can_v deceive_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v true_a for_o no_o man_n be_v so_o incredulous_a or_o self-conceited_a but_o he_o will_v present_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a attestation_n but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a testimony_n will_v it_o appear_v from_o miracle_n alone_o we_o shall_v find_v pythagoras_n apollonius_n tyanoeus_fw-la who_o endeavour_v by_o magic_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o crediâ—…_n of_o decay_v and_o sink_v idolatry_n be_v famous_a for_o these_o who_o contemporary_n dare_v oppose_v he_o to_o christ_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o book_n of_o hierocles_n and_o philostratus_n write_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o may_v likewise_o introduce_v the_o magician_n of_o both_o world_n all_o which_o have_v act_v diverse_a thing_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o by_o demoniacal_a assistance_n if_o any_o one_o therefore_o shall_v pretend_v a_o divine_a commission_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o prove_v his_o authority_n by_o miracle_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o every_o way_n useful_a to_o mankind_n if_o he_o bring_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o send_v from_o god_n but_o it_o no_o way_n comport_v with_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o falsehood_n or_o to_o expose_v man_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o everlasting_a and_o inevitable_a delusion_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v at_o miracle_n but_o at_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pretend_v they_o to_o gain_v to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o the_o pharisee_n who_o object_v to_o he_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n viz._n that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v 25._o bring_v to_o desolation_n therefore_o since_o he_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o whole_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o satan_n therefore_o to_o make_v up_o a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v attest_v aught_o to_o come_v into_o consideration_n which_o if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o settle_a principle_n of_o nature_n those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a but_o as_o diabolical_a delusion_n the_o beroean_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n i._n e._n of_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o pliable_a temper_n in_o that_o they_o search_v the_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n speak_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v so_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o commendation_n belong_v likewise_o to_o we_o if_o we_o put_v to_o a_o severe_a scrutiny_n &_o trial_n whatever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o any_o person_n for_o a_o divine_a law_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o delight_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v please_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o indeed_o to_o know_v conclusion_n themselves_o unless_o we_o likewise_o be_v ascertain_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o flow_v yield_v but_o a_o slender_a delight_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o mathematical_a genius_n result_v not_o from_o have_v geometrical_a problem_n as_o undoubted_a axiom_n by_o heart_n but_o â—…rom_o the_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v their_o demonstration_n deduce_v by_o a_o long_a series_n of_o proposition_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o â—…ar_o to_o indulge_v and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o may_v find_v the_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o reason_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o as_o object_n of_o faith_n for_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o mankind_n and_o bruit_n in_o their_o be_v capable_a of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n abhorrent_n from_o all_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o the_o sole_a propriety_n of_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o perplex_v humane_a intellect_n with_o inexplicable_a subtlety_n or_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o more_o excellent_a and_o venerable_a because_o it_o exceed_v all_o understanding_n be_v he_o to_o be_v deem_v the_o fit_a subject_n for_o religion_n who_o be_v most_o bigotical_a and_o careless_o credulous_a be_v we_o to_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v become_v religious_a sure_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o all_o religion_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v every_o man_n judgement_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o absurd_a unbecoming_a or_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n for_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o that_o religion_n most_o worthy_a of_o my_o choice_n which_o come_v off_o victorious_a when_o call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o strict_a reason_n wherefore_o shall_v a_o gracious_a god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o do_v its_o office_n when_o our_o concern_n be_v most_o in_o question_n or_o what_o other_o faculty_n be_v there_o leave_v by_o whoâ—…e_a conduct_n we_o can_v search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o reason_n must_v not_o all_o religion_n be_v owe_v either_o to_o education_n superstition_n or_o some_o fanatical_a impulse_n but_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v too_o much_o darken_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o be_v the_o faint_a and_o more_o languish_a ray_n of_o the_o decline_a sun_n therefore_o contemptible_a and_o to_o be_v repute_v darkness_n because_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o meridian_n and_o more_o exalt_v light_n must_v he_o who_o eye_n be_v somewhat_o dull_a be_v therefore_o account_v stark_o blind_a or_o must_v we_o quite_o shut_v our_o eye_n because_o they_o want_v the_o sharpness_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o eagle_n be_v not_o religion_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o require_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o in_o which_o to_o have_v err_v be_v our_o great_a infelicity_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v our_o faculty_n give_v if_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o most_o need_v they_o shall_v another_o judge_n for_o we_o or_o shall_v the_o understanding_n of_o another_o direct_a my_o will_n shall_v i_o fee_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n or_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n that_o another_o carry_v before_o i_o shall_v i_o mortify_v my_o irregular_a affection_n with_o argument_n that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o govern_v my_o life_n by_o the_o meaâ—…ure_n of_o another_o man_n principle_n be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o proper_a judgement_n intellect_n and_o light_n and_o can_v this_o be_v effect_v without_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nay_o further_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o regulation_n of_o life_n but_o only_o of_o reason_n religion_n be_v a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a thing_n that_o force_v none_o but_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n with_o its_o own_o solitary_a beauty_n &_o pulchritude_n and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o false_o accuse_v religion_n &_o introduce_v superstition_n into_o its_o place_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n i_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o right_a reason_n from_o whence_o arise_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o no_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o dâ—…vine_a mind_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v of_o a_o celestial_a original_a frame_v after_o the_o image_n of_o uncreated_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a beam_n
son_n of_o soul_n however_o these_o thing_n be_v yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o among_o all_o nation_n those_o person_n have_v be_v always_o have_v in_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n who_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a offspring_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o put_v pilate_n into_o such_o a_o great_a fear_n when_o the_o jew_n tell_v he_o that_o our_o saviour_n assert_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 19_o 8._o imagine_v according_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n or_o apollo_n or_o some_o other_o of_o their_o deity_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v reverence_v then_o give_v up_o to_o be_v crucify_a ibid._n add_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o the_o legislator_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o great_a credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o their_o law_n be_v wont_a to_o tell_v the_o people_n they_o receive_v they_o from_o some_o god_n or_o other_o as_o mynias_n persuade_v the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o be_v teach_v his_o law_n by_o mercury_n minos_n entitle_v his_o to_o ju_n piter_n and_o zamolxis_n among_o the_o getes_n to_o the_o goddess_n vesta_n now_o albeit_o these_o be_v but_o fiction_n yet_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n they_o all_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n so_o bind_v or_o that_o carry_v great_a majesty_n and_o authority_n then_o that_o which_o have_v divinity_n stamp_v upon_o it_o ibid._n nor_o can_v god_n signify_v his_o will_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n admirable_o to_o 〈◊〉_d purpose_v the_o forecited_a lactantius_n discourse_n where_o show_v how_o high_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n he_o add_v si_fw-la verò_fw-la sit_fw-la immortalis_fw-la exemplum_fw-la proponere_fw-la homini_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la potest_fw-la i._n e._n if_o he_o have_v be_v whole_o immortal_a he_o can_v not_o have_v offer_v himself_o as_o a_o example_n to_o mankind_n for_o some_o grave_a person_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a thus_o to_o bespeak_v he_o you_o indeed_o do_v not_o sin_n because_o you_o be_v free_a from_o this_o body_n you_o covet_v not_o because_o a_o immortal_a be_v want_v nothing_o but_o i_o have_v need_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o maintain_v this_o life_n of_o i_o you_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o death_n because_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dominion_n over_o you_o you_o despise_v pain_n because_o you_o be_v impassable_a but_o i_o poor_a mortal_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v both_o because_o they_o bring_v upon_o i_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o weak_a and_o infirm_a flesh_n be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v therefore_o he_o that_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o take_v away_o this_o excuse_n from_o man_n 〈◊〉_d none_o may_v ascribe_v his_o sin_n rather_o to_o necessity_n then_o his_o ownfault_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v every_o way_n complete_a nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v object_v against_o he_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v you_o command_v impossibility_n he_o may_v ready_o answer_v behold_v i_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o be_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n who_o property_n be_v to_o sin_n yet_o i_o bear_v about_o a_o mortal_a body_n without_o sin_n i_o can_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n either_o suffer_v pain_n or_o death_n because_o i_o be_o frail_a behold_v pain_n and_o death_n have_v power_n on_o i_o and_o i_o overcome_v those_o thing_n which_o thou_o fear_v that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n over_o pain_n and_o death_n i_o go_v first_o through_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o pretend_v thou_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o follow_v i_o in_o what_o i_o command_v yet_o sure_o thou_o may_v follow_v i_o go_v before_o thou_o thus_o all_o manner_n of_o excuse_n be_v take_v away_o and_o every_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o be_v vicious_a in_o neglect_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o the_o teacher_n of_o all_o virtue_n but_o the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n to_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n with_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a and_o ask_v why_o can_v not_o god_n appear_v and_o at_o once_o take_v away_o all_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n out_o of_o 163._o the_o soul_n and_o plant_v virtue_n there_o to_o this_o origen_n reply_n 1._o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v natural_o possible_a or_o not_o 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o will_v be_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n and_o where_o that_o laudable_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o aversation_n from_o lie_n and_o falshood_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o liberty_n and_o spontaneity_n we_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o no_o course_n can_v have_v be_v take_v more_o agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o what_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ibid._n god_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a veil_n the_o essence_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o spirit_n be_v invisible_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a modification_n therefore_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n require_v not_o only_a that_o the_o person_n who_o shall_v come_v from_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v intimate_o and_o hypostatical_o unite_v with_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o conciliate_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o man_n in_o some_o visible_a form_n and_o shape_n divine_a wisdom_n think_v nothing_o a_o more_o sit_v mansion_n or_o cover_v then_o a_o humane_a body_n partly_o because_o a_o angelical_a body_n have_v be_v impassable_a and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lose_v that_o natural_a encouragement_n and_o provocation_n to_o virtue_n flow_v from_o the_o example_n of_o one_o make_v after_o our_o own_o likeness_n who_o by_o those_o many_o endear_n circumstance_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o flesh_n will_v more_o powerful_o captivate_v and_o attract_v humane_a soul_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n do_v just_o condemn_v some_o heretic_n in_o his_o time_n who_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v only_o a_o putative_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v unto_o himself_o a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n pag._n 44._o who_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o it_o when_o socrates_n have_v bring_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o can_v yet_o simmias_n think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o to_o know_v any_o platonis_fw-la thing_n clear_o of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n be_v either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impossible_a or_o a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a but_o say_v he_o a_o man_n must_v choose_v the_o best_a reason_n he_o can_v find_v which_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o he_o must_v venture_v to_o embark_v himself_o in_o these_o and_o sail_v by_o they_o through_o this_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o e._n unless_o he_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v carry_v safe_a with_o less_o danger_n in_o a_o sure_a steadfast_a chariot_n of_o some_o divine_a word_n i._n e._n revelation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o vaticination_n of_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n and_o perfect_a security_n of_o immortal_a life_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o according_o be_v now_o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v that_o excellent_a philosopher_n cicero_n speak_v with_o great_a confidence_n for_o when_o he_o have_v weigh_v all_o thing_n on_o both_o part_n he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v but_o this_o harum_fw-la igitur_fw-la sententiarum_fw-la quâ—…_n vera_fw-la sit_fw-la deus_fw-la aliquis_fw-la viderit_fw-la i_o e._n which_o of_o these_o opinion_n be_v true_a god_n only_o know_v 1._o pag._n 46._o since_o god_n can_v execute_v this_o solemn_a judgement_n but_o under_o a_o visible_a shape_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v appear_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o visible_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o in_o that_o pass_v a_o final_a doom_n upon_o all_o refractory_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n seem_v high_o