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also_o consider_v if_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o element_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o ethnic_n lay_v aside_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o retire_n to_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o his_o persuasion_n as_o a_o chemist_n assert_n his_o principle_n and_o practical_a knowledge_n above_o that_o which_o theory_n teach_v whilst_o he_o analyses_n or_o dissolve_v a_o body_n by_o which_o he_o make_v sense_n a_o witness_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o both_o or_o as_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n challenge_v great_a certainty_n than_o that_o in_o other_o science_n which_o take_v a_o scheme_n asunder_o by_o demonstration_n and_o rebuilding_n it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n confident_o and_o just_o call_v it_o true_a but_o the_o success_n be_v different_a in_o religious_a case_n as_o in_o some_o curious_a contexture_n which_o be_v defective_a by_o its_o too_o fine_a thread_n and_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o 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command_v to_o be_v use_v deserve_v not_o
the_o name_n of_o enthusiasm_n neither_o can_v that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n promise_v to_o holy_a council_n and_o synod_n denominate_v they_o enthusiastic_a in_o their_o definition_n but_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v this_o argument_n see_v the_o reasonner_n conclude_v council_n no_o otherwise_v assist_v than_o by_o reason_n and_o no_o better_a qualify_v for_o find_v truth_n than_o a_o senate_n or_o parliament_n but_o further_o examine_v the_o reasoner_n position_n which_o allow_v no_o more_o divine_a assistance_n to_o reason_n but_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o his_o metaphor_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v discern_v all_o spiritual_n object_n external_a impediment_n be_v remove_v and_o bring_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o vision_n this_o discern_a faculty_n be_v such_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o pretend_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o it_o than_o the_o bat_n or_o owl_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o quick_a and_o as_o pierce_v as_o the_o eagle_n and_o as_o well_o dispose_v for_o vision_n if_o nature_n have_v not_o place_v its_o proper_a object_n at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n some_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v discern_v he_o deserve_v to_o chronicle_v a_o fool_n who_o observe_v the_o discovery_n make_v by_o microscope_n of_o small_a body_n which_o nature_n can_v not_o see_v while_o unassisted_a by_o art_n and_o she_o look_v with_o she_o own_o eye_n will_v attempt_v a_o invention_n of_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o part_n and_o figure_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o air_n or_o wind_n consist_v some_o object_n be_v not_o visible_a though_o as_o near_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o can_v be_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o of_o atom_n and_o mathematical_a point_n the_o one_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n the_o other_z not_o distinct_o see_v by_o that_o of_o the_o 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near_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o idea_n which_o be_v connate_a with_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o be_v but_o confuse_o discern_v beside_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o this_o object_n imply_v it_o be_v near_o to_o every_o faculty_n which_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o the_o world_n also_o be_v as_o a_o theatre_n in_o every_o part_n of_o which_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v yet_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o natural_a man_n frame_v in_o their_o brain_n be_v as_o ill_a representation_n of_o he_o as_o pagan_n idol_n who_o monstrous_a pageantry_n owe_v its_o beginning_n to_o man_n imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v the_o supreme_a that_o it_o can_v conclude_v the_o be_v or_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o inferior_a the_o angel_n who_o be_v above_o mere_a humane_a knowledge_n but_o if_o this_o may_v be_v retort_v by_o say_v the_o natural_a ignorance_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o nature_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v reason_n can_v necessary_a conclude_v do_v not_o imply_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o existence_n be_v more_o evident_a which_o must_v be_v grant_v for_o as_o he_o who_o can_v discern_v a_o atom_n or_o the_o small_a visible_a part_n of_o matter_n may_v see_v a_o mountain_n or_o great_a object_n so_o humane_a reason_n ignorant_a of_o finite_a may_v discern_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n yet_o it_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o sight_n for_o he_o who_o can_v discern_v a_o mote_n in_o a_o sunbeam_n can_v so_o distinct_o discern_v the_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o he_o who_o know_v not_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la or_o essence_n of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n know_v it_o not_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o the_o universe_n let_v this_o be_v conclude_v by_o say_v that_o as_o he_o who_o can_v distinct_o see_v the_o small_a sand_n can_v so_o distinct_o see_v the_o vast_a seashore_n so_o he_o who_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a do_v not_o distinct_o discern_v that_o of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n reason_n only_o follow_v its_o own_o conduct_n can_v lead_v its_o follower_n and_o how_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o theist_n satisfaction_n will_v be_v give_v to_o all_o doubt_n which_o can_v arise_v out_o of_o this_o inquiry_n if_o these_o position_n be_v prove_v that_o reason_n in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n can_v arrive_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o certainty_n than_o that_o of_o opinion_n and_o that_o such_o knowledge_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o that_o firm_a assent_n which_o religion_n command_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o precedent_a disquisition_n which_o show_v how_o the_o reasoner_n put_v himself_o in_o the_o condition_n or_o quality_n of_o a_o ethnic_a for_o though_o revelation_n be_v allow_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o set_n out_o his_o rational_a guide_n yet_o whilst_o reason_n be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o reveal_v proposition_n which_o must_v be_v ratify_v by_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o nothing_o be_v leave_v of_o revelation_n but_o the_o name_n and_o reason_n consecrate_a by_o a_o heavenly_a title_n these_o premised_a will_v make_v a_o more_o easy_a digression_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o reasoner_n prescribe_v his_o guide_n viz._n not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o conclusion_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o natural_a evidence_n this_o direction_n observe_v by_o the_o guide_n will_v give_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o safe-conduct_n than_o that_o which_o opinion_n afford_v and_o in_o strictness_n of_o language_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o name_n of_o theist_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o large_o prove_v but_o before_o i_o speak_v to_o that_o part_n of_o this_o inquiry_n i_o can_v but_o suggest_v my_o fear_n that_o by_o this_o harsh_a conclusion_n i_o may_v be_v think_v to_o condemn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o atheist_n and_o to_o call_v god_n goodness_n in_o question_n in_o not_o indow_v man_n with_o such_o faculty_n as_o can_v discern_v the_o creator_n and_o trace_v a_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o this_o position_n to_o take_v away_o the_o satisfactory_a method_n of_o solve_v doubt_n in_o religion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a which_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v it_o these_o prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o only_o name_v they_o here_o lest_o the_o reader_n may_v think_v i_o be_v not_o sensible_a how_o many_o obstacle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o can_v attempt_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n and_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o pass_v over_o they_o with_o a_o swift_a touch_n as_o the_o traveller_n tender_o go_v over_o a_o quag-mire_n or_o quicksand_n till_o he_o can_v find_v a_o more_o sure_a bottom_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o weigh_v the_o several_a argument_n reason_n have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o many_o let_v that_o of_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o sceptic_a take_v place_n who_o force_n consist_v in_o these_o particular_a position_n that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v frame_v by_o his_o invention_n because_o the_o soul_n can_v contrive_v the_o model_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o itself_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o
that_o it_o scarce_o admit_v of_o any_o suspicion_n of_o its_o possibility_n of_o be_v otherwise_o yet_o when_o it_o be_v examine_v by_o a_o rigid_a and_o subtle_a inquiry_n it_o will_v be_v doubt_v whether_o the_o forefather_n may_v not_o commit_v that_o out_o of_o weakness_n which_o they_o will_v not_o have_v do_v out_o of_o choice_n can_v their_o understanding_n have_v be_v better_o inform_v how_o much_o reason_n fail_v in_o its_o general_a quest_n appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o these_o argument_n i_o pass_v now_o to_o a_o more_o particular_a disquisition_n how_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v or_o can_v be_v know_v by_o principle_n of_o pure_a or_o uninlightn_v reason_n although_o the_o supposal_n of_o polytheism_n according_a to_o the_o manner_n how_o man_n frame_v a_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o be_v by_o sum_v up_o all_o perfection_n and_o then_o concentr_v they_o in_o one_o be_v after_o a_o infinite_a manner_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o the_o plurality_n of_o god_n suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o more_o than_o all_o which_o be_v so_o palpable_a a_o contradiction_n that_o the_o very_a name_n of_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n yet_o in_o strictness_n of_o speech_n see_v the_o reasoner_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o a_o infinite_a be_v how_o can_v he_o be_v say_v to_o know_v god_n as_o one_o god_n and_o it_o may_v take_v place_n among_o the_o theist_n he_o must_v be_v seat_v in_o the_o classis_fw-la of_o the_o athenian_a votary_n and_o be_v esteem_v no_o wise_a than_o the_o inscription_n which_o st._n paul_n cite_v make_v they_o who_o worship_n a_o unknown_a god_n in_o which_o the_o epithet_n suppose_v they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o they_o say_v for_o if_o they_o have_v know_v he_o they_o can_v have_v distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o being_n in_o the_o universe_n for_o it_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o unity_n to_o be_v distinguish_v from_o other_o being_n that_o if_o it_o be_v apprehend_v as_o it_o lie_v confuse_v it_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v no_o more_o than_o the_o nature_n of_o gold_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o it_o meet_v with_o such_o a_o idiot_n judgement_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o touchstone_n that_o it_o can_v only_o distinguish_v the_o ore_n from_o common_a sand._n beside_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o heathen_a have_v neither_o can_v the_o reasoner_n have_v more_o on_o such_o principle_n only_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o world_n not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v one_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o rest_n so_o as_o to_o be_v point_v out_o by_o any_o certain_a and_o distinguish_a character_n and_o a_o assurance_n of_o all_o power_n and_o wisdom_n sum_v up_o in_o one_o be_v i_o may_v conclude_v this_o disquisition_n without_o any_o further_a survey_n of_o heathen_n opinion_n do_v i_o not_o consider_v that_o authority_n though_o in_o this_o case_n may_v appear_v insignificant_a to_o my_o purpose_n yet_o may_v be_v urge_v against_o my_o position_n if_o it_o be_v suggest_v that_o the_o heathen_n plato_n with_o many_o other_o acknowledge_v but_o one_o god_n and_o therefore_o by_o christian_a writer_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a cite_v to_o confute_v polytheism_n which_o citation_n i_o presume_v be_v rather_o make_v use_n of_o to_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n for_o a_o belief_n of_o one_o god_n than_o as_o convince_a demonstration_n for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o most_o refine_a notion_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v not_o frame_v such_o a_o exact_a idea_n of_o one_o god_n as_o to_o quit_v the_o thought_n of_o polytheism_n for_o when_o they_o speak_v most_o divine_o they_o oftentimes_o as_o if_o they_o have_v forget_v what_o they_o be_v speak_v of_o or_o at_o least_o sensible_a that_o they_o can_v not_o comprehend_v it_o instead_o of_o god_n say_v go_n i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o socrates_n so_o famous_a for_o natural_a divinity_n for_o oppose_v heathenish_a deity_n when_o he_o speak_v of_o the_o excellent_a goodness_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o how_o that_o man_n be_v so_o much_o the_o more_o good_a as_o their_o action_n have_v conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a which_o sentence_n erasmus_n say_v deserve_v to_o be_v call_v gospel_n have_v there_o not_o be_v a_o mistake_n in_o the_o number_n say_v god_n for_o god_n i_o may_v here_o detain_v the_o reader_n by_o citation_n of_o opinion_n of_o heathen_n which_o be_v not_o pleasant_a to_o i_o but_o when_o necessary_a who_o may_v as_o well_o spend_v time_n in_o consider_v such_o extravagant_a brain_n idol_n as_o view_v those_o in_o pagan_n temple_n but_o i_o shall_v only_o refer_v he_o to_o tully_n seneca_n or_o other_o famous_a heathen_a sophist_n and_o he_o will_v find_v that_o although_o they_o speak_v of_o the_o providence_n justice_n and_o goodness_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v as_o if_o they_o be_v secretary_n of_o heaven_n yet_o these_o by_o they_o be_v not_o attribute_v only_o to_o one_o god_n but_o god_n and_o dij_fw-la in_o these_o high_a account_n of_o divinity_n be_v as_o often_o use_v as_o deus_n to_o instance_n but_o in_o one_o cite_v by_o tully_n lib._n 2._o the_o legib_n thales_n who_o speak_v so_o divine_o that_o he_o own_v providence_n ubiquity_n and_o eminent_a power_n with_o wisdom_n which_o know_v our_o thought_n to_o be_v in_o some_o divine_a be_v yet_o at_o last_o fasten_v all_o these_o perfection_n in_o dij_fw-la how_o much_o this_o favour_n of_o polytheism_n or_o confusion_n of_o thought_n the_o reader_n will_v confess_v when_o he_o trace_n tully_n himself_o who_o cite_v other_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v to_o exempt_v they_o from_o polytheism_n be_v that_o when_o they_o say_v dij_fw-la they_o intend_v inferior_a deity_n this_o can_v rescue_v they_o from_o the_o former_a imputation_n because_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o imagine_v providence_n omniscience_n and_o other_o attribute_n can_v be_v communicate_v to_o any_o be_v which_o be_v not_o infinite_a to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o paragraph_n all_o the_o seem_a divine_a sentence_n of_o heathen_n speak_v promiscuous_o of_o god_n or_o god_n and_o make_v the_o court_n of_o heaven_n speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o a_o mortal_a monarch_n we_o which_o though_o a_o plural_a expression_n without_o the_o help_n of_o a_o figure_n be_v know_v to_o represent_v a_o king_n they_o be_v so_o unlucky_o ignorant_a that_o although_o they_o have_v some_o notion_n of_o the_o deity_n they_o can_v not_o express_v what_o they_o have_v in_o confusion_n conceive_v as_o it_o too_o plain_o appear_v from_o their_o wild_a discourse_n of_o god_n which_o if_o they_o have_v be_v on_o any_o other_o subject_a they_o will_v have_v never_o entitle_v the_o author_n to_o the_o name_n of_o wise_a man_n let_v it_o not_o be_v object_v that_o the_o same_o may_v be_v argue_v against_o the_o scripturist_n which_o be_v against_o the_o reasoner_n because_o in_o holy_a write_n god_n be_v as_o well_o represent_v by_o a_o elohim_n a_o plural_a number_n as_o jehovah_n which_o be_v singular_a to_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o suggest_v that_o there_o be_v not_o the_o same_o reason_n in_o pagan_a writing_n to_o justify_v such_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o favour_v polytheism_n as_o in_o holy_a scripture_n moses_n when_o he_o express_v one_o god_n by_o a_o plural_a number_n his_o language_n be_v suitable_a to_o the_o hebrew_n idiom_n or_o way_n of_o expression_n without_o the_o nice_a and_o mysterious_a criticism_n to_o prove_v a_o trinity_n as_o it_o appear_v from_o heathen_a interpreter_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n it_o have_v be_v translate_v as_o singular_a so_o longinus_n page_n 35._o sect._n 7._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cite_v moses_n word_n add_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n that_o he_o who_o write_v the_o history_n of_o creation_n write_v also_o the_o law_n in_o which_o man_n be_v confine_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n in_o the_o plain_a term_n from_o which_o command_n there_o may_v be_v a_o reasonable_a conjecture_n that_o man_n in_o his_o corrupt_a state_n be_v more_o prone_a to_o own_o plurality_n of_o god_n than_o profess_v one_o else_o why_o be_v this_o command_n in_o the_o front_n and_o so_o early_o give_v i_o know_v it_o be_v and_o may_v be_v say_v that_o the_o preface_n as_o well_o as_o the_o command_n be_v as_o a_o antidote_n against_o the_o poison_n of_o the_o egyptian_n idolatrous_a custom_n yet_o idolatry_n be_v then_o so_o young_a only_o a_o few_o garden_n deity_n leek_n and_o onion_n adore_v it_o may_v be_v imagine_v that_o this_o law_n be_v promulge_v to_o remove_v man_n ignorance_n which_o without_o divine_a assistance_n be_v invincible_a for_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o decay_a
aristotle_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n approve_v by_o rhadamanthus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n 5._o such_o observation_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a not_o the_o christian_n the_o reasoner_n may_v also_o urge_v that_o tully_n plato_n seneca_n and_o other_o sophy_n have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o sentence_n which_o have_v such_o a_o near_a alliance_n to_o scripture_n that_o only_o the_o author_n name_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o it_o this_o grant_v will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n for_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o emanation_n of_o a_o heathen_n mind_n or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n mix_v their_o own_o thought_n with_o some_o notion_n take_v from_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v which_o will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o the_o ethnic_a be_v consider_v in_o his_o confuse_a way_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o different_a expression_n of_o he_o which_o will_v give_v way_n for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o they_o certain_o know_v a_o be_v above_o themselves_o but_o what_o it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o have_v they_o as_o certain_o know_v his_o nature_n as_o they_o seem_v assure_v of_o his_o be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o these_o notion_n in_o man_n mind_n be_v unalterable_a and_o although_o discourse_n or_o artificial_a way_n may_v confound_v they_o when_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o so_o seem_v variable_a yet_o in_o themselves_o consider_v can_v be_v change_v wherefore_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v know_v by_o pure_a reason_n as_o to_o his_o be_v and_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n yet_o by_o this_o imperfect_a notion_n the_o reasoner_n can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o theist_n and_o say_v to_o know_v god_n than_o he_o who_o see_v some_o few_o or_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v or_o paint_v can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v his_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n or_o what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a if_o a_o similitude_n may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o pass_v judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o those_o lineament_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n power_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o man_n he_o will_v be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o of_o the_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n of_o a_o man_n for_o as_o the_o one_o can_v conclude_v by_o the_o draught_n what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a neither_o can_v the_o other_o know_v in_o which_o attribute_n god_n take_v most_o delight_n beside_o if_o mere_a natural_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v dispute_v and_o the_o christian_a creed_n contract_v into_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n some_o of_o its_o article_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o pass_a judgement_n be_v in_o danger_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v improve_v much_o above_o that_o height_n which_o king_n agrippa_n arrive_v at_o man_n be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o before_o this_o disquisition_n be_v conclude_v i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o fame_a instance_n in_o plato_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evang._n lib._n undec_fw-la c._n dec._n tert_n who_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o a_o characteristic_a or_o token_n by_o which_o dionysius_n shall_v discern_v whether_o his_o letter_n or_o epistle_n be_v jocular_a or_o serious_a this_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o author_n natural_o orthodox_n but_o do_v not_o sufficient_o justify_v he_o and_o undoubted_o free_v he_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o polytheism_n or_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o use_v that_o beginning_n with_o one_o god_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o more_o serious_a business_n rather_o than_o to_o signify_v his_o settle_a opinion_n because_o it_o will_v savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o narrow_a and_o envious_a spirit_n not_o become_v a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v communicate_v that_o as_o a_o secret_a to_o dionysius_n and_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o ingenuous_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o discourse_n it_o may_v be_v also_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v at_o any_o time_n write_v jocular_o and_o play_v with_o the_o deity_n make_v the_o term_n god_n to_o be_v as_o a_o signet_n to_o seal_v his_o more_o trivial_a secrecy_n or_o less_o accurate_a writing_n except_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o he_o as_o a_o socrates_n deride_v and_o laugh_v at_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serious_a when_o deus_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o laugh_v when_o he_o think_v of_o dij_fw-la this_o may_v be_v one_o plausible_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o usual_a application_n of_o plato_n epistolar_n mark_v or_o sign_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v if_o his_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n be_v consider_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o heathen_n ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o refute_v by_o citation_n take_v from_o porphyrius_n proclus_n or_o plotinus_n or_o other_o platonist_n see_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o their_o master_n have_v now_o how_o far_o the_o platonic_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o discourse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o accommodate_v to_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o the_o second_o principle_n in_o plato_n sense_n imply_v more_o or_o rather_o be_v different_a from_o the_o personal_a distinction_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v think_v proper_a to_o vie_v authority_n with_o authority_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o heathen_n eminent_a in_o dignity_n morality_n and_o learning_n antoninus_n and_o severus_n who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o polytheism_n as_o may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o the_o language_n of_o their_o public_a professor_n of_o philosophy_n alexand_n aphrod_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr fato_fw-la p._n 135._o which_o speak_v of_o the_o deity_n in_o a_o plural_a number_n and_o attribute_n omniscience_n and_o prescience_n which_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o dij_fw-la or_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o language_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o emperor_n apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n this_o also_o may_v be_v consider_v zenophon_n who_o in_o a_o pleasant_a discourse_n seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n or_o language_n but_o that_o which_o general_o be_v receive_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o so_o apprehend_v to_o be_v infallible_o denominate_v one_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v which_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v be_v but_o seem_v zenoph_n in_o convivio_fw-la if_o this_o citation_n as_o table_n discourse_n may_v seem_v too_o familiar_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o authority_n in_o strict_a way_n of_o argue_v let_v the_o author_n be_v consider_v when_o he_o speak_v most_o serious_o and_o when_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o a_o enemy_n oblige_v his_o thought_n to_o retirement_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o devotion_n it_o will_v appear_v doubtful_a whether_o he_o be_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n at_o the_o same_o breath_n confound_v deus_n and_o dij_fw-la begin_v with_o the_o one_o and_o end_v with_o the_o other_o say_v these_o word_n conclude_v his_o oration_n to_o the_o soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zen._n the_o exped_a cyri-pag_n 296._o hitherto_o the_o deity_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o next_o disquisition_n be_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o immortality_n can_v be_v attain_v by_o mere_a reason_n as_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v itself_o without_o a_o mirror_n or_o glass_n so_o the_o soul_n can_v know_v itself_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n or_o immortality_n without_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n much_o more_o the_o eternal_a continuation_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o seem_v to_o glory_n of_o his_o invention_n when_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v a_o way_n to_o convince_v the_o sceptic_a of_o its_o distinct_a
infallible_a in_o define_v matter_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o council_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o eyesight_n alter_v in_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v deny_v any_o alteration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o infallible_a in_o a_o council_n thus_o make_v the_o private_a reasoner_n and_o rational_a member_n of_o a_o council_n to_o discover_v truth_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o mere_a natural_a sight_n the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_o he_o conclude_v they_o equal_o infallible_a this_o project_n be_v build_v on_o a_o weak_a foundation_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o consider_v the_o unaptness_n or_o indisposition_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o religious_a debate_n which_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o vain_a attempt_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o frequent_a act_n which_o make_v a_o habit_n to_o facilitate_v knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n for_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n after_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o endeavour_n to_o improve_v its_o understanding_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o or_o dependent_a on_o some_o power_n beside_o its_o own_o which_o must_v help_v it_o as_o well_o as_o bring_v the_o object_n nigh_o for_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v improve_v we_o must_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o the_o believer_n soul_n must_v have_v divine_a aid_n or_o assistance_n either_o mediate_v or_o immediate_a in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v call_v grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o dispose_v the_o organ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o mad_a man_n and_o those_o which_o be_v fool_n only_o by_o a_o bodily_a defect_n which_o render_v those_o part_n useless_a which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o service_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o function_n it_o be_v more_o than_o bring_v the_o object_n nigh_o logician_n which_o be_v only_o a_o hard_a name_n for_o rational_a man_n say_v there_o be_v potentia_fw-la prima_fw-la which_o render_v a_o blind_a man_n as_o capable_a of_o see_v if_o the_o organ_n be_v well_o dispose_v as_o he_o who_o have_v a_o perfect_a sight_n and_o those_o who_o say_v all_o soul_n be_v equal_a conclude_v the_o fault_n be_v in_o the_o organ_n if_o a_o man_n after_o the_o utmost_a of_o industry_n join_v with_o advantage_n be_v a_o fool_n for_o this_o reason_n because_o his_o soul_n be_v as_o capable_a of_o knowledge_n as_o that_o of_o the_o great_a sophy_n this_o instance_n will_v agree_v with_o the_o reasoner_n case_n who_o will_v allow_v no_o man_n to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a fool_n but_o on_o his_o own_o default_n wherefore_o he_o stretch_v the_o interpretation_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o signify_v the_o sensual_a man_n which_o can_v be_v allow_v for_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o debauch_a epicure_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v assure_v of_o find_v truth_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n sensuality_n according_a to_o his_o assertion_n be_v remove_v what_o can_v hinder_v for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v and_o the_o object_n high_a the_o the_o eye_n can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o discern_v spiritual_a truth_n for_o the_o most_o sober_a heathen_n heave_v complain_v they_o be_v in_o darkness_n quancum_fw-la mortalia_fw-la caecae_fw-la pectora_fw-la noctis_fw-la habent_fw-la the_o natural_a frame_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n occasion_v this_o invincible_a ignorance_n which_o may_v be_v so_o call_v see_v it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o humane_a art_n or_o industry_n any_o more_o than_o a_o mad_a man_n can_v restore_v himself_o to_o a_o right_a mind_n that_o god_n can_v improve_v the_o understanding_n be_v as_o evident_a as_o he_o can_v render_v it_o less_o perfect_a which_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o first_o forefather_n who_o by_o his_o default_n forfeit_v much_o of_o his_o reason_v faculty_n which_o be_v less_o perfect_a than_o in_o innocency_n this_o can_v be_v deny_v although_o the_o manner_n how_o the_o natural_a light_n be_v diminish_v may_v puzzle_v those_o who_o will_v strict_o examine_v it_o for_o to_o diminish_v the_o understanding_n according_a to_o those_o who_o make_v cognitation_n the_o form_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v to_o make_v it_o to_o be_v less_o a_o soul_n which_o will_v not_o be_v allow_v in_o legick_a or_o metaphysic_n or_o according_a to_o that_o opinion_n which_o call_v it_o a_o faculty_n or_o power_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o imagine_v how_o it_o shall_v be_v disable_v except_o god_n uncreate_v or_o withdraw_v some_o perfection_n or_o at_o least_o his_o grace_n or_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a for_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o religious_a debate_n than_o the_o concourse_n of_o providence_n which_o hinder_v the_o world_n from_o turn_v to_o its_o first_o nothing_o the_o former_a opinion_n can_v be_v allow_v the_o late_a if_o grant_v will_v serve_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v as_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v and_o can_v make_v the_o soul_n less_o perfect_a by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n he_o can_v and_o do_v improve_v it_o by_o supply_n of_o the_o same_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v although_o it_o may_v seem_v obscure_a if_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o reasoner_n who_o perhaps_o will_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o the_o word_n grace_n as_o he_o be_v with_o the_o word_n schism_n which_o demur_n will_v soon_o be_v remove_v if_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o divine_a assistance_n which_o perfect_v the_o understanding_n although_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v do_v can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o conjectural_o express_v for_o the_o strict_a reasoner_n say_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a what_o be_v and_z how_o be_v not_o and_o not_o to_o hinder_v assent_n wherefore_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o examine_v strict_o the_o manner_n any_o more_o than_o when_o we_o take_v it_o grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n can_v act_v on_o matter_n though_o the_o invention_n can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n if_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n do_v only_o excite_v notion_n in_o the_o mind_n not_o only_o by_o proposal_n of_o object_n nigh_o but_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v its_o assent_n without_o which_o these_o notion_n or_o conclusion_n will_v have_v be_v dormant_a or_o at_o least_o doubtful_o entertain_v by_o mere_a reason_n follow_v its_o own_o conduct_n before_o i_o dispatch_v this_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v what_o may_v be_v object_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n viz._n if_o adam_n in_o his_o pure_a natural_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o can_v have_v assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o other_o assistance_n than_o the_o bare_a proposal_n of_o they_o with_o appeal_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n lay_v aside_o sensuality_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n without_o strain_v cabalistical_a divinity_n which_o call_v it_o forbid_v fruit_n so_o his_o posterity_n may_v be_v abstract_v their_o thought_n from_o sensual_a object_n arrive_v at_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o perfection_n this_o grant_v which_o can_v be_v will_v not_o qualify_v the_o reasoner_n for_o christian_a belief_n for_o can_v he_o suppose_v himself_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n with_o which_o innocency_n be_v invest_v he_o will_v be_v but_o a_o viator_n as_o the_o school_n say_v more_o imperfect_a than_o the_o christian_n not_o a_o comprehensor_fw-la of_o matter_n of_o faith_n some_o scholastics_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o adam_n have_v of_o god_n at_o least_o as_o triunus_fw-la be_v pure_o natural_a that_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v it_o infuse_v for_o this_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n undec_fw-la de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la litter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o protoplast_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o adam_n
of_o a_o visible_a church_n at_o any_o time_n since_o it_o be_v found_v if_o not_o the_o be_v of_o any_o true_o so_o call_v for_o that_o principle_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o council_n have_v be_v fallible_a will_v never_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n whether_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o see_v the_o reasoner_n rule_n admit_v of_o nothing_o as_o certain_a further_o than_o it_o be_v knowable_a by_o some_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n independent_a form_n divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o conjectural_a knowledge_n reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o criterion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n but_o by_o revelation_n which_o say_v the_o true_a faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v now_o that_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o those_o who_o 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scripture_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o say_v by_o any_o christian_a that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v assent_n to_o several_a doctrine_n which_o be_v urge_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o attain_n salvation_n do_v not_o the_o church_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o same_o person_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o think_v that_o which_o be_v so_o define_v by_o the_o church_n be_v make_v true_a by_o its_o definition_n hitherto_o i_o have_v use_v this_o comparison_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n of_o council_n as_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n make_v by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o world_n to_o illustrate_v the_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v so_o apposite_a to_o another_o design_n it_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o show_v that_o the_o reasoner_n in_o a_o council_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o syllogism_n from_o mere_a natural_a topic_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n 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god_n can_v do_v any_o act_n which_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n etc._n etc._n yet_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o medium_n by_o which_o truth_n in_o proposition_n which_o be_v more_o obscure_a be_v determine_v hence_o it_o sollow_v that_o the_o sanction_n and_o definition_n of_o council_n must_v be_v say_v to_o be_v hypothetical_o pronounce_v true_a as_o this_o say_n be_v viz._n if_o the_o moon_n be_v eclipse_v the_o earth_n interpose_v itself_o between_o it_o and_o the_o sun_n not_o unlike_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o argue_v in_o a_o council_n which_o prove_v christ_n humanity_n from_o his_o passion_n for_o if_o he_o suffer_v humane_a nature_n do_v interpose_v itself_o else_o he_o can_v not_o suffer_v now_o as_o none_o will_v say_v there_o be_v and_o always_o be_v anecessity_n not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o moon_n but_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o motion_n that_o it_o must_v be_v eclipse_v at_o some_o time_n for_o to_o say_v so_o be_v to_o confine_v the_o almighty_n wisdom_n to_o one_o system_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n in_o which_o neither_o sun_n or_o moon_n may_v be_v eclipse_v but_o when_o it_o be_v see_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n interposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o seem_a defect_n so_o a_o council_n can_v conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n be_v man_n but_o hypothetical_o for_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o reason_n can_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n be_v as_o the_o condition_n or_o antecedent_n which_o make_v christ_n humanity_n necessary_a let_v not_o this_o assertion_n seem_v strange_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o reason_n must_v be_v defective_a as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n as_o also_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o mere_a reasoner_n can_v conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o will_v be_v more_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o other_o mysterious_a matter_n of_o faith_n the_o definition_n and_o conclusion_n of_o council_n thus_o hypothetical_o draw_v be_v not_o less_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v such_o see_v the_o antecedent_n of_o their_o proposition_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o who_o discourse_n have_v divine_a assistance_n in_o discern_v the_o connexion_n and_o infer_v the_o consequence_n now_o the_o connexion_n and_o sequel_n be_v true_a because_o of_o the_o divine_a direction_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v and_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v their_o truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n may_v discern_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o reason_n may_v be_v allow_v a_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n though_o not_o in_o all_o doubt_n which_o come_v under_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v this_o
miracle_n be_v work_n which_o exceed_v mere_a natural_a power_n or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o what_o not_o but_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o high_a mystery_n this_o assertion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v check_v by_o a_o instance_n in_o conciliary_a proceed_n in_o discern_a canonical_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o apocryphal_a or_o any_o false_o so_o call_v in_o which_o judgement_n be_v pass_v by_o mere_a rational_a evidence_n whilst_o it_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o content_n this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o though_o the_o content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a characteristic_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o which_o be_v not_o canonical_a when_o there_o be_v any_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n concern_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o canon_n appeal_n be_v not_o make_v to_o mere_a reason_n to_o judge_n of_o its_o content_n any_o further_a than_o by_o comparison_n of_o they_o with_o those_o of_o other_o book_n which_o be_v receive_v without_o any_o controversy_n it_o be_v the_o council_n business_n to_o argue_v as_o the_o apostolical_a canon_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o church_n of_o england_n conclude_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n deduction_n of_o reason_n artic._n 21_o which_o admit_v of_o this_o limitation_n or_o rather_o interpretation_n that_o though_o reason_n draw_v the_o conclussion_n yet_o their_o truth_n be_v not_o measure_v by_o a_o bare_a congruity_n to_o it_o but_o the_o reception_n of_o it_o in_o the_o primitive_a church_n or_o the_o most_o free_a and_o unbiased_a council_n and_o so_o much_o of_o its_o as_o belong_v to_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o jewish_a catalogue_n and_o by_o several_a other_o rule_n which_o be_v as_o a_o touchstone_n to_o discover_v gold_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o base_a metal_n to_o speak_v all_o conciliary_a discussion_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o inquire_v how_o revelation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o revelation_n and_o what_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v compare_v one_o text_n with_o another_o till_o they_o agree_v which_o consent_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o truth_n however_o it_o be_v scarce_o probable_a that_o the_o reasoner_n will_v be_v persuade_v or_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o pretend_a private_a infallibility_n whilst_o he_o conclude_v every_o individual_a man_n may_v proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o council_n do_v because_o each_o rational_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o draw_v conclusion_n by_o analogy_n or_o compare_v the_o several_a content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o reasonable_a man_n be_v natural_o qualify_v to_o find_v truth_n yet_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a foundation_n on_o which_o infallibility_n can_v rest_v be_v not_o to_o a_o single_a person_n those_o natural_a qualification_n can_v assure_v they_o of_o find_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o reasoner_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o urge_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o former_a assertion_n do_v take_v the_o privilege_n from_o every_o private_a person_n so_o that_o in_o any_o case_n he_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n may_v be_v safe_o maintain_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o private_a person_n who_o be_v know_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n which_o must_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o pass_v judgement_n in_o particular_a case_n for_o they_o may_v not_o appeal_v from_o synod_n to_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o because_o truth_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o council_n and_o there_o be_v rule_n of_o find_v it_o if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v whether_o a_o private_a person_n who_o have_v neither_o learning_n or_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o salvation_n as_o this_o propose_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n so_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v dubious_o return_v however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o any_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o be_v a_o know_a member_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o pastor_n be_v as_o mouth_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o suppose_v a_o christian_a so_o unfortunate_o among_o the_o infidel_n place_v that_o he_o can_v have_v access_n to_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o propose_v another_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v time_n though_o nothingmore_o can_v be_v want_v whilst_o christ_n be_v with_o he_o do_v give_v assent_n to_o all_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n by_o faith_n as_o explicit_a as_o be_v require_v of_o other_o christian_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o more_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o will_v help_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o other_o doubt_n the_o manner_n of_o conciliary_a proceed_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o mere_a reasoner_n for_o such_o debate_n in_o he_o next_o place_n the_o necessity_n of_o council_n shall_v be_v prove_v by_o which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v such_o sacred_a assembly_n be_v necessary_a though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n for_o some_o age_n pass_v without_o they_o for_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n require_v such_o supply_n to_o imagine_v it_o can_v always_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o conclude_v it_o exempt_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a and_o independent_a as_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o lead_v it_o and_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o former_a can_v be_v grant_v for_o heresy_n must_v be_v and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o great_a necessity_n of_o their_o condemnation_n the_o latter_a can_v be_v allow_v for_o as_o it_o intrenche_n on_o the_o divine_a dominion_n so_o it_o do_v equalise_v the_o church_n militant_a with_o the_o triumphant_a who_o great_a trimuph_n be_v our_o error_n this_o necessity_n of_o council_n be_v confirm_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o different_a opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o equal_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a and_o 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