understanding_n be_v not_o as_o be_v observe_v what_o we_o call_v strict_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a matter_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o reason_v for_o the_o mind_n do_v upon_o occasion_n compare_v they_o together_o compound_v they_o into_o complex_fw-la idea_n and_o enlarge_v contract_n or_o separate_v they_o as_o it_o discover_v their_o circumstance_n capable_a or_o not_o so_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o our_o idea_n in_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n whereinsoever_o this_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n may_v consist_v and_o because_o this_o perception_n be_v immediate_a or_o mediate_a our_o knowledge_n be_v twofold_a 7._o first_o when_o the_o mind_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o idea_n immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o two_o or_o more_o idea_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o be_v four_o that_o 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be_v the_o mortality_n of_o all_o live_a body_n infer_v from_o their_o divisibility_n this_o method_n of_o knowledge_n be_v proper_o call_v reason_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o former_a self-evidence_n or_o intuition_n and_o it_o may_v be_v define_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n dubious_a or_o obscure_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o something_o evident_o know_v 9_o from_o this_o definition_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intermediate_v idea_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n where_o its_o agreement_n with_o both_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o evident_a and_o that_o if_o more_o than_o one_o idea_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v require_v in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o indubitable_a we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n whereby_o we_o join_v the_o two_o 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knowledge_n without_o necessary_o command_v our_o assent_n by_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o understand_v that_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n and_o which_o irresistible_o convince_v the_o mind_n the_o mean_n of_o information_n be_v experience_n and_o authority_n experience_n as_o you_o may_v see_v n_o o_fw-mi 4._o be_v either_o external_a which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o sensible_a object_n or_o internal_a which_o help_v we_o to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o common_a stock_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n nor_o can_v we_o possible_o have_v idea_n any_o other_o way_n without_o new_a organ_n or_o faculty_n 11._o authority_n abusive_o so_o call_v as_o if_o all_o its_o information_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la be_v either_o humane_a or_o divine_a humane_a authority_n be_v call_v also_o moral_a certitude_n as_o when_o i_o believe_v a_o intelligible_a relation_n make_v by_o my_o friend_n because_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o veracity_n nor_o he_o any_o interest_n to_o deceive_v i_o thus_o all_o possible_a matter_n of_o fact_n due_o attest_v by_o coevous_a person_n as_o know_v to_o they_o and_o successive_o relate_v by_o other_o of_o different_a time_n nation_n or_o interest_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o be_v just_o suspect_v of_o combine_v together_o to_o deceive_v other_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o hear_v they_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o carthage_n such_o a_o reformer_n as_o luther_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o poland_n when_o all_o these_o rule_n concur_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o demonstration_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o irresistible_a evidence_n from_o proper_a proof_n but_o where_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a or_o at_o best_a but_o probable_a which_o with_o i_o be_v not_o very_o different_a 12._o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n by_o truth_n itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v whereof_o at_o large_a in_o ch._n 2._o of_o the_o follow_a section_n nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n 13._o now_o as_o we_o be_v extreme_o subject_a to_o deception_n we_o may_v without_o some_o infallible_a rule_n often_o take_v a_o questionable_a proposition_n for_o a_o axiom_n old_a wife_n fable_n for_o moral_a certitude_n and_o humane_a imposture_n
now_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o disturb_v the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a express_o say_v reason_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o which_o return_v to_o the_o same_o very_o many_o affirm_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v in_o themselves_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o former_a as_o proceed_v both_o from_o god_n yet_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o limit_a understanding_n yet_o that_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o oâ—…_n as_o the_o father_n teach_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v chap._n i._n the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 2._o this_o famous_a and_o admirable_a doctrine_n be_v the_o undoubted_a source_n of_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v serious_o vent_v among_o christiens_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o transubstantiation_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a ordure_n almost_o all_o receive_v into_o this_o western_a sink_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o banter_v with_o the_o lutheran_n impanation_n or_o the_o ubiquity_n it_o have_v produce_v as_o one_o monster_n ordinary_o beget_v another_o and_o though_o the_o socinian_o disow_v this_o practice_n i_o be_o mistake_v if_o either_o they_o or_o the_o arian_n can_v make_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o dignify_v and_o creature-god_n capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o other_o sect_n touch_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n 3._o in_o short_a this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o know_a refuge_n of_o some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o explain_v any_o passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o less_o know_v than_o they_o will_v be_v think_v they_o make_v nothing_o of_o father_v that_o upon_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o inaccurate_a reason_v unskilfulness_n in_o the_o tongue_n or_o ignorance_n of_o history_n but_o more_o common_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o early_a impression_n which_o they_o dare_v seldom_o afterward_o correct_v by_o more_o free_a and_o ripe_a thought_n so_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o understanâ—…ing_v 7._o neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v they_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n 9_o and_o true_o well_o they_o may_v for_o if_o we_o once_o admit_v this_o principle_n i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o be_v toâ—…d_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o doctrine_n i_o must_v remark_n it_o too_o do_v high_o concern_v we_o of_o the_o laity_n for_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v first_o establish_v the_o clergy_n always_o except_v such_o as_o deserve_v it_o have_v not_o be_v since_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o improve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plain_a but_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mysterious_a that_o we_o may_v constant_o depend_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o explication_n and_o nevertheless_o they_o must_v not_o if_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o to_o we_o without_o ruine_v their_o own_o design_n let_v they_o never_o so_o fair_o pretend_v it_o but_o overlook_v all_o observation_n proper_a for_o this_o place_n let_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o immediate_a examen_fw-la of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v 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it_o be_v true_a as_o they_o can_v never_o show_v will_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o and_o easy_o conceive_v now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o but_o lose_v labour_n for_o we_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o what_o i_o do_v conceive_v can_v no_o more_o give_v i_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o influence_n my_o action_n than_o a_o prayer_n deliver_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v excite_v my_o devotion_n if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n 9_o who_o shall_v prepare_v himself_o to_o the_o battle_n and_o except_o word_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v utter_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v spokâ—…_n syllable_n though_o never_o so_o well_o put_v together_o if_o they_o have_v not_o idea_n fix_v to_o they_o be_v but_o word_n speak_v in_o 9_o the_o air_n and_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n or_o worship_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o evade_v the_o difficulty_n by_o say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o certain_a doctrine_n may_v be_v contrary_a indeed_o to_o common_a notion_n yet_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o supra-intellectual_a truth_n he_o be_v but_o just_a where_o he_o be_v but_o suppose_v a_o little_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o still_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v understand_v these_o doctrine_n except_o their_o perception_n be_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o by_o new_a power_n and_o organ_n and_o then_o too_o other_o can_v be_v edify_v by_o what_o be_v discourse_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o favour_n so_o that_o if_o i_o will_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o wild_a indian_n i_o must_v expect_v the_o idea_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o infuse_v into_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o apprehend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n they_o can_v no_o more_o without_o a_o miracle_n understand_v my_o speech_n than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n and_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o my_o 11._o voice_n i_o shall_v even_o to_o they_o be_v a_o bâ—…rbarian_a notwithstanding_o i_o speak_v mystery_n 2._o in_o the_o spirit_n but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o consist_v with_o themselves_o yet_o not_o with_o our_o common_a notion_n four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n but_o so_o the_o name_n only_o be_v change_v the_o thing_n remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o since_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n know_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o our_o common_a notion_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pretend_a consistency_n between_o our_o present_a seem_a contradiction_n and_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o as_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n own_o existence_n so_o we_o can_v otherwise_o discern_v his_o revelation_n but_o by_o their_o conformity_n with_o our_o natural_a notice_n of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o so_o many_o 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in_o answer_n to_o the_o malice_n or_o mistake_n of_o some_o who_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o that_o i_o be_o a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o all_o churchman_n and_o consequent_o say_v they_o to_o all_o religion_n because_o i_o make_v they_o the_o sole_a contriver_n of_o those_o inconceivable_a or_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o i_o also_o maintain_v be_v as_o advantageous_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o laity_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o who_o easy_o overlook_v all_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o treat'em_v as_o pernicious_a heretic_n or_o unsufferable_a atheist_n that_o show_v the_o least_o dislike_n of_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v addition_n to_o christianity_n whatever_o convenience_n or_o necessity_n may_v be_v pretend_v for_o their_o establishment_n if_o any_o such_o understand_v by_o religion_n the_o mysterious_a part_n of_o it_o then_o true_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v i_o as_o little_a 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sect._n ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n 25_o ch._n 1._o the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 26_o 2._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o râ—…gards_v this_o controversy_n 38_o 3._o that_o by_o christianity_n be_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o thâ—…_n miracle_n method_n and_o style_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n 46_o 4._o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a reason_n 56_o sect._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 66_o ch._n 1._o the_o history_n and_o signification_n of_o mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_n 67_o 2._o that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o all_o its_o property_n nor_o any_o at_o all_o of_o its_o essence_n 74_o 3._o the_o 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but_o tragical_o declaim_v against_o one_o another_o practice_n and_o error_n that_o they_o be_v as_o injudicious_a violent_a and_o factious_a as_o other_o man_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n very_o credulous_a and_o superstitious_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o pitiful_o ignorant_a and_o superficial_a in_o the_o minute_a punctilio_n of_o literature_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o make_v with_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o know_v of_o no_o privilege_n above_o we_o bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o heaven_n except_o priority_n of_o birth_n if_o that_o be_v one_o as_o it_o be_v likely_a few_o will_v allow_v 4._o some_o give_v a_o decisive_a voice_n in_o the_o unravel_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o a_o general_n council_n and_o other_o to_o one_o man_n who_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a upon_o earth_n
way_n contradict_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o other_o reason_n may_v err_v in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a promise_n it_o shall_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n that_o their_o sense_n may_v not_o deceive_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o transubstantiation_n to_o say_v it_o bear_v witness_v to_o itself_o be_v equal_o to_o establish_v the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o poran_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o when_o all_o society_n will_v say_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o if_o we_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v ask_v whence_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decide_v this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v from_o the_o scripture_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v divert_v himself_o with_o this_o circle_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o the_o church_n have_v so_o determine_v it_o and_o the_o church_n have_v this_o decide_n authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v doubt_v if_o this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o passage_n allege_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o a_o party_n concern_v affirm_v it_o heyday_o be_v not_o these_o eternal_a round_n very_o exquisite_a invention_n to_o giddy_a and_o entangle_v the_o unthinking_a and_o the_o weak_a 7._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a not_o upon_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n but_o from_o a_o real_a testimony_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o from_o undoubted_a effect_n and_o not_o from_o word_n and_o letter_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o i_o grant_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o divinity_n but_o it_o be_v reason_n find_v 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privilege_n above_o the_o mad_a enthusiast_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o at_o this_o rate_n 8._o but_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n will_v be_v pretend_v this_o we_o be_v please_v with_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v 19_o but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o word_n but_o their_o sense_n which_o must_v be_v ever_o worthy_a of_o their_o author_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o all_o speech_n figurative_o interpret_v when_o occasion_n require_v it_o otherwise_o under_o pretence_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o high_a folly_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o passion_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o rock_n be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o and_o defile_v with_o our_o transgression_n that_o we_o be_v worm_n or_o sheep_n and_o no_o men._n and_o if_o a_o figure_n be_v admit_v in_o these_o passage_n why_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o all_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n when_o there_o appear_v a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o article_n since_o that_o none_o express_o make_v scripture_n and_o reason_n contradictory_n be_v acknowledge_v before_o but_o in_o the_o same_o place_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o some_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o together_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o former_a a_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o and_o our_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o grant_v any_o such_o in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n mean_v when_o a_o difficulty_n occur_v and_o so_o to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n concern_v it_o till_o with_o suitable_a help_n and_o industry_n we_o discover_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o or_o can_v reconcile_v to_o his_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o practise_v it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o can_v reconcile_v myself_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a he_o pretend_v in_o vain_a to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n who_o explain_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o verbal_a assent_n to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o out_o of_o fear_n superstition_n indifference_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a feeble_a and_o unfair_a motive_n but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o conceive_v not_o what_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v sincere_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o remain_v deprive_v of_o all_o solid_a satisfaction_n he_o be_v constant_o perplex_v with_o scruple_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o his_o implicit_a faith_n 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without_o rational_a proof_n and_o a_o evident_a consistency_n be_v a_o unblamable_a credulity_n and_o a_o temerarious_a opinion_n ordinary_o ground_v upon_o a_o ignorant_a and_o wilful_a disposition_n but_o more_o general_o maintain_v out_o of_o a_o gainful_a prospect_n for_o we_o frequent_o embrace_v certain_a doctrine_n not_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o serve_v our_o design_n better_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o because_o other_o contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v be_v better_o defend_v by_o their_o mean_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o regard_v this_o controversy_n 11._o against_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o section_n the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n will_v be_v allege_v with_o great_a show_n as_o if_o without_o a_o right_n of_o silence_v or_o extingu_n sh_v reason_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a but_o if_o the_o distinction_n i_o make_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n n._n 9_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o present_a objection_n will_v quick_o appear_v and_o this_o controversy_n be_v better_a understand_v hereaster_n there_o i_o say_v revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n may_v inform_v i_o concern_v a_o thousand_o matter_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o as_o much_o as_o think_v if_o i_o be_v not_o tell_v yet_o i_o believe_v nothing_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o clear_a conception_n i_o form_n of_o what_o he_o
approve_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o undeceive_v they_o for_o no_o adversary_n how_o absurd_a or_o trifle_a soever_o aught_o to_o be_v supercilious_o disregard_v by_o a_o unfeigned_a lover_n of_o man_n and_o truth_n so_o far_o of_o revelation_n only_o in_o make_v it_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n i_o follow_v paul_n himself_o who_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o can_v profit_v they_o except_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o 6._o knowledge_n or_o by_o prophesy_v or_o by_o doctrine_n chap._n iii_o that_o by_o christianity_n â—…s_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o the_o miracle_n method_n and_o style_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 19_o what_o we_o discourse_v of_o reason_n before_o and_o revelation_n now_o be_v due_o weigh_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o divine_a must_v consequent_o agree_v with_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o own_o ordinary_a idea_n this_o every_o considerate_a and_o well-disposed_a person_n will_v find_v by_o the_o careful_a perusal_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o undertake_v this_o task_n will_v confess_v the_o gospel_n not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o nor_o afar_o off_o but_o very_o nigh_o we_o in_o our_o 14._o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o asford_v the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n of_o close_a and_o perspicuous_a ratiocination_n conceivable_a which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o i_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n may_v claim_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o its_o conformity_n with_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n concur_v in_o his_o person_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o countryman_n yet_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n he_o prove_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n by_o such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n which_o thou_o 2._o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v no_o sinner_n 16._o can_v do_v such_o thing_n and_o other_o that_o they_o exceedeá_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n 21._o 20._o jesus_n himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o very_a enemy_n ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o pretend_a blasphemy_n say_v if_o i_o do_v 38._o not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o that_o be_v believe_v not_o rash_o on_o i_o and_o so_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o my_o work_n but_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n consider_v the_o work_n i_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v then_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o effect_n several_a of_o the_o people_n say_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v 31._o can_v do_v no_o great_a wonder_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n believe_v when_o they_o see_v the_o 23._o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v 21._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n 4._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n those_o who_o hear_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n all_o craftiness_n and_o deceitful_a handle_n of_o the_o 2._o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o manifest_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v they_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o 15._o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n now_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v all_o these_o miracle_n all_o these_o appeal_n if_o no_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o man_n understanding_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a contradictory_n or_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v reveal_v non-jense_a now_o if_o these_o miracle_n be_v true_a christianity_n must_v consequent_o be_v intelligible_a and_o if_o false_a which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v they_o can_v be_v then_o no_o argument_n against_o we_o 22._o but_o to_o insist_v no_o long_o upon_o such_o passage_n all_o man_n will_v own_v the_o verity_n i_o defend_v if_o they_o read_v the_o sacred_a write_n with_o that_o equity_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v due_a to_o mere_a humane_a work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a rule_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o book_n whatever_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v use_v those_o mean_n will_v find_v they_o notorious_a deceiver_n or_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o maintain_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v without_o any_o order_n or_o certain_a scope_n but_o just_a as_o matter_n come_v into_o the_o apostle_n head_n whether_o transport_v with_o enthusiastic_a fit_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o or_o according_a to_o other_o for_o lack_v of_o good_a sense_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o say_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a method_n who_o complain_v of_o this_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v not_o upon_o generality_n though_o whenever_o it_o be_v prove_v i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v find_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n he_o be_v teach_v or_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v to_o defend_v any_o party_n be_v not_o my_o business_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n 23._o the_o facility_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o confine_v only_o to_o method_n for_o the_o style_n be_v also_o most_o easy_a most_o natural_a and_o in_o the_o common_a dialect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o consign_v shall_v any_o preach_v in_o xenophon_n strain_n to_o the_o present_a greek_n or_o in_o correct_v english_a to_o the_o countrypeople_n in_o scotland_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o learn_v the_o very_a word_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n denote_v by_o they_o of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o time_n the_o jew_n understand_v hebrew_a worse_n than_o the_o tongue_n of_o those_o region_n where_o they_o dwell_v no_o pretcnce_n therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o language_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o irrational_a hypothesis_n for_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o daily_a use_n of_o their_o mother-tongue_n whereas_o the_o style_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o plain_a author_n that_o write_v as_o they_o speak_v without_o the_o disguise_n of_o pompous_a elegance_n have_v ever_o be_v account_v the_o best_a by_o all_o good_a judge_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a effect_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o new_a be_v always_o suppose_v quote_v or_o allude_v to_o nor_o be_v that_o all_o for_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o custom_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n if_o this_o have_v be_v true_a of_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o those_o help_n to_o understand_v aright_o many_o unknown_a particular_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v we_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n in_o israel_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o talmud_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o rabbin_n which_o however_o otherwise_o useless_a give_v we_o no_o small_a light_n into_o the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o language_n and_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o mean_v of_o any_o expression_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o want_n of_o more_o book_n in_o the_o same_o tongue_n than_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o author_n who_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o his_o countryman_n and_o contemporary_n but_o no_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v nor_o falsehood_n confute_v from_o such_o passage_n no_o more_o than_o any_o can_v certain_o divine_v his_o
fortune_n from_o the_o sound_n of_o bow-bell_n 24._o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v pen_v with_o little_a or_o no_o ornament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n of_o word_n nor_o study_v expression_n in_o it_o the_o accusation_n be_v true_a and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o more_o palpable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o have_v design_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o say_v paul_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v 1._o unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n but_o 4._o in_o demonstration_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n and_o in_o power_n or_o efficacy_n this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o orator_n of_o those_o time_n who_o elocution_n it_o be_v confess_v be_v curious_a and_o period_n elaborate_v apt_a to_o excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o hearer_n but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n charm_v indeed_o their_o sense_n whilst_o in_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o temple_n but_o make_v they_o neither_o the_o better_a at_o home_n nor_o the_o wise_a abroad_o 25._o these_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o of_o their_o modern_a successor_n be_v fond_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o ridiculous_a system_n to_o count_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n foolishness_n 14._o because_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o precarious_a and_o sensual_a notion_n because_o every_o sentence_n be_v not_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystery_n and_o garnish_v with_o a_o figure_n not_o consider_v that_o only_a false_a or_o trivial_a matter_n need_v the_o assistance_n of_o allure_a harangue_n to_o perplex_v or_o amuse_v but_o they_o be_v enemy_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n all_o their_o study_n as_o we_o take_v notice_n lay_v in_o tickle_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o people_n at_o their_o pleasure_n with_o bombast_n eloquence_n and_o apish_a gesticulation_n they_o boast_v their_o talon_n of_o persuade_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v esteem_v the_o best_a orator_n that_o make_v the_o worst_a cause_n appear_v the_o most_o equitable_a before_o the_o judge_n so_o he_o be_v the_o best_a philosopher_n that_o can_v get_v the_o wild_a paradox_n to_o pass_v for_o demonstration_n they_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o their_o own_o glory_n and_o gain_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o support_v but_o according_a to_o a_o artifice_n that_o never_o fail_v and_o therefore_o ever_o practise_v by_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n with_o their_o authority_n and_o sophistry_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o instruct_v dexterous_o detain_v they_o in_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n 26._o but_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n be_v their_o gain_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n their_o glory_n they_o come_v not_o magnify_v nor_o exalt_v themselves_o not_o impose_v but_o declare_v their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o confound_v and_o mislead_v but_o convince_v the_o mind_n they_o be_v employ_v to_o dispel_v ignorance_n to_o eradicate_v superstition_n to_o propagate_v truth_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o captive_n i._n e._n the_o enjoyment_n 18._o of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o levitical_a and_o pagan_a priesthood_n and_o to_o declare_v salvation_n to_o repent_v sinner_n 27._o i_o shall_v add_v here_o some_o of_o the_o character_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v admit_v nothing_o as_o the_o will_n of_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a endâ—…ring_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path._n the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o language_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v every_o where_o so_o conformable_a to_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n but_o i_o must_v remark_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o this_o language_n be_v true_a if_o any_o contradiction_n seem_v or_o real_a be_v admit_v in_o scripture_n as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mystery_n but_o we_o shall_v talk_v of_o that_o by_o and_o by_o chap._n iu_o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a reason_n 28._o there_o remain_v one_o obâ—…ection_n yet_o upon_o which_o some_o lay_v a_o mighty_a stress_n though_o it_o be_v like_a to_o do_v they_o little_a service_n grant_v say_v they_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o you_o pretend_v yet_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a reason_n can_v neither_o discern_v nor_o receive_v divine_a verity_n ay_o but_o that_o prove_v not_o divine_a verity_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n but_o they_o maintain_v that_o no_o man_n reason_n be_v sound_a wherefore_o i_o hope_v so_o to_o state_n this_o question_n as_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n from_o judicious_a and_o peaceable_a men._n reason_n take_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o discourse_n in_o we_o or_o more_o particular_o for_o that_o faculty_n every_o one_o have_v of_o judge_v of_o his_o idea_n according_a to_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n and_o so_o of_o love_v what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o hate_v what_o he_o think_v evil_a reason_n i_o say_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o every_o one_o who_o organ_n be_v not_o accidental_o indispose_v it_o be_v from_o it_o that_o we_o be_v account_v man_n and_o we_o can_v neither_o inform_v other_o nor_o receive_v improvement_n ourselves_o any_o more_o than_o brute_n without_o it_o 29._o but_o if_o by_o reason_n be_v understand_v a_o constant_a right_n use_v of_o these_o faculty_n viz._n if_o a_o man_n never_o judge_n but_o according_a to_o clear_a perception_n desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o good_a for_o he_o nor_o avoid_v but_o what_o be_v certain_o evil_a then_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o frame_v wrong_a conception_n and_o as_o erroneous_a judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o general_o covet_v what_o flatter_v our_o sense_n without_o distinguish_v noxious_a from_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o our_o hatred_n be_v as_o partial_a we_o gratify_v our_o body_n so_o much_o as_o to_o meditate_v little_a and_o think_v very_o gross_o of_o spiritual_a or_o abstract_a matter_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o indulge_v our_o inclination_n which_o we_o term_v to_o follow_v nature_n so_o 14._o that_o the_o 19_o natural_a man_n that_o be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o swing_n to_o his_o appetite_n count_v divine_a thing_n mere_a folly_n call_v religion_n a_o feverish_a dream_n of_o superstitious_a head_n or_o a_o politic_a trick_n invent_v by_o statesman_n to_o awe_n the_o credulous_a vulgar_a for_o as_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n mind_n the_o thing_n thereof_o so_o their_o 7._o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n sin_n easy_o beset_v we_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n or_o body_n war_a against_o the_o 1._o law_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o reason_n and_o when_o 23._o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o we_o 21._o if_o thus_o we_o become_v stupid_a and_o unfit_a for_o earthly_a speculation_n how_o shall_v we_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n 12._o 30._o but_o these_o disorder_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessary_a fate_n of_o sin_v there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o our_o unâ—…erstandings_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o creation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v vicious_a habit_n easy_o contract_v but_o difficult_o reform_v it_o be_v just_a with_o we_o as_o with_o the_o drunkard_n who_o i_o can_v give_v over_o drink_v be_v a_o deliberate_a i_o will_v not_o for_o upon_o a_o wager_n or_o for_o a_o reward_n he_o can_v forbear_v his_o cup_n a_o day_n a_o month_n a_o year_n according_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o value_n or_o certainty_n of_o the_o expect_a gain_n do_v influence_n he_o let_v
dote_a philosopher_n into_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o raise_v a_o loud_a clamour_n against_o reason_n before_o who_o evidence_n and_o light_n their_o empty_a shadow_n must_v disappear_v for_o as_o in_o philosophy_n so_o in_o religion_n every_o sect_n have_v its_o peculiar_a extravagancy_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v perfect_o answer_v the_o occult_a quality_n of_o the_o former_a they_o be_v both_o calculate_v at_o first_o for_o the_o same_o end_n viz._n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o demand_v a_o reason_n where_o none_o can_v be_v give_v and_o to_o keep_v as_o many_o in_o ignorance_n as_o interest_n shall_v think_v convenient_a but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v impute_v the_o like_a nefarious_a design_n to_o all_o that_o contend_v for_o mystery_n now_o thousand_o whereof_o i_o know_v to_o be_v the_o best_a meaning_n man_n in_o the_o universe_n this_o sophistical_a or_o corrupt_a philosophy_n be_v elsewhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n style_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o which_o 19_o the_o greek_n be_v as_o much_o bigoted_a as_o the_o jew_n be_v infatuate_v with_o a_o fancy_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v miraculous_o prove_v so_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o 22._o wisdom_n but_o this_o boast_a wisdom_n be_v then_o foolishness_n with_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o consider_v men._n 49._o a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v cite_v likewise_o to_o prove_v humane_a reason_n not_o a_o capable_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v divine_o reveal_v the_o word_n be_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o 7._o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o if_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o false_a because_o reason_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o subject_n itself_o to_o the_o divine_a law_n yet_o this_o submission_n argue_v no_o imperfection_n in_o reason_n as_o our_o obedience_n to_o just_a law_n can_v be_v say_v to_o destroy_v our_o liberty_n reason_n must_v first_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o goâ—…_n and_o then_o comply_v with_o it_o for_o a_o man_n can_v no_o more_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o not_o observe_v such_o law_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a than_o for_o not_o perform_v what_o be_v never_o enjoin_v he_o the_o carnal_a mind_n then_o in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o reason_n but_o the_o carnal_a desire_n of_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n who_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v to_o that_o of_o sound_a reason_n too_o 50._o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o pretend_a wisdom_n and_o sensual_a mind_n may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o another_o passage_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a 5._o through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ore_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o these_o be_v the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o foolish_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o shall_v be_v captivate_v or_o reform_v by_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n as_o in_o effect_n they_o often_o be_v for_o such_o person_n not_o ordinary_o allow_v of_o argument_n from_o scripture_n be_v first_o persuade_v by_o reason_n and_o after_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o can_v reason_v cast_v down_o or_o destroy_v itself_o no_o but_o it_o reduce_v those_o vain_a and_o impious_a sophism_n which_o borrow_v its_o name_n to_o cover_v or_o authorise_v the_o disorder_n they_o occasion_n 51._o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o go_v one_o by_o one_o over_o all_o the_o text_n which_o ignorant_a or_o perverse_a man_n allege_v against_o that_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o particular_o establish_v any_o single_a passage_n to_o my_o purpose_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_a lover_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v every_o where_o uniform_a and_o self-consistent_a but_o i_o have_v quote_v several_a in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o section_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o perform_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o the_o present_a section_n yet_o because_o this_o reason_v may_v be_v retort_v and_o to_o leave_v no_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o caviller_n or_o deceiver_n i_o have_v punctual_o answer_v the_o strong_a objection_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o most_o celebrate_a piece_n of_o divinity_n i_o say_v which_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n of_o mystery_n can_v ever_o enter_v into_o my_o head_n or_o any_o passage_n in_o that_o book_n can_v suggest_v to_o i_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n or_o enquiry_n nor_o do_v i_o find_v myself_o yet_o inchn_v to_o envy_v those_o who_o entertain_v other_o thought_n of_o it_o when_o all_o the_o while_o they_o open_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o see_v the_o most_o material_a difficulty_n make_v to_o i_o by_o a_o friend_n be_v that_o my_o opinion_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v deliver_v my_o sentiment_n concern_v this_o subject_a 52._o i_o will_v spend_v no_o time_n upon_o the_o ordinary_a division_n of_o faith_n into_o historical_n temporary_a or_o justify_v lively_a or_o dead_a weak_a or_o strong_a because_o most_o of_o these_o be_v not_o so_o much_o faith_n itself_o as_o different_a effect_n thereof_o the_o word_n import_v belief_n or_o persuasion_n as_o when_o we_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o god_n or_o man_n whence_o faith_n be_v proper_o divide_v into_o human_n and_o divine_a again_o divine_a faith_n be_v either_o when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o himself_o or_o when_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o word_n or_o write_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o believe_v he_o have_v speak_v all_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o this_o last_o sort_n and_o by_o consequence_n entire_o build_v upon_o ratiocination_n for_o we_o must_v first_o be_v convince_v that_o those_o write_n be_v they_o who_o names_n they_o bear_v we_o then_o examine_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o action_n of_o those_o person_n and_o last_o understand_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o work_n otherwise_o we_o can_v determine_v whether_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o much_o less_o firm_o believe_v they_o 53._o to_o be_v confident_a of_o any_o thing_n without_o conceive_v it_o be_v no_o real_a faith_n or_o persuasion_n but_o a_o rash_a presumption_n and_o a_o obstinate_a prejudice_n rather_o become_v enthusiast_n or_o impostor_n than_o the_o teach_v of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o delude_v his_o creature_n nor_o want_v ability_n to_o inform_v they_o right_o i_o prove_v before_o sect._n 2._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n between_o human_a and_o divine_a revelation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n but_o in_o certitude_n so_o many_o circumstance_n frequent_o concur_v in_o history_n as_o render_v it_o equal_a to_o intuition_n thus_o i_o can_v as_o soon_o deny_v my_o own_o be_v as_o the_o murder_n of_o cicero_n or_o the_o story_n of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n yet_o this_o happen_v only_o sometime_o but_o god_n speak_v always_o truth_n and_o certainty_n 54._o now_o since_o by_o revelation_n man_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o any_o new_a faculty_n it_o follow_v that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o if_o what_o he_o say_v do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o common_a notion_n can_v that_o person_n just_o value_v himself_o upon_o be_v wise_a than_o his_o neighbour_n who_o have_v infallible_a assurance_n that_o something_o call_v blictri_n have_v a_o be_v in_o nature_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v not_o what_o this_o blictri_n be_v and_o see_v the_o case_n stand_v real_o thus_o all_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n knowledge_n and_o assent_n it_o be_v the_o last_o indeed_o that_o constitute_v the_o formal_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o first_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o we_o read_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a 6._o to_o please_v god_n but_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o