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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n believe_v faith_n revelation_n 2,830 5 9.5573 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42819 Philosophia pia, or, A discourse of the religious temper and tendencies of the experimental philosophy which is profest by the Royal Society to which is annext a recommendation and defence of reason in the affairs of religion / by Jos. Glanvill ... Glanvill, Joseph, 1636-1680. 1671 (1671) Wing G817; ESTC R23327 57,529 244

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glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n and_o again_o psal._n 14._o 8._o 3._o praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n and_o light_n which_o intimate_v that_o these_o work_n of_o his_o afford_v matter_n to_o our_o reason_n for_o religious_a acknowledgement_n and_o reason_n prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n and_o end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o these_o be_v demonstrative_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o omnipotent_a mind_n that_o have_v frame_v all_o thing_n so_o orderly_o and_o exact_o and_o that_o mind_n be_v god_n this_o article_n then_o reason_n prove_v which_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o particular_a and_o i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n only_o that_o can_v do_v it_o which_o be_v the_o other_o this_o you_o will_v see_v when_o you_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n from_o whence_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o be_v can_v 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and_o use_v the_o same_o john_n 15._o 20._o to_o show_v that_o they_o must_v expect_v persecution_n because_o he_o their_o lord_n be_v persecute_v and_o luke_n 12._o 23._o he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o cark_n care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o meat_n and_o raiment_n by_o this_o consideration_n from_o reason_n that_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n intimate_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o great_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v bestow_v the_o less_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o to_o these_o instance_n i_o add_v some_o few_o from_o the_o topick_n à_fw-fr minori_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_fw-la from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a in_o the_o
of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o i_o come_v now_o iu_o to_o the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o whole_a 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o in●…_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o state_n i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o consist_v in_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o they_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n now_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o for_o every_o p●…ssible_a conclusion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o help_n and_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v they_o and_o for_o the_o proposition_n that_o arise_v from_o those_o certain_a principle_n they_o be_v certain_a likewise_o for_o nothing_o can_v follow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n in_o the_o long_a series_n of_o deduction_n if_o error_n creep_v in_o there_o be_v ill_a consequence_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o sort_n of_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n if_o the_o sense_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v and_o the_o inference_n right_o make_v be_v certain_a also_o for_o if_o our_o sense_n in_o all_o their_o due_a circumstance_n deceive_v we_o all_o be_v a_o delusion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o but_o we_o know_v that_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a and_o that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o because_o god_n that_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o due_o conclude_v from_o either_o of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a because_o whatever_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o principle_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o reason_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o which_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n and_o his_o peculiar_a people_n reason_n be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 20._o 27._o that_o light_n whereby_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 9_o and_o that_o law_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o hi●…rocles_n speak_v well_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o luther_n call_v philosophy_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n the_o former_a part_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o last_o particular_a and_o we_o believe_v our_o reason_n because_o we_o have_v they_o from_o god_n who_o can_v mistake_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v so_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o thing_n clear_o perceive_v be_v trust_v in_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n thus_o luke_n 12._o the_o not_o belief_n of_o reason_n that_o suggest_v from_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n a_o defect_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v evident_a also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n reveal_v 4._o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n contrad●…ts_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o whole_a faith_n befriend_v reason_n and_o reason_n serve_v religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v clash_v they_o be_v both_o certain_a both_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n agree_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o contradict_v faith_n be_v opposite_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o that_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o sometime_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o then_o either_o something_o be_v take_v for_o faith_n that_o be_v but_o fancy_n or_o something_o for_o reason_n that_o be_v but_o sophistry_n or_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n be_v a_o error_n and_o mistake_v 5._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v from_o reason_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n by_o deny_v reason_n but_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v it_o by_o answer_v the_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v fair_o answer_v for_o all_o heretic_n argue_v either_o from_o false_a principle_n or_o fallacio●…ly_o conclude_v from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v not_o by_o declaim_v against_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o strengthen_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n allow_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o he_o call_v proof_n 6._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v we_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n propound_v if_o it_o be_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o the_o former_a aphorism_n that_o the_o contradiction_n be_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o the_o contradiction_n be_v real_a this_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o revelation_n have_v not_o this_o sense_n for_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n be_v throughout_o contrary_a to_o falsehood_n and_o what_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n can_v be_v false_a in_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o the_o talmud_n if_o two_o rabbin_n disfer_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v th●…ir_a opinion_n from_o moses_n and_o from_o god_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o non-sensi●…al_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n a●…_n a_o article_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o palpable_o contradict_v reason_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n i'faith_o and_o reason_n accord_v as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a jestament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v ●…ded_v also_o because_o even_o that_o i●…_n divine_a and_o sacred_a 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o tell_v i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o revealer_n of_o what_o be_v so_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v except_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o vain_a credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v ourselves_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o sense_n put_v upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o that_o sense_n be_v his_o mind_n i_o say_v we_o must_v have_v ground_n either_o from_o our_o particular_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a credulity_n and_o not_o faith_n in_o god_n 8._o a_o man_n may_v hold_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n from_o a_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deny_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v in_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v belief_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o or_o that_o as_o to_o give_v we_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sense_n while_o
advantage_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o real_a knowledge_n and_o search_n into_o god_n work_n put_v philosopher_n at_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o fond_a principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o discourse_n cite_v that_o it_o may_v be_v happy_o and_o pro●…itably_o use_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o many_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o philosophy_n do_v much_o assist_v it_o in_o that_o service_n and_o so_o it_o do_v sect_n v._o ii_o in_o defend_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pure_o of_o revelation_n and_o immediate_o discoverable_a no_o other_o way_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n of_o reason_n that_o whatever_o god_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o tell_v how_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o this_o axiom_n whoever_o have_v prove_v the_o revelation_n may_v descend_v the_o article_n and_o it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n in_o philosophic_a reason_n to_o argue_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o attest_v from_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v according_a to_o which_o principle_n even_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n may_v be_v as_o well_o defend_v as_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o these_o there_o be_v many_o mode_n which_o be_v perfect_o unaccountable_a and_o full_a of_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o most_o sensible_a being_n we_o can_v not_o make_v our_o defence_n by_o untie_v those_o knot_n but_o may_v well_o do_v it_o by_o recourse_n to_o this_o maxim_n that_o what_o be_v a_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_o prove_v by_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o theory_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o unconceivable_a and_o by_o use_v the_o same_o we_o be_v safe_a in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o i_o have_v more_o full_o handle_v else_o where_o and_o shall_v only_o add_v now_o that_o the_o free_a experimental_a philosophy_n beget_v the_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o modest_a proposition_n by_o acquaint_v the_o philo●…opher_n every_o day_n with_o innumerable_a thing_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n o●…_n which_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n though_o he_o know_v by_o his_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v real_o exist_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n reason_v assist_v by_o philosophy_n cut_v off_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o silenc●…th_v the_o objection_n of_o bold_a in●…idelity_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o free_a philosophy_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o great_a sublimity_n of_o faith_n and_o common_a reason_n do_v the_o best_a by_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o testimony_n that_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n this_o it_o do_v by_o aggregate_a those_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n that_o show_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n and_o twist_v such_o a_o cord_n as_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o geometry_n or_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n what_o it_o be_v that_o incline_v some_o man_n who_o be_v otherwise_o sober_a enough_o to_o let_v sly_a so_o lavish_o and_o indiscreet_o against_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n especial_o in_o a_o age_n so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o phantastry_n and_o madness_n and_o that_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o all_o its_o concern_v by_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a the_o discourse_n of_o some_o who_o have_v talk_v much_o of_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v bold_a and_o saucy_a and_o no_o doubt_n of_o evil_a tendency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o true_a philosophy_n and_o well_o manage_v reason_n vindicate_v religion_n from_o those_o impudent_a abuse_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sophistry_n and_o imposture_n in_o those_o pretension_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o insolence_n and_o riot_n of_o those_o that_o usurp_v their_o name_n then_o religion_n itself_o be_v for_o the_o immorality_n of_o those_o that_o cloth_n themselves_o in_o the_o garment_n of_o external_a piety_n and_o saintship_n thus_o of_o the_o service_n of_o philosophy_n against_o enthusiasm_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o instance_n chap._n vi_o philosophy_n serve_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v some_o of_o the_o mischi●…fs_n of_o that_o spirit_n brief_o reci●…ed_v six_o way_n whereby_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o dispute_a humour_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o behalf_n of_o dispute_n answer_v sect_n i._o v._n it_o help_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o which_o believe_v uncertain_a opinion_n sirm_o ass●…rts_v they_o confident_o and_o clamorous_o conte●…ds_v against_o every_o different_a app●…ehe_fw-ge si●…n_fw-ge this_o be_v that_o pestil●…nt_a spirit_n that_o turn_v religion_n into_o air_n of_o notion_n and_o make_v it_o intricate_a and_o uncertain_a subject_n to_o eternal_a quarrel_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o which_o supplant_v charity_n modesty_n peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n rage_n insolence_n pride_n bitter_a zeal_n clamour_n and_o division_n and_o all_o the_o opposite_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o deprave_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o be_v sacred_a name_n a_o instrument_n to_o promote_v the_o project_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o cankr_a man_n one_o against_o another_o and_o inflame_v their_o spirit_n and_o crumble_a they_o into_o sect_n and_o disturb_v society_n and_o so_o it_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o scorn_n of_o unbeliever_n it_o turn_v man_n from_o the_o desire_n of_o practise_v to_o the_o itch_n of_o talk_v and_o abuse_v they_o into_o this_o dangerous_a belief_n that_o godliness_n consist_v more_o in_o their_o belove_a orthodoxy_n then_o in_o a_o sober_a virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n it_o make_v they_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a busy_a about_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o while_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o spirit_n fancy_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o fluency_n of_o the_o tongue_n while_o the_o worst_a of_o passion_n have_v the_o empire_n of_o their_o soul_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v which_o have_v do_v deplorable_a execution_n upon_o religion_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o service_n that_o can_v be_v afford_v it_o to_o destroy_v this_o evil_a genius_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o mere_o humane_a that_o contribute_v more_o towards_o the_o root_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n for_o sect_n ii_o ay_o converse_v with_o god_n work_n give_v we_o to_o see_v the_o u●…st_a difficulty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o they_o and_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v less_o con●…dent_a of_o their_o sentiment_n about_o nature_n and_o by_o many_o consid●…tions_n and_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o length_n bring_v to_o such_o 〈◊〉_d ●…itual_a modesty_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o pass_v bold_a judgement_n upon_o those_o opinion_n in_o relig●…n_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d assurance_n and_o two_o by_o the_o freq●…t_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o 〈◊〉_d and_o how_o oft_o we_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o fallibility_n of_o sens●…_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o und●…rstandings_n by_o education_n authority_n interest_n and_o our_o affection_n and_o so_o be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o prudent_a coldness_n and_o d●…ffidence_n in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a speculation_n by_o which_o the_o disp●…ting_a humour_n be_v destroy_v at_o the_o bottom_n beside_o which_o iii_o the_o real_a philosophy_n bring_v man_n in_o love_n with_o the_o practical_a knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o have_v employ_v ourselves_o in_o notion_n and_o theory_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o uncertainty_n and_o our_o ●…steem_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o will_v abate_v as_o that_o sense_n increase_v and_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n our_o respect_n and_o lo●…e_v to_o operative_a knowledge_n will_v advance_v and_o grow_v which_o disposition_n will_v incline_v we_o also_o to_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o nicety_n in_o religion_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o
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corruption_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o will_v be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a and_o peremptory_a in_o define_v speculative_a and_o difficult_a matter_n especial_o not_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o religion_n nor_o set_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o revelation_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n viz._n those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o soul_n or_o any_o conclusion_n that_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o these_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o ever_o be_v though_o we_o discern_v they_o not_o so_o clear_o as_o the_o innocent_a state_n do_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o liableness_n to_o error_n may_v take_v fals●…oods_n for_o some_o of_o those_o or_o infer_v false_o from_o those_o that_o be_v 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to_o maintain_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n we_o know_v to_o give_v a_o ugly_a name_n to_o any_o thing_n we_o dislike_v and_o by_o this_o way_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v make_v contemptible_a and_o vile_a i_o wish_v such_o hasty_a censurer_n will_v consider_v before_o they_o call_v name_n no_o truth_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o rash_a ignorance_n have_v throw_v dirt_n upon_o it_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o these_o frivolous_a objection_n those_o that_o allege_v atheism_n and_o tendency_n to_o infidelity_n against_o the_o reverence_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n be_v disprove_v by_o my_o whole_a discourse_n which_o show_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o reason_n most_o usual_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o the_o atheist_n when_o as_o a_o due_a use_n
i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n his_o veracity_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o concern_v since_o i_o be_o ready_a however_o to_o give_v a_o cheerful_a assent_n to_o whatever_o be_v clear_o and_o sufficient_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v difficult_a and_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v certain_a for_o some_o be_v only_o hint_v and_o speak_v occasional_o some_o figurative_o and_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n and_o allegory_n some_o according_a to_o man_n conception_n and_o some_o in_o ambiguous_a and_o enigmatical_a phrase_n which_o obs●…urities_n may_v occasion_n mistake_v in_o those_o who_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n say_v and_o when_o they_o do_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o such_o err_v in_o faith_n though_o those_o that_o wrest_v plain_a text_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o 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may_v serve_v for_o many_o very_a considerable_a purpose_n of_o religion_n charity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o you_o my_o bre●…hren_n of_o the_o clergy_n those_o i_o mean_v of_o the_o young_a sort_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o pr●…sume_v to_o teach_v my_o elder_n you_o have_v hear_v no_o doubt_n frequent_a and_o earnest_a declamation_n against_o reason_n during_o the_o year_n of_o your_o education_n and_o youth_n we_o know_v receive_v impression_n easy_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o you_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o very_o hard_a thought_n of_o this_o pretend_a terrible_a enemy_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o do_v you_o ever_o consider_v deep_o since_o what_o end_v of_o religion_n or_o sobriety_n such_o vehement_a defamation_n of_o our_o faculty_n can_v serve_v and_o what_o end_v of_o a_o p●…rty_n they_o do_v i_o hope_v these_o thing_n you_o have_v ponder_v as_o you_o ought_v and_o discern_v the_o 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in●…inite_a folly_n and_o imposture_n thus_o the_o arrian_n quarrel_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o consequence_n but_o not_o express_v in_o scripture_n the_o apollinarist_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o reason_n and_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o the_o donatist_n that_o they_o do_v calumniate_v and_o de●…ry_v it_o to_o raise_v prejudice_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o elsewhere_o doctores_fw-la vestri_fw-la hominem_fw-la dialecticum_fw-la ●…ugiendum_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o cavendum_fw-la quam_fw-la refellendum_fw-la censuerunt_fw-la the_o ubiquitarian_n defend_v their_o error_n by_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o macedonian_n will_v not_o have_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v by_o consequence_n the_o late_a enthusiast_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n set_v up_o loud_o and_o vehement_a out_o cry_v against_o reason_n and_o the_o lunatic_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o nothing_o else_o do_v yet_o sweet_o accord_v in_o oppose_v this_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v their_o common_a interest_n the_o imposture_n of_o man_n fancy_n must_v not_o be_v see_v in_o too_o much_o light_n and_o we_o can_v dream_v with_o our_o eye_n open_a reason_n will_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o sacred_a whimsy_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o mysterious_a nonsense_n this_o will_v disparage_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o cool_v the_o pleasant_a heat_n of_o kindle_a imagination_n and_o therefore_o reason_n must_v be_v decry_v because_o a_o enemy_n to_o madness_n and_o fancy_n set_v up_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o inspiration_n hence_o man_n have_v get_v the_o trick_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v consequent_a and_o reasonable_a vain_a philosophy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sober_a carnal_a reason_v religion_n be_v set_v so_o far_o above_o reason_n that_o at_o length_n it_o be_v put_v beyond_o sobriety_n and_o sense_n and_o than_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v believe_v
be_v observe_v when_o they_o hit_v not_o when_o they_o miss_v i_o say_v notwithstanding_o these_o the_o real_a experimental_a philosophy_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o they_o be_v heavenly_a body_n far_o above_o all_o the_o region_n of_o vapour_n in_o which_o we_o be_v not_o concern_v and_o so_o they_o be_v neither_o the_o sign_n nor_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o mischief_n for_o the_o other_o little_a thing_n which_o afford_v matter_n for_o the_o tale_n about_o prodigy_n and_o other_o ominous_a appearing_n the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n by_o exciting_a worthy_a &_o magnificent_a conception_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n cure_v that_o blasphemous_a abuse_n of_o the_o adorable_a majesty_n whereby_o foolish_a man_n attribute_v every_o trivial_a eu●…nt_n that_o may_v serve_v their_o turn_n against_o those_o they_o hate_v to_o his_o immediate_a extraordinary_a interposal_n for_o it_o be_v ignorance_n of_o god_n and_o his_o work_n that_o dispose_v man_n to_o absurd_a ridiculous_a surmise_n uncharitable_a censure_n seditious_a m●…chinations_n and_o so_o to_o thought_n that_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o security_n of_o government_n to_o that_o justice_n and_o charity_n we_o owe_v to_o other_o and_o the_o happiness_n and_o the_o love_n of_o ourselves_o to_o which_o i_o add_v that_o this_o kind_n of_o superstition_n be_v a_o relic_n of_o pagan_a ignorance_n which_o make_v man_n look_v on_o thunder_n eclipse_n earthquake_n and_o all_o the_o more_o terrify_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n as_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o power_n supernatural_a and_o to_o judge_v event_n by_o flight_n of_o bird_n and_o garbage_n of_o cattle_n by_o the_o accidental_a occursion_n of_o this_o creature_n and_o another_o and_o almost_o every_o casual_a occurrence_n but_o these_o particular_n have_v be_v most_o ingenious_o represent_v and_o reprove_v in_o a_o late_a very_o elegant_a discourse_n about_o prodigy_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o design_n of_o that_o excellent_o pen_a book_n which_o be_v to_o discredit_v and_o take_v away_o all_o kind_n of_o presage_n yet_o i_o think_v it_o have_v do_v rare_o well_o so_o far_o as_o it_o discover_v the_o folly_n and_o mischief_n of_o that_o ignorant_a and_o superstitious_a spi●…it_n that_o mak●…s_v every_o thing_n a_o prodigy_n and_o with_o such_o apprehension_n as_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n sill_n the_o mind_n that_o be_v instruct_v in_o it_o and_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o antipathy_n the_o real_a p●…ilosophy_n have_v to_o all_o the_o kind_n of_o superstition_n be_v one_o cause_n why_o zealous_a ignorance_n brand_v those_o researche_n wi●…h_v the_o mark_n of_o a●…heism_n for_o superstitious_a folly_n adop●…s_v those_o paltry_a trifle_n which_o philosophy_n contemn_v and_o reprove_v into_o the_o family_n of_o religion_n and_o therefore_o stigmatize_v those_o that_o despise_v they_o as_o enemy_n to_o faith_n and_o piety_n so_o it_o fare_v with_o some_o of_o the_o brave_a spirit_n of_o ancient_a time_n who_o have_v have_v the_o black_a character●…ixt_v ●…ixt_z upon_o their_o great_a and_o worthy_a name_n only_o for_o their_o opposition_n of_o the_o foolish_a rite_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o vulgar_a heathen_a we_o know_v the_o case_n of_o socrates_n and_o as_o to_o the_o interest_n of_o their_o name_n that_o of_o anaxagoras_n theodorus_n protagoras_n and_o epicurus_n be_v much_o worse_o the_o cau●…ess_a insamy_n come_v down_o the_o stream_n as_o far_o as_o the_o last_o age_n since_o then_o we_o know_v who_o be_v a_o hereti●…k_n for_o say_v there_o be_v ant●…podes_n and_o a_o pope_n be_v take_v for_o a_o conjurer_n for_o be_v a_o mathematician_n yea_o those_o noble_a science_n be_v count_v diabolical_a and_o even_o the_o sacred_a language_n can_v searce_o escape_v the_o suspicion_n in_o late_a time_n galileo_n fall_v into_o the_o inquisition_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o his_o telescope_n and_o campanella_n can_v not_o endeavour_v to_o assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o freedom_n of_o his_o mind_n without_o lose_v that_o of_o his_o external_a person_n i_o may_v come_v near_o to_o our_o day_n and_o knowledge_n gothick_n barbarity_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o inquisition_n be_v not_o quite_o wear_v out_o of_o the_o reformation_n though_o the_o best_a on_o it_o be_v it_o ordinary_o remain_v but_o among_o the_o scum_n and_o dregs_o of_o man_n and_o no_o one_o be_v either_o less_o religious_a or_o less_o wise_a for_o be_v account_v a_o a●…eist_n by_o the_o rabble_n but_o where_o ever_o the_o knowledge_n of_o na●…ure_n and_o god_n work_n have_v in_o any_o degree_n ob●…ained_v those_o vile_a superstition_n have_v be_v despise_v and_o put_v to_o a_o infamous_a flight_n but_o to_o take_v another_o s●…ep_n chap._n v._n philosophy_n serve_v religion_n against_o enthusiasm_n enthusiasm_n hurt_v religion_n two_o way_n i._n by_o cry_v up_o disease_n and_o excess_n of_o fancy_n for_o height_n of_o godliness_n ii_o by_o the_o disparagement_n of_o reason_n philosophy_n discover_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o nature_n in_o the_o high_a pretension_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n the_o mischief_n of_o decry_v reason_n philosophy_n remove_v th●…_n fancy_n of_o its_o enmity_n to_o religion_n it_o improve_v reason_n and_o fit_v it_o for_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n religion_n have_v receive_v many_o service_n from_o philosophical_a writer_n who_o have_v labour_v to_o prove_v its_o truth_n and_o certainty_n philosophy_n assist_v reason_n to_o defend_v religion_n sect_n i._o iu_o the_o real_a philosophy_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n serve_v religion_n against_o enthusiasm_n another_o of_o its_o deadly_a enemy_n now_o enthusiasm_n be_v a_o false_a conceit_n of_o inspiration_n and_o all_o the_o bold_a and_o mistake_v pretension_n to_o the_o spirit_n in_o our_o day_n be_v of_o this_o sort_n what_o particular_o religion_n have_v suffer_v from_o it_o will_v be_v too_o long_o to_o describe_v upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o will_v be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o say_v in_o a_o age_n that_o have_v so_o much_o and_o such_o sad_a experience_n of_o it_o that_o enthusiasm_n i._o by_o cry_v up_o the_o ex●…s_n and_o disease_n of_o imagination_n for_o the_o great_a height_n of_o godliness_n and_o ii_o by_o the_o disparagement_n of_o sober_a reason_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o faith_n i_o say_v by_o these_o two_o way_n it_o have_v in●…oduced_v a_o religion_n that_o be_v fantastical_a and_o make_v way_n for_o all_o imaginable_a folly_n and_o even_o atheism_n itself_o for_o the_o ●…rst_a of_o these_o in_o order_n the_o real_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n detect_v the_o dangerous_a imposture_n by_o show_v what_o strange_a thing_n may_v be_v effect_v by_o no_o divine_a a_o cause_n than_o a_o strong_a fancy_n impregnate_v by_o heat_v melancholy_a for_o this_o sometime_o warm_v the_o brain_n to_o a_o degree_n that_o make_v it_o very_o active_a and_o imaginative_a full_a of_o odd_a thought_n and_o unexpected_a suggestion_n so_o tha●…_n if_o the_o temper_n determine_v the_o imagination_n to_o religion_n it_o fly_v at_o high_a thing_n at_o interpretation_n of_o derk_n and_o prophetic_a scripture_n at_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n and_o mysterious_a discovery_n which_o the_o man_n express_v fluent_o and_o bold_o with_o a_o peculiar_a and_o pathetic_a eloquence_n and_o now_o these_o pregnance_n be_v not_o ordinary_a but_o much_o beyond_o the_o usual_a tone_n and_o temper_n of_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o he_o have_v hear_v great_a thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n immediate_a motion_n and_o inspiration_n can_v well_o fail_v of_o believe_v himself_o inspire_v and_o of_o intitle_v all_o the_o excursion_n of_o his_o fancy_n to_o the_o immediate_a act_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o thought_n by_o th●…_n help_v of_o natural_a pride_n and_o self-love_n will_v work_v also_o exceed_o upon_o the_o heighten_v affection_n and_o they_o upon_o the_o body_n so_o far_o as_o to_o cast_v it_o sometime_o into_o rapture_n ecstasy_n and_o deliquium_n of_o sense_n in_o which_o every_o dream_n be_v take_v for_o a_o prophecy_n every_o image_n of_o the_o fancy_n for_o a_o vision_n and_o all_o the_o glaring_n of_o the_o imagination_n for_o new_a light_n and_o revelation_n thus_o have_v our_o modern_a prophet_n be_v inspire_v who_o yet_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reckon_v hypocritical_a impostor_n for_o they_o infinite_o believe_v themselves_o and_o the_o strength_n of_o their_o high_o invigorated_a fancy_n shut_v out_o the_o sober_a light_n of_o reason_n that_o shall_v dis-abuse_a they_o as_o sleep_n do_v that_o of_o our_o external_a sense_n in_o our_o dream_n and_o which_o be_v worse_o the_o silly_a people_n that_o understand_v not_o nature_n but_o be_v apt_a to_o take_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v vehement_a to_o be_v sacred_a be_v easy_o deceive_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o pretension_n and_o thus_o disease_n have_v be_v worship_v for_o religion_n this_o account_n the_o philosophy_n of_o humane_a
nature_n give_v of_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o sad_o cozen_v as_o have_v be_v large_o represent_v by_o a_o modern_a philosophical_a divine_a and_o when_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n abroad_o into_o the_o wide_a world_n we_o see_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o eecstatic_a priest_n of_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o the_o madman_n of_o all_o religion_n by_o sibyl_n lunatic_n poet_n dreamer_n and_o abreptitious_a person_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o elevation_n excess_n of_o drink_v will_v heighten_v the_o brain_n make_v some_o witty_a nimble_a and_o eloquent_a much_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a siz●…_n of_o their_o part_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o incline_v other_o to_o be_v huge_o devout_a who_o usual_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o know_v one_o who_o will_v pray_v rap●…urously_o when_o he_o be_v drink_v but_o at_o other_o time_n be_v a_o mope_a sot_n and_o can_v scarce_o speak_v sense_n thus_o also_o some_o kind_n of_o madness_n disease_n accident_n peculiarity_n of_o temper_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n that_o heat_v the_o brain_n ●…ill_v man_n with_o high_a surprise_v conceit_n about_o religion_n and_o furnish_v th●…m_n with_o servid_fw-la devotion_n great_a rea●…iness_n of_o expression_n and_o unexpected_a application_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o crazy_a conceit_n i_o say_v the_o experimental_a philosophy_n of_o our_o nature_n inform_v we_o that_o all_o this_o be_v common_a in_o alienation_n and_o singularity_n of_o mind_n and_o complexion_n and_o they_o be_v remarkable_a in_o the_o prop●…ets_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o p●…iest_n who_o saint_n austin_n know_v that_o will_v whine_v himself_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o the_o wonderful_a discourse_n of_o the_o american_n bishop_n that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o cant_a fluency_n of_o the_o german_a enthusiast_n some_o of_o who_o imagination_n be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a of_o such_o instance_n i_o may_v make_v up_o a_o much_o large_a catalogue_n if_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o our_o domestic_a lunatic_n but_o their_o temper_n be_v well_o know_v and_o therefore_o i_o only_o add_v this_o more_o that_o i_o have_v often_o meet_v with_o a_o poor_a woman_n in_o warwickeshire_n who_o habitual_a conceit_n it_o be_v that_o she_o be_v mother_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n live_v i_o be_v wont_a to_o personate_v a_o kind_n of_o compliance_n with_o her_o fancy_n and_o a_o modest_a d●…sire_n to_o be_v further_o inform_v about_o it_o which_o gentleness_n draw_v from_o she_o so_o many_o odd_a fetch_n of_o discourse_n such_o application_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o wonderful_a reference_n to_o thing_n in_o which_o she_o be_v never_o instruct_v that_o look_v like_o scrap_n take_v out_o of_o hobbs_n and_o epi●…urus_n that_o i_o have_v be_v much_o amaze_v at_o she_o talk_v and_o yet_o when_o i_o divert_v she_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o ordinary_a ma●…ters_n she_o speak_v usual_o with_o as_o much_o sobriety_n and_o cold_a discretion_n as_o can_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o person_n of_o her_o condition_n no●…_n do_v she_o use_v ●…o_o be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o about_o that_o particular_a imagination_n which_o instance_n among_o many_o other_o i_o may_v produce_v very_o much_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o observation_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o best_a light_n into_o the_o enthusiastic_a t●…mper_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o madness_n which_o take_v man_n in_o some_o particular_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o other_o which_o one_o proposition_n will_v assord_v a_o good_a account_n of_o many_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o show_v that_o the_o extravagant_o among_o we_o may_v be_v real_o distract_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o brain_n be_v untouched_a in_o other_o matter_n thus_o a_o philosophical_a use_n of_o observation_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o it_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n and_o those_o of_o a_o hot_a distemper_a fancy_n which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o purity_n honour_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n sect_n ii_o but_o ii_o there_o be_v another_o mischief_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n behind_o and_o that_o be_v its_o bring_v reason_n into_o disgrace_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n thereof_o in_o the_o a●…irs_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mischief_n that_o be_v the_o sad_a cause_n of_o insinite_a more_o for_o it_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n all_o kind_n of_o phantastry_n and_o ●…lly_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o contempt_n and_o derision_n by_o make_v madness_n and_o disease_n sacred_a it_o bewilder_n man_n mind_n in_o a_o maze_n of_o confuse_a imagination_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o bog_n and_o precipice_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o light_n and_o their_o guide_n and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o all_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o distemper_a brain_n it_o take_v religion_n off_o from_o its_o foundation_n and_o leave_v the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n in_o me●…s_n soul_n to_o chance_v and_o the_o hit_v of_o imagination_n teach_v those_o that_o be_v del●…ded_v to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o all_o upon_o rapture_n 〈◊〉_d and_o mysterious_a notion_n 〈◊〉_d they_o forget_v and_o scorn_v the_o plain_a christianity_n which_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o christ_n in_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o it_o render_v man_n obnoxiou●…_n to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o atheism_n and_o the_o black_a insidelity_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o convince_v a_o insidel_n to_o settle_v one_o that_o doubt_n or_o to_o recover_v one_o that_o be_v backsliden_fw-mi from_o the_o faith_n these_o evil_n i_o be_o here_o content_a to_o name_v only_o have_v represent_v they_o more_o full_o in_o another_o discourse_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o age_n may_v convince_v we_o with_o a_o little_a consideration_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o those_o fatal_a mischief_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o disparagement_n of_o re●…son_n but_o yet_o though_o i_o assirm_v this_o i_o be_o not_o so_o rash_a or_o so_o unjust_a as_o to_o believe_v or_o say_v that_o this_o spirit_n have_v produce_v all_o those_o sad_a thing_n in_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v hot_o and_o inconsiderate_o against_o reason_n i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o wildness_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n because_o i_o know_v how_o much_o imprudent_a zeal_n customary_a talk_n high_a pretension_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n may_v work_v even_o upon_o honest_a mind_n who_o many_o time_n hold_v bad_a thing_n in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o deny_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o so_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o will_n while_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o understanding_n this_o i_o account_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o multitude_n of_o pious_a people_n in_o reference_n to_o reason_n they_o have_v hear_v hotheaded_a indiscreet_a man_n declaim_v against_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o who_o opinion_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o light_n have_v a_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o their_o pretension_n be_v plausible_a and_o their_o zeal_n great_a their_o talk_n 〈◊〉_d and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d bold_a and_o the_o honest_a well-meaning_a folk_n be_v catch_v in_o their_o assection_n and_o these_o lead_v bad_a principle_n into_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o able_a to_o examine_v so_o they_o believe_v and_o talk_v after_o their_o teacher_n and_o say_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o low_a dull_a thing_n ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n and_o religion_n while_o in_o this_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a thought_n nor_o yet_o any_o evil_a meaning_n but_o let_v these_o sancy_n swim_v a_o top_n in_o their_o imagination_n and_o upon_o occasion_n they_o run_v out_o at_o the_o tongue_n end_n though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o improve_v to_o deadly_a practice_n for_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d caution_n i_o have_v say_v this_o but_o yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o all_o the_o forecited_a evil_n be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v the_o tendency_n and_o in_o too_o many_o instance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v ready_o by_o all_o that_o be_v con●…derate_a that_o whatever_o assist_v religion_n against_o this_o destructive_a enemy_n do_v it_o most_o important_a service_n and_o this_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n do_v in_o a_o degree_n very_o eminent_a in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o i_o intimate_v just_a now_o
viz._n that_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o enmity_n of_o reason_n to_o religion_n chie●…ly_o by_o two_o thing_n sect_n iii_o ay_o by_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o systeme_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o first_o instruct_v they_o which_o teacher_n come_v also_o into_o the_o fancy_n the_o same_o way_n and_o both_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o strong_a prejudice_n arise_v from_o that_o implicit_a faith_n and_o ii_o by_o want_n of_o clear_a thought_n and_o ability_n to_o state_n thing_n distinct_o and_o to_o understand_v their_o dependency_n and_o sequels_fw-fr both_o which_o imperfection_n the_o free_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o i._o that_o philosophy_n begin_v with_o the_o inlargment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o attempt_n to_o free_v it_o from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o pre-ingagement_n which_o sophisticate_a and_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n and_o render_v we_o incapable_a of_o discern_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v modest_a impartial_a enquiry_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o real_a experimental_a way_n of_o philosophy_n not_o that_o it_o teach_v scepti●…ism_n and_o absolute_a neutrality_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o so_o much_o caution_n in_o our_o disquisition_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sudden_o give_v firm_a assent_n to_o thing_n not_o well_o understand_v o●…_n examine_v which_o no_o doubt_n be_v very_o just_a and_o safe_a but_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o who_o through_o ignorance_n or_o other_o occasion_n be_v incapable_a of_o make_v due_a enquiry_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o matter_n of_o speculation_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o ●…lieve_v and_o practice_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o ar●…_n clear_a in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o with_o which_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v without_o much_o sagacity_n or_o deep_a judgement_n for_o matter_n of_o theory_n and_o dissicult_a enquiry_n appertain_v ●…ot_v to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o low_a rank_n of_o understanding_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o s●…arch_n after_o truth_n and_o be_v provide_v with_o advantage_n for_o it_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o success_n with_o this_o i_o say_v the_o real_a philosophy_n ●…egins_v and_o in_o all_o it_o be_v progress_v still_o m●…e_a and_o more_o dispo●…th_v the_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o so_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o vassalage_n of_o customary_a say_n and_o opinion_n now_o whoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n till_o he_o have_v consider_v and_o examine_v the_o matter_n with_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v whoever_o shall_v do_v that_o will_v want_v nothing_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a but_o clear_a and_o distinct_a thought_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o consequence_n with_o which_o philosophy_n will_v furnish_v he_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v to_o overthrow_v this_o principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n viz._n ii_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o state_n matter_n clear_o and_o to_o draw_v out_o those_o conclusion_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v confusion_n of_o notion_n and_o a_o grea●…_n defect_n in_o reason_v that_o make_v dark_a zeal_n to_o rave_v so_o furious_o against_o reason_n now_o philosophy_n be_v reason_n methodise_v and_o improve_v by_o study_n observation_n and_o experiment_n and_o whoever_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o be_v exercise_v frequent_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o cause_n property_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v inure_v the_o mind_n to_o great_a intentness_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o define_v and_o distinguish_v and_o infer_v right_o and_o by_o these_o the_o allegation_n against_o reason_n will_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v idle_a sophis●…s_n that_o have_v no_o sound_a sense_n or_o substance_n in_o they_o this_o be_v show_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n call_v a_o vindication_n and_o desence_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o also_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v state_v distinct_o and_o i_o think_v right_a be_v do_v both_o to_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a there_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n may_v either_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n or_o defend_v by_o it_o which_o two_o particular_n we_o will_v here_o touch_v a_o little_a that_o reason_n prove_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v by_o those_o philosophic_a reasoner_n that_o have_v do●…e_v it_o and_o to_o say_v a_o word_n of_o this_o will_v be_v no_o digression_n since_o it_o will_v show_v that_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o conceit_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o improve_v reason_n to_o many_o purpose_n of_o religion_n sect_n iv._o i._n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o divers_a great_a man_n have_v labour_v in_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o learned_a hugo_n grotius_n duplessis_n raymond_n de_fw-fr sa●…undis_fw-la the_o pious_a and_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n hammond_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o among_o ourselves_o and_o the_o immortal_a bishop_n of_o down_o doctor_n jer._n tailor_n have_v in_o ten_o leaf_n of_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la give_v such_o a_o invincible_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o judicious_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o most_o important_a par●…iculars_n of_o evidence_n that_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v before_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o alone_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v win_v upon_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o difficult_a assent_n and_o to_o have_v confound_v all_o the_o infidel_n under_o heaven_n this_o testimony_n i_o must_v give_v to_o that_o glorious_a performance_n and_o it_o will_v not_o i_o presume_v be_v think_v excessive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v mention_n of_o these_o worthy_a asserter_n and_o defender_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o reasoner_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o my_o present_a notice_n viz._n those_o that_o have_v use_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o modern_a free_a philosophy_n in_o prove_v and_o defend_v some_o main_a article_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v several_a member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n who_o have_v imploy●…d_v their_o ingenious_a and_o pious_a pain_n this_o way_n the_o wise_a learned_a and_o deserve_o celebrate_v prelate_n dr._n seth_n ward_n the_o present_a lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n have_v in_o his_o philosophical_a essay_n full_o though_o in_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o word_n and_o perspicuous_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o eternal_a reason_n and_o by_o this_o have_v clear_v the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a basis_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o illustrious_a mr._n boyle_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o usesulness_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophic_a reason_n give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o very_o glorious_a illustration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o by_o it_o he_o infinite_o shame_v and_o disprove_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n which_o great_a interest_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n have_v also_o be_v egregious_o promote_v by_o the_o judicious_a philosophical_a performance_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n h._n more_n who_o have_v every_o where_o in_o his_o work_n discover_v to_o what_o useful_a purpose_n reason_n and_o the_o free_a philosophy_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o noble_a sir_n k._n digby_n write_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immorta●…ty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o prove_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n of_o philosophy_n which_o design_n also_o of_o make_v philosophy_n serve_v the_o altar_n have_v be_v happy_o undertake_v and_o as_o successful_o manage_v by_o the_o ingenious_a mr._n sam._n parker_n in_o his_o learned_a tentamina_fw-la in_o which_o he_o strenuous_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o explain_v many_o difficulty_n about_o his_o attribute_n by_o the_o use_n of_o free_a philosophical_a reason_n these_o be_v and_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a college_n of_o philosopher_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a des-cartes_n and_o our_o worthy_a and_o learned_a doctor_n stillingfleet_n who_o have_v also_o excellent_o employ_v the_o free_a philosophy_n for_o the_o