vain_a imagination_n who_o scorn_v all_o tie_n of_o law_n and_o religion_n as_o subjection_n to_o governor_n be_v never_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o any_o mere_a rational_a argument_n than_o that_o which_o come_v with_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o bring_v obedient_a to_o magistrate_n because_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o so_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o itself_o in_o solitude_n as_o in_o society_n so_o the_o extravagant_a reasoner_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o way_n better_o reduce_v to_o obedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n than_o by_o contemplate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n for_o that_o prospect_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n will_v make_v reason_n so_o obsequious_a and_o tame_a that_o though_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o the_o greek_a lawgiver_n say_v of_o law_n in_o general_n be_v look_v on_o as_o cobweb_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o break_v they_o this_o consider_v i_o hope_v may_v supplant_v all_o censure_n which_o may_v condemn_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n by_o render_v argument_n which_o be_v design_v to_o fortify_v it_o weaken_v by_o too_o severe_a a_o inquisition_n for_o this_o method_n do_v no_o more_o violence_n to_o religion_n than_o a_o chirurgeon_n do_v to_o his_o patient_n whilst_o he_o stretch_v the_o sinew_n in_o order_n to_o set_v a_o bone_n which_o be_v out_o of_o its_o place_n neither_o shall_v i_o fear_v that_o these_o paper_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o vain_o speculative_a see_v the_o dedication_n direct_v the_o reader_n to_o so_o eminent_a a_o example_n which_o alone_o though_o the_o church_n be_v not_o protect_v by_o civil_a power_n and_o truth_n naked_a in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o factious_a adversary_n will_v have_v it_o be_v able_a to_o win_v practice_n and_o engage_v all_o christian_a obedience_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o design_v so_o far_o as_o these_o paper_n can_v promote_v it_o by_o my_o l_o d._n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n john_n warly_n a_o advertisement_n so_o often_o as_o the_o word_n reasoner_n occurr_v in_o this_o tract_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o of_o any_o other_o who_o be_v conduct_v by_o his_o principle_n and_o so_o often_o as_o the_o word_n reconciler_n be_v use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reconcileableness_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n other_o author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a be_v either_o plain_o cite_v or_o so_o discoverable_a by_o their_o matter_n that_o nothing_o more_o need_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o explanation_n errata_fw-la read_v as_o straight_o a_o union_n page_n 16._o for_o who_o read_v which_o p._n 34._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 65._o deal_n they_o 73._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 83._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 85_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o r._n terminate_v p._n 92._o r._n &_o p._n 104_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 108_o r._n minucius_n felix_n 112._o deal_n that_o 115._o r._n as_o much_o p._n 116._o deal_n lest_o r._n or_o p._n 118._o r._n erroneous_a p._n 139._o deal_n not_o and_o r._n be_v not_o p._n 153._o r._n scale_n p._n 162._o for_o which_o r._n when_o 170_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 173._o for_o that_o r._n what_o 178._o fornor_n r._n now_o p._n 180._o deal_v not_o 184._o reason_n in_o some_o late_a treatise_n be_v set_v up_o umpire_n in_o religion_n challenge_v appeal_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o as_o the_o high_a tribunal_n and_o be_v assert_v with_o privilege_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o pelagian_a invention_n or_o what_o any_o other_o heresy_n can_v project_v and_o one_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v threaten_v by_o some_o position_n which_o direct_o oppose_v it_o by_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o 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also_o consider_v if_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o element_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o ethnic_n lay_v aside_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o retire_n to_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o his_o persuasion_n as_o a_o chemist_n assert_n his_o principle_n and_o practical_a knowledge_n above_o that_o which_o theory_n teach_v whilst_o he_o analyses_n or_o dissolve_v a_o body_n by_o which_o he_o make_v sense_n a_o witness_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o both_o or_o as_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n challenge_v great_a certainty_n than_o that_o in_o other_o science_n which_o take_v a_o scheme_n asunder_o by_o demonstration_n and_o rebuilding_n it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n confident_o and_o just_o call_v it_o true_a but_o the_o success_n be_v different_a in_o religious_a case_n as_o in_o some_o curious_a contexture_n which_o be_v defective_a by_o its_o too_o fine_a thread_n and_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o 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the_o one_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o believe_v of_o the_o other_o the_o want_n of_o which_o can_v be_v think_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n the_o contrary_a be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o must_v not_o altogether_o by_o one_o peremptory_a sentence_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o reason_n who_o have_v not_o and_o perhaps_o can_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o belief_n though_o conversant_a with_o holy_a writing_n this_o make_v way_n for_o this_o disquisition_n whether_o in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_v determine_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o a_o mere_a natural_a conduct_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o school_n from_o this_o topick_n of_o god_n concourse_n with_o man_n which_o always_o leave_v goodness_n as_o its_o effect_n which_o must_v be_v call_v perfection_n according_a to_o the_o 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command_v to_o be_v use_v deserve_v not_o
of_o a_o visible_a church_n at_o any_o time_n since_o it_o be_v found_v if_o not_o the_o be_v of_o any_o true_o so_o call_v for_o that_o principle_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o council_n have_v be_v fallible_a will_v never_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n whether_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o see_v the_o reasoner_n rule_n admit_v of_o nothing_o as_o certain_a further_o than_o it_o be_v knowable_a by_o some_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n independent_a form_n divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o conjectural_a knowledge_n reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o criterion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n but_o by_o revelation_n which_o say_v the_o true_a faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v now_o that_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o those_o who_o 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interpretation_n make_v scripture_n to_o be_v no_o scripture_n so_o every_o christian_n be_v to_o be_v esteem_v orthodox_n or_o haeretical_a according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o council_n which_o have_v power_n to_o interpret_v and_o make_v his_o reason_n to_o be_v no_o reason_n no_o such_o conclusion_n can_v follow_v and_o if_o it_o do_v it_o will_v not_o break_v the_o force_n of_o the_o argument_n which_o confirm_v the_o former_a position_n for_o suppose_v the_o definition_n of_o council_n as_o conclusion_n which_o reason_n draw_v from_o the_o premise_n nor_o as_o none_o can_v be_v so_o rash_a as_o to_o say_v reason_n make_v the_o conclusion_n true_a which_o be_v so_o before_o only_o it_o can_v not_o commend_v it_o to_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n as_o a_o object_n of_o natural_a faith_n till_o the_o two_o proposition_n be_v bring_v as_o witness_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n or_o that_o logic_n create_v truth_n but_o only_o assist_v the_o invention_n in_o 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scripture_n by_o his_o authority_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o say_v by_o any_o christian_a that_o he_o will_v not_o give_v assent_n to_o several_a doctrine_n which_o be_v urge_v as_o matter_n of_o faith_n necessary_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o the_o attain_n salvation_n do_v not_o the_o church_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o yet_o the_o same_o person_n on_o the_o same_o principle_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o think_v that_o which_o be_v so_o define_v by_o the_o church_n be_v make_v true_a by_o its_o definition_n hitherto_o i_o have_v use_v this_o comparison_n which_o make_v the_o determination_n of_o council_n as_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n make_v by_o the_o head_n of_o the_o world_n to_o illustrate_v the_o answer_n to_o a_o objection_n but_o it_o be_v so_o apposite_a to_o another_o design_n it_o shall_v be_v use_v to_o show_v that_o the_o reasoner_n in_o a_o council_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o make_v a_o syllogism_n from_o mere_a natural_a topic_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o that_o which_o be_v debate_v this_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v true_a from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o structure_n of_o a_o syllogism_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o proposition_n which_o be_v less_o know_v by_o other_o which_o be_v more_o evident_a and_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v for_o the_o medium_n which_o be_v a_o ingredient_n of_o both_o proposition_n be_v as_o clear_v and_o as_o certain_a as_o a_o common_a notion_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n depend_v on_o it_o which_o if_o mistake_v make_v the_o syllogism_n a_o fallacy_n suppose_v therefore_o the_o member_n of_o a_o council_n as_o so_o many_o scholastics_n argue_v they_o have_v no_o such_o common_a notion_n as_o philosopher_n have_v by_o which_o as_o media_fw-la they_o can_v draw_v conclusion_n although_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v that_o the_o understanding_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n can_v judge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n viz._n it_o be_v impossible_a 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wisdom_n to_o one_o system_n and_o to_o take_v away_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o world_n be_v in_o such_o a_o frame_n in_o which_o neither_o sun_n or_o moon_n may_v be_v eclipse_v but_o when_o it_o be_v see_v to_o be_v so_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o earth_n interposition_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o that_o seem_a defect_n so_o a_o council_n can_v conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n be_v man_n but_o hypothetical_o for_o the_o divine_a decree_n which_o reason_n can_v know_v but_o by_o revelation_n be_v as_o the_o condition_n or_o antecedent_n which_o make_v christ_n humanity_n necessary_a let_v not_o this_o assertion_n seem_v strange_a since_o it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o reason_n must_v be_v defective_a as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n as_o also_o from_o this_o consideration_n that_o the_o mere_a reasoner_n can_v conclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o christ_n incarnation_n and_o will_v be_v more_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o other_o mysterious_a matter_n of_o faith_n the_o definition_n and_o conclusion_n of_o council_n thus_o hypothetical_o draw_v be_v not_o less_o certain_a because_o they_o be_v such_o see_v the_o antecedent_n of_o their_o proposition_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n and_o those_o who_o discourse_n have_v divine_a assistance_n in_o discern_v the_o connexion_n and_o infer_v the_o consequence_n now_o the_o connexion_n and_o sequel_n be_v true_a because_o of_o the_o divine_a direction_n as_o be_v already_o prove_v and_o the_o antecedent_n viz._n matter_n of_o fact_n be_v so_o as_o it_o appear_v from_o the_o miracle_n which_o confirm_v their_o truth_n which_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n may_v discern_v to_o be_v divine_a for_o reason_n may_v be_v allow_v a_o judge_n in_o this_o case_n though_o not_o in_o all_o doubt_n which_o come_v under_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o be_v this_o
the_o natural_a fanatic_a or_o reason_n consider_v in_o its_o extravagancy_n in_o religion_n and_o in_o some_o late_a treatise_n usurp_a the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n and_o council_n by_o john_n warly_n b.d._n late_a fellow_n of_o clare-hall_n in_o cambridg_n sic_fw-la si_fw-la homines_fw-la rationem_fw-la bono_fw-mi consilio_fw-la a_o diis_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la datam_fw-la in_o fraud_n m_o malitiamque_fw-la convertunt_fw-la non_fw-la dari_fw-la illam_fw-la quam_fw-la dari_fw-la humano_fw-la generi_fw-la melius_fw-la fuit_fw-la cicer._n the_o nat_n deor._n lib._n 3._o satius_fw-la fuerit_fw-la nullam_fw-la omnino_fw-la nobis_fw-la a_o dijs_fw-la immortalibus_fw-la datam_fw-la esse_fw-la rationem_fw-la quam_fw-la tantam_fw-la cum_fw-la pernicie_fw-la datam_fw-la ibidem_fw-la london_n print_v and_o be_v to_o be_v sell_v by_o thomas_n basset_n at_o the_o george_n in_o fleetstreet_n 1676._o imprimatur_fw-la 2._o novemb_n 1675._o geo._n hooper_n r_o mo_z d_o no._n arch._n cant._n à _fw-fr sacr._n domesticis_fw-la to_o the_o right_n honourable_a heneage_n lord_n finch_n baron_n of_o daventry_n and_o lord_n high_a chancellor_n of_o england_n may_v it_o please_v your_o lordship_n though_o dedication_n as_o much_o as_o preface_n may_v seem_v formal_a impertinency_n yet_o they_o cease_v to_o be_v such_o when_o the_o patronage_n it_o as_o the_o broad_a seal_n of_o england_n to_o authorize_v and_o licence_v the_o examination_n of_o the_o libertine_n though_o in_o such_o method_n as_o may_v seem_v unkind_a and_o unnatural_a to_o humanity_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o reason_n defect_n and_o expose_v it_o to_o the_o public_a vieu_fw-fr naked_a and_o intoxicated_a this_o way_n of_o argue_v be_v so_o far_o justifiable_a as_o it_o be_v more_o necessary_a at_o some_o time_n to_o declare_v that_o man_n be_v mad_a sool_n and_o bewitch_v in_o their_o search_n for_o religion_n than_o to_o flatter_v they_o with_o soft_a compellation_n of_o man_n of_o sober_a mind_n dispose_v for_o reasonable_a service_n and_o critical_o wise_a to_o salvation_n this_o method_n be_v also_o commend_v by_o christ_n practice_n who_o dispute_v with_o the_o pharisee_n and_o opinionative_n formalist_n of_o the_o jewish_a church_n answer_v their_o question_n with_o question_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n confound_v they_o whilst_o he_o inform_v they_o by_o retort_v their_o folly_n and_o turn_v the_o edge_n of_o their_o own_o troublesome_a query_n on_o themselves_o which_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n to_o silence_v a_o pragmatical_a jew_n the_o present_a state_n of_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o faction_n mind_n make_v this_o method_n seasonable_a for_o this_o age_n which_o be_v full_a of_o rea_n son_v zelots_n the_o secular_a fanatic_n who_o must_v be_v catechise_v in_o the_o first_o element_n of_o their_o natural_a religion_n though_o in_o a_o stile_n as_o rough_a as_o that_o by_o which_o arnobius_n discover_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o gentile_n these_o consideration_n i_o hope_v may_v render_v this_o bold_a address_n more_o pardonable_a and_o the_o tract_n less_o liable_a to_o censure_v which_o be_v presume_v i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o necessary_a that_o i_o declare_v which_o be_v the_o first_o motive_n which_o conmend_v the_o task_n to_o my_o thought_n and_o what_o direct_v it_o to_o your_o most_o honourable_a patronage_n libertinism_n exalt_v itself_o above_o sacred_a authority_n and_o usurp_a its_o power_n pleading_z reasins_z claim_n and_o right_a to_o the_o spiritual_a judicature_n and_o it_o be_v seasonable_o check_v by_o that_o oration_n which_o make_v england_n in_o its_o representative_n its_o auditor_n when_o it_o captivate_v both_o ear_n and_o mind_n with_o sweetness_n and_o vigour_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o property_n of_o eloquence_n command_v whilst_o it_o persuade_v i_o think_v it_o will_v not_o appear_v a_o impertinent_a piece_n of_o curiosity_n in_o a_o private_a person_n to_o inquire_v into_o and_o examine_v the_o composition_n of_o that_o leaven_n with_o which_o faction_n swell_v and_o turbulent_o serment_n i_o be_v also_o more_o confident_a in_o this_o address_n to_o your_o lordship_n whilst_o i_o consider_v that_o some_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o these_o paper_n when_o speak_v as_o duty_n call_v i_o as_o well_o as_o write_v find_a encouragement_n from_o the_o right_n honourable_a heneage_n earl_n of_o winchilsea_n my_o very_a good_a lord_n presume_v they_o may_v find_v the_o same_o favourable_a entertainment_n whilst_o they_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o same_o name_n which_o be_v now_o famous_a both_o for_o foreign_a and_o domestic_a administration_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o kingdom_n for_o it_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o my_o hope_n to_o conclude_v that_o soul_n may_v be_v ally_v as_o well_o as_o body_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v affinity_n of_o opinion_n as_o well_o as_o person_n and_o the_o same_o singular_a candour_n and_o humanity_n may_v run_v in_o the_o same_o blood_n as_o hereditary_a to_o the_o family_n this_o task_n be_v also_o encourage_v as_o necessary_a whilst_o i_o consider_v that_o several_a interest_v person_n cloak_v their_o practice_n under_o the_o thin_a film_n of_o a_o pretend_a religion_n which_o may_v exempt_v they_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o be_v atheist_n which_o be_v a_o name_n so_o odious_a as_o will_v effectual_o stifle_v their_o design_n and_o make_v their_o practice_n nauseous_a and_o seem_v careless_a whether_o christian_a religion_n as_o it_o be_v say_v of_o astraea_n return_v again_o to_o heaven_n so_o that_o the_o world_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o belief_n that_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o deity_n which_o they_o will_v have_v prove_v and_o worship_v by_o their_o rational_a method_n now_o that_o such_o may_v not_o impose_v upon_o credulous_a mind_n by_o persuade_v they_o they_o be_v true_o religious_a i_o think_v it_o proper_a to_o unmask_v they_o by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v so_o that_o by_o that_o method_n they_o can_v entitle_v themselves_o to_o the_o name_n of_o theist_n these_o man_n also_o please_v themselves_o or_o at_o least_o other_o with_o a_o empty_a name_n of_o a_o new_a kind_n of_o faith_n which_o they_o do_v no_o more_o understand_v than_o the_o exorcist_n do_v the_o sacred_a word_n abuse_v in_o his_o charm_n make_v it_o natural_a reason_n with_o a_o object_n bring_v nigh_a by_o revelation_n and_o to_o supply_v its_o defect_n have_v impudent_o meddle_v with_o the_o object_n god_n himself_o represent_v he_o as_o a_o proteus_n to_o be_v adore_v in_o several_a shape_n or_o as_o a_o picture_n to_o be_v see_v and_o worship_v in_o divers_a form_n according_a to_o the_o various_a situation_n of_o the_o spectator_n by_o which_o arbitrary_a transsiguration_n of_o christ_n in_o each_o man_n brain_n he_o will_v be_v as_o much_o abuse_v in_o man_n fancy_n as_o the_o deity_n be_v in_o the_o heathen_n idolatrous_a way_n of_o worship_n it_o need_v not_o be_v call_v to_o your_o lordship_n mind_n that_o such_o extravagant_a liberty_n will_v exceed_v all_o former_a her_o esie_n and_o schism_n which_o seem_v more_o modest_a for_o they_o be_v never_o contract_v into_o a_o more_o narrow_a compass_n than_o a_o assembly_n or_o congregation_n but_o this_o make_v in_o its_o ecclesiastical_a anarchy_n each_o zealot_n a_o independent-church_n but_o i_o be_v not_o only_o lead_v to_o this_o task_n by_o the_o wild_a project_n of_o extravagant_a brain_n but_o by_o the_o practice_n of_o man_n of_o more_o sober_a mind_n who_o perhaps_o observe_v the_o predominant_a humour_n and_o prevail_a prejudices_fw-la of_o some_o against_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n as_o tyrannical_a over_o conscience_n out_o of_o their_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o church_n and_o christian_a resolution_n like_o commander_n disarm_v in_o sight_n snatch_v a_o sword_n from_o their_o enemy_n hand_n when_o ill_a success_n deprive_v they_o of_o their_o own_o dispute_v with_o the_o atheist_n upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o fight_v against_o he_o with_o his_o argument_n which_o way_n have_v be_v little_a successful_a and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a wonder_n for_o divine_a authority_n which_o be_v exclude_v in_o such_o dispute_v set_v the_o edge_n on_o the_o spiritual_a sword_n &_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o that_o arm_n which_o wield_v it_o all_o natural_a argument_n so_o manage_v be_v as_o some_o vicious_a syllogism_n which_o have_v all_o the_o proposition_n but_o conclude_v nothing_o but_o this_o be_v not_o so_o easy_o believe_v as_o say_v in_o this_o treatise_n reason_n and_o religion_n dispute_v their_o right_n to_o be_v judge_n in_o spiritual_a matter_n this_o method_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a for_o the_o reasoner_n will_v never_o believe_v he_o be_v lawful_o condemn_v if_o he_o have_v not_o liberty_n to_o bring_v in_o all_o natural_a evidence_n in_o the_o trial_n which_o large_a concession_n will_v make_v he_o know_v the_o vanity_n of_o liberty_n false_o so_o call_v and_o subjugate_v his_o unruly_a mind_n play_v like_o a_o fish_n which_o be_v weary_v with_o the_o line_n of_o his_o
aristotle_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n approve_v by_o rhadamanthus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n 5._o such_o observation_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a not_o the_o christian_n the_o reasoner_n may_v also_o urge_v that_o tully_n plato_n seneca_n and_o other_o sophy_n have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o sentence_n which_o have_v such_o a_o near_a alliance_n to_o scripture_n that_o only_o the_o author_n name_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o it_o this_o grant_v will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n for_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o emanation_n of_o a_o heathen_n mind_n or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n mix_v their_o own_o thought_n with_o some_o notion_n take_v from_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v which_o will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o the_o ethnic_a be_v consider_v in_o his_o confuse_a way_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o different_a expression_n of_o he_o which_o will_v give_v way_n for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o they_o certain_o know_v a_o be_v above_o themselves_o but_o what_o it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o have_v they_o as_o certain_o know_v his_o nature_n as_o they_o seem_v assure_v of_o his_o be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o these_o notion_n in_o man_n mind_n be_v unalterable_a and_o although_o discourse_n or_o artificial_a way_n may_v confound_v they_o when_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o so_o seem_v variable_a yet_o in_o themselves_o consider_v can_v be_v change_v wherefore_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v know_v by_o pure_a reason_n as_o to_o his_o be_v and_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n yet_o by_o this_o imperfect_a notion_n the_o reasoner_n can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o theist_n and_o say_v to_o know_v god_n than_o he_o who_o see_v some_o few_o or_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v or_o paint_v can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v his_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n or_o what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a if_o a_o similitude_n may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o pass_v judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o those_o lineament_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n power_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o man_n he_o will_v be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o of_o the_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n of_o a_o man_n for_o as_o the_o one_o can_v conclude_v by_o the_o draught_n what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a neither_o can_v the_o other_o know_v in_o which_o attribute_n god_n take_v most_o delight_n beside_o if_o mere_a natural_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v dispute_v and_o the_o christian_a creed_n contract_v into_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n some_o of_o its_o article_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o pass_a judgement_n be_v in_o danger_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v improve_v much_o above_o that_o height_n which_o king_n agrippa_n arrive_v at_o man_n be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o before_o this_o disquisition_n be_v conclude_v i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o fame_a instance_n in_o plato_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evang._n lib._n undec_fw-la c._n dec._n tert_n who_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o a_o characteristic_a or_o token_n by_o which_o dionysius_n shall_v discern_v whether_o his_o letter_n or_o epistle_n be_v jocular_a or_o serious_a this_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o author_n natural_o orthodox_n but_o do_v not_o sufficient_o justify_v he_o and_o undoubted_o free_v he_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o polytheism_n or_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o use_v that_o beginning_n with_o one_o god_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o more_o serious_a business_n rather_o than_o to_o signify_v his_o settle_a opinion_n because_o it_o will_v savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o narrow_a and_o envious_a spirit_n not_o become_v a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v communicate_v that_o as_o a_o secret_a to_o dionysius_n and_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o ingenuous_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o discourse_n it_o may_v be_v also_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v at_o any_o time_n write_v jocular_o and_o play_v with_o the_o deity_n make_v the_o term_n god_n to_o be_v as_o a_o signet_n to_o seal_v his_o more_o trivial_a secrecy_n or_o less_o accurate_a writing_n except_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o he_o as_o a_o socrates_n deride_v and_o laugh_v at_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serious_a when_o deus_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o laugh_v when_o he_o think_v of_o dij_fw-la this_o may_v be_v one_o plausible_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o usual_a application_n of_o plato_n epistolar_n mark_v or_o sign_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v if_o his_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n be_v consider_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o heathen_n ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o refute_v by_o citation_n take_v from_o porphyrius_n proclus_n or_o plotinus_n or_o other_o platonist_n see_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o their_o master_n have_v now_o how_o far_o the_o platonic_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o discourse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o accommodate_v to_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o the_o second_o principle_n in_o plato_n sense_n imply_v more_o or_o rather_o be_v different_a from_o the_o personal_a distinction_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v think_v proper_a to_o vie_v authority_n with_o authority_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o heathen_n eminent_a in_o dignity_n morality_n and_o learning_n antoninus_n and_o severus_n who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o polytheism_n as_o may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o the_o language_n of_o their_o public_a professor_n of_o philosophy_n alexand_n aphrod_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr fato_fw-la p._n 135._o which_o speak_v of_o the_o deity_n in_o a_o plural_a number_n and_o attribute_n omniscience_n and_o prescience_n which_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o dij_fw-la or_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o language_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o emperor_n apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n this_o also_o may_v be_v consider_v zenophon_n who_o in_o a_o pleasant_a discourse_n seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n or_o language_n but_o that_o which_o general_o be_v receive_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o so_o apprehend_v to_o be_v infallible_o denominate_v one_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v which_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v be_v but_o seem_v zenoph_n in_o convivio_fw-la if_o this_o citation_n as_o table_n discourse_n may_v seem_v too_o familiar_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o authority_n in_o strict_a way_n of_o argue_v let_v the_o author_n be_v consider_v when_o he_o speak_v most_o serious_o and_o when_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o a_o enemy_n oblige_v his_o thought_n to_o retirement_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o devotion_n it_o will_v appear_v doubtful_a whether_o he_o be_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n at_o the_o same_o breath_n confound_v deus_n and_o dij_fw-la begin_v with_o the_o one_o and_o end_v with_o the_o other_o say_v these_o word_n conclude_v his_o oration_n to_o the_o soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zen._n the_o exped_a cyri-pag_n 296._o hitherto_o the_o deity_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o next_o disquisition_n be_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o immortality_n can_v be_v attain_v by_o mere_a reason_n as_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v itself_o without_o a_o mirror_n or_o glass_n so_o the_o soul_n can_v know_v itself_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n or_o immortality_n without_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n much_o more_o the_o eternal_a continuation_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o seem_v to_o glory_n of_o his_o invention_n when_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v a_o way_n to_o convince_v the_o sceptic_a of_o its_o distinct_a
the_o name_n of_o enthusiasm_n neither_o can_v that_o extraordinary_a assistance_n promise_v to_o holy_a council_n and_o synod_n denominate_v they_o enthusiastic_a in_o their_o definition_n but_o i_o will_v not_o urge_v this_o argument_n see_v the_o reasonner_n conclude_v council_n no_o otherwise_v assist_v than_o by_o reason_n and_o no_o better_a qualify_v for_o find_v truth_n than_o a_o senate_n or_o parliament_n but_o further_o examine_v the_o reasoner_n position_n which_o allow_v no_o more_o divine_a assistance_n to_o reason_n but_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o the_o object_n represent_v in_o holy_a scripture_n or_o to_o speak_v in_o his_o metaphor_n that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o soul_n can_v discern_v all_o spiritual_n object_n external_a impediment_n be_v remove_v and_o bring_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o vision_n this_o discern_a faculty_n be_v such_o that_o the_o soul_n can_v no_o more_o pretend_v to_o be_v furnish_v with_o it_o than_o the_o bat_n or_o owl_n can_v be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o eye_n as_o quick_a and_o as_o pierce_v as_o the_o eagle_n and_o as_o well_o dispose_v for_o vision_n if_o nature_n have_v not_o place_v its_o proper_a object_n at_o too_o great_a a_o distance_n some_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v so_o small_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v be_v discern_v he_o deserve_v to_o chronicle_v a_o fool_n who_o observe_v the_o discovery_n make_v by_o microscope_n of_o small_a body_n which_o nature_n can_v not_o see_v while_o unassisted_a by_o art_n and_o she_o look_v with_o she_o own_o eye_n will_v attempt_v a_o invention_n of_o make_v discovery_n of_o the_o part_n and_o figure_n of_o they_o of_o which_o the_o air_n or_o wind_n consist_v some_o object_n be_v not_o visible_a though_o as_o near_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o can_v be_v not_o to_o speak_v much_o of_o atom_n and_o mathematical_a point_n the_o one_o not_o to_o be_v discern_v by_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o body_n the_o other_z not_o distinct_o see_v by_o that_o of_o the_o mind_n as_o appear_v from_o numerous_a controversy_n which_o arise_v from_o they_o which_o be_v not_o so_o trivial_a or_o useless_a but_o that_o prudence_n can_v have_v have_v make_v they_o subservient_fw-fr as_o the_o strange_a phaenomena_n of_o the_o loadstone_n suggest_v by_o the_o reconciler_n to_o facilitate_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o spiritual_a be_v by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v being_n in_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o those_o which_o religion_n discover_v who_o existence_n must_v be_v confess_v though_o the_o object_n be_v invisible_a and_o confound_v both_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o their_o search_n this_o defect_n of_o natural_a sight_n proceed_v not_o from_o the_o want_n of_o the_o near_a approach_n of_o the_o object_n as_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o first_o prospect_n religion_n take_v viz._n the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o be_v bring_v as_o near_o as_o imagination_n can_v wish_v or_o propose_v for_o what_o object_n can_v be_v so_o near_o to_o the_o soul_n as_o a_o idea_n which_o be_v connate_a with_o it_o and_o inseparable_a from_o it_o be_v but_o confuse_o discern_v beside_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o this_o object_n imply_v it_o be_v near_o to_o every_o faculty_n which_o be_v able_a to_o discern_v it_o the_o world_n also_o be_v as_o a_o theatre_n in_o every_o part_n of_o which_o of_o god_n be_v to_o be_v see_v yet_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n which_o natural_a man_n frame_v in_o their_o brain_n be_v as_o ill_a representation_n of_o he_o as_o pagan_n idol_n who_o monstrous_a pageantry_n owe_v its_o beginning_n to_o man_n imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o spirit_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o comprehend_v the_o supreme_a that_o it_o can_v conclude_v the_o be_v or_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o inferior_a the_o angel_n who_o be_v above_o mere_a humane_a knowledge_n but_o if_o this_o may_v be_v retort_v by_o say_v the_o natural_a ignorance_n of_o the_o existence_n and_o nature_n of_o angel_n who_o be_v reason_n can_v necessary_a conclude_v do_v not_o imply_v the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o deity_n who_o existence_n be_v more_o evident_a which_o must_v be_v grant_v for_o as_o he_o who_o can_v discern_v a_o atom_n or_o the_o small_a visible_a part_n of_o matter_n may_v see_v a_o mountain_n or_o great_a object_n so_o humane_a reason_n ignorant_a of_o finite_a may_v discern_v a_o infinite_a spirit_n yet_o it_o argue_v the_o imperfection_n of_o the_o sight_n for_o he_o who_o can_v discern_v a_o mote_n in_o a_o sunbeam_n can_v so_o distinct_o discern_v the_o vast_a body_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o he_o who_o know_v not_o the_o ratio_fw-la formalis_fw-la or_o essence_n of_o the_o least_o part_n of_o matter_n know_v it_o not_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o great_a bulk_n of_o the_o universe_n let_v this_o be_v conclude_v by_o say_v that_o as_o he_o who_o can_v distinct_o see_v the_o small_a sand_n can_v so_o distinct_o see_v the_o vast_a seashore_n so_o he_o who_o know_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o finite_a do_v not_o distinct_o discern_v that_o of_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n to_o what_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n reason_n only_o follow_v its_o own_o conduct_n can_v lead_v its_o follower_n and_o how_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o theist_n satisfaction_n will_v be_v give_v to_o all_o doubt_n which_o can_v arise_v out_o of_o this_o inquiry_n if_o these_o position_n be_v prove_v that_o reason_n in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o his_o worship_n can_v arrive_v to_o a_o high_a pitch_n of_o certainty_n than_o that_o of_o opinion_n and_o that_o such_o knowledge_n be_v so_o uncertain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o that_o firm_a assent_n which_o religion_n command_v for_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a it_o be_v enough_o to_o direct_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o precedent_a disquisition_n which_o show_v how_o the_o reasoner_n put_v himself_o in_o the_o condition_n or_o quality_n of_o a_o ethnic_a for_o though_o revelation_n be_v allow_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o set_n out_o his_o rational_a guide_n yet_o whilst_o reason_n be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o reveal_v proposition_n which_o must_v be_v ratify_v by_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o nothing_o be_v leave_v of_o revelation_n but_o the_o name_n and_o reason_n consecrate_a by_o a_o heavenly_a title_n these_o premised_a will_v make_v a_o more_o easy_a digression_n to_o the_o examination_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n and_o rule_n which_o the_o reasoner_n prescribe_v his_o guide_n viz._n not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o conclusion_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o natural_a evidence_n this_o direction_n observe_v by_o the_o guide_n will_v give_v no_o better_a assurance_n of_o safe-conduct_n than_o that_o which_o opinion_n afford_v and_o in_o strictness_n of_o language_n can_v entitle_v he_o to_o the_o name_n of_o theist_n which_o shall_v be_v more_o large_o prove_v but_o before_o i_o speak_v to_o that_o part_n of_o this_o inquiry_n i_o can_v but_o suggest_v my_o fear_n that_o by_o this_o harsh_a conclusion_n i_o may_v be_v think_v to_o condemn_v the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n as_o atheist_n and_o to_o call_v god_n goodness_n in_o question_n in_o not_o indow_v man_n with_o such_o faculty_n as_o can_v discern_v the_o creator_n and_o trace_v a_o way_n to_o happiness_n and_o by_o this_o position_n to_o take_v away_o the_o satisfactory_a method_n of_o solve_v doubt_n in_o religion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v as_o much_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v capable_a which_o will_v be_v insignificant_a if_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v it_o these_o prejudices_fw-la shall_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o only_o name_v they_o here_o lest_o the_o reader_n may_v think_v i_o be_v not_o sensible_a how_o many_o obstacle_n be_v in_o the_o way_n before_o i_o can_v attempt_v the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n and_o to_o desire_v he_o to_o pass_v over_o they_o with_o a_o swift_a touch_n as_o the_o traveller_n tender_o go_v over_o a_o quag-mire_n or_o quicksand_n till_o he_o can_v find_v a_o more_o sure_a bottom_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o weigh_v the_o several_a argument_n reason_n have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o many_o let_v that_o of_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o sceptic_a take_v place_n who_o force_n consist_v in_o these_o particular_a position_n that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v frame_v by_o his_o invention_n because_o the_o soul_n can_v contrive_v the_o model_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o itself_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o
infallible_a knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n for_o after_o the_o utmost_a perusal_n of_o his_o own_o argument_n concern_v he_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o describe_v himself_o by_o a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v be_v in_o suspense_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n this_o bold_a presumption_n be_v found_v on_o the_o former_a position_n viz._n that_o the_o reasoner_n have_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o power_n undistinguished_a in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o gross_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n in_o a_o loose_a and_o common_a way_n of_o speech_n be_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o language_n which_o call_v a_o be_v one_o which_o in_o strictness_n be_v not_o so_o as_o a_o late_a author_n instance_n in_o rome_n which_o retain_v its_o name_n although_o the_o city_n be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o first_o take_v that_o name_n and_o there_o be_v protean_a body_n which_o each_o moment_n change_v yet_o retain_v the_o same_o name_n such_o comparison_n or_o such_o expression_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v thing_n finite_a word_n be_v as_o coin_n or_o rather_o the_o stamp_n upon_o it_o which_o oftentimes_o be_v so_o far_o from_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o a_o king_n that_o there_o be_v much_o necessity_n of_o a_o motto_n to_o tell_v who_o image_n it_o be_v as_o painter_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o their_o art_n be_v force_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o pencil_n by_o their_o pen_n and_o make_v man_n reader_n not_o spectator_n of_o picture_n but_o the_o strict_a reasoner_n as_o he_o be_v careful_a in_o frame_a notion_n of_o thing_n so_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a in_o give_v name_n or_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v number_n or_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a as_o infinite_a be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o a_o object_n as_o infinite_a so_o far_o the_o affirmation_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o as_o uncertain_a that_o assent_n which_o pass_v apprehension_n must_v pass_v for_o ignorance_n and_o can_v only_o be_v adjust_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n infinite_a will_v not_o be_v infinite_a can_v it_o be_v apprehend_v as_o a_o adequate_a object_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v as_o nigh_o as_o possible_a the_o french_a philosopher_n modest_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o term_n of_o art_n a_o give_v the_o old_a world_n a_o name_n more_o suitable_a to_o man_n apprehension_n than_o that_o which_o it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o in_o several_a age_n for_o finite_a call_v it_o indefinite_a which_o be_v something_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o have_v bound_n therefore_o its_o dimension_n possible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o no_o man_n can_v determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v infinity_n either_o as_o to_o number_v or_o quality_n see_v the_o object_n he_o judge_n of_o be_v beyond_o his_o reach_n he_o who_o attribute_n any_o property_n to_o a_o subject_a be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n or_o form_n of_o it_o otherwise_o he_o like_v the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v not_o full_o his_o sight_n recover_v may_v call_v man_n tree_n or_o fasten_v impossibility_n on_o the_o subject_a lest_o qualify_v it_o by_o the_o notion_n he_o frame_v of_o it_o with_o a_o power_n to_o make_v impossibility_n not_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o reconciler_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n instance_n in_o the_o french_a virtuoso_fw-la who_o conclude_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o hill_n without_o a_o valley_n not_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alex._n aphrodis_fw-la de_fw-fr fato_fw-it p._n 135._o to_o make_v such_o assertion_n appear_v plausible_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o impossibility_n cease_v to_o be_v such_o when_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n as_o the_o vast_a bulk_n of_o the_o earth_n appear_v as_o a_o point_n or_o as_o nothing_o when_o consider_v in_o respect_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o some_o star_n this_o assertion_n show_v the_o author_n ingenuity_n and_o modesty_n but_o give_v little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o reasoner_n for_o to_o conclude_v god_n can_v do_v impossibility_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_a be_v to_o prove_v a_o proposition_n by_o a_o medium_n equal_o obscure_a it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o find_v truth_n in_o general_a and_o he_o who_o be_v nice_a will_v be_v cautious_a how_o he_o attribute_n any_o property_n to_o a_o be_v which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o more_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o one_o who_o attribute_n be_v so_o near_o unite_v to_o his_o be_v that_o they_o can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o this_o difficulty_n of_o frame_a the_o notion_n of_o god_n make_v some_o heathen_n look_v on_o the_o deity_n as_o a_o universal_a power_n or_o a_o aggregat_fw-la of_o all_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v divine_o of_o god_n as_o one_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v they_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o jeweller_n who_o call_v one_o kind_n of_o margarite_n union_n because_o first_o they_o be_v find_v single_a when_o daily_o experience_n show_v many_o be_v hatch_v in_o the_o same_o shell_n here_o i_o may_v make_v a_o stop_n and_o pity_v the_o ethnic_n and_o the_o secular_a reasoner_n who_o like_o apodes_n bird_n on_o the_o wing_n hover_v in_o contemplation_n without_o foot_n to_o rest_n on_o for_o who_o support_n though_o nature_n have_v make_v provision_n yet_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n than_o for_o other_o familiar_a work_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v as_o a_o father_n eminent_a both_o for_o christian_a and_o pagan_a oratory_n say_v in_o his_o octavia_n that_o the_o heathen_n do_v always_o own_o one_o god_n and_o providence_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o point_v it_o out_o this_o confess_v help_v the_o heathen_a or_o reasoner_n very_o little_a for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o disquisition_n that_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o rove_a fancy_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v god_n from_o other_o being_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o theist_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n have_v be_v know_v to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o opportunity_n or_o ability_n to_o read_v holy_a scripture_n yet_o speak_v sentence_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o famous_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o can_v help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o this_o article_n of_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o sibyl_n it_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a reason_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o so_o much_o as_o they_o speak_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n come_v from_o revelation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v determine_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v reason_n defect_n in_o its_o first_o and_o chief_a discovery_n when_o it_o put_v itself_o on_o the_o rack_n stretch_v only_o to_o a_o sceptical_a uncertainty_n it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o meet_v with_o another_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o considerable_a that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n that_o i_o conclude_v the_o gentile_n or_o ethnic_n have_v not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n neither_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v theist_n which_o assertion_n seem_v too_o cruel_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o some_o eminent_a in_o learning_n allow_v that_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o theory_n and_o practice_n if_o not_o save_v in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v exempt_a from_o damnation_n because_o they_o have_v a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o by_o that_o law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o heathen_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o action_n moral_o good_a and_o evil_n just_a and_o unjust_a and_o justice_n in_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n though_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n let_v this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o set_v out_o his_o guide_n for_o although_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ethnic_a and_o the_o christian_a and_o some_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v reason_n dictate_v promulge_v and_o make_v law_n by_o another_o legislation_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n suppose_v the_o heathen_a exact_o observe_v his_o legem_fw-la talionis_fw-la and_o demand_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n express_v it_o or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o poetical_a say_n which_o
own_o principle_n and_o when_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v because_o reason_n be_v inform_v by_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o religious_a mystery_n yet_o that_o assent_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n instead_o of_o evidence_n divert_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o their_o usual_a method_n be_v enough_o to_o assert_v reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v way_n for_o a_o cavil_v complaint_n that_o the_o divine_a determination_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o faculty_n whilst_o thus_o divert_v from_o their_o usual_a method_n for_o the_o divine_a concourse_n which_o determine_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v violence_n than_o the_o mathematician_n information_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n can_v be_v call_v compulsion_n when_o he_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o pass_v true_a sentence_n which_o he_o without_o the_o artist_n can_v not_o have_v pronounce_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o matter_n of_o belief_n be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v for_o faith_n take_v its_o name_n from_o persuasion_n which_o be_v not_o always_o beget_v by_o demonstration_n and_o from_o assent_n more_o than_o from_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o divine_a method_n have_v several_a way_n to_o command_v belief_n sometime_o it_o make_v a_o extempore_o convert_v grace_n work_v effectual_o in_o a_o moment_n sometime_o it_o operate_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o man_n life_n to_o perfect_v the_o work_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o their_o assent_n be_v terminate_v in_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o divine_a determination_n which_o make_v the_o will_n like_o the_o loadstone_n which_o instance_n be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o reconciler_n which_o will_v certain_o conduct_v the_o mariner_n though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v direct_v whether_o by_o a_o materia_fw-la subtilis_fw-la pass_v through_o the_o pole_n of_o this_o low_a vortex_n or_o any_o other_o mysterious_a way_n of_o nature_n to_o speak_v all_o if_o sail_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o pilot_n can_v demonstrate_v its_o infallible_a direction_n from_o its_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v unknown_a and_o the_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la will_v take_v more_o room_n in_o the_o map_n than_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v until_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v explain_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v pass_v as_o infidel_n thus_o far_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a sight_n have_v be_v discover_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o reconciler_n who_o urge_v belief_n as_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n by_o which_o if_o he_o only_o understand_v a_o rational_a choice_n exclude_v grace_n the_o former_a discourse_n will_v equal_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o the_o reasoner_n for_o if_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a prudence_n must_v necessary_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o its_o content_n be_v such_o as_o will_v command_v assent_n from_o the_o reasonable_a man_n he_o shut_v out_o grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o sufficient_a and_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o athanasius_n cyril_n and_o other_o holy_a father_n it_o be_v to_o show_v they_o be_v self-sufficient_a without_o the_o subsidy_n of_o tradition_n not_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n for_o although_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o proposal_n of_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o infidel_n as_o imprudent_a yet_o this_o condemnation_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v only_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o petition_v for_o grace_n and_o oppose_v it_o when_o offer_v to_o help_v unbelief_n do_v adjust_a the_o severity_n of_o that_o say_n he_o who_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v natural_a prudence_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o the_o embrace_a christian_a religion_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o aristotle_n sense_n who_o define_v it_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o practice_n lib._n sexto_fw-la ethicor._fw-la ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prudence_n thus_o define_v can_v have_v no_o place_n as_o antecedent_n to_o belief_n because_o that_o mere_a reason_n in_o several_a case_n can_v judge_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o therefore_o will_v demur_v at_o some_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o happiness_n such_o as_o be_v self-denial_n and_o other_o injunction_n which_o natural_a prudence_n will_v not_o choose_v if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o subsequent_a to_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o practice_n and_o what_o be_v evil_a for_o duty_n in_o religion_n be_v indispensable_o enjoin_v which_o destroy_v consultation_n which_o denominate_v a_o man_n prudent_a i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o christ_n decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o rank_v the_o prudent_a man_n in_o this_o sense_n not_o so_o wise_a as_o a_o babe_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o better_a sense_n divine_a direction_n and_o concourse_n be_v suppose_v as_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o may_v challenge_v the_o etymology_n which_o aristotle_n give_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n add_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n that_o a_o prudential_n choice_n of_o religion_n suppose_v it_o and_o its_o reward_n too_o to_o be_v expose_v as_o a_o prize_n not_o in_o the_o apostlical_a sense_n so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o great_a stock_n of_o prudence_n must_v pass_v as_o most_o religious_a when_o he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o be_v esteem_v a_o reprobate_n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n see_v our_o eyesight_n need_v alteration_n and_o itself_o be_v indispose_v the_o believer_n do_v safe_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a philosopher_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o truth_n but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n who_o say_v we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n as_o safe_o trust_v other_o as_o ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n sext._n ethic._n ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la so_o far_o as_o man_n follow_v a_o unerring_a conduct_n so_o far_o they_o be_v infallible_a though_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o leader_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o single_a person_n but_o the_o follow_a disquisition_n consider_v it_o in_o a_o multitude_n or_o a_o assembly_n as_o it_o attend_v their_o sacred_a vote_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v more_o infallible_a than_o when_o as_o a_o monarch_n it_o assert_v its_o seem_a privilege_n by_o renounce_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v nature_n afford_v rely_v on_o private_a evidence_n which_o also_o be_v suppose_v in_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o a_o council_n therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o examine_v whether_o reason_n only_o enlighten_v by_o apprehend_v the_o story_n and_o content_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o as_o judge_n and_o the_o last_o determiner_n of_o controversy_n so_o as_o it_o can_v pass_v infallible_a judgement_n on_o proposition_n offer_v as_o revelation_n and_o whether_o the_o fallibility_n of_o some_o council_n render_v all_o so_o suspicious_a that_o the_o christian_a can_v safe_o rely_v on_o conciliary_a definition_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o inquiry_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a for_o by_o infinuate_v that_o all_o council_n be_v fallible_a he_o presume_v he_o may_v as_o well_o appeal_v to_o a_o fallible_a self_n as_o a_o fallible_a multitude_n but_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v check_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o these_o proposition_n general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o all_o have_v be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v grant_v it_o will_v destroy_v the_o certainty_n
miracle_n be_v work_n which_o exceed_v mere_a natural_a power_n or_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v natural_a and_o what_o not_o but_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o high_a mystery_n this_o assertion_n perhaps_o may_v be_v check_v by_o a_o instance_n in_o conciliary_a proceed_n in_o discern_a canonical_a book_n of_o holy_a scripture_n from_o apocryphal_a or_o any_o false_o so_o call_v in_o which_o judgement_n be_v pass_v by_o mere_a rational_a evidence_n whilst_o it_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o by_o their_o content_n this_o must_v not_o be_v grant_v for_o though_o the_o content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o their_o truth_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o the_o only_a characteristic_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o other_o which_o be_v not_o canonical_a when_o there_o be_v any_o debate_n in_o a_o council_n concern_v any_o part_n of_o scripture_n to_o be_v admit_v into_o 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distinguish_v it_o from_o base_a metal_n to_o speak_v all_o conciliary_a discussion_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o inquire_v how_o revelation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o revelation_n and_o what_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v compare_v one_o text_n with_o another_o till_o they_o agree_v which_o consent_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o truth_n however_o it_o be_v scarce_o probable_a that_o the_o reasoner_n will_v be_v persuade_v or_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o pretend_a private_a infallibility_n whilst_o he_o conclude_v every_o individual_a man_n may_v proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o council_n do_v because_o each_o rational_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o draw_v conclusion_n by_o analogy_n or_o compare_v the_o several_a content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o reasonable_a man_n be_v natural_o qualify_v to_o find_v truth_n yet_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a foundation_n on_o which_o infallibility_n can_v rest_v be_v not_o to_o a_o single_a person_n those_o natural_a qualification_n can_v assure_v they_o of_o find_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o reasoner_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o urge_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o former_a assertion_n do_v take_v the_o privilege_n from_o every_o private_a person_n so_o that_o in_o any_o case_n he_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n may_v be_v safe_o maintain_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o private_a person_n who_o be_v know_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n which_o must_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o pass_v judgement_n in_o particular_a case_n for_o they_o may_v not_o appeal_v from_o synod_n to_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o because_o truth_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o council_n and_o there_o be_v rule_n of_o find_v it_o if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v whether_o a_o private_a person_n who_o have_v neither_o learning_n or_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o salvation_n as_o this_o propose_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n so_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v dubious_o return_v however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o any_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o be_v a_o know_a member_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o pastor_n be_v as_o mouth_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o suppose_v a_o 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be_v necessary_a though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n for_o some_o age_n pass_v without_o they_o for_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n require_v such_o supply_n to_o imagine_v it_o can_v always_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o conclude_v it_o exempt_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a and_o independent_a as_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o lead_v it_o and_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o former_a can_v be_v grant_v for_o heresy_n must_v be_v and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o great_a necessity_n of_o their_o condemnation_n the_o latter_a can_v be_v allow_v for_o as_o it_o intrenche_n on_o the_o divine_a dominion_n so_o it_o do_v equalise_v the_o church_n militant_a with_o the_o triumphant_a who_o great_a trimuph_n be_v our_o error_n this_o necessity_n of_o council_n be_v confirm_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o different_a opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o equal_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a and_o 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the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a debate_n for_o a_o single_a person_n may_v be_v qualify_v for_o find_v truth_n in_o philosophy_n with_o such_o certainty_n as_o may_v vie_v with_o the_o numerous_a sect_n but_o no_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v pretend_v to_o that_o cretainty_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v in_o council_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o man_n may_v be_v master_n of_o more_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o one_o walk_v library_n more_o valuable_a than_o a_o vatican_n but_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v so_o monastical_a as_o to_o live_v in_o solitude_n or_o a_o single_a person_n beside_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v the_o same_o assurance_n of_o a_o true_a conduct_n in_o their_o doubt_n by_o reason_n which_o the_o council_n have_v by_o divine_a supply_n he_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a
christian_a posterity_n give_v assent_v to_o the_o whole_a sacred_a volume_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o same_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o adam_n assent_v to_o and_o believe_v that_o synopsis_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o adam_n posterity_n have_v a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o forefather_n as_o the_o second_o adam_n be_v just_o exalt_v above_o the_o first_o yet_o this_o advance_n of_o knowledge_n owe_v not_o its_o original_a to_o mere_a natural_a power_n for_o though_o the_o christian_a believer_n without_o breach_n of_o modesty_n may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v more_o than_o his_o first_o forefather_n yet_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o only_o owe_v its_o improvement_n to_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o latter_a than_o in_o the_o first_o gospel_n preach_v to_o adam_n by_o god_n himself_o but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a supply_n which_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o revelation_n otherwise_o the_o christian_n can_v no_o more_o believe_v his_o large_a creed_n than_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v adam_n can_v have_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o he_o in_o few_o word_n without_o divine_a interpretation_n or_o assistance_n if_o this_o instance_n seem_v not_o close_o to_o the_o question_n let_v the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n be_v two_o eye_n of_o faith_n though_o by_o some_o one_o be_v call_v blind_a caeca_n potestas_fw-la which_o error_n be_v correct_v by_o late_a philosophy_n be_v examine_v and_o they_o will_v in_o their_o pure_a natural_n be_v find_v defective_a for_o as_o in_o natural_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v but_o a_o certain_a position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v necessary_a for_o some_o discovery_n so_o although_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o 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better_a apprehend_v by_o be_v compare_v to_o some_o thin_a air_n which_o have_v power_n though_o invisible_a beside_o it_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o some_o supernatural_a power_n infuse_v notion_n in_o dream_n which_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v not_o excite_v i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o divine_a method_n without_o violence_n to_o reason_n have_v make_v such_o discovery_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v continue_v his_o assistance_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o that_o will_v not_o appear_v consistent_a with_o the_o settle_a and_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o help_v reason_n in_o give_v its_o assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o reasoner_n position_n than_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o former_a disqusition_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o beam_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n which_o if_o not_o remove_v render_v it_o so_o dim-sighted_a that_o it_o can_v discern_v the_o element_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v rude_o in_o man_n mind_n and_o need_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o due_a composure_n of_o the_o thought_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n wherefore_o let_v the_o reasoner_n consider_v grace_n but_o as_o a_o chirurgeon_n hand_n which_o couch_v a_o pearl_n on_o the_o eye_n or_o take_v away_o the_o gutta_n serena_fw-la yet_o by_o this_o act_n the_o sight_n be_v better_a and_o this_o can_v be_v without_o alteration_n add_v to_o this_o the_o proposal_n of_o object_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o media_fw-la which_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v dispose_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o grace_n by_o such_o act_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v alter_v the_o sight_n which_o may_v be_v render_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a by_o default_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o organ_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n look_v through_o the_o eye_n as_o a_o glass_n which_o if_o sully_v or_o discolour_a by_o any_o disease_n the_o judgement_n be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o tincture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n not_o in_o the_o object_n and_o consequent_o be_v as_o ill_a a_o judge_n of_o colour_n as_o he_o who_o view_v object_n with_o colour_a prospective_n or_o any_o catoptrical_a device_n to_o deceive_v the_o eye_n so_o in_o spiritual_a vision_n the_o soul_n look_v with_o the_o eye_n which_o have_v the_o disease_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a it_o shall_v discern_v its_o own_o malady_n much_o less_o discover_v truth_n to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n it_o may_v be_v confident_o affirm_v that_o grace_n alter_v the_o sight_n though_o it_o do_v but_o take_v off_o a_o film_n or_o scale_n as_o from_o st._n paul_n eye_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o remove_v than_o the_o eye_n by_o drop_a tear_n a_o way_n to_o put_v out_o eye_n rather_o than_o restore_v they_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o any_o eye-water_n which_o the_o oculist_n can_v prepare_v from_o what_o be_v here_o say_v there_o be_v a_o easy_a digression_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n how_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o some_o act_n of_o faith_n a_o question_n which_o much_o exercise_v the_o reconciler_n whilst_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o its_o own_o understanding_n but_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o another_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o advantageous_o supply_v nature_n defect_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o conclusion_n viz._n reason_n in_o some_o case_n be_v as_o much_o and_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o be_v limit_v by_o his_o monarch_n that_o he_o may_v not_o pass_v sentence_n in_o all_o case_n on_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o in_o some_o must_v consult_v and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n by_o do_v of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o lay_v aside_o that_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a case_n he_o may_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v judge_n as_o a_o proclaimer_n of_o justice_n determine_v by_o his_o superior_a and_o for_o the_o illustration_n i_o can_v but_o insert_v a_o story_n which_o i_o borrow_v from_o a_o eminent_a mathematician_n who_o say_v a_o judge_n puzzle_v with_o a_o case_n of_o two_o person_n who_o have_v make_v exchange_n of_o field_n which_o be_v isoperimeter_n or_o of_o equal_a side_n but_o different_a figure_n one_o a_o rombus_n or_o oblique_a angle_a the_o other_o a_o square_n or_o right_o angle_a parallelogram_n be_v necessitate_v to_o call_v a_o geometrician_n to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n which_o discovery_n in_o strictness_n be_v enough_o to_o call_v the_o mathematician_n judge_n though_o the_o sentence_n be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a method_n of_o improve_n the_o understanding_n and_o determine_v the_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o god_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o inform_v reason_n which_o be_v defective_a and_o as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n from_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o advantageous_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o be_v divert_v from_o its_o usual_a method_n in_o give_v assent_n to_o proposition_n which_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o themselves_o not_o sufficient_o evident_a now_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o pure_a natural_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o assent_n certain_a without_o it_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o act_n of_o say_v when_o divine_a testimony_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o natural_a evidence_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o reason_n proceed_v according_a to_o its_o