chron._n 16._o 25._o we_o be_v to_o offer_v he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n heb._n 13._o 15._o and_o be_v encourage_v to_o do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v good_a to_o sing_v praise_n and_o praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o upright_a psal._n 1._o 47._o and_o psalm_n 33._o to_o recite_v all_o the_o particular_a recommendation_n and_o command_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v endless_a i_o only_o mention_v the_o next_o to_o my_o thought_n and_o add_v that_o nature_n say_v the_o same_o that_o praise_n be_v the_o tribute_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o less_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n nothing_o else_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o and_o the_o rude_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v own_v the_o dueness_n of_o praise_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n and_o ii_o the_o other_o branch_n be_v as_o clear_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v particular_o for_o his_o work_n for_o in_o these_o we_o have_v very_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o his_o mercy_n the_o most_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o praise_n but_o here_o i_o must_v be_v more_o large_a and_o therefore_o propose_v the_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o when_o god_n himself_o will_v represent_v his_o own_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n he_o direct_v we_o to_o his_o work_n he_o illustrate_v his_o greatness_n to_o job_n by_o instance_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o creature_n among_o who_o we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o ocean_n to_o the_o cloud_n and_o rainâ—…_n to_o the_o light_n and_o heavenly_a influence_n to_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n to_o the_o ostrich_n and_o the_o eagle_n and_o the_o other_o furniture_n of_o land_n and_o air_n and_o sea_n in_o the_o four_o last_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n in_o all_o these_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o his_o greatness_n and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o so_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o goodness_n for_o in_o wisdom_n he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o psalm_n 104._o and_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o goodness_n psalm_n 119._o 54._o and_o again_o 2._o when_o devout_a and_o holy_a man_n will_v quicken_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o of_o other_o to_o praise_v he_o they_o use_v the_o same_o method_n and_o send_v abroad_o their_o thought_n among_o the_o creature_n to_o gather_v instance_n of_o acknowledgement_n thus_o elihu_n in_o job_n magnify_v his_o power_n by_o the_o lightning_n and_o thunder_n by_o the_o snow_n and_o rain_n by_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o the_o north_n and_o cold_a of_o the_o south_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o afflict_a friend_n to_o remember_v to_o magnify_v his_o work_n that_o man_n behold_v and_o again_o bid_v he_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o god_n job_n 36_o and_o 37_o chapter_n and_o the_o psalmist_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n urge_v his_o soul_n to_o bless_v his_o maker_n for_o his_o majesty_n and_o honour_n disclose_v in_o the_o natural_a wonder_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o wind_n and_o water_n the_o spring_n and_o grass_n the_o tree_n and_o hill_n psalm_n 104._o throughout_o and_o he_o give_v particular_a thanks_o again_o psalm_n 136._o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o same_o instance_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o power_n which_o he_o further_o celebrate_v by_o call_v upon_o the_o noble_a of_n inanimate_v to_o praise_v he_o psal._n 148._o praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o o_o you_o star_n and_o light_n which_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o sing_v hallelujah_n and_o vocal_o to_o rehearse_v his_o praise_n yet_o they_o afford_v glorious_a matter_n for_o grateful_a and_o triumphant_a song_n and_o by_o their_o beauty_n and_o their_o order_n excite_v those_o that_o study_n and_o observe_v they_o to_o adore_v and_o glorify_v their_o maker_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n run_v on_o further_a into_o a_o aggregation_n of_o more_o particular_n of_o fire_n and_o hail_n storm_n and_o vapour_n mountain_n and_o cedar_n beast_n and_o foul_n and_o creep_a thing_n all_o which_o in_o the_o same_o divine_a canticle_n be_v summon_v to_o praise_v he_o that_o be_v we_o be_v require_v to_o use_v they_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o holy_a eucharist_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o these_o i_o add_v 2._o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o sanctify_v a_o solemn_a day_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o work_n he_o appoint_v a_o sabbath_n for_o rest_n and_o contemplation_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o we_o and_o his_o make_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v be_v intimate_v as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o that_o day_n which_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o account_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o devout_a christian_n of_o elder_a time_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n of_o god_n creation_n after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o other_o sabbath_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o his_o work_n i_o descend_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v ii_o that_o his_o work_n be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o those_o that_o will_v praise_v he_o for_o they_o we_o be_v command_v to_o sing_v praise_n with_o understanding_n psal._n 40._o 7._o and_o the_o offer_v he_o require_v be_v that_o of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n his_o work_n receive_v but_o little_a glory_n from_o the_o rude_a wonder_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n that_o value_v the_o applause_n of_o a_o blind_a admiration_n no_o one_o can_v give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o let_v the_o particular_n of_o it_o pass_v by_o he_o unobserved_a nor_o can_v he_o render_v due_a acknowledgement_n to_o his_o word_n that_o do_v not_o search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v equal_o impossible_a to_o praise_v the_o almighty_a as_o we_o ought_v for_o his_o work_n while_o we_o careless_o consider_v they_o we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n it_o lie_v not_o expose_v in_o the_o common_a way_n and_o the_o chief_a wonder_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o on_o the_o surface_n of_o thing_n lay_v open_a to_o every_o careless_a eye_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n that_o we_o owe_v our_o maker_n be_v not_o a_o formal_a slight_a confession_n that_o his_o work_n be_v wonderful_a and_o glorious_a but_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o deep_a observation_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o though_o our_o profound_a study_n and_o inquiry_n can_v unfold_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n yet_o do_v they_o still_o discover_v new_a motive_n to_o devout_a admiration_n and_o new_a object_n for_o our_o loud_a praise_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o second_o proposition_n also_o viz._n that_o god_n work_n be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o those_o that_o will_v praise_v he_o for_o they_o from_o these_o i_o now_o advance_v to_o the_o three_o which_o will_v require_v more_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v this_o iii_o that_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n work_n be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n we_o common_o believe_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o we_o say_v it_o be_v he_o and_o we_o know_v it_o be_v we_o and_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v write_v upon_o the_o creature_n the_o more_o we_o study_v they_o the_o better_a we_o understand_v those_o character_n the_o better_a we_o read_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o more_o fit_a be_v we_o to_o celebrate_v and_o proclaim_v it_o thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n promote_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o dispose_v we_o to_o it_o by_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o god_n he_o that_o converse_v with_o his_o work_n find_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o infinite_a benignity_n and_o wisdom_n he_o perceive_v the_o divine_a art_n in_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o variety_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a goodness_n in_o that_o he_o observe_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o every_o flower_n in_o every_o fiber_n of_o a_o plant_n in_o every_o particle_n of_o a_o insect_n in_o every_o drop_n of_o dew_n he_o meet_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n be_v he_o and_o have_v a_o advantage_n hereby_o to_o be_v instruct_v how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o our_o maker_n not_o we_o with_o reverence_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o aim_n at_o his_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v the_o tendency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v abuse_v to_o different_a and_o contrary_a purpose_n natural_a wisdom_n be_v not_o in_o fault_n but_o he_o that_o turn_v this_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o
à _fw-la 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 arguing_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o mat._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v more_o benign_a and_o gracious_a than_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o affectionate_a of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n so_o luke_n 12._o 24._o he_o argue_v that_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o because_o he_o do_v for_o the_o raven_n since_o we_o be_v better_a than_o they_o how_o much_o more_o be_v you_o better_o than_o the_o fowl_n which_o argue_v suppose_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o that_o wisdom_n &_o goodness_n which_o be_v indulgent_a to_o the_o vile_a creature_n will_v not_o neglect_v the_o more_o excellent_a he_o proceed_v further_a in_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n and_o make_v the_o like_a inference_n from_o it_o vers._n 28._o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n how_o much_o more_o will_v be_v clothe_v you_o and_o mat._n 12._o he_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbith-day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a mercy_n that_o be_v due_a even_o to_o brute_n creature_n what_o man_n shall_v there_o be_v among_o you_o that_o shall_v have_v one_o sheep_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n will_v he_o not_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o to_o lift_v it_o out_o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v a_o man_n better_o than_o a_o sheep_n vers._n 12._o thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v argument_n of_o reason_n and_o 3._o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o very_o frequent_o s._n paul_n disprove_v idolatry_n this_o way_n act_n 17._o 29._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o god_n head_n be_v like_a unto_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mention_n of_o seven_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v the_o denial_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 15._o viz._n if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o then_o 1._o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v and_o then_o 2._o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o we_o false_a apostle_n and_o if_o so_o 3._o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o then_o 4._o you_o be_v not_o justify_v but_o be_v in_o your_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v 5._o that_o those_o that_o be_v depart_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v perish_v and_o then_o 6._o faith_n in_o christ_n prosit_o only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o 7._o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a because_o we_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o this_o faith_n from_o ver_fw-la 14._o to_o ver_fw-la 19_o and_o the_o whole_a chapter_n contain_v philosophical_a reason_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o illustrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o glorify_a body_n from_o these_o and_o s._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o show_n that_o sinful_a man_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v because_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v instance_n of_o this_o will_v be_v endless_a these_o may_v suffice_v and_o thus_o of_o the_o second_o thing_n also_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o religion_n be_v friendly_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o appear_v in_o that_o god_n himself_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n own_o it_o and_o use_v argument_n from_o it_o even_o in_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o divers_a objection_n be_v urge_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n from_o scripture_n and_o other_o consideration_n the_o chief_a of_o they_o i_o shall_v consider_v brief_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v allege_v 1._o that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a 1_o cor._n 1._o 19_o and_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o and_o god_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a vers_fw-la 27._o by_o which_o expression_n of_o wisdom_n and_o wise_a it_o be_v presume_v that_o humane_a reason_n and_o rational_a man_n be_v mean_v but_o these_o interpreter_n mistake_v the_o matter_n much_o and_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o do_v put_v mere_a arbitrary_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n for_o by_o wisdom_n here_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o dispute_a greek_n and_o the_o worldly_a policy_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n of_o that_o world_n that_o the_o jewish_a learning_n in_o their_o law_n be_v mean_v the_o apostle_n intimate_v when_o he_o ask_v in_o a_o way_n of_o challenge_n vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v from_o the_o other_o question_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n which_o though_o some_o refer_v to_o the_o doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o humble_o think_v it_o may_v more_o proper_o he_o understand_v of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o grecian_n for_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o greek_n and_o their_o philosophy_n be_v notorious_o contentious_a and_o last_o that_o the_o worldly_a policy_n of_o the_o roman_n be_v include_v in_o this_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o the_o apostle_n vilify_v there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o policy_n be_v their_o most_o value_a wisdom_n tu_fw-la regere_fw-la imperio_fw-la to_o govern_v the_o nation_n and_o promote_v the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o empire_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o study_v of_o those_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n now_o all_o these_o the_o apostle_n set_v at_o nought_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n because_o they_o be_v very_o opposite_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o holiness_n self-denial_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o that_o be_v this_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reason_n to_o which_o those_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n be_v as_o contrary_a as_o they_o be_v to_o religion_n and_o by_o this_o i_o be_o enable_v 2._o to_o meet_v another_o objection_n urge_v from_o 1_o 〈◊〉_d 2â—…_n 14._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v be_v know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o the_o enthusiast_n argue_v the_o universal_a inability_n of_o reason_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o antipathy_n to_o they_o whereas_o i_o can_v apprehend_v no_o more_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o such_o kind_n of_o natural_a man_n as_o those_o scribe_n and_o disputer_n and_o politioians_n have_v their_o mind_n deprave_v and_o prepossess_v with_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v indispose_v to_o receive_v this_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o will_v require_v a_o mind_n that_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n viz._n free_a from_o that_o earthly_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o count_v those_o thing_n foolishness_n and_o which_o by_o god_n be_v count_v so_o itself_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o which_o place_n 3._o be_v use_v as_o another_o scripture_n against_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o it_o can_v signify_v nothing_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o one_o that_o understand_v and_o consider_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n here_o i_o have_v declare_v already_o and_o by_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o appear_v that_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o our_o reason_n can_v since_o that_o either_o prove_v or_o defend_v all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n 4._o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o viz._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o say_v that_o they_o have_v not_o their_o conversation_n in_o fleshly_a wisdom_n we_o can_v think_v he_o mean_v
this_o they_o do_v especial_o the_o philosopher_n aristotle_n use_v the_o most_o freedom_n in_o censure_v and_o reprove_v the_o suppose_a error_n and_o mistake_v of_o the_o elder_a philosopher_n of_o any_o that_o ever_o have_v that_o name_n and_o therefore_o there_o be_v the_o less_o reason_n why_o man_n shall_v make_v his_o write_n textuary_n and_o as_o it_o be_v infallible_a without_o dare_v to_o use_v the_o liberty_n that_o he_o teach_v by_o his_o practice_n it_o be_v from_o this_o servile_a humour_n of_o idolize_v some_o fortunate_a and_o fame_a author_n that_o arise_v that_o silly_a vanity_n of_o impertinent_a citation_n and_o allege_v authority_n in_o thing_n that_o neither_o require_v nor_o deserve_v they_o the_o man_n no_o doubt_n think_v the_o saying_n to_o be_v learning_n and_o a_o elegancy_n that_o man_n have_v beard_n and_o that_o woman_n have_v none_o when_o he_o have_v quote_v beza_n for_o it_o and_o that_o other_o aim_v to_o be_v account_v no_o mean_a clerk_n that_o 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rich_a in_o the_o inventory_n of_o a_o other_o treasure_n authority_n alone_o make_v no_o number_n unless_o evidence_n of_o reason_n stand_v before_o they_o and_o all_o the_o cipher_n of_o arithmetic_n be_v no_o better_o than_o a_o single_a nothing_o but_o i_o return_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o antiquity_n if_o we_o impartial_o look_v into_o the_o remain_n of_o ancient_a day_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a to_o justify_v our_o so_o slavish_a a_o veneration_n of_o they_o for_o if_o we_o take_v a_o account_n of_o the_o state_n of_o science_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o follow_v the_o history_n of_o it_o through_o the_o most_o famous_a time_n we_o shall_v find_v that_o though_o it_o have_v often_o change_v its_o channel_n remove_v from_o one_o nation_n to_o another_o yet_o it_o have_v be_v neither_o much_o improve_v nor_o alter_v but_o as_o river_n arc_n in_o pass_v through_o different_a country_n viz._n in_o name_n and_o method_n for_o the_o succeed_v time_n subscribe_v 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and_o lose_v and_o now_o after_o all_o this_o it_o will_v be_v requisite_a for_o i_o to_o add_v that_o i_o intend_v not_o these_o remark_n in_o favour_n of_o any_o new_a conceit_n in_o theology_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o such_o by_o disparage_v christian_a antiquity_n no_o here_o the_o old_a path_n be_v undoubted_o best_a quod_fw-la verum_fw-la id_fw-la prius_fw-la and_o i_o put_v as_o much_o difference_n between_o the_o pretend_a new_a light_n and_o old_a truth_n as_o i_o do_v between_o the_o sun_n and_o a_o evanid_a meteor_n though_o i_o confess_v in_o philosophy_n i_o be_o a_o seeker_n divine_a truth_n be_v most_o pure_a in_o their_o beginning_n they_o be_v bear_v in_o the_o fullness_n of_o time_n and_o as_o some_o say_v the_o sun_n be_v create_v in_o their_o meridian_n strength_n and_o lustre_n but_o the_o beginning_n of_o philosophy_n be_v in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dawn_n and_o perhaps_o it_o be_v yet_o scarce_a morning_n with_o it_o and_o therefore_o what_o we_o can_v find_v among_o former_a inquirer_n we_o be_v to_o seek_v in_o the_o attempt_v of_o more_o modern_a man_n and_o in_o the_o improvement_n of_o near_a age_n and_o not_o be_v discourage_v by_o the_o old_a law_n nil_fw-la dictum_fw-la quod_fw-la non_fw-la dictum_fw-la prius_fw-la for_o as_o to_o knowledge_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n new_a under_o the_o sun_n and_o this_o age_n have_v show_v many_o novelty_n even_o in_o the_o heaven_n above_o etc._n etc._n i_o have_v thus_o show_v thou_o how_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n mislead_v our_o understanding_n and_o so_o be_v great_a occasion_n of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o error_n to_o which_o i_o may_v add_v iii_o that_o the_o understanding_n more_o immediate_o contribute_v to_o its_o own_o deception_n through_o its_o precipitancy_n and_o have_v in_o conclude_v truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v attain_v without_o much_o close_a and_o severe_a inquiry_n it_o be_v not_o a_o wide_a superficies_n easy_a to_o be_v see_v but_o like_o a_o point_n or_o line_n that_o require_v acutness_n and_o intention_n to_o discover_v it_o which_o be_v the_o more_o difficult_a because_o it_o be_v so_o mingle_v with_o appearance_n and_o specious_a error_n like_o the_o silver_n in_o hiero_n crown_n of_o gold_n or_o rather_o like_o the_o grain_n of_o gold_n in_o a_o mass_n of_o base_a metal_n it_o require_v much_o care_n and_o nice_a observation_n to_o extract_v and_o separate_v the_o precious_a oar_n from_o so_o much_o vile_a mixture_n so_o that_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v patient_a and_o wary_a and_o thoughtful_a in_o seek_v truth_n it_o must_v go_v step_n by_o step_n and_o look_v every_o way_n and_o regard_v many_o thing_n it_o must_v distrust_v appearance_n and_o be_v shy_a of_o assent_n and_o consider_v again_o and_o again_o before_o it_o fix_v this_o method_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o attainment_n of_o knowledge_n but_o the_o mind_n be_v general_o indispose_v to_o so_o much_o labour_n and_o caution_n it_o be_v impatient_a of_o suspense_n and_o precipitant_n in_o conclude_v averse_a to_o deep_a meditation_n and_o ready_a to_o catch_v at_o every_o appearance_n and_o hence_o also_o it_o be_v that_o we_o embrace_v shadow_n of_o fancy_n and_o opinion_n and_o miss_v of_o true_a and_o substantial_a knowledge_n have_v now_o give_v instance_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n and_o show_v some_o of_o its_o cause_n which_o be_v further_a evidence_n of_o it_o i_o come_v to_o offer_v a_o few_o consideration_n on_o the_o whole_a against_o dogmatize_v and_o confidence_n in_o uncertain_a opinion_n as_o 1._o confidence_n in_o philosophy_n and_o matter_n of_o doubtful_a speculation_n betray_v a_o grosser_n and_o more_o stupid_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n for_o it_o be_v the_o first_o step_n of_o knowledge_n to_o be_v sensible_a that_o we_o want_v it_o the_o most_o exercise_v understanding_n be_v most_o conscious_a to_o their_o imperfection_n and_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o frequent_a fail_n of_o his_o judgement_n will_v not_o lean_v with_o much_o trust_n and_o assurance_n on_o that_o which_o have_v so_o often_o deceive_v he_o nor_o build_v the_o castle_n of_o his_o intellectual_a security_n in_o the_o air_n of_o opinion_n but_o on_o the_o other_o side_n the_o shallow_a unthinking_a vulgar_a be_v sure_a of_o all_o thing_n and_o bestow_v their_o peremptory_a full_a assent_n on_o every_o slight_a appearance_n knowledge_n be_v always_o modest_a and_o wary_a but_o ignorance_n be_v bold_a and_o presume_v as_o aristotle_n have_v observe_v of_o the_o confidence_n and_o forwardness_n of_o youth_n thus_o those_o that_o have_v always_o live_v at_o home_n and_o have_v never_o see_v any_o other_o country_n be_v confident_o persuade_v that_o their_o own_o be_v the_o best_a whereas_o they_o that_o have_v travel_v and_o observe_v other_o place_n speak_v more_o cold_o and_o indifferent_o of_o their_o native_a soil_n
name_n of_o philosopher_n as_o if_o those_o age_n as_o the_o turk_n now_o have_v a_o reverence_n for_o madman_n for_o many_o of_o their_o action_n and_o opinion_n be_v very_o wild_a freak_n of_o fancy_n and_o humour_n and_o will_v gain_v man_n in_o these_o day_n as_o foolish_a and_o bad_a as_o they_o be_v no_o better_a name_n than_o that_o of_o lunatic_n or_o bedlam_n this_o will_v appear_v to_o any_o one_o that_o shall_v impartial_o survey_v the_o history_n of_o their_o life_n if_o those_o account_n be_v true_a that_o be_v give_v of_o they_o but_o indeed_o there_o be_v reason_n enough_o to_o doubt_v that_o for_o the_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o old_a time_n be_v usual_o very_o fabulous_a and_o uncertain_a and_o where_o the_o grecian_n be_v concern_v as_o much_o as_o any_o where_o for_o they_o have_v the_o same_o character_n give_v they_o that_o the_o apostle_n bestow_v upon_o the_o cretan_n graecia_n mendax_fw-la which_o among_o other_o thing_n show_v how_o little_a reason_n there_o be_v we_o shall_v be_v superstitious_o fond_a of_o the_o break_a dublous_a imperfect_a remain_n of_o those_o day_n but_o methinks_v those_o philosopher_n shall_v be_v great_a man_n than_o they_o be_v make_v in_o those_o history_n of_o their_o life_n and_o doctrine_n or_o else_o one_o may_v just_o wonder_v how_o their_o name_n come_v down_o to_o we_o with_o so_o much_o renown_n and_o glory_n but_o to_o return_v to_o more_o particular_a discourse_n of_o the_o sceptic_n beside_o those_o ancient_o that_o have_v that_o name_n without_o just_a ground_n sometime_o affix_v on_o they_o several_a worthy_a modern_n have_v suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n and_o indeed_o by_o some_o all_o man_n be_v account_v sceptic_n who_o dare_v dissent_v from_o the_o aristotelian_a doctrine_n and_o will_v not_o slavish_o subscribe_v all_o the_o tenant_n of_o that_o dictator_n in_o philosophy_n which_o they_o esteem_v the_o only_a true_a and_o certain_a foundation_n of_o knowledge_n this_o learned_a man_n seem_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o for_o the_o great_a gassendus_fw-la be_v charge_v with_o so_o much_o scepticism_n on_o this_o account_n that_o he_o write_v a_o exercitation_n against_o aristotle_n p._n 2._o and_o those_o that_o slight_a aristotle_n ground_n say_v our_o author_n in_o his_o preface_n to_o the_o university_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v always_o in_o quest_n of_o principle_n ever_o fall_v short_a of_o science_n aristotle_n work_n it_o seem_v be_v the_o infallibe_n canon_n of_o truth_n and_o certainty_n in_o he_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o natural_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n and_o there_o be_v no_o name_n give_v under_o heaven_n by_o which_o we_o can_v be_v save_v from_o scepticism_n and_o everlasting_a uncertainty_n but_o he_o if_o this_o be_v so_o all_o the_o modern_a free_a philosopher_n must_v be_v sceptic_n and_o there_o be_v no_o help_n and_o the_o author_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o dogmatize_v have_v no_o way_n to_o escape_v the_o imputation_n nor_o indeed_o if_o this_o be_v all_o have_v he_o any_o concern_v to_o avoid_v it_o but_o the_o learned_a man_n may_v be_v remember_v that_o in_o one_o respect_n they_o be_v not_o sceptic_n be_v confident_a in_o this_o belief_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o aristotle_n be_v not_o such_o certainty_n but_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a succeed_a mankind_n may_v sometime_o or_o other_o find_v error_n and_o imperfection_n in_o they_o and_o discover_v if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v do_v already_o that_o they_o be_v not_o the_o infallible_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o nature_n but_o the_o free_a philosopher_n be_v by_o other_o account_v sceptic_n from_o their_o way_n of_o enquiry_n which_o be_v not_o to_o continue_v still_o pore_v upon_o the_o write_n and_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n but_o to_o seek_v truth_n in_o the_o great_a book_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o that_o search_n to_o proceed_v with_o wariness_n and_o circumspection_n without_o too_o much_o forwardness_n in_o establish_v maxim_n and_o positive_a doctrine_n to_o propose_v their_o opinion_n as_o hypotheseis_n that_o may_v probable_o be_v the_o true_a account_n without_o peremptory_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v this_o among_o other_o have_v be_v the_o way_n of_o those_o great_a man_n the_o lord_n bacon_n and_o des-cartes_n and_o be_v now_o the_o method_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n of_o london_n who_o motto_n be_v nutâ—…ius_n in_o verba_fw-la this_o be_v scepticism_n with_o some_o and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o indeed_o it_o be_v such_o scepticism_n as_o be_v the_o only_a way_n to_o sure_a and_o ground_a knowledge_n to_o which_o confidence_n in_o uncertain_a opinion_n be_v the_o most_o fatal_a enemy_n nor_o do_v the_o learned_a man_n accuse_v i_o of_o any_o more_o than_o this_o in_o his_o preface_n in_o which_o he_o thus_o speak_v i_o be_o not_o angry_a with_o the_o man_n who_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o wit_n and_o a_o unfordable_a stream_n of_o eloquence_n excessive_a courtesy_n which_o will_v ripen_v with_o his_o year_n prosecute_v what_o he_o propose_v to_o himself_o and_o take_v for_o a_o truth_n not_o without_o some_o savour_n of_o modesty_n for_o neither_o do_v he_o derogate_v from_o faith_n the_o power_n of_o teach_v its_o tenant_n nor_o disclaim_v all_o hope_n of_o attain_v science_n hereafter_o through_o a_o laborious_a amazement_n of_o experiment_n here_o i_o be_o absolve_v from_o be_v a_o sceptic_a in_o the_o ill_a sense_n for_o i_o neither_o derogate_a from_o faith_n nor_o despair_n of_o science_n and_o the_o opinion_n of_o those_o of_o that_o character_n be_v direct_o destructive_a of_o the_o one_o and_o everlasting_a discouragement_n of_o the_o other_o or_o if_o i_o shall_v affirm_v that_o i_o despair_v of_o science_n strict_o and_o proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o philosophy_n and_o nature_n if_o i_o shall_v say_v we_o be_v to_o expect_v no_o more_o from_o our_o experiment_n and_o inquiry_n than_o great_a likelihood_n and_o such_o degree_n of_o probability_n as_o may_v deserve_v a_o hopeful_a assent_n yet_o thus_o much_o of_o diffidence_n and_o uncertainty_n will_v not_o make_v i_o a_o sceptic_a since_o they_o teach_v that_o no_o one_o thing_n be_v more_o probable_a than_o a_o other_o and_o so_o withhold_v assent_v from_o all_o thing_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a i_o can_v but_o wonder_n that_o this_o philosopher_n who_o seem_v to_o be_v so_o concern_v for_o the_o advancement_n of_o knowledge_n shall_v oppose_v i_o in_o a_o design_n that_o have_v the_o same_o end_n only_o we_o differ_v in_o the_o mean_n and_o method_n for_o he_o think_v it_o be_v best_o promote_v by_o persuade_v that_o science_n be_v not_o uncertainty_n and_o i_o suppose_v that_o man_n need_v to_o be_v convince_v that_o uncertainty_n be_v not_o science_n now_o the_o progress_n of_o knowledge_n be_v stop_v by_o extreme_a confidence_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n and_o diffidence_n on_o the_o other_o i_o think_v that_o both_o be_v necessary_a though_o perhaps_o one_o be_v more_o seasonable_a for_o to_o believe_v that_o every_o thing_n be_v certain_a be_v as_o great_a a_o disinterest_n to_o science_n as_o to_o conceive_v that_o nothing_o be_v so_o opinion_n of_o fullness_n be_v as_o my_o lord_n bacon_n note_n among_o the_o cause_n of_o want_n so_o that_o after_o all_o we_o differ_v but_o in_o this_o that_o the_o learned_a man_n think_v it_o more_o suitable_a to_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a age_n to_o depress_v scepticism_n and_o it_o may_v be_v i_o look_v on_o dogmatize_v and_o confident_a belief_n as_o the_o more_o dangerous_a and_o common_a evil_n and_o indeed_o between_o the_o slave_n of_o superstition_n and_o enthusiasm_n education_n and_o interest_n almost_o all_o the_o world_n be_v dogmatist_n while_o sceptic_n be_v but_o some_o more_o desperate_a renegado_n who_o intellect_n be_v either_o debauch_v by_o vice_n or_o turn_v out_o of_o the_o way_n by_o the_o unreasonable_a confidence_n of_o vain_a opiniator_n in_o oppose_v who_o presumption_n i_o design_v also_o against_o the_o neutrality_n of_o the_o sceptic_n and_o do_v not_o conceit_a sciolut_n ascribe_v so_o much_o to_o their_o opinion_n there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o sciri_n or_o persuasive_n to_o easy_a and_o peremptory_a assent_n which_o indeed_o have_v more_o need_n of_o restraint_n than_o incentives_n since_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n to_o be_v far_o more_o apt_a to_o confide_v in_o his_o conception_n than_o to_o distrust_v they_o and_o it_o be_v a_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o sceptic_n in_o good_a earnest_n so_o that_o i_o be_o so_o far_o from_o deserve_a reproof_n from_o the_o adversary_n of_o intellectual_a diffidence_n that_o be_v there_o reason_n for_o either_o i_o may_v expect_v acknowledgement_n for_o confidence_n in_o uncertainty_n be_v the_o great_a enemy_n to_o what_o be_v certain_a and_o be_v i_o a_o sceptic_a i_o will_v plead_v for_o dogmatize_v the_o way_n to_o bring_v man_n
humane_a reason_n by_o that_o for_o reason_n direct_v we_o to_o live_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n which_o he_o oppose_v to_o a_o life_n in_o fleshly_a wisdom_n by_o this_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n he_o mean_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v but_o sense_n and_o imagination_n for_o these_o blind_a guide_n be_v the_o director_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o light_n that_o illuminate_v the_o conscience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o help_v to_o guide_v their_o action_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v 5._o from_o col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o spoil_n you_o through_o philosophy_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v of_o that_o neither_o for_o the_o disgrace_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o philosophy_n the_o apostle_n caution_n against_o be_v the_o same_o which_o he_o warn_v timethy_a of_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o neither_o give_v heed_n to_o fable_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n that_o minister_v question_n call_v these_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o by_o all_o which_o learned_a interpreter_n understand_v the_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o gnostic_n boast_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o fabulous_a pedigree_n of_o the_o god_n under_o the_o name_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o genealogy_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a and_o the_o dispute_a philosophy_n among_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v proper_o science_n false_o so_o call_v and_o do_v minister_v question_n and_o endless_a strife_n i_o say_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a these_o may_v be_v comprehend_v also_o but_o reason_n be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o but_o as_o condemn_v and_o reprove_v these_o dangerous_a folly_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o pretension_n from_o scripture_n against_o reason_n be_v vain_a but_o there_o be_v other_o consideration_n by_o which_o it_o 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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 to_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 falsehood_n for_o some_o of_o those_o or_o infer_v false_o from_o those_o that_o be_v true_o such_o so_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n they_o very_o often_o misinterpret_v and_o very_o often_o draw_v perverse_a conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v nor_o be_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n decry_v because_o of_o those_o abuse_n but_o here_o advantage_n will_v be_v take_v to_o object_v again_o 2._o that_o since_o our_o natural_a understand_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o liable_a to_o mistake_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a principle_n of_o eternal_a reason_n if_o we_o either_o perceive_v they_o not_o or_o can_v use_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o on_o this_o account_n we_o must_v renounce_v the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a understanding_n scripture_n will_v be_v useless_a to_o we_o also_o for_o how_o can_v we_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n that_o express_v god_n mind_n unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o how_o can_v we_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o how_o apply_v general_a proposition_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n how_o tell_v what_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o letter_n what_o in_o the_o mystery_n what_o plain_o whatin_n a_o figure_n what_o according_a to_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a truth_n what_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o apprehension_n i_o say_v without_o the_o exrcise_n of_o our_o understanding_n use_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o without_o they_o scripture_n will_v signify_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o very_o little_a to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v religion_n get_v this_o way_n this_o inference_n therefore_o be_v absurd_a and_o impious_a all_o that_o can_v just_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n will_v be_v what_o i_o intimate_v before_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v they_o with_o modesty_n and_o caution_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v renounce_v they_o he_o be_v a_o madman_n who_o because_o his_o eye_n be_v dim_a will_v therefore_o put_v they_o out_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v further_o 3._o that_o which_o man_n call_v reason_n be_v infinite_o various_a and_o that_o be_v reasonable_a to_o one_o which_o be_v very_o irrational_a to_o another_o therefore_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o i_o say_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v infinite_o various_a and_o one_o call_v that_o scriptural_a which_o another_o call_v heretical_a shall_v we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v reason_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o fame_n all_o the_o world_n over_o though_o man_n apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v various_a as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o though_o colour_n be_v infinite_a and_o where_o this_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n pretend_v relation_n to_o it_o or_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n if_o so_o farewell_o religion_n too_o but_o 4._o it_o be_v socinianism_n to_o plead_v for_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v gross_a phanaticism_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o this_o name_n be_v proper_o applicable_a to_o the_o enemy_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o other_o of_o socinianism_n be_v groundless_o apply_v to_o those_o that_o undertake_v for_o it_o and_o it_o absurd_o suppose_v that_o socinian_o be_v the_o only_a rational_a man_n when-as_a divers_a of_o their_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o sleep_n and_o natural_a mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o utter_a exâ—…inction_n and_o annihilation_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o obnoxious_a to_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v never_o be_v confuâ—…ed_v in_o their_o other_o opinion_n without_o use_v reason_n 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 that_o 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 of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o now_o from_o the_o forego_n brief_a discourse_n i_o shall_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 obscurity_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 their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n though_o their_o affection_n may_v bring_v their_o judgement_n to_o vote_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v error_n in_o faith_n with_o a_o witness_n and_o capable_a of_o no_o benefit_n from_o this_o proposition_n 9_o in_o search_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o consult_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v other_o scripture_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o reason_n be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufficient_a for_o its_o own_o end_n yet_o reason_n must_v be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o for_o without_o this_o scripture_n can_v be_v use_v nor_o compare_v nor_o apply_v nor_o understand_v 10._o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v they_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mighty_a corrupt_a bias_n in_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o infatuate_a and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n those_o essential_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o creed_n many_o speculative_a remote_a doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a but_o not_o fundamental_a for_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o man_n eternal_a interest_n shall_v depend_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o easy_o mistake_v if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a but_o that_o do_v what_o he_o can_v he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o not_o believe_v or_o believe_v amiss_o some_o of_o those_o difficult_a point_n that_o be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o of_o weak_a understanding_n must_v perish_v without_o help_n or_o they_o must_v be_v save_v by_o implicit_a faith_n in_o unknown_a fundamental_o these_o be_v some_o proposition_n that_o follow_v from_o my_o discourse_n and_o from_o one_o another_o the_o better_a they_o be_v consider_v the_o more_o their_o force_n will_v be_v perceive_v and_o i_o think_v they_o 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 as_o a_o conclusion_n to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v add_v some_o consideration_n of_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o the_o common_a practice_n at_o least_o among_o the_o sect_n of_o declaim_v against_o reason_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o scepticism_n and_o have_v already_o bring_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o these_o upon_o we_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n expect_v great_a than_o this_o that_o reason_n be_v against_o religion_n what_o do_v they_o pretend_v what_o can_v they_o propose_v more_o if_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o then_o we_o believe_v gratis_o and_o our_o faith_n hang_v upon_o humour_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o religion_n that_o depend_v upon_o a_o warm_a fancy_n and_o a_o ungrounded_a belief_n stand_v but_o till_o a_o disease_n or_o a_o new_a conceit_n alter_v the_o scene_n of_o imagination_n and_o then_o down_o fall_v the_o castle_n who_o foundation_n be_v in_o the_o air._n it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o those_o that_o renounce_v and_o decry_v reason_n justify_v julian_n in_o his_o charge_n if_o this_o be_v so_o religion_n will_v have_v no_o bottom_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o every_o one_o that_o profess_v it_o and_o how_o various_a and_o inconstant_a a_o thing_n imagination_n be_v every_o man_n know_v these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o defamation_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o pretend_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o have_v see_v in_o multitude_n of_o deplorable_a instance_n that_o they_o follow_v in_o 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principal_a engine_n that_o heretic_n and_o enthusiast_n have_v use_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o infinite_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 decry_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 fugiendum_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o cavendum_fw-la quam_fw-la refellendum_fw-la censuerunt_fw-la the_o vbiquitarian_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 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swallow_v
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veronius_n and_o other_o jesuit_n have_v loud_o declaim_v against_o reason_n and_o the_o last_o mention_v veronius_n present_v the_o world_n with_o a_o method_n to_o overthrow_v heretic_n mean_v those_o of_o the_o protestant_a faith_n which_o promise_v more_o than_o ordinary_a and_o that_o be_v to_o deny_v and_o renounce_v all_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o affair_n of_o faith_n absolute_o and_o roundly_o and_o not_o to_o vouchsafe_v a_o answer_n to_o any_o argument_n against_o transubstantiation_n or_o the_o other_o article_n of_o their_o new_a faith_n but_o pointblank_o to_o deny_v whatever_o reason_n say_v in_o such_o matter_n and_o he_o affirm_v that_o even_o these_o principle_n of_o reason_n viz._n non_fw-la entis_fw-la non_fw-la sunt_fw-la attributa_fw-la omne_fw-la quod_fw-la est_fw-la quando_fw-la est_fw-la necesse_fw-la est_fw-la esse_fw-la and_o such_o like_a which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reason_v be_v dangerous_a to_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v heed_v this_o man_n speak_v out_o and_o affirm_v direct_o and_o bold_o what_o the_o other_o enemy_n of_o reason_n mean_v but_o will_v not_o own_o this_o be_v a_o method_n to_o destroy_v heretic_n in_o earnest_n but_o the_o mischief_n be_v all_o christian_n and_o all_o other_o religion_n and_o all_o other_o reason_n be_v cut_v off_o by_o the_o same_o sword_n this_o book_n and_o method_n of_o veronius_n be_v kind_o receive_v by_o the_o pope_n privilege_v by_o the_o king_n of_o spain_n approve_v by_o cardinal_n archbishop_n bishop_n and_o all_o the_o gallic_a clergy_n as_o solid_a and_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o sorbone_n doctor_n give_v it_o their_o approbation_n and_o recommend_v it_o as_o the_o only_a way_n to_o confute_v we_o and_o all_o the_o other_o adversary_n of_o their_o corrupt_a faith_n and_o religion_n do_v these_o know_v what_o they_o do_v and_o do_v they_o think_v we_o understand_v the_o interest_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n if_o so_o we_o kind_o serve_v their_o end_n and_o promote_v their_o design_n in_o the_o way_n which_o they_o account_v best_a while_o we_o vilify_v and_o disparage_v reason_n if_o this_o be_v renounce_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o use_v it_o against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n or_o any_o other_o point_n of_o the_o roman_a creed_n will_v it_o not_o be_v blameless_a and_o irreprovable_a for_o we_o to_o give_v up_o our_o understanding_n implicit_o to_o the_o dictate_v and_o declaration_n of_o that_o church_n may_v we_o not_o follow_v blind_o whatever_o the_o infallible_a man_n at_o rome_n and_o his_o council_n say_v and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v vain_a self-contradiction_n to_o use_v argument_n against_o their_o decree_n though_o they_o be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a or_o to_o allege_v consequence_n from_o scripture_n against_o any_o of_o their_o article_n though_o never_o so_o contrary_a to_o the_o holy_a oracle_n how_o easy_o may_v they_o rejoin_v when_o we_o dispute_v against_o they_o you_o argue_v from_o reason_n and_o by_o consequence_n but_o reason_n be_v dull_a and_o carnal_a and_o a_o enemy_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o not_o to_o be_v hear_v in_o the_o high_a matter_n of_o religion_n and_o what_o can_v we_o say_v next_o if_o allow_v of_o the_o accusation_n i_o say_v by_o this_o way_n we_o perfect_o disable_v or_o gross_o contradict_v ourselves_o in_o most_o of_o our_o dispute_n against_o the_o romanist_n and_o we_o be_v very_o disingenuous_a in_o our_o deal_n while_o we_o use_v reason_n against_o they_o and_o deny_v it_o when_o it_o be_v urge_v against_o ourselves_o by_o another_o sort_n of_o adversary_n which_o imply_v that_o when_o we_o say_v reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v we_o mean_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v against_o we_o but_o it_o must_v against_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n or_o any_o other_o we_o can_v oppugn_v by_o it_o so_o that_o our_o deny_v reason_n in_o religion_n be_v either_o very_a humoursom_a and_o partial_a or_o it_o be_v a_o direct_a yield_v up_o our_o cause_n to_o our_o enemy_n and_o do_v that_o ourselves_o which_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n they_o desire_v to_o undo_v we_o and_o to_o promote_v their_o own_o interest_n upon_o our_o ruin_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v represent_v some_o of_o the_o mischief_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o disparagement_n of_o reason_n we_o see_v they_o be_v great_a one_o big_a of_o many_o other_o and_o such_o as_o be_v destructive_a to_o all_o government_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o sober_a part_n of_o mankind_n this_o be_v proper_o fanaticism_n and_o all_o that_o we_o call_v so_o grow_v upon_o it_o here_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o church_n and_o government_n begin_v upon_o this_o they_o insist_v still_o and_o fill_v their_o book_n and_o pulpit_n and_o private_a corner_n with_o these_o canting_n this_o be_v the_o engine_n to_o overthrow_v all_o sober_a principle_n and_o establishment_n with_o this_o the_o people_n be_v infutuate_v and_o credit_n be_v reconcile_v to_o gibberish_n and_o folly_n enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a impulse_n this_o be_v the_o food_n of_o conventicle_n to_o this_o day_n the_o root_n of_o their_o matter_n and_o the_o burden_n of_o their_o preachment_n let_v reason_n be_v hear_v and_o tie_v they_o to_o sense_n and_o most_o of_o their_o holders-forth_a have_v no_o more_o to_o say_v their_o spirituality_n for_o which_o they_o be_v admire_v be_v beside_o reason_n and_o against_o it_o rather_o than_o above_o it_o and_o while_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o enmity_n between_o reason_n and_o religion_n stand_v the_o people_n will_v think_v they_o the_o more_o spiritual_a preachet_n because_o they_o be_v the_o less_o reasonable_a and_o while_o they_o be_v abuse_v by_o such_o a_o belief_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o sober_a man_n to_o have_v any_o success_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o convince_v they_o against_o modern_a sadducism_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n essay_n vi._n essay_n vi_o against_o modern_a sadducism_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o witch_n and_o apparition_n if_o any_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v much_o admire_v in_o a_o age_n of_o wonder_n not_o only_o of_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o constant_a prodigy_n but_o of_o man_n and_o manner_n it_o will_v be_v to_o i_o matter_n of_o astonishment_n that_o man_n otherwise_o witty_a and_o ingenious_a be_v fall_v into_o the_o conceit_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o witch_n or_o apparition_n but_o that_o these_o be_v the_o creature_n of_o melancholy_a and_o superstition_n foster_v by_o ignorance_n and_o design_n which_o compare_v the_o confidence_n of_o their_o disbelief_n with_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n deny_v and_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o ground_n will_v almost_o suggest_v that_o themselves_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o what_o they_o deny_v and_o that_o so_o confident_a a_o opinion_n can_v not_o be_v hold_v upon_o such_o inducement_n but_o by_o some_o kind_n of_o witchcraft_n and_o fascination_n in_o the_o fancy_n and_o perhaps_o that_o evil_a spirit_n who_o influence_n they_o will_v not_o allow_v in_o action_n ascribe_v to_o such_o cause_n have_v a_o great_a hand_n and_o interest_n in_o their_o proposition_n than_o they_o be_v aware_a of_o for_o that_o subtle_a enemy_n of_o mankind_n since_o providence_n will_v not_o permit_v he_o to_o mischief_n we_o without_o our_o own_o concurrence_n attempt_v that_o by_o stratagem_n and_o artifice_n which_o he_o can_v never_o effect_v by_o open_a way_n of_o act_v and_o the_o success_n of_o all_o wile_n depend_v upon_o their_o secrecy_n and_o concealment_n his_o influence_n be_v never_o more_o dangerous_a than_o when_o his_o agency_n be_v least_o suspect_v in_o order_n therefore_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o the_o dark_a and_o hide_a design_n he_o manage_v against_o our_o happiness_n and_o our_o soul_n he_o can_v expect_v to_o advantage_n himself_o more_o
and_o illusion_n to_o make_v a_o due_a return_n to_o this_o we_o must_v consider_v a_o great_a and_o difficult_a problem_n which_o be_v what_o be_v a_o real_a miracle_n and_o for_o answer_v to_o this_o weighty_a question_n i_o think_v 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o strangeness_n or_o unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v simple_o from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o conclude_v a_o miracle_n for_o than_o we_o be_v so_o to_o account_v of_o all_o the_o magnalia_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o those_o honest_a art_n which_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v nor_o 2._o be_v this_o the_o criterion_n of_o a_o miracle_n that_o it_o be_v a_o action_n or_o event_n beyond_o all_o natural_a power_n for_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o extent_n and_o bound_n of_o nature_n sphere_n and_o possibility_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o character_n and_o essential_a mark_n of_o a_o miracle_n we_o can_v not_o know_v what_o be_v so_o except_o we_o can_v determine_v the_o extent_n of_o natural_a causality_n and_o fix_v their_o bound_n and_o be_v able_a to_o say_v to_o nature_n hitherto_o can_v thou_o go_v and_o no_o further_o and_o he_o that_o make_v this_o his_o measure_n whereby_o to_o judge_v a_o miracle_n be_v himself_o the_o great_a miracle_n of_o knowledge_n or_o immodesty_n beside_o though_o a_o effect_n may_v transcend_v real_o all_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n yet_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o spirit_n that_o must_v be_v take_v into_o our_o account_n and_o as_o to_o they_o also_o i_o say_v 3._o every_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o miracle_n that_o be_v do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o evil_a spirit_n can_v make_v wonderful_a combination_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o perhaps_o perform_v many_o thing_n immediate_o which_o be_v prodigious_a and_o beyond_o the_o long_a line_n of_o nature_n but_o yet_o these_o be_v not_o therefore_o to_o be_v call_v miracle_n for_o they_o be_v saecred_a wonder_n and_o suppose_v the_o power_n to_o be_v divine_a but_o how_o shall_v the_o power_n be_v know_v to_o be_v so_o when_o we_o so_o little_o understand_v the_o capacity_n and_o extent_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o low_a agent_n the_o answer_n to_o this_o question_n will_v discover_v the_o criterion_n of_o miracle_n which_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v all_o the_o former_a particular_n viz._n they_o be_v unaccountable_a beyond_o the_o power_n of_o mere_a nature_n and_o do_v by_o agent_n supernatural_a and_o to_o these_o must_v be_v superad_v 4._o that_o they_o have_v peculiar_a circumstance_n that_o speak_v they_o of_o a_o divine_a original_a their_o mediate_a author_n declare_v they_o to_o be_v so_o and_o they_o be_v always_o person_n of_o simplicity_n truth_n and_o holiness_n void_a of_o ambition_n and_o all_o secular_a design_n they_o seldom_o use_v ceremony_n or_o natural_a application_n and_o yet_o surmount_v all_o the_o activity_n of_o know_a nature_n they_o work_v those_o wonder_n not_o to_o raise_v admiration_n or_o out_o of_o the_o vanity_n to_o be_v talk_v of_o but_o to_o seal_v and_o confirm_v some_o divine_a doctrine_n or_o commission_n in_o which_o the_o good_a and_o happiness_n of_o the_o world_n be_v concern_v i_o say_v by_o such_o circumstance_n as_o these_o wonderful_a action_n be_v know_v to_o be_v from_o a_o divine_a cause_n and_o that_o make_v and_o distinguish_v a_o miracle_n and_o thus_o i_o be_o prepare_v for_o a_o answer_n to_o the_o objection_n to_o which_o i_o make_v this_o brief_a return_n that_o though_o witch_n by_o their_o confederate_a spirit_n do_v those_o odd_a and_o astonish_a thing_n we_o believe_v of_o they_o yet_o be_v they_o no_o miracle_n there_o be_v evidence_n enough_o from_o the_o badness_n of_o their_o life_n and_o the_o ridiculous_a ceremony_n of_o their_o performance_n from_o their_o malice_n and_o mischievous_a design_n that_o the_o power_n that_o work_v and_o the_o end_n for_o which_o those_o thing_n be_v do_v be_v not_o divine_a but_o diabolical_a and_o by_o singular_a providence_n they_o be_v not_o ordinary_o permit_v as_o much_o as_o to_o pretend_v to_o any_o new_a sacred_a discovery_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o to_o act_v any_o thing_n for_o confirmation_n of_o doctrinal_a imposture_n so_o that_o whether_o miracle_n be_v cease_v or_o not_o these_o be_v none_o and_o that_o such_o miracle_n as_o be_v only_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a performance_n above_o the_o common_a method_n of_o art_n or_o nature_n be_v not_o cease_v we_o have_v a_o late_a great_a evidence_n in_o the_o famous_a greatrex_n concern_v who_o it_o will_v not_o be_v impertinent_a to_o add_v the_o follow_a account_n which_o i_o have_v in_o a_o letter_n from_o dr._n g._n r._n lord_n bishop_n of_o d._n in_o the_o kingdom_n of_o ireland_n a_o person_n of_o singular_a piery_a and_o virtue_n and_o a_o great-philosopher_n he_o be_v please_v thus_o to_o write_v the_o great_a discourse_n now_o at_o the_o coffeehouse_n and_o everywhere_o be_v about_o m.g._n the_o famous_a irish_a stroker_n concern_v who_o it_o be_v like_o you_o expect_v a_o account_n from_o i_o he_o undergo_v various_a censure_n here_o some_o take_v he_o to_o be_v a_o conjurer_n and_o some_o a_o impostor_n but_o other_o again_o adore_v he_o as_o a_o apostle_n i_o confess_v i_o think_v the_o man_n be_v free_a from_o all_o design_n of_o a_o very_a agreeable_a conversation_n not_o addict_v to_o any_o vice_n nor_o to_o any_o sect_n or_o party_n but_o be_v i_o believe_v a_o sincere_a protestant_n i_o be_v three_o week_n together_o with_o he_o at_o my_o lord_n conwayes_o and_o see_v he_o i_o think_v lay_v his_o hand_n upon_o a_o thousand_o person_n and_o real_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o more_o than_o ordinary_a but_o i_o be_o convince_v it_o be_v not_o miraculous_a i_o have_v see_v pain_n strange_o fly_v before_o his_o hand_n till_o he_o have_v chase_v they_o out_o of_o the_o body_n dimness_n clear_v and_o deafness_n cure_v by_o his_o touch_n twenty_o person_n at_o several_a time_n in_o fit_n of_o the_o falling-sickness_n be_v in_o two_o or_o three_o minute_n bring_v to_o themselves_o so_o as_o to_o tell_v where_o their_o pain_n be_v and_o then_o he_o have_v pursue_v it_o till_o he_o have_v drive_v it_o out_o at_o some_o extreme_a part_n run_v sore_n of_o the_o kings-evil_a dry_v up_o and_o kernel_n bring_v to_o a_o suppuration_n by_o his_o hand_n grievous_a sore_n of_o many_o month_n date_n in_o few_o day_n heal_v obstruction_n and_o stop_n remove_v cancerous_a knot_n in_o the_o breast_n dissolve_v etc._n etc._n but_o yet_o i_o have_v many_o reason_n to_o persuade_v i_o that_o nothing_o of_o all_o this_o be_v miraculous_a he_o pretend_v not_o to_o give_v testimony_n to_o any_o doctrine_n the_o manner_n of_o his_o operation_n speak_v it_o to_o be_v natural_a the_o cure_n seldom_o succeed_v without_o reiterated_a touch_v his_o patient_n often_o relapse_n he_o fail_v frequent_o he_o can_v do_v nothing_o where_o there_o be_v any_o 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