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and_o his_o apostle_n do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v reason_n 〈◊〉_d consider_v then_o that_o god_n isa._n 1._o 18._o call_v the_o rebellious_a israelite_n to_o reason_n with_o he_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o by_o reason_n he_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n isa._n 44._o 9_o and_o he_o exposâ—…ulates_v with_o their_o reason_n ezâ—…k_v 18._o 31._o why_o will_v you_o die_v you_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o mich._n 6._o 3._o o_o my_o people_n what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o and_o wherein_o have_v i_o weary_v thou_o testisie_n against_o i_o he_o appeal_v unto_o their_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o his_o proceed_n isa._n 5._o 3._o and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_v i_o pray_v you_o beâ—…ween_v i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a and_o be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a in_o this_o he_o intimate_v the_o competency_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o judge_v 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16._o and_o use_v the_o same_o john_n 15._o 20._o to_o show_v that_o they_o must_v expect_v persecution_n because_o he_o their_o lord_n be_v persecute_v and_o luke_n 12._o 23._o he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o cark_n care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o meat_n and_o raiment_n by_o this_o consideration_n from_o reason_n that_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n intimate_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o great_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v bestow_v the_o less_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o to_o these_o instance_n i_o add_v some_o few_o from_o the_o topick_n à _fw-fr minori_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_fw-la from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a in_o the_o
of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o i_o come_v now_o iu_o to_o the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o whole_a 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o inâ—…_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o state_n i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o consist_v in_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o they_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n now_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o for_o every_o pâ—…ssible_a conclusion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o help_n and_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v they_o and_o for_o the_o proposition_n that_o arise_v from_o those_o certain_a principle_n they_o be_v certain_a likewise_o for_o nothing_o can_v follow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n in_o the_o long_a series_n of_o deduction_n if_o error_n creep_v in_o there_o be_v ill_a consequence_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o sort_n of_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n if_o the_o sense_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v and_o the_o inference_n right_o make_v be_v certain_a also_o for_o if_o our_o sense_n in_o all_o their_o due_a circumstance_n deceive_v we_o all_o be_v a_o delusion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o but_o we_o know_v that_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a and_o that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o because_o god_n that_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o due_o conclude_v from_o either_o of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a because_o whatever_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o principle_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o reason_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o which_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n and_o his_o peculiar_a people_n reason_n be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 20._o 27._o that_o light_n whereby_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 9_o and_o that_o law_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o hiâ—…rocles_n speak_v well_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o luther_n call_v philosophy_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n the_o former_a part_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o last_o particular_a and_o we_o believe_v our_o reason_n because_o we_o have_v they_o from_o god_n who_o can_v mistake_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v so_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o thing_n clear_o perceive_v be_v trust_v in_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n thus_o luke_n 12._o the_o not_o belief_n of_o reason_n that_o suggest_v from_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n a_o defect_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v evident_a also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n reveal_v 4._o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n contradâ—…ts_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o whole_a faith_n befriend_v reason_n and_o reason_n serve_v religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v clash_v they_o be_v both_o certain_a both_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n agree_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o contradict_v faith_n be_v opposite_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o that_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o sometime_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o then_o either_o something_o be_v take_v for_o faith_n that_o be_v but_o fancy_n or_o something_o for_o reason_n that_o be_v but_o sophistry_n or_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n be_v a_o error_n and_o mistake_v 5._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v from_o reason_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n by_o deny_v reason_n but_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v it_o by_o answer_v the_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v fair_o answer_v for_o all_o heretic_n argue_v either_o from_o false_a principle_n or_o fallacioâ—…ly_o conclude_v from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v not_o by_o declaim_v against_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o strengthen_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n allow_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o he_o call_v proof_n 6._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v we_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n propound_v if_o it_o be_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o the_o former_a aphorism_n that_o the_o contradiction_n be_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o the_o contradiction_n be_v real_a this_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o revelation_n have_v not_o this_o sense_n for_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n be_v throughout_o contrary_a to_o falsehood_n and_o what_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n can_v be_v false_a in_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o the_o talmud_n if_o two_o rabbin_n disfer_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v thâ—…ir_a opinion_n from_o moses_n and_o from_o god_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o non-sensiâ—…al_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n aâ—…_n a_o article_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o palpable_o contradict_v reason_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n i'faith_o and_o reason_n accord_v as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a jestament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v â—…ded_v also_o because_o even_o that_o iâ—…_n divine_a and_o sacred_a 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o tell_v i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o revealer_n of_o what_o be_v so_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v except_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o vain_a credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v ourselves_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o sense_n put_v upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o that_o sense_n be_v his_o mind_n i_o say_v we_o must_v have_v ground_n either_o from_o our_o particular_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a credulity_n and_o not_o faith_n in_o god_n 8._o a_o man_n may_v hold_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n from_o a_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deny_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v in_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v belief_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o or_o that_o as_o to_o give_v we_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sense_n while_o
viz._n that_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o enmity_n of_o reason_n to_o religion_n chieâ—…ly_o by_o two_o thing_n sect_n iii_o ay_o by_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o systeme_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o first_o instruct_v they_o which_o teacher_n come_v also_o into_o the_o fancy_n the_o same_o way_n and_o both_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o strong_a prejudice_n arise_v from_o that_o implicit_a faith_n and_o ii_o by_o want_n of_o clear_a thought_n and_o ability_n to_o state_n thing_n distinct_o and_o to_o understand_v their_o dependency_n and_o sequels_fw-fr both_o which_o imperfection_n the_o free_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o i._o that_o philosophy_n begin_v with_o the_o inlargment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o attempt_n to_o free_v it_o from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o pre-ingagement_n which_o sophisticate_a and_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n and_o render_v we_o incapable_a of_o discern_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v modest_a impartial_a enquiry_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o real_a experimental_a way_n of_o philosophy_n not_o that_o it_o teach_v sceptiâ—…ism_n and_o absolute_a neutrality_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o so_o much_o caution_n in_o our_o disquisition_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sudden_o give_v firm_a assent_n to_o thing_n not_o well_o understand_v oâ—…_n examine_v which_o no_o doubt_n be_v very_o just_a and_o safe_a but_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o who_o through_o ignorance_n or_o other_o occasion_n be_v incapable_a of_o make_v due_a enquiry_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o matter_n of_o speculation_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o â—…lieve_v and_o practice_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o arâ—…_n clear_a in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o with_o which_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v without_o much_o sagacity_n or_o deep_a judgement_n for_o matter_n of_o theory_n and_o dissicult_a enquiry_n appertain_v â—…ot_v to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o low_a rank_n of_o understanding_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o sâ—…arch_n after_o truth_n and_o be_v provide_v with_o advantage_n for_o it_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o success_n with_o this_o i_o say_v the_o real_a philosophy_n â—…egins_v and_o in_o all_o it_o be_v progress_v still_o mâ—…e_a and_o more_o dispoâ—…th_v the_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o so_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o vassalage_n of_o customary_a say_n and_o opinion_n now_o whoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n till_o he_o have_v consider_v and_o examine_v the_o matter_n with_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v whoever_o shall_v do_v that_o will_v want_v nothing_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a but_o clear_a and_o distinct_a thought_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o consequence_n with_o which_o philosophy_n will_v furnish_v he_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v to_o overthrow_v this_o principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n viz._n ii_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o state_n matter_n clear_o and_o to_o draw_v out_o those_o conclusion_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v confusion_n of_o notion_n and_o a_o greaâ—…_n defect_n in_o reason_v that_o make_v dark_a zeal_n to_o rave_v so_o furious_o against_o reason_n now_o philosophy_n be_v reason_n methodise_v and_o improve_v by_o study_n observation_n and_o experiment_n and_o whoever_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o be_v exercise_v frequent_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o cause_n property_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v inure_v the_o mind_n to_o great_a intentness_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o define_v and_o distinguish_v and_o infer_v right_o and_o by_o these_o the_o allegation_n against_o reason_n will_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v idle_a sophisâ—…s_n that_o have_v no_o sound_a sense_n or_o substance_n in_o they_o this_o be_v show_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n call_v a_o vindication_n and_o desence_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o also_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v state_v distinct_o and_o i_o think_v right_a be_v do_v both_o to_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a there_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n may_v either_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n or_o defend_v by_o it_o which_o two_o particular_n we_o will_v here_o touch_v a_o little_a that_o reason_n prove_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v by_o those_o philosophic_a reasoner_n that_o have_v doâ—…e_v it_o and_o to_o say_v a_o word_n of_o this_o will_v be_v no_o digression_n since_o it_o will_v show_v that_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o conceit_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o improve_v reason_n to_o many_o purpose_n of_o religion_n sect_n iv._o i._n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o divers_a great_a man_n have_v labour_v in_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o learned_a hugo_n grotius_n duplessis_n raymond_n de_fw-fr saâ—…undis_fw-la the_o pious_a and_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n hammond_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o among_o ourselves_o and_o the_o immortal_a bishop_n of_o down_o doctor_n jer._n tailor_n have_v in_o ten_o leaf_n of_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la give_v such_o a_o invincible_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o judicious_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o most_o important_a parâ—…iculars_n of_o evidence_n that_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v before_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o alone_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v win_v upon_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o difficult_a assent_n and_o to_o have_v confound_v all_o the_o infidel_n under_o heaven_n this_o testimony_n i_o must_v give_v to_o that_o glorious_a performance_n and_o it_o will_v not_o i_o presume_v be_v think_v excessive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v mention_n of_o these_o worthy_a asserter_n and_o defender_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o reasoner_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o my_o present_a notice_n viz._n those_o that_o have_v use_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o modern_a free_a philosophy_n in_o prove_v and_o defend_v some_o main_a article_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v several_a member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n who_o have_v imployâ—…d_v their_o ingenious_a and_o pious_a pain_n this_o way_n the_o wise_a learned_a and_o deserve_o celebrate_v prelate_n dr._n seth_n ward_n the_o present_a lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n have_v in_o his_o philosophical_a essay_n full_o though_o in_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o word_n and_o perspicuous_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o eternal_a reason_n and_o by_o this_o have_v clear_v the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a basis_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o illustrious_a mr._n boyle_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o usesulness_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophic_a reason_n give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o very_o glorious_a illustration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o by_o it_o he_o infinite_o shame_v and_o disprove_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n which_o great_a interest_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n have_v also_o be_v egregious_o promote_v by_o the_o judicious_a philosophical_a performance_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n h._n more_n who_o have_v every_o where_o in_o his_o work_n discover_v to_o what_o useful_a purpose_n reason_n and_o the_o free_a philosophy_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o noble_a sir_n k._n digby_n write_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortaâ—…ty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o prove_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n of_o philosophy_n which_o design_n also_o of_o make_v philosophy_n serve_v the_o altar_n have_v be_v happy_o undertake_v and_o as_o successful_o manage_v by_o the_o ingenious_a mr._n sam._n parker_n in_o his_o learned_a tentamina_fw-la in_o which_o he_o strenuous_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o explain_v many_o difficulty_n about_o his_o attribute_n by_o the_o use_n of_o free_a philosophical_a reason_n these_o be_v and_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a college_n of_o philosopher_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a des-cartes_n and_o our_o worthy_a and_o learned_a doctor_n stillingfleet_n who_o have_v also_o excellent_o employ_v the_o free_a philosophy_n for_o the_o
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 humane_a reason_n by_o that_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 timothy_n 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 aeones_n 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 use_v to_o be_v impugn_a as_o 1._o our_o reason_n be_v corrupt_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o meddle_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o reason_n aâ—…_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v it_o see_v but_o little_a and_o that_o very_o dull_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o imagination_n so_o that_o we_o many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n whâ—…n_o they_o be_v but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n or_o the_o false_a conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v if_o this_o bâ—…_n mean_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o will_v be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a and_o peremptory_a in_o define_v speculative_a and_o difficult_a matter_n especial_o not_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o religion_n nor_o set_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o revelation_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n viz._n those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o soul_n or_o any_o conclusion_n that_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o these_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o ever_o be_v though_o we_o discern_v they_o not_o so_o clear_o as_o the_o innocent_a state_n do_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o liableness_n to_o error_n may_v take_v falsâ—…oods_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 understanding_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 â—…aken_v in_o the_o letter_n what_o in_o the_o mystery_n what_o plain_o what_o in_o 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 exercise_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 liâ—…tle_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 same_o 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 it_o reflex_v 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 '_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 â—…ticism_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o thisâ—…me_o â—…me_z 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_o as_o 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 extinction_n and_o anniâ—…ilation_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o obâ—…oxious_a to_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v never_o be_v confute_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 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
advantage_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o real_a knowledge_n and_o search_n into_o god_n work_n put_v philosopher_n at_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o fond_a principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o discourse_n cite_v that_o it_o may_v be_v happy_o and_o proâ—…itably_o use_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o many_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o philosophy_n do_v much_o assist_v it_o in_o that_o service_n and_o so_o it_o do_v sect_n v._o ii_o in_o defend_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pure_o of_o revelation_n and_o immediate_o discoverable_a no_o other_o way_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n of_o reason_n that_o whatever_o god_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o tell_v how_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o this_o axiom_n whoever_o have_v prove_v the_o revelation_n may_v descend_v the_o article_n and_o it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n in_o philosophic_a reason_n to_o argue_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o attest_v from_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v according_a to_o which_o principle_n even_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n may_v be_v as_o well_o defend_v as_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o these_o there_o be_v many_o mode_n which_o be_v perfect_o unaccountable_a and_o full_a of_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o most_o sensible_a being_n we_o can_v not_o make_v our_o defence_n by_o untie_v those_o knot_n but_o may_v well_o do_v it_o by_o recourse_n to_o this_o maxim_n that_o what_o be_v a_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_o prove_v by_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o theory_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o unconceivable_a and_o by_o use_v the_o same_o we_o be_v safe_a in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o i_o have_v more_o full_o handle_v else_o where_o and_o shall_v only_o add_v now_o that_o the_o free_a experimental_a philosophy_n beget_v the_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o modest_a proposition_n by_o acquaint_v the_o philoâ—…opher_n every_o day_n with_o innumerable_a thing_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n oâ—…_n which_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n though_o he_o know_v by_o his_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v real_o exist_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n reason_v assist_v by_o philosophy_n cut_v off_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o silencâ—…th_v the_o objection_n of_o bold_a inâ—…idelity_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o free_a philosophy_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o great_a sublimity_n of_o faith_n and_o common_a reason_n do_v the_o best_a by_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o testimony_n that_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n this_o it_o do_v by_o aggregate_a those_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n that_o show_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n and_o twist_v such_o a_o cord_n as_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o geometry_n or_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n what_o it_o be_v that_o incline_v some_o man_n who_o be_v otherwise_o sober_a enough_o to_o let_v sly_a so_o lavish_o and_o indiscreet_o against_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n especial_o in_o a_o age_n so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o phantastry_n and_o madness_n and_o that_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o all_o its_o concern_v by_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a the_o discourse_n of_o some_o who_o have_v talk_v much_o of_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v bold_a and_o saucy_a and_o no_o doubt_n of_o evil_a tendency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o true_a philosophy_n and_o well_o manage_v reason_n vindicate_v religion_n from_o those_o impudent_a abuse_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sophistry_n and_o imposture_n in_o those_o pretension_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o insolence_n and_o riot_n of_o those_o that_o usurp_v their_o name_n then_o religion_n itself_o be_v for_o the_o immorality_n of_o those_o that_o cloth_n themselves_o in_o the_o garment_n of_o external_a piety_n and_o saintship_n thus_o of_o the_o service_n of_o philosophy_n against_o enthusiasm_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o instance_n chap._n vi_o philosophy_n serve_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v some_o of_o the_o mischiâ—…fs_n of_o that_o spirit_n brief_o reciâ—…ed_v six_o way_n whereby_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o dispute_a humour_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o behalf_n of_o dispute_n answer_v sect_n i._o v._n it_o help_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o which_o believe_v uncertain_a opinion_n sirm_o assâ—…rts_v they_o confident_o and_o clamorous_o conteâ—…ds_v against_o every_o different_a appâ—…ehe_fw-ge siâ—…n_fw-ge this_o be_v that_o pestilâ—…nt_a spirit_n that_o turn_v religion_n into_o air_n of_o notion_n and_o make_v it_o intricate_a and_o uncertain_a subject_n to_o eternal_a quarrel_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o which_o supplant_v charity_n modesty_n peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n rage_n insolence_n pride_n bitter_a zeal_n clamour_n and_o division_n and_o all_o the_o opposite_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o deprave_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o be_v sacred_a name_n a_o instrument_n to_o promote_v the_o project_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o cankr_a man_n one_o against_o another_o and_o inflame_v their_o spirit_n and_o crumble_a they_o into_o sect_n and_o disturb_v society_n and_o so_o it_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o scorn_n of_o unbeliever_n it_o turn_v man_n from_o the_o desire_n of_o practise_v to_o the_o itch_n of_o talk_v and_o abuse_v they_o into_o this_o dangerous_a belief_n that_o godliness_n consist_v more_o in_o their_o belove_a orthodoxy_n then_o in_o a_o sober_a virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n it_o make_v they_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a busy_a about_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o while_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o spirit_n fancy_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o fluency_n of_o the_o tongue_n while_o the_o worst_a of_o passion_n have_v the_o empire_n of_o their_o soul_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v which_o have_v do_v deplorable_a execution_n upon_o religion_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o service_n that_o can_v be_v afford_v it_o to_o destroy_v this_o evil_a genius_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o mere_o humane_a that_o contribute_v more_o towards_o the_o root_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n for_o sect_n ii_o ay_o converse_v with_o god_n work_n give_v we_o to_o see_v the_o uâ—…st_a difficulty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o they_o and_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v less_o conâ—…dent_a of_o their_o sentiment_n about_o nature_n and_o by_o many_o considâ—…tions_n and_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o length_n bring_v to_o such_o 〈◊〉_d â—…itual_a modesty_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o pass_v bold_a judgement_n upon_o those_o opinion_n in_o religâ—…n_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d assurance_n and_o two_o by_o the_o freqâ—…t_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o 〈◊〉_d and_o how_o oft_o we_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o fallibility_n of_o sensâ—…_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o undâ—…rstandings_n by_o education_n authority_n interest_n and_o our_o affection_n and_o so_o be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o prudent_a coldness_n and_o dâ—…ffidence_n in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a speculation_n by_o which_o the_o dispâ—…ting_a humour_n be_v destroy_v at_o the_o bottom_n beside_o which_o iii_o the_o real_a philosophy_n bring_v man_n in_o love_n with_o the_o practical_a knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o have_v employ_v ourselves_o in_o notion_n and_o theory_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o uncertainty_n and_o our_o â—…steem_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o will_v abate_v as_o that_o sense_n increase_v and_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n our_o respect_n and_o loâ—…e_v to_o operative_a knowledge_n will_v advance_v and_o grow_v which_o disposition_n will_v incline_v we_o also_o to_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o nicety_n in_o religion_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o
gnostic_n the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o jew_n or_o the_o disputingâ—…earning_n â—…earning_z of_o the_o greek_n and_o perhaps_o he_o may_v have_v a_o respect_n to_o all_o of_o they_o that_o the_o dispute_a philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v concern_v in_o the_o caution_n will_v appear_v very_o probable_a if_o we_o consider_v that_o much_o of_o it_o be_v build_v on_o mere_a notion_n that_o occasion_v division_n into_o manifold_a sect_n which_o manage_v their_o matter_n by_o sophistry_n and_o disputation_n full_a of_o nicety_n and_o maze_n of_o wit_n and_o aim_v at_o little_a but_o the_o pride_n of_o mysterious_a talk_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o real_o understand_v such_o a_o philosophy_n the_o apostle_n may_v just_o condemn_v and_o all_o wise_a man_n do_v the_o same_o because_o it_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o religion_n real_a knowledge_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o man_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o that_o which_o modest_o inquire_v into_o the_o creature_n of_o god_n as_o they_o be_v that_o collect_v the_o history_n of_o his_o work_n raise_v observation_n from_o they_o for_o the_o discovery_n of_o cause_n and_o invention_n of_o art_n and_o help_v for_o the_o benefit_n of_o mankind_n what_o vanity_n what_o prejudice_n to_o religion_n can_v be_v suppose_v in_o this_o be_v this_o think_v we_o that_o philosophy_n that_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o the_o great_a apostle_n censure_n and_o condemn_v he_o be_v bold_a that_o say_v it_o speak_v a_o thing_n he_o know_v not_o and_o might_n if_o he_o please_v know_v the_o contrary_a since_o the_o method_n of_o philosophy_n i_o vindicate_v which_o proceed_v by_o observation_n and_o experiment_n to_o work_n and_o use_n of_o life_n be_v not_o if_o at_o all_o the_o way_n of_o those_o time_n in_o which_o the_o apostle_n live_v nor_o do_v it_o begin_v to_o show_v itself_o in_o many_o age_n after_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v concern_v in_o s._n paul_n caution_n to_o his_o colossian_n nor_o in_o his_o smartness_n against_o worldly_a wisdom_n elsewhere_o for_o by_o that_o we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o fetch_n of_o policy_n the_o nicety_n of_o wit_n and_o strain_n of_o rhetoric_n that_o be_v then_o engage_v against_o the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o god_n work_n which_o illustrate_v the_o divine_a glory_n and_o comment_n upon_o his_o perfection_n and_o promote_v the_o great_a design_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v do_v good_a and_o in_o its_o proper_a nature_n tend_v to_o the_o dispose_n oâ—…_n man_n mind_n to_o virtue_n and_o religion_n sect_n iii_o but_o iii_o if_o philosophy_n be_v so_o excellent_a a_o instrument_n to_o religion_n it_o may_v be_v 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o question_n will_v have_v the_o force_n of_o a_o objection_n why_o the_o disciple_n and_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o instruct_v in_o it_o â—…ey_n be_v plain_a illiterate_a man_n altogether_o unacquainted_a with_o those_o sublimity_n god_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v he_o do_v not_o value_v this_o kind_n of_o wisdom_n so_o much_o as_o our_o discourse_n seem_v to_o imply_v but_o this_o choice_n that_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n make_v of_o the_o publisher_n of_o the_o glad_a tiding_n of_o salvation_n be_v no_o more_o prejudice_n or_o discredit_v to_o philosophy_n than_o it_o be_v to_o any_o other_o sort_n of_o learning_n and_o indeed_o it_o be_v none_o at_o all_o to_o either_o for_o the_o special_a reason_n of_o god_n make_v this_o choice_n seem_v such_o as_o these_o viz._n that_o his_o power_n may_v more_o evident_o appear_v in_o the_o wonderful_a propagation_n of_o the_o religion_n of_o christ_n jesus_n by_o such_o seem_o unqualified_a instrument_n that_o the_o world_n may_v not_o suspect_v it_o to_o be_v the_o contrivance_n of_o wit_n subtlety_n and_o art_n when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n in_o its_o first_o promotâ—…rs_n and_o perhaps_o too_o it_o be_v do_v in_o contempt_n of_o the_o vain_a and_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o greek_n over_o which_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v make_v glorious_o to_o triumph_v and_o to_o these_o i_o add_v that_o it_o may_v be_v to_o show_v that_o god_n value_v simplicity_n and_o integrity_n above_o all_o natural_a perfection_n how_o excellent_a soever_o so_o that_o there_o be_v such_o special_a reason_n for_o the_o â—…using_v plain_a man_n to_o set_v this_o grand_a aâ—…air_n on_o foot_n in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v not_o begin_v by_o philosopher_n and_o to_o counter-argue_a this_o topick_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o patriarch_n and_o holy_a man_n of_o ancient_a time_n that_o be_v most_o in_o the_o divine_a favour_n be_v well_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n and_o contribute_v to_o the_o good_a of_o man_n by_o their_o useful_a discovery_n and_o invention_n adam_n be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o creature_n noah_n a_o planter_n of_o vineyard_n abraham_n as_o grotius_n collect_v from_o ancient_a history_n a_o great_a mist_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o star_n isaac_n prosperous_a in_o georgic_n jacob_n bless_v in_o his_o philosophical_a stratagem_n of_o the_o speckled_a rods._n moses_n a_o great_a man_n in_o all_o kind_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n bezaliel_n and_o aholiab_n inspire_v in_o architecture_n solomon_n a_o deep_a naturalist_n and_o a_o composer_n of_o a_o voluminous_a history_n of_o plant_n daniel_n hananiah_n mishael_n and_o azariah_n skill_v in_o all_o learning_n and_o wisdom_n ten_o time_n better_o say_v the_o text_n than_o the_o magician_n and_o astrologer_n in_o nebuchadnezzar_n realm_n and_o to_o accumulate_v no_o more_o instance_n the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o east_n make_v the_o first_o address_n to_o the_o infant_n saviour_n conclusion_n thus_o we_o see_v upon_o the_o whole_a that_o there_o be_v no_o shadow_n of_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v discourage_v or_o oppose_v modest_a inquiry_n into_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n and_o whatsoever_o ignorant_a zeal_n may_v prompt_v the_o common_a sort_n to_o methinks_v those_o of_o generous_a education_n shall_v not_o be_v of_o so_o perverse_a a_o frame_n especial_o it_o become_v not_o any_o that_o minister_n at_o the_o altar_n to_o do_v so_o great_a a_o disservice_n to_o religion_n as_o to_o promote_v so_o unjust_a a_o conceit_n as_o that_o of_o philosophy_n be_v a_o enemy_n unto_o it_o the_o philosopher_n be_v the_o priest_n among_o the_o egyptian_n and_o several_a other_o nation_n in_o ancient_a time_n and_o there_o be_v never_o more_o need_v that_o the_o priest_n shall_v be_v philosopher_n than_o in_o we_o for_o we_o be_v liable_a every_o day_n to_o be_v call_v out_o to_o make_v good_a our_o foundation_n against_o the_o atheist_n the_o sadduce_v and_o enthusiast_n and_o it_o be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n in_o his_o work_n that_o must_v furnish_v we_o with_o some_o of_o the_o most_o proper_a weapon_n of_o defence_n hard_a name_n and_o damn_v sentence_n the_o arrow_n of_o bitter_a word_n and_o rage_a passion_n will_v not_o defeat_v those_o son_n of_o anâ—…k_n these_o be_v not_o sit_v weapon_n for_o our_o warfare_n no_o they_o must_v be_v meet_v by_o a_o reason_n instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o seek_v in_o their_o own_o quarter_n and_o their_o arm_n must_v be_v turn_v upon_o themselves_o this_o may_v be_v do_v and_o the_o advantage_n be_v all_o we_o we_o have_v steel_n and_o brass_n for_o our_o defence_n and_o they_o have_v little_a else_o than_o twig_n and_o bulrush_n for_o the_o assault_n we_o have_v light_n and_o firm_a ground_n and_o they_o be_v lose_v in_o smoke_n and_o mist_n they_o tread_v among_o bogs_n and_o dangerous_a fen_n and_o reel_v near_o the_o rock_n and_o steep_v and_o shall_v we_o despise_v our_o advantage_n and_o forsake_v they_o shall_v we_o relinquish_v our_o ground_n and_o our_o light_n and_o muâ—…e_v ourselves_o up_o in_o darkness_n shall_v we_o give_v our_o enemy_n the_o weapon_n and_o all_o the_o odds_o and_o so_o endeavour_v to_o insure_v their_o triumph_n over_o we_o this_o be_v sottish_o to_o betray_v religion_n and_o ourselves_o if_o this_o discourse_n chance_n to_o meet_v with_o any_o that_o be_v guilty_a of_o these_o dangerous_a folly_n it_o will_v i_o hope_v convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o philosophy_n or_o to_o despise_v its_o aid_n in_o the_o concern_v of_o religion_n and_o for_o those_o who_o never_o yet_o think_v of_o this_o part_n of_o religion_n to_o glorify_v god_n for_o his_o work_n i_o wish_v it_o may_v awaken_v they_o to_o more_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o and_o so_o excite_v their_o pious_a acclamation_n and_o to_o
which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o principle_n there_o must_v be_v that_o must_v direct_v these_o practice_n and_o those_o that_o discover_v and_o direct_a man_n in_o those_o action_n of_o duâ—…y_n be_v call_v principle_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n viz._n some_o be_v 1._o fundamental_a and_o essential_a other_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d and_o assist_v fundamental_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o foundâ—…_n of_o a_o building_n upon_o which_o the_o fabric_n stand_v and_o without_o which_o it_o must_v sink_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n one_o or_o more_o and_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o respective_o of_o this_o sort_n i_o mention_v four_o viz._n i._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a perfâ—…ction_n thâ—…_n bâ—…lief_n of_o this_o iâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d necâ—…ssary_a to_o all_o the_o parâ—…s_n oâ—…_n râ—…ligion_n ii_o that_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o expose_v to_o his_o displeasure_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n part_n of_o worship_n iii_o that_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o blessing_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o adoration_n iu_o that_o there_o be_v moral_a good_a and_o evil._n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o charity_n humility_n justice_n purity_n or_o the_o rest_n these_o proposition_n i_o say_v be_v fundamental_o of_o religion_n for_o it_o suppose_v and_o stand_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o these_o but_o yet_o very_o encourage_v and_o helpful_a i_o reckon_v four_o here_o also_o viz._n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v assist_v we_o if_o we_o endeavour_v 3._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o service_n that_o be_v imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v sincere_a 4._o that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o another_o world_n according_a â—…o_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o this_o i_o count_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n general_a and_o christianity_n take_v in_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n advance_v the_o duty_n to_o noble_a measure_n and_o encourage_v they_o by_o new_a motive_n and_o assistance_n and_o superad_v two_o other_o instance_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o the_o principle_n it_o confirm_v those_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o explain_v they_o further_o and_o discover_v some_o few_o new_a one_o and_o all_o these_o both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n here_o be_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o main_a assist_a principle_n also_o and_o i_o call_v nothing_o else_o religion_n but_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o acknowledge_a principle_n and_o though_o our_o church_n require_v our_o assent_n to_o more_o proposition_n yet_o those_o be_v only_a article_n of_o communion_n not_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o go_v beyond_o the_o creed_n for_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n who_o can_v tell_v where_o you_o shall_v stop_v the_o sum_n be_v religion_n primary_o be_v duty_n and_o duty_n be_v all_o that_o which_o god_n have_v coâ—…ded_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o word_n or_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o in_o the_o commandment_n religion_n also_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n consist_v in_o some_o principle_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o way_n of_o devoâ—…t_n and_o virtuous_a live_n and_o these_o be_v comprise_v in_o that_o summary_n of_o belief_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o this_o religion_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v reasonable_a but_o i_o can_v undertake_v for_o all_o the_o opinion_n some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v orthodox_n nor_o for_o all_o those_o that_o by_o many_o private_a person_n and_o some_o church_n be_v count_v essential_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n thus_o i_o have_v state_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n the_o other_z thing_n to_o be_v determine_v and_o fix_v be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o rea_n on_o for_o this_o you_o may_v please_v â—…o_o consider_v that_o reason_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o reason_n in_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v the_o understanding_n and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v inform_v this_o latter_a be_v mean_v in_o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o with_o natural_a truth_n which_o i_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o man_n philosophy_n nor_o the_o critical_a rule_n of_o syllogism_n but_o those_o imbred_a fundamental_a notice_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o as_o arise_v not_o from_o external_a object_n nor_o particular_a humour_n or_o imagination_n but_o be_v immediate_o lodge_v in_o our_o mind_n independent_a upon_o other_o principle_n or_o deduction_n command_v a_o sudden_a assent_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a mankind_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o perfection_n that_o nothing_o have_v no_o attribute_n that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n and_o such_o like_o other_o which_o be_v unto_o we_o what_o instinct_n be_v to_o other_o creature_n these_o i_o call_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n the_o conclusion_n be_v those_o other_o notice_n that_o be_v infer_v right_o from_o these_o and_o by_o their_o help_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o remote_a that_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o all_o these_o if_o it_o be_v right_o infer_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o due_o circumstantiate_v sense_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o reason_n as_o the_o more_o immediate_a conclusion_n that_o be_v principle_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o distant_a truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n also_o of_o the_o proper_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o reason_n i_o be_o to_o show_v next_o 2_o that_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n viz._n that_o reason_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o religion_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v so_o to_o reason_n from_o these_o two_o result_v their_o correspondence_n and_o agreement_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o here_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v the_o great_a congruity_n that_o there_o be_v between_o that_o light_n and_o those_o law_n that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o the_o expressness_n of_o his_o write_a word_n he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o demonstrate_v that_o reason_n teach_v all_o those_o except_v only_o the_o two_o positives_n baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n but_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o turn_v my_o discourse_n that_o way_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v confine_v it_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o prove_v that_o reason_n mighty_o befriend_v these_o it_o do_v this_o i._o by_o prove_v some_o of_o those_o principle_n &_o ii_o by_o defend_v all_o for_o the_o clear_n both_o these_o you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o 1_o such_o as_o be_v presuppose_v to_o faith_n or_o such_o as_o 2._o be_v formal_a article_n of_o it_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o second_o such_o as_o be_v express_o declare_v by_o divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n and_o such_o like_a i._n for_o the_o formerâ—…ey_n â—…ey_z be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o by_o reason_n only_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v consider_v after_o i._n that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o to_o the_o heathen_a rom._n i._n xix_o and_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la xx._n that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n speak_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n psal._n xix_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o
sadducee_n and_o fanatic_n to_o rail_v against_o philosophy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o such_o cattle_n philosophy_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o disparage_v and_o reproach_v it_o but_o for_o religious_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o unadvised_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n be_v wondeâ—…ul_a and_o deplorable_a to_o set_v these_o right_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o philosophical_a inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a promote_a of_o it_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o discourse_n propose_v viz._n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v philosophy_n the_o slander_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v viz._n that_o of_o atheism_n and_o the_o other_o of_o its_o tend_v to_o the_o lessen_v our_o value_n of_o the_o scripture_n full_o confute_v it_o teach_v no_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n those_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o terrestrial_a nature_n of_o the_o moon_n consider_v as_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n i._o iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o follow_v evident_o from_o all_o that_o go_v before_o which_o though_o it_o will_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n deep_a search_n into_o nature_n yet_o this_o it_o will_v that_o no_o friend_n or_o servant_n of_o religion_n shall_v â—…inder_v or_o discountenance_v such_o inquiry_n and_o though_o most_o private_a christian_n and_o some_o public_a minister_n have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o ability_n to_o look_v into_o matter_n of_o natural_a research_n and_o inquisition_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v candid_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o folly_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o censure_v or_o discourage_v those_o worthy_a undertake_n upon_o which_o account_v it_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v how_o apâ—…_n some_o be_v that_o pretend_v much_o to_o religion_n and_o some_o that_o minister_v in_o it_o to_o load_v those_o that_o be_v studious_a of_o god_n work_v with_o all_o the_o odious_a name_n that_o contempt_n and_o spigâ—…t_n can_v suggest_v the_o irreligion_n of_o which_o injurious_a carriage_n nothing_o can_v â—…xcuse_v but_o their_o ignorance_n aâ—…d_v i_o will_v rather_o hope_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o what_o they_o do_v than_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o direct_a design_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o against_o any_o laâ—…dable_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o i_o know_v well_o what_o mischief_n prejudice_n will_v do_v euâ—…n_v upon_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o intelligent_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v many_o common_a slander_n and_o some_o plausible_a objection_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o zealous_a against_o philosophy_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o have_v never_o examine_v thing_n deep_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o most_o considerable_a allegation_n of_o both_o sort_n and_o i_o hope_v makâ—…_n such_o return_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v â—…fficient_a to_o satiâ—…_n those_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o bar_v by_o obstinacy_n or_o ignorance_n sect_n ii_o i_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o broad_a slander_n among_o which_o that_o i._o of_o atheism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unjust_a accusation_n that_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n can_v have_v invent_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v industrious_a to_o prove_v here_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n to_o defend_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o this_o spiteful_a and_o ridiculous_a charge_n it_o be_v true_a indâ—…ed_v the_o man_n of_o the_o epiâ—…urean_a sort_n have_v leave_v god_n and_o providence_n out_o of_o their_o account_n but_o then_o other_o philosopher_n have_v show_v what_o fool_n they_o be_v for_o do_v so_o and_o how_o absurd_a their_o pretend_a philosophy_n be_v in_o suppose_v thing_n to_o have_v be_v make_v and_o order_v by_o the_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n in_o a_o mighty_a void_a a_o d_o though_o their_o general_a doctrine_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v â—…xceeding_o ancient_a and_o very_o accountable_a when_o we_o supposâ—…_n matter_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o almighty_a power_n and_o its_o motion_n order_v and_o direct_v by_o omniscient_a wisdom_n yet_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o be_v independent_a and_o eternal_a be_v very_o precarious_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o all_o the_o regular_a motion_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v from_o blind_a tumultuous_a jumbling_n be_v the_o most_o unphilosâ—…phical_a phaâ—…e_n and_o ridiculous_a dotagâ—…_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o â—…ason_n to_o accuse_v philosophy_n of_o a_o fault_n which_o philosophy_n sufficient_o shame_v and_o disprove_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v many_o have_v great_a prejudice_n against_o it_o upon_o this_o score_n and_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a brand_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a man_n that_o they_o have_v revive_v the_o philosophy_n of_o epicurus_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v whole_a extent_n atheistical_a and_o irreligious_a to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n be_v impious_a and_o abominable_a this_o those_o of_o epicurus_n his_o elder_a school_n teach_v whereas_o the_o late_a restorer_n of_o the_o corpuscularian_a hypothesis_n hate_n and_o despise_v the_o vile_a doctrine_n but_o yet_o they_o thus_o far_o think_v the_o atomical_a philosophy_n reasonable_a viz._n as_o it_o teach_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n be_v perform_v by_o subtle_a stream_n of_o minute_n body_n and_o not_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a qualitiâ—…s_n and_o form_n they_o think_v that_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v enough_o for_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d variety_n which_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o sense_n we_o call_v such_o and_o such_o quality_n but_o then_o they_o suppose_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n creâ—…ted_v matter_n and_o be_v the_o supreme_a orderer_n of_o its_o motion_n by_o which_o all_o those_o diversity_n be_v make_v and_o hereby_o piety_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o providence_n be_v secure_v this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v the_o ancient_a philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o grate_n upon_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o i_o dare_v say_v i_o may_v undertake_v for_o most_o of_o the_o corpuscularian_a philosopher_n of_o our_o time_n except_v those_o of_o mr._n hobb_n way_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o reason_n learning_n and_o ingeâ—…ty_n as_o mr._n baxter_n shall_v seem_v to_o conclude_v those_o modern_a philosopher_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o such_o somatist_n as_o be_v for_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o exclude_v immaterial_a being_n this_o i_o take_v it_o he_o do_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reason_n of_o religion_n whereas_o those_o philosopher_n though_o they_o own_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o material_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n they_o do_v yet_o acknowledge_v god_n efficiency_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o as_o much_o seriousness_n and_o contend_v for_o it_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o philosopher_n or_o divine_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o any_o number_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v atheist_n for_o deny_v the_o peripatetic_a quality_n and_o form_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o overthrow_v by_o the_o corpuscularian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v manage_v by_o those_o philosopher_n so_o that_o methinks_v that_o reverend_a author_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o fair_o with_o the_o great_a name_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o gassendus_fw-la where_o he_o mention_n they_o promiscuous_o with_o the_o meeâ—…_n epicurean_a and_o hobbian_a somatist_n without_o any_o note_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o sadducee_n for_o both_o those_o celebrate_a man_n have_v labour_v much_o in_o assert_v the_o grand_a article_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n this_o inadvertency_n of_o that_o pious_a divine_a i_o think_v
sit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o i_o doubt_v some_o may_v be_v mislead_v into_o a_o undue_a opinion_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n and_o other_o of_o their_o way_n by_o find_v their_o name_n among_o those_o of_o a_o abhor_a character_n in_o a_o author_n of_o so_o much_o note_n i_o say_v it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v this_o hint_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o humour_n of_o oppose_v or_o carp_n at_o that_o worthy_a man_n no_o i_o think_v he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v much_o for_o his_o stout_a rational_a and_o successful_a opposition_n of_o the_o mischievous_a antinomianâ—…ollies_n â—…ollies_z when_o the_o current_a systematick_a divinity_n then_o call_v orthodox_n be_v overgrow_v with_o they_o for_o his_o frequent_a assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o madness_n of_o spread_a enthusiasm_n for_o his_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n and_o universal_a charity_n when_o it_o be_v hold_v a_o great_a crime_n not_o to_o be_v â—…ierce_a in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n for_o his_o quick_a pierce_a and_o serious_a practical_a write_n i_o say_v i_o judge_v the_o author_n the_o slip_n of_o who_o pen_n in_o a_o thing_n relate_v to_o my_o subject_n i_o have_v note_v to_o be_v a_o person_n worthy_a of_o great_a respect_n and_o i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v affirm_v concern_v he_o as_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o church_n do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o speak_v sense_n in_o a_o age_n of_o nonsense_n he_o mean_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o people_n of_o those_o time_n with_o the_o madness_n of_o which_o he_o contest_v but_o i_o be_o digress_v the_o business_n of_o this_o section_n have_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o atheism_n against_o the_o real_a philoâ—…ophy_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a slander_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v sect_n iii_o but_o 2._o it_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o philosophy_n dispose_v 〈◊〉_d to_o despise_v the_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o to_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v to_o be_v explode_v among_o christian_n to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o philosophy_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n work_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o study_n of_o the_o one_o incline_v man_n to_o despise_v the_o other_o certain_o have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o impious_a tendency_n in_o search_v into_o god_n work_n to_o the_o lessen_v of_o our_o value_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n itself_o will_v never_o have_v recommend_v this_o so_o much_o unto_o we_o as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o do_v yea_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v â—…rue_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n tend_v in_o its_o proper_a nature_n to_o dispose_v man_n to_o love_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o by_o converse_n with_o nature_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n fresh_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v still_o find_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o attribute_n how_o then_o can_v he_o that_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o they_o choose_v but_o love_n and_o esteem_v those_o holy_a record_n which_o so_o glorious_o illustrate_v the_o perfection_n which_o he_o admire_v beside_o by_o inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n we_o discover_v continual_o how_o little_a we_o can_v comprehend_v of_o his_o way_n and_o management_n and_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o incline_v to_o reverence_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o word_n though_o they_o be_v beyond_o his_o reach_n and_o though_o he_o can_v fathom_v those_o mystery_n he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o disposition_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o secure_v our_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o philosophy_n promote_v it_o much_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o there_o may_v be_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o philosophy_n who_o have_v less_o veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o ought_v yet_o that_o impious_a disesteem_v of_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v no_o effect_n of_o their_o philosophy_n but_o of_o their_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a inclination_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n bring_v upon_o natural_a wisdom_n by_o those_o pretender_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o none_o be_v more_o earnest_n or_o moâ—…_n â—…requent_a in_o the_o prooâ—…_n and_o recommendation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o of_o philosophiâ—…al_a inclination_n and_o genius_n who_o by_o their_o public_a capacity_n and_o profession_n have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o divine_a book_n and_o beside_o the_o many_o sermon_n that_o be_v continual_o preach_v but_o no_o further_o publish_v by_o the_o divine_n that_o be_v dispose_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n i_o may_v for_o instance_n mention_v the_o excellent_a performanof_n those_o incomparable_a philosopher_n the_o present_a most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o sarum_n and_o the_o deserve_o famous_a mr._n boil_v the_o former_a in_o the_o essay_n before_o mention_v and_o in_o a_o late_a â—…lose_a smart_n and_o judicious_a sermon_n agâ—…inst_v the_o antiscripturist_n and_o in_o another_o annex_v against_o infidelity_n new_o print_v have_v with_o great_a perspicuity_n strength_n and_o demonstrative_a order_n refute_v and_o shame_v the_o pretension_n of_o the_o inâ—…_n and_o roundly_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a volume_n and_o the_o other_o excellent_a philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n in_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o learned_a discourse_n concern_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n have_v vindicate_v those_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o cavil_n and_o exception_n of_o the_o nice_a wit_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n which_o performance_n of_o these_o two_o deep_a and_o pious_a inquirer_n into_o god_n work_n may_v with_o better_a reason_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o piety_n of_o philosophy_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o irreverence_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o natural_a wisdom_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o sect_n iv._o but_o to_o justify_v the_o imputation_n of_o the_o disservice_n philosophy_n do_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v by_o some_o be_v plead_v that_o philosophy_n viz._n that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a teach_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o believe_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o earth_n move_v and_o that_o the_o moon_n be_v of_o a_o terrestrial_a nature_n and_o habitable_a which_o opinion_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v impious_a and_o antiscriptural_a in_o return_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o in_o the_o general_a that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o philosophy_n teach_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o nature_n but_o its_o design_n be_v to_o direct_v mankind_n and_o even_o those_o of_o the_o plain_a understanding_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o it_o with_o the_o several_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o excite_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o divine_a book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v accommodate_v in_o the_o main_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o speak_v after_o our_o manner_n and_o suitable_o to_o sense_n and_o vulgar_a conception_n thus_o we_o â—…ind_v that_o the_o cloud_n be_v call_v heaven_n the_o moon_n one_o of_o the_o great_a light_n and_o the_o star_n mention_v as_o less_o considerable_a and_o the_o star_n also_o gen._n 1._o we_o read_v of_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o heaver_n and_o divers_a other_o such_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o plain_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o to_o recâ—…_n the_o mistake_n of_o the_o vulgar_a in_o philosophical_a theory_n but_o comply_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v according_a as_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o that_o 2._o no_o tenent_n in_o philosophy_n ought_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o explode_v because_o there_o may_v be_v some_o occasional_a say_n in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o comport_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o problem_n mention_v concern_v