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persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n particular_o that_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o testimony_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o generical_a and_o common_a part_n of_o faith_n be_v assent_v wherein_o it_o agree_v with_o some_o other_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o more_o special_a and_o peculiar_a part_n that_o limit_n and_o contract_n the_o general_n and_o whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v be_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o assent_n it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o assent_n ground_v not_o upon_o the_o internal_a reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o bare_a testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n 3._o for_o i_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o general_a ground_n of_o assent_n reason_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v we_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n either_o because_o we_o have_v some_o perception_n or_o knowledge_n of_o it_o ourselves_o or_o because_o its_o truth_n be_v declare_v to_o we_o by_o another_o upon_o 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the_o other_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o how_o the_o result_n of_o this_o heterogeneous_a composition_n shall_v be_v knowledge_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n above_o my_o comprehension_n and_o beside_o after_o all_o a_o evident_a assent_n when_o resolve_v into_o more_o word_n will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o notable_a definition_n of_o knowledge_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v 4._o if_o then_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o evident_a assent_n and_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o assent_n in_o it_o as_o consist_v pure_o and_o whole_o in_o perception_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o assent_n to_o a_o evident_a thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o several_a species_n of_o assent_n shall_v all_o have_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o assent_n in_o they_o and_o 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a_o thing_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v full_a and_o complete_a from_o the_o former_a wherein_o the_o evidence_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v so_o perfect_a i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o so_o little_o have_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o ought_v there_o be_v no_o proper_a name_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o it_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o incomplete_a evidence_n we_o call_v it_o opinion_n and_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n who_o evidence_n be_v complete_a this_o have_v be_v usual_o call_v knowledge_n but_o certain_o with_o the_o utmost_a impropriety_n knowledge_n as_o appear_v be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o by_o what_o name_n to_o call_v it_o or_o how_o to_o distinguish_v it_o i_o proâ—ess_v i_o know_v not_o not_o for_o want_v of_o real_a difference_n and_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o my_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v very_o distinct_a but_o mere_o because_o we_o want_v a_o word_n for_o it_o as_o we_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o 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in_o the_o school_n the_o account_n of_o which_o in_o short_a proceed_v thus_o all_o assent_n in_o general_n be_v either_o upon_o reason_n or_o authority_n if_o the_o reason_n be_v incomplete_a then_o it_o be_v opinion_n if_o complete_a then_o it_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o assent_n for_o which_o as_o yet_o there_o want_v a_o name_n as_o also_o there_o do_v for_o assent_v upon_o reason_n in_o general_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n be_v upon_o authority_n only_o then_o it_o be_v faith_n 7._o now_o this_o authority_n may_v be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o man._n if_o the_o authority_n whereupon_o our_o assent_n be_v ground_v be_v of_o man_n than_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v so_o ground_a be_v human_a faith_n if_o of_o god_n then_o it_o be_v divine_a faith_n between_o which_o two_n there_o be_v this_o in_o common_a that_o they_o both_o proceed_v not_o
upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n of_o like_a uncertainty_n though_o otherwise_o of_o different_a nature_n now_o as_o this_o faith_n resemble_v opinion_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o divine_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v science_n or_o rather_o that_o second_o assent_n for_o so_o i_o be_o force_v to_o call_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a name_n which_o we_o late_o discourse_v of_o and_o place_v between_o opinion_n and_o faith_n the_o comparison_n here_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o to_o certainty_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n as_o to_o uncertainty_n divine_a faith_n have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o much_o as_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_n can_v have_v there_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assurance_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o assent_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o word_n what_o a_o man_n believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
because_o he_o be_v infallible_a infallibility_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a ground_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o according_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n assume_v to_o herself_o the_o character_n of_o infallible_a do_v upon_o that_o supposition_n right_o require_v it_o i_o say_v upon_o that_o supposition_n for_o she_o be_v right_a enough_o in_o her_o consequence_n suppose_v her_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o extravagant_a and_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o matchless_a arrogance_n and_o presumption_n as_o befit_v only_o he_o who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 4._o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o he_o only_o have_v right_a to_o require_v implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o he_o indeed_o it_o be_v due_a from_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a measure_n imaginable_a as_o be_v also_o implicit_a obedience_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o signal_n example_n in_o abraham_n 8._o who_o when_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v after_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v obey_v and_o to_o have_v go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v 26._o but_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dark_a and_o inevident_a than_o this_o implicit_a faith_n it_o be_v formal_a reason_n indeed_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o it_o resolve_v at_o last_o into_o a_o ground_n high_o rational_a and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a reveal_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o darkness_n on_o this_o side_n nay_o even_o the_o light_n itself_o do_v not_o shine_v more_o clear_n but_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o where_o nothing_o distinct_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v sure_a as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v so_o dark_a as_o even_o to_o be_v invisible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v at_o large_a without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n whatever_o god_n shall_v propose_v to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v not_o know_v what_o that_o be_v like_o abraham_n go_v not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v be_v such_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o have_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o but_o the_o humility_n and_o devotion_n of_o he_o who_o so_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o faith_n worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o for_o so_o far_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o evident_a what_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v here_o then_o be_v the_o very_a blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v this_o enfold_v faith_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v and_o can_v thus_o trust_v god_n in_o the_o dark_a where_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o only_a the_o general_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v not_o likely_a in_o any_o of_o the_o more_o explicit_a instance_n of_o it_o to_o plead_v the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o article_n to_o excuse_v his_o infidelity_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n to_o a_o otherwise_o sufficient_o clear_a revelation_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v above_o his_o shallow_a reason_n 27._o upon_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v in_o few_o word_n a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o a_o celebrate_a question_n which_o among_o the_o schoolman_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o be_v whether_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o measure_n already_o lay_v down_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a for_o faith_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o assent_n and_o assent_n be_v a_o species_n of_o judgement_n and_o judgement_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n not_o of_o the_o understanding_n who_o only_a operation_n be_v perception_n and_o consequent_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o embrace_v acquiesce_a and_o repose_v itself_o in_o what_o the_o understanding_n represent_v as_o propose_v and_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o indeed_o unless_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o will_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v blame-worthy_a for_o any_o of_o his_o opinion_n or_o how_o he_o shall_v stand_v accountable_a either_o for_o error_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o for_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n on_o the_o other_o for_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n then_o since_o the_o only_a operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v perception_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o a_o infidel_n or_o a_o heretic_n will_v be_v non-perception_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o error_n but_o ignorance_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n be_v always_o suppose_v to_o include_v error_n and_o to_o be_v also_o the_o worst_a of_o error_n and_o this_o non-perception_a be_v only_o a_o negation_n and_o such_o as_o resolve_v into_o want_n of_o part_n which_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o natural_a defect_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n as_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v faulty_a be_v understand_v to_o be_v privation_n and_o defect_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n but_o then_o to_o make_v they_o so_o they_o must_v be_v voluntary_a nothing_o be_v faulty_a but_o what_o be_v so_o that_o be_v again_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n whereof_o those_o sin_n be_v privation_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n or_o else_o in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o virtue_n in_o have_v it_o nor_o vice_n in_o be_v without_o it_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n in_o upbraid_v the_o jew_n with_o infidelity_n do_v all_o along_o not_o only_o by_o confequence_n but_o direct_o and_o express_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o will_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 28._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o what_o i_o intend_v and_o what_o indeed_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o if_o i_o differ_v from_o any_o author_n of_o the_o better_a character_n that_o have_v either_o profess_o or_o occasional_o write_v upon_o it_o particular_o baronius_n and_o dr._n pearson_n it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o love_v to_o lay_v aside_o great_a authority_n or_o affect_v to_o be_v by_o myself_o but_o because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n of_o my_o understanding_n write_v with_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n what_o i_o think_v and_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v without_o have_v regard_n to_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o i_o think_v it_o join_v with_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o shall_v also_o be_v my_o rule_n in_o what_o remain_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v reason_n and_o faith_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a preparation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o distinction_n of_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v consider_v and_o right_o state_v which_o be_v the_o task_n allot_v for_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v without_o a_o difference_n though_o difference_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o distinction_n and_o this_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o will_v have_v the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v coincident_a and_o that_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n signify_v in_o reality_n alike_o and_o be_v but_o different_a expression_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suspect_v to_o do_v this_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o cause_n for_o who_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o distinction_n take_v away_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v the_o same_o upon_o those_o that_o hold_v it_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o dextrous_a shift_n and_o evasion_n invent_v by_o subtle_a man_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o
observation_n not_o light_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o if_o this_o one_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v once_o admit_v or_o show_v to_o be_v real_a solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n be_v immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o very_a next_o consequence_n at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v above_o reason_n differ_v nothing_o in_o reality_n from_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o much_o contrary_n to_o it_o as_o above_o it_o and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v on_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v well_o but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v as_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n be_v sufficient_o do_v that_o these_o two_o be_v quite_o different_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o than_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n why_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a inducement_n that_o make_v these_o man_n stand_v out_o so_o fierce_o and_o obstinate_o against_o this_o distinction_n for_o they_o be_v aware_a what_o mischief_n it_o will_v do_v they_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o clear_v and_o justify_v it_o 28._o and_o thus_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a thing_n what_o reason_n be_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o and_o what_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v now_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o more_o full_a and_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o true_a state_n of_o which_o question_n by_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o assent_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o understanding_n or_o reason_n can_v perceive_v or_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o or_o whether_o our_o not_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o comprehend_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v more_o direct_o to_o build_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 1._o we_o have_v gain_v a_o most_o wonderful_a point_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n by_o prove_v the_o distinction_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o of_o itself_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o immediate_o to_o decide_v but_o even_o forever_o to_o silence_n the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n for_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v pretend_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v the_o suppose_a contrariety_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v show_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n involve_v no_o such_o contrariety_n than_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v fair_o and_o whole_o remove_v and_o consequent_o there_o remain_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o work_n as_o most_o effectual_o do_v already_o and_o those_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a measure_n of_o penetration_n and_o sincerity_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o however_o consider_v the_o importunity_n of_o those_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o further_a establishment_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o other_o consideration_n whereby_o i_o shall_v also_o give_v further_a confirmation_n and_o so_o repay_v what_o i_o be_o indebt_v to_o the_o point_n contend_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n since_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n to_o their_o not_o contrariety_n as_o forward_o from_o their_o not_o contrariety_n to_o their_o believableness_n the_o consequence_n be_v full_a as_o good_a thus_o above_o reason_n believable_a therefore_o not_o contrary_a as_o thus_o above_o reason_n not_o contrary_a therefore_o believable_a now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o full_a conviction_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n i_o set_v out_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 2._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n that_o as_o all_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o need_v it_o so_o there_o be_v proposition_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n the_o fullness_n and_o immediateness_n of_o their_o evidence_n render_v they_o strict_o indemonstrable_a and_o it_o have_v be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o geometrician_n that_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o prove_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o need_n of_o proof_n 432._o whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o euclid_n who_o go_v formal_o to_o work_v to_o prove_v that_o two_o side_n of_o a_o triangle_n take_v together_o be_v great_a than_o one_o although_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a even_o from_o the_o notion_n only_o of_o a_o right_a line_n which_o be_v the_o short_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v between_o two_o point_n and_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o distance_n from_o one_o point_n to_o another_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o short_a of_o all_o line_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o point_n to_o point_v 3._o now_o though_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o evident_a of_o itself_o as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o need_v any_o that_o be_v i_o mean_v to_o those_o who_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o sincere_a as_o to_o say_v ingenuous_o what_o they_o inward_o think_v for_o to_o unattentive_a or_o captious_a person_n nothing_o be_v plain_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o some_o will_v contradict_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o the_o sun_n itself_o can_v make_v a_o man_n see_v if_o either_o he_o want_v eye_n or_o will_v shut_v '_o they_o i_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o to_o such_o man_n either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o proposition_n be_v plain_a but_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o be_v try_v by_o any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a considerer_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o certain_a proposition_n as_o plain_a as_o most_o of_o those_o which_o pass_v for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n in_o discourse_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v just_o fear_v incur_v the_o same_o censure_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o geometrician_n of_o go_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v evident_a be_v there_o not_o something_o peculiar_a in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o make_v it_o very_o different_a from_o they_o for_o they_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o abstract_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o such_o wherein_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o uninteress_v have_v no_o real_a need_n to_o prove_v evident_a thing_n because_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n their_o evidence_n be_v never_o contest_v whereas_o the_o point_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o encounter_v the_o partiality_n and_o false_a biass_n of_o humane_a nature_n particular_o that_o great_a and_o govern_v one_o of_o self-love_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o some_o of_o their_o maxim_n will_v yet_o not_o be_v equal_o secure_a from_o opposition_n and_o pass_v alike_o uncontested_a and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o prove_v it_o if_o not_o to_o do_v any_o necessary_a service_n to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obseâ—â—ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o 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where_o do_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n rest_n at_o last_o or_o upon_o what_o principle_n do_v it_o ultimate_o depend_v how_o come_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o presumption_n against_o it_o why_o be_v its_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n in_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a why_o i_o say_v but_o only_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o their_o reason_n at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_v sentiment_n as_o to_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v true_a can_v real_o be_v above_o it_o here_o i_o say_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v rest_v at_o last_o for_o shall_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v thus_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n therefore_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a now_o the_o only_a contestable_a proposition_n in_o this_o syllogism_n be_v the_o major_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o who_o proof_n must_v be_v in_o this_o form_n whatever_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a by_o this_o analysis_n of_o their_o argument_n into_o its_o principle_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o their_o reason_n of_o disbelieve_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n into_o this_o that_o their_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v their_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o principle_n our_o adversary_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o and_o indeed_o with_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o most_o extravagant_o absurd_a and_o self-arrowgating_a one_o that_o can_v possible_o enter_v the_o thought_n or_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o man._n and_o accordin_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o socinian_n that_o have_v the_o immodesty_n in_o term_n open_o to_o assert_v it_o but_o this_o be_v what_o they_o must_v come_v to_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o and_o what_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o say_v so_o then_o their_o procedure_n in_o short_a seem_v
to_o be_v this_o they_o first_o set_v their_o reason_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a measure_n to_o exalt_v that_o faculty_n to_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n nay_o to_o set_v it_o no_o bound_n at_o all_o but_o strict_o to_o make_v it_o infinite_a and_o so_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a perfection_n i_o must_v profess_v my_o despair_n ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v 8._o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o one_o truth_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n himself_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o true_o and_o necessary_o so_o and_o whatever_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n most_o certain_o not_o true_a because_o he_o essential_o comprehend_v all_o that_o true_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v must_v be_v nothing_o but_o to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o the_o intelligence_n of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v angel_n will_v be_v to_o confound_v all_o distinction_n between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a god_n and_o creature_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o withal_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o blaspemous_a proposition_n imaginable_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n turn_v and_o by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o direct_o and_o most_o compendious_o confute_v 9_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o by_o this_o handle_n and_o since_o that_o which_o be_v a_o principle_n one_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v forward_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n another_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o since_o there_o be_v these_o two_o general_a way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v both_o these_o way_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n which_o according_o shall_v turn_v chief_o upon_o this_o double_a hinge_v first_o i_o shall_v overturn_v their_o principle_n i_o call_v it_o they_o because_o it_o be_v what_o they_o must_v at_o last_o necessary_o come_v to_o by_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v no_o conclude_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a second_o i_o shall_v argue_v ab_fw-la absurdo_fw-la by_o show_v that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n which_o if_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o i_o shall_v think_v they_o reduce_v to_o a_o sufficient_a absurdity_n these_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o work_n which_o like_o the_o side_n of_o a_o arch_n will_v strengthen_v and_o bear_v up_o one_o another_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o part_n whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o their_o principle_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v show_v to_o follow_v from_o their_o supposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o this_o their_o principle_n be_v absurd_a and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o absurdity_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o wherein_o this_o principle_n be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 10._o and_o when_o by_o this_o method_n i_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o a_o priori_fw-la and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o humane_a reason_n and_o so_o that_o their_o be_v above_o it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v they_o false_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o faith_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v which_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o discuss_v my_o design_n at_o present_a not_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n or_o the_o like_a but_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o article_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n stand_v the_o great_a and_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n that_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v comprehend_v which_o principle_n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o overthrow_v and_o because_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o must_v first_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o profess_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n beside_o what_o will_v be_v say_v incidental_o and_o occasional_o of_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o treatise_n who_o main_a design_n be_v so_o to_o adjust_a and_o accommodate_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n together_o as_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o i_o entitle_v the_o whole_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a of_o what_o i_o design_n the_o particular_n of_o which_o will_v be_v more_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o account_v for_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n i._o of_o reason_n 1._o ambiguity_n of_o word_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o confusion_n of_o thought_n whoever_o will_v discourse_n clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o any_o subject_a must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o settle_v the_o signification_n of_o his_o term_n in_o case_n they_o be_v ambiguous_a that_o be_v if_o one_o and_o the_o same_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o different_a idea_n in_o this_o case_n definition_n of_o the_o name_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n between_o which_o two_o i_o conceive_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o nominal_a definition_n the_o word_n be_v only_o determine_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a idea_n whereas_o in_o a_o real_a one_o the_o idea_n itself_o be_v open_v and_o explain_v by_o some_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o nominal_a definition_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o therefore_o incontestable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v as_o principle_n in_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v in_o geometry_n whereas_o real_a definition_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v but_o for_o disputable_a proposition_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v 2._o reason_n therefore_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o of_o various_a acceptation_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o i_o define_v the_o name_n which_o will_v also_o be_v the_o better_o define_v if_o it_o be_v first_o distinguish_v now_o all_o distinction_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n the_o distribution_n ought_v to_o be_v into_o the_o most_o general_a and_o most_o immediate_a member_n i_o shall_v according_o distinguish_v of_o the_o several_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o i_o will_v divide_v any_o whole_a into_o its_o part_n 3._o i_o consider_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o general_a distribution_n of_o reason_n be_v into_o that_o of_o the_o object_n and_o
a_o desperate_a argument_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o 2._o which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o evasion_n either_o the_o deny_v or_o the_o allow_v this_o distinction_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o which_o beside_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o our_o clear_a proceed_v in_o what_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o be_o the_o rather_o induce_v to_o undertake_v because_o as_o mr._n boyle_n observe_v in_o a_o little_a treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v divers_a that_o employ_v this_o distinction_n few_o that_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o none_o that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o justify_v it_o indeed_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v write_v profess_o about_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o curiosity_n and_o importance_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o consider_v though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v not_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o subject_a nor_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a even_o as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v however_o because_o he_o have_v some_o considerable_a observation_n upon_o it_o as_o indeed_o his_o thought_n be_v general_o very_o good_a and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v refuse_v any_o additional_a light_n in_o so_o dark_a and_o untrodden_a a_o way_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o further_a advantage_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o matter_n first_o draw_v up_o into_o a_o short_a view_n what_o that_o excellent_a person_n have_v meditate_a concern_v it_o with_o such_o occasional_a remark_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v necessary_a and_o then_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o thing_n according_a to_o my_o own_o conception_n hope_v that_o between_o we_o both_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o that_o nothing_o of_o any_o consequence_n will_v be_v overlook_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o so_o little_o consider_v and_o almost_o virgin_n subject_a 3._o to_o give_v you_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o sum_n of_o mr._n boyle_n account_v he_o propose_v in_o general_n two_o thing_n 1._o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 2._o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o illusory_a distinction_n but_o ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n he_o conceive_v such_o notion_n and_o proposition_n as_o mere_a reason_n that_o be_v unassisted_a by_o revelation_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n clear_o comprehensible_a or_o not_o and_o that_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o understand_v such_o conception_n and_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n but_o such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v evident_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o to_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n 4._o now_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_o i_o will_v here_o by_o this_o great_a man_n leave_n and_o with_o due_a deference_n to_o his_o high_a character_n remark_n that_o though_o thing_n undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n may_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o surpass_v the_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v the_o first_o discovery_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o what_o divine_v mean_a by_o above_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o this_o distinction_n oppose_v it_o to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o this_o distinction_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o general_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o only_o above_o it_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v no_o distinction_n but_o a_o mere_a shift_n and_o evasion_n pretend_v that_o the_o i_o art_n of_o it_o fall_v in_o together_o and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o both_o they_o that_o use_v this_o distinction_n and_o they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v use_v do_v not_o mean_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v beyond_o the_o first_o invention_n or_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o to_o mean_v that_o our_o mystery_n be_v only_o undiscoverable_a when_o we_o say_v they_o be_v above_o reason_n will_v be_v too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o oppose_v to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o intend_v by_o mystery_n since_o though_o the_o undiscoverableness_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o be_v so_o call_v before_o their_o revelation_n it_o can_v be_v none_o now_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o say_v of_o these_o mystery_n now_o that_o they_o be_v above_o reason_n we_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o undiscoverableness_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o that_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o understand_v we_o for_o they_o deny_v that_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o according_a to_o they_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v all_o one_o but_o now_o no_o socinian_n that_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n will_v deny_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o that_o signify_v only_o undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o much_o less_o will_v he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o no_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n both_o allow_v we_o the_o distinction_n and_o the_o mystery_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o but_o then_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o more_o than_o we_o 5._o instead_o therefore_o of_o say_v undiscoverable_a he_o shall_v have_v say_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n into_o which_o he_o slip_v unaware_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v appear_v repugnant_a etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o former_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v even_o when_o discover_v and_o not_o such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a only_o to_o discover_v since_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o second_o part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o except_o those_o word_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a which_o in_o my_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v expunge_v as_o the_o production_n of_o the_o first_o mistake_n 6._o mr._n boyle_n proceed_v to_o illustrate_v his_o explanation_n of_o this_o distinction_n by_o a_o comparison_n draw_v from_o sight_n he_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o diver_n what_o he_o can_v see_v in_o a_o deep_a sea_n to_o which_o the_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v see_v into_o a_o sea-green_a liquor_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o some_o yard_n and_o no_o further_o so_o that_o if_o further_o ask_v if_o he_o can_v see_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n his_o answer_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o then_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v let_v himself_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o bring_v up_o thence_o and_o show_v he_o oyster_n or_o muscle_n with_o pearl_n in_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v both_o that_o they_o lie_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o the_o pearl_n be_v genuine_a and_o good_n but_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v further_o pretend_v that_o each_o of_o these_o pearl_n be_v big_a than_o the_o shell_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o will_v be_v think_v not_o only_o undiscernible_a by_o the_o eye_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o information_n and_o to_o admit_v this_o will_v argue_v the_o sight_n not_o only_o to_o be_v imperfect_a but_o false_a and_o delusory_a and_o according_o be_v presume_v that_o this_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v 7._o now_o i_o not_o only_o allow_v this_o comparison_n but_o even_o admire_v it_o for_o the_o singular_a aptness_n and_o pertinency_n of_o it_o to_o illustrate_v even_o to_o the_o sense_n the_o difference_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n only_o i_o think_v it_o seem_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o it_o which_o certain_o will_v make_v the_o comparison_n
to_o be_v true_a this_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n if_o there_o can_v be_v yet_o any_o question_n about_o it_o most_o evident_o show_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o as_o such_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n shall_v be_v true_a whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o contrary_a to_o truth_n i_o may_v also_o further_o allege_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v equal_o abstract_a from_o true_a and_o false_a which_o contrary_a to_o reason_n do_v not_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o determine_v nothing_o concern_v its_o object_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n importance_n as_o be_v a_o extrinsical_a denomination_n take_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o not_o only_o finite_a but_o very_o limit_v capacity_n for_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o general_a or_o all_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o be_v absolute_o incomprehensible_a but_o only_o human_a reason_n but_o then_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o indeed_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o one_o man_n may_v not_o transcend_v that_o of_o another_o and_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n may_v yet_o be_v perfect_o comprehend_v by_o god_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a reason_n so_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n here_o be_v of_o a_o respective_a signification_n such_o as_o do_v not_o express_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a faculty_n whereas_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o relative_n but_o a_o absolute_a thing_n and_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o may_v further_o insist_v on_o these_o and_o some_o other_o consideration_n but_o be_v partly_o prevent_v here_o by_o mr._n boyle_n who_o account_n i_o will_v have_v use_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_v intend_v to_o supply_v some_o of_o his_o and_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o thing_n already_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v either_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o that_o of_o my_o reader_n be_v understanding_n as_o to_o prosecute_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a than_o only_o to_o shape_v a_o answer_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o a_o objection_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o modern_a writer_n against_o mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr and_o which_o to_o do_v it_o the_o utmost_a justice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 24._o i_o have_v consider_v say_v he_o the_o distinction_n which_o they_o use_v between_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 14_o and_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v well_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n this_o distinction_n seem_v to_o i_o of_o no_o use_n or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o for_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n though_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o certain_a i_o own_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n one_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v a_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o see_v nothing_o clear_a a_o doctrine_n which_o our_o reason_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o on_o all_o its_o side_n i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o may_v be_v extract_v from_o it_o appear_v incomprehensible_a such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o for_o example_n that_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n make_v but_o one_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v entire_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n which_o differ_v nothing_o but_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 25._o i_o suppose_v whoever_o have_v due_o consider_v and_o well_o comprehend_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n can_v neither_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o this_o allegation_n nor_o be_v long_o at_o a_o loss_n what_o answer_v to_o return_v to_o it_o but_o to_o spare_v my_o reader_n this_o trouble_n my_o reply_n be_v that_o this_o author_n argument_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n he_o suppose_v here_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n must_v be_v either_o the_o not_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n or_o the_o comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o whereas_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o above_o reason_n what_o be_v all_o over_o unintelligible_a even_o as_o to_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n nor_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n but_o only_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v we_o can_v see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v it_o than_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o even_o then_o it_o will_v not_o as_o this_o author_n confuse_o enough_o pretend_v be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o because_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a only_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o may_v very_o well_o be_v believe_v though_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v and_o what_o be_v utter_o unintelligible_a can_v and_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v already_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o only_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n differ_v a_o little_a more_o than_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o 26._o and_o now_o if_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o very_a unaccountable_a thing_n i_o shall_v stand_v great_o amaze_v at_o either_o the_o natural_a or_o wilful_a blindness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o confound_a thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o most_o apparent_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v to_o distinguish_v and_o yet_o when_o strict_o examine_v and_o compare_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o distinction_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a and_o almost_o as_o common_a a_o fault_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o confound_v those_o that_o do_v and_o there_o be_v also_o other_o thing_n of_o such_o near_a resemblance_n and_o cognation_n to_o each_o other_o that_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n subtlety_n and_o nice_a inspection_n to_o discern_v their_o difference_n so_o fine_a and_o minute_n and_o almost_o imperceptible_a be_v the_o line_n that_o terminate_v their_o nature_n and_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o different_a as_o those_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o tree_n a_o triangle_n and_o a_o square_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a not_o to_o perceive_v it_o or_o be_v very_o insincere_a not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v know_v to_o serve_v themselves_o upon_o occasion_n of_o distinction_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v interest_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o shall_v yet_o reject_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n as_o well_o as_o well_o authorize_v one_o as_o this_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n and_o if_o admit_v will_v like_o a_o bomb_n throw_v into_o their_o garrison_n blow_v up_o and_o lie_v waste_v their_o main_a strength_n and_o force_v they_o to_o desert_n and_o give_v up_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o be_v now_o especial_o most_o zealous_o fond_a of_o and_o seem_v resolve_v even_o against_o reason_n to_o maintain_v 27._o for_o i_o must_v further_o remark_n and_o it_o be_v a_o
the_o importunity_n of_o the_o man_n i_o argue_v with_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o present_a case_n since_o as_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o sentiment_n of_o these_o man_n concern_v the_o disbelief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n which_o therefore_o both_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o refutation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 4._o now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o common_a standard_n whereby_o truth_n in_o the_o general_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v so_o that_o of_o every_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v either_o true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a as_o it_o accord_v with_o this_o measure_n as_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o which_o human_a reason_n sometime_o be_v and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o as_o much_o as_o whatever_o the_o understanding_n do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v may_v be_v conclude_v as_o most_o certain_o true_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o clear_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v without_o suppose_v our_o perceptive_a faculty_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o natural_o false_a and_o without_o suppose_v it_o also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o error_n even_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o more_o right_a use_n of_o they_o than_o to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o we_o clear_o perceive_v which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o manifest_a absurdity_n but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v necessary_o infer_v the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o our_o error_n and_o deception_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v admit_v by_o all_o what_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o cartesian_a way_n so_o earnest_o stand_v and_o contend_v for_o that_o clearness_n of_o perception_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n and_o criterion_n of_o truth_n so_o far_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v real_o in_o itself_o true_a but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v a_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a rule_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a limit_a respect_n only_o not_o absolute_o and_o in_o general_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o whatever_o we_o clear_o perceive_v be_v true_a yet_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o follow_v likewise_o backward_o that_o whatever_o be_v true_a we_o do_v also_o clear_o perceive_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o perceive_v be_v therefore_o not_o true_a by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o cartesian_a maxim_n must_v be_v very_o much_o abuse_v to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o never_o intend_v it_o to_o that_o purpose_n 5._o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n may_v be_v safe_o say_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n in_o general_n carry_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o understanding_n in_o general_n as_o full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o it_o so_o that_o all_o truth_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o intelligible_a the_o great_a and_o sublimest_n truth_n as_o much_o as_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a those_o which_o the_o angel_n study_n and_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o as_o much_o as_o those_o which_o employ_v the_o narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o poor_a rustic_n the_o former_a be_v in_o themselves_o as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o latter_a and_o if_o not_o actual_o so_o well_o understand_v it_o be_v not_o because_o of_o any_o incapacity_n in_o the_o object_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o faculty_n that_o be_v conversant_a about_o they_o but_o this_o disproportion_n must_v not_o be_v universal_a nor_o extend_v throughout_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o be_v for_o what_o be_v intelligible_a must_v be_v so_o to_o some_o understanding_n since_o what_o no_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v be_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o be_v intelligible_a and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o understanding_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v true_o intelligible_a that_o be_v all_o truth_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o whatever_o this_o perfect_a understanding_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v not_o intelligible_a and_o if_o not_o intelligible_a then_o also_o not_o true_a beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n for_o so_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a a_o speculation_n that_o truth_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o real_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o and_o do_v therefore_o exist_v original_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o be_v substantial_a truth_n and_o according_o do_v comprehend_v all_o truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o because_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o extent_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v also_o of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v above_o all_o reason_n or_o what_o no_o reason_n whatsoever_o can_v comprehend_v be_v as_o much_o above_o truth_n too_o and_o can_v possible_o be_v true_a 6._o but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o allow_v this_o of_o reason_n in_o general_n the_o same_o can_v be_v allow_v of_o human_a reason_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v certain_a and_o therefore_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o compass_n and_o extent_n with_o truth_n and_o possess_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a if_o not_o essential_o and_o substantial_o as_o god_n do_v yet_o at_o least_o noetical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o theory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a thorough_o to_o perceive_v and_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n but_o now_o that_o this_o qualification_n can_v possible_o agree_v to_o human_a reason_n though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o hope_v full_o to_o demonstrate_v upon_o a_o double_a consideration_n one_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n 7._o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o truth_n this_o as_o the_o most_o think_v and_o metaphysical_a person_n conceive_v of_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o equality_n or_o inequality_n or_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o these_o relation_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o intelligible_a idea_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o we_o be_v also_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o general_a sort_n of_o truth_n extreme_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v those_o that_o regard_v only_o the_o abstract_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o immutable_a essence_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n and_o other_o again_o that_o do_v regard_n thing_n that_o do_v actual_o exist_v the_o former_a of_o these_o constitute_v that_o order_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v necessary_a the_o latter_a that_o which_o we_o call_v contingent_a and_o this_o double_a order_n of_o truth_n result_v from_o that_o threefold_a relation_n beforementioned_a from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o relation_n arise_v contingent_a truth_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n of_o disagreement_n that_o be_v either_o between_o create_a being_n themselves_o or_o between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o these_o i_o call_v contingent_a truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a partly_o because_o these_o relation_n can_v not_o begin_v to_o exist_v before_o those_o being_n be_v produce_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v relation_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o partly_o because_o these_o relation_n may_v not_o have_v exi_v because_o those_o being_n may_v not_o have_v be_v produce_v and_o as_o contingent_a truth_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o
so_o from_o the_o second_o and_o middle_a relation_n result_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 8._o i_o go_v here_o upon_o the_o common_a and_o allow_v distinction_n between_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a truth_n and_o upon_o the_o as_o much_o allow_v supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a which_o therefore_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o decline_v the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o confess_v as_o well_o as_o evident_a thing_n and_o i_o care_v not_o for_o prove_v any_o more_o evident_a thing_n than_o i_o needs_o must_v and_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v in_o this_o precise_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v contingent_a that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o regard_v the_o abstract_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o idea_n and_o not_o as_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la since_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o contingent_a truth_n which_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n and_o because_o these_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o principal_a sort_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o science_n and_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o theory_n and_o contemplation_n and_o because_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n whenever_o we_o speak_v of_o truth_n absolute_o and_o in_o general_n we_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v necessary_a and_o immutable_a truth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v common_o say_v by_o metaphysical_a writer_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n though_o indeed_o this_o be_v strict_o true_a only_o of_o necessary_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o this_o and_o so_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o be_v grant_v i_o at_o least_o that_o the_o general_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 9_o i_o further_o add_v that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o exact_o speak_v all_o idea_n be_v divine_a idea_n even_o those_o which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o own_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o might_n easy_o and_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n be_v show_v that_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n in_o which_o we_o see_v and_o contemplate_v all_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o sublime_a speculation_n at_o present_a it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o unless_o the_o idea_n who_o relation_n constitute_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a be_v the_o divine_a idea_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n shall_v be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a for_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o relation_n shall_v be_v more_o necessary_a or_o eternal_a than_o the_o subject_n from_o which_o they_o result_v unless_o these_o idea_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a how_o can_v their_o relation_n be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a but_o now_o i_o pray_v what_o idea_n be_v so_o but_o the_o divine_a what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v relation_n between_o idea_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v between_o either_o create_a entity_n themselves_o or_o between_o they_o and_o their_o idea_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o contingent_a not_o of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n those_o only_o be_v sufficient_o steady_a and_o permanent_a subject_n to_o sustain_v such_o stable_a and_o immutable_a relation_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o representative_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v idea_n there_o will_v be_v no_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a essence_n to_o support_v these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o relation_n and_o if_o no_o such_o relation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n than_o no_o science_n which_o by_o the_o way_n will_v most_o convine_o prove_v to_o any_o capable_a and_o attentive_a understanding_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o most_o inmost_a ground_n and_o central_n support_v of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n 10._o well_o then_o it_o can_v no_o long_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n but_o now_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o real_o identify_v with_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n so_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o relation_n that_o result_v from_o they_o and_o subsist_v between_o they_o must_v also_o be_v infinite_a and_o then_o since_o these_o truth_n do_v essential_o consist_v in_o and_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o formality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o these_o ideal_o relation_n it_o no_o less_o evident_o follow_v that_o truth_n also_o must_v be_v infinite_a too_o 11._o which_o also_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v upon_o another_o account_n for_o i_o confider_v again_o that_o since_o relation_n do_v not_o in_o reality_n differ_v as_o distinct_a entity_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o term_n as_o the_o relation_n of_o two_o circle_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a to_o each_o other_o do_v not_o real_o differ_v from_o the_o circle_n themselves_o so_o relate_v these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o which_o these_o idea_n be_v identify_v and_o according_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v also_o as_o to_o the_o real_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n 12._o and_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o may_v be_v further_o and_o somewhat_o more_o direct_o demonstrate_v thus_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o himself_o or_o that_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o acknowledge_a principle_n necessary_a truth_n than_o be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n the_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o that_o supposition_n draw_v after_o it_o i_o think_v will_v oblige_v he_o that_o consider_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v for_o first_o if_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v against_o the_o supposition_n or_o if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_v it_o must_v have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o cause_n necessary_o determine_v to_o act_v and_o so_o god_n will_v be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n even_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la he_o will_v also_o be_v a_o unintelligent_a agent_n the_o consequence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n then_o antecedent_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n because_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o know_v and_o so_o god_n in_o the_o production_n of_o truth_n if_o indeed_o he_o do_v produce_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o without_o any_o intelligence_n again_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o depend_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n nay_o upon_o something_o create_v
idea_n of_o extension_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o virtual_o eminent_o and_o modo_fw-la intelligibili_fw-la answer_v to_o extension_n and_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v by_o mr._n malebranch_n l'_fw-mi ètendue_v intelligiblâ—_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o matter_n or_o body_n and_o imitable_a or_o participable_a by_o it_o according_a to_o those_o limitation_n and_o imperfection_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o be_v and_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o this_o its_o idea_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o express_v myself_o to_o the_o conception_n of_o every_o reader_n but_o i_o be_o sufficient_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o myself_o and_o whoever_o be_v not_o much_o want_v either_o in_o metaphysic_n or_o in_o attention_n can_v i_o think_v well_o miss_v my_o mean_v 23_o now_o the_o use_n that_o i_o make_v of_o this_o speculation_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v this_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o that_o divine_a essence_n according_a to_o some_o certain_a limitation_n and_o inadequate_a consideration_n of_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o creature_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n because_o however_o true_o divine_a and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o consider_v according_a to_o certain_a abstraction_n and_o limitation_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v idea_n do_v require_v and_o according_o such_o idea_n be_v ordinary_o say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a for_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v he_o though_o essential_a to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o creature_n who_o be_v finite_a they_o be_v indeed_o divine_a idea_n because_o essential_a to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o creature_n and_o be_v representative_a of_o they_o of_o creature_n therefore_o they_o be_v the_o idea_n and_o god_n in_o see_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o see_v himself_o though_o they_o be_v of_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v creature_n because_o though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o according_a to_o such_o precision_n limitation_n and_o inadequation_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v expressive_a and_o representative_a of_o their_o finite_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o reality_n which_o these_o idea_n represent_v be_v finite_a so_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o as_o finite_a too_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infinite_a consider_v as_o infinite_a shall_v be_v representative_a of_o what_o be_v finite_a and_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v finite_a so_o be_v they_o also_o by_o consequence_n so_o proportionate_a and_o of_o a_o measure_n so_o adjust_v to_o finite_a understanding_n as_o to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o and_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o comprehension_n which_o must_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v conclude_v of_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o experiment_n answer_v the_o theory_n we_o find_v that_o not_o only_o contingent_a truth_n that_o regard_v only_o the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n such_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n human_a event_n etc._n etc._n but_o even_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o which_o be_v ideal_o and_o necessary_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o abstract_a reason_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o in_o metaphysic_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o which_o science_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o we_o well_o understand_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n and_o conception_n 24._o but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o first_o order_n nor_o with_o their_o truth_n though_o those_o divine_a idea_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n be_v both_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o limit_a understanding_n which_o indeed_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o science_n yet_o these_o absolute_a idea_n which_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v neither_o finite_a nor_o comprehensible_a for_o these_o idea_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o separately_z consider_v according_o to_o its_o simple_a and_o absolute_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n or_o as_o representative_a of_o any_o reality_n out_o of_o itself_o and_o according_o god_n in_o contemplate_v these_o idea_n of_o he_o may_v be_v true_o and_o strict_o say_v to_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o do_v as_o real_o contemplate_v god_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n beside_o or_o out_o of_o itself_o these_o idea_n therefore_o be_v strict_o infinite_a because_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v be_v so_o and_o consequent_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o finite_a and_o consequent_o by_o human_a understanding_n god_n only_o can_v comprehend_v these_o idea_n and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o can_v comprehend_v himself_o human_a reason_n indeed_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v such_o idea_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o be_v withal_o able_a to_o discern_v enough_o of_o they_o to_o raise_v her_o great_a wonder_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o make_v she_o despise_v all_o other_o intelligible_a object_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr and_o the_o angelic_a spirit_n that_o wait_v about_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o better_a light_n be_v able_a to_o see_v yet_o more_o of_o they_o but_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v comprehend_v they_o full_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o other_o idea_n be_v finite_a and_o comprehensible_a these_o be_v true_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n above_o propose_v of_o each_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o finite_a and_o as_o narrow_o bound_v as_o they_o be_v we_o have_v a_o very_a distinct_a view_n of_o it_o we_o perceive_v it_o we_o comprehend_v it_o among_o all_o intelligible_a object_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a nor_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o exact_a notion_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v all_o that_o peculiar_a clearness_n evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o geometric_a science_n which_o alone_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v free_a from_o dispute_n and_o without_o contestation_n to_o find_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o other_o seek_v after_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o have_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o notion_n of_o its_o general_a subject_n extension_n but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o 139._o divine_a immensity_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o have_v a_o clear_a conception_n of_o that_o that_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o contemplate_v this_o vast_a idea_n but_o we_o enter_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n or_o rather_o into_o such_o a_o overshining_a and_o insupportable_a light_n as_o dazzle_v and_o blind_v our_o eye_n yea_o hurt_n and_o pain_n they_o till_o they_o can_v no_o long_o endure_v to_o gaze_v but_o be_v force_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o either_o by_o let_v down_o their_o weary_a lid_n suspense_n of_o thought_n or_o by_o turn_v their_o view_n upon_o less_o glorious_a object_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o other_o idea_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o wade_v in_o a_o river_n where_o we_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o bottom_n and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o pretty_a way_n together_o smooth_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n only_o now_o and_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o intangle_a weed_n that_o let_v and_o incumber_n our_o progress_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o main_a sea_n at_o the_o very_a first_o plunge_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o a_o abyss_n
that_o know_v no_o bottom_n 25._o i_o use_v a_o little_a figure_n and_o imagery_n here_o the_o better_a to_o impress_v this_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o habituate_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n by_o pure_a intellection_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o need_v none_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o metaphorical_a way_n be_v strict_o and_o severe_o true_a and_o by_o these_o two_o instance_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o divine_a idea_n the_o absolute_a and_o the_o relative_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o in_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n the_o first_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a the_o second_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a for_o you_o see_v here_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v full_o and_o adequate_o conceive_v but_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n have_v nothing_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o it_o but_o be_v all_o over_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o such_o as_o quite_o astonish_v and_o confound_v we_o with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o first_o application_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o it_o as_o indeed_o do_v all_o the_o absolute_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o infinite_a and_o equal_o incomprehensible_a to_o finite_a spirit_n however_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v representative_a of_o and_o carry_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o reality_n which_o either_o actual_o do_v or_o possible_o may_v exist_v out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o set_v aside_o only_o the_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n than_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a they_o be_v so_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a even_o the_o same_o that_o make_v they_o incommunicable_a viz._n their_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o absolute_a simplicity_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o all_o those_o idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o which_o be_v in_o this_o absolute_a sense_n essential_a to_o he_o must_v be_v also_o of_o a_o alike_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o silence_n the_o presumptuous_a cavil_n of_o those_o who_o draw_v objection_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o his_o attribute_n since_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v have_v incomprehensible_a attribute_n which_o unless_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o think_v either_o right_o or_o worthy_o of_o he_o 26._o but_o to_o resume_v our_o point_n we_o see_v then_o here_o what_o a_o large_a field_n be_v now_o open_v to_o our_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n even_o of_o a_o compass_n as_o large_a as_o the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o though_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o though_o even_o the_o divine_a idea_n that_o represent_v they_o as_o far_o as_o representative_a of_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o limit_a consideration_n yet_o those_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o such_o external_a reference_n but_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a simple_a abstract_a self_n must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a infinity_o and_o be_v as_o unbounded_a as_o god_n himself_o and_o since_o truth_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v coessential_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o divine_a idea_n i_o further_o conclude_v that_o though_o those_o truth_n which_o regard_v the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o you_o please_v thing_n that_o do_v actual_o exist_v be_v finite_a because_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o and_o though_o even_o those_o that_o regard_v the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o be_v also_o finite_a suppose_v the_o idea_n to_o be_v of_o the_o inferior_a order_n such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o creature_n yet_o those_o truth_n which_o respect_v those_o divine_a idea_n of_o the_o superior_a order_n that_o be_v of_o the_o absolute_a essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o simple_o consider_v and_o so_o be_v not_o only_o essential_o but_o even_o representative_o divine_a as_o true_o represent_v god_n and_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n his_o idea_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o order_n and_o character_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n far_o exalt_v above_o all_o creature_n yea_o above_o all_o other_o ideal_o truth_n even_o as_o far_o as_o what_o be_v of_o the_o simple_a and_o absolute_a essence_n of_o god_n transcend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o same_o essence_n be_v only_a relative_n to_o thing_n without_o and_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o less_o than_o infinite_a we_o have_v here_o then_o a_o order_n of_o infinite_a truth_n even_o allthose_n which_o regard_n the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n these_o divine_a idea_n and_o perfection_n be_v all_o infinite_a as_o that_o glorious_a essence_n who_o idea_n they_o be_v and_o who_o they_o represent_v and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o sublime_a truth_n which_o result_n from_o they_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n strict_o infinite_a and_o if_o infinite_a then_o by_o consequence_n incomprehensible_a i_o mean_v to_o all_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o as_o nothing_o finite_a have_v reality_n enough_o to_o represent_v infinite_a so_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n finite_a have_v capacity_n enough_o to_o comprehend_v it_o for_o as_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o any_o intelligent_a be_v can_v never_o exceed_v its_o intellectual_a power_n so_o neither_o can_v its_o power_n exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o its_o essence_n a_o finite_a be_v therefore_o must_v have_v a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n must_v have_v a_o finite_a perception_n since_o than_o our_o understanding_n be_v finite_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o perception_n of_o infinite_a must_v also_o be_v finite_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o objective_a reality_n which_o we_o contemplate_v when_o we_o think_v upon_o infinite_a have_v no_o limit_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o have_v a_o infinite_a thought_n as_o far_o as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v denominate_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n but_o yet_o still_o we_o think_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o perception_n of_o infinite_a can_v be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o most_o than_o finite_a but_o now_o a_o finite_a perception_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o a_o infinite_a intelligible_a beside_o that_o to_o perceive_v such_o a_o object_n after_o a_o finite_a manner_n be_v not_o to_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v but_o only_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o but_o now_o a_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a perception_n of_o a_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o comprehension_n of_o that_o thing_n even_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v finite_a much_o less_o than_o when_o it_o be_v infinite_a whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o infinite_a truth_n the_o same_o will_v also_o be_v incomprehensible_a one_o and_o since_o again_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o such_o truth_n even_o all_o those_o that_o regard_v the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o distributive_o consider_v since_o there_o be_v particular_a truth_n which_o it_o can_v comprehend_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v 27._o and_o of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o visible_a illustration_n in_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n this_o be_v a_o idea_n or_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v true_o insinite_a as_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o in_o order_n to_o or_o representative_a of_o creature_n and_o as_o infinite_a it_o be_v also_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o according_o the_o complex_fw-la truth_n that_o
have_v no_o idea_n but_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n and_o those_o very_a clear_a one_o too_o we_o may_v be_v as_o far_o from_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o dependence_n which_o that_o truth_n have_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o at_o least_o a_o just_a idea_n which_o single_a consideration_n be_v enough_o for_o ever_o to_o spoil_v human_a reason_n for_o set_v up_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o being_n finit_fw-la so_o very_o false_a be_v that_o arrogant_a assertion_n of_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n 248._o quaecunque_fw-la existunt_fw-la humanae_fw-la menti_fw-la pervestigabilia_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la inâ—initum_fw-la whatever_o be_v may_v be_v thorough_o comprehend_v by_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n except_o infinite_a and_o again_o vnum_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la omnem_fw-la mentis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la vim_o longissime_fw-la excedit_fw-la ipsâque_fw-la suâ_fw-la naturâ_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la eâ_fw-la cognosci_fw-la nequit_fw-la inâ—initum_fw-la puta_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a thing_n that_o far_o exceed_v the_o force_n and_o reach_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o can_v of_o its_o own_o very_a nature_n be_v know_v by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o namely_o infinite_a what_o but_o one_o thing_n except_v from_o the_o verge_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a knowledge_n it_o be_v well_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v a_o pretty_a large_a one_o but_o sure_o the_o author_n be_v ignorant_a of_o something_o else_o that_o be_v himself_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o have_v advance_v such_o a_o crude_a and_o ill-considered_a a_o proposition_n 33._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o argue_v a_o priori_fw-la and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o the_o most_o liberal_a supposition_n of_o its_o be_v finite_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o suppose_v truth_n to_o be_v finite_a much_o less_o be_v it_o suppose_v it_o what_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n if_o upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n it_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o our_o reason_n certain_o upon_o the_o latter_a there_o will_v be_v no_o proportion_n between_o they_o but_o whether_o our_o reason_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o truth_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o disproportionate_a to_o it_o either_o way_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o which_o i_o can_v but_o now_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o proposition_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o common_a and_o universal_o approve_v maxim_n even_o among_o those_o of_o the_o rational_a way_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v 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those_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o solution_n of_o they_o by_o the_o real_a chimaera_n of_o substantial_a form_n quality_n sympathys_n antipathys_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o account_v for_o they_o by_o the_o yet_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o the_o chemist_n strike_v and_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o those_o great_a but_o empty_a sound_n archaeus_n seminal_a spirit_n astral_a being_n gas_n blas_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o receive_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n not_o for_o their_o scientific_a light_n for_o they_o be_v dark_a as_o may_v be_v mere_a philosophic_a cant_n but_o only_a because_o they_o be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o they_o though_o they_o know_v not_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v never_o consider_v what_o and_o herein_o as_o in_o some_o other_o instance_n man_n love_v darkness_n better_o than_o light_n 2._o but_o then_o at_o another_o time_n you_o 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to_o examine_v nor_o need_v i_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o question_n since_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o can_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v be_v withal_o so_o abundant_o and_o convince_o make_v good_a by_o those_o able_a hand_n which_o have_v go_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o undertake_v the_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n therefore_o be_v so_o well_o discharge_v already_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o no_o further_o with_o it_o than_o only_a in_o consequence_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o one_o single_a necessary_a remark_n viz._n that_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o just_a objection_n
upon_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o m._n abbadie_n have_v by_o variety_n of_o demonstration_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v if_o then_o you_o will_v have_v that_o divine_a institution_n stand_v and_o if_o you_o will_v stand_v fast_o in_o it_o both_o which_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o suppose_v have_v a_o care_n how_o you_o remove_v its_o mystery_n consider_v how_o fundamental_a they_o be_v to_o the_o building_n and_o how_o great_a a_o share_n of_o its_o sacred_a weight_n rest_v upon_o they_o but_o endeavour_v rather_o to_o remove_v your_o own_o prejudices_fw-la to_o mortify_v your_o understanding_n to_o study_v humility_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o too_o free_a sally_n of_o your_o too_o curious_a and_o over_o venturous_a reason_n by_o still_o and_o silent_a reflection_n upon_o god_n infinite_a greatness_n and_o your_o own_o almost_o as_o great_a infirmity_n by_o which_o one_o think_v well_o pursue_v you_o will_v by_o 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to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n postscript_n since_o the_o commit_v of_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o press_n i_o have_v have_v the_o pleasure_n to_o peruse_v mr._n whiston_n new_a theory_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o which_o extraordinary_a and_o true_o great_a performance_n i_o return_v he_o all_o due_a thanks_o and_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n express_v so_o awful_a and_o reverential_a a_o regard_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o it_o against_o which_o both_o human_a reason_n and_o natural_a philosophy_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o abusive_o and_o profane_o employ_v how_o far_o this_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a author_n make_v good_a his_o great_a undertake_n or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o former_a theorist_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o examine_v i_o only_o make_v this_o observation_n from_o both_o their_o wonderful_a attempt_n that_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o no_o as_o to_o their_o respective_a account_n of_o thing_n yet_o they_o have_v at_o least_o go_v so_o far_o and_o offer_v so_o fair_o towards_o a_o true_a explanation_n of_o they_o as_o to_o convince_v any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a reader_n that_o the_o mosaiek_n record_v concern_v the_o great_a phenomena_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v not_o real_o of_o so_o desperate_a a_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v once_o presume_v to_o be_v but_o be_v in_o themselves_o capable_a of_o and_o may_v perhaps_o in_o time_n actual_o have_v if_o they_o have_v not_o already_o a_o true_a natural_a solution_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o universal_a flood_n without_o a_o miracle_n or_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v whole_o drown_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n or_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n already_o settle_v and_o by_o a_o train_n of_o cause_n already_o lay_v in_o 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less_o pertinent_a to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n to_o make_v this_o further_a reflection_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v overhasty_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n even_o of_o a_o physical_a much_o less_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n to_o be_v impossible_a only_o because_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v incomprehensible_a for_o beside_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o this_o whole_a discourse_n show_v no_o certain_a argument_n of_o its_o impossibility_n and_o that_o what_o appear_v incomprehensible_a to_o our_o understanding_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v well_o comprehend_v by_o those_o of_o angel_n not_o to_o say_v of_o wise_a man_n perhaps_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o be_v above_o all_o comprehension_n may_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o upon_o further_a reflection_n and_o experience_n so_o brighten_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o our_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v think_v of_o a_o 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present_a comprehension_n of_o what_o pass_v before_o with_o we_o for_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o both_o which_o consideration_n we_o be_v admonish_v to_o be_v very_o cautious_a how_o we_o conclude_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n much_o more_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o to_o we_o incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n mr._n whiston_n himself_o make_v of_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o excellent_a work_n from_o which_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o transcribe_v a_o passage_n both_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n and_o the_o great_a conviction_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o who_o as_o well_o as_o to_o myself_o it_o must_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o see_v the_o sentiment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o author_n concur_v with_o i_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n say_v he_o 379._o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a proposition_n almost_o in_o term_n of_o my_o four_o chapter_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examineed_a and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n may_v or_o even_o possibility_n of_o some_o thing_n therein_o assert_v since_o we_o have_v see_v so_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o seem_v the_o most_o incredible_a in_o the_o whole_a bible_n and_o give_v the_o great_a scruple_n and_o scandal_n to_o philosophic_a mind_n so_o full_o and_o particular_o attest_v and_o next_o to_o demonstrate_v from_o certain_a principle_n of_o astronomy_n and_o natural_a knowledge_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o expect_v in_o due_a time_n a_o like_a solution_n of_o the_o other_o difficulty_n it_o be_v but_o just_a sure_a to_o depend_v upon_o the_o veracity_n of_o those_o holy_a writer_n in_o other_o assertion_n who_o fidelity_n be_v so_o entire_o establish_v in_o these_o hitherto_o equal_o unaccountable_a one_o the_o obvious_a plain_a or_o literal_a sense_n of_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n ought_v not_o without_o great_a reason_n to_o be_v elude_v or_o lay_v aside_o several_a of_o those_o very_a place_n which_o seem_v very_o much_o to_o require_v the_o same_o hitherto_o appear_v now_o to_o the_o minute_a circumstance_n true_a and_o rational_a according_a to_o the_o strict_a and_o most_o literal_a interpretation_n of_o they_o we_o may_v be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o believe_v such_o thing_n on_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n as_o be_v proper_o mystery_n that_o be_v though_o not_o real_o contradictory_n yet_o plain_o unaccountable_a to_o our_o present_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n and_o reason_n thus_o the_o sacred_a history_n of_o the_o original_a constitution_n and_o great_a catastrophe_n of_o the_o world_n have_v be_v in_o the_o past_a age_n the_o object_n of_o the_o faith_n of_o jew_n and_o christian_n though_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v not_o afford_v so_o much_o light_n as_o that_o they_o can_v otherwise_o satisfy_v themselves_o in_o the_o credibility_n of_o they_o till_o the_o new_a improvement_n in_o philosophy_n and_o this_o be_v but_o just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o sure_a the_o ignorance_n or_o incapacity_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o incredulity_n or_o justify_v man_n in_o their_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o impeach_v the_o veracity_n or_o providence_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o which_o weighty_a and_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n very_o pertinent_a word_n of_o this_o worthy_a author_n i_o seal_v up_o my_o own_o and_o leave_v they_o both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n finis_fw-la correction_n page_n 176._o line_n 22._o after_o describe_v read_v it_o p._n 250._o l._n 11._o r._n confute_v p._n 206._o l._n 17._o after_o perfection_n r._n be_v as_o p._n 273._o l._n 1._o r._n proceed_v p._n 287._o l._n 12._o for_o as_o his_o vicar_n do_v r._n whatever_o his_o vicar_n may_v do_v p._n 289._o l._n 23._o after_o or_o r._n as_o p._n 292._o l._n 9_o r._n scrutiny_n p._n 303._o l._n 17._o r._n christian._n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n a_o collection_n of_o miscellany_n consist_v of_o poem_n essay_n discourse_n and_o letter_n in_o large_a 8_o o_o theory_n and_o regulation_n of_o love_n a_o moral_a essay_n in_o two_o part_n to_o which_o be_v add_v letter_n philosophical_a and_o moral_a between_o the_o author_n and_o dr._n more_o the_o 2_o d._n edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o which_o be_v add_v reflection_n upon_o a_o late_a essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n vol._n i._n the_o three_o edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n ii_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n iii_o letter_n philosophical_a moral_a and_o divine_a to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n with_o his_o answer_n in_o 8_o o_o treatise_n upon_o several_a subject_n former_o print_v single_o now_o collect_v into_o one_o volume_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a these_o eight_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n a_o treatise_n of_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o christ._n show_v the_o ungodly_a their_o contempt_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o a_o preface_n chief_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o dissenter_n and_o to_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o 8_o o_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o 10_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n price_n 1_v 6d_o a_o dialogue_n betwixt_o two_o protestant_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o popish_a catechism_n call_v a_o short_a catechism_n against_o the_o sectary_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o sectary_n but_o true_a catholic_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 2s_n poetic_a miscellany_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o the_o christian_a monitor_n the_o nineteen_o edition_n price_n 3d._n have_v already_o sell_v 95_o thousand_o and_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o and_o so_o proportionable_o for_o a_o small_a quantity_n these_o five_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n jo._n rawlet_n a_o essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n in_o four_o book_n the_o three_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o io._n locke_n gent._n folio_n malebranch_n search_v after_o truth_n complete_a in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o o._n to_o the_o 2_o d._n be_v add_v the_o author_n defence_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o m._n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr ville_fw-fr also_o the_o life_n of_o f_o malebranch_n do_v out_o of_o french_a by_o mr._n sault_n christian_n conference_n demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o morality_n by_o f._n malebranch_n practical_a discourse_n on_o the_o pararable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o f._n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o new_a voyage_n into_o italy_n with_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o same_o by_o max._n misson_n in_o 2_o vol._n do_v out_o of_o french_a and_o illustrate_v with_o sculp_v the_o roman_a history_n from_o the_o build_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o perfect_a settlement_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o augustus_n caesar._n by_o sa._n echard_n the_o 2_o d._n edition_n with_o amendment_n a_o full_a large_a and_o general_a phrase_n book_n by_o vv._n robertson_n a._n m._n price_n 5s_n bind_v reflection_n on_o the_o good_a tempâ—_n and_o fair_a deal_v of_o the_o animadverter_n upon_o d._n sherlock_n vindication_n or_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 4_o o._n price_n 6d_o essay_n of_o michael_n seignieur_n de_fw-fr montaigne_n in_o 3_o book_n do_v into_o english_a by_o c._n cotton_n esq_n in_o three_o vol._n a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n by_o vv._n beveridge_n d._n d._n the_o eleven_o edition_n price_n 3d_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n price_n 6d_o a_o new_a voyage_n to_o the_o levant_n contain_v remarkable_a curiosity_n in_o germany_n france_n italy_n malta_n &_o turkey_n by_o the_o sieur_n de_fw-fr mont._n the_o second_o edition_n price_n 5s_n 5s_n see_v mrs._n bourignon_n be_v work_n at_o large_a particular_o vol._n 7._o part_n 2d_o pag._n 193._o as_o also_o mr._n poiret_n be_v oeconomic_a divine_a vol._n 5._o p._n 338._o luk._n 18._o 8._o rom._n 11._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o joh._n 15._o 2._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 2_o pet._n 2._o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o metaphysical_a meditat._n philoso_n contract_n p._n 242._o recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr veritè_fw-fr liv._o 1._o p._n 10._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o 22_o â—_o q._n 1._o art_n 1._o chap._n 7._o artic._n 9_o tom._n 9_o p._n 107._o 2_o pet._n 5._o heb._n 11._o 1._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 4._o heb._n 11._o 8._o joh._n 〈◊〉_d 40._o avis_n stir_v le_fw-fr tableâ—â—_n du_fw-fr socinianism_n traité_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 14_o l'_fw-mi art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr p._n 432._o cogit_fw-la rational_a de_fw-fr deo_fw-la p._n 296._o mr._n malebranche_fw-mi malebranche_fw-mi veritas_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la incommutabilis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la dicitur_fw-la in_o principio_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la erat_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la s._n austin_n in_o psal._n 123._o job_n 11._o 7._o psal._n 97._o 2._o rom._n 11._o 33._o 33._o i_o the_o rather_o instance_n in_o the_o divine_a immensity_n because_o the_o devout_a psalmist_n do_v herein_o particularise_v his_o ignorance_n make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o astonishment_n rather_o than_o his_o curiosity_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o psal._n 139._o â—erardi_fw-la de_fw-la vries_n prasessoris_fw-la vâ—traâ—_n 〈◊〉_d exercitationes_fw-la rationales_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la divinisque_fw-la perfectoinibus_fw-la pag._n 248._o psal._n 4._o le_fw-fr clerk_n physics_n pag._n 14._o 〈…〉_z recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verité_fw-fr tom._n 2._o p._n 165._o 〈…〉_z psal._n 32._o 10._o 〈…〉_z christianity_n not_o myâ—ter_n p._n 90._o serm._n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n life_n of_o christ_n p._n 184._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o p._n 379._o
regard_v this_o absolute_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v also_o infinite_a and_o as_o such_o incomprehensible_a as_o appear_v in_o this_o proposition_n god_n be_v immense_a which_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n we_o find_v it_o be_v so_o a_o posteriori_fw-la by_o cast_v the_o view_n of_o our_o understanding_n upon_o it_o and_o we_o find_v it_o must_v be_v so_o a_o priori_fw-la by_o reason_v upon_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o and_o establish_v and_o to_o prevent_v all_o vain_a cavil_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o further_o add_v that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o truth_n that_o result_v from_o infinite_a idea_n not_o to_o be_v infinite_a which_o yet_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o real_a identity_n and_o coessentiality_n with_o those_o idea_n yet_o however_o they_o must_v upon_o another_o account_n be_v incomprehensible_a even_o upon_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o those_o idea_n for_o if_o the_o idea_n whereof_o a_o truth_n consist_v be_v incomprehensible_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v infinite_a that_o alone_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v the_o relation_n or_o habitude_n between_o those_o idea_n who_o simple_a nature_n the_o foundation_n of_o those_o habitude_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v for_o if_o in_o finite_a thing_n the_o not_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o adequate_a idea_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v we_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o many_o proposition_n concern_v that_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n in_o morality_n especial_o in_o question_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o must_v for_o ever_o lie_v undetermined_a mere_o for_o want_v of_o our_o have_v a_o clear_a idea_n of_o that_o noble_a essence_n much_o more_o than_o in_o thing_n infinite_a will_v the_o not_o have_v a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o idea_n incapacitate_v we_o from_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n that_o result_v from_o they_o which_o will_v therefore_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o if_o they_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o infinite_a 28._o i_o have_v hitherto_o show_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o truth_n by_o human_a reason_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o joint_a consideration_n of_o each_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n i_o have_v consider_v and_o represent_v truth_n absolute_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o own_o infinite_a and_o unmeasurable_a nature_n but_o as_o for_o human_a reason_n i_o have_v consider_v that_o only_a as_o finite_a as_o suppose_v that_o sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o place_v it_o in_o any_o other_o light_n for_o after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o truth_n be_v infinite_a to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o enough_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o bound_v power_n without_o represent_v how_o very_a strait_a and_o narrow_a its_o bound_n be_v since_o whatever_o be_v finite_a can_v never_o measurer_n infinite_a but_o than_o it_o so_o what_o if_o we_o add_v the_o other_o consideration_n to_o it_o if_o the_o bare_a finiteness_n of_o human_a understanding_n a_o defect_n common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o create_a intelligency_n render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o comprehend_v truth_n and_o consequent_o of_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o littleness_n and_o narrowness_n of_o its_o bound_n contribute_v to_o heighten_v that_o incapacity_n if_o the_o have_v any_o limit_n do_v so_o unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o truth_n how_o then_o do_v the_o have_v so_o very_o short_a and_o straight_o one_o straight_o indeed_o by_o natural_a and_o original_a constitution_n but_o much_o more_o yet_o retrench_v by_o sin_n and_o by_o all_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la deordinate_a affection_n and_o evil_a custom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o which_o have_v now_o so_o darken_v our_o mind_n and_o draw_v such_o a_o gross_a film_n over_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o distinguish_v day_n from_o night_n clearness_n from_o obscurity_n truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o be_v able_a to_o see_v but_o so_o very_o little_a a_o way_n into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n much_o less_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o we_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o depress_v and_o humble_v our_o pride_n and_o vanity_n than_o that_o very_a knowledge_n of_o we_o which_o puff_v we_o up_o so_o very_o narrow_a in_o its_o compass_n and_o extent_n so_o very_o shallow_a and_o superficial_a in_o its_o depth_n so_o very_o confuse_v and_o obscure_a in_o its_o light_n so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o conjectural_a in_o its_o ground_n and_o so_o every_o way_n defective_a and_o imprerfect_a be_v it_o but_o how_o then_o can_v we_o find_v the_o depth_n of_o truth_n with_o so_o short_a a_o line_n a_o bottomless_a depth_n with_o i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o finite_a but_o so_o very_o scanty_a a_o measuer_fw-mi and_o what_o a_o extravagant_a folly_n and_o weakness_n not_o to_o say_v pride_n and_o vanity_n be_v it_o to_o fancy_v that_o we_o can_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n in_o a_o angel_n but_o sure_o the_o very_a madness_n and_o distraction_n of_o impudence_n in_o man_n who_o may_v with_o less_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n think_v to_o grasp_v the_o ocean_n within_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n than_o to_o comprehend_v and_o measure_v truth_n infinite_a boundless_a truth_n not_o only_o with_o finite_a but_o so_o very_o limit_v capacity_n 29._o but_o suppose_v truth_n be_v not_o what_o we_o have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_a but_o have_v bound_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o have_v the_o same_o our_o reason_n can_v be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o do_v the_o supposition_n of_o its_o have_a limit_n infer_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o no_o for_o though_o finite_a its_o bound_n may_v possible_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o those_o of_o our_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v not_o we_o can_v then_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v sure_a that_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o we_o as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v use_v it_o as_o a_o measure_n by_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o concern_v the_o falsehood_n or_o impossibility_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o inability_n to_o comprehend_v they_o since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o limit_n of_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o finite_a may_v yet_o exceed_v and_o that_o very_o great_o too_o those_o of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o consider_v both_o the_o natural_a and_o the_o superaccessory_a defect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v 30._o some_o essence_n perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v though_o even_o this_o again_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v that_o sit_v so_o high_a in_o the_o intellectual_a form_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v finite_a so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o truth_n at_o large_a be_v because_o it_o be_v indeed_o infinite_a but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probability_n that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v of_o so_o raise_v a_o order_n that_o nothing_o but_o infinity_o shall_v transcend_v its_o comprehension_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a composition_n of_o pride_n and_o self-love_n that_o can_v make_v we_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v something_o like_o that_o only_o much_o more_o extravagant_a which_o possess_v the_o disturb_a head_n of_o some_o in_o bedlam_n and_o make_v they_o conceit_n themselves_o king_n and_o emperor_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o iron_n rag_n and_o straw_n what_o though_o truth_n be_v finite_a and_o some_o understanding_n too_o that_o be_v so_o be_v able_a to_o measure_v it_o why_o must_v this_o need_v be_v conclude_v of_o human_a understanding_n if_o a_o finite_a be_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v truth_n why_o must_v man_n be_v that_o be_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v make_v low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o how_o many_o order_n and_o degree_n there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o indeed_o how_o many_o rank_n of_o spiritual_a being_n there_n may_v be_v in_o the_o universe_n who_o understanding_n go_v beyond_o we_o for_o who_o can_v define_v the_o outflowing_n of_o the_o divine_a fecundity_n or_o number_v the_o round_n of_o the_o intellectual_a scale_n
in_o the_o mean_a while_n though_o man_n know_v not_o how_o many_o order_n of_o intelligent_a creature_n there_o be_v above_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o consent_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v none_o below_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v place_v even_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o intellectual_a order_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o his_o understanding_n as_o much_o as_o he_o value_v himself_o upon_o it_o be_v of_o so_o shallow_a a_o depth_n and_o so_o low_a a_o size_n that_o even_o finite_a object_n may_v be_v disproportionate_a to_o he_o especial_o since_o we_o find_v he_o so_o often_o puzzle_v and_o gravel_a in_o natural_a thing_n as_o also_o in_o those_o ideal_o truth_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o natural_a and_o ectypal_a world_n such_o as_o philosophical_a and_o mathematical_a problem_n or_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v that_o creature_n who_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o very_a confine_n of_o the_o material_a and_o immaterial_a world_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o common-point_n where_o matter_n end_v and_o spirit_n begin_v who_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n of_o the_o intellectual_a kind_n and_o be_v both_o the_o young_a and_o the_o least_o endow_v among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 31._o these_o consideration_n sufficient_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probability_n that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v finite_a which_o indeed_o be_v enough_o of_o itself_o to_o carry_v the_o point_n contend_v for_o as_o far_o as_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n be_v concern_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o may_v not_o than_o we_o can_v be_v never_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v than_o we_o can_v use_v it_o as_o a_o measure_n which_o as_o i_o have_v remark_v already_o and_o for_o the_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v here_o reinculcate_v make_v it_o the_o same_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o such_o at_o all_o but_o yet_o to_o carry_v our_o plea_n a_o little_a highter_n i_o further_o contend_v that_o as_o the_o forego_n consideration_n suffice_v to_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n may_v not_o so_o there_o be_v one_o behind_o that_o very_o positive_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o finite_a and_o bound_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o understanding_n 32._o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n whereof_o our_o idea_n be_v very_o confuse_v and_o obscure_a so_o it_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o please_v the_o eternal_a and_o 〈◊〉_d intelligence_n to_o exhibit_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v representative_a of_o those_o thing_n to_o our_o understanding_n but_o now_o beside_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v always_o lie_v under_o in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o confuseness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o our_o idea_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v many_o time_n render_v those_o thing_n and_o also_o whatever_o near_o relate_v to_o those_o thing_n incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o beside_o that_o our_o not_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o certain_a thing_n be_v a_o invincible_a bar_n to_o all_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v without_o light_n it_o be_v also_o further_o considerable_a that_o possible_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o comprehend_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v the_o idea_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o though_o truth_n in_o general_n be_v never_o so_o finite_a or_o the_o particular_a truth_n we_o will_v contemplate_v be_v never_o so_o finite_a it_o be_v plain_a we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o than_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a now_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n which_o yet_o of_o itself_o as_o i_o have_v again_o and_o again_o note_a be_v sufficient_a to_o debar_v we_o from_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v also_o some_o instance_n wherein_o it_o appear_v actual_o to_o be_v so_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o liberty_n and_o contingency_n and_o be_v withal_o well_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v free_a agent_n we_o have_v also_o a_o sufficient_a notion_n of_o prescience_n and_o be_v also_o no_o less_o assure_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o because_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a repugnance_n between_o one_o truth_n and_o another_o we_o be_v also_o by_o consequence_n assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o each_o other_o but_o now_o how_o to_o adjust_a their_o apparent_a opposition_n or_o reconcile_v those_o instance_n of_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n wherewith_o they_o press_v we_o this_o we_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_v able_a with_o all_o our_o meditation_n to_o comprehend_v and_o that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o human_a soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o comprehend_v how_o its_o free_a work_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o prescience_n though_o our_o idea_n of_o prescience_n and_o liberty_n be_v never_o so_o clear_n or_o if_o this_o instance_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v so_o proper_a because_o the_o man_n with_o who_o our_o present_n concern_v lie_n be_v please_v to_o disow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o prescience_n let_v i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o many_o other_o difficulty_n concern_v human_a liberty_n beside_o that_o take_v from_o prescience_n which_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o get_v over_o then_o they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n even_o because_o they_o ahve_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o solution_n of_o those_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o difficulty_n in_o morality_n do_v necessary_o depend_v or_o if_o they_o please_v let_v they_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o physical_a nature_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o place_n and_o we_o know_v also_o as_o well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v coextend_v to_o a_o place_n but_o now_o how_o be_v in_o a_o place_n may_v be_v without_o coextension_n to_o a_o place_n this_o be_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v though_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o upon_o other_o consideration_n constrain_v to_o grant_v it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o clear_a conception_n of_o which_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o other_o do_v so_o depend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o may_v conclude_v in_o general_a that_o when_o ever_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o else_o whereof_o we_o have_v either_o no_o idea_n or_o not_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_o clear_n which_o must_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o hitherto_o presume_a impossibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a proportion_n between_o a_o circle_n and_o a_o square_a why_o circle_n and_o square_n be_v very_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o how_o come_v we_o then_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o precise_a and_o just_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o they_o it_o can_v be_v from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o much_o less_o from_o our_o want_n of_o have_v idea_n of_o they_o for_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o exact_a idea_n of_o these_o figure_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o proportion_n depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n whereof_o the_o idea_n fail_v we_o which_o till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o we_o shall_v in_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o discover_v the_o other_o whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o uncapable_a of_o comprehend_v those_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o thing_n whereof_o we_o