Selected quad for the lemma: reason_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n divine_a faith_n revelation_n 3,413 5 9.3938 5 false
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A62844 Christianity not mysterious, or, A treatise shewing that there is nothing in the Gospel contrary to reason, nor above it and that no Christian doctrine can be properly call'd a mystery / by John Toland. Toland, John, 1670-1722. 1696 (1696) Wing T1763; ESTC R7180 73,824 208

There are 15 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

approve_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o undeceive_v they_o for_o no_o adversary_n how_o absurd_a or_o trifle_a soever_o aught_o to_o be_v supercilious_o disregard_v by_o a_o unfeigned_a lover_n of_o man_n and_o truth_n so_o far_o of_o revelation_n only_o in_o make_v it_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n i_o follow_v paul_n himself_o who_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o can_v profit_v they_o except_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o 6._o knowledge_n or_o by_o prophesy_v or_o by_o doctrine_n chap._n iii_o that_o by_o christianity_n ●…s_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o the_o miracle_n method_n and_o style_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 19_o what_o we_o discourse_v of_o reason_n before_o and_o revelation_n now_o be_v due_o weigh_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o divine_a must_v consequent_o agree_v with_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o own_o ordinary_a idea_n this_o every_o considerate_a and_o well-disposed_a person_n will_v find_v by_o the_o careful_a perusal_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o undertake_v this_o task_n will_v confess_v the_o gospel_n not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o nor_o afar_o off_o but_o very_o nigh_o we_o in_o our_o 14._o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o asford_v the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n of_o close_a and_o perspicuous_a ratiocination_n conceivable_a which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o i_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n may_v claim_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o its_o conformity_n with_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n concur_v in_o his_o person_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o countryman_n yet_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n he_o prove_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n by_o such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n which_o thou_o 2._o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v no_o sinner_n 16._o can_v do_v such_o thing_n and_o other_o that_o they_o exceedeá_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n 21._o 20._o jesus_n himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o very_a enemy_n ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o pretend_a blasphemy_n say_v if_o i_o do_v 38._o not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o that_o be_v believe_v not_o rash_o on_o i_o and_o so_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o my_o work_n but_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n consider_v the_o work_n i_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v then_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o effect_n several_a of_o the_o people_n say_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v 31._o can_v do_v no_o great_a wonder_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n believe_v when_o they_o see_v the_o 23._o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v 21._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n 4._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n those_o who_o hear_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n all_o craftiness_n and_o deceitful_a handle_n of_o the_o 2._o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o manifest_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v they_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o 15._o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n now_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v all_o these_o miracle_n all_o these_o appeal_n if_o no_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o man_n understanding_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a contradictory_n or_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v reveal_v non-jense_a now_o if_o these_o miracle_n be_v true_a christianity_n must_v consequent_o be_v intelligible_a and_o if_o false_a which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v they_o can_v be_v then_o no_o argument_n against_o we_o 22._o but_o to_o insist_v no_o long_o upon_o such_o passage_n all_o man_n will_v own_v the_o verity_n i_o defend_v if_o they_o read_v the_o sacred_a write_n with_o that_o equity_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v due_a to_o mere_a humane_a work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a rule_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o book_n whatever_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v use_v those_o mean_n will_v find_v they_o notorious_a deceiver_n or_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o maintain_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v without_o any_o order_n or_o certain_a scope_n but_o just_a as_o matter_n come_v into_o the_o apostle_n head_n whether_o transport_v with_o enthusiastic_a fit_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o or_o according_a to_o other_o for_o lack_v of_o good_a sense_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o say_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a method_n who_o complain_v of_o this_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v not_o upon_o generality_n though_o whenever_o it_o be_v prove_v i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v find_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n he_o be_v teach_v or_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v to_o defend_v any_o party_n be_v not_o my_o business_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n 23._o the_o facility_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o confine_v only_o to_o method_n for_o the_o style_n be_v also_o most_o easy_a most_o natural_a and_o in_o the_o common_a dialect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o consign_v shall_v any_o preach_v in_o xenophon_n strain_n to_o the_o present_a greek_n or_o in_o correct_v english_a to_o the_o countrypeople_n in_o scotland_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o learn_v the_o very_a word_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n denote_v by_o they_o of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o time_n the_o jew_n understand_v hebrew_a worse_n than_o the_o tongue_n of_o those_o region_n where_o they_o dwell_v no_o pretcnce_n therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o language_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o irrational_a hypothesis_n for_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o daily_a use_n of_o their_o mother-tongue_n whereas_o the_o style_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o plain_a author_n that_o write_v as_o they_o speak_v without_o the_o disguise_n of_o pompous_a elegance_n have_v ever_o be_v account_v the_o best_a by_o all_o good_a judge_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a effect_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o new_a be_v always_o suppose_v quote_v or_o allude_v to_o nor_o be_v that_o all_o for_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o custom_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n if_o this_o have_v be_v true_a of_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o those_o help_n to_o understand_v aright_o many_o unknown_a particular_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v we_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n in_o israel_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o talmud_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o rabbin_n which_o however_o otherwise_o useless_a give_v we_o no_o small_a light_n into_o the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o language_n and_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o mean_v of_o any_o expression_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o want_n of_o more_o book_n in_o the_o same_o tongue_n than_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o author_n who_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o his_o countryman_n and_o contemporary_n but_o no_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v nor_o falsehood_n confute_v from_o such_o passage_n no_o more_o than_o any_o can_v certain_o divine_v his_o
dote_a philosopher_n into_o article_n of_o faith_n they_o raise_v a_o loud_a clamour_n against_o reason_n before_o who_o evidence_n and_o light_n their_o empty_a shadow_n must_v disappear_v for_o as_o in_o philosophy_n so_o in_o religion_n every_o sect_n have_v its_o peculiar_a extravagancy_n and_o the_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o latter_a do_v perfect_o answer_v the_o occult_a quality_n of_o the_o former_a they_o be_v both_o calculate_v at_o first_o for_o the_o same_o end_n viz._n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o demand_v a_o reason_n where_o none_o can_v be_v give_v and_o to_o keep_v as_o many_o in_o ignorance_n as_o interest_n shall_v think_v convenient_a but_o god_n forbid_v that_o i_o shall_v impute_v the_o like_a nefarious_a design_n to_o all_o that_o contend_v for_o mystery_n now_o thousand_o whereof_o i_o know_v to_o be_v the_o best_a meaning_n man_n in_o the_o universe_n this_o sophistical_a or_o corrupt_a philosophy_n be_v elsewhere_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n style_v the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n to_o which_o 19_o the_o greek_n be_v as_o much_o bigoted_a as_o the_o jew_n be_v infatuate_v with_o a_o fancy_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a but_o what_o be_v miraculous_o prove_v so_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o 22._o wisdom_n but_o this_o boast_a wisdom_n be_v then_o foolishness_n with_o god_n and_o so_o it_o be_v now_o with_o consider_v men._n 49._o a_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o roman_n be_v cite_v likewise_o to_o prove_v humane_a reason_n not_o a_o capable_a judge_n of_o what_o be_v divine_o reveal_v the_o word_n be_v the_o carnal_a mind_n be_v enmity_n against_o 7._o god_n for_o it_o be_v not_o subject_a to_o the_o law_n of_o god_n neither_o indeed_o can_v be_v but_o if_o these_o word_n be_v speak_v of_o reason_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o more_o false_a because_o reason_n do_v and_o aught_o to_o subject_n itself_o to_o the_o divine_a law_n yet_o this_o submission_n argue_v no_o imperfection_n in_o reason_n as_o our_o obedience_n to_o just_a law_n can_v be_v say_v to_o destroy_v our_o liberty_n reason_n must_v first_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o go●…_n and_o then_o comply_v with_o it_o for_o a_o man_n can_v no_o more_o deserve_v punishment_n for_o not_o observe_v such_o law_n as_o be_v unintelligible_a than_o for_o not_o perform_v what_o be_v never_o enjoin_v he_o the_o carnal_a mind_n then_o in_o this_o place_n be_v not_o reason_n but_o the_o carnal_a desire_n of_o lewd_a and_o wicked_a man_n who_o practice_n as_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o reveal_v law_n of_o god_n so_o they_o be_v to_o that_o of_o sound_a reason_n too_o 50._o what_o have_v be_v discourse_v of_o pretend_a wisdom_n and_o sensual_a mind_n may_v be_v easy_o apply_v to_o another_o passage_n where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o weapon_n of_o our_o warfare_n be_v not_o carnal_a but_o mighty_a 5._o through_o god_n to_o the_o pull_v down_o of_o strong_a hold_n cast_v down_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n that_o exalt_v itself_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o ore_v into_o captivity_n every_o thought_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o word_n as_o well_o as_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o whole_a that_o these_o be_v the_o thought_n and_o imagination_n of_o foolish_a and_o profane_a man_n and_o shall_v be_v captivate_v or_o reform_v by_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n as_o in_o effect_n they_o often_o be_v for_o such_o person_n not_o ordinary_o allow_v of_o argument_n from_o scripture_n be_v first_o persuade_v by_o reason_n and_o after_o that_o they_o receive_v the_o scripture_n but_o can_v reason_v cast_v down_o or_o destroy_v itself_o no_o but_o it_o reduce_v those_o vain_a and_o impious_a sophism_n which_o borrow_v its_o name_n to_o cover_v or_o authorise_v the_o disorder_n they_o occasion_n 51._o it_o will_v be_v extreme_o tedious_a to_o go_v one_o by_o one_o over_o all_o the_o text_n which_o ignorant_a or_o perverse_a man_n allege_v against_o that_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n which_o i_o particular_o establish_v any_o single_a passage_n to_o my_o purpose_n shall_v one_o will_v think_v give_v sufficient_a satisfaction_n to_o all_o christian_a lover_n of_o truth_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v every_o where_o uniform_a and_o self-consistent_a but_o i_o have_v quote_v several_a in_o the_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o second_o section_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o what_o i_o perform_v in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n of_o the_o present_a section_n yet_o because_o this_o reason_v may_v be_v retort_v and_o to_o leave_v no_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o caviller_n or_o deceiver_n i_o have_v punctual_o answer_v the_o strong_a objection_n i_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o most_o celebrate_a piece_n of_o divinity_n i_o say_v which_o i_o have_v observe_v for_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o the_o vulgar_a notion_n of_o mystery_n can_v ever_o enter_v into_o my_o head_n or_o any_o passage_n in_o that_o book_n can_v suggest_v to_o i_o that_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n or_o enquiry_n nor_o do_v i_o find_v myself_o yet_o inchn_v to_o envy_v those_o who_o entertain_v other_o thought_n of_o it_o when_o all_o the_o while_o they_o open_o acknowledge_v it_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n but_o see_v the_o most_o material_a difficulty_n make_v to_o i_o by_o a_o friend_n be_v that_o my_o opinion_n destroy_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v with_o all_o the_o brevity_n i_o can_v deliver_v my_o sentiment_n concern_v this_o subject_a 52._o i_o will_v spend_v no_o time_n upon_o the_o ordinary_a division_n of_o faith_n into_o historical_n temporary_a or_o justify_v lively_a or_o dead_a weak_a or_o strong_a because_o most_o of_o these_o be_v not_o so_o much_o faith_n itself_o as_o different_a effect_n thereof_o the_o word_n import_v belief_n or_o persuasion_n as_o when_o we_o give_v credit_n to_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v tell_v we_o by_o god_n or_o man_n whence_o faith_n be_v proper_o divide_v into_o human_n and_o divine_a again_o divine_a faith_n be_v either_o when_o god_n speak_v to_o we_o immediate_o himself_o or_o when_o we_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o word_n or_o write_n of_o those_o to_o who_o we_o believe_v he_o have_v speak_v all_o faith_n now_o in_o the_o world_n be_v of_o this_o last_o sort_n and_o by_o consequence_n entire_o build_v upon_o ratiocination_n for_o we_o must_v first_o be_v convince_v that_o those_o write_n be_v they_o who_o names_n they_o bear_v we_o then_o examine_v the_o outward_a state_n and_o action_n of_o those_o person_n and_o last_o understand_v what_o be_v contain_v in_o their_o work_n otherwise_o we_o can_v determine_v whether_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o god_n or_o not_o much_o less_o firm_o believe_v they_o 53._o to_o be_v confident_a of_o any_o thing_n without_o conceive_v it_o be_v no_o real_a faith_n or_o persuasion_n but_o a_o rash_a presumption_n and_o a_o obstinate_a prejudice_n rather_o become_v enthusiast_n or_o impostor_n than_o the_o teach_v of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o delude_v his_o creature_n nor_o want_v ability_n to_o inform_v they_o right_o i_o prove_v before_o sect._n 2._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o difference_n between_o human_a and_o divine_a revelation_n do_v not_o consist_v in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n but_o in_o certitude_n so_o many_o circumstance_n frequent_o concur_v in_o history_n as_o render_v it_o equal_a to_o intuition_n thus_o i_o can_v as_o soon_o deny_v my_o own_o be_v as_o the_o murder_n of_o cicero_n or_o the_o story_n of_o william_n the_o conqueror_n yet_o this_o happen_v only_o sometime_o but_o god_n speak_v always_o truth_n and_o certainty_n 54._o now_o since_o by_o revelation_n man_n be_v not_o endue_v with_o any_o new_a faculty_n it_o follow_v that_o god_n shall_v lose_v his_o end_n in_o speak_v to_o they_o if_o what_o he_o say_v do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o common_a notion_n can_v that_o person_n just_o value_v himself_o upon_o be_v wise_a than_o his_o neighbour_n who_o have_v infallible_a assurance_n that_o something_o call_v blictri_n have_v a_o be_v in_o nature_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n know_v not_o what_o this_o blictri_n be_v and_o see_v the_o case_n stand_v real_o thus_o all_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n must_v necessary_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n knowledge_n and_o assent_n it_o be_v the_o last_o indeed_o that_o constitute_v the_o formal_a act_n of_o faith_n but_o not_o without_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o first_o and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n we_o have_v of_o it_o all_o over_o the_o new_a testament_n there_o we_o read_v that_o without_o faith_n it_o be_v impossible_a 6._o to_o please_v god_n but_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o
way_n contradict_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o other_o reason_n may_v err_v in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a promise_n it_o shall_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n that_o their_o sense_n may_v not_o deceive_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o transubstantiation_n to_o say_v it_o bear_v witness_v to_o itself_o be_v equal_o to_o establish_v the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o poran_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o when_o all_o society_n will_v say_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o if_o we_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v ask_v whence_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decide_v this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v from_o the_o scripture_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v divert_v himself_o with_o this_o circle_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o the_o church_n have_v so_o determine_v it_o and_o the_o church_n have_v this_o decide_n authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v doubt_v if_o this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o passage_n allege_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o a_o party_n concern_v affirm_v it_o heyday_o be_v not_o these_o eternal_a round_n very_o exquisite_a invention_n to_o giddy_a and_o entangle_v the_o unthinking_a and_o the_o weak_a 7._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a not_o upon_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n but_o from_o a_o real_a testimony_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o from_o undoubted_a effect_n and_o not_o from_o word_n and_o letter_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o i_o grant_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o divinity_n but_o it_o be_v reason_n find_v they_o out_o examine_v they_o and_o by_o its_o principle_n approve_v and_o pronounce_v they_o sufficient_a which_o orderly_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o acquiescence_n of_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n now_o if_o particular_n be_v thus_o severe_o sift_v if_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v consider_v but_o also_o their_o life_n prediction_n miracle_n and_o death_n sure_o all_o this_o labour_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o upon_o any_o account_n dispense_v with_o contradiction_n o_o bless_a and_o commodious_a system_n that_o discharge_v at_o one_o stroke_n those_o troublesome_a remark_n about_o history_n language_n figurative_a and_o literal_a sense_n scope_n of_o the_o writer_n circumstance_n and_o other_o help_n of_o interpretation_n we_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n by_o his_o action_n and_o his_o discourse_n but_o god_n who_o we_o be_v assure_v have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n 17._o must_v have_v no_o privilege_n above_o the_o mad_a enthusiast_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o at_o this_o rate_n 8._o but_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n will_v be_v pretend_v this_o we_o be_v please_v with_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v 19_o but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o word_n but_o their_o sense_n which_o must_v be_v ever_o worthy_a of_o their_o author_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o all_o speech_n figurative_o interpret_v when_o occasion_n require_v it_o otherwise_o under_o pretence_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o high_a folly_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o passion_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o rock_n be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o and_o defile_v with_o our_o transgression_n that_o we_o be_v worm_n or_o sheep_n and_o no_o men._n and_o if_o a_o figure_n be_v admit_v in_o these_o passage_n why_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o all_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n when_o there_o appear_v a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o article_n since_o that_o none_o express_o make_v scripture_n and_o reason_n contradictory_n be_v acknowledge_v before_o but_o in_o the_o same_o place_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o some_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o together_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o former_a a_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o and_o our_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o grant_v any_o such_o in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n mean_v when_o a_o difficulty_n occur_v and_o so_o to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n concern_v it_o till_o with_o suitable_a help_n and_o industry_n we_o discover_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o or_o can_v reconcile_v to_o his_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o practise_v it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o can_v reconcile_v myself_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a he_o pretend_v in_o vain_a to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n who_o explain_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o verbal_a assent_n to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o out_o of_o fear_n superstition_n indifference_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a feeble_a and_o unfair_a motive_n but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o conceive_v not_o what_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v sincere_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o remain_v deprive_v of_o all_o solid_a satisfaction_n he_o be_v constant_o perplex_v with_o scruple_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o his_o implicit_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n 14._o of_o doctrine_n i_o will_v believe_v because_o i_o will_v believe_v that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o in_o the_o humour_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o top_n of_o his_o apology_n such_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n walk_v after_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v 18._o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o he_o that_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v his_o profession_n and_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a will_v always_o render_v a_o pertinent_a account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o 10._o the_o natural_a result_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o to_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o passage_n thereof_o without_o rational_a proof_n and_o a_o evident_a consistency_n be_v a_o unblamable_a credulity_n and_o a_o temerarious_a opinion_n ordinary_o ground_v upon_o a_o ignorant_a and_o wilful_a disposition_n but_o more_o general_o maintain_v out_o of_o a_o gainful_a prospect_n for_o we_o frequent_o embrace_v certain_a doctrine_n not_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o serve_v our_o design_n better_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o because_o other_o contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v be_v better_o defend_v by_o their_o mean_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o regard_v this_o controversy_n 11._o against_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o section_n the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n will_v be_v allege_v with_o great_a show_n as_o if_o without_o a_o right_n of_o silence_v or_o extingu_n sh_v reason_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a but_o if_o the_o distinction_n i_o make_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n n._n 9_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o present_a objection_n will_v quick_o appear_v and_o this_o controversy_n be_v better_a understand_v hereaster_n there_o i_o say_v revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n may_v inform_v i_o concern_v a_o thousand_o matter_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o as_o much_o as_o think_v if_o i_o be_v not_o tell_v yet_o i_o believe_v nothing_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o clear_a conception_n i_o form_n of_o what_o he_o
say_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n 12._o if_o the_o sincere_a person_n on_o earth_n shall_v assure_v i_o he_o see_v a_o cane_n without_o two_o end_n i_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v believe_v he_o because_o this_o relation_n plain_o contradict_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o cane_n but_o if_o he_o tell_v i_o he_o see_v a_o staff_n that_o be_v by_o chance_n lay_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v after_o some_o time_n put_v forth_o sprig_n and_o branch_n i_o can_v easy_o rely_v upon_o his_o veracity_n because_o this_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o staff_n nor_o transcend_v possibility_n 13._o i_o say_v possibility_n for_o omnipotency_n itself_o can_v do_v no_o more_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o require_v assent_v to_o thing_n contradictory_n because_o god_n say_v they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v limit_v of_o his_o power_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n very_o good_a we_o hearty_o believe_v god_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n but_o that_o mere_a nothing_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n the_o very_a omnipotency_n allege_v will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o conceive_v and_o that_o every_o contradiction_n which_o be_v a_o synonym_n for_o impossibility_n be_v pure_a nothing_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o say_v for_o example_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v be_v round_o and_o square_a at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v nothing_o for_o these_o idea_n destroy_v one_o another_o and_o can_v subsist_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a but_o when_o we_o clear_o perceive_v a_o perfect_a agreement_n and_o connection_n between_o the_o term_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o then_o conclude_v it_o possible_a because_o intelligible_a so_o i_o understand_v god_n may_v render_v immediate_o solid_a what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o fluid_a make_v present_a being_n cease_v to_o exist_v or_o change_v their_o form_n and_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v 17._o when_o we_o say_v then_o that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n we_o mean_v whatever_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o however_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n to_o effect_v 14._o now_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v possible_a enough_o yet_o he_o only_o can_v with_o assurance_n assert_v its_o existence_n who_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n of_o information_n come_v first_o to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n as_o jamaica_n no_o european_n can_v ever_o reasonable_o deny_v and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v precise_o situate_v in_o such_o a_o latitude_n be_v water_v with_o those_o river_n clothe_v with_o these_o wood_n bear_v this_o grain_n produce_v that_o plant_n no_o englishman_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o america_n can_v positive_o affirm_v 15._o thus_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n several_a wonderful_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o last_o judgement_n and_o many_o other_o important_a truth_n which_o no_o man_n leave_v to_o himself_o can_v ever_o imagine_v no_o more_o than_o any_o of_o my_o fellow-creature_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o my_o private_a thought_n for_o who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n two_o save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o those_o thing_n 29._o which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n yet_o as_o we_o discourse_v before_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v for_o beside_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o revelation_n from_o all_o requisite_a circumstance_n we_o must_v see_v in_o its_o subject_a the_o indisputable_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o sound_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n we_o have_v to_o disting●…ish_v the_o oracle_n and_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o imposture_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 16._o whoever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v whoever_o tell_v we_o something_o we_o do_v not_o know_v before_o his_o word_n must_v be_v intelligible_a and_o the_o matter_n possible_a this_o rule_n hold_v good_a let_v god_n or_o man_n be_v the_o revealer_n if_o we_o count_v that_o person_n a_o fool_n who_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o be_v manifest_o incredible_a how_o dare_v we_o blasphemous_o attribute_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v what_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a defect_n in_o one_o of_o ourselves_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man_n for_o the_o conceive_a idea_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o believe_v deny_v approve_v and_o every_o other_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n therefore_o all_o matter_n reveal_v by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a so_o far_o both_o revelation_n agree_v but_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v that_o though_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v thus_o qualify_v yet_o he_o may_v impose_v upon_o i_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n whereas_o what_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o i_o be_v not_o only_o clear_a to_o my_o reason_n without_o which_o his_o revelation_n can_v make_v i_o no_o wise_a but_o likewise_o it_o be_v always_o true_a a_o man_n for_o example_n acquaint_v i_o that_o he_o have_v find_v a_o treasure_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o possible_a but_o he_o may_v easy_o deceive_v i_o god_n assure_v i_o that_o he_o have_v form_v man_n of_o earth_n this_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o god_n and_o to_o i_o very_o intelligible_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v also_o most_o certain_a god_n not_o be_v capable_a to_o deceive_v i_o as_o man_n be_v we_o be_v then_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n from_o god_n as_o from_o man_n though_o more_o of_o certitude_n from_o the_o first_o than_o the_o last_o 17._o this_o reason_n persuade_v and_o the_o scripture_n express_o speakit_v those_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v 3._o to_o death_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n to_o go_n polytheism_n though_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o though_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o the_o thing_n prophesy_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a sign_n he_o speak_v presumptuous_o of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o god_n it_o 22._o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o prison_n that_o his_o uncle_n son_n will_v sell_v his_o field_n to_o he_o but_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v 8_o it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n till_o his_o kinsman_n actual_o come_v to_o strike_v the_o bargain_n with_o he_o the_o virgin_n mary_n though_o of_o that_o sex_n that_o be_v least_o proof_n against_o flattery_n and_o superstition_n do_v not_o implicit_o believe_v she_o shall_v bear_v a_o child_n that_o be_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o 35._o most_o high_a and_o of_o who_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n till_o the_o angel_n give_v she_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o strong_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v nor_o do_v she_o then_o conclude_v so_o unlike_o be_v she_o to_o her_o present_a worshipper_n it_o shall_v unavoidable_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o humble_o acknowledge_v the_o possibility_n and_o her_o own_o unworthiness_n she_o quiet_o 38._o wish_v and_o expect_v the_o event_n 18._o in_o how_o many_o place_n be_v we_o exhort_v to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o 1._o teacher_n seducer_n and_o deceiver_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prove_v or_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o hold_v fast_o that_o which_o be_v best_a but_o also_o to_o try_v the_o spirit_n whether_o they_o be_v of_o god_n but_o how_o shall_v we_o try_v how_o shall_v we_o discern_v not_o as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n but_o 9_o as_o circumspect_a and_o wise_a man_n judge_v 15._o what_o be_v say_v in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v from_o clear_a and_o weighty_a reason_n both_z as_o to_o fact_n and_o matter_n and_o not_o by_o a_o blind_a obedience_n that_o the_o man_n of_o god_n of_o old_a embrace_v his_o revelation_n which_o on_o the_o like_a account_n we_o be_v willing_a to_o receive_v of_o their_o hand_n i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a how_o some_o boast_n they_o be_v strong_o persuade_v by_o the_o illuminate_n and_o efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o that_o they_o neither_o have_v nor_o
most_o translation_n when_o a_o able_a linguist_n meet_v with_o a_o difficult_a passage_n he_o present_o take_v it_o for_o a_o mystery_n and_o conclude_v it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o be_v at_o more_o pain_n about_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o inexplicable_a but_o a_o uncapable_a translator_n lay_v his_o own_o blundr_a nonsense_n and_o all_o the_o mysterious_a fruit_n of_o his_o ignorance_n to_o god_n almighty_n charge_n these_o be_v the_o wretch_n who_o plentiful_o furnish_v the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a with_o all_o the_o matter_n of_o their_o objection_n against_o scripture_n but_o i_o hope_v in_o time_n we_o may_v see_v a_o remedy_n to_o these_o disorder_n 62._o the_o four_o observation_n be_v that_o except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o our_o hope_n as_o peter_n direct_v we_o to_o say_v that_o what_o we_o believe_v be_v the_o word_n 15._o of_o god_n will_v be_v to_o no_o end_n except_o we_o prove_v it_o to_o be_v so_o by_o reason_n and_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o if_o we_o may_v not_o examine_v and_o understand_v our_o faith_n every_o man_n will_v be_v oblige_v implicit_o to_o continue_v of_o that_o religion_n where●…n_v he_o be_v first_o educate_v suppose_v a_o siamese_n priest_n talapoin_n shall_v tell_v a_o christian_a preacher_n that_o siamese_n sommonocodom_n forbid_v the_o goodness_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o be_v try_v by_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n how_o can_v the_o christian_a confute_v he_o if_o he_o likewise_o shall_v maintain_v that_o certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n be_v above_o reason_n the_o question_n will_v not_o be_v ●…hen_o whether_o mystery_n may_v be_v allow_v in_o the_o true_a religion_n but_o who_o have_v more_o right_o to_o institute_v they_o christ_n or_o sommonocodom_n 63._o my_o last_o observation_n shall_v be_v that_o either_o the_o apostle_n can_v not_o write_v more_o intelligible_o of_o the_o repute_a mystery_n or_o they_o will_v not_o if_o they_o will_v not_o then_o it_o be_v no_o long_o our_o fault_n if_o we_o neither_o understand_v nor_o believe_v they_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o belief_n and_o if_o they_o can_v not_o write_v more_o clear_o themselves_o which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o much_o the_o less_o to_o expect_v credit_n from_o other_o 64._o but_o it_o be_v affirm_v that_o god_n have_v a_o right_a to_o require_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o creature_n to_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v and_o questionless_a he_o may_v command_v whatever_o be_v just_a and_o reasonable_a for_o to_o act_v tyrannical_o do_v only_o become_v the_o devil_n but_o i_o demand_v to_o what_o end_n shall_v god_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v what_o we_o can_v understand_v to_o exercise_v some_o say_v our_o diligence_n but_o this_o at_o first_o sight_n look_v ridiculous_a as_o if_o the_o plain_a duty_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o our_o necessary_a occupation_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o employ_v all_o our_o time_n but_o how_o exercise_n our_o diligence_n be_v it_o possible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v those_o mystery_n at_o last_o or_o not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o all_o i_o contend_v for_o be_v gain_v for_o i_o never_o pretend_v that_o the_o gospel_n can_v be_v understand_v without_o due_a pain_n and_o application_n no_o more_o than_o any_o other_o book_n but_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a after_o all_o to_o understand_v they_o this_o be_v such_o a_o piece_n of_o folly_n and_o i●…pertinence_n as_o no_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v guilty_a of_o to_o puzzle_v people_n head_n with_o what_o they_o can_v never_o conceive_v to_o exhort_v to_o and_o command_v the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o all_o this_o to_o keep_v they_o from_o idleness_n when_o they_o can_v scarce_o find_v leisure_n enough_o for_o what_o be_v on_o all_o hand_n grant_v to_o be_v intelligible_a 65._o other_o say_v that_o god_n have_v enjoin_v the_o belief_n of_o mystery_n to_o make_v we_o more_o humble_a but_o how_o by_o let_v we_o see_v the_o small_a extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n but_o this_o extraordinary_a method_n be_v quite_o needless_a for_o experience_n acquaint_v we_o with_o that_o every_o day_n and_o i_o have_v spend_v a_o whole_a chapter_n in_o the_o second_o section_n of_o this_o book_n to_o prove_v that_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o all_o the_o property_n and_o no_o idea_n of_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o any_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n it_o have_v be_v a_o much_o better_a answer_n that_o god_n will_v thus_o abridge_v our_o speculation_n to_o gain_v we_o the_o more_o time_n for_o the_o practice_n of_o what_o we_o understand_v but_o many_o cover_v a_o multitude_n of_o sin_n by_o their_o noise_n and_o heat_n on_o the_o behalf_n of_o such_o foolish_a and_o unprofitable_a speculation_n 66._o from_o all_o these_o observation_n and_o what_o go_v before_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o faith_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o any_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o this_o notion_n direct_o contradict_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n but_o at_o this_o rate_n some_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v faith_n be_v no_o long_a faith_n but_o knowledge_n i_o answer_v that_o if_o knowledge_n be_v take_v for_o a_o present_a and_o immediate_a view_n of_o thing_n i_o have_v no_o where_o affirm_v any_o thing_n like_o it_o but_o the_o contrary_a in_o many_o place_n but_o if_o by_o knowledge_n be_v mean_v understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v than_o i_o stand_v by_o it_o that_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n i_o have_v all_o along_o maintain_v it_o and_o the_o very_a word_n be_v promiscuous_o use_v for_o one_o another_o in_o the_o gospel_n we_o know_v i._n e._n we_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v indeed_o the_o christ_n the_o saviour_n of_o the_o world_n i_o know_v and_o be_o persuade_v by_o the_o lord_n jesus_n that_o 58._o there_o be_v nothing_o unclean_a of_o itself_o you_o know_v that_o your_o labour_n be_v not_o in_o vain_a in_o the_o lord_n 67._o other_o will_v say_v that_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a but_o pray_v how_o so_o for_o the_o question_v not_o whether_o we_o can_v discover_v all_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n by_o ratiocination_n i_o have_v prove_v on_o the_o contrary_a that_o no_o matter_n of_o fact_n can_v be_v know_v without_o revelation_n but_o i_o assert_v that_o what_o be_v once_o reveal_v we_o must_v as_o well_o understand_v as_o any_o other_o matter_n in_o the_o world_n revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v they_o reason_n be_v of_o more_o dig●…ity_n than_o revelation_n i_o answer_v just_a as_o much_o as_o a_o greek_a grammar_n be_v superior_a to_o the_o new_a testament_n for_o we_o make_v use_v of_o grammar_n to_o understand_v the_o language_n and_o of_o reason_n to_o comprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o that_o book_n but_o in_o a_o word_n i_o see_v no_o need_n of_o comparison_n in_o this_o case_n for_o reason_n be_v not_o less_o from_o god_n than_o revelation_n it_o be_v the_o candle_n the_o guide_n the_o judge_n he_o have_v lodge_v within_o every_o man_n that_o come_v into_o this_o world_n 68_o last_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o the_o poor_a and_o illiterate_a can_v have_v such_o a_o faith_n as_o i_o maintain_v true_o if_o this_o can_v be_v make_v out_o it_o may_v pass_v for_o a_o great_a mystery_n than_o any_o system_fw-la of_o divinity_n in_o christendom_n can_v afford_v for_o what_o can_v seem_v more_o strange_a and_o wonderful_a than_o that_o the_o common_a people_n will_v soon_o believe_v what_o be_v unintelligible_a incomprehensible_a and_o above_o their_o reason_n than_o what_o be_v easy_a plain_a and_o suit_v to_o their_o capacity_n but_o the_o vulgar_a be_v more_o oblige_v to_o christ_n who_o have_v a_o better_a opinion_n of_o they_o than_o these_o man_n for_o he_o preach_v his_o gospel_n to_o they_o in_o a_o special_a manner_n and_o they_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n hear_v he_o glad_o because_o no_o doubt_n they_o understand_v 37._o his_o instruction_n better_a than_o the_o mysterious_a lecture_n of_o their_o priest_n and_o scribe_n the_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o above_o their_o reach_n or_o comprehension_n but_o the_o gibberish_n of_o your_o divinity_n school_n they_o understand_v not_o it_o be_v to_o they_o the_o language_n of_o the_o beast_n and_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o condition_n in_o this_o world_n when_o their_o very_a teacher_n must_v serve_v above_o a_o apprenticeship_n to_o master_v it_o before_o they_o begin_v the_o study_n of_o the_o bible_n how_o slow_o must_v the_o gospel_n have_v move_v at_o the_o beginning_n if_o such_o as_o be_v call_v to_o preach_v it_o have_v be_v oblige_v
christianity_n not_o mysterious_a or_o a_o treatise_n show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n by_o john_n toland_n the_o second_o edition_n enlarge_v we_o need_v not_o desire_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o any_o man_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n than_o to_o hear_v he_o declare_v against_o reason_n and_o thereby_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o reason_n be_v against_o he_o archbishop_n tillotson_n london_n print_v for_o sam._n buckley_n at_o the_o dolphin_n over_o against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvi_o the_o preface_n i_o believe_v all_o man_n will_v ready_o allow_v that_o none_o shall_v speak_v with_o more_o freedom_n and_o assurance_n than_o he_o that_o defend_v or_o illustrate_v the_o truth_n but_o if_o we_o credit_v the_o history_n of_o former_a time_n or_o due_o consider_v what_o pass_v in_o the_o present_a we_o shall_v find_v none_o more_o backward_o to_o speak_v their_o mind_n in_o public_a than_o such_o as_o have_v right_o on_o their_o side_n indeed_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o design_n shall_v fortify_v they_o one_o will_v think_v against_o all_o the_o attack_n of_o their_o enemy_n nor_o be_v there_o want_v frequent_a example_n of_o person_n who_o with_o unshaken_a constancy_n suffer_v the_o most_o disgraceful_a and_o violent_a thing_n for_o love_n of_o the_o truth_n yet_o if_o we_o make_v a_o just_a computation_n and_o take_v in_o the_o primitive_a martyr_n with_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n themselves_o the_o profess_a defender_n of_o truth_n only_o for_o truth_n be_v sake_n will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v a_o small_a handful_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o numerous_a partisan_n of_o error_n and_o such_o be_v the_o deplorable_a condition_n of_o our_o age_n that_o a_o man_n dare_v not_o open_o and_o direct_o own_o what_o he_o think_v of_o divine_a matter_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o true_a and_o beneficial_a if_o it_o but_o very_o slight_o differ_v from_o what_o be_v receive_v by_o any_o party_n or_o that_o be_v establish_v by_o law_n but_o he_o be_v either_o force_v to_o keep_v perpetual_a silence_n or_o to_o propose_v his_o sentiment_n to_o the_o world_n by_o way_n of_o paradox_n under_o a_o borrow_a or_o fictitious_a name_n to_o mention_v the_o least_o part_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n they_o expose_v themselves_o to_o who_o have_v the_o courage_n to_o act_v more_o aboveboard_n be_v too_o melancholy_a a_o theme_n and_o visible_a enough_o to_o be_v lament_v by_o all_o that_o be_v true_o generous_a and_o virtuous_a the_o pravity_n of_o most_o man_n disposition_n and_o the_o ambition_n of_o particular_a person_n make_v this_o matter_n seem_v less_o strange_a in_o politic_a and_o secular_a affair_n and_o yet_o a_o man_n may_v not_o only_o make_v new_a discovery_n and_o improvement_n in_o law_n or_o physic_n and_o in_o the_o other_o art_n and_o science_n impunible_o but_o also_o for_o so_o do_v be_v deserve_o encourage_v and_o reward_v but_o wonderful_a that_o the_o sacred_a name_n of_o religion_n which_o sound_v nothing_o but_o sanctity_n peace_n and_o integrity_n shall_v be_v so_o universal_o abuse_v to_o patronize_v ambition_n impiety_n and_o contention_n and_o that_o what_o be_v our_o bigh_a interest_n perfect_o to_o understand_v shall_v for_o reason_n afterward_o to_o be_v lay_v open_a both_o be_v maintain_v to_o be_v obscure_a and_o very_o industrious_o make_v so_o nay_o it_o be_v come_v to_o this_o that_o truth_n meet_v no_o where_o with_o strong_a opposition_n than_o from_o many_o of_o those_o that_o raise_v the_o loud_a cry_n about_o it_o and_o will_v be_v take_v for_o no_o less_o than_o the_o only_a dispenser_n of_o the_o favour_n and_o oracle_n of_o heaven_n if_o any_o have_v the_o firmness_n to_o touch_v the_o minute_a thing_n that_o bring_v they_o gain_n or_o credit_n he_o be_v present_o pursue_v with_o the_o hue_n and_o cry_n of_o heresy_n and_o if_o he_o value_v their_o censure_n compel_v to_o make_v honourable_a amends_o or_o if_o he_o prove_v contumacious_a he_o fall_v a_o sacrifice_n at_o least_o in_o his_o reputation_n to_o their_o implacable_a hatred_n nor_o be_v he_o like_v we_o may_v be_v sure_a to_o receive_v fair_a quarter_n from_o the_o declare_a antagonist_n of_o religion_n who_o principle_n as_o they_o trample_v upon_o all_o equity_n and_o truth_n so_o they_o oblige_v they_o to_o hate_v and_o molest_v the_o strenuous_a assertor_n of_o these_o and_o all_o other_o virtue_n but_o of_o such_o depress_v consideration_n enough_o notwithstanding_o which_o i_o have_v venture_v to_o publish_v this_o discourse_n design_v thereby_o to_o rectify_v as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o able_a the_o narrow_a bigoted_a tenet_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o most_o impious_a maxim_n of_o the_o other_o no_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n of_o any_o kind_n can_v just_o be_v angry_a with_o i_o for_o measure_v sword_n with_o they_o and_o attacking_z they_o only_o with_o the_o weapon_n they_o prescribe_v i_o the_o true_a christian_a can_v no_o more_o be_v offend_v when_o he_o find_v i_o employ_v reason_n not_o to_o enervate_v or_o perplex_v but_o to_o confirm_v and_o elucidate_v revelation_n unless_o he_o be_v apprehensive_a i_o shall_v render_v it_o too_o clear_a to_o myself_o or_o too_o familiar_a to_o other_o which_o be_v absurdity_n no_o body_n will_v own_v i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o the_o use_v of_o reason_n be_v not_o so_o dangerous_a in_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v common_o represent_v and_o that_o too_o by_o such_o as_o mighty_o extol_v it_o when_o it_o seem_v to_o favour_v they_o yet_o vouchsafe_v it_o not_o a_o hear_n when_o it_o make_v against_o they_o but_o oppose_v its_o own_o authority_n to_o itself_o these_o be_v high_a privilege_n indeed_o and_o the_o sure_a mean_n of_o have_v always_o the_o better_a of_o the_o dispute_n that_o can_v possible_o be_v devise_v that_o the_o mistake_a unbeliever_n may_v not_o say_v i_o serve_v a_o hypothesis_n in_o the_o defence_n of_o my_o faith_n like_o some_o who_o first_o imagine_v or_o receive_v a_o opinion_n and_o then_o study_v proof_n to_o establish_v it_o i_o solemn_o declare_v the_o thing_n be_v much_o otherwise_o and_o that_o i_o hold_v nothing_o as_o a_o article_n of_o my_o religion_n but_o what_o the_o high_a evidence_n force_v i_o to_o embrace_v for_o be_v educate_v from_o my_o cradle_n in_o the_o gross_a superstition_n and_o idolatry_n god_n be_v please_v to_o make_v my_o own_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o make_v use_v of_o they_o the_o happy_a instrument_n of_o my_o conversion_n thus_o i_o have_v be_v very_o early_o accustom_a to_o examination_n and_o enquiry_n and_o teach_v not_o to_o captivate_v my_o understanding_n no_o more_o than_o my_o sense_n to_o any_o man_n or_o society_n whatsoever_o now_o the_o best_a method_n i_o think_v of_o communicate_v to_o other_o the_o truth_n be_v that_o by_o which_o a_o man_n have_v learn_v it_o himself_o that_o the_o well-meaning_a christian_a may_v not_o suspect_v as_o it_o fall_v out_o very_o ordinary_o that_o i_o aim_v at_o more_o than_o i_o declare_v and_o cunning_o disguise_v some_o bad_a principle_n under_o the_o fair_a pretence_n of_o defend_v the_o true_a religion_n i_o assure_v he_o that_o i_o write_v with_o all_o the_o sincerity_n and_o simplicity_n imaginable_a be_v as_o thorough_o convince_v of_o what_o i_o maintain_v as_o i_o can_v be_v of_o any_o thing_n if_o any_o good_a man_n shall_v after_o this_o protestation_n persist_v to_o think_v hard_o of_o i_o it_o must_v needs_o proceed_v from_o violent_a prepossession_n for_o very_o few_o can_v be_v find_v that_o be_v not_o deep_o engage_v in_o some_o of_o one_o sort_n or_o another_o for_o which_o a_o due_a allowance_n must_v be_v make_v how_o fond_a be_v we_o all_o apt_a to_o be_v of_o what_o we_o learn_v in_o our_o youth_n as_o the_o sight_n or_o remembrance_n of_o the_o place_n where_o we_o pass_v that_o agreeable_a time_n do_v strange_o affect_v we_o a_o mother_n be_v more_o charm_v with_o the_o lisp_a half-formed_a word_n of_o her_o prattle_a infant_n than_o with_o the_o best_a language_n and_o most_o solid_a discourse_n that_o any_o upstart_n but_o of_o yesterday_o shall_v pretend_v to_o overthrow_v what_o cost_v the_o ancient_n so_o much_o time_n and_o breath_n to_o establish_v and_o themselves_o so_o great_a pain_n and_o charge_n to_o learn_v be_v of_o hard_a digestion_n to_o some_o and_o when_o other_o be_v but_o pray_v to_o explain_v their_o term_n which_o common_o signify_v nothing_o or_o what_o they_o must_v be_v ashamed_a to_o own_o that_o will_v never_o be_v think_v in_o a_o error_n they_o be_v uneasy_a as_o a_o extravagant_a merchant_n to_o examine_v his_o account_n and_o it_o be_v well_o if_o they_o can_v restrain_v their_o passion_n not_o only_o a_o few_o man_n
in_o answer_n to_o the_o malice_n or_o mistake_n of_o some_o who_o will_v needs_o have_v it_o that_o i_o be_o a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o all_o churchman_n and_o consequent_o say_v they_o to_o all_o religion_n because_o i_o make_v they_o the_o sole_a contriver_n of_o those_o inconceivable_a or_o mysterious_a doctrine_n which_o i_o also_o maintain_v be_v as_o advantageous_a to_o themselves_o as_o they_o be_v prejudicial_a to_o the_o laity_n indeed_o there_o be_v those_o who_o easy_o overlook_v all_o contempt_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v very_o ready_a to_o treat'em_v as_o pernicious_a heretic_n or_o unsufferable_a atheist_n that_o show_v the_o least_o dislike_n of_o what_o be_v acknowledge_v addition_n to_o christianity_n whatever_o convenience_n or_o necessity_n may_v be_v pretend_v for_o their_o establishment_n if_o any_o such_o understand_v by_o religion_n the_o mysterious_a part_n of_o it_o then_o true_o it_o will_v be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o prove_v i_o as_o little_a favourable_a to_o this_o religion_n as_o i_o be_o far_o from_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o myself_o to_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o as_o for_o charge_v churchman_n with_o be_v the_o author_n and_o introducer_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n they_o must_v be_v my_o enemy_n for_o tell_v the_o truth_n who_o be_v displease_v at_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o fact_n more_o evident_a from_o every_o page_n both_o of_o the_o civil_a and_o ecclesiastic_a history_n nor_o have_v the_o laity_n ever_o any_o hand_n in_o that_o business_n otherwise_o than_o as_o confirm_v by_o legal_a sanction_n what_o they_o be_v first_o persuade_v to_o by_o the_o preach_n of_o their_o priest_n as_o they_o do_v now_o sometime_o at_o their_o solicitation_n imprison_v excommunicate_v and_o prosecute_v erroneous_a person_n after_o the_o excommunication_n be_v first_o pronounce_v and_o the_o heresy_n decree_v or_o declare_v by_o the_o clergy_n now_o as_o all_o churchman_n be_v not_o in_o their_o opinion_n for_o these_o practice_n so_o i_o see_v no_o better_a reason_n they_o have_v to_o be_v angry_a with_o any_o body_n for_o write_v against_o they_o that_o be_v than_o a_o good_a prince_n can_v pretend_v for_o punish_v the_o historian_n of_o a_o tyrant_n vice_n only_o because_o the_o tyrant_n have_v be_v likewise_o a_o prince_n to_o all_o corrupt_a clergyman_n therefore_o who_o make_v a_o mere_a trade_n of_o religion_n and_o build_v a_o unjust_a authority_n upon_o the_o abuse_a conscience_n of_o the_o laity_n i_o be_o a_o profess_a adversary_n as_o i_o hope_v every_o good_a and_o wise_a man_n already_o be_v or_o will_v be_v but_o as_o i_o shall_v always_o remain_v a_o hearty_a friend_n to_o pure_a and_o genuine_a religion_n so_o i_o shall_v preserve_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o sincere_a teacher_n thereof_o than_o who_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o useful_a order_n of_o man_n and_o without_o who_o there_o can_v not_o be_v any_o happy_a society_n or_o well_o constitute_v government_n in_o this_o world_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o their_o relation_n to_o the_o world_n to_o come_v nor_o of_o the_o double_a esteem_n which_o they_o deserve_v for_o keep_v proof_n against_o the_o general_a infection_n of_o their_o profession_n but_o i_o have_v no_o apprehension_n from_o the_o sincere_a and_o if_o the_o design_v party_n discover_v their_o concern_v by_o their_o displeasure_n it_o may_v well_o serve_v for_o a_o mark_n to_o distinguish_v they_o but_o will_v not_o be_v think_v a_o injury_n by_o i_o errata_fw-la pag._n 20._o l._n antepen_v f._n any_o r._n a_o p._n 122._o l._n 9_o r._n last_o chapter_n p._n 156._o l._n ult_n r._n puris_fw-la p._n 166._o l._n 22._o r._n decree_n the_o content_n  _fw-fr page_n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n 1_o sect._n i._o of_o reason_n 7_o ch._n 1._o what_o reason_n be_v not_o 8_o 2._o wherein_o reason_n consist_v 11_o 3._o of_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n 16_o 4._o of_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n 18_o sect._n ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n 25_o ch._n 1._o the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 26_o 2._o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o r●…gards_v this_o controversy_n 38_o 3._o that_o by_o christianity_n be_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o th●…_n miracle_n method_n and_o style_v of_o the_o new_a testament_n 46_o 4._o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a reason_n 56_o sect._n iii_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 66_o ch._n 1._o the_o history_n and_o signification_n of_o mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_n 67_o 2._o that_o nothing_o aught_o to_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o all_o its_o property_n nor_o any_o at_o all_o of_o its_o essence_n 74_o 3._o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a christian_n 88_o 4._o objection_n bring_v from_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o fait●…_n answer_v 120_o 5._o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n answer_v 144_o 6._o when_o why_o and_o by_o who_o be_v mystery_n bring_v into_o christianity_n 151_o the_o conclusion_n 170_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a etc._n etc._n the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n n_o o_o 1._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o man_n make_v a_o great_a noise_n about_o in_o our_o time_n especial_o than_o what_o they_o general_o profess_v lest_o of_o all_o to_o understand_v it_o may_v be_v easy_o conclude_v i_o mean_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o divine_n who_o peculiar_a province_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o to_o other_o almost_o unanimous_o own_o their_o ignorance_n concern_v they_o they_o grave_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o some_o of_o they_o press_v their_o dubious_a comment_n upon_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n with_o more_o assurance_n and_o heat_n than_o can_v be_v tolerable_o justify_v though_o we_o shall_v grant_v they_o to_o be_v absolute_o infallible_a the_o worst_a on_o it_o be_v they_o be_v not_o all_o of_o a_o mind_n if_o you_o be_v orthodox_n to_o those_o you_o be_v a_o heretic_n to_o these_o he_o that_o side_n with_o a_o party_n be_v adjudge_v to_o hell_n by_o the_o rest_n and_o if_o he_o declare_v for_o none_o he_o receive_v no_o mild_a sentence_n from_o all_o 2._o some_o of_o they_o say_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o ancient_a father_n but_o that_o be_v so_o multifarious_a and_o inconsistent_a with_o itself_o as_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o any_o body_n to_o believe_v so_o many_o contradiction_n at_o once_o they_o themselves_o do_v caution_n their_o reader_n from_o lean_v upon_o their_o authority_n without_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o think_v as_o little_a of_o become_v a_o rule_n of_o faith_n to_o their_o posterity_n as_o we_o do_v to_o we_o moreover_o as_o all_o the_o father_n be_v not_o author_n so_o we_o can_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v their_o genuine_a sense_n the_o work_n of_o those_o that_o have_v write_v be_v wonderful_o corrupt_v and_o adulterate_v or_o not_o entire_o extant_a and_o if_o they_o be_v their_o mean_v be_v much_o more_o obscure_a and_o subject_a to_o controversy_n than_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n 3._o other_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v be_v of_o the_o mind_n of_o some_o particular_a doctor_n pronounce_v orthodox_n by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n but_o as_o we_o be_v not_o a_o whit_n satisfy_v with_o any_o authority_n of_o that_o nature_n so_o we_o see_v these_o same_o particular_a doctor_n can_v no_o more_o agree_v than_o the_o whole_a herd_n of_o the_o father_n but_o tragical_o declaim_v against_o one_o another_o practice_n and_o error_n that_o they_o be_v as_o injudicious_a violent_a and_o factious_a as_o other_o man_n that_o they_o be_v for_o the_o great_a part_n very_o credulous_a and_o superstitious_a in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o pitiful_o ignorant_a and_o superficial_a in_o the_o minute_a punctilio_n of_o literature_n in_o a_o word_n that_o they_o be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n and_o make_v with_o ourselves_o and_o that_o we_o know_v of_o no_o privilege_n above_o we_o bestow_v upon_o they_o by_o heaven_n except_o priority_n of_o birth_n if_o that_o be_v one_o as_o it_o be_v likely_a few_o will_v allow_v 4._o some_o give_v a_o decisive_a voice_n in_o the_o unravel_n of_o mystery_n and_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n to_o a_o general_n council_n and_o other_o to_o one_o man_n who_o they_o hold_v to_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o church_n universal_a upon_o earth_n
understanding_n be_v not_o as_o be_v observe_v what_o we_o call_v strict_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a matter_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o reason_v for_o the_o mind_n do_v upon_o occasion_n compare_v they_o together_o compound_v they_o into_o complex_fw-la idea_n and_o enlarge_v contract_n or_o separate_v they_o as_o it_o discover_v their_o circumstance_n capable_a or_o not_o so_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o our_o idea_n in_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n whereinsoever_o this_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n may_v consist_v and_o because_o this_o perception_n be_v immediate_a or_o mediate_a our_o knowledge_n be_v twofold_a 7._o first_o when_o the_o mind_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o idea_n immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o two_o or_o more_o idea_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o be_v four_o that_o red_a be_v not_o blue_a it_o can_v be_v call_v reason_n though_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o discourse_n or_o probation_n self-evidence_n exclude_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o darkness_n proposition_n so_o clear_a of_o themselves_o as_o to_o want_v no_o proof_n their_o term_n be_v once_o understand_v be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o axiom_n and_o maxim_n and_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o their_o number_n be_v indefinite_a and_o not_o confine_v only_o to_o two_o or_o three_o abstract_a proposition_n make_v as_o all_o axiom_n be_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o particular_a instance_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v no_o property_n 8._o but_o second_o when_o the_o mind_n can_v immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o any_o idea_n because_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v near_o enough_o together_o and_o so_o compare_v it_o apply_v one_o or_o more_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o when_o by_o the_o successive_a application_n of_o a_o line_n to_o two_o distant_a house_n i_o find_v how_o far_o they_o agree_v or_o disagree_v in_o length_n which_o i_o can_v not_o effect_v with_o my_o eye_n thus_o from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o room_n it_o take_v up_o i_o know_v it_o have_v solidity_n and_o extension_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o body_n though_o i_o can_v see_v it_o as_o wood_n or_o stone_n with_o which_o it_o agree_v in_o the_o say_a property_n here_o solidity_n and_o extension_n be_v the_o line_n by_o which_o i_o find_v air_n and_o body_n be_v equal_a or_o that_o air_n be_v a_o body_n because_o solidity_n and_o extension_n agree_v to_o both_o we_o prove_v the_o least_o imaginable_a particle_n of_o matter_n divisible_a by_o show_v all_o body_n to_o be_v divisible_a because_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v likewise_o a_o body_n and_o after_o the_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o mortality_n of_o all_o live_a body_n infer_v from_o their_o divisibility_n this_o method_n of_o knowledge_n be_v proper_o call_v reason_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o former_a self-evidence_n or_o intuition_n and_o it_o may_v be_v define_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n dubious_a or_o obscure_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o something_o evident_o know_v 9_o from_o this_o definition_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intermediate_v idea_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n where_o its_o agreement_n with_o both_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o evident_a and_o that_o if_o more_o than_o one_o idea_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v require_v in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o indubitable_a we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n whereby_o we_o join_v the_o two_o extreme_n so_o though_o self-evidence_n exclude_v reason_n yet_o all_o demonstration_n become_v at_o length_n self-evident_a it_o be_v yet_o plain_o that_o when_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v reason_v about_o it_o at_o all_o and_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n if_o intermediate_v one_o to_o show_v their_o constant_a and_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n fail_v we_o we_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o probability_n though_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o inhabit_v and_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o moon_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o show_v such_o a_o necessary_a connection_n between_o they_o as_o to_o make_v we_o certain_o conclude_v that_o this_o planet_n be_v inhabit_v however_o likely_a it_o may_v seem_v now_o since_o probability_n be_v not_o knowledge_n i_o banish_v all_o hypothesis_n from_o my_o philosophy_n because_o if_o i_o admit_v never_o so_o many_o yet_o my_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o jot_n increase_v for_o no_o evident_a connection_n appear_v between_o my_o idea_n i_o may_v possible_o take_v the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v the_o right_n which_o be_v equal_a to_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n when_o i_o have_v arrive_v at_o knowledge_n i_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o attend_v it_o where_o i_o have_v only_a probability_n there_o i_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n or_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o pain_n i_o search_v after_o certainty_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n 10._o but_o beside_o these_o property_n of_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v explain_v we_o be_v yet_o most_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v in_o it_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n from_o the_o ground_n of_o persivasion_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o easy_a distinction_n have_v throw_v man_n into_o infinite_a mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v prove_v before_o i_o have_v do_v the_o mean_n of_o information_n i_o call_v those_o way_n whereby_o any_o thing_n come_v bare_o to_o our_o knowledge_n without_o necessary_o command_v our_o assent_n by_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o understand_v that_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n and_o which_o irresistible_o convince_v the_o mind_n the_o mean_n of_o information_n be_v experience_n and_o authority_n experience_n as_o you_o may_v see_v n_o o_fw-mi 4._o be_v either_o external_a which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o sensible_a object_n or_o internal_a which_o help_v we_o to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o common_a stock_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n nor_o can_v we_o possible_o have_v idea_n any_o other_o way_n without_o new_a organ_n or_o faculty_n 11._o authority_n abusive_o so_o call_v as_o if_o all_o its_o information_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la be_v either_o humane_a or_o divine_a humane_a authority_n be_v call_v also_o moral_a certitude_n as_o when_o i_o believe_v a_o intelligible_a relation_n make_v by_o my_o friend_n because_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o veracity_n nor_o he_o any_o interest_n to_o deceive_v i_o thus_o all_o possible_a matter_n of_o fact_n due_o attest_v by_o coevous_a person_n as_o know_v to_o they_o and_o successive_o relate_v by_o other_o of_o different_a time_n nation_n or_o interest_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o be_v just_o suspect_v of_o combine_v together_o to_o deceive_v other_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o hear_v they_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o carthage_n such_o a_o reformer_n as_o luther_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o poland_n when_o all_o these_o rule_n concur_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o demonstration_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o irresistible_a evidence_n from_o proper_a proof_n but_o where_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a or_o at_o best_a but_o probable_a which_o with_o i_o be_v not_o very_o different_a 12._o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n by_o truth_n itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v whereof_o at_o large_a in_o ch._n 2._o of_o the_o follow_a section_n nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n 13._o now_o as_o we_o be_v extreme_o subject_a to_o deception_n we_o may_v without_o some_o infallible_a rule_n often_o take_v a_o questionable_a proposition_n for_o a_o axiom_n old_a wife_n fable_n for_o moral_a certitude_n and_o humane_a imposture_n
now_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o disturb_v the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a express_o say_v reason_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o which_o return_v to_o the_o same_o very_o many_o affirm_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v in_o themselves_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o former_a as_o proceed_v both_o from_o god_n yet_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o limit_a understanding_n yet_o that_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o o●…_n as_o the_o father_n teach_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v chap._n i._n the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 2._o this_o famous_a and_o admirable_a doctrine_n be_v the_o undoubted_a source_n of_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v serious_o vent_v among_o christiens_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o transubstantiation_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a ordure_n almost_o all_o receive_v into_o this_o western_a sink_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o banter_v with_o the_o lutheran_n impanation_n or_o the_o ubiquity_n it_o have_v produce_v as_o one_o monster_n ordinary_o beget_v another_o and_o though_o the_o socinian_o disow_v this_o practice_n i_o be_o mistake_v if_o either_o they_o or_o the_o arian_n can_v make_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o dignify_v and_o creature-god_n capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o other_o sect_n touch_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n 3._o in_o short_a this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o know_a refuge_n of_o some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o explain_v any_o passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o less_o know_v than_o they_o will_v be_v think_v they_o make_v nothing_o of_o father_v that_o upon_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o inaccurate_a reason_v unskilfulness_n in_o the_o tongue_n or_o ignorance_n of_o history_n but_o more_o common_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o early_a impression_n which_o they_o dare_v seldom_o afterward_o correct_v by_o more_o free_a and_o ripe_a thought_n so_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o understan●…ing_v 7._o neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v they_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n 9_o and_o true_o well_o they_o may_v for_o if_o we_o once_o admit_v this_o principle_n i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o be_v to●…d_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o doctrine_n i_o must_v remark_n it_o too_o do_v high_o concern_v we_o of_o the_o laity_n for_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v first_o establish_v the_o clergy_n always_o except_v such_o as_o deserve_v it_o have_v not_o be_v since_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o improve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plain_a but_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mysterious_a that_o we_o may_v constant_o depend_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o explication_n and_o nevertheless_o they_o must_v not_o if_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o to_o we_o without_o ruine_v their_o own_o design_n let_v they_o never_o so_o fair_o pretend_v it_o but_o overlook_v all_o observation_n proper_a for_o this_o place_n let_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o immediate_a examen_fw-la of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o say_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o ball_n be_v white_a and_o black_a at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v just_a nothing_o for_o these_o colour_n be_v so_o incompatible_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o a_o real_a positive_a idea_n or_o conception_n so_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n that_o child_n die_v before_o baptism_n be_v damn_v without_o pain_n signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v intelligent_a creature_n in_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_o exclude_v god_n presence_n and_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a must_v prove_v ineffable_a torment_n to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o understanding_n than_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o damnation_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v not_o say_v they_o be_v in_o limbo-dungeon_n but_o that_o either_o they_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o be_v annihilate_v which_o have_v it_o be_v true_a as_o they_o can_v never_o show_v will_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o and_o easy_o conceive_v now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o but_o lose_v labour_n for_o we_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o what_o i_o do_v conceive_v can_v no_o more_o give_v i_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o influence_n my_o action_n than_o a_o prayer_n deliver_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v excite_v my_o devotion_n if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n 9_o who_o shall_v prepare_v himself_o to_o the_o battle_n and_o except_o word_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v utter_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v spok●…_n syllable_n though_o never_o so_o well_o put_v together_o if_o they_o have_v not_o idea_n fix_v to_o they_o be_v but_o word_n speak_v in_o 9_o the_o air_n and_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n or_o worship_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o evade_v the_o difficulty_n by_o say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o certain_a doctrine_n may_v be_v contrary_a indeed_o to_o common_a notion_n yet_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o supra-intellectual_a truth_n he_o be_v but_o just_a where_o he_o be_v but_o suppose_v a_o little_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o still_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v understand_v these_o doctrine_n except_o their_o perception_n be_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o by_o new_a power_n and_o organ_n and_o then_o too_o other_o can_v be_v edify_v by_o what_o be_v discourse_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o favour_n so_o that_o if_o i_o will_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o wild_a indian_n i_o must_v expect_v the_o idea_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o infuse_v into_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o apprehend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n they_o can_v no_o more_o without_o a_o miracle_n understand_v my_o speech_n than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n and_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o my_o 11._o voice_n i_o shall_v even_o to_o they_o be_v a_o b●…rbarian_a notwithstanding_o i_o speak_v mystery_n 2._o in_o the_o spirit_n but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o consist_v with_o themselves_o yet_o not_o with_o our_o common_a notion_n four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n but_o so_o the_o name_n only_o be_v change_v the_o thing_n remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o since_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n know_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o our_o common_a notion_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pretend_a consistency_n between_o our_o present_a seem_a contradiction_n and_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o as_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n own_o existence_n so_o we_o can_v otherwise_o discern_v his_o revelation_n but_o by_o their_o conformity_n with_o our_o natural_a notice_n of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n to_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n 6._o the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v remark_n be_v that_o those_o who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v they_o can_v believe_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n do_v they_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v justify_v all_o absurdity_n whatsoever_o and_o by_o oppose_v one_o light_n to_o another_o undeniable_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o incertitude_n the_o very_a supposition_n that_o reason_n may_v authorise_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n another_o throws_z we_o into_o inevitable_a scepticism_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n which_o to_o obey_v nay_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_o which_o be_v which_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o reason_n if_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o one_o may_v be_v any_o
fortune_n from_o the_o sound_n of_o bow-bell_n 24._o if_o any_o object_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v pen_v with_o little_a or_o no_o ornament_n that_o there_o be_v no_o choice_n of_o word_n nor_o study_v expression_n in_o it_o the_o accusation_n be_v true_a and_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o acknowledge_v it_o nor_o be_v there_o a_o more_o palpable_a demonstration_n of_o their_o have_v design_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o all_o i_o come_v not_o to_o you_o say_v paul_n with_o excellency_n of_o speech_n or_o wisdom_n declare_v 1._o unto_o you_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o humane_a wisdom_n but_o 4._o in_o demonstration_n or_o conviction_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o mind_n and_o in_o power_n or_o efficacy_n this_o he_o speak_v in_o reference_n to_o the_o philosopher_n and_o orator_n of_o those_o time_n who_o elocution_n it_o be_v confess_v be_v curious_a and_o period_n elaborate_v apt_a to_o excite_v the_o admiration_n of_o the_o hearer_n but_o not_o to_o satisfy_v their_o reason_n charm_v indeed_o their_o sense_n whilst_o in_o the_o theatre_n or_o the_o temple_n but_o make_v they_o neither_o the_o better_a at_o home_n nor_o the_o wise_a abroad_o 25._o these_o man_n as_o well_o as_o many_o of_o their_o modern_a successor_n be_v fond_a enough_o of_o their_o own_o ridiculous_a system_n to_o count_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n foolishness_n 14._o because_o they_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o their_o precarious_a and_o sensual_a notion_n because_o every_o sentence_n be_v not_o wrap_v up_o in_o mystery_n and_o garnish_v with_o a_o figure_n not_o consider_v that_o only_a false_a or_o trivial_a matter_n need_v the_o assistance_n of_o allure_a harangue_n to_o perplex_v or_o amuse_v but_o they_o be_v enemy_n and_o stranger_n to_o the_o simplicity_n of_o truth_n all_o their_o study_n as_o we_o take_v notice_n lay_v in_o tickle_v the_o passion_n of_o the_o people_n at_o their_o pleasure_n with_o bombast_n eloquence_n and_o apish_a gesticulation_n they_o boast_v their_o talon_n of_o persuade_v for_o or_o against_o any_o thing_n and_o as_o he_o be_v esteem_v the_o best_a orator_n that_o make_v the_o worst_a cause_n appear_v the_o most_o equitable_a before_o the_o judge_n so_o he_o be_v the_o best_a philosopher_n that_o can_v get_v the_o wild_a paradox_n to_o pass_v for_o demonstration_n they_o be_v only_o concern_v about_o their_o own_o glory_n and_o gain_n which_o they_o can_v not_o otherwise_o support_v but_o according_a to_o a_o artifice_n that_o never_o fail_v and_o therefore_o ever_o practise_v by_o impose_v upon_o the_o people_n with_o their_o authority_n and_o sophistry_n and_o under_o pretence_n of_o instruct_v dexterous_o detain_v they_o in_o the_o gross_a ignorance_n 26._o but_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v very_o different_a piety_n towards_o god_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n be_v their_o gain_n and_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n their_o glory_n they_o come_v not_o magnify_v nor_o exalt_v themselves_o not_o impose_v but_o declare_v their_o doctrine_n they_o do_v not_o confound_v and_o mislead_v but_o convince_v the_o mind_n they_o be_v employ_v to_o dispel_v ignorance_n to_o eradicate_v superstition_n to_o propagate_v truth_n and_o reformation_n of_o manner_n to_o preach_v deliverance_n to_o captive_n i._n e._n the_o enjoyment_n 18._o of_o christian_a liberty_n to_o the_o slave_n of_o the_o levitical_a and_o pagan_a priesthood_n and_o to_o declare_v salvation_n to_o repent_v sinner_n 27._o i_o shall_v add_v here_o some_o of_o the_o character_n which_o david_n give_v of_o the_o law_n and_o word_n of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v admit_v nothing_o as_o the_o will_n of_o heaven_n but_o what_o be_v agreeable_a to_o they_o the_o law_n of_o the_o lord_n say_v he_o be_v perfect_a convert_v the_o soul_n the_o testimony_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v sure_a make_v wise_a the_o simple_a the_o statute_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v right_a rejoice_v the_o heart_n the_o commandment_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v pure_a enlighten_v the_o eye_n the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v clean_a end●…ring_v for_o ever_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v true_a and_o righteous_a altogether_o i_o have_v more_o understanding_n than_o all_o my_o teacher_n for_o thy_o testimony_n be_v my_o meditation_n i_o understand_v more_o than_o the_o ancient_n because_o i_o keep_v thy_o precept_n thy_o word_n be_v a_o lamp_n unto_o my_o foot_n and_o a_o light_n unto_o my_o path._n the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o language_n and_o the_o content_n of_o it_o be_v every_o where_o so_o conformable_a to_o it_o that_o i_o shall_v refer_v the_o reader_n to_o the_o particular_a discussion_n of_o the_o whole_a in_o the_o second_o discourse_n but_o i_o must_v remark_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o not_o a_o syllable_n of_o this_o language_n be_v true_a if_o any_o contradiction_n seem_v or_o real_a be_v admit_v in_o scripture_n as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o mystery_n but_o we_o shall_v talk_v of_o that_o by_o and_o by_o chap._n iu_o objection_n answer_v draw_v from_o the_o pravity_n of_o humane_a reason_n 28._o there_o remain_v one_o ob●…ection_n yet_o upon_o which_o some_o lay_v a_o mighty_a stress_n though_o it_o be_v like_a to_o do_v they_o little_a service_n grant_v say_v they_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v as_o reasonable_a as_o you_o pretend_v yet_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a reason_n can_v neither_o discern_v nor_o receive_v divine_a verity_n ay_o but_o that_o prove_v not_o divine_a verity_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o sound_v reason_n but_o they_o maintain_v that_o no_o man_n reason_n be_v sound_a wherefore_o i_o hope_v so_o to_o state_n this_o question_n as_o to_o cut_v off_o all_o occasion_n of_o dispute_n from_o judicious_a and_o peaceable_a men._n reason_n take_v for_o the_o principle_n of_o discourse_n in_o we_o or_o more_o particular_o for_o that_o faculty_n every_o one_o have_v of_o judge_v of_o his_o idea_n according_a to_o their_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n and_o so_o of_o love_v what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o hate_v what_o he_o think_v evil_a reason_n i_o say_v in_o this_o sense_n be_v whole_a and_o entire_a in_o every_o one_o who_o organ_n be_v not_o accidental_o indispose_v it_o be_v from_o it_o that_o we_o be_v account_v man_n and_o we_o can_v neither_o inform_v other_o nor_o receive_v improvement_n ourselves_o any_o more_o than_o brute_n without_o it_o 29._o but_o if_o by_o reason_n be_v understand_v a_o constant_a right_n use_v of_o these_o faculty_n viz._n if_o a_o man_n never_o judge_n but_o according_a to_o clear_a perception_n desire_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v true_o good_a for_o he_o nor_o avoid_v but_o what_o be_v certain_o evil_a then_o i_o confess_v it_o be_v extreme_o corrupt_a we_o be_v too_o prone_a to_o frame_v wrong_a conception_n and_o as_o erroneous_a judgement_n of_o thing_n we_o general_o covet_v what_o flatter_v our_o sense_n without_o distinguish_v noxious_a from_o innocent_a pleasure_n and_o our_o hatred_n be_v as_o partial_a we_o gratify_v our_o body_n so_o much_o as_o to_o meditate_v little_a and_o think_v very_o gross_o of_o spiritual_a or_o abstract_a matter_n we_o be_v apt_a to_o indulge_v our_o inclination_n which_o we_o term_v to_o follow_v nature_n so_o 14._o that_o the_o 19_o natural_a man_n that_o be_v he_o that_o give_v the_o swing_n to_o his_o appetite_n count_v divine_a thing_n mere_a folly_n call_v religion_n a_o feverish_a dream_n of_o superstitious_a head_n or_o a_o politic_a trick_n invent_v by_o statesman_n to_o awe_n the_o credulous_a vulgar_a for_o as_o they_o that_o walk_v after_o the_o flesh_n mind_n the_o thing_n thereof_o so_o their_o 7._o carnal_a wisdom_n be_v enmity_n against_o god_n sin_n easy_o beset_v we_o there_o be_v a_o law_n in_o our_o member_n or_o body_n war_a against_o the_o 1._o law_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o reason_n and_o when_o 23._o we_o will_v do_v good_a evil_n be_v present_a with_o we_o 21._o if_o thus_o we_o become_v stupid_a and_o unfit_a for_o earthly_a speculation_n how_o shall_v we_o believe_v when_o we_o be_v tell_v of_o heavenly_a thing_n 12._o 30._o but_o these_o disorder_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o we_o lie_v under_o no_o necessary_a fate_n of_o sin_v there_o be_v no_o defect_n in_o our_o un●…erstandings_n but_o those_o of_o our_o own_o creation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v vicious_a habit_n easy_o contract_v but_o difficult_o reform_v it_o be_v just_a with_o we_o as_o with_o the_o drunkard_n who_o i_o can_v give_v over_o drink_v be_v a_o deliberate_a i_o will_v not_o for_o upon_o a_o wager_n or_o for_o a_o reward_n he_o can_v forbear_v his_o cup_n a_o day_n a_o month_n a_o year_n according_a as_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o value_n or_o certainty_n of_o the_o expect_a gain_n do_v influence_n he_o let_v
no_o man_n 14._o therefore_o say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o as_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a so_o neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o entice_v of_o his_o own_o lust._n 31._o suppose_v a_o natural_a impotency_n to_o reason_n well_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v liable_a to_o condemnation_n for_o not_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v never_o reveal_v for_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v be_v our_o reason_a faculty_n imperfect_a or_o we_o not_o capable_a to_o employ_v they_o right_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o understanding_n one_o another_o in_o million_o of_o thing_n where_o the_o stock_n of_o our_o idea_n shall_v prove_v unavoidable_o unequal_a or_o our_o capacity_n different_a but_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o liberty_n that_o make_v we_o deserve_v reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o our_o thought_n be_v entire_o free_a we_o can_v expend_v the_o force_n of_o word_n compare_v idea_n distinguish_v clear_a from_o obscure_a conception_n suspend_v our_o judgement_n about_o uncertainty_n and_o yield_v only_o to_o evidence_n in_o a_o word_n the_o deliberation_n we_o use_v about_o our_o design_n and_o the_o choice_n to_o which_o we_o determine_v ourselves_o at_o last_o do_v prove_v we_o the_o free_a disposer_n of_o all_o our_o action_n now_o what_o be_v sound_a reason_n except_o this_o be_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o no_o evangelical_n or_o other_o knowable_a truth_n can_v prove_v insuperable_a or_o monstrous_a to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n but_o when_o we_o abuse_v it_o against_o itself_o and_o enslave_v it_o to_o our_o debauch_a imagination_n it_o be_v averse_a from_o all_o good_n we_o be_v so_o habituate_v i_o confess_v to_o precarious_a and_o hasty_a conclusion_n that_o without_o great_a constancy_n and_o exercise_n we_o can_v recover_v our_o innate_a freedom_n nor_o do_v well_o have_v accustom_a ourselves_o so_o 23._o much_o to_o evil._n but_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o understand_v it_o be_v there_o also_o say_v that_o we_o may_v amend_v our_o way_n turn_v from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o choose_v life_n encouragement_n be_v propose_v to_o such_o as_o do_v so_o we_o can_v upon_o serious_a reflection_n see_v our_o fault_n and_o find_v that_o what_o we_o hold_v most_o unreasonable_a do_v only_o appear_v so_o from_o superficial_a disquisition_n or_o want_v of_o necessary_a help_n from_o deference_n to_o authority_n and_o principle_n take_v upon_o trust_n from_o irregular_a inclination_n and_o self-interest_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o party_n 32._o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o some_o be_v at_o a_o world_n of_o pain_n to_o rob_v themselves_o if_o they_o can_v of_o their_o liberty_n or_o freewill_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o useful_a of_o all_o our_o faculty_n the_o only_a thing_n we_o can_v proper_o call_v we_o and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o neither_o power_n nor_o fortune_n can_v take_v from_o we_o under_o whatever_o veil_n these_o man_n endeavour_v to_o hide_v their_o folly_n yet_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o by_o extreme_a pride_n and_o self-love_n for_o not_o will_v to_o own_o their_o ignorance_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o proceed_v from_o passion_n sloth_n or_o inconsideration_n they_o will_v remove_v all_o the_o blame_v from_o their_o will_n and_o charge_v it_o upon_o a_o natural_a impotency_n not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cure_v thus_o they_o ingenious_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o brute_n or_o machine_n than_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o humane_a frailty_n and_o to_o mend_v 33._o since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n or_o soundness_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n however_o wrest_v by_o some_o ignorant_a person_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n with_o more_o confident_a hope_n of_o success_n why_o shall_v we_o entertain_v such_o mean_a and_o unbecoming_a thought_n as_o if_o truth_n like_o the_o almighty_a dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thing_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o different_a soever_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o they_o may_v be_v and_o what_o another_o do_v not_o i_o may_v happy_o find_v out_o that_o nothing_o escape_v the_o sight_n of_o former_a age_n be_v a_o tale_n to_o be_v tell_v where_o one_o person_n only_o speak_v and_o no_o body_n present_a must_v contradict_v he_o the_o slip_v and_o error_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n every_o day_n serve_v only_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o many_o able_a man_n do_v not_o examine_v the_o truth_n with_o that_o order_n and_o application_n they_o shall_v or_o may_v have_v do_v there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n in_o our_o power_n to_o know_v of_o which_o through_o prejudice_n or_o neglect_v we_o may_v be_v and_o frequent_o remain_v ignorant_a all_o our_o life_n and_o innumerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v make_v by_o imagine_v mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o by_o conceive_v too_o discourage_v and_o unjust_a a_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n whereas_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v hope_v to_o outdo_v all_o that_o outdo_v other_o before_o we_o as_o posterity_n may_v exceed_v both_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n therefore_o for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v set_v thing_n in_o a_o better_a light_n as_o to_o know_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v not_o pride_n but_o foolish_o to_o presume_v none_o else_o can_v equal_v we_o when_o we_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n for_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o 7._o differ_v from_o another_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v now_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o have_v we_o not_o all_o the_o same_o sure_a and_o certain_a promise_n of_o light_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o as_o well_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o reason_n in_o common_a if_o any_o lack_n wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o s._n man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o 34._o to_o conclude_v let_v no_o body_n think_v to_o be_v excuse_v by_o this_o imaginary_a corruption_n but_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n our_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v only_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o wish_n of_o lewd_a man_n that_o love_n to_o walk_v after_o their_o 3_o own_o lust_n of_o those_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o debauch_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o know_v in_o 10._o common_a with_o brute_n it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o 4._o this_o world_n and_o to_o those_o who_o live_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o simple_a credulity_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o false_a reason_v of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o reflect_v or_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v not_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o reajon_n when_o they_o shall_v better_o improve_v their_o faculty_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v against_o the_o system_fw-la of_o aristotle_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o epicurus_n and_o the_o censider_v liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v impugned_a by_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o be_v this_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n have_v not_o these_o man_n be_v quite_o baffle_v by_o as_o very_a heathen_n as_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o their_o other_o error_n since_o detect_v and_o explode_v by_o most_o of_o the_o learned_a beside_o they_o want_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o information_n viz._n revelation_n sect_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o inquire_v whether_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v above_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o expression_n be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a signification_n first_o it_o denote_v a_o thing_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n type_n and_o ceremony_n that_o reason_n can_v penetrate_v the_o veil_n nor_o see_v what_o be_v under_o it_o till_o it_o be_v remove_v second_o it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v a_o thing_n
of_o its_o own_o nature_n inconceivable_a and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a faculty_n and_o idea_n though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_o reveal_v in_o both_o these_o sense_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v the_o same_o thing_n with_o mystery_n and_o in_o effect_n they_o be_v convertible_a term_n in_o divinity_n chap._n i._n the_o history_n and_o signification_n of_o mystery_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o gentile_n 2._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o reason_n we_o have_v already_o large_o discourse_v but_o to_o understand_v aright_o what_o the_o word_n mystery_n import_v we_o must_v trace_v the_o original_a of_o it_o as_o far_o back_o as_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o ancient_a gentile_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o considerable_a term._n those_o nation_n who_o as_o paul_n elegant_o describe_v they_o profess_v themselves_o wise_a become_v fool_n 25._o who_o change_v the_o glory_n of_o the_o incorruptible_a god_n into_o the_o image_n and_o likeness_n of_o corruptible_a man_n of_o bird_n of_o beast_n and_o creep_a thing_n who_o turn_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n into_o a_o lie_n and_o worship_v the_o creature_n as_o well_o as_o and_o sometime_o more_o than_o the_o creator_n those_o nation_n i_o say_v ashamed_a or_o afraid_a to_o exhibit_v their_o religion_n naked_a to_o the_o view_n of_o all_o indifferent_o disguise_v it_o with_o various_a ceremony_n sacrifice_n play_n etc._n etc._n make_v the_o superstitious_a people_n believe_v that_o admirable_a thing_n be_v adumbrate_v by_o these_o external_o the_o priest_n but_o very_o rare_o and_o then_o obscure_o teach_v in_o public_a pretend_v the_o injunction_n of_o their_o divinity_n to_o the_o contrary_a lest_o their_o secret_n forsooth_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o profanation_n of_o the_o ignorant_a or_o violation_n of_o the_o impious_a they_o perform_v the_o high_a act_n of_o their_o worship_n consist_v of_o ridiculous_a obscene_a or_o inhuman_a rite_n in_o the_o inmost_a recess_n of_o temple_n or_o grove_n consecrate_v for_o that_o purpose_n and_o it_o be_v inexpiable_a sacrilege_n for_o any_o to_o 〈◊〉_d enter_v these_o but_o such_o as_o have_v a_o special_a mark_n and_o privilege_n or_o as_o much_o as_o to_o ask_v question_n about_o what_o pass_v in_o they_o all_o the_o exclude_v be_v for_o that_o reason_n style_v the_o profane_a as_o those_o not_o in_o order_n with_o we_o the_o laity_n 3._o but_o the_o cunning_a priest_n who_o know_v how_o to_o turn_v every_o thing_n to_o their_o own_o advantage_n think_v fit_a to_o initiate_v or_o instruct_v certain_a person_n in_o the_o mean_v of_o their_o rite_n they_o give_v out_o that_o such_o as_o die_v uninitiate_v 14._o wallow_v in_o infernal_a mire_n whilst_o the_o purify_a and_o initiate_v dwell_v with_o the_o god_n which_o as_o well_o increase_v their_o veneration_n for_o as_o a_o desire_n of_o enjoy_v so_o great_a a_o happiness_n the_o initiate_v after_o some_o year_n preparation_n to_o make_v they_o value_v what_o cost_v so_o much_o time_n and_o patience_n be_v devout_o swear_v ariltid_n never_o to_o discover_v what_o they_o see_v or_o hear_v under_o pain_n of_o quaest._n death_n though_o they_o may_v discourse_v of_o they_o among_o themselves_o lest_o too_o 3._o great_a a_o constraint_n shall_v tempt_v they_o to_o blab_v the_o secret_n and_o so_o religious_o they_o keep_v this_o oath_n that_o some_o of_o they_o after_o their_o conversion_n to_o christianity_n can_v hardly_o be_v bring_v to_o declare_v what_o pass_v at_o their_o initiation_n in_o gentilism_n the_o athenian_n think_v no_o torment_n exquisite_a enough_o to_o punish_v voce_fw-la diagoras_n the_o philosopher_n for_o divulge_v their_o mystery_n and_o not_o content_a to_o brand_v he_o with_o atheism_n for_o laugh_v at_o their_o weakness_n they_o promise_v a_o talon_n as_o a_o reward_n to_o any_o that_o shall_v kill_v he_o it_o be_v death_n to_o say_v adonis_n be_v a_o man_n some_o suffer_v upon_o that_o account_n and_o many_o be_v tear_v in_o piece_n at_o the_o 14._o mystery_n of_o ceres_n and_o the_o euripides_n orgy_n of_o bacchus_n for_o their_o unadvised_a curiosity_n 4._o credible_a author_n report_n that_o the_o priest_n confess_v to_o the_o initiate_v how_o these_o mystic_a representation_n be_v institute_v at_o first_o in_o commemoration_n of_o some_o remarkable_a accident_n or_o to_o the_o honour_n of_o some_o great_a person_n that_o oblige_v the_o world_n by_o their_o virtue_n and_o useful_a invention_n to_o pay_v they_o such_o acknowledgement_n but_o let_v this_o be_v as_o it_o will_v myein_fw-gr in_fw-it their_o system_n signify_v 〈◊〉_d to_o initiate_v myesis_n initiation_n mist_n 〈◊〉_d a_o name_n afterward_o give_v the_o priest_n 〈◊〉_d denote_v the_o person_n to_o be_v initiate_v who_o be_v call_v a_o ranas_fw-la epopt_v when_o admit_v and_o mystery_n the_o doctrine_n in_o which_o he_o 〈◊〉_d be_v initiate_v as_o there_o be_v several_a 2._o degree_n so_o there_o be_v different_a sort_n of_o mystery_n the_o most_o famous_a be_v the_o samothracian_a the_o eleusinian_n the_o egyptian_a and_o those_o of_o bacchus_n common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o 260._o orgy_n though_o the_o word_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o any_o of_o the_o former_a 5._o from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v it_o be_v clear_a that_o they_o understand_v by_o mystery_n in_o those_o day_n a_o thing_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o veil_v by_o other_o that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v know_v without_o special_a revelation_n i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o in_o all_o the_o greek_a and_o roman_a author_n it_o be_v constant_o put_v as_o a_o very_a vulgar_a expression_n for_o any_o thing_n sacred_a or_o profane_a that_o be_v design'd_o keep_v secret_a or_o accidental_o obscure_a and_o this_o be_v the_o common_a acceptation_n of_o it_o still_o for_o when_o we_o can_v see_v clear_o into_o a_o business_n we_o say_v it_o be_v a_o mystery_n to_o we_o and_o that_o a_o obscure_a or_o perplex_a discourse_n be_v very_o mysterious_a mystery_n of_o state_n science_n and_o trade_n run_v all_o in_o the_o same_o notion_n 6._o but_o many_o not_o deny_v what_o be_v so_o plain_a yet_o be_v strong_o incline_v out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n to_o maintain_v what_o be_v first_o introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o their_o forefather_n will_v have_v some_o christian_a doctrine_n to_o be_v still_o mysterious_a in_o the_o second_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o be_v inconceivable_a in_o themselves_o however_o clear_o reveal_v they_o think_v a_o long_a prescription_n will_v argue_v it_o folly_n in_o any_o to_o appear_v against_o they_o and_o indeed_o custom_n have_v make_v it_o dangerous_a but_o slight_v so_o mean_a consideration_n if_o i_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v actual_o take_v away_o than_o it_o will_v manifest_o follow_v that_o the_o doctrine_n so_o reveal_v can_v now_o be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n 7._o this_o be_v what_o i_o hope_v to_o perform_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o section_n to_o the_o entire_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o sincere_a christian_n more_o concern_v for_o the_o truth_n than_o the_o old_a or_o gainful_a opinion_n yet_o i_o must_v first_o remove_v out_o of_o my_o way_n certain_a common_a place_n of_o cavil_v with_o which_o not_o only_o the_o raw_a beginner_n of_o the_o most_o implicit_a constitution_n raise_v a_o great_a dust_n upon_o all_o occasion_n though_o not_o able_a to_o speak_v of_o any_o thing_n pertinent_o when_o jostle_v out_o of_o the_o beat_a road_n but_o true_o their_o venerable_a teacher_n be_v not_o ashamed_a sometime_o to_o play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n which_o they_o know_v rather_o amuse_n the_o prejudice_v of_o their_o own_o side_n than_o edify_v the_o adversary_n of_o any_o sort_n i_o wish_v there_o be_v more_o even_o of_o a_o well-meaning_a zeal_n without_o knowledge_n than_o of_o art_n or_o cunning_a in_o this_o conduct_n chap._n ii_o that_o nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o all_o its_o property_n nor_o any_o at_o all_o of_o its_o essence_n 8._o i_o shall_v discuss_v this_o point_n with_o all_o the_o perspicuity_n i_o be_o able_a and_o first_o i_o affirm_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a idea_n of_o it_o or_o a_o distinct_a view_n of_o all_o its_o property_n at_o once_o for_o then_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o mystery_n the_o knowledge_n of_o finite_a creature_n be_v gradual_o progressive_a as_o ob●…ects_n be_v present_v to_o the_o understanding_n adam_n do_v not_o know_v so_o much_o
a_o adequate_a notion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o consider_v in_o it_o at_o present_a the_o difficulty_n raise_v from_o its_o duration_n as_o that_o succession_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o finite_a and_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v exist_v together_o if_o it_o be_v instantaneous_a i_o despair_v not_o of_o solve_v very_o easy_o and_o render_v infinity_o also_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o or_o rather_o a_o different_a consideration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o little_o mysterious_a as_o that_o three_o and_o two_o make_v five_o but_o this_o fall_v natural_o into_o my_o second_o discourse_n where_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a explication_n of_o the_o christian_a tenet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a principle_n i_o be_o establish_v in_o this_o 16._o as_o we_o know_v not_o all_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n so_o we_o can_v never_o conceive_v the_o essence_n of_o any_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o avoid_v ambiguity_n i_o distinguish_v after_o a_o excellent_a modern_a philosopher_n the_o nominal_a from_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o nominal_a essence_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o those_o property_n or_o modes_n which_o we_o principal_o observe_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v one_o common_a denomination_n or_o name_n thus_o the_o nominal_a essence_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o bright_a hot_a and_o round_a body_n at_o a_o certain_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o that_o have_v a_o constant_a regular_a motion_n whoever_o hear_v the_o word_n sun_n pronounce_v this_o be_v the_o idea_n he_o have_v of_o it_o he_o may_v conceive_v more_o of_o its_o property_n or_o not_o all_o these_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o collection_n of_o modes_n or_o property_n that_o make_v his_o idea_n so_o the_o nominal_a essence_n of_o honey_n consist_v in_o its_o colour_n taste_v and_o other_o know_a attribute_n 17._o but_o the_o real_a essence_n be_v that_o intrinsic_a constitution_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o support_n of_o all_o its_o property_n and_o from_o which_o they_o natural_o flow_v or_o result_v now_o though_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o modes_n of_o thing_n must_v have_v such_o a_o subject_a to_o exist_v in_o for_o they_o can_v subsist_v alone_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o ignorant_a of_o what_o it_o be_v we_o conceive_v nothing_o more_o distinct_o than_o the_o mention_a property_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o those_o whereby_o plant_n fruit_n metal_n etc._n etc._n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o the_o several_a foundation_n of_o these_o property_n though_o we_o be_v very_o sure_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o some_o such_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o observable_a quality_n therefore_o of_o thing_n be_v all_o that_o we_o understand_v by_o their_o name_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v their_o nominal_a essence_n 18._o it_o follow_v now_o very_o plain_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o real_a essence_n since_o it_o be_v not_o more_o knowable_a in_o one_o thing_n than_o in_o another_o and_o be_v never_o conceive_v or_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n or_o the_o name_n we_o give_v '_o they_o i_o have_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o so_o often_o repeat_v sophistry_n of_o some_o that_o rather_o merit_v the_o encomium_n of_o great_a reader_n than_o great_a reasoner_n when_o they_o will_v have_v the_o most_o palpable_a 3._o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n go_v down_o with_o other_o or_o make_v they_o place_n religion_n in_o word_n that_o signify_v nothing_o or_o what_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explain_v than_o they_o wise_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n especial_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o always_o deny_v what_o they_o can_v conceive_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o when_o they_o will_v instead_o of_o confute_v they_o make_v those_o pass_n for_o ridiculcus_fw-la or_o arrogant_a pretender_n who_o maintain_v that_o only_a intelligible_a and_o possible_a thing_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o belief_n they_o industrious_o represent_v they_o as_o presume_v to_o define_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n with_o that_o of_o create_a spirit_n and_o after_o they_o have_v sufficient_o aggravate_v this_o presumption_n of_o their_o own_o coin_n they_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o small_a pibble_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o such_o rigorous_a term_n of_o believe_v but_o sometime_o be_v content_a to_o submit_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o teacher_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n 19_o who_o perceive_v not_o the_o weakness_n and_o slight_a of_o this_o reason_v we_o certain_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o soul_n as_o we_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o if_o not_o more_o we_o form_v the_o clear_a conception_n of_o think_v know_v imagine_v will_v hope_v love_v and_o the_o like_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o we_o be_v stra●…gers_n to_o the_o subject_a wherein_o these_o operation_n exist_v so_o be_v we_o to_o that_o upon_o which_o the_o roundness_n softness_n colour_n a●…_n taste_v of_o a_o grape_n depend_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o the_o mode_n or_o property_n of_o body_n as_o to_o be_v extend_v solid_a divisible_a smooth_a rough_a soft_a hard_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o know_v as_o ●…tle_v of_o the_o internal_a constitution_n which_o be_v the_o support_n of_o these_o sensible_a quality_n as_o we_o do_v of_o that_o wherein_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n reside_v and_o as_o the_o great_a man_n i_o just_a now_o mention_v observe_v we_o may_v as_o well_o de●…y_a the_o existence_n of_o body_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o its_o real_a essence_n as_o call_v the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o question_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v there_o be_v as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o difference_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v carry_v the_o advantage_n because_o its_o property_n be_v more_o immediate_o know_v to_o we_o and_o be_v the_o light_n whereby_o we_o discover_v all_o thing_n beside_o 20._o as_o for_o god_n we_o comprehend_v nothing_o better_a than_o his_o attribute_n we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v true_a the_o nature_n of_o that_o eternal_a subject_n or_o essence_n wherein_o infinite_a goodness_n love_n knowledge_n power_n and_o wisdom_n co-exist_a but_o we_o be_v not_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n as_o by_o the_o idea_n and_o name_n of_o god_n we_o understand_v his_o know_a at●…ributes_n and_o property_n so_o we_o understand_v those_o of_o all_o thing_n else_o by_o they_o and_o we_o conceive_v the_o one_o as_o clear_o as_o we_o do_v the_o other_o i_o remark_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o thing_n but_o such_o of_o their_o property_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o god_n for_o every_o act_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n without_o ever_o think_v of_o his_o essence_n our_o love_n to_o he_o be_v kindle_v by_o his_o goodness_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n by_o his_o mercy_n our_o obedience_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o justice_n and_o our_o hope_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n 21._o i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o warrantable_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o know_v not_o its_o essence_n since_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o knowable_a in_o itself_o nor_o ever_o think_v of_o by_o we_o so_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v himself_o can_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v account_v mysterious_a in_o this_o respect_n than_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o his_o creature_n nor_o be_o i_o very_o much_o concern_v that_o these_o essence_n escape_v my_o knowledge_n for_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o opinion_n that_o what_o insinite_a goodness_n have_v not_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o we_o be_v either_o sufficient_o capable_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o or_o need_v not_o understand_v it_o at_o all_o i_o hope_v now_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o mystery_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o ill_o argue_v from_o the_o pretend_a m●…steries_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o support_v the_o former_a by_o the_o latter_a have_v either_o a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o or_o that_o they_o have_v never_o themselves_o due_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n chap._n iii_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o
ancient_a christian_n 22._o have_v so_o dispatch_v these_o adequate_a idea_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o real_a essence_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a point_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a controversy_n chief_o depend_v for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o christianity_n be_v mysterious_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v natural_o decide_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v original_o contain_v i_o hearti●…y_v desire_v to_o put_v the_o case_n upon_o this_o issue_n i_o appeal_v to_o this_o tribunal_n for_o do_v i_o not_o infinite_o prefer_v the_o truth_n i_o learn_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n to_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o shall_v never_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o and_o i_o will_v soon_o be_v repute_v heterodox_n with_o these_o only_a on_o my_o side_n than_o to_o pass_v for_o orthodox_n with_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v they_o against_o i_o 23._o now_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n i_o find_v some_o of_o the_o evangelic_n doctrine_n call_v mystery_n in_o a_o more_o general_a or_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a sense_n they_o be_v more_o general_o so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o be_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o lodge_v in_o his_o decree_n or_o such_o event_n as_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o forget_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a or_o learned_a to_o discover_v they_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o 11._o god_n as_o none_o can_v find_v out_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n till_o he_o tell_v they_o himself_o such_o revelation_n then_o of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v mystery_n not_o from_o any_o present_a inconceivableness_n or_o obscurity_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o they_o be_v before_o this_o revelation_n as_o that_o be_v call_v our_o task_n which_o we_o long_o since_o perform_v 24._o if_o any_o shall_v question_v this_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o apostle_n paul_n declare_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v say_v he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n hide_v in_o a_o mystery_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n for_o our_o glory_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o show_v 8._o that_o this_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v a_o mystery_n for_o want_n of_o reveal_v information_n he_o present_o subjoin_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v 10._o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o most_o perspicacious_a philosopher_n be_v not_o able_a to_o foretell_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o discover_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o happen_v now_o and_o then_o to_o say_v something_o like_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v but_o divine_a at_o best_a and_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o most_o delightful_a thing_n to_o consider_v what_o pain_n the_o inquire_a heathen_n be_v often_o at_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o what_o depend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o upon_o any_o principle_n in_o their_o philosophy_n but_o be_v a_o historical_a fact_n communicable_a by_o god_n alone_o or_o such_o as_o have_v undoubted_a memoir_n concern_v it_o of_o this_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o add_v the_o follow_a example_n 25._o the_o same_o experience_n that_o teach_v the_o gentile_n their_o mortal_a condition_n acquaint_v they_o also_o with_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o numberless_a calamity_n constant_o attend_v they_o they_o can_v not_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o species_n of_o man_n come_v in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a deity_n and_o so_o be_v incline_v to_o impute_v all_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o adult_n person_n till_o they_o perceive_v that_o death_n and_o misfortune_n do_v not_o spare_v innocent_a child_n more_o than_o robber_n and_o pirate_n at_o last_o they_o imagine_v a_o pre-existent_a state_n wherein_o the_o soul_n act_v separately_z like_o angel_n may_v have_v contract_v some_o extraordinary_a gild_n and_o so_o for_o punishment_n be_v thrust_v into_o the_o body_n which_o they_o sometime_o compare_v to_o a_o prison_n but_o often_o to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d grave_a this_o be_v likewise_o the_o origin_n of_o transmigration_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o sin_n of_o this_o world_n become_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o that_o opinion_n as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o ingenious_a than_o the_o account_n which_o cebes_n the_o theban_a give_v we_o of_o the_o matter_n in_o his_o most_o excellent_a portraiture_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o feign_v 1689._o imposture_n sit_v in_o a_o throne_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o most_o beautiful_a lady_n hold_v a_o cup_n in_o her_o hand_n she_o oblige_o present_v it_o to_o all_o that_o be_v on_o their_o journey_n to_o this_o world_n and_o these_o as_o civil_o accept_v it_o but_o the_o draught_n prove_v ignorance_n and_o error_n whence_o proceed_v all_o the_o disorder_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o life_n 26._o this_o point_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n to_o these_o honest_a philosopher_n who_o have_v only_o fancy_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o instruction_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v now_o no_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o 16._o christ._n we_o know_v that_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n become_v also_o the_o first_o sinner_n and_o mortal_a and_o that_o so_o the_o whole_a race_n propagate_v from_o he_o can_v be_v natural_o no_o better_o than_o he_o be_v by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o 12._o death_n by_o sin_n 27._o but_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o particular_o call_v mystery_n because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o god_n peculiar_a people_n under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n not_o that_o they_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o for_o the_o law_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v but_o they_o 1._o be_v not_o clear_o and_o full_o reveal_v till_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n be_v veil_v before_o by_o various_a typical_a representation_n ceremony_n and_o figurative_a expression_n christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n many_o prophet_n and_o king_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o 24._o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o paul_n say_v we_o use_v great_a plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o 13._o not_o as_o moses_n who_o put_v a_o veil_n over_o his_o face_n and_o then_o express_o add_v that_o this_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o 14._o christ_n which_o can_v not_o be_v true_o affirm_v be_v the_o thing_n reveal_v still_o inconceivable_a for_o i_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o not_o hear_v of_o a_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o not_o comprehend_v it_o when_o you_o do_v in_o another_o place_n paul_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o preach_v of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n 26._o of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_a to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 28._o these_o passage_n alone_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o assertion_n contain_v in_o n_o o_fw-it 6_o and_o 7_o of_o this_o section_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v certain_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n intelligible_a enough_o but_o call_v mystery_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o veil_n under_o which_o they_o be_v former_o hide_v second_o that_o under_o the_o gospel_n this_o veil_n be_v whole_o remove_v from_o which_o three_o follow_v the_o promise_a conclusion_n that_o such_o doctrine_n can_v now_o proper_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n 29._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o hot_a stickler_n for_o the_o father_n do_v cite_v their_o authority_n only_o where_o they_o think_v it_o make_v for_o they_o and_o slight_a or_o suppress_v it_o when_o not_o favourable_a to_o their_o cause_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v malicious_o insinuate_v that_o i_o serve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o
to_o qualify_v themselves_o after_o this_o manner_n and_o no_o wonder_n that_o it_o have_v such_o little_a effect_n now_o upon_o man_n life_n after_o it_o be_v so_o iniserable_o deform_v and_o almost_o ruin_v by_o those_o unintelligible_a and_o extravagant_a term_n notion_n and_o rite_n of_o pagan_a or_o jewish_a original_a 69._o thus_o i_o have_v distinct_o answer_v the_o several_a objection_n make_v to_o i_o and_o i_o shall_v add_v no_o more_o on_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n when_o i_o have_v consider_v a_o passage_n in_o the_o first_o epistle_n to_o peter_n where_o it_o be_v write_v that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o see_v into_o certain_a thing_n yet_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o inconceivable_a mystery_n but_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel-state_n of_o salvation_n which_o be_v divine_o foretell_v to_o the_o jew_n and_o concern_v which_o they_o careful_o reason_v then_o though_o now_o those_o thing_n be_v fulfil_v we_o be_v not_o permit_v that_o liberty_n receive_v the_o end_n of_o your_o faith_n say_v peter_n the_o salvation_n of_o your_o soul_n of_o which_o salvation_n the_o prophet_n have_v 9-12_a inquire_v and_o diligent_o search_v who_o prophesy_v of_o the_o grace_n that_o shall_v come_v unto_o you_o search_v what_o or_o what_o manner_n of_o time_n the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n which_o be_v in_o they_o do_v signify_v when_o it_o testify_v beforehand_o the_o suffering_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v follow_v unto_o who_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o not_o unto_o themselves_o but_o unto_o we_o they_o do_v minister_v the_o thing_n which_o be_v now_o report_v unto_o you_o by_o they_o that_o have_v preach_v unto_o you_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n send_v down_o from_o heaven_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o now_o here_o be_v no_o great_a mystery_n in_o all_o this_o that_o the_o angel_n who_o be_v finite_a creature_n can_v know_v nothing_o but_o by_o experience_n ratiocination_n or_o revelation_n shall_v be_v as_o curious_a as_o the_o jew_n to_o penetrate_v into_o those_o future_a event_n of_o such_o importance_n and_o so_o very_o obscure_o reveal_v chap._n v._o objection_n draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n answer_v 70._o when_o all_o other_o shift_n prove_v ineffectual_a the_o partisan_n of_o mystery_n fly_v to_o miracle_n as_o their_o last_o refuge_n but_o this_o be_v too_o weak_a a_o place_n to_o make_v any_o long_a resistance_n and_o we_o doubt_v not_o of_o beat_v they_o quick_o thence_o with_o ease_n and_o safety_n but_o see_v for_o the_o most_o part_n the_o state_n of_o this_o controversy_n be_v never_o distinct_o lay_v i_o shall_v first_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o clear_a notion_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o then_o leave_v it_o to_o be_v consider_v whether_o i_o have_v much_o reason_n to_o apprehend_v any_o danger_n from_o this_o objection_n a_o miracle_n than_o be_v some_o action_n exceed_v all_o humane_a power_n and_o which_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n can_v perform_v by_o their_o ordinary_a operation_n 71._o now_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v be_v no_o miracle_n for_o it_o have_v be_v sufficient_o prove_v already_o that_o contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o the_o miraculous_a action_n therefore_o must_v be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a though_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o be_v extraordinary_a so_o for_o a_o man_n to_o walk_v safe_a in_o the_o midst_n of_o fire_n be_v conceivable_a and_o possible_a too_o shall_v any_o thing_n capable_a of_o repel_v the_o heat_n and_o flame_n surround_v he_o but_o when_o such_o a_o security_n be_v not_o provide_v by_o art_n or_o chance_n but_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o supernatural_a power_n than_o it_o make_v a_o miracle_n a_o able_a physician_n do_v sometime_o restore_v sight_n to_o the_o blind_a and_o a_o hand_n or_o foot_n must_v dry_v up_o when_o the_o circulation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o humour_n be_v too_o much_o exclude_v from_o it_o but_o if_o without_o the_o ordinary_a time_n and_o application_n those_o member_n be_v cure_v in_o a_o instant_a at_o the_o command_n or_o desire_v of_o any_o person_n such_o a_o action_n be_v true_o miraculous_a as_o well_o as_o the_o sudden_a restoration_n of_o a_o sick_a body_n to_o health_n which_o art_n or_o nature_n must_v spend_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n and_o pain_n upon_o 72._o no_o miracle_n then_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o the_o action_n must_v be_v intelligible_a and_o the_o performance_n of_o it_o appear_v most_o easy_a to_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n who_o may_v command_v all_o its_o principle_n at_o his_o pleasure_n therefore_o all_o those_o miracle_n be_v fictitious_a wherein_o there_o occur_v any_o contradiction_n as_o that_o christ_n be_v bear_v without_o open_v any_o passage_n out_o of_o the_o virgin_n be_v body_n that_o a_o head_n speak_v some_o day_n after_o it_o be_v sever_v from_o the_o body_n and_o the_o tongue_n cut_v out_o with_o multitude_n of_o this_o kind_n that_o may_v be_v meet_v with_o among_o the_o papist_n the_o jew_n the_o brahmin_n the_o mahometan_n and_o in_o all_o place_n where_o the_o credulity_n of_o the_o people_n make_v they_o a_o merchandise_n to_o their_o priest_n 73._o let_v we_o next_o consider_v that_o god_n be_v not_o so_o prodigal_a of_o miracle_n as_o to_o work_v any_o at_o random_n the_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o alter_v stop_v or_o forward_v unless_o for_o some_o weighty_a design_n become_v the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o majesty_n and_o indeed_o we_o learn_v from_o scripture_n and_o reason_n that_o no_o miracle_n be_v ever_o wrought_v without_o some_o special_a and_o important_a end_n which_o be_v either_o appoint_v by_o those_o for_o who_o the_o miracle_n be_v make_v or_o intend_v and_o declare_v by_o he_o that_o work_v it_o if_o the_o apostle_n have_v bare_o cure_v the_o blind_a the_o deaf_a the_o lame_a the_o disease_a this_o will_v certain_o procure_v they_o a_o extraordinary_a esteem_n and_o in_o some_o place_n too_o divine_a worship_n as_o it_o happen_v to_o paul_n and_o ba●…nabas_n at_o lystra_n when_o they_o have_v etc._n cure_v a_o bear_a cripple_n without_o any_o far_a circumstance_n but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o mean_n to_o gain_v the_o attention_n of_o these_o idolater_n to_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v about_o to_o preach_v in_o their_o city_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o miracle_n mention_v in_o the_o new_a testament_n but_o what_o serve_v to_o confirm_v the_o authority_n of_o those_o that_o wrought_v it_o to_o procure_v attention_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o for_o the_o like_a wise_a and_o reasonable_a purpose_n 74._o by_o this_o rule_n the_o celebrate_a feat_n of_o goblin_n and_o fairy_n of_o witches_z of_o conjurer_n and_o all_o the_o heathen_a prodigy_n must_v be_v account_v fictitious_a idle_a and_o superstitious_a fable_n for_o in_o all_o these_o there_o appear_v no_o end_n deserve_v a_o change_n in_o nature_n beside_o they_o evident_o contradict_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o quite_o subvert_v his_o providence_n diabolical_a delusion_n will_v hereby_o receive_v equal_a confirmation_n with_o divine_a revelation_n miracle_n be_v perform_v in_o favour_n of_o both_o nay_o the_o wonder_n of_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o agent_n will_v infinite_o exceed_v in_o number_n and_o quality_n those_o of_o god_n and_o his_o servant_n which_o affertion_n must_v hold_v true_a be_v no_o story_n believe_v but_o the_o best_a a●…tested_a in_o every_o country_n of_o england_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o more_o credulous_a nation_n for_o it_o be_v very_o observable_a that_o the_o more_o ignorant_a and_o barbarous_a any_o people_n remain_v you_o shall_v find_v they_o most_o abound_v with_o tale_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o stand_v in_o far_o great_a awe_o of_o satan_n tha●…_n jehovah_n in_o a_o word_n the_o heathen_n after_o this_o rate_n will_v be_v rivet_v in_o their_o idolatry_n and_o the_o ugly_a hag_n or_o most_o beggarly_a astrologer_n equalise_v the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n but_o why_o shall_v good_a reason_n be_v spend_v in_o confutation_n of_o mere_a fiction_n for_o i_o challenge_v any_o person_n whatsoever_o to_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o these_o lie_a wonder_n that_o contain_v all_o the_o true_a character_n of_o historical_a evidence_n and_o withal_o i_o dare_v engage_v as_o soon_o to_o prove_v the_o goodness_n of_o the_o alcoran_n as_o of_o the_o gospel_n if_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o miracle_n except_o divine_a ●…nes_n be_v grantedme_n but_o they_o must_v draw_v some_o advantage_n from_o the_o superstitious_a fear_n of_o the_o people_n who_o so_o industrious_o cherish_v it_o 75._o after_o what_o have_v be_v already_o observe_v i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o all_o miracle_n secret_o perform_v or_o among_o that_o party_n only_o to_o who_o profit_n and_o advantage_n the_o belief_n of_o they_o turn_v