vain_a imagination_n who_o scorn_v all_o tie_n of_o law_n and_o religion_n as_o subjection_n to_o governor_n be_v never_o more_o effectual_o recommend_v by_o any_o mere_a rational_a argument_n than_o that_o which_o come_v with_o this_o consideration_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o bring_v obedient_a to_o magistrate_n because_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o so_o able_a to_o provide_v for_o itself_o in_o solitude_n as_o in_o society_n so_o the_o extravagant_a reasoner_n in_o religion_n be_v not_o any_o way_n better_o reduce_v to_o obedience_n to_o ecclesiastical_a authority_n than_o by_o contemplate_v the_o vanity_n of_o their_o own_o imagination_n for_o that_o prospect_n of_o their_o own_o ignorance_n will_v make_v reason_n so_o obsequious_a and_o tame_a that_o though_o ecclesiastical_a law_n as_o the_o greek_a lawgiver_n say_v of_o law_n in_o general_n be_v look_v on_o as_o cobweb_n yet_o they_o will_v not_o think_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o break_v they_o this_o consider_v i_o hope_v may_v supplant_v all_o censure_n which_o may_v condemn_v this_o way_n of_o argue_v as_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n by_o render_v argument_n which_o be_v design_v to_o fortify_v it_o weaken_v by_o too_o severe_a a_o inquisition_n for_o this_o method_n do_v no_o more_o violence_n to_o religion_n than_o a_o chirurgeon_n do_v to_o his_o patient_n whilst_o he_o stretch_v the_o sinew_n in_o order_n to_o set_v a_o bone_n which_o be_v out_o of_o its_o place_n neither_o shall_v i_o fear_v that_o these_o paper_n will_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o vain_o speculative_a see_v the_o dedication_n direct_v the_o reader_n to_o so_o eminent_a a_o example_n which_o alone_o though_o the_o church_n be_v not_o protect_v by_o civil_a power_n and_o truth_n naked_a in_o that_o sense_n which_o the_o factious_a adversary_n will_v have_v it_o be_v able_a to_o win_v practice_n and_o engage_v all_o christian_a obedience_n which_o be_v desire_v and_o design_v so_o far_o as_o these_o paper_n can_v promote_v it_o by_o my_o l_o d._n your_o lordship_n most_o humble_a and_o obedient_a servant_n john_n warly_n a_o advertisement_n so_o often_o as_o the_o word_n reasoner_n occurr_v in_o this_o tract_n it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o of_o any_o other_o who_o be_v conduct_v by_o his_o principle_n and_o so_o often_o as_o the_o word_n reconciler_n be_v use_v it_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reconcileableness_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n other_o author_n ancient_a and_o modern_a be_v either_o plain_o cite_v or_o so_o discoverable_a by_o their_o matter_n that_o nothing_o more_o need_v be_v say_v by_o way_n of_o explanation_n errata_fw-la read_v as_o straight_o a_o union_n page_n 16._o for_o who_o read_v which_o p._n 34._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 35._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 65._o deal_n they_o 73._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 83._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 85_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 90._o r._n terminate_v p._n 92._o r._n &_o p._n 104_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 108_o r._n minucius_n felix_n 112._o deal_n that_o 115._o r._n as_o much_o p._n 116._o deal_n lest_o r._n or_o p._n 118._o r._n erroneous_a p._n 139._o deal_n not_o and_o r._n be_v not_o p._n 153._o r._n scale_n p._n 162._o for_o which_o r._n when_o 170_o r._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d p._n 173._o for_o that_o r._n what_o 178._o fornor_n r._n now_o p._n 180._o deal_v not_o 184._o reason_n in_o some_o late_a treatise_n be_v set_v up_o umpire_n in_o religion_n challenge_v appeal_n to_o be_v make_v to_o it_o as_o the_o high_a tribunal_n and_o be_v assert_v with_o privilege_n which_o be_v exalt_v above_o pelagian_a invention_n or_o what_o any_o other_o heresy_n can_v project_v and_o one_o article_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v threaten_v by_o some_o position_n which_o direct_o oppose_v it_o by_o say_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o 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also_o consider_v if_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o element_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o ethnic_n lay_v aside_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o retire_n to_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o his_o persuasion_n as_o a_o chemist_n assert_n his_o principle_n and_o practical_a knowledge_n above_o that_o which_o theory_n teach_v whilst_o he_o analyses_n or_o dissolve_v a_o body_n by_o which_o he_o make_v sense_n a_o witness_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o both_o or_o as_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n challenge_v great_a certainty_n than_o that_o in_o other_o science_n which_o take_v a_o scheme_n asunder_o by_o demonstration_n and_o rebuilding_n it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n confident_o and_o just_o call_v it_o true_a but_o the_o success_n be_v different_a in_o religious_a case_n as_o in_o some_o curious_a contexture_n which_o be_v defective_a by_o its_o too_o fine_a thread_n and_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o 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the_o one_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o believe_v of_o the_o other_o the_o want_n of_o which_o can_v be_v think_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n the_o contrary_a be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o must_v not_o altogether_o by_o one_o peremptory_a sentence_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o reason_n who_o have_v not_o and_o perhaps_o can_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o belief_n though_o conversant_a with_o holy_a writing_n this_o make_v way_n for_o this_o disquisition_n whether_o in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_v determine_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o a_o mere_a natural_a conduct_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o school_n from_o this_o topick_n of_o god_n concourse_n with_o man_n which_o always_o leave_v goodness_n as_o its_o effect_n which_o must_v be_v call_v perfection_n according_a to_o the_o 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command_v to_o be_v use_v deserve_v not_o
of_o a_o visible_a church_n at_o any_o time_n since_o it_o be_v found_v if_o not_o the_o be_v of_o any_o true_o so_o call_v for_o that_o principle_n which_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o all_o council_n have_v be_v fallible_a will_v never_o put_v he_o out_o of_o doubt_n whether_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o church_n at_o any_o time_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n for_o see_v the_o reasoner_n rule_n admit_v of_o nothing_o as_o certain_a further_o than_o it_o be_v knowable_a by_o some_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n independent_a form_n divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o can_v have_v any_o more_o than_o conjectural_a knowledge_n reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o inform_v he_o of_o a_o criterion_n of_o a_o true_a church_n by_o its_o own_o evidence_n but_o by_o revelation_n which_o say_v the_o true_a faith_n shall_v not_o fail_v now_o that_o this_o true_a faith_n be_v in_o a_o doubtful_a case_n must_v be_v determine_v by_o those_o who_o 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to_o pass_v over_o they_o with_o a_o swift_a touch_n as_o the_o traveller_n tender_o go_v over_o a_o quag-mire_n or_o quicksand_n till_o he_o can_v find_v a_o more_o sure_a bottom_n to_o which_o he_o may_v be_v conduct_v by_o weigh_v the_o several_a argument_n reason_n have_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n among_o many_o let_v that_o of_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o bid_v defiance_n to_o the_o sceptic_a take_v place_n who_o force_n consist_v in_o these_o particular_a position_n that_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o man_n mind_n can_v not_o be_v frame_v by_o his_o invention_n because_o the_o soul_n can_v contrive_v the_o model_n of_o a_o be_v which_o be_v more_o perfect_a than_o itself_o this_o be_v grant_v that_o there_o be_v a_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o
christian_a posterity_n give_v assent_v to_o the_o whole_a sacred_a volume_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o same_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o adam_n assent_v to_o and_o believe_v that_o synopsis_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o adam_n posterity_n have_v a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o forefather_n as_o the_o second_o adam_n be_v just_o exalt_v above_o the_o first_o yet_o this_o advance_n of_o knowledge_n owe_v not_o its_o original_a to_o mere_a natural_a power_n for_o though_o the_o christian_a believer_n without_o breach_n of_o modesty_n may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v more_o than_o his_o first_o forefather_n yet_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o only_o owe_v its_o improvement_n to_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o latter_a than_o in_o the_o first_o gospel_n preach_v to_o adam_n by_o god_n himself_o but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a supply_n which_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o revelation_n otherwise_o the_o christian_n can_v no_o more_o believe_v his_o large_a creed_n than_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v adam_n can_v have_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o he_o in_o few_o word_n without_o divine_a interpretation_n or_o assistance_n if_o this_o instance_n seem_v not_o close_o to_o the_o question_n let_v the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n be_v two_o eye_n of_o faith_n though_o by_o some_o one_o be_v call_v blind_a caeca_n potestas_fw-la which_o error_n be_v correct_v by_o late_a philosophy_n be_v examine_v and_o they_o will_v in_o their_o pure_a natural_n be_v find_v defective_a for_o as_o in_o natural_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v but_o a_o certain_a position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v necessary_a for_o some_o discovery_n so_o although_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o reason_n be_v no_o more_o new_a reason_n by_o grace_n than_o a_o eye_n be_v a_o new_a eye_n which_o by_o skilful_a direction_n discern_v that_o which_o it_o see_v not_o before_o yet_o this_o assistance_n though_o it_o do_v not_o frame_v sight_n but_o direct_v the_o eye_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o destroy_v that_o position_n which_o say_v in_o spiritual_a vision_n only_o the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_a add_v to_o this_o the_o mere_a disposal_n of_o media_n in_o order_n to_o perfect_a vision_n and_o it_o will_v give_v way_n for_o this_o assertion_n that_o divine_a assistance_n be_v necessary_a for_o we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o several_a conclusion_n have_v be_v pass_v as_o true_a which_o before_o be_v doubt_v of_o when_o a_o quick_a and_o happy_a invention_n have_v find_v a_o fit_a medium_n to_o prove_v they_o or_o at_o least_o render_v they_o more_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v to_o instance_n in_o that_o which_o be_v near_a to_o man_n his_o own_o soul_n its_o existence_n be_v better_a apprehend_v by_o be_v compare_v to_o some_o thin_a air_n which_o have_v power_n though_o invisible_a beside_o it_o be_v beyond_o dispute_n that_o some_o supernatural_a power_n infuse_v notion_n in_o dream_n which_o the_o soul_n itself_o can_v not_o excite_v i_o dispute_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o in_o these_o day_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o the_o divine_a method_n without_o violence_n to_o reason_n have_v make_v such_o discovery_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o may_v continue_v his_o assistance_n though_o not_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n for_o that_o will_v not_o appear_v consistent_a with_o the_o settle_a and_o more_o perfect_a state_n of_o the_o church_n to_o help_v reason_n in_o give_v its_o assent_n to_o divine_a truth_n i_o need_v add_v no_o more_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o the_o reasoner_n position_n than_o the_o proposal_n of_o the_o discourse_n in_o the_o former_a disqusition_n which_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o beam_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n which_o if_o not_o remove_v render_v it_o so_o dim-sighted_a that_o it_o can_v discern_v the_o element_n and_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v rude_o in_o man_n mind_n and_o need_v some_o assistance_n for_o the_o due_a composure_n of_o the_o thought_n concern_v god_n and_o his_o worship_n wherefore_o let_v the_o reasoner_n consider_v grace_n but_o as_o a_o chirurgeon_n hand_n which_o couch_v a_o pearl_n on_o the_o eye_n or_o take_v away_o the_o gutta_n serena_fw-la yet_o by_o this_o act_n the_o sight_n be_v better_a and_o this_o can_v be_v without_o alteration_n add_v to_o this_o the_o proposal_n of_o object_n and_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o eye_n and_o media_fw-la which_o the_o eye_n itself_o can_v dispose_v be_v enough_o to_o show_v that_o grace_n by_o such_o act_n may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v alter_v the_o sight_n which_o may_v be_v render_v obscure_a and_o confuse_a by_o default_n of_o the_o medium_n or_o organ_n for_o as_o the_o soul_n look_v through_o the_o eye_n as_o a_o glass_n which_o if_o sully_v or_o discolour_a by_o any_o disease_n the_o judgement_n be_v pass_v according_a to_o the_o tincture_n which_o be_v in_o the_o eye_n not_o in_o the_o object_n and_o consequent_o be_v as_o ill_a a_o judge_n of_o colour_n as_o he_o who_o view_v object_n with_o colour_a prospective_n or_o any_o catoptrical_a device_n to_o deceive_v the_o eye_n so_o in_o spiritual_a vision_n the_o soul_n look_v with_o the_o eye_n which_o have_v the_o disease_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a it_o shall_v discern_v its_o own_o malady_n much_o less_o discover_v truth_n to_o conclude_v this_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n it_o may_v be_v confident_o affirm_v that_o grace_n alter_v the_o sight_n though_o it_o do_v but_o take_v off_o a_o film_n or_o scale_n as_o from_o st._n paul_n eye_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n by_o his_o own_o power_n be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o remove_v than_o the_o eye_n by_o drop_a tear_n a_o way_n to_o put_v out_o eye_n rather_o than_o restore_v they_o can_v do_v as_o much_o as_o any_o eye-water_n which_o the_o oculist_n can_v prepare_v from_o what_o be_v here_o say_v there_o be_v a_o easy_a digression_n to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n how_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o in_o some_o act_n of_o faith_n a_o question_n which_o much_o exercise_v the_o reconciler_n whilst_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v the_o dictate_v of_o its_o own_o understanding_n but_o give_v itself_o up_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o another_o the_o divine_a knowledge_n which_o advantageous_o supply_v nature_n defect_n which_o make_v way_n for_o this_o conclusion_n viz._n reason_n in_o some_o case_n be_v as_o much_o and_o may_v as_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v lay_v aside_o as_o a_o judge_n who_o be_v limit_v by_o his_o monarch_n that_o he_o may_v not_o pass_v sentence_n in_o all_o case_n on_o his_o own_o judgement_n but_o in_o some_o must_v consult_v and_o follow_v the_o direction_n of_o the_o supreme_a magistrate_n by_o do_v of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o far_o lay_v aside_o that_o as_o to_o that_o particular_a case_n he_o may_v not_o so_o proper_o be_v call_v judge_n as_o a_o proclaimer_n of_o justice_n determine_v by_o his_o superior_a and_o for_o the_o illustration_n i_o can_v but_o insert_v a_o story_n which_o i_o borrow_v from_o a_o eminent_a mathematician_n who_o say_v a_o judge_n puzzle_v with_o a_o case_n of_o two_o person_n who_o have_v make_v exchange_n of_o field_n which_o be_v isoperimeter_n or_o of_o equal_a side_n but_o different_a figure_n one_o a_o rombus_n or_o oblique_a angle_a the_o other_o a_o square_n or_o right_o angle_a parallelogram_n be_v necessitate_v to_o call_v a_o geometrician_n to_o discover_v the_o cheat_n which_o discovery_n in_o strictness_n be_v enough_o to_o call_v the_o mathematician_n judge_n though_o the_o sentence_n be_v pronounce_v by_o another_o this_o be_v applicable_a to_o the_o spiritual_a method_n of_o improve_n the_o understanding_n and_o determine_v the_o will_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n if_o god_n be_v consider_v as_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o inform_v reason_n which_o be_v defective_a and_o as_o ignorant_a as_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n from_o this_o instance_n it_o be_v plain_a and_o easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o advantageous_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o be_v divert_v from_o its_o usual_a method_n in_o give_v assent_n to_o proposition_n which_o be_v true_a yet_o in_o themselves_o not_o sufficient_o evident_a now_o evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o pure_a natural_n be_v so_o necessary_a that_o there_o be_v no_o assent_n certain_a without_o it_o but_o it_o be_v otherwise_o in_o the_o act_n of_o say_v when_o divine_a testimony_n supply_v the_o place_n of_o natural_a evidence_n if_o it_o be_v urge_v that_o reason_n proceed_v according_a to_o its_o
own_o principle_n and_o when_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v because_o reason_n be_v inform_v by_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o religious_a mystery_n yet_o that_o assent_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n instead_o of_o evidence_n divert_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o their_o usual_a method_n be_v enough_o to_o assert_v reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v way_n for_o a_o cavil_v complaint_n that_o the_o divine_a determination_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o faculty_n whilst_o thus_o divert_v from_o their_o usual_a method_n for_o the_o divine_a concourse_n which_o determine_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v violence_n than_o the_o mathematician_n information_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n can_v be_v call_v compulsion_n when_o he_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o pass_v true_a sentence_n which_o he_o without_o the_o artist_n can_v not_o have_v pronounce_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o matter_n of_o belief_n be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v for_o faith_n take_v its_o name_n from_o persuasion_n which_o be_v not_o always_o beget_v by_o demonstration_n and_o from_o assent_n more_o than_o from_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o divine_a method_n have_v several_a way_n to_o command_v belief_n sometime_o it_o make_v a_o extempore_o convert_v grace_n work_v effectual_o in_o a_o moment_n sometime_o it_o operate_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o man_n life_n to_o perfect_v the_o work_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o their_o assent_n be_v terminate_v in_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o divine_a determination_n which_o make_v the_o will_n like_o the_o loadstone_n which_o instance_n be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o reconciler_n which_o will_v certain_o conduct_v the_o mariner_n though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v direct_v whether_o by_o a_o materia_fw-la subtilis_fw-la pass_v through_o the_o pole_n of_o this_o low_a vortex_n or_o any_o other_o mysterious_a way_n of_o nature_n to_o speak_v all_o if_o sail_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o pilot_n can_v demonstrate_v its_o infallible_a direction_n from_o its_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v unknown_a and_o the_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la will_v take_v more_o room_n in_o the_o map_n than_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v until_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v explain_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v pass_v as_o infidel_n thus_o far_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a sight_n have_v be_v discover_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o reconciler_n who_o urge_v belief_n as_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n by_o which_o if_o he_o only_o understand_v a_o rational_a choice_n exclude_v grace_n the_o former_a discourse_n will_v equal_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o the_o reasoner_n for_o if_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a prudence_n must_v necessary_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o its_o content_n be_v such_o as_o will_v command_v assent_n from_o the_o reasonable_a man_n he_o shut_v out_o grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o sufficient_a and_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o athanasius_n cyril_n and_o other_o holy_a father_n it_o be_v to_o show_v they_o be_v self-sufficient_a without_o the_o subsidy_n of_o tradition_n not_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n for_o although_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o proposal_n of_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o infidel_n as_o imprudent_a yet_o this_o condemnation_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v only_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o petition_v for_o grace_n and_o oppose_v it_o when_o offer_v to_o help_v unbelief_n do_v adjust_a the_o severity_n of_o that_o say_n he_o who_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v natural_a prudence_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o the_o embrace_a christian_a religion_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o aristotle_n sense_n who_o define_v it_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o practice_n lib._n sexto_fw-la ethicor._fw-la ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prudence_n thus_o define_v can_v have_v no_o place_n as_o antecedent_n to_o belief_n because_o that_o mere_a reason_n in_o several_a case_n can_v judge_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o therefore_o will_v demur_v at_o some_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o happiness_n such_o as_o be_v self-denial_n and_o other_o injunction_n which_o natural_a prudence_n will_v not_o choose_v if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o subsequent_a to_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o practice_n and_o what_o be_v evil_a for_o duty_n in_o religion_n be_v indispensable_o enjoin_v which_o destroy_v consultation_n which_o denominate_v a_o man_n prudent_a i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o christ_n decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o rank_v the_o prudent_a man_n in_o this_o sense_n not_o so_o wise_a as_o a_o babe_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o better_a sense_n divine_a direction_n and_o concourse_n be_v suppose_v as_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o may_v challenge_v the_o etymology_n which_o aristotle_n give_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n add_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n that_o a_o prudential_n choice_n of_o religion_n suppose_v it_o and_o its_o reward_n too_o to_o be_v expose_v as_o a_o prize_n not_o in_o the_o apostlical_a sense_n so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o great_a stock_n of_o prudence_n must_v pass_v as_o most_o religious_a when_o he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o be_v esteem_v a_o reprobate_n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n see_v our_o eyesight_n need_v alteration_n and_o itself_o be_v indispose_v the_o believer_n do_v safe_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a philosopher_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o truth_n but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n who_o say_v we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n as_o safe_o trust_v other_o as_o ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n sext._n ethic._n ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la so_o far_o as_o man_n follow_v a_o unerring_a conduct_n so_o far_o they_o be_v infallible_a though_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o leader_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o single_a person_n but_o the_o follow_a disquisition_n consider_v it_o in_o a_o multitude_n or_o a_o assembly_n as_o it_o attend_v their_o sacred_a vote_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v more_o infallible_a than_o when_o as_o a_o monarch_n it_o assert_v its_o seem_a privilege_n by_o renounce_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v nature_n afford_v rely_v on_o private_a evidence_n which_o also_o be_v suppose_v in_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o a_o council_n therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o examine_v whether_o reason_n only_o enlighten_v by_o apprehend_v the_o story_n and_o content_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o as_o judge_n and_o the_o last_o determiner_n of_o controversy_n so_o as_o it_o can_v pass_v infallible_a judgement_n on_o proposition_n offer_v as_o revelation_n and_o whether_o the_o fallibility_n of_o some_o council_n render_v all_o so_o suspicious_a that_o the_o christian_a can_v safe_o rely_v on_o conciliary_a definition_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o inquiry_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a for_o by_o infinuate_v that_o all_o council_n be_v fallible_a he_o presume_v he_o may_v as_o well_o appeal_v to_o a_o fallible_a self_n as_o a_o fallible_a multitude_n but_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v check_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o these_o proposition_n general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o all_o have_v be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v grant_v it_o will_v destroy_v the_o certainty_n
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infallible_a knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n for_o after_o the_o utmost_a perusal_n of_o his_o own_o argument_n concern_v he_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o describe_v himself_o by_o a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v be_v in_o suspense_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n this_o bold_a presumption_n be_v found_v on_o the_o former_a position_n viz._n that_o the_o reasoner_n have_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o power_n undistinguished_a in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o gross_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n in_o a_o loose_a and_o common_a way_n of_o speech_n be_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o language_n which_o call_v a_o be_v one_o which_o in_o strictness_n be_v not_o so_o as_o a_o late_a author_n instance_n in_o rome_n which_o retain_v its_o name_n although_o the_o city_n be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o first_o take_v that_o name_n and_o there_o be_v protean_a body_n which_o each_o moment_n change_v yet_o 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as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o disquisition_n that_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o rove_a fancy_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v god_n from_o other_o being_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o theist_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n have_v be_v know_v to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o opportunity_n or_o ability_n to_o read_v holy_a scripture_n yet_o speak_v sentence_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o famous_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o can_v help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o this_o article_n of_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o sibyl_n it_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a reason_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o so_o much_o as_o they_o speak_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n come_v from_o revelation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v determine_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v reason_n defect_n in_o its_o first_o and_o chief_a discovery_n when_o it_o put_v itself_o on_o the_o rack_n stretch_v only_o to_o a_o sceptical_a uncertainty_n it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o meet_v with_o another_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o considerable_a that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n that_o i_o conclude_v the_o gentile_n or_o ethnic_n have_v not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n neither_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v theist_n which_o assertion_n seem_v too_o cruel_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o some_o eminent_a in_o learning_n allow_v that_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o theory_n and_o practice_n if_o not_o save_v in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v exempt_a from_o damnation_n because_o they_o have_v a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o by_o that_o law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o heathen_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o action_n moral_o good_a and_o evil_n just_a and_o unjust_a and_o justice_n in_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n though_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n let_v this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o set_v out_o his_o guide_n for_o although_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ethnic_a and_o the_o christian_a and_o some_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v reason_n dictate_v promulge_v and_o make_v law_n by_o another_o legislation_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n suppose_v the_o heathen_a exact_o observe_v his_o legem_fw-la talionis_fw-la and_o demand_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n express_v it_o or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o poetical_a say_n which_o
aristotle_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n approve_v by_o rhadamanthus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n 5._o such_o observation_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a not_o the_o christian_n the_o reasoner_n may_v also_o urge_v that_o tully_n plato_n seneca_n and_o other_o sophy_n have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o sentence_n which_o have_v such_o a_o near_a alliance_n to_o scripture_n that_o only_o the_o author_n name_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o it_o this_o grant_v will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n for_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o emanation_n of_o a_o heathen_n mind_n or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n mix_v their_o own_o thought_n with_o some_o notion_n take_v from_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v which_o will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o the_o ethnic_a be_v consider_v in_o his_o confuse_a way_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o different_a expression_n of_o he_o which_o will_v give_v way_n for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o they_o certain_o know_v a_o be_v above_o themselves_o but_o what_o it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o have_v they_o as_o certain_o know_v his_o nature_n as_o they_o seem_v assure_v of_o his_o be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o these_o notion_n in_o man_n mind_n be_v unalterable_a and_o although_o discourse_n or_o artificial_a way_n may_v confound_v they_o when_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o so_o seem_v variable_a yet_o in_o themselves_o consider_v can_v be_v change_v wherefore_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v know_v by_o pure_a reason_n as_o to_o his_o be_v and_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n yet_o by_o this_o imperfect_a notion_n the_o reasoner_n can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o theist_n and_o say_v to_o know_v god_n than_o he_o who_o see_v some_o few_o or_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v or_o paint_v can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v his_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n or_o what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a if_o a_o similitude_n may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o pass_v judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o those_o lineament_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n power_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o man_n he_o will_v be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o of_o the_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n of_o a_o man_n for_o as_o the_o one_o can_v conclude_v by_o the_o draught_n what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a neither_o can_v the_o other_o know_v in_o which_o attribute_n god_n take_v most_o delight_n beside_o if_o mere_a natural_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v dispute_v and_o the_o christian_a creed_n contract_v into_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n some_o of_o its_o article_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o pass_a judgement_n be_v in_o danger_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v improve_v much_o above_o that_o height_n which_o king_n agrippa_n arrive_v at_o man_n be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o before_o this_o disquisition_n be_v conclude_v i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o fame_a instance_n in_o plato_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evang._n lib._n undec_fw-la c._n dec._n tert_n who_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o a_o characteristic_a or_o token_n by_o which_o dionysius_n shall_v discern_v whether_o his_o letter_n or_o epistle_n be_v jocular_a or_o serious_a this_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o author_n natural_o orthodox_n but_o do_v not_o sufficient_o justify_v he_o and_o undoubted_o free_v he_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o polytheism_n or_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o use_v that_o beginning_n with_o one_o god_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o more_o serious_a business_n rather_o than_o to_o signify_v his_o settle_a opinion_n because_o it_o will_v savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o narrow_a and_o envious_a spirit_n not_o become_v a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v communicate_v that_o as_o a_o secret_a to_o dionysius_n and_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o ingenuous_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o discourse_n it_o may_v be_v also_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v at_o any_o time_n write_v jocular_o and_o play_v with_o the_o deity_n make_v the_o term_n god_n to_o be_v as_o a_o signet_n to_o seal_v his_o more_o trivial_a secrecy_n or_o less_o accurate_a writing_n except_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o he_o as_o a_o socrates_n deride_v and_o laugh_v at_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serious_a when_o deus_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o laugh_v when_o he_o think_v of_o dij_fw-la this_o may_v be_v one_o plausible_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o usual_a application_n of_o plato_n epistolar_n mark_v or_o sign_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v if_o his_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n be_v consider_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o heathen_n ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o refute_v by_o citation_n take_v from_o porphyrius_n proclus_n or_o plotinus_n or_o other_o platonist_n see_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o their_o master_n have_v now_o how_o far_o the_o platonic_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o discourse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o accommodate_v to_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o the_o second_o principle_n in_o plato_n sense_n imply_v more_o or_o rather_o be_v different_a from_o the_o personal_a distinction_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v think_v proper_a to_o vie_v authority_n with_o authority_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o heathen_n eminent_a in_o dignity_n morality_n and_o learning_n antoninus_n and_o severus_n who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o polytheism_n as_o may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o the_o language_n of_o their_o public_a professor_n of_o philosophy_n alexand_n aphrod_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr fato_fw-la p._n 135._o which_o speak_v of_o the_o deity_n in_o a_o plural_a number_n and_o attribute_n omniscience_n and_o prescience_n which_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o dij_fw-la or_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o language_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o emperor_n apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n this_o also_o may_v be_v consider_v zenophon_n who_o in_o a_o pleasant_a discourse_n seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n or_o language_n but_o that_o which_o general_o be_v receive_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o so_o apprehend_v to_o be_v infallible_o denominate_v one_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v which_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v be_v but_o seem_v zenoph_n in_o convivio_fw-la if_o this_o citation_n as_o table_n discourse_n may_v seem_v too_o familiar_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o authority_n in_o strict_a way_n of_o argue_v let_v the_o author_n be_v consider_v when_o he_o speak_v most_o serious_o and_o when_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o a_o enemy_n oblige_v his_o thought_n to_o retirement_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o devotion_n it_o will_v appear_v doubtful_a whether_o he_o be_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n at_o the_o same_o breath_n confound_v deus_n and_o dij_fw-la begin_v with_o the_o one_o and_o end_v with_o the_o other_o say_v these_o word_n conclude_v his_o oration_n to_o the_o soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zen._n the_o exped_a cyri-pag_n 296._o hitherto_o the_o deity_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o next_o disquisition_n be_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o immortality_n can_v be_v attain_v by_o mere_a reason_n as_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v itself_o without_o a_o mirror_n or_o glass_n so_o the_o soul_n can_v know_v itself_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n or_o immortality_n without_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n much_o more_o the_o eternal_a continuation_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o seem_v to_o glory_n of_o his_o invention_n when_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v a_o way_n to_o convince_v the_o sceptic_a of_o its_o distinct_a
existence_n from_o the_o body_n wherefore_o according_a to_o the_o former_a method_n let_v his_o argument_n be_v examine_v which_o conclude_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o soul_n to_o be_v more_o demonstrable_a than_o that_o of_o the_o body_n because_o that_o which_o pass_v judgement_n on_o all_o other_o being_n itself_o must_v exist_v this_o consequence_n may_v not_o be_v deny_v and_o it_o must_v be_v also_o conclude_v that_o the_o soul_n only_o pass_v judgement_n on_o object_n for_o the_o corporeal_a organ_n be_v so_o far_o from_o discern_v other_o object_n that_o without_o the_o soul_n they_o can_v see_v themselves_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v no_o more_o than_o a_o pair_n of_o spectacle_n if_o the_o soul_n be_v not_o resident_a in_o they_o to_o judge_n of_o object_n or_o the_o ear_n hear_v any_o more_o than_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o nose_n smell_v any_o more_o than_o a_o censer_n can_v the_o incense_n which_o be_v burn_v in_o it_o this_o be_v enough_o to_o convince_v the_o reasoner_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o spirit_n or_o be_v in_o a_o human_a body_n which_o be_v distinct_a from_o it_o do_v not_o the_o definition_n which_o say_v the_o soul_n be_v res_fw-la cogitans_fw-la confound_v reason_n itself_o whilst_o it_o consider_v it_o for_o he_o who_o dispute_v nice_o or_o sceptical_o according_a to_o this_o definition_n may_v doubt_v whether_o brute_n may_v not_o be_v res_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la and_o consequent_o have_v soul_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n with_o the_o humane_a only_o difference_v by_o gradual_a perfection_n see_v some_o in_o former_a age_n have_v not_o be_v so_o dogmatical_a as_o to_o conclude_v positive_o that_o brute_n have_v no_o kind_n of_o cogitation_n or_o petty_a reason_n as_o appear_v from_o platarch_n discourse_n with_o this_o title_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o perhaps_o some_o in_o this_o age_n will_v not_o deny_v they_o to_o be_v res_fw-la cogitantes_fw-la do_v not_o this_o consequence_n attend_v the_o assertion_n viz._n the_o immortality_n of_o brutish_a soul_n which_o the_o religious_a man_n can_v or_o may_v not_o imagine_v let_v this_o also_o be_v consider_v that_o this_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o soul_n existence_n as_o much_o as_o that_o above_o cite_v to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n will_v be_v think_v defective_a for_o this_o as_o other_o borrow_v its_o force_n from_o a_o supposition_n which_o the_o sceptic_a will_v not_o allow_v neither_o will_v the_o more_o sober_a man_n â—ook_v upon_o that_o definition_n of_o a_o soul_n as_o perfect_v which_o may_v be_v accommodate_v to_o other_o creature_n as_o it_o be_v above_o suggest_v in_o the_o next_o place_n let_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o late_a author_n one_o eminent_a for_o learning_n and_o invention_n be_v consider_v who_o say_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o other_o being_n which_o assertion_n in_o some_o age_n of_o the_o church_n will_v have_v be_v think_v a_o just_a cause_n of_o put_v the_o author_n in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o the_o anomi_n or_o anomaei_n who_o by_o some_o of_o the_o father_n be_v esteem_v erroneous_a in_o a_o high_a degree_n if_o not_o haeretical_a and_o also_o attempt_v to_o make_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o intelligible_a and_o as_o easy_a to_o be_v discern_v as_o the_o sun_n from_o which_o he_o borrow_v instance_n to_o express_v his_o more_o refine_a thought_n whilst_o he_o define_v a_o spirit_n a_o substance_n which_o have_v self_n penetration_n self_n contraction_n and_o self_n dilatation_n in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n this_o seem_v to_o help_v reason_n in_o the_o conceive_n the_o nature_n of_o a_o spirit_n but_o real_o the_o author_n notion_n of_o extension_n be_v not_o intelligible_a for_o it_o suppose_v the_o possibility_n of_o many_o spirit_n be_v so_o contract_v that_o they_o must_v appear_v to_o the_o apprehension_n as_o one_o so_o that_o the_o mind_n can_v distinguish_v they_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o can_v whilst_o they_o be_v couch_v in_o a_o single_a superficies_n not_o divisible_a into_o another_o not_o so_o much_o as_o in_o thought_n therefore_o according_a to_o this_o method_n the_o mind_n must_v have_v false_a apprehension_n whilst_o many_o spirit_n be_v so_o contract_v that_o it_o must_v apprehend_v many_o individual_n as_o one_o individual_a in_o a_o more_o confuse_a conception_n than_o genus_fw-la and_o species_n be_v conceive_v with_o the_o numerous_a being_n which_z be_v comprehend_v in_o those_o term_n of_o art_n let_v this_o also_o be_v consider_v that_o when_o myriad_n of_o spirit_n be_v confine_v to_o one_o extension_n that_o be_v but_o one_o must_v be_v a_o substance_n common_a to_o all_o so_o that_o the_o spirit_n can_v decide_v meum_fw-la and_o tuum_fw-la see_v by_o a_o kind_n of_o coalition_n they_o be_v unite_v in_o substance_n and_o it_o must_v be_v also_o imagine_v that_o the_o form_n and_o faculty_n of_o those_o spirit_n must_v be_v confuse_v in_o one_o substance_n or_o extension_n or_o at_o least_o for_o a_o time_n be_v separate_v from_o their_o proper_a substance_n which_o be_v more_o difficult_a to_o be_v imagine_v than_o the_o soul_n take_v a_o farewell_n from_o the_o body_n for_o some_o short_a time_n which_o be_v very_o improbable_a and_o then_o return_v again_o it_o be_v confess_v the_o author_n defend_v his_o definition_n of_o a_o spirit_n in_o a_o plausible_a way_n and_o perhaps_o will_v think_v these_o objection_n inconsiderable_a however_o my_o design_n be_v answer_v if_o it_o show_v how_o reason_n be_v confound_v in_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n which_o be_v declare_v so_o easy_a to_o be_v apprehend_v if_o it_o be_v also_o say_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a or_o monstrous_a assertion_n for_o the_o school_n and_o ancient_a father_n have_v determine_v that_o thousand_o of_o angel_n may_v be_v present_a in_o the_o least_o quantity_n a_o point_n or_o if_o there_o can_v be_v 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infallible_a in_o define_v matter_n of_o faith_n as_o a_o council_n for_o by_o the_o same_o reason_n he_o will_v not_o allow_v the_o eyesight_n alter_v in_o a_o private_a person_n he_o will_v deny_v any_o alteration_n of_o it_o which_o be_v that_o which_o make_v it_o infallible_a in_o a_o council_n thus_o make_v the_o private_a reasoner_n and_o rational_a member_n of_o a_o council_n to_o discover_v truth_n no_o otherwise_o than_o by_o a_o mere_a natural_a sight_n the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_o he_o conclude_v they_o equal_o infallible_a this_o project_n be_v build_v on_o a_o weak_a foundation_n which_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v so_o by_o consider_v the_o unaptness_n or_o indisposition_n in_o the_o soul_n to_o discern_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n in_o religious_a debate_n which_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o vain_a attempt_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o and_o the_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v not_o such_o as_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o frequent_a act_n which_o make_v a_o habit_n to_o facilitate_v knowledge_n in_o art_n and_o science_n for_o the_o soul_n in_o this_o case_n after_o the_o utmost_a of_o its_o endeavour_n to_o improve_v its_o understanding_n must_v be_v behold_v to_o or_o dependent_a on_o some_o power_n beside_o its_o own_o which_o must_v help_v it_o as_o well_o as_o bring_v the_o object_n nigh_o for_o if_o we_o do_v but_o consider_v the_o several_a way_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v improve_v we_o must_v conclude_v it_o be_v not_o by_o its_o own_o power_n for_o the_o believer_n soul_n must_v have_v divine_a aid_n or_o assistance_n either_o mediate_v or_o immediate_a in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n which_o must_v be_v call_v grace_n which_o if_o it_o be_v only_o suppose_v to_o dispose_v the_o organ_n as_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o mad_a man_n and_o those_o which_o be_v fool_n only_o by_o a_o bodily_a defect_n which_o render_v those_o part_n useless_a which_o be_v design_v for_o the_o 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can_v be_v allow_v for_o if_o he_o mean_v the_o debauch_a epicure_n than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o every_o sober_a man_n will_v be_v assure_v of_o find_v truth_n for_o if_o there_o be_v not_o any_o fault_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o reason_n sensuality_n according_a to_o his_o assertion_n be_v remove_v what_o can_v hinder_v for_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v and_o the_o object_n high_a the_o the_o eye_n can_v but_o see_v this_o be_v so_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a necessity_n of_o it_o but_o the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o in_o discern_v spiritual_a truth_n for_o the_o most_o sober_a heathen_n heave_v complain_v they_o be_v in_o darkness_n quancum_fw-la mortalia_fw-la caecae_fw-la pectora_fw-la noctis_fw-la habent_fw-la the_o natural_a frame_n and_o indisposition_n of_o the_o mind_n occasion_v this_o invincible_a ignorance_n which_o may_v be_v so_o call_v see_v it_o can_v be_v remove_v by_o humane_a art_n or_o industry_n any_o more_o than_o a_o mad_a man_n can_v 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withdraw_v some_o perfection_n or_o at_o least_o his_o grace_n or_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v as_o much_o if_o not_o more_o necessary_a for_o preserve_v it_o in_o its_o due_a exercise_n of_o reason_n in_o religious_a debate_n than_o the_o concourse_n of_o providence_n which_o hinder_v the_o world_n from_o turn_v to_o its_o first_o nothing_o the_o former_a opinion_n can_v be_v allow_v the_o late_a if_o grant_v will_v serve_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o if_o it_o be_v as_o it_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o god_n have_v and_o can_v make_v the_o soul_n less_o perfect_a by_o withdraw_v his_o grace_n he_o can_v and_o do_v improve_v it_o by_o supply_n of_o the_o same_o also_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o can_v be_v deny_v although_o it_o may_v seem_v obscure_a if_o it_o meet_v with_o the_o reasoner_n who_o perhaps_o will_v be_v as_o much_o puzzle_v with_o the_o word_n grace_n as_o he_o be_v with_o the_o word_n schism_n which_o demur_n will_v soon_o be_v remove_v if_o grace_n be_v take_v for_o divine_a assistance_n which_o perfect_v the_o understanding_n although_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v do_v can_v be_v otherwise_o than_o conjectural_o express_v for_o the_o strict_a reasoner_n say_v if_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v certain_a what_o be_v and_z how_o be_v not_o and_o not_o to_o hinder_v assent_n wherefore_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o divine_a assistance_n it_o be_v not_o so_o necessary_a to_o examine_v strict_o the_o manner_n any_o more_o than_o when_o we_o take_v it_o grant_v that_o a_o spirit_n can_v act_v on_o matter_n though_o the_o invention_n can_v imagine_v how_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o conclude_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n if_o god_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n do_v only_o excite_v notion_n in_o the_o mind_n not_o only_o by_o proposal_n of_o object_n nigh_o but_o by_o direction_n of_o the_o will_v to_o give_v its_o assent_n without_o which_o these_o notion_n or_o conclusion_n will_v have_v be_v dormant_a or_o at_o least_o doubtful_o entertain_v by_o mere_a reason_n follow_v its_o own_o conduct_n before_o i_o dispatch_v this_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n it_o be_v necessary_a to_o prevent_v what_o may_v be_v object_v from_o the_o former_a instance_n viz._n if_o adam_n in_o his_o pure_a natural_n have_v a_o distinct_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o can_v have_v assent_v to_o all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n without_o any_o other_o assistance_n than_o the_o bare_a proposal_n of_o they_o with_o appeal_n to_o his_o own_o reason_n lay_v aside_o sensuality_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o his_o fall_n without_o strain_v cabalistical_a divinity_n which_o call_v it_o forbid_v fruit_n so_o his_o posterity_n may_v be_v abstract_v their_o thought_n from_o sensual_a object_n arrive_v at_o the_o same_o degree_n of_o perfection_n this_o grant_v which_o can_v be_v will_v not_o qualify_v the_o reasoner_n for_o christian_a belief_n for_o can_v he_o suppose_v himself_o endow_v with_o the_o same_o faculty_n with_o which_o innocency_n be_v invest_v he_o will_v be_v but_o a_o viator_n as_o the_o school_n say_v more_o imperfect_a than_o the_o christian_n not_o a_o comprehensor_fw-la of_o matter_n of_o faith_n some_o scholastics_n have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o conclude_v that_o the_o knowledge_n which_o adam_n have_v of_o god_n at_o least_o as_o triunus_fw-la be_v pure_o natural_a that_o they_o doubt_v not_o to_o call_v it_o infuse_v for_o this_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n austin_n lib._n undec_fw-la de_fw-fr genesi_fw-la ad_fw-la litter_n because_o it_o be_v not_o probable_a that_o god_n will_v suffer_v the_o protoplast_n to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o that_o which_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n to_o all_o his_o posterity_n and_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o adam_n
in_o a_o high_a degree_n who_o will_v not_o give_v up_o or_o resign_v his_o private_a reason_n to_o their_o determination_n the_o great_a assertor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n d._n stap._n be_v not_o altogether_o mistake_v when_o he_o introduce_v divine_a assistance_n to_o help_v the_o church_n in_o make_v a_o syllogism_n though_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n seem_v inconsistent_a whilst_o he_o make_v the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o be_v discursive_a in_o the_o premife_n as_o mere_a reasoner_n but_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o conclusion_n for_o revelation_n must_v take_v place_n of_o pure_a natural_a invention_n in_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o religious_a debate_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o resignation_n of_o reason_n to_o authority_n must_v be_v grant_v and_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o several_a method_n two_o late_a author_n who_o consider_v and_o examine_v humane_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o give_v up_o our_o private_a reason_n to_o the_o public_a judgement_n of_o other_o person_n who_o have_v better_a mean_n of_o know_v of_o truth_n than_o we_o ourselves_o have_v as_o one_o express_v it_o and_o both_o press_v it_o by_o a_o instance_n of_o a_o appeal_n in_o natural_n from_o sense_n to_o reason_n this_o way_n of_o argue_v may_v be_v persuasive_a but_o not_o cogent_a enough_o to_o evince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o that_o which_o they_o design_v to_o prove_v for_o although_o it_o be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o the_o member_n of_o council_n have_v better_a qualification_n for_o discovery_n of_o truth_n than_o private_a person_n yet_o their_o learning_n and_o natural_a endowment_n be_v not_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o the_o foundation_n on_o which_o faith_n be_v lay_v beside_o the_o similitude_n of_o appeal_n from_o sense_n to_o reason_n be_v not_o apposite_a and_o imply_v a_o supposition_n of_o the_o sense_n be_v erroneous_a which_o in_o strictness_n can_v be_v allow_v but_o let_v that_o be_v suppose_v it_o can_v well_o be_v accommodate_v to_o the_o case_n for_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o man_n be_v not_o so_o much_o stranger_n as_o the_o public_a representative_n of_o the_o church_n in_o council_n be_v to_o its_o particular_a member_n the_o same_o percipient_a be_v employ_v in_o reason_n and_o sense_n and_o according_a to_o its_o different_a act_n and_o object_n have_v distinct_a compellation_n sensual_a or_o rational_a as_o the_o same_o river_n take_v several_a name_n from_o the_o channel_n through_o which_o it_o run_v for_o when_o the_o soul_n perceive_v material_a impress_n on_o the_o brain_n without_o any_o consideration_n or_o reflex_n act_n it_o be_v call_v sensation_n as_o when_o it_o perceive_v a_o body_n as_o it_o be_v figure_v in_o that_o part_n which_o nature_n design_v for_o fancy_n to_o be_v triangular_a or_o globular_a red_a or_o white_a or_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v in_o other_o figure_n or_o colour_n but_o when_o it_o deliberate_v and_o draw_v conclusion_n such_o as_o can_v be_v the_o work_n or_o result_v of_o a_o naked_a representation_n of_o the_o object_n it_o challenge_v its_o just_a title_n rational_a now_o to_o suppose_v this_o similitude_n exact_o apposite_a be_v to_o conclude_v that_o every_o private_a person_n shall_v have_v his_o soul_n employ_v and_o act_v as_o junto_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o every_o particular_a debate_n of_o a_o council_n as_o the_o percipient_a be_v in_o sensation_n and_o reason_v more_o argument_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o council_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o voluminous_a but_o to_o pass_v to_o another_o inquiry_n concern_v truth_n and_o its_o certainty_n of_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o lawful_a council_n satisfaction_n will_v be_v give_v to_o this_o inquiry_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o st._n judas_n say_v and_o what_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v may_v be_v find_v in_o some_o conciliary_a definition_n since_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v find_v when_o there_o be_v a_o general_a consent_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o certain_a as_o any_o medium_n in_o demonstration_n suppose_v one_o true_a opinion_n in_o philosophy_n and_o a_o thousand_o in_o which_o there_o be_v truth_n but_o mix_v with_o error_n if_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o some_o position_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o in_o which_o all_o agree_v this_o way_n of_o pass_a judgement_n on_o definition_n of_o council_n upon_o examination_n will_v appear_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o which_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o this_o rule_n quoe_v in_o aliquo_fw-la tertio_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la that_o trite_a say_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o than_o a_o proverbial_a conclusion_n for_o 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