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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n doctrine_n part_n use_v 19,451 5 9.9356 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A32889 The Christian belief wherein is asserted and proved, that as there is nothing in the Gospel contrary to reason, yet there are some doctrines in it above reason, and these being necessarily enjoyn'd us to believe, are properly call'd mysteries : in answer to a book intituled, Christianity not mysterious. Cheynell, Francis, 1608-1665. 1696 (1696) Wing C3941; ESTC R212988 55,473 162

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or_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n the_o socinian_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n remarkable_a be_v a_o compendious_a rule_n to_o acquire_v useful_a knowledge_n n._n 11._o viz._n not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o nor_o other_o with_o what_o be_v vseless_a be_v it_o know_v or_o what_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v know_v at_o all_o whereas_o in_o the_o paragraph_n immediate_o precede_v he_o seem_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o say_v that_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o or_o be_v useful_a and_o yet_o allow_v this_o notion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n about_o it_o upon_o that_o score_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o own_o notion_n though_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o concern_v we_o or_o be_v useful_a a_o bless_a lawgiver_n true_o to_o institute_v contradiction_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o i_o think_v he_o can_v avoid_v the_o charge_n without_o fly_v to_o that_o which_o be_v as_o abominable_a in_o his_o very_a thought_n as_o this_o reproachful_a to_o his_o reason_n i_o mean_v by_o plead_v he_o intend_v a_o mystery_n and_o now_o have_v give_v you_o enough_o of_o the_o doctrinal_a part_n he_o carry_v we_o to_o application_n but_o true_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v disable_v he_o so_o visible_o in_o the_o former_a as_o supersedes_o the_o necessity_n of_o a_o formal_a reply_n to_o the_o latter_a i_o shall_v only_o recite_v the_o application_n he_o have_v make_v and_o rather_o refer_v than_o answer_n one_a that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n no_o more_o than_o any_o ordinary_a piece_n of_o nature_n can_v be_v repute_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a or_o complete_a idea_n of_o whatever_o belong_v to_o it_o as_o for_o what_o may_v be_v attribute_v to_o inadequate_a idea_n i_o have_v say_v enough_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o though_o we_o may_v not_o say_v that_o the_o want_n of_o a_o adequate_a idea_n 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comprehend_v the_o one_o as_o the_o other_o this_o be_v a_o very_a bold_a undertake_n and_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v till_o he_o give_v we_o good_a reason_n and_o nothing_o less_o than_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o demonstration_n especial_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o part_n of_o those_o doctrine_n we_o just_o call_v mysterious_a but_o then_o in_o use_v this_o familiarity_n we_o must_v engage_v he_o not_o to_o explain_v away_o the_o substance_n of_o any_o doctrine_n nor_o to_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n if_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o explication_n and_o now_o we_o come_v to_o attack_v he_o in_o his_o strong-hold_a that_o be_v his_o appeal_n to_o the_o voice_n of_o scripture_n 3_o and_o true_o scripture_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a tribunal_n for_o the_o decision_n of_o all_o controversy_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o as_o to_o their_o present_a controversy_n as_o far_o as_o scripture_n can_v determine_v every_o one_o may_v desire_v to_o put_v the_o case_n on_o this_o issue_n and_o appeal_v to_o this_o tribunal_n as_o well_o as_o he_o provide_v he_o be_v satisfy_v scripture_n be_v on_o his_o side_n and_o he_o may_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v repute_v orthodox_n with_o this_o on_o his_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 it_o against_o he_o but_o then_o in_o case_n he_o either_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o to_o make_v it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o case_n and_o prove_v more_o than_o what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o it_o be_v very_o bold_a to_o say_v that_o scripture_n have_v engage_v he_o in_o this_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o hear_v i_o be_o sure_a scripture_n will_v be_v no_o protection_n to_o he_o against_o a_o just_a charge_n of_o error_n because_o he_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o she_o and_o retreat_n under_o her_o wing_n for_o shelter_n when_o in_o reality_n he_o charge_v his_o own_o false_a reason_n or_o the_o argument_n of_o some_o particular_a passion_n not_o to_o say_v unjust_a proposition_n on_o scripture_n as_o if_o all_o be_v the_o unerring_a counsel_n and_o dictate_v of_o divine_a truth_n and_o true_o this_o reasoner_n do_v little_o less_o when_o he_o attempt_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n because_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v no_o where_o apply_v to_o the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o viz._n a_o thing_n that_o with_o respect_n to_o humane_a reason_n contain_v something_o in_o it_o altogether_o incomprehensible_a for_o be_v it_o not_o absurd_a to_o argue_v against_o a_o thing_n from_o the_o signification_n of_o a_o word_n which_o may_v never_o have_v be_v use_v in_o scripture_n and_o yet_o the_o thing_n find_v there_o and_o though_o it_o be_v use_v yet_o our_o author_n pursuant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o scripture_n fix_v three_o several_a signification_n on_o it_o and_o consequent_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o four_o because_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v in_o scripture_n unless_o he_o can_v prove_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n think_v it_o necessary_a to_o reveal_v all_o the_o notion_n or_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n therefore_o if_o this_o advocate_n for_o reason_n allow_v the_o whole_a case_n as_o he_o pretend_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n it_o will_v present_o be_v give_v against_o he_o for_o want_v of_o a_o good_a consequence_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n if_o the_o controversy_n be_v to_o be_v determine_v by_o scripture_n as_o no_o doubt_n it_o ought_v it_o must_v unavoidable_o turn_v upon_o this_o issue_n whether_o there_o be_v not_o truth_n set_v forth_o in_o scripture_n in_o which_o if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o a_o great_a deal_n be_v contain_v in_o
the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n london_n print_v by_o w._n onley_n for_o alex._n rosvile_n at_o the_o dial_n against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvi_o the_o content_n be_v article_n most_o of_o they_o advance_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o human_a knowledge_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n page_n 2._o transubstantiation_n why_o to_o be_v reject_v p._n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a object_n ib._n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a object_n p._n 11._o of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n p._n 14._o three_o inference_n p._n 15._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o maxim_n in_o adore_v when_o we_o can_v comprehend_v p._n 18._o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n p._n 22_o 23._o 41_o 42._o matter_n of_o revelation_n not_o so_o easy_o nor_o clear_o comprehend_v as_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n p._n 23._o 25._o his_o notion_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n reject_v and_o disprove_v p._n 33._o two_o limitation_n to_o be_v observe_v before_o we_o can_v pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 33_o 34._o both_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n p._n 40._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o assert_v p._n 46_o contradiction_n not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n p._n 47_o 48._o revelation_n a_o motive_n of_o assent_n as_o 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p._n 89._o the_o first_o instance_n from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o 24._o second_o instance_n 1_o cor._n 13._o v._n 9_o p._n 94._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o p._n 96._o and_o col._n 2._o 23._o p._n 97._o all_o which_o be_v expound_v at_o large_a and_o each_o exposition_n ratify_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n produce_v against_o he_o even_o of_o those_o he_o have_v cite_v p._n 105_o 106._o how_o far_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n be_v require_v in_o faith_n p._n 118_o 119._o that_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n or_o science_n and_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o assent_n to_o reveal_v truth_n as_o they_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o human_a perception_n p._n 121_o 122._o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n p._n 123_o 124._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n instance_a p._n 120._o mystery_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n p._n 134._o miracle_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o why_o ib._n miracle_n a_o argument_n a_o majore_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 136_o 137._o his_o historical_a account_n of_o mystery_n explode_v p._n 138._o the_o method_n of_o initiation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n rite_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o paganism_n or_o imposture_n p._n 140._o these_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o product_n of_o mystery_n p._n 143._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o ceremony_n especial_o such_o as_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v p._n 145._o the_o authority_n of_o they_o assert_v p._n 146._o not_o opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 147._o the_o pernicious_a design_n of_o his_o treatise_n detect_v p._n 149_o 150._o the_o conclusion_n in_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a method_n of_o answer_v by_o 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evident_a and_o infallible_a the_o consequence_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o particular_a object_n be_v infallible_a therefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o every_o object_n be_v so_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o position_n that_o must_v pronounce_v all_o our_o idea_n equal_o clear_a and_o perfect_a and_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n infallible_a and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o object_n false_o represent_v to_o the_o mind_n nor_o no_o idea_n false_a or_o imperfect_a this_o be_v mystery_n with_o a_o witness_n or_o rather_o position_n that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n be_v the_o primary_n and_o vniterical_a origin_n of_o all_o his_o error_n ib._n but_o i_o think_v he_o sufficient_o confute_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a paragraph_n when_o he_o pronounce_v some_o thing_n dubious_a and_o obscure_a and_o allow_v false_a idea_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o precipitancy_n or_o 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reject_v it_o because_o this_o imperfect_a idea_n will_v not_o comport_v with_o certain_a clear_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n here_o if_o any_o difficulty_n absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n arise_v reason_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understand_n or_o our_o imperfect_a way_n of_o comprehend_v such_o unfathomable_a object_n and_o with_o st._n paul_n engage_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o now_o if_o my_o adversary_n will_v add_v these_o limitation_n to_o his_o definition_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v be_v force_v to_o do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v wipe_v off_o all_o the_o absurdity_n produce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n at_o least_o by_o show_v their_o impertinence_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o on_o this_o account_n i_o pass_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o affect_v any_o thing_n already_o deliver_v 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on_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o adjudge_v it_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n direct_v we_o to_o fix_v the_o absurdity_n or_o contrariety_n on_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o judge_a matter_n of_o revelation_n by_o object_n of_o sense_n in_o a_o word_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v in_o express_a term_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v form_v imperfect_a idea_n of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o esteem_v those_o imperfect_a idea_n 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at_o least_o those_o improvement_n we_o receive_v of_o he_o from_o revelation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n divinity_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o common_a notion_n for_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o agreeable_a to_o those_o character_n which_o revelation_n and_o natural_a reason_n give_v we_o of_o the_o godhead_n but_o than_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o comprehend_v the_o union_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n together_o which_o we_o call_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o common_a notice_n for_o to_o a_o finite_a mind_n it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o shall_v comprehend_v it_o much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o reason_n or_o christianity_n that_o we_o shall_v exclude_v or_o cashier_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n or_o incarnation_n from_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o 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here_o be_v enough_o to_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n triumph_n even_o over_o his_o own_o objection_n for_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v distinguish_v by_o property_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o so_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v a_o manner_n of_o existence_n with_o humanity_n so_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o that_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v free_o own_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o necessity_n nor_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o or_o of_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o his_o notion_n of_o self-consistence_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sarcastical_a profane_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n he_o may_v know_v that_o number_n be_v only_o empty_a denomination_n and_o no_o argument_n to_o be_v 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reveal_v disquisition_n god_n have_v discover_v or_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a or_o necessary_a in_o both_o these_o case_n but_o after_o all_o we_o can_v pretend_v no_o further_o than_o some_o principal_a property_n and_o since_o reason_n tell_v we_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n undiscovered_a and_o incomprehensible_a we_o may_v just_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n so_o that_o we_o be_v behold_v to_o he_o for_o his_o argument_n though_o he_o have_v no_o friendly_a design_n in_o it_o indeed_o if_o he_o will_v be_v content_a to_o carry_v we_o no_o further_o than_o the_o force_n of_o his_o argument_n natural_o tend_v we_o shall_v present_o join_v in_o a_o amicable_a accommodation_n which_o be_v in_o other_o term_n no_o more_o than_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o mystery_n in_o revelation_n he_o may_v have_v add_v nor_o in_o rerum_fw-la natura_fw-la i_o mean_v in_o this_o notion_n of_o it_o 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modes_n and_o property_n of_o thing_n that_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o imperfection_n of_o human_a understanding_n or_o the_o immensity_n or_o intricacy_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o for_o it_o be_v the_o abstruseness_n or_o inaccessibility_n of_o thing_n that_o make_v the_o mystery_n not_o the_o necessity_n or_o usefulness_n of_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v thing_n in_o this_o material_a world_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v true_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n in_o nature_n or_o that_o natural_a cause_n or_o effect_n be_v thus_o far_o above_o reason_n or_o mysterious_a much_o more_o may_v we_o affirm_v it_o of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o therefore_o to_o use_v the_o instance_n of_o a_o vain_a insult_a adversary_n though_o we_o live_v upon_o water_n and_o see_v and_o handle_v it_o daily_o there_o may_v and_o be_v something_o in_o it_o mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n 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own_v that_o in_o approve_a classick_n it_o be_v common_o take_v for_o obscure_a and_o intricate_a matter_n such_o as_o can_v well_o be_v comprehend_v or_o see_v into_o 3_o and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v equal_o proper_a with_o that_o other_o describe_v by_o he_o which_o imply_v something_o beyond_o a_o veil_n not_o discernible_a till_o that_o be_v remove_v and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o type_n under_o the_o mosaic_a law_n he_o account_v mystery_n for_o those_o which_o through_o the_o imperfection_n or_o weakness_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o immensity_n distance_n or_o intricacy_n of_o the_o object_n may_v be_v as_o little_o discern_v as_o those_o that_o have_v a_o veil_n over_o they_o and_o then_o they_o seem_v to_o be_v equal_o mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n in_o a_o word_n mystery_n be_v something_o shut_v up_o from_o our_o view_n or_o cognizance_n and_o it_o be_v not_o material_a whether_o this_o be_v do_v by_o a_o veil_n or_o other_o impediment_n or_o obstruction_n and_o consequent_o mystery_n and_o a_o inadequate_a idea_n may_v be_v very_o consistent_a i_o do_v not_o mean_v that_o which_o arise_v from_o affect_a ignorance_n but_o the_o intricacy_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n under_o its_o high_a improvement_n but_o to_o clear_v up_o his_o understanding_n in_o this_o matter_n by_o a_o few_o argument_n draw_v from_o his_o own_o position_n the_o riches_n of_o his_o own_o inexhausted_a brain_n he_o tell_v we_o cap._n 3._o n._n 27._o that_o certain_a gospel-doctrine_n be_v call_v mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o jew_n not_o that_o they_o know_v nothing_o of_o they_o but_o they_o be_v not_o clear_o and_o full_o reveal_v till_o the_o new_a testament-time_n be_v veil_v before_o by_o various_a typical_a representation_n etc._n etc._n well_o you_o see_v he_o allow_v mosaic_a type_n to_o be_v mystery_n and_o give_v the_o reason_n because_o
they_o see_v they_o through_o a_o veil_n or_o in_o st._n paul_n language_n with_o respect_n to_o further_a discovery_n through_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o they_o know_v they_o in_o part_n or_o by_o inadequate_a idea_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o knowledge_n be_v as_o much_o cramp_v in_o several_a of_o those_o instance_n produce_v by_o our_o author_n from_o the_o intricacy_n and_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n as_o those_o gospel-truth_n shut_v up_o from_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a veil_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o consequent_o why_o be_v not_o the_o one_o as_o much_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o the_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v they_o inadequate_o but_o to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o with_o he_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o question_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o reveal_v matter_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o even_o by_o common_a notion_n both_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_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 this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o what_o he_o assert_n must_v be_v a_o criterion_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n too_o that_o that_o thing_n who_o manner_n or_o existence_n can_v be_v conceive_v even_o with_o as_o much_o ease_n and_o clearness_n as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o above_o reason_n certain_o here_o be_v a_o fair_a concession_n and_o such_o as_o will_v make_v thing_n mysterious_a because_o we_o can_v but_o form_v inadequate_a idea_n for_o as_o this_o author_n confess_v we_o can_v form_v idea_n of_o the_o being_n of_o thing_n and_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a from_o their_o property_n and_o effect_n whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o production_n see_v n._n 8_o 11._o the_o one_o of_o plant_n and_o the_o other_o of_o rain_n here_o he_o manifest_o fix_v our_o inadequate_a idea_n upon_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o operation_n and_o existence_n that_o be_v our_o idea_n be_v inadequate_a because_o we_o can_v decipher_v wherein_o their_o modus_fw-la consist_v though_o we_o know_v their_o principal_a property_n by_o their_o effect_n and_o uses_n and_o now_o we_o may_v call_v in_o his_o own_o principle_n to_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o affirm_v that_o inadequate_a idea_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mystery_n for_o inadequate_a idea_n imply_v our_o ignorance_n as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o that_o thing_n who_o modus_fw-la can_v be_v comprehend_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n here_o i_o think_v he_o pretend_v to_o outdo_a the_o most_o improve_v art_n of_o priestcraft_n whilst_o he_o declare_v for_o nothing_o but_o reason_n and_o banish_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o impose_v thing_n that_o surpass_v the_o high_a mystery_n since_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n embrace_v his_o contradiction_n for_o the_o undoubted_a decree_n of_o reason_n this_n be_v in_o his_o own_o language_n trifle_v with_o a_o witness_n or_o pitiful_a shift_a or_o fool_n or_o what_o not_o and_o such_o as_o discover_v a_o mighty_a scarcity_n of_o good_a argument_n n._n 13._o but_o he_o have_v not_o do_v with_o we_o yet_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v with_o a_o oblige_a proposal_n if_o they_o will_v still_o be_v fool_v and_o call_v these_o thing_n mystery_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o admit_v as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v in_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v i_o likewise_o to_o make_v i_o as_o intelligible_a to_o other_o as_o these_o be_v to_o i_o ib._n i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o part_n that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a mystery_n even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a triumph_n we_o have_v a_o argument_n à_fw-fr majori_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o revelation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o majori_fw-la to_o every_o one_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a spirit_n be_v a_o object_n equal_o intelligible_a with_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o with_o wood_n or_o stone_n as_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o his_o proposal_n i_o believe_v every_o one_o will_v consent_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o reveal_v truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n as_o intelligible_a as_o he_o be_v able_a provide_v he_o will_v promise_v not_o to_o reject_v they_o because_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o undertake_n or_o in_o a_o word_n because_o he_o can_v make_v they_o compare_v with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o invalidate_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o lest_o he_o shall_v think_v i_o rude_a or_o that_o i_o neglect_v he_o too_o much_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o short_a return_v to_o a_o few_o passage_n that_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o one_a he_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n viz._n when_o it_o be_v chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a use_v be_v know_v to_o we_o for_o to_o comprehend_v in_o all_o correct_a author_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v and_o as_o of_o what_o be_v not_o knowable_a we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n so_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o admit_z that_o in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a perception_n or_o comprehension_n we_o think_v we_o know_v or_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o when_o its_o chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a uses_n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o may_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v that_o there_o be_v other_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la or_o precise_a nature_n of_o those_o we_o know_v be_v inconceivable_a and_o so_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n or_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o speech_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n mysterious_a in_o the_o thing_n and_o above_o reason_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o pronounce_v it_o above_o reason_n as_o he_o suggest_v ib._n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o inconceivable_a though_o to_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o concern_v we_o but_o 2_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v mysterious_a even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o mean_v as_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comprehend_v or_o define_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o no_o mystery_n however_o since_o we_o discern_v in_o certain_a reveal_v truth_n something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v believe_v those_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v so_o far_o mysterious_a and_o they_o so_o far_o concern_v we_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o and_o not_o reject_v the_o whole_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v every-thing_n that_o belong_v to_o '_o they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n to_o our_o author_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o principle_n we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o its_o uses_n set_v forth_o but_o we_o have_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o principal_a property_n of_o the_o godhead_n even_o such_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v or_o know_v this_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n arise_v as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n or_o otherwise_o that_o be_v mysterious_a not_o knowable_a or_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n his_o own_o rule_n direct_v he_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o this_o divine_a truth_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ridiculous_a not_o to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n in_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o direct_o concern_v we_o another_o assertion_n of_o he_o ib._n it_o be_v undoubted_o ridiculous_a to_o make_v disquisition_n in_o such_o case_n and_o make_v they_o a_o argument_n for_o reject_v the_o clear_a reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o modern_a reasoner_n
they_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o consequent_o be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n whether_o scripture_n deliver_v they_o under_o these_o denomination_n or_o no._n this_o may_v be_v true_a though_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o though_o scripture_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n mysterious_a or_o incomprehensible_a if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v our_o adversary_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n still_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n already_o produce_v move_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o whenever_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o impugn_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o i_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n condescend_v to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o examine_v every_o passage_n of_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v right_o state_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o we_o may_v offer_v as_o strong_a argument_n to_o apply_v it_o sometime_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o contend_v for_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o another_o and_o beside_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o produce_v some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v still_o those_o thing_n in_o christianity_n we_o proper_o call_v mystery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v perform_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v without_o affectation_n be_v say_v that_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o scripture_n be_v defeat_v and_o one_a because_o i_o do_v not_o design_n opposition_n or_o dispute_n for_o opposition's_n sake_n i_o shall_v own_o that_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v use_v in_o the_o several_a sense_n he_o have_v put_v upon_o it_o i._o for_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n ii_o for_o some_o unfold_v secret_n and_o iii_o for_o thing_n veil_v by_o parable_n but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o signification_n to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n for_o i_o be_o persuade_v i_o can_v prove_v the_o contrary_a with_o as_o much_o authority_n and_o force_n of_o reason_n as_o he_o can_v produce_v against_o it_o i_o mean_v that_o it_o be_v sometime_o use_v to_o express_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o certain_a truth_n though_o reveal_v and_o 1._o that_o mystery_n must_v imply_v something_o that_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o to_o we_o incomprehensible_a st._n paul_n seem_v to_o have_v assure_v we_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o all_o side_n agree_v that_o the_o apostle_n point_v at_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o particular_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o more_o primary_o the_o most_o abstruse_a part_n of_o it_o his_o incarnation_n 2._o it_o be_v visible_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o mystery_n even_o when_o he_o reveal_v it_o for_o he_o reveal_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n he_o now_o speak_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o have_v own_a the_o gospel_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o his_o preach_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a to_o have_v the_o meat_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o consequent_o he_o deliver_v it_o as_o such_o yet_o the_o perfect_a believe_v when_o they_o can_v comprehend_v because_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n for_o he_o use_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nay_o he_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v only_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la strom._n lib._n 1._o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o apostle_n reveal_v it_o in_o a_o mystery_n it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o it_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a hence_o we_o may_v just_o vindicate_v our_o english_a translation_n which_o do_v not_o join_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o but_o make_v it_o a_o repetition_n or_o enlargement_n upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n viz._n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n it_o be_v true_a our_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o exposition_n because_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o word_n manifest_o refer_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o which_o be_v chief_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o this_o fundamental_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o if_o it_o must_v be_v this_o fundamental_a instance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v only_o reveal_v so_o as_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o and_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o it_o or_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v so_o reveal_v as_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v when_o something_o remain_v in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n here_o be_v mystery_n in_o two_o sense_n one_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o two_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o thing_n before_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o far_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o learned_a expositor_n carry_v we_o vid._n theophilact_fw-mi in_o locum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o second_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o that_o noble_a passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ep._n 1._o cap._n 3._o ver._n 10._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n it_o be_v observable_a our_o adversary_n expound_v as_o accurate_o as_o he_o reason_n for_o he_o produce_v this_o for_o his_o eight_o passage_n where_o mystery_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o word_n can_v without_o the_o great_a violence_n be_v apply_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a person_n represent_v under_o certain_a divine_a character_n and_o indeed_o to_o none_o but_o our_o saviour_n the_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o not_o the_o gospel_n for_o true_o the_o apostle_n seem_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o his_o whole_a mediation_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o current_n of_o the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o of_o after_o commentator_n apply_v it_o to_o none_o but_o our_o saviour_n but_o now_o since_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n be_v this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o it_o be_v before_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o what_o it_o be_v after_o it_o be_v preach_v and_o believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v it_o a_o mystery_n not_o because_o it_o be_v so_o before_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o because_o it_o still_o remain_v so_o and_o thereupon_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o by_o enlarge_n upon_o the_o nature_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o flesh_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o follow_a character_n be_v only_o their_o appendage_n that_o take_v their_o rise_n and_o concentre_v in_o it_o this_o be_v a_o exposition_n that_o discover_v itself_o so_o clear_o that_o we_o find_v our_o adversary_n industrious_o huddle_v up_o this_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o mystery_n without_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o gracious_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o wonderful_o stupendous_a and_o surprise_v n._n 30._o so_o that_o we_o plain_o read_v mystery_n in_o the_o very_a sense_n we_o contend_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o ancient_a church-writer_n to_o ratify_v it_o of_o this_o opinion_n we_o find_v athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n against_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la de_fw-la incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la where_o he_o give_v his_o judgement_n è_fw-la cathedra_fw-la as_o archbishop_n of_o alexandria_n for_o first_o he_o lay_v open_v the_o
attempt_v of_o this_o heretic_n in_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n and_o style_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o cite_v this_o very_a place_n of_o our_o apostle_n second_o he_o represent_v the_o danger_n in_o attempt_v to_o unfold_v such_o profound_a difficulty_n that_o be_v only_o with_o safety_n to_o we_o believe_v and_o in_o a_o word_n enjoin_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n without_o admit_v new_a term_n or_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o above_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o dread_v the_o disquisition_n of_o such_o a_o mystery_n but_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o great_a man_n we_o have_v the_o comment_n of_o isiodore_n the_o pelusiote_n and_o theophilact_fw-mi fix_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o former_a lib._n 2._o ep._n 192._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o pursuant_n to_o this_o expostulate_v who_o can_v comprehend_v the_o miracle_n of_o his_o conception_n transact_v without_o coition_n or_o imagine_v how_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v circumscribe_v that_o be_v immense_a and_o not_o to_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o theophilact_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o locum_fw-la and_o now_o this_o be_v something_o more_o certain_o than_o calling_n it_o a_o mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o age_n precede_v the_o gospel_n for_o i_o think_v this_o passage_n in_o itself_o admit_v of_o the_o exposition_n before_o we_o more_o natural_o than_o that_o our_o adversary_n contend_v for_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o past_a age_n and_o since_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v he_o have_v no_o advantage_n over_o we_o in_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o a_o thing_n inconceivable_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a notion_n however_o reveal_v this_o likewise_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o triumph_n of_o our_o adversary_n upon_o a_o passage_n which_o as_o we_o allow_v style_v the_o gospel_n a_o mystery_n under_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v rom._n 16._o 25._o but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a whereupon_o he_o expostulate_v in_o what_o sense_n can_v this_o secret_n be_v make_v manifest_a if_o it_o remain_v still_o incomprehensible_a a_o mighty_a favour_n indeed_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o a_o parcel_n of_o unintelligible_a notion_n i_o confess_v i_o incline_v to_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o mean_v a_o mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o age_n precede_v the_o gospel_n but_o can_v see_v no_o foundation_n for_o absurdity_n no_o more_o than_o for_o his_o vain_a triumph_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n he_o pretend_v to_o explode_v for_o this_o reasoner_n have_v he_o not_o be_v too_o much_o use_v to_o confound_v thing_n together_o may_v have_v learn_v that_o the_o high_a mystery_n be_v not_o whole_o unintelligible_a and_o it_o may_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v manifest_v in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v communicate_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v what_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o as_o much_o as_o will_v inform_v we_o what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n again_o it_o be_v manifest_v and_o that_o too_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n since_o the_o vast_a design_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o unexpressible_a benefit_n to_o us-ward_n in_o it_o be_v abundant_o lay_v open_a and_o i_o think_v these_o be_v favour_n or_o blessing_n too_o rich_a to_o be_v expose_v in_o ridicule_n or_o burlesque_fw-la but_o further_a if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o there_o be_v sufficient_a hint_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v on_o st._n paul_n account_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 24._o now_o this_o place_n be_v general_o interpret_v of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n into_o to_o one_o divine_a person_n and_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o must_v resolve_v it_o into_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o common_a but_o special_a act_n and_o consequent_o a_o thing_n incomprehensible_a as_o they_o be_v and_o on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v to_o the_o greek_n the_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n foolishness_n because_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o thing_n that_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n what_o common_a idea_n can_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v by_o a_o man_n or_o as_o the_o sacred_a canon_n have_v it_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o common_a idea_n can_v represent_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n can_v have_v a_o be_v before_o the_o world_n as_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o exist_v as_o such_o and_o yet_o not_o as_o a_o man_n beget_v of_o a_o man_n these_o thing_n the_o most_o improve_a notice_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v confirm_v or_o warrant_v no_o not_o our_o adversary_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n if_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o arian_n or_o socinian_n hypothesis_n though_o advance_v contrary_a to_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v pretend_v most_o to_o be_v a_o rationale_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o our_o adversary_n seem_v to_o explode_v this_o as_o much_o as_o that_o of_o the_o trinitarian_n because_o they_o be_v force_v to_o allow_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o cap._n 1._o sect._n 2._o n._n 2._o 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 but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v manifest_a here_o we_o learn_v how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n come_v to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o imputation_n of_o foolishness_n viz._n because_o they_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a notice_n or_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n for_o i_o have_v evince_v it_o upon_o the_o objection_n of_o trypho_n against_o justin_n and_o st._n clement_n comment_n on_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dial._n cum_fw-la trypho_n p._n 269._o and_o st._n clement_n in_o locum_fw-la thus_o lib._n 1._o stromat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o see_v this_o great_a man_n do_v not_o charge_v the_o greek_n with_o false_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o error_n for_o he_o represent_v the_o thing_n as_o much_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o principle_n as_o they_o can_v and_o make_v this_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o unjust_a charge_n i_o mean_v in_o pronounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n foolishness_n and_o indeed_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o can_v be_v on_o no_o other_o account_n than_o because_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o nothing_o but_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thereupon_o will_v try_v all_o reveal_v truth_n by_o common_a notion_n or_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o reject_v they_o as_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a because_o they_o can_v not_o make_v these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n indeed_o celsus_n object_n much_o the_o same_o thing_n against_o origen_n for_o upon_o every_o turn_n he_o endeavour_v to_o ridicule_n the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o represent_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v one_o single_a remark_n since_o it_o occur_v so_o natural_o be_v not_o these_o the_o very_a principle_n which_o our_o advocate_n for_o reason_n move_v upon_o so_o that_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n may_v suspect_v that_o i_o be_o deal_v with_o a_o celsus_n or_o a_o trypho_n or_o that_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a st._n clemens_n must_v believe_v that_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o contain_v in_o it_o something_o that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o common_a idea_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o consequent_o something_o that_o be_v mysterious_a and_o
as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o contain_v thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o it_o yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o great_a man_n have_v drop_v such_o unlucky_a word_n against_o our_o adversary_n principle_n or_o his_o method_n of_o examine_v divine_a truth_n as_o if_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v prepare_v to_o accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n or_o some_o sly_a maxim_n that_o look_v that_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o advise_v he_o to_o weigh_v the_o opinion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n before_o he_o advance_v too_o far_o and_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o severe_a censure_n he_o have_v pass_v upon_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o age_n i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o give_v advice_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o i_o can_v think_v he_o will_v ever_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o faith_n from_o a_o age_n or_o any_o writer_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o league_n to_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n and_o this_o another_o to_o be_v name_n for_o imposture_n or_o priestcraft_n if_o this_o be_v true_a to_o be_v instruct_v by_o such_o a_o race_n of_o man_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o take_v up_o one_o faith_n from_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o return_v then_o it_o be_v now_o abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o now_o contend_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n contrive_v to_o advance_v a_o particular_a hypothesis_n or_o serve_v a_o particular_a design_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o suggest_v 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 see_v n._n 48._o but_o i_o hope_v a_o impartial_a reader_n will_v find_v it_o establish_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o in_o a_o word_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o subvert_v or_o remove_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v a_o contrivance_n we_o have_v this_o apology_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o late_a forgery_n since_o we_o have_v trace_v it_o almost_o as_o far_o as_o any_o ecclesiastical_a record_n beside_o those_o of_o scripture_n admit_v of_o and_o this_o be_v a_o considerable_a presumption_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o foul-mouthed_a aspersion_n till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o better_a set_a of_o argument_n to_o remove_v it_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v examine_v but_o true_o there_o appear_v so_o little_a in_o they_o that_o i_o think_v they_o scarce_o deserve_v a_o distinct_a examination_n the_o first_o be_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n nor_o difference_n of_o it_o now_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o argument_n be_v advance_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o that_o which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o observation_n viz._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o degree_n of_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n whereas_o we_o say_v there_o must_v be_v at_o least_o such_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n as_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o comprehend_v the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rationale_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o real_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o that_o too_o by_o try_v it_o by_o common_a notion_n and_o moreover_o we_o say_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o faith_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n rise_v from_o such_o a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n no_o when_o once_o we_o know_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n the_o degree_n of_o faith_n arise_v from_o the_o application_n of_o god_n veracity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o place_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n in_o it_o though_o we_o can_v form_v a_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v embrace_v it_o with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o man_n of_o reason_n might_n have_v learn_v from_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o abraham_n who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v also_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n four_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o 2d_o arg._n the_o subject_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n as_o for_o the_o intelligibleness_n of_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v already_o state_v how_o far_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o with_o submission_n i_o think_v the_o sin_n and_o damnation_n of_o unbelief_n arise_v not_o because_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o perfect_a rationale_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o reject_v it_o but_o because_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o to_o know_v that_o he_o have_v propose_v they_o and_o we_o will_v full_o reject_v they_o and_o consequent_o what_o he_o propose_v but_o more_o especial_o because_o he_o have_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o now_o you_o say_v you_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v four_o arg._n 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 the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o inference_n be_v apparent_o false_a for_o we_o certain_o give_v a_o reason_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n peter_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o that_o we_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o we_o can_v remove_v every_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n as_o for_o his_o three_o and_o fifth_z observation_n i_o shall_v appeal_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a reader_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reply_n more_o than_o in_o those_o objection_n he_o first_o frame_v and_o then_o answer_v for_o as_o the_o former_a prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o advance_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v such_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n that_o contain_v thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o faith_n yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v his_o reply_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n cap._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o first_o he_o entertain_v you_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o i_o find_v in_o the_o main_n no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o it_o after_o this_o he_o guard_v it_o with_o some_o limitation_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v contrary_a to_o common_a notion_n or_o those_o idea_n which_o reason_n have_v form_v from_o sense_n experience_n or_o instruction_n and_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a limitation_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v perform_v upon_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v a_o address_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n accommodate_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o some_o sensible_a effect_n or_o operation_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o miracle_n that_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o we_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o judge_n of_o its_o possibility_n
it_o be_v more_o make_v up_o of_o impotent_a malice_n or_o illogical_a conclusion_n be_v disputable_a and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o happy_a to_o arrive_v at_o his_o conclusion_n and_o more_o happy_a that_o i_o find_v little_a in_o it_o that_o either_o deserve_v or_o can_v just_o provoke_v a_o reply_n for_o i_o find_v he_o either_o banter_v the_o world_n with_o his_o own_o objection_n and_o answer_n which_o if_o place_v in_o the_o balance_n will_v not_o weigh_v a_o grain_n to_o effect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n either_o way_n or_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o his_o next_o undertake_n though_o in_o his_o last_o edition_n he_o be_v so_o prudent_a to_o add_v a_o reserve_n that_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a will_v balk_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o let_v we_o we_o know_v he_o will_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o command_n of_o any_o mortal_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v prove_v the_o maxim_n by_o experimental_a demonstration_n for_o i_o believe_v want_v of_o health_n or_o business_n or_o something_o else_o will_v make_v it_o a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o put_v his_o finish_n hand_n to_o his_o new_a intend_a system_n of_o divinity_n one_o or_o two_o thing_n however_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n before_o i_o take_v a_o final_a leave_n and_o first_o after_o all_o this_o argument_n the_o reader_n may_v imagine_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v not_o considerable_a for_o he_o allow_v that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o we_o say_v that_o divine_a truth_n be_v chief_o mysterious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comprehend_v the_o mysterious_a part_n of_o they_o so_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v or_o comprehend_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o this_o gentleman_n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n be_v explicable_a see_v num._n 77._o sect._n 3_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o if_o his_o hypothesis_n stand_v good_a whatever_o instance_n can_v be_v allege_v he_o mean_v in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o must_v either_o be_v find_v not_o mysterious_a or_o if_o it_o prove_v a_o mystery_n not_o divine_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o have_v form_v a_o most_o compendious_a rule_n for_o discard_n the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o any_o be_v propose_v who_o modus_fw-la he_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o too_o by_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n his_o hypothesis_n direct_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o divine_o reveal_v indeed_o whosoever_o survey_v his_o hypothesis_n may_v at_o the_o first_o glance_n discern_v this_o to_o be_v the_o design_n though_o he_o have_v not_o blabed_a out_o the_o secret_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o and_o certain_o the_o design_n be_v so_o pernicious_a and_o though_o form_v on_o a_o weak_a hypothesis_n liable_a to_o influence_n a_o unwary_a reader_n and_o cheat_v he_o out_o of_o the_o main_a of_o his_o creed_n that_o i_o wonder_v this_o gentleman_n have_v escape_v so_o long_o without_o be_v chastise_v by_o some_o pen_n more_o accurate_a than_o i_o can_v pretend_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v against_o a_o answer_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o particular_a instance_n or_o doctrine_n of_o any_o sort_n can_v serve_v for_o a_o proper_a answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n this_o be_v pretty_a well_o true_o he_o have_v be_v very_o majesterial_a in_o advance_v his_o own_o position_n and_o will_v he_o be_v as_o absolute_a in_o prescribe_v to_o his_o answerer_n as_o if_o nothing_o must_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n that_o be_v not_o form_v by_o his_o model_n or_o have_v not_o receive_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la as_o for_o the_o force_n of_o instance_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o a_o opposite_a instance_n be_v perfect_a demonstration_n against_o a_o peremptory_a and_o universal_a position_n in_o a_o adversary_n and_o the_o force_n of_o position_n argument_n or_o notion_n that_o exist_v in_o theory_n or_o universals_z be_v best_a illustrate_v and_o imprint_v by_o instance_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o proceed_v by_o these_o measure_n in_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o will_v he_o debar_v other_o of_o those_o privilege_n he_o allow_v himself_o this_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o right_a to_o use_v any_o more_o of_o either_o but_o what_o he_o canton_n out_o by_o his_o own_o weight_n and_o measure_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o instance_n can_v be_v no_o answer_n to_o his_o discourse_n as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v good_a very_o true_a for_o if_o the_o reason_n hold_v good_a the_o instance_n allege_v against_o they_o must_v be_v impertinent_a or_o incompetent_a but_o the_o instance_n i_o have_v produce_v be_v level_v against_o his_o reason_n and_o position_n too_o and_o i_o hope_v they_o sufficient_o destroy_v both_o and_o then_o the_o method_n of_o answer_v will_v justify_v itself_o without_o his_o licence_n or_o approbation_n in_o a_o word_n as_o for_o this_o answer_n i_o offer_v it_o to_o every_o candid_a impartial_a reader_n with_o deference_n and_o submission_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v pass_v over_o some_o little_a slip_v or_o blot_n that_o may_v arise_v through_o heat_n of_o argument_n if_o the_o main_a line_n be_v correct_v and_o clear_a and_o as_o for_o this_o gentleman_n or_o his_o zealous_a admirer_n i_o tender_v the_o substance_n or_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v treat_v as_o he_o have_v peremptory_o resolve_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o discourse_n i_o mean_v give_v it_o no_o more_o quarter_n than_o he_o will_v to_o error_n but_o according_a to_o his_o utmost_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n expose_v it_o in_o its_o true_a colour_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v charge_v as_o a_o accessary_a against_o himself_o in_o render_v his_o own_o labour_n ineffectual_a by_o weak_o mince_v or_o soften_a of_o any_o thing_n finis_fw-la lock_n be_v human_a vnder_v lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strom._n lib._n 5._o n._n 7._o sect._n ii_o sect._n iii_o sect._n 8._o 8._o see_v sect._n 3_o n._n 10._o 10._o see_v n._n 5._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v n._n 12._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v cap._n 3._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v p._n 46_o 48._o