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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
reason_n mean_v motive_n object_n 2,243 5 10.7872 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52412 An account of reason & faith in relation to the mysteries of Christianity / by John Norris. Norris, John, 1657-1711. 1697 (1697) Wing N1243; ESTC R17698 127,080 368

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also_o a_o more_o dark_a side_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o must_v give_v it_o the_o precedency_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o call_v a_o dark_a side_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o which_o be_v still_o so_o much_o the_o dark_a because_o it_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o faith_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o its_o character_n be_v the_o main_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_v before_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o to_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n therein_o they_o agree_v for_o faith_n may_v be_v firm_a because_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o hesitate_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o most_o certain_a foundation_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a himself_o and_o can_v deceive_v 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of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o ●atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obse●●ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o con●ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n o●_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v i●_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o ●s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v sh●wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o i●_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o ●ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
and_o the_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v be_v that_o which_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o ear_n shall_v i_o say_v of_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o else_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v contradictory_n because_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o so_o be_v not_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o therefore_o these_o may_v stand_v together_o though_o the_o other_o can_v 10._o but_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o great_a and_o very_o popular_a objection_n yet_o a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o eye_n though_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a blind_a one_o that_o do_v not_o see_v it_o already_o i_o will_v put_v it_o into_o form_n and_o give_v it_o a_o formal_a answer_n if_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n than_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n can_v rational_o be_v believe_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n ergo._fw-la for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o distinguish_v if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n than_o i_o deny_v the_o minor_a faith_n be_v not_o so_o a_o rational_a act._n but_o if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o external_n evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n than_o indeed_o i_o grant_v the_o minor_a but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n mean_v by_o it_o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o external_n evidence_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n for_o believe_v that_o therefore_o the_o thing_n belieu●d_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v altogether_o inevident_a and_o so_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n for_o though_o evidence_n be_v contradictory_n to_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o ●ame_n yet_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o at_o all_o exclude_v it_o they_o may_v therefore_o both_o stand_v together_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v be_v believe_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o celebrate_a objection_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o true_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a a_o sophism_n that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o impose_v upon_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o it_o have_v do_v and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o acute_a and_o nice_a considerer_n of_o thing_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o it_o be_v by_o this_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o detect_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v those_o head_n worth_a much_o inform_v that_o shall_v be_v further_o impose_v on_o by_o it_o 11._o but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a and_o fundamental_a maxim_n so_o press_o inculcate_v by_o des_n cast_v and_o his_o follower_n and_o not_o disallow_v of_o by_o other_o that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a if_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a how_o then_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a or_o if_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a how_o then_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a do_v not_o these_o seem_v flat_a contradiction_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o adjust_a the_o matter_n between_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o deny_v that_o cartesian_a maxim_n to_o be_v true_a or_o by_o show_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o assertion_n here_o maintain_v but_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o the_o first_o way_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v i_o allow_v the_o maxim_n to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v withal_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n of_o error_n the_o only_a remedy_n and_o caution_n against_o which_o be_v never_o to_o let_v our_o judgement_n prevent_v our_o conception_n or_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_v notion_n of_o and_o where_o we_o see_v only_o by_o half_n and_o with_o a_o imperfect_a light_n or_o perhaps_o do_v not_o see_v at_o all_o but_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o adventure_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o to_o maintain_v a_o evidence_n in_o all_o our_o reason_n which_o according_o be_v make_v by_o m._n malebranche_n the_o first_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o method_n he_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o make_v a_o wrong_a use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n particular_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v to_o suspend_v judgement_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o evidence_n require_v it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v also_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o of_o our_o error_n and_o wrong_a assent_n 165._o as_o the_o same_o excellent_a person_n show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o particular_a to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scholastic_a philosophy_n 12._o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v my_o own_o assertion_n by_o deny_v des_n cartes_n maxim_n but_o rather_o by_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o but_o first_o we_o must_v see_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v or_o rather_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a though_o this_o may_v be_v without_o much_o difficulty_n collect_v by_o any_o attentive_a reader_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o i_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n prevent_v this_o objection_n but_o to_o consider_v it_o more_o direct_o to_o verify_v this_o maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a the_o usual_a way_n have_v be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n say_v they_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v it_o hold_v according_o when_o it_o be_v object_v against_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o reply_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o reason_n etc._n etc._n imply_v that_o if_o they_o do_v then_o indeed_o the_o objection_n will_v be_v good_a and_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o assent_v to_o they_o which_o imply_v again_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a though_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v but_o we_o have_v remark_v already_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reason_n we_o be_v force_v to_o assent_v to_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n assent_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n this_o distinction_n therefore_o will_v not_o do_v 13._o in_o stead_n therefore_o of_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o distinguish_v of_o evidence_n we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a say_v our_o maxim_n very_o good_n now_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v internal_a evidence_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o light_a intrinsic_n to_o it_o be_v evident_a than_o the_o maxim_n be_v false_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n too_o wherein_o we_o find_v ourselves_o often_o constrain_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o this_o internal_a evidence_n but_o be_v as_o to_o what_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o altogether_o obscure_a and_o
that_o of_o the_o subject_a or_o to_o word_n it_o more_o intelligible_o though_o perhaps_o not_o altogether_o so_o scholastical_o into_o that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n reason_n objective_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n be_v again_o very_o various_a sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o both_o for_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n namely_o the_o essential_a relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n and_o for_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v its_o conformity_n to_o those_o ideal_o relation_n thus_o it_o be_v take_v the_o first_o way_n for_o the_o ideal_o relation_n themselves_o when_o we_o inquire_v whether_o the_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v ab_fw-la eterno_fw-la mean_v by_o reason_n the_o essential_a relation_n or_o difference_n thus_o again_o it_o be_v take_v the_o second_o way_n for_o the_o agreement_n or_o conformity_n of_o a_o proposition_n with_o those_o essential_a relation_n as_o when_o we_o say_v this_o be_v sense_n and_o reason_n meaning_n that_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n sometime_o again_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o medium_fw-la argument_n or_o principle_n whereby_o as_o truth_n be_v prove_v as_o when_o we_o say_v do_v you_o prove_v this_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o authority_n sometime_o again_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_v as_o suppose_v i_o shall_v say_v that_o reason_n be_v the_o ●ittest_a study_n for_o a_o rational_a creature_n i_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o mean_v those_o rule_n and_o measure_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o reason_n and_o so_o to_o intend_v a_o commendation_n of_o logic_n sometime_o again_o it_o be_v take_v for_o moderation_n as_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v reason_n in_o all_o thing_n sometime_o for_o right_a equity_n or_o justice_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v common_o call_v do_v a_o man_n reason_n it_o be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o end_n or_o motive_n of_o a_o action_n as_o when_o we_o say_v for_o what_o reason_n do_v you_o this_o or_o that_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o poet_n stat_fw-la pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la voluntas_fw-la 4._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v take_v subjective_o the_o other_o general_a part_n of_o its_o distinction_n in_o which_o also_o there_o be_v some_o variety_n of_o acceptation_n for_o it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o act_n sometime_o for_o the_o habit_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v for_o the_o act_n as_o when_o we_o say_v of_o a_o man_n asleep_a that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o habit_n as_o when_o we_o say_v of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o reason_n when_o his_o intellectual_n be_v mighty_o disorder_v and_o impair_v by_o a_o disease_n for_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v as_o when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o proposition_n of_o universal_a truth_n and_o that_o proceed_v of_o man_n as_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o man_n and_o consequent_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o man_n but_o of_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v suspend_v as_o the_o act_n nor_o lose_v as_o the_o habit_n but_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o which_o constitute_v he_o what_o he_o be_v and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o creature_n and_o consequent_o be_v inseparable_a from_o he_o whether_o asleep_a or_o awake_a whether_o sick_a or_o well_o 5._o reason_n thus_o consider_v as_o it_o stand_v for_o a_o power_n or_o faculty_n in_o human_a nature_n may_v be_v take_v again_o either_o large_o or_o strict_o large_o for_o the_o power_n of_o think_v or_o perception_n in_o general_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o truth_n let_v it_o be_v by_o what_o mean_n or_o in_o what_o order_n or_o method_n soever_o strict_o for_o the_o same_o power_n proceed_v after_o a_o certain_a special_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o a_o peculiar_a order_n and_o method_n namely_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o that_o of_o another_o or_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v as_o yet_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o better_o know_v concern_v which_o a_o full_a account_n by_o and_o by_o 6._o after_o have_v thus_o distinguish_v with_o what_o exactness_n of_o order_n i_o can_v the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n reason_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n define_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sense_n i_o now_o use_v it_o by_o reason_n then_o in_o this_o place_n i_o intend_v not_o reason_n of_o the_o object_n but_o that_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o not_o as_o to_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n but_o as_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v and_o that_o again_o not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v strict_o as_o it_o use_v a_o certain_a particular_a process_n in_o its_o operation_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v more_o at_o large_a for_o the_o power_n of_o perceive_v or_o know_v in_o general_n according_a to_o which_o sense_n reason_n be_v here_o the_o same_o with_o understanding_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o use_v as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n teach_v he_o this_o or_o that_o mean_v his_o understanding_n at_o large_a or_o the_o general_a power_n whereby_o he_o understand_v for_o if_o science_n which_o strict_o take_v be_v that_o particular_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o demonstration_n be_v yet_o often_o use_v more_o large_o for_o knowledge_n in_o general_n why_o may_v not_o reason_n the_o great_a principle_n and_o faculty_n of_o science_n which_o strict_o take_v signify_v a_o power_n of_o know_v by_o such_o a_o certain_a way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v take_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a latitude_n for_o the_o power_n of_o know_v or_o understanding_n in_o general_n 7._o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o question_n now_o under_o consideration_n require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o use_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o reason_n the_o meaning_n certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o and_o he_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n above_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o a_o man_n natural_a understanding_n nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v profound_a and_o fathom_n and_o so_o also_o he_o that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n or_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v reveal_v truth_n that_o so_o far_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o be_v of_o a_o size_n so_o disproportionate_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o with_o all_o the_o force_n and_o penetration_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o utmost_a application_n of_o thought_n we_o can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o be_v our_o method_n of_o proceed_v what_o it_o will_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o this_o to_o state_n the_o question_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v more_o full_o in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o only_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o one_o of_o its_o term_n and_o to_o show_v that_o by_o reason_n i_o both_o do_v and_o shall_v here_o mean_v a_o man_n natural_a power_n of_o know_v or_o understanding_n in_o general_n in_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n to_o i_o that_o the_o excellent_a and_o most_o accurate_a author_n of_o l'_n art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr define_v logic_n to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o well_o conduct_v one_o reason_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n where_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n 8._o what_o this_o power_n or_o principle_n of_o understanding_n be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v as_o not_o have_v any_o clear_a idea_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o indeed_o as_o not_o know_v myself_o at_o all_o by_o idea_n but_o only_o by_o a_o confuse_v sentiment_n of_o internal_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o i_o shall_v not_o set_v myself_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o understanding_n be_v any_o power_n or_o faculty_n real_o
not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o by_o it_o but_o this_o will_v cross_v my_o way_n again_o in_o another_o place_n 9_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v here_o what_o further_a consideration_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o there_o 16._o to_o return_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obscurity_n and_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n it_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o formal_a reason_n which_o you_o see_v may_v be_v clear_a enough_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o only_a to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n again_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v no_o evidence_n from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o be_v remark_v before_o not_o that_o this_o again_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o simple_o intelligible_a as_o to_o the_o very_a literal_a sense_n and_o direct_v signification_n of_o its_o term_n no_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o than_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v still_o so_o much_o a_o luminous_a assent_n and_o a_o act_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o it_o challenge_n our_o assent_n for_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o connexion_n between_o idea_n i_o say_v ideas_n for_o truth_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o sound_n or_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n therefore_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o such_o idea_n but_o then_o a_o man_n must_v know_v what_o those_o idea_n be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v they_o be_v connect_v therefore_o he_o must_v understand_v something_o more_o than_o the_o term_n themselves_o he_o must_v also_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o those_o term_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o under_o stand_v the_o mean_v and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o faith_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v simple_o intelligible_a and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
to_o be_v true_a this_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n if_o there_o can_v be_v yet_o any_o question_n about_o it_o most_o evident_o show_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o as_o such_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n shall_v be_v true_a whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o contrary_a to_o truth_n i_o may_v also_o further_o allege_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v equal_o abstract_a from_o true_a and_o false_a which_o contrary_a to_o reason_n do_v not_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o determine_v nothing_o concern_v its_o object_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n importance_n as_o be_v a_o extrinsical_a denomination_n take_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o not_o only_o finite_a but_o very_o limit_v capacity_n for_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o general_a or_o all_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o be_v absolute_o incomprehensible_a but_o only_o human_a reason_n but_o then_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o indeed_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o one_o man_n may_v not_o transcend_v that_o of_o another_o and_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n may_v yet_o be_v perfect_o comprehend_v by_o god_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a reason_n so_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n here_o be_v of_o a_o respective_a signification_n such_o as_o do_v not_o express_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a faculty_n whereas_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o relative_n but_o a_o absolute_a thing_n and_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o may_v further_o insist_v on_o these_o and_o some_o other_o consideration_n but_o be_v partly_o prevent_v here_o by_o mr._n boyle_n who_o account_n i_o will_v have_v use_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_v intend_v to_o supply_v some_o of_o his_o and_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o thing_n already_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v either_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o that_o of_o my_o reader_n be_v understanding_n as_o to_o prosecute_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a than_o only_o to_o shape_v a_o answer_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o a_o objection_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o modern_a writer_n against_o mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr and_o which_o to_o do_v it_o the_o utmost_a justice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 24._o i_o have_v consider_v say_v he_o the_o distinction_n which_o they_o use_v between_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 14_o and_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v well_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n this_o distinction_n seem_v to_o i_o of_o no_o use_n or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o for_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n though_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o certain_a i_o own_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n one_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v a_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o see_v nothing_o clear_a a_o doctrine_n which_o our_o reason_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o on_o all_o its_o side_n i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o may_v be_v 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comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o whereas_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o above_o reason_n what_o be_v all_o over_o unintelligible_a even_o as_o to_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n nor_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n but_o only_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v we_o can_v see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v it_o than_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o even_o then_o it_o will_v not_o as_o this_o author_n confuse_o enough_o pretend_v be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o because_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a only_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o may_v very_o well_o be_v believe_v though_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v and_o what_o be_v utter_o unintelligible_a can_v and_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v already_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o only_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n differ_v a_o little_a more_o than_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o 26._o and_o now_o if_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o very_a unaccountable_a thing_n i_o shall_v stand_v great_o amaze_v at_o either_o the_o natural_a or_o wilful_a blindness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o confound_a thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o most_o apparent_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v to_o distinguish_v and_o yet_o when_o strict_o examine_v and_o compare_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o distinction_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a and_o almost_o as_o common_a a_o fault_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o confound_v those_o that_o do_v and_o there_o be_v also_o other_o thing_n of_o such_o near_a resemblance_n and_o cognation_n to_o each_o other_o that_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n subtlety_n and_o nice_a inspection_n to_o discern_v their_o difference_n so_o fine_a and_o minute_n and_o almost_o imperceptible_a be_v the_o line_n that_o terminate_v their_o nature_n and_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o different_a as_o those_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o tree_n a_o triangle_n and_o a_o square_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a not_o to_o perceive_v it_o or_o be_v very_o insincere_a not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v know_v to_o serve_v themselves_o upon_o occasion_n of_o distinction_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v interest_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o shall_v yet_o reject_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n as_o well_o as_o well_o authorize_v one_o as_o this_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n and_o if_o admit_v will_v like_o a_o bomb_n throw_v into_o their_o garrison_n blow_v up_o and_o lie_v waste_v their_o main_a strength_n and_o force_v they_o to_o desert_n and_o give_v up_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o be_v now_o especial_o most_o zealous_o fond_a of_o and_o seem_v resolve_v even_o against_o reason_n to_o maintain_v 27._o for_o i_o must_v further_o remark_n and_o it_o be_v a_o
those_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o solution_n of_o they_o by_o the_o real_a chimaera_n of_o substantial_a form_n quality_n sympathys_n antipathys_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o account_v for_o they_o by_o the_o yet_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o the_o chemist_n strike_v and_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o those_o great_a but_o empty_a sound_n archaeus_n seminal_a spirit_n astral_a being_n gas_n blas_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o receive_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n not_o for_o their_o scientific_a light_n for_o they_o be_v dark_a as_o may_v be_v mere_a philosophic_a cant_n but_o only_a because_o they_o be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o they_o though_o they_o know_v not_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v never_o consider_v what_o and_o herein_o as_o in_o some_o other_o instance_n man_n love_v darkness_n better_o than_o light_n 2._o but_o then_o at_o another_o time_n you_o 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thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o obscurity_n and_o sometime_o again_o in_o another_o fit_a make_n that_o alone_o a_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o forego_n measure_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o can_v argue_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o incredible_a or_o not_o reasonable_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o true_a then_o it_o be_v still_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o we_o have_v show_v already_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a whence_o it_o clear_o and_o close_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n neither_o against_o its_o credibility_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o its_o incomprehensibility_n because_o we_o may_v believe_v whatever_o be_v not_o absolute_o incredible_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v discard_v every_o thing_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o unworthy_a of_o a_o rational_a belief_n or_o that_o what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v therefore_o above_o our_o faith_n too_o 4._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o no_o proper_a and_o direct_a argument_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v and_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o give_v but_o a_o ordinary_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n shall_v answer_v because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a which_o at_o best_a can_v pass_v only_o for_o a_o religious_a flourish_n much_o such_o another_o as_o credo_fw-la quia_fw-la impossibile_fw-it and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o direct_o and_o per_fw-la se_fw-la a_o criterion_n of_o truth_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v per_fw-la accidens_fw-la may_v be_v consider_v afterward_o who_o natural_a and_o genuine_a character_n be_v not_o obsecurity_n but_o light_n and_o evidence_n not_o that_o nothing_o be_v true_a but_o what_o have_v this_o character_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o contrary_a in_o prove_v incomprehensible_a truth_n but_o that_o as_o whatever_o we_o clear_o perceive_v be_v true_a so_o our_o clear_a perceive_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a sign_n from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o incomprehensibility_n therefore_o be_v none_o but_o as_o such_o abstract_n from_o true_a and_o not_o true_a and_o be_v equal_o common_a to_o both_o but_o now_o that_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o thing_n suppose_v it_o false_a can_v no_o more_o prove_v it_o true_a than_o that_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o thing_n suppose_v it_o true_a can_v prove_v it_o false_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n the_o incomprehensibility_n therefore_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o proper_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n of_o itself_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o it_o abstract_n as_o such_o from_o true_a and_o false_a and_o be_v too_o common_a to_o both_o to_o prove_v either_o 5._o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v also_o further_o grant_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o no_o proper_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v but_o have_v also_o so_o far_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o dissuasive_a from_o believe_v as_o to_o be_v a_o caution_n against_o a_o too_o hasty_a belief_n till_o there_o appear_v some_o other_o motive_n from_o without_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n that_o shall_v determine_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o advise_v to_o suspend_v for_o the_o 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against_o their_o be_v so_o reveal_v suppose_v the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o and_o direct_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v not_o i_o think_v offer_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o different_a construction_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n because_o of_o the_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o that_o which_o their_o proper_a and_o grammatical_a scheme_n do_v exhibit_v but_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n since_o to_o admit_v a_o incomprehensible_a sense_n have_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v than_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o untruth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a obstruction_n against_o either_o 5._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o natural_a sense_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o for_o force_a and_o strain_v interpretation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v apparent_o genuine_a and_o natural_a and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v otherwise_o plain_a and_o such_o as_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o in_o another_o case_n and_o about_o matter_n which_o we_o can_v well_o comprehend_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o the_o less_o so_o because_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o understand_v be_v 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show_v that_o even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o believable_a for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v recall_v this_o concession_n and_o put_v our_o adversary_n to_o the_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a reason_n and_o comprehension_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o contend_v they_o be_v not_o and_o with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n offer_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o endeavour_v to_o render_v a_o conceivable_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o if_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o right_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a at_o present_a to_o inquire_v into_o it_o will_v be_v a_o further_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n and_o such_o as_o though_o i_o do_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o need_v not_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o pillar_n but_o can_v support_v itself_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o as_o have_v another_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v its_o weight_n since_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v these_o sacred_a doctrine_n to_o be_v never_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o reason_n it_o do_v by_o no_o consequence_n follow_v as_o from_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v apparent_a that_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v due_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n 7._o shall_v any_o one_o now_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o objection_n as_o to_o draw_v one_o against_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n which_o know_v no_o other_o mystery_n but_o such_o as_o before_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v undiscovered_a not_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o conceivable_a or_o no_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v in_o any_o controversy_n with_o a_o less_o pertinent_a objection_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v make_v of_o by_o a_o late_a bold_a writer_n 90._o who_o heap_v together_o a_o great_a many_o text_n to_o show_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o signify_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o inconceivable_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v not_o know_v before_o they_o be_v reveal_v well_o be_v it_o so_o as_o this_o gentleman_n pretend_v though_o i_o believe_v upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v otherwise_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o do_v we_o dispute_v about_o name_n or_o thing_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n express_v inconceivable_a thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o scripture_n above_o our_o conception_n call_v they_o by_o what_o name_v you_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o their_o be_v so_o above_o our_o conception_n be_v a_o argument_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v now_o to_o these_o inconceivable_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o church-writer_n to_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n which_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v that_o will_v contend_v about_o it_o but_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n have_v already_o prevent_v i_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o objection_n faith_n for_o which_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o frivolousness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v pursue_v it_o no_o further_o chap._n x._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o socinian_o 1._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v lead_v my_o reader_n through_o a_o long_a course_n of_o various_a reason_v and_o perhaps_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v i_o though_o i_o hope_v his_o journey_n have_v not_o be_v without_o some_o pleasure_n that_o may_v deceive_v and_o some_o profit_n that_o may_v in_o part_n reward_v the_o labour_n of_o it_o i_o have_v show_v he_o what_o reason_n be_v and_o what_o faith_n be_v that_o so_o he_o may_v see_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o each_o what_o habitude_n and_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o and_o how_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o latter_a may_v consist_v with_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a i_o have_v also_o considere_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v real_a and_o wellgrounded_n and_o to_o have_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o good_a distinction_n and_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o which_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o discourse_v at_o large_a and_o thorough_o to_o settle_v and_o establish_v because_o of_o its_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n i_o have_v deduce_v that_o weighty_a inference_n that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a which_o consequence_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o the_o present_a controversy_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v backward_o by_o show_v that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a then_o human_a reason_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v before_o demonstrate_v will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n whence_o i_o infer_v again_o ex_fw-la absurdo_fw-la that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a from_o this_o last_o consequence_n i_o infer_v another_o of_o no_o less_o moment_n and_o
to_o be_v this_o they_o first_o set_v their_o reason_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a measure_n to_o exalt_v that_o faculty_n to_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n nay_o to_o set_v it_o no_o bound_n at_o all_o but_o strict_o to_o make_v it_o infinite_a and_o so_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a perfection_n i_o must_v profess_v my_o despair_n ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v 8._o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o one_o truth_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n himself_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o true_o and_o necessary_o so_o and_o whatever_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n most_o certain_o not_o true_a because_o he_o essential_o comprehend_v all_o that_o true_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v must_v be_v nothing_o but_o to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o the_o intelligence_n of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v angel_n will_v be_v to_o confound_v all_o distinction_n between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a god_n and_o creature_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o withal_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o blaspemous_a proposition_n imaginable_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n turn_v and_o by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o direct_o and_o most_o compendious_o confute_v 9_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o by_o this_o handle_n and_o since_o that_o which_o be_v a_o principle_n one_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v forward_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n another_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o since_o there_o be_v these_o two_o general_a way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v both_o these_o way_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n which_o according_o shall_v turn_v chief_o upon_o this_o double_a hinge_v first_o i_o shall_v overturn_v their_o principle_n i_o call_v it_o they_o because_o it_o be_v what_o they_o must_v at_o last_o necessary_o come_v to_o by_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v no_o conclude_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a second_o i_o shall_v argue_v ab_fw-la absurdo_fw-la by_o show_v that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n which_o if_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o i_o shall_v think_v they_o reduce_v to_o a_o sufficient_a absurdity_n these_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o work_n which_o like_o the_o side_n of_o a_o arch_n will_v strengthen_v and_o bear_v up_o one_o another_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o part_n whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o their_o principle_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v show_v to_o follow_v from_o their_o supposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o this_o their_o principle_n be_v absurd_a and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o absurdity_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o wherein_o this_o principle_n be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 10._o and_o when_o by_o this_o method_n i_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o a_o priori_fw-la and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o humane_a reason_n and_o so_o that_o their_o be_v above_o it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v they_o false_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o faith_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v which_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o discuss_v my_o design_n at_o present_a not_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n or_o the_o like_a but_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o article_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n stand_v the_o great_a and_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n that_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v comprehend_v which_o principle_n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o overthrow_v and_o because_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o must_v first_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o profess_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n beside_o what_o will_v be_v say_v incidental_o and_o occasional_o of_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o treatise_n who_o main_a design_n be_v so_o to_o adjust_a and_o accommodate_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n together_o as_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o i_o entitle_v the_o whole_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a of_o what_o i_o design_n the_o particular_n of_o which_o will_v be_v more_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o account_v for_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n i._o of_o reason_n 1._o ambiguity_n of_o word_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o confusion_n of_o thought_n whoever_o will_v discourse_n clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o any_o subject_a must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o settle_v the_o signification_n of_o his_o term_n in_o case_n they_o be_v ambiguous_a that_o be_v if_o one_o and_o the_o same_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o different_a idea_n in_o this_o case_n definition_n of_o the_o name_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n between_o which_o two_o i_o conceive_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o nominal_a definition_n the_o word_n be_v only_o determine_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a idea_n whereas_o in_o a_o real_a one_o the_o idea_n itself_o be_v open_v and_o explain_v by_o some_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o nominal_a definition_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o therefore_o incontestable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v as_o principle_n in_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v in_o geometry_n whereas_o real_a definition_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v but_o for_o disputable_a proposition_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v 2._o reason_n therefore_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o of_o various_a acceptation_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o i_o define_v the_o name_n which_o will_v also_o be_v the_o better_o define_v if_o it_o be_v first_o distinguish_v now_o all_o distinction_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n the_o distribution_n ought_v to_o be_v into_o the_o most_o general_a and_o most_o immediate_a member_n i_o shall_v according_o distinguish_v of_o the_o several_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o i_o will_v divide_v any_o whole_a into_o its_o part_n 3._o i_o consider_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o general_a distribution_n of_o reason_n be_v into_o that_o of_o the_o object_n and_o
a_o desperate_a argument_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o 2._o which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o evasion_n either_o the_o deny_v or_o the_o allow_v this_o distinction_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o which_o beside_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o our_o clear_a proceed_v in_o what_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o be_o the_o rather_o induce_v to_o undertake_v because_o as_o mr._n boyle_n observe_v in_o a_o little_a treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v divers_a that_o employ_v this_o distinction_n few_o that_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o none_o that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o justify_v it_o indeed_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v write_v profess_o about_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o curiosity_n and_o importance_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o consider_v though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v not_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o subject_a nor_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a even_o as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v however_o because_o he_o have_v some_o considerable_a observation_n upon_o it_o as_o indeed_o his_o thought_n be_v general_o very_o good_a and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v refuse_v any_o additional_a light_n in_o so_o dark_a and_o untrodden_a a_o way_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o further_a advantage_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o matter_n first_o draw_v up_o into_o a_o short_a view_n what_o that_o excellent_a person_n have_v meditate_a concern_v it_o with_o such_o occasional_a remark_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v necessary_a and_o then_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o thing_n according_a to_o my_o own_o conception_n hope_v that_o between_o we_o both_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o that_o nothing_o of_o any_o consequence_n will_v be_v overlook_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o so_o little_o consider_v and_o almost_o virgin_n subject_a 3._o to_o give_v you_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o sum_n of_o mr._n boyle_n account_v he_o propose_v in_o general_n two_o thing_n 1._o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 2._o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o illusory_a distinction_n but_o ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n he_o conceive_v such_o notion_n and_o proposition_n as_o mere_a reason_n that_o be_v unassisted_a by_o revelation_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n clear_o comprehensible_a or_o not_o and_o that_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o understand_v such_o conception_n and_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n but_o such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v evident_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o to_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n 4._o now_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_o i_o will_v here_o by_o this_o great_a man_n leave_n and_o with_o due_a deference_n to_o his_o high_a character_n remark_n that_o though_o thing_n undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n may_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o surpass_v the_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v the_o first_o discovery_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o what_o divine_v mean_a by_o above_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o this_o distinction_n oppose_v it_o to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o this_o distinction_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o general_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o only_o above_o it_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v no_o distinction_n but_o a_o mere_a shift_n and_o evasion_n pretend_v that_o the_o i_o art_n of_o it_o fall_v in_o together_o and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o both_o they_o that_o use_v this_o distinction_n and_o they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v use_v do_v not_o mean_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v beyond_o the_o first_o invention_n or_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o to_o mean_v that_o our_o mystery_n be_v only_o undiscoverable_a when_o we_o say_v they_o be_v above_o reason_n will_v be_v too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o oppose_v to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o intend_v by_o mystery_n since_o though_o the_o undiscoverableness_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o be_v so_o call_v before_o their_o revelation_n it_o can_v be_v none_o now_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o say_v of_o these_o mystery_n now_o that_o they_o be_v above_o reason_n we_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o undiscoverableness_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o that_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o understand_v we_o for_o they_o deny_v that_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o according_a to_o they_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v all_o one_o but_o now_o no_o socinian_n that_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n will_v deny_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o that_o signify_v only_o undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o much_o less_o will_v he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o no_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n both_o allow_v we_o the_o distinction_n and_o the_o mystery_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o but_o then_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o more_o than_o we_o 5._o instead_o therefore_o of_o say_v undiscoverable_a he_o shall_v have_v say_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n into_o which_o he_o slip_v unaware_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v appear_v repugnant_a etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o former_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v even_o when_o discover_v and_o not_o such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a only_o to_o discover_v since_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o second_o part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o except_o those_o word_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a which_o in_o my_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v expunge_v as_o the_o production_n of_o the_o first_o mistake_n 6._o mr._n boyle_n proceed_v to_o illustrate_v his_o explanation_n of_o this_o distinction_n by_o a_o comparison_n draw_v from_o sight_n he_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o diver_n what_o he_o can_v see_v in_o a_o deep_a sea_n to_o which_o the_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v see_v into_o a_o sea-green_a liquor_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o some_o yard_n and_o no_o further_o so_o that_o if_o further_o ask_v if_o he_o can_v see_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n his_o answer_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o then_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v let_v himself_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o bring_v up_o thence_o and_o show_v he_o oyster_n or_o muscle_n with_o pearl_n in_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v both_o that_o they_o lie_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o the_o pearl_n be_v genuine_a and_o good_n but_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v further_o pretend_v that_o each_o of_o these_o pearl_n be_v big_a than_o the_o shell_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o will_v be_v think_v not_o only_o undiscernible_a by_o the_o eye_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o information_n and_o to_o admit_v this_o will_v argue_v the_o sight_n not_o only_o to_o be_v imperfect_a but_o false_a and_o delusory_a and_o according_o be_v presume_v that_o this_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v 7._o now_o i_o not_o only_o allow_v this_o comparison_n but_o even_o admire_v it_o for_o the_o singular_a aptness_n and_o pertinency_n of_o it_o to_o illustrate_v even_o to_o the_o sense_n the_o difference_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n only_o i_o think_v it_o seem_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o it_o which_o certain_o will_v make_v the_o comparison_n
much_o more_o apposite_a and_o exact_a whereof_o he_o himself_o appear_v sensible_a at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o where_o offer_v to_o consider_v the_o matter_n more_o distinct_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o may_v be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o kind_n sufficient_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v these_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v and_o other_o that_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v this_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v so_o soon_o and_o have_v tell_v we_o withal_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n he_o mean_v the_o latter_a sort_n only_o the_o former_a not_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n 8._o however_o he_o proceed_v upon_o that_o part_n first_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a truth_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o reason_n leave_v to_o itself_o will_v never_o have_v be_v able_a to_o find_v out_o of_o which_o he_o give_v several_a instance_n which_o as_o not_o be_v to_o the_o point_n i_o pass_v over_o and_o come_v to_o his_o other_o consideration_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n mean_v such_o as_o when_o propose_v do_v surpass_v our_o comprehension_n and_o that_o as_o he_o well_o observe_v upon_o one_o or_o other_o of_o these_o three_o account_n either_o as_o not_o clear_o conceivable_a by_o our_o understanding_n such_o as_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o as_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o such_o as_o the_o manner_n how_o god_n can_v create_v a_o rational_a soul_n or_o how_o this_o be_v a_o immaterial_a substance_n can_v act_v upon_o a_o human_a body_n or_o be_v act_v upon_o by_o it_o etc._n etc._n or_o else_o last_o as_o asymmetrical_a or_o unsociable_a that_o be_v such_o as_o we_o see_v not_o how_o to_o reconcile_v with_o other_o thing_n evident_o and_o confess_o true_a whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o the_o case_n of_o prescience_n and_o contingency_n 9_o he_o further_o observe_v and_o i_o think_v right_o that_o there_o may_v be_v difference_n of_o degree_n in_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o to_o their_o abstruseness_n that_o some_o thing_n appear_v to_o surpass_v our_o understanding_n immediate_o even_o before_o attentive_o look_v into_o and_o other_o thing_n only_o when_o a_o narrow_a inspection_n be_v make_v into_o they_o be_v intelligible_a enough_o in_o the_o 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o employ_v in_o common_a discourse_n whereof_o he_o give_v instance_n in_o place_n time_n and_o motion_n and_o he_o make_v use_v of_o this_o observation_n to_o solve_v a_o difficulty_n wherein_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o we_o can_v profess_v to_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n without_o discover_v that_o we_o do_v not_o well_o consider_v what_o we_o say_v and_o that_o we_o then_o talk_v like_o parrot_n to_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o those_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o notion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v more_o obvious_a and_o superficial_a though_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v philosophical_a and_o accurate_a 10._o after_o this_o explanation_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o do_v by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o thing_n above_o reason_n shall_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o he_o show_v first_o of_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n and_o since_o thing_n according_a to_o this_o sense_n above_o reason_n be_v not_o affirm_v by_o our_o adversary_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o i_o pass_v over_o all_o that_o he_o say_v upon_o this_o part_n and_o strike_v in_o with_o he_o again_o where_o he_o show_v the_o same_o of_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o the_o second_o sense_n i_o can_v meet_v with_o any_o thing_n direct_o under_o that_o head_n but_o only_o a_o few_o passage_n here_o and_o there_o scatter_v up_o and_o down_o as_o when_o he_o say_v of_o galileo_n that_o when_o he_o first_o make_v his_o discovery_n with_o the_o telescope_n and_o say_v that_o there_o be_v planet_n that_o move_v about_o jupiter_n he_o say_v something_o that_o other_o astronomer_n can_v not_o discern_v to_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o that_o they_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v false_a and_o again_o when_o he_o say_v that_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v extrinsecal_n and_o accidental_a to_o its_o be_v true_a or_o false_a because_o to_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a thing_n but_o a_o respective_a one_o import_v a_o relation_n to_o the_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n that_o belong_v to_o human_a understanding_n and_o therefore_o it_o may_v not_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o more_o enlighten_v intellect_n etc._n etc._n which_o indeed_o be_v right_o and_o very_o judicious_o remark_v in_o itself_o and_o no_o less_o pertinent_o to_o the_o present_a business_n and_o again_o when_o he_o say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n true_a which_o yet_o be_v liable_a to_o objection_n not_o direct_o answerable_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n he_o instance_n in_o the_o controversy_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n where_o each_o side_n of_o the_o contradiction_n be_v press_v with_o unanswerable_a objection_n and_o yet_o as_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o take_v which_o you_o will_v you_o run_v into_o invincible_a difficulty_n which_o indeed_o well_o conclude_v that_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a and_o if_o true_a than_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v so_o shall_v be_v true_a which_o one_o consideration_n be_v indeed_o enough_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n beyond_o all_o exception_n 11._o mr._n boyle_n have_v yet_o a_o further_a observation_n concern_v this_o distinction_n too_o considerable_a to_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o importance_n not_o only_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o some_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o even_o of_o some_o important_a article_n of_o natural_a theology_n in_o which_o as_o he_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o who_o modus_fw-la be_v not_o explainable_a 12._o after_o this_o he_o consider_v a_o objection_n wherein_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o grant_v this_o distinction_n will_v be_v of_o bad_a consequence_n as_o afford_v shelter_n to_o any_o unintelligible_a stuff_n that_o a_o bold_a enthusiast_n may_v obtrude_v under_o the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v very_o judicious_o that_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o distinction_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v ill_o employ_v but_o that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o divers_a other_o distinction_n which_o be_v without_o scruple_n admit_v because_o useful_a and_o not_o reject_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o privilege_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v misapply_v and_o that_o therefore_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o other_o distinction_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o it_o become_v man_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o strict_o examine_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v as_o a_o mystery_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o justify_v any_o thing_n that_o though_o style_v a_o mystery_n be_v but_o a_o pretend_a one_o the_o error_n as_o he_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o will_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o distinction_n but_o in_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o the_o application_n 13._o in_o this_o you_o have_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n as_o brief_o and_o as_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v it_o of_o mr._n boyle_n thought_n concern_v thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o like_o all_o his_o be_v great_a and_o strong_a and_o allow_v only_o for_o those_o inaccuracy_n take_v notice_n of_o just_a and_o true_a and_o now_o though_o what_o this_o excellent_a person_n have_v offer_v may_v serve_v to_o let_v in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o light_n into_o the_o distinction_n yet_o since_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n if_o true_a
and_o so_o much_o contest_v whether_o true_a or_o no_o can_v never_o be_v make_v too_o clear_a and_o sometime_o a_o different_a though_o not_o better_o representation_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v contribute_v to_o its_o further_a illustration_n every_o reader_n have_v his_o particular_a point_n of_o view_n so_o as_o that_o the_o very_a ●ame_n notion_n or_o truth_n that_o do_v not_o meet_a with_o he_o in_o one_o posture_n may_v shine_v full_a in_o his_o face_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o success_n in_o another_o i_o shall_v therefore_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o mr._n boyle_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o light_n venture_v to_o set_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n concern_v this_o weighty_a point_n apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o think_v the_o other_o account_v most_o defective_a 14._o and_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a either_o to_o clear_a or_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n since_o it_o may_v be_v both_o again_o demand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o what_o repugnant_a and_o again_o dispute_v whether_o incomprehensible_a and_o repugnant_a be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o this_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v then_o too_o gross_a and_o general_a to_o be_v rest_v in_o and_o we_o must_v be_v therefore_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a in_o our_o explanation_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v more_o clear_n 15._o however_o since_o general_n be_v to_o go_v before_o and_o do_v also_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o particular_n i_o shall_v first_o propose_v the_o general_a idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o then_o particularize_v upon_o that_o idea_n by_o open_v and_o unfold_a more_o distinct_o and_o explicit_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o by_o so_o compare_v and_o collate_v together_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o notion_n as_o to_o show_v the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o work_n of_o the_o explanatory_n and_o justificatory_a part_n suppose_v that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o distinction_n than_o only_o to_o have_v the_o member_n of_o it_o well_o explain_v for_o if_o the_o idea_n of_o above_o reason_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o idea_n of_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o explanation_n of_o they_o will_v show_v that_o it_o be_v than_o the_o distinction_n proceed_v upon_o a_o real_a difference_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a and_o good_a distinction_n 16._o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n then_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o such_o as_o reason_n of_o itself_o can_v discover_v but_o such_o as_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o conceive_v such_o as_o it_o can_v and_o do_v actual_o comprehend_v and_o that_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o in_o other_o word_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o then_o contrary_a to_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v positive_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n 17._o but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o particular_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v upon_o the_o first_o part_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o word_n reason_n here_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a operation_n of_o that_o namely_o perception_n by_o comprehend_v here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o by_o perceive_v so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o understanding_n can_v perceive_v but_o then_o when_o we_o say_v can_v perceive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o grammatical_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a but_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o concern_v faith_n and_o then_o again_o when_o we_o say_v that_o above_o reason_n be_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v or_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n this_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n so_o that_o as_o many_o truth_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o can_v thus_o thorough_o comprehend_v and_o pursue_v throughout_o all_o their_o consequence_n and_o relation_n to_o other_o truth_n for_o then_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n but_o only_o of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n of_o those_o immediate_a idea_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n suppose_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n consist_v and_o which_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n not_o because_o the_o simple_a and_o direct_a mean_v of_o its_o term_n be_v unintelligible_a or_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comprehensible_a in_o its_o remote_a and_o utmost_a extent_n but_o pure_o because_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o idea_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o that_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v their_o union_n intuitive_o and_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_fw-la whereby_o to_o compare_v they_o so_o as_o to_o discern_v their_o union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o science_n and_o demonstration_n 18._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o explanation_n that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v impossible_a than_o such_o as_o appear_v contrary_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n this_o be_v the_o more_o general_n and_o absolute_a idea_n whereof_o the_o two_o other_o be_v but_o instance_n and_o specification_n for_o than_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v impossible_a when_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o or_o be_v unite_v which_o may_v be_v either_o because_o of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o with_o themselves_o so_o as_o mutual_o to_o exclude_v each_o other_o as_o in_o a_o contradiction_n or_o because_o of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o other_o truth_n with_o which_o it_o can_v comport_v or_o in_o other_o word_n either_o because_o one_o of_o the_o idea_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o or_o because_o the_o union_n of_o both_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o truth_n or_o other_o which_o therefore_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v which_o truth_n will_v be_v indeed_o either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o perceive_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a when_o we_o perceive_v that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o and_o that_o either_o immediate_o by_o the_o very_a inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o or_o mediate_o by_o the_o repugnance_n that_o they_o carry_v to_o some_o other_o truth_n whether_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n which_o repugnance_n i_o take_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o suppose_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o union_n of_o such_o idea_n and_o that_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o principle_n or_o such_o a_o conclusion_n be_v true_a as_o be_v suppose_v then_o such_o idea_n be_v not_o unite_v and_o indeed_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o union_n that_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o that_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v in_o short_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o it_o or_o that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o which_o it_o do_v either_o immediate_o by_o perceive_v the_o direct_a inconsistency_n of_o those_o idea_n or_o mediate_o by_o perceive_v their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o evident_a and_o incontestable_a truth_n
or_o other_o whether_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n for_o the_o way_n and_o method_n be_v the_o same_o in_o know_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a or_o impossible_a as_o in_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a and_o according_o as_o the_o process_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v either_o immediate_a or_o mediate_v in_o the_o latter_a so_o be_v it_o also_o in_o the_o former_a but_o though_o there_o be_v these_o different_a way_n of_o perceive_v the_o impossiblity_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v in_o the_o general_n perception_n of_o its_o impossibility_n and_o not_o in_o the_o several_a way_n of_o it_o that_o its_o contrariety_n to_o reason_n must_v be_v make_v formal_o to_o consist_v even_o as_o it_o be_v show_v before_o of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v make_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n and_o not_o in_o this_o or_o that_o determinate_a manner_n of_o perceive_v it_o which_o indeed_o serve_v afterward_o to_o distinguish_v knowledge_n into_o its_o kind_n as_o suppose_v intuitive_a and_o demonstrative_a but_o do_v not_o enter_v into_o its_o first_o and_o general_a idea_n for_o which_o consideration_n i_o think_v the_o perception_n of_o a_o thing_n impossibility_n do_v better_a express_v its_o contrariety_n to_o reason_n than_o the_o repugnance_n it_o appear_v to_o have_v to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o it_o that_o be_v only_o as_o i_o say_v before_o a_o instance_n and_o specification_n and_o but_o one_o single_a one_o too_o of_o its_o impossibility_n 19_o so_o now_o we_o be_v arrive_v to_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a conception_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_o perceive_v or_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o then_o contrary_a to_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v perceive_v that_o it_o can_v be_v or_o be_v impossible_a as_o to_o give_v a_o plain_a and_o sensible_a instance_n of_o each_o of_o these_o that_o the_o side_n of_o a_o hyperbola_n shall_v be_v always_o approach_v to_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o never_o meet_v though_o continue_v to_o infinity_n be_v a_o proposition_n of_o unquestioned_a certainty_n in_o geometry_n and_o yet_o such_o as_o pass_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n to_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o now_o that_o a_o triangle_n shall_v have_v parallel_n sides_n be_v not_o only_o above_o reason_n but_o direct_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o here_o the_o understanding_n be_v not_o only_o at_o a_o loss_n to_o comprehend_v how_o it_o may_v be_v but_o do_v positive_o and_o evident_o perceive_v that_o it_o can_v be_v it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a that_o a_o figure_n of_o three_o line_n shall_v have_v its_o side_n parallel_v to_o each_o other_o 20._o now_o though_o by_o this_o explanation_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_v the_o difference_n between_o they_o be_v already_o obvious_a even_o to_o the_o eye_n and_o stare_v a_o man_n in_o the_o very_a face_n like_o thing_n of_o great_a inequality_n who_o disproportion_n appear_v at_o view_n without_o measure_v they_o yet_o for_o further_a satisfaction_n be_v sake_n and_o to_o make_v the_o matter_n as_o plain_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n to_o all_o but_o those_o who_o either_o have_v not_o or_o will_v not_o use_v their_o understanding_n let_v we_o a_o little_a compare_v these_o idea_n together_o thereby_o the_o better_a to_o illustrate_v their_o difference_n 21._o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o the_o idea_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v two_o real_o distinct_a idea_n and_o that_o one_o be_v not_o the_o other_o this_o immediate_o appear_v from_o the_o very_a direct_a view_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o for_o what_o can_v be_v more_o plain_a than_o that_o not_o to_o comprehend_v how_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v and_o to_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v be_v two_o different_a thing_n and_o what_o better_a way_n have_v we_o to_o know_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o that_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o be_v not_o the_o idea_n of_o another_o but_o then_o beside_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o formal_o different_a from_o each_o other_o but_o have_v also_o different_a property_n and_o character_n belong_v to_o they_o and_o such_o too_o as_o be_v exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o which_o therefore_o do_v manifest_o show_v the_o idea_n to_o which_o they_o belong_v to_o be_v distinct_a for_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n imply_v only_o a_o negation_n the_o not_o comprehend_v how_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v but_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n imply_v the_o position_n of_o a_o intellectual_a act_n the_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v again_o in_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o proposition_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v whereas_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v and_o that_o to_o be_v false_a and_o impossible_a again_o in_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o mind_n determine_v nothing_o concern_v the_o object_n propose_v whether_o it_o be_v true_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v false_a whether_o it_o be_v possible_a or_o whether_o it_o be_v impossible_a all_o that_o she_o determine_v be_v concern_v she_o own_o act_n that_o she_o do_v not_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v but_o whether_o it_o be_v or_o not_o that_o she_o do_v not_o affirm_v but_o hold_v herself_o in_o a_o perfect_a suspense_n but_o now_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n the_o mind_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o positive_a and_o decisive_a and_o do_v determine_v as_o bold_o and_o free_o as_o in_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o according_a to_o it_o whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v something_o more_o than_o to_o be_v above_o it_o and_o that_o the_o mind_n proceed_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o in_o the_o former_a than_o in_o the_o latter_a the_o language_n of_o the_o soul_n in_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v only_o how_o can_v these_o thing_n be_v but_o in_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n she_o be_v positive_a and_o dogmatical_a roundly_o pronounce_v this_o can_v be_v so_o that_o unless_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o a_o negation_n and_o a_o positive_a act_n between_o the_o ignorance_n or_o non-perception_a of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o know_v it_o to_o be_v false_a between_o suspension_n and_o a_o peremptory_a determination_n between_o a_o great_a and_o a_o less_o it_o be_v most_o undeniable_o evident_a that_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n be_v not_o only_o real_o but_o wide_o different_a and_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v one_o thing_n and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v another_o 22._o if_o it_o be_v pretend_v as_o some_o perhaps_o may_v be_v likely_a to_o object_n that_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n imply_v a_o negation_n as_o well_o as_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v there_o suppose_a to_o be_v comprehend_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v false_a and_o can_v be_v and_o that_o therefore_o they_o agree_v in_o one_o of_o the_o main_a instance_n of_o their_o difference_n to_o this_o the_o answer_n be_v clear_a and_o full._n i_o grant_v there_o be_v a_o negation_n in_o one_o as_o well_o as_o the_o other_o but_o then_o i_o distinguish_v of_o negation_n there_o be_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o act_n and_o a_o negation_n of_o the_o object_n contrary_n to_o reason_n do_v indeed_o imply_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o object_n that_o be_v it_o imply_v a_o separation_n and_o dis-union_n of_o certain_a idea_n as_o inconsistent_a and_o incompatible_a one_o with_o another_o but_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o negation_n of_o the_o act_n but_o the_o quite_o contrary_a because_o the_o understanding_n be_v here_o suppose_a positive_o to_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n and_o withal_o the_o impossibility_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o do_v in_o thing_n above_o reason_n wherein_o the_o negation_n be_v that_o of_o the_o act._n so_o that_o this_o first_o and_o great_a difference_n between_o they_o stand_v firm_a and_o good_a 23._o and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o justify_v the_o reality_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n both_o by_o the_o explanation_n and_o collation_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o which_o thereby_o appear_v to_o consist_v of_o idea_n as_o different_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v i_o may_v further_o proceed_v to_o do_v the_o same_o by_o produce_v some_o instance_n of_o thing_n confess_o above_o reason_n that_o be_v also_o notwithstanding_o as_o confess_o true_a for_o if_o any_o one_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v yet_o find_v
idea_n of_o extension_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o virtual_o eminent_o and_o modo_fw-la intelligibili_fw-la answer_v to_o extension_n and_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v by_o mr._n malebranch_n l'_fw-mi ètendue_v intelligibl●_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o matter_n or_o body_n and_o imitable_a or_o participable_a by_o it_o according_a to_o those_o limitation_n and_o imperfection_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o be_v and_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o this_o its_o idea_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o express_v myself_o to_o the_o conception_n of_o every_o reader_n but_o i_o be_o sufficient_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o myself_o and_o whoever_o be_v not_o much_o want_v either_o in_o metaphysic_n or_o in_o attention_n can_v i_o think_v well_o miss_v my_o mean_v 23_o now_o the_o use_n that_o i_o make_v of_o this_o speculation_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v this_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o that_o divine_a essence_n according_a to_o some_o certain_a limitation_n and_o inadequate_a consideration_n of_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o creature_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n because_o however_o true_o divine_a and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o consider_v according_a to_o certain_a abstraction_n and_o limitation_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v idea_n do_v require_v and_o according_o such_o idea_n be_v ordinary_o say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a for_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v he_o though_o essential_a to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o creature_n who_o be_v finite_a they_o be_v indeed_o divine_a idea_n because_o essential_a to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o creature_n and_o be_v representative_a of_o they_o of_o creature_n therefore_o they_o be_v the_o idea_n and_o god_n in_o see_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o see_v himself_o though_o they_o be_v of_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v creature_n because_o though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o according_a to_o such_o precision_n limitation_n and_o inadequation_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v expressive_a and_o representative_a of_o their_o finite_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o reality_n which_o these_o idea_n represent_v be_v finite_a so_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o as_o finite_a too_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infinite_a consider_v as_o infinite_a shall_v be_v representative_a of_o what_o be_v finite_a and_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v finite_a so_o be_v they_o also_o by_o consequence_n so_o proportionate_a and_o of_o a_o measure_n so_o adjust_v to_o finite_a understanding_n as_o to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o and_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o comprehension_n which_o must_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v conclude_v of_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o experiment_n answer_v the_o theory_n we_o find_v that_o not_o only_o contingent_a truth_n that_o regard_v only_o the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n such_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n human_a event_n etc._n etc._n but_o even_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o which_o be_v ideal_o and_o necessary_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o abstract_a reason_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o in_o metaphysic_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o which_o science_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o we_o well_o understand_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n and_o conception_n 24._o but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o first_o order_n nor_o with_o their_o truth_n though_o those_o divine_a idea_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n be_v both_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o limit_a understanding_n which_o indeed_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o science_n yet_o these_o absolute_a idea_n which_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v neither_o finite_a nor_o comprehensible_a for_o these_o idea_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o separately_z consider_v according_o to_o its_o simple_a and_o absolute_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n or_o as_o representative_a of_o any_o reality_n out_o of_o itself_o and_o according_o god_n in_o contemplate_v these_o idea_n of_o he_o may_v be_v true_o and_o strict_o say_v to_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o do_v as_o real_o contemplate_v god_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n beside_o or_o out_o of_o itself_o these_o idea_n therefore_o be_v strict_o infinite_a because_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v be_v so_o and_o consequent_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o finite_a and_o consequent_o by_o human_a understanding_n god_n only_o can_v comprehend_v these_o idea_n and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o can_v comprehend_v himself_o human_a reason_n indeed_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v such_o idea_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o be_v withal_o able_a to_o discern_v enough_o of_o they_o to_o raise_v her_o great_a wonder_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o make_v she_o despise_v all_o other_o intelligible_a object_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr and_o the_o angelic_a spirit_n that_o wait_v about_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o better_a light_n be_v able_a to_o see_v yet_o more_o of_o they_o but_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v comprehend_v they_o full_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o other_o idea_n be_v finite_a and_o comprehensible_a these_o be_v true_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n above_o propose_v of_o each_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o finite_a and_o as_o narrow_o bound_v as_o they_o be_v we_o have_v a_o very_a distinct_a view_n of_o it_o we_o perceive_v it_o we_o comprehend_v it_o among_o all_o intelligible_a object_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a nor_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o exact_a notion_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v all_o that_o peculiar_a clearness_n evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o geometric_a science_n which_o alone_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v free_a from_o dispute_n and_o without_o contestation_n to_o find_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o other_o seek_v after_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o have_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o notion_n of_o its_o general_a subject_n extension_n but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o 139._o divine_a immensity_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o have_v a_o clear_a conception_n of_o that_o that_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o contemplate_v this_o vast_a idea_n but_o we_o enter_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n or_o rather_o into_o such_o a_o overshining_a and_o insupportable_a light_n as_o dazzle_v and_o blind_v our_o eye_n yea_o hurt_n and_o pain_n they_o till_o they_o can_v no_o long_o endure_v to_o gaze_v but_o be_v force_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o either_o by_o let_v down_o their_o weary_a lid_n suspense_n of_o thought_n or_o by_o turn_v their_o view_n upon_o less_o glorious_a object_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o other_o idea_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o wade_v in_o a_o river_n where_o we_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o bottom_n and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o pretty_a way_n together_o smooth_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n only_o now_o and_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o intangle_a weed_n that_o let_v and_o incumber_n our_o progress_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o main_a sea_n at_o the_o very_a first_o plunge_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o a_o abyss_n
supposition_n of_o reason_n not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n will_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o say_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o consequence_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a thus_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a as_o thus_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o that_o deny_v this_o latter_a consequence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n or_o concession_n of_o this_o latter_a principle_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o be_v this_o because_o in_o deny_v the_o latter_a consequence_n he_o suppose_n the_o former_a principle_n which_o principle_n therefore_o must_v as_o much_o inter_v the_o consequence_n that_o suppose_v it_o viz._n that_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v no_o warrant_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a 8._o and_o because_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n as_o already_o lay_v and_o therefore_o to_o show_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v even_o now_o say_v to_o that_o purpose_n need_v only_o add_v this_o further_a remark_n that_o since_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o since_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v consist_v together_o or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o once_o true_a and_o incomprehensible_a but_o now_o there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o reason_v a_o more_o certain_a or_o more_o evident_a maxim_n than_o this_o that_o that_o which_o be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o will_v be_v suppose_v it_o be_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v object_v against_o the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sense_n since_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n rise_v and_o set_v and_o move_v round_o about_o we_o it_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v that_o suppose_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n do_v real_o move_v these_o appearance_n will_v yet_o be_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v now_o since_o sail_v 14._o as_o we_o do_v between_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n as_o a_o late_a writer_n express_v it_o not_o the_o ship_n in_o which_o we_o be_v but_o the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o will_v seem_v to_o move_v and_o it_o be_v most_o 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incomprehensible_a but_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v evidence_n at_o large_a abstract_v from_o internal_a or_o external_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v some_o evidence_n or_o other_o either_o internal_a or_o external_n or_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o see_v plain_o to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o within_o or_o from_o without_o in_o short_a what_o we_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o assent_v to_o than_o the_o maxim_n be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o will_v hold_v universal_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n too_o which_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n and_o so_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o proceedt_v upon_o as_o much_o though_o not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o any_o other_o conclusion_n do_v and_o that_o even_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o incomprehensible_a thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a nay_o impossible_a to_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n according_a to_o a_o say_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o st._n austin_n in_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o can_v not_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n if_o reason_n itself_o do_v not_o persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o believe_v although_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o comprehend_v they_o so_o then_o in_o ●hort_a if_o this_o maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a be_v understand_v of_o internal_a evidence_n then_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n wherein_o thing_n intrinsical_o inevident_a be_v assent_v to_o but_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o evidence_n at_o large_a then_o ●tis_o true_a not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o as_o have_v be_v often_o note_v be_v reasonable_a in_o its_o fund_z and_o principle_n and_o who_o evidence_n must_v be_v clear_a though_o its_o object_n may_v be_v obscure_a 14._o in_o this_o large_a therefore_o and_o indefinite_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_n the_o maxim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o liberty_n of_o suspension_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o all_o thing_n consider_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a appear_v evident_a to_o we_o what_o by_o some_o light_n or_o other_o we_o see_v and_o plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v true_a and_o what_o in_o one_o word_n we_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n either_o from_o within_o or_o from_o without_o to_o assent_v to_o according_a to_o that_o well_o know_a sentence_n wherewith_o des_n cartes_n conclude_v his_o wonderful_a system_n nihilque_fw-la ab_fw-la ullo_fw-la credi_n velim_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsi_fw-la evidens_fw-la &_o invicta_fw-la ratio_fw-la persuadebit_fw-la i_o will_v have_v nothing_o believe_v by_o any_o one_o but_o what_o by_o evident_a and_o irresistible_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o certain_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o shall_v desire_v more_o for_o to_o assent_v without_o evidence_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o other_o that_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o assent_v without_o a_o why_o or_o wherefore_o and_o to_o assent_v so_o be_v to_o assent_v without_o reason_n which_o again_o be_v to_o assent_v not_o as_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o as_o man_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n can_v require_v such_o a_o assent_n to_o assent_v therefore_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o some_o consideration_n or_o other_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o embrace_v as_o true_a be_v certain_o a_o maxim_n of_o unquestionable_a truth_n and_o of_o universal_a extent_n that_o hold_v in_o all_o matter_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o faith_n in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n will_v be_v the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool._n 15._o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n wherein_o des_n cartes_n intend_v his_o maxim_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o maxim_n itself_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o which_o as_o all_o know_v who_o be_v not_o utter_a stranger_n to_o or_o very_o negligent_a reader_n of_o his_o book_n be_v the_o bring_n in_o and_o obtrude_a so_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o vulgar_a philosophy_n whereof_o the_o introducer_n of_o they_o have_v such_o confuse_v notion_n and_o of_o who_o reality_n and_o existence_n they_o have_v no_o firm_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o assure_v they_o such_o as_o substantial_a form_n real_o inhere_v accident_n and_o quality_n and_o the_o like_a which_o serve_v rather_o to_o darken_v than_o clear_v up_o the_o science_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o thousand_o error_n in_o the_o superstructure_n that_o be_v raise_v upon_o those_o imaginary_a and_o chimerical_a principle_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o as_o a_o remedy_n for_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o fundamental_a maxim_n to_o be_v careful_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o whole_a intellectual_a progress_n never_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o be_v to_o nothing_o but_o of_o who_o truth_n and_o reality_n they_o be_v full_o assure_v and_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o maxim_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o its_o author_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a and_o that_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o present_a conclusion_n with_o which_o as_o thus_o explain_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a for_o it_o be_v now_o very_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n according_a to_o this_o cartesian_a maxim_n assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a because_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v external_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o external_n evidence_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n internal_o inevident_a be_v no_o contradiction_n 16._o which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v as_o well_o the_o injustice_n as_o the_o impertinence_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o maxim_n as_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o traduce_v the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n as_o favourable_a to_o and_o look_v with_o a_o very_a propitious_a aspect_n upon_o sociniani●●_n and_o indeed_o as_o little_o better_a than_o a_o introduction_n to_o it_o only_o because_o it_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o conception_n and_o of_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a but_o most_o of_o all_o 3_o of_o those_o who_o proceed_v even_o to_o traduce_v the_o author_n himself_o as_o a_o secret_a friend_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n it_o will_v have_v be_v indeed_o a_o considerable_a glory_n and_o advantage_n to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o interest_n to_o have_v have_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o but_o he_o certain_o be_v not_o if_o with_o his_o word_n he_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o his_o real_a thought_n which_o will_v be_v great_a uncharity_n to_o question_n and_o with_o a_o witness_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v not_o evident_a 17._o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a master_n in_o the_o rational_a way_n but_o no_o magnifier_n or_o exalter_n of_o human_a reason_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v the_o most_o inward_a and_o feel_a sense_n of_o its_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o the_o best_a to_o have_v understand_v what_o a_o poor_a little_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o any_o one_o in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v abundant_o collect_v from_o several_a passage_n in_o his_o write_n beside_o that_o the_o whole_a vein_n of_o they_o run_v that_o way_n particular_o those_o two_o final_a sentence_n wherewith_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o metaphysic_n at_o nihilominus_fw-la memor_fw-la meaetenuitatis_fw-la nihil_fw-la affirmo_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o naturae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la infirmitas_fw-la est_fw-la agnoscenda_fw-la which_o plain_o show_v what_o a_o low_a debase_v sense_n he_o have_v both_o of_o himself_o and_o of_o
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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a proposition_n almost_o in_o term_n of_o my_o four_o chapter_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examineed_a and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n may_v or_o 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incapacity_n of_o the_o creature_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n afford_v sufficient_a ground_n for_o incredulity_n or_o justify_v man_n in_o their_o reject_v divine_a revelation_n and_o impeach_v the_o veracity_n or_o providence_n of_o the_o creator_n with_o which_o weighty_a and_o to_o the_o present_a purpose_n very_o pertinent_a word_n of_o this_o worthy_a author_n i_o seal_v up_o my_o own_o and_o leave_v they_o both_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o reader_n finis_fw-la correction_n page_n 176._o line_n 22._o after_o describe_v read_v it_o p._n 250._o l._n 11._o r._n confute_v p._n 206._o l._n 17._o after_o perfection_n r._n be_v as_o p._n 273._o l._n 1._o r._n proceed_v p._n 287._o l._n 12._o for_o as_o his_o vicar_n do_v r._n whatever_o his_o vicar_n may_v do_v p._n 289._o l._n 23._o after_o or_o r._n as_o p._n 292._o l._n 9_o r._n scrutiny_n p._n 303._o l._n 17._o r._n christian._n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n in_o cornhill_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n a_o collection_n of_o miscellany_n consist_v of_o poem_n essay_n discourse_n and_o letter_n in_o large_a 8_o o_o theory_n and_o regulation_n of_o love_n a_o moral_a essay_n in_o two_o part_n to_o which_o be_v add_v letter_n philosophical_a and_o moral_a between_o the_o author_n and_o dr._n more_o the_o 2_o d._n edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o the_o beatitude_n of_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n jesus_n christ._n to_o which_o be_v add_v reflection_n upon_o a_o late_a essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n vol._n i._n the_o three_o edition_n in_o 8_o o_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n ii_o practical_a discourse_n upon_o several_a divine_a subject_n vol._n iii_o letter_n philosophical_a moral_a and_o divine_a to_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n with_o his_o answer_n in_o 8_o o_o treatise_n upon_o several_a subject_n former_o print_v single_o now_o collect_v into_o one_o volume_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n in_o 8_o o._n large_a these_o eight_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n john_n norris_n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n a_o treatise_n of_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o christ._n show_v the_o ungodly_a their_o contempt_n of_o christ_n in_o their_o contempt_n of_o the_o sacramental_a covenant_v with_o a_o preface_n chief_o design_v for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o dissenter_n and_o to_o exhort_v all_o man_n to_o peace_n and_o unity_n in_o 8_o o_o a_o explication_n of_o the_o creed_n the_o 10_o commandment_n and_o the_o lord_n prayer_n with_o the_o addition_n of_o some_o form_n of_o prayer_n price_n 1_v 6d_o a_o dialogue_n betwixt_o two_o protestant_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o popish_a catechism_n call_v a_o short_a catechism_n against_o the_o sectary_n plain_o show_v that_o the_o member_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n be_v no_o sectary_n but_o true_a catholic_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 2s_n poetic_a miscellany_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o the_o christian_a monitor_n the_o nineteen_o edition_n price_n 3d._n have_v already_o sell_v 95_o thousand_o and_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o and_o so_o proportionable_o for_o a_o small_a quantity_n these_o five_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n jo._n rawlet_n a_o essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n in_o four_o book_n the_o three_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o io._n locke_n gent._n folio_n malebranch_n search_v after_o truth_n complete_a in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o o._n to_o the_o 2_o d._n be_v add_v the_o author_n defence_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o m._n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr ville_fw-fr also_o the_o life_n of_o f_o malebranch_n do_v out_o of_o french_a by_o mr._n sault_n christian_n conference_n demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o morality_n by_o f._n malebranch_n practical_a discourse_n on_o the_o pararable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o f._n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o new_a voyage_n into_o italy_n with_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o same_o by_o max._n misson_n in_o 2_o vol._n do_v out_o of_o french_a and_o illustrate_v with_o sculp_v the_o roman_a history_n from_o the_o build_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o perfect_a settlement_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o augustus_n caesar._n by_o sa._n echard_n the_o 2_o d._n edition_n with_o amendment_n a_o full_a large_a and_o general_a phrase_n book_n by_o vv._n robertson_n a._n m._n price_n 5s_n bind_v reflection_n on_o the_o good_a temp●_n and_o fair_a deal_v of_o the_o animadverter_n upon_o d._n sherlock_n vindication_n or_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 4_o o._n price_n 6d_o essay_n of_o michael_n seignieur_n de_fw-fr montaigne_n in_o 3_o book_n do_v into_o english_a by_o c._n cotton_n esq_n in_o three_o vol._n a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n by_o vv._n beveridge_n d._n d._n the_o eleven_o edition_n price_n 3d_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n price_n 6d_o a_o new_a voyage_n to_o the_o levant_n contain_v remarkable_a curiosity_n in_o germany_n france_n italy_n malta_n &_o turkey_n by_o the_o sieur_n de_fw-fr mont._n the_o second_o edition_n price_n 5s_n 5s_n see_v mrs._n bourignon_n be_v work_n at_o large_a particular_o vol._n 7._o part_n 2d_o pag._n 193._o as_o also_o mr._n poiret_n be_v oeconomic_a divine_a vol._n 5._o p._n 338._o luk._n 18._o 8._o rom._n 11._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o joh._n 15._o 2._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 2_o pet._n 2._o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o metaphysical_a meditat._n philoso_n contract_n p._n 242._o recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr veritè_fw-fr liv._o 1._o p._n 10._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o 22_o ●_o q._n 1._o art_n 1._o chap._n 7._o artic._n 9_o tom._n 9_o p._n 107._o 2_o pet._n 5._o heb._n 11._o 1._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 4._o heb._n 11._o 8._o joh._n 〈◊〉_d 40._o avis_n stir_v le_fw-fr table●●_n du_fw-fr socinianism_n traité_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 14_o l'_fw-mi art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr p._n 432._o cogit_fw-la rational_a de_fw-fr deo_fw-la p._n 296._o mr._n malebranche_fw-mi malebranche_fw-mi veritas_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la incommutabilis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la dicitur_fw-la in_o principio_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la erat_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la s._n austin_n in_o psal._n 123._o job_n 11._o 7._o psal._n 97._o 2._o rom._n 11._o 33._o 33._o i_o the_o rather_o instance_n in_o the_o divine_a immensity_n because_o the_o devout_a psalmist_n do_v herein_o particularise_v his_o ignorance_n make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o astonishment_n rather_o than_o his_o curiosity_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o psal._n 139._o ●erardi_fw-la de_fw-la vries_n prasessoris_fw-la v●tra●_n 〈◊〉_d exercitationes_fw-la rationales_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la divinisque_fw-la perfectoinibus_fw-la pag._n 248._o psal._n 4._o le_fw-fr clerk_n physics_n pag._n 14._o 〈…〉_z recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verité_fw-fr tom._n 2._o p._n 165._o 〈…〉_z psal._n 32._o 10._o 〈…〉_z christianity_n not_o my●ter_n p._n 90._o serm._n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n life_n of_o christ_n p._n 184._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o p._n 379._o