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 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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
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 and_o hitherto_o they_o run_v parallel_v one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o here_o begin_v both_o the_o difference_n and_o the_o disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v clearness_n and_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o science_n and_o that_o second_o assent_n whereas_o there_o be_v none_o on_o the_o side_n of_o faith_n which_o walk_v indeed_o upon_o firm_a ground_n but_o altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o he_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o give_v his_o assent_n because_o either_o by_o sense_n or_o reason_n he_o perceive_v the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o but_o mere_o because_o he_o have_v the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o firm_a and_o certain_a be_v yet_o however_o not_o enough_o to_o beget_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a assent_n so_o that_o the_o great_a and_o distinguish_a character_n of_o science_n and_o the_o second_o assent_n be_v light_n and_o evidence_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n which_o according_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o seem_v not_o common_o to_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v and_o for_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o depend_v upon_o the_o right_n state_v of_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n 13._o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o the_o reason_n or_o motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o even_o as_o in_o knowledge_n we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n know_v and_o the_o argument_n or_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v the_o scitum_fw-la and_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la sciendi_fw-la the_o thing_n believe_v i_o will_v call_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o will_v call_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n aquinas_n i_o know_v call_v they_o both_o object_n 1._o and_o then_o after_o distinguish_v they_o by_o call_v the_o former_a the_o material_a object_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n according_o he_o say_v that_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o truth_n mean_v as_o he_o afterward_o explain_v himself_o that_o faith_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n which_o medium_fw-la i_o choose_v rather_o to_o call_v and_o i_o think_v more_o intelligible_o the_o formal_a reason_n than_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o term_n object_n seem_v more_o proper_o to_o design_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o be_v hardly_o applicable_a to_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v however_o since_o we_o both_o mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o need_v be_v no_o debate_n upon_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v it_o especial_o since_o if_o any_o one_o think_v his_o term_n more_o intelligible_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o notion_n intend_v by_o it_o or_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o substitute_v it_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o other_o 14._o this_o necessary_a distinction_n be_v premise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v well_o heed_v that_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o obscure_a and_o inevident_a assent_n this_o obscurity_n or_o inevidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o there_o may_v be_v in_o general_a a_o clear_a reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v a_o obscure_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o formal_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o assent_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n be_v very_o clear_a for_o this_o formal_a reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o since_o this_o include_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o of_o what_o authority_n will_v be_v the_o revelation_n i_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v joint_o make_v up_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o according_o proceed_v upon_o this_o double_a principle_n 1._o that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a 2._o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o faith_n have_v its_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o science_n though_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o its_o reason_n be_v these_o two_o as_o will_n more_o distinct_o appear_v by_o dispose_v the_o process_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n which_o will_v be_v this_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o syllogism_n contain_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o a_o ground_n which_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o illative_a particle_n therefore_o the_o two_o other_o proposition_n contain_v the_o ground_n itself_o or_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n which_o you_o see_v consist_v of_o the_o double_a principle_n beforementioned_a now_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v both_o of_o they_o sufficient_o clear_a or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v so_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v either_o the_o light_n of_o a_o principle_n or_o of_o a_o conclusion_n either_o a_o immediate_a or_o a_o mediate_v evidence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a and_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v so_o whenever_o our_o faith_n be_v wellgrounded_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v common_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a in_o its_o fund_z and_o principle_n and_o do_v at_o last_o resolve_n as_o much_o as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n into_o a_o rational_a ground_n of_o unquestionable_a light_n and_o evidence_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o a_o conclusion_n in_o geometry_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o within_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whereas_o our_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o without_o viz._n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o however_o in_o light_n and_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o other_o 15._o this_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n above_o reason_n run_v out_o into_o a_o popular_a veâ—â—_n of_o harangue_n about_o the_o reasonable_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o great_a accommodation_n to_o human_a nature_n cry_v out_o with_o repeat_v importunity_n that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n christianity_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n nay_o even_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o the_o like_a as_o if_o we_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o as_o if_o because_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n from_o without_o for_o believe_v therefore_o the_o thing_n believe_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n so_o as_o
much_o heathenize_v religion_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v also_o very_o deserve_o retire_v behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o decline_v come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o fear_v the_o absurdity_n and_o monstrous_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n in_o that_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n in_o evangelical_n christianity_n that_o need_v fly_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o it_o christian_n religion_n be_v all_o over_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v too_o reasonable_a a_o master_n to_o impose_v any_o other_o or_o to_o require_v as_o his_o vicar_n do_v that_o man_n shall_v follow_v he_o blindfold_a and_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n no_o he_o that_o miraculous_o give_v sight_n to_o so_o many_o have_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o pleasure_n in_o the_o blind_a nor_o have_v his_o divine_a religion_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o judge_n or_o professor_n for_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a wisdom_n the_o divine_a word_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o all_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o measure_n of_o sound_a discourse_n or_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v true_o opposite_a to_o right_a reason_n hour_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v above_o it_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v theological_o true_a which_o be_v philosophical_o false_a as_o some_o with_o great_a profoundness_n be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v for_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o true_o from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o light_n may_v exceed_v and_o outshine_v the_o former_a it_o can_v never_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o god_n as_o the_o sovereign_a truth_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n and_o as_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nay_o to_o descend_v some_o degree_n below_o this_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o be_v against_o reason_n but_o even_o what_o be_v without_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o require_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n especial_o from_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n 5._o we_o therefore_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o it_o there_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unfair_o do_v of_o our_o adversary_n so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a as_o they_o do_v for_o i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n i_o do_v know_v which_o in_o those_o that_o suggest_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v plain_o by_o run_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o vein_n to_o imply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o whether_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o no._n but_o now_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o little_a for_o a_o senseless_a and_o irrational_a faith_n as_o they_o can_v be_v this_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o popular_a declamatory_n strain_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n whereas_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o deliberation_n because_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n the_o only_a considerable_a thing_n then_o here_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o author_n or_o no._n and_o here_o reason_n be_v to_o clear_v her_o eye_n put_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o best_a light_n call_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o head_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o sincerity_n that_o she_o can_v but_o as_o to_o the_o comprehensibility_n or_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o article_n this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o question_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o she_o scrute_v or_o debate_n since_o if_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o her_o comprehension_n it_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o proper_a object_n for_o her_o belief_n 7._o the_o sum_n be_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o therefore_o in_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o thing_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o my_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o i_o as_o from_o god_n all_o that_o my_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v serious_o sober_o diligent_o impartial_o and_o i_o add_v humble_o to_o examine_v whether_o it_o come_v with_o the_o true_a credential_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o real_a author_n or_o no._n this_o be_v all_o that_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o she_o have_v do_v this_o she_o be_v to_o rise_v from_o the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o resign_v it_o to_o faith_n which_o either_o give_v or_o refuse_v her_o assent_n not_o as_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a â—itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o â—hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a
nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o considerable_a argument_n for_o they_o and_o such_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o faith_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o human_a origin_n but_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o what_o do_v so_o very_a much_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v do_v no_o less_o exceed_v his_o ability_n to_o invent_v and_o according_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n for_o which_o some_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v false_a be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o a_o very_a rational_a author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v how_o he_o manage_n it_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o they_o 〈…〉_z the_o more_o obscure_a be_v our_o mystery_n strange_a paradox_n the_o more_o credible_a they_o now_o appear_v to_o i_o yes_o i_o find_v even_o 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so_o many_o different_a nation_n the_o more_o this_o adorable_a mystery_n appear_v monstrous_a suffer_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o it_o shock_n human_a reason_n the_o more_o the_o imagination_n mutiny_n against_o it_o the_o more_o obscure_a incomprehensibâ—â—_n and_o impenetrable_a it_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v natural_o insiâ—â—ate_v itself_o into_o the_o mind_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o christian_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o distant_a country_n never_o do_v the_o same_o error_n spread_v universal_o especial_o such_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o so_o strange_o offend_v the_o imagination_n which_o have_v nothing_o sensible_a in_o they_o and_o which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o most_o simple_a and_o common_a notion_n if_o jesus_n â—hrist_n do_v not_o watch_n over_o his_o church_n the_o number_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z will_v quick_o exceed_v that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d orthodox_n christian_n for_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o sentiment_n 〈…〉_z that_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z the_o mind_n and_o 〈…〉_z that_o 〈…〉_z to_o our_o understand_n may_v establish_v themselves_o in_o time_n but_o that_o a_o truth_n so_o sublime_a so_o far_o remove_v from_o sense_n so_o cross_a to_o human_a reason_n so_o contrary_a in_o short_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o be_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v of_o this_o character_n shall_v spread_v itself_o universal_o and_o triumph_n over_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n suppose_v that_o these_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v neither_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o â—aid_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o mystery_n this_o certain_o be_v what_o can_v be_v conceive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heretic_n that_o shall_v oppose_v a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a be_v nothing_o strange_a nor_o be_o i_o surprise_v at_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o shall_v be_v very_o much_o if_o never_o any_o body_n have_v oppose_v it_o this_o truth_n want_v but_o little_a of_o be_v quite_o oppress_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a for_o it_o will_v be_v always_o reckon_v a_o commendable_a undertake_n to_o attaque_fw-la that_o which_o seem_v to_o clash_n with_o reason_n but_o that_o at_o length_n the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n shall_v prevail_v and_o shall_v establish_v itself_o universal_o wherever_o the_o religion_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v receive_v without_o its_o be_v know_v and_o teach_v by_o the_o apostle_n without_o a_o authority_n and_o a_o force_v divine_a there_o needs_o methinks_v but_o a_o ordinary_a measure_n of_o good_a sense_n to_o acknowledge_v that_o nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v less_o probable_a for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o the_o least_o likely_a that_o a_o doctrine_n so_o divine_a so_o above_o reason_n so_o remove_v from_o whatever_o may_v strike_v the_o imagination_n and_o the_o sense_n shall_v natural_o come_v into_o the_o thought_n of_o man._n 3._o you_o see_v here_o how_o this_o excellent_a person_n strike_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n by_o improve_n even_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n into_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o credibility_n of_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v the_o artillery_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o themselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o bold_a achievement_n anâ—_n as_o fortunate_a a_o one_o too_o for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o his_o reason_v but_o i_o need_v not_o push_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o nor_o follow_v so_o home_o into_o the_o enemy_n camp_n as_o to_o plant_v their_o own_o cannon_n against_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n and_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o by_o the_o principle_n before_o establish_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o they_o this_o therefore_o i_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o my_o reason_n mighty_o deceive_v i_o not_o dare_v engage_v final_o to_o stand_v to_o for_o if_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v no_o conclusive_a argument_n against_o either_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o then_o since_o negative_a proposition_n do_v separate_v the_o attribute_n from_o the_o subject_a according_a to_o all_o the_o extent_n which_o the_o subject_n have_v in_o the_o proposition_n what_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v none_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v never_o the_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v 4._o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v beside_o my_o undertake_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v nor_o need_v i_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o question_n since_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o can_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v be_v withal_o so_o abundant_o and_o convince_o make_v good_a by_o those_o able_a hand_n which_o have_v go_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o undertake_v the_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n therefore_o be_v so_o well_o discharge_v already_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o no_o further_o with_o it_o than_o only_a in_o consequence_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o one_o single_a necessary_a remark_n viz._n that_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o just_a objection_n
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religion_n nay_o where_o shall_v one_o expect_v to_o find_v mystery_n if_o not_o there_o where_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o many_o of_o they_o concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o what_o deference_n do_v we_o pay_v to_o god_n more_o than_o man_n if_o either_o we_o suppose_v that_o he_o can_v reveal_v truth_n to_o we_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v or_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o if_o he_o do_v nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v rather_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pay_v he_o so_o much_o since_o we_o think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o receive_v many_o thing_n from_o our_o tutor_n and_o master_n upon_o their_o authority_n only_o though_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v they_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v our_o do_v so_o by_o that_o well_o know_v and_o in_o many_o case_n very_o reasonable_a maxim_n discentem_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n like_o the_o divine_a so_o if_o that_o motto_n become_v any_o school_n it_o be_v that_o of_o christ._n 7._o now_o it_o be_v in_o this_o school_n that_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v scholar_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o be_v such_o opiniative_a and_o uncompliant_a disciple_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sublime_a lecture_n read_v to_o you_o by_o your_o divine_a and_o infallible_a master_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v too_o high_a for_o you_o and_o you_o can_v conceive_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n any_o one_o of_o your_o that_o be_v not_o a_o mathematician_n pardon_v the_o supposition_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o that_o the_o diameter_n of_o a_o square_n be_v incommensurable_a to_o the_o side_n though_o he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o demonstrate_v or_o so_o much_o as_o conceive_v it_o himself_o since_o than_o you_o will_v express_v such_o implicit_a regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o fallible_a though_o learned_a man_n shall_v not_o the_o divine_a weigh_v infinite_o heavy_a with_o you_o and_o since_o you_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o your_o conception_n in_o human_n and_o natural_a science_n why_o be_v you_o so_o violent_o set_v against_o mystery_n in_o religion_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o in_o great_a measure_n the_o object_n too_o 8._o you_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o the_o great_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v incomprehensibility_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o quantity_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v also_o inconceivable_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divide_v infinite_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v again_o that_o as_o be_v part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a possible_o you_o may_v not_o be_v able_a with_o the_o utmost_a certainty_n and_o without_o all_o hesitation_n to_o determine_v which_o that_o be_v but_o however_o you_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o one_o of_o they_o indeterminate_o must_v be_v true_a which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v you_o 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 and_o you_o must_v also_o further_o grant_n that_o god_n who_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a do_v precise_o and_o determinate_o know_v which_o of_o they_o be_v so_o now_o suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v it_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n and_o beside_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o revelation_n who_o great_a design_n be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o speculation_n but_o suppose_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v will_v you_o not_o believe_v it_o
perusal_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o considerate_a reader_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._n of_o reason_n page_n 18._o chapter_n ii_o of_o faith_n p._n 53._o chapter_n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v p._n 100_o chapter_n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 137._o chapter_n v._n that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a p._n 230._o chapter_n vi._n 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 human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 243._o chapter_n vii_o that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o cartesian_a maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a p._n 251._o chapter_n viii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v p._n 282._o chapter_n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n p._n 294._o chapter_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 p._n 307._o postscript_n p._n 339._o the_o introduction_n 1._o among_o the_o various_a conjecture_n man_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n have_v fall_v into_o concern_v the_o last_o event_n we_o have_v have_v 338._o this_o opinion_n not_o long_o since_o advance_v for_o one_o that_o as_o god_n former_o by_o reject_v the_o jew_n make_v way_n for_o the_o gentile_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n he_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o reject_v the_o gentile_n make_v way_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v entire_o corrupt_a and_o all_o over_o anti-christianized_a the_o first_o of_o those_o viol_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v to_o exterminate_v the_o wicked_a and_o usher_v in_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o christendom_n shall_v be_v utter_o dissolve_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v replace_v and_o reestablish_v upon_o its_o ruin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o worthy_a of_o so_o sore_a a_o calamity_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n shall_v not_o only_o great_o depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a power_n of_o the_o evangelic_a spirit_n by_o apostatise_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o both_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o we_o have_v already_o see_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o shall_v even_o lay_v down_o their_o holy_a profession_n renounce_v their_o very_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o turn_v infidel_n upon_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o opinion_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o cast_v a_o very_a suspicious_a aspect_n 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o upon_o the_o former_a do_v also_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o that_o i_o may_v be_v graff_v in_o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o that_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a wither_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n before_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o every_o unfruitful_a branch_n shall_v be_v 2._o 2._o and_o true_o if_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o man_n opinion_n by_o the_o present_a face_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o true_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o right_a key_n of_o prophecy_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o sure_a by_o all_o sign_n and_o appearance_n the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o drive_v this_o way_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fatal_a revolution_n to_o come_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o be_v with_o large_a step_n hasten_v to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n continual_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o unsettled_a and_o undermine_v its_o venerable_a article_n dispute_v and_o ridicule_v and_o by_o what_o a_o slender_a thread_n do_v christianity_n hang_v the_o great_a complaint_n for_o a_o long_a while_n have_v be_v of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n but_o now_o our_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v as_o well_o as_o our_o manner_n and_o we_o every_o day_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o have_v now_o fill_v our_o measure_n and_o be_v every_o way_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n some_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o christian_n other_o allow_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o religion_n deny_v that_o of_o its_o author_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o again_o own_v his_o divinity_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o other_o again_o grant_v that_o and_o the_o other_o point_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v not_o only_o resolve_v into_o mere_a prudential_n reason_n as_o former_o instead_o of_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a order_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o be_v bring_v down_o so_o low_a of_o late_a as_o to_o be_v make_v a_o accommodation_n and_o condescension_n to_o and_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o the_o common_a weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n thus_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o mangle_v and_o dismember_a by_o some_o and_o so_o odd_o and_o insidious_o represent_v by_o other_o that_o between_o they_o both_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v endanger_v and_o a_o ready_a way_n prepare_v to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n 3._o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v any_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o consider_v christian_n or_o prejudice_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n to_o see_v so_o many_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o apostasy_n and_o revolting_n from_o it_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v often_o forewarn_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n wherein_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v resist_v the_o truth_n 3._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n and_o moreover_o that_o they_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2._o even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o christian_n and_o so_o neither_o aught_o the_o poor_a humble_a suffer_v condition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v be_v any_o to_o the_o jew_n since_o this_o also_o be_v plain_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o make_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o present_a suffering_n i_o may_v say_v crucifixion_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o many_o christian_n the_o generality_n of_o which_o measure_n the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o be_v apt_a more_o to_o stagger_v and_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o untoward_a appearance_n of_o any_o event_n than_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n from_o its_o agreement_n with_o ancient_a prophecy_n 4._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o do_v those_o without_o think_v of_o we_o particular_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v some_o that_o neither_o want_n intelligence_n nor_o curiosity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christendom_n what_o a_o confirmation_n must_v it_o be_v to_o these_o man_n in_o their_o infidelity_n to_o see_v christian_n grow_v weary_a of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o holy_a martyr_n shed_v their_o blood_n and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o might_n and_o power_n of_o their_o cruel_a emperor_n can_v it_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 â—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
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
human_a nature_n in_o general_a as_o â—tis_o natural_a for_o every_o man_n to_o have_v more_o and_o more_o the_o wise_a he_o grow_v and_o the_o further_o he_o advance_v in_o knowledge_n which_o when_o all_o be_v do_v provide_v you_o take_v a_o good_a do_v of_o it_o be_v the_o best_a cure_n of_o pride_n and_o vanity_n 18._o and_o as_o he_o have_v thus_o slender_a a_o opinion_n both_o of_o human_a reason_n and_o his_o own_o so_o he_o appear_v to_o have_v have_v also_o at_o the_o same_o such_o a_o high-raised_n and_o elevate_a sense_n of_o the_o immense_a grandeur_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o magnificence_n of_o his_o work_n and_o how_o inscrutable_a the_o profundity_n of_o both_o be_v to_o such_o finite_a and_o contract_a mind_n as_o we_o as_o can_v scarce_o any_o where_o be_v parallel_v two_o character_n certain_o of_o spirit_n that_o be_v none_o of_o the_o apt_a to_o dispose_v a_o man_n to_o socinianism_n but_o not_o to_o dwell_v any_o long_o upon_o rational_a presumption_n there_o be_v a_o certain_a plain_n and_o decide_v place_n in_o the_o write_n of_o this_o great_a man_n which_o one_o will_v think_v have_v escape_v the_o eye_n of_o some_o that_o be_v enough_o forever_o to_o silence_v the_o calumny_n of_o his_o be_v even_o in_o the_o least_o socinianize_v and_o to_o shame_v those_o that_o have_v so_o little_a conscience_n or_o judgement_n as_o to_o stain_v his_o memory_n with_o it_o for_o who_o can_v suspect_v he_o in_o the_o least_o infect_v with_o that_o head-seizing_a disease_n which_o be_v now_o become_v so_o popular_a and_o epidemic_a when_o he_o shall_v hear_v he_o still_o purge_v and_o apologize_v for_o himself_o in_o these_o vindicatory_a word_n 〈…〉_z credenda_fw-la esse_fw-la omnia_fw-la quae_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la revelata_fw-la sunt_fw-la quamvis_fw-la capio_fw-la nostrum_fw-la excedant_fw-la and_o again_o ita_fw-la si_fw-la soriè_fw-la nobis_fw-la deus_fw-la de_fw-la seipso_fw-la vel_fw-la aliis_fw-la aliquid_fw-la revelet_fw-la quod_fw-la naturales_fw-la ingenii_fw-la nostri_fw-la vires_fw-la excedat_fw-la qualia_fw-la jam_fw-la sunt_fw-la mysteria_fw-la incarnationis_fw-la &_o trinitatis_fw-la non_fw-la recasabimus_fw-la illa_fw-la credere_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clare_n intelligamus_fw-la nec_fw-la ullo_fw-la modo_fw-la mirabimur_fw-la multa_fw-la esse_fw-la tum_fw-la in_o immensâ_fw-la ejus_fw-la naturâ_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o râ—_n bus_fw-la ab_fw-la â—o_o creatis_fw-la quae_fw-la capio_fw-la nostrum_fw-la excedant_fw-la now_o how_o glad_a shall_v i_o be_v to_o see_v all_o the_o socinian_o in_o christendom_n subscribe_v to_o this_o form_n of_o word_n and_o be_v it_o not_o strange_a then_o that_o he_o who_o original_o they_o be_v shall_v be_v suspect_v of_o socinianism_n and_o that_o his_o philosophy_n too_o shall_v be_v think_v to_o lead_v to_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n be_v the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n lead_v just_a as_o much_o to_o socinianism_n as_o philosophy_n in_o general_n do_v to_o atheism_n and_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v and_o be_v bind_v to_o make_v it_o good_a that_o as_o no_o good_a philosopher_n can_v be_v a_o atheisâ—_n so_o no_o good_a cartesian_a can_v be_v a_o socinian_n chap._n viii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v 1._o reason_n be_v the_o great_a character_n and_o principle_n of_o man_n that_o make_v he_o like_a to_o the_o angel_n above_o he_o and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o the_o beast_n that_o be_v below_o he_o and_o which_o therefore_o only_o be_v below_o he_o for_o want_v of_o the_o rational_a power_n be_v many_o of_o they_o in_o regard_n of_o their_o bodily_a endowment_n upon_o a_o level_n with_o he_o and_o some_o beyond_o he_o it_o be_v but_o just_a and_o natural_a it_o shall_v appear_v in_o all_o that_o he_o do_v and_o preâ—ide_v and_o govern_v in_o all_o his_o action_n for_o as_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o infinite_o wise_a and_o all-knowing_a god_n do_v always_o carry_v in_o it_o the_o character_n of_o his_o essential_a and_o consubstantial_a reason_n even_o of_o he_o who_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o father_n the_o true_a intelligible_a light_n so_o shall_v also_o the_o conduct_n of_o man_n express_v in_o proportion_n the_o signature_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o though_o he_o can_v act_v by_o such_o exact_a and_o unerring_a measure_n as_o his_o glorious_a maker_n nor_o yet_o with_o all_o that_o perfection_n of_o wisdom_n that_o even_o some_o create_a intelligence_n express_v yet_o at_o least_o he_o shall_v act_v like_o himself_o and_o not_o by_o do_v any_o thing_n absurd_a or_o unaccountable_a deny_v his_o reasonable_a nature_n 2._o this_o have_v serve_v for_o a_o principle_n to_o some_o scholastic_a and_o moral_a writer_n whereon_o to_o build_v a_o very_a high_a and_o as_o some_o think_v very_o severe_a conclusion_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o individual_a action_n of_o man_n pure_o indifferent_a which_o i_o suppose_v may_v be_v true_a enough_o of_o those_o action_n of_o his_o which_o be_v proper_o humane_a i_o mean_v that_o be_v do_v deliberate_o with_o forethought_a and_o consideration_n every_o one_o of_o which_o must_v as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a according_a to_o the_o circumstance_n wherewith_o they_o be_v clothe_v however_o specifical_o consider_v in_o relation_n to_o their_o object_n only_o and_o as_o abstract_v from_o those_o circumstance_n some_o of_o they_o may_v be_v indifferent_a and_o certain_o we_o can_v suppose_v any_o action_n of_o a_o more_o neutral_a and_o adiaphorous_a nature_n than_o a_o unprofitable_a word_n and_o yet_o of_o such_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v our_o judge_n tell_v we_o we_o shall_v render_v a_o account_n in_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n which_o plain_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o indifferency_n in_o the_o action_n of_o man_n as_o individual_o and_o concrete_o consider_v but_o that_o all_o of_o they_o be_v either_o good_a or_o bad_a according_a as_o the_o principle_n manner_n end_v and_o other_o circumstance_n be_v that_o attend_v the_o do_v of_o they_o and_o that_o because_o man_n be_v a_o rational_a creature_n the_o order_n of_o reason_n be_v due_a at_o least_o to_o all_o his_o deliberate_a action_n which_o according_o aught_o to_o carry_v the_o character_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n in_o they_o the_o want_n of_o which_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o render_v any_o of_o they_o evil_a and_o imperfect_a 3._o but_o then_o if_o reason_n ought_v to_o preâ—ide_v and_o direct_v in_o all_o the_o deliberate_a action_n of_o man_n much_o more_o ought_v it_o in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o consequence_n wherein_o his_o interest_n and_o welfare_n be_v more_o near_o concern_v and_o which_o according_o require_v his_o great_a consideration_n and_o the_o use_n of_o the_o best_a light_n that_o he_o have_v and_o because_o there_o can_v be_v a_o thing_n of_o great_a consequence_n and_o concernment_n to_o he_o than_o religion_n upon_o which_o both_o his_o present_a and_o his_o future_a his_o temporal_a and_o his_o eternal_a happiness_n do_v entire_o depend_v hence_o it_o follow_v that_o the_o principal_a use_v he_o ought_v to_o make_v of_o his_o rational_a faculty_n be_v in_o religion_n that_o here_o if_o any_o where_o he_o ought_v to_o think_v consider_v advise_v deliberate_a reason_n and_o argue_v consult_v both_o his_o own_o light_n and_o that_o of_o other_o neglect_v no_o advantage_n that_o may_v be_v have_v from_o nature_n or_o art_n from_o book_n or_o man_n from_o the_o live_n or_o the_o dead_a but_o employ_v all_o possible_a mean_n for_o his_o direction_n and_o information_n 10._o and_o not_o be_v as_o the_o horse_n and_o mule_n which_o have_v no_o understanding_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o great_a end_n and_o purpose_n that_o his_o reason_n be_v give_v he_o and_o this_o be_v the_o best_a use_v he_o can_v make_v of_o it_o as_o for_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n that_o turn_v to_o too_o little_a a_o account_n and_o as_o for_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n they_o in_o themselves_o and_o without_o relation_n to_o another_o world_n be_v too_o little_a and_o inconsiderable_a for_o we_o to_o suppose_v that_o our_o reason_n be_v give_v we_o for_o the_o management_n of_o they_o religion_n only_o bear_v proportion_n to_o so_o noble_a a_o faculty_n be_v most_o worthy_a of_o its_o application_n and_o can_v also_o best_o reward_v the_o due_a exercise_n and_o use_v of_o it_o and_o according_o it_o be_v upon_o religion_n that_o it_o will_v be_v best_a bestow_v 4._o nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o religion_n that_o may_v just_o fear_v to_o be_v bring_v before_o the_o bar_n of_o human_a reason_n or_o to_o undergo_v the_o test_n of_o its_o severe_a discussion_n the_o heathen_a religion_n indeed_o may_v for_o which_o cause_n those_o that_o draw_v its_o picture_n cast_v a_o shade_n upon_o a_o great_a part_n of_o it_o and_o will_v not_o venture_v to_o expose_v it_o to_o common_a view_n and_o the_o too_o
upon_o his_o divinity_n which_o be_v therefore_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o m._n abbadie_n have_v by_o variety_n of_o demonstration_n prove_v it_o to_o be_v if_o then_o you_o will_v have_v that_o divine_a institution_n stand_v and_o if_o you_o will_v stand_v fast_o in_o it_o both_o which_o i_o be_o willing_a to_o suppose_v have_v a_o care_n how_o you_o remove_v its_o mystery_n consider_v how_o fundamental_a they_o be_v to_o the_o building_n and_o how_o great_a a_o share_n of_o its_o sacred_a weight_n rest_v upon_o they_o but_o endeavour_v rather_o to_o remove_v your_o own_o prejudices_fw-la to_o mortify_v your_o understanding_n to_o study_v humility_n and_o to_o restrain_v the_o too_o free_a sally_n of_o your_o too_o curious_a and_o over_o venturous_a reason_n by_o still_o and_o silent_a reflection_n upon_o god_n infinite_a greatness_n and_o your_o own_o almost_o as_o great_a infirmity_n by_o which_o one_o think_v well_o pursue_v you_o will_v by_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n come_v to_o a_o better_a understanding_n of_o yourselves_o than_o to_o reject_v any_o of_o his_o plain_a revelation_n mere_o because_o you_o can_v conceive_v they_o and_o so_o leave_v light_n and_o vision_n to_o the_o other_o life_n will_v be_v content_a with_o other_o good_a christian_n humble_o to_o believe_v and_o adore_v in_o this_o 16._o gentleman_n i_o beseech_v you_o serious_o to_o consider_v what_o with_o christian_a charity_n and_o all_o due_a civil_a respect_n i_o have_v here_o lay_v before_o you_o and_o if_o upon_o consideration_n of_o it_o you_o find_v any_o weight_n in_o it_o to_o let_v it_o have_v its_o full_a force_n and_o effect_v upon_o you_o which_o if_o you_o do_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v serve_v by_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n to_o who_o for_o that_o end_n i_o humble_o devote_v this_o labour_n to_o convince_v you_o or_o at_o least_o to_o put_v you_o upon_o such_o better_a consideration_n of_o your_o own_o as_o may._n for_o i_o pretend_v not_o here_o to_o have_v say_v all_o but_o to_o have_v leave_v many_o thing_n to_o the_o enlargement_n and_o improvement_n of_o your_o own_o meditation_n consider_v the_o impropriety_n of_o do_v otherwise_o to_o person_n of_o your_o part_n and_o learning_n which_o i_o pray_v god_n to_o sanctify_v and_o increase_v to_o you_o whereby_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o i_o be_o not_o against_o your_o make_n use_v of_o your_o reason_n no_o i_o will_v only_o have_v you_o reason_n right_o and_o that_o you_o may_v do_v so_o will_v have_v you_o by_o all_o human_a method_n to_o improve_v and_o cultivate_v your_o reason_n as_o much_o as_o you_o can_v be_v well_o persuade_v that_o as_o a_o half-view_n of_o thing_n make_v man_n opiniative_a disputatious_a and_o dogmatical_a so_o a_o clear_a and_o thorough_a light_n make_v they_o humble_a and_o distrustful_a of_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o more_o cultivate_v and_o improve_v any_o man_n natural_a reason_n be_v the_o easy_a it_o will_v be_v for_o he_o to_o captivate_v it_o to_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n postscript_n since_o the_o commit_v of_o these_o paper_n to_o the_o press_n i_o have_v have_v the_o pleasure_n to_o peruse_v mr._n whiston_n new_a theory_n of_o the_o earth_n for_o which_o extraordinary_a and_o true_o great_a performance_n i_o return_v he_o all_o due_a thanks_o and_o be_o very_o glad_a to_o see_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n express_v so_o awful_a and_o reverential_a a_o regard_n to_o religion_n in_o general_n and_o in_o particular_a to_o the_o sacred_a mystery_n of_o it_o against_o which_o both_o human_a reason_n and_o natural_a philosophy_n have_v be_v of_o late_a so_o abusive_o and_o profane_o employ_v how_o far_o this_o ingenious_a and_o learned_a author_n make_v good_a his_o great_a undertake_n or_o whether_o this_o or_o the_o former_a theorist_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o examine_v i_o only_o make_v this_o observation_n from_o both_o their_o wonderful_a attempt_n that_o whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o no_o as_o to_o their_o respective_a account_n of_o thing_n yet_o they_o have_v at_o least_o go_v so_o far_o and_o offer_v so_o fair_o towards_o a_o true_a explanation_n of_o they_o as_o to_o convince_v any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a reader_n that_o the_o mosaiek_n record_v concern_v the_o great_a phenomena_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n be_v not_o real_o of_o so_o desperate_a a_o nature_n as_o they_o be_v once_o presume_v to_o be_v but_o be_v in_o themselves_o capable_a of_o and_o may_v perhaps_o in_o time_n actual_o have_v if_o they_o have_v not_o already_o a_o true_a natural_a solution_n as_o for_o instance_n a_o universal_a flood_n without_o a_o miracle_n or_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v be_v whole_o drown_v in_o a_o natural_a way_n or_o according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o motion_n already_o settle_v and_o by_o a_o train_n of_o cause_n already_o lay_v in_o nature_n have_v be_v hitherto_o think_v a_o incomprehensible_a and_o according_o a_o impossible_a thing_n but_o now_o if_o these_o two_o mighty_a genius_n who_o have_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o natural_a account_n of_o this_o stupendous_a revolution_n have_v neither_o of_o they_o pitch_v upon_o the_o very_a precise_a way_n and_o manner_n whereby_o it_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v yet_o i_o think_v it_o can_v be_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o have_v say_v enough_o between_o they_o to_o convince_v that_o the_o thing_n be_v natural_o possible_a and_o that_o a_o true_a natural_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o it_o though_o they_o shall_v be_v suppose_v not_o to_o have_v hit_v direct_o upon_o that_o which_o be_v so_o that_o be_v i_o mean_v they_o have_v represent_v it_o at_o least_o as_o a_o conceivable_a thing_n whether_o they_o themselves_o have_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n to_o conceive_v of_o it_o exact_o as_o it_o be_v or_o no._n upon_o which_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a and_o no_o less_o pertinent_a to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n to_o make_v this_o further_a reflection_n that_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v overhasty_a to_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n even_o of_o a_o physical_a much_o less_o of_o a_o religious_a nature_n to_o be_v impossible_a only_o because_o it_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v incomprehensible_a for_o beside_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o this_o whole_a discourse_n show_v no_o certain_a argument_n of_o its_o impossibility_n and_o that_o what_o appear_v incomprehensible_a to_o our_o understanding_n may_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v well_o comprehend_v by_o those_o of_o angel_n not_o to_o say_v of_o wise_a man_n perhaps_o that_o which_o appear_v to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o be_v above_o all_o comprehension_n may_v in_o process_n of_o time_n and_o upon_o further_a reflection_n and_o experience_n so_o brighten_v and_o clear_v up_o to_o our_o mind_n as_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o at_o least_o to_o be_v think_v of_o a_o comprehensible_a and_o possible_a nature_n even_o by_o our_o more_o improve_v self_n for_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n as_o such_o be_v no_o absolute_a affection_n or_o intrinsic_n denomination_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o from_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o such_o as_o affect_v it_o from_o without_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o present_a capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n there_o need_v no_o alteration_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o make_v that_o comprehensible_a which_o be_v before_o incomprehensible_a a_o change_n in_o our_o understanding_n be_v sufficient_a upon_o who_o great_a improvement_n alone_o a_o incomprehensible_a may_v become_v a_o comprehensible_a object_n so_o that_o beside_o the_o nullity_n of_o the_o consequence_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o its_o impossibility_n even_o the_o principle_n itself_o from_o which_o that_o consequence_n be_v pretend_v to_o be_v draw_v may_v be_v remove_v by_o the_o present_a comprehension_n of_o what_o pass_v before_o with_o we_o for_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o both_o which_o consideration_n we_o be_v admonish_v to_o be_v very_o cautious_a how_o we_o conclude_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n much_o more_o in_o scripture_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o to_o we_o incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v the_o very_a use_n mr._n whiston_n himself_o make_v of_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o his_o excellent_a work_n from_o which_o i_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o transcribe_v a_o passage_n both_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n and_o the_o great_a conviction_n of_o the_o reader_n to_o who_o as_o well_o as_o to_o myself_o it_o must_v be_v no_o little_a satisfaction_n to_o see_v the_o sentiment_n of_o so_o great_a a_o author_n concur_v with_o i_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n say_v he_o 379._o ought_v not_o to_o be_v esteem_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d