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a_o account_n of_o reason_n &_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n by_o john_n norris_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1697._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a henry_n lord_n of_o colerane_n my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n learning_n and_o knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o its_o sacred_a article_n be_v both_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o present_v this_o book_n to_o your_o lordship_n with_o a_o design_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o former_a or_o to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v indeed_o but_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a 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from_o which_o impression_n he_o will_v hardly_o recover_v himself_o till_o he_o meet_v with_o some_o book_n or_o other_o of_o a_o contrary_a spirit_n whereof_o the_o bishop_n of_o london-derry's_a excellent_a discourse_n of_o the_o invention_n of_o man_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o very_a eminent_a instance_n which_o may_v serve_v to_o recompose_v the_o one_o and_o give_v he_o a_o better_a opinion_n of_o the_o other_o i_o have_v endeavour_v in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n to_o use_v such_o christian_a temper_n and_o moderation_n as_o become_v the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o may_v argue_v a_o mind_n concern_v only_o for_o the_o find_v it_o for_o of_o all_o the_o ill-sorted_n thing_n in_o nature_n i_o think_v it_o the_o most_o improper_a and_o disagreeable_a to_o reason_n in_o a_o passion_n especial_o when_o it_o be_v in_o defence_n of_o that_o religion_n which_o neither_o need_n at_o nor_o allow_v it_o and_o therefore_o lay_v aside_o all_o anger_n and_o disaffection_n which_o even_o for_o the_o advantage_n of_o well_o reason_v aught_o to_o be_v lay_v aside_o i_o have_v set_v myself_o to_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o decency_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o good_a discourse_n to_o consider_v thing_n as_o they_o real_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n to_o represent_v they_o as_o i_o find_v they_o with_o all_o calmness_n and_o sedateness_n to_o regard_v nothing_o but_o the_o pure_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o to_o treat_v that_o party_n of_o man_n i_o write_v against_o with_o that_o candour_n and_o respect_n as_o may_v the_o better_o dispose_v they_o to_o lend_v attention_n to_o my_o argument_n consider_v it_o as_o one_o of_o the_o principal_a rule_n of_o the_o art_n of_o persuasion_n to_o gain_v upon_o the_o affection_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o i_o be_o guilty_a of_o any_o incivility_n towards_o the_o man_n i_o deal_v with_o unless_o it_o be_v that_o of_o contradict_v they_o wherein_o as_o they_o be_v even_o with_o i_o so_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v less_o so_o in_o the_o other_o part_n but_o will_v treat_v i_o with_o the_o like_a return_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a temper_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o undertake_n be_v a_o certain_a late_a book_n call_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a one_o of_o the_o most_o bold_a dare_v and_o irreverent_a piece_n of_o defiance_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o even_o this_o licentious_a age_n have_v produce_v and_o which_o have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v great_a battery_n and_o execution_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a shrewd_a and_o notable_a performance_n even_o by_o people_n of_o competent_a sense_n and_o learning_n not_o exclude_v the_o author_n himself_o who_o to_o show_v his_o good_a opinion_n both_o of_o his_o cause_n and_o of_o his_o management_n of_o it_o have_v since_o publish_v a_o second_o edition_n of_o his_o book_n with_o inlargement_n and_o with_o his_o name_n to_o which_o i_o think_v once_o to_o have_v return_v a_o direct_a and_o formal_a answer_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o his_o objection_n till_o upon_o further_a consideration_n i_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o give_v a_o absolute_a account_n of_o the_o positive_a side_n of_o the_o question_n and_o after_o have_v lay_v such_o ground_n in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o his_o book_n to_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o they_o in_o a_o few_o stricture_n upon_o it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o i_o but_o after_o i_o have_v lay_v those_o ground_n in_o the_o absolute_a part_n i_o find_v the_o application_n of_o they_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o the_o author_n objection_n that_o they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v make_v by_o my_o reader_n who_o may_v with_o such_o readiness_n out_o of_o the_o principle_n here_o establish_v form_n a_o answer_n to_o all_o that_o deserve_v one_o in_o that_o book_n that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o enlarge_n the_o bulk_n of_o i_o upon_o that_o account_n which_o according_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a i_o can_v but_o reckon_v to_o have_v all_o the_o substance_n though_o not_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o reply_n to_o that_o treatise_n it_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n either_o to_o unlock_v a_o door_n for_o a_o man_n or_o to_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n a_o key_n that_o will_n i_o write_v neither_o for_o favour_n nor_o for_o preferment_n but_o only_o to_o serve_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n for_o so_o i_o call_v that_o of_o its_o mystery_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o according_a to_o its_o pure_a and_o most_o primitive_a state_n of_o apostolical_a and_o evangelic_a perfection_n of_o who_o communion_n it_o be_v my_o happiness_n to_o be_v a_o member_n my_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o that_o i_o have_v better_a ability_n to_o do_v her_o service_n my_o high_a ambition_n however_o such_o as_o they_o be_v i_o humble_o devote_v and_o employ_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n as_o i_o do_v this_o and_o all_o other_o my_o labour_n i_o hope_v what_o i_o have_v write_v may_v do_v some_o service_n to_o the_o cause_n who_o defence_n it_o undertake_v and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o much_o regard_n the_o resentment_n of_o any_o design_v or_o not_o so_o well_o affect_v person_n great_a or_o little_a who_o displeasure_n it_o may_v provoke_v though_o i_o have_v take_v all_o due_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o body_n any_o reasonable_a offence_n and_o so_o i_o commit_v the_o follow_a paper_n to_o the_o attentive_a
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
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
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 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