own_o principle_n and_o when_o it_o submit_v to_o the_o divine_a testimony_n it_o be_v because_o reason_n be_v inform_v by_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o religious_a mystery_n yet_o that_o assent_n be_v guide_v by_o the_o divine_a testimony_n instead_o of_o evidence_n divert_v the_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o their_o usual_a method_n be_v enough_o to_o assert_v reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o yet_o this_o will_v not_o make_v way_n for_o a_o cavil_v complaint_n that_o the_o divine_a determination_n do_v violence_n to_o the_o faculty_n whilst_o thus_o divert_v from_o their_o usual_a method_n for_o the_o divine_a concourse_n which_o determine_v they_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o do_v violence_n than_o the_o mathematician_n information_n of_o the_o judge_n in_o the_o former_a case_n can_v be_v call_v compulsion_n when_o he_o prevail_v with_o he_o to_o pass_v true_a sentence_n which_o he_o without_o the_o artist_n can_v not_o have_v pronounce_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o matter_n of_o belief_n be_v clear_o and_o distinct_o understand_v for_o faith_n take_v its_o name_n from_o persuasion_n which_o be_v not_o always_o beget_v by_o demonstration_n and_o from_o assent_n more_o than_o from_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v for_o the_o divine_a method_n have_v several_a way_n to_o command_v belief_n sometime_o it_o make_v a_o extempore_o convert_v grace_n work_v effectual_o in_o a_o moment_n sometime_o it_o operate_v through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o man_n life_n to_o perfect_v the_o work_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o man_n be_v assure_v that_o their_o assent_n be_v terminate_v in_o truth_n because_o of_o the_o divine_a determination_n which_o make_v the_o will_n like_o the_o loadstone_n which_o instance_n be_v much_o use_v by_o the_o reconciler_n which_o will_v certain_o conduct_v the_o mariner_n though_o he_o know_v not_o how_o it_o be_v direct_v whether_o by_o a_o materia_fw-la subtilis_fw-la pass_v through_o the_o pole_n of_o this_o low_a vortex_n or_o any_o other_o mysterious_a way_n of_o nature_n to_o speak_v all_o if_o sail_v have_v be_v lay_v aside_o till_o the_o pilot_n can_v demonstrate_v its_o infallible_a direction_n from_o its_o cause_n the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v have_v be_v unknown_a and_o the_o terra_fw-la incognita_fw-la will_v take_v more_o room_n in_o the_o map_n than_o the_o know_a part_n of_o the_o world_n the_o same_o may_v be_v conclude_v of_o faith_n for_o if_o all_o belief_n be_v to_o be_v suspend_v until_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v wrought_v be_v explain_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n will_v pass_v as_o infidel_n thus_o far_o the_o infirmity_n of_o the_o mere_a natural_a sight_n have_v be_v discover_v it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o reconciler_n who_o urge_v belief_n as_o a_o act_n of_o prudence_n by_o which_o if_o he_o only_o understand_v a_o rational_a choice_n exclude_v grace_n the_o former_a discourse_n will_v equal_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o the_o reasoner_n for_o if_o a_o man_n endue_v with_o natural_a prudence_n must_v necessary_o embrace_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o its_o content_n be_v such_o as_o will_v command_v assent_n from_o the_o reasonable_a man_n he_o shut_v out_o grace_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n and_o make_v the_o holy_a scripture_n more_o sufficient_a and_o in_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v for_o which_o they_o be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o athanasius_n cyril_n and_o other_o holy_a father_n it_o be_v to_o show_v they_o be_v self-sufficient_a without_o the_o subsidy_n of_o tradition_n not_o in_o any_o other_o sense_n for_o although_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o the_o proposal_n of_o scripture_n be_v enough_o to_o condemn_v the_o infidel_n as_o imprudent_a yet_o this_o condemnation_n may_v not_o be_v justify_v only_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture_n be_v not_o allow_v for_o it_o be_v more_o than_o probable_a that_o the_o neglect_n of_o petition_v for_o grace_n and_o oppose_v it_o when_o offer_v to_o help_v unbelief_n do_v adjust_a the_o severity_n of_o that_o say_n he_o who_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v natural_a prudence_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a qualification_n for_o the_o embrace_a christian_a religion_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o aristotle_n sense_n who_o define_v it_o a_o habitual_a knowledge_n which_o can_v discern_v what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o be_v evil_a as_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o practice_n lib._n sexto_fw-la ethicor._fw-la ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prudence_n thus_o define_v can_v have_v no_o place_n as_o antecedent_n to_o belief_n because_o that_o mere_a reason_n in_o several_a case_n can_v judge_v what_o be_v good_a for_o man_n and_o what_o evil_n and_o therefore_o will_v demur_v at_o some_o duty_n absolute_o necessary_a for_o the_o attain_n of_o happiness_n such_o as_o be_v self-denial_n and_o other_o injunction_n which_o natural_a prudence_n will_v not_o choose_v if_o leave_v to_o its_o own_o evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v consider_v as_o subsequent_a to_o belief_n there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o it_o in_o discern_v what_o be_v good_a in_o practice_n and_o what_o be_v evil_a for_o duty_n in_o religion_n be_v indispensable_o enjoin_v which_o destroy_v consultation_n which_o denominate_v a_o man_n prudent_a i_o shall_v conclude_v this_o particular_a with_o christ_n decide_v the_o controversy_n by_o rank_v the_o prudent_a man_n in_o this_o sense_n not_o so_o wise_a as_o a_o babe_n without_o divine_a assistance_n and_o when_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o better_a sense_n divine_a direction_n and_o concourse_n be_v suppose_v as_o necessary_a to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o may_v challenge_v the_o etymology_n which_o aristotle_n give_v of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whilst_o he_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o god_n alone_o be_v able_a to_o do_v and_o make_v man_n wise_a unto_o salvation_n add_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n that_o a_o prudential_n choice_n of_o religion_n suppose_v it_o and_o its_o reward_n too_o to_o be_v expose_v as_o a_o prize_n not_o in_o the_o apostlical_a sense_n so_o that_o he_o who_o have_v the_o great_a stock_n of_o prudence_n must_v pass_v as_o most_o religious_a when_o he_o who_o have_v the_o least_o be_v esteem_v a_o reprobate_n from_o all_o that_o be_v say_v i_o shall_v only_o infer_v this_o conclusion_n see_v our_o eyesight_n need_v alteration_n and_o itself_o be_v indispose_v the_o believer_n do_v safe_o resign_v himself_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o all-seeing-eye_n according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o severe_a philosopher_n who_o will_v not_o admit_v any_o truth_n but_o upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n who_o say_v we_o may_v in_o some_o case_n as_o safe_o trust_v other_o as_o ourselves_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n sext._n ethic._n ad_fw-la nicom_fw-la so_o far_o as_o man_n follow_v a_o unerring_a conduct_n so_o far_o they_o be_v infallible_a though_o they_o be_v not_o their_o own_o leader_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o single_a person_n but_o the_o follow_a disquisition_n consider_v it_o in_o a_o multitude_n or_o a_o assembly_n as_o it_o attend_v their_o sacred_a vote_n by_o which_o it_o be_v make_v more_o infallible_a than_o when_o as_o a_o monarch_n it_o assert_v its_o seem_a privilege_n by_o renounce_v all_o manner_n of_o assistance_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n but_o only_o that_o which_o be_v nature_n afford_v rely_v on_o private_a evidence_n which_o also_o be_v suppose_v in_o every_o particular_a member_n of_o a_o council_n therefore_o it_o be_v proper_a to_o examine_v whether_o reason_n only_o enlighten_v by_o apprehend_v the_o story_n and_o content_n of_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n be_v capable_a of_o appeal_n make_v to_o it_o as_o judge_n and_o the_o last_o determiner_n of_o controversy_n so_o as_o it_o can_v pass_v infallible_a judgement_n on_o proposition_n offer_v as_o revelation_n and_o whether_o the_o fallibility_n of_o some_o council_n render_v all_o so_o suspicious_a that_o the_o christian_a can_v safe_o rely_v on_o conciliary_a definition_n the_o first_o branch_n of_o this_o inquiry_n be_v affirm_v by_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o other_o he_o will_v not_o have_v deny_v because_o it_o make_v way_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o former_a for_o by_o infinuate_v that_o all_o council_n be_v fallible_a he_o presume_v he_o may_v as_o well_o appeal_v to_o a_o fallible_a self_n as_o a_o fallible_a multitude_n but_o this_o assertion_n may_v be_v check_v from_o this_o consideration_n that_o there_o be_v much_o difference_n between_o these_o proposition_n general_a council_n may_v err_v and_o all_o have_v be_v and_o be_v liable_a to_o error_n if_o the_o latter_a be_v grant_v it_o will_v destroy_v the_o certainty_n
also_o consider_v if_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o element_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o ethnic_n lay_v aside_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o retire_n to_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o his_o persuasion_n as_o a_o chemist_n assert_n his_o principle_n and_o practical_a knowledge_n above_o that_o which_o theory_n teach_v whilst_o he_o analyses_n or_o dissolve_v a_o body_n by_o which_o he_o make_v sense_n a_o witness_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o both_o or_o as_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n challenge_v great_a certainty_n than_o that_o in_o other_o science_n which_o take_v a_o scheme_n asunder_o by_o demonstration_n and_o rebuilding_n it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n confident_o and_o just_o call_v it_o true_a but_o the_o success_n be_v different_a in_o religious_a case_n as_o in_o some_o curious_a contexture_n which_o be_v defective_a by_o its_o too_o fine_a thread_n and_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o nothing_o when_o most_o tender_o unweave_v to_o this_o another_o consideration_n may_v be_v add_v how_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o the_o heathen_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o content_n of_o religion_n at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o practical_a see_v reason_n be_v allow_v a_o judge_n natural_o qualify_v for_o decision_n of_o religious_a controversy_n and_o consequent_o able_a to_o comprehend_v matter_n of_o faith_n and_o in_o capacity_n to_o frame_v religious_a precept_n or_o notion_n without_o any_o assistance_n from_o without_o but_o only_o furnish_v with_o its_o own_o innate_a faculty_n for_o that_o as_o well_o as_o he_o who_o be_v set_v up_o as_o judge_v in_o all_o controversy_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o whole_a law_n though_o particular_a case_n determine_v the_o sentence_n to_o some_o part_n of_o it_o let_v this_o be_v illustrate_v by_o that_o fame_a instance_n of_o a_o theorem_fw-la reveal_v to_o pythagoras_n by_o a_o daemon_n which_o although_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o revelation_n yet_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o judgement_n be_v pass_v on_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o that_o kind_a spirit_n and_o it_o may_v be_v though_o possible_a that_o the_o sophy_n may_v have_v make_v the_o discovery_n without_o that_o monitor_n and_o himself_o proclaim_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o instance_n apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n will_v force_v the_o reasoner_n to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o ethnic_n may_v have_v lucky_o discover_v the_o matter_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o his_o own_o saculty_n follow_v their_o natural_a conduct_n which_o can_v be_v grant_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_n writing_n it_o may_v find_v a_o answer_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o argument_n take_v from_o pagan_n book_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v say_v to_o prevail_v otherwise_o than_o by_o be_v probable_a and_o persuasive_a and_o they_o borrow_v their_o force_n from_o christian_a interpretation_n and_o those_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a affinity_n between_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v like_o tower_n or_o building_n which_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n seem_v contiguous_a which_o the_o eye_n by_o a_o near_a approach_n find_v remove_v from_o their_o fallacious_a neighbourhood_n that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v find_v another_o check_n from_o the_o reasoner_n fundamental_a position_n which_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a assistance_n to_o reason_n in_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_a by_o revelation_n which_o if_o true_a he_o may_v impute_v heathenish_a ignorance_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o want_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o retort_v the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a consideration_n by_o proposal_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o curious_a and_o secret_a mechanism_n of_o nature_n in_o animal_n and_o other_o body_n can_v be_v discern_v without_o a_o microscope_n which_o be_v deny_v may_v make_v it_o applicable_a to_o the_o former_a case_n revelation_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heathen_a as_o a_o glass_n for_o discern_v the_o small_a part_n of_o matter_n this_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o by_o revelation_n the_o bare_a proposal_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v as_o sufficient_a to_o command_v assent_n this_o will_v be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o embrace_v or_o believe_v in_o several_a age_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o sporades_n which_o be_v confuse_o discern_v in_o the_o viá_fw-la lacteá_fw-la be_v not_o discern_v till_o galilaeus_fw-la make_v the_o discovery_n for_o as_o a_o telescope_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discern_a of_o the_o one_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o believe_v of_o the_o other_o the_o want_n of_o which_o can_v be_v think_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n the_o contrary_a be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o must_v not_o altogether_o by_o one_o peremptory_a sentence_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o reason_n who_o have_v not_o and_o perhaps_o can_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o belief_n though_o conversant_a with_o holy_a writing_n this_o make_v way_n for_o this_o disquisition_n whether_o in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_v determine_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o a_o mere_a natural_a conduct_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o school_n from_o this_o topick_n of_o god_n concourse_n with_o man_n which_o always_o leave_v goodness_n as_o its_o effect_n which_o must_v be_v call_v perfection_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o all_o that_o be_v make_v be_v good_a viz._n every_o creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n see_v therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o understanding_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o it_o be_v improve_v and_o the_o sight_n more_o perfect_a how_o it_o be_v perfect_v shall_v be_v declare_v in_o another_o disquisition_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o i_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o former_a assertion_n may_v create_v by_o say_v that_o the_o perfection_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o such_o as_o advance_v its_o nature_n to_o a_o angelical_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o have_v more_o than_o can_v be_v the_o result_n of_o mere_a natural_a power_n guide_v by_o their_o own_o method_n neither_o must_v this_o perfection_n be_v restrain_v to_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o notion_n but_o complex_fw-la which_o will_v be_v as_o rope_n of_o sand_n without_o any_o true_a connexion_n which_o must_v be_v such_o because_o matter_n of_o religion_n transcend_v reason_n high_a pitch_n which_o know_v not_o how_o to_o compound_v its_o notion_n or_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o make_v true_a proposition_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o a_o instance_n in_o one_o fundamental_a if_o this_o question_n be_v propose_v to_o reason_n whether_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v in_o straight_o a_o union_n as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n it_o must_v remain_v undetermined_a and_o god_n and_o man_n must_v stand_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o subject_a and_o predicate_v till_o divine_a testimony_n come_v as_o a_o copula_fw-la to_o prevent_v such_o misprision_n this_o explanation_n may_v be_v add_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o perfection_n attribute_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n no_o new_a faculty_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o can_v transform_v its_o nature_n and_o remove_v humanity_n to_o another_o kind_n however_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v make_v way_n for_o a_o objection_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o perfect_v or_o enlighten_v to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n of_o which_o it_o must_v be_v ignorant_a while_o guide_v or_o inform_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a evidence_n and_o conduct_n all_o believer_n be_v enthusiast_n this_o be_v no_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o enthusiasin_n derive_v not_o its_o name_n from_o the_o divine_a concourse_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o some_o particular_a act_n but_o when_o it_o come_v at_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v and_o out_o of_o the_o common_a course_n and_o method_n or_o when_o knowledge_n which_o seem_v extraordinary_a such_o as_o a_o man_n can_v not_o attain_v to_o by_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v when_o speak_v now_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n knowledge_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o regular_a mean_n which_o religion_n command_v to_o be_v use_v deserve_v not_o
to_o assent_v that_o it_o can_v be_v soon_o confound_v than_o divert_v except_o it_o have_v pass_v the_o exact_a inquisition_n of_o the_o understanding_n by_o discourse_n beside_o he_o may_v suppose_v or_o doubt_v whether_o that_o general_a consent_n be_v the_o result_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o some_o wise_a man_n who_o open_a profession_n of_o that_o truth_n occasion_v the_o vulgar_a in_o process_n of_o several_a age_n to_o conclude_v it_o natural_a knowledge_n these_o thought_n in_o the_o reasoner_n can_v be_v look_v upon_o no_o otherwise_o than_o a_o mere_a cavil_n he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o show_v how_o when_o or_o where_o this_o notion_n be_v frame_v as_o it_o well_o observe_v by_o a_o late_a author_n yet_o the_o suggestion_n will_v not_o shake_v the_o sceptical_a mind_n for_o he_o who_o will_v be_v so_o bold_a to_o conclude_v the_o whole_a world_n representative_n in_o a_o council_n may_v err_v will_v not_o boggle_v in_o say_v the_o general_a 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for_o the_o sun_n to_o discover_v its_o lustre_n through_o a_o cloud_n let_v it_o not_o be_v argue_v from_o holy_a scripture_n that_o sear_n be_v a_o necessary_a introduction_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o apprehension_n the_o people_n have_v of_o wonder_n on_o mount-sinai_n and_o the_o moysaicall_a appeal_n to_o they_o if_o ever_o they_o see_v such_o astonish_a wonder_n this_o tend_v not_o so_o direct_o to_o justify_v the_o former_a argument_n for_o it_o may_v be_v reasonable_o presume_v that_o this_o method_n be_v use_v rather_o to_o confirm_v they_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n before_o entertain_v and_o to_o prevent_v apostasy_n than_o to_o be_v their_o first_o tutor_n to_o instruct_v they_o in_o the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o jewish_a as_o well_o as_o christian_a creed_n the_o most_o direct_a way_n to_o wisdom_n as_o it_o respect_v speculation_n be_v not_o by_o fear_n excite_v in_o the_o mind_n although_o it_o have_v great_a influence_n on_o practice_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o that_o holy_a say_n import_v which_o call_v the_o fear_n of_o god_n the_o begin_n of_o wisdom_n for_o in_o that_o sentence_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v suppose_v before_o fear_n take_v its_o place_n in_o order_n to_o instruction_n however_o it_o be_v a_o necessary_a defensative_a against_o idolatry_n to_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v too_o inclinable_a in_o such_o particular_a case_n such_o turbulent_a passion_n may_v usher_v in_o devotion_n but_o general_o consider_v rather_o confound_v than_o inform_v the_o mind_n for_o it_o seem_v not_o design_v for_o the_o christian_a but_o that_o part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o may_v be_v call_v the_o devil_n province_n in_o which_o he_o be_v adore_v by_o numerous_a votary_n lead_v to_o that_o adoration_n by_o fear_n which_o give_v occasion_n of_o consider_v how_o that_o turbulent_a passion_n rather_o dispose_v man_n
state_n be_v like_o one_o intoxicated_a who_o we_o knee_n multiply_v a_o single_a object_n wherefore_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o israel_n even_o to_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n as_o well_o as_o religion_n shall_v know_v there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n let_v this_o also_o be_v consider_v that_o in_o pagan_a divinity_n we_o find_v no_o such_o distinguish_a worship_n or_o character_n give_v to_o jupiter_n to_o show_v that_o he_o be_v god_n be_v the_o other_o deity_n but_o deputy_n as_o some_o learned_a man_n say_v or_o so_o repute_v for_o they_o be_v all_o adore_v now_o in_o scripture_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o favour_n or_o disspensation_n grant_v to_o adore_v any_o be_v but_o god_n no_o not_o so_o much_o as_o his_o representator_n prophet_n and_o apostle_n work_v wonder_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o expression_n of_o god_n by_o a_o plural_a number_n in_o scripture_n though_o not_o in_o pagan_a writing_n beside_o the_o grammatical_a help_n of_o a_o singular_a number_n with_o a_o plural_a without_o false_a syntax_n or_o false_a sense_n the_o heathen_n do_v apprehend_v god_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o a_o plural_a number_n best_o suit_v with_o their_o thought_n see_v the_o universe_n be_v their_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o their_o deify_v pan_n of_o who_o there_o be_v this_o account_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d orpheus_n in_o hymn_n this_o may_v be_v further_o prove_v by_o a_o testimony_n of_o lactantius_n lib._n 9_o de_fw-fr false_a religione_fw-la who_o when_o he_o bring_v in_o trismegist_n speak_v most_o divine_o concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o he_o translate_v or_o paraphrase_n on_o it_o ignitur_fw-la deo_fw-la nomen_fw-la non_fw-la est_fw-la nec_fw-la opus_fw-la est_fw-la proprio_fw-la vocabulo_fw-la nisi_fw-la cum_fw-la discrimen_fw-la exigit_fw-la multitudo_fw-la whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o multitude_n sometime_o apprehend_v god_n as_o the_o general_a power_n reign_v in_o the_o world_n though_o at_o other_o time_n they_o be_v more_o accurate_a in_o ask_v his_o name_n but_o not_o to_o check_v invention_n or_o method_n by_o which_o man_n frame_v the_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n let_v the_o metaphysician_n think_v of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n justice_n etc._n etc._n and_o according_a to_o art_n or_o rule_v put_v they_o together_o he_o will_v make_v such_o a_o aggregate_v or_o sum_n of_o perfection_n which_o man_n can_v natural_o know_v or_o by_o what_o one_o name_n to_o call_v it_o beside_o that_o of_o infinite_a now_o how_o proper_o infinity_o in_o the_o natural_a man_n sense_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v one_o have_v be_v say_v before_o it_o be_v like_o eternity_n of_o which_o we_o can_v speak_v so_o little_a proper_o that_o we_o can_v rather_o say_v what_o it_o be_v not_o than_o what_o it_o be_v add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o reasoner_n who_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o a_o god_n by_o sum_v up_o perfection_n and_o know_v not_o how_o one_o attribute_n poise_n another_o how_o power_n wisdom_n justice_n and_o mercy_n bind_v one_o another_o he_o seem_v as_o much_o a_o polytheist_n as_o he_o who_o own_a power_n in_o jupiter_n and_o wisdom_n in_o apollo_n etc._n etc._n and_o can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o theist_n than_o one_o who_o education_n have_v advance_v he_o no_o further_o than_o the_o alphabet_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o philologer_n or_o he_o who_o only_o know_v letter_n a_o interpreter_n of_o word_n before_o they_o have_v take_v their_o place_n to_o form_v they_o this_o instance_n if_o it_o seem_v not_o so_o apposite_a yet_o i_o hope_v pardonable_a see_v christ_n himself_o disdain_v not_o to_o be_v call_v the_o word_n which_o without_o his_o own_o exposition_n will_v but_o imperfect_o express_v his_o nature_n and_o amelius_n a_o platonist_n admire_v by_o eusebius_n lib._n 11._o de_fw-la prepar_fw-la evang._n cap._n 19_o and_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o he_o so_o much_o approve_v the_o compellation_n suppose_v a_o novice_n who_o have_v be_v only_o in_o the_o porch_n of_o a_o geometrical_a school_n and_o learn_v all_o kind_n of_o line_n in_o their_o several_a variety_n of_o which_o the_o most_o accurate_a draught_n must_v consist_v shall_v he_o be_v think_v worthy_a of_o the_o name_n of_o a_o painter_n who_o know_v no_o proportion_n of_o the_o single_a line_n this_o instance_n i_o presume_v be_v so_o apposite_a that_o it_o will_v need_v no_o comment_n on_o it_o and_o it_o give_v i_o occasion_n of_o a_o digression_n from_o the_o metaphysical_a method_n of_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o one_o god_n to_o one_o more_o suit_v to_o all_o apprehension_n by_o similitude_n as_o vives_z grotius_n morney_n and_o other_o who_o have_v illustrate_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n by_o analogy_n viz._n the_o heaven_n one_o sun_n one_o primum_fw-la mobile_a and_o other_o instance_n of_o monarchy_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o the_o world_n how_o little_a impression_n such_o 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the_o rational_a soul_n and_o sure_o the_o platonic_n do_v admire_v the_o number_n 4._o else_o it_o have_v not_o be_v so_o solemn_o use_v in_o their_o oath_n let_v it_o be_v urge_v that_o god_n may_v be_v know_v by_o similitude_n &_o although_o there_o be_v but_o imperfect_a and_o small_a footstep_n of_o his_o be_v to_o be_v trace_v by_o the_o reasoner_n yet_o according_a to_o proportion_n by_o one_o attribute_n there_o may_v be_v discovery_n of_o all_o as_o the_o proverbial_a speech_n of_o a_o herculean_a draught_n from_o a_o foot_n and_o if_o i_o may_v stretch_v the_o letter_n of_o the_o proverb_n a_o little_a finger_n if_o such_o objection_n appear_v to_o the_o reader_n thought_n i_o only_o desire_v he_o to_o recollect_v or_o look_v back_o to_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n in_o which_o it_o be_v never_o grant_v that_o man_n by_o reason_v can_v have_v any_o such_o knowledge_n of_o any_o attribute_n so_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o rule_n to_o he_o infallible_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n without_o revelation_n and_o the_o last_o appeal_v make_v to_o it_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a that_o the_o primitive_a father_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o minutius_n foelix_fw-la make_v use_v of_o similitude_n to_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n dux_n unus_fw-la apibus_fw-la dux_n unus_fw-la in_o gregibus_fw-la yet_o this_o be_v intend_v rather_o for_o illustration_n than_o strict_a proof_n neither_o be_v there_o violence_n do_v to_o the_o divine_a example_n whilst_o the_o reasoner_n disow_v similitude_n in_o case_n that_o demonstration_n be_v just_o expect_v for_o although_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v himself_o by_o similitude_n he_o expect_v not_o that_o his_o be_v shall_v be_v prove_v by_o that_o method_n the_o reconciler_n who_o suppose_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o providence_n page_n 4._o of_o his_o preface_n caution_n we_o to_o beware_v of_o similitude_n whilst_o we_o will_v have_v a_o true_a conception_n of_o he_o page_n 12._o attribute_n which_o we_o can_v possible_o know_v except_o he_o tell_v we_o and_o then_o say_v we_o shall_v not_o conclude_v or_o guess_v about_o they_o by_o analogy_n to_o thing_n of_o a_o nature_n infinite_o distant_a from_o he_o or_o by_o maxim_n frame_v according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o inferior_a be_v let_v not_o this_o argument_n which_o seem_v to_o have_v its_o foundation_n in_o practice_n prejudice_v the_o reasoner_n for_o i_o shall_v no_o further_o make_v use_n of_o it_o than_o reason_n must_v allow_v and_o the_o authority_n cite_v shall_v have_v another_o ratification_n of_o its_o strength_n by_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o reasoner_n who_o help_v his_o thought_n by_o art_n and_o impartial_a and_o unbiased_a industry_n who_o by_o the_o conduct_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n will_v scarce_o find_v out_o that_o narrow_a path_n which_o will_v lead_v he_o to_o the_o
infallible_a knowledge_n of_o one_o god_n for_o after_o the_o utmost_a perusal_n of_o his_o own_o argument_n concern_v he_o he_o will_v be_v oblige_v to_o describe_v himself_o by_o a_o name_n suitable_a to_o his_o thought_n which_o if_o he_o do_v he_o will_v be_v in_o suspense_n whether_o he_o ought_v to_o be_v call_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n this_o bold_a presumption_n be_v found_v on_o the_o former_a position_n viz._n that_o the_o reasoner_n have_v only_o a_o general_a knowledge_n of_o power_n undistinguished_a in_o the_o world_n that_o a_o gross_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n in_o a_o loose_a and_o common_a way_n of_o speech_n be_v enough_o to_o justify_v the_o language_n which_o call_v a_o be_v one_o which_o in_o strictness_n be_v not_o so_o as_o a_o late_a author_n instance_n in_o rome_n which_o retain_v its_o name_n although_o the_o city_n be_v not_o the_o same_o which_o first_o take_v that_o name_n and_o there_o be_v protean_a body_n which_o each_o moment_n change_v yet_o retain_v the_o same_o name_n such_o comparison_n or_o such_o expression_n may_v serve_v to_o express_v thing_n finite_a word_n be_v as_o coin_n or_o rather_o the_o stamp_n upon_o it_o which_o oftentimes_o be_v so_o far_o from_o represent_v the_o person_n of_o a_o king_n that_o there_o be_v much_o necessity_n of_o a_o motto_n to_o tell_v who_o image_n it_o be_v as_o painter_n in_o the_o infancy_n of_o their_o art_n be_v force_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o pencil_n by_o their_o pen_n and_o make_v man_n reader_n not_o spectator_n of_o picture_n but_o the_o strict_a reasoner_n as_o he_o be_v careful_a in_o frame_a notion_n of_o thing_n so_o he_o will_v be_v careful_a in_o give_v name_n or_o say_v any_o thing_n concern_v number_n or_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v which_o he_o can_v comprehend_v infinite_a as_o infinite_a be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o our_o understanding_n whence_o it_o be_v apparent_a that_o when_o any_o thing_n be_v affirm_v of_o a_o object_n as_o infinite_a so_o far_o the_o affirmation_n will_v be_v doubt_v of_o as_o uncertain_a that_o assent_n which_o pass_v apprehension_n must_v pass_v for_o ignorance_n and_o can_v only_o be_v adjust_v by_o a_o implicit_a faith_n infinite_a will_v not_o be_v infinite_a can_v it_o be_v apprehend_v as_o a_o adequate_a object_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n though_o it_o be_v as_o nigh_o as_o possible_a the_o french_a philosopher_n modest_o take_v the_o liberty_n to_o make_v a_o term_n of_o art_n a_o give_v the_o old_a world_n a_o name_n more_o suitable_a to_o man_n apprehension_n than_o that_o which_o it_o have_v be_v know_v by_o in_o several_a age_n for_o finite_a call_v it_o indefinite_a which_o be_v something_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n which_o have_v bound_n therefore_o its_o dimension_n possible_a to_o be_v know_v but_o no_o man_n can_v determine_v any_o thing_n concern_v infinity_n either_o as_o to_o number_v or_o quality_n see_v the_o object_n he_o judge_n of_o be_v beyond_o his_o reach_n he_o who_o attribute_n any_o property_n to_o a_o subject_a be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o nature_n or_o form_n of_o it_o otherwise_o he_o like_v the_o man_n in_o the_o gospel_n who_o have_v not_o full_o his_o sight_n recover_v may_v call_v man_n tree_n or_o fasten_v impossibility_n on_o the_o subject_a lest_o qualify_v it_o by_o the_o notion_n he_o frame_v of_o it_o with_o a_o power_n to_o make_v impossibility_n not_o to_o be_v so_o as_o the_o reconciler_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n instance_n in_o the_o french_a virtuoso_fw-la who_o conclude_v the_o possibility_n of_o a_o hill_n without_o a_o valley_n not_o consider_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d alex._n aphrodis_fw-la de_fw-fr fato_fw-it p._n 135._o to_o make_v such_o assertion_n appear_v plausible_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v be_v that_o impossibility_n cease_v to_o be_v such_o when_o they_o have_v relation_n to_o god_n as_o the_o vast_a bulk_n of_o the_o earth_n appear_v as_o a_o point_n or_o as_o nothing_o when_o consider_v in_o respect_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o some_o star_n this_o assertion_n show_v the_o author_n ingenuity_n and_o modesty_n but_o give_v little_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o reasoner_n for_o to_o conclude_v god_n can_v do_v impossibility_n because_o he_o be_v infinite_a be_v to_o prove_v a_o proposition_n by_o a_o medium_n equal_o obscure_a it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o find_v truth_n in_o general_a and_o he_o who_o be_v nice_a will_v be_v cautious_a how_o he_o attribute_n any_o property_n to_o a_o be_v which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v but_o more_o especial_o when_o he_o be_v to_o speak_v of_o one_o who_o attribute_n be_v so_o near_o unite_v to_o his_o be_v that_o they_o can_v be_v distinguish_v from_o it_o this_o difficulty_n of_o frame_a the_o notion_n of_o god_n make_v some_o heathen_n look_v on_o the_o deity_n as_o a_o universal_a power_n or_o a_o aggregat_fw-la of_o all_o perfection_n in_o the_o world_n for_o though_o they_o seem_v to_o speak_v divine_o of_o god_n as_o one_o i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v they_o speak_v in_o the_o language_n of_o jeweller_n who_o call_v one_o kind_n of_o margarite_n union_n because_o first_o they_o be_v find_v single_a when_o daily_o experience_n show_v many_o be_v hatch_v in_o the_o same_o shell_n here_o i_o may_v make_v a_o stop_n and_o pity_v the_o ethnic_n and_o the_o secular_a reasoner_n who_o like_o apodes_n bird_n on_o the_o wing_n hover_v in_o contemplation_n without_o foot_n to_o rest_n on_o for_o who_o support_n though_o nature_n have_v make_v provision_n yet_o with_o great_a difficulty_n and_o danger_n than_o for_o other_o familiar_a work_n of_o nature_n for_o though_o it_o must_v be_v confess_v as_o a_o father_n eminent_a both_o for_o christian_a and_o pagan_a oratory_n say_v in_o his_o octavia_n that_o the_o heathen_n do_v always_o own_o one_o god_n and_o providence_n but_o know_v not_o how_o to_o point_v it_o out_o this_o confess_v help_v the_o heathen_a or_o reasoner_n very_o little_a for_o as_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o disquisition_n that_o he_o who_o have_v such_o a_o rove_a fancy_n as_o not_o to_o distinguish_v god_n from_o other_o being_n deserve_v not_o the_o name_n of_o a_o theist_n if_o it_o be_v again_o object_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n have_v be_v know_v to_o those_o who_o have_v no_o opportunity_n or_o ability_n to_o read_v holy_a scripture_n yet_o speak_v sentence_n which_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a faith_n to_o instance_n in_o one_o famous_a verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o can_v help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o this_o article_n of_o belief_n for_o it_o be_v the_o say_n of_o a_o sibyl_n it_o can_v be_v call_v the_o dictate_v of_o pure_a reason_n for_o though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o yet_o it_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v that_o so_o much_o as_o they_o speak_v true_o of_o god_n and_o christ_n come_v from_o revelation_n in_o such_o a_o way_n as_o none_o can_v determine_v thus_o far_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v reason_n defect_n in_o its_o first_o and_o chief_a discovery_n when_o it_o put_v itself_o on_o the_o rack_n stretch_v only_o to_o a_o sceptical_a uncertainty_n it_o now_o remain_v that_o i_o meet_v with_o another_o objection_n which_o may_v seem_v so_o considerable_a that_o i_o may_v not_o pass_v it_o by_o without_o take_v notice_n that_o it_o may_v be_v retort_v from_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n that_o i_o conclude_v the_o gentile_n or_o ethnic_n have_v not_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o a_o deity_n neither_o can_v proper_o be_v call_v theist_n which_o assertion_n seem_v too_o cruel_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o some_o eminent_a in_o learning_n allow_v that_o the_o heathen_n in_o their_o theory_n and_o practice_n if_o not_o save_v in_o some_o sense_n may_v be_v exempt_a from_o damnation_n because_o they_o have_v a_o law_n from_o god_n and_o by_o that_o law_n be_v to_o be_v judge_v add_v to_o this_o that_o the_o heathen_n be_v allow_v to_o be_v judge_n of_o action_n moral_o good_a and_o evil_n just_a and_o unjust_a and_o justice_n in_o man_n be_v the_o same_o with_o that_o which_o be_v in_o god_n though_o in_o a_o inferior_a degree_n let_v this_o be_v grant_v it_o will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n in_o set_v out_o his_o guide_n for_o although_o the_o rule_n of_o justice_n be_v the_o same_o in_o the_o ethnic_a and_o the_o christian_a and_o some_o of_o the_o commandment_n be_v reason_n dictate_v promulge_v and_o make_v law_n by_o another_o legislation_n yet_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v judge_v in_o the_o same_o way_n and_o manner_n suppose_v the_o heathen_a exact_o observe_v his_o legem_fw-la talionis_fw-la and_o demand_v a_o eye_n for_o a_o eye_n or_o a_o tooth_n for_o a_o tooth_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n express_v it_o or_o to_o speak_v in_o the_o poetical_a say_n which_o
aristotle_n lay_v down_o as_o a_o rule_n approve_v by_o rhadamanthus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d arist_n lib._n 5._o such_o observation_n of_o nature_n law_n will_v justify_v the_o heathen_a not_o the_o christian_n the_o reasoner_n may_v also_o urge_v that_o tully_n plato_n seneca_n and_o other_o sophy_n have_v be_v author_n of_o such_o sentence_n which_o have_v such_o a_o near_a alliance_n to_o scripture_n that_o only_o the_o author_n name_n can_v distinguish_v they_o from_o it_o this_o grant_v will_v not_o help_v the_o reasoner_n for_o he_o can_v prove_v they_o emanation_n of_o a_o heathen_n mind_n or_o convince_v the_o world_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o their_o not_o be_v borrow_v from_o divine_a revelation_n mix_v their_o own_o thought_n with_o some_o notion_n take_v from_o scripture_n as_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v which_o will_v appear_v more_o probable_a if_o the_o ethnic_a be_v consider_v in_o his_o confuse_a way_n of_o speak_v of_o god_n and_o different_a expression_n of_o he_o which_o will_v give_v way_n for_o a_o conclusion_n that_o they_o certain_o know_v a_o be_v above_o themselves_o but_o what_o it_o be_v be_v uncertain_a for_o have_v they_o as_o certain_o know_v his_o nature_n as_o they_o seem_v assure_v of_o his_o be_v there_o have_v not_o be_v such_o variety_n of_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o these_o notion_n in_o man_n mind_n be_v unalterable_a and_o although_o discourse_n or_o artificial_a way_n may_v confound_v they_o when_o conclusion_n be_v to_o be_v draw_v and_o so_o seem_v variable_a yet_o in_o themselves_o consider_v can_v be_v change_v wherefore_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o god_n be_v know_v by_o pure_a reason_n as_o to_o his_o be_v and_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n yet_o by_o this_o imperfect_a notion_n the_o reasoner_n can_v be_v no_o more_o call_v a_o theist_n and_o say_v to_o know_v god_n than_o he_o who_o see_v some_o few_o or_o all_o the_o proportion_n of_o a_o man_n draw_v or_o paint_v can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v his_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n or_o what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a if_o a_o similitude_n may_v be_v admit_v in_o this_o case_n it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o he_o who_o pass_v judgement_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o deity_n by_o those_o lineament_n of_o justice_n and_o mercy_n power_n and_o knowledge_n which_o be_v in_o man_n he_o will_v be_v as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o the_o other_o of_o the_o crasis_n or_o constitution_n of_o a_o man_n for_o as_o the_o one_o can_v conclude_v by_o the_o draught_n what_o humour_n be_v predominant_a neither_o can_v the_o other_o know_v in_o which_o attribute_n god_n take_v most_o delight_n beside_o if_o mere_a natural_a evidence_n be_v to_o be_v set_v up_o judge_n of_o just_a and_o unjust_a without_o respect_n to_o the_o divine_a will_n a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n will_v be_v dispute_v and_o the_o christian_a creed_n contract_v into_o too_o narrow_a a_o compass_n some_o of_o its_o article_n according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o pass_a judgement_n be_v in_o danger_n not_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o christianity_n will_v not_o be_v improve_v much_o above_o that_o height_n which_o king_n agrippa_n arrive_v at_o man_n be_v but_o almost_o persuade_v to_o be_v christian_n hitherto_o reason_n have_v be_v consider_v in_o its_o quest_n concern_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n but_o before_o this_o disquisition_n be_v conclude_v i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o fame_a instance_n in_o plato_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n de_fw-fr praeparat_fw-la evang._n lib._n undec_fw-la c._n dec._n tert_n who_o make_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o a_o characteristic_a or_o token_n by_o which_o dionysius_n shall_v discern_v whether_o his_o letter_n or_o epistle_n be_v jocular_a or_o serious_a this_o seem_v to_o speak_v the_o author_n natural_o orthodox_n but_o do_v not_o sufficient_o justify_v he_o and_o undoubted_o free_v he_o from_o the_o imputation_n of_o polytheism_n or_o a_o confuse_a notion_n of_o the_o deity_n for_o it_o may_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o use_v that_o beginning_n with_o one_o god_n as_o a_o mark_n of_o his_o more_o serious_a business_n rather_o than_o to_o signify_v his_o settle_a opinion_n because_o it_o will_v savour_v too_o much_o of_o a_o narrow_a and_o envious_a spirit_n not_o become_v a_o philosopher_n to_o have_v communicate_v that_o as_o a_o secret_a to_o dionysius_n and_o not_o so_o clear_o and_o ingenuous_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o his_o discourse_n it_o may_v be_v also_o a_o wonder_n that_o he_o can_v at_o any_o time_n write_v jocular_o and_o play_v with_o the_o deity_n make_v the_o term_n god_n to_o be_v as_o a_o signet_n to_o seal_v his_o more_o trivial_a secrecy_n or_o less_o accurate_a writing_n except_o it_o can_v be_v think_v that_o he_o as_o a_o socrates_n deride_v and_o laugh_v at_o the_o heathen_n idolatry_n be_v serious_a when_o deus_n come_v into_o his_o mind_n but_o laugh_v when_o he_o think_v of_o dij_fw-la this_o may_v be_v one_o plausible_a way_n to_o confirm_v the_o usual_a application_n of_o plato_n epistolar_n mark_v or_o sign_n but_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o be_v imagine_v if_o his_o stile_n and_o manner_n of_o writing_n be_v consider_v that_o which_o be_v say_v of_o heathen_n ignorance_n will_v not_o be_v easy_o refute_v by_o citation_n take_v from_o porphyrius_n proclus_n or_o plotinus_n or_o other_o platonist_n see_v it_o may_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o entertain_v the_o same_o opinion_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o their_o master_n have_v now_o how_o far_o the_o platonic_a doctrine_n be_v to_o be_v embrace_v may_v appear_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o discourse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o some_o have_v endeavour_v to_o accommodate_v to_o christ_n the_o second_o person_n in_o the_o holy_a trinity_n for_o the_o second_o principle_n in_o plato_n sense_n imply_v more_o or_o rather_o be_v different_a from_o the_o personal_a distinction_n in_o the_o trinity_n as_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o christian_a belief_n if_o it_o may_v be_v think_v proper_a to_o vie_v authority_n with_o authority_n i_o can_v instance_n in_o heathen_n eminent_a in_o dignity_n morality_n and_o learning_n antoninus_n and_o severus_n who_o be_v not_o free_a from_o the_o thought_n of_o polytheism_n as_o may_v be_v conjecture_v from_o the_o language_n of_o their_o public_a professor_n of_o philosophy_n alexand_n aphrod_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr fato_fw-la p._n 135._o which_o speak_v of_o the_o deity_n in_o a_o plural_a number_n and_o attribute_n omniscience_n and_o prescience_n which_o be_v the_o attribute_n of_o one_o and_o the_o only_a true_a god_n to_o dij_fw-la or_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o language_n may_v be_v presume_v to_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o emperor_n apprehension_n of_o the_o deity_n this_o also_o may_v be_v consider_v zenophon_n who_o in_o a_o pleasant_a discourse_n seem_v not_o altogether_o to_o speak_v his_o own_o sense_n or_o language_n but_o that_o which_o general_o be_v receive_v say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o show_v that_o the_o unity_n of_o this_o supreme_a power_n be_v not_o so_o apprehend_v to_o be_v infallible_o denominate_v one_o as_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imply_v which_o may_v not_o be_v translate_v be_v but_o seem_v zenoph_n in_o convivio_fw-la if_o this_o citation_n as_o table_n discourse_n may_v seem_v too_o familiar_a to_o bear_v the_o weight_n of_o authority_n in_o strict_a way_n of_o argue_v let_v the_o author_n be_v consider_v when_o he_o speak_v most_o serious_o and_o when_o a_o extraordinary_a appearance_n of_o a_o enemy_n oblige_v his_o thought_n to_o retirement_n and_o engage_v he_o to_o devotion_n it_o will_v appear_v doubtful_a whether_o he_o be_v theist_n or_o polytheist_n at_o the_o same_o breath_n confound_v deus_n and_o dij_fw-la begin_v with_o the_o one_o and_o end_v with_o the_o other_o say_v these_o word_n conclude_v his_o oration_n to_o the_o soldier_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d zen._n the_o exped_a cyri-pag_n 296._o hitherto_o the_o deity_n have_v be_v consider_v as_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v to_o the_o reasoner_n and_o the_o next_o disquisition_n be_v what_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o its_o immortality_n can_v be_v attain_v by_o mere_a reason_n as_o the_o eye_n can_v see_v itself_o without_o a_o mirror_n or_o glass_n so_o the_o soul_n can_v know_v itself_o at_o least_o as_o to_o its_o duration_n or_o immortality_n without_o revelation_n it_o be_v a_o difficult_a task_n to_o prove_v its_o existence_n much_o more_o the_o eternal_a continuation_n of_o it_o as_o appear_v by_o the_o french_a philosopher_n who_o seem_v to_o glory_n of_o his_o invention_n when_o he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v a_o way_n to_o convince_v the_o sceptic_a of_o its_o distinct_a