his_o spirit_n shall_v lead_v they_o into_o all_o truth_n and_o yet_o for_o such_o a_o tract_n of_o time_n the_o whole_a multitude_n of_o christian_n shall_v account_v it_o impious_a to_o believe_v that_o which_o now_o the_o polish_v catechism_n say_v it_o be_v damnable_a not_o to_o believe_v when_o it_o be_v propose_v so_o that_o if_o christian_n be_v save_v before_o that_o time_n in_o the_o common_a faith_n it_o be_v from_o the_o apology_n of_o their_o ignorance_n as_o their_o ignorance_n be_v because_o they_o have_v not_o a_o socinus_n to_o instruct_v they_o say_v rather_o why_o the_o deist_n may_v not_o as_o colourable_o reject_v the_o scripture_n as_o the_o socinian_o own_o they_o with_o so_o many_o contradiction_n to_o god_n truth_n and_o goodness_n in_o due_a reverence_n to_o both_o these_o attribute_n of_o god_n we_o be_v oblige_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o sense_n as_o well_o as_o the_o letter_n of_o the_o scripture_n in_o all_o matter_n necessary_a either_o to_o be_v do_v or_o believe_v have_v be_v the_o depositum_fw-la of_o the_o church_n and_o faithful_o preserve_v under_o its_o keep_v that_o the_o whole_a faith_n which_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d at_o once_o deliver_v unto_o the_o saint_n have_v at_o the_o same_o time_n its_o mean_v deliver_v which_o from_o they_o have_v be_v derive_v by_o indubitable_a testimony_n as_o the_o matter_n of_o our_o uniform_a belief_n that_o the_o different_a opinion_n sect_n and_o faction_n in_o the_o world_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o this_o because_o as_o st._n peter_n have_v warn_v we_o they_o who_o diversify_v the_o common_a faith_n do_v not_o interpret_v but_o wrest_v the_o scripture_n and_o as_o st._n paul_n have_v observe_v division_n and_o heresy_n spring_v not_o from_o ignorance_n but_o from_o carnality_n not_o from_o want_n of_o light_n but_o want_v of_o love_n pride_n and_o envy_n and_o contention_n and_o vanity_n and_o such_o contrarious_a passion_n have_v in_o all_o age_n not_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n for_o truth_n but_o have_v be_v contrive_v and_o set_v up_o somewhat_o they_o like_v better_a and_o let_v we_o see_v in_o the_o next_o place_n what_o it_o be_v that_o the_o particular_a affection_n of_o socinus_n like_v better_a than_o the_o receive_a interpretation_n he_o and_o his_o party_n be_v please_v to_o take_v offence_n that_o there_o be_v any_o mystery_n in_o religion_n they_o will_v have_v nothing_o for_o the_o object_n of_o our_o faith_n but_o what_o be_v plain_a to_o our_o understanding_n and_o easy_a to_o our_o apprehension_n and_o although_o they_o will_v not_o affirm_v that_o reason_n have_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o be_v or_o what_o may_v be_v yet_o they_o resolve_v reason_n to_o have_v the_o measure_n of_o what_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v which_o i_o think_v be_v absurdity_n sufficient_a they_o conclude_v thereupon_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incarnation_n that_o be_v of_o god_n take_v our_o flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o must_v not_o be_v believe_v because_o it_o be_v irrational_a and_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n it_o will_v be_v offensive_a to_o pious_a ear_n to_o repeat_v those_o expression_n of_o reproach_n with_o which_o they_o load_v it_o they_o say_v that_o these_o doctrine_n do_v just_o scandalize_v jew_n and_o turk_n and_o hinder_v they_o from_o come_v in_o to_o our_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o be_v no_o office_n of_o civility_n to_o compliment_n away_o our_o faith_n so_o neither_o be_v it_o any_o office_n of_o charity_n in_o the_o socinian_o to_o go_v off_o from_o the_o foundation_n to_o meet_v jew_n and_o turk_n and_o to_o turn_v half-infidel_n that_o they_o may_v turn_v half-christians_a but_o after_o all_o when_o by_o the_o gross_a wrest_v of_o word_n and_o abuse_v of_o plain_a sense_n they_o have_v show_v themselves_o as_o much_o friend_n to_o fancy_n as_o they_o be_v enemy_n to_o faith_n after_o that_o they_o have_v interpret_v all_o mystery_n out_o of_o religion_n and_o so_o make_v their_o new_a hypothesis_n familiar_a and_o inoffensive_a and_o therefore_o credible_a as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o imagine_v we_o must_v pronounce_v upon_o it_o what_o minucius_n sometime_o do_v in_o the_o like_a case_n in_o incredibili_fw-la verum_fw-la in_fw-la credibili_fw-la mendacium_fw-la truth_n still_o lie_v on_o the_o incredible_a and_o falsehood_n on_o the_o credible_a side_n and_o to_o justify_v this_o censure_n let_v we_o confider_v that_o the_o mystery_n of_o any_o thing_n or_o what_o be_v all_o one_o the_o abstruse_a or_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o our_o believe_v it_o this_o be_v a_o rule_n i_o be_o sure_a that_o hold_v true_a in_o nature_n and_o then_o with_o what_o face_n can_v we_o deny_v it_o to_o hold_v true_a in_o religion_n we_o surrender_v our_o faith_n to_o the_o state_n of_o all_o visible_a thing_n without_o comprehend_v they_o and_o what_o obstinacy_n be_v it_o then_o to_o refuse_v our_o faith_n to_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n under_o the_o same_o condition_n it_o will_v be_v a_o affront_n and_o calumny_n to_o nature_n to_o affirm_v that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v before_o we_o those_o work_n of_o god_n which_o lie_v every_o moment_n under_o our_o sense_n be_v simple_o credible_a that_o be_v such_o as_o our_o reason_n will_v persuade_v we_o can_v be_v if_o we_o have_v not_o see_v they_o to_o be_v how_o short_a be_v our_o plummet_n from_o fathom_v the_o essence_n mode_n power_n operation_n production_n of_o the_o most_o common_a being_n undoubted_o have_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o world_n we_o live_v in_o as_o we_o have_v that_o of_o its_o maker_n only_o from_o a_o book_n i_o say_v have_v we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o world_n we_o live_v in_o only_o from_o a_o book_n we_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o treat_v that_o book_n with_o as_o little_a reverence_n as_o the_o socinian_o or_o deist_n have_v do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o conclude_v that_o most_o of_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o it_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a impossible_a and_o therefore_o incredible_a as_o they_o fancy_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v that_o god_n have_v reveal_v concern_v himself_o let_v i_o produce_v a_o instance_n or_o two_o and_o those_o out_o of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n to_o inculcate_v by_o the_o way_n that_o the_o philosophical_a truth_n we_o meet_v with_o there_o be_v venerable_a as_o well_o as_o the_o divine_a in_o the_o beginning_n god_n create_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n say_v the_o sacred_a history_n where_o the_o word_n create_v be_v interpret_v by_o all_o to_o mean_v that_o god_n make_v the_o world_n without_o any_o pre-existent_a matter_n to_o make_v it_o of_o now_o this_o production_n of_o the_o world_n we_o believe_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o report_n and_o likewise_o because_o of_o the_o absurdity_n that_o necessary_o follow_v from_o the_o supposal_n of_o the_o contrary_a and_o yet_o human_a reason_n can_v never_o form_v any_o idea_n whereby_o to_o conceive_v the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o production_n and_o let_v any_o one_o say_v whether_o it_o be_v hard_a to_o believe_v that_o the_o divine_a essence_n do_v from_o everlasting_a emanate_n or_o flow_v into_o three_o social_n and_o coeternal_a subsistence_n than_o to_o believe_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n of_o time_n all_o thing_n be_v make_v out_o of_o nothing_o or_o whether-reason_n have_v more_o argument_n to_o plead_v for_o the_o one_o than_o for_o the_o other_o holy_a job_n to_o exemplify_v the_o power_n of_o god_n pitch_v upon_o this_o instance_n ch_n 26._o 7._o he_o hang_v the_o earth_n upon_o nothing_o or_o as_o his_o expression_n point_v elsewhere_o he_o make_v it_o stand_v firm_a without_o a_o foundation_n now_o when_o we_o find_v it_o impossible_a for_o the_o utmost_a art_n of_o man_n to_o make_v a_o small_a clod_n of_o earth_n hang_v in_o the_o air_n it_o be_v natural_o impossible_a for_o man_n to_o conceive_v how_o the_o whole_a mass_n shall_v hang_v in_o the_o air_n it_o be_v true_a when_o we_o see_v how_o thing_n be_v we_o pride_n ourselves_o in_o assign_v of_o reason_n why_o they_o must_v be_v so_o but_o all_o fall_n short_a of_o solve_v the_o difficulty_n centre_n or_o magnetism_n or_o whatever_o notion_n have_v be_v espouse_v will_v not_o solve_n it_o in_o the_o present_a instance_n no_o cause_n can_v make_v the_o earth_n hang_v upon_o nothing_o but_o the_o omnipotence_n of_o that_o will_n that_o order_v it_o to_o be_v so_o nor_o can_v we_o ever_o believe_v it_o but_o from_o a_o submission_n of_o our_o faith_n to_o that_o omnipotence_n or_o from_o a_o submission_n to_o our_o sense_n even_o while_o they_o control_v and_o muzzle_v the_o reluctancy_n of_o our_o reason_n for_o another_o instance_n of_o the_o incomprehensible_a work_n of_o god_n the_o sea_n be_v allege_v in_o the_o same_o book_n cap._n
incuriousness_n in_o they_o be_v necessary_a to_o their_o own_o happiness_n and_o quiet_a but_o neither_o can_v this_o notion_n work_v far_o because_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o generality_n as_o absurd_a and_o more_o affront_a to_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v indifferent_a and_o regardless_o than_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n at_o all_o and_o of_o this_o doctrine_n the_o psalmist_n give_v we_o intimation_n psal._n 94._o 7._o a_o three_o and_o that_o the_o strong_a barrier_n against_o such_o ill_a boding_n be_v draw_v from_o the_o philosophy_n of_o our_o constitution_n whereby_o the_o soul_n be_v represent_v as_o necessary_o mortal_a as_o the_o body_n and_o thereupon_o secure_a against_o all_o future_a account_n of_o which_o doctrine_n solomon_n give_v we_o a_o large_a notice_n wisdom_n chap._n 2._o perhaps_o i_o have_v be_v more_o in_o the_o mode_n have_v i_o mention_v greece_n for_o the_o school_n of_o these_o doctrine_n and_o diagoras_n protagoras_n and_o epicurus_n for_o the_o doctor_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a what_o great_a disrespect_n have_v be_v show_v to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n by_o this_o affectation_n in_o which_o scripture_n during_o the_o period_n they_o pretend_v to_o which_o be_v much_o above_o half_a of_o that_o time_n the_o world_n have_v hitherto_o last_v we_o meet_v with_o the_o best_a account_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o civil_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a and_o how_o absurd_a will_v it_o be_v for_o i_o in_o this_o particular_a matter_n to_o ascribe_v the_o fortuitous_a be_v and_o the_o perishable_a state_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o regardlesness_n of_o the_o deity_n to_o epicurus_n when_o we_o find_v these_o notion_n record_v in_o holy_a writ_n as_o espouse_v long_o before_o greece_n have_v ever_o open_v a_o school_n to_o any_o of_o this_o vain_a philosophy_n but_o these_o circumstantial_o set_v aside_o my_o main_a point_n be_v to_o show_v that_o these_o several_a argument_n have_v not_o power_n to_o shelter_v the_o heathen_a world_n from_o frightful_a apprehension_n concern_v the_o future_a ill_a consequence_n of_o sin_n they_o still_o doubt_v that_o forasmuch_o as_o their_o soul_n have_v a_o notion_n of_o eternity_n they_o have_v likewise_o a_o essential_a relation_n to_o eternity_n and_o therefore_o they_o think_v that_o their_o own_o inward_a hope_n and_o fear_n speak_v better_a sense_n about_o the_o issue_n of_o such_o a_o duration_n than_o they_o can_v meet_v with_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o here_o the_o heathen_n be_v force_v to_o stop_v and_o though_o their_o wit_n and_o will_n be_v hearty_o join_v to_o serve_v the_o cause_n of_o vice_n as_o far_o as_o they_o can_v yet_o they_o can_v never_o remove_v this_o awful_a barrier_n whereas_o in_o a_o more_o illuminate_v time_n as_o we_o must_v allow_v that_o of_o the_o gospel_n to_o be_v the_o most_o illuminate_v of_o that_o time_n as_o they_o will_v have_v we_o allow_v the_o socinian_o to_o be_v have_v with_o great_a ostentation_n and_o as_o great_a applause_n of_o their_o wisdom_n do_v the_o cause_n of_o vice_n more_o effectual_a service_n than_o ever_o can_v be_v do_v it_o before_o abate_v the_o outrage_n they_o have_v do_v the_o scripture_n about_o which_o they_o be_v not_o very_o solicitous_a they_o have_v make_v their_o hypothesis_n plausible_a as_o well_o as_o grateful_a they_o speak_v respectful_o of_o god_n and_o not_o disrespectful_o of_o the_o soul_n they_o determine_v not_o how_o or_o of_o what_o it_o be_v make_v but_o they_o determine_v that_o as_o it_o be_v a_o creature_n of_o god_n so_o it_o be_v either_o mortal_a or_o immortal_a at_o his_o discretion_n and_o thereupon_o to_o reward_v the_o pious_a with_o eternal_a happiness_n be_v what_o well_o suit_v with_o god_n goodness_n and_o benignity_n but_o it_o will_v not_o do_v so_o to_o punish_v the_o sinful_a with_o eternal_a torment_n that_o can_v neither_o suit_n with_o goodness_n nor_o justice_n itself_o because_o that_o between_o temporal_a gild_n and_o eternal_a punishment_n there_o be_v no_o proportion_n and_o therefore_o all_o that_o the_o sinful_a soul_n may_v fear_v from_o god_n be_v a_o declaration_n of_o its_o incapacity_n for_o heaven_n and_o a_o sentence_n for_o its_o extinction_n and_o loss_n of_o be_v never_o such_o a_o amulet_n as_o this_o be_v offer_v to_o quiet_a all_o the_o boding_n of_o conscience_n never_o do_v sin_n sleep_v upon_o so_o soft_a a_o pillow_n as_o be_v make_v up_o of_o this_o hypothesis_n which_o carry_v careless_a soul_n beyond_o all_o former_a hope_n even_o into_o the_o lap_n of_o their_o own_o wish_n which_o be_v never_o to_o be_v acquaint_v with_o eternity_n so_o they_o may_v undisturbed_o enjoy_v their_o present_a inclination_n juvenal_n the_o poet_n speak_v of_o that_o notion_n that_o the_o heathen_n have_v form_v of_o a_o future_a state_n that_o there_o be_v a_o boat_n and_o a_o ferryman_n and_o a_o black_a lake_n and_o frightful_a frog_n in_o it_o which_o careless_a soul_n be_v to_o pass_v over_o to_o a_o miserable_a abide_v cry_v out_o quis_fw-la pver_fw-la hoc_fw-la credat_fw-la i._o e._n in_o hypothesi_fw-la in_o its_o circumstantial_a dress_n it_o be_v childish_a to_o believe_v this_o but_o add_v in_o thesi_fw-la at_o tu_fw-la vera_fw-la puta_fw-la do_v thou_o who_o ever_o thou_o be_v believe_v this_o at_o lest_o something_o like_o this_o to_o be_v true_a and_o who_o can_v say_v but_o juvenal_n be_v a_o wise_a man_n in_o this_o reflection_n but_o than_o be_v it_o not_o surprise_o strange_a that_o a_o more_o elevate_a wisdom_n shall_v set_v itself_o to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o like_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o all_o fear_n of_o futurity_n be_v groundless_a except_o that_o of_o be_v make_v insensible_a it_o be_v wisdom_n to_o believe_v hell_n torment_n in_o those_o that_o neither_o know_v god_n nor_o his_o revelation_n and_o can_v it_o be_v wisdom_n too_o for_o any_o not_o to_o believe_v hell_n torment_n who_o be_v sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o and_o be_v it_o not_o far_o surprise_o strange_a that_o those_o man_n who_o pretend_v their_o zeal_n for_o morality_n be_v above_o that_o of_o all_o other_o shall_v open_v such_o a_o sluice_n to_o the_o flood_n of_o immorality_n alas_o what_o a_o contradictory_n thing_n be_v profess_v wisdom_n when_o once_o it_o affect_v to_o lead_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v much_o more_o both_o absurd_a and_o mischievous_a than_o confess_v folly_n thus_o much_o for_o the_o second_o charge_n of_o wisdom_n viz._n that_o it_o bring_v sin_n into_o the_o world_n the_o last_o i_o propose_v to_o warn_v we_o against_o fondness_n for_o its_o guidance_n be_v this_o viz._n that_o it_o first_o corrupt_v faith_n and_o bring_v all_o heresy_n into_o the_o church_n suitable_o to_o this_o it_o be_v common_o observe_v of_o that_o sect_n of_o man_n who_o in_o the_o early_a day_n of_o christianity_n invent_v so_o many_o various_a corruption_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o hardly_o leave_v room_n for_o the_o invention_n of_o subsequent_a age_n to_o find_v out_o any_o new_a that_o they_o affect_v for_o a_o distinguish_a name_n to_o be_v call_v gnostici_fw-la i._n e._n the_o knower_n or_o such_o as_o understand_v more_o than_o their_o neighbour_n and_o we_o can_v doubt_v but_o that_o our_o apostle_n have_v a_o eye_n to_o some_o of_o these_o and_o their_o wild_a opinion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o principle_n that_o occasion_v they_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o where_n charge_v timothy_n to_o stand_v firm_a in_o the_o faith_n and_o to_o keep_v that_o depositum_fw-la i._n e._n that_o scheme_n of_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v deliver_v prescribe_v to_o he_o this_o mean_v as_o necessary_a to_o his_o purpose_n viz._n that_o he_o shall_v avoid_v the_o opposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d of_o science_n or_o wisdom_n false_o so_o call_v which_o some_o profess_v have_v err_v concern_v the_o faith_n we_o know_v the_o scripture_n meddle_v not_o with_o the_o impeachment_n of_o any_o science_n or_o with_o call_v it_o false_a but_o bare_o as_o it_o intrenche_n upon_o faith_n and_o oppose_v that_o which_o it_o ought_v to_o follow_v and_o therefore_o this_o science_n be_v here_o specify_v by_o its_o opposition_n i._n e._n it_o be_v inclination_n to_o oppose_v the_o faith_n common_o receive_v account_v it_o a_o restraint_n as_o i_o have_v intimate_v already_o to_o think_v or_o believe_v with_o the_o vulgar_a and_o to_o evidence_n that_o this_o kind_a of_o science_n do_v make_v man_n err_v concern_v the_o faith_n as_o the_o text_n allege_v let_v we_o but_o consider_v those_o heresy_n that_o be_v mention_v in_o scripture_n as_o first_o obtain_v in_o the_o church_n and_o we_o shall_v soon_o see_v how_o they_o take_v their_o rise_n at_o least_o all_o their_o pretence_n from_o this_o very_a principle_n some_o there_o be_v we_o know_v who_o
they_o thus_o to_o cease_v on_o a_o sudden_a if_o it_o be_v not_o from_o the_o design_n of_o providence_n to_o make_v that_o event_n give_v testimony_n both_o to_o jesus_n and_o his_o revelation_n to_o jesus_n that_o he_o be_v one_o who_o have_v power_n over_o the_o devil_n and_o to_o his_o revelation_n that_o it_o be_v plenary_a and_o consummate_v so_o that_o for_o the_o future_a man_n need_v not_o seek_v any_o far_a to_o learn_v what_o be_v the_o full_a and_o acceptable_a and_o perfect_a will_n of_o god_n when_o the_o deist_n confirm_v his_o prejudice_n against_o the_o christian_a revelation_n from_o this_o argument_n that_o all_o religion_n do_v equal_o pretend_v to_o the_o fame_n original_a that_o be_v to_o come_v from_o god_n i_o allow_v that_o reason_n have_v here_o a_o proper_a province_n let_v it_o therefore_o be_v call_v in_o let_v reason_n inquire_v and_o then_o judge_n and_o say_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o other_o religion_n so_o worthy_a of_o god_n as_o the_o christian_a be_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o who_o doctrine_n be_v so_o convince_a and_o who_o miracle_n be_v so_o demonstrative_a nay_o whether_o ever_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n of_o human_a faith_n that_o come_v so_o attest_v as_o our_o religion_n do_v and_o fail_v of_o belief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o singular_a perverseness_n be_v it_o then_o that_o this_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v let_v any_o one_o say_v especial_o how_o the_o gospel_n truth_n that_o assert_v itself_o so_o effectual_o in_o its_o beginning_n at_o that_o time_n when_o any_o possibility_n of_o fraud_n can_v best_o have_v be_v discover_v after_o it_o have_v assert_v itself_o against_o all_o the_o malice_n of_o satan_n and_o the_o opposition_n of_o all_o worldly_a power_n can_v after_o 1600_o year_n be_v give_v up_o as_o a_o fiction_n or_o be_v affect_v with_o any_o such_o discredit_n from_o the_o perfidiousness_n of_o a_o company_n of_o bold_a and_o loose_a and_o weak_a deserter_n let_v any_o one_o reflect_v upon_o theseconsideration_n and_o he_o shall_v find_v that_o the_o deist_n opinion_n run_v they_o upon_o a_o multitude_n of_o absurdity_n beside_o all_o the_o fatal_a mischief_n of_o its_o unconsidered_a consequence_n the_o several_a religion_n receive_v among_o the_o gentile_n be_v so_o full_a of_o gross_a superstition_n and_o palpable_a error_n that_o many_o particular_a man_n among_o those_o gentile_n of_o sound_a judgement_n and_o better_a spirit_n than_o the_o common_a be_v scandalize_v at_o their_o religion_n and_o have_v they_o in_o contempt_n so_o that_o although_o for_o decency_n sake_n and_o submission_n to_o the_o law_n they_o give_v occasional_a countenance_n to_o the_o vulgar_a rite_n of_o worship_n yet_o their_o private_a religion_n consist_v in_o form_v to_o themselves_o a_o more_o rational_a notion_n of_o god_n abstract_v from_o all_o the_o receive_v idol_n and_o the_o worship_n they_o deem_v most_o suitable_a to_o such_o a_o god_n be_v place_v in_o follow_v reason_n and_o reverence_v their_o conscience_n and_o cultivate_v their_o mind_n in_o the_o study_n of_o knowledge_n and_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o these_o be_v such_o as_o among_o the_o greek_n they_o first_o call_v philosopher_n they_o who_o we_o modern_o call_v deist_n be_v the_o ape_n of_o those_o philosopher_n and_o that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v like_o they_o set_v up_o to_o treat_v christian_a religion_n with_o the_o same_o contempt_n as_o those_o do_v the_o vulgar_a heathen_a but_o as_o it_o be_v observe_v of_o the_o ape_n that_o although_o of_o all_o creature_n it_o most_o resemble_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o ugly_a of_o all_o creature_n because_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o resemblance_n be_v abate_v by_o many_o ridiculous_a deficiency_n so_o we_o may_v say_v of_o the_o deist_n that_o they_o be_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a of_o man_n because_o they_o ape_n the_o wise_a under_o such_o great_a difference_n of_o circumstance_n and_o such_o great_a deficiency_n of_o purpose_n for_o the_o philosopher_n be_v such_o as_o in_o the_o night_n of_o gentile_a darkness_n set_v up_o their_o candle_n so_o solomon_n call_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n they_o strict_o attend_v the_o improvement_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o so_o set_v up_o their_o candle_n and_o walk_v commendable_o by_o the_o light_n of_o it_o now_o these_o man_n be_v true_o wise_a none_o under_o their_o circumstance_n can_v possible_o be_v wise_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o deist_n be_v such_o as_o at_o noonday_n shut_v up_o their_o window_n and_o keep_v out_o the_o sun_n and_o then_o set_v up_o their_o candle_n and_o say_v that_o that_o be_v the_o most_o agreeable_a light_n and_o the_o best_a guide_n to_o their_o household_n business_n now_o what_o can_v be_v allege_v for_o the_o wisdom_n of_o these_o there_o have_v be_v some_o carry_v away_o with_o this_o fantastical_a and_o mistake_a admiration_n of_o the_o philosopher_n religion_n in_o former_a time_n of_o christianity_n but_o they_o be_v rare_a as_o monster_n and_o so_o account_v of_o but_o they_o never_o grow_v numerous_a and_o in_o heart_n till_o of_o late_a since_o they_o take_v their_o growth_n and_o apology_n from_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o socinian_o the_o second_o party_n i_o propose_v to_o instance_n in_o ii_o the_o conduct_n of_o the_o socinian_o be_v this_o they_o own_a the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o will_v not_o abide_v by_o the_o receive_a interpretation_n of_o that_o word_n nor_o admit_v that_o explication_n of_o the_o principal_a doctrine_n therein_o contain_v which_o have_v be_v deliver_v down_o by_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o usurp_v a_o liberty_n of_o interpret_n all_o anew_o at_o their_o own_o discretion_n and_o to_o make_v they_o speak_v their_o own_o prejudicate_v sense_n in_o conformity_n to_o this_o design_n socinus_n after_o he_o have_v form_v his_o new_a scheme_n of_o divinity_n to_o make_v it_o pass_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o all_o the_o advantage_n he_o can_v introduce_v his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n with_o this_o sentence_n multa_fw-la sunt_fw-la profecto_fw-la in_o quibus_fw-la christianus_n orbis_fw-la adhuc_fw-la caecutit_fw-la &_o fortasse_fw-la plura_fw-la quam_fw-la quis_fw-la vel_fw-la credere_fw-la vel_fw-la etiam_fw-la cogitare_fw-la possit_fw-la i._n e._n there_o be_v undoubted_o many_o truth_n and_o perhaps_o more_o than_o any_o one_o can_v either_o believe_v or_o imagine_v in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v be_v hitherto_o quite_o blind_a and_o ignorant_a which_o sentence_n and_o several_a such_o like_o accompany_v it_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o never_o any_o man_n more_o fill_v up_o each_o member_n of_o that_o character_n which_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o the_o pharisee_fw-mi viz._n of_o think_v well_o of_o himself_o and_o despise_v other_o than_o socinus_n do_v for_o it_o imply_v that_o although_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n yet_o they_o resemble_v those_o of_o the_o gentile_n in_o this_o that_o they_o be_v dark_a and_o of_o a_o doubtful_a sense_n and_o of_o no_o authoritative_a interpretation_n and_o that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v be_v quite_o mistake_v till_o such_o time_n as_o this_o new_a illumination_n have_v be_v vouchsafe_v to_o himself_o now_o since_o this_o imagination_n pass_v upon_o socinus_n from_o his_o caution_n of_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o the_o former_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n let_v we_o consider_v how_o palpable_o he_o must_v have_v impose_v upon_o himself_o before_o this_o imagination_n can_v take_v place_n if_o he_o believe_v it_o himself_o can_v any_o one_o else_o in_o reason_n believe_v that_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n have_v be_v blind_a down_o to_o his_o day_n and_o ignorant_a in_o the_o most_o important_a truth_n which_o it_o be_v reserve_v for_o his_o honour_n to_o reveal_v so_o that_o the_o light_n of_o the_o word_n have_v not_o yet_o enlighten_v mankind_n till_o his_o comment_n have_v dispel_v the_o cloud_n that_o lie_v upon_o it_o can_v any_o one_o believe_v with_o reason_n that_o all_o the_o assertor_n of_o our_o religion_n in_o the_o primitive_a age_n man_n holy_a studious_a learned_a signalise_v and_o distinguish_v with_o all_o the_o gift_n of_o god_n both_o gracious_a and_o miraculous_a have_v yet_o none_o of_o that_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o may_v now_o be_v learn_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o socinus_n can_v it_o appear_v agreeable_a to_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o good_a will_n for_o human_a salvation_n after_o he_o have_v require_v faith_n to_o please_v he_o as_o well_o as_o obedience_n and_o that_o faith_n in_o doctrine_n as_o well_o as_o in_o promise_n yet_o to_o let_v 15_o century_n pass_v without_o make_v it_o common_o know_v what_o it_o be_v he_o require_v man_n to_o believe_v can_v it_o appear_v consistent_a with_o god_n promise_n to_o his_o church_n that_o
38._o of_o which_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n have_v establish_v its_o place_n by_o his_o decree_n and_o set_v barrs_n and_o door_n before_o it_o and_o say_v to_o it_o hitherto_o shall_v thy_o proud_a wave_n come_v and_o no_o far_o which_o observation_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o convexity_n or_o roundness_n of_o the_o surface_n of_o those_o water_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o as_o the_o psalmist_n natural_o express_v it_o they_o stand_v upon_o a_o heap_n a_o heap_n as_o miraculous_a be_v it_o not_o more_o common_a as_o that_o the_o israelite_n pass_v through_o in_o the_o red_a sea_n for_o in_o this_o heap_n the_o water_n be_v bind_v up_o that_o as_o the_o psalmist_n express_v it_o they_o turn_v not_o again_o to_o cover_v the_o earth_n which_o by_o the_o common_a law_n of_o motion_n they_o otherwise_o must_v necessary_o do_v and_o pour_v in_o upon_o every_o shore_n a_o deluge_n instead_o of_o a_o tide_n reason_n uninform_v by_o experience_n of_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n can_v not_o possible_o believe_v it_o and_o yet_o how_o wild_a will_v the_o man_n be_v think_v that_o shall_v not_o believe_v it_o once_o more_o the_o psalmist_n for_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n take_v it_o from_o the_o frame_n of_o our_o own_o be_v i_o be_o fearful_o and_o wonderful_o make_v to_o consider_v the_o curiousness_n of_o our_o frame_n be_v amaze_a and_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o power_n that_o order_v it_o to_o be_v so_o be_v no_o less_o than_o tremendous_a let_v i_o instance_n but_o in_o one_o particular_a whereof_o i_o will_v borrow_v the_o hint_n from_o solomon_n in_o his_o description_n of_o old_a age_n eccl._n 12._o 6._o or_o ever_o the_o wheel_n be_v break_v at_o the_o cistern_n which_o expression_n can_v be_v interpret_v so_o genuinly_a of_o any_o thing_n as_o of_o that_o spring_n and_o pulse_n in_o the_o heart_n which_o begin_v the_o circular_a motion_n of_o our_o blood_n let_v we_o consider_v in_o this_o instance_n how_o our_o blood_n a_o ponderous_a body_n contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o common_a nature_n ascend_v without_o reluctancy_n and_o descend_v without_o precipitation_n be_v of_o so_o many_o different_a colour_n under_o so_o many_o form_n of_o digestion_n move_v so_o many_o year_n without_o any_o influence_n of_o our_o thought_n or_o reflection_n and_o when_o it_o cease_v take_v life_n away_o with_o itself_o let_v any_o weigh_v these_o circumstance_n and_o he_o may_v well_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o same_o holy_a writer_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o great_a and_o excellent_a for_o i_o i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o and_o yet_o none_o of_o this_o mystery_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o believe_v it_o i_o need_v instance_n no_o far_o nature_n be_v full_a of_o mystery_n and_o incomprehensible_a thing_n and_o may_v we_o think_v then_o that_o the_o nature_n or_o subsistence_n of_o god_n can_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o not_o admit_v a_o mystery_n we_o account_v those_o israelite_n be_v very_o gross_a logician_n who_o thus_o argue_v psal._n 78._o he_o smite_v the_o stony_a rock_n indeed_o that_o the_o water_n gush_v forth_o but_o can_v he_o give_v bread_n also_o and_o provide_v flesh_n for_o his_o people_n that_o be_v although_o we_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n have_v do_v this_o miracle_n we_o will_v not_o believe_v he_o can_v do_v another_o but_o it_o be_v yet_o more_o gross_a argue_v for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v i_o believe_v the_o work_n of_o god_n although_o '_o they_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o i_o will_v not_o believe_v any_o thing_n of_o god_n himself_o unless_o i_o comprehend_v it_o it_o be_v true_a we_o believe_v these_o incredible_a thing_n in_o nature_n because_o we_o see_v they_o but_o then_o may_v not_o our_o ear_n bring_v in_o as_o good_a evidence_n as_o our_o eye_n certain_o we_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o deception_n in_o hear_v what_o god_n speak_v than_o we_o be_v in_o see_v what_o nature_n exhibit_v but_o this_o still_o be_v the_o question_n which_o the_o socinian_o will_v not_o suffer_v to_o be_v beg_v they_o affirm_v that_o god_n have_v not_o speak_v any_o mystery_n concern_v either_o himself_o or_o his_o method_n of_o our_o redemption_n they_o say_v our_o interpreter_n have_v coin_v these_o mystery_n whereas_o their_o interpretation_n have_v void_v they_o and_o make_v they_o all_o plain_a and_o here_o i_o confess_v again_o reason_n have_v a_o proper_a province_n to_o act_v in_o for_o although_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o prescribe_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o belief_n revelation_n be_v to_o do_v that_o yet_o reason_n be_v a_o proper_a judge_n whether_o such_o or_o such_o a_o matter_n be_v reveal_v or_o no_o for_o this_o consist_v only_o in_o apprehend_v the_o sense_n of_o plain_a word_n which_o every_o man_n understanding_n have_v a_o equal_a right_a to_o pretend_v to_o whereas_o therefore_o socinus_n say_v he_o have_v a_o favourable_a regard_n to_o jew_n and_o turk_n in_o his_o interpretation_n of_o the_o scripture_n let_v they_o fair_o be_v call_v in_o and_o suffer_v to_o interpret_v for_o themselves_o they_o be_v scandalize_v at_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o trinity_n be_v it_o so_o but_o when_o they_o see_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v three_o to_o who_o we_o be_v devote_v in_o our_o baptismal_a covenant_n three_o in_o who_o we_o must_v believe_v to_o who_o we_o must_v pray_v by_o who_o we_o must_v bless_v to_o who_o we_o must_v give_v worship_n and_o glory_n undoubted_o they_o will_v believe_v a_o trinity_n as_o soon_o as_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v one_o they_o be_v averse_a from_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v god_n be_v it_o so_o but_o when_o they_o see_v it_o express_v in_o scripture_n that_o he_o who_o in_o time_n be_v jesus_n be_v god_n from_o everlasting_a that_o when_o he_o take_v our_o flesh_n upon_o he_o he_o think_v it_o no_o robbery_n to_o be_v equal_a with_o the_o father_n that_o he_o it_o be_v who_o in_o the_o beginning_n lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o heaven_n be_v the_o work_n of_o his_o hand_n undoubted_o they_o will_v as_o soon_o believe_v that_o jesus_n be_v true_o god_n as_o they_o will_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o say_v he_o be_v let_v they_o see_v how_o when_o our_o bless_a lord_n be_v charge_v with_o blasphemy_n for_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n he_o deny_v not_o the_o matter_n but_o only_o absolve_v it_o from_o the_o crime_n how_o at_o his_o most_o solemn_a devotion_n when_o about_o to_o leave_v the_o world_n he_o pray_v on_o this_o manner_n and_o now_o o_o father_n glorify_v i_o with_o the_o glory_n which_o i_o have_v with_o thou_o before_o the_o world_n be_v undoubted_o they_o will_v conclude_v that_o if_o what_o the_o socinian_o say_v be_v true_a viz._n that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n neither_o be_v he_o a_o good_a man_n for_o all_o this_o deportment_n can_v imply_v no_o less_o than_o that_o he_o affect_v to_o be_v account_v god_n and_o so_o he_o be_v ambitious_a even_o sacrilegious_o ambitious_a of_o that_o honour_n to_o which_o he_o have_v no_o title_n and_o this_o no_o good_a man_n can_v be_v in_o fine_a let_v jew_n and_o turk_n be_v admit_v of_o the_o jury_n and_o they_o will_v undoubted_o give_v verdict_n that_o if_o we_o be_v deceive_v in_o our_o common_a faith_n that_o spirit_n that_o dictate_v the_o scripture_n can_v design_v no_o less_o than_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v let_v those_o who_o have_v give_v occasion_n to_o such_o reflection_n as_o these_o find_v out_o a_o reply_n whereby_o to_o stave_v off_o their_o reproach_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n i_o may_v observe_v that_o the_o socinian_o have_v be_v unlucky_a in_o the_o execution_n of_o their_o main_a design_n for_o they_o have_v not_o purge_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n they_o have_v only_o change_v its_o place_n they_o have_v take_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v venerable_a and_o worthy_a the_o majesty_n of_o god_n and_o they_o have_v place_v it_o in_o the_o phrase_n of_o the_o scripture_n where_o it_o be_v opprobrious_a and_o repugnant_a to_o god_n sincerity_n for_o example_n expound_v joh._n 1._o 1._o they_o say_v that_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v the_o word_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o christ_n be_v when_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o word_n be_v with_o god_n signify_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o christ_n be_v take_v up_o into_o heaven_n to_o receive_v instruction_n for_o his_o subsequent_a errand_n that_o the_o word_n be_v god_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o that_o he_o be_v god_n messenger_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o he_o and_o without_o he_o nothing_o be_v make_v that_o be_v make_v signify_v only_o that_o he_o be_v to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n by_o virtue_n whereof_o man_n be_v to_o