of_o the_o bible_n the_o ancient_a heathen_n reproach_v the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o ground_v all_o their_o doctrine_n upon_o mere_a belief_n that_o their_o religion_n consist_v in_o sola_fw-la ratione_fw-la credendi_fw-la and_o that_o their_o simple_a faith_n be_v all_o they_o have_v to_o trust_v to_o the_o christian_n complain_v of_o the_o charge_n as_o a_o gross_a and_o impudent_a calumny_n appeal_v to_o reason_n for_o proof_n of_o their_o belief_n and_o offer_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o title_n and_o as_o they_o that_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o report_n principle_n of_o education_n or_o the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n and_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v the_o alcoran_n so_o if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o repugnant_a both_o to_o reason_n and_o one_o another_o have_v be_v deliver_v by_o enthusiast_n and_o pretend_a inspirato_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o soul_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o such_o person_n can_v have_v of_o its_o divinity_n but_o 1_o st_z the_o holy_a ghost_n convince_v no_o man_n as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n without_o enlighten_v his_o mind_n in_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n upon_o which_o its_o proceed_n from_o god_n be_v evidence_v and_o establish_v there_o be_v no_o conviction_n beget_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n otherwise_o than_o by_o rational_a evidence_n satisfy_v our_o understanding_n through_o a_o discovery_n of_o the_o motive_n and_o inducement_n that_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o will_v convince_v we_o of_o 2._o no_o man_n particular_a assurance_n obtain_v thus_o in_o way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v on_o the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o that_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o and_o that_o a_o other_o be_v convince_v or_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o upon_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_a they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o i_o know_v the_o papist_n to_o be_v even_o with_o the_o protestant_n for_o the_o circle_n we_o charge_v on_o they_o in_o their_o prove_v the_o church_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o church_n do_v pretend_v to_o fasten_v the_o same_o way_n of_o circular_a argumentation_n upon_o we_o in_o that_o we_o prove_v the_o spirit_n by_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o spirit_n whereas_o even_o those_o protestant_n who_o contend_v that_o the_o spirit_n and_o scripture_n do_v mutual_o prove_v one_o another_o may_v easy_o acquit_v themselves_o from_o a_o circle_n see_v whatever_o proof_n the_o scripture_n and_o spirit_n mutual_o minister_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v in_o diverso_fw-la genere_fw-la the_o scripture_n prove_v the_o spirit_n either_o in_o way_n of_o witness_n by_o plain_o testify_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o the_o divine_a spirit_n or_o objective_o and_o by_o way_n of_o argument_n bring_v into_o light_n such_o truth_n as_o can_v be_v conceive_v to_o proceed_v from_o none_o other_o save_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o then_o the_o spirit_n prove_v the_o scripture_n not_o in_o way_n of_o a_o naked_a witness_n nor_o in_o way_n of_o argument_n but_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o efficient_a cause_n elevate_a and_o prepare_v our_o understanding_n to_o discern_v the_o lineament_n character_n and_o signature_n of_o divinity_n which_o god_n have_v impress_v upon_o the_o scripture_n which_o through_o that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v upon_o our_o mind_n we_o many_o time_n do_v not_o at_o all_o discern_v much_o less_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n discern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o it_o or_o else_o by_o give_v efficacy_n to_o scripture_n truth_n in_o and_o upon_o our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n so_o that_o the_o word_n arrive_v with_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o power_n 2.4_o we_o have_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o effectual_a work_v of_o his_o power_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o spiritual_a sense_n and_o taste_v of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o this_o spiritual_a gust_n that_o i_o may_v use_v origen_n phrase_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o divine_a thing_n and_o more_o convince_v than_o any_o demonstration_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o god_n himself_o be_v best_a know_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o a_o intellectual_a touch_n as_o the_o philosopher_n say_v plotin_n but_o as_o i_o have_v say_v already_o this_o be_v no_o convince_a proof_n to_o a_o adversary_n nor_o do_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o reach_v further_o than_o the_o party_n immediate_o concern_v and_o therefore_o our_o recourse_n must_v be_v to_o argument_n of_o another_o nature_n in_o brief_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionated_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n and_o here_o reason_n be_v just_o magnify_v as_o huge_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v not_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o reason_n can_v acquit_v itself_o in_o this_o undertake_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o that_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o i_o know_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o god_n to_o satisfy_v they_o many_o great_a man_n both_o ancient_a and_o modern_a as_o well_o at_o home_n as_o abroad_o have_v already_o labour_v and_o to_o good_a purpose_n in_o this_o theme_n nor_o can_v there_o be_v much_o add_v by_o any_o to_o what_o be_v already_o say_v much_o less_o be_o i_o likely_a to_o do_v it_o neither_o be_v it_o my_o intention_n to_o treat_v this_o subject_a at_o large_a but_o rather_o to_o touch_v at_o the_o head_n of_o argument_n than_o handle_v they_o and_o i_o suppose_v this_o will_v sufficient_o answer_v my_o design_n which_o be_v to_o vindicate_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o aspersion_n late_o cast_v upon_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v defamer_n of_o reason_n disclaim_v it_o from_o all_o concern_v in_o religion_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v charge_v with_o the_o reproach_n which_o julian_n slanderous_o fasten_v upon_o the_o primitive_a christian_n that_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n but_o that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v only_o to_o believe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o method_n i_o shall_v here_o confine_v myself_o to_o shall_v be_v first_o to_o justify_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o order_n to_o
be_v the_o same_o pleasure_n to_o i_o to_o have_v my_o notion_n confute_v when_o unsound_a as_o it_o be_v to_o be_v restore_v to_o health_n when_o i_o have_v be_v sick_a §_o 8._o have_v brief_o view_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o demonstrate_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o may_v ere_o we_o make_v any_o further_o proceed_v infer_v and_o conclude_v from_o hence_o its_o authority_n for_o upon_o its_o divine_a original_a do_v its_o authority_n bear_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o our_o submit_v our_o heart_n and_o conscience_n to_o the_o bible_n be_v god_n speak_v in_o it_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v his_o right_n to_o command_v and_o require_v obedience_n and_o it_o be_v found_v not_o only_o in_o the_o supereminence_n of_o his_o nature_n but_o his_o relation_n to_o we_o as_o our_o maker_n have_v make_v we_o rational_a creature_n capable_a of_o moral_a government_n he_o may_v according_o rule_v we_o by_o law_n back_v with_o promise_n and_o threaten_n i_o acknowledge_v that_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la man_n may_v withdraw_v themselves_o from_o under_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o may_v deny_v he_o obedience_n but_o that_o militate_v nothing_o against_o the_o right_n that_o be_v vest_v in_o he_o of_o rule_v they_o nor_o the_o obligation_n that_o they_o be_v under_o of_o obey_v he_o now_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n arise_v from_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o his_o speak_n in_o it_o nor_o be_v the_o most_o momentous_a reason_n of_o that_o significancy_n to_o determine_v our_o assent_n as_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o person_n of_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n goodness_n and_o truth_n what_o great_a assurance_n can_v we_o have_v to_o ascertain_v our_o belief_n than_o that_o the_o affirmer_n be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o can_v be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o infinite_o good_a and_o can_v deceive_v other_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n do_v that_o the_o scripture_n have_v its_o authority_n in_o se_fw-la in_o its_o self_n from_o its_o self_n but_o that_o it_o have_v its_o authority_n quoad_fw-la nos_fw-la with_o respect_n to_o we_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n be_v to_o talk_v without_o either_o reason_n or_o sense_n for_o 1_o authority_n be_v a_o relative_n term_n nothing_o can_v have_v authority_n in_o itself_o which_o have_v it_o not_o in_o respect_n of_o other_o nothing_o be_v a_o law_n proper_o but_o what_o be_v a_o law_n to_o some_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v a_o actual_a right_n in_o any_o to_o command_n without_o suppose_v a_o obligation_n in_o some_o to_o obey_v if_o the_o scripture_n therefore_o have_v no_o authority_n from_o itself_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o it_o neither_o have_v nor_o can_v have_v any_o authority_n in_o its_o self_n 3._o at_o all_o 2_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o but_o what_o it_o have_v from_o the_o church_n how_o come_v the_o church_n itself_o to_o be_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o receive_v and_o obey_v it_o there_o can_v be_v no_o obligation_n but_o in_o relation_n to_o some_o antecedent_n authority_n and_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n oblige_v the_o church_n to_o receive_v the_o scripture_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o sin_n in_o her_o reject_v it_o 3_o if_o the_o scripture_n have_v no_o authority_n from_o its_o self_n and_o god_n speak_v in_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o we_o than_o the_o church_n shall_v be_v the_o first_o credible_a which_o be_v altogether_o false_a it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o we_o both_o know_v that_o there_o be_v a_o church_n and_o how_o far_o her_o testimony_n be_v to_o be_v trust_v to_o 4._o every_o testimony_n be_v posterior_n to_o the_o thing_n testify_v and_o be_v according_o true_a or_o false_a as_o it_o be_v agreeable_a or_o disagreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o bear_v witness_v to_o if_o therefore_o the_o scripture_n have_v any_o authority_n with_o respect_n to_o we_o upon_o the_o testimonial_a of_o the_o church_n it_o behove_v to_o have_v it_o antecedent_o in_o a_o word_n if_o god_n have_v not_o a_o right_n of_o command_v we_o independent_o on_o the_o testimonial_n of_o the_o church_n then_o no_o private_a revelation_n that_o ever_o god_n make_v or_o can_v make_v of_o himself_o to_o any_o be_v of_o the_o least_o force_n or_o significancy_n nor_o can_v they_o to_o who_o god_n by_o vision_n dream_n inspiration_n or_o otherwise_o make_v himself_o his_o mind_n and_o will_n know_v take_v upon_o they_o to_o give_v forth_o and_o publish_v to_o other_o what_o be_v thus_o reveal_v to_o they_o till_o they_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o church_n that_o it_o be_v authentic_a have_v establish_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o its_o true_a basis_n namely_o on_o its_o be_v god_n word_n and_o speak_v in_o it_o now_o forasmuch_o as_o no_o man_n either_o be_v or_o can_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v a_o lie_n we_o may_v hence_o learn_v what_o to_o judge_n of_o that_o notion_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o some_o other_o 24._o viz._n deum_fw-la posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la si_fw-la velit_fw-la that_o god_n can_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v no_o one_o deny_v but_o there_o both_o may_v be_v and_o be_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o man_n may_v turn_v into_o occasion_n of_o be_v deceive_v all_o that_o be_v contend_v for_o be_v this_o that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o a_o revelation_n from_o god_n which_o may_v be_v a_o proper_a cause_n of_o error_n to_o say_v that_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o will_v be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o affirm_v that_o he_o may_v cease_v to_o be_v god_n if_o he_o will_v god_n can_v do_v nothing_o but_o what_o in_o sensu_fw-la diviso_fw-la abstract_v from_o his_o decree_n to_o the_o contrary_a he_o may_v will_n to_o do_v if_o we_o prove_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v willing_a to_o deceive_v his_o creature_n we_o at_o the_o same_o time_n demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o power_n to_o do_v so_o first_o then_o if_o god_n may_v deceive_v if_o he_o please_v what_o assurance_n have_v we_o but_o that_o he_o have_v and_o may_v choose_v to_o do_v it_o nor_o be_v it_o enough_o to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o he_o will_v not_o for_o if_o he_o may_v deceive_v at_o all_o i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o he_o may_v even_o then_o deceive_v we_o when_o he_o inform_v we_o he_o will_v not_o second_o no_o one_o can_v deceive_v a_o other_o but_o it_o must_v proceed_v either_o from_o ignorance_n error_n or_o malice_n but_o all_o these_o interfere_v with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o by_o consequence_n this_o posse_fw-la fallere_fw-la lie_v cross_v to_o his_o nature_n also_o to_o deceive_v argue_v either_o want_n of_o wisdom_n goodness_n or_o veracity_n and_o therefore_o in_o no_o sense_n can_v god_n deceive_v see_v he_o can_v neither_o cease_v to_o be_v wise_a nor_o give_v over_o to_o be_v good_a nor_o fail_v to_o be_v true_a three_o though_o a_o finite_a ignorant_a and_o mistake_v creature_n may_v impose_v upon_o we_o without_o say_v one_o thing_n when_o he_o think_v another_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o infinite_a wise_a and_o omniscient_a be_v shall_v deceive_v any_o but_o that_o at_o the_o same_o time_n he_o must_v lie_v but_o that_o god_n can_v lie_v we_o have_v both_o the_o testimony_n of_o scrpture_n tit._n 1.2_o and_o the_o high_a assurance_n that_o reason_n can_v give_v we_o hence_o no_o one_o ever_o acknowledge_v a_o deity_n but_o he_o withal_o include_v in_o his_o nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o speak_v nothing_o but_o truth_n §_o 9_o have_v unfold_v the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n be_v raise_v on_o we_o may_v hence_o infer_v that_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v divine_a and_o infallible_a for_o as_o doctor_n hammond_n say_v in_o another_o case_n 3_o if_o the_o person_n affirm_v be_v infallible_a then_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o such_o a_o person_n infallible_a also_o so_o if_o the_o ground_n of_o our_o assent_n to_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n be_v infallible_a our_o assent_n which_o be_v build_v upon_o these_o ground_n be_v infallible_a likewise_o assent_n be_v not_o specificate_v and_o denominate_v from_o their_o object_n nor_o yet_o from_o the_o faculty_n that_o elicit_v they_o but_o from_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o they_o be_v raise_v whilst_o then_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a our_o assurance_n of_o its_o divinity_n be_v more_o than_o moral_a also_o for_o as_o we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o consequent_a and_o the_o
sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a that_o they_o do_v both_o together_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a complete_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o proposition_n which_o admit_v a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a sense_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o explicite_fw-la enunciation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o implicit_o and_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a they_o may_v for_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o quarrel_v with_o they_o but_o to_o assign_v a_o plurality_n of_o coordinate_a or_o ambiguous_a sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o text_n i._n be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n invent_v only_o to_o reproach_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o expound_v of_o it_o mare_n and_o be_v indeed_o repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o disparate_a sense_n we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o asseâ—t_v its_o be_v intelligible_a we_o always_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a actual_o to_o understand_v it_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o our_o disposedness_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n be_v thing_n vast_o distant_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o facile_a and_o plain_a though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o remain_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o those_o who_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n or_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n defile_v tinctured_a and_o darken_v by_o fuliginous_a vapour_n the_o bible_n be_v only_o plain_a to_o such_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o without_o prepossession_n prejudice_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n &_o be_v withal_o humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o though_o the_o ethereal_a region_n be_v replenish_v with_o ray_n of_o light_n emit_v from_o the_o great_a luminary_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a that_o man_n have_v eye_n and_o that_o they_o open_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o discover_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o if_o our_o understanding_n either_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o they_o be_v envelop_v and_o muffle_v with_o through_o the_o fall_n or_o from_o malignant_a habit_n occasion_v either_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o its_o perspicuity_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o weakness_n corruption_n and_o folly_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o its_o easiness_n to_o be_v understand_v we_o always_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n text_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o of_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a the_o doctrine_n they_o refer_v to_o have_v no_o indispensable_a connexion_n with_o salvation_n the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o such_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n as_o shall_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v understand_v though_o god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n have_v in_o many_o thing_n who_o simple_a ignorance_n do_v not_o interpose_v with_o salvation_n leave_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a text_n partly_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n partly_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n unto_o diligence_n partly_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o implore_v divine_a instruction_n and_o to_o make_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o partly_o to_o exercise_v our_o soul_n unto_o reverence_n but_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o end_n give_v measure_n and_o fix_v bound_n unto_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o nor_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v that_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o upon_o no_o less_o peril_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v require_v the_o indispensable_a knowledge_n of_o as_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n need_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v self-evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o term_n so_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n carry_v a_o evidence_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o their_o revelation_n that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v the_o bible_n without_o prejudice_n and_o a_o perverse_a mind_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v there_o propose_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o such_o article_n be_v reveal_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o perverseness_n have_v wrest_v they_o to_o a_o corrupt_a sense_n see_v god_n do_v not_o indite_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o captious_a but_o for_o such_o who_o will_v read_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o who_o have_v find_v and_o undepraved_a understanding_n topic._n 6._o cap._n 4._o so_o it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n defile_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n infect_v with_o evil_a opinion_n and_o fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n while_o all_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o while_o we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a and_o possible_o not_o safe_a now_o as_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v so_o so_o be_v understand_v they_o be_v as_o well_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o dark_a and_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o key_n to_o the_o open_n of_o they_o as_o curve_v line_n be_v best_a discern_v when_o apply_v to_o straight_o so_o be_v heterodox_n sense_n impose_v on_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n best_o perceive_v when_o examine_v by_o their_o habitude_n to_o necessary_a and_o plain_a truth_n whatsoever_o bear_v not_o a_o symmetry_n with_o the_o foundation_n can_v be_v no_o superstruction_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o notion_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o direct_o or_o consequential_o interfere'_v with_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n though_o never_o so_o many_o text_n be_v press_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o maybe_o sure_a both_o of_o its_o falsity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o wrest_a and_o mistake_v but_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a in_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o no_o one_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a dialogue_n for_o as_o dr._n more_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a writ_n be_v in_o it_o elf_n unintelligible_a be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o pronounce_v it_o nonsense_n or_o to_o aver_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n or_o passage_n of_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o man_n be_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o even_o fool_n with_o they_o mons._n wolzogen_n therefore_o in_o his_o late_a book_n de_fw-fr interpret_v scripturarum_fw-la have_v not_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n shameful_o betray_v the_o protestant_a cause_n but_o reflect_v reproach_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v something_n say_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v 174._o not_o through_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o through_o the_o sublimity_n &_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o but_o through_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o
suppose_v this_o be_v true_a the_o inference_n of_o his_o be_v only_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o text_n where_o he_o be_v any_o way_n style_v a_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o metaphorical_o for_o if_o his_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n be_v not_o distinct_a either_o his_o regal_a office_n must_v be_v reduce_v to_o and_o include_v in_o his_o sacerdotal_a which_o our_o author_n will_v not_o affirm_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v he_o will_v only_o gain_v by_o it_o the_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorick_n king_n instead_o of_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n or_o else_o his_o sacerdotal_a office_n must_v belong_v to_o and_o be_v include_v in_o his_o regal_a be_v only_o a_o readiness_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o his_o church_n which_o as_o a_o king_n appertain_v to_o he_o and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o report_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o we_o to_o have_v expiate_v sin_n to_o have_v make_v atonement_n and_o to_o have_v render_v god_n propitious_a be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o metaphorical_a i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o opinion_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n concern_v christ_n priestly_a office_n be_v only_o a_o different_a part_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n 1_o st_z to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o by_o charge_v socinianism_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o late_a pretend_a rational_a divine_n we_o do_v not_o transform_v they_o into_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o imputation_n rather_o than_o the_o foulness_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o angry_a as_o the_o historian_n tell_v we_o of_o tiberius_n that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o ready_a to_o believe_v &_o the_o more_o offend_v at_o something_o which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o because_o it_o be_v the_o true_a report_n of_o his_o guilt_n so_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o the_o justness_n as_o the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o character_n of_o socinian_n which_o render_v some_o man_n stingy_a but_o 2_o lie_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o my_o insist_v upon_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o whereas_o they_o arraign_v the_o nonconformist_n for_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n the_o crime_n lodge_v especial_o with_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v be_v not_o otherwise_o defensible_a but_o by_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n so_o that_o here_o clodius_n accusat_fw-la maechos_fw-fr and_o provide_v mr._n sherlock_n will_v abide_v by_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v not_o proper_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n i_o do_v here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o easy_a train_n of_o deduction_n that_o for_o one_o text_n capable_a of_o a_o proper_a sense_n which_o the_o fanatic_n pervert_v by_o impose_v a_o metaphorick_n one_o upon_o it_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n if_o he_o will_v preach_v or_o write_v consequential_o to_o his_o tenet_n of_o wrest_v twenty_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n §_o 10._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a opinion_n imbibe_v by_o our_o author_n which_o i_o impeach_v as_o pregnant_a with_o this_o mischief_n his_o notion_n of_o justification_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n maintainable_a but_o by_o pervert_v innumerable_a text_n from_o their_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o a_o metaphorick_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o thought_n about_o justification_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o beside_o what_o else_o lie_v against_o he_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o fatal_a unhappiness_n of_o turn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o mere_a insignificant_a and_o empty_a metaphor_n his_o sentiment_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o justification_n be_v these_o 322._o that_o we_o be_v only_o justify_v by_o our_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n 320._o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o that_o to_o they_o we_o owe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n 324._o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n &_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a &_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v make_v pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n &_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n by_o its_o great_a argument_n &_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n form_n our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n judgement_n about_o justification_n and_o i_o have_v quote_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n that_o he_o may_v neither_o complain_v of_o his_o be_v impose_v upon_o nor_o the_o reader_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o representation_n and_o as_o whosoever_o consult_v the_o page_n i_o refer_v to_o will_v find_v that_o i_o treat_v my_o adversary_n with_o faithfulness_n so_o if_o they_o compare_v they_o with_o some_o other_o place_n where_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o with_o less_o modesty_n they_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v expose_v his_o opinion_n in_o the_o favourabl_a manner_n i_o can_v now_o i_o design_v not_o any_o accurate_a ventilation_n of_o this_o great_a theme_n nor_o any_o severe_a research_n into_o mr._n sherlock_n faileurs_fw-fr in_fw-la the_o manage_n of_o it_o nor_o a_o critical_a survey_n of_o his_o neglect_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o modesty_n in_o treat_v his_o adversary_n about_o it_o nor_o yet_o his_o partiality_n in_o arraign_v only_o the_o nonconformist_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o england_n breed_v as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v equal_o involve_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o very_a notion_n of_o justification_n which_o he_o so_o invidious_o represent_v and_o tragical_o declaime_n against_o those_o for_o the_o full_a handle_n of_o justification_n stand_v reserve_v for_o other_o hand_n who_o in_o due_a time_n will_v retrieve_v the_o spoil_n wherewith_o our_o author_n have_v enrich_v his_o wardrobe_n and_o strip_v he_o of_o the_o laurel_n wherewith_o he_o have_v adorn_v his_o temple_n i_o shall_v only_o bestow_v one_o stricture_n upon_o he_o and_o then_o apply_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n i_o have_v already_o charge_v his_o opinion_n with_o and_o for_o which_o in_o this_o place_n i_o cite_v it_o in_o brief_a then_o i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v any_o way_n owe_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n provide_v that_o mr._n sherlock_n will_v be_v constant_a to_o and_o write_v consonant_o to_o some_o of_o his_o other_o principle_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v very_o good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n 44._o as_o our_o author_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o i_o say_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n can_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o god_n forgive_a our_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o as_o much_o as_o his_o essential_a goodness_n oblige_v he_o to_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v merit_v which_o be_v due_a upon_o a_o antecedent_n title_n merit_n in_o its_o essential_a notion_n import_v a_o acquisition_n of_o a_o right_n which_o we_o have_v not_o before_o there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o which_o we_o stand_v entitle_v to_o by_o the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o
word_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a and_o as_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o regulate_v all_o my_o conception_n by_o scripture_n and_o reason_n so_o whatever_o proposition_n shall_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o repugnancy_n to_o these_o i_o be_o ready_a open_o to_o retract_v it_o if_o any_o shall_v attaque_fw-la these_o discourse_n with_o revile_v &_o reproachful_a language_n i_o do_v declare_v beforehand_o that_o i_o reckon_v myself_o supersede_v from_o reply_v i_o will_v combat_v no_o man_n at_o these_o weapon_n nor_o do_v i_o think_v it_o a_o reputation_n 〈◊〉_d any_o to_o rail_v how_o much_o in_o fashion_n soever_o it_o be_v though_o he_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o do_v it_o in_o fine_a language_n how_o often_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v contradict_v himself_o and_o by_o what_o falsification_n he_o have_v impose_v principle_n on_o the_o nonconformist_n which_o they_o never_o hold_v how_o he_o treat_v the_o sacred_a writer_n with_o as_o much_o contempt_n as_o he_o do_v t._n w._n and_o burlesques_n the_o scripture_n no_o less_o than_o other_o have_v do_v virgil_n poem_n how_o he_o have_v renounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n and_o borrow_v his_o gloss_n on_o the_o bible_n as_o well_o as_o his_o dogmatical_a notion_n from_o the_o socinian_o how_o illogical_a he_o be_v in_o all_o his_o deduction_n and_o slander_v his_o adversary_n by_o undue_a inference_n shall_v have_v be_v the_o theme_n and_o argument_n of_o this_o preface_n and_o according_o i_o have_v digest_v material_n for_o it_o but_o the_o book_n be_v swell_v to_o too_o great_a a_o bulk_n already_o and_o there_o be_v other_o engage_v against_o the_o same_o author_n within_o who_o province_n these_o thing_n must_v needs_o lie_v as_o have_v undertake_v the_o arraignment_n of_o his_o whole_a discourse_n i_o do_v wave_n the_o prosecution_n of_o they_o all_o at_o this_o time_n and_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n no_o long_o than_o to_o tell_v he_o that_o since_o the_o print_n off_o the_o first_o chapter_n which_o treat_v of_o the_o interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n there_o be_v come_v to_o my_o hand_n a_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n in_o which_o there_o be_v many_o ill_a thing_n though_o as_o it_o often_o happen_v they_o be_v well_o say_v i_o know_v not_o a_o opinion_n more_o pernicious_a in_o its_o consequence_n than_o that_o man_n may_v be_v as_o safe_a in_o the_o event_n by_o embrace_v turcism_n as_o christianity_n and_o as_o secure_v of_o happiness_n in_o their_o error_n as_o other_o be_v in_o the_o truth_n which_o they_o do_v espouse_v shall_v person_n conspire_v to_o overthrow_v all_o revelation_n they_o can_v not_o fall_v upon_o a_o method_n more_o likely_a to_o effect_v it_o than_o by_o endeavour_v to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n equal_o as_o strange_a in_o the_o bible_n as_o in_o the_o alcoran_n it_o be_v enough_o that_o our_o reason_n may_v serve_v we_o if_o due_o attend_v to_o and_o pursue_v to_o discern_v that_o this_o or_o that_o religion_n be_v false_a nor_o be_v we_o therefore_o to_o be_v judge_v innocent_a because_o we_o neglect_v the_o exercise_n of_o it_o in_o make_v the_o discovery_n no_o man_n can_v embrace_v a_o false_a religion_n but_o by_o a_o criminal_a deviation_n from_o reason_n and_o who_o will_v admit_v one_o transgression_n to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o another_o that_o whole_a treatise_n proceed_v upon_o a_o false_a hypothesis_n namely_o that_o as_o man_n belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v owe_v to_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n so_o they_o may_v disbelieve_v it_o by_o the_o same_o guidance_n corrupt_a ratiocination_n be_v recommend_v by_o the_o name_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o be_v once_o clothe_v with_o this_o livery_n every_o foolery_n as_o well_o as_o abomination_n appeal_v to_o they_o if_o not_o for_o its_o justification_n at_o least_o for_o its_o be_v but_o a_o venial_a offence_n no_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v a_o offender_n in_o moral_n nor_o do_v he_o therefore_o deserve_v pardon_n because_o he_o have_v the_o concurrence_n of_o his_o judgement_n in_o what_o he_o do_v though_o no_o man_n can_v choose_v or_o prosecute_v what_o his_o understanding_n continue_v to_o represent_v to_o he_o as_o evil_a yet_o its_o failâ—ur_n in_o point_n of_o duty_n neither_o alter_v the_o essential_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o make_v his_o condition_n more_o safe_a for_o act_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o it_o some_o man_n will_v have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o understand_n because_o they_o will_v submit_v to_o none_o in_o their_o life_n and_o they_o will_v have_v their_o corrupt_a ratiocination_n in_o doctrinal_n as_o venial_a as_o they_o seem_v in_o reference_n to_o manner_n to_o presume_v the_o gratify_n of_o their_o lust_n to_o be_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v that_o for_o the_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o imbue_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o it_o and_o for_o the_o prevent_n other_o from_o be_v â—ainâ—ed_v and_o inveigle_v some_o one_o or_o other_o will_v bring_v the_o whole_a under_o a_o examen_fw-la in_o the_o interim_n i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v as_o weak_a in_o regard_n of_o the_o reason_n which_o occur_v in_o it_o as_o it_o be_v pernicious_a in_o its_o tendency_n farewell_n the_o content_n chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n introduction_n 1._o motive_n influence_v to_o the_o handle_n of_o this_o subject_n 2._o the_o import_n of_o reason_n 3._o what_o be_v mean_v by_o religion_n 4._o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o topic_n on_o which_o it_o proceed_v 5._o it_o be_v usefulness_n in_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n with_o the_o several_a media_n which_o it_o make_v use_v of_o to_o this_o purpose_n 6.7_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o emerge_v from_o its_o divine_a original_a 8._o our_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n divine_a and_o infallible_a see_v build_v upon_o media_n that_o be_v so_o 9_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o our_o attain_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o measure_n which_o we_o be_v herein_o to_o be_v guide_v by_o 10._o of_o scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o usefulness_n of_o reason_n in_o make_v the_o deduction_n 11._o what_o appertain_v to_o reason_n in_o reference_n to_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n this_o exemplify_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n 12._o the_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o defend_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n from_o the_o clamour_n and_o objection_n of_o gainsayer_n 13._o nothing_o contradictious_a to_o right_a reason_n to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o mystery_n of_o faith_n many_o thing_n obtrude_v for_o principle_n of_o reason_n which_o be_v not_o so_o the_o prejudice_n do_v religion_n by_o mistake_a philosophy_n pursue_v and_o declare_v in_o various_a instance_n 14._o chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture_n metaphor_n the_o inducement_n upon_o which_o some_o man_n endeavour_v to_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n the_o ground_n of_o their_o quarrel_v at_o metaphor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o my_o discourse_v this_o theme_n 1._o no_o form_n of_o speech_n use_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n but_o what_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o end_n for_o which_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o the_o bible_n adorn_v with_o all_o sort_n of_o figurative_a expression_n some_o fancy_n more_o trope_n in_o the_o bible_n than_o there_o be_v mr._n sherlock_n among_o other_o guilty_a of_o this_o 2._o the_o nature_n of_o a_o metaphor_n what_o trope_n it_o have_v affinity_n with_o the_o rule_n and_o line_n by_o which_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o they_o 3._o the_o reason_n why_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n according_a to_o infinite_a sapience_n have_v so_o often_o adopt_v metaphorical_a term_n to_o declare_v himself_o and_o the_o thing_n of_o his_o kingdom_n in_o and_o by_o 4._o when_o a_o expression_n be_v to_o be_v account_v metaphorical_a 5._o how_o to_o attain_v the_o true_a conception_n that_o be_v lock_v up_o under_o metaphor_n 6._o a_o enquiry_n into_o the_o use_n of_o other_o common_a metaphor_n with_o a_o account_n of_o their_o usefulness_n and_o the_o measure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o usurpation_n of_o they_o 7._o the_o nonconformist_n injurious_o charge_v for_o their_o usage_n of_o metaphor_n the_o contempt_n throw_v upon_o they_o fall_v often_o with_o the_o same_o weight_n upon_o the_o holy_a ghost_n none_o so_o guilty_a of_o turn_v religion_n into_o
sensual_a appetite_n clog_v and_o hinder_v by_o the_o distemperature_n of_o indispose_a organ_n not_o to_o mention_v the_o prepossession_n and_o anticipation_n of_o infancy_n the_o prejudices_fw-la of_o education_n with_o the_o deceit_n and_o imposition_n we_o be_v liable_a to_o by_o the_o delusion_n of_o external_a object_n for_o such_o the_o world_n be_v fill_v with_o since_o disorder_v and_o confusion_n arrest_v it_o however_o reason_n consider_v thus_o namely_o as_o denote_v the_o rational_a faculty_n though_o even_o corrupt_v by_o the_o fall_n be_v first_o that_o which_o dispose_v and_o adapt_v we_o for_o converse_v with_o object_n of_o revelation_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n have_v be_v useless_a to_o we_o have_v we_o not_o enjoy_v a_o organ_n suit_v to_o receive_v the_o impression_n of_o its_o beam_n so_o all_o supernatural_a revelation_n have_v be_v both_o impertinent_a and_o superfluous_a be_v we_o not_o endow_v with_o faculty_n fit_v to_o converse_v with_o it_o god_n in_o all_o his_o transaction_n with_o we_o suppose_v we_o rational_a and_o he_o be_v a_o degree_n worse_o than_o a_o enthusiast_n who_o affirm's_n that_o the_o way_n to_o be_v a_o christian_n be_v first_o to_o be_v a_o brute_n revelation_n do_v not_o cassate_fw-it they_fw-mi use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n but_o suppose_v they_o and_o by_o enrich_v they_o with_o discovery_n which_o they_o can_v not_o by_o their_o own_o search_n have_v arrive_v at_o it_o perfect_v they_o and_o they_o plain_o acquiesce_v that_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n they_o seek_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o divine_a revelation_n that_o overthrow'_v the_o rational_a faculty_n or_o cross_v it_o in_o its_o regular_a and_o due_a exercise_n there_o be_v a_o spirit_n in_o man_n and_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o almighty_a give_v they_o understanding_n job_n 32.8_o for_o as_o austin_n say_v possâ—_n recipere_fw-la fidem_fw-la est_fw-la naturae_fw-la licet_fw-la actu_fw-la credere_fw-la sit_fw-la gratiae_n de_fw-fr praedest_fw-la sanct._n cap._n 5._o both_o external_a revelation_n and_o internal_a illumination_n presuppose_v we_o to_o be_v rational_a and_o through_o the_o want_n of_o a_o faculty_n that_o be_v so_o brute_n be_v incapable_a both_o of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o second_o reason_n take_v for_o the_o intellectual_a faculty_n or_o the_o principle_n of_o apprehension_n judgement_n and_o ratiocination_n be_v both_o the_o instrument_n whereby_o we_o certain_o discern_v the_o ground_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o vital_a principle_n of_o the_o act_n itself_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o a_o elicit_v act_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o beside_o there_o can_v be_v no_o act_n of_o faith_n without_o a_o previous_a exercise_n of_o our_o intellect_n about_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v faith_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o unwavering_a assent_n to_o some_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o a_o divine_a testimony_n our_o reason_n must_v be_v antecedent_o persuade_v that_o the_o testimony_n be_v divine_a before_o it_o can_v assent_v to_o the_o doctrine_n upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n though_o in_o many_o thing_n we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o what_o be_v believe_v distinct_a from_o divine_a testimony_n yet_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v always_o able_a to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o the_o authenticness_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o testimony_n for_o as_o austin_n say_v quod_fw-la intelligimus_fw-la aliquid_fw-la rationi_fw-la debemus_fw-la quod_fw-la autem_fw-la credimus_fw-la auctoritati_fw-la lib._n de_fw-fr utilit_fw-la credendi_fw-la cap._n xi_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n be_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o assent_n to_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n but_o it_o be_v by_o the_o mean_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n that_o we_o come_v to_o understand_v such_o a_o declaration_n to_o proceed_v from_o god_n and_o that_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o sense_n of_o such_o and_o such_o proposition_n thus_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v the_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n resolve_v we_o in_o the_o authenticness_n and_o sense_n of_o revelation_n though_o faith_n be_v build_v upon_o the_o credit_n only_o of_o the_o revealer_n to_o this_o purpose_n be_v that_o of_o maximus_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d shall_v i_o neglect_v the_o scripture_n whence_o shall_v i_o have_v knowledge_n shall_v i_o relinquish_v reason_n how_o shall_v i_o have_v faith_n second_o reason_n be_v take_v metonymical_o for_o common_a maxim_n or_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v inviolable_a and_o these_o be_v 1._o such_o as_o be_v so_o connate_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o upon_o their_o bare_a representation_n they_o be_v universal_o assent_v to_o these_o principle_n be_v not_o borrow_v from_o reason_n as_o their_o first_o spring_n and_o original_a but_o have_v their_o root_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n be_v only_o discern_v by_o the_o rational_a mind_n and_o intellect_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o we_o be_v bring_v forth_o with_o a_o list_n and_o scroll_n of_o axiom_n 〈◊〉_d imprint_v upon_o our_o faculty_n 〈◊〉_d that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o such_o power_n upon_o the_o first_o exercise_n of_o which_o about_o such_o thing_n without_o any_o harangue_n of_o discourse_n or_o previous_a ratiocination_n we_o can_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o rational_a nature_n but_o pay_v they_o a_o assent_n those_o truth_n whether_o logical_a moral_a physical_a or_o mathematical_a whether_o general_n because_o of_o their_o universal_a influence_n upon_o all_o discipline_n or_o particular_a from_o their_o be_v confine_v in_o their_o use_n to_o some_o one_o science_n be_v just_o style_v natural_a be_v found_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n the_o essence_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o intrinsical_a rectitude_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n these_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o measure_n of_o all_o science_n knowledge_n and_o discourse_n be_v in_o themselves_o certain_a and_o incontestable_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o other_o proof_n to_o be_v assign_v of_o they_o beside_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o rational_a faculty_n to_o which_o they_o be_v central_o co-unit_a and_o forasmuch_o as_o all_o man_n partake_v of_o the_o same_o reasonable_a nature_n the_o certainty_n of_o these_o principle_n be_v universal_a what_o be_v disconvenient_a to_o the_o essential_a nature_n of_o one_o man_n be_v so_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o another_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o dissent_v from_o they_o without_o do_v contempt_n to_o our_o faculty_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o that_o a_o thing_n can_v at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v and_o not_o be_v that_o every_o effect_n suppose_v its_o cause_n and_o many_o such_o like_a nor_o do_v theology_n borrow_v these_o from_o philosophy_n but_o they_o be_v pre-supposed_n to_o both_o and_o science_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n build_v upon_o they_o 2_o dly_z there_o be_v other_o who_o truth_n and_o certainty_n be_v not_o understand_v nor_o do_v they_o win_v our_o assent_n upon_o their_o first_o and_o naked_a representation_n but_o they_o be_v discover_v by_o a_o chain_n of_o ratiocination_n and_o their_o verity_n establish_v by_o a_o harangue_n of_o induction_n these_o be_v style_v acquire_v principle_n be_v by_o a_o industrious_a exercise_n of_o the_o discursive_a faculty_n raise_v and_o superstruct_v upon_o the_o former_a nor_o be_v they_o less_o true_a than_o the_o other_o though_o more_o remote_a from_o the_o first_o view_n of_o our_o understanding_n whatsoever_o be_v right_o deduce_v from_o unquestionable_a premise_n have_v the_o same_o stamp_n of_o truth_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o principle_n have_v from_o which_o it_o be_v infer_v where_o there_o be_v a_o just_a connexion_n between_o conclusion_n and_o principle_n the_o latter_a can_v be_v deny_v without_o question_v the_o former_a from_o which_o they_o be_v fetch_v it_o the_o deduction_n of_o these_o by_o regular_a trayn_n of_o argumentation_n be_v the_o work_n of_o a_o philosopher_n and_o these_o be_v systematical_o digest_v constitute_v philosophy_n so_o far_o then_o as_o philosophy_n include_v only_a conclusion_n due_o infer_v from_o unquestionable_a principle_n so_o far_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o friendly_a alliance_n between_o it_o and_o divinity_n but_o a_o wonderful_a subserviency_n in_o it_o to_o faith_n nor_o be_v any_o thing_n true_a in_o philosophy_n that_o be_v not_o so_o in_o theology_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whatsoever_o be_v true_a must_v be_v consentaneous_a to_o all_o that_o be_v so_o lib._n 1._o prior._n analyt_v cap._n 32._o and_o as_o he_o add_v elsewhere_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d all_o truth_n be_v consentient_a to_o truth_n lib._n 1._o ethic._n cap._n 8._o what_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o regular_a exercise_n of_o reason_n instruct_v we_o in_o be_v as_o much_o the_o voice_n of_o god_n to_o we_o as_o any_o revelation_n he_o vouchsafe_v we_o
they_o upon_o divine_a testimony_n but_o it_o ought_v further_o to_o inquire_v what_o inducement_n and_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v also_o know_v and_o demonstrate_v and_o as_o this_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o reason_n in_o all_o matter_n of_o religion_n which_o have_v foundation_n in_o natural_a light_n so_o especial_o in_o and_o about_o such_o principle_n of_o it_o as_o be_v necessary_o pre-supposed_n to_o faith_n of_o which_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n though_o all_o our_o religion_n be_v in_o a_o eminent_a manner_n build_v upon_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o some_o part_n of_o it_o know_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o the_o bible_n and_o according_o among_o such_o as_o own_o that_o book_n for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n we_o need_v no_o other_o bottom_n to_o erect_v our_o faith_n upon_o nor_o any_o other_o measure_n to_o regulate_v our_o debate_n and_o to_o determine_v our_o controversy_n by_o yet_o when_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v contend_v about_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o just_a nor_o a_o rational_a way_n of_o procedure_n bare_o to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v divine_a but_o we_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v so_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o koran_n to_o proceed_v by_o inspiration_n from_o god_n upon_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o mahometan_a no_o more_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o a_o mussulman_n shall_v believe_v what_o we_o call_v the_o bible_n to_o be_v god_n word_n upon_o the_o naked_a testimony_n of_o a_o christian._n as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n we_o shall_v betray_v religion_n to_o every_o infidel_n by_o pretend_v to_o build_v our_o faith_n upon_o a_o book_n who_o sacred_a authority_n we_o can_v justify_v so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o oblige_v ourselves_o to_o the_o worst_a of_o drudgery_n in_o be_v resolve_v to_o believe_v what_o we_o can_v give_v no_o reason_n for_o beside_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o by_o such_o a_o method_n unavoidable_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o every_o enthusiast_n but_o with_o all_o minister_n a_o just_a plea_n to_o such_o as_o dislike_v religion_n because_o of_o its_o unfriendliness_n to_o their_o lust_n for_o the_o renounce_n of_o it_o now_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o scripture_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o our_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v must_v precede_v our_o faith_n of_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o bible_n i_o ready_o grant_v that_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v bring_v not_o only_o to_o such_o as_o own_o their_o truth_n but_o even_o to_o infidel_n as_o a_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o than_o it_o must_v not_o be_v upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o naked_a testimony_n but_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o be_v of_o such_o a_o frame_n nature_n and_o quality_n that_o they_o can_v proceed_v from_o no_o other_o author_n and_o thus_o we_o arrive_v by_o the_o scripture_n at_o a_o assurance_n of_o god_n existence_n as_o we_o do_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o cause_n by_o its_o effect_n but_o so_o far_o as_o we_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n upon_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o scripture_n mere_a testification_n we_o be_v necessitate_v to_o presuppose_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n it_o be_v only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o in_o discourse_v the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o demonstrate_v the_o forementioned_a article_n together_o with_o those_o other_o doctrine_n that_o have_v their_o foundation_n not_o only_o in_o revelation_n but_o also_o in_o natural_a light_n and_o such_o common_a principle_n which_o all_o man_n assent_v to_o i_o shall_v confine_v myself_o to_o wonderful_a brevity_n and_o rather_o point_n at_o argument_n than_o pursue_v they_o and_o to_o begin_v with_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v there_o no_o supernatural_a revelation_n in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v enough_o both_o within_o we_o and_o without_o we_o to_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n hence_o though_o god_n have_v wrought_v many_o miracle_n to_o convince_v infidel_n and_o misbeliever_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v any_o to_o convince_v atheist_n nor_o do_v the_o penman_n of_o scripture_n attempt_v to_o prove_v it_o but_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v as_o be_v evident_o manifest_a both_o by_o sensible_a and_o rational_a demonstration_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o insist_v on_o the_o cartesian_a argument_n draw_v from_o a_o innate_a and_o engraft_v idea_n of_o god_n for_o upon_o a_o most_o serious_a perusal_n of_o what_o be_v allege_v by_o cartes_n himself_o claubergius_n de_fw-fr bruin_n doctor_n more_o and_o other_o in_o vindication_n of_o it_o together_o with_o what_o be_v produce_v by_o gassendus_fw-la ezekius_fw-la vogelsangius_fw-la derkennis_fw-la doctor_n parker_n and_o other_o against_o it_o i_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o little_o better_a than_o a_o sophism_n and_o to_o maintain_v a_o article_n of_o such_o import_n by_o a_o medium_fw-la either_o weak_a or_o fallacious_a be_v to_o betray_v the_o first_o fundamental_a of_o religion_n i_o know_v no_o idea_n formal_o innate_a what_o we_o common_o call_v so_o be_v the_o result_v of_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o reason_n the_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v not_o otherwise_o inbred_a then_o that_o the_o soul_n be_v furnish_v with_o such_o a_o natural_a sagacity_n that_o upon_o the_o exercise_n of_o her_o rational_a power_n she_o be_v infallible_o lead_v to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o this_o be_v first_o effect_v by_o she_o look_v inward_o upon_o herself_o and_o she_o own_o act_n and_o we_o be_v with_o facility_n and_o by_o a_o short_a way_n of_o argumentation_n conduct_v thence_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o 1_o st_z we_o perceive_v that_o the_o faculty_n resident_a in_o we_o be_v not_o furnish_v with_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o not_o self-existent_a nor_o indebt_v to_o itself_o for_o those_o it_o have_v otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v clothe_v itself_o with_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n it_o can_v imagine_v and_o by_o consequence_n find_v its_o own_o exility_n and_o imperfection_n it_o natural_o and_o with_o ease_n arrive_v at_o a_o persuasion_n of_o derive_v its_o original_a from_o some_o first_o supreme_a and_o free_a agent_n who_o have_v make_v it_o what_o it_o be_v and_o this_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n two_o d_o we_o perceive_v that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o faculty_n that_o apprehend_v judge_v reason_v but_o what_o it_o be_v whence_o it_o be_v and_o how_o it_o perform_v those_o thing_n we_o know_v not_o and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a be_v who_o have_v give_v we_o this_o faculty_n and_o understand_v both_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o and_o how_o it_o know_v which_o we_o ourselves_o do_v not_o 3_o dly_a our_o nature_n be_v such_o that_o assoon_o as_o we_o come_v to_o have_v the_o use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n we_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v some_o thing_n good_a and_o other_o thing_n evil._n there_o be_v a_o unalterable_a congruity_n betwixt_o some_o act_n and_o our_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o a_o unchangeable_a incongruity_n betwixt_o they_o and_o other_o now_o this_o plain_o sway_v to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n for_o all_o distinction_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n relate_v to_o a_o law_n under_o the_o sanction_n of_o which_o we_o be_v and_o all_o law_n suppose_v a_o superior_a who_o have_v right_o to_o command_v we_o and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o universal_a independent_a supreme_a but_o god_n 4_o lie_n we_o find_v ourselves_o possess_v of_o a_o faculty_n necessary_o reflect_v on_o its_o own_o act_n and_o pass_v a_o judgement_n upon_o itself_o in_o all_o it_o do_v which_o be_v a_o further_a conviction_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n for_o it_o imply_v a_o supreme_a judge_n to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a 5_o lie_n we_o find_v that_o we_o be_v furnish_v with_o faculty_n of_o vast_a appetite_n and_o desire_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o world_n that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o crave_n and_o by_o consequence_n there_o must_v be_v some_o supreme_a good_a adequate_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o long_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o but_o god_n this_o be_v his_o mean_v who_o say_v of_o the_o heathen_a that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n they_o nod_v after_o a_o summum_fw-la bonum_fw-la it_o be_v to_o put_v a_o slur_n upon_o nature_n to_o suppose_v that_o she_o have_v put_v those_o propension_n and_o inclination_n into_o we_o only_o to_o delude_v and_o abuse_v we_o 6_o lie_n we_o find_v the_o
not_o material_a and_o make_v not_o to_o the_o business_n itself_o mahometism_n begin_v not_o till_o the_o six_o century_n about_o which_o time_n and_o for_o a_o considerable_a season_n before_o the_o whole_a east_n be_v sore_o infect_v by_o heresy_n and_o rend_v by_o schism_n which_o together_o with_o the_o impure_a life_n of_o the_o professor_n of_o the_o gospel_n both_o there_o and_o in_o the_o west_n may_v just_o provoke_v god_n to_o permit_v this_o deceiver_n to_o accost_v the_o world_n arabia_n have_v be_v ever_o fertile_a of_o dotage_n and_o dream_n for_o beside_o other_o heretic_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o collyridians_n spring_v from_o thence_o so_o that_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n that_o it_o give_v birth_n to_o the_o distraction_n of_o mahomet_n obtrude_a a_o new_a religion_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o neither_o reason_n nor_o any_o former_a revelation_n of_o god_n befriend_v it_o concern_v he_o to_o have_v justify_v his_o mission_n by_o some_o miracle_n or_o other_o as_o to_o what_o he_o go_v about_o but_o these_o himself_n plain_o disclaim_v and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n ascribe_v such_o to_o he_o yet_o there_o be_v so_o little_o bring_v in_o proof_n of_o they_o and_o withal_o they_o be_v so_o silly_a and_o ridiculous_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o serve_v for_o nothing_o but_o to_o disparage_v both_o the_o person_n and_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v bring_v i_o know_v that_o all_o person_n who_o have_v speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n have_v not_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n nor_o be_v it_o always_o needful_a especial_o when_o they_o only_o call_v man_n to_o obedience_n to_o that_o which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o so_o attest_v before_o in_o such_o a_o case_n it_o become_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o be_v spare_v of_o miracle_n and_o indeed_o he_o thereby_o better_o provide_v for_o the_o credit_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v either_o real_o or_o only_o in_o appearance_n new_a and_o also_o more_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o mankind_n than_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v wrought_v wonder_n in_o attestation_n of_o every_o ordinary_a messenger_n and_o familiar_a truth_n and_o this_o may_v be_v a_o reason_n why_o none_o of_o all_o the_o penman_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v report_v to_o have_v wrought_v miracle_n save_v moses_n the_o giver_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o apostle_n the_o promulger_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o though_o every_o herald_n of_o heaven_n have_v not_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n yet_o no_o one_o come_v inspire_v by_o god_n who_o have_v not_o some_o testimony_n or_o other_o bear_v to_o he_o to_o distinguish_v he_o from_o a_o impostor_n either_o the_o doctrine_n they_o deliver_v be_v of_o that_o sublimeness_n that_o no_o finite_a understanding_n can_v have_v invent_v they_o and_o yet_o when_o discover_v be_v so_o correspondent_a to_o our_o rational_a desire_n and_o so_o perfective_a of_o our_o natural_a light_n that_o be_v due_o weigh_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n acquiesce_v in_o they_o and_o say_v this_o be_v what_o i_o look_v for_o but_o can_v not_o find_v or_o else_o they_o make_v know_v some_o present_a matter_n which_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o humane_a knowledge_n such_o as_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o declare_v some_o fact_n do_v either_o at_o a_o distance_n or_o with_o that_o secrecy_n that_o no_o man_n can_v know_v it_o or_o else_o they_o foretell_v some_o future_a contingent_a soon_o after_o to_o come_v to_o pass_v which_o according_o fell_a out_o in_o every_o circumstance_n nor_o be_v it_o unlikely_a but_o that_o most_o 22._o if_o not_o all_o the_o old_a testament_n prophet_n have_v their_o mission_n confirm_v by_o the_o prediction_n of_o some_o thing_n future_a which_o no_o humane_a prudence_n can_v foresee_v or_o else_o they_o be_v bear_v witness_v to_o by_o the_o prevalency_n and_o immediate_a success_n of_o their_o prayer_n in_o the_o prevent_v some_o impendent_a judgement_n or_o in_o the_o procure_n some_o needful_a mercy_n for_o thereby_o be_v declare_v either_o their_o foresight_n of_o what_o god_n be_v ready_a to_o do_v or_o the_o interest_n favour_n and_o power_n they_o have_v with_o he_o nor_o be_v it_o without_o probability_n that_o most_o of_o the_o prophet_n under_o the_o mosaic_a dispensation_n 27.18_o justify_v their_o mission_n by_o some_o such_o thing_n but_o as_o for_o mahomet_n though_o he_o not_o only_o pretend_v to_o speak_v immediate_o from_o god_n but_o withal_o introduce_v a_o doctrine_n real_o new_a yet_o he_o come_v authorize_v by_o no_o miracle_n sign_n or_o badge_n by_o which_o he_o may_v be_v distinguish_v from_o a_o impostor_n yea_o whereas_o he_o own_v that_o both_o moses_n and_o christ_n be_v send_v from_o god_n it_o be_v a_o infallible_a argument_n that_o he_o be_v not_o their_o doctrine_n and_o his_o be_v altogether_o inconsistent_a it_o have_v be_v general_o acknowledge_v not_o only_o by_o jew_n and_o christian_n but_o by_o heathen_n and_o that_o agreeable_o to_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o prophetic_a illapse_n never_o befall_v impure_a and_o unclean_a soul_n and_o that_o god_n never_o make_v a_o unhallowed_a person_n his_o oracle_n at_o least_o that_o never_o any_o such_o be_v employ_v for_o the_o divine_a amanuensis_n now_o if_o we_o examine_v the_o alcoran_n by_o this_o prophetic_a test_n we_o find_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o have_v be_v a_o person_n lustful_a and_o tyrannical_a make_v up_o of_o nothing_o but_o blood_n and_o dirt_n gross_o sensual_a and_o prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misnamed_n time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n judaisme_n and_o christianity_n all_o miserable_o corrupt_v and_o as_o wild_o blend_v together_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n either_o impossible_a blasphemous_a or_o absurd_a the_o reward_v promise_v to_o the_o embracer_n of_o it_o be_v impure_a and_o foolish_a the_o whole_a be_v at_o first_o invent_v out_o of_o pride_n and_o ambition_n propagate_v by_o violence_n and_o rapine_n and_o 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the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n may_v be_v rational_o demonstrate_v and_o first_o we_o shall_v consider_v it_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o subjective_a character_n which_o as_o so_o many_o authentic_a mark_n and_o infallible_a signature_n of_o its_o inspiration_n from_o god_n be_v impress_v upon_o it_o and_o these_o be_v so_o many_o medium_n of_o artificial_a argument_n to_o reason_n by_o which_o we_o may_v scientifical_o demonstrate_v its_o divinity_n it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o every_o work_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v of_o that_o frame_n and_o complexion_n as_o to_o reveal_v its_o author_n we_o find_v this_o in_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n where_o there_o need_v no_o other_o evidence_n to_o assure_v we_o who_o make_v they_o but_o what_o themselves_o be_v fraught_v with_o god_n have_v leave_v those_o impression_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n immense_a wisdom_n and_o exuberant_a goodness_n upon_o they_o
that_o we_o need_v not_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o man_n or_o church_n to_o convince_v we_o who_o they_o be_v but_o they_o carry_v a_o demonstrative_a assurance_n of_o their_o author_n in_o themselves_o the_o like_a evidence_n may_v be_v just_o expect_v to_o attend_v the_o word_n of_o god_n as_o we_o find_v to_o accompany_v his_o work_n and_o indeed_o god_n end_v in_o revelation_n be_v more_o noble_a than_o his_o end_n in_o creation_n and_o the_o world_n be_v more_o liable_a to_o be_v impose_v on_o in_o that_o matter_n than_o in_o this_o it_o be_v but_o rational_a to_o believe_v that_o he_o shall_v leave_v at_o least_o as_o conspicuous_a and_o glorious_a impression_n and_o character_n of_o himself_o upon_o his_o word_n as_o upon_o the_o work_v of_o his_o hand_n and_o if_o man_n in_o the_o write_n of_o book_n do_v not_o only_o leave_v on_o they_o such_o a_o impression_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o may_v know_v they_o to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o rational_a creature_n but_o withal_o 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the_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o scripture_n from_o the_o character_n impress_v on_o it_o respect_v the_o form_n of_o it_o or_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o thing_n be_v deliver_v and_o treat_v and_o here_o the_o majestic_a authority_n that_o it_o dictate_v to_o mankind_n in_o be_v huge_o remarkable_a in_o no_o other_o writing_n whatsoever_o be_v there_o that_o sovereignty_n of_o command_v usurp_v that_o the_o scripture_n assume_v it_o alone_o treat_v with_o we_o in_o a_o way_n of_o supremacy_n majesty_n and_o authority_n become_v he_o in_o who_o name_n it_o pretend_v to_o speak_v whatever_o else_o have_v lay_v claym_v to_o the_o be_v a_o revelation_n from_o god_n to_o mankind_n do_v by_o its_o sneak_v creep_a flatter_a way_n of_o address_n evident_o betray_v the_o meanness_n of_o its_o original_a 2_o dly_z the_o style_n of_o the_o scripture_n do_v plain_o breath_n of_o god_n with_o what_o brevity_n without_o darkness_n with_o what_o simplicity_n without_o corruption_n with_o what_o gravity_n without_o affectation_n with_o what_o eloquence_n without_o meretricious_a ornament_n with_o what_o plainness_n without_o flatness_n or_o sordidness_n with_o what_o condescension_n to_o our_o capacity_n without_o unsuitableness_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n be_v the_o scripture_n write_v when_o the_o holy_a inspirer_n of_o the_o sacred_a penman_n stoop_v most_o to_o our_o capacity_n he_o even_o then_o retain_v a_o prerogative_n in_o his_o style_n above_o what_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o mere_o humane_a write_n there_o be_v that_o succinctness_n prespicuity_n plenitude_n and_o majesty_n in_o the_o style_n of_o scripture-law_n that_o sweetness_n and_o spirituality_n in_o promise_n that_o austerity_n in_o commination_n that_o wonderful_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d force_n and_o emotion_n in_o expostulation_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d meet_v accommodation_n of_o word_n unto_o thing_n through_o the_o whole_a bible_n that_o no_o humane_a write_n can_v equal_v if_o there_o be_v at_o any_o time_n obscurity_n in_o the_o scripture-stile_n it_o be_v either_o from_o the_o sublimity_n of_o the_o matter_n declare_v which_o no_o word_n though_o never_o so_o easy_a in_o themselves_o can_v help_v we_o to_o adequate_a notion_n of_o or_o it_o be_v from_o some_o reference_n to_o ancient_a custom_n and_o story_n which_o make_v the_o expression_n easy_a to_o the_o age_n and_o person_n first_o concern_v in_o they_o though_o they_o may_v be_v dark_a to_o we_o through_o our_o unacquaintedness_n with_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v both_o the_o occasion_n of_o they_o and_o the_o key_n to_o they_o or_o else_o it_o be_v because_o they_o regard_v futurity_n which_o it_o be_v neither_o for_o the_o safety_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n nor_o the_o interest_n of_o primitive_a believer_n to_o have_v have_v plain_o foretell_v and_o as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o they_o will_v give_v convince_v light_n about_o they_o so_o
to_o believe_v what_o god_n have_v say_v the_o first_o argument_n levy_v from_o scripture_n for_o this_o warfare_n be_v draw_v from_o what_o the_o magician_n do_v in_o their_o contest_v with_o moses_n in_o egypt_n whereof_o we_o have_v a_o account_n in_o the_o 7_o the_o and_o 8_o the_o chapter_n of_o exodus_fw-la to_o which_o i_o reply_v 1._o that_o most_o yea_o all_o save_v one_o or_o two_o interpreter_n deny_v any_o thing_n do_v by_o they_o to_o have_v be_v true_o miracle_n 2._o the_o way_n manner_n and_o rite_n they_o use_v in_o effect_v what_o they_o attempt_v do_v plain_o acquit_v god_n from_o any_o agency_n about_o their_o work_n further_o than_o the_o permit_v they_o for_o they_o be_v say_v to_o have_v do_v so_o by_o their_o enchantment_n exod._n 7.11_o and_o 8.7_o i_o dare_v not_o think_v that_o god_n be_v at_o the_o magician_n beck_n or_o that_o he_o will_v conciliate_v credit_n to_o their_o hellish_a art_n by_o subserve_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v exert_v his_o sacred_a and_o almighty_a power_n in_o honour_n of_o satan_n institution_n and_o ceremony_n 3._o the_o magician_n find_v themselves_o outdo_v by_o moses_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o turn_v dust_n into_o louse_n cry_v out_o that_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n be_v there_o exod._n 8.19_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v no_o less_o than_o a_o acknowledgement_n that_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v do_v before_o they_o have_v do_v it_o by_o magic_n and_o that_o it_o be_v through_o the_o influence_n and_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n that_o their_o rod_n have_v be_v turn_v into_o serpent_n and_o that_o frog_n have_v be_v bring_v upon_o the_o land_n 4_o lie_n though_o what_o they_o do_v in_o the_o two_o first_o instance_n wherein_o they_o confront_v moses_n seem_v to_o bear_v such_o a_o resemblance_n to_o true_a miracle_n that_o it_o be_v not_o at_o first_o easy_a to_o distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o effect_v be_v not_o without_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o power_n of_o daemon_n and_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o the_o power_n by_o which_o moses_n act_v be_v different_a from_o that_o by_o which_o they_o act_v god_n therefore_o wise_o order_v it_o that_o his_o rod_n shall_v devour_v they_o thereby_o leave_v a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d singular_a peculiarity_n in_o the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n to_o witness_v their_o divine_a original_a the_o second_o argument_n muster_v from_o scripture_n to_o fight_v in_o this_o cause_n be_v bring_v from_o mat._n 24.24_o 2_o thes._n 2.9_o apoc._n 13.13_o to_o all_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o by_o grant_v that_o the_o expression_n be_v lofty_a wherein_o the_o holy_a ghost_n predict_v the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n which_o false_a christ_n and_o false_a prophet_n be_v to_o work_v yet_o i_o think_v we_o be_v not_o to_o conclude_v from_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o term_n in_o which_o they_o be_v foretell_v that_o the_o work_v themselves_o be_v real_a miracle_n but_o that_o god_n will_v intimate_v to_o we_o either_o that_o they_o shall_v be_v such_o as_o will_v so_o huge_o resemble_v true_a miracle_n that_o it_o will_v not_o be_v easy_a to_o detect_v they_o or_o that_o he_o will_v thereby_o awaken_v we_o to_o examine_v the_o doctrine_n of_o man_n by_o their_o consonancy_n to_o the_o scripture_n which_o be_v then_o give_v out_o and_o establish_v rather_o than_o implicit_o to_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o every_o wonder-monger_n 2._o the_o best_a key_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o sign_n and_o wonder_n there_o foretell_v whether_o they_o be_v true_a miracle_n or_o not_o be_v to_o take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o extraordinary_a work_n record_v to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o pretend_a jewish_a messiah_n and_o the_o apostatical_a roman_a church_n one_o or_o both_o of_o who_o be_v refer_v to_o in_o the_o object_v place_n and_o if_o we_o will_v apply_v ourselves_o to_o this_o method_n of_o trial_n i_o dare_v undertake_v that_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o one_o sign_n or_o wonder_v true_o record_v concern_v they_o which_o may_v not_o be_v solve_v either_o by_o a_o co-incidence_a of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o the_o hide_a power_n of_o daemon_n 3._o they_o be_v express_o style_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lie_v wonder_n and_o that_o not_o so_o much_o respectu_fw-la finis_fw-la because_o they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n as_o respectu_fw-la materiae_fw-la because_o they_o only_o ape_v true_a miracle_n but_o in_o truth_n be_v not_o such_o yea_o as_o if_o that_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o acquit_v god_n from_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o they_o be_v express_o ascribe_v to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d agency_n of_o the_o devil_n the_o three_o and_o last_o argument_n bring_v in_o relief_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o think_v that_o god_n may_v exert_v a_o miracle-working_a power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n be_v take_v from_o deut._n 13.1_o 2_o 3._o to_o which_o i_o answer_v 1._o that_o the_o place_n do_v more_o especial_o relate_v to_o the_o foretell_v of_o event_n than_o to_o the_o work_n of_o wonder_n and_o therefore_o if_o god_n never_o lend_v his_o omniscience_n to_o the_o service_n of_o a_o impostor_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o the_o service_n of_o one_o and_o if_o all_o the_o prediction_n of_o false_a prophet_n may_v be_v salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o divine_a inspiration_n as_o indeed_o they_o may_v i_o suppose_v their_o wonder_n may_v be_v also_o salve_v without_o recourse_n to_o god_n infinite_a power_n 2._o they_o be_v the_o prophet_n after_o the_o promulgation_n and_o establishment_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n that_o be_v there_o speak_v of_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v give_v out_o as_o the_o test_n of_o after-revelation_n at_o least_o during_o that_o oeconomy_n god_n tell_v his_o people_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o try_v the_o 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only_o prove_v that_o god_n never_o wrought_v a_o miracle_n in_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n for_o trial_n till_o he_o have_v first_o incontestable_o establish_v his_o own_o truth_n but_o they_o also_o declare_v that_o he_o can_v not_o it_o be_v not_o then_o upon_o a_o apprehension_n of_o their_o have_v disserve_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o bible_n in_o this_o particular_a that_o i_o have_v assume_v the_o freedom_n of_o discourse_v these_o thing_n but_o that_o a_o opportunity_n of_o more_o light_n in_o this_o matter_n may_v be_v afford_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o scripture_n will_v suffer_v nothing_o in_o the_o main_a on_o what_o side_n soever_o this_o controversy_n issue_v and_o as_o i_o know_v myself_o in_o more_o need_n of_o be_v instruct_v than_o of_o capacity_n to_o offer_v information_n to_o any_o so_o it_o
determine_v their_o import_n be_v the_o context_n and_o subject_a matter_n hence_o the_o hebrew_n have_v a_o say_n that_o he_o prevert_v the_o word_n from_o its_o true_a intendment_n who_o do_v not_o observe_v what_o precede_v and_o what_o follow_v and_o the_o civil_a law_n tell_v we_o that_o incivile_a est_fw-la tota_fw-la lege_fw-la non_fw-la inspecta_fw-la 4._o ex_fw-la una_fw-la ejus_fw-la tantum_fw-la parte_fw-la proposita_fw-la judicare_fw-la velle_fw-la de_fw-la toto_fw-la legis_fw-la sensu_fw-la it_o be_v a_o irrational_a thing_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o whole_a law_n by_o consult_v only_o one_o part_n of_o it_o scripture_n text_n hang_v together_o in_o a_o chain_n of_o mutual_a dependence_n and_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o one_o scripture_n require_v a_o due_a consideration_n of_o many_o and_o though_o some_o passage_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o themselves_o difficult_a yet_o there_o be_v such_o light_n reflect_v on_o &_o lend_v to_o they_o in_o other_o place_n that_o the_o meaning_n of_o god_n in_o they_o may_v be_v sufficient_o understand_v and_o this_o be_v what_o our_o divine_n general_o intend_v when_o they_o say_v that_o scripture_n be_v the_o interpreter_n of_o scripture_n god_n in_o the_o endite_v the_o bible_n have_v speak_v with_o that_o perspicuity_n &_o accommodation_n of_o himself_o to_o our_o capacity_n that_o we_o may_v know_v what_o he_o aim_v at_o and_o intend_v and_o if_o any_o text_n be_v obscure_a and_o dark_a yet_o by_o those_o ray_n of_o light_n which_o they_o borrow_v from_o other_o place_n their_o sense_n and_o meaning_n may_v be_v easy_o understand_v nor_o be_v there_o one_o text_n allege_v by_o the_o anonymous_n author_n of_o philosophia_fw-la scripturae_fw-la interpres_fw-la after_o all_o his_o operose_fw-la and_o impertinent_a wrangle_n to_o prove_v the_o scripture_n ambiguous_a and_o obscure_a which_o may_v not_o be_v plain_o unfold_v either_o by_o a_o due_a observation_n of_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o context_n 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knowledge_n of_o the_o usage_n of_o word_n in_o common_a speech_n be_v rather_o adapt_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o verbal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n usual_o call_v version_n or_o translation_n than_o in_o the_o exegetical_a and_o real_a sense_n vulgar_o and_o true_o style_v exposition_n and_o withal_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o god_n design_v our_o instruction_n in_o by_o word_n and_o phrase_n as_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o systeme_n of_o the_o bible_n and_o in_o a_o habitude_n to_o the_o thing_n there_o treat_v of_o which_o they_o be_v never_o in_o foreign_a author_n or_o customary_a speech_n among_o man_n apply_v to_o the_o manifestation_n of_o scripture_n be_v avowed_o the_o best_a expositor_n of_o itself_o god_n by_o frame_v it_o in_o the_o manner_n he_o have_v do_v by_o give_v it_o such_o a_o texture_n and_o by_o inculcate_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o the_o great_a variety_n of_o expression_n have_v make_v itself_o the_o alone_a measure_n by_o which_o it_o be_v full_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o have_v take_v upon_o himself_o to_o be_v suorum_fw-la eloquiorum_fw-la optimus_fw-la interpres_fw-la now_o the_o line_n that_o in_o order_n to_o our_o attain_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o be_v guide_v by_o be_v this_o that_o scripture_n phrase_n proposition_n paragraph_n section_n etc._n etc._n do_v actual_o signify_v every_o thing_n which_o in_o such_o a_o disposition_n and_o texture_n with_o reference_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n and_o context_n and_o in_o analogy_n to_o the_o systeme_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n they_o can_v signify_v i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o they_o always_o excite_v that_o sense_n of_o themselves_o in_o the_o heart_n and_o mind_n of_o the_o reader_n dei_fw-la but_o my_o meaning_n be_v that_o they_o be_v then_o only_o right_o apprehend_v and_o the_o intendment_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o they_o full_o attain_v when_o this_o latitude_n of_o signification_n be_v allow_v they_o there_o be_v no_o empty_a frigid_a phraseology_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o where_o the_o expression_n be_v most_o splendid_a and_o lofty_a there_o be_v notion_n and_o thing_n enough_o to_o fill_v they_o out_o god_n do_v not_o design_n to_o indite_v the_o scripture_n in_o a_o pompous_a tumid_a stile_n to_o amuse_v our_o fancy_n or_o mere_o strike_v to_o our_o imagination_n with_o the_o great_a force_n but_o to_o instruct_v we_o in_o a_o calm_a and_o sedate_v way_n and_o therefore_o under_o the_o most_o stately_a dress_v of_o word_n there_o always_o lie_v a_o rich_a quarry_n of_o thing_n and_o truth_n word_n be_v invent_v to_o express_v natural_a thing_n and_o humane_a thought_n the_o utmost_a signification_n they_o can_v possible_o bear_v prove_v but_o scanty_a and_o narrow_a when_o they_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o manifest_v spiritual_a and_o celestial_a object_n the_o serviceableness_n of_o this_o notion_n against_o jew_n socinian_o arminian_n and_o other_o lie_v in_o the_o view_n of_o every_o discern_a person_n and_o the_o advantage_n i_o promise_v myself_o from_o it_o chap._n 3._o have_v lead_v i_o to_o suggest_v it_o here_o how_o be_v the_o most_o plain_a and_o magnificent_a testimony_n in_o proof_n of_o christ_n be_v the_o messiah_n the_o true_a god_n reconcile_a we_o by_o his_o death_n man_n inability_n to_o good_a the_o necessity_n and_o efficacy_n of_o renew_v grace_n etc._n etc._n enervate_v by_o affix_v some_o low_a secondary_a and_o metaphorical_a meaning_n to_o they_o or_o by_o turn_v the_o scripture_n into_o mere_a hyperbole_n allegory_n rampant_a and_o empty_a scheme_n of_o speech_n nor_o seclude_v this_o from_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o judge_n of_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n be_v it_o possible_a to_o arrive_v at_o any_o certainty_n about_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o if_o it_o do_v not_o actual_o signify_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n which_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o subject_a matter_n the_o context_n the_o agreement_n of_o one_o part_n with_o another_o and_o every_o part_n with_o the_o whole_a it_o can_v signify_v there_o be_v not_o one_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d assignable_a by_o which_o we_o can_v make_v a_o judgement_n what_o it_o do_v signify_v god_n be_v omniscient_a know_v what_o all_o word_n be_v by_o man_n ordain_v to_o denote_v and_o what_o import_n they_o have_v in_o their_o combination_n one_o with_o another_o and_o in_o the_o several_a texture_n into_o which_o they_o may_v be_v dispose_v be_v wise_a he_o can_v pitch_v upon_o such_o word_n and_o digest_v they_o into_o that_o frame_n as_o be_v most_o adapt_v to_o beget_v a_o conception_n and_o apprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n in_o we_o which_o he_o will_v instruct_v we_o in_o the_o knowledge_n and_o win_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n and_o obedience_n of_o and_o be_v veracious_a good_a and_o faithful_a it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o nature_n to_o design_n the_o impose_v on_o we_o or_o the_o lead_v we_o into_o error_n and_o fallacy_n man_n either_o through_o unaccquaintedness_n with_o the_o just_a valour_n of_o word_n or_o through_o ignorance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n or_o through_o oscitancy_n and_o neglect_n in_o the_o election_n of_o term_n may_v diliver_v themselves_o in_o expression_n both_o too_o lofty_a for_o the_o thing_n they_o intend_v and_o dissonant_n to_o their_o own_o conception_n but_o all_o these_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o the_o divine_a perfection_n we_o dare_v admit_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o reference_n to_o he_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o speak_v much_o and_o in_o effect_n to_o say_v little_a but_o it_o be_v the_o character_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n to_o speak_v little_a and_o therein_o to_o comprehend_v much_o nor_o do_v we_o thorough_o penetrate_v into_o scripture_n mystery_n without_o enlarge_a our_o conception_n beyond_o the_o letter_n the_o style_n of_o the_o most_o repute_a orator_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n too_o pompous_a &_o flatulent_a for_o the_o subject_n they_o treat_v of_o neither_o the_o image_n
express_a and_o explicit_a authority_n of_o god_n upon_o it_o for_o whosoever_o explicit_o reveal_n the_o thing_n define_v reveal_v in_o effect_n all_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v enumerate_v concern_v it_o while_o the_o scripture_n for_o example_n assure_v we_o that_o christ_n be_v a_o man_n it_o do_v at_o the_o same_o time_n assure_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rational_a creature_n and_o by_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n it_o do_v in_o effect_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v not_o a_o angel_n and_o however_o some_o late_a papist_n talk_v in_o this_o matter_n not_o to_o speak_v of_o other_o that_o they_o may_v shift_v the_o protestant_a argument_n which_o they_o can_v answer_v yet_o i_o be_o sure_a the_o most_o learned_a that_o ever_o espouse_v the_o roman_a cause_n be_v at_o a_o agreement_n with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n that_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n soto_n say_v bellarmine_n which_o god_n have_v either_o reveal_v by_o the_o prophet_n and_o apostle_n or_o which_o may_v be_v evident_o infer_v from_o thence_o smiglesius_fw-la against_o mascorovius_fw-la proclaim_v it_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v otherwise_o that_o be_v not_o only_o a_o part_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n which_o be_v express_o reveal_v by_o the_o apostle_n but_o whatsoever_o can_v be_v evident_o deduce_v thence_o though_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n go_v to_o the_o deducement_n of_o it_o have_v its_o certainty_n only_o in_o natural_a light_n say_v canus_n and_o whereas_o they_o say_v that_o conclusio_fw-la sequitur_fw-la debiliorem_fw-la partem_fw-la the_o conclusion_n receive_v it_o specification_n and_o be_v denominate_v from_o the_o weak_a proposition_n i_o reply_v 1_o be_v that_o logical_a maxim_n to_o be_v take_v in_o the_o universal_a latitude_n which_o they_o affix_v to_o it_o they_o be_v yet_o so_o far_o from_o gain_v any_o thing_n thereby_o that_o their_o whole_a cause_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v supplant_v for_o if_o both_o proposition_n be_v evident_o true_a their_o dogm_n must_v be_v evident_o false_a see_v the_o conclusion_n that_o lie_v in_o repugnancy_n to_o they_o be_v our_o enemy_n be_v judge_n deduce_v from_o true_a proposition_n god_n be_v as_o much_o the_o author_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n in_o its_o regular_a exercise_n as_o of_o scripture_n hierocl_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o to_o be_v persuade_v by_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n 2._o that_o proposition_n in_o a_o philosophical_a sense_n be_v the_o weak_a which_o be_v remote_a from_o self_n evidence_n and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v two_o premise_n whereof_o the_o one_o have_v no_o other_o evidence_n but_o what_o it_o borrow_v from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a revealer_n the_o other_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n hauâ—ng_v â—ts_n evidence_n from_o a_o light_n reside_v in_o itself_o and_o from_o its_o congruity_n to_o the_o essential_a rectitude_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n if_o the_o conclusion_n follow_v the_o fortune_n of_o the_o weak_a proposition_n it_o must_v be_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o of_o science_n for_o though_o the_o certitude_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o only_o equal_a but_o transcendent_a to_o the_o certitude_n of_o reason_n sense_n and_o experience_n 2_o pet._n 1.16_o 17_o 18_o 19_o yet_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n and_o sense_n be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n assent_v to_o &_o the_o habitude_n it_o stand_v in_o to_o we_o beyond_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n 2_o cor._n 5._o â—_o 1_o 1_o cor._n 13.12_o nor_o do_v the_o school_n man_n only_o allow_v a_o proposition_n ground_v on_o a_o axiom_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o a_o proposition_n found_v only_o on_o revelation_n but_o withal_o not_o a_o few_o of_o the_o learned_a romanist_n both_o schoolman_n and_o other_o will_v have_v the_o former_a to_o be_v also_o more_o certain_a at_o lest_o quo_fw-la ad_fw-la nos_fw-la than_o the_o latter_a see_v bellarm_n lib._n 3._o the_o justify_v cap._n 2._o durand_n in_o 3._o d._n 23._o quest_n 7._o compt._n tom._n poster_n disp_n 9_o 3._o the_o forementioned_a logical_a axiom_n refer_v only_o to_o the_o quantity_n and_o quality_n of_o the_o premise_n and_o not_o to_o any_o other_o affection_n incident_a to_o they_o if_o one_o of_o the_o premise_n be_v negative_a the_o conclusion_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o the_o allege_a maxim_n must_v be_v negative_a also_o or_o if_o one_o of_o the_o proposition_n be_v a_o particular_a nothing_o beyond_o a_o particular_a can_v be_v conclude_v though_o the_o other_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o howsoever_o in_o some_o case_n it_o may_v hold_v further_o yet_o this_o and_o no_o more_o be_v the_o intendment_n of_o the_o first_o establisher_n of_o it_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o admittable_a in_o the_o full_a latitude_n which_o the_o term_n seem_v to_o bear_v see_v of_o two_o proposition_n whereof_o the_o one_o only_o be_v true_a there_o may_v follow_v sometime_o a_o conclusion_n that_o be_v true_a though_o the_o other_o proposition_n be_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n palpable_o false_a but_o ere_o i_o undertake_v the_o probation_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o two_o or_o three_o thing_n must_v be_v necessary_o premise_v 1._o that_o all_o fundamental_a article_n be_v contain_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d &_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n in_o the_o scripture_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o but_o that_o we_o understand_v the_o term_n of_o the_o enunciation_n in_o which_o they_o be_v deliver_v it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v term_n and_o phrase_n make_v use_v of_o to_o declare_v they_o unto_o the_o edification_n of_o believer_n &_o to_o secure_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o undue_a apprehension_n of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v needful_a in_o the_o explain_n of_o all_o divine_a truth_n yea_o all_o moral_a duty_n for_o example_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n and_o that_o the_o father_n be_v this_o one_o god_n and_o that_o the_o son_n be_v so_o also_o and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n likewise_o be_v declare_v in_o many_o express_a testimony_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o in_o the_o application_n of_o it_o to_o the_o faith_n and_o edification_n of_o believer_n namely_o how_o god_n be_v one_o in_o respect_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o essence_n how_o be_v father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n he_o subsist_v in_o these_o three_o distinct_a person_n what_o be_v their_o mutual_a respect_n to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o be_v the_o incommunicable_a property_n in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o subsistence_n by_o which_o they_o be_v distinguish_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o there_o be_v such_o woâ—ds_n and_o phrase_n make_v use_v of_o as_o be_v not_o literal_o and_o syllabical_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o teach_v no_o other_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v there_o reveal_v 2._o that_o these_o very_a fundamental_a article_n may_v be_v also_o confirm_v by_o consequence_n and_o logical_a deduction_n from_o express_v literal_a testimony_n nor_o do_v probation_n of_o this_o nature_n alter_v or_o enervate_v the_o quality_n of_o they_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o the_o same_o though_o the_o method_n of_o proof_n be_v vary_v for_o example_n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n be_v equal_o a_o fundamental_a whether_o we_o prove_v it_o from_o express_a text_n or_o by_o consequence_n from_o literal_a testimony_n or_o by_o its_o connexion_n with_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o the_o gospel_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n the_o oeconomy_n of_o redemption_n etc._n etc._n 3._o that_o though_o all_o fundamental_o be_v in_o terminis_fw-la express_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o yet_o these_o very_a truth_n do_v include_v other_o in_o they_o which_o can_v be_v prove_v but_o by_o consequence_n for_o instance_n that_o god_n be_v a_o spâ—rit_n be_v reveal_v in_o so_o many_o letter_n and_o syllable_n in_o the_o bible_n but_o that_o therefore_o he_o have_v not_o hand_n nor_o foot_n nor_o any_o corporeal_a member_n can_v only_o be_v conclude_v by_o way_n of_o consequence_n in_o lâ—ke_a manner_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n be_v express_o teach_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o yet_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n predicable_a of_o the_o word_n incarnate_a which_o can_v be_v otherwise_o demonstrate_v but_o by_o consequence_n and_o by_o borrow_v some_o proposition_n or_o other_o from_o principle_n of_o natural_a light_n now_o these_o thing_n be_v premise_v the_o lawfulness_n of_o argue_v from_o express_a scripture-truths_n by_o deduction_n of_o conclusion_n which_o though_o they_o be_v not_o mention_v in_o the_o bible_n in_o letter_n and_o syllable_n be_v
yet_o there_o in_o effect_n and_o be_v according_o intend_v may_v brief_o be_v thus_o justify_v 1._o in_o that_o to_o preclude_v this_o be_v to_o render_v the_o word_n of_o god_n of_o no_o significancy_n to_o any_o particular_a person_n see_v be_v by_o this_o method_n alone_o that_o general_a precept_n promise_n and_o commination_n be_v applicable_a to_o single_a individual_n nor_o can_v any_o one_o universal_a direction_n be_v otherwise_o bring_v down_o to_o a_o particular_a case_n 2._o god_n in_o instruct_v we_o how_o we_o be_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o his_o word_n do_v it_o in_o term_n and_o phrase_n which_o be_v peculiar_a to_o such_o as_o discourse_v ratiocinate_v and_o deduce_v conclusion_n from_o acknowledge_a principle_n see_v rom._n 3.28_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d therefore_o we_o conclude_v rom._n 6.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d likewise_o reckon_v you_o also_o yourselves_o 1_o cor._n 2.13_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a act._n 17.11_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o search_v the_o scripture_n namely_o whether_o the_o thing_n which_o the_o apostle_n deduce_v from_o the_o testimony_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n have_v foundation_n in_o they_o yea_o or_o not_o 1_o thes._n 5.21_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d prove_v all_o thing_n hence_o we_o be_v enjoin_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d right_o to_o divide_v the_o word_n of_o truth_n 2_o tim._n 2.15_o and_o to_o prophesy_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d according_a to_o the_o analogy_n of_o faith_n rom._n 12.6_o and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o convince_v by_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n gainsayer_n and_o it_o be_v say_v of_o paul_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o reason_v with_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o scripture_n act_n 17.2_o and_o of_o apollo_n that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o mighty_o in_o the_o way_n of_o ratiocination_n convince_v the_o jew_n demonstrate_v by_o the_o scripture_n that_o jesus_n be_v christ_n act_v 18.28_o nor_o be_v it_o possible_a by_o any_o text_n of_o the_o old-testament_n for_o the_o apostle_n to_o prove_v jesus_n of_o nazareth_n to_o be_v the_o messiah_n but_o by_o argumentation_n &_o train_n of_o deduction_n there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n or_o method_n by_o which_o this_o can_v be_v do_v but_o by_o show_v from_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n that_o to_o whosoever_o such_o property_n character_n etc._n etc._n agree_v such_o a_o one_o behove_v to_o be_v the_o messiah_n and_o then_o evince_v from_o history_n and_o experience_n that_o all_o these_o characterism_n centre_v in_o and_o agree_v to_o jesus_n of_o nazareth_n and_o in_o this_o way_n the_o apostle_n proceed_v in_o their_o deal_n with_o the_o jew_n by_o produce_v place_n out_o of_o their_o own_o scripture_n where_o the_o property_n signature_n characteristical_a note_n of_o the_o person_n nature_n office_n and_o work_n of_o the_o messiah_n be_v foretell_v and_o describe_v and_o by_o which_o the_o faith_n of_o the_o church_n be_v guide_v to_o he_o and_o on_o which_o the_o world_n be_v bind_v to_o receive_v he_o and_o then_o in_o show_v that_o all_o these_o agree_v to_o be_v verify_v of_o and_o meet_v in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n as_o their_o centre_n they_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v infallible_o the_o person_n concern_v who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v unto_o the_o father_n and_o this_o lead_v i_o to_o the_o 2d_o argument_n in_o proof_n of_o that_o we_o have_v undertake_v to_o justify_v namely_o the_o method_n which_o the_o inspire_a writer_n observe_v in_o the_o conviction_n of_o jew_n and_o heathen_n there_o can_v be_v no_o fallacy_n where_o we_o act_v conformable_o to_o such_o a_o pattern_n nor_o can_v that_o be_v disclaim_v as_o sophistical_a in_o other_o which_o we_o find_v practise_v by_o the_o sacred_a penman_n without_o impeach_v both_o the_o wisdom_n and_o truth_n of_o god_n by_o who_o they_o be_v inspire_v to_o allow_v it_o to_o have_v be_v lawful_a for_o they_o to_o argue_v by_o consequence_n and_o yet_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n to_o deny_v it_o to_o other_o be_v to_o be_v perverse_a partial_a and_o humoursome_a and_o to_o lodge_v it_o as_o a_o accusation_n on_o they_o that_o they_o mistake_v in_o the_o course_n they_o steer_v be_v not_o only_o to_o justify_v the_o jew_n in_o their_o unbelief_n and_o the_o heathen_a in_o their_o idolatry_n but_o to_o blaspheme_v the_o holy_a spirit_n by_o who_o they_o be_v act_v and_o conduct_v in_o what_o they_o do_v now_o that_o this_o be_v the_o method_n which_o the_o apostle_n observe_v in_o their_o demonstrate_v many_o of_o the_o chief_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v make_v good_a by_o many_o instance_n scatter_v up_o and_o down_o the_o new-testament_n see_v act_n 9.22_o act_n 18.28_o act_n 15.8_o 9_o act_n 17.16.17_o act_n 2.16_o 17_o 18._o act_n 3.22_o 23._o rom._n 1.20_o rom._n 3.9_o to_o 21._o gal._n 3.10_o 1_o cor._n 15.4_o 5_o 6_o 7._o joh._n 1.33_o 34._o in_o all_o these_o place_n not_o to_o name_v more_o nor_o to_o urge_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o who_o this_o way_n of_o procedure_n manifest_v itself_o in_o every_o chapter_n and_o paragraph_n we_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o they_o not_o only_o argue_v by_o consequence_n but_o that_o if_o their_o argument_n be_v digest_v into_o syllogism_n there_o will_v be_v only_o one_o proposition_n find_v that_o be_v of_o revelation_n the_o other_o be_v assume_v either_o from_o reason_n or_o sense_n beside_o the_o attestation_n of_o apostolical_a practice_n in_o this_o matter_n we_o have_v also_o the_o example_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n to_o convince_v we_o not_o only_o of_o the_o lawfulness_n but_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o obligation_n that_o lie_v upon_o we_o of_o account_v all_o that_o for_o the_o word_n of_o god_n which_o can_v by_o any_o train_n of_o natural_a deduction_n be_v conclude_v from_o it_o if_o man_n be_v not_o resolve_v to_o be_v obstinate_a this_o alone_o be_v enough_o to_o issue_v the_o debate_n and_o to_o advance_v what_o we_o be_v plead_v for_o beyond_o all_o jurisdiction_n of_o be_v gainsay_v it_o be_v by_o way_n of_o argumentation_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o he_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o his_o person_n mat._n 22.44_o 45._o the_o quality_n and_o authority_n of_o his_o office_n john_n 5.39_o 45_o 46._o john_n 10.25_o 37_o 38._o luke_n 7.20_o 21_o 22._o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o death_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o messiah_n luke_n 24_o 26.27_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a in_o general_n mat._n 22.31_o 32._o all_o his_o reason_n in_o the_o forecited_a place_n shall_v they_o be_v reduce_v into_o a_o logical_a form_n will_v be_v find_v to_o bear_v upon_o one_o only_a scripture_n premiss_a the_o other_o be_v constant_o either_o a_o proposition_n draw_v from_o natural_a light_n or_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o ratiocination_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n though_o they_o join_v one_o premise_v from_o reason_n or_o experience_n to_o another_o from_o scripture_n be_v nevertheless_o conclusive_a because_o the_o proposition_n from_o reason_n by_o their_o very_a use_v of_o it_o become_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o infallible_a authority_n they_o be_v clothe_v with_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n i_o say_v to_o affirm_v this_o be_v ridiculous_a and_o impertinent_a for_o have_v they_o intend_v to_o have_v immediate_o concern_v their_o authority_n in_o what_o they_o say_v argumentation_n from_o a_o acknowledge_a scripture_n truth_n have_v be_v both_o needless_a and_o superfluous_a where_o the_o whole_a evidence_n depend_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o immediate_a speaker_n a_o naked_a assertion_n be_v not_o only_o sufficient_a but_o most_o become_v let_v the_o authority_n of_o a_o person_n be_v what_o it_o will_v yet_o so_o far_o as_o in_o transact_v with_o other_o he_o recurr_v to_o argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o a_o other_o so_o far_o in_o that_o instance_n he_o plain_o decline_v his_o authority_n nor_o do_v all_o these_o with_o who_o christ_n and_o the_o apostle_n deal_v in_o way_n of_o argumentation_n acknowledge_v any_o such_o authority_n by_o virtue_n of_o which_o whatsoever_o they_o say_v in_o such_o a_o case_n become_v immediate_o a_o part_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o have_v belong_v to_o they_o when_o the_o scribe_n and_o pharisee_n confess_v christ_n in_o the_o way_n and_o method_n of_o prove_v the_o resurrection_n to_o have_v say_v well_o marc._n 12.28_o luke_n 20.39_o they_o do_v not_o thereby_o intend_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o prophet_n send_v from_o god_n or_o that_o any_o authority_n upon_o that_o account_n reside_v in_o he_o for_o that_o they_o disclaim_v but_o it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n exod._n
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o have_v foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o the_o two_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o nature_n do_v excellent_o harmonise_v this_o be_v premise_v among_o other_o truth_n which_o beside_o their_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v also_o evidence_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o quality_n viz._n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o wave_v these_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a brevity_n consider_v what_o media_fw-la there_o be_v in_o nature_n by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v nâ—t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
faileur_n in_o one_o of_o these_o both_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o for_o communication_n of_o omnipresence_n to_o the_o humane_a nature_n of_o christ_n because_o it_o agree_v to_o the_o person_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n not_o to_o instance_n in_o more_o particular_n may_v be_v easy_o avoid_v and_o answer_v 2_o by_o show_v that_o if_o it_o be_v a_o universal_a and_o true_a maxim_n of_o reason_n that_o the_o objection_n be_v ground_v on_o how_o that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o revelation_n that_o do_v contradict_v it_o there_o be_v a_o excellent_a harmony_n betwixt_o truth_n and_o truth_n and_o though_o they_o be_v distinct_a and_o different_a yet_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a the_o one_o to_o the_o other_o they_o who_o reject_v gospel_n mystery_n on_o supposition_n of_o a_o repugnancy_n they_o lie_v in_o to_o reason_n have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o this_o day_n to_o justify_v their_o charge_n it_o be_v true_a the_o more_o we_o adventure_v too_o near_o to_o look_v into_o they_o the_o more_o we_o find_v ourselves_o dazzle_v with_o their_o fulgour_fw-la but_o yet_o we_o find_v no_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o implye'_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n or_o that_o be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o argument_n produce_v to_o this_o day_n in_o proof_n of_o the_o repugnancy_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n his_o satisfy_a divine_a justice_n in_o the_o room_n and_o behalf_n of_o sinner_n the_o eternal_a decree_n etc._n etc._n which_o have_v not_o receive_v a_o answer_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v shameful_o baffle_v §_o 14._o have_v unfold_v the_o interest_n and_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a ere_o we_o shut_v up_o this_o discourse_n more_o particular_o to_o state_n and_o fix_v the_o bound_n betwixt_o these_o two_o and_o to_o offer_v some_o measure_n by_o which_o reason_n may_v have_v allot_v all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o yet_o nothing_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n be_v detract_v from_o faith_n first_o then_o reason_n be_v the_o negative_a measure_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n nothing_o contradictory_n to_o right_a reason_n be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o mystery_n of_o faith_n what_o right_a reason_n say_v can_v be_v do_v we_o must_v not_o father_n it_o upon_o god_n to_o do_v if_o reason_n be_v object_v against_o any_o scripture_n testimony_n how_o plausible_a and_o subtle_a soever_o it_o seem_v marcellin_n yet_o right_o reason_v it_o can_v be_v but_o only_o deceive_v through_o a_o unbrage_n and_o show_v of_o it_o and_o if_o scripture_n authority_n be_v urge_v against_o a_o undoubted_a and_o evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n he_o that_o do_v so_o press_v not_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o that_o he_o do_v not_o reach_v but_o only_o impose_v his_o own_o sense_n and_o urge_v what_o himself_n phanci_v to_o be_v there_o instead_o of_o what_o indeed_o be_v so_o say_v austin_n these_o two_o light_n though_o different_a yet_o they_o do_v not_o destroy_v one_o another_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o natural_a as_o well_o as_o supernatural_a light_n nor_o can_v he_o bely_v himself_o we_o have_v no_o great_a certainty_n than_o that_o of_o our_o faculty_n for_o by_o that_o alone_o be_v we_o enable_v to_o discern_v a_o divine_a revelation_n from_o humane_a or_o diabolical_a delusion_n shall_v god_n reveal_v such_o doctrine_n as_o contradict_v natural_a truth_n and_o principle_n of_o right_a reason_n he_o will_v thereby_o eradicate_v what_o himself_o have_v plant_v in_o our_o soul_n the_o law_n of_o reason_n be_v the_o first_o declaration_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n original_o annex_v to_o and_o communicate_v with_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o by_o any_o after_o declaration_n he_o shall_v thwart_v his_o first_o beside_o all_o revelation_n be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o a_o reasonable_a though_o supernatural_a way_n and_o therefore_o though_o in_o many_o thing_n it_o may_v exceed_v our_o reason_n full_o to_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o in_o all_o thing_n it_o must_v be_v consistent_a with_o our_o reason_n to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n &_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n &_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a &_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a nothing_o but_o man_n entertain_a opinion_n which_o they_o can_v defend_v from_o be_v absurd_a and_o irrational_a can_v have_v sway_v they_o to_o reproach_n reason_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o do_v but_o they_o do_v only_o decline_v the_o weapon_n they_o be_v sure_a to_o be_v wound_v by_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o and_o thus_o under_o a_o respect_n that_o be_v plead_v to_o be_v due_a to_o sacred_a mystery_n do_v the_o wild_a fancy_n take_v sanctuary_n and_o mere_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o violate_v that_o regard_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o object_n of_o faith_n we_o must_v believe_v that_o to_o be_v true_a which_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o sovereign_a god_n one_o good_a and_o another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o part_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o prove_v nor_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v they_o pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o mussul-man_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o there_o be_v no_o combat_v of_o the_o valentinian_o marcionite_n eutychian_o and_o other_o but_o by_o show_v the_o repugnance_n of_o their_o opinion_n to_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o make_v natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a do_v only_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o counsel_n of_o faith_n but_o do_v only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n and_o hinder_v the_o enter_v of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n this_o i_o think_v fit_a to_o propose_v in_o the_o first_o place_n and_o have_v the_o more_o large_o insist_v on_o it_o because_o of_o its_o serviceableness_n against_o the_o corporal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o eucharist_n and_o the_o ubiquity_n of_o christ_n body_n and_o divers_a other_o article_n both_o of_o the_o roman_a and_o lutheran_n creed_n what_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n tell_v we_o be_v finite_a commensurable_a and_o impenetrable_a etc._n etc._n they_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_a immense_a and_o subject_a to_o penetration_n the_o great_a article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n viz._n transubstantiation_n must_v needs_o be_v
rational_o in_o surrender_v themselves_o to_o the_o guidance_n of_o it_o the_o article_n itself_o may_v be_v plain_o reveal_v and_o yet_o not_o only_o the_o reason_n and_o mode_n of_o it_o lie_v altogether_o hide_v but_o the_o thing_n itself_o may_v overpower_v our_o faculty_n and_o dazzle_v they_o with_o its_o majesty_n and_o splendour_n 1._o reason_n be_v often_o nonplus_v and_o puzzle_v about_o its_o own_o proper_a object_n and_o the_o phaenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o shall_v we_o think_v it_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o object_n it_o be_v never_o adapt_v for_o it_o be_v below_o many_o of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o much_o more_o below_o mystery_n of_o revelation_n see_v this_o argument_n elegant_o and_o strenuous_o handle_v by_o bradwardine_n de_fw-fr causa_fw-la dei_fw-la lib._n 1._o c._n 1._o here_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o ought_v to_o admire_v but_o must_v never_o hope_v full_o to_o understand_v our_o work_n here_o be_v to_o believe_v not_o to_o inquire_v 2._o if_o our_o mind_n will_v not_o submit_v to_o a_o revelation_n until_o they_o see_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o proposition_n they_o do_v not_o believe_v or_o obey_v at_o all_o because_o they_o do_v not_o submit_v till_o they_o can_v choose_v faith_n bear_v not_o upon_o demonstration_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n and_o therefore_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o do_v comprehend_v be_v not_o to_o believe_v but_o to_o argue_v and_o be_v science_n not_o faith_n 17._o you_o that_o will_v believe_v in_o the_o gospel_n what_o you_o please_v and_o what_o you_o think_v fit_a you_o will_v not_o believe_v you_o renounce_v the_o gospel_n say_v austin_n to_o the_o manichee_n for_o you_o believe_v yourselves_o not_o it_o 3._o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n at_o least_o to_o challenge_v to_o ourselves_o a_o omniscience_n proportionable_a to_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o omnipotence_n 4._o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v certain_a but_o no_o man_n reason_n universal_o be_v so_o because_o one_o man_n reason_n reject_v what_o another_o assent_n to_o every_o man_n pretend_v to_o right_a reason_n but_o who_o have_v it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v if_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o one_o man_n to_o reject_v a_o plain_a revelation_n in_o one_o particular_a because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o why_o may_v not_o a_o second_o do_v the_o same_o with_o reference_n to_o revelation_n in_o another_o particular_a as_o the_o socinian_o by_o make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o be_v to_o believe_v will_v not_o admit_v many_o of_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o the_o gospel_n so_o the_o philosopher_n will_v make_v their_o reason_n judge_n of_o what_o they_o shall_v receive_v &_o their_o reason_n will_v not_o admit_v the_o gospel_n at_o all_o 5._o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n be_v prefer_v to_o all_o other_o evidence_n and_o we_o be_v command_v to_o subject_v our_o reason_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o scripture_n and_o by_o consequence_n reason_n can_v be_v the_o positive_a measure_n of_o religion_n the_o sacred_a writer_n do_v every_o where_o remit_v we_o to_o the_o scripture_n itself_o as_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n herein_o be_v the_o socinian_o just_o impeachable_a for_o though_o sometime_o they_o acknowledge_v religion_n to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o late_o hear_v yet_o at_o other_o time_n they_o speak_v in_o a_o very_a indifferent_a manner_n 2._o by_o reason_n alone_o say_v smalcius_n can_v we_o define_v what_o be_v possible_a and_o what_o be_v impossible_a in_o matter_n of_o faith_n see_v to_o the_o same_o purpose_n ostorod_n instit._fw-la cap._n 6._o schlict_v de_fw-fr trinit_fw-la advers._fw-la meisner_n p._n 67._o etc._n etc._n hence_o that_o of_o socinus_n that_o he_o will_v not_o believe_v christ_n to_o have_v satisfy_v for_o our_o sin_n though_o he_o shall_v read_v it_o not_o only_o once_o but_o often_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o revealer_n have_v not_o be_v enough_o to_o establish_v it_o 4._o suppose_v christ_n to_o have_v say_v it_o and_o to_o have_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a to_o declare_v his_o own_o veracity_n unless_o he_o have_v declare_v it_o by_o its_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o so_o show_v the_o possibility_n of_o it_o to_o which_o agree_v a_o passage_n of_o smalcius_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n joan._n that_o he_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o it_o though_o he_o shall_v meet_v with_o it_o not_o only_o often_o but_o in_o express_a term_n in_o the_o bible_n i_o wish_v other_o do_v not_o say_v the_o same_o in_o effect_n but_o while_o they_o renounce_v doctrine_n upon_o no_o other_o account_n but_o their_o incomprehensibleness_n or_o because_o we_o can_v full_o fathom_v they_o they_o must_v give_v we_o leave_v to_o think_v who_o principle_n they_o have_v drink_v in_o and_o who_o cause_n they_o plead_v thus_o have_v i_o discourse_v the_o whole_a interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o as_o i_o know_v not_o that_o i_o have_v say_v any_o more_o in_o this_o matter_n than_o what_o be_v general_o maintain_v by_o all_o the_o sober_a nonconformist_n so_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v that_o the_o charge_n which_o some_o man_n have_v fasten_v upon_o we_o as_o if_o we_o whole_o renounce_v reason_n in_o all_o concernment_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o no_o contradiction_n can_v astonish_v or_o stagger_v we_o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o foundation_n and_o support_v of_o the_o credit_n of_o the_o party_n especial_o among_o vulgar_a hearer_n be_v a_o false_a aspersion_n groundless_a calumny_n and_o a_o impudent_a crimination_n and_o though_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o it_o savour_n of_n overmuch_o modesty_n that_o a_o few_o young_a theologue_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n if_o indeed_o they_o be_v so_o shall_v monopolise_v to_o themselves_o the_o name_n of_o rational_a divine_n yet_o for_o my_o own_o part_n i_o neither_o envy_v they_o the_o title_n nor_o have_v any_o quarrel_n with_o they_o upon_o that_o account_n it_o be_v indeed_o their_o want_n of_o reason_n that_o i_o find_v fault_n with_o and_o as_o it_o have_v general_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o other_o who_o have_v too_o much_o boast_v of_o and_o rely_v upon_o reason_n to_o fall_v into_o the_o most_o irrational_a sentiment_n so_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o it_o be_v in_o a_o very_a great_a measure_n the_o misfortune_n of_o our_o new_a rationalist_n as_o the_o philosopher_n of_o old_a make_v reason_n their_o only_a rule_n and_o yet_o most_o of_o their_o religious_a opinion_n whether_o in_o reference_n to_o faith_n worship_n or_o moral_a obedience_n be_v perfect_o irrational_a and_o as_o the_o socinian_o pretend_v to_o pay_v more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a veneration_n to_o reason_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v none_o in_o the_o world_n who_o tenet_n lie_v more_o cross_a to_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o it_o than_o some_o of_o they_o do_v for_o to_o give_v religious_a adoration_n to_o a_o mere_a creature_n for_o such_o they_o allow_v christ_n only_o to_o be_v to_o deny_v god_n the_o fore_n knowledge_n of_o future_a contingent_n &_o to_o ascribe_v passion_n and_o affection_n to_o god_n in_o the_o manner_n they_o be_v incident_a to_o we_o be_v such_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n have_v need_n renounce_v that_o as_o well_o as_o revelation_n ere_o he_o can_v admit_v they_o so_o i_o account_v it_o of_o easy_a proof_n that_o many_o of_o the_o darling_n notion_n about_o original_a sin_n convert_v grace_n the_o nature_n of_o regeneration_n and_o justification_n itself_o etc._n etc._n of_o our_o pretend_a late_o rational_a divine_n be_v as_o well_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n as_o they_o be_v to_o scripture_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o import_n and_o use_v of_o scripture-metaphor_n sect_n i._o some_o man_n have_v espouse_v corrupt_a design_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v in_o pursuance_n thereof_o lead_v to_o method_n which_o may_v subserve_v and_o countenance_v their_o undertake_n for_o the_o end_n be_v fix_v mean_n must_v be_v find_v out_o and_o adapt_v for_o the_o compass_v of_o it_o now_o among_o other_o little_a art_n and_o contrivance_n suppose_v conducible_a to_o their_o undertake_n i_o find_v some_o late_a writer_n improve_n their_o skill_n and_o industry_n especial_o in_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o under_o pretence_n of_o banish_v all_o wrangle_n brawl_a and_o vain_a talk_n they_o study_v to_o cashier_v and_o discharge_v all_o dispute_n in_o and_o about_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v become_v their_o interest_n upon_o two_o account_n so_o to_o do_v 1._o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o liberty_n to_o vent_v
efficacious_a operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o through_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o he_o become_v not_o according_a to_o mr._n sherlock_n a_o quicken_a head_n and_o a_o vital_a root_n of_o influence_n to_o we_o 159._o he_o be_v say_v he_o only_o style_v our_o head_n 165._o because_o invest_v with_o authority_n to_o govern_v we_o by_o his_o law_n and_o our_o union_n with_o he_o as_o such_o consist_v only_o in_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o in_o subjection_n to_o his_o command_n hence_o the_o make_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n a_o fountain_n of_o grace_n be_v reflect_v upon_o by_o our_o author_n in_o word_n full_a of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n 213._o and_o by_o our_o fellowship_n with_o christ_n which_o the_o sacred_a writer_n so_o emphatical_o speak_v of_o we_o be_v tell_v there_o be_v only_o mean_v such_o a_o political_a union_n as_o be_v betwixt_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n between_o superior_n 187._o and_o inferior_n hence_o also_o that_o fullness_n of_o grace_n which_o be_v say_v to_o reside_v in_o christ_n 216._o be_v declare_v by_o our_o author_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o his_o reveal_n the_o gospel_n to_o we_o which_o may_v well_o be_v call_v grace_n because_o it_o contain_v so_o many_o excellent_a promise_n and_o our_o receive_n out_o of_o his_o fullness_n grace_n for_o grace_n be_v paraphrase_a to_o denote_v no_o more_o but_o our_o be_v perfect_o instruct_v by_o he_o in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 217._o hence_o likewise_o christ_n be_v style_v our_o life_n be_v gloss_v to_o import_v only_o his_o publish_n the_o word_n of_o life_n to_o we_o which_o contain_v the_o most_o express_a promise_n of_o a_o bless_a immortality_n and_o the_o most_o easy_a and_o plain_a direction_n how_o to_o attain_v it_o now_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o thing_n reveal_v and_o command_v in_o the_o gospel_n 231._o be_v both_o good_a in_o themselves_o and_o suit_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o interest_n of_o mankind_n and_o also_o enforce_v by_o the_o most_o attractive_a motive_n which_o we_o can_v either_o desire_v or_o imagine_v but_o that_o man_n in_o the_o alone_a strength_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n may_v perform_v many_o external_n duty_n and_o in_o that_o manner_n also_o that_o we_o who_o judge_v only_o according_a to_o appearance_n be_v thereupon_o to_o account_v they_o holy_a yea_o that_o nothing_o but_o supineness_n lustful_a prejudice_n consuetude_n in_o sin_n &_o a_o be_v immerse_v into_o the_o animal_n life_n can_v hinder_v they_o from_o so_o do_v but_o i_o deny_v that_o any_o act_n or_o duty_n have_v the_o proper_a form_n and_o nature_n of_o holiness_n or_o be_v so_o denominate_v in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o both_o proceed_v from_o a_o antecedent_n habit_n or_o principle_n of_o holiness_n in_o the_o person_n by_o who_o they_o be_v perform_v and_o a_o immediate_a influence_n from_o christ_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o our_o union_n with_o he_o as_o our_o quickning-head_n vital_a root_n &_o live_a spring_n in_o the_o actual_a performance_n of_o they_o it_o be_v he_o that_o work_v in_o we_o both_o to_o will_v and_o to_o do_v phil._n 2.13_o and_o without_o he_o we_o can_v do_v nothing_o that_o be_v formal_o good_a or_o acceptable_a to_o god_n john_n 15.3_o that_o exclusive_o of_o a_o antecedent_n habit_n and_o seed_n of_o grace_n communicate_v to_o we_o and_o resident_n in_o we_o and_o of_o fresh_a influence_n from_o jesus_n christ_n by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o be_v neither_o subjective_o holy_a nor_o do_v perform_v any_o one_o thing_n which_o the_o scripture_n bestow_v the_o denomination_n of_o holiness_n upon_o have_v not_o only_o be_v demonstrate_v against_o the_o pelagian_n both_o by_o ancient_n and_o modern_a writer_n but_o define_v in_o several_a council_n and_o synod_n and_o therefore_o both_o these_o be_v discharge_v out_o of_o mr._n sherlock_n hypothesis_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n his_o doctrine_n concern_v it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v any_o influence_n upon_o the_o promotion_n of_o true_a holiness_n that_o it_o lie_v in_o a_o repugnancy_n to_o it_o and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o christian_n let_v we_o suppose_v man_n satisfy_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o according_o in_o the_o dogmatical_a belief_n of_o they_o let_v we_o suppose_v they_o also_o persuade_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o equity_n of_o gospel-precept_n and_o that_o upon_o the_o promise_n and_o threaten_n which_o accompany_v and_o enforce_v they_o they_o be_v not_o only_o incline_v and_o resolve_v to_o obey_v they_o but_o that_o they_o actual_o perform_v the_o material_a part_n of_o all_o moral_a duty_n and_o act_n of_o institute_v worship_n which_o be_v the_o most_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o the_o person_n for_o who_o union_n with_o christ_n mr._n sherlock_n plead_v and_o indeed_o more_o than_o true_o they_o can_v be_v entiled_a to_o yet_o all_o this_o admit_v i_o say_v that_o provide_v we_o will_v take_v our_o measure_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o holiness_n from_o the_o declaration_n which_o god_n have_v give_v of_o it_o and_o not_o from_o the_o ill-digested_a notion_n of_o the_o pelagian_n and_o socinian_o about_o it_o gospel_n holiness_n be_v not_o only_o disband_v out_o of_o the_o whole_a of_o this_o but_o undermine_v &_o subvert_v by_o it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o gospel_n judge_v nothing_o to_o be_v true_a holiness_n but_o what_o presuppose_v the_o grace_n of_o regeneration_n as_o that_o which_o adapt_n to_o it_o and_o imply_v a_o causal_a concomitancy_n of_o actual_a grace_n as_o that_o which_o do_v immediate_o influence_n it_o moral_a virtue_n it_o may_v be_v but_o christian_a holiness_n it_o be_v not_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v declare_v who_o they_o be_v that_o stand_v unite_v to_o christ_n and_o that_o our_o hypothesis_n so_o far_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o subject_n of_o this_o union_n do_v no_o way_n countenance_v a_o profane_a course_n or_o frown_v upon_o a_o holy_a life_n and_o have_v also_o demonstrate_v how_o the_o hypothesis_n erect_v by_o our_o author_n in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v as_o it_o respect_v that_o extreme_a of_o this_o relation_n many_o way_n guilty_a of_o such_o a_o unhappy_a &_o pernicious_a tendency_n §_o 4._o have_v declare_v who_o we_o mean_v by_o believer_n who_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o this_o union_n we_o be_v discourse_v about_o and_o have_v manifest_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o character_n of_o the_o person_n assume_v into_o this_o relation_n of_o oneness_n with_o christ_n that_o in_o the_o least_o undermine_v holiness_n or_o befriend_v a_o course_n of_o impiety_n we_o be_v next_o to_o fix_v and_o determine_v what_o we_o intend_v &_o understand_v by_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o other_o extreme_a of_o this_o relation_n of_o union_n and_o to_o who_o believer_n in_o the_o virtue_n of_o it_o become_v ligue_v and_o copulate_v i_o confess_v i_o shall_v heretofore_o have_v esteem_v the_o engage_v in_o such_o a_o service_n a_o i_o prodigality_n of_o word_n and_o time_n but_o the_o ignorance_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n do_v render_v it_o a_o this_o time_n a_o necessary_a undertake_n nor_o can_v i_o otherwise_o either_o vindicate_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o unjust_a representation_n which_o in_o this_o matter_n he_o give_v of_o they_o nor_o correct_v the_o mistake_n and_o prevarication_n which_o in_o assign_v the_o import_n of_o the_o name_n and_o term_n christ_n i_o find_v he_o guilty_a of_o first_o then_o neither_o in_o the_o question_n before_o we_o nor_o in_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o do_v christ_n signify_v the_o name_n of_o a_o office_n i_o expect_v to_o have_v meet_v with_o sense_n whatever_o i_o may_v have_v miss_v in_o the_o write_n of_o a_o person_n pretend_v to_o so_o great_a accuracy_n as_o mr._n sherlock_n do_v and_o that_o whatever_o quarrel_n he_o have_v against_o any_o text_n in_o the_o bible_n or_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argumentation_n 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their_o part_n come_v to_o multiply_v into_o many_o different_a species_n 2_o some_o pure_o immaterial_a among_o who_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o specifical_a difference_n be_v pro_fw-la and_o con_v dispute_v 3_o man_n a_o compositum_fw-la of_o both_o have_v a_o immaterial_a intellectual_a soul_n join_v to_o a_o organical_a body_n now_o say_v they_o god_n have_v in_o his_o sovereign_a pleasure_n think_v good_a to_o form_v man_n such_o a_o creature_n he_o have_v not_o only_o by_o a_o uncontrollable_a law_n confine_v the_o soul_n to_o a_o intimate_a presence_n with_o and_o constant_a residence_n in_o the_o body_n while_o it_o remain_v a_o fit_a receptacle_n or_o till_o he_o give_v it_o a_o discharge_n but_o withal_o have_v make_v they_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o in_o many_o of_o their_o operation_n and_o in_o this_o mutual_a dependence_n of_o the_o one_o upon_o the_o other_o with_o respect_n to_o many_o of_o their_o operation_n they_o state_n the_o union_n betwixt_o the_o 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the_o soul_n which_o whether_o it_o proceed_v from_o obstinacy_n of_o mind_n or_o intense_a contemplation_n alike_o answer_v my_o drift_n and_o also_o case_n wherein_o cogitation_n of_o the_o mind_n make_v not_o any_o sensible_a impression_n upon_o the_o body_n as_o in_o ecstasy_n and_o yet_o the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n remain_v undissolved_a which_o argue_v that_o it_o import_v more_o than_o either_o a_o intimous_a presence_n or_o a_o dependence_n between_o they_o in_o point_n of_o operation_n 3_o it_o be_v altogether_o unintelligible_a how_o either_o a_o body_n can_v act_v upon_o a_o spirit_n or_o a_o spirit_n upon_o a_o body_n i_o grant_v it_o may_v be_v demonstrate_v that_o they_o do_v so_o but_o the_o manner_n of_o do_v it_o or_o indeed_o how_o it_o can_v be_v do_v be_v not_o intelligible_a that_o a_o tremor_n beget_v in_o the_o nerve_n by_o the_o jog_v of_o particle_n of_o matter_n upon_o the_o sensory_a organ_n shall_v excite_v cogitation_n in_o the_o soul_n 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unconceivable_a we_o may_v lawful_o presume_v if_o there_o lie_v nothing_o else_o against_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n save_v that_o it_o can_v be_v comprehend_v that_o this_o be_v no_o argument_n why_o we_o shall_v immediate_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o if_o we_o can_v but_o once_o justify_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o union_n betwixt_o the_o bless_a jesus_n and_o sincere_a christian_n the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v our_o faith_n if_o we_o can_v take_v up_o with_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o other_o union_n who_o modes_n be_v as_o little_o understand_v i_o see_v no_o cause_n why_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n provide_v we_o can_v produce_v the_o authority_n of_o divine_a testimony_n shall_v not_o satisfy_v we_o as_o to_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o union_n though_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v be_v a_o question_n we_o can_v not_o answer_v §_o 6._o the_o import_n of_o term_n be_v fix_v we_o be_v now_o to_o make_v a_o near_a approach_n to_o the_o matter_n itself_o and_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o the_o thread_n of_o reason_n conduct_n we_o here_o to_o be_v this_o that_o be_v the_o kind_a &_o manner_n of_o our_o union_n what_o it_o please_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o for_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v political_n and_o that_o the_o only_a vinculum_fw-la be_v our_o own_v his_o law_n yet_o forasmuch_o as_o christ_n only_o personal_o consider_v both_o do_v enact_v they_o and_o exact_a obedience_n to_o they_o and_o punish_v our_o rebellion_n against_o they_o our_o relation_n to_o he_o as_o subject_n do_v ultimate_o respect_v his_o person_n all_o the_o reverence_n we_o pay_v his_o law_n under_o the_o reduplication_n as_o he_o bear_v upon_o the_o veneration_n we_o pay_v himself_o however_o he_o come_v by_o his_o sovereign_a dominion_n over_o the_o church_n it_o be_v his_o person_n that_o it_o be_v state_v and_o vest_v in_o whatever_o room_n either_o our_o obedience_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n upon_o the_o other_o have_v in_o this_o relation_n of_o union_n the_o extreme_n unite_v they_o can_v be_v whether_o it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n only_o with_o the_o christian_a church_n or_o by_o what_o copula_fw-la soever_o else_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v still_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n i._n e._n to_o christ_n himself_o that_o we_o be_v unite_v or_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v only_o a_o moral_a union_n a_o union_n in_o mind_n love_n design_n and_o interest_n a_o be_v act_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n have_v the_o same_o temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o spirit_n yet_o still_o it_o be_v between_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o person_n of_o believer_n that_o this_o union_n intercede_v for_o as_o they_o through_o the_o guidance_n of_o sanctify_a reason_n embrace_v cleave_v to_o and_o 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we_o be_v copulate_v to_o he_o than_o not_o only_o sincere_a believer_n but_o the_o most_o obdurate_a sinner_n provide_v only_o they_o receive_v the_o eucharist_n shall_v be_v unite_v to_o he_o admit_v the_o popish_a hypothesis_n i_o neither_o see_v of_o what_o advantage_n faith_n be_v to_o one_o communicant_a nor_o of_o what_o damage_n infidelity_n can_v be_v to_o another_o but_o that_o the_o whole_a of_o both_o their_o security_n depend_v upon_o this_o that_o their_o stomach_n be_v not_o queasy_a and_o that_o they_o have_v a_o good_a digestion_n it_o be_v but_o to_o swallow_v the_o consecrate_a host_n and_o christ_n and_o they_o be_v one_o whether_o they_o partake_v of_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o new_a birth_n or_o not_o either_o paul_n assertion_n of_o some_o man_n eat_v damnation_n to_o themselves_o be_v false_a or_o else_o the_o popish_a notion_n of_o our_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n by_o the_o eat_n of_o his_o flesh_n under_o the_o species_n and_o accident_n of_o a_o white_a 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vanish_v so_o that_o instead_o of_o a_o abide_a conjunction_n with_o christ_n a_o little_a time_n untie_v the_o knot_n and_o the_o incorporation_n of_o christian_n with_o he_o come_v to_o nothing_o 4_o be_v our_o carnal_a and_o corporal_a eat_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n the_o medium_fw-la of_o betwixt_o he_o and_o we_o i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o mouse_n and_o rat_n etc._n etc._n may_v come_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o as_o well_o as_o believer_n for_o that_o these_o through_o the_o priest_n neglect_v or_o by_o some_o accident_n or_o other_o may_v snatch_v up_o &_o swallow_v down_o the_o consecrate_a wafer_n be_v a_o thing_n easy_o conceivable_a &_o there_o be_v instance_n enough_o of_o it_o and_o by_o consequence_n all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o relation_n of_o union_n intervening_a betwixt_o christ_n and_o they_o the_o habitude_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d itself_o must_v ensue_v also_o i_o shall_v only_o add_v upon_o this_o occasion_n that_o minutius_n felix_n argument_n in_o disproof_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n do_v with_o equal_a strength_n militate_v against_o the_o corporeal_a presence_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o eucharist_n the_o mouse_n swallow_n and_o crow_n 1631._o say_v he_o know_v better_o than_o you_o pagan_n what_o your_o god_n be_v for_o by_o gnaw_v and_o sit_v upon_o they_o and_o be_v ready_a to_o nest_n in_o their_o mouth_n if_o you_o do_v not_o drive_v they_o away_o they_o know_v that_o they_o have_v neither_o sense_n nor_o understanding_n 5_o though_o i_o be_v not_o forward_o to_o concern_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n to_o confute_v senseless_a and_o irrational_a notion_n reckon_v it_o a_o condescension_n to_o encounter_v they_o with_o reason_n and_o hold_v it_o a_o disparagement_n put_v upon_o the_o sacred_a oracle_n to_o call_v in_o their_o suffrage_n where_o sense_n alone_o can_v give_v the_o decision_n yet_o i_o can_v but_o here_o observe_v that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n even_o there_o where_o he_o most_o seem_o speak_v in_o favour_n of_o a_o carnal_a eat_n of_o his_o flesh_n viz._n john_n 6._o have_v in_o word_n huge_o emphatical_a say_v enough_o to_o prevent_v such_o a_o gross_a stupid_a and_o unreasonable_a imagination_n for_o beside_o that_o not_o a_o word_n of_o that_o whole_a discourse_n relate_v to_o feed_v upon_o christ_n in_o the_o eucharist_n as_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o the_o most_o learned_a of_o the_o roman_a writer_n we_o have_v in_o the_o preface_n to_o it_o ver_fw-la 35.40_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n of_o it_o ver_fw-la 63._o a_o key_n afford_v we_o to_o unlock_v the_o whole_a and_o to_o assure_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o be_v take_v in_o a_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o that_o a_o fleshly_a eat_n of_o the_o son_n of_o man_n will_v conduce_v nothing_o to_o our_o good_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n that_o quicken_v the_o flesh_n profit_v nothing_o the_o word_n that_o i_o speak_v unto_o you_o they_o be_v spirit_n and_o they_o be_v life_n §_o 9_o have_v declare_v that_o whatever_o the_o nature_n and_o quality_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n and_o what_o ever_o the_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o it_o be_v accomplish_v be_v that_o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n which_o we_o be_v unite_v to_o and_o have_v also_o declare_v that_o it_o imply_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a participate_v of_o the_o same_o specific_a humane_a nature_n and_o have_v just_a now_o manifest_v that_o it_o consist_v not_o in_o a_o mixture_n of_o christ_n bodily_a substance_n through_o our_o eat_v his_o flesh_n and_o drink_v his_o blood_n in_o a_o carnal_a and_o corporeal_a manner_n with_o we_o the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v disclaim_v from_o all_o room_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v its_o be_v a_o personal_a union_n and_o this_o i_o be_o the_o rather_o oblige_v to_o do_v because_o mr._n sherlock_n with_o little_a regard_n to_o truth_n and_o as_o little_a consistency_n with_o himself_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o place_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o salvation_n in_o a_o personal_a union_n with_o christ._n 103._o a_o slander_n so_o enormous_a and_o so_o void_a of_o any_o colour_n by_o which_o it_o may_v be_v gloss_v that_o to_o what_o i_o shall_v impute_v our_o author_n charge_v it_o upon_o we_o i_o can_v tell_v ignorance_n it_o can_v be_v ascribe_v to_o see_v dr._n jacomb_n 51._o who_o mr._n sherlock_n have_v particular_o single_v out_o to_o oppose_v in_o this_o theme_n not_o only_o bare_o disclaim_v but_o refute_v it_o and_o see_v our_o author_n himself_o acknowledge_v elsewhere_o that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o union_n of_o person_n and_o not_o a_o personal_a union_n which_o we_o plead_v for_o p._n 198._o &_o 293._o and_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o wilful_a falsification_n be_v to_o arraign_v he_o of_o a_o crime_n which_o i_o will_v be_v loath_a to_o judge_v any_o man_n pretend_v justice_n and_o honesty_n much_o less_o a_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n guilty_a of_o i_o will_v rather_o therefore_o think_v it_o the_o result_n of_o some_o deduction_n undue_o and_o illogical_o draw_v from_o innocent_a principle_n or_o that_o he_o take_v it_o up_o in_o discourse_n from_o some_o of_o those_o who_o for_o their_o diversion_n throw_v out_o accusation_n against_o we_o at_o adventure_n than_o that_o he_o either_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v hold_v by_o we_o in_o terminis_fw-la or_o that_o he_o shall_v fasten_v it_o upon_o we_o in_o mere_a malice_n only_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o expose_v we_o however_o this_o in_o modesty_n may_v be_v require_v of_o he_o that_o the_o next_o time_n he_o write_v he_o will_v either_o acquit_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o guilt_n of_o this_o charge_n or_o else_o enforce_v it_o by_o express_a quotation_n extract_v out_o of_o their_o book_n or_o by_o lawful_a train_n of_o argumentation_n from_o some_o of_o their_o avow_a doctrine_n
nor_o other_o may_v think_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o i_o shall_v represent_v his_o apprehension_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 142._o those_o metaphor_n say_v he_o which_o describe_v the_o relation_n and_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o christian_n do_v primary_o refer_v to_o the_o christian_a church_n not_o to_o every_o individual_a christian_a the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n be_v by_o mean_n of_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n the_o church_n be_v the_o body_n of_o christ_n 143._o and_o every_o christian_a by_o be_v unite_v to_o this_o body_n become_v a_o member_n of_o christ._n the_o union_n of_o particular_a christian_n to_o christ_n consist_v in_o their_o union_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n 144._o and_o our_o union_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n to_o christ._n 149._o those_o phrase_n and_o metaphor_n which_o represent_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n signify_v our_o visible_a society_n with_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o our_o sincere_a practice_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n now_o this_o union_n say_v he_o between_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n christ_n be_v a_o spiritual_a king_n and_o all_o christian_n be_v his_o subject_n and_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n 156._o consist_v in_o our_o belief_n of_o his_o revelation_n obedience_n to_o his_o law_n and_o subjection_n to_o his_o authority_n fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture_n notion_n signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v that_o to_o be_v in_o fellowship_n with_o god_n and_o christ_n 186._o signify_v to_o be_v of_o that_o society_n which_o put_v we_o into_o a_o peculiar_a relation_n to_o god_n this_o be_v the_o account_n that_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v to_o afford_v we_o concern_v the_o union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o be_v this_o a_o true_a report_n and_o description_n of_o it_o it_o cease_v to_o be_v mysterious_a nor_o needs_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v reserve_v to_o the_o next_o world_n 147._o or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n that_o i_o may_v again_o usurp_v our_o author_n phrase_n he_o seem_v very_o careful_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v nothing_o leave_v mysteririous_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n nor_o do_v the_o term_n mystical_a please_v he_o be_v as_o he_o tell_v we_o 197._o a_o hard_a word_n only_o i_o wish_v that_o under_o pretence_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n acknowledge_v of_o arduous_a conception_n he_o do_v not_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o go_v sober_o to_o destroy_v christianity_n now_o in_o the_o examine_n mr._n sherlock_n notion_n of_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n with_o believer_n i_o reckon_v it_o necessary_a before_o i_o address_v to_o the_o disproof_n of_o what_o i_o dislike_v in_o his_o opinion_n to_o declare_v what_o i_o own_o to_o be_v true_a in_o the_o matter_n of_o a_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n first_o then_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o political_a head_n of_o his_o church_n we_o ready_o grant_v nor_o be_v it_o deny_v by_o any_o so_o far_o as_o i_o know_v that_o profess_v themselves_o christian_n the_o very_a espouse_v the_o profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n include_v a_o acknowledgement_n of_o christ_n being_n our_o supreme_a legislatour_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o be_v subject_a to_o his_o authority_n and_o obedient_a to_o his_o command_n a_o right_n of_o erect_v govern_v and_o protect_v the_o church_n be_v delegated_a to_o and_o vest_v in_o he_o and_o as_o he_o in_o the_o discharge_n of_o this_o regal_a office_n wherewithal_o he_o be_v entrust_v have_v enact_v law_n appoint_a ordinance_n and_o ordain_v officer_n for_o the_o government_n of_o his_o church_n so_o we_o by_o our_o submission_n to_o they_o do_v acknowledge_v his_o authority_n and_o make_v profession_n of_o our_o subjection_n to_o he_o as_o our_o lord_n and_o king_n and_o therereupon_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v relate_v to_o he_o as_o our_o political_a head_n all_o that_o own_o the_o name_n of_o christian_n be_v thus_o far_o agree_v for_o though_o the_o papist_n interpose_v another_o immediate_a roll_a head_n between_o christ_n and_o the_o catholic_n church_n yet_o as_o they_o acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o only_a head_n of_o vital_a influence_n to_o the_o church_n regenerate_v so_o they_o confess_v he_o to_o be_v the_o only_a supreme_a govern_v head_n of_o the_o universal_a church_n but_o as_o their_o notion_n of_o a_o vicarious_a political_a head_n over_o the_o whole_a church_n be_v both_o destitute_a of_o all_o countenance_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o repugnant_a to_o it_o so_o no_o one_o be_v capable_a of_o enact_v law_n for_o the_o universal_a church_n nor_o of_o see_v they_o execute_v nor_o have_v the_o catholic_n church_n ever_o acknowledge_v such_o a_o constitutive_a imperant_fw-la head_n what_o ever_o some_o part_n of_o it_o may_v have_v do_v upon_o this_o account_n especial_o we_o judge_v the_o pope_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o antichrist_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o opposer_n who_o exalt_v himself_o above_o all_o that_o be_v call_v god_n or_o that_o be_v worship_v so_o that_o he_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n because_o he_o usurp_v the_o headship_n over_o the_o church_n of_o christ_n as_o to_o legislation_n judgement_n and_o execution_n dispense_n with_o christ_n law_n and_o enact_v his_o own_o he_o challenge_v a_o peerage_n with_o jesus_n christ_n as_o to_o legislative_a power_n and_o headship_n over_o the_o universal_a church_n which_o be_v no_o less_o than_o to_o storm_v his_o throne_n and_o usurp_v his_o sceptre_n the_o claym_v of_o the_o roman_a see_v be_v great_a but_o their_o allegation_n to_o justify_v it_o be_v whole_o precatious_a and_o when_o jesus_n christ_n appear_v to_o vindicate_v his_o supreme_a authority_n from_o the_o invasion_n which_o usurper_n have_v make_v upon_o his_o dignity_n the_o counterfeit_v the_o broad_a seal_n of_o heaven_n and_o the_o suborn_n scripture_n to_o supplant_v christ_n throne_n will_v prove_v a_o crime_n unanswerable_a i_o shall_v only_o add_v in_o reference_n to_o this_o particular_a i_o have_v be_v discourse_v that_o no_o verbal_a profession_n of_o be_v a_o christian_n unless_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o a_o obedience_n to_o the_o law_n of_o christ_n can_v the_o jure_v entitle_v we_o among_o his_o subject_n second_o as_o a_o visible_a profession_n of_o subjection_n to_o christ_n testify_v in_o the_o belief_n of_o what_o he_o have_v reveal_v and_o in_o the_o obedience_n of_o what_o he_o have_v command_v be_v the_o foundation_n of_o this_o political_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o his_o church_n so_o we_o do_v hereby_o become_v political_o unite_v one_o to_o another_o and_o be_v denominate_v member_n of_o christ_n catholic_n visible_a church_n for_o as_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o its_o doctrine_n &_o a_o avow_a subjection_n to_o its_o law_n be_v the_o constituent_a form_n of_o the_o church_n as_o visible_a and_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o obtain_v that_o appellation_n so_o all_o that_o profess_v the_o invocation_n of_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n jesus_n their_o lord_n and_o we_o 1_o cor._n 7.2_o do_v hereby_o belong_v to_o christ_n catholic_n church_n visible_a and_o become_v political_o unite_v as_o subject_n of_o the_o same_o legislator_n and_o king_n in_o the_o profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n do_v the_o union_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n and_o visible_a consist_v and_o as_o the_o subject_n of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o temporal_a prince_n become_v political_o unite_v together_o by_o their_o be_v in_o subjection_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o same_o supreme_a civil_a ruler_n and_o govern_v by_o the_o same_o law_n so_o may_v all_o christian_n be_v say_v upon_o a_o parallel_a account_n to_o be_v political_o unite_v one_o with_o another_o and_o here_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n as_o christ_n have_v not_o make_v our_o right_n to_o a_o room_n and_o membership_n in_o the_o catholic_n church_n to_o depend_v upon_o a_o formal_a belief_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v reveal_v though_o every_o thing_n that_o christ_n have_v reveal_v aught_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n the_o explicit_a belief_n of_o which_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o have_v a_o place_n in_o the_o universal_a church_n a_o church_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o