glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n and_o again_o psal._n 14._o 8._o 3._o praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n and_o light_n which_o intimate_v that_o these_o work_n of_o his_o afford_v matter_n to_o our_o reason_n for_o religious_a acknowledgement_n and_o reason_n prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n and_o end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o these_o be_v demonstrative_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o omnipotent_a mind_n that_o have_v frame_v all_o thing_n so_o orderly_o and_o exact_o and_o that_o mind_n be_v god_n this_o article_n then_o reason_n prove_v which_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o particular_a and_o i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n only_o that_o can_v do_v it_o which_o be_v the_o other_o this_o you_o will_v see_v when_o you_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n from_o whence_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o be_v can_v 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in_o short_a of_o the_o principle_n i_o call_v mix_v which_o reason_n demonstrate_v but_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n ii_o those_o of_o pure_a revelation_n reason_n can_v prove_v they_o immediate_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o testimony_n and_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o look_v for_o immediate_a proof_n from_o reason_n of_o those_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o abstract_a reason_n shall_v demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o china_n or_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v here_o be_v to_o assert_v and_o make_v good_a the_o credibility_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o relate_v such_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o in_o a_o
encourage_v they_o to_o it_o i_o shall_v adventure_v to_o add_v that_o it_o seem_v very_o probable_a that_o much_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o those_o hallelujah_n and_o triumphant_a song_n that_o shall_v be_v the_o joyful_a entertainment_n of_o the_o bless_a will_v be_v take_v from_o the_o wonder_n of_o god_n work_n and_o who_o know_v but_o the_o contemplation_n of_o these_o and_o god_n in_o they_o shall_v make_v up_o a_o good_a part_n of_o the_o employment_n of_o those_o glorify_a spirit_n who_o will_v then_o have_v inconceivable_a advantage_n for_o the_o search_n into_o those_o effect_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o power_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o mortal_n to_o attain_v and_o those_o discovery_n which_o for_o ever_o they_o shall_v make_v in_o that_o immense_a treasure_n of_o art_n the_o universe_n must_v needs_o sill_z their_o soul_n every_o moment_n with_o pleasant_a astonishment_n and_o inslame_v their_o heart_n with_o the_o ardour_n of_o the_o high_a love_n and_o devotion_n which_o will_v breathe_v forth_o in_o everlasting_a thanksgiving_n and_o thus_o the_o study_n of_o god_n work_v join_v with_o those_o pious_a sentiment_n they_o deserve_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o partial_a anticipation_n of_o heaven_n and_o next_o after_o the_o contemplation_n of_o his_o word_n and_o the_o wonder_n of_o his_o mercy_n discover_v in_o our_o redemption_n it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a and_o noble_a employment_n the_o most_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o be_v teach_v by_o the_o most_o reasonable_a and_o excellent_a religion_n in_o the_o world_n finis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o a_o seasonable_a recommendation_n and_o defence_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n against_o infidelity_n scepticism_n and_o fanaticism_n of_o all_o sort_n london_n print_v by_o j._n m._n for_o james_n collins_n at_o the_o kingsâ—…ead_n in_o westminster-hall_n 1670._o ad_fw-la clerum_fw-la rom._n xii_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o verse_n 1._o which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a service_n there_o be_v nothing_o that_o i_o know_v have_v do_v so_o much_o mischief_n to_o christianity_n as_o the_o disparagement_n of_o reason_n under_o pretence_n of_o respect_n &_o favour_n to_o religioâ—…_n since_o hereby_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n have_v be_v undermine_v and_o the_o world_n prepare_v for_o atheism_n for_o if_o reason_n must_v not_o be_v hear_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n can_v neither_o be_v prove_v nor_o defend_v and_o so_o our_o faith_n drop_v to_o the_o ground_n like_o a_o house_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n beside_o by_o this_o way_n those_o sickly_a conceit_n and_o enthusiastic_a dream_n and_o unsound_a doctrine_n that_o have_v poison_v our_o air_n and_o infatuate_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o the_o scorn_n of_o infidel_n and_o divide_v the_o church_n and_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o involve_v the_o nation_n in_o so_o much_o blood_n and_o so_o many_o ruin_n i_o say_v hereby_o all_o these_o fatal_a folly_n that_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o so_o many_o mischief_n have_v be_v propagate_v and_o promote_v so_o that_o i_o may_v affirm_v bold_o that_o here_o be_v the_o springhead_n of_o most_o of_o the_o water_n of_o bitterness_n and_o strife_n and_o here_o the_o fountain_n of_o the_o great_a deep_n of_o atheism_n and_o fanaticism_n that_o be_v break_v up_o upon_o we_o and_o now_o to_o damn_n up_o this_o sourâ—…e_n of_o mischief_n by_o represent_v the_o fair_a agreement_n that_o be_v between_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v the_o most_o seasonable_a service_n that_o can_v be_v do_v unto_o both_o since_o hereby_o religion_n will_v be_v rescue_v from_o the_o impious_a accusation_n of_o its_o be_v groundless_a and_o imaginary_a and_o reason_n also_o defend_v against_o the_o unjust_a charge_n of_o those_o that_o will_v make_v this_o beam_n of_o god_n profane_a and_o 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carnal_a reason_v and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o what_o have_v be_v the_o issue_n of_o those_o canting_n we_o have_v sad_o see_v and_o feel_v so_o that_o 〈◊〉_d think_v it_o be_v now_o the_o duty_n of_o all_o sober_a and_o reasonable_a man_n to_o rise_v up_o against_o this_o spirit_n of_o folly_n and_o infatuation_n and_o something_o i_o shall_v attempt_v at_o present_a by_o show_v that_o reason_n be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n and_o religion_n very_o friendly_a to_o reason_n both_o which_o be_v include_v in_o these_o word_n of_o the_o apostle_n which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a service_n he_o have_v prove_v in_o the_o precede_a part_n of_o this_o epistle_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o only_a way_n of_o happiness_n and_o here_o he_o enter_v upon_o the_o application_n of_o this_o doctrine_n and_o affectionate_o exhort_v his_o roman_n to_o conform_v themselves_o unto_o it_o i_o beseech_v you_o therefore_o brethren_n by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n that_o you_o present_v your_o body_n by_o which_o no_o doubt_n he_o mean_v their_o whole_a person_n for_o they_o be_v to_o be_v a_o live_a sacrifice_n live_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o dead_a service_n of_o the_o ceremonial_a law_n holy_a acceptable_a unto_o god_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o legal_a performance_n that_o have_v no_o intrinsic_a goodness_n in_o thâ—…m_n and_o be_v not_o acceptable_a now_o that_o thâ—…ir_a institution_n be_v determinâ—…d_v and_o the_o motive_n whereby_o he_o enforce_v his_o exhâ—…rtation_n be_v these_o two_o viz._n the_o mercy_n of_o god_n which_o the_o gospel_n have_v bring_v and_o propound_v i_o beseech_v you_o brethren_z by_o the_o mercy_n of_o god_n and_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o he_o urge_v they_o to_o which_o be_v your_o reasonable_a service_n my_o business_n be_v with_o this_o latter_a and_o i_o liâ—…fer_v from_o it_o that_o religion_n be_v a_o reasonable_a thing_n in_o treat_v of_o this_o propâ—…sition_n i_o shall_v i._o state_n what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n and_o what_o by_o reason_n two_o i_o shall_v demonstrate_v their_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n iii_o endeavour_n to_o disable_v the_o main_a objection_n that_o be_v allege_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o iu_o improve_v all_o by_o some_o inference_n and_o advice_n to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o the_o settle_v the_o distinct_a notion_n of_o religion_n and_o reason_n we_o know_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o any_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n or_o debate_n that_o can_v be_v discover_v or_o determinâ—…d_v till_o the_o term_n of_o the_o question_n be_v explain_v and_o their_o notion_n settle_v the_o want_n of_o this_o have_v be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o confusion_n we_o find_v in_o dispute_n and_o particular_o most_o of_o the_o clamour_n that_o have_v be_v raise_v against_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n have_v spring_v from_o man_n mistake_n of_o the_o nature_n 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in_o these_o
which_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o the_o law_n and_o the_o prophet_n but_o duty_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o knowledge_n and_o some_o principle_n there_o must_v be_v that_o must_v direct_v these_o practice_n and_o those_o that_o discover_v and_o direct_a man_n in_o those_o action_n of_o duâ—…y_n be_v call_v principle_n of_o religion_n these_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n viz._n some_o be_v 1._o fundamental_a and_o essential_a other_o 2._o 〈◊〉_d and_o assist_v fundamental_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d metaphor_n take_v from_o the_o foundâ—…_n of_o a_o building_n upon_o which_o the_o fabric_n stand_v and_o without_o which_o it_o must_v sink_v to_o the_o ground_n so_o that_o fundamental_a principle_n be_v such_o as_o be_v suppose_v to_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n one_o or_o more_o and_o such_o as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o performance_n of_o they_o respective_o of_o this_o sort_n i_o mention_v four_o viz._n i._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n of_o infinite_a perfâ—…ction_n thâ—…_n bâ—…lief_n of_o this_o iâ—…_n 〈◊〉_d necâ—…ssary_a to_o all_o the_o parâ—…s_n oâ—…_n râ—…ligion_n ii_o that_o we_o be_v sinner_n and_o expose_v to_o his_o displeasure_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o confession_n of_o sin_n and_o repentance_n part_n of_o worship_n iii_o that_o god_n be_v our_o maker_n and_o the_o author_n of_o all_o our_o blessing_n this_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o duty_n of_o prayer_n praise_n and_o adoration_n iu_o that_o there_o be_v moral_a good_a and_o evil._n without_o this_o there_o can_v be_v no_o charity_n humility_n justice_n purity_n or_o the_o rest_n these_o proposition_n i_o say_v be_v fundamental_o of_o religion_n for_o it_o suppose_v and_o stand_v upon_o they_o there_o be_v other_o which_o be_v not_o so_o absolute_o necessary_a as_o these_o but_o yet_o very_o encourage_v and_o helpful_a i_o reckon_v four_o here_o also_o viz._n 1._o that_o god_n will_v pardon_v we_o if_o we_o repent_v 2._o that_o he_o will_v assist_v we_o if_o we_o endeavour_v 3._o that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o service_n that_o be_v imperfect_a if_o they_o be_v sincere_a 4._o that_o he_o will_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o another_o world_n according_a â—…o_o what_o we_o have_v do_v in_o this_o this_o i_o count_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n general_a and_o christianity_n take_v in_o all_o those_o duty_n and_o all_o the_o principle_n advance_v the_o duty_n to_o noble_a measure_n and_o encourage_v they_o by_o new_a motive_n and_o assistance_n and_o superad_v two_o other_o instance_n baptism_n and_o the_o lord_n supper_n and_o for_o the_o principle_n it_o confirm_v those_o of_o natural_a religion_n and_o explain_v they_o further_o and_o discover_v some_o few_o new_a one_o and_o all_o these_o both_o of_o the_o former_a and_o the_o latter_a sort_n be_v contain_v in_o the_o creed_n here_o be_v all_o the_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n and_o the_o main_a assist_a principle_n also_o and_o i_o call_v nothing_o else_o religion_n but_o plain_a duty_n and_o these_o acknowledge_a principle_n and_o though_o our_o church_n require_v our_o assent_n to_o more_o proposition_n yet_o those_o be_v only_a article_n of_o communion_n not_o doctrine_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o if_o we_o go_v beyond_o the_o creed_n for_o the_o essential_o of_o faith_n who_o can_v tell_v where_o you_o shall_v stop_v the_o sum_n be_v religion_n primary_o be_v duty_n and_o duty_n be_v all_o that_o which_o god_n have_v coâ—…ded_v to_o be_v do_v by_o his_o word_n or_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o have_v the_o substance_n of_o these_o in_o the_o commandment_n religion_n also_o in_o a_o secondary_a sense_n consist_v in_o some_o principle_n relate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o son_n in_o the_o way_n of_o devoâ—…t_n and_o virtuous_a live_n and_o these_o be_v comprise_v in_o that_o summary_n of_o belief_n call_v the_o apostle_n creed_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v religion_n and_o this_o religion_n i_o shall_v prove_v to_o be_v reasonable_a but_o i_o can_v undertake_v for_o all_o the_o opinion_n some_o man_n be_v please_v to_o call_v orthodox_n nor_o for_o all_o those_o that_o by_o many_o private_a person_n and_o some_o church_n be_v count_v essential_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o salvation_n thus_o i_o have_v state_v what_o i_o mean_v by_o religion_n the_o other_z thing_n to_o be_v determine_v and_o fix_v be_v the_o proper_a notion_n of_o rea_n on_o for_o this_o you_o may_v please_v â—…o_o consider_v that_o reason_n be_v sometime_o take_v for_o reason_n in_o the_o faculty_n which_o be_v the_o understanding_n and_o at_o other_o time_n for_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n which_o consist_v in_o those_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o which_o the_o understanding_n be_v inform_v this_o latter_a be_v mean_v in_o the_o dispute_n concern_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o reason_n and_o religion_n and_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o with_o natural_a truth_n which_o i_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o principle_n and_o conclusion_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o man_n philosophy_n nor_o the_o critical_a rule_n of_o syllogism_n but_o those_o imbred_a fundamental_a notice_n that_o god_n have_v implant_v in_o our_o soul_n such_o as_o arise_v not_o from_o external_a object_n nor_o particular_a humour_n or_o imagination_n but_o be_v immediate_o lodge_v in_o our_o mind_n independent_a upon_o other_o principle_n or_o deduction_n command_v a_o sudden_a assent_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o sober_a mankind_n of_o this_o sort_n be_v these_o that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o all_o perfection_n that_o nothing_o have_v no_o attribute_n that_o a_o thing_n can_v be_v and_o not_o be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o of_o its_o part_n and_o such_o like_o other_o which_o be_v unto_o we_o what_o instinct_n be_v to_o other_o creature_n these_o i_o call_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n the_o conclusion_n be_v those_o other_o notice_n that_o be_v infer_v right_o from_o these_o and_o by_o their_o help_n from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o remote_a that_o can_v be_v conceive_v of_o all_o these_o if_o it_o be_v right_o infer_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o due_o circumstantiate_v sense_n be_v as_o well_o to_o be_v reckon_v a_o part_n and_o branch_n of_o reason_n as_o the_o more_o immediate_a conclusion_n that_o be_v principle_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o distant_a truth_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o account_n also_o of_o the_o proper_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o reason_n i_o be_o to_o show_v next_o 2_o that_o religion_n be_v reasonable_a and_o this_o imply_v two_o thing_n viz._n that_o reason_n be_v a_o friend_n to_o religion_n and_o that_o religion_n be_v so_o to_o reason_n from_o these_o two_o result_v their_o correspondence_n and_o agreement_n i_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o and_o here_o i_o may_v easy_o show_v the_o great_a congruity_n that_o there_o be_v between_o that_o light_n and_o those_o law_n that_o god_n have_v place_v in_o our_o soul_n and_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n that_o by_o the_o expressness_n of_o his_o write_a word_n he_o require_v from_o we_o and_o demonstrate_v that_o reason_n teach_v all_o those_o except_v only_o the_o two_o positives_n baptism_n and_o the_o holy_a eucharist_n but_o there_o be_v not_o so_o much_o need_v of_o turn_v my_o discourse_n that_o way_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v confine_v it_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o prove_v that_o reason_n mighty_o befriend_v these_o it_o do_v this_o i._o by_o prove_v some_o of_o those_o principle_n &_o ii_o by_o defend_v all_o for_o the_o clear_n both_o these_o you_o may_v consider_v that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o 1_o such_o as_o be_v presuppose_v to_o faith_n or_o such_o as_o 2._o be_v formal_a article_n of_o it_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o second_o such_o as_o be_v express_o declare_v by_o divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o incarnation_n of_o his_o son_n and_o such_o like_a i._n for_o the_o formerâ—…ey_n â—…ey_z be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o by_o reason_n only_o the_o other_o we_o shall_v consider_v after_o i._n that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n the_o apostle_n acknowledge_v when_o he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a and_o to_o the_o heathen_a rom._n i._n xix_o and_o he_o add_v vers_fw-la xx._n that_o the_o invisible_a thing_n from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v and_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n speak_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n psal._n xix_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o
of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o i_o come_v now_o iu_o to_o the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o whole_a 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o inâ—…_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o state_n i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o consist_v in_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o they_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n now_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o for_o every_o pâ—…ssible_a conclusion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o help_n and_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v they_o and_o for_o the_o proposition_n that_o arise_v from_o those_o certain_a principle_n they_o be_v certain_a likewise_o for_o nothing_o can_v follow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n in_o the_o long_a series_n of_o deduction_n if_o error_n creep_v in_o there_o be_v ill_a consequence_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o sort_n of_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n if_o the_o sense_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v and_o the_o inference_n right_o make_v be_v certain_a also_o for_o if_o our_o sense_n in_o all_o their_o due_a circumstance_n deceive_v we_o all_o be_v a_o delusion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o but_o we_o know_v that_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a and_o that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o because_o god_n that_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o due_o conclude_v from_o either_o of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a because_o whatever_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o principle_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o reason_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o which_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n and_o his_o peculiar_a people_n reason_n be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 20._o 27._o that_o light_n whereby_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 9_o and_o that_o law_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o hiâ—…rocles_n speak_v well_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o luther_n call_v philosophy_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n the_o former_a part_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o last_o particular_a and_o we_o believe_v our_o reason_n because_o we_o have_v they_o from_o god_n who_o can_v mistake_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v so_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o thing_n clear_o perceive_v be_v trust_v in_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n thus_o luke_n 12._o the_o not_o belief_n of_o reason_n that_o suggest_v from_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n a_o defect_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v evident_a also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n reveal_v 4._o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n contradâ—…ts_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o whole_a faith_n befriend_v reason_n and_o reason_n serve_v religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v clash_v they_o be_v both_o certain_a both_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n agree_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o contradict_v faith_n be_v opposite_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o that_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o sometime_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o then_o either_o something_o be_v take_v for_o faith_n that_o be_v but_o fancy_n or_o something_o for_o reason_n that_o be_v but_o sophistry_n or_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n be_v a_o error_n and_o mistake_v 5._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v from_o reason_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n by_o deny_v reason_n but_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v it_o by_o answer_v the_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v fair_o answer_v for_o all_o heretic_n argue_v either_o from_o false_a principle_n or_o fallacioâ—…ly_o conclude_v from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v not_o by_o declaim_v against_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o strengthen_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n allow_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o he_o call_v proof_n 6._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v we_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n propound_v if_o it_o be_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o the_o former_a aphorism_n that_o the_o contradiction_n be_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o the_o contradiction_n be_v real_a this_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o revelation_n have_v not_o this_o sense_n for_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n be_v throughout_o contrary_a to_o falsehood_n and_o what_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n can_v be_v false_a in_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o the_o talmud_n if_o two_o rabbin_n disfer_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v thâ—…ir_a opinion_n from_o moses_n and_o from_o god_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o non-sensiâ—…al_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n aâ—…_n a_o article_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o palpable_o contradict_v reason_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n i'faith_o and_o reason_n accord_v as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a jestament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v â—…ded_v also_o because_o even_o that_o iâ—…_n divine_a and_o sacred_a 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o tell_v i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o revealer_n of_o what_o be_v so_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v except_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o vain_a credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v ourselves_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o sense_n put_v upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o that_o sense_n be_v his_o mind_n i_o say_v we_o must_v have_v ground_n either_o from_o our_o particular_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a credulity_n and_o not_o faith_n in_o god_n 8._o a_o man_n may_v hold_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n from_o a_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deny_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v in_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v belief_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o or_o that_o as_o to_o give_v we_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sense_n while_o
viz._n that_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o enmity_n of_o reason_n to_o religion_n chieâ—…ly_o by_o two_o thing_n sect_n iii_o ay_o by_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o systeme_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o first_o instruct_v they_o which_o teacher_n come_v also_o into_o the_o fancy_n the_o same_o way_n and_o both_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o strong_a prejudice_n arise_v from_o that_o implicit_a faith_n and_o ii_o by_o want_n of_o clear_a thought_n and_o ability_n to_o state_n thing_n distinct_o and_o to_o understand_v their_o dependency_n and_o sequels_fw-fr both_o which_o imperfection_n the_o free_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o i._o that_o philosophy_n begin_v with_o the_o inlargment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o attempt_n to_o free_v it_o from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o pre-ingagement_n which_o sophisticate_a and_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n and_o render_v we_o incapable_a of_o discern_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v modest_a impartial_a enquiry_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o real_a experimental_a way_n of_o philosophy_n not_o that_o it_o teach_v sceptiâ—…ism_n and_o absolute_a neutrality_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o so_o much_o caution_n in_o our_o disquisition_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sudden_o give_v firm_a assent_n to_o thing_n not_o well_o understand_v oâ—…_n examine_v which_o no_o doubt_n be_v very_o just_a and_o safe_a but_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o who_o through_o ignorance_n or_o other_o occasion_n be_v incapable_a of_o make_v due_a enquiry_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o matter_n of_o speculation_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o â—…lieve_v and_o practice_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o arâ—…_n clear_a in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o with_o which_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v without_o much_o sagacity_n or_o deep_a judgement_n for_o matter_n of_o theory_n and_o dissicult_a enquiry_n appertain_v â—…ot_v to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o low_a rank_n of_o understanding_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o sâ—…arch_n after_o truth_n and_o be_v provide_v with_o advantage_n for_o it_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o success_n with_o this_o i_o say_v the_o real_a philosophy_n â—…egins_v and_o in_o all_o it_o be_v progress_v still_o mâ—…e_a and_o more_o dispoâ—…th_v the_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o so_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o vassalage_n of_o customary_a say_n and_o opinion_n now_o whoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n till_o he_o have_v consider_v and_o examine_v the_o matter_n with_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v whoever_o shall_v do_v that_o will_v want_v nothing_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a but_o clear_a and_o distinct_a thought_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o consequence_n with_o which_o philosophy_n will_v furnish_v he_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v to_o overthrow_v this_o principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n viz._n ii_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o state_n matter_n clear_o and_o to_o draw_v out_o those_o conclusion_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v confusion_n of_o notion_n and_o a_o greaâ—…_n defect_n in_o reason_v that_o make_v dark_a zeal_n to_o rave_v so_o furious_o against_o reason_n now_o philosophy_n be_v reason_n methodise_v and_o improve_v by_o study_n observation_n and_o experiment_n and_o whoever_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o be_v exercise_v frequent_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o cause_n property_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v inure_v the_o mind_n to_o great_a intentness_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o define_v and_o distinguish_v and_o infer_v right_o and_o by_o these_o the_o allegation_n against_o reason_n will_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v idle_a sophisâ—…s_n that_o have_v no_o sound_a sense_n or_o substance_n in_o they_o this_o be_v show_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n call_v a_o vindication_n and_o desence_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o also_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v state_v distinct_o and_o i_o think_v right_a be_v do_v both_o to_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a there_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n may_v either_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n or_o defend_v by_o it_o which_o two_o particular_n we_o will_v here_o touch_v a_o little_a that_o reason_n prove_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v by_o those_o philosophic_a reasoner_n that_o have_v doâ—…e_v it_o and_o to_o say_v a_o word_n of_o this_o will_v be_v no_o digression_n since_o it_o will_v show_v that_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o conceit_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o improve_v reason_n to_o many_o purpose_n of_o religion_n sect_n iv._o i._n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o divers_a great_a man_n have_v labour_v in_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o learned_a hugo_n grotius_n duplessis_n raymond_n de_fw-fr saâ—…undis_fw-la the_o pious_a and_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n hammond_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o among_o ourselves_o and_o the_o immortal_a bishop_n of_o down_o doctor_n jer._n tailor_n have_v in_o ten_o leaf_n of_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la give_v such_o a_o invincible_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o judicious_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o most_o important_a parâ—…iculars_n of_o evidence_n that_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v before_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o alone_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v win_v upon_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o difficult_a assent_n and_o to_o have_v confound_v all_o the_o infidel_n under_o heaven_n this_o testimony_n i_o must_v give_v to_o that_o glorious_a performance_n and_o it_o will_v not_o i_o presume_v be_v think_v excessive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v mention_n of_o these_o worthy_a asserter_n and_o defender_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o reasoner_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o my_o present_a notice_n viz._n those_o that_o have_v use_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o modern_a free_a philosophy_n in_o prove_v and_o defend_v some_o main_a article_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v several_a member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n who_o have_v imployâ—…d_v their_o ingenious_a and_o pious_a pain_n this_o way_n the_o wise_a learned_a and_o deserve_o celebrate_v prelate_n dr._n seth_n ward_n the_o present_a lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n have_v in_o his_o philosophical_a essay_n full_o though_o in_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o word_n and_o perspicuous_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o eternal_a reason_n and_o by_o this_o have_v clear_v the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a basis_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o illustrious_a mr._n boyle_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o usesulness_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophic_a reason_n give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o very_o glorious_a illustration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o by_o it_o he_o infinite_o shame_v and_o disprove_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n which_o great_a interest_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n have_v also_o be_v egregious_o promote_v by_o the_o judicious_a philosophical_a performance_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n h._n more_n who_o have_v every_o where_o in_o his_o work_n discover_v to_o what_o useful_a purpose_n reason_n and_o the_o free_a philosophy_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o noble_a sir_n k._n digby_n write_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortaâ—…ty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o prove_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n of_o philosophy_n which_o design_n also_o of_o make_v philosophy_n serve_v the_o altar_n have_v be_v happy_o undertake_v and_o as_o successful_o manage_v by_o the_o ingenious_a mr._n sam._n parker_n in_o his_o learned_a tentamina_fw-la in_o which_o he_o strenuous_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o explain_v many_o difficulty_n about_o his_o attribute_n by_o the_o use_n of_o free_a philosophical_a reason_n these_o be_v and_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a college_n of_o philosopher_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a des-cartes_n and_o our_o worthy_a and_o learned_a doctor_n stillingfleet_n who_o have_v also_o excellent_o employ_v the_o free_a philosophy_n for_o the_o
sit_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o because_o i_o doubt_v some_o may_v be_v mislead_v into_o a_o undue_a opinion_n of_o those_o excellent_a person_n and_o other_o of_o their_o way_n by_o find_v their_o name_n among_o those_o of_o a_o abhor_a character_n in_o a_o author_n of_o so_o much_o note_n i_o say_v it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o have_v give_v this_o hint_n and_o not_o out_o of_o any_o humour_n of_o oppose_v or_o carp_n at_o that_o worthy_a man_n no_o i_o think_v he_o be_v to_o be_v honour_v much_o for_o his_o stout_a rational_a and_o successful_a opposition_n of_o the_o mischievous_a antinomianâ—…ollies_n â—…ollies_z when_o the_o current_a systematick_a divinity_n then_o call_v orthodox_n be_v overgrow_v with_o they_o for_o his_o frequent_a assert_v and_o vindicate_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o madness_n of_o spread_a enthusiasm_n for_o his_o earnest_a endeavour_n for_o the_o promotion_n of_o peace_n and_o universal_a charity_n when_o it_o be_v hold_v a_o great_a crime_n not_o to_o be_v â—…ierce_a in_o the_o way_n of_o a_o sect_n for_o his_o quick_a pierce_a and_o serious_a practical_a write_n i_o say_v i_o judge_v the_o author_n the_o slip_n of_o who_o pen_n in_o a_o thing_n relate_v to_o my_o subject_n i_o have_v note_v to_o be_v a_o person_n worthy_a of_o great_a respect_n and_o i_o can_v scarce_o forbear_v affirm_v concern_v he_o as_o a_o learned_a doctor_n of_o our_o church_n do_v that_o he_o be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o speak_v sense_n in_o a_o age_n of_o nonsense_n he_o mean_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v reckon_v among_o the_o people_n of_o those_o time_n with_o the_o madness_n of_o which_o he_o contest_v but_o i_o be_o digress_v the_o business_n of_o this_o section_n have_v be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o charge_n of_o atheism_n against_o the_o real_a philoâ—…ophy_n be_v a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a slander_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a what_o i_o undertake_v sect_n iii_o but_o 2._o it_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o that_o philosophy_n dispose_v 〈◊〉_d to_o despise_v the_o scripture_n or_o at_o least_o to_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o they_o and_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v to_o be_v explode_v among_o christian_n to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o philosophy_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o god_n work_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o his_o word_n and_o how_o then_o shall_v the_o study_n of_o the_o one_o incline_v man_n to_o despise_v the_o other_o certain_o have_v there_o be_v any_o such_o impious_a tendency_n in_o search_v into_o god_n work_n to_o the_o lessen_v of_o our_o value_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o scripture_n itself_o will_v never_o have_v recommend_v this_o so_o much_o unto_o we_o as_o we_o have_v see_v it_o do_v yea_o indeed_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v â—…rue_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n tend_v in_o its_o proper_a nature_n to_o dispose_v man_n to_o love_n and_o veneration_n of_o the_o scripture_n for_o by_o converse_n with_o nature_n we_o be_v make_v sensible_a of_o the_o power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n fresh_a instance_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v still_o find_v in_o all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v one_o great_a design_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o promote_v the_o glory_n of_o these_o attribute_n how_o then_o can_v he_o that_o be_v much_o affect_v with_o they_o choose_v but_o love_n and_o esteem_v those_o holy_a record_n which_o so_o glorious_o illustrate_v the_o perfection_n which_o he_o admire_v beside_o by_o inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n we_o discover_v continual_o how_o little_a we_o can_v comprehend_v of_o his_o way_n and_o management_n and_o he_o that_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o will_v find_v himself_o more_o incline_v to_o reverence_v the_o declaration_n of_o his_o word_n though_o they_o be_v beyond_o his_o reach_n and_o though_o he_o can_v fathom_v those_o mystery_n he_o be_v require_v to_o believe_v such_o a_o disposition_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o secure_v our_o reverence_n to_o the_o divine_a oracle_n and_o philosophy_n promote_v it_o much_o so_o that_o though_o it_o be_v like_a enough_o there_o may_v be_v those_o that_o pretend_v to_o philosophy_n who_o have_v less_o veneration_n and_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n than_o they_o ought_v yet_o that_o impious_a disesteem_v of_o those_o sacred_a write_n be_v no_o effect_n of_o their_o philosophy_n but_o of_o their_o corrupt_a and_o evil_a inclination_n and_o to_o remove_v the_o scandal_n bring_v upon_o natural_a wisdom_n by_o those_o pretender_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v that_o none_o be_v more_o earnest_n or_o moâ—…_n â—…requent_a in_o the_o prooâ—…_n and_o recommendation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o of_o philosophiâ—…al_a inclination_n and_o genius_n who_o by_o their_o public_a capacity_n and_o profession_n have_v the_o best_a opportunity_n to_o give_v testimony_n to_o the_o honour_n of_o that_o divine_a book_n and_o beside_o the_o many_o sermon_n that_o be_v continual_o preach_v but_o no_o further_o publish_v by_o the_o divine_n that_o be_v dispose_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o knowledge_n i_o may_v for_o instance_n mention_v the_o excellent_a performanof_n those_o incomparable_a philosopher_n the_o present_a most_o learned_a bishop_n of_o sarum_n and_o the_o deserve_o famous_a mr._n boil_v the_o former_a in_o the_o essay_n before_o mention_v and_o in_o a_o late_a â—…lose_a smart_n and_o judicious_a sermon_n agâ—…inst_v the_o antiscripturist_n and_o in_o another_o annex_v against_o infidelity_n new_o print_v have_v with_o great_a perspicuity_n strength_n and_o demonstrative_a order_n refute_v and_o shame_v the_o pretension_n of_o the_o inâ—…_n and_o roundly_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a volume_n and_o the_o other_o excellent_a philosopher_n mr._n boyle_n in_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o learned_a discourse_n concern_v the_o style_n of_o scripture_n have_v vindicate_v those_o inspire_a write_n from_o the_o cavil_n and_o exception_n of_o the_o nice_a wit_n of_o man_n of_o corrupt_a mind_n which_o performance_n of_o these_o two_o deep_a and_o pious_a inquirer_n into_o god_n work_n may_v with_o better_a reason_n be_v plead_v for_o the_o piety_n of_o philosophy_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o scripture_n then_o the_o irreverence_n of_o any_o that_o pretend_v to_o natural_a wisdom_n can_v be_v allege_v against_o it_o sect_n iv._o but_o to_o justify_v the_o imputation_n of_o the_o disservice_n philosophy_n do_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n it_o may_v by_o some_o be_v plead_v that_o philosophy_n viz._n that_o which_o be_v call_v the_o new_a teach_v doctrine_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o at_o least_o such_o as_o we_o have_v no_o ground_n from_o scripture_n to_o believe_v as_o for_o instance_n that_o the_o earth_n move_v and_o that_o the_o moon_n be_v of_o a_o terrestrial_a nature_n and_o habitable_a which_o opinion_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v impious_a and_o antiscriptural_a in_o return_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o say_v 1._o in_o the_o general_a that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o philosophy_n teach_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o reveal_v in_o scripture_n for_o this_o be_v not_o intend_v to_o instruct_v man_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o nature_n but_o its_o design_n be_v to_o direct_v mankind_n and_o even_o those_o of_o the_o plain_a understanding_n in_o life_n and_o manner_n to_o propose_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o happiness_n and_o the_o principle_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o guide_v we_o in_o it_o with_o the_o several_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o excite_v our_o endeavour_n and_o to_o bear_v they_o up_o against_o all_o difficulty_n and_o temptation_n this_o i_o say_v be_v the_o chief_a design_n of_o that_o divine_a book_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v accommodate_v in_o the_o main_a to_o the_o most_o ordinary_a capacity_n and_o speak_v after_o our_o manner_n and_o suitable_o to_o sense_n and_o vulgar_a conception_n thus_o we_o â—…ind_v that_o the_o cloud_n be_v call_v heaven_n the_o moon_n one_o of_o the_o great_a light_n and_o the_o star_n mention_v as_o less_o considerable_a and_o the_o star_n also_o gen._n 1._o we_o read_v of_o the_o go_v down_o of_o the_o sun_n and_o of_o the_o end_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o of_o the_o heaver_n and_o divers_a other_o such_o expression_n be_v in_o the_o scripture_n which_o plain_o intimate_v unto_o we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o concern_v themselves_o to_o recâ—…_n the_o mistake_n of_o the_o vulgar_a in_o philosophical_a theory_n but_o comply_v with_o their_o infirmity_n and_o speak_v according_a as_o they_o can_v understand_v so_o that_o 2._o no_o tenent_n in_o philosophy_n ought_v to_o be_v condemn_v and_o explode_v because_o there_o may_v be_v some_o occasional_a say_n in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n which_o seem_v not_o to_o comport_v with_o it_o and_o therefore_o the_o problem_n mention_v concern_v
i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n his_o veracity_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o concern_v since_o i_o be_o ready_a however_o to_o give_v a_o cheerful_a assent_n to_o whatever_o be_v clear_o and_o sufficient_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v difficult_a and_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v certain_a for_o some_o be_v only_o hint_v and_o speak_v occasional_o some_o figurative_o and_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n and_o allegory_n some_o according_a to_o man_n conception_n and_o some_o in_o ambiguous_a and_o enigmatical_a phrase_n which_o obsâ—…urities_n may_v occasion_n mistake_v in_o those_o who_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n say_v and_o when_o they_o do_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o such_o err_v in_o faith_n though_o those_o that_o wrest_v plain_a text_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n though_o their_o affection_n may_v bring_v their_o judgement_n to_o vote_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v error_n in_o faith_n with_o a_o witness_n and_o capable_a of_o no_o benefit_n from_o this_o proposition_n 9_o in_o search_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o consult_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v other_o scripture_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o reason_n be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufâ—…icient_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o reason_n must_v be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o for_o without_o this_o scripture_n can_v be_v use_v nor_o compare_v nor_o apply_v nor_o understand_v 10._o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v they_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mighty_a corrupt_a bias_n in_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o infatuate_a and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n those_o essential_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o creed_n many_o 〈◊〉_d remote_a doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a but_o not_o fundamental_a for_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o man_n eternal_a interest_n shall_v dâ—…pend_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o easy_o mistake_v if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a but_o that_o do_v what_o he_o can_v he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o not_o believe_v or_o believe_v amiss_o some_o of_o those_o difficult_a point_n that_o be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o of_o weak_a understanding_n must_v perish_v without_o help_n or_o they_o must_v be_v save_v by_o implicit_a faith_n in_o unknown_a fundamental_o these_o be_v some_o proposition_n that_o follow_v from_o my_o discourse_n and_o from_o one_o another_o the_o beâ—…ter_n they_o be_v consider_v the_o more_o their_o force_n will_v be_v perceive_v and_o i_o think_v they_o may_v serve_v for_o many_o very_a considerable_a purpose_n of_o religion_n charity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o you_o my_o breâ—…hren_n of_o the_o clergy_n those_o i_o mean_v of_o the_o young_a sort_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o prâ—…sume_v to_o teach_v my_o elder_n you_o have_v hear_v no_o doubt_n frequent_a and_o earnest_a declamation_n against_o reason_n during_o the_o year_n of_o your_o education_n and_o youth_n we_o know_v receive_v impression_n easy_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o you_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o very_o hard_a thought_n of_o this_o pretend_a terrible_a enemy_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o do_v you_o ever_o consider_v deep_o since_o what_o end_v of_o religion_n or_o sobriety_n such_o vehement_a defamation_n of_o our_o faculty_n can_v serve_v and_o what_o end_v of_o a_o pâ—…rty_n they_o do_v i_o hope_v these_o thing_n you_o have_v ponder_v as_o you_o ought_v and_o discern_v the_o consequent_a mischieâ—…s_n but_o yet_o i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n â—…o_o refresh_v your_o thought_n with_o some_o consideration_n of_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n and_o issue_n of_o such_o preachment_n 1._o to_o disclaim_v reason_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o scepâ—…icism_n and_o have_v already_o bring_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o these_o upon_o we_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o atheist_n and_o insidel_n expect_v great_a than_o this_o that_o reason_n be_v against_o religion_n what_o do_v they_o pretend_v what_o can_v they_o propose_v more_o if_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o then_o we_o believe_v gratis_o and_o our_o faith_n hang_v upon_o humour_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o religion_n that_o depend_v upon_o a_o warm_a fancy_n a_o ungrounded_a belief_n stand_v but_o till_o a_o disease_n or_o a_o new_a conceit_n alter_v the_o scenc_n of_o imagination_n and_o then_o down_o fall_v the_o castle_n who_o soundation_n be_v in_o the_o air._n it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o those_o that_o renounce_v and_o decry_v reason_n justify_v julian_n in_o his_o charge_n thus_o religion_n will_v have_v no_o bottom_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o every_o one_o that_o prosess_v it_o and_o how_o various_a and_o inconstant_a a_o thing_n imagination_n be_v every_o man_n know_v these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o defamation_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o pretend_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o have_v see_v in_o multitude_n of_o deplorable_a instance_n that_o they_o follow_v in_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n man_n of_o corrupt_a inclination_n suspect_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o quit_v it_o and_o the_o enthusiast_n that_o pretend_v to_o know_v religion_n best_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o suspicion_n be_v very_o true_a and_o thence_o the_o debauchee_n glad_o make_v the_o desperate_a conclusion_n and_o when_o other_o also_o hear_v reason_n disparage_v as_o uncertain_a various_a and_o fallacious_a they_o deny_v all_o credit_n to_o their_o faculty_n and_o become_v confound_v sceptic_n that_o settle_v in_o nothing_o this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o deadly_a occasion_n of_o the_o atheism_n of_o our_o day_n and_o he_o that_o have_v reject_v reason_n may_v be_v one_o when_o he_o please_v and_o can_v reprehend_v or_o reduce_v any_o one_o that_o be_v so_o already_o 2._o the_o denial_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v the_o principal_a engine_n that_o heretic_n and_o enthusiast_n have_v use_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o inâ—…inite_a folly_n and_o imposture_n thus_o the_o arrian_n quarrel_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o consequence_n but_o not_o express_v in_o scripture_n the_o apollinarist_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o reason_n and_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o the_o donatist_n that_o they_o do_v calumniate_v and_o deâ—…ry_v it_o to_o raise_v prejudice_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o elsewhere_o doctores_fw-la vestri_fw-la hominem_fw-la dialecticum_fw-la â—…ugiendum_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o cavendum_fw-la quam_fw-la refellendum_fw-la censuerunt_fw-la the_o ubiquitarian_n defend_v their_o error_n by_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o macedonian_n will_v not_o have_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v by_o consequence_n the_o late_a enthusiast_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n set_v up_o loud_o and_o vehement_a out_o cry_v against_o reason_n and_o the_o lunatic_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o nothing_o else_o do_v yet_o sweet_o accord_v in_o oppose_v this_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v their_o common_a interest_n the_o imposture_n of_o man_n fancy_n must_v not_o be_v see_v in_o too_o much_o light_n and_o we_o can_v dream_v with_o our_o eye_n open_a reason_n will_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o sacred_a whimsy_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o mysterious_a nonsense_n this_o will_v disparage_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o cool_v the_o pleasant_a heat_n of_o kindle_a imagination_n and_o therefore_o reason_n must_v be_v decry_v because_o a_o enemy_n to_o madness_n and_o fancy_n set_v up_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o inspiration_n hence_o man_n have_v get_v the_o trick_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v consequent_a and_o reasonable_a vain_a philosophy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sober_a carnal_a reason_v religion_n be_v set_v so_o far_o above_o reason_n that_o at_o length_n it_o be_v put_v beyond_o sobriety_n and_o sense_n and_o than_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v believe_v