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must_v add_v
now_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o disturb_v the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a express_o say_v reason_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o which_o return_v to_o the_o same_o very_o many_o affirm_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v in_o themselves_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o former_a as_o proceed_v both_o from_o god_n yet_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o limit_a understanding_n yet_o that_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o oâ—…_n as_o the_o father_n teach_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v chap._n i._n the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 2._o this_o famous_a and_o admirable_a doctrine_n be_v the_o undoubted_a source_n of_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v serious_o vent_v among_o christiens_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o transubstantiation_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a ordure_n almost_o all_o receive_v into_o this_o western_a sink_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o banter_v with_o the_o lutheran_n impanation_n or_o the_o ubiquity_n it_o have_v produce_v as_o one_o monster_n ordinary_o beget_v another_o and_o though_o the_o socinian_o disow_v this_o practice_n i_o be_o mistake_v if_o either_o they_o or_o the_o arian_n can_v make_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o dignify_v and_o creature-god_n capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o other_o sect_n touch_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n 3._o in_o short_a this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o know_a refuge_n of_o some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o explain_v any_o passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o less_o know_v than_o they_o will_v be_v think_v they_o make_v nothing_o of_o father_v that_o upon_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o inaccurate_a reason_v unskilfulness_n in_o the_o tongue_n or_o ignorance_n of_o history_n but_o more_o common_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o early_a impression_n which_o they_o dare_v seldom_o afterward_o correct_v by_o more_o free_a and_o ripe_a thought_n so_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o understanâ—…ing_v 7._o neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v they_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n 9_o and_o true_o well_o they_o may_v for_o if_o we_o once_o admit_v this_o principle_n i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o be_v toâ—…d_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o doctrine_n i_o must_v remark_n it_o too_o do_v high_o concern_v we_o of_o the_o laity_n for_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v first_o establish_v the_o clergy_n always_o except_v such_o as_o deserve_v it_o have_v not_o be_v since_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o improve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plain_a but_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mysterious_a that_o we_o may_v constant_o depend_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o explication_n and_o nevertheless_o they_o must_v not_o if_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o to_o we_o without_o ruine_v their_o own_o design_n let_v they_o never_o so_o fair_o pretend_v it_o but_o overlook_v all_o observation_n proper_a for_o this_o place_n let_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o immediate_a examen_fw-la of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o say_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o ball_n be_v white_a and_o black_a at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v just_a nothing_o for_o these_o colour_n be_v so_o incompatible_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o a_o real_a positive_a idea_n or_o conception_n so_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n that_o child_n die_v before_o baptism_n be_v damn_v without_o pain_n signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v intelligent_a creature_n in_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_o exclude_v god_n presence_n and_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a must_v prove_v ineffable_a torment_n to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o understanding_n than_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o damnation_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v not_o say_v they_o be_v in_o limbo-dungeon_n but_o that_o either_o they_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o be_v annihilate_v which_o have_v it_o be_v true_a as_o they_o can_v never_o show_v will_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o and_o easy_o conceive_v now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o but_o lose_v labour_n for_o we_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o what_o i_o do_v conceive_v can_v no_o more_o give_v i_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o influence_n my_o action_n than_o a_o prayer_n deliver_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v excite_v my_o devotion_n if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n 9_o who_o shall_v prepare_v himself_o to_o the_o battle_n and_o except_o word_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v utter_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v spokâ—…_n syllable_n though_o never_o so_o well_o put_v together_o if_o they_o have_v not_o idea_n fix_v to_o they_o be_v but_o word_n speak_v in_o 9_o the_o air_n and_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n or_o worship_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o evade_v the_o difficulty_n by_o say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o certain_a doctrine_n may_v be_v contrary_a indeed_o to_o common_a notion_n yet_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o supra-intellectual_a truth_n he_o be_v but_o just_a where_o he_o be_v but_o suppose_v a_o little_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o still_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v understand_v these_o doctrine_n except_o their_o perception_n be_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o by_o new_a power_n and_o organ_n and_o then_o too_o other_o can_v be_v edify_v by_o what_o be_v discourse_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o favour_n so_o that_o if_o i_o will_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o wild_a indian_n i_o must_v expect_v the_o idea_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o infuse_v into_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o apprehend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n they_o can_v no_o more_o without_o a_o miracle_n understand_v my_o speech_n than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n and_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o my_o 11._o voice_n i_o shall_v even_o to_o they_o be_v a_o bâ—…rbarian_a notwithstanding_o i_o speak_v mystery_n 2._o in_o the_o spirit_n but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o consist_v with_o themselves_o yet_o not_o with_o our_o common_a notion_n four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n but_o so_o the_o name_n only_o be_v change_v the_o thing_n remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o since_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n know_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o our_o common_a notion_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pretend_a consistency_n between_o our_o present_a seem_a contradiction_n and_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o as_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n own_o existence_n so_o we_o can_v otherwise_o discern_v his_o revelation_n but_o by_o their_o conformity_n with_o our_o natural_a notice_n of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n to_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n 6._o the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v remark_n be_v that_o those_o who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v they_o can_v believe_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n do_v they_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v justify_v all_o absurdity_n whatsoever_o and_o by_o oppose_v one_o light_n to_o another_o undeniable_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o incertitude_n the_o very_a supposition_n that_o reason_n may_v authorise_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n another_o throws_z we_o into_o inevitable_a scepticism_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n which_o to_o obey_v nay_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_o which_o be_v which_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o reason_n if_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o one_o may_v be_v any_o
approve_v other_o reason_n of_o their_o faith_n but_o we_o shall_v endeavour_v in_o its_o proper_a place_n to_o undeceive_v they_o for_o no_o adversary_n how_o absurd_a or_o trifle_a soever_o aught_o to_o be_v supercilious_o disregard_v by_o a_o unfeigned_a lover_n of_o man_n and_o truth_n so_o far_o of_o revelation_n only_o in_o make_v it_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n i_o follow_v paul_n himself_o who_o tell_v the_o corinthian_n that_o he_o can_v profit_v they_o except_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o by_o revelation_n or_o by_o 6._o knowledge_n or_o by_o prophesy_v or_o by_o doctrine_n chap._n iii_o that_o by_o christianity_n â—…s_v intend_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n prove_v from_o the_o miracle_n method_n and_o style_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n 19_o what_o we_o discourse_v of_o reason_n before_o and_o revelation_n now_o be_v due_o weigh_v all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n if_o it_o be_v indeed_o divine_a must_v consequent_o agree_v with_o natural_a reason_n and_o our_o own_o ordinary_a idea_n this_o every_o considerate_a and_o well-disposed_a person_n will_v find_v by_o the_o careful_a perusal_n of_o it_o and_o whoever_o undertake_v this_o task_n will_v confess_v the_o gospel_n not_o to_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o nor_o afar_o off_o but_o very_o nigh_o we_o in_o our_o 14._o mouth_n and_o in_o our_o heart_n it_o asford_v the_o most_o illustrious_a example_n of_o close_a and_o perspicuous_a ratiocination_n conceivable_a which_o be_v incumbent_n on_o i_o in_o the_o explication_n of_o its_o mystery_n to_o demonstrate_v and_o though_o the_o evidence_n of_o christ_n doctrine_n may_v claim_v the_o approbation_n of_o the_o gentile_n and_o its_o conformity_n with_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n with_o all_o the_o mark_n of_o the_o messiah_n concur_v in_o his_o person_n may_v just_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o his_o countryman_n yet_o to_o leave_v no_o room_n for_o doubt_n he_o prove_v his_o authority_n and_o gospel_n by_o such_o work_n and_o miracle_n as_o the_o stiffnecked_a jew_n themselves_o can_v not_o deny_v to_o be_v divine_a nicodemus_n say_v to_o he_o no_o man_n can_v do_v these_o miracle_n which_o thou_o 2._o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n acknowledge_v no_o sinner_n 16._o can_v do_v such_o thing_n and_o other_o that_o they_o exceedeá_fw-la the_o power_n of_o the_o devil_n 21._o 20._o jesus_n himself_o appeal_v to_o his_o very_a enemy_n ready_a to_o stone_n he_o for_o pretend_a blasphemy_n say_v if_o i_o do_v 38._o not_o the_o work_v of_o my_o father_n believe_v i_o not_o but_o if_o i_o do_v believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o you_o may_v know_v and_o believe_v that_o the_o father_n be_v in_o i_o and_o i_o in_o he_o that_o be_v believe_v not_o rash_o on_o i_o and_o so_o give_v a_o testimony_n to_o my_o work_n but_o search_v the_o scripture_n which_o testify_v of_o the_o messiah_n consider_v the_o work_n i_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v then_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o effect_n several_a of_o the_o people_n say_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v 31._o can_v do_v no_o great_a wonder_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n believe_v when_o they_o see_v the_o 23._o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v 21._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n 4._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n those_o who_o hear_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n all_o craftiness_n and_o deceitful_a handle_n of_o the_o 2._o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o manifest_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v they_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o 15._o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n now_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v all_o these_o miracle_n all_o these_o appeal_n if_o no_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o man_n understanding_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a contradictory_n or_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v reveal_v non-jense_a now_o if_o these_o miracle_n be_v true_a christianity_n must_v consequent_o be_v intelligible_a and_o if_o false_a which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v they_o can_v be_v then_o no_o argument_n against_o we_o 22._o but_o to_o insist_v no_o long_o upon_o such_o passage_n all_o man_n will_v own_v the_o verity_n i_o defend_v if_o they_o read_v the_o sacred_a write_n with_o that_o equity_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v due_a to_o mere_a humane_a work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a rule_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o book_n whatever_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v use_v those_o mean_n will_v find_v they_o notorious_a deceiver_n or_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o maintain_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v without_o any_o order_n or_o certain_a scope_n but_o just_a as_o matter_n come_v into_o the_o apostle_n head_n whether_o transport_v with_o enthusiastic_a fit_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o or_o according_a to_o other_o for_o lack_v of_o good_a sense_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o say_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a method_n who_o complain_v of_o this_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v not_o upon_o generality_n though_o whenever_o it_o be_v prove_v i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v find_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n he_o be_v teach_v or_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v to_o defend_v any_o party_n be_v not_o my_o business_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n 23._o the_o facility_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o confine_v only_o to_o method_n for_o the_o style_n be_v also_o most_o easy_a most_o natural_a and_o in_o the_o common_a dialect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o consign_v shall_v any_o preach_v in_o xenophon_n strain_n to_o the_o present_a greek_n or_o in_o correct_v english_a to_o the_o countrypeople_n in_o scotland_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o learn_v the_o very_a word_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n denote_v by_o they_o of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o time_n the_o jew_n understand_v hebrew_a worse_n than_o the_o tongue_n of_o those_o region_n where_o they_o dwell_v no_o pretcnce_n therefore_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o language_n in_o favour_n of_o the_o irrational_a hypothesis_n for_o all_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v the_o daily_a use_n of_o their_o mother-tongue_n whereas_o the_o style_n of_o the_o learned_a be_v unintelligible_a to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o the_o plain_a author_n that_o write_v as_o they_o speak_v without_o the_o disguise_n of_o pompous_a elegance_n have_v ever_o be_v account_v the_o best_a by_o all_o good_a judge_n it_o be_v a_o visible_a effect_n of_o providence_n that_o we_o have_v in_o our_o hand_n the_o monument_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n which_o in_o the_o new_a be_v always_o suppose_v quote_v or_o allude_v to_o nor_o be_v that_o all_o for_o the_o jewish_a service_n and_o custom_n continue_v to_o this_o day_n if_o this_o have_v be_v true_a of_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n we_o shall_v be_v furnish_v with_o those_o help_n to_o understand_v aright_o many_o unknown_a particular_n of_o their_o religion_n which_o make_v we_o ruler_n and_o teacher_n in_o israel_n beside_o we_o have_v the_o talmud_n and_o other_o work_n of_o the_o rabbin_n which_o however_o otherwise_o useless_a give_v we_o no_o small_a light_n into_o the_o ancient_a rite_n and_o language_n and_o if_o after_o all_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o loss_n about_o the_o mean_v of_o any_o expression_n we_o ought_v rather_o to_o charge_v it_o upon_o distance_n of_o time_n and_o the_o want_n of_o more_o book_n in_o the_o same_o tongue_n than_o to_o attribute_v it_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o author_n who_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v by_o his_o countryman_n and_o contemporary_n but_o no_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v establish_v nor_o falsehood_n confute_v from_o such_o passage_n no_o more_o than_o any_o can_v certain_o divine_v his_o
kindred_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n the_o only_a remain_a text_n be_v in_o chap._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o the_o angel_n which_o i_o see_v stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o create_v heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n no_o long_o but_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n when_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o sound_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n figurative_o deliver_v in_o this_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v show_v above_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v their_o final_a accomplishment_n and_o so_o end_v with_o this_o globe_n and_o all_o therein_o contain_v 35._o i_o appeal_v now_o to_o all_o equitable_a person_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o can_v read_v that_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v never_o put_v for_o any_o thing_n inconceivable_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a notion_n and_o faculty_n however_o clear_o reveal_v and_o whither_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o do_v not_o always_o signify_v some_o thing_n natural_o intelligible_a enough_o but_o either_o so_o veil_v by_o figurative_a word_n and_o rite_n or_o so_o lodge_v in_o god_n sole_a knowledge_n and_o decree_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n whoever_o retain_v any_o real_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v ever_o conclude_v by_o its_o authority_n and_o render_v himself_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la to_o its_o evidence_n he_o that_o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o believe_v any_o thing_n not_o warrant_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o arrant_a hypocrite_n and_o do_v but_o sly_o bant_a all_o the_o world_n 36._o nor_o can_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n be_v harbour_v of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o submission_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n straight_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o person_n as_o they_o special_o follow_v or_o admire_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v or_o refuse_v a_o opinion_n as_o these_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v they_o pray_v doctor_n say_v one_o of_o his_o parishioner_n what_o think_v you_o of_o such_o a_o book_n it_o seem_v to_o make_v thing_n plain_a ah_o dear_a sir_n answer_v the_o doctor_n it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a book_n he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o write_v it_o he_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o purblind_a proud_a and_o carnal_a reason_n p._n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n then_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o read_v no_o more_o of_o it_o for_o i_o hear_v you_o often_o preach_v against_o humane_a reason_n i_o be_o sorry_a true_o it_o shall_v unhappy_o fall_v into_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o none_o of_o our_o family_n set_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o d._n you_o will_v do_v very_o well_o sir_n beside_o this_o book_n be_v still_o worse_o than_o i_o tell_v you_o for_o it_o destroy_v a_o great_a many_o point_n which_o we_o teach_v and_o shall_v this_o doctrine_n take_v which_o god_n forbid_v most_o of_o the_o good_a book_n you_o have_v at_o home_n and_o which_o cost_v you_o no_o less_o pain_n to_o read_v than_o money_n to_o purchase_v will_v signify_v not_o a_o straw_n and_o serve_v only_o for_o waste-paper_n to_o put_v under_o pie_n or_o for_o other_o mean_a uses_n p._n bless_v i_o good_a doctor_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v i_o read_v such_o a_o vile_a treatise_n he_o be_v a_o abominable_a man_n that_o can_v write_v it_o but_o what_o my_o book_n worth_a 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of_o scripture_n and_o what_o those_o honest_a man_n say_v a_o very_a ingenious_a oracle_n person_n can_v not_o make_v good_a themselves_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v now_o prove_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n if_o the_o father_n foresee_v this_o add_v the_o same_o author_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o spare_v themselves_o the_o labour_n of_o reason_v more_o exact_o than_o we_o find_v they_o common_o do_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o majority_n of_o voice_n or_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a of_o all_o folly_n 39_o but_o if_o antiquity_n can_v in_o good_a earnest_n add_v any_o worth_n to_o a_o opinion_n i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o stand_v to_o its_o decision_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n say_v another_o celebrate_a modern_n writer_n as_o we_o do_v that_o of_o man_n life_n consist_v of_o infancy_n youth_n manhood_n and_o old_a 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rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o so_o the_o firm_a persuasion_n of_o a_o pious_a man_n that_o his_o request_n will_v be_v grant_v be_v ground_v upon_o his_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v goodness_n and_o power_n of_o god_n it_o be_v reckon_v no_o crime_n not_o to_o believe_v in_o christ_n before_o he_o be_v reveal_v for_o how_o can_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v but_o 14._o with_o what_o better_a reason_n can_v any_o be_v condemn_v for_o not_o believe_v what_o he_o say_v if_o they_o may_v not_o understand_v it_o for_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v these_o case_n be_v parallel_v faith_n be_v likewise_o say_v to_o come_v by_o hear_v but_o without_o understanding_n 1â—…_n it_o be_v plain_a this_o hear_v will_v signify_v nothing_o word_n and_o their_o idea_n be_v reciprocal_a in_o all_o language_n 55._o the_o author_n of_o the_o epistle_n to_o the_o hebrew_n do_v not_o define_v faith_n a_o prejudice_n opinion_n or_o conjecture_n but_o conviction_n or_o demonstration_n faith_n say_v he_o be_v the_o confident_a expectation_n of_o 1._o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o demonstration_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v these_o last_o word_n thing_n not_o see_v signify_v not_o as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o thing_n incomprehensible_a or_o unintelligible_a but_o past_a or_o future_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a or_o the_o belief_n of_o some_o thing_n invisible_a to_o our_o corporeal_a eye_n though_o intelligible_a enough_o to_o the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n this_o appear_v by_o all_o the_o example_n subjoin_v to_o that_o definition_n beside_o there_o can_v be_v proper_o no_o faith_n of_o thing_n see_v or_o present_a for_o then_o it_o be_v self-evidence_n and_o not_o ratiocination_n hope_v that_o be_v see_v be_v not_o 25._o hope_n for_o what_o a_o man_n see_v why_o do_v he_o yet_o hope_v for_o but_o if_o we_o hope_v for_o what_o we_o see_v not_o then_o do_v we_o with_o patience_n wait_v for_o it_o so_o the_o patriarch_n receive_v not_o the_o 13._o promise_n but_o see_v they_o afar_o off_o and_o be_v persuade_v of_o they_o 56._o without_o conceive_v faith_n after_o this_o manner_n how_o can_v christ_n be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n the_o light_n 47._o of_o the_o gentile_n how_o can_v believer_n be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n and_o to_o have_v the_o eye_n of_o their_o heart_n 18._o enlighten_v for_o the_o light_n of_o the_o heart_n or_o understanding_n be_v the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v more_o or_o less_o so_o the_o mind_n be_v proportionable_o illuminate_v be_v not_o unwise_a say_v the_o 17._o apostle_n but_o understand_v what_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o exhort_v men_n never_o to_o act_v in_o dubious_a matter_n till_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v in_o 5._o their_o own_o mind_n 57_o but_o to_o all_o this_o will_v be_v object_v that_o remarkable_a instance_n of_o abraham_n faith_n who_o be_v ready_a to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v promise_v that_o king_n shall_v descend_v of_o he_o and_o his_o seed_n be_v numerous_a as_o the_o star_n of_o heaven_n or_o the_o sand_n upon_o the_o seashore_n do_v abraham_n blind_o obey_v then_o without_o reconcile_a the_o apparent_a contradiction_n between_o god_n present_a command_n and_o his_o former_a promise_n far_o from_o it_o for_o it_o be_v express_o record_v that_o he_o that_o have_v receive_v the_o 19_o promise_n offer_v up_o his_o only_a beget_v of_o who_o it_o be_v say_v that_o in_o isaac_n shall_v thy_o seed_n be_v bless_v translate_v reason_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o again_o from_o the_o dead_a from_o whence_o also_o he_o have_v receive_v he_o in_o a_o figure_n he_o right_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o revive_v isaac_n by_o a_o miracle_n as_o he_o be_v miraculous_o bear_v according_a to_o another_o promise_n after_o his_o parent_n be_v pass_v have_v child_n and_o so_o as_o good_a as_o dead_a therefore_o it_o be_v elsewhere_o write_v of_o abraham_n that_o 12._o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a when_o he_o be_v 21._o about_o a_o hundred_o year_n old_a neither_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n nor_o stagger_v at_o god_n promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n he_o give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v able_a also_o to_o perform_v 58._o now_o what_o be_v there_o in_o all_o this_o but_o very_o strict_a reason_v from_o experience_n from_o the_o possibility_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o power_n justice_n and_o immutability_n of_o he_o that_o promise_v it_o nor_o can_v any_o man_n stew_v i_o in_o all_o the_o new_a testament_n another_o signification_n of_o faith_n but_o a_o most_o firm_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o substantial_a reason_n in_o this_o sense_n all_o christianity_n be_v not_o seldom_o style_v the_o faith_n as_o now_o we_o usual_o say_v that_o we_o be_v of_o this_o or_o that_o persuasion_n mean_v the_o profession_n of_o some_o religion_n but_o sure_o nothing_o can_v better_v root_n and_o establish_v our_o persuasion_n than_o a_o thorough_a examination_n and_o trial_n of_o what_o we_o believe_v whereas_o the_o weakness_n and_o instability_n of_o our_o faith_n proceed_v from_o want_n of_o sufficient_a reason_n for_o it_o whereupon_o incredulity_n always_o follow_v then_o fail_v obedience_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a sign_n and_o fruit_n of_o genuine_a faith_n and_o hence_o spring_v all_o the_o irregularity_n of_o man_n life_n he_o that_o say_v i_o know_v he_o and_o keep_v not_o his_o commandment_n 6._o be_v a_o liar_n for_o he_o that_o say_v he_o abide_v in_o he_o ought_v himself_o also_o to_o walk_v as_o he_o walk_v nor_o can_v it_o possible_o fall_v out_o otherwise_o but_o that_o he_o who_o believe_v without_o understanding_n must_v be_v toss_v and_o carry_v about_o with_o every_o wind_n of_o 14._o doctrine_n by_o the_o slight_a and_o cunning_a of_o man_n ready_a to_o deceive_v 59_o though_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v so_o clear_a in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o shall_v further_o confirm_v it_o by_o the_o follow_a observation_n first_o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n nor_o difference_n in_o it_o for_o these_o be_v evident_a token_n that_o man_n know_v more_o or_o less_o of_o a_o thing_n as_o they_o have_v desire_n or_o opportunity_n to_o learn_v it_o but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o degree_n appear_v by_o the_o scripture_n where_o those_o that_o have_v only_o a_o imperfect_a and_o perfunctory_a knowledge_n of_o religion_n be_v compare_v to_o infant_n who_o feed_v only_o upon_o milk_n 2._o but_o they_o who_o arrive_v at_o a_o more_o full_a and_o accurate_a certainty_n be_v liken_v to_o grow_v man_n that_o can_v digest_v strong_a 14._o food_n 60._o my_o next_o observation_n be_v that_o the_o subject_a of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n he_o that_o believetâ—…_n not_o 16._o shall_v be_v damn_v but_o shall_v any_o be_v damn_v for_o the_o non-performance_n of_o impossibility_n obligation_n to_o â—…elieve_v do_v therefore_o suppose_v a_o possibility_n to_o understand_v i_o show_v before_o that_o contradiction_n and_o nothing_o be_v convertible_a term_n and_o i_o may_v now_o say_v as_o much_o of_o mystery_n in_o the_o theological_a sense_n for_o to_o speak_v free_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v but_o two_o emphatic_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o contradiction_n express_v nothing_o by_o a_o couple_n of_o idea_n that_o destroy_v one_o another_o and_o mystery_n express_v nothing_o by_o word_n that_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o 61._o the_o three_o observation_n shall_v be_v that_o if_o any_o part_n of_o scripture_n be_v unintelligible_a it_o can_v never_o be_v right_o translate_v except_o the_o sound_n of_o the_o word_n and_o not_o their_o sense_n be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n term_n can_v by_o no_o mean_n be_v understand_v unless_o the_o thing_n they_o denote_v be_v understand_v also_o i_o may_v well_o understand_v thing_n without_o their_o name_n but_o never_o name_n without_o know_v their_o subject_n and_o in_o good_a earnest_n to_o what_o sort_n of_o assurance_n can_v any_o man_n pretend_v that_o he_o have_v make_v a_o right_a version_n of_o what_o he_o open_o profess_v not_o to_o conceive_v it_o can_v be_v imagine_v how_o much_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n contribute_v to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o scripture_n in_o
hand_n but_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o like_a ceremony_n they_o have_v no_o colour_n of_o 102._o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o from_o custom_n and_o tradition_n 93._o now_o their_o own_o advantage_n be_v the_o motive_n that_o put_v the_o primitive_a clergy_n upon_o revive_a mystery_n they_o quick_o erect_v themselves_o by_o its_o assistance_n into_o a_o separate_a and_o politic_a body_n though_o not_o so_o soon_o into_o their_o various_a order_n and_o degree_n for_o in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o subdeacon_n reader_n or_o the_o like_a much_o less_o with_o the_o name_n or_o dignity_n of_o pope_n cardinal_n patriarch_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n primate_fw-la suffragans_fw-la archdeacon_n dean_n chancellor_n vicar_n or_o their_o numerous_a dependent_n and_o retinue_n but_o in_o small_a time_n mystery_n make_v way_n for_o those_o and_o several_a other_o usurpation_n upon_o mankind_n under_o pretence_n of_o labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n 94._o the_o degree_n or_o constitution_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n to_o increase_v the_o splendour_n of_o this_o new_a state_n do_v strange_o affect_v stupify_v and_o amaze_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o can_v fix_v sanctity_n to_o certain_a time_n place_n person_n or_o action_n they_o seem_v almost_o a_o different_a and_o more_o divine_a species_n of_o creature_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o man_n in_o their_o garb_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v by_o tithe_n and_o donation_n in_o their_o separate_a place_n at_o church_n and_o several_a other_o way_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o clergy_n be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o engross_v at_o length_n the_o sole_a right_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o with_o it_o claim_v infallibility_n to_o their_o body_n 95._o this_o be_v the_o true_a origin_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o great_a a_o share_n of_o their_o establishment_n be_v owe_v to_o ceremony_n these_o never_o fail_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o dangerous_a mistake_v for_o ceremony_n be_v easy_o observe_v every_o one_o think_v himself_o religious_a enough_o that_o exact_o perform_v they_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o natural_o opposite_a as_o ceremony_n and_o christianity_n the_o latter_a discover_v religion_n naked_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o former_a deliver_v it_o under_o mystical_a representation_n of_o a_o mere_o arbitrary_a signification_n 96._o it_o be_v visible_a than_o that_o ceremony_n perplex_v instead_o of_o explain_v but_o suppose_v they_o make_v thing_n easy_a then_o that_o will_v be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o have_v most_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v general_o and_o may_v all_o be_v make_v equal_o significative_a a_o candle_n put_v â—…nto_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o baptise_a to_o denote_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a a_o ceremony_n as_o to_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o their_o forehead_n in_o token_n of_o own_v christ_n for_o their_o master_n and_o saviour_n wine_n milk_n and_o honey_n signify_v spiritual_a nourishment_n strength_n and_o gladness_n as_o well_o as_o stand_v at_o the_o gospel_n betoken_v our_o readiness_n to_o hear_v or_o profess_v it_o 97._o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o enthusiasm_n high_o than_o place_v religion_n in_o such_o foolery_n nor_o any_o thing_n so_o base_a as_o by_o these_o fraudulent_a art_n to_o make_v the_o gospel_n of_o no_o effect_n unless_o as_o sar_n as_o it_o serve_v a_o party_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n of_o exhaust_v the_o subject_a of_o ceremony_n elsewhere_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o here_o only_o as_o they_o make_v up_o the_o gentile_a mystery_n and_o be_v afterward_o bring_v in_o to_o constitute_v those_o of_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o the_o vastmultitude_n of_o the_o latter_a quick_o render_v all_o secret_a rite_n almost_o impossible_a so_o to_o preserve_v the_o mystery_n thing_n be_v purposely_o make_v downright_o unintelligible_a or_o very_o perplex_v in_o this_o poiâ—…_n our_o pretend_a christian_n outdo_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o heathen_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o these_o may_v be_v destroy_v by_o discovery_n or_o the_o babble_a tongue_n of_o any_o initiate_v person_n but_o the_o new_a mystery_n be_v thus_o secure_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n nay_o so_o jealous_a be_v the_o clergy_n of_o their_o own_o order_n lest_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v irreligious_o unfold_v those_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o profane_o inquisitive_a laity_n that_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v it_o as_o much_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a tribe_n itself_o as_o out_o of_o we_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o this_o day_n the_o conclusion_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v other_o what_o i'm_n full_o convince_v of_o myself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n or_o the_o most_o perfect_a religion_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n nothing_o contradictory_n or_o inconceivable_a however_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v real_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o i_o have_v hitherto_o argue_v only_o upon_o this_o supposition_n for_o the_o reason_n to_o be_v see_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preface_n notwithstanding_o all_o pretence_n that_o may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o particular_a instance_n or_o doctrine_n of_o any_o sort_n can_v serve_v for_o a_o proper_a answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v good_a whatever_o instance_n can_v be_v allege_v must_v either_o be_v find_v not_o mysterious_a or_o if_o it_o prove_v a_o mystery_n not_o divine_o reveal_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n that_o i_o can_v see_v when_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v cite_v for_o my_o assertion_n be_v either_o reconcile_v to_o such_o as_o any_o will_v bring_v against_o i_o or_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o i_o when_o my_o argument_n against_o all_o inconceivable_a mystery_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o such_o mystery_n be_v confute_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o then_o for_o other_o to_o produce_v example_n or_o for_o i_o to_o consider_v '_o they_o and_o though_o by_o convince_a people_n that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n must_v not_o only_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o also_o must_v appear_v sound_n and_o intelligible_a i_o may_v just_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o discover_v to_o himself_o the_o reasonableness_n or_o unreasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o be_v no_o difficult_a business_n when_o once_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o duty_n i_o owe_v god_n and_o the_o world_n oblige_v i_o to_o proceed_v further_o according_a as_o i_o enjoy_v health_n or_o leisure_n without_o limit_v myself_o as_o to_o any_o time_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o command_v at_o his_o pleasure_n my_o next_o task_n therefore_o be_v god_n will_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n perspicuous_a possible_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o all_o calculate_v for_o the_o high_a benefit_n of_o man._n some_o will_v not_o thank_v i_o it_o be_v probable_a for_o so_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o other_o will_v make_v i_o a_o heretic_n in_o grain_n for_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v already_o but_o as_o it_o be_v duty_n and_o no_o body_n appláuse_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o action_n so_o god_n know_v i_o no_o more_o value_v this_o cheap_a and_o ridiculous_a nickname_n of_o a_o heretic_n than_o paul_n do_v besore_n 14._o i_o for_o i_o acknowledge_v no_o orthodoxy_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a wherever_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v and_o not_o any_o human_a faction_n or_o policy_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o heterodoxy_n be_v now_o as_o liberal_a upon_o the_o slight_a occasion_n out_o of_o ignorance_n passion_n or_o malice_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ireneus_fw-la and_o epiphanius_n it_o be_v many_o time_n instead_o of_o a_o reproach_n the_o great_a honour_n imaginable_a some_o good_a man_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o suppose_v my_o opinion_n never_o so_o true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o occasion_v much_o harm_n because_o when_o people_n find_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o in_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v the_o whole_a in_o question_n this_o offence_n be_v plain_o take_v not_o give_v and_o my_o design_n be_v nothing_o