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
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
the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o terrestrial_a nature_n of_o the_o moon_n aught_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o disquisition_n of_o philosophy_n the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v nothing_o about_o they_o for_o those_o expression_n concern_v the_o run_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o stand_v still_o may_v very_o well_o be_v interpret_v as_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o sense_n and_o common_a apprehension_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o of_o its_o go_v down_o and_o run_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o and_o numerous_a resemble_v saying_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o when_o it_o be_v else_o where_o say_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v so_o fix_v that_o it_o can_v be_v move_v at_o any_o time_n or_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v than_o this_o that_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v move_v from_o its_o centre_n which_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v move_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o other_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o earth_n the_o scripture_n have_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o on_o either_o hand_n nor_o can_v its_o silence_n be_v argumentative_a here_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o mankind_n believe_v many_o thing_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o china_n and_o america_n that_o the_o magnet_n attract_v iron_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o north_n and_o that_o the_o sea_n have_v the_o motion_n of_o flux_n and_o reflux_n with_o ten_o thousand_o such_o other_o thing_n discover_v by_o experience_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o be_v not_o these_o to_o be_v believe_v till_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n this_o be_v ridiculous_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o to_o extend_v they_o beyond_o their_o proper_a business_n and_o design_n and_o to_o argue_v against_o this_o supposal_n as_o some_o do_v by_o query_n what_o man_n be_v in_o that_o other_o earth_n whether_o fall_v and_o how_o save_v be_v very_o childish_a and_o absurd_a he_o that_o hold_v the_o opinion_n may_v confess_v his_o ignorance_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v be_v habitable_a or_o the_o supposal_n of_o its_o be_v actual_o inhabit_v for_o that_o may_v be_v though_o no_o live_a man_n can_v tell_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o creature_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o assert_v neither_o of_o these_o paradox_n only_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o speak_v thus_o brief_o about_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v leâ—…_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o philosophical_a inquiry_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o such_o query_n and_o yet_o beside_o this_o which_o may_v suffice_v to_o vindicate_v the_o neoterick_n method_n of_o philosophy_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o such_o instance_n i_o add_v 3_o the_o â—…ree_n experimental_a philosophy_n which_o i_o recommend_v do_v not_o affirm_v eâ—…er_n of_o those_o fear_a proposition_n for_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o warrant_v peremptory_a and_o dogmatical_a assertion_n and_o therefore_o though_o perhaps_o some_o of_o those_o philosopher_n think_v that_o they_o have_v great_a degree_n of_o probability_n and_o so_o be_v sit_v for_o philosophical_a consideration_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o that_o i_o know_v that_o determine_v they_o be_v certainty_n and_o positive_a truth_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o way_n to_o do_v so_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o very_a obnoxious_a folly_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o opinion_n be_v false_a when_o no_o one_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v say_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v thus_o brief_o of_o the_o slander_n that_o be_v aâ—…t_v upon_o philosophy_n viz._n of_o its_o tendency_n to_o atheism_n and_o disparagement_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o other_o lesser_a one_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o discussion_n of_o these_o chap._n viii_o other_o objection_n against_o philosophy_n answer_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o those_o inquiry_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o caveat_n against_o it_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o a_o brief_a recital_n of_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v have_v skill_n in_o several_a part_n of_o philosophy_n sect_n i._o but_o beside_o those_o slanderous_a imputation_n there_o be_v some_o little_a vulgar_a plausibility_n pretend_v against_o it_o also_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recount_v all_o of_o they_o the_o chief_a be_v these_o that_o follow_v i._n there_o be_v too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o those_o inquiry_n and_o s._n paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o what_o be_v unblamable_a curiosity_n in_o thing_n not_o worth_a our_o pain_n or_o forbid_v our_o scrutiny_n be_v duty_n and_o laudable_a endeavour_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v weighty_a and_o permit_v to_o our_o search_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o philosophical_a inquisition_n into_o nature_n on_o this_o account_n till_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o a_o '_o diligent_a observance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o work_n in_o order_n to_o the_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v either_o prohibit_v or_o impertinent_a there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o depth_n in_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v thorough_o fathom_v and_o such_o a_o darkness_n upon_o some_o of_o god_n work_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o world_n be_v find_v out_o to_o perfection_n but_o however_o we_o be_v not_o keep_v oâ—…f_o by_o any_o expressness_n of_o prohibition_n nature_n be_v no_o holy_a mount_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v touch_v yea_o we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o particular_o after_o this_o when_o we_o be_v so_o frequent_o call_v upon_o to_o celebrate_v our_o creator_n for_o his_o work_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o success_n of_o many_o that_o have_v go_v before_o for_o many_o shall_v go_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o science_n shall_v be_v increase_v so_o that_o our_o inquiry_n into_o nature_n be_v not_o forbid_v and_o he_o that_o say_v they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o of_o no_o use_n when_o the_o art_n of_o the_o omniscient_a be_v the_o object_n and_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o good_a of_o man_n the_o end_n asperse_v both_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n and_o contradict_v his_o duty_n to_o both_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o urge_v that_o speech_n of_o s._n paul_n of_o his_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 2_o i_o return_v to_o it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v due_o consider_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o and_o those_o that_o succeed_v will_v perceive_v that_o in_o this_o expression_n he_o only_o slight_v the_o affect_a eloquence_n of_o the_o orator_n and_o rhetorician_n he_o speak_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o not_o in_o those_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o he_o desire_v either_o not_o to_o know_v at_o all_o or_o not_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v the_o word_n in_o the_o large_a sense_n than_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o all_o art_n and_o trade_n be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o so_o the_o meaning_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n before_o these_o for_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o he_o absolute_o slight_v all_o other_o science_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o valuable_a wisdom_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v have_v its_o place_n also_o and_o ought_v not_o quite_o to_o be_v exclude_v and_o despise_v or_o if_o philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v slight_v by_o this_o text_n all_o other_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o must_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v urge_v sect_n ii_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a caution_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n against_o philosophy_n col._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o one_o spoil_n you_o through_o philosophy_n to_o this_o i_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v either_o the_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o the_o
arguing_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o mat._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v more_o benign_a and_o gracious_a than_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o affectionate_a of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n so_o luke_n 12._o 24._o he_o argue_v that_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o because_o he_o do_v for_o the_o raven_n since_o we_o be_v better_a than_o they_o how_o much_o more_o be_v you_o better_o than_o the_o sowl_n which_o argue_v suppose_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v indulgent_a to_o the_o vile_a creature_n will_v not_o neglect_v the_o more_o excellent_a he_o proceed_v surth_a in_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n and_o make_v the_o like_a inference_n from_o it_o vers._n 28._o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o clothe_v you_o and_o mat._n 12._o he_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a mercy_n that_o be_v due_a even_o to_o brute_n creature_n what_o man_n shall_v there_o be_v among_o you_o that_o shall_v have_v one_o sheep_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n will_v he_o not_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o to_o lift_v it_o out_o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v a_o man_n better_o than_o a_o sheep_n vers._n 12._o thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v argument_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o very_o frequent_o s._n paul_n disprove_v idolatry_n this_o way_n act_n 17._o 29._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v like_a unto_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mention_n of_o seven_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v the_o denial_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 15._o viz._n if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o then_o 1._o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v and_o then_o 2._o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o we_o false_a apostle_n and_o if_o so_o 3._o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o then_o 4._o you_o be_v not_o justify_v but_o be_v in_o your_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v 5._o that_o those_o that_o be_v depart_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v perish_v and_o then_o 6._o faith_n in_o christ_n profit_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o 7._o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a because_o we_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o this_o faith_n from_o vers._n 14._o to_o vers_n 19_o and_o the_o whole_a chapter_n contain_v philosophical_a reason_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o illustrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o glorify_a body_n from_o these_o and_o s._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o show_n that_o sinful_a man_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v because_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v instance_n in_o this_o case_n be_v endless_a these_o may_v suffice_v and_o thus_o of_o the_o second_o thing_n also_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o religion_n be_v friendly_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o appear_v in_o that_o god_n himself_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n own_o it_o and_o use_v argument_n from_o it_o even_o in_o aâ—…fairs_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v pretend_v against_o it_o and_o other_o consideration_n also_o these_o therefore_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o deal_n with_o those_o pretension_n be_v the_o iii_o general_n i_o propose_v to_o discuss_v as_o for_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v allege_v 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a vers_fw-la 19_o and_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o and_o god_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a vers_fw-la 27._o by_o which_o expression_n of_o wisdom_n and_o wise_a it_o be_v presume_v that_o humane_a reason_n and_o rational_a man_n be_v mean_v but_o these_o interpreter_n mistake_v the_o matter_n much_o and_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o do_v put_v arbitrary_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n without_o ground_n for_o by_o wisdom_n here_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o dispute_a â—…reeks_n and_o the_o worldly_a polrey_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n of_o that_o world_n that_o the_o jewish_a learning_n in_o their_o law_n be_v mean_v the_o apostle_n intimate_v when_o he_o aâ—…ks_v in_o a_o way_n of_o challenge_n vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v from_o the_o other_o question_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n which_o though_o some_o refer_v to_o the_o doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o humble_o think_v it_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o grecian_n for_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o greek_n and_o their_o philosophy_n be_v notorious_o contentious_a and_o last_o that_o the_o worldly_a policy_n oâ—…_n the_o roman_n be_v include_v also_o in_o this_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o the_o apostle_n vilisy_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o policy_n be_v their_o most_o value_a wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d regere_fw-la imperio_fw-la to_o govern_v the_o nation_n and_o promote_v the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o empire_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o study_v of_o those_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n now_o all_o these_o the_o apoâ—…le_n set_v at_o nought_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n because_o they_o be_v very_o opposite_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o holiness_n selfdeâ—…al_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reason_n to_o which_o indeed_o those_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n be_v as_o contrary_a as_o they_o be_v to_o religion_n and_o by_o this_o i_o be_o enable_v 2._o to_o meet_v another_o objection_n urge_v from_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o the_o enthusiast_n argue_v the_o universal_a inability_n of_o reason_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o antipathy_n to_o they_o whereas_o i_o can_v apprehend_v no_o more_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o such_o kind_n of_o natural_a man_n as_o those_o scribe_n and_o disputer_n and_o politician_n have_v their_o mind_n deprave_v and_o prepossess_v with_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v indispose_a to_o receive_v this_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o will_v require_v a_o mind_n that_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n viz._n free_a from_o that_o earthly_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o count_v those_o thingâ—…_n foolishness_n and_o which_o by_o god_n be_v count_v so_o itself_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o which_o place_n 3._o be_v use_v as_o another_o 〈◊〉_d against_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o it_o can_v signiâ—…e_v nothing_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o one_o that_o understand_v and_o consider_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n here_o i_o have_v declare_v already_o and_o by_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o appear_v that_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o our_o reason_n can_v since_o that_o either_o prove_v or_o defend_v all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n 4._o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o viz._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o say_v that_o