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
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
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
discovery_n we_o find_v still_o more_o beauty_n and_o more_o uniformity_n of_o contrivance_n whereas_o if_o we_o survey_v the_o most_o curious_a piece_n of_o humane_a ingenuity_n by_o that_o glass_n it_o will_v discover_v to_o we_o numerous_a flaw_n deformity_n and_o imperfection_n in_o our_o most_o elegant_a mechanic_n hence_o i_o gather_v that_o the_o study_n of_o god_n work_n show_v we_o more_o of_o the_o riches_n of_o nature_n open_v there_o by_o a_o fair_a prospect_n of_o those_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n that_o be_v lodge_v within_o it_o and_o so_o furnish_v we_o with_o deep_a sense_n and_o more_o argument_n and_o clear_a conviction_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o infinite_o intelligent_a be_v that_o contrive_v it_o in_o so_o harmonious_a and_o astonish_v a_o order_n so_o that_o if_o any_o be_v so_o brutish_a as_o not_o to_o acknowledge_v he_o upon_o the_o view_n of_o the_o mere_a external_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n they_o must_v yet_o fall_v down_o before_o the_o evidence_n when_o philosophy_n have_v open_v the_o cabinet_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o the_o jewelhouse_n and_o show_v they_o the_o splendid_a and_o artful_a variety_n that_o be_v there_o thus_o though_o the_o obvious_a firmament_n and_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n the_o ordinary_a vicissitude_n of_o season_n and_o production_n of_o thing_n the_o visible_a beauty_n of_o the_o great_a world_n and_o the_o appear_a variety_n and_o fitness_n of_o those_o part_n that_o make_v up_o the_o little_a one_o ourselves_o can_v scarce_o secure_v galenâ—…rom_o â—…rom_z the_o danger_n of_o be_v a_o aâ—…st_n yet_o when_o he_o pry_v further_a by_o â—…mical_a inquiry_n and_o saâ—…_n the_o wonderful_a diversity_n apâ—…ness_n and_o order_n of_o the_o minute_a string_n pipe_n and_o passage_n that_o be_v in_o the_o inward_a fabric_n he_o can_v not_o abâ—…ain_v from_o the_o devoutness_n of_o a_o anthem_n of_o acknowledgement_n and_o that_o the_o real_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n lead_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n to_o the_o consâ—…_n of_o its_o author_n be_v teach_v we_o by_o the_o holy_a penman_n who_o say_v that_o the_o visillâ—…_n thing_n of_o the_o creation_n declare_v he_o the_o plebeian_a and_o obvious_a world_n no_o doubt_n do_v but_o the_o philosophical_a much_o more_o so_o that_o whosoever_o say_v that_o inquiry_n into_o nature_n and_o god_n work_n lead_v to_o any_o degree_n of_o atheism_n give_v great_a ground_n of_o suspicion_n that_o himself_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o that_o he_o be_v that_o other_o thing_n that_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n call_v he_o that_o say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o either_o he_o acknowledge_v the_o art_n and_o exactness_n of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n or_o he_o do_v not_o if_o not_o he_o disparage_v the_o divine_a architect_n and_o disable_v the_o chief_a argument_n of_o his_o existence_n if_o he_o do_v and_o yet_o assirm_v that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o lead_v to_o atheism_n he_o say_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o in_o â—…ct_v this_o that_o the_o sight_n of_o the_o order_n and_o method_n of_o a_o regular_a and_o beautiful_a contrivance_n tend_v to_o persuade_v that_o chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v the_o author_n sect_n ii_o but_o i_o remember_v i_o have_v discourse_v of_o this_o elsewhere_o and_o what_o i_o have_v say_v for_o philosophy_n in_o general_n from_o its_o tendency_n to_o devout_a acknowledgement_n be_v not_o so_o true_a of_o any_o as_o of_o the_o experimental_a and_o mechanic_n for_o the_o physiology_n of_o the_o modern_a peripatetic_a school_n create_v notion_n and_o turn_v nature_n into_o word_n of_o second_o intention_n but_o discover_v little_a of_o its_o real_a beauty_n and_o harmonious_a contrivance_n so_o that_o god_n have_v no_o glory_n from_o it_o nor_o man_n any_o argument_n of_o his_o wisdom_n or_o existence_n and_o for_o the_o metaphysical_a proof_n they_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n deep_a and_o nice_a subject_a to_o evasion_n and_o turn_v of_o wit_n and_o not_o so_o general_o persuasive_a as_o those_o draw_v from_o the_o plain_a and_o sensible_a topic_n which_o the_o experimental_a philosophy_n enlarge_v and_o illustrate_v this_o then_o give_v the_o grand_a and_o most_o convictive_a assurance_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o this_o kind_n of_o learning_n furnishetâ—…_n we_o with_o the_o best_a weapon_n todefend_v it_o for_o the_o modern_a atheist_n be_v pretender_n to_o the_o mechanic_n principle_n and_o their_o pretension_n can_v be_v shame_v or_o defeat_v by_o any_o so_o well_o as_o by_o those_o who_o thorough_o understand_v they_o these_o indeed_o perceive_v sometime_o that_o there_o be_v only_a nature_n in_o some_o thing_n that_o be_v take_v to_o be_v supernatural_a and_o miraculous_a and_o the_o shallow_a naturalist_n see_v no_o further_o and_o therefore_o rest_v in_o nature_n but_o the_o deep_a philosopher_n show_v the_o vanity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o take_v up_o so_o short_a and_o discover_v infinite_a wisdom_n at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o chain_n of_o cause_n i_o say_v if_o we_o know_v no_o further_o then_o occult_a quality_n element_n heavenly_a influence_n and_o form_n we_o shall_v never_o be_v able_a to_o disprove_v a_o mechanic_n atheist_n but_o the_o more_o we_o understand_v of_o the_o law_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o more_o shall_v we_o discern_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o wise_a mind_n to_o order_v the_o blind_a and_o insensible_a matter_n and_o to_o direct_v the_o original_a motion_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o which_o the_o universe_n can_v have_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mighty_a chaos_n and_o misâ—…n_a mass_n of_o everlasting_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n this_o of_o the_o first_o viz._n that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n serve_v religion_n against_o atheism_n and_o that_o it_o do_v also_o chap._n iii_o philosophy_n help_v religion_n against_o sadducism_n in_o both_o its_o branch_n viz._n as_o it_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n none_o so_o well_o able_a to_o disprove_v the_o sadduce_v as_o those_o that_o understand_v the_o philosophy_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n the_o hypothesis_n of_o substantial_a form_n prejudicial_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul._n sect_n i._o ii_o against_o sadducism_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o the_o sadducee_n deny_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n and_o immortality_n of_o soul_n and_o the_o heresy_n be_v sad_o receive_v in_o our_o day_n what_o a_o spirit_n be_v and_o whether_o there_o be_v spirit_n or_o not_o be_v question_n that_o appertain_v to_o the_o disquisition_n of_o philosophy_n the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o condescend_v to_o the_o plain_a capacity_n of_o man_n use_v the_o word_n spirit_n common_o for_o the_o more_o subtle_a and_o invisible_a body_n and_o it_o will_v be_v difficult_a from_o thence_o to_o fetch_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o spirit_n in_o the_o strict_a notion_n that_o there_o be_v angel_n and_o soul_n which_o be_v pure_a than_o these_o gross_a body_n may_v no_o doubt_n be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o but_o whether_o these_o be_v only_o a_o fine_a sort_n of_o matter_n or_o a_o different_a kind_n of_o being_n can_v i_o think_v be_v determine_v by_o any_o thing_n deliver_v in_o the_o divine_a oracle_n the_o inquiry_n therefore_o belong_v to_o philosophy_n which_o from_o divers_a operation_n in_o our_o own_o soul_n conclude_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o being_n which_o be_v not_o matter_n or_o body_n viz._n be_v self-motive_n penetrable_a and_o indivisible_a attribute_n direct_o contrary_a to_o those_o of_o matter_n which_o be_v impenetrable_a divisible_a and_o void_a of_o self-motion_n by_o these_o property_n respective_o the_o distinct_a nature_n of_o spirit_n and_o body_n be_v know_v and_o by_o the_o same_o that_o there_o be_v spirit_n in_o the_o strict_a sâ—…nce_n as_o well_o as_o corporal_a being_n now_o by_o state_v the_o nature_n and_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o spirit_n a_o very_a considerable_a service_n be_v do_v to_o religion_n for_o hereby_o our_o notion_n of_o the_o adorable_a deity_n be_v free_v from_o all_o material_a grossness_n in_o which_o way_n those_o must_v conceive_v he_o that_o acknowledge_v nothing_o but_o body_n in_o the_o world_n which_o certain_o be_v a_o very_a great_a disinterest_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o suggest_v very_o unbecoming_a thought_n of_o he_o and_o by_o the_o due_a state_v of_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n that_o silly_a conceit_n of_o the_o soul_n traduction_n be_v overâ—…hrown_v which_o either_o arise_v from_o direct_a sadducism_n or_o a_o defect_n in_o philosophy_n hereby_o our_o immortality_n be_v undermine_v and_o dangerous_o expose_v but_o due_a philosophical_a disquisition_n will_v set_v we_o â—…ight_v in_o the_o theory_n for_o the_o former_a of_o the_o mention_a error_n the_o anthropomorphite_n doctrine_n that_o make_v god_n himself_o a_o corporeal_a substance_n they_o can_v be_v disprove_v but_o by_o the_o use_n of_o the_o
sadducee_n and_o fanatic_n to_o rail_v against_o philosophy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o such_o cattle_n philosophy_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o disparage_v and_o reproach_v it_o but_o for_o religious_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o unadvised_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n be_v wondeâ—…ul_a and_o deplorable_a to_o set_v these_o right_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o philosophical_a inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a promote_a of_o it_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o discourse_n propose_v viz._n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v philosophy_n the_o slander_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v viz._n that_o of_o atheism_n and_o the_o other_o of_o its_o tend_v to_o the_o lessen_v our_o value_n of_o the_o scripture_n full_o confute_v it_o teach_v no_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n those_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o terrestrial_a nature_n of_o the_o moon_n consider_v as_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n i._o iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o follow_v evident_o from_o all_o that_o go_v before_o which_o though_o it_o will_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n deep_a search_n into_o nature_n yet_o this_o it_o will_v that_o no_o friend_n or_o servant_n of_o religion_n shall_v â—…inder_v or_o discountenance_v such_o inquiry_n and_o though_o most_o private_a christian_n and_o some_o public_a minister_n have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o ability_n to_o look_v into_o matter_n of_o natural_a research_n and_o inquisition_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v candid_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o folly_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o censure_v or_o discourage_v those_o worthy_a undertake_n upon_o which_o account_v it_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v how_o apâ—…_n some_o be_v that_o pretend_v much_o to_o religion_n and_o some_o that_o minister_v in_o it_o to_o load_v those_o that_o be_v studious_a of_o god_n work_v with_o all_o the_o odious_a name_n that_o contempt_n and_o spigâ—…t_n can_v suggest_v the_o irreligion_n of_o which_o injurious_a carriage_n nothing_o can_v â—…xcuse_v but_o their_o ignorance_n aâ—…d_v i_o will_v rather_o hope_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o what_o they_o do_v than_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o direct_a design_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o against_o any_o laâ—…dable_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o i_o know_v well_o what_o mischief_n prejudice_n will_v do_v euâ—…n_v upon_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o intelligent_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v many_o common_a slander_n and_o some_o plausible_a objection_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o zealous_a against_o philosophy_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o have_v never_o examine_v thing_n deep_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o most_o considerable_a allegation_n of_o both_o sort_n and_o i_o hope_v makâ—…_n such_o return_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v â—…fficient_a to_o satiâ—…_n those_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o bar_v by_o obstinacy_n or_o ignorance_n sect_n ii_o i_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o broad_a slander_n among_o which_o that_o i._o of_o atheism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unjust_a accusation_n that_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n can_v have_v invent_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v industrious_a to_o prove_v here_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n to_o defend_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o this_o spiteful_a and_o ridiculous_a charge_n it_o be_v true_a indâ—…ed_v the_o man_n of_o the_o epiâ—…urean_a sort_n have_v leave_v god_n and_o providence_n out_o of_o their_o account_n but_o then_o other_o philosopher_n have_v show_v what_o fool_n they_o be_v for_o do_v so_o and_o how_o absurd_a their_o pretend_a philosophy_n be_v in_o suppose_v thing_n to_o have_v be_v make_v and_o order_v by_o the_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n in_o a_o mighty_a void_a a_o d_o though_o their_o general_a doctrine_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v â—…xceeding_o ancient_a and_o very_o accountable_a when_o we_o supposâ—…_n matter_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o almighty_a power_n and_o its_o motion_n order_v and_o direct_v by_o omniscient_a wisdom_n yet_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o be_v independent_a and_o eternal_a be_v very_o precarious_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o all_o the_o regular_a motion_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v from_o blind_a tumultuous_a jumbling_n be_v the_o most_o unphilosâ—…phical_a phaâ—…e_n and_o ridiculous_a dotagâ—…_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o â—…ason_n to_o accuse_v philosophy_n of_o a_o fault_n which_o philosophy_n sufficient_o shame_v and_o disprove_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v many_o have_v great_a prejudice_n against_o it_o upon_o this_o score_n and_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a brand_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a man_n that_o they_o have_v revive_v the_o philosophy_n of_o epicurus_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v whole_a extent_n atheistical_a and_o irreligious_a to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n be_v impious_a and_o abominable_a this_o those_o of_o epicurus_n his_o elder_a school_n teach_v whereas_o the_o late_a restorer_n of_o the_o corpuscularian_a hypothesis_n hate_n and_o despise_v the_o vile_a doctrine_n but_o yet_o they_o thus_o far_o think_v the_o atomical_a philosophy_n reasonable_a viz._n as_o it_o teach_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n be_v perform_v by_o subtle_a stream_n of_o minute_n body_n and_o not_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a qualitiâ—…s_n and_o form_n they_o think_v that_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v enough_o for_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d variety_n which_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o sense_n we_o call_v such_o and_o such_o quality_n but_o then_o they_o suppose_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n creâ—…ted_v matter_n and_o be_v the_o supreme_a orderer_n of_o its_o motion_n by_o which_o all_o those_o diversity_n be_v make_v and_o hereby_o piety_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o providence_n be_v secure_v this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v the_o ancient_a philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o grate_n upon_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o i_o dare_v say_v i_o may_v undertake_v for_o most_o of_o the_o corpuscularian_a philosopher_n of_o our_o time_n except_v those_o of_o mr._n hobb_n way_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o reason_n learning_n and_o ingeâ—…ty_n as_o mr._n baxter_n shall_v seem_v to_o conclude_v those_o modern_a philosopher_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o such_o somatist_n as_o be_v for_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o exclude_v immaterial_a being_n this_o i_o take_v it_o he_o do_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reason_n of_o religion_n whereas_o those_o philosopher_n though_o they_o own_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o material_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n they_o do_v yet_o acknowledge_v god_n efficiency_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o as_o much_o seriousness_n and_o contend_v for_o it_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o philosopher_n or_o divine_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o any_o number_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v atheist_n for_o deny_v the_o peripatetic_a quality_n and_o form_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o overthrow_v by_o the_o corpuscularian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v manage_v by_o those_o philosopher_n so_o that_o methinks_v that_o reverend_a author_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o fair_o with_o the_o great_a name_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o gassendus_fw-la where_o he_o mention_n they_o promiscuous_o with_o the_o meeâ—…_n epicurean_a and_o hobbian_a somatist_n without_o any_o note_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o sadducee_n for_o both_o those_o celebrate_a man_n have_v labour_v much_o in_o assert_v the_o grand_a article_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n this_o inadvertency_n of_o that_o pious_a divine_a i_o think_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
they_o have_v not_o their_o conversation_n in_o fleshly_a wisdom_n we_o can_v think_v he_o mean_v humane_a reason_n by_o that_o reason_n direct_v we_o to_o live_v in_o simplicity_n and_o godly_a sincerity_n which_o he_o oppose_v to_o a_o life_n in_o fleshly_a wisdom_n by_o this_o therefore_o no_o doubt_n he_o mean_v the_o reason_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v but_o sense_n and_o imagination_n for_o these_o blind_a guide_n be_v the_o director_n of_o the_o wicked_a but_o not_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o mind_n which_o be_v one_o of_o those_o light_n that_o illuminate_v the_o conscience_n of_o good_a man_n and_o help_v to_o guide_v their_o action_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v object_v 5._o from_o col._n 2._o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o spoil_n you_o through_o philosophy_n i_o answer_v there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v make_v of_o that_o neither_o for_o the_o disgrace_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o philosophy_n the_o apostle_n caution_n against_o be_v the_o same_o which_o he_o warn_v timothy_n of_o 1_o tim._n 1._o 4._o neither_o give_v heed_n to_o fable_n and_o endless_a genealogy_n that_o minister_v question_n call_v these_o profane_a and_o vain_a babble_n and_o opposition_n of_o science_n false_o so_o call_v 1_o tim._n 6._o 20._o by_o all_o which_o learned_a interpreter_n understand_v the_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o gnostic_n boast_v which_o consist_v in_o the_o fabulous_a pedigree_n of_o the_o god_n under_o the_o name_n of_o aeones_n and_o it_o may_v be_v the_o genealogy_n of_o which_o the_o jew_n be_v so_o fond_a and_o the_o dispute_a philosophy_n among_o the_o greek_n which_o be_v proper_o science_n false_o so_o call_v and_o do_v minister_v question_n and_o endless_a strife_n i_o say_v it_o be_v very_o probable_a these_o may_v be_v comprehend_v also_o but_o reason_n be_v no_o otherwise_o concern_v in_o all_o this_o but_o as_o condemn_v and_o reprove_v these_o dangerous_a folly_n thus_o we_o see_v the_o pretension_n from_o scripture_n against_o reason_n be_v vain_a but_o there_o be_v other_o consideration_n by_o which_o it_o use_v to_o be_v impugn_a as_o 1._o our_o reason_n be_v corrupt_v and_o therefore_o be_v not_o sit_v to_o meddle_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o reason_n aâ—…_n it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o faculty_n of_o understanding_n be_v very_o much_o weaken_v and_o impair_v it_o see_v but_o little_a and_o that_o very_o dull_o through_o a_o glass_n dark_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v 1_o cor._n 13._o and_o it_o be_v very_o liable_a to_o be_v mislead_v by_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n and_o interest_n and_o imagination_n so_o that_o we_o many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n whâ—…n_o they_o be_v but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n or_o the_o false_a conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v if_o this_o bâ—…_n mean_v by_o the_o corruption_n of_o reason_n i_o grant_v it_o and_o all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o will_v be_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v too_o bold_a and_o peremptory_a in_o define_v speculative_a and_o difficult_a matter_n especial_o not_o those_o that_o relate_v to_o religion_n nor_o set_v our_o reason_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n and_o revelation_n but_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o disreputation_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o object_n viz._n those_o principle_n of_o truth_n which_o be_v write_v upon_o our_o soul_n or_o any_o conclusion_n that_o be_v deduce_v from_o they_o these_o be_v the_o same_o that_o they_o ever_o be_v though_o we_o discern_v they_o not_o so_o clear_o as_o the_o innocent_a state_n do_v they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o can_v be_v corrupt_v and_o as_o our_o understanding_n by_o reason_n of_o their_o weakness_n and_o liableness_n to_o error_n may_v take_v falsâ—…oods_n for_o some_o of_o those_o or_o infer_v false_o from_o those_o that_o be_v true_o such_o so_o we_o know_v they_o do_v the_o same_o by_o the_o scripture_n themselves_o viz._n they_o very_o often_o misinterpret_v and_o very_o often_o draw_v perverse_a conclusion_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o we_o say_v not_o that_o the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v corrupt_v nor_o be_v the_o use_n of_o scripture_n decry_v because_o of_o those_o abuse_n but_o here_o advantage_n will_v be_v take_v to_o object_v again_o 2._o that_o since_o our_o natural_a understanding_n be_v so_o weak_a and_o so_o liable_a to_o mistake_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v use_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o will_v signify_v little_a to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v certain_a principle_n of_o eternal_a reason_n if_o we_o either_o perceive_v they_o not_o or_o can_v use_v they_o to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o if_o on_o this_o account_n we_o must_v renounce_v the_o use_n of_o our_o natural_a understanding_n scripture_n will_v be_v useless_a to_o we_o also_o for_o how_o can_v we_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n that_o express_v god_n mind_n unto_o we_o how_o can_v we_o compare_v one_o scripture_n with_o another_o how_o can_v we_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o how_o apply_v general_a proposition_n to_o our_o own_o particular_a case_n how_o tell_v what_o be_v to_o be_v â—…aken_v in_o the_o letter_n what_o in_o the_o mystery_n what_o plain_o what_o in_o a_o figure_n what_o according_a to_o strict_a and_o rigorous_a truth_n what_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o our_o apprehension_n i_o say_v without_o the_o exercise_n of_o our_o understanding_n use_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n none_o of_o these_o can_v be_v do_v and_o without_o they_o scripture_n will_v signify_v either_o nothing_o at_o all_o or_o very_o liâ—…tle_a to_o we_o and_o what_o can_v religion_n get_v this_o way_n this_o inference_n therefore_o be_v absurd_a and_o impious_a all_o that_o can_v just_o be_v conclude_v from_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n will_v be_v what_o i_o intimate_v before_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o use_v they_o with_o modesty_n and_o caution_n not_o that_o we_o shall_v renounce_v they_o he_o be_v a_o madman_n who_o because_o his_o eye_n be_v dim_a will_v therefore_o put_v they_o out_o but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v further_o 3._o that_o which_o man_n call_v reason_n be_v infinite_o various_a and_o that_o be_v reasonable_a to_o one_o which_o be_v very_o irrational_a to_o another_o therefore_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v and_o i_o say_v interpretation_n of_o scripture_n be_v infinite_o various_a and_o one_o call_v that_o scriptural_a which_o another_o call_v heretical_a shall_v we_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hear_v reason_n in_o itself_o be_v the_o same_o all_o the_o world_n over_o though_o man_n apprehension_n of_o it_o be_v various_a as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v one_o though_o colour_n it_o reflex_v be_v infinite_a and_o where_o this_o be_v it_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v deny_v because_o folly_n and_o falsehood_n pretend_v relation_n to_o it_o or_o call_v themselves_o by_o that_o name_n if_o so_o farewell_o religion_n too_o but_o 4._o '_o it_o be_v socinianism_n to_o plead_v for_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v gross_a â—…ticism_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o thisâ—…me_o â—…me_z be_v proper_o applicable_a to_o the_o enemy_n of_o reason_n but_o the_o other_o of_o socinianism_n be_v groundless_o apply_v to_o those_o that_o undertake_v for_o it_o and_o it_o absurd_o suppose_v that_o socinian_o be_v the_o only_a rational_a man_n when_o as_o divers_a of_o their_o doctrine_n such_o as_o the_o sleep_n and_o natural_a mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o utter_a extinction_n and_o anniâ—…ilation_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o obâ—…oxious_a to_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v never_o be_v confute_v in_o their_o other_o opinion_n without_o use_v reason_n to_o maintain_v the_o sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o those_o scripture_n that_o be_v allege_v against_o they_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n we_o know_v to_o give_v a_o ugly_a name_n to_o any_o thing_n we_o dislike_v and_o by_o this_o way_n the_o most_o excellent_a and_o sacred_a thing_n have_v be_v make_v contemptible_a and_o vile_a i_o wish_v such_o hasty_a censurer_n will_v consider_v before_o they_o call_v name_n no_o truth_n be_v the_o worse_o because_o rash_a ignorance_n have_v throw_v dirt_n upon_o it_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o to_o these_o frivolous_a objection_n those_o that_o allege_v atheism_n and_o tendency_n to_o infidelity_n against_o the_o reverence_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n be_v disprove_v by_o my_o whole_a discourse_n which_o show_v that_o the_o enemy_n of_o reason_n most_o usual_o serve_v the_o end_n of_o the_o infidel_n and_o the_o atheist_n when_o as_o a_o due_a use_n