way_n contradict_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o other_o reason_n may_v err_v in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a promise_n it_o shall_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n that_o their_o sense_n may_v not_o deceive_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o transubstantiation_n to_o say_v it_o bear_v witness_v to_o itself_o be_v equal_o to_o establish_v the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o poran_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o when_o all_o society_n will_v say_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o if_o we_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v ask_v whence_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decide_v this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v from_o the_o scripture_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v divert_v himself_o with_o this_o circle_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o the_o church_n have_v so_o determine_v it_o and_o the_o church_n have_v this_o decide_n authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v doubt_v if_o this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o passage_n allege_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o a_o party_n concern_v affirm_v it_o heyday_o be_v not_o these_o eternal_a round_n very_o exquisite_a invention_n to_o giddy_a and_o entangle_v the_o unthinking_a and_o the_o weak_a 7._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a not_o upon_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n but_o from_o a_o real_a testimony_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o from_o undoubted_a effect_n and_o not_o from_o word_n and_o letter_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o i_o grant_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o divinity_n but_o it_o be_v reason_n find_v they_o out_o examine_v they_o and_o by_o its_o principle_n approve_v and_o pronounce_v they_o sufficient_a which_o orderly_o beget_v in_o we_o a_o acquiescence_n of_o faith_n or_o persuasion_n now_o if_o particular_n be_v thus_o severe_o sift_v if_o not_o only_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n be_v consider_v but_o also_o their_o life_n prediction_n miracle_n and_o death_n sure_o all_o this_o labour_n will_v be_v in_o vain_a may_v we_o upon_o any_o account_n dispense_v with_o contradiction_n o_o bless_a and_o commodious_a system_n that_o discharge_v at_o one_o stroke_n those_o troublesome_a remark_n about_o history_n language_n figurative_a and_o literal_a sense_n scope_n of_o the_o writer_n circumstance_n and_o other_o help_n of_o interpretation_n we_o judge_v of_o a_o man_n wisdom_n and_o learning_n by_o his_o action_n and_o his_o discourse_n but_o god_n who_o we_o be_v assure_v have_v not_o leave_v himself_o without_o a_o witness_n 17._o must_v have_v no_o privilege_n above_o the_o mad_a enthusiast_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o at_o this_o rate_n 8._o but_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n will_v be_v pretend_v this_o we_o be_v please_v with_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v 19_o but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o word_n but_o their_o sense_n which_o must_v be_v ever_o worthy_a of_o their_o author_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o all_o speech_n figurative_o interpret_v when_o occasion_n require_v it_o otherwise_o under_o pretence_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o high_a folly_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o passion_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o rock_n be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o and_o defile_v with_o our_o transgression_n that_o we_o be_v worm_n or_o sheep_n and_o no_o men._n and_o if_o a_o figure_n be_v admit_v in_o these_o passage_n why_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o all_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n when_o there_o appear_v a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o article_n since_o that_o none_o express_o make_v scripture_n and_o reason_n contradictory_n be_v acknowledge_v before_o but_o in_o the_o same_o place_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o some_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o together_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o former_a a_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o and_o our_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o grant_v any_o such_o in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n mean_v when_o a_o difficulty_n occur_v and_o so_o to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n concern_v it_o till_o with_o suitable_a help_n and_o industry_n we_o discover_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o or_o can_v reconcile_v to_o his_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o practise_v it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o can_v reconcile_v myself_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a he_o pretend_v in_o vain_a to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n who_o explain_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o verbal_a assent_n to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o out_o of_o fear_n superstition_n indifference_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a feeble_a and_o unfair_a motive_n but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o conceive_v not_o what_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v sincere_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o remain_v deprive_v of_o all_o solid_a satisfaction_n he_o be_v constant_o perplex_v with_o scruple_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o his_o implicit_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n 14._o of_o doctrine_n i_o will_v believe_v because_o i_o will_v believe_v that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o in_o the_o humour_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o top_n of_o his_o apology_n such_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n walk_v after_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v 18._o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o he_o that_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v his_o profession_n and_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a will_v always_o render_v a_o pertinent_a account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o 10._o the_o natural_a result_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o to_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o passage_n thereof_o without_o rational_a proof_n and_o a_o evident_a consistency_n be_v a_o unblamable_a credulity_n and_o a_o temerarious_a opinion_n ordinary_o ground_v upon_o a_o ignorant_a and_o wilful_a disposition_n but_o more_o general_o maintain_v out_o of_o a_o gainful_a prospect_n for_o we_o frequent_o embrace_v certain_a doctrine_n not_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o serve_v our_o design_n better_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o because_o other_o contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v be_v better_o defend_v by_o their_o mean_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o regard_v this_o controversy_n 11._o against_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o section_n the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n will_v be_v allege_v with_o great_a show_n as_o if_o without_o a_o right_n of_o silence_v or_o extingu_n sh_v reason_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a but_o if_o the_o distinction_n i_o make_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n n._n 9_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o present_a objection_n will_v quick_o appear_v and_o this_o controversy_n be_v better_a understand_v hereaster_n there_o i_o say_v revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n may_v inform_v i_o concern_v a_o thousand_o matter_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o as_o much_o as_o think_v if_o i_o be_v not_o tell_v yet_o i_o believe_v nothing_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o clear_a conception_n i_o form_n of_o what_o he_o
hand_n but_o the_o priest_n with_o the_o like_a ceremony_n they_o have_v no_o colour_n of_o 102._o authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n but_o only_o from_o custom_n and_o tradition_n 93._o now_o their_o own_o advantage_n be_v the_o motive_n that_o put_v the_o primitive_a clergy_n upon_o revive_a mystery_n they_o quick_o erect_v themselves_o by_o its_o assistance_n into_o a_o separate_a and_o politic_a body_n though_o not_o so_o soon_o into_o their_o various_a order_n and_o degree_n for_o in_o the_o two_o first_o century_n we_o meet_v with_o no_o subdeacon_n reader_n or_o the_o like_a much_o less_o with_o the_o name_n or_o dignity_n of_o pope_n cardinal_n patriarch_n metropolitan_o archbishop_n primate_fw-la suffragans_fw-la archdeacon_n dean_n chancellor_n vicar_n or_o their_o numerous_a dependent_n and_o retinue_n but_o in_o small_a time_n mystery_n make_v way_n for_o those_o and_o several_a other_o usurpation_n upon_o mankind_n under_o pretence_n of_o labourer_n in_o the_o lord_n vineyard_n 94._o the_o degree_n or_o constitution_n concern_v ceremony_n and_o discipline_n to_o increase_v the_o splendour_n of_o this_o new_a state_n do_v strange_o affect_v stupify_v and_o amaze_v the_o mind_n of_o the_o ignorant_a people_n and_o make_v they_o believe_v they_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_a mediator_n between_o god_n and_o man_n that_o can_v fix_v sanctity_n to_o certain_a time_n place_n person_n or_o action_n they_o seem_v almost_o a_o different_a and_o more_o divine_a species_n of_o creature_n distinguish_v themselves_o from_o other_o man_n in_o their_o garb_n in_o their_o manner_n of_o live_v by_o tithe_n and_o donation_n in_o their_o separate_a place_n at_o church_n and_o several_a other_o way_n by_o this_o mean_v the_o clergy_n be_v able_a to_o do_v any_o thing_n they_o engross_v at_o length_n the_o sole_a right_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n and_o with_o it_o claim_v infallibility_n to_o their_o body_n 95._o this_o be_v the_o true_a origin_n and_o progress_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n and_o we_o may_v observe_v how_o great_a a_o share_n of_o their_o establishment_n be_v owe_v to_o ceremony_n these_o never_o fail_v to_o take_v off_o the_o mind_n from_o the_o substance_n of_o religion_n and_o lead_v man_n into_o dangerous_a mistake_v for_o ceremony_n be_v easy_o observe_v every_o one_o think_v himself_o religious_a enough_o that_o exact_o perform_v they_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o natural_o opposite_a as_o ceremony_n and_o christianity_n the_o latter_a discover_v religion_n naked_a to_o all_o the_o world_n and_o the_o former_a deliver_v it_o under_o mystical_a representation_n of_o a_o mere_o arbitrary_a signification_n 96._o it_o be_v visible_a than_o that_o ceremony_n perplex_v instead_o of_o explain_v but_o suppose_v they_o make_v thing_n easy_a then_o that_o will_v be_v the_o best_a religion_n which_o have_v most_o of_o they_o for_o they_o be_v general_o and_o may_v all_o be_v make_v equal_o significative_a a_o candle_n put_v â—…nto_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o baptise_a to_o denote_v the_o light_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a a_o ceremony_n as_o to_o make_v the_o sign_n of_o the_o cross_n upon_o their_o forehead_n in_o token_n of_o own_v christ_n for_o their_o master_n and_o saviour_n wine_n milk_n and_o honey_n signify_v spiritual_a nourishment_n strength_n and_o gladness_n as_o well_o as_o stand_v at_o the_o gospel_n betoken_v our_o readiness_n to_o hear_v or_o profess_v it_o 97._o in_o short_a there_o be_v no_o degree_n of_o enthusiasm_n high_o than_o place_v religion_n in_o such_o foolery_n nor_o any_o thing_n so_o base_a as_o by_o these_o fraudulent_a art_n to_o make_v the_o gospel_n of_o no_o effect_n unless_o as_o sar_n as_o it_o serve_v a_o party_n but_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o better_a occasion_n of_o exhaust_v the_o subject_a of_o ceremony_n elsewhere_o i_o treat_v of_o they_o here_o only_o as_o they_o make_v up_o the_o gentile_a mystery_n and_o be_v afterward_o bring_v in_o to_o constitute_v those_o of_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o the_o vastmultitude_n of_o the_o latter_a quick_o render_v all_o secret_a rite_n almost_o impossible_a so_o to_o preserve_v the_o mystery_n thing_n be_v purposely_o make_v downright_o unintelligible_a or_o very_o perplex_v in_o this_o poiâ—…_n our_o pretend_a christian_n outdo_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o heathen_n for_o the_o honour_n of_o these_o may_v be_v destroy_v by_o discovery_n or_o the_o babble_a tongue_n of_o any_o initiate_v person_n but_o the_o new_a mystery_n be_v thus_o secure_o place_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o sense_n and_o reason_n nay_o so_o jealous_a be_v the_o clergy_n of_o their_o own_o order_n lest_o any_o of_o they_o shall_v irreligious_o unfold_v those_o sublime_a mystery_n to_o the_o profane_o inquisitive_a laity_n that_o they_o think_v fit_a to_o put_v it_o as_o much_o out_o of_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a tribe_n itself_o as_o out_o of_o we_o to_o understand_v they_o and_o so_o it_o continue_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n to_o this_o day_n the_o conclusion_n thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o show_v other_o what_o i'm_n full_o convince_v of_o myself_o that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n or_o the_o most_o perfect_a religion_n and_o that_o by_o consequence_n nothing_o contradictory_n or_o inconceivable_a however_o make_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n can_v be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v real_o the_o word_n of_o god_n for_o i_o have_v hitherto_o argue_v only_o upon_o this_o supposition_n for_o the_o reason_n to_o be_v see_v towards_o the_o end_n of_o the_o preface_n notwithstanding_o all_o pretence_n that_o may_v be_v make_v to_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o no_o particular_a instance_n or_o doctrine_n of_o any_o sort_n can_v serve_v for_o a_o proper_a answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n for_o as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v good_a whatever_o instance_n can_v be_v allege_v must_v either_o be_v find_v not_o mysterious_a or_o if_o it_o prove_v a_o mystery_n not_o divine_o reveal_v there_o be_v no_o middle_a way_n that_o i_o can_v see_v when_o those_o passage_n of_o scripture_n i_o have_v cite_v for_o my_o assertion_n be_v either_o reconcile_v to_o such_o as_o any_o will_v bring_v against_o i_o or_o prove_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o i_o when_o my_o argument_n against_o all_o inconceivable_a mystery_n and_o the_o absurdity_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o such_o mystery_n be_v confute_v it_o be_v time_n enough_o then_o for_o other_o to_o produce_v example_n or_o for_o i_o to_o consider_v '_o they_o and_o though_o by_o convince_a people_n that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o their_o religion_n must_v not_o only_o be_v in_o themselves_o but_o to_o they_o also_o must_v appear_v sound_n and_o intelligible_a i_o may_v just_o leave_v every_o one_o to_o discover_v to_o himself_o the_o reasonableness_n or_o unreasonableness_n of_o his_o religion_n which_o be_v no_o difficult_a business_n when_o once_o man_n be_v persuade_v that_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o do_v it_o yet_o the_o duty_n i_o owe_v god_n and_o the_o world_n oblige_v i_o to_o proceed_v further_o according_a as_o i_o enjoy_v health_n or_o leisure_n without_o limit_v myself_o as_o to_o any_o time_n that_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o no_o man_n power_n to_o command_v at_o his_o pleasure_n my_o next_o task_n therefore_o be_v god_n will_v to_o prove_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n perspicuous_a possible_a and_o most_o worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o all_o calculate_v for_o the_o high_a benefit_n of_o man._n some_o will_v not_o thank_v i_o it_o be_v probable_a for_o so_o useful_a a_o undertake_n and_o other_o will_v make_v i_o a_o heretic_n in_o grain_n for_o what_o i_o have_v perform_v already_o but_o as_o it_o be_v duty_n and_o no_o body_n appláuse_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o my_o action_n so_o god_n know_v i_o no_o more_o value_v this_o cheap_a and_o ridiculous_a nickname_n of_o a_o heretic_n than_o paul_n do_v besore_n 14._o i_o for_o i_o acknowledge_v no_o orthodoxy_n but_o the_o truth_n and_o i_o be_o sure_a wherever_o the_o truth_n be_v there_o must_v be_v also_o the_o church_n of_o god_n i_o mean_v and_o not_o any_o human_a faction_n or_o policy_n beside_o the_o imputation_n of_o heterodoxy_n be_v now_o as_o liberal_a upon_o the_o slight_a occasion_n out_o of_o ignorance_n passion_n or_o malice_n as_o in_o the_o day_n of_o ireneus_fw-la and_o epiphanius_n it_o be_v many_o time_n instead_o of_o a_o reproach_n the_o great_a honour_n imaginable_a some_o good_a man_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o suppose_v my_o opinion_n never_o so_o true_a it_o may_v notwithstanding_o occasion_v much_o harm_n because_o when_o people_n find_v themselves_o impose_v upon_o in_o any_o part_n of_o religion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o call_v the_o whole_a in_o question_n this_o offence_n be_v plain_o take_v not_o give_v and_o my_o design_n be_v nothing_o
kindred_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n the_o only_a remain_a text_n be_v in_o chap._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o the_o angel_n which_o i_o see_v stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o create_v heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n no_o long_o but_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n when_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o sound_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n figurative_o deliver_v in_o this_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v show_v above_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v their_o final_a accomplishment_n and_o so_o end_v with_o this_o globe_n and_o all_o therein_o contain_v 35._o i_o appeal_v now_o to_o all_o equitable_a person_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o can_v read_v that_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v never_o put_v for_o any_o thing_n inconceivable_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a notion_n and_o faculty_n however_o clear_o reveal_v and_o whither_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o do_v not_o always_o signify_v some_o thing_n natural_o intelligible_a enough_o but_o either_o so_o veil_v by_o figurative_a word_n and_o rite_n or_o so_o lodge_v in_o god_n sole_a knowledge_n and_o decree_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n whoever_o retain_v any_o real_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v ever_o conclude_v by_o its_o authority_n and_o render_v himself_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la to_o its_o evidence_n he_o that_o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o believe_v any_o thing_n not_o warrant_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o arrant_a hypocrite_n and_o do_v but_o sly_o bant_a all_o the_o world_n 36._o nor_o can_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n be_v harbour_v of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o submission_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n straight_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o person_n as_o they_o special_o follow_v or_o admire_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v or_o refuse_v a_o opinion_n as_o these_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v they_o pray_v doctor_n say_v one_o of_o his_o parishioner_n what_o think_v you_o of_o such_o a_o book_n it_o seem_v to_o make_v thing_n plain_a ah_o dear_a sir_n answer_v the_o doctor_n it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a book_n he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o write_v it_o he_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o purblind_a proud_a and_o carnal_a reason_n p._n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n then_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o read_v no_o more_o of_o it_o for_o i_o hear_v you_o often_o preach_v against_o humane_a reason_n i_o be_o sorry_a true_o it_o shall_v unhappy_o fall_v into_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o none_o of_o our_o family_n set_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o d._n you_o will_v do_v very_o well_o sir_n beside_o this_o book_n be_v still_o worse_o than_o i_o tell_v you_o for_o it_o destroy_v a_o great_a many_o point_n which_o we_o teach_v and_o shall_v this_o doctrine_n take_v which_o god_n forbid_v most_o of_o the_o good_a book_n you_o have_v at_o home_n and_o which_o cost_v you_o no_o less_o pain_n to_o read_v than_o money_n to_o purchase_v will_v signify_v not_o a_o straw_n and_o serve_v only_o for_o waste-paper_n to_o put_v under_o pie_n or_o for_o other_o mean_a uses_n p._n bless_v i_o good_a doctor_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v i_o read_v such_o a_o vile_a treatise_n he_o be_v a_o abominable_a man_n that_o can_v write_v it_o but_o what_o my_o book_n worth_a nothing_o say_v you_o dr._n h_n sermon_n and_o mr._n c_n discourse_n waste-paper_n i_o will_v never_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v the_o contrary_a lord_n why_o do_v you_o excommunicate_v the_o author_n and_o seize_v upon_o his_o book_n d._n ay_o sir_n time_n be_v but_o now_o it_o seem_v a_o man_n may_v believe_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o not_o as_o the_o church_n direct_v there_o be_v a_o toleration_n establish_v you_o know_v p._n that_o toleration_n doctor_n will_n d._n whist_o sir_n say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o much_o concern_v as_o you_o can_v be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a nor_o expedient_a at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n to_o find_v fault_n 37._o there_o be_v other_o far_a from_o this_o simplicity_n but_o as_o firm_o resolve_v to_o stand_v fast_o by_o their_o old_a system_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o reason_v that_o make_v these_o for_o mystery_n but_o some_o by-interest_n and_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o applaud_v and_o defend_v any_o author_n that_o write_v in_o favour_n of_o their_o cause_n whether_o he_o support_v it_o with_o reason_n or_o not_o but_o i_o be_o not_o half_a so_o angry_a with_o these_o man_n as_o with_o a_o sort_n of_o people_n that_o will_v not_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o examine_v any_o thing_n lest_o they_o shall_v become_v more_o clear-sighted_a or_o betterinform_v and_o so_o be_v tempt_v to_o take_v up_o a_o new_a road._n such_o person_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o indifferent_a indeed_o or_o they_o make_v religion_n come_v into_o their_o scutcheon_n 38._o the_o mention_n of_o scutcheon_n natural_o put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o be_v little_o move_v with_o any_o reason_n when_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n come_v in_o competition_n the_o father_n as_o they_o love_v to_o speak_v be_v to_o they_o the_o best_a interpreter_n of_o the_o word_n of_o scripture_n and_o what_o those_o honest_a man_n say_v a_o very_a ingenious_a oracle_n person_n can_v not_o make_v good_a themselves_o by_o sufficient_a reason_n be_v now_o prove_v by_o their_o sole_a authority_n if_o the_o father_n foresee_v this_o add_v the_o same_o author_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o spare_v themselves_o the_o labour_n of_o reason_v more_o exact_o than_o we_o find_v they_o common_o do_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n shall_v be_v determine_v by_o a_o majority_n of_o voice_n or_o certain_a period_n of_o time_n seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v the_o most_o ridiculous_a of_o all_o folly_n 39_o but_o if_o antiquity_n can_v in_o good_a earnest_n add_v any_o worth_n to_o a_o opinion_n i_o think_v i_o need_v not_o fear_v to_o stand_v to_o its_o decision_n for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o duration_n of_o the_o world_n say_v another_o celebrate_a modern_n writer_n as_o we_o do_v that_o of_o man_n life_n consist_v of_o infancy_n youth_n manhood_n and_o old_a age_n then_o certain_o such_o as_o live_v before_o we_o be_v the_o child_n or_o the_o youth_n and_o we_o be_v the_o true_a ancient_n of_o the_o world_n and_o if_o experience_n continue_v he_o be_v the_o most_o considerable_a advantage_n which_o grow_v person_n have_v over_o the_o young_a sort_n then_o questionless_a the_o experience_n of_o such_o as_o come_v last_o into_o the_o world_n must_v be_v incomparable_o great_a than_o of_o those_o that_o be_v bear_v long_o before_o they_o for_o the_o last_o comer_n enjoy_v not_o only_o all_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o predecessor_n but_o to_o it_o have_v likewise_o add_v their_o own_o observation_n these_o thought_n be_v no_o less_o ingenious_a than_o they_o be_v just_a and_o solid_a but_o if_o antiquity_n be_v understand_v in_o the_o vulgar_a sense_n i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o despair_v however_o for_o my_o assertion_n too_o will_v become_v ancient_a to_o posterity_n and_o so_o be_v in_o a_o condition_n to_o support_v itself_o by_o this_o commodious_a privilege_n of_o prescription_n 40._o yet_o see_v i_o be_o not_o likely_a to_o live_v till_o that_o time_n it_o can_v be_v amiss_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o these_o same_o father_n who_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v at_o once_o both_o the_o young_a and_o the_o old_a of_o the_o world_n be_v on_o my_o side_n it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n i_o confess_v that_o i_o take_v these_o pain_n i_o have_v free_o declare_v what_o value_n i_o set_v upon_o their_o authority_n in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o book_n but_o my_o design_n be_v to_o show_v the_o disingenuity_n of_o those_o who_o pretend_v the_o high_a veneration_n for_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n never_o fail_v to_o decline_v
now_o for_o we_o shall_v not_o disturb_v the_o ash_n of_o the_o dead_a express_o say_v reason_n and_o the_o gospel_n be_v contrary_a to_o one_o another_o but_o which_o return_v to_o the_o same_o very_o many_o affirm_v that_o though_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o latter_a can_v in_o themselves_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o principle_n of_o the_o former_a as_o proceed_v both_o from_o god_n yet_o that_o according_a to_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o our_o corrupt_a and_o limit_a understanding_n yet_o that_o from_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v and_o acquiesce_v in_o they_o oâ—…_n as_o the_o father_n teach_v they_o to_o speak_v to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v chap._n i._n the_o absurdity_n and_o effect_n of_o admit_v any_o real_a or_o seem_a contradiction_n in_o religion_n 2._o this_o famous_a and_o admirable_a doctrine_n be_v the_o undoubted_a source_n of_o all_o the_o absurdity_n that_o ever_o be_v serious_o vent_v among_o christiens_n without_o the_o pretence_n of_o it_o we_o shall_v never_o hear_v of_o the_o transubstantiation_n and_o other_o ridiculous_a fable_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n nor_o of_o any_o of_o the_o eastern_a ordure_n almost_o all_o receive_v into_o this_o western_a sink_n nor_o shall_v we_o be_v ever_o banter_v with_o the_o lutheran_n impanation_n or_o the_o ubiquity_n it_o have_v produce_v as_o one_o monster_n ordinary_o beget_v another_o and_o though_o the_o socinian_o disow_v this_o practice_n i_o be_o mistake_v if_o either_o they_o or_o the_o arian_n can_v make_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o dignify_v and_o creature-god_n capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o other_o sect_n touch_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n 3._o in_o short_a this_o doctrine_n be_v the_o know_a refuge_n of_o some_o man_n when_o they_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n in_o explain_v any_o passage_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n lest_o they_o shall_v appear_v to_o other_o less_o know_v than_o they_o will_v be_v think_v they_o make_v nothing_o of_o father_v that_o upon_o the_o secret_a counsel_n of_o the_o almighty_a or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v it_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o inaccurate_a reason_v unskilfulness_n in_o the_o tongue_n or_o ignorance_n of_o history_n but_o more_o common_o it_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o early_a impression_n which_o they_o dare_v seldom_o afterward_o correct_v by_o more_o free_a and_o ripe_a thought_n so_o desire_v to_o be_v teacher_n of_o the_o law_n and_o understanâ—…ing_v 7._o neither_o what_o they_o say_v nor_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o affirm_v they_o obtrude_v upon_o we_o for_o doctrine_n the_o commandment_n of_o men._n 9_o and_o true_o well_o they_o may_v for_o if_o we_o once_o admit_v this_o principle_n i_o know_v not_o what_o we_o can_v deny_v that_o be_v toâ—…d_v we_o in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o doctrine_n i_o must_v remark_n it_o too_o do_v high_o concern_v we_o of_o the_o laity_n for_o however_o it_o come_v to_o be_v first_o establish_v the_o clergy_n always_o except_v such_o as_o deserve_v it_o have_v not_o be_v since_o want_v to_o themselves_o but_o improve_v it_o so_o far_o as_o not_o only_o to_o make_v the_o plain_a but_o the_o most_o trifle_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n mysterious_a that_o we_o may_v constant_o depend_v upon_o they_o for_o the_o explication_n and_o nevertheless_o they_o must_v not_o if_o they_o can_v explain_v they_o to_o we_o without_o ruine_v their_o own_o design_n let_v they_o never_o so_o fair_o pretend_v it_o but_o overlook_v all_o observation_n proper_a for_o this_o place_n let_v we_o enter_v upon_o the_o immediate_a examen_fw-la of_o the_o opinion_n itself_o 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o say_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o ball_n be_v white_a and_o black_a at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v just_a nothing_o for_o these_o colour_n be_v so_o incompatible_a in_o the_o same_o subject_a as_o to_o exclude_v all_o possibility_n of_o a_o real_a positive_a idea_n or_o conception_n so_o to_o say_v as_o the_o papist_n that_o child_n die_v before_o baptism_n be_v damn_v without_o pain_n signify_v nothing_o at_o all_o for_o if_o they_o be_v intelligent_a creature_n in_o the_o other_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_o exclude_v god_n presence_n and_o the_o society_n of_o the_o bless_a must_v prove_v ineffable_a torment_n to_o they_o but_o if_o they_o think_v they_o have_v no_o understanding_n than_o they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o damnation_n in_o their_o sense_n and_o so_o they_o shall_v not_o say_v they_o be_v in_o limbo-dungeon_n but_o that_o either_o they_o have_v no_o soul_n or_o be_v annihilate_v which_o have_v it_o be_v true_a as_o they_o can_v never_o show_v will_v be_v reasonable_a enough_o and_o easy_o conceive_v now_o if_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n it_o be_v certain_o but_o lose_v labour_n for_o we_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o about_o it_o for_o what_o i_o do_v conceive_v can_v no_o more_o give_v i_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n or_o influence_n my_o action_n than_o a_o prayer_n deliver_v in_o a_o unknown_a tongue_n can_v excite_v my_o devotion_n if_o the_o trumpet_n give_v a_o uncertain_a sound_n 9_o who_o shall_v prepare_v himself_o to_o the_o battle_n and_o except_o word_n easy_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v utter_v how_o shall_v it_o be_v know_v what_o be_v spokâ—…_n syllable_n though_o never_o so_o well_o put_v together_o if_o they_o have_v not_o idea_n fix_v to_o they_o be_v but_o word_n speak_v in_o 9_o the_o air_n and_o can_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n or_o worship_n 1._o 5._o if_o any_o shall_v think_v to_o evade_v the_o difficulty_n by_o say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o certain_a doctrine_n may_v be_v contrary_a indeed_o to_o common_a notion_n yet_o consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o supra-intellectual_a truth_n he_o be_v but_o just_a where_o he_o be_v but_o suppose_v a_o little_a that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o it_o still_o follow_v that_o none_o can_v understand_v these_o doctrine_n except_o their_o perception_n be_v communicate_v to_o he_o in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n as_o by_o new_a power_n and_o organ_n and_o then_o too_o other_o can_v be_v edify_v by_o what_o be_v discourse_v of_o they_o unless_o they_o enjoy_v the_o same_o favour_n so_o that_o if_o i_o will_v go_v preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o the_o wild_a indian_n i_o must_v expect_v the_o idea_n of_o my_o word_n shall_v be_v i_o know_v not_o how_o infuse_v into_o their_o soul_n in_o order_n to_o apprehend_v i_o and_o according_a to_o this_o hypothesis_n they_o can_v no_o more_o without_o a_o miracle_n understand_v my_o speech_n than_o the_o chirp_n of_o bird_n and_o if_o they_o know_v not_o the_o mean_v of_o my_o 11._o voice_n i_o shall_v even_o to_o they_o be_v a_o bâ—…rbarian_a notwithstanding_o i_o speak_v mystery_n 2._o in_o the_o spirit_n but_o what_o do_v they_o mean_v by_o consist_v with_o themselves_o yet_o not_o with_o our_o common_a notion_n four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n but_o so_o the_o name_n only_o be_v change_v the_o thing_n remain_v still_o the_o same_o and_o since_o we_o can_v in_o this_o world_n know_v any_o thing_n but_o by_o our_o common_a notion_n how_o shall_v we_o be_v sure_a of_o this_o pretend_a consistency_n between_o our_o present_a seem_a contradiction_n and_o the_o theology_n of_o the_o world_n to_o come_v for_o as_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n we_o arrive_v at_o the_o certainty_n of_o god_n own_o existence_n so_o we_o can_v otherwise_o discern_v his_o revelation_n but_o by_o their_o conformity_n with_o our_o natural_a notice_n of_o he_o which_o be_v in_o so_o many_o word_n to_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n 6._o the_o next_o thing_n i_o shall_v remark_n be_v that_o those_o who_o stick_v not_o to_o say_v they_o can_v believe_v a_o downright_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n do_v they_o find_v it_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n do_v justify_v all_o absurdity_n whatsoever_o and_o by_o oppose_v one_o light_n to_o another_o undeniable_o make_v god_n the_o author_n of_o all_o incertitude_n the_o very_a supposition_n that_o reason_n may_v authorise_v one_o thing_n and_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n another_o throws_z we_o into_o inevitable_a scepticism_n for_o we_o shall_v be_v at_o a_o perpetual_a uncertainty_n which_o to_o obey_v nay_o we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_o which_o be_v which_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n depend_v upon_o reason_n if_o the_o clear_a light_n of_o the_o one_o may_v be_v any_o