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
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
eagle_n and_o the_o other_o furniture_n of_o land_n and_o air_n and_o sea_n in_o the_o 4_o last_o chapter_n of_o that_o book_n in_o all_o these_o be_v the_o mark_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o his_o greatness_n and_o they_o be_v no_o less_o so_o of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o his_o goodness_n for_o in_o wisdom_n he_o have_v make_v they_o all_o psal._n civ_o and_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o goodness_n psal._n cxix_o 54._o sect_n ii_o and_o again_o ii_o when_o devout_a and_o holy_a man_n will_v quicken_v their_o own_o soul_n and_o those_o of_o other_o to_o praise_v he_o they_o use_v the_o same_o method_n and_o send_v abroad_o their_o thought_n among_o the_o creature_n to_o gather_v instance_n of_o acknowledgement_n thus_o elihu_n in_o job_n magnify_v his_o power_n by_o the_o lightning_n and_o thunder_n by_o the_o snow_n and_o rain_n by_o the_o whirlwind_n of_o the_o north_n and_o cold_a of_o the_o south_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o afflict_a friend_n to_o remember_v to_o magnify_v his_o work_n that_o man_n behold_v and_o again_o bid_v he_o stand_v still_o and_o consider_v the_o wondrous_a work_n of_o god_n job_n xxxvi_o and_o xxxvii_o chapter_n and_o the_o psalmist_n upon_o the_o same_o account_n urge_v his_o soul_n to_o bless_v his_o maker_n for_o his_o majesty_n and_o honour_n disclose_v in_o the_o natural_a wonder_n of_o the_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o wind_n and_o water_n the_o spring_n and_o grass_n the_o tree_n and_o hill_n psalm_n civ_o throughout_o and_o he_o give_v particular_a thanks_o again_o cxxxvi_o psalm_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o mercy_n in_o the_o same_o instance_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o power_n which_o he_o further_o celebrate_v by_o call_v upon_o the_o noble_a of_n inanimate_v to_o praise_v he_o psal._n cxlviii_o praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o o_o you_o star_n and_o light_n which_o creature_n of_o he_o though_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o sing_v hallelujah_n and_o so_o vocal_o to_o rehearse_v his_o praise_n yet_o they_o afford_v glorious_a matter_n for_o grateful_a and_o triumphant_a song_n and_o by_o their_o beauty_n and_o their_o order_n excite_v those_o that_o study_n and_o observe_v they_o to_o adore_v and_o glorify_v their_o maker_n and_o therefore_o the_o prophet_n run_v on_o further_a into_o a_o aggregation_n of_o more_o particular_n of_o fire_n and_o hail_n storm_n and_o vapour_n mountain_n and_o cedar_n beast_n and_o foul_n and_o creep_a thing_n all_o which_o in_o the_o same_o divinâ—…_n canticle_n be_v summon_v to_o praise_v he_o that_o be_v we_o be_v require_v to_o use_v they_o as_o the_o matter_n and_o occasion_n of_o holy_a eucharist_n and_o thanksgiving_n to_o these_o i_o add_v iii_o that_o god_n be_v please_v to_o sanctify_v a_o solemn_a day_n for_o the_o celebration_n of_o his_o work_n he_o appoint_v a_o sabbath_n for_o rest_n and_o contemplation_n to_o himself_o and_o for_o praise_n and_o acknowledgement_n to_o we_o and_o his_o make_a heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o sea_n and_o all_o that_o in_o they_o be_v be_v intimate_v in_o the_o commandment_n as_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o consecration_n of_o that_o day_n which_o be_v observe_v upon_o that_o account_n among_o the_o jew_n and_o the_o devout_a christian_n of_o elder_a time_n keep_v the_o same_o in_o memory_n of_o god_n creation_n after_o the_o institution_n of_o the_o other_o sabbath_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v enough_o for_o the_o first_o proposition_n viz._n that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v for_o his_o work_n i_o descend_v to_o the_o second_o which_o be_v sect_n iii_o ii_o that_o his_o work_n be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o those_o that_o will_v praise_v he_o for_o they_o we_o be_v command_v to_o sing_v praise_n with_o understanding_n psal._n xl_o 7._o and_o the_o offering_n he_o require_v be_v that_o of_o a_o reasonable_a service_n his_o work_n receive_v but_o little_a glory_n from_o the_o rude_a wonder_n of_o the_o ignorant_a and_o there_o be_v no_o wise_a man_n that_o value_v the_o applause_n of_o a_o blind_a admiration_n no_o one_o can_v give_v god_n the_o glory_n of_o his_o providence_n that_o let_v they_o pass_v by_o he_o unobserved_a nor_o can_v he_o render_v due_a acknowledgement_n to_o his_o word_n that_o do_v not_o search_v the_o scripture_n it_o be_v alike_o impossible_a to_o praise_v the_o almighty_a as_o we_o ought_v for_o his_o work_n while_o we_o careless_o regard_v they_o we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v for_o wisdom_n as_o for_o hide_a treasure_n it_o lie_v not_o expose_v in_o the_o common_a way_n and_o the_o chief_a wonder_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o goodness_n be_v not_o on_o the_o surface_n of_o thing_n lay_v open_a to_o every_o careless_a eye_n the_o tribute_n of_o praise_n that_o we_o owe_v our_o maker_n be_v not_o a_o formal_a slight_a confession_n that_o his_o work_n be_v wonderful_a and_o glorious_a but_o such_o a_o acknowledgement_n as_o proceed_v from_o deep_a observation_n and_o acquaintance_n with_o they_o and_o though_o our_o profound_a study_n and_o inquâ—…ies_n can_v unriddle_v all_o the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n yet_o do_v they_o still_o discover_v new_a motive_n to_o devout_a admiration_n and_o new_a object_n for_o our_o loud_a praise_n thus_o brief_o of_o the_o second_o proposition_n also_o viz._n that_o god_n work_n be_v to_o be_v study_v by_o those_o that_o will_v praise_v he_o for_o they_o from_o these_o i_o now_o advance_v to_o the_o three_o which_o will_v require_v more_o thought_n and_o it_o be_v sect_n iv._o iii_o that_o the_o study_n of_o nature_n and_o god_n work_n be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o religion_n we_o common_o believe_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v the_o end_n of_o this_o we_o say_v it_o be_v he_o and_o we_o know_v it_o be_v we_o and_o the_o divine_a glory_n be_v write_v upon_o his_o creature_n the_o more_o we_o study_v they_o the_o better_a we_o understand_v those_o character_n the_o better_a we_o read_v his_o glory_n and_o the_o more_o fit_a be_v we_o to_o celebrate_v and_o proclaim_v it_o thus_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n work_n promote_v the_o end_n of_o religion_n and_o it_o dispose_v we_o to_o it_o by_o keep_v the_o soul_n under_o a_o continual_a sense_n of_o god_n he_o that_o converse_v with_o his_o work_n find_v in_o all_o thing_n the_o clear_a stamp_n of_o infinite_a benignity_n and_o wisdom_n he_o perceive_v the_o divine_a art_n in_o all_o the_o turn_n and_o variety_n of_o nature_n and_o divine_a goodness_n in_o that_o he_o observe_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o every_o flower_n in_o every_o fiâ—…re_n of_o a_o plant_n in_o every_o limb_n of_o a_o insect_n in_o every_o drop_n of_o dew_n he_o meet_v he_o in_o all_o thing_n and_o see_v all_o thing_n be_v he_o and_o have_v a_o advantage_n hereby_o to_o be_v instruct_v how_o to_o use_v they_o as_o our_o maker_n not_o we_o with_o reverence_n and_o thanksgiving_n with_o a_o eye_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o a_o aim_n at_o his_o enjoyment_n this_o be_v the_o genuine_a tendency_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v abuse_v to_o different_a and_o contrary_a purpose_n natural_a wisdom_n be_v not_o in_o fault_n but_o he_o that_o turn_v this_o excellent_a instrument_n of_o religion_n upon_o itself_o but_o that_o better_a use_n may_v be_v make_v of_o it_o and_o by_o some_o be_v will_v appear_v by_o consider_v particular_o how_o acquaintance_n with_o nature_n assist_v religion_n against_o its_o great_a enemy_n which_o be_v atheism_n sadducism_n superstition_n enthusiasm_n and_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v chap._n ii_o philosophy_n serve_v religion_n against_o atheism_n by_o show_v the_o wonderful_a art_n and_o contrivance_n that_o be_v in_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v to_o be_v suspect_v that_o he_o be_v a_o atheist_n that_o say_v philosophy_n tend_v to_o atheism_n no_o philosophy_n do_v so_o much_o assist_v religion_n against_o atheism_n as_o the_o experimental_a and_o mechanic_n sect_n i._o for_o the_o first_o atheism_n i_o reckon_v thus_o the_o deep_a insight_n any_o man_n have_v into_o the_o affair_n of_o nature_n the_o more_o he_o discover_v of_o the_o accurateness_n and_o art_n that_o be_v in_o the_o contexture_n of_o thing_n for_o the_o work_n of_o god_n be_v not_o like_o the_o composition_n of_o fancy_n or_o the_o trick_n of_o juggler_n that_o will_v not_o bear_v the_o light_n of_o a_o strict_a scrutiny_n but_o their_o exactness_n be_v honour_v by_o severity_n of_o inspection_n and_o he_o admire_v most_o that_o know_v most_o since_o the_o inside_n and_o remote_a recess_n of_o thing_n have_v the_o clear_a stroke_n of_o inimitable_a wisdom_n on_o they_o and_o the_o artifice_n be_v more_o in_o the_o wheelwork_n then_o in_o the_o case_n for_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o any_o of_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n through_o a_o magnify_v glass_n that_o make_v deep_a
viz._n that_o man_n be_v lead_v into_o and_o keep_v in_o this_o fancy_n of_o the_o enmity_n of_o reason_n to_o religion_n chieâ—…ly_o by_o two_o thing_n sect_n iii_o ay_o by_o a_o implicit_a assent_n to_o the_o systeme_n and_o dictate_v of_o those_o who_o first_o instruct_v they_o which_o teacher_n come_v also_o into_o the_o fancy_n the_o same_o way_n and_o both_o be_v hold_v under_o the_o power_n of_o it_o by_o strong_a prejudice_n arise_v from_o that_o implicit_a faith_n and_o ii_o by_o want_n of_o clear_a thought_n and_o ability_n to_o state_n thing_n distinct_o and_o to_o understand_v their_o dependency_n and_o sequels_fw-fr both_o which_o imperfection_n the_o free_a philosophy_n 〈◊〉_d for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o i._o that_o philosophy_n begin_v with_o the_o inlargment_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o attempt_n to_o free_v it_o from_o prejudices_fw-la and_o pre-ingagement_n which_o sophisticate_a and_o pervert_v our_o judgement_n and_o render_v we_o incapable_a of_o discern_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v modest_a impartial_a enquiry_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o real_a experimental_a way_n of_o philosophy_n not_o that_o it_o teach_v sceptiâ—…ism_n and_o absolute_a neutrality_n in_o all_o thing_n but_o so_o much_o caution_n in_o our_o disquisition_n that_o we_o do_v not_o sudden_o give_v firm_a assent_n to_o thing_n not_o well_o understand_v oâ—…_n examine_v which_o no_o doubt_n be_v very_o just_a and_o safe_a but_o as_o to_o what_o concern_v those_o who_o through_o ignorance_n or_o other_o occasion_n be_v incapable_a of_o make_v due_a enquiry_n i_o think_v they_o ought_v not_o to_o concern_v themselves_o about_o matter_n of_o speculation_n at_o all_o or_o at_o least_o not_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n positive_o of_o they_o it_o be_v enough_o for_o such_o to_o â—…lieve_v and_o practice_v the_o plain_a duty_n of_o religion_n which_o arâ—…_n clear_a in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o with_o which_o they_o may_v be_v acquaint_v without_o much_o sagacity_n or_o deep_a judgement_n for_o matter_n of_o theory_n and_o dissicult_a enquiry_n appertain_v â—…ot_v to_o the_o vulgar_a and_o low_a rank_n of_o understanding_n but_o for_o those_o who_o be_v capable_a of_o sâ—…arch_n after_o truth_n and_o be_v provide_v with_o advantage_n for_o it_o freedom_n of_o judgement_n be_v necessary_a in_o order_n to_o their_o success_n with_o this_o i_o say_v the_o real_a philosophy_n â—…egins_v and_o in_o all_o it_o be_v progress_v still_o mâ—…e_a and_o more_o dispoâ—…th_v the_o mind_n to_o it_o and_o so_o deliver_v it_o from_o the_o vassalage_n of_o customary_a say_n and_o opinion_n now_o whoever_o be_v so_o dispose_v will_v not_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n till_o he_o have_v consider_v and_o examine_v the_o matter_n with_o a_o impartial_a judgement_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v whoever_o shall_v do_v that_o will_v want_v nothing_o to_o convince_v he_o that_o such_o a_o opinion_n be_v false_a and_o groundless_a but_o clear_a and_o distinct_a thought_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o consequence_n with_o which_o philosophy_n will_v furnish_v he_o this_o be_v the_o second_o way_n whereby_o it_o help_v to_o overthrow_v this_o principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n viz._n ii_o by_o teach_v we_o to_o state_n matter_n clear_o and_o to_o draw_v out_o those_o conclusion_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o they_o for_o it_o be_v confusion_n of_o notion_n and_o a_o greaâ—…_n defect_n in_o reason_v that_o make_v dark_a zeal_n to_o rave_v so_o furious_o against_o reason_n now_o philosophy_n be_v reason_n methodise_v and_o improve_v by_o study_n observation_n and_o experiment_n and_o whoever_o be_v addict_v to_o these_o be_v exercise_v frequent_o in_o inquiry_n after_o the_o cause_n property_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n which_o will_v inure_v the_o mind_n to_o great_a intentness_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o define_v and_o distinguish_v and_o infer_v right_o and_o by_o these_o the_o allegation_n against_o reason_n will_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o be_v idle_a sophisâ—…s_n that_o have_v no_o sound_a sense_n or_o substance_n in_o they_o this_o be_v show_v in_o a_o late_a discourse_n call_v a_o vindication_n and_o desence_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o affair_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n in_o which_o also_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v state_v distinct_o and_o i_o think_v right_a be_v do_v both_o to_o reason_n and_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v make_v evident_a there_o that_o all_o the_o article_n of_o faith_n may_v either_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n or_o defend_v by_o it_o which_o two_o particular_n we_o will_v here_o touch_v a_o little_a that_o reason_n prove_v the_o great_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v by_o those_o philosophic_a reasoner_n that_o have_v doâ—…e_v it_o and_o to_o say_v a_o word_n of_o this_o will_v be_v no_o digression_n since_o it_o will_v show_v that_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o conceit_n of_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n and_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o improve_v reason_n to_o many_o purpose_n of_o religion_n sect_n iv._o i._n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o divers_a great_a man_n have_v labour_v in_o the_o rational_a proof_n of_o christian_a religion_n as_o the_o most_o learned_a hugo_n grotius_n duplessis_n raymond_n de_fw-fr saâ—…undis_fw-la the_o pious_a and_o most_o excellent_a doctor_n hammond_n mr._n baxter_n and_o other_o among_o ourselves_o and_o the_o immortal_a bishop_n of_o down_o doctor_n jer._n tailor_n have_v in_o ten_o leaf_n of_o his_o ductor_n dubitantium_fw-la give_v such_o a_o invincible_a rational_a demonstration_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o most_o elegant_a and_o judicious_a collection_n of_o all_o the_o most_o important_a parâ—…iculars_n of_o evidence_n that_o if_o there_o have_v never_o be_v any_o thing_n say_v before_o for_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o religion_n this_o alone_o have_v be_v enough_o to_o have_v win_v upon_o the_o most_o rich_a and_o difficult_a assent_n and_o to_o have_v confound_v all_o the_o infidel_n under_o heaven_n this_o testimony_n i_o must_v give_v to_o that_o glorious_a performance_n and_o it_o will_v not_o i_o presume_v be_v think_v excessive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o read_v and_o be_v fit_a to_o judge_v in_o such_o case_n i_o can_v not_o omit_v mention_n of_o these_o worthy_a asserter_n and_o defender_n of_o religion_n but_o there_o be_v another_o sort_n of_o reasoner_n for_o our_o faith_n that_o be_v more_o proper_a for_o my_o present_a notice_n viz._n those_o that_o have_v use_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o modern_a free_a philosophy_n in_o prove_v and_o defend_v some_o main_a article_n of_o religion_n and_o there_o be_v several_a member_n of_o the_o royal_a society_n who_o have_v imployâ—…d_v their_o ingenious_a and_o pious_a pain_n this_o way_n the_o wise_a learned_a and_o deserve_o celebrate_v prelate_n dr._n seth_n ward_n the_o present_a lord_n bishop_n of_o sarum_n have_v in_o his_o philosophical_a essay_n full_o though_o in_o a_o small_a compass_n of_o word_n and_o perspicuous_o show_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o religion_n be_v lay_v in_o eternal_a reason_n and_o by_o this_o have_v clear_v the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n and_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v the_o grand_a basis_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n and_o the_o illustrious_a mr._n boyle_n have_v in_o his_o excellent_a treatise_n of_o the_o usesulness_n of_o experimental_a philosophy_n make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophic_a reason_n give_v the_o strong_a evidence_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n and_o very_o glorious_a illustration_n of_o his_o attribute_n and_o by_o it_o he_o infinite_o shame_v and_o disprove_v the_o folly_n of_o the_o epicurean_a atheist_n which_o great_a interest_n of_o faith_n and_o piety_n have_v also_o be_v egregious_o promote_v by_o the_o judicious_a philosophical_a performance_n of_o the_o learned_a doctor_n h._n more_n who_o have_v every_o where_o in_o his_o work_n discover_v to_o what_o useful_a purpose_n reason_n and_o the_o free_a philosophy_n may_v be_v employ_v in_o the_o service_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o noble_a sir_n k._n digby_n write_v a_o discourse_n concern_v the_o immortaâ—…ty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o he_o prove_v and_o defend_v by_o the_o principle_n and_o reason_n of_o philosophy_n which_o design_n also_o of_o make_v philosophy_n serve_v the_o altar_n have_v be_v happy_o undertake_v and_o as_o successful_o manage_v by_o the_o ingenious_a mr._n sam._n parker_n in_o his_o learned_a tentamina_fw-la in_o which_o he_o strenuous_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n and_o explain_v many_o difficulty_n about_o his_o attribute_n by_o the_o use_n of_o free_a philosophical_a reason_n these_o be_v and_o be_v all_o member_n of_o the_o royal_a college_n of_o philosopher_n to_o these_o i_o may_v add_v the_o instance_n of_o the_o great_a des-cartes_n and_o our_o worthy_a and_o learned_a doctor_n stillingfleet_n who_o have_v also_o excellent_o employ_v the_o free_a philosophy_n for_o the_o
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
glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handy_a work_n and_o again_o psal._n 14._o 8._o 3._o praise_v he_o sun_n and_o moon_n praise_v he_o you_o star_n and_o light_n which_o intimate_v that_o these_o work_n of_o his_o afford_v matter_n to_o our_o reason_n for_o religious_a acknowledgement_n and_o reason_n prove_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o beauty_n and_o order_n and_o end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o creature_n for_o these_o be_v demonstrative_a argument_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o wise_a and_o omnipotent_a mind_n that_o have_v frame_v all_o thing_n so_o orderly_o and_o exact_o and_o that_o mind_n be_v god_n this_o article_n then_o reason_n prove_v which_o be_v the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o particular_a and_o i_o add_v that_o it_o be_v reason_n only_o that_o can_v do_v it_o which_o be_v the_o other_o this_o you_o will_v see_v when_o you_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o three_o thing_n from_o whence_o the_o existence_n of_o any_o be_v can_v be_v conclude_v viz._n sense_n revelation_n or_o reason_n for_o sense_n it_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o to_o present_a matter_n for_o our_o reason_n to_o work_v on_o and_o revelation_n suppose_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o can_v prove_v it_o for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o security_n that_o the_o revelation_n be_v true_a till_o we_o be_v assure_v it_o be_v from_o god_n or_o from_o some_o commissioned_n by_o he_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o be_v therefore_o must_v precede_v our_o faith_n in_o revelation_n and_o so_o can_v be_v deduce_v from_o it_o thus_o reason_n befriend_v religion_n by_o lay_v its_o corner_n stone_n and_o the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v the_o other_o principle_n mention_v ii_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n this_o also_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o reason_n and_o only_o by_o it._n the_o great_a argument_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o the_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n our_o saviour_n himself_o use_v this_o argument_n to_o gain_v credit_n to_o his_o doctrine_n believe_v i_o for_o the_o work_v sake_n the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v bear_v testimony_n of_o i_o and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o do_v among_o they_o the_o work_n that_o no_o other_o man_n do_v they_o have_v have_v no_o sin_n joh._n xv._n 24._o and_o the_o apostle_n continual_o urge_v that_o great_a miracle_n the_o resurrection_n of_o christ_n from_o the_o dead_a for_o the_o conviction_n both_o of_o the_o jew_n and_o gentile_n that_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o his_o doctrine_n true_a now_o miracle_n be_v a_o argument_n to_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o reason_n from_o they_o thus_o miracle_n be_v god_n seal_n and_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o his_o power_n and_o he_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o will_v not_o lend_v these_o to_o impostor_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v mankind_n therefore_o whoever_o work_v real_a miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v teach_v of_o god_n and_o commissioned_n to_o teach_v we_o and_o that_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v record_v of_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o testimony_n and_o reason_n clear_v the_o validity_n of_o this_o by_o the_o aggregation_n of_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n which_o show_n that_o the_o first_o relator_n can_v not_o be_v deceive_v themselves_o and_o will_v not_o deceive_v we_o nor_o indeed_o can_v in_o the_o main_a matter_n if_o they_o have_v design_v it_o and_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o conveyance_n of_o these_o thing_n to_o we_o be_v evince_v also_o by_o numerous_a convictive_a reason_n so_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v secure_a and_o that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v teach_v as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o those_o divine_a person_n and_o those_o person_n inspire_v that_o pen_v they_o be_v prove_v the_o same_o way_n and_o so_o it_o follow_v from_o the_o whole_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o the_o old_a testament_n be_v confirm_v by_o that_o thus_o reason_n prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o those_o other_o argument_n that_o use_v to_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o from_o its_o style_n and_o its_o influence_n upon_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n from_o the_o excellency_n of_o its_o design_n and_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n in_o preserve_v it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o sort_n though_o not_o of_o the_o same_o strength_n reason_n then_o prove_v the_o scripture_n and_o this_o only_a for_o that_o they_o be_v from_o god_n be_v not_o knâ—…wn_v immediate_o by_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o distinct_a revelation_n that_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o it_o and_o so_o reason_n only_o remain_v to_o deâ—…onstrate_v this_o other_o fundamental_a article_n these_o two_o great_a truth_n the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o authority_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o first_o in_o our_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v conclusion_n of_o reason_n and_o foundation_n of_o faith_n thus_o brief_o of_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v fundamental_o such_o we_o have_v see_v how_o reason_n serve_v they_o by_o demonstrate_v their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o principle_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v formal_o so_o they_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n mix_v and_o pure_a the_o mix_v be_v those_o that_o be_v discover_v by_o reason_n and_o declare_v by_o revelation_n also_o and_o so_o be_v principle_n both_o of_o reason_n and_o faith_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o the_o immortality_n of_o humane_a soul_n the_o principle_n of_o pure_a faith_n be_v such_o as_o be_v know_v only_o by_o divine_a testimony_n as_o the_o miraculous_a conception_n the_o incarnation_n and_o the_o trinity_n the_o first_o sort_n reason_n prove_v as_o well_o as_o scripture_n this_o i_o show_v brief_o in_o the_o allege_a instance_n 1._o that_o the_o divine_a attribute_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a oracle_n it_o be_v clear_a and_o they_o be_v deduce_v from_o reason_n also_o for_o it_o be_v a_o general_a principle_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o god_n be_v a_o be_v absolute_o perfect_a and_o hence_o reason_n conclude_v all_o the_o particular_a attribute_n of_o his_o be_v since_o wisdom_n goodness_n power_n and_o the_o rest_n be_v perfection_n and_o imply_v nothing_o of_o imperfection_n or_o defect_n and_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o infinite_o perfect_a essence_n 2._o that_o there_o be_v moral_a good_a and_o evil_a be_v discoverable_a by_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o scripture_n for_o these_o be_v reason_n maxim_n that_o every_o thing_n be_v make_v for_o a_o end_n and_o every_o thing_n be_v direct_v to_o its_o end_n by_o certain_a rule_n these_o rule_n in_o creature_n of_o understanding_n and_o choice_n be_v law_n and_o the_o transgress_a these_o be_v vice_n and_o sin_n 3._o the_o immortality_n of_o our_o soul_n be_v plain_a in_o scripture_n and_o reason_n prove_v it_o by_o show_v the_o spirituality_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o that_o it_o do_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o sense_n and_o our_o perception_n of_o spiritual_a being_n and_o universals_z of_o logical_a metaphysical_a and_o mathematical_a notion_n from_o our_o compound_v proposition_n and_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o they_o from_o the_o vastness_n and_o quickness_n of_o our_o imagination_n and_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n all_o which_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o matter_n and_o therefore_o argue_v a_o be_v that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o consequent_o immortal_a which_o inference_n the_o philosophy_n of_o spirit_n prove_v also_o the_o moral_a argument_n of_o reason_n from_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o justice_n in_o distribute_v reward_n and_o punishment_n the_o nature_n of_o virtue_n and_o tendency_n of_o religious_a appetite_n conclude_v i_o think_v strong_o that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n after_o this_o thus_o in_o short_a of_o the_o principle_n i_o call_v mix_v which_o reason_n demonstrate_v but_o for_o the_o other_o viz._n ii_o those_o of_o pure_a revelation_n reason_n can_v prove_v they_o immediate_o nor_o be_v it_o to_o be_v expect_v that_o it_o shall_v for_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o testimony_n and_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o look_v for_o immediate_a proof_n from_o reason_n of_o those_o thing_n than_o we_o be_v to_o expect_v that_o abstract_a reason_n shall_v demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o china_n or_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o julius_n caesar_n all_o that_o it_o can_v do_v here_o be_v to_o assert_v and_o make_v good_a the_o credibility_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o testimony_n that_o relate_v such_o matter_n and_o that_o it_o do_v in_o the_o present_a case_n prove_v the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n and_o thereby_o in_o a_o
arguing_n of_o our_o saviour_n thus_o mat._n 7._o 11._o if_o you_o be_v evil_a know_v how_o to_o give_v good_a gift_n to_o your_o child_n how_o much_o more_o shall_v your_o father_n which_o be_v in_o heaven_n give_v good_a thing_n to_o those_o that_o ask_v he_o the_o ground_n of_o the_o consequence_n be_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o god_n be_v more_o benign_a and_o gracious_a than_o the_o tender_a and_o most_o affectionate_a of_o our_o earthly_a parent_n so_o luke_n 12._o 24._o he_o argue_v that_o god_n will_v provide_v for_o we_o because_o he_o do_v for_o the_o raven_n since_o we_o be_v better_a than_o they_o how_o much_o more_o be_v you_o better_o than_o the_o sowl_n which_o argue_v suppose_v this_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o that_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o be_v indulgent_a to_o the_o vile_a creature_n will_v not_o neglect_v the_o more_o excellent_a he_o proceed_v surth_a in_o the_o same_o argument_n by_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n and_o make_v the_o like_a inference_n from_o it_o vers._n 28._o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n how_o much_o more_o will_v he_o clothe_v you_o and_o mat._n 12._o he_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o he_o to_o heal_v on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n from_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o general_a mercy_n that_o be_v due_a even_o to_o brute_n creature_n what_o man_n shall_v there_o be_v among_o you_o that_o shall_v have_v one_o sheep_n and_o if_o it_o fall_v into_o a_o pit_n on_o the_o sabbath_n day_n will_v he_o not_o lay_v hold_n of_o it_o to_o lift_v it_o out_o how_o much_o more_o than_o be_v a_o man_n better_o than_o a_o sheep_n vers._n 12._o thus_o our_o saviour_n use_v argument_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o apostle_n do_v so_o very_o frequent_o s._n paul_n disprove_v idolatry_n this_o way_n act_n 17._o 29._o forasmuch_o then_o as_o we_o be_v the_o offspring_n of_o god_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o the_o godhead_n be_v like_a unto_o gold_n or_o silver_n or_o stone_n grave_v by_o art_n and_o the_o same_o apostle_n prove_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o dead_a by_o the_o mention_n of_o seven_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o will_v follow_v the_o denial_n of_o it_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 15._o viz._n if_o the_o dead_a rise_v not_o then_o 1._o christ_n be_v not_o rise_v and_o then_o 2._o our_o preach_a be_v vain_a and_o we_o false_a apostle_n and_o if_o so_o 3._o your_o faith_n be_v vain_a and_o then_o 4._o you_o be_v not_o justify_v but_o be_v in_o your_o sin_n and_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v 5._o that_o those_o that_o be_v depart_v in_o the_o same_o faith_n be_v perish_v and_o then_o 6._o faith_n in_o christ_n profit_v only_o in_o this_o life_n and_o if_o so_o 7._o we_o be_v of_o all_o man_n the_o most_o miserable_a because_o we_o suffer_v all_o thing_n for_o this_o faith_n from_o vers._n 14._o to_o vers_n 19_o and_o the_o whole_a chapter_n contain_v philosophical_a reason_v either_o to_o prove_v or_o illustrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o to_o show_v the_o difference_n of_o glorify_a body_n from_o these_o and_o s._n peter_n in_o his_o second_o epistle_n chap._n 2._o show_n that_o sinful_a man_n must_v expect_v to_o be_v punish_v because_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o angel_n that_o fall_v instance_n in_o this_o case_n be_v endless_a these_o may_v suffice_v and_o thus_o of_o the_o second_o thing_n also_o which_o i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o religion_n be_v friendly_a to_o reason_n and_o that_o appear_v in_o that_o god_n himself_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n own_o it_o and_o use_v argument_n from_o it_o even_o in_o aâ—…fairs_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o scripture_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v pretend_v against_o it_o and_o other_o consideration_n also_o these_o therefore_o come_v next_o to_o be_v consider_v and_o the_o deal_n with_o those_o pretension_n be_v the_o iii_o general_n i_o propose_v to_o discuss_v as_o for_o argument_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n it_o be_v allege_v 1._o from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o where_o it_o be_v say_v that_o god_n will_v destroy_v the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o wise_a vers_fw-la 19_o and_o the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n know_v not_o god_n vers_fw-la 21._o and_o not_o many_o wise_a man_n after_o the_o flesh_n be_v call_v vers_fw-la 26._o and_o god_n choose_v the_o foolish_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o confound_v the_o wise_a vers_fw-la 27._o by_o which_o expression_n of_o wisdom_n and_o wise_a it_o be_v presume_v that_o humane_a reason_n and_o rational_a man_n be_v mean_v but_o these_o interpreter_n mistake_v the_o matter_n much_o and_o as_o they_o be_v wont_n to_o do_v put_v arbitrary_a interpretation_n upon_o scripture_n without_o ground_n for_o by_o wisdom_n here_o there_o be_v no_o cause_n to_o understand_v the_o reason_n of_o man_n but_o rather_o the_o tradition_n of_o the_o jew_n the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o dispute_a â—…reeks_n and_o the_o worldly_a polrey_n of_o the_o roman_n who_o be_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o ruler_n of_o that_o world_n that_o the_o jewish_a learning_n in_o their_o law_n be_v mean_v the_o apostle_n intimate_v when_o he_o aâ—…ks_v in_o a_o way_n of_o challenge_n vers_fw-la 20._o where_o be_v the_o scribe_n and_o the_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d signify_v one_o that_o be_v skilled_a in_o their_o law_n and_o custom_n and_o that_o the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o greek_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v likewise_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o believe_v from_o the_o other_o question_n in_o the_o same_o verse_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n which_o though_o some_o refer_v to_o the_o doctor_n among_o the_o jew_n also_o yet_o i_o humble_o think_v it_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o philosopher_n among_o the_o grecian_n for_o the_o apostle_n write_v to_o greek_n and_o their_o philosophy_n be_v notorious_o contentious_a and_o last_o that_o the_o worldly_a policy_n oâ—…_n the_o roman_n be_v include_v also_o in_o this_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n which_o the_o apostle_n vilisy_n there_o be_v cause_n to_o think_v from_o the_o six_o verse_n of_o the_o second_o chapter_n where_o he_o say_v he_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n and_o it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o policy_n be_v their_o most_o value_a wisdom_n 〈◊〉_d regere_fw-la imperio_fw-la to_o govern_v the_o nation_n and_o promote_v the_o grandeur_n of_o their_o empire_n be_v the_o great_a design_n and_o study_v of_o those_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n now_o all_o these_o the_o apoâ—…le_n set_v at_o nought_o in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o epistle_n because_o they_o be_v very_o opposite_a to_o the_o simplicity_n and_o holiness_n selfdeâ—…al_n and_o meekness_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n of_o reason_n to_o which_o indeed_o those_o sort_n of_o wisdom_n be_v as_o contrary_a as_o they_o be_v to_o religion_n and_o by_o this_o i_o be_o enable_v 2._o to_o meet_v another_o objection_n urge_v from_o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v hence_o the_o enthusiast_n argue_v the_o universal_a inability_n of_o reason_n in_o thing_n of_o religion_n and_o its_o antipathy_n to_o they_o whereas_o i_o can_v apprehend_v no_o more_o to_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n than_o this_o viz._n that_o such_o kind_n of_o natural_a man_n as_o those_o scribe_n and_o disputer_n and_o politician_n have_v their_o mind_n deprave_v and_o prepossess_v with_o their_o own_o wisdom_n be_v indispose_a to_o receive_v this_o that_o be_v so_o contrary_a unto_o it_o and_o they_o can_v not_o know_v those_o thing_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_a and_o so_o will_v require_v a_o mind_n that_o be_v of_o a_o pure_a and_o spiritual_a frame_n viz._n free_a from_o that_o earthly_a wisdom_n of_o all_o sort_n which_o count_v those_o thingâ—…_n foolishness_n and_o which_o by_o god_n be_v count_v so_o itself_o 1_o cor._n 3._o 19_o which_o place_n 3._o be_v use_v as_o another_o 〈◊〉_d against_o reason_n the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n be_v foolishness_n with_o god_n but_o it_o can_v signiâ—…e_v nothing_o to_o that_o purpose_n to_o one_o that_o understand_v and_o consider_v the_o apostle_n meaning_n what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n here_o i_o have_v declare_v already_o and_o by_o the_o former_a part_n of_o my_o discourse_n it_o appear_v that_o whatever_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o our_o reason_n can_v since_o that_o either_o prove_v or_o defend_v all_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n 4._o and_o when_o the_o same_o apostle_n elsewhere_o viz._n 2_o cor._n 1._o 12._o say_v that_o
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