upon_o other_o nor_o do_v i_o care_v to_o endeavour_v the_o change_n of_o their_o mind_n though_o i_o judge_v they_o mistake_v as_o long_o as_o virtue_n the_o interest_n of_o religion_n the_o peace_n of_o the_o world_n and_o their_o own_o be_v not_o prejudice_v by_o their_o error_n by_o this_o modest_a indifference_n i_o secure_v charity_n for_o all_o the_o diversity_n of_o belief_n and_o equal_o offer_v my_o friendship_n and_o converse_v to_o the_o several_a sect_n and_o persuasion_n that_o stick_v to_o the_o plain_a principle_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o a_o virtuous_a life_n overlook_v their_o particular_a fondness_n and_o folly_n this_o be_v the_o temper_n of_o my_o genius_n and_o this_o some_o warm_a people_n who_o have_v more_o heat_n than_o light_n be_v apt_a to_o call_v scepticism_n and_o cold_a neutrality_n but_o that_o it_o deserve_v better_a name_n i_o have_v make_v appear_v in_o some_o other_o paper_n true_a it_o be_v that_o the_o man_n of_o the_o mere_a epicurean_a sort_n 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philosophy_n of_o a_o fault_n which_o philosophy_n sufficient_o shame_v and_o reprove_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v too_o many_o have_v entertain_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 its_o 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 be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a concurrence_n of_o atom_n be_v impious_a and_o vile_a and_o 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 wicked_a and_o absurd_a doctrine_n but_o thus_o far_o they_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 quality_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 the_o 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 create_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 interfere_v with_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 m._n hobbes_n his_o way_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v at_o a_o late_a reverend_a author_n who_o 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 whereas_o those_o learned_a man_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 phenomena_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 person_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 mere_a 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 but_o 2._o it_o be_v allege_v by_o some_o philosophy_n dispose_v man_n 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 therefore_o be_v to_o be_v flight_v and_o explode_v among_o christian_n to_o this_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 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 it_o so_o much_o unto_o we_o yea_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_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 familiarity_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 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 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 menagement_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 more_o frequent_a in_o the_o proof_n and_o recommendation_n of_o the_o authority_n of_o scripture_n than_o those_o of_o philosophical_a inclination_n and_o genius_n who_o by_o 〈◊〉_d â—…mblick_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 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 coutrary_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 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 capable_a of_o inhabitant_n which_o opinion_n be_v presume_v to_o be_v impious_a and_o antiscriptural_a in_o return_n to_o this_o
chron._n 16._o 25._o we_o be_v to_o offer_v he_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o praise_n heb._n 13._o 15._o and_o be_v encourage_v to_o do_v so_o because_o it_o be_v good_a to_o sing_v praise_n and_o praise_n be_v comely_a for_o the_o upright_a psal._n 1._o 47._o and_o psalm_n 33._o to_o recite_v all_o the_o particular_a recommendation_n and_o command_n of_o this_o duty_n be_v endless_a i_o only_o mention_v the_o next_o to_o my_o thought_n and_o add_v that_o nature_n say_v the_o same_o that_o praise_n be_v the_o tribute_n that_o be_v due_a to_o the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o we_o can_v offer_v he_o nothing_o less_o and_o in_o a_o manner_n nothing_o else_o all_o the_o world_n have_v be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o and_o the_o rude_a part_n of_o mankind_n have_v own_v the_o dueness_n of_o praise_n and_o devout_a acknowledgement_n and_o ii_o the_o other_o branch_n be_v as_o clear_v that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v praise_v particular_o for_o his_o work_n for_o in_o these_o we_o have_v very_o full_a discovery_n of_o his_o perfection_n and_o his_o mercy_n the_o most_o proper_a subject_n for_o our_o praise_n but_o here_o i_o must_v be_v more_o large_a and_o therefore_o propose_v the_o follow_a thing_n to_o be_v consider_v 1._o when_o god_n himself_o will_v represent_v his_o own_o magnificence_n and_o glory_n he_o direct_v we_o to_o his_o work_n he_o illustrate_v his_o greatness_n to_o job_n by_o instance_v the_o wonder_n of_o his_o creature_n among_o who_o we_o be_v send_v to_o the_o earth_n and_o ocean_n to_o the_o cloud_n and_o rainâ—…_n to_o the_o light_n and_o heavenly_a influence_n to_o behemoth_n and_o leviathan_n to_o the_o ostrich_n and_o the_o 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 four_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 psalm_n 104._o and_o the_o earth_n be_v full_a of_o his_o goodness_n psalm_n 119._o 54._o and_o again_o 2._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 36_o and_o 37_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 104._o throughout_o and_o he_o give_v particular_a thanks_o again_o psalm_n 136._o 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 148._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 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 divine_a 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 2._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 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 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 40._o 7._o and_o the_o offer_v 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 the_o particular_n of_o it_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 equal_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 consider_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 inquiry_n can_v unfold_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 this_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 the_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 fiber_n of_o a_o plant_n in_o every_o particle_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 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
make_v and_o the_o royal_a psalmist_n speak_v to_o the_o like_a purpose_n psal._n 19_o the_o heaven_n declare_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o firmament_n show_v his_o handiworks_a and_o again_o psal._n 148._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 srom_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 regular_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 for_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 sense_n 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 commission_v 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 so_o that_o only_a reason_n be_v leave_v to_o assure_v we_o here_o and_o thus_o reason_n lay_v the_o very_a corner_n stone_n of_o religion_n the_o next_o to_o this_o be_v the_o other_o principle_n mention_v viz._n 2._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_o 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_n be_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 john_n 15._o 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 commission_v 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 those_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 know_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 demonstrate_v the_o 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 as_o well_o as_o foundation_n of_o faith_n and_o thus_o brief_o of_o those_o principle_n of_o religion_n that_o be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o we_o have_v see_v how_o reason_n serve_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o they_o ii_o i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o other_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 â—…t_a 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 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virtue_n and_o tendency_n of_o religious_a appetite_n conclude_v i_o think_v very_o hopeful_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 2._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
humane_a reason_n by_o that_o for_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 timethy_a 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 〈◊〉_d 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 fit_a to_o meddle_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n to_o this_o i_o say_v that_o reason_n as_o 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 when_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_n if_o this_o be_v 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 to_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 falsehood_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 understand_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 take_v in_o the_o letter_n what_o in_o the_o mystery_n what_o plain_o whatin_n 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 exrcise_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 little_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 fame_n 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 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 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 phanaticism_n to_o plead_v against_o it_o this_o name_n 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-as_a 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 exâ—…inction_n and_o annihilation_n of_o the_o wicked_a after_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n be_v very_o obnoxious_a to_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n and_o the_o socinian_o can_v never_o be_v confuâ—…ed_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 that_o 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 of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o now_o from_o the_o forego_n brief_a discourse_n i_o shall_v
deduce_v some_o corollary_n that_o may_v be_v of_o use_n for_o the_o better_a understanding_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a 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 possible_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 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 2._o i_o infer_v 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 hierocles_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._n 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 contradict_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_n 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 unite_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 fallacious_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 faith_n 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 differ_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v their_o 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 irrational_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o article_n of_o it_o 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 sense_n that_o contradict_v the_o direct_a scripture_n faith_n and_o reason_n accord_n as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a testament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v heed_v also_o because_o even_o that_o be_v 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 it_o 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 a_o 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 obscurity_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 sufficient_a for_o its_o own_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 speculative_a 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 depend_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 better_a 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 as_o a_o conclusion_n to_o the_o whole_a i_o shall_v add_v some_o consideration_n of_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n of_o the_o common_a practice_n at_o least_o among_o the_o sect_n of_o declaim_v against_o reason_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n 1._o it_o tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o scepticism_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 infidel_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 and_o 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 scene_n of_o imagination_n and_o then_o down_o fall_v the_o castle_n who_o foundation_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 if_o this_o be_v so_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 profess_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 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 or_o at_o least_o when_o they_o hear_v that_o reason_n be_v 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 infinite_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 decry_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 fugiendum_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o cavendum_fw-la quam_fw-la refellendum_fw-la censuerunt_fw-la the_o vbiquitarian_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_a and_o vehement_a out-cry_n 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 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swallow_v
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of_o the_o scripture_n