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of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o 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be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o 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according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
and_o the_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o this_o it_o may_v be_v be_v that_o which_o impose_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o ear_n shall_v i_o say_v of_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o as_o a_o objection_n i_o can_v imagine_v what_o else_o shall_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o the_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v contradictory_n because_o ad_fw-la idem_fw-la and_o so_o be_v not_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n but_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n and_o no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o therefore_o these_o may_v stand_v together_o though_o the_o other_o can_v 10._o but_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o fallacy_n of_o this_o great_a and_o very_o popular_a objection_n yet_o a_o little_a more_o to_o the_o eye_n though_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a blind_a one_o that_o do_v not_o see_v it_o already_o i_o will_v put_v it_o into_o form_n and_o give_v it_o a_o formal_a answer_n if_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n than_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n can_v rational_o be_v believe_v but_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n ergo._fw-la for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o distinguish_v if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o internal_a evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n than_o i_o deny_v the_o minor_a faith_n be_v not_o so_o a_o rational_a act._n but_o if_o by_o rational_a act_n be_v mean_v a_o act_n found_v upon_o external_n evidence_n or_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n than_o indeed_o i_o grant_v the_o minor_a but_o deny_v the_o consequence_n which_o be_v none_o at_o all_o for_o it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o follow_v because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n mean_v by_o it_o that_o it_o proceed_v upon_o external_n evidence_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o clear_a reason_n for_o believe_v that_o therefore_o the_o thing_n belieuâ—d_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v altogether_o inevident_a and_o so_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n for_o though_o evidence_n be_v contradictory_n to_o not_o evidence_n in_o the_o â—ame_n yet_o evidence_n in_o the_o act_n be_v no_o way_n contradictory_n to_o inevidence_n in_o the_o object_n and_o consequent_o do_v not_o at_o all_o exclude_v it_o they_o may_v therefore_o both_o stand_v together_o and_o consequent_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v be_v believe_v for_o any_o thing_n that_o this_o celebrate_a objection_n from_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n make_v to_o the_o contrary_a which_o true_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o palpable_a a_o sophism_n that_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v how_o it_o can_v ever_o impose_v upon_o so_o many_o learned_a man_n as_o it_o have_v do_v and_o some_o of_o they_o very_o acute_a and_o nice_a considerer_n of_o thing_n but_o i_o hope_v the_o fallaciousness_n of_o it_o be_v by_o this_o so_o plain_o and_o full_o detect_v that_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v those_o head_n worth_a much_o inform_v that_o shall_v be_v further_o impose_v on_o by_o it_o 11._o but_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o say_v to_o that_o great_a and_o fundamental_a maxim_n so_o press_o inculcate_v by_o des_n cast_v and_o his_o follower_n and_o not_o disallow_v of_o by_o other_o that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a if_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a how_o then_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a or_o if_o to_o what_o be_v obscure_a and_o inevident_a how_o then_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a do_v not_o these_o seem_v flat_a contradiction_n one_o to_o the_o other_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v we_o adjust_a the_o matter_n between_o they_o it_o must_v be_v either_o by_o deny_v that_o cartesian_a maxim_n to_o be_v true_a or_o by_o show_v that_o though_o it_o be_v true_a it_o do_v not_o contradict_v the_o assertion_n here_o maintain_v but_o be_v consistent_a with_o it_o the_o first_o way_n i_o shall_v not_o take_v i_o allow_v the_o maxim_n to_o be_v true_a and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o to_o be_v withal_o of_o the_o great_a importance_n of_o any_o that_o can_v be_v give_v for_o the_o direction_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o order_n to_o the_o avoid_n of_o error_n the_o only_a remedy_n and_o caution_n against_o which_o be_v never_o to_o let_v our_o judgement_n prevent_v our_o conception_n or_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v only_o a_o confuse_v notion_n of_o and_o where_o we_o see_v only_o by_o half_n and_o with_o a_o imperfect_a light_n or_o perhaps_o do_v not_o see_v at_o all_o but_o to_o have_v a_o clear_a understanding_n of_o the_o matter_n before_o we_o adventure_v to_o judge_v of_o it_o and_o to_o maintain_v a_o evidence_n in_o all_o our_o reason_n which_o according_o be_v make_v by_o m._n malebranche_n the_o first_o of_o those_o rule_n which_o in_o his_o treatise_n of_o method_n he_o lay_v down_o to_o be_v observe_v in_o the_o inquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o indeed_o to_o do_v otherwise_o be_v to_o make_v a_o wrong_a use_n of_o our_o intellectual_a power_n particular_o of_o that_o liberty_n we_o have_v to_o suspend_v judgement_n till_o the_o fullness_n of_o evidence_n require_v it_o and_o the_o want_n of_o observe_v this_o rule_n be_v also_o the_o occasion_n of_o most_o of_o our_o error_n and_o wrong_a assent_n 165._o as_o the_o same_o excellent_a person_n show_v it_o to_o have_v be_v in_o particular_a to_o the_o author_n of_o the_o scholastic_a philosophy_n 12._o i_o shall_v not_o therefore_o go_v about_o to_o salve_v my_o own_o assertion_n by_o deny_v des_n cartes_n maxim_n but_o rather_o by_o show_v that_o according_a to_o the_o true_a sense_n and_o intendment_n of_o it_o it_o do_v not_o contradict_v it_o but_o first_o we_o must_v see_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o it_o be_v or_o rather_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v true_a though_o this_o may_v be_v without_o much_o difficulty_n collect_v by_o any_o attentive_a reader_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v in_o several_a place_n of_o this_o chapter_n wherein_o i_o have_v in_o great_a measure_n prevent_v this_o objection_n but_o to_o consider_v it_o more_o direct_o to_o verify_v this_o maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a the_o usual_a way_n have_v be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o faith_n say_v they_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v this_o rule_n must_v be_v lay_v aside_o but_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o here_o then_o it_o seem_v it_o hold_v according_o when_o it_o be_v object_v against_o certain_a article_n of_o faith_n that_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o reason_n it_o be_v usual_a to_o reply_v that_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o reason_n etc._n etc._n imply_v that_o if_o they_o do_v then_o indeed_o the_o objection_n will_v be_v good_a and_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o such_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o argument_n against_o assent_v to_o they_o which_o imply_v again_o that_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n we_o must_v not_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a though_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o may_v but_o we_o have_v remark_v already_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reason_n we_o be_v force_v to_o assent_v to_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n we_o do_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n assent_v upon_o clear_a evidence_n this_o distinction_n therefore_o will_v not_o do_v 13._o in_o stead_n therefore_o of_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o matter_n of_o reason_n i_o think_v it_o will_v be_v better_a to_o distinguish_v of_o evidence_n we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o save_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a say_v our_o maxim_n very_o good_n now_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v internal_a evidence_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o by_o a_o light_a intrinsic_n to_o it_o be_v evident_a than_o the_o maxim_n be_v false_a and_o that_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n too_o wherein_o we_o find_v ourselves_o often_o constrain_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n that_o have_v not_o this_o internal_a evidence_n but_o be_v as_o to_o what_o respect_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o altogether_o obscure_a and_o
not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o by_o it_o but_o this_o will_v cross_v my_o way_n again_o in_o another_o place_n 9_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v here_o what_o further_a consideration_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o there_o 16._o to_o return_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obscurity_n and_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n it_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o formal_a reason_n which_o you_o see_v may_v be_v clear_a enough_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o only_a to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n again_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v no_o evidence_n from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o be_v remark_v before_o not_o that_o this_o again_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o simple_o intelligible_a as_o to_o the_o very_a literal_a sense_n and_o direct_v signification_n of_o its_o term_n no_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o than_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v still_o so_o much_o a_o luminous_a assent_n and_o a_o act_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o it_o challenge_n our_o assent_n for_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o connexion_n between_o idea_n i_o say_v ideas_n for_o truth_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o sound_n or_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n therefore_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o such_o idea_n but_o then_o a_o man_n must_v know_v what_o those_o idea_n be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v they_o be_v connect_v therefore_o he_o must_v understand_v something_o more_o than_o the_o term_n themselves_o he_o must_v also_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o those_o term_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o under_o stand_v the_o mean_v and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o faith_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v simple_o intelligible_a and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
to_o be_v true_a this_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n if_o there_o can_v be_v yet_o any_o question_n about_o it_o most_o evident_o show_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o as_o such_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n shall_v be_v true_a whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o contrary_a to_o truth_n i_o may_v also_o further_o allege_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v equal_o abstract_a from_o true_a and_o false_a which_o contrary_a to_o reason_n do_v not_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o determine_v nothing_o concern_v its_o object_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n importance_n as_o be_v a_o extrinsical_a denomination_n take_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o not_o only_o finite_a but_o very_o limit_v capacity_n for_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o general_a or_o all_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o be_v absolute_o incomprehensible_a but_o only_o human_a reason_n but_o then_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o indeed_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o one_o man_n may_v not_o transcend_v that_o of_o another_o and_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n may_v yet_o be_v perfect_o comprehend_v by_o god_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a reason_n so_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n here_o be_v of_o a_o respective_a signification_n such_o as_o do_v not_o express_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a faculty_n whereas_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o relative_n but_o a_o absolute_a thing_n and_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o may_v further_o insist_v on_o these_o and_o some_o other_o consideration_n but_o be_v partly_o prevent_v here_o by_o mr._n boyle_n who_o account_n i_o will_v have_v use_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_v intend_v to_o supply_v some_o of_o his_o and_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o thing_n already_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v either_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o that_o of_o my_o reader_n be_v understanding_n as_o to_o prosecute_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a than_o only_o to_o shape_v a_o answer_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o a_o objection_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o modern_a writer_n against_o mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr and_o which_o to_o do_v it_o the_o utmost_a justice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 24._o i_o have_v consider_v say_v he_o the_o distinction_n which_o they_o use_v between_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 14_o and_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v well_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n this_o distinction_n seem_v to_o i_o of_o no_o use_n or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o for_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n though_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o certain_a i_o own_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n one_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v a_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o see_v nothing_o clear_a a_o doctrine_n which_o our_o reason_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o on_o all_o its_o side_n i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o may_v be_v extract_v from_o it_o appear_v incomprehensible_a such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o for_o example_n that_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n make_v but_o one_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v entire_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n which_o differ_v nothing_o but_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 25._o i_o suppose_v whoever_o have_v due_o consider_v and_o well_o comprehend_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n can_v neither_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o this_o allegation_n nor_o be_v long_o at_o a_o loss_n what_o answer_v to_o return_v to_o it_o but_o to_o spare_v my_o reader_n this_o trouble_n my_o reply_n be_v that_o this_o author_n argument_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n he_o suppose_v here_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n must_v be_v either_o the_o not_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n or_o the_o comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o whereas_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o above_o reason_n what_o be_v all_o over_o unintelligible_a even_o as_o to_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n nor_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n but_o only_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v we_o can_v see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v it_o than_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o even_o then_o it_o will_v not_o as_o this_o author_n confuse_o enough_o pretend_v be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o because_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a only_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o may_v very_o well_o be_v believe_v though_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v and_o what_o be_v utter_o unintelligible_a can_v and_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v already_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o only_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n differ_v a_o little_a more_o than_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o 26._o and_o now_o if_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o very_a unaccountable_a thing_n i_o shall_v stand_v great_o amaze_v at_o either_o the_o natural_a or_o wilful_a blindness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o confound_a thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o most_o apparent_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v to_o distinguish_v and_o yet_o when_o strict_o examine_v and_o compare_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o distinction_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a and_o almost_o as_o common_a a_o fault_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o confound_v those_o that_o do_v and_o there_o be_v also_o other_o thing_n of_o such_o near_a resemblance_n and_o cognation_n to_o each_o other_o that_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n subtlety_n and_o nice_a inspection_n to_o discern_v their_o difference_n so_o fine_a and_o minute_n and_o almost_o imperceptible_a be_v the_o line_n that_o terminate_v their_o nature_n and_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o different_a as_o those_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o tree_n a_o triangle_n and_o a_o square_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a not_o to_o perceive_v it_o or_o be_v very_o insincere_a not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v know_v to_o serve_v themselves_o upon_o occasion_n of_o distinction_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v interest_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o shall_v yet_o reject_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n as_o well_o as_o well_o authorize_v one_o as_o this_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n and_o if_o admit_v will_v like_o a_o bomb_n throw_v into_o their_o garrison_n blow_v up_o and_o lie_v waste_v their_o main_a strength_n and_o force_v they_o to_o desert_n and_o give_v up_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o be_v now_o especial_o most_o zealous_o fond_a of_o and_o seem_v resolve_v even_o against_o reason_n to_o maintain_v 27._o for_o i_o must_v further_o remark_n and_o it_o be_v a_o
supposition_n of_o reason_n not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n will_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o say_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o consequence_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a thus_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a as_o thus_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o that_o deny_v this_o latter_a consequence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n or_o concession_n of_o this_o latter_a principle_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o be_v this_o because_o in_o deny_v the_o latter_a consequence_n he_o suppose_n the_o former_a principle_n which_o principle_n therefore_o must_v as_o much_o inter_v the_o consequence_n that_o suppose_v it_o viz._n that_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v no_o warrant_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a 8._o and_o because_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n as_o already_o lay_v and_o therefore_o to_o show_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v even_o now_o say_v to_o that_o purpose_n need_v only_o add_v this_o further_a remark_n that_o since_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o since_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v consist_v together_o or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o once_o true_a and_o incomprehensible_a but_o now_o there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o reason_v a_o more_o certain_a or_o more_o evident_a maxim_n than_o this_o that_o that_o which_o be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o will_v be_v suppose_v it_o be_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v object_v against_o the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sense_n since_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n rise_v and_o set_v and_o move_v round_o about_o we_o it_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v that_o suppose_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n do_v real_o move_v these_o appearance_n will_v yet_o be_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v now_o since_o sail_v 14._o as_o we_o do_v between_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n as_o a_o late_a writer_n express_v it_o not_o the_o ship_n in_o which_o we_o be_v but_o the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o will_v seem_v to_o move_v and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o if_o suppose_v the_o earth_n do_v real_o move_v the_o motion_n will_v yet_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n then_o the_o seem_a motion_n of_o those_o body_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v 9_o why_o just_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o this_o argue_v nothing_o since_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o may_v yet_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o if_o suppose_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a it_o may_v yet_o be_v incomprehensible_a than_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o good_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v consist_v together_o we_o may_v now_o with_o all_o rational_a assurance_n conclude_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a any_o more_o than_o the_o seem_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o real_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o former_a will_v be_v even_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o both_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o most_o evident_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n that_o what_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v no_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a 10._o and_o indeed_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o thing_n surpass_v our_o conception_n when_o we_o be_v child_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v able_a well_o to_o comprehend_v when_o we_o be_v man_n how_o many_o thing_n again_o be_v beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a man_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o shine_v forth_o with_o full_a light_n to_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o learning_n and_o how_o many_o thing_n again_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a be_v now_o discover_v and_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o algebra_n which_o be_v mystery_n to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v still_o beyond_o even_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o that_o noble_a and_o wonderful_a key_n of_o knowledge_n when_o again_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o consider_v how_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o command_a key_n unlock_v in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n we_o may_v yet_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o in_o that_o of_o separation_n when_o deliver_v from_o the_o burden_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o than_o may_v yet_o be_v of_o a_o level_n with_o the_o understanding_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n may_v yet_o be_v most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v by_o the_o infinite_o penetrate_v and_o all-comprehensive_a intellect_n of_o god_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v but_o serious_o enter_v into_o this_o single_a reflection_n must_v needs_o discover_v himself_o much_o want_v in_o that_o stock_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pretend_v to_o if_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o measure_v the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o proportionableness_n to_o his_o understanding_n or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n false_a or_o impossible_a when_o he_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o chap._n vi_o that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 1._o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o people_n to_o hold_v certain_a principle_n that_o have_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o very_o bad_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o profess_o to_o hold_v those_o consequence_n because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o they_o do_v indeed_o follow_v from_o such_o principle_n whereof_o we_o have_v two_o very_a pregnant_a instance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o the_o predestinarian_a and_o solifidian_a systeme_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v those_o who_o take_v up_o and_o with_o great_a fixedness_n adhere_v to_o certain_a consequence_n without_o profess_o hold_v those_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o true_o flow_v and_o to_o which_o if_o trace_v to_o the_o head_n they_o will_v infallible_o lead_v they_o 2._o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a instance_n where_o i_o confess_v one_o will_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v it_o in_o those_o of_o the_o socinian_n persuasion_n the_o reason_n these_o man_n of_o reason_n give_v why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o 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incomprehensible_a but_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v evidence_n at_o large_a abstract_v from_o internal_a or_o external_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v some_o evidence_n or_o other_o either_o internal_a or_o external_n or_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o see_v plain_o to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o within_o or_o from_o without_o in_o short_a what_o we_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o assent_v to_o than_o the_o maxim_n be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o will_v hold_v universal_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n too_o which_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n and_o so_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o proceedt_v upon_o as_o much_o though_o not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o any_o other_o conclusion_n do_v and_o that_o even_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o incomprehensible_a thing_n which_o it_o will_v be_v absurd_a nay_o impossible_a to_o believe_v if_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n according_a to_o a_o say_n as_o i_o take_v it_o of_o st._n austin_n in_o one_o of_o his_o letter_n to_o this_o purpose_n that_o we_o can_v not_o bring_v ourselves_o to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n if_o reason_n itself_o do_v not_o persuade_v we_o that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o we_o shall_v do_v well_o to_o believe_v although_o we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o comprehend_v they_o so_o then_o in_o â—hort_a if_o this_o maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v evident_a be_v understand_v of_o internal_a evidence_n then_o it_o be_v false_a not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n wherein_o thing_n intrinsical_o inevident_a be_v assent_v to_o but_o if_o it_o be_v understand_v of_o evidence_n at_o large_a then_o â—tis_o true_a not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n which_o as_o have_v be_v often_o note_v be_v reasonable_a in_o its_o fund_z and_o principle_n and_o who_o evidence_n must_v be_v clear_a though_o its_o object_n may_v be_v obscure_a 14._o in_o this_o large_a therefore_o and_o indefinite_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n evidence_n the_o maxim_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o be_v we_o ought_v to_o make_v use_n of_o our_o liberty_n of_o suspension_n so_o far_o as_o not_o to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o all_o thing_n consider_v and_o upon_o the_o whole_a appear_v evident_a to_o we_o what_o by_o some_o light_n or_o other_o we_o see_v and_o plain_o perceive_v to_o be_v true_a and_o what_o in_o one_o word_n we_o find_v sufficient_a reason_n either_o from_o within_o or_o from_o without_o to_o assent_v to_o according_a to_o that_o well_o know_a sentence_n wherewith_o des_n cartes_n conclude_v his_o wonderful_a system_n nihilque_fw-la ab_fw-la ullo_fw-la credi_n velim_fw-la nisi_fw-la quod_fw-la ipsi_fw-la evidens_fw-la &_o invicta_fw-la ratio_fw-la persuadebit_fw-la i_o will_v have_v nothing_o believe_v by_o any_o one_o but_o what_o by_o evident_a and_o irresistible_a reason_n he_o shall_v be_v convince_v of_o and_o certain_o he_o will_v be_v very_o unreasonable_a that_o shall_v desire_v more_o for_o to_o assent_v without_o evidence_n of_o one_o sort_n or_o other_o that_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v true_a be_v to_o assent_v without_o a_o why_o or_o wherefore_o and_o to_o assent_v so_o be_v to_o assent_v without_o reason_n which_o again_o be_v to_o assent_v not_o as_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o as_o man_n ought_v not_o so_o to_o be_v sure_a god_n can_v require_v such_o a_o assent_n to_o assent_v therefore_o to_o nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o some_o consideration_n or_o other_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o embrace_v as_o true_a be_v certain_o a_o maxim_n of_o unquestionable_a truth_n and_o of_o universal_a extent_n that_o hold_v in_o all_o matter_n whatsoever_o whether_o of_o reason_n or_o of_o faith_n in_o the_o former_a of_o which_o a_o assent_n without_o evidence_n will_v be_v the_o act_n and_o in_o the_o latter_a the_o sacrifice_n of_o a_o fool._n 15._o and_o that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n wherein_o des_n cartes_n intend_v his_o maxim_n as_o well_o as_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o maxim_n itself_o be_v plain_a from_o the_o occasion_n of_o it_o which_o as_o all_o know_v who_o be_v not_o utter_a stranger_n to_o or_o very_o negligent_a reader_n of_o his_o book_n be_v the_o bring_n in_o and_o obtrude_a so_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o vulgar_a philosophy_n whereof_o the_o introducer_n of_o they_o have_v such_o confuse_v notion_n and_o of_o who_o reality_n and_o existence_n they_o have_v no_o firm_a and_o solid_a reason_n to_o assure_v they_o such_o as_o substantial_a form_n real_o inhere_v accident_n and_o quality_n and_o the_o like_a which_o serve_v rather_o to_o darken_v than_o clear_v up_o the_o science_n of_o nature_n and_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o a_o thousand_o error_n in_o the_o superstructure_n that_o be_v raise_v upon_o those_o imaginary_a and_o chimerical_a principle_n in_o opposition_n to_o and_o as_o a_o remedy_n for_o which_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o fundamental_a maxim_n to_o be_v careful_o observe_v by_o all_o the_o disciple_n of_o truth_n in_o their_o whole_a intellectual_a progress_n never_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a that_o be_v to_o nothing_o but_o of_o who_o truth_n and_o reality_n they_o be_v full_o assure_v and_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o assent_v to_o this_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o maxim_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o its_o author_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v undeniable_o true_a and_o that_o without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o our_o present_a conclusion_n with_o which_o as_o thus_o explain_v it_o be_v very_o consistent_a for_o it_o be_v now_o very_o easy_a to_o discern_v that_o we_o may_v believe_v a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n according_a to_o this_o cartesian_a maxim_n assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a because_o the_o evidence_n of_o faith_n be_v external_n and_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o external_n evidence_n to_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n internal_o inevident_a be_v no_o contradiction_n 16._o which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v as_o well_o the_o injustice_n as_o the_o impertinence_n 1._o of_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o this_o maxim_n as_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n 2._o of_o those_o who_o take_v occasion_n from_o hence_o to_o traduce_v the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n as_o favourable_a to_o and_o look_v with_o a_o very_a propitious_a aspect_n upon_o socinianiâ—â—_n and_o indeed_o as_o little_o better_a than_o a_o introduction_n to_o it_o only_o because_o it_o talk_v so_o much_o of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o conception_n and_o of_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a but_o most_o of_o all_o 3_o of_o those_o who_o proceed_v even_o to_o traduce_v the_o author_n himself_o as_o a_o secret_a friend_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o no_o better_a than_o a_o socinian_n in_o disguise_n it_o will_v have_v be_v indeed_o a_o considerable_a glory_n and_o advantage_n to_o that_o or_o any_o other_o interest_n to_o have_v have_v so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n a_o friend_n to_o it_o but_o he_o certain_o be_v not_o if_o with_o his_o word_n he_o have_v transmit_v to_o we_o his_o real_a thought_n which_o will_v be_v great_a uncharity_n to_o question_n and_o with_o a_o witness_n to_o assent_v to_o what_o be_v not_o evident_a 17._o he_o be_v indeed_o a_o great_a master_n in_o the_o rational_a way_n but_o no_o magnifier_n or_o exalter_n of_o human_a reason_n so_o far_o from_o that_o that_o he_o seem_v to_o have_v have_v the_o most_o inward_a and_o feel_a sense_n of_o its_o infirmity_n and_o defect_n and_o the_o best_a to_o have_v understand_v what_o a_o poor_a little_a thing_n it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o man_n of_o any_o one_o in_o the_o world_n as_o may_v be_v abundant_o collect_v from_o several_a passage_n in_o his_o write_n beside_o that_o the_o whole_a vein_n of_o they_o run_v that_o way_n particular_o those_o two_o final_a sentence_n wherewith_o he_o shut_v up_o his_o principle_n and_o his_o metaphysic_n at_o nihilominus_fw-la memor_fw-la meaetenuitatis_fw-la nihil_fw-la affirmo_fw-la etc._n etc._n and_o naturae_fw-la nostrae_fw-la infirmitas_fw-la est_fw-la agnoscenda_fw-la which_o plain_o show_v what_o a_o low_a debase_v sense_n he_o have_v both_o of_o himself_o and_o of_o
nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v into_o a_o considerable_a argument_n for_o they_o and_o such_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o faith_n inasmuch_o as_o it_o be_v a_o very_a strong_a presumption_n that_o they_o be_v of_o no_o human_a origin_n but_o have_v god_n for_o their_o author_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o suppose_v that_o what_o do_v so_o very_a much_o transcend_v the_o capacity_n of_o man_n to_o comprehend_v do_v no_o less_o exceed_v his_o ability_n to_o invent_v and_o according_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n for_o which_o some_o will_v have_v they_o to_o be_v false_a be_v make_v use_n of_o by_o a_o very_a rational_a author_n as_o a_o argument_n of_o their_o truth_n and_o it_o may_v be_v worth_a while_n to_o let_v the_o reader_n see_v how_o he_o manage_n it_o in_o relation_n to_o one_o of_o the_o most_o sublime_a of_o they_o 〈…〉_z the_o more_o obscure_a be_v our_o mystery_n strange_a paradox_n the_o more_o credible_a they_o now_o appear_v to_o i_o yes_o i_o find_v even_o 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so_o many_o different_a nation_n the_o more_o this_o adorable_a mystery_n appear_v monstrous_a suffer_v the_o expression_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o our_o faith_n the_o more_o it_o shock_n human_a reason_n the_o more_o the_o imagination_n mutiny_n against_o it_o the_o more_o obscure_a incomprehensibâ—â—_n and_o impenetrable_a it_o be_v the_o less_o credible_a be_v it_o that_o it_o shall_v natural_o insiâ—â—ate_v itself_o into_o the_o mind_n and_o 〈◊〉_d of_o all_o christian_n of_o so_o many_o and_o so_o distant_a country_n never_o do_v the_o same_o error_n spread_v universal_o especial_o such_o sort_n of_o error_n which_o so_o strange_o offend_v the_o imagination_n which_o have_v nothing_o sensible_a in_o they_o and_o which_o seem_v to_o contradict_v the_o most_o simple_a and_o common_a notion_n if_o jesus_n â—hrist_n do_v not_o watch_n over_o his_o church_n the_o number_n of_o the_o 〈…〉_z will_v quick_o exceed_v that_o of_o 〈◊〉_d orthodox_n christian_n for_o 〈…〉_z in_o the_o sentiment_n 〈…〉_z that_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z the_o mind_n and_o 〈…〉_z that_o 〈…〉_z to_o our_o understand_n may_v establish_v themselves_o in_o time_n but_o that_o a_o truth_n so_o sublime_a so_o far_o remove_v from_o sense_n so_o cross_a to_o human_a reason_n so_o contrary_a in_o short_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o be_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v of_o this_o character_n shall_v spread_v itself_o universal_o and_o triumph_n over_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n suppose_v that_o these_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v neither_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o â—aid_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o mystery_n this_o certain_o be_v what_o can_v be_v conceive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heretic_n that_o shall_v oppose_v a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a be_v nothing_o strange_a nor_o be_o i_o surprise_v at_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o 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