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of_o we_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a monster_n this_o knight_n errant_a set_v up_o for_o himself_o to_o engage_v with_o it_o be_v the_o spurious_a off_o spring_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o yet_o he_o father_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o introduce_v it_o with_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v never_o make_v to_o signify_v this_o by_o any_o beside_o himself_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n will_v have_v come_v into_o my_o head_n here_o he_o have_v make_v his_o own_o word_n good_a that_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v two_o emphatical_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o absurd_a definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemnity_n to_o encounter_v it_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o for_o a_o man_n 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to_o prove_v if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v argue_v close_o who_o mistake_v the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v however_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o proof_n yet_o but_o run_v upon_o another_o digression_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n and_o particular_o what_o it_o signify_v among_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o it_o signify_v quite_o another_o thing_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o he_o say_v not_o for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o 68_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n 73._o or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v both_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o christian_a mystery_n in_o common_a but_o take_v a_o christian_a mystery_n even_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n i._n e._n as_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o jewish_a type_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o 1._o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o god_n whereas_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v discoverable_a by_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o man_n 2._o beside_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o the_o thing_n involve_v in_o the_o jewish_a type_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n very_o intelligible_a for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o obvious_a to_o reason_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n and_o the_o thing_n inten_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n whereas_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o idolatry_n and_o many_o other_o gross_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o difference_n here_o for_o tho'_o it_o do_v not_o hit_v this_o description_n of_o his_o immediate_o because_o he_o may_v perhaps_o say_v those_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o soul_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v level_v at_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o by_o this_o time_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o 4._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a priest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n know_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o conceal_v they_o industrious_o from_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v of_o all_o christian_a priest_n viz._n that_o we_o full_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n ourselves_o and_o palm_n they_o upon_o the_o people_n for_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o virulent_a expression_n of_o his_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o 72._o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n we_o maintain_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o call_v it_o a_o gainful_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o only_a design_n 73._o of_o christian_a mystery_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n he_o call_v christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v a_o implicit_a constitution_n and_o say_v the_o 73._o venerable_a teacher_n play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n to_o amuse_v the_o people_n but_o he_o 74._o like_o a_o sharp_a inquisitive_a man_n it_o seem_v have_v find_v out_o our_o mystery_n and_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o next_o book_n to_o discover_v they_o all_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o the_o world_n like_o heathen_a priest_n as_o he_o make_v we_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o section_n where_o there_o 74._o be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o all_o that_o chapter_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o book_n and_o because_o he_o deliver_v it_o confuse_o i_o will_v reduce_v it_o to_o form_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o think_v i_o do_v do_v he_o justice_n let_v he_o manage_v it_o better_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o argue_v be_v this_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o minor_a he_o prove_v thus_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n 86._o of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n ergò_fw-la now_o do_v but_o deny_v this_o minor_a and_o he_o put_v you_o off_o
be_v st._n paul_n use_v great_a 13._o plainess_n of_o speech_n ergò_fw-la they_o have_v as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o speak_v as_o they_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n nay_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o how_o he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n without_o doubt_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o this_o whole_a vision_n on_o their_o imagination_n as_o he_o that_o see_v it_o nay_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o we_o may_v expect_v no_o less_o from_o this_o profound_a revealer_n of_o mystery_n than_o that_o he_o will_v quote_v we_o all_o these_o unspeakable_a word_n in_o his_o next_o book_n and_o so_o by_o the_o follow_a quotation_n he_o think_v he_o have_v knock_v we_o down_o when_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o mystery_n be_v make_v manifest_a or_o know_v to_o all_o nation_n ergò_fw-la the_o very_a manner_n and_o property_n of_o those_o thing_n be_v lay_v open_a to_o we_o and_o therefore_o this_o man_n i_o warrant_v you_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o secret_a council_n of_o god_n now_o who_o judgement_n be_v unsearchable_a and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o dark_a contrivance_n of_o that_o cabal_n against_o all_o reveal_v religion_n where_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v first_o lay_v and_o the_o rest_n be_v now_o a_o forge_v for_o it_o be_v well_o know_v this_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n do_v already_o work_v but_o he_o who_o have_v hitherto_o hinder_v we_o trust_v will_v hinder_v till_o they_o be_v take_v out_o of_o the_o way_n and_o their_o wickedness_n be_v reveal_v and_o here_o if_o i_o be_v dispose_v to_o be_v merry_a i_o can_v make_v better_a sport_n with_o the_o history_n of_o this_o man_n life_n than_o he_o have_v do_v with_o the_o doctor_n and_o his_o parishioner_n 109._o for_o i_o have_v trace_v he_o in_o this_o too_o from_o the_o time_n he_o first_o give_v out_o he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o a_o sect_n before_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age_n till_o he_o become_v a_o author_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o his_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n to_o spread_v his_o heresy_n and_o put_v his_o design_n in_o execution_n but_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o a_o subject_a in_o divinity_n and_o not_o make_v a_o farce_n and_o perhaps_o i_o may_v have_v another_o opportunity_n of_o give_v the_o world_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o so_o formidable_a and_o swell_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o have_v run_v down_o three_o kingdom_n only_o with_o one_o cross_a question_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o book_n viz._n how_o can_v a_o man_n believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n of_o he_o in_o religion_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o objection_n he_o bring_v 120._o be_v three_o or_o four_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v nothing_o against_o either_o what_o he_o or_o we_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o such_o as_o enthusiast_n bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a unless_o he_o dispute_v against_o the_o quaker_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o base_a disingenuity_n of_o the_o man_n who_o by_o this_o will_v make_v unthinking_a or_o prejudice_v people_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v those_o ignorant_a perverse_a man_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o rank_a enthusiast_n whereas_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o we_o be_v as_o vigorous_a defender_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o he_o can_v be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v establish_v and_o remain_v unshaken_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o their_o subtle_a enemy_n it_o be_v by_o this_o we_o confute_v his_o error_n it_o be_v before_o the_o evidence_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o his_o operose_fw-la and_o laborious_a sophism_n disappear_v like_o empty_a shadow_n and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o when_o we_o thus_o contend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n then_o on_o one_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v all_o revelation_n and_o when_o we_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v with_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n as_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o cease_v to_o be_v man_n before_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v state_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v in_o short_a and_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n 1._o we_o allow_v that_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o only_a faculty_n we_o have_v of_o know_v or_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n and_o we_o allow_v that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n apply_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o these_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o either_o create_v any_o new_a one_o or_o make_v any_o essential_a alteration_n in_o these_o we_o have_v for_o then_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n will_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o 2._o we_o allow_v that_o what_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n we_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o entertain_v by_o we_o for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o place_v these_o in_o we_o will_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v we_o so_o 3._o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n be_v better_o suit_v to_o the_o present_a object_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v to_o those_o of_o another_o for_o otherwise_o we_o argue_v god_n of_o want_n of_o wisdom_n and_o contrivance_n and_o if_o they_o be_v now_o as_o well_o fit_v for_o the_o object_n of_o another_o life_n there_o will_v be_v no_o occasion_n for_o a_o change_n at_o the_o last_o day_n 4._o we_o affirm_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n even_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v be_v total_o obscure_v both_o from_o our_o sense_n and_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o this_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o make_v out_o so_o that_o if_o people_n will_v believe_v any_o thing_n at_o all_o of_o another_o life_n they_o must_v do_v so_o without_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o 5._o that_o since_o we_o have_v not_o capacity_n for_o they_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o relate_v to_o another_o life_n but_o by_o analogy_n with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n thus_o the_o glory_n and_o intellectual_a light_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o that_o we_o have_v from_o the_o sun_n the_o generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o one_o man_n proceed_n from_o the_o lion_n of_o another_o etc._n etc._n now_o therefore_o let_v i_o again_o distinguish_v these_o two_o thing_n in_o every_o revelation_n or_o mystery_n 1._o that_o analogous_a object_n of_o this_o life_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o which_o god_n do_v reveal_v any_o thing_n of_o another_o life_n to_o we_o and_o 2._o the_o thing_n itself_o that_o be_v signify_v by_o it_o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o it_o fall_v in_o all_o respect_n under_o the_o severe_a censure_n and_o trial_n of_o our_o reason_n as_o to_o the_o latter_a it_o be_v whole_o exempt_v from_o it_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n the_o saint_n shall_v reign_v for_o ever_o in_o this_o mystery_n the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a state_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n the_o analogous_n object_n make_v use_v of_o by_o god_n for_o this_o be_v that_o of_o the_o splendour_n and_o grandeur_n of_o a_o kingdom_n in_o respect_n of_o this_o latter_a our_o reason_n have_v full_a scope_n and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o lawful_a but_o commendable_a nay_o our_o duty_n to_o be_v very_o punctual_a and_o exact_a in_o our_o scrutiny_n and_o therefore_o we_o must_v know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o understand_v the_o matter_n of_o the_o proposition_n we_o must_v be_v satisfy_v that_o it_o have_v no_o impossibility_n or_o contradiction_n in_o it_o nay_o more_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v convince_v and_o we_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a evidence_n in_o our_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n
and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o small_a quantity_n of_o bread_n to_o be_v increase_v to_o a_o mighty_a bulk_n but_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v perform_v we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o it_o tho'_o we_o know_v well_o how_o corn_n be_v increase_v in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n but_o he_o will_v object_v here_o as_o he_o do_v concern_v the_o doctrine_n viz._n that_o at_o this_o rate_n all_o the_o phenomena_n of_o nature_n be_v miraculous_a for_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a manner_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o and_o this_o be_v the_o main_a drift_n of_o this_o chapter_n to_o give_v we_o a_o wrong_a notion_n of_o a_o miracle_n viz._n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o more_o 150._o than_o the_o dextrous_a management_n of_o second_o cause_n and_o not_o any_o immediate_a effect_n of_o almighty_a god_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o close_a he_o tell_v we_o that_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n tho'_o above_o its_o ordinary_a operation_n which_o be_v therefore_o supernatural_o assist_v and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o that_o bold_a and_o arrogant_a expression_n of_o he_o that_o can_v he_o tell_v how_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v he_o believe_v he_o may_v do_v as_o much_o himself_o for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o in_o it_o than_o in_o a_o chemical_a operation_n and_o if_o he_o be_v philosopher_n enough_o he_o will_v work_v any_o miracle_n of_o they_o all_o but_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o miracle_n be_v that_o it_o be_v a_o operation_n wrought_v by_o the_o immediate_a power_n of_o god_n not_o by_o assist_v only_o but_o overrule_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n not_o only_o by_o hasten_v and_o accelerate_v its_o operation_n but_o sometime_o by_o a_o instantaneous_a production_n of_o what_o be_v never_o to_o be_v effect_v by_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o all_o natural_a cause_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o raise_v a_o body_n from_o the_o dead_a all_o the_o unite_a force_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o most_o dextrous_a management_n will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o effect_v this_o all_o the_o extract_a mollify_a mix_v infuse_v consolidate_v etc._n etc._n and_o the_o ministry_n not_o only_o of_o thousand_o but_o of_o million_o at_o once_o will_v not_o be_v able_a to_o unite_v a_o soul_n and_o body_n again_o when_o once_o they_o be_v separate_v nothing_o less_o than_o the_o almighty_a immediate_a act_n of_o god_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v this_o and_o that_o without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o any_o natural_a cause_n again_o there_o be_v some_o miraculous_a operation_n which_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o they_o be_v contrary_a to_o they_o as_o that_o of_o the_o sun_n be_v go_v back_n or_o stand_v still_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n be_v dispose_v for_o its_o motion_n or_o at_o least_o for_o the_o motion_n of_o our_o earth_n which_o make_v it_o seem_v to_o we_o to_o move_v again_o the_o make_v iron_n to_o swim_v 6._o be_v this_o effect_n produce_v by_o mollify_a consolidating_a etc._n etc._n or_o any_o operation_n which_o shall_v convert_v the_o substance_n of_o iron_n into_o that_o of_o wood_n than_o we_o can_v not_o say_v that_o iron_n swim_v but_o something_o else_o or_o if_o the_o water_n be_v condense_v to_o support_v it_o than_o it_o will_v be_v ice_n and_o not_o water_n and_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v do_v of_o a_o sudden'st_a will_v however_o be_v miraculous_a but_o not_o contrary_a to_o nature_n but_o for_o a_o solid_a piece_n of_o iron_n while_o it_o remain_v such_o to_o swim_v in_o water_n no_o way_n condense_v this_o be_v not_o only_o above_o but_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o so_o likewise_o for_o fire_n not_o to_o burn_v be_v contrary_a to_o nature_n indeed_o if_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o in_o it_o than_o what_o this_o man_n suppose_v that_o it_o be_v do_v by_o repel_v the_o heat_n and_o keep_v off_o the_o flame_n than_o it_o may_v be_v according_a to_o 145._o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o by_o a_o instantaneous_a application_n may_v extinguish_v the_o fire_n but_o to_o hinder_v fire_n from_o burn_a while_o it_o remain_v such_o and_o combustible_a matter_n actual_o in_o it_o this_o be_v contrary_n to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n but_o all_o those_o miracle_n which_o be_v not_o so_o direct_o contrary_a to_o nature_n can_v however_o be_v say_v to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o i_o take_v these_o two_o expression_n to_o be_v direct_o opposite_a which_o he_o make_v the_o same_o miracle_n be_v according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o they_o be_v above_o the_o operation_n of_o it_o for_o to_o instance_n in_o the_o first_o miracle_n our_o saviour_n wrought_v that_o of_o turn_v water_n into_o wine_n the_o production_n of_o wine_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v have_v be_v by_o accelerate_v the_o growth_n of_o the_o vine_n and_o ripen_v the_o grape_n sudden_o by_o application_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v forward_o it_o but_o to_o turn_v water_n immediate_o into_o wine_n without_o any_o of_o these_o method_n be_v to_o produce_v it_o afer_fw-la a_o manner_n whole_o different_a from_o all_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n upon_o his_o principle_n we_o have_v no_o way_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o distinguish_v between_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o 147_o devil_n those_o celebrate_a feat_n of_o goblin_n and_o witch_n and_o conjurer_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o and_o those_o which_o be_v wrought_v by_o the_o finger_n of_o god_n for_o without_o doubt_v the_o devil_n be_v a_o great_a philosopher_n and_o can_v managâ—_n second_v cause_n so_o as_o to_o produce_v effect_n according_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o shall_v appear_v very_o strange_a to_o we_o but_o we_o be_v sure_a nothing_o less_o than_o that_o power_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n can_v work_v any_o real_a effect_n contrary_a to_o it_o or_o above_o it_o the_o devil_n indeed_o may_v delude_v man_n sense_n so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o think_v that_o real_a which_o be_v only_o a_o appearance_n as_o it_o be_v likely_a he_o do_v to_o mimic_n that_o miracle_n of_o turn_v aaron_n rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n for_o that_o of_o the_o magicine_n be_v not_o a_o real_a conversion_n but_o effect_v by_o their_o enchantment_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o original_n by_o their_o wiles_n and_o juggle_a for_o we_o find_v when_o they_o endeavour_v to_o imitate_v moses_n in_o the_o instantaneous_a production_n of_o any_o real_a thing_n with_o life_n there_o the_o devil_n fail_v they_o and_o they_o be_v force_v to_o own_o it_o be_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n and_o thus_o we_o see_v plain_o how_o this_o man_n strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n by_o undermine_v one_o of_o the_o main_a pillar_n on_o which_o the_o faith_n and_o credit_n of_o it_o be_v found_v you_o see_v his_o drift_n all_o along_o in_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v be_v to_o take_v away_o all_o operation_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o all_o doctrine_n above_o the_o reach_n of_o reason_n and_o then_o all_o the_o religion_n of_o man_n be_v consequent_o resolve_v into_o infidelity_n a_o heathenism_n so_o that_o any_o one_o who_o wish_v christianity_n to_o be_v true_a must_v hope_v at_o least_o that_o this_o man_n principle_n be_v false_a since_o they_o be_v so_o utter_o inconsistent_a 2._o but_o two_o as_o miracle_n be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a be_v a_o unanswerable_a objection_n against_o he_o so_o they_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n he_o own_v 146._o that_o god_n do_v not_o work_v they_o at_o random_n but_o for_o some_o end_n and_o this_o end_n he_o own_v be_v for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o some_o divine_a 150._o doctrine_n but_o why_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o doctrine_n for_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o over_o and_o over_o that_o it_o be_v only_o the_o evidence_n or_o immediate_a knowledge_n of_o the_o doctrine_n itself_o can_v persuade_v we_o that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o know_v what_o be_v believe_v etc._n etc._n and_o therefore_o all_o miracle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o any_o doctrine_n be_v needless_a and_o superfluous_a if_o they_o be_v so_o evident_a to_o our_o sense_n or_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o know_v they_o to_o be_v true_a what_o necessity_n be_v there_o of_o far_a conviction_n if_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o mâ—_n sense_n or_o reason_n that_o i_o know_v it_o to_o be_v true_a nothing_o can_v make_v i_o sure_a of_o it_o so_o that_o we_o see_v the_o reason_n of_o miracle_n be_v that_o they_o may_v be_v a_o proof_n of_o something_o that_o we_o can_v
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
they_o find_v more_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v for_o what_o any_o man_n say_v than_o i_o will_v allow_v they_o to_o be_v the_o only_a man_n of_o sense_n and_o that_o we_o be_v only_o soft_a and_o credulous_a fool_n it_o be_v every_o man_n native_a right_n and_o privilege_n to_o judge_n and_o examine_v every_o thing_n before_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o it_o be_v this_o alone_a which_o distinguish_v our_o christian_a faith_n from_o blind_a credulity_n because_o it_o admit_v of_o such_o enquiry_n for_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o we_o be_v sufficient_o assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n we_o full_o understand_v and_o the_o constant_a method_n of_o argue_v in_o divine_a thing_n be_v this_o from_o the_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n we_o infer_v the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o as_o for_o instance_n in_o this_o proposition_n this_o corruptible_a shall_v put_v on_o incorruption_n i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o corrupt_v and_o rot_v and_o likewise_o i_o know_v what_o a_o athletic_a habit_n of_o body_n be_v and_o for_o a_o person_n to_o have_v a_o firm_a constitution_n and_o to_o remain_v always_o in_o the_o utmost_a beauty_n and_o vigour_n of_o a_o bloom_a youth_n which_o be_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o incorruption_n that_o i_o can_v frame_v to_o myself_o now_o and_o the_o reason_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n be_v not_o because_o i_o have_v any_o the_o least_o notion_n of_o that_o immutable_a state_n of_o perfection_n which_o a_o body_n shall_v be_v raise_v to_o and_o which_o be_v here_o represent_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o incorruption_n but_o because_o i_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o this_o type_n or_o figure_n by_o which_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o i_o to_o have_v i._n e._n the_o concur_v testimony_n of_o prophecy_n miracle_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o they_o preach_v who_o be_v make_v the_o instrument_n of_o reveal_v this_o to_o i_o and_o thus_o likewise_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o yet_o we_o infer_v his_o existence_n from_o those_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n we_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o very_a meaning_n of_o the_o apostle_n when_o he_o say_v all_z that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_v in_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a 19_o thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o some_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v that_o make_v the_o heathen_a world_n run_v into_o idolatry_n and_o represent_v he_o under_o the_o similitude_n of_o some_o of_o the_o mean_a of_o his_o creature_n and_o now_o by_o revelation_n what_o we_o come_v to_o know_v more_o of_o he_o be_v that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o as_o it_o follow_v it_o be_v this_o will_v one_o day_n render_v all_o infidel_n without_o excuse_n because_o tho'_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n yet_o god_n do_v not_o leave_v they_o without_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o their_o existence_n nay_o great_a than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o have_v for_o any_o thing_n else_o from_o whence_o we_o see_v that_o there_o be_v a_o essential_a difference_n between_o human_a and_o divine_a faith_n because_o the_o proof_n on_o which_o one_o be_v ground_v be_v fallible_a and_o that_o of_o the_o other_o infallible_a and_o consequent_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o the_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o this_o be_v one_o reason_n of_o use_v these_o two_o word_n faith_n and_o knowledge_n so_o promiscuous_o in_o some_o place_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n because_o our_o belief_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n be_v but_o a_o precarious_a assent_n but_o the_o christian_a faith_n may_v be_v call_v knowledge_n in_o a_o more_o peculiar_a sense_n because_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v infallible_a prooffor_o which_o again_o show_v the_o falsity_n of_o that_o say_n of_o he_o which_o he_o lay_v such_o a_o stress_n upon_o that_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n do_v not_o differ_v in_o degree_n oâ—_n perspicuity_n for_o where_o there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspecuity_n but_o in_o the_o christian_a faith_n there_o be_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n ergò_fw-la and_o now_o we_o see_v plain_o the_o error_n of_o those_o man_n who_o out_o of_o a_o mistake_a zeal_n for_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n have_v set_v themselves_o to_o defend_v they_o by_o bring_v they_o down_o to_o the_o level_n of_o a_o man_n and_o endeavour_v by_o thin_a spin_a notion_n to_o solve_v the_o great_a difficulty_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n these_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a attempt_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v their_o fail_v in_o what_o they_o aim_v at_o be_v the_o best_a defence_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n if_o we_o have_v not_o a_o determinate_a sense_n for_o the_o word_n wherein_o they_o be_v reveal_v they_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o if_o they_o can_v be_v full_o solve_v and_o explain_v they_o will_v cease_v to_o be_v mystery_n this_o have_v give_v the_o enemy_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o great_a advantage_n for_o when_o they_o find_v they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v thorough_o account_v for_o as_o indeed_o they_o be_v not_o upon_o the_o strength_n of_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o degree_n of_o revelation_n we_o now_o have_v they_o utter_o reject_v they_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n which_o god_n have_v give_v we_o never_o distinguish_v between_o that_o part_n of_o a_o mystery_n which_o we_o understand_v clear_o and_o distinct_o and_o will_v admit_v of_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n of_o the_o morâ—sest_a reasoner_n and_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v by_o it_o whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o raise_v any_o dispute_n about_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v two_o such_o quicksight_v blind_a man_n as_o i_o speak_v of_o dispute_v warm_o concern_v the_o nature_n of_o light_n and_o how_o many_o seem_a contradiction_n they_o will_v start_v concern_v it_o as_o how_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v in_o every_o point_n of_o such_o a_o vast_a space_n in_o the_o same_o instant_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o they_o to_o touch_v so_o many_o million_o of_o object_n at_o once_o since_o this_o be_v their_o chief_a way_n of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o etc._n etc._n and_o fall_v out_o about_o these_o imaginary_a difficulty_n irreconcilable_o whereas_o upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n which_o shall_v make_v they_o very_o happy_a some_o time_n or_o other_o when_o god_n shall_v open_v their_o eye_n their_o business_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a clear_o and_o distinct_o to_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o this_o thing_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v real_o reveal_v to_o they_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n whereof_o they_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n if_o it_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o they_o have_v sufficient_a testimony_n for_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o it_o than_o they_o will_v have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o without_o any_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o we_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n against_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n when_o we_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v to_o they_o what_o be_v real_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o now_o many_o such_o profane_a and_o impious_a book_n as_o these_o have_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o we_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o apprehend_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o mystery_n nor_o if_o we_o know_v they_o can_v we_o explain_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v other_o people_n understand_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o great_a boldness_n because_o it_o be_v search_v into_o what_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o and_o all_o these_o elaborate_a intricacy_n be_v but_o mischievous_a trifle_n and_o when_o man_n talk_v so_o
much_o oâ—_n what_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o must_v always_o end_v in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v intelligible_a and_o plain_a be_v ever_o so_o and_o that_o part_n which_o be_v mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n will_v ever_o be_v so_o till_o we_o coâ—â—_n to_o another_o world_n therefore_o our_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n be_v to_o fix_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o convince_v any_o reasonable_a unprejudiced_a man_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v for_o their_o infidelity_n thus_o we_o shall_v turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o thought_n into_o a_o right_a channel_n and_o confound_v all_o these_o enemy_n of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n for_o by_o free_o own_v as_o become_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o these_o mysterious_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o we_o cut_v off_o a_o multitude_n of_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a objection_n and_o show_v these_o man_n that_o our_o christian_a faith_n however_o be_v no_o lazy_a credulity_n or_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n since_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lay_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n reveal_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v i_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n lay_v aside_o all_o affectation_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n i_o will_v do_v it_o thus_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n in_o order_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o those_o revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v better_a proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v such_o testimony_n of_o their_o come_n from_o god_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n that_o if_o i_o use_v my_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n in_o these_o that_o i_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n i_o must_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o those_o write_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 57_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o posterity_n from_o whence_o and_o from_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o godhead_n under_o these_o three_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n which_o the_o church_n have_v express_v altogether_o by_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o single_o by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o i_o think_v these_o term_n proper_a enough_o to_o express_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o this_o mystery_n now_o i_o find_v no_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n i_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v something_o more_o than_o if_o that_o commission_n have_v run_v thus_o go_v baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n and_o of_o elohim_n and_o of_o adonai_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o intend_v than_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o needless_a tautology_n again_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a different_a spirit_n for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v three_o god_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v there_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n and_o something_o less_o than_o that_o of_o three_o different_a spirit_n and_o because_o i_o find_v each_o person_n seperat_o as_o well_o as_o joint_o mention_v as_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n allow_v and_o pay_v to_o they_o therefore_o as_o that_o excellent_a creed_n express_v it_o i_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n athe._n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o allow_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n how_o strict_a this_o union_n be_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o distinction_n it_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o my_o reason_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v beyond_o my_o sight_n and_o any_o man_n who_o strive_v to_o conceive_v it_o himself_o or_o take_v pain_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o folly_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o action_n in_o nature_n extravagant_a enough_o to_o match_v it_o if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n stretch_v up_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n to_o pull_v down_o a_o star_n we_o shall_v certain_o conclude_v he_o distract_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reach_v it_o or_o grasp_v it_o if_o he_o can_v it_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o distinction_n for_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o insolent_a man_n that_o i_o thus_o adore_v what_o i_o can_v comprehend_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o a_o mystery_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v yet_o say_v or_o ever_o will_v say_v for_o the_o union_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n however_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o be_v not_o precarious_a and_o implicit_a or_o any_o easy_a blind_a credulity_n but_o be_v â—ounded_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o reasonable_a think_v man_n concern_v any_o proposition_n wherein_o a_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v 1._o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o understand_v well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o he_o discern_v no_o contradiction_n in_o they_o 3._o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mystery_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o themselves_o who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n they_o will_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o argue_v against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o confute_v nonsense_n but_o say_v it_o be_v such_o so_o that_o thus_o far_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a these_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o see_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o will_v utter_o reject_v it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o three_o be_v one_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a in_o ordinary_a discourse_n than_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o three_o or_o any_o other_o great_a number_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o and_o if_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v catch_v up_o immediate_o and_o force_v to_o explain_v himself_o upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n it_o will_v make_v conversation_n very_o troublesome_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n a_o body_n the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n and_o yet_o
these_o three_o be_v but_o one_o and_o he_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o explain_v himself_o and_o say_v that_o his_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o three_o man_n be_v one_o man_n or_o that_o one_o man_n be_v three_o man_n they_o who_o cry_v there_o be_v a_o contradiction_n in_o this_o mystery_n seem_v to_o i_o neither_o to_o know_v what_o a_o contradiction_n be_v nor_o what_o be_v the_o christian_a faith_n concern_v the_o trinity_n for_o we_o do_v believe_v that_o the_o divinity_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o the_o same_o sense_n then_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n but_o we_o affirm_v the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o godhead_n be_v one_o &_o three_o in_o different_a respect_n so_o that_o all_o this_o noise_n of_o contradiction_n vanish_v and_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o the_o objection_n amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o viz._n that_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v one_o and_o in_o what_o respect_n he_o be_v three_o and_o therefore_o because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o we_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o i_o grant_v we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o account_v for_o this_o and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o if_o i_o can_v clear_o solve_v the_o manner_n of_o this_o union_n and_o distinction_n it_o will_v â—â—aâ—e_v to_o be_v such_o thus_o much_o of_o it_o be_v pure_o the_o object_n of_o my_o faith_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o part_n of_o it_o but_o then_o 3._o i_o have_v sufficient_a proof_n of_o this_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n i_o have_v for_o this_o all_o the_o proof_n that_o i_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v they_o so_o that_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v all_o reveal_v religion_n or_o allow_v this_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o my_o faith_n but_o perhaps_o this_o man_n will_v object_n that_o tho'_o he_o shall_v grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v so_o no_o far_o than_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o but_o i_o have_v already_o make_v it_o out_o at_o the_o begin_n that_o both_o what_o we_o do_v and_o what_o we_o can_v know_v be_v both_o in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o my_o assent_n to_o what_o i_o do_v apprehend_v be_v found_v upon_o evidence_n the_o first_o assent_n be_v proper_o faith_n the_o last_o be_v knowledge_n and_o so_o likewise_o if_o i_o be_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n it_o shall_v be_v thus_o i_o be_o convince_v by_o the_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n the_o miracle_n he_o wrought_v and_o the_o agreablness_n of_o his_o doctrine_n to_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o our_o mind_n that_o whatever_o jesus_n christ_n be_v he_o come_v from_o god_n i_o find_v he_o in_o many_o place_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o name_n and_o title_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n in_o discourse_v with_o the_o jew_n he_o use_v this_o form_n of_o speech_n before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o on_o purpose_n to_o signify_v to_o they_o that_o he_o be_v that_o very_a divine_a be_v which_o be_v reveal_v to_o moses_n under_o that_o name_n and_o sometime_o after_o he_o tell_v they_o that_o as_o he_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n so_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o that_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o in_o this_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a because_o they_o take_v up_o stone_n at_o each_o of_o these_o say_n to_o stone_n he_o as_o a_o blasphemer_n because_o he_o make_v himself_o equal_a with_o god_n if_o these_o expression_n be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v in_o the_o sense_n they_o take_v they_o he_o will_v certain_o have_v undeceive_v they_o and_o have_v make_v it_o know_v that_o he_o be_v not_o god_n in_o the_o sense_n they_o understand_v he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v only_o a_o god_n by_o deputation_n according_a to_o the_o wild_a notion_n of_o the_o socinian_o but_o he_o speak_v the_o truth_n and_o the_o jew_n understand_v he_o right_n that_o he_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n the_o very_a same_o god_n who_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o sacred_a name_n i_o am._n and_o he_o have_v never_o undeceive_v either_o they_o or_o we_o to_o this_o day_n but_o instead_o thereof_o have_v use_v many_o expression_n to_o countenance_n and_o encourage_v this_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o if_o i_o act_n like_o a_o reasonable_a man_n i_o be_o under_o a_o necessity_n either_o of_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o this_o or_o of_o utter_o reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n now_o have_v he_o be_v and_o impostor_n god_n who_o show_v himself_o always_o very_o jealous_a of_o his_o honour_n will_v never_o have_v confirm_v this_o doctrine_n of_o he_o with_o such_o repeat_v testimony_n if_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v only_o a_o messenger_n come_v from_o god_n and_o a_o mere_a man_n who_o speak_v only_o by_o his_o spirit_n and_o commission_n he_o will_v never_o have_v use_v such_o expression_n as_o must_v natural_o be_v misunderstand_v and_o lead_v thousand_o into_o the_o gross_a sin_n of_o idolatry_n which_o of_o all_o other_o be_v the_o most_o detestable_a to_o god_n moses_n be_v never_o suffer_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n for_o a_o much_o less_o suspicious_a expression_n and_o in_o the_o heat_n of_o passion_n too_o must_v we_o bring_v water_n out_o of_o the_o rock_n which_o be_v a_o vainglorious_a insinuation_n that_o they_o wrought_v that_o miracle_n by_o their_o own_o immediate_a power_n and_o proper_a efficacy_n this_o come_v much_o short_a of_o these_o expression_n of_o our_o saviour_n destroy_v this_o temple_n and_o in_o three_o day_n i_o will_v raise_v it_o again_o i_o have_v power_n to_o lay_v down_o my_o liâ—e_z and_o i_o have_v power_n to_o take_v it_o up_o and_o before_o abraham_n be_v i_o be_o and_o indeed_o that_o passage_n concern_v moses_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v upon_o record_n by_o the_o special_a providence_n of_o god_n for_o this_o very_a purpose_n that_o it_o may_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o the_o jew_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n since_o this_o inference_n be_v very_o natural_a and_o obvious_a from_o it_o viz._n if_o god_n be_v so_o incense_v with_o moses_n for_o make_v use_n of_o one_o expression_n which_o seem_v to_o encroach_v upon_o his_o prerogative_n then_o how_o far_o will_v he_o have_v be_v from_o give_v testimony_n of_o much_o more_o frequent_a and_o great_a miracle_n to_o a_o person_n who_o by_o many_o plain_a expression_n assume_v to_o himself_o the_o full_a power_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n if_o he_o be_v not_o real_o what_o he_o give_v himself_o out_o to_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n i_o say_v because_o i_o can_v reject_v he_o as_o a_o impostor_n therefore_o i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n and_o confess_v the_o bless_a jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v eternal_a god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n now_o thus_o far_o i_o proceed_v in_o this_o mystery_n upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o my_o faith_n of_o this_o proposition_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o i_o know_v clear_o who_o i_o mean_v by_o jesus_n christ_n i._n e._n that_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n and_o crucify_a under_o pontius_n pilate_n i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o and_o i_o apprehend_v very_o well_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o name_n of_o god_n here_o i._n e._n that_o divine_a be_v who_o necessary_a existence_n i_o infer_v from_o that_o clear_a knowledge_n i_o have_v of_o his_o creature_n and_o of_o who_o nature_n tho'_o i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o notion_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o i_o form_v the_o best_a idea_n of_o he_o i_o can_v by_o enlarge_n all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v discernible_a in_o the_o creature_n and_o i_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o person_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o thus_o i_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n in_o they_o contradictory_n to_o my_o reason_n and_o last_o i_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o miraculous_a proof_n to_o the_o sense_n of_o man_n and_o of_o those_o completion_n of_o prophecy_n and_o the_o excellency_n of_o that_o doctrine_n they_o confirm_v the_o agreableness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o man_n and_o it_o be_v natural_a
as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n always_o carry_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n because_o of_o that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n occasion_v by_o such_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v what_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o level_v at_o his_o design_n rather_o than_o his_o word_n as_o i_o be_o force_v to_o do_v in_o several_a other_o instance_n but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o proof_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n more_o certain_a but_o not_o more_o clear_a i_o grant_v they_o do_v explain_v the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o proof_n make_v the_o revelation_n never_o the_o more_o true_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o make_v it_o more_o certain_a and_o to_o make_v a_o revelation_n more_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o