perception_n more_o entire_a for_o here_o again_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n lie_v altogether_o before_o we_o in_o its_o full_a and_o whole_a extent_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o it_o open_v gradual_o and_o successive_o the_o light_n steal_v in_o upon_o we_o more_o and_o more_o as_o we_o go_v further_o and_o further_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o man_n that_o travel_v towards_o the_o east_n to_o which_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o intuitive_a knowledge_n suppose_v and_o proceed_v from_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n who_o perceptive_a faculty_n be_v hereby_o argue_v to_o be_v very_o bright_a and_o clear_a for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a perception_n to_o perceive_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n by_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o whereas_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n and_o the_o necesslty_n of_o reason_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o intellectual_a capacity_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o proposition_n by_o the_o single_a collation_n of_o the_o two_o idea_n that_o compose_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o three_o as_o a_o common_a measure_n between_o they_o and_o so_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o more_o clear_a and_o better_o know_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o search_n of_o what_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o know_v according_o we_o attribute_v the_o way_n of_o intuition_n to_o the_o most_o perfect_a being_n god_n and_o angel_n though_o as_o to_o angel_n i_o make_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o that_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o very_a compound_a question_n and_o such_o as_o include_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o relation_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o we_o as_o in_o the_o more_o simple_a one_o we_o use_v intuition_n as_o well_o as_o they_o though_o perhaps_o after_o a_o much_o more_o perfect_a manner_n and_o by_o such_o compendious_a and_o facilitating_a rule_n as_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v when_o they_o do_v reason_n to_o reason_v better_a and_o more_o expedite_o than_o we_o so_o with_o equal_a probability_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v consider_v the_o great_a disproportion_n of_o nature_n and_o state_n between_o we_o that_o they_o use_v intuition_n in_o very_a many_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o reason_v 21._o hereafter_o indeed_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v imperfect_a about_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o like_v but_o equal_a to_o the_o angel_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v by_o intuition_n too_o and_o that_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v not_o only_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o think_v impossible_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o only_o above_o our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o think_v contrary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o reason_v better_a than_o we_o do_v now_o but_o shall_v in_o most_o thing_n not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o reason_v at_o all_o but_o shall_v with_o one_o simple_a view_n glance_v over_o and_o through_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n and_o so_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o fair_a field_n of_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a we_o must_v travel_v it_o over_o and_o that_o with_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v by_o intuition_n no_o more_o than_o just_a to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o encourage_v both_o our_o desire_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o that_o perfect_a state_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o need_v any_o logic_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o comparison_n but_o little_a need_n or_o use_v even_o of_o reason_n itself_o but_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o our_o nonage_n and_o infirmity_n our_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o our_o intuition_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a and_o reach_v so_o very_o little_a a_o way_n that_o as_o if_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o very_o scanty_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v near_o light_n enough_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n through_o the_o world_n so_o if_o we_o will_v know_v more_o and_o see_v to_o a_o further_a distance_n from_o we_o we_o must_v assist_v our_o feeble_a eye_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o reason_n be_v this_o glass_n naturally_n indeed_o a_o very_a good_a prospective_n but_o which_o logic_n and_o especial_o algebra_n have_v improve_v into_o a_o telescope_n but_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o a_o artificial_a way_n of_o see_v and_o all_o art_n suppose_v and_o argue_v a_o defect_n in_o nature_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v no_o very_a great_a commendation_n to_o a_o man_n eyesight_n to_o see_v with_o spectacle_n 22._o and_o why_o then_o be_v we_o proud_a and_o why_o proud_a of_o that_o which_o shall_v rather_o deject_v we_o and_o make_v we_o humble_a of_o our_o imperfection_n and_o our_o defect_n our_o natural_a reason_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o our_o limitation_n as_o creature_n and_o our_o artificial_a one_o of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o man_n and_o both_o together_o give_v we_o but_o little_a light_n and_o help_v we_o to_o see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n off_o and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a manner_n such_o as_o upbraid_v our_o ignorance_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n that_o it_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n our_o reason_n not_o so_o much_o enlighten_v as_o betray_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n some_o few_o thing_n indeed_o we_o know_v as_o angel_n do_v by_o intuition_n or_o else_o we_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o still_o the_o main_a fund_z of_o our_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o the_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a kind_n and_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v clue_n and_o chain_n to_o conduct_v our_o thought_n through_o the_o infinite_a maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o truth_n to_o proceed_v in_o a_o train_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o walk_v step_n by_o step_n and_o feel_v out_o our_o way_n with_o wariness_n and_o caution_n like_o man_n that_o go_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o such_o indeed_o be_v our_o state_n in_o this_o body_n and_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v now_o a_o kind_n of_o night_n with_o we_o as_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_a the_o lesser_a light_n reason_n for_o our_o difection_n as_o for_o the_o great_a intuition_n we_o have_v little_o more_o of_o that_o than_o of_o the_o refracted_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n a_o little_a before_o its_o rise_n and_o after_o its_o set_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o twilight_n a_o mixture_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o such_o a_o mixture_n as_o be_v very_o unequal_a darkness_n make_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o composition_n and_o be_v not_o this_o consideration_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v down_o our_o pride_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o sentiment_n of_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o self-dejection_n if_o not_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o even_o this_o lesser_a light_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o present_a night_n and_o darkness_n do_v oftentimes_o fail_v we_o and_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o dark_a side_n yet_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o much_o low_a dispensation_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o great_a importance_n wherein_o our_o reason_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v help_v we_o out_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sight_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v altogether_o by_o faith_n concern_v which_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o term_n of_o great_a ambiguity_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v either_o in_o divine_a or_o in_o humane_a write_n i_o shall_v only_o define_v in_o what_o sense_n i_o here_o take_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o such_o consideration_n upon_o it_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o lay_v open_a its_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o present_a design_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o take_v faith_n here_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o ethical_o consider_v as_o it_o denote_v the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o veracity_n fidelity_n honesty_n and_o the_o like_a but_o logical_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o certain_a assent_n judgement_n or_o
a_o desperate_a argument_n when_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o 2._o which_o of_o these_o be_v the_o evasion_n either_o the_o deny_v or_o the_o allow_v this_o distinction_n will_v best_o appear_v by_o the_o examination_n of_o it_o which_o beside_o its_o serviceableness_n to_o our_o clear_a proceed_v in_o what_o we_o be_v now_o upon_o i_o be_o the_o rather_o induce_v to_o undertake_v because_o as_o mr._n boyle_n observe_v in_o a_o little_a treatise_n upon_o this_o subject_a there_o be_v divers_a that_o employ_v this_o distinction_n few_o that_o have_v attempt_v to_o explain_v it_o and_o none_o that_o have_v take_v care_n to_o justify_v it_o indeed_o he_o himself_o be_v the_o only_a person_n that_o i_o know_v of_o that_o have_v write_v profess_o about_o it_o and_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o curiosity_n and_o importance_n shall_v be_v so_o little_o consider_v though_o i_o think_v he_o have_v not_o go_v to_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o subject_a nor_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a even_o as_o far_o as_o he_o go_v however_o because_o he_o have_v some_o considerable_a observation_n upon_o it_o as_o indeed_o his_o thought_n be_v general_o very_o good_a and_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n why_o we_o shall_v refuse_v any_o additional_a light_n in_o so_o dark_a and_o untrodden_a a_o way_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o further_a advantage_n and_o illustration_n of_o the_o matter_n first_o draw_v up_o into_o a_o short_a view_n what_o that_o excellent_a person_n have_v meditate_a concern_v it_o with_o such_o occasional_a remark_n as_o i_o shall_v think_v necessary_a and_o then_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o thing_n according_a to_o my_o own_o conception_n hope_v that_o between_o we_o both_o it_o will_v be_v sufficient_o clear_v and_o that_o nothing_o of_o any_o consequence_n will_v be_v overlook_v that_o belong_v to_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o so_o little_o consider_v and_o almost_o virgin_n subject_a 3._o to_o give_v you_o then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n the_o sum_n of_o mr._n boyle_n account_v he_o propose_v in_o general_n two_o thing_n 1._o to_o declare_v in_o what_o sense_n the_o distinction_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v 2._o to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o arbitrary_a or_o illusory_a distinction_n but_o ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o the_o first_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n he_o conceive_v such_o notion_n and_o proposition_n as_o mere_a reason_n that_o be_v unassisted_a by_o revelation_n will_v never_o have_v discover_v to_o we_o whether_o those_o thing_n be_v to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n clear_o comprehensible_a or_o not_o and_o that_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o understand_v such_o conception_n and_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n but_o such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v evident_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o to_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n 4._o now_o before_o i_o go_v any_o further_o i_o will_v here_o by_o this_o great_a man_n leave_n and_o with_o due_a deference_n to_o his_o high_a character_n remark_n that_o though_o thing_n undiscoverable_a by_o mere_a reason_n without_o revelation_n may_v in_o a_o certain_a sense_n be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o surpass_v the_o natural_a ability_n of_o the_o understanding_n to_o make_v the_o first_o discovery_n of_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v not_o what_o divine_v mean_a by_o above_o reason_n as_o they_o use_v the_o phrase_n in_o this_o distinction_n oppose_v it_o to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o this_o distinction_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o socinian_o who_o general_o reject_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n as_o contrary_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n to_o which_o we_o reply_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o only_o above_o it_o they_o cry_v out_o that_o this_o be_v no_o distinction_n but_o a_o mere_a shift_n and_o evasion_n pretend_v that_o the_o i_o art_n of_o it_o fall_v in_o together_o and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o therefore_o not_o to_o be_v believe_v now_o it_o be_v most_o plain_a that_o both_o they_o that_o use_v this_o distinction_n and_o they_o against_o who_o it_o be_v use_v do_v not_o mean_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n such_o as_o be_v beyond_o the_o first_o invention_n or_o discovery_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o to_o mean_v that_o our_o mystery_n be_v only_o undiscoverable_a when_o we_o say_v they_o be_v above_o reason_n will_v be_v too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o oppose_v to_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v also_o too_o little_a a_o thing_n to_o intend_v by_o mystery_n since_o though_o the_o undiscoverableness_n of_o they_o by_o reason_n may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a ground_n of_o their_o be_v so_o call_v before_o their_o revelation_n it_o can_v be_v none_o now_o after_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o if_o we_o say_v of_o these_o mystery_n now_o that_o they_o be_v above_o reason_n we_o can_v be_v presume_v to_o intend_v it_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o undiscoverableness_n and_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o that_o our_o adversary_n do_v not_o so_o understand_v we_o for_o they_o deny_v that_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o according_a to_o they_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v all_o one_o but_o now_o no_o socinian_n that_o understand_v his_o own_o principle_n will_v deny_v the_o credibility_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o that_o signify_v only_o undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o much_o less_o will_v he_o say_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o that_o sense_n be_v also_o contrary_a to_o it_o no_o without_o doubt_n they_o will_v in_o this_o sense_n both_o allow_v we_o the_o distinction_n and_o the_o mystery_n if_o they_o may_v be_v so_o call_v that_o be_v build_v upon_o it_o but_o then_o this_o plain_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o in_o this_o sense_n any_o more_o than_o we_o 5._o instead_o therefore_o of_o say_v undiscoverable_a he_o shall_v have_v say_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n into_o which_o he_o slip_v unaware_o in_o the_o account_n of_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o distinction_n thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n by_o say_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o when_o we_o do_v understand_v they_o do_v appear_v repugnant_a etc._n etc._n which_o plain_o imply_v that_o the_o former_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v even_o when_o discover_v and_o not_o such_o as_o we_o be_v not_o able_a only_o to_o discover_v since_o otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v no_o antithesis_fw-la in_o the_o second_o part_n in_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o amiss_o except_o those_o word_n as_o be_v not_o only_o undiscoverable_a which_o in_o my_o judgement_n ought_v to_o be_v expunge_v as_o the_o production_n of_o the_o first_o mistake_n 6._o mr._n boyle_n proceed_v to_o illustrate_v his_o explanation_n of_o this_o distinction_n by_o a_o comparison_n draw_v from_o sight_n he_o suppose_v a_o man_n to_o be_v ask_v by_o a_o diver_n what_o he_o can_v see_v in_o a_o deep_a sea_n to_o which_o the_o man_n be_v suppose_v to_o reply_v that_o he_o can_v see_v into_o a_o sea-green_a liquor_n to_o the_o depth_n of_o some_o yard_n and_o no_o further_o so_o that_o if_o further_o ask_v if_o he_o can_v see_v what_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o the_o sea_n his_o answer_n no_o doubt_n will_v be_v in_o the_o negative_a but_o then_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v let_v himself_o down_o to_o the_o bottom_n and_o bring_v up_o thence_o and_o show_v he_o oyster_n or_o muscle_n with_o pearl_n in_o they_o he_o will_v easy_o acknowledge_v both_o that_o they_o lie_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o his_o sight_n and_o that_o the_o pearl_n be_v genuine_a and_o good_n but_o if_o the_o diver_n shall_v further_o pretend_v that_o each_o of_o these_o pearl_n be_v big_a than_o the_o shell_n they_o be_v contain_v in_o this_o will_v be_v think_v not_o only_o undiscernible_a by_o the_o eye_n but_o contrary_a to_o their_o information_n and_o to_o admit_v this_o will_v argue_v the_o sight_n not_o only_o to_o be_v imperfect_a but_o false_a and_o delusory_a and_o according_o be_v presume_v that_o this_o he_o will_v not_o admit_v 7._o now_o i_o not_o only_o allow_v this_o comparison_n but_o even_o admire_v it_o for_o the_o singular_a aptness_n and_o pertinency_n of_o it_o to_o illustrate_v even_o to_o the_o sense_n the_o difference_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n only_o i_o think_v it_o seem_v to_o proceed_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o it_o which_o certain_o will_v make_v the_o comparison_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 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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 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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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the_o thought_n of_o man._n 3._o you_o see_v here_o how_o this_o excellent_a person_n strike_v light_a out_o of_o darkness_n by_o improve_n even_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n into_o a_o argument_n for_o the_o truth_n and_o credibility_n of_o they_o and_o so_o turn_v the_o artillery_n of_o our_o adversary_n against_o themselves_o this_o indeed_o be_v a_o bold_a achievement_n anâ—_n as_o fortunate_a a_o one_o too_o for_o i_o think_v there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o force_n and_o weight_n in_o his_o reason_v but_o i_o need_v not_o push_v the_o matter_n so_o far_o nor_o follow_v so_o home_o into_o the_o enemy_n camp_n as_o to_o plant_v their_o own_o cannon_n against_o they_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a undertake_n and_o as_o much_o as_o i_o be_o lead_v to_o by_o the_o principle_n before_o establish_v to_o conclude_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o they_o this_o therefore_o i_o insist_v upon_o and_o if_o my_o reason_n mighty_o deceive_v i_o not_o dare_v engage_v final_o to_o stand_v to_o for_o if_o as_o it_o have_v be_v show_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o general_n be_v no_o conclusive_a argument_n against_o either_o the_o truth_n or_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o then_o since_o negative_a proposition_n do_v separate_v the_o attribute_n from_o the_o subject_a according_a to_o all_o the_o extent_n which_o the_o subject_n have_v in_o the_o proposition_n what_o consequence_n can_v be_v more_o clear_a than_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o our_o mystery_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o it_o be_v none_o and_o that_o they_o ought_v never_o the_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v 4._o whether_o they_o be_v so_o or_o no_o be_v beside_o my_o undertake_n at_o present_a to_o examine_v nor_o need_v i_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o question_n since_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o can_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v be_v withal_o so_o abundant_o and_o convince_o make_v good_a by_o those_o able_a hand_n which_o have_v go_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o undertake_v the_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n therefore_o be_v so_o well_o discharge_v already_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o no_o further_o with_o it_o than_o only_a in_o consequence_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o one_o single_a necessary_a remark_n viz._n that_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o just_a objection_n
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a_o god_n he_o must_v have_v incomprehensible_a attribute_n which_o unless_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o think_v either_o right_o or_o worthy_o of_o he_o 26._o but_o to_o resume_v our_o point_n we_o see_v then_o here_o what_o a_o large_a field_n be_v now_o open_v to_o our_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n even_o of_o a_o compass_n as_o large_a as_o the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o though_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o though_o even_o the_o divine_a idea_n that_o represent_v they_o as_o far_o as_o representative_a of_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o limit_a consideration_n yet_o those_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o such_o external_a reference_n but_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a simple_a abstract_a self_n must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a infinity_o and_o be_v as_o 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show_v there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o such_o truth_n even_o all_o those_o that_o regard_v the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o distributive_o consider_v since_o there_o be_v particular_a truth_n which_o it_o can_v comprehend_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v 27._o and_o of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o visible_a illustration_n in_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n this_o be_v a_o idea_n or_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v true_o insinite_a as_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o in_o order_n to_o or_o representative_a of_o creature_n and_o as_o infinite_a it_o be_v also_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o according_o the_o complex_fw-la truth_n that_o
against_o their_o be_v so_o reveal_v suppose_v the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o and_o direct_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v not_o i_o think_v offer_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o different_a construction_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n because_o of_o the_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o that_o which_o their_o proper_a and_o grammatical_a scheme_n do_v exhibit_v but_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n since_o to_o admit_v a_o incomprehensible_a sense_n have_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o 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or_o no_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v in_o any_o controversy_n with_o a_o less_o pertinent_a objection_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v make_v of_o by_o a_o late_a bold_a writer_n 90._o who_o heap_v together_o a_o great_a many_o text_n to_o show_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o signify_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o inconceivable_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v not_o know_v before_o they_o be_v reveal_v well_o be_v it_o so_o as_o this_o gentleman_n pretend_v though_o i_o believe_v upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v otherwise_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o do_v we_o dispute_v about_o name_n or_o thing_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n express_v inconceivable_a thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o scripture_n above_o our_o conception_n call_v they_o by_o what_o name_v you_o 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not_o be_v without_o some_o pleasure_n that_o may_v deceive_v and_o some_o profit_n that_o may_v in_o part_n reward_v the_o labour_n of_o it_o i_o have_v show_v he_o what_o reason_n be_v and_o what_o faith_n be_v that_o so_o he_o may_v see_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o each_o what_o habitude_n and_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o and_o how_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o latter_a may_v consist_v with_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a i_o have_v also_o considere_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v real_a and_o wellgrounded_n and_o to_o have_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o good_a distinction_n and_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o which_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o discourse_v at_o large_a and_o thorough_o to_o settle_v and_o establish_v because_o of_o its_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n i_o have_v deduce_v that_o weighty_a inference_n that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a which_o consequence_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o the_o present_a controversy_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v backward_o by_o show_v 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 then_o human_a reason_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v before_o demonstrate_v will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n whence_o i_o infer_v again_o ex_fw-la absurdo_fw-la that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a from_o this_o last_o consequence_n i_o infer_v another_o of_o no_o less_o moment_n and_o