of_o it_o destroy_v the_o pretension_n of_o both_o i_o come_v now_o iu_o to_o the_o inference_n that_o may_v be_v raise_v from_o the_o whole_a 1._o reason_n be_v certain_a and_o inâ—…_n this_o follow_v from_o the_o state_n i_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o notion_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o beginning_n it_o consist_v in_o first_o principle_n and_o the_o conclusion_n that_o be_v raise_v from_o they_o and_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n now_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a or_o nothing_o can_v be_v so_o for_o every_o pâ—…ssible_a conclusion_n must_v be_v draw_v from_o those_o or_o by_o their_o help_n and_o every_o article_n of_o faith_n suppose_v they_o and_o for_o the_o proposition_n that_o arise_v from_o those_o certain_a principle_n they_o be_v certain_a likewise_o for_o nothing_o can_v follow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n in_o the_o long_a series_n of_o deduction_n if_o error_n creep_v in_o there_o be_v ill_a consequence_n in_o the_o case_n and_o the_o sort_n of_o conclusion_n that_o arise_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o sense_n if_o the_o sense_n be_v right_o circumstantiate_v and_o the_o inference_n right_o make_v be_v certain_a also_o for_o if_o our_o sense_n in_o all_o their_o due_a circumstance_n deceive_v we_o all_o be_v a_o delusion_n and_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o nothing_o but_o we_o know_v that_o first_o principle_n be_v certain_a and_o that_o our_o sense_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o because_o god_n that_o bestow_v they_o upon_o we_o be_v true_a and_o good_a and_o we_o be_v as_o much_o assure_v that_o whatever_o we_o due_o conclude_v from_o either_o of_o they_o be_v as_o certain_a because_o whatever_o be_v draw_v from_o any_o principle_n be_v virtual_o contain_v in_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o reason_n be_v in_o a_o sense_n the_o word_n of_o god_n viz._n that_o which_o he_o have_v write_v upon_o our_o mind_n and_o heart_n as_o scripture_n be_v that_o which_o be_v write_v in_o a_o book_n the_o former_a be_v the_o word_n whereby_o he_o have_v speak_v to_o all_o mankind_n the_o latter_a be_v that_o whereby_o he_o have_v declare_v his_o will_n to_o the_o church_n and_o his_o peculiar_a people_n reason_n be_v that_o candle_n of_o the_o lord_n of_o which_o solomon_n speak_v prov._n 20._o 27._o that_o light_n whereby_o christ_n have_v enlighten_v every_o one_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n john_n 1._o 9_o and_o that_o law_n whereby_o the_o conscience_n of_o the_o heathen_a either_o accuse_v or_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 15._o so_o that_o hiâ—…rocles_n speak_v well_o when_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v persuade_v by_o god_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o luther_n call_v philosophy_n within_o its_o own_o bound_n the_o truth_n of_o god_n 3._o the_o belief_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n and_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n the_o former_a part_n be_v clear_a from_o the_o last_o particular_a and_o we_o believe_v our_o reason_n because_o we_o have_v they_o from_o god_n who_o can_v mistake_v and_o will_v not_o deceive_v so_o that_o rely_v on_o they_o in_o thing_n clear_o perceive_v be_v trust_v in_o god_n veracity_n and_o goodness_n and_o that_o be_v a_o exercise_n of_o faith_n thus_o luke_n 12._o the_o not_o belief_n of_o reason_n that_o suggest_v from_o god_n clothing_n the_o lily_n that_o he_o will_v provide_v for_o we_o be_v make_v by_o our_o saviour_n a_o defect_n of_o faith_n vers_fw-la 28._o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n and_o for_o the_o other_o part_n that_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n that_o be_v evident_a also_o for_o it_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n to_o believe_v in_o god_n reveal_v 4._o no_o principle_n of_o reason_n contradâ—…ts_v any_o article_n of_o faith_n this_o follow_v upon_o the_o whole_a faith_n befriend_v reason_n and_o reason_n serve_v religion_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v clash_v they_o be_v both_o certain_a both_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o one_o truth_n do_v not_o interfere_v with_o another_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n agree_v with_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v whatsoever_o contradict_v faith_n be_v opposite_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o be_v a_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o that_o that_o god_n be_v to_o be_v believe_v indeed_o sometime_o there_o be_v a_o seem_a contradiction_n between_o they_o but_o then_o either_o something_o be_v take_v for_o faith_n that_o be_v but_o fancy_n or_o something_o for_o reason_n that_o be_v but_o sophistry_n or_o the_o suppose_a contradiction_n be_v a_o error_n and_o mistake_v 5._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v pretend_v from_o reason_n against_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n we_o ought_v not_o to_o cut_v the_o knot_n by_o deny_v reason_n but_o endeavour_v to_o untie_v it_o by_o answer_v the_o argument_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a it_o may_v be_v fair_o answer_v for_o all_o heretic_n argue_v either_o from_o false_a principle_n or_o fallacioâ—…ly_o conclude_v from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o our_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v defend_v not_o by_o declaim_v against_o reason_n in_o such_o a_o case_n which_o strengthen_v the_o enemy_n and_o to_o the_o great_a prejudice_n of_o religion_n allow_v reason_n on_o his_o side_n but_o we_o must_v endeavour_v to_o defend_v it_o either_o by_o discover_v the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o principle_n he_o use_v in_o the_o name_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o ill_a consequence_n which_o he_o call_v proof_n 6._o when_o any_o thing_n be_v offer_v we_o for_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o seem_v to_o contradict_v reason_n we_o ought_v to_o see_v that_o there_o be_v good_a cause_n to_o believe_v that_o this_o be_v divine_o reveal_v and_o in_o the_o sense_n propound_v if_o it_o be_v we_o may_v be_v assure_v from_o the_o former_a aphorism_n that_o the_o contradiction_n be_v but_o a_o appearance_n and_o it_o may_v be_v discover_v to_o be_v so_o but_o if_o the_o contradiction_n be_v real_a this_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o revelation_n or_o the_o revelation_n have_v not_o this_o sense_n for_o god_n can_v be_v the_o author_n of_o contradiction_n and_o we_o have_v see_v that_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n be_v he_o i_o mean_v the_o principle_n of_o natural_a truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o of_o revelation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d say_v aristotle_n truth_n be_v throughout_o contrary_a to_o falsehood_n and_o what_o be_v true_a in_o divinity_n can_v be_v false_a in_o reason_n it_o be_v say_v indeed_o in_o the_o talmud_n if_o two_o rabbin_n disfer_v in_o contradictory_n yet_o both_o have_v thâ—…ir_a opinion_n from_o moses_n and_o from_o god_n but_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v to_o such_o a_o non-sensiâ—…al_a kind_n of_o faith_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o receive_v any_o thing_n aâ—…_n a_o article_n in_o a_o sense_n that_o palpable_o contradict_v reason_n no_o more_o than_o we_o may_v receive_v any_o in_o a_o sense_n that_o contradict_v other_o scripture_n i'faith_o and_o reason_n accord_v as_o well_o as_o the_o old_a jestament_n and_o the_o new_a and_o the_o analogy_n of_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v â—…ded_v also_o because_o even_o that_o iâ—…_n divine_a and_o sacred_a 7._o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n but_o he_o have_v give_v we_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v reveal_v it_o for_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v never_o so_o clear_o tell_v i_o if_o i_o have_v not_o reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n be_v the_o revealer_n of_o what_o be_v so_o declare_v i_o be_o not_o bind_v to_o believe_v except_o there_o be_v evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o it_o be_v not_o faith_n but_o vain_a credulity_n to_o believe_v every_o thing_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v from_o god_n so_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o ask_v ourselves_o a_o reason_n why_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v the_o revelation_n of_o god_n will_n and_o ought_v not_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o sense_n put_v upon_o it_o till_o we_o have_v ground_n to_o think_v that_o that_o sense_n be_v his_o mind_n i_o say_v we_o must_v have_v ground_n either_o from_o our_o particular_a reason_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n otherwise_o our_o faith_n be_v vain_a credulity_n and_o not_o faith_n in_o god_n 8._o a_o man_n may_v hold_v a_o erroneous_a opinion_n from_o a_o mistake_a sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o deny_v what_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n and_o what_o be_v the_o right_a meaning_n of_o the_o text_n and_o yet_o not_o err_v in_o faith_n for_o faith_n be_v belief_n of_o god_n reveal_v and_o if_o god_n have_v not_o so_o reveal_v this_o or_o that_o as_o to_o give_v we_o certain_a ground_n to_o believe_v this_o to_o be_v his_o sense_n he_o have_v not_o sufficient_o reveal_v it_o to_o oblige_v our_o faith_n so_o that_o though_o i_o deny_v such_o or_o such_o a_o sense_n while_o
i_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o from_o god_n his_o veracity_n and_o authority_n be_v not_o concern_v since_o i_o be_o ready_a however_o to_o give_v a_o cheerful_a assent_n to_o whatever_o be_v clear_o and_o sufficient_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n follow_v from_o the_o former_a and_o must_v be_v understand_v only_o of_o those_o doctrine_n that_o be_v difficult_a and_o obscure_o deliver_v and_o that_o many_o thing_n be_v so_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v certain_a for_o some_o be_v only_o hint_v and_o speak_v occasional_o some_o figurative_o and_o by_o way_n of_o parable_n and_o allegory_n some_o according_a to_o man_n conception_n and_o some_o in_o ambiguous_a and_o enigmatical_a phrase_n which_o obsâ—…urities_n may_v occasion_n mistake_v in_o those_o who_o be_v very_o ready_a to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n say_v and_o when_o they_o do_v i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o say_v that_o such_o err_v in_o faith_n though_o those_o that_o wrest_v plain_a text_n to_o a_o compliance_n with_o their_o interest_n and_o their_o lust_n though_o their_o affection_n may_v bring_v their_o judgement_n to_o vote_n with_o they_o yet_o they_o be_v error_n in_o faith_n with_o a_o witness_n and_o capable_a of_o no_o benefit_n from_o this_o proposition_n 9_o in_o search_v after_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n we_o ought_v to_o consult_v the_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o we_o do_v other_o scripture_n for_o we_o have_v show_v that_o reason_n be_v another_o part_n of_o god_n word_n and_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v sufâ—…icient_a to_o its_o end_n yet_o reason_n must_v be_v presuppose_v unto_o it_o for_o without_o this_o scripture_n can_v be_v use_v nor_o compare_v nor_o apply_v nor_o understand_v 10._o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n be_v so_o plain_o reveal_v that_o no_o man_n can_v miss_v they_o that_o have_v not_o a_o mighty_a corrupt_a bias_n in_o his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o infatuate_a and_o blind_a his_o understanding_n those_o essential_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o decalogue_n and_o the_o creed_n many_o 〈◊〉_d remote_a doctrine_n may_v be_v true_a but_o not_o fundamental_a for_o it_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o the_o goodness_n or_o justice_n of_o god_n that_o man_n eternal_a interest_n shall_v dâ—…pend_v upon_o thing_n that_o be_v difficult_a to_o be_v understand_v and_o easy_o mistake_v if_o they_o do_v no_o man_n can_v be_v secure_a but_o that_o do_v what_o he_o can_v he_o shall_v perish_v everlasting_o for_o not_o believe_v or_o believe_v amiss_o some_o of_o those_o difficult_a point_n that_o be_v suppose_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n and_o all_o those_o that_o be_v ignorant_a and_o of_o weak_a understanding_n must_v perish_v without_o help_n or_o they_o must_v be_v save_v by_o implicit_a faith_n in_o unknown_a fundamental_o these_o be_v some_o proposition_n that_o follow_v from_o my_o discourse_n and_o from_o one_o another_o the_o beâ—…ter_n they_o be_v consider_v the_o more_o their_o force_n will_v be_v perceive_v and_o i_o think_v they_o may_v serve_v for_o many_o very_a considerable_a purpose_n of_o religion_n charity_n and_o the_o peace_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o speak_v a_o word_n to_o you_o my_o breâ—…hren_n of_o the_o clergy_n those_o i_o mean_v of_o the_o young_a sort_n for_o i_o shall_v not_o prâ—…sume_v to_o teach_v my_o elder_n you_o have_v hear_v no_o doubt_n frequent_a and_o earnest_a declamation_n against_o reason_n during_o the_o year_n of_o your_o education_n and_o youth_n we_o know_v receive_v impression_n easy_o and_o i_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o you_o have_v be_v possess_v with_o very_o hard_a thought_n of_o this_o pretend_a terrible_a enemy_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n but_o do_v you_o ever_o consider_v deep_o since_o what_o end_v of_o religion_n or_o sobriety_n such_o vehement_a defamation_n of_o our_o faculty_n can_v serve_v and_o what_o end_v of_o a_o pâ—…rty_n they_o do_v i_o hope_v these_o thing_n you_o have_v ponder_v as_o you_o ought_v and_o discern_v the_o consequent_a mischieâ—…s_n but_o yet_o i_o shall_v beg_v leave_n â—…o_o refresh_v your_o thought_n with_o some_o consideration_n of_o the_o dangerous_a tendency_n and_o issue_n of_o such_o preachment_n 1._o to_o disclaim_v reason_n as_o a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n tend_v to_o the_o introduction_n of_o atheism_n infidelity_n and_o scepâ—…icism_n and_o have_v already_o bring_v in_o a_o flood_n of_o these_o upon_o we_o for_o what_o advantage_n can_v the_o atheist_n and_o insidel_n expect_v great_a than_o this_o that_o reason_n be_v against_o religion_n what_o do_v they_o pretend_v what_o can_v they_o propose_v more_o if_o so_o there_o will_v be_v no_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v his_o word_n and_o then_o we_o believe_v gratis_o and_o our_o faith_n hang_v upon_o humour_n and_o imagination_n and_o that_o religion_n that_o depend_v upon_o a_o warm_a fancy_n a_o ungrounded_a belief_n stand_v but_o till_o a_o disease_n or_o a_o new_a conceit_n alter_v the_o scenc_n of_o imagination_n and_o then_o down_o fall_v the_o castle_n who_o soundation_n be_v in_o the_o air._n it_o be_v the_o charge_n of_o julian_n the_o apostate_n against_o the_o primitive_a christian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o their_o wisdom_n be_v to_o believe_v as_o if_o they_o have_v no_o ground_n for_o their_o faith_n and_o those_o that_o renounce_v and_o decry_v reason_n justify_v julian_n in_o his_o charge_n thus_o religion_n will_v have_v no_o bottom_n but_o the_o fancy_n of_o every_o one_o that_o prosess_v it_o and_o how_o various_a and_o inconstant_a a_o thing_n imagination_n be_v every_o man_n know_v these_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o the_o defamation_n of_o reason_n on_o the_o pretend_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o we_o have_v see_v in_o multitude_n of_o deplorable_a instance_n that_o they_o follow_v in_o practice_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n man_n of_o corrupt_a inclination_n suspect_v that_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o so_o be_v upon_o the_o border_n of_o quit_v it_o and_o the_o enthusiast_n that_o pretend_v to_o know_v religion_n best_o tell_v they_o that_o these_o suspicion_n be_v very_o true_a and_o thence_o the_o debauchee_n glad_o make_v the_o desperate_a conclusion_n and_o when_o other_o also_o hear_v reason_n disparage_v as_o uncertain_a various_a and_o fallacious_a they_o deny_v all_o credit_n to_o their_o faculty_n and_o become_v confound_v sceptic_n that_o settle_v in_o nothing_o this_o i_o take_v to_o have_v be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a and_o most_o deadly_a occasion_n of_o the_o atheism_n of_o our_o day_n and_o he_o that_o have_v reject_v reason_n may_v be_v one_o when_o he_o please_v and_o can_v reprehend_v or_o reduce_v any_o one_o that_o be_v so_o already_o 2._o the_o denial_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n have_v be_v the_o principal_a engine_n that_o heretic_n and_o enthusiast_n have_v use_v against_o the_o faith_n and_o that_o which_o lay_v we_o open_a to_o inâ—…inite_a folly_n and_o imposture_n thus_o the_o arrian_n quarrel_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o it_o be_v deduce_v by_o consequence_n but_o not_o express_v in_o scripture_n the_o apollinarist_n will_v by_o no_o mean_n allow_v of_o reason_n and_o st._n austin_n say_v of_o the_o donatist_n that_o they_o do_v calumniate_v and_o deâ—…ry_v it_o to_o raise_v prejudice_n against_o the_o catholic_n faith_n and_o elsewhere_o doctores_fw-la vestri_fw-la hominem_fw-la dialecticum_fw-la â—…ugiendum_fw-la potius_fw-la &_o cavendum_fw-la quam_fw-la refellendum_fw-la censuerunt_fw-la the_o ubiquitarian_n defend_v their_o error_n by_o deny_v the_o judgement_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o macedonian_n will_v not_o have_v the_o deity_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n prove_v by_o consequence_n the_o late_a enthusiast_n in_o germany_n and_o other_o place_n set_v up_o loud_o and_o vehement_a out_o cry_v against_o reason_n and_o the_o lunatic_n among_o we_o that_o agree_v in_o nothing_o else_o do_v yet_o sweet_o accord_v in_o oppose_v this_o carnal_a reason_n and_o this_o indeed_o be_v their_o common_a interest_n the_o imposture_n of_o man_n fancy_n must_v not_o be_v see_v in_o too_o much_o light_n and_o we_o can_v dream_v with_o our_o eye_n open_a reason_n will_v discover_v the_o nakedness_n of_o sacred_a whimsy_n and_o the_o vanity_n of_o mysterious_a nonsense_n this_o will_v disparage_v the_o darling_n of_o the_o brain_n and_o cool_v the_o pleasant_a heat_n of_o kindle_a imagination_n and_o therefore_o reason_n must_v be_v decry_v because_o a_o enemy_n to_o madness_n and_o fancy_n set_v up_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n and_o inspiration_n hence_o man_n have_v get_v the_o trick_n to_o call_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v consequent_a and_o reasonable_a vain_a philosophy_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sober_a carnal_a reason_v religion_n be_v set_v so_o far_o above_o reason_n that_o at_o length_n it_o be_v put_v beyond_o sobriety_n and_o sense_n and_o than_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v believe_v
nature_n give_v of_o that_o by_o which_o the_o world_n have_v be_v so_o sad_o cozen_v as_o have_v be_v large_o represent_v by_o a_o modern_a philosophical_a divine_a and_o when_o we_o cast_v our_o eye_n abroad_o into_o the_o wide_a world_n we_o see_v that_o those_o glorious_a thing_n be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o have_v be_v do_v by_o the_o eecstatic_a priest_n of_o the_o heathen_a oracle_n and_o the_o madman_n of_o all_o religion_n by_o sibyl_n lunatic_n poet_n dreamer_n and_o abreptitious_a person_n of_o all_o sort_n and_o we_o see_v daily_o to_o what_o degree_n of_o elevation_n excess_n of_o drink_v will_v heighten_v the_o brain_n make_v some_o witty_a nimble_a and_o eloquent_a much_o beyond_o the_o ordinary_a sizâ—…_n of_o their_o part_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o incline_v other_o to_o be_v huge_o devout_a who_o usual_o have_v no_o great_a sense_n of_o religion_n as_o i_o know_v one_o who_o will_v pray_v rapâ—…urously_o when_o he_o be_v drink_v but_o at_o other_o time_n be_v a_o mope_a sot_n and_o can_v scarce_o speak_v sense_n thus_o also_o some_o kind_n of_o madness_n disease_n accident_n peculiarity_n of_o temper_n and_o other_o natural_a thing_n that_o heat_v the_o brain_n â—…ill_v man_n with_o high_a surprise_v conceit_n about_o religion_n and_o furnish_v thâ—…m_n with_o servid_fw-la devotion_n great_a reaâ—…iness_n of_o expression_n and_o unexpected_a application_n of_o scripture_n to_o their_o crazy_a conceit_n i_o say_v the_o experimental_a philosophy_n of_o our_o nature_n inform_v we_o that_o all_o this_o be_v common_a in_o alienation_n and_o singularity_n of_o mind_n and_o complexion_n and_o they_o be_v remarkable_a in_o the_o propâ—…ets_n of_o the_o heathen_a and_o the_o pâ—…iest_n who_o saint_n austin_n know_v that_o will_v whine_v himself_o into_o a_o ecstasy_n in_o the_o wonderful_a discourse_n of_o the_o american_n bishop_n that_o say_v he_o be_v the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o the_o cant_a fluency_n of_o the_o german_a enthusiast_n some_o of_o who_o imagination_n be_v as_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a of_o such_o instance_n i_o may_v make_v up_o a_o much_o large_a catalogue_n if_o i_o shall_v descend_v to_o our_o domestic_a lunatic_n but_o their_o temper_n be_v well_o know_v and_o therefore_o i_o only_o add_v this_o more_o that_o i_o have_v often_o meet_v with_o a_o poor_a woman_n in_o warwickeshire_n who_o habitual_a conceit_n it_o be_v that_o she_o be_v mother_n of_o god_n and_o of_o all_o thing_n live_v i_o be_v wont_a to_o personate_v a_o kind_n of_o compliance_n with_o her_o fancy_n and_o a_o modest_a dâ—…sire_n to_o be_v further_o inform_v about_o it_o which_o gentleness_n draw_v from_o she_o so_o many_o odd_a fetch_n of_o discourse_n such_o application_n of_o scripture_n and_o such_o wonderful_a reference_n to_o thing_n in_o which_o she_o be_v never_o instruct_v that_o look_v like_o scrap_n take_v out_o of_o hobbs_n and_o epiâ—…urus_n that_o i_o have_v be_v much_o amaze_v at_o she_o talk_v and_o yet_o when_o i_o divert_v she_o to_o any_o thing_n else_o of_o ordinary_a maâ—…ters_n she_o speak_v usual_o with_o as_o much_o sobriety_n and_o cold_a discretion_n as_o can_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o a_o person_n of_o her_o condition_n noâ—…_n do_v she_o use_v â—…o_o be_v extravagant_a in_o any_o thing_n but_o about_o that_o particular_a imagination_n which_o instance_n among_o many_o other_o i_o may_v produce_v very_o much_o confirm_v i_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o observation_n of_o those_o philosopher_n who_o have_v give_v we_o the_o best_a light_n into_o the_o enthusiastic_a tâ—…mper_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o madness_n which_o take_v man_n in_o some_o particular_a thing_n when_o they_o be_v sound_a in_o other_o which_o one_o proposition_n will_v assord_v a_o good_a account_n of_o many_o of_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o enthusiasm_n and_o show_v that_o the_o extravagant_o among_o we_o may_v be_v real_o distract_v in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n though_o their_o brain_n be_v untouched_a in_o other_o matter_n thus_o a_o philosophical_a use_n of_o observation_n and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n by_o it_o help_v we_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o effect_n of_o the_o adorable_a spirit_n and_o those_o of_o a_o hot_a distemper_a fancy_n which_o be_v no_o small_a advantage_n for_o the_o secure_v the_o purity_n honour_n and_o all_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n sect_n ii_o but_o ii_o there_o be_v another_o mischief_n of_o the_o enthusiastic_a spirit_n behind_o and_o that_o be_v its_o bring_v reason_n into_o disgrace_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n thereof_o in_o the_o aâ—…irs_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n this_o be_v a_o mischief_n that_o be_v the_o sad_a cause_n of_o insinite_a more_o for_o it_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n all_o kind_n of_o phantastry_n and_o â—…lly_n and_o expose_v religion_n to_o contempt_n and_o derision_n by_o make_v madness_n and_o disease_n sacred_a it_o bewilder_n man_n mind_n in_o a_o maze_n of_o confuse_a imagination_n and_o lead_v they_o into_o bog_n and_o precipice_n and_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o light_n and_o their_o guide_n and_o lay_v they_o open_a to_o all_o the_o delusion_n of_o satan_n and_o their_o own_o distemper_a brain_n it_o take_v religion_n off_o from_o its_o foundation_n and_o leave_v the_o interest_n of_o eternity_n in_o meâ—…s_n soul_n to_o chance_v and_o the_o hit_v of_o imagination_n teach_v those_o that_o be_v delâ—…ded_v to_o lay_v the_o stress_n of_o all_o upon_o rapture_n 〈◊〉_d and_o mysterious_a notion_n 〈◊〉_d they_o forget_v and_o scorn_v the_o plain_a christianity_n which_o be_v a_o imitation_n of_o christ_n in_o charity_n humility_n justice_n and_o purity_n in_o the_o exercise_n of_o all_o virtue_n and_o command_v of_o ourselves_o it_o render_v man_n obnoxiouâ—…_n to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o atheism_n and_o the_o black_a insidelity_n and_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o convince_v a_o insidel_n to_o settle_v one_o that_o doubt_n or_o to_o recover_v one_o that_o be_v backsliden_fw-mi from_o the_o faith_n these_o evil_n i_o be_o here_o content_a to_o name_v only_o have_v represent_v they_o more_o full_o in_o another_o discourse_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o our_o own_o age_n may_v convince_v we_o with_o a_o little_a consideration_n upon_o it_o that_o all_o those_o fatal_a mischief_n have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o contempt_n and_o disparagement_n of_o reâ—…son_n but_o yet_o though_o i_o assirm_v this_o i_o be_o not_o so_o rash_a or_o so_o unjust_a as_o to_o believe_v or_o say_v that_o this_o spirit_n have_v produce_v all_o those_o sad_a thing_n in_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v hot_o and_o inconsiderate_o against_o reason_n i_o be_o far_o from_o the_o wildness_n of_o such_o a_o censure_n because_o i_o know_v how_o much_o imprudent_a zeal_n customary_a talk_n high_a pretension_n and_o superstitious_a fear_n may_v work_v even_o upon_o honest_a mind_n who_o many_o time_n hold_v bad_a thing_n in_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o deny_v in_o the_o practice_n and_o so_o be_v upright_o in_o their_o will_n while_o they_o be_v very_o much_o confuse_v and_o mistake_v in_o their_o understanding_n this_o i_o account_v to_o be_v the_o case_n of_o multitude_n of_o pious_a people_n in_o reference_n to_o reason_n they_o have_v hear_v hotheaded_a indiscreet_a man_n declaim_v against_o it_o and_o many_o of_o they_o who_o opinion_n will_v not_o bear_v the_o light_n have_v a_o interest_n to_o do_v so_o their_o pretension_n be_v plausible_a and_o their_o zeal_n great_a their_o talk_n 〈◊〉_d and_o their_o 〈◊〉_d bold_a and_o the_o honest_a well-meaning_a folk_n be_v catch_v in_o their_o assection_n and_o these_o lead_v bad_a principle_n into_o their_o mind_n which_o be_v neither_o dispose_v nor_o able_a to_o examine_v so_o they_o believe_v and_o talk_v after_o their_o teacher_n and_o say_v that_o reason_n be_v a_o low_a dull_a thing_n ignorant_a of_o the_o spirit_n and_o a_o enemy_n to_o faith_n and_o religion_n while_o in_o this_o they_o have_v no_o clear_a thought_n nor_o yet_o any_o evil_a meaning_n but_o let_v these_o sancy_n swim_v a_o top_n in_o their_o imagination_n and_o upon_o occasion_n they_o run_v out_o at_o the_o tongue_n end_n though_o they_o be_v not_o always_o improve_v to_o deadly_a practice_n for_o charity_n 〈◊〉_d caution_n i_o have_v say_v this_o but_o yet_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o all_o the_o forecited_a evil_n be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v the_o tendency_n and_o in_o too_o many_o instance_n have_v be_v and_o be_v the_o issue_n of_o this_o spirit_n and_o now_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v grant_v ready_o by_o all_o that_o be_v conâ—…derate_a that_o whatever_o assist_v religion_n against_o this_o destructive_a enemy_n do_v it_o most_o important_a service_n and_o this_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n do_v in_o a_o degree_n very_o eminent_a in_o order_n to_o the_o proof_n of_o this_o we_o may_v consider_v what_o i_o intimate_v just_a now_o
advantage_n and_o promotion_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n thus_o we_o see_v that_o the_o real_a knowledge_n and_o search_n into_o god_n work_n put_v philosopher_n at_o great_a distance_n from_o that_o fond_a principle_n of_o enthusiasm_n that_o reason_n be_v a_o enemy_n to_o religion_n and_o we_o may_v learn_v from_o the_o discourse_n cite_v that_o it_o may_v be_v happy_o and_o proâ—…itably_o use_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o many_o of_o the_o great_a article_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o philosophy_n do_v much_o assist_v it_o in_o that_o service_n and_o so_o it_o do_v sect_n v._o ii_o in_o defend_v other_o point_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v pure_o of_o revelation_n and_o immediate_o discoverable_a no_o other_o way_n for_o this_o be_v a_o maxim_n of_o reason_n that_o whatever_o god_n say_v be_v to_o be_v believe_v though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o or_o tell_v how_o the_o thing_n shall_v be_v by_o this_o axiom_n whoever_o have_v prove_v the_o revelation_n may_v descend_v the_o article_n and_o it_o be_v a_o absurdity_n in_o philosophic_a reason_n to_o argue_v against_o the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v well_o attest_v from_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o the_o manner_n how_o it_o be_v according_a to_o which_o principle_n even_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n may_v be_v as_o well_o defend_v as_o the_o existence_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n in_o these_o there_o be_v many_o mode_n which_o be_v perfect_o unaccountable_a and_o full_a of_o seem_a contradiction_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v be_v urge_v against_o the_o existence_n of_o these_o most_o sensible_a being_n we_o can_v not_o make_v our_o defence_n by_o untie_v those_o knot_n but_o may_v well_o do_v it_o by_o recourse_n to_o this_o maxim_n that_o what_o be_v a_o evident_a object_n of_o sense_n or_o clear_o prove_v by_o reason_n aught_o to_o be_v believe_v though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o theory_n and_o manner_n of_o it_o unconceivable_a and_o by_o use_v the_o same_o we_o be_v safe_a in_o all_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v well_o prove_v to_o be_v so_o but_o this_o i_o have_v more_o full_o handle_v else_o where_o and_o shall_v only_o add_v now_o that_o the_o free_a experimental_a philosophy_n beget_v the_o deep_a persuasion_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o modest_a proposition_n by_o acquaint_v the_o philoâ—…opher_n every_o day_n with_o innumerable_a thing_n in_o the_o work_n of_o god_n oâ—…_n which_o he_o can_v give_v no_o account_n though_o he_o know_v by_o his_o sense_n that_o they_o be_v real_o exist_v and_o by_o this_o mean_n reason_v assist_v by_o philosophy_n cut_v off_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o silencâ—…th_v the_o objection_n of_o bold_a inâ—…idelity_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v raise_v from_o the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v in_o our_o conception_n of_o the_o article_n of_o religion_n and_o thus_o the_o free_a philosophy_n lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o defence_n of_o the_o great_a sublimity_n of_o faith_n and_o common_a reason_n do_v the_o best_a by_o show_v the_o certainty_n and_o divine_a original_a of_o the_o testimony_n that_o acquaint_v we_o with_o those_o sacred_a mystery_n this_o it_o do_v by_o aggregate_a those_o multitude_n of_o circumstance_n that_o show_v the_o infallible_a truth_n of_o scripture_n history_n and_o twist_v such_o a_o cord_n as_o be_v as_o strong_a as_o any_o thing_n in_o geometry_n or_o nature_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o wonder_n what_o it_o be_v that_o incline_v some_o man_n who_o be_v otherwise_o sober_a enough_o to_o let_v sly_a so_o lavish_o and_o indiscreet_o against_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n especial_o in_o a_o age_n so_o exceed_o prone_a to_o phantastry_n and_o madness_n and_o that_o have_v be_v ruin_v in_o all_o its_o concern_v by_o enthusiasm_n and_o vain_a pretence_n to_o the_o spirit_n it_o be_v true_a the_o discourse_n of_o some_o who_o have_v talk_v much_o of_o philosophy_n and_o reason_n have_v be_v bold_a and_o saucy_a and_o no_o doubt_n of_o evil_a tendency_n to_o the_o interest_n of_o religion_n but_o true_a philosophy_n and_o well_o manage_v reason_n vindicate_v religion_n from_o those_o impudent_a abuse_n and_o show_v that_o there_o be_v sophistry_n and_o imposture_n in_o those_o pretension_n so_o that_o they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v blame_v for_o the_o insolence_n and_o riot_n of_o those_o that_o usurp_v their_o name_n then_o religion_n itself_o be_v for_o the_o immorality_n of_o those_o that_o cloth_n themselves_o in_o the_o garment_n of_o external_a piety_n and_o saintship_n thus_o of_o the_o service_n of_o philosophy_n against_o enthusiasm_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o last_o instance_n chap._n vi_o philosophy_n serve_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v some_o of_o the_o mischiâ—…fs_n of_o that_o spirit_n brief_o reciâ—…ed_v six_o way_n whereby_o philosophy_n destroy_v the_o dispute_a humour_n the_o main_a thing_n that_o may_v be_v urge_v in_o behalf_n of_o dispute_n answer_v sect_n i._o v._n it_o help_v religion_n against_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v by_o which_o i_o mean_v that_o which_o believe_v uncertain_a opinion_n sirm_o assâ—…rts_v they_o confident_o and_o clamorous_o conteâ—…ds_v against_o every_o different_a appâ—…ehe_fw-ge siâ—…n_fw-ge this_o be_v that_o pestilâ—…nt_a spirit_n that_o turn_v religion_n into_o air_n of_o notion_n and_o make_v it_o intricate_a and_o uncertain_a subject_n to_o eternal_a quarrel_n and_o obnoxious_a to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o which_o supplant_v charity_n modesty_n peace_n and_o meekness_n and_o substitute_n in_o their_o room_n rage_n insolence_n pride_n bitter_a zeal_n clamour_n and_o division_n and_o all_o the_o opposite_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o christ_n and_o the_o gospel_n so_o that_o it_o deprave_v religion_n and_o make_v it_o be_v sacred_a name_n a_o instrument_n to_o promote_v the_o project_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o darkness_n by_o cankr_a man_n one_o against_o another_o and_o inflame_v their_o spirit_n and_o crumble_a they_o into_o sect_n and_o disturb_v society_n and_o so_o it_o hinder_v the_o progress_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o lay_v it_o open_a to_o the_o scorn_n of_o unbeliever_n it_o turn_v man_n from_o the_o desire_n of_o practise_v to_o the_o itch_n of_o talk_v and_o abuse_v they_o into_o this_o dangerous_a belief_n that_o godliness_n consist_v more_o in_o their_o belove_a orthodoxy_n then_o in_o a_o sober_a virtue_n and_o the_o exercise_n of_o charity_n it_o make_v they_o pert_a and_o pragmatical_a busy_a about_o the_o reformation_n of_o other_o while_o they_o neglect_v their_o own_o spirit_n fancy_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o fluency_n of_o the_o tongue_n while_o the_o worst_a of_o passion_n have_v the_o empire_n of_o their_o soul_n these_o be_v some_o of_o the_o sad_a effect_n of_o the_o humour_n of_o dispute_v which_o have_v do_v deplorable_a execution_n upon_o religion_n in_o all_o place_n and_o time_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o service_n that_o can_v be_v afford_v it_o to_o destroy_v this_o evil_a genius_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o mere_o humane_a that_o contribute_v more_o towards_o the_o root_n of_o it_o out_o of_o the_o world_n than_o the_o free_a and_o real_a philosophy_n for_o sect_n ii_o ay_o converse_v with_o god_n work_n give_v we_o to_o see_v the_o uâ—…st_a difficulty_n that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o the_o speculation_n of_o they_o and_o thereby_o man_n be_v make_v less_o conâ—…dent_a of_o their_o sentiment_n about_o nature_n and_o by_o many_o considâ—…tions_n and_o observation_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v at_o length_n bring_v to_o such_o 〈◊〉_d â—…itual_a modesty_n that_o they_o be_v 〈◊〉_d to_o pass_v bold_a judgement_n upon_o those_o opinion_n in_o religâ—…n_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d assurance_n and_o two_o by_o the_o freqâ—…t_a exercise_n of_o our_o mind_n we_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v make_v sensible_a how_o 〈◊〉_d and_o how_o oft_o we_o be_v deceive_v through_o the_o fallibility_n of_o sensâ—…_n and_o shortness_n of_o our_o undâ—…rstandings_n by_o education_n authority_n interest_n and_o our_o affection_n and_o so_o be_v dispose_v to_o a_o more_o prudent_a coldness_n and_o dâ—…ffidence_n in_o thing_n of_o doubtful_a speculation_n by_o which_o the_o dispâ—…ting_a humour_n be_v destroy_v at_o the_o bottom_n beside_o which_o iii_o the_o real_a philosophy_n bring_v man_n in_o love_n with_o the_o practical_a knowledge_n the_o more_o we_o have_v employ_v ourselves_o in_o notion_n and_o theory_n the_o more_o we_o shall_v be_v acquaint_v with_o their_o uncertainty_n and_o our_o â—…steem_n and_o regard_n of_o they_o will_v abate_v as_o that_o sense_n increase_v and_o by_o the_o same_o degree_n our_o respect_n and_o loâ—…e_v to_o operative_a knowledge_n will_v advance_v and_o grow_v which_o disposition_n will_v incline_v we_o also_o to_o have_v less_o regard_n to_o nicety_n in_o religion_n and_o teach_v we_o to_o lay_v out_o our_o chief_a care_n and_o
sadducee_n and_o fanatic_n to_o rail_v against_o philosophy_n be_v not_o at_o all_o strange_a it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o may_v well_o be_v expect_v from_o such_o cattle_n philosophy_n be_v their_o enemy_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o disparage_v and_o reproach_v it_o but_o for_o religious_a and_o sober_a man_n to_o do_v any_o thing_n so_o unadvised_a and_o so_o prejudicial_a to_o religion_n be_v wondeâ—…ul_a and_o deplorable_a to_o set_v these_o right_n in_o their_o judgement_n about_o philosophical_a inquiry_n into_o god_n work_n be_v the_o principal_a design_n of_o these_o paper_n and_o in_o order_n to_o the_o further_a promote_a of_o it_o i_o advance_v to_o the_o last_o head_n of_o discourse_n propose_v viz._n chap._n vii_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v philosophy_n the_o slander_n and_o objection_n against_o it_o answer_v viz._n that_o of_o atheism_n and_o the_o other_o of_o its_o tend_v to_o the_o lessen_v our_o value_n of_o the_o scripture_n full_o confute_v it_o teach_v no_o doctrine_n contrary_a to_o god_n word_n those_o of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o terrestrial_a nature_n of_o the_o moon_n consider_v as_o they_o refer_v to_o the_o scripture_n sect_n i._o iu_o that_o the_o minister_n and_o professor_n of_o religion_n ought_v not_o to_o discourage_v but_o promote_v the_o knowledge_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o work_n of_o its_o author_n this_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o whole_a matter_n and_o follow_v evident_o from_o all_o that_o go_v before_o which_o though_o it_o will_v not_o infer_v a_o necessity_n of_o all_o man_n deep_a search_n into_o nature_n yet_o this_o it_o will_v that_o no_o friend_n or_o servant_n of_o religion_n shall_v â—…inder_v or_o discountenance_v such_o inquiry_n and_o though_o most_o private_a christian_n and_o some_o public_a minister_n have_v neither_o leisure_n nor_o ability_n to_o look_v into_o matter_n of_o natural_a research_n and_o inquisition_n yet_o they_o ought_v to_o think_v candid_o and_o wish_v well_o to_o the_o endeavour_n of_o those_o that_o have_v and_o it_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o a_o folly_n either_o in_o the_o one_o or_o other_o to_o censure_v or_o discourage_v those_o worthy_a undertake_n upon_o which_o account_v it_o grieve_v i_o to_o see_v how_o apâ—…_n some_o be_v that_o pretend_v much_o to_o religion_n and_o some_o that_o minister_v in_o it_o to_o load_v those_o that_o be_v studious_a of_o god_n work_v with_o all_o the_o odious_a name_n that_o contempt_n and_o spigâ—…t_n can_v suggest_v the_o irreligion_n of_o which_o injurious_a carriage_n nothing_o can_v â—…xcuse_v but_o their_o ignorance_n aâ—…d_v i_o will_v rather_o hope_v that_o they_o neither_o know_v what_o they_o say_v nor_o what_o they_o do_v than_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v any_o direct_a design_n against_o the_o glory_n of_o their_o maker_n or_o against_o any_o laâ—…dable_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v it_o i_o know_v well_o what_o mischief_n prejudice_n will_v do_v euâ—…n_v upon_o mind_n that_o otherwise_o be_v very_o honest_a and_o intelligent_a enough_o and_o there_o be_v many_o common_a slander_n and_o some_o plausible_a objection_n in_o the_o mouth_n of_o the_o zealous_a against_o philosophy_n which_o have_v beget_v a_o ill_a opinion_n of_o it_o in_o well-meaning_a man_n who_o have_v never_o examine_v thing_n deep_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o such_o i_o shall_v produce_v the_o most_o considerable_a allegation_n of_o both_o sort_n and_o i_o hope_v makâ—…_n such_o return_n to_o they_o as_o may_v be_v â—…fficient_a to_o satiâ—…_n those_o who_o mind_n be_v not_o bar_v by_o obstinacy_n or_o ignorance_n sect_n ii_o i_o speak_v first_o of_o the_o bold_a and_o broad_a slander_n among_o which_o that_o i._o of_o atheism_n be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a but_o certain_o it_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o unjust_a accusation_n that_o malice_n and_o ignorance_n can_v have_v invent_v this_o i_o need_v not_o be_v industrious_a to_o prove_v here_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o philosophy_n be_v one_o of_o the_o best_a weapon_n in_o the_o world_n to_o defend_v religion_n against_o it_o and_o my_o whole_a discourse_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o this_o spiteful_a and_o ridiculous_a charge_n it_o be_v true_a indâ—…ed_v the_o man_n of_o the_o epiâ—…urean_a sort_n have_v leave_v god_n and_o providence_n out_o of_o their_o account_n but_o then_o other_o philosopher_n have_v show_v what_o fool_n they_o be_v for_o do_v so_o and_o how_o absurd_a their_o pretend_a philosophy_n be_v in_o suppose_v thing_n to_o have_v be_v make_v and_o order_v by_o the_o casual_a hit_n of_o atom_n in_o a_o mighty_a void_a a_o d_o though_o their_o general_a doctrine_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v â—…xceeding_o ancient_a and_o very_o accountable_a when_o we_o supposâ—…_n matter_n be_v at_o first_o create_v by_o almighty_a power_n and_o its_o motion_n order_v and_o direct_v by_o omniscient_a wisdom_n yet_o the_o supposal_n that_o they_o be_v independent_a and_o eternal_a be_v very_o precarious_a and_o unreasonable_a and_o that_o all_o the_o regular_a motion_n in_o nature_n shall_v be_v from_o blind_a tumultuous_a jumbling_n be_v the_o most_o unphilosâ—…phical_a phaâ—…e_n and_o ridiculous_a dotagâ—…_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o â—…ason_n to_o accuse_v philosophy_n of_o a_o fault_n which_o philosophy_n sufficient_o shame_v and_o disprove_v and_o yet_o i_o doubt_v there_o be_v many_o have_v great_a prejudice_n against_o it_o upon_o this_o score_n and_o it_o be_v a_o particular_a brand_n upon_o some_o of_o the_o modern_a man_n that_o they_o have_v revive_v the_o philosophy_n of_o epicurus_n which_o they_o think_v to_o be_v in_o it_o be_v whole_a extent_n atheistical_a and_o irreligious_a to_o which_o i_o say_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o a_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n be_v impious_a and_o abominable_a this_o those_o of_o epicurus_n his_o elder_a school_n teach_v whereas_o the_o late_a restorer_n of_o the_o corpuscularian_a hypothesis_n hate_n and_o despise_v the_o vile_a doctrine_n but_o yet_o they_o thus_o far_o think_v the_o atomical_a philosophy_n reasonable_a viz._n as_o it_o teach_v that_o the_o operation_n of_o nature_n be_v perform_v by_o subtle_a stream_n of_o minute_n body_n and_o not_o by_o i_o know_v not_o what_o imaginary_a qualitiâ—…s_n and_o form_n they_o think_v that_o the_o various_a motion_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n be_v enough_o for_o all_o the_o phaenomena_n and_o all_o 〈◊〉_d variety_n which_o with_o relation_n to_o our_o sense_n we_o call_v such_o and_o such_o quality_n but_o then_o they_o suppose_v and_o teach_v that_o god_n creâ—…ted_v matter_n and_o be_v the_o supreme_a orderer_n of_o its_o motion_n by_o which_o all_o those_o diversity_n be_v make_v and_o hereby_o piety_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o providence_n be_v secure_v this_o as_o far_o as_o we_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o elder_a time_n be_v the_o ancient_a philosophy_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o do_v not_o in_o the_o least_o grate_n upon_o any_o principle_n of_o religion_n thus_o far_o i_o dare_v say_v i_o may_v undertake_v for_o most_o of_o the_o corpuscularian_a philosopher_n of_o our_o time_n except_v those_o of_o mr._n hobb_n way_n and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o wonder_v that_o a_o person_n of_o so_o much_o reason_n learning_n and_o ingeâ—…ty_n as_o mr._n baxter_n shall_v seem_v to_o conclude_v those_o modern_a philosopher_n under_o the_o name_n and_o notion_n of_o such_o somatist_n as_o be_v for_o mere_a matter_n and_o motion_n and_o exclude_v immaterial_a being_n this_o i_o take_v it_o he_o do_v in_o his_o defence_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n at_o the_o end_n of_o his_o reason_n of_o religion_n whereas_o those_o philosopher_n though_o they_o own_o matter_n and_o motion_n as_o the_o material_a and_o formal_a cause_n of_o the_o phaenomena_n they_o do_v yet_o acknowledge_v god_n efficiency_n and_o government_n of_o all_o thing_n with_o as_o much_o seriousness_n and_o contend_v for_o it_o with_o as_o much_o zeal_n as_o any_o philosopher_n or_o divine_n whatsoever_o and_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a that_o any_o number_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v expose_v to_o the_o suspicion_n of_o be_v atheist_n for_o deny_v the_o peripatetic_a quality_n and_o form_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o overthrow_v by_o the_o corpuscularian_a doctrine_n as_o they_o be_v manage_v by_o those_o philosopher_n so_o that_o methinks_v that_o reverend_a author_n have_v not_o deal_v so_o fair_o with_o the_o great_a name_n of_o des-cartes_n and_o gassendus_fw-la where_o he_o mention_n they_o promiscuous_o with_o the_o meeâ—…_n epicurean_a and_o hobbian_a somatist_n without_o any_o note_n to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o those_o sadducee_n for_o both_o those_o celebrate_a man_n have_v labour_v much_o in_o assert_v the_o grand_a article_n of_o religion_n against_o the_o infidel_n and_o atheist_n this_o inadvertency_n of_o that_o pious_a divine_a i_o think_v
the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o terrestrial_a nature_n of_o the_o moon_n aught_o to_o be_v leave_v to_o the_o disquisition_n of_o philosophy_n the_o word_n of_o god_n determine_v nothing_o about_o they_o for_o those_o expression_n concern_v the_o run_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o its_o stand_v still_o may_v very_o well_o be_v interpret_v as_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n to_o sense_n and_o common_a apprehension_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o those_o of_o its_o go_v down_o and_o run_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o heaven_n to_o the_o other_o and_o numerous_a resemble_v saying_n be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v and_o when_o it_o be_v else_o where_o say_v that_o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v so_o fix_v that_o it_o can_v be_v move_v at_o any_o time_n or_o to_o that_o purpose_n it_o be_v suppose_v by_o learned_a man_n that_o nothing_o else_o be_v mean_v than_o this_o that_o the_o earth_n can_v be_v move_v from_o its_o centre_n which_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o the_o opinion_n of_o its_o be_v move_v upon_o it_o and_o for_o the_o other_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v be_v a_o kind_n of_o earth_n the_o scripture_n have_v say_v nothing_o of_o it_o on_o either_o hand_n nor_o can_v its_o silence_n be_v argumentative_a here_o since_o we_o know_v that_o all_o mankind_n believe_v many_o thing_n of_o which_o there_o be_v no_o mention_n there_o as_o that_o there_o be_v such_o place_n as_o china_n and_o america_n that_o the_o magnet_n attract_v iron_n and_o direct_v to_o the_o north_n and_o that_o the_o sea_n have_v the_o motion_n of_o flux_n and_o reflux_n with_o ten_o thousand_o such_o other_o thing_n discover_v by_o experience_n of_o which_o there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o hint_n in_o the_o sacred_a volume_n and_o be_v not_o these_o to_o be_v believe_v till_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v from_o scripture_n this_o be_v ridiculous_o to_o abuse_v the_o holy_a oracle_n and_o to_o extend_v they_o beyond_o their_o proper_a business_n and_o design_n and_o to_o argue_v against_o this_o supposal_n as_o some_o do_v by_o query_n what_o man_n be_v in_o that_o other_o earth_n whether_o fall_v and_o how_o save_v be_v very_o childish_a and_o absurd_a he_o that_o hold_v the_o opinion_n may_v confess_v his_o ignorance_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o his_o hypothesis_n of_o the_o moon_n be_v be_v habitable_a or_o the_o supposal_n of_o its_o be_v actual_o inhabit_v for_o that_o may_v be_v though_o no_o live_a man_n can_v tell_v the_o nature_n and_o condition_n of_o those_o creature_n but_o for_o my_o part_n i_o assert_v neither_o of_o these_o paradox_n only_o i_o have_v think_v fit_a to_o speak_v thus_o brief_o about_o they_o that_o they_o may_v be_v leâ—…_n to_o the_o freedom_n of_o philosophical_a inquiry_n for_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o concern_v in_o such_o query_n and_o yet_o beside_o this_o which_o may_v suffice_v to_o vindicate_v the_o neoterick_n method_n of_o philosophy_n from_o the_o charge_n of_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o scripture_n in_o such_o instance_n i_o add_v 3_o the_o â—…ree_n experimental_a philosophy_n which_o i_o recommend_v do_v not_o affirm_v eâ—…er_n of_o those_o fear_a proposition_n for_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v so_o much_o evidence_n as_o to_o warrant_v peremptory_a and_o dogmatical_a assertion_n and_o therefore_o though_o perhaps_o some_o of_o those_o philosopher_n think_v that_o they_o have_v great_a degree_n of_o probability_n and_o so_o be_v sit_v for_o philosophical_a consideration_n yet_o there_o be_v none_o that_o i_o know_v that_o determine_v they_o be_v certainty_n and_o positive_a truth_n it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o their_o way_n to_o do_v so_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v a_o very_a obnoxious_a folly_n to_o conclude_v that_o those_o opinion_n be_v false_a when_o no_o one_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v so_o but_o whether_o the_o one_o or_o the_o other_o be_v say_v religion_n and_o the_o scripture_n be_v not_o at_o all_o concern_v thus_o brief_o of_o the_o slander_n that_o be_v aâ—…t_v upon_o philosophy_n viz._n of_o its_o tendency_n to_o atheism_n and_o disparagement_n of_o the_o scripture_n the_o other_o lesser_a one_o be_v answer_v in_o the_o discussion_n of_o these_o chap._n viii_o other_o objection_n against_o philosophy_n answer_v viz._n that_o there_o be_v too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o those_o inquiry_n that_o the_o apostle_n give_v a_o caveat_n against_o it_o that_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n know_v little_a or_o nothing_o of_o it_o a_o brief_a recital_n of_o some_o of_o the_o holy_a man_n who_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n to_o have_v have_v skill_n in_o several_a part_n of_o philosophy_n sect_n i._o but_o beside_o those_o slanderous_a imputation_n there_o be_v some_o little_a vulgar_a plausibility_n pretend_v against_o it_o also_o it_o will_v be_v endless_a to_o recount_v all_o of_o they_o the_o chief_a be_v these_o that_o follow_v i._n there_o be_v too_o much_o curiosity_n in_o those_o inquiry_n and_o s._n paul_n desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v to_o which_o i_o answer_v that_o what_o be_v unblamable_a curiosity_n in_o thing_n not_o worth_a our_o pain_n or_o forbid_v our_o scrutiny_n be_v duty_n and_o laudable_a endeavour_n in_o matter_n that_o be_v weighty_a and_o permit_v to_o our_o search_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v fasten_v upon_o the_o philosophical_a inquisition_n into_o nature_n on_o this_o account_n till_o it_o be_v first_o prove_v that_o a_o '_o diligent_a observance_n of_o god_n goodness_n and_o wisdom_n in_o his_o work_n in_o order_n to_o the_o use_v they_o to_o his_o glory_n and_o the_o benefit_n of_o the_o world_n be_v either_o prohibit_v or_o impertinent_a there_o be_v indeed_o such_o a_o depth_n in_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v never_o like_a to_o be_v thorough_o fathom_v and_o such_o a_o darkness_n upon_o some_o of_o god_n work_n that_o they_o will_v not_o in_o this_o world_n be_v find_v out_o to_o perfection_n but_o however_o we_o be_v not_o keep_v oâ—…f_o by_o any_o expressness_n of_o prohibition_n nature_n be_v no_o holy_a mount_n that_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v touch_v yea_o we_o be_v command_v to_o search_v after_o wisdom_n and_o particular_o after_o this_o when_o we_o be_v so_o frequent_o call_v upon_o to_o celebrate_v our_o creator_n for_o his_o work_n and_o be_v encourage_v by_o the_o success_n of_o many_o that_o have_v go_v before_o for_o many_o shall_v go_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o science_n shall_v be_v increase_v so_o that_o our_o inquiry_n into_o nature_n be_v not_o forbid_v and_o he_o that_o say_v they_o be_v frivolous_a and_o of_o no_o use_n when_o the_o art_n of_o the_o omniscient_a be_v the_o object_n and_o his_o glory_n &_o the_o good_a of_o man_n the_o end_n asperse_v both_o the_o creator_n and_o the_o creature_n and_o contradict_v his_o duty_n to_o both_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a clause_n of_o the_o objection_n which_o urge_v that_o speech_n of_o s._n paul_n of_o his_o desire_v to_o know_v nothing_o but_o christ_n and_o he_o crucify_v 1_o cor._n ii_o 2_o i_o return_v to_o it_o that_o he_o that_o shall_v due_o consider_v the_o discourse_n of_o the_o apostle_n in_o the_o verse_n before_o and_o those_o that_o succeed_v will_v perceive_v that_o in_o this_o expression_n he_o only_o slight_v the_o affect_a eloquence_n of_o the_o orator_n and_o rhetorician_n he_o speak_v in_o plainness_n and_o simplicity_n and_o not_o in_o those_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n which_o he_o desire_v either_o not_o to_o know_v at_o all_o or_o not_o in_o comparison_n with_o the_o plain_a doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n or_o if_o any_o shall_v take_v the_o word_n in_o the_o large_a sense_n than_o all_o sort_n of_o humane_a learning_n and_o all_o art_n and_o trade_n be_v set_v at_o nought_o by_o the_o apostle_n and_o if_o so_o the_o meaning_n can_v be_v no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o he_o prefer_v the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n before_o these_o for_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o he_o absolute_o slight_v all_o other_o science_n the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n be_v indeed_o the_o chief_a and_o most_o valuable_a wisdom_n but_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o work_n of_o god_n have_v have_v its_o place_n also_o and_o ought_v not_o quite_o to_o be_v exclude_v and_o despise_v or_o if_o philosophy_n be_v to_o be_v slight_v by_o this_o text_n all_o other_o knowledge_n whatsoever_o must_v undergo_v the_o same_o fate_n with_o it_o but_o it_o will_v be_v urge_v sect_n ii_o ii_o that_o there_o be_v a_o particular_a caution_n give_v by_o the_o apostle_n against_o philosophy_n col._n ii_o 8._o beware_v lest_o any_o one_o spoil_n you_o through_o philosophy_n to_o this_o i_o have_v say_v elsewhere_o that_o the_o apostle_n there_o mean_v either_o the_o pretend_a knowledge_n of_o the_o
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yet_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v we_o do_v not_o doubt_v and_o why_o say_v reason_n shall_v we_o not_o believe_v god_n revelation_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v our_o sense_n about_o matter_n as_o little_o understand_v by_o we_o it_o be_v no_o doubt_n reasonable_a that_o we_o shall_v and_o by_o prove_v it_o be_v so_o reason_n defend_v all_o the_o proposition_n of_o faith_n and_o religion_n and_o when_o some_o of_o these_o be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n no_o more_o be_v mean_v than_o that_o reason_n can_v conceive_v how_o those_o thing_n be_v and_o in_o that_o sense_n many_o of_o the_o affair_n of_o nature_n be_v above_o it_o too_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v how_o serviceable_a reason_n be_v to_o religion_n i_o be_o next_o to_o prove_v ii_o that_o religion_n befriend_v it_o and_o here_o i_o offer_v some_o testimony_n from_o the_o holy_a oracle_n to_o make_v that_o good_a and_o in_o they_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o god_n himself_o and_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n do_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v reason_n 〈◊〉_d consider_v then_o that_o god_n isa._n 1._o 18._o call_v the_o rebellious_a israelite_n to_o reason_n with_o he_o come_v now_o and_o let_v we_o reason_n together_o say_v the_o lord_n and_o by_o reason_n he_o convince_v the_o people_n of_o the_o vanity_n of_o idol_n isa._n 44._o 9_o and_o he_o exposâ—…ulates_v with_o their_o reason_n ezâ—…k_v 18._o 31._o why_o will_v you_o die_v you_o house_n of_o israel_n and_o mich._n 6._o 3._o o_o my_o people_n what_o have_v i_o do_v unto_o thou_o and_o wherein_o have_v i_o weary_v thou_o testisie_n against_o i_o he_o appeal_v unto_o their_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o his_o proceed_n isa._n 5._o 3._o and_o now_o o_o inhabitant_n of_o jerusalem_n and_o man_n of_o judah_n judge_v i_o pray_v you_o beâ—…ween_v i_o and_o my_o vineyard_n be_v not_o my_o way_n equal_a and_o be_v not_o your_o way_n unequal_a in_o this_o he_o intimate_v the_o competency_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o judge_v of_o the_o equity_n of_o his_o way_n and_o the_o iniquity_n of_o their_o own_o and_o our_o saviour_n command_v the_o disciple_n of_o the_o pharisee_n to_o give_v unto_o caesar_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v caesar_n and_o to_o god_n the_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v god_n imply_v the_o ability_n of_o their_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o god_n and_o those_o that_o appertain_v to_o caesar._n and_o he_o in_o divers_a place_n argue_v from_o the_o principle_n and_o topic_n of_o reason_n from_o that_o which_o we_o call_v à _fw-la majori_fw-la ad_fw-la minus_fw-la from_o the_o great_a to_o the_o less_o john_n 13._o 14_o he_o show_v it_o to_o be_v the_o duty_n of_o his_o disciple_n to_o serve_v their_o brethren_n in_o the_o mean_a office_n and_o to_o wash_v one_o another_o foot_n because_o he_o have_v wash_v they_o vers._n 14._o inâ—…cing_n it_o by_o this_o consideration_n of_o reason_n for_o the_o servant_n be_v not_o great_a than_o his_o lord_n vers._n 16._o and_o use_v the_o same_o john_n 15._o 20._o to_o show_v that_o they_o must_v expect_v persecution_n because_o he_o their_o lord_n be_v persecute_v and_o luke_n 12._o 23._o he_o endeavour_v to_o take_v they_o off_o from_o cark_n care_n and_o solicitude_n about_o meat_n and_o raiment_n by_o this_o consideration_n from_o reason_n that_o the_o life_n be_v more_o than_o meat_n and_o the_o body_n than_o raiment_n intimate_v that_o god_n have_v give_v they_o the_o great_a there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o will_v bestow_v the_o less_o which_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o preservation_n of_o that_o to_o these_o instance_n i_o add_v some_o few_o from_o the_o topick_n à _fw-fr minori_fw-la ad_fw-la majus_fw-la from_o the_o less_o to_o the_o great_a in_o the_o