be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v nay_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o now_o we_o see_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o yet_o affirm_v for_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n he_o labour_v to_o disprove_v and_o by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confound_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o they_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v a_o mystery_n with_o so_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o the_o case_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o have_v i_o take_v any_o other_o mystery_n for_o a_o instance_n either_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n or_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v require_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o quit_v this_o and_o take_v any_o other_o for_o a_o instance_n which_o he_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o now_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o to_o disprove_v but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v about_o prove_v or_o disprove_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v perplex_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o fantastical_a term_n and_o distinction_n if_o he_o have_v mean_v honest_o and_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o will_v have_v speak_v plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o question_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o spend_v above_o one_o three_o of_o his_o book_n in_o lose_v of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o rescue_v the_o subject_n from_o obscurity_n and_o force_v this_o man_n to_o speak_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n be_v 10_o not_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o nor_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v reason_v about_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n nor_o be_v it_o authority_n what_o trifle_v this_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o head_n that_o form_v the_o thought_n nor_o the_o finger_n that_o write_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o brain_n itself_o no_o nor_o be_v my_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o another_o man._n our_o reader_n be_v like_a to_o be_v much_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o after_o this_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v 11._o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o second_o chapter_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o simplex_n apprehensio_fw-la nor_o judicium_fw-la but_o that_o it_o be_v discursus_fw-la that_o be_v proper_o call_v reason_n which_o last_o he_o will_v not_o express_v by_o syllogism_n the_o word_n for_o it_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v but_o he_o must_v call_v it_o the_o application_n of_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v distant_a from_o one_o 13._o another_o and_o lie_v too_o far_o asunder_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o two_o house_n with_o a_o line_n because_o you_o can_v take_v one_o house_n in_o one_o hand_n and_o the_o other_o in_o another_o and_o so_o clap_v they_o together_o to_o find_v out_o which_o be_v high_a what_o be_v this_o but_o make_v a_o syllogism_n by_o apply_v the_o medius_n terminus_n to_o the_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v all_o this_o unless_o he_o think_v that_o his_o reader_n have_v not_o learned_a logic_n yes_o he_o have_v a_o drift_n in_o it_o which_o be_v very_o observable_a in_o all_o our_o modern_a writer_n against_o reveal_v religion_n for_o unless_o he_o first_o lay_v down_o false_a rule_n of_o reason_v the_o consequence_n he_o will_v make_v will_v not_o appear_v to_o be_v true_a tho'_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n of_o it_o thus_o far_o and_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v in_o every_o common_a logic_n yet_o what_o follow_v be_v his_o own_o and_o be_v both_o trifle_a and_o false_a for_o first_o his_o four_o way_n of_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n be_v very_o ill_o put_v together_o and_o the_o distinction_n frivolous_a the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n 18._o the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n i._n e._n in_o usual_a speak_n sense_n and_o reason_n human_n and_o divine_a revelation_n now_o at_o first_o sight_n who_o do_v not_o see_v that_o any_o revelation_n by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v enter_v into_o the_o mind_n by_o one_o of_o these_o two_o way_n either_o by_o our_o sense_n or_o our_o reason_n so_o that_o there_o be_v but_o these_o two_o way_n still_o and_o then_o as_o to_o his_o make_a authority_n 16._o a_o mean_n only_o of_o information_n and_o answer_v evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n which_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o his_o book_n and_o indeed_o of_o all_o these_o modern_a writer_n who_o make_v such_o a_o stir_n about_o reason_n and_o evidence_n we_o shall_v see_v the_o falsity_n of_o it_o if_o we_o consider_v authority_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v and_o of_o he_o who_o give_v the_o information_n 1._o in_o respect_n of_o the_o person_n who_o be_v inform_v i_o grant_v it_o be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n for_o how_o come_v any_o one_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n he_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o before_o and_o which_o he_o can_v not_o attain_v of_o himself_o why_o by_o a_o other_o reveal_v it_o to_o he_o 2._o when_o consider_v in_o the_o informer_n it_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n relate_v to_o i_o from_o another_o because_o of_o the_o veracity_n and_o ability_n of_o the_o person_n that_o make_v the_o information_n but_o this_o cunning_a man_n will_v ask_v how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o another_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o any_o assent_n in_o my_o mind_n i_o answer_v it_o be_v the_o opinion_n that_o be_v in_o i_o of_o his_o ability_n and_o veracity_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o my_o assent_n the_o ground_n of_o this_o opinion_n indeed_o be_v evidence_n but_o then_o this_o evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o worth_n of_o the_o person_n only_o and_o that_o worth_a or_o authority_n of_o he_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v to_o i_o from_o whence_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o though_o we_o grant_v that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o very_a clear_a and_o undeniable_a let_v we_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o two_o proposition_n wherein_o these_o two_o ground_n may_v be_v consider_v separately_z the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o in_o a_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v this_o proposition_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o persuasion_n or_o assent_n be_v the_o evidence_n of_o it_o in_o the_o mind_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o he_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o it_o be_v because_o he_o find_v out_o the_o agreement_n of_o the_o extreme_n by_o intermediate_v idea_n and_o thus_o as_o he_o speak_v the_o demonstration_n at_o last_o become_v self_n evident_a but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n relate_v it_o be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o as_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v know_v this_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v reveal_v and_o therefore_o in_o this_o respect_n authority_n be_v a_o mean_n of_o information_n so_o i_o shall_v never_o have_v believe_v it_o if_o i_o have_v not_o know_v that_o this_o revelation_n have_v come_v from_o god_n and_o
comprehend_v but_o it_o may_v be_v object_v here_o that_o at_o this_o rate_n if_o both_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n be_v mysterious_a then_o you_o prove_v one_o mystery_n by_o another_o i_o answer_v that_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o mysterious_a for_o a_o mysterious_a doctrine_n be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o both_o as_o to_o the_o manner_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n signify_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o in_o a_o miracle_n the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v obvious_a and_o intelligible_a and_o the_o manner_n only_o of_o the_o operation_n be_v conceal_v and_o therefore_o in_o so_o do_v that_o which_o be_v more_o mysterious_a be_v prove_v by_o that_o which_o be_v less_o so_o but_o this_o blunderer_n will_v tell_v you_o 150._o that_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o be_v very_o knowable_a in_o all_o respect_n but_o miracle_n be_v whole_o obscure_v as_o to_o the_o mâ—nner_n of_o they_o and_o yet_o in_o the_o sâ—me_a breath_n own_o that_o these_o obscure_a miracle_n be_v for_o confirmation_n of_o these_o plain_a doctrine_n this_o be_v another_o piâ—câ—_n oâ—_n his_o logic_n to_o prove_v notum_fw-la per_fw-la ignotius_fw-la he_o can_v say_v that_o tho'_o the_o doctrine_n be_v plain_a yet_o that_o they_o come_v from_o god_n be_v not_o so_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v to_o assure_v we_o of_o this_o for_o if_o the_o know_v they_o come_v from_o god_n make_v we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o than_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o beside_o if_o they_o have_v that_o evidence_n of_o their_o truth_n in_o themselves_o which_o he_o contend_v for_o let_v they_o come_v from_o whence_o they_o will_v we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o and_o now_o i_o be_o come_v to_o his_o last_o 151._o chapter_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o give_v a_o account_n when_o why_o and_o by_o who_o mystery_n be_v bring_v into_o christianity_n there_o be_v not_o here_o so_o much_o as_o a_o pretence_n of_o reason_v but_o several_a vile_a insinuation_n against_o all_o the_o primitive_a christian_n against_o the_o clergy_n of_o all_o age_n and_o against_o christianity_n itself_o make_v it_o as_o it_o be_v now_o profess_v only_o a_o sort_n of_o heathenism_n and_o the_o minister_n of_o it_o in_o all_o respect_v no_o better_a than_o pagan_a priest_n by_o the_o title_n of_o this_o chapter_n he_o be_v to_o have_v show_v how_o these_o mystery_n come_v into_o christianity_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o of_o which_o he_o say_v not_o a_o word_n he_o talk_v in_o general_n how_o some_o ceremony_n be_v introduce_v and_o some_o doctrine_n abuse_v to_o superstition_n the_o dispute_n all_o along_o be_v about_o mystery_n and_o now_o it_o be_v turn_v to_o ceremony_n of_o which_o he_o speak_v too_o after_o a_o confuse_a manner_n make_v no_o difference_n between_o the_o orthodox_n and_o heretical_a professor_n but_o charge_v all_o the_o mistake_n and_o error_n of_o every_o sect_n indifferent_o upon_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o general_a that_o miscarriage_n and_o error_n creep_v in_o and_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v corrupt_v and_o abuse_v by_o many_o in_o the_o primitive_a time_n to_o superstition_n be_v without_o all_o doubt_n it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o be_v like_a to_o be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n for_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v that_o offence_n come_v but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o those_o who_o be_v not_o guilty_a of_o these_o thing_n suppose_v every_o thing_n in_o this_o chapter_n true_a what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o we_o who_o in_o the_o celebration_n of_o baptism_n and_o the_o supper_n have_v reject_v all_o these_o numerous_a rite_n and_o superstitious_a ceremony_n which_o he_o speak_v of_o as_o for_o those_o ceremony_n retain_v by_o we_o it_o be_v time_n enough_o to_o defend_v they_o when_o he_o say_v any_o thing_n against_o they_o and_o prove_v either_o that_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o celebration_n of_o the_o sacrament_n can_v be_v perform_v without_o any_o ceremony_n or_o that_o those_o which_o we_o have_v retain_v be_v unlawful_a all_o he_o will_v insinuate_v here_o of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o be_v in_o use_n among_o the_o heathen_n and_o the_o force_n of_o what_o he_o say_v if_o it_o have_v any_o be_v this_o heathen_n use_v a_o white_a garment_n in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n they_o have_v certain_a time_n and_o place_n and_o person_n and_o action_n appropriate_v to_o the_o worship_n of_o their_o idol_n therefore_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o have_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n in_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n the_o heathen_n use_v wash_n ergò_fw-la 157._o baptism_n be_v unlawful_a the_o heathen_n use_v eat_v and_o drink_v in_o honour_n of_o their_o gâ—ds_n ergò_fw-la the_o eat_v and_o drink_v in_o remembrance_n of_o christ_n be_v superstitious_a and_o thus_o by_o a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n he_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o sacrament_n let_v he_o iâ—_n he_o can_v show_v whâ—t_o else_o can_v possible_o be_v infer_v from_o all_o this_o ridiculous_a incoherent_a sâ—uff_n what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v here_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n be_v that_o by_o a_o multitude_n of_o ceremony_n we_o obscure_v the_o nature_n of_o they_o we_o make_v they_o mysterious_a and_o do_v not_o celebrate_v they_o wiâ—h_v that_o simplicity_n they_o be_v at_o first_o institute_v but_o let_v he_o in_o his_o next_o boâ—k_n show_v what_o it_o be_v that_o we_o know_v ourselves_o concern_v the_o sacrament_n which_o we_o conceal_v from_o the_o people_n in_o short_a let_v he_o make_v out_o that_o he_o have_v any_o other_o drift_n in_o this_o whole_a chapter_n than_o to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o christianity_n and_o heathenism_n all_o this_o be_v by_o way_n of_o amusement_n to_o people_n who_o do_v not_o know_v when_o a_o man_n speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n ceremony_n be_v not_o mystery_n nor_o do_v they_o make_v a_o thing_n mysterious_a those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n be_v the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n and_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o christ_n the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n the_o operation_n and_o influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o we_o the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o glory_n and_o felicity_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o last_o judgement_n etc._n etc._n these_o be_v the_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n let_v he_o show_v we_o when_o why_o and_o by_o who_o these_o repute_a mystery_n as_o he_o call_v they_o be_v bring_v into_o christianity_n for_o we_o affirm_v that_o they_o be_v bring_v into_o christianity_n by_o christ_n himself_o who_o alone_o be_v able_a to_o reveal_v they_o that_o they_o come_v in_o at_o the_o first_o publication_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o with_o design_n to_o make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o we_o own_v ourselves_o so_o fond_a of_o they_o that_o we_o 120._o will_v hazard_v any_o thing_n life_n and_o all_o rather_o than_o part_v with_o they_o and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o his_o book_n and_o answer_v every_o thing_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v in_o it_o if_o he_o will_v show_v i_o where_o i_o have_v overlook_v any_o thing_n that_o have_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o argument_n or_o where_o my_o answer_n fail_v i_o will_v promise_v he_o not_o to_o let_v it_o pass_v and_o if_o any_o be_v offend_v with_o my_o manner_n of_o treat_v he_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o they_o will_v be_v satisfy_v if_o they_o but_o consider_v what_o st._n paul_n say_v to_o elymaâ—_n the_o sorcerer_n upon_o a_o like_a occasion_n o_o full_a of_o all_o 01._o subtlety_n and_o all_o mischief_n thou_o child_n of_o the_o devil_n thou_o enemy_n of_o all_o righteousness_n will_v thou_o not_o cease_v to_o pervert_v the_o right_a way_n of_o the_o lord_n in_o the_o next_o book_n he_o speak_v of_o he_o have_v two_o thing_n to_o perform_v 1._o to_o show_v that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o any_o point_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v as_o full_o and_o perfect_o as_o we_o do_v the_o common_a object_n of_o this_o world_n 2._o to_o discover_v to_o all_o the_o world_n those_o secret_n in_o religion_n which_o the_o clergy_n have_v industrious_o conceal_v from_o the_o laity_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o mystery_n and_o make_v they_o so_o plain_a that_o they_o shall_v cease_v to_o be_v such_o so_o that_o every_o one_o of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o wise_a as_o ever_o a_o priest_n of_o we_o all_o and_o indeed_o he_o be_v much_o to_o blame_v that_o defer_v it_o all_o this_o
above_o our_o reason_n signify_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n exceed_v our_o present_a capacity_n and_o be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o those_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v now_o endue_v withal_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v more_o proper_o above_o our_o reason_n than_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n eternity_n than_o time_n a_o spirit_n than_o a_o body_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n than_o the_o ordinary_a procreation_n of_o man_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o proportion_n between_o these_o object_n and_o our_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n our_o intellectual_a power_n be_v not_o yet_o form_v and_o so_o adapt_v for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v for_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o improper_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o nice_a point_n in_o divinity_n or_o philosophy_n shall_v be_v clear_o explain_v to_o a_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o to_o their_o reality_n and_o existence_n but_o not_o clear_o as_o to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o but_o what_o or_o how_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o that_o say_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v 9_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o which_o word_n tho'_o by_o the_o context_n they_o be_v more_o immediate_o speak_v of_o thing_n past_a and_o then_o reveal_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o far_a reference_n to_o the_o full_a completion_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o whole_a matter_n plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o sun_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o god_n he_o feel_v the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o it_o he_o be_v cherish_v by_o it_o and_o life_n and_o thrive_v by_o the_o secret_a influence_n of_o it_o but_o he_o neither_o know_v where_o nor_o what_o it_o be_v and_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ever_o tell_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a act_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v think_v so_o for_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o sun_n beside_o the_o name_n now_o upon_o this_o author_n principle_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v both_o equal_o a_o mystery_n to_o this_o blind_a man._n that_o he_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o both_o i_o grant_v however_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o a_o mystery_n to_o he_o and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v let_v we_o suppose_v this_o man_n eye_n be_v open_v then_o he_o will_v see_v clear_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o large_a round_o lucid_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n but_o he_o will_v be_v hereby_o enable_v to_o know_v nothing_o more_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n than_o he_o do_v before_o and_o why_o because_o this_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o his_o natural_a power_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v improve_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n niceâ—_n than_o they_o be_v tho'_o he_o will_v see_v much_o deep_a into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o another_o life_n will_v lie_v as_o much_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n as_o ever_o he_o will_v even_o then_o know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o that_o man_n do_v of_o the_o sun_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v for_o light_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o metaphor_n adapt_v to_o our_o gross_a capacity_n to_o signify_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v instead_o of_o light_n in_o heaven_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n only_o of_o a_o sensible_a object_n let_v we_o take_v another_o of_o reason_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o illiterate_a person_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o christianity_n or_o the_o mathematics_n be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o these_o two_o proposition_n the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n these_o two_o proposition_n this_o derinder_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n will_v say_v be_v alike_o mysterious_a to_o this_o man._n whereas_o the_o contrary_a will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o take_v this_o man_n and_o teach_v he_o mathematics_n than_o he_o shall_v perfect_o apprehend_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o that_o demonstration_n and_o how_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o teach_v he_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v he_o as_o learned_a as_o he_o be_v capable_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o shall_v know_v nothing_o more_o of_o that_o proposition_n tho'_o he_o shall_v be_v better_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o hear_v and_o why_o because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o nature_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o intellectual_a power_n the_o other_o be_v supernatural_a and_o he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o till_o he_o have_v new_a faculty_n or_o those_o he_o already_o have_v be_v great_o enlarge_v but_o this_o matter_n will_v clear_v up_o far_o if_o we_o compare_v some_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o bear_v the_o great_a analogy_n with_o they_o and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o say_v a_o son_n be_v like_o his_o father_n we_o immediate_o conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o same_o stature_n countenance_n lineament_n and_o complexion_n or_o the_o same_o humour_n disposition_n natural_a part_n and_o inclination_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o very_o well_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n consist_v but_o when_o we_o say_v we_o shall_v rise_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n here_o we_o stop_v and_o our_o thought_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o again_o when_o we_o say_v one_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o we_o apprehend_v very_o well_o the_o manner_n of_o natural_a procreation_n and_o how_o it_o be_v he_o come_v to_o be_v his_o father_n but_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o one_o spirit_n produce_v another_o nor_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o man._n when_o we_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v a_o real_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v much_o less_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o we_o do_v of_o one_o body_n move_v another_o by_o contact_n and_o we_o know_v the_o food_n we_o eat_v nourish_v we_o by_o undergo_a several_a alteration_n and_o then_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o body_n but_o we_o can_v know_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o grace_n administer_v strength_n and_o comfort_n to_o our_o soul_n again_o we_o know_v of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o successive_a and_o we_o can_v measure_v it_o in_o certain_a proportion_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n but_o as_o for_o eternity_n for_o want_v of_o a_o clear_a idea_n we_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o it_o from_o time_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o limit_a thought_n we_o do_v little_o less_o then_o destroy_v its_o be_v for_o as_o for_o say_v it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a now_o tho'_o it_o be_v the_o pretty_a thought_n we_o have_v of_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v we_o say_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o the_o same_o instant_a shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o thus_o attribute_v that_o succession_n to_o one_o instant_a of_o time_n abstract_o consider_v which_o we_o use_v to_o attribute_v to_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o gross_a a_o description_n of_o eternity_n as_o a_o fly_a boy_n be_v of_o a_o angel_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v how_o this_o man_n talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o more_o above_o our_o reason_n because_o
of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v it_o but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o all_o the_o pompous_a citation_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o give_v the_o father_n as_o foul_a language_n as_o he_o do_v the_o modern_a clergy_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o objection_n hold_v against_o the_o bible_n itself_o for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v of_o as_o little_a â—orce_n as_o a_o quotation_n out_o of_o any_o fabulous_a heathen_a author_n to_o influenceo_fw-la ur_fw-la assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n he_o introduce_v they_o after_o the_o most_o scornful_a manner_n he_o can_v contrive_v and_o say_v that_o the_o mention_v of_o schutcheon_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v this_o expression_n by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n the_o father_n the_o admire_a father_n their_o opinion_n he_o call_v whymsy_n and_o their_o work_n insuperable_a labyrinth_n and_o call_v the_o just_a esteem_n we_o have_v for_o they_o a_o blind_a veneration_n for_o those_o who_o live_v before_o we_o he_o never_o mention_n they_o without_o the_o great_a contemt_a and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o venerable_a name_n and_o pompous_a citation_n that_o have_v no_o value_n but_o such_o as_o a_o ugly_a rust_n and_o colour_n give_v ancient_a coin_n but_o this_o similitude_n that_o he_o design_n by_o way_n of_o derision_n do_v very_o well_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o father_n for_o as_o ancient_a coin_n be_v now_o of_o no_o great_a intrinsic_a value_n than_o the_o bare_a weight_n of_o the_o metal_n they_o be_v make_v of_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o give_v we_o light_v into_o the_o time_n and_o custom_n of_o antiquity_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n be_v of_o vasy_o great_a value_n than_o any_o modern_a coin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o father_n they_o be_v man_n and_o write_v like_o such_o and_o tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o their_o work_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o have_v be_v write_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o these_o write_n of_o they_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o come_v to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o after_o they_o to_o have_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v write_v by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n arrogant_a treatment_n of_o the_o father_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o ignorant_a child_n revile_v the_o prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n