a_o vindication_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n in_o answer_n to_o some_o socinian_n remark_n by_o william_n sherlock_n d._n d._n dean_n of_o st._n paul_n master_n of_o the_o temple_n and_o chaplain_n in_o ordinary_a to_o his_o majesty_n london_n print_v for_o w._n rogers_n at_o the_o sun_n against_o st._n dunstan_n church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvii_o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a sir_n edward_n clarke_n lord_n mayor_z and_o to_o the_o honourable_a court_n of_o alderman_n my_o lord_n i_o beg_v leave_v to_o present_v your_o lordship_n with_o the_o vindication_n of_o my_o sermon_n late_o publish_v by_o the_o order_n of_o your_o court_n against_o the_o cavil_n calumny_n and_o wilful_a misrepresentation_n of_o a_o socinian_n writer_n the_o argument_n be_v of_o that_o great_a consequence_n that_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v defend_v and_o this_o pamphleteer_n have_v so_o rude_o reflect_v upon_o the_o honour_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o court_n for_o their_o order_n to_o print_v it_o that_o i_o look_v upon_o myself_o under_o a_o double_a obligation_n to_o defend_v so_o important_a a_o truth_n and_o in_o that_o to_o justify_v your_o lordship_n order_n i_o pray_v god_n rebuke_v that_o perverse_a spirit_n of_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n which_o be_v go_v abroad_o in_o the_o world_n and_o secure_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n from_o all_o the_o art_n and_o insinuation_n of_o impostor_n that_o god_n will_v bless_v your_o lordship_n government_n and_o preserve_v this_o great_a city_n from_o all_o temporal_a and_o spiritual_a evil_n be_v the_o hearty_a prayer_n of_o my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n most_o obedient_a servant_n william_n sherlock_n a_o vindication_n of_o dr._n sherlock_n sermon_n before_o my_o lord_n mayor_z etc._n etc._n when_o i_o receive_v the_o threaten_a and_o boast_v message_n from_o some_o busy_a factor_n of_o the_o socinian_n fraternity_n what_o work_n they_o will_v make_v with_o my_o late_a sermon_n before_o my_o lord_n mayor_n concern_v the_o danger_n of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n my_o great_a concernment_n be_v how_o to_o meet_v with_o their_o answer_n which_o usual_o come_v last_v to_o my_o hand_n and_o how_o to_o bear_v the_o drudgery_n of_o read_v it_o for_o their_o argument_n have_v be_v spend_v long_o since_o and_o that_o little_a wit_n they_o have_v be_v now_o degenerate_v into_o rail_a that_o scurrilous_a treatment_n they_o have_v late_o give_v to_o so_o many_o excellent_a person_n especial_o to_o that_o great_a man_n the_o bishop_n of_o worcester_n be_v a_o fair_a warn_v to_o all_o who_o dare_v oppose_v they_o what_o they_o must_v expect_v and_o beside_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o many_o former_a civility_n i_o have_v more_o than_o ordinary_a reason_n to_o expect_v it_o now_o they_o be_v touch_v in_o a_o very_a sensible_a part_n without_o any_o other_o defence_n to_o make_v and_o this_o author_n have_v not_o deceive_v my_o expectation_n for_o upon_o a_o perusal_n of_o his_o remark_n i_o find_v nothing_o of_o argument_n a_o very_a little_a wit_n and_o abundance_n of_o rail_a his_o wit_n and_o rail_a be_v to_o himself_o but_o i_o be_o sorry_a i_o can_v find_v nothing_o that_o look_v so_o like_o a_o argument_n as_o to_o administer_v occasion_n for_o any_o useful_a discourse_n this_o there_o be_v no_o help_n for_o if_o man_n will_v write_v book_n without_o any_o argument_n to_o be_v answer_v there_o be_v nothing_o to_o be_v do_v but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o have_v offer_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n or_o that_o need_v a_o answer_n and_o this_o will_v be_v do_v in_o a_o few_o word_n for_o he_o have_v dispute_v at_o large_a against_o what_o i_o never_o say_v nor_o think_v but_o have_v not_o one_o word_n against_o any_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n of_o that_o sermon_n his_o title-page_n pretend_v a_o great_a zeal_n for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o bless_a trinity_n which_o be_v as_o true_a as_o that_o richard_n baldwin_n print_v this_o pamphlet_n who_o have_v public_o disow_v it_o in_o print_n but_o though_o a_o socinian_n conscience_n can_v digest_v such_o godly_a cheat_n as_o a_o piece_n of_o wit_n and_o artifice_n yet_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o venture_v on_o they_o because_o mankind_n hate_v to_o be_v abuse_v and_o grow_v very_o jealous_a of_o man_n of_o trick_n and_o yet_o have_v we_o to_o deal_v with_o modest_a man_n it_o will_v be_v think_v a_o little_a of_o the_o late_a for_o a_o socinian_n to_o talk_v of_o defend_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o bless_a trinity_n for_o their_o cant_n about_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n and_o three_o infinite_a mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v too_o well_o know_v to_o pass_v for_o so_o much_o as_o a_o jest_n any_o long_o and_o till_o they_o can_v defend_v the_o judgement_n 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real_a father_n and_o the_o son_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a son_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o be_v a_o true_a and_o real_a spirit_n and_o this_o be_v to_o deny_v the_o catholic_n faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n which_o can_v be_v a_o real_a trinity_n can_v be_v real_o three_o if_o each_o of_o they_o be_v not_o true_o and_o real_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o those_o name_n but_o though_o that_o phrase_n of_o three_o infinite_a mind_n and_o spirit_n be_v use_v very_o innocent_o by_o i_o only_o to_o signify_v three_o infinite_a intelligent_a person_n each_o of_o which_o be_v infinite_a mind_n and_o spirit_n and_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v each_o other_o which_o be_v the_o catholic_n faith_n yet_o i_o free_o acknowledge_v as_o i_o have_v do_v more_o than_o once_o that_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o a_o very_a heretical_a tritheistick_a sense_n if_o understand_v absolute_o and_o in_o that_o sense_n i_o always_o disow_v it_o and_o it_o be_v a_o sign_n man_n have_v very_o little_a to_o say_v when_o they_o make_v such_o a_o noise_n with_o a_o inconvenient_a form_n of_o speech_n etc._n though_o expound_v to_o a_o catholic_n sense_n but_o the_o margin_n will_v direct_v the_o reader_n where_o he_o may_v find_v the_o true_a state_n of_o this_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v all_o this_o to_o my_o sermon_n which_o neither_o explain_v nor_o defend_v any_o particular_a hypothesis_n about_o the_o trinity_n but_o be_v a_o general_a vindication_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n from_o the_o pretence_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n concern_v the_o bless_a trinity_n explain_v and_o assert_v against_o the_o dangerous_a heterodoxy_n in_o a_o sermon_n by_o dr_n william_n sherlock_n &c_n &c_n and_o remark_n upon_o dr._n william_n sherlock_n '_o s_z false_a and_o treacherous_a defence_n and_o explication_n of_o some_o principal_a article_n of_o faith_n etc._n etc._n be_v more_o specious_a title_n and_o both_o so_o good_a that_o they_o know_v not_o which_o to_o choose_v and_o therefore_o adorn_v the_o title-page_n with_o one_o and_o the_o frontispiece_n with_o the_o other_o that_o if_o ever_o a_o poor_a sermon_n be_v confute_v with_o title_n which_o have_v a_o strange_a magic_n in_o they_o this_o be_v utter_o undo_v but_o it_o be_v time_n to_o consider_v his_o remark_n which_o exact_o answer_v the_o title_n that_o they_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n i_o be_o not_o at_o leisure_n to_o follow_v he_o in_o all_o his_o harangue_n and_o his_o wit_n and_o buffonery_n i_o despise_v too_o much_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o it_o and_o when_o it_o appear_v that_o a_o man_n have_v discharge_v all_o his_o artillery_n of_o witticism_n against_o his_o own_o mistake_v he_o be_v witty_a at_o his_o own_o cost_n too_o he_o have_v
be_v not_o a_o good_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n how_o come_v a_o contradiction_n to_o much_o more_o fallible_a reason_n to_o be_v so_o unanswerable_a a_o objection_n and_o then_o we_o may_v much_o more_o safe_o believe_v a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o pretend_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n than_o we_o can_v believe_v transubstantiation_n in_o contradiction_n to_o sense_n but_o in_o his_o three_o answer_n he_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o good_a earnest_n and_o i_o shall_v consider_v it_o as_o such_o and_o it_o be_v this_o transubstantiation_n be_v contradict_v by_o sense_n say_v his_o lordship_n in_o a_o object_n of_o sense_n therefore_o it_o be_v a_o false_a mystery_n this_o be_v as_o much_o as_o to_o say_v that_o a_o faculty_n or_o power_n judge_v of_o its_o proper_a object_n always_o judge_n true_o and_o must_v determine_v our_o belief_n he_o must_v say_v this_o or_o his_o reason_v be_v nothing_o i_o ask_v now_o of_o what_o faculty_n or_o power_n be_v almighty_a god_n the_o object_n he_o will_v answer_v god_n be_v the_o object_n not_o of_o sense_n which_o discern_v he_o not_o but_o of_o reason_n which_o discover_v and_o see_v this_o most_o glorious_a be_v therefore_o reason_n by_o his_o lordship_n be_v own_o argument_n judge_n infallible_o concern_v god_n and_o must_v determine_v our_o belief_n about_o he_o we_o must_v hearken_v to_o reason_n when_o it_o find_v contradiction_n in_o what_o man_n affirm_v concern_v god_n now_o notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a brag_v and_o his_o triumphant_a challenge_n to_o the_o bishop_n a_o very_a little_a skill_n will_v answer_v this_o argument_n for_o 1._o the_o bishop_n need_v not_o say_v because_o it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o every_o faculty_n and_o power_n judge_n as_o certain_o of_o its_o proper_a object_n as_o sense_n do_v and_o then_o his_o argument_n be_v quite_o lose_v for_o if_o sense_n judge_n more_o certain_o than_o reason_n than_o a_o manifest_a contradiction_n to_o sense_n be_v a_o more_o unanswerable_a objection_n than_o any_o appear_v and_o pretend_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n i_o believe_v this_o author_n be_v the_o first_o man_n who_o ever_o thus_o universal_o equal_v the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n to_o that_o of_o sense_n or_o that_o ever_o affirm_v that_o reason_n can_v judge_v infallible_o of_o god_n and_o if_o reason_n may_v be_v mistake_v which_o i_o shall_v take_v for_o grant_v especial_o in_o the_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n some_o appear_a contradiction_n or_o what_o some_o man_n will_v call_v contradiction_n be_v not_o a_o sufficient_a reason_n to_o reject_v a_o revelation_n and_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o god_n tell_v we_o of_o himself_o and_o his_o own_o nature_n 2_o dly_z whatever_o certainty_n we_o allow_v to_o our_o faculty_n in_o judge_v of_o their_o proper_a object_n we_o must_v extend_v it_o no_o far_o than_o to_o what_o belong_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o that_o faculty_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o different_a faculty_n as_o it_o be_v of_o our_o different_a sense_n but_o every_o faculty_n and_o every_o sense_n judge_n of_o nothing_o in_o any_o object_n but_o only_o what_o belong_v to_o itself_o all_o the_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n too_o but_o sense_n judge_n of_o nothing_o but_o what_o belong_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o what_o belong_v to_o reason_n and_o reason_n can_v judge_v no_o far_o of_o any_o object_n than_o it_o be_v knowable_a by_o reason_n and_o not_o only_o the_o divine_a but_o even_o create_v nature_n have_v such_o secret_n and_o mystery_n as_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v manifest_a ignorance_n or_o sophistry_n to_o conclude_v from_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n therefore_o reason_v judge_n infallible_o concern_v god_n for_o not_o to_o dispute_v about_o the_o infallible_a judgement_n of_o reason_n god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n because_o reason_n can_v know_v something_o concern_v god_n but_o god_n can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n no_o far_o than_o he_o be_v knowable_a by_o reason_n and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v know_v of_o god_n as_o i_o hope_v this_o author_n himself_o will_v own_v with_o respect_n to_o such_o matter_n god_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o reason_n and_o reason_n can_v judge_v at_o all_o much_o less_o judge_v infallible_o concern_v god_n but_o as_o sense_n leave_v room_n for_o reason_n in_o the_o same_o object_n so_o reason_n leave_v room_n for_o faith_n but_o must_v we_o not_o hearken_v to_o reason_n when_o it_o find_v contradiction_n in_o what_o man_n affirm_v concern_v god_n yes_o most_o certain_o as_o far_o as_o god_n be_v the_o object_n of_o reason_n and_o knowable_a by_o reason_n but_o no_o far_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o reason_n can_v judge_v of_o at_o all_o it_o can_v judge_v of_o contradiction_n sense_n and_o reason_n can_v judge_v of_o contradiction_n only_o for_o themselves_o or_o as_o far_o as_o their_o judgement_n reach_v but_o may_v appear_v contradiction_n themselves_o to_o each_o other_o as_o for_o instance_n reason_n assure_v we_o that_o man_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v close_o unite_v to_o each_o other_o and_o yet_o the_o union_n of_o spirit_n and_o matter_n be_v no_o better_a than_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n for_o sense_n know_v no_o union_n but_o by_o contact_n nor_o any_o contact_n but_o between_o body_n which_o have_v extend_v and_o solid_a part_n that_o can_v touch_v each_o other_o so_o that_o a_o union_n without_o contact_n be_v one_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n and_o a_o contact_n without_o extend_a solid_a part_n which_o a_o spirit_n have_v not_o be_v another_o and_o yet_o reason_n do_v not_o matter_n these_o contradiction_n to_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n because_o sense_n be_v not_o the_o judge_n of_o such_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v the_o same_o case_n between_o reason_n and_o faith_n which_o receive_v its_o information_n from_o a_o divine_a revelation_n concern_v such_o matter_n as_o be_v not_o knowable_a by_o natural_a reason_n shall_v reason_n contradict_v faith_n in_o such_o matter_n as_o reason_n be_v no_o judge_n of_o this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o the_o superior_a evidence_n and_o authority_n of_o faith_n than_o the_o judgement_n of_o sense_n be_v against_o the_o evidence_n of_o reason_n such_o contradiction_n be_v not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v owe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n of_o nature_n and_o presumption_n in_o judge_v of_o what_o we_o can_v understand_v the_o example_n he_o give_v of_o such_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n every_o one_o of_o which_o be_v perfect_a god_n and_o yet_o all_o of_o they_o but_o one_o god_n but_o for_o my_o life_n i_o can_v see_v this_o plain_a contradiction_n that_o three_o person_n each_o of_o which_o have_v all_o the_o perfection_n of_o divinity_n and_o be_v perfect_a god_n shall_v be_v so_o essential_o unite_v in_o the_o sâ—me_n one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a nature_n as_o to_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o be_v not_o a_o contradiction_n in_o terminis_fw-la it_o be_v not_o three_o person_n and_o but_o one_o person_n or_o three_o god_n and_o but_o one_o god_n but_o three_o divine_a person_n and_o one_o god_n if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o a_o person_n i_o grant_v it_o will_v be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n to_o say_v three_o person_n and_o one_o god_n which_o will_v be_v equivalent_a to_o three_o god_n and_o one_o god_n but_o if_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n consist_v in_o the_o unity_n of_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a nature_n which_o be_v the_o one_o god_n and_o this_o unity_n and_o identity_n of_o nature_n be_v perfect_o and_o entire_o preserve_v in_o three_o divine_a person_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o three_o person_n be_v one_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v that_o three_o divine_a person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o one_o identical_a nature_n shall_v be_v more_o than_o one_o god_n for_o that_o be_v to_o say_v that_o one_o divine_a nature_n which_o can_v be_v but_o one_o god_n be_v three_o go_n now_o this_o be_v all_o that_o natural_a reason_n tell_v we_o of_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n that_o there_o be_v and_o can_v be_v but_o one_o eternal_a infinite_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o god_n this_o we_o express_o teach_v and_o therefore_o do_v not_o contradict_v reason_n but_o then_o scripture_n tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n to_o who_o the_o name_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o this_o one_o infinite_a undivided_a nature_n belong_v this_o reason_n boggle_v at_o and_o socinian_o call_v a_o contradiction_n but_o it_o be_v such_o a_o contradiction_n as_o sense_n will_v judge_v the_o union_n of_o spirit_n and_o
the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n that_o how_o unaccountable_a soever_o these_o mystery_n be_v it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a and_o necessary_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n but_o there_o be_v one_o thing_n still_o behind_o which_o i_o find_v nettle_n this_o author_n and_o i_o do_v wonder_n at_o it_o to_o show_v how_o much_o it_o become_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n to_o reveal_v these_o mystery_n of_o salvation_n to_o we_o i_o observe_v that_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a for_o though_o natural_a knowledge_n must_v be_v allow_v sufficient_a to_o all_o the_o end_n of_o human_a life_n while_o man_n continue_v innocent_a yet_o when_o man_n have_v sin_v he_o forfeit_v the_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o natural_a immortality_n and_o whether_o he_o shall_v be_v restore_v or_o not_o and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v be_v restore_v depend_v whole_o on_o the_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n though_o it_o can_v direct_v a_o innocent_a man_n how_o to_o please_v and_o worship_n god_n and_o to_o preserve_v himself_o immortal_a it_o can_v not_o teach_v sinner_n how_o to_o make_v atonement_n for_o sin_n nor_o give_v they_o any_o certain_a hope_n that_o god_n will_v forâ—ive_v sin_n and_o bestow_v immortal_a life_n on_o they_o which_o make_v it_o necessary_a that_o the_o religion_n of_o a_o sinner_n be_v a_o reveal_v religion_n this_o he_o imperfect_o transcribe_v and_o add_v true_a but_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v no_o answer_n to_o that_o objection_n but_o to_o another_o namely_o to_o this_o why_o revelation_n or_o a_o supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v necessary_a here_o he_o have_v overshoot_v himself_o in_o allow_v supernatural_a knowledge_n necessary_a and_o therefore_o immediate_o qualify_v it_o with_o or_o however_o high_o requisite_a which_o declare_v this_o socinian_n opinion_n that_o we_o may_v have_v be_v save_v without_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o gospel-revelation_n for_o i_o know_v nothing_o that_o can_v make_v any_o thing_n more_o necessary_a than_o the_o necessity_n of_o salvation_n and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a but_o only_o high_o requisite_a we_o may_v be_v save_v without_o it_o he_o add_v the_o reason_n why_o he_o say_v this_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n the_o objection_n be_v concern_v a_o revelation_n and_o faith_n not_o intelligible_a or_o not_o conceivable_a the_o answer_n be_v only_o concern_v revelation_n or_o supernatural_a knowledge_n in_o general_a why_o it_o be_v give_v to_o man_n but_o it_o be_v neither_o so_o nor_o so_o the_o objection_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v this_o part_n of_o the_o answer_n prove_v from_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n of_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n which_o contain_v these_o mystery_n for_o if_o nature_n can_v save_v we_o it_o can_v discover_v to_o we_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n neither_o and_o if_o we_o must_v be_v save_v by_o a_o supernatural_a grace_n and_o power_n it_o must_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o what_o be_v supernatural_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n not_o of_o natural_a knowledge_n serm._n p._n 24._o but_o he_o add_v there_o be_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o supernatural_o reveal_v and_o unconceivable_a the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n the_o precept_n as_o well_o as_o faith_n of_o it_o be_v a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o yet_o a_o system_fw-la so_o intelligible_a that_o it_o must_v be_v teach_v to_o the_o woman_n to_o the_o poor_a and_o â—ven_o to_o little_a child_n this_o be_v true_a but_o there_o be_v a_o difference_n between_o supernatural_a knowledge_n as_o oppose_v to_o natural_a knowledge_n and_o supernatural_a revelation_n such_o thing_n as_o nature_n can_v teach_v we_o may_v be_v supernatural_o reveal_v and_o the_o degeneracy_n of_o mankind_n may_v make_v this_o in_o his_o language_n high_o requisite_a as_o the_o nature_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n a_o future_a state_n and_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a but_o supernatural_a knowledge_n be_v a_o knowledge_n which_o nature_n can_v teach_v but_o must_v be_v learn_v only_o by_o revelation_n and_o this_o be_v the_o knowledge_n and_o a_o mysterious_a knowledge_n it_o be_v which_o the_o lapse_v state_n of_o human_a nature_n make_v necessary_a as_o necessary_a as_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o death_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n which_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n between_o the_o precept_n and_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n though_o both_o contain_v in_o the_o same_o revelation_n he_o add_v it_o be_v not_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o its_o difficulty_n mysteriousness_n or_o transcendency_n of_o the_o human_a understanding_n but_o to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o to_o enforce_v its_o authority_n in_o the_o world_n which_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o say_v that_o the_o design_n of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n be_v not_o to_o teach_v we_o any_o thing_n beyond_o the_o discovery_n or_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n but_o only_o to_o give_v great_a certainty_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o law_n and_o religion_n of_o nature_n and_o here_o for_o a_o conclusion_n i_o join_v issue_n with_o this_o socinian_n and_o be_o glad_a to_o take_v the_o least_o hint_n for_o some_o useful_a discourse_n whether_o the_o gospel_n revelation_n contain_v any_o thing_n which_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v we_o and_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v or_o be_v only_o intend_v to_o give_v great_a certainty_n and_o authority_n to_o the_o religion_n of_o nature_n that_o the_o gospel_n be_v a_o new_a revelation_n of_o what_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v nor_o mere_a natural_a reason_n comprehend_v i_o shall_v prove_v not_o from_o the_o name_n or_o notion_n of_o mystery_n which_o these_o man_n so_o foolish_o and_o absurd_o ridicule_n but_o from_o the_o express_a authority_n of_o st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n 2.14_o but_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v a_o brief_a explication_n of_o which_o word_n will_v be_v of_o great_a use_n in_o our_o present_a dispute_n the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o natural_a man_n as_o theophilact_fw-mi and_o other_o greek_a father_n observe_v be_v the_o man_n who_o judge_n only_o by_o natural_a light_n and_o reason_n and_o will_v receive_v and_o believe_v nothing_o beyond_o what_o nature_n teach_v and_o the_o context_n prove_v this_o to_o be_v the_o true_a meaning_n of_o it_o this_o account_n the_o apostle_n give_v of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n that_o as_o the_o jew_n require_v a_o sign_n so_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1.22_o nothing_o will_v content_v they_o but_o some_o philosophical_a speculation_n and_o natural_a proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o faith_n which_o in_o this_o chapter_n he_o call_v the_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n and_o oppose_v to_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n that_o be_v to_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o be_v a_o more_o certain_a and_o infallible_a proof_n than_o all_o their_o pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n for_o where_o be_v the_o wise_a where_o be_v the_o scribe_n where_o be_v the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n have_v not_o god_n make_v foolish_a the_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n for_o after_o that_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n the_o world_n by_o wisdom_n by_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n know_v not_o god_n it_o please_v god_n by_o the_o foolishness_n of_o preach_v to_o save_v they_o that_o believe_v 1_o cor._n 1.20_o 21._o these_o be_v the_o man_n who_o reject_v the_o faith_n of_o christ_n of_o who_o the_o apostle_n here_o speak_v and_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o infidelity_n in_o these_o word_n the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o will_v more_o full_o appear_v by_o examine_v what_o these_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v and_o it_o be_v evident_a from_o the_o whole_a context_n that_o they_o be_v matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n which_o can_v be_v know_v only_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n or_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n death_n resurrection_n ascension_n of_o jesus_n christ_n the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o gospel-revelation_n this_o he_o call_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n to_o our_o glory_n ver_fw-la 7._o
and_o what_o this_o be_v immediate_o follow_v which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n know_v for_o have_v they_o know_v it_o they_o will_v not_o have_v crucify_v the_o lord_n of_o glory_n which_o can_v refer_v only_o to_o the_o dispensation_n of_o grace_n by_o jesus_n christ._n this_o nature_n can_v not_o teach_v we_o as_o it_o be_v write_v eye_n have_v not_o sâ—en_o neither_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o v_o 9_o that_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o neither_o sense_n nor_o natural_a reason_n can_v inform_v we_o of_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n for_o the_o spirit_n search_v all_o thing_n even_o the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n for_o what_o man_n know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n which_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v no_o man_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n now_o we_o have_v receive_v not_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o world_n but_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v of_o god_n that_o we_o may_v know_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n which_o prove_v that_o these_o be_v proper_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o can_v never_o be_v know_v but_o by_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o spirit_n for_o they_o be_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n his_o secret_a counsel_n and_o purpose_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n the_o free_a result_v of_o his_o own_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n the_o thing_n which_o be_v free_o give_v we_o of_o god_n and_o therefore_o can_v be_v know_v and_o can_v be_v reveal_v only_o by_o the_o spirit_n and_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n the_o vain_a pretender_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n receive_v not_o now_o can_v any_o man_n desire_v a_o plain_a proof_n than_o this_o how_o incompetent_a a_o judge_n mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n of_o the_o whole_a oeconomy_n of_o gospel-grace_n for_o what_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v for_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o be_v because_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v it_o and_o what_o be_v foolishness_n to_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v foolishness_n to_o natural_a reason_n and_o what_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v know_v because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v that_o natural_a reason_n can_v discern_v now_o can_v there_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n than_o this_o if_o we_o believe_v st._n paul_n that_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v or_o approve_v but_o reject_v with_o scorn_n for_o it_o be_v not_o say_v that_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v by_o the_o mere_a light_n of_o nature_n find_v out_o or_o discover_v these_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n that_o he_o have_v assert_v before_o but_o these_o word_n give_v a_o reason_n of_o the_o infidelity_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n the_o scribes_z the_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n who_o reject_v the_o faith_n when_o it_o be_v preach_v to_o they_o by_o the_o apostle_n that_o the_o natural_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d do_v not_o receive_v or_o approve_v the_o faith_n and_o not_o only_o so_o but_o reject_v it_o as_o foolishness_n as_o absurd_a contradictious_a impossible_a unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n like_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o epicurean_o and_o the_o stoic_n who_o encounter_v st._n paul_n when_o he_o preach_v at_o athens_n and_o some_o say_v what_o will_v this_o babbler_n say_v other_o some_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v a_o setter_n forth_o of_o strange_a god_n because_o he_o preach_v unto_o they_o jesus_n and_o the_o resurrection_n 17._o act_n 18._o if_o then_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n as_o these_o in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o any_o article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v approve_v comprehend_v it_o but_o account_v it_o absurd_a ridiculous_a foolish_a for_o thus_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v to_o the_o natural_a man_n in_o st._n paul_n day_n and_o thus_o they_o will_v always_o be_v nay_o if_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n than_o such_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v have_v this_o mark_n and_o character_n of_o divinity_n if_o they_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n nay_o let_v i_o add_v far_o that_o those_o doctrine_n which_o have_v be_v always_o own_v and_o defend_v with_o the_o warm_a zeal_n by_o the_o catholic_n church_n and_o oppose_v and_o reject_v with_o as_o great_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n by_o pagan_n infidel_n and_o heretic_n as_o a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n be_v most_o likely_a to_o be_v the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o this_o prove_v that_o the_o christian_a church_n always_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v gospel-doctrine_n and_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n reject_v they_o as_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceiveable_a and_o absurd_a to_o human_a reason_n and_o such_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o cross_n of_o christ_n have_v always_o be_v to_o such_o natural_a men._n nay_o far_o if_o there_o be_v such_o doctrine_n in_o the_o gospel-revelation_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n receive_v not_o but_o account_v foolishness_n than_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o be_v not_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n which_o contain_v none_o of_o these_o mystery_n none_o of_o this_o hide_a wisdom_n none_o of_o these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n let_v the_o socinian_n then_o tell_v we_o what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o their_o faith_n which_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o which_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n they_o glory_v that_o they_o have_v no_o such_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n in_o their_o faith_n that_o they_o have_v a_o reasonable_a faith_n that_o they_o have_v strip_v christian_a religion_n of_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n and_o fit_v it_o to_o the_o level_n and_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n but_o this_o very_a thing_n wherein_o they_o glory_n be_v a_o demonstration_n against_o they_o that_o socinianism_n be_v not_o the_o true_a christian_a faith_n for_o that_o contain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o the_o natural_a man_n and_o mere_a natural_a reason_n receive_v not_o they_o common_o laugh_v at_o that_o distinction_n between_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n which_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o judge_n of_o we_o assert_v that_o a_o divine_a revelation_n can_v never_o contradict_v true_a reason_n for_o a_o divine_a revelation_n must_v be_v true_a and_o true_a reason_n be_v true_a and_o truth_n can_v contradict_v truth_n but_o we_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v above_o reason_n which_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o and_o which_o natural_a man_n may_v call_v contradiction_n if_o every_o thing_n must_v pass_v for_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n which_o mere_a natural_a reason_n do_v not_o receive_v approve_v allow_v but_o after_o all_o they_o must_v find_v something_o above_o natural_a reason_n if_o they_o will_v believe_v like_o christian_n for_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o then_o let_v they_o distinguish_v as_o they_o can_v between_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o it_o but_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o in_o these_o word_n the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o can_v know_v they_o viz._n because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v to_o be_v know_v and_o judge_v of_o only_a by_o spiritual_a argument_n and_o method_n and_o therefore_o the_o natural_a man_n who_o reject_v all_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o know_v they_o the_o truth_n and_o certainty_n of_o our_o faith_n must_v be_v learn_v not_o from_o the_o evidence_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n which_o be_v the_o evidence_n the_o philosopher_n expect_v the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n 1_o cor._n 1.22_o but_o â—t_a paul_n tell_v we_o that_o christ_n send_v he_o to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n not_o with_o wisdom_n of_o word_n lest_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n shall_v be_v make_v of_o none_o effect_n v_o 17._o &c_n &c_n 2.4_o 5._o and_o my_o speech_n and_o my_o preach_v be_v not_o with_o entice_a word_n of_o man_n wisdom_n but_o in_o demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o of_o power_n i_o do_v not_o confirm_v my_o doctrine_n by_o natural_a reason_n and_o argument_n but_o by_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o your_o faith_n shall_v not_o stand_v in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o true_a interpretation_n and_o admirable_a wisdom_n of_o these_o divine_a mystery_n must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v also_o which_o thing_n also_o we_o speak_v not_o in_o the_o word_n which_o man_n wisdom_n teach_v but_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n teach_v compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a there_o be_v a_o spiritual_a language_n belong_v to_o spiritual_a thing_n and_o we_o must_v learn_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o interpretation_n of_o the_o faith_n not_o from_o natural_a idea_n or_o the_o word_n and_o notion_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v in_o the_o socinian_n language_n by_o expound_v scripture_n by_o natural_a reason_n but_o by_o study_v the_o language_n of_o scripture_n and_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o it_o especial_o by_o compare_v the_o old_a and_o the_o new_a testament_n together_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a this_o be_v a_o way_n of_o learning_n which_o natural_a man_n despise_v and_o therefore_o can_v know_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n which_o must_v be_v spiritual_o discern_v all_o this_o i_o think_v abundant_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v such_o mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v can_v prove_v can_v receive_v and_o comprehend_v can_v interpret_v which_o show_v what_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o distinguish_v between_o matter_n of_o pure_a faith_n and_o philosophy_n and_o what_o danger_n there_o be_v of_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n by_o philosophy_n and_o now_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v for_o i_o suppose_v no_o body_n will_v expect_v that_o i_o shall_v defend_v myself_o against_o his_o ridiculous_a charge_n that_o i_o be_o a_o socinian_n which_o have_v he_o believe_v i_o shall_v have_v find_v better_a treatment_n from_o he_o but_o i_o shall_v leave_v he_o to_o rave_v by_o himself_o and_o look_v upon_o all_o these_o hurricane_n of_o fury_n and_o vengeance_n as_o a_o good_a sign_n that_o they_o feel_v themselves_o mortal_o wound_v the_o end_n the_o distinction_n between_o real_a and_o nominal_a trinitarian_n examine_v etc._n etc._n consideration_n on_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n p._n 21_o 22._o vindicatition_n p._n 150._o