tolerable_a idea_n of_o and_o yet_o without_o any_o material_n to_o work_n upon_o can_v never_o be_v comprehend_v the_o platonist_n suppose_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o aristotelian_a a_n first_o mover_n but_o can_v never_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o mundane_a matter_n without_o make_v it_o eternal_a in_o short_a they_o always_o teach_v that_o a_o agent_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o patient_n real_o distinct_a from_o the_o patient_n especial_o in_o external_a action_n and_o we_o know_v in_o number_n it_o be_v universal_o true_a exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la and_o we_o can_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o in_o nature_n at_o least_o the_o reasoner_n can_v on_o his_o principle_n pretend_v to_o it_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v form_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o common_a idea_n when_o all_o our_o idea_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o create_a being_n even_o that_o of_o the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v be_v resemble_v by_o object_n of_o his_o own_o production_n it_o be_v true_a we_o say_v this_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n but_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n unless_o we_o apply_v infinite_a power_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o into_o every_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o this_o infinite_a power_n pure_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o finite_a being_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v evident_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o imply_v a_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v a_o object_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n and_o consequent_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o faith_n which_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n often_o imply_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o indeed_o that_o object_n of_o faith_n contain_v thing_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o indisputable_a that_o faith_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church-writer_n be_v on_o this_o account_n distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o object_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o second_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o propose_v '_o they_o three_o in_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o have_v form_v at_o least_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o for_o the_o quomodo_fw-la sint_fw-la that_o be_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v or_o existence_n that_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n or_o science_n but_o not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o seem_a contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n arise_v on_o this_o account_n and_o consequent_o be_v thus_o far_o just_o incomprehensible_a faith_n throw_v we_o upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o first_o the_o passage_n already_o cite_v from_o irenaeus_n manifest_o instruct_v we_o that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n and_o mystery_n in_o reveal_v truth_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o commit_v all_o such_o matter_n to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o embrace_v and_o believe_v upon_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o method_n fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la servabimus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la nobis_fw-la data_fw-la consonans_fw-la nobis_fw-la invenietur_fw-la do_v not_o this_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n contain_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a yea_o rather_o that_o all_o seem_a difficulty_n or_o absurdity_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o when_o scan_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o god_n as_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v a_o right_a faith_n see_v pag._n 64._o but_o second_o clemens_n alexand._n seem_v to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o faith_n more_o clear_o in_o opposition_n to_o science_n and_o first_o he_o fix_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o irrefragible_a foundation_n that_o carry_v the_o high_a demonstration_n in_o it_o and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v no_o further_o than_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la upon_o which_o he_o advance_v this_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o he_o extend_v it_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o forecited_n passage_n to_o the_o heb._n cap._n twelve_o v_o 12._o and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n stro._n lib._n 2._o p._n 362_o 3_o 4._o and_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n he_o be_v more_o full_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o see_v faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n here_o we_o find_v science_n and_o faith_n oppose_v the_o one_o require_v demonstration_n or_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o other_o not_o so_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n that_o contain_v matter_n incomprehensible_a or_o not_o reconcileable_a with_o common_a notion_n faith_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o father_n will_v command_v a_o assent_n insomuch_o that_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n must_v overbalance_n all_o seem_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n thus_o he_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n two_o v_o 14._o viz._n for_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n far_o exceed_v the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o most_o improve_v reason_n and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o and_o upon_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creation_n heb._n xi_o v_o 3._o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d she_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o sense_n and_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o pass_v over_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o afterward_o whereas_o say_v he_o faith_n be_v vilify_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v void_a of_o demonstration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rather_o a_o thing_n full_a of_o folly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n show_v we_o in_o this_o one_o instance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o very_a article_n say_v he_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o reason_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 22._o in_o epist._n heb._n again_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v faith_n under_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n hom._n 23._o in_o ter._n johan._n where_o upon_o nichodemus_n word_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a v_o 4._o he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o which_o he_o enlarge_v and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o question_n of_o heretic_n upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n demand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v destroy_v his_o immense_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o such_o practice_n or_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o on_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n about_o enter_v the_o womb_n a_o second_o time_n he_o observe_v when_o a_o man_n proceed_v upon_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o talk_v like_o a_o drunken_a or_o madman_n utter_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o now_o certain_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o st._n chrysostom_n notion_n of_o faith_n be_v without_o draw_v inference_n and_o that_o it_o every_o way_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n not_o only_o
they_o see_v they_o through_o a_o veil_n or_o in_o st._n paul_n language_n with_o respect_n to_o further_a discovery_n through_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o they_o know_v they_o in_o part_n or_o by_o inadequate_a idea_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o knowledge_n be_v as_o much_o cramp_v in_o several_a of_o those_o instance_n produce_v by_o our_o author_n from_o the_o intricacy_n and_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n as_o those_o gospel-truth_n shut_v up_o from_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a veil_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o consequent_o why_o be_v not_o the_o one_o as_o much_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o the_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v they_o inadequate_o but_o to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o with_o he_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o question_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o reveal_v matter_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o even_o by_o common_a notion_n both_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o what_o he_o assert_n must_v be_v a_o criterion_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n too_o that_o that_o thing_n who_o manner_n or_o existence_n can_v be_v conceive_v even_o with_o as_o much_o ease_n and_o clearness_n as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o above_o reason_n certain_o here_o be_v a_o fair_a concession_n and_o such_o as_o will_v make_v thing_n mysterious_a because_o we_o can_v but_o form_v inadequate_a idea_n for_o as_o this_o author_n confess_v we_o can_v form_v idea_n of_o the_o being_n of_o thing_n and_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a from_o their_o property_n and_o effect_n whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o production_n see_v n._n 8_o 11._o the_o one_o of_o plant_n and_o the_o other_o of_o rain_n here_o he_o manifest_o fix_v our_o inadequate_a idea_n upon_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o operation_n and_o existence_n that_o be_v our_o idea_n be_v inadequate_a because_o we_o can_v decipher_v wherein_o their_o modus_fw-la consist_v though_o we_o know_v their_o principal_a property_n by_o their_o effect_n and_o uses_n and_o now_o we_o may_v call_v in_o his_o own_o principle_n to_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o affirm_v that_o inadequate_a idea_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mystery_n for_o inadequate_a idea_n imply_v our_o ignorance_n as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o that_o thing_n who_o modus_fw-la can_v be_v comprehend_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n here_o i_o think_v he_o pretend_v to_o outdo_a the_o most_o improve_v art_n of_o priestcraft_n whilst_o he_o declare_v for_o nothing_o but_o reason_n and_o banish_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o impose_v thing_n that_o surpass_v the_o high_a mystery_n since_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n embrace_v his_o contradiction_n for_o the_o undoubted_a decree_n of_o reason_n this_n be_v in_o his_o own_o language_n trifle_v with_o a_o witness_n or_o pitiful_a shift_a or_o fool_n or_o what_o not_o and_o such_o as_o discover_v a_o mighty_a scarcity_n of_o good_a argument_n n._n 13._o but_o he_o have_v not_o do_v with_o we_o yet_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v with_o a_o oblige_a proposal_n if_o they_o will_v still_o be_v fool_v and_o call_v these_o thing_n mystery_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o admit_v as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v in_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v i_o likewise_o to_o make_v i_o as_o intelligible_a to_o other_o as_o these_o be_v to_o i_o ib._n i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o part_n that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a mystery_n even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a triumph_n we_o have_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr majori_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o revelation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o majori_fw-la to_o every_o one_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a spirit_n be_v a_o object_n equal_o intelligible_a with_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o with_o wood_n or_o stone_n as_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o his_o proposal_n i_o believe_v every_o one_o will_v consent_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o reveal_v truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n as_o intelligible_a as_o he_o be_v able_a provide_v he_o will_v promise_v not_o to_o reject_v they_o because_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o undertake_n or_o in_o a_o word_n because_o he_o can_v make_v they_o compare_v with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o invalidate_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o lest_o he_o shall_v think_v i_o rude_a or_o that_o i_o neglect_v he_o too_o much_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o short_a return_v to_o a_o few_o passage_n that_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o one_a he_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n viz._n when_o it_o be_v chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a use_v be_v know_v to_o we_o for_o to_o comprehend_v in_o all_o correct_a author_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v and_o as_o of_o what_o be_v not_o knowable_a we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n so_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o admit_z that_o in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a perception_n or_o comprehension_n we_o think_v we_o know_v or_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o when_o its_o chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a uses_n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o may_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v that_o there_o be_v other_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la or_o precise_a nature_n of_o those_o we_o know_v be_v inconceivable_a and_o so_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n or_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o speech_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n mysterious_a in_o the_o thing_n and_o above_o reason_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o pronounce_v it_o above_o reason_n as_o he_o suggest_v ib._n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o inconceivable_a though_o to_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o concern_v we_o but_o 2_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v mysterious_a even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o mean_v as_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comprehend_v or_o define_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o no_o mystery_n however_o since_o we_o discern_v in_o certain_a reveal_v truth_n something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v believe_v those_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v so_o far_o mysterious_a and_o they_o so_o far_o concern_v we_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o and_o not_o reject_v the_o whole_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v every-thing_n that_o belong_v to_o '_o they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n to_o our_o author_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o principle_n we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o its_o uses_n set_v forth_o but_o we_o have_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o principal_a property_n of_o the_o godhead_n even_o such_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v or_o know_v this_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n arise_v as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n or_o otherwise_o that_o be_v mysterious_a not_o knowable_a or_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n his_o own_o rule_n direct_v he_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o this_o divine_a truth_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ridiculous_a not_o to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n in_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o direct_o concern_v we_o another_o assertion_n of_o he_o ib._n it_o be_v undoubted_o ridiculous_a to_o make_v disquisition_n in_o such_o case_n and_o make_v they_o a_o argument_n for_o reject_v the_o clear_a reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o modern_a reasoner_n
the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n london_n print_v by_o w._n onley_n for_o alex._n rosvile_n at_o the_o dial_n against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvi_o the_o content_n be_v article_n most_o of_o they_o advance_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o human_a knowledge_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n page_n 2._o transubstantiation_n why_o to_o be_v reject_v p._n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a object_n ib._n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a object_n p._n 11._o of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n p._n 14._o three_o inference_n p._n 15._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o maxim_n in_o adore_v when_o we_o can_v comprehend_v p._n 18._o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n p._n 22_o 23._o 41_o 42._o matter_n of_o revelation_n not_o so_o easy_o nor_o clear_o comprehend_v as_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n p._n 23._o 25._o his_o notion_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n reject_v and_o disprove_v p._n 33._o two_o limitation_n to_o be_v observe_v before_o we_o can_v pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 33_o 34._o both_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n p._n 40._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o assert_v p._n 46_o contradiction_n not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n p._n 47_o 48._o revelation_n a_o motive_n of_o assent_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o information_n p._n 49._o matter_n of_o revelation_n how_o far_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a p._n 51._o the_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n on_o that_o account_n p._n 52._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n as_o apply_v to_o thing_n incomprehensible_a p._n 56._o 61._o his_o notion_n of_o a_o mysteryexploded_a p._n 58._o mystery_n state_v with_o respect_n to_o inadequate_a idea_n p._n 59_o 60_o 62._o and_o prove_v against_o he_o on_o his_o own_o principle_n p._n 62._o the_o notion_n of_o comprehend_v thing_n state_v p._n 67._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n with_o respect_n to_o scripture_n p._n 73_o 74._o authority_n of_o scripture_n where_o mystery_n be_v apply_v to_o incomprehensible_a truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o p._n 81._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o p._n 84._o doctrine_n or_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v represent_v as_o mysterious_a and_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o p._n 89._o the_o first_o instance_n from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o 24._o second_o instance_n 1_o cor._n 13._o v._n 9_o p._n 94._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o p._n 96._o and_o col._n 2._o 23._o p._n 97._o all_o which_o be_v expound_v at_o large_a and_o each_o exposition_n ratify_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n produce_v against_o he_o even_o of_o those_o he_o have_v cite_v p._n 105_o 106._o how_o far_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n be_v require_v in_o faith_n p._n 118_o 119._o that_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n or_o science_n and_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o assent_n to_o reveal_v truth_n as_o they_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o human_a perception_n p._n 121_o 122._o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n p._n 123_o 124._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n instance_a p._n 120._o mystery_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n p._n 134._o miracle_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o why_o ib._n miracle_n a_o argument_n a_o majore_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 136_o 137._o his_o historical_a account_n of_o mystery_n explode_v p._n 138._o the_o method_n of_o initiation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n rite_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o paganism_n or_o imposture_n p._n 140._o these_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o product_n of_o mystery_n p._n 143._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o ceremony_n especial_o such_o as_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v p._n 145._o the_o authority_n of_o they_o assert_v p._n 146._o not_o opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 147._o the_o pernicious_a design_n of_o his_o treatise_n detect_v p._n 149_o 150._o the_o conclusion_n in_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a method_n of_o answer_v by_o instance_n p._n 151._o edition_n of_o the_o father_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n ed._n par._n 1629._o justin_n martyr_n par._n 1615._o irenaeus_n ed._n erasmi_n basil._n 1560._o tertullianus_n ed._n par._n 1675._o origen_n contra_fw-la cels._fw-la edit_fw-la cant._n 1677._o dionys._n vulgo_fw-la areopag_n antw._n 1634._o johan_n chrysost._n par._n 1621._o isiodor_n pelysiot_n par._n 1638._o theophilact_fw-mi lond._n 1636._o origen_n comment_fw-fr rothomag_n 1668._o athanasius_n ex_fw-la officina_fw-la commeliana_n 1601._o certain_a christian_a doctrine_n proper_o call_v mystery_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o reason_n etc._n etc._n before_o i_o make_v any_o formal_a return_v to_o the_o position_n advance_v by_o this_o zealous_a advocate_n for_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v or_o state_n the_o several_a measure_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n of_o corporeal_a and_o spiritual_a substance_n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o first_o i_o can_v free_o grant_v what_o have_v cost_v our_o adversary_n some_o page_n to_o prove_v viz._n that_o nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n sect._n 1_o cap._n 3._o but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o advance_v one_o rule_n or_o standard_n for_o every_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o form_v argument_n and_o charge_v contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n without_o make_v the_o least_o allowance_n or_o distinction_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o method_n of_o know_v it_o here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n whereby_o as_o will_v anon_o more_o full_o appear_v he_o have_v cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o reason_n rather_o than_o improve_v its_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o proper_a seat_n as_o well_o as_o principle_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v here_o entertain_v by_o the_o object_n of_o the_o material_a world_n for_o nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o transmit_v and_o fix_v a_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n and_o certain_o here_o be_v the_o great_a original_a stock_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o only_o the_o stand_a vehicles_n to_o all_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o mind_n since_o even_o faith_n and_o revelation_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o these_o very_a idea_n if_o positive_a and_o form_v on_o thing_n and_o substance_n be_v little_a else_o but_o the_o resemblance_n of_o material_a sensation_n or_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o object_n of_o sense_n however_o exalt_v and_o refine_a may_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n that_o have_v thing_n present_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o immediate_a intuition_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o sense_n and_o matter_n and_o those_o of_o a_o very_a coarse_a allay_v must_v have_v all_o our_o idea_n tinge_v with_o material_a adumbration_n these_o be_v that_o glass_n upon_o the_o mind_n through_o which_o we_o see_v dark_o and_o that_o wonderful_o incrassate_v and_o disguise_n the_o image_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o object_n of_o sense_n our_o idea_n must_v be_v comparative_o clear_a and_o exact_a because_o we_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n or_o centre_n of_o the_o material_a world_n where_o its_o object_n perpetual_o crowd_v in_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v continual_o present_v to_o
position_n and_o first_o to_o take_v he_o in_o the_o order_n we_o find_v he_o before_o he_o give_v you_o a_o state_n of_o the_o question_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o main_a burden_n of_o his_o song_n and_o introduce_v you_o with_o some_o sarcastical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o management_n and_o maxim_n of_o divine_n about_o religion_n as_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v no_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o mystery_n and_o divine_v unanimous_o own_v their_o ignorance_n about_o it_o whilst_o they_o grave_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o majesterious_o obtrude_v contradictory_n comment_n as_o infallible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o unfathomable_a mystery_n it_o be_v visible_a this_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o clergy_n for_o who_o be_v to_o account_v for_o man_n ignorance_n or_o absurd_a notion_n in_o religion_n but_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o remove_v '_o they_o again_o who_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o contradiction_n but_o the_o clergy_n that_o resolve_v all_o into_o unfathomable_a mystery_n and_o yet_o by_o their_o peremptory_a comment_n pretend_v to_o unravel_v all_o to_o a_o demonstration_n this_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o impregnated_a malice_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a book_n where_o the_o clergy_n by_o insinuation_n consequence_n or_o downright_a assertion_n be_v charge_v with_o imposture_n as_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o combine_v to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n even_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o contradiction_n for_o in_o one_o place_n he_o make_v it_o a_o asylum_n or_o shelter_n to_o their_o ignorance_n in_o another_o a_o artifice_n of_o usurpation_n to_o oblige_v the_o laity_n to_o admit_v nothing_o as_o a_o branch_n of_o their_o creed_n till_o it_o have_v be_v ratify_v from_o their_o confessor_n chair_n in_o a_o word_n he_o represent_v they_o as_o introducer_n of_o deism_n he_o may_v have_v add_v as_o subverter_n of_o all_o religion_n too_o since_o he_o make_v they_o labour_v in_o nothing_o but_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n and_o now_o you_o have_v the_o character_n or_o temper_v of_o the_o man_n and_o see_v where_o his_o poison_a arrow_n be_v direct_v i_o shall_v with_o patience_n or_o rather_o contempt_n pass_v by_o all_o stricture_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o confidence_n of_o wipe_v off_o his_o calumny_n by_o confute_v his_o position_n to_o return_v then_o as_o for_o the_o comment_n of_o some_o divine_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v to_o account_v for_o the_o indiscretion_n which_o heat_v or_o passion_n have_v surprise_v some_o of_o they_o into_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o comment_n of_o other_o will_v stand_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o establish_v those_o truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n better_a than_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n or_o persuasion_n to_o shake_v or_o overturn_v '_o they_o as_o for_o the_o maxim_n that_o instruct_v we_o to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v i_o think_v it_o be_v extreme_o proper_a where_o we_o can_v prove_v a_o mystery_n for_o if_o god_n recommend_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o exceed_v the_o comprehension_n of_o a_o finite_a mind_n we_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n even_o though_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v needful_a to_o point_v out_o to_o we_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o and_o then_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n for_o the_o rest_n a_o considerable_a instance_n of_o obedience_n even_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o adoration_n after_o this_o he_o present_v we_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o at_o least_o the_o fiction_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n counsel_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n it_o but_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o assign_v what_o deference_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o father_n or_o counsel_n or_o what_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o interpret_n scripture_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o charge_v our_o constitution_n with_o error_n in_o these_o matter_n this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o engage_v in_o the_o next_o thing_n he_o present_v we_o with_o be_v two_o opinion_n of_o nameless_a party_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o at_o last_o make_v all_o side_n that_o differ_v from_o his_o notion_n join_v in_o this_o position_n for_o i_o can_v put_v no_o other_o gloss_n on_o his_o word_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o both_o from_o different_a principle_n agree_v that_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v no_o further_o to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o reason_n than_o to_o prove_v they_o divine_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o be_v proper_o mystery_n still_o ib._n n._n 6._o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o may_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n still_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v evince_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tract_n but_o i_o can_v find_v where_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v declare_v herself_o that_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o some_o reveal_v doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v they_o divine_o reveal_v for_o certain_o faith_n itself_o be_v a_o rational_a assent_n to_o a_o divine_a truth_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o only_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v and_o prove_v whether_o god_n have_v deliver_v it_o but_o to_o form_v some_o idea_n though_o a_o imperfect_a one_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o truth_n at_o least_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o will_v convince_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n else_o we_o assent_v to_o we_o know_v not_o what_o but_o after_o the_o utmost_a researche_n of_o reason_n our_o very_a reason_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o this_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n or_o modes_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o she_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n comprehend_v and_o consequent_o may_v still_o be_v just_o account_v a_o mystery_n and_o now_o we_o come_v to_o his_o own_o position_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o hold_v that_o nothing_o reveal_v whether_o as_o to_o its_o manner_n or_o existence_n be_v more_o exempt_v from_o its_o disquisition_n than_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n 7._o this_o he_o propose_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n agreeable_a to_o the_o title_n of_o his_o book_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o follow_v be_v only_o a_o confirmation_n or_o make_v good_a of_o this_o position_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o fair_a to_o he_o as_o to_o wait_v his_o argument_n but_o because_o nothing_o shall_v stick_v upon_o the_o reader_n i_o shall_v make_v something_o of_o a_o return_n to_o such_o decretory_a assertion_n in_o the_o order_n we_o find_v they_o and_o first_o this_o great_a reasoner_n seem_v to_o play_v the_o sophister_n and_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a ambiguous_a manner_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o reveal_v truth_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o disquisition_n of_o reason_n and_o true_o if_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o sublimest_n reveal_v truth_n may_v be_v examine_v by_o reason_n as_o far_a as_o she_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o shall_v entire_o join_v with_o he_o for_o revelation_n be_v thus_o far_o a_o address_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o she_o may_v lawful_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v and_o conceive_v as_o much_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o possible_a provide_v she_o do_v not_o reject_v what_o she_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o too_o upon_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o she_o can_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a manner_n and_o existence_n of_o they_o thus_o far_o reason_n may_v be_v concern_v and_o yet_o reveal_v truth_n may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o mysterious_a and_o consequent_o his_o position_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n answer_v his_o design_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n but_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o comprehend_v by_o reason_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o one_a because_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n in_o the_o consequence_n the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v often_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n but_o there_o be_v reveal_v matter_n that_o be_v in_o their_o very_a frame_n
on_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o adjudge_v it_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o right_a reason_n which_o in_o case_n of_o this_o nature_n direct_v we_o to_o fix_v the_o absurdity_n or_o contrariety_n on_o the_o imperfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o the_o falseness_n of_o the_o rule_n in_o judge_a matter_n of_o revelation_n by_o object_n of_o sense_n in_o a_o word_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v we_o may_v in_o express_a term_n affirm_v that_o we_o can_v form_v imperfect_a idea_n of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n so_o far_o as_o to_o know_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o proceed_v to_o examine_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n we_o can_v reconcile_v it_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o for_o all_o this_o we_o must_v not_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o esteem_v those_o imperfect_a idea_n no_o idea_n at_o all_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o illustrate_v this_o matter_n in_o a_o instance_n which_o the_o socinian_n choose_v to_o advance_v his_o own_o hypothesis_n by_o explode_v it_o i_o mean_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n we_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o fullness_n of_o the_o godhead_n because_o his_o divinity_n be_v describe_v in_o character_n that_o be_v peculiar_a to_o the_o godhead_n and_o such_o as_o correspond_v with_o those_o idea_n of_o the_o godhead_n as_o be_v form_v by_o the_o assistance_n of_o revelation_n he_o reject_v his_o divinity_n because_o he_o proceed_v further_a and_o examine_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o its_o union_n with_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereupon_o form_v a_o modus_fw-la by_o some_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o then_o compare_v it_o with_o other_o idea_n of_o the_o same_o rank_n and_o quality_n and_o reject_v those_o idea_n which_o scripture_n have_v give_v we_o of_o his_o divinity_n by_o pronounce_v such_o a_o revelation_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n with_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n and_o humanity_n a_o thing_n form_v and_o hammer_v out_o of_o his_o own_o shallow_a understanding_n do_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n here_o i_o think_v be_v a_o complication_n of_o absurdity_n or_o thing_n that_o run_v counter_a to_o the_o eternal_a measure_n of_o right_a reason_n the_o godhead_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n be_v reject_v and_o deny_v as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n not_o because_o we_o want_v revelation_n for_o it_o since_o we_o may_v read_v it_o in_o the_o clear_a character_n but_o we_o must_v expound_v these_o away_o one_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n a_o thing_n that_o often_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n even_o in_o philosophical_a disquisition_n two_o because_o we_o can_v form_v a_o modus_fw-la that_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o if_o consequence_n of_o this_o nature_n be_v suffer_v to_o take_v place_n against_o such_o legible_a character_n of_o divinity_n it_o must_v overturn_v those_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o revelation_n and_o natural_a reason_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o since_o the_o character_n of_o both_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a i_o have_v dwell_v too_o long_o on_o this_o argument_n but_o not_o without_o design_n because_o i_o will_v not_o be_v oblige_v to_o make_v a_o formal_a return_n to_o every_o little_a passage_n that_o run_v against_o we_o or_o dispel_v every_o speck_n of_o a_o cloud_n that_o be_v raise_v upon_o sophistry_n or_o false_a argue_n i_o be_o sure_a i_o have_v offer_v enough_o to_o take_v off_o the_o force_n of_o what_o he_o have_v suggest_v in_o the_o follow_a paragraph_n n._n 5._o for_o he_o be_v a_o complete_a conjurer_n raise_v his_o own_o devil_n and_o then_o lay_v it_o frame_v a_o objection_n and_o give_v his_o own_o answer_n to_o it_o it_o be_v this_o if_o any_o will_v think_v to_o evade_v the_o difficulty_n by_o say_v that_o the_o idea_n of_o certain_a doctrine_n may_v be_v contrary_a indeed_o to_o common_a notion_n yet_o consistent_a with_o '_o emselve_n he_o be_v but_o just_a where_o he_o be_v now_o i_o have_v already_o deliver_v the_o measure_n of_o form_v reveal_v idea_n not_o by_o compare_v they_o with_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a i_o will_v admit_v indeed_o it_o may_v be_v do_v by_o common_a notion_n if_o he_o will_v restrain_v his_o common_a notion_n as_o he_o do_v in_o the_o close_a of_o his_o paragraph_n or_o at_o least_o with_o some_o improvement_n add_v to_o they_o for_o i_o can_v free_o subscribe_v that_o we_o can_v otherwise_o discern_v his_o revelation_n but_o by_o their_o conformity_n with_o our_o natural_a notice_n of_o he_o god_n he_o mean_v or_o at_o least_o those_o improvement_n we_o receive_v of_o he_o from_o revelation_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n our_o saviour_n divinity_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o common_a notion_n for_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o agreeable_a to_o those_o character_n which_o revelation_n and_o natural_a reason_n give_v we_o of_o the_o godhead_n but_o than_o the_o difficulty_n lie_v in_o comprehend_v the_o union_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n together_o which_o we_o call_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n and_o this_o we_o say_v be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o common_a notice_n for_o to_o a_o finite_a mind_n it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o than_o it_o be_v not_o a_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n that_o we_o shall_v comprehend_v it_o much_o less_o be_v it_o a_o doctrine_n of_o reason_n or_o christianity_n that_o we_o shall_v exclude_v or_o cashier_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n or_o incarnation_n from_o be_v a_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n nor_o form_v any_o clear_a idea_n of_o it_o at_o least_o such_o as_o will_v comport_v with_o common_a notion_n it_o be_v true_a we_o may_v resemble_v it_o as_o it_o be_v do_v in_o one_o of_o our_o creed_n as_o the_o reasonable_a soul_n and_o flesh_n be_v one_o man_n so_o god_n and_o man_n be_v one_o christ_n but_o we_o do_v not_o advance_v a_o similitude_n into_o a_o complete_a idea_n or_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o to_o offer_v a_o word_n or_o two_o more_o if_o this_o method_n of_o argue_v may_v be_v admit_v i_o can_v conceive_v but_o it_o must_v explode_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o soul_n or_o any_o principle_n distinct_a from_o matter_n because_o we_o can_v fix_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o union_n or_o conceive_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o incessant_a intercourse_n with_o the_o body_n to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n from_o what_o be_v say_v i_o think_v here_o be_v enough_o to_o defeat_v our_o adversary_n triumph_n even_o over_o his_o own_o objection_n for_o we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v that_o as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v distinguish_v by_o property_n peculiar_a to_o itself_o so_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o it_o have_v a_o manner_n of_o existence_n with_o humanity_n so_o peculiar_a to_o itself_o that_o we_o must_v not_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v it_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v free_o own_v that_o there_o be_v neither_o necessity_n nor_o possibility_n of_o its_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o or_o of_o determine_v what_o be_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o it_o and_o thus_o much_o of_o his_o notion_n of_o self-consistence_n and_o as_o for_o his_o sarcastical_a profane_a way_n of_o argue_v when_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o four_o may_v be_v call_v five_o in_o heaven_n he_o may_v know_v that_o number_n be_v only_o empty_a denomination_n and_o no_o argument_n to_o be_v form_v from_o they_o but_o as_o apply_v to_o thing_n and_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v heavenly_a object_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n a_o unity_n and_o a_o trinity_n may_v be_v consistent_a for_o any_o thing_n he_o know_v to_o the_o contrary_n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o prevent_v any_o modest_a man_n from_o pronounce_v contradiction_n upon_o such_o unfathomable_a truth_n by_o measure_v their_o modus_fw-la by_o common_a notion_n thing_n that_o exceed_v our_o comprehension_n as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v beside_o the_o business_n of_o our_o curiosity_n or_o faith_n here_o we_o may_v discern_v the_o origin_n of_o his_o ill_a reason_n to_o be_v want_n of_o distinguish_a thing_n i_o mean_v the_o be_v of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o existence_n with_o respect_n to_o itself_o or_o as_o it_o be_v unite_v to_o something_o else_o from_o
as_o the_o object_n of_o it_o be_v matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o as_o they_o contain_v thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o it_o yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o the_o word_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o great_a man_n have_v drop_v such_o unlucky_a word_n against_o our_o adversary_n principle_n or_o his_o method_n of_o examine_v divine_a truth_n as_o if_o he_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a and_o be_v prepare_v to_o accuse_v he_o of_o heresy_n or_o some_o sly_a maxim_n that_o look_v that_o way_n i_o shall_v therefore_o advise_v he_o to_o weigh_v the_o opinion_n of_o so_o great_a a_o person_n before_o he_o advance_v too_o far_o and_o yet_o when_o i_o consider_v what_o severe_a censure_n he_o have_v pass_v upon_o the_o writer_n of_o this_o age_n i_o despair_v of_o success_n in_o give_v advice_n in_o this_o kind_n for_o i_o can_v think_v he_o will_v ever_o be_v persuade_v to_o take_v his_o measure_n of_o faith_n from_o a_o age_n or_o any_o writer_n in_o it_o when_o he_o make_v they_o as_o it_o be_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o a_o league_n to_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n and_o this_o another_o to_o be_v name_n for_o imposture_n or_o priestcraft_n if_o this_o be_v true_a to_o be_v instruct_v by_o such_o a_o race_n of_o man_n be_v in_o plain_a english_a to_o take_v up_o one_o faith_n from_o those_o that_o have_v fall_v away_o from_o the_o faith_n but_o of_o this_o i_o shall_v say_v more_o in_o the_o last_o chapter_n to_o return_v then_o it_o be_v now_o abundant_o evident_a that_o the_o notion_n of_o faith_n which_o we_o now_o contend_v for_o be_v not_o a_o thing_n contrive_v to_o advance_v a_o particular_a hypothesis_n or_o serve_v a_o particular_a design_n but_o by_o no_o mean_n such_o a_o one_o as_o he_o suggest_v viz._n to_o stop_v the_o mouth_n of_o such_o as_o demand_v a_o reason_n where_o none_o can_v be_v give_v and_o to_o keep_v as_o many_o in_o ignorance_n as_o interest_n shall_v think_v convenient_a see_v n._n 48._o but_o i_o hope_v a_o impartial_a reader_n will_v find_v it_o establish_v upon_o a_o good_a foundation_n or_o in_o a_o word_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o subvert_v or_o remove_v beside_o if_o it_o be_v a_o contrivance_n we_o have_v this_o apology_n that_o it_o be_v not_o a_o late_a forgery_n since_o we_o have_v trace_v it_o almost_o as_o far_o as_o any_o ecclesiastical_a record_n beside_o those_o of_o scripture_n admit_v of_o and_o this_o be_v a_o considerable_a presumption_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o such_o foul-mouthed_a aspersion_n till_o he_o give_v we_o a_o better_a set_a of_o argument_n to_o remove_v it_o which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o shall_v be_v examine_v but_o true_o there_o appear_v so_o little_a in_o they_o that_o i_o think_v they_o scarce_o deserve_v a_o distinct_a examination_n the_o first_o be_v if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o the_o previous_a knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n nor_o difference_n of_o it_o now_o first_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o argument_n be_v advance_v on_o a_o false_a supposition_n and_o that_o which_o run_v through_o all_o his_o observation_n viz._n that_o we_o deny_v all_o degree_n of_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n whereas_o we_o say_v there_o must_v be_v at_o least_o such_o a_o previous_a knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n as_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o comprehend_v the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o give_v a_o rationale_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o real_o belong_v to_o it_o and_o that_o too_o by_o try_v it_o by_o common_a notion_n and_o moreover_o we_o say_v the_o different_a degree_n of_o faith_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n rise_v from_o such_o a_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n no_o when_o once_o we_o know_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n the_o degree_n of_o faith_n arise_v from_o the_o application_n of_o god_n veracity_n to_o our_o mind_n and_o conscience_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v possess_v with_o a_o deep_a sense_n of_o it_o as_o to_o engage_v we_o to_o place_v a_o absolute_a confidence_n in_o it_o though_o we_o can_v form_v a_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n yet_o we_o may_v embrace_v it_o with_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o faith_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n which_o this_o man_n of_o reason_n might_n have_v learn_v from_o s._n paul_n in_o the_o case_n of_o abraham_n who_o against_o hope_n believe_v in_o hope_n and_o be_v not_o weak_a in_o faith_n he_o consider_v not_o his_o own_o body_n now_o dead_a nor_o yet_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb_n he_o stagger_v not_o at_o the_o promise_n through_o unbelief_n but_o be_v strong_a in_o faith_n give_v glory_n to_o god_n and_o be_v full_o persuade_v that_o what_o he_o have_v promise_v he_o be_v also_o able_a to_o perform_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v impute_v to_o he_o for_o righteousness_n rom._n four_o 18_o 19_o 20_o 21._o 2d_o arg._n the_o subject_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v intelligible_a to_o all_o since_o the_o belief_n thereof_o be_v command_v under_o no_o less_o a_o penalty_n than_o damnation_n as_o for_o the_o intelligibleness_n of_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o have_v already_o state_v how_o far_o that_o be_v necessary_a but_o with_o submission_n i_o think_v the_o sin_n and_o damnation_n of_o unbelief_n arise_v not_o because_o god_n have_v furnish_v we_o with_o a_o perfect_a rationale_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o every_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o we_o reject_v it_o but_o because_o he_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o mean_n sufficient_a to_o know_v what_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o to_o know_v that_o he_o have_v propose_v they_o and_o we_o will_v full_o reject_v they_o and_o consequent_o what_o he_o propose_v but_o more_o especial_o because_o he_o have_v assert_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o by_o the_o high_a demonstration_n of_o the_o spirit_n in_o mighty_a sign_n and_o wonder_n this_o be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o jew_n but_o now_o you_o say_v you_o see_v therefore_o your_o sin_n remain_v four_o arg._n except_o faith_n signify_v a_o intelligible_a persuasion_n we_o can_v give_v other_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o hope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o inference_n be_v apparent_o false_a for_o we_o certain_o give_v a_o reason_n and_o that_o too_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n peter_n of_o any_o article_n of_o faith_n when_o we_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o that_o we_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o though_o we_o can_v remove_v every_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o it_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n as_o for_o his_o three_o and_o fifth_z observation_n i_o shall_v appeal_v to_o any_o unprejudiced_a reader_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o that_o deserve_v a_o particular_a reply_n more_o than_o in_o those_o objection_n he_o first_o frame_v and_o then_o answer_v for_o as_o the_o former_a prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o matter_n of_o faith_n so_o the_o latter_a be_v never_o advance_v to_o prove_v the_o necessity_n of_o admit_v such_o object_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o whole_a then_o i_o think_v it_o appear_v there_o be_v matter_n of_o faith_n that_o contain_v thing_n in_o they_o which_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o yet_o faith_n yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o consequent_o it_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a argument_n there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v be_v his_o reply_n to_o the_o argument_n of_o miracle_n cap._n 5._o sect._n 3_o and_o first_o he_o entertain_v you_o with_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o miracle_n and_o as_o for_o the_o description_n he_o give_v we_o i_o find_v in_o the_o main_n no_o reason_n to_o except_v against_o it_o after_o this_o he_o guard_v it_o with_o some_o limitation_n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o suppose_v he_o mean_v contrary_a to_o common_a notion_n or_o those_o idea_n which_o reason_n have_v form_v from_o sense_n experience_n or_o instruction_n and_o no_o doubt_n this_o be_v a_o very_a just_a limitation_n for_o a_o miracle_n be_v perform_v upon_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v a_o address_n to_o our_o sense_n or_o a_o demonstration_n accommodate_v to_o the_o outward_a sense_n by_o some_o sensible_a effect_n or_o operation_n and_o consequent_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o a_o miracle_n that_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o we_o be_v at_o least_o so_o far_o judge_n of_o its_o possibility_n
that_o in_o case_n it_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o may_v just_o rank_v it_o among_o impossibility_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o such_o but_o further_a than_o this_o i_o can_v discern_v that_o we_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o miracle_n for_o to_o judge_v of_o its_o possibility_n suppose_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o modus_fw-la but_o this_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o allow_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o miracle_n say_v he_o be_v not_o explicable_a n._n 77._o thus_o far_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o limitation_n much_o less_o those_o that_o follow_v affect_v the_o present_a controversy_n indeed_o he_o at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o point_n and_o tell_v we_o miracle_n be_v not_o above_o reason_n though_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o modus_fw-la but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o a_o thing_n that_o contain_v somewhat_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o exceed_v human_a comprehension_n be_v not_o as_o proper_o above_o reason_n or_o mysterious_a as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o intelligible_a only_o it_o lie_v dormant_a because_o shadow_v thro'a_fw-fr veil_n i_o be_o sure_a origen_n tell_v the_o contrary_a comment_n in_o mat._n 19_o 24_o 26._o ut_fw-la supra_fw-la see_v pag._n 61._o but_o i_o have_v expose_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o assertion_n in_o another_o place_n indeed_o i_o shall_v have_v turn_v his_o own_o argument_n upon_o he_o have_v he_o not_o prevent_v i_o by_o revive_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o give_v i_o a_o better_a advantage_n over_o he_o we_o have_v it_o thus_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n i_o maintain_v the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v explicable_a but_o of_o what_o of_o miracle_n no_o sure_o but_o of_o those_o doctrine_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v see_v n._n 77._o this_o be_v true_o a_o unaccountable_a paradox_n miracle_n be_v certain_o the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v scan_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o common_a idea_n even_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a such_o as_o result_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v found_v on_o object_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o infinite_a and_o consequent_o be_v to_o we_o more_o abstruse_a and_o incomprehensible_a again_o miracle_n be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a address_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v design_v to_o give_v a_o unquestionable_a credit_n to_o every_o reveal_v truth_n since_o they_o procure_v the_o testimony_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o nature_n will_v direct_v that_o they_o shall_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n rest_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o precise_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v truth_n than_o of_o miracle_n this_o gentleman_n own_v that_o miracle_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o reveal_v truth_n that_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a attestation_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o indeed_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o mere_a novice_n in_o logic_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v at_o least_o as_o adequate_v a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o confirm_v as_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o or_o that_o the_o premise_n be_v to_o carry_v as_o great_a evidence_n in_o they_o as_o we_o expect_v in_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o miracle_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n not_o so_o indeed_o this_o gentleman_n seem_v to_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o weapon_n to_o fence_v against_o he_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o if_o such_o position_n as_o these_o must_v pass_v for_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v truth_n in_o a_o mystery_n and_o true_o we_o can_v not_o have_v desire_v a_o better_a argument_n against_o he_o for_o if_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v inexplicable_a certain_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o reveal_v truth_n be_v much_o more_o inexplicable_a the_o immenseness_n of_o who_o nature_n to_o a_o finite_a mind_n render_v they_o incomprehensible_a again_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v by_o idea_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n much_o less_o be_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a object_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n since_o miracle_n as_o object_n of_o sense_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o they_o be_v inexplicable_a and_o by_o consequence_n just_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o reason_n much_o more_o be_v matter_n of_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o modus_fw-la to_o be_v esteem_v inexplicable_a above_o reason_n and_o consequent_o mysterious_a i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o pretend_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o mystery_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o under_o this_o title_n when_o why_o and_o by_o who_o be_v mystery_n bring_v into_o christianity_n cap._n 6._o sect._n 3._o and_o true_o i_o be_o persuade_v what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v will_v be_v esteem_v by_o a_o impartial_a reader_n a_o sufficient_a confutation_n to_o this_o whole_a chapter_n at_o least_o if_o it_o answer_v the_o title_n without_o examine_v any_o paragraph_n however_o i_o think_v it_o deserve_v no_o answer_n but_o a_o short_a reply_n to_o the_o title_n and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o we_o give_v to_o a_o impertinent_a question_n of_o the_o romanist_n where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o mystery_n be_v introduce_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o christianity_n itself_o be_v found_v not_o in_o name_n or_o word_n only_o but_o in_o certain_a truth_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o 2_o for_o the_o person_n by_o who_o or_o that_o introduce_v it_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v enough_o offer_v to_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o institution_n last_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o mystery_n be_v introduce_v i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o this_o notable_a reasoner_n to_o dispute_v it_o out_o with_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o not_o create_v man_n with_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensible_a faculty_n or_o not_o contrive_v some_o more_o familiar_a method_n of_o redemption_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v stand_v good_a against_o this_o author_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o malicious_a suggestion_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o make_v mystery_n to_o be_v a_o trick_n of_o priestcraft_n contrive_v for_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a grandeur_n and_o dominion_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o a_o few_o particular_n he_o observe_v and_o that_o too_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n initiate_v their_o convert_v in_o a_o way_n and_o method_n not_o much_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n which_o be_v the_o most_o he_o can_v make_v of_o all_o his_o allegation_n now_o we_o own_o the_o christian_n convert_v be_v gradual_o initiate_v that_o they_o be_v rank_v in_o several_a class_n and_o have_v a_o discipline_n and_o instruction_n peculiar_a to_o each_o class_n and_o thereupon_o prohibit_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o sublimest_n part_v of_o religion_n to_o any_o but_o those_o that_o have_v go_v through_o the_o inferior_a class_n and_o true_o such_o injunction_n have_v not_o only_o the_o unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o prudence_n for_o their_o vindication_n but_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o approbation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o establish_a method_n with_o the_o hebrew_n convert_v as_o well_o as_o those_o at_o corinth_n they_o be_v bring_v on_o gradual_o to_o perfection_n first_o by_o milk_n then_o by_o strong_a meat_n the_o one_o accommodate_v to_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o other_o to_o those_o of_o full_a age_n see_v heb._n v_o ver_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n three_o 2._o where_o its_o probable_a the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v first_o instruct_v in_o those_o scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n but_o afterward_o those_o that_o assert_v his_o divinity_n i_o be_o