Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n age_n church_n true_a 1,952 5 4.9061 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A67621 The natural fanatick, or, Reason consider'd in its extravagancy in religion and (in some late treatises) usurping the authority of the Church and councils by John Warly ... Warly, John, d. 1679. 1676 (1676) Wing W876; ESTC R15139 52,674 234

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christian_a posterity_n give_v assent_v to_o the_o whole_a sacred_a volume_n of_o scripture_n by_o the_o same_o method_n and_o mean_n by_o which_o adam_n assent_v to_o and_o believe_v that_o synopsis_n of_o the_o whole_a gospel_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v bruise_v the_o serpent_n head_n if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o adam_n posterity_n have_v a_o measure_n of_o knowledge_n as_o much_o great_a than_o that_o of_o their_o first_o forefather_n as_o the_o second_o adam_n be_v just_o exalt_v above_o the_o first_o yet_o this_o advance_n of_o knowledge_n owe_v not_o its_o original_a to_o mere_a natural_a power_n for_o though_o the_o christian_a believer_n without_o breach_n of_o modesty_n may_v be_v say_v to_o know_v more_o than_o his_o first_o forefather_n yet_o that_o high_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n do_v not_o only_o owe_v its_o improvement_n to_o a_o full_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n in_o the_o latter_a than_o in_o the_o first_o gospel_n preach_v to_o adam_n by_o god_n himself_o but_o also_o to_o the_o divine_a supply_n which_o be_v proportion_v to_o the_o extent_n of_o the_o revelation_n otherwise_o the_o christian_n can_v no_o more_o believe_v his_o large_a creed_n than_o it_o can_v be_v imagine_v adam_n can_v have_v comprehend_v the_o sum_n of_o it_o declare_v to_o he_o in_o few_o word_n without_o divine_a interpretation_n or_o assistance_n if_o this_o instance_n seem_v not_o close_o to_o the_o question_n let_v the_o will_n and_o the_o understanding_n be_v two_o eye_n of_o faith_n though_o by_o some_o one_o be_v call_v blind_a caeca_n potestas_fw-la which_o error_n be_v correct_v by_o late_a philosophy_n be_v examine_v and_o they_o will_v in_o their_o pure_a natural_n be_v find_v defective_a for_o as_o in_o natural_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o the_o eye_n be_v well_o dispose_v but_o a_o certain_a position_n of_o the_o object_n and_o direction_n of_o the_o eye_n be_v necessary_a for_o some_o discovery_n so_o although_o it_o be_v allow_v that_o 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distinguish_v it_o from_o base_a metal_n to_o speak_v all_o conciliary_a discussion_n in_o this_o case_n do_v not_o inquire_v how_o revelation_n be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n but_o what_o be_v to_o be_v admit_v as_o revelation_n and_o what_o to_o be_v reject_v and_o when_o that_o be_v do_v compare_v one_o text_n with_o another_o till_o they_o agree_v which_o consent_n be_v the_o most_o infallible_a evidence_n of_o truth_n however_o it_o be_v scarce_o probable_a that_o the_o reasoner_n will_v be_v persuade_v or_o argue_v out_o of_o his_o pretend_a private_a infallibility_n whilst_o he_o conclude_v every_o individual_a man_n may_v proceed_v on_o the_o same_o ground_n which_o council_n do_v because_o each_o rational_a man_n be_v in_o some_o degree_n more_o or_o less_o able_a to_o draw_v conclusion_n by_o analogy_n or_o compare_v the_o several_a content_n of_o holy_a scripture_n wherefore_o let_v it_o be_v suppose_v that_o each_o reasonable_a man_n be_v natural_o qualify_v to_o find_v truth_n yet_o see_v the_o promise_n of_o divine_a assistance_n which_o be_v the_o most_o sure_a foundation_n on_o which_o infallibility_n can_v rest_v be_v not_o to_o a_o single_a person_n those_o natural_a qualification_n can_v assure_v they_o of_o find_v it_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o the_o reasoner_n may_v take_v occasion_n from_o what_o be_v say_v of_o urge_v a_o question_n whether_o the_o former_a assertion_n do_v take_v the_o privilege_n from_o every_o private_a person_n so_o that_o in_o any_o case_n he_o can_v interpret_v scripture_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o question_n may_v be_v safe_o maintain_v as_o it_o have_v respect_n to_o private_a person_n who_o be_v know_v member_n of_o the_o church_n and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o to_o be_v inform_v what_o be_v the_o interpretation_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n in_o general_n which_o must_v be_v a_o direction_n to_o those_o who_o pass_v judgement_n in_o particular_a case_n for_o they_o may_v not_o appeal_v from_o synod_n to_o their_o own_o private_a reason_n and_o because_o truth_n be_v certain_o to_o be_v find_v in_o council_n and_o there_o be_v rule_n of_o find_v it_o if_o it_o be_v further_o demand_v whether_o a_o private_a person_n who_o have_v neither_o learning_n or_o opportunity_n to_o understand_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n may_v not_o be_v a_o safe_a interpreter_n of_o scripture_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o satisfaction_n and_o salvation_n as_o this_o propose_v a_o extraordinary_a case_n so_o the_o answer_n may_v be_v dubious_o return_v however_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o question_n that_o it_o can_v be_v well_o suppose_v that_o any_o illiterate_a person_n shall_v of_o necessity_n be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o church_n see_v he_o be_v a_o know_a member_n of_o the_o same_o and_o the_o pastor_n be_v as_o mouth_n to_o declare_v it_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o question_n which_o suppose_v a_o christian_a so_o unfortunate_o among_o the_o infidel_n place_v that_o he_o can_v have_v access_n to_o pastor_n of_o the_o church_n it_o be_v enough_o to_o propose_v another_o question_n viz._n whether_o the_o thief_n on_o the_o cross_n who_o may_v be_v suppose_v to_o want_v time_n though_o nothingmore_o can_v be_v want_v whilst_o christ_n be_v with_o he_o do_v give_v assent_n to_o all_o fundamental_o of_o religion_n by_o faith_n as_o explicit_a as_o be_v require_v of_o other_o christian_o who_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o more_o time_n and_o other_o circumstance_n the_o answer_n give_v to_o this_o will_v help_v the_o solution_n of_o the_o other_o doubt_n the_o manner_n of_o conciliary_a proceed_n be_v consider_v and_o the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o mere_a reasoner_n for_o such_o debate_n in_o he_o next_o place_n the_o necessity_n of_o council_n shall_v be_v prove_v by_o which_o the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o disquisition_n will_v be_v better_o understand_v such_o sacred_a assembly_n be_v necessary_a though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n for_o some_o age_n pass_v without_o they_o for_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o church_n require_v such_o supply_n to_o imagine_v it_o can_v always_o be_v without_o they_o be_v to_o conclude_v it_o exempt_a from_o all_o possibility_n of_o err_a and_o independent_a as_o to_o the_o divine_a conduct_n which_o be_v promise_v to_o lead_v it_o and_o continue_v it_o in_o the_o way_n of_o truth_n the_o former_a can_v be_v grant_v for_o heresy_n must_v be_v and_o then_o there_o be_v as_o great_a necessity_n of_o their_o condemnation_n the_o latter_a can_v be_v allow_v for_o as_o it_o intrenche_n on_o the_o divine_a dominion_n so_o it_o do_v equalise_v the_o church_n militant_a with_o the_o triumphant_a who_o great_a trimuph_n be_v our_o error_n this_o necessity_n of_o council_n be_v confirm_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o different_a opinion_n concern_v matter_n of_o faith_n which_o equal_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o christian_a and_o render_v his_o will_n so_o indifferent_a that_o he_o know_v not_o to_o which_o part_n to_o incline_v till_o determine_v by_o authority_n it_o be_v no_o strange_a thing_n to_o meet_v with_o two_o opinion_n in_o other_o case_n which_o plead_v for_o themselves_o with_o such_o equal_a probability_n that_o the_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n will_v rather_o suspend_v its_o belief_n than_o give_v assent_v to_o either_o neither_o let_v it_o appear_v a_o prodigy_n if_o religion_n afford_v such_o case_n as_o will_v render_v its_o proselyte_n or_o professor_n sceptical_o puzzle_v without_o a_o more_o infallible_a guide_n than_o their_o own_o reason_n but_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o other_o case_n the_o wise_a man_n do_v not_o give_v themselves_o up_o to_o a_o sect_n or_o council_n of_o philosopher_n to_o be_v vmpire_n in_o dubious_a matter_n this_o be_v grant_v for_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a that_o they_o shall_v deliver_v up_o their_o reason_n to_o the_o most_o fame_a sophy_n but_o the_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o in_o religious_a debate_n for_o a_o single_a person_n may_v be_v qualify_v for_o find_v truth_n in_o philosophy_n with_o such_o certainty_n as_o may_v vie_v with_o the_o numerous_a sect_n but_o no_o private_a member_n of_o the_o church_n may_v pretend_v to_o that_o cretainty_n which_o must_v be_v allow_v in_o council_n it_o be_v possible_a that_o one_o man_n may_v be_v master_n of_o more_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n than_o be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o all_o the_o world_n at_o that_o time_n and_o one_o walk_v library_n more_o valuable_a than_o a_o vatican_n but_o religious_a knowledge_n be_v not_o design_v to_o be_v so_o monastical_a as_o to_o live_v in_o solitude_n or_o a_o single_a person_n beside_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o philosopher_n have_v the_o same_o assurance_n of_o a_o true_a conduct_n in_o their_o doubt_n by_o reason_n which_o the_o council_n have_v by_o divine_a supply_n he_o will_v be_v unreasonable_a
in_o a_o high_a degree_n who_o will_v not_o give_v up_o or_o resign_v his_o private_a reason_n to_o their_o determination_n the_o great_a assertor_n of_o the_o roman_a church_n d._n stap._n be_v not_o altogether_o mistake_v when_o he_o introduce_v divine_a assistance_n to_o help_v the_o church_n in_o make_v a_o syllogism_n though_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o conveyance_n seem_v inconsistent_a whilst_o he_o make_v the_o member_n of_o it_o to_o be_v discursive_a in_o the_o premife_n as_o mere_a reasoner_n but_o infallible_o assist_v in_o the_o conclusion_n for_o revelation_n must_v take_v place_n of_o pure_a natural_a invention_n in_o the_o whole_a matter_n of_o religious_a debate_n that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o the_o resignation_n of_o reason_n to_o authority_n must_v be_v grant_v and_o it_o be_v urge_v by_o several_a method_n two_o late_a author_n who_o consider_v and_o examine_v humane_a reason_n endeavour_v to_o convince_v man_n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o give_v up_o our_o 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and_o draw_v conclusion_n such_o as_o can_v be_v the_o work_n or_o result_v of_o a_o naked_a representation_n of_o the_o object_n it_o challenge_v its_o just_a title_n rational_a now_o to_o suppose_v this_o similitude_n exact_o apposite_a be_v to_o conclude_v that_o every_o private_a person_n shall_v have_v his_o soul_n employ_v and_o act_v as_o junto_o which_o can_v be_v imagine_v in_o every_o particular_a debate_n of_o a_o council_n as_o the_o percipient_a be_v in_o sensation_n and_o reason_v more_o argument_n may_v be_v urge_v to_o evince_v the_o necessity_n of_o council_n but_o i_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o be_v so_o voluminous_a but_o to_o pass_v to_o another_o inquiry_n concern_v truth_n and_o its_o certainty_n of_o be_v so_o as_o it_o be_v in_o lawful_a council_n satisfaction_n will_v be_v give_v to_o this_o inquiry_n if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v once_o deliver_v to_o the_o saint_n as_o st._n judas_n say_v and_o what_o that_o true_a faith_n be_v may_v be_v find_v in_o some_o conciliary_a definition_n since_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v find_v when_o there_o be_v a_o general_a consent_n which_o be_v a_o infallible_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o as_o certain_a as_o any_o medium_n in_o demonstration_n suppose_v one_o true_a opinion_n in_o philosophy_n and_o a_o thousand_o in_o which_o there_o be_v truth_n but_o mix_v with_o error_n if_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o some_o position_n it_o be_v a_o undoubted_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o in_o which_o all_o agree_v this_o way_n of_o pass_a judgement_n on_o definition_n of_o council_n upon_o examination_n will_v appear_v as_o certain_a as_o that_o which_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o this_o rule_n quoe_v in_o aliquo_fw-la tertio_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la inter_fw-la se_fw-la conveniunt_fw-la that_o trite_a say_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v more_o than_o a_o proverbial_a conclusion_n for_o it_o be_v found_v in_o reason_n which_o must_v conclude_v error_n have_v many_o moeander_n and_o distract_n path_n but_o truth_n have_v a_o narrow_a way_n in_o which_o only_o itself_o can_v walk_v and_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o for_o this_o reason_n truth_n be_v in_o some_o conciliary_a definition_n they_o must_v be_v as_o the_o centre_n in_o which_o all_o which_o be_v true_a necessary_o meet_v if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o those_o definition_n which_o be_v to_o be_v as_o a_o standard_n to_o measure_v other_o may_v not_o be_v find_v the_o church_n be_v defraud_v or_o abuse_v by_o misfortune_n or_o cunning_n and_o consequent_o at_o a_o loss_n in_o the_o search_n for_o truth_n as_o much_o as_o he_o who_o sail_v without_o a_o compass_n this_o can_v be_v suppose_v because_o of_o the_o divine_a promise_n of_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o truefaith_o though_o not_o at_o all_o time_n discoverable_a but_o let_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o some_o true_a 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invalidate_v authority_n and_o render_v it_o less_o valuable_a this_o be_v do_v by_o object_v the_o error_n of_o council_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o process_n by_o vote_n or_o suffrage_n the_o first_o of_o which_o seem_v to_o insinuate_v to_o the_o christian_a the_o posibility_n of_o the_o body_n of_o the_o church_n be_v altogether_o disjoint_v and_o its_o total_a apostasy_n with_o the_o same_o reason_n that_o a_o man_n may_v conclude_v that_o mankind_n can_v be_v exempt_a from_o the_o possibility_n of_o be_v cripple_n because_o that_o some_o bone_n have_v be_v out_o of_o their_o proper_a place_n and_o the_o other_o seem_v to_o render_v they_o more_o contemptible_a by_o compare_v they_o with_o process_n of_o court_n which_o be_v pure_o humane_a both_o these_o be_v as_o easy_o confute_v as_o name_v and_o may_v be_v more_o effectual_o retort_v on_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v exercise_v in_o the_o several_a way_n of_o government_n in_o several_a age_n for_o the_o former_a objection_n be_v remove_v in_o the_o precedent_a disquisition_n and_o the_o other_o will_v appear_v to_o be_v weak_a and_o disable_v if_o it_o be_v consider_v that_o vote_n and_o suffrage_n in_o holy_a council_n be_v as_o lot_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o a_o apostle_n which_o have_v infallible_a direction_n from_o god_n may_v vie_v certainty_n with_o a_o decree_n or_o any_o way_n of_o election_n mathias_n be_v no_o less_o a_o apostle_n neither_o be_v his_o authority_n more_o doubt_v with_o which_o he_o be_v invest_v by_o lot_n than_o that_o of_o the_o other_o apostle_n who_o have_v a_o oral_a mission_n from_o christ_n himself_o i_o may_v further_o assert_v ecclesiastical_a authority_n by_o show_v the_o safety_n of_o rely_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o council_n with_o a_o more_o firm_a assent_n than_o history_n or_o the_o humane_a lawgiver_n can_v challenge_v for_o the_o historian_n i_o mean_v the_o profane_a commit_v not_o annal_n to_o
also_o consider_v if_o the_o will_n and_o understanding_n be_v the_o element_n of_o faith_n that_o a_o ethnic_n lay_v aside_o the_o divine_a testimony_n and_o retire_n to_o his_o reason_n will_v be_v more_o confirm_v in_o his_o persuasion_n as_o a_o chemist_n assert_n his_o principle_n and_o practical_a knowledge_n above_o that_o which_o theory_n teach_v whilst_o he_o analyses_n or_o dissolve_v a_o body_n by_o which_o he_o make_v sense_n a_o witness_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o give_v evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n by_o both_o or_o as_o the_o mathematical_a knowledge_n challenge_v great_a certainty_n than_o that_o in_o other_o science_n which_o take_v a_o scheme_n asunder_o by_o demonstration_n and_o rebuilding_n it_o on_o the_o same_o principle_n confident_o and_o just_o call_v it_o true_a but_o the_o success_n be_v different_a in_o religious_a case_n as_o in_o some_o curious_a contexture_n which_o be_v defective_a by_o its_o too_o fine_a thread_n and_o not_o far_o remove_v from_o 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acknowledge_v to_o be_v borrow_v from_o revelation_n yet_o the_o principle_n by_o which_o judgement_n be_v pass_v on_o it_o be_v not_o derive_v from_o that_o kind_a spirit_n and_o it_o may_v be_v though_o possible_a that_o the_o sophy_n may_v have_v make_v the_o discovery_n without_o that_o monitor_n and_o himself_o proclaim_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d this_o instance_n apply_v to_o the_o present_a case_n will_v force_v the_o reasoner_n to_o confess_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o ethnic_n may_v have_v lucky_o discover_v the_o matter_n which_o religion_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v by_o his_o own_o saculty_n follow_v their_o natural_a conduct_n which_o can_v be_v grant_v if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o heathen_n writing_n it_o may_v find_v a_o answer_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o no_o argument_n take_v from_o pagan_n book_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n can_v be_v say_v to_o prevail_v otherwise_o than_o by_o be_v probable_a and_o persuasive_a and_o they_o borrow_v their_o force_n from_o christian_a interpretation_n and_o those_o which_o have_v influence_n on_o practice_n notwithstanding_o the_o seem_a affinity_n between_o reason_n and_o religion_n be_v like_o tower_n or_o building_n which_o at_o a_o great_a distance_n seem_v contiguous_a which_o the_o eye_n by_o a_o near_a approach_n find_v remove_v from_o their_o fallacious_a neighbourhood_n that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v find_v another_o check_n from_o the_o reasoner_n fundamental_a position_n which_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a assistance_n to_o reason_n in_o act_n of_o faith_n if_o the_o object_n be_v bring_v nigh_a by_o revelation_n which_o if_o true_a he_o may_v impute_v heathenish_a ignorance_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n to_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o the_o want_n of_o holy_a scripture_n and_o retort_v the_o force_n of_o the_o former_a consideration_n by_o proposal_n of_o this_o question_n whether_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o curious_a and_o secret_a mechanism_n of_o nature_n in_o animal_n and_o other_o body_n can_v be_v discern_v without_o a_o microscope_n which_o be_v deny_v may_v make_v it_o applicable_a to_o the_o former_a case_n revelation_n be_v as_o necessary_a for_o the_o beget_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o heathen_a as_o a_o glass_n for_o discern_v the_o small_a part_n of_o matter_n this_o must_v not_o be_v deny_v but_o if_o by_o revelation_n the_o bare_a proposal_n of_o holy_a scripture_n be_v understand_v as_o sufficient_a to_o command_v assent_n this_o will_v be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n that_o the_o true_a religion_n be_v not_o embrace_v or_o believe_v in_o several_a age_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o the_o sporades_n which_o be_v confuse_o discern_v in_o the_o viá_fw-la lacteá_fw-la be_v not_o discern_v till_o galilaeus_fw-la make_v the_o discovery_n for_o as_o a_o telescope_n be_v necessary_a for_o the_o discern_a of_o the_o one_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o believe_v of_o the_o other_o the_o want_n of_o which_o can_v be_v think_v the_o sole_a cause_n of_o infidelity_n the_o contrary_a be_v demonstrable_a from_o the_o practice_n of_o the_o jew_n who_o must_v not_o altogether_o by_o one_o peremptory_a sentence_n be_v deprive_v of_o their_o reason_n who_o have_v not_o and_o perhaps_o can_v not_o be_v reduce_v to_o belief_n though_o conversant_a with_o holy_a writing_n this_o make_v way_n for_o this_o disquisition_n whether_o in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n the_o understanding_n be_v enlighten_v and_o consequent_o the_o will_v determine_v in_o such_o manner_n as_o it_o can_v be_v by_o a_o mere_a natural_a conduct_n the_o affirmative_a of_o this_o may_v be_v prove_v according_a to_o the_o method_n of_o the_o school_n from_o this_o topick_n of_o god_n concourse_n with_o man_n which_o always_o leave_v goodness_n as_o its_o effect_n which_o must_v be_v call_v perfection_n according_a to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o character_n which_o be_v give_v of_o the_o whole_a creation_n that_o all_o that_o be_v make_v be_v good_a viz._n every_o creature_n perfect_a in_o its_o kind_n see_v therefore_o faith_n be_v the_o work_n of_o god_n on_o the_o understanding_n it_o be_v past_a doubt_n that_o it_o be_v improve_v and_o the_o sight_n more_o perfect_a how_o it_o be_v perfect_v shall_v be_v declare_v in_o another_o disquisition_n in_o this_o place_n it_o be_v enough_o if_o i_o remove_v prejudices_fw-la which_o the_o former_a assertion_n may_v create_v by_o say_v that_o the_o perfection_n which_o the_o soul_n have_v in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v not_o such_o as_o advance_v its_o nature_n to_o a_o angelical_a degree_n of_o knowledge_n yet_o it_o have_v more_o than_o can_v be_v the_o result_n of_o mere_a natural_a power_n guide_v by_o their_o own_o method_n neither_o must_v this_o perfection_n be_v restrain_v to_o simple_a apprehension_n or_o notion_n but_o complex_fw-la which_o will_v be_v as_o rope_n of_o sand_n without_o any_o true_a connexion_n which_o must_v be_v such_o because_o matter_n of_o religion_n transcend_v reason_n high_a pitch_n which_o know_v not_o how_o to_o compound_v its_o notion_n or_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o make_v true_a proposition_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o a_o instance_n in_o one_o fundamental_a if_o this_o question_n be_v propose_v to_o reason_n whether_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v in_o straight_o a_o union_n as_o they_o be_v in_o christ_n person_n it_o must_v remain_v undetermined_a and_o god_n and_o man_n must_v stand_v in_o the_o proposition_n as_o subject_a and_o predicate_v till_o divine_a testimony_n come_v as_o a_o copula_fw-la to_o prevent_v such_o misprision_n this_o explanation_n may_v be_v add_v viz._n that_o by_o the_o perfection_n attribute_v to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n no_o new_a faculty_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v that_o can_v transform_v its_o nature_n and_o remove_v humanity_n to_o another_o kind_n however_o that_o which_o be_v say_v may_v make_v way_n for_o a_o objection_n if_o the_o mind_n be_v thus_o perfect_v or_o enlighten_v to_o discern_v the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n of_o which_o it_o must_v be_v ignorant_a while_o guide_v or_o inform_v by_o its_o own_o natural_a evidence_n and_o conduct_n all_o believer_n be_v enthusiast_n this_o be_v no_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o the_o former_a assertion_n for_o enthusiasin_n derive_v not_o its_o name_n from_o the_o divine_a concourse_n with_o the_o soul_n in_o some_o particular_a act_n but_o when_o it_o come_v at_o time_n when_o it_o be_v not_o expect_v and_o out_o of_o the_o common_a course_n and_o method_n or_o when_o knowledge_n which_o seem_v extraordinary_a such_o as_o a_o man_n can_v not_o attain_v to_o by_o use_n of_o his_o reason_n and_o which_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v when_o speak_v now_o the_o improvement_n of_o the_o pious_a man_n knowledge_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o regular_a mean_n which_o religion_n command_v to_o be_v use_v deserve_v not_o
sub_fw-la orcum_fw-la the_o oracle_n be_v necessitate_v to_o make_v such_o confession_n it_o be_v one_o part_n of_o their_o penance_n to_o proclaim_v their_o own_o weakness_n and_o necessary_a subjection_n to_o that_o supreme_a be_v of_o who_o they_o so_o prophetical_o speak_v as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v the_o oracle_n of_o god_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o answer_n give_v by_o apollo_n oracle_n to_o one_o demand_v what_o god_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o can_v imagine_v that_o the_o devil_n be_v the_o author_n of_o this_o almost_o sacred_a verse_n be_v it_o not_o consider_v that_o god_n lay_v a_o necessity_n on_o the_o evil_a angel_n that_o they_o shall_v proclaim_v his_o power_n for_o the_o devil_n in_o the_o cave_n and_o grove_n as_o well_o as_o those_o among_o the_o tomb_n do_v speak_v truth_n concern_v christ_n though_o it_o add_v to_o their_o torment_n this_o be_v enough_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o those_o true_a say_n when_o speak_v by_o they_o be_v extort_a and_o they_o as_o much_o as_o spiritual_a being_n be_v capable_a of_o put_v on_o the_o rack_n by_o such_o confession_n this_o oracular_a cunning_n which_o will_v not_o confess_v christ_n but_o when_o force_v occasion_n a_o remark_n on_o the_o devil_n subtlety_n who_o be_v necessitate_v to_o acknowledge_v he_o insinuate_v this_o to_o his_o votary_n that_o oracle_n be_v god_n nuncio_n and_o ally_v to_o a_o deity_n as_o ambassador_n whilst_o the_o lie_n be_v mince_v by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d if_o the_o reasoner_n take_v advantage_n from_o this_o citation_n of_o refute_v the_o former_a position_n by_o say_v that_o they_o seem_v not_o to_o aim_v at_o adoration_n as_o infinite_a being_n neither_o be_v they_o esteem_v by_o wise_a man_n as_o any_o other_o than_o angel_n as_o appear_v from_o heathen_a compellation_n which_o speak_v they_o minister_n beside_o the_o oracle_n more_o plain_a confession_n who_o will_v have_v prayer_n direct_v to_o he_o in_o this_o language_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d yet_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v though_o the_o devil_n call_v himself_o daemon_n or_o angel_n yet_o he_o call_v himself_o omniscient_a and_o own_v universal_a wisdom_n which_o can_v be_v allow_v any_o creature_n and_o see_v he_o enjoin_v a_o form_n of_o prayer_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o he_o he_o tacit_o insinuate_v to_o his_o votary_n that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o he_o to_o who_o prayer_n be_v make_v must_v be_v god_n according_a to_o heathen_n religion_n which_o own_v no_o invocation_n of_o creature_n as_o mediator_n but_o let_v it_o be_v grant_v that_o the_o oracle_n be_v angel_n and_o only_a jupiter_n apollo_n which_o some_o other_o be_v adore_v as_o deity_n this_o concession_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o destroy_v the_o former_a position_n that_o it_o rather_o confirm_v it_o by_o allow_v adoration_n to_o finite_a being_n such_o as_o jupiter_n and_o apollo_n and_o many_o other_o who_o must_v be_v in_o the_o catalogue_n of_o man_n who_o make_v use_v of_o dream_n and_o oracle_n to_o promote_v their_o apotheosis_n as_o lactant._n cap._n 8._o de_fw-fr origine_fw-la erroris_fw-la argue_v eos_n ipsos_fw-la quos_fw-la docuimus_fw-la deos_fw-la non_fw-la esse_fw-la majestatem_fw-la svam_fw-la ostendisse_fw-la prodigijs_fw-la insomniis_fw-la auguriis_fw-la &_o oraculis_fw-la etc._n etc._n more_o may_v be_v cite_v out_o of_o that_o chapter_n as_o pertinent_a the_o design_n of_o which_o as_o well_o as_o of_o this_o tract_n be_v to_o show_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o how_o much_o the_o natural_a man_n be_v guilty_a of_o folly_n who_o entire_o resign_v himself_o to_o its_o conduct_n but_o i_o be_o sensible_a that_o i_o must_v appear_v tedious_a in_o this_o first_o disquisition_n and_o inexcusable_a too_o do_v not_o the_o subject_n treat_v off_o exact_a the_o most_o strict_a examination_n and_o start_v all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o former_a position_n wherefore_o let_v the_o reasoner_n object_n in_o another_o way_n of_o heathen_n practice_n in_o show_v that_o they_o do_v not_o always_o terminate_v their_o devotion_n in_o that_o be_v in_o which_o they_o find_v a_o specimen_fw-la of_o divine_a power_n or_o knowledge_n which_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o sibylls_n who_o appear_v no_o less_o divine_a than_o the_o oracle_n yet_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v adore_v that_o they_o scarce_o find_v civil_a entertainment_n from_o the_o great_a personage_n in_o the_o world_n to_o this_o objection_n i_o will_v only_o suggest_v these_o consideration_n as_o a_o answer_n that_o the_o disregard_n and_o little_a estimation_n they_o have_v in_o the_o world_n proceed_v from_o the_o different_a manner_n and_o matter_n of_o prediction_n of_o the_o sibylls_n and_o oracle_n the_o former_a be_v to_o come_v to_o pass_v after_o many_o revolution_n of_o year_n and_o age_n the_o latter_a as_o ex_fw-la tempore_fw-la prophet_n speak_v to_o every_o particular_a question_n and_o their_o mouth_n open_a to_o each_o votary_n now_o see_v the_o sibylls_n prophecy_n be_v to_o be_v fulfil_v not_o until_o some_o age_n be_v pass_v it_o may_v be_v easy_o imagine_v that_o active_a mind_n will_v be_v more_o prone_a to_o adore_v the_o oracle_n who_o be_v as_o tutelar_a angel_n to_o advise_v in_o every_o particular_a case_n than_o those_o who_o speak_v more_o general_o of_o what_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v at_o further_a distance_n another_o reason_n may_v be_v give_v why_o the_o sibylls_n be_v not_o adore_v because_o their_o birth_n and_o lineage_n be_v but_o humane_a it_o be_v not_o probable_a they_o shall_v purchase_v adoration_n for_o the_o know_a humanity_n be_v a_o obstacle_n which_o hinder_v worship_n due_a to_o he_o to_o who_o all_o oracle_n and_o angel_n submit_v with_o fear_n of_o that_o power_n which_o be_v able_a to_o silence_v they_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o answer_n can_v remove_v the_o objection_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v destroy_v heathenish_a devotion_n to_o jupiter_n and_o other_o repute_a deity_n who_o be_v only_a man_n deify_v by_o opinion_n of_o some_o fond_a votary_n it_o must_v be_v answer_v that_o they_o be_v esteem_v as_o eternal_a though_o real_o they_o be_v mortal_n which_o opinion_n be_v enough_o to_o denominate_v they_o god_n for_o in_o heathen_n devotion_n to_o be_v and_o to_o be_v believe_v to_o be_v so_o be_v the_o same_o as_o alexander_n think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o his_o purpose_n that_o the_o barbarian_n be_v persuade_v he_o be_v a_o god_n though_o he_o know_v himself_o to_o be_v but_o mortal_a as_o he_o glory_v in_o the_o delusion_n whilst_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o idiot_n conquer_v themselves_o by_o their_o false_a zeal_n and_o persuasion_n so_o it_o answer_v diabolical_a design_n if_o devil_n be_v mistake_v for_o go_n beside_o the_o sibylls_n be_v so_o much_o like_o apostl_n that_o they_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o worship_n due_a to_o they_o but_o another_o of_o who_o they_o prophesy_v neither_o do_v they_o as_o the_o devilish_a oracle_n require_v any_o form_n of_o worship_n or_o prayer_n to_o be_v direct_v to_o they_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o they_o aim_v at_o if_o they_o be_v think_v according_a to_o the_o etymology_n of_o their_o name_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v of_o the_o heavenly_a counsel_n if_o that_o age_n have_v be_v so_o zealous_o incline_v to_o adore_v their_o wisdom_n and_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o have_v consider_v their_o prophecy_n as_o fulfil_v yet_o the_o matter_n of_o what_o be_v foretell_v will_v convince_v the_o world_n that_o they_o be_v not_o god_n nor_o claim_v adoration_n these_o circumstance_n consider_v will_v give_v satisfaction_n to_o the_o question_n how_o it_o happen_v that_o sibylls_n be_v not_o adore_v as_o oracle_n and_o show_v that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o confirm_v the_o former_a position_n viz._n that_o devotion_n may_v be_v terminate_v in_o some_o finite_a be_v as_o supreme_a though_o not_o in_o all_o appearance_n of_o extraordinary_a power_n these_o obstacle_n be_v remove_v the_o next_o argument_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o deity_n shall_v be_v examine_v which_o be_v take_v from_o that_o prevailling_a topick_n of_o paternal_a love_n and_o care_n which_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v such_o as_o will_v not_o deceive_v his_o son_n by_o a_o successive_a tradition_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n which_o be_v so_o universal_a that_o barbarian_n be_v not_o without_o it_o which_o if_o false_a will_v be_v such_o a_o unnatural_a deceit_n that_o stage_n nor_o history_n can_v parallel_v this_o argument_n have_v more_o strength_n from_o this_o consideration_n that_o as_o the_o father_n will_v not_o be_v so_o unnatural_a to_o deceive_v their_o son_n so_o will_v they_o not_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v deceive_v in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n this_o be_v so_o probable_a