require_v holiness_n of_o life_n in_o the_o person_n that_o pretend_v a_o divine_a mission_n and_o a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o every_o way_n useful_a to_o mankind_n hence_o our_o author_n add_v p._n 15._o that_o to_o make_v up_o a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v attest_v aught_o to_o come_v into_o consideration_n which_o if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o settle_a principle_n of_o nature_n those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a but_o as_o diabolicaâ—…_n delusion_n therefore_o for_o the_o writer_n of_o the_o romish_a church_n to_o pretend_v miracle_n now_o and_o to_o rank_v they_o among_o the_o essential_a character_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o church_n by_o as_o bellarmine_n do_v when_o all_o man_n who_o eye_n be_v open_a discover_v the_o great_a part_n of_o those_o miracle_n to_o be_v the_o fraud_n and_o imposture_n of_o cunning_a priest_n or_o if_o they_o be_v true_a it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o be_v wrought_v by_o apostate_n spirit_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o be_v clear_o repugnant_a to_o the_o settle_a principle_n of_o right_a reason_n it_o be_v 1._o to_o hazard_v and_o call_v in_o question_n the_o truth_n of_o those_o miracle_n wrought_v by_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o christianity_n and_o 2._o to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o a_o learned_a man_n of_o our_o own_o if_o any_o strange_a thing_n have_v be_v do_v in_o that_o church_n they_o prove_v nothing_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o scripture_n which_o foretell_v that_o god_n providence_n permit_v it_o and_o the_o wickedness_n of_o the_o world_n deserve_v it_o strange_a sign_n and_o wonder_n shall_v be_v wrought_v to_o confirm_v false_a doctrine_n that_o they_o which_o love_v not_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v give_v over_o to_o strong_a delusion_n so_o that_o now_o we_o have_v reason_n rather_o to_o suspect_v and_o be_v afraid_a of_o pretend_a miracle_n as_o sign_n of_o false_a doctrine_n then_o much_o to_o regard_v they_o as_o certain_a argument_n of_o truth_n neither_o be_v it_o strange_a that_o god_n shall_v permit_v some_o true_a wonder_n to_o be_v do_v to_o delude_v those_o who_o have_v forge_v so_o many_o wonder_n to_o deceive_v the_o world_n pag._n 15._o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o mankind_n and_o brute_n in_o their_o be_v capable_a of_o religion_n that_o the_o essential_a difference_n between_o mankind_n and_o brute_n do_v not_o lie_v sole_o and_o pure_o in_o rationality_n appear_v from_o hence_o in_o that_o brute_n be_v capable_a of_o reason_n though_o in_o a_o low_a degree_n and_o moreover_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o very_a intelligible_a idea_n of_o such_o creature_n as_o be_v capable_a of_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o build_v city_n and_o to_o form_n and_o institute_n commonwealth_n which_o yet_o have_v no_o distinction_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o consequent_o be_v neither_o capable_a of_o reward_n nor_o punishment_n and_o perhaps_o some_o such_o animal_n may_v be_v actual_o existent_a in_o some_o part_n or_o other_o of_o the_o world_n but_o that_o which_o constitute_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o man_n and_o brute_n be_v religion_n which_o the_o satirist_n take_v notice_n of_o separate_a hoec_fw-la nos_fw-la 15._o a_o grege_fw-la mutorum_fw-la atque_fw-la ideò_fw-la venerabile_fw-la soli_fw-la sortiti_fw-la ingenium_fw-la divinorúmque_fw-la capaces_fw-la pag._n 16._o if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o reason_n must_v not_o all_o religion_n be_v owe_v either_o to_o education_n superstition_n or_o some_o fanatical_a impulse_n to_o he_o that_o forsake_v the_o conduct_n of_o right_a reason_n all_o religion_n be_v alike_o and_o he_o may_v as_o well_o be_v a_o mahometan_a or_o jew_n as_o a_o christian_a and_o indeed_o that_o he_o have_v any_o religion_n at_o all_o be_v owe_v chief_o to_o his_o education_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o country_n wherein_o he_o live_v but_o religion_n be_v a_o matter_n of_o choice_n there_o must_v be_v some_o stand_n and_o settle_a rule_n by_o which_o to_o try_v and_o judge_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n the_o congruity_n or_o incongruity_n of_o it_o and_o such_o a_o rule_n as_o this_o god_n have_v furnish_v mankind_n withal_o namely_o right_o reason_n and_o he_o that_o have_v mean_n and_o opportunity_n to_o try_v and_o examine_v the_o religion_n that_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o as_o matter_n of_o his_o choice_n shall_v yet_o careless_o content_v himself_o with_o it_o because_o he_o have_v be_v educate_v and_o train_v up_o in_o it_o have_v his_o understanding_n give_v he_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o may_v just_o fear_v as_o a_o punishment_n of_o this_o his_o careless_a oscitancy_n and_o slothful_a credulity_n that_o providence_n shall_v permit_v he_o to_o swallow_v great_a and_o dangerous_a error_n as_o well_o as_o truth_n for_o he_o that_o believe_v without_o reason_n declare_v himself_o indifferent_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n right_a or_o wrong_n socrates_n give_v this_o commendation_n of_o cebes_n that_o he_o be_v careful_a to_o inquire_v into_o all_o thing_n and_o due_o weigh_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o will_v not_o present_o believe_v that_o which_o any_o body_n say_v though_o otherwise_o he_o have_v sufficient_a respect_n unto_o he_o i_o shall_v subjoin_v what_o a_o excellent_a writer_n speak_v to_o this_o purpose_n we_o ought_v not_o say_v he_o to_o surrender_v our_o belief_n to_o any_o thing_n careless_o nor_o either_o out_o of_o idleness_n and_o sloth_n or_o be_v overawe_v by_o the_o confidence_n which_o any_o man_n assume_v to_o themselves_o content_v ourselves_o with_o a_o implicit_a faith_n neglect_v to_o search_v and_o try_v and_o prove_v all_o thing_n which_o demand_v to_o have_v no_o less_o than_o our_o soul_n resign_v up_o unto_o they_o we_o ought_v therefore_o to_o suspect_v those_o who_o will_v have_v we_o believe_v they_o without_o put_v ourselves_o to_o the_o trouble_n of_o much_o search_n it_o be_v a_o sign_n they_o mean_v to_o deceive_v for_o if_o god_n himself_o do_v not_o expect_v to_o be_v believe_v unless_o there_o be_v good_a witness_n for_o that_o to_o which_o his_o ambassador_n demand_v assent_v why_o shall_v man_n be_v so_o presumptuous_a as_o to_o ask_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o blind_o or_o why_o shall_v we_o be_v such_o obedient_a fool_n as_o to_o do_v more_o for_o they_o then_o god_n will_v have_v we_o do_v for_o himself_o he_o have_v give_v we_o eye_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v about-us_a especial_o when_o man_n bid_v we_o wink_v and_o take_v any_o thing_n upon_o trust_n he_o have_v endue_v we_o with_o reason_n and_o therefore_o we_o ought_v to_o sift_v and_o try_v and_o examine_v that_o which_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o and_o if_o any_o body_n say_v do_v not_o try_v nor_o examine_v you_o be_v not_o able_a to_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o thing_n believe_v as_o we_o teach_v for_o we_o can_v deceive_v you_o mark_v that_o man_n or_o company_n of_o man_n as_o the_o great_a deceiver_n who_o intend_v to_o impose_v something_o upon_o you_o which_o will_v not_o abide_v the_o test._n pag._n 17._o religion_n be_v a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a thing_n that_o force_v none_o but_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n with_o its_o own_o solitary_a beauty_n and_o pulchritude_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v the_o workmanship_n of_o the_o eternal_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o come_v into_o the_o world_n furnish_v with_o the_o seed_n and_o principle_n of_o all_o true_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n however_o its_o lapse_n and_o degeneracy_n have_v cloud_v and_o darken_v its_o intellectual_a faculty_n yet_o there_o still_o remain_v such_o a_o cognation_n and_o harmony_n between_o it_o and_o truth_n she_o can_v but_o embrace_v it_o whenever_o due_o and_o advantageous_o propose_v now_o christian_a religion_n be_v likewise_o the_o genuine_a offspring_n of_o that_o wisdom_n which_o have_v leave_v such_o visible_a character_n and_o signature_n of_o itself_o upon_o the_o whole_a frame_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n the_o soul_n of_o man_n present_o discover_v all_o the_o beautiful_a emanation_n of_o it_o to_o be_v congenerous_a and_o homogeneal_a to_o its_o own_o intellectual_a light_n and_o as_o all_o like_a be_v attractive_a of_o its_o like_a be_v gentle_o and_o willing_o captivate_v and_o sweet_o draw_v as_o with_o some_o hide_a string_n to_o a_o close_o and_o near_a union_n with_o it_o and_o this_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o christianity_n neither_o needs_o nor_o use_v violence_n or_o force_n to_o beget_v belief_n and_o entertainment_n in_o humane_a mind_n because_o it_o be_v make_v up_o only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o intimate_o correspond_v with_o the_o intellectual_a frame_n and_o furniture_n of_o the_o soul_n nor_o indeed_o suppose_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o thing_n
now_o reprint_v with_o another_o useful_a discourse_n of_o a_o ingenious_a person_n with_o annotation_n upon_o they_o both_o to_o which_o for_o full_a satisfaction_n and_o prosecution_n of_o the_o head_n here_o mention_v i_o refer_v and_o shall_v only_o transcribe_v what_o i_o find_v concern_v this_o subject_a in_o a_o philosophical_a poem_n if_o god_n do_v all_o thing_n simple_o at_o his_o pleasure_n because_o he_o will_v and_o not_o because_o it_o be_v good_a so_o that_o his_o action_n will_v have_v no_o set_a measure_n be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v be_v understand_v what_o he_o intend_v i_o feel_v that_o he_o be_v love_v of_o my_o dear_a soul_n and_o know_v that_o i_o have_v bear_v much_o for_o his_o sake_n yet_o be_v it_o not_o hence_o prove_v that_o i_o shall_v live_v though_o i_o do_v sigh_n and_o mourn_v to_o find_v his_o face_n his_o creature_n wish_v he_o will_v slight_v &_o scorn_n when_o i_o breathe_v out_o my_o utmost_a vital_a breath_n and_o my_o dear_a spirit_n to_o my_o god_n commend_v yet_o some_o foul_a fiend_n close_o lurk_v underneath_o my_o serious_a humble_a soul_n from_o i_o may_v rend_v so_o to_o the_o low_a shade_n down_o we_o shall_v wend._n though_o i_o in_o heart_n simplicity_n expect_v a_o better_a doom_n since_o i_o my_o step_n do_v bend_v towards_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o have_v detect_v strong_a hope_n of_o last_a life_n but_o now_o i_o be_o reject_v nor_o of_o well_o be_v nor_o subsistency_n of_o our_o poor_a soul_n when_o they_o do_v hence_o depart_v can_v any_o be_v assure_v if_o liberty_n we_o give_v to_o such_o odd_a thought_n that_o thus_o pervert_v the_o law_n of_o god_n and_o rash_o do_v assert_v that_o will_n rule_v god_n but_o good_a rule_v not_o god_n will_v what_o ever_o from_o right_a love_n equity_n do_v start_v for_o aught_o we_o know_v then_o god_n may_v act_v that_o ill_a only_o to_o show_v his_o may_v and_o his_o free_a mind_n fulfil_v pag._n 5_o 6._o that_o god_n shall_v plant_v such_o faculty_n in_o we_o as_o may_v then_o deceive_v we_o when_o they_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v their_o respective_a object_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n it_o be_v trâ—…e_a if_o god_n be_v such_o a_o arbitrary_a be_v who_o sole_a will_n be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o goodness_n and_o justice_n as_o the_o forecited_a author_n contend_v he_o be_v it_o be_v uttâ—…rly_o impossible_a we_o shall_v have_v any_o certainty_n of_o the_o clear_a truth_n not_o so_o much_o as_o that_o three_o and_o three_o make_v six_o because_o we_o can_v never_o be_v assure_v that_o this_o arbitrary_a omnipotent_a deity_n do_v not_o purposely_o make_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o soul_n so_o as_o that_o they_o shall_v then_o be_v deceive_v when_o they_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o evident_a perception_n of_o thing_n therefore_o that_o acute_a philosopher_n des-cartes_n commit_v a_o great_a oversight_n when_o he_o will_v have_v we_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v the_o clear_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n becauâ—…e_o till_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o god_n we_o can_v be_v certain_a that_o our_o faculty_n be_v not_o false_a and_o imposturous_a for_o we_o have_v no_o way_n to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n but_o by_o our_o faculty_n and_o therefore_o this_o be_v 1._o to_o condemn_v we_o to_o a_o eternal_a scepticism_n from_o which_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o ever_o extricate_a ourselves_o 2._o it_o be_v a_o ridiculous_a way_n of_o argumentation_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o god_n existence_n â—…rom_o our_o faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o then_o to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o those_o faculty_n from_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n 3._o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o immediate_a to_o we_o nor_o any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o can_v conclude_v more_o certain_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a then_o by_o our_o own_o faculty_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faculty_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v evident_a it_o be_v to_o be_v prove_v by_o our_o faculty_n themselves_o but_o this_o be_v also_o a_o ridiculous_a circular_a demonstration_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o our_o faculty_n by_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o faculty_n whence_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o we_o be_v only_o to_o suppose_v our_o faculty_n to_o be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o but_o to_o be_v above_o this_o pitch_n be_v the_o privilege_n only_o of_o the_o eternal_a mind_n or_o of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o only_a wise_a god_n as_o our_o faculty_n if_o right_o cultivate_v suggest_v unto_o we_o &_o the_o apostle_n do_v admonish_v we_o that_o therefore_o be_v the_o main_a philosoph_n slip_n in_o des-cartes_n that_o he_o be_v not_o content_a to_o suppose_v our_o 161._o faculty_n to_o be_v true_a but_o he_o will_v prove_v they_o to_o be_v so_o when_o he_o be_v destitute_a of_o all_o argument_n for_o it_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o faculty_n themselves_o but_o some_o philosopher_n bring_v the_o business_n to_o a_o close_a pinch_n as_o they_o conceive_v by_o suppose_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o truth_n to_o be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a perceptibility_n insomuch_o that_o not_o omnipoteuce_n itself_o much_o less_o casualty_n can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o be_v false_a shall_v be_v clear_o perceive_v to_o be_v but_o these_o otherwise_o witty_a and_o learned_a contemplator_n do_v not_o consider_v that_o truth_n be_v a_o thing_n antecedent_n to_o perceptibility_n which_o respect_v the_o perceptive_a intellect_n and_o be_v in_o itself_o nothing_o else_o i_o mean_v eternal_a truth_n but_o the_o necessary_a coherence_n or_o incoherence_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o the_o truth_n itself_o do_v consist_v and_o therefore_o perceptibility_n can_v be_v the_o essence_n of_o truth_n i_o speak_v here_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o object_n not_o in_o the_o subject_a as_o our_o author_n have_v distinguish_v in_o his_o ingenious_a discourse_n of_o truth_n which_o no_o intellect_n perceptive_a or_o conceptine_n make_v but_o find_v in_o the_o intellect_n exhibitive_n as_o his_o annotator_n have_v also_o observe_v insomuch_o that_o the_o divine_a intellect_n itself_o quatenus_fw-la perceptive_a or_o conceptive_a be_v not_o the_o aâ—…thor_n of_o archetipal_a truth_n but_o quatenus_fw-la exhibitive_fw-la moreover_o though_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perceptibility_n be_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o truth_n whenas_o indeed_o it_o be_v only_o a_o relative_n mode_n thereof_o what_o be_v this_o to_o our_o perceptive_a faculty_n till_o it_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a actual_a perception_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o a_o strong_a cogitation_n that_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v a_o thing_n but_o that_o many_o have_v be_v mistake_v when_o they_o have_v have_v such_o a_o strong_a cogitation_n be_v indeed_o the_o know_a disgrace_n of_o speculation_n and_o philosophy_n whence_o it_o be_v manifest_a when_o they_o say_v that_o omnipotence_n itself_o can_v bring_v to_o pass_v that_o what_o be_v false_a shall_v be_v clear_o perceive_v to_o be_v that_o the_o word_n perceive_v be_v fallacious_o abuse_v to_o a_o sense_n beyond_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o present_a circumstanâ—…es_n as_o if_o it_o signify_v real_o to_o find_v whenas_o it_o only_o signify_v strong_o to_o think_v we_o clear_o perceive_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v which_o many_o have_v and_o yet_o have_v be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o this_o by_o casualty_n what_o then_o can_v omnipotence_n do_v in_o this_o kind_n if_o it_o will_v but_o suppose_v our_o â—…aculties_n to_o be_v true_a when_o all_o moral_a diligence_n have_v be_v employ_v to_o fit_v they_o for_o use_v and_o none_o but_o a_o humorist_n will_v then_o call_v into_o question_n their_o verdict_n when_o they_o clear_o discern_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n be_v plain_a to_o we_o we_o have_v a_o further_a assurance_n we_o have_v such_o a_o author_n of_o our_o be_v that_o he_o give_v not_o our_o faculty_n to_o abuse_v we_o but_o to_o inform_v we_o faithful_o of_o all_o truth_n necessary_a and_o useful_a for_o we_o so_o that_o what_o be_v clear_a to_o they_o be_v real_o true_a which_o be_v the_o assertion_n of_o this_o our_o learned_a and_o pious_a writer_n without_o any_o cartesian_a fetch_n and_o ambages_fw-la and_o last_o we_o may_v note_v by_o way_n of_o overplus_n that_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o perception_n in_o the_o intellect_n perceptive_a or_o conceptive_a be_v not_o the_o right_a notion_n of_o truth_n but_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o perception_n or_o conception_n with_o the_o thing_n conceive_v which_o be_v truth_n in_o the_o object_n and_o that_o therefore_o in_o false_a opinion_n the_o perception_n of_o the_o intellect_n be_v not_o only_o
of_o evident_a and_o sound_a reason_n then_o to_o â—…ancy_n that_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v give_v we_o of_o god_n for_o a_o guide_n shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o its_o clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a conception_n of_o thing_n for_o if_o we_o throw_v a_o way_n reason_n there_o be_v no_o other_o directive_n faculty_n but_o external_n sense_n and_o its_o inclination_n and_o blind_a and_o uncertain_a fancy_n which_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o innumerable_a deception_n wherefore_o bid_v adieu_n to_o reason_n do_v we_o not_o evident_o expose_v ourselves_o to_o the_o illusion_n of_o every_o juggle_a spirit_n who_o by_o crafty_a trick_n shall_v counterfeit_v a_o divine_a power_n and_o assistance_n if_o therefore_o moses_n ordain_v his_o law_n as_o a_o touchstone_n to_o try_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o prophet_n advise_v his_o people_n not_o to_o hearken_v to_o any_o who_o shall_v do_v sign_n and_o miracle_n if_o he_o teach_v aâ—…y_a thing_n contrary_a to_o that_o law_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v deliver_v to_o they_o from_o god_n ought_v not_o we_o in_o like_a manner_n to_o examine_v all_o those_o that_o pretend_v divine_a authority_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n as_o by_o a_o inâ—…allible_a and_o unerring_a rule_n by_o the_o way_n it_o be_v to_o be_v note_v that_o i_o here_o speak_v of_o incorrupted_a reason_n free_v from_o all_o evil_a affection_n and_o enlighten_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o without_o the_o help_n of_o this_o guide_n our_o mind_n perhaps_o may_v be_v fill_v with_o a_o great_a measure_n of_o confidence_n and_o obstinate_a persuasion_n but_o can_v never_o attain_v any_o settle_a assurance_n that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_a way_n neither_o be_v it_o any_o thing_n to_o the_o purpose_n to_o say_v that_o reason_n may_v indeed_o judge_v of_o humane_a but_o not_o of_o divine_a thing_n for_o though_o this_o be_v true_a of_o reason_n darken_v with_o evil_a passion_n and_o indubitable_a in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v rather_o object_n of_o taste_n and_o internal_a sense_n than_o reason_n yet_o it_o be_v quite_o otherwise_o where_o the_o assent_n of_o the_o understanding_n alone_o be_v require_v for_o whatever_o be_v propose_v as_o matter_n of_o explicit_fw-la belief_n there_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n be_v a_o conception_n form_v of_o it_o but_o now_o whatever_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o conception_n of_o there_o reason_n either_o discover_v the_o harmony_n of_o the_o term_n of_o which_o it_o consist_v and_o its_o agreement_n with_o some_o common_a notion_n and_o so_o pronounce_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a or_o eâ—…se_v it_o find_v the_o term_n to_o be_v contradictory_n and_o repugnant_a and_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v diametrical_o opposite_a to_o some_o iâ—…ate_a principle_n and_o consequent_o judge_v it_o to_o be_v false_a or_o else_o it_o perceive_v the_o term_n to_o be_v partly_o agree_v and_o partly_o diâ—…onant_a or_o to_o have_v no_o relation_n at_o all_o to_o one_o another_o and_o from_o hence_o affirm_v and_o allow_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v either_o probable_a or_o possible_a and_o now_o if_o any_o part_n either_o of_o the_o probability_n or_o poâ—…bility_n shall_v be_v confirm_v by_o some_o illustrious_a miracle_n than_o reason_n add_v its_o suffrage_n that_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o for_o example_n let_v we_o imagine_v what_o be_v already_o do_v a_o certain_a person_n compass_v sea_n and_o land_n and_o wâ—…olly_a intent_n upon_o this_o very_a thing_n to_o teach_v and_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o their_o duty_n to_o god_n and_o to_o one_o another_o promise_v eternal_a blessedness_n upon_o condition_n of_o obedience_n he_o himself_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n lead_v a_o most_o innocent_a and_o inoffensive_a life_n and_o withal_o declare_v himself_o to_o be_v a_o lawgiver_n send_v from_o god_n and_o to_o have_v all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n commit_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o prayer_n and_o praise_n be_v all_o to_o be_v offer_v to_o god_n through_o his_o mediation_n here_o be_v nothing_o in_o this_o that_o imply_v a_o contradicâ—…on_n or_o be_v repugnant_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o nature_n though_o reason_n may_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v some_o pride_n and_o affectation_n of_o divine_a glory_n and_o worship_n to_o lie_v underneath_o but_o now_o when_o that_o which_o be_v bare_o look_v upon_o as_o possible_a shall_v be_v effect_v and_o accomplish_v by_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o author_n of_o this_o doctrine_n enable_v to_o work_v such_o stupendous_a miracle_n as_o never_o man_n before_o see_v reason_n will_v present_o conclude_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v very_o credible_a yet_o not_o withstand_v if_o this_o perâ—…on_n shall_v have_v teach_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o introduce_v either_o a_o proâ—…ane_n and_o imâ—…ious_a doctrine_n or_o countenance_v a_o licentious_a and_o disorderly_a way_n of_o live_v and_o that_o he_o may_v the_o better_o persuade_v we_o to_o these_o thing_n shall_v have_v go_v about_o to_o confirm_v his_o divine_a mission_n by_o miracle_n our_o reason_n will_v immediate_o have_v suggest_v to_o we_o that_o he_o be_v a_o impostor_n and_o deceiver_n because_o nothing_o can_v be_v 〈◊〉_d by_o god_n or_o by_o any_o person_n commissionated_a by_o he_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n or_o right_a reason_n and_o though_o it_o may_v be_v urge_v that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a veracity_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o lie_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o credit_n of_o miracle_n since_o these_o be_v the_o only_a visible_a sign_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v suppose_v to_o derive_v from_o god_n yet_o because_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v whether_o these_o thing_n may_v not_o be_v permit_v for_o a_o trial_n or_o for_o some_o other_o end_n unknown_a to_o i_o yet_o agreeâ—…ble_a to_o divine_a wisdom_n i_o shall_v rather_o dâ—…strust_v this_o way_n of_o reason_v then_o admit_v any_o thing_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o this_o argument_n as_o divine_a which_o contradict_v the_o clear_a principle_n of_o nature_n 2._o a_o second_o argument_n the_o nature_n of_o man_n be_v so_o frame_v that_o it_o can_v yield_v assent_n to_o any_o thing_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n which_o that_o it_o may_v more_o clear_o appear_v we_o shall_v borrow_v some_o few_o thing_n huge_o suitable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n from_o the_o famous_a lord_n herbert_n in_o his_o book_n of_o truth_n according_a to_o his_o opinion_n therefore_o there_o be_v four_o faculty_n by_o which_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n natural_a instinct_n or_o that_o faculty_n which_o diâ—…cerneth_v common_a notion_n internal_a sense_n external_n sense_n and_o discourse_n from_o whence_o may_v be_v collect_v this_o great_a truth_n more_o valuable_a than_o whole_a volume_n write_v concern_v the_o souâ—…_n and_o its_o faculâ—…es_n that_o which_o 〈◊〉_d be_v know_v neither_o by_o natural_a instinct_n internal_a sense_n external_n sense_n nor_o by_o discourse_n can_v any_o way_n be_v prove_v proper_o true_a now_o since_o these_o be_v faculty_n and_o that_o whatever_o be_v propound_v to_o be_v believe_v must_v necessary_o correspond_v and_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o one_o of_o these_o reason_n affirm_v that_o to_o each_o of_o they_o be_v right_o dâ—…posed_v creâ—…t_o be_v to_o be_v give_v viz._n to_o natural_a instâ—…t_n to_o inteâ—…nal_a and_o exâ—…nal_a sense_n moreover_o reason_n itself_o according_a to_o its_o proper_a office_n make_v use_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o the_o aforesaid_a faculty_n and_o rely_v upon_o first_o and_o self-evident_a principle_n summons_n discourse_n and_o deduce_v conclusion_n natural_a instinct_n be_v always_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o sense_n as_o well_o external_n as_o internal_a may_v sometime_o be_v deceive_v and_o therefore_o sometime_o deserve_v credit_n and_o at_o other_o time_n not_o to_o discriminate_a and_o discern_v the_o difference_n of_o which_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n alone_o there_o be_v no_o other_o faculty_n to_o preside_v in_o this_o case_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v first_o that_o the_o mind_n can_v assent_v to_o any_o thing_n where_o right_a reason_n or_o at_o least_o some_o shadow_n of_o it_o do_v not_o give_v a_o precede_a light_n and_o then_o that_o christian_a religion_n require_v faith_n can_v force_v or_o compel_v assent_n against_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n but_o against_o these_o clear_a and_o natural_a sentiment_n the_o enthusiast_n importunate_o urge_v the_o spirit_n and_o indeed_o every_o man_n will_v pretend_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n tâ—…at_fw-mi he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v less_o favour_v of_o god_n than_o other_o if_o we_o demand_v how_o they_o know_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o spirit_n they_o answer_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o discern_v the_o splendour_n of_o the_o sun_n by_o its_o own_o
proper_a light_n but_o we_o insist_v further_o that_o witness_n which_o the_o spirit_n bear_v to_o itself_o be_v it_o a_o strong_a and_o obstinate_a persuasion_n or_o a_o ecstatical_a joy_n or_o a_o kind_n of_o zeal_n and_o fervour_n of_o mind_n or_o last_o a_o clear_a and_o savoury_a persuasion_n of_o the_o dignity_n and_o excellency_n of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v if_o this_o last_o it_o be_v very_o consentaneous_a and_o agreeable_a to_o what_o we_o have_v already_o speak_v but_o as_o for_o the_o other_o particular_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v what_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o man_n there_o have_v be_v who_o upon_o such_o like_a ground_n have_v very_o pertinacious_o affirm_v themselves_o to_o be_v compound_v oâ—…_n glass_n or_o butter_n to_o be_v dog_n cat_n king_n emperor_n pope_n the_o paraclete_n the_o messiah_n the_o last_o and_o great_a prophet_n the_o judge_n of_o quâ—…ck_n and_o dead_a nay_o even_o god_n himself_o and_o we_o find_v most_o of_o these_o to_o have_v be_v actuate_v with_o a_o excess_n of_o joy_n and_o transport_v with_o a_o seem_o divine_a fervour_n all_o which_o effect_n be_v so_o far_o from_o the_o inspiration_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o they_o be_v no_o better_a than_o frenzy_n and_o symptom_n of_o melancholy_a and_o derive_v their_o original_a from_o no_o high_a principle_n than_o the_o undue_a fermentation_n of_o the_o blood_n and_o spirit_n and_o chief_o from_o that_o melancholy_n which_o above_o all_o other_o dispose_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o fancy_v divine_a influx_n and_o illumination_n for_o this_o as_o aristotle_n affirm_v be_v wont_a to_o produce_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d wherefore_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a and_o credulous_a in_o believe_v a_o obstinate_a persuasion_n or_o strong_a imagination_n whether_o there_o be_v a_o mixture_n of_o exultancy_n or_o zeal_n with_o it_o will_v argue_v a_o great_a want_n of_o caution_n and_o circumspection_n but_o we_o be_v to_o note_v especial_o where_o our_o internal_a sense_n be_v so_o obnoxious_a to_o error_n that_o the_o suffrage_n of_o other_o faculty_n be_v first_o to_o be_v obtain_v upon_o who_o refusal_n it_o behoove_v we_o at_o least_o to_o suspend_v our_o assent_n but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o derogate_v from_o the_o holy_a spirit_n we_o may_v â—…itly_o here_o suggest_v what_o mere_a nothing_o we_o be_v and_o how_o little_a it_o be_v we_o can_v do_v without_o his_o help_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o man_n whatever_o that_o can_v come_v to_o christ_n without_o the_o supervenient_a assistance_n of_o divine_a grace_n and_o as_o this_o be_v clear_o attest_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o it_o be_v no_o less_o consentaneous_a to_o reason_n forasmuch_o as_o this_o be_v a_o most_o certain_a truth_n that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a vanity_n to_o dispute_v against_o sense_n and_o experience_n and_o though_o some_o one_o as_o it_o be_v report_v of_o zeno_n shall_v go_v about_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o motion_n and_o shall_v endeavour_v by_o subtlety_n of_o argumentation_n to_o banish_v quantity_n matter_n and_o time_n out_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n yet_o he_o can_v never_o induce_v any_o sober_a person_n whole_o to_o distrust_v his_o eye_n and_o hand_n by_o the_o same_o reason_n since_o every_o man_n find_v his_o sense_n high_o gratify_v with_o that_o pleasure_n flow_v from_o external_n and_o mundane_a object_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o be_v alike_o affect_v with_o thing_n of_o a_o high_a and_o noble_a nature_n how_o much_o resistance_n soever_o he_o may_v make_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o counsel_n of_o severe_a reason_n and_o strive_v to_o alienate_v his_o mind_n from_o those_o as_o thing_n less_o comport_v with_o the_o dignity_n of_o his_o nature_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o reclaim_v himself_o than_o the_o argument_n of_o zeno_n be_v able_a to_o move_v diogenes_n moreover_o so_o long_o as_o that_o brisk_a and_o lively_a relish_n of_o sensual_a pleasure_n draw_v away_o the_o mind_n it_o will_v not_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o attend_v to_o the_o soâ—…t_n whisper_v of_o that_o gentle_a monitor_n within_o or_o perhaps_o it_o will_v easy_o slop_n its_o mouth_n or_o at_o least_o allure_v it_o to_o its_o own_o side_n for_o we_o be_v lead_v by_o sense_n either_o external_n or_o internal_a not_o by_o dry_a and_o insipid_a reason_n which_o give_v much_o what_o the_o same_o account_n of_o the_o delight_n of_o a_o spiritual_a life_n as_o a_o blind_a man_n will_v do_v of_o colour_n and_o doubtless_o it_o will_v be_v but_o lose_v labour_n to_o teach_v a_o blind_a man_n how_o pleasant_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o behold_v the_o sun_n and_o to_o enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o the_o light_n and_o recreate_v himself_o with_o the_o variety_n of_o object_n it_o be_v only_o the_o eye_n that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v such_o a_o demonstration_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o may_v affect_v the_o mind_n you_o can_v never_o persuade_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a slave_n to_o his_o pleasure_n that_o there_o be_v any_o great_a delight_n and_o satisfaction_n in_o understanding_n the_o reason_n of_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n than_o there_o be_v in_o wine_n or_o the_o caress_n of_o a_o mistress_n for_o if_o they_o be_v not_o bashful_a in_o declare_v the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n it_o will_v soon_o appear_v that_o the_o reason_n of_o all_o mankind_n be_v subjugate_v to_o the_o imperious_a dictate_v of_o present_a sense_n and_o unless_o god_n so_o affect_v our_o mind_n as_o that_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n they_o may_v find_v some_o allay_n &_o uneasiness_n in_o these_o terrestrial_a pleasure_n and_o on_o the_o other_o give_v they_o some_o prelibation_n of_o the_o sweetness_n of_o thing_n celestial_a it_o can_v hardly_o be_v that_o we_o shall_v either_o be_v wean_v from_o those_o or_o very_o much_o desirous_a of_o these_o i_o add_v moreover_o that_o to_o render_v ourselves_o obedient_a to_o the_o will_n of_o our_o heaâ—…enly_a father_n be_v the_o only_a plain_a and_o easy_a way_n to_o the_o attain_v a_o true_a knowledge_n and_o vital_a sense_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o heavenly_a thing_n be_v not_o otherwise_o to_o be_v know_v but_o by_o such_o a_o in_o ward_n relish_n and_o affect_a light_n as_o divine_a grace_n usual_o impart_v to_o defecate_v &_o humble_a mind_n and_o further_o to_o admonish_v they_o that_o be_v go_v astray_o to_o illuminate_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o strengthen_v the_o faith_n and_o to_o fix_v and_o impress_v the_o argument_n of_o godliness_n upon_o the_o soul_n which_o otherwise_o will_v be_v drive_v away_o with_o the_o least_o wind_n of_o a_o temptation_n these_o and_o such_o like_a thing_n we_o owe_v to_o the_o beâ—…ign_a influence_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n all_o which_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v to_o descend_v from_o heaven_n by_o that_o congruity_n they_o retain_v with_o that_o divine_a principle_n the_o only_o remain_v of_o god_n in_o we_o but_o if_o we_o discharge_v this_o criterium_fw-la of_o truth_n and_o subject_a our_o reason_n to_o the_o conduct_n and_o guidance_n of_o prevail_a phansis_n we_o must_v bid_v adieu_o to_o all_o religion_n but_o that_o which_o under_o pretence_n of_o divine_a inspâ—…ration_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o result_n of_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o feculent_a steam_n of_o the_o blood_n thus_o all_o religion_n will_v be_v alike_o for_o by_o what_o argument_n shall_v the_o excellency_n of_o christianity_n appear_v above_o 〈◊〉_d or_o gentilism_n when_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v lay_v aside_o but_o that_o we_o may_v not_o spend_v time_n in_o ambiguity_n of_o word_n we_o must_v know_v tâ—…at_v nothing_o be_v perceive_v by_o we_o but_o the_o operation_n 〈◊〉_d our_o 〈◊〉_d and_o thereâ—…re_o the_o spirit_n as_o it_o be_v a_o principle_n of_o knowledge_n in_o we_o be_v either_o internal_a sense_n or_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v the_o only_a faculty_n unless_o we_o will_v add_v natural_a instinct_n capable_a of_o be_v enlighten_v with_o the_o beam_n of_o divine_a light_n to_o return_v therefore_o from_o whence_o we_o have_v digress_v since_o our_o internal_a sense_n be_v so_o slippery_a and_o fallacious_a that_o man_n that_o shall_v hearken_v to_o its_o testimony_n against_o the_o voice_n of_o all_o his_o other_o faculty_n must_v be_v a_o person_n of_o a_o very_a imprudent_a and_o temerarious_a belief_n but_o you_o will_v say_v we_o grant_v indeed_o that_o it_o appear_v from_o this_o argument_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v believe_v without_o reason_n but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v froâ—…_n hence_o that_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o we_o ought_v to_o credit_v a_o divine_a attestation_n though_o the_o matter_n attest_v be_v never_o so_o much_o contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o it_o may_v happen_v that_o humane_a understanding_n may_v thenerr_n when_o
body_n without_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n can_v be_v complete_a and_o how_o ready_a god_n be_v to_o pardon_v sinner_n upon_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o malignity_n of_o sin_n our_o own_o proneness_n to_o revenge_n and_o how_o rare_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o find_v forgiveness_n of_o a_o fault_n among_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o he_o shall_v establish_v the_o belief_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n that_o by_o look_v up_o to_o those_o we_o may_v be_v allure_v to_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o these_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v gain_v credit_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n both_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o by_o his_o death_n for_o miracle_n be_v the_o great_a testimony_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o in_o that_o he_o yield_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o we_o who_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n that_o he_o may_v do_v we_o good_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o crucify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o death_n become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n by_o which_o god_n declare_v his_o placableness_n it_o be_v a_o design_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v and_o succour_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o argument_n of_o despondency_n and_o distrust_n which_o it_o fetch_v against_o itself_o from_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o very_o end_v propitiate_a divine_a justice_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v likewise_o very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n be_v a_o ample_a confirmation_n of_o his_o past_a action_n and_o also_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o resurrection_n and_o return_n to_o life_n after_o death_n but_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o prayer_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o that_o he_o always_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o this_o be_v likewise_o very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n for_o hence_o god_n not_o only_o make_v know_v to_o we_o his_o kindness_n and_o goodwill_n but_o have_v place_v our_o brother_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n a_o person_n most_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o most_o tender_o affect_v towards_o we_o through_o who_o we_o may_v with_o cheerfulness_n and_o full_a trust_n make_v our_o approach_n to_o god_n christ_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o deprecate_a god_n in_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v whatever_o good_a befall_v we_o to_o proceed_v whole_o and_o pure_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o that_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n and_o the_o head_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o so_o dear_o love_v we_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o mighty_a power_n moreover_o since_o there_o be_v without_o dispute_v a_o certain_a polity_n and_o government_n among_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n who_o can_v we_o imagine_v to_o have_v better_a and_o great_a right_o to_o this_o principality_n than_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o both_o devil_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o god_n be_v very_o consentaneous_a for_o this_o very_a thought_n will_v strike_v terror_n into_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o judgement_n will_v vindicate_v god_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o malignity_n and_o injustice_n because_o every_o man_n conscience_n will_v testify_v to_o he_o that_o his_o misery_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o wretched_a folly_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v imagine_v more_o proper_a than_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v appoint_v judge_n for_o since_o god_n can_v execute_v this_o solemn_a judgement_n but_o under_o a_o visible_a shape_n what_o fit_a instrument_n can_v there_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n than_o that_o very_a nature_n in_o which_o long_o ago_o he_o have_v take_v up_o his_o dwell_n and_o last_o it_o be_v no_o way_n discrepant_a from_o reason_n that_o have_v subdue_v all_o his_o enemy_n he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n for_o his_o mediatory_a office_n be_v design_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o lapse_v man_n may_v be_v recover_v to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o invest_v with_o endless_a happiness_n upon_o the_o perfect_a this_o work_n the_o determination_n of_o his_o kingdom_n ought_v to_o follow_v which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v after_o this_o manner_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n shall_v from_o thence_o and_o for_o ever_o continue_v the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n thus_o we_o have_v brief_o run_v through_o the_o several_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v not_o further_o trespass_n upon_o your_o patience_n what_o remain_v i_o shall_v dispatch_v in_o a_o word_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o appear_v clear_o indecorous_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_n to_o draw_v in_o his_o religion_n with_o his_o mother_n milk_n and_o to_o attribute_v his_o receive_n it_o not_o to_o the_o ingenuous_a disquisition_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n his_o education_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o who_o he_o have_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o such_o like_a prejudices_fw-la as_o these_o and_o in_o conclusion_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n pertinacious_o to_o defend_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o due_a choice_n and_o difcernment_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o upon_o some_o preconceive_a and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n whereas_o that_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o faith_n nor_o grateful_a to_o god_n which_o owe_v its_o original_a rather_o to_o some_o dull_a chance_n then_o either_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o nay_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o after_o a_o humble_a pious_a and_o attentive_a weigh_v of_o thing_n shall_v yet_o fall_v into_o error_n be_v upon_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v judge_v if_o not_o worthy_a of_o praise_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o pardon_n than_o he_o that_o shall_v blind_o and_o fortuitous_o assent_v though_o to_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o the_o holy_a write_n bear_v witness_v by_o command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o 39_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1._o and_o as_o our_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o â—…ope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o end_n annotation_n upon_o the_o forogoing_a discourse_n the_o pious_a and_o excellent_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n to_o employ_v his_o great_a part_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v a_o well_o instruct_v scribe_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a and_o find_v christianity_n attack_v and_o assault_v by_o deist_n and_o enthusiast_n he_o resolute_o come_v in_o to_o her_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o by_o invincible_a argument_n have_v make_v good_a both_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o inscription_n of_o right_a reason_n upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v settle_v and_o ground_v on_o which_o i_o here_o offer_v such_o annotation_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v to_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v that_o high_a sense_n and_o great_a reason_n our_o ingenious_a author_n have_v curious_o and_o with_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n draw_v together_o pag._n 3_o 4._o what_o ever_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o belief_n ought_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n there_o be_v some_o who_o out_o of_o stupidity_n rather_o than_o a_o due_a veneration_n of_o religion_n make_v the_o choice_a of_o its_o article_n so_o incomprehensible_a as_o to_o be_v elevate_v above_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o their_o sense_n such_o as_o of_o which_o humane_a intellect_n can_v have_v no_o conception_n then_o which_o