of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v 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prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n
design_v to_o signify_v the_o plainess_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n of_o obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v troublesome_a and_o tedious_a to_o learn_v and_o observe_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o text_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o then_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n because_o all_o the_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o his_o law_n be_v then_o to_o be_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o according_o this_o be_v now_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o its_o plainess_n be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o its_o excellence_n and_o divinity_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o any_o clear_a &_o distinct_a knowledge_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o expression_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a and_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n the_o first_o be_v very_o true_a and_o the_o last_o be_v absolute_o false_a or_o a_o treatise_n show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o among_o we_o ever_o say_v there_o be_v but_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v add_v his_o book_n will_v have_v be_v the_o short_a by_o fourteen_o page_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o it_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o stitch_v pamphlet_n and_o cry_v about_o with_o almanac_n nor_o above_o reason_n this_o likewise_o be_v a_o dubious_a say_n for_o if_o it_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o than_o it_o be_v very_o true_a for_o tho'_o some_o passage_n be_v difficult_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n be_v intelligible_a and_o be_v there_o any_o expression_n in_o it_o impossible_a to_o be_v understand_v so_o much_o of_o it_o must_v have_v be_v write_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o if_o by_o not_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o speak_v of_o in_o it_o but_o what_o we_o have_v as_o complete_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n it_o be_v absolute_o false_a as_o i_o hope_v will_v sufficient_o appear_v and_o thus_o the_o whole_a title_n page_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o equivocation_n and_o sophism_n however_o there_o be_v this_o to_o be_v say_v for_o it_o that_o it_o suit_v the-book_n very_o well_o the_o main_a drift_n of_o which_o be_v to_o sâ—t_v up_o natural_a religion_n in_o opposition_n to_o all_o revelation_n and_o these_o same_o equivocation_n begin_v in_o the_o title_n page_n run_v through_o every_o thing_n he_o say_v his_o introduction_n wherein_o he_o pretend_v to_o state_n the_o question_n require_v no_o answer_n for_o we_o grant_v that_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o not_o from_o the_o opinion_n of_o any_o private_a doctor_n or_o council_n or_o any_o infallible_a head_n so_o there_o be_v six_o page_n of_o impertinence_n cut_v off_o already_o i_o shall_v only_o take_v notice_n how_o he_o set_v out_o with_o a_o fling_n at_o the_o divine_n the_o man_n he_o be_v all_o along_o so_o angry_a with_o who_o grave_o tell_v we_o that_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v yes_o they_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v adore_v god_n and_o yet_o we_o can_v comprehend_v he_o let_v he_o prove_v we_o can_v if_o he_o be_v able_a and_o without_o give_v himself_o or_o we_o any_o far_a trouble_n we_o will_v put_v the_o whole_a controversy_n to_o a_o short_a issue_n and_o let_v it_o lie_v upon_o this_o one_o point_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o make_v out_o that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o proposition_n in_o euclid_n then_o what_o will_v this_o man_n deserve_v for_o that_o arrogant_a expression_n of_o he_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v himself_o can_v edition_n with_o more_o reason_n be_v account_v mysterious_a than_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o his_o creature_n his_o business_n here_o be_v to_o have_v state_v the_o question_n and_o let_v we_o have_v know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o scripture_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o go_v a_o great_a way_n about_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n be_v to_o be_v take_v no_o where_o but_o from_o thence_o which_o no_o one_o deny_v and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v not_o do_v it_o i_o must_v that_o both_o he_o and_o i_o may_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n and_o neither_o of_o we_o hereafter_o trouble_v the_o world_n with_o impertinence_n now_o the_o clear_a way_n i_o can_v think_v of_o for_o do_v of_o this_o be_v to_o instance_n in_o some_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o in_o that_o one_o for_o all_o to_o let_v we_o see_v what_o a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n i_o shall_v take_v the_o first_o i_o think_v of_o that_o of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o our_o body_n saint_n paul_n speak_v of_o this_o say_v 52._o behold_v i_o show_v you_o a_o mystery_n we_o shall_v all_o be_v change_v in_o the_o twinkle_n of_o a_o eye_n again_o st._n john_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o 2._o matter_n say_v it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v but_o we_o know_v that_o when_o he_o shall_v appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o from_o whence_o we_o see_v a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v something_o which_o relate_v to_o another_o life_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v without_o divine_a revelation_n and_o now_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v we_o know_v it_o but_o it_o in_o part_n and_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o or_o short_a it_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o part_n as_o particular_o this_o of_o our_o be_v change_v at_o the_o last_o day_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o truth_n relate_v to_o another_o life_n which_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o head_n to_o think_v of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n and_o now_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v so_o that_o in_o a_o christian_a mystery_n there_o be_v something_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o something_o that_o we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o we_o do_v know_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o hide_v from_o we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v it_o by_o those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v now_o endue_v with_o as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v from_o reason_n that_o good_a christian_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n now_o it_o be_v this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o obligatory_a upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o believe_v it_o because_o we_o understand_v well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a and_o we_o know_v perfect_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n assist_v with_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v afford_v we_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o change_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v from_o whence_o i_o shall_v infer_v only_o thus_o much_o at_o present_a that_o what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o be_v yet_o conceal_v from_o we_o be_v in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v of_o it_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n oblige_v from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
all_o faith_n both_o human_a and_o divine_a for_o thus_o he_o proceed_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v and_o then_o he_o be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o ay_o e_o when_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o as_o evident_a as_o what_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n for_o you_o know_v seeing_n believe_v all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o evidence_n be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v his_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o evidence_n this_o opinion_n carry_v a_o face_n of_o fairness_n and_o probability_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o by_o the_o common_a inclination_n of_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o all_o restraint_n in_o think_v as_o well_o as_o act_n and_o be_v as_o uneasy_a at_o any_o fetter_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o upon_o their_o body_n they_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o have_v clear_a &_o distinct_a idea_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v apt_a to_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o now_o because_o i_o design_v this_o letter_n in_o answer_v not_o only_o to_o this_o book_n but_o to_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n upon_o the_o like_a principle_n of_o set_v up_o for_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o particular_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o plain_o to_o they_o the_o deep_a deceit_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n by_o require_v their_o assent_n to_o his_o revelation_n do_v as_o little_a violence_n to_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o their_o body_n and_o that_o he_o leave_v their_o reason_n as_o full_a a_o scope_n and_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o so_o that_o they_o will_v find_v we_o as_o great_a stickler_n for_o clear_a idea_n strict_a reason_n and_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v be_v for_o their_o heart_n these_o man_n speak_v much_o truth_n but_o make_v false_a inference_n never_o consider_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o proposition_n but_o confound_v they_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n which_o consider_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o for_o that_o other_o which_o they_o make_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o for_o the_o clear_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o some_o thing_n give_v we_o a_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n that_o we_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o so_o that_o these_o two_o say_n wide_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n i_o can_v give_v no_o assent_n without_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o i_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o all_o our_o quaint_a reasoner_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o fallacy_n wâ—â—â—â—by_o they_o impose_v upon_o other_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o as_o distinct_o and_o pâ—â—â—nly_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v observe_v thâ—â—_n since_o it_o appear_v undeniable_o from_o wâ—â—â—_n have_v be_v say_v that_o evidence_n be_v â—oâ—â—â—e_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o not_o but_o that_o i_o allow_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o some_o thing_n to_o make_v we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o what_o this_o man_n will_v insinuate_v do_v not_o follow_v viz_o that_o therefore_o all_o its_o relation_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la for_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o severe_a search_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o that_o i_o now_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o fallacy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o set_v they_o both_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n i_o shall_v six_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o most_o ambiguous_a word_n which_o he_o have_v compel_v i_o to_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v but_o grope_v for_o truth_n in_o the_o dark_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o adequate_a idea_n be_v sure_a and_o fix_a ay_o e_o a_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a in_o it_o but_o how_o far_o short_a what_o man_n call_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n come_v of_o that_o adequate_a conception_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v because_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v vary_v almost_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o perhaps_o we_o have_v not_o idea_n of_o any_o two_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o therefore_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o metaphysical_a nicety_n and_o infist_n upon_o nothing_o but_o genuine_a reason_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n be_v signify_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o conception_n as_o we_o ordinary_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o main_a thing_n he_o contend_v for_o in_o his_o whole_a book_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o all_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o no_o far_o than_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v 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bound_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o may_v clear_o apprehend_v where_o knowledge_n end_v and_o faith_n proceed_v alone_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o distinction_n will_v effectual_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o this_o controversy_n about_o mystery_n now_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o conception_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o either_o by_o give_v
as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n always_o carry_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n because_o of_o that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n occasion_v by_o such_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v what_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o level_v at_o his_o design_n rather_o than_o his_o word_n as_o i_o be_o force_v to_o do_v in_o several_a other_o instance_n but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o proof_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n more_o certain_a but_o not_o more_o clear_a i_o grant_v they_o do_v explain_v the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o proof_n make_v the_o revelation_n never_o the_o more_o true_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o make_v it_o more_o certain_a and_o to_o make_v a_o revelation_n more_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o
above_o our_o reason_n signify_v a_o thing_n which_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n exceed_v our_o present_a capacity_n and_o be_v no_o proper_a object_n of_o those_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v now_o endue_v withal_o and_o in_o this_o sense_n the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v more_o proper_o above_o our_o reason_n than_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n eternity_n than_o time_n a_o spirit_n than_o a_o body_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n than_o sensual_a pleasure_n the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n than_o the_o ordinary_a procreation_n of_o man_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n than_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n etc._n etc._n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o proportion_n between_o these_o object_n and_o our_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n our_o intellectual_a power_n be_v not_o yet_o form_v and_o so_o adapt_v for_o they_o as_o they_o be_v for_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o more_o improper_a way_n of_o speak_v to_o say_v that_o these_o thing_n shall_v be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o now_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o than_o to_o say_v that_o a_o nice_a point_n in_o divinity_n or_o philosophy_n shall_v be_v clear_o explain_v to_o a_o infant_n they_o be_v indeed_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o as_o to_o their_o reality_n and_o existence_n but_o not_o clear_o as_o to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n nothing_o in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o such_o thing_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o but_o what_o or_o how_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o comprehend_v and_o this_o be_v what_o the_o apostle_n mean_v by_o that_o say_n that_o eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v enter_v 9_o into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v lay_v up_o for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o which_o word_n tho'_o by_o the_o context_n they_o be_v more_o immediate_o speak_v of_o thing_n past_a and_o then_o reveal_v in_o part_n yet_o they_o have_v a_o far_a reference_n to_o the_o full_a completion_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n in_o another_o world_n i_o shall_v make_v this_o whole_a matter_n plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o person_n who_o be_v bear_v blind_a know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o sun_n as_o he_o do_v of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o god_n he_o feel_v the_o heat_n and_o warmth_n of_o it_o he_o be_v cherish_v by_o it_o and_o life_n and_o thrive_v by_o the_o secret_a influence_n of_o it_o but_o he_o neither_o know_v where_o nor_o what_o it_o be_v and_o if_o he_o have_v be_v ever_o tell_v that_o all_o this_o be_v the_o immediate_a act_n of_o god_n he_o will_v have_v think_v so_o for_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o sun_n beside_o the_o name_n now_o upon_o this_o author_n principle_n the_o nature_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v both_o equal_o a_o mystery_n to_o this_o blind_a man._n that_o he_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o both_o i_o grant_v however_o they_o be_v not_o equal_o a_o mystery_n to_o he_o and_o that_o this_o may_v appear_v let_v we_o suppose_v this_o man_n eye_n be_v open_v then_o he_o will_v see_v clear_o that_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o large_a round_o lucid_a body_n in_o the_o firmament_n but_o he_o will_v be_v hereby_o enable_v to_o know_v nothing_o more_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n than_o he_o do_v before_o and_o why_o because_o this_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o his_o natural_a power_n of_o knowledge_n and_o if_o all_o his_o sense_n be_v improve_v to_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n niceâ—_n than_o they_o be_v tho'_o he_o will_v see_v much_o deep_a into_o the_o nature_n of_o all_o thing_n here_o yet_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n relate_v to_o another_o life_n will_v lie_v as_o much_o out_o of_o his_o reach_n as_o ever_o he_o will_v even_o then_o know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n as_o that_o man_n do_v of_o the_o sun_n before_o his_o eye_n be_v open_v for_o light_n itself_o be_v but_o a_o metaphor_n adapt_v to_o our_o gross_a capacity_n to_o signify_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v instead_o of_o light_n in_o heaven_n but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o instance_n only_o of_o a_o sensible_a object_n let_v we_o take_v another_o of_o reason_n let_v we_o suppose_v a_o illiterate_a person_n who_o never_o hear_v of_o christianity_n or_o the_o mathematics_n be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o these_o two_o proposition_n the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o and_o this_o we_o shall_v be_v raise_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n these_o two_o proposition_n this_o derinder_n of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n will_v say_v be_v alike_o mysterious_a to_o this_o man._n whereas_o the_o contrary_a will_v evident_o appear_v if_o we_o but_o take_v this_o man_n and_o teach_v he_o mathematics_n than_o he_o shall_v perfect_o apprehend_v all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v know_v of_o that_o demonstration_n and_o how_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o teach_v he_o the_o gospel_n and_o make_v he_o as_o learned_a as_o he_o be_v capable_a in_o the_o christian_a religion_n he_o shall_v know_v nothing_o more_o of_o that_o proposition_n tho'_o he_o shall_v be_v better_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o he_o do_v at_o first_o hear_v and_o why_o because_o the_o one_o be_v a_o truth_n in_o nature_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o intellectual_a power_n the_o other_o be_v supernatural_a and_o he_o can_v never_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o till_o he_o have_v new_a faculty_n or_o those_o he_o already_o have_v be_v great_o enlarge_v but_o this_o matter_n will_v clear_v up_o far_o if_o we_o compare_v some_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o religion_n with_o those_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o bear_v the_o great_a analogy_n with_o they_o and_o by_o which_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n if_o we_o say_v a_o son_n be_v like_o his_o father_n we_o immediate_o conceive_v in_o our_o mind_n the_o same_o stature_n countenance_n lineament_n and_o complexion_n or_o the_o same_o humour_n disposition_n natural_a part_n and_o inclination_n etc._n etc._n so_o that_o we_o very_o well_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o likeness_n consist_v but_o when_o we_o say_v we_o shall_v rise_v in_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n here_o we_o stop_v and_o our_o thought_n can_v reach_v no_o far_o again_o when_o we_o say_v one_o man_n be_v the_o son_n of_o another_o we_o apprehend_v very_o well_o the_o manner_n of_o natural_a procreation_n and_o how_o it_o be_v he_o come_v to_o be_v his_o father_n but_o when_o we_o say_v christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n by_o a_o eternal_a generation_n we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o one_o spirit_n produce_v another_o nor_o can_v we_o tell_v how_o he_o come_v to_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o a_o man._n when_o we_o say_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n have_v a_o real_a influence_n upon_o we_o in_o the_o operation_n of_o grace_n we_o know_v much_o less_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o than_o we_o do_v of_o one_o body_n move_v another_o by_o contact_n and_o we_o know_v the_o food_n we_o eat_v nourish_v we_o by_o undergo_a several_a alteration_n and_o then_o be_v convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o our_o body_n but_o we_o can_v know_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n how_o grace_n administer_v strength_n and_o comfort_n to_o our_o soul_n again_o we_o know_v of_o time_n that_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o successive_a and_o we_o can_v measure_v it_o in_o certain_a proportion_n by_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o heavenly_a body_n but_o as_o for_o eternity_n for_o want_v of_o a_o clear_a idea_n we_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o it_o from_o time_n and_o thus_o by_o a_o limit_a thought_n we_o do_v little_o less_o then_o destroy_v its_o be_v for_o as_o for_o say_v it_o be_v a_o perpetual_a now_o tho'_o it_o be_v the_o pretty_a thought_n we_o have_v of_o it_o yet_o if_o we_o attend_v to_o this_o we_o shall_v find_v we_o say_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o the_o same_o instant_a shall_v remain_v for_o ever_o and_o thus_o attribute_v that_o succession_n to_o one_o instant_a of_o time_n abstract_o consider_v which_o we_o use_v to_o attribute_v to_o thing_n which_o exist_v in_o it_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o gross_a a_o description_n of_o eternity_n as_o a_o fly_a boy_n be_v of_o a_o angel_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o pleasant_a to_o hear_v how_o this_o man_n talk_v of_o it_o it_o be_v no_o more_o above_o our_o reason_n because_o
to_o be_v solve_v upon_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o we_o now_o because_o we_o have_v not_o capacity_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v wonder_v what_o ridiculous_a meaning_n this_o man_n can_v have_v when_o he_o say_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o consistent_a with_o our_o common_a notion_n as_o wood_n and_o stone_n and_o that_o we_o be_v as_o proper_o say_v to_o comprehend_v they_o and_o that_o our_o idea_n of_o natural_a and_o divine_a thing_n be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o strange_a fallacious_a inference_n this_o because_o we_o full_o comprehend_v neither_o therefore_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o both_o and_o to_o amuse_v people_n that_o can_v see_v this_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o borrow_v a_o distinction_n viz._n that_o between_o the_o nominal_a and_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n how_o impertinent_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o tho'_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a distinction_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v two_o different_a essence_n in_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o direct_o level_v at_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n than_o what_o it_o suppose_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v thus_o deceive_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n by_o those_o property_n that_o be_v discernible_a by_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n this_o rather_o become_v impostor_n to_o think_v than_o the_o teach_v of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o delude_v his_o creature_n nor_o want_v ability_n to_o inform_v they_o right_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v in_o plain_a language_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o natural_a thing_n we_o do_v apprehend_v and_o something_o we_o do_v not_o which_o mean_v all_o in_o that_o distinction_n this_o will_v have_v be_v philosophy_n for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v a_o mystery_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v call_v the_o nominal_a and_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n tho'_o it_o carry_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o physics_n and_o a_o monstrous_a consequence_n in_o morality_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o meaning_n in_o it_o both_o true_a and_o innocent_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_a this_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o that_o possible_o they_o can_v have_v light_a upon_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o his_o argument_n from_o 3._o reason_n now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v those_o he_o bring_v from_o scripture_n and_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v very_o close_o reason_v from_o they_o when_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n he_o again_o confound_v these_o two_o proposition_n whether_o or_o no_o christianity_n be_v mysterious_a and_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o 90._o christianity_n whereas_o even_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o be_v dubious_a for_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v several_a thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v all_o ambiguity_n and_o show_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o argue_v we_o will_v lay_v aside_o the_o word_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n since_o the_o appear_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v of_o ordinary_a sensible_a object_n that_o we_o have_v not_o before_o he_o allow_v and_o therefore_o he_o grant_v they_o be_v mystery_n then_o but_o now_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o and_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o his_o argue_v in_o this_o long_a chapter_n be_v this_o if_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v no_o long_o hide_v from_o we_o but_o all_o those_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o long_o hide_v from_o we_o thus_o he_o prove_v the_o minor_n if_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o christ_n then_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o christ._n therefore_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o minor_a good_a he_o bring_v all_o these_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o and_o that_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v now_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o and_o have_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o than_o he_o may_v have_v have_v a_o adversary_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sentence_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o look_v like_o a_o controversy_n with_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n if_o this_o man_n will_v have_v argue_v instead_o of_o bantr_v he_o will_v have_v distinguish_v and_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o deny_v it_o and_o then_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v deal_v treacherous_o i_o must_v make_v he_o honest_a and_o distinguish_v for_o he_o and_o in_o order_n to_o make_v this_o matter_n very_o plain_a we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n to_o be_v reveal_v concern_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o it_o be_v existence_n it_o be_v essence_n its_o property_n and_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o we_o and_o every_o one_o apprehend_v at_o first_o read_v how_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v clear_o reveal_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n together_o with_o the_o relalation_n it_o have_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o remain_v total_o obscure_v as_o to_o its_o essence_n &_o property_n now_o therefore_o what_o we_o say_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o to_o the_o internal_a essence_n and_o real_a property_n of_o these_o divine_a thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o know_v as_o little_a of_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n now_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v know_v before_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o type_n and_o figure_n 2._o that_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n and_o now_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n while_o they_o be_v veil_v in_o type_n and_o figure_n under_o the_o mosaik_fw-mi oeconomy_n be_v very_o much_o obscure_v as_o to_o their_o existence_n and_o as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o mankind_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v i_o e._n man_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a &_o imperfect_a knowledge_n even_o of_o the_o reality_n and_o be_v and_o signification_n of_o those_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n his_o incarnation_n crucifixion_n ascention_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o the_o body_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v then_o no_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n afterward_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n under_o the_o name_n i_o be_o which_o denote_v nothing_o more_o than_o his_o existence_n 3._o we_o say_v that_o these_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o obscure_v before_o the_o appear_a of_o christ_n be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v as_o to_o their_o existence_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o i_o e._n as_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o be_v of_o these_o truth_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v mystery_n still_o because_o they_o be_v still_o infinite_o more_o obscure_v as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o property_n than_o the_o common_a object_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n as_o we_o do_v how_o one_o man_n be_v