methinks_v it_o be_v a_o most_o shameful_a and_o deplorable_a thing_n that_o man_n common_o scruple_n not_o to_o do_v those_o thing_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n which_o they_o will_v be_v afraid_a or_o ashamed_a it_o shall_v be_v know_v or_o even_o suspect_v of_o they_o by_o man_n like_o themselves_o 5._o since_o god_n be_v most_o true_a from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o soever_o he_o say_v or_o make_v know_v how_o improbable_a soever_o otherwise_o it_o may_v seem_v to_o we_o but_o the_o true_a estimate_n of_o such_o belief_n be_v not_o to_o be_v make_v by_o the_o clearness_n and_o strength_n of_o our_o speculative_a assent_n unto_o those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o our_o understanding_n for_o to_o receive_v a_o truth_n without_o any_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n which_o sometime_o do_v unaccountable_o force_v themselves_o upon_o we_o even_o in_o the_o clear_a case_n be_v not_o always_o in_o our_o power_n but_o rather_o by_o the_o constant_a suitableness_n of_o ourlive_n unto_o the_o profession_n of_o such_o doctrine_n as_o we_o receive_v and_o own_v and_o he_o who_o have_v but_o a_o weak_a faith_n and_o yet_o lead_v a_o good_a life_n although_o he_o be_v not_o qualify_v for_o doubtful_a disputation_n be_v nevertheless_o a_o true_a believer_n because_o his_o belief_n answer_v the_o main_a end_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o i_o have_v show_v to_o be_v virtue_n and_o morality_n part_n 1_o §_o 42._o nor_o can_v there_o for_o example_n be_v a_o better_a evidence_n that_o a_o man_n do_v real_o and_o sufficient_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o life_n to_o come_v than_o when_o he_o be_v industrious_a and_o diligent_a in_o prepare_v for_o it_o whatever_o doubt_n or_o scruple_n he_o may_v have_v in_o point_n of_o speculation_n about_o it_o 6._o since_o god_n power_n be_v infinite_a and_o his_o authority_n uncontrollable_a it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o fear_v he_o and_o so_o much_o the_o more_o because_o of_o our_o natural_a propensity_n to_o sin_n because_o he_o have_v it_o always_o in_o his_o power_n to_o make_v we_o miserable_a here_o and_o eternal_o so_o hereafter_o but_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o fear_n god_n most_o that_o be_v most_o true_o who_o be_v possess_v with_o the_o great_a dread_n and_o terror_n at_o the_o thought_n of_o his_o wrath_n or_o judgement_n for_o then_o the_o devil_n who_o tremble_v or_o wicked_a wretch_n who_o despair_n of_o god_n mercy_n will_v be_v the_o best_a performer_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o he_o be_v the_o true_a fearer_n of_o god_n who_o always_o take_v the_o great_a care_n not_o to_o offend_v he_o the_o fear_n of_o he_o be_v never_o original_o design_v to_o torment_v and_o disquiet_v our_o mind_n but_o only_o to_o be_v such_o a_o check_n upon_o we_o as_o to_o keep_v we_o in_o due_a awe_n and_o obedience_n 7._o since_o every_o sin_n be_v a_o offence_n both_o against_o a_o gracious_a and_o a_o powerful_a god_n and_o of_o every_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o the_o person_n who_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o nothing_o can_v possible_o be_v conceal_v from_o god_n it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v deep_o concern_v and_o true_o sorrowful_a for_o every_o sin_n which_o we_o commit_v and_o by_o no_o mean_n to_o palliate_v or_o frame_v excuse_n for_o they_o but_o free_o to_o own_o and_o confess_v they_o to_o he_o but_o the_o truth_n of_o this_o sorrow_n be_v not_o to_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o passionateness_n of_o it_o or_o the_o tear_n which_o it_o produce_v which_o though_o sometime_o good_a sign_n yet_o too_o often_o produce_v but_o little_a effect_n but_o by_o the_o hearty_a reformation_n of_o life_n that_o follow_v and_o he_o only_o can_v be_v say_v to_o any_o purpose_n either_o to_o be_v sorry_a for_o his_o sin_n or_o to_o confess_v they_o to_o god_n who_o be_v careful_a for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v to_o forsake_v they_o 8._o since_o god_n be_v almighty_a he_o be_v certain_o able_a and_o since_o he_o love_v we_o he_o can_v but_o be_v willing_a to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v best_a and_o fit_a for_o we_o if_o we_o by_o our_o own_o fault_n do_v not_o provoke_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a from_o whence_o it_o follow_v that_o as_o long_o as_o we_o serve_v he_o faithful_o we_o ought_v in_o all_o our_o want_n and_o exigency_n to_o trust_v and_o rely_v upon_o he_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o relieve_v or_o help_v we_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o we_o desire_v we_o ought_v to_o bear_v whatever_o affliction_n we_o lie_v under_o patient_o and_o content_o as_o well_o know_v that_o god_n take_v no_o delight_n in_o grieve_v we_o but_o only_o correct_v and_o keep_v we_o under_o in_o order_n to_o our_o eternal_a good_a and_o to_o demonstrate_v our_o trust_n in_o god_n and_o submission_n to_o his_o chastise_v hand_n we_o must_v never_o attempt_v by_o any_o unlawful_a mean_n to_o supply_v any_o of_o our_o want_n or_o free_v ourselves_o from_o any_o even_o the_o most_o grievous_a pressure_n although_o at_o the_o same_o time_n honest_a labour_n and_o industry_n yet_o still_o with_o submission_n to_o god_n will_n for_o the_o compass_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v lawlful_a and_o good_a be_v not_o only_o allow_v but_o commend_v and_o require_v 9_o but_o since_o god_n be_v a_o free_a agent_n and_o since_o all_o the_o good_a which_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o come_v from_o he_o and_o depend_v altogether_o on_o his_o power_n and_o overrule_a providence_n we_o ought_v to_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o whatsoever_o we_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o and_o that_o he_o will_v bless_v all_o our_o honest_a labour_n with_o success_n but_o because_o often_o if_o we_o have_v the_o very_a thing_n which_o we_o desire_v they_o will_v at_o the_o last_o tend_v to_o our_o hurt_n and_o because_o he_o know_v what_o be_v fit_a for_o we_o much_o better_a than_o we_o ourselves_o therefore_o we_o ought_v always_o to_o pray_v that_o his_o will_n shall_v ever_o take_v place_n rather_o than_o our_o own_o and_o since_o we_o can_v have_v no_o reason_n to_o doubt_v of_o his_o love_n we_o ought_v to_o assure_v ourselves_o that_o we_o shall_v receive_v either_o the_o very_a thing_n we_o pray_v for_o or_o else_o that_o which_o be_v altogether_o as_o good_a for_o we_o if_o our_o sin_n obstruct_v it_o not_o 10._o and_o the_o very_a same_o consideration_n which_o prompt_v we_o to_o make_v our_o prayer_n to_o god_n in_o all_o our_o want_n do_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o return_v thanks_o unto_o he_o for_o all_o the_o blessing_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v among_o which_o those_o affliction_n which_o have_v at_o any_o time_n reclaim_v we_o from_o sin_n and_o bring_v we_o to_o a_o sense_n of_o our_o duty_n aught_o i_o think_v to_o be_v place_v in_o the_o chief_a rank_n and_o the_o only_a demonstration_n of_o a_o true_o thankful_a heart_n to_o god_n be_v the_o make_v a_o pious_a and_o honest_a use_n to_o his_o glory_n of_o all_o those_o blessing_n which_o we_o daily_o receive_v from_o he_o nor_o can_v there_o be_v any_o thing_n more_o absurd_a than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o pretend_v to_o give_v god_n thanks_o with_o his_o lip_n who_o do_v not_o also_o do_v it_o more_o to_o the_o purpose_n in_o his_o life_n 11._o as_o god_n justice_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o reason_n beyond_o exception_n why_o we_o shall_v without_o anxiety_n depend_v on_o all_o his_o promise_n so_o the_o great_a promise_n which_o he_o have_v make_v we_o be_v that_o of_o everlasting_a happiness_n for_o our_o more_o effectual_a attain_n unto_o which_o he_o have_v send_v his_o son_n our_o saviour_n christ_n jesus_n to_o suffer_v for_o we_o it_o be_v therefore_o according_o our_o duty_n to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n that_o be_v to_o say_v to_o expect_v the_o performance_n of_o what_o god_n have_v promise_v and_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o what_o christ_n have_v purchase_v for_o we_o but_o this_o hope_n be_v to_o be_v show_v not_o by_o the_o strength_n of_o our_o confidence_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v save_v in_o which_o it_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o a_o man_n may_v deceive_v himself_o but_o by_o our_o constant_a care_n in_o due_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o salvation_n for_o he_o only_o who_o be_v diligent_a in_o do_v the_o work_n do_v with_o any_o reason_n expect_v or_o hope_v for_o the_o promise_a reward_n 12._o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o pray_v unto_o god_n for_o all_o that_o we_o want_v and_o to_o hope_v for_o eternal_a salvation_n from_o he_o so_o the_o holy_a scripture_n direct_v we_o to_o ground_v all_o our_o hope_n of_o happiness_n upon_o the_o suffering_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o to_o offer_v up_o all_o our_o prayer_n in_o his_o name_n
power_n and_o assistance_n of_o god_n who_o be_v both_o the_o framer_n and_o controller_n of_o nature_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n by_o the_o mediation_n and_o ministry_n of_o good_a spirit_n who_o always_o act_n obedient_o to_o his_o will._n so_o that_o whether_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o it_o be_v god_n who_o be_v to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o original_a and_o author_n of_o all_o those_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v do_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n now_o then_o since_o god_n do_v interpose_v his_o power_n to_o work_v such_o strange_a and_o stupenduous_a thing_n for_o the_o propagation_n and_o confirmation_n of_o that_o doctrine_n which_o be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o their_o doctrine_n be_v certain_o true_a for_o who_o can_v imagine_v that_o god_n shall_v make_v use_n of_o his_o extraordinary_a power_n only_o to_o cheat_v and_o deceive_v the_o world_n into_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o lie_n i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n from_o heaven_n that_o whosoever_o will_v believe_v on_o jesus_n and_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o his_o religion_n shall_v be_v make_v very_o happy_a in_o thenext_v life_n this_o very_a thing_n be_v the_o grand_a point_n of_o doctrine_n which_o jesus_n and_o his_o disciple_n teach_v and_o preach_v to_o the_o world_n and_o if_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o the_o primitive_a christian_n have_v reason_n sufficient_a to_o believe_v this_o from_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o have_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v it_o also_o xx._n but_o jesus_n himself_o be_v long_o since_o ascend_v into_o heaven_n and_o his_o disciple_n who_o first_o preach_v the_o gospel_n depart_v out_o of_o the_o world_n here_o i_o think_v it_o be_v necessary_a to_o inquire_v to_o who_o or_o to_o what_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o that_o amid_o the_o several_a party_n in_o the_o world_n who_o all_o call_v themselves_o true_a and_o orthodox_n christian_n each_o condemn_v all_o other_o but_o themselves_o i_o may_v be_v true_o and_o sure_o inform_v what_o be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a religion_n or_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n which_o i_o ought_v to_o receive_v and_o live_v according_a to_o in_o order_n to_o my_o future_a happiness_n for_o if_o i_o do_v not_o this_o i_o must_v either_o reject_v the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n and_o so_o lose_v my_o future_a happiness_n or_o else_o take_v it_o altogether_o upon_o trust_n and_o by_o chance_n and_o then_o it_o be_v odds_o but_o i_o light_v upon_o the_o wrong_n and_o must_v needs_o run_v a_o very_a great_a hazard_n and_o though_o he_o who_o be_v in_o a_o mistake_n and_o can_v tell_v how_o to_o help_v it_o will_n doubtless_o find_v a_o easy_a pardon_n from_o god_n yet_o he_o who_o fall_v into_o error_n for_o want_v of_o moderate_a care_n and_o diligence_n to_o find_v out_o the_o truth_n have_v i_o think_v no_o pretence_n either_o to_o pardon_v or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o pity_n xxi_o the_o roman_a catholic_n do_v tell_v i_o that_o i_o must_v apply_v myself_o to_o the_o church_n this_o church_n they_o define_v to_o be_v that_o society_n of_o person_n who_o prosess_v faith_n in_o jesus_n christ_n and_o live_v in_o subjection_n to_o and_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n this_o church_n they_o say_v be_v infallible_a and_o not_o only_o do_v not_o but_o can_v err_v in_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n go_v then_o say_v they_o to_o this_o church_n and_o receive_v the_o doctrine_n which_o she_o teach_v and_o there_o you_o have_v certain_o and_o infallible_o the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n but_o i_o can_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o follow_v this_o their_o direction_n because_o i_o find_v such_o great_a difficulty_n in_o my_o way_n as_o i_o think_v be_v insuparable_a at_o least_o i_o be_o sure_a such_o as_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o overcome_v for_o first_o although_o it_o may_v be_v a_o certain_a truth_n that_o there_o shall_v always_o be_v a_o church_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o company_n of_o people_n some_o where_o or_o other_o profess_v the_o true_a christian_a religion_n as_o long_o as_o the_o world_n shall_v last_v yet_o what_o solid_a proof_n can_v be_v bring_v that_o this_o particular_a society_n of_o man_n who_o live_v in_o communion_n with_o the_o pope_n or_o bishop_n of_o rome_n be_v alone_o the_o true_a church_n and_o shall_v always_o keep_v and_o maintain_v among_o they_o the_o true_a and_o uncorrupt_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n this_o matter_n be_v a_o question_n of_o revelation_n and_o positive_a institution_n be_v uncapable_a of_o be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o natural_a reason_n and_o as_o for_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o allege_v it_o be_v even_o ridiculous_a to_o think_v that_o any_o sober_a and_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v be_v convince_v by_o they_o as_o will_v evident_o appear_v to_o any_o one_o who_o impartial_o read_v what_o the_o romish_a and_o protestant_a divine_n have_v write_v on_o this_o controversy_n for_o there_o be_v none_o of_o those_o text_n but_o be_v fair_o and_o natural_o capable_a of_o another_o interpretation_n and_o must_v be_v very_o much_o strain_v and_o wrest_v to_o make_v they_o countenance_v the_o romish_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n do_v general_o teach_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o authority_n or_o sense_n of_o any_o text_n of_o scripture_n especial_o if_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v any_o way_n doubtful_a except_o he_o receive_v the_o proposal_n and_o interpretation_n thereof_o from_o this_o their_o church_n which_o they_o say_v be_v infallible_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v of_o necessity_n believe_v the_o infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n before_o he_o can_v any_o way_n be_v sure_a of_o the_o credit_n or_o even_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o they_o bring_v to_o prove_v it_o and_o then_o what_o need_n be_v there_o of_o scripture-argument_n to_o prove_v a_o thing_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v before_o the_o argument_n can_v have_v any_o force_n or_o even_o be_v as_o much_o as_o certain_o understand_v and_o if_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o the_o father_n and_o ancient_a christian_a writer_n do_v testify_v thus_o much_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n i_o can_v only_o say_v that_o the_o protestant_n divine_n who_o seem_v to_o i_o to_o be_v man_n of_o as_o much_o learning_n and_o integrity_n as_o the_o romish_a do_v declare_v that_o it_o be_v far_o otherwise_o nor_o have_v i_o skill_n enough_o in_o language_n and_o antiquity_n to_o take_v upon_o i_o to_o judge_v of_o this_o dispute_n neither_o do_v i_o understand_v by_o what_o authority_n the_o write_n of_o those_o person_n who_o be_v acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v subject_a to_o error_n shall_v be_v obtrude_v on_o i_o as_o a_o rule_n of_o my_o faith_n or_o as_o a_o sufficient_a argument_n to_o determine_v my_o assent_n in_o so_o weighty_a a_o matter_n second_o suppose_v but_o not_o grant_v that_o in_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n the_o true_a and_o pure_a doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v preserve_v yet_o still_o it_o be_v grant_v that_o particular_a and_o private_a man_n who_o live_v in_o the_o visible_a communion_n of_o that_o church_n may_v teach_v false_a and_o corrupt_a doctrine_n here_o than_o i_o demand_v how_o shall_v i_o certain_o distinguish_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n from_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a man_n and_o how_o shall_v i_o certain_o know_v what_o be_v the_o true_a mean_v of_o the_o church_n doctrine_n they_o of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n be_v not_o agree_v who_o it_o be_v that_o have_v authority_n to_o declare_v and_o expound_v the_o doctrine_n of_o their_o church_n whether_o it_o be_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o general_n council_n or_o neither_o alone_a but_o both_o together_o or_o if_o they_o be_v unanimous_a in_o this_o point_n yet_o how_o shall_v i_o know_v whether_o such_o a_o particular_a person_n who_o possess_v the_o chair_n be_v a_o true_a and_o lawful_a pope_n or_o such_o a_o particular_a assembly_n a_o true_a and_o lawful_a general_n council_n or_o suppose_v they_o can_v satisfy_v i_o in_o this_o demand_n yet_o there_o be_v no_o council_n now_o sit_v nor_o if_o there_o be_v can_v i_o go_v to_o they_o or_o to_o the_o pope_n to_o receive_v instruction_n nor_o can_v the_o pope_n or_o a_o council_n be_v at_o leisure_n to_o satisfy_v the_o demand_n of_o every_o private_a enquirer_n how_o then_o can_v i_o be_v sure_a that_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a person_n do_v both_o right_o understand_v and_o faithful_o propose_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n to_o i_o especial_o since_o
but_o short_a and_o imperfect_a be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n it_o be_v also_o very_o evident_a that_o no_o language_n whatsoever_o will_v afford_v we_o variety_n of_o word_n sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o diversity_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o our_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o mistake_v of_o ignorance_n or_o misapprehension_n and_o the_o cavil_n of_o perverseness_n but_o that_o after_o all_o our_o care_n our_o most_o cautious_a expression_n will_v sometime_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v to_o a_o contrary_a or_o at_o least_o wrest_v to_o a_o different_a meaning_n from_o what_o we_o intend_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o judicious_a writer_n will_v probable_o find_v himself_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o at_o any_o time_n hope_v so_o to_o handle_v any_o controversy_n as_o to_o satisfy_v every_o man._n but_o since_o upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n which_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o be_o myself_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v conclude_v in_o this_o dispute_n i_o will_v now_o with_o god_n assistance_n try_v whether_o i_o can_v express_v my_o thought_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n and_o prove_v they_o with_o such_o sufficient_a argument_n and_o pertinent_a instance_n as_o may_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o proceed_v as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o be_v always_o use_v in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n 4._o this_o word_n doctrine_n be_v but_o another_o term_n for_o a_o propesition_n and_o what_o a_o proposition_n be_v or_o when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a certain_a probable_a or_o doubtful_a i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o explain_v 5._o reason_n be_v that_o faculty_n in_o man_n for_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o angel_n whereby_o he_o apprehend_v thing_n and_o their_o attribute_n or_o property_n and_o frame_v a_o judgement_n concern_v what_o he_o apprehend_v and_o also_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o he_o make_v draw_v sometime_o more_o immediate_a or_o more_o remote_a and_o distant_a consequence_n 6._o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v deny_v they_o so_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a whereby_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o i_o call_v self-evident_a such_o for_o example_n be_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o the_o like_a 7._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o appear_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o yet_o the_o proposition_n can_v beyond_o question_n be_v prove_v from_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v self-evident_a such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n alone_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v that_o two_o triangle_n have_v equal_a base_n and_o be_v contain_v between_o the_o same_o parallel_a line_n be_v equal_a and_o all_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v demonstrate_v or_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o bare_a principle_n of_o reason_n 8._o where_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o proposition_n i._n e._n that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n can_v be_v evident_o prove_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n alone_o but_o yet_o the_o actual_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o can_v the_o same_o way_n be_v make_v appear_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o call_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n thus_o for_o example_n that_o a_o oak_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a and_o usual_a stature_n in_o a_o hour_n be_v as_o possible_a that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o free_a from_o contradiction_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o in_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o all_o growth_n be_v motion_n and_o the_o swiftness_n of_o motion_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o increase_v but_o that_o ever_o this_o be_v actual_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n 9_o where_o any_o proposition_n either_o immediate_o in_o itself_o or_o mediate_o in_o its_o consequence_n do_v plain_o contradict_v any_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n such_o for_o example_n be_v this_o proposition_n that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o three_o right_a angle_n and_o such_o like_a 10._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v in_o itself_o true_a but_o we_o be_v unable_a clear_o to_o apprehend_v or_o frame_v a_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v under_o the_o term_n of_o it_o such_o a_o proposition_n i_o term_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o a_o proposition_n may_v be_v either_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o our_o reason_n when_o we_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o or_o else_o but_o partly_o above_o it_o when_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v but_o those_o very_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v whole_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a who_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o description_n which_o other_o make_v of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o proper_a organ_n to_o receive_v any_o impression_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v some_o faint_a and_o confuse_a glimmer_v of_o sight_n though_o still_o much_o more_o above_o his_o reason_n than_o it_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o saculty_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sight_n as_o other_o man_n common_o be_v 11._o to_o know_v be_v to_o give_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n when_o it_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n but_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v assent_v to_o not_o upon_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o reason_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o affirm_v it_o such_o a_o proposition_n as_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v believe_v furthermore_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o yet_o believe_v that_o it_o contain_v a_o truth_n in_o it_o because_o of_o the_o deference_n he_o pay_v to_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v it_o this_o i_o call_v a_o implicit_a belief_n and_o proper_o speak_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n itself_o but_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n but_o where_o a_o man_n understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o he_o believe_v this_o i_o call_v a_o explicit_fw-la belief_n 12._o no_o man_n can_v possible_o believe_v or_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n see_v sect._n 9_o for_o to_o own_o a_o proposition_n to_o be_v self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o believe_v another_o which_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o be_v contradictory_n to_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a 13._o if_o a_o proposition_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o also_o testify_v by_o such_o person_n who_o veracity_n be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o exception_n such_o a_o proposition_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o one_o unto_o who_o it_o come_v so_o testify_v for_o if_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n than_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v true_a sect._n 8._o and_o if_o i_o be_o actual_o convince_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o revelation_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n but_o also_o a_o motive_n of_o persuasion_n whatever_o a_o late_a author_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n 14._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a in_o this_o present_a controversy_n be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v appear_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v most_o sufficient_a and_o cogent_a argument_n to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o in_o part_n but_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o his_o reason_n sect._n 10._o for_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_o
guilty_a of_o such_o a_o mistake_n can_v very_o hardly_o be_v charge_v with_o a_o fault_n xliii_o four_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n almighty_n his_o attribute_n and_o his_o law_n may_v in_o part_n be_v gather_v from_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n antecedent_n to_o any_o revelation_n be_v evident_a from_o reason_n and_o acknowledge_v by_o st._n paul_n for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n rom._n 1._o 20._o see_v psal_n 19_o 1._o and_o when_o the_o gentile_n which_o have_v not_o the_o law_n do_v by_o nature_n the_o thiug_n contain_v in_o the_o law_n these_o have_v not_o the_o law_n be_v a_o law_n unto_o themselves_o which_o show_v the_o work_n of_o the_o law_n write_v in_o their_o heart_n their_o conscience_n also_o bear_v witness_n and_o their_o thought_n the_o mean_a while_n accuse_v or_o else_o excuse_v one_o another_o rom._n 2._o 14_o 15._o now_o although_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o religion_n which_o may_v be_v know_v by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n be_v i_o think_v again_o repeat_v and_o far_o explain_v by_o the_o holy_a scripture_n yet_o because_o it_o may_v be_v that_o this_o will_v not_o appear_v so_o plain_o to_o every_o one_o i_o think_v it_o necessary_a here_o to_o note_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o those_o truth_n and_o our_o obedience_n to_o those_o law_n of_o of_o religion_n which_o we_o be_v able_a to_o discover_v by_o our_o natural_a reason_n although_o the_o same_o shall_v not_o appear_v to_o we_o to_o be_v again_o repeat_v in_o scripture_n for_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n st._n paul_n pronounce_v the_o ancient_a gentile_n to_o be_v without_o excuse_n because_o that_o when_o they_o know_v god_n that_o be_v have_v some_o knowledge_n of_o he_o by_o their_o natural_a understanding_n they_o glorify_v he_o not_o as_o god_n by_o own_v and_o obey_v he_o rom._n 1._o 20_o 21_o etc._n etc._n and_o what_o be_v it_o else_o but_o a_o appeal_n to_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o mankind_n when_o he_o exhort_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o thing_n be_v true_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v honest_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v just_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v pure_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v lovely_a whatsoever_o thing_n be_v of_o good_a report_n if_o there_o be_v any_o virtue_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o praise_n we_o shall_v think_v on_o these_o thing_n phil._n 4._o 8._o xliv_o five_o he_o that_o write_v a_o treatise_n upon_o any_o subject_a whatsoever_o he_o have_v a_o mind_n that_o his_o reader_n shall_v particular_o observe_v and_o be_v convince_v of_o he_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o lay_v it_o down_o plain_o as_o a_o main_a conclusion_n nor_o will_v he_o fail_v if_o he_o be_v discreet_a as_o often_o as_o occasion_n require_v to_o repeat_v and_o refer_v to_o it_o that_o the_o more_o notice_n may_v be_v take_v of_o his_o mean_v and_o design_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v mention_v only_o occasional_o and_o collateral_o and_o not_o as_o any_o part_n of_o the_o main_a subject_n of_o the_o discourse_n be_v not_o always_o express_v with_o so_o much_o care_n and_o exactness_n but_o that_o often_o even_o the_o meaning_n of_o they_o may_v be_v misunderstand_v nor_o can_v we_o be_v always_o certain_a what_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n and_o opinion_n of_o a_o writer_n from_o such_o accidental_a expression_n which_o sometime_o may_v be_v use_v figurative_o sometime_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n or_o accommodation_n sometime_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o people_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o they_o except_o he_o give_v we_o foam_v far_a explication_n of_o his_o mind_n from_o whence_o i_o think_v i_o may_v conclude_v that_o the_o necessary_a doctrine_n and_o precept_n of_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v gacher_v from_o those_o collateral_a and_o occasional_a expression_n which_o be_v scatter_v up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o from_o the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o the_o whole_a bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o each_o book_n of_o it_o in_o particular_a xlv_o i_o have_v thus_o brief_o and_o plain_o give_v i_o hope_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o religion_n and_o of_o christianity_n in_o general_n if_o i_o find_v that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o write_v be_v likely_a to_o do_v any_o good_a in_o the_o world_n i_o shall_v proceed_v with_o god_n assistance_n to_o draw_v out_o and_o publish_v a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o doctrine_n to_o be_v believe_v and_o duty_n to_o be_v practise_v by_o a_o christian_n finis_fw-la errata_fw-la to_o the_o 2d_o and_o 3d._n part._n page_n 48._o l._n 16._o read_v my_o own_o p._n 59_o l._n 12._o for_o of_o r._n and._n p._n 82._o l._n 11._o for_o love_n r._n live_v p._n 110._o l._n 3._o deal_n it_o p._n 113._o l._n 12._o for_o every_o r._n very_a p._n 254._o for_o that_o r._n than_o p._n 260._o l._n 16._o r._n office_n in_o a_o settle_a church_n book_n print_v for_o and_o sell_v by_o a._n and_o j._n churchil_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n titus_n livius_n roman_a history_n boccacio_n novel_n and_o tale_n sir_n paul_n ricaut_n life_n of_o the_o pope_n of_o rome_n rushworth_n historical_a collection_n lloyd_n dictionarium_fw-la histor_n poeticum_fw-la geographicum_fw-la statute_n of_o ireland_n bolton_n justice_n of_o ireland_n leybourn_n dyalling_n buchanan_n chronicle_n and_o history_n of_o the_o king_n of_o scotland_n machiavil_n work_n sir_n simon_n de_fw-fr ewe_n journal_n of_o parliament_n queen_n elizabeth_n dr._n brady_n introduction_n to_o the_o history_n of_o england_n milton_n paradise_n regain_v leybourn_n cursus_fw-la mathematicus_fw-la sir_n roger_n l'estrange_n aesop_n fable_n clark_n praxis_fw-la cur._n ecclesiasticis_fw-la dr._n gibson_n anatomy_n mounseur_fw-fr le_fw-fr clerc_n logica_fw-la etc._n etc._n drelincourt_n of_o death_n leybourn_n arithmetic_n protestant-reconciler_n complete_a homer_n iliad_n poetae_fw-la minores_fw-la royal_a grammar_n gibbon_n heraldry_n patridge_n treasury_n of_o physic_n opus_fw-la reformatum_fw-la bishop_n wilkins_n of_o prayer_n and_o preach_v thibault_n chemistry_n glasier_n chemistry_n valerius_n maximus_n english_a two_o treatise_n of_o government_n the_o three_o letter_n for_o toleration_n some_o consideration_n of_o the_o consequence_n of_o lower_a interest_n and_o raise_v the_o value_n of_o money_n sir_n william_n temple_n observation_n on_o holland_n miscellanea_fw-la dr._n burnet_n travel_n plato_n redevivus_fw-la selden_n table-talk_a debate_n of_o oxon_n and_o westminster-parliament_n livill_a orationes_fw-la selectae_fw-la 12o._o sleidan_n de_fw-fr quatuor_fw-la fummis_fw-la imperiis_fw-la aristotle_n rhetoric_n english_a dr._n whitby_n several_a piece_n patridge_n astrology_n isoratis_fw-la oration_n large_a 12o._o guide_v to_o heaven_n 24o._o latin-testament_n the_o cambridge-edition_n 12o._o boyl_n general_a history_n of_o the_o air_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n two_o treatise_n of_o rationa_n religion_n 8o._o common_a prayer_n in_o greek_a salmon_n dispensatory_a dorn_n synopsis_fw-la medicinae_fw-la salustii_fw-la historia_n weekly_a preparation_n ii_o part_n bunnian_n sigh_n from_o hell_n archbishop_z layton_n sermon_n gunter_n line_n ciceronis_fw-la epistol_n familiar_a mr._n talent_n chron._n table_n a_o gentleman_n religion_n part_n ii_o &_o iii_o in_o which_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v particular_o inquire_v into_o and_o explain_v london_n print_v for_o richard_n sare_n at_o grays-inn-gate_n in_o holborn_n 1697._o a_o short_a preface_n to_o the_o whole_a some_o man_n slight_a religion_n whilst_o other_o corru_fw-la and_o perplex_v it_o with_o thing_n either_o false_a or_o unnecessary_a the_o late_a of_o which_o i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v much_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o former_a many_o will_v not_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o read_v much_o and_o many_o do_v not_o thorough_o consider_v nor_o will_v digest_v what_o they_o read_v which_o render_v their_o notion_n confuse_v and_o themselves_o uncertain_a what_o to_o conclude_v i_o have_v theresore_n endeavour_v to_o make_v such_o a_o short_a and_o easy_a draught_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o ground_n of_o it_o as_o every_o man_n of_o a_o moderate_a capacity_n may_v read_v without_o tediousness_n and_o understand_v without_o difficulty_n and_o which_o if_o it_o do_v not_o whole_o satisfy_v he_o may_v yet_o serve_v to_o put_v his_o thought_n into_o a_o method_n and_o himself_o upon_o seek_v for_o far_a satisfaction_n the_o first_o part_n of_o this_o small_a work_n i_o put_v forth_o some_o time_n since_o and_o find_v that_o it_o have_v not_o prove_v altogether_o unacceptable_a to_o man_n of_o judgement_n and_o moderation_n i_o have_v be_v encourage_v to_o finish_v and_o publish_v the_o second_o and_o three_o part_n also_o my_o design_n be_v certain_o good_a and_o if_o i_o have_v not_o well_o perform_v what_o i_o have_v undertake_v i_o hope_v at_o
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
influence_n of_o god_n spirit_n do_v not_o work_v so_o uncontrollable_o but_o that_o it_o may_v be_v resist_v and_o even_o whole_o reject_v and_o lose_v be_v i_o think_v sufficient_o obvious_a as_o well_o from_o reason_n and_o experience_n as_o form_v those_o passage_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n wherein_o we_o be_v exhort_v not_o to_o quench_v the_o spirit_n but_o to_o walk_v in_o and_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v apparent_o needless_a and_o to_o no_o purpose_n if_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n upon_o our_o heart_n be_v so_o strong_a as_o that_o we_o can_v not_o choose_v but_o comply_v with_o they_o now_o the_o thing_n which_o god_n require_v to_o be_v perform_v on_o our_o part_n in_o order_n to_o life_n everlasting_a be_v apparent_a and_o can_v be_v no_o more_o but_o to_o believe_v those_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v make_v know_v which_o be_v call_v faith_n and_o to_o observe_v those_o precept_n which_o he_o have_v command_v which_o be_v call_v obedience_n and_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o these_o thing_n be_v require_v from_o no_o man_n beyond_o the_o measure_n of_o possibility_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o so_o do_v the_o scripture_n most_o full_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n will_v in_o they_o make_v a_o very_a sufficient_a allowance_n for_o the_o ignorance_n and_o frailty_n and_o even_o for_o the_o perverseness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o will_v not_o only_o be_v merciful_a unto_o our_o weakness_n and_o ordinary_a fail_n but_o will_v pardon_v and_o forgive_v even_o our_o great_a and_o most_o wilful_a sin_n upon_o our_o true_a and_o hearty_a repentance_n which_o be_v a_o part_n of_o our_o obedience_n and_o as_o for_o the_o sin_n against_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o be_v say_v to_o be_v absolute_o unpardonable_a i_o do_v not_o think_v it_o needful_a to_o inquire_v here_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o consequence_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v refer_v my_o reader_n to_o that_o excellent_a sermon_n of_o dr._n tillotson_n the_o late_a archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n upon_o that_o subject_n but_o here_o it_o be_v high_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v all_o take_v that_o caution_n which_o both_o reason_n and_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v give_v we_o viz._n that_o we_o shall_v not_o presume_v so_o much_o upon_o god_n mercy_n and_o lenity_n as_o from_o hence_o to_o take_v occasion_n of_o go_v on_o in_o our_o wickedness_n for_o kindness_n thus_o abuse_v will_v certain_o turn_v into_o the_o high_a wrath_n and_o much_o increase_v the_o damnation_n of_o a_o sinner_n 43._o i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o those_o argument_n which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o humane_a soul_n itself_o be_v not_o by_o themselves_o sufficient_a to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o eternal_a duration_n of_o any_o create_v be_v depend_v not_o so_o much_o upon_o its_o own_o nature_n as_o upon_o the_o will_n of_o god_n who_o create_v it_o but_o as_o reason_n alone_o suggest_v unto_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o life_n to_o come_v after_o this_o part_n 1_o §_o 13._o and_o that_o man_n be_v at_o first_o design_v by_o god_n unto_o life_n eternal_a part_n 2._o §_o 29._o so_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n most_o clear_o assure_v we_o that_o they_o who_o perform_v what_o god_n require_v shall_v be_v happy_a to_o all_o eternity_n and_o they_o who_o do_v not_o so_o shall_v be_v miserable_a without_o end_n the_o reconcilableness_n of_o which_o with_o god_n justice_n and_o mercy_n i_o have_v account_v for_o §_o 17._o but_o wherein_o this_o happiness_n of_o the_o righteous_a shall_v consist_v we_o can_v but_o very_o imperfect_o tell_v and_o whether_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o wicked_a shall_v literal_o be_v in_o everlasting_a fire_n or_o whether_o that_o expression_n be_v only_o make_v use_n of_o metaphorical_o to_o signify_v the_o greatness_n of_o the_o torment_n i_o think_v it_o not_o necessary_a to_o determine_v but_o both_o my_o own_o reason_n and_o some_o place_n of_o scripture_n do_v seem_v strong_o to_o suggest_v that_o neither_o the_o reward_n of_o good_a man_n nor_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o evil_a shall_v be_v equal_a unto_o all_o but_o great_a or_o less_o according_a as_o they_o have_v exceed_v one_o another_o in_o the_o holiness_n or_o wickedness_n of_o their_o life_n 44._o that_o all_o man_n be_v mortal_a be_v sufficient_o testify_v by_o out_o daily_a experience_n but_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n immediate_o upon_o their_o separation_n from_o their_o body_n be_v not_o in_o a_o state_n of_o insensibility_n but_o be_v straightway_o convey_v into_o a_o state_n either_o of_o joy_n or_o misery_n seem_v very_o apparent_a to_o i_o from_o st._n paul_n desire_n to_o be_v dissolve_v that_o he_o may_v be_v with_o christ_n from_o our_o saviour_n promise_n unto_o the_o thief_n upon_o the_o cross_n and_o from_o the_o story_n or_o parable_n of_o the_o rich_a man_n and_o lazarus_n as_o also_o from_o some_o other_o intimation_n which_o the_o holy_a scripture_n give_v we_o but_o since_o there_o be_v one_o day_n to_o be_v a_o general_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n before_o the_o tribunal_n of_o christ_n where_o every_o man_n must_v receive_v his_o sentence_n for_o eternal_a either_o happiness_n or_o misery_n as_o the_o holy_a scripture_n do_v assure_v we_o it_o seem_v not_o irrational_a to_o judge_v that_o neither_o the_o righteous_a nor_o the_o wicked_a do_v receive_v their_o full_a and_o final_a portion_n until_o that_o judgement_n be_v pass_v upon_o they_o i_o know_v not_o therefore_o how_o to_o condemn_v those_o who_o ancient_o take_v up_o the_o custom_n of_o pray_v for_o their_o decease_a friend_n who_o have_v live_v holy_o and_o die_v pious_o that_o they_o may_v find_v favour_n and_o acceptance_n at_o the_o general_a judgement_n and_o have_v their_o portion_n of_o glory_n augment_v but_o i_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n approve_v of_o those_o who_o upon_o such_o pitiful_a suggestion_n have_v presume_v to_o determine_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o place_n as_o purgatory_n where_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v to_o be_v purge_v and_o suffer_v a_o temporary_a punishment_n before_o their_o admission_n into_o heaven_n and_o although_o i_o look_v upon_o their_o pray_v for_o the_o dead_a to_o be_v a_o mistake_n rather_o than_o a_o sin_n yet_o their_o take_n of_o money_n for_o so_o do_v and_o raise_v such_o a_o revenue_n upon_o that_o fund_z i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o most_o ungodly_a cheat_n and_o imposition_n upon_o the_o people_n 45._o although_o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o there_o be_v any_o natural_a decay_n in_o the_o general_a frame_n and_o structure_n of_o this_o world_n yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n who_o make_v it_o it_o may_v whenever_o he_o please_v be_v destroy_v and_o dissolve_v and_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o at_o the_o time_n of_o the_o general_a judgement_n at_o which_o time_n also_o there_o shall_v be_v a_o universal_a resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n of_o all_o those_o who_o have_v die_v and_o a_o change_n of_o those_o who_o shall_v be_v then_o alive_a but_o whether_o all_o the_o same_o individual_a particle_n of_o each_o man_n body_n which_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o in_o the_o earth_n shall_v be_v raise_v and_o reunite_v again_o to_o their_o soul_n i_o look_v upon_o to_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n what_o st._n paul_n say_v upon_o this_o argument_n 1_o cor._n 15._o 35._o do_v abundant_o satisfy_v i_o the_o purport_n of_o who_o word_n i_o take_v to_o be_v this_o viz._n that_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v give_v such_o a_o vegetative_a power_n to_o a_o grain_n of_o corn_n that_o when_o it_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o ground_n and_o there_o macerate_v and_o dissolve_v it_o spring_v up_o again_o and_o bring_v forth_o a_o body_n suitable_a and_o proper_a to_o its_o self_n that_o that_o same_o god_n i_o say_v both_o can_v and_o will_v at_o the_o last_o day_n from_o the_o dead_a and_o dissolve_a body_n of_o man_n raise_v up_o such_o body_n as_o shall_v please_v himself_o and_o as_o there_o be_v a_o continual_a and_o great_a change_n of_o particle_n in_o the_o humane_a body_n between_o the_o birth_n and_o the_o grave_a so_o i_o see_v not_o what_o absurdity_n will_v follow_v if_o we_o shall_v allow_v also_o that_o there_o be_v a_o like_a change_n between_o the_o grave_a and_o the_o resurrection_n 46._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o brief_a and_o plain_a account_n of_o that_o part_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v pure_o or_o chief_o doctrinal_a which_o upon_o the_o most_o strict_a search_n that_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o think_v be_v exact_o agreeable_a to_o the_o tenor_n and_o main_a design_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n