understanding_n be_v not_o as_o be_v observe_v what_o we_o call_v strict_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a matter_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o reason_v for_o the_o mind_n do_v upon_o occasion_n compare_v they_o together_o compound_v they_o into_o complex_fw-la idea_n and_o enlarge_v contract_n or_o separate_v they_o as_o it_o discover_v their_o circumstance_n capable_a or_o not_o so_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o our_o idea_n in_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n whereinsoever_o this_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n may_v consist_v and_o because_o this_o perception_n be_v immediate_a or_o mediate_a our_o knowledge_n be_v twofold_a 7._o first_o when_o the_o mind_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o idea_n immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o two_o or_o more_o idea_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o be_v four_o that_o 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be_v the_o mortality_n of_o all_o live_a body_n infer_v from_o their_o divisibility_n this_o method_n of_o knowledge_n be_v proper_o call_v reason_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o former_a self-evidence_n or_o intuition_n and_o it_o may_v be_v define_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n dubious_a or_o obscure_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o something_o evident_o know_v 9_o from_o this_o definition_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intermediate_v idea_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n where_o its_o agreement_n with_o both_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o evident_a and_o that_o if_o more_o than_o one_o idea_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v require_v in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o indubitable_a we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n whereby_o we_o join_v the_o two_o 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evident_a connection_n appear_v between_o my_o idea_n i_o may_v possible_o take_v the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v the_o right_n which_o be_v equal_a to_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n when_o i_o have_v arrive_v at_o knowledge_n i_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o attend_v it_o where_o i_o have_v only_a probability_n there_o i_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n or_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o pain_n i_o search_v after_o certainty_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n 10._o but_o beside_o these_o property_n of_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v explain_v we_o be_v yet_o most_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v in_o it_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n from_o the_o ground_n of_o persivasion_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o easy_a distinction_n have_v throw_v man_n into_o infinite_a mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v prove_v before_o i_o have_v do_v the_o mean_n of_o information_n i_o call_v those_o way_n whereby_o any_o thing_n come_v bare_o to_o our_o knowledge_n without_o necessary_o command_v our_o assent_n by_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o understand_v that_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n and_o which_o irresistible_o convince_v the_o mind_n the_o mean_n of_o information_n be_v experience_n and_o authority_n experience_n as_o you_o may_v see_v n_o o_fw-mi 4._o be_v either_o external_a which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o sensible_a object_n or_o internal_a which_o help_v we_o to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o common_a stock_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n nor_o can_v we_o possible_o have_v idea_n any_o other_o way_n without_o new_a organ_n or_o faculty_n 11._o authority_n abusive_o so_o call_v as_o if_o all_o its_o information_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la be_v either_o humane_a or_o divine_a humane_a authority_n be_v call_v also_o moral_a certitude_n as_o when_o i_o believe_v a_o intelligible_a relation_n make_v by_o my_o friend_n because_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o veracity_n nor_o he_o any_o interest_n to_o deceive_v i_o thus_o all_o possible_a matter_n of_o fact_n due_o attest_v by_o coevous_a person_n as_o know_v to_o they_o and_o successive_o relate_v by_o other_o of_o different_a time_n nation_n or_o interest_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o be_v just_o suspect_v of_o combine_v together_o to_o deceive_v other_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o hear_v they_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o carthage_n such_o a_o reformer_n as_o luther_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o poland_n when_o all_o these_o rule_n concur_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o demonstration_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o irresistible_a evidence_n from_o proper_a proof_n but_o where_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a or_o at_o best_a but_o probable_a which_o with_o i_o be_v not_o very_o different_a 12._o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n by_o truth_n itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v whereof_o at_o large_a in_o ch._n 2._o of_o the_o follow_a section_n nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n 13._o now_o as_o we_o be_v extreme_o subject_a to_o deception_n we_o may_v without_o some_o infallible_a rule_n often_o take_v a_o questionable_a proposition_n for_o a_o axiom_n old_a wife_n fable_n for_o moral_a certitude_n and_o humane_a imposture_n
ancient_a christian_n 22._o have_v so_o dispatch_v these_o adequate_a idea_n and_o i_o know_v not_o what_o real_a essence_n we_o come_v now_o to_o the_o main_a point_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a controversy_n chief_o depend_v for_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o or_o no_o christianity_n be_v mysterious_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v natural_o decide_v by_o the_o new_a testament_n wherein_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v original_o contain_v i_o heartiâ—…y_v desire_v to_o put_v the_o case_n upon_o this_o issue_n i_o appeal_v to_o this_o tribunal_n for_o do_v i_o not_o infinite_o prefer_v the_o truth_n i_o learn_v from_o these_o sacred_a record_n to_o all_o other_o consideration_n i_o shall_v never_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n the_o scripture_n have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o and_o i_o will_v soon_o be_v repute_v heterodox_n with_o these_o only_a on_o my_o side_n than_o to_o pass_v for_o orthodox_n with_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v they_o against_o i_o 23._o now_o by_o search_v the_o scripture_n i_o find_v some_o of_o the_o evangelic_n doctrine_n call_v mystery_n in_o a_o more_o general_a or_o in_o a_o more_o particular_a sense_n they_o be_v more_o general_o so_o call_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o be_v certain_a matter_n of_o fact_n only_o know_v to_o god_n and_o lodge_v in_o his_o decree_n or_o such_o event_n as_o be_v quite_o lose_v and_o forget_v in_o the_o world_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o person_n though_o never_o so_o wise_a or_o learned_a to_o discover_v they_o for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o 11._o god_n as_o none_o can_v find_v out_o the_o secret_a thought_n of_o man_n till_o he_o tell_v they_o himself_o such_o revelation_n then_o of_o god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v call_v mystery_n not_o from_o any_o present_a inconceivableness_n or_o obscurity_n but_o with_o respect_n to_o what_o they_o be_v before_o this_o revelation_n as_o that_o be_v call_v our_o task_n which_o we_o long_o since_o perform_v 24._o if_o any_o shall_v question_v this_o let_v he_o hear_v the_o apostle_n paul_n declare_v for_o himself_o and_o his_o fellow-labourer_n in_o the_o gospel_n we_o speak_v say_v he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n hide_v in_o a_o mystery_n which_o god_n ordain_v before_o the_o world_n for_o our_o glory_n which_o none_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o the_o world_n know_v etc._n etc._n and_o to_o show_v 8._o that_o this_o divine_a wisdom_n be_v a_o mystery_n for_o want_n of_o reveal_v information_n he_o present_o subjoin_v eye_n have_v not_o see_v nor_o ear_n hear_v neither_o have_v 10._o enter_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o man_n the_o thing_n which_o god_n have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n the_o most_o perspicacious_a philosopher_n be_v not_o able_a to_o foretell_v the_o come_v of_o christ_n to_o discover_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n nor_o any_o other_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v deliver_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o if_o they_o happen_v now_o and_o then_o to_o say_v something_o like_o the_o truth_n they_o do_v but_o divine_a at_o best_a and_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o their_o opinion_n it_o be_v a_o most_o delightful_a thing_n to_o consider_v what_o pain_n the_o inquire_a heathen_n be_v often_o at_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o what_o depend_v not_o in_o the_o least_o upon_o any_o principle_n in_o their_o philosophy_n but_o be_v a_o historical_a fact_n communicable_a by_o god_n alone_o or_o such_o as_o have_v undoubted_a memoir_n concern_v it_o of_o this_o i_o think_v it_o not_o amiss_o to_o add_v the_o follow_a example_n 25._o the_o same_o experience_n that_o teach_v the_o gentile_n their_o mortal_a condition_n acquaint_v they_o also_o with_o the_o frailty_n of_o their_o nature_n and_o the_o numberless_a calamity_n constant_o attend_v they_o they_o can_v not_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o the_o species_n of_o man_n come_v in_o such_o deplorable_a circumstance_n out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o infinite_o good_a and_o merciful_a deity_n and_o so_o be_v incline_v to_o impute_v all_o to_o the_o wickedness_n of_o adult_n person_n till_o they_o perceive_v that_o death_n and_o misfortune_n do_v not_o spare_v innocent_a child_n more_o than_o robber_n and_o pirate_n at_o last_o they_o imagine_v a_o pre-existent_a state_n wherein_o the_o soul_n act_v separately_z like_o angel_n may_v have_v contract_v some_o extraordinary_a gild_n and_o so_o for_o punishment_n be_v thrust_v into_o the_o body_n which_o they_o sometime_o compare_v to_o a_o prison_n but_o often_o to_o a_o 〈◊〉_d grave_a this_o be_v likewise_o the_o origin_n of_o transmigration_n though_o in_o process_n of_o time_n the_o sin_n of_o this_o world_n become_v as_o much_o concern_v in_o that_o opinion_n as_o those_o of_o the_o other_o but_o nothing_o be_v more_o ingenious_a than_o the_o account_n which_o cebes_n the_o theban_a give_v we_o of_o the_o matter_n in_o his_o most_o excellent_a portraiture_n of_o humane_a life_n he_o feign_v 1689._o imposture_n sit_v in_o a_o throne_n at_o the_o gate_n of_o life_n in_o the_o shape_n of_o a_o most_o beautiful_a lady_n hold_v a_o cup_n in_o her_o hand_n she_o oblige_o present_v it_o to_o all_o that_o be_v on_o their_o journey_n to_o this_o world_n and_o these_o as_o civil_o accept_v it_o but_o the_o draught_n prove_v ignorance_n and_o error_n whence_o proceed_v all_o the_o disorder_n and_o misery_n of_o their_o life_n 26._o this_o point_n be_v a_o great_a mystery_n to_o these_o honest_a philosopher_n who_o have_v only_o fancy_n to_o guide_v they_o and_o can_v not_o pretend_v to_o instruction_n from_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n but_o the_o thing_n be_v now_o no_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o have_v the_o mind_n of_o 16._o christ._n we_o know_v that_o adam_n the_o first_o man_n become_v also_o the_o first_o sinner_n and_o mortal_a and_o that_o so_o the_o whole_a race_n propagate_v from_o he_o can_v be_v natural_o no_o better_o than_o he_o be_v by_o one_o man_n sin_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n and_o 12._o death_n by_o sin_n 27._o but_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v more_o particular_o call_v mystery_n because_o they_o be_v hide_v from_o god_n peculiar_a people_n under_o the_o mosaic_a oeconomy_n not_o that_o they_o know_v nothing_o concern_v they_o for_o the_o law_n have_v a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v but_o they_o 1._o be_v not_o clear_o and_o full_o reveal_v till_o the_o new_a testament_n time_n be_v veil_v before_o by_o various_a typical_a representation_n ceremony_n and_o figurative_a expression_n christ_n tell_v his_o disciple_n many_o prophet_n and_o king_n have_v desire_v to_o see_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o see_v and_o 24._o have_v not_o see_v they_o and_o to_o hear_v those_o thing_n which_o you_o hear_v and_o have_v not_o hear_v they_o paul_n say_v we_o use_v great_a plainness_n of_o speech_n and_o 13._o not_o as_o moses_n who_o put_v a_o veil_n over_o his_o face_n and_o then_o express_o add_v that_o this_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o 14._o christ_n which_o can_v not_o be_v true_o affirm_v be_v the_o thing_n reveal_v still_o inconceivable_a for_o i_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o not_o hear_v of_o a_o thing_n at_o all_o and_o not_o comprehend_v it_o when_o you_o do_v in_o another_o place_n paul_n have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n the_o preach_v of_o jesus_n christ_n according_a to_o the_o revelation_n 26._o of_o the_o mystery_n which_o be_v keep_v secret_a since_o the_o world_n begin_v but_o now_o be_v make_v manifest_a and_o by_o the_o scripture_n of_o the_o prophet_n according_a to_o the_o commandment_n of_o the_o everlasting_a god_n make_v know_a to_o all_o nation_n for_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n 28._o these_o passage_n alone_o sufficient_o prove_v the_o assertion_n contain_v in_o n_o o_fw-it 6_o and_o 7_o of_o this_o section_n viz._n first_o that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v certain_a thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n intelligible_a enough_o but_o call_v mystery_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o veil_n under_o which_o they_o be_v former_o hide_v second_o that_o under_o the_o gospel_n this_o veil_n be_v whole_o remove_v from_o which_o three_o follow_v the_o promise_a conclusion_n that_o such_o doctrine_n can_v now_o proper_o deserve_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n 29._o it_o be_v observable_a that_o the_o hot_a stickler_n for_o the_o father_n do_v cite_v their_o authority_n only_o where_o they_o think_v it_o make_v for_o they_o and_o slight_a or_o suppress_v it_o when_o not_o favourable_a to_o their_o cause_n lest_o it_o shall_v be_v malicious_o insinuate_v that_o i_o serve_v the_o holy_a scripture_n after_o the_o same_o manner_n i_o shall_v here_o transcribe_v all_o the_o passage_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n where_o the_o
but_o oftentimes_o whole_a society_n whilst_o they_o consider_v thing_n but_o very_o superficial_o set_v such_o a_o value_n upon_o certain_a sound_n as_o if_o they_o be_v the_o real_a essence_n of_o all_o religion_n to_o question_v or_o reject_v any_o of_o these_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o inconvenient_a be_v dangerous_a heterodoxy_n and_o yet_o as_o i_o hint_v now_o they_o either_o signify_v nothing_o or_o have_v be_v invent_v by_o some_o lead_a man_n to_o make_v plain_a thing_n obscure_a and_o not_o seldom_o to_o cover_v their_o own_o ignorance_n what_o be_v unpardonable_a the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v put_v to_o the_o torture_n to_o countenance_v this_o scholastic_a jargon_n and_o all_o the_o metaphysical_a chimaera_n of_o its_o author_n but_o the_o weakness_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o these_o prejudices_fw-la be_v so_o notorious_a that_o to_o mention_v they_o be_v sufficient_a confutation_n nor_o shall_v i_o be_v otherwise_o move_v with_o any_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n than_o a_o prudent_a man_n will_v be_v at_o the_o declamation_n of_o such_o as_o have_v recourse_n to_o rail_a when_o reason_n fail_v they_o as_o for_o those_o gentleman_n who_o suggest_v that_o the_o credulity_n of_o popery_n have_v fright_v i_o to_o a_o unwarrantable_a distance_n from_o it_o i_o have_v nothing_o to_o say_v for_o their_o satisfaction_n but_o that_o i_o do_v envy_v they_o the_o cheap_a anâ—…_n commodious_a mean_v they_o boast_v of_o while_o i_o think_v truth_n and_o error_n to_o be_v the_o two_o extreme_n religion_n be_v not_o to_o be_v model_v according_a to_o our_o fancy_n nor_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o our_o private_a design_n else_o there_o will_v be_v full_a as_o many_o creed_n as_o person_n but_o how_o little_a soever_o our_o notion_n agree_v and_o let_v our_o worldly_a convenience_n be_v what_o they_o will_v religion_n be_v always_o the_o same_o like_a god_n its_o author_n with_o who_o there_o be_v no_o variableness_n nor_o shadow_n of_o change_v if_o any_o shall_v ask_v i_o whether_o i_o have_v so_o good_a a_o opinion_n of_o my_o own_o ability_n as_o to_o imagine_v that_o i_o can_v prove_v a_o rational_a account_n may_v be_v give_v of_o all_o those_o jar_a doctrine_n ambiguous_a term_n and_o puzzle_v distinction_n which_o have_v for_o so_o many_o century_n sufficient_o exercise_v the_o learned_a of_o all_o sort_n i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v pretend_v as_o the_o title_n page_z can_v testify_v that_o we_o be_v able_a to_o explain_v the_o term_n or_o doctrine_n of_o this_o or_o that_o age_n council_n or_o nation_n most_o of_o which_o be_v impervious_a mystery_n with_o a_o witness_n but_o the_o term_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n they_o be_v not_o the_o article_n of_o the_o east_n or_o west_n orthodox_n or_o arian_n protestant_n or_o papist_n consider_v as_o such_o that_o i_o trouble_v myself_o about_o but_o those_o of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o in_o manage_v this_o argument_n with_o every_o other_o good_a action_n i_o do_v mere_o rely_v upon_o my_o own_o poor_a attainment_n but_o also_o upon_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n who_o i_o hope_v will_v enable_v i_o to_o vindicate_v his_o reveal_v will_v from_o the_o most_o unjust_a imputation_n of_o contradiction_n and_o obscurity_n i_o may_v probable_o differ_v in_o many_o tbing_n from_o person_n deserveâ—…ly_o eminent_a for_o their_o learning_n and_o piety_n but_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o advantage_n against_o i_o if_o truth_n be_v evident_o for_o i_o since_o religion_n be_v calculate_v for_o reasonable_a creature_n it_o be_v conviction_n and_o not_o authority_n that_o shall_v bear_v weight_n with_o they_o a_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n will_v judge_n of_o the_o merit_n of_o a_o cause_n consider_v only_o in_o itself_o without_o any_o regard_n to_o time_n place_n or_o person_n no_o number_n no_o example_n no_o interest_n can_v ever_o bias_n his_o solid_a judgement_n or_o corrupt_v his_o integrity_n he_o know_v no_o difference_n between_o popish_a infallibility_n and_o be_v oblige_v blind_o to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o fallible_a protestant_n and_o for_o my_o own_o part_n as_o i_o will_v have_v none_o by_o false_a or_o unfair_a consequence_n make_v i_o say_v what_o i_o never_o think_v of_o so_o i_o will_v not_o be_v tell_v i_o contradict_v any_o thing_n but_o scripture_n or_o reason_n which_o i_o be_o sure_a agree_v very_o well_o together_o nor_o can_v it_o appear_v strange_a that_o i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o these_o term_n since_o i_o most_o ready_o submit_v my_o slef_n to_o they_o and_o give_v all_o the_o world_n the_o same_o right_n over_o i_o i_o be_o not_o therefore_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o venerable_a name_n and_o pompous_a citation_n that_o have_v no_o value_n but_o such_o as_o a_o ugly_a rust_n and_o colour_n give_v ancient_a coin_n god_n alone_o and_o such_o as_o be_v inâ—…pired_v by_o he_o can_v prescribe_v injunction_n relate_v to_o the_o world_n to_o come_v whilst_o human_a power_n regulate_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o now_o to_o speak_v more_o particular_o concern_v the_o follow_a performance_n i_o do_v expect_v any_o deference_n shall_v be_v pay_v i_o by_o the_o world_n that_o spare_v no_o body_n much_o less_o be_o i_o desirous_a of_o abettor_n out_o of_o singularity_n but_o rather_o if_o the_o reason_n i_o offer_v be_v not_o cogent_a i_o shall_v take_v in_o good_a part_n a_o modest_a and_o pertinent_a animadversion_n and_o if_o i_o be_o not_o so_o happy_a in_o render_v thing_n perspicuous_a to_o other_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o myself_o yet_o i_o have_v fair_o aim_v at_o it_o and_o speak_v what_o i_o think_v to_o be_v truth_n without_o fear_n or_o favour_n wherefore_o my_o good_a intention_n will_v need_v no_o other_o apology_n some_o passage_n in_o the_o first_o section_n or_o preliminary_n dissertation_n of_o reason_n which_o in_o the_o former_a edition_n i_o suspect_v will_v prove_v a_o little_a obscure_a to_o ordinary_a reader_n be_v now_o render_v more_o familiar_a and_o though_o i_o then_o declare_v that_o the_o understanding_n of_o those_o passage_n be_v of_o no_o consequence_n to_o any_o that_o will_v reason_v fair_o be_v only_o insert_v to_o prevent_v the_o foresee_a wrangling_n of_o certain_a man_n who_o study_n rather_o to_o protract_v and_o perplex_v than_o to_o terminate_v a_o controversy_n yet_o i_o can_v not_o but_o ready_o comply_v at_o this_o time_n with_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o who_o wish_v they_o more_o clear_o express_v though_o it_o shall_v cost_v i_o a_o few_o word_n more_o whereof_o i_o shall_v always_o be_v as_o spare_v as_o i_o can_v i_o have_v likewise_o every_o where_o else_o endeavour_v to_o speak_v very_o intelligible_o and_o be_o not_o without_o hope_n that_o my_o assertion_n do_v carry_v their_o own_o light_n along_o with_o they_o i_o have_v in_o many_o place_n make_v explanatory_a repetition_n of_o difficult_a word_n by_o synonymous_a term_n of_o a_o more_o general_a and_o know_v use._n this_o labour_n i_o grant_v be_v of_o no_o benefit_n to_o philosopher_n but_o it_o be_v of_o considerable_a advantage_n to_o the_o vulgar_a which_o i_o be_o far_a from_o neglect_v like_o those_o who_o in_o every_o preface_n tell_v we_o they_o neither_o court_v nor_o care_n for_o they_o i_o wonder_v how_o any_o can_v speak_v at_o this_o rate_n especial_o of_o those_o who_o very_a business_n it_o be_v to_o serve_v the_o vulgar_a and_o spare_v they_o the_o labour_n of_o long_a and_o painful_a study_n which_o their_o ordinary_a occupation_n will_v not_o allow_v they_o layman_n pay_v for_o the_o book_n and_o maintenance_n of_o churchman_n for_o this_o very_a end_n but_o i_o be_o afraid_a some_o of_o the_o latter_a will_v no_o more_o believe_v this_o than_o that_o magistrate_n too_o be_v make_v for_o the_o people_n nor_o can_v any_o from_o this_o office_n of_o the_o clergy_n infer_v that_o the_o vulgar_a be_v implicit_o to_o receive_v their_o arbitrary_a dictate_v no_o more_o than_o i_o be_o to_o make_v over_o my_o reason_n to_o he_o i_o employ_v to_o read_v transcribe_v or_o collect_v for_o i_o the_o learned_a will_v not_o contrary_a to_o the_o experience_n of_o their_o own_o taste_n take_v the_o brewer_n or_o the_o baker_n word_n for_o the_o goodness_n of_o bread_n or_o drink_n though_o gâ—…orant_a of_o their_o craft_n and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o vulgar_a likewise_o be_v judge_n of_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o thing_n though_o they_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o tongue_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v translate_v for_o their_o use_n truth_n be_v always_o and_o every_o where_o the_o same_o and_o a_o unintelligible_a or_o absurd_a proposition_n be_v to_o be_v never_o the_o more_o respect_v for_o be_v ancient_a or_o strange_a for_o be_v original_o write_v in_o latin_a greek_a or_o hebrew_n beside_o a_o divinity_n only_o intelligible_a to_o such_o as_o live_v
for_o divine_a revelation_n this_o infallible_a rule_n or_o ground_n of_o all_o right_a persuasion_n be_v evidence_n and_o it_o consist_v in_o the_o exact_a conformity_n of_o our_o idea_n or_o thought_n with_o their_o object_n or_o the_o thing_n we_o think_v upon_o for_o as_o we_o have_v only_a idea_n in_o we_o and_o not_o the_o thing_n themselves_o it_o be_v by_o those_o we_o must_v form_v a_o judgement_n of_o these_o 14._o idea_n therefore_o be_v representative_a being_n their_o evidence_n natural_o consist_v in_o the_o property_n they_o have_v of_o true_o represent_v their_o object_n not_o that_o i_o think_v every_o idea_n have_v a_o perfect_a pattern_n to_o represent_v as_o the_o idea_n of_o length_n and_o motion_n in_o my_o mind_n be_v like_o the_o length_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o pen_n i_o handle_v for_o some_o idea_n be_v but_o the_o result_n of_o certain_a power_n in_o the_o particle_n of_o body_n to_o occasion_n particular_a sensation_n in_o we_o as_o the_o sweetness_n of_o sugar_n and_o the_o cold_a of_o ice_n be_v no_o more_o inherent_a in_o they_o than_o pain_n in_o the_o knife_n that_o cut_v i_o or_o sickness_n in_o the_o fruit_n that_o surfeit_v i_o but_o though_o such_o occasional_a idea_n have_v no_o existence_n out_o of_o our_o imagination_n yet_o the_o pleasure_n pain_n and_o other_o quality_n they_o excite_v show_v we_o the_o good_a or_o harm_n their_o subject_n may_v do_v we_o which_o render_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o useful_a as_o that_o of_o the_o property_n which_o real_o exist_v in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o without_o the_o heat_n and_o light_n of_o fire_n what_o shall_v its_o figure_n and_o quantity_n serve_v for_o and_o what_o set_v a_o price_n upon_o ambergris_n but_o the_o perfume_n the_o reason_n then_o why_o i_o believe_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o rose_n to_o be_v evident_a be_v the_o true_a representation_n it_o give_v i_o of_o that_o flower_n i_o know_v it_o be_v true_a because_o the_o rose_n must_v contain_v all_o the_o property_n which_o its_o idea_n exhibit_n either_o real_o as_o the_o bulk_n and_o form_n or_o occasional_o as_o the_o colour_n taste_v and_o smell_n and_o i_o can_v doubt_v of_o this_o because_o the_o property_n must_v belong_v to_o the_o exemplary_a cause_n or_o to_o nothing_o or_o be_v the_o figment_n of_o my_o own_o brain_n but_o nothing_o can_v have_v no_o property_n and_o i_o can_v make_v one_o single_a idea_n at_o my_o pleasure_n nor_o avoid_v receive_v idea_n when_o object_n work_v on_o my_o sense_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v the_o property_n of_o the_o rose_n be_v not_o the_o creature_n of_o my_o fancy_n but_o belong_v to_o the_o exemplary_a cause_n that_o be_v the_o object_n 15._o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v infallible_a as_o that_o of_o our_o own_o be_v and_o â—…f_o by_o any_o impossibility_n we_o shall_v call_v the_o latter_a in_o question_n it_o will_v not_o serve_v to_o give_v we_o the_o great_a assurance_n of_o it_o for_o beside_o the_o unavoidable_a supposition_n of_o our_o existence_n in_o this_o very_a proposition_n i_o doubt_v if_o i_o be_o so_o it_o be_v clear_a that_o whatever_o doubt_n must_v needs_o be_v as_o much_o something_o as_o what_o affirm_v and_o this_o something_o i_o call_v myself_o let_v we_o now_o but_o strict_o require_v this_o evidence_n in_o all_o the_o agreement_n and_o disagreement_n of_o our_o idea_n in_o thing_n mere_o speculative_a and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v in_o matter_n of_o common_a practice_n for_o these_o must_v of_o necessity_n sometime_o admit_v probability_n to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o demonstration_n and_o we_o may_v without_o a_o lazy_a reliance_n upon_o authority_n or_o a_o sceptical_a progress_n to_o infinity_o successful_o trace_v the_o truth_n and_o bring_v it_o to_o view_v the_o light_n from_o those_o subterraneous_a cavern_n where_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o lie_v conceal_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o err_v as_o long_o as_o we_o take_v evidence_n for_o our_o guide_n and_o we_o never_o mistake_v but_o when_o we_o wander_v from_o it_o by_o abuse_v our_o liberty_n in_o deny_v that_o of_o any_o thing_n which_o belong_v to_o it_o or_o attribute_v to_o it_o what_o we_o do_v not_o see_v in_o its_o idea_n this_o be_v the_o primary_n and_o universal_a origin_n of_o all_o our_o error_n 16._o but_o god_n the_o wife_n creator_n of_o all_o ever_o to_o be_v name_v and_o think_v upon_o with_o reverence_n who_o have_v enable_v we_o to_o perceive_v thing_n and_o form_n judgement_n of_o they_o have_v also_o endue_v we_o with_o the_o power_n of_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n about_o whatever_o be_v uncertain_a and_o of_o never_o assent_v but_o to_o clear_a perception_n he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o put_v we_o upon_o any_o necessity_n of_o err_a that_o as_o he_o have_v thus_o privilege_v we_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n with_o a_o faculty_n of_o guard_v ourselves_o against_o prepossession_n or_o precipitation_n by_o place_v our_o liberty_n only_o in_o what_o be_v indifferent_a or_o dubious_a and_o obscure_a so_o he_o provide_v on_o the_o other_o hand_n that_o we_o shall_v discern_v and_o embrace_v the_o truth_n by_o take_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o dissent_v from_o a_o evident_a proposition_n we_o must_v necessary_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a the_o same_o thing_n shall_v be_v and_o not_o be_v at_o once_o nor_o can_v all_o the_o world_n persuade_v we_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o but_o we_o need_v not_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v no_o void_a in_o nature_n or_o that_o the_o earth_n absolve_v a_o annual_a course_n about_o the_o sun_n till_o we_o get_v demonstration_n to_o that_o effect_n 17._o if_o people_n precipitate_v their_o assent_n either_o because_o they_o find_v the_o search_n of_o truth_n attend_v with_o more_o difficulty_n than_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o run_v through_o or_o because_o they_o will_v not_o seem_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o anything_o this_o be_v their_o fault_n wherefore_o let_v we_o attribute_v all_o our_o false_a notion_n to_o our_o own_o anticipation_n and_o inattention_n let_v we_o confess_v our_o destruction_n to_o be_v of_o ourselves_o and_o cheerful_o 1._o thank_v our_o kind_a disposer_n who_o have_v put_v we_o under_o a_o law_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n and_o true_o if_o we_o may_v doubt_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v clear_a or_o be_v deceive_v by_o distinct_a conception_n there_o can_v be_v nothing_o certain_a neither_o conscience_n nor_o god_n himself_o shall_v be_v regard_v no_o society_n or_o government_n can_v subsist_v but_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o if_o we_o can_v not_o suspend_v our_o assent_n to_o dubious_a or_o obscure_a proposition_n almighty_a goodness_n which_o be_v impossible_a shall_v be_v the_o real_a cause_n of_o all_o our_o error_n 18._o if_o it_o shall_v be_v ask_v why_o assent_n be_v deny_v to_o true_a proposition_n since_o evidence_n necessary_o require_v it_o i_o answer_v it_o be_v because_o they_o be_v not_o make_v evident_a for_o perspicuity_n and_o obscurity_n be_v relative_a term_n and_o what_o be_v either_o to_o i_o may_v be_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o another_o if_o thing_n be_v deliver_v in_o word_n not_o understand_v by_o the_o hearer_n nor_o demonstrate_v to_o agree_v with_o other_o truth_n already_o very_o clear_a or_o now_o so_o make_v to_o he_o he_o can_v conceive'em_v likewise_o if_o the_o order_n of_o nature_n and_o due_a simplicity_n be_v not_o observe_v he_o can_v see_v they_o evident_o true_a or_o false_a and_o so_o suspend_v his_o judgement_n if_o no_o affection_n sway_v he_o where_o another_o it_o may_v be_v receive_v perfect_a satisfaction_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o we_o frequent_o with_o indignation_n and_o wonder_n attribute_v that_o to_o the_o stupidity_n and_o obstinacy_n of_o other_o which_o be_v the_o fruit_n of_o our_o own_o confuse_a ratiocination_n sore_a want_n of_o have_v thorough_o digest_v our_o thought_n or_o by_o affect_v ambiguous_a expression_n and_o use_v such_o as_o the_o other_o have_v no_o idea_n to_o at_o all_o or_o different_a one_o from_o we_o sect_n ii_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n 1._o after_o have_v say_v so_o much_o of_o reason_n i_o need_v not_o operose_o show_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o i_o take_v it_o to_o be_v very_o intelligible_a from_o the_o precedent_a section_n that_o what_o be_v evident_o repugnant_a to_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n or_o to_o our_o common_a notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o go_v on_o therefore_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n can_v be_v so_o but_o if_o it_o be_v object_v that_o very_o few_o maintain_v they_o be_v i_o reply_v that_o no_o christian_a i_o know_v of_o
way_n contradict_v how_o shall_v we_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o infallibility_n of_o the_o other_o reason_n may_v err_v in_o this_o point_n as_o well_o as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o and_o we_o have_v no_o particular_a promise_n it_o shall_v not_o no_o more_o than_o the_o papist_n that_o their_o sense_n may_v not_o deceive_v they_o in_o every_o thing_n as_o well_o as_o in_o transubstantiation_n to_o say_v it_o bear_v witness_v to_o itself_o be_v equal_o to_o establish_v the_o alcoran_n or_o the_o poran_n and_o it_o be_v a_o notable_a argument_n to_o tell_v a_o heathen_a that_o the_o church_n have_v declare_v it_o when_o all_o society_n will_v say_v as_o much_o for_o themselves_o if_o we_o take_v their_o word_n for_o it_o beside_o it_o may_v be_v he_o will_v ask_v whence_o the_o church_n have_v authority_n to_o decide_v this_o matter_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v answer_v from_o the_o scripture_n a_o thousand_o to_o one_o but_o he_o will_v divert_v himself_o with_o this_o circle_n you_o must_v believe_v that_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_a because_o the_o church_n have_v so_o determine_v it_o and_o the_o church_n have_v this_o decide_n authority_n from_o the_o scripture_n it_o be_v doubt_v if_o this_o power_n of_o the_o church_n can_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o passage_n allege_v to_o that_o purpose_n but_o the_o church_n itself_o a_o party_n concern_v affirm_v it_o heyday_o be_v not_o these_o eternal_a round_n very_o exquisite_a invention_n to_o giddy_a and_o entangle_v the_o unthinking_a and_o the_o weak_a 7._o but_o if_o we_o believe_v the_o scripture_n to_o be_v divine_a not_o upon_o its_o own_o bare_a assertion_n but_o from_o a_o real_a testimony_n consist_v in_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v therein_o from_o undoubted_a effect_n and_o not_o from_o word_n and_o letter_n what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prove_v it_o by_o reason_n it_o have_v in_o itself_o i_o grant_v the_o bright_a character_n of_o divinity_n but_o it_o be_v reason_n find_v 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privilege_n above_o the_o mad_a enthusiast_n or_o the_o devil_n himself_o at_o this_o rate_n 8._o but_o a_o veneration_n for_o the_o very_a word_n of_o god_n will_v be_v pretend_v this_o we_o be_v please_v with_o for_o we_o know_v that_o god_n be_v not_o a_o man_n that_o he_o shall_v lie_v 19_o but_o the_o question_n be_v not_o about_o the_o word_n but_o their_o sense_n which_o must_v be_v ever_o worthy_a of_o their_o author_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o genius_n of_o all_o speech_n figurative_o interpret_v when_o occasion_n require_v it_o otherwise_o under_o pretence_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o high_a folly_n and_o blasphemy_n may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o letter_n of_o scripture_n as_o that_o god_n be_v subject_a to_o passion_n be_v the_o author_n of_o sin_n that_o christ_n be_v a_o rock_n be_v actual_o guilty_a of_o and_o defile_v with_o our_o transgression_n that_o we_o be_v worm_n or_o sheep_n and_o no_o men._n and_o if_o a_o figure_n be_v admit_v in_o these_o passage_n why_o not_o i_o pray_v in_o all_o expression_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n when_o there_o appear_v a_o equal_a necessity_n for_o it_o 9_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v why_o i_o have_v so_o long_o insist_v upon_o this_o article_n since_o that_o none_o express_o make_v scripture_n and_o reason_n contradictory_n be_v acknowledge_v before_o but_o in_o the_o same_o place_n mention_n be_v make_v of_o some_o who_o hold_v that_o they_o may_v seem_v direct_o to_o clash_v and_o that_o though_o we_o can_v reconcile_v they_o together_o yet_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o acquiesce_v in_o the_o decision_n of_o the_o former_a a_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o and_o our_o respect_n for_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o require_v we_o to_o grant_v any_o such_o in_o it_o but_o rather_o to_o conclude_v that_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o right_n mean_v when_o a_o difficulty_n occur_v and_o so_o to_o suspend_v our_o judgement_n concern_v it_o till_o with_o suitable_a help_n and_o industry_n we_o discover_v the_o truth_n as_o for_o acquiesce_v in_o what_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o or_o can_v reconcile_v to_o his_o reason_n they_o know_v best_a the_o fruit_n of_o it_o that_o practise_v it_o for_o my_o part_n i_o be_o a_o stranger_n to_o it_o and_o can_v reconcile_v myself_o to_o such_o a_o principle_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o be_o pretty_a sure_a he_o pretend_v in_o vain_a to_o convince_v the_o judgement_n who_o explain_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v give_v his_o verbal_a assent_n to_o he_o know_v not_o what_o out_o of_o fear_n superstition_n indifference_n interest_n and_o the_o like_a feeble_a and_o unfair_a motive_n but_o as_o long_o as_o he_o conceive_v not_o what_o he_o believe_v he_o can_v sincere_o acquiesce_v in_o it_o and_o remain_v deprive_v of_o all_o solid_a satisfaction_n he_o be_v constant_o perplex_v with_o scruple_n not_o to_o be_v remove_v by_o his_o implicit_a faith_n and_o so_o be_v ready_a to_o be_v shake_v and_o carry_v away_o with_o every_o wind_n 14._o of_o doctrine_n i_o will_v believe_v because_o i_o will_v believe_v that_o be_v because_o i_o be_o in_o the_o humour_n so_o to_o do_v be_v the_o top_n of_o his_o apology_n such_o be_v unreasonable_a man_n walk_v after_o the_o vanity_n of_o their_o mind_n have_v their_o understanding_n darken_v 18._o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n through_o the_o ignorance_n that_o be_v in_o they_o because_o of_o the_o hardness_n of_o their_o heart_n but_o he_o that_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v as_o sure_a of_o it_o as_o if_o he_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n he_o can_v never_o be_v bring_v to_o suspect_v his_o profession_n and_o if_o he_o be_v honest_a will_v always_o render_v a_o pertinent_a account_n of_o it_o to_o other_o 10._o the_o natural_a result_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v that_o to_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o scripture_n or_o the_o sense_n of_o any_o passage_n thereof_o without_o rational_a proof_n and_o a_o evident_a consistency_n be_v a_o unblamable_a credulity_n and_o a_o temerarious_a opinion_n ordinary_o ground_v upon_o a_o ignorant_a and_o wilful_a disposition_n but_o more_o general_o maintain_v out_o of_o a_o gainful_a prospect_n for_o we_o frequent_o embrace_v certain_a doctrine_n not_o from_o any_o convince_a evidence_n in_o they_o but_o because_o they_o serve_v our_o design_n better_a than_o the_o truth_n and_o because_o other_o contradiction_n we_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o quit_v be_v better_o defend_v by_o their_o mean_n chap._n ii_o of_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n as_o it_o regard_v this_o controversy_n 11._o against_o all_o that_o we_o have_v be_v establish_v in_o this_o section_n the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n will_v be_v allege_v with_o great_a show_n as_o if_o without_o a_o right_n of_o silence_v or_o extingu_n sh_v reason_n it_o be_v altogether_o useless_a and_o impertinent_a but_o if_o the_o distinction_n i_o make_v in_o the_o precedent_a section_n n._n 9_o be_v well_o consider_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o present_a objection_n will_v quick_o appear_v and_o this_o controversy_n be_v better_a understand_v hereaster_n there_o i_o say_v revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n we_o shall_v not_o confound_v the_o way_n whereby_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o the_o ground_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v it_o a_o man_n may_v inform_v i_o concern_v a_o thousand_o matter_n i_o never_o hear_v of_o before_o and_o of_o which_o i_o shall_v not_o as_o much_o as_o think_v if_o i_o be_v not_o tell_v yet_o i_o believe_v nothing_o pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o not_o the_o bare_a authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v but_o the_o clear_a conception_n i_o form_n of_o what_o he_o
say_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n 12._o if_o the_o sincere_a person_n on_o earth_n shall_v assure_v i_o he_o see_v a_o cane_n without_o two_o end_n i_o neither_o shall_v nor_o can_v believe_v he_o because_o this_o relation_n plain_o contradict_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o cane_n but_o if_o he_o tell_v i_o he_o see_v a_o staff_n that_o be_v by_o chance_n lay_v in_o the_o earth_n do_v after_o some_o time_n put_v forth_o sprig_n and_o branch_n i_o can_v easy_o rely_v upon_o his_o veracity_n because_o this_o no_o way_n contradict_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o staff_n nor_o transcend_v possibility_n 13._o i_o say_v possibility_n for_o omnipotency_n itself_o can_v do_v no_o more_o they_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o and_o other_o who_o require_v assent_v to_o thing_n contradictory_n because_o god_n say_v they_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v limit_v of_o his_o power_n to_o affirm_v the_o contrary_n very_o good_a we_o hearty_o believe_v god_n can_v do_v all_o thing_n but_o that_o mere_a nothing_o shall_v be_v the_o object_n of_o his_o power_n the_o very_a omnipotency_n allege_v will_v not_o permit_v we_o to_o conceive_v and_o that_o every_o contradiction_n which_o be_v a_o synonym_n for_o impossibility_n be_v pure_a nothing_o we_o have_v already_o sufficient_o demonstrate_v to_o say_v for_o example_n that_o a_o thing_n be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v be_v round_o and_o square_a at_o once_o be_v to_o say_v nothing_o for_o these_o idea_n destroy_v one_o another_o and_o can_v subsist_v together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a but_o when_o we_o clear_o perceive_v a_o perfect_a agreement_n and_o connection_n between_o the_o term_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o then_o conclude_v it_o possible_a because_o intelligible_a so_o i_o understand_v god_n may_v render_v immediate_o solid_a what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o fluid_a make_v present_a being_n cease_v to_o exist_v or_o change_v their_o form_n and_o call_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o as_o though_o they_o be_v 17._o when_o we_o say_v then_o that_o nothing_o be_v impossible_a with_o god_n or_o that_o he_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n we_o mean_v whatever_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o however_o far_o above_o the_o power_n of_o creature_n to_o effect_v 14._o now_o such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o though_o it_o may_v be_v conceive_v possible_a enough_o yet_o he_o only_o can_v with_o assurance_n assert_v its_o existence_n who_o be_v himself_o the_o author_n or_o by_o some_o mean_n of_o information_n come_v first_o to_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o it_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o island_n as_o jamaica_n no_o european_n can_v ever_o reasonable_o deny_v and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v precise_o situate_v in_o such_o a_o latitude_n be_v water_v with_o those_o river_n clothe_v with_o these_o wood_n bear_v this_o grain_n produce_v that_o plant_n no_o englishman_n before_o the_o discovery_n of_o america_n can_v positive_o affirm_v 15._o thus_o god_n be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n several_a wonderful_a matter_n of_o fact_n as_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n the_o last_o judgement_n and_o many_o other_o important_a truth_n which_o no_o man_n leave_v to_o himself_o can_v ever_o imagine_v no_o more_o than_o any_o of_o my_o fellow-creature_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o my_o private_a thought_n for_o who_o know_v the_o thing_n of_o a_o man_n two_o save_o the_o spirit_n of_o a_o man_n that_o be_v in_o he_o even_o so_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n know_v none_o but_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n but_o as_o secret_a thing_n belong_v unto_o the_o lord_n so_o those_o thing_n 29._o which_o be_v reveal_v belong_v unto_o we_o and_o to_o our_o child_n yet_o as_o we_o discourse_v before_o we_o do_v not_o receive_v they_o only_o because_o they_o be_v reveal_v for_o beside_o the_o infallible_a testimony_n of_o the_o revelation_n from_o all_o requisite_a circumstance_n we_o must_v see_v in_o its_o subject_a the_o indisputable_a character_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n and_o sound_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o only_a mark_n we_o have_v to_o distingâ—…ish_v the_o oracle_n and_o will_n of_o god_n from_o the_o imposture_n and_o tradition_n of_o men._n 16._o whoever_o reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v whoever_o tell_v we_o something_o we_o do_v not_o know_v before_o his_o word_n must_v be_v intelligible_a and_o the_o matter_n possible_a this_o rule_n hold_v good_a let_v god_n or_o man_n be_v the_o revealer_n if_o we_o count_v that_o person_n a_o fool_n who_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o what_o be_v manifest_o incredible_a how_o dare_v we_o blasphemous_o attribute_v to_o the_o most_o perfect_a be_v what_o be_v a_o acknowledge_a defect_n in_o one_o of_o ourselves_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 for_o the_o conceive_a idea_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o believe_v deny_v approve_v and_o every_o other_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n therefore_o all_o matter_n reveal_v by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a so_o far_o both_o revelation_n agree_v but_o in_o this_o they_o differ_v that_o though_o the_o revelation_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v thus_o qualify_v yet_o he_o may_v impose_v upon_o i_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n whereas_o what_o god_n be_v please_v to_o discover_v to_o i_o be_v not_o only_o clear_a to_o my_o reason_n without_o which_o his_o revelation_n can_v make_v i_o no_o wise_a but_o likewise_o it_o be_v always_o true_a a_o man_n for_o example_n acquaint_v i_o that_o he_o have_v find_v a_o treasure_n this_o be_v plain_a and_o possible_a but_o he_o may_v easy_o deceive_v i_o god_n assure_v i_o that_o he_o have_v form_v man_n of_o earth_n this_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a to_o god_n and_o to_o i_o very_o intelligible_a but_o the_o thing_n be_v also_o most_o certain_a god_n not_o be_v capable_a to_o deceive_v i_o as_o man_n be_v we_o be_v then_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n from_o god_n as_o from_o man_n though_o more_o of_o certitude_n from_o the_o first_o than_o the_o last_o 17._o this_o reason_n persuade_v and_o the_o scripture_n express_o speakit_v those_o prophet_n or_o dreamer_n be_v to_o be_v stone_v 3._o to_o death_n that_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o seduce_v the_o people_n from_o the_o worship_n of_o one_o god_n to_o go_n polytheism_n though_o they_o shall_v confirm_v their_o doctrine_n by_o sign_n and_o wonder_n and_o though_o a_o prophet_n speak_v in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n yet_o if_o the_o thing_n prophesy_v do_v not_o come_v to_o pass_v it_o be_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a sign_n he_o speak_v presumptuous_o of_o himself_o and_o not_o of_o god_n it_o 22._o be_v reveal_v to_o the_o prophet_n jeremy_n in_o prison_n that_o his_o uncle_n son_n will_v sell_v his_o field_n to_o he_o but_o he_o do_v not_o conclude_v 8_o it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o the_o lord_n till_o his_o kinsman_n actual_o come_v to_o strike_v the_o bargain_n with_o he_o the_o virgin_n mary_n though_o of_o that_o sex_n that_o be_v least_o proof_n against_o flattery_n and_o superstition_n do_v not_o implicit_o believe_v she_o shall_v bear_v a_o child_n that_o be_v to_o be_v call_v the_o son_n of_o the_o 35._o most_o high_a and_o of_o who_o kingdom_n there_o shall_v be_v no_o end_n till_o the_o angel_n give_v she_o a_o satisfactory_a answer_n to_o the_o strong_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v make_v nor_o do_v she_o then_o conclude_v so_o unlike_o be_v she_o to_o her_o present_a worshipper_n it_o shall_v unavoidable_o come_v to_o pass_v but_o humble_o acknowledge_v the_o possibility_n and_o her_o own_o unworthiness_n she_o quiet_o 38._o wish_v and_o expect_v the_o event_n 18._o in_o how_o many_o place_n be_v we_o exhort_v to_o beware_v of_o false_a prophet_n and_o 1._o teacher_n seducer_n and_o deceiver_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o prove_v or_o try_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o 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work_n i_o do_v whether_o they_o be_v such_o as_o become_v god_n and_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o if_o they_o be_v then_o conclude_v and_o believe_v that_o i_o be_o he_o etc._n etc._n in_o effect_n several_a of_o the_o people_n say_v that_o christ_n when_o he_o shall_v come_v 31._o can_v do_v no_o great_a wonder_n and_o many_o of_o the_o jew_n believe_v when_o they_o see_v the_o 23._o miracle_n which_o he_o do_v 21._o how_o shall_v we_o escape_v say_v the_o apostle_n 4._o if_o we_o neglect_v so_o great_a a_o salvation_n which_o at_o the_o first_o begin_v to_o be_v speak_v by_o the_o lord_n and_o be_v confirm_v unto_o we_o by_o they_o that_o hear_v he_o god_n also_o bear_v they_o witness_n with_o divers_a miracle_n and_o gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n according_a to_o his_o own_o will_n those_o who_o hear_v christ_n the_o author_n of_o our_o religion_n speak_v and_o see_v the_o wonder_n which_o he_o wrought_v renounce_v all_o the_o hide_a thing_n of_o dishonesty_n all_o craftiness_n and_o deceitful_a handle_n of_o the_o 2._o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o manifest_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o commend_v themselves_o to_o every_o man_n conscience_n that_o be_v they_o appeal_v to_o every_o man_n reason_n in_o the_o sight_n of_o god_n peter_n exhort_v christian_n to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o one_o that_o ask_v they_o a_o 15._o reason_n of_o their_o hope_n now_o to_o what_o purpose_n serve_v all_o these_o miracle_n all_o these_o appeal_n if_o no_o regard_n be_v to_o be_v have_v of_o man_n understanding_n if_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n be_v incomprehensible_a contradictory_n or_o be_v we_o oblige_v to_o believe_v reveal_v non-jense_a now_o if_o these_o miracle_n be_v true_a christianity_n must_v consequent_o be_v intelligible_a and_o if_o false_a which_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o grant_v they_o can_v be_v then_o no_o argument_n against_o we_o 22._o but_o to_o insist_v no_o long_o upon_o such_o passage_n all_o man_n will_v own_v the_o verity_n i_o defend_v if_o they_o read_v the_o sacred_a write_n with_o that_o equity_n and_o attention_n that_o be_v due_a to_o mere_a humane_a work_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o different_a rule_n to_o be_v follow_v in_o the_o interpretation_n of_o scripture_n from_o what_o be_v common_a to_o all_o other_o book_n whatever_o unprejudiced_a person_n shall_v use_v those_o mean_n will_v find_v they_o notorious_a deceiver_n or_o much_o deceive_v themselves_o who_o maintain_v the_o new_a testament_n be_v write_v without_o any_o order_n or_o certain_a scope_n but_o just_a as_o matter_n come_v into_o the_o apostle_n head_n whether_o transport_v with_o enthusiastic_a fit_n as_o some_o will_v have_v it_o or_o according_a to_o other_o for_o lack_v of_o good_a sense_n and_o a_o liberal_a education_n i_o think_v i_o may_v just_o say_v that_o they_o be_v stranger_n to_o true_a method_n who_o complain_v of_o this_o confusion_n and_o disorder_n but_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o case_n depend_v not_o upon_o generality_n though_o whenever_o it_o be_v prove_v i_o will_v not_o promise_v that_o every_o one_o shall_v find_v a_o justification_n of_o the_o particular_a method_n he_o be_v teach_v or_o he_o have_v choose_v to_o follow_v to_o defend_v any_o party_n be_v not_o my_o business_n but_o to_o discover_v the_o truth_n 23._o the_o facility_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v not_o confine_v only_o to_o method_n for_o the_o style_n be_v also_o most_o easy_a most_o natural_a and_o in_o the_o common_a dialect_n of_o those_o to_o who_o it_o be_v immediate_o consign_v shall_v any_o preach_v in_o xenophon_n strain_n to_o the_o present_a greek_n or_o in_o correct_v english_a to_o the_o countrypeople_n in_o scotland_n it_o will_v cost_v they_o much_o more_o time_n and_o pain_n to_o learn_v the_o very_a word_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n denote_v by_o they_o of_o old_a as_o well_o as_o in_o our_o time_n the_o jew_n understand_v hebrew_a worse_n than_o the_o 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kindred_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n the_o only_a remain_a text_n be_v in_o chap._n 10._o 5_o 6_o 7._o and_o the_o angel_n which_o i_o see_v stand_v upon_o the_o sea_n and_o upon_o the_o earth_n lift_v up_o his_o hand_n to_o heaven_n and_o swear_v by_o he_o that_o live_v for_o ever_o and_o ever_o who_o create_v heaven_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o earth_n and_o the_o thing_n that_o therein_o be_v and_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v therein_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v time_n no_o long_o but_o that_o in_o the_o day_n of_o the_o voice_n of_o the_o seven_o angel_n when_o he_o shall_v begin_v to_o sound_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v finish_v that_o be_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n figurative_o deliver_v in_o this_o prophecy_n concern_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v show_v above_o to_o signify_v the_o same_o with_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n shall_v have_v their_o final_a accomplishment_n and_o so_o end_v with_o this_o globe_n and_o all_o therein_o contain_v 35._o i_o appeal_v now_o to_o all_o equitable_a person_n whether_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o can_v read_v that_o mystery_n in_o the_o whole_a new_a testament_n be_v never_o put_v for_o any_o thing_n inconceivable_a in_o itself_o or_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a notion_n and_o faculty_n however_o clear_o reveal_v and_o whither_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o do_v not_o always_o signify_v some_o thing_n natural_o intelligible_a enough_o but_o either_o so_o veil_v by_o figurative_a word_n and_o rite_n or_o so_o lodge_v in_o god_n sole_a knowledge_n and_o decree_n that_o they_o can_v not_o be_v discover_v without_o special_a revelation_n whoever_o retain_v any_o real_a veneration_n for_o the_o scripture_n and_o sincere_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n must_v be_v ever_o conclude_v by_o its_o authority_n and_o render_v himself_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o prejudices_fw-la to_o its_o evidence_n he_o that_o say_v the_o gospel_n be_v his_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n and_o yet_o believe_v any_o thing_n not_o warrant_v by_o it_o he_o be_v a_o arrant_a hypocrite_n and_o do_v but_o sly_o bant_a all_o the_o world_n 36._o nor_o can_v a_o more_o favourable_a opinion_n be_v harbour_v of_o those_o who_o instead_o of_o submission_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o scripture_n and_o reason_n straight_o have_v recourse_n to_o such_o person_n as_o they_o special_o follow_v or_o admire_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v or_o refuse_v a_o opinion_n as_o these_o shall_v please_v to_o direct_v they_o pray_v doctor_n say_v one_o of_o his_o parishioner_n what_o think_v you_o of_o such_o a_o book_n it_o seem_v to_o make_v thing_n plain_a ah_o dear_a sir_n answer_v the_o doctor_n it_o be_v a_o very_a bad_a book_n he_o be_v a_o dangerous_a man_n that_o write_v it_o he_o be_v for_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o agree_v with_o his_o own_o purblind_a proud_a and_o carnal_a reason_n p._n say_v you_o so_o doctor_n then_o i_o be_o resolve_v to_o read_v no_o more_o of_o it_o for_o i_o hear_v you_o often_o preach_v against_o humane_a reason_n i_o be_o sorry_a true_o it_o shall_v unhappy_o fall_v into_o my_o hand_n but_o i_o will_v take_v care_n that_o none_o of_o our_o family_n set_v their_o eye_n upon_o it_o d._n you_o will_v do_v very_o well_o sir_n beside_o this_o book_n be_v still_o worse_o than_o i_o tell_v you_o for_o it_o destroy_v a_o great_a many_o point_n which_o we_o teach_v and_o shall_v this_o doctrine_n take_v which_o god_n forbid_v most_o of_o the_o good_a book_n you_o have_v at_o home_n and_o which_o cost_v you_o no_o less_o pain_n to_o read_v than_o money_n to_o purchase_v will_v signify_v not_o a_o straw_n and_o serve_v only_o for_o waste-paper_n to_o put_v under_o pie_n or_o for_o other_o mean_a uses_n p._n bless_v i_o good_a doctor_n i_o pray_v god_n forgive_v i_o read_v such_o a_o vile_a treatise_n he_o be_v a_o abominable_a man_n that_o can_v write_v it_o but_o what_o my_o book_n worth_a nothing_o say_v you_o dr._n h_n sermon_n and_o mr._n c_n discourse_n waste-paper_n i_o will_v never_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v the_o contrary_a lord_n why_o do_v you_o excommunicate_v the_o author_n and_o seize_v upon_o his_o book_n d._n ay_o sir_n time_n be_v but_o now_o it_o seem_v a_o man_n may_v believe_v according_a to_o his_o own_o sense_n and_o not_o as_o the_o church_n direct_v there_o be_v a_o toleration_n establish_v you_o know_v p._n that_o toleration_n doctor_n will_n d._n whist_o sir_n say_v no_o more_o of_o it_o i_o be_o as_o much_o concern_v as_o you_o can_v be_v but_o it_o be_v not_o safe_a nor_o expedient_a at_o this_o time_n of_o day_n to_o find_v fault_n 37._o there_o be_v other_o far_a from_o this_o simplicity_n but_o as_o firm_o resolve_v to_o stand_v fast_o by_o their_o old_a system_n when_o they_o tell_v we_o of_o mystery_n we_o must_v believe_v they_o and_o there_o be_v no_o remedy_n for_o it_o it_o be_v not_o the_o force_n of_o reason_v that_o 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their_o sentence_n when_o it_o suit_n not_o with_o their_o humour_n or_o interest_n 41._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v every_o where_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n that_o i_o have_v that_o the_o gentile_n have_v and_o which_o i_o have_v prove_v to_o be_v that_o of_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o 5_o book_n of_o his_o stromates_n which_o merit_v the_o perusal_n of_o all_o that_o be_v curious_a to_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o jewish_a and_o heathen_a mystery_n in_o that_o book_n i_o say_v he_o put_v the_o matter_n out_o of_o all_o doubt_n and_o quote_v several_a of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o i_o have_v already_o allege_v to_o this_o purpose_n nay_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 1688._o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n the_o master_n christ_n alone_o remove_v the_o cover_n of_o the_o ark_n that_o be_v the_o mosaic_a veil_n he_o add_v in_o express_a word_n 576._o that_o those_o thing_n 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this_o father_n affirm_v in_o his_o dialogue_n with_o tryphon_n the_o jew_n that_o the_o name_n of_o joshua_n be_v a_o mystery_n represent_v the_o name_n jesus_n and_o that_o the_o hold_v up_o of_o moses_n 11._o hand_n during_o the_o battle_n with_o the_o amalekite_n in_o rephidim_n be_v a_o type_n or_o mystery_n of_o christ_n cross_n whereby_o he_o overcome_v death_n as_o the_o israelite_n there_o do_v their_o enemy_n and_o then_o he_o add_v the_o follow_a remark_n 1636._o this_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v say_v he_o concern_v those_o two_o holy_a man_n and_o prophet_n of_o god_n that_o neither_o of_o they_o be_v able_a in_o his_o single_a person_n to_o carry_v both_o mystery_n i_o mean_v the_o type_n of_o his_o cross_n and_o that_o of_o be_v call_v by_o his_o name_n in_o the_o saâ—…e_a dialogue_n he_o call_v the_o prediction_n of_o the_o prophet_n 294._o symbol_n parable_n and_o mystery_n explain_v by_o the_o succeed_a prophet_n 43._o when_o tertullian_n in_o his_o apology_n justify_v the_o christian_n from_o those_o inhuman_a practice_n whereof_o their_o enemy_n most_o unjust_o accuse_v they_o he_o cry_v 1675._o we_o be_v beset_v we_o be_v discover_v every_o day_n but_o if_o we_o keep_v always_o hide_v how_o be_v those_o thing_n know_v which_o we_o be_v say_v to_o commit_v nay_o who_o can_v make_v they_o know_v such_o as_o be_v guilty_a not_o so_o sure_o for_o all_o mystery_n be_v of_o course_n under_o a_o oath_n of_o secrecy_n the_o samothracian_a the_o eleusinian_n mystery_n be_v conceal_v how_o much_o rather_o such_o as_o be_v discover_v will_v now_o provoke_v the_o justice_n of_o man_n and_o may_v expect_v to_o meet_v with_o that_o of_o god_n hereafter_o they_o be_v secret_a practice_n you_o see_v and_o not_o incomprehensible_a doctrine_n which_o this_o father_n count_v mystery_n 44._o origen_n make_v the_o encampment_n of_o the_o israelite_n in_o their_o journey_n to_o the_o promise_a land_n to_o be_v 1677._o symbol_n or_o mystery_n describe_v the_o way_n to_o such_o as_o shall_v travel_v towards_o heaven_n or_o heavenly_a thing_n i_o need_v not_o add_v what_o he_o say_v of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o prophet_n of_o the_o vision_n of_o ezekiel_n or_o the_o apocalypse_n in_o particular_a for_o he_o be_v universal_o confess_v to_o have_v bring_v this_o mystic_a or_o allegorical_a method_n of_o interpret_n scripture_n to_o its_o perfection_n and_o to_o have_v surnish_v matter_n to_o all_o that_o tread_v the_o same_o path_n after_o he_o a_o honour_n in_o my_o opinion_n not_o to_o be_v envy_v he_o but_o he_o be_v so_o far_o from_o think_v any_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n a_o mystery_n in_o the_o present_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n that_o he_o express_o affirm_v they_o 135._o to_o agree_v all_o with_o common_a notion_n and_o to_o commend_v themselves_o to_o the_o assent_n of_o every_o well-disposed_a hearer_n 45._o the_o other_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v exact_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n and_o shall_v they_o in_o this_o matter_n happen_v to_o contradict_v in_o one_o place_v what_o they_o establish_v in_o another_o as_o they_o ordinary_o do_v in_o most_o thing_n it_o will_v only_o serve_v to_o excluà e_fw-fr they_o from_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n to_o other_o that_o be_v none_o to_o themselves_o but_o what_o be_v no_o small_a prejudice_n in_o our_o favour_n see_v we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o man_n so_o apt_a to_o forget_v they_o keep_v very_o constant_a to_o this_o point_n so_o that_o i_o may_v just_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a mystery_n in_o religion_n shall_v be_v ready_o give_v up_o by_o all_o that_o sincere_o respect_v father_n scripture_n or_o reason_n chap._n iu_o objection_n bring_v from_o particular_a text_n of_o scripture_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n answer_v 46._o some_o man_n be_v so_o fond_a of_o mystery_n and_o it_o seem_v they_o find_v their_o account_n in_o it_o that_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o 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8._o you_o by_o philosophy_n and_o vain_a deceit_n after_o the_o tradition_n of_o man_n after_o the_o rudiment_n of_o the_o world_n and_o not_o after_o christ._n ridiculous_a as_o if_o reason_n and_o truth_n be_v vanity_n and_o craft_n by_o philosophy_n be_v not_o here_o understand_v sound_a reason_n as_o all_o interpreter_n agree_v but_o the_o system_n of_o plato_n of_o aristotle_n of_o epicurus_n of_o the_o academic_n etc._n etc._n many_o of_o who_o principle_n be_v direct_o repugnant_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o good_a moral_n sophistry_n be_v never_o more_o in_o vogue_n than_o in_o the_o day_n of_o paul_n and_o several_a out_o of_o these_o sect_n embrace_v christianity_n find_v the_o way_n to_o mix_v with_o it_o their_o old_a opinion_n which_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o quit_v for_o good_a and_o all_o the_o apostle_n therefore_o have_v weighty_a ground_n to_o warn_v his_o convert_v not_o to_o confound_v the_o invention_n of_o man_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o god_n it_o appear_v 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