allegory_n and_o metaphor_n as_o the_o modern_a conformable_a clergy_n 8.9.10_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o union_n of_o believer_n with_o christ_n the_o concernment_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n in_o reference_n to_o some_o discourse_n late_o publish_v on_o this_o subject_n 1._o what_o seem_v most_o especial_o to_o have_v influence_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n in_o this_o matter_n 2._o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o nonconformist_n not_o frame_v to_o befriend_v man_n in_o a_o course_n of_o ungodliness_n mr._n sherlock_n be_v 3.4_o the_o notion_n of_o union_n in_o general_n state_v with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o arduousness_n of_o resolve_v the_o nature_n of_o common_a union_n 5._o it_o be_v the_o person_n of_o christ_n that_o believer_n be_v unite_v to_o 6._o the_o union_n we_o be_v inquire_v after_o consist_v not_o in_o the_o specifical_a oneness_n which_o be_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o we_o through_o his_o have_v assume_v humane_a nature_n 7._o nor_o do_v it_o consist_v in_o any_o mixture_n of_o his_o bodily_a substance_n with_o we_o through_o a_o carnal_a feed_n on_o he_o 8._o a_o personal_a union_n disclaim_v 9_o not_o mere_o a_o legal_a union_n and_o yet_o a_o legal_a union_n between_o christ_n and_o those_o give_v to_o he_o of_o god_n justify_v 10._o it_o be_v not_o bare_o a_o love-vnion_n 11._o christian_n not_o unite_v to_o christ_n by_o mean_n of_o a_o previous_a union_n with_o the_o church_n 12._o what_o ever_o it_o be_v it_o be_v more_o than_o a_o political_a union_n 13._o a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o assign_v and_o the_o whole_a shut_v up_o chap._n i._o of_o the_o interest_n and_o use_v of_o reason_n in_o religion_n sect._n i._n the_o interest_n which_o all_o christian_n have_v in_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n do_v sufficient_o authorize_v a_o concernedness_n in_o every_o believer_n that_o they_o be_v neither_o direct_o invade_v nor_o secret_o supplant_v and_o the_o more_o important_a the_o doctrine_n be_v either_o in_o themselves_o or_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o influence_n on_o the_o hope_n and_o comfort_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v and_o profess_v christianity_n the_o less_o chargeable_a as_o importune_a be_v he_o who_o engage_v either_o in_o the_o explication_n or_o defence_n of_o they_o beside_o the_o name_n of_o william_n sherlock_n and_o the_o quality_n of_o rector_n of_o st._n george_n buttolphâ—lane_n london_n which_o the_o author_n character_n himself_o by_o i_o understand_v nothing_o of_o the_o person_n who_o write_n i_o be_o now_o to_o encounter_n and_o i_o wish_v for_o his_o own_o sake_n as_o well_o as_o the_o truth_n that_o i_o have_v no_o further_a occasion_n of_o know_v he_o than_o as_o his_o interest_n lie_v in_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o have_v vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o further_a discovery_n and_o manifestation_n of_o himself_o by_o a_o state_v opposition_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n and_o their_o be_v justify_v by_o the_o imputation_n of_o his_o righteousness_n truth_n wherein_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o concernment_n and_o expectation_n consist_v he_o must_v not_o resent_v it_o amiss_o if_o while_o we_o be_v examine_v what_o he_o will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o in_o these_o and_o some_o other_o thing_n we_o regulate_v our_o conception_n of_o he_o in_o relation_n to_o what_o he_o intimate_v to_o we_o of_o his_o principle_n in_o those_o matter_n the_o prefix_v imprimatur_fw-la of_o doctor_n parker_n will_v tempt_v one_o to_o suspect_v that_o all_o this_o be_v do_v not_o only_o under_o the_o connivance_n but_o with_o the_o approbation_n of_o more_o than_o we_o be_v aware_a of_o i_o confess_v man_n be_v fill_v with_o surprisal_n and_o amazement_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o consider_v the_o manifest_a repugnance_n of_o our_o author_n principle_n not_o only_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o private_a doctor_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n but_o the_o declare_v article_n of_o the_o â—aid_a church_n though_o it_o be_v unjust_a to_o ascribe_v the_o sentiment_n of_o every_o private_a writer_n to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n yet_o when_o error_n be_v vent_v under_o allowance_n other_o beside_o the_o author_n become_v accountable_a for_o they_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o licenser_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o stand_v in_o to_o a_o great_a person_n in_o who_o behalf_n in_o all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v repute_a to_o act_n will_v seem_v to_o plead_v that_o the_o fame_n and_o dignity_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n as_o well_o as_o the_o interest_n of_o truth_n bespeak_v some_o vindication_n from_o her_o ecclesiastical_a ruler_n or_o dignify_v member_n in_o these_o matter_n or_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o be_v imagine_v who_o will_v suffer_v under_o the_o imputation_n and_o dishonour_n of_o they_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o sober_a inquiry_n into_o and_o disquisition_n of_o these_o point_n may_v i_o hope_v be_v pursue_v without_o offence_n to_o any_o especial_o be_v manage_v without_o passionate_a heat_n or_o invidious_a reflection_n invective_n and_o satyr_n do_v not_o only_o disparage_v religion_n in_o general_n but_o betray_v the_o cause_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v use_v nor_o be_v they_o adapt_v to_o proselyte_n any_o but_o such_o who_o have_v forfeit_v the_o use_n of_o their_o judgement_n and_o resign_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o impudence_n noise_n and_o clamour_n for_o myself_o i_o profess_v such_o a_o aversation_n to_o the_o method_n some_o of_o our_o modern_a writer_n take_v in_o treat_v their_o adversary_n that_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o as_o insinuate_v suspicion_n or_o raise_v misprision_n of_o the_o tendency_n of_o the_o notion_n here_o contend_v against_o further_a than_o the_o unfolding_n and_o pursue_v they_o to_o their_o spring_n necessitate_v i_o and_o if_o thereby_o any_o who_o wear_v the_o livery_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n shall_v be_v find_v to_o do_v the_o work_n of_o the_o assembly_n at_o cracovia_n i_o can_v help_v it_o unless_o i_o shall_v betray_v the_o cause_n i_o be_o plead_v for_o yet_o i_o do_v hereby_o no_o way_n intend_v to_o list_n even_o those_o among_o they_o who_o principle_n they_o have_v imbibe_v remember_v what_o one_o say_v of_o the_o milesian_n that_o may_v be_v they_o be_v no_o fool_n though_o they_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o fool_n be_v wont_a to_o do_v however_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v declare_v upon_o who_o foundation_n they_o build_v and_o with_o who_o buttress_n they_o support_v their_o fabric_n and_o withal_o that_o it_o fall_v too_o evident_o under_o the_o prospect_n of_o every_o discern_a person_n who_o be_v like_a to_o reap_v the_o harvest_n of_o these_o kind_n of_o sowing_n now_o though_o i_o may_v be_v think_v sufficient_o to_o acquit_v myself_o by_o continue_v on_o the_o defensive_a and_o only_o examine_v the_o reason_n which_o have_v sway_v mr._n sherlock_n to_o depart_v from_o the_o common_a judgement_n of_o other_o man_n and_o though_o this_o will_v be_v the_o easy_a undertake_n and_o in_o the_o judgement_n of_o every_o indifferent_a person_n enough_o both_o to_o undeceive_v such_o as_o be_v already_o mislead_v and_o to_o pre-arm_n other_o against_o the_o danger_n yet_o design_v the_o same_o universal_a usefulness_n to_o the_o reader_n as_o if_o i_o be_v not_o confine_v to_o reply_v to_o another_o book_n i_o shall_v together_o with_o a_o answer_n to_o my_o adversary_n exception_n endeavour_v to_o state_n and_o establish_v the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o defence_n i_o appear_v and_o withal_o attaque_fw-la he_o in_o the_o opinion_n he_o erect_v against_o they_o nor_o be_o i_o without_o hope_n that_o i_o shall_v find_v the_o generality_n of_o those_o who_o be_v style_v conformist_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o be_v term_v nonconformist_n notwithstanding_o their_o disciplinary_a controversy_n candid_a and_o favourable_a the_o thing_n here_o contend_v for_o be_v the_o joynt-concernment_n of_o both_o and_o the_o opinion_n oppose_v be_v inconsistent_a with_o and_o destructive_a to_o the_o hitherto_o receive_a doctrine_n of_o that_o party_n as_o well_o as_o this_o if_o i_o receive_v no_o other_o fruit_n of_o this_o interposure_n but_o the_o awaken_n other_o to_o more_o matured_a production_n i_o shall_v not_o repent_v my_o labour_n the_o put_v a_o common_a adversary_n to_o a_o stand_n till_o great_a force_n rally_v be_v of_o some_o account_n though_o the_o victory_n be_v reap_v by_o other_o hand_n sect._n 2._o as_o to_o the_o method_n here_o observe_v it_o be_v such_o as_o i_o judge_v rational_a be_v not_o only_o adapt_v to_o the_o discovery_n and_o vindication_n of_o truth_n the_o unmask_n and_o conviction_n of_o error_n but_o accommodate_v to_o the_o instruction_n and_o benefit_n of_o the_o reader_n which_o will_v be_v great_o obstruct_v by_o follow_v our_o author_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nor_o be_v it_o
sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a that_o they_o do_v both_o together_o make_v up_o one_o entire_a complete_a sense_n of_o the_o place_n yea_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o in_o all_o proposition_n which_o admit_v a_o literal_a and_o a_o mystical_a sense_n though_o there_o be_v but_o one_o explicite_fw-la enunciation_n yet_o there_o be_v two_o implicit_o and_o if_o any_o have_v a_o mind_n upon_o this_o account_n to_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o literal_a sense_n and_o the_o mystical_a they_o may_v for_o i_o nor_o will_v i_o quarrel_v with_o they_o but_o to_o assign_v a_o plurality_n of_o coordinate_a or_o ambiguous_a sense_n to_o one_o and_o the_o same_o text_n i._n be_v the_o height_n of_o madness_n invent_v only_o to_o reproach_v the_o scripture_n and_o to_o make_v way_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o church_n in_o the_o expound_v of_o it_o mare_n and_o be_v indeed_o repugnant_a not_o only_o to_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o to_o the_o unity_n of_o truth_n and_o the_o end_n of_o god_n reveal_v the_o word_n which_o be_v to_o instruct_v we_o in_o faith_n and_o obedience_n for_o wheresoever_o there_o be_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o disparate_a sense_n we_o can_v never_o be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o the_o true_a meaning_n of_o any_o one_o proposition_n now_o when_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o asseâ—t_v its_o be_v intelligible_a we_o always_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o capacity_n of_o the_o subject_a actual_o to_o understand_v it_o the_o easiness_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o be_v understand_v in_o respect_n of_o itself_o and_o our_o disposedness_n to_o understand_v it_o right_n be_v thing_n vast_o distant_a the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o facile_a and_o plain_a though_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o remain_v dark_a and_o obscure_a to_o those_o who_o have_v shut_v their_o eye_n or_o that_o have_v their_o understanding_n defile_v tinctured_a and_o darken_v by_o fuliginous_a vapour_n the_o bible_n be_v only_o plain_a to_o such_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o study_n of_o it_o without_o prepossession_n prejudice_n and_o forestall_a judgement_n &_o be_v withal_o humble_a and_o diligent_a in_o the_o use_n of_o mean_n to_o find_v out_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o though_o the_o ethereal_a region_n be_v replenish_v with_o ray_n of_o light_n emit_v from_o the_o great_a luminary_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o necessary_a that_o man_n have_v eye_n and_o that_o they_o open_v they_o in_o order_n to_o their_o discover_v and_o receive_v the_o benefit_n of_o it_o if_o our_o understanding_n either_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o ignorance_n which_o they_o be_v envelop_v and_o muffle_v with_o through_o the_o fall_n or_o from_o malignant_a habit_n occasion_v either_o by_o unhappy_a education_n or_o sensual_a lust_n do_v not_o discern_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o scripture_n it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o its_o perspicuity_n but_o a_o manifestation_n of_o our_o weakness_n corruption_n and_o folly_n beside_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o the_o plainness_n of_o the_o scripture_n &_o its_o easiness_n to_o be_v understand_v we_o always_o put_v a_o difference_n betwixt_o scripture_n text_n relate_v to_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n &_o manner_n which_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v and_o such_o of_o who_o sense_n we_o may_v be_v safe_o ignorant_a the_o doctrine_n they_o refer_v to_o have_v no_o indispensable_a connexion_n with_o salvation_n the_o whole_a will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o to_o all_o that_o be_v needful_a to_o be_v know_v in_o order_n to_o our_o duty_n and_o happiness_n be_v reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n without_o any_o such_o ambiguity_n or_o obscurity_n as_o shall_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v understand_v though_o god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a wisdom_n have_v in_o many_o thing_n who_o simple_a ignorance_n do_v not_o interpose_v with_o salvation_n leave_v many_o hard_a and_o difficult_a text_n partly_o to_o make_v we_o sensible_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understanding_n partly_o to_o employ_v our_o mind_n unto_o diligence_n partly_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o implore_v divine_a instruction_n and_o to_o make_v we_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o illumination_n and_o partly_o to_o exercise_v our_o soul_n unto_o reverence_n but_o in_o fundamental_a truth_n the_o case_n be_v otherwise_o for_o the_o end_n give_v measure_n and_o fix_v bound_n unto_o mean_n it_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n yea_o nor_o justice_n of_o god_n to_o leave_v that_o hard_a to_o be_v understand_v which_o upon_o no_o less_o peril_n than_o the_o hazard_n of_o salvation_n he_o have_v require_v the_o indispensable_a knowledge_n of_o as_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n need_v no_o proof_n of_o their_o truth_n be_v self-evident_a to_o every_o one_o that_o understand_v the_o import_n of_o term_n so_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n carry_v a_o evidence_n in_o the_o plainness_n and_o perspicuity_n of_o their_o revelation_n that_o every_o one_o who_o read_v the_o bible_n without_o prejudice_n and_o a_o perverse_a mind_n may_v be_v satisfy_v that_o such_o doctrine_n be_v there_o propose_v nor_o be_v it_o any_o argument_n that_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n where_o such_o article_n be_v reveal_v be_v not_o easy_a to_o be_v understand_v because_o some_o out_o of_o prejudice_n or_o perverseness_n have_v wrest_v they_o to_o a_o corrupt_a sense_n see_v god_n do_v not_o indite_v the_o bible_n for_o the_o froward_a and_o captious_a but_o for_o such_o who_o will_v read_v it_o with_o a_o free_a and_o unprejudiced_a mind_n and_o be_v willing_a to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n for_o as_o aristotle_n say_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o self_n evident_a principle_n be_v not_o evident_a to_o all_o man_n but_o only_o to_o such_o who_o have_v find_v and_o undepraved_a understanding_n topic._n 6._o cap._n 4._o so_o it_o be_v no_o impeachment_n of_o the_o perspicuity_n of_o the_o revelation_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o religion_n that_o man_n who_o have_v their_o mind_n defile_v and_o darken_v by_o lust_n infect_v with_o evil_a opinion_n and_o fill_v with_o prejudices_fw-la do_v not_o believe_v and_o acknowledge_v they_o and_o by_o the_o way_n while_o all_o truth_n absolute_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v be_v easy_a and_o plain_a and_o while_o we_o be_v indispensable_o oblige_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v whatsoever_o be_v so_o a_o enumeration_n of_o fundamental_a truth_n be_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o useful_a and_o possible_o not_o safe_a now_o as_o all_o doctrine_n necessary_a to_o be_v understand_v be_v so_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o they_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o be_v so_o so_o be_v understand_v they_o be_v as_o well_o the_o standard_n and_o measure_n by_o which_o dark_a and_o obscure_a text_n be_v to_o be_v interpret_v as_o the_o key_n to_o the_o open_n of_o they_o as_o curve_v line_n be_v best_a discern_v when_o apply_v to_o straight_o so_o be_v heterodox_n sense_n impose_v on_o obscure_a text_n of_o scripture_n best_o perceive_v when_o examine_v by_o their_o habitude_n to_o necessary_a and_o plain_a truth_n whatsoever_o bear_v not_o a_o symmetry_n with_o the_o foundation_n can_v be_v no_o superstruction_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o notion_n either_o formal_o or_o virtual_o direct_o or_o consequential_o interfere'_v with_o a_o fundamental_a truth_n though_o never_o so_o many_o text_n be_v press_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o we_o maybe_o sure_a both_o of_o its_o falsity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v all_o wrest_a and_o mistake_v but_o though_o the_o scripture_n be_v most_o plain_a in_o point_n necessary_a to_o salvation_n yet_o no_o one_o text_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v in_o itself_o unintelligible_a dialogue_n for_o as_o dr._n more_o say_v to_o affirm_v that_o the_o holy_a writ_n be_v in_o it_o elf_n unintelligible_a be_v equivalent_a to_o the_o pronounce_v it_o nonsense_n or_o to_o aver_v that_o such_o and_o such_o book_n or_o passage_n of_o it_o be_v never_o to_o be_v understand_v by_o man_n be_v to_o insinuate_v as_o if_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n do_v not_o only_o play_v with_o the_o child_n of_o man_n but_o even_o fool_n with_o they_o mons._n wolzogen_n therefore_o in_o his_o late_a book_n de_fw-fr interpret_v scripturarum_fw-la have_v not_o only_o in_o this_o matter_n shameful_o betray_v the_o protestant_a cause_n but_o reflect_v reproach_n upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n there_o be_v something_n say_v he_o in_o the_o scripture_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v 174._o not_o through_o any_o defect_n or_o fault_n of_o our_o mind_n or_o through_o the_o sublimity_n &_o majesty_n of_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o but_o through_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o scripture_n itself_o and_o the_o manner_n in_o which_o they_o be_v reveal_v if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o
suppose_v this_o be_v true_a the_o inference_n of_o his_o be_v only_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v and_o consequent_o all_o the_o text_n where_o he_o be_v any_o way_n style_v a_o priest_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v only_o metaphorical_o for_o if_o his_o priestly_a and_o kingly_a office_n be_v not_o distinct_a either_o his_o regal_a office_n must_v be_v reduce_v to_o and_o include_v in_o his_o sacerdotal_a which_o our_o author_n will_v not_o affirm_v and_o if_o he_o shall_v he_o will_v only_o gain_v by_o it_o the_o make_v christ_n a_o metaphorick_n king_n instead_o of_o a_o metaphorick_n priest_n or_o else_o his_o sacerdotal_a office_n must_v belong_v to_o and_o be_v include_v in_o his_o regal_a be_v only_o a_o readiness_n to_o exercise_v that_o authority_n and_o power_n for_o his_o church_n which_o as_o a_o king_n appertain_v to_o he_o and_o if_o so_o than_o those_o innumerable_a place_n of_o scripture_n which_o report_n christ_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n to_o have_v give_v himself_o a_o sacrifice_n to_o god_n for_o we_o to_o have_v expiate_v sin_n to_o have_v make_v atonement_n and_o to_o have_v render_v god_n propitious_a be_v every_o one_o of_o they_o metaphorical_a i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a on_o this_o opinion_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n concern_v christ_n priestly_a office_n be_v only_o a_o different_a part_n and_o administration_n of_o his_o mediatory_a kingdom_n 1_o st_z to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o by_o charge_v socinianism_n upon_o some_o of_o our_o late_a pretend_a rational_a divine_n we_o do_v not_o transform_v they_o into_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o be_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o imputation_n rather_o than_o the_o foulness_n seem_v to_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o angry_a as_o the_o historian_n tell_v we_o of_o tiberius_n that_o he_o be_v both_o the_o ready_a to_o believe_v &_o the_o more_o offend_v at_o something_o which_o be_v say_v of_o he_o because_o it_o be_v the_o true_a report_n of_o his_o guilt_n so_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v not_o as_o much_o the_o justness_n as_o the_o odiousness_n of_o the_o character_n of_o socinian_n which_o render_v some_o man_n stingy_a but_o 2_o lie_v the_o main_a reason_n of_o my_o insist_v upon_o these_o passage_n be_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o whereas_o they_o arraign_v the_o nonconformist_n for_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n the_o crime_n lodge_v especial_o with_o themselves_o and_o that_o the_o principle_n which_o they_o have_v espouse_v be_v not_o otherwise_o defensible_a but_o by_o turn_v the_o plain_a scripture_n into_o metaphor_n so_o that_o here_o clodius_n accusat_fw-la maechos_fw-fr and_o provide_v mr._n sherlock_n will_v abide_v by_o his_o notion_n that_o the_o office_n of_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n be_v not_o proper_o distinct_a office_n in_o christ_n i_o do_v here_o undertake_v to_o prove_v by_o easy_a train_n of_o deduction_n that_o for_o one_o text_n capable_a of_o a_o proper_a sense_n which_o the_o fanatic_n pervert_v by_o impose_v a_o metaphorick_n one_o upon_o it_o he_o lie_v under_o a_o necessity_n if_o he_o will_v preach_v or_o write_v consequential_o to_o his_o tenet_n of_o wrest_v twenty_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n §_o 10._o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a opinion_n imbibe_v by_o our_o author_n which_o i_o impeach_v as_o pregnant_a with_o this_o mischief_n his_o notion_n of_o justification_n be_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n nor_o be_v it_o any_o way_n maintainable_a but_o by_o pervert_v innumerable_a text_n from_o their_o plain_a and_o natural_a sense_n to_o a_o metaphorick_n in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o charge_n i_o shall_v first_o give_v a_o true_a representation_n of_o his_o thought_n about_o justification_n and_o then_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o beside_o what_o else_o lie_v against_o he_o it_o be_v accompany_v with_o this_o fatal_a unhappiness_n of_o turn_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o bible_n into_o mere_a insignificant_a and_o empty_a metaphor_n his_o sentiment_n then_o in_o reference_n to_o justification_n be_v these_o 322._o that_o we_o be_v only_o justify_v by_o our_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ._n 320._o that_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o our_o acceptance_n with_o god_n but_o that_o to_o they_o we_o owe_v the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n that_o be_v god_n be_v well_o please_v with_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o his_o death_n for_o his_o sake_n enter_v into_o a_o new_a covenant_n with_o mankind_n wherein_o he_o promise_v pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n to_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o gospel_n so_o that_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n be_v not_o the_o formal_a cause_n of_o our_o justification_n 324._o but_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n &_o death_n be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o that_o covenant_n whereby_o we_o be_v declare_v righteous_a &_o reward_v as_o righteous_a person_n the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n which_o god_n for_o christ_n sake_n have_v make_v pardon_v our_o past_a sin_n &_o folly_n and_o reward_v a_o sincere_a though_o imperfect_a obedience_n the_o gospel_n by_o its_o great_a argument_n &_o motive_n and_o powerful_a assistance_n form_n our_o mind_n to_o the_o love_n and_o practice_n of_o holiness_n and_o so_o make_v we_o inherent_o righteous_a and_o the_o grace_n of_o the_o gospel_n accept_v and_o reward_v that_o sincere_a obedience_n which_o according_a to_o the_o rigour_n and_o severity_n of_o the_o law_n can_v deserve_v no_o reward_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v a_o true_a account_n of_o mr._n sherlock_n judgement_n about_o justification_n and_o i_o have_v quote_v it_o in_o his_o own_o word_n that_o he_o may_v neither_o complain_v of_o his_o be_v impose_v upon_o nor_o the_o reader_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o this_o representation_n and_o as_o whosoever_o consult_v the_o page_n i_o refer_v to_o will_v find_v that_o i_o treat_v my_o adversary_n with_o faithfulness_n so_o if_o they_o compare_v they_o with_o some_o other_o place_n where_o he_o have_v declare_v himself_o with_o less_o modesty_n they_o will_v have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o i_o have_v expose_v his_o opinion_n in_o the_o favourabl_a manner_n i_o can_v now_o i_o design_v not_o any_o accurate_a ventilation_n of_o this_o great_a theme_n nor_o any_o severe_a research_n into_o mr._n sherlock_n faileurs_fw-fr in_fw-la the_o manage_n of_o it_o nor_o a_o critical_a survey_n of_o his_o neglect_n of_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o modesty_n in_o treat_v his_o adversary_n about_o it_o nor_o yet_o his_o partiality_n in_o arraign_v only_o the_o nonconformist_n when_o he_o can_v not_o but_o know_v that_o the_o most_o eminent_a person_n that_o ever_o the_o church_n of_o england_n breed_v as_o well_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o protestant_a divine_n be_v equal_o involve_v have_v appear_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o that_o very_a notion_n of_o justification_n which_o he_o so_o invidious_o represent_v and_o tragical_o declaime_n against_o those_o for_o the_o full_a handle_n of_o justification_n stand_v reserve_v for_o other_o hand_n who_o in_o due_a time_n will_v retrieve_v the_o spoil_n wherewith_o our_o author_n have_v enrich_v his_o wardrobe_n and_o strip_v he_o of_o the_o laurel_n wherewith_o he_o have_v adorn_v his_o temple_n i_o shall_v only_o bestow_v one_o stricture_n upon_o he_o and_o then_o apply_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o inconvenience_n i_o have_v already_o charge_v his_o opinion_n with_o and_o for_o which_o in_o this_o place_n i_o cite_v it_o in_o brief_a then_o i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o covenant_n of_o grace_n be_v any_o way_n owe_v to_o the_o sacrifice_n of_o christ_n death_n and_o the_o righteousness_n of_o his_o life_n provide_v that_o mr._n sherlock_n will_v be_v constant_a to_o and_o write_v consonant_o to_o some_o of_o his_o other_o principle_n for_o if_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n assure_v they_o that_o he_o be_v very_o good_a and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o understand_v what_o goodness_n be_v without_o pardon_v grace_n 44._o as_o our_o author_n elsewhere_o tell_v we_o i_o say_v suppose_v this_o to_o be_v true_a i_o see_v not_o how_o the_o righteousness_n of_o christ_n life_n and_o death_n can_v be_v the_o meritorious_a cause_n of_o god_n forgive_a our_o sin_n and_o folly_n for_o as_o much_o as_o his_o essential_a goodness_n oblige_v he_o to_o it_o i_o take_v it_o for_o a_o principle_n of_o reason_n that_o nothing_o can_v be_v merit_v which_o be_v due_a upon_o a_o antecedent_n title_n merit_n in_o its_o essential_a notion_n import_v a_o acquisition_n of_o a_o right_n which_o we_o have_v not_o before_o there_o can_v be_v no_o room_n for_o it_o in_o reference_n to_o that_o which_o we_o stand_v entitle_v to_o by_o the_o natural_a goodness_n of_o
the_o interest_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n with_o the_o import_n &_o use_v of_o scripture-metaphor_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n &_o believer_n with_o reflection_n on_o several_a late_a write_n especial_o mr._n sherlock_n discourse_n concern_v the_o knowledge_n of_o jesus_n christ_n etc._n etc._n modest_o inquire_v into_o and_o state_v by_o robert_n ferguson_n nisi_fw-la homini_fw-la deus_fw-la placuerit_fw-la deus_fw-la non_fw-la erit_fw-la homo_fw-la jam_fw-la deo_fw-la propitius_fw-la esse_fw-la debebit_fw-la tertull._n apol._n cap._n 5._o london_n print_v for_o dorman_n newman_n at_o the_o king_n arm_n in_o the_o poultry_n and_o at_o the_o ship_n and_o anchor_n at_o the_o bridg-foot_n on_o southwark-side_n 1675._o to_o thomas_n papillon_n esquire_n sir_n it_o cost_v i_o no_o long_a deliberation_n to_o who_o i_o shall_v direct_v these_o discourse_n the_o obligation_n i_o be_o under_o to_o you_o and_o your_o family_n render_v they_o you_o by_o the_o title_n of_o a_o just_a debt_n the_o interest_n you_o have_v in_o i_o by_o a_o entail_v of_o peculiar_a kindness_n give_v you_o a_o right_n to_o my_o study_n &_o the_o fruit_n of_o they_o the_o decline_v the_o imputation_n of_o ingratitude_n be_v my_o plea_n for_o prefix_v your_o name_n to_o these_o paper_n and_o though_o the_o concern_v you_o in_o their_o behalf_n may_v seem_v a_o injury_n yet_o not_o to_o have_v do_v it_o my_o condition_n in_o the_o world_n allow_v i_o to_o make_v no_o better_a return_n will_v have_v be_v a_o crime_n you_o must_v either_o be_v more_o wary_a and_o have_v a_o great_a foresight_n in_o dispense_n your_o favour_n or_o else_o you_o must_v be_v content_a to_o forgive_v such_o offence_n as_o yourself_o have_v make_v the_o result_v and_o effect_n of_o duty_n so_o that_o be_v there_o any_o indecency_n in_o this_o address_n yet_o the_o law_n of_o gratitude_n do_v supersede_n those_o of_o congruity_n but_o indeed_o this_o dedication_n be_v as_o much_o you_o by_o 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that_o too_o many_o instead_o of_o commence_v either_o solid_a scholar_n or_o be_v prepare_v to_o be_v good_a and_o humble_a christian_n come_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n either_o disputation_n whiffler_n or_o swear_v enemy_n to_o evangelical_n grace_n sir_n as_o i_o know_v but_o few_o that_o owe_v their_o religion_n more_o to_o a_o rational_a choice_n than_o you_o do_v so_o there_o be_v also_o few_o that_o have_v distinct_a notion_n of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v not_o able_a adequate_o to_o conceive_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o reason_n why_o we_o be_v nevertheless_o to_o believe_v they_o and_o if_o true_a eloquence_n be_v to_o speak_v pertinent_o and_o to_o proportion_n word_n to_o thing_n it_o be_v natural_a to_o you_o nor_o need_v you_o address_v to_o the_o most_o esteem_a master_n of_o it_o to_o learn_v either_o how_o to_o arrange_v a_o discourse_n in_o the_o best_a method_n or_o to_o adapt_v the_o sentiment_n and_o word_n by_o which_o you_o express_v they_o to_o the_o subject_a of_o which_o you_o treat_v and_o as_o you_o be_v furnish_v with_o more_o than_o a_o ordinary_a prudence_n of_o know_v when_o to_o be_v silent_a and_o with_o a_o faculty_n to_o be_v so_o when_o it_o be_v better_a to_o hold_v one_o peace_n than_o to_o speak_v so_o by_o oblige_v yourself_o to_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o think_v there_o be_v a_o grace_n as_o well_o as_o commandingness_n accompany_v what_o you_o say_v and_o you_o find_v other_o favourable_a to_o what_o you_o aim_v at_o through_o their_o be_v possess_v that_o you_o be_v bias_v by_o no_o design_n but_o mere_o influence_v by_o love_n to_o truth_n and_o justice_n sir_n there_o be_v one_o thing_n more_o which_o i_o must_v not_o omit_v as_o have_v main_o contribute_v to_o the_o inscription_n of_o these_o sheet_n to_o you_o namely_o that_o while_o such_o as_o pretend_v to_o be_v more_o sagacious_a than_o other_o or_o who_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o put_v in_o a_o claim_n to_o no_o vulgar_a 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that_o i_o be_o as_o much_o as_o i_o can_v though_o not_o so_o much_o as_o i_o ought_v sir_n your_o most_o faithful_a and_o humble_a servant_n robert_n ferguson_n to_o the_o reader_n he_o that_o have_v enroll_v himself_o under_o the_o banner_n of_o truth_n need_v not_o make_v any_o apology_n for_o his_o come_n into_o the_o field_n when_o the_o cause_n in_o who_o defence_n and_o service_n he_o be_v list_v call_v for_o his_o appearance_n whosoever_o consuâ—ts_v either_o his_o name_n or_o his_o ease_n when_o a_o assault_n be_v make_v upon_o the_o christian_a faith_n deserve_v the_o punishment_n either_o of_o a_o coward_n in_o his_o profession_n or_o of_o a_o traitor_n to_o it_o it_o be_v not_o any_o personal_a provocation_n nor_o any_o pleasure_n i_o take_v in_o controversy_n but_o mere_o a_o regard_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n that_o have_v engage_v i_o in_o this_o undertake_n if_o there_o be_v not_o strength_n to_o be_v encounter_v in_o the_o oppositiou_n of_o our_o adversary_n yet_o there_o be_v petulancy_n &_o that_o aught_o to_o be_v rebuke_v though_o i_o can_v bring_v myself_o to_o believe_v that_o mr._n sherlock_n deserve_v a_o reply_n yet_o i_o be_o very_a well_o satisfy_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o he_o undermine_v deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v &_o confirm_v and_o as_o i_o have_v make_v this_o my_o principal_a task_n so_o i_o have_v only_o employ_v myself_o about_o those_o truth_n which_o seem_v to_o require_v some_o further_a irradiation_n of_o light_n than_o be_v every_o where_o reflect_v upon_o they_o i_o have_v espouse_v the_o quarrel_n of_o no_o man_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o by_o defend_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o christian_n i_o have_v vindicate_v those_o who_o chief_a crime_n be_v their_o adherence_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o their_o declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o it_o in_o
precede_v our_o be_v crown_v with_o blessedness_n be_v traduce_v by_o not_o a_o few_o of_o our_o modern_a divine_n as_o repugnant_a to_o reason_n but_o when_o they_o shall_v demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v so_o they_o betake_v themselves_o to_o misrepresenting_a their_o adversary_n some_o of_o they_o allege_v we_o affirm_v god_n to_o make_v heaven_n our_o fate_n not_o our_o recompense_n and_o bliss_n our_o destiny_n not_o our_o reward_n other_o report_v we_o assert_v a_o predestination_n to_o the_o end_n without_o regard_n to_o the_o mean_n and_o that_o be_v elect_v we_o may_v indulge_v ourselves_o in_o a_o course_n of_o sin_n for_o nothing_o shall_v obstruct_v our_o felicity_n there_o be_v no_o opinion_n so_o innocent_a which_o these_o man_n will_v not_o substitute_v a_o perverse_a gloss_n upon_o nor_o any_o doctrine_n so_o far_o from_o be_v either_o absurd_a or_o blasphemous_a but_o they_o will_v improve_v they_o till_o they_o become_v so_o i_o reckon_v that_o ignorance_n of_o book_n together_o with_o a_o unhappy_a education_n have_v lead_v many_o to_o undue_a thought_n of_o the_o sentiment_n of_o their_o brethren_n but_o that_o some_o be_v influence_v to_o these_o sinistrous_a representation_n by_o worse_a cause_n i_o fear_v there_o be_v too_o much_o ground_n to_o suspect_v however_o shall_v any_o of_o our_o opinion_n either_o concern_v the_o subject_n before_o mention_v or_o any_o other_o be_v find_v to_o involve_v any_o thing_n in_o they_o reflexive_a on_o the_o holiness_n and_o goodness_n of_o god_n or_o to_o draw_v along_o with_o they_o consequence_n repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n i_o dare_v say_v it_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o our_o ignorance_n and_o not_o to_o our_o design_n and_o the_o evince_a of_o this_o be_v one_o main_a thing_n which_o influence_v i_o to_o the_o write_n of_o this_o exercitation_n whatever_o can_v be_v make_v appear_v to_o lie_v in_o a_o contradiction_n to_o reason_n we_o profess_v ourselves_o ready_a to_o disclaim_v it_o but_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o believe_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n which_o only_o cross_v some_o false_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o dogmatist_n have_v baptize_v with_o that_o name_n fall_v under_o the_o imputation_n of_o disagreement_n with_o reason_n the_o repugnancy_n to_o reason_n fasten_v upon_o some_o tenet_n be_v rather_o the_o result_n of_o ignorance_n prepossession_n and_o sometime_o lust_n than_o their_o contrariety_n to_o universal_a reason_n or_o any_o genuine_a maxim_n of_o it_o and_o as_o diverse_a doctrine_n which_o man_n of_o late_a be_v come_v to_o be_v in_o a_o dislike_n of_o for_o from_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o english_a reformation_n it_o be_v not_o so_o be_v endeavour_v to_o be_v discredit_v upon_o a_o pretend_a inconsistency_n that_o be_v in_o they_o to_o reason_n so_o there_o be_v some_o other_o which_o be_v attempt_v to_o be_v run_v down_o because_o suppose_v unintelligible_a and_o a_o loud_a cry_n be_v raise_v against_o whole_a society_n of_o man_n as_o if_o they_o never_o imagine_v themselves_o christian_n till_o they_o have_v transubstantiate_v the_o common_a creed_n into_o unaccountable_a and_o inexplicable_a problem_n and_o never_o believe_v themselves_o to_o be_v good_a man_n 38._o till_o they_o have_v bring_v their_o body_n and_o mind_n into_o that_o fame_n that_o they_o can_v with_o ease_n be_v ecstatical_a in_o all_o their_o devotion_n &_o expression_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o they_o do_v therefore_o disbelieve_v proposition_n because_o they_o may_v be_v understand_v or_o as_o another_o charge_v they_o with_o hold_v thing_n then_o fit_a to_o be_v believe_v 222._o when_o they_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v prove_v or_o understand_v it_o have_v be_v hitherto_o judge_v that_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o a_o doctrine_n through_o the_o sublimity_n and_o extension_n of_o its_o object_n be_v no_o just_a bar_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o can_v i_o but_o wonder_v that_o any_o who_o have_v study_v the_o weakness_n of_o their_o discursive_a capacity_n the_o feebleness_n of_o intellectual_a light_n how_o soon_o it_o be_v dazzle_v with_o too_o bright_a a_o splendour_n the_o confinement_n and_o boundary_n our_o understanding_n be_v subject_a to_o together_o with_o the_o majesty_n of_o gospel_n truth_n the_o immensity_n of_o the_o object_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n shall_v think_v the_o arduousness_n of_o frame_v distinct_a and_o adequate_a conception_n of_o they_o a_o sufficient_a ground_n for_o their_o be_v renounce_v and_o disclaim_v and_o yet_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o standard_n that_o some_o man_n regulate_v their_o belief_n by_o and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o have_v no_o small_a influence_n on_o m._n sherlock_n in_o the_o carry_v he_o off_o from_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o beleiver_n to_o christ._n for_o as_o himself_o inform_v we_o any_o other_o union_n save_o a_o political_a be_v a_o riddle_n and_o mystery_n which_o no_o body_n can_v understand_v the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o which_o must_v be_v reserve_v for_o the_o next_o world_n or_o the_o come_n of_o elias_n p._n 194._o and_o that_o whosoever_o assert_v any_o other_o union_n do_v make_v it_o more_o than_o a_o mystical_a union_n that_o be_v a_o unintelligible_a union_n p._n 197._o that_o the_o immediate_a union_n of_o believer_n to_o christ_n be_v to_o be_v reckon_v among_o thing_n unintelligible_a p._n 147._o and_o to_o do_v he_o right_o as_o he_o describe_v it_o it_o be_v so_o but_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v ere_o we_o have_v do_v that_o he_o both_o injure'_v the_o truth_n and_o those_o who_o he_o there_o personate_v in_o his_o account_n of_o it_o however_o it_o be_v main_o because_o of_o the_o unintelligibleness_n of_o a_o immediate_a union_n that_o it_o be_v disclaim_v for_o as_o the_o same_o person_n tell_v we_o he_o can_v understand_v how_o our_o union_n to_o christ_n can_v be_v a_o argument_n to_o unity_n and_o concord_n among_o ourselves_o if_o we_o be_v unite_v immediate_o to_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n without_o be_v first_o unite_v to_o his_o church_n p._n 152._o we_o shall_v inquire_v hereafter_o whether_o our_o author_n have_v in_o this_o point_n just_o enter_v his_o charge_n or_o not_o but_o because_o we_o can_v neither_o distinct_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o the_o grasp_n and_o fathom_n of_o reason_n nor_o due_o judge_v of_o object_n that_o be_v so_o nor_o arrive_v at_o any_o solid_a resolution_n how_o we_o be_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o doctrine_n of_o such_o a_o genius_n and_o complexion_n without_o inquire_v into_o the_o whole_a use_n and_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o have_v therefore_o upon_o this_o account_n as_o well_o as_o the_o former_a undertake_v this_o disquisition_n §_o 3._o in_o the_o pursue_v this_o great_a enquiry_n we_o be_v first_o to_o fix_v and_o settle_v the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n the_o neglect_n of_o this_o will_v expose_v we_o to_o confusion_n and_o impertinent_a wrangle_n in_o all_o that_o we_o be_v to_o say_v reason_n then_o be_v first_o take_v proper_o for_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n or_o the_o soul_n as_o it_o fall_v under_o the_o denomination_n of_o mind_n and_o understanding_n and_o in_o this_o acceptation_n it_o may_v be_v consider_v either_o as_o it_o ought_v to_o be_v and_o original_o be_v or_o as_o it_o exist_v subjective_o in_o we_o weaken_a darken_a and_o taint_v by_o the_o fall_n the_o rational_a faculty_n as_o it_o exist_v in_o we_o since_o the_o ingress_n of_o sin_n differ_v much_o from_o what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o primitive_a creation_n it_o be_v then_o like_o the_o sun_n in_o his_o meridian_n exaltation_n when_o without_o the_o interposure_n of_o a_o cloud_n to_o envelope_v and_o obscure_v it_o knowledge_n then_o inhabit_v our_o mind_n in_o no_o less_o plenty_n than_o light_n do_v the_o universal_a luminary_n beside_o what_o the_o soul_n consider_v in_o itself_o as_o it_o come_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n under_o the_o stamp_n and_o impress_n of_o his_o image_n lay_n claim_n to_o it_o be_v wonderful_o advantage_v by_o a_o delicate_a and_o apt_a disposure_n of_o bodily_a organ_n and_o due_a proportion_n and_o temperament_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n as_o well_o as_o by_o a_o excellent_a harmony_n that_o appear_v in_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o visible_a creation_n there_o be_v no_o jar_v in_o our_o humour_n no_o blemish_n in_o our_o material_a organ_n no_o defect_n in_o our_o vehicular_a spirit_n no_o obstruction_n in_o their_o meatus_fw-la or_o passage_n no_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n nor_o fallacious_a medium_n in_o the_o universe_n till_o the_o fall_v cause_v they_o but_o alas_o now_o the_o mind_n be_v not_o only_o weaken_v and_o render_v grovel_v by_o the_o loss_n of_o its_o primitive_a sanctity_n and_o rectitude_n but_o be_v infect_v with_o lust_n bias_v by_o passion_n bribe_v by_o the_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d excellent_o de_n baptism_n cont_n donat._n lib._n 2_o cap_n 6._o let_v we_o not_o say_v he_o bring_v our_o deceitful_a balance_n where_o we_o weigh_v what_o will_v and_o do_v as_o we_o will_v say_v according_a to_o our_o fancy_n behold_v this_o be_v heavy_a or_o behold_v this_o be_v light_a but_o let_v we_o bring_v the_o divine_a balance_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o weigh_v thing_n or_o rather_o not_o weigh_v they_o but_o learn_v and_o take_v notice_n what_o the_o lord_n himself_o have_v weigh_v i_o rather_o choose_v to_o fix_v the_o import_n of_o religion_n thus_o by_o its_o reference_n to_o its_o rule_n than_o by_o a_o enumeration_n of_o particular_n first_o that_o it_o may_v appear_v that_o whatever_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o to_o invent_v or_o introduce_v any_o new_a doctrine_n nor_o to_o propose_v or_o institute_v any_o new_a media_n of_o worship_n nor_o to_o obtrude_v and_o force_v upon_o we_o any_o new_a moral_a duty_n nothing_o magisterial_a do_v here_o belong_v to_o it_o its_o high_a preferment_n be_v to_o minister_v second_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o scripture_n but_o what_o we_o be_v under_o the_o sanction_n of_o and_o as_o it_o be_v occasional_o make_v know_v we_o be_v to_o pay_v a_o rational_a subjection_n to_o it_o though_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o bible_n be_v not_o alike_o necessary_a yet_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v alike_o true_a and_o our_o concernment_n lie_v more_o or_o less_o in_o it_o there_o be_v no_o other_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o be_v regulate_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o bible_n and_o therefore_o the_o import_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o term_n can_v be_v no_o otherways_o decide_v but_o by_o their_o habitude_n to_o their_o measure_n for_o this_o end_n do_v god_n give_v forth_o the_o scripture_n that_o it_o may_v be_v the_o foundation_n and_o standard_n of_o religion_n and_o thence_o therefore_o be_v we_o to_o learn_v its_o law_n and_o constitution_n the_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n be_v the_o design_n of_o god_n in_o his_o vouchsafe_v the_o world_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o his_o sapience_n &_o goodness_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v adapt_v and_o proportion_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o beside_o their_o be_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a testimony_n have_v also_o a_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v natural_a medium_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v these_o be_v common_o call_v mix_v but_o i_o think_v amiss_o see_v they_o be_v not_o make_v up_o of_o dissimilar_v part_n nor_o have_v they_o object_n complicate_v of_o different_a nature_n be_v only_o discover_v by_o different_a light_n prove_v by_o different_a media_n and_o assent_v to_o as_o well_o upon_o motive_n of_o reason_n as_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v and_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a 2_o dly_z such_o as_o have_v no_o foundation_n at_o all_o in_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o can_v have_v be_v find_v out_o or_o know_v but_o we_o be_v sole_o indebt_v to_o supernatural_a revelation_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o they_o their_o object_n have_v their_o source_n and_o rise_v only_o from_o the_o will_n of_o god_n a_o supernatural_a revelation_n be_v absolute_o expedient_a to_o promulge_v they_o and_o these_o also_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n which_o though_o our_o understanding_n by_o natural_a medium_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v our_o mind_n can_v by_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n facilitate_v the_o apprehension_n of_o they_o and_o confirm_v itself_o in_o their_o belief_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o body_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o exercise_v of_o forgiveness_n to_o penitent_a sinner_n 2._o there_o be_v other_o which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v so_o when_o reveal_v it_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o produce_v any_o medium_fw-la in_o nature_n by_o which_o either_o the_o existence_n of_o their_o object_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o their_o truth_n illustrate_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n i_o know_v that_o there_o be_v many_o divine_n who_o though_o they_o confess_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n can_v never_o at_o first_o have_v be_v discover_v by_o reason_n yet_o be_v once_o reveal_v they_o contend_v that_o reason_n can_v only_o illustrate_v but_o demonstrate_v it_o but_o upon_o the_o best_a inquiry_n into_o their_o argument_n i_o find_v most_o of_o they_o palpable_o fallacious_a and_o other_o of_o they_o so_o disproportionate_a to_o what_o they_o be_v bring_v that_o they_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o afford_v some_o saint_n adumbration_n of_o it_o i_o ready_o grant_v that_o this_o and_o the_o other_o mystery_n be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n unite_v with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n have_v the_o like_a connexion_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n in_o oâ—der_n to_o the_o dispense_v of_o pardon_n to_o repent_v offender_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o end_v aforesaid_a have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o corruption_n of_o humane_a nature_n be_v both_o full_o confess_v and_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v by_o reason_n thus_o though_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o the_o object_n of_o reason_n yet_o these_o very_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v remote_a from_o the_o territory_n of_o reason_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o affinity_n with_o its_o light_n be_v necessary_o and_o clear_o connect_v with_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v reason_v both_o approve_v of_o and_o can_v rational_o confirm_v itself_o in_o as_o two_o neighbour_a kingdom_n be_v join_v together_o though_o some_o of_o their_o province_n touch_v not_o one_o another_o so_o by_o those_o object_n of_o faith_n which_o have_v a_o clear_a connexion_n with_o object_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v a_o mediate_a connexion_n between_o reason_n and_o those_o object_n of_o faith_n that_o lie_v far_o off_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o the_o most_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v necessary_o connect_v with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o bibles_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o that_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o reject_v that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v it_o §_o 5_o have_v settle_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o term_n namely_o what_o we_o understand_v both_o by_o reason_n and_o religion_n we_o be_v next_o particular_o to_o inquire_v of_o what_o significancy_n and_o use_v reason_n be_v in_o religion_n that_o so_o we_o may_v give_v to_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n and_o yet_o reserve_v to_o faith_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v faith_n and_o whereas_o we_o have_v say_v that_o there_o be_v some_o principle_n of_o religion_n which_o beside_o the_o evidence_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v foundation_n also_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n it_o may_v be_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o more_o be_v to_o be_v allow_v to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o those_o than_o about_o these_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o we_o be_v debtor_n only_o to_o revelation_n for_o as_o to_o the_o latter_a reason_n acquit_v itself_o in_o all_o that_o belong_v to_o it_o by_o consider_v what_o doctrine_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o scripture_n and_o deduceâ—ng_a consequence_n which_o by_o clear_a connexion_n proceed_v from_o they_o leave_v faith_n to_o assent_v to_o they_o upon_o the_o authority_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o revealer_n but_o as_o to_o the_o former_a reason_n do_v not_o sufficient_o discharge_v itself_o by_o discover_v that_o they_o be_v reveal_v and_o thereupon_o commit_v it_o to_o faith_n to_o embrace_v
one_o of_o these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o have_v allege_v by_o which_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o demonstrate_v the_o divine_a inspiration_n both_o of_o the_o bible_n in_o general_n and_o of_o most_o of_o the_o particular_a book_n in_o it_o so_o if_o there_o be_v any_o book_n receive_v into_o the_o canon_n where_o any_o of_o these_o be_v want_v they_o be_v such_o as_o be_v narrative_n of_o thing_n do_v among_o man_n and_o most_o of_o those_o be_v bear_v witness_v to_o in_o such_o other_o book_n as_o have_v all_o the_o foregoing_a character_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o of_o they_o that_o be_v not_o testify_v to_o yet_o we_o have_v all_o desirable_a evidence_n that_o they_o be_v write_v by_o person_n divine_o inspire_v and_o though_o all_o the_o precede_a signature_n do_v not_o occur_v in_o they_o yet_o some_o one_o or_o more_o by_o which_o they_o manifest_v themselves_o to_o be_v of_o god_n do_v and_o in_o none_o of_o they_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n inconsistent_a with_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v produce_v upon_o the_o other_o hand_n it_o be_v easy_a by_o the_o precede_a mark_n to_o discharge_v from_o all_o interest_n in_o divine_a inspiration_n a_o vast_a number_n of_o book_n that_o pretend_v to_o a_o share_n in_o it_o by_o such_o i_o mean_v not_o only_o the_o sibylline_a write_n the_o prophecy_n of_o enoch_n the_o epistle_n of_o christ_n to_o abgarus_n the_o gospel_n of_o nicodemus_n james_n and_o andrew_n the_o canon_n of_o the_o apostle_n the_o revelation_n of_o paul_n his_o epistle_n to_o seneca_n and_o the_o laodicean_n the_o missal_n of_o matthew_n mark_n peter_n etc._n etc._n but_o all_o those_o book_n which_o be_v common_o style_v apocryphal_a §_o 7._o beside_o the_o character_n impress_v on_o the_o scripture_n by_o which_o the_o divine_a inspiration_n of_o it_o be_v plain_o evidence_v there_o be_v many_o external_n motive_n by_o which_o the_o same_o may_v be_v further_o demonstrate_v and_o here_o may_v be_v plead_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o penman_n their_o candour_n sincerity_n inability_n of_o be_v the_o immediate_a author_n of_o such_o a_o contrivance_n that_o they_o have_v no_o base_a nor_o secular_a end_n that_o they_o be_v impartial_a in_o lay_v open_a their_o fail_n and_o that_o they_o always_o father_n the_o whole_a upon_o god_n 2_o the_o antiquity_n of_o scripture_n record_v at_o least_o some_o part_n of_o they_o to_o which_o all_o the_o rest_n be_v consonant_a and_o upon_o which_o they_o superstruct_v 3_o the_o preservation_n of_o the_o bible_n through_o so_o many_o age_n when_o so_o many_o of_o wit_n power_n and_o interest_n in_o the_o world_n have_v set_v themselves_o against_o it_o 4_o it_o be_v spread_v success_n and_o entertainment_n in_o the_o world_n with_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o propagation_n without_o force_n of_o arm_n or_o aft_n of_o eloquence_n 5_o the_o effect_n it_o have_v wrought_v in_o great_a sudden_a &_o last_a change_n that_o it_o have_v produce_v in_o man_n principled_a in_o their_o judgement_n prepossess_v with_o education_n and_o prejudice_v by_o lust_n against_o it_o 6_o the_o attestation_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v god_n seal_v to_o authorise_v the_o person_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v wrought_v and_o doctrine_n to_o which_o they_o be_v annex_v for_o a_o miracle_n be_v a_o extraordinary_a work_n transcendent_a to_o the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o natural_a agent_n it_o be_v either_o the_o alter_n and_o stop_v the_o course_n of_o nature_n or_o the_o produce_v some_o effect_n above_o its_o law_n and_o power_n a_o miracle_n be_v a_o operation_n of_o god_n in_o nature_n either_o without_o interposure_n of_o a_o second_o cause_n or_o above_o its_o ability_n in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v the_o production_n of_o something_o out_o of_o nothing_o either_o as_o to_o matter_n or_o manner_n of_o production_n now_o such_o work_n be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o almighty_a power_n it_o be_v the_o peculiar_a title_n of_o god_n to_o do_v wonder_n and_o he_o only_o can_v do_v wonderful_a thing_n be_v there_o not_o some_o thing_n impossible_a to_o natural_a agent_n there_o be_v no_o room_n for_o a_o real_a miracle_n and_o be_v there_o not_o other_o thing_n which_o we_o only_o think_v to_o be_v impossibles_fw-fr in_o nature_n we_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o be_v delude_v by_o a_o appear_a one_o effect_n exceed_v the_o line_n of_o ordinary_a operation_n may_v be_v produce_v by_o a_o combination_n of_o material_a agent_n and_o satan_n may_v wonderful_o ape_n a_o miracle_n by_o the_o impression_n he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v upon_o matter_n but_o every_o true_a miracle_n be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o power_n that_o be_v infinite_a as_o god_n alone_o can_v work_v miracle_n so_o he_o never_o exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o production_n of_o any_o but_o in_o order_n to_o humane_a instruction_n the_o devil_n love_v to_o be_v act_v his_o power_n to_o fill_v man_n with_o amazement_n and_o to_o make_v they_o wonder_n but_o god_n reserve_v his_o power_n to_o seal_v some_o portant_fw-la truth_n to_o relieve_v man_n in_o some_o urgent_a straight_a or_o to_o affright_v they_o from_o some_o destructive_a practice_n miraculous_a work_n be_v one_o of_o the_o great_a attestation_n that_o god_n can_v give_v either_o to_o person_n or_o thing_n and_o be_v usual_o his_o seal_n to_o some_o great_a truth_n god_n be_v a_o spirit_n &_o can_v be_v see_v to_o give_v testimony_n yea_o shall_v he_o assume_v a_o shape_n and_o in_o that_o declare_v himself_o there_o will_v be_v still_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o lyableness_n to_o exception_n and_o therefore_o one_o of_o the_o most_o convince_a evidence_n that_o god_n can_v give_v to_o person_n doctrine_n or_o cause_n be_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o some_o such_o work_n as_o be_v only_o possible_a for_o a_o almighty_a power_n to_o produce_v hence_o those_o ancient_a impostor_n that_o usurp_v the_o title_n of_o prophet_n either_o among_o the_o jew_n christian_n or_o heathen_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n and_o sign_n know_v that_o without_o that_o counterfeit_a seal_n their_o doctrine_n will_v never_o have_v be_v receive_v by_o the_o people_n and_o the_o better_a to_o ape_n a_o miracle_n the_o great_a part_n of_o pretender_n to_o enthusiasm_n be_v in_o all_o age_n magician_n true_a miracle_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n immediate_a power_n the_o notion_n which_o we_o have_v of_o his_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n do_v not_o admit_v we_o to_o suppose_v that_o he_o shall_v lend_v his_o omnipotency_n to_o confirm_v a_o falsehood_n for_o this_o be_v the_o way_n to_o induce_v man_n into_o error_n in_o a_o matter_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n and_o therefore_o while_o i_o believe_v god_n to_o be_v true_a and_o good_a i_o will_v never_o believe_v that_o he_o will_v lend_v his_o power_n to_o impostor_n to_o cheat_v and_o abuse_v mankind_n yea_o be_v it_o consistent_a with_o divine_a truth_n and_o justice_n so_o to_o do_v yet_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o his_o wisdom_n in_o that_o he_o shall_v hereby_o not_o only_o weaken_v but_o whole_o take_v off_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o himself_o can_v give_v to_o truth_n by_o miraculous_a operation_n for_o if_o god_n can_v exert_v his_o power_n in_o the_o confirmation_n of_o a_o falsity_n in_o one_o case_n what_o security_n can_v we_o have_v that_o he_o may_v not_o do_v so_o in_o another_o to_o say_v that_o god_n do_v never_o work_v a_o miracle_n for_o our_o trial_n in_o reference_n to_o a_o false_a doctrine_n till_o he_o have_v unquestionable_o confirm_v his_o own_o truth_n before_o and_o that_o the_o have_v a_o establish_a rule_n to_o examine_v after_o doctrine_n by_o be_v enough_o to_o preserve_v we_o from_o be_v impose_v upon_o by_o error_n though_o it_o shall_v come_v back_v with_o the_o attestation_n of_o miraculous_a work_n i_o affirm_v that_o this_o plea_n be_v not_o sufficient_a and_o and_o that_o there_o be_v objection_n to_o the_o contrary_n which_o it_o do_v not_o resolve_v for_o first_o as_o primitive_a revelation_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o receive_v confirmation_n from_o its_o consonancy_n to_o any_o revelation_n former_o acknowledge_v it_o be_v itself_o the_o first_o so_o after_o revelation_n that_o be_v either_o real_o or_o according_a to_o the_o best_a judgement_n that_o we_o can_v make_v new_a be_v as_o little_a tryable_a by_o their_o congruency_n to_o what_o go_v before_o and_o if_o we_o allow_v miracle_n to_o be_v a_o authentic_a attestation_n in_o such_o case_n i_o see_v not_o how_o we_o can_v admit_v they_o to_o be_v fallacious_a in_o any_o second_o the_o ancient_a portion_n of_o scripture_n be_v the_o mosaic_a write_n now_o antecedent_o to_o the_o give_v forth_o of_o these_o as_o the_o standard_n of_o after_o doctrine_n idolatry_n superstition_n and_o error_n have_v great_o overspread_v the_o world_n i_o will_v therefore_o ask_v if_o god_n
may_v immediate_o work_v miracle_n in_o behalf_n of_o follow_v error_n what_o assurance_n we_o have_v that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o reference_n to_o such_o as_o precede_v i_o know_v no_o argument_n that_o can_v be_v bring_v in_o proof_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o latter_a case_n but_o what_o will_v equal_o conclude_v in_o favour_n of_o the_o negative_a in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o we_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n that_o he_o can_v not_o do_v so_o in_o the_o last_o circumstance_n the_o same_o essential_a perfection_n in_o god_n which_o lead_v we_o to_o judge_n so_o of_o he_o in_o they_o will_v persuade_v we_o to_o have_v the_o like_a thought_n of_o he_o in_o all_o circumstance_n that_o we_o can_v imagine_v three_o it_o be_v express_o against_o the_o evidence_n of_o scripture-testimony_n that_o god_n shall_v work_v a_o miracle_n to_o confirm_v either_o the_o mission_n or_o the_o error_n of_o a_o false_a pretender_n see_v joh._n 9.16.29_o 30_o 31._o christ_n have_v restore_v sight_n to_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a the_o pharisee_n do_v notwithstanding_o question_v whether_o he_o be_v a_o ambassador_n from_o god_n yea_o express_o affirm_v he_o to_o be_v a_o impostor_n as_o for_o this_o fellow_n we_o know_v not_o whence_o he_o be_v now_o let_v we_o observe_v after_o what_o manner_n that_o miraculous_a work_n be_v urge_v in_o justification_n that_o christ_n can_v be_v no_o deceiver_n p._n 16._o how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._o e._n one_o that_o false_o avouch_v himself_o to_o be_v send_v of_o god_n do_v such_o miracle_n and_o 30_o 31_o the_o man_n answer_v and_o say_v unto_o they_o why_o herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n i_o e._n do_v not_o by_o miraculous_a work_n bear_v witness_n to_o they_o that_o come_v in_o their_o own_o name_n i_o know_v that_o we_o be_v to_o distinguish_v between_o what_o the_o scripture_n itself_o say_v and_o what_o be_v only_o â—aid_v in_o the_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o scripture_n itself_o be_v true_a though_o there_o be_v many_o false_a say_n historical_o recite_v in_o it_o because_o though_o the_o expression_n themselves_o be_v false_a yet_o it_o be_v true_a that_o these_o untruth_n which_o it_o report_v be_v speak_v but_o he_o that_o look_v into_o the_o chapter_n will_v plain_o perceive_v that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n do_v not_o only_a register_n these_o say_n but_o adopt_v they_o and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o bare_o affirm_v that_o such_o plea_n be_v make_v but_o that_o the_o plea_n themselves_o be_v true_a and_o solid_a the_o exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o a_o incontestable_a evidence_n of_o the_o doctrine_n they_o be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o and_o of_o the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n that_o work_v they_o may_v easy_o i_o think_v be_v take_v off_o the_o 1_o st_z be_v that_o miracle_n have_v be_v wrought_v by_o heretic_n pagan_n and_o other_o who_o person_n be_v neither_o authorize_v by_o god_n nor_o their_o doctrine_n true_a and_o here_o the_o wonder_v report_v in_o history_n to_o have_v be_v do_v by_o aesculapius_n vespasian_n and_o especial_o apollonius_n tyaneus_n who_o hierocles_n dare_v in_o point_n of_o miraculous_a work_n compare_v with_o jesus_n christ_n be_v allege_v to_o which_o i_o return_v these_o five_o thing_n 1._o we_o may_v just_o question_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o to_o many_o of_o they_o nor_o be_v the_o reporter_n such_o as_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o yield_v they_o a_o implicit_a faith_n piaefraude_n have_v find_v entertainment_n not_o only_o among_o heathen_n but_o christian_n nor_o do_v i_o doubt_v but_o that_o most_o of_o the_o ethnic_a and_o popish_a miracle_n be_v mere_o romantic_a and_o that_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o discharge_v ourselves_o from_o they_o by_o put_v the_o patron_n of_o they_o on_o the_o proof_n that_o ever_o any_o such_o thing_n be_v wrought_v 2._o many_o of_o these_o seem_a miracle_n may_v be_v salve_v by_o natural_a cause_n we_o use_v to_o baptise_v the_o extraordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n with_o the_o name_n of_o wonder_n because_o of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o ability_n of_o natural_a agent_n how_o many_o thing_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o the_o pagan_a world_n as_o the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o a_o supernatural_a power_n that_o we_o can_v now_o give_v a_o distinct_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o 3._o many_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o operation_n of_o the_o devil_n who_o can_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o lie_n as_o well_o as_o tell_v one_o next_o to_o oracle_n satan_n have_v serve_v his_o end_n on_o the_o world_n by_o counterfeit_a miracle_n and_o in_o both_o he_o have_v set_v himself_o to_o ape_n god_n and_o though_o we_o can_v so_o ready_o in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o detect_v the_o imposture_n yet_o in_o most_o of_o they_o we_o meet_v with_o some_o circumstance_n or_o other_o which_o may_v induce_v we_o to_o give_v the_o devil_n the_o honour_n and_o reputation_n of_o they_o 4._o some_o of_o they_o and_o those_o such_o as_o descend_v to_o we_o with_o the_o great_a certainty_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v wrought_v to_o prepare_v the_o world_n for_o some_o strange_a and_o new_a providence_n that_o god_n be_v to_o bring_v upon_o the_o stage_n or_o to_o give_v reputation_n to_o some_o person_n that_o god_n design_v for_o some_o solemn_a undertake_n and_o not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o confirm_v any_o erroneous_a doctrine_n or_o false_a religion_n and_o as_o to_o such_o miraculous_a work_n i_o know_v nothing_o hinder_v why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n thus_o will_v i_o resolve_v the_o cure_n wrought_v by_o vespasian_n on_o the_o blind_a and_o lame_a man_n to_o have_v be_v do_v for_o the_o better_a introduce_v and_o establish_v he_o in_o the_o roman_a empire_n god_n have_v intend_v he_o for_o the_o minister_n of_o his_o wrath_n against_o the_o jewish_a nation_n but_o that_o from_o some_o circumstance_n of_o the_o story_n as_o it_o be_v relate_v by_o suetonius_n and_o tacitus_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d enemy_n not_o easy_o discover_v or_o the_o agency_n of_o the_o devil_n be_v in_o the_o whole_a for_o i_o find_v the_o infirm_a person_n allege_v their_o be_v advise_v by_o serapis_n to_o make_v their_o address_n to_o vespasian_n for_o relief_n against_o their_o malady_n now_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n shall_v employ_v the_o daemon_n for_o the_o herald_n of_o what_o himself_o will_v accomplish_v or_o that_o he_o shall_v encourage_v idolatry_n by_o communion_n with_o votary_n at_o the_o devil_n temple_n 2_o dly_a the_o method_n of_o restore_v the_o blind_a man_n to_o his_o sight_n by_o spit_v upon_o his_o eye_n seem_v plain_o to_o have_v be_v do_v in_o imitation_n of_o christ_n and_o that_o satan_n be_v the_o principal_a agent_n in_o the_o whole_a locum_fw-la intend_v hereby_o either_o to_o disparage_v some_o of_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n or_o to_o maintain_v his_o own_o kingdom_n in_o the_o way_n that_o he_o have_v erect_v he_o 5._o some_o of_o the_o wonderful_a work_n urge_v in_o the_o proof_n of_o what_o we_o be_v contend_v against_o might_n be_v wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o without_o any_o respect_n to_o the_o justify_v the_o mission_n of_o the_o publisher_n of_o it_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o such_o work_n i_o know_v no_o danger_n in_o entitle_v god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n to_o this_o purpose_n we_o have_v mark_v 9.38_o where_o the_o person_n cast_v out_o devil_n be_v neither_o commissioned_n by_o christ_n nor_o do_v so_o much_o as_o direct_o own_o and_o embrace_v he_o and_o yet_o god_n lend_v he_o his_o power_n to_o accomplish_v these_o effect_n and_o suppose_v a_o truth_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n as_o report_v of_o the_o romish_a missionary_n in_o the_o indies_n i_o shall_v think_v this_o key_n sufficient_a to_o unlock_v they_o the_o second_o and_o great_a exception_n why_o miracle_n be_v not_o always_o a_o sufficient_a proof_n of_o the_o doctrine_n in_o who_o behalf_n they_o be_v wrought_v be_v fetch_v it_o from_o scripture_n and_o true_o if_o the_o text_n press_v in_o this_o service_n be_v not_o find_v either_o mistake_v or_o urge_v beyond_o their_o true_a intendment_n we_o will_v ready_o resign_v both_o ourselves_o and_o the_o cause_n we_o have_v be_v plead_v nor_o shall_v any_o show_n or_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o favour_n of_o it_o weigh_v with_o we_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n so_o great_a as_o
passage_n in_o the_o bible_n in_o itself_o unintelligible_a i_o can_v imagine_v any_o use_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v off_o or_o that_o it_o shall_v answer_v any_o end_n which_o we_o must_v needs_o suppose_v so_o wise_a a_o agent_n as_o god_n have_v in_o the_o give_n of_o it_o forth_o beside_o when_o we_o discourse_v of_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n towards_o the_o attainment_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o put_v a_o vast_a difference_n betwixt_o discern_v the_o literal_a grammatical_a and_o historical_a sense_n of_o it_o and_o the_o discern_a it_o in_o a_o save_n &_o spiritual_a manner_n i_o know_v our_o divine_n sometime_o express_v this_o as_o if_o they_o distinguish_v betwixt_o the_o grammatical_a or_o literal_a and_o the_o spiritual_a sense_n but_o their_o intendment_n be_v not_o to_o diversify_v the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o what_o be_v understand_v in_o such_o place_n but_o the_o manner_n and_o way_n in_o which_o they_o be_v understand_v though_o the_o natural_a man_n may_v discover_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a intendment_n of_o a_o text_n no_o less_o may_n be_v than_o he_o that_o be_v bear_v of_o god_n 5._o yet_o their_o perception_n be_v not_o of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o kind_n nor_o do_v they_o understand_v it_o after_o one_o &_o the_o same_o manner_n though_o the_o sense_n therefore_o be_v physical_o the_o same_o yet_o in_o the_o way_n of_o discover_v it_o there_o be_v a_o moral_a difference_n the_o mere_a rational_a mind_n may_v discern_v the_o literal_a sense_n of_o scripture_n proposition_n naturaliter_fw-la but_o without_o a_o supernatural_a irradiation_n from_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n there_o can_v be_v no_o save_a knowledge_n of_o they_o the_o spirit_n which_o breathe_v out_o the_o scripture_n at_o first_o be_v in_o this_o sense_n the_o only_a interpreter_n of_o it_o and_o as_o the_o text_n be_v he_o so_o also_o be_v the_o gloss._n he_o that_o unveil_v the_o object_n must_v enlighten_v the_o eye_n for_o we_o need_v as_o much_o the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n for_o the_o one_o as_o the_o spirit_n of_o revelation_n for_o the_o other_o 3._o see_v among_o many_o other_o place_n eph._n 1.17_o 1_o cor._n 2.11_o 12._o 1_o john_n 2.20_o and_o 5.20_o john_n 6.48_o psal_n 119.18_o 27._o but_o see_v the_o socinian_o and_o remonstrant_n preclude_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n in_o order_n to_o the_o understanding_n the_o meaning_n of_o the_o scripture_n either_o one_o way_n or_o a_o other_o 126._o and_o forasmuch_o as_o diverse_a who_o be_v not_o willing_a to_o be_v catalogue_v among_o they_o do_v yet_o in_o this_o fight_n under_o their_o banner_n i_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d produce_v something_o in_o proof_n of_o it_o 1_o we_o have_v the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n that_o reason_n without_o auxiliary_a beam_n can_v never_o discern_v spiritual_a thing_n spiritual_o the_o natural_a man_n receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v 1_o cor._n 2.14_o where_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o natural_a man_n we_o be_v neither_o to_o understand_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o babe_n the_o infirm_a the_o weak_a for_o though_o such_o be_v often_o unskilful_a in_o the_o word_n of_o righteousness_n neither_o able_a to_o frame_v due_a conception_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n nor_o thorough_o dispose_v to_o a_o due_a savour_v of_o they_o nor_o full_o capable_a of_o improve_n they_o to_o all_o the_o holy_a end_n and_o in_o all_o the_o useful_a deduction_n and_o inference_n to_o which_o they_o be_v design_v and_o to_o which_o they_o be_v admirable_o accommodate_v yet_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n be_v not_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d foolishness_n to_o they_o nor_o be_v we_o by_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o to_o understand_v only_o the_o sensual_a man_n or_o one_o that_o be_v whole_o sink_v into_o the_o animal_n life_n and_o enslave_v to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o his_o corrupt_a appetite_n and_o inordinate_a fleshly_a desire_n see_v the_o natural_a man_n in_o this_o place_n be_v direct_o oppose_v to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o spiritual_a or_o regenerate_a man_n and_o to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o wise_a and_o the_o scribe_n to_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o disputer_n and_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n qui_fw-la dominabantur_fw-la in_o scholis_fw-la who_o bare_a sway_n &_o rule_v in_o the_o school_n but_o by_o the_o natural_a man_n we_o be_v to_o understand_v the_o mere_a rational_a man_n even_o he_o that_o do_v most_o excolere_fw-la animam_fw-la cultivate_v his_o intellectual_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o person_n endow_v with_o mere_a humane_a wisdom_n as_o the_o greek_a scholiast_n say_v now_o what_o be_v affirm_v concern_v this_o sou_o man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o receive_v not_o the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o there_o be_v not_o only_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o dimsightedness_n but_o a_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o impotency_n through_o a_o disproportion_n in_o his_o faculty_n with_o respect_n to_o they_o they_o be_v see_v in_o another_o light_n than_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v they_o be_v know_v only_o by_o a_o divine_a irradiation_n and_o conquer_a sunbeam_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o life_n upon_o the_o mind_n and_o therefore_o god_n be_v say_v to_o shine_v into_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d light_n i._n e._n the_o clear_a and_o evident_a manifestation_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n in_o the_o face_n of_o jesus_n christ_n 2_o cor._n 4.6_o 2._o we_o have_v the_o attestation_n of_o reason_n which_o tell_v we_o that_o nothing_o be_v well_o know_v but_o by_o that_o which_o have_v a_o just_a analogy_n to_o it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d every_o thing_n be_v best_a understand_v by_o that_o which_o bear_v a_o resemblance_n of_o it_o thing_n of_o sense_n and_o life_n be_v only_o know_v by_o vital_a &_o sentient_a faculty_n vegetable_n do_v not_o admit_v every_o particle_n that_o come_v to_o nourish_v they_o but_o only_o such_o as_o bear_v a_o proportion_n to_o their_o own_o pore_n where_o there_o be_v not_o a_o congruity_n betwixt_o the_o subject_a and_o the_o object_n the_o object_n can_v never_o be_v discern_v in_o its_o true_a light_n as_o the_o eye_n can_v behold_v the_o sun_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o it_o have_v some_o resemblance_n of_o the_o sun_n in_o itself_o no_o more_o can_v any_o man_n understand_v the_o thing_n of_o god_n in_o a_o due_a manner_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d unless_o he_o be_v make_v to_o partake_v of_o of_o the_o divine_a image_n every_o thing_n act_n in_o a_o way_n consimilar_v to_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o therefore_o let_v the_o object_n be_v never_o so_o spiritual_a 3._o the_o natural_a man_n can_v never_o know_v they_o in_o a_o way_n analogous_a to_o they_o i._n e._n spiritual_o but_o only_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n that_o alone_o be_v homogeneous_a to_o himself_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o philosophy_n that_o quicquid_fw-la recipitur_fw-la recipitur_fw-la ad_fw-la modum_fw-la recipientis_fw-la every_o thing_n be_v receive_v in_o a_o way_n agreeable_a to_o that_o which_o receive_v it_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o natural_a mind_n it_o can_v act_v no_o otherwise_o than_o in_o a_o natural_a way_n in_o a_o word_n without_o a_o vital_a alliance_n &_o cognation_n to_o spiritual_a thing_n we_o can_v never_o understand_v they_o in_o a_o spiritual_a save_a manner_n i_o take_v these_o two_o here_o in_o a_o aequipollent_a sense_n without_o meddle_v with_o the_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o know_v gospel_n truth_n in_o a_o spiritual_a manner_n and_o the_o know_v they_o in_o a_o save_v 3_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o alone_a virtue_n of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n adapt_v to_o a_o due_a discern_v the_o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n and_o that_o iâ—_n their_o proper_a light_n i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o a_o unregenerate_a man_n shall_v be_v more_o style_v blind_a in_o reference_n to_o the_o word_n of_o god_n than_o in_o reference_n to_o euclid_n element_n or_o aristotle_n organon_n nor_o indeed_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v esteem_v so_o inept_v for_o that_o as_o for_o these_o i_o may_v add_v in_o the_o four_o place_n passim_fw-la that_o according_a to_o the_o
〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o equivalent_a or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o the_o sense_n or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o way_n of_o consequence_n it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v there_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o effect_n and_o though_o some_o conclusion_n lie_v more_o connect_v with_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o be_v deduce_v than_o other_o yet_o they_o be_v both_o equal_o true_a provide_v the_o principle_n be_v so_o whence_o they_o be_v infer_v let_v the_o train_n of_o ratiocination_n be_v short_a or_o long_o nothing_o can_v flow_v from_o truth_n but_o truth_n only_o there_o be_v more_o difficulty_n in_o the_o deduction_n and_o more_o liableness_n to_o mistake_v in_o the_o illation_n of_o the_o latter_a than_o the_o former_a and_o according_o we_o desire_v no_o man_n to_o assent_v to_o the_o thing_n conclude_v till_o he_o have_v examine_v or_o at_o lest_o may_v and_o be_v satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o false_a and_o sophistical_a in_o the_o way_n and_o manner_n of_o its_o deducement_n though_o our_o understanding_n be_v in_o some_o case_n subject_a to_o mistake_v yet_o there_o be_v no_o ground_n to_o suppose_v that_o they_o universal_o do_v so_o though_o our_o faculty_n be_v fallible_a in_o their_o ratiocination_n yet_o there_o be_v connate_a notion_n and_o congenite_fw-la criteria_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v when_o they_o deceive_v we_o and_o when_o not_o there_o be_v certain_a rule_n which_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n have_v agree_v on_o as_o the_o test_n and_o standard_n to_o judge_v of_o legitimate_a deduction_n by_o and_o of_o those_o we_o have_v as_o infallible_a certainty_n as_o that_o it_o be_v day_n when_o the_o sun_n be_v in_o the_o meridian_n as_o we_o discern_v pure_a metal_n from_o embase_v by_o bring_v it_o to_o the_o touchstone_n so_o we_o discern_v regular_a consequence_n from_o sophistical_a by_o inconte_v maxim_n to_o argue_v agagainst_a the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o undoubted_a principle_n preclude_v the_o whole_a service_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o lead_v to_o the_o worst_a of_o scepticism_n whosoever_o impeach_v the_o fitness_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o draw_v conclusion_n from_o evident_a article_n of_o revelation_n do_v equal_o indite_v they_o of_o ineptitude_n to_o deduce_v inference_n from_o first_o maxim_n of_o natural_a light_n scripture_n principle_n be_v as_o certain_a as_o any_o in_o philosophy_n and_o they_o lie_v in_o the_o same_o habitude_n of_o congruity_n and_o incongruity_n to_o other_o thing_n that_o first_o principle_n of_o science_n do_v &_o therefore_o if_o we_o may_v not_o argue_v from_o those_o i_o see_v no_o reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v think_v lawful_a to_o argue_v from_o these_o nor_o be_v we_o otherwise_o secure_a in_o any_o ratiocination_n of_o philosophy_n no_o more_o than_o theologie_n unless_o god_n have_v give_v we_o a_o logic_n to_o instruct_v we_o in_o the_o rule_n of_o argumentation_n as_o he_o have_v give_v we_o the_o scripture_n to_o inform_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o obedience_n in_o a_o word_n we_o must_v either_o implicit_o resign_v ourselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o every_o one_o that_o acco_v we_o or_o we_o must_v as_o brutish_o reject_v they_o unless_o there_o be_v both_o a_o rule_n to_o which_o we_o may_v apply_v and_o by_o which_o we_o may_v try_v they_o &_o some_o certain_a measure_n by_o which_o we_o may_v discern_v whether_o we_o have_v right_o commensurate_v and_o examine_v they_o in_o order_n to_o discern_v what_o of_o they_o be_v false_a and_o what_o be_v true_a now_o though_o reason_n be_v the_o instrument_n of_o deduce_a conclusion_n from_o principle_n of_o faith_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o the_o foundation_n and_o ground_n on_o which_o we_o believe_v and_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n so_o deduce_v nor_o do_v reason_n judge_n of_o the_o verity_n of_o the_o conclusion_n but_o only_o of_o the_o regularity_n of_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o when_o a_o architect_n apply_v his_o line_n or_o square_a to_o a_o building_n they_o only_o be_v the_o rule_n by_o which_o he_o judge_v of_o the_o symmetry_n of_o his_o work_n but_o it_o be_v his_o eye_n that_o serve_v he_o to_o discern_v how_o the_o work_n agree_v to_o the_o rule_n it_o be_v one_o thing_n as_o austin_n say_v to_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o proposition_n 4._o and_o another_o to_o understand_v the_o rule_n of_o connexion_n and_o law_n of_o argumentation_n and_o as_o camero_n say_v to_o determine_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o a_o conclusion_n or_o its_o regular_a illation_n from_o its_o premise_n be_v the_o work_n of_o reason_n and_o that_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n which_o be_v the_o same_o in_o theology_n as_o in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o in_o mathematics_n but_o to_o determine_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v the_o work_n of_o faith_n through_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o word_n as_o a_o demonstration_n in_o geometry_n do_v not_o constitute_v that_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v not_o one_o before_o but_o only_o evidence_v it_o to_o the_o mind_n so_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v a_o conclusion_n to_o be_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n upon_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o its_o deduction_n but_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n in_o the_o bible_n argumentation_n serve_v only_o to_o show_v that_o god_n have_v say_v it_o as_o computation_n in_o arithmetic_n do_v not_o constitute_v the_o total_a of_o the_o lesser_a number_n but_o only_o collect_v and_o adju_v it_o so_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o revelation_n do_v not_o make_v a_o conclusion_n to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n but_o only_o show_v that_o it_o be_v so_o nor_o be_v there_o any_o weight_n in_o that_o exception_n that_o in_o all_o conclusion_n of_o this_o nature_n one_o of_o the_o premise_n only_o be_v of_o revelation_n the_o other_o be_v fetch_v either_o from_o reason_n sense_n or_o experience_n for_o as_o that_o act_n which_o we_o can_v not_o have_v exert_v without_o the_o assistance_n and_o influence_n of_o a_o supernatural_a subjective_n principle_n be_v right_o style_v a_o supernatural_a act_n though_o it_o be_v elicit_v by_o our_o nutural_a faculty_n so_o every_o conclusion_n which_o we_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o through_o the_o assistance_n and_o conduct_n of_o revelation_n be_v right_o style_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n and_o esteem_v a_o part_n of_o revelation_n though_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o kind_n be_v assume_v to_o help_v we_o in_o the_o deduction_n of_o it_o as_o a_o child_n be_v federal_o holy_a wheresoever_o one_o of_o the_o parent_n be_v a_o believer_n 7.14_o though_o the_o other_o remain_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n a_o infidel_n so_o from_o the_o conjunction_n of_o two_o proposition_n whereof_o the_o one_o be_v of_o faith_n there_o result_v a_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n though_o the_o other_o proposition_n be_v draw_v only_o from_o principle_n of_o reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o sense_n all_o man_n acknowledge_v that_o particular_n be_v include_v in_o universals_z and_o if_o the_o universal_a be_v of_o revelation_n the_o several_a particular_n involve_v in_o it_o be_v reveal_v also_o for_o as_o much_o then_o as_o there_o be_v not_o one_o conclusion_n which_o we_o deduce_v from_o principle_n of_o faith_n that_o may_v not_o be_v infer_v by_o some_o syllogism_n or_o other_o in_o the_o first_o figure_n where_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v always_o universal_a and_o the_o conclusion_n be_v either_o contain_v in_o it_o as_o a_o species_n or_o as_o a_o particular_a it_o natural_o follow_v that_o the_o major_a be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n the_o conclusion_n must_v be_v esteem_v reveal_v and_o admit_v for_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n also_o while_o the_o subject_n of_o the_o conclusion_n be_v include_v in_o the_o middle_a term_n which_o be_v the_o subject_n of_o the_o major_a proposition_n and_o the_o predicate_v of_o both_o be_v the_o same_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o evident_a than_o that_o if_o the_o major_a proposition_n be_v of_o revelation_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v with_o a_o divine_a faith_n the_o conclusion_n be_v so_o likewise_o yea_o be_v it_o so_o that_o the_o minor_a proposition_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n yet_o while_o the_o major_n which_o be_v fetch_v from_o some_o inconte_v maxim_n of_o reason_n contain_v either_o the_o whole_a or_o a_o part_n of_o the_o definition_n or_o the_o correlate_n or_o the_o essential_a property_n or_o the_o contradictory_n or_o the_o contrary_a of_o the_o predicate_v of_o the_o assumption_n which_o be_v from_o scripture_n one_o of_o which_o it_o always_o do_v the_o conclusion_n must_v needs_o be_v reck'n_v as_o a_o part_n of_o scripture_n and_o submit_v to_o in_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o we_o do_v to_o that_o which_o carry_v the_o
3.6_o and_o the_o rationalness_n of_o his_o deduction_n from_o thence_o though_o make_v by_o the_o join_n of_o a_o proposition_n of_o another_o nature_n to_o it_o which_o they_o pay_v a_o respect_n to_o the_o multitude_n be_v sway_v in_o this_o case_n by_o the_o mere_a strength_n and_o weight_n of_o his_o argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o have_v be_v astonish_v at_o his_o doctrine_n mat._n 22.33_o they_o admire_v his_o wonderful_a wisdom_n and_o profound_a sagacity_n nor_o be_v they_o influence_v by_o any_o authority_n they_o hold_v he_o vest_v with_o nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o any_o great_a evidence_n of_o a_o profound_a wisdom_n or_o of_o his_o insight_n into_o the_o scripture_n to_o argue_v from_o media_n which_o have_v no_o further_o convince_a efficacy_n or_o force_n but_o what_o they_o borrow_v from_o his_o authority_n that_o use_v they_o in_o brief_a either_o the_o text_n quote_v by_o our_o saviour_n be_v sufficient_a antecedent_o to_o christ_n use_v of_o it_o and_o abstract_v from_o his_o authority_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o resurrection_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o it_o be_v not_o mere_o from_o his_o authority_n that_o they_o come_v under_o a_o obligation_n to_o a_o belief_n of_o that_o conclusion_n if_o it_o be_v not_o than_o how_o come_v christ_n to_o lodge_v their_o unbelief_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o resurrection_n upon_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o scripture_n marc._n 12.24_o mat._n 22.31_o for_o if_o they_o stand_v not_o under_o the_o obligation_n of_o that_o consequence_n but_o mere_o because_o of_o his_o authority_n than_o the_o best_a acquaintance_n imaginable_a with_o the_o sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o that_o place_n can_v have_v minister_v they_o no_o relief_n in_o that_o point_n yea_o it_o have_v be_v utter_o unlawful_a to_o have_v draw_v any_o such_o inference_n from_o it_o 5._o exclude_v scripture-consequence_n and_o the_o papist_n be_v not_o able_a to_o impugn_v one_o tenet_n of_o the_o protestant_n nor_o be_v they_o in_o capacity_n to_o prove_v the_o first_o article_n of_o the_o roman_a faith_n namely_o the_o pretend_a infallibility_n of_o their_o church_n while_o they_o wrest_v such_o weapon_n out_o of_o our_o hand_n they_o at_o the_o same_o time_n disarm_v themselves_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disserve_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o reform_a church_n they_o utter_o undo_v their_o own_o for_o if_o our_o reason_n of_o this_o kind_n be_v insignificant_a against_o they_o they_o be_v also_o insignificant_a against_o we_o and_o by_o the_o same_o art_n that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o blunt_v the_o edge_n of_o our_o sword_n they_o be_v bind_v to_o throw_v away_o their_o own_o i_o shall_v discourse_v this_o no_o far_o only_o shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o say_n of_o justin_n martyr_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o philosophy_n and_o right_a reason_n there_o can_v be_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o science_n in_o the_o world_n §_o 12._o the_o next_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n regard_v those_o doctrine_n which_o beside_o the_o foundation_n that_o they_o have_v in_o revelation_n have_v also_o evidence_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o as_o i_o intimate_v before_o §_o 5._o more_o be_v allowable_a to_o reason_n in_o and_o about_o these_o than_o about_o those_o we_o be_v indebt_v only_o to_o the_o scripture_n for_o the_o discovery_n of_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o declaration_n of_o they_o as_o it_o lie_v in_o the_o bible_n and_o how_o they_o be_v there_o express_v etc._n etc._n but_o we_o be_v further_a to_o see_v what_o media_n there_o be_v in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v both_o discern_v and_o confirm_v yet_o i_o shall_v here_o crave_v liberty_n to_o premise_v that_o where_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v own_v our_o chief_a topic_n in_o all_o theological_a debate_n ought_v to_o be_v fetch_v from_o the_o sacred_a record_n thence_o we_o shall_v both_o frame_v our_o idea_n of_o they_o and_o borrow_v as_o well_o the_o argument_n as_o the_o colour_n and_o ornament_n by_o which_o we_o will_v commend_v they_o to_o the_o mind_n and_o conscience_n of_o believer_n especial_o a_o regard_n ought_v to_o be_v have_v to_o this_o in_o popular_a discourse_n and_o sermon_n as_o humane_a authority_n ought_v to_o have_v very_o little_a place_n if_o any_o at_o all_o in_o the_o pulpit_n so_o we_o ought_v not_o there_o to_o serve_v ourselves_o too_o much_o from_o maxim_n of_o philosophy_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o god_n have_v impress_v more_o of_o his_o authority_n upon_o the_o scripture_n than_o upon_o any_o thing_n else_o that_o he_o have_v make_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n know_v by_o so_o there_o be_v a_o efficacy_n of_o the_o spirit_n promise_v to_o attend_v the_o naked_a preach_v of_o the_o word_n beyond_o what_o we_o can_v expect_v to_o accompany_v our_o ratiocination_n from_o principle_n of_o reason_n as_o faith_n prepare_v the_o spirit_n of_o man_n to_o a_o submission_n to_o what_o they_o hear_v immediate_o out_o of_o the_o bible_n so_o there_o be_v something_o great_a and_o elevate_v which_o i_o know_v not_o how_o to_o express_v in_o truth_n as_o naked_o deliver_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n which_o argumentation_n from_o natural_a maxim_n do_v for_o the_o most_o part_n obnubilate_v and_o darken_v the_o majesty_n of_o god_n who_o command_n we_o deliver_v do_v above_o all_o thing_n most_o attract_v the_o respect_n of_o our_o auditor_n nor_o do_v we_o at_o any_o time_n so_o effectual_o persuade_v as_o by_o the_o mere_a authority_n of_o he_o in_o who_o name_n we_o speak_v yet_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o rational_a proof_n be_v of_o great_a use_n not_o only_o to_o such_o with_o who_o scripture-testimony_n signify_v nothing_o but_o even_o to_o those_o who_o own_o and_o adore_v its_o authority_n by_o show_v that_o as_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v whatsoever_o god_n have_v say_v so_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v agreeable_a to_o and_o have_v foundation_n in_o reason_n and_o the_o two_o light_n of_o revelation_n and_o nature_n do_v excellent_o harmonise_v this_o be_v premise_v among_o other_o truth_n which_o beside_o their_o be_v plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o scripture_n have_v also_o evidence_n give_v to_o they_o in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n be_v especial_o remarkable_a it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v many_o other_o doctrine_n of_o this_o quality_n viz._n the_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n moral_a good_a and_o evil_a etc._n etc._n all_o which_o as_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o sacred_a scripture_n so_o they_o be_v demonstrable_a from_o undoubted_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o wave_v these_o at_o present_a i_o shall_v only_o by_o way_n of_o essay_n and_o with_o all_o imaginable_a brevity_n consider_v what_o media_fw-la there_o be_v in_o nature_n by_o which_o the_o two_o former_a may_v be_v evince_v and_o the_o serviceableness_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o do_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v begin_v with_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o unhappiness_n of_o the_o age_n wherein_o we_o live_v do_v render_v the_o inculcation_n of_o this_o truth_n not_o only_o seasonable_a but_o necessary_a man_n have_v degrade_v themselves_o into_o beast_n by_o practice_n they_o thence_o take_v the_o measure_n of_o their_o opinion_n and_o allow_v no_o difference_n betwixt_o themselves_o and_o the_o pitifull_a brute_n but_o that_o matter_n in_o they_o be_v fall_v into_o a_o more_o lucky_a texture_n and_o modification_n to_o justify_v their_o sensuality_n they_o contend_v that_o they_o have_v nothing_o but_o their_o animal_n inclination_n to_o gratify_v and_o indeed_o the_o soul_n of_o a_o brute_n will_v very_o well_o serve_v all_o the_o end_n that_o some_o man_n propound_v to_o themselves_o next_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n the_o persuasion_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a be_v the_o hinge_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n turn_v it_o be_v this_o that_o lead_v we_o both_o to_o contemn_v the_o gratification_n of_o the_o flesh_n and_o to_o be_v solicitous_a about_o a_o happiness_n hereafter_o though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o undergo_n of_o present_a inconvenience_n rather_o than_o here_o there_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n have_v a_o more_o powerful_a influence_n upon_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o our_o present_a life_n than_o a_o steady_a and_o vigorous_a belief_n that_o the_o soul_n be_v immortal_a now_o when_o we_o assert_v the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n we_o do_v nâ—t_o intend_v that_o it_o be_v immortal_a in_o such_o a_o sense_n as_o that_o by_o no_o cause_n it_o can_v be_v annihilate_v god_n alone_o be_v thus_o immortal_a for_o as_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n of_o corruption_n in_o his_o nature_n so_o there_o be_v no_o foreign_a
wonderful_o to_o befriend_v the_o atheist_n for_o if_o all_o that_o which_o we_o observe_v in_o the_o world_n suppose_v the_o existence_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n may_v result_v from_o the_o mere_a law_n of_o mechanism_n i_o do_v not_o see_v but_o that_o person_n atheistical_o dispose_v may_v go_v a_o degree_n far_o and_o affirm_v both_o the_o self-existence_n of_o matter_n and_o that_o motion_n be_v appendent_a to_o it_o its_o idea_n no_o more_o exclude_v motion_n than_o it_o include_v rest._n neither_o will_v i_o dwell_v upon_o his_o notion_n of_o the_o conflict_n between_o the_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o emphatical_o mention_n namely_o that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o repugnance_n of_o those_o motion_n which_o the_o body_n by_o its_o spirit_n and_o the_o soul_n by_o her_o will_n endeavour_v to_o excite_v at_o the_o same_o time_n in_o the_o glandula_n pinealis_fw-la or_o little_a kernel_n where_o he_o suppose_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v harbour_v and_o seat_v as_o if_o the_o whole_a conflict_n which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n so_o solemn_o describe_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o war_n betwixt_o the_o law_n of_o our_o member_n and_o the_o law_n of_o our_o mind_n rom._n 7.23_o and_o the_o lust_a of_o the_o flesh_n against_o the_o spirit_n and_o the_o spirit_n against_o the_o flesh_n gal._n 17._o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o kernel_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o the_o brain_n be_v drive_v on_o one_o side_n by_o the_o soul_n and_o on_o the_o other_o by_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o be_v minute_n body_n it_o thence_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o those_o impulse_n be_v oftentimes_o contrary_a the_o strong_a hinder_v the_o operation_n of_o the_o weak_a when_o the_o corporeal_a spirit_n by_o their_o rude_a jogging_n of_o the_o glandulous_a button_n endeavour_v to_o excite_v in_o the_o soul_n a_o desire_n of_o any_o thing_n and_o the_o soul_n repel_v it_o by_o the_o will_v she_o have_v to_o avoid_v the_o same_o thing_n this_o constitute_v the_o war_n betwixt_o the_o law_n of_o the_o member_n and_o the_o law_n of_o the_o mind_n i_o be_o apt_a to_o think_v that_o the_o author_n of_o the_o defence_n and_o continuation_n of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a polity_n 342._o have_v this_o in_o his_o eye_n when_o he_o undertake_v to_o resolve_v all_o the_o joy_n refresh_n fear_n sorrow_n etc._n etc._n of_o a_o people_n he_o be_v please_v to_o style_v fanatic_n by_o the_o law_n of_o mechanism_n and_o principle_n of_o anatomy_n and_o it_o be_v not_o unlikely_a but_o that_o mr._n sherlock_n before_o he_o address_v to_o the_o philosophy_n of_o christ_n satisfaction_n for_o so_o he_o be_v please_v to_o call_v it_o have_v thorough_o digest_v the_o philosophy_n of_o this_o combat_n we_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o and_o have_v accommodate_v the_o latter_a to_o mechanical_a principle_n he_o may_v very_o well_o mould_v the_o other_o to_o a_o compliance_n with_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o socinus_n to_o wave_v all_o these_o and_o many_o more_o tenet_n in_o the_o cartesian_a philosophy_n which_o very_o little_o befriend_v religion_n i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o call_v forth_o two_o principle_n of_o monsieur_n des-cartes_n which_o he_o superstruct_v all_o his_o philosophy_n upon_o and_o which_o if_o i_o great_o mistake_n nor_o be_v likely_a to_o disserve_v religion_n beyond_o any_o thing_n occur_v in_o the_o aristotelick_n philosophy_n the_o first_o shall_v be_v that_o famous_a thing_n call_v dubitatio_fw-la cartesiana_n prim_fw-la for_o which_o he_o be_v just_o impeach_v of_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o the_o house_n of_o wisdom_n and_o lay_v a_o ground_n for_o universal_a scepticism_n the_o sum_n of_o his_o notion_n be_v brief_o this_o that_o in_o our_o enquiry_n after_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o unhinge_v and_o suspend_v our_o assent_n from_o all_o or_o any_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o former_o believe_v but_o that_o we_o be_v to_o demean_v ourselves_o towards_o they_o as_o if_o they_o be_v false_a that_o be_v as_o himself_o paraphrase_v it_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v they_o than_o if_o they_o be_v so_o like_a as_o a_o needle_n place_v between_o two_o magnet_n at_o a_o distance_n proportionable_a to_o the_o different_a force_n of_o the_o contrary_a movent_n remain_v in_o a_o aequilibration_n without_o a_o propension_n to_o the_o one_o more_o than_o the_o other_o so_o in_o our_o researche_n of_o truth_n the_o mind_n be_v to_o bind_v up_o its_o assent_n for_o a_o time_n from_o affirm_v a_o thing_n either_o to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a and_o this_o dubitation_n or_o suspension_n of_o the_o judgement_n he_o carry_v to_o that_o extent_n that_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o allow_v we_o the_o postulatum_fw-la of_o archimedes_n viz._n ground_n whereupon_o to_o set_v our_o foot_n for_o he_o not_o only_o suppose_v our_o sense_n to_o be_v fallacious_a where_o the_o object_n be_v remote_a the_o organ_n tinctured_a and_o indispose_v and_o the_o medium_fw-la inept_v but_o even_o where_o there_o be_v a_o concurrence_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_o require_v to_o the_o certainty_n of_o sensation_n yea_o he_o ask_v we_o how_o we_o know_v that_o we_o be_v not_o create_v at_o first_o of_o such_o a_o frame_n as_o to_o be_v in_o all_o thing_n invincible_o obnoxious_a to_o error_n &_o what_o assurance_n we_o have_v but_o that_o some_o evil_a genius_n wise_a powerful_a and_o malicious_a do_v haunt_v and_o impose_v upon_o we_o in_o all_o our_o consultation_n either_o by_o mingle_v false_a colour_n in_o see_v or_o alter_v the_o undulation_n of_o the_o air_n in_o hear_v or_o by_o communicate_v various_a impression_n to_o the_o nerve_n different_a shock_n to_o the_o brain_n and_o agitation_n to_o the_o glandula_fw-la pinealis_fw-la or_o by_o impregnate_v the_o imagination_n with_o false_a idea_n or_o infect_v true_a one_o with_o false_a tincture_n or_o by_o various_o modify_v and_o change_v all_o the_o texture_n and_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n or_o by_o disorder_v all_o the_o rank_n and_o file_n of_o our_o idea_n and_o discompose_v all_o the_o vestigia_fw-la of_o thing_n which_o be_v impress_v upon_o so_o soft_a and_o dissipable_a a_o substance_n as_o the_o brain_n now_o how_o far_o these_o reason_n extend_v and_o what_o a_o unhappy_a and_o troublesome_a guest_n such_o a_o genius_n be_v if_o other_o man_n can_v not_o with_o as_o much_o facility_n lie_v this_o devil_n as_o des-cartes_n have_v raise_v he_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v a_o wariness_n in_o pronounce_v concern_v natural_a thing_n where_o though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n certain_a which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o question_n yet_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n doubtful_a of_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o precipitant_o to_o determine_v be_v allow_v by_o all_o the_o old_a philosopher_n and_o be_v especial_o practise_v by_o plato_n and_o his_o successor_n in_o the_o old_a academy_n whence_o arise_v the_o academic_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o suspension_n of_o assent_n but_o the_o cartesian_a dubitation_n reach_v further_a yea_o they_o extend_v it_o so_o far_o as_o to_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o yea_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o question_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o deity_n velthuis_n and_o that_o if_o we_o will_v philosophise_v to_o any_o purpose_n concern_v the_o be_v of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o only_o call_v into_o question_n but_o for_o a_o time_n suppose_v it_o false_a that_o there_o be_v one_o as_o a_o cartesian_a late_o propose_v it_o in_o public_a question_n at_o leyden_n we_o have_v a_o further_a evidence_n of_o the_o extent_n and_o tendency_n of_o this_o dubitation_n vouchsafe_v we_o by_o the_o author_n of_o philosophia_fw-la scripturae_fw-la interpres_fw-la who_o claim_v the_o same_o right_n of_o question_v all_o thing_n in_o divinity_n till_o he_o shall_v arrive_v at_o something_o certain_a and_o evident_a that_o des-cartes_n have_v in_o philosophy_n do_v at_o last_o issue_n it_o in_o make_v faith_n wait_v at_o the_o elbow_n of_o reason_n and_o in_o constitute_v philosophy_n the_o standard_n of_o theology_n yea_o we_o have_v a_o more_o deplorable_a instance_n of_o this_o unbounded_a dubitation_n in_o the_o anonymous_n author_n of_o tractatus_fw-la theologicopoliticus_fw-la suppose_v to_o be_v benedictus_n spinosa_n who_o be_v thorough_o tincture_v with_o this_o and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o cartesian_a principle_n have_v in_o pursuance_n of_o they_o endeavour_v in_o effect_n to_o undermine_v and_o subvert_v all_o supernatural_a revelation_n i_o can_v but_o commend_v the_o ingenuity_n of_o henricus_n regius_n who_o have_v imbibe_v this_o cartesian_a principle_n and_o foresee_v that_o it_o will_v be_v charge_v as_o lead_v to_o scepticism_n he_o very_o candid_o confess_v it_o and_o withal_o add'_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a by_o any_o principle_n in_o nature_n to_o avoid_v a_o perpetual_a hesitation_n and_o i_o
will_v add_v that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n in_o nature_n to_o check_v scepticism_n the_o principle_n of_o revelation_n can_v never_o do_v it_o for_o without_o presuppose_v both_o that_o our_o sense_n &_o reason_n do_v not_o universal_o deceive_v we_o we_o can_v have_v no_o assurance_n that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n at_o all_o i_o will_v not_o say_v that_o the_o cartesian_o be_v sceptic_n but_o i_o say_v they_o owe_v it_o not_o to_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o philosophy_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o suppose_v we_o once_o to_o disband_v lay_v by_o and_o to_o take_v for_o false_a all_o that_o we_o have_v imbibe_v from_o education_n or_o otherwise_o embrace_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v where_o we_o can_v begin_v and_o upon_o what_o foundation_n we_o can_v superstruct_v science_n they_o who_o propose_v it_o as_o a_o principle_n that_o we_o be_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n aught_o in_o pursuance_n of_o their_o hypothesis_n to_o suspect_v those_o very_a principle_n with_o they_o lie_v down_o for_o certain_a if_o there_o be_v not_o some_o principle_n incontestable_a and_o beyond_o the_o precinct_n of_o be_v gainsay_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v but_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v endless_o bewilder_v and_o entangle_v in_o a_o perpetual_a and_o inextricable_a maze_n according_a to_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n no_o man_n can_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v any_o material_a effect_n or_o being_n in_o the_o world_n for_o we_o can_v have_v no_o other_o certainty_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o corporeal_a being_n but_o by_o their_o affect_v the_o organ_n of_o sensation_n and_o of_o this_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o des-cartes_n there_o be_v no_o assurance_n can_v be_v obtain_v for_o 1._o how_o can_v i_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v any_o impression_n make_v by_o foreign_a object_n upon_o the_o fibre_n and_o nerve_n see_v all_o may_v be_v but_o mere_a fancy_n and_o imagination_n 2._o how_o shall_v i_o be_v ascertain_v that_o those_o impulse_n upon_o the_o nerve_n which_o we_o ascribe_v to_o outward_a object_n be_v not_o beget_v and_o cause_v by_o the_o malus_n genius_n we_o just_a now_o hear_v of_o and_o as_o i_o must_v in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o principle_n abide_v in_o a_o perpetual_a suspension_n of_o mind_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o material_a being_n in_o the_o world_n so_o i_o can_v no_o way_n be_v assure_v from_o any_o effect_n which_o i_o observe_v in_o the_o universe_n either_o that_o they_o have_v a_o second_o cause_n at_o all_o or_o which_o particular_o be_v their_o cause_n not_o the_o latter_a see_v god_n may_v produce_v the_o like_a effect_n by_o different_a cause_n not_o the_o former_a because_o whatsoever_o be_v bring_v forth_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o second_o cause_n may_v be_v produce_v immediate_o by_o god_n himself_o i_o will_v only_o subjoin_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o truth_n in_o this_o cartesian_a notion_n no_o man_n can_v be_v assure_v of_o his_o own_o cogitation_n or_o whether_o he_o do_v cogitate_v at_o all_o for_o we_o can_v otherwise_o know_v that_o we_o do_v know_v but_o by_o a_o latter_a reflex_n act_n of_o the_o mind_n upon_o the_o former_a and_o of_o this_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n see_v i_o be_o not_o sure_a whether_o the_o act_n i_o reflect_v upon_o be_v elicit_v by_o the_o mind_n it_o self_n or_o only_o a_o impression_n beget_v in_o i_o by_o some_o powerful_a and_o malicious_a guest_n which_o do_v continual_o haunt_v we_o i_o be_o not_o ignorant_a of_o the_o restriction_n limitation_n and_o exposition_n with_o some_o cartesian_o give_v of_o the_o foregoing_a principle_n but_o upon_o a_o examination_n of_o what_o be_v allege_v against_o it_o by_o gassendus_fw-la schoockius_n daniel_n voetius_fw-la vogelsangius_fw-la and_o other_o and_o what_o be_v plead_v in_o justification_n of_o it_o by_o claubergius_n de_fw-fr bruin_n etc._n etc._n as_o well_o as_o des-cartes_n himself_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v that_o all_o the_o cartesian_a plea_n in_o behalf_n of_o it_o do_v either_o overthrow_n what_o themselves_o will_v establish_v and_o contradict_v what_o they_o endeavour_v to_o obtrude_v or_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o weak_a and_o impotent_a but_o i_o be_o not_o without_o thought_n of_o discourse_v this_o more_o large_o some_o other_o time_n and_o therefore_o shall_v at_o present_a supersede_n the_o further_a prosecution_n of_o it_o the_o second_o cartesian_a principle_n which_o i_o impeach_v as_o disserviceable_a to_o religion_n be_v this_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o be_v infallible_o true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v no_o way_n long_o to_o doubt_v of_o it_o this_o they_o make_v the_o only_a test_n of_o discern_v and_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n nor_o do_v they_o allow_v any_o other_o measure_n or_o standard_n of_o discriminate_v betwixt_o verity_n and_o error_n if_o we_o shall_v be_v deceive_v in_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o god_n himself_o 6._o say_v des-cartes_n will_v be_v fallax_fw-la &_o deceptor_n horresco_fw-la referens_fw-la and_o all_o our_o error_n and_o mistake_v must_v be_v attribute_v to_o he_o unless_o the_o cartesian_o be_v infallible_a in_o what_o ever_o they_o imagine_v themselves_o to_o have_v a_o distinct_a perception_n and_o cognizance_n of_o god_n must_v be_v cease_v to_o be_v good_a and_o true_a and_o must_v undergo_v the_o blame_n of_o all_o their_o hallucination_n i_o do_v the_o rather_o touch_v on_o this_o cartesian_a axiom_n because_o i_o not_o only_o find_v it_o introduce_v into_o divinity_n by_o some_o outlandish_a writer_n but_o by_o some_o modern_a theologue_n at_o home_n particular_o by_o the_o author_n of_o deus_fw-la justificatus_fw-la 17._o nor_o will_v it_o be_v amiss_o a_o little_a to_o inquire_v into_o it_o as_o well_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o be_v erect_v by_o the_o cartesian_o for_o the_o first_o and_o only_a principle_n of_o all_o certainty_n and_o science_n as_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o the_o bad_a effect_n it_o be_v like_a to_o have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n now_o the_o meaning_n and_o sense_n of_o this_o theorem_a must_v either_o be_v this_o that_o whatever_o we_o apprehend_v and_o perceive_v as_o it_o be_v it_o infallible_o be_v so_o and_o our_o perception_n of_o it_o be_v true_a but_o then_o according_a to_o this_o paraphrase_n of_o it_o there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o nugatory_n and_o ridiculous_a proposition_n form_v for_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o if_o we_o shall_v say_v what_o we_o have_v a_o true_a cognizance_n of_o that_o we_o have_v a_o true_a cognizance_n of_o and_o what_o be_v true_o know_v by_o we_o that_o we_o do_v true_o know_v but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o meaning_n which_o the_o cartesian_o intend_v by_o it_o for_o as_o much_o as_o they_o make_v the_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o perception_n the_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o judge_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o object_n and_o thing_n for_o according_a to_o they_o our_o perception_n be_v not_o therefore_o clear_a and_o true_a because_o of_o their_o congruity_n to_o the_o object_n about_o which_o our_o mind_n be_v conversant_a but_o on_o the_o contrary_n they_o determine_v concern_v the_o object_n from_o the_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o our_o perception_n the_o sense_n therefore_o of_o this_o cartesian_a axiom_n if_o it_o have_v any_o at_o all_o and_o be_v not_o perfect_a nonsense_n must_v be_v this_o namely_o that_o every_o thing_n real_o be_v as_o we_o perceive_v it_o provide_v our_o perception_n of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a that_o those_o idea_n of_o thing_n which_o offer_v themselves_o to_o our_o mind_n by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n be_v infallible_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o now_o admit_v this_o to_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o it_o i_o affirm_v it_o to_o be_v the_o most_o silly_a fallacious_a and_o lubricous_a principle_n that_o ever_o man_n pretend_v to_o philosophy_n lay_v down_o i_o shall_v wave_v that_o medium_fw-la that_o there_o may_v be_v clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o perception_n in_o act_n of_o simple_a apprehension_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatsoever_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v be_v not_o true_a because_o act_n of_o simple_a apprehension_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o verity_n this_o i_o say_v i_o shall_v decline_v the_o urge_n of_o see_v i_o judge_v both_o verity_n and_o falsity_n to_o obtain_v in_o all_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n for_o verity_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o conformity_n of_o the_o act_n to_o the_o object_n there_o be_v as_o well_o a_o incomplex_n verity_n in_o act_n of_o simple_a apprehension_n as_o there_o be_v a_o complex_n verity_n in_o act_n of_o judgement_n i_o may_v as_o well_o
apprehend_v thing_n to_o be_v as_o indeed_o they_o be_v as_o i_o may_v affirm_v one_o thing_n of_o another_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v however_o though_o i_o wave_v this_o medium_fw-la yet_o my_o first_o argument_n shall_v be_v draw_v from_o act_n of_o simple_a apprehension_n but_o build_v upon_o another_o medium_fw-la and_o it_o be_v this_o whatsoever_o i_o can_v clear_o apprehend_v separate_v and_o apart_o i_o can_v apprehend_v the_o same_o with_o the_o same_o clearness_n unite_v and_o conjunct_a for_o example_n as_o i_o can_v clear_o and_o distinct_o apprehend_v a_o river_n and_o wine_n apart_o i_o can_v with_o the_o same_o clearness_n apprehend_v they_o conjunct_a and_o unite_a and_o yet_o i_o shall_v be_v loath_a to_o trust_v this_o cartesian_a principle_n so_o far_o as_o to_o assert_v that_o there_o be_v real_o a_o river_n run_v wine_n mere_o because_o i_o can_v frame_v a_o complex_fw-la apprehension_n of_o these_o two_o together_o 2._o it_o interfere_n with_o what_o the_o 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mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n if_o we_o can_v distinct_o and_o clear_o perceive_v they_o they_o be_v no_o long_o mystery_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o assent_v to_o and_o belâ—eve_v they_o notwithstanding_o that_o we_o do_v not_o distinct_o and_o clear_o perceive_v they_o we_o be_v hardly_o yea_o i_o may_v say_v not_o at_o all_o christian_n this_o be_v so_o indubitable_a that_o we_o may_v yea_o aught_o to_o assent_v to_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o that_o des-cartes_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o subscribe_v to_o it_o his_o word_n be_v that_o multis_fw-la possumus_fw-la assentiri_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la perobscure_a &_o confuse_v cognoscimus_fw-la which_o as_o it_o be_v most_o true_a so_o he_o can_v have_v say_v nothing_o more_o contradictory_n to_o and_o subversive_a of_o his_o own_o principle_n 5._o experience_v not_o only_o tell_v we_o that_o man_n do_v often_o err_v and_o mistake_v but_o that_o they_o do_v so_o in_o thing_n about_o which_o they_o suppose_v themselves_o to_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n yea_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v des-cartes_n impetrare_fw-la a_o nobis_fw-la non_fw-la possismus_fw-la ut_fw-la obscure_a &_o confuse_v cognitis_fw-la quamdiâ—_n talia_fw-la nobis_fw-la apparent_a assensum_fw-la praebeamus_fw-la we_o can_v obtain_v of_o ourselves_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n so_o long_o as_o we_o only_o obscure_o and_o confuse_o know_v it_o now_o though_o this_o be_v egregious_o false_a yet_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v more_o to_o the_o overthrow_n of_o this_o great_a and_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o he_o for_o if_o man_n can_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a cognizance_n of_o and_o if_o daily_a experience_n assure_v that_o one_o or_o other_o be_v always_o embrace_v vent_v and_o justify_v error_n then_o farewell_n to_o this_o principle_n of_o the_o cartesian_o that_o whatsoever_o present_v itself_o to_o we_o by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n be_v real_o and_o in_o itself_o so_o as_o we_o do_v perceive_v it_o 6._o be_v it_o most_o true_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n to_o be_v otherwise_o than_o what_o we_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v it_o yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o first_o principle_n of_o science_n because_o we_o be_v still_o at_o a_o loss_n how_o we_o shall_v know_v whether_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o thing_n yea_o or_o not_o let_v we_o suppose_v two_o man_n imbue_v with_o opinion_n whereof_o those_o of_o the_o one_o be_v repugnant_a with_o those_o of_o the_o other_o and_o each_o of_o they_o plead_v a_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o perception_n in_o reference_n to_o his_o own_o now_o i_o will_v inquire_v of_o the_o cartesian_o by_o what_o mean_v these_o two_o man_n shall_v be_v satisfy_v that_o their_o knowledge_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a for_o clearness_n and_o distinctness_n of_o perception_n can_v no_o more_o be_v ascribe_v to_o both_o of_o they_o than_o truth_n can_v be_v predicate_v of_o the_o two_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n 7._o the_o cartesian_o in_o the_o justify_n of_o this_o principle_n involve_v themselves_o in_o a_o most_o shameful_a circle_n for_o if_o it_o be_v inquire_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v but_o that_o god_n have_v frame_v we_o with_o such_o faculty_n as_o may_v in_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n we_o have_v abuse_n and_o delude_v we_o they_o reply_v that_o we_o know_v it_o from_o the_o idea_n which_o we_o have_v of_o god_n be_v perfect_a i_o e._n infinite_o good_a and_o true_a and_o if_o they_o be_v again_o ask_v what_o assurance_n they_o have_v that_o this_o be_v a_o true_a idea_n of_o god_n they_o recur_n to_o their_o canon_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n for_o the_o justify_n of_o it_o thus_o they_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o their_o rule_n and_o measure_n from_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n from_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o rule_n which_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o be_v to_o argue_v circular_o shall_v i_o add_v in_o the_o eight_o and_o last_o place_n that_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o socinianism_n new_a furbish_a and_o seem_v indeed_o shape_v to_o justify_v they_o in_o their_o most_o detestable_a error_n for_o it_o be_v remarkable_a that_o when_o they_o be_v in_o a_o sober_a mood_n they_o tell_v we_o that_o they_o do_v not_o renounce_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n etc._n etc._n because_o they_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o judge_v they_o repugnant_a to_o the_o distinct_a and_o clear_a perception_n which_o they_o of_o thing_n the_o word_n of_o smalcius_n be_v we_o ready_o acknowledge_v many_o thing_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n arbitr_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n and_o we_o know_v that_o religion_n 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which_o lie_v in_o all_o scripture_n word_n there_o be_v none_o more_o pregnant_a with_o a_o vastness_n of_o meaning_n than_o metaphorical_a term_n be_v this_o at_o least_o must_v be_v allow_v that_o wheresoever_o the_o resemblance_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o be_v represent_v under_o a_o metaphorick_n word_n or_o expression_n 2._o that_o all_o the_o particular_n which_o stand_v in_o analogy_n with_o that_o expression_n and_o any_o way_n serve_v to_o make_v out_o the_o comparison_n and_o similitude_n aught_o to_o be_v include_v nor_o do_v i_o once_o question_v but_o that_o this_o alone_a will_v go_v a_o great_a length_n in_o relieve_v the_o nonconformist_n from_o the_o imputation_n charge_v upon_o they_o in_o reference_n to_o their_o exposition_n of_o scripture-metaphor_n 5_o when_o the_o sense_n of_o a_o metaphor_n in_o this_o or_o that_o place_n lie_v envelop_v and_o obscure_a it_o be_v of_o great_a advantage_n to_o consider_v the_o import_n of_o the_o metaphor_n as_o it_o occur_v in_o other_o part_n of_o scripture_n where_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o discourse_n and_o the_o context_n render_v the_o meaning_n of_o it_o more_o plain_a and_o obvious_a when_o a_o phrase_n stand_v encircle_v with_o darkness_n in_o one_o place_n we_o be_v then_o to_o see_v what_o light_n can_v be_v borrow_v from_o the_o usage_n of_o it_o in_o some_o other_o place_n suppose_v all_o thing_n to_o be_v parallel_n where_o the_o tendency_n of_o it_o be_v more_o apparent_a god_n have_v so_o temper_v the_o scripture_n that_o by_o the_o use_n of_o a_o phrase_n in_o one_o place_n light_n be_v reflect_v on_o the_o meaning_n of_o it_o in_o another_o by_o their_o mutual_a irradiation_n they_o enlighten_v each_o other_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o more_o perspicuous_a guide_v we_o to_o the_o intelligence_n of_o the_o more_o obscure_a 6_o when_o a_o metaphorick_n phrase_n abstract_o and_o irrelative_o consider_v seem_v dark_a and_o intricate_a the_o survey_v it_o in_o its_o habitude_n to_o the_o context_n will_v huge_o tend_v to_o the_o unfolding_n its_o sense_n and_o importance_n the_o rabbin_n have_v a_o say_n that_o nulla_fw-la est_fw-la objectio_fw-la in_o lege_fw-la quae_fw-la non_fw-la habet_fw-la solutionem_fw-la in_fw-la latere_fw-la what_o ever_o difficulty_n attend_v a_o phrase_n consider_v alone_o it_o may_v be_v resolve_v by_o observe_v what_o border_n upon_o it_o word_n be_v to_o be_v sense_v in_o relation_n to_o what_o precede_v and_o ensue_v and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v disjoin_v from_o the_o body_n of_o the_o discourse_n to_o which_o they_o appertain_v for_o as_o hierome_n say_v moris_n est_fw-la scripturarum_fw-la manifesta_fw-la obscuris_fw-la subnectere_fw-la &_o quod_fw-la prius_fw-la sub_fw-la aenigmate_fw-la dixerint_fw-la apertâ_fw-la voce_fw-la proffer_v 19_o we_o have_v all_o imaginable_a certainty_n of_o have_v attain_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o metaphor_n and_o of_o have_v reach_v the_o real_a truth_n wrap_v up_o under_o it_o when_o 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understanding_n to_o impress_v they_o more_o durable_o in_o our_o memory_n to_o excite_v our_o affection_n with_o the_o more_o vigour_n and_o by_o the_o artifice_n of_o a_o external_a dress_n to_o make_v the_o study_n of_o the_o word_n more_o pleasant_a and_o delightful_a and_o therefore_o the_o true_a conception_n that_o be_v veil_v under_o metaphor_n be_v to_o be_v seek_v for_o in_o those_o place_n where_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v reveal_v and_o declare_v in_o proper_a term_n it_o be_v a_o high_a satisfaction_n to_o observe_v how_o plain_a text_n conduct_v we_o to_o the_o understanding_n of_o metaphorical_a and_o how_o metaphorical_a term_n serve_v to_o illustrate_v thing_n that_o be_v elsewhere_o deliver_v in_o proper_a word_n god_n know_v the_o various_a temper_n and_o genius_n of_o man_n have_v so_o dispose_v the_o phraseology_n of_o scripture_n that_o the_o same_o truth_n be_v represent_v in_o a_o dress_n idiom_n and_o dialect_n which_o may_v best_o suit_v the_o gust'o_o of_o every_o one_o though_o there_o be_v enough_o in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o which_o the_o scripture_n treat_v of_o to_o conciliate_v a_o reverence_n and_o veneration_n to_o it_o yet_o the_o frequent_a repeat_v the_o same_o thing_n be_v there_o not_o some_o variation_n in_o the_o exterior_a ornament_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o beget_v a_o nauseum_fw-la â—nd_v expose_v the_o sacred_a stile_n to_o be_v think_v languish_v cold_a and_o insipid_a as_o upon_o the_o one_o hand_n therefore_o the_o scripture_n be_v secure_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o be_v flat_a cold_a and_o unaffecting_a through_o those_o light_n and_o grace_n of_o rhetoric_n wherewith_o it_o be_v adorn_v which_o at_o once_o illuminate_v the_o mind_n by_o their_o easiness_n and_o by_o a_o certain_a peculiar_a movement_n insinuate_v upon_o the_o heart_n by_o their_o strike_v the_o imagination_n so_o upon_o the_o other_o hand_n all_o obscurity_n be_v remove_v from_o the_o word_n not_o only_o through_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o schem'_v of_o speech_n themselves_o which_o be_v all_o natural_a &_o have_v a_o admirable_a tendency_n to_o illustrate_v the_o thing_n they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o but_o because_o those_o very_a thing_n be_v all_o of_o they_o deliver_v in_o plain_a and_o proper_a term_n elsewhere_o these_o be_v the_o line_n and_o measure_n that_o be_v to_o be_v attend_v to_o in_o the_o explain_n of_o metaphor_n i_o dare_v pronounce_v that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o obscurity_n of_o metaphorick_n expression_n which_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v understand_v as_o the_o want_n of_o common_a reason_n &_o sense_n in_o those_o that_o meddle_v with_o they_o in_o a_o word_n metaphorical_a term_n signify_v all_o and_o every_o thing_n which_o with_o reference_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o trope_n analogy_n with_o the_o sacred_a system_n congruity_n with_o the_o context_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o scope_n of_o the_o author_n they_o can_v signify_v and_o as_o i_o know_v none_o more_o observant_a of_o these_o rule_n in_o the_o sense_n and_o apply_v of_o metaphor_n than_o those_o who_o be_v style_v nonconformist_n so_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o some_o of_o they_o either_o through_o ignorance_n inadvertency_n or_o wantonness_n shall_v prevaricate_v in_o this_o matter_n yet_o i_o no_o way_n understand_v how_o either_o in_o consistency_n with_o religion_n or_o morality_n a_o whole_a party_n shall_v be_v traduce_v for_o the_o folly_n of_o a_o few_o have_v a_o regard_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n influence_v man_n in_o these_o effort_n they_o will_v have_v find_v as_o much_o cause_n of_o impeach_v some_o among_o themselves_o of_o extravagancy_n in_o this_o matter_n as_o of_o any_o else_o whoever_o but_o proceed_v upon_o other_o motive_n they_o have_v confine_v their_o cavil_n to_o the_o write_n of_o such_o the_o load_n of_o who_o person_n with_o reproach_n they_o reckon_v to_o be_v their_o interest_n only_o it_o have_v fall_v out_o here_o as_o in_o other_o case_n where_o reflection_n be_v partial_o and_o withal_o too_o personal_o address_v that_o their_o reproach_n have_v not_o only_o for_o the_o most_o part_n lose_v their_o effect_n but_o they_o themselves_o be_v repute_v uncivil_a and_o malicious_a §_o 7._o the_o nature_n of_o metaphor_n in_o general_a be_v unfold_v and_o have_v also_o fix_v and_o state_v the_o rule_n of_o expound_v scripture_n one_o we_o be_v next_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o use_n of_o either_o common_a metaphor_n whether_o in_o popular_a sermon_n practical_a discourse_n or_o even_o some_o time_n in_o polemical_a write_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o as_o reason_n give_v a_o discourse_n its_o strength_n and_o nerve_n so_o rhetoric_n give_v it_o its_o colour_n and_o grace_n the_o strong_a argument_n when_o deliver_v dry_o as_o they_o do_v not_o so_o delight_n and_o please_v so_o neither_o do_v they_o so_o enlighten_v and_o instruct_v as_o when_o clothe_v in_o a_o bright_a and_o flourish_a character_n the_o same_o thing_n naked_o and_o blunt_o represent_v
affirm_v withal_o that_o till_o the_o sanctify_a spirit_n effectual_o infallible_o and_o by_o a_o unresisted_a operation_n transform_v we_o into_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o communicate_v to_o we_o a_o vital_a seed_n we_o remain_v pollute_v unholy_a and_o uncapable_a of_o do_v any_o thing_n with_o all_o that_o dueness_n of_o circumstance_n as_o may_v commend_v we_o or_o our_o performance_n to_o god_n acceptance_n not_o but_o that_o antecedent_o to_o the_o holy_a ghost_n renew_v we_o by_o a_o communication_n of_o grace_n to_o we_o we_o may_v both_o dogmatical_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n and_o be_v find_v in_o a_o discharge_n of_o the_o material_a part_n not_o only_o of_o natural_a duty_n but_o of_o the_o act_n of_o institute_v religion_n but_o to_o say_v that_o we_o ought_v thereupon_o to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a be_v to_o remonstrate_v to_o the_o scripture_n in_o a_o thousand_o place_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o very_a tenor_n and_o design_n of_o the_o gospel_n now_o while_o we_o remain_v thus_o un-ho_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n or_o capable_a subject_n of_o justification_n and_o forgiveness_n that_o till_o we_o be_v actual_o make_v partaker_n of_o the_o wash_n of_o regeneration_n and_o the_o renew_v of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n we_o can_v possible_o have_v any_o union_n with_o he_o or_o have_v a_o right_n to_o pardon_n of_o sin_n or_o any_o thing_n that_o ensue_v or_o depend_v thereupon_o by_o he_o i_o know_v not_o one_o among_o the_o nonconformist_n who_o affirm_v that_o wicked_a man_n while_o they_o continue_v such_o be_v actual_o unite_v to_o christ_n and_o thereby_o have_v a_o actual_a right_n to_o pardon_n and_o righteousness_n 353_o and_o eternal_a life_n yea_o that_o they_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n if_o ever_o they_o be_v unite_v while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n as_o mr._n sherlock_n be_v please_v without_o respect_n either_o to_o modesty_n or_o truth_n to_o brand_v they_o nor_o do_v i_o know_v any_o opinion_n maintain_v by_o they_o that_o draw_v such_o a_o pernicious_a consequence_n after_o it_o but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n with_o some_o if_o the_o deduction_n be_v odious_a and_o reproachful_a whether_o it_o be_v rational_a and_o coherent_a or_o not_o all_o that_o we_o plead_v for_o be_v this_o that_o as_o previous_o to_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n we_o be_v pollute_v and_o un-ho_o so_o by_o that_o very_a act_n whereby_o he_o unite_v we_o to_o himself_o he_o infuse_v those_o principle_n into_o we_o by_o which_o our_o nature_n be_v cleanse_v and_o we_o come_v to_o be_v denominate_v holy_a and_o pure_a the_o foundation_n of_o our_o union_n and_o that_o by_o w_z ch_z we_o become_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 6.17_o ligue_v and_o cement_v to_o the_o lord_n be_v the_o matter_n of_o our_o inward_a purity_n and_o the_o vital_a seed_n and_o live_a principle_n of_o our_o follow_a obedience_n by_o the_o same_o act_n that_o he_o assume_v we_o into_o union_n with_o himself_o he_o transform_v our_o nature_n and_o by_o have_v make_v a_o change_n in_o the_o heart_n there_o infallible_o follow_v a_o change_n in_o the_o conversation_n those_o very_a principle_n by_o which_o we_o be_v regenerate_v be_v both_o the_o ligament_n which_o knit_v and_o unite_v we_o to_o he_o and_o the_o spring_n &_o source_n of_o all_o our_o gospel_n obedience_n it_o be_v a_o needless_a enquiry_n whether_o our_o renovation_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n precede_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n or_o whether_o our_o union_n go_v before_o our_o renovation_n see_v in_o order_n of_o time_n they_o be_v not_o only_o inseparable_a but_o that_o which_o be_v the_o new_a creature_n the_o seed_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a nature_n in_o we_o be_v the_o very_a bond_n of_o our_o cohesion_n and_o as_o none_o continue_v un-ho_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n so_o neither_o do_v our_o be_v unite_v to_o he_o destroy_v our_o obligation_n to_o holiness_n and_o obedience_n for_o the_o future_a 352_o of_o which_o mr._n sherlock_n foolish_o as_o well_o invidious_o impeach_v it_o for_o beside_o that_o both_o the_o consideration_n of_o god_n distinguish_v mercy_n in_o the_o renew_n our_o nature_n will_v be_v a_o forcible_a motive_n and_o argument_n to_o holiness_n and_o the_o principle_n already_o inlay_v into_o our_o heart_n like_o a_o vital_a form_n in_o the_o soul_n turn_v it_o into_o a_o universal_a consent_n with_o god_n own_o will_n adapt_v connaturalise_v and_o incline_v we_o to_o it_o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o author_n of_o our_o regeneration_n continue_v both_o to_o watch_v over_o cherish_v foster_v excite_v and_o draw_v forth_o those_o principle_n and_o habit_n which_o he_o have_v already_o infuse_v into_o our_o soul_n and_o to_o communicate_v such_o far_a supply_n as_o upon_o our_o serve_v his_o promise_n god_n in_o his_o sovereign_a infinite_a wisdom_n in_o order_n to_o his_o own_o glory_n think_v meet_v these_o we_o have_v describe_v be_v the_o person_n who_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n we_o plead_v for_o which_o i_o hope_v neither_o derive_v a_o dishonour_n upon_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n 350._o nor_o offer_v any_o contradiction_n to_o his_o gospel_n we_o disclaim_v be_v the_o patron_n and_o advocate_n of_o the_o union_n of_o any_o unholy_a person_n while_o he_o continue_v such_o to_o christ_n nor_o be_v our_o adversary_n able_a by_o any_o rule_n of_o argumentation_n to_o infer_v it_o from_o any_o of_o our_o opinion_n how_o far_o he_o may_v be_v able_a to_o prejudice_v those_o against_o we_o who_o be_v lead_v by_o noise_n clamour_n and_o confidence_n instead_o of_o calm_a and_o sedate_v reason_n i_o know_v not_o but_o among_o person_n of_o a_o better_a figure_n who_o will_v not_o mere_o be_v talk_v into_o a_o contempt_n of_o we_o who_o hate_v we_o not_o out_o of_o interest_n and_o so_o regulate_v their_o faith_n concern_v we_o by_o their_o indignation_n i_o defy_v he_o a_o proselyte_n i_o wish_v mr._n sherlock_n be_v not_o in_o this_o very_a particular_a liable_a to_o have_v that_o retort_v upon_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v as_o unjust_o as_o invidious_o fasten_v upon_o we_o for_o as_o i_o shall_v be_v sorry_a that_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o own_o opinion_n shall_v lie_v in_o such_o a_o inconsistency_n to_o the_o frame_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o entitle_v unholy_a person_n to_o a_o actual_a union_n with_o christ_n so_o it_o be_v no_o pleasure_n at_o all_o to_o i_o to_o find_v the_o doctrine_n of_o a_o adversary_n pregnant_a with_o consequence_n subversive_a of_o true_a holiness_n but_o we_o must_v take_v thing_n here_o as_o they_o be_v and_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v offend_v to_o have_v his_o own_o notion_n in_o this_o matter_n modest_o expose_v have_v with_o so_o much_o satyr_n and_o contempt_n injurious_o represent_v the_o opinion_n of_o other_o and_o first_o he_o grant_v in_o so_o many_o word_n that_o in_o one_o sense_n we_o must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o we_o can_v be_v holy_a 349._o and_o he_o give_v this_o reason_n for_o it_o because_o the_o first_o &_o low_a degree_n of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v a_o belief_n of_o his_o gospel_n and_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v the_o great_a principle_n of_o obedience_n it_o must_v needs_o go_v before_o it_o while_n mr._n sherlock_n impeach_v we_o as_o disserve_v holiness_n and_o religion_n by_o our_o notion_n of_o union_n who_o yet_o allow_v no_o man_n to_o be_v in_o christ_n 5.17_o who_o be_v not_o a_o new_a creature_n and_o that_o christ_n only_o dwell_v in_o we_o and_o we_o in_o he_o by_o the_o spirit_n which_o he_o have_v give_v we_o 4.13_o he_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n so_o unhappy_a and_o so_o little_a mindful_a of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o not_o only_o consequential_o but_o in_o terminis_fw-la to_o plead_v that_o man_n must_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n before_o they_o can_v be_v holy_a i_o know_v he_o add_v that_o our_o union_n be_v not_o perfect_v without_o actual_a obedience_n 350_o 146.147_o but_o if_o to_o be_v in_o christ_n signify_v no_o more_o than_o be_v member_n of_o his_o visible_a church_n which_o be_v make_v up_o of_o hypocrite_n as_o well_o as_o sincere_a christian_n as_o our_o author_n tell_v we_o elsewhere_o i_o see_v not_o but_o that_o union_n be_v complete_v as_o well_o as_o begin_v without_o a_o man_n be_v holy_a see_v to_o be_v unite_v to_o christ_n be_v no_o more_o in_o its_o full_a import_n than_o to_o be_v in_o he_o yea_o as_o if_o it_o have_v not_o be_v enough_o bare_o to_o assert_v that_o man_n while_o they_o continue_v in_o sin_n may_v be_v unite_v to_o christ_n the_o scripture_n must_v be_v suborn_v to_o countenance_v it_o 146.147_o christ_n say_v he_o speak_v of_o such_o branch_n in_o he_o as_o bear_v no_o fruit_n and_o therefore_o
he_o be_v presuppose_v our_o submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n and_o institution_n of_o baptism_n be_v a_o visible_a profession_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o enough_o that_o we_o be_v persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o that_o we_o secret_o embrace_v it_o but_o we_o be_v public_o to_o own_o it_o and_o to_o tell_v the_o world_n that_o we_o be_v of_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o baptism_n presuppose_v repentance_n which_o respect_v our_o turn_n to_o god_n as_o our_o end_n and_o faith_n which_o implye'_v our_o own_n christ_n as_o our_o way_n so_o our_o be_v baptize_v into_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v a_o solemn_a declare_v to_o the_o world_n our_o come_n to_o god_n by_o jesus_n christ_n through_o the_o sanctification_n influence_n and_o conduct_v of_o the_o spirit_n nor_o be_v our_o naked_a promise_n so_o authentic_a as_o when_o we_o public_o seal_v to_o the_o article_n require_v of_o we_o it_o be_v both_o a_o badge_n and_o symbol_n of_o our_o profession_n and_o a_o bond_n &_o obligation_n upon_o we_o to_o discharge_v the_o duty_n which_o our_o profession_n of_o christianity_n call_v we_o to_o hence_o it_o be_v call_v a_o answer_n towards_o god_n which_o as_o it_o suppose_v the_o demand_n of_o the_o covenant_n so_o it_o proclaym_v our_o undertake_n to_o perform_v they_o 4._o the_o union_n of_o the_o catholic_n visible_a church_n consist_v in_o a_o joint_a profession_n of_o the_o same_o lord_n faith_n and_o baptism_n there_o do_v therefore_o upon_o a_o person_n submit_v to_o the_o ordinance_n of_o baptism_n such_o a_o relation_n to_o the_o whole_a catholic_n visible_a church_n emerge_n as_o that_o he_o be_v render_v a_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o consideration_n of_o catholic_n visible_a by_o this_o as_o by_o a_o solemn_a rite_n we_o become_v visible_o separate_v from_o the_o world_n and_o enroll_v among_o those_o who_o have_v consign_v over_o and_o consecrate_v themselves_o unto_o the_o service_n and_o obedience_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n so_o far_o be_v our_o union_n with_o the_o visible_a church_n by_o mean_n of_o baptism_n from_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n that_o it_o be_v our_o dedicate_a ourselves_o to_o christ_n by_o this_o august_n ceremony_n which_o constitute_v we_o complete_a member_n of_o the_o church_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o visible_a second_o as_o to_o the_o argument_n levy_v from_o the_o lord_n supper_n i_o reply_v these_o thing_n 1._o the_o supper_n of_o the_o lord_n though_o a_o sacrament_n of_o union_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v the_o first_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n see_v none_o have_v a_o right_a to_o it_o but_o such_o as_o be_v already_o church-member_n man_n be_v first_o to_o approve_v themselves_o sincere_a christian_n before_o they_o be_v to_o approach_v the_o holy_a table_n only_o those_o that_o have_v fellowship_n with_o god_n in_o christ_n have_v a_o title_n of_o participate_v at_o this_o christian_a eucharistical_a feast_n much_o less_o be_v it_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o political_a union_n with_o christ_n it_o be_v only_o through_o a_o previous_a subjection_n of_o our_o conscience_n to_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o celebrate_v this_o ordinance_n 2._o as_o by_o baptism_n we_o public_o avow_v our_o take_n upon_o we_o the_o profession_n of_o christianity_n so_o by_o the_o lord_n supper_n we_o ratify_v our_o perseverance_n and_o renew_v our_o engagement_n of_o be_v the_o lord_n by_o come_v to_o his_o table_n we_o proclaim_v ourselves_o of_o his_o famimy_n and_o declare_v our_o resolution_n of_o continue_v to_o be_v his_o follower_n and_o retainer_n it_o be_v a_o profession_n of_o our_o be_v in_o covenant_n with_o he_o and_o that_o we_o will_v remain_v constant_a and_o faithful_a in_o it_o 3._o though_o as_o i_o have_v already_o say_v it_o can_v neither_o be_v the_o medium_fw-la of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n nor_o with_o christ_n yet_o it_o be_v both_o a_o symbol_n of_o the_o one_o &_o the_o other_o it_o be_v a_o eminent_a badge_n of_o that_o union_n which_o be_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v among_o christian_n our_o eat_n at_o the_o same_o table_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o our_o be_v of_o one_o and_o the_o same_o family_n forasmuch_o as_o we_o all_o eat_v of_o one_o loaf_n that_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 1_o cor._n 10.17_o we_o do_v thereby_o intimate_v that_o we_o be_v one_o body_n and_o member_n of_o the_o same_o christ._n yet_o at_o such_o a_o distance_n do_v this_o lie_n from_o evince_v our_o union_n with_o christ_n to_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o our_o union_n with_o the_o church_n that_o indeed_o nothing_o else_o than_o a_o antecedent_n union_n with_o christ_n can_v give_v we_o a_o right_a to_o partake_v of_o this_o sacred_a supper_n or_o of_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o the_o church_n in_o it_o thus_o the_o reader_n may_v see_v that_o even_o on_o the_o supposition_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v mere_o a_o political_a union_n or_o such_o a_o relation_n only_o as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n yet_o that_o it_o be_v immediate_a and_o not_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o a_o antecedent_n relation_n to_o the_o christian_a church_n have_v then_o dispatch_v the_o first_o thing_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o in_o opposition_n to_o mr._n sherlock_n hypothesis_n that_o wherein_o my_o concernment_n next_o lie_v be_v to_o prove_v that_o the_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v not_o mere_o political_a and_o if_o i_o be_v but_o able_a to_o acquit_v myself_o in_o this_o undertake_n the_o whole_a of_o mr._n sherlock_n notion_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o union_n of_o christ_n to_o christian_n be_v subvert_v and_o overthrow_v and_o it_o be_v here_o that_o we_o have_v our_o author_n most_o heroic_a adventure_n and_o where_o especial_o he_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o stand_v on_o his_o tiptoe_n it_o be_v but_o fit_a that_o he_o shall_v be_v the_o more_o peculiar_o attend_v to_o in_o opposition_n therefore_o to_o his_o assertion_n that_o the_o union_n of_o christian_n with_o christ_n be_v only_o a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n 56._o i_o advance_v this_o antithesis_fw-la that_o a_o political_a relation_n do_v not_o adequate_o express_v that_o oneness_n which_o the_o scripture_n so_o august_o celebrate_v as_o intercede_v betwixt_o christ_n and_o believer_n this_o direct_o contradict_v mr._n sherlock_n three_o and_o four_o conclusion_n which_o indeed_o be_v coincident_a for_o to_o affirm_v that_o the_o union_n betwixt_o christ_n and_o the_o christian_a church_n be_v a_o political_a union_n that_o be_v such_o a_o union_n as_o be_v between_o a_o prince_n and_o his_o subject_n 156._o which_o be_v his_o three_o proposition_n and_o to_o say_v that_o our_o fellowship_n and_o communion_n with_o god_n according_a to_o the_o scripture-notion_n 186._o signify_v what_o we_o call_v a_o potical_a union_n which_o be_v his_o four_o be_v according_a to_o the_o best_a understanding_n of_o enunciation_n i_o have_v coincident_a and_o equipollent_a proposition_n now_o in_o discourse_v this_o we_o be_v to_o take_v all_o our_o measure_n from_o the_o scripture_n and_o to_o regulate_v our_o conception_n by_o it_o alone_o for_o this_o union_n between_o christ_n and_o christian_n be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n which_o no_o idea_n congenite_fw-la with_o we_o nor_o objective_a discovery_n in_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n and_o providence_n can_v have_v conduct_v we_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v a_o truth_n which_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n in_o their_o immediate_a exercise_n can_v never_o have_v discern_v nor_o have_v it_o any_o connexion_n with_o the_o thing_n which_o we_o natural_o know_v to_o be_v collect_v and_o deduce_v from_o they_o though_o by_o attend_v to_o revelation_n we_o may_v come_v to_o frame_v a_o intelligible_a notion_n of_o it_o yet_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v in_o itself_o and_o with_o reference_n to_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n on_o which_o it_o depend_v we_o can_v never_o have_v form_v any_o apprehension_n of_o it_o if_o the_o gospel_n have_v not_o previous_o declare_v and_o reveal_v it_o now_o the_o first_o argument_n in_o proof_n that_o our_o union_n with_o christ_n be_v more_o than_o political_n shall_v be_v levy_v from_o those_o symbolic_a metaphor_n and_o terrene_a figure_n and_o image_n by_o which_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v please_v to_o express_v it_o i_o have_v in_o the_o before_o go_v chapter_n assign_v this_o as_o one_o reason_n among_o other_o why_o god_n who_o do_v all_o thing_n in_o infinite_a wisdom_n declare_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n under_o earthly_a parable_n and_o symbol_n namely_o that_o spiritual_a thing_n which_o lie_v remote_a from_o our_o understanding_n may_v