as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n always_o carry_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n because_o of_o that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n occasion_v by_o such_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v what_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o level_v at_o his_o design_n rather_o than_o his_o word_n as_o i_o be_o force_v to_o do_v in_o several_a other_o instance_n but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o proof_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n more_o certain_a but_o not_o more_o clear_a i_o grant_v they_o do_v explain_v the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o proof_n make_v the_o revelation_n never_o the_o more_o true_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o make_v it_o more_o certain_a and_o to_o make_v a_o revelation_n more_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
be_v st._n paul_n use_v great_a 13._o plainess_n of_o speech_n ergò_fw-la they_o have_v as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o speak_v as_o they_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n nay_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o how_o he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n without_o doubt_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o this_o whole_a vision_n on_o their_o imagination_n as_o he_o that_o see_v it_o nay_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o we_o may_v expect_v no_o less_o from_o this_o profound_a revealer_n of_o mystery_n than_o that_o he_o will_v quote_v we_o all_o these_o unspeakable_a word_n in_o his_o next_o book_n and_o so_o by_o the_o follow_a quotation_n he_o think_v he_o have_v knock_v we_o down_o when_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o mystery_n be_v make_v 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by_o such_o proof_n to_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o divinity_n as_o shall_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n such_o as_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n or_o the_o agreableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o unless_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n which_o i_o allow_v thus_o far_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o any_o adversary_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n pure_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o require_v it_o any_o far_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o demand_v a_o rational_a account_n from_o we_o of_o what_o we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o upon_o such_o testimony_n and_o proof_n as_o shall_v cause_v this_o evidence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o analogy_n 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and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o so_o that_o we_o take_v a_o wrong_a method_n against_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n when_o we_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v to_o they_o what_o be_v real_o inexplicable_a by_o we_o now_o many_o such_o profane_a and_o impious_a book_n as_o these_o have_v be_v the_o consequence_n of_o it_o we_o be_v neither_o able_a to_o apprehend_v any_o thing_n of_o these_o mystery_n nor_o if_o we_o know_v they_o can_v we_o explain_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v other_o people_n understand_v we_o it_o be_v the_o great_a folly_n because_o it_o be_v impossible_a and_o the_o great_a boldness_n because_o it_o be_v search_v into_o what_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o and_o all_o these_o elaborate_a intricacy_n be_v but_o mischievous_a trifle_n and_o when_o man_n talk_v so_o
much_o oâ—_n what_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o must_v always_o end_v in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v intelligible_a and_o plain_a be_v ever_o so_o and_o that_o part_n which_o be_v mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n will_v ever_o be_v so_o till_o we_o coâ—â—_n to_o another_o world_n therefore_o our_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n be_v to_o fix_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o convince_v any_o reasonable_a unprejudiced_a man_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v for_o their_o infidelity_n thus_o we_o shall_v 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belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n lay_v aside_o all_o affectation_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n i_o will_v do_v it_o thus_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n in_o order_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o those_o revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v better_a proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v such_o testimony_n of_o their_o come_n from_o god_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n that_o if_o i_o use_v my_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n in_o these_o that_o i_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n i_o must_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o those_o write_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 57_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o posterity_n from_o whence_o and_o from_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o godhead_n under_o these_o three_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n which_o the_o church_n have_v express_v altogether_o by_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o single_o by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o i_o think_v these_o term_n proper_a enough_o to_o express_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o this_o mystery_n now_o i_o find_v no_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n i_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v something_o more_o than_o if_o that_o commission_n have_v run_v thus_o go_v baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n and_o of_o elohim_n and_o of_o adonai_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o intend_v than_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o needless_a tautology_n again_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a different_a spirit_n for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v three_o god_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v there_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n and_o something_o less_o than_o that_o of_o three_o different_a spirit_n and_o because_o i_o find_v each_o person_n seperat_o as_o well_o as_o joint_o mention_v as_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n allow_v and_o pay_v to_o they_o therefore_o as_o that_o excellent_a creed_n express_v it_o i_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n athe._n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o allow_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n how_o strict_a this_o union_n be_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o distinction_n it_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o my_o reason_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v beyond_o my_o sight_n and_o any_o man_n who_o strive_v to_o conceive_v it_o himself_o or_o take_v pain_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o folly_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o action_n in_o nature_n extravagant_a enough_o to_o match_v it_o if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n stretch_v up_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n to_o pull_v down_o a_o star_n we_o shall_v certain_o conclude_v he_o distract_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reach_v it_o or_o grasp_v it_o if_o he_o can_v it_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o distinction_n for_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o insolent_a man_n that_o i_o thus_o adore_v what_o i_o can_v comprehend_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o a_o mystery_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v yet_o say_v or_o ever_o will_v say_v for_o the_o union_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n however_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o be_v not_o precarious_a and_o implicit_a or_o any_o easy_a blind_a credulity_n but_o be_v â—ounded_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o reasonable_a think_v man_n concern_v any_o proposition_n wherein_o a_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v 1._o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o understand_v well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o he_o discern_v no_o contradiction_n in_o they_o 3._o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mystery_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o themselves_o who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n they_o will_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o argue_v against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o confute_v nonsense_n but_o say_v it_o be_v such_o so_o that_o thus_o far_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a these_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o see_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o will_v utter_o reject_v it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o three_o be_v one_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a in_o ordinary_a discourse_n than_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o three_o or_o any_o other_o great_a number_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o and_o if_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v catch_v up_o immediate_o and_o force_v to_o explain_v himself_o upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n it_o will_v make_v conversation_n very_o troublesome_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n a_o body_n the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n and_o yet_o
tendency_n to_o make_v man_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o useful_a to_o one_o another_o all_o which_o raise_v such_o a_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n who_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n to_o i_o that_o i_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o and_o strict_o a_o mystery_n but_o when_o i_o think_v of_o this_o proposition_n again_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n i_o must_v own_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n which_o i_o form_n a_o improper_a idea_n of_o from_o the_o procreation_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o have_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n with_o the_o divinity_n nor_o can_v i_o in_o the_o least_o imagine_v wherein_o this_o equality_n consist_v these_o and_o all_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v whole_o out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o my_o capacity_n and_o total_o obscure_v from_o i_o these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o make_v it_o a_o mystery_n and_o in_o respect_n of_o this_o part_n of_o it_o the_o authority_n or_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n and_o my_o christian_a faith_n of_o this_o article_n consist_v in_o thus_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o when_o he_o have_v take_v care_n to_o give_v i_o undoubted_a testimony_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o he_o and_o i_o trust_v he_o will_v accept_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v no_o rash_a inconsiderate_a assent_n but_o that_o i_o use_v those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n i_o have_v as_o strict_o and_o impartial_o in_o this_o as_o i_o will_v do_v in_o any_o affair_n which_o immediate_o concern_v my_o life_n and_o thus_o i_o hope_v it_o plain_o appear_v how_o little_a reason_n these_o people_n have_v to_o talk_v to_o we_o of_o a_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n or_o easy_a credulity_n since_o in_o our_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v upon_o the_o strict_a rule_n of_o reason_n and_o build_v our_o assent_n upon_o no_o foundation_n but_o what_o we_o know_v to_o be_v firm_a and_o now_o before_o i_o proceed_v to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o his_o book_n i_o shall_v repeat_v in_o short_a the_o principle_n he_o lay_v down_o â—or_a himself_o to_o go_v upon_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a book_n which_o he_o threaten_v the_o world_n with_o the_o whole_a sum_n of_o his_o logic_n in_o short_a then_o be_v this_o 1._o evidence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i._n e._n you_o can_v never_o give_v your_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n or_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o you_o know_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o you_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o comprehend_v it_o as_o full_o and_o perfect_o as_o that_o 2_o and_o 3_o make_v 5._o which_o be_v plain_o to_o say_v you_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o know_v to_o you_o that_o you_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v his_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n he_o know_v perfect_o well_o as_o no_o man_n can_v help_v believe_v that_o 2_o and_o 2_o make_v 4._o a_o thing_n may_v be_v very_o true_a indeed_o and_o you_o not_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a to_o you_o your_o assent_n must_v necessary_o follow_v so_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o when_o you_o can_v help_v it_o and_o when_o you_o can_v avoid_v it_o than_o you_o must_v believe_v it_o 22._o for_o god_n have_v take_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o dissent_v from_o a_o evident_a proposition_n and_o our_o kind_a disposer_n have_v put_v we_o under_o 23._o a_o law_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n must_v make_v such_o a_o idol_n of_o it_o as_o total_o to_o exclude_v all_o deefrence_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o another_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v 2._o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n i._n e._n you_o can_v believe_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n upon_o their_o word_n for_o they_o can_v only_o relate_v a_o thing_n to_o you_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v influence_n your_o mind_n to_o a_o assent_n so_o that_o to_o speak_v plain_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o assent_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o the_o devil_n tell_v you_o a_o thing_n for_o tho'_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n always_o tell_v truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n yet_o still_o you_o believe_v the_o thing_n never_o the_o more_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n alas_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o case_n no_o you_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n only_o but_o suppose_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n speak_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eve_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o diego_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o diego_n the_o word_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v equal_o clear_a to_o she_o she_o understand_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o alike_o and_o her_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n to_o the_o latter_a it_o can_v not_o be_v evidence_n for_o according_a to_o he_o both_o these_o proposition_n have_v equal_a pretence_n to_o her_o die_v assent_n upon_o this_o score_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n but_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o sway_v she_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n because_o she_o knâ—w_v it_o come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o lie_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v she_o rebel_v against_o this_o evidence_n whereas_o have_v she_o be_v under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n she_o will_v not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v transgress_v as_o she_o do_v and_o then_o he_o have_v not_o now_o be_v fall_v down_o thus_o prostrate_a to_o igno_fw-la rance_n and_o error_n that_o which_o show_v the_o ridiculousness_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v that_o upon_o they_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v tho'_o it_o be_v the_o next_o hour_n for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v concern_v any_o of_o the_o most_o familiar_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o you_o have_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v yet_o unless_o you_o will_v allow_v authority_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n you_o can_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o evidence_n of_o this_o till_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assent_n but_o the_o veracity_n or_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n or_o another_o and_o thus_o he_o utter_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o prophecy_n for_o tho'_o they_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v they_o so_o till_o the_o relation_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o till_o the_o thing_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o short_a way_n of_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o say_v before_o that_o in_o divine_a proposition_n evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o act_v of_o revelation_n and_o here_o i_o say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a same_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n they_o be_v both_o true_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o whole_a discourse_n more_o clear_a and_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o show_v the_o diffe_n rinse_v between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o revelation_n 1
the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n the_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o spirit_n etc._n etc._n because_o if_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o he_o will_v have_v make_v you_o conceive_v the_o manner_n of_o all_o these_o perfect_o and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o it_o be_v certain_o want_v of_o sincerity_n or_o ability_n in_o he_o but_o let_v this_o blasphemer_n know_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o want_n of_o veracity_n nor_o ability_n in_o god_n that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o we_o do_v conceive_v these_o thing_n but_o the_o weakness_n and_o imperfection_n of_o our_o present_a state_n who_o have_v no_o capacity_n for_o they_o as_o yet_o and_o therefore_o as_o we_o now_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v upon_o that_o veracity_n of_o god_n which_o he_o have_v thus_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v of_o all_o its_o authority_n and_o influence_n upon_o our_o assent_n so_o god_n will_v one_o day_n manifest_v his_o power_n in_o bring_v all_o those_o thing_n to_o pass_v which_o we_o can_v now_o conceive_v and_o will_v so_o enlarge_v our_o soul_n that_o we_o shall_v clear_o apprehend_v they_o and_o all_o the_o object_n of_o another_o world_n he_o proceed_v and_o say_v that_o god_n will_v loose_v his_o end_n if_o what_o he_o say_v 12â—_n do_v not_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n iâ—_n god_n shall_v speak_v nonsense_n to_o you_o in_o his_o revelation_n you_o will_v be_v never_o the_o wise_a for_o if_o he_o shall_v reveal_v to_o you_o that_o a_o thing_n call_v blictri_n have_v a_o be_v in_o nature_n and_o not_o inform_v you_o what_o this_o blictri_n be_v you_o can_v not_o believe_v it_o now_o this_o very_a instance_n which_o he_o intend_v by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n of_o all_o the_o object_n of_o our_o holy_a faith_n do_v happy_o show_v the_o true_a difference_n between_o a_o rational_a assent_n and_o a_o blind_a credulity_n and_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confutation_n of_o his_o whole_a book_n let_v we_o therefore_o compare_v these_o two_o word_n blictri_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o first_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o than_o that_o it_o be_v make_v up_o of_o seven_o letter_n and_o therefore_o he_o that_o speak_v it_o be_v a_o barbarian_a to_o i_o and_o as_o i_o know_v nothing_o of_o it_o so_o i_o can_v believe_v nothing_o concern_v it_o but_o the_o uncertain_a find_v it_o make_v to_o my_o â—â—t_n and_o that_o seven_o letter_n make_v two_o syllable_n in_o write_v as_o to_o the_o other_o word_n glory_n i_o grant_v i_o know_v as_o little_a of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o saint_n in_o heaven_n as_o i_o do_v what_o that_o blictri_n mean_v and_o yet_o god_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n when_o he_o reveal_v to_o mâ—_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n in_o heaven_n as_o glory_n for_o one_a tho'_o i_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o i_o by_o the_o brightness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o glory_n of_o a_o kingdom_n the_o great_a image_n i_o now_o be_o able_a to_o frame_v of_o it_o 2._o i_o be_o make_v acquaint_v with_o the_o relation_n this_o glory_n have_v to_o i_o viz._n that_o it_o expect_v i_o in_o the_o heaven_n that_o i_o shall_v enjoy_v it_o and_o be_v make_v partaker_n of_o it_o and_o that_o it_o will_v render_v i_o happy_a beyond_o all_o imagination_n but_o i_o be_o no_o more_o able_a to_o conceive_v that_o happiness_n than_o that_o glory_n of_o god_n which_o shall_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o it_o and_o 3._o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n with_o this_o design_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v a_o prevail_a motive_n of_o my_o obedience_n and_o a_o incitement_n to_o the_o practice_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n 4._o i_o have_v not_o capacity_n at_o present_a to_o apprehend_v the_o real_a nature_n of_o it_o as_o perfect_o as_o i_o can_v apprehend_v any_o thing_n in_o nature_n if_o it_o be_v discover_v to_o i_o and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n do_v not_o speak_v nonsense_n to_o we_o tho'_o we_o have_v not_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v reveal_v nay_o tho'_o we_o have_v no_o more_o idea_n of_o they_o as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o than_o we_o have_v of_o what_o blictri_n be_v beside_o the_o text_n he_o bring_v to_o back_v 129._o this_o sophism_n of_o he_o explain_v the_o matter_n far_o and_o lay_v open_v the_o fallacy_n heb._n 11_o 6._o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o by_o which_o we_o see_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a of_o god_n by_o we_o now_o be_v his_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n he_o have_v to_o we_o viz_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o for_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v own_o that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v all_o we_o know_v of_o god_n tho'_o he_o flat_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n more_o in_o he_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o at_o least_o as_o we_o do_v any_o thing_n else_o he_o go_v on_o and_o ask_v without_o conceive_v 130._o faith_n after_o this_o manner_n i._n e._n without_o make_v it_o nothing_o else_o but_o knowledge_n how_o can_v christ_n be_v term_v the_o light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o wisdom_n i._n e_fw-la unless_o he_o give_v you_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o reveal_v as_o you_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n i_o answer_v by_o give_v we_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a revelation_n of_o their_o existence_n of_o which_o we_o shall_v have_v be_v whole_o ignorant_a but_o for_o he_o for_o thus_o he_o have_v make_v we_o wise_a unto_o salvation_n since_o he_o have_v give_v we_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o back_v his_o precept_n with_o the_o promise_n of_o future_a reward_n which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o and_o the_o best_a thought_n we_o can_v frame_v of_o they_o be_v that_o they_o exceed_v all_o that_o we_o can_v think_v or_o speak_v but_o say_v he_o that_o remarkable_a instance_n 131._o of_o abraham_n faith_n will_v be_v object_v yes_o it_o be_v object_v and_o the_o way_n he_o answer_v it_o be_v by_o say_v as_o we_o do_v and_o leave_v his_o own_o opinion_n to_o shift_v for_o itself_o god_n promise_v abraham_n to_o give_v he_o a_o numerous_a progeny_n in_o isaac_n after_o this_o before_o isaac_n have_v a_o child_n god_n command_v he_o to_o sacrifice_v his_o only_a son_n he_o obey_v upon_o this_o consideration_n that_o god_n be_v able_a to_o raise_v he_o up_o again_o by_o the_o same_o power_n that_o he_o at_o first_o raise_v he_o out_o of_o the_o deadness_n of_o sarah_n womb._n now_o the_o question_n between_o he_o and_o i_o be_v not_o whether_o this_o faith_n be_v a_o firm_a persuasion_n build_v upon_o 132._o substantial_a reason_n which_o we_o allow_v and_o contend_v for_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o abraham_n give_v his_o assent_n to_o what_o he_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v which_o he_o must_v own_v unless_o he_o prove_v that_o abraham_n know_v as_o perfect_o the_o whole_a manner_n of_o god_n raise_v a_o body_n from_o the_o dead_a or_o from_o a_o womb_n past_o child_n bear_v as_o he_o do_v the_o procreation_n of_o it_o in_o the_o ordinary_a way_n of_o nature_n have_v abraham_n be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v that_o god_n will_v raise_v his_o son_n &_o to_o conceive_v exact_o the_o manner_n how_o this_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v to_o pass_v then_o indeed_o it_o be_v no_o faith_n but_o knowledge_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o have_v only_o the_o promise_n of_o god_n for_o it_o and_o know_v no_o more_o how_o god_n will_v raise_v he_o than_o he_o know_v how_o he_o make_v the_o world_n after_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o several_a observation_n 133._o to_o prove_v there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n i._n e._n a_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n 1._o if_o faith_n be_v not_o a_o persuasion_n result_v from_o a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v there_o can_v be_v no_o degree_n in_o it_o i_o answer_v this_o be_v false_a like_o all_o the_o rest_n for_o tho'_o i_o know_v nothing_o more_o of_o a_o thing_n than_o its_o existence_n and_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o i_o and_o therefore_o be_o fat_a from_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o shall_v vary_v in_o degree_n either_o according_a to_o the_o proof_n
act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o knowledge_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o person_n but_o according_a to_o he_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o now_o have_v i_o do_v this_o man_n any_o wrong_n by_o charge_v he_o with_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a government_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o law_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v i._o e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v nothing_o but_o implicit_a assent_n and_o blind_a credulity_n and_o therefore_o here_o again_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o move_v by_o any_o heat_n of_o passion_n but_o by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o have_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o here_o he_o plead_v a_o toleration_n but_o 110._o for_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o toleration_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o tho'_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o yet_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o industrious_o spread_v such_o impious_a notion_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o from_o open_o revile_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o imposture_n and_o implicit_a blind_a credulity_n again_o it_o be_v object_v against_o he_o that_o 140._o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a yes_o it_o do_v for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v ever_o so_o well_o and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n speak_v of_o as_o full_o as_o we_o do_v a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n yet_o we_o can_v never_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n because_o that_o after_o all_o be_v do_v we_o must_v take_v this_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o another_o but_o much_o more_o do_v it_o make_v all_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n useless_a because_o we_o have_v no_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o and_o therefore_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o upon_o this_o score_n likewise_o but_o in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v this_o positive_a man_n assert_n here_o what_o he_o have_v be_v assert_v from_o the_o beginning_n of_o his_o book_n but_o give_v no_o reason_n for_o that_o revelation_n be_v only_o of_o use_n to_o inform_v we_o whilst_o the_o evidence_n of_o its_o subject_n persuade_v we_o then_o reply_v we_o if_o so_o you_o must_v believe_v all_o relation_n true_a or_o false_a indifferent_o when_o you_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o nay_o if_o two_o contrary_a proposition_n equal_o intelligible_a be_v relate_v he_o must_v believe_v they_o both_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o believe_v i_o when_o i_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o a_o secret_a club_n who_o set_v themselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o industry_n to_o destroy_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o tool_n only_o and_o have_v push_v he_o before_o they_o to_o try_v with_o what_o safety_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o may_v be_v open_o avow_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v and_o open_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o secret_a cabal_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o whosoever_o read_v this_o must_v believe_v it_o because_o they_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o they_o for_o faith_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o they_o understand_v 139._o what_o be_v speak_v of_o they_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o this_o knowledge_n and_o therefore_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v never_o contradict_v i_o in_o this_o or_o any_o thing_n else_o i_o relate_v of_o he_o for_o if_o he_o say_v the_o contrary_a then_o either_o the_o world_n must_v believe_v we_o both_o when_o we_o relate_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n or_o they_o must_v be_v sway_v one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o i_o and_o whether_o they_o believe_v he_o or_o i_o it_o will_v sufficient_o confute_v he_o for_o it_o will_v show_v that_o authority_n may_v be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o well_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v not_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o that_o evidence_n he_o contend_v â—or_a in_o all_o relation_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o raise_v against_o this_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o passage_n 1._o pet._n 2_o 12._o where_o there_o be_v this_o expression_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n speak_v oâ—_n here_o be_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o time_n present_a that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o natural_a inference_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o thing_n yet_o be_v mystery_n even_o to_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n which_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o when_o they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o be_v mystery_n to_o we_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o this_o expression_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o time_n past_a and_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v he_o these_o two_o â—_z concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v believe_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o inquire_v into_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o than_o we_o find_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o believe_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v for_o if_o the_o angel_n understand_v they_o full_o when_o they_o believe_v why_o shall_v they_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o they_o 2._o whether_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o will_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v thing_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v if_o we_o have_v than_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v
be_v more_o in_o it_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v nay_o that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o it_o which_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o this_o be_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n in_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o therefore_o now_o we_o see_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o a_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o know_v nothing_o of_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n ever_o yet_o affirm_v for_o there_o be_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o the_o term_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o main_a thing_n he_o labour_v to_o disprove_v and_o by_o which_o he_o endeavour_v to_o confound_v his_o reader_n but_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o some_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n concern_v which_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v much_o more_o in_o they_o than_o we_o be_v now_o able_a to_o comprehend_v if_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n as_o it_o appear_v in_o this_o instance_n of_o the_o resurrection_n than_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o gospel_n that_o may_v proper_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n and_o in_o so_o strict_a a_o sense_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v be_v call_v a_o mystery_n with_o so_o great_a propriety_n of_o speech_n as_o will_v appear_v more_o full_o hereafter_o the_o case_n will_v have_v be_v the_o same_o have_v i_o take_v any_o other_o mystery_n for_o a_o instance_n either_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n or_o the_o procession_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n or_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n in_o the_o act_n of_o grace_n or_o the_o felicity_n and_o joy_n of_o heaven_n etc._n etc._n and_o if_o it_o be_v require_v i_o be_o ready_a to_o quit_v this_o and_o take_v any_o other_o for_o a_o instance_n which_o he_o shall_v pitch_v upon_o now_o this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o lie_v upon_o he_o to_o disprove_v but_o he_o dare_v not_o go_v about_o prove_v or_o disprove_v any_o thing_n till_o he_o have_v perplex_v the_o matter_n in_o hand_n and_o amuse_v his_o reader_n with_o fantastical_a term_n and_o distinction_n if_o he_o have_v mean_v honest_o and_o think_v himself_o able_a to_o go_v through_o with_o what_o he_o undertake_v he_o will_v have_v speak_v plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o proceed_v immediate_o to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o question_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o find_v it_o necessary_a to_o spend_v above_o one_o three_o of_o his_o book_n in_o lose_v of_o it_o wherefore_o i_o must_v take_v my_o leave_n of_o it_o for_o some_o time_n as_o he_o do_v to_o rescue_v the_o subject_n from_o obscurity_n and_o force_v this_o man_n to_o speak_v plain_o and_o intelligible_o and_o first_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o reason_n be_v 10_o not_o the_o man_n that_o have_v it_o nor_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v reason_v about_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o appetite_n and_o desire_n nor_o be_v it_o authority_n what_o trifle_v this_o be_v he_o shall_v have_v add_v that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o head_n that_o form_v the_o thought_n nor_o the_o finger_n that_o write_v they_o nor_o be_v it_o the_o brain_n itself_o no_o nor_o be_v my_o reason_n the_o reason_n of_o another_o man._n our_o reader_n be_v like_a to_o be_v much_o the_o wise_a for_o this_o after_o this_o he_o proceed_v to_o show_v 11._o what_o it_o be_v in_o his_o second_o chapter_n the_o whole_a substance_n of_o which_o in_o other_o word_n be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o be_v not_o simplex_n apprehensio_fw-la nor_o judicium_fw-la but_o that_o it_o be_v discursus_fw-la that_o be_v proper_o call_v reason_n which_o last_o he_o will_v not_o express_v by_o syllogism_n the_o word_n for_o it_o that_o be_v common_o receive_v but_o he_o must_v call_v it_o the_o application_n of_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v distant_a from_o one_o 13._o another_o and_o lie_v too_o far_o asunder_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o this_o he_o explain_v by_o the_o measure_n of_o two_o house_n with_o a_o line_n 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