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you_o say_v that_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o upon_o this_o and_o the_o other_o consideration_n there_o lie_v a_o necessity_n upon_o you_o to_o confess_v how_o then_o i_o pray_v come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o you_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v why_o if_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o you_o yourselves_o care_v not_o and_o i_o believe_v be_v ashamed_a in_o term_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v then_o do_v you_o not_o evident_o discern_v that_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o incredibility_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v your_o belief_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o incomprehensibility_n and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o your_o great_a 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no_o other_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o since_o this_o include_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o of_o what_o authority_n will_v be_v the_o revelation_n i_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v joint_o make_v up_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o according_o proceed_v upon_o this_o double_a principle_n 1._o that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a 2._o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o faith_n have_v its_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o science_n though_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o its_o reason_n be_v these_o two_o as_o will_n more_o distinct_o appear_v by_o dispose_v the_o process_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n which_o will_v be_v this_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o 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not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o by_o it_o but_o this_o will_v cross_v my_o way_n again_o in_o another_o place_n 9_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v here_o what_o further_a consideration_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o there_o 16._o to_o return_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obscurity_n and_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n it_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o formal_a reason_n which_o you_o see_v may_v be_v clear_a enough_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o only_a to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n again_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o 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though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
though_o upon_o a_o different_a medium_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o medium_fw-la that_o specify_v faith_n and_o though_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o evident_a and_o not_o evident_a yet_o why_o may_v it_o not_o sustain_v two_o different_a relation_n or_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a medium_n so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o perceive_v by_o its_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o assent_v to_o upon_o authority_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v do_v as_o full_o and_o with_o as_o little_a regard_n to_o its_o evidence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o belief_n not_o to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o evidence_n but_o upon_o its_o own_o proper_a medium_fw-la authority_n 20._o but_o to_o use_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v less_o abstract_a though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o more_o press_v and_o convince_a suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o a_o geometrical_a truth_n as_o that_o two_o triangle_n have_v the_o same_o base_a and_o be_v within_o the_o same_o parallel_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a authority_n shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o myself_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o art_n who_o that_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v say_v that_o my_o science_n evacuate_v my_o faith_n and_o that_o i_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n assoon_o as_o i_o become_v a_o mathematician_n for_o though_o i_o be_o now_o suppose_v to_o know_v what_o before_o i_o only_o believe_v yet_o why_o shall_v this_o knowledge_n destroy_v my_o faith_n since_o i_o may_v still_o have_v as_o much_o regard_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v before_o the_o demonstration_n and_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o use_v another_o sensible_n though_o not_o so_o artificial_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n will_v refuse_v a_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o injure_v or_o destroy_v his_o faith_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v if_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v so_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n be_v so_o absolute_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o pretend_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o acquire_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o any_o reveal_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o destroy_v one_o faith_n and_o every_o believer_n will_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v all_o further_a light_n and_o information_n about_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o yet_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o a_o extravagant_a scruple_n such_o as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v much_o less_o stay_v long_o in_o any_o consider_v head_n and_o be_v withal_o contrary_a to_o a_o plain_a exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n 5._o 21._o when_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n believe_v be_v charge_v with_o obscurity_n and_o faith_n itself_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v say_v as_o it_o common_o be_v to_o be_v of_o inevident_a thing_n the_o mean_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v so_o all_o over_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v while_n believe_v absolute_o be_v know_v but_o only_o that_o it_o can_v under_o that_o formality_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_o in_o that_o respect_n inevident_a how_o bright_a or_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v evident_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believe_v or_o in_o relation_n to_o faith_n because_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o evidence_n how_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v shine_v but_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o another_o argument_n between_o which_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n or_o communication_n the_o short_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n simple_o and_o absolute_o speak_v may_v admit_v of_o evidence_n but_o than_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o demonstrable_a in_o itself_o yet_o as_o believe_v it_o be_v always_o obscure_a faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o proper_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n who_o bare_a authority_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n that_o determine_v her_o assent_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n upon_o which_o she_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o absolute_o consider_v may_v also_o stand_v upon_o other_o foundation_n be_v rational_o account_v for_o by_o argument_n from_o within_o and_o so_o be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o let_v the_o light_n shine_v never_o so_o bright_a upon_o the_o object_n from_o other_o side_n faith_n let_v in_o none_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o she_o find_v there_o but_o connive_n at_o it_o and_o walk_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o her_o eye_n shut_v content_v herself_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n and_o leave_v to_o science_n if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o object_n be_v always_o dark_a to_o she_o how_o clear_a and_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o or_o appear_v when_o absolute_o consider_v to_o a_o philosophic_a eye_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o science_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o as_o be_v say_v before_o all_o which_o be_v brief_o couch_v in_o that_o excellent_a account_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v where_o by_o substance_n and_o argument_n he_o equal_v it_o with_o science_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o vail_n and_o stoop_v to_o it_o in_o point_n of_o evidence_n in_o which_o respect_n indeed_o faith_n as_o firm_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v be_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o science_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n 22._o to_o gather_v up_o then_o what_o have_v be_v here_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o inevidence_n of_o faith_n into_o one_o view_n when_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a we_o shall_v not_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o or_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a from_o within_o this_o again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a this_o again_o last_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v always_o and_o necessary_o so_o in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a but_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o absolute_o and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n inevident_a for_o it_o may_v be_v so_o too_o as_o will_v be_v see_v afterward_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o so_o there_o
because_o he_o be_v infallible_a infallibility_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a ground_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o according_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n assume_v to_o herself_o the_o character_n of_o infallible_a do_v upon_o that_o supposition_n right_o require_v it_o i_o say_v upon_o that_o supposition_n for_o she_o be_v right_a enough_o in_o her_o consequence_n suppose_v her_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o extravagant_a and_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o matchless_a arrogance_n and_o presumption_n as_o befit_v only_o he_o who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 4._o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o he_o only_o have_v right_a to_o require_v implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o he_o indeed_o it_o be_v due_a from_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a measure_n imaginable_a as_o be_v also_o implicit_a obedience_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o signal_n example_n in_o abraham_n 8._o who_o when_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v after_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v obey_v and_o to_o have_v go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v 26._o but_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dark_a and_o inevident_a than_o this_o implicit_a faith_n it_o be_v formal_a reason_n indeed_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o it_o resolve_v at_o last_o into_o a_o ground_n high_o rational_a and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a reveal_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o darkness_n on_o this_o side_n nay_o even_o the_o light_n itself_o do_v not_o shine_v more_o clear_n but_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o where_o nothing_o distinct_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v sure_a as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v so_o dark_a as_o even_o to_o be_v invisible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v at_o large_a without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n whatever_o god_n shall_v propose_v to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v not_o know_v what_o that_o be_v like_o abraham_n go_v not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v be_v such_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o have_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o but_o the_o humility_n and_o devotion_n of_o he_o who_o so_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o faith_n worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o for_o so_o far_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o evident_a what_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v here_o then_o be_v the_o very_a blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v this_o enfold_v faith_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v and_o can_v thus_o trust_v god_n in_o the_o dark_a where_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o only_a the_o general_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v not_o likely_a in_o any_o of_o the_o more_o explicit_a instance_n of_o it_o to_o plead_v the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o article_n to_o excuse_v his_o infidelity_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n to_o a_o otherwise_o sufficient_o clear_a revelation_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v above_o his_o shallow_a reason_n 27._o upon_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v in_o few_o word_n a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o a_o celebrate_a question_n which_o among_o the_o schoolman_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o be_v whether_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o measure_n already_o lay_v down_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a for_o faith_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o assent_n and_o assent_n be_v a_o species_n of_o judgement_n and_o judgement_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n not_o of_o the_o understanding_n who_o only_a operation_n be_v perception_n and_o consequent_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o embrace_v acquiesce_a and_o repose_v itself_o in_o what_o the_o understanding_n represent_v as_o propose_v and_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o indeed_o unless_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o will_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v blame-worthy_a for_o any_o of_o his_o opinion_n or_o how_o he_o shall_v stand_v accountable_a either_o for_o error_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o for_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n on_o the_o other_o for_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n then_o since_o the_o only_a operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v perception_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o a_o infidel_n or_o a_o heretic_n will_v be_v non-perception_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o error_n but_o ignorance_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n be_v always_o suppose_v to_o include_v error_n and_o to_o be_v also_o the_o worst_a of_o error_n and_o this_o non-perception_a be_v only_o a_o negation_n and_o such_o as_o resolve_v into_o want_n of_o part_n which_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o natural_a defect_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n as_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v faulty_a be_v understand_v to_o be_v privation_n and_o defect_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n but_o then_o to_o make_v they_o so_o they_o must_v be_v voluntary_a nothing_o be_v faulty_a but_o what_o be_v so_o that_o be_v again_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n whereof_o those_o sin_n be_v privation_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n or_o else_o in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o virtue_n in_o have_v it_o nor_o vice_n in_o be_v without_o it_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n in_o upbraid_v the_o jew_n with_o infidelity_n do_v all_o along_o not_o only_o by_o confequence_n but_o direct_o and_o express_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o will_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 28._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o what_o i_o intend_v and_o what_o indeed_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o if_o i_o differ_v from_o any_o author_n of_o the_o better_a character_n that_o have_v either_o profess_o or_o occasional_o write_v upon_o it_o particular_o baronius_n and_o dr._n pearson_n it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o love_v to_o lay_v aside_o great_a authority_n or_o affect_v to_o be_v by_o myself_o but_o because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n of_o my_o understanding_n write_v with_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n what_o i_o think_v and_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v without_o have_v regard_n to_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o i_o think_v it_o join_v with_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o shall_v also_o be_v my_o rule_n in_o what_o remain_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v reason_n and_o faith_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a preparation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o distinction_n of_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v consider_v and_o right_o state_v which_o be_v the_o task_n allot_v for_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v without_o a_o difference_n though_o difference_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o distinction_n and_o this_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o will_v have_v the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v coincident_a and_o that_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n signify_v in_o reality_n alike_o and_o be_v but_o different_a expression_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suspect_v to_o do_v this_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o cause_n for_o who_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o distinction_n take_v away_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v the_o same_o upon_o those_o that_o hold_v it_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o dextrous_a shift_n and_o evasion_n invent_v by_o subtle_a man_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obseâ—â—ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
much_o heathenize_v religion_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v also_o very_o deserve_o retire_v behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o decline_v come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o fear_v the_o absurdity_n and_o monstrous_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n in_o that_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n in_o evangelical_n christianity_n that_o need_v fly_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o it_o christian_n religion_n be_v all_o over_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v too_o reasonable_a a_o master_n to_o impose_v any_o other_o or_o to_o require_v as_o his_o vicar_n do_v that_o man_n shall_v follow_v he_o blindfold_a and_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n no_o he_o that_o miraculous_o give_v sight_n to_o so_o many_o have_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o pleasure_n in_o the_o blind_a nor_o have_v his_o divine_a religion_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o judge_n or_o professor_n for_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a wisdom_n the_o divine_a word_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o all_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o measure_n of_o sound_a discourse_n or_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v true_o opposite_a to_o right_a reason_n hour_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v above_o it_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v theological_o true_a which_o be_v philosophical_o false_a as_o some_o with_o great_a profoundness_n be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v for_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o true_o from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o light_n may_v exceed_v and_o outshine_v the_o former_a it_o can_v never_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o god_n as_o the_o sovereign_a truth_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n and_o as_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nay_o to_o descend_v some_o degree_n below_o this_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o be_v against_o reason_n but_o even_o what_o be_v without_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o require_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n especial_o from_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n 5._o we_o therefore_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o it_o there_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unfair_o do_v of_o our_o adversary_n so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a as_o they_o do_v for_o i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n i_o do_v know_v which_o in_o those_o that_o suggest_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v plain_o by_o run_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o vein_n to_o imply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o whether_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o no._n but_o now_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o little_a for_o a_o senseless_a and_o irrational_a faith_n as_o they_o can_v be_v this_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o popular_a declamatory_n strain_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n whereas_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o deliberation_n because_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n the_o only_a considerable_a thing_n then_o here_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o author_n or_o no._n and_o here_o reason_n be_v to_o clear_v her_o eye_n put_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o best_a light_n call_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o head_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o sincerity_n that_o she_o can_v but_o as_o to_o the_o comprehensibility_n or_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o article_n this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o question_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o she_o scrute_v or_o debate_n since_o if_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o her_o comprehension_n it_o will_v be_v never_o the_o 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comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a â—itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o â—hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a
nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v 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〈…〉_z that_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z the_o mind_n and_o 〈…〉_z that_o 〈…〉_z to_o our_o understand_n may_v establish_v themselves_o in_o time_n but_o that_o a_o truth_n so_o sublime_a so_o far_o remove_v from_o sense_n so_o cross_a to_o human_a reason_n so_o contrary_a in_o short_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o be_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v of_o this_o character_n shall_v spread_v itself_o universal_o and_o triumph_n over_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n suppose_v that_o these_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v neither_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o â—aid_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o mystery_n this_o certain_o be_v what_o can_v be_v conceive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heretic_n that_o shall_v oppose_v a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a be_v nothing_o strange_a nor_o be_o i_o surprise_v at_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o 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consideration_n viz._n that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o where_o also_o i_o consider_v that_o seem_o opposite_a maxim_n of_o des_n cartes_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a and_o reconcile_v it_o to_o the_o other_o position_n whence_o my_o next_o step_n be_v to_o state_n the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v which_o i_o show_v to_o consist_v not_o in_o examine_v the_o credibility_n of_o the_o object_n but_o in_o take_v account_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n which_o when_o once_o resolve_v of_o we_o be_v no_o long_o to_o dispute_n but_o believe_v in_o fine_a i_o have_v make_v a_o application_n of_o these_o consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n by_o show_v that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o to_o be_v believe_v for_o be_v mystery_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o 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truth_n which_o if_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o i_o shall_v think_v they_o reduce_v to_o a_o sufficient_a absurdity_n these_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o work_n which_o like_o the_o side_n of_o a_o arch_n will_v strengthen_v and_o bear_v up_o one_o another_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o part_n whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o their_o principle_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v show_v to_o follow_v from_o their_o supposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o this_o their_o principle_n be_v absurd_a and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o absurdity_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o wherein_o this_o principle_n be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 10._o and_o when_o by_o this_o method_n i_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o a_o priori_fw-la and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o humane_a reason_n and_o so_o that_o their_o be_v above_o it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v they_o false_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o faith_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v which_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o discuss_v my_o design_n at_o present_a not_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n or_o the_o like_a but_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o article_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n stand_v the_o great_a and_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n that_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v comprehend_v which_o principle_n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o overthrow_v and_o because_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o must_v first_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o profess_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n beside_o what_o will_v be_v say_v incidental_o and_o occasional_o of_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o treatise_n who_o main_a design_n be_v so_o to_o adjust_a and_o accommodate_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n together_o as_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o i_o entitle_v the_o whole_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a of_o what_o i_o design_n the_o particular_n of_o which_o will_v be_v more_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o account_v for_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n i._o of_o reason_n 1._o ambiguity_n of_o word_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o confusion_n of_o thought_n whoever_o will_v discourse_n clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o any_o subject_a must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o settle_v the_o signification_n of_o his_o term_n in_o case_n they_o be_v ambiguous_a that_o be_v if_o one_o and_o the_o same_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o different_a idea_n in_o this_o case_n definition_n of_o the_o name_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n between_o which_o two_o i_o conceive_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o nominal_a definition_n the_o word_n be_v only_o determine_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a idea_n whereas_o in_o a_o real_a one_o the_o idea_n itself_o be_v open_v and_o explain_v by_o some_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o nominal_a definition_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o therefore_o incontestable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v as_o principle_n in_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v in_o geometry_n whereas_o real_a definition_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v but_o for_o disputable_a proposition_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v 2._o reason_n therefore_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o of_o various_a acceptation_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o i_o define_v the_o name_n which_o will_v also_o be_v the_o better_o define_v if_o it_o be_v first_o distinguish_v now_o all_o distinction_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n the_o distribution_n ought_v to_o be_v into_o the_o most_o general_a and_o most_o immediate_a member_n i_o shall_v according_o distinguish_v of_o the_o several_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o i_o will_v divide_v any_o whole_a into_o its_o part_n 3._o i_o consider_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o general_a distribution_n of_o reason_n be_v into_o that_o of_o the_o object_n and_o
perception_n more_o entire_a for_o here_o again_o we_o have_v the_o prospect_n lie_v altogether_o before_o we_o in_o its_o full_a and_o whole_a extent_n whereas_o in_o the_o other_o it_o open_v gradual_o and_o successive_o the_o light_n steal_v in_o upon_o we_o more_o and_o more_o as_o we_o go_v further_o and_o further_o as_o it_o do_v upon_o man_n that_o travel_v towards_o the_o east_n to_o which_o may_v be_v further_o add_v that_o intuitive_a knowledge_n suppose_v and_o proceed_v from_o perfection_n of_o the_o understanding_n who_o perceptive_a faculty_n be_v hereby_o argue_v to_o be_v very_o bright_a and_o clear_a for_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a clear_a perception_n to_o perceive_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n by_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o whereas_o demonstrative_a knowledge_n and_o the_o necesslty_n of_o reason_v in_o order_n to_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o the_o narrowness_n of_o our_o intellectual_a capacity_n which_o not_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o a_o proposition_n by_o the_o single_a collation_n of_o the_o two_o idea_n that_o compose_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o make_v use_n of_o a_o three_o as_o a_o common_a measure_n between_o they_o and_o so_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o something_o more_o clear_a and_o better_o know_v to_o proceed_v in_o the_o search_n of_o what_o be_v more_o obscure_a and_o less_o know_v according_o we_o attribute_v the_o way_n of_o intuition_n to_o the_o most_o perfect_a being_n god_n and_o angel_n though_o as_o to_o angel_n i_o make_v no_o great_a doubt_n but_o that_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o very_a compound_a question_n and_o such_o as_o include_v a_o multiplicity_n of_o relation_n they_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v reason_v as_o well_o as_o we_o as_o in_o the_o more_o simple_a one_o we_o use_v intuition_n as_o well_o as_o they_o though_o perhaps_o after_o a_o much_o more_o perfect_a manner_n and_o by_o such_o compendious_a and_o facilitating_a rule_n as_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o as_o they_o may_v be_v suppose_v when_o they_o do_v reason_n to_o reason_v better_a and_o more_o expedite_o than_o we_o so_o with_o equal_a probability_n it_o may_v be_v presume_v consider_v the_o great_a disproportion_n of_o nature_n and_o state_n between_o we_o that_o they_o use_v intuition_n in_o very_a many_o thing_n wherein_o we_o be_v force_v to_o have_v recourse_n to_o reason_v 21._o hereafter_o indeed_o when_o as_o the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o all_o that_o be_v imperfect_a about_o we_o shall_v be_v do_v away_o and_o we_o shall_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d not_o only_o like_v but_o equal_a to_o the_o angel_n we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o see_v it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v by_o intuition_n too_o and_o that_o many_o thing_n which_o we_o hear_v not_o only_o be_v ignorant_a of_o but_o think_v impossible_a thing_n that_o be_v not_o only_o above_o our_o reason_n but_o as_o we_o think_v contrary_a to_o it_o we_o shall_v not_o only_o be_v able_a to_o reason_v better_a than_o we_o do_v now_o but_o shall_v in_o most_o thing_n not_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o any_o reason_v at_o all_o but_o shall_v with_o one_o simple_a view_n glance_v over_o and_o through_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n and_o so_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o fair_a field_n of_o truth_n but_o at_o present_a we_o must_v travel_v it_o over_o and_o that_o with_o many_o a_o weary_a step_n there_o be_v but_o very_o few_o thing_n that_o we_o know_v by_o intuition_n no_o more_o than_o just_a to_o give_v we_o a_o taste_n of_o the_o great_a privilege_n of_o heaven_n and_o to_o encourage_v both_o our_o desire_n and_o our_o hope_n of_o that_o perfect_a state_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v so_o far_o from_o need_v any_o logic_n to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o shall_v have_v in_o comparison_n but_o little_a need_n or_o use_v even_o of_o reason_n itself_o but_o in_o this_o present_a state_n of_o our_o nonage_n and_o infirmity_n our_o necessity_n of_o it_o be_v very_o great_a for_o our_o intuition_n be_v so_o shortsighted_a and_o reach_v so_o very_o little_a a_o way_n that_o as_o if_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o can_v by_o this_o mean_n attain_v to_o the_o compass_n of_o our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v so_o very_o scanty_a that_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v near_o light_n enough_o to_o direct_v we_o in_o our_o journey_n through_o the_o world_n so_o if_o we_o will_v know_v more_o and_o see_v to_o a_o further_a distance_n from_o we_o we_o must_v assist_v our_o feeble_a eye_n by_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o glass_n now_o reason_n be_v this_o glass_n naturally_n indeed_o a_o very_a good_a prospective_n but_o which_o logic_n and_o especial_o algebra_n have_v improve_v into_o a_o telescope_n but_o yet_o still_o it_o be_v but_o a_o artificial_a way_n of_o see_v and_o all_o art_n suppose_v and_o argue_v a_o defect_n in_o nature_n and_o though_o it_o be_v a_o great_a help_n yet_o we_o know_v it_o be_v no_o very_a great_a commendation_n to_o a_o man_n eyesight_n to_o see_v with_o spectacle_n 22._o and_o why_o then_o be_v we_o proud_a and_o why_o proud_a of_o that_o which_o shall_v rather_o deject_v we_o and_o make_v we_o humble_a of_o our_o imperfection_n and_o our_o defect_n our_o natural_a reason_n be_v a_o mark_n of_o our_o limitation_n as_o creature_n and_o our_o artificial_a one_o of_o our_o infirmity_n as_o man_n and_o both_o together_o give_v we_o but_o little_a light_n and_o help_v we_o to_o see_v but_o a_o very_a little_a way_n off_o and_o that_o after_o the_o most_o imperfect_a and_o defective_a manner_n such_o as_o upbraid_v our_o ignorance_n at_o the_o very_a same_o time_n that_o it_o increase_v our_o knowledge_n our_o reason_n not_o so_o much_o enlighten_v as_o betray_v the_o darkness_n of_o our_o understanding_n some_o few_o thing_n indeed_o we_o know_v as_o angel_n do_v by_o intuition_n or_o else_o we_o can_v not_o so_o much_o as_o reason_n like_o man_n but_o still_o the_o main_a fund_z of_o our_o knowledge_n lie_v in_o the_o rational_a and_o demonstrative_a kind_n and_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o use_v clue_n and_o chain_n to_o conduct_v our_o thought_n through_o the_o infinite_a maze_n and_o labyrinth_n of_o truth_n to_o proceed_v in_o a_o train_n from_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o to_o walk_v step_n by_o step_n and_o feel_v out_o our_o way_n with_o wariness_n and_o caution_n like_o man_n that_o go_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o such_o indeed_o be_v our_o state_n in_o this_o body_n and_o in_o this_o world_n it_o be_v now_o a_o kind_n of_o night_n with_o we_o as_o have_v for_o the_o most_o part_n only_a the_o lesser_a light_n reason_n for_o our_o difection_n as_o for_o the_o great_a intuition_n we_o have_v little_o more_o of_o that_o than_o of_o the_o refracted_a beam_n of_o the_o sun_n a_o little_a before_o its_o rise_n and_o after_o its_o set_n enough_o to_o make_v a_o twilight_n a_o mixture_n of_o light_n and_o darkness_n but_o such_o a_o mixture_n as_o be_v very_o unequal_a darkness_n make_v the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o the_o composition_n and_o be_v not_o this_o consideration_n sufficient_a if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o to_o take_v down_o our_o pride_n and_o inspire_v we_o with_o a_o sentiment_n of_o the_o profound_a humility_n and_o self-dejection_n if_o not_o let_v we_o consider_v that_o even_o this_o lesser_a light_n that_o be_v to_o govern_v our_o present_a night_n and_o darkness_n do_v oftentimes_o fail_v we_o and_o suffer_v a_o eclipse_n let_v we_o consider_v that_o we_o have_v a_o dark_a side_n yet_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o a_o much_o low_a dispensation_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n and_o those_o of_o the_o high_a nature_n and_o great_a importance_n wherein_o our_o reason_n be_v utter_o at_o a_o loss_n and_o can_v help_v we_o out_o and_o with_o respect_n to_o which_o be_v destitute_a of_o sight_n we_o must_v be_v content_a to_o walk_v altogether_o by_o faith_n concern_v which_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n ii_o of_o faith_n 1._o faith_n be_v a_o term_n of_o great_a ambiguity_n as_o well_o as_o reason_n but_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v use_v either_o in_o divine_a or_o in_o humane_a write_n i_o shall_v only_o define_v in_o what_o sense_n i_o here_o take_v it_o and_o then_o proceed_v to_o such_o consideration_n upon_o it_o as_o may_v serve_v to_o lay_v open_a its_o nature_n so_o far_o as_o be_v requisite_a to_o the_o present_a design_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o take_v faith_n here_o for_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o for_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o faith_n and_o that_o not_o ethical_o consider_v as_o it_o denote_v the_o moral_a virtue_n of_o veracity_n fidelity_n honesty_n and_o the_o like_a but_o logical_o as_o it_o signify_v a_o certain_a assent_n judgement_n or_o
to_o be_v true_a this_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o thing_n in_o question_n if_o there_o can_v be_v yet_o any_o question_n about_o it_o most_o evident_o show_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o as_o such_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n shall_v be_v true_a whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o contrary_a to_o truth_n i_o may_v also_o further_o allege_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v equal_o abstract_a from_o true_a and_o false_a which_o contrary_a to_o reason_n do_v not_o and_o that_o not_o only_o because_o as_o i_o observe_v before_o it_o determine_v nothing_o concern_v its_o object_n but_o also_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n not_o of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n importance_n as_o be_v a_o extrinsical_a denomination_n take_v not_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v to_o we_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o our_o not_o only_o finite_a but_o very_o limit_v capacity_n for_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o general_a or_o all_o reason_n so_o as_o to_o be_v absolute_o incomprehensible_a but_o only_o human_a reason_n but_o then_o that_o which_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n may_v not_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n as_o indeed_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o one_o man_n may_v not_o transcend_v that_o of_o another_o and_o what_o be_v above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o angel_n may_v yet_o be_v perfect_o comprehend_v by_o god_n the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a reason_n so_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n here_o be_v of_o a_o respective_a signification_n such_o as_o do_v not_o express_v the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o such_o a_o particular_a faculty_n whereas_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v not_o a_o relative_n but_o a_o absolute_a thing_n and_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v contrary_a to_o all_o reason_n and_o so_o consequent_o to_o truth_n i_o say_v i_o may_v further_o insist_v on_o these_o and_o some_o other_o consideration_n but_o be_v partly_o prevent_v here_o by_o mr._n boyle_n who_o account_n i_o will_v have_v use_v to_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o i_o as_o i_o be_v intend_v to_o supply_v some_o of_o his_o and_o have_v so_o abundant_o clear_v the_o difference_n of_o these_o thing_n already_o i_o shall_v not_o so_o far_o distrust_v either_o the_o strength_n of_o the_o argument_n or_o that_o of_o my_o reader_n be_v understanding_n as_o to_o prosecute_v this_o matter_n any_o further_a than_o only_o to_o shape_v a_o answer_n out_o of_o what_o have_v be_v lay_v down_o to_o a_o objection_n which_o i_o meet_v with_o in_o a_o modern_a writer_n against_o mounseur_fw-fr jurieu_fw-fr and_o which_o to_o do_v it_o the_o utmost_a justice_n i_o will_v set_v down_o in_o his_o own_o word_n 24._o i_o have_v consider_v say_v he_o the_o distinction_n which_o they_o use_v between_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 14_o and_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v agree_v that_o it_o be_v not_o possible_a to_o believe_v what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v say_v that_o we_o can_v well_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n this_o distinction_n seem_v to_o i_o of_o no_o use_n or_o else_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o for_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n though_o what_o we_o conceive_v of_o it_o be_v clear_a and_o certain_a i_o own_o that_o in_o this_o sense_n one_o ought_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v above_o reason_n but_o if_o by_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v mean_v a_o doctrine_n wherein_o we_o see_v nothing_o clear_a a_o doctrine_n which_o our_o reason_n lose_v the_o sight_n of_o on_o all_o its_o side_n i_o mean_v that_o all_o the_o proposition_n which_o may_v be_v 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comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o whereas_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o above_o reason_n what_o be_v all_o over_o unintelligible_a even_o as_o to_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n nor_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n but_o only_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v we_o can_v see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v it_o than_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o even_o then_o it_o will_v not_o as_o this_o author_n confuse_o enough_o pretend_v be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o because_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a only_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o may_v very_o well_o be_v believe_v though_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v and_o what_o be_v utter_o unintelligible_a can_v and_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v already_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o only_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n differ_v a_o little_a more_o than_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o 26._o and_o now_o if_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o very_a unaccountable_a thing_n i_o shall_v stand_v great_o amaze_v at_o either_o the_o natural_a or_o wilful_a blindness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o confound_a thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o most_o apparent_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v to_o distinguish_v and_o yet_o when_o strict_o examine_v and_o compare_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o distinction_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a and_o almost_o as_o common_a a_o fault_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o confound_v those_o that_o do_v and_o there_o be_v also_o other_o thing_n of_o such_o near_a resemblance_n and_o cognation_n to_o each_o other_o that_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n subtlety_n and_o nice_a inspection_n to_o discern_v their_o difference_n so_o fine_a and_o minute_n and_o almost_o imperceptible_a be_v the_o line_n that_o terminate_v their_o nature_n and_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o different_a as_o those_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o tree_n a_o triangle_n and_o a_o square_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a not_o to_o perceive_v it_o or_o be_v very_o insincere_a not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v know_v to_o serve_v themselves_o upon_o occasion_n of_o distinction_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v interest_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o shall_v yet_o reject_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n as_o well_o as_o well_o authorize_v one_o as_o this_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n and_o if_o admit_v will_v like_o a_o bomb_n throw_v into_o their_o garrison_n blow_v up_o and_o lie_v waste_v their_o main_a strength_n and_o force_v they_o to_o desert_n and_o give_v up_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o be_v now_o especial_o most_o zealous_o fond_a of_o and_o seem_v resolve_v even_o against_o reason_n to_o maintain_v 27._o for_o i_o must_v further_o remark_n and_o it_o be_v a_o
observation_n not_o light_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o if_o this_o one_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v once_o admit_v or_o show_v to_o be_v real_a solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n be_v immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o very_a next_o consequence_n at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v above_o reason_n differ_v nothing_o in_o reality_n from_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o much_o contrary_n to_o it_o as_o above_o it_o and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v on_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v well_o but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v as_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n be_v sufficient_o do_v that_o these_o two_o be_v quite_o different_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o than_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n why_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a inducement_n that_o make_v these_o man_n stand_v out_o so_o fierce_o and_o obstinate_o against_o this_o distinction_n for_o they_o be_v aware_a what_o mischief_n it_o will_v do_v they_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o clear_v and_o justify_v it_o 28._o and_o thus_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a thing_n what_o reason_n be_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o and_o what_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v now_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o more_o full_a and_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o true_a state_n of_o which_o question_n by_o what_o 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forever_o to_o silence_n the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n for_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v pretend_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v the_o suppose_a contrariety_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v show_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n involve_v no_o such_o contrariety_n than_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v fair_o and_o whole_o remove_v and_o consequent_o there_o remain_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o work_n as_o most_o effectual_o do_v already_o and_o those_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a measure_n of_o penetration_n and_o sincerity_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o however_o consider_v the_o importunity_n of_o those_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o further_a establishment_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o other_o consideration_n whereby_o i_o shall_v also_o give_v further_a confirmation_n and_o so_o repay_v what_o i_o be_o indebt_v to_o the_o point_n contend_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n since_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n to_o their_o not_o contrariety_n as_o forward_o from_o their_o not_o contrariety_n to_o their_o believableness_n the_o consequence_n be_v full_a as_o good_a thus_o above_o reason_n believable_a therefore_o not_o contrary_a as_o thus_o above_o reason_n not_o contrary_a therefore_o believable_a now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o full_a conviction_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n i_o set_v out_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 2._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n that_o as_o all_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o need_v it_o so_o there_o be_v proposition_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n the_o fullness_n and_o immediateness_n of_o their_o evidence_n render_v they_o strict_o indemonstrable_a and_o it_o have_v be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o geometrician_n that_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o prove_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o need_n of_o proof_n 432._o whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o euclid_n who_o go_v formal_o to_o work_v to_o prove_v that_o two_o side_n of_o a_o triangle_n take_v together_o be_v great_a than_o one_o although_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a even_o from_o the_o notion_n only_o of_o a_o right_a line_n which_o be_v the_o short_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v between_o two_o point_n and_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o distance_n from_o one_o point_n to_o another_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o short_a of_o all_o line_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o point_n to_o point_v 3._o now_o though_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o evident_a of_o itself_o as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o need_v any_o that_o be_v i_o mean_v to_o those_o who_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o sincere_a as_o to_o say_v ingenuous_o what_o they_o inward_o think_v for_o to_o unattentive_a or_o captious_a person_n nothing_o be_v plain_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o some_o will_v contradict_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o the_o sun_n itself_o can_v make_v a_o man_n see_v if_o either_o he_o want_v eye_n or_o will_v shut_v '_o they_o i_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o to_o such_o man_n either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o proposition_n be_v plain_a but_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o be_v try_v by_o any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a considerer_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o certain_a proposition_n as_o plain_a as_o most_o of_o those_o which_o pass_v for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n in_o discourse_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v just_o fear_v incur_v the_o same_o censure_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o geometrician_n of_o go_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v evident_a be_v there_o not_o something_o peculiar_a in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o make_v it_o very_o different_a from_o they_o for_o they_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o abstract_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o such_o wherein_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o uninteress_v have_v no_o real_a need_n to_o prove_v evident_a thing_n because_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n their_o evidence_n be_v never_o contest_v whereas_o the_o point_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o encounter_v the_o partiality_n and_o false_a biass_n of_o humane_a nature_n particular_o that_o great_a and_o govern_v one_o of_o self-love_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o some_o of_o their_o maxim_n will_v yet_o not_o be_v equal_o secure_a from_o opposition_n and_o pass_v alike_o uncontested_a and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o prove_v it_o if_o not_o to_o do_v any_o necessary_a service_n to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v
the_o importunity_n of_o the_o man_n i_o argue_v with_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o present_a case_n since_o as_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o sentiment_n of_o these_o man_n concern_v the_o disbelief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n which_o therefore_o both_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o refutation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 4._o now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o common_a standard_n whereby_o truth_n in_o the_o general_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v so_o that_o of_o every_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v either_o true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a as_o it_o accord_v with_o this_o measure_n as_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o which_o human_a reason_n sometime_o be_v and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o as_o much_o as_o whatever_o the_o understanding_n do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v may_v be_v conclude_v as_o most_o certain_o true_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o clear_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v without_o suppose_v our_o perceptive_a faculty_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o natural_o false_a and_o without_o suppose_v it_o also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o error_n even_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o more_o right_a use_n of_o they_o than_o to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o we_o clear_o perceive_v which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o manifest_a absurdity_n but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v necessary_o infer_v the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o our_o error_n and_o deception_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v admit_v by_o all_o what_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o cartesian_a way_n so_o earnest_o stand_v and_o contend_v for_o that_o clearness_n of_o perception_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n and_o criterion_n of_o truth_n so_o far_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v real_o in_o itself_o true_a but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v a_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a rule_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a limit_a respect_n only_o not_o absolute_o and_o in_o general_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o whatever_o we_o clear_o perceive_v be_v true_a yet_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o follow_v likewise_o backward_o that_o whatever_o be_v true_a we_o do_v also_o clear_o perceive_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o perceive_v be_v therefore_o not_o true_a by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o cartesian_a maxim_n must_v be_v very_o much_o abuse_v to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o never_o intend_v it_o to_o that_o purpose_n 5._o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n may_v be_v safe_o say_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n in_o general_n carry_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o understanding_n in_o general_n as_o full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o it_o so_o that_o all_o truth_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o intelligible_a the_o great_a and_o sublimest_n truth_n as_o much_o as_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a those_o which_o the_o angel_n study_n and_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o as_o much_o as_o those_o which_o employ_v the_o narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o poor_a rustic_n the_o former_a be_v in_o themselves_o as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o latter_a and_o if_o not_o actual_o so_o well_o understand_v it_o be_v not_o because_o of_o any_o incapacity_n in_o the_o object_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o faculty_n that_o be_v conversant_a about_o they_o but_o this_o disproportion_n must_v not_o be_v universal_a nor_o extend_v throughout_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o be_v for_o what_o be_v intelligible_a must_v be_v so_o to_o some_o understanding_n since_o what_o no_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v be_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o be_v intelligible_a and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o understanding_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v true_o intelligible_a that_o be_v all_o truth_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o whatever_o this_o perfect_a understanding_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v not_o intelligible_a and_o if_o not_o intelligible_a then_o also_o not_o true_a beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n for_o so_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a a_o speculation_n that_o truth_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o real_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o and_o do_v therefore_o exist_v original_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o be_v substantial_a truth_n and_o according_o do_v comprehend_v all_o truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o because_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o extent_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v also_o of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v above_o all_o reason_n or_o what_o no_o reason_n whatsoever_o can_v comprehend_v be_v as_o much_o above_o truth_n too_o and_o can_v possible_o be_v true_a 6._o but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o allow_v this_o of_o reason_n in_o general_n the_o same_o can_v be_v allow_v of_o human_a reason_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v certain_a and_o therefore_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o compass_n and_o extent_n with_o truth_n and_o possess_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a if_o not_o essential_o and_o substantial_o as_o god_n do_v yet_o at_o least_o noetical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o theory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a thorough_o to_o perceive_v and_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n but_o now_o that_o this_o qualification_n can_v possible_o agree_v to_o human_a reason_n though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o hope_v full_o to_o demonstrate_v upon_o a_o double_a consideration_n one_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n 7._o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o truth_n this_o as_o the_o most_o think_v and_o metaphysical_a person_n conceive_v of_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o equality_n or_o inequality_n or_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o these_o relation_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o intelligible_a idea_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o we_o be_v also_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o general_a sort_n of_o truth_n extreme_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v those_o that_o regard_v only_o the_o abstract_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o immutable_a essence_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n and_o other_o again_o that_o do_v regard_n thing_n that_o do_v actual_o exist_v the_o former_a of_o these_o constitute_v that_o order_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v necessary_a the_o latter_a that_o which_o we_o call_v contingent_a and_o this_o double_a order_n of_o truth_n result_v from_o that_o threefold_a relation_n beforementioned_a from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o relation_n arise_v contingent_a truth_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n of_o disagreement_n that_o be_v either_o between_o create_a being_n themselves_o or_o between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o these_o i_o call_v contingent_a truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a partly_o because_o these_o relation_n can_v not_o begin_v to_o exist_v before_o those_o being_n be_v produce_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v relation_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o partly_o because_o these_o relation_n may_v not_o have_v exi_v because_o those_o being_n may_v not_o have_v be_v produce_v and_o as_o contingent_a truth_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o
when_o all_o that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v here_o be_v finite_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o uneasiness_n the_o melancholy_a the_o disconsolateness_n the_o aridity_n that_o accompany_v human_a life_n will_v be_v find_v if_o trace_v to_o the_o original_a to_o proceed_v from_o hence_o viz._n from_o the_o little_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o gratification_n between_o what_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o desire_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a punishment_n to_o we_o hereafter_o when_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o faculty_n shall_v be_v more_o invigorate_v and_o enlarge_v if_o we_o have_v not_o then_o a_o infinite_a good_a to_o enjoy_v â—twill_n be_v at_o least_o the_o worst_a ingredient_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n if_o not_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o will_n be_v inâ—â—nite_a only_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la objecti_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o not_o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la actûs_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v it_o infinite_o or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a force_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o finite_a nature_n shall_v have_v any_o power_n or_o force_n in_o it_o that_o be_v strict_o infinite_a or_o that_o any_o such_o act_n or_o operation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o it_o but_o then_o what_o will_v the_o affliction_n be_v if_o the_o act_n be_v infinite_a as_o well_o as_o the_o object_n and_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o a_o infinite_a good_a with_o a_o infinite_a desire_n what_o conception_n can_v frame_n a_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o can_v it_o be_v much_o less_o for_o a_o infinite_a intelligence_n to_o have_v only_o a_o finite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o painful_a or_o afflictive_a in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o supreme_o and_o complete_o bless_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o the_o infinite_a will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o good_a full_o commensurate_a and_o adequate_a to_o its_o unlimited_a activity_n whereon_o it_o may_v centre_n and_o repose_v its_o weight_n so_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n have_v also_o a_o infinite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n and_o since_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o understanding_n in_o general_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a be_v truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o will_n be_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v again_o that_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n 17._o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v it_o so_o when_o we_o convert_v ourselves_o to_o it_o by_o study_n and_o meditation_n when_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o set_v our_o self_n to_o muse_v and_o think_v do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o we_o launch_v forth_o into_o a_o vast_a intelligible_a sea_n that_o have_v neither_o bottom_n nor_o shore_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o the_o more_o we_o meditate_v be_v we_o not_o still_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o this_o and_o do_v we_o not_o discover_v the_o further_o we_o go_v in_o our_o intellectual_a progress_n that_o there_o still_o lie_v more_o and_o more_o beyond_o we_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a traveller_n think_v most_o magnificent_o of_o the_o world_n do_v we_o not_o find_v as_o in_o a_o spacious_a campaigne_n so_o in_o the_o immense_a field_n of_o truth_n that_o our_o eye_n weary_v and_o our_o sight_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o boundless_a prospect_n and_o that_o beside_o the_o clear_a view_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o a_o little_a distance_n from_o we_o there_o lie_v all_o round_o we_o vast_a tract_n unmeasurable_o diffuse_v whereof_o we_o have_v only_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a image_n like_o the_o faint_a blue_n of_o the_o far_o distant_a hill_n be_v not_o the_o relation_n and_o combination_n of_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o infinite_a and_o shall_v but_o one_o link_n in_o this_o endless_a chain_n be_v alter_v will_v not_o innumerable_a alteration_n ensue_v upon_o it_o shall_v but_o one_o proposition_n that_o be_v false_a be_v suppose_v true_a or_o one_o that_o be_v true_a be_v suppose_v false_a what_o understanding_n but_o the_o divine_a can_v go_v on_o with_o the_o train_n of_o new_a consequence_n that_o will_v result_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n i_o say_v new_a consequence_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n with_o their_o settle_a coherency_n and_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o according_a as_o they_o real_o stand_v in_o their_o natural_a order_n there_o be_v a_o secondary_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o may_v call_v hypothetical_n that_o result_v from_o any_o suppose_a change_n make_v in_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n whence_o will_v still_o arise_v new_a and_o new_a consequence_n even_o to_o infinity_o but_o not_o to_o consider_v hypothetical_n truth_n can_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a be_v ever_o fix_v or_o its_o stock_n ever_o exhaust_v do_v it_o not_o after_o all_o the_o study_n that_o have_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o it_o furnish_v perpetual_a matter_n for_o our_o contemplation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o subject_a for_o everlasting_a thought_n and_o consideration_n have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a research_n of_o the_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a for_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o every_o age_n refine_v upon_o its_o predecessor_n and_o produce_v new_a discovery_n be_v not_o the_o science_n continual_o improve_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o still_o depth_n in_o every_o science_n which_o no_o line_n of_o thought_n can_v ever_o fathom_n what_o a_o vast_a fecundity_n be_v there_o in_o some_o plain_a simple_a proposition_n nay_o who_o can_v number_v the_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o any_o one_o principle_n take_v the_o most_o simple_a figure_n in_o geometry_n and_o where_o be_v the_o mathematician_n who_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n study_n can_v reckon_v up_o all_o the_o property_n that_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o it_o both_o as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o figure_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o whole_a science_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n and_o dependency_n particular_o of_o algebra_n the_o main_a ocean_n of_o this_o bottomless_a sea_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o metaphysick_n another_o unmeasurable_a abyss_n and_o what_o of_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o truth_n if_o not_o the_o same_o which_o one_o of_o iob_n friend_n say_v of_o god_n 7._o can_v thou_o by_o search_a â—ind_n out_o truth_n can_v thou_o find_v she_o out_o unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o because_o they_o after_o all_o be_v finite_a whereas_o this_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o infinite_a which_o by_o the_o way_n sufficient_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v truth_n who_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v bless_v for_o ever_o 18._o but_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v if_o truth_n be_v indeed_o as_o you_o see_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o full_o adequate_v to_o it_o do_v not_o entire_o possess_v it_o nor_o all_o over_o and_o whole_o comprehend_v it_o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o lay_v open_o the_o great_a weakness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o light_n nor_o the_o shortness_n of_o its_o view_n nor_o the_o slenderness_n of_o its_o attainment_n nor_o the_o very_a narrow_a extent_n of_o its_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o very_a little_a progress_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v always_o discern_v the_o relation_n and_o connexion_n that_n be_v between_o they_o and_o that_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o the_o idea_n themselves_o to_o have_v their_o relation_n perceive_v immediate_o without_o compare_v they_o with_o other_o mediate_a idea_n or_o else_o for_o want_v of_o such_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_n wherewith_o to_o compare_v they_o and_o
idea_n of_o extension_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o virtual_o eminent_o and_o modo_fw-la intelligibili_fw-la answer_v to_o extension_n and_o be_v therefore_o frequent_o call_v by_o mr._n malebranch_n l'_fw-mi ètendue_v intelligiblâ—_n be_v of_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o but_o only_o as_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o matter_n or_o body_n and_o imitable_a or_o participable_a by_o it_o according_a to_o those_o limitation_n and_o imperfection_n which_o belong_v to_o that_o kind_n of_o be_v and_o which_o be_v represent_v by_o this_o its_o idea_n i_o know_v not_o whether_o i_o express_v myself_o to_o the_o conception_n of_o every_o reader_n but_o i_o be_o sufficient_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o myself_o and_o whoever_o be_v not_o much_o want_v either_o in_o metaphysic_n or_o in_o attention_n can_v i_o think_v well_o miss_v my_o mean_v 23_o now_o the_o use_n that_o i_o make_v of_o this_o speculation_n to_o the_o present_a purpose_n be_v this_o those_o idea_n which_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o that_o divine_a essence_n according_a to_o some_o certain_a limitation_n and_o inadequate_a consideration_n of_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o creature_n must_v be_v consider_v by_o we_o as_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n because_o however_o true_o divine_a and_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n yet_o not_o as_o it_o be_v absolute_o and_o simple_o in_o itself_o but_o only_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n that_o be_v as_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o consider_v according_a to_o certain_a abstraction_n and_o limitation_n of_o entity_n and_o perfection_n such_o as_o the_o thing_n whereof_o they_o be_v idea_n do_v require_v and_o according_o such_o idea_n be_v ordinary_o say_v not_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infinite_a for_o they_o do_v not_o represent_v he_o though_o essential_a to_o he_o but_o to_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o creature_n who_o be_v finite_a they_o be_v indeed_o divine_a idea_n because_o essential_a to_o god_n but_o they_o be_v not_o idea_n of_o god_n because_o they_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o relate_v to_o creature_n and_o be_v representative_a of_o they_o of_o creature_n therefore_o they_o be_v the_o idea_n and_o god_n in_o see_v they_o be_v not_o proper_o say_v to_o see_v himself_o though_o they_o be_v of_o himself_o but_o to_o see_v creature_n because_o though_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n yet_o it_o be_v only_o according_a to_o such_o precision_n limitation_n and_o inadequation_n of_o it_o as_o to_o be_v expressive_a and_o representative_a of_o their_o finite_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o the_o reality_n which_o these_o idea_n represent_v be_v finite_a so_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v conceive_v by_o we_o as_o finite_a too_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o infinite_a consider_v as_o infinite_a shall_v be_v representative_a of_o what_o be_v finite_a and_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v finite_a so_o be_v they_o also_o by_o consequence_n so_o proportionate_a and_o of_o a_o measure_n so_o adjust_v to_o finite_a understanding_n as_o to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o they_o and_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o comprehension_n which_o must_v also_o in_o like_a manner_n be_v conclude_v of_o all_o those_o truth_n which_o be_v consubstantial_a to_o they_o and_o according_o the_o experiment_n answer_v the_o theory_n we_o find_v that_o not_o only_o contingent_a truth_n that_o regard_v only_o the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n such_o as_o matter_n of_o fact_n human_a event_n etc._n etc._n but_o even_o a_o great_a many_o of_o those_o which_o be_v ideal_o and_o necessary_a and_o concern_v only_o the_o abstract_a reason_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o in_o metaphysic_n and_o geometry_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o which_o science_n we_o meet_v with_o a_o great_a many_o thing_n which_o we_o well_o understand_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n and_o conception_n 24._o but_o now_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o first_o order_n nor_o with_o their_o truth_n though_o those_o divine_a idea_n which_o appertain_v to_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n only_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n be_v both_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a by_o limit_a understanding_n which_o indeed_o otherwise_o will_v not_o be_v capable_a of_o any_o science_n yet_o these_o absolute_a idea_n which_o i_o now_o speak_v of_o be_v neither_o finite_a nor_o comprehensible_a for_o these_o idea_n be_v of_o the_o very_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o separately_z consider_v according_o to_o its_o simple_a and_o absolute_a nature_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n or_o as_o representative_a of_o any_o reality_n out_o of_o itself_o and_o according_o god_n in_o contemplate_v these_o idea_n of_o he_o may_v be_v true_o and_o strict_o say_v to_o contemplate_v himself_o and_o we_o also_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o do_v as_o real_o contemplate_v god_n and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o any_o thing_n beside_o or_o out_o of_o itself_o these_o idea_n therefore_o be_v strict_o infinite_a because_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o simple_o and_o absolute_o consider_v be_v so_o and_o consequent_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o finite_a and_o consequent_o by_o human_a understanding_n god_n only_o can_v comprehend_v these_o idea_n and_o that_o because_o he_o only_o can_v comprehend_v himself_o human_a reason_n indeed_o have_v light_n enough_o to_o discover_v that_o there_o be_v such_o idea_n and_o perfection_n in_o god_n and_o be_v withal_o able_a to_o discern_v enough_o of_o they_o to_o raise_v her_o great_a wonder_n and_o devotion_n and_o to_o make_v she_o despise_v all_o other_o intelligible_a object_n in_o comparison_n of_o these_o infinite_a grandeurs_fw-fr and_o the_o angelic_a spirit_n that_o wait_v about_o the_o throne_n of_o his_o majesty_n and_o stand_v in_o a_o better_a light_n be_v able_a to_o see_v yet_o more_o of_o they_o but_o neither_o the_o one_o nor_o the_o other_o can_v comprehend_v they_o full_o any_o more_o than_o they_o can_v god_n himself_o and_o that_o because_o they_o be_v god_n so_o that_o though_o the_o other_o idea_n be_v finite_a and_o comprehensible_a these_o be_v true_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o of_o this_o we_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o instance_n above_o propose_v of_o each_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v very_o clear_a and_o intelligible_a to_o our_o mind_n as_o finite_a and_o as_o narrow_o bound_v as_o they_o be_v we_o have_v a_o very_a distinct_a view_n of_o it_o we_o perceive_v it_o we_o comprehend_v it_o among_o all_o intelligible_a object_n there_o be_v none_o that_o be_v more_o clear_a nor_o whereof_o we_o have_v a_o more_o adequate_a and_o exact_a notion_n and_o upon_o this_o be_v found_v all_o that_o peculiar_a clearness_n evidence_n and_o certainty_n that_o be_v in_o the_o geometric_a science_n which_o alone_o have_v the_o happiness_n to_o be_v free_a from_o dispute_n and_o without_o contestation_n to_o find_v that_o truth_n which_o the_o other_o seek_v after_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o we_o have_v so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o notion_n of_o its_o general_a subject_n extension_n but_o now_o as_o to_o the_o 139._o divine_a immensity_n so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o have_v a_o clear_a conception_n of_o that_o that_o no_o soon_o do_v we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o contemplate_v this_o vast_a idea_n but_o we_o enter_v into_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n or_o rather_o into_o such_o a_o overshining_a and_o insupportable_a light_n as_o dazzle_v and_o blind_v our_o eye_n yea_o hurt_n and_o pain_n they_o till_o they_o can_v no_o long_o endure_v to_o gaze_v but_o be_v force_v to_o refresh_v themselves_o either_o by_o let_v down_o their_o weary_a lid_n suspense_n of_o thought_n or_o by_o turn_v their_o view_n upon_o less_o glorious_a object_n in_o the_o meditation_n of_o the_o other_o idea_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o wade_v in_o a_o river_n where_o we_o both_o see_v and_o feel_v the_o bottom_n and_o go_v on_o for_o a_o pretty_a way_n together_o smooth_o and_o without_o much_o difficulty_n only_o now_o and_o then_o meet_v with_o a_o intangle_a weed_n that_o let_v and_o incumber_n our_o progress_n but_o in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o the_o infinite_a idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n we_o be_v like_o man_n that_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o main_a sea_n at_o the_o very_a first_o plunge_v out_o of_o our_o depth_n and_o ready_a to_o be_v overwhelm_v swallow_v up_o and_o lose_v in_o a_o abyss_n
have_v no_o idea_n but_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n and_o those_o very_a clear_a one_o too_o we_o may_v be_v as_o far_o from_o comprehend_v a_o truth_n as_o if_o we_o have_v none_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o dependence_n which_o that_o truth_n have_v upon_o some_o other_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v not_o at_o least_o a_o just_a idea_n which_o single_a consideration_n be_v enough_o for_o ever_o to_o spoil_v human_a reason_n for_o set_v up_o for_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o being_n finit_fw-la so_o very_o false_a be_v that_o arrogant_a assertion_n of_o a_o modern_a philosopher_n 248._o quaecunque_fw-la existunt_fw-la humanae_fw-la menti_fw-la pervestigabilia_fw-la praeterquam_fw-la inâ—initum_fw-la whatever_o be_v may_v be_v thorough_o comprehend_v by_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n except_o infinite_a and_o again_o vnum_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la est_fw-la quod_fw-la omnem_fw-la mentis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la vim_o longissime_fw-la excedit_fw-la ipsâque_fw-la suâ_fw-la naturâ_fw-la ut_fw-la in_o se_fw-la est_fw-la ab_fw-la eâ_fw-la cognosci_fw-la nequit_fw-la inâ—initum_fw-la puta_fw-la there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a thing_n that_o far_o exceed_v the_o force_n and_o reach_v of_o our_o mind_n and_o that_o can_v of_o its_o own_o very_a nature_n be_v know_v by_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o namely_o infinite_a what_o but_o one_o thing_n except_v from_o the_o verge_n and_o place_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o human_a knowledge_n it_o be_v well_o that_o one_o thing_n be_v a_o pretty_a large_a one_o but_o sure_o the_o author_n be_v ignorant_a of_o something_o else_o that_o be_v himself_o or_o else_o he_o can_v never_o have_v advance_v such_o a_o crude_a and_o ill-considered_a a_o proposition_n 33._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v at_o large_a in_o a_o rational_a way_n by_o argue_v a_o priori_fw-la and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o even_o upon_o the_o most_o liberal_a supposition_n of_o its_o be_v finite_a and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o suppose_v truth_n to_o be_v finite_a much_o less_o be_v it_o suppose_v it_o what_o it_o have_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n if_o upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n it_o exceed_v the_o proportion_n of_o our_o reason_n certain_o upon_o the_o latter_a there_o will_v be_v no_o proportion_n between_o they_o but_o whether_o our_o reason_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o truth_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v only_o disproportionate_a to_o it_o either_o way_n it_o follow_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o which_o i_o can_v but_o now_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o proposition_n sufficient_o demonstrate_v and_o in_o all_o this_o i_o contend_v for_o no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v imply_v in_o that_o common_a and_o universal_o approve_v maxim_n even_o among_o those_o of_o the_o rational_a way_n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o deny_v what_o be_v evident_a for_o the_o sake_n of_o what_o be_v obscure_a or_o depart_v from_o a_o truth_n which_o we_o see_v a_o necessity_n to_o admit_v because_o of_o some_o difficulty_n attend_v it_o which_o we_o can_v solve_v which_o they_o say_v be_v a_o argument_n only_o of_o our_o ignorance_n and_o not_o of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o true_a rule_n and_o such_o as_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o hold_v good_a in_o all_o our_o reason_n let_v the_o matter_n of_o they_o be_v what_o it_o will_n only_o i_o wish_v that_o the_o implication_n of_o the_o rule_n be_v as_o much_o mind_v as_o the_o rule_n itself_o be_v general_o receive_v for_o it_o plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n which_o though_o plain_a and_o certain_a as_o to_o their_o existence_n be_v yet_o incomprehensible_a and_o inexplicable_a as_o to_o their_o manner_n but_o then_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o manner_n shall_v not_o make_v we_o reject_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n when_o otherwise_o evident_a so_o neither_o shall_v the_o evidence_n we_o have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v we_o disow_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o manner_n since_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v against_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v incomprehensible_a that_o you_o see_v we_o have_v discover_v even_o from_o the_o contemplation_n of_o its_o nature_n that_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n of_o which_o i_o may_v now_o subjoin_v some_o particular_a example_n but_o that_o i_o shall_v fall_v very_o deep_a into_o a_o common_a place_n be_v herein_o prevent_v by_o many_o other_o writer_n particular_o by_o the_o admirable_a one_o of_o l'_fw-mi art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr to_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o who_o four_o book_n i_o refer_v my_o reader_n where_o he_o show_v by_o several_a and_o some_o of_o they_o uncommon_a instance_n that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v not_o capable_a of_o comprehend_v after_o which_o he_o conclude_v with_o a_o very_a grave_n and_o useful_a reflection_n which_o for_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o pertinency_n of_o it_o to_o the_o present_a affair_n though_o i_o refer_v my_o reader_n to_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o chapter_n i_o shall_v here_o set_v down_o the_o proâ—it_n say_v he_o that_o one_o may_v draw_v from_o these_o speculation_n be_v not_o bare_o to_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o which_o of_o itself_o be_v barren_a enough_o but_o it_o be_v to_o learn_v to_o know_v the_o bound_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o to_o force_v it_o to_o confess_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n which_o it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o therefore_o it_o be_v good_a to_o fatigue_n the_o mind_n with_o these_o kind_n of_o subtlety_n the_o better_a to_o tame_v its_o presumption_n and_o abate_v its_o confidence_n and_o daringness_n in_o oppose_v its_o feeble_a light_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o religion_n under_o the_o pretence_n that_o it_o can_v comprehend_v they_o for_o since_o all_o the_o force_n of_o human_a understanding_n be_v constrain_v to_o yield_v to_o the_o least_o atom_n of_o matter_n and_o to_o own_o that_o it_o see_v clear_o that_o it_o be_v infinite_o divisible_a without_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o this_o may_v be_v be_v it_o not_o apparent_o to_o transgress_v against_o reason_n to_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o wonderful_a effect_n of_o the_o divine_a onnipotence_n mere_o for_o this_o reason_n that_o our_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v they_o yes_o without_o doubt_v it_o be_v as_o will_v better_a appear_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o discourse_n in_o the_o mean_a while_n before_o i_o take_v leave_n of_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o chapter_n i_o have_v a_o double_a remark_n to_o make_v upon_o it_o 34._o the_o first_o be_v that_o since_o truth_n in_o its_o full_a extent_n be_v incomprehensible_a we_o shall_v not_o vain_o go_v about_o to_o comprehend_v it_o but_o be_v content_v to_o be_v ignorant_a in_o many_o thing_n and_o since_o there_o be_v some_o special_a truth_n in_o particular_a that_o be_v incomprehensible_a we_o shall_v not_o apply_v our_o thought_n to_o the_o comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n at_o a_o venture_n as_o some_o who_o be_v for_o understand_v every_o thing_n but_o sit_v down_o first_o and_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v proportionate_a to_o our_o capacity_n or_o no_o and_o as_o far_o as_o we_o can_v learn_v to_o distinguish_v what_o truth_n may_v and_o what_o may_v not_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o that_o so_o we_o may_v not_o lose_v that_o time_n and_o pain_n in_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o which_o may_v be_v profitable_o employ_v in_o the_o consideration_n of_o other_o thing_n better_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o a_o great_a many_o do_v who_o busy_a themselves_o all_o their_o life_n long_o about_o such_o thing_n which_o if_o they_o shall_v study_v to_o eternity_n they_o will_v not_o comprehend_v and_o that_o indeed_o because_o they_o require_v a_o infinite_a capacity_n to_o comprehend_v they_o whereas_o the_o short_a compendium_n of_o study_n and_o the_o best_a way_n to_o abridge_v the_o science_n be_v to_o study_v only_o what_o we_o can_v master_n and_o what_o be_v within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o faculty_n and_o never_o so_o much_o as_o to_o apply_v ourselves_o to_o what_o we_o can_v never_o comprehend_v 35._o the_o other_o remark_n be_v that_o the_o conclusion_n prove_v in_o this_o chapter_n do_v very_o much_o fortify_v and_o confirm_v that_o which_o be_v undertake_v to_o be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o last_o concern_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n for_o if_o there_o be_v truth_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v than_o it_o seem_v what_o be_v above_o our_o comprehension_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a and_o if_o true_a then_o to_o be_v sure_a not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n since_o whatever_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v no_o less_o
contrary_a to_o truth_n which_o though_o sometime_o above_o reason_n be_v yet_o never_o contrary_a to_o it_o chap._n v._o that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a 1._o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o man_n that_o deserve_v his_o consideration_n so_o much_o and_o few_o thing_n without_o he_o that_o deserve_v it_o more_o than_o that_o part_n of_o he_o wherein_o he_o resemble_v his_o maker_n so_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o worthy_a of_o his_o consideration_n in_o that_o part_n or_o that_o be_v at_o least_o more_o necessary_a to_o be_v consider_v by_o he_o than_o the_o defect_n of_o it_o without_o a_o due_a regard_n to_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v very_o safe_a for_o he_o to_o dwell_v much_o upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o the_o other_o as_o be_v apt_a to_o seduce_v he_o into_o â—_o ride_v and_o vanity_n to_o blow_v he_o up_o with_o self-conceit_n and_o so_o by_o a_o imaginary_a 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etc._n etc._n where_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o the_o major_a of_o the_o first_o or_o the_o minor_a of_o the_o second_o syllogisin_n wherein_o the_o principle_n of_o these_o man_n be_v contain_a be_v allow_v there_o will_v be_v no_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n of_o they_o so_o that_o if_o we_o admit_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v comprehensive_a of_o all_o truth_n we_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o we_o do_v not_o also_o grant_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o just_a warrant_n to_o conclude_v it_o not_o true_a 7._o but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n if_o this_o mighty_a principle_n upon_o which_o such_o a_o weight_n be_v lay_v and_o such_o great_a thing_n build_v be_v false_a if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o i_o think_v be_v with_o great_a evidence_n demonstrate_v in_o the_o last_o chapter_n then_o be_v not_o the_o consequence_n as_o good_a this_o way_n that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v 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those_o that_o shall_v undertake_v the_o solution_n of_o they_o by_o the_o real_a chimaera_n of_o substantial_a form_n quality_n sympathys_n antipathys_n etc._n etc._n or_o that_o shall_v go_v to_o account_v for_o they_o by_o the_o yet_o more_o obscure_a principle_n of_o the_o chemist_n strike_v and_o fill_v their_o ear_n with_o those_o great_a but_o empty_a sound_n archaeus_n seminal_a spirit_n astral_a being_n gas_n blas_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o receive_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n not_o for_o their_o scientific_a light_n for_o they_o be_v dark_a as_o may_v be_v mere_a philosophic_a cant_n but_o only_a because_o they_o be_v mysterious_a and_o abstruse_a and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v there_o must_v be_v somewhat_o more_o than_o ordinary_a in_o they_o though_o they_o know_v not_o nor_o it_o may_v be_v never_o consider_v what_o and_o herein_o as_o in_o some_o other_o instance_n man_n love_v darkness_n better_o than_o light_n 2._o but_o then_o at_o another_o time_n you_o 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incomprehensibility_n because_o we_o may_v believe_v whatever_o be_v not_o absolute_o incredible_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v discard_v every_o thing_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o unworthy_a of_o a_o rational_a belief_n or_o that_o what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v therefore_o above_o our_o faith_n too_o 4._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o no_o proper_a and_o direct_a argument_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v and_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o give_v but_o a_o ordinary_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n shall_v answer_v because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a which_o at_o best_a can_v pass_v only_o for_o a_o religious_a flourish_n much_o such_o another_o as_o credo_fw-la quia_fw-la impossibile_fw-it and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o direct_o and_o 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false_a according_a to_o the_o tenor_n of_o the_o five_o chapter_n the_o incomprehensibility_n therefore_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o proper_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o consequent_o no_o reason_n of_o itself_o why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v and_o that_o because_o it_o abstract_n as_o such_o from_o true_a and_o false_a and_o be_v too_o common_a to_o both_o to_o prove_v either_o 5._o and_o because_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v also_o further_o grant_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o only_o in_o itself_o no_o proper_a reason_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v but_o have_v also_o so_o far_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o dissuasive_a from_o believe_v as_o to_o be_v a_o caution_n against_o a_o too_o hasty_a belief_n till_o there_o appear_v some_o other_o motive_n from_o without_o either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n that_o shall_v determine_v the_o assent_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o it_o advise_v to_o suspend_v for_o the_o 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〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o test_n of_o truth_n the_o very_a proposition_n almost_o in_o term_n of_o my_o four_o chapter_n or_o to_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o account_n receive_v from_o profane_a antiquity_n much_o less_o to_o the_o inspire_a write_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o several_a particular_n relate_v to_o the_o elder_a condition_n of_o the_o world_n and_o its_o great_a catastrophe_n examineed_a and_o compare_v with_o so_o much_o philosophy_n as_o be_v till_o late_o know_v be_v plain_o unaccountable_a and_o natural_o speak_v impossible_a yet_o we_o see_v now_o nature_n be_v more_o full_o more_o certain_o and_o more_o substantial_o understand_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n approve_v themselves_o to_o be_v plain_a easy_a and_o rational_a it_o be_v therefore_o folly_n in_o the_o high_a degree_n to_o reject_v the_o truth_n or_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o we_o can_v give_v our_o mind_n particular_a satisfaction_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n may_v or_o 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price_n 2s_n poetic_a miscellany_n in_o 8_o o._n price_n 1_v 6d_o the_o christian_a monitor_n the_o nineteen_o edition_n price_n 3d._n have_v already_o sell_v 95_o thousand_o and_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o and_o so_o proportionable_o for_o a_o small_a quantity_n these_o five_o write_v by_o the_o reverend_n mr._n jo._n rawlet_n a_o essay_n concern_v humane_a understanding_n in_o four_o book_n the_o three_o edition_n with_o large_a addition_n by_o io._n locke_n gent._n folio_n malebranch_n search_v after_o truth_n complete_a in_o 2_o vol._n 8_o o._n to_o the_o 2_o d._n be_v add_v the_o author_n defence_n against_o the_o accusation_n of_o m._n de_fw-fr la_fw-fr ville_fw-fr also_o the_o life_n of_o f_o malebranch_n do_v out_o of_o french_a by_o mr._n sault_n christian_n conference_n demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o morality_n by_o f._n malebranch_n practical_a discourse_n on_o the_o pararable_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n by_o f._n bragge_n vicar_n of_o hitchin_n in_o hertfordshire_n a_o new_a voyage_n into_o italy_n with_o necessary_a instruction_n for_o those_o who_o undertake_v the_o same_o by_o max._n misson_n in_o 2_o vol._n do_v out_o of_o french_a and_o illustrate_v with_o sculp_v the_o roman_a history_n from_o the_o build_n of_o the_o city_n to_o the_o perfect_a settlement_n of_o the_o empire_n by_o augustus_n caesar._n by_o sa._n echard_n the_o 2_o d._n edition_n with_o amendment_n a_o full_a large_a and_o general_a phrase_n book_n by_o vv._n robertson_n a._n m._n price_n 5s_n bind_v reflection_n on_o the_o good_a tempâ—_n and_o fair_a deal_v of_o the_o animadverter_n upon_o d._n sherlock_n vindication_n or_o the_o holy_a trinity_n 4_o o._n price_n 6d_o essay_n of_o michael_n seignieur_n de_fw-fr montaigne_n in_o 3_o book_n do_v into_o english_a by_o c._n cotton_n esq_n in_o three_o vol._n a_o sermon_n concern_v the_o excellency_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o common_a prayer_n by_o vv._n beveridge_n d._n d._n the_o eleven_o edition_n price_n 3d_o those_o that_o be_v charitable_o dispose_v may_v have_v they_o for_o 20_n the_o hundred_o his_o sermon_n before_o the_o queen_n price_n 6d_o a_o new_a voyage_n to_o the_o levant_n contain_v remarkable_a curiosity_n in_o germany_n france_n italy_n malta_n &_o turkey_n by_o the_o sieur_n de_fw-fr mont._n the_o second_o edition_n price_n 5s_n 5s_n see_v mrs._n bourignon_n be_v work_n at_o large_a particular_o vol._n 7._o part_n 2d_o pag._n 193._o as_o also_o mr._n poiret_n be_v oeconomic_a divine_a vol._n 5._o p._n 338._o luk._n 18._o 8._o rom._n 11._o 19_o 20_o 21_o 22._o joh._n 15._o 2._o 2_o tim._n 3._o 2_o pet._n 2._o in_o the_o preface_n to_o his_o metaphysical_a meditat._n philoso_n contract_n p._n 242._o recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr veritè_fw-fr liv._o 1._o p._n 10._o 2_o tim._n 1._o 12._o 22_o â—_o q._n 1._o art_n 1._o chap._n 7._o artic._n 9_o tom._n 9_o p._n 107._o 2_o pet._n 5._o heb._n 11._o 1._o 2_o thes._n 2._o 4._o heb._n 11._o 8._o joh._n 〈◊〉_d 40._o avis_n stir_v le_fw-fr tableâ—â—_n du_fw-fr socinianism_n traité_fw-fr 1._o pag._n 14_o l'_fw-mi art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr p._n 432._o cogit_fw-la rational_a de_fw-fr deo_fw-la p._n 296._o mr._n malebranche_fw-mi malebranche_fw-mi veritas_fw-la immortalis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la incommutabilis_fw-la est_fw-la veritas_fw-la illud_fw-la verbum_fw-la est_fw-la de_fw-la quo_fw-la dicitur_fw-la in_o principio_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la erat_fw-la apud_fw-la deum_fw-la &_o deus_fw-la erat_fw-la verbum_fw-la s._n austin_n in_o psal._n 123._o job_n 11._o 7._o psal._n 97._o 2._o rom._n 11._o 33._o 33._o i_o the_o rather_o instance_n in_o the_o divine_a immensity_n because_o the_o devout_a psalmist_n do_v herein_o particularise_v his_o ignorance_n make_v it_o the_o subject_a of_o his_o astonishment_n rather_o than_o his_o curiosity_n such_o knowledge_n be_v too_o wonderful_a for_o i_o it_o be_v high_a i_o can_v attain_v unto_o it_o psal._n 139._o â—erardi_fw-la de_fw-la vries_n prasessoris_fw-la vâ—traâ—_n 〈◊〉_d exercitationes_fw-la rationales_fw-la de_fw-la deo_fw-la divinisque_fw-la perfectoinibus_fw-la pag._n 248._o psal._n 4._o le_fw-fr clerk_n physics_n pag._n 14._o 〈…〉_z recherche_fw-fr de_fw-fr la_fw-fr verité_fw-fr tom._n 2._o p._n 165._o 〈…〉_z psal._n 32._o 10._o 〈…〉_z christianity_n not_o myâ—ter_n p._n 90._o serm._n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n life_n of_o christ_n p._n 184._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 9_o 10._o 1_o pet._n 1._o 12._o p._n 379._o