also_o a_o more_o dark_a side_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o must_v give_v it_o the_o precedency_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o call_v a_o dark_a side_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o which_o be_v still_o so_o much_o the_o dark_a because_o it_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o faith_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o its_o character_n be_v the_o main_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_v before_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o to_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n therein_o they_o agree_v for_o faith_n may_v be_v firm_a because_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o hesitate_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o most_o certain_a foundation_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a himself_o and_o can_v deceive_v 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conclusion_n of_o this_o syllogism_n contain_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o a_o ground_n which_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o illative_a particle_n therefore_o the_o two_o other_o proposition_n contain_v the_o ground_n itself_o or_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n which_o you_o see_v consist_v of_o the_o double_a principle_n beforementioned_a now_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v both_o of_o they_o sufficient_o clear_a or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v so_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v either_o the_o light_n of_o a_o principle_n or_o of_o a_o conclusion_n either_o a_o immediate_a or_o a_o mediate_v evidence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a and_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v so_o whenever_o 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those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n above_o reason_n run_v out_o into_o a_o popular_a veâ—â—_n of_o harangue_n about_o the_o reasonable_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o great_a accommodation_n to_o human_a nature_n cry_v out_o with_o repeat_v importunity_n that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n christianity_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n nay_o even_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o the_o like_a as_o if_o we_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o as_o if_o because_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n from_o without_o for_o believe_v therefore_o the_o thing_n believe_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n so_o as_o
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 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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 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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
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 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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 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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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it_o to_o your_o more_o sober_a thought_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v not_o every_o whit_n as_o great_a a_o extremity_n in_o the_o way_n of_o rational_a speculation_n to_o dogmatise_v so_o far_o as_o to_o pretend_v to_o comprehend_v every_o thing_n as_o to_o say_v with_o the_o sceptic_n and_o pyrrhonian_n that_o we_o know_v nothing_o the_o latter_a of_o which_o however_o in_o regard_n of_o its_o moral_a consequence_n may_v be_v more_o innocent_o and_o safe_o affirm_v than_o the_o former_a since_o in_o that_o we_o only_o humble_o degrade_v ourselves_o and_o be_v content_a to_o sink_v down_o into_o the_o level_n of_o brute_n whereas_o in_o this_o we_o aspire_v to_o what_o be_v infinite_o above_o we_o and_o advance_v ourselves_o into_o the_o seat_n of_o god_n and_o you_o know_v a_o excess_n of_o self-dejection_n be_v of_o the_o two_o the_o more_o tolerable_a extreme_a but_o if_o
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 maxim_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n that_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v but_o if_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o you_o will_v still_o adhere_v to_o your_o belove_a maxim_n and_o resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v adjust_a and_o clear_a up_o to_o your_o reason_n than_o i_o pray_v consider_v whether_o this_o will_v not_o necessary_o lead_v you_o back_o to_o that_o absurd_a and_o withal_o odious_a and_o invidious_a principle_n and_o which_o therefore_o you_o yourselves_o care_v not_o to_o own_o viz._n that_o your_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 5._o but_o why_o do_v you_o not_o care_n to_o own_v it_o do_v you_o not_o see_v at_o the_o first_o cast_v of_o your_o eye_n that_o you_o be_v unavoidable_o drive_v upon_o it_o by_o your_o profess_a maxim_n or_o if_o you_o do_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o own_v it_o as_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o good_a handsome_a morsel_n to_o swallow_v why_o do_v you_o not_o then_o renounce_v that_o maxim_n of_o you_o which_o be_v the_o immediate_a consequence_n of_o it_o and_o necessary_o resolve_v into_o it_o why_o will_v you_o who_o pretension_n be_v so_o high_a to_o reason_n act_n so_o direct_o against_o the_o law_n of_o it_o as_o to_o own_o that_o implicit_o and_o by_o consequence_n which_o neither_o your_o head_n nor_o your_o heart_n will_v serve_v you_o to_o acknowledge_v in_o broad_a and_o express_a term_n be_v a_o little_a more_o consistent_a with_o your_o own_o sentiment_n at_o least_o if_o not_o with_o truth_n and_o be_v not_o yourselves_o a_o mystery_n while_o you_o pretend_v not_o to_o believe_v any_o if_o you_o do_v not_o care_n to_o own_o the_o principle_n then_o deny_v the_o consequence_n or_o if_o you_o will_v not_o let_v go_v the_o consequence_n then_o stand_v by_o and_o own_o the_o principle_n either_o speak_v out_o bold_o and_o round_o that_o your_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o you_o think_v that_o too_o gross_a a_o defiance_n to_o sense_n experience_n religion_n and_o reason_n too_o to_o be_v profess_o maintain_v then_o be_v so_o ingenuous_a to_o we_o and_o so_o consistent_a with_o yourselves_o as_o to_o renounce_v your_o maxim_n of_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v since_o you_o can_v hold_v it_o but_o with_o that_o absurd_a principle_n and_o which_o be_v therefore_o a_o certain_a argument_n that_o you_o ought_v not_o to_o hold_v it_o 6._o and_o be_v you_o sure_a that_o you_o always_o do_v i_o mean_v so_o as_o to_o act_v by_o it_o that_o you_o hold_v it_o in_o hypothesi_fw-la as_o well_o as_o in_o thesi_fw-la do_v you_o never_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v be_v there_o not_o many_o thing_n in_o the_o science_n which_o you_o find_v a_o press_a necessity_n to_o subscribe_v to_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n you_o can_v conceive_v their_o modus_fw-la or_o account_v for_o their_o possibility_n but_o you_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o physical_a and_o philosophical_a consideration_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o religion_n true_o they_o be_v so_o but_o then_o beside_o that_o this_o visible_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o your_o ground_n since_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o throughout_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o further_o demand_v of_o you_o why_o you_o be_v so_o particular_o shy_a of_o admit_v incomprehensible_a thing_n in_o religion_n why_o be_v it_o there_o only_o that_o you_o seem_v so_o stiff_o and_o zealous_o to_o adhere_v to_o your_o maxim_n of_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o inconceivable_a thing_n or_o if_o you_o please_v mystery_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o of_o providence_n why_o not_o in_o religion_n nay_o where_o shall_v one_o expect_v to_o find_v mystery_n if_o not_o there_o where_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o many_o of_o they_o concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o what_o deference_n do_v we_o pay_v to_o god_n more_o than_o man_n if_o either_o we_o suppose_v that_o he_o can_v reveal_v truth_n to_o we_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v or_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o if_o he_o do_v nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v rather_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pay_v he_o so_o much_o since_o we_o think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o receive_v many_o thing_n from_o our_o tutor_n and_o master_n upon_o their_o authority_n only_o though_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v they_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v our_o do_v so_o by_o that_o well_o know_v and_o in_o many_o case_n very_o reasonable_a maxim_n discentem_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n like_o the_o divine_a so_o if_o that_o motto_n become_v any_o school_n it_o be_v that_o of_o christ._n 7._o now_o it_o be_v in_o this_o school_n that_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v scholar_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o be_v such_o opiniative_a and_o uncompliant_a disciple_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sublime_a lecture_n read_v to_o you_o by_o your_o divine_a and_o infallible_a master_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v too_o high_a for_o you_o and_o you_o can_v conceive_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n any_o one_o of_o your_o that_o be_v not_o a_o mathematician_n pardon_v the_o supposition_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o that_o the_o diameter_n of_o a_o square_n be_v incommensurable_a to_o the_o side_n though_o he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o demonstrate_v or_o so_o much_o as_o conceive_v it_o himself_o since_o than_o you_o will_v express_v such_o implicit_a regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o fallible_a though_o learned_a man_n shall_v not_o the_o divine_a weigh_v infinite_o heavy_a with_o you_o and_o since_o you_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o your_o conception_n in_o human_n and_o natural_a science_n why_o be_v you_o so_o violent_o set_v against_o mystery_n in_o religion_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o in_o great_a measure_n the_o object_n too_o 8._o you_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o the_o great_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v incomprehensibility_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o quantity_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v also_o inconceivable_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divide_v infinite_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v again_o that_o as_o be_v part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a possible_o you_o may_v not_o be_v able_a with_o the_o utmost_a certainty_n and_o without_o all_o hesitation_n to_o determine_v which_o that_o be_v but_o however_o you_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o one_o of_o they_o indeterminate_o must_v be_v true_a which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v you_o 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 and_o you_o must_v also_o further_o grant_n that_o god_n who_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a do_v precise_o and_o determinate_o know_v which_o of_o they_o be_v so_o now_o suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v it_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n and_o beside_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o revelation_n who_o great_a design_n be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o speculation_n but_o suppose_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v will_v you_o not_o believe_v it_o
perusal_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o considerate_a reader_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._n of_o reason_n page_n 18._o chapter_n ii_o of_o faith_n p._n 53._o chapter_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 p._n 100_o chapter_n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 137._o chapter_n v._n 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 p._n 230._o chapter_n vi._n that_o if_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 human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 243._o chapter_n vii_o that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o cartesian_a maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a p._n 251._o chapter_n viii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v p._n 282._o chapter_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 p._n 294._o chapter_n x._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o socinian_o p._n 307._o postscript_n p._n 339._o the_o introduction_n 1._o among_o the_o various_a conjecture_n man_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n have_v fall_v into_o concern_v the_o last_o event_n we_o have_v have_v 338._o this_o opinion_n not_o long_o since_o advance_v for_o one_o that_o as_o god_n former_o by_o reject_v the_o jew_n make_v way_n for_o the_o gentile_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n he_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o reject_v the_o gentile_n make_v way_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v entire_o corrupt_a and_o all_o over_o anti-christianized_a the_o first_o of_o those_o viol_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v to_o exterminate_v the_o wicked_a and_o usher_v in_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o christendom_n shall_v be_v utter_o dissolve_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v replace_v and_o reestablish_v upon_o its_o ruin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o worthy_a of_o so_o sore_a a_o calamity_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n shall_v not_o only_o great_o depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a power_n of_o the_o evangelic_a spirit_n by_o apostatise_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o both_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o we_o have_v already_o see_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o shall_v even_o lay_v down_o their_o holy_a profession_n renounce_v their_o very_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o turn_v infidel_n upon_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o opinion_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o cast_v a_o very_a suspicious_a aspect_n 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o upon_o the_o former_a do_v also_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o that_o i_o may_v be_v graff_v in_o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o that_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a wither_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n before_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o every_o unfruitful_a branch_n shall_v be_v 2._o 2._o and_o true_o if_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o man_n opinion_n by_o the_o present_a face_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o true_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o right_a key_n of_o prophecy_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o sure_a by_o all_o sign_n and_o appearance_n the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o drive_v this_o way_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fatal_a revolution_n to_o come_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o be_v with_o large_a step_n hasten_v to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n continual_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o unsettled_a and_o undermine_v its_o venerable_a article_n dispute_v and_o ridicule_v and_o by_o what_o a_o slender_a thread_n do_v christianity_n hang_v the_o great_a complaint_n for_o a_o long_a while_n have_v be_v of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n but_o now_o our_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v as_o well_o as_o our_o manner_n and_o we_o every_o day_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o have_v now_o fill_v our_o measure_n and_o be_v every_o way_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n some_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o christian_n other_o allow_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o religion_n deny_v that_o of_o its_o author_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o again_o own_v his_o divinity_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o other_o again_o grant_v that_o and_o the_o other_o point_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v not_o only_o resolve_v into_o mere_a prudential_n reason_n as_o former_o instead_o of_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a order_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o be_v bring_v down_o so_o low_a of_o late_a as_o to_o be_v make_v a_o accommodation_n and_o condescension_n to_o and_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o the_o common_a weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n thus_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o mangle_v and_o dismember_a by_o some_o and_o so_o odd_o and_o insidious_o represent_v by_o other_o that_o between_o they_o both_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v endanger_v and_o a_o ready_a way_n prepare_v to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n 3._o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v any_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o consider_v christian_n or_o prejudice_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n to_o see_v so_o many_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o apostasy_n and_o revolting_n from_o it_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v often_o forewarn_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n wherein_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v resist_v the_o truth_n 3._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n and_o moreover_o that_o they_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2._o even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o christian_n and_o so_o neither_o aught_o the_o poor_a humble_a suffer_v condition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v be_v any_o to_o the_o jew_n since_o this_o also_o be_v plain_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o make_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o present_a suffering_n i_o may_v say_v crucifixion_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o many_o christian_n the_o generality_n of_o which_o measure_n the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o be_v apt_a 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be_v expect_v that_o these_o man_n shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v thus_o continual_o desert_v by_o its_o own_o disciple_n or_o rather_o instead_o of_o convert_v themselves_o to_o christianity_n will_v they_o not_o look_v every_o day_n when_o the_o christian_n shall_v come_v over_o to_o they_o for_o true_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o time_n we_o be_v post_v as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v into_o heathenism_n and_o stand_v even_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o infidelity_n the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v give_v up_o every_o day_n and_o when_o man_n have_v part_v with_o these_o we_o be_v very_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o retain_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n considerable_a enough_o when_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v a_o institution_n worthy_a of_o god_n or_o to_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o think_n and_o consider_v man_n but_o why_o do_v i_o talk_v of_o run_v into_o heathenism_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o be_v tend_v further_o for_o as_o from_o a_o socinian_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o commence_v a_o deist_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o a_o deist_n be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n whenever_o he_o please_v 5._o i_o do_v not_o speak_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o peevishness_n and_o dissatisfaction_n as_o some_o who_o be_v full_a of_o a_o querulous_a splenetic_a humour_n and_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o their_o ease_n give_v it_o vent_v upon_o the_o time_n of_o which_o they_o be_v always_o complain_v right_a or_o wring_v no_o the_o deplorable_a and_o dangerous_a state_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o too_o visible_a growth_n of_o socinianism_n and_o deism_n among_o we_o extort_v these_o reflection_n from_o i_o and_o have_v give_v i_o many_o a_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a thought_n in_o my_o private_a retirement_n for_o my_o satisfaction_n under_o which_o my_o best_a salvo_n have_v be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n and_o even_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o that_o though_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v asleep_a in_o this_o sacred_a vessel_n while_o the_o tempest_n rage_v and_o the_o wave_n beat_v against_o it_o and_o almost_o cover_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v he_o will_v awake_v and_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o quiet_a again_o however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o mariner_n shall_v work_v and_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o no_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o ship_n some_o by_o write_v other_o by_o private_a discourse_n and_o all_o by_o prayer_n and_o a_o good_a life_n 6._o but_o now_o whereas_o all_o rational_a method_n of_o cure_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n he_o that_o will_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o stop_v this_o contagion_n of_o religious_a scepticism_n that_o now_o reign_v among_o we_o aught_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n so_o dispose_v to_o waver_v in_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o the_o great_a article_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o now_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o call_v to_o mind_v a_o very_a considerable_a observation_n of_o descartes_n concern_v atheism_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o infidelity_n meditat._n particular_o to_o this_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v by_o atheist_n to_o impugn_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n do_v all_o turn_n upon_o this_o that_o either_o we_o attribute_v some_o humane_a affection_n to_o god_n or_o else_o arrogate_v so_o great_a force_n and_o penetration_n to_o our_o own_o mind_n as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comprehend_v and_o determine_v what_o god_n can_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o carry_v about_o we_o this_o thought_n that_o our_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o finite_a but_o god_n as_o incomprehensible_a and_o infinite_a there_o will_v be_v no_o further_o difficulty_n in_o and_o of_o their_o objection_n thus_o that_o very_o acute_a and_o judicious_a person_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o atheism_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o infidelity_n as_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v so_o obstinate_o cavil_v at_o they_o and_o dispute_v they_o be_v that_o either_o they_o think_v too_o mean_o of_o god_n or_o too_o high_o of_o themselves_o that_o either_o they_o ascribe_v something_o humane_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o something_o divine_a to_o their_o own_o that_o either_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o greatness_n or_o carry_v out_o too_o far_o those_o of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o one_o word_n that_o either_o they_o humanize_v god_n or_o deify_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o rational_a ability_n 7._o and_o they_o confess_v in_o effect_n as_o much_o themselves_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o these_o man_n common_o give_v out_o and_o pretend_v for_o their_o not_o allow_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o room_n in_o their_o creed_n be_v that_o they_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o or_o conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o have_v fix_v it_o as_o a_o law_n in_o the_o general_a to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v but_o now_o where_o do_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n rest_n at_o last_o or_o upon_o what_o principle_n do_v it_o ultimate_o depend_v how_o come_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o presumption_n against_o it_o why_o be_v its_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n in_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a why_o i_o say_v but_o only_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o their_o reason_n at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_v sentiment_n as_o to_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v true_a can_v real_o be_v above_o it_o here_o i_o say_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v rest_v at_o last_o for_o shall_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v thus_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n therefore_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a now_o the_o only_a contestable_a proposition_n in_o this_o syllogism_n be_v the_o major_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o who_o proof_n must_v be_v in_o this_o form_n whatever_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a by_o this_o analysis_n of_o their_o argument_n into_o its_o principle_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o their_o reason_n of_o disbelieve_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n into_o this_o that_o their_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v their_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o principle_n our_o adversary_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o and_o indeed_o with_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o most_o extravagant_o absurd_a and_o self-arrowgating_a one_o that_o can_v possible_o enter_v the_o thought_n or_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o man._n and_o accordin_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o socinian_n that_o have_v the_o immodesty_n in_o term_n open_o to_o assert_v it_o but_o this_o be_v what_o they_o must_v come_v to_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o and_o what_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o say_v so_o then_o their_o procedure_n in_o short_a seem_v
upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n of_o like_a uncertainty_n though_o otherwise_o of_o different_a nature_n now_o as_o this_o faith_n resemble_v opinion_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o divine_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v science_n or_o rather_o that_o second_o assent_n for_o so_o i_o be_o force_v to_o call_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a name_n which_o we_o late_o discourse_v of_o and_o place_v between_o opinion_n and_o faith_n the_o comparison_n here_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o to_o certainty_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n as_o to_o uncertainty_n divine_a faith_n have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o much_o as_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_n can_v have_v there_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assurance_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o assent_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o word_n what_o a_o man_n believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
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
and_o so_o much_o contest_v whether_o true_a or_o no_o can_v never_o be_v make_v too_o clear_a and_o sometime_o a_o different_a though_o not_o better_o representation_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v contribute_v to_o its_o further_a illustration_n every_o reader_n have_v his_o particular_a point_n of_o view_n so_o as_o that_o the_o very_a â—ame_n notion_n or_o truth_n that_o do_v not_o meet_a with_o he_o in_o one_o posture_n may_v shine_v full_a in_o his_o face_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o success_n in_o another_o i_o shall_v therefore_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o mr._n boyle_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o light_n venture_v to_o set_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n concern_v this_o weighty_a point_n apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o think_v the_o other_o account_v most_o defective_a 14._o and_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v to_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a either_o to_o clear_a or_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n since_o it_o may_v be_v both_o again_o demand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o what_o repugnant_a and_o again_o dispute_v whether_o incomprehensible_a and_o repugnant_a be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o this_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v then_o too_o gross_a and_o general_a to_o be_v rest_v in_o and_o we_o must_v be_v therefore_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a in_o our_o explanation_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v more_o clear_n 15._o however_o since_o general_n be_v to_o go_v before_o and_o do_v also_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o particular_n i_o shall_v first_o propose_v the_o general_a idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o then_o particularize_v upon_o that_o idea_n by_o open_v and_o unfold_a more_o distinct_o and_o explicit_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o by_o so_o compare_v and_o collate_v together_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o notion_n as_o to_o show_v the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o work_n of_o the_o explanatory_n and_o justificatory_a part_n suppose_v that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o distinction_n than_o only_o to_o have_v the_o member_n of_o it_o well_o explain_v for_o if_o the_o idea_n of_o above_o reason_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o idea_n of_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o explanation_n of_o they_o will_v show_v that_o it_o be_v than_o the_o distinction_n proceed_v upon_o a_o real_a difference_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o true_a and_o good_a distinction_n 16._o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n then_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o such_o as_o reason_n of_o itself_o can_v discover_v but_o such_o as_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o conceive_v such_o as_o it_o can_v and_o do_v actual_o comprehend_v and_o that_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o in_o other_o word_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o then_o contrary_a to_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v positive_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n 17._o but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o particular_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v upon_o the_o first_o part_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o word_n reason_n here_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n and_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a operation_n of_o that_o namely_o perception_n by_o comprehend_v here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o by_o perceive_v so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o understanding_n can_v perceive_v but_o then_o when_o we_o say_v can_v perceive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o grammatical_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a but_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o concern_v faith_n and_o then_o again_o when_o we_o say_v that_o above_o reason_n be_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v or_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n this_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n so_o that_o as_o many_o truth_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o can_v thus_o thorough_o comprehend_v and_o pursue_v throughout_o all_o their_o consequence_n and_o relation_n to_o other_o truth_n for_o then_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n but_o only_o of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n of_o those_o immediate_a idea_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n suppose_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n consist_v and_o which_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n not_o because_o the_o simple_a and_o direct_a mean_v of_o its_o term_n be_v unintelligible_a or_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comprehensible_a in_o its_o remote_a and_o utmost_a extent_n but_o pure_o because_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o idea_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o that_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v their_o union_n intuitive_o and_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_fw-la whereby_o to_o compare_v they_o so_o as_o to_o discern_v their_o union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o science_n and_o demonstration_n 18._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o explanation_n that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v impossible_a than_o such_o as_o appear_v contrary_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n this_o be_v the_o more_o general_n and_o absolute_a idea_n whereof_o the_o two_o other_o be_v but_o instance_n and_o specification_n for_o than_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v impossible_a when_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o or_o be_v unite_v which_o may_v be_v either_o because_o of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o with_o themselves_o so_o as_o mutual_o to_o exclude_v each_o other_o as_o in_o a_o contradiction_n or_o because_o of_o their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o other_o truth_n with_o which_o it_o can_v comport_v or_o in_o other_o word_n either_o because_o one_o of_o the_o idea_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o other_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n that_o be_v between_o they_o or_o because_o the_o union_n of_o both_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o some_o truth_n or_o other_o which_o therefore_o will_v not_o suffer_v they_o to_o be_v unite_v which_o truth_n will_v be_v indeed_o either_o a_o principle_n or_o a_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n and_o then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o perceive_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a when_o we_o perceive_v that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o and_o that_o either_o immediate_o by_o the_o very_a inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o or_o mediate_o by_o the_o repugnance_n that_o they_o carry_v to_o some_o other_o truth_n whether_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n which_o repugnance_n i_o take_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o the_o suppose_a principle_n or_o conclusion_n can_v stand_v with_o the_o union_n of_o such_o idea_n and_o that_o therefore_o if_o such_o a_o principle_n or_o such_o a_o conclusion_n be_v true_a as_o be_v suppose_v then_o such_o idea_n be_v not_o unite_v and_o indeed_o be_v as_o uncapable_a of_o union_n that_o be_v as_o impossible_a as_o if_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a inconsistency_n between_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o that_o for_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v in_o short_a for_o the_o understanding_n to_o perceive_v the_o absolute_a impossibility_n of_o it_o or_o that_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o which_o it_o do_v either_o immediate_o by_o perceive_v the_o direct_a inconsistency_n of_o those_o idea_n or_o mediate_o by_o perceive_v their_o inconsistency_n with_o some_o evident_a and_o incontestable_a truth_n
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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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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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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incomprehensible_a but_o if_o by_o evidence_n here_o be_v mean_v evidence_n at_o large_a abstract_v from_o internal_a or_o external_n and_o the_o sense_n be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v some_o evidence_n or_o other_o either_o internal_a or_o external_n or_o what_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o evident_a to_o we_o and_o what_o we_o see_v plain_o to_o be_v true_a by_o a_o light_n shine_v from_o within_o or_o from_o without_o in_o short_a what_o we_o have_v one_o way_n or_o other_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o reason_n to_o assent_v to_o than_o the_o maxim_n be_v undoubted_o true_a and_o will_v hold_v universal_o not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o reason_n but_o also_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n too_o which_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o a_o syllogism_n and_o so_o a_o rational_a act_n and_o proceedt_v upon_o as_o much_o though_o not_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o evidence_n as_o any_o other_o conclusion_n 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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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a_o account_n of_o reason_n &_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n by_o john_n norris_n m._n a._n rector_n of_o bemerton_n near_o sarum_n hold_v faith_n and_o a_o good_a conscience_n which_o some_o have_v put_v away_o concern_v faith_n have_v make_v shipwreck_n 1_o tim._n 1._o 19_o london_n print_v for_o s._n manship_n at_o the_o ship_n near_o the_o royal_a exchange_n in_o cornhill_n 1697._o to_o the_o right_n honourable_a henry_n lord_n of_o colerane_n my_o lord_n your_o lordship_n learning_n and_o knowledge_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o sincerity_n in_o the_o belief_n and_o profession_n of_o its_o sacred_a article_n be_v both_o so_o well_o know_v that_o i_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o present_v this_o book_n to_o your_o lordship_n with_o a_o design_n to_o instruct_v you_o in_o the_o former_a or_o to_o settle_v and_o confirm_v you_o in_o the_o latter_a there_o be_v indeed_o but_o too_o many_o in_o the_o world_n to_o who_o it_o may_v be_v necessary_a 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that_o of_o contradict_v they_o wherein_o as_o they_o be_v even_o with_o i_o so_o i_o hope_v they_o will_v not_o be_v less_o so_o in_o the_o other_o part_n but_o will_v treat_v i_o with_o the_o like_a return_n of_o civility_n and_o good_a temper_n in_o case_n they_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o make_v any_o the_o occasion_n of_o this_o undertake_n be_v a_o certain_a late_a book_n call_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a one_o of_o the_o most_o bold_a dare_v and_o irreverent_a piece_n of_o defiance_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o even_o this_o licentious_a age_n have_v produce_v and_o which_o have_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v do_v great_a battery_n and_o execution_n upon_o they_o and_o to_o be_v indeed_o a_o very_a shrewd_a and_o notable_a performance_n even_o by_o people_n of_o competent_a sense_n and_o learning_n not_o exclude_v the_o author_n himself_o who_o to_o show_v his_o good_a opinion_n both_o of_o his_o cause_n and_o of_o his_o management_n of_o it_o have_v since_o publish_v a_o second_o edition_n of_o his_o book_n with_o inlargement_n and_o with_o his_o name_n to_o which_o i_o think_v once_o to_o have_v return_v a_o direct_a and_o formal_a answer_n by_o way_n of_o solution_n of_o his_o objection_n till_o upon_o further_a consideration_n i_o judge_v it_o better_a to_o give_v a_o absolute_a account_n of_o the_o positive_a side_n of_o the_o question_n and_o after_o have_v lay_v such_o ground_n in_o it_o as_o may_v be_v make_v use_n of_o for_o the_o confutation_n of_o his_o book_n to_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o they_o in_o a_o few_o stricture_n upon_o it_o at_o the_o end_n of_o i_o but_o after_o i_o have_v lay_v those_o ground_n in_o the_o absolute_a part_n i_o find_v the_o application_n of_o they_o be_v so_o easy_a to_o the_o author_n objection_n that_o they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v make_v by_o my_o reader_n who_o may_v with_o such_o readiness_n out_o of_o the_o principle_n here_o establish_v form_n a_o answer_n to_o all_o that_o deserve_v one_o in_o that_o book_n that_o i_o think_v there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o enlarge_n the_o bulk_n of_o i_o upon_o that_o account_n which_o according_o thou_o i_o do_v not_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o answer_n to_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a i_o can_v but_o reckon_v to_o have_v all_o the_o substance_n though_o not_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o reply_n to_o that_o treatise_n it_o be_v much_o the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n either_o to_o unlock_v a_o door_n for_o a_o man_n or_o to_o put_v into_o his_o hand_n a_o key_n that_o will_n i_o write_v neither_o for_o favour_n nor_o for_o preferment_n but_o only_o to_o serve_v the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n for_o so_o i_o call_v that_o of_o its_o mystery_n and_o the_o interest_n of_o that_o church_n which_o be_v so_o great_a a_o friend_n to_o it_o and_o maintainer_n of_o it_o according_a to_o its_o pure_a and_o most_o primitive_a state_n of_o apostolical_a and_o evangelic_a perfection_n of_o who_o communion_n it_o be_v my_o happiness_n to_o be_v a_o member_n my_o glory_n to_o be_v a_o priest_n and_o that_o i_o have_v better_a ability_n to_o do_v her_o service_n my_o high_a ambition_n however_o such_o as_o they_o be_v i_o humble_o devote_v and_o employ_v they_o to_o that_o purpose_n as_o i_o do_v this_o and_o all_o other_o my_o labour_n i_o hope_v what_o i_o have_v write_v may_v do_v some_o service_n to_o the_o cause_n who_o defence_n it_o undertake_v and_o if_o it_o do_v i_o shall_v not_o much_o regard_n the_o resentment_n of_o any_o design_v or_o not_o so_o well_o affect_v person_n great_a or_o little_a who_o displeasure_n it_o may_v provoke_v though_o i_o have_v take_v all_o due_a care_v not_o to_o give_v any_o body_n any_o reasonable_a offence_n and_o so_o i_o commit_v the_o follow_a paper_n to_o the_o attentive_a
to_o be_v this_o they_o first_o set_v their_o reason_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a measure_n to_o exalt_v that_o faculty_n to_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n nay_o to_o set_v it_o no_o bound_n at_o all_o but_o strict_o to_o make_v it_o infinite_a and_o so_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a perfection_n i_o must_v profess_v my_o despair_n ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v 8._o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o one_o truth_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n himself_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o true_o and_o necessary_o so_o and_o whatever_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n most_o certain_o not_o true_a because_o he_o essential_o comprehend_v all_o that_o true_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v must_v be_v nothing_o but_o to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o the_o intelligence_n of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v angel_n will_v be_v to_o confound_v all_o distinction_n between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a god_n and_o creature_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o withal_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o blaspemous_a proposition_n imaginable_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n turn_v and_o by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o direct_o and_o most_o compendious_o confute_v 9_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o by_o this_o handle_n and_o since_o that_o which_o be_v a_o principle_n one_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v forward_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n another_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_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
that_o of_o the_o subject_a or_o to_o word_n it_o more_o intelligible_o though_o perhaps_o not_o altogether_o so_o scholastical_o into_o that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o understanding_n reason_n objective_n or_o of_o the_o thing_n be_v again_o very_o various_a sometime_o it_o be_v take_v for_o truth_n and_o that_o both_o for_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n namely_o the_o essential_a relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n and_o for_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o be_v its_o conformity_n to_o those_o ideal_o relation_n thus_o it_o be_v take_v the_o first_o way_n for_o the_o ideal_o relation_n themselves_o when_o we_o inquire_v whether_o the_o reason_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v ab_fw-la eterno_fw-la mean_v by_o reason_n the_o essential_a relation_n or_o difference_n thus_o again_o it_o be_v take_v the_o second_o way_n for_o the_o agreement_n or_o conformity_n of_o a_o proposition_n with_o those_o essential_a relation_n as_o when_o we_o say_v this_o be_v sense_n and_o reason_n meaning_n that_o the_o proposition_n be_v true_a and_o conformable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n sometime_o again_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o medium_fw-la argument_n or_o principle_n whereby_o as_o truth_n be_v prove_v as_o when_o we_o say_v do_v you_o prove_v this_o by_o reason_n or_o by_o authority_n sometime_o again_o for_o the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_v as_o suppose_v i_o shall_v say_v that_o reason_n be_v the_o â—ittest_a study_n for_o a_o rational_a creature_n i_o shall_v be_v suppose_v to_o mean_v those_o rule_n and_o measure_n whereby_o we_o ought_v to_o reason_n and_o so_o to_o intend_v a_o commendation_n of_o logic_n sometime_o again_o it_o be_v take_v for_o moderation_n as_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v reason_n in_o all_o thing_n sometime_o for_o right_a equity_n or_o justice_n the_o observation_n of_o which_o be_v common_o call_v do_v a_o man_n reason_n it_o be_v also_o take_v for_o the_o end_n or_o motive_n of_o a_o action_n as_o when_o we_o say_v for_o what_o reason_n do_v you_o this_o or_o that_o in_o which_o sense_n it_o be_v use_v by_o the_o poet_n stat_fw-la pro_fw-la ratione_fw-la voluntas_fw-la 4._o come_v we_o now_o to_o the_o consideration_n of_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v take_v subjective_o the_o other_o general_a part_n of_o its_o distinction_n in_o which_o also_o there_o be_v some_o variety_n of_o acceptation_n for_o it_o be_v sometime_o take_v for_o the_o act_n sometime_o for_o the_o habit_n and_o sometime_o for_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v for_o the_o act_n as_o when_o we_o say_v of_o a_o man_n asleep_a that_o he_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o reason_n for_o the_o habit_n as_o when_o we_o say_v of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o have_v lose_v his_o reason_n when_o his_o intellectual_n be_v mighty_o disorder_v and_o impair_v by_o a_o disease_n for_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v as_o when_o we_o say_v that_o man_n be_v a_o creature_n endue_v with_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o proposition_n of_o universal_a truth_n and_o that_o proceed_v of_o man_n as_o man_n must_v necessary_o be_v verify_v of_o every_o man_n and_o consequent_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n of_o reason_n for_o these_o be_v not_o at_o all_o time_n in_o every_o man_n but_o of_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o liable_a to_o be_v suspend_v as_o the_o act_n nor_o lose_v as_o the_o habit_n but_o be_v essential_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o which_o constitute_v he_o what_o he_o be_v and_o distinguish_v he_o from_o other_o creature_n and_o consequent_o be_v inseparable_a from_o he_o whether_o asleep_a or_o awake_a whether_o sick_a or_o well_o 5._o reason_n thus_o consider_v as_o it_o stand_v for_o a_o power_n or_o faculty_n in_o human_a nature_n may_v be_v take_v again_o either_o large_o or_o strict_o large_o for_o the_o power_n of_o think_v or_o perception_n in_o general_n whereby_o a_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o know_v or_o understand_v any_o truth_n let_v it_o be_v by_o what_o mean_n or_o in_o what_o order_n or_o method_n soever_o strict_o for_o the_o same_o power_n proceed_v after_o a_o certain_a special_a manner_n and_o according_a to_o a_o peculiar_a order_n and_o method_n namely_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o one_o thing_n to_o that_o of_o another_o or_o to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v as_o yet_o obscure_a and_o unknown_a by_o the_o knowledge_n of_o what_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o better_o know_v concern_v which_o a_o full_a account_n by_o and_o by_o 6._o after_o have_v thus_o distinguish_v with_o what_o exactness_n of_o order_n i_o can_v the_o several_a acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n reason_n i_o shall_v in_o the_o next_o place_n define_v in_o which_o of_o these_o sense_n i_o now_o use_v it_o by_o reason_n then_o in_o this_o place_n i_o intend_v not_o reason_n of_o the_o object_n but_o that_o of_o the_o subject_a and_o that_o not_o as_o to_o the_o act_n or_o habit_n but_o as_o to_o the_o natural_a power_n or_o faculty_n of_o reason_v and_o that_o again_o not_o as_o it_o be_v take_v strict_o as_o it_o use_v a_o certain_a particular_a process_n in_o its_o operation_n but_o as_o it_o be_v take_v more_o at_o large_a for_o the_o power_n of_o perceive_v or_o know_v in_o general_n according_a to_o which_o sense_n reason_n be_v here_o the_o same_o with_o understanding_n and_o so_o it_o be_v often_o use_v as_o when_o we_o say_v the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n teach_v he_o this_o or_o that_o mean_v his_o understanding_n at_o large_a or_o the_o general_a power_n whereby_o he_o understand_v for_o if_o science_n which_o strict_o take_v be_v that_o particular_a kind_n of_o knowledge_n which_o be_v acquire_v by_o demonstration_n be_v yet_o often_o use_v more_o large_o for_o knowledge_n in_o general_n why_o may_v not_o reason_n the_o great_a principle_n and_o faculty_n of_o science_n which_o strict_o take_v signify_v a_o power_n of_o know_v by_o such_o a_o certain_a way_n and_o in_o such_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o proceed_v be_v take_v as_o well_o in_o a_o great_a latitude_n for_o the_o power_n of_o know_v or_o understanding_n in_o general_n 7._o and_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o subject_a and_o question_n now_o under_o consideration_n require_v that_o it_o shall_v be_v thus_o use_v here_o for_o when_o it_o be_v inquire_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n in_o religion_n above_o reason_n the_o meaning_n certain_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n which_o surpass_v the_o power_n and_o capacity_n of_o a_o man_n understanding_n to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o and_o he_o that_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n above_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o beyond_o the_o comprehension_n of_o a_o man_n natural_a understanding_n nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v profound_a and_o fathom_n and_o so_o also_o he_o that_o say_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n or_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n must_v be_v presume_v to_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v reveal_v truth_n that_o so_o far_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o intellectual_a faculty_n and_o be_v of_o a_o size_n so_o disproportionate_a to_o our_o mind_n that_o with_o all_o the_o force_n and_o penetration_n of_o spirit_n and_o the_o utmost_a application_n of_o thought_n we_o can_v possible_o comprehend_v they_o be_v our_o method_n of_o proceed_v what_o it_o will_n i_o do_v not_o intend_v by_o this_o to_o state_n the_o question_n which_o shall_v be_v do_v more_o full_o in_o its_o due_a place_n but_o only_a to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o one_o of_o its_o term_n and_o to_o show_v that_o by_o reason_n i_o both_o do_v and_o shall_v here_o mean_v a_o man_n natural_a power_n of_o know_v or_o understanding_n in_o general_n in_o which_o use_n of_o the_o word_n it_o be_v no_o 〈◊〉_d authority_n to_o i_o that_o the_o excellent_a and_o most_o accurate_a author_n of_o l'_n art_n de_fw-fr penser_fw-fr define_v logic_n to_o be_v a_o art_n of_o well_o conduct_v one_o reason_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n where_o by_o reason_n it_o be_v plain_a he_o must_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n 8._o what_o this_o power_n or_o principle_n of_o understanding_n be_v in_o its_o self_n or_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n and_o essence_n i_o do_v not_o pretend_v to_o know_v as_o not_o have_v any_o clear_a idea_n of_o my_o own_o soul_n and_o indeed_o as_o not_o know_v myself_o at_o all_o by_o idea_n but_o only_o by_o a_o confuse_v sentiment_n of_o internal_a consciousness_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o go_v about_o to_o examine_v what_o it_o be_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n also_o i_o shall_v not_o set_v myself_o to_o consider_v whether_o the_o understanding_n be_v any_o power_n or_o faculty_n real_o
persuasion_n of_o the_o mind_n particular_o that_o which_o be_v found_v upon_o testimony_n or_o authority_n so_o that_o the_o generical_a and_o common_a part_n of_o faith_n be_v assent_v wherein_o it_o agree_v with_o some_o other_o act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o the_o more_o special_a and_o peculiar_a part_n that_o limit_n and_o contract_n the_o general_n and_o whereby_o the_o whole_a be_v difference_v and_o distinguish_v be_v the_o motive_n and_o ground_n of_o this_o assent_n it_o be_v it_o seem_v a_o assent_n ground_v not_o upon_o the_o internal_a reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o the_o bare_a testimony_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o speaker_n 3._o for_o i_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o general_a ground_n of_o assent_n reason_n and_o authority_n that_o be_v we_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n either_o because_o we_o have_v some_o perception_n or_o knowledge_n of_o it_o ourselves_o or_o because_o its_o truth_n be_v declare_v to_o we_o by_o another_o upon_o who_o knowledge_n and_o veracity_n we_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o depend_v if_o the_o reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v imperfect_a and_o incomplete_a that_o be_v if_o we_o perceive_v only_o in_o part_n than_o we_o yield_v a_o partial_a and_o imperfect_a assent_n mix_v with_o some_o fear_n or_o suspicion_n of_o the_o contrary_a which_o be_v what_o we_o call_v opinion_n but_o if_o the_o evidence_n be_v full_a and_o perfect_a than_o we_o yield_v a_o firm_a and_o most_o assure_a assent_n which_o be_v general_o distinguish_v from_o the_o other_o by_o the_o name_n of_o knowledge_n which_o according_a to_o the_o common_a notion_n and_o definition_n of_o it_o be_v a_o evident_a assent_n but_o it_o be_v show_v before_o that_o knowledge_n do_v not_o formal_o consist_v in_o the_o assent_n but_o in_o the_o perception_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o the_o assent_n and_o indeed_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a it_o shall_v consist_v in_o any_o thing_n else_o for_o to_o give_v yet_o a_o further_a confirmation_n to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o offer_v upon_o this_o occasion_n let_v assent_n be_v never_o so_o evident_a the_o evidence_n lie_v in_o the_o perception_n not_o in_o the_o assent_n which_o of_o itself_o be_v a_o blind_a dark_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o can_v be_v say_v no_o otherwise_o to_o be_v evident_a than_o as_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o evident_a thing_n that_o be_v to_o what_o we_o perceive_v but_o now_o perception_n and_o assent_n be_v not_o only_o two_o thing_n but_o such_o as_o belong_v also_o to_o two_o different_a and_o distinct_a faculty_n and_o therefore_o can_v never_o join_v together_o to_o make_v up_o knowledge_n which_o be_v a_o act_n only_o of_o one_o and_o indeed_o to_o speak_v the_o truth_n evident_a assent_n as_o it_o be_v here_o apply_v seem_v to_o i_o a_o mere_a jumble_v of_o word_n confuse_o unite_n together_o in_o one_o idea_n operation_n that_o belong_v to_o distinct_a faculty_n one_o belong_v to_o the_o will_n and_o the_o other_o to_o the_o understanding_n and_o how_o the_o result_n of_o this_o heterogeneous_a composition_n shall_v be_v knowledge_n i_o must_v confess_v to_o be_v indeed_o a_o mystery_n above_o my_o comprehension_n and_o beside_o after_o all_o a_o evident_a assent_n when_o resolve_v into_o more_o word_n will_v amount_v to_o the_o same_o as_o a_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v and_o will_v it_o not_o be_v a_o notable_a definition_n of_o knowledge_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o what_o we_o know_v 4._o if_o then_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o evident_a assent_n and_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o it_o have_v nothing_o of_o assent_n in_o it_o as_o consist_v pure_o and_o whole_o in_o perception_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o assent_n to_o a_o evident_a thing_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v knowledge_n for_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o several_a species_n of_o assent_n shall_v all_o have_v the_o general_a nature_n of_o assent_n in_o they_o and_o consequent_o this_o be_v a_o certain_a species_n of_o assent_n must_v partake_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o assent_n in_o general_n which_o it_o can_v do_v if_o it_o be_v knowledge_n for_o that_o be_v to_o pass_v over_o into_o another_o kind_a knowledge_n not_o be_v assent_n but_o perception_n it_o be_v therefore_o most_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o our_o common_a systeme_n have_v here_o also_o go_v upon_o a_o wrong_a ground_n and_o that_o knowledge_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v put_v into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o three_o assent_n which_o be_v usual_o reckon_v to_o be_v faith_n opinion_n and_o science_n since_o the_o assent_n who_o ground_n be_v full_a evidence_n and_o which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o that_o may_v pretend_v and_o be_v common_o presume_v to_o be_v knowledge_n be_v most_o apparent_o not_o so_o as_o differ_v from_o it_o no_o less_o than_o in_o the_o whole_a kind_n 5._o if_o then_o it_o be_v demand_v by_o what_o name_n i_o will_v distinguish_v this_o second_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n when_o the_o evidence_n be_v full_a and_o complete_a from_o the_o former_a wherein_o the_o evidence_n be_v suppose_v not_o to_o be_v so_o perfect_a i_o answer_v that_o indeed_o so_o little_o have_v these_o thing_n be_v consider_v as_o they_o ought_v there_o be_v no_o proper_a name_n that_o i_o know_v of_o for_o it_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n of_o incomplete_a evidence_n we_o call_v it_o opinion_n and_o when_o we_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n who_o evidence_n be_v complete_a this_o have_v be_v usual_o call_v knowledge_n but_o certain_o with_o the_o utmost_a impropriety_n knowledge_n as_o appear_v be_v quite_o another_o thing_n but_o by_o what_o name_n to_o call_v it_o or_o how_o to_o distinguish_v it_o i_o proâ—ess_v i_o know_v not_o not_o for_o want_v of_o real_a difference_n and_o distinction_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o my_o thought_n of_o it_o be_v very_o distinct_a but_o mere_o because_o we_o want_v a_o word_n for_o it_o as_o we_o do_v in_o like_a manner_n for_o assent_n upon_o reason_n in_o general_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o assent_n upon_o authority_n in_o general_n for_o as_o assent_v upon_o authority_n in_o general_a abstract_n from_o humane_a or_o divine_a be_v call_v faith_n so_o also_o assent_v upon_o reason_n in_o general_a abstract_n from_o complete_a or_o incomplete_a shall_v be_v call_v somewhat_o if_o one_o can_v tell_v what_o as_o every_o generical_a idea_n ought_v to_o be_v distinguish_v by_o a_o generical_a name_n but_o since_o our_o language_n afford_v not_o any_o one_o word_n that_o will_v serve_v to_o either_o of_o these_o purpose_n we_o must_v be_v content_a with_o the_o deâ—initio_fw-la instead_o of_o the_o definitum_fw-la and_o express_v the_o thing_n at_o large_a by_o say_v assent_n upon_o reason_n or_o evidence_n and_o assent_v upon_o such_o evidence_n as_o be_v full_a and_o complete_a which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o assent_n upon_o evidence_n incomplete_a though_o we_o have_v no_o one_o proper_a word_n for_o this_o as_o we_o have_v for_o the_o other_o which_o be_v fit_o call_v opinion_n whereby_o we_o denote_v the_o imperfection_n both_o of_o the_o evidence_n and_o of_o the_o assent_n 6._o but_o now_o if_o the_o assent_n he_o not_o ground_v upon_o any_o internal_a reason_n or_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o but_o only_o upon_o testimony_n or_o authority_n than_o we_o call_v it_o faith_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o assent_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n from_o the_o other_o two_o for_o they_o both_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o assent_n upon_o evidence_n and_o differ_v only_a as_o the_o evidence_n differ_v and_o that_o be_v gradual_o as_o complete_a differ_v from_o incomplete_a but_o faith_n differ_v from_o they_o both_o in_o the_o whole_a kind_a as_o have_v no_o evidence_n at_o all_o but_o only_a authority_n for_o its_o ground_n and_o thus_o we_o have_v here_o a_o threefold_a assent_n though_o not_o such_o as_o be_v teach_v we_o in_o the_o school_n the_o account_n of_o which_o in_o short_a proceed_v thus_o all_o assent_n in_o general_n be_v either_o upon_o reason_n or_o authority_n if_o the_o reason_n be_v incomplete_a then_o it_o be_v opinion_n if_o complete_a then_o it_o be_v another_o kind_n of_o assent_n for_o which_o as_o yet_o there_o want_v a_o name_n as_o also_o there_o do_v for_o assent_v upon_o reason_n in_o general_n but_o if_o the_o assent_n be_v upon_o authority_n only_o then_o it_o be_v faith_n 7._o now_o this_o authority_n may_v be_v either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o man._n if_o the_o authority_n whereupon_o our_o assent_n be_v ground_v be_v of_o man_n than_o the_o assent_n that_o be_v so_o ground_a be_v human_a faith_n if_o of_o god_n then_o it_o be_v divine_a faith_n between_o which_o two_n there_o be_v this_o in_o common_a that_o they_o both_o proceed_v not_o
be_v no_o reason_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n that_o require_v it_o shall_v which_o may_v consist_v with_o evidence_n though_o it_o proceed_v not_o upon_o it_o and_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o it_o as_o a_o motive_n so_o then_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n be_v always_o clear_a the_o matter_n of_o it_o absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v clear_a or_o not_o clear_a as_o it_o happen_v according_a as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v but_o as_o believe_v or_o as_o consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n so_o it_o be_v always_o inevident_a and_o obscure_a as_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o evidence_n even_o when_o it_o have_v any_o but_o whole_o upon_o another_o account_n already_o sufficient_o represent_v 23._o and_o thus_o have_v strike_v some_o light_n into_o the_o darkness_n of_o faith_n by_o state_v and_o explain_v with_o what_o exactness_n i_o can_v in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v a_o 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they_o it_o remain_v that_o it_o be_v now_o further_o consider_v that_o each_o of_o these_o may_v be_v either_o explicit_fw-la or_o implicit_a then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v explicit_o when_o we_o believe_v determinate_o such_o or_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o particular_a distinct_o know_v what_o that_o particular_a thing_n be_v and_o then_o implicit_o when_o we_o believe_v indeterminate_o and_o at_o large_a whatever_o be_v propose_v to_o we_o by_o such_o a_o authority_n not_o know_v what_o in_o particular_a be_v propose_v or_o what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v which_o though_o it_o seem_v to_o carry_v the_o appearance_n of_o a_o assent_n too_o blind_a and_o hoodwinked_a to_o be_v the_o act_n of_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n may_v yet_o in_o its_o proper_a place_n become_v he_o as_o much_o as_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o rational_a a_o assent_n in_o its_o ground_n and_o principle_n for_o all_o explicit_fw-la faith_n be_v found_v upon_o implicit_a and_o 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much_o more_o apposite_a and_o exact_a whereof_o he_o himself_o appear_v sensible_a at_o the_o end_n of_o it_o where_o offer_v to_o consider_v the_o matter_n more_o distinct_o he_o tell_v you_o that_o the_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v not_o all_o of_o one_o sort_n but_o may_v be_v distinguish_v into_o two_o kind_n sufficient_o differ_v from_o each_o other_o which_o he_o make_v to_o be_v these_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o reason_n by_o its_o own_o light_n can_v discover_v and_o other_o that_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v this_o indeed_o be_v true_a but_o then_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v so_o soon_o and_o have_v tell_v we_o withal_o that_o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n he_o mean_v the_o latter_a sort_n only_o the_o former_a not_o be_v to_o the_o purpose_n 8._o however_o he_o proceed_v upon_o that_o part_n first_o that_o be_v to_o show_v that_o there_o be_v divers_a truth_n in_o the_o christian_a 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to_o which_o the_o substance_n of_o his_o answer_n be_v that_o we_o may_v talk_v of_o those_o thing_n according_a to_o that_o notion_n of_o they_o which_o be_v more_o obvious_a and_o superficial_a though_o not_o according_a to_o that_o which_o be_v philosophical_a and_o accurate_a 10._o after_o this_o explanation_n of_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n he_o come_v in_o the_o second_o place_n to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n by_o show_v that_o it_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o he_o do_v by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o thing_n above_o reason_n shall_v be_v also_o contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o he_o show_v first_o of_o thing_n above_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o sense_n viz._n those_o that_o be_v undiscoverable_a by_o reason_n alone_o but_o this_o be_v not_o the_o sense_n of_o above_o reason_n as_o it_o be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n and_o since_o thing_n according_a to_o this_o 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that_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v yet_o be_v true_a and_o if_o true_a than_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o be_v so_o shall_v be_v true_a which_o one_o consideration_n be_v indeed_o enough_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n beyond_o all_o exception_n 11._o mr._n boyle_n have_v yet_o a_o further_a observation_n concern_v this_o distinction_n too_o considerable_a to_o be_v pass_v over_o and_o that_o be_v that_o he_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v of_o importance_n not_o only_o to_o the_o defence_n of_o some_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o even_o of_o some_o important_a article_n of_o natural_a theology_n in_o which_o as_o he_o show_v by_o several_a instance_n there_o be_v many_o doctrine_n which_o must_v be_v acknowledge_v to_o be_v true_a and_o yet_o who_o modus_fw-la be_v not_o explainable_a 12._o after_o this_o he_o consider_v a_o objection_n wherein_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o the_o grant_v this_o distinction_n will_v be_v of_o bad_a consequence_n as_o afford_v shelter_n to_o any_o unintelligible_a stuff_n that_o a_o bold_a enthusiast_n may_v obtrude_v under_o the_o venerable_a title_n of_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v very_o judicious_o that_o he_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o the_o distinction_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v ill_o employ_v but_o that_o this_o be_v no_o other_o than_o what_o be_v common_a to_o it_o with_o divers_a other_o distinction_n which_o be_v without_o scruple_n admit_v because_o useful_a and_o not_o reject_v because_o they_o have_v not_o the_o privilege_n that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v misapply_v and_o that_o therefore_o both_o in_o reference_n to_o those_o other_o distinction_n and_o that_o he_o have_v be_v treat_v of_o it_o become_v man_n to_o stand_v upon_o their_o guard_n and_o strict_o examine_v how_o far_o the_o doctrine_n propose_v as_o a_o mystery_n be_v entitle_v to_o the_o benefit_n of_o this_o distinction_n which_o if_o it_o shall_v be_v employ_v to_o justify_v any_o thing_n that_o though_o style_v a_o mystery_n be_v but_o a_o pretend_a one_o the_o error_n as_o he_o well_o observe_v in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o will_v lie_v not_o in_o the_o groundlesness_n of_o the_o distinction_n but_o in_o the_o erroneousness_n of_o the_o application_n 13._o in_o this_o you_o have_v the_o sum_n and_o substance_n as_o brief_o and_o as_o clear_o as_o i_o can_v represent_v it_o of_o mr._n boyle_n thought_n concern_v thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n which_o like_o all_o his_o be_v great_a and_o strong_a and_o allow_v only_o for_o those_o inaccuracy_n take_v notice_n of_o just_a and_o true_a and_o now_o though_o what_o this_o excellent_a person_n have_v offer_v may_v serve_v to_o let_v in_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o light_n into_o the_o distinction_n yet_o since_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o consequence_n if_o true_a
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
so_o from_o the_o second_o and_o middle_a relation_n result_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 8._o i_o go_v here_o upon_o the_o common_a and_o allow_v distinction_n between_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a truth_n and_o upon_o the_o as_o much_o allow_v supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a which_o therefore_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o decline_v the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o confess_v as_o well_o as_o evident_a thing_n and_o i_o care_v not_o for_o prove_v any_o more_o evident_a thing_n than_o i_o needs_o must_v and_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v in_o this_o precise_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v contingent_a that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o regard_v the_o abstract_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o idea_n and_o not_o as_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la since_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o contingent_a truth_n which_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n and_o because_o these_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o principal_a sort_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o science_n and_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o theory_n and_o contemplation_n and_o because_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n whenever_o we_o speak_v of_o truth_n absolute_o and_o in_o general_n we_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v necessary_a and_o immutable_a truth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v common_o say_v by_o metaphysical_a writer_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n though_o indeed_o this_o be_v strict_o true_a only_o of_o necessary_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o this_o and_o so_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o be_v grant_v i_o at_o least_o that_o the_o general_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 9_o i_o further_o add_v that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o exact_o speak_v all_o idea_n be_v divine_a idea_n even_o those_o which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o own_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o might_n easy_o and_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n be_v show_v that_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n in_o which_o we_o see_v and_o contemplate_v all_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o sublime_a speculation_n at_o present_a it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o unless_o the_o idea_n who_o relation_n constitute_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a be_v the_o divine_a idea_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n shall_v be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a for_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o relation_n shall_v be_v more_o necessary_a or_o eternal_a than_o the_o subject_n from_o which_o they_o result_v unless_o these_o idea_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a how_o can_v their_o relation_n be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a but_o now_o i_o pray_v what_o idea_n be_v so_o but_o the_o divine_a what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v relation_n between_o idea_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v between_o either_o create_a entity_n themselves_o or_o between_o they_o and_o their_o idea_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o contingent_a not_o of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n those_o only_o be_v sufficient_o steady_a and_o permanent_a subject_n to_o sustain_v such_o stable_a and_o immutable_a relation_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o representative_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v idea_n there_o will_v be_v no_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a essence_n to_o support_v these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o relation_n and_o if_o no_o such_o relation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n than_o no_o science_n which_o by_o the_o way_n will_v most_o convine_o prove_v to_o any_o capable_a and_o attentive_a understanding_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o most_o inmost_a ground_n and_o central_n support_v of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n 10._o well_o then_o it_o can_v no_o long_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n but_o now_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o real_o identify_v with_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n so_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o relation_n that_o result_v from_o they_o and_o subsist_v between_o they_o must_v also_o be_v infinite_a and_o then_o since_o these_o truth_n do_v essential_o consist_v in_o and_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o formality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o these_o ideal_o relation_n it_o no_o less_o evident_o follow_v that_o truth_n also_o must_v be_v infinite_a too_o 11._o which_o also_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v upon_o another_o account_n for_o i_o confider_v again_o that_o since_o relation_n do_v not_o in_o reality_n differ_v as_o distinct_a entity_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o term_n as_o the_o relation_n of_o two_o circle_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a to_o each_o other_o do_v not_o real_o differ_v from_o the_o circle_n themselves_o so_o relate_v these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o which_o these_o idea_n be_v identify_v and_o according_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v also_o as_o to_o the_o real_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n 12._o and_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o may_v be_v further_o and_o somewhat_o more_o direct_o demonstrate_v thus_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o himself_o or_o that_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o acknowledge_a principle_n necessary_a truth_n than_o be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n the_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o that_o supposition_n draw_v after_o it_o i_o think_v will_v oblige_v he_o that_o consider_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v for_o first_o if_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v against_o the_o supposition_n or_o if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_v it_o must_v have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o cause_n necessary_o determine_v to_o act_v and_o so_o god_n will_v be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n even_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la he_o will_v also_o be_v a_o unintelligent_a agent_n the_o consequence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n then_o antecedent_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n because_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o know_v and_o so_o god_n in_o the_o production_n of_o truth_n if_o indeed_o he_o do_v produce_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o without_o any_o intelligence_n again_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o depend_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n nay_o upon_o something_o create_v
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
that_o therefore_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o vast_o exceed_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o very_o considerable_o even_o by_o our_o own_o idea_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v idea_n and_o sometime_o very_o clear_a one_o too_o and_o yet_o which_o we_o know_v no_o more_o how_o to_o reason_v upon_o or_o discourse_v of_o intelligible_o or_o with_o any_o certainty_n than_o we_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o be_v for_o example_n no_o more_o able_a to_o tell_v what_o proportion_n such_o a_o circle_n bear_v to_o such_o a_o square_n though_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n of_o both_o than_o we_o be_v to_o tell_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n a_o very_a remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o contractedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o idea_n of_o many_o thing_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n shall_v exceed_v that_o of_o our_o idea_n but_o be_v also_o blind_a to_o those_o very_a idea_n which_o they_o have_v and_o can_v see_v even_o when_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o light_n but_o i_o say_v i_o need_v not_o present_v my_o reader_n with_o a_o night-piece_n of_o human_a reason_n describe_v great_a blindness_n and_o gross_a darkness_n how_o ignorant_a she_o be_v when_o she_o do_v not_o adventure_v to_o judge_v and_o how_o erroneous_a when_o she_o do_v stumble_v and_o fall_v as_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o dark_a out_o of_o one_o mistake_v into_o another_o out_o of_o one_o error_n into_o another_o either_o by_o embrace_v false_a principle_n or_o by_o draw_v wrong_a conclusion_n from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o ignorance_n seem_v her_o safe_a retreat_n and_o to_o suspend_v her_o best_a wisdom_n these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o other_o of_o our_o intellectual_a infirmity_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o or_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o human_a reason_n in_o its_o large_a capacity_n and_o extent_n and_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o artificial_a improvement_n be_v after_o all_o but_o a_o finite_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o its_o votary_n and_o advocate_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o have_v bound_n shall_v be_v able_a total_o and_o adequate_o to_o comprehend_v what_o have_v none_o or_o that_o finite_a shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o infinite_a 19_o i_o know_v but_o of_o one_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o pertinency_n be_v reply_v to_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v that_o though_o human_a reason_n as_o finite_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n as_o be_v infinite_a yet_o however_o 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be_v near_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n as_o that_o infinite_a be_v have_v of_o it_o who_o see_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o manifold_a relation_n connexion_n and_o combination_n that_o it_o have_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o perception_n be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v between_o see_v a_o proposition_n as_o it_o stand_v single_o by_o itself_o and_o see_v the_o same_o proposition_n with_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o dependency_n and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o discourse_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part._n i_o say_v again_o second_o that_o though_o we_o may_v have_v a_o competent_a perception_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o simple_a truth_n without_o pursue_v they_o through_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o dependency_n that_o they_o have_v with_o other_o truth_n since_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v hint_v already_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v nothing_o and_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n yet_o however_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o those_o relation_n and_o dependency_n which_o since_o we_o have_v not_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o know_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n that_o be_v so_o above_o we_o as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o to_o lie_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n even_o distributive_o consider_v i_o say_v we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o know_v but_o that_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v for_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o or_o upon_o what_o shall_v we_o ground_v this_o our_o knowledge_n it_o must_v be_v either_o 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can_v yet_o never_o penetrate_v and_o which_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o reveal_v to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o check_n and_o control_v the_o dare_a progress_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v our_o measure_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o man_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o part_n upon_o which_o we_o most_o value_v ourselves_o and_o despite_v other_o and_o that_o even_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v but_o darkness_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o now_o say_v but_o only_o that_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v sure_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v our_o reason_n from_o be_v at_o least_o as_o to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n since_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v assure_v of_o which_o make_v it_o all_o one_o to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o measure_n or_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o to_o the_o falsehood_n impossibility_n or_o incredibility_n of_o thing_n incomprehensible_a since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v or_o can_v know_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v truth_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 20._o but_o then_o i_o say_v further_o three_o that_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o truth_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o actual_o be_v and_o must_v be_v such_o for_o if_o truth_n be_v infinite_a then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o in_o its_o full_a and_o entire_a extent_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a objection_n suppose_v but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n do_v very_o much_o shade_n and_o darken_v the_o perception_n of_o any_o one_o single_a truth_n in_o particular_a and_o 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of_o both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n man_n of_o the_o great_a light_n and_o piety_n those_o who_o best_a understand_v and_o do_v most_o reverence_n and_o adore_v the_o way_n of_o god_n and_o adore_v they_o after_o all_o they_o must_v for_o so_o intricate_a and_o intangle_a be_v the_o difficulty_n or_o by_o the_o leave_n of_o some_o i_o will_v say_v mystery_n of_o providence_n especial_o in_o those_o dark_a scene_n of_o it_o that_o relate_v to_o the_o divine_a concourse_n and_o cooperation_n with_o the_o will_n of_o man_n the_o ordination_n of_o his_o final_a state_n the_o order_n and_o distribution_n of_o grace_n the_o permission_n direction_n and_o nice_a conduct_n of_o sin_n etc._n etc._n that_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n will_v not_o serve_v we_o to_o give_v a_o clear_a and_o unobnoxious_a account_n of_o they_o indeed_o the_o diligent_a and_o curious_a wit_n of_o man_n have_v go_v a_o great_a way_n in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o matter_n and_o several_a systeme_n and_o hypothesis_n have_v be_v invent_v about_o these_o thing_n by_o contemplative_a spirit_n among_o who_o the_o two_o very_a particular_a author_n of_o the_o treatise_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n and_o of_o l'oeconomie_n divine_a have_v i_o think_v go_v the_o further_a of_o any_o but_o though_o some_o of_o these_o account_n bid_v fair_a for_o reception_n than_o other_o by_o strike_v some_o glimmer_a light_n into_o these_o abstrusity_n yet_o still_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o that_o they_o leave_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o labour_n with_o difficulty_n even_o where_o they_o do_v explain_v so_o that_o after_o all_o they_o discover_v nothing_o so_o much_o as_o their_o own_o shortness_n and_o deficiency_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o we_o know_v and_o be_v most_o certain_a in_o the_o general_n that_o all_o be_v right_a and_o as_o it_o shall_v be_v in_o the_o conduct_n of_o god_n towards_o his_o creature_n and_o that_o he_o can_v make_v one_o false_a step_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n so_o much_o we_o understand_v without_o systemes_n and_o true_o not_o much_o more_o with_o they_o for_o as_o for_o the_o particular_a scene_n of_o providence_n we_o know_v not_o what_o to_o make_v of_o they_o and_o when_o we_o have_v consider_v the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n as_o much_o as_o we_o can_v or_o dare_v we_o find_v ourselves_o after_o all_o oblige_a to_o confess_v that_o though_o righteousness_n and_o judgement_n be_v the_o habitation_n of_o his_o seat_n 2._o yet_o cloud_n and_o darkness_n be_v round_o about_o he_o 21._o but_o now_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v so_o dark_a and_o cloudy_a how_o come_v we_o to_o be_v so_o little_a able_a to_o see_v the_o particular_a wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o holiness_n of_o those_o way_n of_o god_n which_o in_o the_o general_n we_o be_v convince_v to_o be_v so_o wise_a good_a just_a and_o holy_a why_o can_v we_o not_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o providence_n why_o 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quick_o see_v the_o regularity_n of_o the_o most_o uneven_a and_o odd-figured_n part_n and_o how_o wonderful_o they_o conspire_v like_o the_o flat_n and_o sharps_n of_o music_n to_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o that_o excellent_a and_o surprise_v beauty_n that_o result_v from_o they_o but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o reach_v this_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o rest_n which_o by_o the_o way_n shall_v repress_v our_o forwardness_n to_o fit_v in_o judgement_n upon_o thing_n so_o far_o above_o the_o cognizance_n of_o our_o court_n and_o though_o we_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o god_n to_o be_v all_o wise_a good_a just_a and_o holy_a yet_o this_o be_v only_o a_o implicit_a knowledge_n found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n only_o much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o faith_n even_o the_o general_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n without_o any_o clear_a and_o immediate_a discernment_n of_o the_o internal_a connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o thing_n themselves_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v all_o well_o and_o right_o because_o the_o infinite_o wise_a god_n sit_v at_o the_o helm_n but_o then_o again_o because_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o wise_a we_o can_v found_v the_o depth_n of_o his_o wisdom_n as_o indeed_o it_o will_v be_v very_o strange_a if_o a_o infinite_o wise_a agent_n shall_v not_o be_v able_a to_o do_v thing_n wise_o and_o yet_o beyond_o our_o understanding_n nor_o reconcile_v all_o his_o particular_a proceed_n to_o the_o law_n of_o reason_n and_o equity_n but_o the_o more_o we_o study_v about_o these_o thing_n the_o more_o we_o be_v at_o a_o loss_n the_o further_o we_o wade_v into_o this_o sea_n the_o deep_a we_o find_v it_o till_o at_o last_o we_o find_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o cry_v out_o with_o the_o most_o inspire_a apostle_n o_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n 33._o how_o unsearchable_a be_v his_o judgement_n and_o his_o way_n past_o find_v out_o and_o all_o for_o want_v of_o a_o entire_a and_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o very_o compound_v truth_n be_v impossible_a without_o the_o clear_a perception_n of_o the_o simple_a principle_n upon_o which_o they_o depend_v and_o a_o man_n will_v to_o no_o purpose_n beat_v his_o brain_n about_o the_o consideration_n of_o conical_a section_n till_o he_o have_v first_o well_o possess_v himself_o of_o ordinary_a geometry_n how_o much_o less_o than_o may_v we_o conclude_v be_v the_o intricate_a and_o very_a complicate_v event_n of_o divine_a providence_n to_o be_v unravel_v without_o a_o collect_v and_o simultaneous_a idea_n of_o the_o universal_a systeme_n whereof_o they_o be_v part_n to_o which_o they_o relate_v and_o from_o their_o concentricity_n with_o which_o they_o receive_v all_o their_o order_n and_o beauty_n but_o which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n lose_v to_o we_o for_o want_v of_o compass_n enough_o in_o our_o prospect_n by_o which_o single_a instance_n it_o appear_v among_o many_o other_o that_o may_v have_v be_v give_v how_o the_o incapacity_n of_o comprehend_v truth_n in_o its_o whole_a extent_n may_v disable_v we_o from_o comprehend_v many_o particular_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o same_o infinity_o of_o truth_n which_o hinder_v we_o from_o comprehend_v it_o according_a to_o that_o extent_n must_v also_o hinder_v we_o as_o much_o from_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v every_o particular_a truth_n so_o then_o there_o will_v be_v particular_a truth_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o consequent_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o all_o truth_n not_o only_o as_o collective_o but_o even_o as_o distributive_o consider_v and_o therefore_o not_o as_o distributive_o because_o not_o as_o collective_o 22._o but_o then_o to_o raise_v our_o speculation_n a_o little_a high_o i_o consider_v yet_o further_o that_o the_o infinity_o of_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o a_o infinity_o of_o extent_n but_o also_o a_o infinity_o of_o nature_n that_o be_v that_o the_o compass_n of_o truth_n be_v not_o only_o boundless_a and_o illimited_a and_o that_o it_o have_v in_o it_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n which_o like_o the_o source_n of_o light_n be_v never_o to_o be_v draw_v dry_a by_o the_o most_o thirsty_a draught_n of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n but_o also_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a truth_n of_o a_o nature_n true_o infinite_a and_o by_o consequence_n incomprehensible_a to_o any_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o we_o be_v here_o to_o recollect_v what_o have_v be_v already_o show_v that_o truth_n be_v consubstantial_a and_o coessential_a with_o god_n and_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n now_o though_o these_o idea_n be_v all_o equal_o of_o the_o essence_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o so_o far_o equal_o divine_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n in_o god_n that_o be_v not_o god_n yet_o there_o be_v this_o general_a and_o very_a remarkable_a difference_n between_o they_o that_o some_o of_o these_o divine_a idea_n be_v absolute_a and_o some_o relative_n that_o be_v some_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n simple_o and_o absolute_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o without_o any_o relation_n to_o any_o thing_n out_o of_o himself_o and_o other_o again_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n consider_v pure_o in_o relation_n to_o thing_n without_o he_o either_o in_o act_n or_o in_o possibility_n and_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v representative_a of_o creature_n or_o if_o you_o will_v thus_o we_o may_v consider_v a_o twofold_a be_v in_o idea_n esse_fw-la real_a and_o esse_fw-la ideale_n or_o repraesentativum_fw-la some_o idea_n be_v divine_a not_o only_o according_a to_o their_o esse_fw-la real_a for_o so_o they_o be_v all_o but_o also_o according_a to_o their_o esse_fw-la repraesentativum_fw-la as_o represent_v god_n to_o the_o mind_n that_o 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its_o infinite_a simplicity_n or_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o and_o representative_a of_o thing_n without_o either_o of_o a_o actual_a or_o of_o a_o possible_a existence_n and_o so_o the_o idea_n or_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n consider_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o or_o else_o such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n only_o in_o the_o second_o sense_n as_o far_o forth_o as_o that_o essence_n be_v representative_a of_o thing_n out_o of_o itself_o upon_o which_o by_o the_o way_n i_o suppose_v must_v be_v ground_v if_o we_o will_v resolve_v thing_n into_o their_o last_o principle_n the_o common_a distinction_n of_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n into_o communicable_a and_o incommunicable_a the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v those_o perfection_n that_o be_v of_o the_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 the_o communicable_a those_o that_o belong_v to_o the_o divine_a essence_n relative_o consider_v and_o as_o representative_a of_o creature_n to_o who_o according_o they_o be_v in_o their_o measure_n true_o applicable_a whereas_o the_o former_a be_v not_o but_o be_v peculiar_a to_o god_n alone_o which_o sufficient_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o this_o double_a order_n of_o divine_a idea_n but_o to_o make_v it_o yet_o more_o intelligible_a by_o a_o instance_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n or_o that_o perfection_n in_o god_n which_o we_o call_v his_o immensity_n be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o first_o sense_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o substance_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v universal_o diffuse_v entire_o present_a in_o and_o fill_v all_o place_n without_o be_v circumscribe_v by_o any_o yet_o without_o any_o local_a extension_n but_o now_o the_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
that_o know_v no_o bottom_n 25._o i_o use_v a_o little_a figure_n and_o imagery_n here_o the_o better_a to_o impress_v this_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o habituate_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n by_o pure_a intellection_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o need_v none_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o metaphorical_a way_n be_v strict_o and_o severe_o true_a and_o by_o these_o two_o instance_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o divine_a idea_n the_o absolute_a and_o the_o relative_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o in_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n the_o first_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a the_o second_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a for_o you_o see_v here_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v full_o and_o adequate_o conceive_v but_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n have_v nothing_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o it_o but_o be_v all_o over_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o such_o as_o quite_o astonish_v and_o confound_v we_o with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o first_o application_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o it_o as_o indeed_o do_v all_o the_o absolute_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o infinite_a and_o equal_o incomprehensible_a to_o finite_a spirit_n however_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v representative_a of_o and_o carry_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o reality_n which_o either_o actual_o do_v or_o possible_o may_v exist_v out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o set_v aside_o only_o the_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n than_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a they_o be_v so_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a even_o the_o same_o that_o make_v they_o incommunicable_a viz._n their_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o absolute_a simplicity_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o all_o those_o idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o which_o be_v in_o this_o absolute_a sense_n essential_a to_o he_o must_v be_v also_o of_o a_o alike_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o silence_n the_o presumptuous_a cavil_n of_o those_o who_o draw_v objection_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o his_o attribute_n since_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v have_v incomprehensible_a attribute_n which_o unless_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o think_v either_o right_o or_o worthy_o of_o he_o 26._o but_o to_o resume_v our_o point_n we_o see_v then_o here_o what_o a_o large_a field_n be_v now_o open_v to_o our_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n even_o of_o a_o compass_n as_o large_a as_o the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o though_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o though_o even_o the_o divine_a idea_n that_o represent_v they_o as_o far_o as_o representative_a of_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o limit_a consideration_n yet_o those_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o such_o external_a reference_n but_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a simple_a abstract_a self_n must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a infinity_o and_o be_v as_o unbounded_a as_o god_n himself_o and_o since_o truth_n as_o be_v before_o observe_v be_v coessential_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o the_o divine_a idea_n i_o further_o conclude_v that_o though_o those_o truth_n which_o regard_v the_o actuality_n and_o existency_n of_o thing_n or_o if_o you_o please_v thing_n that_o do_v actual_o exist_v be_v finite_a because_o the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v so_o and_o though_o even_o those_o that_o regard_v the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o be_v also_o finite_a suppose_v the_o idea_n to_o be_v of_o the_o inferior_a order_n such_o as_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n only_o as_o it_o be_v representative_a of_o and_o in_o relation_n to_o creature_n yet_o those_o truth_n which_o respect_v those_o divine_a idea_n of_o the_o superior_a order_n that_o be_v of_o the_o absolute_a essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o pure_o and_o simple_o consider_v and_o so_o be_v not_o only_o essential_o but_o even_o representative_o divine_a as_o true_o represent_v god_n and_o be_v in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n his_o idea_n i_o say_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o order_n and_o character_n must_v necessary_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n far_o exalt_v above_o all_o creature_n yea_o above_o all_o other_o ideal_o truth_n even_o as_o far_o as_o what_o be_v of_o the_o simple_a and_o absolute_a essence_n of_o god_n transcend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o same_o essence_n be_v only_a relative_n to_o thing_n without_o and_o can_v therefore_o be_v no_o less_o than_o infinite_a we_o have_v here_o then_o a_o order_n of_o infinite_a truth_n even_o allthose_n which_o regard_n the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n these_o divine_a idea_n and_o perfection_n be_v all_o infinite_a as_o that_o glorious_a essence_n who_o idea_n they_o be_v and_o who_o they_o represent_v and_o so_o also_o be_v the_o sublime_a truth_n which_o result_n from_o they_o they_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n strict_o infinite_a and_o if_o infinite_a then_o by_o consequence_n incomprehensible_a i_o mean_v to_o all_o understanding_n that_o be_v not_o so_o for_o as_o nothing_o finite_a have_v reality_n enough_o to_o represent_v infinite_a so_o neither_o can_v any_o thing_n finite_a have_v capacity_n enough_o to_o comprehend_v it_o for_o as_o the_o actual_a knowledge_n of_o any_o intelligent_a be_v can_v never_o exceed_v its_o intellectual_a power_n so_o neither_o can_v its_o power_n exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o its_o essence_n a_o finite_a be_v therefore_o must_v have_v a_o finite_a understanding_n and_o a_o finite_a understanding_n must_v have_v a_o finite_a perception_n since_o than_o our_o understanding_n be_v finite_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o our_o perception_n of_o infinite_a must_v also_o be_v finite_a it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o objective_a reality_n which_o we_o contemplate_v when_o we_o think_v upon_o infinite_a have_v no_o limit_n and_o so_o we_o may_v be_v say_v in_o some_o respect_n to_o have_v a_o infinite_a thought_n as_o far_o as_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n may_v be_v denominate_v from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n but_o yet_o still_o we_o think_v according_a to_o the_o measure_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o perception_n of_o infinite_a can_v be_v no_o more_o at_o the_o most_o than_o finite_a but_o now_o a_o finite_a perception_n bear_v no_o proportion_n to_o a_o infinite_a intelligible_a beside_o that_o to_o perceive_v such_o a_o object_n after_o a_o finite_a manner_n be_v not_o to_o perceive_v it_o as_o it_o be_v but_o only_o partial_o and_o inadequate_o but_o now_o a_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a perception_n of_o a_o thing_n can_v never_o be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o comprehension_n of_o that_o thing_n even_o though_o the_o thing_n be_v finite_a much_o less_o than_o when_o it_o be_v infinite_a whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o infinite_a truth_n the_o same_o will_v also_o be_v incomprehensible_a one_o and_o since_o again_o as_o i_o have_v show_v there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o such_o truth_n even_o all_o those_o that_o regard_v the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n it_o clear_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v a_o order_n of_o incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o distributive_o consider_v since_o there_o be_v particular_a truth_n which_o it_o can_v comprehend_v which_o be_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v 27._o and_o of_o all_o this_o we_o may_v have_v a_o plain_a and_o visible_a illustration_n in_o the_o forementioned_a instance_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n this_o be_v a_o idea_n or_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o be_v true_o insinite_a as_o be_v of_o his_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v absolute_o in_o itself_o and_o not_o as_o in_o order_n to_o or_o representative_a of_o creature_n and_o as_o infinite_a it_o be_v also_o incomprehensible_a by_o any_o but_o god_n himself_o according_o the_o complex_fw-la truth_n that_o
regard_v this_o absolute_a idea_n of_o god_n be_v also_o infinite_a and_o as_o such_o incomprehensible_a as_o appear_v in_o this_o proposition_n god_n be_v immense_a which_o be_v a_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n we_o find_v it_o be_v so_o a_o posteriori_fw-la by_o cast_v the_o view_n of_o our_o understanding_n upon_o it_o and_o we_o find_v it_o must_v be_v so_o a_o priori_fw-la by_o reason_v upon_o the_o principle_n already_o lay_v down_o and_o establish_v and_o to_o prevent_v all_o vain_a cavil_v in_o this_o matter_n i_o further_o add_v that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v the_o truth_n that_o result_v from_o infinite_a idea_n not_o to_o be_v infinite_a which_o yet_o we_o can_v by_o reason_n of_o their_o real_a identity_n and_o coessentiality_n with_o those_o idea_n yet_o however_o they_o must_v upon_o another_o account_n be_v incomprehensible_a even_o upon_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o those_o idea_n for_o if_o the_o idea_n whereof_o a_o truth_n consist_v be_v incomprehensible_a as_o they_o must_v be_v if_o they_o be_v infinite_a that_o alone_o will_v be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v such_o a_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v thorough_o understand_v the_o relation_n or_o habitude_n between_o those_o idea_n who_o simple_a nature_n the_o foundation_n of_o those_o habitude_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v for_o if_o in_o finite_a thing_n the_o not_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o adequate_a idea_n of_o a_o thing_n make_v we_o unable_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o many_o proposition_n concern_v that_o thing_n whereof_o there_o be_v a_o multitude_n of_o instance_n in_o morality_n especial_o in_o question_n relate_v to_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o must_v for_o ever_o lie_v undetermined_a mere_o for_o want_v of_o our_o have_v a_o clear_a idea_n of_o that_o noble_a essence_n much_o more_o than_o in_o thing_n infinite_a will_v the_o not_o have_v a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o idea_n incapacitate_v we_o from_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n that_o result_v from_o they_o which_o will_v therefore_o be_v as_o incomprehensible_a as_o if_o they_o be_v what_o indeed_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o infinite_a 28._o i_o have_v hitherto_o show_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o truth_n by_o human_a reason_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o the_o joint_a consideration_n of_o each_o only_o with_o this_o difference_n i_o have_v consider_v and_o represent_v truth_n absolute_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o own_o infinite_a and_o unmeasurable_a nature_n but_o as_o for_o human_a reason_n i_o have_v consider_v that_o only_a as_o finite_a as_o suppose_v that_o sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o place_v it_o in_o any_o other_o light_n for_o after_o it_o have_v be_v show_v that_o truth_n be_v infinite_a to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o it_o be_v certain_o enough_o to_o consider_v it_o as_o a_o bound_v power_n without_o represent_v how_o very_a strait_a and_o narrow_a its_o bound_n be_v since_o whatever_o be_v finite_a can_v never_o measurer_n infinite_a but_o than_o it_o so_o what_o if_o we_o add_v the_o other_o consideration_n to_o it_o if_o the_o bare_a finiteness_n of_o human_a understanding_n a_o defect_n common_a to_o it_o with_o all_o create_a intelligency_n render_v it_o uncapable_a of_o comprehend_v truth_n and_o consequent_o of_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o than_o do_v the_o littleness_n and_o narrowness_n of_o its_o bound_n contribute_v to_o heighten_v that_o incapacity_n if_o the_o have_v any_o limit_n do_v so_o unqualifie_v it_o for_o the_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o truth_n how_o then_o do_v the_o have_v so_o very_o short_a and_o straight_o one_o straight_o indeed_o by_o natural_a and_o original_a constitution_n but_o much_o more_o yet_o retrench_v by_o sin_n and_o by_o all_o those_o passion_n prejudices_fw-la deordinate_a affection_n and_o evil_a custom_n which_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o sin_n and_o which_o have_v now_o so_o darken_v our_o mind_n and_o draw_v such_o a_o gross_a film_n over_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n that_o we_o can_v hardly_o distinguish_v day_n from_o night_n clearness_n from_o obscurity_n truth_n from_o falsehood_n and_o be_v able_a to_o see_v but_o so_o very_o little_a a_o way_n into_o the_o work_n of_o god_n much_o less_o into_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n himself_o that_o we_o need_v nothing_o else_o to_o depress_v and_o humble_v our_o pride_n and_o vanity_n than_o that_o very_a knowledge_n of_o we_o which_o puff_v we_o up_o so_o very_o narrow_a in_o its_o compass_n and_o extent_n so_o very_o shallow_a and_o superficial_a in_o its_o depth_n so_o very_o confuse_v and_o obscure_a in_o its_o light_n so_o very_o uncertain_a and_o conjectural_a in_o its_o ground_n and_o so_o every_o way_n defective_a and_o imprerfect_a be_v it_o but_o how_o then_o can_v we_o find_v the_o depth_n of_o truth_n with_o so_o short_a a_o line_n a_o bottomless_a depth_n with_o i_o will_v not_o say_v a_o finite_a but_o so_o very_o scanty_a a_o measuer_fw-mi and_o what_o a_o extravagant_a folly_n and_o weakness_n not_o to_o say_v pride_n and_o vanity_n be_v it_o to_o fancy_v that_o we_o can_v it_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a presumption_n in_o a_o angel_n but_o sure_o the_o very_a madness_n and_o distraction_n of_o impudence_n in_o man_n who_o may_v with_o less_o defiance_n to_o sense_n and_o reason_n think_v to_o grasp_v the_o ocean_n within_o the_o hollow_a of_o his_o hand_n than_o to_o comprehend_v and_o measure_v truth_n infinite_a boundless_a truth_n not_o only_o with_o finite_a but_o so_o very_o limit_v capacity_n 29._o but_o suppose_v truth_n be_v not_o what_o we_o have_v show_v it_o to_o be_v infinite_a but_o have_v bound_n as_o well_o as_o our_o reason_n yet_o unless_o it_o have_v the_o same_o our_o reason_n can_v be_v commensurate_a to_o it_o or_o the_o measure_n of_o it_o but_o do_v the_o supposition_n of_o its_o have_a limit_n infer_v that_o it_o have_v the_o same_o no_o for_o though_o finite_a its_o bound_n may_v possible_o be_v extend_v further_a than_o those_o of_o our_o understanding_n and_o how_o can_v we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o be_v not_o we_o can_v then_o even_o upon_o this_o supposition_n be_v sure_a that_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o we_o as_o i_o say_v before_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o so_o forasmuch_o as_o we_o can_v use_v it_o as_o a_o measure_n by_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o concern_v the_o falsehood_n or_o impossibility_n of_o thing_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o our_o inability_n to_o comprehend_v they_o since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v the_o limit_n of_o truth_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v it_o finite_a may_v yet_o exceed_v and_o that_o very_o great_o too_o those_o of_o our_o rational_a faculty_n and_o consider_v both_o the_o natural_a and_o the_o superaccessory_a defect_n of_o they_o it_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o think_v that_o they_o do_v 30._o some_o essence_n perhaps_o there_o may_v be_v though_o even_o this_o again_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v that_o sit_v so_o high_a in_o the_o intellectual_a form_n as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v finite_a so_o that_o the_o only_a reason_n why_o they_o have_v not_o a_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o truth_n at_o large_a be_v because_o it_o be_v indeed_o infinite_a but_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probability_n that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v of_o so_o raise_v a_o order_n that_o nothing_o but_o infinity_o shall_v transcend_v its_o comprehension_n and_o it_o must_v be_v a_o strange_a composition_n of_o pride_n and_o self-love_n that_o can_v make_v we_o fancy_v that_o it_o be_v something_o like_o that_o only_o much_o more_o extravagant_a which_o possess_v the_o disturb_a head_n of_o some_o in_o bedlam_n and_o make_v they_o conceit_n themselves_o king_n and_o emperor_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o their_o iron_n rag_n and_o straw_n what_o though_o truth_n be_v finite_a and_o some_o understanding_n too_o that_o be_v so_o be_v able_a to_o measure_v it_o why_o must_v this_o need_v be_v conclude_v of_o human_a understanding_n if_o a_o finite_a be_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v truth_n why_o must_v man_n be_v that_o be_v the_o scripture_n tell_v we_o he_o be_v make_v low_a than_o the_o angel_n and_o how_o many_o order_n and_o degree_n there_o may_v be_v among_o they_o we_o know_v not_o nor_o indeed_o how_o many_o rank_n of_o spiritual_a being_n there_n may_v be_v in_o the_o universe_n who_o understanding_n go_v beyond_o we_o for_o who_o can_v define_v the_o outflowing_n of_o the_o divine_a fecundity_n or_o number_v the_o round_n of_o the_o intellectual_a scale_n
in_o the_o mean_a while_n though_o man_n know_v not_o how_o many_o order_n of_o intelligent_a creature_n there_o be_v above_o he_o yet_o it_o be_v with_o great_a reason_n and_o consent_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v none_o below_o he_o so_o that_o he_o be_v place_v even_o by_o his_o own_o confession_n in_o the_o low_a form_n of_o the_o intellectual_a order_n and_o why_o then_o may_v not_o his_o understanding_n as_o much_o as_o he_o value_v himself_o upon_o it_o be_v of_o so_o shallow_a a_o depth_n and_o so_o low_a a_o size_n that_o even_o finite_a object_n may_v be_v disproportionate_a to_o he_o especial_o since_o we_o find_v he_o so_o often_o puzzle_v and_o gravel_a in_o natural_a thing_n as_o also_o in_o those_o ideal_o truth_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o the_o natural_a and_o ectypal_a world_n such_o as_o philosophical_a and_o mathematical_a problem_n or_o if_o the_o reason_n of_o any_o creature_n can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n why_o shall_v he_o be_v that_o creature_n who_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o very_a confine_n of_o the_o material_a and_o immaterial_a world_n and_o be_v as_o it_o be_v the_o common-point_n where_o matter_n end_v and_o spirit_n begin_v who_o bring_v up_o the_o rear_n of_o the_o intellectual_a kind_n and_o be_v both_o the_o young_a and_o the_o least_o endow_v among_o the_o son_n of_o god_n 31._o these_o consideration_n sufficient_o show_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probability_n that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o its_o be_v finite_a which_o indeed_o be_v enough_o of_o itself_o to_o carry_v the_o point_n contend_v for_o as_o far_o as_o the_o design_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n be_v concern_v for_o if_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o human_a reason_n shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o may_v not_o be_v and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o it_o may_v not_o than_o we_o can_v be_v never_o sure_a that_o it_o be_v and_o if_o we_o can_v be_v sure_a that_o it_o be_v than_o we_o can_v use_v it_o as_o a_o measure_n which_o as_o i_o have_v remark_v already_o and_o for_o the_o moment_n of_o it_o do_v here_o reinculcate_v make_v it_o the_o same_o to_o all_o intent_n and_o purpose_n as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o such_o at_o all_o but_o yet_o to_o carry_v our_o plea_n a_o little_a highter_n i_o further_o contend_v that_o as_o the_o forego_n consideration_n suffice_v to_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n may_v not_o so_o there_o be_v one_o behind_o that_o very_o positive_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n even_o though_o we_o shall_v allow_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o finite_a and_o bound_a nature_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o understanding_n 32._o as_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n whereof_o our_o idea_n be_v very_o confuse_v and_o obscure_a so_o it_o be_v most_o 〈◊〉_d that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o it_o 〈◊〉_d not_o please_v the_o eternal_a and_o 〈◊〉_d intelligence_n to_o exhibit_v that_o in_o himself_o which_o be_v representative_a of_o those_o thing_n to_o our_o understanding_n but_o now_o beside_o the_o difficulty_n and_o disadvantage_n we_o shall_v always_o lie_v under_o in_o the_o comprehension_n of_o thing_n from_o the_o confuseness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o our_o idea_n which_o of_o itself_o will_v many_o time_n render_v those_o thing_n and_o also_o whatever_o near_o relate_v to_o those_o thing_n incomprehensible_a by_o we_o and_o beside_o that_o our_o not_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o certain_a thing_n be_v a_o invincible_a bar_n to_o all_o knowledge_n and_o comprehension_n of_o those_o thing_n unless_o we_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v able_a to_o see_v without_o light_n it_o be_v also_o further_o considerable_a that_o possible_o the_o knowledge_n of_o that_o truth_n which_o we_o set_v ourselves_o to_o comprehend_v and_o whereof_o we_o have_v the_o idea_n may_v depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o another_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n if_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o though_o truth_n in_o general_n be_v never_o so_o finite_a or_o the_o particular_a truth_n we_o will_v contemplate_v be_v never_o so_o finite_a it_o be_v plain_a we_o shall_v be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o comprehend_v it_o than_o if_o it_o be_v infinite_a now_o i_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o only_o possible_a that_o this_o may_v be_v the_o case_n which_o yet_o of_o itself_o as_o i_o have_v again_o and_o again_o note_a be_v sufficient_a to_o debar_v we_o from_o use_v our_o reason_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n but_o there_o be_v also_o some_o instance_n wherein_o it_o appear_v actual_o to_o be_v so_o we_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o we_o mean_v by_o liberty_n and_o contingency_n and_o be_v withal_o well_o assure_v that_o we_o be_v free_a agent_n we_o have_v also_o a_o sufficient_a notion_n of_o prescience_n and_o be_v also_o no_o less_o assure_v of_o the_o reality_n of_o it_o and_o because_o both_o these_o be_v true_a and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o real_a repugnance_n between_o one_o truth_n and_o another_o we_o be_v also_o by_o consequence_n assure_v that_o there_o be_v a_o good_a harmony_n and_o agreement_n between_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v consistent_a with_o each_o other_o but_o now_o how_o to_o adjust_a their_o apparent_a opposition_n or_o reconcile_v those_o instance_n of_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o inconsistency_n wherewith_o they_o press_v we_o this_o we_o neither_o know_v nor_o be_v able_a with_o all_o our_o meditation_n to_o comprehend_v and_o that_o because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o human_a soul_n without_o which_o there_o be_v no_o possibility_n of_o comprehend_v how_o its_o free_a work_n may_v be_v the_o object_n of_o prescience_n though_o our_o idea_n of_o prescience_n and_o liberty_n be_v never_o so_o clear_n or_o if_o this_o instance_n shall_v not_o be_v think_v so_o proper_a because_o the_o man_n with_o who_o our_o present_n concern_v lie_n be_v please_v to_o disow_v the_o doctrine_n of_o prescience_n let_v i_o desire_v they_o to_o consider_v whether_o there_o be_v not_o many_o other_o difficulty_n concern_v human_a liberty_n beside_o that_o take_v from_o prescience_n which_o they_o be_v no_o more_o able_a to_o get_v over_o then_o they_o be_v that_o and_o that_o for_o the_o very_a same_o reason_n even_o because_o they_o ahve_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o soul_n upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o which_o the_o solution_n of_o those_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o difficulty_n in_o morality_n do_v necessary_o depend_v or_o if_o they_o please_v let_v they_o take_v a_o instance_n of_o a_o physical_a nature_n we_o know_v well_o enough_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v in_o a_o place_n and_o we_o know_v also_o as_o well_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v coextend_v to_o a_o place_n but_o now_o how_o be_v in_o a_o place_n may_v be_v without_o coextension_n to_o a_o place_n this_o be_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v though_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o upon_o other_o consideration_n constrain_v to_o grant_v it_o and_o that_o because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o spirit_n upon_o the_o clear_a conception_n of_o which_o the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o other_o do_v so_o depend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v have_v without_o it_o and_o indeed_o we_o may_v conclude_v in_o general_a that_o when_o ever_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n of_o thing_n and_o yet_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n of_o they_o it_o be_v because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o thing_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o something_o else_o whereof_o we_o have_v either_o no_o idea_n or_o not_o such_o as_o be_v sufficient_o clear_n which_o must_v be_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o hitherto_o presume_a impossibility_n of_o find_v out_o the_o exact_a proportion_n between_o a_o circle_n and_o a_o square_a why_o circle_n and_o square_n be_v very_o intelligible_a thing_n and_o how_o come_v we_o then_o not_o to_o be_v able_a to_o determine_v the_o precise_a and_o just_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o they_o it_o can_v be_v from_o any_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n themselves_o much_o less_o from_o our_o want_n of_o have_v idea_n of_o they_o for_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o exact_a idea_n of_o these_o figure_n as_o we_o can_v have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n it_o must_v be_v therefore_o because_o the_o knowledge_n of_o their_o proportion_n depend_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o other_o thing_n whereof_o the_o idea_n fail_v we_o which_o till_o we_o be_v possess_v of_o we_o shall_v in_o vain_a endeavour_n to_o discover_v the_o other_o whereby_o it_o plain_o appear_v that_o we_o be_v not_o only_o uncapable_a of_o comprehend_v those_o truth_n that_o relate_v to_o thing_n whereof_o we_o
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 greatness_n to_o spoil_v and_o corrupt_v that_o which_o be_v genuine_a and_o natural_a 2._o now_o the_o defect_n of_o our_o intellectual_a part_n consider_v in_o their_o general_a head_n be_v i_o suppose_v sin_n ignorance_n and_o error_n and_o though_o sin_n in_o itself_o must_v be_v allow_v to_o be_v of_o a_o worse_a nature_n and_o consequence_n than_o either_o ignorance_n or_o error_n however_o some_o may_v fancy_v it_o a_o great_a reproach_n to_o they_o to_o have_v their_o intellectual_n question_v than_o their_o moral_n and_o so_o upon_o that_o score_n may_v require_v more_o of_o our_o consideration_n yet_o upon_o another_o account_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o understanding_n seem_v to_o need_v it_o more_o than_o those_o of_o the_o will_n since_o we_o be_v not_o only_o apt_a to_o be_v more_o proud_a of_o our_o intellectual_n than_o of_o our_o moral_n but_o also_o to_o conceit_n ourselves_o more_o free_a and_o secure_a from_o error_n than_o we_o be_v from_o sin_n though_o sin_n in_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o principle_n of_o it_o imply_v and_o suppose_v error_n 3._o pride_n the_o presume_a sin_n of_o the_o angel_n be_v also_o the_o most_o natural_a and_o hereditary_a one_o of_o man_n his_o dominant_a and_o most_o cleave_a corruption_n the_o vice_n as_o i_o may_v call_v it_o of_o his_o planet_n and_o complexion_n and_o that_o which_o we_o be_v most_o apt_a to_o be_v proud_a of_o be_v our_o understand_n the_o only_a faculty_n in_o we_o who_o limit_n we_o forget_v in_o other_o thing_n we_o be_v sensible_a not_o only_o of_o the_o general_a bound_n of_o our_o nature_n but_o also_o of_o the_o particular_a narrowness_n of_o they_o and_o according_o do_v not_o attempt_v any_o thing_n very_o much_o beyond_o our_o measure_n but_o contain_v ourselves_o pretty_a reasonable_o within_o our_o line_n at_o least_o be_v not_o such_o fool_n as_o to_o apply_v our_o strength_n to_o move_v the_o earth_n out_o of_o its_o place_n or_o to_o set_v our_o mouth_n to_o drink_v up_o the_o sea_n or_o to_o try_v with_o our_o eye_n to_o look_v into_o the_o region_n beyond_o the_o star_n but_o there_o be_v hardly_o any_o distance_n but_o to_o which_o we_o fancy_v our_o intellectual_a sight_n will_v reach_v scarce_o any_o object_n too_o bright_a too_o large_a or_o too_o far_o remove_v for_o it_o strange_a that_o when_o we_o consider_v that_o in_o we_o which_o make_v we_o man_n we_o shall_v forget_v that_o we_o be_v so_o and_o yet_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o we_o look_v upon_o our_o understanding_n it_o be_v with_o such_o a_o magnify_v glass_n that_o it_o appear_v in_o a_o manner_n boundless_a and_o unlimited_a to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v dazzle_v with_o our_o own_o light_n 4._o not_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v presume_v that_o there_o be_v any_o who_o upon_o a_o deliberate_a consideration_n of_o the_o matter_n have_v this_o form_v and_o express_a thought_n that_o their_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a human_a nature_n seem_v hardly_o capable_a of_o such_o excess_n but_o only_o as_o the_o psalmist_n say_v in_o another_o case_n of_o some_o worldly_a man_n that_o their_o inward_a thought_n be_v that_o their_o house_n shall_v continue_v for_o ever_o 4._o not_o mean_v that_o any_o can_v be_v so_o gross_o absurd_a as_o positive_o and_o explicit_o to_o conceive_v that_o their_o house_n any_o more_o than_o their_o own_o body_n shall_v last_v always_o and_o never_o decay_v but_o only_o that_o they_o have_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o a_o wander_a and_o confuse_v imagination_n secret_o lurk_v in_o their_o mind_n and_o loose_o hover_v about_o they_o so_o in_o like_a manner_n there_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o people_n who_o be_v parturient_n and_o teem_a with_o a_o kind_n of_o confuse_v and_o unformed_a imagination_n though_o perhaps_o they_o never_o bring_v it_o to_o a_o express_a and_o distinct_a thought_n that_o their_o understanding_n have_v no_o bound_n or_o limit_n belong_v to_o they_o though_o they_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o they_o have_v if_o direct_o put_v to_o the_o question_n 5._o according_o you_o shall_v find_v those_o who_o conduct_n betray_v this_o inward_a sentiment_n who_o venture_v at_o all_o in_o their_o study_n stick_v at_o nothing_o but_o will_v undertake_v to_o give_v a_o reason_n for_o every_o thing_n and_o positive_o decide_v whatever_o come_v in_o their_o way_n without_o suspense_n or_o reserve_v imagine_v confuse_o at_o least_o they_o have_v a_o comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o too_o hard_a or_o knotty_a for_o they_o nothing_o but_o what_o they_o either_o actual_o do_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o comprehend_v if_o they_o once_o set_v themselves_o to_o it_o and_o from_o hence_o they_o roundly_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a and_o according_o deny_v their_o belief_n to_o whatever_o transcend_v their_o comprehension_n 6._o now_o i_o confess_v there_o be_v no_o fault_n to_o be_v find_v with_o the_o consequence_n of_o these_o man_n nor_o with_o their_o practice_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o that_o consequence_n which_o be_v both_o as_o far_o as_o i_o can_v see_v exceed_v right_o if_o their_o principle_n be_v once_o admit_v for_o if_o indeed_o it_o be_v real_o so_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n but_o what_o it_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v than_o it_o will_v certain_o follow_v that_o whatever_o it_o can_v comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a and_o there_o will_v need_v no_o other_o nor_o better_a argument_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o any_o thing_n than_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o it_o for_o their_o reason_v resolve_v into_o this_o form_n whatever_o be_v true_a we_o can_v comprehend_v this_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v therefore_o this_o be_v not_o true_a or_o thus_o if_o whatever_o be_v true_a we_o can_v comprehend_v than_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a but_o whatever_o be_v true_a we_o can_v comprehend_v ergo_fw-la 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 incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a for_o how_o be_v we_o inconsistent_a with_o ourselves_o if_o grant_v human_a reason_n to_o be_v commensurate_a to_o truth_n we_o deny_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a but_o only_o because_o in_o deny_v that_o we_o contradict_v our_o principle_n or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o suppose_v the_o contradictory_n proposition_n to_o it_o to_o be_v true_a viz._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n but_o now_o if_o in_o say_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n do_v not_o argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a we_o in_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o we_o affirm_v suppose_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n then_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o the_o
supposition_n of_o reason_n not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n will_v also_o oblige_v we_o to_o say_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a whereby_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o consequence_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o good_a thus_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a as_o thus_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a the_o only_a reason_n why_o he_o that_o deny_v this_o latter_a consequence_n upon_o the_o supposition_n or_o concession_n of_o this_o latter_a principle_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o himself_o be_v this_o because_o in_o deny_v the_o latter_a consequence_n he_o suppose_n the_o former_a principle_n which_o principle_n therefore_o must_v as_o much_o inter_v the_o consequence_n that_o suppose_v it_o viz._n that_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v no_o warrant_n to_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a 8._o and_o because_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n have_v be_v already_o prove_v at_o large_a i_o look_v upon_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n as_o already_o lay_v and_o therefore_o to_o show_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o one_o and_o the_o other_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v even_o now_o say_v to_o that_o purpose_n need_v only_o add_v this_o further_a remark_n that_o since_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o since_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n than_o it_o seem_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v consist_v together_o or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o once_o true_a and_o incomprehensible_a but_o now_o there_o can_v be_v in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o reason_v a_o more_o certain_a or_o more_o evident_a maxim_n than_o this_o that_o that_o which_o be_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v or_o will_v be_v suppose_v it_o be_v be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o as_o for_o instance_n suppose_v it_o shall_v be_v object_v against_o the_o copernican_n hypothesis_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o earth_n that_o it_o be_v repugnant_a to_o sense_n since_o we_o see_v the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n rise_v and_o set_v and_o move_v round_o about_o we_o it_o be_v think_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o this_o to_o say_v that_o suppose_v the_o earth_n and_o not_o the_o sun_n do_v real_o move_v these_o appearance_n will_v yet_o be_v the_o same_o as_o they_o be_v now_o since_o sail_v 14._o as_o we_o do_v between_o the_o sun_n and_o the_o star_n as_o a_o late_a writer_n express_v it_o not_o the_o ship_n in_o which_o we_o be_v but_o the_o body_n which_o surround_v we_o will_v seem_v to_o move_v and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o if_o suppose_v the_o earth_n do_v real_o move_v the_o motion_n will_v yet_o seem_v to_o be_v in_o the_o sun_n and_o star_n then_o the_o seem_a motion_n of_o those_o body_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o the_o earth_n do_v not_o move_v 9_o why_o just_a so_o it_o be_v in_o the_o present_a case_n when_o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n it_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o say_v that_o this_o argue_v nothing_o since_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o may_v yet_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o if_o suppose_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a it_o may_v yet_o be_v incomprehensible_a than_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o good_a objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v prove_v that_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v consist_v together_o we_o may_v now_o with_o all_o rational_a assurance_n conclude_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a any_o more_o than_o the_o seem_a motion_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o argument_n against_o the_o real_a one_o of_o the_o earth_n since_o the_o former_a will_v be_v even_o suppose_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o both_o by_o virtue_n of_o this_o most_o evident_a and_o incontestable_a principle_n that_o what_o may_v consist_v with_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v no_o good_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a 10._o and_o indeed_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v consider_v how_o many_o thing_n surpass_v our_o conception_n when_o we_o be_v child_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v able_a well_o to_o comprehend_v when_o we_o be_v man_n how_o many_o thing_n again_o be_v beyond_o the_o ken_n of_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a man_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o shine_v forth_o with_o full_a light_n to_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o learning_n and_o how_o many_o thing_n again_o even_o among_o the_o learned_a be_v now_o discover_v and_o well_o understand_v by_o the_o help_n of_o algebra_n which_o be_v mystery_n to_o former_a age_n and_o be_v still_o beyond_o even_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o have_v not_o that_o noble_a and_o wonderful_a key_n of_o knowledge_n when_o again_o it_o shall_v be_v further_o consider_v how_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v even_o with_o the_o assistance_n of_o that_o command_a key_n unlock_v in_o this_o state_n of_o mortality_n we_o may_v yet_o have_v a_o clear_a view_n of_o in_o that_o of_o separation_n when_o deliver_v from_o the_o burden_n of_o our_o flesh_n and_o that_o many_o of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v too_o high_a for_o we_o than_o may_v yet_o be_v of_o a_o level_n with_o the_o understanding_n of_o angel_n and_o that_o what_o be_v above_o their_o capacity_n may_v yet_o be_v most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v by_o the_o infinite_o penetrate_v and_o all-comprehensive_a intellect_n of_o god_n i_o say_v he_o that_o shall_v but_o serious_o enter_v into_o this_o single_a reflection_n must_v needs_o discover_v himself_o much_o want_v in_o that_o stock_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n he_o pretend_v to_o if_o he_o still_o continue_v to_o measure_v the_o possibility_n of_o thing_n by_o their_o proportionableness_n to_o his_o understanding_n or_o conclude_v any_o thing_n false_a or_o impossible_a when_o he_o have_v no_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o but_o only_o because_o he_o can_v comprehend_v it_o chap._n vi_o that_o if_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 human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 1._o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a than_o for_o people_n to_o hold_v certain_a principle_n that_o have_v a_o inseparable_a connexion_n with_o very_o bad_a consequence_n and_o yet_o not_o profess_o to_o hold_v those_o consequence_n because_o either_o they_o do_v not_o attend_v to_o they_o or_o be_v not_o sensible_a that_o they_o do_v indeed_o follow_v from_o such_o principle_n whereof_o we_o have_v two_o very_a pregnant_a instance_n in_o the_o maintainer_n of_o the_o predestinarian_a and_o solifidian_a systeme_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n and_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n there_o be_v those_o who_o take_v up_o and_o with_o great_a fixedness_n adhere_v to_o certain_a consequence_n without_o profess_o hold_v those_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o true_o flow_v and_o to_o which_o if_o trace_v to_o the_o head_n they_o will_v infallible_o lead_v they_o 2._o of_o this_o we_o have_v a_o very_a particular_a instance_n where_o i_o confess_v one_o will_v not_o expect_v to_o find_v it_o in_o those_o of_o the_o socinian_n persuasion_n the_o reason_n these_o man_n of_o reason_n give_v why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n be_v because_o they_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o whereby_o they_o plain_o imply_v that_o they_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v or_o that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v incomprehensible_a which_o be_v also_o a_o common_a maxim_n among_o they_o who_o according_o make_v above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n to_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v only_o the_o untruth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v make_v it_o unfit_a to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n in_o say_v they_o will_v not_o believe_v what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o do_v as_o good_a as_o say_v that_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v be_v not_o true_a and_o so_o 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
false_a and_o all_o this_o they_o own_o and_o express_o declare_v if_o not_o in_o these_o very_a term_n yet_o at_o least_o in_o such_o as_o be_v equivalent_a to_o they_o as_o be_v too_o notorious_a and_o well_o know_v to_o need_v any_o citation_n for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o but_o now_o though_o they_o do_v thus_o profess_o own_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n by_o reason_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a yet_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o that_o all_o truth_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o it_o be_v as_o i_o take_v it_o proposition_n which_o they_o do_v not_o open_o and_o profess_o avow_v for_o as_o i_o note_v in_o the_o introduction_n it_o be_v such_o a_o odious_a and_o arrogant_a assertion_n that_o they_o can_v with_o any_o face_n of_o modesty_n or_o common_a decency_n make_v a_o plain_a and_o direct_a profession_n of_o it_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o this_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o that_o consequence_n which_o they_o do_v profess_o hold_v viz._n that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a and_o that_o this_o consequence_n do_v as_o necessary_o lead_v back_o to_o that_o principle_n 3._o for_o as_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o follow_v in_o the_o descendintg_a line_n as_o a_o direct_a consequence_n that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a so_o it_o follow_v as_o well_o backward_o &_o per_fw-la viam_fw-la ascensûs_fw-la that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a then_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n since_o if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n will_v then_o not_o argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a if_o therefore_o it_o do_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n which_o principle_n whoever_o disown_n ought_v also_o to_o renounce_v the_o other_o proposition_n viz._n that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o untruth_n which_o if_o yet_o he_o will_v embrace_v notwithstanding_o it_o be_v plain_a he_o hold_v the_o consequence_n without_o its_o principle_n and_o have_v indeed_o no_o reason_n for_o what_o he_o affirm_v 4._o for_o as_o he_o who_o grant_v human_a reason_n to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n deny_v yet_o that_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 be_v therefore_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o because_o in_o so_o do_v he_o suppose_v the_o contradictory_n to_o what_o he_o have_v before_o grant_v viz._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n so_o he_o that_o affirm_v that_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 and_o yet_o deny_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n be_v also_o as_o inconsistent_a with_o himself_o because_o in_o so_o do_v the_o suppose_n the_o contradictory_n to_o his_o own_o assertion_n and_o do_v in_o effect_n say_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a as_o most_o certain_o it_o will_v not_o be_v in_o case_n human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o the_o forego_n chapter_n have_v sufficient_o show_v the_o short_a be_v if_o the_o not_o be_v of_o a_o prove_v that_o c_o be_v not_o than_o the_o be_v of_o c_o prove_v that_o a_o be_v since_o if_o it_o be_v not_o according_a to_o the_o first_o supposition_n c_o can_v not_o be_v and_o so_o here_o if_o reason_n not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n prove_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a then_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n since_o if_o it_o be_v not_o then_o according_a to_o the_o first_o supposition_n the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n will_v not_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a 5._o for_o how_o i_o pray_v come_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o conclude_v the_o untruth_n of_o it_o i_o can_v comprehend_v such_o a_o thing_n therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a where_o be_v the_o consequence_n by_o what_o logic_n do_v this_o latter_a proposition_n follow_v from_o the_o former_a why_o we_o have_v here_o the_o minor_a proposition_n and_o the_o conclusion_n and_o to_o make_v a_o complete_a argument_n of_o it_o we_o must_v add_v another_o thus_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v comprehend_v it_o but_o i_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o true_a whereby_o it_o appear_v to_o the_o eye_n that_o my_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v no_o otherwise_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o â—â—truth_n of_o it_o than_o as_o it_o be_v first_o presuppose_v that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d â—ble_n to_o comprehend_v it_o which_o again_o resolve_v into_o this_o absolute_a â—â—â—â—osition_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n it_o plain_o follow_v that_o if_o my_o inability_n to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a than_o i_o be_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n and_o that_o my_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n and_o final_a standard_n of_o it_o 6._o i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a then_o human_a reason_n will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o that_o hold_v the_o former_a aught_o also_o if_o they_o will_v be_v consistent_a with_o themselves_o to_o admit_v the_o latter_a but_o because_o this_o be_v a_o false_a principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n therefore_o i_o conclude_v again_o that_o the_o consequence_n that_o resolve_v into_o this_o principle_n be_v also_o false_a since_o we_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v a_o consequence_n to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o lead_v back_o to_o a_o false_a principle_n as_o a_o principle_n to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v productive_a of_o a_o bad_a consequence_n which_o still_o further_o confirm_v and_o establish_v the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o last_o chapter_n viz._n that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o untruth_n which_o you_o see_v be_v now_o prove_v both_o backward_o and_o forward_o and_o so_o make_v impregnable_a on_o all_o side_n we_o have_v prove_v it_o forward_o by_o show_v the_o falseness_n of_o that_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o by_o thence_o argue_v the_o say_a conclusion_n and_o we_o have_v also_o prove_v it_o backward_o by_o show_v that_o the_o contrary_a supposition_n resolve_v into_o that_o false_a and_o already_o confuse_a principle_n and_o i_o do_v not_o see_v how_o any_o conclusion_n can_v be_v better_o prove_v chap._n vii_o that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o cartesian_a maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a 1._o it_o be_v a_o wonderful_a thing_n to_o consider_v the_o caprice_n of_o human_a nature_n by_o what_o unaccountable_a spring_v its_o movement_n be_v order_v and_o how_o odd_o and_o unsteddy_o man_n act_v and_o manage_v themselves_o even_o in_o the_o same_o circumstance_n and_o in_o relation_n to_o the_o same_o object_n sometime_o the_o obscurity_n and_o mysteriousness_n of_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v a_o motive_n of_o credibility_n and_o recommend_v it_o the_o rather_o to_o their_o belief_n thus_o you_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a many_o reject_v that_o philosophy_n as_o idle_a and_o chimerical_a which_o undertake_v to_o explain_v the_o effect_n of_o nature_n by_o insensible_a particle_n their_o different_a bigness_n figure_n contexture_n local_a motion_n rest_v etc._n etc._n mere_o because_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a simple_a and_o intelligible_a account_n such_o as_o they_o can_v easy_o and_o well_o conceive_v the_o very_a easiness_n and_o clearness_n wherewith_o they_o conceive_v these_o principle_n be_v make_v a_o objection_n against_o they_o though_o indeed_o it_o be_v a_o good_a presumption_n for_o they_o and_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n they_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o nature_n who_o effect_n they_o fancy_v must_v be_v resoul_v into_o cause_n more_o hide_v and_o abstruse_a and_o according_o they_o find_v in_o themselves_o a_o great_a inclination_n to_o lend_v attention_n to_o