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 and_o hitherto_o they_o run_v parallel_v one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o here_o begin_v both_o the_o difference_n and_o the_o disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v clearness_n and_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o science_n and_o that_o second_o assent_n whereas_o there_o be_v none_o on_o the_o side_n of_o faith_n which_o walk_v indeed_o upon_o firm_a ground_n but_o altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o he_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o give_v his_o assent_n because_o either_o by_o sense_n or_o reason_n he_o perceive_v the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o but_o mere_o because_o he_o have_v the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o firm_a and_o certain_a be_v yet_o however_o not_o enough_o to_o beget_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a assent_n so_o that_o the_o great_a and_o distinguish_a character_n of_o science_n and_o the_o second_o assent_n be_v light_n and_o evidence_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n which_o according_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o seem_v not_o common_o to_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v and_o for_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o depend_v upon_o the_o right_n state_v of_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n 13._o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o the_o reason_n or_o motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o even_o as_o in_o knowledge_n we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n know_v and_o the_o argument_n or_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v the_o scitum_fw-la and_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la sciendi_fw-la the_o thing_n believe_v i_o will_v call_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o will_v call_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n aquinas_n i_o know_v call_v they_o both_o object_n 1._o and_o then_o after_o distinguish_v they_o by_o call_v the_o former_a the_o material_a object_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n according_o he_o say_v that_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o truth_n mean_v as_o he_o afterward_o explain_v himself_o that_o faith_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n which_o medium_fw-la i_o choose_v rather_o to_o call_v and_o i_o think_v more_o intelligible_o the_o formal_a reason_n than_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o term_n object_n seem_v more_o proper_o to_o design_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o be_v hardly_o applicable_a to_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v however_o since_o we_o both_o mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o need_v be_v no_o debate_n upon_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v it_o especial_o since_o if_o any_o one_o think_v his_o term_n more_o intelligible_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o notion_n intend_v by_o it_o or_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o substitute_v it_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o other_o 14._o this_o necessary_a distinction_n be_v premise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v well_o heed_v that_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o obscure_a and_o inevident_a assent_n this_o obscurity_n or_o inevidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o there_o may_v be_v in_o general_a a_o clear_a reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v a_o obscure_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o formal_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o assent_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n be_v very_o clear_a for_o this_o formal_a reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o since_o this_o include_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o of_o what_o authority_n will_v be_v the_o revelation_n i_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v joint_o make_v up_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o according_o proceed_v upon_o this_o double_a principle_n 1._o that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a 2._o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o faith_n have_v its_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o science_n though_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o its_o reason_n be_v these_o two_o as_o will_n more_o distinct_o appear_v by_o dispose_v the_o process_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n which_o will_v be_v this_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o 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 our_o faith_n be_v wellgrounded_n that_o such_o a_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n and_o in_o both_o these_o respect_v it_o be_v true_a what_o be_v common_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o you_o see_v it_o be_v perfect_o reasonable_a in_o its_o fund_z and_o principle_n and_o do_v at_o last_o resolve_n as_o much_o as_o any_o mathematical_a conclusion_n into_o a_o rational_a ground_n of_o unquestionable_a light_n and_o evidence_n with_o this_o only_a difference_n that_o a_o conclusion_n in_o geometry_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o within_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n whereas_o our_o conclusion_n of_o faith_n proceed_v upon_o a_o ground_n take_v from_o without_o viz._n from_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o such_o as_o however_o in_o light_n and_o evidence_n be_v no_o way_n inferior_a to_o the_o other_o 15._o this_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o show_v the_o vanity_n and_o impertinence_n of_o 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
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obseâ—â—ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
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
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 reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v no_o evidence_n from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o be_v remark_v before_o not_o that_o this_o again_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o simple_o intelligible_a as_o to_o the_o very_a literal_a sense_n and_o direct_v signification_n of_o its_o term_n no_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o than_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v still_o so_o much_o a_o luminous_a assent_n and_o a_o act_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o it_o challenge_n our_o assent_n for_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o connexion_n between_o idea_n i_o say_v ideas_n for_o truth_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o sound_n or_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n therefore_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o such_o idea_n but_o then_o a_o man_n must_v know_v what_o those_o idea_n be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v they_o be_v connect_v therefore_o he_o must_v understand_v something_o more_o than_o the_o term_n themselves_o he_o must_v also_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o those_o term_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o under_o stand_v the_o mean_v and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o faith_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v simple_o intelligible_a and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
though_o upon_o a_o different_a medium_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o medium_fw-la that_o specify_v faith_n and_o though_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o evident_a and_o not_o evident_a yet_o why_o may_v it_o not_o sustain_v two_o different_a relation_n or_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a medium_n so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o perceive_v by_o its_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o assent_v to_o upon_o authority_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v do_v as_o full_o and_o with_o as_o little_a regard_n to_o its_o evidence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o belief_n not_o to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o evidence_n but_o upon_o its_o own_o proper_a medium_fw-la authority_n 20._o but_o to_o use_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v less_o abstract_a though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o more_o press_v and_o convince_a suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o a_o geometrical_a truth_n as_o that_o two_o triangle_n have_v the_o same_o base_a and_o be_v within_o the_o same_o parallel_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a authority_n shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o myself_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o art_n who_o that_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v say_v that_o my_o science_n evacuate_v my_o faith_n and_o that_o i_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n assoon_o as_o i_o become_v a_o mathematician_n for_o though_o i_o be_o now_o suppose_v to_o know_v what_o before_o i_o only_o believe_v yet_o why_o shall_v this_o knowledge_n destroy_v my_o faith_n since_o i_o may_v still_o have_v as_o much_o regard_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v before_o the_o demonstration_n and_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o use_v another_o sensible_n though_o not_o so_o artificial_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n will_v refuse_v a_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o injure_v or_o destroy_v his_o faith_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v if_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v so_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n be_v so_o absolute_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o pretend_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o acquire_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o any_o reveal_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o destroy_v one_o faith_n and_o every_o believer_n will_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v all_o further_a light_n and_o information_n about_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o yet_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o a_o extravagant_a scruple_n such_o as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v much_o less_o stay_v long_o in_o any_o consider_v head_n and_o be_v withal_o contrary_a to_o a_o plain_a exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n 5._o 21._o when_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n believe_v be_v charge_v with_o obscurity_n and_o faith_n itself_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v say_v as_o it_o common_o be_v to_o be_v of_o inevident_a thing_n the_o mean_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v so_o all_o over_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v while_n believe_v absolute_o be_v know_v but_o only_o that_o it_o can_v under_o that_o formality_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_o in_o that_o respect_n inevident_a how_o bright_a or_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v evident_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believe_v or_o in_o relation_n to_o faith_n because_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o evidence_n how_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v shine_v but_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o another_o argument_n between_o which_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n or_o communication_n the_o short_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n simple_o and_o absolute_o speak_v may_v admit_v of_o evidence_n but_o than_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o demonstrable_a in_o itself_o yet_o as_o believe_v it_o be_v always_o obscure_a faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o proper_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n who_o bare_a authority_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n that_o determine_v her_o assent_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n upon_o which_o she_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o absolute_o consider_v may_v also_o stand_v upon_o other_o foundation_n be_v rational_o account_v for_o by_o argument_n from_o within_o and_o so_o be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o let_v the_o light_n shine_v never_o so_o bright_a upon_o the_o object_n from_o other_o side_n faith_n let_v in_o none_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o she_o find_v there_o but_o connive_n at_o it_o and_o walk_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o her_o eye_n shut_v content_v herself_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n and_o leave_v to_o science_n if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o object_n be_v always_o dark_a to_o she_o how_o clear_a and_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o or_o appear_v when_o absolute_o consider_v to_o a_o philosophic_a eye_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o science_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o as_o be_v say_v before_o all_o which_o be_v brief_o couch_v in_o that_o excellent_a account_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v where_o by_o substance_n and_o argument_n he_o equal_v it_o with_o science_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o vail_n and_o stoop_v to_o it_o in_o point_n of_o evidence_n in_o which_o respect_n indeed_o faith_n as_o firm_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v be_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o science_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n 22._o to_o gather_v up_o then_o what_o have_v be_v here_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o inevidence_n of_o faith_n into_o one_o view_n when_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a we_o shall_v not_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o or_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a from_o within_o this_o again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a this_o again_o last_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v always_o and_o necessary_o so_o in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a but_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o absolute_o and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n inevident_a for_o it_o may_v be_v so_o too_o as_o will_v be_v see_v afterward_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o so_o there_o
much_o heathenize_v religion_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v also_o very_o deserve_o retire_v behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o decline_v come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o fear_v the_o absurdity_n and_o monstrous_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n in_o that_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n in_o evangelical_n christianity_n that_o need_v fly_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o it_o christian_n religion_n be_v all_o over_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v too_o reasonable_a a_o master_n to_o impose_v any_o other_o or_o to_o require_v as_o his_o vicar_n do_v that_o man_n shall_v follow_v he_o blindfold_a and_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n no_o he_o that_o miraculous_o give_v sight_n to_o so_o many_o have_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o pleasure_n in_o the_o blind_a nor_o have_v his_o divine_a religion_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o judge_n or_o professor_n for_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a wisdom_n the_o divine_a word_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o all_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o measure_n of_o sound_a discourse_n or_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v true_o opposite_a to_o right_a reason_n hour_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v above_o it_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v theological_o true_a which_o be_v philosophical_o false_a as_o some_o with_o great_a profoundness_n be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v for_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o true_o from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o light_n may_v exceed_v and_o outshine_v the_o former_a it_o can_v never_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o god_n as_o the_o sovereign_a truth_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n and_o as_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nay_o to_o descend_v some_o degree_n below_o this_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o be_v against_o reason_n but_o even_o what_o be_v without_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o require_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n especial_o from_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n 5._o we_o therefore_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o it_o there_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unfair_o do_v of_o our_o adversary_n so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a as_o they_o do_v for_o i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n i_o do_v know_v which_o in_o those_o that_o suggest_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v plain_o by_o run_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o vein_n to_o imply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o whether_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o no._n but_o now_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o little_a for_o a_o senseless_a and_o irrational_a faith_n as_o they_o can_v be_v this_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o popular_a declamatory_n strain_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n whereas_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o deliberation_n because_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n the_o only_a considerable_a thing_n then_o here_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o author_n or_o no._n and_o here_o reason_n be_v to_o clear_v her_o eye_n put_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o best_a light_n call_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o head_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o sincerity_n that_o she_o can_v but_o as_o to_o the_o comprehensibility_n or_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o article_n this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o question_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o she_o scrute_v or_o debate_n since_o if_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o her_o comprehension_n it_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o proper_a object_n for_o her_o belief_n 7._o the_o sum_n be_v 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 therefore_o in_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o thing_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o my_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o i_o as_o from_o god_n all_o that_o my_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v serious_o sober_o diligent_o impartial_o and_o i_o add_v humble_o to_o examine_v whether_o it_o come_v with_o the_o true_a credential_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o real_a author_n or_o no._n this_o be_v all_o that_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o she_o have_v do_v this_o she_o be_v to_o rise_v from_o the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o resign_v it_o to_o faith_n which_o either_o give_v or_o refuse_v her_o assent_n not_o as_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a â—itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o â—hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a
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 reveal_v against_o which_o also_o i_o have_v show_v their_o incomprehensibility_n to_o be_v no_o objection_n so_o that_o every_o way_n the_o great_a argument_n against_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n take_v from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o they_o vanish_v and_o sink_v into_o nothing_o in_o all_o which_o i_o think_v i_o have_v effectual_o overthrow_v the_o general_n and_o fundamental_a ground_n of_o socinianism_n and_o true_o in_o great_a measure_n that_o of_o deism_n too_o who_o best_a argument_n against_o reveal_v religion_n in_o general_n be_v because_o the_o christian_a upon_o all_o account_v the_o most_o preferable_a of_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o be_v reveal_v contain_v so_o many_o thing_n in_o it_o which_o transcend_v the_o comprehension_n of_o human_a understanding_n but_o whether_o this_o best_a argument_n be_v real_o a_o good_a one_o or_o no_o the_o whole_a procedure_n of_o this_o discourse_n may_v sufficient_o show_v and_o whoever_o know_v how_o to_o distinguish_v sophistry_n from_o good_a reason_v may_v easy_o judge_v 2._o and_o now_o you_o gentleman_n for_o who_o sake_n i_o have_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o write_v this_o treatise_n give_v i_o leave_v in_o a_o few_o word_n to_o address_v myself_o a_o little_a more_o particular_o to_o you_o and_o to_o expostulate_v with_o you_o whether_o it_o be_v the_o good_a opinion_n you_o have_v of_o your_o cause_n or_o the_o present_a opportunity_n you_o have_v to_o appear_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o that_o invite_v you_o so_o free_o to_o come_v abroad_o as_o you_o have_v do_v of_o late_a you_o have_v certain_o to_o give_v your_o courage_n its_o due_a take_v a_o very_a rational_a and_o polite_a age_n for_o it_o and_o i_o hope_v the_o wise_a conduct_n of_o providence_n may_v turn_v this_o juncture_n to_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o that_o the_o light_n to_o which_o you_o have_v adventure_v to_o expose_v your_o novel_a opinion_n may_v serve_v to_o make_v you_o see_v their_o absurdity_n if_o you_o do_v not_o too_o obstinate_o shut_v your_o eye_n against_o it_o some_o of_o you_o be_v considerable_a master_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o true_o i_o shall_v not_o think_v it_o worth_a while_n to_o argue_v with_o you_o and_o you_o all_o profess_v great_a devotion_n to_o it_o i_o wish_v you_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o idol_n and_o to_o be_v very_o zealous_a and_o affectionate_a disciple_n of_o it_o reason_n be_v the_o great_a measure_n by_o which_o you_o pretend_v to_o go_v and_o the_o judge_n to_o who_o in_o all_o thing_n you_o appeal_v now_o i_o accept_v of_o your_o measure_n and_o do_v not_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v in_o the_o court_n of_o your_o own_o choose_v according_o you_o see_v i_o have_v deal_v with_o you_o all_o along_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o logic_n and_o in_o a_o rational_a way_n be_v very_o confident_a that_o reason_n alone_o will_v discover_v to_o you_o your_o undue_a elevation_n of_o it_o and_o the_o error_n you_o have_v be_v mislead_v into_o by_o that_o occasion_n if_o you_o do_v but_o consult_v even_o this_o oracle_n of_o you_o as_o you_o ought_v and_o make_v a_o right_a use_n of_o its_o sacred_a light_n 3._o but_o i_o be_o afraid_a you_o do_v not_o instead_o of_o employ_v your_o reason_n in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o examine_v the_o certainty_n of_o the_o revelation_n whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_o reveal_v and_o if_o so_o to_o believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o its_o be_v incomprehensible_a your_o method_n be_v to_o begin_v with_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o object_n to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o and_o according_o to_o proceed_v in_o your_o belief_n or_o disbelief_n of_o its_o be_v reveal_v it_o be_v true_a indeed_o you_o be_v not_o so_o gross_a as_o to_o argue_v thus_o this_o be_v comprehensible_a therefore_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o you_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o you_o argue_v thus_o this_o be_v incomprehensible_a therefore_o it_o be_v not_o reveal_v proceed_v upon_o this_o general_a principle_n that_o though_o whatever_o be_v comprehensible_a be_v not_o therefore_o present_o reveal_v yet_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v must_v be_v comprehensible_a but_o now_o judge_v you_o whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o make_v your_o reason_n the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a revelation_n that_o be_v that_o god_n can_v reveal_v nothing_o to_o you_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v or_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o that_o god_n can_v possible_o reveal_v for_o otherwise_o how_o be_v your_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v any_o thing_n a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v reveal_v i_o say_v consider_v whether_o this_o be_v not_o to_o set_v up_o your_o reason_n as_o the_o rule_n of_o revelation_n and_o consider_v again_o whether_o this_o do_v not_o resolve_n either_o into_o a_o very_a low_a opinion_n you_o have_v of_o god_n and_o his_o infinite_a perfection_n or_o a_o extravagant_o high_a one_o you_o have_v of_o yourselves_o and_o your_o own_o rational_a endowment_n 4._o and_o yet_o as_o if_o this_o be_v not_o presumption_n enough_o do_v you_o not_o also_o make_v your_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o revelation_n to_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o faith_n be_v a_o very_a great_a thing_n and_o yet_o so_o far_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o you_o make_v your_o reason_n the_o rule_n of_o faith_n that_o you_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o who_o bottom_n you_o can_v sound_v by_o that_o line_n this_o be_v a_o avow_v principle_n with_o you_o that_o you_o be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v but_o hold_v a_o little_a before_o your_o reason_n can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o faith_n must_v it_o not_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o pray_v consider_v serious_o and_o tell_v i_o true_o do_v you_o very_o think_v in_o your_o conscience_n that_o your_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n do_v you_o think_v your_o rational_a faculty_n proportion_v to_o every_o intelligible_a object_n and_o that_o you_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o science_n too_o high_a too_o difficult_a or_o too_o abstruse_a for_o you_o no_o one_o part_n of_o this_o vast_a intellectual_a sea_n but_o what_o you_o can_v wade_v through_o if_o you_o say_v yes_o beside_o the_o blasphemous_a presumption_n and_o luciferian_a arrogance_n of_o the_o assertion_n and_o how_o little_a it_o fall_v on_o this_o side_n of_o similis_fw-la ero_fw-la altissimo_fw-la which_o banish_v the_o vainglorious_a angel_n from_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n because_o nothing_o less_o will_v content_n his_o aspire_a ambition_n than_o to_o be_v as_o god_n there_o though_o by_o the_o way_n there_o be_v more_o sense_n and_o congruity_n of_o reason_n in_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o god_n in_o heaven_n than_o to_o be_v a_o god_n upon_o earth_n i_o say_v beside_o this_o i_o will_v put_v 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
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
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 extract_v from_o it_o appear_v incomprehensible_a such_o a_o one_o as_o this_o for_o example_n that_o the_o three_o divine_a person_n make_v but_o one_o god_n etc._n etc._n it_o seem_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n in_o this_o sense_n be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v entire_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n which_o differ_v nothing_o but_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n 25._o i_o suppose_v whoever_o have_v due_o consider_v and_o well_o comprehend_v the_o tenor_n of_o the_o forego_n discourse_n can_v neither_o be_v insensible_a of_o the_o deficiency_n of_o this_o allegation_n nor_o be_v long_o at_o a_o loss_n what_o answer_v to_o return_v to_o it_o but_o to_o spare_v my_o reader_n this_o trouble_n my_o reply_n be_v that_o this_o author_n argument_n proceed_v upon_o a_o wrong_a supposition_n he_o suppose_v here_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n must_v be_v either_o the_o not_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n or_o the_o 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 have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v appear_v to_o be_v this_o whether_o we_o may_v not_o assent_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o divine_a revelation_n to_o such_o thing_n as_o our_o understanding_n or_o reason_n can_v perceive_v or_o comprehend_v as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o they_o or_o whether_o our_o not_o be_v able_a thus_o to_o comprehend_v they_o be_v a_o sufficient_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v not_o believe_v they_o for_o the_o resolution_n of_o which_o we_o have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n and_o shall_v now_o proceed_v more_o direct_o to_o build_v upon_o they_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 1._o we_o have_v gain_v a_o most_o wonderful_a point_n in_o the_o forego_n chapter_n by_o prove_v the_o distinction_n between_o thing_n above_o and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o of_o itself_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a not_o only_o immediate_o to_o decide_v but_o even_o forever_o to_o silence_n the_o controversy_n between_o we_o and_o our_o socinian_n adversary_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n for_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v pretend_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n be_v the_o suppose_a contrariety_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n to_o reason_n if_o it_o be_v show_v that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n involve_v no_o such_o contrariety_n than_o the_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o such_o thing_n be_v fair_o and_o whole_o remove_v and_o consequent_o there_o remain_v no_o reason_n why_o they_o may_v not_o be_v believe_v so_o that_o i_o can_v but_o look_v upon_o the_o substance_n of_o my_o work_n as_o most_o effectual_o do_v already_o and_o those_o of_o our_o adversary_n that_o have_v any_o reasonable_a measure_n of_o penetration_n and_o sincerity_n must_v needs_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o and_o i_o dare_v appeal_v even_o to_o their_o own_o conscience_n whether_o they_o be_v not_o however_o consider_v the_o importunity_n of_o those_o i_o have_v to_o deal_v with_o as_o well_o as_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o cause_n itself_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v the_o further_a establishment_n of_o it_o upon_o some_o other_o consideration_n whereby_o i_o shall_v also_o give_v further_a confirmation_n and_o so_o repay_v what_o i_o be_o indebt_v to_o the_o point_n contend_v for_o in_o the_o precede_a chapter_n since_o we_o may_v as_o well_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n to_o their_o not_o contrariety_n as_o forward_o from_o their_o not_o contrariety_n to_o their_o believableness_n the_o consequence_n be_v full_a as_o good_a thus_o above_o reason_n believable_a therefore_o not_o contrary_a as_o thus_o above_o reason_n not_o contrary_a therefore_o believable_a now_o in_o order_n to_o the_o full_a conviction_n and_o demonstration_n of_o the_o believableness_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n i_o set_v out_o upon_o this_o ground_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 2._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n that_o as_o all_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o need_v it_o so_o there_o be_v proposition_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n the_o fullness_n and_o immediateness_n of_o their_o evidence_n render_v they_o strict_o indemonstrable_a and_o it_o have_v be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o geometrician_n that_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o prove_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o need_n of_o proof_n 432._o whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o euclid_n who_o go_v formal_o to_o work_v to_o prove_v that_o two_o side_n of_o a_o triangle_n take_v together_o be_v great_a than_o one_o although_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a even_o from_o the_o notion_n only_o of_o a_o right_a line_n which_o be_v the_o short_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v between_o two_o point_n and_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o distance_n from_o one_o point_n to_o another_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o short_a of_o all_o line_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o point_n to_o point_v 3._o now_o though_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o evident_a of_o itself_o as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o need_v any_o that_o be_v i_o mean_v to_o those_o who_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o sincere_a as_o to_o say_v ingenuous_o what_o they_o inward_o think_v for_o to_o unattentive_a or_o captious_a person_n nothing_o be_v plain_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o some_o will_v contradict_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o the_o sun_n itself_o can_v make_v a_o man_n see_v if_o either_o he_o want_v eye_n or_o will_v shut_v '_o they_o i_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o to_o such_o man_n either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o proposition_n be_v plain_a but_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o be_v try_v by_o any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a considerer_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o certain_a proposition_n as_o plain_a as_o most_o of_o those_o which_o pass_v for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n in_o discourse_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v just_o fear_v incur_v the_o same_o censure_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o geometrician_n of_o go_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v evident_a be_v there_o not_o something_o peculiar_a in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o make_v it_o very_o different_a from_o they_o for_o they_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o abstract_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o such_o wherein_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o uninteress_v have_v no_o real_a need_n to_o prove_v evident_a thing_n because_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n their_o evidence_n be_v never_o contest_v whereas_o the_o point_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o encounter_v the_o partiality_n and_o false_a biass_n of_o humane_a nature_n particular_o that_o great_a and_o govern_v one_o of_o self-love_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o some_o of_o their_o maxim_n will_v yet_o not_o be_v equal_o secure_a from_o opposition_n and_o pass_v alike_o uncontested_a and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o prove_v it_o if_o not_o to_o do_v any_o necessary_a service_n to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v
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 shall_v have_v they_o inquire_v after_o truth_n as_o diogenes_n do_v after_o a_o honest_a man_n with_o a_o candle_n in_o their_o hand_n and_o not_o care_v to_o go_v a_o step_n any_o further_a than_o they_o can_v see_v their_o way_n now_o upon_o a_o sudden_a they_o be_v all_o for_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n full_a and_o adequate_a perception_n demonstrative_a proof_n and_o argument_n and_o nothing_o will_v serve_v or_o content_v they_o but_o light_n and_o evidence_n and_o they_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v strange_a diversity_n of_o conduct_n who_o will_v think_v two_o such_o vast_o distant_a extreme_n shall_v meet_v together_o i_o will_v not_o say_v in_o the_o same_o man_n but_o in_o the_o same_o human_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o very_a same_o creature_n and_o such_o a_o one_o as_o style_n itself_o rational_a too_o shall_v proceed_v by_o such_o uncertain_a measure_n and_o act_v so_o inconsistent_o with_o itself_o sometime_o embrace_v a_o thing_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o its_o obscurity_n and_o sometime_o again_o in_o another_o fit_a make_n that_o alone_o a_o invincible_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o 3._o but_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o forego_n measure_n that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o nothing_o can_v argue_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v absolute_o incredible_a or_o not_o reasonable_a to_o be_v believe_v but_o that_o which_o at_o the_o same_o time_n argue_v it_o not_o to_o be_v true_a for_o if_o true_a then_o it_o be_v still_o within_o the_o compass_n of_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n but_o now_o we_o have_v show_v already_o 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 whence_o it_o clear_o and_o close_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n neither_o against_o its_o credibility_n and_o if_o so_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v it_o notwithstanding_o its_o incomprehensibility_n because_o we_o may_v believe_v whatever_o be_v not_o absolute_o incredible_a so_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n that_o we_o shall_v discard_v every_o thing_n we_o can_v conceive_v as_o unworthy_a of_o a_o rational_a belief_n or_o that_o what_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n shall_v be_v therefore_o above_o our_o faith_n too_o 4._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o no_o proper_a and_o direct_a argument_n why_o it_o shall_v be_v believe_v and_o he_o will_v be_v think_v to_o give_v but_o a_o ordinary_a account_n of_o his_o faith_n who_o be_v ask_v why_o he_o believe_v such_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n shall_v answer_v because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a which_o at_o best_a can_v pass_v only_o for_o a_o religious_a flourish_n much_o such_o another_o as_o credo_fw-la quia_fw-la impossibile_fw-it and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v not_o direct_o and_o per_fw-la se_fw-la a_o criterion_n of_o truth_n whether_o it_o may_v be_v per_fw-la accidens_fw-la may_v be_v consider_v afterward_o who_o natural_a and_o genuine_a character_n be_v not_o obsecurity_n but_o light_n and_o evidence_n not_o that_o nothing_o be_v true_a but_o what_o have_v this_o character_n for_o we_o have_v already_o show_v the_o contrary_a in_o prove_v incomprehensible_a truth_n but_o that_o as_o whatever_o we_o clear_o perceive_v be_v true_a so_o our_o clear_a perceive_v of_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a sign_n from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o incomprehensibility_n therefore_o be_v none_o but_o as_o such_o abstract_n from_o true_a and_o not_o true_a and_o be_v equal_o common_a to_o both_o but_o now_o that_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o thing_n suppose_v it_o false_a can_v no_o more_o prove_v it_o true_a than_o that_o which_o may_v consist_v with_o a_o thing_n suppose_v it_o true_a can_v prove_v it_o 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 incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v as_o such_o no_o reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o he_o do_v believe_v it_o consider_v only_o as_o in_o that_o state_n he_o will_v believe_v it_o without_o reason_n that_o therefore_o be_v a_o reason_n why_o he_o shall_v suspend_v a_o negation_n of_o reason_n be_v enough_o to_o withhold_v one_o assent_n though_o to_o give_v it_o one_o have_v need_n have_v a_o positive_a reason_n when_o therefore_o a_o thing_n appear_v incomprehensible_a that_o indeed_o be_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o suspend_v our_o belief_n till_o some_o prevail_a consideration_n from_o without_o shall_v over-rule_v that_o suspension_n by_o require_v our_o assent_n but_o when_o it_o do_v so_o than_o the_o incomprehensibility_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o argument_n to_o the_o contrary_a and_o it_o will_v be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a to_o reject_v a_o thing_n now_o because_o of_o its_o incomprehensibility_n as_o to_o believe_v it_o before_o for_o that_o reason_n and_o that_o because_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o reason_n for_o believe_v it_o so_o it_o be_v no_o absolute_a reason_n against_o it_o 6._o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o will_v be_v in_o natural_a thing_n the_o object_n of_o human_a and_o philosophic_a science_n such_o as_o belong_v proper_o and_o immediate_o to_o the_o province_n and_o jurisdiction_n of_o reason_n here_o if_o any_o where_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n will_v forbid_v all_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o so_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o do_v by_o some_o who_o though_o far_o from_o deny_v the_o belief_n of_o incomprehensible_a thing_n in_o religion_n will_v yet_o tell_v you_o that_o in_o physical_a contemplation_n clearness_n and_o evidence_n be_v to_o lead_v the_o way_n and_o we_o be_v to_o proceed_v with_o our_o light_n before_o we_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o well_o comprehend_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n indeed_o they_o will_v allow_v that_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v submit_v to_o revelation_n and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v many_o thing_n which_o pass_v our_o comprehension_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a reason_n they_o will_v have_v we_o go_v no_o further_o than_o reason_n can_v carry_v we_o which_o indeed_o be_v right_a enough_o it_o their_o mean_v be_v that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n all_o thing_n consider_v from_o without_o as_o well_o as_o from_o within_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o believe_v true_a and_o that_o we_o be_v never_o to_o proceed_v to_o judge_v or_o determine_v without_o some_o evidence_n or_o other_o but_o then_o this_o will_v equal_o hold_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n too_o which_o be_v too_o rational_a a_o assent_n to_o be_v give_v at_o a_o venture_n and_o we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o who_o formal_a reason_n as_o have_v be_v already_o discourse_v be_v always_o clear_n but_o if_o their_o mean_v be_v that_o in_o matter_n
against_o their_o be_v so_o reveal_v suppose_v the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o and_o direct_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v not_o i_o think_v offer_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o different_a construction_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n because_o of_o the_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o that_o which_o their_o proper_a and_o grammatical_a scheme_n do_v exhibit_v but_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n since_o to_o admit_v a_o incomprehensible_a sense_n have_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v than_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o untruth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a obstruction_n against_o either_o 5._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o natural_a sense_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o for_o force_a and_o strain_v interpretation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v apparent_o genuine_a and_o natural_a and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v otherwise_o plain_a and_o such_o as_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o in_o another_o case_n and_o about_o matter_n which_o we_o can_v well_o comprehend_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o the_o less_o so_o because_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o understand_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reconcile_v to_o our_o apprehension_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o may_v be_v true_a since_o by_o this_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v many_o incomprehensible_a truth_n the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v therefore_o no_o argument_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v which_o open_v a_o immediate_a entrance_n to_o the_o christian_n mystery_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v think_v sufficient_o reveal_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o they_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v pretend_v against_o their_o revelation_n 6._o i_o have_v hitherto_o argue_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n those_o doctrine_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o call_v be_v above_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o do_v transcend_v our_o comprehension_n and_o have_v show_v that_o even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o believable_a for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v recall_v this_o concession_n and_o put_v our_o adversary_n to_o the_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a reason_n and_o comprehension_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o contend_v they_o be_v not_o and_o with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n offer_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o endeavour_v to_o render_v a_o conceivable_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o if_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o right_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a at_o present_a to_o inquire_v into_o it_o will_v be_v a_o further_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n and_o such_o as_o though_o i_o do_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o need_v not_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o pillar_n but_o can_v support_v itself_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o as_o have_v another_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v its_o weight_n since_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v these_o sacred_a doctrine_n to_o be_v never_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o reason_n it_o do_v by_o no_o consequence_n follow_v as_o from_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v apparent_a that_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v due_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n 7._o shall_v any_o one_o now_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o objection_n as_o to_o draw_v one_o against_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n which_o know_v no_o other_o mystery_n but_o such_o as_o before_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v undiscovered_a not_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o conceivable_a or_o no_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v in_o any_o controversy_n with_o a_o less_o pertinent_a objection_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v make_v of_o by_o a_o late_a bold_a writer_n 90._o who_o heap_v together_o a_o great_a many_o text_n to_o show_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o signify_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o inconceivable_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v not_o know_v before_o they_o be_v reveal_v well_o be_v it_o so_o as_o this_o gentleman_n pretend_v though_o i_o believe_v upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v otherwise_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o do_v we_o dispute_v about_o name_n or_o thing_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n express_v inconceivable_a thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o scripture_n above_o our_o conception_n call_v they_o by_o what_o name_v you_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o their_o be_v so_o above_o our_o conception_n be_v a_o argument_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v now_o to_o these_o inconceivable_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o church-writer_n to_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n which_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v that_o will_v contend_v about_o it_o but_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n have_v already_o prevent_v i_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o objection_n faith_n for_o which_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o frivolousness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v pursue_v it_o no_o further_o chap._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 1._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v lead_v my_o reader_n through_o a_o long_a course_n of_o various_a reason_v and_o perhaps_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v i_o though_o i_o hope_v his_o journey_n have_v not_o be_v without_o some_o pleasure_n that_o may_v deceive_v and_o some_o profit_n that_o may_v in_o part_n reward_v the_o labour_n of_o it_o i_o have_v show_v he_o what_o reason_n be_v and_o what_o faith_n be_v that_o so_o he_o may_v see_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o each_o what_o habitude_n and_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o and_o how_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o latter_a may_v consist_v with_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a i_o have_v also_o considere_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v real_a and_o wellgrounded_n and_o to_o have_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o good_a distinction_n and_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o which_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o discourse_v at_o large_a and_o thorough_o to_o settle_v and_o establish_v because_o of_o its_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n i_o have_v deduce_v that_o weighty_a inference_n that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a which_o consequence_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o the_o present_a controversy_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v backward_o by_o show_v 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 then_o human_a reason_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v before_o demonstrate_v will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n whence_o i_o infer_v again_o ex_fw-la absurdo_fw-la that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a from_o this_o last_o consequence_n i_o infer_v another_o of_o no_o less_o moment_n 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 there_o may_v perhaps_o be_v no_o one_o truth_n in_o particular_a but_o what_o when_o present_v to_o it_o may_v be_v comprehend_v by_o it_o and_o so_o human_a reason_n may_v be_v right_o say_v to_o be_v adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n as_o distributive_o though_o not_o as_o collective_o consider_v but_o to_o this_o i_o have_v several_a thing_n to_o return_v first_o of_o all_o i_o say_v that_o such_o be_v the_o reciprocal_a dependence_n and_o concatenation_n of_o truth_n that_o the_o want_n of_o a_o thorough_a and_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n in_o its_o wide_a and_o most_o diffuse_a extent_n must_v needs_o very_a much_o eclipse_n the_o view_n and_o darken_v the_o perception_n of_o any_o one_o solitary_a truth_n in_o particular_a so_o that_o however_o we_o may_v have_v some_o tolerable_a perception_n of_o it_o and_o such_o as_o we_o may_v call_v clear_a in_o comparison_n of_o some_o other_o truth_n which_o we_o do_v not_o see_v so_o clear_o yet_o it_o can_v 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 upon_o the_o natural_a force_n and_o penetration_n of_o our_o understanding_n or_o upon_o our_o actual_a view_n and_o perception_n or_o upon_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n itself_o as_o for_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o understanding_n though_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o precise_a and_o exact_a bound_n and_o limit_n of_o it_o yet_o we_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o it_o be_v finite_a and_o have_v its_o fix_a and_o determinate_a measure_n which_o it_o will_v strive_v in_o vain_a to_o exceed_v as_o for_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n that_o we_o both_o experiment_n and_o from_o the_o forego_n consideration_n must_v of_o necessity_n conclude_v to_o be_v infinite_a and_o what_o ground_n of_o assurance_n can_v we_o have_v from_o either_o or_o both_o of_o these_o which_o be_v apt_a rather_o to_o lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o diffidence_n and_o distrust_n and_o then_o as_o for_o our_o actual_a view_n and_o perception_n though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o to_o have_v be_v hitherto_o never_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a never_o so_o numerous_a and_o extensive_a and_o never_o so_o fortunate_a and_o successful_a so_o that_o our_o victorious_a understanding_n never_o yet_o meet_v with_o a_o baffle_v nor_o sound_v a_o retreat_n from_o a_o too_o difficult_a and_o impregnable_a theory_n suppose_v in_o one_o word_n that_o we_o never_o yet_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n but_o what_o we_o full_o comprehend_v and_o be_v perfect_a master_n of_o which_o yet_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a presumptuous_a or_o a_o very_a little_a experience_a thinker_n that_o shall_v affirm_v of_o himself_o how_o notwithstanding_o do_v we_o know_v consider_v the_o finiteness_n of_o our_o intellect_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o truth_n of_o a_o nature_n so_o far_o above_o we_o and_o so_o disproportionate_a to_o we_o as_o not_o possible_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o for_o we_o can_v argue_v here_o from_o the_o past_a success_n and_o achievement_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o the_o future_a or_o because_o there_o have_v be_v nothing_o hitherto_o propose_v to_o we_o but_o what_o we_o comprehend_v that_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o propose_v but_o what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v if_o we_o conclude_v thus_o we_o forget_v the_o vast_a disproportion_n between_o truth_n and_o human_a reason_n that_o the_o one_o be_v finite_a and_o the_o other_o infinite_a the_o due_a and_o attentive_a consideration_n of_o which_o will_v convince_v we_o that_o though_o we_o have_v think_v never_o so_o much_o and_o never_o so_o well_o and_o comprehend_v never_o so_o many_o truth_n yet_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v there_o may_v be_v truth_n which_o our_o intellectual_a sight_n though_o aid_v with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o art_n that_o may_v help_v the_o mind_n as_o much_o as_o a_o telescope_n do_v the_o eye_n
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 that_o because_o of_o the_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o thing_n one_o upon_o another_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o quite_o eclipse_n and_o total_o abscond_v some_o truth_n from_o our_o view_n for_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_a complex_n and_o abstruse_a and_o that_o lie_v so_o deep_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v so_o far_o within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o intellectual_a systeme_n that_o include_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o relation_n depend_v upon_o so_o many_o supposition_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o so_o many_o premise_n presuppose_v and_o require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n of_o some_o of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o simple_a idea_n have_v such_o a_o train_n of_o principle_n plant_v and_o entrench_v as_o a_o guard_n before_o they_o and_o draw_v such_o a_o immense_a retinue_n of_o consequence_n after_o they_o and_o be_v every_o way_n so_o mingle_v involve_a and_o combine_v with_o other_o truth_n that_o they_o can_v possible_o be_v understand_v without_o a_o entire_a and_o all-comprehensive_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a rational_a systeme_n instance_n of_o such_o truth_n abound_v in_o every_o science_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o that_o may_v furnish_v we_o with_o so_o sensible_a and_o palpable_a a_o illustration_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o thâ—_n order_n and_o measure_n of_o divine_a providence_n we_o be_v all_o full_o assure_v from_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n as_o involve_v all_o possible_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n in_o it_o that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v infinite_o wise_a good_a just_a and_o holy_a and_o consequent_o that_o his_o whole_a conduct_n in_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n must_v necessary_o carry_v the_o character_n of_o all_o these_o attribute_n and_o that_o he_o can_v possible_o do_v any_o thing_n contrary_a or_o repugnant_a to_o any_o of_o they_o any_o more_o than_o he_o can_v deny_v himself_o or_o depart_v from_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o his_o infinite_a nature_n and_o upon_o this_o consideration_n be_v found_v the_o best_a argument_n we_o have_v for_o submission_n and_o resignation_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o acquiescence_n in_o his_o providential_a dispensation_n thus_o far_o then_o we_o be_v all_o satisfy_v and_o agree_v and_o yet_o it_o can_v be_v deny_v when_o we_o come_v to_o particular_n but_o that_o there_o be_v phenomena_n in_o the_o moral_a as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o natural_a world_n which_o be_v utter_o insolvible_a and_o that_o a_o great_a many_o of_o these_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n be_v accompany_v with_o desperate_a and_o invincible_a difficulty_n such_o as_o have_v at_o once_o exercise_v and_o puzzle_v the_o thought_n of_o the_o most_o inquisitive_a in_o all_o age_n and_o still_o remain_v obstinate_a and_o unmoveable_a objection_n not_o only_o to_o the_o atheist_n and_o libertine_n but_o even_o to_o the_o most_o sober_a and_o intelligent_a 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 even_o because_o we_o do_v not_o see_v it_o throughout_o and_o have_v not_o a_o comprehension_n of_o its_o universal_a systeme_n for_o the_o passage_n of_o providence_n 〈◊〉_d of_o such_o a_o relative_n and_o complicate_v nature_n there_o be_v such_o a_o kind_n of_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o mutual_a in-being_a or_o indwelling_a in_o they_o if_o i_o may_v transfer_v a_o expression_n hither_o common_o apply_v to_o a_o high_a mystery_n they_o be_v so_o interweave_v with_o and_o have_v so_o common_a a_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o that_o without_o a_o comprehensive_a view_n of_o the_o whole_a drama_n we_o can_v hardly_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o any_o one_o particular_a scene_n indeed_o if_o we_o can_v have_v such_o a_o view_n as_o that_o a_o view_n that_o go_v round_o and_o through_o and_o grasp_v the_o whole_a area_n of_o that_o immense_a circle_n we_o shall_v