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of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o 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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 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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
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 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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 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comprehend_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o it_o whereas_o i_o have_v show_v before_o that_o it_o be_v neither_o of_o they_o that_o we_o do_v not_o mean_v by_o above_o reason_n what_o be_v all_o over_o unintelligible_a even_o as_o to_o the_o very_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n nor_o what_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v in_o its_o utmost_a extent_n but_o only_o what_o be_v incomprehensible_a to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o if_o the_o proposition_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a so_o that_o as_o he_o say_v we_o can_v see_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o even_o as_o to_o the_o very_a sense_n and_o mean_v of_o it_o we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v it_o than_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n though_o even_o then_o it_o will_v not_o as_o this_o author_n confuse_o enough_o pretend_v be_v the_o same_o with_o it_o because_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v well_o understand_v but_o it_o be_v much_o otherwise_o if_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a only_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o manner_n of_o the_o thing_n this_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v hereafter_o may_v very_o well_o be_v believe_v though_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n can_v and_o what_o be_v utter_o unintelligible_a can_v and_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v already_o that_o what_o be_v thus_o only_o inaccessible_a to_o reason_n differ_v a_o little_a more_o than_o in_o word_n from_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o 26._o and_o now_o if_o humane_a nature_n be_v not_o a_o very_a unaccountable_a thing_n i_o shall_v stand_v great_o amaze_v at_o either_o the_o natural_a or_o wilful_a blindness_n of_o those_o who_o be_v for_o confound_a thing_n so_o vast_o different_a as_o the_o part_n of_o this_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o it_o most_o apparent_o be_v there_o be_v indeed_o some_o thing_n which_o we_o be_v ordinary_o teach_v to_o distinguish_v and_o yet_o when_o strict_o examine_v and_o compare_v will_v be_v find_v to_o have_v no_o real_a ground_n of_o distinction_n in_o they_o and_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o great_a and_o almost_o as_o common_a a_o fault_n to_o distinguish_v thing_n that_o do_v not_o differ_v as_o to_o confound_v those_o that_o do_v and_o there_o be_v also_o other_o thing_n of_o such_o near_a resemblance_n and_o cognation_n to_o each_o other_o that_o there_o need_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o art_n subtlety_n and_o nice_a inspection_n to_o discern_v their_o difference_n so_o fine_a and_o minute_n and_o almost_o imperceptible_a be_v the_o line_n that_o terminate_v their_o nature_n and_o divide_v they_o from_o one_o another_o but_o the_o idea_n of_o these_o thing_n be_v as_o different_a as_o those_o of_o a_o man_n and_o a_o tree_n a_o triangle_n and_o a_o square_a so_o that_o a_o man_n must_v wink_v hard_a not_o to_o perceive_v it_o or_o be_v very_o insincere_a not_o to_o acknowledge_v it_o and_o i_o can_v imagine_v why_o those_o especial_o who_o be_v know_v to_o serve_v themselves_o upon_o occasion_n of_o distinction_n which_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n than_o the_o mere_a will_n and_o pleasure_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v interest_n of_o those_o that_o use_v they_o shall_v yet_o reject_v such_o a_o solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n as_o well_o as_o well_o authorize_v one_o as_o this_o but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v not_o for_o their_o turn_n and_o if_o admit_v will_v like_o a_o bomb_n throw_v into_o their_o garrison_n blow_v up_o and_o lie_v waste_v their_o main_a strength_n and_o force_v they_o to_o desert_n and_o give_v up_o a_o cause_n which_o they_o be_v now_o especial_o most_o zealous_o fond_a of_o and_o seem_v resolve_v even_o against_o reason_n to_o maintain_v 27._o for_o i_o must_v further_o remark_n and_o it_o be_v a_o
observation_n not_o light_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o if_o this_o one_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v once_o admit_v or_o show_v to_o be_v real_a solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n be_v immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o very_a next_o consequence_n at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v above_o reason_n differ_v nothing_o in_o reality_n from_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o much_o contrary_n to_o it_o as_o above_o it_o and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v on_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v well_o but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v as_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n be_v sufficient_o do_v that_o these_o two_o be_v quite_o different_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o than_o even_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n there_o can_v be_v no_o pretence_n why_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n may_v not_o be_v believe_v which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o true_a inducement_n that_o make_v these_o man_n stand_v out_o so_o fierce_o and_o obstinate_o against_o this_o distinction_n for_o they_o be_v aware_a what_o mischief_n it_o will_v do_v they_o as_o it_o be_v also_o the_o reason_n why_o i_o have_v bestow_v so_o much_o care_n and_o pain_n to_o clear_v and_o justify_v it_o 28._o and_o thus_o have_v give_v a_o account_n of_o these_o great_a and_o fundamental_a thing_n what_o reason_n be_v what_o faith_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v above_o and_o what_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v now_o prepare_v the_o way_n to_o the_o more_o full_a and_o direct_a consideration_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o true_a state_n of_o which_o question_n by_o what_o 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 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