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the_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_a to_o his_o present_a or_o future_a happiness_n be_v our_o maker_n design_n in_o vouchsafe_v to_o we_o a_o supernatural_a revelation_n and_o foresee_v all_o thing_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o such_o a_o end_n the_o respect_n and_o veneration_n which_o we_o pay_v to_o his_o sapience_n and_o goodness_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v adapt_v and_o proportion_v the_o mean_n thereunto_o now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n 1._o such_o as_o beside_o their_o be_v make_v know_v by_o revelation_n and_o believe_v on_o the_o account_n of_o divine_a testimony_n have_v also_o a_o foundation_n in_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o there_o be_v natural_a medium_n by_o which_o they_o may_v be_v prove_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o be_v of_o or_o attribute_n of_o god_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n the_o certainty_n of_o providence_n the_o existence_n of_o a_o future_a state_n and_o 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which_o as_o reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v so_o when_o reveal_v it_o can_v neither_o comprehend_v they_o nor_o produce_v any_o medium_fw-la in_o nature_n by_o which_o either_o the_o existence_n of_o their_o object_n can_v be_v demonstrate_v or_o their_o truth_n illustrate_v of_o this_o kind_n be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n of_o these_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o able_a to_o give_v we_o any_o adequate_a conception_n and_o yet_o these_o be_v by_o a_o clear_a and_o necessary_a connexion_n unite_v with_o other_o doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o reason_n enlighten_v by_o revelation_n can_v give_v a_o rational_a account_n of_o for_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o work_n of_o our_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o work_n of_o redemption_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o a_o infinite_a person_n have_v the_o like_a connexion_n with_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n in_o order_n to_o the_o dispense_n of_o pardon_n to_o repent_v offender_n and_o the_o necessity_n of_o satisfy_v divine_a justice_n for_o the_o end_n aforesaid_a have_v a_o necessary_a connexion_n with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o corruption_n of_o mankind_n and_o this_o corruption_n be_v both_o full_o confess_v and_o easy_o demonstrate_v by_o reason_n thus_o though_o all_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n have_v not_o a_o immediate_a correspondence_n with_o those_o of_o reason_n yet_o these_o very_a doctrine_n of_o faith_n which_o lie_v remoâ—est_v from_o the_o territory_n of_o reason_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v least_o affinity_n with_o its_o light_n be_v necessary_o and_o clear_o connect_v with_o those_o other_o principle_n of_o faith_n which_o when_o once_o discover_v reason_v both_o approve_v of_o and_o can_v rational_o confirm_v itself_o in_o i_o need_v not_o add_v that_o the_o most_o mysterious_a doctrine_n of_o 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reason_n 1._o to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v not_o
require_v to_o comprehend_v they_o whatever_o god_n have_v say_v be_v to_o be_v assent_v to_o though_o we_o can_v frame_v adequate_a notion_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o nor_o understand_v the_o manner_n how_o it_o shall_v be_v it_o be_v as_o much_o against_o reason_n as_o faith_n to_o think_v to_o fathom_v the_o perfection_n council_n and_o work_v of_o god_n see_v reason_n acknowledge_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a and_o itself_o finite_a 2._o if_o we_o will_v pretend_v to_o reason_n in_o religion_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n have_v say_v to_o be_v true_a this_o be_v the_o great_a reason_n that_o he_o who_o be_v truth_n itself_o can_v lie_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o consonant_a to_o the_o transcendency_n of_o so_o high_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o of_o god_n than_o that_o it_o be_v acknowledge_v incomprehensible_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o thing_n more_o agreeable_a to_o his_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o that_o his_o design_n and_o contrivance_n shall_v be_v hold_v past_o find_v out_o it_o be_v as_o well_o irrational_a as_o unjust_a to_o think_v that_o man_n shall_v penetrate_v those_o depth_n and_o abysm_n which_o the_o angel_n desire_v only_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o look_v into_o as_o veil_v and_o hide_a from_o sight_n but_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n contain_v in_o holy_a scripture_n which_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n yet_o most_o certain_o there_o be_v nothing_o therein_o which_o be_v contradictory_n thereunto_o to_o admit_v religion_n to_o contain_v any_o dogm_n repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v at_o once_o to_o tempt_v man_n to_o look_v upon_o all_o revelation_n as_o a_o romance_n or_o rather_o as_o the_o invention_n of_o distract_a man_n and_o withal_o to_o open_v a_o door_n for_o fill_v the_o world_n with_o figment_n and_o lie_n under_o the_o palliation_n of_o divine_a mystery_n we_o can_v gratify_v the_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n more_o than_o to_o tell_v they_o that_o the_o prime_a article_n of_o our_o belief_n imply_v a_o contradiction_n to_o our_o faculty_n in_o a_o word_n this_o hypothesis_n be_v it_o receive_v will_v make_v we_o renounce_v man_n and_o espouse_v brute_n in_o matter_n of_o the_o chief_a and_o great_a concernment_n for_o without_o debase_v ourselves_o into_o a_o low_a species_n we_o can_v embrace_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v formal_o impossible_a and_o when_o man_n have_v fill_v religion_n with_o opinion_n contrary_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o natural_a light_n they_o be_v force_v to_o introduce_v a_o suitable_a faith_n namely_o such_o a_o one_o that_o commend_v itself_o from_o believe_v doctrine_n repugnant_a to_o the_o evidence_n and_o principle_n of_o both_o thus_o the_o first_o heretic_n that_o trouble_v the_o christian_a church_n under_o the_o pretence_n of_o teach_v mystery_n overthrow_v common_a sense_n and_o do_v violence_n to_o the_o universal_a uniform_a and_o perpetual_a light_n of_o mankind_n some_o of_o they_o have_v teach_v that_o all_o creature_n be_v natural_o evil_a other_o of_o they_o have_v establish_v two_o several_a god_n one_o good_a another_o bad_a other_o have_v affirm_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v a_o particle_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n not_o to_o mention_v a_o thousand_o falsity_n more_o all_o these_o they_o defend_v against_o the_o assault_n of_o the_o orthodox_n by_o pretend_v that_o they_o be_v mystery_n about_o which_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v hearken_v to_o thus_o do_v other_o to_o this_o day_n who_o be_v resolve_v to_o obtrude_v their_o fancy_n upon_o the_o world_n and_o unable_a to_o prove_v or_o defend_v what_o they_o say_v pretend_v the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v the_o author_n of_o all_o their_o theorem_n nor_o can_v i_o assign_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o the_o antipathy_n of_o the_o turk_n to_o philosophy_n than_o that_o it_o overthrow_v the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o themselves_o confess_v by_o devote_v almansor_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n because_o he_o have_v weaken_v the_o faith_n of_o musselman_n in_o the_o alcoran_n through_o introduce_v learning_n and_o philosophy_n among_o they_o in_o brief_a though_o we_o make_v not_o natural_a light_n the_o positive_a measure_n of_o thing_n divine_a yet_o we_o may_v safe_o allow_v it_o a_o negative_a voice_n we_o place_v it_o not_o in_o the_o chair_n in_o council_n but_o only_o permit_v it_o to_o keep_v the_o door_n to_o hinder_v the_o entry_n of_o contradiction_n and_o irrational_a fancy_n disguise_v under_o the_o name_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n and_o it_o be_v necessary_a also_o to_o be_v remark_v that_o when_o we_o say_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o religion_n which_o be_v true_o repugnant_a to_o principle_n of_o reason_n we_o do_v not_o by_o principle_n of_o reason_n understand_v all_o that_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o man_n vote_v or_o receive_v for_o such_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o great_a moment_n but_o mistake_v philosophy_n and_o false_a notion_n of_o thing_n which_o this_o or_o that_o man_n admit_v for_o theorem_n of_o reason_n be_v of_o very_o small_a importance_n man_n be_v mislead_v by_o their_o sense_n affection_n interest_n and_o imagination_n do_v many_o time_n mingle_v error_n and_o false_a conceit_n with_o the_o genuine_a dictate_v of_o their_o mind_n and_o then_o appeal_v to_o they_o as_o the_o principle_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n when_o they_o be_v indeed_o nothing_o else_o but_o the_o vain_a image_n of_o our_o fancy_n and_o the_o conclusion_n of_o ignorance_n and_o mistake_v so_o that_o in_o read_v the_o holy_a scripture_n it_o high_o concern_v we_o to_o be_v very_o careful_a that_o the_o proper_a and_o original_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n be_v not_o neglect_v there_o have_v be_v those_o and_o yet_o be_v who_o will_v hardly_o allow_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n a_o proper_a sense_n but_o do_v every_o where_o obtrude_v a_o allegoric_a meaning_n as_o if_o that_o alone_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o nothing_o else_o but_o such_o kind_n of_o expositor_n do_v in_o effect_n little_o less_o than_o undermine_v the_o whole_a scripture_n betray_v religion_n and_o turn_v the_o sacred_a oracle_n into_o burlesque_fw-la nor_o be_v there_o any_o notion_n so_o romantic_a which_o the_o scripture_n by_o a_o luxuriant_a fancy_n may_v not_o at_o this_o rate_n be_v wrest_v and_o debauch_v to_o give_v countenance_n to_o yea_o a_o very_a small_a measure_n of_o wit_n will_v serve_v to_o pervert_v the_o plain_a scripture_n testimony_n to_o quite_o another_o sense_n than_o ever_o be_v intend_v by_o the_o writer_n of_o they_o a_o instance_n of_o this_o we_o have_v in_o those_o who_o by_o turn_v the_o whole_a scripture_n into_o allusion_n have_v wrest_v the_o revelation_n of_o the_o word_n to_o justify_v their_o own_o wild_a phantasm_n and_o frame_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o their_o own_o private_a notion_n and_o thereby_o evacuate_v the_o sublimest_n doctrine_n and_o most_o glorious_a action_n into_o empty_a metaphor_n and_o vain_a similitude_n thus_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n be_v allegorise_v into_o themselves_o and_o the_o birth_n death_n resurrection_n and_o ascension_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v construe_v after_o the_o manner_n of_o aesop_n or_o phylostratus_n fable_n into_o useful_a moral_n as_o if_o these_o be_v intend_v only_o to_o declare_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o we_o by_o way_n of_o allusion_n but_o leave_v these_o and_o suppose_v only_o for_o the_o present_a that_o there_o have_v be_v a_o supernatural_a or_o divine_a revelation_n of_o the_o almighty_n will_n to_o mankind_n which_o every_o moral_a man_n will_v find_v his_o interest_n to_o believe_v and_o embrace_v if_o it_o be_v upon_o no_o other_o account_n than_o the_o extraordinary_a advantage_n it_o afford_v we_o towards_o the_o secure_n both_o a_o temporal_a and_o eternal_a felicity_n by_o those_o excellent_a precept_n it_o contain_v above_o what_o be_v discoverable_a in_o natural_a religion_n suppose_v this_o i_o say_v it_o be_v reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o think_v that_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o in_o this_o admirable_a system_n essential_a to_o a_o save_v faith_n or_o fundamental_o necessary_a to_o our_o future_a welfare_n but_o what_o be_v as_o intelligible_a as_o legible_a to_o every_o reasonable_a creature_n reason_n most_o certain_o the_o essential_o of_o religion_n consist_v not_o in_o any_o intricate_a or_o perplex_v theory_n but_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o our_o duty_n the_o lord_n have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n say_v the_o prophet_n what_o be_v good_a and_o what_o do_v he_o require_v of_o thou_o but_o to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o thy_o god_n again_o say_v another_o of_o they_o pure_a religion_n and_o undefiled_a before_o god_n the_o father_n be_v this_o to_o visit_v the_o fatherless_a and_o widow_n in_o affliction_n and_o to_o keep_v
characterise_v the_o rational_a soul_n of_o man_n it_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v allow_v whether_o the_o master_n of_o its_o composition_n retain_v the_o same_o sentiment_n at_o his_o death_n concern_v the_o reason_v principle_n within_o he_o i_o have_v not_o inform_v myself_o but_o it_o be_v easy_a enough_o to_o conceive_v the_o thought_n more_o ready_o indulge_v that_o the_o loose_a scheme_n of_o religion_n may_v serve_v turn_n and_o that_o the_o sensitive_a appetite_n may_v not_o admit_v of_o any_o restraint_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o post_n mortem_fw-la aliquid_fw-la how_o the_o learned_a s_o m_z come_v in_o among_o this_o gang_n be_v somewhat_o strange_a that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o they_o we_o be_v give_v to_o understand_v by_o a_o letter_n of_o mr._n b_o it_o be_v in_o which_o be_v enclose_v a_o epitome_n of_o deism_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v be_v inform_v that_o excellent_a physician_n be_v taint_v with_o these_o principle_n but_o yet_o i_o can_v never_o understand_v but_o that_o he_o die_v far_o from_o a_o irreconcilable_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o firm_o persuade_v of_o a_o future_a retribution_n i_o shall_v not_o mention_v such_o of_o they_o as_o be_v now_o live_v although_o they_o seem_v to_o pride_n themselves_o in_o have_v be_v the_o parent_n of_o those_o monstrous_a birth_n which_o they_o have_v bold_o set_v their_o name_n to_o and_o deliver_v to_o the_o giddy_a world_n for_o the_o standard_n of_o truth_n and_o reason_n it_o may_v please_v almighty_a god_n to_o enlighten_v their_o understanding_n and_o to_o bring_v about_o so_o happy_a a_o reformation_n that_o they_o may_v be_v satisfy_v in_o the_o certainty_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n which_o will_v shine_v still_o with_o the_o great_a lustre_n the_o more_o powerful_o they_o be_v assault_v and_o flourish_v under_o the_o scandal_n and_o contempt_n of_o their_o malicious_a adversary_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o have_v a_o great_a desire_n to_o see_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n and_o when_o i_o have_v procure_v they_o i_o look_v they_o over_o without_o any_o such_o anticipate_v prejudice_n as_o can_v sway_v i_o to_o a_o partiality_n pro_fw-la or_o contra_fw-la i_o rather_o premise_v this_o as_o believe_v it_o no_o easy_a matter_n for_o any_o man_n who_o will_v be_v think_v to_o have_v a_o respect_n or_o veneration_n either_o for_o god_n or_o true_a religion_n to_o peruse_v such_o treatise_n without_o so_o great_a a_o abhorrence_n and_o detestation_n of_o the_o author_n as_o will_v hinder_v he_o from_o give_v either_o a_o due_a attention_n to_o what_o they_o write_v or_o to_o consider_v thorough_o the_o proper_a weight_n of_o their_o expression_n now_o upon_o a_o mature_a and_o deliberate_a consideration_n of_o what_o i_o find_v they_o have_v deliver_v i_o have_v venture_v to_o pass_v this_o censure_n that_o the_o author_n have_v plain_o discover_v themselves_o to_o be_v man_n very_o far_o short_a of_o sound_n or_o right_o reason_v of_o very_o little_a piety_n and_o man_n of_o no_o certain_a or_o steady_a principle_n and_o this_o sentence_n i_o have_v adventure_v to_o pass_v upon_o they_o on_o these_o account_n that_o whereas_o in_o one_o place_n i_o find_v they_o high_o plead_v for_o a_o natural_a religion_n ridicul_v revelation_n and_o muster_v up_o all_o the_o argument_n that_o themselves_o and_o their_o friend_n the_o libertine_n can_v furnish_v out_o in_o another_o they_o change_v their_o aspect_n and_o submissive_o condescend_v that_o the_o scripture_n shall_v have_v some_o little_a authority_n they_o speak_v modest_o of_o the_o two_o testament_n call_v they_o sacred_a record_n and_o ingenious_o confess_v that_o since_o humane_a reason_n be_v like_o a_o pitcher_n with_o two_o ear_n which_o may_v be_v take_v on_o either_o side_n in_o our_o travel_n to_o the_o other_o world_n we_o shall_v choose_v the_o common_a road_n as_o the_o safe_a for_o though_o deism_n may_v serve_v to_o manure_v our_o conscience_n yet_o certain_o if_o sow_v with_o christianity_n it_o will_v produce_v the_o most_o plentiful_a crop_n there_o be_v nothing_o say_v the_o same_o person_n in_o another_o place_n where_o he_o have_v be_v just_a before_o use_v argument_n to_o the_o discredit_n of_o our_o immortality_n more_o unaccountable_a and_o contradictory_n than_o to_o suppose_v a_o hum_n drum_n deity_n chew_v his_o own_o nature_n a_o dron_a god_n sit_v hug_v of_o himself_o and_o hoard_v up_o his_o providence_n from_o his_o creature_n this_o be_v a_o atheism_n no_o less_o irrational_a than_o to_o deny_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o a_o divine_a be_v it_o be_v the_o same_o also_o to_o believe_v the_o soul_n to_o be_v mortal_a as_o to_o believe_v a_o immortality_n without_o reward_n and_o punishment_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o common_a with_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n to_o dogmatise_v even_o in_o the_o most_o important_a point_n of_o religion_n strenuous_o affirm_v for_o truth_n what_o their_o reason_n dictate_v and_o present_o after_o when_o they_o have_v say_v all_o they_o can_v they_o be_v force_v to_o grant_v that_o what_o they_o have_v say_v be_v only_o such_o twilight_n conjecture_n as_o humane_a reason_n of_o which_o we_o yet_o so_o vain_o boast_v can_v furnish_v they_o withal_o it_o be_v now_o a_o aliquid_fw-la divinum_fw-la which_o do_v all_o thing_n and_o our_o capacity_n be_v unable_a to_o discern_v the_o same_o make_v we_o fasten_v either_o upon_o the_o elementary_a quality_n of_o hypocrates_n or_o galen_n or_o the_o cartesian_a rule_n of_o geometrical_a proportion_n the_o conclusion_n of_o all_o be_v this_o that_o since_o we_o be_v not_o qualify_v to_o understand_v the_o real_a essence_n or_o intime_fw-la nature_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v know_v nothing_o certain_o all_o our_o philosophy_n except_v scepticism_n be_v little_o more_o than_o dotage_n these_o be_v their_o own_o word_n which_o i_o think_v may_v give_v we_o a_o very_a justifiable_a occasion_n to_o look_v upon_o these_o man_n very_o improper_a standard_n for_o our_o reason_n or_o religion_n to_o be_v direct_v by_o and_o as_o unfit_a oracle_n for_o we_o to_o consult_v as_o for_o their_o divinity_n if_o a_o parcel_n of_o fine_a word_n will_v satisfy_v we_o may_v think_v very_o devout_o of_o they_o but_o indeed_o i_o can_v for_o my_o own_o part_n persuade_v myself_o when_o i_o consider_v the_o tendency_n of_o their_o common_a discourse_n and_o their_o converse_n in_o the_o world_n but_o that_o their_o religion_n may_v be_v fair_o resolve_v into_o 〈◊〉_d deâ—sâ—â—_n or_o the_o single_a belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o that_o our_o immortality_n be_v tack_v to_o it_o that_o the_o bait_n may_v be_v swallow_v with_o the_o less_o suspicion_n and_o the_o extravagant_a absurdity_n of_o their_o novel_a opinion_n less_o strict_o examine_v or_o inquire_v into_o for_o when_o we_o find_v man_n devote_v to_o the_o study_n of_o irreligion_n to_o frame_v and_o invent_v argument_n to_o disturb_v and_o perplex_v our_o faith_n we_o have_v sure_o but_o little_a reason_n to_o think_v well_o of_o their_o person_n or_o to_o regard_v their_o speech_n and_o that_o this_o have_v be_v the_o design_n of_o those_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o even_o the_o whole_a bent_n of_o their_o mind_n in_o manifest_a enough_o in_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o paraphrase_v the_o mosaic_a history_n in_o their_o endeavour_n to_o establish_v the_o sufficiency_n of_o natural_a religion_n to_o future_a happiness_n and_o oppose_v the_o same_o to_o the_o revelation_n of_o christ_n jesus_n in_o their_o collect_v argument_n out_o of_o ethnic_a author_n for_o the_o mortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n in_o their_o inâ—â—â—â—â—ting_v a_o possibility_n for_o a_o free_a and_o reason_a principle_n to_o be_v compatible_a to_o matter_n and_o all_o this_o with_o the_o same_o assurance_n as_o if_o they_o have_v receive_v intelligence_n from_o the_o court_n of_o heaven_n i_o be_o inform_v one_o of_o their_o late_a treatise_n which_o contain_v the_o head_n of_o their_o opinion_n will_v be_v ever_o long_o take_v to_o piece_n and_o judicious_o examine_v however_o difficult_a the_o task_n may_v appear_v i_o see_v nothing_o in_o they_o to_o discourage_v any_o ingenious_a man_n in_o the_o undertake_n for_o if_o we_o deprive_v they_o of_o their_o varnish_n and_o set_v they_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n we_o shall_v find_v but_o little_a in_o they_o more_o than_o empty_a sound_n and_o insignificant_a harangue_n they_o have_v be_v either_o feign_o or_o real_o ignorant_a of_o antiquity_n which_o be_v clear_a from_o their_o gross_a misrepresentation_n of_o some_o passage_n and_o their_o falsify_v downright_o in_o other_o they_o have_v rack_v their_o brain_n for_o their_o belove_a cause_n of_o natural_a religion_n but_o have_v not_o offer_v which_o they_o ought_v first_o of_o all_o to_o have_v do_v one_o syllable_n to_o disprove_v the_o founder_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o the_o
can_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n if_o a_o man_n know_v not_o that_o nonentity_n or_o the_o absence_n of_o all_o be_v can_v be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v know_v any_o demonstration_n in_o euclid_n if_o therefore_o we_o know_v there_o be_v some_o real_a be_v and_o that_o nonentity_n can_v produce_v any_o real_a be_v it_o be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o from_o eternity_n there_o have_v be_v something_o since_o what_o be_v from_o eternity_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o what_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v be_v produce_v from_o something_o else_o 4._o next_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o what_o have_v its_o be_v and_o begin_v from_o another_o must_v also_o have_v all_o that_o which_o be_v in_o and_o belong_v to_o its_o be_v to_o another_o too_o all_o the_o power_n it_o have_v must_v be_v owe_v to_o and_o receive_v from_o the_o same_o source_n this_o eternal_a source_n then_o of_o all_o be_v be_v must_v also_o be_v 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and_o application_n of_o their_o thought_n some_o argument_n prevail_v more_o on_o one_o and_o some_o on_o another_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o the_o same_o truth_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v this_o i_o may_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o ill_a way_n of_o establish_v this_o truth_n and_o silence_v atheist_n to_o lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o so_o important_a a_o point_n as_o this_o upon_o that_o sole_a foundation_n and_o take_v some_o man_n have_v that_o idea_n of_o god_n in_o their_o mind_n for_o it_o be_v evident_a some_o man_n have_v none_o and_o some_o worse_a than_o none_o and_o the_o most_o very_a indifferent_a for_o the_o only_a proof_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o out_o of_o a_o overfondness_n of_o that_o darling_n invention_n cashier_v or_o at_o least_o endeavour_n to_o invalidate_v all_o other_o argument_n and_o forbid_v we_o to_o hearken_v to_o those_o proof_n as_o be_v weak_a or_o fallacious_a which_o our_o own_o existence_n and_o the_o sensible_a part_n of_o the_o universe_n 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voluntary_a motion_n which_o be_v produce_v in_o we_o only_o by_o the_o free_a thought_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o be_v not_o nor_o can_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o impulse_n or_o determination_n of_o the_o motion_n of_o blind_a matter_n in_o or_o upon_o our_o body_n for_o than_o it_o can_v not_o be_v in_o our_o power_n or_o choice_n to_o alter_v it_o for_o example_n my_o right_a hand_n write_v whilst_o my_o left_a hand_n be_v still_o what_o cause_n rest_v in_o one_o and_o motion_n in_o the_o other_o nothing_o but_o my_o will_n a_o thought_n of_o my_o mind_n my_o thought_n only_o change_v the_o right_a hand_n rest_v and_o the_o left_a hand_n move_v this_o be_v matter_n of_o fact_n which_o can_v be_v deny_v explain_v this_o and_o make_v it_o intelligible_a and_o then_o the_o next_o step_n will_v be_v to_o understand_v creation_n for_o the_o give_v a_o new_a determination_n to_o the_o motion_n of_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o some_o make_v use_v of_o to_o explain_v 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there_o be_v a_o power_n in_o we_o above_o the_o sensitive_a soul_n or_o independent_a of_o matter_n notwithstanding_o this_o great_a man_n be_v in_o
put_v at_o the_o focus_n of_o the_o convex_a glass_n a_o little_a piece_n of_o stuff_n or_o brown_a paper_n the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n make_v so_o great_a a_o impression_n upon_o this_o stuff_n or_o paper_n and_o agitate_v the_o small_a particle_n thereof_o with_o so_o great_a a_o violence_n that_o they_o break_v and_o separate_v they_o from_o one_o another_o in_o a_o word_n they_o burn_v they_o or_o reduce_v they_o into_o smoke_n and_o ash_n thus_o we_o must_v conclude_v from_o this_o experience_n that_o if_o the_o pupil_n through_o which_o the_o light_n pass_v be_v so_o dilate_v that_o it_o will_v admit_v a_o easy_a passage_n for_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n or_o on_o the_o contrary_a be_v so_o contract_v as_o to_o obstruct_v they_o our_o retina_fw-la will_v suffer_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o the_o paper_n or_o piece_n of_o stuff_n and_o the_o fibre_n will_v be_v so_o very_a much_o agitate_a that_o they_o will_v soon_o be_v break_v and_o burn_v it_o be_v for_o this_o reason_n that_o most_o man_n be_v sensible_a of_o a_o pain_n if_o they_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n but_o for_o one_o moment_n because_o they_o can_v so_o well_o close_o up_o the_o orifice_n of_o the_o pupil_n but_o that_o there_o will_v enter_v sufficient_a ray_n to_o agitate_v the_o string_n of_o the_o optic_a nerve_n with_o much_o violence_n and_o not_o without_o danger_n of_o break_v they_o the_o soul_n have_v no_o knowledge_n of_o what_o we_o have_v speak_v and_o when_o it_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n it_o neither_o perceive_v its_o optic_a nerve_n noâ—_n any_o motion_n in_o it_o but_o that_o be_v not_o the_o error_n it_o be_v only_o a_o simple_a ignorance_n the_o first_o error_n it_o fall_v into_o be_v that_o it_o judge_n the_o pain_n it_o feel_v be_v in_o its_o eye_n if_o immediate_o after_o look_v upon_o the_o sun_n we_o go_v into_o a_o dark_a place_n with_o our_o eye_n open_a the_o motion_n of_o the_o fibre_n of_o the_o optic_a nerve_n cause_v by_o the_o ray_n of_o the_o sun_n diminish_v and_o change_v by_o little_a and_o little_a this_o be_v all_o the_o change_n that_o can_v be_v perceive_v in_o the_o eye_n however_o it_o be_v not_o what_o the_o soul_n perceive_v there_o but_o only_o a_o white_a and_o yellow_a light_n its_o second_o error_n be_v it_o judge_n that_o the_o light_n it_o see_v be_v in_o the_o eye_n or_o upon_o the_o next_o wall_n in_o fine_a the_o agitation_n of_o the_o fibre_n of_o the_o retina_fw-la always_o diminish_v and_o cease_v by_o little_a and_o little_a for_o when_o a_o body_n have_v be_v shake_v nothing_o can_v be_v perceive_v in_o it_o but_o a_o diminution_n of_o its_o motion_n but_o it_o be_v not_o that_o which_o the_o soul_n perceive_v in_o its_o eye_n it_o see_v the_o white_a become_v a_o orange_a colour_n afterward_o red_a and_o then_o blue_a and_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o error_n be_v that_o we_o judge_v there_o be_v change_n in_o our_o eye_n or_o upon_o the_o next_o wall_n that_o differ_v much_o as_o to_o the_o more_o or_o less_o 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raise_v for_o that_o power_n from_o who_o be_v derive_v all_o the_o benefit_n we_o can_v enjoy_v by_o a_o serious_a enquiry_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o may_v undoubted_o arrive_v at_o a_o more_o certain_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o usefulness_n of_o that_o infinite_a number_n of_o little_a being_n which_o we_o call_v species_n and_o idea_n which_o be_v as_o nothing_o and_o which_o represent_v all_o thing_n that_o we_o create_v and_o destroy_v when_o we_o please_v and_o that_o our_o ignorance_n have_v make_v we_o imagine_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n for_o thing_n that_o we_o understand_v not_o we_o shall_v likewise_o be_v enable_v to_o show_v the_o solidity_n of_o their_o opinion_n who_o believe_v god_n be_v the_o true_a father_n of_o light_n who_o only_o instruct_v all_o man_n without_o who_o the_o most_o simple_a truth_n can_v not_o be_v intelligible_a nor_o will_v the_o sun_n how_o bright_a soever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o visible_a to_o we_o and_o of_o they_o who_o acknowledge_v no_o other_o nature_n than_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o who_o upon_o such_o like_a reflection_n have_v confess_v that_o the_o idea_n which_o represent_v the_o creature_n to_o we_o be_v only_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a be_v which_o answer_n to_o those_o same_o creature_n and_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o the_o second_o of_o these_o new_a hypothesis_n though_o i_o conceive_v its_o first_o rise_n from_o the_o same_o fountain_n with_o the_o former_a yet_o i_o find_v the_o same_o very_o strenuous_o plead_v for_o and_o judicious_o vindicate_v by_o our_o countryman_n mr._n norris_n and_o this_o be_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o humane_a intellect_n of_o which_o that_o i_o may_v give_v you_o a_o short_a specimen_fw-la or_o brief_o hint_n to_o you_o i_o must_v take_v notice_n that_o in_o one_o part_n of_o his_o treatise_n he_o cite_v mounseur_fw-fr malebranch_n who_o consider_v with_o himself_o all_o the_o possible_a 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of_o practice_n and_o according_o make_v it_o a_o supplement_n to_o scripture_n which_o they_o say_v be_v not_o sufficient_a without_o it_o nor_o indeed_o any_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a dead_a letter_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n i_o appropriate_v not_o this_o divine_a light_n to_o moral_a or_o spiritual_a truth_n or_o thing_n but_o extend_v it_o as_o far_o as_o all_o truth_n yea_o as_o far_o as_o all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a which_o i_o believe_v to_o be_v perceive_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o divine_a light_n as_o i_o explain_v it_o iv._o they_o viz._n the_o q_o r_n make_v their_o light_n within_o a_o special_a privilege_n of_o a_o certain_a order_n of_o man_n their_o own_o party_n not_o indeed_o as_o to_o the_o possibility_n because_o they_o suppose_v all_o man_n to_o be_v indifferent_o capable_a of_o this_o divine_a
illumination_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o their_o contend_v against_o predestination_n and_o for_o universal_a grace_n but_o though_o they_o do_v not_o make_v it_o a_o special_a privilege_n as_o to_o the_o possibility_n yet_o they_o do_v as_o to_o the_o act_n make_v none_o but_o those_o of_o their_o own_o way_n to_o be_v actual_o enlighten_v by_o it_o whereas_o according_a to_o my_o principle_n this_o be_v no_o special_a privilege_n but_o the_o common_a and_o universal_a benefit_n of_o all_o man_n yea_o of_o all_o the_o intelligent_a creation_n who_o all_o see_v and_o understand_v in_o this_o light_n of_o god_n without_o which_o there_o will_v be_v neither_o truth_n nor_o understanding_n v._o again_o by_o their_o light_n within_o they_o understand_v some_o determinate_a form_v dictate_v or_o proposition_n express_o and_o positive_o direct_v and_o instruct_v they_o to_o do_v so_o or_o so_o now_o according_a to_o my_o notion_n this_o divine_a light_n be_v only_o the_o essential_a truth_n of_o god_n which_o indeed_o be_v always_o present_a to_o my_o understanding_n as_o be_v intimate_o unite_v with_o it_o but_o do_v not_o formal_o enlighten_v or_o instruct_v i_o unless_o when_o i_o attend_v to_o it_o and_o read_v what_o be_v write_v in_o those_o divine_a ideal_o character_n vi_o and_o last_o they_o offer_v not_o any_o rational_a or_o intelligible_a account_n of_o the_o light_n within_o neither_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n nor_o as_o to_o the_o mode_n of_o it_o but_z cant_z only_o in_o some_o loose_a general_a expression_n about_o the_o light_n which_o they_o confirm_v with_o the_o authority_n of_o st._n john_n gospel_n though_o they_o understand_v neither_o one_o nor_o tother_o whereas_o i_o have_v offer_v a_o natural_a distinct_a and_o philosophical_a way_n of_o explain_v both_o namely_o by_o the_o omniformity_n of_o the_o ideal_o world_n or_o the_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o have_v in_o himself_o the_o essence_n and_o idea_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o in_o who_o the_o same_o be_v perceive_v by_o we_o and_o by_o all_o creature_n i_o shall_v not_o detain_v you_o with_o my_o own_o comment_n hereupon_o any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o inform_v you_o that_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a to_o apprehend_v the_o same_o may_v be_v a_o solid_a truth_n i_o mean_v mr._n norris_n explanation_n of_o the_o divine_a light_n futurity_n will_v make_v we_o all_o wise_a and_o open_v a_o door_n to_o those_o recluse_n arcana_fw-la or_o hidden_a mystery_n which_o in_o this_o life_n be_v likely_a to_o be_v veil_v from_o our_o eye_n adieu_n letter_n iv._o of_o religion_n to_o mr._n etc._n etc._n the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n in_o time_n past_a the_o fallacy_n of_o modern_a inspiration_n and_o the_o danger_n of_o enthusiasm_n my_o good_a friend_n it_o be_v with_o no_o small_a concern_v that_o i_o have_v leave_v my_o former_a argument_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o yet_o methinks_v i_o be_o not_o perfect_o without_o hope_n that_o you_o will_v find_v something_o therein_o to_o evidence_n its_o immortality_n for_o although_o the_o one_o half_a of_o what_o may_v be_v allege_v in_o its_o vindication_n can_v be_v reduce_v to_o the_o narrow_a limit_n of_o a_o epistle_n yet_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o there_o be_v some_o few_o of_o the_o physical_a argument_n do_v manifest_o evince_v that_o without_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v a_o spiritual_a incorporeal_a substance_n whatever_o jargon_n this_o may_v seem_v to_o the_o absolute_a corporealist_n there_o be_v many_o of_o its_o phaenomena_n will_v be_v eternal_o incapable_a of_o any_o tolerable_a or_o allowable_a explanation_n i_o shall_v therefore_o earnest_o request_v you_o that_o you_o live_v not_o in_o a_o contempt_n of_o it_o for_o notwithstanding_o the_o power_n of_o sense_n and_o imagination_n may_v so_o obscure_a and_o darken_v the_o pure_a act_n of_o the_o mind_n as_o to_o persuade_v you_o that_o will_v and_o reason_n arise_v from_o the_o same_o principle_n assure_v yourself_o that_o a_o immediate_a prospect_n of_o another_o life_n will_v change_v the_o scene_n the_o intercept_n curtain_n will_v open_v and_o represent_v the_o antichamber_n of_o death_n where_o you_o will_v find_v yourself_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o such_o confusion_n horror_n consternation_n and_o perplexity_n as_o nothing_o will_v be_v able_a to_o mitigate_v but_o a_o sincere_a penitence_n or_o fervent_a contrition_n a_o devout_a and_o humble_a prosternation_n of_o your_o soul_n to_o the_o power_n offend_v and_o if_o the_o dread_n of_o this_o be_v insufficient_a still_o heighten_v your_o disturbance_n you_o may_v taste_v perhaps_o that_o hell_n you_o so_o very_o late_o have_v ridicule_v by_o way_n of_o anticipation_n before_o your_o fatal_a leap_n from_o the_o dismal_a and_o horrid_a precipice_n of_o life_n 1._o miscellan_o it_o must_v be_v do_v my_o soul_n but_o it_o be_v a_o strange_a a_o dismal_a and_o mysterious_a change_n when_o thou_o shall_v leave_v this_o tenement_n of_o clay_n and_o to_o 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prodigious_o cruel_a which_o plain_o demonstrate_v how_o unfit_a he_o be_v to_o lay_v claim_n to_o the_o prophetic_a privilege_n and_o dignity_n if_o we_o consult_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o alcoran_n we_o have_v all_o the_o evidence_n that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n can_v desire_v that_o it_o neither_o do_v nor_o can_v proceed_v from_o god_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o it_o steal_v from_o the_o scripture_n but_o even_o those_o be_v so_o perverse_o relate_v and_o so_o wretched_o corrupt_v with_o fable_n that_o they_o lose_v the_o very_a similitude_n of_o truth_n through_o the_o villainous_a management_n of_o they_o person_n be_v so_o misname_v time_n be_v so_o mistake_v the_o whole_a so_o interlard_v with_o contradiction_n and_o disguise_v with_o absurdity_n that_o we_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o contriver_n have_v a_o bad_a memory_n and_o a_o worse_a understanding_n in_o a_o word_n the_o whole_a alcoran_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o cento_n of_o heathenism_n 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of_o a_o god_n it_o bring_v only_o on_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n in_o himself_o and_o that_o the_o bible_n be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n that_o we_o do_v without_o the_o least_o guilt_n of_o vain_a credulity_n because_o upon_o the_o high_a reason_n implicit_o believe_v it_o again_o those_o who_o owe_v their_o belief_n of_o the_o bible_n be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n to_o mere_a report_n to_o principle_n of_o education_n the_o felicity_n of_o their_o birth_n or_o the_o clime_n where_o they_o be_v bear_v receive_v the_o scripture_n upon_o no_o better_a motive_n than_o the_o turk_n do_v their_o alcoran_n if_o pretend_a inspiration_n may_v pass_v for_o the_o demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o every_o bold_a pretender_n will_v obtrude_v upon_o we_o we_o must_v expose_v ourselves_o not_o only_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o every_o groundless_a imagination_n but_o of_o innumerable_a contradiction_n for_o not_o only_o the_o gross_a folly_n but_o doctrine_n palpable_o 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way_n of_o illumination_n by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n be_v to_o be_v otherwise_o urge_v as_o a_o argument_n of_o conviction_n to_o another_o than_o by_o propose_v the_o reason_n on_o which_o our_o faith_n be_v erect_v the_o way_n of_o such_o man_n evidence_n be_v communicable_a to_o none_o unless_o they_o can_v kindle_v the_o same_o ray_n in_o the_o breast_n of_o other_o which_o have_v irradiate_v their_o own_o and_o therefore_o they_o must_v deal_v with_o other_o by_o produce_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o conviction_n not_o plead_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o that_o another_o be_v convince_v and_o persuade_v by_o they_o depend_v whole_o on_o the_o weight_n and_o momentousness_n of_o the_o reason_n themselves_o not_o on_o the_o manner_n that_o such_o a_o person_n come_v to_o discover_v they_o for_o shall_v he_o have_v arrive_v at_o the_o discern_v they_o by_o any_o other_o mean_n they_o have_v be_v of_o the_o same_o significancy_n to_o the_o conviction_n of_o a_o adversary_n 3._o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o deity_n be_v not_o a_o principle_n demonstrable_a by_o reason_n see_v then_o it_o be_v by_o the_o scripture_n alone_o that_o we_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o existence_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n as_o a_o distinct_a person_n in_o the_o godhead_n therefore_o his_o testimony_n in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o man_n to_o the_o scripture_n can_v be_v allow_v as_o a_o previous_a evidence_n of_o its_o divinity_n to_o prove_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n when_o we_o can_v otherwise_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o holy_a ghost_n but_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o scripture_n be_v to_o argue_v circular_o and_o absurd_o so_o that_o in_o short_a when_o we_o have_v to_o do_v with_o such_o as_o either_o question_n or_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n we_o be_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o ratiocination_n from_o common_a principle_n receive_v among_o mankind_n and_o by_o topic_n that_o lie_v even_o and_o proportionate_a to_o intellectual_a nature_n our_o reason_n be_v here_o just_o to_o be_v magnify_v as_o high_o subservient_fw-fr to_o religion_n in_o that_o it_o can_v demonstrate_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n upon_o which_o our_o faith_n as_o to_o all_o particular_a article_n and_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v this_o i_o say_v our_o reason_n can_v do_v to_o the_o conviction_n of_o all_o who_o be_v not_o wilful_o obstinate_a and_o for_o such_o there_o be_v no_o mean_n either_o sufficient_a or_o intend_v by_o the_o almighty_a to_o satisfy_v they_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o partly_o through_o the_o weakness_n and_o darkness_n which_o have_v arrest_v our_o understanding_n partly_o through_o the_o nature_n quality_n extent_n and_o arduousness_n of_o object_n and_o our_o inadaequate_a conception_n of_o they_o partly_o through_o prepossession_n prejudices_fw-la and_o the_o bias_n of_o lust_n and_o passion_n
be_v reject_v it_o be_v a_o sign_n there_o be_v no_o truth_n in_o the_o thing_n pretend_v but_o far_a it_o be_v very_o suspicious_a when_o man_n exalt_v their_o own_o private_a revelation_n to_o the_o same_o authority_n with_o the_o revelation_n of_o holy_a writ_n and_o seek_v to_o justify_v the_o one_o by_o the_o other_o when_o they_o esteem_v the_o way_n of_o religion_n as_o describe_v in_o scripture_n to_o be_v mean_a in_o comparison_n of_o this_o that_o they_o be_v in_o and_o prefer_v this_o way_n of_o contemplation_n and_o inspiration_n above_o the_o plain_a precept_n of_o christianity_n when_o it_o be_v a_o condescension_n in_o they_o to_o join_v in_o external_n worship_n a_o state_n indeed_o of_o perfection_n that_o be_v above_o what_o the_o gospel_n have_v describe_v and_o be_v another_o gospel_n than_o what_o we_o have_v in_o scripture_n receive_v and_o which_o there_o need_v a_o uncontrollable_a evidence_n for_o the_o want_n of_o which_o increase_v the_o suspicion_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n for_o all_o this_o beyond_o their_o own_o simple_a affirmation_n and_o who_o be_v there_o that_o without_o good_a evidence_n can_v believe_v that_o those_o rapturous_a lady_n such_o as_o santa_n teresa_n and_o donna_n marina_n d'escobar_fw-la do_v in_o molinos_n '_o s_o phrase_n hear_v and_o talk_v with_o god_n hand_n in_o hand_n when_o he_o read_v the_o interlocutory_a matter_n that_o be_v say_v to_o have_v pass_v between_o they_o the_o desire_n of_o revelation_n have_v so_o wonderful_a a_o influence_n over_o the_o soul_n especial_o of_o such_o woman_n that_o there_o be_v not_o a_o ordinary_a dream_n but_o they_o will_v christen_v with_o the_o name_n of_o vision_n and_o i_o must_v needs_o say_v the_o credulous_a world_n have_v be_v much_o impose_v on_o this_o way_n the_o pretence_n abovesaid_a of_o maria_n visitationis_fw-la be_v a_o instance_n beyond_o all_o exception_n who_o impose_v upon_o her_o confessor_n no_o less_o a_o man_n than_o lewis_n granada_n the_o inquisition_n and_o even_o the_o pope_n himself_o and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o she_o pretend_v to_o somewhat_o more_o than_o internal_a for_o her_o converse_n with_o our_o saviour_n etc._n etc._n be_v at_o last_o detect_v of_o notorious_a imposture_n but_o most_o of_o the_o visionary_n we_o be_v speak_v of_o pretend_v not_o to_o so_o much_o and_o therefore_o where_o there_o be_v no_o external_n evidence_n attempt_v by_o they_o nor_o that_o we_o have_v the_o gift_n of_o intuition_n to_o see_v into_o their_o inward_a and_o self-evidence_n we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o think_v otherwise_o of_o such_o illumination_n introversion_n and_o interlocution_n than_o at_o best_a the_o effect_n of_o a_o distemper_a brain_n and_o so_o much_o the_o rather_o be_v we_o to_o be_v careful_a of_o these_o matter_n and_o not_o to_o be_v too_o easy_a of_o belief_n because_o it_o may_v be_v very_o dangerous_a in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o for_o if_o instead_o of_o a_o star_n it_o shall_v prove_v a_o igâ—is_fw-la fatuus_fw-la whether_o may_v not_o person_n be_v lead_v under_o the_o delusion_n of_o it_o and_o what_o will_v not_o be_v conclude_v to_o be_v lawful_a nay_o a_o duty_n which_o revelation_n shall_v warrant_v and_o where_o will_v this_o end_n if_o once_o it_o be_v credit_v and_o that_o we_o commit_v ourselves_o implicit_o and_o blind_o to_o such_o a_o uncertain_a guide_n 1695._o now_o if_o a_o person_n come_v under_o pretence_n of_o a_o revelation_n with_o a_o message_n to_o other_o and_o require_v they_o as_o they_o tender_v their_o salvation_n to_o receive_v it_o and_o to_o submit_v to_o it_o without_o such_o certificate_n as_o may_v give_v authority_n to_o it_o it_o be_v like_o one_o that_o shall_v take_v on_o he_o the_o style_n and_o character_n of_o a_o ambassador_n without_o any_o credential_n to_o give_v he_o authority_n and_o deserve_v no_o better_a acceptance_n it_o be_v by_o mean_n of_o prediction_n and_o miracle_n that_o a_o prophet_n must_v be_v know_v to_o be_v a_o prophet_n a_o inspiration_n to_o be_v a_o inspiration_n and_o by_o these_o character_n may_v we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v of_o both_o as_o to_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o mission_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o inspiration_n where_o the_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a there_o be_v never_o want_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o and_o though_o john_n do_v no_o miracle_n yet_o he_o have_v the_o spirit_n of_o prophecy_n the_o people_n acknowledge_v 41._o for_o say_v they_o all_o thing_n john_n speak_v of_o this_o man_n jesus_n be_v true_a there_o may_v it_o be_v likely_a be_v inspiration_n where_o there_o be_v neither_o of_o these_o or_o the_o like_a evidence_n but_o there_o be_v no_o obligation_n on_o other_o to_o believe_v it_o without_o the_o evidence_n be_v sufficient_a for_o such_o as_o the_o evidence_n be_v such_o be_v the_o obligation_n now_o the_o evidence_n be_v not_o sufficient_a which_o rest_v sole_o on_o humane_a authority_n and_o have_v nothing_o but_o the_o bare_a word_n or_o affirmation_n of_o the_o pretender_n to_o prove_v it_o it_o be_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o our_o saviour_n speak_v if_o i_o bear_v witness_n of_o myself_o my_o witness_n be_v not_o true_a the_o work_v i_o do_v bear_v witness_n of_o i_o so_o that_o inspiration_n be_v as_o to_o other_o no_o inspiration_n till_o it_o be_v prove_v it_o may_v for_o aught_o appear_v to_o the_o contrary_a be_v no_o other_o than_o delusion_n or_o imposture_n let_v therefore_o the_o imagination_n be_v never_o so_o strong_a the_o confidence_n never_o so_o great_a the_o intent_n never_o so_o good_a the_o question_n be_v whence_o be_v this_o what_o evidence_n do_v the_o person_n bring_v of_o his_o mission_n from_o god_n upon_o what_o do_v it_o rest_n into_o what_o be_v it_o resolve_v what_o do_v he_o produce_v more_o than_o what_o may_v be_v the_o fruit_n of_o imagination_n it_o may_v all_o be_v a_o fit_a of_o enthusiasm_n and_o if_o a_o person_n will_v pretend_v to_o immediate_a inspiration_n be_v it_o a_o age_n for_o it_o much_o more_o if_o he_o pretend_v to_o it_o after_o inspiration_n hâ—s_v cease_v he_o must_v be_v able_a to_o fortify_v it_o by_o such_o evidence_n as_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o he_o from_o who_o the_o inspiration_n come_v if_o it_o be_v divine_a the_o case_n than_o be_v to_o be_v put_v upon_o this_o issue_n and_o to_o be_v decide_v by_o the_o measure_n here_o lay_v down_o and_o we_o may_v safe_o venture_v the_o whole_a cause_n of_o revelation_n upon_o it_o when_o there_o be_v nothing_o want_v that_o can_v reasonable_o be_v desire_v towards_o the_o justification_n of_o its_o veracity_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o pretence_n for_o apply_v the_o same_o term_n of_o evidence_n and_o sincerity_n to_o imagination_n as_o to_o inspiration_n or_o to_o imposture_n whether_o enthusiastic_a or_o diabolical_a as_o be_v to_o revelation_n for_o when_o be_v it_o know_v that_o imagination_n or_o nature_n vulgar_o so_o call_v do_v ever_o empower_v person_n to_o speak_v all_o language_n and_o to_o discourse_v ready_o at_o once_o with_o the_o parthian_n mede_n and_o elamites_n etc._n etc._n in_o their_o several_a tongue_n when_o do_v nature_n or_o imagination_n enable_v person_n without_o any_o skill_n to_o cure_v disease_n natural_o incurable_a and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o humane_a learning_n to_o talk_v like_o philosopher_n of_o the_o sublimest_n argument_n and_o with_o as_o much_o freedom_n as_o they_o use_v the_o speech_n of_o the_o foreign_a nation_n they_o instruct_v far_o what_o imagination_n nature_n or_o art_n can_v inspirit_v moses_n with_o such_o a_o supernatural_a power_n as_o to_o turn_v his_o rod_n into_o a_o serpent_n and_o to_o devour_v those_o of_o the_o magician_n or_o by_o a_o stroke_n of_o it_o to_o fetch_v water_n out_o of_o a_o rock_n and_o to_o stop_v the_o mighty_a current_n of_o the_o sea_n what_o imagination_n can_v form_v such_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o a_o pharaoh_n and_o nabuchadnezzar_n or_o inspire_v a_o joseph_n or_o a_o daniel_n to_o give_v such_o a_o interpretation_n as_o justify_v itself_o to_o be_v true_a by_o the_o correspond_v event_n when_o do_v imagination_n give_v life_n to_o a_o fly_n or_o do_v the_o least_o act_n out_o of_o itself_o when_o do_v that_o or_o nature_n or_o imposture_n real_o and_o true_o raise_v the_o dead_a with_o elisha_n call_v for_o fire_n from_o heaven_n with_o elijah_n or_o foretell_v what_o shall_v happen_v a_o hundred_o or_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o or_o so_o much_o as_o what_o a_o person_n shall_v think_v to_o morrow_n here_o we_o may_v challenge_v all_o the_o magician_n all_o the_o man_n of_o art_n and_o science_n all_o the_o enthusiast_n and_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o talk_v as_o the_o person_n real_o inspire_v do_v talk_v to_o do_v as_o they_o do_v and_o to_o produce_v those_o testimony_n as_o they_o
produce_v in_o their_o own_o justification_n and_o for_o the_o confirmation_n of_o their_o mission_n from_o god_n from_o all_o which_o we_o see_v what_o evidence_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o reveal_v religion_n by_o the_o various_a way_n of_o its_o manifestation_n if_o we_o have_v such_o inspiration_n such_o vision_n of_o thing_n future_a and_o remote_a etc._n etc._n what_o evidence_n can_v we_o desire_v more_o to_o attest_v and_o bear_v witness_n to_o what_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v and_o receive_v and_o what_o absurdity_n must_v we_o be_v cast_v upon_o if_o we_o shall_v venture_v to_o call_v those_o matter_n of_o fact_n in_o question_n which_o though_o peculiar_a to_o those_o time_n lose_v not_o their_o force_n and_o evidence_n because_o they_o be_v not_o in_o our_o own_o nor_o have_v be_v for_o several_a age_n nor_o be_v to_o be_v again_o in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v true_a when_o a_o person_n be_v himself_o the_o recipient_a to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v impart_v there_o be_v no_o absolute_a need_n of_o a_o sign_n of_o far_a evidence_n to_o ascertain_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o to_o he_o when_o if_o god_n so_o please_v the_o revelation_n of_o itself_o may_v be_v make_v as_o clear_v as_o it_o can_v be_v make_v by_o the_o sign_n but_o when_o the_o revelation_n come_v at_o second_o hand_n to_o a_o person_n and_o rest_v on_o humane_a testimony_n on_o the_o ability_n and_o sincerity_n of_o the_o relator_n or_o person_n suppose_v to_o be_v inspire_v there_o need_v some_o further_a evidence_n some_o sign_n or_o sign_n that_o may_v show_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n since_o all_o man_n be_v liar_n psalm_n 116.11_o that_o be_v may_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v may_v either_o be_v so_o weak_a as_o to_o be_v impose_v on_o by_o their_o own_o imagination_n or_o the_o imposture_n and_o practice_n of_o evil_a spirit_n or_o so_o wicked_a as_o under_o the_o pretence_n of_o revelation_n and_o inspiration_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o in_o such_o a_o case_n i_o say_v no_o man_n affirmation_n or_o pretence_n be_v ordinary_o to_o be_v heed_v any_o far_a than_o he_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v a_o testimony_n as_o real_o divine_a as_o he_o will_v have_v his_o revelation_n to_o be_v account_v for_o as_o before_o say_v all_o revelation_n must_v have_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o true_a revelation_n it_o will_v be_v able_a to_o produce_v the_o same_o a_o revelation_n to_o another_o how_o evident_o and_o convince_o soever_o it_o may_v be_v represent_v to_o he_o be_v nothing_o to_o i_o unless_o i_o be_o full_o assure_v that_o he_o have_v have_v such_o a_o revelation_n but_o that_o i_o can_v be_v assure_v of_o unless_o it_o be_v by_o the_o like_a immediate_a revelation_n or_o by_o sufficient_a and_o uncontrollable_a testimony_n since_o the_o former_a will_v be_v absurd_a and_o be_v not_o to_o be_v expect_v at_o all_o time_n it_o be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o we_o to_o believe_v where_o there_o be_v sufficient_a motive_n of_o credibility_n as_o if_o we_o ourselves_o be_v alike_o actual_o inspire_v as_o they_o to_o who_o the_o revelation_n be_v immediate_o convey_v and_o if_o i_o mistake_v not_o these_o motive_n be_v to_o be_v resolve_v 1._o into_o the_o veracity_n sincerity_n and_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n pretend_v to_o inspiration_n 2._o into_o the_o matter_n or_o subject_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o 3._o into_o the_o testimony_n produce_v for_o it_o by_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o person_n we_o understand_v his_o probity_n and_o sincerity_n his_o capacity_n prudence_n and_o understanding_n which_o render_v he_o worthy_a of_o credit_n and_o be_v necessary_a qualification_n of_o a_o divine_a missionary_n the_o be_v a_o prophet_n to_o other_o as_o those_o be_v to_o who_o a_o revelation_n be_v make_v and_o that_o be_v inspire_v by_o almighty_a god_n so_o as_o to_o teach_v and_o direct_v they_o in_o the_o stead_n as_o it_o be_v of_o god_n who_o mouth_n and_o representatives_n they_o be_v to_o the_o people_n be_v a_o office_n of_o great_a dignity_n and_o require_v somewhat_o of_o the_o divine_a image_n as_o well_o as_o authority_n to_o recommend_v they_o and_o their_o message_n to_o other_o i_o grant_v in_o the_o ordinary_a case_n as_o there_o be_v prophet_n breed_v up_o in_o the_o school_n or_o nursery_n of_o learning_n and_o morality_n there_o may_v be_v such_o person_n as_o be_v employ_v without_o a_o strict_a regard_n have_v to_o these_o qualification_n as_o messenger_n that_o carry_v a_o errand_n by_o the_o order_n of_o their_o superior_n i_o grant_v also_o that_o god_n may_v and_o do_v sometime_o upon_o occasion_n inspire_v such_o person_n as_o have_v none_o of_o these_o qualification_n to_o recommend_v they_o as_o he_o do_v balaam_n but_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o when_o he_o open_v the_o mouth_n of_o the_o ass_n to_o rebuke_v the_o madness_n of_o that_o prophet_n and_o who_o be_v so_o ever-ruled_n by_o the_o divine_a power_n as_o against_o his_o 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even_o by_o their_o own_o weapon_n of_o humane_a reason_n i_o speak_v not_o this_o to_o show_v my_o own_o good_a like_n of_o such_o for_o the_o most_o part_n vain_a and_o unprofitable_a argumentation_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o no_o disserviceable_a office_n to_o religion_n neither_o yet_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o great_a creator_n that_o some_o man_n have_v leave_v both_o the_o atheist_n and_o his_o friend_n the_o deist_n without_o excuse_n and_o that_o they_o may_v see_v their_o condemnation_n heighten_v by_o their_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n contrary_a to_o the_o natural_a unprejudiced_a light_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o the_o extraordinary_a of_o divine_a faith_n your_o character_n of_o mr._n b_o l_o i_o think_v no_o whit_n too_o large_a nor_o do_v i_o dislike_v your_o thought_n of_o his_o be_v design_v by_o providence_n as_o a_o demonstrative_a and_o clear_a evidence_n to_o satisfy_v the_o doubt_a world_n that_o the_o large_a portion_n 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