which_o i_o command_v you_o this_o day_n and_o the_o commission_n that_o christ_n give_v his_o apostle_n to_o preach_v the_o gospel_n run_v thus_o go_v you_o into_o all_o the_o world_n and_o preach_v the_o gospel_n to_o every_o creature_n i._n e._n to_o all_o mankind_n 16._o he_o that_o believe_v and_o be_v baptize_v shall_v be_v save_v but_o he_o that_o believe_v not_o shall_v be_v damn_v by_o this_o you_o may_v perceive_v that_o as_o far_o as_o there_o be_v either_o truth_n or_o probability_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o far_o forth_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o become_v a_o disciple_n to_o it_o run_v a_o venture_n not_o only_o to_o lose_v the_o great_a blessing_n that_o man_n can_v hope_v but_o to_o fall_v eternal_o into_o the_o great_a misery_n that_o they_o can_v fear_v and_o indeed_o our_o case_n in_o reference_n to_o the_o christian_a religion_n may_v not_o only_o be_v refer_v to_o the_o second_o sort_n of_o case_n late_o mention_v but_o to_o the_o three_o sort_n too_o for_o as_o the_o language_n of_o the_o author_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v to_o his_o auditor_n if_o you_o believe_v not_o that_o i_o be_o he_o the_o messiah_n you_o shall_v die_v in_o your_o sin_n 24._o so_o of_o the_o two_o great_a herald_n of_o it_o the_o one_o tell_v the_o jew_n that_o neither_o be_v there_o salvation_n in_o any_o other_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o name_n under_o heaven_n give_v among_o man_n whereby_o we_o must_v be_v save_v 12._o and_o the_o other_o tell_v the_o thessalonian_n that_o the_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n with_o his_o mighty_a angel_n in_o flame_a fire_n take_v vengeance_n on_o they_o that_o know_v not_o god_n and_o obey_v not_o the_o gospel_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n 9_o who_o shall_v be_v punish_v with_o everlasting_a destruction_n from_o the_o presence_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o from_o the_o glory_n of_o his_o power_n by_o all_o this_o it_o appear_v that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o propose_v bare_o as_o a_o proffer_n of_o heaven_n in_o case_n man_n embrace_v it_o but_o as_o a_o law_n that_o man_n shall_v embrace_v it_o upon_o the_o great_a penalty_n and_o as_o the_o only_a expedient_a and_o remedy_n to_o attain_v eternal_a happiness_n and_o escape_v endless_a misery_n so_o that_o the_o forbear_v to_o submit_v our_o neck_n to_o the_o yoke_n of_o christ_n be_v as_o well_o a_o ruinous_a course_n as_o to_o reject_v it_o that_o which_o reason_n here_o put_v we_o upon_o be_v not_o so_o much_o to_o consider_v whether_o or_o no_o the_o argument_n for_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v demonstration_n and_o will_v enable_v a_o man_n to_o answer_v direct_o all_o objection_n and_o scruple_n for_o there_o be_v divers_a course_n that_o prudence_n may_v enjoin_v a_o man_n to_o steer_v whilst_o philosophy_n suggest_v speculative_a doubt_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o such_o resolution_n but_o whether_o it_o be_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o not_o to_o be_v true_a or_o rather_o whether_o it_o be_v not_o more_o adviseable_a to_o perform_v the_o condition_n it_o require_v upon_o a_o probable_a expectation_n of_o obtain_v the_o blessing_n it_o promise_n than_o by_o refuse_v it_o to_o run_v a_o probable_a hazard_n of_o incur_v such_o great_a and_o endless_a misery_n as_o it_o peremptory_o threaten_v it_o will_v perhaps_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v a_o hard_a case_n but_o that_o be_v a_o allegation_n i_o be_o not_o here_o to_o consider_v since_o it_o proper_o belong_v to_o the_o doctrine_n about_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n who_o be_v the_o only_a author_n and_o absolute_a lord_n of_o the_o creature_n who_o can_v receive_v neither_o law_n nor_o benefit_n from_o they_o that_o can_v oblige_v he_o to_o they_o have_v a_o right_a to_o prescribe_v they_o what_o law_n he_o think_v fit_a that_o be_v not_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o obey_v and_o to_o punish_v their_o disobedience_n to_o such_o law_n and_o much_o more_o have_v a_o right_a to_o annex_v what_o condition_n he_o please_v to_o that_o inestimable_a felicity_n he_o hold_v forth_o the_o proffer_n of_o it_o upon_o any_o term_n be_v a_o free_a act_n of_o his_o mere_a goodness_n and_o the_o value_n of_o it_o incomparable_o surpass_v whatever_o we_o man_n can_v do_v or_o suffer_v to_o obtain_v it_o especial_o consider_v that_o as_o he_o may_v enforce_v his_o command_n as_o sovereign_n common_o do_v by_o threaten_a penalty_n to_o the_o disobedient_a without_o propose_v reward_n to_o the_o performer_n so_o he_o have_v give_v man_n such_o probable_a argument_n to_o ground_v their_o expectation_n on_o that_o they_o will_v be_v self-condemned_a if_o they_o reject_v the_o religion_n he_o propose_v and_o yet_o maintain_v it_o to_o be_v decent_a if_o i_o may_v so_o speak_v for_o he_o to_o crown_v their_o faith_n with_o unvaluable_a blessing_n but_o as_o i_o be_v say_v the_o direct_a and_o full_a answer_n to_o this_o allegation_n belong_v not_o to_o this_o place_n where_o it_o may_v suffice_v to_o say_v that_o whether_o the_o case_n be_v hard_a or_o no_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o case_n and_o therefore_o though_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n do_v not_o amount_v which_o yet_o i_o do_v not_o grant_v to_o moral_a demonstration_n a_o man_n may_v act_v rational_o in_o embrace_v that_o religion_n if_o all_o thing_n consider_v it_o appear_v more_o likely_a to_o be_v true_a than_o not_o to_o be_v true_a and_o i_o shall_v by_o and_o by_o show_v you_o that_o this_o be_v not_o the_o only_a case_n where_o prudence_n put_v we_o upon_o make_v resolution_n notwithstanding_o contrary_a doubt_n i_o know_v the_o harshness_n of_o the_o case_n be_v by_o most_o man_n make_v to_o consist_v in_o this_o that_o for_o a_o religion_n whereof_o the_o truth_n suppose_v in_o its_o promise_n and_o threat_n be_v not_o demonstrative_o prove_v we_o must_v resign_v up_o our_o pleasure_n and_o sometime_o undergo_v considerable_a hardship_n and_o loss_n and_o consequent_o we_o must_v quit_v what_o be_v certain_a for_o what_o be_v uncertain_a i_o have_v in_o another_o paper_n have_v occasion_n to_o say_v something_o else_o to_o this_o objection_n than_o what_o to_o avoid_v repetition_n shall_v make_v up_o my_o present_a answer_n which_o consist_v of_o two_o part_n the_o first_o whereof_o be_v that_o what_o we_o be_v to_o give_v up_o to_o become_v christian_n be_v not_o real_o so_o valuable_a in_o itself_o as_o the_o objecter_n think_v and_o that_o it_o be_v of_o scarce_a any_o value_n at_o all_o if_o compare_v to_o the_o good_n we_o may_v acquire_v by_o part_v with_o they_o for_o alas_o what_o be_v it_o that_o christianity_n require_v we_o to_o forego_v but_o small_a petty_a enjoyment_n which_o those_o that_o have_v have_v the_o most_o of_o have_v find_v they_o and_o pronounce_v they_o unsatisfactory_a whilst_o they_o possess_v they_o and_o which_o manifest_a experience_n show_v to_o be_v no_o less_o transitory_a than_o they_o have_v be_v declare_v empty_a since_o a_o thousand_o accident_n may_v take_v they_o from_o we_o and_o death_n will_v infallible_o after_o a_o short_a time_n which_o can_v be_v but_o a_o moment_n compare_v to_o eternity_n take_v we_o from_o they_o and_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o these_o enjoyment_n such_o as_o they_o be_v be_v at_o least_o the_o only_a happiness_n that_o we_o can_v make_v ourselves_o sure_a of_o i_o must_v free_o profess_v that_o i_o think_v it_o therefore_o the_o more_o reasonable_a to_o part_v with_o they_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a upon_o the_o hope_n that_o christian_n religion_n give_v we_o for_o especial_o if_o a_o man_n behold_v those_o thing_n not_o only_o with_o a_o philosophical_a eye_n that_o can_v look_v through_o they_o but_o with_o a_o christian_a eye_n that_o can_v look_v beyond_o they_o if_o there_o be_v no_o great_a happiness_n i_o do_v not_o think_v so_o poor_a a_o thing_n as_o man_n call_v happiness_n worth_n be_v greedy_o desire_v and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o transcendent_a happiness_n as_o christianity_n hold_v forth_o i_o be_o sure_a that_o deserve_v to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o my_o ambition_n so_o that_o either_o the_o meanness_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n will_v make_v i_o think_v it_o no_o great_a misery_n to_o want_v it_o or_o the_o excellency_n of_o heavenly_a felicity_n will_v make_v i_o think_v it_o great_a wisdom_n to_o part_v with_o earthly_a for_o it_o and_o now_o in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o my_o answer_n i_o must_v invite_v you_o to_o consider_v with_o i_o that_o christian_a religion_n require_v not_o of_o we_o action_n more_o imprudent_a than_o divers_a other_o that_o be_v general_o look_v upon_o as_o comply_v with_o the_o dictate_v of_o prudence_n and_o some_o of_o they_o practise_v by_o great_a politician_n themselves_o in_o the_o weighty_a affair_n of_o state_n you_o know_v what_o a_o
of_o this_o curse_n that_o he_o bless_v himself_o in_o his_o heart_n say_v i_o shall_v have_v peace_n though_o i_o walk_v in_o the_o imagination_n of_o my_o heart_n to_o add_v drunkenness_n to_o thirst_n the_o lord_n will_v not_o spare_v he_o but_o then_o the_o anger_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o his_o jealousy_n shall_v smoke_v against_o that_o man_n and_o all_o the_o curse_n that_o be_v write_v in_o this_o book_n shall_v lie_v upon_o he_o and_o the_o lord_n shall_v blot_v out_o his_o name_n from_o under_o heaven_n he_o that_o despise_v the_o method_n of_o god_n grace_n and_o continue_v his_o disobedience_n and_o yet_o persuade_v himself_o that_o all_o shall_v be_v well_o with_o he_o do_v high_o provoke_v god_n the_o hope_n of_o the_o disobedient_a be_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o disobedience_n for_o it_o be_v a_o presumptuous_a believe_v against_o the_o express_a declaration_n of_o god_n will_n and_o they_o shall_v be_v punish_v for_o it_o as_o a_o aggravation_n of_o their_o other_o sin_n such_o people_n slight_a the_o divine_a threaten_n disbelieve_v the_o truth_n and_o power_n of_o god_n concern_v their_o performance_n but_o they_o shall_v pay_v dear_a for_o it_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a day_n of_o wrath_n when_o christ_n will_v come_v in_o flame_a fire_n to_o render_v vengeance_n to_o those_o who_o acknowledge_v god_n no_o better_o and_o do_v wilful_o disobey_v his_o gospel_n this_o misery_n be_v dreadful_a because_o the_o suffering_n to_o which_o the_o impenitent_a will_v be_v condemn_v be_v so_o great_a that_o now_o they_o will_v be_v intolerable_a but_o which_o then_o they_o shall_v be_v make_v to_o endure_v of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v account_n 1._o by_o a_o brief_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o description_n of_o they_o which_o we_o find_v in_o holy_a scripture_n 2._o by_o the_o deep_a impression_n which_o they_o will_v make_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o damn_a impenitent_n of_o which_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o holy_a writ_n 3._o by_o set_v down_o four_o particular_a notice_n which_o we_o have_v receive_v concern_v the_o dreadfulness_n of_o that_o state_n 1._o by_o a_o brief_a rehearsal_n of_o the_o description_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o impenitent_n which_o we_o find_v record_v in_o holy_a scripture_n it_o have_v please_v god_n to_o express_v the_o future_a torment_n of_o impenitent_a soul_n by_o take_v resemblance_n from_o the_o bodily_a pain_n with_o which_o they_o be_v now_o acquaint_v and_o have_v choose_v the_o most_o sharp_a of_o those_o which_o man_n suffer_v on_o earth_n to_o be_v emblem_n of_o those_o far_o great_a which_o they_o shall_v suffer_v in_o hell_n i_o shall_v name_v a_o few_o of_o they_o sometime_o that_o miserable_a condition_n be_v describe_v by_o the_o torment_n of_o fire_n than_o which_o nothing_o be_v more_o sharp_a which_o be_v call_v matth._n 5._o 22._o hell_n fire_n which_o chap._n 13._o 49_o 50._o be_v call_v a_o furnace_n of_o fire_n into_o which_o the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v cast_v in_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o rev._n 21._o 8._o a_o lake_n of_o fire_n and_o brimstone_n into_o which_o several_a sort_n of_o sinner_n there_o name_v shall_v be_v throw_v heb._n 10._o 27._o it_o be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o be_v translate_v fiery_a indignation_n because_o of_o the_o fierceness_n of_o divine_a vengeance_n this_o be_v terrible_a and_o therefore_o such_o as_o be_v obnoxious_a to_o it_o be_v there_o say_v to_o be_v under_o a_o fearful_a expectation_n of_o judgement_n it_o be_v a_o pain_n unspeakable_o dreadful_a which_o those_o old_a sinner_n endure_v who_o be_v enclose_v in_o sodom_n and_o make_v to_o perish_v in_o the_o noisome_a smoke_n of_o brimstone_n and_o the_o unsupportable_a torment_n of_o fire_n but_o that_o be_v nothing_o to_o that_o which_o will_v be_v kindle_v in_o hell_n where_o the_o fire_n will_v never_o go_v out_o nor_o the_o person_n who_o be_v burn_v in_o it_o ever_o be_v consume_v sometime_o this_o punishment_n be_v call_v the_o gnaw_v of_o the_o never_o die_a worm_n 44._o sometime_o it_o be_v represent_v by_o utter_a darkness_n which_o signify_v the_o utmost_a disconsolateness_n of_o a_o dismal_a condition_n happiness_n in_o holy_a writ_n be_v call_v light_n 12._o and_o heaven_n the_o inheritance_n of_o the_o saint_n in_o light_n those_o who_o be_v cast_v into_o utter_a darkness_n be_v remove_v to_o the_o far_a distance_n from_o god_n psal._n who_o be_v the_o fountain_n of_o life_n and_o in_o who_o light_n the_o bless_a see_v light_n it_o be_v call_v the_o blackness_n of_o darkness_n i._n e._n the_o most_o horrid_a 17_o into_o which_o no_o glimpse_n of_o light_n shine_v this_o state_n be_v worse_a than_o that_o of_o a_o malefactor_n who_o be_v condemn_v to_o be_v make_v up_o between_o two_o wall_n there_o to_o perish_v in_o darkness_n hunger_n and_o solitude_n sometime_o this_o dreadful_a misery_n be_v signify_v by_o a_o pit_n which_o have_v no_o bottom_n into_o which_o the_o ungodly_a be_v to_o be_v cast_v and_o sometime_o by_o the_o torment_n of_o a_o perpetual_a rack_n sometime_o by_o a_o cup_n of_o wrath_n 10._o call_v the_o wine_n of_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n mix_v with_o bitter_a ingredient_n and_o in_o this_o world_n god_n do_v make_v sinner_n to_o drink_v some_o drop_n but_o in_o the_o great_a day_n he_o will_v make_v they_o drink_v up_o the_o dregs_o of_o it_o 8._o the_o bitter_a wrath_n which_o lie_v in_o the_o bottom_n in_o which_o be_v no_o alloy_n of_o mercy_n last_o by_o the_o pain_n of_o the_o second_o death_n which_o the_o ungodly_a must_v endure_v which_o be_v a_o thousand_o time_n worse_o than_o the_o first_o for_o that_o be_v but_o a_o temporal_a separation_n of_o the_o soul_n from_o the_o body_n this_o a_o eternal_a separation_n of_o body_n and_o soul_n from_o god_n 2._o the_o greatness_n of_o this_o misery_n be_v plain_o declare_v by_o the_o deep_a impression_n which_o we_o be_v tell_v it_o will_v make_v upon_o the_o spirit_n of_o damn_a impenitent_n as_o we_o perceive_v the_o acuteness_n of_o pain_n which_o man_n suffer_v by_o the_o grievousness_n of_o their_o cry_n 12._o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o in_o the_o place_n to_o which_o the_o impenitent_a shall_v be_v condemn_v there_o will_v be_v weep_v and_o gnash_n of_o tooth_n these_o be_v expression_n of_o extreme_a grief_n and_o show_v the_o extremity_n of_o misery_n a_o small_a matter_n will_v not_o make_v one_o cry_v out_o nor_o a_o little_a cold_a make_v the_o tooth_n chatter_v 17._o no_o it_o be_v because_o the_o great_a day_n of_o wrath_n be_v come_v and_o who_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o abide_v it_o the_o impenitent_a will_v then_o be_v glad_a of_o annihilation_n it_o will_v be_v good_a for_o they_o that_o they_o be_v nothing_o or_o as_o our_o saviour_n say_v that_o they_o have_v never_o be_v bear_v in_o great_a anguish_n they_o will_v say_v to_o the_o mountain_n fall_v on_o we_o and_o to_o the_o rock_n cover_v we_o and_o hide_v we_o from_o the_o face_n of_o he_o that_o sit_v upon_o the_o throne_n and_o from_o the_o wrath_n of_o the_o lamb_n but_o the_o rock_n will_v be_v as_o deaf_a to_o the_o impenitent_a then_o as_o they_o be_v to_o god_n now_o 3._o three_o the_o impenitent_n misery_n be_v make_v know_v to_o they_o by_o four_o particular_a notice_n which_o be_v give_v they_o of_o their_o dreadful_a condition_n in_o the_o other_o world_n 1._o they_o be_v tell_v beforehand_o what_o company_n they_o shall_v have_v in_o hell_n and_o that_o be_v no_o better_a than_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n hater_n and_o hate_a of_o god_n so_o the_o sentence_n run_v 41._o go_v you_o curse_v into_o the_o fire_n prepare_v for_o the_o devil_n and_o his_o angel_n you_o hold_v of_o his_o side_n 24._o and_o it_o be_v fit_v you_o shall_v share_v in_o his_o lot_n i_o call_v you_o to_o the_o hope_n of_o my_o mercy_n and_o offer_v you_o a_o part_n in_o the_o happiness_n of_o obedient_a soul_n but_o you_o rather_o choose_v to_o comply_v with_o your_o own_o and_o my_o enemy_n and_o to_o perish_v with_o satan_n rather_o than_o to_o hearken_v to_o i_o get_v you_o go_v from_o i_o and_o all_o the_o bless_a into_o that_o fire_n which_o be_v not_o design_v for_o you_o but_o be_v appoint_v as_o the_o punishment_n of_o devil_n but_o since_o you_o will_v have_v your_o portion_n in_o it_o i_o confirm_v your_o choice_n this_o be_v sad_a for_o the_o devil_n be_v always_o and_o be_v still_o enemy_n to_o mankind_n they_o be_v murderer_n from_o the_o beginning_n and_o be_v malicious_a to_o the_o end_n to_o be_v shut_v up_o with_o such_o companion_n be_v a_o great_a torment_n than_o to_o be_v nail_v up_o in_o a_o vessel_n among_o serpent_n will_v impenitent_a sinner_n be_v able_a to_o endure_v this_o can_v they_o dwell_v with_o everlasting_a burn_n can_v they_o make_v a_o
and_o in_o concreto_fw-la to_o clear_v this_o matter_n we_o may_v consider_v that_o whatever_o you_o make_v the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v in_o itself_o yet_o the_o ratiocination_n it_o produce_v be_v make_v by_o man_n either_o single_o reason_v or_o concur_v in_o the_o same_o ratiocination_n and_o opinion_n and_o consequent_o if_o these_o man_n do_v not_o make_v the_o best_a use_n of_o their_o reason_v faculty_n it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a that_o what_o thwart_v their_o ratiocination_n must_v likewise_o thwart_v the_o principle_n or_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n for_o man_n have_v a_o will_n and_o affection_n as_o well_o as_o a_o intellect_n though_o our_o dijudication_n and_o tenant_n ought_v indeed_o in_o matter_n speculative_a to_o be_v make_v and_o pitch_v upon_o by_o our_o unbiased_a understanding_n yet_o real_o our_o intellectual_a weakness_n or_o our_o prejudices_fw-la or_o prepossession_n by_o custom_n education_n etc._n etc._n our_o interest_n passion_n vice_n and_o i_o know_v not_o how_o many_o other_o thing_n have_v so_o great_a and_o sway_v a_o influence_n on_o they_o that_o there_o be_v very_o few_o conclusion_n that_o we_o make_v or_o opinion_n that_o we_o espouse_v that_o be_v so_o much_o the_o pure_a result_v of_o our_o reason_n that_o no_o personal_a disability_n prejudice_n or_o fault_n have_v any_o interest_n in_o they_o this_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o more_o ample_o discourse_v of_o on_o another_o occasion_n wherefore_o i_o shall_v now_o add_v but_o this_o religion_n that_o the_o distinction_n i_o have_v be_v propose_v do_v if_o i_o mistake_v not_o reach_v a_o great_a deal_n further_o than_o you_o may_v be_v aware_a of_o for_o not_o only_o whole_a sect_n whether_o in_o religion_n or_o philosophy_n be_v in_o many_o case_n subject_a to_o prepossession_n envy_n ambition_n interest_n and_o other_o mislead_v thing_n as_o well_o as_o single_a person_n but_o which_o be_v more_o considerable_a to_o our_o present_a purpose_n the_o very_a body_n of_o mankind_n may_v be_v embue_v with_o prejudices_fw-la and_o error_n and_o that_o from_o their_o childhood_n and_o some_o also_o even_o from_o their_o birth_n by_o which_o mean_n they_o continue_v undiscerned_a and_o consequent_o unreform_v this_o you_o will_v think_v a_o accusation_n as_o bold_a as_o high_a but_o to_o let_v you_o see_v that_o the_o philosopher_n you_o most_o respect_n have_v make_v the_o same_o observation_n though_o not_o apply_v to_o the_o same_o case_n i_o must_v put_v you_o in_o mind_n that_o mounseur_fw-fr des_fw-mi cartes_n begin_v his_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n with_o take_v notice_n that_o because_o we_o be_v bear_v child_n we_o make_v divers_a unright_a judgement_n of_o thing_n which_o afterward_o be_v wont_a to_o continue_v with_o we_o all_o our_o life_n and_o prove_v radicate_v prejudices_fw-la that_o mislead_v our_o judgement_n on_o so_o many_o occasion_n that_o he_o elsewhere_o tell_v we_o he_o find_v no_o other_o way_n to_o secure_v himself_o from_o their_o influence_n but_o once_o in_o his_o life_n solemn_o to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o that_o he_o have_v till_o then_o believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o re-examining_a of_o his_o former_a dijudication_n but_o i_o remember_v our_o illustrious_a verulam_n warrant_v a_o yet_o further_o prejudice_n against_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o the_o suggestion_n of_o reason_n for_o have_v tell_v we_o that_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v besiege_v with_o four_o differ_a kind_n of_o idol_n or_o phantasm_n when_o he_o come_v to_o enumerate_v they_o he_o teach_v that_o there_o be_v not_o only_o such_o as_o man_n get_v by_o conversation_n and_o discourse_n one_o with_o another_o and_o such_o as_o proceed_v from_o the_o divers_a hypothesis_n or_o theory_n and_o opinion_n of_o philosopher_n and_o from_o the_o perverse_a way_n of_o demonstration_n and_o likewise_o such_o as_o be_v personal_a to_o this_o or_o that_o man_n proceed_v from_o his_o education_n temperament_n study_n etc._n etc._n but_o such_o as_o he_o call_v idola_fw-la tribus_fw-la because_o they_o be_v found_v in_o humane_a nature_n itself_o and_o in_o the_o very_a tribe_n or_o nation_n of_o mankind_n and_o of_o these_o he_o particular_o discourse_n of_o seven_o or_o eight_o as_o that_o the_o intellect_n of_o man_n have_v a_o innate_a propensity_n to_o suppose_v in_o thing_n a_o great_a order_n and_o equality_n than_o it_o find_v and_o that_o be_v unable_a to_o rest_n or_o acquiesce_v it_o do_v always_o tend_v further_o and_o further_o to_o which_o he_o add_v divers_a other_o innate_a prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n which_o he_o sollicitous_o as_o well_o as_o judicious_o endeavour_v to_o remove_v now_o if_o not_o only_o single_a philosopher_n and_o particular_a sect_n but_o the_o whole_a body_n of_o mankind_n be_v subject_a to_o be_v sway_v by_o innate_a and_o unheeded_a prejudices_fw-la and_o proclivity_n to_o error_n about_o matter_n that_o be_v neither_o divine_a nor_o moral_a nor_o political_a but_o physical_a where_o the_o attainment_n of_o truth_n be_v exceed_o pleasant_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v not_o attend_v with_o consequence_n distasteful_a to_o it_o why_o may_v not_o we_o just_o suspect_v not_o only_o this_o or_o that_o philosopher_n or_o particular_a sect_n but_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n of_o have_v some_o secret_a propensity_n to_o err_v about_o divine_a thing_n and_o indisposition_n to_o admit_v truth_n which_o not_o only_o detect_v the_o weakness_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o our_o personal_a disability_n and_o thereby_o offend_v or_o mortify_v our_o pride_n and_o our_o ambition_n but_o shine_v into_o the_o mind_n with_o so_o clear_a as_o well_o as_o pure_a and_o chaste_a a_o light_n as_o be_v proper_a both_o to_o discover_v to_o ourselves_o and_o other_o our_o vice_n and_o fault_n and_o oftentimes_o to_o cross_v our_o design_n and_o interest_n and_o to_o this_o purpose_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o divers_a of_o those_o very_a idol_n which_o my_o lord_n bacon_n observe_v to_o besiege_v or_o pervert_v man_n judgement_n in_o reference_n to_o thing_n natural_a may_v probable_o have_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o influence_n and_o that_o much_o strong_a on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o reference_n to_o supernatural_a thing_n thus_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o if_o some_o thing_n have_v once_o please_v the_o understanding_n it_o be_v apt_a to_o draw_v all_o other_o to_o comport_v with_o and_o give_v suffrage_n to_o they_o though_o perhaps_o the_o inducement_n to_o the_o contrary_a belief_n be_v either_o more_o numerous_a or_o more_o weighty_a he_o observe_v also_o that_o man_n be_v apt_a to_o look_v upon_o his_o sense_n and_o other_o perception_n as_o the_o measure_n of_o thing_n and_o also_o that_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n be_v not_o sincere_o dispose_v to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o truth_n but_o receive_v a_o infusion_n as_o it_o be_v of_o adventitious_a colour_n that_o disguise_n the_o light_n from_o the_o will_n and_o affection_n which_o make_v he_o soon_o believe_v those_o thing_n that_o he_o be_v desirous_a shall_v be_v true_a and_o reject_v many_o other_o upon_o account_n that_o do_v no_o way_n infer_v their_o be_v false_a now_o if_o we_o apply_v these_o thing_n to_o divine_a truth_n to_o which_o it_o be_v well_o they_o be_v less_o just_o applicable_a and_o consider_v that_o in_o our_o youth_n we_o general_o converse_v but_o with_o thing_n corporeal_a and_o be_v sway_v by_o affection_n that_o have_v they_o for_o their_o object_n we_o shall_v not_o much_o wonder_n that_o man_n shall_v be_v very_o prone_a either_o to_o frame_v such_o notion_n of_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v wont_a to_o have_v about_o other_o of_o a_o far_o different_a and_o mean_a nature_n or_o else_o to_o reject_v they_o for_o not_o be_v analogous_n to_o those_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v be_v use_v to_o employ_v for_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsity_n and_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o inbred_a pride_n of_o man_n which_o be_v such_o that_o if_o we_o will_v believe_v the_o sacred_a story_n even_o adam_n in_o paradise_n affect_v to_o be_v like_o god_n know_v good_a and_o evil_n we_o shall_v not_o so_o much_o marvel_n that_o almost_o every_o man_n in_o particular_a make_v the_o notion_n he_o have_v entertain_v already_o and_o his_o sense_n his_o inclination_n and_o his_o interest_n the_o standard_n by_o which_o he_o estimate_n and_o judge_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n whether_o natural_a or_o reveal_v and_o as_o heraclitus_n just_o complain_v that_o every_o man_n seek_v the_o knowledge_n of_o natural_a thing_n in_o the_o microcosm_n that_o be_v himself_z and_o not_o in_o the_o macrocosm_n the_o world_n so_o we_o may_v just_o complain_v that_o man_n seek_v all_o the_o knowledge_n they_o care_v to_o find_v or_o will_v admit_v either_o in_o these_o little_a world_n themselves_o or_o from_o that_o great_a world_n the_o universe_n
till_o i_o see_v some_o clear_a proof_n of_o it_o than_o i_o have_v yet_o meet_v with_o i_o have_v have_v occasion_n in_o the_o forego_n discourse_n to_o say_v something_o that_o may_v be_v apply_v to_o the_o point_n under_o debate_n and_o in_o the_o follow_a part_n of_o this_o letter_n i_o shall_v have_v occasion_n to_o touch_v upon_o it_o again_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v now_o say_v but_o this_o in_o short_a that_o it_o be_v not_o likely_a that_o god_n be_v the_o author_n of_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o revelation_n shall_v make_v it_o man_n duty_n to_o believe_v as_o true_a that_o which_o there_o be_v just_a reason_n to_o reject_v as_o false_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o sense_n wherein_o the_o phrase_n i_o disapprove_v may_v be_v tolerate_v for_o if_o by_o say_v that_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a in_o divinity_n but_o false_a in_o philosophy_n it_o be_v mean_v that_o if_o the_o doctrine_n be_v propose_v to_o a_o mere_a philosopher_n to_o be_v judge_v of_o according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o sect_n or_o at_o most_o according_a to_o what_o he_o be_v suppose_v not_o to_o have_v hear_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o have_v it_o due_o propose_v to_o he_o will_v reject_v it_o the_o phrase_n may_v be_v allow_v or_o at_o least_o indulge_v but_o then_o we_o must_v consider_v that_o the_o reason_n why_o such_o a_o philosopher_n will_v reject_v the_o article_n of_o christian_a faith_n will_v not_o be_v because_o they_o can_v by_o no_o medium_n be_v possible_o prove_v but_o because_o these_o doctrine_n be_v found_v upon_o a_o revelation_n which_o he_o be_v presume_v either_o not_o to_o have_v hear_v of_o or_o not_o to_o have_v have_v sufficient_o propose_v to_o he_o he_o must_v as_o a_o rational_a man_n refuse_v to_o believe_v they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o their_o prooflesness_n and_o the_o same_o philosopher_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o true_a one_o though_o he_o will_v be_v very_o wary_a how_o he_o admit_v any_o thing_n as_o true_a that_o be_v not_o prove_v if_o it_o fall_v proper_o under_o the_o cognizance_n of_o philosophy_n yet_o he_o will_v be_v as_o wary_a how_o he_o pronounce_v thing_n to_o be_v false_a or_o impossible_a in_o matter_n which_o he_o discern_v to_o be_v beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o mere_a natural_a reason_n especial_o if_o sober_a and_o learned_a man_n do_v very_o confident_o pretend_v to_o know_v something_o of_o those_o matter_n by_o divine_a revelation_n which_o though_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o believe_v to_o be_v a_o true_a one_o yet_o he_o will_v admit_v in_o case_n it_o shall_v be_v prove_v true_a to_o be_v a_o fit_a medium_fw-la to_o evince_v truth_n which_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o mere_a natural_a light_n he_o can_v not_o discover_v or_o embrace_v to_o be_v short_a such_o a_o philosopher_n will_v indeed_o reject_v some_o of_o the_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n hypothetical_o i._n e._n upon_o supposition_n that_o he_o need_v employ_v no_o other_o touchstone_n to_o examine_v they_o by_o than_o the_o principle_n and_o dictate_v of_o natural_a philosophy_n that_o he_o be_v acquaint_v with_o upon_o which_o score_n i_o shall_v hereafter_o show_v that_o divers_a strange_a chemical_a experiment_n and_o other_o discovery_n will_v also_o be_v reject_v but_o yet_o he_o will_v not_o pronounce_v they_o false_a but_o upon_o supposition_n that_o the_o argument_n by_o which_o they_o lay_v claim_v to_o divine_a revelation_n be_v incompetent_a in_o their_o kind_n for_o as_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o believe_v any_o thing_n within_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n that_o agree_v not_o with_o the_o establish_v law_n of_o it_o so_o he_o will_v not_o easy_o adventure_v to_o pronounce_v one_o way_n or_o other_o in_o matter_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o sphere_n of_o nature_n he_o will_v indeed_o as_o he_o just_o may_v expect_v as_o full_a a_o proof_n of_o the_o divine_a testimony_n that_o be_v pretend_v as_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n require_v and_o allow_v but_o he_o will_v not_o be_v backward_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n to_o who_o that_o testimony_n be_v ascribe_v be_v able_a to_o know_v and_o to_o do_v many_o more_o thing_n than_o we_o can_v explicate_v how_o he_o can_v discover_v or_o imagine_v how_o any_o physical_a agent_n can_v perform_v since_o i_o propose_v to_o you_o this_o five_o consideration_n i_o happen_v to_o light_v on_o a_o passage_n in_o des_n cartes_n principle_n which_o afford_v of_o what_o i_o have_v be_v discover_v the_o suffrage_n of_o a_o philosopher_n 25._o that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v accuse_v of_o exclude_v theology_n too_o scrupulous_o out_o of_o his_o philosophy_n his_o word_n be_v so_o full_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o i_o need_v not_o to_o accommodate_v they_o to_o it_o alter_v one_o of_o they_o and_o therefore_o shall_v transcribe_v they_o just_a as_o they_o lie_v si_fw-mi fortè_fw-la nobis_fw-la deus_fw-la de_fw-la seipso_fw-la vel_fw-la aliis_fw-la aliquid_fw-la revelet_fw-la quod_fw-la naturales_fw-la ingenii_n nostri_fw-la vires_fw-la excedat_fw-la qualia_fw-la sunt_fw-la mysteria_fw-la incarnationis_fw-la &_o trinitatis_fw-la non_fw-la recusabimus_fw-la illa_fw-la credere_fw-la quamvis_fw-la non_fw-la clarè_v intelligamus_fw-la nec_fw-la ullo_fw-la modo_fw-la mirabimur_fw-la multa_fw-la esse_fw-la tum_fw-la in_o immensa_fw-la ejus_fw-la natura_fw-la tum_fw-la etiam_fw-la in_o rebus_fw-la ab_fw-la eo_fw-la creatis_fw-la quae_fw-la capio_fw-la nostrum_fw-la excedant_fw-la and_o let_v i_o add_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o whereas_o the_o main_a scruple_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v suggest_v by_o philosophy_n against_o some_o mysterious_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v ground_v upon_o this_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la as_o they_o speak_v of_o those_o thing_n be_v not_o clear_o conceivable_a or_o at_o least_o be_v very_o hardly_o explicable_a these_o objection_n be_v not_o always_o so_o weighty_a as_o perhaps_o by_o the_o confidence_n wherewith_o they_o be_v urge_v you_o may_v think_v they_o for_o whereas_o i_o observe_v to_o you_o already_o that_o there_o be_v divers_a thing_n maintain_v by_o school_n divine_n which_o be_v not_o contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n that_o observation_n be_v chief_o applicable_a to_o the_o thing_n we_o be_v consider_v since_o in_o several_a of_o these_o nice_a point_n the_o scripture_n affirm_v only_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o schoolman_n be_v please_v to_o add_v the_o modus_fw-la and_o as_o by_o their_o unwarrantable_a boldness_n the_o school_n divine_v determine_v many_o thing_n without_o book_n so_o the_o scruple_n and_o objection_n that_o be_v make_v against_o what_o the_o scripture_n real_o deliver_v be_v usual_o ground_v upon_o the_o erroneous_a or_o precarious_a assertion_n of_o the_o school_n philosopher_n who_o often_o give_v the_o title_n of_o metaphysical_a truth_n to_o conceit_n that_o do_v very_o little_o deserve_v that_o name_n and_o to_o which_o a_o rigid_a philosopher_n will_v perhaps_o think_v that_o of_o sublime_a nonsense_n more_o proper_a but_o of_o this_o i_o elsewhere_o say_v enough_o and_o therefore_o shall_v now_o proceed_v to_o the_o consideration_n i_o chief_o intend_v viz._n that_o from_o hence_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n be_v either_o very_a hard_a or_o not_o at_o all_o explicable_a it_o will_v not_o necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v irrational_a provide_v the_o positive_a proof_n of_o its_o truth_n be_v sufficient_a in_o their_o kind_n for_o even_o in_o natural_a thing_n philosopher_n themselves_o do_v and_o must_v admit_v several_a thing_n whereof_o they_o can_v clear_o explicate_v or_o perhaps_o conceive_v the_o modus_fw-la i_o will_v not_o here_o mention_v the_o origine_fw-la of_o substantial_a form_n as_o a_o instance_n in_o this_o kind_n because_o though_o it_o may_v be_v a_o fit_a one_o as_o to_o the_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n yet_o not_o admit_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o being_n i_o will_v take_v no_o further_o notice_n of_o they_o especial_o because_o for_o a_o clear_a instance_n to_o our_o present_a purpose_n we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o than_o ourselves_o and_o consider_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n in_o man_n for_o who_o can_v physical_o explain_v both_o how_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o guide_v or_o determine_v and_o excite_v the_o motion_n of_o a_o body_n and_o yet_o not_o be_v able_a to_o produce_v motion_n in_o it_o as_o by_o dead_a palsy_n great_a faintness_n etc._n etc._n it_o appear_v the_o soul_n can_v and_o which_o be_v far_o more_o difficult_a how_o a_o incorporeal_a substance_n shall_v receive_v such_o impression_n from_o the_o motion_n of_o a_o body_n as_o to_o be_v thereby_o affect_v with_o real_a pain_n and_o pleasure_n to_o which_o i_o elsewhere_o add_v some_o other_o property_n of_o this_o union_n which_o though_o not_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v perhaps_o no_o less_o difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o account_v for_o for_o how_o can_v we_o comprehend_v that_o there_o shall_v
manifest_o recommend_v by_o that_o authority_n because_o that_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v not_o clear_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n or_o be_v not_o clear_o and_o cogent_o deduce_v thence_o so_o far_o as_o that_o clearness_n be_v want_v so_o far_o the_o thing_n itself_o want_v of_o the_o full_a authority_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o impose_v it_o on_o our_o assent_n perhaps_o it_o will_v procure_v what_o i_o have_v say_v the_o better_a reception_n if_o i_o add_v a_o couple_n of_o testimony_n not_o of_o any_o modern_a bigot_n no_o nor_o of_o any_o devout_a father_n of_o the_o church_n but_o of_o two_o modern_a author_n of_o sect_n and_o who_o in_o their_o kind_n have_v be_v think_v extreme_o subtle_a reasoner_n and_o no_o less_o rigid_a exacter_n of_o reason_n in_o whatever_o they_o admit_v the_o first_o passage_n i_o shall_v allege_v be_v the_o confession_n of_o socinus_n who_o in_o his_o second_o epistle_n to_o andrea_n dudithius_n speak_v thus_o i_o be_o verò_fw-la ut_fw-la rem_fw-la in_o pauca_fw-la conferam_fw-la quod_fw-la ad_fw-la meas_fw-la aliorúmve_fw-la opiniones_fw-la quae_fw-la novitatis_fw-la prae_fw-la se_fw-la ferunt_fw-la speciem_fw-la attinet_fw-la mihi_fw-la ita_fw-la videtur_fw-la si_fw-la detur_fw-la scripturam_fw-la sacram_fw-la ejus_fw-la esse_fw-la authoritatis_fw-la ut_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la ei_fw-la contradici_fw-la possit_fw-la ac_fw-la de_fw-fr interpretatione_n illius_fw-la omnis_fw-la duntaxat_fw-la sit_fw-la scrupulus_fw-la which_o he_o allow_v nihil_fw-la utut_o very_fw-la simile_n aut_fw-la ratione_fw-la conclusum_fw-la videatur_fw-la asserri_fw-la contra_fw-la eas_fw-la possit_fw-la quod_fw-la ullarum_fw-la sit_fw-la virium_fw-la quotiescunque_fw-la illae_fw-la sententiis_fw-la atque_fw-la verbis_fw-la illius_fw-la libri_fw-la aut_fw-la rationibus_fw-la liquidò_fw-la inde_fw-la deduct_v be_v probatae_fw-la atque_fw-la assertae_fw-la fuerint_fw-la which_o confession_n of_o socinus_n be_v surpass_v by_o that_o of_o his_o champion_n smalcius_n to_o be_v produce_v elsewhere_o in_o this_o paper_n the_o other_o passage_n i_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o excellent_a mounseur_fw-fr des_fw-mi cartes's_fw-fr principle_n of_o philosophy_n 35._o where_o discourse_v of_o the_o either_o infinite_a or_o indefinite_a division_n of_o the_o particle_n of_o matter_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o make_v they_o fill_v exact_o all_o the_o differ_o figure_v space_n through_o which_o various_a motion_n do_v sometime_o make_v they_o pass_v he_o confess_v as_o he_o well_o may_v that_o the_o point_n be_v exceed_o abstruse_a and_o yet_o conclude_v et_fw-la quamvis_fw-la quomodo_fw-la fiat_fw-la indefinita_fw-la ista_fw-la divisio_fw-la cogitation_n comprehendere_fw-la nequeamus_fw-la non_fw-la ideo_fw-la tamen_fw-la debemus_fw-la dubitare_fw-la quin_fw-la fiat_fw-la quia_fw-la clarè_v percipimus_fw-la illam_fw-la necessario_fw-la sequi_fw-la ex_fw-la natura_fw-la materiae_fw-la nobis_fw-la evidentissimè_fw-la cognitan_fw-mi etc._n etc._n and_o in_o this_o place_n it_o may_v be_v seasonable_a as_o well_o as_o pertinent_a to_o take_v notice_n of_o three_o or_o four_o particular_n which_o though_o they_o be_v in_o some_o measure_n imply_v in_o the_o former_a general_a consideration_n yet_o deserve_v to_o be_v distinct_o inculcate_v here_o both_o for_o their_o importance_n and_o because_o they_o may_v as_o well_o be_v deduce_v as_o corollary_n from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n as_o be_v confirm_v by_o the_o proof_n i_o shall_v add_v to_o each_o of_o they_o of_o these_o the_o first_o shall_v be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o present_o conclude_v a_o thing_n to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o learned_a man_n profess_v or_o even_o complain_v that_o they_o be_v not_o able_a clear_o to_o comprehend_v it_o provide_v there_o be_v competent_a proof_n that_o it_o be_v true_a and_o the_o thing_n be_v primary_n or_o heteroclite_n for_o it_o be_v not_o always_o necessary_a to_o the_o make_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o thing_n rational_a that_o we_o have_v such_o a_o comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v as_o may_v be_v have_v and_o just_o require_v in_o ordinary_a case_n since_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n not_o only_o by_o argument_n suggest_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o clear_o understand_v by_o we_o but_o by_o the_o external_a testimony_n of_o such_o a_o witness_n as_o we_o know_v will_v not_o deceive_v we_o and_o can_v at_o least_o in_o our_o case_n be_v reasonable_o suspect_v to_o be_v himself_o deceive_v and_o therefore_o it_o may_v in_o some_o case_n suffice_v to_o make_v our_o belief_n rational_a that_o we_o clear_o discern_v sufficient_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a whether_o that_o reason_n spring_n from_o the_o evidence_n and_o cogency_n of_o the_o extrinsic_a motive_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v or_o from_o the_o proof_n suggest_v to_o we_o by_o what_o we_o know_v of_o the_o thing_n believe_v nay_o though_o there_o be_v something_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o thing_n which_o do_v puzzle_v and_o pose_v our_o understanding_n that_o many_o thing_n that_o be_v very_o hard_a and_o require_v a_o great_a attention_n and_o a_o good_a judgement_n to_o be_v make_v out_o may_v yet_o be_v true_a will_v be_v manifest_a from_o what_o i_o shall_v within_o a_o page_n or_o two_o note_n about_o divers_a geometrical_a demonstration_n which_o require_v beside_o a_o good_a stock_n of_o knowledge_n in_o those_o matter_n a_o almost_o invincible_a patience_n to_o carry_v so_o many_o thing_n along_o in_o one_o mind_n and_o go_v thorough_a with_o they_o that_o also_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n which_o though_o they_o be_v as_o manifest_o existent_a as_o those_o new_o mention_v can_v be_v demonstrative_o true_a be_v yet_o of_o so_o abstruse_a a_o kind_n that_o it_o be_v exceed_o difficult_a to_o frame_v clear_a and_o satisfactory_a notion_n of_o their_o nature_n we_o may_v learn_v if_o we_o be_v inquisitive_a enough_o even_o from_o some_o of_o the_o most_o obvious_a thing_n such_o as_o for_o instance_n matter_n and_o time_n as_o to_o the_o former_a whereof_o matter_n though_o the_o world_n and_o our_o own_o body_n be_v make_v of_o it_o yet_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v frame_v of_o it_o even_o by_o the_o great_a clerk_n be_v encumber_v with_o too_o great_a difficulty_n some_o of_o which_o i_o elsewhere_o mention_v to_o be_v easy_o acquiesce_v in_o by_o consider_v men._n and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a time_n though_o that_o just_o celebrate_v say_v of_o augustine_n si_fw-mi nemo_fw-la ex_fw-la i_o quaerat_fw-la quid_fw-la sit_fw-la tempus_fw-la scio_fw-la si_fw-la quaerenti_fw-la explicare_fw-la velim_fw-la nescio_fw-la seem_v in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o it_o to_o own_o a_o knowledge_n of_o what_o time_n be_v yet_o by_o the_o latter_a part_n wherein_o he_o confess_v he_o can_v declare_v what_o it_o be_v i_o be_o not_o only_o allow_v to_o believe_v that_o he_o can_v not_o propose_v a_o intelligible_a idea_n of_o it_o but_o invite_v to_o think_v that_o in_o the_o first_o part_n of_o the_o sentence_n he_o only_o mean_v that_o when_o he_o do_v not_o attentive_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o it_o he_o think_v he_o understand_v it_o or_o that_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o time_n though_o he_o can_v not_o explain_v what_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o though_o time_n be_v that_o which_o all_o man_n allow_v to_o be_v yet_o if_o per_fw-la impossibile_fw-it as_o the_o school_n speak_v a_o man_n can_v have_v no_o other_o notion_n or_o proof_n of_o time_n and_o eternity_n even_o such_o eternity_n as_o must_v be_v concede_v to_o something_o than_o what_o he_o can_v collect_v from_o the_o best_a description_n of_o its_o nature_n and_o property_n that_o be_v wont_a to_o be_v give_v i_o scarce_o doubt_v but_o he_o will_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o unintelligible_a thing_n and_o encumber_v with_o too_o many_o difficulty_n to_o be_v fit_a to_o be_v admit_v into_o a_o wise_a man_n belief_n and_o this_o perhaps_o you_o will_v grant_v i_o if_o you_o have_v ever_o put_v yourself_o to_o the_o penance_n of_o peruse_v those_o confound_a dispute_n and_o speculation_n about_o time_n and_o eternity_n that_o partly_o in_o aristotle_n and_o his_o commentator_n and_o partly_o among_o the_o schoolman_n and_o other_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o upon_o these_o abstruse_a subject_n and_o no_o wonder_n since_o the_o learned_a gassendus_fw-la and_o his_o follower_n have_v very_o plausible_o if_o not_o solid_o show_v that_o duration_n and_o time_n be_v but_o duration_n measure_v be_v neither_o a_o substance_n nor_o a_o accident_n which_o they_o also_o hold_v of_o space_n about_o which_o the_o altercation_n among_o philosopher_n and_o schoolman_n be_v but_o little_a if_o at_o all_o inferior_a to_o those_o about_o time_n and_o i_o the_o rather_o choose_v to_o mention_v these_o instance_n of_o time_n and_o space_n because_o they_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o what_o i_o intimate_v by_o the_o expression_n of_o primary_n or_o heteroclite_n thing_n to_o which_o may_v be_v refer_v some_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v
competent_a estimator_n and_o be_v accustom_v to_o bring_v much_o patience_n and_o attention_n to_o the_o discernment_n of_o difficult_a and_o important_a truth_n profess_v themselves_o satisfy_v with_o they_o the_o probation_n may_v yet_o be_v cogent_a notwithstanding_o the_o difficulty_n to_o have_v their_o strength_n apprehend_v for_o if_o such_o a_o difficulty_n ought_v to_o pass_v for_o a_o mark_n that_o a_o ratiocination_n be_v not_o valid_a no_o reason_v will_v be_v find_v fit_a to_o be_v reject_v or_o distrust_a than_o many_o of_o those_o who_o cogency_n have_v procure_v such_o a_o repute_n to_o mathematical_a demonstration_n 3._o it_o may_v also_o be_v deduce_v from_o the_o forego_n discourse_n that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o against_o reason_n to_o embrace_v a_o opinion_n which_o may_v be_v encumber_v with_o a_o great_a difficulty_n or_o liable_a to_o a_o objection_n not_o easy_a to_o be_v solve_v especial_o if_o the_o subject_a be_v such_o that_o other_o opinion_n about_o it_o avoid_v not_o either_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n or_o as_o great_a one_o the_o first_o part_n of_o what_o be_v say_v in_o this_o consideration_n will_v often_o follow_v from_o the_o supposition_n make_v in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n for_o those_o thing_n that_o render_v a_o doctrine_n or_o assertion_n difficult_a to_o be_v conceive_v and_o explain_v will_v easy_o supply_v the_o adversary_n of_o it_o with_o objection_n against_o it_o and_o as_o for_o the_o latter_a viz._n the_o clause_n which_o take_v notice_n that_o the_o consideration_n to_o which_o it_o be_v annex_v will_v chief_o take_v place_n in_o that_o sort_n of_o opinion_n that_o be_v specify_v in_o it_o it_o will_v need_v but_o little_a of_o distinct_a proof_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a enough_o that_o if_o the_o subject_a or_o object_n about_o which_o the_o opinion_n propose_v be_v conversant_a be_v such_o that_o not_o only_o the_o contradictory_n opinion_n but_o other_o also_o be_v obnoxious_a either_o to_o the_o same_o inconvenience_n or_o to_o other_o that_o be_v equal_a or_o great_a the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v urge_v against_o a_o theological_a doctrine_n may_v as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o in_o the_o first_o corollary_n be_v rational_o enough_o attribute_v not_o to_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o the_o opinion_n but_o to_o somewhat_o else_o the_o last_o consectary_n that_o as_o i_o intimate_v may_v be_v deduce_v from_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o always_o unreasonable_a to_o believe_v something_o theological_a for_o a_o truth_n which_o i_o do_v not_o say_v be_v true_o inconsistent_a with_o but_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o discern_v to_o comport_v very_o well_o with_o something_o else_o that_o we_o also_o take_v for_o a_o truth_n or_o perhaps_o that_o be_v one_o indeed_o if_o the_o theological_a tenet_n be_v sufficient_o prove_v in_o its_o kind_n and_o be_v of_o that_o sort_n of_o thing_n that_o we_o have_v be_v of_o late_a and_o be_v yet_o discourse_v of_o the_o generality_n of_o our_o philosopher_n as_o well_o as_o divine_n believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o foreknowledge_n of_o all_o future_a contingency_n and_o yet_o how_o a_o certain_a prescience_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o freewill_n of_o man_n which_o yet_o be_v general_o grant_v he_o in_o thing_n mere_o moral_a or_o civil_a be_v so_o difficult_a to_o discern_v that_o the_o socinian_o be_v wont_a to_o deny_v such_o thing_n as_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n of_o free_a agent_n to_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o omniscience_n and_o the_o head_n of_o the_o remonstrant_n though_o a_o very_a subtle_a writer_n confess_v that_o he_o know_v not_o how_o clear_o to_o make_v out_o the_o consistency_n of_o god_n prescience_n and_o man_n freedom_n both_o which_o he_o yet_o confess_v to_o be_v truth_n be_v compel_v to_o acknowledge_v the_o former_a for_o the_o latter_a be_v evident_a as_o well_o by_o the_o infiniteness_n that_o must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n perfection_n as_o by_o the_o prophetic_a prediction_n whereby_o such_o contingent_a event_n have_v be_v actual_o foretell_v and_o the_o reconcilement_n of_o these_o truth_n be_v not_o a_o difficulty_n peculiar_a to_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o concern_v speculative_a man_n in_o all_o religion_n who_o acknowledge_v the_o deity_n to_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a and_o allow_v man_n as_o they_o do_v to_o be_v a_o free_a agent_n but_o i_o have_v make_v this_o section_n so_o prolix_a already_o that_o i_o must_v not_o enlarge_v on_o this_o three_o particular_a and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v shut_v it_o up_o with_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o des-cartes_n which_o may_v be_v apply_v not_o only_o to_o it_o but_o to_o almost_o all_o that_o have_v be_v discourse_v in_o this_o section_n and_o indeed_o to_o a_o great_a part_n of_o this_o letter_n he_o then_o in_o a_o epistle_n that_o come_v not_o forth_o till_o some_o year_n after_o the_o writer_n death_n speak_v thus_o to_o the_o philosophical_a adversary_n to_o who_o it_o be_v address_v as_o i_o have_v often_o say_v when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o thing_n that_o relate_v to_o god_n or_o to_o what_o be_v infinite_a we_o must_v not_o consider_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v of_o they_o 16._o since_o we_o know_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o but_o only_a what_o we_o can_v conceive_v of_o they_o or_o can_v attain_v to_o by_o any_o certain_a reason_n or_o argument_n sect_n vii_o and_o now_o it_o be_v time_n to_o advance_v to_o one_o of_o the_o main_a consideration_n i_o have_v to_o propose_v to_o you_o concern_v the_o subject_a of_o this_o letter_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o when_o we_o be_v to_o judge_v whether_o a_o thing_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n whether_o we_o take_v reason_n for_o the_o faculty_n furnish_v only_o with_o its_o own_o innate_a principle_n and_o such_o notion_n as_o be_v general_o obvious_a nay_o and_o if_o you_o please_v with_o this_o or_o that_o philosophical_a theory_n or_o for_o the_o faculty_n illuminate_v by_o divine_a revelation_n especial_o that_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o book_n common_o call_v the_o scripture_n to_o clear_v and_o enforce_v this_o the_o better_a i_o shall_v invite_v you_o to_o take_v notice_n with_o i_o of_o the_o two_o follow_v particular_n we_o may_v then_o in_o the_o first_o place_n consider_v that_o even_o in_o thing_n mere_o natural_a man_n do_v not_o think_v it_o at_o all_o irrational_a to_o believe_v divers_a such_o thing_n upon_o extrinsical_a proof_n especial_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o skilful_a as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o that_o testimony_n a_o man_n though_o bear_v with_o good_a part_n and_o possible_o very_o learned_a in_o the_o peripatetic_a or_o some_o other_o particular_a philosophy_n will_v look_v upon_o as_o irrational_a to_o be_v believe_v and_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n of_o this_o i_o shall_v give_v you_o some_o instance_n in_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o the_o loadstone_n and_o particular_o such_o as_o these_o that_o the_o loadstone_n though_o as_o be_v above_o intimate_v with_o one_o part_n it_o will_v draw_v yet_o with_o another_o the_o same_o stone_n will_v repel_v the_o same_o point_n of_o the_o same_o excite_a needle_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n be_v fit_a to_o attract_v either_o point_n of_o another_o needle_n that_o never_o come_v near_o a_o loadstone_n before_o that_o though_o it_o be_v the_o loadstone_n that_o impart_v a_o attractive_a virtue_n to_o the_o iron_n yet_o when_o the_o loadstone_n be_v cape_v as_o they_o call_v it_o and_o so_o a_o piece_n of_o iron_n and_o consequent_o a_o distance_n be_v interpose_v betwixt_o the_o stone_n and_o the_o weight_n to_o be_v raise_v it_o will_v take_v up_o by_o many_o time_n more_o than_o if_o it_o be_v itself_o apply_v immediate_o thereunto_o insomuch_o that_o mersennus_n relate_v 350._o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o mistake_n he_o have_v a_o loadstone_n that_o of_o itself_o will_v take_v up_o but_o half_a a_o ounce_n of_o iron_n which_o when_o arm_v or_o cape_v will_v lift_v up_o ten_o pound_n which_o say_v he_o exceed_v the_o former_a weight_n three_o hundred_o and_o twenty_o time_n that_o a_o mariner_n needle_n be_v once_o touch_v with_o a_o vigorous_a loadstone_n will_v afterward_o when_o free_o poise_v turn_v itself_o north_n and_o south_n and_o if_o it_o be_v by_o force_n make_v to_o regard_v the_o east_n and_o west_n or_o any_o other_o point_n of_o the_o compass_n as_o soon_o as_o it_o be_v leave_v at_o liberty_n it_o will_v of_o its_o self_n return_v to_o its_o former_a position_n that_o a_o loadstone_n float_v on_o water_n will_v as_o well_o come_v to_o and_o follow_v a_o piece_n of_o iron_n that_o be_v keep_v from_o advance_v towards_o it_o as_o when_o itself_o be_v fix_v and_o the_o iron_n at_o liberty_n it_o will_v draw_v that_o
prove_v in_o their_o kind_n so_o as_o that_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o whether_o they_o be_v demonstrative_a or_o no_o be_v sufficient_a the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v prove_v consider_v to_o justify_v a_o rational_a and_o prudent_a man_n embrace_v it_o this_o religion_n i_o say_v seem_v to_o i_o to_o have_v such_o positive_a proof_n for_o it_o i_o do_v not_o think_v that_o the_o objection_n that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v draw_v from_o reason_n against_o it_o do_v real_o prove_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o to_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o right_a reason_n and_o do_v outweigh_v the_o argument_n alledgable_a in_o that_o religion_n behalf_n to_o propose_v some_o of_o the_o general_a ground_n of_o this_o answer_n of_o i_o be_v the_o design_n of_o the_o consideration_n hitherto_o discourse_v of_o which_o as_o i_o hint_v to_o you_o at_o the_o beginning_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o general_a unless_o you_o have_v mention_v to_o i_o some_o of_o your_o friend_n particular_a objection_n which_o when_o he_o tell_v you_o you_o will_v perhaps_o find_v that_o i_o have_v already_o give_v you_o the_o ground_n of_o answer_v they_o and_o though_o to_o propose_v argument_n to_o evince_v positive_o the_o truth_n of_o our_o religion_n after_o the_o example_n of_o the_o excellent_a grotius_n and_o some_o other_o very_o learned_a writer_n be_v not_o as_o you_o see_v either_o my_o task_n or_o my_o design_n yet_o if_o you_o attentive_o consider_v what_o i_o write_v in_o that_o short_a discourse_n wherein_o i_o manage_v but_o that_o seem_o popular_a argument_n for_o christianity_n that_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o miracle_n that_o be_v say_v to_o attest_v it_o you_o will_v perchance_o be_v invite_v to_o think_v that_o when_o all_o the_o other_o proof_n of_o it_o be_v take_v in_o a_o man_n may_v without_o renounce_v or_o affront_a his_o reason_n be_v a_o christian._n but_o to_o proceed_v to_o the_o more_o considerable_a part_n of_o what_o i_o presume_v your_o friend_n will_v object_v i_o answer_v that_o the_o consideration_n i_o have_v allege_v in_o the_o behalf_n of_o some_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n will_v not_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o the_o most_o absurd_a or_o unreasonable_a opinion_n for_o these_o consideration_n be_v offer_v as_o apology_n for_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o upon_o two_o or_o all_o of_o these_o three_o supposition_n the_o first_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a religion_n of_o which_o such_o doctrine_n make_v a_o part_n be_v so_o far_o positive_o prove_v by_o real_a and_o uncontrolled_a miracle_n and_o other_o competent_a argument_n that_o nothing_o but_o the_o manifest_a and_o irreconcilable_a repugnancy_n of_o its_o doctrine_n to_o right_a reason_n aught_o to_o hinder_v we_o from_o believe_v they_o the_o second_o that_o divers_a of_o the_o thing_n at_o which_o reasonable_a man_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v exception_n be_v such_o as_o reason_n itself_o may_v discern_v to_o be_v very_o difficult_a or_o perhaps_o impossible_a for_o we_o to_o understand_v perfect_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a light_n and_o the_o three_o that_o some_o thing_n in_o christianity_n which_o many_o man_n think_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v at_o most_o but_o contrary_a to_o it_o as_o it_o be_v incompetent_o inform_v and_o assist_v but_o not_o when_o it_o be_v more_a full_o instruct_v and_o particular_o when_o it_o be_v enlighten_v and_o assist_v by_o divine_a revelation_n and_o as_o i_o think_v these_o three_o supposition_n be_v not_o just_o applicable_a i_o say_v not_o as_o the_o objection_n do_v to_o the_o most_o absurd_a or_o unreasonable_a opinion_n but_o to_o any_o other_o religion_n than_o the_o true_a which_o be_v the_o christian_n so_o the_o last_o of_o these_o supposition_n prompt_v i_o to_o take_v notice_n to_o you_o that_o though_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v exceed_o wary_a how_o we_o admit_v what_o pretend_v to_o be_v supernatural_o reveal_v yet_o if_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o be_v so_o we_o do_v very_o much_o wrong_v and_o prejudice_v ourselves_o if_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a jealousy_n or_o to_o acquire_v or_o maintain_v the_o repute_n of_o be_v wise_a than_o other_o we_o shut_v our_o eye_n against_o the_o light_n it_o offer_v for_o beside_o that_o a_o man_n may_v as_o well_o err_v by_o reject_v or_o ignore_v the_o truth_n as_o by_o mistake_v a_o falsehood_n for_o it_o i_o consider_v that_o those_o man_n that_o have_v a_o instrument_n of_o knowledge_n which_o other_o man_n either_o have_v not_o or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a refuse_v to_o employ_v have_v a_o very_a great_a advantage_n above_o other_o towards_o the_o acquire_n of_o truth_n and_o with_o far_o less_o part_n than_o they_o may_v discover_v divers_a thing_n which_o the_o other_o with_o all_o their_o pride_n and_o industry_n shall_v never_o attain_v to_o as_o when_o galileo_n alone_o among_o the_o modern_a astronomer_n be_v master_n of_o a_o telescope_n it_o be_v easy_a for_o he_o to_o make_v noble_a discovery_n in_o heaven_n of_o thing_n to_o which_o not_o only_o ptolemy_n alphonsus_n and_o tycho_n but_o even_o his_o master_n aristarchus_n samius_n and_o copernicus_n themselves_o never_o dream_v of_o and_o which_o other_o astronomer_n can_v see_v but_o by_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o instrument_n and_o on_o this_o occasion_n let_v i_o carry_v the_o comparison_n suggest_v by_o the_o telescope_n a_o little_a further_o and_o take_v notice_n that_o if_o man_n have_v hear_v that_o there_o be_v four_o planet_n move_v about_o jupiter_n and_o that_o venus_n be_v a_o opacous_a body_n and_o sometime_o horn_v like_o the_o moon_n have_v resolve_v to_o examine_v these_o thing_n by_o their_o naked_a eye_n as_o by_o the_o proper_a organ_n of_o sight_n without_o employ_v the_o telescope_n by_o which_o they_o may_v suspect_v that_o galileo_n may_v put_v some_o optical_a delusion_n upon_o they_o they_o will_v perhaps_o have_v assemble_v in_o great_a multitude_n to_o gaze_v at_o venus_n and_o jupiter_n that_o since_o plus_fw-la vident_fw-la oculi_fw-la quam_fw-la oculus_fw-la the_o number_n of_o eye_n may_v make_v amends_o for_o their_o dimness_n this_o attempt_n not_o succeed_v they_o will_v perhaps_o choose_v out_o some_o of_o the_o young_a and_o sharp_a sight_a man_n that_o by_o their_o pierce_a eye_n that_o may_v be_v discover_v which_o ordinary_a one_o can_v not_o reach_v and_o this_o expedient_a not_o succeed_v neither_o they_o will_v perhaps_o diet_v their_o stargazer_n and_o prescribe_v they_o the_o inward_a use_n of_o fennel_n and_o eye-bright_a and_o external_o apply_v collyrium_n and_o eye-water_n and_o those_o to_o as_o little_a purpose_n as_o the_o rest_n with_o such_o a_o pity_n mix_v with_o indignation_n as_o galileo_n will_v probable_o have_v look_v on_o such_o vain_a and_o fruitless_a attempt_n with_o may_v a_o judicious_a christian_a that_o upon_o a_o due_a examination_n admit_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o scripture_n look_v upon_o the_o presumptuous_a and_o vain_a endeavour_n of_o those_o man_n who_o by_o the_o goodness_n of_o their_o natural_a part_n or_o by_o the_o improvement_n of_o they_o or_o by_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o conspire_v in_o the_o same_o search_n think_v with_o the_o bare_a eye_n of_o reason_n to_o make_v as_o great_a discovery_n of_o heavenly_a truth_n as_o a_o person_n assist_v by_o the_o revelation_n contain_v in_o the_o scripture_n can_v with_o great_a ease_n and_o satisfactoriness_n attain_v to_o which_o let_v i_o add_v this_o further_a improvement_n of_o the_o comparison_n that_o as_o a_o skilful_a astronomer_n will_v indeed_o first_o severe_o examine_v whether_o the_o telescope_n be_v a_o instrument_n fit_a to_o be_v trust_v and_o not_o likely_a to_o impose_v upon_o he_o but_o be_v once_o resolve_v of_o that_o will_v confident_o believe_v the_o discovery_n it_o make_v he_o however_o contrary_a to_o the_o receive_a theory_n of_o the_o celestial_a body_n and_o to_o what_o he_o himself_o believe_v before_o and_o will_v still_o if_o the_o telescope_n do_v not_o otherwise_o inform_v he_o continue_v to_o believe_v so_o a_o well_o qualify_v inquirer_n into_o religion_n though_o he_o will_v be_v very_o wary_a upon_o what_o term_n he_o admit_v scripture_n yet_o if_o he_o once_o be_v full_o satisfy_v that_o he_o ought_v to_o admit_v it_o he_o will_v not_o scruple_n to_o receive_v upon_o its_o authority_n whatever_o supernatural_a truth_n it_o clear_o disclose_v to_o he_o though_o perhaps_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n he_o former_o hold_v and_o which_o if_o the_o scripture_n do_v not_o teach_v he_o otherwise_o he_o will_v yet_o assent_v to_o and_o as_o the_o galaxy_n and_o other_o whitish_a part_n of_o the_o sky_n be_v by_o aristotle_n and_o his_o follower_n and_o many_o other_o philosopher_n who_o look_v on_o they_o only_o with_o their_o naked_a eye_n for_o many_o age_n repute_v to_o be_v but_o meteor_n but_o to_o those_o