confirm_v with_o their_o blood_n but_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o use_v the_o word_n of_o st._n 3._o polycarp_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o philippian_n that_o be_v by_o their_o fraudulent_a device_n model_n the_o oracle_n of_o god_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n and_o lust_n who_o set_v up_o a_o new_a religion_n which_o the_o catholic_n church_n of_o christ_n never_o know_v or_o be_v acquaint_v with_o and_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o christianity_n and_o think_v in_o the_o mean_a while_o they_o have_v reason_n on_o their_o side_n for_o so_o do_v and_o how_o far_o by_o their_o art_n and_o subtlety_n and_o plausible_a insinuation_n by_o this_o their_o slight_a and_o cunning_a craftiness_n whereby_o they_o lie_v in_o wait_n to_o deceive_v for_o it_o be_v nothing_o else_o however_o blanch_v over_o and_o disguise_v with_o show_n of_o sober_a reason_n they_o have_v prevail_v upon_o this_o age_n be_v too_o sad_a to_o 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it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v and_o make_v out_o thing_n that_o stand_v at_o that_o infinite_a distance_n from_o it_o to_o which_o it_o bear_v no_o proportion_n they_o may_v as_o well_o pretend_v that_o all_o these_o great_a difficulty_n and_o perplexity_n we_o meet_v with_o in_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n shall_v be_v take_v away_o that_o all_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v bear_v complete_a philosopher_n and_o be_v inspire_v with_o the_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n which_o they_o can_v attain_v to_o after_o several_a year_n spend_v in_o labour_n and_o study_v that_o nothing_o shall_v exist_v but_o what_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o that_o the_o truth_n and_o possibility_n of_o thing_n shall_v not_o derive_v from_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o god_n and_o from_o that_o idea_n he_o have_v in_o his_o divine_a understanding_n but_o only_o take_v their_o measure_n and_o be_v judge_v by_o those_o narrow_a conception_n we_o borrow_v from_o sense_n man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v 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true_a and_o perfect_a contradiction_n can_v belong_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n that_o equal_v add_v to_o equal_n make_v equal_n that_o in_o a_o triangle_n three_o angle_n be_v always_o equal_a to_o two_o right_a angle_n and_o the_o like_a and_o the_o like_a assurance_n and_o certainty_n of_o knowledge_n be_v gain_v when_o we_o draw_v conclusion_n according_a to_o rule_v and_o the_o law_n of_o method_n from_o first_o principle_n which_o be_v assent_v to_o assoon_o as_o they_o be_v propose_v and_o the_o term_n understand_v whence_o there_o be_v a_o immediate_a dependence_n and_o connexion_n of_o thing_n and_o one_o thing_n natural_o follow_v another_o then_o we_o be_v say_v to_o know_v a_o thing_n when_o we_o can_v run_v it_o up_o to_o its_o first_o principle_n can_v trace_v its_o original_n and_o cause_n and_o understand_v its_o effect_n and_o operation_n this_o distinction_n be_v so_o just_a and_o natural_a to_o call_v for_o evidence_n and_o demonstration_n in_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v believe_v be_v to_o confound_v different_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n to_o turn_v religion_n into_o science_n to_o destroy_v the_o truth_n of_o history_n and_o tradition_n and_o revelation_n and_o to_o fall_v into_o scepticism_n and_o doubt_v whether_o any_o thing_n be_v certain_a but_o what_o we_o see_v and_o can_v prove_v and_o represent_v by_o a_o scheme_n and_o at_o last_o question_n whether_o our_o sense_n and_o what_o we_o call_v our_o reason_n do_v not_o deceive_v we_o or_o else_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o great_a frenzy_n run_v ourselves_o into_o this_o gross_a absurdity_n that_o we_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o god_n and_o that_o he_o can_v do_v no_o more_o than_o what_o our_o gross_a fancy_n will_v have_v he_o that_o then_o some_o of_o the_o grand_a article_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o so_o clear_a as_o proposition_n in_o metaphysic_n or_o theorem_n in_o geometry_n or_o indeed_o be_v not_o clear_a at_o all_o can_v be_v object_v against_o their_o credibility_n they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o certain_a and_o as_o infallible_a nay_o more_o certain_a and_o more_o infallible_a if_o infallibility_n may_v be_v suppose_v to_o admit_v of_o degree_n but_o in_o reason_n it_o can_v be_v expect_v our_o knowledge_n of_o they_o shall_v be_v as_o explicit_a and_o as_o clear_v supernatural_a truth_n be_v not_o can_v be_v determine_v or_o judge_v of_o by_o proof_n derive_v from_o nature_n or_o sense_n they_o have_v proper_a proof_n of_o their_o own_o as_o all_o other_o art_n and_o science_n have_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o thing_n therefore_o by_o our_o narrow_a conception_n be_v a_o most_o false_a and_o unwarrantable_a way_n of_o procedure_v and_o indeed_o it_o can_v seem_v strange_a that_o so_o much_o error_n and_o blasphemy_n and_o all_o that_o direful_a train_n of_o heresy_n in_o matter_n relate_v to_o god_n and_o religion_n which_o have_v so_o much_o disturb_v the_o peace_n of_o christendom_n shall_v spring_v from_o this_o one_o absurd_a and_o corrupt_a principle_n hence_o it_o be_v also_o that_o serrani_fw-la orpheus_n and_o the_o other_o greek_a poet_n have_v dress_v up_o their_o god_n in_o the_o habit_n and_o figure_n of_o man_n and_o clothe_v they_o with_o all_o the_o infirmity_n and_o passion_n incident_a to_o humane_a nature_n and_o hereby_o make_v way_n for_o all_o the_o debauchery_n and_o superstition_n that_o lust_n can_v possible_o suggest_v or_o a_o trouble_a fancy_n invent_v they_o make_v use_v of_o no_o other_o faculty_n to_o judge_n of_o god_n but_o a_o gross_a imagination_n afhorism_n epicurus_n upon_o this_o very_a slight_a pretence_n exclude_v god_n from_o have_v any_o thing_n to_o do_v in_o the_o order_n and_o govern_v of_o the_o world_n because_o he_o fancy_v this_o can_v not_o be_v do_v without_o anxiety_n and_o trouble_n like_o the_o due_a management_n of_o a_o great_a charge_n or_o employment_n which_o take_v up_o one_o whole_a time_n and_o require_v contrivance_n and_o study_n and_o foresight_n to_o keep_v thing_n in_o a_o equal_a poise_n to_o prevent_v disorder_n to_o apply_v remedy_n to_o the_o least_o inconvenience_n that_o otherwise_o may_v quick_o grow_v and_o improve_v into_o a_o mischief_n and_o to_o secure_v all_o by_o a_o equal_a distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n forget_v that_o god_n power_n be_v infinite_a and_o inexhaustible_a that_o his_o eye_n reach_v from_o one_o end_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o other_o and_o see_v into_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o thing_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v at_o his_o absolute_a disposal_n and_o command_n that_o trouble_n only_o arise_v either_o from_o fear_n of_o success_n or_o when_o we_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o business_n or_o our_o strength_n be_v not_o proportionable_a or_o any_o way_n sufficient_a to_o sustain_v so_o great_a a_o weight_n aetius_n present_o reject_v the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n because_o this_o do_v not_o in_o all_o thing_n agree_v with_o natural_a generation_n and_o because_o it_o can_v be_v so_o with_o man_n he_o impious_o and_o dogmatical_o conclude_v it_o be_v a_o impossible_a notion_n and_o think_v he_o have_v reason_n for_o his_o blasphemy_n and_o peremptoriness_n by_o lay_v down_o seven_o and_o forty_o argument_n for_o it_o as_o they_o be_v number_v and_o confute_v by_o lxxvi_o epiphanius_n in_o his_o panarium_n the_o same_o gross_a fancy_n have_v the_o mahometan_n of_o this_o article_n of_o faith_n to_o this_o day_n who_o deride_v the_o christian_n by_o ask_v impious_a question_n concern_v it_o and_o even_o in_o their_o devotion_n renounce_v it_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o earnestness_n with_o a_o far_o be_v it_o from_o thou_o what_o the_o christian_n impute_v to_o thou_o as_o if_o man_n be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o thing_n even_o of_o god_n himself_o who_o make_v he_o and_o who_o be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n beyond_o the_o utmost_a reach_n
a_o sermon_n of_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n preach_v before_o a_o learned_a audience_n by_o tho._n smith_n fellow_n of_o st._n mary_n magdalen_n college_n in_o oxon._n london_n print_v by_o tho._n roycroft_n for_o ric._n davis_n bookseller_n in_o oxford_n 1675._o imprimatur_fw-la sept._n 7_o h._n 1674._o c._n smith_n r._n p._n d._n episc_n lond._n à _fw-la sacris_fw-la dome_v nobilissimo_fw-la viro_fw-la d._n roberto_n boyle_n verae_fw-la ac_fw-la solidae_fw-la pietatis_fw-la summae_fw-la eruditionis_fw-la instaurandae_fw-la sanioris_fw-la philosophiae_fw-la optimè_fw-la de_fw-la literis_fw-la tam_fw-la sacris_fw-la quam_fw-la humanioribus_fw-la merendi_fw-la famâ_fw-la longè_fw-la celeberrimo_fw-la magno_fw-la aevi_fw-la exemplo_fw-la &_o ornamento_fw-la t._n s._n hanc_fw-la concionem_fw-la unà _fw-la cum_fw-la appendice_fw-la coram_fw-la academicis_fw-la oxoniensibus_fw-la solenni_fw-la s._n marci_n evangelistae_fw-la festo_fw-la in_o sacello_fw-la collegii_fw-la b._n mariae_fw-la magdalenae_fw-la superiori_fw-la anno_fw-la habitam_fw-la in_o debitae_fw-la observantiae_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d lubens_fw-la merito_fw-la dedicat_fw-la consecrátque_fw-la errata_fw-la p._n 7._o l._n 10._o 〈◊〉_d p._n 15._o l._n 13._o belief_n p._n 17._o l._n 7._o the_o ordin_fw-fr l._n 23._o ingenious_a p._n 21._o l._n 24._o for_o its_o read_v he_o p._n 26._o l._n 10_o reveal_v p._n 28._o l._n 15._o when_o p._n 34._o l._n 14._o belong_v p._n 42._o l._n 5._o for_o i_o read_v we_o p._n 45._o l._n 12_o the_o only_a p._n 48._o l._n 24._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o appendix_n refer_v to_o page_n 47._o a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o a_o learned_a audience_n 1_o tim_n iii_o the_o former_a part_n of_o the_o 16._o verse_n without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n how_o much_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n tend_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o reason_n and_o learning_n how_o it_o have_v bring_v into_o the_o world_n a_o better_a and_o more_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o ourselves_o how_o it_o have_v advance_v the_o common_a notice_n of_o nature_n and_o have_v chase_v away_o with_o the_o clear_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n those_o thick_a shade_n of_o error_n that_o have_v darken_v the_o understanding_n and_o have_v remove_v all_o those_o prejudices_fw-la that_o be_v take_v up_o from_o sense_n and_o a_o very_a partial_a and_o deceitful_a observation_n of_o thing_n may_v be_v full_o demonstrate_v by_o compare_v the_o former_a estate_n of_o mankind_n before_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n in_o the_o flesh_n with_o the_o present_a wherever_o it_o be_v receive_v in_o its_o truth_n and_o power_n man_n before_o be_v lead_v by_o opinion_n and_o conjecture_n and_o fancy_v only_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o concern_v of_o another_o world_n they_o have_v fear_n upon_o they_o indeed_o of_o a_o divine_a justice_n that_o will_v revenge_v the_o violation_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n either_o here_o or_o hereafter_o and_o a_o reflection_n upon_o the_o strange_a traverse_n and_o difficulty_n of_o life_n have_v teach_v they_o to_o expect_v another_o life_n after_o this_o but_o their_o eye_n be_v dim_v however_o and_o they_o can_v not_o see_v far_o into_o futurity_n they_o can_v have_v no_o clear_a deduction_n of_o particular_a truth_n for_o want_n of_o a_o right_a knowledge_n of_o true_a and_o certain_a principle_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o they_o be_v so_o inconstant_a and_o waver_a and_o know_v not_o well_o where_o or_o what_o to_o fix_v on_o but_o christ_n by_o his_o appearance_n and_o manifest_v the_o will_n of_o god_n to_o we_o 10._o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n and_o child_n and_o person_n of_o a_o ordinary_a reach_n and_o capacity_n may_v now_o easy_o apprehend_v those_o thing_n that_o be_v in_o reference_n to_o god_n and_o his_o attribute_n the_o misery_n we_o be_v in_o by_o sin_n the_o mean_n of_o our_o recovery_n from_o this_o woeful_a estate_n of_o life_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o the_o like_a which_o before_o those_o great_a philosopher_n notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vaunt_n and_o quest_n after_o learning_n notwithstanding_o they_o set_v up_o school_n and_o be_v ambitious_a to_o give_v name_n to_o sect_n have_v but_o a_o very_a imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o but_o while_o these_o truth_n be_v receive_v by_o those_o that_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v teach_v and_o to_o submit_v themselves_o to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o conviction_n of_o miracle_n which_o be_v add_v to_o give_v all_o possible_a satisfaction_n to_o the_o understanding_n other_o who_o be_v resolve_v before_o hand_n not_o to_o be_v convince_v who_o have_v rather_o remain_v in_o their_o ignorance_n and_o idolatry_n and_o their_o sin_n then_o be_v convert_v to_o a_o new_a religion_n and_o reduce_v to_o such_o strictness_n of_o life_n as_o that_o require_v from_o their_o debauchery_n and_o brutish_a pleasure_n who_o have_v rather_o fall_v down_o before_o a_o statue_n or_o a_o picture_n because_o their_o father_n have_v do_v so_o before_o they_o and_o because_o it_o be_v the_o establish_a religion_n of_o their_o country_n than_o acknowledge_v and_o adore_v a_o crucify_a saviour_n reject_v it_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n without_o ever_o examine_v the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o will_v have_v enforce_v they_o upon_o their_o belief_n they_o can_v not_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n but_o acknowledge_v the_o happy_a and_o glorious_a change_n that_o christianity_n have_v wrought_v in_o the_o world_n how_o much_o it_o exceed_v and_o go_v beyond_o all_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o wise_a and_o best_a lawgiver_n and_o founder_n of_o republic_n how_o it_o not_o only_o lay_v down_o rule_n for_o the_o right_a order_n of_o life_n but_o furnish_v its_o votary_n with_o a_o power_n to_o practice_v they_o not_o only_o show_v we_o a_o way_n to_o walk_v in_o but_o take_v we_o by_o the_o hand_n and_o lead_v we_o in_o it_o but_o the_o difficulty_n it_o seem_v that_o be_v to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o conceive_v some_o of_o its_o mystery_n offend_v they_o this_o be_v their_o pretence_n and_o their_o plea_n for_o their_o infidelity_n they_o will_v have_v demonstration_n for_o every_o thing_n they_o will_v be_v teach_v and_o convince_v by_o syllogism_n their_o pride_n and_o their_o self-conceit_n and_o the_o opinion_n they_o have_v of_o their_o own_o learning_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o to_o believe_v they_o make_v their_o understanding_n the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o what_o do_v not_o suit_n with_o those_o narrow_a and_o low_a principle_n they_o have_v take_v up_o be_v scornful_o reject_v by_o they_o the_o jew_n say_v the_o apostle_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 22_o 23._o require_v a_o sign_n and_o the_o greek_n seek_v after_o wisdom_n but_o we_o preach_v christ_n crucify_v unto_o the_o jew_n a_o stumbling-block_n and_o to_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o how_o irrational_a be_v the_o demand_n of_o both_o for_o what_o great_a sign_n can_v there_o be_v to_o the_o jew_n than_o the_o fulfil_n of_o all_o the_o prophecy_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n even_o to_o the_o minute_n circumstance_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n and_o those_o mighty_a miracle_n that_o show_v forth_o themselves_o in_o he_o what_o great_a wisdom_n can_v the_o philosopher_n pretend_v to_o or_o desire_n than_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n as_o it_o be_v call_v 1_o cor._n 11._o 7._o than_o those_o clear_a discovery_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o the_o godhead_n than_o the_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n by_o the_o suffering_n and_o death_n of_o christ_n the_o son_n of_o god_n than_o the_o way_n and_o mean_n of_o recover_v the_o dignity_n of_o our_o nature_n and_o of_o live_v here_o like_o man_n and_o of_o live_v hereafter_o like_o angel_n such_o a_o wisdom_n as_o will_v not_o only_o gratify_v our_o earnest_a desire_n and_o pursuit_n after_o knowledge_n but_o will_v make_v we_o happy_a too_o for_o ever_o their_o weak_a and_o blear_a eye_n can_v not_o endure_v such_o a_o great_a light_n that_o break_v in_o upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o be_v desirous_a to_o retire_v into_o the_o shade_n they_o can_v not_o full_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v they_o they_o seem_v therefore_o foolish_a and_o impossible_a notion_n that_o be_v owe_v whole_o to_o a_o ungoverned_a imagination_n and_o hereupon_o 1628._o they_o proceed_v to_o calumniate_v the_o christian_n as_o a_o company_n of_o well-meaning_a and_o honest_a and_o good-natured_a but_o very_o simple_a and_o over-credulous_a people_n who_o take_v all_o thing_n upon_o trust_n without_o inquire_v into_o their_o truth_n and_o certainty_n for_o such_o be_v the_o slanderous_a accusation_n of_o 121._o celsus_n 〈◊〉_d lucian_n and_o evangelica_n hierocles_n and_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o learned_a enemy_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n they_o
of_o fancy_n or_o conception_n his_o action_n and_o understanding_n must_v needs_o as_o much_o transcend_v we_o as_o do_v his_o essence_n his_o way_n be_v not_o as_o our_o way_n nor_o his_o thought_n as_o our_o thought_n isa._n lv_o 8._o 2._o this_o hypothesis_n of_o they_o that_o nothing_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v believe_v but_o what_o be_v clear_v up_o to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o do_v whole_o take_v away_o the_o blessedness_n and_o rewardableness_n annex_v to_o faith_n one_o necessary_a condition_n to_o make_v any_o action_n capable_a of_o reward_n or_o commendation_n be_v that_o it_o flow_v from_o a_o principle_n of_o liberty_n and_o herein_o man_n who_o be_v endow_v with_o reason_n the_o only_a true_a foundation_n of_o it_o have_v the_o preeminence_n above_o all_o other_o creature_n that_o act_n only_o by_o instinct_n or_o the_o force_n of_o appetite_n or_o by_o necessity_n of_o xxxvii_o nature_n he_o become_v hereby_o as_o it_o be_v lord_n of_o himself_o and_o can_v act_v or_o not_o act_v according_a as_o he_o be_v guide_v by_o counsel_n and_o rational_a motive_n or_o mere_o as_o it_o please_v he_o and_o according_a either_o to_o the_o right_n or_o ill_a use_n of_o this_o liberty_n he_o be_v to_o be_v judge_v whether_o he_o have_v deserve_v well_o or_o no._n that_o crystal_n shoot_v out_o into_o curious_a and_o exact_o regular_a figure_n that_o the_o flake_n of_o snow_n be_v hexagonal_a and_o ten_o thousand_o other_o rarity_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o the_o commendation_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o they_o show_v admirable_o the_o wisdom_n of_o the_o first_o contriver_n of_o they_o the_o artist_n not_o the_o pendulum_n be_v praise_v though_o it_o measure_v time_n so_o exact_o and_o perform_v all_o its_o various_a motion_n without_o any_o interruption_n or_o inequality_n because_o this_o necesssary_o arise_v from_o a_o due_a proportion_n of_o weight_n and_o wheel_n and_o from_o a_o just_a adaptation_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o a_o man_n that_o he_o act_v free_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o be_v virtuous_a out_o of_o choice_n notwithstanding_o all_o the_o allurement_n and_o inclination_n of_o sense_n and_o the_o like_a be_v to_o be_v say_v of_o the_o several_a assent_n of_o the_o mind_n if_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o clear_a and_o evident_a that_o we_o can_v not_o but_o assent_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o if_o they_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o argument_n derive_v from_o sense_n or_o nature_n where_o then_o will_v be_v the_o blessedness_n of_o faith_n our_o saviour_n speak_v of_o 29._o which_o belong_v to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o see_v and_o yet_o have_v believe_v when_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n of_o a_o thing_n than_o we_o know_v it_o and_o he_o must_v be_v very_o stupid_a and_o very_a pertinacious_a that_o â—ill_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n and_o conviction_n of_o a_o demonstration_n how_o ridiculous_a will_v it_o be_v to_o raise_v a_o dispute_n and_o heap_v up_o argument_n against_o clear_a evidence_n and_o pretend_v dissatisfaction_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o so_o great_a certainty_n as_o science_n afford_v if_o there_o be_v no_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n where_o be_v that_o obedience_n of_o faith_n the_o apostle_n st._n paul_n mention_n where_o will_v be_v our_o submission_n and_o humility_n for_o a_o trial_n of_o which_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o many_o mystery_n be_v now_o propose_v by_o god_n which_o hereafter_o as_o a_o reward_n of_o our_o faith_n shall_v be_v more_o clear_o make_v out_o to_o we_o and_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v one_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o glory_n that_o shall_v attend_v the_o bless_a in_o the_o other_o world_n when_o we_o shall_v be_v divest_v of_o those_o circumstance_n that_o now_o hinder_v the_o exertion_n of_o reason_n when_o our_o understanding_n shall_v be_v enlighten_v and_o our_o capacity_n enlarge_v and_o our_o thought_n heighten_v and_o exalt_v not_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o the_o most_o refine_a and_o raise_v intellect_n ever_o to_o attain_v to_o a_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o they_o for_o the_o angel_n those_o glorious_a spirit_n who_o attend_v the_o throne_n and_o be_v continual_o in_o the_o presence_n of_o god_n humble_o vail_v their_o face_n and_o adore_v but_o that_o what_o we_o now_o know_v by_o faith_n and_o revelation_n only_o we_o shall_v have_v a_o somewhat_o clear_a insight_n into_o and_o be_v as_o full_o and_o satisfactory_o convince_v of_o as_o for_o instance_n that_o there_o be_v a_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o one_o undivided_a essence_n as_o if_o we_o understand_v the_o manner_n of_o their_o several_a subsistence_n 3._o it_o reflect_v upon_o the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n who_o may_v if_o he_o please_v propose_v these_o thing_n to_o we_o and_o command_v we_o to_o believe_v they_o for_o that_o god_n may_v do_v this_o who_o can_v question_v or_o deny_v that_o we_o be_v as_o much_o oblige_v to_o give_v up_o our_o judgement_n and_o understanding_n as_o our_o will_n to_o his_o will_n to_o assent_v to_o any_o speculation_n or_o truth_n of_o doctrine_n reveal_v by_o he_o as_o to_o any_o mode_n of_o institute_v worship_n command_v by_o he_o or_o any_o precept_n of_o morality_n and_o that_o i_o be_o not_o to_o object_n and_o throw_v in_o my_o little_a conjecture_n and_o probability_n because_o it_o be_v not_o altogether_o or_o in_o the_o least_o evident_a to_o my_o reason_n when_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n render_v it_o impossible_a that_o it_o shall_v or_o if_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o his_o command_n shall_v be_v enough_o to_o force_v my_o assent_n now_o to_o fancy_v that_o nothing_o be_v or_o aught_o to_o be_v credible_a but_o what_o can_v be_v make_v out_o and_o clear_v up_o to_o the_o understanding_n by_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o destroy_v this_o supposition_n which_o have_v its_o certainty_n from_o and_o be_v support_v by_o several_a of_o the_o divine_a attribute_n the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n of_o god_n be_v both_o infinite_a and_o therefore_o he_o know_v more_o and_o can_v do_v more_o than_o what_o we_o possible_o can_v conceive_v otherwise_o we_o must_v equal_v our_o little_a knowledge_n which_o we_o chief_o derive_v from_o the_o image_n and_o representation_n of_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n and_o which_o every_o contemptible_a insect_n and_o vegetable_a be_v too_o big_a for_o with_o his_o and_o upon_o the_o same_o account_n we_o must_v fancy_v our_o power_n equal_a too_o which_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o irrational_a pride_n and_o madness_n like_o that_o of_o the_o apostate_n angel_n and_o by_o consequence_n throw_v off_o our_o dependence_n upon_o he_o and_o deny_v to_o yield_v obedience_n to_o his_o law_n because_o they_o do_v as_o much_o cross_v our_o vicious_a and_o corrupt_a inclination_n as_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n do_v our_o narrow_a conception_n and_o sentiment_n a_o infinite_a understanding_n only_o can_v full_o comprehend_v a_o infinite_a perfection_n such_o a_o proportion_n between_o the_o faculty_n and_o the_o object_n be_v altogether_o necessary_a for_o if_o it_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o a_o finite_a intellect_n it_o will_v immediate_o cease_v to_o be_v infinite_a how_o insufferable_a then_o be_v such_o a_o insolence_n how_o vain_a and_o foolish_a be_v such_o imagination_n and_o every_o high_a thing_n as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v extravagant_a fancy_n and_o conceit_n that_o get_v into_o the_o brain_n that_o exalt_v themselves_o against_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v captivate_v and_o make_v subject_n upon_o the_o high_a reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o the_o obedience_n and_o doctrine_n of_o christ_n which_o will_v appear_v by_o descend_v to_o the_o 2._o second_o particular_a i_o propose_v to_o make_v good_a that_o the_o christian_a religion_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v its_o mystery_n upon_o such_o ground_n as_o we_o can_v reject_v without_o do_v violence_n to_o our_o faculty_n and_o consequent_o that_o the_o reject_v and_o disbelieve_v they_o must_v be_v unreasonable_a now_o the_o ground_n be_v chief_o these_o two_o 1._o that_o we_o believe_v and_o admit_v the_o divine_a revelation_n 2._o that_o we_o yield_v obedience_n and_o submit_v our_o understanding_n and_o all_o the_o power_n of_o our_o mind_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n 1._o that_o we_o believe_v and_o admit_v divine_a revelation_n because_o god_n be_v of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o to_o deceive_v be_v repugnant_a to_o the_o holiness_n of_o his_o nature_n there_o be_v a_o utter_a impossibility_n in_o it_o now_o if_o we_o repose_v so_o much_o trust_v and_o confidence_n in_o a_o friend_n because_o we_o have_v try_v he_o and_o know_v that_o he_o be_v a_o man_n of_o great_a integrity_n and_o that_o he_o
upon_o this_o the_o enemy_n of_o this_o doctrine_n triumph_n and_o bold_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v insert_v by_o the_o catholic_n thus_o to_o mention_v only_o one_o for_o all_o socinus_n himself_o in_o his_o commentary_n on_o these_o word_n satis_fw-la constat_fw-la illa_fw-la esse_fw-la adulterina_fw-la &_o ab_fw-la hominibus_fw-la qui_fw-la suum_fw-la dogma_fw-la de_fw-la trino_fw-la &_o uno_fw-la deo_fw-la quâcunque_fw-la ratione_fw-la defendere_fw-la &_o propagare_fw-la volebant_fw-la in_fw-la hunc_fw-la locum_fw-la infarcta_fw-la but_o let_v the_o appeal_n lie_v to_o any_o indifferent_a person_n which_o be_v most_o likely_a that_o those_o who_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o this_o doctrine_n which_o be_v ground_v too_o upon_o several_a other_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o be_v derive_v down_o to_o they_o from_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n and_o which_o they_o contend_v for_o with_o so_o much_o earnestness_n shall_v without_o any_o necessity_n dare_v commit_v such_o a_o forgery_n which_o can_v not_o but_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o by_o their_o watchful_a enemy_n or_o that_o this_o shall_v be_v do_v by_o the_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n who_o be_v arraign_v in_o general_a by_o all_o the_o catholic_n writer_n who_o have_v to_o do_v with_o they_o as_o falsifier_n of_o the_o sacred_a record_n and_o be_v so_o much_o concern_v to_o do_v it_o in_o defence_n of_o their_o private_a tenet_n and_o fancy_n and_o especial_o to_o raze_v this_o text_n with_o which_o they_o be_v so_o oppress_v out_o of_o several_a copy_n from_o which_o by_o transcript_n it_o may_v easy_o be_v propagate_v into_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v admire_v that_o several_a of_o the_o father_n no_o not_o athanasius_n himself_o nor_o cyril_n of_o alexandria_n not_o st._n hilary_n who_o defend_v with_o so_o much_o learning_n the_o truth_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o this_o testimony_n they_o light_v upon_o some_o of_o these_o transcript_n which_o be_v to_o be_v say_v also_o for_o st._n austin_n in_o his_o book_n 3_o chap._n 22._o against_o maximinus_n a_o arian_n bishop_n for_o st._n leo_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o flavian_n bishop_n of_o constantinople_n against_o the_o heresy_n of_o eutyches_n ep._n 10._o cap._n 5._o for_o eucherius_n de_fw-fr questionibus_fw-la n._n testamenti_fw-la and_o for_o oecumenius_n in_o his_o commentary_n on_o this_o epistle_n and_o several_a other_o the_o same_o reason_n hold_v for_o the_o omission_n of_o it_o in_o the_o syriack_n arabic_a and_o aethiopic_a translation_n the_o two_o former_a of_o which_o as_o they_o be_v now_o extant_a as_o be_v most_o probable_a be_v make_v long_o since_o the_o time_n of_o arius_n notwithstanding_o the_o pretension_n of_o some_o to_o a_o far_o great_a antiquity_n the_o last_o be_v confess_o of_o a_o late_a date_n the_o scarcity_n of_o copy_n in_o those_o day_n and_o the_o malicious_a industry_n and_o cunning_n of_o the_o heretic_n render_v the_o conjecture_n sufficient_o probable_a if_o no_o copy_n be_v to_o be_v find_v with_o this_o verse_n entire_a and_o that_o we_o have_v only_o the_o authority_n of_o some_o of_o the_o ancient_n who_o cite_v it_o as_o authentic_a as_o have_v meet_v with_o it_o in_o their_o book_n the_o divine_n of_o louvain_n in_o collate_v the_o n._n t._n with_o a_o great_a number_n of_o latin_a copy_n find_v it_o only_o want_v in_o five_o r._n stephanus_n in_o his_o edition_n of_o the_o n._n t._n have_v the_o use_n of_o fifteen_o or_o sixteen_o old_a greek_a mss._n above_o half_a of_o which_o retain_v it_o so_o the_o edition_n of_o the_o n._n t._n at_o complutum_n compare_v with_o ancient_a mss._n print_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o restauration_n of_o polite_a literature_n in_o christendom_n at_o the_o expense_n of_o the_o great_a cardinal_n ximenes_n only_o with_o this_o variation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d thus_o erasmus_n confess_v he_o meet_v with_o a_o manuscript_n in_o england_n which_o he_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o codex_fw-la britanicus_n which_o have_v the_o whole_a seven_o verse_n as_o we_o now_o read_v it_o and_o the_o eight_o verse_n the_o latter_a part_n thus_o alter_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o shall_v lay_v no_o stress_n upon_o two_o write_n which_o pass_v under_o the_o name_n of_o athanasius_n where_o this_o verse_n be_v cite_v because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v meet_v with_o in_o those_o large_a work_n of_o he_o which_o be_v acknowledge_v genuine_a the_o one_o be_v a_o account_n of_o a_o disputation_n according_a to_o the_o title_n have_v with_o arius_n in_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a but_o the_o title_n be_v faulty_a as_o appear_v from_o the_o discourse_n itself_o nor_o be_v arius_n the_o person_n dispute_v with_o there_o but_o one_o of_o his_o follower_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o mistake_n of_o the_o title_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o a_o ignorant_a librarius_fw-la put_v down_o arius_n for_o arianus_n and_o the_o dialogue_n not_o real_a but_o suppose_v as_o be_v usual_a among_o the_o father_n introduce_v the_o heretic_n plead_v their_o cause_n and_o the_o orthodox_n refute_v their_o cavil_n and_o defend_v the_o truth_n and_o if_o this_o may_v pass_v for_o likely_a there_o can_v be_v no_o great_a reason_n to_o suspect_v the_o authenticalness_n of_o it_o the_o 1627._o word_n be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o other_o be_v in_o a_o book_n extant_a only_o in_o latin_a 55â—_n lib._n 1._o de_fw-la unitâ_fw-la deitate_fw-la trinitatis_fw-la ad_fw-la theophilum_fw-la dicente_fw-la joanne_n evangelistâ_fw-la in_o epistolà _fw-fr sua_fw-la tres_fw-la sunt_fw-la qui_fw-la testimonium_fw-la dicunt_fw-la in_o coelo_fw-la pater_fw-la &_o verbum_fw-la &_o spiritus_fw-la but_o this_o piece_n i_o confess_v be_v very_o just_o reject_v as_o none_o of_o he_o though_o perchance_o write_v not_o many_o year_n after_o his_o time_n st._n cyprian_n who_o suffer_v martyrdom_n about_o the_o year_n of_o ch._n 258._o galienus_n and_o his_o son_n valerianus_n be_v then_o emperor_n about_o sixty_o year_n before_o the_o call_n of_o the_o council_n of_o nice_a in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr unitate_fw-la ecclesiae_fw-la catholicae_fw-la cite_v this_o text_n express_o as_o find_v in_o the_o copy_n of_o his_o time_n dicit_fw-la dominus_fw-la ego_fw-la &_o pater_fw-la unum_fw-la sumus_fw-la &_o iterum_fw-la de_fw-la patre_fw-la &_o filio_fw-la &_o spiritu_fw-la sancto_fw-la &_o high_a tres_fw-la unum_fw-la sunt_fw-la it_o be_v not_o any_o way_n material_a to_o the_o design_n and_o purpose_n of_o this_o scholion_n to_o inquire_v in_o what_o sense_n st._n cyprian_n understand_v these_o word_n but_o only_o to_o vindicate_v the_o antiquity_n of_o the_o copy_n that_o retain_v this_o read_n though_o it_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n usual_a with_o the_o father_n as_o no_o one_o can_v be_v ignorant_a who_o have_v turn_v over_o their_o write_n to_o interpret_v place_n of_o scripture_n sometime_o not_o according_a to_o their_o primary_n intent_n but_o by_o way_n of_o accommodation_n which_o testimony_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o convince_a that_n sandius_n in_o his_o appendix_n quaestionum_fw-la paradoxarum_fw-la 28_n use_v all_o his_o art_n and_o skill_n to_o avoid_v the_o force_n of_o it_o by_o pretend_v that_o several_a thing_n have_v be_v change_v add_v take_v away_o and_o some_o other_o way_n vary_v in_o the_o epistle_n as_o appear_v by_o the_o observation_n of_o possevinus_n who_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o compare_v the_o print_a copy_n with_o four_o mss._n and_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o other_o perkins_n james_n and_o rivet_v from_o which_o premise_n he_o conclude_v very_o bold_o upon_o a_o mere_a possibility_n that_o this_o place_n be_v never_o cite_v by_o that_o bless_a martyr_n but_o put_v in_o by_o some_o body_n else_o quam_fw-la facile_fw-la itaque_fw-la etiam_fw-la hic_fw-la locus_fw-la interseri_fw-la potuit_fw-la ab_fw-la his_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la exhorruerunt_fw-la sacras_fw-la literas_fw-la corrumpere_fw-la propter_fw-la metum_fw-la hereticorum_fw-la but_o first_o this_o be_v bare_o say_v without_o the_o least_o proof_n and_o without_o the_o authority_n of_o any_o ms._n second_o neither_o pamelius_n nor_o rigaltius_n nor_o any_o other_o as_o i_o know_v of_o who_o put_v forth_o st._n cyprian_n make_v mention_n of_o any_o various_a read_n in_o this_o place_n all_o agree_v in_o it_o now_o that_o this_o epistle_n be_v st._n cyprian_n be_v undoubted_a sy_n cyprian_n himself_o refer_v to_o it_o and_o that_o the_o read_n be_v the_o same_o now_o as_o it_o be_v in_o the_o old_a copy_n write_v above_o eleven_o hundred_o and_o forty_o year_n ago_o appear_v from_o fulgentius_n who_o not_o only_o cite_v this_o seven_o verse_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr fide_fw-la catholicâ_fw-la adversus_fw-la pintam_fw-la episcopum_fw-la arianum_n 772._o in_o his_o testimony_n deal_v rinitate_fw-la and_o in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr trinitate_fw-la ad_fw-la felicem_fw-la notarium_fw-la c._n 4._o which_o thus_o begin_v en_fw-fr habes_fw-la in_o brevi_fw-la
upbraid_v the_o christian_n of_o their_o time_n with_o who_o they_o converse_v in_o their_o write_n and_o in_o their_o discourse_n that_o they_o receive_v all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o a_o irrational_a faith_n and_o a_o hasty_a assent_n pass_v without_o any_o examination_n that_o they_o can_v bring_v no_o proof_n or_o demonstrative_a argument_n of_o what_o they_o hold_v so_o pertinacious_o that_o nothing_o be_v require_v to_o make_v a_o christian_a a_o believer_n as_o they_o use_v to_o speak_v by_o way_n of_o scorn_n but_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o unjudicious_a and_o groundless_a faith_n yes_o certain_o a_o good_a life_n and_o a_o sanctify_a understanding_n and_o a_o humble_a opinion_n of_o a_o man_n self_n but_o these_o be_v but_o word_n and_o man_n be_v not_o to_o be_v laugh_v and_o rally_v out_o of_o their_o faith_n and_o a_o wellgrounded_n persuasion_n there_o be_v nothing_o of_o argument_n in_o scorn_n and_o passion_n they_o only_o show_v the_o weakness_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o want_v of_o reason_n in_o those_o who_o make_v use_v of_o they_o but_o now_o after_o so_o many_o miriads_o of_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n after_o the_o attestation_n and_o consent_n of_o so_o many_o age_n who_o have_v examine_v severe_o the_o principle_n on_o which_o it_o be_v found_v who_o will_v expect_v that_o any_o one_o shall_v dare_v now_o to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o again_o that_o man_n who_o have_v be_v baptize_v into_o it_o shall_v abjure_v and_o renounce_v it_o shall_v no_o long_o acknowledge_v christ_n their_o saviour_n shall_v deny_v he_o to_o be_v god_n or_o that_o he_o have_v any_o commission_n from_o heaven_n to_o institute_v a_o new_a religion_n shall_v act_v over_o the_o part_n of_o the_o jew_n and_o arraign_v the_o son_n of_o god_n as_o a_o impostor_n and_o side_n with_o the_o heathen_a philosopher_n against_o christianity_n as_o a_o doctrine_n not_o to_o be_v endure_v and_o embrace_v and_o make_v use_n of_o their_o very_a argument_n for_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o infidelity_n but_o we_o know_v whence_o the_o malice_n and_o the_o infidelity_n of_o these_o theist_n proceed_v they_o have_v abandon_v themselves_o to_o a_o wicked_a life_n they_o be_v immerse_v in_o sensual_a pleasure_n which_o they_o make_v the_o only_a end_n of_o life_n they_o be_v convince_v that_o christianity_n which_o be_v a_o doctrine_n according_a to_o godliness_n be_v not_o consistent_a with_o such_o practice_n which_o yet_o even_o nature_n and_o right_a reason_n utter_o condemn_v the_o mystery_n of_o faith_n do_v not_o so_o much_o trouble_v these_o man_n as_o the_o severity_n of_o its_o command_n these_o they_o can_v away_o with_o their_o lust_n help_v they_o to_o argument_n against_o the_o other_o and_o they_o content_v themselves_o with_o little_a piece_n of_o sophistry_n and_o think_v to_o vindicate_v the_o ill_a course_n of_o life_n they_o have_v take_v up_o this_o way_n natural_a conscience_n and_o a_o ordinary_a reflection_n upon_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n will_v not_o permit_v they_o it_o may_v be_v to_o deny_v a_o god_n though_o they_o live_v as_o though_o there_o be_v none_o they_o will_v acknowledge_v he_o it_o may_v be_v too_o in_o a_o good_a humour_n the_o creator_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o the_o judge_n and_o governor_n of_o it_o they_o look_v upon_o themselves_o as_o only_o bear_v to_o gratify_v their_o sensual_a appetite_n they_o declare_v equal_o for_o a_o liberty_n of_o live_v and_o think_v as_o they_o please_v they_o will_v have_v no_o restraint_n lay_v upon_o their_o understanding_n or_o their_o life_n christianity_n be_v too_o strict_a and_o therefore_o too_o difficult_a for_o they_o they_o may_v have_v the_o wit_n perchance_o but_o not_o the_o morality_n of_o the_o philosopher_n who_o very_a life_n notwithstanding_o will_v condemn_v they_o as_o much_o as_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n their_o evil_a education_n and_o custom_n and_o prepossession_n those_o great_a hindrance_n of_o truth_n make_v their_o refuse_v christianity_n the_o less_o inexcusable_a upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o mystery_n while_o they_o acknowledge_v the_o rule_n and_o institution_n of_o it_o to_o be_v according_a to_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o the_o exaltation_n of_o the_o humane_a nature_n while_o these_o man_n pretend_v its_o mystery_n to_o be_v therefore_o incredible_a because_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o which_o thwart_o their_o lust_n so_o much_o be_v so_o severe_a little_o or_o no_o good_a i_o know_v be_v to_o be_v do_v upon_o these_o man_n by_o persuasion_n or_o argument_n of_o which_o they_o be_v scarce_o capable_a who_o turn_v all_o thing_n into_o burlesque_fw-la and_o ridicule_fw-la they_o it_o seem_v be_v too_o witty_a for_o so_o they_o call_v their_o boldness_n and_o want_n of_o judgement_n either_o to_o understand_v or_o embrace_v the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n but_o their_o ill_a life_n show_v that_o be_v they_o as_o clear_a as_o the_o principle_n of_o geometry_n so_o long_o as_o a_o strict_a and_o holy_a life_n be_v as_o necessary_a and_o essential_a to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o christian_a as_o a_o right_n and_o sound_a faith_n they_o will_v except_v and_o cavil_v at_o they_o and_o at_o last_o reject_v they_o and_o if_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v be_v esteem_v after_o so_o many_o clear_a and_o undoubted_a revelation_n after_o such_o evident_a proof_n and_o conviction_n a_o obscure_a and_o incredible_a doctrine_n it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v or_o rather_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v it_o be_v only_o so_o to_o such_o desperate_a and_o obstinate_a wretch_n who_o reason_n itself_o can_v satisfy_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o which_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o 2_o cor._n four_o 3_o 4._o but_o these_o be_v wild_a and_o extravagant_a person_n of_o debauch_a understanding_n and_o life_n and_o only_o to_o be_v confute_v by_o the_o severity_n of_o law_n and_o of_o the_o two_o the_o christian_a religion_n have_v suffer_v more_o by_o the_o secret_a undermine_n of_o heretic_n than_o by_o their_o bold_a attaque_n these_o be_v the_o more_o dangerous_a enemy_n who_o deny_v the_o truth_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o upon_o a_o pretence_n of_o wariness_n and_o caution_n and_o go_v sober_o about_o to_o destroy_v it_o but_o all_o their_o objection_n how_o plausible_a soever_o must_v at_o last_o resolve_n into_o obstinacy_n and_o pride_n they_o fancy_v thing_n must_v be_v and_o be_v as_o they_o will_v have_v they_o or_o else_o they_o can_v be_v at_o all_o they_o vain_o suppose_v themselves_o able_a to_o search_v into_o the_o depth_n of_o all_o divine_a and_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o be_v once_o prepossess_v with_o this_o conceit_n they_o grow_v peevish_a and_o angry_a because_o the_o christian_a religion_n 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these_o he_o prove_v his_o commission_n to_o be_v derive_v from_o heaven_n this_o be_v the_o belief_n of_o the_o jew_n in_o general_a both_o learned_a and_o unlearned_a nicodemus_n be_v full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n and_o evidence_n of_o it_o joh._n iii._o 2._o rabbi_n we_o know_v that_o thou_o be_v a_o teacher_n come_v from_o god_n for_o no_o man_n can_v do_v those_o miracle_n that_o thou_o do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o blind_a man_n who_o be_v restore_v to_o his_o sight_n the_o doubt_n be_v rational_a how_o can_v a_o man_n that_o be_v a_o sinner_n do_v such_o miracle_n joh._n ix_o 16._o if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o v_o 33._o that_o be_v he_o can_v not_o do_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o a_o mere_a man_n which_o we_o see_v he_o do_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o most_o unjust_a prejudice_n to_o our_o saviour_n person_n and_o to_o the_o meanness_n of_o his_o birth_n and_o parentage_n arise_v from_o a_o false_a principle_n concern_v the_o temporal_a kingdom_n of_o the_o messiah_n through_o a_o misunderstanding_n of_o the_o prophecy_n that_o make_v they_o against_o their_o belief_n and_o conscience_n reject_v the_o authority_n of_o so_o many_o evident_a and_o often_o repeat_v miracle_n and_o though_o they_o will_v not_o acknowledge_v he_o for_o their_o messiah_n that_o come_v in_o a_o way_n of_o humility_n and_o meekness_n so_o opposite_a to_o their_o humour_n and_o expectation_n who_o think_v of_o nothing_o but_o triumph_n and_o revenge_n yet_o they_o be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v that_o the_o messiah_n can_v not_o do_v great_a and_o last_o our_o bless_a saviour_n appeal_v to_o miracle_n as_o to_o his_o credential_n as_o be_v a_o most_o rational_a motive_n to_o work_v faith_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o the_o most_o scrupulous_a if_o you_o believe_v not_o i_o believe_v the_o work_n that_o i_o do_v this_o then_o be_v a_o sufficient_a confirmation_n of_o our_o saviour_n mission_n and_o of_o the_o doctrine_n he_o and_o the_o apostle_n deliver_v from_o he_o and_o preach_v through_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n which_o they_o travel_v and_o after_o put_v in_o write_v for_o the_o benefit_n and_o great_a satisfaction_n of_o all_o succeed_a generation_n nor_o be_v we_o now_o at_o this_o great_a distance_n of_o time_n to_o call_v for_o new_a sign_n from_o heaven_n or_o to_o desire_v a_o far_a confirmation_n of_o what_o have_v be_v receive_v so_o universal_o for_o so_o many_o succession_n of_o age_n the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o authentic_a register_n of_o the_o doctrine_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n and_o that_o i_o may_v add_v this_o by_o the_o way_n be_v they_o but_o of_o humane_a authority_n they_o deserve_v not_o to_o be_v droll_v upon_o but_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o a_o equal_a if_o
not_o a_o great_a respect_n than_o polybius_n or_o livy_n not_o only_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o antiquity_n but_o for_o those_o excellent_a remark_n they_o contain_v and_o the_o theist_n of_o our_o age_n may_v as_o well_o doubt_v whether_o there_o be_v such_o a_o man_n as_o cyrus_n and_o alexander_n as_o moses_n and_o joshua_n and_o question_n whether_o cicero_n write_v those_o oration_n and_o the_o other_o excellent_a book_n that_o go_v under_o his_o name_n or_o virgil_n those_o admire_a poem_n as_o whether_o st._n matthew_n or_o st._n john_n who_o be_v the_o know_a disciple_n of_o christ_n and_o converse_v daily_o with_o he_o for_o above_o three_o year_n together_o write_v those_o gospel_n which_o contain_v the_o history_n and_o act_n of_o his_o life_n and_o death_n upon_o these_o evidence_n our_o assent_n be_v raise_v which_o make_v it_o rational_a and_o just_a our_o faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o testimony_n of_o god_n which_o be_v only_o the_o rule_n of_o it_o we_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n teach_v for_o which_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o their_o word_n and_o what_o the_o whole_a number_n of_o christian_a people_n embrace_v and_o receive_v as_o the_o just_a and_o true_a meaning_n of_o they_o now_o because_o we_o can_v reconcile_v these_o express_a and_o clear_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n lay_v down_o in_o plain_a expression_n as_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v in_o the_o begin_n with_o god_n before_o the_o world_n be_v make_v god_n manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n god_n bless_v for_o ever_o and_o that_o he_o and_o the_o father_n be_v one_o not_o to_o descend_v to_o the_o other_o article_n which_o be_v lay_v down_o as_o clear_o with_o our_o narrow_a conception_n of_o thing_n be_v most_o irrational_o to_o conclude_v against_o god_n in_o favour_n of_o ourselves_o mere_o for_o this_o only_a reason_n because_o we_o can_v tell_v or_o understand_v how_o it_o can_v or_o shall_v be_v when_o he_o have_v tell_v we_o express_o it_o be_v so_o hereupon_o they_o heap_v up_o strange_a and_o absurd_a interpretation_n of_o scripture_n and_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v true_a they_o deny_v to_o word_n their_o proper_a and_o natural_a and_o genuine_a signification_n they_o fancy_v nothing_o but_o impropriety_n and_o ambiguity_n of_o expression_n and_o admit_v of_o absurd_a notion_n for_o all_o their_o high_a vaunt_n and_o pretence_n to_o reason_n which_o destroy_v the_o very_a design_n and_o institution_n of_o christianity_n thus_o our_o most_o bless_a saviour_n the_o only_o beget_v son_n of_o god_n must_v be_v only_o so_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d god_n only_o by_o grace_n and_o favour_n and_o for_o the_o holiness_n and_o excellence_n of_o his_o life_n as_o 142._o ebion_n and_o 741._o arius_n and_o 441._o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la use_v to_o blaspheme_v of_o old_a or_o deus_fw-la factus_fw-la a_o create_a god_n only_o such_o by_o designation_n and_o office_n as_o our_o modern_a socinian_o impious_o distinguish_v when_o not_o only_o the_o name_n but_o the_o essential_a attribute_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v ascribe_v to_o he_o thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o bless_a trinity_n which_o be_v clear_o contain_v in_o the_o form_n of_o excluditur_fw-la baptism_n as_o may_v full_o be_v make_v good_a against_o the_o exception_n and_o cavil_n of_o wolsogenius_n and_o in_o st._n joh._n v._n 7._o ah_o appendix_n verse_n write_v by_o the_o same_o hand_n that_o write_v all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o epistle_n as_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a from_o the_o verse_n in_o conjunction_n with_o it_o which_o will_v be_v altogether_o defective_a and_o imperfect_a without_o it_o however_o it_o be_v omit_v in_o the_o alexandrine_n manuscript_n rather_o by_o chance_n for_o that_o be_v not_o the_o only_a omission_n in_o that_o copy_n than_o design_n as_o if_o it_o have_v favour_v the_o heresy_n of_o the_o antitrinitarian_n this_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n i_o say_v must_v be_v explode_v because_o they_o can_v satisfy_v their_o bold_a curiosity_n as_o why_o the_o emanation_n of_o the_o deity_n stop_v at_o three_o hypostasis_n that_o be_v why_o the_o divine_a essence_n be_v not_o communicate_v to_o more_o than_o three_o person_n and_o how_o it_o can_v be_v communicate_v and_o yet_o altogether_o remain_v vndivided_a and_o the_o like_a that_o this_o article_n be_v explicit_o believe_v in_o the_o very_a beginning_n of_o christianity_n may_v to_o omit_v at_o present_a other_o way_n of_o proof_n be_v evince_v hence_o that_o the_o heathen_n of_o those_o time_n use_v to_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o the_o belief_n of_o so_o unlikely_a a_o doctrine_n thus_o critias_n in_o the_o dialogue_n philopatris_n which_o if_o not_o lucian_n be_v write_v however_o in_o trajan_n time_n who_o victory_n and_o success_n in_o the_o east_n and_o particular_o in_o the_o take_n of_o ctesiphon_n and_o babylon_n and_o other_o place_n from_o the_o persian_n and_o in_o repress_v the_o incursion_n of_o the_o scythian_n as_o happen_v just_a at_o that_o time_n be_v there_o mention_v when_o triephon_n have_v express_v the_o belief_n and_o sense_n of_o the_o christian_n about_o this_o article_n by_o adjure_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d make_v a_o mock_n at_o it_o and_o reply_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o impudent_a raillery_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d so_o far_o be_v that_o from_o have_v the_o least_o truth_n in_o it_o which_o the_o enemy_n and_o opposer_n of_o this_o doctrine_n affirm_v without_o the_o least_o show_n of_o reason_n and_o authority_n that_o it_o derive_v whole_o from_o pythagoras_n and_o plato_n and_o be_v learn_v in_o their_o school_n and_o afterward_o dress_v up_o by_o the_o father_n who_o be_v admirer_n of_o that_o philosophy_n and_o not_o hear_v of_o till_o the_o three_o or_o four_o century_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o will_v appear_v that_o the_o 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