hence_o i_o pass_v to_o n._n 9_o for_o nothing_o intervene_v that_o direct_o concern_v the_o present_a controversy_n or_o at_o least_o have_v not_o have_v a_o reply_n to_o it_o and_o here_o i_o can_v join_v with_o he_o when_o he_o affirm_v that_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o we_o as_o much_o as_o a_o real_a one_o for_o i_o think_v the_o difference_n be_v palpable_a in_o all_o case_n but_o especial_o in_o contradiction_n upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n for_o we_o call_v that_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n when_o there_o be_v a_o repugnancy_n discover_v itself_o but_o we_o have_v not_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a conviction_n of_o it_o and_o i_o suppose_v this_o must_v arise_v for_o want_v of_o a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a idea_n of_o each_o term_n or_o rather_o object_n of_o the_o contradiction_n and_o till_o this_o be_v gain_v reason_n must_v suspend_v and_o neither_o determine_v that_o she_o be_v in_o the_o right_n or_o wrong_n till_o fresh_a evidence_n offer_v to_o turn_v the_o scale_n but_o now_o a_o real_a contradiction_n or_o rather_o a_o clear_a contradiction_n for_o it_o shall_v pass_v under_o this_o name_n with_o respect_n to_o our_o knowledge_n of_o it_o be_v when_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o unquestionable_a idea_n of_o both_o part_n of_o it_o or_o both_o object_n and_o thence_o conceive_v a_o irreconcilable_a repugnancy_n but_o now_o in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n who_o nature_n be_v spiritual_a and_o infinite_a i_o can_v see_v how_o reason_n can_v direct_v we_o to_o pronounce_v or_o determine_v real_a or_o clear_a contradiction_n between_o they_o and_o common_a notion_n because_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o adequate_a or_o clear_a idea_n i_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v comparative_o so_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o of_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o can_v decree_v what_o real_a repugnancy_n lie_v between_o they_o and_o therefore_o if_o seem_a contradiction_n or_o difficulty_n arise_v by_o compare_v reveal_v truth_n with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n reason_n can_v as_o this_o author_n will_v have_v it_o pronounce_v a_o real_a contradiction_n and_o suspect_v there_o can_v be_v no_o reveal_v truth_n especial_o when_o there_o be_v the_o clear_a character_n of_o the_o thing_n correspond_v with_o idea_n of_o the_o same_o nature_n here_o reason_n must_v oblige_v we_o to_o place_v the_o contradiction_n on_o our_o inability_n in_o comprehend_v matter_n of_o this_o nature_n and_o yield_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n for_o when_o revelation_n have_v set_v forth_o the_o thing_n in_o the_o clear_a character_n and_o the_o very_a same_o in_o which_o the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o all_o revelation_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o i_o mean_v that_o of_o the_o godhead_n if_o seem_a contradiction_n must_v be_v suffer_v to_o discard_v it_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o can_v yield_v any_o assent_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n for_o where_o the_o character_n be_v as_o clear_v for_o one_o as_o the_o other_o and_o both_o rest_n on_o the_o same_o authority_n that_o of_o revelation_n to_o dispute_v the_o one_o must_v call_v in_o question_n the_o other_o proceed_v we_o in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v what_o be_v deliver_v on_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n he_o mean_v that_o which_o be_v divine_a cap._n 2._o n._n 11._o and_o here_o i_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o the_o distinction_n he_o give_v we_o revelation_n be_v not_o a_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n but_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n now_o true_o i_o can_v see_v no_o absurdity_n in_o say_v that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v a_o mean_a of_o information_n and_o a_o motive_n of_o a_o assent_n too_o for_o a_o information_n carry_v a_o assent_n along_o with_o it_o proportionable_a to_o the_o credit_n or_o authority_n of_o the_o informer_n now_o revelation_n be_v certain_o a_o mean_a of_o information_n since_o it_o present_v we_o with_o new_a object_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v never_o discover_v but_o beside_o this_o it_o be_v a_o information_n that_o proceed_v from_o infinite_a veracity_n attend_v with_o infinite_a power_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n herein_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o human_a revelation_n and_o therefore_o when_o once_o we_o be_v assure_v so_o as_o to_o yield_v a_o firm_a assent_n that_o such_o a_o particular_a article_n be_v reveal_v it_o become_v the_o most_o necessitating_a motive_n of_o assent_n i_o mean_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o this_o be_v grant_v here_o be_v infinite_a veracity_n wisdom_n power_n and_o goodness_n against_o our_o imperfect_a conception_n and_o the_o seem_a difficulty_n found_v in_o '_o they_o when_o once_o we_o assent_v or_o yield_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a revelation_n i_o think_v we_o may_v safe_o affirm_v against_o this_o reasoner_n we_o may_v believe_v pure_o upon_o his_o word_n without_o evidence_n at_o least_o such_o as_o he_o require_v in_o the_o thing_n '_o emselves_fw-mi here_o the_o authority_n of_o he_o that_o speak_v not_o my_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n or_o what_o he_o say_v be_v the_o ground_n of_o my_o persuasion_n but_o to_o proceed_v as_o for_o what_o this_o reasoner_n say_v of_o god_n omnipotence_n and_o contradiction_n n._n 13._o no_o one_o be_v so_o silly_a to_o imagine_v that_o real_a contradiction_n be_v a_o object_n of_o omnipotence_n but_o there_o may_v be_v contradiction_n which_o we_o apprehend_v as_o real_a that_o in_o truth_n be_v but_o seem_a one_o and_o particular_o when_o we_o can_v full_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o both_o the_o term_n or_o object_n and_o it_o be_v already_o conclude_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n reason_n will_v often_o direct_v we_o to_o suspect_v our_o judgement_n and_o esteem_v they_o as_o such_o and_o then_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o absurdity_n in_o pronounce_v seem_a contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n a_o proper_a subject_n of_o god_n omnipotence_n thus_o far_o our_o saviour_n will_v bear_v we_o out_o for_o all_o thing_n be_v possible_a with_o god_n matt._n nineteeen_o 26._o but_o to_o pursue_v he_o a_o little_a further_o he_o tell_v we_o n._n 16._o speak_v of_o god_n revelation_n his_fw-la word_n must_v be_v intelligible_a and_o the_o matter_n possible_a and_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man_n for_o the_o conceive_a idea_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o only_a subject_n of_o believe_v and_o therefore_o all_o matter_n reveal_v by_o god_n or_o man_n must_v be_v equal_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a we_o be_v then_o to_o expect_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n he_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n from_o god_n as_o from_o man_n though_o more_o of_o certitude_n from_o the_o first_o than_o the_o last_o he_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o publisher_n answ._n what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v upon_o matter_n of_o revelation_n i_o hope_v will_v satisfy_v any_o reasonable_a man_n how_o far_o a_o reveal_v truth_n be_v require_v to_o be_v intelligible_a it_o be_v conclude_v god_n have_v discover_v so_o much_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v truth_n as_o be_v useful_a or_o necessary_a and_o consequent_o he_o have_v at_o least_o discover_v so_o much_o as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o inform_v we_o upon_o principle_n of_o revelation_n what_o he_o propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v to_o make_v we_o philosopher_n so_o as_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o reveal_v truth_n or_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o existence_n in_o order_n to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o '_o they_o this_o we_o can_v pretend_v even_o in_o physical_a disquisition_n nay_o i_o think_v it_o be_v just_o conclude_v that_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n which_o be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n spiritual_n and_o infinite_a we_o be_v not_o to_o dispute_v the_o possibility_n of_o their_o existence_n by_o measure_v they_o by_o object_n of_o sense_n for_o in_o reality_n this_o be_v the_o same_o with_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n since_o we_o can_v absolute_o declare_v against_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o existence_n without_o a_o faculty_n of_o comprehend_v and_o determine_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o it_o and_o pass_v a_o estimate_n upon_o it_o as_o absurd_a and_o impossible_a and_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v so_o far_o as_o to_o conceive_v what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o not_o to_o comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n such_o idea_n be_v not_o the_o necessary_a subject_n of_o faith_n again_o in_o humane_a revelation_n the_o object_n be_v matter_n of_o fact_n and_o thing_n we_o attain_v to_o by_o the_o testimony_n of_o our_o
it_o be_v more_o make_v up_o of_o impotent_a malice_n or_o illogical_a conclusion_n be_v disputable_a and_o therefore_o i_o think_v myself_o happy_a to_o arrive_v at_o his_o conclusion_n and_o more_o happy_a that_o i_o find_v little_a in_o it_o that_o either_o deserve_v or_o can_v just_o provoke_v a_o reply_n for_o i_o find_v he_o either_o banter_v the_o world_n with_o his_o own_o objection_n and_o answer_n which_o if_o place_v in_o the_o balance_n will_v not_o weigh_v a_o grain_n to_o effect_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n either_o way_n or_o give_v they_o a_o account_n of_o his_o next_o undertake_n though_o in_o his_o last_o edition_n he_o be_v so_o prudent_a to_o add_v a_o reserve_n that_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a will_v balk_v the_o expectation_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o he_o let_v we_o we_o know_v he_o will_v take_v his_o own_o time_n for_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n not_o in_o the_o command_n of_o any_o mortal_a and_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v prove_v the_o maxim_n by_o experimental_a demonstration_n for_o i_o believe_v want_v of_o health_n or_o business_n or_o something_o else_o will_v make_v it_o a_o good_a while_n before_o he_o put_v his_o finish_n hand_n to_o his_o new_a intend_a system_n of_o divinity_n one_o or_o two_o thing_n however_o i_o can_v but_o remark_n before_o i_o take_v a_o final_a leave_n and_o first_o after_o all_o this_o argument_n the_o reader_n may_v imagine_v that_o the_o difference_n between_o we_o be_v not_o considerable_a for_o he_o allow_v that_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o adequate_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n and_o we_o say_v that_o divine_a truth_n be_v chief_o mysterious_a in_o respect_n of_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o they_o and_o as_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o comprehend_v the_o mysterious_a part_n of_o they_o so_o we_o grant_v it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o be_v know_v or_o comprehend_v but_o yet_o for_o all_o this_o the_o difference_n be_v very_o considerable_a for_o this_o gentleman_n peremptory_o affirm_v that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n be_v explicable_a see_v num._n 77._o sect._n 3_o and_o in_o the_o conclusion_n he_o tell_v we_o if_o his_o hypothesis_n stand_v good_a whatever_o instance_n can_v be_v allege_v he_o mean_v in_o contradiction_n to_o it_o must_v either_o be_v find_v not_o mysterious_a or_o if_o it_o prove_v a_o mystery_n not_o divine_o reveal_v so_o that_o he_o have_v form_v a_o most_o compendious_a rule_n for_o discard_n the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n if_o any_o be_v propose_v who_o modus_fw-la he_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o too_o by_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n his_o hypothesis_n direct_v that_o they_o be_v to_o be_v reject_v as_o not_o divine_o reveal_v indeed_o whosoever_o survey_v his_o hypothesis_n may_v at_o the_o first_o glance_n discern_v this_o to_o be_v the_o design_n though_o he_o have_v not_o blabed_a out_o the_o secret_a in_o the_o close_a of_o it_o and_o certain_o the_o design_n be_v so_o pernicious_a and_o though_o form_v on_o a_o weak_a hypothesis_n liable_a to_o influence_n a_o unwary_a reader_n and_o cheat_v he_o out_o of_o the_o main_a of_o his_o creed_n that_o i_o wonder_v this_o gentleman_n have_v escape_v so_o long_o without_o be_v chastise_v by_o some_o pen_n more_o accurate_a than_o i_o can_v pretend_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o shall_v take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o provision_n he_o have_v make_v against_o a_o answer_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o particular_a instance_n or_o doctrine_n of_o any_o sort_n can_v serve_v for_o a_o proper_a answer_n to_o this_o discourse_n this_o be_v pretty_a well_o true_o he_o have_v be_v very_o majesterial_a in_o advance_v his_o own_o position_n and_o will_v he_o be_v as_o absolute_a in_o prescribe_v to_o his_o answerer_n as_o if_o nothing_o must_v pass_v for_o a_o answer_n that_o be_v not_o form_v by_o his_o model_n or_o have_v not_o receive_v his_o imprimatur_fw-la as_o for_o the_o force_n of_o instance_n it_o be_v very_o well_o know_v that_o a_o opposite_a instance_n be_v perfect_a demonstration_n against_o a_o peremptory_a and_o universal_a position_n in_o a_o adversary_n and_o the_o force_n of_o position_n argument_n or_o notion_n that_o exist_v in_o theory_n or_o universals_z be_v best_a illustrate_v and_o imprint_v by_o instance_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o proceed_v by_o these_o measure_n in_o all_o his_o reason_n and_o will_v he_o debar_v other_o of_o those_o privilege_n he_o allow_v himself_o this_o be_v to_o make_v himself_o the_o absolute_a sovereign_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n as_o if_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n have_v no_o right_a to_o use_v any_o more_o of_o either_o but_o what_o he_o canton_n out_o by_o his_o own_o weight_n and_o measure_n but_o he_o tell_v we_o instance_n can_v be_v no_o answer_n to_o his_o discourse_n as_o long_o as_o the_o reason_n of_o it_o hold_v good_a very_o true_a for_o if_o the_o reason_n hold_v good_a the_o instance_n allege_v against_o they_o must_v be_v impertinent_a or_o incompetent_a but_o the_o instance_n i_o have_v produce_v be_v level_v against_o his_o reason_n and_o position_n too_o and_o i_o hope_v they_o sufficient_o destroy_v both_o and_o then_o the_o method_n of_o answer_v will_v justify_v itself_o without_o his_o licence_n or_o approbation_n in_o a_o word_n as_o for_o this_o answer_n i_o offer_v it_o to_o every_o candid_a impartial_a reader_n with_o deference_n and_o submission_n who_o i_o question_v not_o will_v pass_v over_o some_o little_a slip_v or_o blot_n that_o may_v arise_v through_o heat_n of_o argument_n if_o the_o main_a line_n be_v correct_v and_o clear_a and_o as_o for_o this_o gentleman_n or_o his_o zealous_a admirer_n i_o tender_v the_o substance_n or_o principal_a part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v treat_v as_o he_o have_v peremptory_o resolve_v at_o the_o foot_n of_o his_o discourse_n i_o mean_v give_v it_o no_o more_o quarter_n than_o he_o will_v to_o error_n but_o according_a to_o his_o utmost_a ability_n and_o opportunity_n expose_v it_o in_o its_o true_a colour_n that_o he_o may_v not_o be_v charge_v as_o a_o accessary_a against_o himself_o in_o render_v his_o own_o labour_n ineffectual_a by_o weak_o mince_v or_o soften_a of_o any_o thing_n finis_fw-la lock_n be_v human_a vnder_v lib._n 4._o cap._n 3._o 3._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d strom._n lib._n 5._o n._n 7._o sect._n ii_o sect._n iii_o sect._n 8._o 8._o see_v sect._n 3_o n._n 10._o 10._o see_v n._n 5._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v n._n 12._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v cap._n 3._o sect._n 3_o 3_o see_v p._n 46_o 48._o
evident_a and_o infallible_a the_o consequence_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o particular_a object_n be_v infallible_a therefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o every_o object_n be_v so_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o position_n that_o must_v pronounce_v all_o our_o idea_n equal_o clear_a and_o perfect_a and_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n infallible_a and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o object_n false_o represent_v to_o the_o mind_n nor_o no_o idea_n false_a or_o imperfect_a this_o be_v mystery_n with_o a_o witness_n or_o rather_o position_n that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n be_v the_o primary_n and_o vniterical_a origin_n of_o all_o his_o error_n ib._n but_o i_o think_v he_o sufficient_o confute_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a paragraph_n when_o he_o pronounce_v some_o thing_n dubious_a and_o obscure_a and_o allow_v false_a idea_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o precipitancy_n or_o inattention_n by_o affection_n and_o prepossession_n n._n 18._o and_o now_o for_o the_o second_o ii_o where_o he_o introduce_v we_o with_o a_o description_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n viz._n what_o be_v evident_o repugnant_a to_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n or_o to_o our_o common_a notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o true_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o very_a lame_a imperfect_a or_o at_o least_o fallacious_a description_n unless_o it_o be_v balance_v with_o some_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n as_o first_o it_o can_v only_o hold_v in_o object_n of_o the_o same_o species_n or_o nature_n thus_o we_o can_v only_o argue_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n against_o object_n of_o sense_n from_o finite_a against_o finite_a and_o from_o matter_n of_o revelation_n against_o pretend_a matter_n of_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n in_o nature_n to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o any_o reveal_v truth_n or_o doctrine_n who_o object_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o absolute_o infinite_a because_o it_o do_v not_o accord_n with_o our_o idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n instruct_v we_o better_o in_o oblige_v we_o to_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a a_o sufficient_a inhibition_n true_o against_o discard_n reveal_v truth_n by_o any_o other_o idea_n then_o what_o be_v form_v from_o antecedent_n notice_n of_o revelation_n thus_o for_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n before_o we_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o it_o it_o be_v requisite_a the_o character_n and_o property_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o godhead_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n but_o then_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v this_o great_a truth_n as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n upon_o the_o force_n of_o a_o unreasonable_a consequence_n form_v by_o compare_v the_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n with_o object_n of_o sense_n thus_o the_o son_n can_v be_v god_n because_o it_o must_v destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n must_v be_v destroy_v why_o because_o such_o unity_n and_o plurality_n can_v never_o be_v admit_v in_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o not_o in_o the_o sublimest_n matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prostitute_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n by_o the_o vile_a representation_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o make_v he_o like_o gold_n wood_n or_o stone_n or_o thing_n grave_v by_o man_n art_n certain_z i_o be_o such_o maxim_n as_o these_o be_v the_o high_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o may_v take_v place_n it_o must_v shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o revelation_n even_o those_o lively_a character_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v give_v of_o the_o godhead_n if_o they_o must_v be_v scan_v or_o measure_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n that_o result_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n second_o before_o we_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o our_o idea_n that_o be_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a how_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o repugnancy_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o perfect_a idea_n on_o both_o side_n this_o i'm_n sure_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a injunction_n between_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v deliver_v any_o reveal_v truth_n and_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o idea_n and_o character_n of_o other_o reveal_v truth_n we_o must_v conclude_v he_o intend_v such_o a_o particular_a thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v form_v a_o adequate_a idea_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v it_o because_o this_o imperfect_a idea_n will_v not_o comport_v with_o certain_a clear_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n here_o if_o any_o difficulty_n absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n arise_v reason_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understand_n or_o our_o imperfect_a way_n of_o comprehend_v such_o unfathomable_a object_n and_o with_o st._n paul_n engage_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o now_o if_o my_o adversary_n will_v add_v these_o limitation_n to_o his_o definition_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v be_v force_v to_o do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v wipe_v off_o all_o the_o absurdity_n produce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n at_o least_o by_o show_v their_o impertinence_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o on_o this_o account_n i_o pass_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o affect_v any_o thing_n already_o deliver_v but_o either_o confirm_v or_o may_v be_v fair_o solve_v by_o it_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o his_o argument_n sect._n 2._o cap._n 1._o n._n 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o say_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o ball_n be_v white_a and_o black_a at_o once_o here_o he_o sufficient_o discover_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o that_o whatever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o what_o his_o common_a notion_n be_v the_o instance_n before_o we_o sufficient_o inform_v that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a whatever_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o most_o trite_a idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sublime_a reveal_v truth_n who_o object_n be_v spirit_n and_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o the_o idea_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o must_v be_v high_o imperfect_a because_o we_o can_v adjust_a they_o with_o the_o most_o common_a idea_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o explode_v but_o to_o deliver_v my_o own_o sentiment_n of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n once_o for_o all_o i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o eternal_a and_o universal_a harmony_n in_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o thing_n both_o create_v and_o uncreated_a the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v certain_o a_o immediate_a transcript_n of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o all_o the_o counsel_n decree_n and_o declaration_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n must_v be_v establish_v upon_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n or_o measure_n of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o idea_n of_o infinite_a truth_n or_o object_n provide_v they_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a such_o as_o god_n can_v conceive_v of_o himself_o which_o real_o contradict_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o humane_a reason_n if_o she_o be_v enable_v to_o comprehend_v they_o as_o clear_o as_o her_o maker_n but_o yet_o i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v that_o after_o all_o the_o researche_n of_o reason_n there_o be_v reveal_v object_n of_o which_o we_o can_v form_v but_o very_o imperfect_a idea_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o nature_n existence_n and_o modus_fw-la and_o yet_o we_o may_v form_v such_o a_o idea_n as_o instruct_v we_o what_o god_n intend_v we_o shall_v believe_v from_o hence_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o as_o their_o nature_n be_v peculiar_o distinguish_v from_o all_o other_o being_n so_o be_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o their_o existence_n so_o that_o it_o be_v high_o absurd_a to_o deny_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o because_o we_o can_v form_v no_o idea_n that_o will_v comport_v with_o those_o we_o have_v form_v
they_o see_v they_o through_o a_o veil_n or_o in_o st._n paul_n language_n with_o respect_n to_o further_a discovery_n through_o a_o glass_n dark_o and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o that_o they_o know_v they_o in_o part_n or_o by_o inadequate_a idea_n i_o be_o sure_a our_o knowledge_n be_v as_o much_o cramp_v in_o several_a of_o those_o instance_n produce_v by_o our_o author_n from_o the_o intricacy_n and_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n as_o those_o gospel-truth_n shut_v up_o from_o the_o jew_n by_o the_o mosaic_a veil_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n and_o consequent_o why_o be_v not_o the_o one_o as_o much_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o as_o the_o other_o to_o the_o jew_n and_o for_o this_o very_a reason_n because_o we_o know_v they_o inadequate_o but_o to_o go_v a_o little_a further_o with_o he_o i_o remember_v in_o the_o state_n of_o his_o question_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o place_n he_o give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o all_o reveal_v matter_n may_v be_v judge_v of_o even_o by_o common_a notion_n both_o as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n or_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n and_o what_o he_o assert_n must_v be_v a_o criterion_n in_o judge_v what_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n so_o that_o we_o may_v hence_o conclude_v and_o that_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n too_o that_o that_o thing_n who_o manner_n or_o existence_n can_v be_v conceive_v even_o with_o as_o much_o ease_n and_o clearness_n as_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o above_o reason_n certain_o here_o be_v a_o fair_a concession_n and_o such_o as_o will_v make_v thing_n mysterious_a because_o we_o can_v but_o form_v inadequate_a idea_n for_o as_o this_o author_n confess_v we_o can_v form_v idea_n of_o the_o being_n of_o thing_n and_o know_v as_o much_o as_o be_v useful_a from_o their_o property_n and_o effect_n whilst_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o production_n see_v n._n 8_o 11._o the_o one_o of_o plant_n and_o the_o other_o of_o rain_n here_o he_o manifest_o fix_v our_o inadequate_a idea_n upon_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o operation_n and_o existence_n that_o be_v our_o idea_n be_v inadequate_a because_o we_o can_v decipher_v wherein_o their_o modus_fw-la consist_v though_o we_o know_v their_o principal_a property_n by_o their_o effect_n and_o uses_n and_o now_o we_o may_v call_v in_o his_o own_o principle_n to_o conclude_v against_o he_o and_o affirm_v that_o inadequate_a idea_n must_v necessary_o imply_v a_o mystery_n for_o inadequate_a idea_n imply_v our_o ignorance_n as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o thing_n and_o that_o thing_n who_o modus_fw-la can_v be_v comprehend_v according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n here_o i_o think_v he_o pretend_v to_o outdo_a the_o most_o improve_v art_n of_o priestcraft_n whilst_o he_o declare_v for_o nothing_o but_o reason_n and_o banish_v mystery_n out_o of_o the_o world_n and_o yet_o impose_v thing_n that_o surpass_v the_o high_a mystery_n since_o he_o labour_v to_o make_v the_o world_n embrace_v his_o contradiction_n for_o the_o undoubted_a decree_n of_o reason_n this_n be_v in_o his_o own_o language_n trifle_v with_o a_o witness_n or_o pitiful_a shift_a or_o fool_n or_o what_o not_o and_o such_o as_o discover_v a_o mighty_a scarcity_n of_o good_a argument_n n._n 13._o but_o he_o have_v not_o do_v with_o we_o yet_o and_o therefore_o conclude_v with_o a_o oblige_a proposal_n if_o they_o will_v still_o be_v fool_v and_o call_v these_o thing_n mystery_n i_o be_o willing_a to_o admit_v as_o many_o as_o they_o please_v in_o religion_n if_o they_o will_v allow_v i_o likewise_o to_o make_v i_o as_o intelligible_a to_o other_o as_o these_o be_v to_o i_o ib._n i_o hope_v i_o have_v make_v good_a the_o first_o part_n that_o there_o be_v true_a and_o proper_a mystery_n even_o in_o the_o school_n of_o nature_n and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v manifest_a notwithstanding_o his_o vain_a triumph_n we_o have_v a_o argument_n à _fw-fr majori_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o revelation_n i_o say_v it_o be_v a_o majori_fw-la to_o every_o one_o but_o he_o that_o have_v the_o face_n to_o assert_v that_o a_o infinite_a incomprehensible_a spirit_n be_v a_o object_n equal_o intelligible_a with_o object_n of_o sense_n or_o with_o wood_n or_o stone_n as_o for_o the_o last_o part_n of_o his_o proposal_n i_o believe_v every_o one_o will_v consent_v that_o he_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o reveal_v truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n as_o intelligible_a as_o he_o be_v able_a provide_v he_o will_v promise_v not_o to_o reject_v they_o because_o he_o fail_v in_o his_o undertake_n or_o in_o a_o word_n because_o he_o can_v make_v they_o compare_v with_o common_a idea_n or_o notion_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o invalidate_v all_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o chapter_n but_o lest_o he_o shall_v think_v i_o rude_a or_o that_o i_o neglect_v he_o too_o much_o i_o shall_v make_v some_o short_a return_v to_o a_o few_o passage_n that_o be_v yet_o behind_o and_o one_a he_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n viz._n when_o it_o be_v chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a use_v be_v know_v to_o we_o for_o to_o comprehend_v in_o all_o correct_a author_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o know_v and_o as_o of_o what_o be_v not_o knowable_a we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n so_o be_v it_o nothing_o to_o we_o i_o shall_v for_o once_o admit_z that_o in_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o humane_a perception_n or_o comprehension_n we_o think_v we_o know_v or_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n sufficient_o when_o its_o chief_a property_n and_o their_o several_a uses_n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o may_v we_o not_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v that_o there_o be_v other_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o that_o the_o modus_fw-la or_o precise_a nature_n of_o those_o we_o know_v be_v inconceivable_a and_o so_o we_o may_v without_o offence_n or_o in_o a_o strict_a and_o proper_a way_n of_o speech_n affirm_v that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n mysterious_a in_o the_o thing_n and_o above_o reason_n and_o yet_o we_o do_v not_o pronounce_v it_o above_o reason_n as_o he_o suggest_v ib._n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o but_o because_o there_o be_v something_o inconceivable_a though_o to_o conceive_v it_o do_v not_o so_o direct_o concern_v we_o but_o 2_o as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v mysterious_a even_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n we_o do_v not_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o i_o mean_v as_o if_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o comprehend_v or_o define_v the_o precise_a modus_fw-la of_o the_o thing_n this_o be_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n and_o no_o mystery_n however_o since_o we_o discern_v in_o certain_a reveal_v truth_n something_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v we_o may_v believe_v those_o reveal_v truth_n to_o be_v so_o far_o mysterious_a and_o they_o so_o far_o concern_v we_o as_o to_o pay_v the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n to_o they_o and_o not_o reject_v the_o whole_a because_o we_o can_v comprehend_v every-thing_n that_o belong_v to_o '_o they_o this_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o eternal_a rule_n to_o our_o author_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o his_o own_o word_n and_o principle_n we_o believe_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n because_o we_o have_v not_o only_o its_o uses_n set_v forth_o but_o we_o have_v it_o represent_v in_o the_o principal_a property_n of_o the_o godhead_n even_o such_o as_o be_v ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o father_n and_o consequent_o in_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o author_n we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v or_o know_v this_o divine_a truth_n therefore_o if_o any_o thing_n arise_v as_o to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o its_o existence_n or_o otherwise_o that_o be_v mysterious_a not_o knowable_a or_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n his_o own_o rule_n direct_v he_o that_o this_o be_v nothing_o to_o he_o and_o consequent_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n to_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o this_o divine_a truth_n i_o be_o sure_a if_o it_o be_v not_o ridiculous_a not_o to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n in_o matter_n that_o do_v not_o direct_o concern_v we_o another_o assertion_n of_o he_o ib._n it_o be_v undoubted_o ridiculous_a to_o make_v disquisition_n in_o such_o case_n and_o make_v they_o a_o argument_n for_o reject_v the_o clear_a reveal_v truth_n which_o be_v the_o constant_a practice_n of_o the_o modern_a reasoner_n
that_o in_o case_n it_o manifest_o contradict_v the_o testimony_n of_o our_o sense_n we_o may_v just_o rank_v it_o among_o impossibility_n and_o reject_v it_o as_o such_o but_o further_a than_o this_o i_o can_v discern_v that_o we_o be_v competent_a judge_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o any_o miracle_n for_o to_o judge_v of_o its_o possibility_n suppose_v a_o knowledge_n of_o its_o modus_fw-la but_o this_o our_o adversary_n will_v not_o allow_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o miracle_n say_v he_o be_v not_o explicable_a n._n 77._o thus_o far_o we_o be_v agree_v but_o i_o know_v not_o how_o this_o limitation_n much_o less_o those_o that_o follow_v affect_v the_o present_a controversy_n indeed_o he_o at_o last_o come_v to_o the_o point_n and_o tell_v we_o miracle_n be_v not_o above_o reason_n though_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o modus_fw-la but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v why_o a_o thing_n that_o contain_v somewhat_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o which_o exceed_v human_a comprehension_n be_v not_o as_o proper_o above_o reason_n or_o mysterious_a as_o a_o thing_n in_o itself_o intelligible_a only_o it_o lie_v dormant_a because_o shadow_v thro'a_fw-fr veil_n i_o be_o sure_a origen_n tell_v the_o contrary_a comment_n in_o mat._n 19_o 24_o 26._o ut_fw-la supra_fw-la see_v pag._n 61._o but_o i_o have_v expose_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o assertion_n in_o another_o place_n indeed_o i_o shall_v have_v turn_v his_o own_o argument_n upon_o he_o have_v he_o not_o prevent_v i_o by_o revive_v they_o in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o give_v i_o a_o better_a advantage_n over_o he_o we_o have_v it_o thus_o as_o the_o begin_n of_o my_o book_n i_o maintain_v the_o manner_n as_o well_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v explicable_a but_o of_o what_o of_o miracle_n no_o sure_o but_o of_o those_o doctrine_n in_o confirmation_n of_o which_o the_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v see_v n._n 77._o this_o be_v true_o a_o unaccountable_a paradox_n miracle_n be_v certain_o the_o demonstration_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o be_v to_o be_v scan_v and_o judge_v of_o by_o common_a idea_n even_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o indisputable_a such_o as_o result_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n but_o it_o be_v conclude_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n be_v found_v on_o object_n that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o infinite_a and_o consequent_o be_v to_o we_o more_o abstruse_a and_o incomprehensible_a again_o miracle_n be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a address_n to_o the_o sense_n and_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o be_v design_v to_o give_v a_o unquestionable_a credit_n to_o every_o reveal_v truth_n since_o they_o procure_v the_o testimony_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n in_o the_o behalf_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o all_o the_o reason_n and_o argument_n in_o nature_n will_v direct_v that_o they_o shall_v pass_v the_o severe_a scrutiny_n but_o in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n it_o be_v conclude_v that_o a_o great_a deal_n rest_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o this_o depend_v upon_o the_o evidence_n of_o miracle_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o demand_v a_o clear_a and_o more_o precise_a comprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o reveal_v truth_n than_o of_o miracle_n this_o gentleman_n own_v that_o miracle_n be_v a_o confirmation_n of_o reveal_v truth_n that_o be_v at_o least_o as_o they_o be_v a_o absolute_a attestation_n of_o their_o divine_a original_a and_o this_o be_v a_o uncontrollable_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o indeed_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o mere_a novice_n in_o logic_n will_v tell_v he_o that_o we_o be_v to_o have_v at_o least_o as_o adequate_v a_o knowledge_n of_o that_o which_o be_v to_o confirm_v as_o that_o which_o be_v confirm_v by_o it_o or_o that_o the_o premise_n be_v to_o carry_v as_o great_a evidence_n in_o they_o as_o we_o expect_v in_o the_o conclusion_n therefore_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o say_v that_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o miracle_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o all_o reveal_v truth_n not_o so_o indeed_o this_o gentleman_n seem_v to_o have_v furnish_v we_o with_o weapon_n to_o fence_v against_o he_o with_o the_o great_a advantage_n for_o if_o such_o position_n as_o these_o must_v pass_v for_o truth_n it_o must_v be_v truth_n in_o a_o mystery_n and_o true_o we_o can_v not_o have_v desire_v a_o better_a argument_n against_o he_o for_o if_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v inexplicable_a certain_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o reveal_v truth_n be_v much_o more_o inexplicable_a the_o immenseness_n of_o who_o nature_n to_o a_o finite_a mind_n render_v they_o incomprehensible_a again_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o to_o be_v explain_v by_o idea_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n much_o less_o be_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o infinite_a and_o spiritual_a object_n to_o be_v explain_v by_o the_o idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n so_o that_o in_o a_o word_n since_o miracle_n as_o object_n of_o sense_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o modus_fw-la of_o they_o be_v inexplicable_a and_o by_o consequence_n just_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o reason_n much_o more_o be_v matter_n of_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o their_o modus_fw-la to_o be_v esteem_v inexplicable_a above_o reason_n and_o consequent_o mysterious_a i_o come_v now_o to_o examine_v in_o the_o last_o place_n his_o pretend_a historical_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o mystery_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o under_o this_o title_n when_o why_o and_o by_o who_o be_v mystery_n bring_v into_o christianity_n cap._n 6._o sect._n 3._o and_o true_o i_o be_o persuade_v what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v will_v be_v esteem_v by_o a_o impartial_a reader_n a_o sufficient_a confutation_n to_o this_o whole_a chapter_n at_o least_o if_o it_o answer_v the_o title_n without_o examine_v any_o paragraph_n however_o i_o think_v it_o deserve_v no_o answer_n but_o a_o short_a reply_n to_o the_o title_n and_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o no_o other_o but_o such_o as_o we_o give_v to_o a_o impertinent_a question_n of_o the_o romanist_n where_o be_v your_o religion_n before_o luther_n as_o to_o the_o time_n when_o mystery_n be_v introduce_v i_o hope_v it_o be_v sufficient_o prove_v to_o be_v of_o the_o same_o date_n with_o christianity_n itself_o be_v found_v not_o in_o name_n or_o word_n only_o but_o in_o certain_a truth_n that_o be_v propose_v as_o object_n of_o faith_n but_o 2_o for_o the_o person_n by_o who_o or_o that_o introduce_v it_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o be_v enough_o offer_v to_o charge_v it_o upon_o the_o bless_a author_n of_o the_o institution_n last_o for_o the_o reason_n why_o mystery_n be_v introduce_v i_o shall_v leave_v they_o to_o this_o notable_a reasoner_n to_o dispute_v it_o out_o with_o the_o infinite_a wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o not_o create_v man_n with_o large_a and_o more_o comprehensible_a faculty_n or_o not_o contrive_v some_o more_o familiar_a method_n of_o redemption_n and_o now_o if_o what_o have_v already_o be_v deliver_v stand_v good_a against_o this_o author_n there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v it_o i_o will_v appeal_v to_o all_o the_o world_n whether_o it_o do_v not_o destroy_v the_o malicious_a suggestion_n of_o this_o chapter_n which_o make_v mystery_n to_o be_v a_o trick_n of_o priestcraft_n contrive_v for_o the_o support_n of_o secular_a grandeur_n and_o dominion_n but_o to_o descend_v to_o a_o few_o particular_n he_o observe_v and_o that_o too_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o contempt_n and_o scorn_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n initiate_v their_o convert_v in_o a_o way_n and_o method_n not_o much_o unlike_a that_o of_o the_o heathen_a world_n which_o be_v the_o most_o he_o can_v make_v of_o all_o his_o allegation_n now_o we_o own_o the_o christian_n convert_v be_v gradual_o initiate_v that_o they_o be_v rank_v in_o several_a class_n and_o have_v a_o discipline_n and_o instruction_n peculiar_a to_o each_o class_n and_o thereupon_o prohibit_v the_o publication_n of_o the_o sublimest_n part_v of_o religion_n to_o any_o but_o those_o that_o have_v go_v through_o the_o inferior_a class_n and_o true_o such_o injunction_n have_v not_o only_o the_o unquestionable_a dictate_v of_o prudence_n for_o their_o vindication_n but_o apostolic_a practice_n and_o approbation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o establish_a method_n with_o the_o hebrew_n convert_v as_o well_o as_o those_o at_o corinth_n they_o be_v bring_v on_o gradual_o to_o perfection_n first_o by_o milk_n then_o by_o strong_a meat_n the_o one_o accommodate_v to_o babe_n in_o christ_n the_o other_o to_o those_o of_o full_a age_n see_v heb._n v_o ver_fw-la 12_o 13_o 14._o and_o 1_o cor._n three_o 2._o where_o its_o probable_a the_o jewish_a convert_v be_v first_o instruct_v in_o those_o scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o the_o easy_a part_n of_o our_o saviour_n office_n as_o prophet_n priest_n and_o king_n but_o afterward_o those_o that_o assert_v his_o divinity_n i_o be_o