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though_o upon_o a_o different_a medium_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o medium_fw-la that_o specify_v faith_n and_o though_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o evident_a and_o not_o evident_a yet_o why_o may_v it_o not_o sustain_v two_o different_a relation_n or_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a medium_n so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o perceive_v by_o its_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o assent_v to_o upon_o authority_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v do_v as_o full_o and_o with_o as_o little_a regard_n to_o its_o evidence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o belief_n not_o to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o evidence_n but_o upon_o its_o own_o proper_a 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upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n 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the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o 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matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n 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according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
much_o heathenize_v religion_n of_o some_o christian_n may_v also_o very_o deserve_o retire_v behind_o the_o curtain_n and_o decline_v come_v to_o the_o light_n for_o fear_v the_o absurdity_n and_o monstrous_a inconsistency_n of_o it_o shall_v be_v lay_v open_a but_o certain_o there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n neither_o doctrine_n nor_o precept_n in_o that_o true_a religion_n that_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n in_o evangelical_n christianity_n that_o need_v fly_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o refuse_v to_o be_v try_v by_o it_o christian_n religion_n be_v all_o over_o a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v too_o reasonable_a a_o master_n to_o impose_v any_o other_o or_o to_o require_v as_o his_o vicar_n do_v that_o man_n shall_v follow_v he_o blindfold_a and_o pull_v out_o their_o eye_n to_o become_v his_o disciple_n no_o he_o that_o miraculous_o give_v sight_n to_o so_o many_o have_v no_o need_n of_o nor_o pleasure_n in_o the_o blind_a nor_o have_v his_o divine_a religion_n any_o occasion_n for_o such_o judge_n or_o professor_n for_o it_o be_v the_o religion_n of_o the_o eternal_a and_o uncreated_a wisdom_n the_o divine_a word_n the_o true_a light_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o universal_a reason_n of_o all_o spirit_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o he_o shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n that_o contradict_v the_o measure_n of_o sound_a discourse_n or_o the_o immutable_a law_n of_o truth_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v that_o any_o divine_a revelation_n shall_v be_v true_o opposite_a to_o right_a reason_n hour_n it_o may_v sometime_o be_v above_o it_o or_o that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v theological_o true_a which_o be_v philosophical_o false_a as_o some_o with_o great_a profoundness_n be_v please_v to_o distinguish_v for_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o true_o from_o god_n as_o the_o light_n of_o revelation_n be_v and_o therefore_o though_o the_o latter_a of_o these_o light_n may_v exceed_v and_o outshine_v the_o former_a it_o can_v never_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o god_n as_o the_o sovereign_a truth_n can_v reveal_v any_o thing_n against_o reason_n and_o as_o the_o sovereign_a goodness_n he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o such_o thing_n nay_o to_o descend_v some_o degree_n below_o this_o he_o can_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v not_o only_o what_o be_v against_o reason_n but_o even_o what_o be_v without_o it_o for_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n without_o reason_n be_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v ever_o require_v a_o unreasonable_a act_n especial_o from_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n 5._o we_o therefore_o not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n but_o also_o that_o it_o be_v in_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v chief_o to_o be_v use_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o it_o there_o and_o it_o be_v a_o little_a unfair_o do_v of_o our_o adversary_n so_o much_o to_o insinuate_v the_o contrary_a as_o they_o do_v for_o i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n or_o sincerity_n i_o do_v know_v which_o in_o those_o that_o suggest_v it_o for_o they_o seem_v plain_o by_o run_v so_o much_o upon_o this_o vein_n to_o imply_v as_o if_o it_o be_v part_n of_o the_o question_n between_o we_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o whether_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o no._n but_o now_o this_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o controversy_n that_o lie_v between_o we_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o they_o and_o be_v as_o little_a for_o a_o senseless_a and_o irrational_a faith_n as_o they_o can_v be_v this_o therefore_o be_v common_a to_o we_o both_o be_v no_o part_n of_o the_o question_n and_o they_o do_v ill_o to_o insinuate_v that_o it_o be_v by_o so_o many_o popular_a declamatory_n strain_v upon_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o religion_n and_o in_o particular_a of_o faith_n whereas_o they_o do_v or_o shall_v know_v that_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o deliberation_n because_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o to_o the_o purpose_n to_o consider_v whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v when_o if_o it_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o just_a objection_n the_o only_a considerable_a thing_n then_o here_o be_v whether_o such_o a_o proposition_n be_v indeed_o from_o god_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o author_n or_o no._n and_o here_o reason_n be_v to_o clear_v her_o eye_n put_v the_o matter_n in_o the_o best_a light_n call_v in_o all_o the_o assistance_n that_o may_v be_v have_v both_o from_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o head_n and_o determine_v of_o the_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o judgement_n and_o all_o the_o sincerity_n that_o she_o can_v but_o as_o to_o the_o comprehensibility_n or_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o article_n this_o be_v quite_o beside_o the_o question_n and_o aught_o therefore_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o she_o scrute_v or_o debate_n since_o if_o it_o be_v never_o so_o much_o above_o her_o comprehension_n it_o will_v be_v never_o the_o less_o proper_a object_n for_o her_o belief_n 7._o the_o sum_n be_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o therefore_o in_o the_o believe_v of_o a_o thing_n the_o proper_a work_n of_o my_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o consider_v whether_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o when_o a_o thing_n be_v propose_v to_o i_o as_o from_o god_n all_o that_o my_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o case_n be_v serious_o sober_o diligent_o impartial_o and_o i_o add_v humble_o to_o examine_v whether_o it_o come_v with_o the_o true_a credential_n of_o his_o authority_n and_o have_v he_o for_o its_o real_a author_n or_o no._n this_o be_v all_o that_o reason_n have_v to_o do_v in_o this_o matter_n and_o when_o she_o have_v do_v this_o she_o be_v to_o rise_v from_o the_o seat_n of_o judgement_n and_o resign_v it_o to_o faith_n which_o either_o give_v or_o refuse_v her_o assent_n not_o as_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a â—itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o â—hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a
you_o say_v that_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o upon_o this_o and_o the_o other_o consideration_n there_o lie_v a_o necessity_n upon_o you_o to_o confess_v how_o then_o i_o pray_v come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o you_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v why_o if_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o you_o yourselves_o care_v not_o and_o i_o believe_v be_v ashamed_a in_o term_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v then_o do_v you_o not_o evident_o discern_v that_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o incredibility_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v your_o belief_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o incomprehensibility_n and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o your_o great_a 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these_o be_v thing_n of_o a_o physical_a and_o philosophical_a consideration_n and_o such_o as_o have_v no_o relation_n to_o religion_n true_o they_o be_v so_o but_o then_o beside_o that_o this_o visible_o betray_v the_o weakness_n of_o your_o ground_n since_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o good_a argument_n against_o assent_v to_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o will_v be_v so_o throughout_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n as_o well_o as_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o religion_n i_o will_v here_o further_o demand_v of_o you_o why_o you_o be_v so_o particular_o shy_a of_o admit_v incomprehensible_a thing_n in_o religion_n why_o be_v it_o there_o only_o that_o you_o seem_v so_o stiff_o and_o zealous_o to_o adhere_v to_o your_o maxim_n of_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v since_o there_o be_v so_o many_o inconceivable_a thing_n or_o if_o you_o please_v mystery_n in_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n and_o of_o providence_n why_o not_o in_o religion_n nay_o where_o shall_v one_o expect_v to_o find_v mystery_n if_o not_o there_o where_o all_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v reveal_v be_v reveal_v by_o god_n himself_o and_o many_o of_o they_o concern_v himself_o and_o his_o own_o infinite_a perfection_n and_o what_o deference_n do_v we_o pay_v to_o god_n more_o than_o man_n if_o either_o we_o suppose_v that_o he_o can_v reveal_v truth_n to_o we_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v or_o if_o we_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o if_o he_o do_v nay_o may_v it_o not_o be_v rather_o say_v that_o we_o do_v not_o pay_v he_o so_o much_o since_o we_o think_v it_o adviseable_a to_o receive_v many_o thing_n from_o our_o tutor_n and_o master_n upon_o their_o authority_n only_o though_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v they_o ourselves_o and_o justify_v our_o do_v so_o by_o that_o well_o know_v and_o in_o many_o case_n very_o reasonable_a maxim_n discentem_fw-la oportet_fw-la credere_fw-la but_o as_o there_o be_v no_o authority_n like_o the_o divine_a so_o if_o that_o motto_n become_v any_o school_n it_o be_v that_o of_o christ._n 7._o now_o it_o be_v in_o this_o school_n that_o you_o profess_v to_o be_v scholar_n and_o why_o then_o will_v you_o be_v such_o opiniative_a and_o uncompliant_a disciple_n as_o to_o refuse_v to_o receive_v the_o sublime_a lecture_n read_v to_o you_o by_o your_o divine_a and_o infallible_a master_n mere_o because_o they_o be_v too_o high_a for_o you_o and_o you_o can_v conceive_v they_o when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n any_o one_o of_o your_o that_o be_v not_o a_o mathematician_n pardon_v the_o supposition_n will_v i_o doubt_v not_o take_v it_o upon_o the_o word_n of_o he_o that_o be_v so_o that_o the_o diameter_n of_o a_o square_n be_v incommensurable_a to_o the_o side_n though_o he_o do_v not_o know_v how_o to_o demonstrate_v or_o so_o much_o as_o conceive_v it_o himself_o since_o than_o you_o will_v express_v such_o implicit_a regard_n to_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o fallible_a though_o learned_a man_n shall_v not_o the_o divine_a weigh_v infinite_o heavy_a with_o you_o and_o since_o you_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o your_o conception_n in_o human_n and_o natural_a science_n why_o be_v you_o so_o violent_o set_v against_o mystery_n in_o religion_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o in_o great_a measure_n the_o object_n too_o 8._o you_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o the_o great_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v incomprehensibility_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o quantity_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v also_o inconceivable_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divide_v infinite_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v again_o that_o as_o be_v part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a possible_o you_o may_v not_o be_v able_a with_o the_o utmost_a certainty_n and_o without_o all_o hesitation_n to_o determine_v which_o that_o be_v but_o however_o you_o know_v in_o the_o 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to_o be_v this_o they_o first_o set_v their_o reason_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a measure_n to_o exalt_v that_o faculty_n to_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n nay_o to_o set_v it_o no_o bound_n at_o all_o but_o strict_o to_o make_v it_o infinite_a and_o so_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a perfection_n i_o must_v profess_v my_o despair_n ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v 8._o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o one_o truth_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n himself_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o true_o and_o necessary_o so_o and_o whatever_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n most_o certain_o not_o true_a because_o he_o essential_o comprehend_v 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truth_n which_o if_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o i_o shall_v think_v they_o reduce_v to_o a_o sufficient_a absurdity_n these_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o work_n which_o like_o the_o side_n of_o a_o arch_n will_v strengthen_v and_o bear_v up_o one_o another_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o part_n whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o their_o principle_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v show_v to_o follow_v from_o their_o supposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o this_o their_o principle_n be_v absurd_a and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o absurdity_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o wherein_o this_o principle_n be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 10._o and_o when_o by_o this_o method_n i_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o a_o priori_fw-la and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o humane_a reason_n and_o so_o that_o their_o be_v above_o it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v they_o false_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o faith_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v which_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o discuss_v my_o design_n at_o present_a not_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n or_o the_o like_a but_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o article_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n stand_v the_o great_a and_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n that_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v comprehend_v which_o principle_n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o overthrow_v and_o because_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o must_v first_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o profess_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n beside_o what_o will_v be_v say_v incidental_o and_o 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same_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o different_a idea_n in_o this_o case_n definition_n of_o the_o name_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n between_o which_o two_o i_o conceive_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o nominal_a definition_n the_o word_n be_v only_o determine_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a idea_n whereas_o in_o a_o real_a one_o the_o idea_n itself_o be_v open_v and_o explain_v by_o some_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o nominal_a definition_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o therefore_o incontestable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v as_o principle_n in_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v in_o geometry_n whereas_o real_a definition_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v but_o for_o disputable_a proposition_n who_o 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observation_n not_o light_o to_o be_v pass_v over_o that_o if_o this_o one_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v once_o admit_v or_o show_v to_o be_v real_a solid_a and_o wellgrounded_n the_o main_a part_n of_o the_o socinian_n controversy_n be_v immediate_o or_o at_o least_o in_o the_o very_a next_o consequence_n at_o a_o end_n for_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v thing_n above_o reason_n be_v because_o as_o they_o pretend_v above_o reason_n differ_v nothing_o in_o reality_n from_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o so_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o much_o contrary_n to_o it_o as_o above_o it_o and_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v on_o both_o side_n acknowledge_v impossible_a to_o be_v believe_v well_o but_o than_o if_o it_o be_v make_v appear_v as_o i_o think_v by_o this_o time_n be_v sufficient_o do_v that_o these_o two_o be_v quite_o different_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o 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ground_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n 2._o it_o be_v agree_v among_o the_o master_n of_o reason_n that_o as_o all_o proof_n ought_v to_o be_v only_o of_o such_o thing_n as_o need_v it_o so_o there_o be_v proposition_n so_o clear_a and_o evident_a of_o themselves_o that_o they_o have_v no_o need_n of_o be_v demonstrate_v and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o again_o that_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o demonstration_n the_o fullness_n and_o immediateness_n of_o their_o evidence_n render_v they_o strict_o indemonstrable_a and_o it_o have_v be_v charge_v by_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o they_o as_o a_o fault_n in_o the_o method_n of_o the_o geometrician_n that_o they_o set_v themselves_o to_o prove_v thing_n that_o have_v no_o need_n of_o proof_n 432._o whereof_o he_o give_v a_o instance_n in_o euclid_n who_o go_v formal_o to_o work_v to_o prove_v that_o two_o side_n of_o a_o triangle_n take_v together_o be_v great_a than_o one_o although_o this_o be_v most_o evident_a even_o from_o the_o notion_n only_o of_o a_o right_a line_n which_o be_v the_o short_a that_o can_v possible_o be_v between_o two_o point_n and_o the_o natural_a measure_n of_o distance_n from_o one_o point_n to_o another_o which_o it_o can_v not_o be_v if_o it_o be_v not_o also_o the_o short_a of_o all_o line_n that_o can_v be_v draw_v from_o point_n to_o point_v 3._o now_o though_o i_o can_v say_v that_o the_o proposition_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v so_o evident_a of_o itself_o as_o not_o to_o be_v capable_a of_o demonstration_n yet_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o can_v but_o think_v it_o of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o need_v any_o that_o be_v i_o mean_v to_o those_o who_o will_v but_o take_v the_o pain_n to_o consider_v it_o with_o attention_n and_o be_v withal_o so_o sincere_a as_o to_o say_v ingenuous_o what_o they_o inward_o think_v for_o to_o unattentive_a or_o captious_a person_n nothing_o be_v plain_a since_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o what_o some_o will_v contradict_v and_o there_o be_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n and_o even_o the_o sun_n itself_o can_v make_v a_o man_n see_v if_o either_o he_o want_v eye_n or_o will_v shut_v '_o they_o i_o can_v therefore_o say_v that_o to_o such_o man_n either_o this_o or_o any_o other_o proposition_n be_v plain_a but_o i_o will_v venture_v to_o be_v try_v by_o any_o competent_a and_o indifferent_a considerer_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o indeed_o a_o very_a plain_a and_o certain_a proposition_n as_o plain_a as_o most_o of_o those_o which_o pass_v for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n in_o discourse_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o according_o i_o shall_v just_o fear_v incur_v the_o same_o censure_n that_o be_v charge_v upon_o the_o geometrician_n of_o go_v to_o prove_v what_o be_v evident_a be_v there_o not_o something_o peculiar_a in_o the_o present_a case_n that_o make_v it_o very_o different_a from_o they_o for_o they_o deal_v in_o matter_n of_o a_o abstract_n and_o indifferent_a nature_n and_o such_o wherein_o the_o lust_n and_o passion_n of_o man_n be_v altogether_o uninteress_v have_v no_o real_a need_n to_o prove_v evident_a thing_n because_o for_o that_o very_a reason_n their_o evidence_n be_v never_o contest_v whereas_o the_o point_n i_o have_v now_o in_o hand_n be_v of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n and_o such_o as_o encounter_v the_o partiality_n and_o false_a biass_n of_o humane_a nature_n particular_o that_o great_a and_o govern_v one_o of_o self-love_n though_o it_o shall_v be_v of_o equal_a evidence_n with_o some_o of_o their_o maxim_n will_v yet_o not_o be_v equal_o secure_a from_o opposition_n and_o pass_v alike_o uncontested_a and_o so_o there_o may_v be_v need_n of_o prove_v it_o if_o not_o to_o do_v any_o necessary_a service_n to_o the_o proposition_n itself_o yet_o to_o satisfy_v
the_o importunity_n of_o the_o man_n i_o argue_v with_o which_o indeed_o be_v the_o present_a case_n since_o as_o be_v intimate_v in_o the_o beginning_n the_o sentiment_n of_o these_o man_n concern_v the_o disbelief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n resolve_v at_o last_o into_o this_o principle_n that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n which_o therefore_o both_o for_o their_o satisfaction_n and_o refutation_n must_v be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 4._o now_o when_o i_o say_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n my_o meaning_n be_v that_o it_o be_v not_o that_o common_a standard_n whereby_o truth_n in_o the_o general_n be_v to_o be_v measure_v so_o that_o of_o every_o thing_n it_o may_v be_v safe_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v either_o true_a or_o not_o true_a according_a as_o it_o accord_v with_o this_o measure_n as_o it_o be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o comprehensible_a by_o human_a reason_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a sense_n in_o which_o human_a reason_n sometime_o be_v and_o may_v be_v true_o say_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n in_o as_o much_o as_o whatever_o the_o understanding_n do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v may_v be_v conclude_v as_o most_o certain_o true_a it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o thing_n shall_v be_v otherwise_o than_o as_o we_o clear_o perceive_v it_o to_o be_v without_o suppose_v our_o perceptive_a faculty_n to_o be_v in_o themselves_o natural_o false_a and_o without_o suppose_v it_o also_o necessary_a that_o we_o shall_v fall_v into_o error_n even_o in_o the_o right_a use_n of_o these_o faculty_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v a_o more_o right_a use_n of_o they_o than_o to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o we_o clear_o perceive_v which_o be_v not_o only_o in_o themselves_o manifest_a absurdity_n but_o such_o also_o as_o will_v necessary_o infer_v the_o author_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o be_v also_o the_o author_n of_o our_o error_n and_o deception_n it_o must_v therefore_o be_v admit_v by_o all_o what_o the_o philosopher_n of_o the_o cartesian_a way_n so_o earnest_o stand_v and_o contend_v for_o that_o clearness_n of_o perception_n be_v the_o great_a rule_n and_o criterion_n of_o truth_n so_o far_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v to_o be_v true_a be_v real_o in_o itself_o true_a but_o then_o this_o be_v only_o to_o be_v a_o partial_a and_o inadequate_a rule_n and_o in_o some_o certain_a limit_a respect_n only_o not_o absolute_o and_o in_o general_n for_o though_o i_o grant_v that_o whatever_o we_o clear_o perceive_v be_v true_a yet_o i_o deny_v that_o it_o follow_v likewise_o backward_o that_o whatever_o be_v true_a we_o do_v also_o clear_o perceive_v and_o so_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o perceive_v be_v therefore_o not_o true_a by_o which_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o cartesian_a maxim_n must_v be_v very_o much_o abuse_v to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o common_a and_o general_a measure_n of_o truth_n and_o i_o dare_v say_v the_o great_a author_n of_o it_o never_o intend_v it_o to_o that_o purpose_n 5._o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n may_v be_v safe_o say_v and_o must_v necessary_o be_v allow_v to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n for_o truth_n in_o general_n carry_v a_o necessary_a relation_n to_o understanding_n in_o general_n as_o full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o it_o so_o that_o all_o truth_n be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o intelligible_a the_o great_a and_o sublimest_n truth_n as_o much_o as_o the_o least_o and_o mean_a those_o which_o the_o angel_n study_n and_o desire_v to_o look_v into_o as_o much_o as_o those_o which_o employ_v the_o narrow_a thought_n of_o the_o poor_a rustic_n the_o former_a be_v in_o themselves_o as_o intelligible_a as_o the_o latter_a and_o if_o not_o actual_o so_o well_o understand_v it_o be_v not_o because_o of_o any_o incapacity_n in_o the_o object_n but_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o disproportion_n of_o the_o faculty_n that_o be_v conversant_a about_o they_o but_o this_o disproportion_n must_v not_o be_v universal_a nor_o extend_v throughout_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o be_v for_o what_o be_v intelligible_a must_v be_v so_o to_o some_o understanding_n since_o what_o no_o understanding_n can_v comprehend_v be_v the_o same_o as_o not_o to_o be_v intelligible_a and_o consequent_o there_o must_v be_v a_o understanding_n that_o comprehend_v all_o that_o be_v true_o intelligible_a that_o be_v all_o truth_n and_o according_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v of_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n so_o that_o whatever_o this_o perfect_a understanding_n do_v not_o understand_v be_v not_o intelligible_a and_o if_o not_o intelligible_a then_o also_o not_o true_a beside_o that_o it_o may_v be_v further_o consider_v be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n for_o so_o abstract_a and_o metaphysical_a a_o speculation_n that_o truth_n itself_o as_o to_o the_o real_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o and_o do_v therefore_o exist_v original_o and_o entire_o in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n who_o be_v substantial_a truth_n and_o according_o do_v comprehend_v all_o truth_n and_o so_o consequent_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o and_o because_o this_o all-comprehensive_a understanding_n be_v contain_v within_o the_o extent_n of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n therefore_o it_o may_v be_v true_o say_v also_o of_o reason_n or_o understanding_n in_o general_n that_o it_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o what_o be_v above_o all_o reason_n or_o what_o no_o reason_n whatsoever_o can_v comprehend_v be_v as_o much_o above_o truth_n too_o and_o can_v possible_o be_v true_a 6._o but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o necessary_a to_o allow_v this_o of_o reason_n in_o general_n the_o same_o can_v be_v allow_v of_o human_a reason_n for_o whatever_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n must_v be_v full_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n that_o be_v certain_a and_o therefore_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n it_o must_v have_v the_o same_o compass_n and_o extent_n with_o truth_n and_o possess_v it_o whole_a and_o entire_a if_o not_o essential_o and_o substantial_o as_o god_n do_v yet_o at_o least_o noetical_o and_o by_o way_n of_o theory_n so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a thorough_o to_o perceive_v and_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n but_o now_o that_o this_o qualification_n can_v possible_o agree_v to_o human_a reason_n though_o it_o be_v somewhat_o unreasonable_a that_o i_o shall_v be_v put_v to_o prove_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o hope_v full_o to_o demonstrate_v upon_o a_o double_a consideration_n one_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o human_a reason_n and_o the_o other_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o truth_n 7._o and_o first_o to_o begin_v with_o truth_n this_o as_o the_o most_o think_v and_o metaphysical_a person_n conceive_v of_o it_o be_v suppose_v to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o equality_n or_o inequality_n or_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n now_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o these_o relation_n may_v be_v of_o three_o sort_n either_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o intelligible_a idea_n or_o such_o as_o be_v between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o we_o be_v also_o to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v two_o general_a sort_n of_o truth_n extreme_o different_a one_o from_o another_o and_o therefore_o careful_o to_o be_v distinguish_v those_o that_o regard_v only_o the_o abstract_a nature_n of_o thing_n and_o their_o immutable_a essence_n independent_o on_o their_o actual_a existence_n and_o other_o again_o that_o do_v regard_n thing_n that_o do_v actual_o exist_v the_o former_a of_o these_o constitute_v that_o order_n of_o truth_n which_o we_o call_v necessary_a the_o latter_a that_o which_o we_o call_v contingent_a and_o this_o double_a order_n of_o truth_n result_v from_o that_o threefold_a relation_n beforementioned_a from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o relation_n arise_v contingent_a truth_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n of_o disagreement_n that_o be_v either_o between_o create_a being_n themselves_o or_o between_o create_a being_n and_o their_o idea_n and_o these_o i_o call_v contingent_a truth_n in_o opposition_n to_o those_o that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a partly_o because_o these_o relation_n can_v not_o begin_v to_o exist_v before_o those_o being_n be_v produce_v it_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v relation_n between_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o and_o partly_o because_o these_o relation_n may_v not_o have_v exi_v because_o those_o being_n may_v not_o have_v be_v produce_v and_o as_o contingent_a truth_n arise_v from_o the_o first_o and_o three_o
so_o from_o the_o second_o and_o middle_a relation_n result_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a and_o which_o i_o understand_v to_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o relation_n of_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 8._o i_o go_v here_o upon_o the_o common_a and_o allow_v distinction_n between_o necessary_a and_o contingent_a truth_n and_o upon_o the_o as_o much_o allow_v supposition_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o order_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a which_o therefore_o i_o take_v for_o grant_v as_o a_o principle_n not_o to_o decline_v the_o trouble_n of_o prove_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o confess_v as_o well_o as_o evident_a thing_n and_o i_o care_v not_o for_o prove_v any_o more_o evident_a thing_n than_o i_o needs_o must_v and_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v in_o this_o precise_o distinguish_v from_o those_o that_o be_v contingent_a that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n i_o think_v be_v plain_a from_o the_o very_a notion_n and_o nature_n of_o they_o because_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v such_o truth_n as_o regard_v the_o abstract_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o idea_n and_o not_o as_o they_o have_v a_o actual_a existence_n in_o rerum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la since_o than_o they_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a but_o contingent_a truth_n which_o will_v be_v contrary_a to_o the_o supposition_n and_o because_o these_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o most_o considerable_a and_o principal_a sort_n of_o truth_n as_o be_v the_o ground_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o science_n and_o the_o true_a and_o proper_a object_n of_o our_o theory_n and_o contemplation_n and_o because_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n whenever_o we_o speak_v of_o truth_n absolute_o and_o in_o general_n we_o be_v presume_v to_o mean_v necessary_a and_o immutable_a truth_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v common_o say_v by_o metaphysical_a writer_n to_o consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n though_o indeed_o this_o be_v strict_o true_a only_o of_o necessary_a truth_n but_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o the_o present_a purpose_n that_o it_o be_v true_a of_o this_o and_o so_o much_o i_o suppose_v will_v ready_o be_v grant_v i_o at_o least_o that_o the_o general_a nature_n and_o reason_n of_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n consist_v in_o the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o idea_n 9_o i_o further_o add_v that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o exact_o speak_v all_o idea_n be_v divine_a idea_n even_o those_o which_o we_o use_v to_o call_v our_o own_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a as_o might_n easy_o and_o with_o the_o great_a evidence_n be_v show_v that_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o our_o understanding_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a intellect_n in_o which_o we_o see_v and_o contemplate_v all_o thing_n but_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o this_o sublime_a speculation_n at_o present_a it_o will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o unless_o the_o idea_n who_o relation_n constitute_v those_o truth_n which_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a be_v the_o divine_a idea_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n shall_v be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a for_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o relation_n shall_v be_v more_o necessary_a or_o eternal_a than_o the_o subject_n from_o which_o they_o result_v unless_o these_o idea_n the_o subject_n of_o these_o relation_n be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a how_o can_v their_o relation_n be_v so_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o these_o idea_n must_v be_v necessary_a and_o eternal_a but_o now_o i_o pray_v what_o idea_n be_v so_o but_o the_o divine_a what_o be_v there_o in_o the_o whole_a compass_n of_o be_v that_o be_v necessary_a eternal_a and_o immutable_a but_o god_n and_o his_o divine_a perfection_n as_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v relation_n between_o idea_n and_o not_o such_o as_o be_v between_o either_o create_a entity_n themselves_o or_o between_o they_o and_o their_o idea_n because_o than_o they_o will_v be_v of_o the_o order_n of_o contingent_a not_o of_o necessary_a truth_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n we_o must_v say_v that_o they_o be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n those_o only_o be_v sufficient_o steady_a and_o permanent_a subject_n to_o sustain_v such_o stable_a and_o immutable_a relation_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o not_o for_o those_o representative_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n which_o we_o call_v idea_n there_o will_v be_v no_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a essence_n to_o support_v these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a relation_n and_o then_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o relation_n and_o if_o no_o such_o relation_n than_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n and_o be_v no_o necessary_a truth_n than_o no_o science_n which_o by_o the_o way_n will_v most_o convine_o prove_v to_o any_o capable_a and_o attentive_a understanding_n the_o absolute_a necessity_n and_o certainty_n of_o a_o god_n as_o the_o most_o inmost_a ground_n and_o central_n support_v of_o the_o whole_a intellectual_a world_n 10._o well_o then_o it_o can_v no_o long_o be_v doubt_v but_o that_o these_o necessary_a and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v the_o relation_n that_o be_v between_o the_o divine_a idea_n but_o now_o as_o these_o idea_n be_v infinite_a as_o be_v the_o essential_a perfection_n of_o god_n and_o real_o identify_v with_o his_o divine_a nature_n and_o substance_n so_o it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o the_o relation_n that_o result_v from_o they_o and_o subsist_v between_o they_o must_v also_o be_v infinite_a and_o then_o since_o these_o truth_n do_v essential_o consist_v in_o and_o in_o their_o reason_n and_o formality_n be_v no_o other_o than_o these_o ideal_o relation_n it_o no_o less_o evident_o follow_v that_o truth_n also_o must_v be_v infinite_a too_o 11._o which_o also_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o conclude_v upon_o another_o account_n for_o i_o confider_v again_o that_o since_o relation_n do_v not_o in_o reality_n differ_v as_o distinct_a entity_n from_o their_o subject_n and_o term_n as_o the_o relation_n of_o two_o circle_n suppose_v to_o be_v equal_a to_o each_o other_o do_v not_o real_o differ_v from_o the_o circle_n themselves_o so_o relate_v these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a idea_n themselves_o and_o consequent_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n with_o which_o these_o idea_n be_v identify_v and_o according_o truth_n which_o be_v the_o same_o with_o these_o ideal_o relation_n must_v also_o as_o to_o the_o real_a essence_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a nature_n 12._o and_o that_o indeed_o it_o be_v so_o may_v be_v further_o and_o somewhat_o more_o direct_o demonstrate_v thus_o that_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o whatever_o be_v beside_o himself_o or_o that_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v a_o clear_a and_o acknowledge_a principle_n necessary_a truth_n than_o be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n but_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o now_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n the_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n which_o that_o supposition_n draw_v after_o it_o i_o think_v will_v oblige_v he_o that_o consider_v they_o to_o acknowledge_v for_o first_o if_o necessary_a truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n either_o it_o will_v not_o be_v necessary_a which_o be_v against_o the_o supposition_n or_o if_o it_o be_v then_o as_o be_v a_o necessary_a effect_v it_o must_v have_v a_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o cause_n necessary_o determine_v to_o act_v and_o so_o god_n will_v be_v a_o necessary_a agent_n even_o ad_fw-la extra_fw-la he_o will_v also_o be_v a_o unintelligent_a agent_n the_o consequence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v avoid_v for_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n then_o antecedent_o to_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o consequent_o no_o knowledge_n because_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o know_v and_o so_o god_n in_o the_o production_n of_o truth_n if_o indeed_o he_o do_v produce_v it_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o act_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o without_o any_o intelligence_n again_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o depend_v upon_o something_o that_o be_v not_o god_n nay_o upon_o something_o create_v
by_o god_n whereas_o god_n be_v the_o true_a perfective_a object_n of_o all_o his_o creature_n and_o be_v himself_o complete_o happy_a in_o the_o sole_a contemplation_n of_o himself_o '_o 'twill_v follow_v again_o that_o god_n have_v constitute_v a_o order_n of_o reality_n which_o he_o have_v not_o â—ower_n to_o abolish_v that_o he_o have_v make_v some_o thing_n which_o he_o can_v unmake_v again_o and_o last_o to_o add_v no_o more_o if_o truth_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n than_o it_o can_v be_v god_n because_o god_n can_v produce_v what_o be_v himself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n then_o by_o the_o supposition_n there_o will_v be_v something_o necessary_a immutable_a eternal_a and_o independent_a etc._n etc._n that_o be_v not_o god_n which_o last_o consequence_n as_o it_o contradict_v the_o common_a and_o natural_a sentiment_n of_o mankind_n so_o it_o strike_v so_o hard_o against_o a_o certain_a very_o thoughtful_a and_o metaphysical_a head_n 296._o that_o he_o can_v not_o forbear_v urge_v this_o as_o one_o argument_n against_o the_o very_a be_v of_o necessary_a truth_n because_o then_o as_o he_o pretend_v there_o will_v be_v something_o necessary_a beside_o god_n not_o consider_v that_o this_o necessary_a truth_n be_v real_o one_o and_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a substance_n which_o one_o consideration_n put_v by_o the_o whole_a force_n of_o his_o argument_n against_o the_o be_v of_o necessary_a truth_n though_o however_o it_o be_v sufficient_o conclusive_a of_o the_o point_n we_o now_o contend_v for_o that_o this_o truth_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n for_o if_o it_o be_v then_o his_o allegation_n will_v take_v place_n that_o be_v there_o will_v indeed_o be_v something_o necessary_a beside_o god_n which_o though_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v from_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o be_v of_o necessary_a truth_n be_v yet_o plain_o inseparable_a from_o the_o other_o supposition_n that_o of_o its_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n for_o then_o the_o very_a next_o consequence_n be_v that_o there_o will_v be_v something_o necessary_a beside_o god_n which_o no_o religious_a nor_o indeed_o rational_a ear_n can_v bear_v it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o truth_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o since_o it_o be_v not_o it_o remain_v by_o virtue_n of_o the_o premise_a disjunction_n that_o it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a substance_n and_o essence_n of_o the_o deity_n 13._o and_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o further_o consider_v that_o the_o whole_a perfection_n of_o the_o mind_n do_v consist_v in_o its_o union_n with_o god_n who_o be_v she_o only_o true_a good_n this_o seem_v to_o i_o a_o proposition_n of_o a_o very_a shine_a evidence_n for_o the_o good_a of_o the_o mind_n must_v of_o necessity_n be_v something_o spiritual_a otherwise_o it_o will_v be_v of_o a_o nature_n inferior_a to_o herself_o and_o so_o not_o capable_a of_o be_v her_o perfection_n but_o neither_o be_v that_o enough_o whatever_o be_v the_o good_a of_o the_o mind_n must_v not_o be_v only_o of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a but_o of_o a_o superior_a nature_n too_o it_o must_v be_v something_o above_o the_o mind_n that_o can_v be_v its_o perfection_n and_o that_o can_v act_v upon_o it_o and_o enlighten_v it_o and_o affect_v it_o with_o please_a sensation_n otherwise_o how_o can_v it_o be_v able_a to_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o its_o better_a be_v or_o perfection_n and_o in_o order_n to_o all_o this_o it_o must_v also_o be_v intimate_o present_a to_o it_o and_o unite_v with_o it_o otherwise_o how_o can_v it_o so_o act_v upon_o it_o but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o only_a spiritual_a be_v who_o we_o can_v possible_o conceive_v thus_o qualify_v to_o be_v the_o good_a or_o perfective_a object_n of_o our_o mind_n whence_o it_o follow_v that_o he_o only_o be_v so_o and_o that_o we_o can_v become_v either_o more_o perfect_a or_o more_o happy_a in_o any_o kind_a or_o degree_n but_o by_o our_o union_n with_o and_o possession_n of_o god_n and_o hence_o it_o further_o follow_v that_o truth_n can_v not_o be_v any_o perfection_n of_o our_o understanding_n if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o same_o with_o the_o divine_a essence_n since_o that_o be_v our_o only_a perfective_a and_o beatify_a object_n and_o that_o therefore_o since_o it_o real_o be_v perfective_a of_o our_o understanding_n and_o that_o in_o the_o very_o high_a measure_n the_o understanding_n be_v then_o most_o perfect_a when_o it_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o the_o large_a view_n of_o truth_n it_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o very_a essence_n of_o that_o infinite_a mind_n who_o be_v the_o only_a true_a good_a and_o objective_a perfection_n of_o all_o spirit_n 14._o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o des_n cartes_n make_v all_o truth_n even_o that_o which_o be_v eternal_a to_o have_v be_v positive_o institute_v and_o establish_v by_o god_n to_o depend_v upon_o he_o as_o the_o summus_n legislator_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o pleasure_n and_o by_o consequence_n to_o be_v absolute_o and_o original_o arbitrary_a and_o contingent_a so_o that_o according_a to_o he_o 2_o and_o 2_o may_v not_o have_v be_v 4_o or_o 3_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n may_v not_o have_v be_v equal_a to_o 2_o right_a one_o if_o god_n have_v please_v so_o to_o order_n it_o but_o this_o notion_n of_o this_o great_a man_n do_v so_o rude_o shock_n the_o natural_a sense_n of_o mankind_n that_o it_o can_v find_v admission_n even_o where_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o philosophy_n do_v but_o be_v general_o explode_v notwithstanding_o the_o eminency_n of_o its_o author_n and_o that_o even_o by_o one_o of_o his_o great_a admirer_n malebranche_fw-mi and_o as_o i_o think_v by_o far_o the_o most_o considerable_a of_o his_o disciple_n and_o true_o i_o think_v this_o opinion_n be_v treat_v no_o worse_a than_o it_o deserve_v since_o beside_o the_o absurdity_n already_o mention_v it_o shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o science_n yea_o and_o of_o morality_n too_o by_o suppose_v the_o nature_n not_o only_o of_o metaphysical_a and_o mathematical_a truth_n but_o even_o of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a to_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a and_o arbitrary_a and_o consequent_o of_o a_o contingent_a ordination_n it_o be_v therefore_o deserve_o as_o well_o as_o general_o reject_v but_o then_o let_v those_o that_o reject_v it_o have_v a_o care_n that_o they_o fall_v not_o into_o a_o worse_a absurdity_n as_o they_o will_v not_o suppose_v truth_n to_o be_v of_o a_o positive_a and_o alterable_a nature_n and_o that_o the_o relation_n of_o idea_n may_v have_v be_v otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v so_o let_v they_o have_v a_o care_n how_o they_o make_v any_o thing_n necessary_a and_o immutable_a that_o be_v not_o god_n let_v they_o be_v consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o as_o they_o just_o reject_v the_o opinion_n that_o make_v truth_n the_o effect_n of_o god_n free_a and_o arbitrarious_fw-la constitution_n and_o consequent_o of_o a_o mutable_a and_o variable_a nature_n so_o let_v they_o own_o and_o confess_v as_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o do_v that_o it_o be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n himself_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o avoid_v des_n cartes_n absurdity_n for_o if_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n then_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o if_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n then_o since_o the_o constitution_n of_o god_n be_v free_a and_o arbitrary_a the_o nature_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n may_v have_v be_v quite_o otherwise_o than_o they_o be_v the_o whole_a science_n of_o geometry_n may_v be_v transpose_v a_o circle_n may_v have_v the_o property_n of_o a_o square_a and_o a_o square_a the_o property_n of_o a_o circle_n 2_o and_o 2_o may_v not_o have_v be_v 4_o or_o what_o else_o you_o will_v instance_n in_o and_o so_o in_o morality_n too_o which_o be_v of_o far_o worse_a consequence_n there_o may_v have_v be_v the_o like_a transposition_n what_o be_v virtue_n may_v have_v be_v vice_n and_o what_o be_v vice_n may_v have_v be_v virtue_n these_o be_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o truth_n be_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o divine_a constitution_n and_o they_o be_v intolerable_a one_o too_o and_o therefore_o the_o principle_n from_o which_o they_o flow_v be_v by_o the_o general_a current_n of_o writer_n well_o deny_v but_o then_o unless_o they_o proceed_v and_o acknowledge_v truth_n to_o be_v one_o with_o the_o divine_a essence_n they_o can_v help_v relapse_v into_o the_o same_o or_o worse_a absurdity_n for_o whoever_o say_v that_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n must_v say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o whoever_o say_v that_o must_v either_o say_v that_o it_o be_v arbitrary_a and_o contingent_a or_o if_o he_o say_v it_o be_v necessary_a and_o immutable_a he_o must_v allow_v of_o something_o necessary_a and_o immutable_a
that_o be_v not_o god_n but_o now_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o there_o be_v nothing_o necessary_a that_o be_v not_o god_n if_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o can_v be_v necessary_a which_o present_o run_v we_o into_o the_o cartesian_a absurdity_n of_o the_o arbitrary_a position_n of_o truth_n or_o if_o it_o be_v necessary_a then_o it_o be_v as_o plain_a that_o it_o must_v be_v god_n the_o short_a be_v truth_n be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n if_o it_o be_v not_o god_n then_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o des_fw-mi cartes_n say_v but_o if_o not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o the_o consequent_a absurdity_n from_o that_o principle_n demonstrate_v and_o as_o be_v general_o grant_v then_o it_o be_v god_n himself_o as_o we_o say_v it_o must_v be_v one_o or_o the_o other_o there_o be_v no_o medium_fw-la to_o say_v that_o truth_n be_v god_n or_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v each_o of_o they_o consistent_a proposition_n though_o from_o the_o gross_a absurdity_n of_o the_o latter_a the_o former_a only_o appear_v to_o be_v the_o right_n but_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o god_n and_o yet_o not_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o be_v to_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n nor_o yet_o god_n be_v all_o over_o unmaintainable_a and_o inconsistent_a if_o it_o be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n as_o be_v both_o general_o and_o just_o acknowledge_v than_o it_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v god_n since_o whatever_o be_v be_v either_o god_n or_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n 15._o and_o indeed_o if_o truth_n be_v not_o god_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o glorious_a ensign_n of_o his_o majesty_n to_o wear_v the_o character_n of_o his_o divinity_n and_o to_o have_v so_o many_o of_o his_o peculiar_a and_o incommunicable_a attribute_n how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v necessary_a immutable_a eternal_a self-existent_a increated_a immense_a omni-present_a and_o independent_a and_o that_o not_o only_o upon_o the_o conception_n of_o any_o mind_n whether_o human_a or_o angelical_a but_o even_o all_o thing_n whatsoever_o which_o may_v never_o have_v be_v make_v or_o may_v now_o be_v annihilate_v without_o any_o prejudice_n to_o the_o be_v of_o truth_n which_o do_v not_o respect_v the_o natural_a and_o actual_a existency_n but_o only_o the_o abstract_a essence_n of_o thing_n for_o be_v there_o no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o real_a circle_n or_o triangle_n in_o nature_n it_o will_v still_o be_v never_o the_o less_o true_a that_o their_o abstract_a essence_n will_v be_v determinate_a and_o invariable_a and_o that_o such_o and_o such_o distinct_a property_n will_v belong_v to_o they_o which_o by_o the_o way_n plain_o convince_v that_o truth_n be_v none_o of_o the_o effect_n work_n or_o creature_n of_o god_n since_o it_o do_v exist_v before_o they_o do_v not_o now_o depend_v on_o they_o and_o will_v remain_v the_o selfsame_a immutable_a thing_n without_o they_o but_o then_o i_o demand_v whence_o have_v it_o this_o self-subsistence_n and_o independency_n of_o be_v whence_o again_o have_v it_o its_o fix_a and_o unalterable_a nature_n such_o as_o we_o can_v neither_o add_v any_o thing_n to_o nor_o diminish_v aught_o from_o how_o be_v it_o that_o it_o be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n and_o to_o all_o mind_n so_o as_o to_o be_v contemplate_v by_o they_o all_o at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o we_o can_v so_o much_o as_o dis-imagine_a it_o or_o by_o way_n of_o fiction_n and_o supposition_n remove_v it_o out_o of_o be_v but_o it_o still_o return_v upon_o we_o with_o a_o strong_a and_o invincible_a spring_n since_o even_o the_o very_a supposition_n that_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n carry_v a_o formal_a proposition_n in_o it_o who_o idea_n have_v a_o certain_a habitude_n to_o each_o other_o and_o so_o contradict_v itself_o beside_o how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n be_v any_o thing_n a_o perfection_n to_o god_n but_o himself_o how_o come_v it_o also_o to_o be_v the_o rule_n and_o measure_n of_o his_o will_n which_o can_v be_v determine_v by_o nothing_o but_o what_o be_v just_o reasonable_a and_o true_a can_v any_o thing_n be_v a_o rule_n to_o god_n that_o be_v not_o himself_o do_v he_o consult_v or_o follow_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o be_v one_o with_o his_o own_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n and_o yet_o god_n consult_v and_o follow_v truth_n and_o can_v act_v but_o according_a to_o its_o immutable_a law_n and_o measure_n it_o be_v not_o therefore_o real_o distinguish_v from_o he_o but_o coeternal_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o he_o and_o so_o in_o consult_v truth_n he_o consult_v his_o own_o essence_n 123._o even_o the_o divine_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o eternal_a and_o increated_a wisdom_n the_o true_a intelligible_a light_n in_o who_o be_v all_o the_o idea_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n the_o fullness_n of_o be_v and_o truth_n who_o in_o the_o beginning_n be_v with_o god_n and_o be_v god_n who_o be_v eternal_o contemplate_v by_o he_o with_o infinite_a joy_n and_o complacency_n and_o who_o say_v of_o himself_o incarnate_a i_o be_o the_o way_n the_o truth_n and_o the_o life_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v how_o all_o these_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n shall_v agree_v to_o truth_n if_o it_o be_v any_o thing_n less_o than_o a_o divine_a nature_n particular_o i_o demand_v whence_o have_v it_o that_o unshakeable_a firmness_n and_o stability_n that_o invincible_a permanency_n and_o steadfastness_n that_o necessity_n of_o existence_n that_o utter_a repugnance_n to_o not_o be_v but_o only_o because_o it_o be_v real_o coessential_a and_o consubstantial_a with_o he_o who_o name_n be_v jehovah_n and_o who_o be_v be_v itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v essential_a to_o exist_v or_o rather_o who_o very_a essence_n be_v existence_n 16._o but_o now_o from_o this_o coessentiality_n and_o consubstantiality_n of_o truth_n with_o the_o divine_a nature_n a_o noble_a and_o sublime_a theory_n but_o which_o i_o do_v but_o light_o touch_v over_o have_v not_o room_n here_o to_o pursue_v it_o at_o large_a it_o evident_o and_o necessary_o follow_v again_o that_o truth_n be_v infinite_a there_o can_v be_v a_o more_o immediate_a nor_o a_o more_o necessary_a nor_o a_o more_o inseparable_a connexion_n between_o any_o two_o thing_n than_o between_o this_o consequence_n and_o that_o principle_n and_o indeed_o if_o truth_n be_v not_o infinite_a how_o can_v the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n be_v so_o not_o sure_a as_o concrete_o and_o objective_o consider_v for_o that_o manifest_o imply_v the_o infinity_o of_o its_o object_n and_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a or_o of_o any_o other_o understanding_n but_o truth_n and_o shall_v knowledge_n here_o be_v take_v for_o the_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o know_v to_o what_o purpose_n be_v a_o infinite_a power_n of_o know_v unless_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a to_o be_v know_v and_o will_v not_o such_o a_o power_n be_v uneasy_a and_o afflictive_a as_o well_o as_o useless_a to_o he_o that_o have_v it_o unless_o the_o object_n be_v suppose_v to_o carry_v due_a proportion_n to_o it_o for_o if_o it_o be_v so_o uneasy_a a_o reflection_n to_o some_o of_o we_o to_o have_v such_o short_a and_o narrow_a faculty_n when_o the_o compass_n of_o truth_n have_v so_o large_a and_o spacious_a a_o extent_n to_o be_v able_a to_o know_v so_o little_a when_o there_o be_v so_o much_o to_o be_v know_v how_o much_o more_o troublesome_a and_o painful_a will_v it_o be_v to_o the_o supreme_a intelligence_n to_o have_v a_o infinite_a understanding_n when_o all_o that_o be_v intelligible_a be_v but_o finite_a will_v not_o that_o infinity_o of_o his_o capacity_n serve_v to_o vex_v and_o disquiet_v he_o more_o than_o the_o narrowness_n of_o we_o do_v we_o the_o difference_n be_v as_o much_o as_o between_o have_v a_o great_a stomach_n and_o but_o little_a meat_n and_o a_o little_a stomach_n when_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o meat_n whereof_o which_o be_v the_o great_a punishment_n be_v obvious_a to_o imagine_v and_o we_o may_v judge_v of_o this_o in_o some_o measure_n by_o ourselves_o we_o have_v in_o we_o a_o capacity_n boundless_a and_o unlimited_a for_o though_o our_o understanding_n be_v finite_a our_o will_n know_v no_o measure_n and_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n infinite_a as_o god_n have_v make_v we_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v a_o infinite_a good_a so_o nothing_o less_o than_o that_o can_v satisfy_v our_o desire_n for_o we_o desire_v good_a as_o good_a and_o consequent_o all_o possible_a good_n now_o we_o find_v this_o to_o be_v a_o great_a pain_n to_o we_o at_o present_a to_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a
when_o all_o that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v here_o be_v finite_a the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o uneasiness_n the_o melancholy_a the_o disconsolateness_n the_o aridity_n that_o accompany_v human_a life_n will_v be_v find_v if_o trace_v to_o the_o original_a to_o proceed_v from_o hence_o viz._n from_o the_o little_a proportion_n that_o be_v between_o our_o capacity_n and_o our_o gratification_n between_o what_o be_v desire_v and_o what_o be_v enjoy_v and_o this_o desire_n of_o a_o infinite_a good_a will_v be_v a_o far_o great_a punishment_n to_o we_o hereafter_o when_o the_o activity_n of_o our_o faculty_n shall_v be_v more_o invigorate_v and_o enlarge_v if_o we_o have_v not_o then_o a_o infinite_a good_a to_o enjoy_v â—twill_n be_v at_o least_o the_o worst_a ingredient_n of_o hell_n and_o damnation_n if_o not_o all_o that_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v by_o it_o and_o yet_o we_o be_v still_o to_o consider_v that_o our_o will_n be_v inâ—â—nite_a only_a exit_fw-la parte_fw-la objecti_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v a_o infinite_a good_a and_o not_o exit_fw-la parte_fw-la actûs_fw-la because_o it_o desire_v it_o infinite_o or_o with_o a_o unlimited_a force_n and_o activity_n for_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o a_o finite_a nature_n shall_v have_v any_o power_n or_o force_n in_o it_o that_o be_v strict_o infinite_a or_o that_o any_o such_o act_n or_o operation_n shall_v proceed_v from_o it_o but_o then_o what_o will_v the_o affliction_n be_v if_o the_o act_n be_v infinite_a as_o well_o as_o the_o object_n and_o we_o be_v to_o aspire_v after_o a_o infinite_a good_a with_o a_o infinite_a desire_n what_o conception_n can_v frame_n a_o just_a idea_n of_o the_o misery_n of_o such_o a_o state_n and_o can_v it_o be_v much_o less_o for_o a_o infinite_a intelligence_n to_o have_v only_o a_o finite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o painful_a or_o afflictive_a in_o the_o condition_n of_o the_o supreme_o and_o complete_o bless_v and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o as_o the_o infinite_a will_n of_o god_n have_v a_o good_a full_o commensurate_a and_o adequate_a to_o its_o unlimited_a activity_n whereon_o it_o may_v centre_n and_o repose_v its_o weight_n so_o the_o infinite_a understanding_n of_o god_n have_v also_o a_o infinite_a intelligible_a for_o its_o object_n and_o since_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o understanding_n in_o general_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o divine_a be_v truth_n as_o that_o of_o the_o will_n be_v good_a hence_o it_o follow_v again_o that_o truth_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n 17._o and_o do_v we_o not_o find_v it_o so_o when_o we_o convert_v ourselves_o to_o it_o by_o study_n and_o meditation_n when_o we_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o contemplation_n of_o truth_n and_o set_v our_o self_n to_o muse_v and_o think_v do_v we_o not_o find_v that_o we_o launch_v forth_o into_o a_o vast_a intelligible_a sea_n that_o have_v neither_o bottom_n nor_o shore_n and_o the_o more_o we_o think_v and_o the_o more_o we_o meditate_v be_v we_o not_o still_o more_o and_o more_o convince_v of_o this_o and_o do_v we_o not_o discover_v the_o further_o we_o go_v in_o our_o intellectual_a progress_n that_o there_o still_o lie_v more_o and_o more_o beyond_o we_o so_o that_o the_o more_o we_o advance_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o truth_n the_o more_o we_o enlarge_v our_o idea_n of_o it_o as_o the_o great_a traveller_n think_v most_o magnificent_o of_o the_o world_n do_v we_o not_o find_v as_o in_o a_o spacious_a campaigne_n so_o in_o the_o immense_a field_n of_o truth_n that_o our_o eye_n weary_v and_o our_o sight_n lose_v itself_o in_o the_o boundless_a prospect_n and_o that_o beside_o the_o clear_a view_n which_o we_o have_v of_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o a_o little_a distance_n from_o we_o there_o lie_v all_o round_o we_o vast_a tract_n unmeasurable_o diffuse_v whereof_o we_o have_v only_o confuse_v and_o indistinct_a image_n like_o the_o faint_a blue_n of_o the_o far_o distant_a hill_n be_v not_o the_o relation_n and_o combination_n of_o thing_n with_o one_o another_o infinite_a and_o shall_v but_o one_o link_n in_o this_o endless_a chain_n be_v alter_v will_v not_o innumerable_a alteration_n ensue_v upon_o it_o shall_v but_o one_o proposition_n that_o be_v false_a be_v suppose_v true_a or_o one_o that_o be_v true_a be_v suppose_v false_a what_o understanding_n but_o the_o divine_a can_v go_v on_o with_o the_o train_n of_o new_a consequence_n that_o will_v result_v from_o such_o a_o supposition_n i_o say_v new_a consequence_n for_o we_o be_v to_o consider_v that_o beside_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o contain_v the_o relation_n of_o idea_n with_o their_o settle_a coherency_n and_o dependency_n one_o upon_o another_o according_a as_o they_o real_o stand_v in_o their_o natural_a order_n there_o be_v a_o secondary_a systeme_n of_o truth_n which_o i_o may_v call_v hypothetical_n that_o result_v from_o any_o suppose_a change_n make_v in_o the_o absolute_a systeme_n whence_o will_v still_o arise_v new_a and_o new_a consequence_n even_o to_o infinity_o but_o not_o to_o consider_v hypothetical_n truth_n can_v the_o bound_n of_o that_o which_o be_v absolute_a be_v ever_o fix_v or_o its_o stock_n ever_o exhaust_v do_v it_o not_o after_o all_o the_o study_n that_o have_v be_v employ_v about_o it_o and_o the_o numberless_a number_n of_o volume_n that_o have_v be_v write_v upon_o it_o furnish_v perpetual_a matter_n for_o our_o contemplation_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o subject_a for_o everlasting_a thought_n and_o consideration_n have_v it_o not_o be_v the_o great_a research_n of_o the_o thoughtful_a and_o inquisitive_a for_o many_o age_n and_o yet_o do_v not_o every_o age_n refine_v upon_o its_o predecessor_n and_o produce_v new_a discovery_n be_v not_o the_o science_n continual_o improve_v and_o yet_o be_v there_o not_o still_o depth_n in_o every_o science_n which_o no_o line_n of_o thought_n can_v ever_o fathom_n what_o a_o vast_a fecundity_n be_v there_o in_o some_o plain_a simple_a proposition_n nay_o who_o can_v number_v the_o conclusion_n that_o may_v be_v draw_v from_o any_o one_o principle_n take_v the_o most_o simple_a figure_n in_o geometry_n and_o where_o be_v the_o mathematician_n who_o after_o a_o thousand_o year_n study_n can_v reckon_v up_o all_o the_o property_n that_o may_v be_v affirm_v of_o it_o both_o as_o absolute_o consider_v and_o as_o it_o stand_v in_o relation_n to_o other_o figure_n and_o what_o then_o shall_v we_o think_v of_o the_o whole_a science_n in_o all_o its_o branch_n and_o dependency_n particular_o of_o algebra_n the_o main_a ocean_n of_o this_o bottomless_a sea_n and_o what_o shall_v we_o say_v of_o metaphysick_n another_o unmeasurable_a abyss_n and_o what_o of_o the_o endless_a circle_n of_o truth_n if_o not_o the_o same_o which_o one_o of_o iob_n friend_n say_v of_o god_n 7._o can_v thou_o by_o search_a â—ind_n out_o truth_n can_v thou_o find_v she_o out_o unto_o perfection_n it_o be_v as_o high_a as_o heaven_n what_o can_v thou_o do_v deep_o than_o hell_n what_o can_v thou_o know_v the_o measure_n thereof_o be_v long_o than_o the_o earth_n and_o broad_a than_o the_o sea_n and_o that_o because_o they_o after_o all_o be_v finite_a whereas_o this_o be_v true_o and_o strict_o infinite_a which_o by_o the_o way_n sufficient_o prove_v a_o god_n and_o that_o this_o god_n be_v truth_n who_o eternal_a and_o glorious_a majesty_n be_v bless_v for_o ever_o 18._o but_o then_o let_v we_o consider_v if_o truth_n be_v indeed_o as_o you_o see_v of_o a_o infinite_a nature_n then_o to_o prove_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o full_o adequate_v to_o it_o do_v not_o entire_o possess_v it_o nor_o all_o over_o and_o whole_o comprehend_v it_o and_o consequent_o can_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o lay_v open_o the_o great_a weakness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o understanding_n i_o need_v not_o represent_v the_o imperfection_n of_o its_o light_n nor_o the_o shortness_n of_o its_o view_n nor_o the_o slenderness_n of_o its_o attainment_n nor_o the_o very_a narrow_a extent_n of_o its_o knowledge_n nor_o the_o very_a little_a progress_n it_o be_v able_a to_o make_v in_o the_o contemplation_n and_o comprehension_n of_o truth_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n for_o which_o we_o need_v go_v no_o further_o for_o a_o instance_n than_o our_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o even_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v always_o discern_v the_o relation_n and_o connexion_n that_n be_v between_o they_o and_o that_o either_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n in_o the_o idea_n themselves_o to_o have_v their_o relation_n perceive_v immediate_o without_o compare_v they_o with_o other_o mediate_a idea_n or_o else_o for_o want_v of_o such_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_n wherewith_o to_o compare_v they_o and_o
that_o know_v no_o bottom_n 25._o i_o use_v a_o little_a figure_n and_o imagery_n here_o the_o better_a to_o impress_v this_o upon_o the_o imagination_n of_o those_o who_o be_v not_o so_o well_o habituate_v to_o the_o conception_n of_o thing_n by_o pure_a intellection_n but_o the_o thing_n itself_o need_v none_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o metaphorical_a way_n be_v strict_o and_o severe_o true_a and_o by_o these_o two_o instance_n it_o may_v appear_v what_o a_o vast_a difference_n there_o be_v between_o these_o two_o sort_n of_o the_o divine_a idea_n the_o absolute_a and_o the_o relative_n those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o in_o himself_o and_o those_o that_o be_v of_o the_o same_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n the_o first_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a the_o second_o finite_a and_o comprehensible_a for_o you_o see_v here_o the_o idea_n of_o extension_n be_v clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o such_o as_o we_o can_v full_o and_o adequate_o conceive_v but_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o divine_a immensity_n have_v nothing_o clear_a and_o distinct_a in_o it_o but_o be_v all_o over_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o such_o as_o quite_o astonish_v and_o confound_v we_o with_o a_o thousand_o difficulty_n upon_o the_o first_o application_n of_o our_o thought_n to_o it_o as_o indeed_o do_v all_o the_o absolute_a attribute_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o be_v all_o equal_o infinite_a and_o equal_o incomprehensible_a to_o finite_a spirit_n however_o they_o may_v be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v that_o which_o in_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n be_v representative_a of_o and_o carry_v a_o relation_n to_o those_o reality_n which_o either_o actual_o do_v or_o possible_o may_v exist_v out_o of_o it_o and_o in_o this_o i_o say_v no_o more_o set_v aside_o only_o the_o rationale_n of_o the_o thing_n than_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o incommunicable_a attribute_n of_o god_n be_v infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a they_o be_v so_o but_o what_o be_v it_o that_o make_v they_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a even_o the_o same_o that_o make_v they_o incommunicable_a viz._n their_o be_v of_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o according_a to_o its_o absolute_a simplicity_n and_o not_o as_o it_o be_v in_o relation_n to_o creature_n for_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o the_o essence_n of_o god_n as_o it_o be_v simple_o and_o absolute_o in_o itself_o be_v every_o way_n infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a and_o therefore_o all_o those_o idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o his_o which_o be_v in_o this_o absolute_a sense_n essential_a to_o he_o must_v be_v also_o of_o a_o alike_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a nature_n which_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o silence_n the_o presumptuous_a cavil_n of_o those_o who_o draw_v objection_n against_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o his_o attribute_n since_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v have_v incomprehensible_a attribute_n which_o unless_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o we_o do_v not_o think_v either_o right_o or_o worthy_o of_o he_o 26._o but_o to_o resume_v our_o point_n we_o see_v then_o here_o what_o a_o large_a field_n be_v now_o open_v to_o our_o prospect_n of_o infinite_a and_o incomprehensible_a truth_n even_o of_o a_o compass_n as_o large_a as_o the_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a essence_n for_o though_o all_o create_a thing_n be_v of_o a_o finite_a nature_n and_o though_o even_o the_o divine_a idea_n that_o represent_v they_o as_o far_o as_o representative_a of_o they_o must_v fall_v under_o the_o same_o limit_a consideration_n yet_o those_o absolute_a idea_n and_o perfection_n of_o god_n that_o have_v no_o such_o external_a reference_n but_o be_v of_o the_o divine_a essence_n as_o it_o be_v in_o its_o pure_a simple_a abstract_a self_n must_v necessary_o partake_v of_o the_o divine_a infinity_o and_o be_v as_o 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nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v 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〈…〉_z that_o do_v not_o 〈…〉_z the_o mind_n and_o 〈…〉_z that_o 〈…〉_z to_o our_o understand_n may_v establish_v themselves_o in_o time_n but_o that_o a_o truth_n so_o sublime_a so_o far_o remove_v from_o sense_n so_o cross_a to_o human_a reason_n so_o contrary_a in_o short_a to_o all_o nature_n as_o be_v this_o great_a mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n that_o a_o truth_n i_o say_v of_o this_o character_n shall_v spread_v itself_o universal_o and_o triumph_n over_o all_o nation_n where_o the_o apostle_n have_v preach_v the_o gospel_n suppose_v that_o these_o first_o preacher_n of_o our_o faith_n have_v neither_o know_v any_o thing_n nor_o â—aid_v any_o thing_n of_o this_o mystery_n this_o certain_o be_v what_o can_v be_v conceive_a by_o any_o one_o that_o have_v never_o so_o little_a knowledge_n of_o human_a nature_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v heretic_n that_o shall_v oppose_v a_o doctrine_n so_o sublime_a be_v nothing_o strange_a nor_o be_o i_o surprise_v at_o it_o on_o the_o contrary_a i_o 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to_o examine_v nor_o need_v i_o engage_v my_o pen_n in_o this_o question_n since_o the_o affirmative_a side_n of_o it_o be_v so_o obvious_a to_o every_o eye_n that_o can_v but_o read_v the_o bible_n and_o have_v be_v withal_o so_o abundant_o and_o convince_o make_v good_a by_o those_o able_a hand_n which_o have_v go_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n and_o undertake_v the_o particular_a defence_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n this_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n therefore_o be_v so_o well_o discharge_v already_o i_o shall_v concern_v myself_o no_o further_o with_o it_o than_o only_a in_o consequence_n and_o pursuance_n of_o the_o former_a principle_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o this_o one_o single_a necessary_a remark_n viz._n that_o as_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v so_o neither_o be_v it_o a_o just_a objection_n
against_o their_o be_v so_o reveal_v suppose_v the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o and_o direct_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v not_o i_o think_v offer_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o different_a construction_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n because_o of_o the_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o that_o which_o their_o proper_a and_o grammatical_a scheme_n do_v exhibit_v but_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n since_o to_o admit_v a_o incomprehensible_a sense_n have_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v than_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o untruth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a obstruction_n against_o either_o 5._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o natural_a sense_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o for_o force_a and_o strain_v interpretation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v apparent_o genuine_a and_o natural_a and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v otherwise_o plain_a and_o such_o as_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o in_o another_o case_n and_o about_o matter_n which_o we_o can_v well_o comprehend_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o the_o less_o so_o because_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o understand_v be_v 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such_o other_o of_o our_o intellectual_a infirmity_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o or_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o human_a reason_n in_o its_o large_a capacity_n and_o extent_n and_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o artificial_a improvement_n be_v after_o all_o but_o a_o finite_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o its_o votary_n and_o advocate_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o have_v bound_n shall_v be_v able_a total_o and_o adequate_o to_o comprehend_v what_o have_v none_o or_o that_o finite_a shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o infinite_a 19_o i_o know_v but_o of_o one_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o pertinency_n be_v reply_v to_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v that_o though_o human_a reason_n as_o finite_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n as_o be_v infinite_a yet_o however_o 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be_v near_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o perception_n as_o that_o infinite_a be_v have_v of_o it_o who_o see_v not_o only_o the_o truth_n itself_o but_o also_o the_o manifold_a relation_n connexion_n and_o combination_n that_o it_o have_v with_o all_o other_o truth_n the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o way_n of_o perception_n be_v of_o a_o like_a nature_n with_o that_o which_o be_v between_o see_v a_o proposition_n as_o it_o stand_v single_o by_o itself_o and_o see_v the_o same_o proposition_n with_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o dependency_n and_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o whole_a context_n and_o coherence_n of_o the_o discourse_n whereof_o it_o be_v a_o part._n i_o say_v again_o second_o that_o though_o we_o may_v have_v a_o competent_a perception_n of_o some_o plain_a and_o simple_a truth_n without_o pursue_v they_o through_o all_o the_o relation_n and_o dependency_n that_o they_o have_v with_o other_o truth_n since_o otherwise_o as_o i_o have_v hint_v already_o we_o shall_v be_v able_a to_o understand_v nothing_o and_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n yet_o however_o we_o do_v not_o know_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o not_o to_o be_v understand_v without_o the_o adequate_a comprehension_n of_o those_o relation_n and_o dependency_n which_o since_o we_o have_v not_o we_o do_v not_o nor_o can_v ever_o know_v but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o truth_n that_o be_v so_o above_o we_o as_o to_o be_v out_o of_o our_o reach_n and_o to_o lie_v beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o comprehension_n and_o consequent_o that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o adequate_a and_o commensurate_a to_o truth_n even_o distributive_o consider_v i_o say_v we_o do_v not_o know_v and_o it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v ever_o know_v but_o that_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v for_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v it_o or_o upon_o what_o shall_v we_o ground_v this_o our_o knowledge_n it_o must_v be_v either_o 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never_o so_o clear_a and_o distinct_a never_o so_o numerous_a and_o extensive_a and_o never_o so_o fortunate_a and_o successful_a so_o that_o our_o victorious_a understanding_n never_o yet_o meet_v with_o a_o baffle_v nor_o sound_v a_o retreat_n from_o a_o too_o difficult_a and_o impregnable_a theory_n suppose_v in_o one_o word_n that_o we_o never_o yet_o apply_v our_o mind_n to_o the_o consideration_n of_o any_o one_o truth_n but_o what_o we_o full_o comprehend_v and_o be_v perfect_a master_n of_o which_o yet_o he_o must_v be_v a_o very_a presumptuous_a or_o a_o very_a little_a experience_a thinker_n that_o shall_v affirm_v of_o himself_o how_o notwithstanding_o do_v we_o know_v consider_v the_o finiteness_n of_o our_o intellect_n and_o the_o infiniteness_n of_o truth_n but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v other_o truth_n of_o a_o nature_n so_o far_o above_o we_o and_o so_o disproportionate_a to_o we_o as_o not_o possible_o to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o we_o for_o we_o can_v argue_v here_o 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can_v yet_o never_o penetrate_v and_o which_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o reveal_v to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o check_n and_o control_v the_o dare_a progress_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v our_o measure_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o man_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o part_n upon_o which_o we_o most_o value_v ourselves_o and_o despite_v other_o and_o that_o even_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v but_o darkness_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o now_o say_v but_o only_o that_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v sure_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v our_o reason_n from_o be_v at_o least_o as_o to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n since_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v assure_v of_o which_o make_v it_o all_o one_o to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o measure_n or_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o to_o the_o falsehood_n impossibility_n or_o incredibility_n of_o thing_n incomprehensible_a since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v or_o can_v know_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v truth_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 20._o but_o then_o i_o say_v further_o three_o that_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o truth_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o actual_o be_v and_o must_v be_v such_o for_o if_o truth_n be_v infinite_a then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o in_o its_o full_a and_o entire_a extent_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a objection_n suppose_v but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n do_v very_o much_o shade_n and_o darken_v the_o perception_n of_o any_o one_o single_a truth_n in_o particular_a and_o that_o because_o of_o the_o mutual_a connexion_n and_o dependence_n of_o thing_n one_o upon_o another_o as_o be_v before_o observe_v so_o it_o must_v needs_o quite_o eclipse_n and_o total_o abscond_v some_o truth_n from_o our_o view_n for_o there_o be_v some_o truth_n so_o very_a complex_n and_o abstruse_a and_o that_o lie_v so_o deep_a and_o as_o i_o may_v say_v so_o far_o within_o the_o bowel_n of_o the_o intellectual_a systeme_n that_o include_v such_o a_o multitude_n of_o relation_n depend_v upon_o so_o many_o supposition_n be_v the_o conclusion_n of_o so_o many_o premise_n presuppose_v and_o require_v the_o knowledge_n of_o so_o many_o thing_n of_o some_o of_o which_o it_o may_v be_v we_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o the_o simple_a idea_n have_v such_o a_o train_n of_o principle_n plant_v and_o entrench_v as_o a_o guard_n before_o they_o and_o draw_v such_o a_o immense_a retinue_n of_o consequence_n after_o they_o and_o be_v every_o way_n so_o mingle_v involve_a and_o combine_v 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