Selected quad for the lemma: truth_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n divine_a faith_n revelation_n 3,458 5 9.7228 5 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A59893 Sermons preach'd upon several occasions some of which were never before printed / by W. Sherlock. Sherlock, William, 1641?-1707. 1700 (1700) Wing S3364; ESTC R29357 211,709 562

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

a_o eternal_a god_n without_o know_v how_o any_o thing_n be_v eternal_a these_o be_v dispute_n in_o philosophy_n and_o such_o as_o none_o but_o vain_a man_n will_v dispute_v about_o as_o be_v acknowledge_v above_o our_o compre●…ension_n and_o therefore_o no_o reasonable_a ●…bjection_n against_o our_o faith_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o incar●…ation_n nothing_o can_v be_v plain_o in_o scrip●…ure_n than_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v make_v ●…an_n that_o the_o word_n be_v make_v flesh_n and_o dwell_v among_o we_o that_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o the_o flesh_n and_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o this_o article_n be_v pure_o philosophical_a some_o man_n reject_v it_o because_o they_o can_v understand_v how_o god_n and_o man_n can_v be_v unite_v in_o one_o person_n other_o confound_v the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n as_o eutyches_n do_v or_o divide_v the_o person_n as_o nestori●…us_n do_v both_o which_o indeed_o destroy_v the_o article_n of_o the_o incarnation_n for_o the_o word_n be_v not_o make_v flesh_n unless_o the_o same_o person_n who_o be_v god_n be_v man_n too_o and_o continue_v perfect_a god_n and_o perfect_a man_n after_o this_o union_n but_o all_o these_o dispute_n concern_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n and_o if_o we_o will_v separate_v between_o faith_n and_o philosophy_n such_o dispute_n may_v soon_o be_v end_v thus_o most_o of_o the_o difficulty_n in_o the_o pelagian_a and_o quinquarticular_a controversy_n be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n about_o fate_n and_o prescience_n liberty_n and_o necessity_n and_o god_n concourse_n with_o creature_n or_o the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o grace_n and_o will_v time_n permit_v it_o be_v easy_a to_o show_v this_o in_o most_o of_o the_o controversy_n of_o religion_n that_o it_o be_v not_o what_o god_n have_v reveal_v and_o what_o he_o require_v we_o to_o believe_v but_o such_o nice_a philosophical_a question_n as_o man_n raise_v about_o these_o matter_n which_o occasion_n all_o these_o dispute_n it_o have_v often_o be_v propose_v as_o a_o mean_n of_o union_n to_o silence_v all_o dispute_n to_o confine_v ourselves_o to_o scripture-word_n and_o expression_n without_o determine_v the_o signification_n of_o they_o but_o this_o will_v make_v only_o a_o agreement_n in_o word_n not_o a_o consent_n in_o opinion_n not_o can_v it_o secure_v the_o peace_n of_o the_o church_n while_o all_o man_n know_v that_o under_o the_o same_o form_n of_o word_n they_o have_v very_o different_a and_o contrary_a meaning_n which_o will_v still_o make_v they_o as_o much_o heretic_n to_o each_o other_o as_o if_o their_o word_n do_v as_o express_o contradict_v each_o other_o as_o their_o faith_n but_o will_v man_n reduce_v all_o their_o dispute_n to_o scripture_n and_o make_v that_o the_o only_a rule_n of_o their_o faith_n without_o intermix_v any_o philosophical_a dispute_n with_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o infallible_a mean_n of_o union_n for_o it_o be_v only_o this_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n which_o raise_v all_o ●…ese_n dispute_v and_o then_o tempt_v man_n to_o ●…ervert_v the_o scripture_n to_o justify_v their_o ●…hilosophy_n in_o all_o these_o case_n we_o be_v concern_v to_o ●…quire_v what_o the_o true_a sense_n of_o the_o article_n 〈◊〉_d for_o this_o the_o scripture_n teach_v and_o ●…o_o far_o our_o faith_n be_v concern_v and_o these_o ●…re_v not_o only_o justifiable_a but_o necessary_a dis●…utes_n if_o the_o true_a faith_n be_v necessary_a and_o ●…uch_o be_v the_o dispute_n of_o the_o catho●…k_a father_n with_o the_o sabellian_n arian_n and_o ●…hotinian_n heretic_n whether_o father_n ●…on_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v only_o three_o name_n or_o three_o appearance_n or_o manifestation_n of_o the_o same_o one_o single_a person_n or_o any_o other_o three_o but_o three_o true_a proper_a coeternal_a and_o coequal_a person_n or_o whether_o he_o who_o be_v in_o scripture_n call_v the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v a_o creature_n though_o the_o most_o excellent_a creature_n or_o a_o son_n and_o god_n by_o nature_n true_o beget_v of_o his_o father_n substance_n or_o whether_o christ_n be_v god_n incarnate_a or_o a_o mere_a man_n and_o their_o ancient_a creed_n pretend_v to_o no_o more_o than_o to_o teach_v what_o the_o catholic_n faith_n be_v not_o to_o expound_v the_o philosophy_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n and_o thus_o far_o we_o must_v explain_v the_o faith_n as_o to_o know_v and_o to_o let_v other_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o if_o to_o assert_v the_o ancient_a catholic_n faith_n against_o old_a and_o new_a heresy_n shall_v be_v call_v new_a explication_n we_o can_v help_v it_o for_o we_o must_v explain_v what_o the_o scripture_n teach_v about_o these_o article_n and_o how_o the_o catholic_n church_n always_o understand_v they_o but_o that_o which_o we_o be_v to_o beware_v of_o be_v not_o to_o mix_v philosophy_n with_o our_o faith_n nor_o to_o admit_v of_o any_o mere_a philosophical_a objection_n against_o the_o faith_n nor_o to_o attempt_v any_o explication_n of_o these_o mystery_n beyond_o what_o the_o scripture_n and_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o catholic_n church_n will_v justify_v indeed_o the_o importunity_n of_o heretic_n do_v very_o often_o engage_v the_o catholic_n father_n in_o philosophical_a dispute_n but_o this_o they_o do_v not_o to_o explain_v the_o christian_a mystery_n by_o philosophy_n but_o only_o to_o show_v that_o as_o incomprehensible_a as_o these_o mystery_n be_v the_o philosophy_n of_o heretic_n and_o their_o objection_n against_o these_o article_n be_v very_o absurd_a and_o such_o dispute_n as_o these_o may_v sometime_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a and_o of_o great_a use_n to_o shame_v these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n while_o we_o do_v not_o put_v the_o trial_n of_o our_o faith_n upon_o this_o issue_n second_o let_v we_o now_o consider_v what_o ●…eat_a reason_n we_o have_v to_o reject_v all_o the_o ●…in_a pretence_n to_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n ●…en_o oppose_v to_o a_o divine_a revelation_n ●…r_o that_o be_v all_o the_o apostle_n intend_v in_o this_o ●…ution_n not_o to_o discourage_v the_o use_n of_o ●…eason_n or_o the_o study_n of_o philosophy_n ●…hich_v be_v great_a improvement_n and_o a_o ●…lightful_a entertainment_n of_o humane_a ●…inds_n and_o with_o a_o wise_a and_o prudent_a ●…onduct_n may_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o re●…gion_n too_o but_o we_o must_v not_o set_v up_o any_o ●…onclusions_n in_o philosophy_n against_o the_o ●…hristian_a faith_n nor_o corrupt_v the_o faith_n ●…ith_v a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n nor_o re●…ct_v any_o reveal_v truth_n for_o want_v of_o ●…atural_a idea_n to_o conceive_v they_o by_o to_o shorten_v this_o discourse_n as_o much_o as_o 〈◊〉_d can_v i_o shall_v at_o present_v only_o show_v you_o ●…hat_o reason_n we_o have_v to_o believe_v those_o ●…octrines_n which_o be_v think_v the_o most_o ●…ysterious_a and_o inconceivable_a notwith●…tanding_v any_o objection_n from_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n against_o they_o and_o the_o account_n of_o this_o must_v be_v resolve_v ●…nto_o the_o nature_n use_v and_o authority_n of_o revelation_n that_o revelation_n as_o to_o such_o matter_n as_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o revelation_n must_v serve_v instead_o of_o sense_n natural_a idea_n and_o natural_a reason_n that_o be_v that_o we_o must_v believe_v thing_n whi●…_n we_o do_v not_o see_v thing_n which_o we_o ha●…_n not_o natural_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o natur●…_n reason_n for_o without_o this_o there_o be_v littl●…_n use_v of_o faith_n no_o authority_n of_o pure_a revelation_n it_o be_v true_a the_o general_n corruption_n o●…_n mankind_n make_v it_o very_o necessary_a for_o god_n to_o revive_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o to_o reinforce_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o by_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o command_n but_o the_o proper_a work_n of_o revelation_n be_v to_o discover_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o nature_n can_v teach_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o any_o natural_a evidence_n at_o least_o thus_o it_o may_v be_v if_o god_n know_v more_o than_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o think_v it_o fit_a to_o reveal_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n to_o we_o when_o he_o see_v it_o useful_a for_o mankind_n now_o if_o god_n ever_o do_v reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o if_o we_o believe_v upon_o god_n authority_n which_o be_v the_o strict_a notion_n of_o a_o divine_a faith_n we_o must_v believe_v without_o any_o natural_a evidence_n mere_o because_o god_n have_v reveal_v it_o and_o then_o we_o must_v believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o than_o it_o can_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o revelation_n nor_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o any_o such_o ●…pernatural_a truth_n that_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n nor_o natural_a
evidence_n ●…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v ●…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a ●…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v ●…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reve●…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n be●…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v ●…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n ●…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v ●…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v plato●…nd_n ●…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o ●…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o ●…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o ●…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o ●…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o con●…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
spell_v out_o from_o the_o visible_a creation_n and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n though_o we_o must_v not_o urge_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n to_o prove_v a_o god_n which_o will_v ●…e_v to_o beg_v the_o question_n yet_o the_o be_v of_o a_o revelation_n we_o may_v for_o whatever_o prove_v a_o divine_a revelation_n prove_v a_o god_n the_o wise_a and_o acute_a philosopher_n among_o the_o heathen_n think_v this_o the_o best_a and_o most_o sensible_a proof_n of_o a_o god_n balbus_n the_o stoic_a have_v begin_v his_o deorum_fw-la cicero_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n from_o ●…his_fw-la visible_a creation_n and_o the_o univer●…al_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o this_o belief_n ●…e_o resolve_v the_o firmness_n and_o stability_n of_o this_o persuasion_n into_o those_o visible_a sign_n which_o their_o god_n oftentimes_o give_v of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o presence_n quòd_fw-la presentiam_fw-la soepe_fw-la divi_z svam_fw-la declarant_fw-la and_o the_o argument_n be_v certain_o a_o very_a good_a one_o though_o the_o particular_a instance_n he_o give_v of_o it_o may_v be_v vain_a and_o fictitious_a and_o want_v sufficient_a attestation_n to_o gain_v belief_n but_o have_v balbus_n instead_o of_o the_o apparition_n of_o castor_n and_o pollux_n and_o their_o ridiculous_a rite_n of_o divination_n see_v the_o miracle_n of_o moses_n and_o of_o christ_n the_o familiar_a conversation_n of_o god_n with_o abraham_n and_o moses_n the_o terrible_a appearance_n of_o mount_n sinai_n when_o god_n deliver_v the_o law_n in_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o the_o infallible_a accomplishment_n of_o prophecy_n that_o be_v have_v his_o proof_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v as_o undeniable_a as_o his_o reason_n from_o such_o divine_a appearance_n to_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v unanswerable_a all_o the_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n in_o the_o world_n can_v never_o have_v evade_v this_o argument_n for_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o persuade_v man_n there_o be_v no_o god_n when_o they_o do_v little_o less_o than_o see_v he_o in_o such_o present_a and_o sensible_a effect_n as_o can_v have_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o a_o god_n however_o thus_o much_o we_o learn_v from_o this_o dispute_n that_o according_a to_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o wise_a man_n such_o visible_a effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n be_v the_o most_o irresistible_a argument_n for_o the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o the_o wise_a man_n do_v believe_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o will_v give_v some_o undeniable_a proof_n of_o his_o own_o be_v in_o the_o act_n of_o government_n and_o providence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o creation_n and_o that_o if_o there_o never_o have_v be_v any_o such_o sensible_a appearance_n of_o such_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o presence_n it_o will_v at_o least_o have_v render_v the_o be_v of_o god_n very_o doubtful_a this_o shall_v make_v all_o those_o who_o hearty_o believe_v a_o god_n to_o think_v and_o speak_v more_o honourable_o of_o revelation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o of_o revelation_n will_v stand_v and_o fall_v together_o that_o a_o deist_n who_o ridicules_a all_o revelation_n take_v a_o very_a ill_a course_n to_o persuade_v the_o world_n that_o he_o believe_v a_o god_n second_o the_o unreasonableness_n of_o deism_n will_v further_o appear_v if_o we_o consider_v that_o to_o acknowledge_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n make_v it_o high_o reasonable_a to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n i_o do_v not_o say_v that_o to_o believe_v a_o god_n oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v every_o pretend_a revelation_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o particular_a revelation_n depend_v on_o those_o peculiar_a mark_n of_o divinity_n and_o credibility_n which_o it_o bear_v on_o it_o but_o whoever_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v it_o incredible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n nay_o will_v see_v great_a reason_n to_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v do_v so_o as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o different_a age_n and_o dispensation_n of_o it_o do_v require_v and_o will_v admit_v for_o first_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v question_v whether_o god_n can_v if_o he_o so_o please_v make_v a_o more_o perfect_a manifestation_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o mankind_n than_o he_o have_v do_v by_o the_o work_v of_o nature_n for_o what_o can_v he_o do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v infinite_a in_o wisdom_n and_o power_n as_o to_o consider_v particular_o some_o of_o those_o way_n whereby_o god_n be_v suppose_v to_o reveal_v himself_o to_o mankind_n god_n be_v a_o pure_a and_o infinite_a mind_n who_o can_v be_v see_v by_o mortal_a eye_n and_o yet_o will_v any_o man_n say_v that_o god_n can_v by_o some_o visible_a appearance_n convince_v man_n of_o his_o immediate_a presence_n beyond_o all_o possibility_n of_o doubt_n that_o he_o can_v either_o with_o or_o without_o such_o visible_a appearance_n speak_v to_o they_o and_o talk_v as_o familiar_o with_o they_o as_o one_o man_n converse_v with_o another_o and_o than_o whatever_o truth_n there_o be_v in_o the_o story_n which_o be_v another_o enquiry_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n incredible_a in_o those_o relation_n we_o have_v of_o god_n appear_v to_o adam_n and_o converse_v with_o he_o in_o paradise_n of_o his_o appear_v to_o abraham_n and_o jacob_n who_o see_v god_n face_n to_o face_n gen._n 32._o 30._o of_o his_o speak_n to_o moses_n face_n to_o face_n as_o a_o man_n talk_v with_o his_o friend_n exod._n 33._o 11._o can_v god_n who_o form_v our_o mind_n and_o know_v all_o the_o spring_n of_o thought_n draw_v such_o clear_a and_o bright_a scene_n and_o picture_n of_o thing_n on_o our_o fancy_n and_o imagination_n whether_o sleep_v or_o wake_v as_o shall_v need_v no_o other_o proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n but_o themselves_o as_o light_n be_v know_v by_o itself_o and_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n by_o their_o own_o evidence_n can_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n if_o he_o so_o please_v clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a nature_n and_o appear_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n and_o familiar_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o question_n then_o but_o god_n can_v if_o he_o please_v inspire_v man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n either_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n or_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n o●…_n by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o may_v be_v prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o pretence_n to_o prophesy_v must_v not_o be_v laugh_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o examine_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o incredible_a because_o it_o be_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v try_v because_o there_o may_v be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o come_v from_o god_n be_v by_o such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o short_a by_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o here_o again_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v either_o miracle_n or_o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n impossible_a for_o what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v and_o know_v who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v it_o such_o a_o difficulty_n to_o he_o who_o frame_v our_o body_n out_o of_o the_o ●…ust_n to_o give_v health_n to_o the_o sick_a or_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o make_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o to_o ●…aise_v the_o dead_a we_o all_o know_v this_o be_v above_o humane_a power_n and_o therefore_o if_o ●…uch_o thing_n be_v do_v they_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v ●…hat_fw-mi god_n can_v do_v they_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v not_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n thus_o far_o the_o deist_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o god_n for_o a_o god_n who_o can_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n who_o can_v inspire_v prophet_n nor_o work_v miracle_n nor_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o god_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n gain_v for_o if_o god_n can_v do_v all_o this_o than_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o
bitter_a what_o gratify_v their_o bodily_a sense_n that_o be_v their_o pleasure_n and_o happiness_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o virtue_n modesty_n or_o honour_n what_o lay_v restraint_n upon_o their_o sensual_a inclination_n that_o be_v bitter_a uneasy_a and_o grievous_a and_o no_o wonder_n that_o there_o be_v a_o woe_n denounce_v against_o these_o men._n 4_o woe_n be_v to_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n where_o the_o proph●…t_n speak_v of_o the_o same_o man_n still_o those_o who_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n who_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n who_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a and_o yet_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n in_o the_o world_n though_o they_o contradict_v the_o sense_n of_o all_o mankind_n the_o natural_a uncorrupted_a sense_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o word_n of_o god_n this_o be_v the_o just_a character_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n who_o think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wit_n the_o only_a philosopher_n and_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n as_o easy_a credulous_a unthinking_a fool_n who_o be_v under_o the_o tyranny_n of_o custom_n and_o popular_a opinion_n which_o expose_v they_o to_o all_o other_o cheat_n they_o think_v it_o a_o argument_n of_o wit_n and_o profound_a thought_n to_o contradict_v all_o mankind_n for_o there_o be_v but_o few_o wise_a man_n they_o say_v in_o the_o world_n and_o the_o most_o be_v usual_o in_o the_o wrong_n which_o may_v be_v allow_v as_o to_o improve_a knowledge_n which_o be_v gain_v by_o laborious_a study_n and_o observation_n but_o the_o folly_n lie_v on_o the_o other_o side_n when_o man_n advance_v paradox_n which_o contradict_v the_o universal_a sense_n of_o nature_n for_o in_o such_o case_n the_o most_o be_v likely_a to_o be_v in_o the_o right_n because_o natural_a production_n be_v more_o common_a than_o monster_n that_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v rather_o think_v and_o judge_v with_o the_o multitude_n when_o they_o think_v on_o nature_n side_n than_o with_o the_o most_o fame_a philosopher_n against_o nature_n but_o those_o who_o affect_v to_o contradict_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n must_v think_v themselves_o the_o only_a wise_a man_n if_o they_o think_v at_o all_o that_o we_o have_v no_o more_o reason_n to_o wonder_v at_o their_o pride_n and_o insolence_n than_o at_o their_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n 2_o let_v we_o now_o inquire_v how_o these_o man_n come_v to_o sink_v into_o so_o degenerate_a a_o state_n as_o one_o will_v think_v impossible_a to_o a_o reasonable_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v intimate_v in_o that_o order_n which_o be_v observe_v in_o my_o text_n that_o they_o first_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o then_o good_a evil_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n etc._n etc._n as_o to_o consider_v this_o particular_o one_a they_o begin_v with_o call_v evil_n good_a for_o no_o man_n can_v begin_v with_o call_v good_a evil_n nature_n will_v have_v the_o first_o word_n and_o pass_v the_o first_o judgement_n on_o thing_n and_o nature_n as_o corrupt_v as_o it_o be_v till_o it_o be_v deprave_v and_o vitiate_a by_o evil_a custom_n will_v call_v good_a good_a and_o evil_a evil_n atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v confess_v that_o as_o wise_a as_o they_o think_v themselves_o now_o there_o be_v a_o time_n when_o they_o be_v as_o very_a fool_n as_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v when_o they_o have_v the_o same_o opinion_n about_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n still_o have_v when_o they_o do_v own_o a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o call_v good_a and_o evil_a by_o their_o right_a name_n and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o the_o only_a reason_n for_o alter_v their_o opinion_n and_o change_v the_o name_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a be_v change_v their_o manner_n that_o they_o grow_v very_o fond_a of_o what_o they_o themselves_o as_o well_o as_o the_o foolish_a multitude_n think_v and_o call_v evil_a and_o then_o they_o begin_v to_o think_v and_o to_o call_v it_o good_a and_o the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o this_o be_v to_o call_v good_a evil_n and_o as_o unwilling_a as_o they_o be_v to_o own_o this_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o though_o these_o man_n can_v prove_v which_o they_o will_v never_o be_v able_a to_o do_v that_o there_o be_v no_o moral_n essential_a immutable_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n yet_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a or_o good_a evil_n for_o though_o they_o be_v neither_o sin_n nor_o virtue_n neither_o forbid_v nor_o command_v by_o a_o divine_a law_n yet_o they_o themselves_o confess_v as_o i_o observe_v before_o that_o what_o we_o call_v virtue_n have_v so_o much_o good_a in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v the_o best_a and_o wise_a rule_n of_o society_n and_o conversation_n necessary_a to_o secure_v every_o man_n private_a interest_n and_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o fit_a to_o be_v encourage_v and_o to_o be_v make_v law_n in_o all_o civilise_a nation_n and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v sin_n have_v so_o much_o evil_n in_o they_o that_o they_o be_v very_o destructive_a to_o human_a society_n and_o deserve_v to_o be_v restrain_v and_o punish_v and_o than_o it_o be_v certain_a there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n to_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n which_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n be_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o call_v that_o evil_a which_o they_o themselves_o own_o to_o be_v a_o great_a and_o public_a good_a and_o that_o good_a which_o they_o own_v to_o be_v a_o public_a mischief_n which_o there_o never_o can_v be_v any_o reason_n for_o so_o that_o the_o case_n be_v plain_a it_o be_v not_o reason_n but_o lust_n which_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n till_o lust_n prevail_v above_o reason_n virtue_n and_o vice_n good_a and_o evil_a keep_v those_o name_n which_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v give_v they_o and_o such_o man_n offer_v as_o much_o force_n and_o violence_n to_o their_o natural_a understanding_n when_o they_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n as_o they_o do_v to_o natural_a conscience_n when_o they_o choose_v the_o evil_a and_o refuse_v the_o good_n this_o be_v answer_n enough_o to_o such_o man_n who_o will_v reason_n or_o laugh_v away_o the_o distinction_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o aught_o to_o be_v a_o warn_v to_o we_o all_o how_o we_o engage_v in_o a_o course_n of_o wickedness_n for_o how_o much_o soever_o we_o despise_v and_o abhor_v these_o wicked_a principle_n we_o shall_v soon_o think_v as_o these_o man_n do_v if_o we_o grow_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o be_v two_o these_o man_n first_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o then_o light_a for_o darkness_n man_n be_v not_o bear_v stark_o blind_a but_o have_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o discern_v the_o natural_a difference_n of_o thing_n and_o to_o direct_v their_o life_n and_o as_o weak_a and_o defective_a as_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v especial_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o another_o world_n it_o direct_v we_o to_o a_o safe_a guide_n for_o reason_n itself_o teach_v we_o to_o believe_v god_n who_o can_v deceive_v we_o and_o can_v itself_o judge_v of_o the_o external_a and_o visible_a mark_n of_o a_o revelation_n that_o be_v can_v judge_v when_o god_n speak_v and_o what_o we_o must_v receive_v as_o teach_v by_o god_n this_o be_v the_o light_n of_o mankind_n the_o light_n of_o reason_n or_o revelation_n what_o nature_n teach_v or_o what_o god_n reveal_v and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o both_o see_v and_o own_o this_o light_n for_o no_o man_n be_v bear_v a_o atheist_n or_o a_o infidel_n but_o bad_a man_n who_o have_v corrupt_v their_o manner_n and_o can_v justify_v their_o vice_n nor_o quiet_v their_o conscience_n if_o they_o attend_v either_o to_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n or_o revelation_n must_v seek_v for_o other_o remedy_n and_o this_o make_v they_o espouse_v the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n and_o these_o they_o call_v light_n which_o in_o truth_n be_v a_o mere_a egyptian_a darkness_n and_o then_o they_o must_v call_v light_a darkness_n reject_v and_o scorn_v both_o the_o natural_a dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o the_o supernatural_a revelation_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n as_o ignorance_n and_o darkness_n now_o whatever_o opinion_n man_n have_v of_o their_o philosophy_n yet_o how_o they_o shall_v learn_v what_o neither_o nature_n nor_o god_n teach_v they_o or_o how_o they_o shall_v discover_v that_o what_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a