design_v to_o signify_v the_o plainess_n of_o the_o gospel_n as_o to_o all_o matter_n of_o obligation_n upon_o man_n conscience_n in_o opposition_n to_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o law_n which_o be_v so_o perplex_v with_o a_o multitude_n of_o rite_n and_o circumstance_n of_o duty_n that_o it_o be_v troublesome_a and_o tedious_a to_o learn_v and_o observe_v they_o all_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o same_o text_n that_o they_o shall_v not_o then_o teach_v every_o man_n his_o neighbour_n say_v know_v the_o lord_n because_o all_o the_o necessary_a knowledge_n of_o he_o and_o his_o law_n be_v then_o to_o be_v render_v plain_a and_o easy_a and_o according_o this_o be_v now_o the_o glory_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o its_o plainess_n be_v one_o great_a argument_n of_o its_o excellence_n and_o divinity_n not_o but_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n of_o which_o we_o be_v not_o now_o capable_a of_o any_o clear_a &_o distinct_a knowledge_n so_o that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o expression_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a and_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n the_o first_o be_v very_o true_a and_o the_o last_o be_v absolute_o false_a or_o a_o treatise_n show_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n who_o among_o we_o ever_o say_v there_o be_v but_o if_o this_o have_v not_o be_v add_v his_o book_n will_v have_v be_v the_o short_a by_o fourteen_o page_n and_o be_v it_o not_o for_o this_o and_o many_o other_o thing_n in_o it_o as_o little_a to_o the_o purpose_n it_o have_v be_v only_o a_o stitch_v pamphlet_n and_o cry_v about_o with_o almanac_n nor_o above_o reason_n this_o likewise_o be_v a_o dubious_a say_n for_o if_o it_o signify_v that_o there_o be_v no_o expression_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o than_o it_o be_v very_o true_a for_o tho'_o some_o passage_n be_v 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know_v it_o but_o it_o in_o part_n and_o can_v full_o comprehend_v it_o or_o short_a it_o be_v a_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o part_n as_o particular_o this_o of_o our_o be_v change_v at_o the_o last_o day_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n it_o be_v a_o truth_n relate_v to_o another_o life_n which_o can_v never_o have_v enter_v into_o our_o head_n to_o think_v of_o unless_o it_o have_v be_v reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n and_o now_o that_o it_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o yet_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v so_o that_o in_o a_o christian_a mystery_n there_o be_v something_o we_o do_v understand_v and_o something_o that_o we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o and_o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o both_o these_o 1._o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o what_o we_o do_v know_v of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n so_o hide_v from_o we_o that_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o discover_v it_o by_o those_o power_n of_o knowledge_n which_o we_o be_v now_o endue_v with_o as_o we_o can_v never_o have_v know_v from_o reason_n that_o good_a christian_n shall_v be_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ._n now_o it_o be_v this_o part_n of_o the_o mystery_n which_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n and_o obligatory_a upon_o our_o conscience_n to_o believe_v it_o because_o we_o understand_v well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o alter_v for_o the_o better_a and_o we_o know_v perfect_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v change_v into_o the_o likeness_n of_o another_o 2._o it_o be_v call_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o as_o yet_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n to_o attain_v to_o any_o knowledge_n of_o it_o by_o reason_n assist_v with_o the_o great_a degree_n of_o revelation_n that_o be_v afford_v we_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o life_n to_o have_v any_o notion_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o change_n into_o the_o likeness_n of_o christ_n for_o it_o be_v express_o say_v that_o it_o do_v not_o yet_o appear_v what_o we_o shall_v be_v from_o whence_o i_o shall_v infer_v only_o thus_o much_o at_o present_a that_o what_o we_o do_v know_v and_o what_o be_v yet_o conceal_v from_o we_o be_v in_o gross_a call_v the_o same_o mystery_n and_o that_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v of_o it_o so_o likewise_o we_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n oblige_v from_o express_a word_n of_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o
as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v upon_o equal_a term_n they_o must_v be_v both_o intelligible_a alike_o and_o thus_o far_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o each_o of_o they_o 2._o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v in_o many_o case_n they_o both_o agree_v in_o this_o too_o viz._n that_o they_o be_v equal_o intelligible_a for_o some_o of_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n be_v concern_v thing_n as_o knowable_a by_o we_o as_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o a_o reveal_v mystery_n divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n be_v direct_o opposite_a for_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n in_o one_o must_v be_v always_o intelligible_a but_o in_o the_o other_o it_o be_v total_o obscure_v but_o 3._o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n there_o be_v this_o difference_n that_o in_o all_o human_a revelation_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n because_o no_o mere_a man_n can_v give_v any_o proof_n which_o shall_v amount_v to_o more_o than_o a_o probability_n or_o strong_a presumption_n but_o in_o divine_a proposition_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n be_v found_v both_o upon_o evidence_n and_o authority_n 1._o upon_o evidence_n as_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o testimony_n which_o be_v certain_a and_o infallible_a as_o prophecy_n or_o miracle_n etc._n etc._n which_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n and_o therefore_o create_v a_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n beyond_o what_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v have_v of_o any_o relation_n mere_o human._n two_o upon_o authority_n as_o this_o knowledge_n be_v not_o direct_o of_o the_o thing_n itself_o and_o therefore_o that_o we_o do_v not_o know_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o by_o any_o direct_a or_o immediate_a intuition_n so_o that_o these_o testimony_n be_v only_o to_o convince_v we_o that_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n and_o then_o we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o pure_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o his_o veracity_n a_o three_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o 3._o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n differ_v not_o as_o to_o perspicuity_n i._n e._n you_o must_v understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n in_o divine_a proposition_n as_o well_o 42._o as_o human_a for_o as_o for_o unintelligible_a relation_n we_o can_v no_o more_o believe_v they_o from_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n than_o from_o that_o of_o man._n a_o very_a subtle_a piece_n of_o logic_n indeed_o if_o he_o have_v design_v no_o more_o than_o he_o speak_v but_o he_o have_v a_o far_a drift_n in_o it_o he_o know_v it_o be_v not_o every_o reader_n will_v distinguish_v between_o the_o sense_n and_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n which_o we_o grant_v must_v be_v equal_o clear_a and_o perspicuous_a in_o both_o in_o order_n to_o a_o assent_n and_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n always_o carry_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n because_o of_o that_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n occasion_v by_o such_o proof_n which_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n to_o give_v what_o i_o speak_v of_o this_o before_o i_o level_v at_o his_o design_n rather_o than_o his_o word_n as_o i_o be_o force_v to_o do_v in_o several_a other_o instance_n but_o he_o will_v say_v perhaps_o these_o proof_n may_v make_v the_o revelation_n more_o certain_a but_o not_o more_o clear_a i_o grant_v they_o do_v explain_v the_o word_n of_o it_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o proof_n make_v the_o revelation_n never_o the_o more_o true_a or_o certain_a in_o itself_o but_o it_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o make_v it_o more_o certain_a and_o to_o make_v a_o revelation_n more_o certain_a in_o respect_n of_o we_o be_v to_o make_v it_o more_o clear_a and_o that_o be_v to_o add_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuiry_n to_o it_o 4._o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e_fw-la we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v the_o immediate_a perception_n of_o sense_n or_o demonstration_n for_o or_o know_v by_o direct_a and_o immediate_a intuition_n such_o stuff_n as_o this_o he_o lay_v down_o for_o logic_n and_o if_o you_o will_v argue_v with_o he_o it_o must_v be_v in_o his_o own_o method_n and_o upon_o his_o own_o principle_n and_o then_o to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v too_o hard_a for_o you_o but_o if_o you_o put_v he_o out_o of_o his_o bias_n and_o keep_v he_o to_o plain_a undisguised_a reason_n and_o the_o receive_a rule_n of_o argue_v you_o spoil_v he_o quite_o now_o by_o this_o time_n who_o so_o blind_a as_o not_o to_o see_v that_o the_o design_n of_o this_o book_n be_v to_o strike_v at_o the_o root_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o now_o i_o have_v thus_o bring_v this_o man_n out_o of_o the_o cloud_n i_o need_v not_o spend_v much_o time_n in_o stripe_v he_o of_o his_o disguise_n for_o the_o inference_n he_o will_v have_v people_n make_v from_o these_o principle_n be_v so_o glare_v and_o open_a that_o every_o body_n may_v see_v they_o if_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o we_o must_v not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o any_o revelation_n or_o prophecy_n and_o if_o we_o must_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o then_o farewell_n all_o religion_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v for_o we_o know_v all_o religion_n natural_a and_o reveal_v be_v â—ounded_v upon_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o another_o world_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o as_o we_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n but_o we_o infer_v these_o truth_n only_o from_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o therefore_o upon_o his_o principle_n we_o must_v utter_o reject_v they_o all_o and_o then_o since_o by_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n he_o mean_v as_o exact_v and_o clear_v a_o notion_n as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n in_o one_o sentence_n he_o exclude_v all_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n that_o respect_v another_o world_n and_o reject_v all_o those_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o bible_n as_o so_o many_o dream_n and_o fiction_n thus_o we_o must_v disbelieve_v the_o resurrection_n and_o change_n of_o our_o body_n the_o happiness_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n the_o incarnation_n and_o divinity_n of_o the_o son_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n in_o the_o godhead_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n etc._n etc._n nay_o the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n because_o as_o i_o have_v sufficient_o show_v we_o have_v not_o such_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n he_o can_v not_o but_o see_v this_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v this_o be_v his_o drift_n but_o he_o do_v not_o consider_v atthe_v same_o time_n that_o this_o will_v cut_v off_o all_o assent_n to_o the_o very_o be_v of_o god_n and_o tho'_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v the_o most_o inveterate_a enemy_n to_o reveal_v religion_n that_o have_v late_o appear_v in_o print_n however_o i_o can_v scarce_o think_v he_o be_v arrive_v to_o that_o height_n of_o atheism_n yet_o as_o to_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n tho'_o he_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o idea_n of_o he_o as_o he_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n as_o for_o his_o second_o section_n it_o be_v all_o 2._o foreign_a to_o the_o matter_n and_o all_o that_o he_o say_v about_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v plain_o level_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n tho'_o transubstantiation_n be_v the_o instance_n he_o make_v use_v of_o and_o he_o proceed_v upon_o the_o same_o fundamental_a error_n he_o have_v hitherto_o do_v that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o we_o say_v as_o well_o as_o he_o that_o there_o be_v 25._o nothing_o contrary_a to_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 26._o that_o there_o be_v no_o contradiction_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n in_o it_o that_o christianity_n 46._o be_v a_o rational_a and_o intelligible_a religion_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n he_o insist_o upon_o in_o this_o section_n and_o go_v a_o
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
to_o be_v solve_v upon_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n that_o be_v in_o we_o now_o because_o we_o have_v not_o capacity_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o so_o that_o now_o we_o may_v wonder_v what_o ridiculous_a meaning_n this_o man_n can_v have_v when_o he_o say_v that_o all_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v speak_v of_o in_o the_o gospel_n be_v as_o consistent_a with_o our_o common_a notion_n as_o wood_n and_o stone_n and_o that_o we_o be_v as_o proper_o say_v to_o comprehend_v they_o and_o that_o our_o idea_n of_o natural_a and_o divine_a thing_n be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a a_o strange_a fallacious_a inference_n this_o because_o we_o full_o comprehend_v neither_o therefore_o we_o be_v equal_o ignorant_a of_o both_o and_o to_o amuse_v people_n that_o can_v see_v this_o that_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o speak_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o borrow_v a_o distinction_n viz._n that_o between_o the_o nominal_a and_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n how_o impertinent_o he_o have_v make_v use_n of_o it_o in_o this_o matter_n be_v very_o plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v which_o tho'_o we_o grant_v it_o to_o be_v a_o good_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n but_o it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o good_a distinction_n that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o not_o to_o be_v good_a sense_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o suppose_v two_o different_a essence_n in_o the_o same_o thing_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v more_o direct_o level_v at_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n of_o god_n his_o goodness_n and_o truth_n than_o what_o it_o suppose_v viz._n that_o we_o be_v thus_o deceive_v in_o every_o thing_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o thing_n by_o those_o property_n that_o be_v discernible_a by_o we_o and_o therefore_o to_o use_v his_o own_o word_n this_o rather_o become_v impostor_n to_o think_v than_o the_o teach_v of_o god_n who_o have_v no_o interest_n to_o delude_v his_o creature_n nor_o want_v ability_n to_o inform_v they_o right_o if_o it_o have_v be_v say_v in_o plain_a language_n that_o there_o be_v something_o in_o natural_a thing_n we_o do_v apprehend_v and_o something_o we_o do_v not_o which_o mean_v all_o in_o that_o distinction_n this_o will_v have_v be_v philosophy_n for_o the_o vulgar_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v a_o mystery_n of_o it_o it_o must_v be_v call_v the_o nominal_a and_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n tho'_o it_o carry_v a_o flat_a contradiction_n in_o physics_n and_o a_o monstrous_a consequence_n in_o morality_n and_o lay_v a_o foundation_n for_o eternal_a scepticism_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o meaning_n in_o it_o both_o true_a and_o innocent_a yet_o it_o must_v be_v own_a this_o be_v the_o most_o unhappy_a way_n of_o express_v themselves_o that_o possible_o they_o can_v have_v light_a upon_o thus_o far_o as_o to_o his_o argument_n from_o 3._o reason_n now_o i_o come_v to_o consider_v those_o he_o bring_v from_o scripture_n and_o we_o be_v like_a to_o have_v very_o close_o reason_v from_o they_o when_o in_o the_o very_a entrance_n he_o again_o confound_v these_o two_o proposition_n whether_o or_o no_o christianity_n be_v mysterious_a and_o whether_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o 90._o christianity_n whereas_o even_o the_o latter_a of_o they_o be_v dubious_a for_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v use_v to_o signify_v several_a thing_n and_o therefore_o to_o remove_v all_o ambiguity_n and_o show_v the_o fallacy_n of_o his_o argue_v we_o will_v lay_v aside_o the_o word_n and_o speak_v to_o the_o thing_n itself_o i._n e._n whether_o we_o have_v not_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o all_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o scripture_n since_o the_o appear_a of_o christ_n in_o the_o world_n as_o we_o have_v of_o ordinary_a sensible_a object_n that_o we_o have_v not_o before_o he_o allow_v and_o therefore_o he_o grant_v they_o be_v mystery_n then_o but_o now_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n they_o be_v not_o and_o the_o whole_a substance_n of_o his_o argue_v in_o this_o long_a chapter_n be_v this_o if_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v signify_v by_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o than_o they_o be_v no_o long_o hide_v from_o we_o but_o all_o those_o thing_n signify_v by_o the_o jewish_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o therefore_o they_o be_v no_o long_o hide_v from_o we_o thus_o he_o prove_v the_o minor_n if_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o christ_n then_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o but_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o christ._n therefore_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o and_o to_o make_v this_o minor_a good_a he_o bring_v all_o these_o text_n of_o scripture_n and_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o and_o that_o they_o be_v clear_o reveal_v now_o if_o any_o among_o we_o have_v absolute_o deny_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o and_o have_v affirm_v that_o they_o be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v to_o we_o than_o he_o may_v have_v have_v a_o adversary_n but_o there_o be_v not_o a_o sentence_n in_o this_o chapter_n that_o look_v like_o a_o controversy_n with_o any_o but_o the_o jew_n if_o this_o man_n will_v have_v argue_v instead_o of_o bantr_v he_o will_v have_v distinguish_v and_o show_v in_o what_o sense_n we_o deny_v it_o and_o then_o have_v prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o that_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v deal_v treacherous_o i_o must_v make_v he_o honest_a and_o distinguish_v for_o he_o and_o in_o order_n to_o make_v this_o matter_n very_o plain_a we_o know_v that_o there_o be_v four_o thing_n to_o be_v reveal_v concern_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o it_o be_v existence_n it_o be_v essence_n its_o property_n and_o the_o relation_n it_o have_v to_o we_o and_o every_o one_o apprehend_v at_o first_o read_v how_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v clear_o reveal_v as_o to_o its_o existence_n together_o with_o the_o relalation_n it_o have_v to_o we_o and_o yet_o remain_v total_o obscure_v as_o to_o its_o essence_n &_o property_n now_o therefore_o what_o we_o say_v be_v this_o 1._o that_o as_o to_o the_o internal_a essence_n and_o real_a property_n of_o these_o divine_a thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o from_o heaven_n we_o be_v whole_o ignorant_a of_o they_o and_o know_v as_o little_a of_o they_o in_o this_o respect_n now_o they_o be_v reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o be_v know_v before_o when_o they_o be_v involve_v in_o type_n and_o figure_n 2._o that_o all_o these_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n and_o now_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n while_o they_o be_v veil_v in_o type_n and_o figure_n under_o the_o mosaik_fw-mi oeconomy_n be_v very_o much_o obscure_v as_o to_o their_o existence_n and_o as_o to_o the_o concernment_n of_o mankind_n in_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o law_n be_v say_v to_o have_v have_v only_o a_o shadow_n of_o good_a thing_n to_o come_v i_o e._n man_n have_v but_o a_o very_a dark_a &_o imperfect_a knowledge_n even_o of_o the_o reality_n and_o be_v and_o signification_n of_o those_o thing_n as_o of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n his_o incarnation_n crucifixion_n ascention_n the_o trinity_n of_o person_n resurrection_n and_o glorification_n of_o the_o body_n the_o operation_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n etc._n etc._n they_o have_v then_o no_o clear_a and_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n afterward_o reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n except_v only_o that_o of_o the_o be_v of_o the_o true_a god_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o they_o by_o moses_n under_o the_o name_n i_o be_o which_o denote_v nothing_o more_o than_o his_o existence_n 3._o we_o say_v that_o these_o divine_a thing_n which_o be_v hide_v and_o obscure_v before_o the_o appear_a of_o christ_n be_v all_o of_o they_o plain_o and_o clear_o reveal_v as_o to_o their_o existence_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o i_o e._n as_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o be_v of_o these_o truth_n and_o our_o concernment_n in_o they_o and_o yet_o they_o do_v not_o cease_v to_o be_v mystery_n still_o because_o they_o be_v still_o infinite_o more_o obscure_v as_o to_o their_o manner_n and_o property_n than_o the_o common_a object_n of_o nature_n so_o that_o now_o it_o be_v clear_o reveal_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o therefore_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n as_o we_o do_v how_o one_o man_n be_v
by_o such_o proof_n to_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o divinity_n as_o shall_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n such_o as_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n or_o the_o agreableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o unless_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n which_o i_o allow_v thus_o far_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o any_o adversary_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n pure_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o require_v it_o any_o far_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o demand_v a_o rational_a account_n from_o we_o of_o what_o we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o upon_o such_o testimony_n and_o proof_n as_o shall_v cause_v this_o evidence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o analogy_n 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term_n than_o he_o do_v who_o see_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o can_v give_v you_o this_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o which_o he_o make_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o our_o persuasion_n and_o then_o if_o we_o can_v give_v our_o assent_n even_o to_o the_o reality_n and_o existence_n of_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o the_o real_a mode_n and_o property_n of_o it_o as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o than_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o another_o world_n for_o i_o have_v make_v it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o we_o now_o to_o have_v such_o idea_n of_o they_o therefore_o now_o let_v we_o see_v how_o he_o endeavour_v to_o get_v over_o this_o my_o reader_n think_v i_o warrant_v that_o he_o be_v go_v about_o to_o reconcile_v the_o christian_a faith_n with_o his_o principle_n but_o instead_o of_o this_o he_o spend_v 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all_o faith_n both_o human_a and_o divine_a for_o thus_o he_o proceed_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v and_o then_o he_o be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o ay_o e_o when_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o as_o evident_a as_o what_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n for_o you_o know_v seeing_n believe_v all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o evidence_n be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v his_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o evidence_n this_o opinion_n carry_v a_o face_n of_o fairness_n and_o probability_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o by_o the_o common_a inclination_n of_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o all_o restraint_n in_o think_v as_o well_o as_o act_n 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bound_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o may_v clear_o apprehend_v where_o knowledge_n end_v and_o faith_n proceed_v alone_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o distinction_n will_v effectual_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o this_o controversy_n about_o mystery_n now_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o conception_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o either_o by_o give_v
of_o prescience_n as_o it_o be_v in_o god_n who_o see_v they_o actual_o and_o ex_fw-la parte_fw-la rei_fw-la nor_o can_v we_o conceive_v how_o this_o prescience_n of_o he_o be_v reconcileable_a with_o the_o contingency_n of_o thing_n tho'_o we_o be_v sure_a it_o be_v so_o from_o those_o prophecy_n of_o very_a minute_n circumstance_n many_o hundred_o of_o year_n before_o they_o come_v to_o pass_v i_o may_v thus_o run_v through_o all_o the_o attribute_n of_o god_n and_o show_v in_o every_o one_o of_o they_o how_o we_o make_v to_o ourselves_o some_o representation_n of_o they_o by_o compound_v and_o enlarge_n those_o idea_n we_o have_v either_o of_o sensible_a object_n or_o of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o thus_o we_o represent_v the_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o holiness_n and_o mercy_n etc._n etc._n of_o god_n from_o the_o scanty_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o these_o thing_n in_o ourselves_o tho'_o they_o exhibit_v to_o we_o no_o more_o of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o these_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o god_n than_o continue_a extension_n do_v of_o his_o omnipresence_n or_o a_o great_a number_n do_v of_o his_o infinity_o or_o many_o age_n of_o his_o eternity_n so_o that_o in_o all_o our_o thought_n of_o that_o divine_a be_v we_o do_v proceed_v thus_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v such_o therefore_o these_o thing_n follow_v but_o these_o thing_n be_v the_o great_a perfection_n we_o be_v able_a to_o conceive_v and_o therefore_o by_o help_n of_o these_o we_o form_n the_o best_a and_o most_o honourable_a idea_n of_o god_n that_o be_v possible_a for_o we_o in_o this_o condition_n of_o infirmity_n and_o blindness_n that_o we_o be_v now_o in_o not_o but_o that_o after_o we_o have_v frame_v the_o big_a idea_n of_o god_n our_o mind_n be_v capable_a of_o by_o the_o great_a enlargement_n of_o these_o perfection_n after_o all_o it_o be_v as_o gross_a a_o representation_n of_o he_o as_o darkness_n be_v of_o light_n and_o express_v nothing_o of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o that_o incomprehensible_a be_v to_o we_o nor_o do_v they_o give_v we_o the_o least_o glimpse_n of_o he_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o 2._o but_o two_o as_o we_o can_v have_v no_o such_o proper_a and_o immediate_a idea_n of_o god_n himself_o so_o neither_o have_v we_o such_o idea_n of_o any_o thing_n relate_v to_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o glory_n of_o heaven_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o light_n the_o greatness_n and_o splendour_n of_o that_o place_n by_o that_o of_o a_o kingdom_n and_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n by_o sensual_a pleasure_n such_o as_o eat_v and_o drink_v the_o operation_n of_o grace_n by_o the_o nourishment_n of_o our_o body_n etc._n etc._n and_o when_o god_n himself_o be_v speak_v of_o it_o be_v always_o by_o analogy_n with_o the_o member_n of_o a_o human_a body_n and_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o mind_n thus_o he_o be_v mention_v as_o have_v hand_n and_o foot_n as_o see_v and_o hear_v and_o as_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o a_o human_a soul_n because_o he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o speak_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o now_o since_o we_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o after_o any_o other_o manner_n or_o indeed_o of_o any_o other_o object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n have_v make_v use_n not_o only_o of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n common_o receive_v and_o understand_v but_o likewise_o of_o those_o common_a notion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n to_o represent_v truth_n which_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o now_o unconceivable_a and_o for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o capacity_n in_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n all_o the_o idea_n we_o at_o present_a have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sort_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n the_o real_a nature_n of_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o 12._o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o i._n e._n by_o analogy_n only_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n i._n e._n we_o shall_v have_v as_o immediate_a a_o view_n of_o those_o heavenly_a object_n as_o we_o have_v now_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o only_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v these_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o part_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o any_o real_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v exhibit_v to_o our_o view_n and_o the_o rest_n obscure_v or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o indistinct_a view_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o see_v a_o object_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v reveal_v to_o we_o under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tho'_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v idea_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_a or_o proper_a one_o but_o a_o sort_n of_o composition_n we_o make_v up_o from_o our_o idea_n of_o worldly_a object_n which_o at_o the_o utmost_a amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o type_n or_o figure_n by_o which_o something_o in_o another_o world_n be_v signify_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o more_o notion_n than_o a_o blindman_n have_v of_o light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o be_o fall_v into_o this_o metaphor_n which_o seem_v well_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n let_v we_o pursue_v it_o a_o little_a and_o suppose_v that_o to_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n this_o man_n as_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o name_n nor_o a_o notion_n for_o it_o nor_o any_o capacity_n of_o conceive_v what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o light_n a_o word_n whole_o unknown_a to_o he_o nor_o by_o stamp_v on_o his_o mind_n any_o immediate_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o than_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o communicate_v this_o revelation_n to_o other_o as_o blind_a as_o himself_o for_o nothing_o but_o the_o same_o almighty_a impression_n can_v do_v that_o so_o that_o this_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v by_o word_n and_o notion_n which_o be_v already_o in_o he_o and_o according_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v diffuse_v itself_o in_o a_o instant_n many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n round_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o know_v in_o a_o moment_n what_o order_n all_o thing_n lay_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v one_o to_o another_o nay_o that_o it_o can_v make_v he_o know_v where_o the_o heaven_n lay_v and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o he_o shall_v there_o discern_v at_o once_o a_o vast_a and_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o pleasant_a body_n and_o in_o short_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o stick_n or_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v know_v every_o thing_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o after_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o man_n will_v form_v to_o himself_o a_o idea_n of_o light_n from_o his_o touch_n he_o will_v think_v it_o very_o like_a feeling_n and_o perhaps_o call_v it_o by_o that_o name_n because_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n he_o have_v of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o therefore_o will_v conclude_v that_o those_o body_n he_o hear_v of_o must_v needs_o be_v wondrous_a soft_a and_o smooth_a just_o thus_o do_v we_o conceive_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o we_o may_v rack_v our_o invention_n and_o turn_v and_o wind_v all_o those_o idea_n we_o have_v into_o ten_o thousand_o different_a shape_n and_o yet_o never_o make_v up_o any_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o those_o object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o thing_n possible_a for_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o to_o a_o blind_a man_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o concession_n he_o destroy_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o upon_o his_o principle_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n upon_o the_o testimony_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n
much_o oâ—_n what_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o must_v always_o end_v in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v intelligible_a and_o plain_a be_v ever_o so_o and_o that_o part_n which_o be_v mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n will_v ever_o be_v so_o till_o we_o coâ—â—_n to_o another_o world_n therefore_o our_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n be_v to_o fix_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o convince_v any_o reasonable_a unprejudiced_a man_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v for_o their_o infidelity_n thus_o we_o shall_v turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o thought_n into_o a_o right_a channel_n and_o confound_v all_o these_o enemy_n of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n for_o by_o free_o own_v as_o become_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o these_o mysterious_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o we_o cut_v off_o a_o multitude_n of_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a objection_n and_o show_v these_o man_n that_o our_o christian_a faith_n however_o be_v no_o lazy_a credulity_n or_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n since_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lay_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n reveal_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v i_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n lay_v aside_o all_o affectation_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n i_o will_v do_v it_o thus_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n in_o order_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o those_o revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v better_a proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v such_o testimony_n of_o their_o come_n from_o god_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n that_o if_o i_o use_v my_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n in_o these_o that_o i_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n i_o must_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o those_o write_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 57_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o posterity_n from_o whence_o and_o from_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o godhead_n under_o these_o three_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n which_o the_o church_n have_v express_v altogether_o by_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o single_o by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o i_o think_v these_o term_n proper_a enough_o to_o express_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o this_o mystery_n now_o i_o find_v no_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n i_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v something_o more_o than_o if_o that_o commission_n have_v run_v thus_o go_v baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n and_o of_o elohim_n and_o of_o adonai_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o intend_v than_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o needless_a tautology_n again_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a different_a spirit_n for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v three_o god_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v there_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n and_o something_o less_o than_o that_o of_o three_o different_a spirit_n and_o because_o i_o find_v each_o person_n seperat_o as_o well_o as_o joint_o mention_v as_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n allow_v and_o pay_v to_o they_o therefore_o as_o that_o excellent_a creed_n express_v it_o i_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n athe._n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o allow_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n how_o strict_a this_o union_n be_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o distinction_n it_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o my_o reason_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v beyond_o my_o sight_n and_o any_o man_n who_o strive_v to_o conceive_v it_o himself_o or_o take_v pain_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o folly_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o action_n in_o nature_n extravagant_a enough_o to_o match_v it_o if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n stretch_v up_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n to_o pull_v down_o a_o star_n we_o shall_v certain_o conclude_v he_o distract_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reach_v 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of_o we_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a monster_n this_o knight_n errant_a set_v up_o for_o himself_o to_o engage_v with_o it_o be_v the_o spurious_a off_o spring_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o yet_o he_o father_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o introduce_v it_o with_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v never_o make_v to_o signify_v this_o by_o any_o beside_o himself_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n will_v have_v come_v into_o my_o head_n here_o he_o have_v make_v his_o own_o word_n good_a that_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v two_o emphatical_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o absurd_a definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemnity_n to_o encounter_v it_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o for_o a_o man_n 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to_o prove_v if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v argue_v close_o who_o mistake_v the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v however_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o proof_n yet_o but_o run_v upon_o another_o digression_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n and_o particular_o what_o it_o signify_v among_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o it_o signify_v quite_o another_o thing_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o he_o say_v not_o for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o 68_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n 73._o or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v both_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o christian_a mystery_n in_o common_a but_o take_v a_o christian_a mystery_n even_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n i._n e._n as_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o jewish_a type_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o 1._o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o god_n whereas_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v discoverable_a by_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o man_n 2._o beside_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o the_o thing_n involve_v in_o the_o jewish_a type_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n very_o intelligible_a for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o obvious_a to_o reason_n 3._o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n and_o the_o thing_n inten_v by_o they_o be_v such_o as_o concern_v the_o eternal_a salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n whereas_o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_a be_v to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a purpose_n in_o order_n to_o idolatry_n and_o many_o other_o gross_a sin_n and_o it_o be_v not_o without_o very_o good_a reason_n i_o take_v notice_n of_o this_o difference_n here_o for_o tho'_o it_o do_v not_o hit_v this_o description_n of_o his_o immediate_o because_o he_o may_v perhaps_o say_v those_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o concernment_n of_o soul_n too_o yet_o it_o be_v level_v at_o the_o main_a design_n of_o his_o book_n which_o by_o this_o time_n no_o man_n can_v be_v ignorant_a of_o 4._o the_o thing_n contain_v in_o the_o jewish_a mystery_n the_o priest_n themselves_o be_v ignorant_a of_o whereas_o the_o heathen_a priest_n for_o the_o most_o part_n know_v the_o bottom_n of_o they_o and_o conceal_v they_o industrious_o from_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v of_o all_o christian_a priest_n viz._n that_o we_o full_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n ourselves_o and_o palm_n they_o upon_o the_o people_n for_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o virulent_a expression_n of_o his_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o 72._o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n we_o maintain_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o call_v it_o a_o gainful_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o only_a design_n 73._o of_o christian_a mystery_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n he_o call_v christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v a_o implicit_a constitution_n and_o say_v the_o 73._o venerable_a teacher_n play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n to_o amuse_v the_o people_n but_o he_o 74._o like_o a_o sharp_a inquisitive_a man_n it_o seem_v have_v find_v out_o our_o mystery_n and_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o next_o book_n to_o discover_v they_o all_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o the_o world_n like_o heathen_a priest_n as_o he_o make_v we_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o section_n where_o there_o 74._o be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o all_o that_o chapter_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o book_n and_o because_o he_o deliver_v it_o confuse_o i_o will_v reduce_v it_o to_o form_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o think_v i_o do_v do_v he_o justice_n let_v he_o manage_v it_o better_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o argue_v be_v this_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n therefore_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o the_o gospel_n the_o minor_a he_o prove_v thus_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n but_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n 86._o of_o god_n and_o eternity_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n ergò_fw-la now_o do_v but_o deny_v this_o minor_a and_o he_o put_v you_o off_o
be_v st._n paul_n use_v great_a 13._o plainess_n of_o speech_n ergò_fw-la they_o have_v as_o full_a and_o perfect_a a_o knowledge_n of_o every_o thing_n he_o speak_v as_o they_o have_v of_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n nay_o when_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n and_o discourse_v to_o they_o how_o he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n without_o doubt_n they_o that_o hear_v he_o have_v as_o lively_a a_o impression_n of_o this_o whole_a vision_n on_o their_o imagination_n as_o he_o that_o see_v it_o nay_o as_o they_o have_v of_o the_o man_n that_o speak_v to_o they_o and_o we_o may_v expect_v no_o less_o from_o this_o profound_a revealer_n of_o mystery_n than_o that_o he_o will_v quote_v we_o all_o these_o unspeakable_a word_n in_o his_o next_o book_n and_o so_o by_o the_o follow_a quotation_n he_o think_v he_o have_v knock_v we_o down_o when_o any_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o mystery_n be_v make_v 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109._o for_o i_o have_v trace_v he_o in_o this_o too_o from_o the_o time_n he_o first_o give_v out_o he_o will_v be_v head_n of_o a_o sect_n before_o he_o be_v thirty_o year_n of_o age_n till_o he_o become_v a_o author_n and_o from_o thence_o to_o his_o come_n into_o this_o kingdom_n to_o spread_v his_o heresy_n and_o put_v his_o design_n in_o execution_n but_o i_o be_o now_o upon_o a_o subject_a in_o divinity_n and_o not_o make_v a_o farce_n and_o perhaps_o i_o may_v have_v another_o opportunity_n of_o give_v the_o world_n a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o this_o man_n who_o think_v himself_o so_o formidable_a and_o swell_v with_o the_o fancy_n of_o have_v run_v down_o three_o kingdom_n only_o with_o one_o cross_a question_n which_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o his_o book_n viz._n how_o can_v a_o man_n believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v how_o he_o answer_v those_o objection_n which_o be_v make_v against_o this_o new_a hypothesis_n of_o he_o in_o religion_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o objection_n he_o bring_v 120._o be_v three_o or_o four_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o make_v nothing_o against_o either_o what_o he_o or_o we_o say_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o such_o as_o enthusiast_n bring_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n so_o that_o they_o be_v whole_o impertinent_a unless_o he_o dispute_v against_o the_o quaker_n and_o therefore_o i_o have_v no_o more_o to_o do_v here_o but_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o base_a disingenuity_n of_o the_o man_n who_o by_o this_o will_v make_v unthinking_a or_o prejudice_v people_n believe_v that_o we_o be_v those_o ignorant_a perverse_a man_n he_o speak_v of_o and_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n with_o the_o rank_a enthusiast_n whereas_o he_o can_v but_o know_v that_o we_o be_v as_o vigorous_a defender_n of_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n as_o he_o can_v be_v it_o be_v by_o this_o that_o the_o truth_n of_o all_o reveal_v religion_n be_v establish_v and_o remain_v unshaken_a and_o the_o same_o for_o ever_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o the_o opposition_n of_o their_o subtle_a enemy_n it_o be_v by_o this_o we_o confute_v his_o error_n it_o be_v before_o the_o evidence_n and_o light_n of_o reason_n that_o all_o his_o operose_fw-la and_o laborious_a sophism_n disappear_v like_o empty_a shadow_n and_o vanish_v into_o nothing_o when_o we_o thus_o contend_v for_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n then_o on_o one_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v as_o if_o we_o deny_v all_o revelation_n and_o when_o we_o defend_v the_o truth_n of_o revelation_n then_o on_o the_o other_o side_n we_o be_v charge_v with_o lay_v aside_o our_o reason_n as_o if_o we_o must_v needs_o cease_v to_o be_v man_n before_o we_o can_v be_v christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v state_n a_o right_a notion_n of_o this_o matter_n as_o clear_a as_o i_o can_v in_o short_a and_o that_o by_o these_o degree_n 1._o we_o allow_v that_o sense_n and_o reason_n be_v the_o only_a faculty_n we_o have_v of_o know_v or_o judge_v of_o any_o thing_n either_o in_o nature_n or_o religion_n and_o we_o allow_v that_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n apply_v himself_o to_o we_o by_o these_o faculty_n and_o do_v not_o either_o create_v any_o new_a one_o or_o make_v any_o essential_a alteration_n in_o these_o we_o have_v for_o then_o a_o stock_n or_o a_o stone_n will_v be_v as_o capable_a of_o a_o divine_a revelation_n as_o a_o rational_a creature_n and_o therefore_o 2._o we_o allow_v that_o what_o be_v not_o agreeable_a to_o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n we_o be_v already_o endue_v with_o be_v not_o to_o be_v receive_v or_o entertain_v by_o we_o for_o otherwise_o god_n who_o place_v these_o in_o we_o will_v not_o be_v consistent_a with_o himself_o nor_o will_v he_o have_v we_o so_o 3._o these_o power_n of_o knowledge_n be_v better_o suit_v to_o the_o present_a object_n of_o this_o life_n than_o they_o be_v to_o those_o of_o another_o for_o otherwise_o 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act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v distinct_a from_o knowledge_n be_v a_o assent_n upon_o the_o authority_n of_o another_o person_n but_o according_a to_o he_o authority_n be_v no_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o faith_n be_v only_o the_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o any_o assent_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o now_o have_v i_o do_v this_o man_n any_o wrong_n by_o charge_v he_o with_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o to_o overthrow_v the_o whole_a christian_a religion_n in_o the_o face_n of_o a_o christian_a government_n and_o in_o defiance_n of_o all_o law_n and_o power_n ecclesiastical_a and_o civil_a he_o tell_v they_o plain_o that_o faith_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o understanding_n what_o be_v believe_v i._o e._n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o faith_n distinct_a from_o knowledge_n and_o consequent_o the_o faith_n of_o christian_n be_v nothing_o but_o implicit_a assent_n and_o blind_a credulity_n and_o therefore_o here_o again_o i_o will_v deliver_v he_o into_o the_o hand_n of_o the_o magistrate_n not_o move_v by_o any_o heat_n of_o passion_n but_o by_o such_o a_o zeal_n as_o become_v every_o christian_n to_o have_v for_o his_o religion_n but_o here_o he_o plead_v a_o toleration_n but_o 110._o for_o what_o i_o hope_v there_o be_v no_o toleration_n for_o blasphemy_n and_o profaneness_n and_o tho'_o man_n be_v allow_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o please_v themselves_o yet_o sure_o they_o may_v be_v restrain_v from_o industrious_o spread_v such_o impious_a notion_n as_o be_v destructive_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o from_o open_o revile_v the_o christian_a faith_n as_o imposture_n and_o implicit_a blind_a credulity_n again_o it_o be_v object_v against_o he_o that_o 140._o his_o notion_n of_o faith_n make_v revelation_n useless_a yes_o it_o do_v for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o word_n of_o the_o proposition_n reveal_v ever_o so_o well_o and_o 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the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o nay_o if_o two_o contrary_a proposition_n equal_o intelligible_a be_v relate_v he_o must_v believe_v they_o both_o and_o therefore_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v take_v it_o ill_o of_o the_o world_n if_o they_o believe_v i_o when_o i_o inform_v they_o that_o this_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n be_v the_o joint_a endeavour_n of_o a_o secret_a club_n who_o set_v themselves_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o industry_n to_o destroy_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o that_o they_o have_v make_v use_n of_o this_o man_n as_o a_o tool_n only_o and_o have_v push_v he_o before_o they_o to_o try_v with_o what_o safety_n such_o principle_n as_o these_o may_v be_v open_o avow_v in_o opposition_n to_o all_o that_o be_v establish_v among_o we_o that_o they_o may_v follow_v and_o open_o maintain_v what_o they_o have_v be_v forge_v in_o secret_a cabal_n now_o this_o be_v a_o matter_n of_o fact_n 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mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v not_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o that_o evidence_n he_o contend_v â—or_a in_o all_o relation_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o raise_v against_o this_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o passage_n 1._o pet._n 2_o 12._o where_o there_o be_v this_o expression_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n speak_v oâ—_n here_o be_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o time_n present_a that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o natural_a inference_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o thing_n yet_o be_v mystery_n even_o to_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n which_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o when_o they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o 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no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v
of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v it_o but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o all_o the_o pompous_a citation_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o give_v the_o father_n as_o foul_a language_n as_o he_o do_v the_o modern_a clergy_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o objection_n hold_v against_o the_o bible_n itself_o for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v of_o as_o little_a â—orce_n as_o a_o quotation_n out_o of_o any_o fabulous_a heathen_a author_n to_o influenceo_fw-la ur_fw-la assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n he_o introduce_v they_o after_o the_o most_o scornful_a manner_n he_o can_v contrive_v and_o say_v that_o the_o mention_v of_o schutcheon_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v this_o expression_n by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n the_o father_n the_o admire_a father_n their_o opinion_n he_o call_v whymsy_n and_o their_o work_n insuperable_a labyrinth_n and_o call_v the_o just_a esteem_n we_o have_v for_o they_o a_o blind_a veneration_n for_o those_o who_o live_v before_o we_o he_o never_o mention_n they_o without_o the_o great_a contemt_a and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o venerable_a name_n and_o pompous_a citation_n that_o have_v no_o value_n but_o such_o as_o a_o ugly_a rust_n and_o colour_n give_v ancient_a coin_n but_o this_o similitude_n that_o he_o design_n by_o way_n of_o derision_n do_v very_o well_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o father_n for_o as_o ancient_a coin_n be_v now_o of_o no_o great_a intrinsic_a value_n than_o the_o bare_a weight_n of_o the_o metal_n they_o be_v make_v of_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o give_v we_o light_v into_o the_o time_n and_o custom_n of_o antiquity_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n be_v of_o vasy_o great_a value_n than_o any_o modern_a coin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o father_n they_o be_v man_n and_o write_v like_o such_o and_o tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o their_o work_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o have_v be_v write_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o these_o write_n of_o they_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o come_v to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o after_o they_o to_o have_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v write_v by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n arrogant_a treatment_n of_o the_o father_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o ignorant_a child_n revile_v the_o prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n