the_o christian_a belief_n wherein_o be_v assert_v and_o prove_v that_o as_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n yet_o there_o be_v some_o doctrine_n in_o it_o above_o reason_n and_o these_o be_v necessary_o enjoin_v we_o to_o believe_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n even_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o god_n london_n print_v by_o w._n onley_n for_o alex._n rosvile_n at_o the_o dial_n against_o st._n dunstan_n be_v church_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxcvi_o the_o content_n be_v article_n most_o of_o they_o advance_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o position_n of_o our_o adversary_n the_o measure_n and_o extent_n of_o human_a knowledge_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n page_n 2._o transubstantiation_n why_o to_o be_v reject_v p._n 6._o the_o knowledge_n of_o spiritual_a object_n ib._n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a object_n p._n 11._o of_o matter_n of_o revelation_n p._n 14._o three_o inference_n p._n 15._o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o maxim_n in_o adore_v when_o we_o can_v comprehend_v p._n 18._o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n p._n 22_o 23._o 41_o 42._o matter_n of_o revelation_n not_o so_o easy_o nor_o clear_o comprehend_v as_o the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n p._n 23._o 25._o his_o notion_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n reject_v and_o disprove_v p._n 33._o two_o limitation_n to_o be_v observe_v before_o we_o can_v pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n p._n 33_o 34._o both_o confirm_v and_o illustrate_v by_o the_o article_n of_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n p._n 40._o the_o difference_n between_o a_o seem_a contradiction_n and_o real_a one_o assert_v p._n 46_o contradiction_n not_o to_o be_v pronounce_v in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n because_o they_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n p._n 47_o 48._o revelation_n a_o motive_n of_o assent_n as_o well_o as_o mean_v of_o information_n p._n 49._o matter_n of_o revelation_n how_o far_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a p._n 51._o the_o difference_n between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n on_o that_o account_n p._n 52._o the_o true_a notion_n of_o a_o mystery_n as_o apply_v to_o thing_n incomprehensible_a p._n 56._o 61._o his_o notion_n of_o a_o mysteryexploded_a p._n 58._o mystery_n state_v with_o respect_n to_o inadequate_a idea_n p._n 59_o 60_o 62._o and_o prove_v against_o he_o on_o his_o own_o principle_n p._n 62._o the_o notion_n of_o comprehend_v thing_n state_v p._n 67._o the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n with_o respect_n to_o scripture_n p._n 73_o 74._o authority_n of_o scripture_n where_o mystery_n be_v apply_v to_o incomprehensible_a truth_n 1_o cor._n 2._o 7._o p._n 81._o 1_o tim._n 3._o 10._o p._n 84._o doctrine_n or_o divine_a truth_n contain_v in_o scripture_n that_o be_v represent_v as_o mysterious_a and_o prove_v from_o scripture_n to_o be_v so_o p._n 89._o the_o first_o instance_n from_o 1_o cor._n 1._o 23._o 24._o second_o instance_n 1_o cor._n 13._o v._n 9_o p._n 94._o and_o 2_o cor._n 12._o 4._o p._n 96._o and_o col._n 2._o 23._o p._n 97._o all_o which_o be_v expound_v at_o large_a and_o each_o exposition_n ratify_v by_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o father_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n for_o the_o three_o first_o age_n produce_v against_o he_o even_o of_o those_o he_o have_v cite_v p._n 105_o 106._o how_o far_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o object_n be_v require_v in_o faith_n p._n 118_o 119._o that_o faith_n be_v oppose_v to_o knowledge_n or_o science_n and_o sometime_o in_o scripture_n imply_v a_o assent_n to_o reveal_v truth_n as_o they_o exceed_v the_o sphere_n of_o human_a perception_n p._n 121_o 122._o this_o prove_v from_o scripture_n and_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n p._n 123_o 124._o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n instance_a p._n 120._o mystery_n prove_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n p._n 134._o miracle_n not_o to_o be_v admit_v contrary_a to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o sense_n and_o why_o ib._n miracle_n a_o argument_n a_o majore_fw-la that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 136_o 137._o his_o historical_a account_n of_o mystery_n explode_v p._n 138._o the_o method_n of_o initiation_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o discipline_n rite_n and_o sanction_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n clear_v from_o the_o imputation_n of_o paganism_n or_o imposture_n p._n 140._o these_o neither_o the_o cause_n nor_o product_n of_o mystery_n p._n 143._o the_o lawfulness_n of_o ceremony_n especial_o such_o as_o the_o establish_v church_n of_o england_n enjoin_v p._n 145._o the_o authority_n of_o they_o assert_v p._n 146._o not_o opposite_a to_o christianity_n p._n 147._o the_o pernicious_a design_n of_o his_o treatise_n detect_v p._n 149_o 150._o the_o conclusion_n in_o a_o vindication_n of_o the_o present_a method_n of_o answer_v by_o instance_n p._n 151._o edition_n of_o the_o father_n clemens_n alexandrinus_n ed._n par._n 1629._o justin_n martyr_n par._n 1615._o irenaeus_n ed._n erasmi_n basil._n 1560._o tertullianus_n ed._n par._n 1675._o origen_n contra_fw-la cels._fw-la edit_fw-la cant._n 1677._o dionys._n vulgo_fw-la areopag_n antw._n 1634._o johan_n chrysost._n par._n 1621._o isiodor_n pelysiot_n par._n 1638._o theophilact_fw-mi lond._n 1636._o origen_n comment_fw-fr rothomag_n 1668._o athanasius_n ex_fw-la officina_fw-la commeliana_n 1601._o certain_a christian_a doctrine_n proper_o call_v mystery_n and_o to_o be_v esteem_v above_o reason_n etc._n etc._n before_o i_o make_v any_o formal_a return_v to_o the_o position_n advance_v by_o this_o zealous_a advocate_n for_o reason_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o fix_v or_o state_n the_o several_a measure_n and_o principle_n of_o human_a knowledge_n i_o mean_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o object_n of_o it_o as_o it_o include_v the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n of_o corporeal_a and_o spiritual_a substance_n of_o finite_a and_o infinite_a and_o of_o reveal_v truth_n and_o first_o i_o can_v free_o grant_v what_o have_v cost_v our_o adversary_n some_o page_n to_o prove_v viz._n that_o nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n sect._n 1_o cap._n 3._o but_o yet_o i_o think_v it_o very_o absurd_a to_o advance_v one_o rule_n or_o standard_n for_o every_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n and_o thereupon_o form_v argument_n and_o charge_v contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n without_o make_v the_o least_o allowance_n or_o distinction_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o method_n of_o know_v it_o here_o be_v the_o source_n of_o all_o our_o adversary_n mistake_v and_o miscarriage_n whereby_o as_o will_v anon_o more_o full_o appear_v he_o have_v cast_v a_o cloud_n upon_o reason_n rather_o than_o improve_v its_o native_a lustre_n and_o glory_n and_o first_o as_o for_o the_o knowledge_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n it_o be_v certain_a the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o proper_a seat_n as_o well_o as_o principle_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v here_o entertain_v by_o the_o object_n of_o the_o material_a world_n for_o nothing_o but_o matter_n in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o natural_a knowledge_n make_v a_o impression_n upon_o the_o outward_a sense_n so_o as_o to_o transmit_v and_o fix_v a_o idea_n in_o the_o mind_n suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o object_n and_o certain_o here_o be_v the_o great_a original_a stock_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n for_o the_o sense_n be_v not_o only_o the_o stand_a vehicles_n to_o all_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o mind_n since_o even_o faith_n and_o revelation_n come_v by_o hear_v but_o these_o very_a idea_n if_o positive_a and_o form_v on_o thing_n and_o substance_n be_v little_a else_o but_o the_o resemblance_n of_o material_a sensation_n or_o the_o idea_n of_o some_o object_n of_o sense_n however_o exalt_v and_o refine_a may_v be_v the_o idea_n of_o angel_n and_o glorify_a spirit_n that_o have_v thing_n present_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o mind_n by_o a_o immediate_a intuition_n it_o be_v manifest_a we_o that_o be_v clothe_v with_o sense_n and_o matter_n and_o those_o of_o a_o very_a coarse_a allay_v must_v have_v all_o our_o idea_n tinge_v with_o material_a adumbration_n these_o be_v that_o glass_n upon_o the_o mind_n through_o which_o we_o see_v dark_o and_o that_o wonderful_o incrassate_v and_o disguise_n the_o image_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v true_a in_o object_n of_o sense_n our_o idea_n must_v be_v comparative_o clear_a and_o exact_a because_o we_o be_v seat_v in_o the_o very_a heart_n or_o centre_n of_o the_o material_a world_n where_o its_o object_n perpetual_o crowd_v in_o upon_o our_o sense_n and_o be_v continual_o present_v to_o
position_n and_o first_o to_o take_v he_o in_o the_o order_n we_o find_v he_o before_o he_o give_v you_o a_o state_n of_o the_o question_n he_o begin_v with_o the_o main_a burden_n of_o his_o song_n and_o introduce_v you_o with_o some_o sarcastical_a reflection_n upon_o the_o management_n and_o maxim_n of_o divine_n about_o religion_n as_o if_o the_o generality_n of_o christian_n have_v no_o notion_n of_o religion_n but_o mystery_n and_o divine_v unanimous_o own_v their_o ignorance_n about_o it_o whilst_o they_o grave_o tell_v we_o we_o must_v adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o yet_o majesterious_o obtrude_v contradictory_n comment_n as_o infallible_a demonstration_n of_o a_o unfathomable_a mystery_n it_o be_v visible_a this_o whole_a paragraph_n be_v spend_v upon_o the_o clergy_n for_o who_o be_v to_o account_v for_o man_n ignorance_n or_o absurd_a notion_n in_o religion_n but_o those_o who_o business_n it_o be_v to_o instruct_v and_o remove_v '_o they_o again_o who_o be_v to_o answer_v for_o contradiction_n but_o the_o clergy_n that_o resolve_v all_o into_o unfathomable_a mystery_n and_o yet_o by_o their_o peremptory_a comment_n pretend_v to_o unravel_v all_o to_o a_o demonstration_n this_o be_v a_o strain_n of_o impregnated_a malice_n that_o run_v through_o the_o whole_a book_n where_o the_o clergy_n by_o insinuation_n consequence_n or_o downright_a assertion_n be_v charge_v with_o imposture_n as_o if_o they_o have_v industrious_o combine_v to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n even_o to_o the_o carry_v on_o of_o contradiction_n for_o in_o one_o place_n he_o make_v it_o a_o asylum_n or_o shelter_n to_o their_o ignorance_n in_o another_o a_o artifice_n of_o usurpation_n to_o oblige_v the_o laity_n to_o admit_v nothing_o as_o a_o branch_n of_o their_o creed_n till_o it_o have_v be_v ratify_v from_o their_o confessor_n chair_n in_o a_o word_n he_o represent_v they_o as_o introducer_n of_o deism_n he_o may_v have_v add_v as_o subverter_n of_o all_o religion_n too_o since_o he_o make_v they_o labour_v in_o nothing_o but_o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n and_o now_o you_o have_v the_o character_n or_o temper_v of_o the_o man_n and_o see_v where_o his_o poison_a arrow_n be_v direct_v i_o shall_v with_o patience_n or_o rather_o contempt_n pass_v by_o all_o stricture_n of_o this_o kind_n and_o content_v myself_o with_o the_o confidence_n of_o wipe_v off_o his_o calumny_n by_o confute_v his_o position_n to_o return_v then_o as_o for_o the_o comment_n of_o some_o divine_n neither_o the_o church_n nor_o body_n of_o the_o clergy_n be_v to_o account_v for_o the_o indiscretion_n which_o heat_v or_o passion_n have_v surprise_v some_o of_o they_o into_o but_o i_o be_o persuade_v the_o comment_n of_o other_o will_v stand_v the_o test_n of_o reason_n and_o argument_n to_o establish_v those_o truth_n we_o call_v mystery_n better_a than_o those_o of_o his_o faction_n or_o persuasion_n to_o shake_v or_o overturn_v '_o they_o as_o for_o the_o maxim_n that_o instruct_v we_o to_o adore_v what_o we_o can_v comprehend_v i_o think_v it_o be_v extreme_o proper_a where_o we_o can_v prove_v a_o mystery_n for_o if_o god_n recommend_v a_o article_n of_o faith_n that_o exceed_v the_o comprehension_n of_o a_o finite_a mind_n we_o may_v rest_v satisfy_v with_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n even_o though_o it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o be_v needful_a to_o point_v out_o to_o we_o what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o and_o then_o surrender_v our_o judgement_n to_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n for_o the_o rest_n a_o considerable_a instance_n of_o obedience_n even_o the_o obedience_n of_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o adoration_n after_o this_o he_o present_v we_o with_o the_o opinion_n of_o some_o particular_a person_n or_o at_o least_o the_o fiction_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n concern_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n counsel_n and_o scripture_n and_o the_o rule_n of_o interpret_n it_o but_o i_o be_o concern_v to_o assign_v what_o deference_n be_v to_o be_v pay_v to_o father_n or_o counsel_n or_o what_o rule_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o interpret_n scripture_n till_o he_o think_v fit_a to_o charge_v our_o constitution_n with_o error_n in_o these_o matter_n this_o be_v foreign_a to_o the_o argument_n we_o be_v now_o engage_v in_o the_o next_o thing_n he_o present_v we_o with_o be_v two_o opinion_n of_o nameless_a party_n concern_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n and_o the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n and_o at_o last_o make_v all_o side_n that_o differ_v from_o his_o notion_n join_v in_o this_o position_n for_o i_o can_v put_v no_o other_o gloss_n on_o his_o word_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o both_o from_o different_a principle_n agree_v that_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v no_o further_o to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o reason_n than_o to_o prove_v they_o divine_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o be_v proper_o mystery_n still_o ib._n n._n 6._o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o may_v be_v proper_o call_v mystery_n still_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v evince_v in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o tract_n but_o i_o can_v find_v where_o the_o church_n of_o england_n have_v declare_v herself_o that_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o some_o reveal_v doctrine_n but_o only_o to_o prove_v they_o divine_o reveal_v for_o certain_o faith_n itself_o be_v a_o rational_a assent_n to_o a_o divine_a truth_n and_o reason_n will_v not_o only_o be_v concern_v to_o inquire_v and_o prove_v whether_o god_n have_v deliver_v it_o but_o to_o form_v some_o idea_n though_o a_o imperfect_a one_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o this_o truth_n at_o least_o such_o a_o idea_n as_o will_v convince_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n else_o we_o assent_v to_o we_o know_v not_o what_o but_o after_o the_o utmost_a researche_n of_o reason_n our_o very_a reason_n may_v inform_v we_o that_o there_o may_v be_v a_o great_a deal_n in_o this_o truth_n or_o doctrine_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o nature_n or_o modes_n of_o the_o thing_n which_o she_o can_v by_o no_o mean_n comprehend_v and_o consequent_o may_v still_o be_v just_o account_v a_o mystery_n and_o now_o we_o come_v to_o his_o own_o position_n on_o the_o contrary_n we_o hold_v that_o nothing_o reveal_v whether_o as_o to_o its_o manner_n or_o existence_n be_v more_o exempt_v from_o its_o disquisition_n than_o the_o ordinary_a phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n 7._o this_o he_o propose_v as_o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n agreeable_a to_o the_o title_n of_o his_o book_n and_o consequent_o all_o that_o follow_v be_v only_o a_o confirmation_n or_o make_v good_a of_o this_o position_n i_o must_v confess_v i_o shall_v be_v so_o fair_a to_o he_o as_o to_o wait_v his_o argument_n but_o because_o nothing_o shall_v stick_v upon_o the_o reader_n i_o shall_v make_v something_o of_o a_o return_n to_o such_o decretory_a assertion_n in_o the_o order_n we_o find_v they_o and_o first_o this_o great_a reasoner_n seem_v to_o play_v the_o sophister_n and_o express_v himself_o in_o a_o very_a ambiguous_a manner_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o no_o reveal_v truth_n be_v exempt_v from_o the_o disquisition_n of_o reason_n and_o true_o if_o he_o intend_v no_o more_o than_o that_o the_o sublimest_n reveal_v truth_n may_v be_v examine_v by_o reason_n as_o far_a as_o she_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v they_o we_o shall_v entire_o join_v with_o he_o for_o revelation_n be_v thus_o far_o a_o address_n to_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n and_o she_o may_v lawful_o endeavour_v to_o discover_v and_o conceive_v as_o much_o of_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n as_o possible_a provide_v she_o do_v not_o reject_v what_o she_o can_v comprehend_v and_o that_o too_o upon_o this_o very_a argument_n because_o she_o can_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a manner_n and_o existence_n of_o they_o thus_o far_o reason_n may_v be_v concern_v and_o yet_o reveal_v truth_n may_v be_v just_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o mysterious_a and_o consequent_o his_o position_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n answer_v his_o design_n which_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o nothing_o be_v mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n but_o if_o he_o intend_v that_o matter_n of_o revelation_n both_o with_o respect_n to_o their_o manner_n and_o existence_n may_v be_v scan_v and_o comprehend_v by_o reason_n as_o easy_o as_o the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n this_o we_o utter_o deny_v and_o with_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o one_a because_o there_o be_v no_o connexion_n in_o the_o consequence_n the_o phoenomena_fw-la of_o nature_n be_v often_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o of_o a_o finite_a nature_n but_o there_o be_v reveal_v matter_n that_o be_v in_o their_o very_a frame_n
tolerable_a idea_n of_o and_o yet_o without_o any_o material_n to_o work_n upon_o can_v never_o be_v comprehend_v the_o platonist_n suppose_v a_o soul_n to_o the_o world_n and_o the_o aristotelian_a a_n first_o mover_n but_o can_v never_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o the_o rise_v of_o mundane_a matter_n without_o make_v it_o eternal_a in_o short_a they_o always_o teach_v that_o a_o agent_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o patient_n real_o distinct_a from_o the_o patient_n especial_o in_o external_a action_n and_o we_o know_v in_o number_n it_o be_v universal_o true_a exit_fw-la nihilo_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la and_o we_o can_v conceive_v no_o otherwise_o in_o nature_n at_o least_o the_o reasoner_n can_v on_o his_o principle_n pretend_v to_o it_o for_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o can_v form_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o how_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o creation_n by_o common_a idea_n when_o all_o our_o idea_n take_v their_o rise_n from_o create_a being_n even_o that_o of_o the_o infinite_a and_o eternal_a be_v be_v resemble_v by_o object_n of_o his_o own_o production_n it_o be_v true_a we_o say_v this_o be_v a_o effect_n of_o infinite_a power_n but_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n unless_o we_o apply_v infinite_a power_n to_o that_o which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o it_o which_o be_v nothing_o into_o every_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v we_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o this_o infinite_a power_n pure_o by_o the_o effect_n of_o it_o in_o finite_a being_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a it_o be_v evident_a the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n that_o imply_v a_o production_n of_o all_o thing_n out_o of_o nothing_o be_v a_o object_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n and_o consequent_o we_o may_v conclude_v that_o faith_n which_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o creation_n often_o imply_v a_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n that_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o indeed_o that_o object_n of_o faith_n contain_v thing_n that_o exceed_v humane_a comprehension_n be_v a_o truth_n so_o indisputable_a that_o faith_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church-writer_n be_v on_o this_o account_n distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n it_o be_v true_a in_o all_o object_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o know_v so_o much_o of_o they_o as_o to_o direct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n and_o second_o we_o be_v to_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v god_n that_o propose_v '_o they_o three_o in_o all_o act_n of_o faith_n we_o be_v to_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n or_o be_v of_o thing_n and_o this_o suppose_n that_o we_o have_v form_v at_o least_o a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n but_o for_o the_o quomodo_fw-la sint_fw-la that_o be_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o be_v or_o existence_n that_o may_v be_v a_o act_n of_o knowledge_n or_o science_n but_o not_o of_o faith_n so_o that_o if_o seem_a contradiction_n or_o absurdity_n arise_v on_o this_o account_n and_o consequent_o be_v thus_o far_o just_o incomprehensible_a faith_n throw_v we_o upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o god_n all_o this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o confirm_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o first_o the_o passage_n already_o cite_v from_o irenaeus_n manifest_o instruct_v we_o that_o there_o be_v difficulty_n and_o mystery_n in_o reveal_v truth_n which_o humane_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o oblige_v we_o to_o commit_v all_o such_o matter_n to_o god_n because_o they_o be_v deliver_v by_o his_o word_n and_o spirit_n and_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o embrace_v and_o believe_v upon_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o if_o we_o observe_v the_o method_n fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la servabimus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la à _fw-la deo_fw-la nobis_fw-la data_fw-la consonans_fw-la nobis_fw-la invenietur_fw-la do_v not_o this_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v thing_n contain_v in_o matter_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a yea_o rather_o that_o all_o seem_a difficulty_n or_o absurdity_n that_o arise_v from_o they_o when_o scan_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n be_v to_o be_v commit_v to_o god_n as_o the_o best_a expedient_a to_o preserve_v a_o right_a faith_n see_v pag._n 64._o but_o second_o clemens_n alexand._n seem_v to_o state_n the_o notion_n of_o faith_n more_o clear_o in_o opposition_n to_o science_n and_o first_o he_o fix_v the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n in_o the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o represent_v it_o as_o a_o irrefragible_a foundation_n that_o carry_v the_o high_a demonstration_n in_o it_o and_o that_o we_o be_v to_o inquire_v no_o further_o than_o ipse_fw-la dixit_fw-la upon_o which_o he_o advance_v this_o maxim_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o let_v we_o see_v how_o far_o he_o extend_v it_o he_o instance_n in_o the_o forecited_n passage_n to_o the_o heb._n cap._n twelve_o v_o 12._o and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o state_n the_o difference_n between_o science_n and_o faith_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d vid._n stro._n lib._n 2._o p._n 362_o 3_o 4._o and_o in_o his_o 5_o book_n he_o be_v more_o full_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o see_v faith_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v it_o to_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n or_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o know_v god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n here_o we_o find_v science_n and_o faith_n oppose_v the_o one_o require_v demonstration_n or_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o other_o not_o so_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v that_o if_o god_n propose_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o belief_n that_o contain_v matter_n incomprehensible_a or_o not_o reconcileable_a with_o common_a notion_n faith_n in_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o father_n will_v command_v a_o assent_n insomuch_o that_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o veracity_n must_v overbalance_n all_o seem_a absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n i_o shall_v produce_v the_o judgement_n of_o st._n chrysostom_n thus_o he_o assign_v the_o reason_n why_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v receive_v the_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o god_n 1_o cor._n two_o v_o 14._o viz._n for_o the_o immensity_n of_o the_o thing_n '_o emselve_n far_o exceed_v the_o comprehension_n of_o the_o most_o improve_v reason_n and_o for_o the_o want_n of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 7._o and_o upon_o the_o article_n of_o the_o creation_n heb._n xi_o v_o 3._o he_o tell_v we_o the_o mind_n that_o be_v prepare_v for_o the_o reception_n of_o faith_n must_v be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d she_o must_v be_v elevate_v above_o sense_n and_o all_o sensible_a object_n and_o pass_v over_o the_o weakness_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o afterward_o whereas_o say_v he_o faith_n be_v vilify_v as_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v void_a of_o demonstration_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o rather_o a_o thing_n full_a of_o folly_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o apostle_n show_v we_o in_o this_o one_o instance_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o the_o very_a article_n say_v he_o be_v not_o establish_v by_o reason_n but_o rather_o the_o contrary_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d hom._n 22._o in_o epist._n heb._n again_o we_o find_v he_o describe_v faith_n under_o the_o very_a same_o notion_n hom._n 23._o in_o ter._n johan._n where_o upon_o nichodemus_n word_n how_o can_v a_o man_n be_v bear_v when_o he_o be_v old_a v_o 4._o he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d upon_o which_o he_o enlarge_v and_o tell_v we_o it_o be_v the_o question_n of_o heretic_n upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o bless_a saviour_n demand_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o by_o the_o weakness_n of_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v destroy_v his_o immense_a nature_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o at_o last_o conclude_v that_o such_o practice_n or_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o on_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o question_n about_o enter_v the_o womb_n a_o second_o time_n he_o observe_v when_o a_o man_n proceed_v upon_o common_a notion_n or_o reason_v in_o spiritual_a matter_n and_o do_v not_o receive_v the_o dictate_v of_o faith_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d he_o talk_v like_o a_o drunken_a or_o madman_n utter_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a thing_n and_o now_o certain_o we_o may_v conclude_v what_o st._n chrysostom_n notion_n of_o faith_n be_v without_o draw_v inference_n and_o that_o it_o every_o way_n agree_v with_o that_o of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n it_o be_v therefore_o manifest_a faith_n be_v distinguish_v from_o knowledge_n or_o science_n not_o only_o
evident_a and_o infallible_a the_o consequence_n in_o plain_a term_n be_v no_o other_o than_o this_o because_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o one_o particular_a object_n be_v infallible_a therefore_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o idea_n of_o every_o object_n be_v so_o and_o certain_o this_o be_v a_o position_n that_o must_v pronounce_v all_o our_o idea_n equal_o clear_a and_o perfect_a and_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n infallible_a and_o consequent_o there_o can_v be_v no_o object_n false_o represent_v to_o the_o mind_n nor_o no_o idea_n false_a or_o imperfect_a this_o be_v mystery_n with_o a_o witness_n or_o rather_o position_n that_o in_o his_o own_o language_n be_v the_o primary_n and_o vniterical_a origin_n of_o all_o his_o error_n ib._n but_o i_o think_v he_o sufficient_o confute_v himself_o in_o the_o follow_a paragraph_n when_o he_o pronounce_v some_o thing_n dubious_a and_o obscure_a and_o allow_v false_a idea_n may_v be_v contract_v by_o precipitancy_n or_o inattention_n by_o affection_n and_o prepossession_n n._n 18._o and_o now_o for_o the_o second_o ii_o where_o he_o introduce_v we_o with_o a_o description_n of_o what_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n viz._n what_o be_v evident_o repugnant_a to_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n or_o to_o our_o common_a notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n now_o true_o this_o i_o think_v be_v a_o very_a lame_a imperfect_a or_o at_o least_o fallacious_a description_n unless_o it_o be_v balance_v with_o some_o limitation_n and_o restriction_n as_o first_o it_o can_v only_o hold_v in_o object_n of_o the_o same_o species_n or_o nature_n thus_o we_o can_v only_o argue_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n against_o object_n of_o sense_n from_o finite_a against_o finite_a and_o from_o matter_n of_o revelation_n against_o pretend_a matter_n of_o revelation_n for_o it_o be_v the_o great_a absurdity_n in_o nature_n to_o conclude_v any_o thing_n against_o any_o reveal_v truth_n or_o doctrine_n who_o object_n be_v pure_o spiritual_a and_o absolute_o infinite_a because_o it_o do_v not_o accord_n with_o our_o idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o holy_a ghost_n instruct_v we_o better_o in_o oblige_v we_o to_o compare_v spiritual_a thing_n with_o spiritual_a a_o sufficient_a inhibition_n true_o against_o discard_n reveal_v truth_n by_o any_o other_o idea_n then_o what_o be_v form_v from_o antecedent_n notice_n of_o revelation_n thus_o for_o our_o saviour_n divinity_n before_o we_o yield_v a_o assent_n to_o it_o it_o be_v requisite_a the_o character_n and_o property_n of_o the_o godhead_n which_o be_v in_o the_o book_n of_o revelation_n ascribe_v to_o the_o father_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o godhead_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o son_n but_o then_o when_o this_o be_v do_v it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v this_o great_a truth_n as_o contrary_a to_o reason_n upon_o the_o force_n of_o a_o unreasonable_a consequence_n form_v by_o compare_v the_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n with_o object_n of_o sense_n thus_o the_o son_n can_v be_v god_n because_o it_o must_v destroy_v the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n for_o the_o unity_n of_o the_o godhead_n must_v be_v destroy_v why_o because_o such_o unity_n and_o plurality_n can_v never_o be_v admit_v in_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o consequent_o not_o in_o the_o sublimest_n matter_n of_o revelation_n but_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o prostitute_v the_o glory_n and_o majesty_n of_o the_o invisible_a and_o incomprehensible_a godhead_n by_o the_o vile_a representation_n what_o be_v it_o but_o a_o make_v he_o like_o gold_n wood_n or_o stone_n or_o thing_n grave_v by_o man_n art_n certain_z i_o be_o such_o maxim_n as_o these_o be_v the_o high_a contradiction_n to_o reason_n for_o if_o they_o may_v take_v place_n it_o must_v shake_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o revelation_n even_o those_o lively_a character_n which_o the_o word_n of_o god_n have_v give_v of_o the_o godhead_n if_o they_o must_v be_v scan_v or_o measure_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n that_o result_v from_o object_n of_o sense_n second_o before_o we_o pronounce_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v sure_a that_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o our_o idea_n that_o be_v seem_o repugnant_a to_o it_o be_v never_o so_o clear_a how_o shall_v we_o judge_v of_o the_o repugnancy_n as_o long_o as_o we_o can_v pretend_v to_o a_o perfect_a idea_n on_o both_o side_n this_o i'm_n sure_o be_v a_o very_a reasonable_a injunction_n between_o object_n of_o sense_n and_o matter_n of_o revelation_n so_o that_o if_o god_n have_v deliver_v any_o reveal_v truth_n and_o by_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o idea_n and_o character_n of_o other_o reveal_v truth_n we_o must_v conclude_v he_o intend_v such_o a_o particular_a thing_n and_o at_o the_o same_o time_n discern_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o insomuch_o that_o we_o can_v form_v a_o adequate_a idea_n it_o be_v absurd_a to_o reject_v it_o because_o this_o imperfect_a idea_n will_v not_o comport_v with_o certain_a clear_a idea_n in_o object_n of_o sense_n here_o if_o any_o difficulty_n absurdity_n or_o contradiction_n arise_v reason_n will_v direct_v we_o to_o place_v they_o upon_o the_o weakness_n of_o our_o understand_n or_o our_o imperfect_a way_n of_o comprehend_v such_o unfathomable_a object_n and_o with_o st._n paul_n engage_v we_o to_o cry_v out_o who_o be_v sufficient_a for_o these_o thing_n and_o now_o if_o my_o adversary_n will_v add_v these_o limitation_n to_o his_o definition_n as_o i_o be_o persuade_v he_o will_v be_v force_v to_o do_v i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o i_o can_v wipe_v off_o all_o the_o absurdity_n produce_v in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n at_o least_o by_o show_v their_o impertinence_n to_o the_o case_n before_o we_o and_o on_o this_o account_n i_o pass_v by_o they_o as_o well_o as_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o they_o that_o affect_v any_o thing_n already_o deliver_v but_o either_o confirm_v or_o may_v be_v fair_o solve_v by_o it_o i_o therefore_o proceed_v to_o his_o argument_n sect._n 2._o cap._n 1._o n._n 4._o the_o first_o thing_n i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o be_v that_o if_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o it_o to_o say_v for_o instance_n that_o a_o ball_n be_v white_a and_o black_a at_o once_o here_o he_o sufficient_o discover_v himself_o he_o tell_v we_o before_o that_o whatever_o be_v repugnant_a to_o common_a notion_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o what_o his_o common_a notion_n be_v the_o instance_n before_o we_o sufficient_o inform_v that_o be_v in_o plain_a english_a whatever_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o most_o trite_a idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o therefore_o the_o most_o sublime_a reveal_v truth_n who_o object_n be_v spirit_n and_o infinite_a spirit_n and_o consequent_o the_o idea_n we_o can_v pretend_v to_o must_v be_v high_o imperfect_a because_o we_o can_v adjust_a they_o with_o the_o most_o common_a idea_n of_o sense_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o the_o absurdity_n of_o this_o assertion_n i_o hope_v i_o have_v sufficient_o explode_v but_o to_o deliver_v my_o own_o sentiment_n of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n once_o for_o all_o i_o do_v believe_v there_o be_v a_o eternal_a and_o universal_a harmony_n in_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o thing_n both_o create_v and_o uncreated_a the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n be_v certain_o a_o immediate_a transcript_n of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o all_o the_o counsel_n decree_n and_o declaration_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o dictate_v of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o the_o reason_n of_o mankind_n must_v be_v establish_v upon_o the_o unalterable_a rule_n or_o measure_n of_o infinite_a reason_n and_o therefore_o there_o can_v be_v no_o idea_n of_o infinite_a truth_n or_o object_n provide_v they_o be_v complete_a and_o perfect_a such_o as_o 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or_o disputer_n of_o this_o world_n the_o socinian_o but_o to_o proceed_v the_o next_o thing_n remarkable_a be_v a_o compendious_a rule_n to_o acquire_v useful_a knowledge_n n._n 11._o viz._n not_o to_o trouble_v ourselves_o nor_o other_o with_o what_o be_v vseless_a be_v it_o know_v or_o what_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v know_v at_o all_o whereas_o in_o the_o paragraph_n immediate_o precede_v he_o seem_v to_o charge_v we_o with_o say_v that_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n because_o we_o know_v no_o more_o than_o concern_v we_o or_o be_v useful_a and_o yet_o allow_v this_o notion_n he_o tell_v we_o that_o it_o be_v ridiculous_a to_o supersede_n our_o disquisition_n about_o it_o upon_o that_o score_n that_o be_v according_a to_o his_o own_o notion_n though_o we_o know_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o concern_v we_o or_o be_v useful_a a_o bless_a lawgiver_n true_o to_o institute_v contradiction_n almost_o with_o the_o same_o breath_n for_o i_o think_v he_o can_v avoid_v the_o charge_n 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to_o adhere_v to_o the_o substance_n of_o the_o truth_n where_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o modus_fw-la of_o it_o or_o in_o other_o term_n adore_v where_o we_o can_v comprehend_v but_o as_o to_o our_o comprehend_v by_o common_a notion_n or_o as_o easy_o as_o we_o can_v comprehend_v wood_n or_o stone_n or_o the_o like_a i_o observe_v one_a this_o gentleman_n make_v all_o object_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n equal_o comprehensible_a and_o two_o that_o we_o may_v take_v our_o measure_n for_o comprehend_v any_o one_o by_o those_o idea_n we_o have_v form_v of_o other_o but_o i_o have_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o discover_v the_o falseness_n of_o both_o these_o assertion_n and_o there_o i_o shall_v not_o enlarge_v but_o rest_n upon_o the_o conclusiveness_n of_o what_o have_v be_v offer_v three_o when_o we_o do_v as_o familiar_o explain_v such_o doctrine_n as_o what_o be_v know_v of_o natural_a thing_n which_o i_o pretend_v we_o can_v we_o may_v then_o be_v as_o 3_o proper_o say_v to_o 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appeal_v to_o this_o tribunal_n as_o well_o as_o he_o provide_v he_o be_v satisfy_v scripture_n be_v on_o his_o side_n and_o he_o may_v with_o great_a satisfaction_n be_v repute_v orthodox_n with_o this_o on_o his_o side_n than_o to_o pass_v for_o orthodox_n with_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o have_v it_o against_o he_o but_o then_o in_o case_n he_o either_o mistake_v the_o sense_n of_o scripture_n or_o have_v recourse_n to_o it_o to_o make_v it_o come_v up_o to_o the_o state_n of_o his_o case_n and_o prove_v more_o than_o what_o can_v be_v infer_v from_o it_o it_o be_v very_o bold_a to_o say_v that_o scripture_n have_v engage_v he_o in_o this_o error_n if_o it_o be_v one_o hear_v i_o be_o sure_a scripture_n will_v be_v no_o protection_n to_o he_o against_o a_o just_a charge_n of_o error_n because_o he_o make_v a_o appeal_n to_o she_o and_o retreat_n under_o her_o wing_n for_o shelter_n when_o in_o reality_n he_o charge_v his_o own_o false_a reason_n or_o the_o argument_n of_o some_o 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they_o which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v and_o consequent_o be_v mysterious_a and_o above_o reason_n whether_o scripture_n deliver_v they_o under_o these_o denomination_n or_o no._n this_o may_v be_v true_a though_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v no_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o scripture_n or_o though_o scripture_n have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o hint_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n mysterious_a or_o incomprehensible_a if_o this_o can_v be_v prove_v our_o adversary_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o christianity_n still_o the_o instance_n of_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n already_o produce_v move_v upon_o this_o supposition_n and_o i_o shall_v be_v ready_a to_o prove_v it_o whenever_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o impugn_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o beside_o this_o i_o shall_v in_o some_o measure_n condescend_v to_o his_o own_o method_n and_o though_o i_o shall_v not_o examine_v every_o passage_n of_o scripture_n to_o see_v whether_o he_o have_v right_o state_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o question_v but_o we_o may_v offer_v as_o strong_a argument_n to_o apply_v it_o sometime_o to_o the_o sense_n we_o contend_v for_o as_o he_o have_v do_v for_o another_o and_o beside_o this_o i_o hope_v to_o produce_v some_o passage_n of_o scripture_n that_o assure_v we_o there_o be_v still_o those_o thing_n in_o christianity_n we_o proper_o call_v mystery_n and_o if_o this_o be_v perform_v i_o hope_v it_o may_v without_o affectation_n be_v say_v that_o his_o appeal_n to_o the_o tribunal_n of_o scripture_n be_v defeat_v and_o one_a because_o i_o do_v not_o design_n opposition_n or_o dispute_n for_o opposition's_n sake_n i_o shall_v own_o that_o the_o word_n mystery_n be_v use_v in_o the_o several_a sense_n he_o have_v put_v upon_o it_o i._o for_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n ii_o for_o some_o unfold_v secret_n and_o iii_o for_o thing_n veil_v by_o parable_n but_o this_o be_v by_o no_o mean_n a_o argument_n that_o 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it_o as_o a_o mystery_n even_o when_o he_o reveal_v it_o for_o he_o reveal_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n he_o now_o speak_v to_o the_o perfect_a that_o have_v own_a the_o gospel_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o his_o preach_v as_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a verse_n and_o it_o be_v their_o peculiar_a to_o have_v the_o meat_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n communicate_v to_o they_o and_o therefore_o though_o this_o wisdom_n of_o god_n be_v a_o mystery_n and_o consequent_o he_o deliver_v it_o as_o such_o yet_o the_o perfect_a believe_v when_o they_o can_v comprehend_v because_o it_o be_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n i_o be_o sure_a this_o notion_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o judgement_n of_o clemens_n alexandrinus_n for_o he_o use_v the_o very_a word_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o call_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d nay_o he_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n why_o the_o fundamental_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n shall_v only_o be_v communicate_v to_o the_o pure_a and_o perfect_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n ut_fw-la supra_fw-la strom._n lib._n 1._o and_o therefore_o since_o the_o apostle_n reveal_v it_o in_o a_o mystery_n it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o it_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o that_o be_v incomprehensible_a hence_o we_o may_v just_o vindicate_v our_o english_a translation_n which_o do_v not_o join_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o our_o adversary_n will_v have_v it_o but_o make_v it_o a_o repetition_n or_o enlargement_n upon_o the_o divine_a wisdom_n viz._n even_o the_o hide_a wisdom_n it_o be_v true_a our_o adversary_n endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o exposition_n because_o we_o be_v tell_v in_o the_o 10_o verse_n but_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o to_o we_o by_o his_o spirit_n but_o the_o word_n manifest_o refer_v to_o those_o thing_n which_o in_o the_o precede_a verse_n god_n be_v say_v to_o have_v prepare_v for_o they_o that_o love_v he_o which_o be_v chief_o the_o benefit_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o the_o consequent_a of_o this_o fundamental_a revelation_n or_o at_o least_o if_o it_o must_v be_v this_o fundamental_a instance_n of_o divine_a wisdom_n it_o be_v only_o reveal_v so_o as_o to_o let_v we_o know_v what_o god_n intend_v by_o it_o and_o assure_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o not_o to_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o it_o or_o in_o a_o word_n it_o be_v so_o reveal_v as_o any_o other_o thing_n be_v reveal_v in_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v when_o something_o remain_v in_o it_o that_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v so_o that_o in_o truth_n here_o be_v mystery_n in_o two_o sense_n one_a with_o respect_n to_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o two_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o thing_n before_o it_o be_v communicate_v to_o we_o and_o thus_o far_o not_o only_o the_o natural_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o learned_a expositor_n carry_v we_o vid._n theophilact_fw-mi in_o locum_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o second_o i_o shall_v insist_v on_o that_o noble_a passage_n of_o st._n paul_n to_o timothy_n ep._n 1._o cap._n 3._o ver._n 10._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n god_n be_v manifest_v in_o the_o flesh_n justify_v in_o the_o spirit_n see_v of_o angel_n preach_v unto_o the_o gentile_n believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n receive_v up_o into_o glory_n it_o be_v observable_a our_o adversary_n expound_v as_o accurate_o as_o he_o reason_n for_o he_o produce_v this_o for_o his_o eight_o passage_n where_o mystery_n be_v put_v for_o the_o gospel_n in_o general_n whereas_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o word_n can_v without_o the_o great_a violence_n be_v apply_v to_o any_o thing_n but_o a_o divine_a person_n represent_v under_o certain_a divine_a character_n and_o indeed_o to_o none_o but_o our_o saviour_n the_o cornerstone_n of_o the_o gospel_n but_o not_o the_o gospel_n for_o true_o the_o apostle_n seem_v in_o this_o place_n to_o have_v give_v a_o description_n of_o his_o whole_a mediation_n i_o be_o sure_a the_o current_n of_o the_o father_n as_o well_o as_o of_o after_o commentator_n apply_v it_o to_o none_o but_o our_o saviour_n but_o now_o since_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n be_v this_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n it_o be_v evident_a the_o apostle_n do_v not_o speak_v of_o what_o it_o be_v before_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o what_o it_o be_v after_o it_o be_v preach_v and_o believe_v on_o in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o he_o call_v it_o a_o mystery_n not_o because_o it_o be_v so_o before_o it_o be_v reveal_v but_o because_o it_o still_o remain_v so_o and_o thereupon_o he_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v it_o as_o such_o by_o enlarge_n upon_o the_o nature_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o flesh_n the_o foundation_n of_o this_o mystery_n the_o follow_a character_n be_v only_o their_o appendage_n that_o take_v their_o rise_n and_o concentre_v in_o it_o this_o be_v a_o exposition_n that_o discover_v itself_o so_o clear_o that_o we_o find_v our_o adversary_n industrious_o huddle_v up_o this_o passage_n as_o it_o be_v in_o a_o mystery_n without_o give_v any_o tolerable_a account_n of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o be_v force_v to_o confess_v that_o the_o gracious_a manifestation_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o gospel_n be_v to_o we_o wonderful_o stupendous_a and_o surprise_v n._n 30._o so_o that_o we_o plain_o read_v mystery_n in_o the_o very_a sense_n we_o contend_v for_o i_o be_o sure_a we_o have_v the_o opinion_n of_o some_o ancient_a church-writer_n to_o ratify_v it_o of_o this_o opinion_n we_o find_v athanasius_n in_o his_o tract_n against_o paulus_n samosatenus_fw-la de_fw-la incarnatione_fw-la verbi_fw-la where_o he_o give_v his_o judgement_n è_fw-la cathedra_fw-la as_o archbishop_n of_o alexandria_n for_o first_o he_o lay_v open_v the_o
attempt_v of_o this_o heretic_n in_o endeavour_v to_o subvert_v the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n incarnation_n and_o style_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o prove_v it_o such_o cite_v this_o very_a place_n of_o our_o apostle_n second_o he_o represent_v the_o danger_n in_o attempt_v to_o unfold_v such_o profound_a difficulty_n that_o be_v only_o with_o safety_n to_o we_o believe_v and_o in_o a_o word_n enjoin_v we_o to_o adhere_v to_o the_o apostolic_a faith_n without_o admit_v new_a term_n or_o notion_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o above_o all_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o dread_v the_o disquisition_n of_o such_o a_o mystery_n but_o beside_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o great_a man_n we_o have_v the_o comment_n of_o isiodore_n the_o pelusiote_n and_o theophilact_fw-mi fix_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n in_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o thus_o the_o former_a lib._n 2._o ep._n 192._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o pursuant_n to_o this_o expostulate_v who_o can_v comprehend_v the_o miracle_n of_o his_o conception_n transact_v without_o coition_n or_o imagine_v how_o the_o divine_a nature_n can_v be_v circumscribe_v that_o be_v immense_a and_o not_o to_o be_v circumscribe_v and_o theophilact_v proceed_v in_o the_o same_o strain_n thus_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o locum_fw-la and_o now_o this_o be_v something_o more_o certain_o than_o calling_n it_o a_o mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o age_n precede_v the_o gospel_n for_o i_o think_v this_o passage_n in_o itself_o admit_v of_o the_o exposition_n before_o we_o more_o natural_o than_o that_o our_o adversary_n contend_v for_o beside_o we_o have_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o learned_a in_o past_a age_n and_o since_o i_o have_v make_v it_o appear_v he_o have_v no_o advantage_n over_o we_o in_o his_o whole_a hypothesis_n i_o know_v not_o why_o we_o may_v not_o in_o his_o own_o language_n pronounce_v against_o he_o that_o mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n be_v sometime_o put_v for_o a_o thing_n inconceivable_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o by_o our_o ordinary_a notion_n however_o reveal_v this_o likewise_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o triumph_n of_o our_o adversary_n upon_o a_o passage_n which_o as_o we_o allow_v style_v the_o gospel_n a_o mystery_n under_o this_o notion_n it_o be_v rom._n 16._o 25._o but_o be_v now_o make_v manifest_a whereupon_o he_o expostulate_v in_o what_o sense_n can_v this_o secret_n be_v make_v manifest_a if_o it_o remain_v still_o incomprehensible_a a_o mighty_a favour_n indeed_o to_o bless_v the_o world_n with_o a_o parcel_n of_o unintelligible_a notion_n i_o confess_v i_o incline_v to_o the_o former_a sense_n i_o mean_v a_o mystery_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o age_n precede_v the_o gospel_n but_o can_v see_v no_o foundation_n for_o absurdity_n no_o more_o than_o for_o his_o vain_a triumph_n if_o we_o take_v it_o in_o the_o sense_n he_o pretend_v to_o explode_v for_o this_o reasoner_n have_v he_o not_o be_v too_o much_o use_v to_o confound_v thing_n together_o may_v have_v learn_v that_o the_o high_a mystery_n be_v not_o whole_o unintelligible_a and_o it_o may_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o be_v manifest_v in_o as_o much_o as_o god_n have_v communicate_v by_o the_o apostle_n preach_v what_o be_v useful_a and_o necessary_a and_o as_o much_o as_o will_v inform_v we_o what_o god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n again_o it_o be_v manifest_v and_o that_o too_o to_o our_o unspeakable_a comfort_n since_o the_o vast_a design_n of_o divine_a love_n and_o the_o unexpressible_a benefit_n to_o us-ward_n in_o it_o be_v abundant_o lay_v open_a and_o i_o think_v these_o be_v favour_n or_o blessing_n too_o rich_a to_o be_v expose_v in_o ridicule_n or_o burlesque_fw-la but_o further_a if_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n in_o scripture_n will_v not_o prove_v the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o there_o be_v sufficient_a hint_n in_o scripture_n to_o prove_v it_o i_o shall_v first_o insist_v on_o st._n paul_n account_v the_o preach_n of_o christ_n unto_o the_o greek_n foolishness_n but_o unto_o they_o which_o be_v call_v the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n 1_o cor._n 1._o 23_o 24._o now_o this_o place_n be_v general_o interpret_v of_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o two_o nature_n into_o to_o one_o divine_a person_n and_o those_o that_o embrace_v and_o believe_v it_o must_v resolve_v it_o into_o the_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n not_o as_o a_o common_a but_o special_a act_n and_o consequent_o a_o thing_n incomprehensible_a as_o they_o be_v and_o on_o this_o account_n it_o be_v to_o the_o greek_n the_o great_a master_n of_o reason_n foolishness_n because_o as_o it_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o thing_n that_o can_v never_o be_v reconcile_v with_o common_a notion_n or_o idea_n what_o common_a idea_n can_v satisfy_v we_o that_o the_o son_n of_o god_n shall_v speak_v by_o a_o man_n or_o as_o the_o sacred_a canon_n have_v it_o in_o the_o form_n of_o a_o man_n that_o god_n shall_v have_v a_o son_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v suffer_v as_o the_o son_n of_o god_n what_o common_a idea_n can_v represent_v to_o we_o that_o christ_n can_v have_v a_o be_v before_o the_o world_n as_o god_n that_o he_o shall_v be_v bear_v a_o man_n and_o exist_v as_o such_o and_o yet_o not_o as_o a_o man_n beget_v of_o a_o man_n these_o thing_n the_o most_o improve_a notice_n of_o natural_a reason_n can_v confirm_v or_o warrant_v no_o not_o our_o adversary_n with_o all_o his_o reason_n if_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v the_o arian_n or_o socinian_n hypothesis_n though_o advance_v contrary_a to_o the_o current_n of_o scripture_n that_o may_v pretend_v most_o to_o be_v a_o rationale_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o yet_o our_o adversary_n seem_v to_o explode_v this_o as_o much_o as_o that_o of_o the_o trinitarian_n because_o they_o be_v force_v to_o allow_v divine_a worship_n to_o be_v pay_v he_o cap._n 1._o sect._n 2._o n._n 2._o i_o be_o mistake_v if_o either_o they_o or_o the_o arian_n can_v make_v their_o notion_n of_o a_o dignify_v and_o creature-god_n capable_a of_o divine_a worship_n appear_v more_o reasonable_a than_o the_o extravagancy_n of_o other_o sect_n touch_v the_o article_n of_o the_o trinity_n but_o to_o return_v it_o be_v manifest_a here_o we_o learn_v how_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n come_v to_o be_v brand_v with_o the_o imputation_n of_o foolishness_n viz._n because_o they_o will_v not_o comport_v with_o common_a notice_n or_o the_o receive_a principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n for_o i_o have_v evince_v it_o upon_o the_o objection_n of_o trypho_n against_o justin_n and_o st._n clement_n comment_n on_o the_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dial._n cum_fw-la trypho_n p._n 269._o and_o st._n clement_n in_o locum_fw-la thus_o lib._n 1._o stromat_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o we_o see_v this_o great_a man_n do_v not_o charge_v the_o greek_n with_o false_a principle_n of_o philosophy_n as_o the_o ground_n of_o their_o error_n for_o he_o represent_v the_o thing_n as_o much_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o principle_n as_o they_o can_v and_o make_v this_o the_o foundation_n of_o their_o unjust_a charge_n i_o mean_v in_o pronounce_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n foolishness_n and_o indeed_o he_o call_v they_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o it_o can_v be_v on_o no_o other_o account_n than_o because_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o nothing_o but_o natural_a reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thereupon_o will_v try_v all_o reveal_v truth_n by_o common_a notion_n or_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o reject_v they_o as_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a because_o they_o can_v not_o make_v these_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n to_o comport_v with_o common_a idea_n of_o object_n of_o sense_n indeed_o celsus_n object_n much_o the_o same_o thing_n against_o origen_n for_o upon_o every_o turn_n he_o endeavour_v to_o ridicule_n the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n by_o represent_v it_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o natural_a reason_n and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v one_o single_a remark_n since_o it_o occur_v so_o natural_o be_v not_o these_o the_o very_a principle_n which_o our_o advocate_n for_o reason_n move_v upon_o so_o that_o a_o unprejudiced_a person_n may_v suspect_v that_o i_o be_o deal_v with_o a_o celsus_n or_o a_o trypho_n or_o that_o they_o be_v rise_v from_o the_o dead_a but_o to_o conclude_v this_o argument_n it_o be_v manifest_a st._n clemens_n must_v believe_v that_o the_o fundamental_a doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o contain_v in_o it_o something_o that_o can_v be_v comprehend_v by_o natural_a reason_n that_o can_v be_v reconcile_v to_o common_a idea_n or_o principle_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o consequent_o something_o that_o be_v mysterious_a and_o
above_o reason_n and_o therefore_o if_o this_o reverend_a father_n be_v not_o mistake_v in_o the_o purport_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n as_o we_o have_v good_a reason_n to_o conclude_v he_o be_v not_o the_o new_a testament_n do_v contain_v the_o thing_n if_o not_o the_o word_n we_o contend_v for_o i_o mean_v propose_v to_o our_o belief_n thing_n that_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o human_a reason_n the_o last_o argument_n i_o shall_v produce_v be_v two_o or_o three_o passage_n of_o scripture_n which_o because_o they_o bear_v a_o affinity_n to_o one_o another_o i_o shall_v examine_v and_o conclude_v they_o under_o one_o argument_n i_o begin_v with_o st._n paul_n account_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n even_o under_o this_o last_o state_n of_o revelation_n for_o he_o include_v himself_o and_o the_o whole_a college_n of_o apostle_n who_o undoubted_o enjoy_v the_o special_a assistance_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nay_o st._n paul_n have_v be_v catch_v up_o into_o the_o three_o heaven_n where_o he_o be_v almost_o overwhelm_v with_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n 2_o cor._n 12._o and_o yet_o he_o tell_v we_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n and_o we_o prophesy_v in_o part_n 1_o cor._n cap._n 13._o ver_fw-la 9_o and_o the_o reason_n assign_v be_v we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o ver_fw-la 12._o so_o that_o the_o impediment_n seem_v to_o lie_v upon_o the_o mind_n or_o the_o immenseness_n of_o the_o object_n not_o in_o god_n that_o deny_v we_o a_o competent_a revelation_n for_o this_o be_v the_o last_o revelation_n of_o himself_o and_o therefore_o this_o glass_n argue_v a_o imperfection_n or_o inability_n in_o comprehend_v some_o of_o those_o truth_n that_o be_v reveal_v but_o if_o this_o glass_n be_v a_o veil_n which_o god_n cast_v before_o our_o eye_n like_o that_o upon_o the_o jew_n in_o as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v not_o impart_v in_o this_o life_n a_o clear_a discovery_n of_o certain_a gospel-truths_n then_o according_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o our_o author_n there_o be_v still_o mystery_n in_o the_o gospel_n in_o the_o high_a sense_n but_o true_o st._n clemens_n fix_v it_o upon_o the_o imperfection_n of_o humane_a knowledge_n since_o he_o represent_v the_o mind_n in_o this_o earthly_a tabernacle_n as_o view_v thing_n through_o sense_n after_o a_o gross_a corporeal_a manner_n whereas_o in_o another_o world_n our_o knowledge_n will_v be_v high_o enlarge_v for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v face_n to_o face_n or_o as_o he_o express_v it_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o be_v by_o a_o pure_a and_o naked_a application_n of_o the_o mind_n or_o intuition_n again_o it_o be_v manifest_a the_o object_n of_o this_o imperfect_a knowledge_n be_v the_o deep_a thing_n of_o god_n or_o in_o plain_a term_n the_o fundamental_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n for_o the_o apostle_n must_v at_o least_o comprehend_v if_o not_o principal_o intend_v they_o when_o he_o tell_v we_o and_o we_o prophesy_v but_o in_o part_n that_o be_v those_o truth_n we_o publish_v to_o the_o world_n be_v only_o reveal_v in_o part_n since_o we_o can_v only_o pretend_v to_o know_v or_o comprehend_v they_o in_o part_n and_o true_o st._n clement_n assert_n as_o much_o of_o st._n paul_n himself_o notwithstanding_o his_o abundance_n of_o revelation_n for_o thus_o on_o his_o word_n 2_o cor._n twelve_o 4._o where_o no_o doubt_n he_o receive_v the_o chief_a instruction_n of_o his_o apostolic_a office_n he_o be_v catch_v up_o into_o paradise_n and_o hear_v unspeakable_a word_n which_o it_o be_v not_o lawful_a for_o man_n to_o utter_v he_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n nor_o precept_n give_v that_o oblige_v he_o to_o stifle_v any_o of_o those_o christian_a truth_n god_n have_v commit_v to_o he_o so_o that_o in_o say_v it_o be_v not_o lawful_a he_o intend_v to_o represent_v the_o ineffability_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n or_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o to_o confirm_v this_o notion_n he_o cite_v three_o passage_n that_o represent_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n rom._n xi_o 33._o oh_o the_o depth_n of_o the_o riches_n both_o of_o the_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o again_o but_o we_o speak_v the_o wisdom_n of_o god_n in_o a_o mystery_n that_o be_v even_o when_o we_o speak_v it_o else_o it_o prove_v nothing_o in_o this_o place_n 1_o cor._n two_o 7._o and_o last_o colos._n two_o ver._n 23._o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n as_o you_o have_v it_o in_o the_o ancient_n readins_n in_o who_o be_v hide_v all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n or_o knowledge_n this_o be_v a_o very_a remarkable_a passage_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v beg_v leave_n to_o enlarge_v upon_o it_o as_o for_o the_o sense_n of_o st._n clement_n it_o be_v visible_a he_o look_v upon_o it_o to_o be_v a_o mystery_n though_o reveal_v and_o acknowledge_v and_o to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o it_o contain_v something_o in_o it_o which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d for_o otherwise_o it_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n to_o prove_v what_o he_o have_v just_a before_o assert_v indeed_o our_o adversary_n think_v he_o have_v evade_v the_o force_n of_o this_o exposition_n by_o tell_v we_o without_o any_o tolerable_a proof_n that_o the_o word_n be_v to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n but_o if_o it_o be_v the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n it_o may_v be_v style_v a_o mystery_n in_o respect_n of_o its_o fundamental_a truth_n inasmuch_o as_o they_o contain_v in_o they_o something_o that_o be_v hide_v or_o mysterious_a for_o thus_o much_o the_o follow_a verse_n apparent_o hint_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n in_o which_o if_o this_o exposition_n obtain_v be_v hide_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v manifest_a the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o reveal_v nay_o as_o it_o be_v when_o acknowledge_v and_o embrace_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v something_o hide_a or_o mysterious_a thus_o we_o may_v conclude_v against_o our_o reasoner_n that_o mystery_n may_v be_v put_v for_o the_o gospel_n and_o yet_o call_v so_o because_o it_o contain_v certain_a truth_n who_o nature_n can_v be_v full_o comprehend_v or_o certain_a truth_n that_o contain_v something_o in_o they_o that_o to_o we_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o yet_o for_o all_o his_o majesterial_a decisive_a way_n of_o expound_v scripture_n i_o think_v the_o word_n more_o natural_o point_n at_o the_o mystery_n of_o our_o redemption_n in_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n especial_o if_o we_o add_v hereto_o the_o ancient_a read_v use_v by_o these_o father_n st._n austin_n and_o st._n ambrose_n to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o the_o mystery_n not_o knowledge_n of_o mystery_n as_o this_o vain_a disputer_n of_o this_o world_n will_v have_v it_o of_o god_n in_o christ_n for_o one_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d which_o immediate_o follow_v must_v more_o natural_o be_v apply_v to_o christ_n not_o to_o mystery_n agreeable_a to_o our_o translation_n in_o who_o all_o the_o treasure_n etc._n etc._n this_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o sentiment_n of_o origen_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o hierom._n hom._n 8._o pag._n 99_o 2_o if_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n and_o not_o christ_n himself_o be_v intend_v it_o will_v be_v improper_a to_o say_v that_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n be_v hide_v in_o it_o be_v a_o reveal_v institution_n therefore_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v pursuant_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o st._n clement_n that_o the_o incarnation_n of_o our_o redeemer_n the_o foundation_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o fountain_n whence_o all_o the_o treasure_n of_o wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n derive_v be_v the_o mystery_n of_o god_n in_o christ_n which_o be_v to_o be_v acknowledge_v not_o unravel_v or_o full_o comprehend_v for_o since_o it_o be_v express_o propose_v as_o a_o mystery_n and_o remain_v one_o when_o embrace_v or_o acknowledge_v it_o must_v be_v so_o because_o it_o carry_v in_o it_o something_o that_o be_v hide_v or_o incomprehensible_a indeed_o origen_n manifest_o join_v in_o this_o notion_n for_o in_o his_o comment_n on_o matt._n xiii_o 44._o he_o make_v the_o field_n to_o be_v the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o set_v forth_o all_o the_o mean_n of_o salvation_n with_o the_o great_a clearness_n but_o the_o treasure_n to_o be_v christ_n because_o in_o he_o all_o the_o depth_n of_o wisdom_n be_v hide_v in_o he_o in_o a_o mystery_n cite_v this_o very_a passage_n of_o st._n paul_n by_o way_n of_o proof_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dissertis_fw-la verbis_fw-la 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o now_o give_v i_o leave_v to_o make_v a_o appeal_n as_o he_o do_v to_o all_o equitable_a person_n n._n 35._o whether_o by_o as_o good_a reason_n and_o authority_n it_o do_v not_o appear_v that_o
not_o only_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n but_o the_o thing_n we_o contend_v for_o be_v record_v in_o scripture_n as_o any_o he_o have_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a so_o that_o in_o truth_n we_o be_v ready_a to_o render_n up_o ourselves_o to_o the_o voice_n of_o scripture_n as_o well_o as_o submit_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o it_o without_o be_v influence_v and_o carry_v away_o by_o such_o weak_a practising_n as_o he_o have_v set_v forth_o in_o a_o dialogue_n that_o will_v merit_v some_o stripe_n if_o perform_v by_o a_o schoolboy_n rather_o than_o applause_n as_o it_o be_v the_o product_n of_o a_o pretend_v master_n of_o reason_n see_v sect._n 36._o and_o now_o i_o have_v do_v with_o his_o scripture-authority_n but_o can_v pass_v by_o one_o remark_n of_o he_o which_o i_o find_v to_o be_v the_o chief_a improvement_n that_o grace_n his_o second_o edition_n nor_o be_v it_o undeserving_a our_o particular_a notice_n that_o mystery_n be_v here_o make_v the_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o the_o false_a and_o antichristian_a church_n see_v rev._n xvii_o 5._o and_o no_o doubt_n but_o as_o far_o as_o any_o church_n allow_v of_o mystery_n so_o far_o it_o be_v antichristian_a and_o may_v with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o justice_n though_o little_a honour_n claim_v kindred_n with_o the_o scarlet_a whore_n here_o be_v a_o very_a bold_a stricture_n and_o yet_o a_o man_n with_o half_a a_o eye_n may_v discern_v that_o his_o observation_n be_v as_o irrational_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o his_o inference_n for_o mystery_n in_o this_o place_n i_o suppose_v will_v not_o have_v pass_v for_o a_o distinguish_a mark_n have_v not_o her_o doctrine_n and_o practice_n merit_v the_o other_o part_n of_o the_o title_n viz._n the_o mother_n of_o harlot_n and_o abomination_n of_o the_o earth_n have_v she_o not_o hold_v a_o golden_a cup_n in_o her_o hand_n full_a of_o abomination_n and_o filthiness_n of_o her_o fornication_n ver._n 4._o and_o be_v drunken_a with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o saint_n and_o with_o the_o blood_n of_o the_o martyr_n of_o jesus_n but_o as_o for_o his_o inference_n have_v he_o consult_v st._n paul_n second_o epistle_n to_o the_o thessalonian_n a_o little_a better_o he_o may_v have_v learn_v that_o there_o be_v a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n as_o well_o as_o godliness_n but_o perhaps_o he_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v disappoint_v of_o a_o malicious_a though_o illogical_a suggestion_n he_o may_v there_o have_v inform_v himself_o that_o it_o be_v always_o the_o devil_n business_n to_o imitate_v the_o true_a religion_n by_o mighty_a sign_n and_o lie_a wonder_n if_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o deceive_v the_o very_a elect_n nay_o that_o antichrist_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n and_o consequent_o he_o must_v pretend_v to_o mystery_n with_o a_o witness_n so_o that_o upon_o the_o whole_a this_o gentleman_n may_v as_o well_o assign_v the_o devil_n miracle_n for_o a_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o antichrist_n and_o prove_v the_o true_a religion_n to_o be_v near_o relate_v to_o antichrist_n the_o scarlet_a whore_n and_o the_o devil_n because_o she_o proceed_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o miracle_n nay_o rather_o we_o may_v upon_o his_o argument_n affirm_v that_o miracle_n be_v a_o distinguish_a mark_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o since_o antichrist_n and_o the_o devil_n pretend_v to_o miracle_n the_o religion_n they_o pretend_v to_o must_v be_v true_a too_o whereas_o we_o know_v these_o to_o be_v divine_a and_o authoritative_a those_o diabolical_a and_o usurp_v so_o we_o pronounce_v this_o the_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o be_v the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n it_o be_v true_a there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n intervene_v wherein_o he_o labour_v more_o to_o give_v we_o a_o specimen_fw-la of_o his_o wit_n that_o reason_n but_o true_o i_o think_v they_o be_v both_o of_o a_o piece_n for_o i_o can_v discover_v nothing_o that_o deserve_v a_o single_a reflection_n much_o less_o a_o formal_a reply_n i_o proceed_v therefore_o to_o the_o suffrage_n of_o the_o father_n to_o who_o he_o make_v a_o appeal_n he_o tell_v we_o indeed_o it_o be_v not_o out_o of_o any_o deference_n to_o their_o judgement_n n._n 40._o and_o therefore_o we_o must_v conclude_v he_o submit_v to_o it_o because_o he_o be_v persuade_v they_o peremptory_o declare_v for_o his_o opinion_n but_o i_o hope_v to_o prove_v the_o contrary_a for_o though_o he_o confess_v he_o have_v bestow_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pain_n upon_o they_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o discourage_v we_o from_o enter_v the_o list_n that_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v it_o appear_v that_o his_o pain_n be_v either_o a_o effect_n of_o his_o ignorance_n in_o these_o author_n or_o of_o his_o dishonesty_n in_o suppress_v their_o opinion_n and_o first_o all_o that_o he_o prove_v out_o of_o the_o father_n be_v that_o they_o have_v assert_v other_o notion_n of_o mystery_n than_o what_o we_o contend_v for_o whereas_o he_o himself_o assign_v four_o or_o five_o different_a notion_n and_o if_o classic_a author_n be_v consult_v we_o can_v produce_v some_o more_o and_o therefore_o he_o may_v as_o well_o reject_v one_o of_o his_o own_o notion_n because_o the_o father_n have_v not_o mention_v it_o but_o i_o find_v this_o author_n upon_o every_o turn_n shameful_o betray_v his_o reason_n for_o he_o know_v not_o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o to_o prove_v and_o therefore_o we_o need_v not_o wonder_v if_o he_o prove_v not_o his_o main_a design_n i_o be_o sure_a he_o be_v now_o to_o prove_v a_o negative_a or_o that_o which_o amount_v to_o it_o if_o he_o prove_v any_o thing_n viz._n that_o the_o father_n he_o cite_v no_o where_o apply_v the_o word_n mystery_n to_o thing_n beyond_o humane_a comprehension_n or_o that_o those_o notion_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n which_o he_o find_v record_v be_v deliver_v exclusive_o of_o all_o other_o for_o if_o he_o have_v neither_o cite_v all_o their_o notion_n or_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n nor_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v exclusive_a of_o all_o other_o he_o prove_v nothing_o against_o the_o acceptation_n of_o the_o word_n we_o now_o contend_v for_o and_o if_o so_o the_o most_o cursory_a reader_n will_v present_o pronounce_v that_o he_o must_v give_v up_o the_o cause_n in_o case_n he_o fix_v it_o on_o this_o issue_n i_o mean_v the_o authority_n of_o father_n but_o because_o i_o will_v take_v no_o advantage_n of_o his_o weakness_n i_o will_v go_v along_o with_o he_o in_o his_o own_o instance_n and_o one_a what_o he_o cite_v from_o clemens_n alexand._n conclude_v nothing_o for_o i_o know_v no_o christian_n that_o deny_v the_o christian_a religion_n to_o be_v a_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n and_o that_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o mosaic_a veil_n but_o this_o only_o prove_v one_o of_o his_o own_o notion_n that_o be_v indeed_o allow_v by_o we_o but_o to_o be_v short_a with_o he_o whereas_o he_o have_v the_o face_n to_o tell_v we_o that_o several_a of_o those_o text_n of_o scripture_n allege_v by_o he_o be_v by_o this_o father_n expound_v on_o his_o side_n and_o consequent_o against_o our_o notion_n i_o shall_v appeal_v to_o what_o have_v be_v already_o cite_v from_o he_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a 48._o indeed_o i_o can_v add_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o to_o discover_v his_o judgement_n of_o the_o inconceivableness_n of_o certain_a object_n of_o faith_n or_o matter_n of_o revelation_n and_o because_o i_o be_o engage_v i_o shall_v produce_v a_o few_o instance_n and_o first_o where_o he_o style_v christianity_n a_o illumination_n he_o speak_v of_o the_o fullness_n of_o christ_n as_o a_o mystery_n reveal_v indeed_o but_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o know_v to_o a_o very_a few_o and_o he_o prove_v it_o from_o the_o incomprehensible_a nature_n of_o god_n strom._n lib._n 5._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o yet_o more_o full_o on_o moses_n word_n exod._n 33._o ver_fw-la 18._o show_v i_o thy_o glory_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 2._o p._n 365._o strom._n lib._n that_o be_v by_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o power_n again_o on_o st._n paul_n word_n 1_o cor._n 5._o christ_n our_o passover_n be_v sacrifice_v for_o we_o strom._n lib._n 5._o he_o observe_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o it_o be_v evident_a he_o argue_v from_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o consequent_o must_v fix_v the_o mystery_n on_o this_o bottom_n as_o well_o as_o the_o want_n of_o revelation_n indeed_o we_o may_v just_o argue_v à _fw-la majori_fw-la from_o the_o sense_n of_o this_o father_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v in_o the_o opinion_n of_o this_o great_a man_n so_o high_o incomprehensible_a how_o much_o more_o
semper_fw-la discat_fw-la quae_fw-la sunt_fw-la a_o deo_fw-la here_o by_o way_n of_o confirmation_n he_o cite_v st._n paul_n 1_o cor._n xiii_o v_o 13._o semper_fw-la enim_fw-la fides_fw-la quae_fw-la est_fw-la ad_fw-la magistrum_fw-la nostrum_fw-la permanet_fw-la firma_fw-la asseverans_fw-la nobis_fw-la quoniam_fw-la solus_fw-la veer_fw-la deus_fw-la and_o afterward_o conclude_v si_fw-mi secundum_fw-la hunc_fw-la modum_fw-la quem_fw-la diximus_fw-la quaedam_fw-la quidem_fw-la quaestionum_fw-la deo_fw-la commiserimus_fw-la &_o fidem_fw-la nostram_fw-la servabimus_fw-la &_o omnis_fw-la scriptura_fw-la ideo_fw-la nobis_fw-la data_fw-la consonans_fw-la nobis_fw-la invenietur_fw-la lib._n 2._o adu._n haer._n cap._n 47._o ed._n eras._n i_o have_v cite_v this_o at_o large_a because_o i_o find_v every_o thing_n agreeable_a to_o the_o hypothesis_n i_o have_v hitherto_o advance_v as_o one_a mystery_n be_v indisputable_o apply_v to_o reveal_v truth_n beyond_o the_o reach_n of_o humane_a comprehension_n two_o such_o reveal_v truth_n apparent_o deliver_v in_o scripture_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reject_v because_o we_o can_v resolve_v the_o difficulty_n that_o seem_v to_o accompany_v the_o belief_n of_o they_o but_o to_o embrace_v they_o as_o the_o word_n of_o god_n and_o consequent_o as_o found_v in_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o veracity_n three_o our_o unskilfulness_n not_o to_o say_v inability_n in_o comprehend_v object_n of_o sense_n or_o physical_a matter_n be_v make_v a_o argument_n that_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o matter_n of_o revelation_n i_o have_v hitherto_o confine_v myself_o to_o his_o rule_n i._n e._n the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n but_o true_o i_o can_v see_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o the_o father_n of_o after-age_n may_v not_o be_v admit_v into_o the_o present_a controversy_n at_o least_o as_o witness_n if_o not_o judge_n i_o be_o sure_a there_o can_v nothing_o abstract_a but_o his_o groundless_a fiction_n of_o a_o general_a combination_n to_o resolve_v all_o religion_n into_o mystery_n for_o as_o for_o the_o receive_a use_n or_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n certain_o after-age_n may_v be_v as_o competent_a judge_n as_o those_o of_o the_o first_o century_n and_o as_o for_o the_o controversy_n itself_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o doctrine_n in_o christianity_n mysterious_a certain_o that_o age_n ought_v to_o be_v appeal_v to_o that_o have_v a_o more_o special_a occasion_n to_o bring_v the_o controversy_n upon_o the_o stage_n and_o this_o the_o arrian_n age_n and_o those_o that_o follow_v it_o for_o in_o this_o age_n it_o be_v well_o know_v those_o doctrine_n we_o contend_v be_v mysterious_a be_v more_o nice_o controvert_v i_o shall_v therefore_o add_v to_o those_o passage_n already_o cite_v a_o few_o more_o which_o prove_v the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n to_o be_v apply_v to_o thing_n incomprehensible_a and_o that_o there_o be_v doctrine_n in_o christianity_n pronounce_v mystery_n and_o that_o too_o for_o the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o '_o they_o the_o first_o i_o shall_v instance_n in_o be_v dionys._n areop_n where_o in_o one_o place_n he_o describe_v our_o saviour_n incarnation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d cap._n 4._o the_o coel_a hierarch_n in_o another_o place_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d sect._n 9_o cap._n 2._o de_fw-la divinis_fw-la nomin_v the_o second_o instance_n be_v from_o a_o tract_n entitle_v expositio_fw-la fidei_fw-la reject_v indeed_o as_o a_o piece_n of_o justin_n martyr_n yet_o from_o leontin_n and_o other_o conclude_a argument_n just_o esteem_v to_o be_v the_o product_n of_o the_o arrian_n age_n he_o style_v the_o unity_n and_o trinity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o confess_v it_o can_v be_v unfold_v by_o word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o upon_o the_o incarnation_n of_o christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o such_o deep_a research_n at_o last_o conclude_v with_o this_o rule_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o now_o we_o may_v conclude_v this_o chapter_n much_o in_o the_o same_o strain_n that_o he_o do_v n._n 45._o i_o do_v not_o find_v but_o the_o father_n of_o the_o three_o first_o century_n have_v exact_o the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n as_o well_o as_o those_o that_o follow_v they_o and_o for_o a_o alloy_n to_o his_o jealousy_n i_o think_v they_o be_v pretty_a consistent_a as_o well_o as_o unanimous_a but_o then_o this_o consistency_n and_o unanimity_n happen_v to_o be_v against_o a_o trifle_a reasoner_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v take_v the_o reverse_n to_o his_o conclude_a period_n and_o just_o hope_v by_o this_o time_n the_o cause_n of_o incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a or_o mystery_n in_o religion_n will_v be_v more_o zealous_o maintain_v by_o all_o that_o sincere_o respect_v father_n scripture_n or_o reason_n i_o come_v now_o to_o the_o four_o chapt._n sect._n 3._o which_o be_v a_o answer_n to_o some_o scripture-objection_n and_o particular_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o faith_n i_o now_o find_v this_o discourse_n swell_v upon_o i_o beyond_o expectation_n and_o therefore_o as_o for_o the_o scripture-passage_n cite_v by_o he_o though_o there_o be_v more_o in_o they_o than_o he_o have_v suggest_v yet_o i_o shall_v pass_v they_o especial_o because_o i_o think_v the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n do_v by_o no_o mean_n turn_v upon_o they_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v up_o his_o friend_n argument_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o faith_n and_o try_v if_o he_o may_v not_o be_v compel_v by_o dint_n of_o argument_n since_o he_o will_v not_o embrace_v the_o advice_n of_o his_o friend_n n._n 51._o and_o first_o as_o for_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v n._n 52_o 53._o i_o find_v nothing_o but_o what_o have_v already_o receive_v a_o answer_n particular_o what_o be_v cite_v sect._n 2._o c._n 2_o &_o 7._o or_o at_o least_o but_o what_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o will_v be_v conclude_v by_o what_o i_o be_o go_v to_o offer_v and_o therefore_o he_o may_v take_v it_o for_o a_o full_a or_o competent_a answer_n viz._n reason_n be_v a_o necessary_a handmaid_n or_o instrument_n of_o faith_n insomuch_o that_o we_o must_v believe_v upon_o rational_a motive_n and_o conviction_n and_o thus_o far_o i_o know_v no_o son_n of_o the_o church_n of_o england_n that_o will_v dissent_v from_o he_o as_o for_o what_o be_v deliver_v n._n 54._o that_o faith_n consist_v of_o two_o part_n knowledge_n and_o assent_n i_o think_v no_o one_o will_v be_v so_o absurd_a to_o deny_v it_o for_o i_o be_o persuade_v there_o can_v be_v no_o assent_n without_o knowledge_n therefore_o in_o a_o word_n have_v i_o know_v his_o design_n i_o shall_v have_v excuse_v the_o labour_n of_o cite_v so_o many_o text_n to_o prove_v it_o and_o in_o a_o few_o word_n grant_v that_o in_o those_o thing_n we_o call_v the_o pure_a credenda_fw-la of_o religion_n we_o be_v at_o least_o to_o know_v so_o much_o as_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o form_v a_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n but_o it_o do_v not_o imply_v such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o enable_v to_o unravel_v and_o comprehend_v the_o whole_a nature_n of_o the_o object_n or_o the_o very_a modes_n of_o its_o existence_n or_o property_n or_o much_o less_o give_v a_o rationale_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o belong_v to_o it_o no_o if_o we_o know_v as_o much_o as_o instruct_v we_o what_o it_o be_v god_n propose_v to_o our_o belief_n we_o submit_v all_o the_o difficulty_n that_o may_v arise_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o to_o god_n power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o yield_v a_o assent_n notwithstanding_o some_o seem_a absurdity_n upon_o the_o infinite_a veracity_n of_o god_n this_o distinguish_v faith_n from_o a_o bare_a rational_a assent_n in_o common_a matter_n and_o all_o this_o be_v consistent_a with_o what_o he_o have_v deliver_v n._n 55_o 56._o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o engage_v in_o a_o particular_a examination_n of_o what_o be_v there_o offer_v to_o proceed_v then_o in_o order_n to_o a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o this_o notion_n of_o faith_n i_o shall_v not_o consider_v the_o case_n of_o abraham_n faith_n be_v the_o next_o thing_n that_o offer_v itself_o but_o shall_v instance_n in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o creation_n through_o faith_n we_o understand_v that_o the_o world_n be_v frame_v by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n so_o that_o thing_n which_o be_v see_v be_v make_v of_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o appear_v heb._n xi_o v_o 3._o here_o i_o think_v be_v a_o vast_a difference_n between_o god_n creative_a power_n in_o raise_v the_o world_n out_o of_o nothing_o and_o restore_v a_o dead_a person_n to_o life_n again_o before_o the_o corruptible_a part_n be_v any_o wise_a dissolve_v indeed_o i_o can_v conceive_v how_o we_o can_v form_v a_o idea_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o such_o a_o production_n that_o god_n shall_v raise_v so_o vast_a a_o stock_n of_o matter_n even_o all_o create_a nature_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o we_o can_v form_v any_o