upon_o the_o internal_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o authority_n and_o so_o agree_v in_o the_o general_a nature_n of_o 〈◊〉_d only_o as_o the_o authority_n differ_v 〈…〉_z faith_n also_o vary_v and_o human_a authority_n differ_v from_o divine_a just_a as_o much_o as_o fallible_a differ_v from_o infallible_a the_o same_o in_o proportion_n will_v also_o 〈…〉_z between_o human_a and_o divine_a â—aith_n that_o be_v the_o former_a will_n always_o be_v a_o fallible_a and_o the_o latter_a a_o infallible_a assent_n 8._o human_a faith_n though_o sometime_o as_o actual_o undeceive_v as_o divine_a be_v yet_o always_o liable_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n and_o so_o doubtful_a hazardous_a and_o uncertain_a even_o when_o actual_o true_a like_o a_o conclusion_n draw_v from_o uncertain_a premise_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o resemble_v opinion_n and_o that_o so_o much_o that_o some_o have_v confound_v it_o with_o it_o though_o i_o think_v illogical_o enough_o since_o though_o there_o be_v a_o like_a uncertainty_n in_o both_o assent_n yet_o they_o differ_v extreme_o in_o their_o formal_a motive_n one_o be_v ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o the_o other_o upon_o authority_n and_o the_o distinction_n of_o these_o assent_n be_v not_o take_v from_o the_o degree_n of_o certainty_n wherein_o they_o agree_v but_o from_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n wherein_o they_o differ_v however_o though_o this_o make_v a_o great_a difference_n in_o notion_n it_o make_v none_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o civil_a life_n and_o the_o faith_n of_o he_o that_o believe_v the_o testimony_n of_o a_o man_n will_v as_o to_o all_o real_a intent_n and_o purpose_n go_v for_o no_o more_o than_o his_o opinion_n and_o that_o because_o though_o different_a assent_v as_o to_o the_o formality_n of_o their_o motive_n they_o be_v yet_o much_o at_o one_o rate_n for_o certainty_n be_v both_o fallible_a in_o their_o ground_n and_o so_o subject_a to_o error_n and_o deception_n 9_o but_o the_o case_n be_v quite_o otherwise_o as_o to_o divine_a faith_n who_o foundation_n stand_v too_o sure_a not_o only_o to_o be_v overturn_v but_o even_o so_o much_o as_o shake_v this_o faith_n be_v strict_o and_o absolute_o infallible_a not_o subject_a to_o the_o least_o error_n or_o possibility_n of_o err_v as_o have_v the_o very_a ground_n and_o pillar_n of_o truth_n itself_o the_o omniscience_n and_o veracity_n of_o god_n for_o its_o security_n than_o which_o there_o neither_o needs_o nor_o can_v be_v great_a it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o god_n be_v both_o active_o and_o passive_o infallible_a his_o omniscience_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o be_v deceive_v himself_o and_o his_o infinite_a veracity_n and_o truth_n will_v not_o suffer_v he_o to_o deceive_v we_o and_o therefore_o he_o that_o build_v his_o faith_n upon_o his_o authority_n go_v upon_o the_o most_o sure_a ground_n and_o can_v possible_o err_v in_o his_o assent_n and_o as_o he_o be_v secure_a from_o error_n so_o he_o be_v also_o from_o all_o just_a reason_n of_o scruple_n or_o fear_n and_o lean_v upon_o a_o firm_a and_o indefectible_a support_n may_v stay_v and_o repose_v himself_o upon_o it_o with_o full_a acquiescence_n so_o that_o there_o be_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o can_v be_v in_o this_o faith_n both_o objective_n and_o subjective_n that_o of_o the_o thing_n and_o that_o of_o the_o person_n the_o thing_n assent_v to_o be_v most_o undoubted_o true_a in_o itself_o and_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o it_o may_v be_v most_o firm_o assure_v and_o persuade_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n and_o among_o all_o temptation_n to_o doubt_n and_o distrust_n may_v with_o great_a triumph_n and_o confidence_n say_v with_o the_o apostle_n 12._o i_o know_v who_o i_o have_v believe_v 10._o it_o be_v observe_v a_o little_a before_o of_o humane_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v opinion_n in_o as_o much_o as_o they_o be_v both_o dubious_a and_o uncertain_a assent_n as_o proceed_v upon_o ground_n of_o like_a uncertainty_n though_o otherwise_o of_o different_a nature_n now_o as_o this_o faith_n resemble_v opinion_n so_o in_o like_a manner_n it_o may_v be_v observe_v of_o divine_a faith_n that_o it_o resemble_v science_n or_o rather_o that_o second_o assent_n for_o so_o i_o be_o force_v to_o call_v it_o for_o want_n of_o a_o better_a name_n which_o we_o late_o discourse_v of_o and_o place_v between_o opinion_n and_o faith_n the_o comparison_n here_o bear_v the_o same_o proportion_n as_o to_o certainty_n as_o it_o do_v in_o the_o other_o case_n as_o to_o uncertainty_n divine_a faith_n have_v all_o the_o certainty_n that_o be_v possible_a and_o therefore_o to_o be_v sure_a as_o much_o as_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_n can_v have_v there_o be_v as_o much_o certainty_n in_o the_o thing_n assent_v to_o and_o there_o may_v be_v as_o much_o assurance_n and_o firmness_n of_o persuasion_n in_o the_o assent_n itself_o or_o in_o other_o word_n what_o a_o man_n believe_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o â—ndeed_o be_v not_o so_o and_o so_o though_o i_o can_v be_v deceive_v in_o what_o i_o do_v true_o know_v yet_o i_o may_v be_v deceive_v in_o think_v that_o i_o know_v when_o i_o do_v not_o so_o that_o divine_a faith_n though_o not_o more_o certain_a than_o knowledge_n itself_o be_v yet_o of_o great_a certainty_n than_o our_o know_a faculty_n and_o general_o speak_v the_o believer_n go_v upon_o sure_a ground_n than_o the_o man_n of_o reason_n and_o demonstration_n because_o his_o reason_n may_v possible_o lead_v he_o into_o error_n whereas_o the_o other_n be_v authority_n can_v and_o when_o they_o be_v both_o in_o the_o right_n yet_o still_o there_o will_v be_v this_o difference_n between_o they_o that_o his_o reason_n be_v only_o not_o deceive_v whereas_o the_o other_n be_v faith_n be_v infallible_a 12._o and_o thus_o far_o we_o have_v take_v a_o view_n of_o the_o more_o bright_a and_o perfect_a side_n of_o divine_a faith_n i_o mean_v that_o of_o its_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n in_o respect_n of_o which_o it_o stand_v upon_o a_o just_a level_n with_o science_n but_o it_o have_v
not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o by_o it_o but_o this_o will_v cross_v my_o way_n again_o in_o another_o place_n 9_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v not_o anticipate_v here_o what_o further_a consideration_n i_o may_v have_v occasion_n to_o bestow_v upon_o it_o there_o 16._o to_o return_v therefore_o i_o say_v that_o this_o obscurity_n and_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o faith_n and_o upon_o who_o account_n it_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n do_v not_o belong_v to_o its_o formal_a reason_n which_o you_o see_v may_v be_v clear_a enough_o as_o clear_a as_o any_o principle_n of_o natural_a science_n but_o only_a to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o the_o reason_n of_o believe_v but_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n again_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o there_o will_v be_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v no_o evidence_n from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o be_v remark_v before_o not_o that_o this_o again_o be_v so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o simple_o intelligible_a as_o to_o the_o very_a literal_a sense_n and_o direct_v signification_n of_o its_o term_n no_o we_o be_v no_o more_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o what_o than_o to_o believe_v we_o know_v not_o why_o and_o whatever_o darkness_n there_o may_v be_v in_o faith_n it_o be_v still_o so_o much_o a_o luminous_a assent_n and_o a_o act_n of_o reason_n as_o to_o require_v that_o we_o understand_v the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n we_o be_v to_o believe_v as_o well_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o credibility_n upon_o which_o it_o challenge_n our_o assent_n for_o the_o general_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v truth_n and_o truth_n be_v the_o relation_n of_o connexion_n between_o idea_n i_o say_v ideas_n for_o truth_n do_v not_o lie_v in_o sound_n or_o word_n but_o in_o thing_n therefore_o to_o believe_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v true_a be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o connexion_n between_o such_o idea_n but_o then_o a_o man_n must_v know_v what_o those_o idea_n be_v or_o else_o how_o can_v he_o believe_v they_o be_v connect_v therefore_o he_o must_v understand_v something_o more_o than_o the_o term_n themselves_o he_o must_v also_o have_v the_o idea_n of_o those_o term_n which_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o under_o stand_v the_o mean_v and_o signification_n of_o they_o and_o indeed_o he_o that_o have_v no_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o what_o he_o believe_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o he_o that_o believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o can_v be_v proper_o say_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n in_o all_o faith_n therefore_o the_o proposition_n must_v be_v simple_o intelligible_a and_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v yet_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o must_v be_v understand_v 17._o for_o we_o be_v again_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o mean_v of_o a_o proposition_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v only_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o idea_n that_o be_v signify_v by_o such_o term_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o those_o idea_n now_o though_o a_o man_n do_v not_o see_v the_o connexion_n that_o be_v between_o the_o idea_n of_o that_o proposition_n he_o be_v say_v to_o believe_v yet_o he_o must_v in_o some_o measure_n perceive_v the_o idea_n themselves_o because_o in_o believe_v the_o proposition_n he_o be_v suppose_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o idea_n be_v so_o relate_v and_o connect_v together_o when_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a as_o to_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n the_o inevidence_n must_v not_o be_v think_v to_o lie_v in_o the_o idea_n whereof_o the_o proposition_n to_o be_v believe_v consist_v but_o in_o the_o connexion_n of_o those_o idea_n that_o be_v not_o in_o the_o mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o in_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o which_o be_v proper_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n as_o the_o idea_n themselves_o be_v of_o perception_n which_o again_o by_o the_o way_n may_v serve_v to_o discover_v another_o instance_n of_o impertinency_n in_o the_o reason_v of_o those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v maintain_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o article_n of_o faith_n above_o reason_n divert_v into_o pompous_a flourish_v and_o declamation_n about_o the_o intelligibility_n of_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o utter_a impossibility_n of_o believe_v what_o be_v not_o intelligible_a as_o if_o we_o deny_v the_o simple_a intelligibility_n of_o the_o proposition_n or_o will_v have_v man_n believe_v they_o know_v not_o what_o which_o certain_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a degree_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o more_o nonsensical_a than_o that_o of_o the_o collier_n or_o as_o if_o that_o proposition_n which_o be_v clear_a enough_o as_o to_o its_o simple_a mean_v may_v not_o be_v inevident_a and_o so_o above_o reason_n as_o to_o its_o truth_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o if_o clearness_n of_o idea_n may_v not_o consist_v with_o obscurity_n of_o their_o connexion_n 18._o but_o than_o it_o must_v be_v observe_v again_o that_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o inevidence_n that_o be_v in_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n respect_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n not_o the_o mean_v of_o it_o or_o the_o connexion_n of_o the_o idea_n and_o not_o the_o very_a idea_n themselves_o this_o be_v not_o so_o to_o be_v understand_v neither_o as_o if_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n even_o thus_o consider_v be_v absolute_o and_o in_o its_o self_n necessary_o inevident_a and_o such_o as_o can_v not_o possible_o be_v know_v without_o alter_v its_o nature_n and_o cease_v to_o be_v any_o long_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n i_o know_v the_o contrary_a supposition_n have_v prevail_v in_o some_o school_n where_o it_o pass_v almost_o for_o principle_n and_o maxim_n that_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v mutual_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o and_o that_o therefore_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v believe_v it_o can_v be_v know_v and_o if_o know_v that_o it_o can_v be_v believe_v st._n austin_n be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o have_v in_o many_o place_n declare_v his_o mind_n to_o this_o purpose_n particular_o in_o his_o xl_o treatise_n of_o his_o exposition_n upon_o st._n john_n gospel_n 107._o and_o his_o authority_n have_v recommend_v it_o as_o it_o do_v most_o other_o thing_n to_o several_a of_o the_o schoolman_n particular_o aquinas_n whence_o it_o have_v be_v transmit_v down_o among_o many_o modern_a writer_n of_o the_o systematical_a way_n both_o philosopher_n and_o divine_n but_o we_o must_v follow_v reason_n before_o authority_n and_o whoever_o can_v be_v prevail_v with_o to_o lay_v the_o latter_a quite_o aside_o and_o to_o use_v the_o other_o as_o he_o ought_v will_v i_o believe_v clear_o perceive_v that_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o same_o proposition_n may_v be_v at_o once_o the_o object_n of_o both_o faith_n and_o science_n or_o that_o the_o same_o thing_n may_v be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n both_o know_v and_o believe_v provide_v it_o be_v by_o different_a medium_n according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o the_o respective_a acts._n 19_o for_o not_o to_o enter_v into_o the_o wrangle_n and_o dust_n of_o the_o school_n upon_o this_o occasion_n it_o may_v be_v sufficient_a to_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o opposition_n between_o faith_n and_o knowledge_n or_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n as_o to_o the_o essence_n of_o the_o proposition_n that_o be_v not_o suppose_v to_o be_v deny_v in_o the_o one_o which_o be_v affirm_v in_o the_o other_o or_o the_o contrary_a but_o only_a as_o to_o the_o medium_fw-la of_o the_o act._n and_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o motive_n that_o specify_v faith_n and_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o assent_n so_o that_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n what_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o itself_o whether_o it_o be_v evident_a or_o not_o evident_a knowable_a or_o not_o knowable_a provide_v it_o be_v assent_v to_o upon_o the_o proper_a medium_fw-la and_o motive_n of_o faith_n that_o be_v upon_o authority_n without_o any_o respect_n have_v to_o the_o natural_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n though_o otherwise_o never_o so_o evident_a in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n so_o as_o to_o be_v the_o object_n of_o science_n
though_o upon_o a_o different_a medium_fw-la at_o the_o same_o time_n for_o as_o i_o say_v before_o it_o be_v not_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o quality_n of_o the_o medium_fw-la that_o specify_v faith_n and_o though_o the_o same_o thing_n can_v have_v two_o nature_n or_o be_v in_o itself_o at_o once_o evident_a and_o not_o evident_a yet_o why_o may_v it_o not_o sustain_v two_o different_a relation_n or_o be_v consider_v in_o two_o different_a medium_n so_o as_o to_o be_v say_v to_o be_v know_v when_o perceive_v by_o its_o evidence_n and_o to_o be_v believe_v when_o assent_v to_o upon_o authority_n which_o certain_o may_v be_v do_v as_o full_o and_o with_o as_o little_a regard_n to_o its_o evidence_n as_o if_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n at_o all_o so_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n do_v not_o hinder_v the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v the_o belief_n not_o to_o proceed_v upon_o that_o evidence_n but_o upon_o its_o own_o proper_a medium_fw-la authority_n 20._o but_o to_o use_v a_o way_n of_o argue_v less_o abstract_a though_o it_o may_v be_v with_o some_o more_o press_v and_o convince_a suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v to_o i_o a_o geometrical_a truth_n as_o that_o two_o triangle_n have_v the_o same_o base_a and_o be_v within_o the_o same_o parallel_n be_v equal_a and_o i_o who_o at_o first_o receive_v it_o upon_o his_o bare_a authority_n shall_v come_v afterward_o to_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o myself_o upon_o the_o know_a principle_n of_o art_n who_o that_o well_o consider_v the_o nature_n of_o these_o thing_n will_v say_v that_o my_o science_n evacuate_v my_o faith_n and_o that_o i_o cease_v to_o be_v a_o believer_n assoon_o as_o i_o become_v a_o mathematician_n for_o though_o i_o be_o now_o suppose_v to_o know_v what_o before_o i_o only_o believe_v yet_o why_o shall_v this_o knowledge_n destroy_v my_o faith_n since_o i_o may_v still_o have_v as_o much_o regard_n for_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o as_o little_a to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o i_o have_v before_o the_o demonstration_n and_o will_v still_o be_v ready_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n to_o be_v produce_v for_o it_o only_o upon_o the_o ground_n of_o divine_a authority_n and_o to_o use_v another_o sensible_n though_o not_o so_o artificial_a way_n of_o argue_v i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o any_o one_o of_o those_o who_o be_v of_o the_o contrary_a sentiment_n will_v refuse_v a_o demonstrative_a account_n of_o a_o reveal_v truth_n suppose_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n mere_o for_o fear_v of_o injure_v or_o destroy_v his_o faith_n which_o yet_o he_o be_v bind_v in_o conscience_n to_o do_v if_o knowledge_n and_o faith_n be_v so_o exclusive_a of_o each_o other_o and_o inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n be_v so_o absolute_o of_o the_o essence_n of_o faith_n as_o some_o pretend_v for_o than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v lawful_a to_o acquire_v the_o natural_a knowledge_n of_o any_o reveal_v truth_n because_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o destroy_v one_o faith_n and_o every_o believer_n will_v have_v just_a reason_n to_o fear_v all_o further_a light_n and_o information_n about_o what_o he_o believe_v which_o yet_o i_o think_v will_v be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o a_o extravagant_a scruple_n such_o as_o can_v hardly_o enter_v much_o less_o stay_v long_o in_o any_o consider_v head_n and_o be_v withal_o contrary_a to_o a_o plain_a exhortation_n of_o the_o apostle_n who_o bid_v we_o add_v to_o our_o faith_n knowledge_n 5._o 21._o when_o therefore_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v take_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n believe_v be_v charge_v with_o obscurity_n and_o faith_n itself_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v say_v as_o it_o common_o be_v to_o be_v of_o inevident_a thing_n the_o mean_v ought_v not_o to_o be_v of_o a_o absolute_a but_o of_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o what_o be_v believe_v be_v so_o all_o over_o dark_a and_o obscure_a that_o it_o can_v while_n believe_v absolute_o be_v know_v but_o only_o that_o it_o can_v under_o that_o formality_n and_o so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v be_v necessary_o in_o that_o respect_n inevident_a how_o bright_a or_o clear_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o other_o respect_n that_o be_v in_o other_o word_n though_o the_o thing_n believe_v absolute_o consider_v may_v be_v evident_a yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o as_o believe_v or_o in_o relation_n to_o faith_n because_o that_o have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o evidence_n how_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v shine_v but_o proceed_v whole_o upon_o another_o argument_n between_o which_o and_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n there_o be_v not_o the_o least_o affinity_n or_o communication_n the_o short_a be_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n simple_o and_o absolute_o speak_v may_v admit_v of_o evidence_n but_o than_o though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o evident_a and_o demonstrable_a in_o itself_o yet_o as_o believe_v it_o be_v always_o obscure_a faith_n have_v no_o regard_n to_o the_o proper_a light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o the_o testimony_n of_o the_o revealer_n who_o bare_a authority_n be_v the_o only_a motive_n that_o determine_v her_o assent_n and_o the_o only_a ground_n upon_o which_o she_o lay_v the_o whole_a weight_n of_o it_o though_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o itself_o absolute_o consider_v may_v also_o stand_v upon_o other_o foundation_n be_v rational_o account_v for_o by_o argument_n from_o within_o and_o so_o be_v see_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o let_v the_o light_n shine_v never_o so_o bright_a upon_o the_o object_n from_o other_o side_n faith_n let_v in_o none_o nor_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o that_o which_o she_o find_v there_o but_o connive_n at_o it_o and_o walk_v as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o her_o eye_n shut_v content_v herself_o with_o the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n and_o leave_v to_o science_n if_o there_o be_v any_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o the_o object_n be_v always_o dark_a to_o she_o how_o clear_a and_o bright_a soever_o it_o may_v be_v in_o itself_o or_o appear_v when_o absolute_o consider_v to_o a_o philosophic_a eye_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o fall_v very_o short_a of_o the_o perfection_n of_o science_n though_o in_o respect_n of_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n it_o be_v equal_a to_o it_o as_o be_v say_v before_o all_o which_o be_v brief_o couch_v in_o that_o excellent_a account_n of_o faith_n give_v by_o the_o author_n to_o the_o hebrew_n 1._o when_o he_o say_v that_o it_o be_v the_o substance_n of_o thing_n hope_v for_o and_o the_o argument_n of_o thing_n not_o see_v where_o by_o substance_n and_o argument_n he_o equal_v it_o with_o science_n in_o regard_n of_o the_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n of_o the_o assent_n but_o by_o say_v that_o it_o be_v of_o thing_n not_o see_v he_o make_v it_o vail_n and_o stoop_v to_o it_o in_o point_n of_o evidence_n in_o which_o respect_n indeed_o faith_n as_o firm_a and_o as_o certain_a as_o it_o be_v be_v as_o much_o inferior_a to_o science_n as_o darkness_n be_v to_o light_n 22._o to_o gather_v up_o then_o what_o have_v be_v here_o discourse_v at_o large_a concern_v the_o inevidence_n of_o faith_n into_o one_o view_n when_o we_o say_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n we_o be_v not_o to_o understand_v this_o inevidence_n of_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n but_o of_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a we_o shall_v not_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o it_o be_v whole_o and_o all_o over_o without_o evidence_n but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o or_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v inevident_a from_o within_o this_o again_o be_v not_o to_o be_v intend_v of_o the_o simple_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n but_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o when_o we_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v inevident_a this_o again_o last_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v as_o if_o it_o be_v always_o and_o necessary_o so_o in_o its_o own_o absolute_a nature_n but_o only_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v believe_v or_o as_o it_o be_v consider_v under_o the_o formality_n of_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n or_o in_o other_o word_n the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o article_n be_v not_o a_o absolute_a but_o a_o relative_n inevidence_n not_o that_o the_o matter_n of_o faith_n be_v never_o absolute_o and_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n inevident_a for_o it_o may_v be_v so_o too_o as_o will_v be_v see_v afterward_o but_o only_o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o so_o there_o
because_o he_o be_v infallible_a infallibility_n then_o be_v the_o proper_a ground_n of_o implicit_a faith_n and_o according_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n assume_v to_o herself_o the_o character_n of_o infallible_a do_v upon_o that_o supposition_n right_o require_v it_o i_o say_v upon_o that_o supposition_n for_o she_o be_v right_a enough_o in_o her_o consequence_n suppose_v her_o principle_n to_o be_v true_a but_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v that_o be_v most_o extravagant_a and_o such_o as_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o matchless_a arrogance_n and_o presumption_n as_o befit_v only_o he_o who_o as_o god_n sit_v in_o the_o temple_n of_o god_n 4._o show_v himself_o that_o he_o be_v god_n for_o god_n only_o be_v infallible_a and_o therefore_o he_o only_o have_v right_a to_o require_v implicit_a faith_n and_o to_o he_o indeed_o it_o be_v due_a from_o every_o one_o of_o his_o creature_n in_o the_o high_a measure_n imaginable_a as_o be_v also_o implicit_a obedience_n upon_o the_o same_o ground_n of_o both_o which_o we_o have_v a_o signal_n example_n in_o abraham_n 8._o who_o when_o he_o be_v call_v by_o god_n to_o go_v out_o into_o a_o place_n which_o he_o shall_v after_o receive_v for_o a_o inheritance_n be_v say_v by_o faith_n to_o have_v obey_v and_o to_o have_v go_v out_o not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v 26._o but_o now_o what_o can_v be_v more_o dark_a and_o inevident_a than_o this_o implicit_a faith_n it_o be_v formal_a reason_n indeed_o be_v sufficient_o clear_a and_o it_o resolve_v at_o last_o into_o a_o ground_n high_o rational_a and_o so_o may_v be_v say_v in_o that_o respect_n to_o be_v the_o high_a reason_n for_o certain_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o reasonable_a than_o to_o believe_v whatever_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a reveal_v there_o be_v therefore_o no_o darkness_n on_o this_o side_n nay_o even_o the_o light_n itself_o do_v not_o shine_v more_o clear_n but_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o if_o i_o may_v call_v it_o so_o where_o nothing_o distinct_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v sure_a as_o dark_a and_o obscure_a as_o can_v well_o be_v conceive_v so_o dark_a as_o even_o to_o be_v invisible_a for_o a_o man_n to_o believe_v at_o large_a without_o any_o restriction_n or_o limitation_n whatever_o god_n shall_v propose_v to_o he_o let_v it_o be_v what_o it_o will_v not_o know_v what_o that_o be_v like_o abraham_n go_v not_o know_v whither_o he_o go_v be_v such_o a_o dark_a and_o obscure_a act_n of_o faith_n as_o have_v nothing_o clear_a in_o it_o but_o the_o humility_n and_o devotion_n of_o he_o who_o so_o believe_v this_o be_v a_o faith_n worthy_a of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o peculiar_a to_o he_o and_o it_o be_v the_o great_a inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n of_o it_o that_o make_v it_o so_o for_o so_o far_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o it_o from_o have_v any_o evidence_n in_o it_o that_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o as_o evident_a what_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o be_v here_o then_o be_v the_o very_a blackness_n of_o darkness_n and_o he_o that_o have_v this_o enfold_v faith_n as_o every_o true_a believer_n have_v and_o can_v thus_o trust_v god_n in_o the_o dark_a where_o he_o see_v nothing_o but_o only_a the_o general_a reason_n of_o his_o so_o do_v be_v not_o likely_a in_o any_o of_o the_o more_o explicit_a instance_n of_o it_o to_o plead_v the_o inevidence_n of_o the_o article_n to_o excuse_v his_o infidelity_n or_o to_o deny_v his_o faith_n to_o a_o otherwise_o sufficient_o clear_a revelation_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v above_o his_o shallow_a reason_n 27._o upon_o what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v it_o will_v not_o be_v difficult_a to_o give_v in_o few_o word_n a_o satisfactory_a resolution_n of_o a_o celebrate_a question_n which_o among_o the_o schoolman_n have_v make_v a_o great_a many_o and_o that_o be_v whether_o faith_n belong_v to_o the_o understanding_n or_o to_o the_o will_n it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o measure_n already_o lay_v down_o that_o it_o belong_v to_o the_o latter_a for_o faith_n as_o all_o acknowledge_v be_v a_o assent_n and_o assent_n be_v a_o species_n of_o judgement_n and_o judgement_n as_o have_v be_v show_v already_o be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n not_o of_o the_o understanding_n who_o only_a operation_n be_v perception_n and_o consequent_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o will_n consent_v to_o embrace_v acquiesce_a and_o repose_v itself_o in_o what_o the_o understanding_n represent_v as_o propose_v and_o reveal_v by_o god_n and_o indeed_o unless_o judgement_n and_o consequent_o faith_n do_v belong_v to_o the_o will_n as_o their_o proper_a and_o immediate_a principle_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o conceive_v how_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v blame-worthy_a for_o any_o of_o his_o opinion_n or_o how_o he_o shall_v stand_v accountable_a either_o for_o error_n on_o the_o one_o hand_n or_o for_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n on_o the_o other_o for_o if_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o understanding_n then_o since_o the_o only_a operation_n of_o the_o understanding_n be_v perception_n the_o great_a fault_n of_o a_o infidel_n or_o a_o heretic_n will_v be_v non-perception_a which_o indeed_o be_v not_o error_n but_o ignorance_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n be_v always_o suppose_v to_o include_v error_n and_o to_o be_v also_o the_o worst_a of_o error_n and_o this_o non-perception_a be_v only_o a_o negation_n and_o such_o as_o resolve_v into_o want_n of_o part_n which_o be_v not_o a_o moral_a but_o a_o natural_a defect_n whereas_o infidelity_n and_o heresy_n as_o indeed_o all_o that_o be_v faulty_a be_v understand_v to_o be_v privation_n and_o defect_n of_o a_o moral_a nature_n but_o then_o to_o make_v they_o so_o they_o must_v be_v voluntary_a nothing_o be_v faulty_a but_o what_o be_v so_o that_o be_v again_o they_o must_v be_v wilful_a that_o be_v they_o must_v be_v act_n of_o the_o will_n and_o consequent_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o habit_n whereof_o those_o sin_n be_v privation_n must_v also_o belong_v to_o the_o same_o principle_n or_o else_o in_o short_a there_o will_v be_v neither_o virtue_n in_o have_v it_o nor_o vice_n in_o be_v without_o it_o and_o according_o our_o saviour_n in_o upbraid_v the_o jew_n with_o infidelity_n do_v all_o along_o not_o only_o by_o confequence_n but_o direct_o and_o express_o charge_v it_o upon_o their_o will_n 40._o you_o will_v not_o come_v to_o i_o that_o you_o may_v have_v life_n 28._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v go_v through_o what_o i_o intend_v and_o what_o indeed_o be_v of_o great_a consideration_n upon_o this_o subject_a of_o faith_n in_o the_o account_n of_o which_o if_o i_o differ_v from_o any_o author_n of_o the_o better_a character_n that_o have_v either_o profess_o or_o occasional_o write_v upon_o it_o particular_o baronius_n and_o dr._n pearson_n it_o be_v not_o that_o i_o love_v to_o lay_v aside_o great_a authority_n or_o affect_v to_o be_v by_o myself_o but_o because_o i_o follow_v the_o best_a light_n of_o my_o understanding_n write_v with_o freedom_n and_o ingenuity_n what_o i_o think_v and_o endeavour_v to_o represent_v thing_n as_o they_o be_v without_o have_v regard_n to_o authority_n any_o further_a than_o i_o think_v it_o join_v with_o truth_n and_o reason_n which_o shall_v also_o be_v my_o rule_n in_o what_o remain_v of_o this_o treatise_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o have_v be_v hitherto_o discourse_v concern_v reason_n and_o faith_n may_v serve_v as_o a_o good_a preparation_n in_o order_n to_o a_o account_n of_o the_o great_a question_n concern_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n but_o before_o we_o enter_v upon_o any_o thing_n of_o that_o nature_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o distinction_n of_o above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v consider_v and_o right_o state_v which_o be_v the_o task_n allot_v for_o the_o next_o chapter_n chap._n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v 1._o there_o be_v some_o distinction_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v without_o a_o difference_n though_o difference_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o all_o distinction_n and_o this_o by_o some_o be_v pretend_v to_o be_v of_o that_o number_n who_o will_v have_v the_o part_n of_o it_o to_o be_v coincident_a and_o that_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n signify_v in_o reality_n alike_o and_o be_v but_o different_a expression_n for_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o though_o they_o may_v be_v reasonable_o suspect_v to_o do_v this_o to_o serve_v the_o interest_n of_o a_o cause_n for_o who_o advantage_n it_o will_v be_v to_o have_v this_o distinction_n take_v away_o yet_o they_o have_v the_o confidence_n to_o charge_v the_o same_o upon_o those_o that_o hold_v it_o pretend_v that_o it_o be_v only_o a_o dextrous_a shift_n and_o evasion_n invent_v by_o subtle_a man_n as_o a_o expedient_a to_o relieve_v the_o distress_n of_o
of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o we_o may_v as_o well_o assent_v to_o the_o contrary_a as_o to_o what_o we_o do_v and_o will_v do_v better_a not_o to_o assent_v at_o all_o but_o only_o that_o it_o have_v none_o from_o within_o and_o from_o the_o intrinsic_n nature_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o from_o some_o external_n consideration_n much_o after_o the_o same_o manner_n as_o it_o be_v in_o â—atch_n in_o both_o which_o there_o may_v be_v a_o clear_a reason_n why_o we_o shall_v assent_v to_o a_o obscure_a thing_n but_o then_o as_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n do_v not_o destroy_v the_o external_n evidence_n so_o neither_o do_v the_o external_n evidence_n strike_v any_o light_n into_o the_o internal_a obscurity_n or_o in_o other_o word_n as_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v be_v never_o the_o less_o clear_a because_o the_o matter_n assent_v to_o be_v obscure_a so_o neither_o be_v the_o matter_n assent_v to_o ever_o the_o less_o obscure_a because_o the_o reason_n for_o assent_v to_o it_o be_v clear_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o internal_a obscurity_n of_o the_o matter_n we_o assent_v to_o it_o because_o of_o the_o prevail_a light_n of_o the_o external_n evidence_n and_o this_o we_o do_v not_o only_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n according_a to_o the_o restriction_n of_o some_o but_o in_o the_o thing_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n too_o where_o we_o be_v oftentimes_o force_v by_o the_o press_a urgency_n of_o certain_a external_n and_o collateral_a consideration_n to_o assent_v to_o thing_n internal_o obscure_a and_o who_o very_a possibility_n we_o can_v comprehend_v as_o be_v plain_a in_o the_o great_a question_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n and_o other_o instance_n whereof_o every_o think_v man_n obseâ—â—ation_n can_v but_o have_v already_o furnish_v he_o with_o variety_n the_o incomprehensibility_n then_o of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o just_a objection_n against_o our_o assent_n to_o it_o even_o in_o matter_n of_o a_o rational_a nature_n much_o less_o than_o be_v it_o in_o matter_n of_o faith_n for_o if_o not_o in_o matter_n that_o belong_v to_o the_o court_n of_o reason_n and_o where_o she_o sit_v as_o judge_n then_o much_o less_o in_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o of_o her_o proper_a jurisdiction_n and_o if_o notwithstanding_o the_o internal_a inevidence_n of_o a_o object_n we_o think_v fit_a to_o assent_v to_o it_o upon_o rational_a consideration_n much_o more_o may_v we_o and_o ought_v we_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o infallible_a god_n 8._o indeed_o if_o whatsoever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v also_o as_o some_o pretend_v as_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a but_o what_o be_v also_o comprehensible_a and_o so_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o i_o conâ—ess_v we_o can_v not_o as_o rational_a creature_n assent_v to_o a_o incomprehensible_a proposition_n upon_o any_o consideration_n whatsoever_o no_o not_o even_o that_o of_o divine_a authority_n it_o be_v true_a indeed_o there_o can_v then_o be_v no_o such_o authority_n for_o incomprehensible_a thing_n but_o if_o there_o be_v it_o be_v impossible_a we_o shall_v regard_v it_o because_o we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a assurance_n either_o of_o the_o existence_n or_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o upon_o this_o supposition_n that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v be_v not_o true_a but_o now_o if_o this_o supposition_n be_v no_o more_o than_o a_o supposition_n if_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n do_v not_o involve_v any_o contrariety_n to_o it_o if_o there_o be_v incomprehensible_a truth_n and_o consequent_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n oâ—_n it_o be_v not_o be_v true_a all_o which_o have_v be_v already_o prove_v then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o what_o be_v a_o incomprehensible_a may_v yet_o be_v a_o believable_a object_n because_o within_o the_o possibility_n of_o truth_n and_o then_o to_o render_v it_o actual_o believe_v there_o needs_o only_o some_o external_n evidence_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o authority_n for_o what_o shall_v hinder_v our_o assent_n to_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n when_o we_o have_v plain_a evidence_n from_o without_o for_o it_o and_o its_o own_o internal_a obscurity_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o it_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n and_o since_o we_o do_v so_o oftentimes_o upon_o a_o ground_n of_o reason_n much_o more_o ought_v we_o upon_o that_o more_o firm_a and_o immovable_a ground_n of_o revelation_n the_o short_a be_v whatever_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v none_o against_o the_o credibility_n of_o it_o since_o truth_n be_v the_o general_n object_n of_o faith_n unless_o you_o will_v say_v that_o a_o thing_n be_v unfit_a to_o be_v believe_v upon_o any_o other_o account_n beside_o want_n of_o truth_n and_o therefore_o since_o we_o have_v already_o show_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o it_o visible_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o neither_o therefore_o a_o incomprehensible_a thing_n may_v be_v believe_v and_o according_o he_o that_o refuse_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n be_v bind_v to_o give_v a_o better_a reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o be_v incomprehensible_a 9_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o this_o be_v reason_n enough_o because_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n and_o therefore_o what_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o reason_n be_v as_o much_o above_o a_o rational_a belief_n to_o this_o beside_o what_o i_o have_v already_o remark_v upon_o this_o occasion_n in_o the_o chapter_n of_o faith_n 〈…〉_z i_o here_o further_a reply_n that_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o and_o on_o both_o side_n agree_v that_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n but_o in_o what_o sense_n be_v the_o question_n there_o be_v two_o very_a different_a sense_n according_a to_o which_o it_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v so_o either_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o clearness_n of_o its_o object_n either_o because_o it_o be_v found_v upon_o a_o external_n evidence_n or_o argument_n for_o believe_v or_o because_o it_o proceed_v upon_o a_o internal_a evidence_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o very_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n believe_v iâ—_n faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o latter_a sense_n the_o assertion_n be_v then_o false_a for_o so_o that_o â—s_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o object_n we_o have_v shâ—wn_v it_o to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o iâ—_n 〈◊〉_d be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o rational_a act_n in_o the_o former_a sense_n than_o indeed_o it_o be_v true_a but_o nothing_o to_o the_o purpose_n since_o nothing_o hinder_v but_o that_o this_o external_n evidence_n may_v well_o consist_v with_o a_o internal_a inevidence_n or_o in_o other_o word_n that_o the_o clearness_n of_o the_o reason_n for_o believe_v may_v stand_v with_o the_o obscurity_n of_o the_o object_n believe_v and_o therefore_o though_o faith_n be_v a_o rational_a act_n yet_o it_o do_v not_o hence_o â—ollow_v that_o what_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v also_o above_o faith_n and_o can_v rational_o be_v believe_v because_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v rational_a not_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o object_n but_o only_o that_o of_o its_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n and_o therefore_o though_o there_o be_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o object_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o thereby_o render_v uncapable_a of_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n because_o the_o evidence_n which_o faith_n as_o a_o rational_a act_n suppose_v be_v whole_o of_o another_o kind_n there_o seem_v indeed_o a_o kind_n of_o opposition_n as_o to_o the_o sound_n between_o faith_n be_v a_o act_n of_o reason_n
perusal_n of_o the_o candid_a and_o considerate_a reader_n and_o to_o the_o blessing_n of_o god_n the_o content_n chapter_n i._n of_o reason_n page_n 18._o chapter_n ii_o of_o faith_n p._n 53._o chapter_n iii_o the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o above_o reason_n consider_v p._n 100_o chapter_n iu._n that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 137._o chapter_n v._n that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v incomprehensible_a by_o reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a p._n 230._o chapter_n vi._n that_o if_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a human_a reason_n will_v then_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n p._n 243._o chapter_n vii_o that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o just_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o with_o a_o account_n of_o the_o cartesian_a maxim_n that_o we_o be_v to_o assent_v only_o to_o what_o be_v clear_a and_o evident_a p._n 251._o chapter_n viii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o be_v the_o true_a use_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v p._n 282._o chapter_n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n p._n 294._o chapter_n x._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o whole_a with_o a_o address_n to_o the_o socinian_o p._n 307._o postscript_n p._n 339._o the_o introduction_n 1._o among_o the_o various_a conjecture_n man_n of_o a_o prophetic_a spirit_n have_v fall_v into_o concern_v the_o last_o event_n we_o have_v have_v 338._o this_o opinion_n not_o long_o since_o advance_v for_o one_o that_o as_o god_n former_o by_o reject_v the_o jew_n make_v way_n for_o the_o gentile_n so_o in_o the_o latter_a day_n he_o will_v in_o like_a manner_n by_o reject_v the_o gentile_n make_v way_n for_o the_o jew_n to_o enter_v into_o the_o christian_a church_n that_o the_o state_n of_o christianity_n be_v become_v entire_o corrupt_a and_o all_o over_o anti-christianized_a the_o first_o of_o those_o viol_n of_o the_o divine_a wrath_n that_o be_v to_o exterminate_v the_o wicked_a and_o usher_v in_o the_o terror_n of_o the_o great_a day_n shall_v fall_v upon_o the_o christian_a world_n that_o christendom_n shall_v be_v utter_o dissolve_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o destroy_v and_o that_o the_o jew_n shall_v be_v replace_v and_o reestablish_v upon_o its_o ruin_n and_o to_o render_v it_o worthy_a of_o so_o sore_a a_o calamity_n that_o the_o generality_n of_o its_o professor_n shall_v not_o only_o great_o depart_v from_o the_o primitive_a power_n of_o the_o evangelic_a spirit_n by_o apostatise_v from_o the_o purity_n and_o perfection_n of_o both_o christian_a faith_n and_o life_n which_o we_o have_v already_o see_v come_v to_o pass_v but_o shall_v even_o lay_v down_o their_o holy_a profession_n renounce_v their_o very_a faith_n and_o religion_n and_o turn_v infidel_n upon_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o which_o opinion_n those_o word_n of_o our_o saviour_n seem_v to_o cast_v a_o very_a suspicious_a aspect_n 8._o when_o the_o son_n of_o man_n come_v shall_v be_v find_v faith_n upon_o the_o earth_n as_o upon_o the_o former_a do_v also_o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n 22._o thou_o will_v say_v then_o the_o branch_n be_v break_v off_o that_o i_o may_v be_v graff_v in_o well_o because_o of_o unbelief_n they_o be_v break_v off_o and_o thou_o stand_v by_o faith_n be_v not_o high-minded_a but_o fear_v for_o if_o god_n spare_v not_o the_o natural_a branch_n take_v heed_n lest_o he_o also_o spare_v not_o thou_o behold_v therefore_o the_o goodness_n and_o severity_n of_o god_n on_o they_o which_o fall_v severity_n but_o towards_o thou_o goodness_n if_o thou_o continue_v in_o his_o goodness_n otherwise_o thou_o also_o shall_v be_v cut_v off_o that_o be_v as_o a_o dead_a wither_a and_o unfruitful_a branch_n as_o be_v the_o jew_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n before_o and_o as_o our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o every_o unfruitful_a branch_n shall_v be_v 2._o 2._o and_o true_o if_o one_o be_v to_o judge_v of_o these_o man_n opinion_n by_o the_o present_a face_n and_o state_n of_o thing_n one_o will_v be_v incline_v to_o think_v it_o true_a and_o that_o they_o have_v the_o right_a key_n of_o prophecy_n in_o their_o hand_n for_o sure_a by_o all_o sign_n and_o appearance_n the_o course_n of_o the_o world_n seem_v to_o drive_v this_o way_n and_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o fatal_a revolution_n to_o come_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o we_o be_v with_o large_a step_n hasten_v to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v the_o vital_n of_o religion_n continual_o strike_v at_o the_o foundation_n of_o it_o unsettled_a and_o undermine_v its_o venerable_a article_n dispute_v and_o ridicule_v and_o by_o what_o a_o slender_a thread_n do_v christianity_n hang_v the_o great_a complaint_n for_o a_o long_a while_n have_v be_v of_o the_o decay_n of_o christian_a piety_n and_o the_o universal_a corruption_n of_o manner_n but_o now_o our_o religion_n be_v corrupt_v as_o well_o as_o our_o manner_n and_o we_o every_o day_n make_v shipwreck_n of_o our_o faith_n as_o well_o as_o of_o a_o good_a conscience_n so_o that_o we_o have_v now_o fill_v our_o measure_n and_o be_v every_o way_n ripe_a for_o destruction_n some_o deny_v all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o consequent_o the_o christian_n other_o allow_v the_o divinity_n of_o the_o religion_n deny_v that_o of_o its_o author_n together_o with_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n and_o satisfaction_n other_o again_o own_v his_o divinity_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v it_o other_o again_o grant_v that_o and_o the_o other_o point_n deny_v the_o necessity_n of_o his_o satisfaction_n which_o be_v not_o only_o resolve_v into_o mere_a prudential_n reason_n as_o former_o instead_o of_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o essential_a order_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n but_o be_v bring_v down_o so_o low_a of_o late_a as_o to_o be_v make_v a_o accommodation_n and_o condescension_n to_o and_o a_o gracious_a compliance_n with_o the_o common_a weakness_n and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o mankind_n thus_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n so_o mangle_v and_o dismember_a by_o some_o and_o so_o odd_o and_o insidious_o represent_v by_o other_o that_o between_o they_o both_o the_o general_a faith_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v endanger_v and_o a_o ready_a way_n prepare_v to_o scepticism_n and_o infidelity_n 3._o not_o that_o i_o think_v it_o ought_v to_o be_v any_o just_a matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o consider_v christian_n or_o prejudice_n to_o their_o holy_a religion_n to_o see_v so_o many_o corruption_n of_o it_o and_o apostasy_n and_o revolting_n from_o it_o since_o this_o be_v no_o more_o than_o what_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n have_v often_o forewarn_v we_o shall_v come_v to_o pass_v in_o the_o latter_a day_n wherein_o we_o be_v express_o tell_v that_o perilous_a time_n shall_v come_v and_o that_o man_n shall_v resist_v the_o truth_n 3._o be_v proud_a and_o high-minded_a of_o corrupt_a mind_n and_o reprobate_a concern_v the_o faith_n and_o moreover_o that_o they_o shall_v privy_o bring_v in_o damnable_a heresy_n 2._o even_o deny_v the_o lord_n that_o buy_v they_o this_o therefore_o i_o say_v aught_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v no_o matter_n of_o scandal_n to_o any_o christian_n and_o so_o neither_o aught_o the_o poor_a humble_a suffer_v condition_n of_o jesus_n christ_n to_o have_v be_v any_o to_o the_o jew_n since_o this_o also_o be_v plain_o foretell_v of_o the_o messiah_n and_o make_v a_o notable_a part_n of_o his_o character_n and_o yet_o we_o find_v that_o the_o cross_n of_o christ_n be_v a_o stumbling-block_n to_o the_o jew_n and_o so_o no_o doubt_n be_v the_o present_a suffering_n i_o may_v say_v crucifixion_n of_o his_o religion_n to_o many_o christian_n the_o generality_n of_o which_o measure_n the_o certainty_n of_o their_o faith_n by_o the_o firmness_n and_o constancy_n of_o its_o professor_n and_o be_v apt_a more_o to_o stagger_v and_o take_v offence_n at_o the_o untoward_a appearance_n of_o any_o event_n than_o to_o be_v confirm_v in_o their_o belief_n from_o its_o agreement_n with_o ancient_a prophecy_n 4._o in_o the_o mean_a time_n what_o do_v those_o without_o think_v of_o we_o particular_o the_o heathen_n among_o who_o no_o doubt_n there_o be_v some_o that_o neither_o want_n intelligence_n nor_o curiosity_n to_o acquaint_v themselves_o with_o the_o present_a state_n of_o christendom_n what_o a_o confirmation_n must_v it_o be_v to_o these_o man_n in_o their_o infidelity_n to_o see_v christian_n grow_v weary_a of_o their_o own_o religion_n and_o willing_a to_o part_v with_o those_o great_a and_o weighty_a article_n of_o it_o for_o which_o the_o holy_a martyr_n shed_v their_o blood_n and_o which_o can_v not_o be_v extort_a from_o they_o by_o all_o the_o might_n and_o power_n of_o their_o cruel_a emperor_n can_v it_o
to_o be_v this_o they_o first_o set_v their_o reason_n above_o all_o thing_n and_o then_o will_v believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n and_o if_o this_o be_v not_o in_o a_o unreasonable_a measure_n to_o exalt_v that_o faculty_n to_o carry_v it_o beyond_o its_o due_a bound_n nay_o to_o set_v it_o no_o bound_n at_o all_o but_o strict_o to_o make_v it_o infinite_a and_o so_o to_o ascribe_v to_o it_o no_o less_o than_o a_o divine_a perfection_n i_o must_v profess_v my_o despair_n ever_o to_o know_v what_o be_v 8._o to_o be_v the_o adequate_a measure_n of_o all_o truth_n so_o as_o to_o have_v no_o one_o truth_n above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o it_o be_v as_o much_o as_o can_v be_v say_v of_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o god_n himself_o his_o infinite_a understanding_n be_v indeed_o true_o and_o necessary_o so_o and_o whatever_o be_v above_o his_o reason_n be_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n most_o certain_o not_o true_a because_o he_o essential_o comprehend_v all_o that_o true_o be_v it_o must_v necessary_o follow_v that_o whatever_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v must_v be_v nothing_o but_o to_o say_v the_o same_o of_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n or_o of_o the_o intelligence_n of_o the_o most_o illuminate_v angel_n will_v be_v to_o confound_v all_o distinction_n between_o finite_a and_o infinite_a god_n and_o creature_n and_o to_o advance_v the_o most_o absurd_a and_o withal_o the_o most_o impious_a and_o blaspemous_a proposition_n imaginable_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o general_a principle_n upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n turn_v and_o by_o which_o it_o will_v be_v most_o direct_o and_o most_o compendious_o confute_v 9_o i_o shall_v therefore_o take_v hold_n of_o it_o by_o this_o handle_n and_o since_o that_o which_o be_v a_o principle_n one_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v forward_o from_o the_o cause_n to_o the_o effect_n may_v be_v consider_v as_o a_o consequence_n another_o way_n as_o we_o argue_v backward_o from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n and_o since_o there_o be_v these_o two_o general_a way_n of_o reason_v i_o shall_v therefore_o proceed_v both_o these_o way_n in_o the_o management_n of_o the_o present_a argument_n which_o according_o shall_v turn_v chief_o upon_o this_o double_a hinge_v first_o i_o shall_v overturn_v their_o principle_n i_o call_v it_o they_o because_o it_o be_v what_o they_o must_v at_o last_o necessary_o come_v to_o by_o show_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n or_o that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o thing_n true_a which_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n and_o that_o therefore_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v no_o conclude_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a second_o i_o shall_v argue_v ab_fw-la absurdo_fw-la by_o show_v that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o reason_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a than_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n which_o if_o i_o bring_v they_o to_o i_o shall_v think_v they_o reduce_v to_o a_o sufficient_a absurdity_n these_o i_o intend_v as_o the_o two_o great_a pillar_n of_o this_o work_n which_o like_o the_o side_n of_o a_o arch_n will_v strengthen_v and_o bear_v up_o one_o another_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o former_a part_n be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o latter_a and_o that_o which_o be_v liable_a to_o exception_n in_o the_o latter_a be_v make_v out_o in_o the_o former_a for_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o first_o part_n whether_o this_o be_v indeed_o their_o principle_n that_o humane_a reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o second_o wherein_o it_o will_v be_v show_v to_o follow_v from_o their_o supposition_n and_o if_o it_o be_v question_v in_o the_o second_o part_n whether_o this_o their_o principle_n be_v absurd_a and_o so_o whether_o they_o be_v reduce_v to_o a_o absurdity_n that_o will_v appear_v in_o the_o first_o wherein_o this_o principle_n be_v show_v to_o be_v false_a 10._o and_o when_o by_o this_o method_n i_o have_v show_v in_o general_a both_o a_o priori_fw-la and_o a_o posteriori_fw-la that_o a_o thing_n be_v above_o humane_a reason_n be_v of_o itself_o no_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a i_o shall_v then_o make_v application_n of_o all_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n which_o i_o shall_v show_v may_v be_v true_a notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o humane_a reason_n and_o so_o that_o their_o be_v above_o it_o be_v no_o just_a ground_n to_o conclude_v they_o false_a and_o that_o therefore_o they_o ought_v to_o be_v believe_v notwithstanding_o their_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n which_o in_o this_o case_n ought_v to_o be_v no_o prejudice_n to_o our_o faith_n suppose_v they_o otherwise_o sufficient_o reveal_v which_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o no_o i_o shall_v not_o discuss_v my_o design_n at_o present_a not_o be_v to_o enter_v into_o the_o detail_n of_o the_o controversy_n to_o prove_v the_o particular_a mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n such_o as_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n or_o the_o like_a but_o only_o to_o lay_v a_o general_a ground_n and_o foundation_n for_o the_o belief_n of_o those_o article_n and_o to_o destroy_v that_o upon_o which_o the_o body_n of_o socinianism_n stand_v the_o great_a and_o general_a principle_n of_o which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v that_o nothing_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o reveal_v by_o god_n that_o be_v above_o the_o comprehension_n of_o humane_a reason_n or_o that_o a_o man_n be_v to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o can_v comprehend_v which_o principle_n i_o hope_v by_o the_o help_n of_o god_n with_o the_o utmost_a evidence_n and_o demonstration_n to_o overthrow_v and_o because_o in_o order_n to_o this_o i_o must_v first_o give_v a_o direct_a and_o profess_a account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n beside_o what_o will_v be_v say_v incidental_o and_o occasional_o of_o they_o in_o the_o course_n of_o the_o treatise_n who_o main_a design_n be_v so_o to_o adjust_a and_o accommodate_v the_o nature_n and_o property_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n together_o as_o to_o show_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o believe_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n thereupon_o it_o be_v that_o i_o entitle_v the_o whole_a a_o account_n of_o reason_n and_o faith_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n this_o be_v the_o gross_a of_o what_o i_o design_n the_o particular_n of_o which_o will_v be_v more_o distinct_o lay_v down_o and_o account_v for_o in_o the_o follow_a chapter_n chap._n i._o of_o reason_n 1._o ambiguity_n of_o word_n be_v one_o great_a occasion_n of_o confusion_n of_o thought_n whoever_o will_v discourse_n clear_o and_o distinct_o of_o any_o subject_a must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n fix_v and_o settle_v the_o signification_n of_o his_o term_n in_o case_n they_o be_v ambiguous_a that_o be_v if_o one_o and_o the_o same_o term_n be_v apply_v to_o different_a idea_n in_o this_o case_n definition_n of_o the_o name_n be_v to_o go_v before_o the_o definition_n of_o the_o thing_n between_o which_o two_o i_o conceive_v the_o difference_n to_o be_v this_o that_o in_o a_o nominal_a definition_n the_o word_n be_v only_o determine_v to_o such_o a_o certain_a idea_n whereas_o in_o a_o real_a one_o the_o idea_n itself_o be_v open_v and_o explain_v by_o some_o other_o idea_n that_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v contain_v and_o involve_v in_o it_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o be_v that_o nominal_a definition_n be_v arbitrary_a and_o therefore_o incontestable_a and_o therefore_o may_v be_v use_v as_o principle_n in_o discourse_n as_o they_o be_v in_o geometry_n whereas_o real_a definition_n be_v not_o arbitrary_a but_o must_v be_v conform_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o so_o be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v for_o principle_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v suppose_v but_o for_o disputable_a proposition_n who_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v prove_v 2._o reason_n therefore_o be_v a_o ambiguous_a word_n and_o of_o various_a acceptation_n before_o i_o proceed_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a that_o i_o define_v the_o name_n which_o will_v also_o be_v the_o better_o define_v if_o it_o be_v first_o distinguish_v now_o all_o distinction_n be_v a_o sort_n of_o division_n in_o which_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n of_o logic_n the_o distribution_n ought_v to_o be_v into_o the_o most_o general_a and_o most_o immediate_a member_n i_o shall_v according_o distinguish_v of_o the_o several_a meaning_n of_o this_o word_n reason_n by_o the_o same_o measure_n as_o i_o will_v divide_v any_o whole_a into_o its_o part_n 3._o i_o consider_v therefore_o that_o the_o most_o general_a distribution_n of_o reason_n be_v into_o that_o of_o the_o object_n and_o
also_o a_o more_o dark_a side_n in_o which_o respect_n it_o come_v short_a of_o it_o and_o must_v give_v it_o the_o precedency_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v very_o proper_o call_v a_o dark_a side_n because_o it_o consist_v in_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n and_o which_o be_v still_o so_o much_o the_o dark_a because_o it_o be_v so_o peculiar_a to_o faith_n and_o make_v so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o its_o character_n be_v the_o main_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v it_o from_o science_n or_o that_o second_o assent_v before_o speak_v of_o for_o as_o to_o firmness_n and_o certainty_n therein_o they_o agree_v for_o faith_n may_v be_v firm_a because_o he_o that_o believe_v in_o god_n may_v be_v suppose_v not_o in_o the_o least_o to_o hesitate_n or_o doubt_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o reveal_v and_o it_o be_v also_o certain_a because_o it_o rely_v upon_o the_o most_o certain_a foundation_n the_o testimony_n of_o god_n who_o be_v infallible_a himself_o and_o can_v deceive_v and_o hitherto_o they_o run_v parallel_v one_o to_o the_o other_o but_o here_o begin_v both_o the_o difference_n and_o the_o disproportion_n that_o there_o be_v clearness_n and_o evidence_n on_o the_o side_n of_o science_n and_o that_o second_o assent_n whereas_o there_o be_v none_o on_o the_o side_n of_o faith_n which_o walk_v indeed_o upon_o firm_a ground_n but_o altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a for_o he_o that_o believe_v do_v not_o give_v his_o assent_n because_o either_o by_o sense_n or_o reason_n he_o perceive_v the_o object_n of_o his_o faith_n to_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o but_o mere_o because_o he_o have_v the_o word_n and_o authority_n of_o god_n for_o it_o which_o though_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o found_v a_o firm_a and_o certain_a be_v yet_o however_o not_o enough_o to_o beget_v a_o clear_a and_o evident_a assent_n so_o that_o the_o great_a and_o distinguish_a character_n of_o science_n and_o the_o second_o assent_n be_v light_n and_o evidence_n and_o that_o of_o faith_n inevidence_n and_o obscurity_n which_o according_o be_v common_o say_v to_o be_v a_o inevident_a assent_n but_o how_o and_o in_o what_o sense_n it_o be_v so_o seem_v not_o common_o to_o be_v so_o well_o understand_v and_o for_o the_o consequence_n of_o what_o depend_v upon_o the_o right_n state_v of_o it_o deserve_v to_o be_v explain_v with_o all_o possible_a exactness_n 13._o in_o order_n to_o which_o we_o be_v careful_o to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o the_o reason_n or_o motive_n that_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v it_o even_o as_o in_o knowledge_n we_o distinguish_v between_o the_o thing_n know_v and_o the_o argument_n or_o medium_fw-la by_o which_o it_o be_v know_v the_o scitum_fw-la and_o the_o formalis_fw-la ratio_fw-la sciendi_fw-la the_o thing_n believe_v i_o will_v call_v the_o matter_n or_o the_o object_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o motive_n that_o induce_v i_o to_o believe_v it_o i_o will_v call_v the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n aquinas_n i_o know_v call_v they_o both_o object_n 1._o and_o then_o after_o distinguish_v they_o by_o call_v the_o former_a the_o material_a object_n and_o the_o latter_a the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n according_o he_o say_v that_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n be_v the_o first_o truth_n mean_v as_o he_o afterward_o explain_v himself_o that_o faith_n rely_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n as_o its_o medium_fw-la or_o argument_n which_o medium_fw-la i_o choose_v rather_o to_o call_v and_o i_o think_v more_o intelligible_o the_o formal_a reason_n than_o the_o formal_a object_n of_o faith_n since_o the_o term_n object_n seem_v more_o proper_o to_o design_n the_o matter_n of_o faith_n or_o the_o thing_n believe_v and_o be_v hardly_o applicable_a to_o the_o motive_n or_o reason_n of_o believe_v however_o since_o we_o both_o mean_v one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n there_o need_v be_v no_o debate_n upon_o the_o different_a manner_n of_o express_v it_o especial_o since_o if_o any_o one_o think_v his_o term_n more_o intelligible_a and_o expressive_a of_o the_o notion_n intend_v by_o it_o or_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o it_o upon_o any_o other_o consideration_n he_o be_v at_o liberty_n to_o substitute_v it_o in_o the_o room_n of_o the_o other_o 14._o this_o necessary_a distinction_n be_v premise_v it_o be_v in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o be_v well_o heed_v that_o when_o faith_n be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o obscure_a and_o inevident_a assent_n this_o obscurity_n or_o inevidence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o formal_a reason_n or_o motive_n of_o faith_n but_o only_o to_o the_o matter_n or_o object_n of_o it_o i_o say_v not_o to_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o it_o for_o as_o there_o may_v be_v in_o general_a a_o clear_a reason_n why_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v a_o obscure_a thing_n so_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o the_o formal_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o assent_v to_o the_o thing_n of_o faith_n be_v very_o clear_a for_o this_o formal_a reason_n be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o rather_o since_o this_o include_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o revealer_n as_o well_o as_o the_o revelation_n itself_o for_o otherwise_o of_o what_o authority_n will_v be_v the_o revelation_n i_o will_v choose_v to_o say_v that_o the_o truth_n and_o revelation_n of_o god_n do_v joint_o make_v up_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o divine_a faith_n which_o according_o proceed_v upon_o this_o double_a principle_n 1._o that_o whatever_o god_n reveal_v be_v true_a 2._o that_o this_o or_o that_o thing_n in_o particular_a be_v reveal_v by_o god_n for_o faith_n have_v its_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o science_n though_o of_o another_o nature_n and_o its_o reason_n be_v these_o two_o as_o will_n more_o distinct_o appear_v by_o dispose_v the_o process_n of_o faith_n into_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n which_o will_v be_v this_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n therefore_o this_o be_v true_a the_o conclusion_n of_o this_o syllogism_n contain_v both_o the_o matter_n and_o the_o act_n of_o faith_n as_o it_o be_v a_o assent_n to_o such_o a_o thing_n upon_o such_o a_o ground_n which_o be_v imply_v by_o the_o illative_a particle_n therefore_o the_o two_o other_o proposition_n contain_v the_o ground_n itself_o or_o the_o formal_a reason_n of_o faith_n which_o you_o see_v consist_v of_o the_o double_a principle_n beforementioned_a now_o it_o be_v most_o apparent_a that_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v both_o of_o they_o sufficient_o clear_a or_o at_o least_o may_v be_v so_o it_o be_v clear_a in_o the_o first_o place_n that_o whatever_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n be_v true_a this_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o may_v be_v prove_v from_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o so_o have_v either_o the_o light_n of_o a_o principle_n or_o of_o a_o conclusion_n either_o a_o immediate_a or_o a_o mediate_v evidence_n and_o it_o may_v be_v also_o clear_a and_o to_o be_v sure_o be_v so_o whenever_o 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those_o who_o when_o they_o be_v to_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n above_o reason_n run_v out_o into_o a_o popular_a veâ—â—_n of_o harangue_n about_o the_o reasonable_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o its_o great_a accommodation_n to_o human_a nature_n cry_v out_o with_o repeat_v importunity_n that_o man_n be_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n christianity_n a_o reasonable_a service_n and_o faith_n a_o rational_a act_n nay_o even_o the_o high_a reason_n and_o the_o like_a as_o if_o we_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n and_o deny_v the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o that_o faith_n be_v found_v upon_o reason_n or_o as_o if_o because_o there_o be_v a_o reason_n from_o without_o for_o believe_v therefore_o the_o thing_n believe_v may_v not_o from_o within_o and_o as_o to_o the_o inward_a matter_n of_o it_o be_v above_o reason_n so_o as_o
and_o so_o much_o contest_v whether_o true_a or_o no_o can_v never_o be_v make_v too_o clear_a and_o sometime_o a_o different_a though_o not_o better_o representation_n of_o a_o thing_n may_v contribute_v to_o its_o further_a illustration_n every_o reader_n have_v his_o particular_a point_n of_o view_n so_o as_o that_o the_o very_a â—ame_n notion_n or_o truth_n that_o do_v not_o meet_a with_o he_o in_o one_o posture_n may_v shine_v full_a in_o his_o face_n and_o strike_v he_o with_o success_n in_o another_o i_o shall_v therefore_o under_o the_o shelter_n of_o mr._n boyle_n authority_n and_o by_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o light_n venture_v to_o set_v down_o my_o own_o thought_n concern_v this_o weighty_a point_n apply_v myself_o chief_o to_o that_o part_n of_o it_o wherein_o i_o think_v the_o other_o account_v most_o defective_a 14._o and_o first_o though_o it_o shall_v be_v true_a that_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o 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a_o true_a and_o good_a distinction_n 16._o by_o thing_n above_o reason_n then_o as_o the_o expression_n be_v use_v in_o this_o distinction_n i_o conceive_v to_o be_v mean_v not_o such_o as_o reason_n of_o itself_o can_v discover_v but_o such_o as_o when_o propose_v it_o can_v comprehend_v and_o by_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n i_o conceive_v such_o as_o it_o can_v and_o do_v actual_o comprehend_v and_o that_o to_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a or_o in_o other_o word_n a_o thing_n be_v then_o above_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v how_o it_o can_v be_v and_o then_o contrary_a to_o reason_n when_o we_o do_v positive_o comprehend_v that_o it_o can_v be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n 17._o but_o to_o be_v a_o little_a more_o particular_a we_o be_v to_o consider_v upon_o the_o first_o part_n that_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n the_o word_n reason_n here_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o first_o chapter_n signify_v the_o same_o as_o understanding_n and_o 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nor_o consequent_o against_o its_o be_v believe_v and_o if_o the_o only_a use_n and_o employment_n of_o reason_n in_o believe_v be_v to_o consider_v not_o the_o internal_a evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n whether_o the_o article_n be_v comprehensible_a or_o no_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v true_o reveal_v by_o god_n i_o say_v if_o these_o thing_n be_v so_o as_o we_o have_v abundant_o prove_v they_o to_o be_v then_o from_o these_o premise_n the_o clear_a and_o undeniable_a consequence_n be_v that_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v no_o just_a reason_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v and_o so_o thaâ—_n we_o may_v believe_v they_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v they_o what_o yet_o some_o deny_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a 2._o nay_o so_o far_o be_v the_o incomprehensible_a sublimity_n of_o these_o mystery_n from_o be_v a_o sufficient_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o accidental_o and_o indirect_o it_o may_v be_v improve_v 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