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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
truth_n faith_n reason_n reveal_v 2,166 5 8.9320 5 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A52412 An account of reason & faith in relation to the mysteries of Christianity / by John Norris. Norris, John, 1657-1711. 1697 (1697) Wing N1243; ESTC R17698 127,080 368

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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 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of_o reason_n we_o must_v assent_v to_o nothing_o but_o what_o have_v a_o internal_a evidence_n and_o what_o in_o its_o self_n and_o by_o its_o own_o light_n be_v comprehensible_a by_o we_o as_o they_o seem_v to_o mean_v or_o else_o their_o distinction_n of_o the_o case_n of_o reason_n and_o the_o case_n of_o revelation_n be_v here_o impertinent_a than_o i_o conceive_v that_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o our_o assent_n in_o matter_n of_o reason_n when_o they_o allow_v it_o to_o be_v give_v only_o to_o thing_n which_o in_o this_o sense_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o nature_n which_o we_o fee_v be_v true_a and_o must_v be_v true_a and_o so_o not_o only_o may_v but_o can_v help_v assent_v to_o they_o though_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v how_o they_o be_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v 7._o not_o that_o our_o assent_n be_v then_o blind_a and_o whole_o without_o evidence_n for_o then_o 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i_o can_v take_v it_o for_o less_o than_o such_o a_o insinuation_n when_o they_o be_v argue_v with_o we_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a mystery_n to_o run_v out_o as_o they_o usual_o do_v into_o harangue_n and_o flourish_v whereof_o by_o the_o way_n i_o know_v none_o more_o guilty_a than_o the_o author_n of_o christianity_n not_o mysterious_a about_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o the_o rational_a nature_n of_o faith_n what_o a_o reasonable_a act_n the_o one_o be_v and_o what_o a_o reasonable_a service_n the_o other_o be_v etc._n etc._n as_o if_o we_o be_v against_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o religion_n or_o be_v for_o a_o blind_a groundless_a and_o unaccountable_a faith_n or_o if_o because_o we_o hold_v the_o belief_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n therefore_o we_o be_v for_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o our_o belief_n this_o i_o say_v be_v a_o unfair_a insinuation_n and_o such_o as_o argue_v some_o want_n either_o of_o judgement_n 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between_o we_o be_v not_o whether_o there_o be_v any_o use_n of_o reason_n to_o be_v make_v in_o believe_v but_o only_o what_o it_o be_v or_o wherein_o the_o true_a use_n of_o it_o do_v consist_v 6._o now_o this_o we_o may_v determine_v in_o a_o few_o word_n have_v already_o lay_v the_o ground_n of_o it_o for_o since_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o nor_o consequent_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o as_o be_v show_v in_o the_o three_o forego_v chapter_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o proper_a office_n and_o business_n of_o a_o believer_n reason_n be_v to_o examine_v and_o inquire_v not_o whether_o the_o thing_n propose_v be_v comprehensible_a or_o not_o but_o only_o whether_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o god_n or_o no_o since_o if_o it_o be_v the_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o it_o will_v be_v no_o objection_n against_o it_o that_o therefore_o aught_o to_o be_v no_o part_n of_o its_o questistion_n or_o 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comprehensible_a but_o as_o it_o be_v either_o reveal_v or_o not_o reveal_v chap._n ix_o a_o application_n of_o the_o forego_n consideration_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n 1._o have_v thus_o raise_v the_o shell_n of_o our_o building_n to_o its_o due_a ●itch_n we_o have_v now_o only_o to_o roof_n it_o by_o make_v a_o short_a application_n of_o the_o principle_n lay_v down_o and_o settle_v in_o the_o former_a chapter_n to_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n against_o the_o truth_n and_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o plain_o appear_v from_o the_o precede_a consideration_n that_o there_o lie_v now_o no_o reasonable_a objection_n for_o if_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o if_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o ●hing_n to_o human_a reason_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o 〈◊〉_d be_v true_a
you_o say_v that_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n as_o upon_o this_o and_o the_o other_o consideration_n there_o lie_v a_o necessity_n upon_o you_o to_o confess_v how_o then_o i_o pray_v come_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o your_o faith_n and_o how_o come_v you_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o for_o a_o maxim_n that_o you_o will_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o you_o can_v comprehend_v why_o if_o your_o reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o you_o yourselves_o care_v not_o and_o i_o believe_v be_v ashamed_a in_o term_n to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v then_o do_v you_o not_o evident_o discern_v that_o there_o be_v no_o consequence_n from_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n to_o the_o incredibility_n of_o it_o and_o that_o you_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o deny_v your_o belief_n to_o a_o thing_n as_o true_a mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o its_o incomprehensibility_n and_o do_v you_o not_o then_o plain_o see_v that_o your_o great_a 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shall_v not_o the_o divine_a weigh_v infinite_o heavy_a with_o you_o and_o since_o you_o will_v not_o stick_v to_o assent_v to_o thing_n above_o your_o conception_n in_o human_n and_o natural_a science_n why_o be_v you_o so_o violent_o set_v against_o mystery_n in_o religion_n whereof_o god_n be_v not_o only_o the_o author_n but_o in_o great_a measure_n the_o object_n too_o 8._o you_o know_v very_o well_o that_o in_o the_o great_a problem_n of_o the_o divisibility_n of_o quantity_n there_o be_v incomprehensibility_n on_o both_o side_n it_o be_v inconceivable_a that_o quantity_n shall_v and_o it_o be_v also_o inconceivable_a that_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v divide_v infinite_o and_o yet_o you_o know_v again_o that_o as_o be_v part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n one_o of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v true_a possible_o you_o may_v not_o be_v able_a with_o the_o utmost_a certainty_n and_o without_o all_o hesitation_n to_o determine_v which_o that_o be_v but_o however_o you_o know_v in_o the_o general_a that_o one_o of_o they_o indeterminate_o must_v be_v true_a which_o by_o the_o way_n be_v enough_o to_o convince_v you_o 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 and_o you_o must_v also_o further_o grant_n that_o god_n who_o understanding_n be_v infinite_a do_v precise_o and_o determinate_o know_v which_o of_o they_o be_v so_o now_o suppose_v god_n shall_v reveal_v this_o and_o make_v it_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n it_o be_v not_o indeed_o likely_a that_o he_o will_v it_o be_v so_o much_o beneath_o the_o majesty_n and_o beside_o the_o end_n and_o intention_n of_o revelation_n who_o great_a design_n be_v the_o direction_n of_o our_o life_n and_o manner_n and_o not_o the_o improvement_n of_o our_o speculation_n but_o suppose_v i_o say_v he_o shall_v will_v you_o not_o believe_v it_o
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
be_v expect_v that_o these_o man_n shall_v embrace_v a_o religion_n which_o they_o see_v thus_o continual_o desert_v by_o its_o own_o disciple_n or_o rather_o instead_o of_o convert_v themselves_o to_o christianity_n will_v they_o not_o look_v every_o day_n when_o the_o christian_n shall_v come_v over_o to_o they_o for_o true_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o christian_a world_n at_o this_o time_n we_o be_v post_v as_o fast_o as_o we_o can_v into_o heathenism_n and_o stand_v even_o upon_o the_o brink_n of_o infidelity_n the_o great_a article_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v give_v up_o every_o day_n and_o when_o man_n have_v part_v with_o these_o we_o be_v very_o much_o behold_v to_o they_o if_o they_o retain_v any_o of_o the_o rest_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n considerable_a enough_o when_o the_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o trinity_n incarnation_n etc._n etc._n be_v take_v away_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v a_o institution_n worthy_a of_o god_n or_o to_o challenge_v the_o assent_n of_o any_o think_n and_o consider_v man_n but_o why_o do_v i_o talk_v of_o run_v into_o heathenism_n i_o be_o afraid_a we_o be_v tend_v further_o for_o as_o from_o a_o socinian_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o commence_v a_o deist_n so_o he_o that_o be_v once_o a_o deist_n be_v in_o a_o hopeful_a way_n to_o be_v a_o atheist_n whenever_o he_o please_v 5._o i_o do_v not_o speak_v these_o thing_n out_o of_o a_o spirit_n of_o peevishness_n and_o dissatisfaction_n as_o some_o who_o be_v full_a of_o a_o querulous_a splenetic_a humour_n and_o know_v not_o how_o better_a to_o dispose_v of_o it_o to_o their_o ease_n give_v it_o vent_v upon_o the_o time_n of_o which_o they_o be_v always_o complain_v right_a or_o wring_v no_o the_o deplorable_a and_o dangerous_a state_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o too_o visible_a growth_n of_o socinianism_n and_o deism_n among_o we_o extort_v these_o reflection_n from_o i_o and_o have_v give_v i_o many_o a_o troublesome_a and_o uneasy_a thought_n in_o my_o private_a retirement_n for_o my_o satisfaction_n under_o which_o my_o best_a salvo_n have_v be_v to_o consider_v that_o god_n govern_v the_o world_n and_o that_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v the_o head_n of_o his_o church_n will_v preserve_v it_o from_o all_o the_o power_n of_o earth_n and_o even_o from_o the_o gate_n of_o hell_n and_o that_o though_o now_o he_o seem_v to_o be_v asleep_a in_o this_o sacred_a vessel_n while_o the_o tempest_n rage_v and_o the_o wave_n beat_v against_o it_o and_o almost_o cover_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v hope_v he_o will_v awake_v and_o rebuke_v the_o wind_n and_o the_o sea_n and_o make_v all_o calm_a and_o quiet_a again_o however_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n it_o be_v fit_a the_o mariner_n shall_v work_v and_o neglect_v the_o use_n of_o no_o mean_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o safety_n of_o their_o ship_n some_o by_o write_v other_o by_o private_a discourse_n and_o all_o by_o prayer_n and_o a_o good_a life_n 6._o but_o now_o whereas_o all_o rational_a method_n of_o cure_n be_v found_v upon_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o the_o distemper_n he_o that_o will_v contribute_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o stop_v this_o contagion_n of_o religious_a scepticism_n that_o now_o reign_v among_o we_o aught_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o what_o it_o be_v that_o make_v man_n so_o dispose_v to_o waver_v in_o their_o religion_n and_o so_o ready_a to_o part_v with_o the_o great_a article_n and_o mystery_n of_o it_o now_o to_o this_o purpose_n i_o call_v to_o mind_v a_o very_a considerable_a observation_n of_o descartes_n concern_v atheism_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v equal_o applicable_a to_o infidelity_n meditat._n particular_o to_o this_o of_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n the_o observation_n be_v this_o that_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v common_o allege_v by_o atheist_n to_o impugn_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n do_v all_o turn_n upon_o this_o that_o either_o we_o attribute_v some_o humane_a affection_n to_o god_n or_o else_o arrogate_v so_o great_a force_n and_o penetration_n to_o our_o own_o mind_n as_o to_o go_v about_o to_o comprehend_v and_o determine_v what_o god_n can_v and_o aught_o to_o do_v so_o that_o if_o we_o will_v but_o carry_v about_o we_o this_o thought_n that_o our_o mind_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v as_o finite_a but_o god_n as_o incomprehensible_a and_o infinite_a there_o will_v be_v no_o further_o difficulty_n in_o and_o of_o their_o objection_n thus_o that_o very_o acute_a and_o judicious_a person_n concern_v the_o ground_n of_o atheism_n and_o in_o like_a manner_n i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v say_v of_o infidelity_n as_o to_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n that_o the_o great_a reason_n why_o so_o many_o that_o call_v themselves_o christian_n do_v so_o obstinate_o cavil_v at_o they_o and_o dispute_v they_o be_v that_o either_o they_o think_v too_o mean_o of_o god_n or_o too_o high_o of_o themselves_o that_o either_o they_o ascribe_v something_o humane_a to_o his_o nature_n or_o something_o divine_a to_o their_o own_o that_o either_o they_o set_v too_o narrow_a limit_n to_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o greatness_n or_o carry_v out_o too_o far_o those_o of_o their_o own_o understanding_n in_o one_o word_n that_o either_o they_o humanize_v god_n or_o deify_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o rational_a ability_n 7._o and_o they_o confess_v in_o effect_n as_o much_o themselves_o for_o the_o reason_n that_o these_o man_n common_o give_v out_o and_o pretend_v for_o their_o not_o allow_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n any_o room_n in_o their_o creed_n be_v that_o they_o be_v above_o the_o reach_n of_o their_o understanding_n they_o can_v comprehend_v they_o or_o conceive_v how_o they_o can_v be_v and_o therefore_o will_v not_o believe_v they_o have_v fix_v it_o as_o a_o law_n in_o the_o general_a to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o they_o can_v comprehend_v but_o now_o where_o do_v the_o ground_n of_o this_o consequence_n rest_n at_o last_o or_o upon_o what_o principle_n do_v it_o ultimate_o depend_v how_o come_v the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o point_n of_o faith_n to_o be_v a_o presumption_n against_o it_o why_o be_v its_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n in_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a why_o i_o say_v but_o only_o because_o in_o the_o first_o place_n they_o attribute_v so_o much_o to_o their_o reason_n at_o least_o by_o a_o confuse_v sentiment_n as_o to_o presume_v it_o to_o be_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o nothing_o that_o be_v true_a can_v real_o be_v above_o it_o here_o i_o say_v the_o stress_n of_o the_o matter_n will_v rest_v at_o last_o for_o shall_v the_o argument_n of_o these_o man_n be_v reduce_v to_o a_o syllogistical_a form_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v thus_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v above_o our_o reason_n therefore_o the_o repute_a mystery_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a now_o the_o only_a contestable_a proposition_n in_o this_o syllogism_n be_v the_o major_n which_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o this_o that_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o who_o proof_n must_v be_v in_o this_o form_n whatever_o be_v above_o the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a but_o our_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n therefore_o whatever_o be_v above_o our_o reason_n be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v as_o true_a by_o this_o analysis_n of_o their_o argument_n into_o its_o principle_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o their_o reason_n of_o disbelieve_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n viz._n because_o they_o be_v above_o their_o reason_n do_v at_o last_o resolve_n into_o this_o that_o their_o reason_n be_v the_o measure_n of_o all_o truth_n and_o that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v all_o thing_n for_o otherwise_o how_o shall_v their_o not_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n be_v a_o argument_n that_o it_o be_v not_o true_a this_o i_o presume_v be_v a_o principle_n our_o adversary_n will_v be_v loath_a to_o own_o and_o indeed_o with_o good_a reason_n it_o be_v the_o most_o extravagant_o absurd_a and_o self-arrowgating_a one_o that_o can_v possible_o enter_v the_o thought_n or_o proceed_v from_o the_o mouth_n of_o a_o man._n and_o accordin_o i_o do_v not_o know_v any_o socinian_n that_o have_v the_o immodesty_n in_o term_n open_o to_o assert_v it_o but_o this_o be_v what_o they_o must_v come_v to_o if_o they_o will_v speak_v out_o and_o what_o in_o the_o mean_a time_n they_o do_v virtual_o and_o implicit_o say_v so_o then_o their_o procedure_n in_o short_a seem_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
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 ●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 reason_n be_v to_o appear_v repugnant_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o think_v this_o of_o itself_o sufficient_a either_o to_o clear_a or_o to_o justify_v the_o distinction_n since_o it_o may_v be_v both_o again_o demand_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a and_o what_o repugnant_a and_o again_o dispute_v whether_o incomprehensible_a and_o repugnant_a be_v not_o the_o same_o as_o well_o as_o whether_o that_o which_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v not_o also_o contrary_a to_o it_o and_o then_o we_o be_v but_o where_o we_o be_v before_o this_o account_n of_o the_o matter_n be_v then_o too_o gross_a and_o general_a to_o be_v rest_v in_o and_o we_o must_v be_v therefore_o more_o minute_n and_o particular_a in_o our_o explanation_n of_o it_o if_o we_o will_v be_v more_o clear_n 15._o however_o since_o general_n be_v to_o go_v before_o and_o do_v also_o prepare_v the_o way_n for_o particular_n i_o shall_v first_o propose_v the_o general_a idea_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o then_o particularize_v upon_o that_o idea_n by_o open_v and_o unfold_a more_o distinct_o and_o explicit_o what_o be_v contain_v in_o it_o and_o by_o so_o compare_v and_o collate_v together_o the_o two_o part_n of_o the_o notion_n as_o to_o show_v the_o real_a difference_n that_o be_v between_o they_o so_o that_o i_o shall_v make_v but_o one_o work_n of_o the_o explanatory_n and_o justificatory_a part_n suppose_v that_o there_o need_v no_o more_o to_o the_o justification_n of_o the_o distinction_n than_o only_o to_o have_v the_o member_n of_o it_o well_o explain_v for_o if_o the_o idea_n of_o above_o reason_n be_v distinct_a from_o the_o idea_n of_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o the_o explanation_n of_o they_o will_v show_v that_o it_o be_v than_o the_o distinction_n proceed_v upon_o a_o real_a difference_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o have_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o 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 there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a operation_n of_o that_o namely_o perception_n by_o comprehend_v here_o must_v be_v mean_v the_o same_o as_o by_o perceive_v so_o that_o when_o we_o say_v of_o thing_n above_o reason_n that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v it_o be_v the_o same_o as_o to_o say_v they_o be_v such_o as_o the_o understanding_n can_v perceive_v but_o then_o when_o we_o say_v can_v perceive_v it_o be_v to_o be_v careful_o note_v that_o this_o be_v not_o to_o be_v understand_v of_o the_o literal_a and_o grammatical_a mean_v of_o the_o proposition_n as_o if_o the_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n be_v perfect_o unintelligible_a but_o only_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o as_o be_v observe_v before_o concern_v faith_n and_o then_o again_o when_o we_o say_v that_o above_o reason_n be_v when_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v or_o perceive_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n this_o must_v not_o be_v mean_v of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o truth_n in_o its_o whole_a latitude_n and_o extent_n so_o that_o as_o many_o truth_n shall_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o we_o can_v thus_o thorough_o comprehend_v and_o pursue_v throughout_o all_o their_o consequence_n and_o relation_n to_o other_o truth_n for_o then_o almost_o every_o thing_n will_v be_v above_o reason_n but_o only_o of_o not_o comprehend_v the_o union_n or_o connexion_n of_o those_o immediate_a idea_n of_o which_o the_o proposition_n suppose_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n consist_v and_o which_o be_v therefore_o say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n not_o because_o the_o simple_a and_o direct_a mean_v of_o its_o term_n be_v unintelligible_a or_o because_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o comprehensible_a in_o its_o remote_a and_o utmost_a extent_n but_o pure_o because_o the_o connexion_n of_o its_o idea_n or_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o be_v not_o discernible_a and_o that_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o sufficient_a clearness_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o so_o as_o to_o be_v able_a to_o perceive_v their_o union_n intuitive_o and_o partly_o for_o want_v of_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a medium_fw-la whereby_o to_o compare_v they_o so_o as_o to_o discern_v their_o union_n in_o the_o way_n of_o science_n and_o demonstration_n 18._o it_o be_v also_o to_o be_v observe_v upon_o the_o second_o part_n of_o the_o explanation_n that_o i_o choose_v rather_o to_o say_v that_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n be_v such_o as_o we_o perceive_v to_o be_v impossible_a than_o such_o as_o appear_v contrary_a to_o some_o principle_n or_o some_o conclusion_n of_o right_a reason_n this_o be_v the_o more_o general_n and_o absolute_a idea_n whereof_o the_o two_o other_o be_v but_o instance_n and_o specification_n for_o than_o be_v a_o thing_n say_v to_o be_v impossible_a when_o its_o idea_n can_v stand_v together_o or_o be_v unite_v which_o may_v be_v either_o because_o of_o the_o immediate_a opposition_n and_o inconsistency_n of_o the_o idea_n themselves_o with_o themselves_o so_o as_o 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the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o as_o certain_a as_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o may_v also_o be_v as_o certain_a of_o it_o for_o he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o full_a evidence_n can_v but_o assent_v full_o and_o perfect_o without_o suspense_n or_o hesitation_n and_o so_o also_o can_v he_o that_o assent_v to_o a_o thing_n upon_o divine_a authority_n only_o his_o ground_n be_v every_o whit_n as_o firm_a and_o sure_a as_o the_o other_o and_o why_o then_o shall_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o assurance_n be_v less_o it_o can_v possible_o be_v if_o he_o know_v and_o consider_v upon_o what_o ground_n he_o stand_v so_o that_o thus_o far_o both_o in_o regard_n of_o the_o certainty_n of_o the_o object_n and_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o persuasion_n divine_a faith_n may_v be_v just_o place_v upon_o a_o level_n with_o the_o most_o evident_a assent_n whatever_o 11._o nor_o i_o suppose_v will_v this_o be_v think_v a_o undue_a elevation_n of_o divine_a faith_n on_o the_o contrary_a i_o expect_v to_o be_v complain_v of_o for_o set_v the_o dignity_n of_o it_o at_o too_o low_a a_o pitch_n by_o those_o who_o say_v that_o divine_a faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n but_o it_o be_v for_o want_v of_o the_o latter_a that_o these_o man_n so_o excessive_o extol_v the_o former_a i_o call_v it_o excessive_o because_o it_o be_v what_o strict_o and_o exact_o speak_v can_v be_v for_o what_o i_o perceive_v or_o know_v be_v even_o by_o that_o very_a supposition_n unquestionable_o true_a or_o else_o i_o can_v be_v say_v to_o know_v it_o and_o what_o i_o believe_v upon_o the_o high_a authority_n can_v be_v no_o more_o to_o say_v therefore_o that_o faith_n be_v firm_a than_o science_n be_v like_o say_v that_o one_o straight_a line_n be_v straight_a than_o another_o but_o perhaps_o their_o mean_v only_o be_v that_o it_o be_v safe_o rely_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n than_o upon_o our_o own_o rational_a faculty_n which_o indeed_o be_v right_a and_o i_o hearty_o wish_v all_o man_n be_v convince_v of_o it_o for_o though_o what_o i_o do_v actual_o and_o real_o know_v be_v to_o the_o full_a as_o true_a and_o certain_a as_o what_o i_o believe_v and_o i_o can_v no_o more_o be_v out_o in_o one_o than_o in_o the_o other_o yet_o it_o be_v more_o certain_a in_o the_o general_a that_o god_n can_v deceive_v i_o than_o that_o my_o reason_n can_v be_v deceive_v not_o that_o what_o i_o assent_n to_o by_o divine_a faith_n can_v have_v a_o great_a objective_n certainty_n than_o what_o i_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v or_o know_v but_o only_o that_o there_o be_v a_o possibility_n not_o to_o say_v danger_n of_o my_o take_n that_o for_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a perception_n which_o ●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
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
against_o their_o be_v so_o reveal_v suppose_v the_o plain_a obvious_a and_o literal_a construction_n of_o the_o word_n do_v natural_o and_o direct_o lead_v to_o such_o a_o sense_n and_o that_o it_o do_v so_o be_v not_o i_o think_v offer_v to_o be_v deny_v and_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v plain_a enough_o to_o extort_v a_o acknowledgement_n but_o then_o it_o be_v pretend_v that_o there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o have_v recourse_n to_o a_o different_a construction_n and_o to_o understand_v the_o word_n in_o another_o sense_n because_o of_o the_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibleness_n of_o that_o which_o their_o proper_a and_o grammatical_a scheme_n do_v exhibit_v but_o by_o the_o tenor_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n it_o evident_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o necessity_n since_o to_o admit_v a_o incomprehensible_a sense_n have_v nothing_o absurd_a or_o inconvenient_a in_o it_o and_o that_o because_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o the_o untruth_n of_o it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o a_o objection_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v than_o it_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o untruth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v a_o reasonable_a obstruction_n against_o either_o 5._o we_o be_v therefore_o to_o take_v the_o word_n of_o scripture_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a and_o most_o natural_a sense_n and_o not_o seek_v out_o for_o force_a and_o strain_v interpretation_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o that_o which_o be_v apparent_o genuine_a and_o natural_a and_o if_o the_o revelation_n be_v otherwise_o plain_a and_o such_o as_o we_o will_v accept_v of_o in_o another_o case_n and_o about_o matter_n which_o we_o can_v well_o comprehend_v we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v it_o the_o less_o so_o because_o the_o sense_n of_o it_o so_o understand_v be_v such_o as_o we_o can_v reconcile_v to_o our_o apprehension_n and_o conception_n of_o thing_n for_o notwithstanding_o that_o it_o may_v be_v true_a since_o by_o this_o time_n we_o may_v be_v sufficient_o satisfy_v that_o there_o be_v many_o incomprehensible_a truth_n the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v therefore_o no_o argument_n against_o its_o be_v reveal_v any_o more_o than_o it_o be_v against_o the_o belief_n of_o it_o suppose_v it_o be_v which_o open_v a_o immediate_a entrance_n to_o the_o christian_n mystery_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o will_v be_v think_v sufficient_o reveal_v be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o they_o the_o only_a objection_n that_o can_v be_v pretend_v against_o their_o revelation_n 6._o i_o have_v hitherto_o argue_v upon_o the_o supposition_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n those_o doctrine_n i_o mean_v that_o be_v so_o call_v be_v above_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o do_v transcend_v our_o comprehension_n and_o have_v show_v that_o even_o upon_o that_o supposition_n there_o be_v no_o reasonable_a objection_n against_o the_o belief_n of_o they_o that_o they_o be_v never_o the_o less_o believable_a for_o their_o be_v incomprehensible_a but_o what_o if_o i_o shall_v recall_v this_o concession_n and_o put_v our_o adversary_n to_o the_o proof_n that_o they_o be_v indeed_o above_o human_a reason_n and_o comprehension_n they_o can_v be_v ignorant_a that_o there_o be_v those_o that_o contend_v they_o be_v not_o and_o with_o great_a show_n of_o reason_n offer_v to_o prove_v it_o by_o endeavour_v to_o render_v a_o conceivable_a and_o intelligible_a account_n of_o they_o if_o these_o man_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o right_n which_o i_o do_v not_o think_v necessary_a at_o present_a to_o inquire_v into_o it_o will_v be_v a_o further_a advantage_n to_o our_o cause_n and_o such_o as_o though_o i_o do_v not_o now_o insist_v upon_o it_o i_o need_v not_o lose_v the_o benefit_n of_o but_o if_o it_o shall_v prove_v that_o they_o be_v not_o in_o the_o right_n the_o cause_n of_o our_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o much_o concern_v in_o the_o loss_n of_o that_o pillar_n but_o can_v support_v itself_o well_o enough_o without_o it_o as_o have_v another_o that_o be_v sufficient_a to_o bear_v its_o weight_n since_o though_o we_o shall_v suppose_v these_o sacred_a doctrine_n to_o be_v never_o so_o incomprehensible_a to_o our_o reason_n it_o do_v by_o no_o consequence_n follow_v as_o from_o the_o argument_n of_o this_o whole_a discourse_n be_v apparent_a that_o therefore_o they_o may_v not_o be_v due_a object_n of_o our_o faith_n 7._o shall_v any_o one_o now_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o objection_n as_o to_o draw_v one_o against_o the_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n from_o the_o use_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o scripture_n which_o know_v no_o other_o mystery_n but_o such_o as_o before_o the_o revelation_n of_o they_o be_v undiscovered_a not_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o conceivable_a or_o no_o i_o must_v tell_v he_o that_o i_o do_v not_o know_v that_o ever_o i_o meet_v in_o any_o controversy_n with_o a_o less_o pertinent_a objection_n as_o much_o as_o it_o be_v make_v of_o by_o a_o late_a bold_a writer_n 90._o who_o heap_v together_o a_o great_a many_o text_n to_o show_v the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n that_o it_o signify_v not_o thing_n in_o themselves_o inconceivable_a but_o only_o such_o as_o be_v not_o know_v before_o they_o be_v reveal_v well_o be_v it_o so_o as_o this_o gentleman_n pretend_v though_o i_o believe_v upon_o examination_n it_o will_v appear_v otherwise_o yet_o what_o be_v this_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o do_v we_o dispute_v about_o name_n or_o thing_n the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o the_o scripture_n express_v inconceivable_a thing_n by_o the_o name_n of_o mystery_n but_o whether_o there_o be_v not_o thing_n in_o scripture_n above_o our_o conception_n call_v they_o by_o what_o name_v you_o will_v and_o if_o there_o be_v whether_o their_o be_v so_o above_o our_o conception_n be_v a_o argument_n why_o they_o shall_v not_o be_v believe_v now_o to_o these_o inconceivable_a thing_n it_o have_v be_v the_o common_a use_n of_o church-writer_n to_o apply_v the_o name_n of_o mystery_n which_o if_o the_o thing_n be_v grant_v he_o must_v be_v a_o great_a lover_n of_o cavil_v and_o wrangle_v that_o will_v contend_v about_o it_o but_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o worcester_n have_v already_o prevent_v i_o in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o objection_n faith_n for_o which_o reason_n together_o with_o the_o frivolousness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v pursue_v it_o no_o further_o chap._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 1._o and_o thus_o i_o have_v lead_v my_o reader_n through_o a_o long_a course_n of_o various_a reason_v and_o perhaps_o as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v willing_a to_o follow_v i_o though_o i_o hope_v his_o journey_n have_v not_o be_v without_o some_o pleasure_n that_o may_v deceive_v and_o some_o profit_n that_o may_v in_o part_n reward_v the_o labour_n of_o it_o i_o have_v show_v he_o what_o reason_n be_v and_o what_o faith_n be_v that_o so_o he_o may_v see_v from_o the_o absolute_a nature_n of_o each_o what_o habitude_n and_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o one_o another_o and_o how_o the_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n of_o the_o latter_a may_v consist_v with_o the_o light_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o former_a i_o have_v also_o considere_v the_o distinction_n of_o thing_n above_o reason_n and_o thing_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o show_v it_o to_o be_v real_a and_o wellgrounded_n and_o to_o have_v all_o that_o be_v requisite_a to_o a_o good_a distinction_n and_o for_o the_o further_a confirmation_n of_o it_o i_o have_v also_o show_v that_o human_a reason_n be_v not_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n from_o which_o great_a principle_n which_o i_o be_v the_o more_o willing_a to_o discourse_v at_o large_a and_o thorough_o to_o settle_v and_o establish_v because_o of_o its_o moment_n and_o consequence_n to_o the_o concern_v in_o hand_n i_o have_v deduce_v that_o weighty_a inference_n that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o conclude_v argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a which_o consequence_n for_o the_o great_a security_n of_o it_o because_o it_o be_v so_o considerable_a in_o the_o present_a controversy_n i_o have_v also_o prove_v backward_o by_o show_v 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 then_o human_a reason_n contrary_a to_o what_o be_v before_o demonstrate_v will_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o truth_n whence_o i_o infer_v again_o ex_fw-la absurdo_fw-la that_o therefore_o the_o incomprehensibility_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v no_o argument_n of_o its_o not_o be_v true_a from_o this_o last_o consequence_n i_o infer_v another_o of_o no_o less_o moment_n and_o
that_o therefore_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n be_v not_o only_o vast_o exceed_v by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o very_o considerable_o even_o by_o our_o own_o idea_n there_o be_v many_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v idea_n and_o sometime_o very_o clear_a one_o too_o and_o yet_o which_o we_o know_v no_o more_o how_o to_o reason_v upon_o or_o discourse_v of_o intelligible_o or_o with_o any_o certainty_n than_o we_o do_v of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o be_v for_o example_n no_o more_o able_a to_o tell_v what_o proportion_n such_o a_o circle_n bear_v to_o such_o a_o square_n though_o we_o have_v clear_a idea_n of_o both_o than_o we_o be_v to_o tell_v what_o proportion_n there_o be_v between_o angel_n and_o our_o own_o soul_n thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n a_o very_a remarkable_a instance_n of_o the_o shortness_n and_o contractedness_n of_o our_o understanding_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v not_o only_o destitute_a of_o the_o idea_n of_o many_o thing_n and_o consequent_o of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o extent_n of_o our_o knowledge_n shall_v exceed_v that_o of_o our_o idea_n but_o be_v also_o blind_a to_o those_o very_a idea_n which_o they_o have_v and_o can_v see_v even_o when_o they_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o the_o light_n but_o i_o say_v i_o need_v not_o present_v my_o reader_n with_o a_o night-piece_n of_o human_a reason_n describe_v great_a blindness_n and_o gross_a darkness_n how_o ignorant_a she_o be_v when_o she_o do_v not_o adventure_v to_o judge_v and_o how_o erroneous_a when_o she_o do_v stumble_v and_o fall_v as_o be_v usual_a in_o the_o dark_a out_o of_o one_o mistake_v into_o another_o out_o of_o one_o error_n into_o another_o either_o by_o embrace_v false_a principle_n or_o by_o draw_v wrong_a conclusion_n from_o true_a one_o so_o that_o ignorance_n seem_v her_o safe_a retreat_n and_o to_o suspend_v her_o best_a wisdom_n these_o i_o say_v and_o such_o other_o of_o our_o intellectual_a infirmity_n i_o need_v not_o insist_v upon_o or_o make_v any_o advantage_n of_o it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o conclude_v the_o point_n in_o hand_n that_o human_a reason_n in_o its_o large_a capacity_n and_o extent_n and_o with_o all_o the_o advantage_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o artificial_a improvement_n be_v after_o all_o but_o a_o finite_a thing_n and_o that_o to_o be_v sure_o the_o most_o zealous_a of_o its_o votary_n and_o advocate_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v since_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o what_o have_v bound_n shall_v be_v able_a total_o and_o adequate_o to_o comprehend_v what_o have_v none_o or_o that_o finite_a shall_v be_v the_o measure_n of_o infinite_a 19_o i_o know_v but_o of_o one_o thing_n that_o can_v with_o any_o pertinency_n be_v reply_v to_o this_o argument_n and_o that_o be_v that_o though_o human_a reason_n as_o finite_a be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v all_o truth_n as_o be_v infinite_a yet_o however_o 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can_v yet_o never_o penetrate_v and_o which_o by_o the_o way_n it_o may_v be_v worthy_a of_o god_n to_o reveal_v to_o we_o if_o it_o be_v only_o to_o check_n and_o control_v the_o dare_a progress_n of_o our_o understanding_n to_o make_v we_o understand_v our_o measure_n and_o remember_v that_o we_o be_v but_o man_n to_o be_v sensible_a of_o the_o defect_n of_o that_o part_n upon_o which_o we_o most_o value_v ourselves_o and_o despite_v other_o and_o that_o even_o the_o light_n that_o be_v in_o we_o be_v but_o darkness_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o truth_n i_o do_v not_o now_o say_v but_o only_o that_o upon_o the_o supposition_n of_o the_o infinity_o of_o truth_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o be_v sure_o but_o that_o there_o may_v be_v such_o which_o be_v enough_o to_o hinder_v our_o reason_n from_o be_v at_o least_o as_o to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n since_o if_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v more_o than_o we_o know_v or_o can_v possible_o be_v assure_v of_o which_o make_v it_o all_o one_o to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o we_o can_v make_v use_n of_o it_o as_o a_o measure_n or_o draw_v any_o consequence_n from_o it_o to_o the_o falsehood_n impossibility_n or_o incredibility_n of_o thing_n incomprehensible_a since_o for_o aught_o we_o know_v or_o can_v know_v to_o the_o contrary_a there_o may_v be_v truth_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v 20._o but_o then_o i_o say_v further_o three_o that_o the_o infinite_a nature_n of_o truth_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o acknowledge_v that_o there_o actual_o be_v and_o must_v be_v such_o for_o if_o truth_n be_v infinite_a then_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v it_o in_o its_o full_a and_o entire_a extent_n and_o so_o much_o the_o very_a objection_n suppose_v but_o then_o i_o say_v that_o as_o the_o want_n of_o a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o truth_n do_v very_o much_o shade_n and_o darken_v the_o perception_n of_o any_o one_o single_a truth_n in_o particular_a and_o 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