beneficence_n preserve_v and_o keep_v up_o among_o mankind_n now_o in_o order_n to_o discover_v these_o same_o law_n of_o right_n and_o property_n whereby_o every_o man_n be_v to_o know_v what_o be_v true_o his_o own_o i_o lay_v down_o this_o general_a rule_n as_o a_o thing_n most_o reasonable_a that_o whereas_o original_o every_o man_n right_n and_o title_n to_o every_o thing_n may_v be_v esteem_v equal_a god_n have_v give_v we_o all_o the_o creature_n in_o common_a and_o not_o by_o any_o act_n of_o he_o divide_v to_o each_o man_n his_o several_a property_n if_o there_o be_v any_o apparent_a or_o but_o probable_a ground_n why_o such_o or_o such_o a_o particular_a thing_n shall_v be_v the_o property_n of_o one_o man_n rather_o than_o of_o another_o that_o ought_v so_o to_o determine_v the_o matter_n as_o to_o oblige_v all_o other_o man_n quiet_o to_o yield_v and_o suffer_v he_o to_o enjoy_v and_o use_v that_o same_o thing_n whatever_o it_o be_v as_o his_o own_o for_o where_o the_o balance_n stand_v exact_o even_o a_o small_a matter_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n to_o one_o side_n now_o in_o these_o follow_a case_n there_o seem_v to_o be_v great_a reason_n for_o determine_v a_o property_n in_o a_o thing_n to_o particular_a person_n viz._n 1._o when_o a_o man_n be_v the_o first_o that_o take_v actual_a possession_n of_o a_o thing_n and_o convert_v it_o to_o his_o own_o use_n for_o such_o a_o possession_n be_v a_o addition_n to_o his_o general_a right_n beyond_o what_o any_o other_o man_n who_o never_o be_v in_o possession_n can_v pretend_v and_o why_o shall_v i_o part_v with_o my_o possession_n to_o any_o other_o or_o he_o demand_v it_o from_o i_o except_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v out_o a_o better_a title_n than_o i_o to_o the_o thing_n in_o dispute_n 2._o when_o a_o man_n take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v actual_o reject_v and_o desert_v by_o he_o who_o last_o have_v the_o right_n to_o and_o possession_n of_o it_o for_o his_o case_n seem_v to_o be_v much_o the_o same_o with_o his_o who_o first_o take_v possession_n of_o a_o thing_n 3._o when_o a_o thing_n be_v give_v or_o in_o exchange_n make_v over_o to_z another_z by_o he_o who_o have_v before_o a_o just_a right_o thereto_o for_o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v liberty_n to_o dispose_v of_o his_o own_o 4._o when_o a_o company_n of_o people_n do_v by_o a_o agreement_n make_v a_o partition_n of_o what_o be_v before_o in_o common_a among_o they_o all_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v acquiesce_v in_o that_o share_n which_o upon_o such_o a_o division_n shall_v fall_v to_o his_o lot_n 5._o when_o a_o man_n take_v care_n and_o pain_n to_o produce_v and_o rear_v any_o thing_n for_o his_o own_o use_n or_o profit_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o and_o not_o another_o man_n against_o his_o consent_n shall_v enjoy_v the_o benefit_n of_o his_o own_o labour_n and_o last_o where_o a_o society_n of_o people_n do_v submit_v their_o property_n unto_o a_o legislative_a power_n which_o be_v erect_v among_o they_o it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o herein_o they_o shall_v always_o be_v conclude_v and_o determine_v by_o the_o law_n of_o that_o community_n of_o which_o they_o be_v member_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o rule_n for_o determine_v the_o right_n of_o man_n to_o particular_a thing_n it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o due_a care_n must_v be_v take_v to_o keep_v and_o observe_v they_o or_o else_o farewell_n all_o order_n and_o society_n 30._o where_o fidelity_n be_v want_v society_n can_v be_v true_o keep_v and_o preserve_v i_o therefore_o conclude_v that_o every_o man_n be_v oblige_v faithful_o to_o perform_v whatever_o he_o promise_v except_o the_o person_n to_o who_o the_o promise_n be_v make_v do_v free_o acquit_v and_o discharge_v he_o from_o it_o but_o if_o a_o man_n promise_v to_o do_v a_o thing_n which_o be_v sinful_a he_o ought_v not_o to_o keep_v such_o a_o promise_n as_o that_o as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v in_o the_o case_n of_o a_o oath_n 31._o and_o the_o same_o reason_n which_o oblige_v we_o to_o hurt_v no_o man_n to_o yield_v to_o every_o man_n his_o right_n and_o to_o keep_v our_o promise_n do_v plain_o show_v that_o he_o who_o wrong_v full_o hurt_v another_o or_o deprive_v he_o of_o his_o right_n or_o break_v his_o promise_n make_v to_o he_o oughts_z as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v able_a to_o make_v full_a restitution_n and_o satisfaction_n to_o the_o person_n who_o he_o have_v thus_o injure_v for_o he_o that_o make_v a_o breach_n in_o humane_a society_n be_v doubtless_o oblige_v as_o far_o as_o he_o can_v to_o repair_v it_o 32._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v literal_o false_a and_o yet_o speak_v with_o no_o manner_n of_o intention_n to_o deceive_v another_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v call_v a_o lie_n but_o he_o who_o assert_n any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n with_o a_o intent_n to_o make_v another_o believe_v it_o which_o be_v or_o for_o aught_o he_o know_v may_v be_v false_a he_o only_o be_v to_o be_v esteem_v a_o lyar._n now_o some_o have_v doubt_v whether_o the_o sin_n of_o a_o lie_n consist_v in_o the_o bare_a untruth_n or_o only_o in_o the_o injustice_n of_o it_o and_o from_o thence_o have_v be_v incline_v to_o believe_v that_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o do_v no_o hurt_n to_o any_o one_o not_o draw_v any_o manner_n of_o evil_a consequence_n after_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o sin_n and_o so_o much_o the_o less_o if_o it_o be_v tell_v with_o a_o real_a design_n only_o to_o do_v good_a or_o prevent_v mischief_n the_o nicety_n of_o this_o controversy_n i_o leave_v to_o be_v discuss_v by_o other_o but_o since_o humane_a society_n can_v be_v uphold_v without_o in_o many_o case_n a_o dependence_n upon_o one_o another_o veracity_n i_o may_v sure_o venture_v thus_o far_o to_o conolude_v viz._n that_o not_o only_o such_o a_o lie_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o damage_n of_o another_o but_o also_o such_o a_o lie_n however_o otherwise_o innocent_a as_o give_v occasion_n to_o render_v a_o man_n truth_n suspect_v in_o other_o case_n be_v to_o be_v repute_v unlawful_a if_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n yet_o at_o least_o before_o this_o because_o it_o be_v injurious_a to_o humane_a society_n and_o the_o same_o reason_n will_v hold_v as_o strong_o against_o all_o mental_a reservation_n and_o equivocal_a expression_n for_o what_o be_v humane_a society_n at_o any_o time_n the_o better_a for_o the_o literal_a truth_n of_o what_o a_o man_n say_v if_o other_o who_o be_v therein_o concern_v do_v not_o understand_v his_o true_a meaning_n by_o the_o word_n which_o he_o speak_v to_o they_o 33._o it_o be_v high_o reasonable_a that_o every_o man_n shall_v have_v such_o a_o esteem_n and_o respect_n show_v he_o as_o may_v be_v proportionable_a to_o his_o virtue_n and_o good_a quality_n and_o as_o it_o be_v proper_a enough_o for_o a_o man_n by_o lawful_a way_n to_o assert_v his_o own_o reputation_n whenever_o it_o be_v unjust_o asperse_v so_o he_o ought_v to_o take_v especial_a care_n in_o the_o management_n of_o all_o his_o word_n and_o action_n that_o he_o may_v not_o seem_v to_o exalt_v or_o magnify_v himself_o or_o to_o despise_v or_o undervalue_v other_o beyond_o what_o be_v not_o only_o just_a and_o true_a but_o also_o necessary_a either_o for_o the_o bring_n about_o something_o that_o be_v good_a or_o the_o prevent_a something_o that_o be_v evil_a for_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n that_o give_v great_a disgust_n or_o help_v to_o render_v a_o man_n more_o odious_a to_o the_o world_n than_o a_o over-forwardness_n to_o praise_n and_o magnify_v himself_o and_o to_o undervalue_v other_o if_o he_o be_v not_o necessitate_v thereto_o by_o some_o very_a just_a reason_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v scarce_o any_o thing_n which_o reconcile_v a_o man_n more_o to_o the_o favour_n and_o good_a will_n of_o people_n than_o when_o he_o be_v not_o over_o apt_a to_o ascribe_v much_o to_o himself_o but_o be_v ready_a to_o give_v the_o utmost_a honour_n and_o respect_n to_o all_o other_o that_o in_o reason_n can_v be_v think_v due_a i_o conclude_v therefore_o that_o pride_n be_v a_o sin_n and_o humility_n a_o duty_n because_o the_o former_a tend_v to_o disturb_v but_o the_o latter_a strengthener_n and_o confirm_v humane_a society_n 34._o what_o be_v incumbent_n upon_o he_o to_o do_v who_o have_v do_v wrong_a to_o another_o i_o have_v just_a now_o show_v but_o if_o another_o man_n wrong_v or_o any_o way_n endeavour_n to_o injure_v i_o as_o it_o be_v lawful_a for_o i_o so_o for_o every_o man_n to_o stand_v upon_o my_o defence_n and_o use_v my_o utmost_a endeavour_n to_o save_v myself_o from_o wrong_n or_o recover_v that_o
as_o hope_v only_o for_o his_o sake_n to_o be_v accept_v who_o be_v represent_v as_o our_o only_a mediator_n and_o intercessor_n with_o god_n whosoever_o therefore_o offer_v to_o join_v the_o merit_n mediation_n or_o intercession_n of_o any_o saint_n together_o with_o christ_n jesus_n either_o to_o strengthen_v his_o hope_n of_o salvation_n or_o to_o make_v his_o devotion_n more_o sure_o to_o be_v accept_v by_o god_n as_o he_o seem_v to_o distrust_v the_o mediation_n of_o christ_n as_o if_o alone_z it_o be_v imperfect_a and_o insufficient_a so_o he_o act_v not_o only_o without_o any_o warrant_n from_o but_o even_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_a tenor_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n 13._o that_o it_o be_v absurd_a to_o attempt_v and_o impossible_a to_o make_v any_o bodily_a or_o visible_a picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n who_o be_v both_o incorporeal_a and_o invisible_a be_v most_o evident_a beyond_o doubt_n or_o denial_n and_o when_o any_o such_o representation_n be_v make_v with_o that_o design_n and_o expose_v to_o the_o view_n of_o the_o people_n the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o they_o must_v needs_o be_v to_o beget_v wrong_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o the_o mind_n at_o least_o of_o the_o more_o ignorant_a sort_n for_o such_o as_o any_o thing_n be_v represent_v to_o they_o such_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v it_o in_o all_o point_n to_o be_v my_o reason_n therefore_o alone_o will_v sufficient_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v unlawful_a to_o make_v any_o sort_n of_o picture_n or_o image_n to_o represent_v god_n although_o he_o have_v not_o so_o positive_o forbid_v it_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n nor_o so_o express_o declare_v himself_o a_o jealous_a god_n in_o that_o particular_a 14._o in_o all_o case_n where_o one_o man_n may_v deceive_v another_o to_o his_o great_a damage_n it_o be_v reasonable_a that_o he_o who_o apprehend_v such_o danger_n shall_v not_o depend_v upon_o another_o man_n except_o he_o first_o have_v good_a security_n give_v he_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n now_o many_o time_n the_o best_a or_o indeed_o the_o only_a security_n which_o can_v be_v give_v in_o such_o case_n be_v a_o solemn_a appeal_n to_o almighty_a god_n who_o be_v the_o searcher_n of_o all_o heart_n and_o the_o punisher_n of_o all_o wickedness_n as_o expect_v and_o free_o offer_v one_o self_n to_o his_o wrath_n and_o vengeance_n in_o case_n he_o prevaricate_v in_o what_o he_o assert_n or_o promise_n and_o this_o be_v what_o we_o call_v by_o the_o name_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o since_o he_o who_o take_v a_o oath_n i_o mean_v with_o due_a seriousness_n and_o consideration_n do_v therein_o make_v a_o evident_a acknowledgement_n of_o some_o of_o the_o principal_a attribute_n of_o god_n viz._n his_o omniscience_n justice_n truth_n and_o power_n it_o follow_v that_o a_o oath_n due_o take_v be_v a_o act_n of_o honour_n and_o reverence_n towards_o god_n and_o consequent_o be_v not_o in_o its_o self_n unlawful_a or_o evil_a but_o if_o a_o oath_n be_v take_v rasble_o or_o unadvised_o or_o unnecessary_o or_o in_o trivial_a case_n it_o be_v a_o lessen_v and_o undervalue_v of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n which_o ought_v always_o to_o be_v treat_v with_o the_o profound_a reverence_n and_o consequent_o sinful_a and_o unlawful_a and_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o can_v conceive_v to_o be_v forbid_v by_o our_o bless_a saviour_n mat._n 5._o 34._o nor_o can_v i_o apprehend_v that_o that_o place_n contain_v a_o universal_a prohibition_n of_o all_o swear_n whatsoever_o for_o beside_o that_o the_o very_a context_n in_o the_o precede_a verse_n do_v most_o evident_o limit_v the_o discourse_n to_o such_o oath_n as_o be_v pure_o voluntary_a and_o therefore_o altogether_o unnecessary_a there_o be_v neither_o reason_n nor_o precedent_n to_o induce_v any_o one_o to_o believe_v that_o our_o saviour_n will_v universal_o forbid_v any_o thing_n which_o have_v nothing_o of_o evil_a or_o malignity_n in_o its_o nature_n and_o some_o even_o of_o the_o best_a of_o man_n not_o only_o before_o but_o since_o the_o come_n of_o christ_n and_o even_o the_o bless_a angel_n themselves_o we_o be_v assure_v in_o scripture_n have_v swear_v upon_o some_o occasion_n with_o great_a solemnity_n nor_o do_v the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o other_o place_n where_o mention_n be_v make_v of_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n speak_v of_o it_o as_o a_o thing_n unlawful_a or_o forbid_v or_o any_o way_n universal_o evil_a in_o its_o self_n but_o altogether_o the_o contrary_a nor_o do_v our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o we_o can_v find_v design_v to_o deprive_v prince_n or_o magistrate_n of_o any_o part_n of_o that_o lawful_a power_n which_o they_o have_v over_o their_o subject_n before_o his_o come_n who_o every_o where_o be_v invest_v with_o a_o right_n of_o exact_v a_o oath_n from_o they_o when_o it_o shall_v be_v necessary_a either_o for_o the_o peace_n and_o security_n of_o the_o commonwealth_n or_o for_o the_o end_n of_o difference_n between_o private_a party_n and_o as_o for_o that_o passage_n of_o st._n james_n 5._o 12._o which_o be_v by_o some_o urge_v against_o swear_v in_o any_o case_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v no_o more_o but_o a_o recapitulation_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n which_o be_v just_a now_o mention_v needs_o no_o other_o answer_n than_o what_o i_o have_v already_o give_v but_o since_o the_o very_a nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v to_o invoke_v god_n that_o thereby_o a_o man_n may_v give_v assurance_n to_o another_o of_o his_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n it_o follow_v that_o to_o affirm_v any_o thing_n upon_o oath_n beyond_o what_o the_o man_n who_o swear_v know_v to_o be_v true_a or_o not_o to_o perform_v what_o he_o have_v upon_o his_o oath_n promise_v be_v a_o sin_n and_o since_o he_o who_o impose_v upon_o another_o by_o doubtful_a and_o equivocal_a word_n do_v as_o much_o deceive_v he_o as_o he_o who_o speak_v a_o downright_a falsity_n from_o hence_o it_o will_v follow_v that_o such_o a_o deceitful_a oath_n be_v altogether_o as_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n and_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n and_o consequent_o as_o unlawful_a as_o a_o false_a one_o but_o although_o a_o oath_n lay_v a_o obligation_n upon_o a_o man_n to_o do_v whatever_o he_o have_v swear_v yet_o if_o a_o man_n swear_v to_o do_v any_o thing_n which_o be_v a_o sin_n and_o contrary_a to_o some_o former_a obligation_n under_o which_o he_o indispensable_o lie_v to_o god_n or_o man_n he_o can_v not_o in_o this_o case_n be_v oblige_v to_o keep_v his_o oath_n but_o be_v bind_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o for_o beside_o that_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o any_o man_n own_o act_n shall_v free_v he_o from_o any_o obligation_n under_o which_o he_o lie_v to_o another_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o a_o oath_n can_v neither_o alter_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o sin_n nor_o make_v it_o lawful_a to_o commit_v it_o and_o since_o the_o design_n of_o a_o oath_n in_o its_o own_o nature_n be_v to_o oblige_v he_o to_o performance_n that_o take_v it_o and_o since_o the_o name_n of_o god_n ought_v never_o unnecessary_o to_o be_v invoke_v it_o follow_v that_o where_o a_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o keep_v a_o oath_n he_o ought_v not_o on_o any_o account_n to_o take_v it_o 15._o according_a to_o the_o custom_n of_o different_a place_n there_o have_v divers_a ceremony_n and_o form_n of_o word_n be_v introduce_v in_o the_o take_n of_o a_o oath_n some_o of_o they_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o other_o take_v up_o through_o mistake_n in_o imitation_n thus_o probable_o whereas_o it_o may_v have_v be_v a_o custom_n in_o some_o place_n in_o a_o oath_n to_o invoke_v the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n upon_o one_o head_n from_o hence_o likely_a may_v arise_v that_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o head_n and_o in_o imitation_n thereof_o by_o the_o hand_n or_o other_o part_n of_o the_o body_n and_o whereas_o it_o be_v usual_a to_o take_v solemn_a oath_n in_o extraordinary_a case_n in_o the_o temple_n or_o at_o the_o altar_n and_o with_o we_o at_o this_o time_n lay_v the_o hand_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n from_o hence_o may_v arise_v the_o form_n of_o swear_v by_o the_o temple_n the_o altar_n the_o bible_n etc._n etc._n but_o here_o it_o must_v be_v note_v that_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o oath_n be_v for_o assurance_n and_o consist_v therefore_o altogether_o in_o the_o intention_n of_o the_o party_n viz._n as_o well_o of_o he_o who_o require_v it_o as_o of_o he_o who_o give_v it_o he_o may_v be_v say_v real_o and_o true_o to_o snear_o not_o only_o who_o make_v use_v of_o such_o a_o form_n and_o ceremony_n as_o be_v accustom_v or_o prescribe_v in_o any_o certain_a place_n but_o he_o who_o any_o way_n signify_v to_o another_o a_o intention_n to_o oblige_v himself_o under_o the_o penalty_n of_o god_n wrath_n and_o vengeance_n
the_o scripture_n to_o this_o i_o may_v answer_v that_o there_o be_v several_a passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n itself_o which_o do_v give_v we_o to_o understand_v that_o the_o whole_a law_n and_o will_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v needful_a for_o man_n to_o know_v they_o be_v contain_v in_o those_o holy_a write_n as_o the_o protestant_a divine_n do_v sufficient_o make_v appear_v in_o the_o management_n of_o this_o controversy_n against_o the_o papist_n but_o wave_v this_o i_o think_v it_o be_v enough_o to_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o indeed_o impossible_a in_o itself_o but_o that_o jesus_n may_v have_v make_v know_v other_o particular_n of_o doctrine_n and_o of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n beside_o what_o be_v consign_v to_o we_o by_o the_o scripture_n and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v effectual_o prove_v that_o any_o such_o doctrine_n or_o precept_n be_v deliver_v by_o he_o i_o think_v that_o whosoever_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o proof_n aught_o to_o believe_v that_o doctrine_n and_o obey_v that_o precept_n which_o appear_v to_o be_v so_o deliver_v but_o he_o that_o do_v his_o hearty_a and_o sincere_a endeavour_n to_o find_v out_o the_o doctrine_n and_o will_n of_o god_n deliver_v to_o man_n by_o jesus_n and_o be_v not_o able_a with_o all_o his_o diligence_n to_o discover_v any_o more_o of_o it_o than_o what_o be_v record_v in_o the_o scripture_n if_o he_o faithful_o keep_v and_o observe_v as_o much_o of_o it_o as_o he_o be_v able_a there_o to_o discover_v it_o be_v plain_a that_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o he_o §_o 14._o and_o therefore_o certain_o will_v not_o punish_v he_o for_o want_v of_o any_o thing_n far_o xxxiii_o second_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o in_o read_v these_o book_n there_o do_v appear_v to_o be_v some_o passage_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o every_o man_n reason_n and_o understanding_n and_o some_o which_o be_v irreconcilable_a with_o one_o another_o now_o that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n be_v certain_o true_a must_v be_v allow_v because_o it_o be_v confirm_v by_o god_n that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a be_v acknowledge_v by_o all_o man_n and_o no_o man_n i_o think_v can_v own_o that_o for_o a_o truth_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o plain_n dictate_v of_o his_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o to_o every_o man_n be_v and_o must_v be_v the_o standard_n of_o all_o truth_n whatsoever_o for_o there_o can_v be_v no_o reason_n why_o any_o man_n receive_v and_o own_v any_o thing_n for_o a_o truth_n but_o only_o because_o he_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v conformable_a unto_o the_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a notion_n which_o be_v already_o plant_v in_o his_o mind_n here_o than_o it_o may_v be_v demand_v how_o it_o canbe_n possible_a that_o these_o scripture_n shall_v contain_v the_o true_a and_o uncorrupted_a doctrine_n and_o religion_n of_o jesus_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v first_o that_o i_o can_v find_v any_o appearance_n of_o a_o contradiction_n throughout_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n or_o rule_n of_o manner_n but_o what_o be_v so_o easy_a and_o obvious_a to_o be_v reconcile_v that_o no_o man_n i_o think_v of_o candour_n and_o ingenuity_n but_o will_v be_v ashamed_a to_o object_v it_o second_o and_o as_o for_o those_o few_o seem_a discordance_n which_o do_v occur_v in_o the_o circumstance_n of_o some_o historical_a narration_n though_o i_o perhaps_o be_o not_o able_a to_o reconcile_v they_o yet_o it_o may_v be_v that_o the_o thing_n themselves_o may_v not_o be_v absolute_o irreconcilable_a but_o suppose_v they_o be_v yet_o it_o be_v no_o derogation_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o history_n as_o to_o the_o main_a substance_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o doctrine_n contain_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n that_o some_o of_o the_o sacred_a writer_n have_v be_v mistake_v in_o the_o relation_n of_o some_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n there_o be_v several_a historian_n and_o chronicler_n which_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o life_n and_o reign_n of_o many_o of_o our_o king_n of_o england_n and_o although_o they_o differ_v in_o many_o circumstance_n of_o thing_n yet_o this_o be_v never_o make_v a_o argument_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o main_a history_n wherein_o they_o all_o agree_v and_o why_o may_v not_o the_o scripture-historian_n be_v as_o favourable_o censure_v as_o all_o other_o historian_n in_o the_o world_n be_v three_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n which_o i_o can_v comprehend_v in_o my_o mind_n nor_o frame_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v say_v be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n because_o though_o they_o be_v above_o my_o reach_n yet_o i_o do_v not_o find_v that_o they_o do_v contradict_v any_o of_o those_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a principle_n which_o be_v implant_v in_o my_o understanding_n for_o example_n i_o be_o not_o able_a distinct_o to_o apprehend_v how_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n which_o can_v be_v assign_v be_v yet_o in_o itself_o capable_a of_o be_v for_o ever_o divide_v so_o that_o no_o part_n of_o matter_n though_o ever_o so_o small_a can_v ever_o be_v so_o much_o as_o convince_v to_o be_v absolute_o invisible_a and_o yet_o this_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n that_o my_o reason_n itself_o do_v full_o satisfy_v i_o that_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o though_o i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o the_o same_o thing_n also_o may_v be_v say_v concern_v the_o necessity_n of_o some_o thing_n be_v without_o any_o beginning_n of_o which_o see_v §_o 5_o 6._o now_o if_o i_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n in_o scripture_n which_o be_v thus_o above_o my_o reason_n but_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o i_o can_v refuse_v my_o assent_n unto_o it_o i_o mean_v always_o upon_o a_o supposition_n that_o the_o word_n do_v appear_v evident_o to_o carry_v such_o a_o sense_n for_o i_o can_v conclude_v such_o a_o thing_n to_o be_v impossible_a because_o i_o do_v not_o find_v it_o contrary_n to_o my_o reason_n though_o above_o it_o and_o if_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n in_o my_o apprehension_n possible_a i_o must_v believe_v it_o to_o be_v true_a when_o i_o find_v that_o god_n have_v declare_v it_o so_o to_o be_v other_o thing_n again_o there_o be_v which_o be_v direct_o contrary_a unto_o those_o self-evident_a notion_n and_o principle_n which_o my_o reason_n find_v to_o be_v connatural_a with_o itself_o for_o example_n that_o a_o part_n be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a and_o such_o like_a absurdity_n now_o if_o any_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o my_o reason_n shall_v occur_v to_o i_o in_o scripture_n i_o can_v possible_o believe_v they_o to_o be_v true_a in_o a_o literal_a sense_n for_o that_o be_v to_o renounce_v the_o clear_a dictate_v of_o my_o reason_n and_o understanding_n upon_o which_o the_o certainty_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o believe_v or_o know_v be_v ultimate_o build_v and_o without_o which_o i_o can_v have_v no_o certainty_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o the_o truth_n of_o any_o religion_n and_o therefore_o i_o must_v needs_o understand_v they_o to_o be_v mean_v figurative_o and_o that_o figure_n which_o best_o agree_v to_o such_o word_n according_a to_o the_o most_o common_a custom_n of_o speech_n and_o be_v most_o conformable_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o reason_n i_o think_v be_v always_o to_o be_v prefer_v i_o never_o read_v any_o book_n to_o my_o knowledge_n but_o in_o it_o i_o find_v many_o expression_n which_o take_v literal_o and_o strict_o be_v absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a but_o take_v figurative_o as_o it_o be_v evident_a they_o be_v intend_v do_v contain_v very_o good_a sense_n and_o mean_v since_o then_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v write_v in_o such_o word_n and_o expression_n as_o be_v common_o use_v among_o man_n in_o speak_v and_o write_v why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o strange_a in_o they_o which_o be_v so_o usual_a in_o all_o other_o book_n xxxiv_o three_o it_o may_v be_v object_v that_o this_o doctrine_n which_o i_o have_v teach_v leave_v every_o man_n entire_o to_o his_o own_o reason_n and_o understanding_n to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a religion_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n now_o since_o there_o be_v so_o great_a a_o difference_n between_o the_o notion_n and_o sentiment_n of_o different_a man_n it_o must_v needs_o follow_v that_o all_o man_n be_v leave_v whole_o to_o themselves_o there_o must_v necessary_o be_v great_a variety_n and_o even_o contrariety_n of_o opinion_n among_o they_o concern_v religion_n and_o if_o god_n require_v no_o more_o from_o every_o man_n but_o to_o do_v his_o best_a endeavour_n and_o to_o choose_v
least_o that_o what_o i_o have_v here_o do_v may_v move_v some_o more_o able_a and_o judicious_a person_n to_o take_v the_o work_n in_o hand_n and_o supply_v those_o defect_n of_o which_o i_o have_v be_v guilty_a the_o continuation_n of_o a_o gentleman_n religion_n be_v the_o second_o part_n 1._o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v the_o only_a authentic_a record_n that_o i_o be_o able_a to_o find_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v that_o they_o do_v express_v divine_a matter_n real_o and_o true_o as_o the_o thing_n be_v in_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o i_o can_v but_o believe_v that_o all_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o deliver_v be_v most-certain_o true_a although_o many_o time_n i_o be_o not_o able_a to_o understand_v the_o design_n and._n mean_v of_o some_o expression_n and_o passage_n which_o do_v occur_v therein_o i_o think_v it_o indeed_o to_o be_v very_o proper_a that_o man_n of_o any_o reasonable_a learning_n and_o prudence_n shall_v modest_o offer_v their_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n in_o order_n to_o the_o explain_v of_o such_o place_n of_o the_o scripture_n as_o appear_v to_o be_v abstruse_a and_o difficult_a but_o he_o who_o speak_v his_o own_o word_n and_o not_o those_o of_o scripture_n can_v therein_o only_o offer_v his_o own_o apprehension_n to_o which_o no_o man_n can_v be_v oblige_v to_o subscribe_v any_o far_a than_o as_o he_o be_v in_o his_o own_o reason_n convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o and_o their_o consonancy_n with_o the_o scripture_n 2._o i_o do_v not_o apprehend_v that_o a_o implicit_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n which_o challenge_v it_o part_n 1_o §_o 21._o much_o less_o sure_a to_o any_o other_o church_n which_o do_v not_o require_v it_o when_o therefore_o any_o church_n much_o more_o when_o any_o private_a man_n do_v offer_v i_o any_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n in_o their_o own_o word_n i_o think_v i_o ought_v to_o consider_v first_o whether_o what_o they_o say_v be_v intelligible_a for_o though_o we_o may_v be_v oblige_v to_o believe_v such_o thing_n as_o be_v above_o our_o understanding_n to_o comprehend_v part_v 1_o §_o 33._o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o give_v a_o explicit_a assent_n to_o any_o form_n of_o word_n if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o they_o second_o whether_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o self-evident_a principle_n of_o reason_n for_o if_o i_o apprehend_v it_o to_o be_v otherwise_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o i_o to_o believe_v it_o part_v 1_o §_o 33._o nor_o must_v any_o text_n of_o scripture_n be_v interpret_v above_o the_o level_n of_o plain_a and_o self-evident_a reason_n whatever_o the_o literal_a sense_n may_v seem_v to_o be_v and_o three_o whether_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o solid_a argument_n either_o from_o reason_n or_o scripture_n for_o though_o a_o doctrine_n be_v both_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a yet_o still_o it_o may_v be_v false_a and_o therefore_o be_v not_o to_o be_v believe_v except_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v these_o rule_n i_o have_v endeavour_v strict_o to_o observe_v in_o the_o trial_n of_o those_o doctrine_n which_o i_o be_o now_o about_o to_o propose_v and_o i_o desire_v my_o reader_n careful_o to_o make_v use_n of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o examination_n of_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v offer_v unto_o he_o but_o here_o i_o must_v desire_v he_o to_o take_v notice_n that_o i_o do_v fuppose_v he_o to_o be_v well_o acquaint_v with_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o also_o with_o the_o common_a argument_n upon_o which_o the_o several_a party_n of_o christian_n do_v ground_n and_o maintain_v their_o opinion_n and_o therefore_o for_o his_o ease_n as_o well_o as_o my_o own_o i_o shall_v save_v myself_o the_o labour_n of_o mention_v such_o argument_n and_o place_n of_o scripture_n as_o be_v usual_o bring_v to_o prove_v those_o point_n which_o be_v general_o acknowledge_v by_o all_o christian_n and_o even_o in_o those_o point_n which_o be_v controvert_v between_o different_a party_n i_o shall_v ordinary_o think_v it_o enough_o to_o hint_n at_o some_o of_o those_o text_n and_o argument_n which_o be_v use_v on_o either_o side_n of_o which_o i_o can_v scarce_o suppose_v any_o man_n to_o be_v ignorant_a that_o be_v but_o moderate_o acquaint_v with_o the_o principle_n of_o christianity_n and_o the_o several_a party_n that_o profess_v it_o 3._o to_o believe_v what_o god_n make_v know_v and_o to_o do_v what_o he_o command_v be_v what_o all_o man_n call_v religion_n but_o thing_n that_o be_v impossible_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n require_v from_o no_o man_n part_n 1_o §_o 14._o when_o therefore_o damnation_n be_v denounce_v in_o scripture_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v not_o the_o gospel_n it_o must_v needs_o be_v understand_v only_o of_o they_o in_o who_o power_n it_o be_v to_o have_v receive_v it_o and_o not_o of_o such_o who_o be_v invincible_o ignorant_a either_o for_o want_v of_o capacity_n john_n 9_o 41._o or_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n joh._n 15._o 22._o but_o for_o a_o man_n who_o have_v both_o the_o capacity_n and_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n through_o negligence_n to_o continue_v in_o ignorance_n of_o god_n will_n my_o reason_n tell_v i_o be_v a_o very_a great_a sin_n beside_o all_o those_o place_n of_o scripture_n which_o do_v require_v we_o diligent_o to_o seek_v after_o knowledge_n 4._o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n be_v sufficient_o to_o be_v prove_v from_o our_o own_o reason_n and_o observation_n but_o full_o to_o comprehend_v his_o nature_n or_o declare_v in_o all_o point_n what_o he_o be_v be_v by_o all_o allow_a to_o be_v impossible_a to_o we_o 5._o that_o god_n never_o have_v a_o beginning_n i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_o conclude_v part_n 1_o §_o 6._o and_o if_o the_o holy_a scripture_n have_v not_o tell_v i_o that_o he_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a yet_o my_o own_o reason_n will_v have_v infer_v that_o he_o be_v subject_a to_o no_o decay_n nor_o ever_o shall_v have_v a_o end_v 6._o the_o nature_n of_o every_o material_a be_v seem_v necessary_o to_o imply_v a_o possibility_n of_o have_v its_o part_n disjoin_v and_o separate_v one_o from_o another_o and_o consequent_o of_o be_v dissolve_v and_o destroy_v and_o theresore_n i_o conclude_v that_o the_o eternal_a god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n and_o that_o be_v which_o be_v intelligent_a and_o do_v not_o consist_v of_o any_o material_a part_n i_o call_v a_o spirit_n and_o this_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o god_n be_v a_o spirit_n as_o for_o those_o expression_n the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o arm_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o such_o like_a which_o do_v occur_v sometime_o in_o scripture_n and_o seem_v to_o imply_v bodily_a part_n it_o be_v manifest_o obvious_a that_o they_o must_v be_v pure_o metaphorical_a 7._o our_o experience_n do_v sufficient_o testify_v that_o whatsoever_o be_v visible_a to_o we_o be_v ever_o material_a since_o therefore_o god_n do_v not_o consist_v of_o matter_n i_o conclude_v that_o he_o be_v invisible_a to_o mortal_a eye_n as_o the_o scripture_n positive_o declare_v he_o to_o be_v and_o all_o those_o text_n which_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o he_o have_v be_v see_v by_o man_n i_o think_v must_v of_o necessity_n be_v interpret_v some_o other_o way_n viz._n either_o 1._o of_o a_o angel_n appear_v in_o a_o glorious_a and_o majestatick_a manner_n or_o 2._o of_o the_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n assume_v a_o bodily_a appearance_n as_o after_o he_o take_v our_o nature_n upon_o he_o or_o 3._o of_o some_o visible_a and_o extraordinary_a sign_n and_o token_n that_o the_o invisible_a god_n be_v there_o present_a in_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n or_o 4._o of_o those_o mystical_a and_o hieroglyphical_a representation_n which_o god_n have_v sometime_o be_v please_v to_o make_v of_o himself_o not_o to_o the_o sense_n but_o to_o the_o imagination_n and_o understanding_n of_o his_o prophet_n in_o their_o extatick_a dream_n and_o vision_n 8._o among_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o i_o can_v conceive_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v i._n e._n to_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n i_o can_v find_v nothing_o which_o to_o i_o appear_v more_o difficult_a than_o what_o god_n have_v already_o do_v in_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o therefore_o i_o conclude_v that_o god_n can_v do_v whatsoever_o in_o its_o self_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v do_v which_o be_v what_o i_o mean_v when_o i_o say_v that_o he_o be_v almighty_a nor_o be_v there_o any_o one_o sure_a who_o will_v venture_v to_o say_v that_o god_n can_v do_v such_o thing_n as_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o in_o themselves_o or_o to_o his_o own_o nature_n and_o attribute_n 9_o that_o god_n who_o make_v all_o thing_n shall_v be_v ignorant_a of_o any_o thing_n appear_v to_o
but_o short_a and_o imperfect_a be_v confess_v on_o all_o side_n it_o be_v also_o very_o evident_a that_o no_o language_n whatsoever_o will_v afford_v we_o variety_n of_o word_n sufficient_a to_o express_v all_o the_o diversity_n and_o peculiarity_n of_o our_o thought_n so_o as_o to_o secure_v they_o from_o the_o mistake_v of_o ignorance_n or_o misapprehension_n and_o the_o cavil_n of_o perverseness_n but_o that_o after_o all_o our_o care_n our_o most_o cautious_a expression_n will_v sometime_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v misinterpret_v to_o a_o contrary_a or_o at_o least_o wrest_v to_o a_o different_a meaning_n from_o what_o we_o intend_v and_o therefore_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o judicious_a writer_n will_v probable_o find_v himself_o much_o mistake_v if_o he_o at_o any_o time_n hope_v so_o to_o handle_v any_o controversy_n as_o to_o satisfy_v every_o man._n but_o since_o upon_o the_o strict_a examination_n which_o i_o have_v be_v able_a to_o make_v i_o be_o myself_o full_o convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o i_o have_v conclude_v in_o this_o dispute_n i_o will_v now_o with_o god_n assistance_n try_v whether_o i_o can_v express_v my_o thought_n with_o so_o much_o clearness_n and_o prove_v they_o with_o such_o sufficient_a argument_n and_o pertinent_a instance_n as_o may_v give_v some_o satisfaction_n to_o other_o also_o and_o that_o i_o may_v the_o more_o effectual_o do_v this_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o proceed_v as_o near_o as_o i_o can_v in_o such_o a_o method_n as_o be_v always_o use_v in_o mathematical_a demonstration_n 4._o this_o word_n doctrine_n be_v but_o another_o term_n for_o a_o propesition_n and_o what_o a_o proposition_n be_v or_o when_o it_o be_v say_v to_o be_v true_a or_o false_a certain_a probable_a or_o doubtful_a i_o need_v not_o spend_v time_n to_o explain_v 5._o reason_n be_v that_o faculty_n in_o man_n for_o i_o meddle_v not_o with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o angel_n whereby_o he_o apprehend_v thing_n and_o their_o attribute_n or_o property_n and_o frame_v a_o judgement_n concern_v what_o he_o apprehend_v and_o also_o from_o those_o judgement_n which_o he_o make_v draw_v sometime_o more_o immediate_a or_o more_o remote_a and_o distant_a consequence_n 6._o the_o truth_n of_o some_o proposition_n be_v so_o very_a plain_n that_o as_o no_o man_n in_o his_o sense_n can_v deny_v they_o so_o be_v it_o impossible_a to_o find_v out_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v more_o plain_a whereby_o to_o prove_v they_o and_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o i_o call_v self-evident_a such_o for_o example_n be_v that_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o thing_n take_v together_o be_v equal_a to_o the_o whole_a that_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o the_o like_a 7._o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n do_v not_o immediate_o appear_v by_o its_o own_o light_n but_o yet_o the_o proposition_n can_v beyond_o question_n be_v prove_v from_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v self-evident_a such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n alone_o such_o for_o instance_n be_v that_o two_o triangle_n have_v equal_a base_n and_o be_v contain_v between_o the_o same_o parallel_a line_n be_v equal_a and_o all_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v demonstrate_v or_o clear_o prove_v from_o the_o bare_a principle_n of_o reason_n 8._o where_o the_o possibility_n of_o a_o proposition_n i._n e._n that_o it_o imply_v no_o contradiction_n can_v be_v evident_o prove_v from_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n alone_o but_o yet_o the_o actual_a truth_n and_o reality_n of_o it_o can_v the_o same_o way_n be_v make_v appear_v such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o call_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n thus_o for_o example_n that_o a_o oak_n shall_v grow_v up_o to_o its_o full_a and_o usual_a stature_n in_o a_o hour_n be_v as_o possible_a that_o be_v to_o say_v as_o free_a from_o contradiction_n as_o that_o it_o shall_v do_v the_o same_o in_o a_o hundred_o year_n for_o all_o growth_n be_v motion_n and_o the_o swiftness_n of_o motion_n may_v be_v for_o ever_o increase_v but_o that_o ever_o this_o be_v actual_o so_o can_v be_v prove_v by_o any_o argument_n draw_v from_o reason_n 9_o where_o any_o proposition_n either_o immediate_o in_o itself_o or_o mediate_o in_o its_o consequence_n do_v plain_o contradict_v any_o other_o proposition_n which_o be_v either_o self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n such_o a_o proposition_n as_o this_o i_o term_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n such_o for_o example_n be_v this_o proposition_n that_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o three_o right_a angle_n and_o such_o like_a 10._o where_o a_o proposition_n be_v in_o itself_o true_a but_o we_o be_v unable_a clear_o to_o apprehend_v or_o frame_v a_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n contain_v under_o the_o term_n of_o it_o such_o a_o proposition_n i_o term_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n and_o a_o proposition_n may_v be_v either_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o our_o reason_n when_o we_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o or_o else_o but_o partly_o above_o it_o when_o some_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n we_o have_v but_o those_o very_a obscure_a and_o imperfect_a thus_o the_o doctrine_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v whole_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n bear_v blind_a who_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n from_o the_o description_n which_o other_o make_v of_o they_o because_o he_o be_v altogether_o destitute_a of_o proper_a organ_n to_o receive_v any_o impression_n from_o the_o thing_n themselves_o but_o the_o same_o doctrine_n will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o above_o the_o reason_n of_o a_o man_n who_o have_v some_o faint_a and_o confuse_a glimmer_v of_o sight_n though_o still_o much_o more_o above_o his_o reason_n than_o it_o will_v be_v if_o he_o be_v endow_v with_o the_o saculty_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a sight_n as_o other_o man_n common_o be_v 11._o to_o know_v be_v to_o give_v assent_n to_o a_o proposition_n when_o it_o evident_o appear_v to_o be_v build_v upon_o reason_n but_o when_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o proposition_n be_v assent_v to_o not_o upon_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o reason_n or_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o veracity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o affirm_v it_o such_o a_o proposition_n as_o that_o be_v say_v to_o be_v believe_v furthermore_o if_o a_o man_n understand_v not_o the_o meaning_n of_o a_o proposition_n and_o yet_o believe_v that_o it_o contain_v a_o truth_n in_o it_o because_o of_o the_o deference_n he_o pay_v to_o the_o person_n who_o speak_v it_o this_o i_o call_v a_o implicit_a belief_n and_o proper_o speak_v the_o object_n of_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n itself_o but_o only_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o speaker_n but_o where_o a_o man_n understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o proposition_n which_o he_o believe_v this_o i_o call_v a_o explicit_fw-la belief_n 12._o no_o man_n can_v possible_o believe_v or_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n or_o proposition_n which_o appear_v to_o he_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n see_v sect._n 9_o for_o to_o own_o a_o proposition_n to_o be_v self-evident_a or_o build_v upon_o reason_n and_o yet_o at_o the_o same_o time_n to_o believe_v another_o which_o mediate_o or_o immediate_o be_v contradictory_n to_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a 13._o if_o a_o proposition_n be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n sect._n 8._o and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o also_o testify_v by_o such_o person_n who_o veracity_n be_v beyond_o all_o doubt_n or_o exception_n such_o a_o proposition_n can_v but_o be_v believe_v by_o any_o one_o unto_o who_o it_o come_v so_o testify_v for_o if_o it_o be_v reconcilable_a to_o reason_n than_o it_o may_v possible_o be_v true_a sect._n 8._o and_o if_o i_o be_o actual_o convince_v of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o person_n or_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o i_o can_v choose_v but_o believe_v that_o it_o be_v true_a from_o whence_o i_o think_v it_o evident_o follow_v that_o revelation_n or_o the_o testimony_n of_o another_o may_v just_o be_v look_v upon_o not_o only_o as_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n but_o also_o a_o motive_n of_o persuasion_n whatever_o a_o late_a author_n say_v to_o the_o contrary_n 14._o but_o that_o which_o be_v most_o material_a in_o this_o present_a controversy_n be_v what_o i_o be_o now_o go_v to_o make_v appear_v viz._n that_o a_o man_n may_v have_v most_o sufficient_a and_o cogent_a argument_n to_o give_v his_o assent_n to_o such_o proposition_n as_o be_v not_o only_o in_o part_n but_o whole_o and_o altogether_o above_o his_o reason_n sect._n 10._o for_o the_o clear_a and_o plain_o
evince_v of_o which_o i_o shall_v crave_v leave_n to_o make_v a_o relation_n of_o a_o conference_n which_o once_o i_o have_v with_o a_o blind_a man_n to_o who_o when_o i_o understand_v that_o he_o have_v be_v quite_o blind_a from_o his_o infancy_n and_o never_o can_v remember_v to_o have_v see_v the_o least_o glimmer_a of_o light_n i_o have_v the_o curiosity_n to_o put_v several_a question_n i_o ask_v he_o first_o of_o all_o whether_o ever_o he_o have_v endeavour_v to_o frame_v any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o light_n or_o colour_n of_o which_o i_o suppose_v he_o have_v often_o hear_v mention_n to_o be_v make_v in_o common_a discourse_n to_o which_o he_o answer_v i_o that_o he_o have_v often_o endeavour_v it_o with_o the_o great_a application_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o possible_o he_o can_v and_o to_o that_o end_n and_o purpose_n he_o have_v make_v it_o his_o business_n to_o ask_v all_o the_o question_n he_o can_v think_v of_o whereby_o to_o get_v information_n but_o all_o to_o no_o purpose_n for_o that_o he_o be_v still_o altogether_o as_o ignorant_a of_o the_o nature_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n and_o as_o unable_a to_o frame_v any_o conception_n of_o they_o as_o if_o he_o have_v never_o before_o hear_v the_o name_n of_o they_o he_o tell_v i_o moreover_o that_o he_o be_v a_o long_a time_n before_o he_o will_v or_o can_v believe_v that_o other_o man_n have_v any_o faculty_n at_o all_o which_o he_o want_v for_o say_v he_o i_o be_v sensible_a of_o no_o defect_n or_o imperfection_n in_o myself_o but_o believe_v myself_o to_o be_v altogether_o as_o perfect_a as_o all_o other_o man_n with_o who_o i_o converse_v and_o therefore_o when_o they_o tell_v i_o that_o i_o be_v blind_a and_o talk_v to_o i_o of_o light_n and_o colour_n i_o apprehend_v for_o a_o great_a while_n that_o they_o do_v it_o only_o to_o impose_v upon_o i_o but_o be_v you_o now_o convince_v say_v i_o that_o you_o be_v blind_a and_o that_o other_o man_n have_v the_o faculty_n of_o sight_n which_o you_o want_v yes_o reply_v he_o i_o be_o full_o satisfy_v and_o convince_v of_o it_o how_o can_v that_o be_v say_v i_o when_o you_o can_v frame_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o light_n or_o colour_n which_o be_v the_o object_n of_o sight_n thus_o answer_v he_o i_o be_v convince_v of_o it_o they_o will_v put_v i_o at_o a_o distance_n from_o they_o and_o yet_o will_v tell_v i_o every_o thing_n that_o i_o do_v as_o whether_o i_o stand_v or_o sit_v or_o hold_v up_o my_o hand_n or_o let_v it_o down_o or_o the_o like_a whereas_o i_o can_v not_o not_o discover_v any_o thing_n which_o they_o do_v except_o i_o be_v close_o to_o they_o and_o feel_v they_o careful_o with_o my_o hand_n now_o by_o this_o continue_v he_o i_o be_o full_o convince_v that_o other_o man_n have_v a_o faculty_n which_o i_o want_v whereby_o they_o can_v discover_v and_o distinguish_v thing_n at_o a_o distance_n which_o they_o call_v sight_n and_o i_o be_o tell_v by_o all_o man_n that_o there_o be_v something_o call_v light_n which_o be_v diffuse_v through_o the_o air_n and_o be_v the_o instrument_n whereby_o they_o be_v enable_v to_o exercise_v this_o faculty_n and_o also_o that_o the_o colour_n and_o shape_n of_o thing_n be_v the_o object_n upon_o which_o the_o same_o be_v employ_v but_o although_o i_o can_v by_o my_o touch_n distinguish_v between_o the_o different_a shape_n of_o some_o thing_n and_o so_o can_v frame_v a_o notion_n of_o shape_n yet_o what_o light_n be_v or_o what_o colour_n be_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o conception_n although_o i_o be_o as_o i_o have_v tell_v you_o sufficient_o convince_v that_o some_o such_o thing_n there_o be_v now_o this_o relation_n be_v for_o the_o substance_n of_o it_o true_a to_o my_o own_o knowledge_n or_o at_o least_o as_o every_o man_n will_v own_v it_o to_o be_v possible_a and_o rational_a it_o will_v evident_o follow_v without_o any_o far_a proof_n that_o this_o man_n have_v very_o good_a and_o unquestionable_a ground_n to_o believe_v some_o thing_n that_o be_v altogether_o above_o his_o reason_n for_o what_o sight_n light_n or_o colour_n be_v he_o be_v utter_o uncapable_a of_o frame_v or_o receive_v any_o idea_n but_o yet_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n and_o that_o all_o he_o hear_v man_n discourse_n about_o they_o be_v not_o mere_a fiction_n as_o he_o for_o some_o time_n apprehend_v be_v plain_o prove_v to_o he_o by_o such_o argument_n as_o every_o reasonable_a man_n must_v allow_v to_o have_v be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o move_v his_o assent_n nor_o be_v this_o assent_n of_o he_o which_o he_o give_v unto_o these_o thing_n a_o bare_a implicit_a belief_n sect._n 11._o as_o if_o he_o have_v be_v tell_v that_o something_o do_v exist_v which_o be_v call_v blictri_n but_o be_v altogether_o ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v signify_v by_o that_o word_n as_o mr._n toland_n speak_v for_o aithough_o it_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o frame_v any_o direct_a notion_n or_o conception_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o yet_o by_o those_o analogous_n representation_n which_o be_v make_v to_o he_o of_o they_o he_o well_o may_v be_v and_o be_v according_o not_o only_o full_o convince_v that_o what_o be_v speak_v concern_v they_o be_v not_o insignificant_a nonsense_n but_o also_o enable_v to_o frame_v some_o sort_n of_o representative_a conception_n of_o they_o which_o be_v more_o than_o a_o man_n can_v do_v of_o blictri_n of_o which_o he_o hear_v only_o the_o sound_n but_o know_v not_o the_o signification_n for_o suppose_v a_o man_n at_o the_o very_a time_n of_o his_o birth_n to_o be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o his_o organ_n of_o sight_n yet_o by_o the_o use_n of_o his_o other_o four_o sense_n he_o may_v well_o conceive_v what_o a_o faculty_n of_o sensation_n be_v and_o how_o a_o sensible_a quality_n or_o the_o small_a particle_n of_o matter_n flow_v or_o rebound_v from_o a_o body_n and_o strike_v upon_o the_o proper_a organ_n of_o sense_n do_v make_v such_o a_o peculiar_a impression_n upon_o it_o as_o to_o affect_v our_o understanding_n with_o some_o particular_a knowledge_n of_o the_o body_n itself_o whereby_o we_o be_v enable_v to_o distinguish_v it_o from_o other_o body_n and_o as_o he_o can_v direct_o apply_v all_o this_o to_o the_o sense_n of_o hear_v smell_a taste_v and_o touch_v of_o which_o he_o may_v be_v as_o good_a or_o a_o better_a master_n than_o other_o man_n so_o by_o way_n of_o analogy_n from_o these_o sense_n he_o will_v be_v able_a to_o make_v some_o imperfect_a sort_n of_o representation_n to_o himself_o what_o sort_n of_o thing_n sight_n be_v and_o what_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v though_o direct_o and_o particular_o he_o know_v no_o more_o of_o they_o than_o if_o he_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o they_o sir_n kenelm_n digby_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o body_n chap._n 28._o tell_v we_o of_o a_o spanish_a noble_a man_n who_o be_v bear_v so_o absolute_o deaf_a that_o if_o a_o gun_n be_v shoot_v off_o close_o by_o his_o ear_n he_o can_v not_o hear_v it_o and_o yet_o be_v teach_v to_o speak_v very_o distinct_o and_o by_o the_o motion_n of_o any_o man_n mouth_n so_o perfect_o to_o understand_v what_o he_o say_v as_o that_o he_o will_v not_o lose_v a_o word_n in_o a_o whole_a day_n conversation_n now_o the_o doctrine_n of_o sound_n and_o music_n must_v of_o necessity_n have_v be_v as_o much_o above_o this_o man_n reason_n as_o that_o of_o light_n and_o colour_n be_v above_o the_o blind_a man_n of_o who_o i_o but_o now_o speak_v and_o yet_o there_o may_v very_o good_a assurance_n have_v be_v give_v to_o the_o one_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o sense_n as_o hear_v and_o such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o sound_n as_o well_o as_o there_o be_v unto_o the_o other_o in_o the_o case_n of_o light_n and_o colour_n 15._o and_o now_o to_o apply_v what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o the_o controversy_n concern_v the_o trinity_n and_o incarnation_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o here_o the_o issue_n which_o i_o be_o now_o try_v presuppose_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o that_o the_o text_n of_o scripture_n which_o be_v bring_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o these_o doctrine_n be_v sufficient_a for_o the_o purpose_n for_o which_o they_o be_v allege_v if_o we_o interpret_v they_o according_a to_o the_o natural_a order_n and_o usual_a signification_n of_o the_o word_n and_o expression_n of_o they_o second_o that_o the_o doctrine_n themselves_o be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n as_o not_o imply_v any_o contradiction_n see_v part_v 2._o sect._n 22._o but_o three_o that_o they_o be_v altogether_o above_o our_o reason_n because_o we_o can_v frame_v any_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o that_o particular_a union_n and_o distinction_n which_o be_v between_o the_o three_o person_n of_o the_o