imprimatur_fw-la libre_fw-la cui_fw-la titulus_fw-la a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a etc._n etc._n may_v 6._o 1697._o narcissus_n dublin_n a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a as_o also_o to_o all_o those_o who_o set_v up_o for_o reason_n and_o evidence_n in_o opposition_n to_o revelation_n &_o mystery_n by_o peter_n browne_n b_o d._n sen_n fellow_n of_o trin._n coll._n dub_v dublin_n print_v by_o joseph_n ray_n in_o essex_n street_n for_o john_n north_n in_o skinner_n row_n 1697._o a_o letter_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a sir_n when_o i_o send_v to_o borrow_v of_o you_o the_o book_n entitle_v christianity_n not_o mysterious_a i_o little_o think_v of_o draw_v on_o myself_o any_o trouble_n beyond_o the_o bare_a read_n of_o it_o but_o since_o you_o have_v desire_v my_o thought_n of_o the_o matter_n contain_v in_o it_o i_o be_v unwilling_a to_o resuse_v tho'_o i_o must_v free_o tell_v you_o what_o you_o seem_v to_o own_o in_o your_o letter_n that_o i_o think_v myself_o better_a employ_v and_o your_o say_n that_o it_o be_v no_o neglect_n in_o a_o shepherd_n to_o leave_v his_o feed_n of_o the_o lamb_n and_o go_v aside_o for_o a_o while_n to_o beat_v off_o any_o thing_n that_o come_v to_o devour_v or_o infect_v they_o will_v not_o have_v prevail_v with_o i_o if_o this_o have_v cause_v any_o intermission_n in_o that_o business_n which_o i_o hope_v will_v turn_v to_o better_a account_n when_o i_o come_v to_o receive_v my_o wage_n but_o have_v a_o little_a time_n to_o spare_v i_o shall_v perform_v what_o you_o desire_v and_o i_o have_v do_v this_o the_o rather_o for_o that_o you_o tell_v i_o the_o book_n have_v make_v some_o noise_n and_o that_o the_o author_n be_v countenance_v and_o encourage_v by_o some_o man_n of_o sense_n i_o do_v much_o wonder_n at_o it_o for_o every_o man_n of_o sense_n be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o true_a 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he_o treat_v of_o from_o that_o darkness_n and_o obscurity_n in_o which_o he_o have_v involve_v it_o either_o through_o ignorance_n or_o design_n and_o first_o there_o be_v great_a deceit_n in_o the_o very_a title_n of_o the_o book_n christianity_n not_o mysterious_a for_o by_o these_o two_o word_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o what_o follow_v he_o will_v raise_v a_o notion_n in_o the_o head_n of_o people_n that_o christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o general_o teach_v and_o receive_v among_o we_o be_v a_o religion_n make_v up_o of_o dark_a enigmatical_a allusion_n and_o absurd_a irrational_a and_o unintelligible_a notion_n or_o else_o of_o the_o plain_a thing_n wrap_v up_o in_o mysterious_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n and_o in_o short_a that_o our_o most_o holy_a faith_n be_v no_o other_o than_o one_o great_a riddle_n whereas_o christianity_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v mysterious_a that_o it_o be_v the_o plain_a institution_n in_o the_o world_n all_o the_o necessary_a point_n of_o faith_n and_o practice_n be_v so_o clear_a and_o obvious_a to_o every_o capacity_n that_o it_o be_v a_o religion_n calculate_v for_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v say_v of_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n that_o god_n will_v put_v his_o law_n into_o their_o inward_a part_n and_o write_v it_o in_o their_o heart_n and_o they_o shall_v all_o know_v he_o even_o from_o the_o least_o of_o they_o to_o the_o great_a that_o which_o this_o sophister_n will_v have_v infer_v from_o hence_o be_v that_o every_o thing_n god_n shall_v reveal_v in_o the_o time_n of_o the_o gospel_n man_n shall_v have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o as_o they_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n but_o it_o be_v evident_a this_o expression_n be_v
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see_v and_o hear_v and_o as_o be_v affect_v with_o all_o the_o passion_n of_o a_o human_a soul_n because_o he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o speak_v of_o himself_o to_o we_o now_o since_o we_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n to_o think_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o after_o any_o other_o manner_n or_o indeed_o of_o any_o other_o object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n in_o all_o his_o revelation_n have_v make_v use_n not_o only_o of_o the_o word_n and_o phrase_n common_o receive_v and_o understand_v but_o likewise_o of_o those_o common_a notion_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n of_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n to_o represent_v truth_n which_o be_v in_o respect_n of_o we_o now_o unconceivable_a and_o for_o which_o there_o be_v as_o yet_o no_o capacity_n in_o our_o nature_n so_o that_o in_o truth_n all_o the_o idea_n we_o at_o present_a have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n be_v no_o other_o than_o a_o sort_n of_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o thing_n the_o real_a nature_n of_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o this_o be_v the_o literal_a meaning_n of_o 12._o those_o word_n of_o st._n paul_n that_o now_o we_o see_v through_o a_o glass_n dark_o i._n e._n by_o analogy_n only_o with_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n but_o then_o face_n to_o face_n i._n e._n we_o shall_v have_v as_o immediate_a a_o view_n of_o those_o heavenly_a object_n as_o we_o have_v now_o of_o these_o thing_n which_o only_o represent_v they_o to_o we_o so_o that_o when_o we_o be_v say_v to_o have_v these_o divine_a truth_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o part_n the_o meaning_n be_v not_o that_o any_o real_a part_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o be_v exhibit_v to_o our_o view_n and_o the_o rest_n obscure_v or_o that_o we_o have_v any_o indistinct_a view_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o as_o we_o see_v a_o object_n at_o a_o great_a distance_n but_o the_o meaning_n be_v that_o the_o whole_a be_v reveal_v to_o we_o under_o the_o resemblance_n of_o some_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o thus_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o tho'_o we_o may_v be_v say_v to_o have_v idea_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o immediate_a or_o proper_a one_o but_o a_o sort_n of_o composition_n we_o make_v up_o from_o our_o idea_n of_o worldly_a object_n which_o at_o the_o utmost_a amount_n to_o no_o more_o than_o a_o type_n or_o figure_n by_o which_o something_o in_o another_o world_n be_v signify_v of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o more_o notion_n than_o a_o blindman_n have_v of_o light_n and_o now_o that_o i_o be_o fall_v into_o this_o metaphor_n which_o seem_v well_o to_o explain_v the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n let_v we_o pursue_v it_o a_o little_a and_o suppose_v that_o to_o a_o man_n who_o have_v never_o see_v or_o hear_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o it_o be_v to_o be_v reveal_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n this_o man_n as_o yet_o have_v neither_o a_o name_n nor_o a_o notion_n for_o it_o nor_o any_o capacity_n of_o conceive_v what_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o it_o be_v plain_a therefore_o god_n will_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o by_o the_o name_n of_o light_n a_o word_n whole_o unknown_a to_o he_o nor_o by_o stamp_v on_o his_o mind_n any_o immediate_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o for_o than_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o communicate_v this_o revelation_n to_o other_o as_o blind_a as_o himself_o for_o nothing_o but_o the_o same_o almighty_a impression_n can_v do_v that_o so_o that_o this_o revelation_n must_v be_v make_v by_o word_n and_o notion_n which_o be_v already_o in_o he_o and_o according_o when_o he_o be_v tell_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n which_o can_v diffuse_v itself_o in_o a_o instant_n many_o thousand_o of_o mile_n round_o and_o enable_v he_o to_o know_v in_o a_o moment_n what_o order_n all_o thing_n lay_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o he_o and_o what_o proportion_n they_o bear_v one_o to_o another_o nay_o that_o it_o can_v make_v he_o know_v where_o the_o heaven_n lay_v and_o by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o he_o shall_v there_o discern_v at_o once_o a_o vast_a and_o almost_o infinite_a number_n of_o very_o pleasant_a body_n and_o in_o short_a that_o without_o the_o help_n of_o his_o stick_n or_o his_o hand_n he_o shall_v know_v every_o thing_n that_o lie_v before_o he_o after_o all_o it_o be_v plain_a this_o man_n will_v form_v to_o himself_o a_o idea_n of_o light_n from_o his_o touch_n he_o will_v think_v it_o very_o like_a feeling_n and_o perhaps_o call_v it_o by_o that_o name_n because_o this_o be_v the_o best_a way_n he_o have_v of_o distinguish_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o therefore_o will_v conclude_v that_o those_o body_n he_o hear_v of_o must_v needs_o be_v wondrous_a soft_a and_o smooth_a just_o thus_o do_v we_o conceive_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n so_o that_o we_o may_v rack_v our_o invention_n and_o turn_v and_o wind_v all_o those_o idea_n we_o have_v into_o ten_o thousand_o different_a shape_n and_o yet_o never_o make_v up_o any_o likeness_n or_o similitude_n of_o the_o real_a nature_n of_o those_o object_n of_o another_o world_n and_o now_o i_o hope_v he_o will_v grant_v it_o a_o thing_n possible_a for_o god_n to_o make_v such_o a_o revelation_n as_o this_o to_o a_o blind_a man_n and_o yet_o by_o this_o concession_n he_o destroy_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o upon_o his_o principle_n it_o be_v a_o thing_n utter_o impossible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v bear_v blind_a to_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o light_n upon_o the_o testimony_n either_o of_o god_n or_o man_n
therefore_o authority_n consider_v in_o the_o revealer_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o my_o assent_n to_o the_o substance_n of_o this_o proposition_n but_o to_o make_v this_o plain_a we_o must_v consider_v that_o all_o natural_a truth_n which_o do_v not_o necessary_o require_v revelation_n need_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n but_o those_o which_o do_v have_v both_o these_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n evidence_n and_o authority_n as_o will_v appear_v if_o we_o distinguish_v the_o three_o thing_n in_o every_o relation_n 1._o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o the_o very_a act_n of_o revelation_n 3._o the_o they_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n intend_v by_o the_o revelation_n as_o to_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n in_o any_o proposition_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n for_o why_o do_v i_o believe_v this_o proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o because_o i_o know_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o because_o there_o be_v a_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o its_o come_n from_o god_n from_o those_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o argue_v the_o divine_a mission_n of_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o and_o consequent_o the_o divinity_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o but_o as_o to_o the_o substance_n of_o that_o proposition_n authority_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n as_o indeed_o it_o be_v in_o all_o relation_n whatsoever_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v now_o plain_a how_o 128._o divine_a and_o human_a authority_n differ_v as_o well_o in_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n as_o of_o certitude_n and_o why_o because_o when_o a_o mere_a man_n relate_v any_o thing_n to_o i_o tho'_o i_o allow_v the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o give_v such_o proof_n to_o my_o sense_n and_o my_o reason_n of_o the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o what_o he_o relate_v as_o god_n can_v and_o therefore_o can_v raise_v so_o great_a a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o my_o mind_n though_o i_o suppose_v this_o man_n relation_n to_o be_v true_a so_o that_o this_o relation_n of_o he_o and_o one_o of_o god_n shall_v be_v upon_o equal_a term_n as_o to_o certitude_n be_v both_o alike_o true_a yet_o this_o assent_n of_o i_o to_o what_o the_o man_n relate_v be_v more_o precarious_a and_o worse_o found_v than_o my_o faith_n of_o any_o divine_a proposition_n because_o this_o be_v more_o clear_a and_o distinct_a as_o have_v a_o degree_n of_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o the_o other_o want_v it_o i_o shall_v make_v this_o plain_a by_o a_o instance_n a_o man_n tell_v i_o that_o rome_n be_v swallow_v up_o by_o a_o earthquake_n i_o have_v such_o a_o opinion_n of_o the_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n that_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o believe_v it_o firm_o let_v we_o suppose_v afterward_o that_o god_n reveal_v this_o same_o to_o i_o as_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o degree_n of_o perspicuity_n allow_v the_o ability_n and_o veracity_n of_o the_o man_n for_o then_o both_o god_n and_o he_o tell_v truth_n in_o this_o but_o if_o god_n confirm_v the_o relation_n by_o a_o miracle_n this_o shall_v raise_v a_o evidence_n or_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n beyond_o any_o thing_n the_o man_n be_v able_a to_o effect_v and_o consequent_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n from_o god_n make_v it_o clear_a and_o give_v it_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o perspicuity_n than_o it_o have_v before_o but_o it_o will_v be_v yet_o more_o clear_a that_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n if_o we_o consider_v that_o all_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n proceed_v from_o evidence_n in_o the_o thing_n now_o all_o truth_n in_o themselves_o be_v equal_o evident_a but_o in_o respect_n of_o we_o they_o be_v not_o so_o for_o some_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v distinct_o and_o some_o we_o be_v not_o because_o they_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o divine_a truth_n or_o of_o that_o part_n of_o they_o which_o be_v suit_v to_o our_o present_a capacity_n evidence_n be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o in_o respect_n of_o that_o part_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o suit_v to_o our_o capacity_n as_o we_o have_v see_v authority_n be_v and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o many_o proposition_n for_o the_o substance_n of_o which_o we_o have_v no_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n why_o then_o say_v he_o a_o man_n shall_v believe_v what_o he_o do_v not_o know_v and_o that_o be_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o this_o be_v a_o quibble_n and_o to_o remove_v it_o effectual_o let_v we_o take_v up_o the_o same_o proposition_n again_o the_o three_o angle_n of_o a_o triangle_n be_v equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o it_o be_v plain_a a_o man_n who_o know_v what_o a_o triangle_n be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v for_o one_o angle_n to_o be_v equal_a to_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o perhaps_o it_o may_v be_v utter_o impossible_a ever_o to_o beat_v the_o demonstration_n into_o his_o head_n and_o though_o he_o do_v not_o comprehend_v it_o yet_o he_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o it_o and_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o his_o assent_n be_v the_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n who_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o a_o divine_a proposition_n when_o christ_n appear_v we_o shall_v be_v like_o he_o any_o one_o who_o know_v what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o body_n to_o be_v raise_v and_o for_o one_o thing_n to_o be_v like_o another_o may_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o this_o proposition_n though_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o know_v wherein_o this_o likeness_n will_v consist_v or_o to_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v so_o and_o therefore_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o this_o proposition_n and_o no_o evidence_n be_v necessary_a any_o far_a than_o to_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n itself_o so_o groundless_a be_v that_o main_a principle_n of_o he_o that_o a_o man_n can_v give_v his_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v whereas_o the_o contrary_a be_v as_o clear_a as_o the_o light_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v but_o far_o from_o this_o supposition_n of_o he_o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n and_o evidence_n the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n these_o two_o absurdity_n will_v direct_o follow_v 1._o that_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n for_o if_o evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o perwasion_n a_o man_n can_v never_o give_v his_o assent_n but_o where_o there_o be_v this_o evidence_n for_o if_o there_o be_v but_o one_o only_a cause_n the_o effect_n can_v never_o proceed_v but_o from_o that_o cause_n and_o what_o be_v evident_a ay_o e_o what_o be_v true_o know_v can_v never_o deceive_v he_o have_v no_o way_n of_o evade_n this_v but_o by_o say_v that_o the_o cause_n of_o error_n be_v the_o give_v assent_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o not_o sufficient_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n which_o destroy_v every_o thing_n he_o say_v upon_o this_o head_n for_o this_o suppose_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o other_o cause_n of_o assent_n beside_o evidence_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v evidence_n to_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o assent_n than_o it_o must_v vary_v in_o degree_n together_o with_o its_o cause_n so_o that_o a_o clear_a evidence_n shall_v have_v a_o firm_a assent_n and_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o evidence_n shall_v have_v but_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o assent_n so_o that_o still_o a_o man_n can_v never_o be_v deceive_v in_o any_o thing_n or_o in_o any_o degree_n and_o for_o he_o to_o say_v that_o we_o may_v think_v we_o have_v this_o evidence_n when_o we_o have_v it_o not_o be_v still_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o ground_n of_o assent_n nay_o worse_o it_o be_v suppose_v that_o a_o thing_n may_v be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o not_o evident_a at_o the_o same_o time_n 2._o it_o will_v follow_v that_o no_o person_n either_o god_n or_o man_n can_v be_v believe_v on_o their_o word_n for_o what_o they_o relate_v be_v evident_a to_o the_o mind_n or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v than_o they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o that_o evidence_n and_o not_o to_o the_o person_n who_o relate_v it_o if_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a ay_o e_o according_a to_o he_o if_o he_o do_v not_o know_v it_o perfect_o he_o must_v utter_o reject_v it_o and_o thus_o in_o a_o few_o word_n he_o destroy_v
all_o faith_n both_o human_a and_o divine_a for_o thus_o he_o proceed_v a_o man_n can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o know_v and_o he_o know_v nothing_o but_o what_o he_o comprehend_v and_o then_o he_o be_v say_v to_o comprehend_v a_o thing_n when_o he_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o it_o ay_o e_o when_o it_o be_v as_o clear_a as_o a_o mathematical_a demonstration_n or_o as_o evident_a as_o what_o he_o see_v with_o his_o eye_n for_o you_o know_v seeing_n believe_v all_o the_o world_n over_o have_v thus_o make_v it_o plain_a that_o evidence_n be_v not_o the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o come_v now_o to_o consider_v his_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n which_o he_o lay_v down_o as_o the_o ground_n of_o this_o evidence_n this_o opinion_n carry_v a_o face_n of_o fairness_n and_o probability_n and_o insinuate_v itself_o by_o the_o common_a inclination_n of_o man_n who_o be_v natural_o averse_a to_o all_o restraint_n in_o think_v as_o well_o as_o act_n and_o be_v as_o uneasy_a at_o any_o fetter_n upon_o their_o mind_n as_o upon_o their_o body_n they_o will_v not_o willing_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o any_o thing_n but_o what_o they_o have_v clear_a &_o distinct_a idea_n of_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o thus_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n even_o well_o mean_v people_n be_v apt_a to_o wish_v it_o be_v so_o now_o because_o i_o design_v this_o letter_n in_o answer_v not_o only_o to_o this_o book_n but_o to_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n upon_o the_o like_a principle_n of_o set_v up_o for_o reason_n and_o evidence_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o every_o thing_n they_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o i_o shall_v be_v very_o particular_a in_o the_o consideration_n of_o this_o point_n and_o i_o hope_v to_o make_v out_o plain_o to_o they_o the_o deep_a deceit_n that_o lie_v at_o the_o bottom_n of_o all_o this_o and_o to_o convince_v they_o that_o god_n by_o require_v their_o assent_n to_o his_o revelation_n do_v as_o little_a violence_n to_o their_o mind_n as_o to_o their_o body_n and_o that_o he_o leave_v their_o reason_n as_o full_a a_o scope_n and_o as_o great_a a_o liberty_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o in_o any_o thing_n else_o so_o that_o they_o will_v find_v we_o as_o great_a stickler_n for_o clear_a idea_n strict_a reason_n and_o evidence_n as_o they_o can_v be_v for_o their_o heart_n these_o man_n speak_v much_o truth_n but_o make_v false_a inference_n never_o consider_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o proposition_n but_o confound_v they_o in_o all_o their_o discourse_n clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n be_v the_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n and_o assent_n which_o consider_v in_o a_o right_a sense_n be_v undoubted_o true_a but_o for_o that_o other_o which_o they_o make_v a_o consequence_n of_o it_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a viz._n that_o we_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o for_o the_o clear_a conception_n we_o have_v of_o some_o thing_n give_v we_o a_o confuse_a and_o imperfect_a knowledge_n of_o other_o and_o it_o be_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o those_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n that_o we_o give_v a_o firm_a assent_n to_o the_o existence_n of_o thing_n whereof_o we_o have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o so_o that_o these_o two_o say_n wide_o differ_v as_o much_o as_o truth_n from_o falsehood_n i_o can_v give_v no_o assent_n without_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o i_o must_v have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o now_o because_o this_o be_v the_o fundamental_a error_n of_o all_o our_o quaint_a reasoner_n against_o revelation_n and_o the_o fallacy_n wâ—â—â—â—by_o they_o impose_v upon_o other_o i_o shall_v express_v myself_o as_o distinct_o and_o pâ—â—â—nly_o in_o this_o matter_n as_o i_o can_v but_o by_o the_o way_n we_o must_v observe_v thâ—â—_n since_o it_o appear_v undeniable_o from_o wâ—â—â—_n have_v be_v say_v that_o evidence_n be_v â—oâ—â—â—e_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n it_o be_v a_o direct_a and_o immediate_a consequence_n from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o have_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o not_o but_o that_o i_o allow_v there_o be_v a_o necessity_n of_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o some_o thing_n to_o make_v we_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o other_o and_o therefore_o though_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n yet_o what_o this_o man_n will_v insinuate_v do_v not_o follow_v viz_o that_o therefore_o all_o its_o relation_n or_o any_o of_o they_o be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la for_o all_o the_o revelation_n of_o god_n admit_v of_o the_o strict_a enquiry_n and_o severe_a search_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o enable_v we_o to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o the_o delusion_n of_o the_o devil_n it_o be_v by_o the_o help_n of_o this_o that_o i_o now_o show_v the_o difference_n between_o his_o fallacy_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o god_n and_o in_o order_n to_o set_v they_o both_o in_o a_o clear_a light_n i_o shall_v six_o the_o signification_n of_o this_o most_o ambiguous_a word_n which_o he_o have_v compel_v i_o to_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o for_o otherwise_o we_o shall_v but_o grope_v for_o truth_n in_o the_o dark_a what_o be_v mean_v by_o a_o adequate_a idea_n be_v sure_a and_o fix_a ay_o e_o a_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o any_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o know_v all_o that_o be_v knowable_a in_o it_o but_o how_o far_o short_a what_o man_n call_v a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n come_v of_o that_o adequate_a conception_n of_o a_o thing_n be_v impossible_a to_o determine_v because_o our_o knowledge_n of_o thing_n be_v vary_v almost_o in_o infinite_a degree_n insomuch_o that_o perhaps_o we_o have_v not_o idea_n of_o any_o two_o thing_n in_o nature_n that_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a and_o therefore_o to_o cut_v of_o all_o metaphysical_a nicety_n and_o infist_n upon_o nothing_o but_o genuine_a reason_n by_o a_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n as_o it_o relate_v to_o this_o controversy_n be_v signify_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a a_o conception_n as_o we_o ordinary_o have_v of_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n for_o these_o be_v the_o two_o main_a thing_n he_o contend_v for_o in_o his_o whole_a book_n 1._o that_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o all_o thing_n reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o the_o ordinary_a phaenomena_n of_o nature_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o no_o far_o than_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o they_o in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v lay_v down_o these_o two_o proposition_n 1._o that_o we_o be_v so_o far_o from_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a or_o immediate_a idea_n at_o all_o of_o they_o and_o 2._o that_o though_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a or_o immediate_a idea_n of_o those_o thing_n yet_o we_o be_v bind_v to_o believe_v they_o and_o that_o our_o assent_n to_o they_o according_a to_o his_o own_o principle_n be_v found_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o by_o a_o proper_a and_o immediate_a idea_n i_o mean_v a_o conception_n or_o notion_n of_o the_o thing_n as_o it_o be_v in_o itself_o by_o a_o mediate_a or_o improper_a idea_n i_o mean_v a_o notion_n we_o form_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o our_o mind_n by_o analogy_n or_o now_o similitude_n whether_o this_o distinction_n have_v be_v make_v use_n of_o or_o no_o i_o know_v not_o but_o sure_o i_o be_o it_o be_v a_o very_a necessary_a one_o and_o of_o excellent_a use_n to_o set_v the_o bound_n and_o measure_n of_o our_o knowledge_n and_o to_o lay_v open_a the_o true_a nature_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n that_o we_o may_v clear_o apprehend_v where_o knowledge_n end_v and_o faith_n proceed_v alone_o and_o i_o be_o persuade_v a_o due_a observation_n of_o this_o distinction_n will_v effectual_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o this_o controversy_n about_o mystery_n now_o what_o i_o say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v no_o proper_a idea_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n but_o frame_n to_o ourselves_o conception_n of_o they_o from_o those_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n whereof_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n and_o to_o make_v this_o appear_v let_v we_o consider_v that_o there_o be_v but_o two_o way_n of_o god_n reveal_v any_o thing_n to_o we_o either_o by_o give_v
tendency_n to_o make_v man_n easy_a and_o pleasant_a and_o useful_a to_o one_o another_o all_o which_o raise_v such_o a_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n in_o my_o mind_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o mission_n who_o reveal_v this_o proposition_n to_o i_o that_o i_o must_v do_v violence_n to_o my_o reason_n if_o i_o do_v not_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o and_o thus_o far_o it_o be_v not_o so_o proper_o and_o strict_o a_o mystery_n but_o when_o i_o think_v of_o this_o proposition_n again_o jesus_n the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v god_n equal_a with_o the_o father_n i_o must_v own_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o i_o have_v no_o knowledge_n at_o all_o of_o that_o eternal_a generation_n which_o i_o form_n a_o improper_a idea_n of_o from_o the_o procreation_n of_o one_o man_n from_o another_o nor_o have_v i_o any_o notion_n of_o this_o wonderful_a union_n of_o the_o human_a nature_n with_o the_o divinity_n nor_o can_v i_o in_o the_o least_o imagine_v wherein_o 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comprehend_v it_o as_o full_o and_o perfect_o as_o that_o 2_o and_o 3_o make_v 5._o which_o be_v plain_o to_o say_v you_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o be_v so_o clear_o know_v to_o you_o that_o you_o can_v help_v believe_v it_o for_o no_o man_n can_v hinder_v his_o assent_n to_o a_o thing_n he_o know_v perfect_o well_o as_o no_o man_n can_v help_v believe_v that_o 2_o and_o 2_o make_v 4._o a_o thing_n may_v be_v very_o true_a indeed_o and_o you_o not_o believe_v it_o but_o if_o this_o truth_n be_v evident_a to_o you_o your_o assent_n must_v necessary_o follow_v so_o that_o you_o can_v believe_v nothing_o but_o when_o you_o can_v help_v it_o and_o when_o you_o can_v avoid_v it_o than_o you_o must_v believe_v it_o 22._o for_o god_n have_v take_v it_o out_o of_o our_o power_n to_o dissent_v from_o a_o evident_a proposition_n and_o our_o kind_a disposer_n have_v put_v we_o under_o 23._o a_o law_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n must_v make_v such_o a_o idol_n of_o it_o as_o total_o to_o exclude_v all_o deefrence_n or_o assent_v to_o the_o word_n of_o the_o true_a god_n for_o another_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v 2._o that_o authority_n be_v only_o a_o mean_n of_o information_n i._n e._n you_o can_v believe_v neither_o god_n nor_o man_n upon_o their_o word_n for_o they_o can_v only_o relate_v a_o thing_n to_o you_o but_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v influence_n your_o mind_n to_o a_o assent_n so_o that_o to_o speak_v plain_o it_o be_v all_o one_o in_o respect_n of_o your_o assent_n whether_o god_n or_o man_n or_o the_o devil_n tell_v you_o a_o thing_n for_o tho'_o you_o be_v convince_v that_o god_n always_o tell_v truth_n and_o the_o devil_n be_v a_o liar_n yet_o still_o you_o believe_v the_o thing_n never_o the_o more_o because_o it_o come_v from_o god_n alas_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v regard_v in_o the_o case_n no_o you_o must_v bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n only_o but_o suppose_v god_n and_o the_o devil_n speak_v two_o contrary_a proposition_n as_o in_o the_o case_n of_o eve_n in_o the_o day_n that_o thou_o eat_v thereof_o thou_o shall_v sure_o diego_n and_o thou_o shall_v not_o sure_o diego_n the_o word_n of_o these_o two_o proposition_n be_v equal_o clear_a to_o she_o she_o understand_v the_o substance_n of_o they_o alike_o and_o her_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n speak_v of_o be_v equal_o clear_a and_o distinct_a what_o then_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n to_o the_o latter_a it_o can_v not_o be_v evidence_n for_o according_a to_o he_o both_o these_o proposition_n have_v equal_a pretence_n to_o her_o die_v assent_n upon_o this_o score_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o remain_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o her_o assent_n but_o the_o authority_n either_o of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o devil_n and_o we_o find_v by_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o latter_a that_o sway_v she_o but_o it_o be_v plain_a she_o have_v a_o great_a degree_n of_o evidence_n or_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o former_a proposition_n because_o she_o knâ—w_v it_o come_v from_o god_n who_o can_v not_o lie_v and_o yet_o we_o find_v she_o rebel_v against_o this_o evidence_n whereas_o have_v she_o be_v under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o evidence_n she_o will_v not_o in_o all_o likelihood_n have_v transgress_v as_o she_o do_v and_o then_o he_o have_v not_o now_o be_v fall_v down_o thus_o prostrate_a to_o igno_fw-la rance_n and_o error_n that_o which_o show_v the_o ridiculousness_n of_o these_o two_o principle_n be_v that_o upon_o they_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o come_v tho'_o it_o be_v the_o next_o hour_n for_o tho'_o we_o understand_v the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n and_o that_o the_o prophecy_n be_v concern_v any_o of_o the_o most_o familiar_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n so_o that_o you_o have_v the_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n foretell_v yet_o unless_o you_o will_v allow_v authority_n to_o be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n you_o can_v never_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n for_o no_o man_n can_v have_v any_o knowledge_n or_o evidence_n of_o this_o till_o the_o thing_n come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o as_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o relation_n there_o be_v nothing_o leave_v to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o assent_n but_o the_o veracity_n or_o authority_n of_o some_o person_n or_o another_o and_o thus_o he_o utter_o destroy_v the_o faith_n of_o all_o prophecy_n for_o tho'_o they_o may_v be_v true_a yet_o we_o can_v never_o believe_v they_o so_o till_o the_o relation_n be_v evident_a to_o we_o and_o this_o can_v never_o be_v evident_a to_o we_o till_o the_o thing_n actual_o come_v to_o pass_v so_o that_o this_o be_v a_o short_a way_n of_o destroy_v the_o credit_n of_o every_o thing_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o for_o the_o most_o part_n speak_v of_o thing_n to_o come_v i_o say_v before_o that_o in_o divine_a proposition_n evidence_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n in_o respect_n of_o the_o relation_n itself_o or_o act_v of_o revelation_n and_o here_o i_o say_v that_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o very_a same_o authority_n be_v a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n they_o be_v both_o true_a and_o therefore_o to_o make_v this_o whole_a discourse_n more_o clear_a and_o prevent_v all_o mistake_n as_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o shall_v once_o for_o all_o show_v the_o diffe_n rinse_v between_o divine_a and_o human_a revelation_n in_o respect_n of_o those_o three_o thing_n which_o i_o say_v be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o revelation_n 1
of_o we_o these_o be_v not_o all_o the_o absurdity_n in_o this_o sentence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v the_o very_a monster_n this_o knight_n errant_a set_v up_o for_o himself_o to_o engage_v with_o it_o be_v the_o spurious_a off_o spring_n of_o his_o own_o brain_n and_o yet_o he_o father_v it_o upon_o we_o by_o introduce_v it_o with_o this_o expression_n it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v etc._n etc._n but_o it_o be_v never_o make_v to_o signify_v this_o by_o any_o beside_o himself_o i_o shall_v read_v the_o gospel_n a_o million_o of_o time_n over_o before_o this_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n will_v have_v come_v into_o my_o head_n here_o he_o have_v make_v his_o own_o word_n good_a that_o contradiction_n and_o mystery_n be_v two_o emphatical_a way_n of_o say_v nothing_o he_o lay_v down_o this_o absurd_a definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o then_o set_v himself_o with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o solemnity_n to_o encounter_v it_o which_o be_v in_o truth_n no_o other_o than_o for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v himself_o into_o a_o ridiculous_a antic_a posture_n and_o then_o quarrel_v with_o his_o shadow_n for_o it_o it_o be_v hard_o to_o tell_v how_o to_o proceed_v with_o this_o man_n he_o have_v be_v run_v away_o from_o the_o question_n ever_o since_o he_o begin_v and_o now_o that_o he_o put_v we_o in_o hope_n of_o come_v to_o it_o again_o you_o see_v how_o gross_o we_o be_v disappoint_v i_o will_v with_o all_o my_o heart_n stick_v by_o the_o first_o definition_n of_o a_o mystery_n which_o with_o a_o little_a addition_n i_o allow_v to_o be_v very_o good_a a_o christian_a mystery_n be_v a_o divine_a truth_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o cover_v and_o obscure_v from_o we_o now_o in_o this_o life_n that_o reason_n can_v penetrate_v the_o veil_n to_o see_v what_o be_v under_o it_o till_o this_o veil_n be_v remove_v in_o another_o life_n by_o the_o glorification_n of_o our_o body_n let_v he_o confute_v this_o definition_n if_o he_o can_v for_o i_o will_v never_o fall_v out_o with_o he_o about_o the_o other_o he_o shall_v have_v it_o all_o to_o himself_o it_o be_v his_o own_o creature_n let_v he_o be_v as_o severe_a upon_o it_o as_o he_o please_v but_o because_o he_o have_v so_o blind_o mistake_v the_o matter_n i_o must_v tell_v he_o once_o more_o what_o it_o be_v he_o be_v to_o prove_v if_o he_o have_v any_o controversy_n with_o we_o in_o this_o point_n he_o be_v to_o prove_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o reveal_v to_o we_o in_o the_o gospel_n but_o what_o we_o have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o i._n e._n either_o a_o full_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o or_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o ordinary_a object_n in_o nature_n and_o 2._o that_o we_o be_v not_o oblige_v by_o scripture_n to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v any_o thing_n intend_v in_o some_o point_n reveal_v beyond_o what_o we_o be_v now_o able_a thus_o to_o comprehend_v these_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o lay_v upon_o he_o to_o prove_v if_o he_o will_v have_v speak_v to_o the_o purpose_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o man_n shall_v argue_v close_o who_o mistake_v the_o question_n as_o he_o do_v however_o i_o shall_v consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o book_n that_o look_v like_o reason_v he_o do_v not_o proceed_v to_o proof_n yet_o but_o run_v upon_o another_o digression_n to_o tell_v we_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n and_o particular_o what_o it_o signify_v among_o the_o gentile_n but_o what_o be_v this_o to_o we_o it_o signify_v quite_o another_o thing_n among_o the_o christian_n but_o he_o say_v not_o for_o in_o the_o new_a testament_n mystery_n be_v always_o 68_o use_v in_o the_o first_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n or_o that_o of_o the_o gentile_n viz._n for_o thing_n natural_o very_o intelligible_a but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n 73._o or_o rite_n that_o reason_n can_v not_o discover_v they_o without_o special_a revelation_n this_o be_v the_o description_n which_o he_o give_v both_o of_o the_o gentile_a and_o christian_a mystery_n in_o common_a but_o take_v a_o christian_a mystery_n even_o in_o his_o own_o sense_n i._n e._n as_o it_o be_v involve_v in_o jewish_a type_n and_o ceremony_n yet_o they_o differ_v very_o much_o from_o those_o mystery_n of_o the_o gentile_n for_o 1._o the_o christian_a mystery_n be_v not_o discoverable_a but_o by_o the_o special_a revelation_n of_o god_n whereas_o those_o of_o the_o gentile_n be_v discoverable_a by_o the_o revelation_n of_o a_o man_n 2._o beside_o it_o be_v absolute_o false_a that_o the_o thing_n involve_v in_o the_o jewish_a type_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n very_o intelligible_a for_o they_o be_v all_o of_o such_o a_o nature_n that_o man_n can_v never_o have_v arrive_v to_o the_o least_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n concern_v they_o by_o strength_n of_o reason_n whereas_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n but_o what_o be_v in_o itself_o very_o 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and_o conceal_v they_o industrious_o from_o the_o people_n and_o this_o be_v what_o he_o will_v insinuate_v of_o all_o christian_a priest_n viz._n that_o we_o full_o comprehend_v the_o meaning_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n ourselves_o and_o palm_n they_o upon_o the_o people_n for_o mystery_n which_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o those_o virulent_a expression_n of_o his_o in_o this_o chapter_n that_o 72._o through_o ignorance_n or_o passion_n we_o maintain_v what_o be_v introduce_v by_o the_o craft_n or_o superstition_n of_o our_o fore_a father_n and_o call_v it_o a_o gainful_a opinion_n as_o if_o the_o only_a design_n 73._o of_o christian_a mystery_n be_v to_o bring_v in_o money_n to_o the_o priest_n he_o call_v christianity_n as_o it_o be_v now_o receive_v a_o implicit_a constitution_n and_o say_v the_o 73._o venerable_a teacher_n play_v at_o this_o small_a game_n to_o amuse_v the_o people_n but_o he_o 74._o like_o a_o sharp_a inquisitive_a man_n it_o seem_v have_v find_v out_o our_o mystery_n and_o be_v resolve_v in_o his_o next_o book_n to_o discover_v they_o all_o and_o lay_v we_o open_v to_o the_o world_n like_o heathen_a priest_n as_o he_o make_v we_o and_o now_o i_o come_v to_o his_o second_o chapter_n of_o the_o three_o section_n where_o there_o 74._o be_v the_o first_o appearance_n of_o any_o thing_n like_o a_o reason_n there_o be_v but_o one_o argument_n in_o all_o that_o chapter_n and_o indeed_o in_o all_o the_o book_n and_o because_o he_o deliver_v it_o confuse_o i_o will_v reduce_v it_o to_o form_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v clear_o what_o force_n there_o be_v in_o it_o and_o if_o he_o think_v i_o do_v do_v he_o justice_n let_v he_o manage_v it_o better_o for_o himself_o if_o he_o can_v the_o whole_a strength_n of_o his_o argue_v be_v this_o if_o we_o have_v as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n as_o we_o have_v of_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n than_o there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o it_o but_o we_o 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by_o such_o proof_n to_o man_n sense_n and_o reason_n of_o its_o divinity_n as_o shall_v convince_v we_o that_o it_o can_v come_v from_o none_o but_o god_n such_o as_o miracle_n and_o prophecy_n or_o the_o agreableness_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o our_o common_a notion_n and_o i_o be_o not_o to_o give_v my_o assent_n to_o it_o unless_o i_o have_v this_o evidence_n which_o i_o allow_v thus_o far_o to_o be_v the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n thus_o far_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o any_o adversary_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n pure_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o to_o require_v it_o any_o far_a be_v no_o other_o than_o to_o demand_v a_o rational_a account_n from_o we_o of_o what_o we_o grant_v we_o have_v no_o notion_n of_o god_n never_o require_v our_o assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n but_o upon_o such_o testimony_n and_o proof_n as_o shall_v cause_v this_o evidence_n but_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o be_v signify_v by_o this_o analogy_n 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mean_n of_o information_n if_o they_o believe_v neither_o of_o we_o than_o it_o will_v appear_v they_o be_v not_o under_o such_o a_o necessity_n of_o bow_v before_o the_o light_n and_o majesty_n of_o that_o evidence_n he_o contend_v â—or_a in_o all_o relation_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o raise_v against_o this_o principle_n of_o he_o be_v that_o passage_n 1._o pet._n 2_o 12._o where_o there_o be_v this_o expression_n which_o thing_n the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o the_o thing_n speak_v oâ—_n here_o be_v the_o method_n of_o our_o salvation_n by_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o descent_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o it_o be_v say_v in_o the_o time_n present_a that_o the_o angel_n desire_v to_o look_v into_o they_o and_o i_o think_v it_o a_o natural_a inference_n from_o hence_o that_o these_o thing_n yet_o be_v mystery_n even_o to_o they_o in_o a_o great_a degree_n which_o we_o need_v not_o much_o wonder_n at_o when_o they_o do_v so_n much_o as_o know_v when_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n will_v be_v and_o therefore_o we_o may_v the_o less_o wonder_n they_o be_v mystery_n to_o we_o but_o we_o will_v suppose_v that_o this_o expression_n be_v mean_v of_o the_o time_n past_a and_o then_o let_v i_o ask_v he_o these_o two_o â—_z concern_v it_o 1._o whether_o the_o angel_n do_v believe_v those_o thing_n they_o be_v say_v to_o inquire_v into_o or_o no_o if_o they_o do_v believe_v they_o than_o we_o find_v it_o be_v very_o possible_a to_o believe_v thing_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v for_o if_o the_o angel_n understand_v they_o full_o when_o they_o believe_v why_o shall_v they_o desire_v to_o search_v into_o they_o 2._o whether_o now_o these_o thing_n be_v come_v to_o pass_v he_o will_v assert_v that_o we_o have_v as_o full_a and_o comprehensive_a a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o all_o as_o the_o angel_n have_v if_o we_o have_v not_o than_o we_o may_v believe_v thing_n we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v if_o we_o have_v than_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o we_o and_o the_o state_n of_o the_o bâ—est_a in_o heaven_n at_o least_o in_o respect_n of_o knowledge_n the_o last_o objection_n he_o bring_v against_o 144._o his_o own_o principle_n be_v that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o miracle_n and_o this_o likewise_o be_v so_o strong_a a_o objection_n against_o he_o that_o the_o very_a supposition_n of_o one_o true_a miracle_n wrought_v in_o confirmation_n of_o any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n quite_o overthrow_v his_o whole_a book_n for_o 1._o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v in_o a_o great_a degree_n mysterious_a and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v allow_v these_o thing_n relate_v of_o our_o saviour_n to_o be_v true_a miracle_n he_o must_v allow_v there_o be_v mystery_n in_o chrisâ—â—â—nity_n but_o he_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v this_o by_o the_o same_o quibble_n he_o do_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v mysterious_a â—â—z_o 145._o by_o say_v the_o miraculous_a action_n muâ—â—_n be_v something_o in_o itself_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a who_o deny_v it_o but_o it_o be_v however_o mysterious_a still_o and_o to_o lay_v open_a this_o fallacy_n we_o must_v distinguish_v the_o two_o thing_n that_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v in_o every_o miracle_n and_o 1._o the_o substance_n of_o the_o thing_n perform_v we_o grant_v must_v be_v very_o intelligible_a and_o possible_a for_o as_o he_o say_v contradiction_n be_v only_o another_o word_n for_o impossible_a or_o nothing_o 2._o the_o manner_n of_o perform_v it_o which_o be_v total_o obscure_v from_o we_o and_o lie_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o all_o our_o capacity_n as_o to_o instance_n in_o that_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n fâ—â—ding_n five_o thousand_o people_n with_o five_o loaf_n we_o understand_v very_o well_o what_o it_o be_v for_o a_o great_a number_n of_o man_n to_o eat_v and_o be_v satisfy_v