much_o oâ—_n what_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n of_o it_o must_v always_o end_v in_o darkness_n and_o confusion_n that_o part_n of_o a_o christian_a mystery_n which_o be_v intelligible_a and_o plain_a be_v ever_o so_o and_o that_o part_n which_o be_v mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o their_o vain_a endeavour_n will_v ever_o be_v so_o till_o we_o coâ—â—_n to_o another_o world_n therefore_o our_o way_n to_o deal_v with_o these_o man_n be_v to_o fix_v the_o right_a sense_n and_o meaning_n of_o those_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v reveal_v to_o we_o and_o then_o to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n we_o have_v for_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n and_o show_v that_o they_o be_v such_o as_o ought_v to_o convince_v any_o reasonable_a unprejudiced_a man_n insomuch_o that_o if_o they_o do_v not_o give_v their_o assent_n to_o they_o they_o shall_v be_v without_o excuse_n when_o they_o come_v to_o be_v try_v for_o their_o infidelity_n thus_o we_o shall_v turn_v the_o course_n of_o our_o thought_n into_o a_o right_a channel_n and_o confound_v all_o these_o enemy_n of_o our_o excellent_a religion_n for_o by_o free_o own_v as_o become_v we_o that_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n at_o all_o of_o these_o mysterious_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o we_o cut_v off_o a_o multitude_n of_o frivolous_a and_o impertinent_a objection_n and_o show_v these_o man_n that_o our_o christian_a faith_n however_o be_v no_o lazy_a credulity_n or_o blind_a implicit_a assent_n since_o it_o be_v build_v upon_o a_o better_a foundation_n than_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o lay_v without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o the_o almighty_a power_n of_o god_n insomuch_o that_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o join_v issue_n with_o they_o upon_o the_o principle_n of_o reason_n in_o every_o point_n of_o our_o christian_a faith_n as_o far_o as_o the_o thing_n reveal_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o be_v i_o to_o give_v a_o reason_n of_o my_o belief_n of_o the_o trinity_n lay_v aside_o all_o affectation_n of_o hard_a word_n and_o abstruse_a metaphysical_a notion_n i_o will_v do_v it_o thus_o i_o be_o full_o persuade_v of_o the_o necessity_n of_o revelation_n in_o general_n in_o order_n to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o virtue_n and_o piety_n in_o this_o life_n and_o i_o be_o convince_v that_o those_o revelation_n of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n which_o be_v make_v in_o the_o gospel_n have_v better_a proof_n of_o their_o divinity_n than_o any_o other_o whatsoever_o they_o have_v such_o testimony_n of_o their_o come_n from_o god_n from_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n and_o the_o agreeableness_n of_o the_o doctrine_n therein_o contain_v to_o our_o common_a notion_n that_o if_o i_o use_v my_o reason_n with_o the_o same_o impartiality_n in_o these_o that_o i_o do_v in_o other_o thing_n i_o must_v give_v my_o assent_n to_o they_o in_o those_o write_n i_o find_v this_o proposition_n there_o be_v three_o that_o bear_v record_n in_o 57_o heaven_n the_o father_n the_o word_n and_o the_o holy_a ghost_n and_o these_o three_o be_v one_o posterity_n from_o whence_o and_o from_o many_o other_o passage_n in_o the_o scripture_n i_o find_v that_o there_o be_v a_o distinction_n make_v in_o the_o godhead_n under_o these_o three_o name_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy-ghost_n which_o the_o church_n have_v express_v altogether_o by_o the_o word_n trinity_n and_o single_o by_o the_o word_n person_n and_o i_o think_v these_o term_n proper_a enough_o to_o express_v all_o that_o we_o know_v of_o this_o mystery_n now_o i_o find_v no_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n and_o nature_n of_o this_o distinction_n in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n any_o otherwise_o than_o that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v and_o that_o the_o holy_a ghost_n come_v from_o the_o father_n and_o the_o son_n i_o conclude_v there_o be_v something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n because_o we_o be_v say_v to_o be_v baptise_a in_o the_o name_n of_o the_o father_n and_o of_o the_o son_n and_o of_o the_o holy-ghost_n which_o must_v needs_o import_v something_o more_o than_o if_o that_o commission_n have_v run_v thus_o go_v baptise_v all_o nation_n in_o the_o name_n of_o jehovah_n and_o of_o elohim_n and_o of_o adonai_n and_o if_o there_o be_v not_o something_o more_o intend_v than_o bare_o that_o they_o shall_v do_v it_o in_o the_o name_n of_o god_n this_o be_v a_o needless_a tautology_n again_o i_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v not_o three_o distinct_a different_a spirit_n for_o then_o there_o must_v be_v three_o god_n contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o scripture_n from_o all_o which_o i_o infer_v there_o be_v in_o the_o godhead_n something_o more_o than_o a_o mere_a nominal_a distinction_n and_o something_o less_o than_o that_o of_o three_o different_a spirit_n and_o because_o i_o find_v each_o person_n seperat_o as_o well_o as_o joint_o mention_v as_o god_n and_o divine_a worship_n allow_v and_o pay_v to_o they_o therefore_o as_o that_o excellent_a creed_n express_v it_o i_o worship_v the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n athe._n and_o unity_n in_o trinity_n neither_o confound_v the_o person_n nor_o divide_v the_o substance_n now_o at_o the_o same_o time_n i_o make_v this_o profession_n of_o my_o faith_n i_o allow_v i_o have_v not_o the_o least_o knowledge_n how_o strict_a this_o union_n be_v nor_o how_o great_a the_o distinction_n it_o be_v as_o much_o beyond_o my_o reason_n as_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n be_v beyond_o my_o sight_n and_o any_o man_n who_o strive_v to_o conceive_v it_o himself_o or_o take_v pain_n to_o explain_v it_o to_o other_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o folly_n that_o i_o can_v think_v of_o any_o action_n in_o nature_n extravagant_a enough_o to_o match_v it_o if_o we_o see_v a_o man_n stretch_v up_o his_o hand_n with_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vehemence_n to_o pull_v down_o a_o star_n we_o shall_v certain_o conclude_v he_o distract_v because_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reach_v it_o or_o grasp_v it_o if_o he_o can_v it_o be_v the_o very_a case_n of_o those_o man_n who_o go_v about_o to_o account_v for_o the_o manner_n of_o that_o unity_n and_o distinction_n for_o which_o they_o have_v neither_o word_n nor_o idea_n and_o therefore_o i_o say_v it_o again_o in_o opposition_n to_o this_o insolent_a man_n that_o i_o thus_o adore_v what_o i_o can_v comprehend_v this_o be_v one_o of_o those_o mystery_n reveal_v in_o the_o gospel_n and_o it_o be_v never_o the_o less_o a_o mystery_n for_o any_o thing_n he_o have_v yet_o say_v or_o ever_o will_v say_v for_o the_o union_n be_v inexplicable_a and_o will_v be_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n however_o my_o assent_n to_o this_o be_v not_o precarious_a and_o implicit_a or_o any_o easy_a blind_a credulity_n but_o be_v â—ounded_v upon_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n for_o there_o be_v three_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o every_o reasonable_a think_v man_n concern_v any_o proposition_n wherein_o a_o mystery_n be_v reveal_v 1._o to_o be_v sure_a that_o he_o understand_v well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n 2._o that_o he_o discern_v no_o contradiction_n in_o they_o 3._o that_o he_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n of_o the_o revelation_n come_v from_o god_n 1._o as_o to_o the_o first_o of_o these_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o mystery_n i_o be_o now_o upon_o i_o understand_v very_o well_o the_o meaning_n of_o the_o word_n wherein_o it_o be_v reveal_v and_o they_o themselves_o who_o oppose_v this_o doctrine_n understand_v they_o as_o well_o as_o i_o for_o if_o they_o do_v not_o know_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o word_n they_o will_v never_o set_v themselves_o to_o argue_v against_o it_o for_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n of_o confute_v nonsense_n but_o say_v it_o be_v such_o so_o that_o thus_o far_o if_o it_o prove_v to_o be_v true_a these_o proposition_n wherein_o the_o trinity_n be_v reveal_v will_v hold_v good_a against_o they_o at_o the_o day_n of_o judgement_n and_o render_v they_o without_o excuse_n 2._o as_o to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o see_v no_o contradiction_n in_o it_o and_o if_o there_o be_v i_o will_v utter_o reject_v it_o for_o to_o say_v that_o three_o be_v one_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o contradiction_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o common_a in_o ordinary_a discourse_n than_o for_o any_o one_o to_o say_v that_o three_o or_o any_o other_o great_a number_n of_o thing_n be_v but_o one_o and_o if_o every_o man_n who_o speak_v such_o seem_a contradiction_n be_v catch_v up_o immediate_o and_o force_v to_o explain_v himself_o upon_o all_o such_o occasion_n it_o will_v make_v conversation_n very_o troublesome_a as_o if_o one_o shall_v say_v that_o there_o be_v three_o distinct_a thing_n in_o a_o man_n a_o body_n the_o animal_n spirit_n and_o a_o immaterial_a substance_n and_o yet_o
of_o the_o father_n to_o the_o last_o to_o be_v consider_v by_o themselves_o because_o many_o person_n who_o will_v read_v the_o rational_a part_n do_v care_v for_o trouble_v themselves_o with_o the_o examination_n of_o these_o and_o indeed_o because_o i_o design_v to_o dwell_v much_o long_o upon_o they_o than_o i_o find_v the_o length_n of_o this_o letter_n already_o will_v permit_v the_o very_a quote_v of_o the_o father_n be_v a_o confutation_n of_o himself_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n but_o evidence_n what_o can_v the_o authority_n of_o the_o father_n signify_v to_o incline_v man_n assent_v either_o one_o way_n or_o the_o other_o and_o indeed_o of_o scripture_n itself_o all_o quotation_n divine_a or_o human_n be_v useless_a &_o impertinent_a upon_o his_o principle_n for_o what_o he_o will_v persuade_v by_o they_o be_v evident_a in_o itself_o or_o it_o be_v not_o if_o it_o be_v evident_a we_o shall_v certain_o believe_v it_o let_v who_o will_v say_v it_o but_o if_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v not_o evident_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o all_o the_o pompous_a citation_n in_o the_o world_n signify_v nothing_o he_o be_v sensible_a of_o this_o and_o that_o be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o he_o give_v the_o father_n as_o foul_a language_n as_o he_o do_v the_o modern_a clergy_n not_o consider_v that_o the_o same_o objection_n hold_v against_o the_o bible_n itself_o for_o if_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n be_v not_o a_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n than_o a_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n will_v be_v of_o as_o little_a â—orce_n as_o a_o quotation_n out_o of_o any_o fabulous_a heathen_a author_n to_o influenceo_fw-la ur_fw-la assent_n to_o any_o proposition_n he_o introduce_v they_o after_o the_o most_o scornful_a manner_n he_o can_v contrive_v and_o say_v that_o the_o mention_v of_o schutcheon_n put_v he_o in_o mind_n of_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o primitive_a church_n and_o in_o another_o place_n he_o have_v this_o expression_n by_o way_n of_o ridicule_n the_o father_n the_o admire_a father_n their_o opinion_n he_o call_v whymsy_n and_o their_o work_n insuperable_a labyrinth_n and_o call_v the_o just_a esteem_n we_o have_v for_o they_o a_o blind_a veneration_n for_o those_o who_o live_v before_o we_o he_o never_o mention_n they_o without_o the_o great_a contemt_a and_o say_v he_o be_v not_o to_o be_v put_v out_o of_o countenance_n by_o venerable_a name_n and_o pompous_a citation_n that_o have_v no_o value_n but_o such_o as_o a_o ugly_a rust_n and_o colour_n give_v ancient_a coin_n but_o this_o similitude_n that_o he_o design_n by_o way_n of_o derision_n do_v very_o well_o express_v the_o worth_n and_o usefulness_n of_o the_o father_n for_o as_o ancient_a coin_n be_v now_o of_o no_o great_a intrinsic_a value_n than_o the_o bare_a weight_n of_o the_o metal_n they_o be_v make_v of_o yet_o they_o be_v of_o excellent_a use_n to_o give_v we_o light_v into_o the_o time_n and_o custom_n of_o antiquity_n and_o upon_o that_o score_n be_v of_o vasy_o great_a value_n than_o any_o modern_a coin_n so_o it_o be_v with_o the_o father_n they_o be_v man_n and_o write_v like_o such_o and_o tho'_o we_o shall_v grant_v that_o some_o of_o their_o work_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o more_o excellent_a than_o what_o have_v be_v write_v in_o after_o age_n yet_o these_o write_n of_o they_o be_v much_o more_o to_o be_v value_v because_o they_o live_v near_o the_o time_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n and_o therefore_o have_v great_a advantage_n of_o come_v to_o right_a apprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n relate_v to_o christianity_n than_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o any_o after_o they_o to_o have_v not_o but_o that_o some_o of_o they_o seem_v to_o have_v write_v by_o a_o more_o peculiar_a influence_n of_o the_o spirit_n and_o therefore_o this_o man_n arrogant_a treatment_n of_o the_o father_n put_v i_o in_o mind_n of_o that_o passage_n of_o the_o ignorant_a child_n revile_v the_o prophet_n and_o call_v he_o baldpate_n who_o see_v nothing_o of_o he_o beyond_o those_o common_a infirmity_n that_o be_v incident_a to_o human_a nature_n and_o do_v not_o discern_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o divine_a spirit_n that_o be_v in_o he_o we_o do_v not_o blind_o and_o implicit_o acquiesce_v in_o any_o thing_n they_o say_v but_o we_o have_v a_o just_a veneration_n for_o they_o and_o deserence_n to_o their_o authority_n and_o if_o he_o can_v have_v produce_v any_o thing_n from_o they_o which_o have_v make_v against_o we_o we_o will_v have_v own_a he_o have_v gain_v a_o great_a point_n but_o all_o the_o citation_n he_o produce_v be_v only_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o thing_n reveal_v under_o the_o gospel_n be_v call_v mystery_n under_o the_o law_n and_o that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o both_o which_o we_o allow_v let_v he_o bring_v one_o text_n out_o of_o the_o bible_n or_o one_o quotation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v take_v away_o in_o the_o sense_n that_o we_o deny_v i._n e._n in_o respect_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n and_o real_a property_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o call_v mystery_n for_o that_o it_o be_v take_v away_o as_o to_o the_o existence_n of_o those_o thing_n and_o as_o to_o the_o relation_n they_o have_v to_o we_o as_o to_o the_o intent_n and_o design_n of_o they_o we_o allow_v and_o this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o all_o his_o quotation_n if_o he_o bring_v a_o thousand_o more_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n he_o have_v do_v these_o however_o i_o shall_v consider_v they_o in_o particular_a and_o 1._o he_o say_v 5._o clemens_n alexandrinus_n have_v the_o same_o notion_n of_o mystery_n with_o he_o for_o he_o say_v the_o christian_a discipline_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d or_o illumination_n because_o it_o bring_v hide_a thing_n to_o light_n very_o true_a but_o not_o because_o it_o bring_v they_o so_o to_o light_n as_o to_o discover_v the_o real_a nature_n and_o property_n of_o every_o thing_n reveal_v and_o give_v we_o as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a notion_n of_o all_o divine_a thing_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o as_o we_o have_v even_o of_o sensible_a object_n which_o this_o man_n ridiculous_o contend_v for_o and_o this_o he_o will_v have_v see_v if_o he_o have_v read_v but_o ten_o line_n far_o where_o he_o have_v this_o expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d etc._n etc._n by_o which_o he_o affirm_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v above_o all_o we_o can_v conceive_v or_o speak_v of_o he_o so_o that_o it_o be_v plain_a the_o father_n in_o direct_a opposition_n to_o this_o scribbler_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n be_v still_o mysterious_a notwithstanding_o all_o the_o revelation_n we_o have_v of_o he_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o the_o former_a part_n of_o that_o 5_o book_n be_v to_o show_v that_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n consist_v in_o give_v our_o assent_n to_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v know_v upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n and_o to_o this_o he_o apply_v that_o text_n of_o the_o apostle_n 1._o cor._n 2._o 5_o where_o he_o advise_v we_o that_o our_o faith_n shall_v not_o be_v found_v on_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n who_o as_o he_o explain_v it_o pretend_v to_o make_v we_o know_v every_o thing_n we_o believe_v but_o on_o the_o veracity_n of_o god_n who_o save_v we_o by_o pure_a faith_n without_o that_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o which_o some_o man_n require_v the_o father_n be_v own_o word_n be_v these_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o he_o elegant_o call_v faith_n the_o ear_n of_o the_o soul_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d because_o by_o this_o we_o be_v dispose_v to_o listen_v to_o discourse_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o we_o can_v comprehend_v not_o that_o he_o suppose_v we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o meaning_n of_o any_o proposition_n we_o believe_v and_o therefore_o he_o say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d there_o be_v no_o knowledge_n without_o faith_n noâ—_n faith_n without_o knowledge_n and_o he_o here_o make_v a_o manifest_a difference_n between_o that_o assent_n which_o be_v the_o immediate_a effect_n of_o knowledge_n and_o that_o which_o be_v proper_o faith_n and_o then_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o be_v so_o estrange_v from_o god_n so_o much_o a_o infidel_n as_o not_o to_o believe_v he_o upon_o his_o word_n but_o require_v the_o same_o evidence_n and_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n reveal_v from_o god_n as_o he_o require_v from_o man_n i_o answer_v this_o man_n of_o unparalleled_a impudence_n who_o have_v quote_v this_o same_o 5_o book_n of_o he_o against_o himself_o and_o we_o to_o prove_v the_o quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o he_o thus_o positive_o assert_n the_o next_o father_n
frame_v of_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v material_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d st._n cyrill_n say_v that_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v divine_a thing_n be_v by_o example_n or_o similitude_n after_o the_o same_o gross_a manner_n we_o represent_v the_o heavenly_a orb_n upon_o a_o piece_n of_o paper_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d gregory_n nazianzen_n discourse_v full_o 34._o how_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a than_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n tho'_o at_o the_o same_o time_n we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceive_v or_o express_v what_o he_o be_v and_o have_v these_o remarkable_a word_n concern_v our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d by_o which_o he_o plain_o suppose_v it_o as_o impossible_a for_o we_o whilst_o we_o be_v immerse_v in_o these_o gross_a body_n to_o frame_v any_o conception_n of_o spiritual_a thing_n without_o the_o help_n of_o worldly_a object_n as_o it_o be_v for_o we_o to_o overtake_v our_o shadow_n or_o to_o see_v in_o the_o dark_a it_o be_v ordinary_a with_o the_o father_n speak_v of_o god_n to_o say_v that_o when_o we_o conceive_v he_o as_o be_v a_o substance_n as_o be_v wise_a and_o holy_a nay_o as_o have_v life_n etc._n etc._n they_o be_v all_o but_o figurative_a representation_n of_o something_o in_o god_n which_o transcend_v all_o that_o we_o can_v imagine_v dionysius_n or_o whoever_o be_v author_n no_o of_o those_o book_n which_o go_v under_o his_o name_n say_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o according_o in_o his_o mystical_a theology_n speak_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o present_a knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o spiritual_a thing_n say_v very_o apt_o that_o this_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o therefore_o god_n in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o father_n be_v call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d without_o existence_n without_o substance_n without_o a_o mind_n without_o life_n not_o by_o way_n of_o privation_n as_o marius_n victorinus_n in_o his_o four_o book_n against_o arius_n observe_v but_o by_o way_n of_o excellence_n because_o the_o notion_n affix_v to_o these_o word_n express_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o thing_n when_o refer_v to_o god_n very_o agreeable_a to_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v act_n 17_o 27._o where_o he_o express_v the_o knowledge_n we_o have_v of_o god_n by_o feel_v after_o he_o the_o original_a word_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v very_o expressive_a for_o it_o signify_v the_o grepe_v for_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o dark_a clemens_n alexandrinus_n speak_v of_o 5._o the_o method_n we_o have_v of_o come_v to_o know_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n say_v that_o the_o utmost_a we_o can_v arrive_v to_o be_v to_o know_v what_o he_o be_v not_o and_o not_o what_o he_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o thus_o we_o see_v how_o little_a reason_n this_o man_n have_v to_o quote_v those_o father_n who_o he_o tell_v we_o have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v both_o the_o new_a and_o the_o old_a of_o the_o world_n but_o his_o heresy_n be_v as_o old_a as_o eunomius_n and_o now_o revive_v by_o this_o upstart_n as_o he_o very_o apt_o call_v himself_o and_o i_o think_v we_o may_v well_o call_v this_o new_a old_a sect_n of_o he_o the_o genestick_n of_o our_o age_n since_o they_o be_v a_o profound_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o set_v up_o for_o know_v every_o thing_n and_o believe_v nothing_o he_o hope_v in_o time_n to_o plead_v prescription_n and_o that_o his_o book_n too_o shall_v in_o after_o age_n be_v value_v as_o the_o father_n be_v in_o this_o but_o alas_o tho'_o he_o want_v no_o qualification_n of_o error_n and_o impiety_n for_o this_o ambition_n of_o he_o yet_o he_o have_v not_o wit_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o be_v a_o heretic_n upon_o record_n such_o book_n as_o these_o seldom_o live_v any_o long_a than_o till_o their_o fallacy_n be_v lay_v open_a and_o then_o they_o perish_v and_o rot_n with_o the_o memory_n of_o their_o author_n whereas_o the_o father_n who_o be_v now_o in_o heaven_n for_o defend_v that_o truth_n which_o he_o have_v labour_v to_o corrupt_v will_v have_v their_o just_a authority_n among_o all_o pious_a and_o learned_a man_n to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n and_o now_o that_o i_o have_v do_v i_o must_v confess_v the_o man_n be_v not_o worth_a my_o trouble_n but_o the_o cause_n be_v rich_o so_o and_o it_o be_v our_o misfortune_n that_o we_o think_v no_o thing_n can_v gain_v upon_o the_o world_n but_o sound_n reason_v and_o argument_n whereas_o there_o have_v be_v many_o instance_n of_o the_o most_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a enthusiast_n have_v in_o a_o short_a time_n proselyte_n enough_o to_o bring_v church_n and_o staâ—e_v into_o confusion_n he_o have_v as_o little_a of_o true_a reason_v or_o argument_n as_o any_o of_o they_o but_o his_o pretence_n be_v plausible_a and_o those_o be_v the_o book_n which_o do_v mischief_n in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o i_o be_v not_o to_o consider_v the_o strength_n only_o of_o the_o poison_n but_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o age_n which_o seem_v strange_o dispose_v for_o infidelity_n and_o a_o contemt_a of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n beside_o i_o have_v contrive_v this_o letter_n so_o as_o to_o be_v a_o answer_v not_o only_o to_o he_o but_o to_o all_o the_o opposer_n of_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n and_o i_o hope_v i_o may_v say_v i_o have_v do_v something_o towards_o the_o right_n state_v this_o who_o controversy_n which_o have_v be_v hitherto_o so_o much_o mistake_v on_o both_o side_n for_o whilst_o man_n on_o one_o hand_n expect_v a_o rational_a account_n and_o clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o what_o be_v whole_o unaccountable_a by_o â—â—_o and_o of_o which_o we_o can_v have_v no_o conception_n at_o all_o and_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n man_n go_v about_o with_o endless_a labour_n to_o explain_v what_o be_v inexplicable_a there_o can_v be_v no_o end_n of_o these_o controversy_n which_o multiply_v upon_o we_o every_o day_n but_o if_o we_o all_o agree_v to_o leave_v off_o speak_v of_o what_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o and_o free_o own_o what_o we_o must_v confess_v whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o that_o we_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n at_o all_o of_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n as_o they_o be_v in_o themselves_o and_o that_o our_o manner_n of_o conceive_v they_o at_o present_a be_v by_o intervention_n of_o the_o common_a object_n of_o this_o life_n than_o the_o whole_a controversy_n will_v be_v reduce_v to_o a_o very_a short_a â—â—â—â—â—_o and_o all_o the_o revelation_n and_o mystery_n of_o christianity_n establish_v upon_o those_o foundation_n which_o christ_n have_v lay_v not_o in_o the_o wisdom_n of_o man_n but_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n trin_n coll._n dub._n may_v 1._o 1697._o errata_fw-la page_n 10._o line_n 13._o for_o sense_n r._n sense_n and_o so_o wherever_o the_o word_n be_v distinguish_v from_o reason_n p._n 24._o l._n 1._o r._n ground_n p._n 25._o l._n 3._o r._n evidence_n p._n 30._o l._n 3._o r._n persuasion_n p._n 63._o l._n 3._o r._n of_o p._n 85._o ult_n r._n deference_n p_o 134._o l._n 20_o r._n teach_v ibid_fw-la 27._o r._n which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v mean_v p._n 143._o l._n 7._o r_o cant_v p._n 156._o l._n 8._o r._n ratiocination_n p._n 185._o l._n 11._o r._n after_o p._n 186._o l._n 7._o r._n magician_n p._n 187._o l._n 1._o r._n and_o p._n 199._o l._n 2._o r._n abstruse_a p._n 206._o l._n 1._o r._n arian_n p_o 219._o l._n 18._o r._n fides_fw-la p._n 222._o l._n 23._o r._n hymn_n p_o 87_o last_o edition_n 1_o cor_n 15_o 51_o 52._o 1_o joh_n 3_o 2._o p._n 8_o 9_o 10_o p._n 11._o p._n 13._o p._n 18._o p._n 16._o 16._o to_o make_v what_o be_v to_o be_v say_v upon_o this_o head_n more_o intelligible_a the_o reader_n may_v take_v notice_n that_o by_o evidence_n he_o mean_v nothing_o more_o than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o thing_n in_o the_o mind_n so_o that_o these_o two_o expression_n be_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n of_o persuasion_n and_o you_o can_v give_v your_o assent_n to_o nothing_o but_o what_o you_o know_v all_o the_o difference_n be_v that_o one_o be_v plain_a and_o the_o other_o affect_o obscure_v but_o i_o must_v use_v his_o own_o cant_n otherwise_o tho'_o i_o speak_v ever_o so_o much_o to_o the_o purpose_n he_o will_v not_o think_v himself_o answer_v answer_v to_o prevent_v all_o ambiguity_n i_o do_v not_o take_v the_o word_n substance_n here_o strict_o as_o it_o be_v oppose_v to_o the_o mode_n and_o accident_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o it_o include_v they_o p._n 43._o &_o 128._o 128._o that_o which_o may_v make_v this_o paragraph_n obscure_a be_v the_o mistake_a evidence_n in_o the_o mind_n or_o knowledge_n for_o those_o proof_n which_o be_v only_o
he_o quote_v against_o we_o be_v justin_n martyr_n who_o say_v moses_n with_o his_o hand_n stretch_v out_o at_o the_o battle_n with_o the_o amalakste_n be_v a_o type_n of_o christ_n crucify_a and_o he_o use_v these_o word_n type_n simbol_n mystery_n etc._n etc._n to_o signify_v thing_n once_o hide_v but_o now_o reveal_v so_o do_v we_o all_o to_o this_o day_n use_v these_o word_n to_o express_v those_o thing_n which_o be_v once_o hide_v and_o now_o reveal_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o the_o christian_a religion_n for_o all_o that_o and_o if_o he_o will_v look_v into_o his_o tract_n of_o a_o true_a confession_n of_o faith_n he_o will_v never_o again_o cite_v this_o father_n against_o we_o at_o least_o in_o this_o controversy_n but_o call_v he_o all_o to_o nought_o as_o he_o have_v do_v we_o when_o he_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o human_a nature_n in_o the_o person_n of_o christ_n and_o propose_v many_o intricate_a and_o insuperable_a difficulty_n concern_v this_o article_n of_o our_o faith_n perhaps_o say_v he_o these_o unconceivable_a difficulty_n may_v perplex_v your_o mind_n and_o stagger_v your_o faith_n as_o for_o i_o when_o i_o be_o in_o any_o perplexity_n about_o these_o christian_a mystery_n i_o cry_v out_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o those_o thing_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v above_o our_o faculty_n of_o knowledge_n above_o reason_n above_o the_o capacity_n of_o create_a nature_n and_o it_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o solution_n to_o be_v give_v of_o these_o thing_n but_o that_o of_o a_o ready_a faith_n he_o argue_v moreover_o the_o impossibility_n of_o come_v to_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o these_o divine_a object_n from_o the_o disproportion_n there_o be_v between_o they_o and_o our_o present_a capacity_n and_o ask_v this_o question_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d with_o what_o confidence_n can_v you_o go_v about_o to_o give_v a_o exact_a solution_n of_o divine_a thing_n i_o leave_v this_o man_n who_o be_v concern_v to_o give_v he_o a_o answer_n the_o next_o quotation_n be_v out_o of_o tertullian_n who_o have_v this_o expression_n in_o his_o apology_n cum_fw-la vel_fw-la ex_fw-la formâ_fw-la omnibus_fw-la mysteriis_fw-la silentij_fw-la fiides_fw-la habeatur_fw-la etc._n etc._n he_o be_v in_o that_o place_n defend_v the_o christian_n from_o those_o crime_n of_o incest_n adultery_n and_o murder_v of_o child_n which_o the_o heathen_a charge_v they_o as_o be_v guilty_a of_o in_o there_o meeting_n that_o they_o be_v groundless_a rumour_n and_o nothing_o more_o he_o argue_v thus_o these_o thing_n must_v be_v first_o discover_v either_o by_o ourselves_o or_o other_o not_o by_o other_o because_o they_o have_v no_o way_n to_o know_v they_o but_o by_o such_o as_o be_v privy_a to_o they_o not_o by_o ourselves_o for_o none_o who_o be_v guilty_a of_o such_o horrid_a crime_n will_v discover_v thing_n which_o must_v expose_v they_o to_o the_o immediate_a punishment_n of_o the_o law_n though_o the_o vengeance_n of_o god_n be_v deserve_v and_o the_o force_n of_o the_o comparison_n with_o the_o heathen_a mystery_n lie_v in_o this_o if_o the_o samothracian_a and_o elusinian_n mystery_n be_v keep_v so_o secret_a which_o be_v not_o of_o such_o dangerous_a consequence_n to_o discover_v how_o much_o more_o must_v you_o think_v such_o herrid_a and_o dangerous_a mystery_n as_o you_o suppose_v we_o to_o be_v will_v be_v keep_v secret_a and_o his_o inâ—erence_n be_v very_o natural_a viz_o that_o these_o thing_n must_v needs_o be_v mere_a rumour_n since_o if_o they_o be_v true_a they_o will_v not_o be_v discover_v or_o if_o they_o be_v discover_v must_v expect_v no_o mercy_n from_o the_o heathen_a who_o will_v be_v sure_a not_o to_o spare_v they_o and_o therefore_o he_o say_v dicimur_fw-la sceleratissimi_fw-la dicimur_fw-la tamen_fw-la semper_fw-la nec_fw-la vos_fw-la quod_fw-la tam_fw-la diù_fw-fr dicimur_fw-la eruere_fw-la cuâ—atis_fw-la ergò_fw-la aut_fw-la cruite_n si_fw-la creditis_fw-la aut_fw-la nolite_fw-la credere_fw-la qui_fw-la non_fw-la eruisâ—is_fw-la this_o be_v the_o whole_a scope_n of_o the_o place_n and_o how_o this_o man_n will_v wrest_v his_o inference_n out_o of_o it_o ergò_fw-la there_o be_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n i_o can_v imagine_v the_o last_o he_o cite_v be_v origen_n who_o say_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o religion_n do_v all_o agree_v with_o our_o common_a notion_n i._n e._n as_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o know_v of_o they_o but_o this_o do_v not_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o intend_v by_o they_o than_o what_o we_o know_v as_o well_o as_o we_o do_v the_o ordinary_a object_n of_o our_o sense_n again_o he_o say_v the_o land_n of_o promise_n be_v a_o type_n of_o heaven_n this_o man_n inference_n be_v ergò_fw-la now_o this_o be_v know_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o bless_a in_o heaven_n can_v be_v no_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o whole_a six_o book_n of_o he_o against_o celsus_n be_v to_o show_v the_o direct_a contrary_n to_o what_o this_o man_n infist_n upon_o in_o his_o last_o chap._n viz._n to_o prove_v against_o that_o heretic_n that_o the_o mystery_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o original_o derive_v from_o the_o idolatrous_a and_o superstitious_a custom_n of_o the_o heathen_a let_v he_o answer_v that_o book_n before_o he_o set_v about_o answer_v i_o these_o be_v all_o his_o pompous_a citation_n from_o the_o father_n to_o prove_v what_o no_o one_o deny_v that_o the_o veil_n be_v remove_v and_o that_o therefore_o nothing_o in_o christianity_n no_o not_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v mysterious_a now_o after_o all_o i_o find_v this_o be_v no_o new_a heresy_n but_o a_o old_a one_o of_o eunomius_n revive_v who_o affirm_v the_o real_a true_a nature_n of_o god_n to_o be_v intelligible_a by_o we_o eunoâ—_n which_o be_v long_o ago_o conjure_v in_o all_o the_o branch_n of_o it_o by_o st._n basil._n it_o be_v to_o no_o purpose_n to_o heap_v up_o quotation_n here_o to_o prove_v that_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n be_v that_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o god_n there_o be_v not_o any_o thing_n which_o occur_v more_o frequent_o in_o they_o and_o that_o they_o be_v more_o express_a in_o greg_n nazianzen_n call_v god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o in_o the_o same_o he_o deum_fw-la to_o god_n he_o have_v this_o verse_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d how_o can_v the_o mind_n frame_v any_o notion_n of_o thou_o who_o be_v incomprehensible_a have_v thus_o show_v to_o how_o little_a purpose_n his_o citation_n out_o of_o the_o father_n be_v and_o how_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v true_o mysterious_a because_o what_o i_o have_v speak_v concern_v our_o manner_n of_o form_v idea_n of_o god_n and_o the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n may_v look_v a_o little_a odd_a at_o first_o sight_n as_o if_o i_o turn_v all_o religion_n into_o allegory_n and_o by_o that_o mean_n destroy_v the_o reality_n and_o substance_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v show_v that_o this_o be_v no_o new_a doctrine_n of_o i_o but_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o father_n 27._o way_n of_o intercourse_n with_o man_n but_o by_o take_v on_o he_o our_o sense_n and_o affection_n by_o which_o he_o accommodate_v the_o insupportable_a majesty_n of_o his_o nature_n to_o our_o â—rail_a and_o imperfect_a state_n deus_fw-la non_fw-la potuit_fw-la humanos_fw-la congressus_fw-la inire_fw-la nisi_fw-la humanos_fw-la &_o sensus_fw-la &_o affectus_fw-la suscepisset_fw-la per_fw-la quos_fw-la vim_o majestatis_fw-la suae_fw-la intolerabilem_fw-la utique_fw-la humanae_fw-la mediocritati_fw-la humilitate_fw-la temperaret_fw-la gregory_n nyssen_n discourse_v at_o large_a haeret._n how_o the_o sacred_a style_n be_v accommodate_v to_o our_o capacity_n by_o express_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o divine_a thing_n under_o the_o notion_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v familiar_a to_o we_o add_v these_o word_n for_o how_o say_v he_o can_v that_o immensity_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o little_a be_v it_o not_o that_o those_o thing_n be_v bring_v down_o to_o our_o shallow_a capacity_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d dionysius_n speak_v of_o this_o symbolical_a and_o figurative_a way_n of_o conceive_v and_o express_v the_o thing_n of_o another_o world_n call_v those_o thing_n by_o which_o they_o be_v represent_v to_o we_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d ti._n signa_fw-la figmenta_fw-la which_o be_v better_o render_v by_o the_o english_a word_n substitute_n and_o he_o add_v that_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v the_o substitute_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o thing_n which_o have_v form_n and_o figure_n be_v the_o representative_n of_o those_o divine_a thing_n which_o have_v none_o again_o dionysius_n say_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o hi._n to_o contemplate_v the_o nature_n of_o immaterial_a object_n any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o help_n of_o those_o notion_n we_o