short_a of_o the_o other_o in_o this_o that_o he_o have_v not_o attain_v to_o that_o spiritual_a discern_v of_o evangelical_n truth_n which_o the_o apostle_n speak_v of_o and_o without_o which_o it_o be_v utter_o impossible_a to_o have_v such_o a_o knowledge_n of_o they_o as_o will_v be_v effectual_a to_o salvation_n and_o happiness_n i_o will_v add_v only_o one_o text_n more_o 2_o cor._n 4._o 3._o if_o our_o gospel_n be_v hide_v it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o that_o be_v lose_v in_o who_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n i.e._n satan_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o they_o who_o believe_v not_o lest_o the_o light_n of_o the_o glorious_a gospel_n of_o christ_n who_o be_v the_o image_n of_o god_n shall_v shine_v unto_o they_o here_o it_o be_v imply_v that_o the_o gospel_n be_v hide_v from_o some_o person_n yea_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v from_o who_o viz._n such_o as_o according_a to_o the_o forego_n stile_n of_o the_o apostle_n be_v natural_a man_n those_o that_o live_v in_o their_o sin_n and_o suffer_v their_o mind_n to_o be_v blind_v and_o pervert_v to_o be_v corrupt_v and_o debauch_v by_o the_o diabolick_a spirit_n the_o prince_n and_o ruler_n of_o this_o low_a world_n to_o such_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v mere_a darkness_n thus_o it_o abundant_o appear_v from_o the_o sacred_a writ_n whence_o we_o be_v to_o fetch_v our_o discovery_n concern_v these_o thing_n that_o the_o proposition_n which_o i_o lay_v down_o be_v a_o impregnable_a and_o unshaken_a truth_n viz._n that_o christianity_n retain_v still_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o that_o more_o especial_o as_o so_o some_o person_n the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o natural_a strength_n be_v not_o sufficient_a of_o itself_o to_o discover_v these_o divine_a truth_n unless_o the_o soul_n be_v illuminate_v by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n these_o remain_v unintelligible_a and_o whole_o ineffectual_a and_o useless_a as_o to_o any_o save_v virtue_n and_o efficacy_n this_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o our_o saviour_n word_n john_n 3._o 3._o except_o a_o man_n be_v bear_v again_o he_o can_v see_v the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n unless_o as_o the_o apostle_n speak_v he_o be_v renew_v in_o the_o spirit_n of_o his_o mind_n and_o that_o by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n he_o can_v understand_v aright_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v call_v frequent_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o of_o heaven_n he_o can_v see_v he_o can_v enter_v into_o as_o it_o be_v express_v in_o v_o 5._o those_o divine_a thing_n this_o be_v that_o which_o our_o saviour_n aver_v mat._n 11._o 27._o neither_o know_v any_o man_n the_o father_n but_o the_o son_n and_o he_o to_o whosoever_o the_o son_n will_v reveal_v he_o viz._n by_o a_o inward_a and_o effectual_a discovery_n for_o they_o have_v the_o outward_a revelation_n then_o when_o the_o apostle_n st._n peter_n acknowledge_v christ_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o the_o live_a god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v he_o that_o flesh_n and_o blood_n have_v not_o reveal_v this_o to_o he_o but_o his_o father_n who_o be_v in_o heaven_n mat._n 16._o 17._o it_o be_v not_o the_o work_n of_o nature_n but_o of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n the_o father_n that_o have_v effectual_o wrought_v this_o knowledge_n in_o he_o this_o sort_n of_o light_n be_v peculiarly_a from_o the_o father_n of_o light_n this_o singular_a wisdom_n be_v from_o above_o and_o according_o as_o some_o interpret_v that_o place_n john_n 3._o 13._o the_o knowledge_n of_o these_o heavenly_a and_o spiritual_a thing_n be_v call_v ascend_v up_o to_o heaven_n from_o thence_o be_v derive_v that_o insight_n into_o the_o thing_n of_o god_n which_o no_o natural_a man_n have_v attain_v to_o for_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n the_o great_a point_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v under_o a_o seal_n and_o lock_v up_o from_o we_o and_o be_v never_o to_o be_v disclose_v till_o a_o divine_a light_n open_v our_o eye_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n remain_v blind_a till_o that_o eyesalve_n rev._n 3._o 18._o be_v effectual_o apply_v and_o it_o can_v be_v apply_v only_o by_o the_o holy_a spirit_n who_o proper_a work_n it_o be_v to_o dispel_v that_o spiritual_a darkness_n whereby_o the_o mind_n be_v indispose_v to_o understand_v and_o discern_v divine_a matter_n aright_o this_o be_v various_o express_v in_o the_o holy_a write_n viz._n by_o such_o term_n as_o these_o shine_v in_o our_o heart_n to_o give_v the_o light_n of_o knowledge_n 2_o cor._n 4._o 6._o give_v we_o a_o understanding_n to_o know_v 1_o john_n 5._o 20._o enlighten_v the_o eye_n of_o our_o understanding_n eph._n 1._o 18._o a_o unction_n from_o the_o holy_a one_o 1_o john_n 2._o 20._o which_o can_v be_v better_a paraphrase_v and_o explain_v than_o in_o the_o word_n of_o a_o eminent_a prelate_n of_o our_o church_n 328._o the_o same_o spirit_n which_o reveal_v the_o object_n of_o faith_n general_o to_o the_o universal_a church_n do_v also_o illuminate_v the_o understanding_n of_o such_o as_o believe_v that_o they_o may_v receive_v the_o truth_n for_o faith_n be_v the_o gift_n of_o god_n not_o only_o in_o the_o object_n but_o also_o in_o the_o act._n and_o afterward_o in_o the_o close_a he_o have_v these_o word_n we_o affirm_v not_o only_o the_o revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o also_o the_o illumination_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n to_o be_v part_n of_o the_o office_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n of_o god_n against_o the_o old_a and_o new_a palagian_n so_o that_o judicious_a writer_n it_o be_v this_o holy_a instructor_n that_o dispose_v the_o mind_n to_o receive_v the_o light_n of_o divine_a truth_n by_o cure_v it_o of_o its_o natural_a darkness_n and_o ignorance_n and_o by_o prepare_v the_o heart_n to_o receive_v its_o ray_n there_o be_v require_v a_o special_a grace_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n to_o enlighten_v the_o soul_n and_o to_o make_v due_a impression_n upon_o it_o the_o faculty_n of_o the_o understanding_n must_v be_v purify_v and_o so_o make_v fit_a to_o apprehend_v spiritual_a object_n this_o be_v part_n of_o the_o renew_a nature_n and_o regenerate_v principle_n and_o consequent_o where_o this_o be_v not_o the_o great_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_a secret_n and_o unknown_a mystery_n from_o what_o have_v be_v say_v i_o will_v only_o draw_v these_o two_o corollary_n 1._o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o the_o follower_n of_o socinus_n will_v not_o acknowledge_v christianity_n to_o be_v a_o mystery_n for_o they_o hold_v 26._o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o â—_o supernatural_a light_n no_o need_n of_o illumination_n from_o the_o spirit_n in_o order_n to_o the_o due_a apprehend_n and_o understand_v of_o the_o divine_a truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n there_o be_v they_o say_v in_o all_o man_n that_o natural_a ability_n whereby_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o discern_v all_o spiritual_a and_o heavenly_a matter_n in_o a_o spiritual_a way_n they_o be_v enable_v by_o virtue_n of_o a_o inbred_a power_n in_o their_o mind_n abstract_a from_o what_o be_v supernatural_a to_o perceive_v and_o believe_v as_o they_o ought_v all_o the_o evangelical_n doctrine_n propound_v to_o they_o interpret_v wolzogen_fw-mi ridicules_fw-la the_o internal_a and_o supernatural_a illumination_n i_o have_v be_v speak_v of_o 9_o velthusius_n a_o author_n that_o be_v much_o applaud_v by_o some_o of_o socinus_n follwer_n tell_v we_o plain_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o regenerate_a and_o unregenerate_a man_n concern_v the_o thing_n and_o mystery_n of_o faith_n differ_v not_o from_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n i_o appeal_v to_o the_o intelligent_a whether_o this_o be_v not_o a_o approach_n to_o a_o heresy_n long_o since_o condemn_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n it_o be_v well_o know_v that_o it_o be_v the_o pelagian_a error_n to_o assert_v that_o man_n can_v attain_v to_o a_o perfect_a knowledge_n of_o their_o duty_n and_o a_o ability_n to_o perform_v it_o by_o mere_a natural_a reason_n by_o the_o bare_a help_n of_o that_o light_n which_o nature_n give_v they_o and_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o some_o other_o point_n the_o socinian_o symbolize_v with_o those_o ancient_a heretic_n they_o cry_v up_o reason_n as_o the_o only_a thing_n in_o religion_n this_o with_o they_o like_o the_o archaeus_n among_o the_o chemist_n do_v all_o feat_n produce_v all_o operation_n though_o these_o man_n 45._o seem_v to_o be_v great_a abhorrer_n of_o those_o who_o talk_v of_o the_o light_n within_o they_o yet_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o they_o allow_v of_o the_o very_a same_o principle_n and_o practice_n they_o equal_v the_o light_n of_o reason_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o say_v it_o will_v serve_v instead_o of_o this_o and_o that_o it_o be_v as_o good_a as_o scripture_n because_o all_o man_n may_v be_v save_v by_o it_o therefore_o this_o they_o urge_v
culpable_a those_o that_o blame_v my_o intemperance_n in_o write_v if_o i_o be_v in_o a_o public_a station_n of_o the_o ministry_n will_v find_v fault_n with_o my_o preach_v too_o much_o and_o last_o i_o desire_v to_o regulate_v myself_o and_o my_o undertake_n by_o that_o rule_n of_o the_o royal_a preacher_n eccles._n 9_o 10._o what_o thy_o hand_n find_v to_o do_v do_v it_o with_o thy_o may_v the_o reason_n of_o which_o follow_v for_o there_o be_v no_o work_n nor_o device_n nor_o knowledge_n nor_o wisdom_n in_o the_o grave_n whither_o thou_o go_v this_o present_a world_n be_v the_o place_n of_o action_n and_o duty_n and_o these_o be_v to_o be_v perform_v according_a to_o the_o particular_a capacity_n and_o ability_n bestow_v upon_o we_o by_o our_o great_a benefactor_n the_o proper_a concern_v and_o business_n of_o our_o life_n which_o we_o design_v to_o discharge_v we_o must_v dispatch_v now_o and_o that_o with_o our_o might_n and_o vigour_n according_o i_o have_v take_v up_o a_o resolution_n by_o the_o divine_a aid_n to_o do_v what_o good_a i_o can_v with_o my_o pen_n whilst_o i_o can_v hold_v it_o and_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o sure_o this_o will_v not_o this_o can_v be_v offensive_a to_o any_o good_a and_o virtuous_a man_n and_o to_o such_o i_o desire_v to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o action_n and_o not_o to_o other_o wherefore_o i_o shall_v not_o be_v divert_v by_o the_o little_a suggestion_n and_o seem_o prudential_a exception_n of_o the_o foresay_a objection_n from_o a_o sedulous_a and_o continue_a apply_v myself_o to_o the_o forementioned_a way_n of_o communicate_v my_o thought_n to_o the_o world_n which_o i_o hope_v will_n through_o the_o blessing_n of_o the_o high_a prove_v someways_o serviceable_a towards_o the_o advance_n of_o truth_n and_o piety_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o practice_n of_o man_n though_o i_o be_o sufficient_o apprehensive_a how_o mean_a and_o unworthy_a my_o labour_n be_v and_o how_o much_o inferior_a to_o those_o of_o my_o reverend_a brethren_n and_o other_o excellent_a writer_n of_o this_o age._n and_o because_o i_o will_v be_v free_a and_o open_a with_o the_o reader_n i_o will_v give_v he_o his_o bill_n of_o fare_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v i_o design_n god_n willing_a to_o entertain_v he_o next_o with_o a_o large_a discourse_n concern_v the_o different_a dispensation_n of_o religion_n since_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n to_o the_o consummation_n of_o all_o thing_n it_o be_v a_o work_n that_o i_o have_v be_v design_v for_o the_o public_a a_o considerable_a time_n but_o have_v not_o yet_o have_v a_o opportunity_n to_o send_v it_o abroad_o by_o reason_n of_o some_o other_o treatise_n which_o be_v call_v for_o it_o be_v a_o work_n if_o i_o mistake_v not_o that_o be_v exceed_o necessary_a for_o the_o right_a understanding_n the_o book_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n for_o apprehend_v the_o true_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o they_o for_o the_o discover_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o god_n various_a administration_n to_o the_o world_n and_o for_o the_o full_o evince_v of_o his_o peculiar_a care_n of_o his_o church_n in_o all_o age_n i_o have_v also_o venture_v to_o make_v a_o modest_a enquiry_n into_o the_o future_a state_n and_o circumstance_n of_o the_o church_n here_o on_o earth_n but_o i_o have_v all_o along_o build_v my_o assertion_n on_o the_o discovery_n which_o the_o sacred_a write_n have_v furnish_v i_o with_o for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o great_a and_o wonderful_a thing_n which_o be_v yet_o to_o come_v and_o which_o be_v more_o glorious_a than_o ever_o yet_o appear_v on_o the_o stage_n be_v predict_v in_o the_o inspire_a volume_n though_o the_o text_n which_o speak_v of_o they_o have_v through_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n be_v unhappy_o misinterpret_v this_o and_o some_o other_o treatise_n as_o a_o impartial_a enquiry_n after_o truth_n and_o the_o right_a method_n of_o find_v it_o etc._n etc._n i_o intend_v as_o preliminary_n to_o a_o body_n of_o divinity_n for_o that_o be_v the_o undertake_n i_o have_v be_v accomplish_v some_o year_n and_o i_o have_v make_v some_o progress_n in_o it_o i_o purpose_v that_o the_o several_a part_n of_o which_o it_o be_v compose_v shall_v contain_v particular_a and_o distinct_a discourse_n on_o all_o the_o article_n of_o the_o apostle_n creed_n on_o every_o one_o of_o the_o ten_o commandment_n on_o the_o seveâ—eral_a petition_n of_o the_o lord_n prayer_n and_o on_o all_o the_o virtue_n grace_n and_o office_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o privilege_n of_o it_o i_o intend_v a_o large_a supplement_n concern_v the_o five_o point_n as_o they_o be_v common_o call_v controvert_v between_o the_o remonstrant_n and_o calvinist_n as_o likewise_o concern_v all_o those_o opinion_n and_o doctrine_n which_o be_v debate_v between_o the_o romanist_n and_o the_o reform_a church_n this_o be_v the_o provision_n which_o i_o have_v be_v make_v and_o which_o i_o hope_v to_o finish_v unless_o it_o shall_v seem_v good_a to_o the_o alwise_a disposer_n in_o who_o hand_n my_o time_n be_v otherwise_o to_o determine_v concern_v it_o and_o i_o however_o i_o can_v reasonable_o expect_v the_o continuance_n of_o health_n and_o the_o prolong_v of_o my_o day_n till_o i_o have_v entire_o publish_v what_o i_o have_v thus_o prepare_v but_o so_o far_o as_o i_o be_o able_a i_o be_o willing_a to_o make_v my_o own_o hand_n my_o executor_n in_o part_n and_o not_o to_o imitate_v those_o close-fisted_n person_n who_o whilst_o they_o be_v live_v distribute_v nothing_o of_o what_o god_n have_v give_v they_o but_o thrust_v all_o their_o good_a deed_n to_o the_o other_o side_n of_o their_o grave_n or_o if_o the_o benign_a deity_n shall_v vouchsafe_v to_o add_v a_o great_a number_n of_o day_n to_o my_o life_n yet_o we_o know_v not_o what_o evil_n shall_v be_v upon_o the_o earth_n for_o true_o when_o i_o place_n before_o i_o that_o atheism_n debauchery_n and_o profaneness_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o live_v of_o the_o worst_a and_o the_o strange_a indifferency_n and_o lukewarmness_n that_o reign_n in_o the_o best_a i_o be_o incline_v to_o think_v that_o though_o there_o be_v a_o period_n at_o present_a to_o the_o late_a hostility_n yet_o we_o be_v in_o a_o very_a dangerous_a condition_n which_o be_v one_o principal_a reason_n of_o my_o make_v that_o haste_n which_o some_o i_o perceive_v censure_v i_o for_o it_o may_v be_v partly_o out_o of_o good_a will_n and_o pity_n towards_o i_o fear_v lest_o i_o shall_v exhaust_v myself_o and_o turn_v bankrupt_a in_o a_o short_a time_n but_o i_o believe_v i_o have_v say_v enough_o to_o ease_v their_o fear_n as_o to_o that_o matter_n and_o as_o for_o other_o who_o censure_n proceed_v from_o a_o worse_a principle_n i_o let_v they_o know_v once_o for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v devote_v the_o residue_n of_o my_o life_n to_o the_o public_a defence_n and_o advancement_n of_o christianity_n with_o all_o its_o weighty_a truth_n and_o doctrine_n and_o all_o the_o holy_a duty_n and_o practice_n that_o appertain_v to_o it_o and_o i_o revere_a and_o adore_v the_o divine_a bounty_n that_o have_v vouchsafe_v to_o entrust_v i_o with_o a_o small_a stock_n such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o my_o poor_a ability_n to_o carry_v on_o so_o laudable_a a_o design_n i_o intend_v it_o shall_v not_o lie_v dead_a but_o be_v employ_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o the_o great_a eternal_a donour_n the_o content_n serm._n i._n a_o answer_n to_o pilat_n question_n what_o be_v truth_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o king_n charles_n the_o second_o at_o newmarket_n john_n xviii_o 38._o pilate_n say_v unto_o he_o what_o be_v truth_n pag._n 1._o serm._n ii_o why_o ruler_n and_o judge_n be_v call_v go_n a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o judge_n at_o the_o assize_n hold_v at_o cambridge_n psal._n lxxxii_o 6_o 7._o i_o have_v say_v you_o be_v god_n and_o all_o of_o you_o be_v the_o child_n of_o the_o most_o high_a but_o you_o shall_v die_v like_o man_n and_o fall_v like_o one_o of_o the_o prince_n pag._n 29â—_n serm._n iii_o the_o reason_n why_o magistrate_n ought_v to_o be_v exemplary_a in_o their_o life_n a_o sermon_n preach_v at_o the_o election_n of_o a_o chief_a magistrate_n in_o a_o corporation_n exod._n xviii_o 25._o and_o moses_n choose_v able_a man_n out_o of_o all_o israel_n and_o make_v they_o head_n over_o the_o people_n p._n 62._o serm._n iu._n how_o the_o minister_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v to_o excel_v a_o sermon_n preach_v before_o the_o clergy_n at_o the_o archdeacon_n of_o ely_n visitation_n 1_o cor._n fourteen_o 12._o forasmuch_o as_o you_o be_v zealous_a of_o spiritual_a gift_n seek_v that_o you_o may_v excel_v to_o the_o edify_v of_o the_o church_n p._n 92._o serm._n v._o that_o decay_n of_o trade_n and_o commerce_n and_o consequent_o
here_o of_o no_o value_n it_o be_v general_o despise_v and_o reject_v you_o must_v think_v of_o some_o other_o way_n for_o this_o will_v not_o do_v alas_o what_o be_v truth_n worth_a and_o what_o be_v you_o like_v to_o get_v by_o abet_v it_o but_o i_o rather_o think_v that_o pilate_n ask_v this_o question_n in_o contempt_n and_o derision_n i_o pray_v sir_n what_o be_v the_o right_a definition_n of_o truth_n do_v you_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o exact_a notion_n of_o it_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o this_o friend_n man_n be_v as_o much_o mistake_v about_o this_o as_o any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n and_o i_o believe_v you_o be_v one_o of_o that_o number_n you_o talk_v of_o truth_n but_o do_v you_o know_v what_o it_o be_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v start_v this_o query_n he_o go_v off_o the_o bench._n by_o which_o it_o appear_v that_o his_o enquiry_n be_v not_o serious_a and_o that_o he_o care_v not_o for_o a_o reply_n to_o it_o otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v be_v in_o good_a earnest_n without_o doubt_n our_o saviour_n will_v not_o have_v fail_v to_o return_v a_o answer_n for_o he_o be_v a_o person_n extreme_o communicative_a and_o use_v to_o satisfy_v all_o material_a question_n to_o the_o full_a yea_o above_o what_o be_v demand_v as_o when_o a_o lawyer_n ask_v he_o what_o be_v the_o first_o commandment_n he_o tell_v he_o moreover_o what_o be_v the_o second_o which_o be_v like_a unto_o it_o so_o when_o it_o be_v ask_v he_o be_v it_o lawful_a to_o give_v tribute_n to_o cesar_n or_o no_o his_o answer_n be_v more_o than_o satisfactory_a for_o he_o not_o only_o acquaint_v they_o that_o they_o ought_v to_o pay_v cesar_n his_o tribute_n but_o he_o add_v also_o that_o god_n as_o well_o as_o cesar_n due_n be_v to_o be_v discharge_v it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o who_o be_v so_o ready_a at_o all_o time_n to_o satisfy_v man_n demand_n will_v have_v return_v a_o answer_n to_o this_o of_o pilate_n if_o this_o great_a man_n will_v have_v stay_v for_o it_o but_o though_o pilate_n go_v away_o in_o haste_n i_o hope_v it_o will_v be_v worth_a our_o time_n to_o stay_n and_o satisfy_v ourselves_o about_o this_o question_n of_o so_o unspeakable_a use_n and_o value_v a_o question_n which_o be_v every_o way_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o the_o resolve_v of_o the_o scruple_n of_o the_o conscientious_a and_o silence_v the_o cavil_n of_o the_o atheistical_a and_o profane_a a_o question_n whereon_o the_o whole_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o religion_n depend_v a_o question_n of_o the_o great_a importance_n next_o to_o that_o what_o shall_v we_o do_v to_o be_v save_v or_o rather_o it_o be_v of_o the_o same_o rank_n with_o it_o for_o as_o the_o apostle_n have_v join_v they_o together_o god_n will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n but_o a_o other_o question_n than_o will_v arise_v how_o shall_v we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v we_o not_o on_o every_o side_n beset_v with_o mistake_v and_o false_a notion_n be_v not_o error_n very_o early_o in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v it_o not_o bear_v date_n from_o adam_n i_o have_v not_o examine_v whether_o that_o be_v true_a which_o one_o say_v 2._o that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o speech_n deliver_v before_o the_o flood_n by_o man_n wherein_o there_o be_v not_o a_o erroneous_a conception_n but_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o mistake_v and_o falsehood_n enter_v into_o the_o world_n betimes_o and_o that_o ever_o since_o a_o night_n of_o ignorance_n have_v overspread_v our_o mind_n and_o our_o judgement_n be_v involve_v in_o a_o cloud_n of_o obscurity_n and_o imperfection_n in_o cebes_n table_n which_o represent_v man_n life_n imposture_n give_v her_o cup_n to_o all_o that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n error_n and_o ignorance_n be_v the_o potion_n and_o every_o one_o drink_n of_o it_o but_o some_o more_o and_o some_o less_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o pretence_n and_o appearance_n of_o reason_n cozen_v we_o imperfect_a argumentation_n and_o superficial_a discourse_n easy_o determine_v we_o a_o petty_a inducement_n a_o weak_a likelihood_n a_o plausible_a harangue_n be_v enough_o to_o turn_v the_o scale_n with_o we_o and_o weigh_v heavy_a sometime_o than_o a_o demonstration_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o truth_n be_v so_o rare_a a_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n we_o may_v just_o complain_v as_o he_o of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v difficult_a to_o find_v out_o true_a reason_n or_o we_o may_v cry_v out_o as_o hermias_n the_o old_a christian_a philosopher_n do_v 〈◊〉_d truth_n have_v abandon_v and_o take_v its_o farewell_n of_o the_o world_n how_o then_o shall_v we_o hope_v to_o have_v this_o question_v assoil_v and_o to_o know_v what_o be_v truth_n nay_o we_o be_v in_o as_o bad_a circumstance_n as_o before_o and_o pilat_n demand_n be_v as_o far_o from_o be_v answer_v as_o it_o be_v for_o as_o the_o sceptic_a doubt_v of_o all_o truth_n yea_o indeed_o deny_v it_o so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o see_v that_o all_o party_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n pretend_v that_o they_o be_v master_n and_o possessor_n of_o it_o before_o there_o be_v no_o truth_n and_o now_o all_o be_v truth_n if_o you_o ask_v what_o it_o truth_n you_o shall_v not_o want_v whole_a herd_n of_o man_n who_o will_v come_v and_o offer_v their_o service_n to_o you_o and_o with_o all_o officiousness_n will_v tell_v you_o that_o they_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v you_o in_o such_o a_o easy_a question_n as_o that_o be_v truth_n take_v up_o its_o residence_n with_o we_o say_v the_o pagan_a worshipper_n our_o numerous_a deity_n and_o their_o idol_n have_v be_v vouch_v by_o oracle_n and_o divination_n and_o all_o the_o way_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o make_v a_o religion_n authentic_a we_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o orthodox_n faith_n say_v the_o jew_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n be_v bewilder_v and_o lose_v be_v destitute_a of_o a_o pillar_n of_o light_a to_o lead_v they_o alas_o they_o be_v envelop_v in_o egyptian_a darkness_n and_o must_v continue_v to_o be_v so_o till_o they_o take_v moses_n for_o their_o only_a guide_n to_o bring_v they_o out_o of_o it_o but_o then_o again_o neither_o gentile_n nor_o jew_n be_v in_o the_o right_n say_v the_o follower_n of_o mahomet_n who_o yet_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o pagan_a father_n and_o a_o jewish_a mother_n the_o alcoran_n be_v the_o true_a charter_n of_o our_o religion_n and_o who_o can_v suspect_v it_o since_o our_o prophet_n receive_v it_o from_o the_o angel_n gabriel_n we_o be_v the_o true_a musselman_n i.e._n believer_n and_o all_o other_o be_v downright_a infidel_n and_o miscreant_n nay_o even_o among_o those_o who_o profess_v christianity_n for_o out_o of_o the_o best_a and_o pure_a religion_n will_v arise_v the_o worst_a of_o corruption_n and_o heresy_n the_o party_n and_o division_n the_o dispute_n and_o claim_n be_v not_o a_o few_o truth_n be_v but_o one_o and_o yet_o they_o all_o think_v they_o monopolise_v it_o every_o sect_n be_v eager_a and_o violent_a and_o some_o of_o they_o confine_v all_o religion_n and_o salvation_n to_o their_o own_o way_n nay_o they_o be_v for_o persecute_v all_o party_n but_o their_o own_o like_o the_o ottoman_a prince_n they_o must_v strangle_v all_o their_o brethren_n otherwise_o they_o think_v they_o can_v reign_v safe_o ask_v the_o different_a party_n even_o from_o the_o high_a to_o the_o low_a from_o the_o old_a gentleman_n that_o sit_v in_o the_o porphyry_n chair_n to_o the_o mean_a quaker_n or_o muggletonian_n and_o they_o will_v all_o tell_v you_o they_o be_v in_o possession_n of_o the_o truth_n every_o persuasion_n have_v this_o of_o popery_n in_o it_o that_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o think_v themselves_o infallible_a and_o say_v they_o have_v a_o unerring_a guide_n and_o therefore_o they_o take_v the_o chair_n and_o determine_v peremptory_o on_o their_o own_o side_n even_o whilst_o some_o cry_n this_o be_v false_a and_o other_o that_o if_o you_o ask_v they_o single_o they_o all_o say_v they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n and_o every_o one_o confident_o vouch_v that_o he_o be_v proprietor_n of_o truth_n it_o seem_v by_o this_o that_o truth_n be_v equal_o divide_v among_o all_o man_n or_o rather_o indeed_o that_o the_o opinion_n of_o it_o be_v so_o and_o hence_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o scepticism_n and_o indifferency_n in_o religion_n have_v have_v their_o rise_n for_o too_o lavish_a pretence_n to_o truth_n have_v make_v some_o question_n whether_o there_o be_v any_o the_o divers_a claim_n and_o quarrel_n in_o christianity_n have_v wonderful_o foster_v atheism_n for_o whilst_o it_o have_v be_v observe_v that_o divinity_n have_v every_o where_o become_v polemical_a and_o that_o man_n have_v throw_v bibles_n at_o one_o another_o
as_o the_o one_o thing_n necessary_a in_o religion_n and_o assure_v their_o proselyte_n that_o this_o alone_a be_v sufficient_a to_o conduct_v they_o to_o eternal_a happiness_n which_o be_v not_o unlike_o the_o attempt_n of_o those_o late_a jesuit_n who_o will_v teach_v the_o people_n of_o china_n and_o siam_n the_o way_n to_o heaven_n by_o the_o mathematics_n these_o man_n who_o i_o be_o speak_v of_o pretend_v to_o effect_v every_o thing_n in_o christianity_n and_o to_o climb_v heaven_n itself_o by_o mere_a natural_a strength_n and_o humane_a accomplishment_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o express_a word_n of_o the_o 6._o racovian_a catechism_n that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o the_o inward_a gift_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n that_o we_o may_v believe_v the_o gospel_n no_o not_o at_o all_o they_o have_v another_o way_n of_o believe_v viz._n by_o a_o strength_n of_o their_o own_o by_o the_o natural_a conduct_n and_o improvement_n of_o their_o faculty_n and_o if_o true_a faith_n than_o such_o a_o knowledge_n as_o accompany_v salvation_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v after_o the_o same_o manner_n and_o no_o other_o for_o a_o man_n need_v not_o be_v behold_v to_o the_o holy_a spirit_n for_o it_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o those_o who_o talk_v thus_o find_v no_o mystery_n in_o christianity_n 2._o this_o give_v a_o account_n of_o that_o scarcity_n of_o true_a divine_a knowledge_n and_o religion_n which_o be_v observable_a in_o the_o world_n there_o be_v secret_n in_o the_o christian_a faith_n which_o be_v know_v but_o by_o a_o few_o and_o therefore_o true_a christian_n must_v needs_o be_v rare_a there_o be_v indeed_o a_o equivocal_a sort_n of_o christian_n in_o the_o world_n who_o bold_o assume_v the_o name_n but_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o thing_n itself_o they_o boast_v of_o that_o honourable_a title_n but_o be_v regardless_o of_o the_o true_a import_n of_o it_o and_o to_o use_v the_o apostle_n word_n though_o they_o think_v they_o know_v something_o they_o know_v nothing_o as_o they_o ought_v to_o know_v 1_o cor._n 8._o 2._o these_o be_v very_o numerous_a and_o every_o place_n swarm_n with_o they_o but_o the_o number_n of_o those_o who_o have_v a_o practical_a knowledge_n and_o sense_n of_o gospel-truths_n be_v very_o mean_a and_o low_a the_o multitude_n of_o those_o who_o derive_v their_o denomination_n from_o christ_n have_v not_o attain_v to_o this_o accomplishment_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v because_o it_o be_v by_o their_o own_o default_n hide_v from_o they_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o receive_v the_o divine_a supernatural_a light_n into_o their_o mind_n let_v we_o implore_v the_o assistance_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n the_o great_a and_o heavenly_a mystagogue_n the_o effectual_a interpreter_n of_o divine_a secret_n and_o who_o alone_o can_v discover_v they_o to_o we_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v and_o irradiate_a our_o soul_n in_o such_o a_o manner_n as_o shall_v be_v real_o beneficial_a to_o we_o let_v we_o beg_v the_o aid_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o truth_n to_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o advantageous_a knowledge_n of_o all_o evangelical_n truth_n and_o to_o enable_v we_o to_o feel_v they_o as_o well_o as_o know_v they_o thus_o much_o of_o the_o first_o branch_n of_o the_o proposition_n found_v on_o the_o word_n christianity_n mysterious_a a_o sermon_n show_v that_o there_o be_v mystery_n proper_o so_o call_v in_o the_o christian_a religion_n with_o the_o true_a reason_n of_o it_o and_o the_o natural_a consequence_n from_o it_o preach_v before_o the_o university_n at_o st._n mary_n in_o cambridge_n june_n 29._o 1697._o and_o since_o much_o enlarge_v 1_o tim_n iii_o 16._o and_o without_o controversy_n great_a be_v the_o mystery_n of_o godliness_n have_v in_o a_o former_a discourse_n show_v that_o christianity_n be_v a_o mystery_n to_o some_o more_o especial_o now_o i_o will_v pass_v to_o the_o second_o thing_n i_o undertake_v viz._n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v such_o even_o in_o a_o general_a way_n unto_o every_o one_o there_o be_v several_a great_a truth_n in_o the_o gospel_n which_o the_o spiritual_a man_n can_v no_o more_o arrive_v to_o a_o full_a knowledge_n of_o than_o the_o natural_a man_n can_v with_o relation_n and_o respect_n even_o to_o all_o person_n whosoever_o the_o sublime_a truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n still_o retain_v and_o ever_o shall_v the_o nature_n of_o a_o mystery_n and_o i_o choose_v the_o rather_o to_o treat_v on_o this_o subject_a because_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o be_v of_o that_o nature_n and_o influence_n that_o if_o it_o be_v due_o entertain_v it_o will_v be_v serviceable_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n and_o cavil_n against_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o other_o important_a point_n that_o relate_v to_o it_o there_o will_v be_v no_o far_o contest_v about_o these_o if_o the_o abovesaid_a proposition_n do_v but_o take_v place_n in_o man_n mind_n this_o must_v needs_o be_v so_o at_o least_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o because_o when_o it_o shall_v appear_v that_o there_o be_v fathomless_a secret_n in_o christianity_n and_o that_o they_o be_v design_v to_o be_v so_o yea_o and_o to_o be_v so_o to_o all_o as_o well_o as_o to_o some_o this_o can_v but_o supersede_n all_o controversy_n about_o 〈◊〉_d this_o with_o ingenuous_a and_o rational_a spirit_n solve_v all_o difficulty_n this_o with_o religious_a and_o pious_a mind_n answer_v all_o doubt_n and_o full_o satisfy_v all_o scruple_n this_o therefore_o be_v the_o thing_n which_o i_o will_v evince_v that_o â—here_o be_v such_o secret_n as_o these_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n in_o this_o holy_a institution_n which_o we_o have_v but_o a_o dark_a and_o imperfect_a notice_n of_o and_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o attain_v to_o any_o other_o and_o these_o be_v proper_o style_v mystery_n that_o one_o text_n alone_o 1_o cor._n 13._o 9_o 12._o be_v sufficient_a to_o prove_v this_o we_o 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but_o this_o apostle_n think_v not_o this_o sufficient_a to_o set_v forth_o the_o meanness_n and_o deficiency_n of_o our_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a matter_n but_o he_o add_v another_o emphatic_a expression_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d in_o a_o riddle_n i.e._n in_o a_o very_a obscure_a dark_a and_o intricate_a manner_n and_o therefore_o our_o translator_n render_v it_o dark_o the_o sum_n of_o what_o the_o apostle_n say_v be_v this_o that_o we_o have_v but_o a_o partial_a discovery_n of_o some_o divine_a truth_n our_o sight_n of_o they_o be_v very_o imperfect_a there_o be_v certain_a point_n of_o christianity_n which_o be_v not_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o our_o capacity_n but_o be_v in_o themselves_o enigmatical_a and_o abstruse_a and_o these_o passage_n be_v the_o more_o considerable_a if_o we_o call_v to_o mind_v the_o peculiar_a quality_n of_o the_o person_n who_o write_v thus_o it_o be_v that_o apostle_n who_o be_v famous_a for_o his_o knowledge_n he_o who_o among_o all_o the_o apostle_n be_v the_o only_a man_n that_o be_v bring_v up_o a_o scholar_n for_o we_o read_v that_o he_o be_v educate_v in_o the_o school_n of_o gamaliel_n a_o celebrate_a hebrew_n doctor_n and_o professor_n and_o thence_o be_v stock_v with_o all_o the_o jewish_a literature_n and_o he_o that_o be_v well_o skilled_a in_o the_o heathen_a poet_n as_o his_o quotation_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n let_v we_o know_v be_v questionless_a not_o defective_a in_o other_o part_n of_o humane_a learning_n which_o he_o have_v the_o advantage_n of_o furnish_v himself_o within_o his_o own_o native_a city_n that_o of_o tarsus_n which_o be_v at_o that_o time_n a_o famous_a university_n and_o these_o excellency_n join_v with_o his_o own_o natural_a part_n and_o endowment_n which_o as_o we_o may_v gather_v from_o his_o acute_a reason_n and_o arguing_n on_o all_o occasion_n be_v of_o the_o high_a
on_o the_o very_a same_o ground_n attend_v to_o the_o former_a because_o that_o be_v from_o god_n no_o less_o than_o this_o wherefore_o those_o who_o oppose_v one_o to_o the_o other_o make_v â—od_a contradict_v himself_o because_o he_o be_v the_o author_n of_o both_o and_o here_o i_o can_v but_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o injustice_n of_o some_o late_a penman_n who_o represent_v the_o asserter_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o of_o such_o like_a point_n of_o faith_n as_o person_n that_o be_v enemy_n to_o reason_n and_o such_o as_o will_v by_o no_o â—â—ans_n admit_v of_o a_o rational_a religion_n this_o they_o crafty_o urge_v and_o aggravate_v to_o blacken_v the_o cause_n which_o they_o have_v set_v themselves_o against_o but_o there_o be_v nothing_o of_o truth_n in_o the_o accusation_n but_o as_o they_o manage_v it_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o falsehood_n and_o wrong_n for_o we_o give_v unto_o reason_n the_o thing_n that_o be_v reason_n we_o assert_v the_o use_n and_o necessity_n of_o it_o in_o religion_n yea_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n and_o we_o be_v able_a and_o ready_a to_o defend_v and_o maintain_v a_o considerable_a part_n of_o it_o by_o rational_a principle_n we_o most_o free_o profess_v with_o justin_n the_o philosopher_n and_o martyr_n that_o 1_o whatever_o be_v well_o say_v by_o any_o of_o the_o philosopher_n poet_n and_o historian_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o christian_a write_n of_o the_o bible_n we_o declare_v that_o the_o christian_a institution_n commend_v and_o enforce_v all_o the_o maxim_n of_o morality_n and_o the_o natural_a religion_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o common_a dictate_v of_o reason_n those_o therefore_o be_v very_o injurious_a to_o we_o and_o to_o truth_n itself_o who_o labour_n as_o we_o see_v they_o do_v to_o fill_v man_n head_n with_o other_o apprehension_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o general_n yet_o there_o be_v particular_a doubt_n and_o difficulty_n relate_v to_o this_o holy_a institution_n there_o be_v some_o certain_a point_n which_o be_v in_o themselves_o mysterious_a incomprehensible_a and_o inconceivable_a and_o will_v not_o submit_v to_o the_o nice_a scrutiny_n of_o humane_a reason_n the_o â—ery_a deity_n itself_o which_o be_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o christianity_n be_v a_o 〈◊〉_d and_o the_o great_a of_o all_o mystery_n whence_o it_o be_v the_o acknowledgement_n of_o 〈◊〉_d a_o very_a wise_a and_o good_a man_n god_n be_v great_a and_o we_o know_v he_o not_o job_n 36._o 26._o we_o can_v full_o understand_v his_o nature_n and_o attribute_n yea_o we_o be_v capable_a of_o know_v but_o very_o little_a of_o they_o which_o be_v fit_o express_v by_o that_o of_o the_o apostle_n he_o dwell_v in_o the_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o 1_o tim._n 6._o 16._o this_o inaccessible_a splendour_n admit_v not_o of_o a_o full_a view_n the_o more_o we_o gaze_v upon_o this_o glorious_a sun_n the_o more_o we_o be_v dazzle_v and_o almost_o blind_v in_o some_o case_n 〈◊〉_d it_o be_v unsafe_a and_o perilous_a say_v a_o pious_a father_n to_o speak_v what_o be_v true_a of_o god_n ord._n â—â—e_z be_v best_a know_v by_o a_o modest_a 〈◊〉_d â—â—ith_o another_o 4._o we_o know_v not_o whâ—â—_n he_o be_v but_o only_o what_o he_o be_v not_o sai_z a_o third_z and_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o socinus_n himself_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o his_o prediction_n stiâ—â—y_o contend_v though_o upon_o no_o solid_a ground_n at_o all_o that_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n be_v not_o discoverable_a by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o reason_n how_o then_o can_v he_o and_o his_o â—ollowers_n imagine_v â—hat_n the_o divine_a nature_n and_o essence_n be_v to_o be_v comprehend_v by_o humaâ—e_a thought_n if_o we_o can_v according_a to_o he_o discover_z that_o god_n be_v how_o shall_v we_o understand_v what_o he_o be_v there_o be_v several_a unutterable_a abstrusity_n and_o difficulty_n in_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a self-subsisting_a be_v we_o can_v penetrate_v into_o the_o omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n of_o god_n we_o have_v not_o adequate_a conception_n of_o his_o immutability_n his_o justice_n his_o faithfulness_n and_o none_o of_o his_o perfection_n and_o excellency_n be_v thorough_o understand_v by_o we_o so_o that_o according_a to_o the_o way_n of_o argue_v which_o some_o man_n use_v viz._n that_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v in_o religion_n but_o what_o be_v exact_o according_a to_o plain_a reason_n they_o may_v renounce_v the_o deity_n itself_o for_o in_o the_o notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n there_o be_v some_o thing_n above_o our_o reason_n the_o manner_n how_o three_o real_a subsistency_n be_v unite_v in_o one_o essence_n or_o substance_n of_o the_o godhead_n be_v not_o comprehensible_a but_o the_o holy_a scripture_n put_v it_o beyond_o all_o doubt_n that_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v many_o principle_n and_o proposition_n in_o christianity_n which_o be_v far_o above_o our_o weak_a capacity_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n in_o the_o conduct_n of_o our_o redemption_n and_o salvation_n the_o exact_a knowledge_n of_o which_o be_v hide_v from_o we_o at_o least_o the_o modes_n and_o circumstance_n belong_v to_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v comprehend_v though_o we_o be_v sure_a of_o the_o general_n truth_n there_o be_v sundry_a difficult_a thing_n occur_v concern_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n but_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o doctrine_n itself_o 〈…〉_z i_o know_v say_v st._n chrysostom_n that_o the_o son_n be_v beget_v of_o the_o father_n but_o how_o i_o know_v not_o i_o know_v he_o be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n but_o i_o can_v tell_v the_o manner_n of_o it_o for_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o production_n of_o both_o nature_n and_o yet_o the_o manner_n of_o both_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o declare_v so_o as_o to_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o christ_n person_n we_o have_v not_o a_o accountable_a idea_n of_o it_o though_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o can_v answer_v all_o the_o doubt_n concern_v christ_n satisfaction_n but_o upon_o incontestable_a ground_n we_o may_v be_v convince_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n at_o the_o last_o day_n be_v a_o unquestionable_a article_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n but_o if_o we_o be_v ask_v how_o a_o dead_a body_n crumble_v into_o dust_n and_o perhaps_o dissipate_v by_o the_o wind_n into_o several_a quarter_n or_o how_o a_o body_n convert_v into_o the_o substance_n of_o other_o creature_n after_o innumerable_a introduction_n of_o new_a shape_n preserve_v its_o proper_a identity_n â—nd_v individuation_n if_o we_o be_v ask_v i_o say_v how_o this_o can_v be_v the_o answer_n in_o brief_a can_v 〈◊〉_d no_o other_o than_o this_o we_o can_v tell_v but_o it_o will_v be_v say_v this_o be_v a_o unbecoming_a answer_n for_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o knowledge_n and_o understanding_n in_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n i_o reply_v this_o be_v no_o way_n unbecoming_a but_o to_o pretend_v to_o give_v reason_n and_o account_n when_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o do_v it_o be_v very_o unbecoming_a and_o absurd_a and_o many_o other_o point_n of_o christianity_n be_v hide_v from_o our_o natural_a reason_n and_o be_v inscrutable_a secret_n our_o religion_n have_v many_o maze_n and_o labyrinth_n in_o it_o which_o we_o can_v extricate_v ourselves_o out_o of_o the_o gospel_n not_o only_o be_v but_o be_v a_o mystery_n it_o be_v so_o now_o and_o will_v continue_v so_o to_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n if_o we_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n of_o this_o so_o far_o as_o we_o be_v able_a to_o judge_v there_o may_v be_v this_o account_n give_v of_o it_o 1._o that_o which_o solomon_n suggest_v to_o we_o aught_o to_o have_v the_o preference_n to_o all_o other_o reason_n that_o can_v be_v assign_v it_o be_v the_o glory_n of_o god_n say_v he_o to_o conceal_v a_o thing_n prov._n 25._o 2._o the_o supreme_a be_v be_v please_v to_o hide_v the_o knowledge_n of_o several_a thing_n from_o man_n because_o this_o redound_v to_o the_o honour_n and_o glory_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n hereby_o the_o sovereignty_n of_o the_o great_a disposer_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v display_v to_o mankind_n hereby_o his_o transcendent_a nature_n which_o infinite_o surpass_v that_o of_o all_o create_a being_n be_v proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o another_o wise_a and_o holy_a man_n who_o speak_v of_o the_o almighty_a say_v he_o give_v not_o account_n of_o any_o of_o his_o matter_n job_n 33._o 13._o though_o sometime_o yea_o frequent_o he_o vouchsafe_v to_o render_v a_o reason_n of_o what_o he_o say_v as_o well_o as_o of_o what_o he_o do_v yet_o in_o many_o case_n he_o think_v fit_a to_o deal_v with_o we_o otherwise_o
thing_n in_o nature_n yet_o it_o have_v be_v long_o controvert_v where_o it_o be_v in_o what_o part_n of_o the_o body_n it_o be_v place_v though_o it_o be_v sufficient_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o be_v as_o the_o rational_a soul_n and_o that_o it_o be_v real_o distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o that_o this_o latter_a be_v uncapable_a of_o cogitation_n as_o be_v never_o more_o nervous_o prove_v than_o of_o late_a by_o a_o great_a and_o eminent_a person_n of_o our_o church_n against_o one_o that_o show_v himself_o incline_v to_o believe_v that_o matter_n can_v think_v though_o i_o say_v it_o be_v evident_a that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o distinct_a be_v as_o be_v the_o sovereign_a empress_n of_o all_o our_o function_n and_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v not_o certain_o know_v where_o her_o throne_n be_v for_o some_o give_v she_o the_o whole_a body_n for_o her_o seat_n other_o believe_v she_o circulate_v in_o the_o blood_n and_o other_o assign_v she_o the_o heart_n as_o her_o particular_a chair_n of_o state_n and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a the_o most_o pierce_v philosopher_n of_o late_a have_v confine_v she_o to_o the_o brain_n yet_o they_o be_v not_o agree_v in_o what_o part_n of_o it_o her_o residence_n be_v many_o other_o instance_n indeed_o almost_o as_o many_o as_o there_o be_v phaenomâ—na_n in_o the_o world_n of_o the_o uncertainty_n of_o natural_a speculation_n may_v be_v produce_v a_o great_a part_n of_o that_o which_o pass_v for_o knowledge_n be_v ingenious_a guess_v and_o surmise_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o the_o scruple_n and_o difficulty_n which_o attend_v all_o these_o thing_n which_o i_o have_v mention_v the_o thing_n themselves_o be_v ready_o own_a and_o assent_v to_o so_o that_o these_o several_a particular_n which_o i_o have_v name_v be_v clear_a demonstration_n of_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o proposition_n may_v be_v true_a and_o consequent_o that_o we_o may_v give_v our_o assent_n to_o they_o though_o the_o matter_n of_o they_o surpass_v our_o reason_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v not_o only_o hard_a but_o impossible_a to_o explain_v it_o and_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o second_o the_o foresay_a example_n plain_o show_v that_o some_o thing_n even_o in_o nature_n may_v be_v above_o reason_n and_o yet_o not_o contrary_a to_o it_o for_o if_o they_o be_v the_o latter_a no_o man_n will_v yield_v assent_n to_o they_o but_o whole_o reject_v they_o as_o inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a but_o even_o the_o very_a person_n with_o who_o our_o business_n be_v at_o present_a profess_v their_o ready_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o reality_n of_o all_o these_o thing_n though_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o explain_v they_o and_o solve_v the_o right_a manner_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o follow_v that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v a_o thing_n mere_o because_o it_o surmount_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o we_o be_v not_o to_o infer_v from_o a_o thing_n be_v be_v above_o reason_n that_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o after_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v discard_v all_o natural_a philosophy_n and_o believe_v nothing_o of_o the_o most_o ordinary_a occurrence_n in_o nature_n and_o what_o hinder_v now_o that_o we_o shall_v not_o make_v the_o like_a deduction_n with_o reference_n to_o those_o high_a matter_n which_o i_o before_o mention_v may_v we_o not_o on_o much_o better_a ground_n make_v these_o two_o inference_n viz._n that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o disbelieve_v those_o thing_n because_o they_o exceed_v our_o reason_n and_o that_o though_o they_o do_v so_o yet_o it_o follow_v not_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v repugnant_a to_o reason_n such_o inference_n as_o these_o be_v very_o good_a and_o valid_a because_o of_o the_o difficult_a and_o recondite_v nature_n of_o these_o spiritual_a and_o divine_a matter_n which_o far_o outdo_v that_o of_o bodily_a and_o sensible_a thing_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o this_o be_v the_o way_n of_o reason_v which_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_a and_o learnede_a of_o the_o primitive_a writer_n of_o the_o christian_a church_n make_v use_v of_o against_o the_o heretic_n and_o seducer_n of_o he_o and_o the_o immediate_o forego_v time_n 47._o he_o argue_v from_o the_o obscurity_n in_o matter_n of_o sense_n to_o those_o that_o be_v spiritual_a and_o of_o a_o sublime_a nature_n thus_o then_o in_o imitation_n of_o that_o great_a man_n we_o may_v solid_o argue_v with_o relation_n to_o the_o forego_n disquisition_n in_o philosophy_n if_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o inferior_a nature_n there_o be_v such_o obscurity_n and_o difficulty_n which_o yet_o be_v no_o impediment_n to_o our_o assent_n how_o much_o more_o than_o in_o high_a thing_n may_v we_o expect_v there_o shall_v be_v great_a difficulty_n and_o amaze_a obscurity_n if_o natural_a knowledge_n be_v so_o cloudy_a be_v there_o not_o reason_n to_o believe_v the_o divine_a and_o heavenly_a to_o be_v much_o more_o so_o if_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o find_v out_o the_o true_a system_n of_o the_o material_a world_n how_o can_v we_o apprehend_v the_o unspeakable_a nature_n of_o the_o spiritual_a one_o if_o there_o be_v mystery_n in_o philosophy_n sure_o there_o be_v great_a one_o in_o the_o gospel_n if_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o grovel_v plant_n confound_v we_o how_o shall_v we_o be_v able_a to_o solve_v all_o the_o difficult_a problem_n in_o christianity_n if_o a_o man_n can_v attain_v all_o his_o life_n time_n to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o single_a mineral_n be_v it_o probable_a that_o he_o can_v in_o a_o much_o less_o time_n know_v full_o the_o secret_n of_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n if_o he_o can_v give_v a_o account_n of_o a_o sorry_a insect_n how_o shall_v he_o be_v able_a to_o unravel_v the_o mystery_n of_o our_o faith_n if_o we_o can_v tell_v with_o all_o our_o reason_n and_o argumentation_n how_o the_o soul_n be_v unite_v to_o and_o act_n upon_o the_o body_n how_o be_v iâ—_n possible_a to_o tell_v the_o manner_n of_o the_o son_n of_o 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