contrary_a to_o right_o reason_n can_v man_n ever_o be_v force_v to_o believe_v it_o for_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n of_o a_o rational_a soul_n and_o such_o be_v the_o essential_a impress_n of_o its_o intellectual_a nature_n that_o no_o man_n can_v believe_v what_o he_o please_v but_o be_v fatal_o bind_v up_o to_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o those_o principle_n of_o which_o his_o rational_a nature_n be_v compound_v and_o if_o it_o be_v in_o the_o power_n of_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v any_o thing_n though_o never_o so_o contradictory_n and_o repugnant_a to_o the_o natural_a sentiment_n and_o impression_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n he_o may_v then_o yield_v as_o firm_a a_o assent_n to_o falsehood_n as_o truth_n and_o repute_v all_o the_o contradiction_n and_o absurdity_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v infallible_a oracle_n and_o as_o he_o can_v arbitrarious_o fix_v his_o mind_n to_o the_o reception_n of_o a_o falsehood_n so_o neither_o of_o that_o which_o be_v irrational_a for_o that_o which_o be_v repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n be_v certain_o false_a and_o all_o the_o difference_n between_o they_o lie_v only_o in_o the_o number_n of_o syllable_n pag._n 18._o right_o reason_n and_o divine_a wisdom_n give_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n the_o foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n whether_o divine_a or_o humane_a lie_n in_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o idea_n nature_n and_o mutual_a respect_n and_o relation_n of_o thing_n now_o these_o not_o be_v arbitratious_a but_o settle_v eternal_o fix_v and_o immutable_a it_o clear_o follow_v that_o right_a reason_n and_o divine_a wisdom_n give_v the_o same_o judgement_n of_o thing_n forasmuch_o as_o not_o only_o right_a reason_n be_v a_o participation_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n but_o likewise_o that_o it_o be_v no_o more_o in_o the_o power_n of_o god_n to_o change_v or_o alter_v the_o idea_n respect_n and_o reference_n of_o thing_n than_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o die_v or_o destroy_v his_o own_o be_v hence_o a_o triangle_n with_o its_o three_o angle_n equal_a to_o two_o right_a one_o and_o all_o idea_n with_o their_o immutable_a respect_n and_o habitude_n appear_v the_o same_o in_o humane_a understanding_n as_o they_o be_v represent_v and_o exhibit_v in_o the_o divine_a intellect_n because_o our_o understanding_n be_v a_o abstract_n or_o copy_n of_o the_o divine_a understanding_n as_o likewise_o because_o the_o contrary_n will_v undermine_v and_o destroy_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o all_o knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o leg_n it_o be_v true_o assert_v by_o tully_n est_fw-la igitur_fw-la quoniam_fw-la nihil_fw-la est_fw-la ratione_fw-la melius_fw-la eáque_fw-la &_o in_fw-la homine_fw-la &_o in_fw-la deo_fw-la prima_fw-la homini_fw-la cum_fw-la deo_fw-la rationis_fw-la societas_fw-la inter_fw-la quos_fw-la autem_fw-la ratio_fw-la inter_fw-la eosdem_fw-la etiam_fw-la recta_fw-la ratio_fw-la communis_fw-la est_fw-la nor_o do_v we_o by_o this_o in_o a_o stoical_a arrogance_n make_v man_n equal_a with_o god_n as_o some_o may_v fond_o imagine_v for_o the_o divine_a intellect_n as_o our_o learned_a author_n speak_v do_v intimate_o penetrate_v and_o behold_v at_o one_o view_v these_o affection_n with_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o discern_v their_o order_n and_o reciprocation_n and_o this_o be_v proper_o call_v fix_v and_o stable_a reason_n whereas_o humane_a understanding_n explicate_v and_o unfold_v thing_n successive_o and_o in_o order_n and_o this_o be_v reason_n in_o succession_n or_o flow_v and_o movable_a reason_n pag._n 41._o as_o to_o other_o thing_n we_o ought_v to_o yield_v a_o implicit_a faith_n to_o divine_a revelation_n etc._n etc._n christian_n religion_n sufficient_o obtain_v its_o end_n in_o that_o all_o those_o thing_n which_o pertain_v to_o life_n and_o godliness_n to_o the_o renovation_n of_o man_n mind_n into_o the_o faultless_a image_n of_o our_o lord_n jesus_n be_v plain_a and_o intelligible_a even_o to_o the_o mean_a capacity_n but_o in_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v of_o a_o more_o abstruse_a profound_a and_o speculative_a nature_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o have_v a_o implicit_a faith_n i._n e._n to_o believe_v that_o the_o sense_n of_o all_o those_o thing_n that_o be_v deliver_v and_o consign_v by_o divine_a testimony_n though_o they_o transcend_v my_o capacity_n whatever_o it_o be_v which_o be_v intend_v by_o god_n be_v true_a for_o he_o that_o do_v not_o so_o call_v god_n truth_n in_o question_n but_o to_o believe_v this_o or_o that_o to_o be_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o they_o or_o to_o believe_v the_o modes_n of_o such_o and_o such_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o plain_o reveal_v in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v thus_o to_o be_v explicate_v and_o all_o other_o explication_n of_o they_o utter_o false_a be_v not_o necessary_a either_o to_o faith_n or_o salvation_n for_o if_o god_n will_v have_v have_v under_o pain_n of_o damnation_n those_o doctrine_n which_o be_v not_o so_o plain_o lay_v down_o as_o that_o all_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o conception_n of_o they_o to_o be_v equal_o believe_v by_o all_o in_o this_o particular_a and_o determinate_a sense_n it_o can_v not_o consist_v with_o his_o wisdom_n to_o deliver_v they_o in_o obscure_a term_n nor_o with_o his_o justice_n to_o require_v of_o man_n to_o know_v certain_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n which_o he_o himself_o have_v not_o reveal_v pag._n 43._o that_o he_o may_v be_v a_o pattern_n and_o example_n 24._o to_o we_o for_o as_o lactantius_n speak_v excellent_o well_o quomodo_fw-la poterit_fw-la amputari_fw-la excusatio_fw-la etc._n etc._n i._n e._n how_o can_v all_o excuse_n be_v take_v away_o unless_o he_o that_o teach_v do_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o he_o teach_v and_o conduct_n and_o lend_v his_o help_a hand_n to_o he_o that_o follow_v for_o if_o he_o shall_v be_v subject_a to_o no_o passion_n a_o man_n may_v thus_o reply_v upon_o his_o teacher_n i_o will_v not_o sin_v but_o i_o be_o overcome_v be_v clothe_v with_o frail_a and_o weak_a flesh_n this_o be_v it_o which_o be_v angry_a which_o covet_v which_o grieve_v which_o fear_v to_o die_v therefore_o i_o be_o lead_v unwilling_o and_o i_o sin_n not_o because_o i_o will_v but_o because_o i_o be_o force_v i_o be_o sensible_a likewise_o that_o i_o sin_n but_o the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a frailty_n compel_v which_o i_o can_v withstand_v what_o shall_v this_o teacher_n of_o righteousness_n answer_v to_o these_o thing_n how_o will_v he_o refute_v or_o convince_v that_o man_n who_o lay_v the_o blame_n of_o his_o sin_n upon_o his_o flesh_n unless_o he_o himself_o be_v likewise_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n that_o so_o he_o may_v show_v that_o flesh_n itself_o be_v likewise_o capable_a of_o the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n ibid._n that_o be_v shall_v be_v conceive_v by_o the_o power_n of_o the_o holy_a ghost_n in_o the_o womb_n of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o man_n be_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o his_o person_n that_o christ_n shall_v be_v bear_v of_o a_o virgin_n without_o the_o concurrence_n of_o man_n can_v not_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o incredible_a by_o the_o pagan_a world_n who_o scarce_o ever_o have_v any_o famous_a hero_n among_o they_o but_o they_o present_o find_v out_o some_o god_n for_o his_o father_n and_o plutarch_n in_o the_o life_n of_o numa_n relate_v that_o the_o egyptian_n suppose_v it_o probable_a enough_o that_o the_o spirit_n of_o the_o god_n have_v give_v supradicto_fw-la original_a of_o generation_n to_o woman_n and_o beget_v fruit_n of_o their_o body_n and_o lactantius_n argue_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o the_o nativity_n of_o jesus_n of_o the_o virgin_n mary_n from_o what_o be_v common_o believe_v among_o the_o heathen_n concern_v other_o creature_n quod_fw-la si_fw-la animalia_fw-la quoedam_fw-la vento_fw-la &_o aurâ_fw-la concipere_fw-la solere_fw-la omnibus_fw-la notum_fw-la est_fw-la cur_n quisquam_fw-la mirum_fw-la putet_fw-la cum_fw-la spiritu_fw-la dei_fw-la cui_fw-la est_fw-la facile_fw-la quicquid_fw-la velit_fw-la gravatam_fw-la esse_fw-la virginem_fw-la dicimus_fw-la the_o belief_n of_o which_o when_o facilitated_a will_v appear_v a_o excellent_a provision_n for_o a_o high_a esteem_n and_o valuation_n of_o the_o person_n of_o our_o saviour_n therefore_o perhaps_o it_o be_v not_o only_o a_o drunken_a humour_n in_o alexander_n when_o he_o will_v be_v think_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n hammon_n but_o to_o make_v himself_o appear_v more_o august_n and_o venerable_n by_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v the_o son_n of_o a_o god_n to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v relate_v by_o huetius_n that_o among_o the_o turk_n there_o be_v certain_a boy_n which_o they_o call_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d believe_v of_o the_o common_a people_n to_o be_v 385._o bear_v of_o virgin_n and_o in_o great_a esteem_n as_o suppose_v to_o do_v strange_a thing_n in_o the_o turkish_a language_n they_o be_v call_v nephes-ogli_a i._n e._n the_o
rational_a there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n whereby_o so_o effectual_o and_o sensible_o to_o convince_v atheistical_a person_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o god_n and_o his_o steady_a and_o all-comprehensive_a providence_n in_o rule_v all_o thing_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v express_v by_o st._n judas_n v._n 15._o 16._o in_o recite_v the_o prophecy_n of_o enoeb_n where_o one_o end_v of_o the_o appearance_n of_o our_o saviour_n with_o his_o holy_a myriad_n be_v for_o the_o conviction_n of_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d those_o wicked_a sinner_n who_o be_v not_o content_v to_o act_v unrighteous_o but_o do_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d speak_v opprobrious_a and_o contempâ—…uous_a thing_n of_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n nor_o be_v this_o only_a peculiar_a to_o the_o terrestrial_a state_n of_o life_n for_o it_o be_v probable_a that_o many_o spirit_n may_v be_v taint_v with_o the_o same_o atheistical_a conceit_n in_o the_o aereal_a region_n and_o may_v resolve_v all_o thing_n there_o likewise_o into_o blind_a chance_n and_o fortune_n now_o when_o our_o lord_n jesus_n according_a to_o the_o clear_a prediction_n of_o sacred_a scripture_n shall_v think_v fit_a to_o put_v a_o end_n to_o the_o scene_n of_o affair_n in_o this_o low_a world_n and_o to_o that_o purpose_n shall_v visible_o descend_v from_o heaven_n with_o a_o innumerable_a company_n of_o mighty_a angel_n make_v all_o those_o region_n through_o which_o they_o pass_v bright_a before_o they_o with_o the_o glory_n and_o lustre_n of_o their_o celestial_a body_n and_o in_o this_o posture_n shall_v for_o some_o time_n face_n the_o earth_n and_o after_o that_o dreadful_a sentence_n pronounce_v upon_o wicked_a man_n and_o the_o apostate_n spirit_n of_o the_o air_n by_o his_o stupendous_a power_n shall_v excite_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o fire_n both_o in_o earth_n and_o air_n to_o perfect_v a_o general_n and_o universal_a confâ—…agration_n of_o this_o terrestrial_a world_n for_o the_o punishment_n of_o the_o rebellious_a crew_n this_o will_v be_v such_o a_o amaze_a and_o surprise_v testimony_n and_o irreâ—…ragable_a proof_n of_o the_o immediate_a hand_n of_o god_n as_o must_v and_o will_v convince_v the_o most_o wretched_a and_o deplorable_a notwithstanding_o the_o courseness_n and_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o nature_n both_o of_o his_o be_v and_o providence_n pag._n 47._o he_o who_o after_o a_o humble_a pious_a and_o attentive_a weigh_v of_o thing_n shall_v yet_o fall_v into_o error_n all_o error_n be_v not_o alike_o hurtful_a and_o dangerous_a for_o a_o error_n may_v be_v pure_o and_o simple_o involuntary_a or_o it_o may_v be_v in_o respect_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o voluntary_a if_o the_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v some_o voluntary_a and_o avoiable_a fault_n the_o error_n be_v itself_o sinsul_n and_o consequent_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n damnable_a as_o if_o by_o negligence_n in_o seek_v the_o truth_n by_o unwillingness_n to_o find_v it_o by_o pride_n by_o obstinacy_n by_o desire_v that_o religion_n shall_v be_v true_a which_o suit_n best_o with_o my_o end_n by_o fear_n of_o man_n ill_a opinion_n or_o any_o other_o worldly_a fear_n or_o hope_n i_o betray_v myself_o to_o any_o error_n contrary_a to_o any_o divine_a reveal_v truth_n that_o error_n may_v be_v just_o style_v a_o sin_n and_o consequent_o to_o such_o a_o one_o of_o itself_o damnable_a but_o if_o i_o be_v guilty_a of_o none_o of_o these_o fault_n but_o be_v desirous_a to_o know_v the_o truth_n &_o diligent_a in_o seek_v it_o and_o advise_v not_o at_o all_o with_o flesh_n and_o blood_n about_o the_o choice_n of_o my_o opinion_n but_o only_o with_o god_n and_o that_o reason_n he_o have_v give_v i_o if_o i_o be_v thus_o qualify_v and_o yet_o through_o humane_a infirmity_n fall_v into_o error_n that_o error_n can_v be_v damnable_a thus_o far_o a_o great_a and_o learned_a man._n i_o may_v add_v that_o a_o sober_a and_o serious_a christian_a who_o endeavour_n by_o all_o mean_n to_o know_v the_o will_n and_o mind_n of_o god_n and_o so_o soon_o as_o he_o can_v discover_v it_o be_v ready_a sincere_o to_o believe_v and_o practice_v it_o and_o have_v withal_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o a_o hearty_a goodwill_n to_o mankind_n this_o person_n through_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n shall_v be_v keep_v from_o fall_v into_o any_o dangerous_a and_o damnable_a error_n but_o now_o when_o any_o man_n shall_v careless_o neglect_v to_o use_v that_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v he_o to_o discriminate_a between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n and_o shall_v happen_v to_o assent_v to_o truth_n not_o upon_o a_o due_a choice_n and_o discernment_n between_o it_o and_o falsehood_n but_o blind_o and_o fortuitous_o this_o assent_n be_v no_o way_n commendable_a and_o a_o involuntary_a error_n after_o a_o clear_a and_o well_o qualify_v search_n be_v to_o be_v prefer_v before_o it_o i_o have_v now_o finish_v my_o annotation_n upon_o this_o excellent_a discourse_n in_o which_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v such_o thing_n as_o our_o reverend_a author_n have_v but_o light_o touch_v at_o least_o can_v not_o large_o insist_v upon_o in_o that_o concise_a way_n of_o a_o sermon_n and_o this_o i_o have_v the_o more_o ready_o perform_v because_o i_o judge_v a_o discourse_n of_o this_o nature_n by_o a_o person_n of_o so_o extraordinary_a piety_n such_o clear_a intellectual_n and_o so_o every_o way_n accomplish_v as_o our_o author_n be_v can_v not_o prove_v unacceptable_a to_o any_o of_o the_o lover_n of_o truth_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o likewise_o that_o i_o may_v do_v honour_n to_o his_o venerable_a name_n and_o memory_n from_o who_o i_o have_v the_o happiness_n of_o receive_v the_o first_o rudiment_n of_o academical_a learning_n this_o i_o affirm_v moreover_o with_o a_o humble_a deference_n to_o better_a and_o more_o enlighten_v judgement_n that_o such_o a_o explication_n of_o religion_n as_o our_o reverend_n and_o learned_a author_n drive_v at_o be_v the_o most_o likely_a way_n not_o only_o to_o silence_v the_o bold_a cavil_n of_o enthusiast_n and_o atheist_n but_o to_o eradicate_v all_o carnal_a and_o sensual_a doctrine_n and_o opinion_n and_o to_o bring_v on_o through_o the_o assistance_n of_o the_o mighty_a spirit_n of_o god_n who_o presence_n be_v never_o want_v to_o the_o sincere_o conscientious_a that_o bless_a and_o desirable_a state_n of_o the_o church_n the_o philadelphian_a interval_n which_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n will_v all_o along_o fill_v with_o glorious_a manifestation_n of_o his_o power_n and_o providence_n finis_fw-la advertisement_n the_o folio_n of_o the_o sentence_n comment_v on_o in_o the_o annotation_n be_v most_o of_o they_o not_o alter_v from_o what_o they_o be_v in_o the_o manuscript_n for_o prevention_n of_o confusion_n in_o the_o reader_n they_o be_v to_o be_v mend_v thus_o the_o first_o in_o pag._n 48._o be_v p._n 4_o 5._o in_o stead_n of_o p._n 26._o the_o rest_n be_v to_o be_v thus_o in_o order_n as_o they_o go_v on_o in_o the_o book_n p._n 27._o p._n 30._o p._n 33._o p._n 34._o p._n 35._o p._n 36._o p._n 38._o p._n 39_o p._n 40._o p._n 41._o â—…_n cor._n 2._o 14._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 18._o rom._n 8._o 7._o 2_o cor._n 10._o 4_o 5._o 1_o cor._n 2._o 14._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 18._o 1_o cor._n 1._o 20._o &_o 2._o 6._o mat._n 12._o 24_o 25._o act._n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d joh._n 5._o 39_o 1_o thes._n 5._o 21._o 1_o joh._n 4._o 1._o psal._n 25._o 14._o see_v dr._n more_o be_v vol._n philosoph_n tom._n 2._o p._n 161._o 1_o tim._n 5._o 6._o mat._n 24._o 24._o 2_o thess._n 2._o 9_o rev._n 13._o 13_o 14._o origen_n contr_n celestina_n l._n 6._o juvenal_n sat._n 15._o l._n 1._o de_fw-fr leg_n lib._n 4._o c._n 24._o loco_fw-la supradicto_fw-la demonstr_n evangel_n p._n 385._o contraâ—…_n cel._n l._n 4._o p._n 163._o in_o 〈◊〉_d platonis_fw-la tuâ—…ul_a quaest._n lâ—…b_n 1._o
flesh_n which_o be_v enmity_n against_o god_n as_o well_o as_o against_o right_a reaâ—…on_n 7._o these_o be_v those_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d imagination_n that_o be_v to_o be_v cast_v down_o and_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o think_v which_o be_v to_o be_v bring_v into_o captivity_n to_o the_o obedience_n of_o christ_n 5._o namely_o those_o reason_n and_o discourse_n which_o minister_n to_o the_o flesh_n and_o the_o lust_n thereof_o this_o be_v that_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d natural_a man_n who_o receive_v not_o the_o 14._o thing_n of_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n for_o they_o be_v foolishness_n unto_o he_o neither_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v for_o this_o be_v that_o animal_n man_n which_o be_v guide_v only_o by_o his_o sensual_a appetite_n and_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d as_o those_o know_v well_o enough_o who_o be_v conversant_a in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n signify_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v adapt_v to_o the_o body_n and_o he_o that_o be_v such_o can_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n nor_o obedient_a to_o the_o gospel_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o thing_n contain_v there_o be_v mere_a foolishness_n to_o he_o nor_o can_v he_o know_v they_o because_o they_o be_v spiritual_o discern_v i._n e._n they_o be_v discern_v by_o a_o humble_a mind_n compose_a affection_n clear_a light_n and_o pure_a and_o internal_a sense_n this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n puâ—…ed_v up_o with_o pride_n and_o vainglory_n 18._o unto_o which_o the_o preach_n of_o the_o cross_n be_v foolishâ—…ess_n for_o the_o obâ—…ure_a life_n and_o ignominious_a death_n of_o christ_n be_v always_o count_v ridiculous_a by_o a_o mind_n turgid_a &_o swell_v with_o high_a notion_n and_o conceit_n last_o this_o be_v that_o wisdom_n of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o the_o prince_n of_o this_o world_n who_o be_v intoxicate_v with_o vile_a affection_n and_o a_o 6._o opinionative_n knowledge_n which_o god_n and_o every_o wise_a man_n look_v upon_o as_o foolishness_n such_o wisdom_n and_o ratiocination_n as_o these_o be_v not_o the_o offspring_n of_o true_a reason_n but_o the_o fallacy_n and_o paralogism_n of_o a_o mind_n blind_v with_o lust_n by_o right_a reason_n therefore_o i_o understand_v that_o innate_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n by_o which_o it_o discern_v the_o reason_n and_o mutual_a affection_n of_o thing_n and_o argue_v and_o conclude_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o and_o now_o i_o say_v that_o christian_a religion_n be_v not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n thus_o understand_v there_o be_v two_o usual_a form_n of_o speech_n pertinent_a to_o this_o occasion_n viz._n that_o something_o may_v either_o be_v above_o or_o contrary_n to_o reason_n but_o that_o we_o may_v speak_v free_o and_o according_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o whatever_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o belief_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v so_o much_o as_o above_o reason_n unless_o these_o word_n be_v take_v in_o this_o acception_n namely_o that_o a_o thing_n be_v so_o high_a and_o remote_a from_o common_a sense_n that_o bare_a â—…ntellect_n can_v not_o light_v upon_o it_o there_o be_v very_o some_o article_n of_o faith_n which_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v above_o reason_n as_o to_o some_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v not_o clear_o reveal_v thus_o for_o example_n it_o exceed_v the_o strength_n of_o reason_n to_o give_v a_o exact_a account_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o our_o resurrection_n &_o glorification_n or_o to_o make_v a_o perfect_a description_n of_o the_o joy_n and_o pleasure_n of_o the_o future_a life_n or_o to_o show_v how_o the_o three_o hypostasis_n be_v one_o god_n or_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n one_o christ_n but_o of_o these_o thing_n as_o there_o be_v no_o express_a revelation_n so_o neither_o be_v there_o a_o explicit_fw-la faith_n require_v and_o beside_o this_o obscurity_n be_v not_o a_o lâ—…ttle_a subservient_fw-fr for_o the_o beget_n and_o conciliate_a reverence_n and_o esteem_n to_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n but_o there_o be_v nothing_o to_o which_o a_o explicit_fw-la faith_n be_v require_v which_o so_o far_o exceed_v reason_n as_o that_o it_o be_v not_o able_a to_o form_v any_o conception_n of_o it_o for_o faith_n consist_v in_o assent_n the_o assent_n follow_v the_o judgement_n but_o no_o judgement_n can_v be_v make_v of_o a_o thing_n that_o be_v not_o at_o all_o know_v or_o understand_v therefore_o whatever_o exceed_v all_o knowledge_n must_v needs_o likewise_o exceed_v all_o belief_n and_o he_o that_o can_v persuade_v himself_o that_o he_o believe_v a_o thing_n that_o he_o do_v not_o understand_v believe_v he_o know_v not_o what_o and_o miserable_o impose_v upon_o himself_o with_o a_o company_n of_o word_n pretty_o put_v together_o and_o give_v a_o great_a sound_n which_o yet_o have_v no_o conception_n answer_v to_o they_o in_o the_o mind_n and_o while_o he_o dream_v of_o believe_v some_o unintelligible_a mystery_n he_o only_o pursue_v mere_a shadow_n of_o word_n from_o which_o when_o the_o veil_n be_v withdraw_v all_o faith_n and_o sense_n present_o vanish_v but_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n contain_v nothing_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n and_o that_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n be_v necessary_a in_o the_o affair_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o prove_v by_o these_o follow_a argument_n first_o if_o god_n shall_v propound_v any_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v that_o be_v contradictory_n to_o right_a reason_n one_o of_o these_o four_o absurdity_n nor_o can_v i_o think_v of_o a_o five_o will_v necessary_o follow_v upon_o it_o either_o that_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v or_o may_v deceive_v or_o that_o the_o reason_n and_o affection_n of_o thing_n be_v not_o eternal_a and_o immutable_a or_o last_o that_o our_o faculty_n be_v obnoxious_a to_o error_n when_o they_o have_v the_o clear_a and_o most_o distinct_a perception_n of_o their_o proper_a object_n the_o first_o and_o second_o of_o these_o be_v contrary_a to_o that_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o god_n which_o we_o have_v implant_v in_o our_o mind_n as_o for_o the_o three_o there_o be_v indeed_o a_o certain_a person_n who_o assert_n the_o reason_n of_o thing_n to_o be_v contingent_a and_o arbitrarious_fw-la and_o that_o blasphemy_n lie_v perjury_n nay_o a_o hatred_n of_o the_o divine_a majesty_n may_v be_v reckon_v into_o the_o account_n of_o virtue_n and_o become_v a_o worship_n please_v and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n but_o good_a god_n what_o rash_a and_o abominable_a position_n do_v we_o hear_v such_o as_o be_v rather_o to_o be_v bury_v in_o eternal_a oblivion_n or_o not_o to_o be_v name_v without_o horror_n and_o astonishment_n search_v the_o ancient_a council_n and_o you_o shall_v find_v no_o heresy_n more_o deserve_v a_o anathema_n than_o this_o nay_o the_o very_a jaw_n of_o hell_n can_v not_o belch_v out_o any_o thing_n more_o detestable_a and_o blasphemous_a for_o this_o rob_v god_n of_o his_o wisdom_n immutability_n goodness_n and_o all_o those_o other_o perfection_n we_o attribute_v to_o he_o it_o overthrow_v the_o principle_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o discourse_n make_v contradiction_n become_v probable_a destroy_v all_o trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o the_o divine_a promise_n and_o banish_v all_o hope_n and_o expectation_n of_o future_a happiness_n that_o all_o these_o consequence_n do_v natural_o flow_v from_o this_o principle_n we_o have_v prove_v elsewhere_o and_o the_o same_o will_v appear_v very_o evident_a to_o any_o that_o shall_v attentive_o consider_v it_o the_o four_o that_o god_n shall_v plant_v such_o faculty_n in_o we_o as_o may_v then_o deceive_v we_o when_o they_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perceive_v their_o respective_a object_n be_v contrary_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n moreover_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o god_n shall_v reveal_v any_o thing_n as_o a_o object_n of_o faith_n unless_o we_o first_o suppose_v that_o we_o must_v give_v credit_n to_o our_o own_o faculty_n for_o nothing_o can_v be_v deliver_v to_o we_o from_o god_n unless_o it_o be_v conformable_a to_o some_o faculty_n or_o other_o but_o and_o if_o that_o faculty_n may_v be_v deceive_v when_o it_o most_o clear_o and_o distinct_o perâ—…eives_v its_o object_n how_o be_v we_o assure_v that_o this_o deception_n may_v not_o happen_v in_o the_o present_a case_n especial_o whâ—…n_v reason_n the_o chief_a of_o our_o faculty_n clear_o and_o evident_o find_v that_o to_o be_v false_a which_o be_v offer_v under_o the_o specious_a pretext_n of_o divine_a revelation_n for_o this_o revelation_n must_v be_v convey_v to_o we_o either_o by_o the_o â—…ar_n or_o some_o other_o external_n sense_n or_o else_o by_o the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d but_o ought_v we_o not_o much_o rather_o to_o 〈◊〉_d that_o to_o be_v a_o illusion_n which_o be_v conâ—…rary_a to_o the_o principle_n
it_o seem_v most_o of_o all_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n but_o it_o be_v impious_a to_o imagine_v that_o god_n who_o be_v most_o wise_a can_v be_v deceive_v or_o be_v most_o veracious_a can_v deceive_v it_o be_v confess_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v speak_v true_a for_o no_o man_n be_v so_o incredulous_a or_o self-conceited_a but_o he_o will_v present_o give_v credit_n to_o divine_a attestation_n but_o the_o question_n be_v how_o we_o shall_v know_v when_o a_o thing_n be_v confirm_v by_o divine_a testimony_n will_v it_o appear_v from_o miracle_n alone_o we_o shall_v find_v pythagoras_n apollonius_n tyanoeus_fw-la who_o endeavour_v by_o magic_a to_o keep_v up_o the_o crediâ—…_n of_o decay_v and_o sink_v idolatry_n be_v famous_a for_o these_o who_o contemporary_n dare_v oppose_v he_o to_o christ_n as_o may_v appear_v from_o the_o book_n of_o hierocles_n and_o philostratus_n write_v of_o this_o subject_n i_o may_v likewise_o introduce_v the_o magician_n of_o both_o world_n all_o which_o have_v act_v diverse_a thing_n exceed_v the_o power_n of_o nature_n only_o by_o demoniacal_a assistance_n if_o any_o one_o therefore_o shall_v pretend_v a_o divine_a commission_n there_o be_v three_o thing_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o prove_v his_o authority_n by_o miracle_n holiness_n of_o life_n and_o a_o doctrine_n worthy_a of_o god_n and_o every_o way_n useful_a to_o mankind_n if_o he_o bring_v all_o these_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v as_o send_v from_o god_n but_o it_o no_o way_n comport_v with_o divine_a goodness_n and_o veracity_n to_o bear_v witness_n to_o a_o falsehood_n or_o to_o expose_v man_n in_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n to_o a_o everlasting_a and_o inevitable_a delusion_n wherefore_o we_o be_v not_o only_o to_o look_v at_o miracle_n but_o at_o the_o life_n and_o doctrine_n of_o the_o person_n who_o pretend_v they_o to_o gain_v to_o himself_o the_o belief_n of_o divine_a authority_n to_o this_o purpose_n our_o saviour_n make_v use_v of_o a_o invincible_a argument_n against_o the_o pharisee_n who_o object_v to_o he_o that_o he_o cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o help_n of_o the_o prince_n of_o devil_n viz._n that_o a_o kingdom_n divide_v against_o itself_o be_v 25._o bring_v to_o desolation_n therefore_o since_o he_o both_o by_o his_o doctrine_n and_o the_o mighty_a work_n that_o he_o do_v set_v himself_o whole_o to_o pull_v down_o and_o overthrow_v the_o kingdom_n of_o satan_n it_o can_v not_o be_v that_o he_o shall_v cast_v out_o devil_n by_o the_o assistance_n of_o satan_n therefore_o to_o make_v up_o a_o right_a judgement_n concern_v a_o divine_a testimony_n the_o matter_n itself_o which_o be_v attest_v aught_o to_o come_v into_o consideration_n which_o if_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n contrary_a to_o the_o settle_a principle_n of_o nature_n those_o miracle_n be_v not_o to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_a but_o as_o diabolical_a delusion_n the_o beroean_n be_v commend_v by_o the_o spirit_n of_o god_n to_o be_v more_o noble_a than_o those_o in_o thessalonica_n i._n e._n of_o a_o more_o ingenuous_a and_o pliable_a temper_n in_o that_o they_o search_v the_o 〈◊〉_d scripture_n whether_o those_o thing_n speak_v by_o paul_n and_o silas_n be_v so_o why_o shall_v not_o the_o same_o commendation_n belong_v likewise_o to_o we_o if_o we_o put_v to_o a_o severe_a scrutiny_n &_o trial_n whatever_o be_v deliver_v to_o we_o by_o any_o person_n for_o a_o divine_a law_n 3._o a_o three_o argument_n may_v be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n which_o ought_v to_o be_v matter_n of_o choice_n and_o delight_n but_o now_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o any_o one_o shall_v please_v himself_o in_o that_o which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o indeed_o to_o know_v conclusion_n themselves_o unless_o we_o likewise_o be_v ascertain_v from_o what_o principle_n they_o flow_v yield_v but_o a_o slender_a delight_n to_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o pleasure_n of_o a_o mathematical_a genius_n result_v not_o from_o have_v geometrical_a problem_n as_o undoubted_a axiom_n by_o heart_n but_o â—…rom_o the_o be_v able_a to_o comprehend_v their_o demonstration_n deduce_v by_o a_o long_a series_n of_o proposition_n wherefore_o it_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o divine_a goodness_n so_o â—…ar_o to_o indulge_v and_o have_v regard_n to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n under_o the_o gospel_n that_o he_o may_v find_v the_o harmony_n and_o agreement_n of_o those_o thing_n with_o reason_n which_o be_v propound_v to_o he_o as_o object_n of_o faith_n for_o here_o lie_v the_o principal_a difference_n between_o mankind_n and_o bruit_n in_o their_o be_v capable_a of_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n abhorrent_n from_o all_o reason_n that_o that_o which_o be_v most_o natural_a and_o the_o sole_a propriety_n of_o man_n shall_v yet_o be_v contradictory_n to_o his_o own_o faculty_n can_v it_o be_v imagine_v that_o god_n intend_v to_o perplex_v humane_a intellect_n with_o inexplicable_a subtlety_n or_o be_v any_o thing_n the_o more_o excellent_a and_o venerable_a because_o it_o exceed_v all_o understanding_n be_v he_o to_o be_v deem_v the_o fit_a subject_n for_o religion_n who_o be_v most_o bigotical_a and_o careless_o credulous_a be_v we_o to_o put_v off_o humane_a nature_n that_o we_o may_v become_v religious_a sure_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o suspicion_n of_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v the_o very_a reproach_n of_o all_o religion_n such_o aught_o to_o be_v every_o man_n judgement_n of_o his_o religion_n that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o absurd_a unbecoming_a or_o repugnant_a to_o right_a reason_n for_o what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o for_o religion_n to_o be_v afraid_a of_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n i_o have_v always_o look_v upon_o that_o religion_n most_o worthy_a of_o my_o choice_n which_o come_v off_o victorious_a when_o call_v to_o the_o bar_n of_o strict_a reason_n wherefore_o shall_v a_o gracious_a god_n bestow_v upon_o we_o the_o faculty_n of_o reason_n if_o we_o must_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o do_v its_o office_n when_o our_o concern_n be_v most_o in_o question_n or_o what_o other_o faculty_n be_v there_o leave_v by_o whoâ—…e_a conduct_n we_o can_v search_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o religion_n if_o we_o once_o forsake_v the_o guidance_n of_o reason_n must_v not_o all_o religion_n be_v owe_v either_o to_o education_n superstition_n or_o some_o fanatical_a impulse_n but_o you_o will_v say_v our_o reason_n since_o the_o fall_n be_v too_o much_o darken_v and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o competent_a judge_n of_o divine_a thing_n but_o be_v the_o faint_a and_o more_o languish_a ray_n of_o the_o decline_a sun_n therefore_o contemptible_a and_o to_o be_v repute_v darkness_n because_o we_o be_v deprive_v of_o his_o meridian_n and_o more_o exalt_v light_n must_v he_o who_o eye_n be_v somewhat_o dull_a be_v therefore_o account_v stark_o blind_a or_o must_v we_o quite_o shut_v our_o eye_n because_o they_o want_v the_o sharpness_n and_o perspicacity_n of_o eagle_n be_v not_o religion_n of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o require_v our_o great_a care_n and_o diligence_n as_o of_o a_o thing_n of_o the_o high_a moment_n and_o in_o which_o to_o have_v err_v be_v our_o great_a infelicity_n and_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v our_o faculty_n give_v if_o they_o be_v of_o no_o use_n in_o those_o thing_n wherein_o we_o most_o need_v they_o shall_v another_o judge_n for_o we_o or_o shall_v the_o understanding_n of_o another_o direct_a my_o will_n shall_v i_o fee_v with_o other_o man_n eye_n or_o walk_v only_o by_o the_o light_n that_o another_o carry_v before_o i_o shall_v i_o mortify_v my_o irregular_a affection_n with_o argument_n that_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o govern_v my_o life_n by_o the_o meaâ—…ure_n of_o another_o man_n principle_n be_v not_o all_o these_o thing_n to_o be_v do_v by_o a_o man_n be_v own_o proper_a judgement_n intellect_n and_o light_n and_o can_v this_o be_v effect_v without_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n nay_o further_o be_v there_o need_v of_o any_o other_o faculty_n in_o the_o choice_n of_o religion_n and_o such_o principle_n as_o tend_v to_o the_o regulation_n of_o life_n but_o only_o of_o reason_n religion_n be_v a_o free_a and_o ingenuous_a thing_n that_o force_v none_o but_o captivate_v the_o understanding_n with_o its_o own_o solitary_a beauty_n &_o pulchritude_n and_o he_o that_o think_v otherwise_o false_o accuse_v religion_n &_o introduce_v superstition_n into_o its_o place_n 4._o a_o four_o argument_n i_o take_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o right_a reason_n from_o whence_o arise_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n that_o no_o divine_a revelation_n can_v be_v contrary_a to_o it_o for_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v derive_v from_o the_o dâ—…vine_a mind_n and_o right_a reason_n be_v of_o a_o celestial_a original_a frame_v after_o the_o image_n of_o uncreated_a wisdom_n and_o knowledge_n it_o be_v a_o certain_a beam_n
body_n without_o which_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n can_v be_v complete_a and_o how_o ready_a god_n be_v to_o pardon_v sinner_n upon_o a_o true_a faith_n and_o repentance_n for_o this_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o doubt_v of_o when_o we_o consider_v the_o malignity_n of_o sin_n our_o own_o proneness_n to_o revenge_n and_o how_o rare_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v to_o find_v forgiveness_n of_o a_o fault_n among_o man_n in_o like_a manner_n that_o he_o shall_v establish_v the_o belief_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n that_o by_o look_v up_o to_o those_o we_o may_v be_v allure_v to_o obedience_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o these_o may_v be_v deter_v from_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o shall_v gain_v credit_n to_o all_o these_o thing_n both_o by_o his_o miracle_n and_o by_o his_o death_n for_o miracle_n be_v the_o great_a testimony_n of_o divine_a presence_n and_o in_o that_o he_o yield_v himself_o up_o to_o death_n it_o be_v a_o great_a sign_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n of_o his_o deal_n with_o we_o beside_o it_o be_v a_o clear_a demonstration_n of_o the_o divine_a goodness_n towards_o we_o who_o spare_v not_o his_o own_o son_n that_o he_o may_v do_v we_o good_a nor_o can_v there_o be_v a_o strong_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o to_o crucify_v our_o lust_n and_o to_o lay_v down_o our_o life_n for_o the_o brethren_n but_o that_o our_o lord_n by_o his_o death_n become_v a_o sacrifice_n for_o sin_n by_o which_o god_n declare_v his_o placableness_n it_o be_v a_o design_n of_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n to_o relieve_v and_o succour_v the_o soul_n under_o the_o argument_n of_o despondency_n and_o distrust_n which_o it_o fetch_v against_o itself_o from_o the_o holiness_n and_o justice_n of_o god_n the_o death_n of_o christ_n for_o that_o very_o end_v propitiate_a divine_a justice_n his_o resurrection_n from_o the_o dead_a be_v likewise_o very_o consonant_a to_o reason_n be_v a_o ample_a confirmation_n of_o his_o past_a action_n and_o also_o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o possibility_n of_o our_o resurrection_n and_o return_n to_o life_n after_o death_n but_o that_o after_o his_o resurrection_n he_o be_v exalt_v at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n and_o that_o all_o prayer_n and_o praise_n shall_v be_v offer_v to_o god_n by_o his_o mediation_n and_o that_o he_o always_o make_v intercession_n for_o we_o this_o be_v likewise_o very_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n for_o hence_o god_n not_o only_o make_v know_v to_o we_o his_o kindness_n and_o goodwill_n but_o have_v place_v our_o brother_n at_o his_o right_a hand_n a_o person_n most_o dear_a to_o he_o and_o most_o tender_o affect_v towards_o we_o through_o who_o we_o may_v with_o cheerfulness_n and_o full_a trust_n make_v our_o approach_n to_o god_n christ_n in_o the_o mean_a while_o deprecate_a god_n in_o our_o behalf_n that_o we_o shall_v acknowledge_v whatever_o good_a befall_v we_o to_o proceed_v whole_o and_o pure_o from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o that_o all_o power_n both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n be_v commit_v into_o his_o hand_n and_o that_o he_o be_v god_n vicegerent_n and_o the_o head_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n it_o be_v a_o great_a comfort_n to_o we_o because_o it_o be_v he_o that_o so_o dear_o love_v we_o who_o be_v possess_v of_o such_o mighty_a power_n moreover_o since_o there_o be_v without_o dispute_v a_o certain_a polity_n and_o government_n among_o the_o bless_a saint_n and_o angel_n who_o can_v we_o imagine_v to_o have_v better_a and_o great_a right_o to_o this_o principality_n than_o jesus_n christ_n who_o be_v god_n clothe_v with_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o both_o devil_n and_o man_n be_v sometime_o to_o be_v summon_v before_o the_o dreadful_a tribunal_n of_o god_n be_v very_o consentaneous_a for_o this_o very_a thought_n will_v strike_v terror_n into_o the_o most_o dare_a sinner_n and_o the_o solemnity_n of_o the_o judgement_n will_v vindicate_v god_n from_o all_o suspicion_n of_o malignity_n and_o injustice_n because_o every_o man_n conscience_n will_v testify_v to_o he_o that_o his_o misery_n proceed_v from_o his_o own_o wretched_a folly_n nor_o can_v any_o thing_n be_v imagine_v more_o proper_a than_o that_o christ_n shall_v be_v appoint_v judge_n for_o since_o god_n can_v execute_v this_o solemn_a judgement_n but_o under_o a_o visible_a shape_n what_o fit_a instrument_n can_v there_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n than_o that_o very_a nature_n in_o which_o long_o ago_o he_o have_v take_v up_o his_o dwell_n and_o last_o it_o be_v no_o way_n discrepant_a from_o reason_n that_o have_v subdue_v all_o his_o enemy_n he_o shall_v deliver_v up_o the_o kingdom_n to_o his_o father_n for_o his_o mediatory_a office_n be_v design_v to_o this_o purpose_n that_o lapse_v man_n may_v be_v recover_v to_o the_o life_n of_o god_n and_o invest_v with_o endless_a happiness_n upon_o the_o perfect_a this_o work_n the_o determination_n of_o his_o kingdom_n ought_v to_o follow_v which_o yet_o be_v to_o be_v understand_v after_o this_o manner_n viz._n that_o jesus_n christ_n god-man_n shall_v from_o thence_o and_o for_o ever_o continue_v the_o prince_n and_o head_n of_o saint_n and_o angel_n thus_o we_o have_v brief_o run_v through_o the_o several_a head_n of_o christian_a religion_n and_o shall_v not_o further_o trespass_n upon_o your_o patience_n what_o remain_v i_o shall_v dispatch_v in_o a_o word_n from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v it_o appear_v clear_o indecorous_a and_o unworthy_a of_o a_o christian_n to_o draw_v in_o his_o religion_n with_o his_o mother_n milk_n and_o to_o attribute_v his_o receive_n it_o not_o to_o the_o ingenuous_a disquisition_n of_o reason_n but_o to_o the_o law_n of_o his_o country_n his_o education_n to_o the_o dictate_v of_o some_o learned_a man_n in_o who_o he_o have_v a_o implicit_a faith_n and_o such_o like_a prejudices_fw-la as_o these_o and_o in_o conclusion_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n pertinacious_o to_o defend_v it_o not_o upon_o a_o due_a choice_n and_o difcernment_n between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n but_o upon_o some_o preconceive_a and_o prejudicate_a opinion_n whereas_o that_o be_v scarce_o worthy_a the_o name_n of_o faith_n nor_o grateful_a to_o god_n which_o owe_v its_o original_a rather_o to_o some_o dull_a chance_n then_o either_o to_o the_o evidence_n of_o the_o thing_n itself_o or_o the_o weight_n of_o the_o argument_n for_o it_o nay_o certain_a it_o be_v that_o he_o who_o after_o a_o humble_a pious_a and_o attentive_a weigh_v of_o thing_n shall_v yet_o fall_v into_o error_n be_v upon_o better_a ground_n to_o be_v judge_v if_o not_o worthy_a of_o praise_n yet_o at_o least_o of_o pardon_n than_o he_o that_o shall_v blind_o and_o fortuitous_o assent_v though_o to_o truth_n itself_o to_o which_o the_o holy_a write_n bear_v witness_v by_o command_v we_o to_o search_v the_o scripture_n to_o 39_o 21._o prove_v all_o thing_n and_o to_o examine_v and_o try_v the_o spirit_n 1._o and_o as_o our_o apostle_n exhort_v we_o to_o be_v ready_a always_o to_o give_v a_o answer_n to_o every_o man_n that_o ask_v we_o a_o reason_n of_o the_o â—…ope_n that_o be_v in_o we_o the_o end_n annotation_n upon_o the_o forogoing_a discourse_n the_o pious_a and_o excellent_o learned_a author_n of_o this_o discourse_n be_v himself_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o reason_n make_v it_o his_o whole_a business_n to_o employ_v his_o great_a part_n for_o the_o honour_n and_o advantage_n of_o religion_n he_o be_v a_o well_o instruct_v scribe_n for_o the_o kingdom_n of_o heaven_n and_o as_o a_o faithful_a steward_n of_o the_o mystery_n of_o god_n bring_v forth_o out_o of_o his_o treasure_n thing_n new_a and_o old_a and_o find_v christianity_n attack_v and_o assault_v by_o deist_n and_o enthusiast_n he_o resolute_o come_v in_o to_o her_o aid_n and_o assistance_n and_o by_o invincible_a argument_n have_v make_v good_a both_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o christianity_n contain_v nothing_o in_o it_o contrary_a to_o the_o law_n and_o inscription_n of_o right_a reason_n upon_o this_o foundation_n the_o whole_a discourse_n be_v settle_v and_o ground_v on_o which_o i_o here_o offer_v such_o annotation_n as_o may_v best_o serve_v to_o illustrate_v and_o confirm_v that_o high_a sense_n and_o great_a reason_n our_o ingenious_a author_n have_v curious_o and_o with_o most_o accurate_a judgement_n draw_v together_o pag._n 3_o 4._o what_o ever_o be_v propound_v to_o we_o as_o matter_n of_o belief_n ought_v not_o so_o much_o as_o to_o be_v above_o reason_n there_o be_v some_o who_o out_o of_o stupidity_n rather_o than_o a_o due_a veneration_n of_o religion_n make_v the_o choice_a of_o its_o article_n so_o incomprehensible_a as_o to_o be_v elevate_v above_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o their_o sense_n such_o as_o of_o which_o humane_a intellect_n can_v have_v no_o conception_n then_o which_o
son_n of_o soul_n however_o these_o thing_n be_v yet_o this_o be_v certain_a that_o among_o all_o nation_n those_o person_n have_v be_v always_o have_v in_o the_o great_a esteem_n and_o veneration_n who_o have_v be_v take_v to_o be_v the_o immediate_a offspring_n of_o god_n and_o this_o be_v it_o which_o put_v pilate_n into_o such_o a_o great_a fear_n when_o the_o jew_n tell_v he_o that_o our_o saviour_n assert_v himself_o to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n joh._n 19_o 8._o imagine_v according_o to_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o gentile_n that_o he_o may_v be_v the_o son_n of_o jupiter_n or_o apollo_n or_o some_o other_o of_o their_o deity_n and_o consequent_o that_o he_o ought_v rather_o to_o be_v reverence_v then_o give_v up_o to_o be_v crucify_a ibid._n add_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v from_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o most_o of_o the_o legislator_n among_o the_o heathen_a that_o they_o may_v obtain_v the_o great_a credit_n and_o veneration_n to_o their_o law_n be_v wont_a to_o tell_v the_o people_n they_o receive_v they_o from_o some_o god_n or_o other_o as_o mynias_n persuade_v the_o egyptian_n that_o he_o be_v teach_v his_o law_n by_o mercury_n minos_n entitle_v his_o to_o ju_n piter_n and_o zamolxis_n among_o the_o getes_n to_o the_o goddess_n vesta_n now_o albeit_o these_o be_v but_o fiction_n yet_o from_o the_o dictate_v of_o common_a reason_n they_o all_o conclude_v thus_o much_o that_o there_o be_v no_o law_n so_o bind_v or_o that_o carry_v great_a majesty_n and_o authority_n then_o that_o which_o have_v divinity_n stamp_v upon_o it_o ibid._n nor_o can_v god_n signify_v his_o will_n more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man._n admirable_o to_o 〈◊〉_d purpose_v the_o forecited_a lactantius_n discourse_n where_o show_v how_o high_o reasonable_a it_o be_v that_o christ_n shall_v take_v upon_o he_o our_o flesh_n he_o add_v si_fw-la verò_fw-la sit_fw-la immortalis_fw-la exemplum_fw-la proponere_fw-la homini_fw-la nullo_n modo_fw-la potest_fw-la i._n e._n if_o he_o have_v be_v whole_o immortal_a he_o can_v not_o have_v offer_v himself_o as_o a_o example_n to_o mankind_n for_o some_o grave_a person_n will_v be_v very_o apt_a thus_o to_o bespeak_v he_o you_o indeed_o do_v not_o sin_n because_o you_o be_v free_a from_o this_o body_n you_o covet_v not_o because_o a_o immortal_a be_v want_v nothing_o but_o i_o have_v need_n of_o many_o thing_n to_o maintain_v this_o life_n of_o i_o you_o be_v not_o afraid_a of_o death_n because_o it_o can_v have_v no_o dominion_n over_o you_o you_o despise_v pain_n because_o you_o be_v impassable_a but_o i_o poor_a mortal_n have_v reason_n to_o fear_v both_o because_o they_o bring_v upon_o i_o such_o grievous_a torment_n as_o weak_a and_o infirm_a flesh_n be_v not_o able_a to_o endure_v therefore_o he_o that_o be_v a_o teacher_n of_o 〈◊〉_d ought_v to_o take_v away_o this_o excuse_n from_o man_n 〈◊〉_d none_o may_v ascribe_v his_o sin_n rather_o to_o necessity_n then_o his_o ownfault_n and_o that_o he_o may_v be_v every_o way_n complete_a nothing_o ought_v to_o be_v object_v against_o he_o by_o he_o that_o be_v to_o be_v teach_v as_o if_o any_o one_o shall_v say_v you_o command_v impossibility_n he_o may_v ready_o answer_v behold_v i_o do_v the_o same_o thing_n i_o be_o clothe_v with_o flesh_n who_o property_n be_v to_o sin_n yet_o i_o bear_v about_o a_o mortal_a body_n without_o sin_n i_o can_v for_o righteousness_n sake_n either_o suffer_v pain_n or_o death_n because_o i_o be_o frail_a behold_v pain_n and_o death_n have_v power_n on_o i_o and_o i_o overcome_v those_o thing_n which_o thou_o fear_v that_o i_o may_v make_v thou_o a_o conqueror_n over_o pain_n and_o death_n i_o go_v first_o through_o those_o thing_n which_o thou_o pretend_v thou_o can_v not_o bear_v if_o thou_o can_v not_o follow_v i_o in_o what_o i_o command_v yet_o sure_o thou_o may_v follow_v i_o go_v before_o thou_o thus_o all_o manner_n of_o excuse_n be_v take_v away_o and_o every_o man_n must_v confess_v that_o it_o be_v his_o own_o fault_n that_o he_o be_v vicious_a in_o neglect_v to_o follow_v not_o only_o the_o teacher_n of_o all_o virtue_n but_o the_o guide_n and_o conductor_n to_o it_o and_o if_o any_o shall_v object_n with_o that_o impious_a epicurean_a and_o ask_v why_o can_v not_o god_n appear_v and_o at_o once_o take_v away_o all_o wickedness_n and_o sin_n out_o of_o 163._o the_o soul_n and_o plant_v virtue_n there_o to_o this_o origen_n reply_n 1._o that_o it_o may_v well_o be_v doubt_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d whether_o such_o a_o thing_n be_v natural_o possible_a or_o not_o 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d where_o will_v be_v the_o liberty_n of_o our_o will_n and_o where_o that_o laudable_a assent_n to_o the_o truth_n and_o aversation_n from_o lie_n and_o falshood_n for_o if_o we_o take_v away_o liberty_n and_o spontaneity_n we_o destroy_v the_o very_a essence_n of_o virtue_n so_o that_o no_o course_n can_v have_v be_v take_v more_o agreeable_a and_o suitable_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n than_o what_o be_v make_v choice_n of_o in_o the_o christian_a religion_n ibid._n god_n can_v appear_v to_o we_o but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a veil_n the_o essence_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o so_o of_o spirit_n be_v invisible_a and_o nothing_o can_v be_v the_o object_n of_o our_o sense_n but_o under_o some_o corporeal_a modification_n therefore_o the_o evangelical_n oeconomy_n require_v not_o only_a that_o the_o person_n who_o shall_v come_v from_o god_n to_o instruct_v the_o world_n shall_v be_v intimate_o and_o hypostatical_o unite_v with_o the_o divine_a nature_n to_o conciliate_v the_o great_a majesty_n to_o what_o he_o shall_v deliver_v but_o likewise_o that_o he_o shall_v appear_v to_o man_n in_o some_o visible_a form_n and_o shape_n divine_a wisdom_n think_v nothing_o a_o more_o sit_v mansion_n or_o cover_v then_o a_o humane_a body_n partly_o because_o a_o angelical_a body_n have_v be_v impassable_a and_o then_o that_o we_o may_v not_o lose_v that_o natural_a encouragement_n and_o provocation_n to_o virtue_n flow_v from_o the_o example_n of_o one_o make_v after_o our_o own_o likeness_n who_o by_o those_o many_o endear_n circumstance_n he_o may_v make_v use_n of_o in_o the_o flesh_n will_v more_o powerful_o captivate_v and_o attract_v humane_a soul_n to_o the_o love_n and_o obedience_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o ignatius_n in_o his_o epistle_n to_o the_o ephesian_n do_v just_o condemn_v some_o heretic_n in_o his_o time_n who_o say_v that_o our_o saviour_n christ_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v only_o a_o putative_a man_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d and_o that_o he_o do_v not_o take_v unto_o himself_o a_o true_a and_o real_a body_n pag._n 44._o who_o speak_v very_o doubtful_o of_o it_o when_o socrates_n have_v bring_v as_o good_a argument_n for_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n as_o he_o can_v yet_o simmias_n think_v he_o have_v reason_n to_o say_v that_o to_o know_v any_o platonis_fw-la thing_n clear_o of_o it_o in_o this_o life_n be_v either_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d impossible_a or_o a_o thing_n extreme_o difficult_a but_o say_v he_o a_o man_n must_v choose_v the_o best_a reason_n he_o can_v find_v which_o be_v least_o liable_a to_o exception_n and_o he_o must_v venture_v to_o embark_v himself_o in_o these_o and_o sail_v by_o they_o through_o this_o life_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i_o e._n unless_o he_o can_v be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o be_v carry_v safe_a with_o less_o danger_n in_o a_o sure_a steadfast_a chariot_n of_o some_o divine_a word_n i._n e._n revelation_n which_o be_v not_o only_o a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n that_o mere_a natural_a reason_n be_v at_o a_o loss_n but_o a_o kind_n of_o vaticination_n of_o a_o indubitable_a certainty_n and_o perfect_a security_n of_o immortal_a life_n to_o be_v expect_v from_o some_o divine_a revelation_n and_o according_o be_v now_o put_v out_o of_o all_o doubt_n by_o our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o have_v bring_v life_n and_o immortality_n to_o light_v through_o the_o gospel_n nor_o can_v that_o excellent_a philosopher_n cicero_n speak_v with_o great_a confidence_n for_o when_o he_o have_v weigh_v all_o thing_n on_o both_o part_n he_o know_v not_o what_o to_o say_v but_o this_o harum_fw-la igitur_fw-la sententiarum_fw-la quâ—…_n vera_fw-la sit_fw-la deus_fw-la aliquis_fw-la viderit_fw-la i_o e._n which_o of_o these_o opinion_n be_v true_a god_n only_o know_v 1._o pag._n 46._o since_o god_n can_v execute_v this_o solemn_a judgement_n but_o under_o a_o visible_a shape_n that_o our_o lord_n jesus_n shall_v appear_v at_o the_o end_n of_o the_o world_n in_o some_o visible_a shape_n and_o form_n and_o in_o that_o pass_v a_o final_a doom_n upon_o all_o refractory_a and_o impenitent_a sinner_n seem_v high_o