understanding_n be_v not_o as_o be_v observe_v what_o we_o call_v strict_o reason_n yet_o they_o be_v the_o sole_a matter_n and_o foundation_n of_o all_o our_o reason_v for_o the_o mind_n do_v upon_o occasion_n compare_v they_o together_o compound_v they_o into_o complex_fw-la idea_n and_o enlarge_v contract_n or_o separate_v they_o as_o it_o discover_v their_o circumstance_n capable_a or_o not_o so_o that_o all_o our_o knowledge_n be_v in_o effect_n nothing_o else_o but_o the_o perception_n of_o the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o our_o idea_n in_o a_o great_a or_o lesser_a number_n whereinsoever_o this_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n may_v consist_v and_o because_o this_o perception_n be_v immediate_a or_o mediate_a our_o knowledge_n be_v twofold_a 7._o first_o when_o the_o mind_n without_o the_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o idea_n immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o two_o or_o more_o idea_n as_o that_o two_o and_o two_o be_v four_o that_o red_a be_v not_o blue_a it_o can_v be_v call_v reason_n though_o it_o be_v the_o high_a degree_n of_o evidence_n for_o here_o be_v no_o need_n of_o discourse_n or_o probation_n self-evidence_n exclude_v all_o manner_n of_o doubt_n and_o darkness_n proposition_n so_o clear_a of_o themselves_o as_o to_o want_v no_o proof_n their_o term_n be_v once_o understand_v be_v common_o know_v by_o the_o name_n of_o axiom_n and_o maxim_n and_o it_o be_v visible_a that_o their_o number_n be_v indefinite_a and_o not_o confine_v only_o to_o two_o or_o three_o abstract_a proposition_n make_v as_o all_o axiom_n be_v from_o the_o observation_n of_o particular_a instance_n as_o that_o the_o whole_a be_v great_a than_o any_o part_n that_o nothing_o can_v have_v no_o property_n 8._o but_o second_o when_o the_o mind_n can_v immediate_o perceive_v the_o agreement_n or_o disagreement_n of_o any_o idea_n because_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v near_o enough_o together_o and_o so_o compare_v it_o apply_v one_o or_o more_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o discover_v it_o as_o when_o by_o the_o successive_a application_n of_o a_o line_n to_o two_o distant_a house_n i_o find_v how_o far_o they_o agree_v or_o disagree_v in_o length_n which_o i_o can_v not_o effect_v with_o my_o eye_n thus_o from_o the_o force_n of_o the_o air_n and_o the_o room_n it_o take_v up_o i_o know_v it_o have_v solidity_n and_o extension_n and_o that_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o much_o a_o body_n though_o i_o can_v see_v it_o as_o wood_n or_o stone_n with_o which_o it_o agree_v in_o the_o say_a property_n here_o solidity_n and_o extension_n be_v the_o line_n by_o which_o i_o find_v air_n and_o body_n be_v equal_a or_o that_o air_n be_v a_o body_n because_o solidity_n and_o extension_n agree_v to_o both_o we_o prove_v the_o least_o imaginable_a particle_n of_o matter_n divisible_a by_o show_v all_o body_n to_o be_v divisible_a because_o every_o particle_n of_o matter_n be_v likewise_o a_o body_n and_o after_o the_o like_a manner_n be_v the_o mortality_n of_o all_o live_a body_n infer_v from_o their_o divisibility_n this_o method_n of_o knowledge_n be_v proper_o call_v reason_n or_o demonstration_n as_o the_o former_a self-evidence_n or_o intuition_n and_o it_o may_v be_v define_v that_o faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o discover_v the_o certainty_n of_o any_o thing_n dubious_a or_o obscure_a by_o compare_v it_o with_o something_o evident_o know_v 9_o from_o this_o definition_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o the_o intermediate_v idea_n can_v be_v no_o proof_n where_o its_o agreement_n with_o both_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o question_n be_v not_o evident_a and_o that_o if_o more_o than_o one_o idea_n be_v necessary_a to_o make_v it_o appear_v the_o same_o evidence_n be_v require_v in_o each_o of_o they_o for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o all_o the_o part_n of_o a_o demonstration_n be_v not_o indubitable_a we_o can_v never_o be_v certain_a of_o the_o inference_n or_o conclusion_n whereby_o we_o join_v the_o two_o extreme_n so_o though_o self-evidence_n exclude_v reason_n yet_o all_o demonstration_n become_v at_o length_n self-evident_a it_o be_v yet_o plain_o that_o when_o we_o have_v no_o notion_n or_o idea_n of_o a_o thing_n we_o can_v reason_v about_o it_o at_o all_o and_o where_o we_o have_v idea_n if_o intermediate_v one_o to_o show_v their_o constant_a and_o necessary_a agreement_n or_o disagreement_n fail_v we_o we_o can_v never_o go_v beyond_o probability_n though_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n of_o inhabit_v and_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o moon_n yet_o we_o have_v no_o intermediate_v idea_n to_o show_v such_o a_o necessary_a connection_n between_o they_o as_o to_o make_v we_o certain_o conclude_v that_o this_o planet_n be_v inhabit_v however_o likely_a it_o may_v seem_v now_o since_o probability_n be_v not_o knowledge_n i_o banish_v all_o hypothesis_n from_o my_o philosophy_n because_o if_o i_o admit_v never_o so_o many_o yet_o my_o knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o jot_n increase_v for_o no_o evident_a connection_n appear_v between_o my_o idea_n i_o may_v possible_o take_v the_o wrong_a side_n of_o the_o question_n to_o be_v the_o right_n which_o be_v equal_a to_o know_v nothing_o of_o the_o matter_n when_o i_o have_v arrive_v at_o knowledge_n i_o enjoy_v all_o the_o satisfaction_n that_o attend_v it_o where_o i_o have_v only_a probability_n there_o i_o suspend_v my_o judgement_n or_o if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o pain_n i_o search_v after_o certainty_n chap._n iii_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n 10._o but_o beside_o these_o property_n of_o reason_n which_o we_o have_v explain_v we_o be_v yet_o most_o careful_o to_o distinguish_v in_o it_o the_o mean_n of_o information_n from_o the_o ground_n of_o persivasion_n for_o the_o neglect_v of_o this_o easy_a distinction_n have_v throw_v man_n into_o infinite_a mistake_v as_o i_o shall_v prove_v before_o i_o have_v do_v the_o mean_n of_o information_n i_o call_v those_o way_n whereby_o any_o thing_n come_v bare_o to_o our_o knowledge_n without_o necessary_o command_v our_o assent_n by_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n i_o understand_v that_o rule_n by_o which_o we_o judge_v of_o all_o truth_n and_o which_o irresistible_o convince_v the_o mind_n the_o mean_n of_o information_n be_v experience_n and_o authority_n experience_n as_o you_o may_v see_v n_o o_fw-mi 4._o be_v either_o external_a which_o furnish_v we_o with_o the_o idea_n of_o sensible_a object_n or_o internal_a which_o help_v we_o to_o the_o idea_n of_o the_o operation_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n this_o be_v the_o common_a stock_n of_o all_o our_o knowledge_n nor_o can_v we_o possible_o have_v idea_n any_o other_o way_n without_o new_a organ_n or_o faculty_n 11._o authority_n abusive_o so_o call_v as_o if_o all_o its_o information_n be_v to_o be_v receive_v without_o examen_fw-la be_v either_o humane_a or_o divine_a humane_a authority_n be_v call_v also_o moral_a certitude_n as_o when_o i_o believe_v a_o intelligible_a relation_n make_v by_o my_o friend_n because_o i_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o suspect_v his_o veracity_n nor_o he_o any_o interest_n to_o deceive_v i_o thus_o all_o possible_a matter_n of_o fact_n due_o attest_v by_o coevous_a person_n as_o know_v to_o they_o and_o successive_o relate_v by_o other_o of_o different_a time_n nation_n or_o interest_n who_o can_v neither_o be_v impose_v upon_o themselves_o nor_o be_v just_o suspect_v of_o combine_v together_o to_o deceive_v other_o ought_v to_o be_v receive_v by_o we_o for_o as_o certain_a and_o indubitable_a as_o if_o we_o have_v see_v they_o with_o our_o own_o eye_n or_o hear_v they_o with_o our_o own_o ear_n by_o this_o mean_v it_o be_v i_o believe_v there_o be_v such_o a_o city_n as_o carthage_n such_o a_o reformer_n as_o luther_n and_o that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o kingdom_n as_o poland_n when_o all_o these_o rule_n concur_v in_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n i_o take_v it_o then_o for_o demonstration_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o irresistible_a evidence_n from_o proper_a proof_n but_o where_o any_o of_o these_o condition_n be_v want_v the_o thing_n be_v uncertain_a or_o at_o best_a but_o probable_a which_o with_o i_o be_v not_o very_o different_a 12._o the_o authority_n of_o god_n or_o divine_a revelation_n be_v the_o manifestation_n of_o truth_n by_o truth_n itself_o to_o who_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o lie_v whereof_o at_o large_a in_o ch._n 2._o of_o the_o follow_a section_n nothing_o in_o nature_n can_v come_v to_o our_o knowledge_n but_o by_o some_o of_o these_o four_o mean_n viz._n the_o experience_n of_o the_o sense_n the_o experience_n of_o the_o mind_n humane_a and_o divine_a revelation_n chap._n iu._n of_o the_o ground_n of_o persuasion_n 13._o now_o as_o we_o be_v extreme_o subject_a to_o deception_n we_o may_v without_o some_o infallible_a rule_n often_o take_v a_o questionable_a proposition_n for_o a_o axiom_n old_a wife_n fable_n for_o moral_a certitude_n and_o humane_a imposture_n
a_o adequate_a notion_n which_o be_v all_o that_o we_o consider_v in_o it_o at_o present_a the_o difficulty_n raise_v from_o its_o duration_n as_o that_o succession_n seem_v to_o make_v it_o finite_a and_o that_o all_o thing_n must_v exist_v together_o if_o it_o be_v instantaneous_a i_o despair_v not_o of_o solve_v very_o easy_o and_o render_v infinity_o also_o which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o it_o or_o rather_o a_o different_a consideration_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o little_o mysterious_a as_o that_o three_o and_o two_o make_v five_o but_o this_o fall_v natural_o into_o my_o second_o discourse_n where_o i_o give_v a_o particular_a explication_n of_o the_o christian_a tenet_n according_a to_o the_o general_a principle_n i_o be_o establish_v in_o this_o 16._o as_o we_o know_v not_o all_o the_o property_n of_o thing_n so_o we_o can_v never_o conceive_v the_o essence_n of_o any_o substance_n in_o the_o world_n to_o avoid_v ambiguity_n i_o distinguish_v after_o a_o excellent_a modern_a philosopher_n the_o nominal_a from_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o a_o thing_n the_o nominal_a essence_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o those_o property_n or_o modes_n which_o we_o principal_o observe_v in_o any_o thing_n and_o to_o which_o we_o give_v one_o common_a denomination_n or_o name_n thus_o the_o nominal_a essence_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v a_o bright_a hot_a and_o round_a body_n at_o a_o certain_a distance_n from_o we_o and_o that_o have_v a_o constant_a regular_a motion_n whoever_o hear_v the_o word_n sun_n pronounce_v this_o be_v the_o idea_n he_o have_v of_o it_o he_o may_v conceive_v more_o of_o its_o property_n or_o not_o all_o these_o but_o it_o be_v still_o a_o collection_n of_o modes_n or_o property_n that_o make_v his_o idea_n so_o the_o nominal_a essence_n of_o honey_n consist_v in_o its_o colour_n taste_v and_o other_o know_a attribute_n 17._o but_o the_o real_a essence_n be_v that_o intrinsic_a constitution_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o ground_n or_o support_n of_o all_o its_o property_n and_o from_o which_o they_o natural_o flow_v or_o result_v now_o though_o we_o be_v persuade_v that_o the_o modes_n of_o thing_n must_v have_v such_o a_o subject_a to_o exist_v in_o for_o they_o can_v subsist_v alone_o yet_o we_o be_v absolute_o ignorant_a of_o what_o it_o be_v we_o conceive_v nothing_o more_o distinct_o than_o the_o mention_a property_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o those_o whereby_o plant_n fruit_n metal_n etc._n etc._n be_v know_v to_o we_o but_o we_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o notion_n of_o the_o several_a foundation_n of_o these_o property_n though_o we_o be_v very_o sure_a in_o the_o mean_a time_n that_o some_o such_o thing_n must_v necessary_o be_v the_o observable_a quality_n therefore_o of_o thing_n be_v all_o that_o we_o understand_v by_o their_o name_n for_o which_o reason_n they_o be_v call_v their_o nominal_a essence_n 18._o it_o follow_v now_o very_o plain_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o its_o real_a essence_n since_o it_o be_v not_o more_o knowable_a in_o one_o thing_n than_o in_o another_o and_o be_v never_o conceive_v or_o include_v in_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v of_o thing_n or_o the_o name_n we_o give_v '_o they_o i_o have_v not_o much_o insist_v upon_o this_o point_n be_v it_o not_o for_o the_o so_o often_o repeat_v sophistry_n of_o some_o that_o rather_o merit_v the_o encomium_n of_o great_a reader_n than_o great_a reasoner_n when_o they_o will_v have_v the_o most_o palpable_a 3._o absurdity_n and_o contradiction_n go_v down_o with_o other_o or_o make_v they_o place_n religion_n in_o word_n that_o signify_v nothing_o or_o what_o they_o be_v not_o able_a to_o explain_v than_o they_o wise_o tell_v they_o that_o they_o be_v ignorant_a of_o many_o thing_n especial_o the_o essence_n of_o their_o own_o soul_n and_o that_o therefore_o they_o must_v not_o always_o deny_v what_o they_o can_v conceive_v but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o for_o when_o they_o will_v instead_o of_o confute_v they_o make_v those_o pass_n for_o ridiculcus_fw-la or_o arrogant_a pretender_n who_o maintain_v that_o only_a intelligible_a and_o possible_a thing_n be_v the_o subject_a of_o belief_n they_o industrious_o represent_v they_o as_o presume_v to_o define_v the_o essence_n of_o god_n with_o that_o of_o create_a spirit_n and_o after_o they_o have_v sufficient_o aggravate_v this_o presumption_n of_o their_o own_o coin_n they_o conclude_v that_o if_o the_o contexture_n of_o the_o small_a pibble_n be_v not_o to_o be_v account_v for_o than_o they_o shall_v not_o insist_v upon_o such_o rigorous_a term_n of_o believe_v but_o sometime_o be_v content_a to_o submit_v their_o reason_n to_o their_o teacher_n and_o the_o determination_n of_o the_o church_n 19_o who_o perceive_v not_o the_o weakness_n and_o slight_a of_o this_o reason_v we_o certain_o know_v as_o much_o of_o the_o soul_n as_o we_o do_v of_o any_o thing_n else_o if_o not_o more_o we_o form_v the_o clear_a conception_n of_o think_v know_v imagine_v will_v hope_v love_v and_o the_o like_a operation_n of_o the_o mind_n but_o we_o be_v straâ—…gers_n to_o the_o subject_a wherein_o these_o operation_n exist_v so_o be_v we_o to_o that_o upon_o which_o the_o roundness_n softness_n colour_n aâ—…_n taste_v of_o a_o grape_n depend_v there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o the_o mode_n or_o property_n of_o body_n as_o to_o be_v extend_v solid_a divisible_a smooth_a rough_a soft_a hard_a etc._n etc._n but_o we_o know_v as_o â—…tle_v of_o the_o internal_a constitution_n which_o be_v the_o support_n of_o these_o sensible_a quality_n as_o we_o do_v of_o that_o wherein_o the_o operation_n of_o the_o soul_n reside_v and_o as_o the_o great_a man_n i_o just_a now_o mention_v observe_v we_o may_v as_o well_o deâ—…y_a the_o existence_n of_o body_n because_o we_o have_v not_o a_o idea_n of_o its_o real_a essence_n as_o call_v the_o be_v of_o the_o soul_n in_o question_n for_o the_o same_o reason_n the_o idea_n of_o the_o soul_n than_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o clear_v and_o distinct_a as_o that_o of_o the_o body_n and_o have_v there_o be_v as_o there_o be_v not_o any_o difference_n the_o soul_n must_v have_v carry_v the_o advantage_n because_o its_o property_n be_v more_o immediate_o know_v to_o we_o and_o be_v the_o light_n whereby_o we_o discover_v all_o thing_n beside_o 20._o as_o for_o god_n we_o comprehend_v nothing_o better_a than_o his_o attribute_n we_o know_v not_o it_o be_v true_a the_o nature_n of_o that_o eternal_a subject_n or_o essence_n wherein_o infinite_a goodness_n love_n knowledge_n power_n and_o wisdom_n co-exist_a but_o we_o be_v not_o better_o acquaint_v with_o the_o real_a essence_n of_o any_o of_o his_o creature_n as_o by_o the_o idea_n and_o name_n of_o god_n we_o understand_v his_o know_a atâ—…ributes_n and_o property_n so_o we_o understand_v those_o of_o all_o thing_n else_o by_o they_o and_o we_o conceive_v the_o one_o as_o clear_o as_o we_o do_v the_o other_o i_o remark_v in_o the_o beginning_n of_o this_o chapter_n that_o we_o know_v nothing_o of_o thing_n but_o such_o of_o their_o property_n as_o be_v necessary_a and_o useful_a we_o may_v say_v the_o same_o of_o god_n for_o every_o act_n of_o our_o religion_n be_v direct_v by_o the_o consideration_n of_o some_o of_o his_o attribute_n without_o ever_o think_v of_o his_o essence_n our_o love_n to_o he_o be_v kindle_v by_o his_o goodness_n and_o our_o thankfulness_n by_o his_o mercy_n our_o obedience_n be_v regulate_v by_o his_o justice_n and_o our_o hope_n be_v confirm_v by_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n 21._o i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o warrantable_o conclude_v that_o nothing_o be_v a_o mystery_n because_o we_o know_v not_o its_o essence_n since_o it_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v neither_o knowable_a in_o itself_o nor_o ever_o think_v of_o by_o we_o so_o that_o the_o divine_a be_v himself_o can_v with_o more_o reason_n be_v account_v mysterious_a in_o this_o respect_n than_o the_o most_o contemptible_a of_o his_o creature_n nor_o be_o i_o very_o much_o concern_v that_o these_o essence_n escape_v my_o knowledge_n for_o i_o be_o fix_v in_o the_o opinion_n that_o what_o insinite_a goodness_n have_v not_o be_v please_v to_o reveal_v to_o we_o we_o be_v either_o sufficient_o capable_a to_o discover_v ourselves_o or_o need_v not_o understand_v it_o at_o all_o i_o hope_v now_o it_o be_v very_o manifest_a that_o mystery_n in_o religion_n be_v but_o ill_o argue_v from_o the_o pretend_a mâ—…steries_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o such_o as_o endeavour_v to_o support_v the_o former_a by_o the_o latter_a have_v either_o a_o design_n to_o impose_v upon_o other_o or_o that_o they_o have_v never_o themselves_o due_o consider_v of_o this_o matter_n chap._n iii_o the_o signification_n of_o the_o word_n mystery_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o the_o write_n of_o the_o most_o
and_o the_o infallible_a judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n but_o we_o do_v not_o think_v such_o council_n possible_a nor_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v of_o more_o weight_n than_o the_o father_n for_o they_o consist_v of_o such_o and_o other_o as_o obnoxious_a altogether_o to_o mistake_v and_o passion_n and_o beside_o we_o can_v have_v recourse_n as_o to_o a_o stand_a rule_n for_o the_o solution_n of_o our_o difficulty_n to_o a_o wonder_n by_o god_n mercy_n now_o more_o rare_o see_v than_o the_o secular_a game_n of_o old_a as_o for_o the_o one_o judge_n of_o all_o controversy_n we_o suppose_v none_o but_o such_o as_o be_v strong_o prepossess_v by_o interest_n or_o educatâ—…on_n can_v in_o good_a earnest_n digest_v those_o chimerical_a supreme_a headship_n and_o monster_n of_o infallibility_n we_o read_v no_o where_o in_o the_o bible_n of_o such_o delegate_v judge_n appoint_v by_o christ_n to_o supply_v his_o office_n and_o reason_n manifest_o proclaim_v they_o frontless_a usurper_n nor_o be_v their_o power_n final_o distinguish_v from_o that_o of_o council_n to_o this_o hour_n by_o the_o miserable_a admirer_n of_o both_o 5._o they_o come_v near_a the_o thing_n who_o affirm_v that_o we_o be_v to_o keep_v to_o what_o the_o scripture_n determine_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o true_a if_o right_o understand_v but_o ordinary_o it_o be_v a_o equivocal_a way_n of_o speak_v and_o nothing_o less_o than_o the_o proper_a mean_v of_o it_o be_v intend_v by_o many_o of_o those_o that_o use_v it_o for_o they_o make_v the_o scripture_n speak_v either_o according_a to_o some_o spurious_a philosophy_n or_o they_o conform_v they_o right_a or_o wrong_n to_o the_o bulky_a system_n and_o formulary_n of_o their_o several_a communion_n 6._o some_o will_v have_v we_o always_o belieué_fw-fr what_o the_o literal_a sense_n import_v with_o little_a or_o no_o consideration_n for_o reason_n which_o they_o reject_v as_o not_o fit_a to_o be_v employ_v about_o the_o reveal_v part_n of_o religion_n other_o assert_v that_o we_o may_v use_v reason_n as_o the_o instrument_n but_o not_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o belief_n the_o first_o contend_v some_o mystery_n may_v be_v or_o at_o least_o seem_v to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n and_o yet_o be_v receive_v by_o faith_n the_o second_o that_o no_o mystery_n be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n but_o that_o all_o be_v above_o it_o both_o of_o they_o from_o different_a principle_n agree_v that_o several_a doctrine_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n belong_v no_o far_o to_o the_o inquiry_n of_o reason_n than_o to_o prove_v they_o divine_o reveal_v and_o that_o they_o be_v proper_o mystery_n still_o 7._o on_o the_o contrary_a we_o hold_v that_o reason_n be_v the_o only_a foundation_n of_o all_o certitude_n and_o that_o nothing_o reveal_v whether_o as_o to_o its_o manner_n or_o existence_n be_v more_o exempt_v from_o its_o disquisition_n than_o the_o ordinary_a phenomena_n of_o nature_n wherefore_o we_o likewise_o maintain_v according_a to_o the_o title_n of_o this_o discourse_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n nor_o above_o it_o and_o that_o no_o christian_a doctrine_n can_v be_v proper_o call_v a_o mystery_n section_n i._o of_o reason_n 1._o the_o state_n of_o the_o question_n be_v thus_o fair_o lay_v our_o next_o business_n be_v to_o proceed_v to_o the_o proof_n thereof_o but_o as_o the_o distinct_a and_o brief_a explanation_n of_o the_o term_n be_v of_o indispensable_a use_n in_o discuss_v all_o controversy_n so_o a_o easy_a and_o natural_a method_n be_v not_o less_o please_v than_o profitable_a it_o happy_o fall_v out_o that_o the_o term_n of_o the_o present_a question_n be_v dispose_v according_a to_o the_o order_n i_o design_n to_o observe_v which_o be_v first_o to_o show_v what_o be_v mean_v by_o reason_n and_o its_o property_n then_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v no_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n contrary_a to_o reason_n after_o that_o to_o evince_v that_o neither_o be_v there_o any_o of_o they_o above_o reason_n and_o by_o consequence_n that_o none_o be_v a_o mystery_n chap._n i._n what_o reason_n be_v not_o 2._o to_o begin_v with_o the_o first_o viz._n reason_n it_o appear_v to_o i_o very_o odd_a that_o man_n shall_v need_v definition_n and_o explanation_n of_o that_o whereby_o they_o define_v and_o explain_v all_o other_o thing_n or_o that_o they_o can_v agree_v about_o what_o they_o all_o pretend_v in_o some_o measure_n at_o least_o to_o possess_v and_o be_v the_o only_a privilege_n they_o claim_v over_o brute_n and_o inanimate_v but_o we_o find_v by_o experience_n that_o the_o word_n reason_n be_v become_v as_o equivocal_a and_o ambiguous_a as_o any_o other_o though_o all_o that_o be_v not_o tickle_v with_o the_o vanity_n of_o singularity_n or_o itch_n of_o dispute_n be_v at_o bottom_n agree_v about_o the_o thing_n i_o will_v handle_v it_o here_o with_o what_o brevity_n i_o can_v 3._o they_o be_v mistake_v who_o take_v the_o soul_n abstract_o consider_v for_o reason_n for_o as_o the_o general_a idea_n of_o gold_n be_v not_o a_o guinea_n but_o a_o piece_n determine_v to_o a_o particular_a stamp_n and_o value_v so_o not_o the_o soul_n itself_o but_o the_o soul_n actiâ—…g_v in_o a_o certain_a and_o peculiar_a manner_n be_v reason_n they_o err_v likewise_o who_o affirm_v reason_n to_o be_v that_o order_n report_n or_o relation_n which_o be_v natural_o between_o all_o thing_n for_o not_o this_o but_o the_o thought_n which_o the_o soul_n form_n of_o thing_n according_a to_o it_o may_v proper_o claim_v that_o title_n they_o speed_v no_o better_o who_o call_v their_o own_o inclination_n or_o the_o authority_n of_o other_o by_o that_o name_n but_o it_o will_v better_o appear_v what_o it_o be_v from_o the_o follow_a consideration_n 4._o every_o one_o experience_n in_o himself_o a_o power_n or_o faculty_n of_o form_v various_a idea_n or_o perception_n of_o thing_n of_o affirm_v or_o deny_v according_a as_o he_o see_v they_o to_o agree_v or_o disagree_v and_o so_o of_o love_v and_o desire_v what_o seem_v good_a unto_o he_o and_o of_o hate_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o think_v evil_a the_o right_a use_n of_o all_o these_o faculty_n be_v what_o we_o call_v common_a sense_n or_o reason_n in_o general_n but_o the_o bare_a act_n of_o receive_v idea_n into_o the_o mind_n whether_o by_o the_o intromission_n of_o the_o sense_n as_o colour_n figure_n sound_n smell_v etc._n etc._n or_o whether_o those_o idea_n be_v the_o simple_a operation_n of_o the_o soul_n about_o what_o it_o thus_o get_v from_o without_o as_o mere_a consciousness_n for_o example_n know_v affirm_v or_o deny_v without_o any_o far_a consideration_n this_o bare_a act_n i_o say_v of_o receive_v such_o idea_n into_o the_o mâ—…nd_n be_v not_o strict_o reason_n because_o the_o soul_n herein_o be_v pure_o passive_a when_o a_o proper_a object_n be_v convenient_o present_v to_o the_o eye_n ear_n or_o any_o other_o sense_n right_o dispose_v it_o necessary_o make_v those_o impression_n which_o the_o mind_n at_o the_o samâ—…_n time_n can_v refuse_v to_o lodge_v and_o we_o find_v it_o can_v as_o little_o forbear_v be_v conscious_a of_o its_o own_o thought_n or_o operationâ—…_n concern_v this_o object_n thus_o when_o my_o eye_n be_v sound_a and_o open_a as_o at_o this_o time_n i_o have_v not_o only_o a_o idea_n of_o the_o picture_n that_o be_v before_o i_o but_o i_o likewise_o know_v i_o perceive_v and_o affirm_v that_o i_o see_v it_o i_o consider_v it_o it_o please_v i_o i_o wish_v it_o be_v i_o and_o thus_o i_o form_n or_o rather_o after_o this_o manner_n i_o have_v first_o formâ—…d_v the_o idea_n of_o know_v perceive_v affirm_v deny_v consider_v will_v desire_v and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o the_o other_o operation_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o be_v thus_o occasion_v by_o the_o antecedent_n impression_n of_o sensible_a object_n 5._o by_o the_o word_n idea_n which_o i_o make_v so_o much_o use_v of_o here_o and_o shall_v more_o frequent_o in_o the_o follow_a discourse_n i_o understand_v the_o immediate_a object_n of_o the_o mind_n when_o it_o think_v or_o any_o thought_n that_o the_o mind_n employ_v about_o any_o thing_n whether_o such_o a_o thought_n be_v the_o image_n or_o representation_n of_o a_o body_n as_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o a_o tree_n or_o whether_o it_o be_v some_o sensation_n occasion_v by_o any_o body_n such_o as_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o cold_a and_o heat_n of_o smell_v and_o taste_v or_o whither_o last_o it_o be_v a_o mere_o intellectual_a or_o abstract_a thought_n such_o as_o be_v the_o idea_n of_o god_n and_o create_v spirit_n of_o argue_v of_o suspension_n of_o think_v in_o general_a or_o the_o like_a chap._n ii_o wherein_o reason_n consist_v 6._o but_o although_o these_o simple_a and_o distinct_a idea_n thus_o lay_v up_o in_o the_o great_a repository_n of_o the_o
no_o man_n 14._o therefore_o say_v when_o he_o be_v tempt_v i_o be_o tempt_v of_o god_n for_o as_o god_n can_v be_v tempt_v to_o evil_a so_o neither_o tempt_v he_o any_o man_n but_o every_o man_n be_v tempt_v when_o he_o be_v draw_v away_o and_o entice_v of_o his_o own_o lust._n 31._o suppose_v a_o natural_a impotency_n to_o reason_n well_o we_o can_v no_o more_o be_v liable_a to_o condemnation_n for_o not_o keep_v the_o command_v of_o god_n than_o those_o to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v never_o reveal_v for_o not_o believe_v on_o christ_n for_o 14._o how_o shall_v they_o call_v on_o he_o in_o who_o they_o have_v not_o believe_v and_o how_o shall_v they_o believe_v in_o he_o of_o who_o they_o have_v not_o hear_v be_v our_o reason_a faculty_n imperfect_a or_o we_o not_o capable_a to_o employ_v they_o right_o there_o can_v be_v no_o possibility_n of_o our_o understanding_n one_o another_o in_o million_o of_o thing_n where_o the_o stock_n of_o our_o idea_n shall_v prove_v unavoidable_o unequal_a or_o our_o capacity_n different_a but_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o liberty_n that_o make_v we_o deserve_v reward_n and_o punishment_n we_o be_v persuade_v that_o all_o our_o thought_n be_v entire_o free_a we_o can_v expend_v the_o force_n of_o word_n compare_v idea_n distinguish_v clear_a from_o obscure_a conception_n suspend_v our_o judgement_n about_o uncertainty_n and_o yield_v only_o to_o evidence_n in_o a_o word_n the_o deliberation_n we_o use_v about_o our_o design_n and_o the_o choice_n to_o which_o we_o determine_v ourselves_o at_o last_o do_v prove_v we_o the_o free_a disposer_n of_o all_o our_o action_n now_o what_o be_v sound_a reason_n except_o this_o be_v it_o doubtless_o it_o be_v and_o no_o evangelical_n or_o other_o knowable_a truth_n can_v prove_v insuperable_a or_o monstrous_a to_o he_o that_o use_v it_o after_o this_o manner_n but_o when_o we_o abuse_v it_o against_o itself_o and_o enslave_v it_o to_o our_o debauch_a imagination_n it_o be_v averse_a from_o all_o good_n we_o be_v so_o habituate_v i_o confess_v to_o precarious_a and_o hasty_a conclusion_n that_o without_o great_a constancy_n and_o exercise_n we_o can_v recover_v our_o innate_a freedom_n nor_o do_v well_o have_v accustom_a ourselves_o so_o 23._o much_o to_o evil._n but_o though_o it_o be_v say_v in_o scripture_n that_o we_o will_v neither_o know_v nor_o understand_v it_o be_v there_o also_o say_v that_o we_o may_v amend_v our_o way_n turn_v from_o our_o iniquity_n and_o choose_v life_n encouragement_n be_v propose_v to_o such_o as_o do_v so_o we_o can_v upon_o serious_a reflection_n see_v our_o fault_n and_o find_v that_o what_o we_o hold_v most_o unreasonable_a do_v only_o appear_v so_o from_o superficial_a disquisition_n or_o want_v of_o necessary_a help_n from_o deference_n to_o authority_n and_o principle_n take_v upon_o trust_n from_o irregular_a inclination_n and_o self-interest_n or_o the_o hatred_n of_o a_o party_n 32._o but_o notwithstanding_o all_o this_o some_o be_v at_o a_o world_n of_o pain_n to_o rob_v themselves_o if_o they_o can_v of_o their_o liberty_n or_o freewill_n the_o noble_a and_o most_o useful_a of_o all_o our_o faculty_n the_o only_a thing_n we_o can_v proper_o call_v we_o and_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o neither_o power_n nor_o fortune_n can_v take_v from_o we_o under_o whatever_o veil_n these_o man_n endeavour_v to_o hide_v their_o folly_n yet_o they_o be_v engage_v in_o it_o by_o extreme_a pride_n and_o self-love_n for_o not_o will_v to_o own_o their_o ignorance_n and_o miscarriage_n which_o proceed_v from_o passion_n sloth_n or_o inconsideration_n they_o will_v remove_v all_o the_o blame_v from_o their_o will_n and_o charge_v it_o upon_o a_o natural_a impotency_n not_o in_o their_o power_n to_o cure_v thus_o they_o ingenious_o cheat_v themselves_o and_o choose_v rather_o to_o be_v rank_v in_o the_o same_o condition_n with_o brute_n or_o machine_n than_o be_v oblige_v to_o acknowledge_v their_o humane_a frailty_n and_o to_o mend_v 33._o since_o therefore_o the_o perfection_n or_o soundness_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v so_o evident_a to_o ourselves_o and_o so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n however_o wrest_v by_o some_o ignorant_a person_n we_o shall_v labour_v to_o acquire_v knowledge_n with_o more_o confident_a hope_n of_o success_n why_o shall_v we_o entertain_v such_o mean_a and_o unbecoming_a thought_n as_o if_o truth_n like_o the_o almighty_a dwell_v in_o light_n inaccessible_a and_o not_o to_o be_v discover_v by_o the_o son_n of_o man_n thing_n be_v always_o the_o same_o how_o different_a soever_o the_o conception_n of_o man_n about_o they_o may_v be_v and_o what_o another_o do_v not_o i_o may_v happy_o find_v out_o that_o nothing_o escape_v the_o sight_n of_o former_a age_n be_v a_o tale_n to_o be_v tell_v where_o one_o person_n only_o speak_v and_o no_o body_n present_a must_v contradict_v he_o the_o slip_v and_o error_n which_o be_v take_v notice_n of_o in_o the_o world_n every_o day_n serve_v only_o to_o put_v we_o in_o mind_n that_o many_o able_a man_n do_v not_o examine_v the_o truth_n with_o that_o order_n and_o application_n they_o shall_v or_o may_v have_v do_v there_o be_v a_o thousand_o thing_n in_o our_o power_n to_o know_v of_o which_o through_o prejudice_n or_o neglect_v we_o may_v be_v and_o frequent_o remain_v ignorant_a all_o our_o life_n and_o innumerable_a difficulty_n may_v be_v make_v by_o imagine_v mystery_n where_o there_o be_v none_o or_o by_o conceive_v too_o discourage_v and_o unjust_a a_o opinion_n of_o our_o own_o ability_n whereas_o by_o a_o parity_n of_o reason_n we_o may_v hope_v to_o outdo_v all_o that_o outdo_v other_o before_o we_o as_o posterity_n may_v exceed_v both_o it_o be_v no_o presumption_n therefore_o for_o we_o to_o endeavour_v set_v thing_n in_o a_o better_a light_n as_o to_o know_v what_o we_o be_v able_a to_o perform_v be_v not_o pride_n but_o foolish_o to_o presume_v none_o else_o can_v equal_v we_o when_o we_o be_v all_o upon_o the_o same_o level_n for_o who_o make_v thou_o to_o 7._o differ_v from_o another_o and_o what_o have_v thou_o that_o thou_o do_v not_o receive_v now_o if_o thou_o do_v receive_v it_o why_o do_v thou_o glory_n as_o if_o thou_o have_v not_o receive_v it_o have_v we_o not_o all_o the_o same_o sure_a and_o certain_a promise_n of_o light_n and_o assistance_n from_o above_o as_o well_o as_o the_o privilege_n of_o reason_n in_o common_a if_o any_o lack_n wisdom_n let_v he_o ask_v it_o of_o god_n who_o give_v to_o all_o s._n man_n liberal_o and_o upbraid_v not_o and_o it_o shall_v be_v give_v he_o 34._o to_o conclude_v let_v no_o body_n think_v to_o be_v excuse_v by_o this_o imaginary_a corruption_n but_o learn_v from_o the_o scripture_n our_o infallible_a oracle_n that_o the_o gospel_n if_o it_o be_v the_o word_n of_o god_n be_v only_o contrary_a to_o the_o opinion_n and_o wish_n of_o lewd_a man_n that_o love_n to_o walk_v after_o their_o 3_o own_o lust_n of_o those_o that_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o thing_n which_o they_o understand_v not_o and_o debauch_v themselves_o in_o what_o they_o know_v in_o 10._o common_a with_o brute_n it_o be_v hide_v to_o they_o who_o mind_n be_v blind_v by_o the_o god_n of_o 4._o this_o world_n and_o to_o those_o who_o live_v by_o the_o ignorance_n and_o simple_a credulity_n of_o their_o brethren_n to_o be_v brief_a it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o false_a reason_v of_o all_o that_o will_v not_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o reflect_v or_o consider_v but_o it_o be_v not_o above_o the_o possibility_n of_o their_o reajon_n when_o they_o shall_v better_o improve_v their_o faculty_n the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v against_o the_o system_fw-la of_o aristotle_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n against_o the_o hypothesis_n of_o epicurus_n and_o the_o censider_v liberty_n of_o the_o will_n be_v impugned_a by_o many_o ancient_a philosopher_n but_o be_v this_o to_o be_v contrary_a to_o reason_n have_v not_o these_o man_n be_v quite_o baffle_v by_o as_o very_a heathen_n as_o themselves_o and_o be_v not_o their_o other_o error_n since_o detect_v and_o explode_v by_o most_o of_o the_o learned_a beside_o they_o want_v a_o principal_a mean_n of_o information_n viz._n revelation_n sect_n iii_o that_o there_o be_v nothing_o mysterious_a or_o above_o reason_n in_o the_o gospel_n 1._o we_o come_v at_o length_n to_o inquire_v whether_o any_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v above_o though_o not_o contrary_a to_o reason_n this_o expression_n be_v take_v in_o a_o twofold_a signification_n first_o it_o denote_v a_o thing_n intelligible_a of_o itself_o but_o so_o cover_v by_o figurative_a word_n type_n and_o ceremony_n that_o reason_n can_v penetrate_v the_o veil_n nor_o see_v what_o be_v under_o it_o till_o it_o be_v remove_v second_o it_o be_v make_v to_o signify_v a_o thing_n