(1.) The Manner of it is in these words, [Greek or Hebrew]; without, beyond, 1above, all reasonable Contradiction. A Truth this is that cannot, that will not be gain-said, which none will deny or oppose; as that which is evident in the Light of Nature, and which the Order of the things spoken of, doth require. All Truths, especially Divine Truths, are such as ought not to be Contradicted, and which no Contradiction can evert or change their Natures, that they should not so be. But against some of them, not for want of Truth, but either from want of Evidence in themselves or for want of light in them unto whom they are proposed, Contradictions may arise, and they may be called into Dispute or Question. Thus it hath fallen out with all Truths which we receive by mere Supernatural Revelation. The Darkness of the minds of Men, unable clearly to discern them, and perfectly to comprehend them, will raise Disputes about them, and Objections against them. But some Truths there are, which have such an Evidence in themselves, and such a Suitableness unto the Principles of Reason and Light Natural, that no colour of Opposition can be made unto them. And if any out of brutish Affections or Prejudices do force an Opposition unto them, they are to be neglected and not Contended withal. Wherefore that which is here intimated is, That there are some Principles of Truth that are so Secured in their own Evidence and Light, as that being unquestionable in themselves, they may be used and improved as concessions, whereon other less evident Truths may be Confirmed and Established. The due consideration hereof is of great Use in the Method of Teaching, or in the Vindication of any unquestioned Truths from Opposition. In all Teaching, especially in Matters that are Controverted, it is of great Advantage to fix some unquestionable Principles, whence those which are less evident, or are more opposed may be deduced; or be otherwise influenced and confirmed. Neglect hereof, makes popular Discourses weak in their Application, and those wherein Men contend for the Truth, infirm in their Conclusions. This Course therefore the Apostle here useth, and resolveth his present Argument into such an unquestionable Principle, as Reason and common Sense must admit of.
(1.) The Manner of it is in these words, 〈non-Latin alphabet〉; without, beyond, 1above, all reasonable Contradiction. A Truth this is that cannot, that will not be gain-said, which none will deny or oppose; as that which is evident in the Light of Nature, and which the Order of the things spoken of, doth require. All Truths, especially Divine Truths, are such as ought not to be Contradicted, and which no Contradiction can evert or change their Natures, that they should not so be. But against some of them, not for want of Truth, but either from want of Evidence in themselves or for want of light in them unto whom they are proposed, Contradictions may arise, and they may be called into Dispute or Question. Thus it hath fallen out with all Truths which we receive by meer Supernatural Revelation. The Darkness of the minds of Men, unable clearly to discern them, and perfectly to comprehend them, will raise Disputes about them, and Objections against them. But some Truths there are, which have such an Evidence in themselves, and such a Suitableness unto the Principles of Reason and Light Natural, that no colour of Opposition can be made unto them. And if any out of brutish Affections or Prejudices do force an Opposition unto them, they are to be neglected and not Contended withal. Wherefore that which is here intimated is, That there are some Principles of Truth that are so Secured in their own Evidence and Light, as that being unquestionable in themselves, they may be used and improved as concessions, whereon other less evident Truths may be Confirmed and Established. The due consideration hereof is of great Use in the Method of Teaching, or in the Vindication of any unquestioned Truths from Opposition. In all Teaching, especially in Matters that are Controverted, it is of great Advantage to fix some unquestionable Principles, whence those which are less evident, or are more opposed may be deduced; or be otherwise influenced and confirmed. Neglect hereof, makes popular Discourses weak in their Application, and those wherein Men contend for the Truth, infirm in their Conclusions. This Course therefore the Apostle here useth, and resolveth his present Argument into such an unquestionable Principle, as Reason and common Sence must admit of.
- 1[Greek or Hebrew].〈non-Latin alphabet〉.
