24. Reason and faith not opposite, for faith must be regulated by reason.
There is another use of the word reason,
wherein it is opposed to faith: which, though it be in itself a very improper way of speaking, yet common use has
so authorized it, that it would be folly either to oppose or hope to remedy it. Only I think it may not be amiss to
take notice that, however faith be opposed to reason, faith is nothing but a firm assent of the mind: which, if it be
regulated, as is our duty, cannot be afforded to anything but upon good reason; and so cannot be opposite to it. He
that believes without having any reason for believing, may be in love with his own fancies; but neither seeks truth
as he ought, nor pays the obedience due to his Maker, who would have him use those discerning faculties he has
given him, to keep him out of mistake and error. He that does not this to the best of his power, however he
sometimes lights on truth, is in the right but by chance; and I know not whether the luckiness of the accident will
excuse the irregularity of his proceeding. This at least is certain, that he must be accountable for whatever
mistakes he runs into: whereas he that makes use of the light and faculties God has given him, and seeks sincerely
to discover truth by those helps and abilities he has, may have this satisfaction in doing his duty as a rational
creature, that, though he should miss truth, he will not miss the reward of it. For he governs his assent right, and
places it as he should, who, in any case or matter whatsoever, believes or disbelieves according as reason directs
him. He that doth otherwise, transgresses against his own light, and misuses those faculties which were given him
to no other end, but to search and follow the clearer evidence and greater probability. But since reason and faith
are by some men opposed, we will so consider them in the following chapter.
