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pretend_v to_o be_v infallible_a four_o that_o mr._n s._n by_o his_o principle_n do_v plain_o exclude_v from_o salvation_n the_o generality_n of_o his_o own_o church_n that_o be_v all_o that_o do_v not_o believe_v upon_o his_o ground_n and_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o his_o reason_n in_o a_o late_a treatise_n entitle_v the_o method_n to_o arrive_v at_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n the_o principle_n whereof_o be_v these_o that_o the_o church_n be_v a_o congregation_n of_o faithful_a the_o faithful_a be_v those_o who_o have_v true_a faith_n that_o till_o it_o be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n it_o can_v be_v know_v which_o be_v the_o true_a church_n that_o which_o be_v the_o true_a faith_n can_v only_o be_v know_v by_o the_o true_a rule_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v oral_a tradition_n and_o that_o the_o infallibility_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v evident_a to_o common_a sense_n and_o from_o these_o principle_n he_o conclude_v 21._o conclude_v sec._n 21._o that_o those_o who_o follow_v not_o this_o rule_n and_o so_o be_v out_o of_o this_o church_n can_v have_v no_o true_a faith_n and_o that_o though_o many_o of_o the_o point_n to_o which_o they_o assent_n be_v true_a yet_o their_o assent_n be_v not_o faith_n for_o faith_n speak_v of_o christian_a faith_n be_v a_o assent_n which_o can_v possible_o be_v false_a so_o that_o the_o foundation_n of_o this_o method_n be_v the_o self-evident_a infallibility_n of_o oral_a tradition_n which_o have_v be_v sufficient_o consider_v in_o the_o answer_n to_o sure_a foot_n which_o yet_o remain_v unanswered_a that_o which_o i_o be_o now_o concern_v to_o take_v notice_n of_o be_v the_o consequence_n of_o this_o method_n which_o do_v at_o one_o blow_v excommunicate_a and_o un-christian_a the_o far_o great_a part_n of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o if_o all_o who_o do_v not_o follow_v oral_a tradition_n as_o their_o only_a rule_n of_o faith_n be_v out_o of_o the_o church_n and_o can_v have_v no_o true_a 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the_o people_n be_v always_o to_o pretend_v to_o infallible_a cure_n i_o have_v now_o do_v with_o his_o infallibility_n but_o i_o must_v not_o forget_v this_o letter_n of_o thanks_o i_o shall_v whole_o pass_v by_o the_o passion_n and_o ill_a language_n of_o it_o which_o a_o man_n may_v plain_o see_v to_o have_v proceed_v from_o a_o gall_v and_o uneasy_a mind_n he_o will_v fain_o put_v on_o some_o pleasantness_n but_o be_v not_o able_a to_o conceal_v his_o vexation_n nor_o shall_v i_o insist_v upon_o his_o palpable_a shussle_v about_o the_o explication_n of_o the_o term_n rule_n and_o faith_n he_o be_v convince_v that_o he_o have_v explain_v they_o very_o untoward_o and_o therefore_o will_v glad_o come_v off_o by_o say_v that_o he_o do_v not_o intend_v explication_n 7._o p._n 7._o but_o only_o to_o predicate_v or_o affirm_v something_o of_o they_o and_o yet_o the_o whole_a design_n of_o the_o first_o page_n of_o sure-footing_a be_v to_o show_v the_o necessity_n of_o beginning_n with_o the_o meaning_n of_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n under_o debate_n and_o this_o method_n he_o tell_v we_o he_o will_v apply_v to_o his_o present_a purpose_n and_o will_v examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o those_o word_n which_o express_v the_o thing_n he_o be_v to_o discuss_v namely_o the_o rule_n of_o faith_n now_o if_o to_o examine_v well_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o word_n be_v not_o to_o go_v about_o to_o explain_v they_o i_o must_v confess_v myself_o to_o be_v in_o a_o great_a error_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n in_o his_o apology_n for_o his_o testimony_n as_o if_o they_o be_v 105._o be_v p._n 105._o not_o intend_v against_o the_o protestant_n whereas_o his_o book_n be_v write_v against_o the_o protestant_n and_o when_o he_o come_v to_o his_o testimony_n he_o 126._o he_o sure-footing_a p._n 126._o declare_v the_o design_n of_o they_o to_o be_v to_o second_v by_o authority_n what_o he_o have_v before_o establish_v by_o reason_n so_o that_o if_o the_o rational_a part_n of_o his_o book_n be_v intend_v against_o the_o protestant_n and_o the_o testimony_n be_v design_v to_o second_v it_o i_o can_v understand_v why_o he_o shall_v say_v one_o be_v less_o intend_v against_o they_o than_o the_o other_o but_o it_o seem_v he_o be_v so_o conscious_a of_o the_o weakness_n of_o those_o testimony_n that_o he_o do_v not_o think_v they_o sit_v to_o satisfy_v any_o but_o those_o who_o believe_v he_o already_o as_o to_o his_o charge_n of_o false_a citation_n it_o be_v but_o the_o common_a artifice_n of_o the_o roman_a controvertist_n when_o they_o have_v nothing_o else_o to_o say_v however_o that_o the_o world_n may_v see_v how_o little_o he_o be_v to_o be_v trust_v i_o shall_v instance_n in_o two_o or_o three_o about_o which_o he_o make_v the_o loud_a clamour_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o the_o reader_n to_o judge_v by_o these_o of_o his_o sincerity_n in_o the_o rest_n he_o say_v 62._o p._n 62._o i_o notorious_o abuse_v the_o preface_n to_o rushworth_n dialogue_n in_o cite_v the_o author_n of_o it_o to_o say_v that_o such_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o to_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v otherwise_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n whereas_o say_v mr._n s._n he_o only_o tell_v we_o there_o p._n 7._o that_o by_o moral_a certainty_n some_o understand_v such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n etc._n etc._n to_o vindicate_v myself_o in_o this_o i_o shall_v only_o set_v the_o author_n word_n before_o the_o reader_n be_v eye_n they_o be_v these_o this_o term_n moral_a certainty_n every_o one_o explicate_v not_o like_a but_o some_o understand_v by_o it_o such_o a_o certainty_n as_o make_v the_o cause_n always_o work_v the_o same_o effect_n though_o it_o take_v not_o away_o the_o absolute_a possibility_n of_o work_v other_o way_n other_o call_v that_o a_o moral_a certainty_n which_o proceed_v from_o etc._n etc._n a_o three_o explication_n of_o this_o word_n be_v etc._n etc._n of_o these_o three_o the_o first_o ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n and_o the_o author_n consider_v as_o mistake_v in_o undervalue_v it_o be_v this_o only_a to_o tell_v we_o that_o by_o moral_a certainty_n some_o understand_v etc._n etc._n do_v not_o the_o prefacer_n also_o express_o affirm_v that_o what_o these_o some_o understand_v by_o moral_a certainty_n ought_v absolute_o to_o be_v reckon_v in_o the_o degree_n of_o true_a certainty_n which_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o cite_v he_o for_o another_o heavy_a charge_n be_v 65._o p._n 65._o that_o according_a to_o my_o usual_a sincerity_n i_o quote_v rushworth_n nephew_n to_o say_v that_o a_o few_o good_a word_n be_v to_o be_v cast_v in_o concern_v scripture_n for_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o indifferent_a man_n who_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n whereas_o say_v mr._n s._n in_o the_o place_n you_o cite_v he_o only_o express_v it_o will_v be_v a_o satisfaction_n to_o indifferent_a man_n to_o see_v the_o position_n one_o will_v induce_v they_o to_o embrace_v maintainable_a by_o scripture_n do_v he_o only_o say_v so_o let_v the_o reader_n judge_n the_o word_n in_o mr._n rushworth_n be_v these_o yet_o this_o i_o must_v tell_v you_o that_o it_o be_v a_o great_a satisfaction_n for_o indifferent_a man_n that_o have_v be_v bring_v up_o in_o this_o verbal_a and_o apparent_a respect_n of_o the_o scripture_n to_o see_v that_o the_o position_n you_o will_v induce_v they_o unto_o can_v be_v and_o be_v maintain_v by_o scripture_n and_o that_o they_o be_v ground_v therein_o certain_o one_o will_v think_v that_o either_o this_o man_n have_v no_o eye_n or_o no_o forehead_n but_o the_o great_a
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
or_o not_o which_o a_o testimony_n from_o god_n do_v suppose_v and_o therefore_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o that_o those_o effect_n of_o divine_a power_n i_o mean_v miracle_n which_o will_v prove_v a_o divine_a testimony_n to_o a_o infidel_n will_v as_o well_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n to_o a_o atheist_n but_o when_o we_o dispute_v against_o those_o who_o deny_v a_o god_n no_o testimony_n ought_v to_o be_v presume_v to_o be_v from_o god_n but_o must_v be_v prove_v to_o be_v so_o and_o whatever_o argument_n prove_v that_o will_v also_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n humane_a testimony_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n universal_a tradition_n and_o write_v history_n both_o these_o be_v plain_o and_o beyond_o dispute_n on_o our_o side_n first_o there_o be_v a_o universal_a tradition_n concern_v the_o beginning_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o god_n and_o for_o the_o evidence_n of_o this_o we_o have_v 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the_o philosopher_n and_o those_o that_o be_v the_o head_n of_o the_o chief_a sect_n of_o philosophy_n as_o thales_n anaxagoras_n and_o pythagoras_n do_v likewise_o consent_v to_o this_o tradition_n particular_o concern_v thales_n tully_n 1._o tully_n de_fw-fr nat._n deorum_fw-la l._n 1._o tell_v we_o that_o he_o be_v the_o first_o of_o all_o the_o philosopher_n that_o inquire_v into_o these_o thing_n and_o he_o say_v that_o water_n be_v the_o beginning_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o that_o god_n be_v that_o mind_n or_o intelligent_a principle_n which_o fashion_v all_o thing_n out_o of_o water_n so_o likewise_o strabo_n 15._o strabo_n georg._n l._n 15._o inform_v we_o that_o the_o brahmin_n the_o chief_a sect_n of_o philosopher_n among_o the_o indian_n agree_v with_o the_o grecian_n in_o this_o that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v of_o water_n which_o agree_v exact_o with_o moses_n account_n of_o the_o creation_n viz._n that_o the_o spirie_n of_o god_n move_v upon_o the_o face_n of_o water_n which_o st._n peter_n 3.5_o peter_n 2_o pet._n 3.5_o express_v thus_o that_o by_o the_o word_n of_o god_n the_o heaven_n and_o the_o earth_n for_o so_o the_o hebrew_n call_v the_o world_n be_v of_o old_a 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d constitute_v or_o make_v of_o water_n not_o stand_v out_o of_o the_o water_n as_o our_o translation_n render_v it_o nay_o aristotle_n 3._o aristotle_n metaph._n l._n 1._o c._n 3._o himself_o who_o be_v the_o great_a asserter_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n give_v this_o account_n why_o the_o god_n be_v ancient_o represent_v by_o the_o heathen_n as_o swear_v by_o the_o lake_n styx_n because_o water_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v the_o principle_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o this_o he_o tell_v we_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a opinion_n concern_v the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o that_o the_o very_o old_a writer_n of_o theology_n and_o those_o who_o live_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o his_o time_n be_v of_o this_o mind_n and_o in_o the_o book_n de_fw-fr mundo_fw-la 6._o mundo_fw-la cap._n 6._o it_o be_v free_o acknowledge_v to_o have_v be_v a_o ancient_a say_n and_o a_o general_a tradition_n among_o all_o man_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v of_o god_n and_o be_v make_v by_o he_o i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o that_o full_a testimony_n of_o maximus_n tyrius_n 1._o tyrius_n dissertat_fw-la 1._o to_o this_o purpose_n however_o say_v he_o man_n may_v differ_v in_o other_o thing_n yet_o they_o all_o agree_v in_o this_o law_n or_o principle_n that_o there_o be_v one_o god_n king_n and_o father_n of_o all_o thing_n etc._n etc._n this_o the_o greek_n say_v this_o the_o barbarian_n this_o those_o that_o live_v upon_o the_o continent_n and_o those_o that_o dwell_v by_o the_o sea_n the_o wise_a and_o the_o unwise_a second_o we_o have_v likewise_o a_o most_o ancient_a and_o credible_a history_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n i_o mean_v the_o history_n of_o moses_n with_o which_o no_o book_n in_o the_o world_n in_o point_n of_o antiquity_n can_v contend_v i_o shall_v not_o now_o go_v about_o to_o strengthen_v my_o argument_n by_o plead_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o this_o book_n for_o which_o yet_o i_o can_v offer_v good_a evidence_n if_o that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o matter_n hand_n it_o be_v sufficient_a to_o my_o present_a purpose_n that_o moses_n have_v the_o ordinary_a credit_n of_o a_o historian_n give_v he_o which_o none_o in_o reason_n can_v deny_v he_o he_o be_v cite_v by_o the_o most_o ancient_a of_o the_o heathen_a historian_n and_o the_o antiquity_n of_o his_o write_n never_o question_v by_o any_o of_o they_o as_o josephus_n appion_n josephus_n l._n 1._o contra_fw-la appion_n assure_v we_o now_o this_o history_n of_o moses_n give_v we_o a_o particular_a account_n of_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o creation_n of_o it_o by_o god_n which_o assertion_n of_o he_o be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o heathen_a whether_o poet_n or_o historian_n and_o several_a of_o the_o main_a part_n of_o moses_n history_n as_o concern_v the_o flood_n and_o the_o first_o father_n of_o the_o several_a nation_n of_o the_o world_n of_o which_o he_o give_v a_o particular_a account_n gen._n 10._o do_v very_o well_o accord_n with_o the_o most_o ancient_a account_n of_o profane_a history_n and_o i_o do_v not_o know_v whether_o any_o thing_n aught_o more_o to_o recommend_v the_o write_n of_o moses_n to_o a_o humane_a belief_n than_o the_o easy_a and_o credible_a account_n which_o he_o give_v of_o the_o original_n of_o the_o world_n and_o of_o the_o first_o people_n of_o it_o as_o to_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n both_o the_o egyptian_a and_o chaldean_a account_n which_o be_v pretend_v by_o some_o to_o be_v so_o vast_o different_a from_o that_o of_o the_o scripture_n may_v for_o all_o that_o be_v near_o the_o matter_n easy_o reconcile_v with_o it_o out_o it_o vide_fw-la dr._n stillingsleet_n orig._n sac._n where_o this_o be_v full_o make_v out_o if_o we_o do_v but_o admit_v what_o diodorus_n siculus_n and_o plutarch_n very_o credible_a person_n and_o diligent_a searcher_n into_o ancient_a book_n do_v most_o express_o assure_v we_o viz._n that_o both_o those_o nation_n do_v ancient_o reckon_v month_n for_o year_n and_o the_o account_n of_o the_o chinese_n be_v not_o hard_a to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o of_o the_o septuagint_n now_o in_o so_o nice_a and_o obscure_a a_o matter_n as_o the_o account_n of_o ancient_a time_n be_v it_o ought_v to_o satisfy_v any_o fair_a and_o reasonable_a enquirer_n if_o they_o can_v be_v bring_v any_o whit_n near_o one_o another_o so_o that_o universal_a tradition_n and_o the_o most_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o on_o our_o side_n and_o if_o they_o be_v one_o can_v hardly_o wish_v a_o more_o convince_a argument_n for_o if_o the_o world_n and_o consequent_o mankind_n have_v a_o beginning_n there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o 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thus_o to_o use_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o patron_n of_o our_o life_n to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a impiety_n to_o despise_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v we_o and_o to_o oppose_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v will_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o what_o gamaliel_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o another_o case_n may_v with_o a_o little_a change_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o therefore_o refrain_v from_o speak_v against_o these_o thing_n lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n i_o will_v but_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o profane_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n with_o riches_n or_o honour_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o consideration_n but_o the_o profane_a person_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o and_o sin_n only_o for_o sin_n sake_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o into_o the_o great_a danger_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n but_o the_o slender_a reputation_n of_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o witty_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v say_v and_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o only_o for_o his_o jest_n to_o lose_v two_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o now_o i_o beg_v your_o patience_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n of_o profaneness_n which_o by_o some_o be_v miscall_v wit_n 2._o to_o caution_n man_n not_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o 3._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v esteem_v wit_n only_o for_o jest_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o for_o make_v bold_a to_o scoff_n at_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n reverence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o wit_n for_o revile_v those_o in_o authority_n which_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n wit_n than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o discretion_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o a_o great_a prince_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n because_o he_o remember_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n do_v many_o time_n reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o their_o direct_a authority_n but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o spirit_n nor_o can_v we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n wherever_o we_o be_v his_o eye_n see_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v reach_v we_o if_o man_n do_v true_o consult_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o safety_n or_o reputation_n they_o will_v never_o exercise_v their_o wit_n in_o dangerous_a matter_n wit_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a quality_n but_o then_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o mischief_n as_o for_o good_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o season_v conversation_n to_o represent_v what_o be_v praiseworthy_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n it_o then_o lose_v its_o commendation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o abound_v in_o this_o quality_n and_o have_v wit_n to_o spare_v there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o religion_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o it_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n all_o wit_n which_o border_n upon_o profaneness_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a deserve_v to_o be_v brand_v for_o folly_n and_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o vice_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o scoff_v at_o religion_n under_o any_o form_n lest_o insensible_o we_o derive_v some_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o slight_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n man_n will_v easy_o slide_v into_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o profaneness_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n none_o so_o near_o dispose_v to_o scoff_v at_o religion_n as_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v upon_o trifle_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o one_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o contemn_v all_o religion_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v it_o be_v a_o know_v say_v of_o epictetus_n that_o every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n of_o something_o or_o other_o about_o it_o that_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o excuse_n and_o extenuation_n nor_o nothing_o so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jest_n may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v despise_v all_o thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o contemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n 3._o and_o last_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v
to_o the_o good_a order_n and_o more_o easy_a government_n of_o humane_a society_n because_o they_o have_v a_o good_a influence_n both_o upon_o magistrate_n and_o subject_n 1._o upon_o magistrate_n religion_n teach_v they_o to_o rule_v over_o man_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n because_o though_o they_o be_v god_n on_o earth_n yet_o they_o be_v subject_n of_o heaven_n and_o accountable_a to_o he_o who_o be_v high_o than_o the_o high_a in_o this_o world_n religion_n in_o a_o magistrate_n strengthen_v his_o authority_n because_o it_o procure_v veneration_n and_o gain_v a_o reputation_n to_o it_o and_o in_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n so_o much_o reputation_n be_v real_o so_o much_o power_n we_o see_v that_o piety_n and_o virtue_n where_o they_o be_v find_v among_o man_n of_o low_a degree_n will_v command_v some_o reverence_n and_o respect_n but_o in_o person_n of_o eminent_a place_n and_o dignity_n they_o be_v seat_v to_o a_o great_a advantage_n so_o as_o to_o cast_v a_o lustre_n upon_o their_o very_a place_n and_o by_o a_o strong_a reflection_n to_o double_v the_o beam_n of_o majesty_n whereas_o impiety_n and_o vice_n do_v strange_o lessen_v greatness_n and_o do_v secret_o and_o unavoidable_o derive_v some_o weakness_n upon_o authority_n itself_o of_o this_o the_o scripture_n give_v we_o a_o remarkable_a instance_n in_o david_n for_o among_o other_o thing_n which_o make_v the_o son_n of_o zurviah_n too_o hard_o for_o he_o this_o probable_o be_v none_o of_o the_o least_o that_o they_o be_v particular_o conscious_a to_o his_o crime_n 2._o religion_n have_v a_o good_a influence_n upon_o the_o people_n to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o 1._o to_o make_v they_o obedient_a to_o government_n and_o conformable_a to_o law_n and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o wrath_n and_o out_o of_o fear_n of_o the_o magistrate_n power_n which_o be_v but_o a_o weak_a and_o loof_o principle_n of_o obedience_n and_o will_v cease_v when_o ever_o man_n can_v rebel_v with_o safety_n and_o to_o advantage_n but_o out_o of_o conscience_n which_o be_v a_o firm_a and_o constant_a and_o last_a principle_n and_o will_v hold_v a_o man_n fast_o when_o all_o other_o obligation_n will_v break_v he_o that_o have_v entertain_v the_o true_a principle_n of_o christianity_n be_v not_o to_o be_v tempt_v from_o his_o obedience_n and_o subjection_n by_o any_o worldly_a consideration_n because_o he_o believe_v that_o whatsoever_o resist_v authority_n resist_v the_o ordinance_n of_o god_n and_o that_o they_o who_o resist_v shall_v receive_v to_o themselves_o damnation_n 2._o religion_n tend_v to_o make_v man_n peaceable_a one_o towards_o another_o for_o it_o endeavour_n to_o plant_v all_o those_o quality_n and_o disposition_n in_o man_n which_o tend_v to_o peace_n and_o unity_n and_o to_o fill_v man_n with_o a_o spirit_n of_o universal_a love_n and_o good_a will_n it_o endeavour_v likewise_o to_o secure_v every_o man_n interest_n by_o command_v the_o observation_n of_o that_o great_a rule_n of_o equity_n whatsoever_o you_o will_v that_o man_n shall_v do_v unto_o you_o do_v you_o even_o so_o to_o they_o by_o enjoin_v that_o truth_n and_o fidelity_n be_v inviolable_o observe_v in_o all_o our_o word_n promise_n and_o contract_n and_o in_o order_n hereunto_o it_o require_v the_o extirpation_n of_o all_o those_o passion_n and_o vice_n which_o render_v man_n unsociable_a and_o troublesome_a to_o one_o another_o as_o pride_n covetousness_n and_o injustice_n hatred_n and_o revenge_n and_o cruelty_n and_o those_o likewise_o which_o be_v not_o so_o common_o repute_v vice_n as_o self-conceit_n and_o peremptoriness_n in_o a_o man_n be_v own_o opinion_n and_o all_o peevishness_n and_o incompliance_n of_o humour_n in_o thing_n lawful_a and_o indifferent_a and_o that_o these_o be_v the_o proper_a effect_n of_o true_a piety_n the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o saviour_n and_o his_o apostle_n every_o where_o teach_v we_o now_o if_o this_o be_v the_o design_n of_o religion_n to_o bring_v we_o to_o this_o temper_n thus_o to_o heal_v the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o to_o sweeten_v their_o spirit_n to_o correct_v their_o passion_n and_o to_o mortify_v all_o those_o lust_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o enmity_n and_o division_n than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n it_o tend_v to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o live_v as_o religion_n require_v they_o shall_v do_v the_o world_n will_v be_v a_o quiet_a habitation_n a_o most_o lovely_a and_o desirable_a place_n in_o comparison_n of_o what_o now_o it_o be_v and_o indeed_o the_o true_a reason_n why_o the_o society_n of_o man_n be_v so_o full_a of_o tumult_n and_o disorder_n so_o troublesome_a and_o tempestuous_a be_v because_o there_o be_v so_o little_a of_o true_a religion_n among_o man_n so_o that_o be_v it_o not_o for_o some_o small_a remainder_n of_o piety_n and_o virtue_n which_o be_v yet_o leave_v scatter_v among_o mankind_n humane_a society_n will_v in_o a_o short_a space_n disband_v and_o run_v into_o confusion_n the_o earth_n will_v grow_v wild_a and_o become_v a_o great_a forest_n and_o mankind_n will_v become_v beast_n of_o prey_n one_o towards_o another_o and_o if_o this_o discourse_n hold_v true_a sure_o than_o one_o will_v think_v that_o virtue_n shall_v find_v itself_o a_o seat_n wherever_o humane_a society_n be_v and_o that_o religion_n shall_v be_v own_v and_o encourage_v in_o the_o world_n until_o man_n cease_v to_o be_v govern_v by_o reason_n ii_o i_o come_v to_o vindicate_v this_o truth_n from_o the_o insinuation_n and_o pretence_n of_o atheistical_a person_n i_o shall_v mention_v two_o 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n 2._o that_o as_o for_o virtue_n and_o vice_n they_o be_v arbitrary_a thing_n 1._o that_o government_n may_v subsist_v well_o enough_o without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n or_o a_o state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n and_o this_o the_o atheist_n do_v and_o must_v assert_v otherwise_o he_o be_v by_o his_o own_o confession_n a_o declare_a enemy_n to_o government_n and_o unfit_a to_o live_v in_o humane_a society_n for_o answer_v to_o this_o i_o will_v not_o deny_v but_o that_o though_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v not_o believe_v any_o superior_a be_v nor_o any_o reward_n and_o punishment_n after_o this_o life_n yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o there_o may_v be_v some_o kind_n of_o government_n keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n for_o suppose_v man_n to_o have_v reason_n the_o necessity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o mischief_n of_o confusion_n will_v probable_o compel_v they_o into_o some_o kind_n of_o order_n but_o then_o i_o say_v withal_o that_o if_o these_o principle_n be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n government_n will_v be_v far_o more_o difficult_a than_o now_o it_o be_v because_o it_o will_v want_v its_o firm_a basis_n and_o foundation_n there_o will_v be_v infinite_o more_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n if_o man_n be_v restrain_v from_o injustice_n and_o violence_n only_o by_o humane_a law_n and_o not_o by_o principle_n of_o conscience_n and_o the_o dread_n of_o another_o world_n therefore_o magistrate_n have_v always_o think_v themselves_o concern_v to_o cherish_v religion_n and_o to_o maintain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n nay_o that_o common_a suggestion_n of_o atheistical_a person_n that_o religion_n be_v at_o first_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o be_v still_o keep_v up_o in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o state-engine_n to_o awe_v man_n into_o obedience_n be_v a_o clear_a acknowledgement_n of_o the_o usefulness_n of_o it_o to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n and_o do_v as_o full_o contradict_v that_o pretence_n of_o they_o which_o i_o be_o now_o confute_v as_o any_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v say_v 2._o that_o virtue_n and_o vice_n be_v arbitrary_a thing_n found_v only_o in_o the_o imagination_n of_o man_n and_o in_o the_o constitution_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o world_n but_o not_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v virtue_n or_o vice_n good_a or_o evil_n which_o the_o supreme_a authority_n of_o a_o nation_n declare_v to_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v frequent_o and_o confident_o assert_v by_o the_o ingenious_a author_n of_o a_o very_a bad_a book_n i_o mean_v the_o leviathan_n now_o the_o proper_a way_n of_o answer_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v confident_o assert_v be_v to_o show_v the_o contrary_a namely_o that_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v a_o natural_a evil_n and_o deformity_n in_o they_o as_o perjury_n perfidiousness_n unrighteousness_n and_o ingratitude_n which_o be_v thing_n not_o only_o condemn_v by_o the_o positive_a law_n and_o constitution_n of_o