Selected quad for the lemma: book_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
book_n day_n great_a time_n 3,017 5 3.2491 3 true
View all documents for the selected quad

Text snippets containing the quad

ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49908 A treatise of the causes of incredulity wherein are examin'd the general motives and occasions which dispose unbelievers to reject the Christian religion : with two letters, containing a direct proof of the truth of Christianity / translated from the French of Monsieur Le Clerc.; De l'incredulité. English Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. 1697 (1697) Wing L827; ESTC R19200 151,596 339

There are 6 snippets containing the selected quad. | View original text

religion_n which_o be_v see_v in_o the_o world_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o these_o be_v most_o violent_a prejudices_fw-la against_o some_o christian_a society_n but_o it_o be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o they_o ought_v not_o to_o involve_v all_o christianity_n in_o general_n first_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v without_o examination_n as_o they_o do_v on_o this_o occasion_n that_o the_o notion_n man_n have_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n in_o their_o country_n or_o that_o of_o some_o divine_n who_o they_o have_v read_v be_v real_o the_o same_o with_o that_o of_o its_o founder_n some_o alteration_n may_v have_v by_o degree_n creep_v into_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_n who_o they_o know_v and_o so_o it_o may_v be_v very_o different_a from_o that_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n no_o body_n can_v be_v sure_a of_o the_o contrary_a without_o go_v to_o the_o source_n to_o compare_v it_o with_o the_o stream_n which_o be_v say_v to_o flow_v from_o it_o that_o be_v without_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o compare_v their_o doctrine_n with_o that_o which_o be_v now_o pretend_a to_o be_v the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n this_o unbeliever_n be_v necessary_o oblige_v to_o do_v before_o they_o affirm_v that_o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v false_a else_o they_o will_v imitate_v corrupt_a judge_n who_o vouchsafe_v not_o to_o examine_v the_o instrument_n of_o a_o suit_n in_o law_n but_o give_v their_o sentence_n at_o the_o first_o report_n of_o it_o i_o be_o persuade_v that_o if_o the_o unbeliever_n of_o the_o abovementioned_a place_n will_v undertake_v that_o examination_n they_o will_v present_o see_v that_o most_o of_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o dislike_v be_v not_o to_o be_v find_v in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n and_o consequent_o that_o whatever_o christian_n think_v now_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o the_o same_o thing_n ought_v to_o be_v observe_v every_o where_o and_o man_n ought_v not_o to_o judge_n of_o the_o gospel_n according_a to_o the_o opinion_n that_o be_v common_o receive_v where_o they_o live_v or_o which_o be_v worse_o to_o condemn_v it_o from_o hear_v a_o silly_a preacher_n who_o represent_v it_o quite_o otherwise_o than_o it_o be_v yet_o there_o be_v many_o people_n who_o entertain_v no_o favourable_a thought_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n by_o reason_n of_o the_o explication_n thereof_o which_o they_o hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n which_o be_v but_o too_o often_o ill_o provide_v a_o great_a many_o thing_n speak_v there_o be_v so_o far_o from_o bear_v a_o severe_a examination_n of_o judicious_a man_n that_o they_o can_v scarce_o be_v allow_v in_o the_o conversation_n of_o any_o person_n not_o altogether_o destitute_a of_o common_a sense_n that_o sort_n of_o discourse_n can_v without_o great_a injustice_n be_v confound_v with_o the_o word_n of_o god_n though_o there_o be_v some_o who_o affect_v to_o give_v they_o that_o name_n as_o if_o such_o preacher_n be_v inspire_v apostle_n and_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n they_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a respect_n for_o the_o gospel_n than_o to_o call_v such_o meditation_n by_o the_o same_o name_n with_o the_o discourse_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o have_v not_o make_v this_o remark_n be_v it_o not_o that_o such_o expression_n give_v occasion_n to_o unbeliever_n to_o despise_v christianity_n which_o deserve_v as_o much_o to_o be_v admire_v by_o the_o most_o penetrate_a and_o solid_a wit_n as_o many_o sermon_n deserve_v to_o be_v despise_v by_o the_o mean_a and_o most_o illiterate_a person_n as_o no_o body_n can_v bear_v the_o injustice_n of_o that_o man_n who_o shall_v judge_n of_o the_o opinion_n of_o a_o author_n by_o the_o discourse_n of_o another_o who_o perhaps_o understand_v they_o not_o and_o who_o interest_n it_o be_v to_o explain_v they_o otherwise_o and_o then_o pretend_v he_o may_v with_o reason_n vent_v his_o explication_n as_o infallible_a so_o unbeliever_n can_v ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n the_o opinion_n which_o they_o hear_v preach_v as_o apostolical_a doctrine_n before_o they_o have_v careful_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n unless_o they_o be_v willing_a to_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o the_o most_o unjust_a of_o men._n second_o unbeliever_n be_v guilty_a of_o another_o fault_n which_o be_v not_o much_o less_o than_o the_o forego_n when_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o false_a doctrine_n which_o they_o have_v read_v in_o the_o write_n of_o some_o divine_n or_o hear_v they_o preach_v they_o reject_v all_o christianity_n for_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a but_o many_o truth_n may_v be_v mix_v with_o lie_n and_o as_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o a_o book_n contain_v nothing_o but_o truth_n because_o some_o few_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o so_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o be_v false_a because_o some_o lie_n have_v be_v find_v in_o it_o be_v there_o for_o example_n any_o profane_a history_n either_o ancient_a or_o modern_a without_o a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n yet_o no_o body_n say_v that_o history_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v true_a and_o certain_a they_o endeavour_v only_o to_o distinguish_v what_o be_v true_a from_o what_o be_v false_a the_o like_a aught_o to_o be_v practise_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o explication_n of_o christian_n doctrine_n which_o we_o read_v or_o hear_v we_o ought_v neither_o whole_o to_o reject_v they_o nor_o embrace_v they_o because_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mixture_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n we_o ought_v as_o i_o say_v before_o to_o compare_v they_o with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o founder_n of_o christianity_n and_o judge_v by_o those_o write_n of_o religion_n itself_o and_o of_o what_o be_v true_a in_o the_o opinion_n of_o modern_a divine_n this_o be_v if_o i_o may_v say_v so_o the_o touchstone_n by_o which_o only_o the_o true_a doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n can_v be_v know_v three_o unbeliever_n undoubted_o know_v that_o a_o truth_n change_v not_o its_o nature_n for_o be_v ill_o defend_v we_o see_v every_o day_n very_o good_a cause_n ill_o plead_v by_o some_o lawyer_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o profession_n nay_o it_o be_v confess_v among_o all_o christian_n that_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o book_n who_o author_n be_v real_o engage_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o truth_n but_o they_o do_v it_o so_o ill_a that_o it_o will_v certain_o be_v condemn_v if_o it_o have_v no_o better_a support_n many_o people_n for_o example_n who_o have_v not_o study_v well_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o see_v no_o character_n of_o divinity_n in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o can_v convince_v a_o unbeliever_n of_o it_o but_o nevertheless_o they_o believe_v it_o to_o be_v divine_a with_o as_o great_a a_o certainty_n as_o if_o they_o perceive_v the_o finger_n of_o god_n in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o because_o they_o be_v say_v they_o inward_o persuade_v of_o it_o by_o the_o holy_a ghost_n without_o know_v why_o that_o be_v the_o cant_n of_o a_o perfect_a fanatic_a who_o equal_v without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o the_o gospel_n with_o the_o alcoran_n and_o all_o the_o false_a religion_n the_o follower_n whereof_o may_v all_o say_v as_o he_o do_v that_o they_o be_v persuade_v of_o it_o by_o a_o secret_a and_o inward_a operation_n of_o god_n upon_o their_o heart_n but_o the_o apostle_n never_o say_v any_o such_o thing_n all_o their_o preach_a consist_v in_o some_o fact_n and_o in_o good_a reason_n attend_v with_o the_o miraculous_a gift_n they_o have_v and_o it_o be_v by_o such_o mean_v they_o pretend_v to_o prove_v the_o divinity_n of_o their_o doctrine_n so_o that_o we_o shall_v wrong_v they_o very_o much_o shall_v we_o believe_v that_o they_o teach_v their_o doctrine_n can_v not_o be_v embrace_v by_o the_o mean_n of_o knowledge_n but_o by_o a_o mere_a enthusiasm_n other_o to_o do_v the_o christian_a religion_n a_o great_a honour_n ascribe_v to_o the_o apostle_n a_o art_n which_o they_o themselves_o serious_o etc._n serious_o 1_o cor._n 1.17_o &_o 11.4_o 13_o etc._n etc._n say_v they_o have_v not_o they_o set_v forth_o their_o style_n as_o a_o admirable_a pattern_n of_o eloquence_n which_o exceed_v that_o of_o the_o grecian_n and_o roman_n what_o follow_v from_o thence_o unbeliever_n read_v the_o write_n of_o those_o holy_a man_n to_o seek_v what_o they_o be_v tell_v be_v contain_v in_o they_o and_o because_o they_o do_v find_v it_o they_o fancy_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_v to_o deceive_v they_o and_o thereupon_o be_v exasperate_v against_o they_o who_o ground_v in_o part_n the_o truth_n of_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n upon_o their_o wonderful_a style_n they_o whole_o reject_v it_o they_o can_v not_o be_v
a_o treatise_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n wherein_o be_v examine_v the_o general_a motive_n and_o occasion_n which_o dispose_v unbeliever_n to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n with_o two_o letter_n contain_v a_o direct_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n translate_v fròm_v the_o french_a of_o mounseur_fw-fr le_z clerc_n london_n print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n at_o the_o black_a swan_n in_o pater-noster-row_n mdcxcvii_o the_o translator_n preface_n mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v a_o person_n so_o well_o know_v to_o all_o the_o learned_a world_n that_o it_o can_v not_o be_v think_v less_o arrogant_a than_o superfluous_a for_o i_o to_o give_v any_o character_n of_o his_o capacity_n or_o his_o write_n nor_o can_v it_o be_v say_v that_o i_o transgress_v either_o way_n in_o recommend_v the_o follow_a treatise_n for_o setting_z aside_o all_o personal_a consideration_n the_o subject_a of_o it_o be_v enough_o to_o justify_v my_o undertake_n the_o study_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v so_o natural_a to_o man_n that_o some_o will_v make_v this_o inclination_n to_o pass_v for_o the_o only_a essential_a distinction_n of_o our_o species_n from_o all_o other_o animal_n but_o the_o study_n of_o the_o true_a religion_n must_v needs_o be_v of_o the_o high_a importance_n since_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o be_v not_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v more_o necessary_a than_o the_o sect_n pretend_v themselves_o to_o be_v the_o only_a person_n enjoy_v that_o happiness_n be_v find_v to_o be_v different_a from_o one_o another_o in_o their_o opinion_n and_o practice_n this_o diversity_n join_v to_o the_o great_a number_n of_o party_n that_o lay_v their_o claim_n to_o genuine_a christianity_n exclusive_o of_o all_o the_o rest_n seem_v to_o render_v the_o discovery_n of_o the_o truth_n very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a and_o indeed_o thousand_o of_o well-meaning_a people_n have_v upon_o this_o very_a account_n give_v up_o themselves_o to_o scepticism_n and_o indifference_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n or_o which_o be_v as_o bad_a be_v content_a to_o be_v implicit_o lead_v by_o their_o teacher_n now_o that_o person_n deserve_v best_a of_o the_o world_n who_o not_o only_o make_v the_o truth_n plain_a and_o intelligible_a separate_v it_o from_o all_o the_o false_a notion_n with_o which_o it_o be_v so_o mix_v and_o overrun_v sometime_o as_o to_o endanger_v the_o entire_a ruin_n thereof_o but_o who_o likewise_o establish_v such_o a_o excellent_a method_n that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v most_o certain_a he_o be_v on_o the_o right_a side_n without_o be_v oblige_v to_o undergo_v the_o endless_a labour_n of_o examine_v every_o religion_n successive_o how_o far_o our_o author_n have_v contribute_v to_o do_v mankind_n this_o desirable_a piece_n of_o service_n the_o reader_n must_v determine_v for_o we_o pretend_v not_o to_o lead_v his_o judgement_n and_o though_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n be_v so_o modest_a as_o to_o think_v his_o own_o performance_n inferior_a to_o that_o of_o grotius_n upon_o the_o same_o subject_a i_o must_v affirm_v and_o that_o with_o all_o imaginable_a impartiality_n that_o in_o my_o opinion_n there_o be_v no_o comparison_n to_o be_v make_v between_o they_o for_o be_v it_o for_o nothing_o else_o but_o that_o the_o evidence_n of_o mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n reason_n be_v obvious_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n whereas_o most_o of_o the_o other_o book_n be_v not_o intelligible_a but_o to_o profound_a scholar_n as_o if_o these_o only_o have_v a_o right_n to_o the_o privilege_n of_o understand_v the_o ground_n of_o their_o religion_n this_o alone_o be_v sufficient_a to_o decide_v the_o controversy_n but_o what_o be_v more_o notwithstanding_o the_o extraordinary_a talent_n of_o grotius_n he_o be_v not_o near_o so_o great_a a_o master_n of_o the_o oriental_a language_n nor_o so_o acute_a and_o solid_a a_o philosopher_n nor_o yet_o superior_a in_o philology_n or_o history_n to_o speak_v nothing_o of_o the_o advantage_n of_o writing_n after_o he_o but_o let_v mr._n le_fw-fr clerc_n book_n speak_v for_o its_o author_n as_o for_o my_o version_n i_o shall_v detain_v the_o reader_n with_o any_o apology_n because_o it_o be_v not_o more_o correct_v or_o polite_a if_o it_o be_v faithful_a and_o intelligible_a which_o be_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a for_o those_o who_o sincere_o study_v for_o truth_n and_o if_o i_o be_v so_o happy_a as_o to_o satisfy_v they_o i_o care_v not_o much_o for_o the_o displeasure_n of_o other_o to_o the_o reader_n it_o be_v some_o year_n since_o i_o first_o form_v a_o design_n of_o write_v upon_o the_o subject_a of_o this_o small_a piece_n which_o i_o publish_v at_o present_a and_o have_v my_o other_o occupation_n pure_o depend_v upon_o my_o own_o choice_n this_o have_v be_v perform_v long_o ago_o but_o be_v necessary_o engage_v in_o some_o other_o thing_n i_o be_v force_v to_o put_v it_o off_o till_o now_o at_o length_n have_v finish_v my_o latin_a write_n upon_o the_o pentateuch_n i_o happy_o become_v master_n of_o time_n enough_o to_o turn_v my_o application_n upon_o this_o subject_a i_o can_v free_o say_v that_o i_o never_o think_v of_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o extreme_a satisfaction_n for_o after_o what_o manner_n soever_o i_o can_v consider_v the_o christian_a religion_n it_o always_o appear_v to_o i_o ground_v upon_o the_o firm_a proof_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o perfect_o conformable_a to_o sound_v reason_n or_o to_o say_v all_o in_o one_o word_n worthy_a the_o creator_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n nor_o do_v i_o in_o my_o whole_a life_n labour_n with_o more_o ardour_n and_o delight_n than_o i_o do_v in_o compose_v this_o work_n wherein_o i_o have_v i_o think_v evident_o make_v out_o that_o unbeliever_n act_v against_o all_o good_a sense_n in_o refuse_v their_o assent_n to_o the_o gospel_n and_o i_o persuade_v myself_o that_o if_o they_o consider_v the_o same_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v they_o must_v necessary_o acknowledge_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o but_o whether_o i_o be_o mistake_v or_o not_o that_o the_o world_n shall_v judge_n if_o this_o book_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o meet_v with_o that_o reception_n in_o french_a which_z several_z other_o of_o this_o kind_n have_v have_v i_o may_v one_o time_n or_o other_o put_v it_o into_o latin_a and_o in_o my_o annotation_n upon_o it_o confirm_v all_o that_o i_o say_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o most_o ancient_a apologist_n of_o christianity_n and_o that_o too_o of_o the_o most_o consider_v heathen_n as_o the_o incomparable_a grotius_n have_v do_v in_o his_o book_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o far_o indeed_o from_o equal_v my_o work_n to_o he_o nor_o do_v i_o flatter_v myself_o with_o the_o same_o success_n as_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o public_a but_o if_o man_n have_v regard_v only_o to_o the_o intention_n of_o those_o that_o write_v i_o think_v i_o may_v safe_o say_v that_o none_o in_o the_o world_n have_v better_a than_o i_o nor_o be_v more_o convince_v of_o the_o goodness_n of_o that_o cause_n i_o have_v undertake_v to_o defend_v john_n le_fw-fr clerc_n the_o content_n of_o the_o chapter_n the_o preface_n or_o the_o design_n of_o the_o author_n in_o this_o work_n pag._n 1._o part_n i._n of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n 1._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o p._n 9_o chap._n 2._o that_o pride_n may_v be_v the_o cause_n why_o assent_n be_v refuse_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n p._n 27._o chap._n 3._o that_o what_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o yield_v to_o the_o proof_n of_o christianity_n partly_o consist_v perhaps_o in_o mere_a prejudices_fw-la which_o all_o the_o while_n may_v be_v false_a p._n 45._o chap._n 4._o that_o many_o be_v unbeliever_n only_o because_o they_o know_v not_o how_o to_o reason_v well_o p._n 63._o chap._n 5._o that_o the_o neglect_v of_o search_v into_o truth_n be_v often_o the_o cause_n of_o incredulity_n p._n 75._o chap._n 6._o that_o laziness_n keep_v many_o people_n in_o ignorance_n doubt_n and_o infidelity_n p._n 93._o the_o conclusion_n of_o the_o first_o part._n p._n 107._o part_n ii_o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o occasion_n give_v unbeliever_n to_o doubt_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n or_o entire_o to_o reject_v it_o chap._n 1._o that_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v call_v in_o doubt_n because_o several_a embrace_v it_o more_o out_o of_o credulity_n than_o upon_o good_a reason_n p._n 110._o chap._n 2._o that_o the_o immorality_n or_o ignorance_n of_o those_o who_o sometime_o express_v the_o
induce_v they_o to_o reject_v the_o gospel_n have_v no_o solidity_n in_o they_o and_o after_o this_o it_o may_v be_v hope_v that_o the_o proof_n of_o its_o truth_n may_v have_v some_o effect_n upon_o their_o mind_n i_o design_v to_o proceed_v according_a to_o this_o method_n in_o the_o present_a discourse_n where_o after_o have_v examine_v the_o inward_a disposition_n of_o unbeliever_n and_o also_o show_v the_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o i_o shall_v discover_v the_o weakness_n of_o those_o argument_n draw_v from_o without_o by_o which_o they_o judge_v of_o the_o christian_a religion_n before_o i_o begin_v i_o must_v once_o more_o advertise_v my_o reader_n that_o the_o unbeliever_n which_o i_o attack_z be_v neither_o the_o jew_n nor_o the_o mahometans_n but_o those_o who_o make_v a_o outward_a profession_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n conceal_v in_o the_o mean_a time_n their_o real_a thought_n from_o the_o world_n but_o when_o they_o think_v to_o do_v it_o without_o danger_n they_o declare_v to_o their_o friend_n in_o private_a that_o they_o believe_v not_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o not_o but_o that_o the_o pagan_n jew_n and_o mahometans_n be_v frequent_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o fault_n with_o those_o unbeliever_n whereof_o i_o treat_v but_o it_o will_v be_v labour_n in_o vain_a to_o trouble_v ourselves_o with_o such_o as_o never_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o christian_n and_o who_o because_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la be_v in_o a_o manner_n uncapable_a of_o reason_v right_o i_o write_v mere_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o unbeliever_n among_o christian_n into_o who_o hand_n this_o book_n be_v like_a to_o come_v or_o for_o such_o as_o may_v happen_v to_o be_v seduce_v by_o their_o reason_n beside_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o common_o reject_v whatever_o be_v say_v to_o be_v reveal_v there_o be_v yet_o another_o kind_n of_o man_n infinite_o more_o numerous_a who_o be_v unbeliever_n by_o half_n and_o to_o who_o many_o thing_n in_o this_o work_n may_v be_v proper_o apply_v these_o own_o in_o general_a that_o the_o gospel_n be_v true_a but_o will_v be_v sure_a to_o admit_v of_o no_o particular_a therein_o that_o be_v absolute_o incompatible_a with_o their_o own_o inclination_n or_o habit_n such_o doctrine_n they_o can_v persuade_v themselves_o to_o be_v evangelic_n which_o be_v almost_o the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o they_o reject_v half_a the_o new_a testament_n or_o rather_o entire_o renounce_v it_o see_v that_o jesus_n christ_n will_v not_o have_v the_o heart_n to_o be_v thus_o divide_v between_o himself_o and_o the_o world_n whilst_o i_o prove_v against_o they_o who_o reject_v all_o the_o christian_a religion_n that_o their_o disposition_n or_o inclination_n can_v be_v the_o rule_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n i_o show_v to_o those_o half-vnbelievers_a that_o they_o gross_o impose_v upon_o themselves_o in_o receive_v nothing_o of_o the_o gospel_n but_o only_o what_o serve_v their_o turn_n final_o i_o do_v pretend_v to_o have_v exhaust_v the_o subject_a i_o treat_v of_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o case_n or_o question_n may_v be_v raise_v about_o matter_n of_o this_o nature_n without_o any_o possibility_n of_o examine_v they_o all_o and_o there_o may_v be_v i_o deny_v not_o even_o some_o general_a maxim_n forget_v by_o i_o which_o can_v be_v commodious_o reduce_v to_o those_o i_o have_v lay_v down_o worthy_a nevertheless_o to_o be_v discuss_v and_o serviceable_a to_o my_o design_n but_o this_o other_o may_v do_v if_o they_o think_v fit_a or_o i_o may_v do_v it_o one_o day_n myself_o if_o i_o shall_v ever_o enlarge_v this_o work_n i_o have_v purposely_o say_v in_o the_o title-page_n that_o i_o examine_v the_o general_a reason_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o the_o answer_n to_o many_o particular_a objection_n they_o be_v wont_v to_o make_v may_v not_o be_v expect_v in_o this_o book_n they_o must_v be_v look_v after_o in_o system_n of_o theology_n or_o in_o the_o commentator_n upon_o the_o holy_a scripture_n but_o i_o will_v presume_v to_o say_v that_o these_o particular_a objection_n be_v to_o be_v little_o fear_v when_o once_o all_o general_a difficulty_n be_v remove_v out_o of_o the_o understanding_n because_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o answer_v the_o one_o may_v serve_v to_o solve_v the_o other_o or_o at_o least_o prevent_v their_o have_v any_o ill_a effect_n if_o they_o can_v be_v answer_v as_o it_o may_v be_v see_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n part_n i._o of_o the_o motive_n of_o incredulity_n which_o spring_n from_o the_o inward_a disposition_n or_o inclination_n of_o unbeliever_n chap._n i._o that_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a and_o unjust_a to_o reject_v the_o christian_a religion_n because_o it_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o disposition_n a_o man_n find_v in_o himself_o have_v man_n be_v pure_a intelligence_n sole_o apply_v themselves_o to_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n dispose_v to_o regulate_v their_o life_n according_a to_o the_o discovery_n they_o shall_v make_v and_o all_o this_o without_o cause_v to_o they_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o thing_n needful_a than_o to_o cure_v they_o of_o their_o error_n or_o to_o reform_v their_o conduct_n but_o only_o to_o demonstrate_v those_o truth_n to_o they_o whereof_o they_o be_v ignorant_a before_o and_o to_o show_v that_o they_o live_v not_o according_o but_o the_o judgement_n which_o man_n form_n of_o most_o thing_n depend_v as_o much_o upon_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v contract_v and_o which_o they_o can_v easy_o correct_v as_o upon_o the_o light_n of_o their_o understanding_n and_o ratiocination_n such_o as_o be_v accustom_a for_o example_n to_o live_v idle_o never_o think_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v useful_a and_o that_o can_v thus_o pass_v away_o their_o time_n without_o any_o apprehension_n of_o poverty_n these_o i_o say_v look_v upon_o all_o reason_n offer_v for_o painstaking_a or_o study_n to_o be_v only_o the_o discourse_n of_o morose_a people_n who_o be_v stranger_n to_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o strong_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o every_o one_o be_v oblige_v to_o be_v some_o way_n useful_a to_o the_o society_n whereof_o he_o be_v a_o member_n appear_v to_o such_o without_o any_o foundation_n though_o other_o judge_v they_o demonstrative_a but_o how_o come_v this_o to_o pass_v it_o be_v because_o the_o habit_n they_o have_v get_v of_o live_v in_o idleness_n keep_v they_o from_o attentive_o consider_v what_o be_v say_v for_o they_o fix_v their_o thought_n upon_o quite_o contrary_a idea_n the_o remembrance_n whereof_o be_v at_o the_o same_o time_n very_o grateful_a to_o they_o they_o think_v upon_o that_o soft_a indolency_n and_o that_o please_a laziness_n wherein_o they_o spend_v the_o best_a of_o their_o day_n without_o any_o chagrin_n and_o their_o mind_n be_v so_o take_v up_o with_o these_o contemplation_n that_o there_o be_v no_o room_n leave_v for_o any_o thing_n less_o agreeable_a as_o much_o may_v be_v say_v of_o all_o good_a and_o ill_a habit_n of_o a_o long_a continuance_n as_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v by_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o make_v the_o least_o reflection_n and_o this_o truth_n every_o person_n have_v learn_v a_o thousand_o time_n from_o experience_n or_o may_v do_v it_o when_o he_o will_n some_o body_n perhaps_o that_o have_v not_o sufficient_o study_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o say_v that_o when_o a_o habit_n be_v find_v to_o be_v evil_a it_o ought_v to_o be_v present_o change_v into_o a_o good_a one_o this_o be_v indeed_o most_o easy_o say_v but_o nothing_o more_o difficult_a to_o practice_v when_o a_o man_n be_v use_v to_o a_o certain_a manner_n of_o live_v and_o think_v it_o must_v be_v own_a that_o he_o take_v pleasure_n in_o it_o for_o this_o be_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o all_o habit_n now_o when_o once_o a_o thing_n be_v accompany_v with_o pleasure_n we_o can_v forbear_v love_v it_o and_o whilst_o we_o thus_o love_v it_o there_o be_v no_o leave_v of_o it_o without_o great_a struggle_n and_o put_v a_o extreme_a violence_n upon_o our_o inclination_n as_o the_o habit_n we_o already_o have_v be_v contract_v by_o degree_n so_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o time_n be_v requisite_a to_o acquire_v other_o for_o as_o there_o be_v need_n of_o time_n to_o destroy_v a_o old_a habit_n so_o there_o be_v likewise_o to_o form_v a_o new_a one_o for_o if_o to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v only_o necessary_a to_o listen_v like_o pure_a spirit_n we_o shall_v in_o one_o quarter_n of_o a_o hour_n run_v from_o one_o extreme_a to_o the_o other_o nothing_o make_v time_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o become_v virtuous_a but_o because_o we_o be_v unwilling_a to_o be_v so_o and_o do_v we_o desire_v it_o we_o shall_v quick_o learn_v to_o live_v honest_o and_o happy_o longam_fw-la facit_fw-la
infinite_o more_o considerable_a than_o be_v those_o age_n wherein_o he_o seem_v to_o some_o to_o have_v neglect_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n the_o christian_a religion_n do_v teach_v we_o that_o one_o day_n the_o present_a state_n of_o man_n upon_o this_o earth_n shall_v be_v entire_o change_v and_o that_o they_o must_v give_v a_o account_n of_o their_o action_n to_o be_v reward_v or_o punish_v according_o but_o we_o be_v not_o inform_v when_o this_o time_n shall_v be_v and_o such_o as_o think_v it_o shall_v happen_v soon_o after_o the_o come_v of_o christ_n from_o some_o obscure_a expression_n of_o he_o or_o his_o apostle_n be_v altogether_o mistake_v as_o we_o see_v now_o he_o before_o who_o a_o thousand_o year_n be_v but_o as_o one_o day_n 30.5_o 1_o pet._n 3.8_o psal_n 30.5_o who_o anger_n endure_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n but_o in_o who_o favour_n be_v life_n may_v have_v prospect_n infinite_o more_o extend_v and_o which_o require_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o time_n we_o who_o life_n be_v short_a and_o who_o look_v upon_o the_o future_a as_o a_o thing_n not_o relate_v to_o we_o we_o i_o say_v grow_v impatient_a and_o the_o ardour_n of_o our_o desire_n make_v we_o think_v the_o time_n yet_o long_o than_o it_o be_v but_o god_n who_o change_v not_o and_o that_o see_v all_o time_n as_o present_v consider_v thing_n after_o quite_o another_o manner_n than_o we_o do_v and_o look_n upon_o all_o limit_a duration_n as_o most_o short_a we_o must_v not_o therefore_o judge_v of_o providence_n by_o that_o small_a time_n which_o be_v pass_v since_o the_o creation_n see_v in_o the_o eternity_n that_o follow_v it_o he_o may_v choose_v what_o space_n he_o please_v to_o bestow_v liberal_a favour_n upon_o all_o nation_n this_o indeed_o be_v but_o a_o conjecture_n but_o it_o must_v be_v grant_v that_o it_o contain_v nothing_o except_o what_o agree_v very_o well_o with_o that_o great_a idea_n which_o the_o christian_a religion_n as_o well_o as_o our_o own_o reason_n give_v we_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o god_n and_o his_o eternal_a duration_n nothing_o demonstrative_a can_v be_v allege_v against_o this_o notion_n and_o unbeliever_n can_v suppose_v it_o to_o be_v false_a without_o they_o prove_v it_o so_o what_o have_v be_v say_v be_v sufficient_a to_o solve_v their_o second_o objection_n ground_v upon_o that_o little_a knowledge_n of_o true_a christianity_n wherewith_o christian_n reproach_n one_o another_o it_o be_v through_o the_o fault_n of_o man_n that_o this_o happen_v and_o god_n do_v not_o ordinary_o oppose_v it_o otherwise_o than_o by_o law_n accompany_v with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o some_o people_n there_o be_v who_o believe_v that_o god_n will_v one_o day_n reform_v christianity_n after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n this_o might_n well_o be_v but_o suppose_v it_o shall_v never_o happen_v we_o must_v remember_v that_o there_o be_v no_o sect_n of_o any_o consideration_n so_o corrupt_v but_o that_o the_o essence_n of_o christianity_n be_v preserve_v among_o they_o although_o the_o addition_n make_v by_o several_a of_o they_o strange_o disfigure_v it_o such_o as_o keep_v only_o to_o these_o essential_a point_n which_o be_v all_o that_o may_v be_v easy_o understand_v and_o who_o leave_v the_o rest_n to_o the_o school_n have_v a_o just_a idea_n enough_o of_o religion_n and_o can_v be_v say_v not_o to_o understand_v all_o that_o be_v necessary_a to_o salvation_n the_o reproach_n of_o controvertist_n fall_v rather_o upon_o the_o preacher_n than_o upon_o those_o upright_a and_o sincere_a person_n who_o take_v of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o understand_v and_o live_v conformable_o to_o their_o notion_n unbeliever_n make_v another_o objection_n against_o religion_n which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v difficult_a to_o answer_v and_o it_o be_v that_o the_o most_o clear_a and_o essential_a precept_n of_o christianity_n be_v very_o little_o observe_v among_o christian_n whence_o the_o incredulous_a infer_v that_o it_o have_v not_o a_o sufficient_a influence_n upon_o man_n life_n for_o a_o religion_n maintain_v to_o be_v reveal_v from_o god_n and_o that_o consequent_o it_o be_v not_o original_o divine_a this_o consequence_n be_v very_o false_a as_o i_o shall_v show_v but_o i_o think_v it_o material_a before_o i_o do_v this_o to_o enlarge_v a_o little_a upon_o the_o disorder_n of_o christianity_n because_o in_o effect_v the_o best_a answer_n we_o can_v make_v to_o unbeliever_n and_o the_o proper_a to_o get_v they_o over_o to_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v frank_o that_o we_o be_v great_o to_o blame_v in_o not_o better_o observe_v the_o command_v of_o christ_n and_o to_o endeavour_v for_o the_o future_a to_o reform_v our_o manner_n whereas_o the_o christian_a religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o think_v frequent_o of_o god_n to_o wean_v we_o from_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n and_o to_o teach_v we_o our_o duty_n contain_v in_o his_o law_n that_o we_o may_v obey_v they_o by_o reason_n of_o the_o great_a reward_n and_o terrible_a punishment_n annex_v to_o they_o the_o quite_o contrary_a be_v common_o practise_v among_o christian_n god_n be_v rare_o think_v of_o and_o christian_n be_v almost_o as_o much_o blind_a and_o possess_v with_o avarice_n ambition_n or_o the_o love_n of_o pleasure_n as_o those_o people_n to_o who_o the_o gospel_n be_v unknown_a although_o there_o be_v some_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o their_o give_a themselves_o up_o to_o these_o passion_n there_o be_v a_o diversity_n i_o grant_v in_o their_o custom_n but_o the_o three_o passion_n i_o name_v be_v the_o soul_n of_o almost_o all_o christian_n action_n as_o well_o as_o of_o those_o of_o the_o heathen_n man_n be_v as_o much_o intoxicate_v among_o we_o with_o the_o vanity_n of_o this_o life_n as_o among_o they_o and_o the_o pride_n or_o insolence_n of_o riches_n be_v not_o much_o less_o in_o europe_n than_o in_o the_o midst_n of_o asia_n christian_n study_v the_o art_n of_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n and_o apply_v themselves_o so_o whole_o to_o it_o as_o if_o god_n have_v promise_v eternal_a happiness_n to_o they_o for_o so_o do_v and_o threaten_v those_o with_o damnation_n that_o will_v spend_v their_o time_n in_o the_o study_n of_o his_o will_n or_o regulate_v their_o manner_n according_a to_o his_o law_n it_o be_v true_a that_o they_o spend_v some_o time_n at_o church_n that_o they_o say_v some_o prayer_n and_o read_v some_o pious_a book_n but_o be_v this_o time_n to_o be_v compare_v with_o that_o which_o be_v spend_v in_o thing_n they_o may_v very_o well_o be_v without_o or_o not_o to_o mention_v the_o time_n will_v they_o say_v that_o they_o be_v more_o desirous_a to_o be_v instruct_v in_o their_o duty_n and_o to_o practice_v they_o than_o to_o grow_v rich_a or_o satisfy_v some_o other_o passion_n do_v they_o for_o example_n understand_v the_o moral_n of_o christ_n as_o well_o as_o the_o cunning_a part_n of_o traffic_n and_o speak_v of_o the_o former_a with_o as_o great_a a_o pleasure_n as_o those_o who_o follow_v trade_n speak_v of_o the_o latter_a yet_o it_o shall_v be_v otherwise_o see_v man_n shall_v not_o be_v save_v because_o they_o be_v industrious_a merchant_n but_o because_o they_o know_v and_o practise_v christianity_n well_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o some_o other_o profession_n wherein_o christian_n spend_v all_o their_o life_n can_v many_o of_o they_o say_v sincere_o that_o they_o have_v rather_o have_v their_o mind_n full_a of_o knowledge_n and_o their_o heart_n incline_v to_o obey_v the_o gospel_n and_o be_v poor_a despise_v hate_a and_o miserable_a than_o to_o be_v rich_a esteem_v and_o have_v but_o a_o small_a knowledge_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v it_o as_o it_o be_v common_o do_v notwithstanding_o this_o lamentable_a disposition_n they_o profess_v to_o live_v like_o honest_a man_n they_o put_v on_o the_o outside_n and_o as_o it_o be_v the_o garment_n of_o religion_n but_o they_o unlucky_o stop_v there_o and_o the_o conduct_n of_o their_o life_n contradict_v as_o i_o have_v show_v their_o profession_n they_o common_o behave_v themselves_o as_o if_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v whole_o shut_v up_o within_o the_o wall_n of_o church_n and_o consist_v only_o in_o some_o outward_a practice_n whereas_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o that_o what_o religion_n next_o to_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n require_v from_o we_o chief_o consist_v in_o our_o manner_n of_o live_v and_o converse_v with_o other_o men._n if_o we_o examine_v somewhat_o careful_o the_o public_a behaviour_n of_o most_o christian_n we_o may_v take_v notice_n that_o they_o observe_v no_o rule_n of_o justice_n among_o themselves_o but_o inasmuch_o as_o it_o agree_v with_o their_o private_a interest_n if_o they_o be_v the_o better_a for_o break_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n that_o be_v if_o the_o do_v of_o it_o will_v prove_v advantageous_a
several_a revelation_n and_o every_o where_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v very_o frequent_a as_o all_o those_o who_o have_v read_v the_o book_n of_o genesis_n know_v very_o well_o but_o it_o appear_v that_o man_n make_v not_o a_o very_a good_a use_n of_o they_o the_o egyptian_n one_o of_o the_o most_o ancient_a and_o happy_a nation_n in_o the_o world_n be_v already_o in_o his_o time_n infect_v with_o a_o shameful_a idolatry_n 32.4_o idolatry_n see_v exod_n 8.16_o &_o 32.4_o which_o make_v they_o worship_n beast_n the_o cananean_n be_v also_o idolater_n as_o he_o say_v etc._n say_v leu._n 20._o 2._o numb_a 25.3_o etc._n etc._n in_o many_o place_n and_o live_v a_o very_a wicked_a life_n there_o be_v no_o likelihood_n that_o the_o other_o neighbour_a nation_n make_v a_o better_a use_n of_o those_o ancient_a revelation_n or_o the_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o god_n have_v give_v to_o all_o men._n so_o that_o there_o be_v not_o one_o nation_n that_o can_v boast_v to_o have_v improve_v the_o talent_n it_o receive_v from_o heaven_n as_o it_o ought_v to_o do_v and_o if_o god_n have_v give_v they_o up_o to_o their_o darkness_n and_o wickedness_n none_o of_o they_o can_v have_v just_o complain_v of_o he_o notwithstanding_o to_o pass_v by_o the_o nation_n who_o history_n be_v not_o well_o know_v to_o we_o god_n be_v move_v with_o compassion_n towards_o man_n will_v not_o permit_v that_o idolatry_n and_o corrupt_a manner_n shall_v as_o it_o be_v overflow_v the_o whole_a world_n he_o continue_v to_o reveal_v himself_o more_o particular_o to_o the_o family_n of_o abraham_n and_o his_o posterity_n and_o to_o make_v those_o revelation_n more_o useful_a and_o hinder_v they_o from_o be_v corrupt_v by_o the_o mixture_n of_o the_o false_a opinion_n of_o other_o nation_n he_o order_v the_o israelite_n to_o frame_v a_o commonwealth_n by_o itself_o and_o forbid_v they_o to_o converse_v much_o with_o their_o neighbour_n to_o frame_v that_o commonwealth_n and_o enable_v it_o to_o maintain_v itself_o till_o he_o shall_v think_v fit_a to_o call_v the_o other_o nation_n to_o the_o same_o knowledge_n the_o hebrew_n have_v he_o give_v they_o some_o law_n the_o observation_n whereof_o he_o require_v under_o most_o severe_a penalty_n there_o be_v several_a thing_n to_o be_v observe_v in_o those_o law_n which_o may_v help_v we_o to_o see_v the_o wisdom_n contain_v in_o they_o but_o it_o will_v suffice_v to_o say_v that_o some_o of_o they_o be_v ground_v upon_o the_o very_a constitution_n of_o nature_n and_o humane_a society_n so_o that_o all_o nation_n be_v bind_v to_o observe_v they_o at_o least_o in_o some_o measure_n and_o that_o they_o can_v be_v violate_v without_o hurt_v the_o society_n they_o be_v call_v moral_a law_n the_o other_o do_v so_o concern_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o hebrew_n in_o particular_a that_o other_o man_n be_v not_o the_o worse_a for_o not_o observe_v they_o and_o they_o be_v call_v political_a law_n last_o the_o other_o concern_v the_o ceremony_n which_o god_n will_v have_v to_o be_v observe_v in_o his_o worship_n they_o be_v style_v ceremonial_a law_n the_o first_o sort_n of_o law_n as_o those_o which_o command_v to_o acknowledge_v a_o god_n and_o to_o worship_v he_o to_o honour_v our_o parent_n and_o to_o do_v to_o our_o neighbour_n as_o we_o will_v be_v do_v by_o that_o sort_n of_o law_n i_o say_v be_v approve_v by_o the_o wise_a heathen_a legislator_n and_o philosopher_n and_o jesus_n christ_n have_v since_o confirm_v they_o the_o necessity_n of_o those_o law_n can_v be_v doubt_v of_o see_v they_o can_v be_v neglect_v without_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n of_o that_o neglect_n and_o see_v the_o nature_n of_o humane_a society_n necessary_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o those_o law_n it_o can_v be_v doubt_v but_o that_o they_o be_v worthy_a of_o he_o to_o who_o humane_a nature_n owe_v its_o origin_n though_o this_o be_v manifest_a it_o will_v be_v a_o easy_a thing_n to_o show_v that_o several_a nation_n have_v many_o law_n contrary_a to_o they_o because_o the_o interest_n and_o passion_n of_o some_o private_a man_n prevail_v above_o the_o public_a good_n lest_o therefore_o the_o light_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o those_o ill_a custom_n shall_v be_v whole_o extinguish_v among_o man_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v at_o least_o one_o nation_n upon_o earth_n in_o which_o good_a and_o sound_a law_n shall_v be_v so_o clear_o and_o undeniable_o establish_v that_o no_o body_n can_v doubt_v of_o they_o this_o we_o find_v among_o the_o jew_n god_n himself_o deliver_v part_n of_o those_o law_n with_o his_o own_o mouth_n and_o acquaint_v they_o with_o the_o rest_n by_o a_o prophet_n who_o he_o authorise_a with_o miracle_n those_o law_n be_v as_o i_o say_v equal_o necessary_a at_o all_o time_n and_o in_o all_o place_n in_o order_n to_o the_o peace_n and_o happiness_n of_o humane_a society_n but_o because_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n shall_v not_o be_v mix_v with_o other_o nation_n lest_o those_o law_n shall_v be_v destroy_v god_n give_v they_o some_o other_o law_n accommodate_v to_o the_o genius_n of_o that_o people_n and_o to_o their_o state_n in_o the_o land_n of_o canaan_n which_o they_o be_v to_o possess_v such_o be_v the_o political_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o chief_a excellency_n of_o which_o consist_v in_o have_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o moral_a law_n and_o in_o be_v suit_v to_o the_o people_n who_o receive_v they_o one_o may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o political_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o moses_n contain_v nothing_o that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o moral_a one_o but_o to_o convince_v one_o self_n that_o god_n can_v give_v no_o law_n more_o suitable_a to_o the_o state_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o jew_n one_o ought_v to_o have_v a_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o nation_n among_o which_o they_o have_v live_v and_o with_o which_o they_o be_v then_o surround_v those_o who_o have_v apply_v themselves_o to_o that_o study_n have_v find_v out_o that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o those_o law_n be_v like_o those_o of_o the_o neighbour_a nation_n and_o that_o they_o be_v also_o pentateuch_n also_o see_v my_o commentary_n upon_o the_o pentateuch_n contrary_a to_o they_o in_o several_a thing_n so_o that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v that_o god_n accommodate_v himself_o to_o the_o genius_n of_o the_o israelite_n take_v care_n so_o to_o distinguish_v the_o form_n of_o their_o commonwealth_n and_o worship_n from_o that_o of_o their_o neighbour_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v mix_v themselves_o with_o they_o as_o long_o as_o they_o shall_v observe_v those_o law_n i_o will_v not_o come_v to_o the_o particular_n of_o those_o fact_n because_o i_o have_v treat_v of_o they_o at_o large_a in_o the_o latin_a book_n which_o i_o just_a now_o quote_v in_o the_o margin_n as_o god_n have_v settle_v those_o law_n chief_o by_o his_o authority_n or_o that_o of_o a_o prophet_n authorise_a with_o miracle_n so_o he_o still_o require_v the_o observation_n of_o they_o not_o only_o by_o the_o ordinary_a magistrate_n who_o may_v themselves_o neglect_v they_o in_o time_n but_o also_o by_o several_a prophet_n who_o he_o send_v to_o the_o jew_n from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o censure_v they_o for_o their_o vice_n and_o excite_v they_o to_o obey_v he_o by_o some_o reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o they_o preach_v in_o his_o name_n all_o the_o law_n that_o have_v relation_n to_o a_o certain_a state_n of_o a_o nation_n which_o make_v they_o useful_a and_o necessary_a do_v evident_o suppose_v that_o they_o be_v only_o good_a as_o long_o as_o that_o state_n last_v and_o such_o be_v the_o political_a and_o ceremonial_a law_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o the_o lawgiver_n who_o will_v give_v no_o body_n a_o occasion_n of_o break_v his_o law_n on_o pretence_n that_o they_o be_v no_o long_o necessary_a and_o so_o of_o overthrow_v the_o commonwealth_n of_o the_o jew_n before_o the_o time_n speak_v everywhere_o of_o they_o as_o of_o eternal_a law_n he_o keep_v to_o himself_o the_o power_n of_o abrogate_a they_o when_o the_o time_n shall_v come_v lest_o the_o jew_n shall_v do_v it_o unreasonable_o and_o atter_fw-la a_o manner_n contrary_n to_o his_o intention_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n the_o prophet_n who_o he_o send_v to_o keep_v the_o jew_n to_o their_o duty_n or_o to_o bring_v they_o to_o it_o be_v order_v to_o say_v many_o thing_n which_o by_o degree_n dispose_v that_o people_n to_o what_o be_v to_o happen_v some_o time_n or_o other_o that_o be_v to_o see_v themselves_o mix_v with_o all_o the_o other_o nation_n and_o to_o observe_v only_o such_o law_n as_o be_v of_o a_o eternal_a use_n and_o ground_v on_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o example_n jeremiah_n
be_v the_o effect_n of_o the_o power_n of_o god_n or_o angel_n one_o may_v easy_o apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v not_o contradictory_n thing_n that_o which_o be_v contradictory_n be_v the_o object_n of_o no_o power_n it_o be_v a_o mere_a nothing_o as_o all_o those_o who_o know_v the_o mean_v of_o that_o word_n will_v grant_v it_o no_o positive_a idea_n can_v be_v form_v of_o it_o and_o every_o contradictory_n proposition_n be_v unintelligible_a in_o itself_o if_o the_o miracle_n mention_v in_o holy_a scripture_n be_v examine_v not_o one_o of_o that_o nature_n will_v be_v find_v among_o they_o there_o be_v none_o but_o what_o may_v be_v express_v in_o intelligible_a proposition_n for_o example_n god_n can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o live_v to_o live_v no_o long_o that_o be_v his_o blood_n shall_v no_o more_o circulate_a and_o all_o his_o member_n shall_v cease_v to_o perform_v their_o function_n on_o the_o contrary_a he_o can_v make_v a_o man_n who_o blood_n be_v settle_v and_o who_o member_n perform_v none_o of_o their_o function_n to_o begin_v to_o live_v again_o as_o it_o do_v before_o those_o proposition_n be_v easy_o apprehend_v but_o to_o make_v a_o man_n to_o live_v and_o not_o to_o live_v at_o the_o same_o time_n take_v the_o word_n to_o live_v in_o one_o and_o the_o same_o sense_n be_v a_o contradictory_n thing_n which_o be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o the_o divine_a power_n god_n never_o wrought_v any_o such_o miracle_n those_o who_o rank_n among_o the_o miracle_n of_o christianity_n that_o whereby_o they_o pretend_v that_o god_n make_v a_o humane_a body_n to_o be_v extend_v and_o not_o extend_v at_o the_o same_o time_n and_o to_o be_v in_o many_o place_n at_o one_o time_n those_o man_n i_o say_v feign_v a_o miracle_n of_o which_o they_o have_v no_o idea_n and_o rest_v content_v with_o word_n they_o understand_v not_o they_o ascribe_v to_o the_o christian_a religion_n a_o mystery_n absurd_a and_o contrary_a to_o the_o clear_a light_n to_o reason_n and_o revelation_n what_o i_o say_v concern_v miracle_n have_v no_o relation_n with_o that_o and_o i_o pretend_v not_o to_o defend_v any_o such_o thing_n my_o design_n be_v to_o show_v wherein_o miracle_n consist_v to_o make_v unbeliever_n apprehend_v that_o they_o be_v very_o possible_a that_o they_o can_v be_v assault_v but_o by_o show_v that_o there_o be_v a_o impossibility_n in_o the_o miraculous_a fact_n on_o which_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v ground_v there_o be_v beside_o another_o sort_n of_o miracle_n which_o though_o perhaps_o they_o happen_v every_o day_n can_v be_v of_o any_o use_n to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n because_o they_o be_v not_o sensible_a god_n can_v very_o often_o do_v either_o by_o himself_o or_o the_o ministry_n of_o angel_n a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n without_o the_o intervention_n of_o natural_a cause_n when_o he_o think_v fit_a or_o good_a man_n pray_v he_o to_o do_v it_o but_o because_o one_o can_v perceive_v whether_o a_o supernatural_a cause_n act_n or_o not_o on_o those_o occasion_n because_o what_o happen_v be_v not_o in_o itself_o above_o the_o strength_n of_o natural_a cause_n and_o it_o be_v not_o know_v whether_o they_o intervene_v it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o a_o miracle_n be_v wrought_v for_o example_n a_o sick_a man_n who_o remedy_n can_v not_o natural_o cure_v be_v restore_v by_o the_o prayer_n of_o his_o relation_n because_o god_n or_o angel_n supply_v what_o be_v want_v in_o the_o natural_a virtue_n of_o remedy_n but_o this_o can_v be_v affirm_v without_o a_o revelation_n hereupon_o it_o be_v ask_v how_o we_o come_v to_o suppose_v that_o god_n who_o work_v no_o more_o sensible_a miracle_n according_a to_o we_o perform_v every_o day_n some_o invisible_a one_o such_o as_o that_o which_o i_o have_v describe_v and_o why_o he_o shall_v be_v desire_v to_o work_v this_o kind_n of_o miracle_n not_o those_o which_o strike_v our_o sense_n in_o answer_n to_o that_o i_o say_v that_o we_o can_v know_v nothing_o of_o god_n conduct_v but_o by_o sensible_a effect_n or_o a_o revelation_n wherefore_o see_v we_o see_v no_o more_o such_o miracle_n as_o strike_v our_o sense_n we_o ought_v to_o say_v that_o god_n will_v work_v no_o more_o any_o such_o miracle_n and_o if_o we_o can_v give_v some_o reason_n of_o it_o which_o be_v not_o unworthy_a of_o god_n wisdom_n nothing_o can_v hinder_v we_o from_o allege_v they_o 6._o they_o part_n ii_o ch_z 6._o as_o i_o have_v do_v elsewhere_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n revelation_n command_v we_o to_o offer_v prayer_n to_o god_n in_o our_o necessity_n and_o assure_v we_o that_o if_o what_o we_o ask_v be_v true_o advantageous_a to_o we_o if_o we_o ask_v it_o as_o we_o ought_v and_o it_o we_o obey_v the_o precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n we_o shall_v obtain_v what_o we_o pray_v for_o we_o have_v reason_n to_o suppose_v that_o god_n will_v interpose_v after_o a_o extraordinary_a manner_n if_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o hear_v our_o prayer_n because_o he_o promise_v it_o but_o why_o will_v it_o be_v say_v do_v god_n make_v such_o promise_n which_o suppose_v that_o he_o work_v still_o some_o miracle_n of_o this_o latter_a sort_n see_v he_o will_v no_o more_o do_v sensible_a one_o i_o have_v show_v already_o why_o he_o work_v no_o more_o miracle_n that_o fall_v under_o our_o sense_n and_o there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v repeat_v what_o i_o have_v say_v about_o it_o as_o for_o the_o other_o they_o be_v a_o necessary_a consequence_n of_o god_n providence_n which_o consist_v not_o only_o in_o have_v give_v some_o law_n to_o nature_n according_a to_o which_o it_o act_n but_o in_o supply_v the_o defect_n of_o those_o law_n and_o make_v such_o exception_n to_o they_o as_o god_n think_v fit_a see_v therefore_o providence_n exist_v not_o less_o now_o than_o it_o do_v former_o no_o body_n ought_v to_o wonder_v that_o god_n work_v miracle_n of_o that_o kind_n there_o be_v nothing_o in_o it_o that_o be_v unworthy_a of_o he_o and_o see_v he_o promise_v it_o it_o can_v be_v doubt_v whether_o he_o do_v it_o and_o man_n have_v reason_n to_o pray_v to_o he_o on_o that_o supposition_n it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o it_o be_v a_o impossible_a thing_n and_o prove_v thereby_o that_o our_o prayer_n be_v useless_a i_o think_v i_o have_v undeniable_o show_v it_o by_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o be_v consequent_o the_o author_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o intelligent_a being_n who_o can_v do_v what_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o men._n i_o prove_v the_o first_o thing_n in_o the_o last_o chapter_n of_o the_o 2d_o part_n of_o my_o discourse_n concern_v incredulity_n and_o the_o other_o can_v be_v doubt_v of_o if_o we_o acknowledge_v the_o authority_n of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n confirm_v with_o undeniable_a miracle_n christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n may_v have_v make_v their_o doctrine_n to_o be_v admire_v with_o mere_a reason_n as_o we_o do_v now_o but_o their_o business_n be_v not_o only_o to_o show_v that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v most_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n they_o teach_v not_o their_o doctrine_n as_o mere_a philosopher_n or_o divine_n but_o as_o man_n authorise_a by_o heaven_n they_o be_v therefore_o to_o convince_v man_n that_o they_o be_v send_v from_o god_n to_o prove_v it_o undeniable_o there_o be_v no_o better_a way_n than_o to_o do_v some_o thing_n above_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n which_o be_v sensible_a sign_n of_o god_n approve_v their_o doctrine_n and_o whereby_o they_o undeniable_o prove_v that_o they_o be_v his_o messenger_n if_o they_o have_v do_v or_o say_v nothing_o but_o what_o other_o man_n may_v have_v do_v of_o say_v they_o will_v have_v be_v look_v upon_o as_o divine_n or_o philosopher_n who_o vent_v their_o own_o thought_n but_o when_o man_n see_v that_o after_o they_o have_v appeal_v to_o the_o maker_n of_o the_o world_n for_o the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o say_v that_o there_o happen_v at_o their_o prayer_n some_o thing_n which_o be_v above_o the_o power_n of_o all_o man_n and_o all_o natural_a cause_n they_o can_v not_o doubt_v but_o god_n declare_v himself_o in_o their_o behalf_n especial_o if_o they_o consider_v that_o the_o doctrine_n they_o preach_v be_v most_o worthy_a of_o he_o so_o that_o the_o fine_a doctrine_n that_o ever_o be_v attend_v with_o unheard-of_a miracle_n aught_o to_o excite_v the_o attention_n of_o all_o those_o who_o be_v not_o altogether_o blind_v by_o their_o vice_n and_o prejudices_fw-la and_o make_v they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o the_o true_a minister_n of_o that_o god_n who_o create_v the_o world_n this_o be_v sir_n what_o i_o have_v to_o say_v to_o you_o concern_v miracle_n not_o to_o exhaust_v the_o matter_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o possibility_n and_o truth_n of_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n i_o hearty_o pray_v god_n that_o it_o may_v contribute_v to_o reclaim_v those_o who_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o otherwise_o doubt_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n i_o be_o etc._n etc._n finis_fw-la book_n late_o print_v for_o awnsham_n and_o john_n churchill_n a_o short_a discourse_n of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christ_n jesus_n to_o which_o be_v add_v some_o passage_n in_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n etc._n etc._n and_o its_o vindication_n with_o some_o animadversion_n on_o mr._n edwards_n reflection_n on_o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n and_o on_o his_o book_n entitle_v socinianism_n vnmasque_v by_o samuel_n bold_a rector_n of_o steeple_n dorset_n 8o._o prince_n arthur_n a_o heroic_a poem_n in_o 10_o book_n by_o richard_n blackmore_n m._n d._n and_o fellow_n of_o the_o college_n of_o physician_n in_o london_n several_a paper_n relate_v to_o money_n interest_n and_o trade_n etc._n etc._n write_v upon_o several_a occasion_n and_o publish_v at_o different_a time_n by_o john_n lock_v esq_n 8o._o mr._n talent_n chronological_a table_n or_o a_o view_n of_o universal_a history_n from_o the_o creation_n to_o the_o year_n of_o christ_n 1695._o wherein_o the_o most_o memorable_a person_n and_o thing_n in_o the_o know_a kingdom_n and_o country_n of_o the_o world_n be_v set_v down_o in_o several_a column_n by_o way_n of_o synchronism_n according_a to_o their_o proper_a century_n and_o year_n in_o 16_o copper_n plate_n notitia_fw-la monastica_fw-la or_o a_o short_a view_n of_o the_o religious_a house_n in_o england_n and_o wales_n etc._n etc._n by_o thomas_n tanner_n a._n b._n 8o._o the_o resurrection_n of_o the_o same_o body_n assert_v etc._n etc._n by_o hump._n hody_n d._n d._n the_o gentleman_n religion_n with_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o 12o._o the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n etc._n etc._n with_o a_o vindication_n against_o mr._n edwards_n exception_n by_o the_o same_o hand_n 8o._o a_o abridgement_n of_o mr._n lock_n be_v essay_n of_o human_a understanding_n by_o mr._n john_n wynne_n of_o jesus_n college_n oxford_n 8o._o