system_n of_o divinity_n which_o raise_v great_a difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o read_v or_o hear_v talk_v of_o they_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o man_n of_o sagacity_n and_o penetration_n propose_v some_o doubt_n to_o divine_n nay_o according_a to_o the_o supposition_n of_o every_o christian_a society_n viz._n that_o all_o other_o err_v in_o something_o it_o can_v be_v wonder_v at_o if_o it_o be_v say_v that_o unbeliever_n offer_v some_o objection_n to_o divine_n which_o they_o can_v resolve_v according_a to_o their_o hypothesis_n or_o which_o they_o resolve_v by_o contradict_v themselves_o divine_n upbraid_v one_o another_o with_o it_o let_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v that_o a_o man_n not_o altogether_o ignorant_a observe_v in_o the_o society_n in_o which_o he_o be_v bear_v that_o the_o manner_n after_o which_o some_o doctrine_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v explain_v be_v subject_a to_o great_a difficulty_n or_o be_v altogether_o false_a let_v we_o suppose_v further_o that_o the_o divine_n of_o his_o country_n be_v very_o learn_v man_n and_o understand_v the_o christian_a religion_n better_o than_o other_o a_o opinion_n common_a enough_o especial_o among_o those_o who_o never_o go_v out_o of_o their_o country_n or_o never_o read_v the_o book_n of_o other_o sect_n when_o they_o perceive_v that_o the_o divine_n who_o they_o consult_v satisfy_v they_o not_o or_o maintain_v palpable_a falsity_n they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o country_n be_v not_o true_a and_o consequent_o that_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v altogether_o false_a if_o it_o happen_v that_o a_o man_n have_v such_o thought_n never_o read_v the_o work_n of_o other_o christian_n who_o be_v free_a from_o the_o error_n he_o be_v offend_v at_o the_o more_o he_o live_v the_o more_o he_o confirm_v himself_o in_o his_o opinion_n because_o as_o soon_o as_o a_o error_n have_v be_v find_v out_o the_o long_a it_o be_v think_v of_o the_o better_a it_o be_v know_v when_o man_n know_v nothing_o better_o about_o the_o subject_a in_o question_n and_o have_v not_o penetration_n and_o learning_n enough_o to_o find_v out_o truth_n of_o themselves_o they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v doubt_v of_o every_o thing_n because_o they_o present_o suspect_v that_o the_o other_o part_n of_o divinity_n which_o they_o have_v not_o examine_v be_v not_o better_o and_o observe_v that_o the_o same_o doctrine_n whereof_o they_o have_v find_v out_o the_o falsity_n be_v account_v as_o essential_a as_o other_o but_o let_v we_o suppose_v again_o that_o a_o man_n take_v up_o with_o other_o business_n and_o who_o have_v no_o time_n to_o spare_v for_o such_o a_o examination_n as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o come_v to_o read_v book_n of_o controversy_n write_v by_o ingenious_a man_n of_o both_o side_n he_o will_v often_o perceive_v that_o both_o party_n attack_v very_o well_o and_o defend_v themselves_o ill_a that_o man_n will_v conclude_v from_o thence_o and_o often_o with_o reason_n that_o both_o party_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n the_o more_o he_o hear_v they_o one_o after_o another_o the_o more_o he_o will_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o and_o at_o last_o he_o will_v believe_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o true_a because_o he_o have_v not_o part_n enough_o to_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n if_o we_o add_v that_o there_o be_v some_o other_o external_a and_o internal_a motive_n which_o make_v he_o incline_v to_o unbelief_n as_o there_o be_v but_o too_o many_o that_o man_n will_v get_v into_o a_o scepticism_n almost_o incurable_a or_o into_o a_o formal_a unbelief_n out_o of_o which_o he_o will_v hardly_o be_v able_a to_o extricate_v himself_o what_o i_o have_v propose_v as_o supposition_n be_v real_o to_o be_v find_v in_o a_o great_a part_n of_o christendom_n and_o there_o be_v a_o great_a many_o people_n in_o italy_n france_n spain_n and_o germany_n for_o i_o must_v tell_v it_o and_o i_o ought_v not_o to_o conceal_v that_o i_o do_v follow_v the_o particular_a opinion_n which_o prevail_v in_o those_o place_n there_o be_v i_o say_v a_o infinite_a number_n of_o man_n in_o the_o same_o case_n as_o i_o have_v describe_v they_o see_v some_o opinion_n manifest_o false_a establish_v in_o those_o vast_a country_n by_o a_o public_a authority_n if_o they_o offer_v any_o objection_n they_o be_v pitiful_o resolve_v and_o than_o if_o they_o dare_v reply_v any_o thing_n they_o be_v overwhelm_v with_o censure_n and_o threaten_n not_o to_o say_v that_o they_o be_v send_v to_o the_o inquisition_n and_o burn_v if_o they_o grow_v obstinate_a nevertheless_o divine_v maintain_v those_o doctrine_n though_o evident_o false_a with_o great_a heat_n they_o make_v use_v of_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o eloquence_n to_o prove_v they_o many_o layman_n who_o want_v not_o penetration_n but_o know_v no_o better_o think_v that_o indeed_o this_o be_v the_o christian_a religion_n and_o because_o they_o distinct_o apprehend_v the_o falsity_n of_o what_o be_v say_v they_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o religion_n be_v not_o true_a other_o add_v to_o their_o meditation_n the_o read_n of_o some_o controversial_a book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n and_o protestant_n author_n and_o they_o see_v that_o the_o latter_a altogether_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o right_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o they_o be_v false_a and_o the_o utmost_a endeavour_n of_o their_o teacher_n can_v free_v they_o from_o that_o opinion_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n they_o often_o find_v some_o book_n of_o roman_n catholic_n author_n who_o attack_z well_o enough_o some_o particular_a opinion_n of_o certain_a protestant_n and_o those_o protestant_n be_v as_o unlucky_a in_o defend_v their_o own_o opinion_n as_o they_o be_v successful_a in_o assault_v those_o of_o the_o roman_a catholic_n they_o also_o think_v that_o those_o protestant_n be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o because_o their_o examination_n reach_v not_o to_o all_o the_o sect_n separate_v from_o the_o church_n of_o rome_n they_o confound_v they_o one_o with_o another_o and_o condemn_v they_o alike_o so_o that_o at_o last_o they_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o truth_n be_v to_o be_v find_v no_o where_o beside_o other_o motive_n which_o may_v confirm_v they_o in_o those_o thought_n and_o which_o i_o have_v already_o mention_v they_o see_v two_o thing_n which_o affect_v they_o so_o much_o that_o they_o retain_v their_o opinion_n for_o ever_o if_o no_o better_a book_n come_v into_o their_o hand_n or_o if_o no_o body_n free_v they_o from_o the_o doubt_n they_o be_v in_o the_o first_o be_v that_o it_o clear_o appear_v that_o it_o be_v the_o temporal_a interest_n of_o divine_n to_o maintain_v those_o doctrine_n those_o who_o assert_v they_o with_o heat_n and_o declaim_v with_o the_o great_a violence_n against_o other_o christian_a society_n be_v prefer_v and_o get_v the_o most_o considerable_a dignity_n of_o the_o party_n they_o be_v in_o on_o the_o contrary_a if_o any_o one_o seem_v to_o be_v modest_a and_o think_v himself_o oblige_v in_o conscience_n to_o be_v moderate_a towards_o those_o who_o be_v call_v heretic_n or_o heterodox_n he_o must_v needs_o be_v very_o much_o favour_v if_o he_o be_v not_o exclude_v for_o ever_o from_o all_o sort_n of_o employment_n and_o ruin_v not_o himself_o in_o some_o place_n that_o be_v enough_o to_o be_v altogether_o undo_v and_o almost_o every_o where_n if_o any_o intimate_v that_o he_o approve_v not_o all_o the_o opinion_n of_o the_o party_n he_o be_v in_o though_o he_o do_v it_o never_o so_o modest_o they_o show_v he_o no_o pity_n he_o must_v suffer_v whatever_o hatred_n and_o cruelty_n can_v do_v when_o they_o be_v clothe_v with_o the_o pretence_n of_o religion_n the_o second_o thing_n that_o confirm_v unbeliever_n in_o their_o disposition_n be_v that_o divine_n will_v be_v judge_n and_o party_n in_o controvert_v doctrine_n against_o the_o clear_a principle_n of_o equity_n though_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a that_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o favour_v one_o of_o the_o party_n though_o their_o decision_n be_v never_o so_o unreasonable_a and_o unsatisfactory_a they_o must_v be_v submit_v to_o because_o they_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o good_a and_o solid_a nay_o if_o they_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v the_o book_n of_o their_o adversary_n ought-not_a to_o be_v read_v or_o those_o who_o read_v they_o aught_o to_o do_v it_o with_o a_o design_n of_o not_o approve_v their_o argument_n otherwise_o they_o must_v undergo_v the_o condemnation_n of_o their_o party_n unbeliever_n who_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o falsity_n of_o several_a particular_a doctrine_n and_o observe_v that_o they_o be_v maintain_v out_o of_o a_o worldly_a interest_n and_o by_o unjust_a and_o violent_a mean_n conclude_v that_o divine_n and_o consequent_o all_o christian_n be_v factious_a people_n and_o enemy_n to_o truth_n as_o well_o as_o those_o who_o profess_v the_o other_o
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
ill_o concern_v those_o thing_n they_o know_v by_o experience_n and_o that_o they_o govern_v themselves_o with_o prudence_n enough_o in_o the_o affair_n of_o life_n to_o this_o i_o answer_v that_o i_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o those_o i_o speak_v of_o may_v reason_v very_o well_o about_o what_o be_v the_o object_n of_o their_o passion_n or_o when_o they_o confine_v themselves_o within_o the_o limit_n of_o their_o experience_n but_o i_o maintain_v that_o they_o have_v not_o as_o much_o as_o the_o notion_n of_o reason_v solid_o about_o speculative_a thing_n that_o make_v no_o impression_n upon_o the_o sense_n such_o as_o be_v the_o proof_n whereupon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n be_v build_v to_o be_v convince_v of_o this_o we_o need_v only_o examine_v they_o if_o we_o can_v upon_o these_o two_o head_n first_o we_o must_v discourse_v they_o about_o some_o abstract_a subject_n such_o as_o be_v for_o example_n the_o general_a idea_n of_o most_o thing_n the_o notion_n of_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o if_o they_o reason_v exact_o herein_o we_o may_v just_o conclude_v that_o these_o person_n be_v not_o of_o their_o number_n who_o continue_v unbeliever_n for_o want_v of_o know_v how_o to_o reason_v right_o but_o if_o we_o hear_v they_o talk_v of_o such_o matter_n without_o any_o principle_n or_o coherence_n if_o we_o see_v that_o they_o do_v not_o comprehend_v what_o be_v say_v to_o they_o upon_o such_o occasion_n be_v it_o never_o so_o clear_a or_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o pain_n take_v to_o make_v it_o plain_a which_o happen_v but_o too_o frequent_o than_o it_o will_v be_v easy_o grant_v i_o that_o their_o infidelity_n do_v at_o least_o proceed_v in_o part_n from_o their_o ignorance_n of_o the_o art_n of_o reason_v another_o way_n we_o have_v to_o discover_v this_o kind_n of_o unbeliever_n be_v when_o we_o find_v they_o distaste_v with_o all_o discourse_n upon_o abstract_a matter_n or_o with_o any_o thing_n that_o relate_v not_o to_o their_o passion_n when_o they_o avoid_v the_o read_n of_o all_o book_n require_v any_o attention_n especial_o of_o such_o book_n as_o be_v write_v to_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o what_o they_o disbelieve_v final_o when_o they_o will_v enter_v upon_o a_o discussion_n of_o any_o such_o subject_n nor_o will_v be_v at_o the_o pain_n of_o compare_v the_o answer_n of_o believer_n with_o the_o objection_n of_o the_o incredulous_a we_o may_v sufficient_o know_v such_o person_n who_o be_v so_o to_o speak_v so_o fill_v with_o what_o they_o have_v learn_v from_o experience_n of_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n that_o nothing_o else_o can_v enter_v into_o they_o and_o be_v displease_v when_o they_o hear_v other_o discourse_n such_o be_v festus_n for_o instance_n the_o governor_n of_o judea_n who_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n he_o can_v scarce_o hear_v a_o short_a discourse_n from_o st._n paul_n and_o charge_v he_o with_o madness_n after_o hear_v from_o he_o another_o discourse_n full_a of_o evidence_n and_o good_a sense_n be_v he_o tell_v of_o some_o method_n how_o to_o squeeze_v money_n dexterous_o out_o of_o his_o province_n or_o be_v he_o acquaint_v with_o some_o intrigue_n that_o may_v contribute_v to_o prefer_v he_o to_o a_o more_o considerable_a post_n he_o will_v immediate_o understand_v what_o be_v say_v to_o he_o or_o he_o will_v get_v it_o repeat_v to_o he_o so_o often_o and_o will_v have_v ask_v so_o many_o question_n about_o it_o that_o he_o shall_v at_o least_o have_v a_o exact_a notion_n of_o the_o business_n but_o because_o s._n paul_n speak_v to_o he_o of_o thing_n no_o way_n relate_v to_o his_o design_n or_o passion_n he_o can_v scarce_o patient_o hear_v he_o and_o understand_v nothing_o of_o his_o discourse_n there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o people_n at_o this_o day_n in_o the_o midst_n of_o christendom_n who_o be_v very_o near_o in_o the_o same_o disposition_n they_o speak_v very_o well_o of_o their_o temporal_a affair_n or_o any_o thing_n belong_v to_o they_o they_o willing_o converse_v about_o the_o news_n of_o the_o time_n and_o that_o sometime_o with_o sense_n enough_o but_o put_v they_o once_o by_o such_o thing_n to_o talk_v of_o religion_n they_o be_v present_o tire_v they_o speak_v of_o it_o ridiculous_o they_o show_v in_o a_o word_n so_o great_a a_o contempt_n of_o such_o discourse_n as_o if_o they_o be_v matter_n beneath_o they_o and_o to_o which_o they_o can_v stoop_v without_o uneasiness_n as_o these_o unbeliever_n who_o reason_n not_o at_o all_o be_v moreover_o entire_o possess_v with_o passion_n opposite_a to_o the_o gospel_n and_o have_v be_v long_o habituate_v to_o obey_v they_o so_o they_o be_v not_o accessible_a on_o any_o side_n and_o i_o see_v not_o how_o without_o a_o miracle_n they_o can_v be_v convince_v of_o their_o miserable_a state_n nor_o reclaim_v from_o their_o error_n however_o it_o be_v fit_a to_o make_v some_o reflection_n upon_o this_o sort_n of_o unbeliever_n that_o we_o may_v not_o be_v impose_v upon_o when_o we_o meet_v with_o such_o nor_o seduce_v by_o their_o way_n chap._n v._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 there_o be_v many_o man_n who_o have_v natural_o a_o genius_n good_a enough_o for_o abstract_a matter_n and_o that_o also_o be_v not_o whole_o neglect_v in_o their_o first_o education_n but_o who_o the_o course_n of_o their_o life_n have_v engage_v in_o occupation_n which_o have_v no_o affinity_n with_o the_o search_n of_o truth_n the_o necessary_n of_o their_o family_n or_o the_o desire_n of_o satisfy_v their_o passion_n do_v so_o take_v up_o their_o mind_n for_o several_a year_n together_o that_o they_o neglect_v all_o other_o thing_n never_o improve_v their_o natural_a part_n nor_o distinguish_v truth_n from_o falsehood_n with_o any_o application_n in_o the_o business_n of_o religion_n this_o negligence_n lead_v they_o insensible_o into_o doubt_v for_o if_o the_o connection_n of_o religious_a truth_n be_v not_o heedful_o attend_v to_o there_o arise_v a_o thousand_o difficulty_n in_o the_o mind_n out_o of_o which_o we_o know_v not_o how_o to_o extricate_v ourselves_o from_o doubt_v man_n easy_o fall_v into_o infidelity_n whilst_o they_o neglect_v the_o search_n of_o what_o may_v remove_v their_o scruple_n for_o when_o once_o they_o be_v get_v into_o the_o understanding_n they_o be_v in_o motion_n upon_o all_o occasion_n and_o as_o the_o solution_n to_o they_o be_v not_o study_v after_o at_o the_o beginning_n we_o shall_v not_o wonder_v if_o in_o time_n they_o take_v such_o deep_a root_n as_o it_o shall_v not_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n afterward_o to_o extirpate_v they_o if_o such_o as_o refuse_v to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n serious_o examine_v themselves_o i_o be_o much_o mistake_v if_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o will_v confess_v that_o they_o have_v extreme_o neglect_v the_o care_n they_o ought_v to_o have_v use_v in_o order_n to_o be_v inform_v of_o a_o thing_n of_o such_o importance_n nay_o i_o dare_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v not_o any_o unbeliever_n who_o perceive_v not_o if_o he_o mind_v it_o that_o this_o negligence_n be_v one_o of_o the_o principal_a cause_n of_o his_o incredulity_n and_o i_o shall_v bring_v many_o proof_n of_o it_o in_o the_o sequel_n of_o this_o work_n now_o to_o make_v what_o i_o have_v say_v more_o evident_a i_o will_v instance_n this_o fault_n in_o other_o person_n where_o people_n may_v remark_n it_o more_o impartial_o than_o in_o themselves_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o make_v a_o noise_n in_o judea_n that_o be_v chief_o when_o the_o apostle_n declare_v every_o where_o the_o resurrection_n of_o their_o master_n and_o show_v that_o he_o want_v not_o faithful_a disciple_n on_o earth_n though_o he_o be_v himself_o no_o more_o there_o all_o the_o jew_n ought_v one_o will_v think_v to_o have_v inform_v themselves_o of_o what_o these_o disciple_n say_v see_v they_o be_v thing_n most_o near_o concern_v they_o to_o know_v they_o expect_v their_o messiah_n about_o that_o time_n they_o groan_v so_o heavy_o under_o the_o roman_a tyranny_n that_o they_o wish_v for_o nothing_o so_o much_o as_o liberty_n and_o they_o hope_v the_o messiah_n shall_v prove_v their_o deliverer_n in_o this_o disposition_n they_o ought_v to_o hearken_v i_o shall_v think_v to_o every_o one_o that_o speak_v to_o they_o of_o a_o messiah_n to_o get_v rid_v of_o their_o doubt_n whether_o the_o wish_a deliverer_n be_v yet_o come_v or_o not_o methinks_v too_o the_o apostle_n shall_v have_v be_v hear_v of_o all_o the_o world_n when_o they_o preach_v the_o doctrine_n and_o the_o miracle_n of_o their_o master_n especial_o his_o resurrection_n for_o indeed_o these_o miracle_n be_v so_o great_a and_o many_o that_o more_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o messiah_n the_o
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
blame_v for_o that_o if_o the_o apostle_n themselves_o boast_v of_o their_o eloquence_n but_o see_v they_o say_v quite_o the_o contrary_a it_o be_v a_o great_a piece_n of_o injustice_n to_o condemn_v they_o as_o impostor_n upon_o the_o assertion_n of_o those_o who_o ascribe_v to_o they_o what_o they_o never_o have_v nor_o pretend_v to_o have_v the_o true_a character_n of_o the_o apostle_n style_v to_o say_v so_o by_o the_o by_o be_v this_o first_o it_o be_v simple_a and_o plain_a such_o as_o be_v the_o style_n of_o those_o who_o propose_v some_o thing_n of_o which_o they_o be_v full_o persuade_v second_o it_o be_v a_o style_n without_o any_o ornament_n of_o rhetoric_n whether_o it_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o the_o choice_n of_o the_o word_n or_o the_o disposition_n if_o a_o thousand_o sublime_a stroke_n be_v to_o be_v find_v in_o it_o they_o come_v from_o the_o thing_n they_o say_v which_o be_v very_o sublime_a not_o from_o the_o word_n or_o order_n three_o we_o must_v add_v to_o it_o that_o providence_n undoubted_o watch_v over_o their_o manner_n of_o writing_n that_o they_o shall_v always_o say_v truth_n and_o lest_o if_o they_o have_v express_v themselves_o ill_o they_o shall_v be_v misunderstand_v by_o their_o reader_n but_o this_o be_v not_o a_o fit_a place_n to_o treat_v of_o that_o subject_a i_o only_o make_v those_o remark_n to_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o take_v advantage_n at_o the_o ill_a rhetoric_n of_o some_o defender_n of_o christianity_n who_o contradict_v the_o apostle_n without_o be_v aware_a of_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a in_o general_n that_o the_o defect_n of_o those_o who_o defend_v truth_n ought_v not_o to_o prejudice_v it_o and_o i_o declare_v as_o to_o myself_o that_o i_o do_v desire_n at_o all_o to_o be_v believe_v in_o any_o thing_n but_o when_o it_o have_v be_v examine_v and_o compare_v with_o the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n or_o that_o any_o of_o my_o thought_n shall_v be_v ascribe_v to_o they_o but_o when_o they_o have_v be_v find_v in_o their_o work_n if_o i_o have_v be_v mistake_v in_o any_o thing_n i_o desire_v those_o mistake_v may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o i_o and_o not_o at_o all_o to_o the_o religion_n i_o vindicate_v there_o be_v no_o need_n i_o shall_v say_v here_o that_o the_o apostle_n have_v no_o temporal_a interest_n to_o move_v they_o to_o preach_v such_o a_o doctrine_n i_o have_v already_o say_v so_o elsewhere_o and_o i_o will_v prove_v it_o more_o at_o large_a in_o my_o first_o letter_n at_o the_o end_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o will_v not_o repent_v neither_o that_o they_o pretend_v not_o their_o doctrine_n shall_v be_v receive_v with_o any_o examination_n because_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o in_o the_o first_o chapter_n of_o this_o second_o part._n so_o that_o if_o self-interest_n and_o ambition_n be_v often_o the_o reason_n why_o divine_n maintain_v now_o some_o opinion_n and_o after_o a_o manner_n unbecoming_a christianity_n it_o be_v their_o fault_n not_o the_o apostle_n who_o can_v be_v charge_v with_o no_o such_o thing_n after_o those_o general_a observation_n i_o must_v set_v down_o some_o particular_a example_n of_o false_a doctrine_n which_o hinder_v unbeliever_n from_o believe_v the_o gospel_n it_o be_v but_o too_o true_a that_o one_o may_v write_v large_a volume_n about_o that_o matter_n but_o i_o shall_v be_v content_v to_o allege_v three_o or_o four_o example_n of_o doctrine_n which_o offend_v unbeliever_n and_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o apostle_n there_o be_v some_o people_n now_o who_o pretend_v that_o we_o ought_v scarce_o to_o make_v use_n of_o reason_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n they_o maintain_v that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v its_o divinity_n without_o know_v why_o that_o when_o the_o question_n be_v about_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o the_o book_n which_o contain_v it_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o reason_n neither_o to_o discover_v it_o and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o believe_v even_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v most_o contrary_a to_o reason_n rather_o than_o forsake_v the_o literal_a sense_n they_o be_v so_o full_a of_o this_o thought_n viz._n that_o reason_n may_v overthrow_v all_o divinity_n if_o those_o who_o apply_v themselves_o to_o it_o be_v allow_v to_o make_v use_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o see_v any_o body_n who_o reason_n better_a than_o ordinary_a divine_n do_v or_o have_v any_o principle_n somewhat_o different_a from_o they_o which_o he_o have_v embrace_v by_o use_v his_o reason_n they_o slander_v he_o as_o a_o dangerous_a man_n because_o he_o venture_v to_o reason_n about_o the_o receive_a doctrine_n such_o a_o character_n be_v always_o attend_v with_o hatred_n and_o stir_v ill-affected_a person_n against_o those_o who_o receive_v it_o from_o heaven_n and_o if_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o a_o divine_a to_o live_v quiet_o with_o a_o man_n who_o endeavour_n to_o reason_n well_o and_o ground_n the_o christian_a religion_n upon_o undeniable_a principle_n other_o will_v have_v we_o humble_o to_o submit_v to_o the_o decision_n of_o those_o who_o profession_n it_o be_v public_o to_o explain_v religion_n without_o mistrust_v they_o or_o reason_v at_o all_o because_o we_o ought_v to_o look_v upon_o on_o they_o as_o infallible_a though_o we_o have_v no_o proof_n of_o it_o they_o think_v it_o be_v impossible_a for_o most_o christian_n to_o examine_v those_o doctrine_n and_o their_o best_a way_n be_v as_o they_o say_v blind_o to_o follow_v their_o guide_n such_o discourse_n which_o be_v common_o to_o be_v hear_v from_o the_o pulpit_n and_o elsewhere_o have_v make_v long_o ago_o a_o great_a many_o unbeliever_n for_o the_o first_o thing_n that_o come_v then_o into_o one_o mind_n be_v that_o those_o who_o speak_v at_o this_o rate_n be_v not_o very_o sure_a of_o what_o they_o say_v and_o design_n to_o deceive_v other_o because_o there_o be_v nothing_o though_o never_o so_o false_a and_o absurd_a but_o what_o may_v be_v maintain_v by_o the_o same_o principle_n if_o we_o be_v tell_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o our_o ordinary_a affair_n we_o will_v real_o think_v that_o those_o who_o say_v so_o design_n to_o deceive_v we_o if_o they_o will_v sell_v something_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v tell_v that_o we_o must_v not_o examine_v it_o we_o will_v present_o suspect_v that_o they_o design_v to_o cheat_v we_o in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o well_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n we_o have_v no_o other_o guide_n but_o reason_n to_o distinguish_v a_o false_a religion_n from_o a_o true_a one_o beside_o it_o be_v only_o by_o the_o use_n of_o reason_n we_o can_v find_v out_o the_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n contain_v in_o those_o book_n wherein_o we_o know_v the_o revelation_n be_v nevertheless_o those_o man_n will_v have_v we_o to_o read_v those_o book_n with_o a_o unlimited_a credulity_n and_o be_v ready_a to_o receive_v whatever_o we_o be_v tell_v though_o it_o be_v never_o so_o contrary_a to_o all_o our_o notion_n they_o be_v afraid_a as_o soon_o as_o they_o hear_v of_o a_o man_n who_o be_v only_o for_o reason_n and_o who_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ill-grounded_a authority_n can_v satisfy_v unbeliever_n conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v a_o design_n upon_o they_o and_o that_o divine_v very_o well_o perceive_v that_o the_o doctrine_n which_o they_o will_v introduce_v can_v be_v maintain_v see_v they_o will_v not_o allow_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v examine_v and_o because_o that_o strange_a doctrine_n be_v cry_v up_o as_o one_o of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n those_o who_o have_v not_o careful_o read_v the_o write_n of_o the_o apostle_n fancy_n that_o they_o have_v teach_v it_o and_o involve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o suspicious_a with_o some_o modern_a divine_n when_o divine_n have_v teach_v principle_n so_o contrary_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n they_o preach_v transubstantiation_n and_o other_o such_o doctrine_n to_o credulous_a man_n which_o they_o insinuate_v by_o virtue_n of_o that_o maxim_n of_o not_o reason_v in_o matter_n of_o religion_n but_o unbeliever_n fail_v not_o to_o perceive_v the_o falsity_n of_o those_o doctrine_n and_o persist_v the_o more_o in_o their_o thought_n concern_v the_o falsity_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n but_o they_o shall_v observe_v that_o the_o apostle_n teach_v we_o not_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o use_v our_o reason_n to_o examine_v whether_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o or_o to_o know_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o word_n on_o the_o contrary_a they_o suppose_v every_o where_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o examine_v what_o they_o say_v and_o not_o believe_v it_o before_o we_o be_v sure_a that_o they_o say_v nothing_o but_o truth_n they_o also_o suppose_v that_o we_o be_v rational_a creature_n and_o able_a to_o put_v a_o good_a sense_n upon_o their_o word_n by_o observe_v all_o the_o rule_n that_o be_v make_v
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 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