be_v restless_a be_v good_a for_o nothing_o but_o to_o fret_v and_o enrage_v our_o pain_n to_o gall_v our_o sore_n and_o to_o make_v the_o burden_n that_o be_v upon_o we_o sit_v more_o uneasy_a but_o this_o be_v proper_o no_o consideration_n of_o comfort_n but_o a_o art_n of_o manage_v ourselves_o under_o affliction_n so_o as_o not_o to_o make_v they_o more_o grievous_a than_o indeed_o the_o be_v but_o now_o the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o be_v such_o as_o be_v a_o just_a and_o reasonable_a encouragement_n to_o man_n to_o bear_v suffering_n patient_o our_o religion_n set_v before_o we_o not_o the_o example_n of_o a_o stupid_a stoic_a who_o have_v by_o obstinate_a principle_n harden_v himself_o against_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n beyond_o the_o common_a measure_n of_o humanity_n but_o a_o example_n that_o lie_v level_a to_o all_o mankind_n of_o a_o man_n like_o ourselves_o that_o have_v a_o tender_a sense_n of_o the_o least_o suffering_n and_o yet_o patient_o endure_v the_o great_a of_o jesus_n the_o author_n and_o finisher_n of_o our_o faith_n 1.22_o heb._n 1.22_o who_o for_o the_o joy_n that_o be_v set_v before_o he_o endure_v the_o cross_n despise_v the_o shame_n and_o be_v set_v down_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o the_o throne_n of_o god_n god_n think_v it_o expedient_a that_o the_o first_o christian_n shall_v by_o great_a hardship_n and_o persecution_n be_v train_v up_o for_o glory_n and_o to_o animate_v and_o encourage_v they_o hereto_o the_o captain_n of_o our_o salvation_n be_v crown_v by_o suffering_n 2.10_o heb._n 2.10_o much_o more_o shall_v the_o consideration_n of_o this_o pattern_n arm_v we_o with_o patience_n against_o the_o common_a and_o ordinary_a calamity_n of_o this_o life_n especial_o if_o we_o consider_v his_o example_n with_o this_o advantage_n that_o though_o his_o suffering_n be_v whole_o undeserved_a and_o not_o for_o himself_o but_o for_o we_o yet_o he_o bear_v they_o patient_o but_o the_o main_a consideration_n of_o all_o be_v the_o glory_n which_o shall_v follow_v our_o suffering_n as_o the_o reward_n of_o they_o if_o they_o be_v for_o god_n and_o his_o cause_n and_o if_o upon_o any_o other_o innocent_a account_n as_o reward_v of_o our_o patience_n 4.17_o 2_o cor._n 4.17_o our_o light_a affliction_n which_o be_v but_o for_o a_o moment_n work_v for_o we_o a_o far_o more_o exceed_a and_o eternal_a weight_n of_o glory_n christian_n religion_n have_v secure_v we_o that_o we_o shall_v be_v infinite_a gainer_n by_o our_o suffering_n and_o who_o will_v not_o be_v content_a to_o suffer_v upon_o term_n of_o such_o advantage_n to_o pass_v through_o many_o tribulation_n into_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n and_o to_o endure_v a_o short_a ffliction_n for_o a_o endless_a happiness_n the_o assurance_n of_o a_o future_a blessedness_n be_v a_o cordial_a that_o will_v revive_v our_o spirit_n more_o in_o the_o day_n of_o adversity_n than_o all_o the_o wise_a say_n and_o consideration_n of_o philosophy_n these_o be_v the_o argument_n which_o christianity_n propound_v to_o we_o and_o they_o be_v firm_a and_o sound_a at_o the_o bottom_n they_o have_v strength_n and_o substance_n in_o they_o and_o be_v apt_a to_o work_v upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o most_o ordinary_a understanding_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o force_n of_o they_o in_o the_o strength_n and_o virtue_n of_o this_o great_a example_n and_o in_o contemplation_n of_o this_o glorious_a reward_n with_o what_o resolution_n and_o cheerfulness_n with_o what_o courage_n and_o patience_n do_v vast_a number_n of_o all_o sort_n of_o people_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o christianity_n not_o only_o man_n but_o woman_n not_o only_o those_o of_o great_a spirit_n and_o more_o generous_a education_n but_o those_o of_o the_o poor_a and_o low_a condition_n not_o only_o the_o learned_a and_o the_o wise_a but_o the_o ignorant_a and_o illiterate_a encounter_v all_o the_o rage_n and_o malice_n of_o the_o world_n and_o embrace_v torment_n and_o death_n have_v the_o precept_n and_o counsel_n of_o philosophy_n ever_o any_o such_o effect_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n i_o will_v conclude_v this_o with_o a_o passage_n in_o the_o life_n of_o lipsius_n who_o be_v a_o great_a study_a and_o admirer_n of_o the_o stoical_a philosophy_n when_o he_o lie_v upon_o his_o deathbed_n and_o one_o of_o his_o friend_n who_o come_v to_o visit_v he_o tell_v he_o that_o he_o need_v not_o use_v argument_n to_o persuade_v he_o to_o patience_n under_o his_o pain_n the_o philosophy_n which_o he_o have_v study_v so_o much_o will_v furnish_v he_o with_o motive_n enough_o to_o that_o purpose_n he_o answer_v he_o with_o this_o ejaculation_n domine_fw-la jesus_n da_fw-la mihi_fw-la patientiam_fw-la christianam_fw-la lord_n jesus_n give_v i_o christian_a patience_n no_o patience_n like_a to_o that_o which_o the_o consideration_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o work_v in_o we_o and_o now_o i_o have_v as_o brief_o and_o plain_o as_o i_o can_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n both_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o clear_a discovery_n which_o it_o make_v to_o we_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o great_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n and_o likewise_o in_o respect_n of_o the_o perfection_n of_o its_o law_n and_o the_o power_n of_o its_o argument_n to_o persuade_v man_n both_o to_o obey_v and_o suffer_v the_o will_n of_o god_n by_o which_o you_o may_v see_v what_o the_o proper_a tendency_n and_o design_n of_o this_o religion_n be_v and_o what_o the_o law_n and_o precept_n of_o it_o will_v make_v man_n if_o they_o will_v true_o observe_v they_o and_o live_v according_a to_o they_o substantial_o religious_a towards_o god_n chaste_a and_o temperate_a patient_a and_o content_v in_o reference_n to_o themselves_o and_o the_o dispensation_n of_o god_n providence_n towards_o they_o just_a and_o honest_a kind_a and_o peaceable_a and_o good_a nature_a towards_o all_o man_n in_o a_o word_n the_o gospel_n describe_v god_n to_o we_o in_o all_o respect_v such_o a_o one_o as_o we_o will_v wish_v he_o to_o be_v give_v we_o such_o law_n as_o every_o man_n that_o understand_v himself_o will_v choose_v to_o live_v by_o propound_v such_o argument_n to_o persuade_v to_o the_o obedience_n of_o these_o law_n as_o no_o man_n that_o wise_o love_v himself_o and_o have_v any_o tenderness_n for_o his_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n either_o in_o this_o world_n or_o the_o other_o can_v refuse_v to_o be_v move_v withal_o and_o now_o methinks_v i_o may_v with_o some_o confidence_n challenge_v any_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n to_o show_v such_o a_o complete_a body_n and_o collection_n of_o holy_a and_o reasonable_a law_n establish_v upon_o such_o promise_n and_o threaten_n as_o the_o gospel_n contain_v and_o if_o any_o man_n can_v produce_v a_o religion_n that_o can_v reasonable_o pretend_v to_o a_o equal_a or_o a_o great_a confirmation_n than_o the_o gospel_n have_v a_o religion_n the_o precept_n and_o promise_n and_o threaten_n whereof_o be_v calculate_v to_o make_v man_n wise_a and_o better_a more_o temperate_a and_o more_o chaste_a more_o meek_a and_o more_o patient_a more_o kind_a and_o more_o just_a than_o the_o law_n and_o motive_n of_o christianity_n be_v apt_a to_o make_v man_n if_o any_o man_n can_v produce_v such_o a_o religion_n i_o be_o ready_a to_o be_v of_o it_o let_v but_o any_o man_n show_v i_o any_o book_n in_o the_o world_n the_o doctrine_n whereof_o have_v the_o seal_n of_o such_o miracle_n as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o scripture_n have_v a_o book_n which_o contain_v the_o head_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o perfect_o and_o without_o the_o mixture_n of_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v unreasonable_a or_o vicious_a or_o any_o way_n unworthy_a of_o god_n that_o command_v we_o every_o thing_n in_o reason_n necessary_a to_o be_v do_v and_o abridge_v we_o of_o no_o lawful_a pleasure_n without_o offer_v we_o abundant_a recompense_n for_o our_o present_a self-denial_n a_o book_n the_o rule_n whereof_o if_o they_o be_v practise_v will_v make_v man_n more_o pious_a and_o devout_a more_o holy_a and_o sober_a more_o just_a and_o fair_a in_o their_o deal_n better_a friend_n and_o better_a neighbour_n better_a magistrate_n and_o better_a subject_n and_o better_a in_o all_o relation_n and_o which_o do_v offer_v to_o the_o understanding_n of_o man_n more_o powerful_a argument_n to_o persuade_v they_o to_o be_v all_o this_o let_v any_o man_n i_o say_v show_v i_o such_o a_o book_n and_o i_o will_v lay_v aside_o the_o scripture_n and_o preach_v out_o of_o that_o and_o do_v we_o not_o all_o profess_v to_o be_v of_o this_o excellent_a religion_n and_o to_o study_v and_o believe_v this_o holy_a book_n of_o the_o scripture_n but_o alas_o who_o will_v believe_v that_o we_o do_v so_o that_o shall_v look_v upon_o the_o action_n and_o consider_v the_o life_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n how_o gross_o and_o open_o do_v many_o of_o we_o contradict_v the_o plain_a precept_n of_o the_o gospel_n by_o our_o ungodliness_n and_o worldly_a lust_n by_o live_v intemperate_o or_o unjust_o or_o profane_o in_o this_o present_a world_n as_o if_o the_o grace_n of_o god_n which_o bring_v salvation_n have_v never_o appear_v to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o heaven_n or_o hell_n or_o believe_v not_o one_o word_n that_o the_o scripture_n say_v
the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o creator_n and_o of_o the_o duty_n we_o owe_v to_o he_o the_o wisdom_n of_o please_a god_n by_o do_v what_o he_o command_v and_o avoid_v what_o he_o forbid_v this_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n may_v be_v attain_v by_o man_n and_o be_v sufficient_a to_o make_v he_o happy_a and_o unto_o man_n he_o say_v behold_v the_o fear_v of_o the_o lord_n that_o be_v wisdom_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v understanding_n these_o word_n consist_v of_o two_o proposition_n which_o be_v not_o distinct_a in_o sense_n but_o one_o and_o the_o same_o thing_n various_o express_v for_o wisdom_n and_o understanding_n be_v synonymous_a word_n here_o and_o though_o sometime_o they_o have_v different_a notion_n yet_o in_o the_o poetical_a book_n of_o scripture_n they_o be_v most_o frequent_o use_v as_o word_n equivalent_a and_o do_v both_o of_o they_o indifferent_o signify_v either_o a_o speculative_a knowledge_n of_o thing_n or_o a_o practical_a skill_n about_o they_o according_a to_o the_o exigency_n of_o the_o matter_n or_o thing_n speak_v of_o and_o so_o likewise_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n and_o departure_n from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n of_o a_o very_a near_o sense_n and_o like_o importance_n and_o therefore_o we_o find_v they_o several_a time_n put_v together_o in_o scripture_n 16.6_o pro._n 3.7_o pr._n 16.6_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o depart_v from_o evil_n by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n man_n depart_v from_o evil_n so_o that_o they_o differ_v only_o as_o cause_n and_o effect_n which_o by_o a_o metonymy_n usual_a in_o all_o sort_n of_o author_n be_v frequent_o put_v one_o for_o another_o now_o to_o fear_v the_o lord_n and_o to_o depart_v from_o evil_n be_v phrase_n which_o the_o scripture_n use_v in_o a_o very_a great_a latitude_n to_o express_v to_o we_o the_o sum_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o whole_a of_o our_o duty_n and_o because_o the_o large_a usage_n of_o these_o phrase_n be_v to_o be_v the_o foundation_n of_o my_o follow_a discourse_n i_o shall_v for_o the_o far_o clear_n of_o this_o matter_n endeavour_v to_o show_v these_o two_o thing_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o these_o and_o such_o like_a phrase_n 2._o the_o particular_a fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n i._o it_o be_v very_o usual_a in_o the_o language_n of_o scripture_n to_o express_v the_o whole_a of_o religion_n by_o some_o eminent_a principle_n or_o part_n of_o religion_n the_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v knowledge_n faith_n remembrance_n love_n and_o fear_v by_o all_o which_o the_o scripture_n use_v to_o express_v the_o whole_a duty_n of_o man_n in_o the_o old_a testament_n by_o the_o knowledge_n remembrance_n and_o fear_n of_o god_n religion_n be_v call_v the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o holy_a 10.25_o prov._n 30.3_o jer._n 10.25_o and_o wicked_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o know_v not_o god_n so_o likewise_o by_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n frequent_o in_o this_o book_n of_o job_n and_o in_o the_o psalm_n and_o proverb_n and_o then_o they_o that_o fear_v the_o lord_n speak_v often_o one_o to_o another_o and_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v express_o say_v to_o be_v the_o sum_n of_o religion_n 12.13_o eccl._n 12.13_o fear_v god_n and_o keep_v his_o commandment_n for_o this_o be_v the_o whole_a of_o man_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o wicked_a be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o have_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n before_o their_o eye_n 36.1_o ps_n 36.1_o and_o so_o likewise_o by_o the_o remembrance_n of_o god_n remember_v thy_o creator_n in_o the_o day_n of_o thy_o youth_n 12.1_o eccl._n 12.1_o that_o be_v enter_v upon_o a_o religious_a course_n betimes_o and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o character_n of_o the_o wicked_a be_v that_o they_o forget_v god_n the_o wicked_a shall_v be_v turn_v into_o hell_n 9.17_o ps_n 9.17_o and_o all_o the_o nation_n that_o forget_v god_n in_o the_o new_a testament_n religion_n be_v usual_o express_v by_o faith_n in_o god_n and_o christ_n and_o the_o love_n of_o they_o hence_o it_o be_v that_o true_a christian_n be_v so_o frequent_o call_v believer_n and_o wicked_a and_o ungodly_a man_n unbeliever_n and_o that_o good_a man_n be_v describe_v to_o be_v such_o as_o love_n god_n all_o thing_n shall_v work_v together_o for_o good_a to_o they_o that_o love_n god_n 6.24_o ro._n 8.28_o eph._n 6.24_o and_o such_o as_o love_v the_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n now_o the_o reason_n why_o these_o be_v put_v for_o the_o whole_a of_o religion_n be_v because_o the_o belief_n and_o knowledge_n and_o remembrance_n and_o love_n and_o fear_v of_o god_n be_v such_o powerful_a principle_n and_o have_v so_o great_a a_o influence_n upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a that_o where_o any_o one_o of_o these_o real_o be_v all_o the_o rest_n together_o with_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o they_o be_v suppose_v to_o be_v and_o so_o likewise_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v often_o express_v by_o some_o eminent_a part_n of_o it_o which_o will_v explain_v the_o second_o phrase_n here_o in_o the_o text_n depart_v from_o evil_n the_o worship_n of_o god_n be_v a_o eminent_a part_n of_o religion_n and_o prayer_n which_o be_v often_o in_o scripture_n express_v by_o seek_v god_n and_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n be_v a_o chief_a part_n of_o religious_a worship_n hence_o religion_n be_v describe_v by_o seek_v god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o they_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o and_o by_o call_v upon_o his_o name_n 2.21_o act_n 2.21_o whosoever_o call_v upon_o the_o name_n of_o the_o lord_n shall_v be_v save_v and_o so_o by_o come_v to_o god_n and_o by_o depart_v from_o evil_n in_o this_o fall_a state_n of_o man_n religion_n begin_v with_o repentance_n and_o conversion_n the_o two_o opposite_a term_n of_o which_o be_v god_n and_o sin_n hence_o it_o be_v that_o religion_n be_v describe_v sometime_o by_o come_v to_o god_n 11.6_o heb._n 11.6_o he_o that_o come_v to_o god_n must_v believe_v that_o he_o be_v that_o be_v no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a unless_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n 59.15_o be_v 59.15_o sometime_o by_o depart_v from_o sin_n and_o he_o that_o depart_v from_o evil_a make_v himself_o a_o prey_n that_o be_v such_o be_v the_o bad_a state_n of_o those_o time_n of_o which_o the_o prophet_n there_o complain_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v religious_a but_o he_o be_v in_o danger_n of_o be_v persecute_v ii_o for_o the_o fitness_n of_o these_o two_o phrase_n to_o describe_v religion_n 1._o for_o the_o first_o the_o fear_n of_o the_o lord_n the_o fitness_n of_o this_o phrase_n will_v appear_v if_o we_o consider_v how_o great_a a_o influence_n the_o fear_n of_o god_n have_v upon_o man_n to_o make_v they_o religious_a fear_n be_v a_o passion_n that_o be_v most_o deep_o root_v in_o our_o nature_n and_o flow_v immediate_o from_o that_o principle_n of_o self-preservation_n which_o god_n have_v plant_v in_o every_o man_n every_o one_o desire_n his_o own_o preservation_n and_o happiness_n and_o therefore_o have_v a_o natural_a dread_n and_o horror_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o can_v destroy_v his_o be_v or_o endanger_v his_o happiness_n and_o the_o great_a danger_n be_v from_o the_o great_a power_n and_o that_o be_v omnipotency_n so_o that_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n be_v a_o inward_a acknowledgement_n of_o a_o holy_a and_o just_a be_v which_o be_v arm_v with_o a_o almighty_a and_o irresistible_a power_n god_n have_v hide_v in_o every_o man_n conscience_n a_o secret_a awe_n and_o dread_n of_o his_o infinite_a power_n and_o eternal_a justice_n now_o fear_v be_v so_o intimate_v to_o our_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o strong_a bond_n of_o law_n and_o the_o great_a security_n of_o our_o duty_n there_o be_v two_o bridle_n or_o restraint_n which_o god_n have_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n shame_n and_o fear_n shame_n be_v the_o weak_a and_o have_v place_n only_o in_o those_o in_o who_o there_o be_v some_o remainder_n of_o virtue_n fear_n be_v the_o strong_a and_o work_n upon_o all_o who_o love_n themselves_o and_o desire_v their_o own_o preservation_n therefore_o in_o this_o degenerate_a state_n of_o mankind_n fear_n be_v that_o passion_n which_o have_v the_o great_a power_n over_o we_o and_o by_o which_o god_n and_o his_o law_n take_v the_o sure_a hold_n of_o we_o our_o desire_n and_o love_n and_o hope_v be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o be_v wrought_v upon_o by_o the_o representation_n of_o virtue_n and_o the_o promise_n of_o reward_n and_o happiness_n as_o our_o fear_n be_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o divine_a displeasure_n for_o though_o we_o have_v lose_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n the_o gust_n and_o relish_v of_o true_a happiness_n yet_o we_o
thus_o to_o use_v the_o author_n of_o our_o being_n and_o the_o patron_n of_o our_o life_n to_o make_v a_o scorn_n of_o he_o that_o make_v we_o and_o to_o live_v in_o a_o open_a defiance_n of_o he_o in_o who_o we_o live_v move_v and_o have_v our_o being_n but_o this_o be_v not_o all_o as_o it_o be_v a_o most_o heinous_a so_o it_o be_v a_o most_o dangerous_a impiety_n to_o despise_v he_o that_o can_v destroy_v we_o and_o to_o oppose_v he_o who_o be_v infinite_o more_o powerful_a than_o we_o be_v will_v you_o say_v the_o apostle_n provoke_v the_o lord_n to_o jealousy_n be_v you_o strong_a than_o he_o what_o gamaliel_n say_v to_o the_o jew_n in_o another_o case_n may_v with_o a_o little_a change_n be_v apply_v to_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a you_o can_v overthrow_v they_o therefore_o refrain_v from_o speak_v against_o these_o thing_n lest_o you_o be_v find_v fighter_n against_o god_n i_o will_v but_o add_v one_o thing_n more_o to_o show_v the_o folly_n of_o this_o profane_a temper_n and_o that_o be_v this_o that_o as_o it_o be_v the_o great_a of_o all_o other_o sin_n so_o there_o be_v in_o truth_n the_o least_o temptation_n to_o it_o when_o the_o devil_n tempt_v man_n with_o riches_n or_o honour_n to_o ruin_v themselves_o he_o offer_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o consideration_n but_o the_o profane_a person_n serve_v the_o devil_n for_o nought_o and_o sin_n only_o for_o sin_n sake_n suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v tempt_v to_o the_o great_a sin_n and_o into_o the_o great_a danger_n for_o no_o other_o reward_n but_o the_o slender_a reputation_n of_o seem_v to_o say_v that_o witty_o which_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v say_v and_o what_o a_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o a_o man_n to_o offend_v his_o conscience_n to_o please_v his_o humour_n and_o only_o for_o his_o jest_n to_o lose_v two_o of_o the_o best_a friend_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n god_n and_o his_o own_o soul_n i_o have_v do_v with_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v to_o speak_v to_o upon_o this_o argument_n and_o now_o i_o beg_v your_o patience_n to_o apply_v what_o i_o have_v say_v to_o these_o three_o purpose_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n of_o profaneness_n which_o by_o some_o be_v miscall_v wit_n 2._o to_o caution_n man_n not_o to_o think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o 3._o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v bestow_v these_o gift_n on_o man_n 1._o to_o take_v man_n off_o from_o this_o impious_a and_o dangerous_a folly_n i_o know_v not_o how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o some_o man_n have_v the_o fortune_n to_o be_v esteem_v wit_n only_o for_o jest_v out_o of_o the_o common_a road_n and_o for_o make_v bold_a to_o scoff_n at_o those_o thing_n which_o the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n reverence_n as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v account_v a_o wit_n for_o revile_v those_o in_o authority_n which_o be_v no_o more_o a_o argument_n of_o any_o man_n wit_n than_o it_o be_v of_o his_o discretion_n a_o wise_a man_n will_v not_o speak_v contemptuous_o of_o a_o great_a prince_n though_o he_o be_v out_o of_o his_o dominion_n because_o he_o remember_v that_o king_n have_v long_a hand_n and_o that_o their_o power_n and_o influence_n do_v many_o time_n reach_v a_o great_a way_n far_o than_o their_o direct_a authority_n but_o god_n be_v a_o great_a king_n and_o in_o his_o hand_n be_v all_o the_o corner_n of_o the_o earth_n we_o can_v go_v no_o whither_o from_o his_o spirit_n nor_o can_v we_o flee_v from_o his_o presence_n wherever_o we_o be_v his_o eye_n see_v we_o and_o his_o right_a hand_n can_v reach_v we_o if_o man_n do_v true_o consult_v the_o interest_n either_o of_o their_o safety_n or_o reputation_n they_o will_v never_o exercise_v their_o wit_n in_o dangerous_a matter_n wit_n be_v a_o very_a commendable_a quality_n but_o then_o a_o wise_a man_n shall_v always_o have_v the_o keep_n of_o it_o it_o be_v a_o sharp_a weapon_n as_o apt_a for_o mischief_n as_o for_o good_a purpose_n if_o it_o be_v not_o well_o manage_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o it_o be_v to_o season_v conversation_n to_o represent_v what_o be_v praiseworthy_a to_o the_o great_a advantage_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o vice_n and_o folly_n of_o man_n such_o thing_n as_o be_v in_o themselves_o true_o ridiculous_a but_o if_o it_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o abuse_n of_o the_o grave_a and_o most_o serious_a matter_n it_o then_o lose_v its_o commendation_n if_o any_o man_n think_v he_o abound_v in_o this_o quality_n and_o have_v wit_n to_o spare_v there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o it_o within_o the_o bound_n of_o religion_n and_o decency_n and_o when_o it_o transgress_v these_o it_o degenerate_v into_o insolence_n and_o impiety_n all_o wit_n which_o border_n upon_o profaneness_n and_o make_v bold_a with_o those_o thing_n to_o which_o the_o great_a reverence_n be_v due_a deserve_v to_o be_v brand_v for_o folly_n and_o if_o we_o will_v preserve_v ourselves_o from_o the_o infection_n of_o this_o vice_n we_o must_v take_v heed_n how_o we_o scoff_v at_o religion_n under_o any_o form_n lest_o insensible_o we_o derive_v some_o contempt_n upon_o religion_n itself_o and_o we_o must_v likewise_o take_v heed_n how_o we_o accustom_v ourselves_o to_o a_o slight_a and_o irreverent_a use_n of_o the_o name_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o phrase_n and_o expression_n of_o the_o holy_a bible_n which_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v apply_v upon_o every_o light_a occasion_n man_n will_v easy_o slide_v into_o the_o high_a degree_n of_o profaneness_n who_o be_v not_o careful_a to_o preserve_v a_o due_a reverence_n of_o the_o great_a and_o glorious_a name_n of_o god_n and_o a_o awful_a regard_n to_o the_o holy_a scripture_n none_o so_o near_o dispose_v to_o scoff_v at_o religion_n as_o those_o who_o have_v accustom_v themselves_o to_o swear_v upon_o trifle_a occasion_n for_o it_o be_v just_a with_o god_n to_o permit_v those_o who_o allow_v themselves_o in_o one_o degree_n of_o profaneness_n to_o proceed_v to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o they_o come_v to_o that_o height_n of_o impiety_n as_o to_o contemn_v all_o religion_n 2._o let_v no_o man_n think_v the_o worse_a of_o religion_n because_o some_o be_v so_o bold_a as_o to_o despise_v and_o deride_v it_o for_o it_o be_v no_o disparagement_n to_o any_o person_n or_o thing_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o but_o to_o deserve_v to_o be_v so_o the_o most_o grave_a and_o serious_a matter_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v abuse_v it_o be_v a_o know_v say_v of_o epictetus_n that_o every_o thing_n have_v two_o handle_n by_o which_o he_o mean_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o bad_a but_o a_o man_n may_v lay_v hold_n of_o something_o or_o other_o about_o it_o that_o will_v afford_v matter_n of_o excuse_n and_o extenuation_n nor_o nothing_o so_o excellent_a but_o a_o man_n may_v fasten_v upon_o something_o or_o other_o belong_v to_o it_o whereby_o to_o reduce_v it_o a_o sharp_a wit_n may_v find_v something_o in_o the_o wise_a man_n whereby_o to_o expose_v he_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o injudicious_a people_n the_o grave_a book_n that_o ever_o be_v write_v may_v be_v make_v ridiculous_a by_o apply_v the_o say_n of_o it_o to_o a_o foolish_a purpose_n for_o a_o jest_n may_v be_v obtrude_v upon_o any_o thing_n and_o therefore_o no_o man_n ought_v to_o have_v the_o less_o reverence_n for_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n or_o for_o the_o holy_a scripture_n because_o idle_a and_o profane_a wit_n can_v break_v jest_n upon_o they_o nothing_o be_v so_o easy_a as_o to_o take_v particular_a phrase_n and_o expression_n out_o of_o the_o best_a book_n in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o abuse_v they_o by_o force_v a_o odd_a and_o ridiculous_a sense_n upon_o they_o but_o no_o wise_a man_n will_v think_v a_o good_a book_n foolish_a for_o this_o reason_n but_o the_o man_n that_o abuse_v it_o nor_o will_v he_o esteem_v that_o to_o which_o every_o thing_n be_v liable_a to_o be_v a_o just_a exception_n against_o any_o thing_n at_o this_o rate_n we_o must_v despise_v all_o thing_n but_o sure_o the_o better_a and_o the_o short_a way_n be_v to_o contemn_v those_o who_o will_v bring_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v worthy_a into_o contempt_n 3._o and_o last_o to_o persuade_v man_n to_o employ_v that_o reason_n and_o wit_n which_o god_n have_v give_v they_o to_o better_a and_o noble_a purpose_n in_o the_o service_n and_o to_o the_o glory_n of_o that_o god_n who_o have_v
to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v upon_o supposition_n that_o it_o be_v so_o reveal_v or_o else_o absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o thing_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v now_o although_o i_o do_v not_o in_o the_o passage_n forecited_a speak_v one_o syllable_n concern_v doctrine_n reveal_v by_o god_n yet_o i_o affirm_v and_o so_o will_v any_o man_n else_o that_o a_o assent_n to_o any_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n if_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o he_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a but_o this_o be_v only_o a_o infallibility_n upon_o supposition_n which_o amount_v to_o no_o more_o than_o this_o that_o if_o a_o thing_n be_v true_a it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a and_o yet_o the_o principal_a design_n of_o mr._n s_n book_n be_v to_o prove_v this_o which_o i_o believe_v no_o man_n in_o the_o world_n be_v ever_o so_o senseless_a as_o to_o deny_v but_o if_o he_o mean_v absolute_o that_o whoever_o assent_v to_o any_o doctrine_n as_o reveal_v by_o god_n can_v be_v deceive_v that_o be_v that_o no_o man_n can_v be_v mistake_v about_o matter_n of_o faith_n as_o he_o must_v mean_v if_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v any_o adversary_n and_o do_v not_o fight_v only_o with_o his_o own_o shadow_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o very_a comfortable_a assertion_n but_o i_o be_o much_o afraid_a it_o be_v not_o true_a or_o else_o last_o by_o faith_n he_o understand_v the_o mean_n and_o motive_n of_o faith_n and_o then_o the_o plain_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o we_o be_v this_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a to_o a_o christian_a belief_n to_o be_v infallible_o secure_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o and_o of_o the_o firmness_n of_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o our_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v ground_v this_o indeed_o be_v something_o to_o the_o purpose_n for_o though_o in_o the_o passage_n before-cited_n i_o say_v not_o one_o word_n concern_v the_o motive_n of_o our_o belief_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n yet_o my_o discourse_n there_o be_v intend_v to_o be_v apply_v to_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o knowledge_n of_o this_o doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o however_o i_o be_o content_v to_o join_v issue_n with_o mr._n s._n upon_o both_o these_o point_n 1._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n that_o the_o motive_n upon_o which_o any_o man_n believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n shall_v be_v absolute_o conclusive_a and_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o be_v necessary_a mr._n s._n several_a time_n affirm_v in_o his_o book_n but_o how_o unreasonable_o appear_v from_o certain_a and_o daily_a experience_n very_o many_o christian_n such_o as_o st._n austin_n speak_v of_o as_o save_v not_o by_o the_o quickness_n of_o their_o understanding_n but_o the_o simplicity_n of_o their_o belief_n do_v believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n upon_o incompetent_a ground_n and_o their_o belief_n be_v true_a though_o the_o argument_n upon_o which_o they_o ground_n it_o be_v not_o as_o mr._n s._n say_v absolute_o conclusive_a of_o the_o thing_n and_o he_o that_o thus_o believe_v the_o christian_a doctrine_n if_o he_o adhere_v to_o it_o and_o live_v according_o shall_v undoubted_o be_v save_v and_o yet_o i_o hope_v mr._n s._n will_v not_o say_v that_o any_o man_n shall_v be_v save_v without_o true_a faith_n i_o may_v add_v that_o in_o this_o assertion_n mr._n s._n be_v plain_o contradict_v by_o those_o of_o his_o own_o church_n for_o they_o general_o grant_v that_o general_a council_n though_o they_o be_v infallible_a in_o their_o definition_n and_o conclusion_n yet_o be_v not_o always_o so_o in_o their_o argument_n and_o reason_n about_o they_o and_o the_o guide_n of_o controversy_n 35._o controversy_n p._n 35._o express_o say_v that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o a_o divine_a faith_n shall_v always_o have_v a_o external_a rational_o infallible_a ground_n or_o motive_n thereto_o whether_o church_n authority_n or_o any_o other_o on_o his_o part_n that_o so_o believe_v here_o be_v a_o man_n of_o their_o own_o church_n avow_v this_o position_n that_o faith_n be_v possible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o desire_v mr._n s._n who_o be_v the_o very_a rule_n of_o controversy_n to_o do_v justice_n upon_o this_o false_a guide_n i_o must_v acknowledge_v that_o mr._n s._n attempt_n to_o prove_v this_o assertion_n and_o that_o by_o a_o very_a pleasant_a and_o surprise_v argument_n which_o be_v this_o the_o profound_a mystery_n oâ—_n faith_n he_o tell_v we_o 9â—_n we_o faith_n vind_z p._n 9â—_n must_v needs_o seem_v to_o some_o viz._n those_o who_o have_v no_o light_n but_o their_o pure_a natural_a reason_n 89._o reason_n p._n 89._o as_o he_o say_v before_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a which_o therefore_o nothing_o but_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a can_v conquer_v so_o as_o to_o make_v they_o conceit_n they_o real_o true_a what_o mr._n s._n here_o mean_v by_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a i_o can_v divine_v unless_o he_o mean_v a_o real_a seem_a impossibility_n but_o be_v that_o as_o it_o will_v do_v mr._n s._n in_o good_a earnest_n believe_v that_o a_o motive_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n seem_v impossible_a to_o be_v false_a be_v sufficient_a to_o convince_v any_o man_n that_o have_v and_o use_v the_o light_n of_o natural_a reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o must_v needs_o seem_v to_o he_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a in_o my_o opinion_n these_o two_o seem_a impossibility_n be_v so_o equal_o match_v that_o it_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o draw_a battle_n between_o they_o suppose_v the_o thing_n to_o be_v believe_v be_v transubstantiation_n this_o indeed_o be_v a_o very_a profound_a mystery_n and_o be_v to_o speak_v in_o mr._n s_n phrase_n of_o its_o own_o nature_n so_o seem_o impossible_a that_o i_o know_v no_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n strong_a enough_o to_o cope_v with_o it_o and_o i_o challenge_v mr._n s._n to_o instance_n in_o any_o motive_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v both_o to_o our_o understanding_n and_o our_o sense_n more_o plain_o impossible_a to_o be_v false_a than_o their_o doctrine_n of_o transubstantiation_n be_v evident_o impossible_a to_o be_v true_a and_o if_o he_o can_v how_o can_v he_o reasonable_o expect_v that_o any_o man_n in_o the_o world_n shall_v believe_v it_o 2._o that_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n that_o we_o shall_v be_v infallible_o secure_v of_o the_o mean_n whereby_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n be_v convey_v to_o we_o particular_o of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o that_o the_o expression_n in_o it_o can_v possible_o bear_v any_o other_o sense_n and_o these_o be_v the_o very_a thing_n i_o instance_n in_o in_o the_o passage_n so_o often_o mention_v and_o to_o these_o mr._n s._n ought_v to_o have_v speak_v if_o he_o intend_v to_o have_v confute_v that_o passage_n but_o he_o be_v resolve_v not_o to_o speak_v distinct_o know_v his_o best_a play_n to_o be_v in_o the_o dark_a and_o that_o all_o his_o safety_n lie_v in_o the_o confusion_n and_o obscurity_n of_o his_o talk_n now_o that_o to_o have_v a_o infallible_a security_n in_o these_o particular_n be_v not_o necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v evident_a upon_o these_o two_o account_n because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n and_o because_o in_o the_o particular_n mention_v it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v have_v 1._o because_o faith_n may_v be_v without_o this_o infallible_a security_n he_o that_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o the_o antiquity_n and_o authority_n of_o the_o book_n of_o scripture_n and_o of_o the_o sense_n of_o those_o text_n wherein_o the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v plain_o deliver_v as_o to_o see_v no_o just_a cause_n to_o doubt_v thereof_o may_v real_o assent_v to_o those_o doctrine_n trine_n though_o he_o have_v no_o infallible_a security_n and_o a_o assent_n so_o ground_v i_o affirm_v to_o have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n for_o what_o degree_n of_o assent_n and_o what_o security_n of_o the_o mean_n which_o convey_v to_o we_o the_o knowledge_n of_o christianity_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n be_v to_o be_v estimate_v from_o the_o end_n of_o faith_n which_o be_v the_o salvation_n of_o man_n soul_n and_o whoever_o be_v so_o assure_v of_o the_o authority_n and_o sense_n of_o scripture_n as_o to_o believe_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o and_o to_o live_v according_o shall_v be_v save_v and_o sure_o such_o a_o belief_n as_o will_v save_v a_o man_n have_v the_o true_a nature_n of_o faith_n though_o it_o be_v not_o infallible_a and_o if_o god_n have_v sufficient_o
to_o religion_n religion_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v themselves_o against_o religion_n the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o holy_a scripture_n be_v terrible_a enemy_n to_o wicked_a man_n they_o be_v continnual_o fly_v in_o their_o face_n and_o gall_v their_o conscience_n and_o this_o be_v that_o which_o make_v they_o kick_v against_o religion_n and_o spurn_v at_o the_o doctrine_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n and_o this_o may_v probable_o be_v one_o reason_n why_o many_o man_n who_o be_v observe_v to_o be_v sufficient_o dull_a in_o other_o matter_n yet_o can_v talk_v profane_o and_o speak_v against_o religion_n with_o some_o kind_n of_o salt_n and_o smartness_n because_o religion_n be_v the_o thing_n that_o fret_v they_o and_o as_o in_o other_o thing_n so_o in_o this_o vexatio_fw-la that_fw-mi intellectum_fw-la the_o inward_a trouble_n and_o vexation_n of_o their_o mind_n give_v they_o some_o kind_n of_o wit_n and_o sharpness_n in_o rally_v upon_o religion_n their_o conscience_n be_v gall_v by_o it_o and_o this_o make_v they_o winch_v and_o fling_v as_o if_o they_o have_v some_o metal_n for_o let_v man_n pretend_v what_o they_o will_v there_o be_v no_o ease_n and_o comfort_n of_o mind_n to_o be_v have_v from_o atheistical_a principle_n it_o be_v find_v by_o experience_n that_o none_o be_v more_o apprehensive_a of_o danger_n or_o more_o fearful_a of_o death_n than_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n even_o when_o they_o be_v in_o prosperity_n they_o ever_o and_o anon_o feel_v many_o inward_a sting_n and_o lash_n but_o when_o any_o great_a affliction_n or_o calamity_n overtake_v they_o they_o be_v the_o most_o poor_a spirit_a creature_n in_o the_o whole_a world_n the_o sum_n be_v the_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n be_v a_o atheist_n be_v because_o he_o be_v a_o wicked_a man_n religion_n will_v curb_v he_o in_o his_o lust_n and_o therefore_o he_o cast_v it_o off_o and_o put_v all_o the_o scorn_n upon_o it_o he_o can_v beside_o that_o man_n think_v it_o some_o kind_n of_o apology_n for_o their_o vice_n that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v contrary_a to_o any_o principle_n they_o profess_v their_o practice_n be_v agreeable_a to_o what_o they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v and_o so_o they_o think_v to_o vindicate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o practice_n by_o laugh_v at_o those_o for_o fool_n who_o believe_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_a iii_o the_o three_o thing_n i_o propound_v be_v to_o represent_v to_o you_o the_o heinousness_n and_o the_o aggravation_n of_o this_o vice_n and_o to_o make_v this_o out_o we_o will_v make_v these_o three_o supposition_n which_o be_v as_o many_o as_o the_o thing_n will_v bear_v 1._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a 2._o suppose_v the_o matter_n be_v doubtful_a and_o the_o argument_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n 3._o suppose_v it_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a put_v the_o case_n how_o we_o will_v i_o shall_v show_v that_o the_o humour_n be_v intolerable_a i._o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v false_a not_o that_o there_o be_v any_o reason_n for_o such_o a_o supposition_n but_o only_o to_o show_v the_o unreasonableness_n of_o this_o humour_n put_v the_o case_n that_o these_o man_n be_v in_o the_o right_n in_o deny_v the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o all_o that_o they_o pretend_v be_v true_a yet_o so_o long_o as_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n believe_v the_o contrary_a it_o be_v certain_o a_o great_a rudeness_n or_o incivility_n at_o least_o to_o deride_v and_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n indeed_o upon_o this_o supposition_n there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o sin_n but_o yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a offence_n against_o the_o law_n of_o civil_a conversation_n suppose_v then_o the_o atheist_n be_v wise_a than_o all_o the_o world_n and_o that_o he_o do_v upon_o good_a ground_n know_v that_o all_o mankind_n beside_o himself_o and_o two_o or_o three_o more_o be_v mistake_v about_o the_o matter_n of_o religion_n yet_o if_o he_o be_v either_o so_o wise_a or_o so_o civil_a as_o he_o shall_v be_v he_o will_v keep_v all_o this_o to_o himself_o and_o not_o affront_v other_o man_n about_o these_o thing_n i_o remember_v that_o that_o law_n which_o god_n give_v to_o the_o people_n of_o israel_n thou_o shall_v not_o speak_v evil_a of_o the_o ruler_n of_o thy_o people_n be_v render_v by_o josephus_n in_o a_o very_a different_a sense_n what_o other_o nation_n account_v god_n let_v no_o man_n blaspheme_v and_o this_o be_v not_o so_o different_a from_o the_o hebrew_n as_o at_o first_o sight_n one_o will_v imagine_v for_o the_o same_o hebrew_n word_n signify_v both_o god_n and_o ruler_n but_o whether_o this_o be_v the_o meaning_n of_o that_o law_n or_o not_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o reason_n in_o the_o thing_n for_o though_o every_o man_n have_v a_o right_n in_o dispute_n against_o a_o false_a religion_n and_o to_o urge_v it_o with_o all_o its_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a consequence_n as_o the_o ancient_a father_n do_v in_o their_o dispute_n with_o the_o heathen_a yet_o it_o be_v a_o barbarous_a incivility_n for_o any_o man_n scurrilous_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o that_o which_o other_o account_v religion_n not_o with_o any_o design_n to_o convince_v their_o reason_n but_o only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n but_o now_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n why_o he_o shall_v so_o much_o as_o dispute_v against_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n much_o less_o deride_v they_o he_o that_o pretend_v to_o any_o religion_n may_v pretend_v conscience_n for_o oppose_v a_o contrary_a religion_n but_o he_o that_o deny_v all_o religion_n can_v pretend_v no_o conscience_n for_o any_o thing_n a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v indeed_o in_o reason_n and_o common_a humanity_n to_o free_v his_o neighbour_n from_o a_o hurtful_a error_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o god_n this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n have_v take_v such_o deep_a root_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n that_o either_o they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v extinguish_v or_o if_o they_o be_v it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o endeavour_v it_o for_o he_o because_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v do_v but_o with_o so_o much_o trouble_v and_o violence_n that_o the_o remedy_n will_v be_v worse_o than_o the_o disease_n for_o if_o this_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v found_v in_o a_o natural_a fear_n it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o attempt_v to_o expel_v it_o for_o whatever_o violence_n may_v be_v offer_v to_o nature_n by_o endeavour_v to_o reason_n man_n into_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n nature_n will_v still_o recoil_v and_o at_o last_o return_n to_o itself_o and_o then_o the_o fear_n will_v be_v augment_v from_o the_o apprehension_n of_o the_o dangerous_a consequence_n of_o such_o a_o impiety_n so_o that_o nothing_o can_v create_v more_o trouble_n to_o a_o man_n than_o to_o endeavour_v to_o dispossess_v he_o of_o this_o conceit_n because_o nature_n be_v but_o irritate_v by_o the_o contest_v and_o the_o man_n fear_n will_v be_v double_v upon_o he_o but_o if_o we_o suppose_v this_o apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o have_v no_o foundation_n in_o nature_n but_o to_o have_v have_v its_o rise_n from_o tradition_n which_o have_v be_v confirm_v in_o the_o world_n by_o the_o prejudice_n of_o education_n the_o difficulty_n of_o remove_v it_o will_v almost_o be_v as_o great_a as_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a that_o which_o man_n take_v in_o by_o education_n be_v next_o to_o that_o which_o be_v natural_a and_o if_o it_o can_v be_v extinguish_v yet_o the_o advantage_n of_o it_o will_v not_o recompense_v the_o trouble_n of_o the_o cure_n for_o except_o the_o avoid_n of_o persecution_n for_o religion_n there_o be_v no_o advantage_n that_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n if_o they_o can_v be_v quiet_o settle_v in_o a_o man_n mind_n can_v give_v he_o the_o advantage_n indeed_o that_o man_n make_v of_o they_o be_v to_o give_v themselves_o the_o liberty_n to_o do_v what_o they_o please_v to_o be_v more_o sensual_a and_o more_o unjust_a than_o other_o man_n that_o be_v they_o have_v the_o privilege_n to_o surfeit_v themselves_o and_o to_o be_v sick_a often_o than_o other_o man_n and_o to_o malt_n mankind_n their_o enemy_n by_o their_o unjust_a and_o dishonest_a action_n and_o consequent_o to_o live_v more_o uneasy_o in_o the_o world_n than_o other_o man_n so_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o another_o life_n by_o oblige_v man_n to_o be_v virtuous_a do_v real_o promote_v their_o temporal_a happiness_n and_o all_o the_o privilege_n that_o atheism_n pretend_v
to_o be_v to_o let_v man_n loose_v to_o vice_n which_o be_v natural_o attend_v with_o temporal_a inconvenience_n and_o if_o this_o be_v true_a than_o the_o atheist_n can_v pretend_v this_o reason_n of_o charity_n to_o mankind_n which_o be_v the_o only_a one_o i_o can_v think_v of_o to_o dispute_v against_o religion_n much_o less_o to_o rally_v upon_o it_o for_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o it_o will_v be_v no_o kindness_n to_o any_o man_n to_o be_v undeceive_v in_o these_o principle_n of_o religion_n suppose_v they_o be_v false_a because_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v so_o far_o from_o hinder_v that_o they_o promote_v a_o man_n happiness_n even_o in_o this_o world_n and_o as_o to_o the_o other_o world_n there_o can_v be_v no_o inconvenience_n in_o the_o mistake_n for_o when_o a_o man_n be_v not_o it_o will_v be_v no_o trouble_n to_o he_o that_o he_o be_v once_o deceive_v about_o these_o matter_n and_o where_o no_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n nor_o of_o reason_n can_v be_v pretend_v there_o certal_o the_o law_n of_o civility_n ought_v to_o take_v place_n now_o man_n do_v profess_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a and_o to_o have_v a_o great_a veneration_n for_o these_o thing_n can_v there_o then_o be_v a_o great_a insolence_n than_o for_o a_o man_n when_o he_o come_v into_o company_n to_o rally_v and_o fall_v soul_n upon_o those_o thing_n for_o which_o he_o know_v the_o company_n have_v a_o reverence_n can_v one_o man_n offer_v a_o great_a affront_n to_o another_o than_o to_o expose_v to_o scorn_v he_o who_o he_o own_v and_o declare_v to_o be_v his_o best_a friend_n the_o patron_n of_o his_o life_n and_o the_o great_a benefactor_n he_o have_v in_o the_o world_n and_o do_v not_o every_o man_n that_o own_v a_o god_n say_v this_o of_o he_o but_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n be_v of_o the_o same_o opinion_n the_o rudeness_n be_v still_o the_o great_a so_o that_o whoever_o do_v open_o contemn_v god_n and_o religion_n do_v delinquere_fw-la in_o majestatem_fw-la populi_fw-la &_o humani_fw-la generis_fw-la '_o he_o do_v offend_v against_o the_o majesty_n of_o the_o people_n and_o that_o reverence_n which_o be_v due_a to_o the_o common_a apprehension_n of_o mankind_n whether_o they_o be_v true_a or_o not_o which_o be_v the_o great_a incivility_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v this_o be_v the_o first_o consideration_n and_o it_o be_v the_o least_o that_o i_o have_v to_o urge_v in_o this_o matter_n but_o yet_o i_o have_v insist_v the_o long_a upon_o it_o because_o it_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o aught_o especial_o to_o prevail_v upon_o those_o who_o i_o be_o afraid_a be_v too_o often_o guilty_a of_o this_o vice_n i_o mean_v those_o who_o be_v of_o better_a breed_n because_o they_o pretend_v to_o understand_v the_o law_n of_o behaviour_n and_o the_o decency_n of_o conversation_n better_o than_o other_o man_n 2._o suppose_v it_o be_v doubtful_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o not_o and_o whether_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a or_o not_o and_o that_o the_o argument_n be_v equal_a on_o both_o side_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v a_o great_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n and_o here_o i_o suppose_v as_o much_o as_o the_o atheist_n can_v with_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n pretend_v to_o for_o no_o man_n ever_o yet_o pretend_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n nor_o no_o life_n after_o this_o for_o these_o be_v pure_a negative_n be_v capable_a of_o no_o proof_n unless_o a_o man_n can_v show_v they_o to_o be_v plain_o impossible_a the_o utmost_a that_o be_v pretend_v be_v that_o the_o argument_n that_o be_v bring_v for_o these_o thing_n be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o convince_v but_o if_o they_o be_v only_o probable_a so_o long_o as_o no_o argument_n be_v produce_v to_o the_o contrary_a that_o can_v in_o reason_n be_v deny_v to_o be_v a_o great_a advantage_n but_o i_o will_v for_o the_o present_n suppose_v the_o probability_n equal_a on_o both_o side_n and_o upon_o this_o supposition_n i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v it_o appear_v to_o be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n to_o deride_v these_o thing_n because_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n and_o hazard_n be_v infinite_o unequal_a if_o it_o prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o religious_a man_n may_v be_v as_o happy_a in_o this_o world_n as_o the_o atheist_n nay_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n tend_v to_o make_v he_o happy_a because_o they_o give_v satisfaction_n to_o his_o mind_n and_o his_o conscience_n by_o this_o mean_n be_v free_v from_o many_o fearful_a gird_n and_o twinge_n which_o the_o atheist_n feel_v beside_o that_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n and_o virtue_n do_v natural_o promote_v our_o temporal_a felicity_n it_o be_v more_o for_o a_o man_n health_n and_o more_o for_o his_o reputation_n and_o more_o for_o his_o advantage_n in_o all_o other_o worldly_a respect_n to_o lead_v a_o virtuous_a than_o a_o vicious_a course_n of_o life_n and_o for_o the_o other_o world_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n will_v be_v alike_o because_o they_o will_v both_o be_v extinguish_v by_o death_n and_o insensible_a of_o any_o far_a happiness_n or_o misery_n but_o then_o if_o the_o contrary_a opinion_n shall_v prove_v true_a that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v transmit_v out_o of_o this_o world_n into_o the_o other_o there_o to_o receive_v the_o just_a reward_n of_o their_o action_n then_o it_o be_v plain_a to_o every_o man_n at_o first_o sight_n that_o the_o case_n of_o the_o religious_a man_n and_o the_o atheist_n must_v be_v vast_o different_a then_o where_o shall_v the_o wicked_a and_o the_o ungodly_a appear_v and_o what_o think_v we_o shall_v be_v the_o portion_n of_o those_o who_o have_v affront_v god_n and_o deride_v his_o word_n and_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v sacred_a and_o religious_a what_o can_v they_o expect_v but_o to_o be_v reject_v by_o he_o who_o they_o have_v renounce_v and_o to_o feel_v the_o terrible_a effect_n of_o that_o power_n and_o justice_n which_o they_o have_v despise_v so_o that_o though_o the_o argument_n on_o both_o side_n be_v equal_a yet_o the_o danger_n be_v not_o so_o on_o the_o one_o side_n there_o be_v none_o at_o all_o but_o it_o be_v infinite_a on_o the_o other_o and_o consequent_o it_o must_v be_v a_o monstrous_a folly_n for_o any_o man_n to_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o those_o thing_n which_o he_o know_v not_o whether_o they_o be_v or_o not_o and_o if_o they_o be_v of_o all_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n they_o be_v no_o jest_a matter_n 3._o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a then_o be_v it_o not_o only_o a_o heinous_a impiety_n but_o a_o perfect_a madness_n to_o scoff_n at_o these_o thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n and_o that_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n be_v true_a i_o have_v already_o in_o my_o former_a discourse_n endeavour_v to_o prove_v both_o from_o the_o thing_n which_o be_v make_v and_o from_o the_o general_a consent_n of_o mankind_n in_o these_o principle_n of_o which_o universal_a consent_n no_o sufficient_a reason_n can_v be_v give_v unless_o they_o be_v true_a and_o suppose_v they_o be_v so_o it_o be_v not_o only_o the_o utmost_a pitch_n of_o impiety_n but_o the_o high_a flight_n of_o folly_n that_o can_v be_v imagine_v to_o deride_v these_o thing_n to_o be_v disobedient_a to_o the_o command_n of_o god_n be_v a_o great_a contempt_n but_o to_o deny_v his_o be_v and_o to_o make_v sport_n with_o his_o word_n and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o render_v it_o ridiculous_a by_o turn_v the_o wise_a and_o weighty_a say_n of_o that_o holy_a book_n into_o raillery_n be_v a_o most_o direct_a affront_n to_o the_o god_n that_o be_v above_o thus_o the_o psalmist_n describe_v these_o atheistical_a person_n as_o level_v their_o blasphemy_n immediate_o against_o the_o majesty_n of_o heaven_n they_o set_v their_o mouth_n against_o the_o heaven_n and_o their_o tongue_n walk_v through_o the_o earth_n they_o do_v mischief_n among_o man_n but_o the_o affront_n be_v immediate_o to_o god_n beside_o that_o this_o profane_a spirit_n be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o most_o incorrigible_a temper_n the_o wise_a man_n every_o where_o speak_v of_o the_o scorner_n as_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a sort_n of_o sinner_n and_o hard_a to_o be_v reclaim_v because_o he_o despise_v instruction_n and_o mock_n at_o all_o the_o mean_n whereby_o he_o shall_v be_v reform_v and_o then_o be_v it_o not_o a_o most_o black_a and_o horrid_a ingratitude_n