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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n able_a according_a act_v 27 3 6.8641 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A49908 A treatise of the causes of incredulity wherein are examin'd the general motives and occasions which dispose unbelievers to reject the Christian religion : with two letters, containing a direct proof of the truth of Christianity / translated from the French of Monsieur Le Clerc.; De l'incredulité. English Le Clerc, Jean, 1657-1736. 1697 (1697) Wing L827; ESTC R19200 151,596 339

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prove_v the_o apostle_n sincerity_n they_o be_v content_v to_o offer_v some_o objection_n concern_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o so_o confine_v themselves_o to_o the_o second_o way_n of_o know_v the_o falsity_n of_o a_o fact_n which_o consist_v in_o discover_v that_o it_o be_v a_o thing_n absolute_o impossible_a but_o i_o shall_v speak_v of_o this_o in_o another_o letter_n wherein_o i_o shall_v explain_v the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n i_o be_o sir_n you_o letter_n ii_o wherein_o be_v show_v what_o a_o miracle_n be_v and_o that_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v from_o those_o of_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n that_o they_o be_v true_o send_v of_o god_n 1._o sir_n i_o promise_v you_o to_o discourse_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o miracle_n and_o i_o must_v perform_v my_o promise_n see_v without_o it_o i_o shall_v but_o half_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o believe_v that_o the_o general_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v true_a and_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v be_v also_o persuade_v that_o they_o be_v of_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o we_o learn_v from_o the_o miracle_n of_o those_o who_o first_o preach_v they_o that_o be_v the_o seal_n whereby_o we_o clear_o discover_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v reveal_v by_o the_o same_o god_n who_o make_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o give_v to_o nature_n the_o law_n according_a to_o which_o natural_a cause_n act_v they_o have_v often_o desire_v he_o to_o suspend_v the_o effect_n of_o those_o law_n though_o unavoidable_a at_o their_o prayer_n they_o be_v suspend_v and_o the_o contrary_a of_o what_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o age_n have_v observe_v hitherto_o and_o of_o what_o we_o still_o see_v happen_v then_o that_o be_v a_o undeniable_a proof_n not_o only_o of_o their_o doctrine_n be_v agreeable_a to_o the_o will_n and_o design_n of_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n as_o it_o seem_v to_o be_v if_o it_o 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be_v always_o conformable_a to_o their_o belief_n it_o happen_v but_o too_o frequent_o that_o their_o course_n of_o life_n produce_v a_o effect_n quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o the_o christian_a profession_n shall_v beget_v in_o they_o although_o it_o be_v not_o say_v by_o any_o that_o it_o be_v better_a employ_v himself_o about_o any_o thing_n else_o than_o in_o the_o study_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o the_o carriage_n of_o most_o man_n be_v common_o such_o as_o if_o they_o believe_v this_o a_o man_n who_o entire_o neglect_v this_o study_n but_o due_o make_v his_o court_n to_o those_o that_o can_v advance_v he_o or_o keep_v he_o in_o his_o present_a post_n a_o man_n that_o pass_v all_o his_o life_n in_o heap_v up_o riches_n though_o he_o be_v in_o a_o profound_a ignorance_n about_o the_o ground_n of_o christianity_n this_o man_n i_o say_v be_v he_o for_o all_o this_o the_o less_o esteem_v the_o most_o understand_a person_n in_o the_o world_n but_o who_o be_v not_o respect_v for_o his_o preferment_n nor_o consider_v for_o his_o riches_n be_v he_o comparable_a to_o this_o other_o ignorant_a but_o rich_a or_o honourable_a man_n not_o at_o all_o according_a to_o the_o constant_a practice_n of_o most_o christian_n this_o practice_n cry_v much_o loud_o if_o we_o may_v speak_v so_o than_o the_o evangelical_n maxim_n it_o contradict_v and_o seem_v to_o say_v to_o those_o who_o be_v enter_v into_o the_o world_n that_o it_o concern_v they_o little_a to_o learn_v the_o reason_n of_o assent_v to_o christianity_n but_o that_o it_o be_v of_o great_a importance_n to_o obtain_v some_o employment_n or_o to_o enrich_v themselves_o to_o which_o this_o same_o christianity_n contribute_v nothing_o it_o fall_v out_o likewise_o but_o too_o often_o that_o this_o dangerous_a lesson_n be_v confirm_v by_o the_o example_n of_o many_o considerable_a person_n who_o after_o neglect_v the_o study_n of_o religion_n as_o much_o as_o they_o cultivate_v the_o art_n of_o advance_v themselves_o in_o the_o world_n or_o of_o make_v their_o fortune_n be_v nevertheless_o in_o great_a esteem_n and_o in_o such_o advantageous_a post_n that_o their_o lot_n appear_v worthy_a of_o envy_n whilst_o such_o as_o may_v inform_v other_o by_o their_o knowledge_n live_v in_o contempt_n and_o obscurity_n this_o general_a custom_n which_o obtain_v almost_o every_o where_o do_v throw_v people_n into_o a_o neglect_n of_o religion_n so_o much_o the_o more_o easy_o as_o they_o find_v themselves_o dispose_v not_o to_o observe_v the_o precept_n of_o it_o thus_o slight_v that_o science_n which_o signify_v nothing_o as_o to_o their_o worldly_a affair_n and_o who_o consequence_n will_v engage_v they_o to_o resist_v those_o passion_n to_o which_o they_o willing_o abandon_v themselves_o they_o think_v as_o little_a as_o possible_o they_o can_v upon_o those_o proof_n which_o persuade_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o gospel_n after_o this_o it_o happen_v that_o some_o occasion_n of_o doubt_n 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they_o frame_v without_o perceive_v it_o and_o which_o at_o first_o sight_n appear_v solid_a enough_o when_o they_o see_v that_o those_o who_o make_v a_o profession_n of_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n true_a obey_v nothing_o of_o it_o but_o just_a as_o much_o as_o their_o worldly_a interest_n oblige_v they_o to_o do_v they_o imagine_v that_o most_o man_n act_v a_o part_n only_o and_o pretend_v to_o believe_v what_o they_o real_o do_v not_o or_o else_o they_o conclude_v that_o person_n so_o injudicious_a as_o to_o contradict_v their_o belief_n upon_o all_o occasion_n be_v but_o a_o ill_a example_n to_o follow_v in_o this_o respect_n and_o that_o it_o be_v better_o do_v of_o man_n to_o regulate_v their_o persuasion_n by_o their_o conduct_n see_v as_o they_o suppose_v they_o can_v change_v the_o latter_a thus_o they_o imitate_v pretty_a well_o the_o action_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o the_o world_n but_o they_o believe_v themselves_o exalt_v above_o the_o multitude_n in_o as_o much_o at_o least_o as_o they_o have_v principle_n conformable_a to_o their_o practice_n if_o they_o neglect_v inform_v themselves_o in_o religion_n this_o proceed_v from_o their_o not_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o and_o if_o they_o regulate_v not_o their_o manner_n according_a to_o its_o precept_n it_o be_v because_o they_o give_v no_o credit_n to_o the_o recompense_n promise_v those_o who_o shall_v observe_v they_o nor_o to_o the_o pain_n wherewith_o they_o be_v menace_v that_o violate_v they_o in_o a_o word_n they_o act_n coherent_o whereas_o the_o life_n of_o other_o be_v a_o perpetual_a contradiction_n nevertheless_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o they_o be_v huge_o out_o in_o their_o judgement_n of_o the_o great_a part_n of_o christian_n it_o be_v not_o true_a that_o the_o multitude_n feign_v only_o to_o believe_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n and_o it_o be_v also_o false_a that_o injudiciousness_n make_v they_o contradict_v their_o belief_n by_o their_o practice_n it_o be_v much_o better_a to_o preserve_v our_o persuasion_n entire_a even_o when_o we_o contradict_v it_o by_o our_o action_n than_o to_o suit_v the_o doctrine_n of_o it_o to_o the_o conduct_v we_o follow_v and_o i_o prove_v it_o thus_o in_o the_o first_o place_n a_o man_n may_v sincere_o believe_v a_o principle_n to_o be_v good_a and_o reasonable_a and_o yet_o not_o order_v his_o life_n according_o the_o reason_n hereof_o be_v that_o what_o set_v most_o man_n action_n a_o go_v be_v not_o so_o much_o the_o light_n of_o the_o understanding_n as_o the_o disposition_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o the_o passion_n which_o be_v not_o seldom_o entire_o repugnant_a to_o this_o knowledge_n no_o body_n for_o example_n will_v deny_v but_o that_o bribery_n ought_v to_o have_v no_o place_n in_o a_o well-governed_a state_n and_o that_o all_o employment_n shall_v be_v confer_v upon_o those_o only_o who_o deserve_v they_o nay_o the_o law_n do_v every_o where_o condemn_v bribery_n nevertheless_o there_o be_v few_o person_n that_o do_v not_o solicit_v for_o themselves_o or_o for_o their_o friend_n when_o any_o opportunity_n of_o advancement_n offer_v itself_o we_o find_v also_o that_o man_n be_v agree_v about_o the_o usefulness_n and_o excellency_n of_o a_o great_a number_n of_o law_n which_o they_o break_v nevertheless_o every_o day_n when_o they_o reap_v any_o present_a advantage_n from_o it_o we_o may_v allege_v a_o more_o evident_a example_n of_o this_o contradiction_n between_o our_o understanding_n and_o practice_n a_o gouty_a man_n who_o contract_v this_o troublesome_a distemper_n by_o drink_v too_o much_o wine_n doubt_v not_o in_o the_o least_o but_o that_o the_o immoderate_a use_n of_o this_o liquor_n must_v needs_o prove_v very_o hurtful_a to_o he_o notwithstanding_o the_o present_a pleasure_n he_o find_v in_o drink_v carry_v it_o and_o he_o can_v forbear_v drink_v more_o than_o he_o shall_v and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o several_a other_o passion_n in_o
may_v find_v fault_n with_o something_o or_o other_o shall_v at_o last_o grow_v so_o conceit_v of_o their_o pretend_a sagacity_n as_o to_o be_v almost_o incurable_a such_o a_o disposition_n be_v not_o at_o all_o agreeable_a to_o the_o love_n of_o truth_n which_o they_o profess_v and_o can_v only_o serve_v to_o increase_v one_o error_n and_o indeed_o what_o truth_n can_v he_o find_v out_o who_o only_o seek_v a_o occasion_n of_o dispute_v and_o overcome_v truth_n which_o often_o fly_v from_o those_o that_o seek_v it_o with_o application_n offer_v not_o itself_o to_o the_o sight_n of_o those_o that_o fly_v from_o it_o after_o those_o general_a observation_n concern_v the_o difficulty_n that_o be_v offer_v against_o religion_n i_o must_v allege_v some_o particular_a example_n of_o the_o chief_a doctrine_n which_o unbeliever_n be_v wont_a to_o assault_v there_o be_v none_o they_o more_o frequent_o speak_v against_o than_o what_o christian_n believe_v concern_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o it_o be_v of_o so_o great_a moment_n that_o it_o may_v be_v say_v this_o doctrine_n be_v once_o well_o prove_v it_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o get_v the_o rest_n admit_v whereas_o if_o it_o remain_v doubtful_a the_o other_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n will_v necessary_o be_v uncertain_a all_o revelation_n depend_v upon_o this_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o create_v heaven_n and_o earth_n and_o he_o that_o begin_v not_o with_o that_o can_v make_v no_o progress_n in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o religion_n so_o that_o it_o will_v be_v necessary_a to_o prove_v it_o in_o few_o word_n there_o be_v two_o sort_n of_o being_n some_o call_v spirit_n perceive_v will_n feel_v and_o reason_n the_o other_o who_o have_v no_o understanding_n be_v extend_v divisible_a and_o solid_a and_o be_v call_v body_n those_o spirit_n and_o body_n be_v various_o modify_v as_o we_o see_v or_o know_v by_o experience_n this_o be_v all_o that_o we_o know_v in_o the_o world_n beside_o god_n the_o christian_a religion_n teach_v we_o that_o those_o spirit_n and_o body_n with_o all_o their_o property_n have_v a_o beginning_n and_o that_o they_o be_v create_v by_o a_o be_v who_o have_v no_o beginning_n this_o be_v what_o unbeliever_n say_v they_o can_v apprehend_v and_o it_o seem_v to_o they_o that_o every_o thing_n be_v always_o as_o it_o be_v now_o to_o know_v whether_o there_o be_v any_o appearance_n of_o truth_n in_o what_o they_o say_v we_o must_v examine_v those_o two_o sort_n of_o being_n and_o see_v whether_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n whereby_o we_o may_v suspect_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a as_o to_o spirit_n we_o only_o know_v our_o own_o soul_n well_o and_o unbeliever_n acknowledge_v no_o other_o now_o i_o ask_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o perceive_v any_o thing_n in_o their_o mind_n which_o induce_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a it_o be_v certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n unless_o they_o will_v say_v that_o ignorance_n and_o weakness_n be_v character_n of_o eternity_n if_o we_o examine_v body_n which_o be_v inferior_a to_o spirit_n because_o they_o be_v without_o understanding_n we_o shall_v see_v nothing_o in_o they_o neither_o which_o may_v make_v one_o believe_v that_o they_o be_v eternal_a there_o be_v but_o two_o thing_n that_o can_v be_v consider_v in_o this_o latter_a kind_n of_o being_n viz._n matter_n and_o form_n and_o if_o neither_o of_o they_o afford_v we_o any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o they_o have_v always_o be_v we_o can_v affirm_v it_o as_o for_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n it_o be_v but_o a_o substance_n extend_v solid_a divisible_a and_o capable_a of_o motion_n and_o all_o sort_n of_o figure_n that_o collection_n of_o quality_n which_o make_v up_o the_o essence_n of_o all_o body_n as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v know_v to_o we_o contain_v nothing_o that_o look_v like_o eternity_n the_o notion_n of_o this_o property_n however_o it_o be_v consider_v can_v be_v find_v in_o that_o collection_n so_o that_o it_o can_v be_v affirm_v that_o the_o matter_n of_o body_n be_v eternal_a all_o that_o can_v be_v say_v thereupon_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o two_o thing_n first_o that_o one_o can_v conceive_v how_o mere_a extension_n have_v a_o beginning_n because_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n to_o think_v upon_o the_o time_n when_o god_n be_v alone_o before_o body_n be_v create_v a_o simple_a and_o boundless_a extension_n always_o offer_v itself_o to_o the_o mind_n but_o a_o mere_a extension_n in_o which_o we_o apprehend_v no_o solidity_n be_v not_o a_o body_n as_o it_o appear_v by_o the_o abovementioned_a definition_n of_o a_o body_n there_o be_v another_o manifest_a proof_n of_o it_o viz._n because_o mere_a extension_n be_v indivisible_a and_o boundless_a as_o we_o perceive_v it_o by_o try_v to_o divide_v or_o put_v some_o bound_n to_o it_o in_o our_o mind_n whereas_o all_o body_n be_v divisible_a and_o continue_v within_o bound_n so_o that_o all_o that_o can_v be_v conclude_v from_o thence_o be_v that_o the_o place_n of_o body_n be_v eternal_a second_o unbeliever_n say_v that_o they_o can_v apprehend_v how_o such_o a_o substance_n as_o that_o of_o body_n shall_v be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o as_o the_o christian_n say_v if_o to_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o signify_v to_o have_v no_o preexistent_a cause_n and_o yet_o to_o begin_v to_o exist_v i_o confess_v that_o will_v be_v altogether_o impossible_a for_o suppose_v that_o nothing_o exist_v but_o a_o mere_a extension_n how_o can_v it_o be_v conceive_v that_o a_o solid_a and_o divisible_a substance_n shall_v be_v form_v in_o it_o one_o may_v as_o well_o apprehend_v that_o all_o sort_n of_o beast_n plant_n and_o mineral_n may_v spring_v forth_o out_o of_o the_o air_n without_o any_o productive_a cause_n but_o to_o be_v create_v out_o of_o nothing_o signify_v to_o have_v a_o cause_n which_o contain_v in_o a_o more_o excellent_a manner_n the_o propriety_n which_o we_o see_v in_o the_o thing_n create_v beside_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o other_o from_o which_o cause_n the_o thing_n create_v have_v their_o existence_n or_o by_o the_o will_v whereof_o they_o begin_v actual_o to_o exist_v there_o be_v nothing_o in_o all_o this_o that_o be_v contradictory_n and_o if_o we_o do_v not_o clear_o apprehend_v wherein_o the_o action_n of_o the_o cause_n which_o create_v out_o of_o nothing_o consist_v it_o be_v because_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o cause_n be_v not_o perfect_o know_v to_o we_o to_o explain_v what_o i_o have_v say_v by_o a_o undeniable_a example_n no_o man_n will_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v in_o nature_n a_o principle_n of_o motion_n different_a from_o matter_n see_v we_o perceive_v that_o matter_n move_v not_o of_o itself_o all_o that_o we_o perceive_v in_o it_o be_v mobility_n but_o it_o can_v be_v say_v that_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o believe_v that_o matter_n move_v and_o modify_v itself_o this_o be_v so_o the_o immaterial_a 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