be_v draw_v from_o its_o natural_a inclination_n which_o be_v such_o as_o be_v still_o aspire_v towards_o high_a degree_n of_o perfection_n the_o mind_n be_v never_o satiate_v with_o knowledge_n but_o still_o thirst_v after_o new_a discovery_n our_o perception_n of_o one_o thing_n do_v natural_o lead_v we_o into_o the_o enquiry_n of_o another_o which_o have_v once_o obtain_v our_o soul_n take_v a_o far_a prospect_n still_o till_o at_o length_n be_v arrive_v to_o the_o first_o origine_fw-la of_o all_o thing_n it_o dwell_v on_o it_o and_o inquire_v also_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o it_o as_o far_o as_o its_o own_o limit_n will_v allow_v and_o deserve_v to_o be_v unite_v with_o it_o for_o ever_o now_o this_o show_v sufficient_o that_o in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v only_o in_o a_o tendency_n to_o that_o perfection_n and_o rest_n which_o can_v be_v attain_v to_o but_o in_o another_o the_o descend_a stone_n if_o any_o thing_n obstruct_v its_o motion_n do_v by_o its_o resist_a weight_n tell_v we_o that_o by_o nature_n it_o will_v go_v far_o and_o the_o near_a it_o come_v to_o its_o centre_n it_o press_v still_o with_o great_a weight_n and_o if_o no_o obstacle_n occur_v it_o be_v still_o more_o impetuous_a in_o its_o motion_n till_o it_o fall_v at_o last_o to_o that_o point_n of_o rest_n from_o which_o it_o will_v not_o be_v remove_v but_o with_o great_a difficulty_n in_o like_a manner_n we_o observe_v also_o how_o the_o flame_n mount_v upward_o and_o the_o more_o pure_a and_o subtle_a it_o be_v the_o quick_a in_o its_o motion_n which_o still_o increase_v the_o high_a it_o rise_v till_o at_o last_o it_o be_v swallow_v up_o and_o incorporate_v in_o that_o immense_a region_n of_o aether_n to_o which_o it_o be_v design_v by_o nature_n thus_o fare_v it_o with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n which_o do_v enlarge_v its_o desire_n far_o beyond_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o life_n the_o more_o it_o be_v fill_v the_o great_a still_o be_v its_o appetite_n which_o discover_v plain_o that_o it_o be_v not_o yet_o arrive_v to_o its_o place_n of_o rest_n but_o be_v only_o in_o the_o way_n towards_o it_o which_o since_o it_o can_v never_o find_v whilst_o it_o be_v in_o union_n with_o the_o body_n it_o remain_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n where_o it_o shall_v meet_v with_o a_o suitable_a content_n which_o can_v be_v unless_o the_o soul_n by_o nature_n be_v incorruptible_a and_o immortal_a so_o that_o whosoever_o shall_v but_o make_v a_o reflection_n upon_o himself_o and_o consider_v the_o frame_n and_o temper_v of_o his_o own_o mind_n must_v needs_o observe_v it_o to_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n more_o active_a and_o diffusive_a than_o fire_n and_o more_o quick_a and_o penetrate_a than_o lightning_n and_o as_o to_o its_o comprehensive_a power_n most_o capacious_a and_o such_o as_o labour_n can_v exhaust_v nor_o age_n make_v feeble_a on_o the_o contrary_a the_o long_a it_o endure_v it_o still_o grow_v more_o vigorous_a and_o require_v something_o more_o than_o finite_a to_o fill_v its_o dimension_n from_o all_o which_o we_o may_v well_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v of_o a_o spiritual_a and_o angelic_a nature_n and_o such_o as_o must_v survive_v all_o the_o decay_n and_o change_n of_o the_o body_n and_o indeed_o be_v it_o corruptible_a and_o mortal_a it_o must_v be_v some_o of_o these_o way_n first_o by_o the_o action_n of_o its_o contrary_a as_o we_o see_v mix_v body_n be_v corrupt_v by_o some_o excess_n or_o irregularity_n in_o their_o first_o quality_n which_o intercheque_a with_o one_o another_o cause_n a_o dissolution_n but_o this_o can_v be_v the_o case_n of_o the_o soul_n which_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n most_o pure_a and_o unmixed_a another_o way_n by_o which_o thing_n be_v destroy_v be_v by_o division_n and_o separation_n of_o its_o part_n thus_o by_o daily_a experience_n we_o see_v how_o thing_n natural_a and_o artificial_a be_v always_o waste_v and_o break_v to_o piece_n but_o the_o soul_n be_v without_o extension_n of_o part_n can_v be_v dissolve_v by_o divisibility_n a_o three_o way_n by_o which_o we_o observe_v body_n to_o perish_v be_v by_o a_o deficiency_n of_o their_o aliment_n thus_o a_o tree_n die_v for_o want_v of_o moisture_n and_o a_o lamp_n be_v extinguish_v for_o want_n of_o oil_n to_o feed_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o so_o with_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n for_o though_o it_o subsist_v in_o the_o body_n as_o the_o flame_n of_o a_o lamp_n in_o the_o viol_n yet_o have_v it_o not_o its_o illumination_n from_o it_o it_o be_v true_a it_o receive_v many_o information_n by_o the_o outward_a organ_n of_o the_o sense_n but_o these_o image_n be_v simple_a and_o common_a bear_v no_o analogy_n to_o the_o working_n of_o the_o mind_n beside_o we_o find_v the_o soul_n subsist_v and_o act_v when_o all_o sensitive_a assistence_n be_v withdraw_v that_o then_o on_o which_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n feed_v and_o improve_v itself_o be_v that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o object_n whether_o visible_a or_o intellectual_a which_o we_o meet_v with_o perpetual_o both_o in_o heaven_n and_o earth_n together_o with_o those_o noble_a speculation_n and_o conclusion_n of_o reason_n which_o though_o compound_v of_o a_o few_o naked_a notion_n and_o capable_a of_o be_v multiply_v into_o as_o great_a a_o number_n as_o that_o of_o word_n which_o yet_o be_v but_o the_o production_n of_o a_o few_o simple_a and_o alphabetick_a sound_n various_o mix_v and_o set_v together_o now_o since_o the_o multitude_n and_o greatness_n of_o mental_a object_n can_v never_o be_v exhaust_v by_o the_o soul_n it_o follow_v that_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n can_v never_o perish_v through_o want_n of_o a_o suitable_a aliment_n and_o supply_n indeed_o all_o sensible_a and_o material_a thing_n can_v so_o proper_o be_v say_v to_o perish_v as_o to_o be_v corrupt_v by_o be_v change_v into_o something_o of_o another_o nature_n which_o transmutation_n or_o corruption_n of_o thing_n be_v at_o the_o most_o nothing_o but_o a_o resolution_n of_o they_o into_o their_o element_n from_o who_o implace_n new_a body_n do_v rise_v but_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v uncapable_a of_o all_o such_o alteration_n it_o be_v not_o resolvable_a into_o any_o element_n as_o be_v of_o a_o nature_n more_o unmixed_a and_o pure_a than_o any_o element_n whatsoever_o it_o be_v not_o changeable_a into_o another_o soul_n or_o capable_a of_o be_v other_o than_o what_o it_o be_v but_o by_o annihilation_n which_o yet_o be_v not_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n who_o have_v once_o create_v a_o thing_n be_v never_o know_v to_o have_v reduce_v it_o to_o its_o first_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o as_o the_o three_o general_n argument_n the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v yet_o far_a demonstrable_a from_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providence_n we_o have_v observe_v in_o the_o precedent_a chapter_n that_o as_o to_o the_o comfort_n and_o blessing_n of_o this_o life_n wicked_a man_n general_o have_v the_o upper_a hand_n whilst_o innocent_a and_o virtuous_a person_n be_v ofttimes_o expose_v to_o unjust_a sentence_n calumny_n oppression_n torment_n imprisonment_n confiscation_n of_o good_n and_o sometime_o to_o death_n itself_o how_o many_o a_o poor_a and_o honest_a christian_a be_v there_o in_o the_o world_n who_o suffer_v by_o sickness_n cold_a hunger_n and_o all_o course_n of_o poverty_n and_o yet_o live_v always_o in_o a_o humble_a resignation_n of_o his_o will_n to_o that_o of_o almighty_a god_n and_o be_v thankful_a too_o for_o the_o small_a comfort_n of_o life_n he_o receive_v from_o he_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o his_o own_o laborious_a hand_n whilst_o some_o rich_a glutton_n lie_v batten_v amid_o his_o wealth_n and_o swell_v with_o pride_n and_o fatness_n of_o bread_n abandon_v himself_o to_o ease_v and_o all_o manner_n of_o disorder_n both_o of_o body_n and_o mind_n who_o religion_n indeed_o consist_v only_o in_o have_v some_o young_a formal_a chaplain_n for_o state_n rather_o than_o for_o devotion_n think_v his_o equipage_n defective_a unless_o he_o have_v some_o one_o in_o the_o ecclesiastic_a livery_n to_o wait_v upon_o he_o now_o how_o these_o and_o infinite_a such_o indecency_n can_v consist_v with_o the_o justice_n of_o god_n providential_a government_n be_v a_o difficulty_n which_o can_v never_o be_v answer_v be_v there_o not_o a_o future_a state_n where_o unfortunate_a virtue_n shall_v be_v crown_v and_o prosperous_a wickedness_n be_v chastise_v which_o yet_o can_v never_o be_v unless_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n survive_v the_o misery_n and_o dissolution_n of_o the_o body_n the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v take_v away_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n and_o we_o destroy_v all_o morality_n for_o moral_o speak_v who_o will_v deny_v his_o soul_n the_o content_n and_o pleasure_n of_o his_o appetite_n be_v all_o felicity_n determine_v in_o sensual_a
but_o by_o force_n of_o arm_n something_o like_o this_o also_o we_o find_v at_o this_o day_n to_o arise_v frequent_o among_o the_o high-land_n clan_n where_o meet_v with_o one_o another_o in_o great_a body_n they_o fight_v it_o out_o at_o sharps_n and_o live_v always_o in_o a_o kind_n of_o hostile_a manner_n to_o remedy_v such_o mischief_n the_o several_a family_n or_o tribe_n of_o old_a be_v force_v to_o unite_v themselves_o into_o one_o common_a and_o great_a body_n under_o certain_a law_n of_o government_n whether_o monarchical_a or_o of_o a_o commonwealth_n or_o in_o case_n of_o conquest_n to_o make_v the_o best_a term_n they_o can_v with_o the_o conqueror_n and_o this_o be_v the_o true_a and_o natural_a original_a of_o all_o government_n throughout_o the_o world_n and_o be_v no_o more_o the_o work_n and_o institution_n of_o god_n than_o other_o civil_a or_o natural_a occurrence_n derivable_a from_o he_o as_o he_o be_v the_o creator_n and_o preserver_n of_o the_o world_n which_o general_o he_o govern_v by_o the_o ordinary_a and_o familiar_a method_n of_o nature_n chap._n x._o of_o god_n special_a providence_n over_o the_o action_n of_o private_a person_n from_o god_n providential_a government_n of_o human_a affair_n in_o respect_n of_o civil_a body_n we_o advance_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o consider_v the_o continuance_n of_o the_o same_o paternal_a and_o providential_a power_n in_o relation_n to_o the_o life_n and_o action_n of_o every_o private_a man_n this_o follow_v natural_o from_o the_o former_a for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o same_o virtue_n which_o move_v the_o body_n must_v move_v also_o every_o part_n and_o member_n of_o it_o as_o also_o for_o that_o god_n omnipotence_n omniscience_n and_o omnipresence_n upon_o which_o attribute_n be_v found_v his_o providential_a power_n extend_v themselves_o to_o all_o the_o action_n of_o individual_a person_n from_o the_o dependence_n they_o have_v on_o he_o as_o their_o first_o cause_n and_o preserver_n but_o to_o prosecute_v this_o point_n with_o more_o particular_a argument_n we_o may_v first_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o occur_v to_o our_o observation_n in_o god_n special_a care_n of_o man_n at_o his_o first_o entrance_n into_o the_o world_n above_o other_o creature_n it_o be_v know_v to_o all_o how_o some_o have_v be_v expose_v in_o their_o infancy_n and_o have_v be_v miraculous_o preserve_v to_o be_v the_o parent_n of_o mighty_a nation_n such_o as_o moses_n cyrus_n romulus_n and_o the_o like_a be_v story_v also_o by_o the_o poet_n of_o their_o jupiter_n and_o other_o of_o their_o god_n thereby_o intimate_v the_o special_a care_n of_o divine_a providence_n towards_o particular_a man_n not_o only_o in_o save_v they_o from_o the_o danger_n they_o be_v expose_v to_o but_o by_o make_v they_o the_o chief_a instrument_n in_o matter_n of_o great_a moment_n and_o of_o universal_a benefit_n but_o to_o leave_v these_o unusual_a method_n which_o seem_v to_o carry_v in_o they_o some_o show_n of_o miracle_n let_v we_o look_v a_o little_o near_a home_n and_o we_o shall_v find_v that_o man_n of_o all_o creature_n that_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v natural_o the_o most_o unable_a to_o shift_v for_o himself_o all_o beast_n almost_o as_o soon_o as_o bear_v find_v the_o way_n to_o the_o teat_n bird_n once_o hatch_v be_v quick_o in_o a_o condition_n to_o feed_v themselves_o but_o with_o mankind_n it_o be_v otherwise_o the_o infant_n that_o be_v bear_v stand_v in_o need_n of_o continual_a help_n and_o succour_n and_o be_v expose_v to_o continual_a cold_a and_o hunger_n to_o want_v and_o danger_n and_o this_o too_o not_o for_o some_o day_n but_o for_o some_o year_n before_o it_o can_v be_v able_a to_o feed_v and_o nourish_v itself_o and_o yet_o we_o see_v how_o god_n do_v provide_v for_o all_o these_o exigency_n of_o nature_n when_o all_o natural_a mean_n seem_v to_o fail_v for_o the_o child_n of_o those_o poor_a creature_n who_o seem_v destitute_a of_o all_o relief_n themselves_o rare_o miscarry_v through_o want_n of_o succour_n unless_o through_o the_o wilful_a impiety_n and_o cruelty_n of_o such_o parent_n who_o to_o conceal_v their_o own_o shame_n or_o to_o ease_v themselves_o of_o some_o small_a expense_n and_o care_n imbrue_v their_o hand_n in_o the_o blood_n of_o those_o tender_a infant_n or_o actual_o withhold_v that_o sustenance_n and_o comfort_n which_o their_o condition_n do_v require_v in_o which_o case_n god_n be_v not_o oblige_v to_o work_v miracle_n and_o force_v the_o will_n of_o those_o bloody_a and_o obdurate_a wretch_n to_o prevent_v the_o effect_n of_o their_o wicked_a intention_n no_o more_o than_o he_o be_v oblige_v to_o lay_v a_o physical_a restraint_n on_o man_n to_o keep_v they_o from_o the_o commission_n of_o murder_n theft_n incest_n or_o any_o other_o such_o crime_n as_o depend_v upon_o their_o own_o proper_a will_n and_o power_n i_o shall_v here_o forbear_v to_o speak_v of_o the_o natural_a gift_n and_o perfection_n of_o man_n mind_n that_o be_v elsewhere_o treat_v of_o at_o large_a we_o have_v a_o signal_n proof_n of_o god_n particular_a goodness_n and_o care_n towards_o man_n in_o that_o dominion_n and_o sovereignty_n he_o have_v give_v he_o over_o all_o other_o animal_n whatsoever_o how_o do_v all_o the_o beast_n of_o the_o earth_n and_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n give_v way_n and_o retire_v at_o his_o appearance_n or_o approach_n and_o by_o such_o withdraw_a confess_v a_o majesty_n in_o his_o presence_n the_o fierce_a creature_n and_o those_o of_o great_a strength_n will_v not_o make_v opposition_n unless_o they_o be_v mighty_o provoke_v and_o reduce_v to_o great_a extremity_n other_o again_o express_v a_o more_o than_o ordinary_a obsequiousness_n mix_v with_o fear_n and_o almost_o all_o pay_v he_o homage_n and_o service_n in_o a_o word_n providence_n be_v that_o vigilant_a and_o indulgent_a mother_n which_o with_o a_o hundred_o arm_n labour_n perpetual_o and_o present_v to_o every_o man_n all_o the_o blessing_n and_o delight_n of_o nature_n she_z enlivens_fw-la him_z by_o the_o light_n and_o beauty_n of_o the_o star_n she_o warm_v he_o with_o her_o flame_n she_o refresh_v he_o with_o her_o sweet_a shower_n and_o breeze_n of_o air_n she_o serve_v he_o with_o her_o wholesome_a water_n she_o surround_v he_o with_o river_n which_o serve_v for_o defence_n and_o commerce_n for_o delight_n and_o benefit_n she_o delight_v he_o with_o verdant_a pasture_n with_o enamel_a meadow_n and_o with_o the_o curious_a colour_n figure_n and_o sweet_a odour_n of_o herb_n and_o flower_n she_o do_v recreate_v he_o with_o the_o melody_n of_o bird_n and_o with_o the_o soft_a murmur_n of_o crystal_n rivulet_n and_o fountain_n she_o do_v nourish_v and_o enrich_v he_o with_o her_o fruitful_a field_n she_o shelter_n he_o with_o her_o tree_n yield_v shade_n and_o material_n for_o building_n she_o do_v feast_v he_o with_o infinite_a variety_n of_o fruit_n beautiful_a to_o the_o eye_n fragrant_a to_o the_o smell_n and_o delicious_a for_o taste_v as_o well_o as_o wholesome_a for_o food_n she_o furnish_v his_o table_n with_o all_o variety_n of_o meat_n according_a to_o man_n different_a appetite_n and_o the_o several_a season_n of_o nature_n the_o earth_n with_o all_o sort_n of_o flesh_n the_o air_n with_o fowl_n and_o the_o river_n with_o fish_n and_o in_o case_n of_o sickness_n he_o be_v succour_v with_o medicinal_a plant_n mineral_n and_o water_n of_o rare_a virtue_n so_o that_o which_o way_n soever_o a_o man_n turn_v himself_o he_o receive_v tribute_n from_o every_o quarter_n of_o the_o world_n and_o feast_n his_o sense_n with_o the_o wonder_n and_o delight_n which_o do_v surround_v he_o these_o indeed_o be_v but_o some_o of_o those_o entertainment_n which_o be_v in_o a_o manner_n common_a to_o all_o man_n be_v such_o as_o flow_v from_o the_o hand_n of_o providence_n in_o the_o blessing_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o if_o we_o add_v the_o benefit_n and_o ornament_n of_o art_n with_o what_o come_v from_o traffic_n and_o commerce_n they_o will_v exceed_v number_n as_o for_o other_o creature_n into_o what_o a_o narrow_a compass_n be_v their_o enjoyment_n reduce_v all_o their_o content_n be_v measure_v by_o a_o little_a food_n and_o water_n and_o after_o the_o flux_n of_o a_o few_o year_n or_o day_n perhaps_o they_o wax_v feeble_a and_o die_v that_o which_o seem_v to_o discredit_v this_o important_a truth_n be_v the_o observation_n which_o have_v be_v make_v through_o all_o age_n that_o the_o great_a libertine_n and_o oppressor_n be_v for_o the_o most_o part_n prosperous_a and_o swim_v in_o pleasure_n and_o delight_n whilst_o the_o virtuous_a and_o innocent_a be_v general_o despise_v and_o many_o time_n reduce_v to_o misery_n or_o if_o some_o become_v more_o fortunate_a it_o be_v present_o attribute_v to_o the_o deity_n they_o invoke_v when_o yet_o other_o much_o more_o in_o number_n and_o no_o less_o constant_a in_o
a_o discourse_n of_o natural_a and_o reveal_v religion_n in_o several_a essay_n or_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n a_o guide_n to_o divine_a truth_n london_n print_v for_o john_n newton_n at_o the_o three_o pigeon_n against_o the_o inner-temple-gate_n in_o fleetstreet_n mdcxci_o license_v may_v 18_o 1691._o the_o light_n of_o nature_n a_o guide_n to_o divine_a truth_n in_o the_o discovery_n it_o make_v of_o god_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o and_o his_o creature_n in_o respect_n of_o himself_o we_o consider_v his_o existence_n chap._n 1._o and_o 2._o attribute_n chap._n 3._o god_n with_o relation_n to_o his_o creature_n consider_v in_o his_o work_n worship_n his_o work_n of_o creation_n chap._n 4._o and_o conservation_n his_o conservation_n or_o providence_n over_o the_o universe_n chap._n 5._o and_o 6._o humane_a affair_n in_o general_n chap._n 7._o 8._o 9_o special_a ch._n 10._o corrollary_n of_o fate_n and_o fortune_n chap._n 11._o of_o god_n worship_n or_o of_o religion_n in_o general_n chap._n 12._o religious_a worship_n either_o of_o false_a god_n chap._n 13._o of_o the_o true_a god_n reveal_v natural_a reveal_v religion_n jewish_n christian_n mahometan_n the_o jewish_a religion_n in_o its_o authority_n chap._n 14._o and_o 15._o duration_n chap._n 16_o the_o state_n of_o the_o jew_n since_o their_o fall_n chap._n 17._o the_o christian_a religion_n examine_v by_o the_o type_n and_o prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n chap._n 18._o solution_n of_o objection_n chap._n 19_o heathen_a prediction_n chap._n 20._o the_o doctrine_n of_o jesus_n chap._n 21._o solution_n of_o objection_n chap._n 22._o the_o life_n of_o jesus_n chap._n 23._o the_o miracle_n of_o jesus_n chap._n 24._o the_o success_n of_o the_o christian_a doctrine_n chap._n 25._o of_o the_o mahometan_a religion_n chap._n 26._o corrollar_n of_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n 27._o of_o natural_a religion_n as_o a_o mean_n on_o chap._n 28._o the_o conclusion_n chap._n i._o of_o god_n existence_n whosoever_o shall_v view_v the_o world_n in_o the_o several_a stage_n and_o revolution_n of_o time_n may_v easy_o observe_v that_o there_o be_v never_o any_o nation_n so_o overwhelm_v with_o barbarism_n and_o ignorance_n but_o do_v ready_o believe_v there_o be_v something_o superior_a to_o their_o own_o nature_n which_o have_v power_n to_o hurt_v and_o to_o defend_v they_o and_o in_o conformity_n to_o this_o belief_n they_o do_v ascribe_v more_o than_o human_a honour_n to_o their_o demon_n endeavour_v also_o by_o their_o prayer_n and_o oblation_n to_o make_v they_o propitious_a and_o ascribe_v all_o their_o success_n and_o felicity_n as_o well_o as_o their_o calamity_n to_o the_o decree_n and_o dispensation_n of_o their_o go_n it_o be_v true_a the_o notion_n they_o have_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o these_o god_n be_v very_o gross_a and_o absurd_a since_o they_o sometime_o imagine_v they_o to_o dwell_v in_o certain_a beast_n in_o brute_n in_o plant_n or_o image_n make_v of_o stone_n wood_n and_o the_o like_a believe_v they_o almost_o to_o be_v as_o many_o in_o number_n as_o their_o worshipper_n and_o subject_a to_o the_o same_o vicissitude_n and_o distemper_n of_o passion_n but_o how_o absurd_a soever_o they_o be_v in_o their_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n in_o this_o they_o do_v all_o agree_n that_o such_o numan_n do_v precide_v over_o they_o and_o be_v therefore_o to_o be_v approach_v with_o all_o veneration_n and_o humility_n to_o be_v invoke_v with_o all_o fervour_n and_o constancy_n and_o to_o be_v appease_v with_o some_o kind_n of_o expiation_n all_o which_o be_v the_o concurrent_a sense_n of_o mankind_n in_o all_o age_n can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o must_v be_v therefore_o of_o eternal_a truth_n as_o be_v derive_v from_o that_o one_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n which_o give_v nature_n its_o existence_n i_o question_v whether_o there_o be_v ever_o any_o who_o do_v absolute_o disbelieve_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n not_o admit_v it_o in_o some_o degree_n or_o other_o as_o for_o those_o among_o the_o ancient_n who_o be_v canonize_v for_o atheist_n such_o as_o diagoras_n lucian_n and_o the_o like_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o they_o only_o deride_v those_o who_o be_v esteem_v god_n in_o their_o own_o time_n who_o indeed_o have_v not_o the_o least_o pretention_n to_o divinity_n and_o as_o for_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o of_o matter_n such_o as_o aristotle_n epicurus_n and_o the_o like_a though_o such_o a_o belief_n be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o true_a god_n nevertherless_a they_o do_v in_o some_o inferior_a manner_n or_o other_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o divine_a being_n but_o whosever_v they_o be_v of_o this_o tribe_n and_o whatsoever_o their_o belief_n be_v this_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o can_v never_o erect_v themselves_o into_o a_o sect_n nor_o make_v any_o considerable_a body_n of_o man_n to_o be_v of_o their_o persuasion_n and_o as_o for_o our_o modern_a atheist_n or_o sceptic_n as_o they_o be_v know_v to_o be_v man_n who_o natural_a improvement_n be_v but_o ordinary_a consist_v only_o in_o boldness_n and_o some_o little_a gallantry_n of_o wit_n so_o be_v it_o as_o well_o know_v that_o they_o be_v man_n of_o sensual_a and_o flagitious_a life_n and_o that_o what_o they_o teach_v be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o judgement_n as_o their_o design_n not_o what_o they_o think_v but_o what_o they_o wish_v shall_v be_v for_o can_v they_o make_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n or_o what_o amount_v to_o the_o same_o thing_n his_o providential_a regiment_n of_o the_o world_n but_o disputable_a there_o will_v be_v some_o colour_n they_o think_v for_o their_o licentious_a course_n to_o which_o their_o life_n be_v prostitute_v and_o yet_o there_o be_v never_o any_o man_n of_o part_n who_o have_v profess_o impugned_a the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n only_o by_o some_o oblique_a and_o side_n approach_n they_o have_v adventure_v to_o attack_v he_o in_o his_o prerogative_n either_o in_o deny_v his_o providence_n by_o reason_n of_o some_o seem_a incongruity_n in_o second_o cause_n or_o admit_v his_o providence_n they_o endeavour_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o make_v his_o concurrence_n with_o human_a agent_n to_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o the_o will_n for_o the_o commission_n of_o evil_a action_n and_o by_o this_o mean_n they_o impugn_v his_o goodness_n or_o last_o by_o deny_v the_o soul_n immortality_n or_o a_o state_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n they_o labour_v to_o destroy_v his_o justice_n but_o of_o these_o point_n more_o hereafter_o for_o the_o present_a it_o be_v worth_a our_o consideration_n what_o some_o have_v excellent_o well_o observe_v that_o man_n of_o this_o denomination_n will_v be_v ever_o talk_v of_o their_o opinion_n as_o if_o they_o faint_v in_o it_o within_o themselves_o and_o will_v be_v glad_a to_o be_v strengthen_v by_o the_o consent_n of_o other_o but_o to_o return_v to_o the_o belief_n and_o practice_n of_o the_o gentile_n we_o be_v careful_o to_o consider_v what_o there_o be_v in_o their_o idolatrous_a worship_n which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o it_o be_v which_o depend_v upon_o the_o will_n and_o genius_n of_o the_o worshipper_n that_o which_o be_v found_v in_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o in_o which_o they_o do_v all_o agree_n be_v this_o that_o there_o be_v some_o superior_a power_n which_o do_v observe_v their_o action_n which_o do_v govern_v all_o the_o occurrence_n of_o life_n and_o be_v author_n of_o all_o the_o good_a and_o evil_a which_o do_v happen_v to_o they_o from_o this_o belief_n of_o the_o power_n and_o providence_n of_o their_o god_n they_o form_v to_o themselves_o two_o internal_a act_n of_o devotion_n viz._n love_n and_o fear_n as_o also_o two_o external_n act_n to_o wit_n invocation_n and_o worship_n now_o this_o worship_n consist_v chief_o in_o these_o duty_n first_o veneration_n and_o honour_n second_o oblation_n which_o be_v either_o expiatory_a to_o appease_v the_o anger_n of_o their_o god_n and_o make_v they_o propitious_a or_o else_o to_o testify_v their_o thanks_o and_o gratitude_n for_o the_o blessing_n they_o receive_v all_o which_o flow_v natural_o from_o a_o belief_n they_o have_v of_o their_o god_n and_o that_o they_o be_v the_o original_a of_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o consequent_o of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v a_o evident_a demonstration_n that_o they_o do_v all_o meet_a in_o those_o general_a notion_n wherein_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v most_o concern_v chap._n ii_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o heathen_n concern_v god_n now_o he_o that_o shall_v give_v a_o true_a account_n or_o history_n of_o the_o heathen_a god_n may_v himself_o have_v hope_n to_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o they_o by_o do_v a_o work_n more_o laborious_a and_o difficult_a than_o many_o of_o
a_o eternal_a and_o preaexistent_a matter_n then_o must_v that_o matter_n have_v be_v immutable_a for_o though_o the_o thing_n make_v out_o of_o it_o be_v subject_a to_o continual_a vicissitude_n and_o corruption_n yet_o the_o matter_n must_v be_v still_o the_o same_o as_o the_o stone_n and_o timber_n of_o which_o the_o house_n be_v make_v be_v the_o same_o still_o for_o nature_n and_o essence_n as_o it_o be_v before_o now_o if_o that_o out_o of_o which_o the_o world_n be_v make_v be_v immutable_a and_o eternal_a then_o must_v it_o have_v those_o perfection_n of_o which_o the_o divine_a nature_n chief_o do_v consist_v but_o if_o this_o can_v be_v grant_v then_o must_v it_o be_v mutable_a and_o then_o can_v it_o not_o be_v eternal_a for_o what_o be_v eternal_a must_v of_o necessity_n endure_v the_o same_o for_o ever_o but_o to_o proceed_v this_o truth_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o god_n make_v such_o deep_a impression_n on_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n through_o all_o age_n that_o even_o the_o poet_n themselves_o so_o much_o abandon_v as_o they_o be_v to_o their_o own_o wanton_a fiction_n be_v ever_o and_o anon_o force_v to_o throw_v off_o their_o mask_n and_o to_o expose_v the_o barefaced_a truth_n the_o place_n cite_v out_o of_o the_o ancient_a greek_n be_v know_v and_o many_o as_o the_o passage_n also_o of_o the_o sibylls_n in_o lactantius_n no_o less_o remarkable_a be_v the_o latin_n ovid_n first_o book_n of_o his_o metamorphosis_n seem_v nothing_o but_o a_o paraphrase_n upon_o genesis_n as_o also_o virgil_n in_o that_o passage_n or_o fiction_n of_o aeneas_n his_o descent_n into_o hell_n aeneld_v lib._n 6._o aeneld_v where_o his_o father_n anchises_n among_o other_o mystery_n tell_v he_o in_o the_o begin_n it_o be_v the_o spirit_n do_v form_n heaven_n earth_n and_o sea_n sun_n moon_n and_o star_n of_o morn_n the_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o the_o bulky_a frame_n ferment_v all_o the_o mass_n and_o from_o thence_o come_v tree_n flower_n bird_n beast_n thence_o also_o mankind_n spring_v with_o whatsoever_o be_v in_o the_o ocean_n the_o like_a he_o have_v also_o in_o his_o four_o book_n of_o his_o georgic_n what_o opinion_n the_o wise_a of_o the_o roman_n have_v touch_v the_o heathen_a god_n can_v be_v better_a learn_v then_o from_o cato_n in_o lucan_n who_o be_v 9_o lucan_n l._n 9_o reduce_v to_o great_a extremity_n in_o the_o desert_n of_o libya_n be_v advise_v by_o labienus_n to_o consult_v the_o oracle_n of_o hamon_n be_v then_o near_o unto_o it_o to_o which_o cato_n most_o christian_a like_o reply_v god_n throne_n be_v the_o earth_n the_o sea_n the_o air_n and_o heaven_n and_o above_o all_o a_o mind_n to_o virtue_n give_v what_o need_v a_o further_a search_n of_o god_n above_o what_o ever_o we_o see_v where_o ever_o we_o be_v there_o be_v jove_n add_v further_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o oracle_n but_o death_n which_o can_v make_v he_o certain_a and_o without_o more_o ado_n he_o continue_v on_o his_o march_n never_o offer_v so_o much_o as_o once_o to_o salute_v jupiter_n in_o short_a whosoever_o shall_v consider_v what_o the_o wise_a of_o the_o heathen_a speak_v concern_v a_o deity_n though_o they_o sometime_o use_v the_o word_n jupiter_n as_o be_v a_o name_n most_o know_v to_o the_o vulgar_a yield_v herein_o as_o i_o have_v say_v to_o the_o style_n and_o custom_n of_o the_o time_n in_o which_o they_o live_v nevertheless_o the_o description_n they_o make_v can_v belong_v to_o none_o but_o to_o the_o only_a true_a and_o immortal_a god_n for_o can_v that_o jupiter_n be_v think_v by_o they_o to_o be_v hominum_fw-la sator_fw-la atque_fw-la deorum_fw-la who_o be_v bear_v in_o crete_n and_o so_o come_v into_o the_o world_n be_v people_v before_o his_o birth_n as_o now_o it_o be_v can_v he_o be_v the_o father_n of_o those_o who_o be_v bear_v before_o himself_o or_o can_v he_o give_v immortality_n and_o divinity_n to_o other_o who_o can_v not_o preserve_v himself_o from_o death_n can_v he_o be_v the_o just_a and_o upright_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n who_o in_o his_o life_n time_n commit_v so_o many_o murder_n rape_n and_o incest_n and_o after_o his_o fictitious_a translation_n cease_v not_o to_o have_v his_o ganymede_n and_o to_o be_v employ_v about_o nothing_o more_o than_o to_o get_v fuel_n for_o his_o lust_n the_o gross_a heathen_a can_v never_o believe_v this_o much_o less_o so_o many_o excellent_a and_o learned_a man_n among_o they_o of_o who_o we_o read_v so_o much_o in_o profane_a story_n some_o be_v of_o opinion_n that_o this_o knowledge_n which_o the_o heathen_a have_v of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v not_o from_o any_o instinct_n of_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n but_o from_o divine_a revelation_n first_o to_o the_o patriarch_n and_o from_o they_o by_o way_n of_o tradition_n deliver_v from_o generation_n to_o generation_n the_o ground_n for_o their_o opinion_n be_v this_o the_o most_o ancient_a author_n who_o testimony_n be_v cite_v in_o this_o argument_n be_v zoroastres_n and_o hermes_n trismegistus_n the_o former_a be_v say_v to_o have_v live_v about_o the_o begin_n of_o the_o chaldean_a empire_n and_o be_v by_o some_o suppose_a to_o have_v be_v the_o son_n or_o nephew_n of_o ham._n whoever_o he_o be_v plutarch_n make_v he_o oser_n tract_n de_fw-fr isid_n &_o oser_n to_o have_v live_v many_o age_n before_o the_o trojan_a war_n he_o be_v say_v also_o to_o have_v institute_v the_o order_n of_o the_o magi_n and_o in_o imitation_n of_o these_o the_o persian_n afterward_o have_v their_o sophi_n these_o magi_n have_v the_o custody_n of_o the_o emperor_n archive_v register_n the_o action_n of_o their_o life_n and_o be_v account_v as_o oracle_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n as_o for_o mercurius_n trismegistus_n he_o be_v a_o egyptian_a and_o of_o the_o great_a antiquity_n in_o the_o work_n which_o bear_v his_o name_n he_o seem_v to_o speak_v as_o clear_o of_o the_o divine_a mystery_n as_o moses_n himself_o now_o the_o egyptian_n and_o the_o chaldean_n be_v ever_o account_v by_o all_o profane_a as_o well_o as_o sacred_a historian_n to_o have_v be_v the_o most_o ancient_a of_o all_o nation_n and_o we_o find_v in_o scripture_n that_o it_o be_v with_o these_o nation_n the_o patriarch_n have_v great_a commerce_n for_o abraham_n live_v for_o some_o time_n among_o the_o chaldee_n and_o in_o egypt_n where_o the_o child_n of_o jacob_n also_o with_o their_o posterity_n sojourn_v for_o some_o age_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n then_o that_o these_o two_o nation_n shall_v have_v so_o early_a a_o knowledge_n of_o sacred_a mystery_n as_o also_o of_o all_o other_o kind_n of_o learning_n from_o egypt_n it_o be_v that_o the_o greek_n take_v their_o light_n orpheus_n the_o most_o ancient_a author_n among_o they_o visit_v egypt_n and_o search_v into_o all_o their_o sacred_a record_n next_o after_o he_o be_v pythagoras_n who_o not_o only_o travel_v into_o egypt_n but_o into_o chaldea_n also_o and_o it_o be_v from_o pythagoras_n chief_o that_o plato_n take_v his_o notion_n as_o the_o poet_n from_o orpheus_n so_o that_o the_o near_o they_o be_v to_o the_o original_a the_o better_a always_o be_v their_o copy_n but_o whatsoever_o knowledge_n the_o ancient_n have_v by_o this_o way_n of_o tradition_n certain_a it_o be_v that_o they_o can_v not_o but_o receive_v much_o light_n too_o from_o the_o book_n of_o nature_n for_o reason_n tell_v we_o that_o whatsoever_o have_v a_o beginning_n must_v have_v it_o either_o from_o itself_o or_o from_o some_o other_o not_o from_o itself_o for_o than_o must_v it_o have_v have_v a_o existence_n before_o it_o have_v a_o existence_n the_o thing_n which_o produce_v another_o be_v ever_o before_o that_o which_o be_v produce_v but_o if_o it_o have_v its_o beginning_n from_o something_o else_o and_o that_o from_o another_o and_o so_o on_o we_o must_v either_o make_v a_o infinite_a progress_n in_o natural_a production_n which_o be_v utter_o impossible_a for_o no_o infinite_a can_v actual_o be_v make_v up_o of_o finite_a action_n or_o we_o must_v at_o length_n resolve_v all_o into_o one_o first_o cause_n which_o in_o itself_o be_v without_o beginning_n which_o can_v be_v no_o other_o than_o god_n let_v a_o man_n turn_v himself_o which_o way_n soever_o he_o please_v he_o shall_v find_v a_o vast_a expanse_n of_o creature_n before_o his_o eye_n he_o see_v the_o earth_n produce_v every_o live_a thing_n and_o plant_n in_o their_o season_n and_o yield_v all_o thing_n useful_a for_o the_o life_n of_o man._n he_o see_v the_o heaven_n beautify_v with_o innumerable_a star_n of_o vast_a bulk_n and_o purity_n he_o see_v those_o glorious_a luminary_n the_o sun_n and_o moon_n he_o see_v all_o these_o celestial_a body_n how_o they_o be_v most_o regular_a and_o perpetual_a in_o their_o motion_n most_o unchangeable_a in_o their_o nature_n and_o of_o wonderful_a influence_n
and_o particular_a as_o relate_v to_o the_o action_n and_o course_n of_o every_o individual_a person_n moreover_o the_o notion_n of_o providence_n be_v twofold_n the_o first_o be_v natural_a by_o which_o god_n provide_v all_o thing_n necessary_a for_o the_o life_n and_o sustenance_n of_o man._n the_o second_o be_v moral_a which_o may_v more_o proper_o be_v call_v previde_v be_v no_o other_o than_o the_o secret_a end_n propose_v by_o god_n for_o his_o concurrence_n with_o man_n in_o all_o his_o action_n which_o be_v they_o never_o so_o irregular_a unjust_a or_o vicious_a from_o the_o evil_n end_v propose_v by_o man_n be_v by_o the_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n make_v to_o be_v the_o instrument_n of_o good_a beyond_o the_o intention_n of_o second_o cause_n profane_a story_n be_v not_o so_o apt_a to_o illustrate_v this_o point_n as_o sacred_a writ_n for_o instance_n the_o end_v propose_v by_o jacob_n son_n in_o sell_v joseph_n be_v revenge_n god_n concur_v with_o they_o in_o this_o action_n but_o upon_o other_o end_n design_v to_o make_v this_o unjust_a act_n of_o they_o to_o become_v a_o instrument_n for_o their_o preservation_n as_o appear_v from_o the_o wonderful_a accident_n throughout_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o that_o history_n which_o passage_n also_o be_v a_o type_n of_o what_o befall_v our_o lord_n and_o saviour_n who_o be_v villainous_o sell_v betray_v and_o barbarous_o put_v to_o death_n by_o the_o jew_n to_o all_o which_o god_n concur_v make_v this_o wicked_a act_n of_o they_o to_o be_v the_o sole_a mean_n for_o save_v those_o murderer_n and_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o by_o that_o atonement_n which_o be_v make_v for_o their_o sin_n by_o the_o precious_a blood_n of_o his_o only_a son_n this_o method_n be_v most_o consonant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o great_a demonstration_n of_o his_o divine_a power_n and_o goodness_n than_o to_o be_v able_a to_o convert_v poison_n into_o a_o cordial_n and_o to_o procure_v safety_n out_o of_o that_o which_o will_v natural_o be_v our_o ruin_n but_o that_o we_o may_v the_o better_o understand_v the_o cause_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o god_n operation_n with_o man_n i_o must_v leave_v my_o ordinary_a road_n a_o little_a and_o take_v up_o with_o the_o obscure_a trace_n and_o nicety_n of_o metaphysic_n by_o premise_v some_o few_o proposition_n which_o like_o the_o postulata_fw-la or_o axiom_n in_o the_o mathematics_n must_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v for_o the_o present_a to_o avoid_v the_o long_a digression_n and_o perplexity_n which_o will_v follow_v upon_o a_o particular_a proof_n of_o each_o of_o they_o and_o 1._o god_n from_o all_o eternity_n foresee_v all_o future_a action_n of_o man_n his_o omniscience_n be_v a_o noble_a attribute_n and_o branch_n of_o his_o divine_a nature_n 2._o this_o foreknowledge_n of_o god_n though_o it_o imply_v a_o certainty_n of_o the_o action_n do_v not_o lay_v a_o necessity_n upon_o the_o agent_n no_o more_o than_o my_o foreknowledge_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v rise_v to_o morrow_n morning_n be_v a_o necessary_a cause_n of_o the_o course_n and_o rise_n of_o that_o glorious_a creature_n 3._o that_o god_n influence_n upon_o the_o action_n of_o man_n be_v either_o physical_a or_o moral_a physical_a for_o as_o much_o as_o he_o by_o his_o power_n be_v the_o preserver_n of_o every_o creature_n in_o its_o be_v and_o operation_n and_o this_o power_n extend_v itself_o to_o all_o the_o action_n of_o man_n whether_o natural_a or_o spontaneous_a 2._o moral_a by_o propose_v reward_n and_o punishment_n as_o motive_n to_o excite_v or_o to_o dissuade_v from_o action_n add_v sometime_o his_o positive_a and_o reveal_v command_n together_o with_o his_o assist_a grace_n by_o the_o impulse_n of_o his_o holy_a spirit_n but_o this_o be_v a_o point_n which_o more_o proper_o concern_v divinity_n 4._o that_o god_n have_v give_v man_n a_o freedom_n of_o will_n viz._n a_o power_n to_o choose_v or_o dislike_v upon_o the_o apprehension_n he_o have_v of_o object_n for_o man_n otherwise_o will_v be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a machine_n all_o who_o motion_n whether_o regular_n or_o irregular_a good_a or_o evil_a will_v be_v nothing_o but_o the_o contrivance_n and_o direction_n of_o its_o maker_n and_o will_v be_v repute_v all_o for_o the_o act_n of_o man_n because_o god_n be_v please_v to_o produce_v they_o in_o his_o presence_n which_o be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o say_v that_o the_o feracity_n of_o the_o garden_n be_v a_o act_n of_o the_o water-pot_n because_o the_o water_n do_v run_v through_o it_o by_o which_o the_o gardener_n do_v revive_v his_o flower_n 5._o that_o the_o apprehension_n which_o man_n have_v of_o object_n upon_o which_o he_o form_v his_o act_n of_o choice_n or_o dislike_n be_v many_o time_n cloud_v by_o ignorance_n or_o misguide_v by_o irregular_a passion_n be_v that_o which_o betray_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o evil._n 6._o the_o perpetration_n of_o which_o evil_n be_v no_o further_o forth_o the_o act_n of_o god_n than_o that_o man_n in_o his_o existence_n and_o consequent_o in_o his_o operation_n must_v depend_v upon_o the_o conserve_n power_n of_o his_o creator_n so_o that_o god_n can_v no_o more_o be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o sin_n than_o the_o sea_n who_o nature_n it_o be_v extinguish_a fire_n can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o burn_a and_o ruin_n of_o some_o city_n for_o as_o much_o as_o it_o support_v and_o carry_v up_o the_o ship_n from_o whence_o come_v the_o bomb_n and_o firework_n which_o do_v the_o mischief_n from_o whence_o it_o follow_v also_o that_o the_o commission_n of_o sin_n be_v a_o moral_a action_n terminate_v in_o something_o forbid_v which_o may_v be_v understand_v either_o of_o the_o internal_a act_n of_o the_o will_n propose_v a_o bad_a object_n or_o a_o bad_a end_n or_o else_o of_o the_o external_n action_n or_o execution_n which_o whether_o it_o contain_v any_o thing_n positive_a in_o its_o nature_n be_v with_o great_a nicety_n dispute_v some_o distinguish_n betwixt_o the_o materiality_n of_o the_o action_n and_o the_o formality_n or_o obliquity_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o regard_n which_o the_o action_n have_v to_o a_o unlawful_a object_n the_o former_a they_o make_v to_o be_v positive_a the_o other_o a_o mere_a privative_a though_o this_o latter_a seem_v a_o little_a difficult_a for_o instance_n this_o or_o that_o particular_a act_n of_o murder_n whether_o intend_v or_o execute_v do_v receive_v its_o individuality_n and_o be_v from_o the_o object_n on_o which_o it_o be_v terminate_v so_o that_o this_o particular_a act_n or_o action_n itself_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o very_a termination_n on_o such_o a_o undue_a object_n and_o in_o which_o consist_v they_o say_v the_o very_a formality_n and_o obliquity_n of_o sin_n in_o the_o last_o place_n this_o propensity_n in_o action_n whether_o good_a or_o evil_a whatsoever_o it_o be_v be_v not_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o creature_n since_o even_o by_o divine_a power_n it_o can_v subsist_v of_o itself_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o thought_n without_o something_o which_o think_v and_o something_o which_o be_v think_v upon_o or_o a_o action_n without_o a_o agent_n and_o a_o object_n it_o be_v therefore_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o a_o relation_n which_o can_v be_v say_v only_o to_o have_v a_o improper_a and_o denominative_a reality_n for_o as_o much_o as_o the_o term_n relate_v be_v real_a thing_n from_o these_o point_n thus_o premise_v some_o rational_a answer_n may_v be_v give_v to_o such_o difficulty_n as_o shall_v occur_v in_o our_o further_a consideration_n of_o divine_a providence_n over_o human_a action_n resume_v therefore_o the_o distribution_n which_o i_o make_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o this_o chapter_n we_o be_v first_o to_o consider_v god_n providence_n in_o relation_n to_o great_a body_n or_o civil_a community_n or_o as_o it_o extend_v itself_o to_o the_o establishment_n and_o revolution_n of_o kingdom_n to_o prove_v this_o we_o need_v no_o more_o but_o to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o nature_n and_o attribute_n of_o god_n who_o as_o it_o have_v be_v already_o demonstrate_v be_v omnipotent_a and_o give_v life_n and_o power_n to_o every_o creature_n in_o all_o its_o motion_n and_o tendency_n as_o for_o epicurus_n his_o reason_n they_o be_v foolish_a when_o he_o endeavour_v to_o show_v that_o it_o be_v beneath_o the_o grandeur_n of_o a_o deity_n to_o concern_v itself_o in_o the_o transaction_n of_o man_n and_o that_o the_o multiplicity_n and_o contrariety_n of_o occurrence_n will_v be_v a_o interruption_n to_o that_o tranquillity_n which_o be_v so_o essential_a to_o that_o happy_a state_n where_o there_o be_v nothing_o but_o quiet_a and_o serenity_n these_o notion_n of_o epicurus_n so_o soft_a and_o gentle_a so_o smooth_a and_o enchant_a will_v suit_v
from_o god_n since_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o people_n which_o be_v de_fw-fr jure_fw-la naturae_fw-la can_v be_v resume_v and_o transfer_v upon_o any_o succeed_a capacity_n as_o long_o as_o that_o be_v in_o be_v on_o which_o they_o confer_v their_o right_n at_o first_o chap._n viii_o of_o god_n influence_n on_o human_a action_n and_o here_o i_o must_v beg_v my_o reader_n leave_v to_o digress_v a_o little_a from_o the_o method_n i_o propose_v viz._n not_o to_o meddle_v with_o argument_n of_o sacred_a authority_n till_o such_o time_n as_o by_o the_o thread_n of_o this_o discourse_n i_o shall_v be_v bring_v to_o speak_v of_o reveal_v religion_n and_o particular_o the_o christian_n but_o so_o it_o be_v that_o i_o can_v make_v any_o further_a progress_n till_o such_o time_n as_o some_o difficulty_n be_v remove_v which_o seem_v to_o obviate_v our_o intend_a method_n under_o a_o appearance_n of_o be_v found_v or_o to_o speak_v more_o proper_o confound_v in_o god_n providential_a order_n for_o whosoever_o shall_v look_v back_o a_o little_a upon_o the_o government_n of_o the_o late_a usurper_n can_v but_o meet_v with_o many_o pretend_a luminary_n i_o shall_v say_v incendiary_n of_o those_o time_n who_o endeavour_v to_o father_n the_o revolution_n upon_o god_n singular_a and_o gracious_a providence_n and_o so_o make_v it_o to_o be_v of_o divine_a authority_n and_o because_o such_o revolution_n may_v happen_v again_o it_o will_v not_o be_v amiss_o to_o examine_v this_o doctrine_n by_o the_o weight_n and_o measure_n of_o the_o sanctuary_n and_o that_o we_o may_v do_v this_o it_o will_v be_v proper_a to_o inquire_v a_o little_a as_o far_o as_o our_o shallow_a reason_n will_v permit_v into_o the_o manner_n of_o god_n operation_n in_o the_o mind_n and_o with_o the_o action_n of_o men._n that_o we_o may_v understand_v the_o question_n therefore_o aright_o i_o shall_v premise_v two_o thing_n first_o that_o i_o shall_v not_o in_o this_o place_n discourse_n of_o evangelical_n work_v or_o grace_n but_o of_o moral_a duty_n nor_o yet_o of_o such_o as_o be_v moral_o good_a but_o of_o such_o rather_o as_o be_v moral_o bad_a and_o of_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o they_o rise_v in_o the_o next_o place_n that_o in_o regard_n to_o human_a action_n the_o efficient_a cause_n be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o physical_a or_o such_o by_o which_o the_o substance_n or_o matter_n of_o the_o action_n as_o i_o may_v say_v with_o leave_n from_o logic_n be_v produce_v there_o be_v also_o another_o kind_n of_o efficient_a cause_n and_o that_o be_v moral_a as_o where_o one_o invite_v another_o to_o a_o action_n by_o propose_v a_o reward_n or_o by_o counsel_v or_o exciting_a his_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o make_v such_o a_o choice_n also_o the_o final_a cause_n which_o be_v term_v by_o some_o the_o objective_n come_v under_o this_o denomination_n forasmuch_o as_o the_o end_n or_o object_n in_o all_o animal_n and_o human_a action_n do_v influence_n the_o action_n and_o excite_v move_v and_o by_o a_o kind_n of_o secret_a force_n impel_v he_o to_o act_v for_o the_o obtain_n of_o such_o a_o end_n or_o object_n now_o for_o the_o physical_a influence_n of_o god_n on_o human_a action_n it_o be_v no_o way_n to_o be_v doubt_v that_o he_o concur_v to_o they_o forasmuch_o as_o be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o can_v act_v without_o he_o but_o this_o kind_n of_o influence_n be_v general_a and_o regard_v all_o human_a action_n not_o as_o good_a or_o bad_a but_o pure_o as_o the_o action_n of_o his_o creature_n like_o the_o influence_n of_o the_o sun_n which_o indifferent_o shine_v upon_o the_o earth_n and_o serve_v to_o nourish_v and_o to_o mature_a hurtful_a as_o well_o as_o wholesome_a plant_n the_o stress_n then_o of_o the_o question_n be_v conversant_a about_o a_o moral_a agency_n as_o whether_o god_n do_v excite_v the_o will_n and_o affection_n to_o sinful_a action_n by_o impel_v they_o thereunto_o by_o propose_v undue_a object_n or_o by_o obstruct_v they_o from_o make_v any_o other_o choice_n the_o great_a doctor_n and_o divine_a of_o his_o time_n and_o who_o draw_v great_a number_n after_o he_o john_n calvin_n seem_v to_o have_v lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o those_o many_o erroneous_a opinion_n touch_v providence_n in_o some_o bold_a and_o heterodox_n assertion_n of_o god_n be_v the_o author_n and_o first_o mover_n of_o man_n to_o all_o sinful_a action_n deny_v he_o not_o only_o a_o liberty_n of_o do_v good_a but_o of_o decline_a evil_n so_o that_o whatsoever_o sin_n any_o man_n commit_v do_v not_o proceed_v from_o the_o man_n be_v own_o free_a choice_n for_o then_o he_o may_v have_v decline_v it_o but_o from_o a_o predetermination_n in_o god_n who_o do_v actual_o excite_v he_o to_o the_o commission_n of_o it_o this_o he_o profess_o and_o strenuous_o affirm_v in_o teach_v that_o man_n do_v nothing_o 1_o calv_v lib._n 1._o institut_fw-la c._n 18._o sect._n 1_o but_o by_o the_o secret_a approbation_n of_o god_n nor_o act_v any_o thing_n with_o deliberation_n but_o what_o he_o himself_o have_v before_o decree_v and_o by_o his_o secret_a direction_n have_v constitute_v as_o be_v full_o prove_v by_o innumberable_a and_o clear_a testimony_n and_o a_o little_a before_o he_o say_v it_o may_v seem_v absurd_a perhaps_o that_o by_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o god_n a_o man_n shall_v be_v make_v blind_a for_o which_o blindness_n he_o afterward_o suffer_v punishment_n this_o they_o endeavour_v to_o evade_v by_o say_v that_o be_v do_v by_o the_o permission_n not_o by_o the_o will_n of_o god_n but_o whilst_o god_n declare_v open_o that_o he_o himself_o do_v it_o this_o evasion_n be_v baffle_v likewise_o speak_v of_o the_o assyrian_n who_o god_n make_v use_v of_o for_o the_o chastisement_n of_o judah_n he_o say_v they_o be_v impel_v by_o the_o will_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n i_o confess_v say_v he_o 2._o ibid._n sect._n 2._o god_n many_o time_n act_n in_o the_o reprobate_n by_o make_v use_n also_o of_o satan_n labour_n but_o yet_o so_o far_o only_o as_o it_o be_v permit_v to_o satan_n to_o move_v in_o it_o by_o the_o impulse_n of_o god_n o_o strange_a we_o have_v think_v that_o satan_n have_v be_v forward_o enough_o of_o himself_o to_o tempt_v we_o to_o sin_n and_o that_o he_o need_v not_o to_o be_v push_v on_o to_o it_o by_o god_n but_o to_o proceed_v he_o exempt_v satan_n from_o be_v any_o other_o than_o the_o tool_n or_o instrument_n which_o god_n make_v use_v of_o to_o effect_v wicked_a purpose_n it_o be_v say_v 2_o cor._n 4._o continue_v calvin_n that_o satan_n 4._o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o or_o the_o god_n of_o this_o world_n have_v blind_v the_o mind_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v not_o but_o how_o can_v this_o be_v unless_o the_o efficacy_n of_o the_o error_n proceed_v from_o god_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n it_o be_v that_o calvin_n expound_v that_o place_n of_o st._n paul_n 2_o thes_n 2._o that_o the_o efficacy_n of_o error_n 2._o lib._n 1._o inst_z cap._n 18._o sect._n 2._o or_o of_o be_v seduce_v be_v infuse_v by_o god_n to_o the_o end_n that_o they_o may_v believe_v a_o lie_n who_o obey_v not_o the_o truth_n and_o in_o this_o sense_n also_o it_o be_v that_o he_o explain_v that_o passage_n of_o the_o fourteen_o of_o ezekiel_n and_o if_o a_o prophet_n be_v deceive_v when_o he_o have_v speak_v a_o thing_n i_o the_o lord_n have_v deceive_v that_o prophet_n as_o for_o example_n he_o produce_v that_o of_o shimei_n curse_v david_n of_o absalom_n lie_v with_o his_o father_n concubine_n of_o the_o lie_a spirit_n which_o deceive_v the_o prophet_n and_o by_o they_o ahab_n to_o the_o end_n he_o may_v perish_v at_o ramoth-gilead_n of_o satan_n misuse_v job_n with_o many_o other_o passage_n of_o the_o like_a nature_n all_o which_o he_o pretend_v to_o have_v proceed_v effectual_o from_o god_n and_o that_o the_o devil_n be_v only_o the_o instrument_n as_o be_v say_v before_o to_o execute_v what_o god_n have_v command_v and_o to_o prevent_v that_o answer_n which_o divine_v common_o make_v to_o such_o objection_n viz._n that_o god_n may_v be_v say_v to_o harden_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o to_o infatuate_a and_o darken_v their_o understanding_n and_o mind_n by_o withdraw_v his_o spirit_n and_o grace_n and_o to_o leave_v man_n to_o their_o natural_a blindness_n and_o imperfection_n this_o he_o reject_v as_o unsound_a stand_v stiff_o to_o his_o doctrine_n to_o wit_n that_o god_n by_o the_o help_n of_o satan_n do_v destine_v 3_o lib._n 2._o inst_z cap._n 4._o sect._n 3_o the_o counsel_n of_o wicked_a man_n as_o he_o please_v and_o that_o he_o do_v excite_v their_o will_n and_o confirm_v and_o strengthen_v they_o in_o their_o purpose_n and_o for_o those_o who_o be_v of_o another_o opinion_n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o
paul_n full_o show_v hebr._n the_o four_o where_o he_o prove_v also_o that_o the_o promise_a rest_n be_v not_o that_o which_o joshua_n give_v they_o in_o caanan_n far_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o improbable_a that_o god_n shall_v conceal_v this_o important_a truth_n from_o the_o jewish_a father_n to_o the_o end_n their_o faith_n may_v be_v more_o illustrious_a for_o the_o less_o of_o evidence_n the_o great_a be_v the_o excellence_n of_o faith_n as_o st._n paul_n pursue_v at_o large_a through_o the_o 11_o chap._n to_o the_o hebrew_n in_o the_o many_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n record_v of_o the_o jewish_a worthy_n and_o particular_o of_o the_o patriarch_n he_o expound_v it_o that_o they_o see_v the_o promise_v a_o far_o off_o and_o that_o they_o be_v only_o as_o stranger_n and_o pilgrim_n upon_o the_o earth_n seek_v another_o country_n which_o be_v heavenly_a now_o if_o they_o who_o have_v but_o such_o a_o saint_n glimmer_v or_o dawn_v of_o a_o future_a state_n shall_v live_v in_o such_o a_o constant_a dependence_n upon_o god_n providence_n with_o such_o exactness_n of_o moral_a justice_n and_o with_o such_o indifference_n for_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o life_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n command_n be_v a_o thing_n infinite_o more_o noble_a than_o if_o they_o have_v have_v future_a reward_n within_o a_o near_a prospect_n for_o then_o self-interest_n may_v seem_v to_o have_v be_v their_o motive_n whereas_o now_o all_o their_o obedience_n be_v resolve_v into_o the_o will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o their_o almighty_a sovereign_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v that_o abraham_n faith_n be_v so_o high_o recommend_v to_o we_o in_o this_o chapter_n for_o in_o his_o readiness_n to_o sacrifice_v his_o son_n he_o actual_o sacrifice_v all_o the_o affection_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o consideration_n even_o of_o his_o reason_n in_o his_o cheerful_a compliance_n with_o god_n command_n many_o be_v the_o noble_a act_n of_o faith_n record_v of_o these_o famous_a man_n of_o old_a who_o yet_o receive_v not_o the_o promise_n god_n have_v provide_v some_o better_a thing_n for_o we_o that_o they_o without_o we_o shall_v not_o be_v make_v perfect_a in_o short_a the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o soul_n immortality_n be_v teach_v by_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o jesus_n christ_n be_v evident_o deduce_v from_o the_o write_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n it_o follow_v also_o that_o this_o doctrine_n be_v therein_o contain_v as_o to_o its_o cause_n like_v as_o a_o embryo_n in_o the_o womb_n which_o though_o invisible_a for_o a_o while_n be_v in_o its_o due_a time_n to_o be_v bring_v forth_o and_o be_v make_v manifest_a to_o the_o world_n another_o objection_n from_o scripture_n against_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n may_v be_v ground_v upon_o that_o passage_n of_o genesis_n the_o 9th_o whereby_o god_n speak_v of_o man_n say_v 9th_o gen._n 9th_o sure_o the_o blood_n of_o your_o life_n will_v i_o require_v at_o the_o hand_n of_o every_o beast_n will_v i_o require_v it_o etc._n etc._n what_o our_o translation_n render_v life_n be_v by_o the_o vulgar_a render_v soul_n or_o the_o blood_n of_o your_o soul_n and_o therefore_o levit._n 17._o it_o be_v say_v that_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o all_o flesh_n be_v the_o blood_n thereof_o and_o for_o that_o reason_n it_o be_v that_o blood_n be_v prohibit_v as_o be_v the_o life_n or_o soul_n of_o every_o live_a creature_n now_o if_o the_o life_n or_o soul_n be_v the_o blood_n or_o in_o the_o blood_n as_o the_o phrase_n be_v use_v promiscuous_o it_o follow_v that_o proportionable_o to_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n the_o soul_n also_o be_v effusible_a and_o consequent_o divisible_a and_o mortal_a to_o this_o it_o be_v answer_v that_o scripture_n phrase_n be_v not_o to_o be_v take_v according_a to_o the_o strict_a notion_n of_o philosophy_n but_o according_a to_o the_o apprehension_n and_o customary_a speech_n of_o those_o they_o be_v direct_v to_o for_o so_o it_o be_v that_o whilst_o we_o see_v life_n depart_v leisurely_o upon_o the_o effusion_n of_o blood_n we_o say_v common_o that_o the_o soul_n depart_v with_o it_o forasmuch_o as_o the_o spirit_n which_o be_v the_o great_a instrument_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v recruit_v by_o the_o blood_n which_o upon_o this_o consideration_n also_o may_v be_v say_v to_o be_v the_o vehicle_n of_o life_n but_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v life_n itself_o but_o in_o a_o improper_a sense_n for_o though_o upon_o a_o evacuation_n of_o the_o blood_n the_o soul_n or_o life_n depart_v so_o the_o soul_n or_o life_n may_v depart_v also_o the_o blood_n still_o remain_v in_o the_o body_n without_o any_o notable_a diminution_n or_o alteration_n the_o next_o prejudice_n against_o the_o immortality_n of_o the_o soul_n be_v ground_v upon_o the_o birth_n growth_n progress_n and_o decay_v we_o observe_v usual_o of_o its_o operation_n conformable_a to_o the_o several_a stage_n of_o life_n reason_n we_o see_v do_v begin_v to_o disclose_v itself_o in_o childhood_n and_o although_o some_o man_n have_v a_o great_a share_n of_o it_o than_o other_o yet_o upon_o the_o main_a it_o seem_v to_o borrow_v its_o improvement_n from_o the_o different_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o man_n and_o the_o several_a method_n of_o education_n nay_o some_o country_n have_v a_o influence_n upon_o the_o genius_n of_o man_n more_o than_o other_o and_o incline_v they_o to_o more_o manlike_a and_o regular_a thought_n and_o render_v they_o quick_a witted_a and_o subtle_a if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v endow_v natural_o with_o such_o excellent_a gift_n why_o do_v it_o not_o manifest_v the_o same_o without_o so_o much_o cultivation_n and_o expense_n without_o so_o much_o diligence_n and_o study_n and_o as_o fast_o as_o we_o acquire_v the_o knowledge_n of_o some_o thing_n we_o forget_v other_o so_o that_o all_o the_o production_n of_o the_o mind_n be_v rather_o the_o effect_n of_o art_n than_o of_o nature_n we_o see_v also_o when_o the_o body_n be_v most_o athletic_a the_o mind_n also_o be_v most_o vigorous_a and_o as_o the_o body_n decay_v by_o age_n or_o sickness_n so_o the_o function_n of_o the_o soul_n languish_v also_o and_o by_o all_o the_o experiment_n we_o can_v make_v be_v total_o suppress_v by_o death_n beside_o if_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v immortal_a how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o it_o have_v natural_o such_o a_o horror_n of_o death_n whereas_o it_o shall_v rather_o rejoice_v at_o its_o approach_n as_o the_o only_a mean_n of_o its_o deliverance_n from_o that_o obscurity_n and_o restraint_n it_o be_v subject_a to_o in_o the_o body_n from_o which_o be_v once_o release_v it_o be_v say_v to_o enjoy_v a_o perfect_a and_o unchangeable_a state_n of_o bliss_n to_o the_o latter_a part_n of_o this_o objection_n it_o be_v answer_v that_o the_o fear_n which_o seize_v usual_o on_o die_a man_n be_v the_o best_a argument_n in_o the_o world_n to_o prove_v the_o soul_n immortality_n for_o die_a man_n can_v never_o have_v such_o a_o fear_n have_v they_o not_o apprehension_n of_o a_o future_a state_n as_o also_o of_o its_o duration_n and_o immutability_n so_o that_o these_o consideration_n be_v incident_a to_o man_n of_o all_o condition_n age_n country_n and_o persuasion_n prove_v sufficient_o that_o they_o be_v inherent_a and_o natural_a to_o the_o soul_n as_o gravity_n levity_n and_o such_o like_a inclination_n of_o body_n do_v demonstrate_v there_o be_v another_o region_n without_o they_o to_o which_o they_o natural_o tend_v be_v the_o soul_n of_o man_n as_o well_o as_o his_o body_n extinguishable_a by_o death_n to_o die_v will_v be_v no_o more_o than_o to_o close_v up_o all_o the_o labour_n of_o a_o tedious_a life_n in_o one_o find_v and_o eternal_a sleep_n a_o thing_n which_o all_o man_n natural_o will_v rather_o covet_v than_o abhor_v but_o when_o a_o depart_a soul_n feel_v a_o inward_a agony_n and_o labour_n betwixt_o hope_n and_o fear_n it_o show_v it_o be_v approach_v towards_o a_o future_a state_n of_o happiness_n or_o woe_n the_o apprehension_n whereof_o can_v choose_v but_o fill_v it_o with_o some_o amazement_n and_o distraction_n as_o to_o the_o other_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n viz._n that_o the_o power_n of_o the_o soul_n do_v rise_v and_o fall_v proportionable_o to_o the_o improvement_n and_o delay_n of_o nature_n therefore_o they_o must_v perish_v with_o it_o i_o answer_v this_o do_v by_o no_o mean_n follow_v a_o candle_n burn_v bright_a or_o dim_a as_o the_o glass_n or_o lantern_n which_o contain_v it_o be_v more_o clear_a or_o cloudy_a and_o yet_o the_o light_n will_v not_o be_v extinguish_v though_o the_o brittle_a case_n be_v break_v but_o on_o the_o contrary_a it_o will_v appear_v with_o a_o full_a lustre_n and_o diffuse_v its_o beam_n without_o confinement_n when_o we_o see_v one_o of_o those_o float_a castle_n of_o the_o sea_n