it_o so_o that_o in_o the_o true_a account_n of_o thing_n when_o man_n betake_v themselves_o to_o this_o weapon_n against_o any_o cause_n it_o be_v a_o plain_a confession_n that_o it_o be_v liable_a to_o no_o real_a exception_n and_o if_o the_o heathen_n have_v think_v that_o they_o be_v furnish_v with_o matter_n of_o sufficient_a argument_n against_o christianity_n itself_o they_o will_v never_o have_v load_v it_o with_o the_o pretend_a bad_a practice_n of_o its_o professor_n but_o for_o want_v of_o more_o material_a objection_n they_o be_v force_v upon_o these_o indirect_a course_n for_o what_o be_v it_o to_o the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o the_o religion_n itself_o whether_o those_o that_o pretend_v to_o it_o live_v not_o up_o to_o its_o principle_n if_o indeed_o the_o principle_n themselves_o be_v bad_a than_o the_o practice_n that_o follow_v from_o they_o be_v a_o pertinent_a objection_n against_o their_o entertainment_n but_o otherwise_o if_o man_n that_o own_o good_a principle_n live_v bad_a life_n that_o concern_v not_o their_o principle_n but_o themselves_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o accusation_n against_o the_o christian_n have_v be_v true_a they_o be_v of_o no_o concernment_n in_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n itself_o and_o so_o deserve_v no_o consideration_n in_o this_o argument_n yet_o because_o they_o be_v make_v use_n of_o to_o blind_v the_o eye_n of_o the_o people_n by_o possess_v they_o with_o a_o hatred_n of_o all_o those_o that_o may_v convince_v they_o i_o shall_v give_v a_o brief_a account_n of_o they_o because_o that_o will_v be_v another_o distinct_a reason_n for_o the_o unbelief_n of_o so_o many_o man_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n notwithstanding_o that_o evidence_n of_o demonstration_n that_o christianity_n bring_v along_o with_o it_o i_o shall_v say_v nothing_o of_o the_o outcry_n of_o atheism_n though_o that_o make_v the_o great_a noise_n because_o i_o have_v account_v for_o that_o already_o only_o i_o can_v but_o observe_v that_o the_o imputation_n of_o this_o crime_n to_o the_o christian_n be_v not_o more_o absurd_a than_o their_o method_n of_o convict_v they_o be_v unjust_a for_o their_o crime_n be_v so_o much_o take_v for_o grant_v that_o they_o never_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v after_o any_o proof_n but_o the_o mere_a name_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v take_v for_o a_o full_a conviction_n and_o if_o any_o man_n own_a it_o that_o without_o any_o far_a trial_n pass_v for_o a_o confession_n of_o atheism_n and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o all_o the_o christian_a apologist_n complain_v of_o that_o only_o the_o name_n shall_v be_v persecute_v and_o for_o that_o alone_o they_o shall_v be_v expose_v to_o all_o the_o malice_n and_o cruelty_n of_o their_o enemy_n though_o upon_o the_o vulgar_a supposition_n that_o the_o name_n of_o a_o christian_a be_v synonymous_a with_o that_o of_o a_o atheist_n it_o be_v crime_n enough_o so_o that_o in_o the_o result_n of_o all_o that_o absurd_a supposition_n be_v their_o only_a crime_n but_o beside_o this_o they_o charge_v the_o christian_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o brutishness_n and_o immorality_n thyestaean_a feast_n or_o eat_v their_o own_o child_n at_o their_o private_a meeting_n promiscuous_a lust_n incest_n and_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v beastly_a and_o immodest_a thing_n so_o incredible_a in_o themselves_o that_o they_o can_v never_o gain_v any_o serious_a belief_n with_o wise_a man_n but_o any_o thing_n will_v serve_v turn_n to_o abuse_v the_o rabble_n for_o great_a be_v the_o power_n of_o lie_v as_o we_o of_o this_o age_n know_v by_o too_o sad_a experience_n that_o have_v not_o long_o since_o see_v a_o establish_a church_n and_o state_n mere_o belie_v into_o confusion_n but_o though_o the_o adversary_n of_o christianity_n be_v ashamed_a to_o make_v use_n of_o these_o calumny_n in_o their_o public_a write_n yet_o they_o easy_o serve_v to_o transport_v the_o people_n into_o tumult_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o so_o justify_v any_o illegal_a and_o barbarous_a proceed_n against_o they_o thus_o when_o justin_n martyr_n at_o the_o begin_n of_o his_o conference_n challenge_v trypho_n the_o jew_n whether_o he_o real_o believe_v that_o the_o christian_n eat_v man_n flesh_n and_o put_v out_o the_o candle_n at_o their_o meeting_n to_o run_v together_o into_o promiscuous_a lust_n the_o jew_n be_v a_o pretend_a philosopher_n scorn_v the_o mention_n of_o such_o wild_a story_n as_o unworthy_a any_o wise_a man_n regard_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o that_o these_o very_a story_n do_v the_o business_n with_o the_o people_n upon_o all_o occasion_n thus_o in_o that_o famous_a french_a persecution_n in_o which_o the_o people_n exceed_v their_o own_o usual_a bound_n of_o barbarity_n they_o first_o raise_v these_o report_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o then_o rack_v some_o of_o 1._o their_o heathen_a servant_n till_o they_o vouch_v they_o viz._n that_o they_o use_v the_o feast_n of_o thyestes_n and_o the_o incest_n of_o oedipus_n with_o divers_a other_o enormity_n that_o can_v neither_o be_v think_v of_o nor_o express_v with_o modesty_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o be_v believe_v to_o have_v be_v ever_o practise_v among_o mankind_n and_o yet_o when_o these_o very_a thing_n be_v bruit_v abroad_o among_o the_o the_o people_n they_o be_v with_o one_o consent_n so_o enrage_v and_o incense_v against_o the_o christian_n that_o those_o who_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o neighbourhood_n or_o kindred_n have_v before_o behave_v themselves_o with_o some_o civility_n be_v hereby_o transport_v into_o the_o great_a excess_n of_o violence_n and_o outrage_n neither_o do_v they_o design_n by_o these_o calumny_n to_o cheat_v the_o people_n only_o but_o as_o athenagoras_n complain_v in_o his_o embassy_n to_o the_o emperor_n by_o the_o greatness_n and_o horror_n of_o those_o crime_n that_o be_v so_o vulgar_o report_v of_o they_o they_o kindle_v the_o hatred_n and_o displeasure_n of_o great_a man_n prince_n and_o governor_n and_o that_o be_v the_o main_a design_n of_o that_o excellent_a apology_n to_o demonstrate_v that_o the_o christian_n be_v mere_o slander_v into_o accusation_n and_o that_o the_o slander_n wherewith_o they_o be_v so_o confident_o load_v be_v as_o false_a as_o wicked_a and_o this_o be_v the_o unanimous_a petition_n of_o all_o the_o christian_a apologist_n that_o the_o crime_n object_v against_o they_o may_v be_v examine_v and_o if_o any_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o be_v a_o christian_a be_v find_v guilty_a that_o he_o may_v be_v punish_v with_o the_o utmost_a severity_n of_o law_n but_o if_o they_o prove_v mere_a malicious_a tale_n without_o any_o evidence_n of_o proof_n that_o for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v the_o government_n will_v be_v please_v to_o secure_v they_o from_o such_o barbarous_a wrong_n and_o injury_n we_o only_o beseech_v you_o say_v justin_n martyr_n that_o those_o thing_n charge_v 2._o upon_o the_o christian_n shall_v be_v inquire_v into_o and_o if_o they_o be_v find_v to_o be_v so_o let_v they_o have_v their_o due_a punishment_n nay_o let_v they_o be_v more_o severe_o punish_v than_o other_o man_n but_o if_o not_o guilty_a than_o it_o be_v not_o reasonable_a that_o innocent_a person_n shall_v suffer_v mere_o upon_o report_n and_o clamour_n and_o to_o the_o same_o purpose_n do_v we_o find_v athenagoras_n theophilus_n tatianus_n arnobius_n lactantius_n and_o tertullian_n frequent_o complain_v of_o such_o proceed_n and_o only_o request_v so_o much_o humanity_n from_o they_o that_o they_o may_v have_v the_o favour_n that_o be_v allow_v all_o other_o malefactor_n to_o have_v their_o crime_n examine_v and_o be_v proceed_v against_o according_a to_o evidence_n of_o fact_n nay_o tertullian_n proceed_v so_o far_o as_o to_o make_v himself_o merry_a with_o the_o folly_n of_o their_o tale_n and_o tell_v they_o it_o will_v be_v a_o work_n worthy_a the_o zeal_n of_o some_o officious_a precedent_n to_o find_v out_o such_o a_o lundsford_n christian_n that_o have_v already_o devour_v at_o least_o a_o hundred_o fat_a boy_n for_o his_o own_o share_n o_o quanta_fw-la illius_fw-la proesidis_n gloria_fw-la si_fw-la eruisset_fw-la aliquem_fw-la qui_fw-la centum_fw-la jam_fw-la infant_n comedisset_fw-la i_o know_v that_o the_o father_n plead_v many_o other_o thingsin_n vindication_n of_o their_o innocence_n but_o i_o will_v not_o stuff_v my_o discourse_n with_o more_o quotation_n than_o be_v necessary_a to_o my_o argument_n and_o this_o one_o thing_n that_o i_o have_v represent_v be_v a_o manifest_a demonstration_n of_o the_o injustice_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o their_o enemy_n in_o their_o proceed_n against_o they_o and_o that_o be_v the_o only_a thing_n that_o i_o be_o here_o oblige_v to_o make_v good_a viz._n that_o all_o the_o opposition_n that_o be_v make_v to_o christianity_n be_v make_v upon_o unreasonable_a ground_n and_o by_o unreasonable_a men._n §_o xlii_o this_o may_v suffice_v for_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n that_o be_v
and_o it_o require_v only_a eyesight_n to_o observe_v that_o it_o can_v be_v contrive_v no_o other_o way_n but_o by_o divine_a providence_n but_o when_o i_o pretend_v to_o have_v rout_v all_o the_o mechanic_n philosopher_n it_o be_v so_o far_o from_o presumption_n that_o there_o be_v no_o more_o glory_n in_o it_o than_o in_o the_o conquest_n of_o a_o infant_n and_o indeed_o nothing_o do_v more_o exact_o resemble_v their_o wise_a contrivance_n than_o the_o little_a sport_n and_o work_n of_o child_n for_o just_a as_o they_o make_v their_o play-thing_n so_o do_v these_o grave_a philosopher_n make_v their_o world_n in_o short_a the_o folly_n and_o nonsense_n of_o mere_a mechanism_n or_o account_v for_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n only_o by_o matter_n or_o motion_n or_o any_o other_o second_o cause_n be_v so_o notorious_a that_o all_o the_o philosopher_n in_o the_o world_n never_o be_v nor_o ever_o will_v be_v able_a to_o give_v any_o the_o least_o account_n how_o so_o much_o as_o a_o stone_n shall_v fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o a_o divine_a providence_n this_o may_v seem_v a_o very_a odd_a challenge_n to_o be_v make_v to_o the_o great_a wit_n and_o virtuoso_n of_o mankind_n but_o i_o make_v it_o not_o rash_o and_o have_v thorough_o consider_v all_o their_o attempt_n and_o more_o than_o enough_o demonstrate_v their_o vanity_n and_o be_o sure_a upon_o the_o most_o diligent_a enquiry_n that_o it_o can_v never_o be_v do_v any_o other_o way_n than_o by_o resolve_v it_o into_o the_o force_n of_o magnetism_n than_o which_o in_o all_o the_o universe_n there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o amase_a piece_n of_o divine_a art_n and_o wisdom_n but_o here_o before_o i_o can_v proceed_v to_o what_o ought_v to_o have_v immediate_o follow_v i_o be_o force_v to_o thrust_v in_o a_o kind_n of_o preposterous_a digression_n in_o answer_n to_o a_o very_a mean_a piece_n of_o disingenuity_n that_o i_o have_v late_o meet_v with_o from_o the_o mechanic_n philosopher_n viz._n that_o i_o have_v make_v too_o bold_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o great_a and_o famous_a man_n and_o treat_v those_o that_o have_v be_v admire_v and_o renown_v for_o wisdom_n and_o learning_n in_o all_o age_n as_o if_o they_o be_v void_a of_o common_a sense_n and_o thus_o the_o late_a author_n of_o the_o augmentation_n to_o mr._n hobbs_n his_o life_n 205._o when_o he_o have_v represent_v i_o as_o one_o of_o the_o keen_a and_o unkind_a of_o his_o adversary_n bring_v off_o his_o master_n with_o this_o clean_a compliment_n that_o he_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o take_v it_o unkind_o from_o one_o that_o stick_v not_o to_o treat_v the_o great_a even_n of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n after_o the_o same_o rate_n and_o give_v the_o same_o correction_n even_o to_o the_o great_a aristotle_n himself_o as_o to_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o as_o for_o the_o famous_a de-cartes_n he_o stick_v not_o to_o chastise_v he_o like_o any_o schoolboy_n but_o in_o the_o first_o place_n methinks_v this_o be_v a_o very_a poor_a and_o humble_a objection_n and_o become_v not_o the_o due_a confidence_n of_o a_o philosopher_n for_o it_o be_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n that_o first_o upbraid_v we_o with_o the_o great_a and_o unanswerable_a performance_n of_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o tell_v we_o that_o till_o we_o can_v answer_v he_o we_o may_v preach_v what_o we_o please_v to_o the_o people_n but_o wise_a man_n will_v be_v of_o his_o mind_n and_o yet_o when_o we_o not_o only_o answer_v but_o plain_o demonstrate_v the_o pitiful_a and_o even_o childish_a folly_n of_o his_o pretend_a philosophy_n that_o be_v object_v as_o a_o unpardonable_a rudeness_n to_o so_o learned_a a_o man._n but_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o be_v to_o be_v do_v in_o this_o case_n you_o will_v not_o be_v content_a till_o we_o undertake_v he_o and_o yet_o if_o we_o do_v you_o grow_v angry_a and_o our_o very_a attempt_v it_o be_v make_v our_o crime_n but_o yet_o if_o he_o be_v expose_v it_o be_v none_o of_o our_o fault_n but_o his_o own_o for_o it_o be_v not_o in_o any_o man_n power_n to_o make_v his_o notion_n better_a or_o worse_o than_o they_o be_v and_o if_o we_o represent_v they_o true_o and_o they_o prove_v ridiculous_a we_o can_v help_v it_o but_o if_o we_o do_v not_o it_o will_v be_v somewhat_o to_o the_o purpose_n if_o they_o can_v convince_v we_o of_o so_o unmanly_a a_o piece_n of_o disingenuity_n but_o till_o then_o it_o be_v at_o best_a but_o a_o very_a childish_a thing_n to_o complain_v either_o of_o unkind_a or_o uncivil_a usage_n and_o therefore_o in_o the_o second_o place_n it_o be_v do_v much_o less_o like_o a_o philosopher_n only_o to_o give_v a_o account_n of_o my_o assertion_n against_o mr._n hobbs_n without_o take_v any_o notice_n of_o our_o reason_n and_o argument_n for_o if_o i_o have_v charge_v any_o thing_n upon_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o have_v not_o demonstrative_o prove_v it_o i_o be_o bind_v to_o give_v public_a satisfaction_n to_o his_o memory_n but_o if_o i_o have_v than_o the_o severity_n of_o my_o charge_n be_v no_o fault_n of_o i_o and_o for_o that_o i_o dare_v and_o do_v appeal_v to_o the_o judgement_n of_o all_o impartial_a man_n whether_o i_o have_v not_o prove_v upon_o and_o against_o he_o all_o that_o i_o pretend_v to_o and_o if_o i_o have_v than_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o mr._n hobbs_n have_v assert_v a_o very_a wicked_a cause_n very_o foolish_o but_o last_o it_o be_v do_v still_o much_o less_o like_o a_o philosopher_n to_o load_v i_o with_o that_o invidious_a charge_n of_o traduce_v the_o great_a worthy_n among_o the_o ancient_n for_o i_o know_v no_o one_o quality_n more_o unbecoming_a a_o man_n that_o pretend_v to_o letter_n and_o civility_n than_o a_o envious_a affectation_n of_o find_v fault_n with_o the_o performance_n of_o great_a men._n this_o have_v ever_o be_v the_o creep_a artifice_n of_o small_a people_n to_o make_v themselves_o considerable_a only_o by_o the_o greatness_n of_o their_o adversary_n and_o it_o be_v a_o practice_n that_o i_o detest_v as_o i_o do_v slander_n or_o perjury_n and_o if_o they_o can_v but_o assign_v one_o instance_n in_o which_o i_o have_v in_o the_o least_o wrong_a any_o learned_a man_n they_o shall_v not_o be_v so_o forward_o to_o show_v it_o as_o i_o will_v be_v to_o confess_v it_o but_o otheways_o to_o insinuate_v that_o i_o spare_v not_o the_o great_a even_n of_o the_o ancient_a hero_n be_v to_o say_v no_o worse_o but_o a_o sneak_a way_n of_o encounter_v a_o enemy_n and_o indeed_o a_o inward_a confession_n of_o the_o want_n of_o some_o better_a reply_n for_o if_o they_o think_v they_o be_v able_a to_o overthrow_v argument_n in_o fair_a combat_n they_o will_v scorn_v to_o betake_v themselves_o to_o such_o skulk_a artifices_fw-la for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v the_o whole_a merit_n of_o the_o cause_n will_v rest_v upon_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o i_o have_v oppose_v or_o confute_v any_o of_o the_o ancient_a philosopher_n upon_o good_a and_o substantial_a ground_n i_o have_v do_v they_o no_o wrong_n in_o do_v truth_n right_n if_o otherwise_o i_o have_v not_o real_o injure_v they_o but_o myself_o and_o it_o be_v in_o these_o gentleman_n power_n that_o make_v the_o complaint_n to_o demonstrate_v the_o falsehood_n or_o the_o folly_n of_o my_o opposition_n but_o till_o then_o i_o think_v it_o become_v not_o the_o state_n and_o grandeur_n of_o a_o philosopher_n to_o condescend_v to_o such_o poor_a topic_n of_o insinuation_n but_o if_o they_o will_v do_v so_o it_o be_v all_o one_o to_o i_o for_o my_o only_a design_n be_v the_o pursuit_n of_o real_a truth_n i_o mean_v not_o useless_a and_o barren_a speculation_n but_o such_o as_o be_v serviceable_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o be_v all_o the_o learning_n or_o wisdom_n that_o i_o care_v for_o and_o if_o any_o man_n stand_v in_o my_o way_n though_o it_o be_v aristotle_n or_o de-cartes_n epicurus_n or_o mr._n hobbs_n friend_n or_o foe_n yea_o though_o it_o be_v m._n tullius_n himself_o yes_o though_o it_o be_v a_o angel_n from_o heaven_n i_o must_v on_o and_o if_o i_o be_o force_v to_o justle_v they_o out_o of_o my_o way_n i_o can_v help_v it_o for_o i_o be_o resolve_v never_o to_o leave_v it_o myself_o however_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n for_o mechanic_n philosopher_n to_o complain_v of_o be_v a_o little_a deride_v when_o they_o so_o wanton_o and_o affect_o expose_v themselves_o to_o it_o for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o the_o witty_a man_n to_o come_v off_o with_o better_a success_n that_o when_o we_o see_v the_o whole_a world_n frame_v with_o such_o admirable_a art_n and_o wisdom_n shall_v undertake_v to_o teach_v the_o senseless_a material_n of_o which_o it_o be_v make_v to_o be_v their_o own_o architect_n i_o will_v
easy_a matter_n the_o law_n be_v force_v to_o pass_v judgement_n on_o the_o wrong_a side_n but_o beside_o the_o injury_n of_o fraud_n the_o great_a misery_n bring_v upon_o mankind_n by_o injustice_n be_v support_v by_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o in_o such_o case_n the_o tyrant_n and_o oppressor_n defy_v all_o discovery_n and_o though_o he_o care_v not_o if_o all_o the_o world_n see_v his_o wickedness_n yet_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v pretend_v to_o have_v his_o eye_n open_a he_o shall_v forfeit_v his_o head_n for_o the_o boldness_n of_o his_o eyesight_n so_o that_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a state_n of_o thing_n the_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n have_v provide_v neither_o sufficient_a reward_n for_o justice_n and_o honesty_n nor_o restraint_n from_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o if_o he_o have_v not_o than_o he_o have_v lay_v no_o effectual_a obligation_n upon_o mankind_n to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a for_o the_o force_n of_o every_o command_n depend_v upon_o its_o sanction_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o have_v enjoin_v this_o duty_n and_o have_v not_o back_v it_o with_o sufficient_a motive_n of_o obedience_n he_o have_v only_o enact_v useless_a and_o ineffectual_a law_n in_o short_a the_o only_a difference_n between_o the_o man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o the_o man_n that_o be_v not_o be_v mere_o this_o that_o the_o one_o prefer_v his_o duty_n before_o his_o present_a interest_n and_o the_o other_o his_o present_a interest_n before_o his_o duty_n for_o if_o he_o observe_v the_o rule_n of_o justice_n only_o so_o far_o as_o they_o conduce_v to_o his_o own_o end_n than_o whenever_o they_o happen_v to_o thwart_v he_o be_v oblige_v to_o quit_v his_o duty_n rather_o than_o his_o interest_n and_o when_o he_o do_v so_o he_o be_v so_o far_o destitute_a of_o all_o principle_n of_o honesty_n that_o he_o be_v entire_o govern_v by_o the_o fundamental_a maxim_n of_o fraud_n and_o oppression_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o only_a difference_n that_o distinguish_v good_a and_o bad_a man_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v what_o motive_n or_o reason_n a_o good_a man_n have_v to_o pursue_v his_o duty_n when_o contrary_a to_o his_o interest_n or_o a_o bad_a man_n have_v to_o quit_v his_o interest_n out_o of_o respect_n to_o his_o duty_n if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o state_n of_o thing_n than_o the_o present_a and_o therefore_o without_o immortality_n justice_n be_v so_o far_o from_o deserve_v our_o regard_n in_o all_o case_n that_o in_o many_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o nature_n that_o be_v self-love_n in_o that_o it_o oblige_v a_o man_n to_o act_v cross_a to_o that_o without_o any_o reason_n or_o recompense_v for_o his_o so_o do_v and_o therefore_o see_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o those_o many_o and_o plain_a law_n of_o justice_n that_o i_o have_v discover_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n in_o the_o precedent_a discourse_n it_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o upon_o that_o supposition_n those_o law_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v must_v be_v abet_v with_o the_o reward_n and_o punishment_n of_o a_o future_a state_n because_o those_o of_o this_o if_o take_v alone_o and_o separate_a from_o those_o of_o that_o be_v not_o of_o sufficient_a force_n and_o validity_n and_o as_o justice_n the_o most_o necessary_a so_o fortitude_n the_o most_o noble_a of_o all_o virtue_n will_v have_v no_o foundation_n upon_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n or_o rather_o will_v sink_v together_o with_o they_o for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o justice_n to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v any_o man_n run_v himself_o into_o hazard_n and_o hardship_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o that_o be_v the_o only_a office_n of_o magnanimity_n which_o when_o separate_v from_o a_o good_a cause_n be_v no_o more_o than_o folly_n and_o fool-hardiness_n and_o in_o a_o bad_a cause_n be_v no_o better_a than_o cruelty_n and_o oppression_n and_o beside_o this_o as_o every_o virtue_n must_v have_v some_o principle_n to_o warrant_v its_o wisdom_n and_o reasonableness_n so_o above_o all_o other_o magnanimity_n because_o it_o put_v we_o upon_o the_o severe_a and_o hard_a service_n and_o do_v more_o than_o any_o virtue_n beside_o endanger_v our_o own_o interest_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o duty_n but_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o interest_n than_o that_o of_o this_o life_n it_o be_v apparent_a madness_n for_o any_o man_n to_o hazard_v life_n and_o fortune_n and_o all_o that_o be_v dear_a to_o he_o here_o for_o any_o thing_n whatsoever_o when_o all_o other_o motive_n that_o can_v be_v propose_v to_o he_o be_v of_o less_o concernment_n to_o himself_o than_o his_o own_o self-preservation_n beside_o true_a magnanimity_n bottom_n all_o its_o courage_n and_o assurance_n upon_o no_o other_o principle_n than_o the_o conscience_n of_o its_o own_o integrity_n it_o be_v that_o alone_a that_o give_v a_o man_n a_o sufficiency_n and_o satisfaction_n from_o himself_o that_o raise_v he_o to_o a_o contempt_n of_o all_o outward_a thing_n that_o make_v he_o searfull_a of_o all_o assault_n and_o danger_n and_o that_o support_v he_o under_o all_o loss_n and_o misfortune_n as_o esteem_v all_o thing_n whatsoever_o as_o mean_v and_o worthless_a trifle_n in_o comparison_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o its_o own_o reflection_n but_o then_o as_o conscience_n be_v the_o only_a support_n of_o courage_n so_o be_v immortality_n of_o conscience_n for_o that_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n act_v with_o reference_n to_o the_o future_a judgement_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o from_o thence_o alone_o it_o derive_v all_o its_o force_n and_o authority_n and_o without_o that_o all_o seem_a regard_n to_o it_o be_v nothing_o but_o pretence_n and_o pageantry_n for_o what_o comfort_n will_v a_o good_a conscience_n afford_v a_o man_n if_o he_o be_v to_o give_v no_o account_n of_o his_o action_n upon_o that_o supposition_n the_o guilty_a and_o the_o innocent_a be_v upon_o equal_a term_n when_o the_o best_a man_n be_v never_o the_o better_a for_o all_o his_o virtue_n nor_o the_o other_o the_o worse_o for_o all_o his_o villainy_n if_o then_o integrity_n of_o conscience_n be_v the_o only_a principle_n of_o all_o magnanimity_n and_o if_o the_o firmness_n of_o that_o depend_v mere_o upon_o immortality_n then_o that_o be_v take_v away_o the_o one_o sink_v into_o craft_n the_o other_o into_o cowardice_n in_o short_a there_o be_v but_o two_o office_n of_o magnanimity_n either_o to_o do_v or_o to_o suffer_v gallant_o both_o which_o be_v manifest_a contradiction_n to_o the_o epicurean_a principle_n for_o what_o inducement_n can_v that_o man_n have_v to_o put_v himself_o upon_o hardship_n who_o know_v no_o other_o happiness_n but_o ease_n and_o laziness_n and_o therefore_o upon_o their_o supposition_n it_o be_v wise_a advice_n of_o metrodorus_n to_o his_o brother_n not_o to_o concern_v himself_o in_o desence_n and_o preservation_n of_o his_o country_n but_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v with_o philosophic_a wisdom_n and_o discretion_n and_o then_o as_o for_o bear_v up_o decent_o under_o calamity_n i_o have_v already_o show_v that_o they_o have_v not_o one_o principle_n wherewith_o to_o support_v themselves_o and_o without_o such_o principle_n as_o can_v supply_v the_o absence_n of_o their_o present_a happiness_n nothing_o else_o can_v relieve_v their_o loss_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o bear_v up_o with_o any_o cheerfulness_n under_o misery_n and_o affliction_n they_o must_v for_o ever_o sink_v into_o insupportable_a anguish_n and_o despair_n and_o now_o from_o these_o premise_n to_o mention_v no_o more_o particular_n because_o all_o the_o other_o virtue_n depend_v upon_o these_o it_o be_v demonstrative_o evident_a that_o to_o root_v up_o the_o sentiment_n of_o immortality_n out_o of_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n be_v to_o blast_v and_o put_v out_o the_o sun_n and_o to_o overwhelm_v the_o world_n in_o eternal_a night_n and_o darkness_n erase_v all_o the_o foundation_n of_o happiness_n tear_v up_o all_o the_o root_n of_o virtue_n and_o lay_v waste_v all_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o humane_a society_n and_o as_o plutarch_n discourse_v where_o such_o principle_n colotem_fw-la of_o philosophy_n prevail_v as_o enervate_v the_o law_n of_o virtue_n man_n have_v nothing_o leave_v to_o distinguish_v they_o from_o brute-beast_n but_o that_o they_o want_v the_o claw_n of_o lion_n and_o the_o tooth_n of_o wolf_n the_o stomach_n of_o ox_n and_o the_o back_n of_o camel_n in_o a_o word_n upon_o this_o single_a principle_n of_o a_o future_a state_n depend_v all_o the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a if_o this_o stand_v firm_a virtue_n be_v secure_a but_o otherwise_o after_o all_o that_o care_n that_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v take_v to_o recommend_v it_o to_o we_o it_o be_v all_o no_o more_o than_o craft_n or_o folly_n §_o xxv_o and_o now_o have_v thus_o far_o and_o fair_o
clap_v one_o or_o both_o of_o these_o upon_o they_o to_o make_v up_o the_o objection_n and_o yet_o beside_o that_o they_o be_v a_o confession_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n itself_o they_o be_v thing_n of_o which_o he_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o principle_n to_o entertain_v as_o little_a belief_n as_o of_o the_o christian_a faith_n for_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n suppose_v some_o spirit_n or_o being_n distinct_a from_o matter_n and_o motion_n and_o the_o resurrection_n of_o man_n from_o the_o grave_a suppose_n soul_n distinct_a from_o blood_n and_o brain_n both_o which_o be_v mere_a contradiction_n to_o the_o epicurean_a philosophy_n and_o therefore_o he_o can_v not_o design_n to_o oppose_v they_o to_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n for_o any_o truth_n that_o he_o suppose_v in_o they_o but_o only_o thereby_o to_o intimate_v that_o as_o they_o be_v fable_n so_o may_v that_o too_o which_o be_v such_o a_o slender_a way_n of_o argue_v as_o only_o betray_v its_o own_o weakness_n for_o when_o i_o have_v demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n with_o all_o the_o evidence_n that_o any_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v it_o not_o a_o poor_a come_v off_o only_o to_o reply_v that_o yet_o there_o be_v the_o same_o kind_n of_o story_n that_o neither_o i_o nor_o perhaps_o any_o man_n else_o believe_v there_o be_v so_o but_o then_o the_o difference_n be_v this_o that_o the_o story_n that_o i_o believe_v be_v vouch_v with_o all_o the_o testimony_n in_o the_o world_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o belief_n but_o the_o story_n that_o i_o do_v not_o believe_v be_v on_o the_o contrary_a destitute_a of_o all_o manner_n of_o attestation_n and_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n of_o my_o disbelief_n so_o childish_a be_v this_o great_a and_o shrewd_a reflection_n of_o this_o witty_a philosopher_n but_o beside_o these_o there_o be_v several_a other_o passage_n that_o we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o shall_v not_o here_o repeat_v neither_o be_v it_o fit_a to_o pursue_v every_o bubble_n that_o he_o have_v blow_v up_o but_o whatsoever_o be_v any_o way_n pertinent_a to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v indeed_o to_o the_o argument_n though_o never_o so_o remote_o i_o shall_v give_v it_o as_o much_o confutation_n as_o and_o perhaps_o more_o than_o it_o deserve_v and_o when_o i_o have_v do_v that_o will_v make_v up_o a_o new_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n for_o thereby_o we_o shall_v see_v how_o little_a its_o great_a enemy_n be_v able_a to_o object_v against_o it_o the_o cavil_n of_o his_o first_o book_n than_o be_v such_o as_o these_o viz._n their_o clancular_a meeting_n against_o the_o law_n their_o be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n as_o spring_v from_o the_o jew_n and_o not_o the_o grecian_n moses_n not_o be_v so_o ancient_a as_o be_v pretend_v the_o world_n not_o be_v create_v as_o he_o relate_v because_o eternal_a and_o his_o teach_v the_o jew_n to_o worship_n angel_n our_o saviour_n be_v a_o magician_n himself_o be_v poor_a and_o his_o disciple_n ignorant_a first_o then_o they_o keep_v clancular_a meeting_n against_o the_o law_n against_o what_o law_n why_o against_o such_o as_o forbid_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o only_a true_a god_n and_o in_o its_o stead_n enjoin_v the_o worship_n of_o idol_n and_o dead_a men._n but_o as_o for_o the_o public_a law_n against_o the_o christian_n i_o have_v already_o give_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o their_o iniquity_n though_o as_o celsus_n have_v manage_v the_o cavil_v it_o need_v no_o reply_n because_o it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n mere_o to_o urge_v the_o law_n unless_o he_o have_v vindicate_v their_o goodness_n and_o justice_n in_o that_o there_o may_v be_v bad_a as_o well_o as_o good_a law_n and_o therefore_o unless_o he_o will_v have_v undertake_v to_o make_v good_a the_o piety_n of_o those_o law_n that_o command_v the_o worship_n of_o their_o heathen_a god_n that_o himself_o know_v to_o be_v no_o better_o than_o very_o bad_a man_n he_o have_v much_o better_a have_v let_v the_o law_n alone_o but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n the_o christian_n be_v a_o barbarous_a sect_n that_o have_v their_o beginning_n among_o the_o jew_n not_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v no_o matter_n whence_o they_o spring_v so_o they_o bring_v a_o good_a evidence_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o their_o cause_n and_o of_o this_o origen_n tell_v he_o they_o have_v from_o the_o very_a beginning_n to_o that_o very_a day_n a_o demonstration_n that_o exceed_v all_o their_o pretend_a learning_n and_o that_o be_v the_o demonstration_n of_o power_n or_o the_o power_n of_o miracle_n but_o alas_o this_o objection_n of_o barbarity_n be_v nothing_o more_o than_o mere_o a_o instance_n of_o the_o pedantic_a pride_n of_o the_o greek_n who_o value_v themselves_o above_o the_o common_a rate_n of_o mankind_n and_o look_v down_o with_o intolerable_a scorn_n and_o contempt_n upon_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o but_o as_o for_o their_o great_a improvement_n in_o learning_n above_o other_o nation_n of_o which_o they_o so_o much_o boast_v among_o themselves_o i_o need_v here_o say_v nothing_o though_o i_o must_v confess_v i_o find_v nothing_o so_o valuable_a among_o their_o choice_a philosopher_n but_o when_o i_o look_v for_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n i_o can_v find_v little_o better_o in_o any_o of_o they_o than_o childish_a trick_n and_o sport_n of_o sophistry_n but_o however_o to_o pass_v that_o by_o i_o be_o sure_a no_o nation_n in_o the_o world_n ever_o equal_v the_o greek_n in_o the_o barbarity_n of_o their_o religion_n and_o though_o with_o this_o celsus_n and_o his_o companion_n be_v at_o that_o time_n sufficient_o upbraid_v yet_o it_o be_v too_o well_o know_v that_o they_o can_v never_o be_v prevail_v with_o so_o much_o as_o to_o undertake_v its_o defence_n but_o in_o the_o next_o place_n christianity_n he_o say_v give_v no_o law_n of_o morality_n but_o such_o as_o the_o philosopher_n teach_v and_o be_v common_a to_o mankind_n before_o to_o this_o origen_n reply_n it_o be_v very_o true_a in_o that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o exercise_n for_o the_o justice_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n or_o obligation_n of_o the_o duty_n of_o man_n without_o a_o sense_n and_o knowledge_n of_o the_o law_n of_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v requisite_a to_o have_v the_o seed_n of_o those_o moral_a notion_n which_o god_n teach_v by_o his_o prophet_n and_o his_o son_n plant_v in_o the_o heart_n and_o conscience_n of_o all_o mankind_n that_o in_o the_o final_a judgement_n every_o man_n may_v be_v just_o call_v to_o a_o account_n for_o the_o faithful_a discharge_n of_o his_o duty_n but_o beside_o be_v not_o this_o a_o fit_a objection_n to_o follow_v that_o of_o barbarity_n or_o their_o ignorance_n in_o the_o grecian_a philosophy_n that_o the_o christian_a church_n agree_v in_o all_o their_o main_a point_n and_o doctrine_n with_o the_o school_n of_o the_o philosopher_n the_o next_o thing_n object_v be_v credulity_n and_o contempt_n of_o humane_a learning_n but_o the_o charge_n of_o credulity_n be_v already_o answer_v by_o those_o undeniable_a proof_n that_o be_v produce_v for_o the_o divine_a authority_n of_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o as_o for_o the_o humane_a learning_n that_o they_o despise_v it_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o pedantry_n of_o the_o grecian_a philosopher_n who_o whilst_o they_o pretend_v to_o the_o height_n and_o perfection_n of_o all_o wisdom_n fall_v into_o the_o extreme_a ignorance_n and_o folly_n and_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o what_o think_v he_o of_o the_o celebrate_a founder_n of_o his_o own_o séct_n who_o with_o abundance_n of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n boast_v that_o he_o have_v rid_v the_o world_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n but_o with_o such_o trifle_a reason_v as_o be_v below_o the_o babble_n and_o folly_n of_o child_n let_v they_o therefore_o cease_v to_o upbraid_v the_o christian_n with_o the_o neglect_n of_o their_o learning_n when_o there_o can_v be_v a_o great_a argument_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o a_o right_a understanding_n of_o thing_n than_o to_o see_v through_o its_o folly_n and_o in_o the_o next_o place_n as_o for_o the_o antiquity_n of_o moses_n he_o have_v as_o good_a have_v let_v that_o alone_o too_o when_o porphyry_n or_o any_o other_o learned_a man_n conversant_a in_o history_n of_o ancient_a time_n can_v have_v tell_v he_o that_o nothing_o be_v more_o evident_a or_o undeniable_a than_o that_o moses_n live_v many_o age_n before_o linus_n or_o orpheus_n or_o any_o other_o the_o most_o ancient_a writer_n among_o the_o grecian_n but_o it_o be_v the_o custom_n of_o epicurean_o to_o be_v confident_a upon_o the_o slight_a inquiry_n otherwise_o if_o he_o have_v take_v never_o so_o little_a pain_n in_o search_v and_o compare_v ancient_a record_n he_o can_v never_o have_v put_v such_o a_o
they_o will_v all_o run_v rave_v and_o foam_v up_o and_o down_o the_o world_n and_o every_o man_n fall_v upon_o every_o man_n he_o meet_v with_o and_o that_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o because_o they_o be_v a_o equal_a match_n so_o that_o if_o he_o do_v not_o give_v he_o must_v take_v the_o first_o blow_n but_o if_o we_o suppose_v they_o in_o their_o right_a mind_n with_o any_o sense_n of_o humanity_n or_o discretion_n about_o they_o able_a to_o reflect_v upon_o the_o great_a advantage_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n and_o the_o horrible_a mischief_n of_o a_o perpetual_a hostility_n it_o be_v easy_a to_o imagine_v how_o ready_a and_o forward_o such_o sober_a people_n will_v be_v to_o oblige_v one_o another_o by_o kind_n and_o civil_a treatment_n and_o to_o rejoice_v in_o any_o opportunity_n of_o do_v good_a office_n to_o other_o for_o the_o comfort_n and_o cheerfulness_n of_o their_o own_o life_n so_o that_o the_o result_n of_o all_o this_o dispute_n viz._n what_o use_v man_n will_v natural_o make_v of_o their_o power_n upon_o one_o another_o from_o the_o consideration_n of_o its_o equality_n be_v only_o to_o inquire_v whether_o mankind_n be_v by_o nature_n in_o or_o out_o of_o their_o wit_n if_o the_o former_a may_v be_v take_v for_o grant_v the_o case_n be_v very_o plain_a that_o man_n unless_o they_o be_v alter_v by_o preternatural_a distemper_n be_v creature_n tame_a and_o civil_a enough_o but_o if_o it_o must_v be_v presume_v that_o they_o be_v all_o natural_o frantic_a and_o void_a of_o all_o principle_n of_o reason_n and_o sobriety_n that_o indeed_o will_v be_v a_o proper_a foundation_n for_o the_o hobbian_a politic_n and_o upon_o that_o supposition_n it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v be_v allow_v i_o be_o sure_a they_o never_o can_v upon_o any_o other_o and_o as_o for_o what_o be_v far_o pretend_v of_o the_o passion_n of_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o glory_n and_o some_o other_o affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o they_o natural_o dispose_v man_n into_o a_o posture_n of_o mutual_a violence_n this_o too_o be_v only_o credible_a upon_o the_o former_a supposition_n for_o if_o all_o mankind_n be_v act_v pure_o by_o unaccountable_a humour_n and_o whimsy_n and_o be_v drive_v upon_o the_o wild_a and_o most_o extravagant_a attempt_n without_o their_o own_o consent_n and_o deliberation_n than_o indeed_o we_o may_v suppose_v they_o may_v be_v hurry_v upon_o rash_a and_o foolhardy_a action_n they_o know_v neither_o why_o nor_o how_o but_o if_o these_o passion_n how_o vehement_a soever_o be_v or_o may_v be_v bring_v under_o the_o conduct_n of_o reason_n and_o discretion_n and_o if_o we_o have_v so_o much_o power_n over_o they_o as_o that_o we_o may_v if_o we_o please_v not_o indulge_v they_o any_o far_a than_o may_v be_v consistent_a with_o our_o own_o quiet_a and_o tranquillity_n than_o the_o question_n be_v what_o course_n a_o prudent_a man_n will_v take_v to_o gratify_v these_o inclination_n and_o that_o be_v answer_v from_o the_o premise_n that_o any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n whatever_o he_o design_v will_v endeavour_v to_o carry_v on_o all_o his_o project_n in_o way_n of_o peace_n and_o civility_n and_o especial_o if_o he_o be_v afraid_a of_o all_o other_o man_n he_o will_v think_v it_o his_o wise_a course_n rather_o to_o court_v they_o by_o offer_n of_o friendship_n than_o to_o provoke_v they_o by_o injury_n and_o ill-turns_a so_o that_o the_o inclination_n of_o these_o passion_n can_v only_o be_v account_v for_o in_o conjunction_n with_o the_o reason_n and_o understanding_n of_o man_n and_o than_o what_o way_n a_o prudent_a man_n will_v natural_o determine_v himself_o that_o must_v be_v suppose_v their_o natural_a tendency_n they_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o any_o certain_a determination_n from_o themselves_o but_o receive_v their_o bias_n from_o the_o bent_n of_o man_n design_n and_o resolution_n and_o may_v be_v incline_v either_o way_n as_o they_o choose_v to_o act_v rash_o or_o advise_o and_o the_o same_o passion_n that_o make_v fool_n and_o madman_n turbulent_a make_v all_o man_n in_o their_o wit_n modest_a and_o peaceable_a and_o here_o to_o this_o purpose_n it_o be_v pretty_a to_o observe_v that_o when_o mr._n hobbs_n treat_v of_o war_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o war_n it_o be_v then_o manifest_a in_o that_o chapter_n that_o man_n be_v force_v into_o it_o by_o the_o violent_a passion_n of_o fear_n and_o hope_v and_o glory_n but_o then_o when_o he_o proceed_v to_o discourse_v of_o peace_n and_o the_o inducement_n to_o peace_n the_o same_o passion_n be_v ready_a to_o serve_v his_o purpose_n thereto_o and_o the_o very_a same_o natural_a cause_n may_v be_v assign_v either_o for_o war_n or_o peace_n as_o it_o please_v he_o and_o serve_v his_o turn_n and_o his_o cause_n but_o after_o this_o rate_n of_o talk_v it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o prove_v any_o thing_n out_o of_o any_o thing_n it_o be_v no_o more_o than_o first_o to_o lay_v two_o proposition_n together_o and_o proceed_v to_o say_v this_o follow_v that_o though_o there_o be_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o it_o than_o because_o it_o do_v not_o go_v before_o it_o and_o that_o be_v a_o hobbian_a demonstration_n but_o this_o may_v suffice_v to_o show_v that_o as_o mutual_a benevolence_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n so_o be_v society_n necessary_a to_o the_o exercise_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n and_o if_o so_o then_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o be_v a_o unquestionable_a proof_n of_o its_o institution_n by_o virtue_n of_o his_o authority_n in_o that_o without_o it_o it_o be_v manifest_a he_o can_v never_o obtain_v the_o end_n of_o his_o creation_n which_o if_o it_o be_v any_o at_o all_o must_v be_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n a_o thing_n plain_o impossible_a to_o be_v hope_v for_o without_o the_o benefit_n of_o society_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v vest_v all_o mankind_n in_o a_o equal_a and_o common_a right_n to_o the_o comfort_n and_o felicity_n of_o their_o life_n and_o when_o we_o know_v that_o he_o desire_v and_o intend_v the_o welfare_n of_o all_o his_o offspring_n and_o when_o he_o have_v make_v that_o to_o depend_v so_o unavoidable_o upon_o the_o care_n and_o the_o safety_n of_o a_o common_a interest_n all_o that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a declaration_n of_o his_o will_n to_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o observe_v and_o reflect_v upon_o that_o order_n of_o thing_n that_o he_o have_v institute_v and_o establish_v in_o the_o frame_n of_o his_o creation_n that_o he_o expect_v they_o shall_v pursue_v the_o same_o end_n with_o himself_o which_o be_v the_o good_a of_o all_o and_o make_v use_v of_o such_o mean_n as_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o its_o attainment_n which_o be_v society_n especial_o when_o he_o have_v far_a enforce_v it_o by_o such_o powerful_a reward_n and_o penalty_n as_o to_o annex_v every_o single_a man_n happiness_n to_o the_o performance_n and_o his_o misery_n to_o the_o neglect_n of_o this_o duty_n §_o vi_o second_o as_o for_o propriety_n it_o be_v as_o plain_o institute_v and_o enjoin_v by_o nature_n or_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n as_o society_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n in_o that_o every_o man_n be_v natural_a power_n and_o capacity_n be_v limit_v and_o that_o avoidable_a and_o by_o itself_o introduce_v a_o limit_a use_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o thing_n for_o no_o man_n can_v claim_v a_o great_a right_n from_o nature_n than_o he_o be_v capable_a of_o enjoy_v and_o therefore_o see_v that_o be_v full_o provide_v for_o by_o a_o parcel_n that_o be_v proportion_v to_o itself_o and_o its_o necessity_n he_o can_v challenge_v by_o virtue_n of_o his_o natural_a right_n any_o power_n over_o the_o remainder_n but_o will_v be_v content_a to_o leave_v whatsoever_o he_o can_v enjoy_v himself_o to_o other_o man_n use_n and_o advantage_n and_o certain_o that_o be_v very_o reasonable_a to_o allow_v our_o neighbour_n to_o challenge_v their_o share_n of_o happiness_n when_o our_o own_o turn_n be_v full_o serve_v and_o satisfy_v so_o that_o nature_n by_o set_v bound_n to_o the_o capacity_n of_o our_o appetite_n and_o enjoyment_n thereby_o plain_o determine_v the_o limit_n of_o our_o right_n without_o set_v they_o forth_o by_o any_o other_o line_n and_o description_n for_o the_o right_n of_o nature_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v as_o some_o lawyer_n and_o philosopher_n have_v wild_o enough_o define_v it_o any_o such_o state_n of_o life_n in_o which_o mankind_n may_v be_v suppose_v free_a from_o all_o manner_n of_o law_n and_o obligation_n because_o this_o very_a supposition_n be_v make_v inconsistent_a and_o impossible_a from_o the_o nature_n of_o create_a being_n which_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v to_o exist_v without_o depend_v upon_o and_o be_v subject_a to_o some_o superior_a power_n and_o
so_o many_o calamity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n to_o discompose_v it_o yet_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o a_o man_n happiness_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v master_n of_o it_o himself_o always_o proportion_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o joy_n and_o his_o delight_n be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o his_o love_n and_o his_o goodwill_n and_o he_o that_o most_o dilate_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o kind_a passion_n most_o widen_v the_o capacity_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n fall_v short_a of_o this_o universal_a kindness_n so_o much_o do_v he_o afflict_v himself_o with_o anguish_n and_o discontent_n and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o excite_v he_o to_o work_v up_o his_o mind_n to_o habitual_a resolution_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o along_o their_o own_o reward_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o most_o goodwill_n become_v thereby_o the_o happy_a and_o most_o content_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o nothing_o else_o enjoy_v his_o full_a and_o adequate_a felicity_n though_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n and_o by_o consequence_n so_o great_a a_o happiness_n be_v only_o agreeable_a to_o the_o descripsion_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n where_o eternal_a love_n will_v be_v our_o eternal_a bliss_n yet_o see_v in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o misery_n or_o happiness_n of_o every_o man_n life_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o affection_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o he_o to_o habituate_v himself_o to_o its_o free_a and_o constant_a exercise_n when_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o engage_v as_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o improvement_n of_o his_o own_o content_a to_o procure_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o content_a of_o other_o and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o extend_v his_o concernment_n for_o their_o welfare_n so_o many_o object_n do_v he_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o most_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a passion_n which_o be_v all_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v within_o our_o own_o power_n it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a motive_n to_o determine_v our_o will_n to_o such_o thought_n and_o action_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o attain_v or_o to_o advance_v it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o reward_n and_o penalty_n to_o set_v before_o we_o such_o consideration_n as_o be_v suit_v to_o determine_v our_o will_n to_o such_o design_n and_o action_n as_o lie_v within_o our_o own_o power_n if_o they_o do_v not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o court_v or_o threaten_v a_o man_n into_o the_o do_n of_o what_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o see_v the_o casual_a or_o the_o fatal_a calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v altogether_o out_o of_o our_o own_o disposal_n and_o will_v befall_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a influence_n to_o determine_v the_o choice_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v affect_v we_o as_o moral_a agent_n be_v such_o proposal_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o able_a to_o dispose_v of_o as_o we_o be_v please_v to_o incline_v our_o own_o wi_n what_o then_o though_o the_o natural_a calamity_n of_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o the_o good_a equal_o with_o the_o bad_a it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o over-rule_v their_o necessity_n but_o when_o they_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o we_o have_v then_o to_o do_v be_v to_o bear_v they_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o what_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v i_o shall_v represent_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v some_o influence_n upon_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o our_o own_o disposal_n shall_v we_o therefore_o take_v no_o care_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v altogether_o within_o it_o that_o may_v become_v the_o humour_n of_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a people_n but_o certain_o no_o prudent_a man_n because_o he_o can_v overpower_v all_o thing_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o will_n will_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v concern_v about_o those_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o command_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o we_o must_v set_v aside_o as_o of_o no_o use_n and_o consideration_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n in_o that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o depend_v upon_o other_o cause_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o certain_a proportion_n of_o our_o felicity_n to_o our_o own_o disposal_n by_o a_o regard_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v if_o we_o be_v wise_a to_o order_v our_o design_n and_o action_n and_o that_o he_o have_v annex_v such_o degree_n and_o advantage_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o practice_n and_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o choice_n and_o good_a opinion_n especial_o when_o the_o act_n itself_o be_v its_o own_o reward_n and_o be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n §_o xiii_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n or_o sovereign_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v ever_o suppose_a in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v he_o endue_v with_o the_o high_a measure_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o these_o be_v excellency_n that_o we_o perceive_v to_o reside_v in_o some_o degree_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o in_o he_o who_o idea_n comprehend_v all_o perfection_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o we_o now_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o it_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o when_o it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o good_a of_o all_o be_v preferable_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o single_a person_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n for_o that_o be_v to_o reconcile_v no_o less_o than_o contradictory_n proposition_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o this_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n result_v unavoidable_o from_o his_o essential_a attribute_n and_o therein_o consist_v the_o whole_a account_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o common_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n by_o proper_a and_o effectual_a instrument_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o principle_n first_o to_o propound_v worthy_a end_n and_o then_o to_o pursue_v they_o by_o suitable_a mean_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o capable_a of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o good_a of_o all_o be_v the_o noble_a end_n that_o he_o can_v design_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n that_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o shall_v seek_v it_o by_o those_o mean_n that_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o deity_n not_o only_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n but_o as_o the_o supreme_a cause_n of_o their_o existence_n and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a if_o he_o first_o create_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o desire_v their_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n otherwise_o he_o must_v have_v make_v they_o without_o design_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o if_o therein_o consist_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v to_o enjoy_v those_o nature_n and_o emprove_v those_o perfection_n that_o he_o bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o will_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o creation_n especial_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v those_o intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v so_o plain_o interweave_v with_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o thing_n in_o that_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n declare_v any_o proposition_n to_o be_v true_a and_o enforce_v or_o invite_v we_o to_o
up_o both_o in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o city_n and_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n to_o which_o language_n the_o ancient_a greek_a and_o latin_a father_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o remote_a a_o register_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o record_n we_o have_v all_o the_o faith_n of_o eusebius_n at_o stake_n who_o positive_o vouch_v it_o that_o he_o find_v they_o enroll_v in_o the_o public_a registry_n of_o edessa_n and_o faithful_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o syrian_a into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n not_o to_o mention_v saint_n ephraem_n who_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o saint_n austin_n and_o be_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o edessa_n who_o make_v the_o same_o honourable_a mention_n of_o these_o epistle_n with_o eusebius_n though_o that_o be_v a_o pregnant_a testimony_n by_o itself_o but_o much_o more_o so_o from_o its_o exact_a agreement_n with_o eusebius_n his_o relation_n but_o pass_v by_o that_o and_o much_o aug._n ep._n 263._o more_o the_o epistle_n of_o darius_n to_o saint_n austin_n and_o of_o theodorus_n studita_n to_o pope_n paschal_n 60._o because_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o eusebius_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o he_o alone_o who_o we_o can_v suppose_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o mere_a forgery_n as_o to_o have_v frame_v the_o whole_a story_n only_o out_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o he_o may_v sometime_o seem_v partial_a and_o favourable_a to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v more_o of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o testimony_n itself_o will_v bear_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v forge_v and_o falsie_n a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weighty_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v so_o hard_a and_o unkind_a a_o suspicion_n of_o he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o eusebius_n that_o know_v he_o not_o to_o be_v as_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o examine_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o any_o the_o most_o critical_a author_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o have_v reject_v many_o excellent_a passage_n that_o may_v have_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o his_o cause_n mere_o because_o of_o their_o doubtful_a antiquity_n allow_v nothing_o as_o authentic_a that_o he_o can_v vouch_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a and_o contemporary_a writer_n now_o that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a lie_n as_o this_o be_v past_o the_o ill-nature_n of_o mankind_n to_o suspect_v nay_o far_o though_o some_o of_o our_o late_a master_n of_o censure_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o observe_v the_o slip_n and_o mistake_v of_o this_o great_a man_n and_o charge_v they_o smart_o upon_o he_o as_o if_o do_v out_o of_o mere_a design_n yet_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v impartial_o weigh_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o impute_v they_o to_o haste_n and_o inadvertency_n for_o though_o sometime_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o emprove_v testimony_n yet_o do_v he_o as_o often_o lessen_v they_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o his_o memory_n but_o still_o he_o be_v ever_o in_o the_o right_a as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o story_n and_o fail_v only_o in_o circumstance_n and_o that_o chief_o of_o chronology_n by_o confound_v sometime_o one_o story_n with_o another_o but_o otherwise_o he_o tell_v no_o false_a story_n and_o only_o make_v some_o mistake_n of_o memory_n upon_o true_a one_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n by_o compare_v all_o particular_n but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o be_v sufficient_o exemplify_v in_o the_o very_a last_o passage_n that_o we_o insist_v upon_o viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o pilate_n concern_v our_o saviour_n in_o which_o the_o chief_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o tertullian_n be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o eusebius_n when_o he_o transcribe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o greek_a translator_n of_o tertullian_n yet_o however_o we_o see_v he_o be_v as_o easy_o draw_v into_o a_o lessen_v as_o a_o magnify_v mistake_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o eusebius_n shall_v through_o haste_n clip_v the_o translation_n than_o that_o the_o translator_n shall_v clip_v the_o original_a for_o he_o only_o consult_v the_o passage_n occasional_o and_o so_o may_v in_o his_o hasty_a transcribe_v overlook_v a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o for_o the_o other_o who_o make_v that_o translation_n his_o particular_a business_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o overlook_v so_o material_a a_o passage_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o fault_n eusebius_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o man_n can_v suspect_v he_o of_o mere_a forgery_n without_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o ingenuity_n neither_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v the_o date_n of_o the_o record_n a_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n to_o prove_v the_o record_n itself_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v subscribe_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o 340_o the_o year_n which_o though_o it_o have_v heretofore_o puzzle_v learned_a 13._o man_n be_v excellent_o clear_v by_o the_o epocha_n of_o the_o edessean_a computation_n who_o begin_v their_o account_n from_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o 117_o the_o olympiad_n when_o seleucus_n begin_v his_o reign_n in_o asia_n now_o from_o that_o to_o the_o 202_o d._n olympiad_n in_o which_o year_n be_v the_o 15_o the_o of_o tiberius_n our_o saviour_n suffer_v be_v just_a 340._o year_n so_o that_o thaddaeus_n be_v dispatch_v to_o edessa_n in_o the_o very_a same_o year_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n arise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o great_a work_n it_o seem_v be_v once_o over_o he_o will_v no_o long_o delay_v the_o good_a king_n request_n these_o be_v all_o the_o foreign_a testimony_n that_o i_o think_v convenient_a to_o represent_v in_o this_o place_n though_o many_o more_o i_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o observe_v when_o i_o come_v to_o give_v a_o account_n how_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o though_o our_o saviour_n do_v those_o miracle_n that_o be_v record_v of_o he_o and_o though_o there_o be_v all_o that_o evidence_n give_v of_o they_o that_o we_o pretend_v there_o be_v yet_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o the_o man_n of_o that_o age_n both_o jew_n and_o gentile_n shall_v live_v and_o die_v in_o infidelity_n §_o xvii_o have_v hitherto_o demonstrate_v the_o impossibility_n of_o the_o falsehood_n of_o the_o apostle_n testimony_n concern_v the_o truth_n of_o christianity_n from_o its_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o instinct_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o common_a prudence_n and_o to_o their_o own_o design_n itself_o and_o from_o the_o undoubted_a certainty_n of_o their_o record_n and_o from_o the_o concurrent_a testimony_n of_o foreign_a writer_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o next_o part_n of_o the_o argument_n that_o suppose_v the_o apostle_n evangelist_n and_o first_o disciple_n of_o christ_n will_v have_v endeavour_v to_o impose_v upon_o the_o world_n with_o a_o palpable_a and_o unprofitable_a lie_n against_o all_o the_o forementioned_a contradiction_n to_o nature_n to_o sense_n and_o to_o themselves_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o impossibility_n that_o they_o can_v ever_o have_v prevail_v so_o effectual_o and_o so_o speedy_o as_o they_o do_v upon_o the_o faith_n of_o mankind_n and_o as_o many_o thousand_o absurdity_n as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o former_a supposition_n there_o be_v so_o many_o ten_o thousand_o in_o this_o for_o the_o inequality_n of_o the_o number_n of_o the_o person_n be_v not_o less_o the_o first_o preacher_n of_o the_o gospel_n be_v very_o sew_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o their_o first_o convert_v and_o yet_o if_o christianity_n be_v false_a all_o these_o must_v be_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o all_o that_o folly_n that_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o much_o more_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o wilful_o to_o be_v deceive_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o strange_a story_n of_o jesus_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o if_o it_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n than_o it_o be_v no_o imposture_n if_o it_o have_v not_o than_o all_o that_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v wilful_o deceive_v i._n e._n they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n though_o themselves_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o motive_n for_o so_o strange_a a_o belief_n
thing_n and_o after_o that_o when_o man_n report_v that_o to_o have_v be_v do_v which_o they_o know_v impossible_a to_o be_v do_v what_o follow_v but_o away_o with_o they_o for_o idle_a cheat_n and_o liar_n and_o therefore_o without_o ever_o examine_v they_o they_o thrust_v they_o into_o prison_n with_o all_o manner_n of_o scorn_n and_o indignation_n act_v 5._o 17_o 18._o second_o as_o for_o the_o pharisee_n who_o be_v of_o the_o great_a power_n and_o reputation_n with_o the_o people_n they_o be_v a_o strange_a sort_n of_o ignorant_a supercilious_a and_o conceit_a fanatic_n and_o there_o be_v no_o temper_n of_o mind_n so_o fix_v and_o stubborn_a as_o religious_a pride_n and_o self-conceitedness_a it_o be_v of_o all_o illusion_n the_o most_o delightful_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n and_o when_o they_o be_v once_o thorough_o possess_v with_o it_o it_o bar_n up_o their_o understanding_n against_o all_o argument_n it_o take_v away_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a faculty_n and_o to_o go_v about_o to_o convince_v they_o of_o their_o folly_n and_o hypocrisy_n be_v only_o to_o provoke_v their_o rage_n and_o choler_n this_o be_v the_o state_n of_o the_o case_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o the_o pharisee_n they_o pretend_v to_o the_o strict_a piety_n and_o value_v themselves_o at_o a_o mighty_a rate_n beyond_o all_o other_o man_n for_o the_o singularity_n and_o exactness_n of_o their_o devotion_n and_o yet_o this_o they_o place_v not_o in_o any_o conformity_n to_o the_o divine_a law_n but_o in_o the_o observation_n of_o some_o vain_a custom_n and_o tradition_n derive_v from_o their_o forefather_n now_o this_o be_v so_o gross_a and_o so_o foolish_a a_o imposture_n our_o saviour_n set_v himself_o particular_o to_o represent_v its_o vanity_n and_o take_v all_o occasion_n to_o convince_v they_o that_o they_o have_v utter_o forsake_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n for_o which_o they_o pretend_v so_o much_o reverence_n and_o that_o the_o custom_n they_o be_v so_o fond_a of_o be_v no_o part_n of_o his_o religion_n because_o no_o where_o enjoin_v in_o his_o law_n but_o mere_a arbitrary_a conceit_n of_o their_o own_o devise_v and_o this_o it_o be_v that_o raise_v their_o displeasure_n against_o he_o to_o so_o great_a a_o height_n of_o hatred_n and_o indignation_n that_o a_o person_n who_o pretend_v to_o so_o great_a a_o office_n and_o authority_n as_o that_o of_o the_o messiah_n shall_v represent_v they_o so_o contemptible_o in_o his_o public_a and_o constant_a discourse_n to_o the_o people_n and_o therefore_o instead_o of_o consider_v the_o nature_n and_o truth_n of_o his_o doctrine_n they_o all_o along_o set_v themselves_o to_o trapan_n he_o in_o his_o discourse_n and_o mind_v nothing_o else_o but_o to_o pursue_v their_o revenge_n against_o he_o and_o never_o rest_v till_o they_o have_v wreck_v all_o their_o malice_n upon_o he_o as_o the_o mortal_a enemy_n of_o their_o sect._n now_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o person_n of_o this_o complexion_n be_v so_o strange_o blind_v against_o all_o that_o evidence_n that_o our_o saviour_n give_v of_o his_o divine_a commission_n for_o none_o so_o blind_a as_o those_o that_o will_v not_o see_v and_o none_o so_o wilful_a as_o those_o that_o be_v in_o love_n with_o themselves_o and_o no_o self-love_n so_o dote_v as_o that_o which_o be_v ground_v upon_o a_o false_a conceit_n of_o sanctity_n and_o religion_n and_o yet_o notwithstanding_o this_o some_o of_o the_o more_o ingenuous_a among_o they_o as_o nicodemus_n and_o joseph_n of_o arimathea_n be_v overcome_v by_o the_o divinity_n of_o his_o work_n and_o afterward_o even_o gamaliel_n himself_o be_v startle_v at_o they_o for_o the_o advice_n he_o give_v to_o let_v the_o apostle_n alone_o seem_v to_o have_v proceed_v mere_o from_o the_o unsettledness_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o then_o thorough_o satisfy_v concern_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o the_o truth_n be_v his_o advice_n take_v with_o the_o sanhedrin_n not_o from_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o man_n for_o otherwise_o it_o be_v but_o very_o foolish_a counsel_n that_o if_o this_o work_n be_v of_o man_n it_o will_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n come_v to_o nought_o for_o by_o that_o principle_n they_o must_v give_v liberty_n to_o all_o the_o impostor_n in_o the_o world_n to_o disturb_v as_o much_o as_o in_o they_o lie_v the_o public_a peace_n and_o quiet_a of_o mankind_n but_o when_o it_o be_v doubtful_a as_o it_o then_o seem_v to_o he_o lest_o haply_o by_o punish_v 39_o the_o apostle_n they_o may_v be_v find_v to_o fight_v against_o god_n upon_o this_o supposition_n it_o be_v not_o only_o wise_a but_o pious_a advice_n to_o stay_v for_o a_o little_o far_a trial_n of_o the_o cause_n before_o they_o undertake_v its_o utter_a extirpation_n and_o it_o be_v not_o a_o little_a observable_a that_o though_o some_o of_o the_o pharisee_n be_v shockt_v out_o of_o their_o prejudices_fw-la the_o sadducee_n be_v all_o impregnable_a for_o we_o no_o where_o read_v that_o any_o of_o they_o be_v ever_o convert_v to_o the_o christian_a faith_n and_o the_o reason_n be_v plain_a because_o their_o first_o principle_n suppose_v its_o truth_n utter_o impossible_a and_o then_o they_o will_v not_o so_o much_o as_o inquire_v after_o it_o or_o hear_v any_o thing_n concern_v it_o but_o the_o pharisee_n not_o lie_v under_o this_o invincible_a prejudice_n be_v notwithstanding_o all_o their_o other_o great_a hindrance_n in_o some_o capacity_n of_o conviction_n so_o that_o though_o we_o find_v that_o notwithstanding_o they_o be_v at_o first_o the_o fierce_a enemy_n to_o our_o saviour_n doctrine_n yet_o afterward_o they_o be_v outstrip_v by_o the_o sadducee_n in_o their_o zeal_n and_o fury_n against_o it_o for_o as_o in_o the_o gospel_n the_o pharisee_n be_v every_o where_o note_v as_o his_o most_o implacable_a enemy_n so_o in_o the_o act_n of_o the_o apostle_n after_o our_o saviour_n resurrection_n the_o sadducee_n be_v remark_v as_o their_o most_o bitter_a and_o vehement_a prosecutor_n and_o now_o this_o i_o think_v may_v be_v a_o sufficient_a account_n of_o the_o incredulity_n of_o the_o jew_n notwithstanding_o our_o saviour_n give_v all_o that_o evidence_n of_o his_o authority_n that_o we_o pretend_v he_o do_v and_o it_o be_v obvious_a enough_o to_o any_o man_n that_o understand_v humane_a nature_n to_o apprehend_v how_o easy_a a_o thing_n it_o be_v for_o man_n not_o only_o bias_v but_o press_v down_o by_o all_o these_o prejudices_fw-la to_o avoid_v or_o neglect_v the_o force_n of_o all_o the_o argument_n and_o demonstration_n in_o the_o world_n §_o xxxvii_o and_o thus_o have_v describe_v the_o several_a unreasonable_a prejudices_fw-la that_o withhold_v so_o many_o of_o the_o jewish_a nation_n from_o embrace_v of_o the_o christian_a faith_n we_o proceed_v now_o in_o the_o last_o place_n to_o the_o ground_n that_o the_o heathen_n go_v upon_o in_o their_o opposition_n to_o it_o and_o these_o be_v as_o much_o more_o absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a than_o those_o of_o the_o jew_n as_o be_v their_o religion_n for_o that_o the_o jew_n have_v some_o appearance_n of_o pretence_n against_o our_o saviour_n alteration_n in_o religion_n we_o have_v already_o show_v in_o that_o it_o be_v own_a by_o himself_o to_o have_v be_v establish_v by_o divine_a authority_n but_o as_o for_o the_o war_n that_o the_o heathen_a world_n raise_v against_o it_o they_o ground_v it_o upon_o such_o false_a principle_n as_o though_o christianity_n itself_o have_v be_v false_a betray_v their_o own_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n atheism_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o all_o religion_n be_v their_o master-objection_n against_o the_o christian_n and_o the_o only_a thing_n they_o set_v up_o and_o contend_v for_o in_o opposition_n to_o it_o be_v their_o own_o wretched_a idolatry_n and_o superstition_n both_o which_o be_v too_o great_a demonstration_n of_o a_o invincible_a prejudice_n and_o inflexible_a partiality_n and_o they_o be_v both_o so_o very_o absurd_a that_o which_o be_v most_o so_o it_o be_v very_o hard_a to_o determine_v for_o whatever_o the_o christian_n be_v guilty_a of_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o they_o be_v at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o atheism_n of_o any_o party_n of_o man_n in_o the_o world_n and_o as_o for_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o gentile_n it_o be_v so_o gross_o wicked_a and_o foolish_a that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o wise_a man_n to_o embrace_v it_o without_o affront_a both_o god_n and_o his_o own_o conscience_n this_o be_v the_o true_a state_n of_o the_o controversy_n between_o they_o they_o never_o enter_v into_o the_o debate_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n or_o so_o much_o as_o once_o inquire_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n but_o for_o this_o reason_n alone_o they_o repute_v all_o christian_n as_o vile_a and_o profligate_v person_n because_o they_o will_v not_o join_v
altogether_o false_a and_o frivolous_a what_o be_v that_o to_o what_o happen_v at_o rome_n so_o that_o have_v there_o be_v never_o so_o many_o of_o the_o posterity_n of_o david_n at_o babylon_n there_o may_v have_v be_v no_o more_o than_o two_o find_v at_o rome_n and_o therefore_o if_o hegesippus_n have_v affirm_v that_o there_o be_v onlytwo_o all_o scaliger_n story_n of_o babylon_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n but_o when_o he_o have_v affirm_v no_o such_o thing_n but_o on_o the_o contrary_n give_v we_o a_o distinct_a account_n of_o simeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleopas_n bishop_n of_o jerusalem_n who_o live_v there_o after_o the_o time_n of_o domitian_n scaliger_n can_v have_v no_o motive_n to_o make_v the_o objection_n but_o only_o to_o empty_v his_o common-place-book_n of_o two_o or_o three_o rabinical_a quotation_n but_o yet_o his_o next_o exception_n be_v much_o worse_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o person_n as_o judas_n of_o the_o kindred_n of_o our_o lord_n mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v no_o such_o upon_o record_n it_o seem_v very_o hard_a deal_n with_o a_o ancient_a writer_n that_o live_v so_o near_o the_o time_n that_o he_o write_v of_o and_o have_v opportunity_n of_o inquire_v into_o the_o genealogy_n of_o the_o family_n when_o he_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o branch_n of_o it_o to_o deny_v the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n only_o because_o it_o happen_v not_o to_o be_v mention_v in_o the_o gospel_n whereas_o nothing_o be_v better_a know_v than_o that_o divers_a more_o material_a passage_n relate_v to_o our_o saviour_n family_n be_v there_o omit_v their_o design_n be_v to_o describe_v his_o own_o descent_n from_o david_n and_o not_o to_o give_v any_o account_n of_o the_o several_a present_a branch_n of_o the_o family_n and_o yet_o after_o all_o scaliger_n confidence_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o man_n upon_o record_n do_v we_o find_v he_o express_o reckon_v among_o our_o saviour_n near_a kindred_n mat._n 13._o 15._o be_v not_o this_o the_o carpenter_n son_n be_v not_o his_o mother_n call_v mary_n and_o his_o brethren_n james_n and_o jose_n and_o simon_n and_o judas_n so_o blind_a be_v the_o humour_n of_o criticise_v as_o to_o overlook_v the_o most_o obvious_a passage_n rather_o than_o loose_v the_o glory_n of_o one_o new_a discovery_n this_o passage_n i_o have_v vindicate_v not_o because_o that_o itself_o be_v at_o all_o needful_a to_o my_o purpose_n but_o only_o to_o maintain_v the_o credit_n of_o hegesippus_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o story_n that_o save_v our_o labour_n of_o give_v any_o account_n of_o it_o if_o there_o be_v than_o we_o must_v take_v it_o as_o we_o find_v it_o in_o hegesippus_n according_a to_o who_o account_n it_o be_v no_o persecution_n for_o religion_n but_o only_o a_o jealousy_n of_o state_n neither_o be_v it_o to_o be_v wonder_v at_o that_o domitian_n though_o of_o all_o man_n most_o suspicious_a shall_v be_v so_o strong_o taint_v with_o it_o when_o the_o same_o conceit_n have_v for_o a_o long_a time_n be_v of_o so_o great_a force_n among_o his_o predecessor_n for_o it_o be_v very_o obvious_a from_o the_o history_n of_o those_o time_n that_o the_o jewish_a notion_n of_o their_o messiah_n have_v get_v deep_a foot_n in_o the_o gentile_a world_n from_o the_o authority_n of_o the_o sybilline_a oracle_n in_o that_o the_o old_a book_n of_o the_o sibyl_n that_o have_v be_v for_o many_o age_n religious_o preserve_v in_o the_o capitol_n be_v together_o with_o the_o capitol_n itself_o burn_v about_o eighty_o year_n before_o our_o saviour_n birth_n and_o to_o retreive_v their_o loss_n three_o ambassador_n be_v about_o seven_o year_n after_o when_o the_o capitol_n be_v rebuilt_a dispatch_v into_o asia_n to_o gather_v together_o what_o record_v they_o can_v there_o find_v of_o those_o prophecy_n and_o bring_v back_o with_o they_o about_o a_o thousand_o verse_n by_o who_o they_o be_v first_o compose_v i_o be_o not_o concern_v to_o inquire_v though_o it_o be_v probable_a as_o the_o learned_a isaac_n vossius_fw-la conjecture_n that_o they_o be_v collect_v by_o the_o jew_n out_o of_o the_o ancient_a prophet_n as_o appear_v from_o their_o agreement_n with_o the_o holy_a write_n and_o especial_o in_o the_o great_a prediction_n of_o a_o messiah_n or_o universal_a monarch_n which_o it_o seem_v be_v so_o plain_o foretell_v by_o they_o that_o in_o a_o little_a time_n it_o alarm_v the_o senate_n itself_o to_o forbid_v the_o read_n of_o they_o and_o that_o for_o very_o good_a reason_n too_o when_o they_o find_v every_o aspire_a spirit_n in_o the_o commonwealth_n to_o apply_v they_o to_o himself_o for_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o foundation_n of_o catiline_n conspiracy_n as_o tully_n inform_v we_o concern_v leutulus_n in_o his_o three_o oration_n against_o catiline_n and_o when_o caesar_n have_v make_v himself_o master_n of_o all_o it_o be_v vulgar_o believe_v to_o have_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o this_o prophecy_n as_o the_o same_o author_n triumphant_o tell_v we_o in_o his_o second_o book_n of_o divination_n which_o be_v write_v immediate_o after_o caesar_n fall_n cum_fw-la antistitibus_fw-la agamus_fw-la &_o quidvis_fw-la potius_fw-la ex_fw-la illis_fw-la libris_fw-la quam_fw-la regem_fw-la proferant_fw-la quem_fw-la romae_fw-la posthaec_fw-la nec_fw-la dii_fw-la nec_fw-la homines_fw-la esse_fw-la patientur_fw-la the_o great_a thing_n that_o offend_v the_o zealous_a commonwealth_n man_n in_o they_o be_v the_o name_n of_o a_o great_a king_n and_o if_o we_o may_v believe_v suetonius_n or_o his_o author_n julius_n marathus_n the_o same_o year_n 94._o that_o augustus_n caesar_n be_v bear_v the_o senate_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o this_o prediction_n regem_fw-la populo_fw-la romano_n naturam_fw-la parturire_fw-la that_o nature_n be_v then_o in_o labour_n with_o a_o king_n of_o the_o roman_n decree_v nequis_fw-la illo_fw-la anno_fw-la genitus_fw-la educaretur_fw-la not_o unlike_o the_o practice_n of_o herod_n when_o he_o murder_v the_o child_n of_o bethlehem_n to_o secure_v the_o title_n of_o shiloh_n to_o himself_o which_o some_o of_o the_o atheistical_a jew_n of_o the_o sect_n of_o the_o sadducee_n have_v flatter_o apply_v to_o he_o and_o be_v for_o that_o reason_n style_v herodian_o and_o this_o conceit_n himself_o cherish_v with_o very_o great_a care_n among_o the_o jew_n as_o the_o fulfil_n of_o jacob_n prophecy_n upon_o the_o departure_n of_o the_o sceptre_n from_o judah_n to_o himself_o thereby_o to_o conciliate_v the_o great_a reverence_n and_o authority_n to_o his_o government_n and_o this_o probable_o be_v the_o reason_n as_o very_o a_o atheist_n as_o he_o be_v of_o his_o build_n so_o magnificent_a a_o temple_n because_o the_o jew_n expect_v such_o a_o glorious_a work_n from_o their_o messiah_n now_o this_o conceit_n be_v so_o familiar_o entertain_v in_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n in_o that_o age_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n if_o all_o that_o be_v in_o actual_a possession_n of_o authority_n whether_o themselves_o believe_v it_o or_o not_o be_v so_o watchful_a against_o all_o pretender_n to_o it_o but_o much_o less_o in_o such_o a_o suspicious_a prince_n as_o domitian_n especial_o as_o to_o the_o family_n of_o david_n who_o by_o the_o consent_n of_o the_o jew_n that_o be_v the_o great_a master_n of_o these_o prophecy_n have_v the_o first_o title_n to_o this_o great_a prerogative_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v not_o so_o much_o but_o only_o as_o far_o as_o appear_v by_o story_n they_o be_v present_v by_o some_o flatter_a and_o officious_a informer_n to_o the_o emperor_n which_o occasion_v some_o trouble_n both_o to_o themselves_o and_o the_o follower_n of_o jesus_n but_o when_o the_o jealous_a emperor_n come_v to_o inquire_v into_o their_o claim_n he_o be_v so_o satisfy_v of_o the_o innocence_n of_o the_o man_n that_o he_o immediate_o dismiss_v the_o indictment_n as_o frivolous_a and_o revoke_v all_o edict_n against_o the_o christian_n as_o partisan_n in_o the_o same_o cause_n this_o be_v the_o true_a account_n of_o all_o his_o proceed_n against_o they_o though_o if_o he_o have_v proceed_v upon_o other_o reason_n all_o his_o reason_n can_v be_v nothing_o but_o reason_n of_o state_n and_o all_o his_o execution_n nothing_o but_o act_n of_o savageness_n and_o cruelty_n but_o whatever_o they_o be_v there_o be_v no_o evidence_n of_o his_o enter_v into_o the_o merit_n of_o the_o cause_n and_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o brutal_a tyranny_n can_v be_v no_o objection_n nay_o if_o he_o do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v infer_v be_v that_o christianity_n be_v not_o please_v to_o one_o of_o the_o worst_a of_o prince_n and_o that_o be_v the_o best_a that_o can_v be_v make_v of_o his_o persecution_n and_o there_o we_o leave_v it_o that_o as_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o so_o domitian_n be_v the_o second_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n and_o conclude_v with_o tertullian_n consulite_fw-la commentarios_fw-la vestros_fw-la