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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n bad_a good_a reason_n 1,431 5 5.5448 4 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A58795 The Christian life. Part II wherein the fundamental principles of Christian duty are assigned, explained, and proved : volume I / by John Scott ...; Christian life. Part 2 Scott, John, 1639-1695. 1685 (1685) Wing S2050; ESTC R20527 226,080 542

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that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o man_n be_v universal_o agree_v in_o this_o matter_n that_o to_o worship_n god_n to_o honour_v their_o parent_n and_o superior_n to_o be_v temperate_a in_o their_o passion_n and_o appetite_n and_o just_a and_o charitable_a towards_o one_o another_o be_v thing_n in_o their_o own_o nature_n immutable_o good_a that_o this_o be_v not_o a_o opinion_n peculiar_a to_o such_o a_o age_n or_o to_o such_o a_o nation_n or_o to_o such_o a_o sect_n of_o religion_n but_o the_o universal_a judgement_n of_o all_o mankind_n of_o whatsoever_o age_n nation_n or_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v upon_o this_o judgement_n that_o all_o that_o conscience_n be_v found_v which_o approve_v of_o or_o condemn_v man_n action_n which_o conscience_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o sense_n or_o feel_v of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a and_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o natural_a to_o man_n mind_n as_o the_o sense_n of_o pleasant_a or_o painful_a touch_n to_o their_o body_n since_o therefore_o 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those_o different_a commodity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o it_o fare_v best_a with_o the_o worst_a and_o worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o through_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o maxim_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o man_n always_o pity_v the_o miserable_a and_o envy_v the_o prosperous_a and_o that_o these_o passion_n do_v natural_o bribe_v their_o judgement_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o the_o one_o and_o better_a of_o the_o other_o than_o either_o deserve_v for_o those_o who_o we_o pity_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o love_n and_o those_o who_o we_o love_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v well_o of_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o we_o envy_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o hate_v and_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o then_o because_o god_n do_v not_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n that_o our_o 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such_o maxim_n as_o be_v only_o found_v on_o our_o own_o fallacious_a observation_n but_o can_v we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o pity_n and_o envy_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o good_a man_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o bad_a even_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o more_o bad_a man_n prosper_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a than_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n i_o doubt_v the_o prosperous_a good_a will_v far_o exceed_v the_o prosperous_a bad_a though_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o thirty_o of_o the_o one_o to_o forty_o of_o the_o other_o and_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n there_o be_v more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a advance_v to_o worldly_a greatness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o doubtful_a consider_v how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v 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both_o extreme_n all_o that_o poverty_n want_v and_o all_o that_o greatness_n enjoy_v and_o in_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v there_o be_v proportionable_o far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n so_o very_o rare_a that_o david_n in_o all_o his_o life_n time_n can_v not_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o psal._n 37.25_o for_o miserable_a poverty_n be_v usual_o the_o consequence_n either_o of_o idleness_n or_o luxury_n or_o faction_n or_o knavery_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a goodness_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o condition_n on_o this_o side_n pinch_v necessity_n be_v ordinary_o even_o in_o this_o life_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o most_o gay_a and_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o outward_a glory_n and_o greatness_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o the_o gaudy_a cover_n of_o a_o tragical_a inside_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v torture_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n with_o boundless_a hope_n insatiable_a desire_n and_o horrible_a reflection_n that_o dash_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n while_o the_o good_a man_n under_o his_o mean_a and_o simple_a outside_o carry_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a soul_n a_o content_a mind_n a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o a_o calm_a conscience_n which_o mighty_o sweeten_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v his_o homely_a morsel_n outrelish_v the_o most_o study_a luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o but_o judge_n impartial_o of_o man_n and_o but_o true_o state_n what_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a to_o the_o bad_a and_o balance_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o other_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o 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the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o secondary_a cause_n 2._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o '_o they_o 3._o because_o this_o life_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o not_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 4._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 5._o this_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 6._o because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i._o the_o happen_v of_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o in_o this_o life_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o mingle_v together_o rhat_o in_o case_n of_o common_a calamity_n what_o happen_v to_o the_o one_o must_v happen_v to_o the_o other_o without_o a_o miraculous_a interposal_n of_o providence_n thus_o while_o god_n leave_v second_o cause_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o war_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v incorporate_v together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n and_o so_o long_o as_o free_a agent_n be_v leave_v to_o
flourish_v it_o be_v that_o they_o shall_v be_v destroy_v for_o ever_o psalm_n 92.7_o if_o then_o in_o the_o consequent_n of_o thing_n good_a man_n be_v bless_v in_o their_o affliction_n and_o bad_a man_n plague_v in_o their_o prosperity_n as_o it_o be_v apparent_a they_o general_o be_v these_o unequal_a distribution_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v a_o argument_n against_o providence_n that_o they_o be_v a_o glorious_a instance_n of_o it_o for_o wherein_o can_v the_o divine_a providence_n better_o express_v its_o justice_n and_o wisdom_n together_o than_o by_o benefit_v the_o good_a and_o punish_v the_o bad_a by_o such_o cross_n and_o improbable_a method_n v._o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o it_o be_v very_o requisite_a it_o shall_v often_o do_v so_o to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o be_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n manage_v with_o that_o exact_a equality_n as_o that_o the_o good_a do_v never_o suffer_v nor_o the_o bad_a escape_n unpunished_a we_o shall_v be_v deprive_v of_o one_o of_o the_o best_a moral_a argument_n of_o a_o future_a judgement_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n shall_v providence_n never_o reward_v the_o good_a nor_o punish_v the_o bad_a in_o this_o life_n but_o confound_v they_o together_o without_o any_o distinction_n it_o may_v tempt_v we_o to_o despair_v of_o any_o just_a retribution_n from_o it_o in_o the_o life_n to_o come_v so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n be_v the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o life_n weigh_v out_o to_o man_n in_o exact_a proportion_n to_o their_o merit_n and_o demerit_n without_o any_o inequality_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o think_v that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o and_o consequent_o no_o ground_n to_o expect_v any_o judgement_n to_o come_v for_o what_o occasion_n will_v there_o be_v for_o any_o future_a judgement_n if_o all_o thing_n be_v already_o exact_o balance_v and_o adjust_v and_o therefore_o as_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o justice_n of_o providence_n it_o be_v requisite_a the_o same_o plain_a instance_n shall_v be_v give_v of_o its_o distinguish_v the_o good_a from_o the_o bad_a by_o present_a reward_n and_o punishment_n so_o to_o confirm_v we_o in_o the_o expectation_n of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v it_o be_v no_o less_o requisite_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v some_o in_o equality_n in_o the_o present_a management_n and_o distribution_n of_o thing_n and_o that_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n shall_v not_o be_v administer_v with_o that_o exact_a regularity_n as_o to_o prevent_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o day_n of_o judgement_n but_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v undecided_a case_n enough_o remain_v for_o a_o future_a tribunal_n to_o adjust_a and_o determine_v so_o that_o as_o in_o the_o present_a management_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v equality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o believe_v a_o just_a providence_n so_o there_o be_v also_o inequality_n enough_o to_o induce_v we_o to_o expect_v a_o future_a judgement_n god_n have_v wise_o provide_v in_o his_o present_a administration_n of_o thing_n to_o give_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o his_o just_a procedure_n towards_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a and_o yet_o to_o leave_v we_o instance_n enough_o of_o unrewarded_a virtue_n and_o prosperous_a wickedness_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o he_o intend_v a_o after_o reckon_a for_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o these_o repeat_v example_n of_o just_a reward_n and_o punishment_n which_o in_o every_o age_n almost_o god_n set_v before_o we_o and_o not_o believe_v that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o how_o can_v we_o reflect_v upon_o those_o manifold_a evil_n which_o some_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o good_n which_o some_o bad_a man_n enjoy_v without_o believe_v that_o he_o have_v appoint_v a_o day_n wherein_o he_o will_v adjust_a these_o inequality_n and_o vindicate_v the_o cause_n of_o oppress_a virtue_n and_o crush_v triumphant_a wickedness_n into_o everlasting_a confusion_n vi_o and_o last_o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i_o confess_v be_v god_n to_o make_v no_o other_o distribution_n to_o the_o just_a and_o unjust_a but_o what_o be_v make_v in_o this_o life_n the_o inequality_n of_o it_o will_v be_v a_o strong_a objection_n against_o his_o providence_n but_o then_o consider_v that_o all_o this_o cloudy_a scene_n of_o thing_n will_v short_o close_v up_o in_o a_o righteous_a judgement_n wherein_o for_o the_o evil_n which_o the_o good_a have_v suffer_v they_o shall_v be_v award_v a_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o for_o the_o good_n which_o the_o bad_a have_v enjoy_v they_o shall_v be_v doom_v to_o everlasting_a wretchedness_n this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o vindicate_v the_o justice_n of_o providence_n be_v these_o present_a inequality_n a_o thousand_o time_n great_a than_o they_o be_v for_o suppose_v that_o after_o a_o short_a melancholy_a dream_n good_a man_n be_v to_o live_v happy_o and_o after_o as_o short_a a_o pleasant_a one_o bad_a man_n be_v to_o live_v wretched_o but_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n in_o this_o world_n we_o may_v as_o well_o object_n against_o providence_n this_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o the_o melancholy_a dream_n to_o the_o good_a and_o the_o pleasant_a one_o to_o the_o bad_a notwithstanding_o the_o succeed_a thousand_o year_n of_o their_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o do_v the_o suffering_n of_o the_o righteous_a and_o prosperity_n of_o the_o wicked_a which_o bear_v far_o less_o proportion_n to_o that_o eternity_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n that_o be_v to_o succeed_v they_o than_o the_o sorrow_n or_o pleasure_n of_o a_o moment_n dream_n do_v to_o a_o thousand_o year_n real_a calamity_n or_o blessedness_n for_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o last_o be_v all_o but_o one_o continue_a plot_n like_o that_o of_o a_o well-contrived_a comedy_n which_o at_o first_o be_v very_o obscure_a and_o intricate_a so_o that_o by_o what_o be_v past_a or_o present_a there_o be_v no_o guess_v at_o the_o conclusion_n for_o all_o through_o the_o intermediate_v act_n virtue_n and_o honour_n fight_v their_o way_n through_o difficulty_n and_o disappointment_n and_o sometime_o the_o hero_n act_v a_o sad_a and_o sometime_o the_o villain_n a_o prosperous_a part_n at_o which_o the_o unskilful_a spectator_n grieve_v and_o be_v ready_a to_o damn_v the_o poet_n for_o distribute_v such_o unequal_a fate_n but_o then_o in_o the_o five_o and_o last_o act_n all_o the_o cross_a accident_n clear_v up_o and_o issue_n in_o a_o fair_a conclusion_n and_o in_o the_o close_a of_o all_o the_o hero_z be_v crown_v and_o the_o villain_n hiss_v off_o the_o stage_n let_v we_o therefore_o have_v but_o the_o patience_n to_o stay_v till_o providence_n have_v finish_v its_o whole_a plot_n and_o close_v up_o all_o its_o mighty_a scene_n in_o the_o general_a judgement_n of_o the_o world_n and_o then_o we_o shall_v see_v all_o these_o inequality_n set_v right_a and_o the_o fate_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n determine_v by_o a_o most_o just_a award_n but_o for_o we_o to_o quarrel_v at_o providence_n now_o who_o be_v yet_o get_v no_o far_o it_o may_v be_v than_o to_o the_o middle_n of_o the_o great_a drama_n and_o to_o find_v fault_n with_o its_o procedure_n for_o cross_v the_o good_a and_o prosper_v the_o bad_a be_v rude_o to_o overturn_v the_o stage_n before_o the_o entrance_n into_o the_o five_o act_n and_o to_o hiss_v off_o the_o almighty_a poet_n for_o not_o complete_n his_o design_n before_o he_o be_v arrive_v to_o the_o conclusion_n and_o thus_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o answer_v more_o at_o large_a this_o objection_n against_o providence_n because_o it_o have_v be_v more_o insist_v on_o than_o any_o other_o and_o have_v more_o general_o stumble_v man_n belief_n of_o divine_a providence_n v._o and_o last_o it_o be_v far_a object_v that_o the_o be_v of_o a_o just_a and_o good_a providence_n be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o that_o wretched_a state_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n abandon_v for_o if_o there_o be_v a_o good_a providence_n that_o overrule_v the_o affair_n of_o this_o world_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o ever_o so_o great_a a_o part_n of_o mankind_n as_o the_o infidel_n world_n include_v shall_v be_v leave_v so_o utter_o destitute_a as_o they_o be_v of_o the_o knowledge_n of_o god_n and_o of_o the_o mean_n of_o attain_v their_o everlasting_a happiness_n to_o which_o i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v these_o three_o thing_n i._o that_o the_o infidel_n world_n be_v not_o perhaps_o leave_v so_o utter_o destitute_a as_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o imagine_v for_o they_o have_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o
all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o must_v be_v moral_o that_o be_v eternal_o good_a and_o reasonable_a because_o those_o doctrine_n be_v the_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o oblige_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n must_v oblige_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o oblige_v by_o a_o eternal_a reason_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o abrogate_a till_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v cancel_v and_o reverse_v and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v convert_v into_o lie_n in_o short_a therefore_o natural_a religion_n have_v only_o natural_a reason_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n deduce_v all_o those_o eternal_a reason_n by_o which_o it_o distinguish_v our_o action_n into_o honest_a and_o dishonest_a decorous_a and_o filthy_a good_a and_o evil_n necessary_a and_o sinful_a for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o judge_v they_o so_o but_o if_o it_o judge_v true_o it_o judge_n of_o they_o as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o unless_o it_o find_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o upon_o some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o they_o its_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a so_o that_o the_o objective_a goodness_n or_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o action_n themselves_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o our_o natural_a reason_n judge_v true_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o for_o be_v our_o action_n never_o so_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o itself_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o so_o and_o unless_o we_o judge_v it_o so_o we_o can_v reasonable_a choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n upon_o a_o eternal_a reason_n we_o stand_v oblige_v by_o that_o judgement_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v it_o so_o that_o right_a reason_n pronounce_v such_o action_n good_a and_o such_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o it_o so_o pronounce_v they_o be_v the_o creed_n of_o nature_n both_o which_o together_o make_v natural_a religion_n and_o by_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o world_n govern_v at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n till_o by_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o restrain_v the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o than_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a pity_n to_o lose_a and_o degenerate_a mankind_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o in_o the_o large_a acceptation_n of_o it_o include_v all_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o the_o credenda_fw-la as_o agenda_fw-la the_o doctrine_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o have_v superad_v sundry_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o supernatural_a religion_n but_o strict_o speak_v revealed_z religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o natural_a consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n as_o be_v knowable_a and_o discoverable_a only_o by_o revelation_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v and_o infer_v by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n from_o any_o necessary_a or_o natural_a principle_n but_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o where_o thing_n depend_v entire_o upon_o god_n will_n and_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v lie_v whole_o in_o his_o free_a disposal_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o natural_a reason_n shall_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o some_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v they_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o where_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o free_a reason_n without_o revelation_n have_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o probable_a cause_n and_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o and_o therefore_o can_v make_v neither_o certain_a conclusion_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a guess_n concern_v they_o but_o must_v necessary_o remain_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o it_o which_o way_n his_o will_n be_v determine_v and_o of_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o consist_v all_o reveal_v religion_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v sundry_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v subsequent_a thereunto_o which_o from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o adam_n upon_o his_o fall_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n to_o the_o last_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o great_a theme_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o only_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n shine_v through_o a_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n still_o shine_v clear_a and_o clear_a till_o at_o last_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o prophet_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o mediation_n so_o that_o reveal_v religion_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o always_o the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o reveal_v with_o the_o same_o perspicuity_n but_o clear_v up_o by_o degree_n from_o a_o obscure_a twilight_n to_o a_o perfect_a day_n wherefore_o christianity_n which_o in_o strictness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n together_o with_o its_o appendant_a duty_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o new_a religion_n of_o 1600._o year_n date_n for_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v then_o preach_v to_o adam_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a promise_n after_o which_o it_o be_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o repeat_v though_o very_o obscure_o still_o in_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o again_o after_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ample_o reveal_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o yet_o like_o paint_a glass_n in_o a_o window_n do_v under_o their_o pompous_a show_n still_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o holy_a mystery_n within_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o judaisme_n be_v only_a christianity_n veil_v and_o christianity_n be_v only_a judaisme_n reveal_v thus_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mediator_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o without_o revelation_n natural_a reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v deposit_v such_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o we_o or_o no_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o mediator_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o his_o free_a determination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o no_o nor_o any_o probable_a one_o neither_o that_o humane_a reason_n can_v ever_o have_v discover_v that_o can_v incline_v or_o determine_v he_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o be_v leave_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v by_o this_o therefore_o be_v strict_o the_o reveal_v religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a but_o since_o together_o with_o reveal_v religion_n god_n have_v put_v forth_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o natural_a which_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o grow_v out_o of_o print_n through_o the_o wretched_a negligence_n and_o stupidity_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o
he_o have_v not_o only_o reveal_v they_o together_o but_o also_o incorporate_v they_o into_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o frame_v and_o constitute_v by_o this_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a with_o reveal_v may_v be_v thus_o define_v it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o rational_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v institute_v and_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n suitable_a to_o his_o excellency_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o where_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v immediate_o direct_v to_o and_o terminate_v upon_o god_n as_o all_o those_o be_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n but_o all_o those_o act_n in_o general_n which_o god_n have_v command_v which_o be_v perform_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n that_o be_v out_o of_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v and_o authority_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o act_v of_o worship_n to_o he_o as_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o adjuration_n and_o now_o have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v from_o hence_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v what_o principle_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n for_o first_o god_n be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a that_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v second_o religion_n be_v a_o obligation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n that_o this_o obligation_n may_v take_v effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o about_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n three_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o due_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o to_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o reward_v we_o if_o we_o render_v those_o act_n to_o he_o and_o as_o certain_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o four_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fulfil_v this_o obligation_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n five_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o perform_v this_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o mediation_n these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n in_o which_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o through_o fix_v those_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o to_o discourse_v of_o these_o principle_n distinct_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v heb._n 11.6_o where_o by_o come_v to_o god_n be_v mean_v worship_v he_o that_o be_v express_v our_o veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o action_n and_o unless_o our_o outward_a action_n in_o religion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o they_o be_v not_o worship_n but_o mockery_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v inward_o venerate_v god_n when_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o real_a soever_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v so_o necessary_o exist_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o imply_v a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o not_o be_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v not_o our_o thought_n can_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v about_o he_o than_o about_o purchase_v a_o inheritance_n in_o utopia_n so_o that_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v remove_v religion_n must_v sink_v and_o all_o its_o sacred_a obligation_n fly_v in_o sunder_o but_o this_o be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o argument_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n depend_v and_o that_o first_o by_o inquire_v into_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o by_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o till_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o his_o providence_n where_o i_o think_v there_o be_v enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o desperate_o harden_v against_o all_o conviction_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o consider_v how_o loud_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n the_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o beautiful_a structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n do_v proclaim_v the_o be_v of_o god_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o monster_n as_o a_o atheist_n among_o reasonable_a being_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v warm_o dispute_v among_o the_o learned_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o or_o no_o a_o question_n which_o these_o late_a age_n have_v determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n but_o doubtless_o have_v man_n impartial_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o infatuation_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o inveterate_a prejudice_n of_o a_o corrupt_a imagination_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o so_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o atheism_n imply_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o once_o man_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v espouse_v a_o proposition_n they_o will_v make_v one_o shift_n or_o other_o be_v it_o never_o so_o absurd_a to_o impose_v it_o on_o their_o understand_n and_o consider_v how_o many_o cause_n there_o be_v lead_v man_n to_o atheism_n who_o be_v predispose_v thereunto_o i_o can_v think_v a_o atheist_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o wonder_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n understand_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o will_n and_o their_o will_n be_v bias_v with_o inclination_n to_o impiety_n they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o then_o from_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o will_v be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a transition_n since_o therefore_o their_o atheism_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n perhaps_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o detect_v and_o remove_v those_o faulty_a cause_n in_o their_o will_n than_o to_o attempt_v upon_o their_o reason_n with_o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o according_o you_o see_v that_o when_o god_n have_v once_o erect_v this_o goodly_a theatre_n of_o being_n and_o imprint_v on_o it_o so_o many_o glorious_a character_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v innumerable_a miracle_n to_o reduce_v man_n from_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v one_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o atheism_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o stand_a miracle_n the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o miracle_n for_o other_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o disorder_n and_o interruption_n of_o nature_n and_o certain_o the_o regular_a course_n and_o stand_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o much_o more_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n than_o the_o most_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o disorder_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v atheist_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v imprint_v so_o many_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v on_o this_o visible_a creation_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v
good_a man_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n marmoreo_fw-la licinus_n tumulo_fw-la iaceo_fw-la at_o cato_n parvo_fw-la pompeius_n nullo_n quis_fw-la putet_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la the_o wicked_a licinus_n lie_v in_o a_o marble_n tomb_n but_o cato_n in_o a_o small_a one_o and_o pompey_n in_o none_o who_o will_v think_v there_o be_v god_n so_o also_o there_o be_v other_o who_o behold_v themselves_o in_o the_o flatter_a mirror_n of_o their_o own_o self-conceit_n be_v so_o take_v with_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o excellency_n as_o that_o they_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v love_v and_o reward_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v god_n either_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o worldly_a good_n which_o they_o dote_v on_o or_o frustrate_v they_o of_o those_o carnal_a hope_n for_o who_o accomplishment_n they_o have_v earnest_o supplicate_v they_o present_o begin_v to_o murmur_v against_o he_o and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o arraign_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thence_o to_o deny_v both_o that_o and_o his_o be_v for_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v simplicius_n that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o ground_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o with_o he_o in_o the_o tragedian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n i_o dare_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v that_o hurt_n i_o thus_o from_o their_o fond_a affection_n to_o these_o worldly_a good_n man_n frequent_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n providence_n for_o not_o appropriate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o his_o providence_n their_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o dispute_v he_o out_o of_o his_o be_v but_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o conclude_v be_v this_o i_o value_v this_o to_o be_v best_a and_o that_o to_o be_v worst_a and_o therefore_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o my_o opinion_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o in_o his_o providence_n over_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v better_o or_o worse_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o what_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v best_a and_o worst_a for_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o method_n that_o i_o shall_v prescribe_v he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v crown_v they_o with_o rosebud_n and_o clothe_v they_o in_o purple_a and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n and_o if_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a he_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v aim_n to_o his_o arrow_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o and_o what_o and_o when_o and_o where_o to_o shoot_v and_o so_o long_o i_o be_o content_v to_o allow_v he_o a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o he_o will_v presume_v to_o cross_v my_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o steer_v his_o action_n by_o the_o unerring_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n if_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a by_o chasten_v than_o by_o prosper_v they_o and_o to_o avenge_v himself_o upon_o the_o wicked_a by_o fatten_v they_o with_o prosperity_n for_o slaughter_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o a_o affront_n to_o my_o judgement_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mean_a expiation_n than_o the_o strip_v he_o out_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o for_o man_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n because_o his_o providence_n sometime_o cross_v their_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o govern_v itself_o by_o the_o crooked_a rule_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v it_o iv._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v vain_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n in_o opinion_n a_o vice_n that_o have_v be_v always_o incident_a to_o man_n of_o speculation_n who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n have_v always_o affect_v to_o start_v new_a notion_n and_o advance_v contrary_a hypothesis_n to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v vogue_v for_o man_n of_o singular_a knowledge_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v tall_a understanding_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n in_o nature_n which_o have_v be_v more_o universal_o receive_v among_o man_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o man_n who_o affect_v singularity_n have_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o quarrel_v at_o it_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o design_n of_o be_v think_v wise_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v their_o understanding_n to_o common_a notion_n and_o universal_a doctrine_n because_o shall_v they_o think_v as_o other_o man_n do_v they_o may_v probable_o be_v think_v no_o wise_a perhaps_o have_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v late_o start_v and_o only_o receive_v by_o some_o singular_a sect_n of_o vertuosoe_n these_o man_n may_v have_v beeen_n as_o forward_o to_o entertain_v it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o old-fashion_n doctrine_n in_o which_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v concur_v they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o discredit_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o wear_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o invent_v atheistical_a hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n and_o he_o that_o do_v but_o impartial_o consider_v the_o haughty_a genius_n of_o those_o philosopher_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o their_o infidelity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o proud_a affectation_n of_o think_v counter_a to_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o can_v i_o but_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n i_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o their_o humour_n that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o pass_v through_o democritus_n into_o protagoras_n through_o protagoras_n into_o epicurus_n and_o through_o epicurus_n into_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o since_o they_o so_o exact_o agree_v in_o their_o pride_n and_o haughty_a ostentation_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v just_o supposable_a that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o agreement_n in_o atheism_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a doctrine_n and_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o adapt_v to_o the_o humour_n of_o these_o arrogant_a philosopher_n and_o according_o plato_n describe_v the_o atheist_n of_o his_o age_n to_o be_v a_o conceit_a and_o scornful_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o atheism_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a pernicious_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n that_o put_v on_o a_o semblance_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o afterward_o he_o call_v athetheism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o conceit_a people_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a of_o all_o doctrine_n de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 10._o and_o because_o these_o atheistical_a philosopher_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o great_a master_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v remarque_v and_o gaze_v on_o like_o so_o many_o antic_n for_o their_o singularity_n they_o have_v always_o find_v disciple_n and_o follower_n among_o the_o people_n of_o little_a sense_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosopher_n but_o have_v neither_o brain_n nor_o industry_n enough_o to_o merit_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o shelter_v their_o ignorance_n in_o atheism_n and_o there_o to_o face_v it_o out_o with_o laughter_n and_o boldness_n and_o because_o by_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o deride_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n they_o fancy_v themselves_o singular_o witty_a and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v fancy_v they_o so_o too_o whereas_o in_o reality_n these_o little_a people_n be_v but_o mere_a pretender_n to_o speculative_a atheism_n for_o before_o they_o can_v be_v more_o they_o must_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o atheistical_a philosophy_n and_o be_v able_a to_o describe_v all_o those_o suppose_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o matter_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n
express_v to_o a_o silly_a or_o a_o wicked_a meaning_n and_o it_o shall_v be_v present_o cry_v up_o for_o a_o excellent_a jest_n and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o dub_v a_o wit_n laureate_a this_o therefore_o be_v so_o easy_a a_o way_n for_o dull_a people_n to_o advance_v themselves_o to_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n have_v of_o late_a year_n especial_o be_v mighty_o frequent_v by_o the_o impotent_a wellwisher_n to_o wit_n and_o ingenuity_n and_o because_o religion_n have_v be_v always_o esteem_v the_o most_o serious_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n therefore_o they_o fix_v upon_o that_o as_o the_o common_a theme_n of_o their_o raillery_n consider_v that_o the_o more_o serious_a it_o be_v the_o more_o it_o will_v surprise_v man_n to_o hear_v it_o burlesque_v and_o droll_v on_o so_o that_o if_o they_o do_v but_o speak_v slight_o and_o irreverent_o of_o god_n or_o never_o so_o clownish_o ridicule_n a_o mystery_n of_o religion_n or_o clothe_v a_o obscene_a thought_n in_o a_o text_n of_o scripture_n their_o sauciness_n will_v supply_v the_o defect_n of_o their_o wit_n and_o man_n will_v laugh_v not_o so_o much_o at_o the_o picquancy_n of_o their_o conceit_n as_o at_o the_o boldness_n and_o presumption_n of_o it_o and_o because_o their_o discourse_n have_v the_o luck_n to_o be_v laugh_v at_o they_o think_v themselves_o celebrate_v for_o the_o oracle_n of_o wit_n and_o be_v thereby_o embolden_v to_o proceed_v in_o this_o their_o impious_a buffoonery_n till_o at_o last_o they_o have_v droll_v themselves_o into_o a_o contempt_n of_o god_n and_o from_o thence_o into_o downright_a atheism_n for_o though_o a_o jest_n be_v no_o argument_n nor_o yet_o a_o loud_a laughter_n a_o demonstration_n yet_o if_o you_o inspect_v the_o generality_n of_o our_o little_a pretender_n to_o atheism_n you_o will_v find_v this_o be_v the_o main_a foundation_n that_o their_o irreligion_n depend_v on_o for_o their_o gift_n consist_v not_o in_o argue_v and_o demonstrate_v but_o in_o such_o a_o 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the_o little_a man_n in_o black_a now_o though_o for_o man_n to_o deride_v what_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v savour_v neither_o of_o learning_n nor_o good_a manner_n and_o be_v equal_o unbecoming_a a_o gentleman_n and_o a_o scholar_n and_o though_o for_o a_o man_n to_o venture_v to_o be_v damn_v for_o deride_v of_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v such_o a_o triumph_n of_o wit_n as_o argue_v the_o utter_a defe●●●_n of_o his_o reason_n yet_o so_o long_o as_o there_o be_v vain_a man_n enough_o to_o be_v tickle_v with_o this_o profane_a sort_n of_o drollery_n to_o be_v sure_a there_o will_v never_o want_v fool_n enough_o to_o venture_v on_o it_o for_o when_o a_o fop_n will_v needs_o aspire_v to_o the_o reputation_n of_o a_o wit_n he_o have_v no_o other_o way_n but_o to_o dress_v up_o religion_n in_o a_o fools-coat_n and_o expose_v it_o for_o a_o spectacle_n of_o derision_n and_o then_o how_o dull_a soever_o the_o conceit_n be_v the_o stupendous_a presumption_n of_o it_o will_v suprise_v and_o amuse_v the_o company_n and_o man_n will_v admire_v he_o just_a as_o they_o do_v rope-dancer_n for_o dare_v to_o perform_v what_o a_o wise_a man_n will_v tremble_v to_o attempt_v and_o be_v thus_o embolden_v by_o the_o admiration_n and_o laughter_n of_o his_o company_n which_o the_o vain_a creature_n mistake_v for_o a_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o his_o wit_n he_o grow_v more_o pert_a and_o confident_a and_o so_o fool_n and_o fleer_n on_o till_o he_o have_v toy_v and_o laugh_v himself_o out_o of_o all_o sense_n of_o religion_n but_o alas_o what_o a_o desperate_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v this_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o sport_n and_o dally_v with_o the_o almighty_a who_o vengeance_n they_o can_v neither_o withstand_v nor_o endure_v to_o point_n and_o make_v mouth_n at_o he_o to_o his_o face_n and_o set_v he_o up_o as_o the_o finger-butt_n of_o their_o scorn_n and_o derision_n for_o certain_o if_o there_o be_v sin_n that_o can_v raise_v a_o cry_n loud_a enough_o to_o reach_v heaven_n this_o as_o a_o great_a author_n of_o our_o own_o have_v express_v it_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o whisper_v there_o that_o it_o will_v give_v a_o alarm_n to_o the_o vengeance_n of_o heaven_n who_o infliction_n like_o stone_n tumble_v from_o the_o top_n of_o tower_n will_v by_o so_o much_o the_o more_o fatal_o crush_v those_o they_o light_v on_o by_o how_o much_o the_o long_o they_o be_v fall_v upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o dally_v with_o their_o own_o fate_n to_o venture_v to_o be_v damn_v that_o they_o may_v be_v think_v to_o be_v witty_a and_o expose_v themselves_o to_o endless_a wail_n and_o woe_n only_o to_o raise_v a_o present_a fit_n of_o laughter_n be_v doubtless_o a_o far_a more_o desperate_a attempt_n than_o it_o will_v be_v to_o play_v at_o the_o mouth_n of_o canon_n while_o they_o be_v spit_v fire_n or_o to_o lay_v hold_n on_o a_o thunderbolt_n as_o it_o come_v roar_v down_o from_o the_o cloud_n but_o suppose_v there_o be_v neither_o 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not_o to_o be_v jest_v out_o of_o his_o be_v vi_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v take_v up_o religion_n or_o opinion_n in_o religion_n without_o examination_n the_o generality_n of_o man_n do_v embrace_v their_o religion_n as_o a_o part_n of_o their_o fate_n as_o the_o temper_n of_o their_o clime_n or_o the_o entail_v of_o their_o ancestor_n and_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v christian_n be_v because_o christianity_n have_v the_o luck_n to_o bespeak_v they_o first_o and_o by_o its_o timely_a interposure_n to_o prepossess_v and_o forestall_v they_o so_o that_o in_o all_o probability_n have_v mahometism_n ply_v they_o first_o they_o will_v have_v have_v as_o much_o faith_n for_o the_o koran_n as_o they_o have_v now_o for_o the_o bible_n now_o when_o man_n thus_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n they_o know_v not_o why_o their_o mind_n must_v needs_o be_v leave_v naked_a and_o defenceless_a to_o all_o the_o temptation_n of_o atheism_n for_o when_o a_o man_n can_v render_v no_o ●eason_n for_o his_o religion_n his_o faith_n have_v nothing_o but_o blind_a prejudice_n to_o support_v it_o and_o it_o be_v with_o his_o will_n that_o he_o believe_v and_o not_o with_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o he_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v believe_v or_o no_o because_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n to_o determine_v his_o understanding_n and_o how_o unstable_a and_o insecure_a must_v his_o faith_n need_v be_v when_o it_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a will_n when_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o humour_n and_o inclination_n and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o determine_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o for_o his_o interest_n for_o now_o his_o faith_n be_v determine_v by_o his_o will_n and_o his_o will_n
by_o his_o interest_n whenever_o he_o think_v it_o his_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o consequent_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o grow_v wicked_a enough_o to_o need_v atheism_n for_o a_o refuge_n from_o his_o conscience_n he_o will_v betake_v himself_o thither_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o endeavour_v by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o god_n be_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o power_n thus_o when_o man_n belief_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o evidence_n but_o stand_v totter_v on_o the_o fickle_a foundation_n of_o their_o will_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v blow_v down_o by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v the_o irreligion_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o for_o if_o you_o survey_v the_o present_a stickler_n for_o atheism_n you_o will_v find_v they_o chief_o consist_v of_o the_o hare-brained_a and_o uncatechise_v youth_n of_o the_o town_n who_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n nor_o to_o consider_v the_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o either_o of_o the_o admirable_a contexture_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o alas_o their_o study_n have_v be_v employ_v another_o way_n viz._n in_o courtly_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o punctilio_n of_o action_n in_o fashionable_a garb_n and_o oath_n and_o artificial_a luxury_n in_o con_v of_o fine_a jest_n and_o mode_n of_o address_n and_o retail_v fragment_n of_o wit_n from_o play_n and_o romance_n but_o as_o for_o the_o severe_a and_o more_o useful_a study_n they_o bequeath_v they_o to_o the_o dull_a man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n such_o as_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o sage_n that_o droll_n upon_o religion_n 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their_o religion_n in_o which_o their_o great_a interest_n be_v involve_v but_o to_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v at_o a_o venture_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o what_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v lot_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o throw_v cross_a or_o pile_n for_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o resolve_v they_o say_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a they_o never_o inquire_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v thank_v their_o star_n for_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o have_v the_o worse_a luck_n thus_o they_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n to_o be_v conduct_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o if_o those_o distant_a fate_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o be_v the_o broad_a or_o the_o narrow_a the_o right_a or_o the_o wrong_n but_o 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his_o ear_n and_o then_o peremptory_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o sound_n because_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o graft_v infidelity_n upon_o ignorance_n be_v only_o to_o heap_v one_o extravagance_n on_o another_o if_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n the_o more_o shame_n it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o methinks_v it_o may_v very_o well_o become_v they_o to_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a till_o they_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o better_a but_o thus_o immediate_o to_o leap_v out_o of_o ignorance_n into_o atheism_n be_v first_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o then_o run_v stark_o mad_a upon_o it_o vii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v man_n measure_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o make_v the_o loud_a pretence_n to_o it_o when_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o satisfy_v his_o own_o reason_n of_o 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their_o life_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n he_o present_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v infidel_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o he_o think_v do_v best_o understand_v religion_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o he_o thence_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o do_v only_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o a_o angelical_a vizor_n be_v mind_v to_o play_v the_o devil_n in_o it_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o security_n and_o by_o this_o popular_a way_n of_o reason_v they_o conclude_v religion_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o engine_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v contrive_v to_o beguile_v and_o manage_v the_o simple_a and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v pretend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a jugling-box_n which_o knave_n play_v trick_n with_o to_o delude_v and_o cozen_v fool_n and_o of_o this_o way_n of_o man_n reason_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v full_a of_o woeful_a instance_n for_o now_o adays_o to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v religion_n be_v no_o long_o the_o prerogative_n of_o wit_n and_o vertuosoe_n but_o the_o infection_n be_v spread_v and_o propagate_v into_o shop_n and_o stall_n and_o the_o rabble_n be_v become_v professor_n of_o atheism_n now_o whence_o shall_v this_o proceed_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o philosophise_v themselves_o into_o infidelity_n and_o turn_v atheist_n either_o upon_o aristotle_n or_o epicurus_n hypothesis_n no_o no_o their_o argument_n lie_v near_a home_n and_o more_o open_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o have_v see_v a_o world_n of_o vile_a trick_n play_v in_o our_o religious_a carnivals_n and_o masquerades_n some_o make_v
and_o to_o absent_a one_o self_n ordinary_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o christian._n by_o which_o mean_v their_o natural_a sense_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v continual_o awaken_v and_o revive_v they_o be_v not_o only_o secure_v by_o it_o from_o all_o atheistical_a impression_n but_o also_o animate_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a conversation_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o have_v uttter_o disable_v it_o from_o restrain_v the_o wantonness_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n some_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o separate_a communion_n and_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o so_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a resort_n of_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o whilst_o the_o master_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o go_v to_o conventicle_n the_o servant_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n assume_v the_o liberty_n of_o will_n to_o go_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n insomuch_o that_o it_o grow_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o young_a people_n debauch_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o all_o the_o week_n after_o whilst_o under_o pretence_n of_o join_v with_o a_o different_a communion_n they_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o till_o once_o our_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v cure_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a practice_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o servant_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n we_o demand_v of_o our_o governor_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n profaneness_n have_v insinuate_v itself_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o schism_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n become_v a_o common_a sanctuary_n for_o the_o licentious_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n worship_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o common_a and_o fashionable_a that_o it_o almost_o cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a yea_o so_o far_o at_o length_n have_v this_o impious_a humour_n prevail_v that_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o be_v devout_a be_v among_o too_o many_o man_n grow_v a_o note_n of_o disgrace_n and_o the_o character_n of_o a_o priestridden_a fool_n and_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o look_v upon_o as_o fit_v for_o genteel_a conversation_n that_o know_v any_o other_o use_n of_o a_o holiday_n but_o only_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o lie_v abed_o or_o to_o game_n or_o drink_n and_o debauch_v by_o which_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o natural_a sense_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v quicken_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o have_v be_v gradual_o wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v all_o that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o overspread_v this_o present_a age._n for_o when_o once_o man_n have_v renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n be_v abandon_v of_o their_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o atheism_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vile_a lust_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n will_v easy_o precipitate_v they_o but_o alas_o how_o ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o their_o own_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tail_n one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o to_o second_o extravagance_n with_o madness_n it_o will_v make_v one_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o reasonable_a being_n shall_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n over_o which_o a_o almighty_a be_v preside_v who_o see_v all_o their_o action_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n all_o event_n be_v which_o concen_v they_o and_o even_o the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n or_o veneration_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v the_o mere_a trifle_n or_o most_o insignificant_a cypher_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o sure_o when_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o black_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n one_o will_v think_v their_o wise_a course_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o compensate_a for_o their_o past_a profaneness_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o future_a devotion_n but_o for_o man_n to_o proceed_v from_o neglect_v god_n worship_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v be_v to_o do_v worse_a because_o they_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o provocation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n desperate_a because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o you_o see_v be_v all_o derive_v from_o man_n will_n and_o not_o from_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a that_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o his_o will._n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n by_o represent_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n in_o discourse_v which_o i_o shall_v meddle_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v with_o the_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o man_n turn_v atheist_n but_o for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o a_o honest_a will_n and_o that_o the_o bias_n that_o carry_v they_o towards_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o their_o understand_n but_o in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o partiality_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o wish_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n be_v partial_a on_o the_o side_n of_o atheism_n suppose_v it_o be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a 2._o he_o conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n 3._o he_o conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n 4._o he_o conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a 5._o he_o conclude_v for_o the_o unsafe_v side_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o the_o high_a uncertainty_n 6._o he_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o conclusion_n i._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a for_o the_o chief_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n without_o who_o its_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o five_o sense_n be_v the_o sole_a entertainment_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o these_o mighty_a faculty_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o but_o only_a to_o consult_v and_o choose_v the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o perish_a body_n for_o except_v god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n no_o good_a to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o be_v prepare_v to_o entertain_v the_o boundless_a liquorishness_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o have_v we_o none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o to_o consult_v for_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o cater_n for_o our_o flesh_n and_o we_o shall_v
its_o own_o motion_n and_o then_o move_v again_o or_o divert_v from_o its_o course_n and_o then_o return_v again_o if_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o some_o will_n without_o it_o that_o guide_v and_o dispose_v it_o according_a to_o its_o own_o council_n but_o beside_o these_o scripture_n miracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a miraculous_a instance_n of_o the_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v bad_a public_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n some_o of_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n other_o of_o restore_v the_o life_n other_o of_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a man_n some_o of_o detect_v the_o crime_n of_o bad_a man_n other_o of_o strike_v they_o dead_a in_o their_o impious_a fact_n other_o of_o punish_v they_o in_o kind_n and_o other_o of_o inflict_v on_o they_o those_o very_a plague_n which_o they_o have_v imprecate_v on_o themselves_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o falsehood_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o be_v furnish_v with_o sundry_a notorious_a instance_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o condemn_v the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n for_o public_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v sundry_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o of_o all_o these_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v so_o strong_o attest_v there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o true_a and_o real_a that_o one_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o if_o ever_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v effect_v that_o be_v either_o above_o the_o power_n or_o contrary_n to_o the_o establish_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n do_v sometime_o visible_o exert_v his_o own_o immediate_a efficacy_n on_o this_o world_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o he_o always_o govern_v it_o for_o whenever_o he_o thus_o exert_v it_o it_o be_v for_o some_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a and_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n shall_v he_o thus_o strip_v his_o arm_n and_o visible_o exert_v his_o power_n upon_o or_o before_o we_o but_o either_o to_o awaken_v our_o attention_n or_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n or_o alarm_n our_o fear_n or_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o such_o design_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o govern_v we_o for_o to_o what_o other_o purpose_n can_v a_o almighty_a be_v be_v suppose_v to_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o faith_n and_o attention_n but_o to_o subdue_v and_o reduce_v we_o under_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o visible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v prediction_n of_o future_a and_o remote_a contingency_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o thing_n have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o for_o the_o heathen_a tully_n give_v numerous_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o his_o two_o book_n of_o divination_n in_o the_o first_o of_o which_o he_o set_v down_o this_o as_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o prediction_n esse_fw-la deos_fw-la &_o eorum_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la mundum_fw-la administrari_fw-la eosdemque_fw-la consulere_fw-la rebus_fw-la humanis_fw-la nec_fw-la solum_fw-la universis_fw-la verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la singulis_fw-la i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o by_o their_o providence_n the_o world_n be_v govern_v that_o they_o take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o these_o prediction_n he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o chrysippus_n who_o write_v a_o large_a book_n in_o which_o he_o give_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o they_o all_o confirm_v by_o very_o good_a authority_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v their_o oracle_n and_o their_o sybilline_a write_n among_o which_o if_o there_o have_v not_o be_v a_o great_a many_o true_a prediction_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o as_o they_o be_v to_o pay_v such_o a_o mighty_a respect_n and_o veneration_n to_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o for_o several_a age_n together_o but_o as_o for_o their_o oracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o record_v in_o ancient_a historian_n together_o with_o their_o punctual_a accomplishment_n and_o tully_n in_o particular_a tell_v we_o of_o one_o of_o apollo_n his_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o that_o sypselus_fw-la the_o tyrant_n shall_v reign_v at_o corinth_n and_o varro_n make_v mention_n of_o one_o vectius_n valens_n a_o augur_n in_o the_o time_n of_o romulus_n who_o when_o rome_n be_v build_v foretell_v by_o the_o fly_n of_o twelve_o vulture_n that_o the_o city_n shall_v continue_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o year_n which_o according_o happen_v but_o as_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o prediction_n we_o need_v seek_v no_o far_o than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o you_o have_v sundry_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n after_o as_o particular_o of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o those_o two_o captivity_n the_o one_o in_o egypt_n the_o other_o in_o babylon_n the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v foretell_v four_o hundred_o year_n and_o the_o latter_a above_o seventy_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o accomplish_v punctual_o to_o a_o day_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o gen._n 15.13_o compare_v with_o exod._n 12.41_o and_o jer._n 25.12_o compare_v with_o 2_o chron._n 36.21_o 22._o which_o latter_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o record_v in_o scripture_n but_o mention_v by_o eupolemus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n prepar_n pag._n 454._o thus_o also_o you_o have_v isaiah_n his_o prophecy_n of_o cyrus_n who_o 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a_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a nature_n himself_o to_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o snatch_v poor_a infant_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n that_o never_o actual_o offend_v he_o and_o hurl_v they_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o consider_v the_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o horrible_a decree_n though_o otherwise_o a_o rare_a and_o admirable_a person_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o doctrine_n and_o model_v his_o divinity_n by_o his_o temper_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o but_o a_o man_n of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n that_o love_v beyond_o all_o reason_n and_o invincible_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n of_o his_o own_o darling_n can_v ever_o imagine_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v his_o favourite_n without_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v 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therefore_o we_o will_v not_o wrong_v god_n in_o our_o own_o thought_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o he_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o but_o what_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o impartial_a reason_n and_o because_o our_o self-love_n be_v apt_a to_o bribe_v our_o own_o reason_n into_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v nothing_o of_o our_o own_o into_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v vote_v a_o perfection_n by_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n for_o while_o man_n be_v vehement_o addict_v to_o any_o sinful_a course_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_o on_o their_o mind_n because_o it_o will_v be_v always_o quarrel_v with_o they_o suggest_v argument_n against_o they_o and_o 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