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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 see_v 1,466 5 3.4614 3 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 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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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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
propose_v by_o god_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o cleanse_v ourselves_o from_o all_o filthiness_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n and_o to_o perfect_a holiness_n in_o the_o fear_n of_o god_n 2._o cor._n 7.1_o so_o also_o the_o doctrine_n of_o our_o future_a punishment_n be_v level_v against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n rom._n 1.18_o and_o as_o for_o those_o doctrine_n which_o concern_v the_o transaction_n of_o our_o saviour_n they_o be_v all_o propose_v to_o we_o as_o argument_n to_o persuade_v we_o to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n for_o it_o be_v for_o this_o cause_n that_o christ_n be_v manifest_v to_o destroy_v the_o work_n of_o the_o devil_n 1_o john_n 3.8_o it_o be_v for_o this_o purpose_n that_o he_o bear_v our_o sin_n in_o his_o own_o body_n on_o the_o tree_n that_o we_o be_v dead_a to_o sin_n shall_v live_v to_o righteousness_n 1_o pet._n 2.24_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o rise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o thereby_o he_o may_v prevail_v with_o we_o to_o walk_v in_o newness_n of_o life_n rom._n 6.4_o and_o it_o be_v for_o this_o end_n that_o he_o intercede_v for_o we_o at_o the_o right_a hand_n of_o god_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v encourage_v we_o to_o come_v to_o god_n by_o he_o heb._n 7.2_o and_o in_o a_o word_n for_o this_o cause_n he_o have_v tell_v we_o he_o will_v come_v to_o judgement_n to_o reward_v every_o man_n according_a to_o his_o work_n that_o thereby_o he_o may_v stir_v we_o up_o to_o sobriety_n and_o vigilance_n and_o to_o all_o holy_a conversation_n and_o godliness_n mat._n 24.42_o compare_v with_o 2_o pet._n 3._o verse_n 11._o thus_o you_o see_v all_o the_o doctrine_n of_o religion_n be_v only_o so_o many_o topic_n of_o divine_a persuasion_n whereby_o god_n address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_n and_o every_o other_o affection_n in_o we_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n to_o excite_v we_o to_o comply_v with_o the_o eternal_a obligation_n of_o morality_n and_o there_o be_v no_o one_o article_n in_o all_o our_o religion_n that_o be_v matter_n of_o mere_a speculation_n or_o that_o entertain_v our_o mind_n with_o dry_a and_o empty_a notion_n that_o have_v no_o influence_n on_o our_o will_n and_o affection_n for_o since_o the_o design_n of_o religion_n in_o general_n be_v to_o bind_v and_o fasten_v our_o soul_n to_o god_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o there_o be_v no_o part_n of_o it_o but_o what_o do_v in_o some_o measure_n contribute_v hereunto_o since_o therefore_o it_o be_v moral_a goodness_n that_o god_n chief_o recommend_v to_o we_o by_o the_o persuasion_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o what_o his_o argument_n do_v chief_o persuade_v we_o to_o that_o his_o command_n do_v chief_o oblige_v we_o to_o ii_o from_o scripture_n it_o be_v also_o evident_a that_o the_o main_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o all_o the_o positive_a duty_n of_o religion_n be_v to_o improve_v and_o perfect_a man_n in_o moral_a goodness_n we_o find_v the_o jewish_a religion_n exceed_o abound_v with_o positive_a precept_n for_o such_o be_v all_o those_o sacred_a rite_n and_o solemnity_n of_o which_o the_o bark_n and_o outside_o of_o that_o religion_n consist_v of_o all_o which_o it_o be_v true_a what_o the_o psalmist_n say_v of_o sacrifice_n in_o particular_a thou_o desire_v not_o sacrifice_n thou_o delight_v not_o in_o burn_a offering_n psal._n 51.16_o that_o be_v thou_o take_v no_o delight_n in_o they_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o any_o internal_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o but_o desire_v they_o mere_o as_o they_o be_v institute_v mean_n and_o instrument_n of_o moral_a goodness_n for_o so_o many_o of_o the_o rite_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n be_v institute_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o magical_a unclean_a and_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o the_o eastern_a heathen_a as_o particular_o that_o prohibition_n of_o sow_v their_o field_n with_o mingle_a seed_n leu._n 19.19_o in_o opposition_n to_o that_o magical_a rite_n which_o the_o heathen_n use_v as_o a_o charm_n for_o fructification_n so_o also_o that_o command_n of_o sprinkle_v the_o blood_n of_o their_o sacrifice_n upon_o the_o ground_n like_o water_n and_o cover_v it_o with_o dust_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o idolatrous_a rite_n of_o gather_v the_o blood_n into_o a_o trench_n or_o vessel_n and_o then_o sit_v round_o it_o in_o a_o circle_n whilst_o they_o imagine_v their_o god_n to_o be_v lick_v it_o up_o and_o to_o name_v no_o more_o of_o this_o kind_n the_o prohibition_n of_o seethe_v a_o kid_n in_o his_o mother_n milk_n exod._n 23.19_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o a_o custom_n of_o the_o ancient_a heathen_a who_o at_o the_o ingather_n of_o their_o fruit_n be_v wont_a to_o take_v a_o kid_n and_o see_v it_o in_o the_o milk_n of_o its_o dam_n and_o then_o in_o a_o magical_a procession_n to_o sprinkle_v all_o their_o tree_n and_o field_n and_o garden_n with_o it_o thereby_o to_o render_v they_o more_o fruitful_a the_o follow_a year_n beside_o all_o which_o you_o may_v find_v a_o world_n of_o other_o instance_n in_o maimonides_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o these_o eastern_a heathen_n be_v porta_fw-la magna_fw-la ad_fw-la reddendas_fw-la praeceptorum_fw-la causas_fw-la the_o great_a rationale_n of_o the_o mosaic_a precept_n and_o that_o multarum_fw-la legum_fw-la rationes_fw-la &_o causae_fw-la mihi_fw-la innotuerint_fw-la ex_fw-la cognition_n fidei_fw-la rituum_fw-la &_o cultus_fw-la zabiorum_n i._n e._n that_o by_o be_v acquaint_v with_o the_o opinion_n and_o custom_n of_o those_o eastern_a heathen_n he_o understand_v the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o many_o of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n more-nevoch_a lib._n 3._o cap._n 29._o so_o that_o though_o these_o precept_n be_v not_o moral_a yet_o be_v they_o set_v up_o as_o so_o many_o fence_n by_o god_n to_o keep_v his_o people_n from_o straggle_v into_o those_o heathen_a immorality_n again_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o their_o 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doctrine_n carry_v with_o they_o the_o most_o pregnant_a invitation_n to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n last_o there_o be_v other_o rite_n of_o that_o law_n which_o be_v appoint_v to_o instruct_v they_o in_o moral_a duty_n for_o god_n find_v they_o not_o only_o a_o perverse_a but_o a_o dull_a and_o sottish_a people_n as_o those_o general_o be_v that_o have_v be_v bear_v and_o breed_v in_o slavery_n apprehend_v that_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o instruct_v they_o will_v be_v by_o sign_n and_o material_a representation_n even_o as_o parent_n do_v their_o child_n by_o picture_n and_o according_o in_o isaiah_n 28.10_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o he_o give_v they_o line_n upon_o line_n and_o precept_n upon_o precept_n here_o a_o little_a and_o there_o a_o little_a with_o a_o stammer_a tongue_n i._n e._n he_o look_v upon_o they_o as_o child_n and_o so_o condescend_v to_o their_o weakness_n and_o speak_v to_o they_o in_o their_o own_o dialect_n and_o this_o way_n of_o instruct_v they_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n be_v much_o in_o use_n in_o the_o eastern_a country_n and_o more_o especial_o in_o egypt_n who_o manner_n they_o be_v infinite_o fond_a of_o be_v of_o all_o other_o the_o most_o probable_a and_o take_v and_o according_o a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o jewish_a rite_n consist_v of_o hieroglyphic_n or_o visible_a sign_n by_o which_o their_o mind_n be_v instruct_v in_o the_o precept_n of_o morality_n thus_o by_o circumcision_n god_n signify_v to_o they_o the_o necessity_n of_o mortify_v their_o unchaste_a desire_n by_o their_o legal_a wash_n he_o intimate_v to_o they_o their_o obligation_n to_o cleanse_v themselves_o from_o all_o impurity_n of_o flesh_n and_o spirit_n yea_o this_o as_o st._n barnabas_n in_o his_o epistle_n tell_v we_o be_v the_o intent_n of_o all_o that_o difference_n of_o meat_n in_o the_o jewish_a law_n which_o pronounce_v swine_n flesh_n unclean_a to_o instruct_v they_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
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 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ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o may_v a_o allwise_a and_o almighty_a mind_n and_o therefore_o since_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la we_o behold_v a_o world_n of_o curious_a art_n among_o brute_n animal_n that_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o little_a feat_n we_o can_v teach_v they_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o reasonable_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o of_o these_o dance_a animal_n learn_v all_o his_o artificial_a motion_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o without_o any_o artsmaster_n to_o teach_v he_o as_o that_o ant_n and_o bee_n acquire_v all_o the_o art_n and_o providence_n they_o practice_n without_o either_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o any_o understanding_n of_o their_o own_o or_o be_v ever_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o any_o other_o provident_a mind_n for_o art_n and_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v without_o reason_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o art_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o 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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 name_n and_o achievement_n he_o most_o exact_o foretell_v long_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v isaiah_n 44.45_o and_o then_o for_o daniel_n prophecy_n of_o the_o grand_a revolution_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o do_v so_o punctual_o describe_v what_o happen_v long_o after_o that_o porphyry_n himself_o though_o a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o his_o prophecy_n with_o the_o succeed_a event_n vid._n st._n chrysost._n cont_n jud._n tom._n 6._o p._n 326._o and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o by_o affirm_v without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n that_o they_o be_v write_v afterward_o in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n who_o translate_v the_o old_a testament_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o translate_v this_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n with_o it_o and_o josephus_n express_o 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perfect_a inspection_n not_o only_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o into_o all_o their_o particular_a conjunction_n and_o conspiracy_n and_o that_o mind_n which_o see_v into_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v all-seeing_a and_o have_v nothing_o conceal_v from_o it_o that_o be_v either_o present_a or_o future_a or_o possible_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prediction_n of_o remote_a and_o contingent_a futurity_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o all-seeing_a mind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a mind_n that_o oversee_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o accurate_o inspect_v all_o that_o be_v past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v in_o it_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o such_o a_o mind_n shall_v sit_v look_v on_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n and_o act_n no_o part_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o busy_a scene_n of_o thihg_n for_o that_o it_o thus_o exact_o inspect_v and_o take_v notice_n 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this_o matter_n and_o here_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o little_a and_o shameful_a cavil_n which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o very_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o credit_n to_o they_o to_o be_v serious_o confute_v i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o only_o which_o be_v the_o common_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v these_o five_o 1._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o providence_n do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n it_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_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 i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n that_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o answer_n with_o it_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o majesty_n to_o sit_v still_o or_o to_o act_v to_o wrap_v up_o itself_o in_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o a_o vigorous_a activity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o majestic_a as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o any_o be_v to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v its_o power_n than_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v asleep_a and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o high_a sphere_n can_v god_n exercise_v his_o power_n than_o in_o 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order_n so_o as_o that_o though_o its_o part_n be_v infinite_a in_o number_n and_o variety_n and_o in_o their_o several_a line_n of_o motion_n do_v frequen_o cross_v and_o intersect_v each_o other_o yet_o do_v they_o neither_o clash_n nor_o interfere_v disturb_v nor_o confound_v one_o another_o but_o in_o their_o different_a function_n mutual_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o all_o conspire_v in_o a_o common_a good_a compose_v out_o of_o their_o infinite_a discord_n a_o most_o elegant_a harmony_n in_o which_o mighty_a performance_n there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o a_o infinite_a power_n to_o exert_v its_o utmost_a activity_n for_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v its_o utmost_a skill_n and_o for_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o utmost_a beneficence_n so_o that_o to_o undertake_v this_o province_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a arrogance_n for_o any_o but_o 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thing_n in_o this_o world_n so_o contemptible_a as_o not_o to_o deserve_v his_o regard_n why_o do_v he_o create_v it_o if_o there_o be_v not_o why_o shall_v he_o disdain_v to_o govern_v it_o and_o if_o every_o thing_n in_o this_o world_n have_v some_o end_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o which_o god_n think_v it_o worthy_a to_o be_v one_o of_o the_o object_n of_o his_o creation_n why_o shall_v he_o not_o as_o well_o think_v the_o constant_a direction_n of_o it_o to_o that_o end_n to_o be_v a_o object_n worthy_a of_o his_o providence_n ii_o it_o be_v further_a object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o god_n providence_n that_o it_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o his_o quiet_a and_o happiness_n for_o to_o attend_v to_o such_o a_o infinite_a number_n of_o thing_n as_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n include_v can_v but_o distract_v his_o thought_n and_o thereby_o disturb_v he_o in_o the_o enjoyment_n of_o himself_o all_o which_o be_v a_o gross_a mistake_n arise_v from_o no_o other_o cause_n but_o our_o measure_n god_n by_o ourselves_o because_o we_o find_v our_o own_o mind_n so_o narrow_a and_o our_o own_o power_n so_o limit_v as_o that_o we_o can_v without_o distraction_n attend_v to_o many_o thing_n at_o once_o therefore_o we_o conclude_v that_o this_o mighty_a business_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n must_v needs_o be_v very_o uneasy_a to_o god_n whereas_o if_o we_o consider_v god_n as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a who_o almighty_a power_n imply_v a_o ability_n to_o do_v whatsoever_o be_v possible_a and_o who_o infinite_a knowledge_n include_v a_o universal_a prospect_n of_o all_o thing_n past_a present_a and_o to_o come_v this_o will_v easy_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o vanity_n and_o falsehood_n of_o this_o objection_n for_o it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o imperfection_n that_o being_n operate_v with_o labour_n and_o