who_o thus_o suppose_v a_o corporeal_a god_n do_v also_o suppose_v a_o corporeal_a soul_n thus_o from_o the_o knowledge_n of_o ourselves_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n 3._o from_o hence_o also_o we_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o true_a nature_n of_o the_o divine_a worship_n that_o see_v we_o consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n therefore_o must_v we_o offer_v both_o to_o god_n as_o our_o reasonable_a service_n for_o external_a solemnity_n and_o outward_a performance_n be_v not_o to_o be_v exclude_v out_o of_o the_o divine_a worship_n first_o because_o those_o immoderate_a pretence_n to_o spirituality_n be_v either_o the_o natural_a cause_n or_o necessary_a result_v of_o enthusiasm_n and_o fanaticism_n second_o by_o exclude_v those_o outward_a decent_a testimony_n of_o our_o inward_a devotion_n towards_o god_n we_o give_v occasion_n of_o scandal_n to_o heathen_n and_o those_o that_o be_v without_o for_o they_o will_v be_v apt_a either_o to_o entertain_v low_a and_o mean_a thought_n themselves_o or_o at_o least_o think_v that_o we_o do_v so_o of_o that_o god_n who_o we_o for_o aught_o they_o perceive_v do_v so_o rude_o worship_n but_o then_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n we_o must_v have_v a_o more_o especial_a regard_n to_o the_o soul_n for_o without_o this_o all_o our_o other_o performance_n be_v nothing_o but_o mere_a formality_n and_o hypocrisy_n chap._n ii_o of_o man_n as_o compound_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n what_o be_v the_o state_n and_o condition_n of_o the_o soul_n before_o its_o union_n with_o the_o body_n whether_o it_o enjoy_v any_o state_n of_o praeexistence_n or_o be_v then_o first_o create_v when_o first_o put_v into_o the_o body_n or_o if_o it_o do_v praeexi_v then_o in_o what_o manner_n whether_o in_o a_o pure_a separation_n from_o all_o matter_n or_o in_o conjunction_n with_o a_o etherial_a vehicle_n be_v not_o my_o design_n here_o to_o examine_v only_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o in_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n where_o inclination_n rather_o than_o any_o cogent_a reason_n of_o belief_n take_v place_n in_o thing_n where_o providence_n have_v not_o think_v fit_a to_o give_v we_o a_o certain_a or_o determinate_a truth_n of_o thing_n there_o man_n be_v usual_o determine_v to_o this_o or_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n by_o very_o accidental_a consideration_n as_o in_o this_o case_n of_o praeexistence_n by_o the_o more_o or_o less_o favourable_a apprehension_n they_o may_v have_v receive_v of_o the_o platonic_a or_o peripatetic_a philosophy_n or_o by_o those_o previous_a notion_n they_o have_v entertain_v of_o providence_n to_o which_o they_o think_v this_o or_o that_o opinion_n may_v seem_v more_o agreeable_a nor_o second_o shall_v i_o consider_v man_n in_o his_o natural_a or_o physical_a capacity_n that_o which_o i_o here_o design_n be_v a_o essay_n of_o moral_a or_o political_n rather_o than_o of_o natural_a philosophy_n i_o shall_v not_o here_o inquire_v into_o the_o more_o explicable_a mode_n of_o sensation_n or_o intellection_n much_o less_o shall_v i_o attempt_v to_o explain_v those_o natural_a mystery_n of_o humane_a nature_n viz._n the_o particular_a mode_n of_o the_o soul_n union_n with_o the_o body_n be_v discourage_v therefrom_o by_o the_o difficulty_n of_o the_o thing_n and_o the_o unsuccessful_a attempt_n of_o some_o who_o have_v endeavour_v to_o effect_v it_o claubergius_n have_v a_o discourse_n particular_o the_o conjunctione_n anime_fw-mi &_o corporis_fw-la but_o whether_o he_o have_v leave_v it_o any_o whit_n more_o plain_a and_o intelligible_a than_o he_o find_v it_o i_o shall_v submit_v it_o to_o the_o judgement_n of_o those_o who_o will_v take_v the_o pain_n to_o peruse_v it_o his_o way_n be_v this_o the_o soul_n say_v he_o be_v unite_v to_o the_o body_n by_o those_o mutual_a action_n that_o pass_v betwixt_o they_o but_o more_o especial_o by_o those_o more_o confuse_a operation_n of_o sense_n and_o by_o the_o less_o distinct_a perception_n of_o mind_n and_o in_o his_o 37th_o chap._n he_o tell_v we_o that_o homo_fw-la alius_fw-la alio_fw-la &_o idem_fw-la seipso_fw-la diver_n so_o tempore_fw-la magis_fw-la minúsve_fw-la homo_fw-la censeri_fw-la debet_fw-la for_o according_a to_o he_o the_o denomination_n of_o a_o man_n as_o such_o consist_v chief_o in_o such_o a_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n which_o be_v more_o especial_o perform_v by_o the_o operation_n of_o sense_n now_o i_o see_v not_o why_o that_o especial_o shall_v denominate_v we_o man_n wherein_o we_o come_v the_o near_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o brute_n nor_o be_v there_o any_o reason_n why_o a_o contemplative_a person_n one_o who_o enjoy_v a_o more_o quick_a and_o lively_a exercise_n of_o his_o high_a faculty_n why_o such_o a_o one_o shall_v not_o be_v count_v as_o much_o yea_o more_o a_o man_n than_o he_o that_o live_v more_o by_o sense_n that_o the_o soul_n do_v make_v use_n more_o especial_o of_o the_o body_n and_o bodily_a representation_n in_o these_o action_n of_o sense_n be_v very_o true_a but_o if_o we_o inquire_v far_o how_o it_o be_v join_v to_o the_o body_n even_o in_o these_o more_o confuse_a operation_n the_o difficulty_n will_v perhaps_o still_o return_v nor_o shall_v i_o here_o dispute_v whether_o the_o soul_n immediate_o upon_o the_o dissolution_n of_o the_o whole_a frame_n or_o of_o the_o more_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o body_n do_v thereupon_o by_o its_o own_o activity_n quit_v its_o station_n and_o launch_v into_o those_o other_o unknown_a region_n or_o whether_o beside_o this_o there_o be_v not_o also_o require_v which_o seem_v as_o probable_a as_o immediate_a a_o act_n of_o god_n to_o take_v it_o out_o as_o there_o be_v to_o put_v it_o into_o the_o body_n only_o we_o may_v observe_v that_o god_n both_o by_o the_o light_n of_o nature_n and_o his_o reveal_v law_n have_v make_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n so_o sacred_a that_o it_o now_o become_v absolute_o unlawful_a for_o we_o by_o lay_v violent_a hand_n upon_o ourselves_o to_o separate_v those_o who_o god_n have_v thus_o strict_o join_v together_o that_o whatever_o natural_a tie_n it_o be_v under_o as_o to_o the_o body_n it_o be_v certain_a it_o ought_v not_o to_o quit_v its_o station_n without_o a_o lawful_a warrant_n from_o its_o great_a commander_n i_o shall_v here_o rather_o state_n the_o question_n betwixt_o the_o stoic_n and_o epicurean_o and_o show_v their_o several_a error_n and_o mistake_n on_o either_o hand_n the_o one_o by_o ascribe_v too_o little_a to_o the_o body_n and_o too_o much_o to_o the_o soul_n the_o other_o by_o attribute_v too_o much_o to_o the_o body_n and_o too_o little_a to_o the_o soul_n in_o the_o account_n they_o give_v of_o humane_a nature_n the_o stoic_n will_v make_v man_n so_o whole_o rational_a that_o they_o will_v scarce_o allow_v he_o to_o be_v sensible_a and_o will_v whole_o exclude_v all_o natural_a affection_n and_o bodily_a passion_n out_o of_o humane_a nature_n and_o the_o epicurean_o on_o the_o contrary_a make_v all_o the_o most_o noble_a action_n of_o the_o soul_n mere_o subservient_fw-fr to_o the_o design_n of_o such_o pleasure_n as_o be_v real_o below_o the_o true_a happiness_n of_o the_o soul_n by_o the_o body_n here_o i_o understand_v all_o those_o passion_n and_o affection_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o belong_v to_o man_n more_o immediate_o upon_o account_n of_o the_o body_n all_o those_o motion_n and_o inclination_n of_o the_o inferior_a appetite_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v natural_a the_o design_n therefore_o of_o the_o stoic_n to_o root_v these_o passion_n out_o of_o humane_a nature_n be_v first_o impossible_a second_o it_o will_v be_v prejudicial_a thereunto_o be_v it_o feisible_a for_o these_o when_o due_o regulate_v become_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o moral_a virtue_n and_o also_o add_v vigour_n and_o wing_n to_o the_o soul_n in_o its_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n among_o the_o many_o charge_n bring_v against_o stoicism_n that_o of_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n seem_v the_o most_o obvious_a and_o the_o most_o unanswerable_a it_o natural_o tend_v to_o beget_v such_o haughty_a thought_n of_o one_o self_n as_o be_v indeed_o inconsistent_a with_o the_o state_n and_o nature_n of_o a_o frail_a and_o depend_v creature_n what_o a_o prodigious_a thing_n do_v they_o make_v their_o wise_a man_n far_o above_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v call_v mortal_a and_o in_o some_o respect_v equal_a to_o god_n himself_o as_o for_o repentance_n they_o look_v upon_o that_o as_o a_o mean_a thing_n far_o below_o the_o height_n of_o their_o attainment_n innocence_n indeed_o be_v better_a than_o repentance_n but_o for_o they_o to_o pretend_v unto_o it_o argue_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o pride_n found_v upon_o a_o bad_a understanding_n of_o their_o own_o state_n but_o this_o description_n which_o they_o give_v of_o a_o wise_a man_n be_v of_o some_o thing_n which_o perhaps_o they_o may_v fancy_v in_o their_o mind_n but_o
other_o way_n by_o which_o they_o may_v and_o do_v attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o such_o philosophical_a disquisition_n and_o indeed_o the_o very_a attempt_n to_o search_v into_o the_o cause_n and_o reason_n of_o a_o thing_n seem_v to_o suppose_v that_o we_o have_v at_o least_o some_o knowledge_n of_o the_o thing_n beforehand_o as_o to_o matter_n of_o fact_n for_o man_n will_v scarce_o go_v about_o to_o inquire_v into_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n if_o they_o have_v not_o some_o consciousness_n to_o themselves_o that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n in_o nature_n and_o we_o can_v for_o the_o reason_n beforementioned_a say_v that_o they_o then_o only_o first_o come_v to_o be_v know_v when_o the_o cause_n of_o they_o be_v thus_o search_v into_o and_o though_o it_o be_v true_a that_o the_o whole_a order_n of_o nature_n due_o consider_v do_v general_o conspire_v to_o the_o confirmation_n of_o this_o truth_n that_o the_o do_v our_o duty_n be_v the_o best_a way_n to_o secure_v our_o interest_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o intricacy_n many_o time_n of_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o visible_a inequality_n in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n in_o this_o life_n that_o without_o the_o motive_n and_o encouragement_n of_o some_o other_o argument_n man_n will_v hardly_o be_v persuade_v to_o the_o practice_n of_o that_o of_o which_o they_o do_v not_o see_v the_o present_a advantage_n and_o though_o vice_n and_o wickedness_n especial_o in_o any_o high_a degree_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o health_n and_o ruin_n of_o our_o estate_n yet_o if_o there_o be_v no_o other_o way_n to_o attain_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o our_o duty_n or_o of_o our_o obligation_n to_o it_o we_o may_v perhaps_o sometime_o with_o too_o much_o reaso_n plead_v ignorance_n thereof_o and_o may_v pretend_v a_o liberty_n to_o be_v vicious_a at_o least_o so_o far_o as_o may_v be_v without_o any_o considerable_a prejudice_n to_o our_o health_n or_o fortune_n not_o but_o that_o reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v natural_o interweave_v in_o the_o frame_n and_o order_n of_o the_o universe_n without_o we_o and_o the_o constitution_n of_o humane_a nature_n within_o we_o that_o so_o though_o sometime_o there_o may_v be_v a_o unequal_a distribution_n of_o outward_a reward_n and_o punishment_n yet_o that_o virtue_n may_v always_o be_v sure_a at_o least_o of_o a_o secret_a recompense_n and_o vice_n not_o altogether_o go_v unpunished_a even_o here_o in_o this_o life_n but_o though_o our_o duty_n be_v always_o our_o real_a interest_n and_o honesty_n the_o best_a policy_n yet_o such_o be_v the_o disorder_n and_o confusion_n which_o sin_n have_v introduce_v into_o humane_a nature_n such_o the_o general_a depravation_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o proposition_n be_v not_o ready_o many_o time_n acknowledge_v by_o we_o but_o man_n common_o without_o any_o regard_n either_o to_o the_o present_a nature_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o future_a consequence_n do_v make_v lust_n and_o passion_n and_o a_o mistake_a self-interest_n the_o rule_n of_o all_o their_o action_n 2._o i_o will_v here_o propound_v it_o to_o consideration_n whether_o our_o now_o be_v able_a to_o resolve_v these_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o their_o further_a cause_n as_o it_o be_v call_v and_o to_o demonstrate_v their_o obligation_n from_o reason_n fetch_v from_o the_o constitution_n of_o the_o universe_n whether_o i_o say_v this_o do_v not_o depend_v upon_o that_o clear_a revelation_n which_o god_n have_v make_v of_o those_o thing_n in_o scripture_n for_o hereby_o we_o come_v to_o a_o clear_a knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o end_n of_o the_o creation_n how_o that_o the_o whole_a universe_n act_n in_o subserviency_n to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o to_o the_o promote_a those_o noble_a end_n of_o providence_n of_o promote_a virtue_n and_o discourage_a vice_n in_o the_o world_n hereby_o we_o be_v also_o more_o full_o assure_v of_o a_o future_a state_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n and_o these_o also_o must_v be_v comprehend_v in_o the_o full_a and_o adequate_a sanction_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o without_o these_o the_o other_o of_o temporal_a reward_n and_o punishment_n will_v be_v find_v many_o time_n deficient_a and_o ineffectual_a for_o what_o they_o be_v there_o design_v now_o these_o thing_n be_v more_o clear_o reveal_v and_o sully_v confirm_v to_o we_o by_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o belief_n hereof_o make_v habitual_a to_o we_o by_o the_o long_a succession_n of_o many_o age_n hence_o probable_o that_o method_n become_v now_o more_o evident_a to_o we_o than_o otherwise_o it_o will_v have_v be_v yet_o if_o this_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o at_o least_o the_o evidence_n of_o that_o proposition_n studium_fw-la communis_fw-la boni_fw-la totius_fw-la systematis_fw-la agentium_fw-la naturalium_fw-la conducit_fw-la ad_fw-la bonum_fw-la singularum_fw-la partium_fw-la quo_fw-la nostra_fw-la velut_fw-la partis_fw-la unius_fw-la continetur_fw-la foelicitas_fw-la do_v in_o some_o measure_n depend_v upon_o some_o further_a revelation_n make_v know_v to_o we_o by_o the_o christian_a religion_n yet_o it_o will_v be_v no_o small_a or_o inconsiderable_a advantage_n hereby_o gain_v to_o virtue_n if_o it_o be_v prove_v that_o that_o proposition_n be_v of_o equal_a extent_n with_o the_o christian_a world_n both_o as_o to_o its_o truth_n and_o evidence_n and_o both_o these_o method_n of_o probation_n be_v join_v together_o seem_v a_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o divinity_n of_o these_o law_n in_o that_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n have_v both_o make_v they_o natural_a to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n which_o be_v that_o which_o i_o here_o mean_a by_o impression_n and_o have_v also_o further_o add_v the_o respective_a sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n thereunto_o in_o the_o natural_a frame_n of_o the_o universe_n not_o as_o if_o that_o other_o way_n of_o resolve_v these_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o those_o natural_a notion_n and_o obligation_n result_v therefrom_o be_v destitute_a of_o its_o proper_a sanction_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o then_o we_o say_v according_a to_o this_o method_n they_o be_v not_o resolve_v only_o into_o these_o penal_a sanction_n but_o that_o the_o will_n of_o the_o lawgiver_n be_v publish_v with_o a_o intent_n to_o be_v obey_v be_v the_o intrinsic_a form_n of_o a_o law_n though_o it_o do_v not_o come_v attend_v with_o outward_a force_n not_o but_o that_o these_o penal_a sanction_n do_v also_o further_o declare_v and_o enforce_v the_o law_n if_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o conceive_v the_o way_n and_o manner_n how_o these_o natural_a notion_n be_v or_o can_v be_v imprint_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o men._n i_o answer_v there_o be_v no_o more_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v how_o these_o truth_n and_o obligation_n may_v be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o our_o mind_n right_o qualify_v at_o first_o than_o it_o be_v to_o conceive_v how_o those_o joy_n and_o torment_n which_o ariso_n from_o the_o sense_n of_o our_o innocence_n and_o gild_n shall_v be_v the_o natural_a result_v of_o our_o conscience_n afterward_o which_o yet_o be_v acknowledge_v by_o those_o who_o make_v the_o objection_n that_o a_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n do_v natural_o tend_v to_o promote_v the_o honour_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o all_o man_n in_o general_a and_o of_o ourselves_o in_o particular_a be_v ready_o grant_v especial_o by_o those_o who_o believe_v the_o christian_a religion_n but_o then_o this_o proposition_n do_v suppose_v first_o that_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v to_o be_v virtuous_a second_o that_o this_o virtuous_a and_o holy_a life_n be_v a_o duty_n incumbent_n on_o we_o and_o both_o these_o in_o order_n of_o nature_n before_o we_o understand_v that_o these_o tend_v to_o the_o glory_n of_o god_n and_o the_o good_a of_o man_n otherwise_o the_o virtuoso_n of_o our_o age_n those_o who_o pretend_v to_o be_v philosophical_o religious_a may_v perhaps_o plead_v this_o in_o excuse_n of_o their_o present_a wickedness_n that_o they_o be_v only_o at_o present_a make_v a_o experiment_n whether_o vice_n may_v not_o as_o well_o tend_v to_o the_o public_a good_a as_o virtue_n but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o find_v the_o contrary_a by_o experience_n than_o they_o will_v become_v devout_a proselyte_n to_o virtue_n but_o mr._n tyrrell_n p._n 199._o tell_v we_o that_o though_o all_o man_n do_v not_o ordinary_o reduce_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n into_o that_o single_a proposition_n of_o endeavour_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n or_o may_v not_o have_v a_o explicit_a notion_n of_o it_o yet_o it_o a_o man_n be_v but_o thorough_o convince_v that_o he_o be_v not_o make_v for_o himself_o alone_o that_o he_o do_v true_o observe_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n towards_o himself_o by_o a_o temperate_a and_o rational_a life_n
much_o strength_n retort_v upon_o themselves_o 1._o the_o foundation_n of_o the_o argument_n be_v this_o that_o that_o be_v just_o suspect_v as_o false_a in_o religion_n the_o belief_n or_o practice_n whereof_o be_v join_v with_o either_o public_a or_o private_a advantage_n to_o those_o concern_v now_o nothing_o be_v more_o false_a than_o this_o for_o this_o be_v one_o main_a foundation_n of_o our_o natural_a religion_n and_o part_v even_o of_o the_o gentile_n creed_n viz._n a_o belief_n that_o god_n be_v and_o that_o he_o be_v a_o rewarder_n of_o those_o that_o diligent_o seek_v he_o that_o such_o be_v the_o goodness_n of_o god_n towards_o we_o that_o he_o have_v join_v our_o duty_n and_o our_o interest_n together_o not_o only_o as_o to_o the_o future_a but_o also_o as_o to_o the_o present_a life_n and_o god_n in_o so_o order_v the_o frame_n of_o our_o religion_n have_v but_o second_v and_o confirm_v the_o common_a sense_n of_o mankind_n and_o act_v according_a to_o the_o principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n for_o such_o be_v the_o constitution_n thereof_o that_o good_a and_o convenience_n be_v the_o necessary_a object_n of_o all_o our_o desire_n now_o if_o any_o thing_n of_o present_a or_o future_a advantage_n be_v make_v a_o argument_n of_o the_o falseness_n of_o thing_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n we_o may_v then_o upon_o the_o same_o ground_n question_v the_o truth_n and_o reasonableness_n of_o all_o humane_a action_n because_o man_n necessary_o propound_v some_o kind_n of_o advantage_n to_o themselves_o in_o they_o all_o but_o this_o will_v lay_v a_o foundation_n of_o scepticism_n in_o humane_a nature_n and_o cause_v we_o to_o reject_v or_o doubt_v of_o thing_n for_o those_o very_a reason_n for_o which_o we_o ought_v to_o receive_v '_o they_o 2._o this_o objection_n take_v from_o the_o advantage_n that_o attend_v religion_n be_v a_o very_a contingent_a and_o accidental_a one_o such_o as_o can_v be_v of_o no_o force_n in_o the_o first_o age_n of_o the_o church_n when_o christianity_n expose_v its_o professor_n to_o nothing_o but_o persecution_n their_o name_n to_o sandal_n and_o reproach_n their_o estate_n to_o ruin_n and_o their_o body_n to_o martyrdom_n 3._o i_o shall_v show_v the_o unfitness_n of_o the_o objection_n as_o make_v by_o they_o that_o urge_v it_o indeed_o if_o those_o man_n be_v so_o heroical_a in_o their_o pursuit_n of_o virtue_n and_o holiness_n as_o to_o embrace_v they_o mere_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o their_o intrinsic_a excellence_n then_o may_v there_o something_o more_o be_v plead_v for_o they_o but_o since_o they_o be_v man_n of_o debauch_a life_n and_o if_o possible_a to_o justify_v their_o own_o wickedness_n will_v insinuate_v into_o the_o mind_n of_o other_o a_o secret_a belief_n that_o religion_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o mere_a cheat_n this_o be_v the_o great_a instance_n not_o only_o of_o profaneness_n but_o of_o folly_n too_o because_o the_o argument_n may_v be_v retort_v with_o as_o much_o strength_n upon_o themselves_o thus_o if_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o religion_n be_v therefore_o suspect_v to_o be_v false_a because_o it_o be_v the_o interest_n of_o those_o that_o believe_v they_o that_o there_o shall_v be_v both_o then_o why_o may_v not_o the_o denial_n of_o a_o god_n be_v reject_v for_o the_o same_o reason_n because_o it_o be_v as_o much_o the_o interest_n of_o wicked_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n as_o it_o be_v of_o good_a man_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o force_n in_o the_o argument_n it_o prove_v as_o much_o against_o themselves_o as_o it_o do_v against_o we_o as_o for_o those_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n include_v in_o it_o a_o contradiction_n and_o that_o it_o be_v and_o ever_o be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o these_o man_n indeed_o take_v the_o most_o effectual_a way_n of_o defend_v their_o cause_n in_o case_n they_o can_v prove_v their_o assertion_n for_o whoever_o grant_v the_o possibility_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n must_v either_o grant_v that_o he_o real_o be_v or_o else_o will_v be_v force_v to_o contradict_v himself_o for_o what_o be_v possible_a may_v be_v reduce_v into_o act._n but_o if_o god_n be_v not_o now_o and_o actual_o be_v not_o existent_a from_o all_o eternity_n it_o be_v impossible_a for_o such_o a_o be_v as_o be_v include_v in_o his_o notion_n ever_o to_o begin_v to_o be_v and_o this_o seem_v to_o be_v bradwardine_n argument_n cap._n 1._o p._n 3._o so_o that_o a_o atheist_n must_v prove_v not_o only_o that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o that_o it_o be_v from_o eternity_n impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v one_o neither_o of_o which_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o the_o less_o credible_a because_o it_o be_v not_o capable_a of_o such_o proof_n as_o some_o other_o thing_n be_v all_o thing_n will_v not_o admit_v of_o mathematical_a demonstration_n nor_o indeed_o be_v it_o expect_v that_o they_o shall_v nor_o be_v they_o on_o this_o account_n less_o true_a and_o certain_a than_o those_o that_o do_v for_o sometime_o the_o very_a possibility_n of_o demonstration_n argue_v some_o degree_n of_o uncertainty_n or_o obscurity_n in_o the_o thing_n to_o be_v demonstrate_v thus_o indemonstrable_n be_v always_o the_o most_o certain_a therefore_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o therefore_o the_o less_o certain_a because_o it_o can_v be_v demonstrate_v some_o indeed_o be_v so_o gross_a in_o their_o reason_n that_o they_o make_v the_o invisibility_n of_o spirit_n a_o argument_n against_o their_o existence_n whereas_o indeed_o the_o very_a reason_n upon_o which_o we_o believe_v their_o existence_n be_v inconsistent_a with_o their_o visibility_n that_o some_o heathen_n do_v worship_v that_o one_o supreme_a and_o true_a god_n be_v certain_o evident_a both_o from_o the_o testimony_n of_o profane_a and_o sacred_a history_n act._n 17._o 23._o who_o therefore_o you_o ignorant_o worship_n he_o declare_v i_o unto_o you_o so_o that_o the_o athenian_n either_o worship_v the_o true_a god_n or_o st._n paul_n declare_v to_o they_o a_o false_a one_o yet_o it_o be_v general_o agree_v that_o such_o heathen_n may_v be_v and_o be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n nothing_o therefore_o hinder_v but_o that_o the_o papist_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o idolatry_n though_o they_o do_v not_o only_o acknowledge_v the_o true_a god_n but_o the_o christian_a trinity_n nor_o do_v i_o see_v how_o their_o idolatry_n as_o such_o that_o be_v such_o as_o be_v consistent_a with_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o true_a god_n be_v capable_a of_o any_o mitigation_n because_o no_o one_o charge_v they_o with_o any_o other_o than_o what_o they_o be_v true_o guilty_a of_o some_o protestant_n indeed_o say_v that_o some_o of_o the_o heathen_n be_v capable_a of_o the_o same_o defence_n that_o the_o papist_n make_v for_o themselves_o that_o be_v that_o they_o only_o give_v a_o inferior_a worship_n to_o saint_n and_o other_o inferior_a daemon_n but_o pay_v the_o supreme_a worship_n to_o the_o supreme_a god_n only_o now_o this_o plea_n seem_v to_o hold_v as_o much_o for_o the_o one_o as_o for_o the_o other_o and_o must_v either_o acquit_v both_o or_o neither_o nor_o can_v the_o papist_n their_o being_n more_o particular_o instruct_v in_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o will_n of_o god_n be_v any_o mitigation_n of_o their_o offence_n but_o rather_o a_o aggravation_n of_o it_o falsehood_n be_v neither_o in_o its_o own_o nature_n fit_a nor_o be_v it_o ever_o intend_a by_o god_n as_o a_o proper_a mean_n whereby_o to_o defend_v truth_n for_o this_o neither_o stand_v in_o need_n of_o a_o lie_n nor_o can_v it_o real_o be_v defend_v by_o it_o nor_o be_v it_o our_o interest_n or_o prudence_n to_o attempt_v the_o defence_n of_o a_o good_a cause_n by_o weak_a argument_n for_o this_o will_v only_o give_v occasion_n to_o our_o adversary_n when_o they_o see_v that_o they_o can_v easy_o answer_v these_o to_o think_v worse_o of_o our_o cause_n and_o that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o our_o reason_n be_v of_o the_o same_o nature_n yet_o grant_v that_o some_o argument_n sometime_o make_v use_n of_o to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o absolute_o cogent_a and_o conclusive_a yet_o be_v they_o not_o present_o to_o be_v reject_v as_o useless_a and_o that_o upon_o these_o two_o account_n first_o because_o they_o that_o urge_v they_o do_v not_o make_v use_n of_o any_o single_a argument_n as_o if_o the_o cause_n do_v whole_o depend_v upon_o it_o second_o in_o thing_n of_o a_o moral_a concernment_n there_o may_v be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o a_o accumulative_a demonstration_n as_o bishop_n taylor_n tell_v we_o in_o another_o case_n pag._n 124._o lib._n 1._o case_n of_o consc._n therefore_o suppose_v a_o man_n in_o his_o attempt_n to_o prove_v
the_o be_v of_o god_n shall_v either_o through_o the_o shortness_n of_o his_o meditation_n or_o the_o sublimeness_n of_o the_o theory_n make_v use_n of_o a_o argument_n not_o perfect_o conclusive_a yet_o see_v the_o success_n of_o the_o cause_n depend_v not_o upon_o it_o and_o see_v the_o man_n perhaps_o have_v effect_v as_o much_o as_o he_o intend_v by_o it_o that_o be_v add_v his_o mite_n to_o the_o former_a treasury_n upon_o the_o whole_a matter_n it_o seem_v hard_a if_o such_o a_o one_o must_v be_v prosecute_v as_o a_o atheist_n or_o a_o betrayer_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o religion_n cicer._n de_fw-fr univers_n si_fw-mi fortè_fw-la de_fw-la deorum_fw-la naturâ_fw-la ortuque_fw-la mundi_fw-la disserentes_fw-la minùs_fw-la id_fw-la quod_fw-la habemus_fw-la animo_fw-la consequimur_fw-la etc._n etc._n hand_n sanè_fw-la erit_fw-la mirum_fw-la contentique_fw-la esse_fw-la debebitis_fw-la si_fw-la probabilia_fw-la dicentur_fw-la aequum_fw-la est_fw-la enim_fw-la meminisse_fw-la &_o i_o qui_fw-la disseram_fw-la hominem_fw-la esse_fw-la &_o vos_fw-la qui_fw-la judicetis_fw-la ut_fw-la si_fw-la probabilia_fw-la dicentur_fw-la nè_fw-la quid_fw-la ultra_fw-la requiratis_fw-la among_o the_o many_o argument_n bring_v to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n these_o two_o seem_v the_o most_o considerable_a first_o that_o comprehensive_a one_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o be_v of_o the_o world_n whereby_o i_o understand_v not_o only_o the_o divine_a power_n of_o create_v or_o produce_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o admirable_a wisdom_n also_o that_o appear_v in_o make_v it_o such_o as_o it_o be_v and_o in_o the_o proper_a subserviency_n of_o thing_n therein_o to_o their_o respective_a end_n that_o argument_n further_o which_o be_v draw_v not_o only_o from_o the_o material_a but_o the_o intellectual_a universe_n not_o only_o from_o the_o structure_n of_o the_o body_n but_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o soul_n second_o that_o which_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o consent_n and_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o all_o nation_n as_o for_o that_o which_o seem_v aristotle_n opinion_n that_o the_o world_n be_v from_o eternity_n and_o yet_o that_o it_o be_v in_o nature_n of_o a_o effect_n in_o respect_n of_o god_n the_o cause_n it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o free_v this_o assertion_n either_o from_o a_o contradiction_n or_o from_o a_o unworthy_a reflection_n upon_o the_o excellency_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n for_o if_o god_n as_o a_o cause_n be_v in_o time_n antecedent_n to_o the_o world_n than_o it_o be_v a_o contradiction_n to_o say_v it_o be_v from_o eternity_n if_o it_o do_v flow_v from_o god_n as_o a_o emanative_a effect_n as_o the_o beam_n from_o the_o sun_n then_o this_o destroy_v the_o chief_a perfection_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n viz._n its_o liberty_n and_o this_o seem_v one_o of_o the_o best_a argument_n to_o prove_v that_o the_o world_n neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v from_o eternity_n and_o it_o will_v be_v very_o hard_a if_o once_o we_o give_v our_o adversary_n leave_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v eternal_a by_o any_o other_o argument_n to_o force_v they_o out_o of_o their_o opinion_n for_o i_o do_v not_o see_v that_o it_o will_v be_v any_o absurdity_n to_o say_v that_o suppose_v the_o world_n to_o be_v eternal_a there_o have_v be_v as_o many_o year_n as_o day_n that_o be_v a_o equal_a infinite_a number_n of_o both_o all_o infinite_n be_v equal_a for_o infinity_o can_v no_o more_o be_v exhaust_v by_o year_n than_o day_n if_o it_o can_v than_o it_o will_v not_o be_v what_o it_o be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n inexhaustible_a but_o the_o truth_n be_v such_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o infinite_a with_o respect_n to_o our_o finite_a capacity_n that_o the_o one_o be_v not_o a_o competent_a judge_n of_o the_o other_o and_o when_o we_o enter_v into_o dispute_n of_o this_o nature_n we_o be_v often_o entangle_v with_o unanswerable_a difficulty_n on_o both_o side_n but_o the_o atheist_n tell_v we_o that_o all_o this_o visible_a universe_n the_o heaven_n the_o earth_n and_o all_o mankind_n at_o first_o be_v the_o lucky_a hit_n of_o blind_a chance_n which_o after_o almost_o infinite_a successless_a trial_n go_v before_o do_v at_o last_o happen_v upon_o these_o admirable_a and_o excellent_a structure_n particular_o those_o of_o humane_a body_n but_o here_o we_o must_v know_v that_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n the_o same_o chance_n which_o first_o make_v we_o must_v still_o continue_v we_o but_o then_o how_o come_v it_o to_o pass_v that_o chance_n be_v so_o regular_a and_o constant_a in_o its_o production_n since_o that_o whereas_o it_o be_v above_o ten_o thousand_o to_o one_o according_a to_o these_o principle_n but_o that_o mankind_n long_o ere_o this_o must_v have_v whole_o cease_v to_o have_v be_v or_o else_o nothing_o but_o monster_n have_v be_v produce_v instead_o hereof_o we_o see_v a_o very_a regular_a and_o orderly_a course_n of_o nature_n general_o observe_v this_o be_v as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v a_o thousand_o year_n in_o cast_v all_o size_n upon_o six_o dice_n and_o then_o for_o a_o thousand_o year_n after_o to_o throw_v nothing_o else_o if_o we_o can_v suppose_v a_o man_n life_n to_o last_v so_o long_o whoever_o can_v believe_v such_o strange_a thing_n as_o these_o ought_v never_o to_o blame_v any_o one_o for_o be_v over_o credulous_a as_o for_o that_o other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o consent_n of_o mankind_n there_o be_v some_o who_o tell_v we_o that_o those_o natural_a impression_n of_o god_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n upon_o which_o this_o universal_a consent_n be_v found_v be_v mere_a imaginary_a thing_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o need_n of_o they_o in_o our_o dispute_n against_o atheism_n but_o these_o man_n may_v do_v well_o to_o consider_v whether_o they_o do_v not_o too_o much_o oblige_v the_o atheist_n and_o go_v too_o far_o towards_o the_o betray_a the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n who_o willing_o quit_v and_o give_v up_o that_o argument_n which_o have_v hitherto_o be_v manage_v with_o such_o good_a success_n by_o the_o best_a and_o wise_a of_o man_n in_o all_o age_n willing_o i_o say_v to_o give_v it_o up_o gratis_o for_o i_o very_o believe_v it_o can_v never_o be_v force_v and_o wrest_v out_o of_o the_o hand_n of_o a_o christian_a philosopher_n who_o right_o understand_v it_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o grant_v any_o thing_n to_o a_o atheist_n which_o may_v tend_v to_o the_o advantage_n of_o he_o or_o the_o prejudice_n of_o our_o own_o cause_n unless_o he_o necessary_o force_v it_o from_o we_o by_o dint_n of_o argument_n always_o provide_v that_o we_o ready_o acknowledge_v evident_a truth_n wherever_o we_o find_v it_o first_o i_o conceive_v there_o neither_o be_v nor_o can_v be_v any_o argument_n in_o a_o true_a and_o proper_a sense_n à _fw-la priore_fw-la to_o prove_v the_o be_v of_o god_n that_o take_v from_o the_o idea_n be_v not_o such_o but_o it_o be_v a_o argue_v from_o the_o effect_n to_o the_o cause_n only_o the_o effect_n seem_v a_o more_o immediate_a one_o and_o such_o as_o bear_v a_o more_o particular_a resemblance_n to_o the_o cause_n that_o somewhat_o be_v from_o eternity_n be_v evident_o demonstrable_a for_o if_o once_o there_o be_v nothing_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o any_o thing_n ever_o to_o begin_v to_o be_v now_o this_o something_o must_v be_v either_o matter_n or_o spirit_n a_o think_v or_o unthinking_a be_v it_o can_v be_v a_o unthinking_a be_v for_o than_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o knowledge_n or_o cogitation_n in_o the_o world_n which_o yet_o we_o be_v inward_o conscious_a to_o ourselves_o of_o for_o as_o dr._n lock_n chap._n 10._o book_n 4._o have_v well_o observe_v it_o be_v as_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v that_o ever_o bare_a incogitative_a matter_n shall_v produce_v a_o think_v intelligent_a be_v as_o that_o nothing_o of_o itself_o shall_v produce_v matter_n now_o it_o must_v be_v either_o man_n that_o be_v the_o first_o eternal_a be_v the_o creator_n of_o all_o thing_n or_o some_o other_o be_v but_o though_o the_o atheist_n be_v not_o the_o great_a wit_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o we_o must_v not_o think_v they_o such_o very_a atheist_n neither_o as_o to_o make_v mere_a man_n to_o set_v up_o for_o a_o sovereign_a creator_n thus_o we_o have_v a_o idea_n or_o conception_n of_o a_o be_v infinite_o more_o perfect_a than_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o we_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o own_o existence_n for_o if_o we_o have_v we_o shall_v then_o have_v give_v ourselves_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o find_v want_v in_o we_o and_o conceive_v in_o another_o therefore_o we_o owe_v our_o existence_n to_o and_o dependence_n upon_o that_o be_v without_o we_o which_o enjoy_v all_o perfection_n but_o now_o the_o question_n be_v whether_o the_o idea_n be_v the_o cause_n or_o occasion_n
the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v not_o to_o be_v prove_v either_o by_o any_o original_a tradition_n or_o by_o any_o natural_a impression_n make_v upon_o man_n mind_n but_o only_o by_o external_a argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n that_o be_v from_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o soul_n and_o body_n not_o suppose_v or_o include_v any_o such_o natural_a notice_n i_o do_v not_o here_o go_v about_o to_o oppose_v any_o argument_n bring_v to_o support_v and_o defend_v the_o cause_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n valeant_fw-la quantùm_fw-la valere_fw-la possunt_fw-la only_o when_o their_o author_n will_v monopolise_v all_o the_o force_n of_o argument_n to_o their_o own_o way_n of_o argue_v and_o absolute_o reject_v all_o the_o rest_n this_o i_o think_v be_v to_o give_v our_o adversary_n advantage_n over_o we_o thus_o that_o ingenious_a gentleman_n mr._n tyrrell_n in_o his_o late_a book_n p._n 197._o tell_v we_o that_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n be_v clear_o and_o without_o difficulty_n to_o be_v read_v from_o the_o great_a book_n of_o the_o creation_n without_o any_o assistance_n from_o natural_a impression_n and_o he_o cite_v rom._n 1._o 19_o 20._o because_o that_o which_o be_v know_v of_o god_n be_v manifest_a in_o they_o for_o god_n have_v show_v it_o unto_o they_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n be_v clear_o see_v be_v understand_v by_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n where_o he_o say_v the_o apostle_n appeal_v to_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n guide_v by_o thing_n without_o we_o for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o deity_n but_o it_o do_v not_o appear_v from_o hence_o that_o he_o draw_v his_o argument_n mere_o from_o thing_n without_o we_o for_o the_o 19_o verse_n seem_v as_o clear_o to_o relate_v to_o those_o inward_a impression_n make_v upon_o our_o mind_n as_o the_o 20_o do_v to_o the_o outward_a creation_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v manifest_a in_o they_o i_o know_v that_o preposition_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d be_v sometime_o render_v inter_fw-la but_o when_o the_o proper_a and_o natural_a signification_n of_o word_n may_v be_v keep_v why_o shall_v we_o look_v for_o another_o for_o the_o invisible_a thing_n of_o he_o from_o the_o creation_n by_o creation_n here_o be_v neither_o mean_v the_o thing_n create_v nor_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n but_o only_o it_o relate_v to_o the_o time_n thereof_o from_o the_o creation_n that_o be_v ever_o since_o the_o creation_n by_o which_o say_v dr._n hammond_n it_o appear_v that_o there_o be_v no_o necessity_n of_o interpret_n god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d his_o do_n or_o action_n here_o of_o the_o work_n of_o creation_n that_o be_v sole_o but_o of_o all_o thing_n that_o from_o time_n to_o time_n to_o this_o inclusive_o have_v be_v do_v in_o the_o world_n by_o he_o and_o so_o it_o will_v be_v extend_v to_o all_o the_o doctrine_n and_o miracle_n and_o action_n of_o christ_n the_o whole_a business_n of_o the_o gospel_n nay_o i_o may_v add_v that_o even_o those_o natural_a impression_n upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n may_v be_v mean_v by_o god_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d here_o mention_v even_o his_o eternal_a power_n and_o godhead_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d the_o first_o may_v refer_v to_o his_o omnipotence_n in_o create_v the_o material_a world_n the_o other_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d to_o the_o more_o divine_a constitution_n of_o spiritual_a and_o intellectual_a being_n chap._n v._o of_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n that_o it_o be_v neither_o a_o state_n of_o equality_n nor_o a_o state_n of_o war._n i_o shall_v here_o by_o way_n of_o introduction_n to_o this_o chapter_n brief_o take_v notice_n of_o what_o mr._n hobbs_n tell_v we_o in_o chap._n 4._o of_o his_o leviathan_n concern_v speech_n and_o the_o particular_a use_n of_o it_o viz._n that_o it_o be_v for_o the_o acquire_v of_o art_n and_o the_o improvement_n of_o knowledge_n to_o convey_v to_o other_o that_o skill_n which_o we_o have_v attain_v to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o communicate_v to_o they_o our_o counsel_n and_o resolution_n that_o so_o we_o may_v have_v the_o mutual_a help_n and_o advice_n of_o one_o another_o but_o now_o how_o can_v these_o use_v be_v apply_v to_o that_o cross-grained_a state_n of_o nature_n which_o he_o have_v describe_v to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o state_n of_o fraud_n and_o violence_n what_o place_n be_v there_o for_o art_n and_o science_n what_o room_n for_o friendly_a counsel_n and_o kind_a advice_n in_o a_o state_n where_o all_o be_v enemy_n to_o one_o another_o where_o what_o counsel_n we_o give_v to_o other_o ought_v rather_o in_o reason_n to_o be_v suspect_v see_v therein_o we_o design_v nothing_o but_o our_o own_o advantage_n why_o shall_v we_o desire_v or_o hope_v for_o the_o assistance_n of_o other_o see_v there_o we_o design_v nothing_o but_o by_o force_n or_o fraud_n to_o supplant_v all_o we_o deal_v with_o and_o by_o degree_n to_o draw_v they_o into_o their_o own_o ruin_n now_o speech_n must_v be_v suppose_v in_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n for_o without_o it_o he_o tell_v we_o there_o can_v be_v no_o enter_v into_o society_n no_o compact_n no_o transfer_v of_o right_n per_fw-la verba_fw-la in_o praesenti_fw-la in_o the_o same_o chapter_n also_o he_o tell_v we_o how_o necessary_a it_o be_v for_o those_o who_o aspire_v to_o knowledge_n to_o be_v strict_a in_o fix_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o word_n and_o frame_v true_a definition_n in_o examine_v those_o of_o former_a author_n and_o either_o to_o correct_v they_o when_o deficient_a or_o to_o make_v new_a one_o themselves_o therefore_o he_o say_v in_o geometry_n which_o be_v the_o most_o accurate_a science_n man_n begin_v with_o settle_v the_o signification_n of_o their_o word_n which_o settle_v of_o signification_n they_o call_v definition_n and_o place_v they_o at_o the_o begin_n of_o their_o work_n now_o it_o have_v be_v well_o if_o mr._n hobbs_n have_v practise_v his_o own_o rule_n and_o that_o in_o one_o of_o the_o most_o considerable_a instance_n of_o his_o moral_a philosophy_n that_o be_v if_o he_o have_v at_o first_o give_v we_o a_o perfect_a definition_n of_o that_o word_n so_o oft_o make_v use_n of_o in_o his_o write_n nature_n and_o have_v fix_v the_o signification_n of_o those_o expression_n naturally_n and_o by_o nature_n which_o he_o can_v not_o well_o have_v do_v without_o distinguish_v it_o into_o pure_a and_o primitive_a and_o into_o corrupt_a and_o deprave_a nature_n which_o he_o have_v no_o where_o do_v it_o have_v occasion_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o obscurity_n and_o uncertainty_n in_o all_o his_o discourse_n relate_v thereunto_o which_o if_o he_o have_v do_v in_o all_o probability_n it_o will_v have_v put_v a_o end_n to_o many_o of_o those_o controversy_n which_o be_v perhaps_o at_o first_o begin_v and_o afterward_o continue_v by_o the_o want_n of_o it_o it_o be_v true_a he_o have_v give_v we_o several_a sense_n and_o acceptation_n of_o these_o word_n but_o yet_o have_v be_v so_o far_o from_o settle_v and_o fix_v their_o signification_n as_o he_o call_v it_o that_o he_o have_v rather_o leave_v they_o still_o in_o great_a uncertainty_n especial_o in_o those_o other_o place_n where_o they_o be_v mention_v single_o without_o any_o intimation_n at_o all_o in_o what_o sense_n they_o be_v to_o be_v take_v in_o his_o preface_n to_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr cive_z where_o it_o be_v object_v that_o from_o his_o principle_n it_o will_v follow_v that_o man_n be_v wicked_a by_o nature_n this_o he_o say_v do_v not_o follow_v for_o though_o man_n by_o nature_n that_o be_v from_o their_o first_o birth_n as_o they_o be_v mere_a sensible_a creature_n etc._n etc._n here_o nature_n must_v signify_v man_n as_o he_o come_v first_o into_o the_o world_n with_o respect_n mere_o to_o his_o animal_n qualisication_n which_o he_o have_v in_o common_a with_o other_o creature_n in_o the_o same_o preface_n forasmuch_o as_o god_n overrule_v all_o ruler_n by_o nature_n that_o be_v by_o the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n here_o nature_n seem_v to_o refer_v rather_o to_o the_o high_a than_o the_o low_a faculty_n of_o the_o soul_n chap._n 1._o paragraph_n 2._o if_o by_o nature_n one_o man_n shall_v love_v another_o that_o be_v as_o man_n here_o nature_n seem_v to_o refer_v to_o man_n in_o his_o large_a extent_n the_o law_n of_o nature_n he_o thus_o define_v that_o it_o be_v the_o dictate_v of_o natural_a reason_n conversant_a about_o those_o thing_n which_o be_v either_o to_o be_v do_v or_o omit_v for_o the_o constant_a preservation_n of_o our_o life_n and_o member_n as_o much_o as_o in_o we_o lie_v here_o he_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o truckle_n
especial_o in_o the_o latter_a end_n of_o this_o chapter_n be_v more_o than_o ordinary_o rough_a and_o uneven_a i_o willing_o acknowledge_v that_o i_o be_o no_o master_n of_o it_o not_o in_o the_o most_o even_a way_n where_o all_o lie_v plain_a before_o i_o but_o then_o here_o in_o my_o reflection_n upon_o p._n poiret_n and_o caperus_fw-la i_o have_v a_o mind_n to_o keep_v as_o near_o to_o their_o word_n as_o i_o well_o can_v lest_o some_o perhaps_o may_v say_v that_o i_o injure_v their_o sense_n and_o all_o man_n know_v how_o rough_a and_o break_v the_o style_n must_v needs_o be_v when_o latin_a be_v thus_o translate_v into_o english_a chap._n iu._n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n it_o be_v the_o general_a method_n of_o the_o atheist_n of_o the_o present_a age_n to_o skirmish_v as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o arguing_n rather_o than_o come_v to_o a_o close_a engagement_n and_o think_v they_o have_v get_v matter_n enough_o of_o triumph_n if_o they_o can_v defeat_v some_o of_o those_o argument_n we_o bring_v for_o the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n or_o by_o some_o subtle_a evasion_n lessen_v or_o enervate_a the_o force_n of_o '_o they_o they_o do_v not_o much_o pretend_v by_o positive_a argument_n to_o prove_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o their_o own_o opinion_n or_o the_o impossibility_n of_o we_o both_o which_o they_o ought_v to_o do_v if_o they_o will_v gain_v any_o credit_n to_o their_o cause_n the_o heathen_a philosopher_n and_o orator_n of_o old_a use_v to_o invoke_v the_o deity_n to_o vouchsafe_v a_o blessing_n upon_o their_o respective_a undertake_n and_o teach_v it_o as_o a_o duty_n incumbent_n upon_o all_o with_o prayer_n to_o sanctify_v their_o first_o entrance_n upon_o any_o work_n of_o importance_n but_o now_o to_o desire_v a_o atheist_n to_o do_v thus_o will_v seem_v a_o direct_a contradiction_n and_o a_o beg_n of_o the_o cause_n to_o desire_v he_o to_o suppose_v that_o which_o by_o the_o state_n of_o the_o controversy_n he_o be_v engage_v to_o deny_v but_o yet_o a_o atheist_n himself_o in_o this_o dispute_n wherein_o the_o right_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n be_v of_o so_o much_o concernment_n to_o he_o aught_o at_o least_o to_o bring_v with_o he_o a_o teachable_a temper_n and_o disposition_n of_o mind_n and_o will_n ready_a to_o receive_v what_o his_o understanding_n upon_o the_o fair_a consideration_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o dictate_v to_o be_v if_o not_o absolute_o demonstrate_v yet_o most_o rational_o probable_a and_o most_o prudential_o credible_a the_o atheist_n therefore_o see_v he_o can_v be_v absolute_o sure_a and_o positive_o certain_a that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n ought_v and_o that_o without_o any_o violation_n to_o his_o principle_n as_o a_o philosopher_n however_o high_o agreeable_a to_o his_o prudence_n as_o a_o man_n at_o least_o to_o make_v such_o application_n as_o these_o to_o that_o supreme_a power_n who_o existence_n he_o very_o much_o doubt_n or_o perhaps_o rather_o deny_v that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o then_o that_o he_o will_v vouchsafe_v to_o enlighten_v his_o understanding_n with_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o incline_v his_o will_n to_o be_v belief_n of_o it_o and_o here_o it_o be_v observable_a that_o protagoras_n who_o be_v general_o count_v a_o atheist_n and_o be_v expel_v out_o of_o athens_n for_o be_v so_o yet_o as_o diog._n laert._n report_v of_o he_o he_o make_v precatio_fw-la to_o be_v the_o first_o part_n of_o a_o oration_n what_o be_v the_o first_o occasion_n of_o the_o platonic_a triad_n whether_o the_o contrary_a false_a opinion_n of_o the_o atomist_n concern_v the_o materiality_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o the_o manner_n of_o its_o formation_n according_a to_o the_o way_n and_o method_n lay_v down_o by_o the_o learned_a bishop_n of_o lincoln_n in_o his_o treatise_n of_o idol_n p._n 407_o 408._o i_o shall_v not_o here_o dispute_v yet_o as_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n in_o general_n that_o be_v never_o occasion_v by_o any_o false_a belief_n of_o other_o to_o the_o contrary_a because_o truth_n in_o order_n of_o nature_n be_v always_o antecedent_n to_o error_n what_o be_v say_v of_o idol_n wisd._n 14._o 13._o that_o they_o be_v not_o from_o the_o beginning_n the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o vice_n and_o error_n that_o they_o be_v not_o so_o from_o the_o beginning_n but_o that_o truth_n and_o virtue_n be_v still_o antecedent_n to_o they_o primus_fw-la in_o orb_n deos_fw-la fecit_fw-la timor_fw-la be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v true_a that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o fear_n and_o not_o fear_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n the_o opinion_n of_o the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n have_v so_o much_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o contrary_a that_o of_o atheism_n that_o i_o believe_v its_o very_a opposer_n when_o at_o any_o time_n they_o give_v themselves_o serious_o to_o consider_v and_o examine_v the_o reason_n on_o both_o side_n that_o their_o dissent_n be_v not_o so_o much_o their_o opinion_n that_o the_o thing_n be_v real_o so_o as_o their_o secret_a desire_n and_o inclination_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o for_o if_o we_o consider_v either_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o own_o argument_n or_o the_o frivolous_a answer_n they_o return_v to_o we_o one_o will_v think_v that_o they_o have_v not_o sufficient_a ground_n so_o much_o as_o to_o found_v a_o opinion_n upon_o so_o much_o violence_n do_v they_o offer_v in_o their_o arguing_n not_o only_o to_o religion_n but_o to_o reason_n too_o though_o the_o atheist_n of_o the_o former_a age_n seem_v more_o excusable_a than_o these_o of_o we_o for_o they_o want_v those_o supernatural_a argument_n draw_v from_o divine_a revelation_n and_o not_o know_v so_o well_o how_o right_o to_o manage_v those_o natural_a one_o which_o yet_o if_o right_o use_v will_v have_v prove_v a_o god_n they_o thus_o argue_v themselves_o into_o atheism_n or_o into_o tenant_n very_o like_o it_o whereas_o we_o either_o out_o of_o ignorance_n or_o inconsideration_n either_o not_o willing_a or_o not_o able_a impartial_o and_o thorough_o to_o examine_v the_o argument_n which_o both_o reason_n and_o religion_n do_v afford_v they_o they_o thus_o run_v headlong_o into_o foolish_a and_o false_a opinion_n satisfy_v themselves_o with_o mere_a shadow_n of_o reason_v instead_o of_o substance_n thus_o a_o spirit_n must_v be_v banish_v out_o of_o the_o world_n only_o because_o they_o say_v the_o notion_n of_o it_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n and_o the_o world_n must_v be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o atom_n only_o boccuse_v it_o imply_v no_o logical_a contradiction_n that_o it_o shall_v be_v so_o thus_o bold_o assert_v impossibility_n where_o indeed_o there_o be_v none_o and_o rest_v in_o bare_a possibility_n where_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o do_v so_o and_o this_o seem_v the_o very_a sum_n and_o substance_n of_o the_o philosophy_n of_o our_o modern_a atheist_n but_o it_o be_v here_o object_v that_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v a_o opinion_n at_o first_o invent_v and_o afterward_o continue_v in_o the_o world_n by_o those_o who_o interest_n prompt_v they_o thereunto_o viz._n by_o king_n and_o prince_n and_o those_o of_o the_o ecclesiastical_a order_n the_o one_o to_o keep_v their_o people_n in_o awe_n the_o other_o to_o maintain_v and_o bear_v up_o the_o reputation_n of_o their_o function_n as_o if_o the_o jewish_a religion_n at_o first_o be_v only_o the_o politic_a invention_n of_o moses_n and_o aaron_n and_o afterward_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n carry_v on_o by_o their_o successive_a order_n that_o the_o thundering_n and_o lightning_n of_o mount_n sinai_n be_v only_o the_o well-ordered_a plot_n of_o somewhat_o like_o drum_n and_o gunpowder_n behind_o the_o stage_n and_o that_o the_o miracle_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v only_o the_o delude_n and_o cheat_v of_o the_o outward_a sense_n of_o some_o and_o the_o inward_a imagination_n of_o other_o that_o his_o seem_a restore_a eye_n to_o the_o blind_a be_v only_o the_o deceive_a the_o eye_n of_o the_o beholder_n and_o a_o persuade_v the_o blindman_n that_o he_o see_v what_o indeed_o he_o do_v not_o but_o it_o will_v be_v too_o frivolous_a a_o design_n to_o go_v about_o to_o confute_v such_o a_o extravagant_a and_o groundless_a assertion_n for_o perhaps_o it_o will_v require_v as_o much_o power_n to_o persuade_v a_o blind_a man_n that_o he_o see_v when_o he_o do_v not_o as_o real_o to_o restore_v his_o eye_n but_o then_o as_o to_o the_o principle_n whereon_o the_o objection_n be_v found_v i_o shall_v do_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o show_v the_o weakness_n and_o falseness_n of_o it_o in_o itself_o second_o the_o accidentalness_n of_o its_o conclude_v three_o the_o unfitness_n and_o improperness_n of_o it_o as_o make_v by_o they_o and_o how_o it_o may_v be_v with_o as_o