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Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n call_v great_a think_v 1,609 5 3.8252 3 false
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A38046 Some thoughts concerning the several causes and occasions of atheism, especially in the present age with some brief reflections on Socinianism, and on a late book entitled, The reasonableness of Christianity as delivered in the Scriptures / by John Edwards ... Edwards, John, 1637-1716. 1695 (1695) Wing E215; ESTC R18870 42,384 151

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be_v witty_o say_v be_v well_o say_v hence_o these_o spark_n venture_v to_o ridicule_n religion_n to_o scoff_n at_o virtue_n and_o piety_n and_o to_o mock_v god_n himself_o then_o at_o last_o they_o real_o believe_v what_o they_o fancy_v and_o jest_o utter_v and_o they_o assert_v in_o good_a earnest_n what_o at_o first_o perhaps_o be_v say_v only_o in_o merriment_n wherefore_o to_o guard_v yourselves_o from_o atheism_n be_v always_o very_o serious_a and_o abhor_v the_o sportful_a vein_n the_o flashy_a fancy_n of_o these_o man_n who_o think_v they_o can_v be_v man_n of_o part_n unless_o they_o make_v a_o mock_n of_o god_n and_o religion_n whereas_o the_o bright_a and_o most_o accomplish_v head_n ever_o explode_v this_o and_o in_o our_o own_o nation_n we_o have_v abundant_a instance_n of_o this_o that_o even_o the_o etc._n wise_a and_o the_o witty_a man_n though_o no_o churchman_n or_o divine_n have_v express_v their_o deep_a sense_n of_o god_n and_o serve_v he_o and_o defy_v the_o contrary_a profane_a atheistical_a humour_n iv._o pride_n and_o self-conceit_n may_v just_o be_v reckon_v another_o spring_n of_o atheism_n man_n in_o this_o and_o former_a age_n have_v think_v it_o below_o they_o to_o go_v tame_o along_o with_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n in_o assert_v a_o deity_n they_o will_v be_v think_v wise_a than_o other_o and_o consequent_o they_o affect_v to_o go_v against_o a_o common_o receive_v notion_n but_o more_o particular_o these_o high-flyer_n account_v it_o base_a and_o sneak_v to_o listen_v to_o a_o old_a story_n of_o religion_n and_o to_o submit_v their_o belief_n to_o the_o harangue_n of_o the_o parson_n as_o they_o be_v please_v to_o word_n it_o especial_o great_a man_n be_v apt_a to_o be_v possess_v with_o this_o pride_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v atheistical_a they_o strong_o incline_v to_o king_n alphonsus_n impious_a bravado_n that_o if_o he_o have_v be_v present_a at_o the_o creation_n he_o will_v have_v frame_v the_o world_n 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humour_n all_o reason_n and_o argument_n they_o arrogant_o resolve_v to_o hold_v the_o conclusion_n whatever_o become_v of_o the_o poor_a premise_n atheism_n owe_v its_o be_v much_o to_o this_o as_o i_o apprehend_v as_o i_o think_v it_o it_o be_v sufficient_o evident_a from_o what_o i_o have_v say_v before_o when_o i_o show_v that_o they_o choose_v rather_o to_o maintain_v the_o great_a absurdity_n than_o to_o adhere_v to_o a_o receive_a truth_n wherefore_o that_o we_o may_v effectual_o prevent_v this_o folly_n in_o ourselves_o let_v we_o banish_v presumption_n confidence_n and_o self_n conceit_n let_v we_o extirpate_v all_o pride_n and_o arrogance_n let_v we_o not_o listen_v ourselves_o in_o the_o number_n of_o capricious_a opiniatour_n v._o undue_a apprehension_n of_o a_o deity_n join_v with_o superstition_n be_v the_o high_a road_n to_o atheism_n those_o that_o think_v amiss_o of_o god_n will_v easy_o be_v incline_v to_o question_v his_o existence_n it_o be_v too_o true_a that_o man_n model_n the_o divinity_n according_a to_o their_o own_o fancy_n the_o creature_n fashion_n his_o creator_n or_o like_o he_o that_o engrave_v his_o own_o image_n in_o that_o of_o the_o goddess_n they_o shape_v themselves_o and_o figure_n out_o their_o own_o absurd_a notion_n and_o conceit_n while_o they_o pretend_v to_o give_v the_o portraiture_n of_o god_n therefore_o impose_v of_o false_a doctrine_n concern_v the_o attribute_n of_o god_n be_v very_o pernicious_a for_o they_o be_v destructive_a of_o his_o very_a be_v and_o nature_n it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o when_o these_o come_v to_o be_v scan_v and_o examine_v man_n doubt_v of_o the_o very_a existence_n of_o god_n because_o so_o irrational_a and_o absured_a thing_n be_v attribute_v to_o he_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o think_v there_o be_v such_o a_o one_o or_o they_o wish_v there_o be_v not_o so_o that_o they_o endeavour_v to_o destroy_v that_o which_o they_o can_v endure_v thus_o mistake_v and_o misprision_n concern_v god_n lead_v to_o atheism_n false_a conception_n of_o a_o deity_n expunge_v at_o last_o the_o belief_n of_o one_o and_o so_o it_o be_v of_o old_a in_o paganism_n idolatry_n be_v the_o great_a mother_n of_o atheism_n gross_a superstition_n undermine_v the_o godhead_n it_o have_v be_v false_o and_o blasphemous_o say_v that_o stat._n fear_n be_v it_o which_o first_o introduce_v a_o god_n into_o the_o world_n but_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_o true_a that_o this_o with_o some_o person_n have_v expel_v the_o notion_n of_o he_o out_o of_o the_o world_n for_o they_o be_v timorous_a and_o melancholic_a create_v to_o themselves_o strange_a fancy_n concern_v he_o who_o they_o be_v to_o worship_n and_o represent_v he_o to_o their_o thought_n as_o severe_a and_o tyrannical_a and_o the_o gentile_a priest_n and_o ruler_n lay_v hold_v on_o this_o passion_n of_o fear_n and_o do_v what_o they_o can_v to_o promote_v and_o heighten_v it_o that_o thereby_o they_o may_v keep_v the_o people_n in_o awe_n to_o which_o purpose_n they_o invent_v innumerable_a rite_n and_o ceremony_n many_o of_o which_o be_v harsh_a troublesome_a and_o afflictive_a so_o that_o bigotry_n and_o excess_n in_o religion_n make_v way_n for_o none_o at_o all_o and_o when_o they_o be_v weary_v with_o the_o intolerable_a burden_n of_o it_o they_o cry_v out_o with_o that_o nonsensical_a atheist_n tantum_n religio_fw-la potuit_fw-la suadere_fw-la malorum_fw-la then_o religion_n itself_o and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o be_v discard_v this_o be_v cause_v by_o the_o undue_a representation_n which_o be_v make_v of_o god_n the_o priest_n will_v have_v the_o superstitious_a bigot_n believe_v that_o the_o divine_a numen_fw-la can_v not_o be_v appease_v without_o those_o wild_a observance_n this_o be_v that_o which_o plutarch_n take_v notice_n of_o tell_v we_o that_o 〈◊〉_d from_o such_o gross_a absurd_a and_o extravagant_a devotion_n man_n come_v to_o disregard_n a_o deity_n and_o to_o conclude_v there_o be_v none_o rather_o than_o to_o believe_v there_o can_v be_v such_o a_o one_o one_o that_o be_v delight_v with_o so_o unaccountable_a ceremony_n and_o usage_n therefore_o to_o shut_v out_o atheism_n let_v we_o have_v right_a conception_n of_o the_o supreme_a be_v who_o we_o worship_v and_o serve_v it_o concern_v we_o to_o assert_v right_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n lest_o otherwise_o we_o slide_v into_o a_o disbelief_n of_o any_o who_o misrepresent_v the_o divine_a be_v be_v in_o a_o ready_a way_n to_o deny_v he_o vi_o corrupt_a affection_n and_o life_n for_o i_o will_v join_v both_o these_o together_o because_o they_o be_v never_o asunder_o make_v man_n atheist_n man_n of_o deprave_a mind_n and_o manner_n doubt_v of_o all_o religion_n because_o they_o like_v none_o and_o at_o last_o they_o flat_o deny_v what_o they_o love_v not_o a_o atheist_n first_o desire_n and_o wish_v no_o god_n and_o his_o desire_n and_o wish_n work_v on_o his_o understanding_n his_o willingness_n to_o have_v it_o so_o incline_v he_o to_o believe_v it_o he_o easy_o credit_n what_o he_o belong_v for_o his_o affection_n corrupt_v his_o judgement_n thus_o the_o indulge_v of_o lust_n and_o vice_n dispose_v a_o man_n to_o atheism_n to_o which_o purpose_n observe_v the_o soil_n where_o this_o poisonous_a weed_n spring_v up_o grow_v and_o thrive_v most_o viz._n in_o the_o court_n of_o debauch_a prince_n among_o such_o nobility_n and_o gentry_n and_o in_o great_a city_n where_o vicious_a and_o profane_a live_n be_v most_o in_o fashion_n they_o be_v lewd_a and_o dissolute_a in_o their_o manner_n and_o give_v themselves_o up_o whole_o to_o the_o satisfy_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o this_o natural_o prejudices_fw-la they_o against_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n and_o a_o life_n to_o come_v nothing_o do_v so_o much_o extinguish_v all_o apprehension_n of_o these_o as_o carnal_a pleasure_n he_o that_o live_v dissolute_o and_o wicked_o can_v easy_o entertain_v the_o
notion_n of_o a_o god_n for_o it_o be_v counter_a to_o his_o course_n of_o live_v therefore_o he_o go_v on_o in_o his_o debauchery_n and_o huff_n and_o swagger_n and_o perhaps_o swear_v by_o the_o divinity_n that_o there_o be_v none_o it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o sort_n of_o man_n decry_v a_o god_n because_o they_o will_v not_o be_v oblige_v by_o his_o law_n sensuality_n make_v they_o desirous_a to_o remove_v all_o stop_n of_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o therefore_o they_o whet_v their_o wit_n such_o as_o they_o be_v to_o annihilate_v religion_n and_o to_o extirpate_v a_o deity_n a_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o practical_a part_n of_o piety_n engage_v they_o against_o the_o theory_n their_o life_n influence_n on_o their_o belief_n they_o be_v addict_v to_o atheism_n by_o their_o lewd_a and_o profane_a course_n for_o we_o must_v observe_v this_o that_o these_o two_o mutual_o advance_v one_o a_o other_o as_o atheism_n be_v the_o highway_n of_o wickedness_n which_o the_o psalmist_n take_v notice_n of_o when_o he_o say_v the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n corrupt_a be_v they_o and_o have_v do_v abominable_a iniquity_n psal._n 53._o 1._o so_o it_o be_v as_o true_a that_o wickedness_n be_v the_o original_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n for_o it_o be_v right_o say_v by_o a_o great_a man_n atheism_n none_o deny_v there_o be_v a_o god_n but_o those_o for_o who_o it_o make_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n for_o they_o know_v that_o if_o there_o be_v one_o he_o will_v certain_o judge_v they_o for_o their_o evil_a do_n they_o can_v therefore_o be_v secure_a in_o their_o sin_n unless_o the_o notion_n and_o remembrance_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v blot_v out_o it_o be_v their_o suppose_a interest_n then_o not_o their_o reason_n that_o make_v they_o deny_v a_o god_n for_o it_o be_v their_o concern_v to_o be_v persuade_v that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o punish_v they_o brief_o they_o be_v unwilling_a to_o believe_v any_o thing_n but_o what_o their_o lust_n shall_v put_v into_o their_o creed_n thus_o you_o see_v the_o true_a reason_n of_o the_o atheism_n of_o these_o time_n it_o be_v feed_v and_o pamper_v by_o luxury_n the_o constant_a fume_n and_o steam_n of_o this_o affect_v the_o brain_n and_o discompose_v the_o intellect_n practical_a atheism_n lead_v to_o that_o which_o be_v dogmatical_a i._n e._n hold_v and_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n evil_a and_o perverse_a mind_n profane_a and_o debauch_a life_n strange_o bias_n and_o incline_v man_n to_o this_o wherefore_o if_o you_o will_v effectual_o shut_v out_o this_o vile_a persuasion_n take_v care_n to_o suppress_v your_o evil_a affection_n and_o practice_n for_o these_o be_v wont_a to_o court_v man_n understanding_n to_o turn_v atheist_n vii_o atheist_n take_v occasion_n from_o our_o division_n broil_n and_o animosity_n from_o the_o many_o party_n and_o squadron_n of_o sect_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n to_o bid_v defiance_n to_o all_o religion_n and_o they_o resolve_v to_o profess_v none_o till_o they_o can_v see_v they_o all_o agree_v thus_o 1._o tully_n observe_v of_o old_a that_o the_o dissension_n of_o philosopher_n the_o various_a sentiment_n and_o opinion_n that_o prevail_v among_o they_o be_v a_o cause_n of_o some_o man_n deny_v a_o deity_n at_o least_o of_o their_o stagger_n about_o it_o and_o true_o this_o observator_fw-la himself_n in_o his_o book_n de_fw-fr natura_fw-la deorum_fw-la be_v so_o give_v to_o the_o academical_a vein_n of_o dispute_v that_o he_o seem_v sometime_o to_o be_v irresolved_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o god_n or_o no._n so_o it_o have_v be_v among_o some_o of_o those_o who_o have_v take_v upon_o they_o the_o external_a denomination_n of_o christian_n the_o difference_n in_o opinion_n the_o error_n and_o heresy_n which_o they_o take_v notice_n of_o cause_v they_o to_o suspect_v yea_o to_o renounce_v all_o truth_n a_o great_a deal_n of_o the_o atheism_n of_o this_o present_a age_n may_v be_v ascribe_v to_o this_o some_o behold_v the_o great_a scuffling_n that_o be_v about_o religion_n not_o only_o the_o single_a combat_n but_o the_o pitch_a batelt_n that_o be_v about_o it_o and_o thereupon_o they_o discard_v all_o thought_n of_o any_o such_o thing_n and_o become_v perfect_a libertine_n and_o herein_o they_o be_v promote_v and_o push_v on_o by_o such_o person_n as_o the_o author_n of_o fiat_n lux_fw-la and_o the_o treatise_n of_o humane_a reason_n who_o both_o design_n scepticism_n and_o so_o atheism_n but_o though_o it_o be_v thus_o though_o the_o different_a persuasion_n about_o religious_a matter_n have_v this_o ill_a effect_n yet_o this_o can_v be_v no_o true_a reason_n why_o any_o man_n shall_v renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n for_o he_o that_o be_v true_o rational_a and_o considerate_a will_v rather_o make_v this_o a_o argument_n of_o the_o contrary_a for_o it_o be_v foretell_v by_o 1._o christ_n and_o his_o 18._o apostle_n that_o error_n and_o delusion_n shall_v be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o the_o fulfil_v of_o these_o prophecy_n be_v as_o witness_v not_o only_o to_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o write_n of_o the_o new_a testament_n and_o consequent_o of_o christianity_n but_o of_o the_o divinity_n itself_o for_o thing_n of_o this_o nature_n which_o depend_v whole_o on_o free_a and_o arbitrary_a cause_n can_v be_v foretell_v without_o divine_a and_o supernatural_a help_n none_o but_o a_o all-seeing_a eye_n can_v have_v a_o prospect_n of_o these_o future_a occurrence_n the_o predict_v of_o such_o thing_n to_o come_v be_v a_o evidence_n of_o a_o omniscient_a deity_n and_o then_o as_o to_o the_o thing_n itself_o why_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v it_o strange_a and_o unaccountable_a that_o there_o be_v dissension_n in_o christendom_n he_o may_v as_o well_o wonder_v that_o there_o be_v man_n in_o the_o world_n for_o as_o long_o as_o these_o retain_v their_o nature_n i._n e._n be_v subject_n to_o prejudice_n love_n of_o interest_n passion_n pride_n and_o the_o like_a there_o will_v be_v error_n and_o heresy_n for_o these_o proceed_v from_o some_o of_o those_o ill_a principle_n and_o unless_o god_n shall_v change_v the_o frame_n of_o the_o world_n and_o destroy_v the_o freedom_n of_o man_n will_n i._n e._n make_v he_o another_o creature_n it_o can_v be_v otherwise_o how_o unreasonable_o then_o do_v man_n question_v a_o god_n and_o cry_v out_o against_o religion_n itself_o because_o they_o see_v so_o many_o of_o this_o sort_n of_o disorder_n in_o the_o world_n whereas_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fault_n of_o religion_n that_o thing_n be_v thus_o but_o they_o be_v thus_o because_o man_n have_v so_o little_a religion_n again_o the_o cheat_n and_o delusion_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n be_v useful_a for_o the_o trial_n of_o mankind_n that_o as_o the_o apostle_n say_v they_o who_o be_v approve_v may_v be_v make_v manifest_a 1_o cor._n 11._o 19_o i_o do_v not_o say_v they_o be_v design_v for_o this_o for_o no_o 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ghost_n can_v there_o be_v any_o reason_n give_v of_o this_o partial_a deal_n yes_o it_o be_v most_o evident_a to_o any_o think_v and_o considerate_a person_n that_o he_o purposely_o omit_v the_o epistolary_a write_n of_o the_o apostle_n because_o they_o be_v fraught_v with_o other_o fundamental_a doctrine_n beside_o that_o one_o which_o he_o mention_n there_o we_o be_v instruct_v concern_v these_o grand_a head_n of_o christian_a divinity_n viz._n the_o corruption_n and_o degeneracy_n of_o humane_a nature_n with_o the_o true_a original_a of_o it_o the_o defection_n of_o our_o first_o parent_n the_o propagation_n of_o sin_n and_o mortality_n our_o restoration_n and_o reconciliation_n by_o christ_n blood_n the_o eminency_n and_o excellency_n of_o his_o priesthood_n the_o efficacy_n of_o his_o death_n the_o full_a satisfaction_n thereby_o make_v to_o the_o divine_a justice_n and_o his_o be_v make_v a_o all-sufficient_a sacrifice_n for_o sin_n here_o be_v peculiar_a discovery_n concern_v christ_n righteousness_n and_o our_o justification_n by_o it_o concern_v election_n adoption_n sanctification_n or_o the_o new_a birth_n and_o particular_o save_v faith_n which_o be_v so_o signal_n a_o part_n of_o it_o here_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o gospel_n and_o the_o new_a covenant_n the_o riches_n of_o god_n mercy_n in_o the_o way_n of_o salvation_n by_o jesus_n christ_n the_o certainty_n of_o the_o resurrection_n of_o humane_a body_n and_o of_o the_o future_a glory_n be_v full_o display_v these_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n contain_v in_o the_o epistle_n and_o they_o be_v essential_a and_o integral_a part_n of_o the_o gospel_n itself_o and_o therefore_o it_o be_v no_o wonder_n that_o our_o author_n be_v sensible_a of_o this_o will_v not_o vouchsafe_v to_o give_v we_o a_o abstract_n of_o these_o inspire_a write_n but_o pass_v they_o by_o with_o some_o contempt_n and_o more_o especial_o if_o i_o may_v conjecture_v he_o do_v this_o because_o he_o know_v that_o there_o be_v so_o many_o and_o frequent_a and_o those_o so_o illustrious_a and_o eminent_a attestation_n to_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o ever_o to_o be_v adore_v trinity_n in_o these_o epistle_n nor_o be_v this_o any_o uncharitable_a conjecture_n as_o the_o reader_n may_v easy_o satisfy_v himself_o if_o he_o take_v notice_n that_o this_o writer_n interpret_v the_o son_n of_o god_n to_o be_v no_o more_o than_o the_o messiah_n he_o expound_v john_n 14._o 9_o etc._n etc._n after_o the_o antitrinitarian_n mode_n whereas_o general_o divine_v understand_v some_o part_n of_o those_o word_n concern_v the_o divinity_n of_o our_o saviour_n he_o make_v christ_n and_o adam_n to_o be_v the_o son_n of_o god_n in_o the_o same_o sense_n viz._n by_o their_o birth_n as_o the_o racovian_o general_o do_v and_o so_o he_o interpret_v luke_o 1._o 35._o john_n 5._o 26._o according_a to_o their_o standard_n when_o he_o proceed_v to_o mention_v the_o advantage_n and_o benefit_n of_o christ_n come_v into_o the_o world_n 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then_o must_v there_o be_v but_o one_o article_n and_o no_o more_o but_o he_o notwithstanding_o this_o go_v on_o and_o urge_v that_o there_o must_v be_v nothing_o in_o christianity_n that_o be_v not_o plain_a and_o exact_o level_v to_o all_o man_n mother-wit_n and_o common_a apprehension_n for_o 302._o god_n consider_v the_o poor_a of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n the_o christian_a religion_n be_v suit_v to_o vulgar_a capacity_n and_o have_v only_o 302._o such_o article_n as_o the_o labour_a and_o illiterate_a man_n may_v comprehend_v the_o writer_n and_o wrangler_n in_o religion_n fill_v it_o with_o nicety_n and_o dress_v it_o up_o with_o notion_n viz._n the_o trinity_n christ_n satisfaction_n etc._n etc._n which_o they_o make_v necessary_a and_o fundamental_a part_n of_o it_o but_o the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n have_v not_o leisure_n for_o learning_n and_o logic_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v no_o such_o doctrine_n as_o that_o concern_v the_o trinity_n the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n and_o the_o like_a which_o be_v above_o the_o capacity_n and_o comprehension_n of_o the_o vulgar_a and_o in_o the_o entrance_n of_o his_o book_n he_o have_v the_o same_o notion_n for_o he_o tell_v we_o that_o the_o scripture_n be_v a_o collection_n of_o write_n design_v by_o god_n for_o the_o instraction_n of_o the_o illiterate_a bulk_n of_o mankind_n for_o he_o be_v much_o take_v with_o this_o phrase_n you_o see_v the_o bulk_n of_o mankind_n whereby_o he_o understand_v the_o ignorant_a and_o unlearned_a multitude_n the_o mob_n as_o he_o call_v it_o in_o another_o place_n sure_o this_o gentleman_n be_v afraid_a of_o captain_n tom_n and_o be_v go_v to_o make_v a_o religion_n for_o his_o myrmidon_n and_o to_o please_v they_o he_o give_v they_o as_o little_a of_o this_o kind_a as_o he_o possible_o can_v he_o contract_v all_o into_o one_o article_n and_o will_v trouble_v they_o with_o no_o more_o now_o than_o the_o sum_n of_o all_o that_o he_o aim_v at_o be_v this_o that_o we_o must_v not_o have_v any_o point_n of_o doctrine_n whatsoever_o in_o our_o religion_n that_o the_o mob_n do_v not_o at_o the_o very_a first_o name_n of_o it_o perfect_o understand_v and_o agree_v to_o we_o be_v come_v to_o a_o fine_a pass_n indeed_o the_o venerable_a mob_n must_v be_v ask_v what_o we_o must_v believe_v and_o nothing_o must_v be_v receive_v as_o a_o article_n of_o faith_n but_o what_o those_o illiterate_a clubman_n vote_v to_o be_v such_o the_o rabble_n be_v no_o system-maker_n no_o creed-maker_n and_o therefore_o away_o with_o system_n and_o creed_n and_o let_v we_o have_v but_o one_o article_n though_o it_o be_v with_o the_o defiance_n of_o all_o the_o rest_n which_o be_v of_o equal_a necessity_n with_o that_o one._n towards_o the_o close_a of_o his_o enterprise_n he_o have_v a_o fling_n and_o that_o a_o shrewd_a one_o
some_o thought_n concern_v the_o several_a cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n especial_o in_o the_o present_a age._n with_o some_o brief_a reflection_n on_o socinianism_n and_o on_o a_o late_a book_n entitle_v the_o reasonableness_n of_o christianity_n as_o deliver_v in_o the_o scripture_n by_o john_n edward_n b._n d._n and_o sometime_o fellow_n of_o s._n john_n college_n in_o cambridge_n london_n print_v for_o i._n robinson_n at_o the_o golden_a lion_n and_o i._o wyatt_n at_o the_o role_n in_o s._n paul_n churchyard_n mdcxcv_o to_o the_o most_o reverend_a father_n in_o god_n his_o grace_n thomas_n by_o divine_a providence_n lord_n archbishop_n of_o canterbury_n primate_n and_o metropolitan_a of_o all_o england_n etc._n etc._n my_o lord_n your_o grace_n be_v not_o only_o by_o your_o place_n and_o station_n but_o by_o your_o own_o choice_n and_o voluntary_a act_n the_o grand_a patron_n of_o our_o religion_n it_o can_v be_v improper_a to_o present_v you_o with_o these_o brief_a paper_n which_o though_o in_o themselves_o very_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a and_o unworthy_a of_o your_o grace_n view_n be_v a_o vindication_n of_o that_o holy_a cause_n against_o the_o repeat_v cavil_n and_o bold_a insult_v of_o atheistical_a spirit_n who_o as_o your_o grace_n with_o a_o very_a deep_a resentment_n and_o regret_n funeral_n observe_v be_v of_o late_o grow_v very_o numerous_a how_o vigorous_o your_o lordship_n have_v attack_v this_o sort_n of_o man_n be_v well_o know_v to_o the_o world_n and_o that_o hitherto_o they_o have_v not_o be_v able_a to_o bring_v about_o their_o impious_a design_n be_v in_o great_a part_n owe_v to_o your_o lordship_n successful_a attempt_n i_o presume_v from_o the_o encouragement_n which_o so_o illustrious_a a_o example_n have_v give_v i_o to_o engage_v in_o the_o same_o cause_n that_o be_v to_o lay_v open_a the_o folly_n and_o absurdity_n of_o their_o pretence_n and_o withal_o to_o discover_v some_o of_o those_o head_n and_o spring_n whence_o the_o atheistick_a apprehension_n of_o these_o present_a time_n arise_v and_o whereby_o they_o be_v feed_v and_o nourish_v which_o i_o hope_v will_v be_v of_o good_a use_n to_o those_o who_o desire_v to_o be_v caution_v against_o the_o venom_n of_o this_o rage_a evil_n and_o will_v in_o some_o measure_n operate_v even_o on_o those_o who_o be_v infect_v and_o corrupt_v with_o it_o already_o i_o be_o sensible_a how_o precious_a your_o grace_n minute_n be_v in_o this_o time_n of_o extraordinary_a business_n and_o emergency_n and_o therefore_o i_o will_v not_o be_v injurious_a to_o the_o public_a by_o any_o far_a application_n to_o your_o grace_n only_o i_o superadd_a my_o hearty_a prayer_n for_o your_o health_n and_o long_a life_n wherein_o the_o common_a welfare_n and_o happiness_n both_o of_o church_n and_o state_n be_v so_o much_o involve_v and_o so_o i_o subscribe_v myself_o your_o grace_n most_o dutiful_a son_n and_o devote_a servant_n john_n edwards_n the_o preface_n i_o design_v by_o the_o divine_a help_n and_o conduct_v to_o defend_v the_o existence_n and_o providence_n of_o god_n by_o argument_n draw_v both_o from_o the_o great_a and_o the_o lesser_a world_n it_o be_v my_o request_n to_o the_o reader_n that_o he_o will_v accept_v of_o this_o brief_a essay_n in_o the_o mean_a time_n which_o i_o conceive_v will_v be_v a_o suitable_a introduction_n and_o preparative_a to_o that_o other_o undertake_n for_o as_o in_o that_o intend_a discourse_n i_o shall_v careful_o trace_v and_o discover_v the_o footstep_n of_o the_o divinity_n every_o where_o so_o here_o i_o make_v it_o my_o business_n to_o show_v how_o frequent_a a_o obvious_a the_o occasion_n of_o disbelieve_v it_o be_v by_o which_o mean_v we_o shall_v effectual_o learn_v how_o to_o purge_v our_o mind_n of_o those_o ill_a quality_n which_o natural_o be_v subservient_fw-fr to_o atheism_n we_o shall_v know_v how_o to_o remove_v those_o stumbling-block_n to_o answer_v those_o objection_n and_o to_o clear_v up_o those_o mistake_v which_o usual_o betray_v man_n to_o this_o infidelity_n and_o thus_o there_o will_v be_v a_o way_n make_v for_o what_o i_o design_n person_n will_v be_v fit_v to_o receive_v and_o retain_v the_o impression_n which_o those_o topic_n that_o i_o shall_v afterward_o make_v choice_n of_o will_v enstamp_v upon_o their_o mind_n and_o i_o hope_v the_o age_n which_o have_v late_o be_v stigmatise_v with_o mark_n of_o atheism_n will_v for_o the_o future_a be_v renown_v for_o these_o true_o illustrious_a and_o glorious_a character_n i_o will_v only_o far_o acquaint_v the_o reader_n that_o some_o part_n of_o what_o i_o here_o offer_v viz._n such_o particular_n as_o i_o think_v be_v convenient_a for_o a_o usual_a and_o mix_v auditory_a be_v deliver_v late_o in_o one_o of_o the_o city-pulpit_n and_o the_o other_o head_n with_o their_o enlargement_n which_o be_v of_o somewhat_o a_o different_a strain_n and_o be_v chief_o adapt_v to_o the_o curious_a and_o inquisitive_a be_v a_o addition_n since_o but_o as_o i_o have_v add_v several_a thing_n so_o i_o have_v omit_v some_o at_o the_o desire_n of_o those_o who_o be_v concern_v in_o both_o this_o be_v all_o that_o i_o have_v to_o advertise_v the_o reader_n of_o and_o so_o i_o bid_v he_o farewell_o some_o thought_n concern_v the_o cause_n and_o occasion_n of_o atheism_n that_o the_o world_n be_v not_o void_a of_o atheist_n in_o king_n david_n time_n may_v be_v gather_v from_o his_o word_n in_o psalm_n fourteen_o 1._o the_o fool_n have_v say_v in_o his_o heart_n there_o be_v no_o god_n but_o it_o be_v exceed_o to_o be_v lament_v that_o the_o number_n of_o they_o be_v much_o increase_v since_o yea_o that_o it_o be_v the_o unhappiness_n of_o this_o present_a age_n to_o be_v pester_v with_o not_o a_o few_o of_o they_o notwithstanding_o those_o cogent_a and_o incontestable_a argument_n for_o a_o deity_n which_o be_v suggest_v from_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o the_o natural_a reason_n of_o sober_a mind_n 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for_o i_o will_v mention_v both_o of_o this_o reign_v mischief_n i_o will_v show_v you_o on_o what_o ground_n the_o impious_a do_v at_o this_o day_n not_o only_o with_o the_o psalmist_n atheistical_a fool_n say_v in_o their_o heart_n but_o open_o and_o avowed_o proclaim_v to_o the_o world_n that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o be_v no_o supreme_a overrule_v be_v of_o infinite_a perfection_n no_o eternal_o wise_a intelligent_a and_o omniscient_a substance_n that_o at_o first_o give_v existence_n to_o all_o thing_n and_o ever_o since_o uphold_v they_o and_o takes_z care_n of_o they_o i._o i_o assign_v ignorance_n to_o be_v one_o great_a spring_n of_o this_o gross_a unbelief_n as_o know_v as_o the_o world_n be_v at_o this_o day_n there_o be_v too_o many_o people_n of_o inferior_a rank_n who_o education_n have_v be_v so_o unhappy_a that_o they_o have_v not_o be_v instruct_v in_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o religion_n and_o they_o be_v more_o unhappy_a in_o that_o they_o will_v not_o 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their_o affair_n to_o think_v of_o a_o god_n but_o in_o other_o of_o a_o high_a rank_n and_o quality_n for_o by_o ignorance_n i_o mean_v a_o wilful_a and_o sottish_a stifle_v of_o natural_a notion_n and_o impression_n and_o this_o sometime_o prevail_v in_o man_n of_o great_a part_n and_o knowledge_n think_v it_o not_o strange_a that_o i_o reckon_v such_o person_n in_o the_o number_n of_o the_o ignorant_a for_o to_o speak_v impartial_o they_o be_v so_o and_o this_o be_v the_o sense_n of_o the_o hierocl_n wise_a pagan_n long_v since_o for_o to_o have_v no_o knowledge_n and_o to_o stifle_v it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o case_n of_o these_o man_n they_o make_v it_o their_o business_n to_o choke_v the_o innate_a principle_n of_o their_o mind_n and_o to_o disregard_n those_o notice_n which_o their_o nature_n suggest_v to_o they_o thus_o these_o person_n be_v stubborn_o and_o obstinate_o ignorant_a whatever_o their_o pretence_n and_o boasting_n be_v their_o atheism_n proceed_v from_o want_n of_o learning_n and_o wit._n for_o it_o be_v not_o the_o part_n of_o a_o learned_a and_o ingenious_a man_n to_o destroy_v the_o notion_n of_o mankind_n and_o pull_v down_o what_o have_v be_v build_v by_o the_o universal_a suffrage_n of_o the_o world_n and_o in_o its_o place_n to_o erect_v a_o conceit_n of_o his_o own_o some_o may_v take_v such_o for_o brainish_a and_o scholarlike_o sort_n of_o man_n but_o then_o these_o be_v so_o without_o think_v for_o it_o be_v the_o want_n of_o this_o that_o make_v they_o what_o they_o be_v or_o to_o say_v the_o best_a of_o this_o kind_n of_o man_n and_o atheist_n be_v but_o a_o half-witted_a person_n he_o have_v perhaps_o make_v some_o attempt_n in_o science_n but_o to_o little_a purpose_n he_o have_v attain_v to_o some_o slight_a and_o trivial_a notion_n but_o have_v not_o penetrate_v into_o the_o heart_n of_o thing_n and_o thence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o he_o be_v full_a of_o doubt_n and_o cavil_n which_o he_o be_v able_a to_o raise_v but_o he_o have_v not_o skill_n and_o ability_n enough_o to_o answer_v they_o wherefore_o it_o be_v excellent_o say_v of_o my_o lord_n bacon_n essay_n a_o little_a philosophy_n incline_v man_n mind_n to_o atheism_n but_o depth_n in_o philosophy_n bring_v man_n mind_n about_o to_o religion_n and_o a_o deity_n thus_o though_o this_o misshapen_v monster_n will_v be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o genuine_a issue_n of_o true_a wisdom_n and_o sound_a knowledge_n yet_o it_o be_v real_o the_o daughter_n of_o a_o affect_a ignorance_n wherefore_o to_o secure_v yourselves_o against_o atheism_n be_v careful_a that_o you_o blind_v not_o your_o mind_n willing_o receive_v the_o ray_n of_o light_n into_o your_o soul_n cherish_v all_o sound_a notion_n and_o conception_n and_o by_o all_o proper_a method_n bring_v yourselves_o to_o a_o right_a understanding_n and_o steady_a embrace_v of_o all_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n of_o your_o religion_n ii_o there_o be_v great_a disingenuity_n and_o unhandsome_a deal_v in_o the_o case_n else_o we_o shall_v not_o have_v so_o much_o atheism_n here_o i_o will_v prove_v that_o they_o do_v not_o act_v fair_o but_o that_o they_o be_v ungenteel_a which_o perhaps_o will_v affect_v these_o person_n more_o than_o any_o thing_n that_o i_o can_v say_v what_o they_o be_v willing_a and_o forward_a to_o grant_v in_o other_o matter_n and_o on_o other_o occasion_n they_o refuse_v to_o grant_v here_o yea_o they_o utter_o deny_v it_o though_o there_o be_v the_o same_o reason_n for_o one_o as_o the_o other_o this_o plain_o appear_v by_o their_o objection_n as_o first_o they_o tell_v we_o they_o have_v no_o sensible_a notice_n of_o a_o god_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v admit_v of_o it_o for_o all_o the_o knowledge_n say_v they_o which_o we_o have_v of_o thing_n be_v derive_v to_o we_o from_o sense_n but_o here_o we_o see_v that_o these_o man_n be_v partial_a and_o disingenuous_a for_o they_o will_v not_o deny_v that_o there_o be_v many_o thing_n which_o they_o judge_v not_o of_o by_o sense_n they_o grant_v that_o the_o swiftness_n of_o motion_n oftentimes_o outruns_a the_o nimble_a sense_n and_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o quick_a eye_n yet_o they_o do_v not_o deny_v the_o motion_n itself_o the_o element_n of_o air_n in_o which_o the_o daily_a converse_n be_v not_o see_v nor_o be_v it_o hear_v or_o feel_v unless_o when_o it_o be_v extraordinary_o move_v and_o disturb_v which_o be_v but_o seldom_o nor_o will_v they_o say_v they_o taste_v it_o and_o it_o be_v as_o certain_a that_o they_o can_v smell_v it_o for_o this_o be_v only_o the_o vehicle_n of_o smell_v but_o be_v not_o itself_o the_o object_n of_o that_o sense_n and_o yet_o these_o nice_a gentleman_n do_v not_o deny_v the_o existence_n of_o the_o air._n they_o can_v by_o none_o of_o their_o sense_n discern_v the_o motion_n of_o the_o sun_n moon_n and_o star_n or_o as_o perhaps_o they_o think_v it_o most_o proper_a to_o say_v the_o earth_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o man_n of_o they_o that_o deny_v that_o they_o move_v it_o can_v be_v determine_v by_o sense_n whether_o the_o sun_n be_v big_a than_o it_o appear_v to_o be_v and_o therefore_o epicurus_n who_o be_v a_o great_a man_n for_o sense_n hold_v it_o be_v of_o no_o great_a dimension_n than_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o eye_n to_o be_v yea_o of_o no_o great_a heat_n in_o itself_o than_o it_o seem_v to_o the_o feel_v to_o be_v here_o on_o earth_n and_o the_o atheistical_a poet_n who_o borrow_a his_o notion_n from_o he_o be_v of_o the_o same_o mind_n nec_fw-la nimio_fw-la solis_fw-la major_a rota_fw-la nec_fw-la minor_fw-la ardour_n esse_fw-la potest_fw-la nostris_fw-la quam_fw-la sensibus_fw-la esse_fw-la videtur_fw-la lucret._n lib._n 5._o this_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v least_o discernible_a act_n most_o the_o animal_n spirit_n which_o do_v all_o the_o great_a thing_n in_o our_o body_n be_v themselves_o imperceptible_a they_o be_v the_o insensible_a and_o 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in_o other_o instance_n it_o may_v be_v show_v that_o sense_n be_v not_o always_o make_v a_o judge_n even_o in_o sensible_a object_n but_o we_o gather_v the_o be_v and_o operation_n of_o they_o from_o reason_n and_o discourse_n this_o the_o person_n who_o we_o be_v now_o deal_v with_o do_v not_o deny_v but_o even_o practice_v it_o themselves_o and_o be_v willing_a to_o allow_v of_o it_o why_o therefore_o be_v they_o so_o void_a of_o ingenuity_n and_o fair-dealing_a as_o not_o to_o admit_v of_o the_o same_o in_o the_o case_n that_o be_v before_o we_o why_o do_v they_o most_o irrational_o deny_v a_o god_n because_o they_o do_v not_o apprehend_v he_o by_o bodily_a sense_n whenas_o they_o judge_v not_o of_o some_o other_o thing_n by_o sense_n nay_o though_o they_o be_v proper_a object_n of_o it_o this_o be_v a_o plain_a proof_n of_o these_o man_n wilful_a prejudice_n and_o partiality_n especial_o if_o i_o add_v that_o god_n be_v infinite_o far_a remove_v from_o our_o most_o exalt_a apprehension_n than_o the_o sun_n of_o which_o we_o speak_v before_o be_v from_o this_o earth_n this_o glorious_a sun_n 16._o dwell_v in_o that_o light_n which_o no_o man_n can_v approach_v unto_o who_o no_o man_n have_v see_v or_o can_v see_v second_o they_o tell_v we_o that_o there_o be_v great_a difficulty_n in_o conceive_v a_o god_n and_o they_o be_v loath_a to_o swallow_v these_o down_o and_o more_o especial_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n i._n e._n a_o be_v that_o be_v void_a of_o matter_n and_o body_n be_v too_o hard_a to_o be_v conceive_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o see_v we_o hold_v god_n to_o be_v a_o spirit_n they_o can_v form_v no_o conception_n of_o he_o i_o will_v reply_v to_o both_o the_o part_n of_o this_o objection_n distinct_o and_o first_o as_o to_o the_o general_n cavil_v that_o this_o notion_n be_v