be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o 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have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
conceive_v no_o substance_n but_o matter_n and_o body_n and_o therefore_o reject_v the_o notion_n of_o a_o spirit_n as_o nonsense_n and_o contradiction_n they_o will_v allow_v nothing_o to_o be_v wise_o make_v which_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o reason_n and_o use_n of_o and_o therefore_o they_o fancy_v a_o great_a many_o botch_n and_o blunder_n in_o nature_n which_o can_v be_v the_o design_n and_o contrivance_n of_o wisdom_n but_o the_o effect_n of_o chance_n and_o then_o the_o consequence_n be_v plain_a that_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n not_o by_o a_o wise_a author_n now_o i_o confess_v if_o this_o way_n of_o reason_v be_v allow_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o defend_v either_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n against_o the_o cavil_n of_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n for_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a secret_n and_o mystery_n in_o they_o all_o and_o if_o to_o conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n must_v be_v make_v the_o measure_n and_o standard_n of_o true_a and_o false_a we_o must_v deny_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n as_o well_o as_o our_o faith_n and_o if_o we_o do_v and_o must_v believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n beyond_o our_o comprehension_n why_o must_v we_o believe_v nothing_o that_o be_v reveal_v any_o far_a than_o we_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o sum_n be_v this_o humane_a knowledge_n whatever_o the_o mean_n of_o know_v be_v whether_o sense_n or_o reason_n or_o revelation_n do_v not_o reach_v to_o the_o philosophical_a cause_n and_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o their_o be_v and_o natural_a virtue_n and_o power_n and_o as_o a_o wise_a man_n who_o know_v the_o measure_n of_o his_o understanding_n expect_v no_o more_o from_o sense_n and_o reason_n than_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o what_o they_o be_v as_o far_o as_o they_o fall_v under_o the_o notice_n of_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n so_o we_o must_v expect_v no_o more_o from_o revelation_n than_o the_o knowledge_n of_o such_o thing_n as_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v discover_v but_o we_o must_v no_o more_o expect_v the_o philosophy_n of_o supernatural_a truth_n from_o revelation_n than_o we_o do_v the_o mystery_n of_o nature_n from_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o since_o humane_a knowledge_n be_v not_o a_o knowledge_n of_o the_o mysterious_a nature_n of_o thing_n but_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n there_o be_v and_o what_o they_o be_v there_o can_v be_v no_o contradiction_n between_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o revelation_n unless_o one_o deny_v what_o the_o other_o affirm_v not_o that_o one_o teach_v more_o than_o the_o other_o teach_v or_o that_o one_o can_v comprehend_v what_o the_o other_o teach_v reason_n teach_v more_o than_o sense_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v and_o revelation_n teach_v more_o than_o either_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n teach_v or_o can_v comprehend_v but_o this_o be_v no_o contradiction_n but_o only_o a_o subordination_n between_o these_o different_a kind_n and_o degree_n of_o knowledge_n but_o as_o for_o unconceivableness_n and_o incomprehensibility_n that_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o any_o thing_n for_o sense_n and_o natural_a reason_n can_v no_o more_o comprehend_v their_o own_o object_n than_o they_o do_v what_o be_v reveal_v and_o it_o be_v manifest_a perverseness_n to_o make_v that_o a_o objection_n against_o revelation_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v a_o objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n this_o be_v sufficient_a as_o to_o the_o reason_n of_o the_o thing_n but_o as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o remove_v mens_fw-la prejudices_fw-la also_o against_o believe_v mystery_n i_o shall_v brief_o answer_v two_o very_a popular_a objection_n 1._o it_o be_v think_v very_o unnatural_a that_o when_o god_n have_v make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n and_o therefore_o make_v natural_a reason_n to_o we_o the_o measure_n of_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n he_o shall_v require_v we_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n as_o we_o must_v do_v if_o he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o we_o know_v not_o and_o can_v possible_o know_v the_o reason_n of_o if_o we_o must_v believe_v with_o our_o understanding_n how_o can_v we_o believe_v thing_n which_o we_o can_v understand_v this_o be_v a_o reasonable_a objection_n be_v it_o true_a for_o we_o can_v believe_v what_o we_o have_v no_o knowledge_n nor_o understanding_n of_o for_o faith_n be_v knowledge_n though_o not_o natural_a knowledge_n but_o do_v we_o not_o understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v do_v we_o not_o know_v what_o we_o mean_v when_o we_o say_v we_o believe_v in_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n nay_o do_v not_o our_o adversary_n understand_v what_o we_o mean_v by_o it_o how_o then_o come_v they_o to_o charge_v we_o with_o believe_v contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n for_o if_o they_o know_v not_o what_o we_o believe_v they_o can_v know_v whether_o we_o believe_v contradiction_n or_o not_o and_o if_o we_o do_v understand_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v than_o we_o do_v not_o believe_v without_o understanding_n which_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a if_o we_o know_v what_o it_o be_v we_o believe_v and_o we_o know_v also_o why_o we_o believe_v our_o faith_n be_v found_v in_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o resolve_v into_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n which_o be_v the_o high_a and_o most_o infallible_a reason_n the_o miracle_n which_o christ_n and_o his_o apostle_n wrought_v be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o own_a by_o reason_n to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o the_o answer_v the_o blind_a man_n give_v to_o the_o pharisee_n when_o christ_n have_v open_v his_o eye_n speak_v the_o true_a sense_n of_o nature_n herein_o be_v a_o marvellous_a thing_n that_o you_o know_v not_o from_o whence_o he_o be_v and_o yet_o he_o have_v open_v my_o eye_n now_o we_o know_v that_o god_n hear_v not_o sinner_n but_o if_o any_o man_n be_v a_o worshipper_n of_o god_n and_o do_v his_o will_n he_o he_o hear_v since_o the_o world_n begin_v be_v it_o not_o hear_v that_o any_o man_n open_v the_o eye_n of_o one_o that_o be_v bear_v blind_a if_o this_o man_n be_v not_o of_o god_n he_o can_v do_v nothing_o 9_o john_n 30_o 31_o 32_o 33._o and_o all_o mankind_n own_o that_o the_o most_o absolute_a faith_n be_v due_a to_o god_n and_o to_o those_o who_o speak_v from_o god_n and_o this_o as_o i_o take_v it_o be_v to_o believe_v with_o reason_n but_o still_o we_o believe_v such_o thing_n who_o nature_n we_o do_v not_o understand_v and_o can_v account_v for_o by_o natural_a reason_n and_o this_o be_v to_o believe_v without_o reason_n we_o believe_v that_o god_n the_o father_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n and_o that_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v but_o one_o eternal_a god_n but_o this_o be_v what_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v nor_o give_v we_o any_o notion_n or_o conception_n of_o how_o god_n can_v have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o a_o eternal_a spirit_n real_o distinct_a from_o himself_o and_o yet_o with_o himself_o one_o eternal_a and_o infinite_a god_n reason_n can_v give_v no_o account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n of_o the_o son_n nor_o of_o the_o eternal_a procession_n of_o the_o holy_a spirit_n and_o be_v not_o this_o to_o believe_v without_o reason_n which_o a_o reasonable_a creature_n ought_v not_o to_o do_v and_o which_o we_o ought_v not_o to_o think_v that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o reasonable_a creature_n expect_v from_o we_o and_o this_o i_o grant_v will_v be_v a_o material_a objection_n be_v reason_n the_o judge_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v reason_n require_v we_o to_o believe_v nothing_o but_o what_o we_o understand_v and_o comprehend_v but_o then_o we_o must_v no_o more_o believe_v sense_n and_o reason_n than_o revelation_n for_o we_o do_v not_o comprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n how_o evident_a soever_o it_o be_v to_o sense_n and_o reason_n that_o there_o be_v such_o thing_n nature_n be_v as_o great_a a_o mystery_n as_o revelation_n and_o it_o be_v no_o great_a affront_n to_o our_o understanding_n no_o more_o against_o reason_n for_o god_n to_o reveal_v such_o thing_n to_o we_o as_o our_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v than_o 〈◊〉_d be_v to_o make_v a_o whole_a world_n which_o â—…eason_n can_v comprehend_v when_o we_o make_v it_o a_o objection_n against_o â—…ny_a thing_n that_o it_o be_v without_o reason_n or_o â—…s_v we_o apprehend_v against_o reason_n and_o contrary_a to_o reason_n we_o must_v first_o conâ—…ider_v whether_o it_o be_v the_o proper_a object_n of_o reason_n otherwise_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n as_o it_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o sound_n that_o we_o can_v see_v they_o nor_o against_o colour_n
that_o we_o can_v hear_v they_o because_o sound_n be_v not_o the_o object_n of_o sight_n nor_o colour_n of_o hear_v now_o no_o man_n pretend_v that_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n or_o their_o essential_a reason_n property_n union_n operation_n be_v the_o object_n of_o humane_a reason_n for_o no_o man_n live_v know_v any_o thing_n about_o they_o and_o yet_o this_o be_v all_o the_o incomprehensibility_n man_n have_v to_o complain_v of_o in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n that_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n nor_o how_o three_o divine_a person_n shall_v be_v so_o unite_v as_o to_o be_v essential_o one_o god_n nor_o how_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n can_v be_v unite_v into_o one_o person_n god-man_n all_o which_o concern_v the_o essence_n and_o essential_a property_n operation_n union_n relation_n of_o the_o deity_n which_o a_o modest_a man_n may_v allow_v to_o be_v incomprehensible_a if_o god_n be_v infinite_a though_o he_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n essence_n and_o essential_a reason_n and_o property_n of_o create_a being_n but_o when_o all_o create_a nature_n be_v such_o a_o mystery_n to_o we_o that_o we_o know_v not_o the_o pure_a nature_n and_o essence_n of_o any_o one_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v it_o a_o affront_n to_o our_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o divine_a nature_n such_o matter_n as_o these_o be_v neither_o without_o reason_n nor_o against_o reason_n nor_o contrary_a to_o reason_n because_o reason_n have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o they_o and_o can_v take_v no_o cognizance_n of_o they_o they_o belong_v not_o to_o reason_n but_o to_o that_o infinite_a mind_n which_o comprehend_v itself_o and_o the_o idea_n of_o all_o possible_a being_n a_o perfect_a comprehensive_a knowledge_n of_o nature_n belong_v only_o to_o the_o maker_n of_o all_o thing_n for_o it_o be_v not_o only_o to_o know_v what_o thing_n be_v but_o how_o to_o make_v they_o which_o will_v be_v a_o vain_a curiosity_n and_o useless_a knowledge_n to_o those_o who_o have_v not_o a_o make_v and_o create_v power_n this_o be_v to_o know_v thing_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la with_o a_o intuitive_a ideal_o knowledge_n which_o be_v infinite_o more_o superior_a to_o reason_n â—…an_n reason_n be_v to_o sense_n and_o it_o be_v the_o â—…ffectation_n of_o this_o intuitive_a make_v knowledge_n which_o make_v some_o man_n atheist_n and_o other_o heretic_n 2_o another_o great_a objection_n against_o such_o a_o revelation_n as_o contain_v matter_n which_o natural_a reason_n can_v comprehend_v be_v to_o what_o purpose_n such_o â—…a_n revelation_n serve_v what_o merit_n there_o can_v be_v in_o believe_v such_o doctrine_n and_o of_o what_o good_a use_n such_o a_o faith_n can_v be_v to_o we_o now_o i_o confess_v i_o can_v think_v it_o meritorious_a mere_o to_o believe_v thing_n which_o be_v incomprehensible_a or_o that_o god_n any_o more_o intend_a to_o puzzle_v our_o faith_n with_o reveal_v mystery_n than_o to_o puzzle_v our_o reason_n in_o make_v a_o mysterious_a world_n whether_o we_o receive_v our_o information_n from_o sense_n or_o natural_a reason_n or_o revelation_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o must_v believe_v mystery_n if_o we_o believe_v any_o thing_n for_o all_o thing_n have_v something_o mysterious_a and_o incomprehensible_a in_o their_o nature_n what_o natural_a reason_n can_v account_v for_o and_o what_o god_n never_o intend_v we_o shall_v understand_v for_o god_n never_o intend_v to_o teach_v we_o how_o to_o make_v the_o world_n nor_o how_o every_o creature_n be_v make_v and_o therefore_o we_o can_v and_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o know_v the_o internal_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o nature_n but_o though_o neither_o natural_a nor_o reveal_v knowledge_n extend_v to_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n of_o nature_n and_o of_o essential_a property_n and_o operation_n yet_o both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v of_o as_o much_o use_n to_o we_o as_o if_o we_o do_v perfect_o understand_v all_o the_o secret_a and_o incomprehensible_a mystery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n or_o of_o the_o nature_n of_o creature_n both_o natural_a and_o reveal_v knowledge_n be_v alike_o upon_o this_o account_n that_o they_o only_o acquaint_v we_o what_o thing_n be_v and_o what_o end_v they_o serve_v and_o then_o we_o know_v what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o they_o without_o understand_v the_o secret_a mystery_n of_o nature_n be_v this_o world_n or_o any_o thing_n in_o it_o the_o less_o useful_a to_o we_o because_o we_o can_v conceive_v how_o god_n create_v all_o thing_n of_o nothing_o or_o because_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o matter_n nor_o how_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n come_v by_o their_o different_a virtue_n and_o quality_n be_v corn_n or_o fruit_n or_o herb_n the_o less_o nourish_a or_o refresh_v because_o we_o know_v not_o how_o they_o grow_v do_v it_o require_v any_o philosophy_n to_o know_v how_o to_o eat_v and_o drink_v and_o sleep_v will_v not_o our_o food_n nourish_v we_o â—…less_v we_o understand_v how_o it_o be_v concoctâ—…_n and_o turn_v into_o chile_n and_o blood_n â—…d_a spirit_n nay_o be_v it_o of_o no_o use_n to_o â—…ow_v that_o god_n be_v a_o eternal_a omnipoâ—…nt_a omniscient_a omnipresent_v be_v â—…less_v we_o can_v conceive_v how_o any_o be_v â—…n_v be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n and_o â—…ithout_v a_o beginning_n or_o can_v compreâ—…end_v how_o he_o can_v do_v and_o know_v all_o thing_n â—…d_v be_v present_a in_o all_o place_n at_o once_o â—…ithout_n extension_n and_o without_o part_n â—…e_o may_v make_v all_o the_o use_n that_o can_v be_v â—…ade_v of_o this_o world_n and_o of_o every_o thing_n 〈◊〉_d it_o without_o understand_v the_o essential_a â—…easons_n and_o cause_n or_o internal_a nature_n â—…f_o any_o thing_n and_o we_o must_v do_v so_o if_o we_o will_v make_v any_o use_n of_o it_o and_o we_o know_v god_n to_o all_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n for_o which_o creature_n ought_v to_o know_v god_n â—…hough_o his_o nature_n be_v incomprehensible_a and_o thus_o it_o be_v in_o matter_n of_o pure_a revelation_n such_o as_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n and_o the_o incarnation_n how_o unaccountable_a soever_o the_o mystery_n of_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o useful_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n though_o we_o know_v not_o how_o the_o eternal_a father_n beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n nor_o how_o this_o eternal_a son_n in_o time_n become_v man_n yet_o it_o be_v the_o most_o desirable_a knowledge_n in_o the_o world_n to_o sinner_n to_o know_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n and_o that_o he_o so_o love_v the_o world_n as_o to_o give_v his_o only_o beget_v son_n for_o the_o redemption_n of_o mankind_n that_o whosoever_o believe_v in_o he_o shall_v not_o perish_v but_o have_v everlasting_a life_n and_o that_o this_o eternal_a son_n of_o god_n become_v man_n live_v a_o poor_a necessitous_a laborious_a life_n and_o die_v a_o accurse_a death_n for_o the_o salvation_n of_o sinner_n and_o to_o know_v that_o the_o holy_a spirit_n which_o proceed_v from_o father_n and_o son_n dwell_v in_o the_o christian_a church_n and_o quicken_v and_o animate_v the_o whole_a body_n of_o christ._n if_o this_o be_v true_a as_o we_o must_v suppose_v in_o this_o argument_n all_o mankind_n must_v confess_v that_o this_o be_v a_o very_a useful_a knowledge_n and_o never_o the_o less_o useful_a because_o a_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n be_v great_a and_o unconceivable_a mystery_n can_v we_o give_v a_o rational_a and_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n and_o of_o the_o incarnation_n we_o shall_v know_v more_o than_o we_o now_o do_v but_o faith_n make_v it_o as_o useful_a to_o all_o the_o purpose_n of_o religion_n as_o the_o most_o perfect_a intuitive_a knowledge_n can_v do_v this_o be_v a_o sufficient_a answer_n to_o that_o objection_n against_o the_o usefulness_n of_o such_o mystery_n as_o have_v something_o incomprehensible_a and_o unconceivable_a in_o their_o nature_n which_o be_v a_o equal_a objection_n against_o all_o create_a nature_n which_o be_v but_o one_o great_a mystery_n and_o yet_o the_o world_n be_v a_o very_a useful_a world_n and_o we_o know_v in_o some_o good_a degree_n what_o use_n to_o make_v of_o it_o and_o the_o knowledge_n of_o those_o gospel_n mystery_n which_o be_v the_o subject_a of_o our_o present_a dispute_n be_v manifest_o of_o infinite_a use_n to_o we_o if_o the_o certain_a knowledge_n of_o the_o pardon_n of_o sin_n and_o eternal_a life_n by_o the_o obedience_n and_o suffering_n and_o death_n and_o intercession_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n incarnate_a be_v of_o any_o use_n and_o
but_o to_o persuade_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o turn_v the_o delight_n and_o charm_n of_o music_n into_o the_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n which_o will_v the_o most_o effectual_o silence_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-music_n and_o cathedral-worship_n while_o as_o a_o divine_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o sing_v this_o will_v visible_o turn_v delight_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n now_o since_o music_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o well_o soever_o perform_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o value_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n of_o devotion_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o harmony_n and_o melody_n be_v which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o fit_a external_n and_o sensible_n melody_n be_v to_o promote_v this_o and_o how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v only_o they_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v that_o please_v god_n all_o true_a christian_a worship_n whatever_o the_o external_o of_o it_o be_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o worship_n which_o it_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o pay_v to_o his_o maker_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sing_v my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n only_o that_o can_v praise_n god_n though_o the_o tongue_n must_v sing_v his_o praise_n the_o best_a compose_a hymn_n the_o most_o musical_a instrument_n the_o most_o charm_a voice_n be_v but_o lifeless_a mechanical_a sound_n till_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o god_n take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o best_a voice_n than_o in_o bodily_a strength_n or_o beauty_n now_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n when_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n bear_v their_o several_a part_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o whole_a soul_n as_o a_o live_v vocal_a hymn_n of_o praise_n then_o we_o sing_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o great_a transport_v and_o ecstasy_n of_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o swallow_v we_o up_o in_o god_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n then_o we_o sing_v with_o true_a melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n charm_v all_o our_o earthly_a passion_n into_o a_o calm_a quiet_a all_o their_o storm_n and_o tumult_n leave_v no_o jar_a discord_n no_o discontent_n no_o solicitous_a care_n no_o jealousy_n no_o envy_n to_o discompose_v the_o harmony_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v all_o peace_n all_o love_n all_o joy_n to_o sing_v with_o a_o true_a divine_a melody_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n this_o and_o nothing_o else_o be_v the_o true_a praise_n of_o god_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o bright_a idea_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n with_o such_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n goodness_n power_n discover_v in_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o transport_v we_o with_o love_n admiration_n and_o joy_n a_o heart_n thus_o full_a of_o god_n will_v break_v forth_o into_o song_n of_o praise_n when_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v within_o as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n we_o shall_v then_o speak_v with_o our_o tongue_n here_o our_o praise_n ought_v to_o begin_v to_o be_v sure_a here_o they_o must_v always_o end_v in_o the_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o a_o inward_a feel_n of_o the_o divine_a praise_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o the_o harmony_n of_o voice_n or_o musical_a instrument_n serve_v this_o end_n they_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o it_o be_v only_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o give_v they_o any_o value_n or_o allow_v they_o any_o place_n in_o religious_a worship_n 2_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v of_o what_o use_v music_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v not_o all_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o a_o compound_n creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o body_n they_o receive_v most_o of_o their_o passion_n from_o they_o at_o least_o feel_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n from_o those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v and_o sight_n itself_o do_v not_o more_o various_o affect_v our_o mind_n than_o hearing_n do_v word_n and_o sound_n have_v very_o powerful_a charm_n and_o give_v as_o quick_a a_o turn_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o sight_n itself_o and_o not_o only_a word_n but_o even_o a_o diversity_n of_o sound_n be_v fit_v by_o nature_n to_o express_v and_o to_o excite_v very_o different_a passion_n love_n joy_n admiration_n desire_n fear_v sorrow_n indignation_n revenge_n give_v some_o distinguish_a note_n and_o accent_n to_o the_o very_a voice_n which_o no_o art_n but_o nature_n teach_v and_o which_o betray_v the_o passion_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n and_o such_o different_a note_n will_v also_o as_o forcible_o imprint_v such_o passion_n on_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o natural_o represent_v and_o that_o many_o time_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o great_a secret_n in_o nature_n and_o show_v a_o unaccountable_a sympathy_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o cause_n of_o each_o other_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n what_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o music_n must_v be_v to_o raise_v and_o to_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n tell_v we_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o composer_n know_v how_o to_o fit_v note_n to_o passion_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o mere_a proportion_n of_o sound_n must_v teach_v he_o without_o this_o a_o fine_a piece_n of_o music_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o fine_a word_n put_v together_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o fine_a sound_n and_o that_o be_v all_o now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o mutual_a causality_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o true_a devotional_a music_n will_v excite_v or_o heighten_v our_o devotional_a passion_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o complain_v that_o wanton_a and_o amorous_a air_n be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v wanton_a fire_n for_o nature_n will_v act_v like_o itself_o whether_o you_o apply_v it_o to_o good_a or_o to_o bad_a purpose_n if_o there_o be_v no_o force_n in_o music_n to_o give_v a_o good_a or_o bad_a tincture_n to_o the_o mind_n why_o do_v any_o man_n complain_v of_o wanton_a song_n they_o may_v then_o blame_v the_o poet_n but_o neither_o the_o composer_n nor_o singer_n for_o the_o music_n it_o seem_v do_v no_o hurt_n if_o there_o be_v why_o do_v they_o condemn_v church-music_n which_o will_v have_v as_o good_a a_o influence_n upon_o a_o devout_a mind_n as_o the_o other_o have_v a_o bad_a one_o why_o then_o shall_v any_o man_n think_v music_n improper_a for_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n it_o be_v a_o natural_a power_n though_o improve_v by_o art_n as_o most_o other_o natural_a power_n be_v and_o all_o natural_a power_n be_v make_v for_o the_o worship_n and_o service_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o they_o be_v capable_a of_o serve_v he_o which_o music_n be_v in_o a_o very_a high_a degree_n if_o it_o have_v such_o a_o natural_a power_n over_o our_o passion_n as_o to_o increase_v and_o actuate_v though_o it_o can_v create_v devotion_n both_o poetry_n and_o music_n be_v original_o use_v to_o celebrate_v the_o praise_n of_o god_n lose_v their_o glory_n when_o they_o descend_v to_o mean_a subject_n but_o be_v profane_v by_o a_o prostitution_n to_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n the_o first_o account_n we_o have_v of_o sing_v be_v the_o song_n of_o moses_n exod._n 15._o when_o god_n have_v make_v the_o child_n of_o israel_n to_o pass_v through_o the_o red-sea_n on_o dry_a ground_n and_o have_v drown_v the_o egyptian_n and_o we_o can_v have_v a_o more_o ancient_a account_n than_o this_o which_o be_v the_o most_o ancient_a history_n in_o the_o world_n and_o throughout_o the_o old_a testament_n both_o
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o understanding_n but_o our_o natural_a passion_n be_v not_o so_o easy_o stifle_v when_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o our_o nature_n have_v annex_v shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n to_o bad_a action_n which_o make_v they_o very_o bitter_a and_o grievous_a in_o the_o review_n whatever_o they_o be_v in_o the_o act_n it_o be_v not_o laugh_v at_o these_o fear_n as_o superstitious_a and_o owe_v to_o education_n which_o will_v cure_v they_o no_o more_o than_o the_o stoic_n brag_v that_o pain_n be_v no_o evil_a can_v prevent_v their_o feel_a pain_n what_o be_v painful_a will_v make_v we_o feel_v it_o and_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n themselves_o when_o they_o think_v they_o have_v reason_v and_o laugh_v away_o all_o their_o fear_n find_v that_o beside_o their_o frequent_a misgiving_n and_o jealousy_n when_o any_o great_a or_o surprise_v occasion_n set_v they_o free_a these_o passion_n return_v on_o they_o with_o such_o a_o fury_n as_o all_o their_o philosophy_n can_v resist_v now_o this_o endanger_v all_o again_o for_o natural_a shame_n and_o fear_v and_o remorse_n will_v make_v they_o own_o a_o essential_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a when_o they_o feel_v it_o 4thly_a but_o let_v we_o suppose_v all_o these_o difficulty_n conquer_v they_o be_v sensible_a that_o there_o be_v one_o still_o remain_v viz._n that_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n be_v against_o they_o the_o heathen_a world_n own_v a_o god_n and_o as_o learned_a man_n have_v prove_v one_o supreme_a god_n though_o they_o corrupt_v both_o the_o notion_n and_o worship_n of_o god_n by_o polytheism_n and_o idolatry_n but_o atheism_n be_v so_o infamous_a among_o they_o that_o some_o atheistick_a philosopher_n such_o as_o epicurus_n himself_o be_v force_v to_o dissemble_v it_o they_o own_v a_o moral_a difference_n between_o good_a and_o evil_a they_o own_v revelation_n and_o institute_v religion_n and_o have_v they_o though_o not_o from_o god_n yet_o from_o those_o evil_a spirit_n who_o they_o worship_v for_o go_n the_o whole_a jewish_a nation_n own_o the_o write_n of_o moses_n and_o the_o prophet_n and_o the_o whole_a christian_a world_n who_o they_o be_v most_o at_o present_v concern_v with_o own_o both_o the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n these_o be_v great_a authority_n against_o they_o which_o one_o will_v think_v shall_v make_v man_n modest_a and_o put_v they_o a_o little_a out_o of_o countenance_n and_o incline_v they_o to_o suspect_v that_o they_o may_v be_v mistake_v but_o they_o be_v sensible_a that_o modesty_n will_v undo_v they_o that_o to_o suspect_v whether_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n be_v as_o fatal_a to_o they_o as_o to_o know_v that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n and_o therefore_o they_o have_v no_o way_n leave_v but_o to_o outface_v all_o the_o world_n to_o laugh_v at_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n as_o superstitious_a
he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thingâ—…_n who_o then_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distreâ—…_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o 〈◊〉_d these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n throâ—…_n he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o perswadâ—…_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o â—…gels_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o coâ—…_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o otâ—…_n creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o câ—…_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 8._o rom._n 32_o 35_o 37_o 〈◊〉_d while_o our_o mind_n be_v warm_v wâ—…_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o greaâ—…_n trial_n if_o not_o with_o cheerfulness_n yet_o at_o least_o with_o patience_n and_o a_o quiâ—…_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o suâ—…_n comfortable_a and_o support_a thougâ—…_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o bear_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o incomparable_a lady_n our_o most_o â—…acious_a queen_n who_o death_n all_o â—…od_a subject_n must_v lament_v and_o i_o â—…ay_v god_n forgive_v those_o that_o do_v not_o â—…ch_o severe_a providence_n as_o these_o will_v â—…ach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o unbroken_a â—…inds_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o to_o â—…joyce_v with_o tremble_a but_o how_o seâ—…re_o soever_o providence_n be_v in_o some_o parâ—…cular_a instance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o diâ—…ne_a goodness_n iâ—…_n the_o redemption_n of_o â—…ankind_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o â—…eath_n of_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n â—…cause_fw-mi it_o be_v his_o do_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o word_n i_o â—…all_v 1._o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v call_v â—…e_n do_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v â—…ur_n mouth_n 3._o the_o force_n of_o this_o â—…rgument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o â—…atient_a submission_n under_o the_o greatâ—…st_a suffering_n that_o it_o be_v god_n doâ—…ng_n 1._o what_o may_v be_v call_v the_o doâ—…ng_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d very_o needless_a question_n for_o be_v â—…here_o any_o event_n good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o god_n do_v if_o wâ—…_n believe_v a_o particular_a providence_n wâ—…_n must_v answer_v no_o and_o yet_o somâ—…_n thing_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a god'â—…_n do_n than_o other_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o present_a argument_n aâ—…_n god_n do_v it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o 〈◊〉_d quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n in_o many_o case_n man_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o theâ—…_n own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o providence_n and_o when_o they_o can_v charge_v providence_n with_o their_o misfortune_n patience_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o submission_n to_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n be_v no_o more_o god_n will_n than_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v if_o man_n destroy_v their_o estate_n by_o profuseness_n and_o prodigality_n and_o their_o body_n by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n if_o ill-contracted_n friendship_n indiscreet_a bargain_n or_o a_o ungovernable_a tongue_n perplex_v their_o affair_n and_o prove_v very_o troublesome_a or_o dangerous_a all_o this_o be_v owe_v not_o mere_o to_o providence_n but_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o folly_n they_o be_v proper_o god_n do_n as_o inflict_v by_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a man_n or_o by_o the_o disorder_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o some_o seem_a casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n for_o the_o action_n of_o man_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o or_o less_o his_o do_n but_o if_o we_o may_v say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n than_o other_o life_n and_o death_n be_v certain_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v without_o the_o particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n much_o less_o man_n and_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n be_v number_v and_o their_o life_n be_v more_o sacred_a than_o their_o hair_n some_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o certain_a term_n and_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o i_o know_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o who_o subject_a all_o mankind_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o irreversible_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o atheistick_a hypothesis_n though_o incautious_o espouse_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v these_o christian_a fatalist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o own_o that_o no_o sparrow_n much_o less_o a_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n that_o god_n not_o only_o foreknow_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v die_v but_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o â—…ustice_n order_n and_o appoint_v it_o â—…ot_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a â—…ecree_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a determiâ—…ation_n of_o a_o free_a and_o just_a prouâ—…ce_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o more_o conâ—…ernment_n for_o nation_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o he_o have_v for_o particular_a man_n as_o we_o who_o can_v attend_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n our_o more_o particular_a care_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v then_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o prince_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o order_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n because_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v many_o nation_n and_o country_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o more_o universal_a concernment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o philosopher_n have_v confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o have_v such_o a_o univerversal_a influence_n on_o thing_n below_o or_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o being_n not_o to_o particular_a man_n or_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o equal_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n in_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o the_o great_a spring_n of_o motion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o because_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o almighty_a arm_n can_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o from_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o competition_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o be_v you_o not_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n
evidence_n â—…f_v they_o that_o they_o be_v what_o we_o can_v â—…onceive_v and_o comprehend_v to_o believe_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a â—…eason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v be_v â—…o_o reject_v the_o divine_a authority_n of_o reveâ—…tion_n and_o to_o destroy_v the_o distinction_n beâ—…ween_v reason_n and_o faith_n he_o who_o will_v â—…elieve_v no_o far_o than_o natural_a reason_n â—…pproves_v believe_v his_o reason_n not_o the_o revelation_n and_o be_v in_o truth_n a_o natural_a philosopher_n not_o a_o believer_n he_o believe_v â—…he_a scripture_n as_o he_o will_v believe_v platoâ—…nd_n â—…nd_z tully_n not_o as_o inspire_v write_n but_o â—…s_o agreeable_a to_o reason_n and_o the_o result_n of_o wise_a and_o deep_a thought_n and_o this_o put_v a_o end_n to_o all_o the_o dispute_n about_o faith_n and_o revelation_n at_o once_o for_o what_o use_n be_v there_o of_o faith_n what_o matter_n whether_o the_o scripture_n be_v divine_o inspire_v or_o not_o when_o we_o be_v no_o far_o concern_v with_o they_o than_o with_o other_o humane_a write_n to_o believe_v what_o they_o teach_v agreeable_a to_o our_o own_o reason_n let_v these_o man_n then_o either_o reject_v faith_n and_o scripture_n or_o confess_v that_o revelation_n as_o to_o all_o supernatural_a truth_n must_v serve_v we_o instead_o of_o sense_n and_o reason_n i_o will_v glad_o know_v of_o they_o whether_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v such_o supernatural_a truth_n as_o be_v not_o evident_a to_o reason_n be_v they_o sure_a that_o god_n have_v reveal_v they_o i_o guess_v they_o will_v not_o be_v so_o hardy_a as_o to_o say_v that_o they_o will_v not_o believe_v god_n himself_o shall_v he_o reveal_v such_o thing_n as_o their_o reason_n can_v comprehend_v and_o if_o they_o will_v believe_v god_n in_o such_o matter_n why_o will_v they_o not_o believe_v a_o revelation_n which_o they_o themselves_o acknowledge_v to_o be_v divine_a in_o such_o matter_n for_o be_v there_o any_o difference_n between_o believe_v god_n and_o believe_v a_o divine_a revelation_n if_o god_n do_v know_v and_o can_v reveal_v such_o mystery_n and_o be_v to_o be_v believe_v when_o he_o do_v reveal_v they_o and_o such_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v in_o a_o undoubted_a revelation_n then_o the_o unconceivableness_n of_o they_o can_v be_v no_o argument_n against_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o revelation_n or_o that_o sense_n of_o the_o word_n which_o contain_v such_o mystery_n let_v we_o then_o consider_v the_o natural_a consequence_n of_o this_o which_o be_v of_o great_a moment_n in_o this_o dispute_n viz._n that_o we_o must_v allow_v of_o no_o objection_n against_o reveal_v mystery_n which_o we_o will_v not_o allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o sense_n and_o reason_n which_o be_v a_o necessary_a and_o unavoidable_a consequence_n if_o revelation_n with_o respect_n to_o supernatural_a truth_n stand_v in_o the_o place_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n now_o no_o man_n question_n the_o truth_n of_o what_o he_o see_v and_o feel_v or_o what_o he_o can_v prove_v to_o be_v true_a by_o plain_a and_o undeniable_a reason_n mere_o because_o there_o be_v unconceivable_a difficulty_n in_o it_o as_o there_o be_v in_o every_o thing_n even_o the_o most_o certain_a and_o familiar_a thing_n in_o nature_n and_o if_o reveal_v truth_n be_v not_o more_o unconceivable_a than_o many_o natural_a object_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n why_o shall_v their_o be_v unconceivable_a be_v a_o great_a objection_n against_o believe_v a_o revelation_n than_o it_o be_v against_o believe_v our_o sense_n and_o reason_n in_o matter_n equal_o unconceivable_a when_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o we_o that_o he_o have_v a_o eternal_a and_o only_o beget_v son_n though_o we_o can_v comprehend_v the_o mystery_n of_o the_o eternal_a generation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o firm_o believe_v it_o as_o we_o do_v that_o man_n beget_v a_o son_n in_o his_o own_o likeness_n the_o philosophy_n of_o which_o we_o as_o little_o understand_v nor_o can_v we_o any_o more_o conceive_v the_o union_n of_o the_o soul_n and_o body_n than_o we_o do_v the_o incarnation_n of_o the_o son_n of_o god_n or_o the_o union_n of_o the_o divine_a and_o humane_a nature_n in_o one_o person_n and_o if_o we_o own_o the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n why_o shall_v we_o not_o as_o well_o believe_v what_o revelation_n teach_v how_o unconceivable_a soever_o it_o be_v as_o we_o do_v what_o sense_n and_o reason_n teach_v though_o it_o be_v alike_o unconceivable_a all_o man_n be_v sensible_a that_o it_o be_v very_o absurd_a and_o foolish_a to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o they_o have_v certain_a evidence_n of_o because_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o nature_n and_o reason_n of_o it_o the_o man_n who_o rise_v up_o and_o walk_v before_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v dispute_v subtle_o against_o the_o possibility_n of_o motion_n put_v a_o scorn_n upon_o all_o his_o argument_n by_o show_v he_o that_o he_o can_v move_v and_o therefore_o we_o see_v that_o all_o man_n believe_v their_o sense_n and_o reason_n against_o all_o the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o will_v never_o be_v persuade_v by_o the_o subtle_a disputant_n that_o that_o be_v not_o which_o they_o certain_o see_v and_o know_v to_o be_v now_o for_o the_o same_o reason_n if_o man_n will_v allow_v the_o authority_n of_o revelation_n they_o must_v believe_v what_o be_v reveal_v how_o unconceivable_a and_o incomprehensible_a soever_o its_o nature_n be_v for_o when_o we_o know_v what_o a_o thing_n be_v and_o this_o may_v be_v know_v by_o revelation_n as_o well_o as_o by_o sense_n as_o those_o man_n must_v confess_v who_o acknowledge_v a_o divine_a revelation_n no_o difficulty_n in_o conceive_v it_o must_v persuade_v we_o to_o deny_v that_o it_o be_v this_o be_v very_o plain_a in_o itself_o though_o few_o man_n consider_v it_o that_o to_o disbelieve_v what_o be_v reveal_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o any_o difficulty_n in_o understanding_n or_o conceive_v it_o be_v to_o reject_v the_o certainty_n of_o revelation_n for_o what_o other_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o that_o difference_n man_n make_v between_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o of_o revelation_n but_o that_o they_o allow_v sense_n and_o reason_n to_o be_v good_a and_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o such_o thing_n as_o be_v evident_a to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o mysterious_a soever_o their_o nature_n be_v but_o that_o mere_a revelation_n be_v no_o certain_a proof_n of_o the_o be_v of_o any_o thing_n which_o be_v not_o evident_a also_o to_o sense_n and_o reason_n how_o plain_o soever_o it_o be_v reveal_v that_o be_v that_o revelation_n alone_o can_v prove_v nothing_o for_o if_o revelation_n itself_o can_v prove_v the_o certainty_n of_o what_o be_v reveal_v the_o difficulty_n in_o nature_n and_o philosophy_n can_v no_o more_o disprove_v a_o revelation_n than_o confute_v our_o sense_n now_o let_v any_o man_n judge_n whether_o this_o be_v not_o unequal_a usage_n to_o expect_v more_o from_o revelation_n than_o they_o do_v from_o sense_n and_o reason_n and_o not_o to_o believe_v revelation_n upon_o the_o same_o term_n that_o they_o believe_v their_o sense_n shall_v man_n resolve_v to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o they_o see_v till_o they_o can_v give_v a_o philosophical_a account_n of_o the_o reason_n and_o cause_n and_o nature_n of_o all_o they_o see_v as_o they_o refuse_v to_o believe_v a_o revelation_n any_o far_a than_o they_o can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v the_o thing_n reveal_v they_o must_v of_o necessity_n be_v as_o great-scepticks_a as_o they_o be_v infidel_n for_o as_o for_o contradiction_n it_o be_v a_o easy_a matter_n to_o make_v or_o find_v seem_v contradiction_n in_o what_o we_o do_v not_o understand_v for_o when_o we_o know_v not_o the_o philosophical_a nature_n of_o thing_n nor_o how_o they_o act_v and_o yet_o will_v be_v reason_v and_o guess_v at_o they_o all_o our_o false_a guess_n may_v be_v full_a of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n because_o we_o know_v not_o the_o true_a mystery_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v this_o vain_a humour_n of_o criticise_v upon_o nature_n which_o make_v so_o many_o atheist_n they_o go_v upon_o the_o same_o principle_n with_o infidel_n and_o heretic_n to_o believe_v nothing_o which_o natural_a reason_n can_v conceive_v and_o comprehend_v now_o they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o notion_n and_o idea_n of_o a_o god_n which_o they_o say_v be_v make_v up_o of_o contradiction_n and_o impossibility_n and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n they_o can_v conceive_v a_o create_a power_n which_o can_v give_v be_v to_o that_o which_o have_v no_o be_v before_o which_o they_o think_v a_o plain_a contradiction_n to_o make_v something_o of_o nothing_o and_o therefore_o they_o reject_v the_o creation_n of_o the_o world_n and_o either_o assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o eternity_n of_o matter_n they_o can_v
for_o there_o be_v no_o reason_n to_o reject_v the_o hope_n of_o immortal_a life_n for_o fear_n of_o such_o misery_n as_o we_o may_v escape_v if_o we_o please_v that_o be_v if_o we_o believe_v and_o choose_v immortal_a life_n no_o man_n who_o do_v not_o prefer_v something_o else_o or_o to_o speak_v plain_o who_o do_v not_o prefer_v the_o short_a pleasure_n of_o sin_n before_o immortal_a life_n need_v fear_v eternal_a misery_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v not_o the_o fear_n of_o eternal_a misery_n which_o they_o know_v they_o may_v escape_v but_o the_o contempt_n of_o eternal_a life_n which_o make_v they_o infidel_n and_o it_o concern_v they_o to_o consider_v well_o what_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o be_v for_o 1._o as_o i_o have_v already_o observe_v and_o there_o need_v no_o great_a proof_n of_o it_o nothing_o can_v be_v more_o infamous_a than_o to_o contradict_v the_o most_o noble_a and_o generous_a desire_n of_o human_a nature_n to_o be_v afraid_a to_o be_v immortal_a be_v to_o desire_v to_o be_v a_o beast_n and_o to_o perish_v like_o a_o beast_n nay_o it_o be_v to_o desire_v what_o no_o beast_n will_v desire_v for_o self-love_n and_o self-preservation_n be_v implant_v even_o in_o the_o brutal_a nature_n and_o what_o a_o prodigious_a degeneracy_n be_v it_o of_o human_a nature_n for_o man_n to_o hate_v themselves_o and_o their_o own_o be_v and_o to_o wish_v and_o hope_n that_o they_o may_v perish_v in_o the_o grave_a it_o be_v a_o vain_a thing_n to_o set_v up_o for_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n in_o this_o cause_n for_o human_a nature_n be_v against_o they_o and_o therefore_o the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n who_o will_v always_o hope_v and_o desire_v on_o nature_n side_n will_v be_v against_o they_o too_o and_o nature_n so_o abhor_v the_o thought_n of_o annihilation_n and_o dissolution_n that_o all_o man_n must_v despise_v those_o as_o very_o contemptible_a creature_n who_o can_v be_v content_v to_o fall_v into_o nothing_o themselves_o and_o abhor_v they_o for_o their_o malicious_a attempt_n to_o deprive_v other_o man_n of_o the_o hope_n of_o immortality_n 2._o it_o be_v a_o strong_a presumption_n against_o infidelity_n that_o it_o contradict_v the_o hope_n and_o desire_v of_o nature_n be_v there_o any_o other_o natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n which_o have_v no_o natural_a object_n to_o answer_v they_o and_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o nature_n shall_v implant_v in_o we_o a_o desire_n of_o immortality_n if_o we_o be_v not_o make_v to_o be_v immortal_a this_o can_v be_v if_o we_o be_v make_v by_o a_o wise_a be_v for_o then_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o appetite_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v wise_o make_v that_o be_v fit_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o that_o be_v to_o which_o they_o belong_v and_o then_o immortal_a desire_n can_v belong_v only_o to_o a_o immortal_a nature_n 3._o it_o also_o aught_o to_o be_v well_o consider_v that_o this_o make_v infidelity_n the_o most_o inexcusable_a sin_n for_o to_o reject_v not_o only_o all_o supernatural_a evidence_n but_o all_o the_o desire_n and_o inclination_n of_o nature_n will_v admit_v of_o no_o excuse_n this_o be_v a_o apostasy_n from_o human_a nature_n and_o though_o the_o divine_a goodness_n have_v a_o great_a tenderness_n for_o human_a infirmity_n yet_o when_o man_n wilful_o put_v off_o human_a nature_n they_o have_v no_o right_n to_o the_o excuse_n or_o to_o the_o compassion_n which_o be_v due_a to_o men._n and_o such_o man_n ought_v to_o be_v very_o sure_a that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n who_o have_v no_o excuse_n to_o make_v if_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n 4._o and_o yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a to_o be_v secure_a against_o the_o inclination_n desire_n and_o sentiment_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v possible_a with_o great_a art_n and_o violence_n for_o some_o time_n to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o nature_n but_o nature_n will_v take_v some_o occasion_n or_o other_o to_o get_v loose_a and_o to_o revive_v our_o fear_n when_o we_o have_v forfeit_v all_o our_o hope_n for_o 1._o it_o be_v certain_a there_o can_v be_v demonstration_n against_o nature_n if_o the_o natural_a desire_n of_o immortality_n do_v not_o prove_v that_o we_o be_v immortal_a yet_o they_o be_v a_o bar_n against_o all_o demonstration_n that_o we_o be_v not_o for_o that_o will_v be_v a_o ill-contrived_a nature_n indeed_o which_o shall_v have_v natural_a desire_n and_o appetite_n against_o demonstration_n that_o shall_v have_v a_o great_a passion_n for_o immortality_n when_o it_o be_v demonstrable_a that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a and_o if_o they_o can_v demonstrate_v that_o we_o be_v not_o immortal_a we_o shall_v certain_o hope_v and_o fear_n on_o nature_n side_n and_o what_o will_v all_o the_o boast_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n signify_v if_o they_o can_v cure_v our_o natural_a hope_n and_o fear_n 2._o for_o natural_a fear_n and_o hope_n be_v very_o mechanical_a passion_n and_o not_o under_o the_o government_n of_o our_o will_n and_o arbitrary_a opinion_n they_o be_v no_o more_o to_o be_v silence_v with_o wit_n and_o sophistry_n than_o some_o natural_a antipathy_n be_v which_o man_n may_v think_v to_o reason_n away_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o the_o object_n of_o that_o antipathy_n appear_v all_o their_o argument_n be_v lose_v and_o they_o sweat_v and_o tremble_v and_o fly_v and_o thus_o do_v infidel_n too_o who_o please_v themselves_o that_o they_o can_v reason_v away_o another_o world_n into_o a_o fairy_n land_n but_o yet_o can_v think_v serious_o of_o it_o without_o tremble_v 3._o for_o whatever_o baffle_v man_n put_v upon_o their_o faith_n yet_o these_o hope_n and_o fear_n be_v so_o natural_a that_o they_o can_v never_o persuade_v themselves_o that_o what_o be_v report_v of_o the_o other_o world_n do_v not_o deserve_v to_o be_v hope_v or_o fear_v no_o argument_n can_v convince_v any_o man_n that_o it_o be_v not_o desirable_a to_o live_v for_o ever_o or_o that_o it_o be_v not_o the_o most_o terrible_a thing_n of_o all_o to_o be_v miserable_a for_o ever_o and_o then_o it_o be_v impossible_a not_o to_o hope_v or_o fear_n the_o desire_n of_o a_o less_o happiness_n or_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o less_o misery_n may_v be_v conquer_v but_o when_o man_n hear_v of_o eternal_a happiness_n and_o eternal_a misery_n the_o one_o the_o most_o desirable_a the_o other_o the_o most_o formidable_a thing_n to_o human_a nature_n it_o make_v it_o impossible_a to_o any_o think_v man_n neither_o to_o desire_v nor_o fear_n this_o show_v how_o vain_a it_o be_v to_o struggle_v against_o nature_n for_o nature_n will_v be_v too_o strong_a for_o all_o our_o pretence_n to_o wit_n and_o philosophy_n and_o thus_o all_o infidel_n find_v it_o be_v at_o one_o time_n or_o other_o 5._o i_o shall_v add_v but_o one_o thing_n more_o since_o the_o desire_n of_o immortality_n be_v so_o natural_a consider_v what_o a_o eternal_a torment_n this_o must_v be_v if_o we_o lose_v immortal_a life_n by_o our_o infidelity_n natural_a appetite_n last_o as_o long_o as_o nature_n do_v and_o when_o they_o be_v disappoint_v especial_o if_o it_o be_v by_o our_o own_o fault_n will_v torment_v we_o as_o long_o as_o they_o last_o now_o beside_o all_o the_o positive_a misery_n which_o our_o saviour_n threaten_v against_o infidel_n here_o be_v a_o natural_a cause_n and_o demonstration_n of_o their_o misery_n the_o very_a loss_n of_o eternal_a life_n must_v eternal_o torment_v they_o because_o they_o must_v eternal_o desire_v it_o and_o these_o disappoint_v desire_n will_v turn_v into_o eternal_a anguish_n despair_n and_o self-revenge_n will_v but_o man_n serious_o consider_v these_o thing_n how_o unnatural_a the_o inclination_n to_o infidelity_n be_v and_o how_o unnatural_a the_o aversion_n to_o the_o belief_n of_o immortality_n be_v and_o what_o terrible_a consequence_n they_o have_v it_o will_v make_v they_o willing_a and_o desirous_a to_o believe_v and_o then_o they_o will_v find_v no_o want_n of_o evidence_n there_o will_v not_o be_v so_o much_o need_v then_o of_o dispute_v against_o infidelity_n but_o we_o may_v employ_v our_o time_n much_o better_a in_o exhort_v and_o persuade_v you_o to_o the_o conscientious_a practice_n of_o our_o most_o holy_a religion_n that_o we_o may_v obtain_v the_o end_n of_o our_o faith_n even_o the_o salvation_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o god_n etc._n etc._n sermon_n xvii_o preach_v at_o the_o temple_n church_n isaiah_n 5._o for_o 20_o 21._o wo_n unto_o they_o that_o call_v evil_a good_a and_o good_a evil_n that_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n that_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a wo_n unto_o they_o that_o be_v wise_a in_o their_o own_o eye_n and_o prudent_a in_o their_o own_o sight_n it_o give_v great_a disturbance_n to_o good_a man_n not_o only_o to_o observe_v the_o general_a corruption_n of_o manner_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n
law_n the_o general_a consent_n of_o all_o nation_n who_o have_v no_o communication_n with_o each_o other_o in_o this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n intimate_v no_o other_o compact_n but_o that_o of_o a_o common_a nature_n and_o not_o only_o the_o wise_a philosopher_n but_o the_o universal_a voice_n of_o mankind_n attribute_v these_o law_n to_o nature_n not_o to_o human_a institution_n and_o it_o must_v appear_v strange_a if_o these_o law_n have_v no_o high_a original_a than_o human_a compact_n that_o mankind_n for_o so_o many_o age_n shall_v not_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o it_o but_o shall_v mistake_v they_o for_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n as_o after_o all_o the_o information_n these_o man_n can_v give_v the_o world_n the_o generality_n of_o mankind_n do_v to_o this_o day_n but_o suppose_v this_o distinction_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n and_o those_o law_n which_o command_v the_o exercise_n of_o virtue_n and_o forbid_v vice_n be_v original_o frame_v and_o enact_v by_o man_n be_v there_o no_o reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n why_o they_o agree_v upon_o such_o law_n yes_o they_o will_v grant_v that_o they_o be_v necessary_a for_o the_o peace_n and_o good_a order_n and_o government_n of_o human_a society_n to_o secure_v private_a man_n from_o injury_n and_o violence_n and_o to_o make_v they_o helpful_a and_o beneficial_a to_o each_o other_o and_o therefore_o they_o agree_v to_o make_v they_o law_n but_o why_o shall_v we_o think_v that_o god_n and_o nature_n have_v not_o make_v those_o law_n which_o have_v natural_a and_o necessary_a reason_n to_o make_v they_o law_n can_v mere_a human_a compact_n and_o government_n either_o make_v or_o change_v the_o reason_n and_o necessity_n of_o thing_n can_v they_o if_o they_o so_o please_v make_v virtue_n vice_n or_o vice_n virtue_n and_o as_o well_o consult_v the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o the_o good_a government_n of_o the_o world_n by_o do_v so_o if_o not_o then_o mere_a human_a compact_n can_v neither_o make_v nor_o unmake_v these_o law_n god_n have_v make_v these_o law_n for_o we_o by_o make_v we_o such_o creature_n and_o give_v we_o such_o nature_n as_o require_v such_o law_n if_o we_o will_v live_v by_o nature_n and_o attain_v our_o natural_a happiness_n and_o who_o then_o can_v think_v that_o god_n will_v not_o as_o much_o exact_a from_o we_o the_o observance_n of_o these_o law_n as_o man_n do_v that_o he_o will_v not_o punish_v the_o breach_n of_o these_o law_n when_o human_a government_n find_v it_o necessary_a to_o do_v so_o and_o have_v god_n make_v the_o restraint_n and_o punishment_n of_o man_n lust_n and_o vice_n necessary_a and_o will_v he_o not_o punish_v they_o himself_o especial_o when_o the_o authority_n of_o human_a law_n and_o human_a government_n be_v very_o precarious_a without_o the_o awe_n of_o religion_n as_o those_o lawgiver_n be_v very_o sensible_a who_o to_o give_v the_o great_a veneration_n to_o their_o law_n pretend_v to_o receive_v they_o from_o their_o go_n it_o be_v manifest_a that_o this_o very_a hypothesis_n which_o allow_v no_o other_o difference_n between_o virtue_n and_o vice_n but_o what_o human_a law_n and_o human_n contract_v make_v leave_v every_o man_n at_o liberty_n to_o break_v these_o law_n when_o he_o can_v do_v it_o safe_o or_o will_v venture_v the_o punishment_n which_o be_v the_o reason_n that_o make_v these_o man_n so_o fond_a of_o it_o and_o show_v how_o necessary_a a_o divine_a authority_n be_v to_o enforce_v the_o obligation_n of_o these_o law_n and_o to_o secure_v the_o very_a be_v of_o human_a society_n so_o that_o those_o who_o reason_n according_a to_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o humane_a nature_n can_v never_o get_v rid_v of_o the_o notition_n of_o moral_a good_a and_o evil_a nor_o attribute_v these_o law_n to_o any_o other_o author_n but_o that_o god_n who_o make_v we_o and_o fit_v our_o nature_n to_o these_o law_n and_o no_o man_n who_o believe_v that_o god_n have_v give_v we_o these_o law_n can_v doubt_v whether_o he_o will_v punish_v the_o breach_n of_o they_o but_o then_o if_o to_o this_o we_o add_v the_o more_o certain_a revelation_n of_o the_o gospel_n wherein_o the_o wrath_n of_o god_n be_v reveal_v from_o heaven_n against_o all_o unrighteousness_n and_o ungodliness_n of_o man_n this_o confirm_v all_o the_o fear_n of_o nature_n and_o leave_v no_o possible_a hope_n for_o sinner_n but_o repentance_n from_o dead_a work_n and_o faith_n in_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o man_n who_o know_v any_o thing_n of_o the_o gospel_n of_o christ_n to_o sin_n secure_o with_o their_o eye_n open_a and_o therefore_o two_o the_o next_o step_n they_o take_v be_v to_o put_v out_o their_o eye_n or_o to_o put_v out_o the_o light_n to_o put_v darkness_n for_o light_n and_o light_n for_o darkness_n to_o reject_v all_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n and_o all_o divine_a revelation_n as_o ignorance_n folly_n and_o imposture_n but_o what_o a_o task_n be_v this_o to_o persuade_v ourselves_o that_o darkness_n be_v light_a and_o light_a darkness_n for_o the_o common_a principle_n of_o reason_n which_o atheist_n and_o infidel_n must_v reject_v before_o they_o can_v deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n or_o a_o divine_a revelation_n shine_v as_o clear_a and_o bright_a in_o the_o mind_n as_o the_o light_n of_o the_o sun_n do_v in_o the_o heaven_n and_o the_o admire_a principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n put_v out_o our_o eye_n leave_v no_o distinction_n between_o thing_n nor_o any_o certain_a rule_n of_o judge_v as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o this_o there_o be_v nothing_o lie_v more_o easy_a and_o obvious_a in_o our_o mind_n than_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n which_o give_v be_v to_o all_o thing_n else_o i_o will_v not_o dispute_v this_o point_n now_o but_o allege_v it_o as_o a_o first_o principle_n which_o mankind_n natural_o assent_v to_o as_o the_o most_o reasonable_a account_n of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n now_o this_o the_o atheist_n reject_v for_o if_o they_o shall_v allow_v a_o first_o cause_n they_o must_v own_v a_o god_n for_o the_o first_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n be_v a_o god_n and_o this_o be_v the_o wise_a reason_n they_o have_v against_o it_o though_o in_o truth_n it_o be_v a_o great_a confirmation_n of_o the_o natural_a notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n because_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n be_v as_o natural_a and_o universal_a as_o of_o a_o first_o cause_n and_o these_o two_o notion_n which_o be_v both_o so_o natural_a to_o mankind_n do_v mutual_o confirm_v each_o other_o but_o what_o account_n do_v these_o man_n give_v of_o the_o origin_n of_o all_o thing_n they_o either_o say_v the_o world_n be_v eternal_a and_o always_o be_v what_o it_o now_o be_v or_o that_o atom_n be_v eternal_a and_o that_o the_o world_n that_o now_o be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n but_o be_v this_o the_o natural_a persuasion_n of_o mankind_n that_o the_o world_n have_v no_o beginning_n and_o no_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v made-by_a chance_n be_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n hard_a to_o be_v believe_v than_o this_o which_o we_o can_v form_v no_o possible_a notion_n of_o nature_n teach_v nothing_o of_o all_o this_o and_o how_o then_o shall_v they_o come_v to_o know_v it_o when_o they_o neither_o see_v the_o world_n from_o eternity_n nor_o see_v it_o make_v by_o the_o fortuitous_a jumble_v of_o atom_n it_o be_v certain_a these_o principle_n differ_v as_o light_v and_o darkness_n do_v to_o ascribe_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o first_o cause_n give_v a_o sensible_a account_n how_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o how_o they_o come_v to_o be_v so_o wise_o make_v which_o be_v knowledge_n and_o light_n but_o to_o say_v that_o the_o world_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o that_o it_o be_v make_v by_o chance_n when_o we_o see_v all_o thing_n in_o it_o so_o wise_o make_v only_o confound_v and_o amaze_v we_o and_o leave_v we_o in_o darkness_n indeed_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n have_v nothing_o natural_a or_o enlighten_v in_o they_o but_o be_v a_o force_n upon_o our_o understanding_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o true_a principle_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v very_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o our_o mind_n to_o believe_v that_o something_o be_v eternal_a for_o if_o there_o ever_o have_v be_v nothing_o there_o never_o can_v have_v be_v any_o thing_n but_o the_o question_n be_v which_o be_v most_o easy_a and_o natural_a to_o human_a understanding_n to_o say_v that_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n or_o to_o assert_v one_o eternal_a be_v who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n and_o every_o man_n may_v feel_v the_o difference_n between_o these_o two_o in_o his_o own_o mind_n for_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n