principle_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n be_v deduce_v p._n 202._o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o five_o head_n p._n 102_o 103._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 104_o 105._o atheism_n resolve_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o imagination_n sect._n 1._o p._n 106_o 107_o 108_o 109._o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nine_o head_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o p._n 109_o to_o p._n 157._o of_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o atheism_n in_o its_o self_n p._n 157_o 158._o this_o show_v at_o large_a in_o six_o particular_n p._n 158_o to_o p._n 196._o chap._n iu._n that_o to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n p._n 196_o 197_o 198_o 199._o what_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v show_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 200_o to_o 244._o the_o divine_a providence_n prove_v first_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n p._n 245_o to_o 256._o second_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o six_o instance_n be_v give_v p._n 256_o to_o p._n 310._o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o a_o divine_a providence_n reduce_v to_o five_o head_n and_o particular_o answer_v p._n 310_o to_o p._n 354._o chap._n v._n the_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 355_o 356_o 357_o 358._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v they_o show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 358_o to_o 369._o of_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n p._n 370_o 371_o 372_o 373._o the_o reality_n of_o these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n prove_v by_o six_o argument_n p._n 373_o to_o 399._o by_o what_o mean_v our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o confirm_v show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 399_o to_o 410._o of_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o this_o belief_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 410_o to_o 417._o chap._n vi_o the_o necessity_n of_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 417_o 418._o in_o what_o respect_n they_o be_v necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 419_o to_o p._n 444._o of_o the_o way_n of_o form_v right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o general_n p._n 445_o to_o 449._o siâ—_n general_a rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o frame_n right_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 449_o to_o 484._o of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n in_o siâ—_n particular_a instance_n p._n 485_o to_o 513._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v either_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a or_o indifferent_a the_o necessary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v command_v the_o sinful_a such_o as_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n the_o indifferent_a such_o as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o leave_v entire_o free_a to_o our_o choice_n and_o discretion_n again_o the_o necessary_a and_o the_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v inseparable_a to_o their_o nature_n or_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a inherent_a in_o they_o but_o be_v make_v necessary_a or_o sinful_a by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v essential_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n but_o this_o every_o action_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v by_o some_o eternal_a reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o by_o some_o inseparable_a good_a or_o evil_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n god_n superad_v to_o this_o moral_a law_n a_o great_a many_o positive_a one_o whereby_o he_o oblige_a man_n to_o do_v and_o forbear_v sundry_a of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o such_o we_o call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n all_o which_o be_v indifferent_a before_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o imposition_n be_v take_v off_o from_o they_o do_v immediate_o return_v to_o their_o primitive_a indifferency_n so_o that_o by_o the_o abolition_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o jew_n be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o moral_a except_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o of_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o positive_a law_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o this_o late_a sort_n of_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v not_o only_o all_o those_o indifferent_a one_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o forbid_v immediate_o but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o he_o command_v and_o forbid_v by_o his_o viceroy_n and_o representative_n in_o this_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a dictate_v and_o authority_n he_o have_v authorize_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a so_o that_o when_o they_o command_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o forbid_v what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v their_o will_n be_v god_n who_o command_v we_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o stamp_n their_o injunction_n with_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o this_o distinction_n between_o action_n that_o be_v moral_o and_o positive_o necessary_a the_o scripture_n frequent_o take_v notice_n and_o particular_o mich._n vi_fw-la 6.7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n no_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v render_v i_o acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o procure_v i_o a_o welcome_a admission_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o require_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o be_v positive_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a in_o themselves_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o any_o intrinsic_a goodness_n that_o be_v in_o they_o be_v evident_a from_o what_o follow_v he_o have_v show_v thou_o o_o man_n what_o be_v good_a as_o much_o as_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v say_v the_o thing_n above_o name_v be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n indifferent_a have_v neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v make_v necessary_a mere_o by_o positive_a command_n upon_o which_o account_n they_o be_v insufficient_a to_o recommend_v you_o to_o god_n but_o there_o be_v other_o thing_n that_o carry_v a_o intrinsic_a beauty_n and_o goodness_n in_o their_o nature_n by_o which_o they_o strict_o oblige_v you_o to_o embrace_v and_o practice_v they_o and_o do_v thereupon_o recommend_v you_o by_o their_o own_o native_a charm_n to_o the_o love_n and_o favour_n of_o god_n and_o what_o these_o good_a thing_n be_v he_o have_v sufficient_o show_v or_o discover_v to_o you_o viz._n to_o do_v just_o to_o love_v mercy_n and_o to_o walk_v humble_o with_o your_o god_n which_o be_v the_o main_a and_o principal_a duty_n that_o he_o require_v of_o you_o which_o plain_o imply_v that_o there_o be_v some_o action_n which_o be_v moral_o that_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n eternal_o good_a and_o therefore_o eternal_o necessary_a and_o some_o that_o be_v necessary_a only_o because_o for_o some_o present_a reason_n god_n will_n and_o command_v they_o for_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v why_o he_o shall_v be_v more_o please_v with_o justice_n and_o mercy_n and_o humility_n than_o with_o sacrifice_n unless_o we_o suppose_v the_o former_a to_o be_v good_a and_o therefore_o necessary_a upon_o immutable_a reason_n and_o upon_o that_o account_n to_o be_v immutable_o please_v to_o he_o and_o the_o latter_a to_o be_v necessary_a only_o upon_o mutable_a reason_n which_o therefore_o be_v to_o lose_v their_o necessity_n as_o soon_o as_o those_o reason_n
and_o to_o absent_a one_o self_n ordinary_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o christian._n by_o which_o mean_v their_o natural_a sense_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v continual_o awaken_v and_o revive_v they_o be_v not_o only_o secure_v by_o it_o from_o all_o atheistical_a impression_n but_o also_o animate_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a conversation_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o have_v uttter_o disable_v it_o from_o restrain_v the_o wantonness_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n some_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o separate_a communion_n and_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o so_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a resort_n of_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o whilst_o the_o master_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o go_v to_o conventicle_n the_o servant_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n assume_v the_o liberty_n of_o will_n to_o go_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n insomuch_o that_o it_o grow_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o young_a people_n debauch_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o all_o the_o week_n after_o whilst_o under_o pretence_n of_o join_v with_o a_o different_a communion_n they_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o till_o once_o our_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v cure_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a practice_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o servant_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n we_o demand_v of_o our_o governor_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n profaneness_n have_v insinuate_v itself_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o schism_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n become_v a_o common_a sanctuary_n for_o the_o licentious_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n worship_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o common_a and_o fashionable_a that_o it_o almost_o cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a yea_o so_o far_o at_o length_n have_v this_o impious_a humour_n prevail_v that_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o be_v devout_a be_v among_o too_o many_o man_n grow_v a_o note_n of_o disgrace_n and_o the_o character_n of_o a_o priestridden_a fool_n and_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o look_v upon_o as_o fit_v for_o genteel_a conversation_n that_o know_v any_o other_o use_n of_o a_o holiday_n but_o only_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o lie_v abed_o or_o to_o game_n or_o drink_n and_o debauch_v by_o which_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o natural_a sense_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v quicken_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o have_v be_v gradual_o wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v all_o that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o overspread_v this_o present_a age._n for_o when_o once_o man_n have_v renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n be_v abandon_v of_o their_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o atheism_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vile_a lust_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n will_v easy_o precipitate_v they_o but_o alas_o how_o ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o their_o own_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tail_n one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o to_o second_o extravagance_n with_o madness_n it_o will_v make_v one_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o reasonable_a being_n shall_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n over_o which_o a_o almighty_a be_v preside_v who_o see_v all_o their_o action_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n all_o event_n be_v which_o concen_v they_o and_o even_o the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n or_o veneration_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v the_o mere_a trifle_n or_o most_o insignificant_a cypher_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o sure_o when_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o black_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n one_o will_v think_v their_o wise_a course_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o compensate_a for_o their_o past_a profaneness_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o future_a devotion_n but_o for_o man_n to_o proceed_v from_o neglect_v god_n worship_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v be_v to_o do_v worse_a because_o they_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o provocation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n desperate_a because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o you_o see_v be_v all_o derive_v from_o man_n will_n and_o not_o from_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a that_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o his_o will._n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n by_o represent_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n in_o discourse_v which_o i_o shall_v meddle_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v with_o the_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o man_n turn_v atheist_n but_o for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o a_o honest_a will_n and_o that_o the_o bias_n that_o carry_v they_o towards_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o their_o understand_n but_o in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o partiality_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o wish_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n be_v partial_a on_o the_o side_n of_o atheism_n suppose_v it_o be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a 2._o he_o conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n 3._o he_o conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n 4._o he_o conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a 5._o he_o conclude_v for_o the_o unsafe_v side_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o the_o high_a uncertainty_n 6._o he_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o conclusion_n i._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a for_o the_o chief_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n without_o who_o its_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n the_o object_n of_o our_o five_o sense_n be_v the_o sole_a entertainment_n of_o our_o understanding_n and_o will_n and_o we_o have_v no_o other_o use_n of_o these_o mighty_a faculty_n which_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o a_o infinite_a truth_n and_o goodness_n be_v natural_o capable_a of_o enjoy_v they_o but_o only_a to_o consult_v and_o choose_v the_o gratification_n of_o our_o sense_n and_o the_o pleasure_n of_o this_o perish_a body_n for_o except_v god_n there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n in_o nature_n as_o a_o spiritual_a enjoyment_n no_o good_a to_o be_v find_v but_o what_o be_v prepare_v to_o entertain_v the_o boundless_a liquorishness_n of_o our_o carnal_a appetite_n and_o have_v we_o none_o but_o such_o as_o these_o to_o consult_v for_o our_o reason_n which_o be_v the_o crown_n and_o glory_n of_o our_o nature_n will_v have_v nothing_o else_o to_o do_v but_o to_o cater_n for_o our_o flesh_n and_o we_o shall_v
good_a man_n i_o be_o tempt_v to_o think_v there_o be_v no_o god_n marmoreo_fw-la licinus_n tumulo_fw-la iaceo_fw-la at_o cato_n parvo_fw-la pompeius_n nullo_n quis_fw-la putet_fw-la esse_fw-la deos_fw-la the_o wicked_a licinus_n lie_v in_o a_o marble_n tomb_n but_o cato_n in_o a_o small_a one_o and_o pompey_n in_o none_o who_o will_v think_v there_o be_v god_n so_o also_o there_o be_v other_o who_o behold_v themselves_o in_o the_o flatter_a mirror_n of_o their_o own_o self-conceit_n be_v so_o take_v with_o the_o reflection_n of_o their_o own_o merit_n and_o excellency_n as_o that_o they_o can_v see_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a but_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v love_v and_o reward_v they_o and_o therefore_o if_o instead_o of_o so_o do_v god_n either_o deprive_v they_o of_o those_o worldly_a good_n which_o they_o dote_v on_o or_o frustrate_v they_o of_o those_o carnal_a hope_n for_o who_o accomplishment_n they_o have_v earnest_o supplicate_v they_o present_o begin_v to_o murmur_v against_o he_o and_o thence_o proceed_v to_o arraign_v the_o justice_n of_o his_o providence_n and_o thence_o to_o deny_v both_o that_o and_o his_o be_v for_o thus_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v say_v simplicius_n that_o such_o who_o have_v no_o ground_a belief_n of_o a_o deity_n when_o they_o observe_v the_o misery_n of_o good_a man_n and_o the_o prosperity_n of_o bad_a be_v without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o a_o god_n ready_a to_o cry_v out_o with_o with_o he_o in_o the_o tragedian_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n i_o dare_v affirm_v there_o be_v no_o god_n because_o the_o wicked_a prosper_v that_o hurt_n i_o thus_o from_o their_o fond_a affection_n to_o these_o worldly_a good_n man_n frequent_o take_v occasion_n to_o quarrel_v with_o god_n providence_n for_o not_o appropriate_v they_o to_o be_v the_o reward_n of_o virtue_n and_o be_v once_o engage_v in_o a_o quarrel_n against_o his_o providence_n their_o next_o attempt_n be_v to_o dispute_v he_o out_o of_o his_o be_v but_o what_o a_o unreasonable_a way_n of_o conclude_v be_v this_o i_o value_v this_o to_o be_v best_a and_o that_o to_o be_v worst_a and_o therefore_o god_n ought_v to_o be_v of_o my_o opinion_n and_o to_o proceed_v according_o in_o his_o providence_n over_o the_o world_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v better_o or_o worse_o within_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n than_o what_o i_o apprehend_v to_o be_v best_a and_o worst_a for_o mankind_n and_o therefore_o if_o he_o will_v do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a it_o must_v be_v in_o the_o method_n that_o i_o shall_v prescribe_v he_o that_o be_v to_o say_v he_o must_v crown_v they_o with_o rosebud_n and_o clothe_v they_o in_o purple_a and_o feed_v they_o with_o the_o fat_a of_o the_o land_n and_o if_o he_o punish_v the_o wicked_a he_o must_v give_v i_o leave_v to_o give_v aim_n to_o his_o arrow_n and_o to_o direct_v he_o how_o and_o what_o and_o when_o and_o where_o to_o shoot_v and_o so_o long_o i_o be_o content_v to_o allow_v he_o a_o be_v in_o the_o world_n but_o if_o he_o will_v presume_v to_o cross_v my_o opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o steer_v his_o action_n by_o the_o unerring_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n if_o he_o will_v rather_o choose_v to_o do_v good_a to_o the_o good_a by_o chasten_v than_o by_o prosper_v they_o and_o to_o avenge_v himself_o upon_o the_o wicked_a by_o fatten_v they_o with_o prosperity_n for_o slaughter_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o it_o as_o such_o a_o affront_n to_o my_o judgement_n as_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o mean_a expiation_n than_o the_o strip_v he_o out_o of_o his_o providence_n and_o be_v and_o what_o can_v be_v more_o ridiculous_a than_o for_o man_n to_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o god_n because_o his_o providence_n sometime_o cross_v their_o foolish_a opinion_n of_o thing_n and_o do_v not_o govern_v itself_o by_o the_o crooked_a rule_n which_o they_o be_v please_v to_o prescribe_v it_o iv._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v vain_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n in_o opinion_n a_o vice_n that_o have_v be_v always_o incident_a to_o man_n of_o speculation_n who_o value_v themselves_o upon_o the_o stock_n of_o their_o knowledge_n and_o deep_a insight_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n have_v always_o affect_v to_o start_v new_a notion_n and_o advance_v contrary_a hypothesis_n to_o the_o receive_a opinion_n of_o mankind_n that_o so_o they_o may_v be_v vogue_v for_o man_n of_o singular_a knowledge_n and_o seem_v to_o have_v tall_a understanding_n than_o the_o rest_n of_o their_o brethren_n and_o this_o i_o doubt_v not_o have_v be_v one_o great_a cause_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n for_o there_o be_v no_o principle_n in_o nature_n which_o have_v be_v more_o universal_o receive_v among_o man_n than_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n which_o doubtless_o be_v the_o main_a reason_n why_o man_n who_o affect_v singularity_n have_v be_v so_o prone_a to_o quarrel_v at_o it_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o their_o design_n of_o be_v think_v wise_a than_o the_o rest_n of_o the_o world_n to_o submit_v their_o understanding_n to_o common_a notion_n and_o universal_a doctrine_n because_o shall_v they_o think_v as_o other_o man_n do_v they_o may_v probable_o be_v think_v no_o wise_a perhaps_o have_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n be_v late_o start_v and_o only_o receive_v by_o some_o singular_a sect_n of_o vertuosoe_n these_o man_n may_v have_v beeen_n as_o forward_o to_o entertain_v it_o as_o they_o be_v now_o to_o reject_v it_o but_o because_o it_o be_v a_o old-fashion_n doctrine_n in_o which_o all_o age_n and_o nation_n have_v concur_v they_o think_v it_o will_v be_v a_o discredit_n to_o their_o understanding_n to_o wear_v it_o and_o therefore_o they_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o invent_v atheistical_a hypothesis_n to_o solve_v the_o phaenomena_n of_o nature_n without_o a_o deity_n and_o he_o that_o do_v but_o impartial_o consider_v the_o haughty_a genius_n of_o those_o philosopher_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o their_o infidelity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o proud_a affectation_n of_o think_v counter_a to_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o can_v i_o but_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n i_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o their_o humour_n that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o pass_v through_o democritus_n into_o protagoras_n through_o protagoras_n into_o epicurus_n and_o through_o epicurus_n into_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o since_o they_o so_o exact_o agree_v in_o their_o pride_n and_o haughty_a ostentation_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v just_o supposable_a that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o agreement_n in_o atheism_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a doctrine_n and_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o adapt_v to_o the_o humour_n of_o these_o arrogant_a philosopher_n and_o according_o plato_n describe_v the_o atheist_n of_o his_o age_n to_o be_v a_o conceit_a and_o scornful_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o atheism_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a pernicious_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n that_o put_v on_o a_o semblance_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o afterward_o he_o call_v athetheism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o conceit_a people_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a of_o all_o doctrine_n de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 10._o and_o because_o these_o atheistical_a philosopher_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o great_a master_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v remarque_v and_o gaze_v on_o like_o so_o many_o antic_n for_o their_o singularity_n they_o have_v always_o find_v disciple_n and_o follower_n among_o the_o people_n of_o little_a sense_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosopher_n but_o have_v neither_o brain_n nor_o industry_n enough_o to_o merit_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o shelter_v their_o ignorance_n in_o atheism_n and_o there_o to_o face_v it_o out_o with_o laughter_n and_o boldness_n and_o because_o by_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o deride_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n they_o fancy_v themselves_o singular_o witty_a and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v fancy_v they_o so_o too_o whereas_o in_o reality_n these_o little_a people_n be_v but_o mere_a pretender_n to_o speculative_a atheism_n for_o before_o they_o can_v be_v more_o they_o must_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o atheistical_a philosophy_n and_o be_v able_a to_o describe_v all_o those_o suppose_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o matter_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n
their_o religion_n a_o sanctuary_n for_o their_o treason_n and_o rebellion_n other_o gilding_n over_o their_o faction_n and_o sedition_n with_o a_o specious_a pretence_n of_o zeal_n for_o god_n glory_n some_o prosecute_n their_o own_o revenge_n and_o ambition_n under_o the_o ensign_n of_o pure_a worship_n and_o true_a protestant_a religion_n other_o commute_v for_o their_o excess_n of_o riot_n with_o a_o clamorous_a zeal_n for_o decency_n and_o order_n and_o other_o pick_v pocket_n with_o one_o hand_n while_o they_o have_v be_v lift_v up_o the_o other_o to_o heaven_n in_o devotion_n the_o sight_n of_o which_o have_v tempt_v the_o rude_a and_o unthinking_a vulgar_a to_o look_v upon_o religion_n as_o a_o mere_a castle_n in_o the_o air_n that_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o invention_n of_o knave_n and_o in_o the_o faith_n of_o fool_n now_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v but_o that_o these_o vile_a hypocrite_n who_o have_v lay_v this_o stumbling-block_n in_o man_n way_n shall_v one_o day_n dear_o answer_v for_o the_o ruin_n of_o those_o who_o it_o have_v occasion_v to_o fall_v and_o for_o thus_o expose_v the_o credit_n and_o reputation_n of_o religion_n to_o the_o misprision_n of_o those_o that_o do_v not_o understand_v it_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o most_o inexcusable_a piece_n of_o folly_n for_o man_n thus_o to_o infer_v atheistical_a conclusion_n from_o the_o ill_a example_n of_o hypocritical_a professor_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n to_o conclude_v a_o man_n a_o infidel_n because_o his_o action_n run_v counter_a to_o the_o faith_n he_o pretend_v to_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o fallacious_a for_o do_v we_o not_o see_v man_n very_o often_o act_v against_o their_o conscience_n and_o fly_v in_o the_o face_n of_o their_o own_o conviction_n why_o may_v we_o not_o then_o as_o fair_o suppose_v those_o wicked_a action_n we_o argue_v from_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o obstinate_a will_n as_o of_o a_o infidel_n judgement_n but_o suppose_v it_o be_v true_a that_o those_o man_n be_v all_o infidel_n that_o do_v thus_o act_v against_o their_o faith_n do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o you_o must_v turn_v infidel_n too_o if_o it_o be_v so_o unsafe_a and_o so_o unworthy_a of_o a_o man_n to_o carry_v his_o brain_n in_o other_o man_n head_n what_o a_o shame_n be_v it_o to_o carry_v they_o in_o other_o man_n heel_n and_o to_o suffer_v his_o faith_n to_o be_v lead_v by_o the_o tract_n of_o their_o example_n through_o all_o the_o wild_a maze_n of_o irreligion_n and_o atheism_n but_o you_o will_v say_v by_o these_o man_n example_n you_o plain_o see_v what_o a_o mystery_n of_o iniquity_n there_o be_v in_o religious_a pretence_n and_o what_o then_o must_v religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o bad_a man_n play_v trick_n with_o it_o and_o make_v it_o a_o cloak_n for_o their_o knavery_n if_o so_o than_o the_o best_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v liable_a to_o suspicion_n because_o there_o be_v nothing_o so_o good_a but_o what_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v prostitute_v to_o very_o ill_a purpose_n i_o confess_v when_o we_o see_v so_o many_o cheat_n act_v under_o the_o masque_n of_o religion_n we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o call_v it_o to_o a_o more_o severe_a examination_n and_o to_o inquire_v more_o narrow_o into_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n upon_o which_o it_o be_v found_v but_o present_o to_o reject_v religion_n because_o knave_n and_o hypocrite_n make_v bold_a to_o disguise_v themselves_o in_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a and_o ridiculous_a as_o if_o a_o man_n shall_v deny_v that_o there_o be_v any_o such_o virtue_n as_o chastity_n in_o the_o world_n because_o there_o be_v common_a prostitute_n that_o pretend_v to_o it_o viii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v division_n and_o schism_n form_v out_o of_o little_a opinion_n in_o religion_n for_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o man_n to_o place_v a_o great_a part_n of_o their_o religion_n in_o those_o opinion_n for_o who_o sake_n they_o divide_v and_o separate_v from_o each_o other_o so_o that_o if_o hereafter_o they_o happen_v to_o be_v dissatisfy_v with_o those_o opinion_n of_o which_o they_o be_v excessive_o fond_a at_o the_o present_a they_o will_v be_v under_o a_o great_a temptation_n to_o suspect_v religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v as_o ill_o ground_v as_o those_o little_a opinion_n which_o they_o lay_v so_o great_a a_o stress_n on_o and_o so_o after_o they_o have_v run_v through_o several_a set_v of_o opinion_n and_o in_o fine_a have_v discover_v they_o to_o be_v all_o delusion_n they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v religion_n itself_o to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o system_fw-la of_o lie_n and_o imposture_n for_o as_o weak_a head_n when_o they_o perceive_v the_o battlement_n shake_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v the_o foundation_n so_o weak_a understanding_n will_v be_v prone_a to_o suspect_v even_o the_o fundamental_o of_o of_o religion_n when_o once_o they_o perceive_v those_o darling_n notion_n totter_v which_o they_o have_v confident_o presume_v to_o superstruct_v thereupon_o and_o upon_o this_o account_n i_o make_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age_n be_v very_o much_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o the_o sect_n and_o division_n of_o it_o for_o how_o many_o woeful_a example_n have_v we_o of_o person_n who_o have_v once_o a_o great_a zeal_n for_o and_o satisfaction_n in_o religion_n that_o upon_o their_o causeless_a separation_n from_o the_o church_n communion_n have_v run_v from_o sect_n to_o sect_n and_o from_o one_o extravagant_a opinion_n to_o another_o till_o at_o last_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n of_o they_o all_o they_o have_v total_o discard_v religion_n itself_o and_o make_v their_o last_o resort_v into_o atheism_n and_o as_o separate_n into_o party_n upon_o little_a difference_n in_o religion_n expose_v the_o separatist_n themselves_o to_o great_a temptation_n to_o atheism_n so_o it_o do_v those_o also_o who_o be_v indifferent_a on_o both_o side_n and_o stand_v engage_v on_o neither_o part_n of_o the_o separation_n for_o whilst_o these_o man_n behold_v the_o state_n of_o religion_n thus_o miserable_o break_v and_o divide_v and_o the_o professor_n of_o it_o crumble_v into_o so_o many_o sect_n and_o party_n and_o each_o party_n spit_v fire_n and_o damnation_n at_o its_o adversary_n so_o that_o if_o all_o say_v true_a or_o indeed_o any_o two_o of_o they_o in_o five_o hundred_o sect_n which_o there_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o for_o all_o i_o know_v there_o may_v be_v five_o thousand_o it_o be_v five_o hundred_o to_o one_o but_o that_o every_o one_o be_v damn_v because_o every_o one_o damn_v all_o but_o itself_o and_o itself_o be_v damn_v by_o four_o hundred_o and_o ninty_a nine_o so_o that_o it_o be_v a_o mighty_a chance_n if_o in_o so_o great_a a_o volley_n of_o anathemaes_n which_o every_o one_o have_v level_v at_o it_o any_o one_o escape_n when_o i_o say_v unengage_v person_n that_o be_v not_o able_a to_o distinguish_v between_o the_o disputable_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v these_o sect_n and_o the_o necessary_n and_o essential_o of_o religion_n shall_v reflect_v upon_o this_o tumult_n and_o confusion_n of_o faith_n they_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v without_o far_a inquiry_n that_o religion_n itself_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o infinite_a maze_n of_o disputable_a opinion_n wherein_o man_n wander_v about_o in_o the_o dark_a and_o justle_v and_o rancounter_v one_o another_o without_o any_o certain_a clew_n on_o either_o side_n to_o guide_v and_o direct_v their_o inquiry_n under_o which_o misapprehension_n they_o will_v either_o damn_v all_o religion_n for_o a_o cheat_n or_o hover_v about_o in_o eternal_a uncertainty_n not_o know_v where_o in_o so_o great_a a_o confusion_n of_o religion_n to_o fix_v and_o settle_v their_o faith_n and_o hereunto_o i_o doubt_v not_o be_v to_o be_v attribute_v a_o great_a part_n of_o the_o irreligion_n of_o this_o age._n for_o while_o some_o man_n by_o run_v themselves_o out_o of_o breath_n in_o pursuit_n of_o those_o ignes_fw-la fatui_fw-la or_o new_a light_n that_o have_v break_v and_o divide_v our_o communion_n have_v at_o length_n quite_o tire_v out_o their_o zeal_n and_o religious_a pretence_n and_o so_o be_v at_o length_n lie_v down_o in_o the_o mire_n of_o irreligion_n and_o open_a profaneness_n other_o by_o look_v on_o and_o behold_v the_o wild_a division_n which_o these_o new_a light_n have_v make_v have_v be_v tempt_v to_o run_v away_o from_o religion_n itself_o as_o if_o that_o be_v only_o a_o labyrinth_n of_o uncertain_a opinion_n contrive_v on_o purpose_n to_o distract_v and_o bewild_a man_n brain_n now_o though_o the_o author_n of_o these_o division_n whosoever_o they_o be_v be_v doubtless_o high_o accountable_a to_o god_n for_o all_o that_o irreligion_n which_o attend_v they_o yet_o for_o man_n from_o hence_o to_o draw_v atheistical_a conclusion_n
and_o celebrate_a passage_n of_o epictetus_n ch._n 38._o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n know_v that_o the_o main_a foundation_n of_o piety_n be_v this_o to_o have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o to_o be_v sensible_a that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o just_o and_o according_o the_o psalmist_n speak_v of_o god_n tell_v we_o they_o that_o know_v thy_o name_n will_v put_v their_o trust_n in_o thou_o psalm_n 9.10_o i_o e._n they_o who_o have_v make_v a_o true_a discovery_n of_o thy_o nature_n and_o by_o observe_v as_o i_o have_v do_v the_o glorious_a effect_n of_o thy_o wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o justice_n and_o goodness_n have_v form_v in_o their_o mind_n right_a and_o genuine_a apprehension_n concern_v thou_o will_v make_v no_o scruple_n to_o place_v their_o whole_a trust_n and_o confidence_n in_o thou_o which_o be_v equal_o true_a of_o all_o other_o act_n of_o piety_n and_o religion_n for_o the_o true_a knowledge_n of_o god_n will_v as_o much_o influence_n our_o mind_n to_o love_n and_o adore_v he_o to_o praise_v he_o and_o submit_v to_o he_o as_o to_o put_v our_o trust_n in_o he_o and_o hence_o st._n paul_n ascribe_v all_o the_o impiety_n and_o wickedness_n of_o the_o gentile_n to_o their_o not_o like_v to_o retain_v god_n in_o their_o knowledge_n i._n e._n to_o their_o wicked_a aversion_n to_o the_o true_a and_o genuine_a notion_n of_o god_n rom._n 1.28_o in_o the_o prosecution_n of_o this_o argument_n i_o shall_v endeavour_v these_o three_o thing_n first_o to_o show_v in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a second_o to_o lay_v down_o some_o rule_n for_o the_o form_n of_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n three_o to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o common_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n concern_v he_o sect_n i._o in_o what_o respect_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v necessary_a to_o 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correct_v the_o miscarriage_n and_o alleviate_a the_o burden_n of_o his_o subject_n and_o thus_o if_o you_o will_v serve_v the_o great_a king_n of_o the_o world_n in_o such_o way_n as_o be_v please_a and_o acceptable_a to_o he_o you_o must_v study_v his_o nature_n and_o endeavour_v to_o inform_v yourselves_o which_o way_n his_o infinite_a perfection_n do_v incline_v he_o that_o so_o you_o may_v know_v how_o to_o comport_v yourselves_o towards_o he_o and_o to_o render_v he_o such_o service_n as_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o nature_n for_o there_o be_v no_o rule_n in_o the_o world_n but_o only_o that_o of_o his_o nature_n by_o which_o you_o can_v certain_o conclude_v what_o will_v please_v he_o and_o though_o he_o have_v tell_v you_o by_o express_a revelation_n what_o service_n he_o expect_v and_o what_o will_v please_v he_o yet_o without_o recur_v to_o the_o rule_n of_o his_o nature_n you_o can_v never_o be_v secure_a either_o that_o what_o he_o tell_v you_o be_v true_a or_o that_o 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a_o fierce_a and_o cruel_a nature_n himself_o to_o believe_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o snatch_v poor_a infant_n from_o their_o mother_n womb_n that_o never_o actual_o offend_v he_o and_o hurl_v they_o into_o the_o flame_n of_o hell_n and_o consider_v the_o stern_a and_o inflexible_a temper_n of_o the_o famous_a author_n of_o the_o horrible_a decree_n though_o otherwise_o a_o rare_a and_o admirable_a person_n there_o be_v too_o much_o reason_n to_o suspect_v that_o he_o transcribe_v his_o own_o nature_n into_o his_o doctrine_n and_o model_v his_o divinity_n by_o his_o temper_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_a who_o but_o a_o man_n of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n that_o love_v beyond_o all_o reason_n and_o invincible_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n of_o his_o own_o darling_n can_v ever_o imagine_v it_o consistent_a with_o the_o wisdom_n and_o holiness_n of_o god_n to_o choose_v his_o favourite_n without_o reason_n and_o when_o he_o have_v 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folly_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o till_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o his_o providence_n where_o i_o think_v there_o be_v enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o desperate_o harden_v against_o all_o conviction_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o consider_v how_o loud_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n the_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o beautiful_a structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n do_v proclaim_v the_o be_v of_o god_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o monster_n as_o a_o atheist_n among_o reasonable_a being_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v warm_o dispute_v among_o the_o learned_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o or_o no_o a_o question_n which_o these_o late_a age_n have_v determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o a_o 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dread_n of_o it_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o set_v his_o reason_n at_o work_n to_o rock_v his_o conscience_n asleep_o that_o so_o he_o may_v destroy_v himself_o without_o fear_n or_o disturbance_n ii_o another_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v superstitious_a misapprehension_n concern_v god_n which_o though_o they_o be_v lodge_v in_o the_o mind_n yet_o be_v most_o common_o exhale_v from_o the_o affection_n that_o like_o impure_a bog_n do_v general_o breathe_v up_o all_o those_o meteor_n that_o darken_v and_o disturb_v the_o region_n above_o and_o indeed_o most_o of_o our_o ill_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v transcribe_v and_o copy_v from_o our_o own_o affection_n which_o be_v they_o never_o so_o irregular_a our_o own_o self-love_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o celebrate_v for_o perfection_n and_o than_o whatsoever_o we_o esteem_v a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o source_n and_o standard_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o those_o 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be_v much_o more_o imputable_a to_o the_o perverseness_n of_o their_o will_n than_o to_o the_o weakness_n of_o their_o understand_n for_o in_o the_o first_o place_n what_o if_o you_o have_v discover_v some_o opinion_n ln_o religion_n to_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o which_o you_o be_v once_o very_o confident_a do_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o religion_n if_o so_o you_o may_v as_o well_o conclude_v that_o there_o be_v nothing_o certain_a in_o the_o mathematics_n neither_o since_o some_o man_n have_v be_v as_o confident_a of_o the_o truth_n of_o false_a axiom_n in_o geometry_n as_o ever_o you_o can_v be_v of_o false_a proposition_n in_o religion_n that_o you_o be_v once_o over-confident_a in_o a_o disputable_a matter_n be_v your_o own_o fault_n and_o folly_n but_o must_v it_o therefore_o follow_v that_o religion_n be_v a_o cheat_n because_o you_o have_v be_v rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a and_o what_o though_o you_o 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action_n and_o out_o of_o a_o high_a complacency_n in_o the_o one_o and_o abhorrence_n of_o the_o other_o treasure_n up_o both_o in_o everlasting_a remembrance_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v ourselves_o oblige_v by_o all_o the_o reason_n in_o the_o world_n to_o choose_v what_o be_v good_a and_o eschew_v what_o be_v evil_a for_o what_o a_o infinite_a encouragement_n be_v it_o to_o do_v good_a to_o consider_v that_o while_n we_o be_v do_v it_o god_n eye_n be_v upon_o we_o regard_v we_o with_o high_a applause_n and_o approbation_n and_o enter_v it_o with_o all_o its_o acceptable_a circumstance_n into_o the_o eternal_a record_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n from_o whence_o it_o shall_v be_v produce_v in_o the_o last_o day_n and_o proclaim_v before_o man_n and_o angel_n to_o our_o everlasting_a honour_n and_o glory_n so_o that_o when_o our_o memory_n be_v lose_v upon_o earth_n and_o all_o that_o we_o do_v be_v swallow_v up_o in_o the_o deep_a abyss_n of_o oblivion_n all_o our_o piety_n and_o 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believe_v in_o order_n to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n i_o shall_v proceed_v in_o the_o next_o place_n to_o show_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o create_v this_o belief_n in_o we_o and_o because_o this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n upon_o the_o belief_n of_o which_o it_o all_o immediate_o depend_v i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o truth_n of_o it_o 1._o a_o priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o 2._o a_o posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n i._o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o assert_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n by_o argument_n draw_v from_o god_n himself_o for_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n that_o be_v to_o say_v a_o infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o i_o doubt_v not_o to_o make_v appear_v when_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o the_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n it_o will_v from_o thence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o uphold_v dispose_n and_o govern_v all_o thing_n by_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o 1._o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o be_v and_o exist_v of_o himself_o without_o any_o dependence_n upon_o any_o superior_a cause_n 2._o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o other_o thing_n that_o be_v and_o do_v exist_v 3._o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n 4._o where_o ever_o he_o be_v so_o active_a be_v his_o perfection_n that_o he_o can_v but_o operate_v wheresoever_o he_o find_v object_n to_o work_v upon_o from_o all_o which_o i_o shall_v make_v appear_v it_o will_v necessary_o follow_v that_o he_o continual_o exercise_v a_o overrule_a providence_n over_o the_o world_n i._o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v necessa_o exist_v or_o be_v of_o himself_o without_o dependence_n on_o any_o superior_a cause_n for_o when_o we_o speak_v of_o god_n we_o mean_v by_o he_o a_o be_v that_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o have_v nothing_o before_o he_o nothing_o superior_a to_o he_o nothing_o great_a than_o himself_o which_o can_v be_v mean_v of_o any_o derive_v be_v because_o all_o effect_n be_v after_o their_o cause_n and_o in_o some_o respect_n inferior_a to_o they_o as_o derive_v their_o being_n and_o all_o their_o excellency_n and_o perfection_n from_o they_o but_o to_o say_v of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v after_o or_o any_o way_n inferior_a to_o any_o cause_n be_v a_o palpable_a contradiction_n to_o the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o it_o be_v to_o say_v that_o there_o be_v something_o before_o the_o eternal_a something_o superior_a to_o the_o supreme_a something_o more_o perfect_a than_o infinite_a perfection_n so_o that_o either_o there_o can_v be_v no_o such_o be_v as_o a_o god_n in_o the_o world_n or_o he_o must_v be_v of_o himself_o or_o from_o his_o own_o essence_n in_o which_o there_o must_v be_v such_o a_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v as_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v it_o be_v infinite_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v and_o so_o by_o a_o necessity_n of_o nature_n must_v from_o ever_o have_v be_v and_o for_o ever_o be_v and_o such_o a_o be_v we_o must_v admit_v of_o whether_o we_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o god_n or_o no_o for_o either_o we_o must_v allow_v that_o this_o world_n or_o at_o least_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o exist_v of_o itself_o by_o its_o own_o never_o fail_v fullness_n of_o be_v without_o ever_o need_v any_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v you_o by_o and_o by_o be_v impossible_a or_o that_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o derive_v their_o be_v from_o some_o first_o cause_n who_o have_v no_o cause_n in_o be_v before_o he_o must_v necessary_o be_v uncause_v and_o unproduced_a and_o if_o god_n exist_v of_o himself_o as_o he_o must_v do_v suppose_v he_o be_v he_o must_v be_v superior_a to_o all_o thing_n for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o can_v but_o be_v and_o that_o which_o can_v but_o be_v can_v have_v no_o power_n above_o it_o because_o if_o it_o have_v that_o power_n may_v have_v either_o hinder_v or_o extinguish_v its_o be_v and_o so_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v so_o that_o god_n self-existence_n necessary_o suppose_v he_o exalt_v above_o all_o power_n and_o superiority_n and_o consequent_o to_o be_v the_o supreme_a and_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n but_o to_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v supreme_a and_o sovereign_a without_o exercise_v rule_n and_o domion_n be_v ridiculous_a for_o without_o the_o exercise_n of_o dominion_n supreme_a power_n be_v but_o a_o useless_a and_o insignificant_a cypher-flourish_a with_o a_o glorious_a name_n rule_n and_o dominion_n be_v the_o only_a proper_a sphere_n for_o supreme_a power_n as_o such_o to_o move_v and_o act_v in_o so_o that_o unless_o god_n rule_v and_o govern_v he_o be_v supreme_a to_o no_o purpose_n and_o his_o sovereign_a power_n be_v useless_a and_o in_o vain_a for_o if_o he_o exert_v his_o sovereign_a power_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v in_o rule_n and_o dominion_n which_o be_v its_o only_a natural_a province_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v only_o a_o majestic_a sloth_n that_o sit_v sleep_v in_o a_o awful_a throne_n with_o its_o hand_n in_o its_o bosom_n without_o ever_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sovereign_n and_o of_o what_o use_n be_v that_o sovereign_a power_n that_o never_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n since_o therefore_o god_n self-existence_n necessary_o suppose_v his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o he_o continual_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v
those_o different_a commodity_n it_o be_v true_a it_o have_v be_v a_o usual_a complaint_n in_o all_o time_n and_o age_n that_o it_o fare_v best_a with_o the_o worst_a and_o worst_a with_o the_o best_a and_o through_o the_o commonness_n of_o it_o it_o be_v now_o grow_v into_o a_o maxim_n but_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o man_n always_o pity_v the_o miserable_a and_o envy_v the_o prosperous_a and_o that_o these_o passion_n do_v natural_o bribe_v their_o judgement_n to_o think_v worse_o of_o the_o one_o and_o better_a of_o the_o other_o than_o either_o deserve_v for_o those_o who_o we_o pity_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o love_n and_o those_o who_o we_o love_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v well_o of_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a those_o who_o we_o envy_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o hate_v and_o those_o who_o we_o hate_v we_o be_v incline_v to_o think_v ill_o of_o and_o then_o because_o god_n do_v not_o reward_n and_o punish_v man_n according_a to_o the_o sentence_n that_o our_o blind_a pity_n or_o envy_n pass_v on_o they_o we_o be_v ready_a to_o quarrel_v with_o his_o providence_n and_o beside_o there_o be_v a_o world_n of_o close_a hypocrite_n that_o under_o a_o mighty_a show_n and_o ostentation_n of_o piety_n do_v secret_o indulge_v themselves_o in_o sundry_a wasteful_a and_o ruinous_a vice_n which_o many_o time_n reduce_v they_o to_o poverty_n and_o misery_n and_o these_o we_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o good_a it_o fare_v ill_o with_o as_o on_o the_o contrary_a there_o be_v abundance_n of_o good_a man_n that_o in_o the_o course_n of_o a_o reserve_v modest_a and_o unaffected_a piety_n whieh_n make_v but_o very_o little_a show_n in_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o world_n be_v blessed_v and_o prosper_v and_o these_o we_o as_o common_o rank_a among_o the_o bad_a that_o fare_n well_o since_o therefore_o we_o be_v such_o incompetent_a judge_n of_o good_a and_o bad_a man_n we_o shall_v be_v very_o careful_a how_o we_o object_n against_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n such_o maxim_n as_o be_v only_o found_v on_o our_o own_o fallacious_a observation_n but_o can_v we_o strip_v ourselves_o of_o pity_n and_o envy_n and_o penetrate_v into_o the_o inside_n of_o man_n i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v soon_o be_v satisfy_v that_o good_a man_n have_v much_o the_o advantage_n of_o bad_a even_o as_o to_o the_o happiness_n and_o prosperity_n of_o this_o world_n for_o though_o perhaps_o there_o be_v many_o more_o bad_a man_n prosper_v than_o good_a because_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a than_o good_a man_n in_o the_o world_n yet_o in_o proportion_n to_o their_o number_n i_o doubt_v the_o prosperous_a good_a will_v far_o exceed_v the_o prosperous_a bad_a though_o there_o shall_v be_v but_o thirty_o of_o the_o one_o to_o forty_o of_o the_o other_o and_o suppose_v that_o in_o proportion_n there_o be_v more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a advance_v to_o worldly_a greatness_n which_o yet_o be_v very_o doubtful_a consider_v how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o judge_v ill_o of_o great_a man_n and_o to_o reckon_v more_o of_o they_o into_o the_o number_n of_o the_o bad_a than_o we_o ought_v through_o envy_n and_o misunderstand_a the_o reason_n of_o their_o action_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o the_o true_a state_n of_o worldly_a happiness_n and_o prosperity_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o great_a but_o in_o a_o moderate_a fortune_n and_o that_o the_o good_a thing_n of_o this_o world_n be_v no_o where_o so_o free_o and_o entire_o enjoy_v as_o in_o the_o middle_a region_n between_o poverty_n and_o riches_n for_o as_o poverty_n be_v attend_v with_o famine_n and_o cold_a and_o anguish_n so_o greatness_n be_v attend_v with_o hurry_n and_o tumult_n empale_v with_o care_n and_o imprison_v with_o pomp_n and_o tedious_a ceremony_n so_o that_o the_o true_o unfortunate_a be_v the_o necessitous_a and_o the_o great_a while_o the_o middle_a state_n without_o partake_v of_o the_o evil_n of_o either_o include_v all_o that_o be_v true_o desirable_a in_o both_o extreme_n all_o that_o poverty_n want_v and_o all_o that_o greatness_n enjoy_v and_o in_o this_o happy_a state_n i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v there_o be_v proportionable_o far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a for_o it_o be_v a_o very_a rare_a thing_n for_o a_o good_a man_n that_o be_v honest_a and_o industrious_a and_o depend_v upon_o god_n for_o a_o blessing_n to_o be_v reduce_v to_o extreme_a necessity_n so_o very_o rare_a that_o david_n in_o all_o his_o life_n time_n can_v not_o produce_v one_o instance_n of_o it_o psal._n 37.25_o for_o miserable_a poverty_n be_v usual_o the_o consequence_n either_o of_o idleness_n or_o luxury_n or_o faction_n or_o knavery_n all_o which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o true_a goodness_n and_o a_o good_a man_n in_o any_o condition_n on_o this_o side_n pinch_v necessity_n be_v ordinary_o even_o in_o this_o life_n far_o more_o happy_a than_o the_o most_o gay_a and_o prosperous_a sinner_n who_o outward_a glory_n and_o greatness_n be_v usual_o nothing_o but_o the_o gaudy_a cover_n of_o a_o tragical_a inside_n of_o a_o mind_n that_o be_v torture_v with_o pride_n and_o envy_n with_o boundless_a hope_n insatiable_a desire_n and_o horrible_a reflection_n that_o dash_n and_o embitter_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n while_o the_o good_a man_n under_o his_o mean_a and_o simple_a outside_o carry_v a_o great_a and_o happy_a soul_n a_o content_a mind_n a_o cheerful_a heart_n and_o a_o calm_a conscience_n which_o mighty_o sweeten_v all_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o make_v his_o homely_a morsel_n outrelish_v the_o most_o study_a luxury_n let_v we_o therefore_o but_o judge_n impartial_o of_o man_n and_o but_o true_o state_n what_o be_v the_o most_o happy_a condition_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o proportion_v the_o number_n of_o the_o good_a to_o the_o bad_a and_o balance_v the_o inside_n of_o the_o one_o with_o the_o outside_n of_o the_o other_o and_o i_o doubt_v not_o but_o we_o shall_v be_v easy_o convince_v that_o even_o in_o this_o life_n the_o good_a ordinary_o fare_v much_o better_a than_o the_o bad_a for_o in_o true_a computation_n necessity_n and_o greatness_n be_v the_o only_a unfortunate_a state_n of_o humane_a life_n and_o in_o these_o there_o be_v far_o more_o bad_a man_n than_o good_a but_o between_o these_o two_o all_o condition_n be_v in_o a_o manner_n indifferent_a as_o to_o the_o happiness_n of_o man_n and_o in_o this_o happy_a mean_a there_o be_v far_o more_o good_a man_n than_o bad_a and_o then_o the_o mind_n of_o good_a man_n have_v infinite_o the_o advantage_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o bad_a as_o to_o the_o render_v their_o outward_a condition_n happy_a it_o be_v impossible_a but_o that_o ordinary_o and_o general_o they_o must_v be_v the_o more_o happy_a and_o prosperous_a second_o so_o far_o as_o this_o maxim_n that_o all_o thing_n happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v true_a it_o be_v no_o argument_n at_o all_o against_o a_o providence_n and_o that_o upon_o these_o follow_a account_n 1._o because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o secondary_a cause_n 2._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n be_v in_o themselves_o so_o mean_a and_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v beneath_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n to_o be_v very_o exact_a and_o curious_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o '_o they_o 3._o because_o this_o life_n be_v proper_o the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n and_o probation_n and_o not_o of_o our_o reward_n and_o punishment_n 4._o because_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n that_o befall_v we_o here_o be_v not_o so_o true_o to_o be_v estimate_v by_o themselves_o as_o by_o their_o effect_n and_o consequent_n 5._o this_o promiscuous_a distribution_n of_o thing_n so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v be_v very_o requisite_a to_o assure_v we_o of_o a_o judgement_n to_o come_v 6._o because_o the_o exact_a adjustment_n of_o thing_n be_v reserve_v for_o a_o future_a judgement_n i._o the_o happen_v of_o all_o thing_n alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o many_o of_o the_o good_n and_o evil_n of_o this_o world_n happen_v to_o we_o not_o as_o reward_n and_o punishment_n but_o in_o the_o necessary_a course_n of_o second_o cause_n for_o in_o this_o life_n good_a and_o bad_a man_n be_v so_o mingle_v together_o rhat_o in_o case_n of_o common_a calamity_n what_o happen_v to_o the_o one_o must_v happen_v to_o the_o other_o without_o a_o miraculous_a interposal_n of_o providence_n thus_o while_o god_n leave_v second_o cause_n to_o their_o natural_a course_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o war_n or_o plague_n or_o famine_n shall_v distinguish_v between_o the_o good_a and_o bad_a that_o be_v incorporate_v together_o in_o the_o same_o society_n and_o so_o long_o as_o free_a agent_n be_v leave_v to_o
than_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o for_o that_o be_v impossible_a but_o to_o display_v and_o show_v forth_o his_o own_o essential_a glory_n to_o all_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o admire_v and_o imitate_v he_o that_o thereby_o he_o may_v invite_v they_o to_o transcribe_v that_o goodness_n of_o he_o into_o their_o nature_n of_o which_o his_o glory_n be_v the_o shine_n and_o lustre_n and_o thereby_o to_o glorify_v themselves_o and_o what_o can_v more_o effectual_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o a_o be_v who_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o powerful_a and_o good_a than_o to_o contrive_v and_o effect_v the_o happiness_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o especial_o of_o his_o rational_a creature_n who_o of_o all_o other_o have_v the_o most_o ample_a capacity_n of_o happiness_n doubtless_o the_o high_a glory_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n that_o be_v conduct_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n be_v to_o contrive_v and_o execute_v the_o most_o effectual_a method_n of_o do_v the_o great_a good_a and_o what_o great_a good_n can_v such_o a_o power_n effect_n than_o the_o eternal_a happiness_n of_o reasonable_a creature_n so_o that_o god_n glory_n and_o our_o happiness_n be_v so_o inseparable_o conjoin_v that_o we_o can_v aim_v right_o at_o either_o but_o we_o must_v hit_v both_o and_o whether_o we_o say_v that_o his_o end_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n or_o our_o happiness_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n for_o his_o glory_n be_v our_o happiness_n and_o our_o happiness_n be_v his_o glory_n and_o when_o he_o have_v perfect_v our_o nature_n and_o advance_v it_o to_o the_o high_a happiness_n it_o be_v capable_a of_o it_o will_v shine_v back_o upon_o he_o even_o as_o all_o other_o glorious_a effect_n do_v on_o their_o cause_n and_o reflect_v everlasting_a honour_n on_o that_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n from_o whence_o it_o be_v derive_v thus_o right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n will_v natural_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o great_a end_n which_o he_o propose_v in_o all_o his_o transaction_n with_o we_o and_o thereby_o direct_v we_o what_o end_n we_o be_v to_o propose_v in_o our_o transaction_n with_o he_o for_o that_o which_o be_v god_n end_n ought_v to_o be_v we_o and_o therefore_o since_o his_o end_n be_v his_o own_o glory_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n our_o everlasting_a happiness_n it_o ought_v to_o be_v we_o also_o but_o now_o while_o we_o misapprehend_v the_o nature_n of_o god_n we_o shall_v be_v apt_a to_o set_v up_o false_a and_o indirect_a end_n of_o serve_v he_o as_o for_o instance_n whilst_o we_o look_v upon_o he_o as_o a_o selfish_n be_v that_o centre_n whole_o in_o himself_o and_o separate_v his_o interest_n from_o the_o interest_n of_o his_o creature_n do_v every_o thing_n mere_o for_o his_o own_o sake_n we_o shall_v think_v ourselves_o oblige_v in_o all_o our_o address_n to_o he_o to_o set_v aside_o our_o own_o interest_n and_o happiness_n and_o to_o aim_v single_o and_o separately_z at_o his_o honour_n and_o glory_n and_o yet_o this_o be_v the_o great_a fundamental_a of_o the_o whole_a scheme_n of_o some_o man_n divinity_n viz._n that_o god_n aim_v whole_o at_o himself_o and_o regard_v the_o good_a of_o his_o creature_n no_o far_o than_o it_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n that_o he_o make_v this_o world_n out_o of_o mere_a ostentation_n to_o boast_v and_o magnify_v his_o own_o power_n and_o greatness_n and_o give_v law_n to_o his_o creature_n and_o exact_v their_o obedience_n for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o it_o be_v for_o his_o honour_n to_o be_v serve_v and_o worship_v that_o he_o create_v hell_n only_o to_o show_v the_o power_n of_o his_o wrath_n and_o prepare_v a_o everlasting_a triumph_n for_o his_o vengeance_n and_o erect_v heaven_n for_o a_o theatre_n to_o show_v himself_o on_o that_o so_o have_v fill_v it_o with_o a_o vast_a corona_n of_o angelical_a and_o saintly_o spectator_n he_o may_v display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o majesty_n before_o they_o and_o thereby_o provoke_v they_o to_o extol_v and_o praise_v and_o commend_v he_o for_o ever_o and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o god_n how_o can_v we_o hope_v that_o he_o will_v ever_o be_v please_v with_o we_o unless_o we_o aim_v at_o the_o same_o end_n that_o he_o do_v i._n e._n unless_o lay_v aside_o all_o regard_n to_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o happiness_n both_o here_o and_o hereafter_o we_o entire_o direct_v all_o our_o worship_n and_o service_n to_o his_o glory_n and_o interest_n which_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o to_o do_v whilst_o we_o have_v so_o much_o self-love_n and_o so_o much_o indigence_n together_o will_v either_o render_v our_o religion_n whole_o unpracticable_a or_o perplex_v we_o with_o eternal_a doubt_n of_o its_o truth_n and_o sincerity_n and_o suppose_v we_o can_v direct_v all_o our_o religion_n to_o this_o end_n this_o instead_o of_o render_v it_o more_o acceptable_a to_o god_n will_v only_o render_v it_o more_o unworthy_a of_o he_o for_o than_o we_o shall_v serve_v he_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o his_o benefactor_n rather_o than_o of_o his_o pensioner_n with_o a_o design_n to_o enrich_v he_o rather_o than_o to_o be_v enrich_v by_o he_o and_o what_o a_o unbeseeming_a presumption_n be_v it_o for_o such_o indigent_a creature_n as_o we_o to_o entertain_v the_o least_o thought_n of_o contribute_v to_o god_n or_o make_v any_o addition_n to_o his_o infinite_a store_n he_o be_v above_o all_o want_n be_v infinite_o satisfy_v from_o the_o inexhaustible_a fountain_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o for_o we_o to_o imagine_v that_o he_o need_v our_o service_n and_o require_v they_o to_o serve_v his_o own_o interest_n be_v to_o blaspheme_v his_o alsufficiency_n and_o suppose_v he_o a_o poor_a and_o indigent_a be_v that_o for_o want_v of_o a_o perfect_a satisfaction_n within_o himself_o be_v force_v to_o roam_v abroad_o and_o raise_v tax_n upon_o his_o creature_n to_o enrich_v and_o supply_v himself_o for_o if_o we_o serve_v he_o for_o any_o end_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v either_o to_o do_v he_o good_a or_o ourselves_o if_o it_o be_v to_o do_v he_o good_a we_o reproach_n and_o dishonour_v he_o by_o suppose_v that_o he_o have_v need_n of_o we_o and_o our_o service_n which_o can_v do_v he_o no_o good_a unless_o he_o have_v some_o need_n of_o they_o so_o that_o whatsoever_o some_o high-slown_a enthusiast_n may_v pretend_v that_o it_o be_v sordid_a and_o mercenary_a to_o serve_v god_n for_o our_o own_o good_a i_o be_o sure_a to_o serve_v he_o for_o his_o good_a be_v profane_a and_o blasphemous_a and_o therefore_o either_o we_o must_v serve_v he_o for_o no_o good_a or_o serve_v he_o for_o our_o own_o and_o since_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o sufficient_a to_o himself_o that_o nothing_o we_o can_v do_v can_v benefit_v and_o advantage_v he_o to_o what_o better_a purpose_n can_v we_o worship_v and_o serve_v he_o than_o to_o receive_v benefit_n and_o advantage_n from_o he_o which_o instead_o of_o be_v base_a and_o mercenary_a be_v a_o purpose_n most_o become_v both_o god_n and_o ourselves_o for_o to_o serve_v he_o with_o a_o intent_n not_o to_o give_v to_o but_o to_o receive_v from_o he_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v his_o fullness_n and_o our_o own_o want_n his_o alsufficiency_n and_o our_o own_o poverty_n whereas_o by_o serve_v he_o to_o the_o contrary_a purpose_n we_o do_v in_o effect_n set_v up_o ourselves_o above_o he_o it_o be_v much_o great_a to_o give_v than_o it_o be_v to_o receive_v and_o to_o make_v that_o the_o end_n of_o our_o worship_a god_n which_o do_v in_o effect_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v our_o inferior_a be_v to_o make_v ourselves_o god_n instead_o of_o votary_n what_o the_o true_a end_n therefore_o be_v of_o our_o serve_a god_n may_v be_v easy_o infer_v from_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o do_v but_o consider_v he_o as_o a_o be_v that_o be_v above_o all_o want_n that_o be_v infinite_o satisfy_v in_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o a_o unbounded_a ocean_n of_o happiness_n to_o himself_o and_o then_o what_o other_o end_n can_v you_o propose_v in_o serve_v he_o but_o to_o derive_v perfection_n and_o happiness_n from_o he_o in_o the_o accomplishment_n of_o which_o he_o and_o you_o will_v be_v glorify_v together_o iu._n and_o last_o a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n be_v also_o necessary_a to_o furnish_v we_o with_o proper_a motive_n and_o encouragement_n to_o serve_v he_o it_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o all_o reasonable_a being_n to_o be_v draw_v forth_o into_o action_n by_o motive_n and_o argument_n and_o the_o most_o powerful_a argument_n to_o move_v we_o godward_o be_v draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n from_o his_o majesty_n and_o holiness_n his_o truth_n and_o justice_n his_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n none_o of_o which_o can_v have_v their_o just_a and_o full_a
and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a or_o uneasy_a to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v because_o of_o imperfection_n that_o labour_n and_o trouble_n do_v attend_v any_o being_n in_o their_o operation_n can_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v perfect_o it_o will_v be_v no_o labour_n at_o all_o to_o they_o god_n therefore_o have_v a_o infinite_a power_n to_o effect_v what_o he_o please_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o most_o perfect_o and_o consequent_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o labour_n and_o since_o all_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o they_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_o subject_a to_o his_o power_n and_o where_o there_o be_v perfect_a subjection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o resistance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o resistance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o labour_n and_o then_o as_o for_o duration_n which_o be_v the_o other_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v attend_v with_o dependence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o life_n but_o depend_v upon_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v or_o prolong_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o life_n of_o all_o being_n be_v maintain_v and_o supply_v by_o his_o all-enlivening_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o one_o moment_n they_o present_o expire_v so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o all_o create_a life_n be_v dependent_a and_o precarious_a and_o even_o those_o being_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o have_v no_o other_o tenure_n of_o life_n but_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n who_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n can_v blow_v they_o out_o when_o he_o please_v but_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n life_n be_v altogether_o independent_a for_o he_o subsist_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v do_v so_o from_o all_o eternity_n past_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o himself_o in_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v without_o the_o support_n or_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o behold_n for_o his_o duration_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o be_v but_o derive_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o life_n within_o himself_o whence_o he_o also_o derive_v life_n to_o all_o other_o being_n again_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n viz._n quickness_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o perception_n we_o must_v whole_o abstract_a from_o it_o all_o that_o imperfection_n with_o which_o it_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o they_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sundry_a affection_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o happiness_n such_o as_o fear_v sorrow_n repentance_n desperation_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o argue_v a_o defect_n of_o power_n or_o wisdom_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o evil_n past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o therefore_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n this_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o evil_n or_o pain_n for_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o happiness_n that_o no_o evil_a can_v approach_v he_o to_o vex_v or_o disturb_v he_o or_o make_v any_o painful_a impression_n on_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o shall_v either_o fear_n or_o grieve_v or_o repent_v or_o despair_v all_o these_o affection_n indeed_o be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o he_o but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o a_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n not_o as_o if_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n feel_v these_o passion_n within_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o demean_v himself_o towards_o we_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o if_o the_o affection_n themselves_o have_v any_o place_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o resent_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n commit_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o painful_a impression_n that_o they_o make_v upon_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o neither_o feel_v the_o misery_n he_o pity_v and_o relieve_v nor_o be_v vex_v at_o the_o sin_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v but_o all_o the_o resentment_n he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o suffering_n and_o sin_n be_v perfect_o calm_a to_o himself_o and_o devoid_a of_o all_o passion_n and_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a his_o will_n be_v perfect_o reasonable_a must_v be_v different_o affect_v towards_o different_a object_n and_o contrary_o affect_v towards_o contrary_a object_n because_o they_o propose_v to_o it_o different_a and_o contrary_a reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o complacency_n towards_o good_a object_n so_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o abhorrence_n towards_o bad_a but_o this_o abhorrence_n arise_v not_o either_o from_o any_o sense_n of_o hurt_n they_o do_v he_o or_o fear_v of_o hurt_n they_o can_v do_v he_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o impassable_a but_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n be_v whole_o found_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o feeling_n he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o detest_v must_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o imperfection_n either_o of_o our_o nature_n or_o our_o happiness_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n we_o must_v also_o abstract_a from_o they_o all_o those_o imperfection_n with_o which_o they_o be_v at_o tend_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n knowledge_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v attend_v with_o reason_v and_o discourse_v that_o be_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o argue_v consequent_n from_o principle_n and_o effect_n from_o cause_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o confine_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v improve_v without_o labour_n and_o study_v for_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o infer_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n because_o in_o this_o way_n our_o knowledge_n must_v be_v successive_a and_o we_o must_v know_v one_o thing_n before_o we_o can_v know_v another_o we_o must_v know_v the_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o consequent_n and_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n else_o how_o can_v we_o deduce_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o deducing_a or_o infer_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n and_o labour_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o this_o imperfection_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a or_o unconfined_a by_o the_o utmost_a extension_n and_o duration_n of_o thing_n do_v at_o one_o intuition_n or_o simple_a view_n behold_v all_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v yea_o whensoever_o wheresoever_o or_o howsoever_o possible_a and_o behold_v as_o he_o do_v all_o consequent_n in_o their_o principle_n all_o effect_n in_o their_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o know_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o but_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o in_o his_o infinite_a mind_n without_o any_o succession_n or_o improvement_n so_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v always_o infinite_a and_o what_o be_v infinite_a admit_v not_o either_o of_o more_o or_o less_o and_o then_o for_o that_o other_o perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o consist_v in_o rectitude_n of_o will_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v acquire_v even_o as_o that_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v measure_v and_o regulate_v for_o rectitude_n of_o will_n consist_v in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v must_v needs_o be_v acquire_v in_o the_o creature_n because_o that_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o by_o which_o it_o choose_v and_o refuse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o will_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o unsophisticated_a we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n beware_v not_o to_o let_v our_o lust_n intermingle_v with_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o or_o to_o bribe_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a maxim_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o it_o make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o believe_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n that_o be_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o while_o we_o suffer_v our_o sinful_a interest_n to_o dictate_v to_o we_o our_o opinion_n of_o god_n we_o make_v falsehood_n our_o oracle_n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n iv._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehensin_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n be_v the_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o man_n judge_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o another_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o every_o free_a agent_n be_v as_o it_o do_v that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o its_o action_n be_v a_o infallible_a index_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o its_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o the_o action_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o and_o apart_o from_o one_o another_o because_o they_o have_v all_o one_o general_a drift_n and_o tendency_n and_o so_o be_v mutual_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o and_o close_o link_v together_o even_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o last_o in_o one_o continue_a chain_n and_o series_n so_o that_o of_o all_o those_o innumerable_a action_n whereof_o his_o general_a providence_n consist_v there_o be_v no_o one_o loose_a or_o independent_a link_n but_o every_o one_o be_v connect_v unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o every_o one_o throughout_o that_o mighty_a chain_n wherefore_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o god_n action_n and_o of_o the_o mutual_a respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o make_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o particular_n for_o though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a action_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n consider_v separately_z from_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a and_o malevolent_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v apart_o by_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o action_n and_o that_o that_o which_o by_o itself_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a may_v by_o be_v contemper_v with_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n become_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o the_o heaven_n there_o be_v sundry_a star_n of_o a_o very_a malignant_a aspect_n apart_o by_o themselves_o which_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o star_n of_o a_o different_a temper_n do_v many_o time_n derive_v a_o most_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o man_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n of_o any_o single_a act_n or_o scene_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a drama_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v take_v true_a measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o any_o particular_a event_n that_o befall_v they_o for_o for_o all_o they_o know_v those_o very_a event_n which_o single_o consider_v be_v most_o noxious_a to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v most_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v intermingle_v and_o contemper_v with_o other_o providence_n so_o that_o while_o they_o measure_v god_n by_o single_a event_n they_o will_v many_o time_n deduce_v sour_a and_o rigid_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o those_o very_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n thus_o for_o instance_n shall_v joseph_n have_v frame_v his_o judgement_n of_o god_n nature_n by_o his_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o pit_n sell_v into_o egypt_n and_o there_o cast_v into_o prison_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n what_o can_v he_o have_v think_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a envious_a and_o malicious_a be_v that_o take_v delight_n in_o afflict_a innocence_n and_o sport_v himself_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o yet_o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o these_o sad_a providence_n and_o how_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o but_o so_o many_o step_n to_o his_o advancement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o have_v he_o think_v thus_o he_o have_v think_v very_o injurious_o those_o very_a providence_n from_o which_o he_o must_v have_v infer_v god_n malice_n to_o he_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o follow_v most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o common_o do_v we_o see_v man_n pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n nature_n from_o such_o particular_a providence_n they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o deplorable_a accident_n such_o as_o famine_n butchery_n plague_n and_o devastation_n in_o which_o themselves_o be_v many_o time_n involve_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o inflict_v or_o suffer_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o very_a froward_a cruel_a and_o implacable_a nature_n whereas_o do_v they_o but_o see_v these_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o lie_v interweave_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v doubtless_o see_v infinite_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a sometime_o again_o they_o behold_v wickedness_n prosper_v in_o this_o world_n and_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n depress_v and_o trample_v on_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v either_o that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o have_v they_o a_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a train_n and_o series_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o even_o in_o these_o cross_a distribution_n he_o do_v most_o equal_o and_o most_o effectual_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a by_o render_v the_o one_o prosperity_n his_o bane_n and_o the_o other_o adversity_n his_o restorative_n sometime_o again_o they_o be_v deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o have_v a_o long_a while_n seek_v with_o most_o importunate_a cry_n and_o supplication_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o prevail_v with_o by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n whereas_o can_v they_o but_o see_v through_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o good_n they_o pray_v for_o be_v many_o time_n pregnant_a with_o evil_n and_o the_o evil_n they_o deprecate_v with_o good_n which_o be_v much_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v deaf_a to_o their_o entreaty_n because_o he_o can_v not_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o ask_v without_o do_v they_o some_o great_a unkindness_n and_o that_o therefore_o these_o denial_n be_v so_o far_o from_o argue_v he_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v signal_n instance_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n which_o many_o time_n import_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o seem_v and_o appear_v but_o have_v form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o nature_n out_o of_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v all_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o common_a notion_n of_o he_o yet_o because_o we_o see_v not_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v they_o good_a because_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a god_n v._o another_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o from_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o single_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o
general_a current_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o himself_o in_o scripture_n be_v true_a because_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n in_o itself_o must_v needs_o be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o yet_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o themselves_o and_o other_o thing_n difficult_a to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o controversy_n they_o refer_v to_o or_o with_o the_o phrase_n and_o language_n of_o the_o age_n they_o be_v write_v in_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o many_o time_n to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n by_o the_o mere_a clink_n and_o sound_v of_o its_o word_n without_o expound_v its_o obscure_a passage_n by_o its_o plain_a one_o and_o its_o particular_a proposition_n by_o its_o general_a current_n and_o to_o find_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n upon_o obscure_a and_o particular_a phrase_n that_o seem_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n and_o then_o to_o expound_v the_o plain_a into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o obscure_a and_o the_o general_a current_n into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o particular_a phrase_n be_v a_o most_o egregious_a prevarication_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a practice_n have_v occasion_v many_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o most_o benevolent_a be_v that_o know_v no_o bound_n of_o goodwill_n but_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n unto_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o receive_v his_o whole_a offspring_n except_v only_o those_o prodigal_n that_o run_v away_o from_o he_o with_o free_a and_o impartial_a embrace_n as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o ready_o contribute_v to_o they_o all_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o bless_a end_n that_o reprobate_n none_o from_o his_o kindness_n and_o favour_n but_o only_o such_o as_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o and_o never_o abandon_v any_o to_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n till_o they_o have_v first_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v all_o his_o art_n of_o save_v they_o such_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o god_n which_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a scope_n of_o scripture_n give_v we_o so_o that_o have_v man_n keep_v themselves_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o expound_v obscure_a text_n by_o plain_a one_o and_o particular_a phrase_n by_o the_o general_a scope_n when_o they_o seem_o clash_v one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v do_v right_a to_o god_n and_o secure_v their_o own_o mind_n against_o sundry_a very_a wrongful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o for_o that_o god_n have_v destine_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o endless_a calamity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o do_n that_o he_o have_v two_o will_n viz._n a_o secret_a and_o a_o reveal_v one_o that_o his_o revealed_z will_n be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o his_o secret_a one_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perish_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o man_n which_o without_o his_o irresistible_a grace_n they_o can_v obey_v and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o withhold_v this_o grace_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o persecute_v all_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o with_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o vengeance_n these_o i_o say_v be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o opinion_n as_o reflect_v very_o dishonourable_o upon_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o few_o particular_a phrase_n and_o obscure_a passage_n in_o scripture_n not_o only_a abundance_n of_o plain_a 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which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o most_o necessary_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o which_o if_o pursue_v will_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o fulsome_a error_n in_o religion_n wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o mind_n from_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o consult_v the_o scripture_n concern_v he_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n of_o it_o and_o not_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o few_o or_o of_o obscure_a text_n which_o more_o or_o plain_a one_o seem_o contradict_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o opinion_n be_v either_o false_a or_o of_o little_a moment_n that_o have_v but_o one_o or_o two_o text_n to_o countenance_v it_o and_o that_o very_o dubious_a which_o have_v none_o but_o obscure_a text_n to_o rely_v on_o but_o when_o there_o be_v more_o and_o much_o plain_a against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o it_o must_v be_v false_a or_o there_o be_v no_o 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kind_n and_o degree_n of_o perfection_n in_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n and_o justice_n and_o truth_n and_o be_v able_a to_o demonstrate_v it_o upon_o dry_a principle_n of_o reason_n but_o have_v no_o experience_n of_o these_o perfection_n in_o himself_o no_o sense_n or_o relish_v of_o their_o beauty_n and_o excellency_n his_o apprehension_n of_o they_o be_v but_o slight_a and_o obscure_a like_o a_o deaf_a man_n notion_n of_o sound_n or_o a_o blind_a man_n of_o colour_n which_o for_o want_v of_o the_o evidence_n of_o sense_n can_v be_v so_o clear_a and_o certain_a and_o distinct_a as_o they_o be_v who_o see_v and_o hear_v whereas_o he_o who_o partake_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n and_o be_v in_o any_o degree_n pure_a as_o he_o be_v pure_a and_o holy_a as_o he_o be_v holy_a have_v as_o it_o be_v travel_v into_o his_o very_a nature_n and_o see_v all_o his_o perfection_n by_o the_o