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by_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n last_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o rare_a and_o admirable_a contrivance_n of_o the_o several_a part_n of_o the_o world_n how_o perfect_a each_o one_o be_v in_o its_o kind_a how_o exact_o fit_v to_o each_o other_o and_o what_o a_o lovely_a symmetry_n and_o proportion_n they_o all_o make_v in_o the_o whole_a how_o can_v we_o otherwise_o imagine_v but_o that_o that_o power_n and_o goodness_n which_o cause_v it_o be_v direct_v by_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n so_o that_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o effect_n as_o open_o proclaim_v its_o cause_n to_o be_v a_o god_n and_o if_o this_o evidence_n of_o god_n existence_n will_v not_o convince_v man_n they_o be_v impregnable_o fortify_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o if_o god_n shall_v carry_v they_o into_o those_o
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 virtue_n shall_v be_v fame_v in_o the_o record_n of_o heaven_n and_o have_v everlasting_a memorial_n in_o the_o mind_n of_o god_n as_o on_o the_o contrary_a what_o a_o infinite_a discouragement_n be_v it_o from_o sin_v to_o consider_v that_o the_o eye_n of_o that_o god_n to_o who_o vengeance_n belong_v be_v intent_n upon_o we_o follow_v we_o through_o all_o our_o retreat_n and_o concealment_n and_o record_v every_o ill_a deed_n with_o all_o its_o foul_a aggravation_n in_o the_o eternal_a volume_n of_o his_o own_o remembrance_n which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n most_o certain_o open_v and_o read_v out_o before_o all_o the_o world_n to_o our_o everlasting_a shame_n and_o confusion_n so_o that_o when_o the_o pleasure_n of_o our_o sin_n be_v go_v and_o all_o that_o render_v it_o tempt_v or_o desirable_a for_o ever_o vanish_v and_o forget_v the_o shame_n and_o infamy_n of_o it_o shall_v stand_v upon_o record_n and_o be_v transmit_v down_o to_o eternal_a age_n vii_o and_o last_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n will_v reward_v and_o punish_v we_o according_a to_o our_o do_n that_o he_o be_v neither_o a_o idle_a nor_o a_o impotent_a spectator_n of_o our_o action_n that_o mere_o please_v and_o vex_v himself_o with_o the_o contemplation_n of_o they_o but_o that_o all_o the_o notice_n he_o take_v of_o they_o be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o reward_v and_o punish_v they_o which_o he_o will_v one_o day_n most_o certain_o do_v to_o our_o everlasting_a joy_n or_o confusion_n but_o because_o this_o argument_n will_v be_v the_o subject_a of_o the_o ensue_a chapter_n i_o shall_v insist_v no_o far_o on_o it_o here_o sect_n ii_o of_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n which_o there_o be_v to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n have_v in_o the_o forego_n section_n give_v a_o account_n of_o those_o part_n or_o branch_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o be_v necessary_a to_o be_v 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 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that_o be_v by_o the_o work_n of_o his_o creation_n that_o lie_v before_o we_o and_o be_v within_o the_o prospect_n of_o our_o understanding_n in_o the_o which_o all_o that_o be_v excellent_a and_o good_a be_v a_o illustrious_a comment_n and_o paraphrase_n upon_o god_n now_o the_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v all_o reducible_a to_o these_o four_o general_n substance_n or_o essence_n life_n sense_n and_o reason_n all_o which_o be_v in_o man_n who_o be_v the_o epitome_n of_o the_o world_n and_o a_o complete_a model_n of_o all_o the_o work_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o not_o only_o all_o these_o but_o all_o the_o proper_a excellency_n and_o perfection_n of_o these_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o god_n from_o who_o they_o be_v derive_v the_o first_o effect_n of_o god_n be_v substance_n now_o the_o proper_a perfection_n of_o substance_n be_v amplitude_n and_o fullness_n of_o be_v by_o the_o amplitude_n of_o substance_n i_o mean_v its_o greatness_n or_o largeness_n as_o to_o the_o diffusion_n or_o extent_n of_o it_o in_o opposition_n to_o littleness_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v define_v to_o or_o circumscribe_v within_o a_o small_a and_o inconsiderable_a space_n by_o the_o fullness_n of_o substance_n i_o mean_v its_o have_v more_o of_o essence_n or_o be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v more_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v in_o opposition_n to_o thing_n that_o have_v but_o little_o be_v in_o they_o that_o be_v of_o so_o fleet_a and_o transitory_a a_o nature_n as_o that_o they_o be_v next_o to_o nothing_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o these_o perfection_n of_o substance_n even_o to_o their_o utmost_a possibility_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v a_o be_v of_o infinite_a amplitude_n that_o be_v neither_o define_v nor_o circumscribe_v within_o any_o certain_a space_n but_o coexi_v with_o and_o penetrate_v and_o pass_v through_o all_o thing_n and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o immensity_n which_o consist_v in_o be_v unconfined_a by_o any_o bound_n of_o space_n in_o the_o out-spreading_a of_o himself_o to_o all_o place_n that_o we_o can_v see_v or_o imagine_v and_o infinite_o beyond_o they_o and_o then_o in_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o must_v also_o ascribe_v to_o he_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v by_o which_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o remove_v from_o not_o be_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o necessary_a existence_n which_o consist_v in_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v but_o then_o second_o another_o of_o those_o work_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n be_v life_n for_o he_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o that_o life_n that_o be_v in_o the_o world_n and_o therefore_o must_v not_o only_o have_v life_n in_o himself_o but_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o it_o also_o that_o be_v possible_a now_o the_o perfection_n of_o life_n be_v activity_n and_o duration_n by_o activity_n i_o mean_v a_o vigorous_a power_n and_o ability_n to_o act_v in_o opposition_n to_o weakness_n and_o impotence_n which_o must_v needs_o be_v a_o great_a perfection_n of_o life_n which_o be_v the_o spring_n and_o principle_n of_o action_n by_o duration_n i_o mean_v a_o long_a continuance_n of_o life_n in_o opposition_n to_o that_o which_o be_v short_a and_o momentary_a for_o the_o more_o last_a the_o life_n be_v the_o more_o perfect_a it_o be_v and_o the_o more_o there_o be_v of_o it_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o utmost_a perfection_n of_o life_n that_o be_v possible_a that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_o active_a and_o powerful_a that_o do_v what_o he_o please_v in_o heaven_n and_o on_o earth_n and_o can_v effect_v whatsoever_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o and_o not_o repugnant_a to_o the_o other_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v omnipotence_n to_o he_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o ability_n to_o do_v every_o thing_n that_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n either_o to_o the_o nature_n of_o the_o thing_n themselves_o or_o to_o the_o nature_n and_o perfection_n of_o the_o doer_n and_o then_o in_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o must_v also_o ascribe_v to_o he_o a_o infinite_a duration_n of_o life_n that_o be_v a_o life_n that_o be_v not_o bound_v either_o by_o a_o beginning_n or_o a_o end_n but_o be_v from_o everlasting_a to_o everlasting_a and_o coexi_v and_o run_v parallel_n with_o all_o duration_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v and_o by_o thus_o conceive_v of_o he_o we_o attribute_v eternity_n to_o he_o which_o consist_v in_o a_o boundless_a duration_n of_o life_n without_o any_o term_n of_o beginning_n or_o end_n but_o then_o three_o another_o of_o these_o effect_n of_o god_n from_o which_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n be_v sense_n by_o which_o i_o do_v not_o understand_v carnal_a or_o material_a sense_n only_o which_o consist_v in_o perceive_v the_o stroke_n and_o impression_n of_o material_a object_n on_o our_o sensory_n but_o sense_n in_o the_o general_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o material_a or_o spiritual_a being_n for_o that_o spiritual_a being_n have_v as_o exquisite_a a_o sense_n of_o spiritual_a object_n as_o corporal_a of_o corporeal_a one_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n to_o be_v make_v because_o otherwise_o we_o must_v suppose_v they_o insensible_a both_o of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n now_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n be_v quickness_n and_o sagacity_n of_o perception_n whether_o it_o be_v of_o painful_a or_o of_o pleasant_a grateful_a or_o ungrateful_a object_n and_o this_o be_v to_o be_v find_v not_o only_o in_o beast_n and_o man_n but_o also_o in_o separate_a spirit_n in_o angel_n and_o in_o god_n himself_o for_o though_o none_o of_o these_o have_v any_o corporeal_a sense_n to_o feel_v and_o perceive_v the_o impression_n of_o corporeal_a object_n yet_o that_o both_o angel_n and_o separate_a spirit_n have_v a_o spiritual_a sense_n of_o spiritual_a impression_n by_o which_o they_o be_v subject_v to_o pain_n and_o pleasure_n can_v be_v deny_v and_o though_o god_n by_o the_o infinite_a perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n be_v exempt_a from_o all_o sense_n of_o pain_n yet_o it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o he_o who_o be_v the_o fountain_n from_o whence_o all_o sense_n be_v derive_v shall_v himself_o be_v insensible_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o we_o ought_v to_o suppose_v he_o as_o sensible_a of_o all_o that_o be_v true_o pleasant_a and_o good_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a good_a as_o there_o be_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v infinite_o sensible_a of_o it_o and_o in_o thus_o conceive_v we_o attribute_v to_o he_o infinite_a happiness_n for_o what_o else_o be_v a_o infinite_a sense_n of_o good_a but_o infinite_a pleasure_n and_o happiness_n and_o this_o be_v the_o happiness_n of_o god_n that_o he_o be_v infinite_o perfect_a in_o himself_o and_o infinite_o sensible_a of_o his_o own_o perfection_n and_o therein_o infinite_o please_v and_o delight_v four_o and_o last_o another_o of_o those_o work_n of_o god_n from_o whence_o we_o be_v to_o take_v our_o rise_n in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n be_v reason_n for_o all_o that_o light_n of_o reason_n which_o shine_v in_o humane_a and_o angelical_a mind_n be_v ray_v forth_o and_o derive_v from_o he_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v not_o only_o to_o have_v reason_n in_o himself_o but_o to_o have_v it_o in_o its_o utmost_a possible_a perfection_n now_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n consist_v in_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n in_o the_o understanding_n and_o rectitude_n or_o righteousness_n in_o the_o will._n by_o knowledge_n i_o mean_v consider_v and_o understand_v thing_n absolute_o as_o they_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n in_o their_o power_n and_o property_n difference_n and_o circumstance_n by_o wisdom_n i_o understand_v a_o through_o consideration_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o be_v relate_v to_o one_o another_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o mean_n and_o end_n and_o of_o their_o fitness_n or_o unfitness_n to_o the_o end_n and_o purpose_n they_o be_v design_v for_o wherefore_o in_o conceive_v of_o god_n we_o must_v ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n that_o be_v a_o perfect_a comprehension_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o either_o be_v or_o have_v be_v or_o shall_v be_v or_o can_v be_v in_o short_a a_o knowledge_n infinite_o extensive_a as_o comprehend_v all_o knowable_a object_n and_o infinite_o intensive_a as_o see_v every_o single_a object_n in_o all_o its_o relation_n dependence_n and_o circumstance_n with_o a_o
its_o will_n affection_n and_o action_n with_o those_o everlasting_a law_n of_o righteousness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v how_o many_o be_v there_o that_o look_n upon_o this_o as_o a_o very_a mean_a and_o carnal_a accomplishment_n and_o place_n all_o their_o perfection_n in_o thing_n of_o a_o quite_o different_a nature_n viz._n in_o the_o ebb_n and_o flow_v of_o their_o sensitive_a passion_n and_o the_o extraordinary_a fermentation_n of_o their_o blood_n and_o spirit_n that_o be_v to_o say_v in_o unaccountable_a dejection_n and_o exaltation_n of_o mind_n in_o vehement_a impression_n of_o fancy_n and_o mechanical_a movement_n of_o affection_n in_o rapture_n and_o ecstacy_n and_o hypocondriacal_a income_n and_o manifestation_n that_o have_v nothing_o of_o substantial_a virtue_n or_o piety_n in_o they_o nor_o common_o any_o other_o effect_n but_o to_o cause_n man_n to_o renounce_v that_o righteousness_n which_o they_o never_o have_v and_o rely_v upon_o that_o which_o they_o have_v no_o title_n to_o and_o to_o sooth_n and_o tickle_v their_o fancy_n and_o blow_v they_o up_o into_o glorious_a opinion_n of_o themselves_o and_o triumphant_a assurance_n of_o their_o be_v the_o darling_n and_o favourite_n of_o god_n whilst_o poor_a moral_a man_n that_o make_v conscience_n of_o regulate_v their_o affection_n and_o action_n by_o the_o eternal_a law_n of_o righteousness_n be_v look_v upon_o by_o they_o with_o a_o scornful_a compassion_n and_o place_v in_o the_o lowermost_a form_n of_o sinner_n at_o the_o great_a distance_n from_o the_o kingdom_n of_o god_n now_o when_o man_n take_v such_o false_a measure_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v conceive_v aright_o of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n which_o they_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o but_o only_o by_o argue_v from_o their_o own_o wherefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o form_v our_o idea_n of_o god_n perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v first_o fix_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o our_o own_o which_o be_v no_o hard_a matter_n for_o we_o to_o do_v for_o our_o nature_n be_v reasonable_a to_o be_v sure_a its_o perfection_n must_v consist_v in_o willing_a affect_v and_o act_v reasonable_o or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o govern_v itself_o in_o all_o its_o relation_n and_o circumstance_n by_o those_o immutable_a law_n of_o goodness_n which_o right_a reason_n prescribe_v and_o which_o be_v exemplify_v to_o we_o in_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o when_o we_o have_v fix_v in_o our_o mind_n this_o notion_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n it_o will_v natural_o conduct_v our_o thought_n to_o god_n and_o let_v we_o see_v that_o his_o perfection_n consist_v not_o in_o a_o lawless_a and_o boundless_a will_n that_o decree_n without_o foresight_n resolve_v without_o reason_n and_o will_n because_o it_o will_v and_o then_o execute_v its_o own_o blind_a and_o unaccountable_a purpose_n by_o dint_n of_o irresistible_a power_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o right_n or_o wrong_n for_o if_o we_o right_o understand_v our_o own_o perfection_n we_o can_v but_o discern_v that_o such_o a_o will_n as_o this_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o monstrous_a deformity_n in_o nature_n because_o it_o be_v the_o most_o diametrical_o opposite_a to_o the_o true_a idea_n of_o our_o own_o perfection_n which_o while_o we_o attentive_o fix_v our_o eye_n on_o we_o can_v but_o infer_v from_o it_o that_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o god_n consist_v in_o the_o unvariable_a determination_n of_o his_o will_n by_o the_o all-comprehending_a reason_n of_o his_o mind_n or_o in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v decree_a and_o execute_v upon_o such_o reason_n as_o best_o become_v a_o god_n to_o will_n and_o act_v on_o i._n e._n upon_o such_o as_o be_v infinite_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a for_o if_o to_o will_n and_o act_n upon_o such_o reason_n as_o these_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o our_o nature_n we_o can_v but_o conclude_v that_o it_o be_v the_o perfection_n of_o god_n too_o but_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o perfection_n we_o must_v necessary_o think_v of_o god_n at_o rover_n without_o any_o certain_a aim_n or_o rule_v to_o square_v and_o direct_v our_o apprehension_n ii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o particular_a humour_n and_o temper_n for_o self-love_n be_v the_o most_o vehement_a affection_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o that_o upon_o which_o all_o it_o be_v other_o affection_n be_v found_v there_o be_v no_o one_o vice_n to_o which_o we_o be_v more_o universal_o obnoxious_a than_o that_o of_o excessive_a fondness_n and_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o which_o make_v we_o too_o often_o dote_v upon_o the_o deformity_n and_o even_o idolise_v the_o vice_n of_o our_o own_o temper_n so_o that_o whether_o our_o nature_n be_v stern_a sour_a and_o imperious_a or_o fond_a easy_a and_o indulgent_a we_o be_v apt_a to_o admire_v it_o as_o a_o great_a perfection_n mere_o because_o it_o be_v we_o without_o measure_v it_o by_o those_o eternal_a reason_n which_o be_v the_o rule_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a perfection_n and_o imperfection_n and_o than_o whatever_o we_o look_v upon_o as_o a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o hence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o man_n mind_n have_v be_v always_o tincture_v with_o such_o false_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n because_o they_o frame_v their_o judgement_n of_o he_o not_o so_o much_o by_o their_o reason_n as_o by_o their_o temper_n and_o humour_n and_o so_o their_o different_a humour_n be_v not_o only_o unreasonable_a in_o themselves_o but_o repugnant_a and_o contrary_a to_o one_o another_o produce_v in_o they_o not_o only_o false_a and_o unreasonable_a but_o contrary_a and_o repugnant_a opinion_n of_o god_n thus_o for_o instance_n the_o epicurean_o who_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o voluptuous_a sect_n entire_o addict_v to_o ease_v and_o pleasure_n fancy_v god_n to_o be_v such_o a_o one_o as_o themselves_o a_o be_v that_o be_v whole_o sequester_v from_o action_n and_o confine_v to_o a_o extra-mundane_a paradise_n where_o he_o live_v in_o perfect_a ease_n and_o be_v entertain_v with_o infinite_a luxury_n without_o ever_o concern_v his_o thought_n with_o any_o thing_n abroad_o for_o this_o they_o think_v be_v the_o top_n of_o all_o perfection_n and_o therefore_o thus_o they_o will_v have_v choose_v to_o live_v have_v they_o be_v god_n themselves_o thus_o the_o stoic_n who_o be_v a_o sort_n of_o very_a morose_n and_o inflexible_a people_n copy_v their_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o their_o own_o complexion_n suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o inflexible_a be_v that_o be_v utter_o incapable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o the_o reason_n of_o thing_n but_o be_v whole_o govern_v by_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a fate_n and_o according_o the_o scythian_n and_o thracian_n the_o gaul_n and_o carthaginian_n who_o be_v a_o people_n of_o a_o bloody_a and_o barbarous_a nature_n picture_v their_o god_n from_o their_o own_o temper_n imagine_v they_o to_o be_v of_o a_o bloodthirsty_a nature_n that_o delight_v to_o feed_v their_o hungry_a nostril_n with_o the_o nidorous_a reek_n and_o steam_n of_o humane_a gore_n whereas_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o platonist_n who_o be_v general_o of_o a_o very_a soft_a and_o amorous_a nature_n take_v their_o measure_n of_o god_n thereby_o and_o so_o frame_v a_o idea_n of_o he_o that_o be_v as_o soft_a and_o amorous_a as_o their_o own_o complexion_n compose_v altogether_o of_o love_n and_o smile_n and_o endearment_n without_o the_o least_o intermixture_n of_o vengeance_n and_o severity_n how_o just_a soever_o in_o itself_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o well-government_n of_o the_o world_n thus_o as_o the_o ethiopian_n picture_v their_o god_n black_a because_o they_o be_v black_a themselves_o so_o general_o man_n have_v be_v always_o prone_a to_o represent_v god_n in_o the_o colour_n of_o their_o own_o complexion_n which_o be_v the_o cause_n that_o they_o many_o time_n represent_v he_o so_o utter_o unlike_a to_o himself_o because_o out_o of_o a_o unreasonable_a partiality_n to_o themselves_o they_o first_o mistake_v the_o deformity_n of_o their_o own_o nature_n for_o perfection_n and_o then_o deify_v they_o they_o into_o divine_a attribute_n thou_o think_v say_v god_n that_o i_o be_v altogether_o such_o a_o one_o as_o thyself_o psal._n 50.21_o that_o be_v thou_o do_v frame_v thy_o conception_n of_o i_o according_a to_o the_o pattern_n of_o thy_o own_o ill-nature_n and_o so_o think_v base_o and_o unworthy_o of_o i_o and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n which_o have_v be_v receive_v among_o christian_n for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o of_o
all_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o must_v be_v moral_o that_o be_v eternal_o good_a and_o reasonable_a because_o those_o doctrine_n be_v the_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o they_o be_v found_v and_o by_o which_o they_o oblige_v so_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v a_o duty_n of_o natural_a religion_n must_v oblige_v for_o ever_o because_o it_o oblige_v by_o a_o eternal_a reason_n and_o so_o can_v never_o be_v dispense_v with_o or_o abrogate_a till_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v cancel_v and_o reverse_v and_o eternal_a truth_n be_v convert_v into_o lie_n in_o short_a therefore_o natural_a religion_n have_v only_o natural_a reason_n for_o its_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o thing_n deduce_v all_o those_o eternal_a reason_n by_o which_o it_o distinguish_v our_o action_n into_o honest_a and_o dishonest_a decorous_a and_o filthy_a good_a and_o evil_n necessary_a and_o sinful_a for_o it_o do_v not_o make_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n by_o judge_v they_o so_o but_o if_o it_o judge_v true_o it_o judge_n of_o they_o as_o it_o find_v they_o and_o unless_o it_o find_v they_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o themselves_o upon_o some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o they_o its_o judgement_n be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a so_o that_o the_o objective_a goodness_n or_o evil_n that_o be_v in_o the_o action_n themselves_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o natural_a reason_n but_o our_o natural_a reason_n judge_v true_o concern_v they_o be_v the_o measure_n of_o our_o choice_n or_o refusal_n of_o they_o for_o be_v our_o action_n never_o so_o good_a or_o evil_n in_o itself_o unless_o we_o have_v some_o eternal_a reason_n for_o or_o against_o it_o we_o can_v judge_v it_o so_o and_o unless_o we_o judge_v it_o so_o we_o can_v reasonable_a choose_v or_o refuse_v it_o but_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o we_o have_v judge_v and_o pronounce_v it_o good_a or_o evil_n upon_o a_o eternal_a reason_n we_o stand_v oblige_v by_o that_o judgement_n to_o do_v or_o forbear_v it_o so_o that_o right_a reason_n pronounce_v such_o action_n good_a and_o such_o evil_a be_v the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o eternal_a reason_n upon_o which_o it_o so_o pronounce_v they_o be_v the_o creed_n of_o nature_n both_o which_o together_o make_v natural_a religion_n and_o by_o this_o religion_n be_v the_o world_n govern_v at_o least_o the_o great_a part_n of_o it_o for_o some_o thousand_o of_o year_n till_o by_o long_a and_o sad_a experience_n it_o be_v find_v too_o weak_a to_o correct_v the_o error_n of_o man_n mind_n and_o restrain_v the_o wild_a extravagancy_n of_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n and_o than_o god_n out_o of_o his_o great_a pity_n to_o lose_a and_o degenerate_a mankind_n vouchsafe_v to_o we_o the_o glorious_a light_n of_o reveal_v religion_n which_o in_o the_o large_a acceptation_n of_o it_o include_v all_o natural_a religion_n as_o well_o the_o credenda_fw-la as_o agenda_fw-la the_o doctrine_n as_o the_o duty_n of_o it_o both_o which_o be_v contain_v in_o that_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n which_o god_n have_v make_v to_o the_o world_n to_o which_o it_o have_v superad_v sundry_a doctrine_n and_o duty_n of_o supernatural_a religion_n but_o strict_o speak_v revealed_z religion_n as_o it_o be_v distinguish_v from_o natural_a consist_v of_o such_o doctrine_n and_o duty_n as_o be_v knowable_a and_o discoverable_a only_o by_o revelation_n as_o be_v not_o to_o be_v deduce_v and_o infer_v by_o reason_v and_o discourse_n from_o any_o necessary_a or_o natural_a principle_n but_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o counsel_n and_o good_a will_n of_o god_n and_o where_o thing_n depend_v entire_o upon_o god_n will_n and_o their_o be_v or_o not_o be_v lie_v whole_o in_o his_o free_a disposal_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o our_o natural_a reason_n shall_v ever_o arrive_v at_o the_o knowledge_n of_o they_o without_o some_o revelation_n of_o his_o will_n concern_v they_o for_o in_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o where_o the_o will_n of_o god_n be_v absolute_o free_a reason_n without_o revelation_n have_v neither_o necessary_a nor_o probable_a cause_n and_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o and_o therefore_o can_v make_v neither_o certain_a conclusion_n nor_o so_o much_o as_o probable_a guess_n concern_v they_o but_o must_v necessary_o remain_v altogether_o in_o the_o dark_a till_o such_o time_n as_o god_n have_v reveal_v to_o it_o which_o way_n his_o will_n be_v determine_v and_o of_o such_o matter_n as_o these_o consist_v all_o reveal_v religion_n strict_o so_o call_v for_o though_o god_n have_v make_v sundry_a revelation_n of_o his_o will_n yet_o the_o subject_a matter_n of_o they_o be_v for_o the_o main_a always_o the_o same_o viz._n the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n of_o jesus_n christ_n and_o the_o duty_n that_o be_v subsequent_a thereunto_o which_o from_o that_o promise_n which_o god_n make_v to_o adam_n upon_o his_o fall_n the_o seed_n of_o the_o woman_n shall_v break_v the_o serpent_n head_n to_o the_o last_o promulgation_n of_o the_o gospel_n have_v be_v the_o great_a theme_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n for_o what_o else_o be_v that_o revelation_n which_o god_n make_v to_o abraham_n in_o thy_o seed_n shall_v all_o the_o nation_n of_o the_o earth_n be_v bless_v but_o only_o the_o dawn_n of_o the_o gospel_n which_o be_v nothing_o but_o glad_a tiding_n of_o the_o mediator_n what_o be_v the_o law_n of_o moses_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n shine_v through_o a_o cloud_n of_o type_n and_o symbolical_a representation_n and_o what_o be_v all_o the_o succeed_a prophecy_n of_o the_o old_a testament_n but_o only_o the_o same_o gospel_n still_o shine_v clear_a and_o clear_a till_o at_o last_o it_o break_v forth_o in_o its_o meridian_n brightness_n and_o be_v this_o a_o proper_a place_n i_o think_v i_o can_v easy_o demonstrate_v that_o from_o adam_n to_o moses_n from_o moses_n to_o the_o prophet_n from_o the_o prophet_n to_o jesus_n christ_n the_o main_a scope_n and_o design_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n have_v be_v the_o gradual_a discovery_n of_o this_o great_a mystery_n of_o the_o mediation_n so_o that_o reveal_v religion_n be_v for_o the_o matter_n of_o it_o always_o the_o same_o though_o it_o be_v not_o always_o reveal_v with_o the_o same_o perspicuity_n but_o clear_v up_o by_o degree_n from_o a_o obscure_a twilight_n to_o a_o perfect_a day_n wherefore_o christianity_n which_o in_o strictness_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o mediation_n together_o with_o its_o appendant_a duty_n ought_v not_o to_o be_v look_v on_o as_o a_o new_a religion_n of_o 1600._o year_n date_n for_o in_o reality_n it_o be_v as_o ancient_a as_o the_o fall_n and_o be_v then_o preach_v to_o adam_n in_o that_o dark_a and_o mysterious_a promise_n after_o which_o it_o be_v a_o little_a more_o clear_o repeat_v though_o very_o obscure_o still_o in_o god_n covenant_n with_o abraham_n and_o again_o after_o that_o it_o be_v much_o more_o ample_o reveal_v in_o the_o type_n and_o figure_n of_o the_o law_n of_o moses_n which_o yet_o like_o paint_a glass_n in_o a_o window_n do_v under_o their_o pompous_a show_n still_o darken_v and_o obscure_v the_o holy_a mystery_n within_o they_o which_o be_v nothing_o but_o the_o doctrine_n and_o law_n of_o the_o christian_a religion_n so_o that_o judaisme_n be_v only_a christianity_n veil_v and_o christianity_n be_v only_a judaisme_n reveal_v thus_o the_o religion_n of_o the_o mediator_n you_o see_v be_v the_o principal_a subject_n of_o all_o divine_a revelation_n and_o this_o without_o revelation_n natural_a reason_n can_v never_o have_v discover_v because_o the_o whole_a of_o it_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a will_n of_o god_n for_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v of_o any_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v admit_v his_o own_o son_n to_o be_v our_o mediator_n or_o no_o whether_o he_o will_v deposit_v such_o inestimable_a blessing_n for_o we_o or_o no_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o our_o mediator_n be_v entire_o leave_v to_o his_o free_a determination_n and_o there_o be_v no_o necessary_a cause_n either_o within_o or_o without_o he_o no_o nor_o any_o probable_a one_o neither_o that_o humane_a reason_n can_v ever_o have_v discover_v that_o can_v incline_v or_o determine_v he_o one_o way_n or_o tother_o so_o that_o till_o such_o time_n as_o he_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o we_o we_o be_v leave_v utter_o in_o the_o dark_a as_o to_o this_o matter_n and_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o principle_n to_o argue_v from_o or_o so_o much_o as_o to_o guess_v by_o this_o therefore_o be_v strict_o the_o reveal_v religion_n as_o it_o stand_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o natural_a but_o since_o together_o with_o reveal_v religion_n god_n have_v put_v forth_o a_o second_o edition_n of_o natural_a which_o be_v almost_o lose_v and_o grow_v out_o of_o print_n through_o the_o wretched_a negligence_n and_o stupidity_n of_o mankind_n and_o since_o
he_o have_v not_o only_o reveal_v they_o together_o but_o also_o incorporate_v they_o into_o one_o religion_n as_o it_o be_v now_o frame_v and_o constitute_v by_o this_o happy_a conjunction_n of_o natural_a with_o reveal_v may_v be_v thus_o define_v it_o be_v the_o obligation_n of_o rational_a creature_n to_o render_v such_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n through_o jesus_n christ_n as_o he_o himself_o have_v institute_v and_o as_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n suitable_a to_o his_o excellency_n and_o their_o dependence_n upon_o he_o where_o by_o act_n of_o worship_n i_o do_v not_o mean_v such_o only_a as_o be_v immediate_o direct_v to_o and_o terminate_v upon_o god_n as_o all_o those_o be_v which_o be_v contain_v in_o the_o first_o table_n of_o the_o decalogue_n but_o all_o those_o act_n in_o general_n which_o god_n have_v command_v which_o be_v perform_v upon_o a_o religious_a account_n that_o be_v out_o of_o homage_n and_o obedience_n to_o god_n will_v and_o authority_n be_v as_o true_o and_o proper_o act_v of_o worship_n to_o he_o as_o prayer_n or_o praise_n or_o adjuration_n and_o now_o have_v give_v this_o short_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o religion_n it_o will_v from_o hence_o be_v easy_a to_o collect_v what_o principle_n be_v necessary_a to_o the_o sound_n and_o secure_v its_o obligation_n for_o first_o god_n be_v the_o great_a object_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o must_v be_v absolute_o necessary_a in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a that_o we_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v second_o religion_n be_v a_o obligation_n of_o we_o to_o god_n that_o this_o obligation_n may_v take_v effect_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o concern_v himself_o about_o we_o and_o consequent_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n by_o his_o providence_n three_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o due_a act_n of_o worship_n to_o he_o to_o enforce_v this_o obligation_n upon_o we_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o he_o will_v certain_o reward_v we_o if_o we_o render_v those_o act_n to_o he_o and_o as_o certain_o punish_v we_o if_o we_o do_v not_o four_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o be_v such_o as_o be_v suitable_a to_o the_o excellency_n of_o god_n nature_n to_o enable_v we_o to_o fulfil_v this_o obligation_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v have_v right_a apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n five_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o render_v all_o these_o act_n of_o worship_n to_o god_n in_o and_o through_o jesus_n christ_n to_o our_o perform_v this_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v in_o his_o mediation_n these_o be_v the_o great_a principle_n in_o which_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n be_v found_v and_o therefore_o in_o order_n to_o the_o through_o fix_v those_o obligation_n upon_o man_n mind_n it_o will_v be_v necessary_a before_o we_o proceed_v to_o the_o particular_a duty_n which_o religion_n oblige_v we_o to_o to_o discourse_v of_o these_o principle_n distinct_o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v that_o god_n be_v in_o order_n to_o man_n be_v true_o religious_a he_o that_o come_v unto_o god_n say_v the_o apostle_n must_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v heb._n 11.6_o where_o by_o come_v to_o god_n be_v mean_v worship_v he_o that_o be_v express_v our_o veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o by_o outward_a and_o visible_a sign_n and_o action_n and_o unless_o our_o outward_a action_n in_o religion_n proceed_v from_o a_o inward_a veneration_n of_o and_o affection_n to_o he_o they_o be_v not_o worship_n but_o mockery_n but_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a a_o man_n shall_v inward_o venerate_v god_n when_o he_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v in_o the_o world_n for_o how_o real_a soever_o any_o thing_n may_v be_v in_o itself_o if_o we_o believe_v it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v to_o we_o as_o if_o it_o be_v not_o and_o therefore_o though_o god_n do_v so_o necessary_o exist_v as_o that_o he_o can_v but_o be_v the_o very_a notion_n of_o he_o imply_v a_o infinite_a distance_n from_o not_o be_v yet_o while_o we_o believe_v he_o be_v not_o our_o thought_n can_v be_v no_o more_o concern_v about_o he_o than_o about_o purchase_v a_o inheritance_n in_o utopia_n so_o that_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v the_o prime_n fundamental_a of_o all_o religion_n and_o if_o this_o be_v remove_v religion_n must_v sink_v and_o all_o its_o sacred_a obligation_n fly_v in_o sunder_o but_o this_o be_v so_o self-evident_a that_o it_o will_v be_v very_o impertinent_a to_o insist_v upon_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o all_o that_o i_o shall_v do_v therefore_o in_o pursuance_n of_o this_o argument_n shall_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o this_o fundamental_a truth_n upon_o which_o all_o religion_n depend_v and_o that_o first_o by_o inquire_v into_o and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n second_o by_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o it_o for_o as_o for_o the_o proof_n and_o evidence_n of_o god_n be_v i_o shall_v reserve_v they_o till_o i_o come_v to_o discourse_v of_o his_o providence_n where_o i_o think_v there_o be_v enough_o say_v to_o satisfy_v any_o man_n that_o be_v not_o desperate_o harden_v against_o all_o conviction_n sect_n i._o of_o the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n show_v the_o great_a absurdity_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o consider_v how_o loud_o the_o voice_n of_o nature_n the_o consent_n of_o nation_n and_o the_o beautiful_a structure_n and_o contrivance_n of_o thing_n do_v proclaim_v the_o be_v of_o god_n one_o will_v think_v it_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v any_o such_o monster_n as_o a_o atheist_n among_o reasonable_a being_n and_o indeed_o it_o have_v be_v warm_o dispute_v among_o the_o learned_a whether_o there_o be_v any_o such_o or_o no_o a_o question_n which_o these_o late_a age_n have_v determine_v in_o the_o affirmative_a by_o a_o induction_n of_o too_o many_o woeful_a instance_n but_o doubtless_o have_v man_n impartial_o attend_v to_o the_o dictate_v of_o reason_n and_o not_o deliver_v themselves_o up_o to_o the_o infatuation_n of_o their_o lust_n and_o the_o inveterate_a prejudice_n of_o a_o corrupt_a imagination_n it_o will_v have_v be_v impossible_a for_o so_o many_o gross_a absurdity_n as_o atheism_n imply_v to_o have_v enter_v into_o their_o mind_n but_o when_o once_o man_n will_n and_o affection_n have_v espouse_v a_o proposition_n they_o will_v make_v one_o shift_n or_o other_o be_v it_o never_o so_o absurd_a to_o impose_v it_o on_o their_o understand_n and_o consider_v how_o many_o cause_n there_o be_v lead_v man_n to_o atheism_n who_o be_v predispose_v thereunto_o i_o can_v think_v a_o atheist_n to_o be_v so_o great_a a_o wonder_n for_o so_o long_o as_o man_n understand_n be_v lead_v by_o their_o will_n and_o their_o will_n be_v bias_v with_o inclination_n to_o impiety_n they_o can_v hardly_o forbear_v wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n and_o then_o from_o wish_v there_o be_v none_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v none_o will_v be_v a_o very_a short_a and_o easy_a transition_n since_o therefore_o their_o atheism_n proceed_v not_o so_o much_o from_o the_o defect_n of_o their_o reason_n as_o from_o the_o fault_n of_o their_o will_n perhaps_o the_o most_o effectual_a way_n to_o cure_v it_o be_v rather_o to_o detect_v and_o remove_v those_o faulty_a cause_n in_o their_o will_n than_o to_o attempt_v upon_o their_o reason_n with_o the_o proof_n and_o demonstration_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o according_o you_o see_v that_o when_o god_n have_v once_o erect_v this_o goodly_a theatre_n of_o being_n and_o imprint_v on_o it_o so_o many_o glorious_a character_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n though_o from_o time_n to_o time_n he_o have_v wrought_v innumerable_a miracle_n to_o reduce_v man_n from_o superstition_n idolatry_n and_o wickedness_n yet_o he_o never_o wrought_v one_o to_o reduce_v they_o from_o atheism_n and_o indeed_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v he_o it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o they_o who_o will_v not_o be_v convince_v of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n by_o this_o stand_a miracle_n the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v so_o many_o ample_a demonstration_n of_o his_o be_v shall_v be_v convince_v of_o it_o by_o any_o other_o miracle_n for_o other_o miracle_n be_v only_o the_o disorder_n and_o interruption_n of_o nature_n and_o certain_o the_o regular_a course_n and_o stand_a order_n of_o nature_n be_v a_o much_o more_o glorious_a evidence_n of_o god_n wisdom_n and_o power_n than_o the_o most_o miraculous_a interruption_n and_o disorder_n of_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o man_n will_v be_v atheist_n notwithstanding_o god_n have_v imprint_v so_o many_o proof_n of_o his_o be_v on_o this_o visible_a creation_n it_o be_v plain_a it_o be_v
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 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â—eason_n for_o his_o religion_n his_o faith_n have_v nothing_o but_o blind_a prejudice_n to_o support_v it_o and_o it_o be_v with_o his_o will_n that_o he_o believe_v and_o not_o with_o his_o understanding_n so_o that_o he_o may_v choose_v whether_o he_o will_v believe_v or_o no_o because_o he_o have_v no_o evidence_n to_o determine_v his_o understanding_n and_o how_o unstable_a and_o insecure_a must_v his_o faith_n need_v be_v when_o it_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o fickle_a and_o inconstant_a will_n when_o it_o lie_v at_o the_o mercy_n of_o his_o humour_n and_o inclination_n and_o it_o be_v in_o his_o power_n to_o determine_v his_o assent_n to_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v most_o for_o his_o interest_n for_o now_o his_o faith_n be_v determine_v by_o his_o will_n and_o his_o will_n
by_o his_o interest_n whenever_o he_o think_v it_o his_o interest_n that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v none_o and_o consequent_o as_o soon_o as_o he_o grow_v wicked_a enough_o to_o need_v atheism_n for_o a_o refuge_n from_o his_o conscience_n he_o will_v betake_v himself_o thither_o in_o his_o own_o defence_n and_o endeavour_v by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o god_n be_v to_o shelter_v himself_o from_o the_o dread_a of_o his_o power_n thus_o when_o man_n belief_n be_v not_o ground_v upon_o reason_n and_o evidence_n but_o stand_v totter_v on_o the_o fickle_a foundation_n of_o their_o will_n it_o be_v liable_a to_o be_v blow_v down_o by_o every_o blast_n of_o temptation_n and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o in_o a_o great_a measure_n proceed_v the_o irreligion_n of_o the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o for_o if_o you_o survey_v the_o present_a stickler_n for_o atheism_n you_o will_v find_v they_o chief_o consist_v of_o the_o hare-brained_a and_o uncatechise_v youth_n of_o the_o town_n who_o never_o trouble_v themselves_o to_o understand_v the_o first_o principle_n of_o religion_n nor_o to_o consider_v the_o dependence_n and_o connexion_n of_o its_o doctrine_n and_o know_v nothing_o at_o all_o either_o of_o the_o admirable_a contexture_n of_o the_o part_n of_o it_o or_o of_o the_o reason_n and_o evidence_n of_o the_o whole_a for_o alas_o their_o study_n have_v be_v employ_v another_o way_n viz._n in_o courtly_a form_n of_o speech_n and_o punctilio_n of_o action_n in_o fashionable_a garb_n and_o oath_n and_o artificial_a luxury_n in_o con_v of_o fine_a jest_n and_o mode_n of_o address_n and_o retail_v fragment_n of_o wit_n from_o play_n and_o romance_n but_o as_o for_o the_o severe_a and_o more_o useful_a study_n they_o bequeath_v they_o to_o the_o dull_a man_n of_o sense_n and_o reason_n such_o as_o these_o for_o the_o most_o part_n be_v the_o sage_n that_o droll_n upon_o religion_n 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their_o religion_n in_o which_o their_o great_a interest_n be_v involve_v but_o to_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v at_o a_o venture_n they_o know_v not_o why_o nor_o what_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o cast_v lot_n for_o their_o soul_n and_o throw_v cross_a or_o pile_n for_o their_o eternal_a salvation_n they_o resolve_v they_o say_v to_o adhere_v to_o the_o religion_n of_o their_o ancestor_n but_o whether_o that_o be_v true_a or_o false_a they_o never_o inquire_v so_o that_o if_o it_o be_v true_a they_o may_v thank_v their_o star_n for_o it_o but_o if_o it_o be_v false_a they_o have_v the_o worse_a luck_n thus_o they_o whole_o commit_v themselves_o to_o the_o conduct_n of_o chance_n to_o be_v conduct_v to_o heaven_n or_o hell_n as_o it_o happen_v and_o as_o if_o those_o distant_a fate_n be_v indifferent_a to_o they_o they_o concern_v not_o themselves_o to_o inquire_v whether_o the_o way_n they_o be_v in_o be_v the_o broad_a or_o the_o narrow_a the_o right_a or_o the_o wrong_n but_o even_o leave_v the_o event_n to_o determine_v it_o and_o can_v any_o thing_n in_o the_o world_n be_v more_o wild_a or_o extravagant_a than_o for_o man_n who_o be_v so_o solicitous_a about_o their_o small_a concern_v who_o will_v not_o purchase_v a_o acre_n of_o land_n without_o examine_v the_o deed_n and_o evidence_n by_o which_o the_o right_a to_o it_o be_v convey_v thus_o to_o take_v up_o their_o religion_n upon_o trust_n and_o stake_v their_o everlasting_a fate_n upon_o such_o a_o desperate_a venture_n but_o then_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n to_o despise_v and_o reject_v religion_n from_o their_o own_o sottish_a neglect_n to_o inquire_v into_o the_o truth_n of_o it_o be_v such_o a_o height_n of_o extravagance_n as_o no_o bedlam_n can_v parallel_v it_o will_v be_v as_o reasonable_a for_o a_o man_n to_o put_v out_o his_o eye_n and_o then_o resolve_v not_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o sun_n in_o the_o firmament_n because_o he_o do_v not_o see_v it_o or_o to_o stop_v up_o his_o ear_n and_o then_o peremptory_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o sound_n because_o he_o do_v not_o hear_v they_o for_o for_o man_n thus_o to_o graft_v infidelity_n upon_o ignorance_n be_v only_o to_o heap_v one_o extravagance_n on_o another_o if_o they_o understand_v not_o the_o evidence_n of_o religion_n the_o more_o shame_n it_o be_v for_o they_o but_o methinks_v it_o may_v very_o well_o become_v they_o to_o be_v modest_a and_o teachable_a till_o they_o do_v and_o in_o the_o mean_a while_n to_o take_v care_n to_o inform_v themselves_o better_a but_o thus_o immediate_o to_o leap_v out_o of_o ignorance_n into_o atheism_n be_v first_o to_o play_v the_o fool_n and_o then_o run_v stark_o mad_a upon_o it_o vii_o another_o cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v man_n measure_v the_o truth_n or_o falsehood_n of_o religion_n by_o the_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o make_v the_o loud_a pretence_n to_o it_o when_o a_o man_n be_v unwilling_a to_o undergo_v the_o trouble_n of_o satisfy_v his_o own_o reason_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o religion_n his_o usual_a method_n be_v to_o inquire_v what_o other_o man_n think_v of_o it_o who_o by_o the_o zealous_a profession_n which_o they_o make_v may_v be_v suppose_v to_o understand_v it_o better_o than_o himself_o but_o because_o man_n thought_n be_v secret_a and_o invisible_a and_o do_v not_o always_o correspond_v with_o their_o word_n and_o profession_n therefore_o to_o satisfy_v himself_o what_o other_o man_n think_v of_o religion_n he_o conclude_v the_o safe_a way_n be_v to_o judge_v by_o what_o they_o do_v and_o not_o by_o what_o they_o profess_v and_o so_o far_o indeed_o he_o be_v in_o the_o right_n for_o to_o be_v sure_a man_n action_n be_v a_o much_o more_o certain_a index_n of_o their_o thought_n than_o their_o word_n and_o therefore_o when_o he_o see_v those_o who_o profess_v religion_n act_v as_o if_o they_o do_v not_o believe_v it_o and_o observe_v how_o their_o word_n do_v run_v a-tilt_o at_o their_o practice_n and_o how_o broad_o their_o life_n give_v the_o lie_n to_o their_o profession_n he_o present_o conclude_v that_o whatever_o they_o pretend_v they_o be_v infidel_n in_o their_o heart_n and_o be_v once_o persuade_v that_o those_o who_o he_o think_v do_v best_o understand_v religion_n do_v not_o believe_v it_o he_o thence_o immediate_o conclude_v that_o they_o find_v no_o reason_n to_o believe_v it_o and_o do_v only_o put_v on_o the_o profession_n of_o it_o as_o a_o angelical_a vizor_n be_v mind_v to_o play_v the_o devil_n in_o it_o with_o more_o credit_n and_o security_n and_o by_o this_o popular_a way_n of_o reason_v they_o conclude_v religion_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o politic_a device_n and_o engine_n which_o wise_a man_n have_v contrive_v to_o beguile_v and_o manage_v the_o simple_a and_o that_o whatsoever_o be_v pretend_v for_o it_o it_o be_v a_o mere_a jugling-box_n which_o knave_n play_v trick_n with_o to_o delude_v and_o cozen_v fool_n and_o of_o this_o way_n of_o man_n reason_n themselves_o into_o atheism_n the_o age_n we_o live_v in_o be_v full_a of_o woeful_a instance_n for_o now_o adays_o to_o scorn_v and_o despise_v religion_n be_v no_o long_o the_o prerogative_n of_o wit_n and_o vertuosoe_n but_o the_o infection_n be_v spread_v and_o propagate_v into_o shop_n and_o stall_n and_o the_o rabble_n be_v become_v professor_n of_o atheism_n now_o whence_o shall_v this_o proceed_v alas_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v suppose_v that_o such_o person_n as_o these_o shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o philosophise_v themselves_o into_o infidelity_n and_o turn_v atheist_n either_o upon_o aristotle_n or_o epicurus_n hypothesis_n no_o no_o their_o argument_n lie_v near_a home_n and_o more_o open_a to_o their_o capacity_n they_o have_v see_v a_o world_n of_o vile_a trick_n play_v in_o our_o religious_a carnivals_n and_o masquerades_n some_o make_v
and_o to_o absent_a one_o self_n ordinary_o from_o the_o public_a assembly_n be_v hardly_o consistent_a with_o the_o reputation_n of_o be_v a_o christian._n by_o which_o mean_v their_o natural_a sense_n and_o dread_a of_o the_o divine_a power_n be_v continual_o awaken_v and_o revive_v they_o be_v not_o only_o secure_v by_o it_o from_o all_o atheistical_a impression_n but_o also_o animate_v and_o excite_v to_o a_o pious_a and_o sober_a conversation_n but_o the_o spirit_n of_o schism_n prevail_v against_o the_o power_n and_o discipline_n of_o the_o church_n till_o it_o have_v uttter_o disable_v it_o from_o restrain_v the_o wantonness_n of_o that_o crooked_a and_o perverse_a generation_n some_o incorporate_v themselves_o into_o separate_a communion_n and_o other_o under_o pretence_n of_o so_o do_v withdraw_v from_o the_o public_a assembly_n to_o the_o common_a resort_n of_o idleness_n drunkenness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o whilst_o the_o master_n take_v the_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o go_v to_o conventicle_n the_o servant_n pretend_v to_o be_v of_o a_o different_a persuasion_n assume_v the_o liberty_n of_o will_n to_o go_v to_o tavern_n and_o alehouse_n insomuch_o that_o it_o grow_v a_o common_a observation_n that_o there_o have_v be_v more_o young_a people_n debauch_v on_o the_o lord_n day_n than_o all_o the_o week_n after_o whilst_o under_o pretence_n of_o join_v with_o a_o different_a communion_n they_o have_v take_v occasion_n to_o withdraw_v themselves_o from_o the_o inspection_n of_o their_o parent_n and_o master_n and_o till_o once_o our_o schism_n and_o division_n be_v cure_v it_o will_v be_v impossible_a to_o prevent_v this_o ill_a practice_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o unjust_a as_o to_o deny_v that_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n to_o our_o servant_n which_o with_o so_o much_o clamour_n and_o confidence_n we_o demand_v of_o our_o governor_n and_o thus_o by_o degree_n profaneness_n have_v insinuate_v itself_o under_o the_o covert_a of_o schism_n and_o liberty_n of_o conscience_n become_v a_o common_a sanctuary_n for_o the_o licentious_a neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o god_n worship_n till_o at_o last_o it_o grow_v so_o common_a and_o fashionable_a that_o it_o almost_o cease_v to_o be_v scandalous_a yea_o so_o far_o at_o length_n have_v this_o impious_a humour_n prevail_v that_o to_o go_v to_o church_n and_o be_v devout_a be_v among_o too_o many_o man_n grow_v a_o note_n of_o disgrace_n and_o the_o character_n of_o a_o priestridden_a fool_n and_o a_o man_n be_v hardly_o look_v upon_o as_o fit_v for_o genteel_a conversation_n that_o know_v any_o other_o use_n of_o a_o holiday_n but_o only_o to_o be_v at_o leisure_n to_o lie_v abed_o or_o to_o game_n or_o drink_n and_o debauch_v by_o which_o neglect_n and_o contempt_n of_o the_o worship_n of_o god_n that_o natural_a sense_n of_o he_o which_o shall_v have_v be_v quicken_v and_o cherish_v by_o it_o have_v be_v gradual_o wear_v out_o of_o man_n mind_n the_o consequence_n of_o which_o be_v all_o that_o atheism_n and_o infidelity_n that_o overspread_v this_o present_a age._n for_o when_o once_o man_n have_v renounce_v the_o worship_n of_o god_n and_o in_o consequence_n be_v abandon_v of_o their_o natural_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n they_o be_v upon_o the_o brink_n of_o atheism_n into_o which_o their_o own_o vile_a lust_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v no_o god_n will_v easy_o precipitate_v they_o but_o alas_o how_o ridiculous_a as_o well_o as_o impious_a be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o take_v occasion_n from_o their_o own_o neglect_n of_o god_n worship_n to_o renounce_v the_o belief_n of_o his_o be_v what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o tail_n one_o folly_n to_o another_o and_o to_o second_o extravagance_n with_o madness_n it_o will_v make_v one_o amaze_v to_o think_v that_o ever_o reasonable_a being_n shall_v be_v so_o besot_v as_o to_o live_v in_o a_o world_n over_o which_o a_o almighty_a be_v preside_v who_o see_v all_o their_o action_n and_o in_o who_o hand_n all_o event_n be_v which_o concen_v they_o and_o even_o the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o their_o soul_n and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o he_o pay_v no_o more_o respect_n or_o veneration_n to_o he_o than_o if_o he_o be_v the_o mere_a trifle_n or_o most_o insignificant_a cypher_n in_o the_o whole_a creation_n but_o sure_o when_o man_n have_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o black_a and_o horrid_a impiety_n one_o will_v think_v their_o wise_a course_n for_o the_o time_n to_o come_v shall_v be_v to_o repent_v of_o it_o and_o to_o endeavour_v to_o compensate_a for_o their_o past_a profaneness_n by_o the_o strictness_n and_o sincerity_n of_o their_o future_a devotion_n but_o for_o man_n to_o proceed_v from_o neglect_v god_n worship_n to_o deny_v his_o be_v be_v to_o do_v worse_a because_o they_o have_v do_v ill_o and_o thereby_o to_o inflame_v the_o provocation_n as_o if_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o render_v their_o condition_n desperate_a because_o they_o have_v be_v so_o foolhardy_a as_o to_o render_v it_o dangerous_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v give_v a_o short_a account_n of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o atheism_n which_o you_o see_v be_v all_o derive_v from_o man_n will_n and_o not_o from_o their_o reason_n for_o this_o i_o do_v most_o firm_o believe_v that_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n existence_n be_v so_o plain_a and_o convince_a that_o no_o man_n ever_o be_v or_o can_v be_v a_o atheist_n without_o some_o inexcusable_a fault_n in_o his_o will._n sect_n ii_o of_o the_o inexcusable_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n the_o next_o thing_n i_o propose_v be_v to_o endeavour_v to_o confirm_v and_o establish_v this_o great_a principle_n of_o religion_n viz._n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n by_o represent_v the_o great_a folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o atheism_n in_o discourse_v which_o i_o shall_v meddle_v no_o more_o than_o needs_o must_v with_o the_o proof_n and_o argument_n of_o a_o deity_n because_o as_o i_o have_v show_v before_o it_o be_v not_o for_o want_v of_o argument_n that_o man_n turn_v atheist_n but_o for_o want_v of_o consideration_n and_o a_o honest_a will_n and_o that_o the_o bias_n that_o carry_v they_o towards_o infidelity_n be_v not_o in_o their_o understand_n but_o in_o their_o will_n and_o affection_n that_o it_o be_v only_o their_o partiality_n to_o their_o lust_n that_o incline_v they_o to_o atheism_n and_o that_o the_o reason_n why_o they_o be_v so_o ready_a to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n be_v because_o they_o wish_v in_o their_o heart_n that_o there_o be_v none_o to_o establish_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o represent_v the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o man_n be_v partial_a on_o the_o side_n of_o atheism_n suppose_v it_o be_v disputable_a whether_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o no_o and_o this_o will_v evident_o appear_v in_o the_o follow_a particular_n 1._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a 2._o he_o conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n 3._o he_o conclude_v against_o that_o which_o be_v the_o main_a support_n and_o comfort_n of_o humane_a life_n 4._o he_o conclude_v for_o that_o side_n of_o the_o question_n which_o be_v infinite_o the_o most_o unsafe_a and_o hazardous_a 5._o he_o conclude_v for_o the_o unsafe_v side_n of_o the_o question_n upon_o the_o high_a uncertainty_n 6._o he_o plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o conclusion_n i._o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n and_o thereby_o render_v it_o not_o only_o mean_v but_o ridiculous_a for_o the_o chief_a worth_n and_o dignity_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o its_o relation_n to_o god_n without_o who_o its_o noble_a and_o most_o excellent_a faculty_n be_v in_o a_o great_a measure_n useless_a and_o insignificant_a for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o 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
so_o valuable_a as_o the_o benefit_n which_o accrue_v to_o we_o from_o be_v form_v and_o unite_v into_o regular_a corporation_n if_o not_o how_o apparent_o do_v we_o engage_v against_o our_o own_o interest_n when_o we_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o irreligion_n iii_o the_o atheist_n 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 for_o while_o we_o be_v in_o this_o world_n our_o best_a and_o secure_a condition_n be_v expose_v to_o a_o world_n of_o sad_a and_o uncomfortable_a accident_n which_o we_o have_v neither_o the_o wisdom_n to_o foresee_v nor_o the_o power_n to_o prevent_v so_o far_o be_v we_o from_o be_v self-sufficient_a as_o to_o our_o worldly_a happiness_n that_o there_o be_v a_o thousand_o cause_n upon_o which_o we_o depend_v for_o it_o that_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o dispose_v of_o and_o in_o such_o a_o state_n of_o uncertainty_n wherein_o we_o be_v continal_o bandy_v to_o and_o fro_o and_o make_v the_o game_n of_o inconstant_a fortune_n what_o quiet_a or_o security_n can_v we_o enjoy_v within_o ourselves_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n at_o the_o helm_n that_o steady_o overrule_v all_o event_n that_o concern_v we_o and_o steer_v and_o direct_v they_o by_o the_o invariable_a compass_n of_o his_o own_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o consider_v how_o poor_a and_o indigent_a our_o nature_n be_v how_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o seek_v abroad_o and_o to_o go_v a_o beg_n from_o door_n to_o door_n for_o our_o happiness_n how_o we_o depend_v upon_o chance_n and_o be_v secure_a of_o nothing_o we_o possess_v or_o desire_v or_o hope_v for_o how_o prone_a we_o be_v to_o be_v alarm_v with_o the_o prospect_n of_o a_o sad_a futurity_n and_o to_o magnify_v distant_a evil_n in_o our_o own_o aprehension_n how_o apt_a we_o be_v to_o aggravate_v our_o misery_n by_o our_o impatience_n and_o despair_n and_o to_o pall_v our_o enjoyment_n by_o expect_v more_o from_o they_o than_o their_o nature_n will_v afford_v consider_v these_o thing_n i_o say_v which_o way_n can_v we_o turn_v ourselves_o without_o a_o god_n or_o where_o can_v we_o repose_v our_o restless_a thought_n but_o in_o his_o providence_n very_o can_v i_o be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n i_o shall_v look_v upon_o humane_a nature_n in_o its_o present_a circumstance_n as_o the_o most_o forlorn_a and_o abandon_v part_n of_o the_o creation_n and_o wish_v that_o i_o have_v have_v the_o luck_n to_o be_v of_o any_o other_o species_n than_o that_o of_o a_o rational_a animal_n for_o in_o the_o state_n i_o be_o i_o find_v myself_o liable_a to_o a_o thousand_o danger_n against_o which_o i_o have_v no_o sanctuary_n and_o under_o which_o i_o have_v no_o support_n if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o have_v such_o a_o dismal_a prospect_n of_o thing_n before_o i_o and_o a_o busy_a mind_n within_o i_o that_o will_v be_v continual_o work_v on_o and_o aggravate_v the_o evil_n of_o it_o what_o can_v i_o do_v with_o myself_o or_o how_o can_v i_o enjoy_v myself_o without_o a_o god_n to_o rely_v on_o upon_o the_o supposal_n that_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o govern_v the_o world_n i_o can_v easy_o relieve_v myself_o under_o the_o most_o dismal_a apprehension_n i_o can_v fair_o conclude_v and_o safe_o depend_v on_o it_o that_o if_o i_o take_v care_n by_o my_o submission_n to_o god_n will_v to_o make_v he_o my_o friend_n he_o will_v either_o prevent_v the_o evil_n i_o apprehend_v or_o support_v i_o under_o they_o or_o convert_v they_o to_o my_o good_a either_o of_o which_o be_v sufficient_a to_o set_v my_o heart_n at_o ease_n and_o instate_v i_o in_o a_o quiet_a enjoyment_n of_o myself_o but_o now_o by_o give_v up_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n i_o throw_v away_o all_o these_o consideration_n and_o leave_v myself_o utter_o destitute_a and_o supportless_a for_o what_o solid_a ground_n of_o support_n can_v i_o have_v when_o i_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o security_n either_o that_o the_o evil_n i_o dread_n shall_v be_v prevent_v or_o that_o i_o shall_v have_v a_o proportionable_a strength_n to_o bear_v they_o or_o that_o i_o shall_v ever_o reap_v any_o good_a or_o advantage_n from_o they_o without_o which_o consideration_n every_o evil_a that_o threaten_v or_o befall_v i_o be_v pure_a unmingled_a misery_n against_o which_o there_o be_v no_o fence_n or_o cordial_n in_o reason_n or_o philosophy_n for_o suppose_v i_o shall_v argue_v with_o the_o ancient_a moralist_n that_o every_o ill_a accident_n that_o befall_v i_o be_v fatal_a as_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o necessary_a cause_n that_o be_v without_o my_o power_n or_o disposal_n and_o therefore_o it_o be_v unreasonable_a for_o i_o to_o grieve_v at_o it_o this_o will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o any_o way_n mollify_a the_o anguish_n of_o my_o mind_n that_o it_o will_v rather_o enrage_v and_o inflame_v it_o for_o that_o my_o calamity_n be_v fatal_a so_o that_o it_o be_v not_o in_o my_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o remove_v it_o be_v rather_o a_o aggravation_n than_o a_o diminution_n of_o it_o or_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v as_o the_o same_o moralist_n otherwhiles_o do_v why_o shall_v i_o grieve_v at_o the_o evil_n that_o befall_v i_o when_o alas_o my_o grief_n will_v be_v so_o far_o from_o lessen_v they_o that_o it_o will_v rather_o increase_v and_o multiply_v they_o contribute_v new_a venom_n to_o their_o sting_n and_o render_v they_o more_o pungent_a and_o dolorous_a what_o a_o faint_a cordial_n will_v it_o be_v to_o my_o oppress_a mind_n to_o consider_v that_o my_o grief_n will_v but_o augment_v my_o load_n it_o be_v some_o ease_n to_o a_o deject_a soul_n to_o vent_v its_o grief_n in_o moan_n and_o lamentation_n which_o while_o she_o seek_v to_o smother_v in_o a_o sullen_a silence_n like_o imprison_a wind_n will_v breed_v a_o colic_n in_o her_o bowel_n and_o be_v it_o not_o a_o sad_a thing_n that_o i_o must_v deny_v myself_o the_o only_a solace_n of_o a_o miserable_a man_n for_o fear_v of_o augment_v my_o misery_n again_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o with_o the_o same_o author_n that_o affliction_n be_v indifferent_a thing_n and_o in_o themselves_o neither_o good_a nor_o evil_a but_o indifferent_o improvable_a into_o mischief_n or_o benefit_n this_o i_o confess_v be_v a_o good_a argument_n suppose_v that_o the_o affliction_n come_v from_o a_o good_a god_n who_o can_v extract_v good_a out_o of_o all_o our_o evil_n and_o render_v the_o rank_a poison_n medicinal_a but_o otherwise_o you_o will_v find_v it_o be_v but_o a_o cold_a comfort_n to_o call_v your_o misery_n by_o another_o name_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o temper_v our_o evil_n and_o to_o ordain_v and_o direct_v they_o to_o wise_a and_o good_a end_n we_o shall_v find_v in_o the_o issue_n they_o will_v prove_v themselves_o evil_n to_o we_o by_o what_o soft_a name_n soever_o we_o may_v call_v they_o again_o and_o to_o name_n no_o more_o suppose_v i_o shall_v reason_v thus_o as_o these_o master_n of_o morality_n do_v that_o to_o bear_v affliction_n with_o a_o unconcerned_a mind_n be_v brave_a and_o manly_a and_o generous_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o a_o great_a and_o heroic_a mind_n that_o have_v raise_v itself_o above_o the_o reach_n of_o misfortune_n i_o ready_o confess_v so_o it_o be_v suppose_v a_o man_n have_v good_a reason_n thus_o to_o bear_v his_o affliction_n which_o be_v the_o question_n in_o debate_n for_o than_o it_o be_v the_o triumph_n of_o reason_n over_o passion_n and_o a_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o a_o well_o fortify_v mind_n but_o if_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n for_o it_o all_o these_o glorious_a word_n generous_a brave_n etc._n etc._n be_v nothing_o but_o empty_a flash_n and_o mere_a rodomontado_n for_o for_o a_o man_n to_o be_v unconcern_v with_o evil_n without_o reason_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v generous_a and_o brave_a that_o it_o be_v a_o argument_n of_o his_o brutal_a stupidity_n and_o fool-hardiness_n but_o yet_o suppose_v that_o there_o be_v no_o god_n these_o be_v the_o main_a argument_n we_o have_v to_o support_v ourselves_o under_o any_o calamity_n but_o alas_o such_o real_a grief_n of_o we_o be_v not_o to_o be_v redress_v with_o pretty_a say_n and_o grave_a sentence_n which_o though_o they_o may_v look_v take_o at_o a_o distance_n will_v when_o we_o come_v to_o apply_v and_o experience_n they_o force_v we_o to_o pronounce_v as_o job_n do_v of_o his_o friend_n miserable_a comforter_n be_v you_o all_o and_o physician_n of_o no_o value_n so_o that_o be_v we_o leave_v destitute_a of_o god_n and_o a_o providence_n and_o of_o all_o those_o bless_a support_v we_o derive_v from_o thence_o we_o be_v of_o all_o creature_n the_o most_o miserable_a for_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n we_o
infinite_a space_n that_o be_v beyond_o the_o limit_n of_o this_o world_n and_o there_o command_v a_o new_a one_o into_o be_v while_o they_o stand_v look_v on_o and_o see_v it_o spring_v out_o of_o nothing_o they_o may_v with_o as_o good_a reason_n conclude_v that_o world_n to_o be_v nothing_o but_o a_o fortuitous_a concourse_n of_o insensible_a part_n of_o matter_n as_o they_o now_o do_v that_o this_o be_v so_o so_o that_o in_o fine_a he_o that_o deny_v god_n after_o all_o these_o demonstration_n which_o he_o have_v give_v of_o himself_o be_v out_o of_o the_o reach_n of_o argument_n and_o if_o he_o pursue_v his_o own_o principle_n can_v never_o be_v convince_v by_o any_o possible_a reason_n and_o what_o a_o desperate_a folly_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v a_o belief_n which_o shall_v they_o be_v mistake_v draw_v after_o it_o everlasting_a ruin_n when_o they_o have_v all_o the_o reason_n to_o the_o contrary_a that_o the_o matter_n be_v capable_a of_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o shut_v their_o eye_n and_o cast_v themselves_o blindfold_a on_o their_o own_o destruction_n and_o to_o resolve_v to_o wink_v hard_a and_o believe_v against_o all_o possible_a reason_n that_o so_o they_o may_v ruin_v themselves_o without_o any_o interruption_n vi_o and_o last_o the_o atheist_n plain_o contradict_v himself_o in_o his_o own_o conclusion_n for_o by_o deny_v that_o god_n be_v he_o necessary_o deny_v the_o possibility_n of_o his_o be_v for_o if_o he_o be_v not_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v because_o eternity_n of_o be_v be_v include_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o he_o 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 before_o all_o cause_n and_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o cause_n and_o that_o therefore_o owe_v not_o his_o be_v to_o any_o prior_n cause_n but_o do_v necessary_o independent_o and_o eternal_o exist_v so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v not_o now_o he_o can_v be_v at_o all_o because_o he_o must_v begin_v to_o be_v which_o be_v contradictory_n to_o the_o very_a essential_a notion_n and_o idea_n of_o he_o for_o if_o he_o shall_v ever_o begin_v to_o be_v he_o can_v be_v eternal_a and_o if_o he_o be_v not_o eternal_a he_o can_v be_v god_n so_o that_o to_o say_v god_n be_v not_o be_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n to_o say_v he_o can_v be_v at_o all_o and_o yet_o by_o a_o god_n we_o mean_v at_o the_o same_o time_n a_o be_v that_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o the_o possible_a perfection_n that_o a_o be_v be_v capable_a of_o wherefore_o as_o by_o say_v that_o god_n be_v not_o we_o do_v by_o consequence_n assert_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v so_o by_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v we_o do_v in_o effect_n assert_v this_o gross_a contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a such_o a_o be_v shall_v ever_o be_v as_o include_v all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a to_o a_o be_v thus_o in_o the_o same_o breath_n we_o pronounce_v that_o god_n can_v and_o can_v be_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o be_v and_o yet_o impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v for_o by_o say_v that_o he_o be_v a_o be_v endow_v with_o all_o the_o possible_a perfection_n of_o be_v we_o express_o affirm_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a he_o may_v be_v but_o by_o say_v that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o be_v actual_o exist_v we_o do_v as_o express_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v impossible_a he_o shall_v ever_o be_v he_o therefore_o who_o assert_n that_o god_n be_v not_o do_v by_o necessary_a consequence_n assert_v this_o express_a contradiction_n that_o it_o be_v impossible_a there_o shall_v ever_o be_v a_o be_v as_o perfect_a as_o it_o be_v possible_a and_o when_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n man_n eternal_a fate_n depend_v but_o upon_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v and_o act_v according_o what_o a_o monstrous_a folly_n be_v it_o for_o man_n to_o contradict_v themselves_o to_o deny_v he_o what_o be_v this_o but_o to_o stake_v their_o soul_n upon_o it_o that_o the_o very_o first_o principle_n of_o reason_v be_v false_a and_o put_v their_o fate_n upon_o this_o desperate_a issue_n that_o unless_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n prove_v true_a they_o must_v inevitable_o perish_v for_o ever_o and_o now_o have_v show_v you_o from_o what_o malignant_a cause_n atheism_n spring_v and_o how_o desperate_o foolish_a and_o unreasonable_a it_o be_v in_o itself_o let_v we_o all_o endeavour_n by_o the_o serious_a consideration_n of_o what_o have_v be_v say_v to_o fortify_v our_o mind_n against_o it_o and_o since_o this_o proposition_n that_o god_n be_v be_v the_o prime_a foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n it_o concern_v we_o all_o to_o use_v our_o utmost_a diligence_n to_o establish_v our_o mind_n in_o the_o firm_a and_o steadfast_a belief_n of_o it_o and_o this_o we_o can_v fail_v to_o do_v if_o we_o hearty_o endeavour_v it_o for_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n be_v do_v shine_v all_o round_a about_o we_o with_o such_o a_o clear_a and_o convince_a light_n that_o we_o need_v do_v no_o more_o than_o just_a open_a our_o eye_n to_o it_o and_o dispel_v those_o mischievous_a cause_n from_o our_o will_n that_o hide_v and_o obscure_v it_o from_o our_o understand_n and_o when_o once_o we_o have_v thorough_o settle_v the_o belief_n of_o god_n be_v in_o our_o mind_n it_o will_v mighty_o influence_n all_o our_o power_n of_o action_n it_o will_v invite_v our_o hope_n and_o alarm_n our_o fear_n and_o address_v to_o every_o passion_n in_o we_o that_o be_v capable_a of_o persuasion_n and_o be_v a_o everliving_a spring_n of_o religion_n within_o we_o for_o god_n be_v a_o object_n so_o infinite_o great_a in_o himself_o and_o of_o such_o infinite_a moment_n and_o concernment_n to_o we_o that_o it_o be_v next_o to_o impossible_a we_o shall_v firm_o believe_v that_o he_o be_v without_o be_v vigorous_o impress_v with_o religious_a affection_n upon_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o be_v chap._n iu._n of_o the_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a the_o main_a influence_n which_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n have_v upon_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n proceed_v immediate_o from_o the_o belief_n of_o his_o providence_n without_o which_o we_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v or_o interest_v in_o he_o for_o a_o god_n without_o a_o providence_n be_v a_o solitary_a kind_n of_o be_v that_o life_n alone_o from_o the_o world_n altogether_o retire_v within_o himself_o and_o never_o look_v abroad_o or_o any_o way_n intermeddle_v with_o any_o thing_n without_o and_o what_o have_v we_o to_o do_v with_o a_o be_v that_o have_v nothing_o to_o do_v with_o we_o or_o our_o affair_n but_o live_v apart_o from_o we_o in_o some_o unaccessible_a retirement_n where_o neither_o we_o can_v go_v to_o he_o nor_o he_o come_v to_o we_o so_o that_o it_o be_v by_o his_o providence_n that_o all_o correspondence_n and_o intercourse_n between_o god_n and_o his_o creature_n be_v maintain_v which_o be_v take_v away_o he_o be_v as_o nothing_o to_o we_o and_o we_o be_v as_o nothing_o to_o he_o for_o what_o do_v it_o signify_v to_o we_o that_o there_o be_v a_o certain_a excellent_a be_v call_v god_n sit_v on_o the_o top_n of_o the_o heaven_n with_o his_o arm_n fold_v in_o his_o bosom_n and_o who_o do_v nothing_o there_o but_o enjoy_v himself_o in_o a_o quiet_a contemplation_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n without_o regard_v any_o thing_n without_o he_o or_o do_v either_o good_a or_o hurt_n to_o the_o world_n such_o a_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o great_a cypher_n in_o the_o world_n that_o only_o make_v a_o glorious_a flourish_n but_o be_v as_o insignificant_a as_o no_o god_n at_o all_o for_o to_o what_o purpose_n shall_v we_o pray_v to_o a_o god_n that_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o hear_v we_o or_o hope_v in_o a_o god_n that_o be_v not_o concern_v to_o help_v we_o what_o shall_v move_v we_o to_o love_v a_o god_n that_o bestow_v no_o good_a or_o to_o fear_v a_o god_n that_o inflict_v no_o evil_a or_o to_o obey_v a_o god_n that_o have_v no_o regard_n of_o our_o action_n why_o shall_v we_o thank_v he_o if_o we_o receive_v nothing_o from_o he_o for_o what_o shall_v we_o praise_v he_o if_o he_o be_v no_o way_n beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n and_o wherein_o shall_v we_o imitate_v he_o if_o he_o sit_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o and_o exercise_v neither_o wisdom_n nor_o goodness_n nor_o justice_n nor_o mercy_n towards_o any_o thing_n without_o he_o all_o which_o perfection_n of_o the_o deity_n without_o a_o providence_n be_v utter_o void_a and_o useless_a for_o his_o providence_n be_v the_o great_a sphere_n of_o activity_n wherein_o he_o exercise_v and_o display_v his_o perfection_n wherein_o his_o power_n
may_v god_n who_o contrive_v and_o produce_v all_o thing_n by_o his_o own_o independent_a wisdom_n and_o power_n for_o our_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v god_n he_o have_v a_o sovereign_n right_o to_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o they_o but_o his_o wisdom_n and_o power_n be_v absolute_o his_o own_o without_o dependence_n on_o any_o superior_a cause_n and_o therefore_o whatsoever_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o they_o must_v necessary_o be_v his_o by_o a_o most_o absolute_a and_o independent_a propriety_n and_o according_o he_o be_v style_v the_o possessor_n of_o heaven_n and_o earth_n gen._n 14.19_o and_o moses_n tell_v his_o people_n behold_v the_o heaven_n and_o the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n be_v the_o lord_n the_o earth_n also_o and_o all_o that_o be_v therein_o deut._n 10.14_o and_o the_o earth_n say_v the_o psalmist_n be_v the_o lord_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o the_o world_n and_o they_o that_o dwell_v therein_o for_o he_o have_v found_v it_o upon_o the_o sea_n and_o prepare_v it_o upon_o the_o flood_n psal._n 24.1_o and_o 50.12_o and_o the_o heaven_n say_v he_o again_o be_v thou_o the_o earth_n also_o be_v thou_o as_o for_o the_o world_n and_o the_o fullness_n thereof_o thou_o have_v found_v they_o psal._n 89.11_o god_n therefore_o be_v the_o supreme_a proprietor_n of_o the_o world_n there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v just_o we_o but_o by_o his_o will_n and_o grant_v and_o nothing_o can_v be_v we_o by_o his_o will_n but_o what_o be_v honest_o and_o just_o we_o so_o that_o for_o we_o to_o seize_v upon_o any_o part_n of_o the_o world_n by_o fraud_n or_o violence_n or_o oppression_n be_v to_o trespass_v upon_o god_n and_o invade_v his_o property_n and_o to_o tear_v his_o world_n from_o he_o against_o his_o will._n thus_o whatsoever_o we_o possess_v by_o wrong_n we_o possess_v as_o robber_n and_o invader_n of_o god_n and_o whatsoever_o we_o enjoy_v by_o right_n we_o enjoy_v as_o tenant_n to_o the_o great_a landlord_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o own_v and_o acknowledge_v this_o we_o can_v be_v true_o religious_a for_o if_o the_o world_n be_v not_o he_o why_o shall_v we_o pray_v to_o he_o for_o what_o we_o want_v of_o it_o or_o praise_v he_o for_o what_o we_o enjoy_v why_o shall_v we_o patient_o submit_v to_o his_o disposal_n when_o he_o deprive_v we_o of_o what_o we_o have_v or_o thankful_o acknowledge_v his_o goodness_n when_o he_o supply_v we_o with_o what_o we_o need_v why_o shall_v we_o employ_v our_o possession_n in_o his_o service_n or_o think_v ourselves_o oblige_v to_o return_v he_o any_o part_n of_o they_o in_o pious_a or_o charitable_a work_n in_o a_o word_n why_o shall_v we_o be_v content_v with_o a_o small_a share_n and_o abide_v by_o that_o unequal_a division_n of_o thing_n that_o be_v make_v in_o the_o world_n and_o not_o endeavour_v to_o increase_v our_o own_o poor_a heap_n by_o pilfer_v from_o other_o mens_fw-la that_o be_v ten_o time_n big_a than_o we_o whence_o be_v these_o obligation_n but_o from_o this_o supposal_n that_o god_n be_v the_o supreme_a proprietor_n and_o possessor_n of_o all_o thing_n which_o be_v deny_v there_o remain_v no_o solid_a foundation_n of_o reason_n for_o any_o of_o these_o great_a and_o necessary_a duty_n of_o religion_n iii_o to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a it_o be_v also_o necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v that_o god_n be_v present_a with_o and_o inspect_v all_o thing_n that_o his_o divine_a substance_n be_v diffuse_v through_o and_o circumfuse_v about_o all_o thing_n so_o as_o to_o penetrate_v they_o within_o as_o a_o universal_a soul_n and_o contain_v they_o without_o as_o a_o universal_a place_n for_o so_o the_o jewish_a doctor_n be_v wont_a to_o call_v god_n hamakom_n that_o be_v to_o say_v the_o place_n or_o continent_n of_o all_o thing_n because_o all_o thing_n be_v encompass_v by_o he_o and_o do_v live_v and_o move_v within_o his_o infinite_a bosom_n for_o so_o in_o scripture_n the_o divine_a substance_n be_v describe_v as_o spread_v itself_o through_o and_o a_o round_a the_o world_n even_o to_o the_o utmost_a possibility_n of_o extension_n whither_o say_v the_o psalmist_n shall_v i_o go_v from_o thy_o spirit_n or_o whither_o shall_v i_o flee_v from_o thy_o presence_n if_o i_o ascend_v up_o into_o heaven_n thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o make_v my_o bed_n in_o hell_n behold_v thou_o be_v there_o if_o i_o take_v the_o wing_n of_o the_o morning_n and_o dwell_v in_o the_o uttermost_a part_n of_o the_o sea_n even_o there_o shall_v thy_o hand_n lead_v i_o and_o thy_o right_a hand_n shall_v hold_v i_o psal._n 139.7_o 8_o 9_o 10._o and_o behold_v say_v solomon_n the_o heaven_n of_o heaven_n can_v contain_v thou_o 1_o king_n 8.27_o yea_o do_v not_o i_o fill_v heaven_n and_o earth_n say_v the_o lord_n himself_o jer._n 23.24_o now_o though_o god_n omnipresence_n be_v strict_o a_o attribute_n of_o his_o essence_n and_o not_o a_o part_n of_o his_o providence_n yet_o it_o be_v such_o a_o attribute_n as_o include_v his_o universal_a providence_n and_o without_o suppose_v of_o which_o a_o universal_a providence_n can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v for_o if_o he_o coexists_a and_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o operate_v upon_o they_o because_o where_o ever_o he_o be_v his_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o power_n and_o goodness_n be_v which_o in_o their_o own_o nature_n be_v such_o active_a perfection_n as_o can_v be_v present_a where_o such_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o sit_v still_o and_o do_v nothing_o for_o how_o can_v we_o conceive_v that_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v be_v present_a where_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v order_v and_o yet_o order_v nothing_o that_o infinite_a power_n shall_v be_v present_a where_o a_o world_n of_o thing_n be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o or_o that_o infinite_a goodness_n shall_v be_v present_a where_o a_o world_n of_o good_a be_v to_o be_v do_v and_o do_v no_o good_a at_o all_o such_o a_o idle_a restive_a presence_n as_o this_o be_v utter_o inconsistent_a with_o such_o active_a perfection_n so_o that_o the_o omnipresence_n of_o a_o infinite_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n necessary_o suppose_v a_o universal_a providence_n and_o without_o such_o a_o omnipresence_n a_o universal_a providence_n can_v hardly_o be_v conceive_v for_o how_o can_v god_n be_v present_a by_o any_o power_n or_o virtue_n or_o efficacy_n of_o his_o nature_n in_o any_o place_n from_o whence_o the_o real_a substance_n of_o his_o divinity_n be_v exclude_v how_o can_v he_o operate_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a efficiency_n where_o he_o be_v not_o or_o extend_v his_o divine_a power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n over_o all_o thing_n except_o his_o divine_a substance_n in_o which_o these_o attribute_n be_v be_v co-extended_n with_o they_o every_o agent_n must_v be_v where_o it_o act_n because_o it_o act_v from_o its_o be_v and_o it_o be_v as_o possible_a for_o that_o which_o be_v not_o to_o operate_v as_o for_o that_o which_o be_v to_o operate_v where_o it_o be_v not_o and_o hence_o socrates_n be_v ask_v how_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o one_o god_n to_o order_v all_o the_o affair_n of_o the_o world_n return_v this_o answer_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n god_n be_v so_o great_a and_o vast_a a_o be_v as_o that_o he_o hear_v and_o see_v all_o thing_n together_o and_o be_v present_a every_o where_o and_o take_v care_n of_o all_o thing_n at_o the_o same_o time_n thus_o god_n omnipresence_n you_o see_v do_v so_o include_v his_o universal_a providence_n that_o with_o it_o it_o be_v necessary_a and_o without_o it_o inconceivable_a and_o then_o from_o his_o presence_n with_o all_o thing_n necessary_o follow_v his_o inspection_n of_o all_o thing_n because_o where_o ever_o he_o be_v his_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v which_o be_v inseparable_a from_o his_o be_v and_o be_v ever_o his_o infinite_a knowledge_n be_v it_o must_v necessary_o have_v a_o through_o prospect_n of_o all_o thing_n round_o about_o he_o so_o that_o nothing_o can_v be_v conceal_v from_o its_o inspection_n for_o so_o the_o scripture_n assure_v we_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n run_v to_o and_o fro_o throughout_o the_o whole_a earth_n 2_o chron._n 16.9_o and_o that_o the_o eye_n of_o the_o lord_n be_v in_o every_o place_n behold_v the_o evil_a and_o good_a prov._n 15.3_o and_o in_o a_o word_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v open_a and_o naked_a to_o the_o eye_n of_o he_o with_o who_o we_o have_v to_o do_v heb._n 4.13_o both_o which_o be_v truth_n of_o vast_a importance_n to_o religion_n for_o while_o man_n look_v upon_o god_n as_o a_o be_v that_o dwell_v at_o a_o great_a distance_n from_o they_o they_o will_v be_v ready_a enough_o to_o conclude_v procul_fw-la à _fw-la jove_n procul_fw-la à _fw-la fulmine_fw-la
utter_o useless_a and_o in_o vain_a which_o as_o i_o shall_v show_v by_o and_o by_o be_v as_o absurd_a as_o it_o be_v blasphemous_a ii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n 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 for_o whatsoever_o may_v not_o have_v be_v or_o may_v not_o be_v must_v be_v derive_v from_o something_o which_o can_v but_o be_v if_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v how_o come_v it_o to_o be_v not_o from_o itself_o to_o be_v sure_a for_o than_o it_o must_v always_o have_v necessary_o be_v and_o therefore_o it_o must_v final_o be_v resolve_v into_o some_o other_o cause_n which_o be_v of_o itself_o and_o so_o can_v but_o always_o have_v be_v and_o always_o be_v now_o that_o this_o world_n be_v not_o of_o itself_o but_o from_o some_o other_o cause_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v evident_a because_o whatsoever_o be_v of_o itself_o must_v necessary_o have_v all_o the_o be_v and_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v that_o be_v possible_a for_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o be_v necessary_o of_o itself_o and_o it_o be_v not_o only_o true_a that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v but_o also_o that_o it_o can_v but_o be_v of_o itself_o for_o if_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v of_o itself_o it_o may_v not_o have_v be_v at_o all_o because_o itself_o or_o its_o own_o essence_n be_v the_o only_a ground_n or_o reason_n of_o its_o be_v and_o therefore_o if_o that_o reason_n may_v have_v fail_v it_o may_v never_o have_v be_v at_o all_o now_o that_o which_o necessary_o be_v of_o itself_o have_v neither_o actual_a nor_o possible_a cause_n of_o be_v for_o if_o it_o have_v a_o actual_a cause_n it_o be_v not_o of_o itself_o if_o any_o possible_a one_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o of_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o have_v no_o possible_a cause_n of_o be_v it_o be_v all_o that_o its_o possible_a to_o be_v that_o be_v it_o be_v so_o complete_a and_o perfect_a that_o no_o possible_a be_v or_o perfection_n of_o be_v can_v be_v add_v to_o it_o beside_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o include_v necessity_n of_o be_v in_o its_o essence_n and_o that_o which_o include_v necessity_n of_o be_v must_v always_o actual_o be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o have_v nothing_o potential_a in_o its_o nature_n and_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o potential_a must_v have_v all_o possible_a be_v and_o perfection_n for_o if_o there_o be_v any_o possible_a perfection_n of_o be_v which_o it_o have_v not_o it_o must_v be_v in_o possibility_n of_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o if_o so_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_o what_o it_o be_v so_o that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o it_o must_v include_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o it_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v and_o if_o so_o it_o must_v always_o actual_o be_v that_o be_v be_v always_o out_o of_o all_o possibility_n either_o of_o not_o be_v or_o of_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o and_o if_o it_o be_v out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o not_o be_v it_o must_v have_v all_o possible_a be_v if_o out_o of_o all_o possibility_n of_o be_v what_o it_o be_v not_o it_o must_v have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n of_o be_v that_o be_v all_o possible_a power_n and_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n which_o do_v all_o as_o necessary_o result_v from_o self-being_a as_o any_o essential_a property_n from_o any_o essence_n since_o therefore_o this_o material_a world_n have_v none_o of_o these_o possible_a perfection_n of_o be_v in_o it_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v be_v of_o itself_o and_o if_o it_o be_v not_o of_o itself_o it_o must_v have_v a_o cause_n of_o be_v that_o be_v distinct_a from_o and_o before_o itself_o and_o what_o can_v this_o cause_n be_v but_o god_n since_o that_o which_o cause_v the_o world_n must_v be_v before_o all_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o be_v before_o all_o cause_n must_v be_v uncause_v and_o of_o itself_o and_o that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o must_v have_v all_o possible_a perfection_n and_o consequent_o be_v god_n since_o therefore_o the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o god_n it_o will_v from_o hence_o necessary_o follow_v that_o it_o be_v rule_v and_o govern_v by_o he_o for_o if_o he_o make_v the_o world_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o make_v it_o for_o some_o end_n it_o be_v unconceivable_a that_o infinite_a wisdom_n shall_v frame_v a_o world_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o the_o most_o noble_a and_o excellent_a end_n without_o design_v it_o to_o any_o end_n at_o all_o and_o if_o he_o design_v it_o for_o any_o end_n to_o be_v sure_a he_o be_v concern_v that_o that_o end_v whatever_o it_o be_v shall_v be_v accomplish_v and_o if_o he_o be_v his_o own_o concernment_n will_v lead_v he_o to_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o providence_n which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o constant_a and_o steady_a guidance_n of_o those_o being_n which_o he_o have_v make_v to_o those_o common_a and_o particular_a end_n for_o which_o he_o make_v they_o for_o if_o he_o make_v they_o for_o any_o end_n to_o be_v sure_o whatever_o it_o be_v he_o do_v not_o let_v it_o drop_v out_o of_o his_o mind_n and_o thought_n as_o soon_o as_o he_o have_v make_v they_o but_o still_o carry_v it_o along_o in_o his_o eye_n and_o intention_n and_o if_o he_o still_o intend_v that_o end_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o still_o prosecute_v it_o which_o he_o can_v do_v without_o a_o providence_n for_o how_o can_v he_o drive_v thing_n on_o to_o the_o end_v for_o whice_v he_o make_v they_o if_o he_o be_v withdraw_v from_o the_o world_n and_o have_v whole_o sequester_v himself_o from_o all_o the_o affair_n of_o it_o iii_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n he_o must_v necessary_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n because_o be_v of_o himself_o without_o any_o cause_n he_o must_v be_v without_o any_o bound_n or_o limit_n of_o be_v for_o it_o be_v altogether_o unconceivable_a how_o any_o thing_n that_o be_v of_o itself_o shall_v be_v restrain_v or_o limit_v by_o itself_o for_o though_o we_o must_v allow_v something_o to_o be_v of_o itself_o whether_o we_o will_v admit_v of_o a_o god_n or_o no_o yet_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o without_o a_o contradiction_n because_o every_o cause_n must_v be_v before_o its_o effect_n and_o therefore_o to_o suppose_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o to_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o be_v to_o suppose_v it_o to_o be_v before_o itself_o that_o be_v to_o be_v when_o it_o be_v not_o or_o to_o be_v and_o not_o be_v together_o which_o be_v impossible_a when_o therefore_o we_o say_v that_o something_o be_v of_o itself_o our_o meaning_n can_v be_v no_o other_o that_o this_o that_o it_o have_v such_o a_o immense_a plenitude_n of_o be_v in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o neither_o need_v nor_o require_v any_o cause_n to_o produce_v it_o and_o how_o can_v that_o which_o be_v of_o itself_o without_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o itself_o be_v any_o way_n restrain_v or_o limit_v by_o itself_o for_o that_o which_o limit_n being_n be_v only_o the_o will_n or_o power_n of_o their_o cause_n which_o either_o will_v not_o or_o can_v not_o bestow_v any_o further_o be_v or_o perfection_n upon_o they_o and_o therefore_o only_a such_o thing_n as_o be_v cause_v be_v limit_v because_o they_o be_v produce_v out_o of_o nothing_o be_v only_o so_o far_o and_o no_o far_o bring_v into_o be_v as_o their_o cause_n be_v willing_a or_o able_a to_o bring_v they_o that_o therefore_o which_o exist_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o cause_n of_o be_v must_v exist_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o limit_n of_o be_v because_o it_o be_v neither_o limit_v by_o itself_o nor_o by_o any_o other_o cause_n and_o that_o which_o have_v nothing_o to_o limit_v it_o must_v necessary_o be_v immense_a and_o boundless_a god_n therefore_o be_v this_o self-existing_a be_v must_v necessary_o be_v of_o a_o unlimited_a essence_n a_o essence_n which_o no_o possible_a space_n can_v either_o circumscribe_v or_o define_v but_o must_v necessary_o be_v diffuse_v all_o through_o circumfuse_v all_o about_o and_o present_a with_o all_o thing_n and_o if_o he_o be_v present_a with_o all_o thing_n how_o be_v it_o imaginable_a he_o shall_v sit_v still_o among_o they_o and_o exercise_v no_o providence_n over_o they_o for_o since_o he_o be_v a_o live_n be_v he_o must_v be_v vital_o present_a wheresoever_o he_o be_v and_o that_o he_o shall_v be_v vital_o and_o yet_o unactive_o present_a among_o a_o world_n of_o being_n that_o he_o shall_v live_v in_o this_o wide_a university_n of_o thing_n and_o in_o every_o part_n of_o it_o and_o yet_o take_v no_o more_o notice_n of_o have_v no_o more_o influence_n upon_o it_o than_o if_o he_o be_v a_o dead_a and_o
order_n and_o harmony_n be_v still_o continue_a and_o preserve_v for_o it_o be_v altogether_o as_o impossible_a for_o matter_n of_o itself_o unguided_a by_o wisdom_n and_o art_n to_o pursue_v any_o constant_a course_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o any_o regular_a form_n it_o be_v as_o we_o see_v all_o tear_v and_o break_v into_o little_a part_n innumerable_o many_o and_o infinite_o diverse_a in_o their_o size_n and_o figure_n and_o motion_n and_o thence_o only_o fit_a in_o their_o several_a course_n to_o cross_v and_o confound_v each_o other_o how_o then_o be_v it_o possible_a without_o vast_a wisdom_n and_o answerable_a power_n so_o to_o manage_v this_o wild_a and_o disorder_a swarm_n of_o atom_n as_o to_o determine_v they_o to_o their_o proper_a bound_n continue_v they_o in_o their_o regular_a rank_n and_o file_n and_o preserve_v they_o in_o the_o same_o tenure_n of_o action_n so_o as_o that_o in_o all_o those_o new_a production_n of_o the_o individual_n of_o every_o kind_n of_o plant_n and_o animal_n which_o be_v every_o day_n compound_v out_o of_o they_o they_o shall_v none_o of_o they_o ever_o extravagate_v in_o their_o motion_n so_o as_o to_o disturb_v and_o hinder_v one_o another_o and_o final_o disorder_v and_o interrupt_v the_o natural_a course_n of_o generation_n when_o therefore_o we_o consider_v how_o this_o great_a machine_n of_o the_o world_n as_o the_o abovecited_a author_n express_v it_o who_o part_n be_v infinite_a for_o number_n and_o variety_n have_v stand_v six_o thousand_o year_n together_o always_o one_o and_o the_o same_o unimpaired_a in_o its_o beauty_n unworn_a in_o its_o part_n unwearied_a and_o undisturbed_a in_o its_o motion_n through_o what_o a_o infinite_a series_n of_o generation_n and_o corruption_n all_o its_o plant_n and_o animal_n have_v past_a and_o yet_o how_o after_o they_o have_v be_v corrupt_v over_o and_o over_o and_o their_o whole_a frame_n have_v be_v break_v in_o piece_n and_o all_o their_o part_n divide_v and_o disperse_v 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the_o heathen_a tully_n give_v numerous_a instance_n of_o it_o in_o his_o two_o book_n of_o divination_n in_o the_o first_o of_o which_o he_o set_v down_o this_o as_o the_o great_a principle_n of_o prediction_n esse_fw-la deos_fw-la &_o eorum_fw-la providentiâ_fw-la mundum_fw-la administrari_fw-la eosdemque_fw-la consulere_fw-la rebus_fw-la humanis_fw-la nec_fw-la solum_fw-la universis_fw-la verum_fw-la etiam_fw-la singulis_fw-la i._n e._n that_o there_o be_v god_n and_o that_o by_o their_o providence_n the_o world_n be_v govern_v that_o they_o take_v care_n of_o humane_a affair_n and_o this_o not_o only_o in_o general_n but_o in_o particular_a and_o of_o these_o prediction_n he_o tell_v we_o there_o be_v one_o chrysippus_n who_o write_v a_o large_a book_n in_o which_o he_o give_v innumerable_a instance_n of_o they_o all_o confirm_v by_o very_o good_a authority_n beside_o which_o there_o be_v their_o oracle_n and_o their_o sybilline_a write_n among_o which_o if_o there_o have_v not_o 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to_o try_v bad_a it_o will_v be_v a_o strange_a oversight_n of_o providence_n when_o it_o design_v the_o trial_n of_o both_o to_o fix_v they_o in_o such_o a_o condition_n wherein_o no_o through_o experment_fw-ge can_v be_v make_v of_o either_o so_o that_o for_o we_o to_o object_n against_o providence_n for_o make_v such_o unequal_a distribution_n in_o a_o state_n wherein_o it_o design_v our_o trial_n be_v in_o effect_n to_o object_n against_o wisdom_n for_o act_v most_o suitable_o to_o its_o own_o design_n iv._o that_o all_o thing_n here_o do_v happen_v alike_o to_o all_o be_v no_o argument_n against_o providence_n because_o the_o 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 for_o the_o divine_a providence_n which_o run_v through_o all_o thing_n have_v dispose_v and_o connect_v they_o into_o such_o a_o series_n and_o order_n that_o there_o be_v no_o single_a event_n or_o accident_n but_o what_o be_v pure_o miraculous_a but_o depend_v upon_o the_o whole_a system_n and_o have_v innumerable_a cause_n antecedent_n to_o it_o and_o innumerable_a consequent_n attend_n it_o and_o what_o these_o consequent_n will_v be_v whether_o good_a or_o bad_a be_v beyond_o our_o skill_n to_o prognosticate_v so_o that_o though_o the_o event_n be_v never_o so_o good_a or_o bad_a single_o and_o apart_o by_o itself_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o those_o consequent_n that_o will_v most_o certain_o attend_v it_o the_o best_a event_n for_o all_o we_o know_v may_v prove_v most_o mischievous_a and_o the_o worst_a most_o beneficial_a to_o we_o so_o that_o for_o we_o bold_o to_o pronounce_v concern_v the_o good_a or_o evil_a of_o event_n before_o we_o see_v the_o train_n of_o consequent_n that_o follow_v they_o be_v very_o rash_a and_o inconsiderate_a as_o for_o instance_n you_o see_v a_o good_a man_n oppress_v with_o sorrow_n and_o affliction_n and_o a_o bad_a man_n crown_v with_o pleasure_n and_o prosperity_n and_o consider_v these_o thing_n apart_o by_o themselves_o you_o conclude_v that_o the_o one_o fare_v very_o ill_a and_o the_o other_o very_o well_o but_o do_v you_o at_o the_o same_o time_n see_v the_o consequent_n of_o the_o one_o adversity_n and_o the_o other_o prosperity_n it_o be_v probable_a you_o will_v conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a viz._n that_o the_o good_a man_n adversity_n be_v a_o blessing_n and_o the_o bad_a man_n prosperity_n a_o curse_n for_o i_o dare_v bold_o affirm_v that_o good_a man_n general_o reap_v more_o substantial_a benefit_n from_o their_o affliction_n than_o bad_a man_n do_v from_o their_o prosperity_n the_o one_o smart_n indeed_o at_o present_a but_o what_o follow_v perhaps_o his_o mind_n be_v cure_v by_o it_o of_o some_o disease_n that_o be_v ten_o time_n worse_o to_o he_o than_o his_o outward_a affliction_n of_o avarice_n or_o impatience_n of_o envy_n or_o discontent_n of_o pride_n or_o vanity_n of_o spirit_n his_o riches_n be_v lessen_v but_o his_o virtue_n be_v improve_v by_o it_o his_o body_n be_v impair_v but_o his_o mind_n be_v grow_v sound_n and_o hail_n by_o it_o and_o what_o he_o have_v lose_v in_o health_n or_o wealth_n or_o pleasure_n or_o honour_n he_o have_v gain_v with_o vast_a advantage_n in_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n in_o tranquillity_n of_o mind_n and_o self-enjoyment_n and_o methinks_v no_o man_n who_o believe_v he_o have_v a_o soul_n shall_v grudge_n to_o suffer_v any_o tolerable_a affliction_n for_o the_o better_n his_o mind_n his_o will_n and_o his_o conscience_n on_o the_o other_o hand_n the_o bad_a man_n triumph_n and_o rejoice_v at_o present_a but_o what_o follow_v his_o prosperity_n either_o shriule_n he_o into_o miserableness_n or_o melt_v he_o into_o luxury_n the_o former_a of_o which_o impoverish_v and_o the_o latter_a disease_n he_o for_o if_o the_o former_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o prosperity_n it_o increase_v his_o needs_o because_o before_o he_o need_v only_o what_o he_o have_v not_o but_o now_o he_o need_v both_o what_o he_o have_v not_o and_o what_o he_o have_v his_o covetous_a desire_n treat_v he_o as_o the_o falconer_n do_v his_o hawk_n still_o lure_a he_o off_o from_o what_o he_o have_v seize_v to_o fly_v at_o new_a game_n and_o never_o permit_v he_o to_o prey_v upon_o his_o own_o quarry_n and_o if_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o prosperity_n that_o be_v if_o it_o melt_v he_o into_o luxury_n it_o thereby_o waste_v his_o health_n to_o be_v sure_a and_o common_o his_o estate_n too_o and_o so_o whereas_o it_o find_v he_o poor_a and_o well_o it_o leave_v he_o poor_a and_o disease_a and_o only_o take_v he_o up_o from_o the_o blow_n and_o set_v he_o down_o at_o the_o hospital_n in_o general_n while_o he_o be_v possess_v of_o it_o it_o only_o bloat_v and_o swell_v he_o make_v he_o proud_a and_o insolent_a gripe_a and_o oppressive_a pamper_n and_o enrage_v his_o lust_n stretch_v out_o his_o desire_n into_o a_o insatiable_a bulimy_a stick_v his_o mind_n full_a of_o care_n and_o his_o conscience_n of_o guilt_n and_o by_o all_o these_o woeful_a effect_n it_o inflame_v his_o reckon_a with_o god_n and_o treasure_n up_o wrath_n for_o he_o against_o the_o day_n of_o wrath_n so_o that_o compare_v the_o consequent_n of_o the_o good_a man_n adversity_n with_o those_o of_o the_o bad_a man_n prosperity_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o former_a fare_v well_o even_o in_o his_o worst_a condition_n and_o the_o latter_a ill_n in_o his_o best_a it_o be_v well_o for_o i_o say_v good_a david_n that_o i_o be_v afflict_v for_o before_o i_o be_v afflict_v i_o go_v astray_o but_o now_o i_o have_v keep_v thy_o commandment_n psalm_n 119.67_o but_o on_o the_o contrary_a when_o the_o wicked_a spring_n as_o the_o grass_n say_v the_o same_o author_n and_o when_o all_o the_o worker_n of_o iniquity_n do_v
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
be_v nothing_o have_v it_o not_o be_v for_o the_o cause_n that_o give_v be_v to_o it_o and_o therefore_o that_o it_o be_v so_o far_o nothing_o still_o i._n e._n limit_v and_o defective_a be_v only_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o its_o own_o primitive_a nothingness_n as_o for_o instance_n if_o i_o give_v a_o poor_a man_n a_o hundred_o pound_n that_o he_o be_v worth_a so_o much_o money_n be_v whole_o owe_v to_o i_o but_o that_o he_o be_v not_o worth_a a_o hundred_o more_o be_v owe_v only_o to_o his_o own_o poverty_n and_o just_o so_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v whole_o owe_v to_o god_n who_o produce_v i_o out_o of_o nothing_o but_o that_o i_o have_v such_o and_o such_o defect_n of_o be_v be_v only_o owe_v to_o that_o nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o he_o produce_v i_o and_o therefore_o since_o our_o perfection_n be_v derive_v from_o god_n but_o not_o our_o defect_n it_o be_v altogether_o as_o unreasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o latter_a to_o to_o he_o as_o it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o attribute_v the_o former_a now_o the_o defect_n of_o create_a perfection_n which_o we_o be_v to_o remove_v and_o abstract_n from_o god_n in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o be_v of_o two_o sort_n first_o of_o the_o thing_n second_o of_o the_o mode_n of_o thing_n the_o defect_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n itself_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o whole_o exclude_v something_o much_o better_a and_o more_o perfect_a thus_o matter_n for_o instance_n be_v defective_a in_o the_o thing_n because_o it_o exclude_v spiritual_a and_o immaterial_a substance_n which_o be_v much_o more_o excellent_a than_o itself_o the_o defect_n of_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n be_v when_o the_o thing_n be_v so_o excellent_a in_o itself_o as_o that_o it_o exclude_v nothing_o better_a but_o yet_o be_v deficient_a in_o degree_n of_o perfection_n as_o for_o instance_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n reason_n and_o understanding_n be_v thing_n so_o excellent_a in_o themselves_o as_o that_o they_o exclude_v nothing_o that_o be_v more_o excellent_a but_o yet_o as_o reside_v in_o create_a being_n want_n a_o great_a many_o possible_a degree_n of_o perfection_n now_o both_o these_o defect_n be_v natural_a be_v uncause_v and_o so_o can_v proceed_v from_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n and_o not_o proceed_v from_o he_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v in_o he_o and_o therefore_o in_o our_o conception_n of_o he_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v attribute_v to_o he_o in_o respect_n therefore_o of_o these_o twofold_a defect_n in_o create_a perfection_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v conceive_v of_o god_n in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n and_o eminence_n as_o well_o as_o of_o causality_n otherwise_o we_o shall_v injurious_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o defect_n of_o his_o creature_n of_o which_o he_o be_v not_o the_o cause_n as_o well_o as_o their_o perfection_n of_o which_o he_o be_v if_o therefore_o we_o will_v do_v god_n right_a in_o our_o thought_n and_o conception_n of_o he_o we_o must_v in_o the_o first_o place_n remove_v from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o thing_n that_o be_v all_o matter_n and_o material_a perfection_n because_o they_o be_v defective_a in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n as_o exclude_v such_o substance_n and_o perfection_n as_o be_v incomparable_o more_o excellent_a than_o themselves_o and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n which_o consist_v in_o remove_v all_o kind_n of_o matter_n and_o material_a affection_n from_o our_o thought_n and_o apprehension_n of_o god_n and_o then_o in_o the_o second_o place_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o he_o all_o defect_n in_o the_o mode_n of_o the_o thing_n i._n e_o all_o the_o defect_n of_o degree_n in_o those_o spiritual_a perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n which_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o and_o raise_v and_o exalt_v they_o in_o our_o own_o mind_n to_o their_o utmost_a height_n and_o eminence_n and_o this_o be_v to_o conceive_v of_o he_o in_o the_o way_n of_o eminency_n which_o consist_v in_o ascribe_v to_o god_n the_o short_a and_o limit_a perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n abstract_v from_o all_o defect_n and_o limitation_n these_o three_o way_n therefore_o be_v all_o indispensable_o necessary_a to_o lead_v we_o to_o a_o true_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n as_o will_n yet_o far_o appear_v by_o the_o follow_a rule_n i_o shall_v lay_v down_o for_o the_o form_v a_o right_a notion_n and_o apprehension_n of_o he_o first_o if_o we_o will_v think_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v attribute_v all_o possible_a perfection_n to_o he_o second_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o the_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n three_o in_o ascribe_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o creature_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o they_o every_o thing_n that_o be_v defective_a and_o imperfect_a four_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v distinguish_v between_o the_o state_n and_o relation_n of_o god_n and_o creature_n five_o though_o in_o argue_v from_o the_o perfection_n of_o the_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o be_v not_o to_o subject_v he_o to_o the_o rule_n of_o a_o creature_n yet_o we_o be_v always_o to_o suppose_v his_o will_n and_o his_o power_n to_o be_v in_o perfect_a subjection_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n six_o in_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n we_o must_v always_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v exact_o harmonious_a and_o consistent_a with_o each_o other_o i._o to_o the_o form_v a_o right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o we_o ascribe_v to_o he_o all_o possible_a perfection_n for_o he_o be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o the_o perfection_n of_o be_v be_v derive_v must_v necessary_o include_v all_o perfection_n in_o himself_o and_o be_v all_o those_o perfection_n which_o he_o have_v communicate_v to_o other_o for_o how_o can_v he_o give_v that_o which_o he_o have_v not_o it_o be_v true_a indeed_o free_a cause_n may_v give_v less_o to_o their_o effect_n than_o they_o have_v in_o themselves_o but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v give_v more_o though_o they_o may_v withhold_v from_o their_o effect_n any_o perfection_n or_o degree_n of_o perfection_n which_o they_o have_v they_o can_v derive_v to_o they_o any_o which_o they_o have_v not_o whatsoever_o therefore_o be_v a_o perfection_n of_o be_v must_v necessary_o be_v essential_a to_o that_o supreme_a cause_n from_o whence_o all_o be_v be_v derive_v otherwise_o there_o will_v be_v more_o in_o his_o effect_n than_o there_o be_v in_o himself_o and_o consequent_o more_o than_o he_o can_v give_v or_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o as_o all_o those_o perfection_n that_o be_v in_o create_a being_n must_v necessary_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n so_o must_v all_o those_o too_o that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o for_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o who_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o no_o perfection_n can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o that_o be_v not_o actual_o in_o he_o for_o no_o cause_n can_v produce_v that_o perfection_n in_o another_o which_o it_o have_v not_o in_o itself_o and_o therefore_o if_o there_o be_v any_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o it_o be_v impossible_a it_o shall_v ever_o be_v produce_v by_o he_o and_o that_o which_o be_v impossible_a to_o god_n must_v be_v impossible_a in_o its_o own_o nature_n that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o omnipotent_a power_n be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n and_o that_o which_o be_v not_o a_o object_n of_o any_o power_n be_v in_o itself_o impossible_a since_o therefore_o every_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o itself_o must_v be_v possible_a to_o god_n and_o since_o no_o perfection_n that_o be_v not_o in_o he_o can_v be_v possible_a to_o he_o it_o necessary_o follow_v that_o all_o the_o perfection_n that_o be_v possible_a in_o themselves_o be_v actual_o exist_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n ii_o in_o form_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n perfection_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n for_o our_o understanding_n be_v too_o shortsighted_a to_o penetrate_v immediate_o into_o the_o substance_n and_o essence_n of_o thing_n have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o know_v and_o apprehend_v they_o but_o either_o by_o their_o cause_n or_o by_o their_o effect_n but_o now_o god_n be_v the_o first_o and_o supreme_a fountain_n of_o all_o cause_n can_v be_v know_v by_o his_o cause_n because_o he_o have_v none_o and_o therefore_o be_v knowable_a only_o by_o his_o effect_n
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
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 choose_v they_o not_o only_o to_o overlook_v all_o their_o fault_n but_o to_o hide_v they_o from_o his_o own_o eye_n with_o the_o mantle_n of_o another_o righteousness_n that_o so_o how_o ill_o soever_o they_o behave_v themselves_o he_o may_v never_o see_v cause_n to_o be_v displease_v with_o they_o from_o these_o and_o other_o instance_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o our_o own_o for_o first_o our_o partiality_n to_o ourselves_o make_v we_o magnify_v our_o own_o fault_n into_o perfection_n and_o then_o whatsoever_o we_o reckon_v a_o perfection_n in_o ourselves_o we_o natural_o attribute_v to_o god_n and_o so_o many_o time_n it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n be_v nothing_o but_o the_o image_n of_o ourselves_o which_o narcissus-like_o we_o fall_v in_o love_n with_o for_o no_o other_o reason_n but_o because_o they_o reflect_v our_o own_o sweet_a likeness_n as_o 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immorality_n of_o their_o life_n by_o the_o form_n and_o outside_n of_o religion_n by_o uncommand_v severity_n and_o affect_a singularity_n by_o contend_v for_o opinion_n and_o stickle_v for_o party_n and_o be_v pragmatical_o zealous_a about_o the_o border_n and_o fringe_n of_o religion_n other_o there_o be_v that_o to_o quiet_a their_o anxious_a mind_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n in_o christ_n at_o least_o be_v all_o mercy_n and_o goodness_n without_o the_o least_o allay_n of_o righteous_a severity_n or_o vindictive_a justice_n and_o be_v thus_o persuade_v they_o sin_v on_o secure_o and_o under_o the_o wing_n of_o his_o mercy_n affront_v his_o authority_n without_o any_o disturbance_n other_o again_o that_o to_o stifle_v the_o sense_n of_o their_o own_o guilt_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n have_v irrevocable_o determine_v the_o everlasting_a fate_n of_o man_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o do_n and_o that_o those_o who_o he_o will_v save_v he_o will_v save_v 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