the_o christian_n p._n 376._o §_o xl._o the_o persecution_n not_o set_v on_o foot_n or_o carry_v on_o by_o the_o governor_n themselves_o but_o the_o rage_n and_o fury_n of_o the_o fanatic_a rabble_n p._n 380._o §_o xli_o the_o rabble_n enrage_v against_o they_o by_o impudent_a lie_n and_o calumny_n p._n 387._o §_o xlii_o christianity_n oppose_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n upon_o the_o score_n of_o superstition_n a_o account_n of_o the_o superstition_n of_o that_o sect._n of_o porphyry_n hierocles_n and_o julian_n p._n 391._o §_o xliii_o christianity_n oppose_v by_o the_o epicurean_o upon_o the_o score_n of_o atheism_n a_o large_a account_n and_o particular_a confutation_n of_o celsus_n his_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n p._n 397._o §_o xliv_o the_o conclusion_n p._n 417._o a_o demonstration_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o the_o future_a state_n of_o mankind_n from_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n part_n i._n §_o 1._o have_v already_o from_o all_o those_o admirable_a contrivance_n that_o be_v visible_a in_o nature_n and_o from_o all_o those_o wise_a design_n that_o discover_v themselves_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n demonstrate_v that_o there_o be_v a_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o universe_n i_o shall_v now_o endeavour_v in_o the_o same_o method_n and_o by_o the_o same_o argument_n to_o discover_v that_o model_n of_o government_n that_o he_o have_v set_v down_o to_o himself_o and_o those_o law_n that_o he_o have_v prescribe_v to_o we_o and_o those_o sanction_n by_o which_o he_o have_v recommend_v they_o to_o our_o practice_n and_o here_o i_o shall_v desire_v nothing_o more_o to_o be_v grant_v i_o then_o what_o i_o think_v i_o have_v sufficient_a right_a to_o demand_v viz._n what_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n or_o a_o author_n of_o the_o universe_n and_o that_o be_v the_o last_o result_n of_o this_o enquiry_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o our_o present_a disquisition_n and_o we_o must_v turn_v back_o to_o the_o former_a question_n which_o must_v be_v determine_v before_o we_o can_v proceed_v to_o this_o enquiry_n but_o that_o be_v grant_v the_o other_o unavoidable_o follow_v that_o if_o the_o world_n be_v govern_v by_o a_o divine_a providence_n there_o be_v then_o some_o certain_a law_n and_o rule_n of_o government_n and_o therefore_o the_o epicurean_o when_o they_o will_v take_v away_o all_o natural_a obligation_n to_o religion_n justice_n and_o honesty_n first_o endeavour_n to_o free_v the_o mind_n of_o man_n from_o all_o apprehension_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o without_o a_o lawgiver_n there_o can_v be_v no_o law_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v no_o deity_n or_o if_o the_o deity_n that_o be_v have_v no_o regard_n to_o or_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a affair_n he_o can_v neither_o prescribe_v any_o thing_n to_o our_o action_n nor_o abet_v his_o prescription_n with_o reward_n and_o punishment_n these_o man_n be_v consistent_a with_o themselves_o and_o their_o principle_n but_o master_n hobbs_n that_o he_o may_v be_v constant_a to_o his_o own_o way_n of_o contradict_v himself_o as_o well_o as_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o have_v give_v we_o a_o body_n of_o natural_a law_n that_o be_v never_o enact_v by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o legislator_n for_o upon_o that_o one_o absurd_a supposition_n he_o find_v all_o his_o morality_n begin_v his_o hypothesis_n from_o a_o suppose_a state_n of_o nature_n in_o which_o nothing_o be_v or_o can_v be_v just_a or_o unjust_a which_o can_v never_o be_v suppose_v if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n and_o to_o suppose_v it_o be_v to_o suppose_v no_o deity_n and_o than_o whatever_o law_n the_o philosopher_n afterward_o provide_v for_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n they_o be_v make_v law_n by_o himself_o and_o require_v obedience_n without_o the_o will_n and_o command_n of_o a_o governor_n and_o there_o be_v the_o whole_a mystery_n of_o all_o his_o politic_n by_o this_o sly_a supposition_n to_o leave_v the_o deity_n out_o of_o the_o government_n of_o the_o world_n and_o without_o it_o there_o be_v no_o difference_n between_o his_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o those_o of_o all_o mankind_n for_o though_o he_o boast_v himself_o the_o founder_n of_o all_o morality_n yet_o he_o give_v we_o the_o very_a same_o that_o have_v be_v acknowledge_v in_o all_o age_n only_o we_o must_v not_o receive_v they_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o god_n but_o upon_o his_o own_o for_o by_o virtue_n of_o his_o own_o wit_n after_o he_o have_v discard_v the_o authority_n of_o god_n he_o have_v as_o he_o think_v find_v out_o a_o way_n to_o make_v they_o obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o world_n but_o how_o ineffectual_o to_o his_o own_o purpose_n and_o how_o inconsistent_o with_o himself_o i_o shall_v not_o now_o trouble_v myself_o to_o inquire_v have_v elsewhere_o sufficient_o prove_v that_o by_o that_o one_o supposition_n he_o have_v irrecoverable_o let_v all_o mankind_n loose_v to_o all_o manner_n of_o wickedness_n and_o villainy_n but_o if_o we_o will_v own_v any_o law_n of_o nature_n to_o any_o material_a purpose_n of_o life_n we_o must_v first_o suppose_v a_o supreme_a governor_n by_o who_o authority_n they_o be_v enact_v and_o to_o who_o we_o be_v accountable_a for_o our_o duty_n and_o obedience_n so_o that_o all_o that_o remain_v to_o be_v account_v for_o be_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n a_o divine_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n enjoin_v its_o observance_n to_o all_o mankind_n for_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v make_v and_o contrive_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a cause_n that_o propose_v to_o himself_o some_o design_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o every_o part_n than_o whatever_o effect_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o they_o stand_v contrive_v and_o constitute_v by_o he_o be_v to_o be_v ultimate_o resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n and_o therefore_o whatever_o notion_n or_o observation_n be_v imprint_v upon_o our_o sense_n or_o upon_o our_o mind_n by_o outward_a object_n he_o be_v as_o much_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o such_o impression_n as_o if_o they_o have_v be_v stamp_v upon_o we_o immediate_o by_o himself_o if_o then_o from_o the_o observation_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n that_o present_v themselves_o to_o our_o sense_n we_o be_v make_v to_o understand_v that_o such_o action_n produce_v such_o effect_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o if_o we_o have_v receive_v our_o informa_fw-la tion_n from_o the_o supreme_a author_n himself_o because_o he_o have_v on_o purpose_n so_o contrive_v they_o as_o to_o make_v it_o necessary_a for_o we_o to_o take_v notice_n of_o that_o information_n that_o be_v give_v we_o by_o their_o be_v so_o contrive_v and_o herein_o consist_v the_o institution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n that_o god_n have_v signify_v to_o we_o his_o own_o design_n and_o intention_n towards_o mankind_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o and_o have_v induce_v we_o to_o pursue_v the_o same_o design_n with_o himself_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o comply_v with_o or_o disobey_v his_o will._n for_o that_o be_v all_o that_o be_v proper_a or_o necessary_a to_o make_v a_o law_n or_o to_o pass_v a_o obligation_n first_o to_o declare_v the_o will_n or_o command_v of_o the_o legislatour_n second_o to_o enforce_v obedience_n to_o it_o by_o consequent_a reward_n and_o penalty_n so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v be_v prove_v that_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n have_v signify_v any_o certain_a rule_n of_o life_n to_o mankind_n by_o the_o very_a order_n and_o frame_n of_o nature_n and_o that_o he_o have_v far_a make_v they_o obligatory_a to_o all_o the_o world_n by_o make_v the_o same_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o the_o duty_n and_o the_o reward_n as_o there_o be_v between_o every_o natural_a cause_n and_o effect_v their_o obligation_n will_v be_v establish_v upon_o no_o weak_a ground_n or_o proof_n then_o of_o certain_a demonstration_n and_o we_o shall_v have_v the_o same_o assurance_n that_o they_o be_v design_v for_o the_o rule_n of_o our_o action_n as_o we_o can_v have_v that_o any_o natural_a cause_n be_v ordain_v to_o produce_v its_o natural_a effect_n and_o it_o will_v be_v as_o manifest_v from_o the_o whole_a constitution_n of_o nature_n when_o it_o be_v consider_v and_o reflect_v upon_o that_o god_n intend_v mankind_n shall_v govern_v themselves_o by_o such_o certain_a principle_n as_o that_o it_o be_v the_o office_n of_o the_o sun_n to_o give_v light_n to_o the_o world_n this_o be_v the_o thing_n that_o i_o here_o attempt_v to_o prove_v and_o hope_v to_o perform_v and_o the_o proof_n of_o it_o will_v consist_v of_o these_o two_o part_n first_o to_o demonstrate_v the_o publication_n second_o the_o sanction_n
and_o solitary_a and_o infinite_o more_o unsafe_a than_o hare_n and_o fox_n and_o vermin_n and_o we_o shall_v all_o without_o a_o metaphor_n be_v worse_o than_o wolf_n to_o one_o another_o always_o insecure_a and_o uneasy_a eat_v up_o with_o jealousy_n and_o suspicion_n troublesome_a to_o ourselves_o and_o to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o and_o in_o continual_a fear_n and_o danger_n from_o the_o whole_a creation_n and_o yet_o in_o spite_n of_o all_o our_o vigilance_n and_o industry_n every_o man_n life_n will_v be_v short_a and_o his_o death_n violent_a all_o this_o be_v so_o manifest_a at_o first_o view_n that_o one_o will_v wonder_v how_o a_o late_a author_n can_v be_v so_o wild_a as_o well_o as_o wicked_a in_o his_o conceit_n as_o not_o only_o to_o define_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o be_v a_o state_n of_o war_n but_o to_o lay_v down_o this_o supposition_n as_o the_o only_a fundamental_a principle_n of_o all_o government_n and_o morality_n for_o if_o that_o be_v the_o state_n of_o nature_n to_o which_o nature_n itself_o will_v guide_v and_o direct_v reasonable_a man_n though_o they_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n of_o law_n or_o covenant_n no_o nor_o deity_n then_o certain_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n must_v be_v a_o state_n of_o peace_n and_o friendship_n in_o that_o it_o be_v so_o apparent_a from_o the_o plain_a and_o most_o familiar_a observation_n of_o thing_n that_o mankind_n be_v furnish_v with_o sufficient_a provision_n for_o the_o necessity_n and_o comfort_n of_o life_n if_o every_o man_n will_v be_v content_a with_o his_o own_o moderate_a and_o reasonable_a proportion_n but_o if_o not_o that_o then_o their_o life_n must_v of_o necessity_n become_v for_o ever_o forlorn_a and_o miserable_a and_o that_o they_o will_v all_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v ever_o secure_a in_o their_o own_o enjoyment_n that_o it_o will_v be_v plain_o impossible_a for_o every_o or_o any_o single_a person_n to_o defend_v himself_o against_o the_o fraud_n or_o the_o violence_n of_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o if_o this_o i_o say_v be_v so_o visible_a from_o the_o very_a first_o observation_n of_o thing_n mankind_n can_v be_v suppose_v so_o wild_a and_o extravagant_a unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v they_o all_o perfect_o mad_a and_o void_a of_o all_o sense_n of_o wisdom_n and_o reason_n as_o natural_o to_o fall_v into_o a_o state_n of_o mutual_a hatred_n and_o enmity_n when_o that_o be_v so_o manifest_a a_o contradiction_n to_o the_o first_o dictate_v of_o their_o own_o understanding_n and_o the_o most_o obvious_a direction_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o they_o can_v never_o come_v into_o this_o inhuman_a condition_n of_o life_n till_o they_o become_v so_o unwise_a and_o so_o unnatural_a as_o to_o act_v against_o all_o the_o principle_n of_o their_o own_o reason_n and_o all_o the_o suggestion_n of_o their_o own_o interest_n so_o far_o be_v this_o from_o be_v the_o original_a state_n of_o humane_a nature_n that_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o a_o providence_n nothing_o can_v ever_o betray_v man_n into_o it_o but_o the_o most_o unnatural_a and_o unreasonable_a folly_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o though_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o humane_a race_n spring_v out_o of_o the_o earth_n without_o dependence_n upon_o or_o obligation_n to_o any_o creator_n yet_o if_o we_o will_v be_v please_v only_o to_o suppose_v they_o endue_v with_o the_o faculty_n and_o apprehension_n of_o man_n they_o will_v natural_o fall_v into_o a_o condition_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n it_o be_v so_o evident_o every_o man_n interest_n to_o seek_v and_o procure_v it_o so_o that_o this_o imaginary_a state_n of_o war_n be_v just_a so_o much_o the_o state_n of_o nature_n as_o it_o be_v for_o all_o mankind_n to_o be_v fool_n and_o madman_n but_o if_o it_o be_v more_o natural_a for_o this_o sort_n of_o being_n that_o we_o call_v man_n to_o be_v guide_v in_o their_o action_n by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o the_o conviction_n of_o their_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o love_n of_o their_o own_o self_n that_o will_v immediate_o reverse_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o their_o thought_n and_o inclination_n and_o bend_v all_o their_o design_n to_o a_o quite_o contrary_a course_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o of_o every_o man_n be_v fall_v upon_o every_o man_n he_o meet_v as_o that_o hypothesis_n imagine_v he_o will_v court_v his_o friendship_n though_o he_o have_v no_o other_o motive_n to_o it_o than_o that_o by_o his_o help_n and_o assistance_n he_o may_v the_o better_o secure_v his_o own_o safety_n and_o if_o it_o be_v natural_a for_o every_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n to_o seek_v and_o desire_v that_o which_o no_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n can_v ever_o doubt_v of_o it_o be_v as_o natural_a to_o enlarge_v his_o friendship_n and_o dependence_n in_o that_o as_o many_o as_o he_o endear_v or_o oblige_v so_o many_o he_o engage_v to_o his_o service_n and_o defence_n so_o that_o so_o far_o as_o man_n live_v according_a to_o the_o first_o principle_n of_o nature_n and_o discretion_n so_o far_o do_v they_o endeavour_v after_o the_o love_n and_o goodwill_n of_o mankind_n because_o their_o safety_n and_o happiness_n be_v great_a or_o less_o according_a to_o the_o number_n of_o their_o friend_n or_o enemy_n and_o therefore_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o secure_v his_o own_o quiet_a be_v concern_v to_o secure_v the_o goodwill_n of_o all_o man_n and_o to_o procure_v it_o by_o be_v as_o unfeigned_o concern_v for_o their_o welfare_n as_o for_o his_o own_o for_o that_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a and_o effectual_a method_n to_o engage_v any_o man_n to_o seek_v or_o consult_v my_o interest_n to_o convince_v he_o that_o it_o be_v most_o serviceable_a to_o his_o own_o so_o that_o the_o strong_a motive_n that_o can_v be_v propound_v to_o court_v his_o benevolence_n be_v to_o persuade_v and_o satisfy_v he_o that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o natural_a and_o most_o probable_a way_n to_o endear_v i_o to_o his_o cause_n and_o service_n and_o therefore_o upon_o the_o same_o principle_n that_o every_o man_n be_v incline_v to_o seek_v his_o own_o private_a good_a unless_o he_o will_v direct_o cross_v with_o his_o own_o design_n he_o be_v oblige_v to_o seek_v the_o public_a too_o i._n e._n the_o good_a of_o all_o other_o within_o the_o sphere_n of_o his_o own_o power_n and_o capacity_n but_o now_o if_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o direct_v to_o this_o by_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o if_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v so_o frame_v and_o contrive_v on_o purpose_n by_o a_o wise_a and_o supreme_a cause_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a indication_n to_o mankind_n that_o it_o be_v his_o mind_n and_o will_n that_o they_o shall_v govern_v themselves_o and_o their_o action_n by_o its_o direction_n because_o as_o i_o premise_v at_o the_o beginning_n the_o whole_a train_n of_o natural_a effect_n be_v ultimate_o to_o be_v resolve_v into_o his_o providence_n that_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o of_o all_o the_o property_n that_o result_v from_o it_o and_o therefore_o if_o the_o usefulness_n and_o necessity_n of_o this_o rule_n be_v so_o evident_a in_o the_o whole_a contrivance_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v the_o author_n of_o nature_n that_o have_v make_v it_o so_o and_o then_o there_o be_v no_o avoid_v the_o conclusion_n without_o downright_a and_o wilful_a perverseness_n but_o that_o he_o intend_v that_o those_o of_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v able_a to_o make_v observation_n upon_o his_o work_n shall_v take_v it_o for_o the_o rule_n of_o their_o action_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o author_n of_o nature_n this_o be_v a_o demonstrative_a proof_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n and_o no_o man_n can_v desire_v a_o great_a evidence_n than_o he_o have_v or_o may_v have_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o that_o supposition_n for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n it_o be_v certain_a we_o can_v be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o if_o he_o have_v so_o clear_o discover_v his_o will_n in_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n he_o have_v do_v all_o that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o establish_v it_o into_o a_o law_n and_o declare_v it_o a_o matter_n of_o our_o duty_n so_o that_o by_o the_o same_o method_n that_o we_o arrive_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o supreme_a cause_n be_v we_o force_v into_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o his_o sovereign_n will_v and_o pleasure_n and_o if_o from_o all_o the_o wonderful_a and_o curious_a contrivance_n that_o appear_v in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n it_o be_v reasonable_a to_o conclude_v that_o they_o be_v so_o dispose_v by_o a_o wise_a and_o intelligent_a be_v the_o very_a same_o appearance_n that_o discover_v he_o discover_v his_o intention_n too_o and_o therefore_o whoever_o go_v about_o to_o avoid_v the_o obligation_n
of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n must_v first_o cashier_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n and_o then_o indeed_o as_o i_o observe_v at_o first_o our_o work_n be_v do_v for_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o vindicate_v the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o his_o providence_n if_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n at_o all_o for_o that_o destroy_v the_o matter_n of_o enquiry_n and_o the_o supposition_n upon_o which_o we_o argue_v and_o then_o we_o must_v betake_v ourselves_o to_o a_o new_a dispute_n and_o prove_v the_o existence_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o when_o that_o be_v grant_v we_o may_v then_o and_o not_o till_o then_o proceed_v to_o demonstrate_v from_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o his_o providence_n the_o obligation_n of_o his_o law_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v demand_v or_o need_v to_o be_v perform_v upon_o supposition_n of_o a_o supreme_a governor_n of_o the_o world_n to_o assign_v by_o what_o law_n he_o govern_v it_o and_o he_o be_v a_o very_a unreasonable_a man_n that_o require_v 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purpose_n when_o he_o have_v make_v every_o man_n private_a good_a so_o manifest_o to_o depend_v upon_o his_o sincere_a and_o serious_a endeavour_n to_o promote_v the_o good_a of_o all_o with_o the_o same_o necessary_a connexion_n as_o natural_a effect_n do_v upon_o their_o natural_a cause_n and_o therefore_o see_v we_o have_v such_o a_o ample_a assurance_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o our_o duty_n and_o such_o vehement_a enforcement_n to_o perform_v it_o we_o have_v all_o the_o condition_n that_o can_v be_v require_v to_o bring_v we_o under_o the_o power_n of_o a_o law_n or_o a_o obligation_n to_o obedience_n §_o v._o now_o this_o sense_n of_o mutual_a benevolence_n as_o it_o contain_v in_o it_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o justice_n and_o equity_n and_o be_v able_a if_o attend_v to_o without_o any_o other_o direction_n to_o preserve_v man_n honest_a and_o virtuous_a in_o all_o their_o intercourse_n of_o life_n so_o it_o erect_v without_o any_o train_n of_o consequence_n the_o two_o thing_n 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nature_n and_o be_v as_o evident_a to_o any_o man_n that_o observe_v the_o natural_a frame_n of_o thing_n as_o any_o experiment_n in_o natural_a philosophy_n or_o problem_n in_o mathematics_n and_o resolve_v themselves_o into_o such_o proposition_n as_o these_o that_o those_o cause_n that_o preserve_v the_o whole_a preserve_v its_o part_n also_o and_o that_o those_o that_o preserve_v the_o part_n preserve_v the_o whole_a but_o for_o a_o full_a and_o more_o distinct_a demonstration_n of_o both_o we_o shall_v prove_v and_o consider_v they_o apart_o and_o first_o as_o for_o society_n it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a to_o the_o support_n and_o comfort_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n for_o be_v this_o once_o dissolve_v and_o shall_v mankind_n once_o betake_v themselves_o to_o the_o wood_n and_o the_o desert_n and_o imitate_v the_o manner_n of_o wild_a and_o unsociable_a creature_n they_o must_v subsist_v by_o destroy_v and_o prey_v upon_o each_o other_o and_o then_o the_o most_o innocent_a will_v always_o be_v the_o least_o secure_a as_o never_o be_v apt_a to_o invade_v other_o man_n right_n and_o lie_v always_o expose_v to_o other_o man_n wrong_n and_o injury_n and_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o most_o injurious_a will_v always_o upon_o that_o account_n be_v the_o least_o unhappy_a ever_o study_v to_o enlarge_v the_o bound_n of_o their_o power_n by_o wily_a and_o unjust_a invasion_n and_o then_o the_o wanton_a and_o the_o violent_a leviathan_n must_v at_o length_n devour_v all_o as_o be_v the_o cruel_a and_o so_o more_o apt_a the_o strong_a and_o so_o more_o able_a to_o oppress_v the_o rest_n whence_o that_o say_n of_o one_o of_o the_o ancient_n that_o law_n and_o society_n be_v establish_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o wise_a and_o good_a man_n viz._n to_o preserve_v they_o from_o the_o injury_n and_o oppression_n of_o the_o bad_a for_o as_o much_o as_o if_o these_o will_v but_o be_v content_a to_o prescribe_v bound_n to_o their_o appetite_n and_o moderate_v their_o desire_n by_o the_o capacity_n of_o nature_n they_o will_v never_o be_v dispose_v nor_o invite_v to_o encroach_v upon_o other_o man_n enjoyment_n but_o whilst_o their_o appetite_n be_v unbridled_a and_o exorbitant_a and_o not_o restrain_v within_o the_o necessity_n and_o conveniency_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v be_v invade_v the_o share_n and_o propriety_n of_o their_o honest_a and_o harmless_a neighbour_n to_o satisfy_v their_o wanton_a and_o unreasonable_a humour_n this_o then_o be_v the_o proper_a end_n and_o usefulness_n of_o society_n to_o institute_v a_o common_a amity_n and_o friendship_n among_o man_n to_o unite_v multitude_n together_o into_o combination_n of_o friendship_n to_o endear_v they_o to_o each_o other_o by_o mutual_a office_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n and_o by_o a_o joint_a defence_n of_o their_o common_a welfare_n against_o all_o foreign_a injury_n and_o invasion_n so_o that_o to_o be_v just_a and_o honest_a be_v only_o to_o be_v true_a and_o faithful_a to_o our_o friend_n and_o be_v mankind_n as_o faithful_a to_o one_o another_o as_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n require_v and_o the_o author_n of_o it_o expect_v there_o will_v be_v no_o need_n of_o civil_a law_n and_o penalty_n that_o be_v only_o a_o second_o and_o subsidiary_a help_n to_o force_v a_o few_o bad_a man_n to_o preserve_v that_o amity_n and_o friendship_n which_o be_v they_o good_a and_o virtuous_a they_o will_v choose_v of_o their_o own_o accord_n as_o most_o reasonable_a in_o itself_o and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o humane_a nature_n so_o that_o this_o be_v plain_a that_o if_o man_n will_v but_o reflect_v upon_o the_o condition_n of_o their_o nature_n consider_v the_o insufficiency_n of_o their_o own_o personal_a strength_n to_o their_o own_o security_n observe_v the_o necessity_n of_o a_o public_a concern_v in_o order_n to_o the_o preservation_n of_o
raise_v against_o christianity_n but_o as_o for_o that_o private_a opposition_n that_o it_o meet_v with_o from_o philosopher_n and_o pretend_o learn_v man_n it_o be_v so_o very_o contemptible_a that_o it_o scarce_o deserve_v consideration_n for_o though_o one_o will_v expect_v to_o have_v find_v all_o the_o learned_a world_n engage_v in_o a_o controversy_n that_o concern_v the_o whole_a world_n yet_o they_o be_v very_o few_o that_o concern_v themselves_o against_o the_o christian_a cause_n and_o those_o that_o do_v so_o only_o pelt_v at_o it_o with_o remote_a and_o far-fetched_a cavil_n but_o never_o come_v up_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n which_o be_v the_o only_a pertinent_a subject_n in_o this_o enquiry_n and_o if_o that_o stand_v firm_a all_o other_o opposition_n fall_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n and_o break_v its_o own_o force_n upon_o itself_o by_o endeavour_v to_o disparage_v the_o truth_n of_o a_o thing_n that_o it_o can_v deny_v or_o to_o prove_v the_o same_o thing_n to_o be_v false_a that_o it_o can_v but_o confess_v to_o be_v true_a nay_o so_o far_o be_v they_o from_o put_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n to_o the_o question_n that_o they_o be_v all_o force_a to_o take_v it_o for_o grant_v porphyry_n and_o celsus_n impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o magic_n hierole_n and_o trypho_n say_v only_o that_o the_o christian_n make_v too_o much_o of_o they_o by_o make_v a_o god_n of_o a_o divine_a man_n julian_n tell_v we_o that_o he_o do_v no_o such_o great_a matter_n but_o only_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a so_o that_o it_o seem_v none_o of_o they_o be_v at_o that_o time_n hardy_a enough_o so_o much_o as_o to_o think_v of_o control_a the_o reality_n of_o our_o saviour_n action_n for_o fear_n of_o too_o much_o disadvantage_n in_o the_o controversy_n now_o after_o this_o it_o be_v easy_a to_o foretell_v with_o what_o trifle_a pretence_n they_o must_v satisfy_v themselves_o and_o they_o be_v so_o very_a trifle_a that_o itwill_a require_v but_o very_o little_a pain_n to_o show_v their_o vanity_n all_o the_o opposition_n then_o that_o be_v make_v to_o it_o this_o way_n proceed_v mere_o either_o from_o gross_a superstition_n or_o avow_a atheism_n the_o first_o be_v coincident_a with_o the_o former_a account_n of_o the_o public_a persecution_n and_o be_v nothing_o else_o than_o a_o mere_a fanatic_a zeal_n for_o the_o old_a pagan_a idolatry_n and_o this_o be_v chief_o manage_v by_o the_o pythagorean_n the_o only_a superstitious_a sect_n among_o all_o the_o philosopher_n who_o be_v all_o along_o so_o zealous_a of_o the_o grecian_a rite_n that_o they_o may_v proper_o be_v style_v the_o monk_n and_o friar_n of_o that_o religion_n this_o humour_n they_o derive_v from_o their_o first_o founder_n pythagoras_n himself_o who_o have_v learn_v that_o part_n of_o natural_a philosophy_n from_o thales_n and_o anaximander_n that_o explain_v the_o mechanical_a contrivance_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n to_o which_o alone_o those_o philosopher_n pretend_v he_o quick_o perceive_v either_o by_o the_o sagacity_n of_o his_o own_o mind_n or_o the_o instruction_n of_o pherecides_n that_o there_o be_v some_o intelligent_a be_v in_o nature_n that_o be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o order_n and_o harmony_n of_o thing_n and_o it_o be_v this_o that_o so_o strong_o possess_v he_o with_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o deity_n who_o he_o define_v to_o be_v a_o mind_n diffuse_v through_o all_o nature_n from_o who_o all_o thing_n receive_v their_o life_n and_o activity_n as_o not_o be_v able_a to_o understand_v how_o the_o natural_a effect_n that_o be_v constant_o and_o every_o where_o visible_a in_o the_o world_n can_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v but_o by_o the_o present_a and_o immediate_a assistance_n of_o such_o a_o power_n and_o now_o have_v his_o mind_n thus_o thorough_o touch_v with_o a_o sense_n of_o the_o divinity_n and_o find_v the_o orphean_a rite_n and_o constitution_n at_o that_o time_n the_o most_o sacred_a solemnity_n of_o religion_n in_o the_o world_n he_o grow_v very_o zealous_a of_o they_o as_o the_o most_o religious_a symbol_n of_o divine_a worship_n neither_o be_v his_o zeal_n satisfy_v with_o the_o superstition_n of_o his_o own_o country_n but_o he_o travel_v into_o all_o part_n of_o the_o world_n to_o inform_v himself_o of_o their_o several_a way_n of_o worship_v their_o go_n and_o then_o compose_v a_o service_n of_o his_o own_o partly_o out_o of_o the_o orphean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o egyptian_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o chaldean_a partly_o out_o of_o the_o eleusinian_n and_o partly_o to_o mention_v no_o more_o out_o of_o the_o samothracian_a rite_n which_o together_o with_o his_o own_o theurgic_a ceremony_n must_v make_v up_o a_o complete_a rhapsody_n of_o all_o the_o superstition_n and_o idolatry_n of_o the_o heathen_a world_n and_o though_o some_o of_o his_o follower_n leucippus_n democritus_n and_o epicurus_n apostatise_v so_o far_o from_o his_o institution_n as_o to_o fall_v into_o the_o rank_a and_o most_o audacious_a atheism_n yet_o all_o that_o persevere_v in_o their_o master_n discipline_n be_v sure_o no_o doubt_n to_o be_v most_o of_o all_o strict_a in_o his_o religion_n and_o it_o be_v only_o this_o sect_n of_o philosopher_n who_o be_v man_n rather_o devout_a than_o learned_a that_o all_o along_o give_v authority_n and_o reputation_n to_o the_o old_a heathen_a idolatry_n and_o therefore_o when_o christianity_n begin_v to_o bear_v it_o away_o it_o can_v not_o be_v expect_v but_o that_o they_o shall_v appear_v the_o most_o forward_a champion_n to_o defend_v their_o fane_n and_o their_o temple_n their_o altar_n and_o their_o oracle_n against_o the_o new_a and_o prevail_a religion_n the_o first_o and_o the_o able_a champion_n be_v porphyry_n a_o man_n at_o that_o time_n eminent_a for_o wit_n and_o learning_n but_o so_o entire_o eat_v up_o with_o fanatic_a zeal_n for_o his_o religion_n that_o he_o have_v not_o patience_n so_o much_o as_o to_o hear_v of_o any_o thing_n that_o oppose_v it_o and_o this_o set_v he_o all_o on_o fire_n against_o christianity_n for_o be_v by_o nature_n of_o a_o fierce_a and_o angry_a temper_n insomuch_o as_o he_o attempt_v to_o cut_v his_o own_o throat_n as_o he_o describe_v himself_o in_o the_o life_n of_o plotinus_n and_o withal_o very_o much_o incline_v to_o austerity_n and_o devotion_n for_o he_o be_v a_o very_a strict_a observer_n of_o the_o pythagorean_n rule_n this_o fix_v he_o in_o his_o fanatic_a and_o superstitious_a zeal_n than_o which_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o insuperable_a though_o when_o this_o happen_v to_o be_v join_v with_o a_o natural_a eagerness_n of_o temper_n it_o grow_v into_o mere_a fury_n and_o outrage_n and_o so_o transport_v man_n out_o of_o the_o use_n of_o their_o natural_a understanding_n and_o this_o seem_v to_o have_v be_v the_o case_n of_o porphyry_n not_o only_o from_o that_o description_n that_o he_o give_v of_o himself_o and_o that_o account_n that_o his_o friend_n give_v of_o his_o life_n but_o also_o by_o that_o character_n that_o be_v give_v of_o his_o write_n against_o the_o christian_n which_o be_v describe_v by_o the_o most_o impartial_a writer_n as_o full_a of_o rage_n and_o bitterness_n though_o how_o he_o perform_v what_o he_o undertake_v be_v not_o so_o certain_o determinable_a in_o that_o not_o only_o his_o own_o book_n but_o all_o those_o that_o be_v write_v against_o it_o be_v utter_o perish_v but_o by_o those_o fragment_n that_o remain_v of_o it_o in_o the_o write_n of_o the_o ancient_n it_o do_v not_o at_o all_o appear_v that_o he_o ever_o venture_v to_o deny_v the_o matter_n of_o fact_n of_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o grant_v they_o so_o far_o as_o to_o impute_v they_o to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n but_o how_o vain_a that_o pretence_n be_v we_o have_v already_o show_v at_o least_o the_o whole_a of_o the_o controversy_n depend_v upon_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n that_o be_v record_v of_o our_o saviour_n none_o of_o which_o i_o 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in_o the_o most_o common_a prospect_n of_o nature_n in_o which_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o the_o provision_n make_v for_o the_o preservation_n and_o the_o comfort_n of_o the_o life_n of_o man_n be_v make_v by_o the_o author_n of_o nature_n for_o the_o use_n and_o benefit_n of_o his_o whole_a family_n so_o that_o if_o any_o one_o or_o some_o few_o shall_v go_v about_o to_o engross_v they_o to_o themselves_o and_o exclude_v all_o other_o from_o partake_v with_o they_o they_o can_v but_o be_v conscious_a to_o themselves_o that_o they_o act_n cross_n to_o their_o maker_n design_n and_o as_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o god_n design_v that_o all_o his_o offspring_n shall_v share_v in_o the_o blessing_n of_o his_o providence_n so_o be_v it_o certain_a that_o they_o can_v be_v enjoy_v but_o by_o mutual_a help_n and_o kindness_n so_o that_o every_o man_n as_o he_o be_v concern_v to_o enjoy_v his_o own_o share_n be_v oblige_v to_o love_n and_o assist_v his_o neighbour_n at_o least_o to_o suffer_v he_o quiet_o to_o enjoy_v he_o and_o this_o bring_v every_o man_n to_o understand_v all_o the_o benefit_n of_o peace_n and_o society_n that_o be_v so_o many_o reward_n natural_o annex_v to_o the_o several_a exercise_n of_o this_o duty_n but_o because_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v not_o so_o sensible_a of_o reward_n as_o punishment_n i_o shall_v rather_o choose_v to_o demonstrate_v the_o great_a benefit_n of_o this_o virtue_n of_o mutual_a love_n and_o kindness_n by_o the_o horrible_a mischief_n that_o must_v follow_v upon_o the_o general_a breach_n and_o dissolution_n of_o it_o and_o they_o be_v so_o great_a that_o though_o it_o be_v only_o to_o prevent_v and_o provide_v against_o they_o it_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o recommend_v its_o practice_n to_o mankind_n for_o it_o be_v manifest_a that_o if_o they_o once_o betake_v themselves_o to_o contend_v and_o scramble_v and_o live_v in_o a_o perpetual_a state_n of_o war_n every_o man_n take_v care_n for_o no_o more_o than_o one_o and_o stand_v upon_o his_o own_o guard_n in_o defiance_n to_o all_o the_o world_n beside_o they_o will_v only_o hinder_v one_o another_o from_o the_o common_a enjoyment_n of_o all_o the_o necessary_a provision_n of_o life_n and_o instead_o of_o live_v secure_o and_o cheerful_o upon_o the_o bounty_n of_o nature_n they_o must_v unavoidable_o destroy_v both_o that_o and_o themselves_o too_o for_o certain_o no_o man_n can_v ever_o expect_v to_o be_v safe_a or_o happy_a that_o have_v all_o the_o world_n to_o his_o enemy_n and_o yet_o that_o will_v be_v the_o condition_n of_o every_o man_n if_o we_o all_o pursue_v our_o own_o interest_n without_o regard_n and_o whenever_o it_o happen_v in_o opposition_n to_o the_o welfare_n of_o all_o other_o what_o a_o miserable_a and_o distract_a world_n will_v this_o be_v if_o every_o man_n care_n and_o kindness_n never_o reach_v beyond_o himself_o our_o life_n must_v be_v for_o ever_o poor_a
so_o many_o calamity_n out_o of_o their_o own_o power_n and_o disposal_n to_o discompose_v it_o yet_o be_v the_o degree_n of_o a_o man_n happiness_n as_o far_o as_o he_o be_v master_n of_o it_o himself_o always_o proportion_v to_o the_o improvement_n of_o this_o temper_n of_o his_o mind_n his_o joy_n and_o his_o delight_n be_v of_o the_o same_o extent_n with_o his_o love_n and_o his_o goodwill_n and_o he_o that_o most_o dilate_v the_o exercise_n of_o his_o kind_a passion_n most_o widen_v the_o capacity_n of_o his_o enjoyment_n and_o so_o much_o as_o a_o man_n fall_v short_a of_o this_o universal_a kindness_n so_o much_o do_v he_o afflict_v himself_o with_o anguish_n and_o discontent_n and_o that_o be_v sufficient_a encouragement_n to_o excite_v he_o to_o work_v up_o his_o mind_n to_o habitual_a resolution_n of_o love_n and_o kindness_n when_o they_o be_v all_o along_o their_o own_o reward_n in_o proportion_n to_o their_o own_o strength_n and_o vigour_n and_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o most_o goodwill_n become_v thereby_o the_o happy_a and_o most_o content_a man_n and_o he_o that_o be_v possess_v with_o nothing_o else_o enjoy_v his_o full_a and_o adequate_a felicity_n though_o so_o great_a a_o goodness_n and_o by_o consequence_n so_o great_a a_o happiness_n be_v only_o agreeable_a to_o the_o descripsion_n of_o the_o joy_n of_o heaven_n where_o eternal_a love_n will_v be_v our_o eternal_a bliss_n yet_o see_v in_o this_o world_n there_o be_v a_o difference_n as_o to_o the_o misery_n or_o happiness_n of_o every_o man_n life_n in_o proportion_n to_o the_o degree_n of_o this_o affection_n that_o be_v a_o sufficient_a inducement_n to_o he_o to_o habituate_v himself_o to_o its_o free_a and_o constant_a exercise_n when_o he_o be_v so_o plain_o engage_v as_o he_o desire_v and_o design_n the_o improvement_n of_o his_o own_o content_a to_o procure_v and_o delight_v in_o the_o content_a of_o other_o and_o so_o far_o as_o he_o extend_v his_o concernment_n for_o their_o welfare_n so_o many_o object_n do_v he_o provide_v for_o the_o entertainment_n of_o his_o most_o pleasant_a and_o agreeable_a passion_n which_o be_v all_o the_o happiness_n that_o be_v within_o our_o own_o power_n it_o be_v the_o most_o proper_a motive_n to_o determine_v our_o will_n to_o such_o thought_n and_o action_n as_o be_v most_o effectual_a to_o attain_v or_o to_o advance_v it_o for_o that_o be_v the_o proper_a use_n of_o reward_n and_o penalty_n to_o set_v before_o we_o such_o consideration_n as_o be_v suit_v to_o determine_v our_o will_n to_o such_o design_n and_o action_n as_o lie_v within_o our_o own_o power_n if_o they_o do_v not_o all_o the_o argument_n in_o the_o world_n be_v to_o no_o purpose_n and_o nothing_o be_v more_o absurd_a than_o to_o court_v or_o threaten_v a_o man_n into_o the_o do_n of_o what_o be_v impossible_a and_o therefore_o see_v the_o casual_a or_o the_o fatal_a calamity_n of_o humane_a life_n be_v altogether_o out_o of_o our_o own_o disposal_n and_o will_v befall_v we_o whether_o we_o will_v or_o will_v not_o they_o can_v have_v no_o possible_a influence_n to_o determine_v the_o choice_n and_o the_o resolution_n of_o our_o mind_n but_o the_o only_a thing_n that_o can_v affect_v we_o as_o moral_a agent_n be_v such_o proposal_n of_o good_a or_o evil_n as_o we_o know_v ourselves_o able_a to_o dispose_v of_o as_o we_o be_v please_v to_o incline_v our_o own_o wi_n what_o then_o though_o the_o natural_a calamity_n of_o life_n be_v incident_a to_o the_o good_a equal_o with_o the_o bad_a it_o be_v not_o in_o our_o power_n to_o avoid_v or_o over-rule_v their_o necessity_n but_o when_o they_o happen_v to_o we_o all_o we_o have_v then_o to_o do_v be_v to_o bear_v they_o as_o we_o be_v able_a and_o what_o will_v enable_v we_o to_o bear_v they_o as_o we_o ought_v i_o shall_v represent_v in_o the_o second_o part_n of_o this_o discourse_n but_o because_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n that_o have_v some_o influence_n upon_o our_o happiness_n that_o be_v altogether_o out_o of_o our_o own_o disposal_n shall_v we_o therefore_o take_v no_o care_n of_o all_o those_o that_o be_v altogether_o within_o it_o that_o may_v become_v the_o humour_n of_o peevish_a and_o unreasonable_a people_n but_o certain_o no_o prudent_a man_n because_o he_o can_v overpower_v all_o thing_n to_o comply_v with_o his_o own_o will_n will_v therefore_o conclude_v with_o himself_o that_o it_o be_v in_o vain_a to_o be_v concern_v about_o those_o that_o he_o be_v able_a to_o command_v and_o therefore_o all_o those_o we_o must_v set_v aside_o as_o of_o no_o use_n and_o consideration_n in_o matter_n of_o morality_n in_o that_o they_o be_v of_o another_o nature_n and_o depend_v upon_o other_o cause_n it_o be_v enough_o at_o present_a that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v leave_v a_o certain_a proportion_n of_o our_o felicity_n to_o our_o own_o disposal_n by_o a_o regard_n to_o which_o we_o ought_v if_o we_o be_v wise_a to_o order_v our_o design_n and_o action_n and_o that_o he_o have_v annex_v such_o degree_n and_o advantage_n of_o happiness_n to_o such_o practice_n and_o habit_n of_o virtue_n and_o that_o be_v all_o that_o can_v be_v do_v to_o recommend_v they_o to_o our_o choice_n and_o good_a opinion_n especial_o when_o the_o act_n itself_o be_v its_o own_o reward_n and_o be_v the_o most_o pleasant_a exercise_n of_o the_o mind_n of_o man._n §_o xiii_o 2._o if_o there_o be_v a_o deity_n or_o sovereign_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n that_o be_v ever_o suppose_a in_o this_o enquiry_n we_o must_v of_o necessity_n suppose_v he_o endue_v with_o the_o high_a measure_n of_o reason_n wisdom_n and_o goodness_n for_o these_o be_v excellency_n that_o we_o perceive_v to_o reside_v in_o some_o degree_n within_o ourselves_o and_o therefore_o much_o more_o in_o he_o who_o idea_n comprehend_v all_o perfection_n and_o who_o be_v the_o only_a cause_n of_o all_o we_o now_o right_a reason_n be_v the_o same_o in_o god_n and_o in_o his_o creature_n because_o it_o be_v measure_v by_o the_o same_o rule_n and_o that_o be_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o it_o agree_v with_o that_o it_o pass_v a_o true_a judgement_n and_o when_o it_o do_v not_o it_o be_v false_a and_o erroneous_a and_o therefore_o if_o it_o be_v consonant_a to_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n and_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n to_o judge_v that_o the_o good_a of_o all_o be_v preferable_a to_o the_o advantage_n of_o a_o single_a person_n it_o can_v be_v suppose_v that_o the_o unerring_a wisdom_n of_o god_n shall_v fall_v into_o a_o different_a or_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n for_o that_o be_v to_o reconcile_v no_o less_o than_o contradictory_n proposition_n to_o right_a reason_n and_o therefore_o this_o rule_n of_o justice_n and_o goodness_n result_v unavoidable_o from_o his_o essential_a attribute_n and_o therein_o consist_v the_o whole_a account_n and_o employment_n of_o his_o providence_n to_o carry_v on_o the_o common_a good_a of_o his_o creature_n by_o proper_a and_o effectual_a instrument_n and_o all_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n and_o virtue_n be_v reducible_a to_o these_o two_o principle_n first_o to_o propound_v worthy_a end_n and_o then_o to_o pursue_v they_o by_o suitable_a mean_n there_o be_v nothing_o else_o capable_a of_o praise_n and_o commendation_n and_o therefore_o if_o the_o good_a of_o all_o be_v the_o noble_a end_n that_o he_o can_v design_n it_o be_v certain_a that_o it_o be_v agreeable_a to_o his_o will_n that_o all_o his_o creature_n that_o be_v sensible_a of_o it_o shall_v seek_v it_o by_o those_o mean_n that_o they_o shall_v judge_v most_o agreeable_a to_o his_o understanding_n and_o this_o be_v much_o more_o evident_a if_o we_o consider_v the_o deity_n not_o only_o as_o the_o most_o excellent_a of_o all_o rational_a being_n but_o as_o the_o supreme_a cause_n of_o their_o existence_n and_o then_o it_o be_v but_o reasonable_a if_o he_o first_o create_v they_o to_o conclude_v that_o he_o desire_v their_o continuance_n and_o preservation_n otherwise_o he_o must_v have_v make_v they_o without_o design_n and_o to_o no_o purpose_n and_o than_o if_o therein_o consist_v the_o common_a good_a of_o all_o that_o they_o shall_v continue_v to_o enjoy_v those_o nature_n and_o emprove_v those_o perfection_n that_o he_o bestow_v upon_o they_o that_o can_v but_o be_v conceive_v most_o acceptable_a to_o the_o intention_n of_o his_o will_n and_o most_o agreeable_a to_o the_o scope_n of_o his_o creation_n especial_o if_o to_o all_o this_o we_o shall_v add_v those_o intimation_n of_o his_o mind_n that_o he_o have_v so_o plain_o interweave_v with_o the_o whole_a systeme_n of_o thing_n in_o that_o all_o the_o effect_n of_o nature_n be_v the_o effect_n of_o his_o will_n and_o therefore_o when_o any_o thing_n in_o nature_n declare_v any_o proposition_n to_o be_v true_a and_o enforce_v or_o invite_v we_o to_o
punishment_n of_o vice_n that_o be_v to_o be_v expect_v from_o the_o person_n injure_v or_o offend_v be_v not_o always_o certain_a and_o unavoidable_a in_o that_o all_o humane_a action_n be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n contingent_a and_o so_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o person_n they_o provoke_v may_v never_o have_v the_o power_n or_o the_o will_n to_o revenge_v their_o wrong_n yet_o because_o the_o consequence_n be_v so_o very_o probable_a as_o it_o be_v that_o carry_v in_o it_o such_o a_o certain_a and_o valuable_a proportion_n of_o evil_a as_o may_v serve_v to_o deter_v all_o man_n from_o venture_v to_o incur_v their_o displeasure_n by_o unjust_a or_o unkind_a attempt_n and_o may_v be_v so_o design_v and_o propound_v by_o the_o supreme_a law_n giver_n as_o inducement_n to_o all_o his_o subject_n that_o have_v any_o regard_n to_o their_o own_o happiness_n to_o have_v some_o regard_n to_o this_o in_o all_o their_o affair_n and_o intercourse_n with_o men._n the_o case_n be_v the_o very_a same_o here_o as_o it_o be_v in_o all_o civil_a law_n where_o it_o be_v not_o necessary_a that_o every_o malefactor_n shall_v be_v certain_o bring_v to_o public_a justice_n but_o yet_o because_o there_o be_v so_o fair_a a_o likelihood_n that_o one_o time_n or_o other_o he_o come_v to_o execution_n the_o very_a fear_n of_o so_o probable_a a_o event_n be_v a_o sufficient_a sanction_n and_o a_o effectual_a one_o too_o upon_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n to_o refrain_v they_o from_o a_o course_n of_o open_a and_o profess_a violence_n and_o thus_o when_o it_o be_v mighty_a odds_o though_o it_o be_v not_o absolute_o certain_a that_o every_o injurious_a person_n shall_v consider_v the_o natural_a passion_n of_o man_n not_o only_o be_v full_o repay_v in_o his_o own_o kind_n but_o be_v force_v to_o suffer_v a_o great_a damage_n by_o his_o breach_n of_o peace_n and_o faith_n for_o that_o be_v do_v by_o every_o act_n of_o injustice_n than_o he_o can_v ever_o hope_v to_o gain_v advantage_n by_o it_o if_o he_o shall_v have_v the_o good_a fortune_n that_o seldom_o happen_v to_o escape_v unpunished_a this_o consideration_n alone_o be_v in_o all_o common_a case_n a_o overrule_a argument_n with_o any_o man_n of_o any_o tolerable_a understanding_n to_o determine_v he_o to_o resolution_n of_o just_a and_o honest_a deal_n with_o all_o men._n i_o may_v add_v innumerable_a other_o particular_n to_o this_o purpose_n but_o they_o occur_v so_o easy_o to_o every_o man_n observation_n that_o after_o i_o have_v give_v this_o specimen_fw-la of_o it_o that_o alone_o be_v abundant_o sufficient_a to_o the_o satisfaction_n of_o sincere_a and_o ingenuous_a mind_n so_o that_o it_o be_v to_o be_v tedious_a to_o very_o little_a if_o any_o purpose_n to_o represent_v the_o whole_a train_n of_o good_a or_o bad_a consequence_n that_o natural_o follow_v upon_o all_o good_a or_o bad_a practice_n but_o it_o be_v enough_o that_o in_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o nature_n and_o providence_n the_o happiness_n and_o safety_n of_o every_o man_n life_n be_v proportion_v to_o the_o degree_n of_o his_o virtue_n and_o honesty_n and_o if_o man_n will_v but_o be_v at_o the_o pain_n to_o attend_v to_o this_o single_a observation_n that_o alone_o will_v bring_v they_o into_o some_o competent_a knowledge_n of_o all_o the_o subordinate_a duty_n of_o morality_n and_o under_o a_o sufficient_a obligation_n to_o their_o serious_a and_o habitual_a practice_n and_o no_o law_n of_o what_o nature_n soever_o be_v capable_a of_o a_o more_o proper_a or_o more_o powerful_a sanction_n and_o therefore_o to_o conclude_v and_o not_o to_o recapitulate_v all_o particular_n the_o premise_n serious_o lay_v together_o will_n i_o think_v amount_v to_o a_o fair_a and_o forcible_a demonstration_n of_o the_o problem_n i_o undertake_v to_o prove_v viz._n the_o certain_a institution_n of_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n in_o that_o the_o author_n of_o it_o have_v signify_v to_o we_o his_o own_o design_n and_o intention_n towards_o mankind_n in_o the_o contrivance_n of_o it_o and_o have_v oblige_v we_o as_o far_o as_o our_o action_n be_v in_o our_o own_o power_n to_o pursue_v the_o same_o design_n with_o himself_o by_o reward_n and_o punishment_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o we_o comply_v with_o or_o disobey_v this_o publication_n of_o his_o will._n §_n xvi_o hitherto_o i_o have_v endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o supreme_a cause_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n that_o then_o the_o design_n of_o his_o government_n be_v the_o common_a happiness_n of_o all_o mankind_n and_o that_o for_o the_o attainment_n of_o this_o general_a end_n he_o have_v so_o contrive_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n as_o to_o make_v every_o man_n be_v particular_a happiness_n to_o depend_v as_o far_o as_o thing_n be_v within_o his_o own_o power_n upon_o his_o endeavour_n of_o promote_a that_o of_o all_o which_o two_o fundamental_a principle_n be_v lay_v first_o of_o the_o be_v of_o a_o providence_n and_o then_o of_o the_o goodness_n of_o it_o that_o will_v certain_o guide_v and_o direct_v we_o to_o something_o far_a than_o what_o we_o have_v hitherto_o demonstrate_v for_o all_o that_o i_o have_v already_o prove_v be_v not_o sufficient_a to_o make_v we_o actual_o happy_a but_o rather_o put_v we_o into_o a_o capacity_n of_o be_v so_o if_o indeed_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v not_o take_v so_o much_o care_n to_o secure_v the_o common_a peace_n and_o mutual_a love_n of_o mankind_n we_o have_v all_o be_v certain_o and_o fatal_o miserable_a though_o when_o this_o provision_n be_v make_v it_o be_v not_o enough_o to_o make_v we_o happy_a and_o therefore_o he_o have_v in_o vain_a do_v so_o much_o for_o we_o unless_o he_o do_v something_o more_o especial_o when_o after_o all_o our_o best_a endeavour_n to_o attain_v happiness_n in_o that_o way_n that_o the_o providence_n of_o god_n have_v chalk_v out_o to_o we_o it_o be_v possible_a to_o be_v defeat_v of_o it_o by_o some_o other_o cause_n without_o our_o own_o default_n and_o then_o what_o must_v follow_v but_o that_o the_o divine_a providence_n if_o it_o be_v constant_a to_o its_o own_o design_n and_o unless_o it_o be_v so_o it_o be_v no_o divine_a providence_n be_v oblige_v to_o compensate_a or_o secure_a it_o some_o other_o way_n for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o a_o great_a part_n of_o our_o happiness_n be_v out_o of_o our_o own_o power_n and_o therefore_o notwithstanding_o all_o our_o endeavour_n after_o it_o we_o may_v not_o attain_v to_o it_o and_o then_o if_o the_o design_n of_o the_o divine_a providence_n be_v to_o make_v we_o happy_a in_o the_o way_n of_o virtue_n as_o i_o have_v prove_v it_o be_v in_o this_o case_n he_o have_v oblige_v himself_o to_o ensure_v it_o by_o some_o other_o mean_n unless_o we_o can_v suppose_v that_o he_o have_v propose_v to_o himself_o a_o end_n without_o provide_v sufficient_a mean_n to_o effect_v it_o which_o be_v to_o say_v that_o this_o 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pleasure_n whilst_o this_o ugly_a thought_n haunt_v we_o day_n and_o night_n jam_fw-la jamque_fw-la esse_fw-la moriendum_fw-la whatever_o divert_v art_n we_o may_v fly_v to_o to_o stifle_v this_o reflection_n it_o be_v so_o unwelcome_a to_o our_o mind_n and_o so_o affrightful_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o so_o insuperable_a to_o all_o the_o power_n of_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n that_o when_o all_o be_v do_v there_o be_v no_o remedy_n but_o we_o must_v lie_v down_o and_o languish_v all_o our_o day_n under_o its_o fatal_a and_o intolerable_a expectation_n so_o that_o if_o any_o thing_n can_v be_v say_v well_o of_o death_n it_o be_v only_o this_o that_o it_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o fear_n of_o itself_o but_o however_o proceed_v he_o death_n ought_v not_o to_o appear_v so_o formidable_a to_o a_o wise_a man_n though_o it_o be_v for_o no_o other_o reason_n than_o that_o it_o deliver_v we_o from_o the_o misery_n of_o life_n and_o when_o it_o be_v object_v that_o grant_v all_o his_o 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so_o far_o from_o tremble_v at_o the_o horror_n of_o your_o fate_n that_o you_o will_v esteem_v it_o your_o great_a privilege_n and_o there_o may_v you_o when_o you_o please_v take_v sanctuary_n from_o all_o those_o trouble_n and_o vexation_n that_o pursue_v you_o and_o all_o mankind_n through_o the_o whole_a course_n of_o life_n and_o now_o be_v not_o this_o think_v you_o a_o mighty_a support_n to_o the_o mind_n of_o man_n to_o be_v inform_v that_o all_o the_o happiness_n they_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v only_o to_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a with_o what_o cheerfulness_n and_o tranquillity_n can_v those_o man_n live_v that_o live_v all_o their_o day_n upon_o this_o lank_a meditation_n that_o though_o i_o must_v endure_v torment_n as_o long_o as_o i_o endure_v life_n yet_o the_o time_n will_v come_v when_o i_o shall_v escape_v both_o and_o cease_v to_o be_v miserable_a by_o cease_v to_o be_v oh_o the_o transport_n and_o ravishment_n of_o these_o philosophic_a reflection_n who_o can_v desire_v great_a ease_n and_o complacency_n of_o soul_n than_o to_o be_v always_o think_v if_o think_v at_o all_o that_o though_o my_o present_a state_n be_v so_o utter_o forlorn_a and_o restless_a yet_o however_o this_o be_v my_o comfort_n that_o i_o shall_v one_o day_n be_v at_o quiet_a when_o death_n shall_v deprive_v i_o of_o all_o sense_n and_o be_v for_o ever_o be_v not_o this_o a_o very_a comfortable_a representation_n of_o the_o best_a condition_n and_o whole_a capacity_n of_o humane_a nature_n to_o be_v incessant_o bandy_v up_o and_o down_o like_o the_o old_a britain_n between_o the_o sea_n and_o the_o barbarian_n between_o two_o such_o formidable_a evil_n the_o sorrow_n of_o life_n drive_v we_o to_o death_n for_o refuge_n and_o the_o horror_n of_o death_n fright_v we_o back_o upon_o the_o misery_n that_o we_o fly_v and_o thus_o whether_o we_o resolve_v to_o live_v or_o to_o die_v we_o be_v equal_o distress_v and_o miserable_a so_o that_o he_o be_v so_o far_o by_o this_o principle_n of_o consolation_n from_o give_v we_o any_o comfort_n against_o the_o terror_n of_o death_n that_o he_o have_v instead_o of_o that_o destroy_v all_o the_o comfort_n of_o life_n too_o but_o nature_n he_o tell_v we_o have_v not_o grant_v we_o our_o being_n upon_o the_o title_n of_o fee-simple_n but_o have_v only_o lend_v we_o the_o use_n of_o our_o life_n for_o a_o certain_a time_n and_o that_o during_o pleasure_n and_o therefore_o we_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o she_o whenever_o she_o demand_v they_o back_o because_o she_o give_v they_o upon_o no_o other_o condition_n than_o that_o we_o shall_v always_o be_v ready_a to_o resign_v they_o upon_o demand_n but_o if_o nature_n have_v clog_v her_o kindness_n to_o we_o in_o bestow_v our_o being_n upon_o we_o with_o this_o hard_a condition_n she_o have_v be_v much_o kind_a if_o she_o have_v never_o bestow_v they_o at_o all_o for_o the_o severity_n of_o the_o condition_n annex_v to_o the_o gift_n not_o only_o destroy_v all_o the_o pleasure_n and_o enjoyment_n of_o it_o but_o turn_v it_o into_o anguish_n and_o misery_n and_o this_o be_v all_o along_o our_o very_a complaint_n against_o nature_n that_o she_o have_v put_v we_o into_o such_o a_o condition_n of_o life_n as_o that_o we_o can_v enjoy_v it_o without_o continual_a grief_n and_o horror_n of_o mind_n so_o that_o she_o have_v send_v we_o into_o the_o world_n not_o like_o her_o offspring_n but_o like_o malefactor_n with_o the_o sentence_n of_o death_n pass_v upon_o we_o as_o soon_o as_o we_o be_v bear_v and_o therefore_o to_o tell_v we_o that_o this_o be_v the_o order_n and_o disposition_n of_o nature_n be_v not_o to_o answer_v but_o to_o grant_v the_o objection_n because_o that_o alone_o make_v we_o fatal_o miserable_a so_o that_o when_o mounseur_fw-fr charon_n ask_v i_o if_o it_o grieve_v thou_o to_o die_v why_o be_v thou_o bear_v i_o tell_v he_o plain_o if_o i_o be_v bear_v with_o that_o condition_n of_o die_v for_o ever_o i_o be_v bear_v to_o no_o other_o purpose_n than_o to_o be_v miserable_a so_o that_o if_o it_o can_v have_v be_v in_o my_o power_n to_o have_v prevent_v my_o come_n into_o be_v i_o shall_v more_o passionate_o have_v flee_v from_o life_n than_o now_o i_o do_v from_o death_n and_o be_v i_o can_v not_o avoid_v to_o be_v bear_v i_o be_o bind_v all_o my_o day_n to_o curse_v and_o hate_v the_o cause_n that_o give_v i_o so_o wretched_a a_o be_v at_o least_o if_o nature_n resolve_v to_o beget_v we_o mortal_a she_o may_v have_v be_v so_o kind_a as_o to_o have_v keep_v from_o we_o the_o knowledge_n and_o foresight_n of_o our_o own_o mortality_n and_o then_o may_v we_o have_v enjoy_v our_o present_a life_n with_o some_o competent_a content_n and_o cheerfulness_n but_o when_o she_o have_v give_v we_o so_o strong_a a_o love_n of_o life_n continual_o to_o embitter_v that_o with_o as_o vehement_a a_o fear_n of_o death_n be_v only_o to_o make_v our_o very_a existence_n a_o scence_n of_o misery_n and_o to_o give_v we_o our_o being_n to_z be_v a_o torment_n to_o themselves_o and_o whereas_o as_o he_o add_v for_o our_o comfort_n that_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o length_n or_o shortness_n of_o life_n in_o itself_o but_o that_o it_o consist_v mere_o in_o comparison_n and_o that_o the_o insect_n who_o life_n begin_v and_o end_v with_o one_o half_a revolution_n of_o the_o sun_n be_v as_o old_a at_o the_o evening_n of_o the_o day_n as_o a_o man_n at_o threescore_o beside_o that_o this_o be_v but_o a_o poor_a shift_n of_o sophistry_n as_o i_o have_v already_o show_v against_o the_o epicurean_o i_o will_v be_v content_a to_o exchange_v my_o life_n of_o sixty_o year_n with_o your_o little_a happy_a insect_n that_o live_v but_o a_o day_n for_o when_o the_o sun_n have_v scatter_v all_o the_o chill_a horror_n of_o the_o night_n and_o darkness_n and_o gild_v the_o world_n with_o light_n and_o splendour_n than_o it_o be_v that_o this_o little_a creature_n thrust_v up_o its_o head_n assay_v its_o wing_n forsake_v the_o clod_n that_o bread_n it_o and_o mount_v up_o into_o the_o calm_a and_o gentle_a air_n where_o it_o sport_n and_o revel_n and_o rejoice_v in_o that_o light_n and_o warmth_n that_o give_v it_o be_v and_o dance_v away_o all_o its_o little_a age_n with_o mirth_n and_o gaiety_n it_o be_v life_n be_v short_a indeed_o but_o pleasant_a we_o long_o and_o tedious_a its_o age_n be_v all_o sunshine_n the_o great_a part_n of_o we_o darkness_n and_o sorrow_n it_o sport_v away_o its_o little_a interval_n of_o be_v but_o we_o be_v fret_v and_o consume_v away_o with_o restless_a care_n mourning_n and_o affliction_n but_o that_o which_o make_v the_o main_a difference_n between_o we_o be_v that_o this_o little_a creature_n as_o it_o live_v merry_o so_o it_o die_v unconcerned_o whereas_o my_o whole_a
up_o both_o in_o the_o record_n of_o that_o city_n and_o the_o syrian_a tongue_n to_o which_o language_n the_o ancient_a greek_a and_o latin_a father_n be_v altogether_o stranger_n and_o if_o they_o have_v not_o yet_o they_o may_v easy_o be_v ignorant_a of_o so_o remote_a a_o register_n but_o that_o there_o be_v such_o record_n we_o have_v all_o the_o faith_n of_o eusebius_n at_o stake_n who_o positive_o vouch_v it_o that_o he_o find_v they_o enroll_v in_o the_o public_a registry_n of_o edessa_n and_o faithful_o translate_v they_o out_o of_o the_o syrian_a into_o the_o greek_a tongue_n not_o to_o mention_v saint_n ephraem_n who_o live_v before_o the_o time_n of_o saint_n austin_n and_o be_v a_o deacon_n in_o the_o city_n of_o edessa_n who_o make_v the_o same_o honourable_a mention_n of_o these_o epistle_n with_o eusebius_n though_o that_o be_v a_o pregnant_a testimony_n by_o itself_o but_o much_o more_o so_o from_o its_o exact_a agreement_n with_o eusebius_n his_o relation_n but_o pass_v by_o that_o and_o much_o aug._n ep._n 263._o more_o the_o epistle_n of_o darius_n to_o saint_n austin_n and_o of_o theodorus_n studita_n to_o pope_n paschal_n 60._o because_o it_o be_v possible_a they_o may_v rely_v whole_o upon_o the_o authority_n of_o eusebius_n i_o shall_v lay_v the_o whole_a stress_n of_o the_o testimony_n upon_o he_o alone_o who_o we_o can_v suppose_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o mere_a forgery_n as_o to_o have_v frame_v the_o whole_a story_n only_o out_o of_o his_o own_o brain_n i_o will_v grant_v that_o he_o may_v sometime_o seem_v partial_a and_o favourable_a to_o his_o own_o cause_n and_o be_v apt_a to_o make_v more_o of_o a_o testimony_n than_o the_o testimony_n itself_o will_v bear_v but_o that_o he_o shall_v forge_v and_o falsie_n a_o public_a record_n and_o that_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o this_o weighty_a nature_n he_o have_v give_v we_o no_o reason_n to_o entertain_v so_o hard_a and_o unkind_a a_o suspicion_n of_o he_o for_o he_o be_v a_o stranger_n to_o eusebius_n that_o know_v he_o not_o to_o be_v as_o nice_a and_o curious_a in_o examine_v the_o credit_n of_o his_o authority_n as_o any_o the_o most_o critical_a author_n whatsoever_o and_o for_o this_o reason_n he_o have_v reject_v many_o excellent_a passage_n that_o may_v have_v be_v very_o serviceable_a to_o his_o cause_n mere_o because_o of_o their_o doubtful_a antiquity_n allow_v nothing_o as_o authentic_a that_o he_o can_v vouch_v by_o the_o testimony_n of_o ancient_a and_o contemporary_a writer_n now_o that_o such_o a_o man_n shall_v be_v guilty_a of_o such_o a_o gross_a and_o groundless_a lie_n as_o this_o be_v past_o the_o ill-nature_n of_o mankind_n to_o suspect_v nay_o far_o though_o some_o of_o our_o late_a master_n of_o censure_n be_v very_o forward_o to_o observe_v the_o slip_n and_o mistake_v of_o this_o great_a man_n and_o charge_v they_o smart_o upon_o he_o as_o if_o do_v out_o of_o mere_a design_n yet_o the_o whole_a matter_n be_v impartial_o weigh_v we_o have_v more_o reason_n to_o impute_v they_o to_o haste_n and_o inadvertency_n for_o though_o sometime_o he_o may_v seem_v to_o emprove_v testimony_n yet_o do_v he_o as_o often_o lessen_v they_o which_o plain_o show_v that_o he_o trust_v too_o much_o to_o his_o memory_n but_o still_o he_o be_v ever_o in_o the_o right_a as_o to_o the_o main_a of_o the_o story_n and_o fail_v only_o in_o circumstance_n and_o that_o chief_o of_o chronology_n by_o confound_v sometime_o one_o story_n with_o another_o but_o otherwise_o he_o tell_v no_o false_a story_n and_o only_o make_v some_o mistake_n of_o memory_n upon_o true_a one_o and_o as_o many_o of_o they_o to_o the_o disadvantage_n as_o to_o the_o advantage_n of_o his_o cause_n as_o may_v be_v show_v if_o it_o be_v worth_a the_o while_n by_o compare_v all_o particular_n but_o for_o the_o present_a this_o be_v sufficient_o exemplify_v in_o the_o very_a last_o passage_n that_o we_o insist_v upon_o viz._n the_o testimony_n of_o pilate_n concern_v our_o saviour_n in_o which_o the_o chief_a thing_n as_o it_o be_v set_v down_o by_o tertullian_n be_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v leave_v out_o by_o eusebius_n when_o he_o transcribe_v the_o rest_n of_o the_o testimony_n and_o though_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o he_o may_v follow_v the_o greek_a translator_n of_o tertullian_n yet_o however_o we_o see_v he_o be_v as_o easy_o draw_v into_o a_o lessen_v as_o a_o magnify_v mistake_n and_o it_o be_v much_o more_o likely_a that_o eusebius_n shall_v through_o haste_n clip_v the_o translation_n than_o that_o the_o translator_n shall_v clip_v the_o original_a for_o he_o only_o consult_v the_o passage_n occasional_o and_o so_o may_v in_o his_o hasty_a transcribe_v overlook_v a_o part_n of_o it_o but_o for_o the_o other_o who_o make_v that_o translation_n his_o particular_a business_n it_o be_v not_o easy_a to_o overlook_v so_o material_a a_o passage_n in_o short_a whatsoever_o fault_n eusebius_n may_v be_v guilty_a of_o no_o man_n can_v suspect_v he_o of_o mere_a forgery_n without_o the_o forfeiture_n of_o his_o ingenuity_n neither_o in_o the_o last_o place_n be_v the_o date_n of_o the_o record_n a_o inconsiderable_a circumstance_n to_o prove_v the_o record_n itself_o for_o eusebius_n tell_v we_o that_o at_o the_o bottom_n of_o it_o be_v subscribe_v these_o thing_n be_v do_v the_o 340_o the_o year_n which_o though_o it_o have_v heretofore_o puzzle_v learned_a 13._o man_n be_v excellent_o clear_v by_o the_o epocha_n of_o the_o edessean_a computation_n who_o begin_v their_o account_n from_o the_o first_o year_n of_o the_o 117_o the_o olympiad_n when_o seleucus_n begin_v his_o reign_n in_o asia_n now_o from_o that_o to_o the_o 202_o d._n olympiad_n in_o which_o year_n be_v the_o 15_o the_o of_o tiberius_n our_o saviour_n suffer_v be_v just_a 340._o year_n so_o that_o thaddaeus_n be_v dispatch_v to_o edessa_n in_o the_o very_a same_o year_n in_o which_o our_o saviour_n arise_v from_o the_o dead_a that_o 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sew_v in_o comparison_n of_o the_o vast_a multitude_n of_o their_o first_o convert_v and_o yet_o if_o christianity_n be_v false_a all_o these_o must_v be_v guilty_a not_o only_o of_o all_o that_o folly_n that_o we_o have_v represent_v in_o the_o case_n of_o the_o apostle_n but_o much_o more_o in_o that_o they_o do_v not_o only_o suffer_v themselves_o wilful_o to_o be_v deceive_v into_o the_o belief_n of_o the_o strange_a story_n of_o jesus_n without_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o its_o truth_n for_o if_o it_o have_v sufficient_a evidence_n than_o it_o be_v no_o imposture_n if_o it_o have_v not_o than_o all_o that_o profess_v their_o belief_n of_o it_o be_v wilful_o deceive_v i._n e._n they_o pretend_v to_o believe_v that_o to_o be_v a_o divine_a revelation_n though_o themselves_o know_v that_o they_o have_v no_o sufficient_a ground_n or_o motive_n for_o so_o strange_a a_o belief_n
illic_fw-la reperietis_fw-la primum_fw-la neronem_fw-la in_o hanc_fw-la sectam_fw-la cum_fw-la maximè_fw-la romae_fw-la orientem_fw-la caesariano_n gladio_fw-la ferocisse_fw-la sed_fw-la tali_fw-la dedicatore_fw-la damnationis_fw-la nostrae_fw-la etiam_fw-la gloriamur_fw-la qai_fw-fr enim_fw-la scit_fw-la illum_fw-la intelligere_fw-la potest_fw-la non_fw-la nisi_fw-la grande_fw-fr aliquod_fw-la bonum_fw-la à _fw-la nerone_n damnatum_fw-la tentaverat_fw-la &_o domitianus_n portio_fw-la neronis_n de_fw-la crudelitate_fw-la sed_fw-la qua_fw-la &_o homo_fw-la facile_fw-la coeptum_fw-la repressit_fw-la restitatis_fw-la etiam_fw-la quos_fw-la relegaverat_fw-la if_o you_o search_v your_o own_o record_n you_o will_v find_v that_o nero_n be_v the_o first_o emperor_n that_o imbrue_v his_o hand_n in_o christian_a blood_n but_o we_o glory_n in_o the_o hatred_n of_o such_o a_o enemy_n as_o nero_n for_o whoever_o know_v the_o man_n can_v but_o know_v that_o it_o must_v be_v some_o very_a great_a good_a thing_n that_o nero_n hate_v and_o domitian_n too_o a_o piece_n of_o the_o same_o cruelty_n make_v the_o same_o attempt_n but_o have_v in_o he_o either_o some_o little_a humanity_n or_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o mankind_n for_o which_o of_o these_o tertullian_n mean_v by_o his_o qua_fw-la &_o homo_fw-la be_v altogether_o ambiguous_a he_o desist_v from_o his_o design_n and_o revoke_v his_o own_o proscription_n §_o thirty-nine_o the_o three_o persecution_n happen_v under_o the_o reign_n of_o trajan_n and_o be_v set_v on_o foot_n upon_o variety_n of_o design_n all_o which_o be_v very_o remote_a from_o any_o fair_a inquiry_n into_o the_o cause_n of_o christianity_n itself_o the_o first_o be_v the_o old_a jealousy_n of_o our_o saviour_n kindred_n and_o the_o line_n of_o david_n and_o this_o as_o hegesippus_n inform_v we_o be_v start_v by_o 32._o the_o jew_n and_o the_o gnostic_n against_o symeon_n the_o son_n of_o cleophas_n the_o brother_n of_o joseph_n than_o bishop_n of_o 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will_v never_o have_v remit_v the_o execution_n of_o a_o law_n of_o which_o he_o be_v so_o tender_a only_o for_o their_o sake_n but_o because_o this_o be_v the_o first_o prosecution_n in_o which_o we_o meet_v with_o any_o thing_n like_o legal_a proceed_n against_o the_o christian_n i_o shall_v give_v a_o account_n of_o all_o the_o unjust_a and_o unreasonable_a method_n of_o procedure_v against_o they_o both_o in_o this_o and_o the_o follow_a persecution_n and_o so_o without_o trouble_v the_o reader_n with_o a_o distinct_a narrative_n of_o every_o one_o give_v he_o a_o true_a state_n of_o the_o ground_n and_o reason_n of_o all_o and_o from_o thence_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o they_o proceed_v not_o upon_o any_o sober_a enquiry_n but_o be_v mere_o drive_v on_o by_o brutish_a folly_n and_o madness_n the_o head_n of_o their_o accusation_n then_o be_v either_o real_a or_o feign_a the_o feign_a be_v apparent_o the_o contrivance_n of_o malice_n and_o the_o real_a be_v as_o apparent_o the_o charge_n of_o folly_n as_o i_o shall_v show_v in_o each_o particular_a the_o first_o and_o great_a charge_n of_o all_o be_v the_o christian_n contempt_n of_o their_o god_n and_o religion_n but_o here_o the_o cause_n of_o paganism_n be_v so_o foul_a and_o brutish_a that_o it_o be_v the_o most_o dishonourable_a abuse_n that_o ever_o be_v put_v upon_o humane_a nature_n and_o be_v not_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n undeniable_o evident_a it_o will_v have_v be_v incredible_a that_o mankind_n shall_v ever_o sink_v into_o such_o a_o senseless_a stupidity_n the_o barbarous_a people_n who_o the_o greek_n and_o roman_n so_o much_o despise_v worship_v only_o the_o heavenly_a body_n but_o these_o polite_a these_o civilise_v these_o philosophical_a nation_n deify_v the_o worst_a of_o thing_n and_o the_o worst_a of_o man_n and_o replenish_a heaven_n with_o such_o a_o rout_n of_o deity_n as_o make_v it_o look_v more_o like_o a_o jail_n full_a of_o rogue_n and_o villain_n than_o a_o habitation_n of_o god_n and_o they_o relate_v such_o foul_a thing_n of_o they_o that_o one_o will_v scarce_o believe_v such_o ill_a report_n of_o the_o vile_a of_o man_n and_o if_o their_o enemy_n will_v have_v set_v themselves_o to_o have_v contrive_v story_n that_o may_v render_v they_o odious_a and_o contemptible_a the_o black_a calumny_n they_o can_v have_v fasten_v upon_o they_o must_v have_v fall_v short_a of_o the_o extravagance_n of_o their_o own_o report_n and_o as_o be_v their_o god_n such_o be_v their_o worship_n too_o all_o lewdness_n and_o debauchery_n and_o such_o thing_n be_v act_v in_o their_o temple_n as_o be_v not_o allow_v in_o the_o public_a stew_n the_o foul_a uncleanness_n be_v their_o high_a devotion_n how_o lascivious_a and_o obscene_a be_v the_o ceremony_n of_o cibele_n priapus_n flora_n and_o venus_n who_o be_v worship_v with_o nothing_o but_o the_o vile_a lust_n and_o wantonness_n so_o foul_a and_o beastly_a be_v the_o celebrate_a mystery_n of_o bacchus_n that_o the_o senate_n of_o rome_n itself_o be_v at_o last_o force_v to_o banish_v they_o out_o of_o italy_n as_o the_o foul_a example_n of_o lust_n and_o debauchery_n in_o short_a the_o prodigious_a story_n that_o they_o tell_v of_o their_o great_a deity_n saturn_n jupiter_n ceres_n or_o the_o mother_n of_o the_o god_n as_o much_o exceed_v the_o wickedness_n of_o mankind_n as_o heaven_n be_v high_a than_o the_o earth_n though_o the_o truth_n be_v they_o represent_v they_o much_o worse_a than_o they_o be_v whilst_o they_o make_v they_o work_v miracle_n to_o compass_v their_o brutish_a end_n for_o when_o all_o be_v do_v they_o be_v neither_o better_o nor_o worse_o than_o mortal_a men._n saturn_n and_o jupiter_n be_v know_v tyrant_n in_o crete_n apollo_n a_o common_a fiddler_n the_o muse_n servant_n maid_n aesculapius_n a_o tooth_n drawer_n in_o arcadia_n venus_n a_o know_a strumpet_n to_o cinyras_n king_n of_o cyprus_n not_o long_o before_o the_o trojan_a war._n these_o and_o like_o these_o be_v the_o god_n they_o worship_v and_o how_o this_o folly_n first_o
against_o the_o christian_n be_v so_o contemptible_a that_o it_o be_v slight_v as_o none_o of_o his_o own_o and_o make_v up_o altogether_o of_o borrow_a feather_n out_o of_o other_o man_n write_n which_o he_o be_v not_o ashamed_a to_o transcribe_v word_n for_o word_n into_o his_o own_o rhapsody_n especial_o out_o of_o celsus_n insomuch_o as_o eusebius_n stick_v not_o to_o affirm_v that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o passage_n in_o all_o his_o book_n that_o be_v not_o answer_v aforehand_o by_o origen_n and_o that_o be_v his_o parallel_n between_o our_o saviour_n and_o apollonius_n tyanaeus_n but_o how_o even_o that_o run_v we_o have_v already_o consider_v and_o therefore_o here_o i_o need_v say_v no_o more_o only_o that_o from_o hence_o it_o appear_v that_o he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o question_v much_o less_o deny_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n but_o only_o vied_z the_o unvouched_a story_n of_o that_o pedantic_a impostor_n with_o the_o so_o well_o vouch_a history_n of_o jesus_n nay_o he_o 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expose_v he_o even_o to_o the_o contempt_n of_o the_o superstitious_a rabble_n itself_o that_o flout_v he_o as_o if_o he_o design_v the_o utter_a extirpation_n of_o ox_n as_o well_o as_o christian_n and_o as_o he_o be_v so_o vain_a as_o to_o think_v himself_o alexander_n the_o great_a according_a to_o the_o pythagorean_n doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n which_o put_v he_o upon_o his_o unfortunate_a persian_a expedition_n as_o not_o doubt_v to_o return_v with_o the_o same_o honour_n and_o success_n as_o he_o have_v do_v before_o so_o be_v he_o most_o ambitious_a of_o imitate_v marcus_n aurelius_n as_o he_o be_v of_o numa_n in_o his_o zeal_n for_o the_o worship_n of_o the_o go_n and_o it_o be_v this_o wild_a zeal_n light_v upon_o his_o temper_n that_o be_v natural_o hot_a to_o a_o degree_n of_o madness_n that_o transport_v he_o into_o all_o his_o extravagant_a attempt_n against_o the_o christian_n but_o as_o he_o be_v not_o natural_o capable_a of_o any_o sober_a reason_n so_o much_o less_o in_o this_o case_n in_o which_o he_o be_v so_o much_o blind_v with_o pride_n and_o passion_n and_o it_o be_v too_o evident_a with_o what_o little_a reason_n he_o oppose_v christianity_n when_o the_o main_a thing_n that_o he_o always_o charge_v upon_o it_o be_v atheism_n the_o very_a falsehood_n and_o disingenuity_n of_o which_o charge_n be_v a_o manifest_a indication_n of_o his_o passion_n and_o partiality_n and_o as_o for_o his_o book_n that_o he_o write_v against_o it_o with_o all_o possible_a keenness_n and_o indignation_n he_o dare_v not_o so_o much_o as_o come_v near_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n concern_v our_o saviour_n action_n but_o play_v aloof_o off_o against_o the_o jew_n of_o old_a and_o the_o christian_n of_o his_o own_o time_n but_o as_o for_o our_o saviour_n miracle_n upon_o which_o the_o whole_a controversy_n depend_v he_o do_v not_o so_o much_o as_o undertake_v to_o contradict_v they_o but_o only_o say_v that_o it_o be_v no_o such_o wonderful_a thing_n in_o he_o to_o cure_v the_o lame_a and_o the_o blind_a see_v therefore_o he_o have_v not_o so_o much_o as_o meddle_v with_o the_o main_a argument_n of_o christianity_n the_o matter_n of_o fact_n the_o evidence_n of_o that_o alone_o must_v of_o itself_o baffle_v all_o other_o attempt_v at_o least_o till_o that_o be_v consider_v all_o other_o consideration_n be_v short_a of_o the_o argument_n so_o that_o this_o alone_a may_v suffice_v as_o a_o answer_n to_o all_o his_o cavil_n to_o refer_v he_o to_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n and_o if_o that_o prove_v itself_o true_a he_o can_v prove_v nothing_o but_o if_o it_o do_v not_o he_o need_v prove_v nothing_o it_o sink_v of_o its_o own_o accord_n §_o xliii_o however_o if_o they_o have_v any_o cavil_n that_o may_v seem_v to_o have_v any_o appearance_n of_o reason_n in_o they_o they_o be_v all_o rake_v together_o by_o celsus_n the_o epicurean_a who_o of_o all_o the_o enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v both_o the_o bold_a and_o the_o able_a as_o appear_v with_o less_o folly_n and_o more_o malice_n for_o be_v a_o atheist_n and_o so_o not_o at_o all_o taint_a with_o their_o superstitious_a conceit_n he_o escape_v all_o those_o disadvantage_n into_o which_o they_o run_v themselves_o by_o their_o fanatic_a zeal_n but_o be_v a_o epicurean_a too_o he_o be_v the_o more_o exasperate_v against_o the_o christian_a cause_n because_o that_o confute_v all_o his_o wisdom_n by_o sensible_a experiment_n which_o be_v the_o only_a proof_n of_o thing_n that_o they_o will_v admit_v of_o in_o their_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o when_o they_o have_v so_o brave_o deliver_v all_o wise_a man_n that_o be_v themselves_z from_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n and_o the_o care_n of_o a_o future_a state_n it_o can_v not_o but_o be_v a_o very_a grate_a provocation_n upon_o man_n of_o their_o proud_a peevish_a and_o ill-natured_a principle_n to_o have_v so_o clear_a a_o baffle_v put_v upon_o all_o their_o wisdom_n and_o that_o in_o their_o own_o way_n and_o as_o this_o be_v the_o main_a motive_n of_o the_o peculiar_a displeasure_n of_o the_o sadducee_n against_o the_o apostle_n among_o the_o jew_n so_o no_o doubt_n it_o wrought_v the_o same_o effect_n upon_o man_n of_o the_o same_o principle_n among_o the_o heathen_n but_o of_o all_o other_o celsus_n seem_v to_o have_v be_v most_o angry_a at_o the_o defeat_n and_o therefore_o lay_v about_o he_o to_o load_v it_o with_o all_o the_o cavil_n and_o calumny_n that_o wit_n or_o malice_n can_v invent_v and_o for_o the_o great_a plenty_n of_o objection_n he_o take_v upon_o himself_o a_o double_a person_n of_o a_o jew_n and_o of_o a_o heathen_a though_o the_o truth_n be_v he_o personate_v the_o jew_n full_a as_o awkerd_o as_o the_o ass_n do_v the_o lion_n in_o the_o lion_n skin_n his_o epicurean_a ear_n every_o where_o show_v themselves_o through_o his_o jewish_a livery_n and_o he_o be_v so_o eager_a in_o his_o pursuit_n of_o christianity_n that_o at_o every_o turn_n he_o forget_v the_o person_n he_o bear_v and_o fall_v as_o foul_a upon_o the_o jew_n themselves_o as_o the_o christian_n we_o shall_v engage_v he_o in_o both_o his_o shape_n and_o leave_v it_o to_o any_o impartial_a either_o jew_n or_o heathen_a to_o judge_v of_o the_o reasonableness_n and_o validity_n of_o his_o discourse_n his_o two_o great_a batter_a engine_n that_o he_o plant_v in_o all_o part_n of_o it_o we_o have_v already_o dismount_v viz._n his_o impute_v our_o saviour_n miracle_n to_o the_o power_n of_o magic_n and_o his_o vie_v the_o resurrection_n of_o other_o in_o heathen_a story_n with_o that_o of_o our_o saviour_n and_o by_o this_o mean_v we_o have_v already_o dispatch_v the_o great_a part_n of_o our_o business_n for_o be_v conscious_a to_o himself_o of_o the_o slightness_n of_o most_o of_o his_o cavil_n he_o at_o every_o turn_n