that_o which_o we_o most_o converse_v with_o and_o with_o who_o consent_n and_o agreement_n in_o any_o matter_n we_o be_v best_a acquaint_v be_v that_o of_o man_n and_o therefore_o if_o among_o man_n we_o can_v discover_v such_o a_o universal_a agreement_n concern_v the_o goodness_n of_o these_o rule_n as_o will_v warrant_v we_o to_o conclude_v all_o other_o rational_a being_n to_o be_v consent_v with_o they_o this_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o the_o proposition_n these_o two_o thing_n therefore_o i_o shall_v endeavour_v to_o make_v out_o 1._o that_o the_o reason_n of_o man_n be_v universal_o consent_v in_o this_o matter_n viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o immutable_a goodness_n in_o these_o rule_n of_o morality_n 2._o that_o this_o universal_a consent_n of_o man_n reason_n in_o this_o matter_n be_v a_o sufficient_a demonstration_n that_o all_o other_o reasonable_a being_n be_v consent_v with_o they_o first_o therefore_o there_o be_v nothing_o 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of_o which_o stranger_n who_o understand_v not_o their_o language_n and_o custom_n and_o manner_n can_v make_v little_a or_o no_o discovery_n but_o suppose_v that_o what_o they_o report_v be_v true_a yet_o by_o their_o own_o confession_n these_o wretched_a barbarian_n be_v in_o all_o other_o thing_n so_o extreme_o brutish_a that_o they_o discover_v no_o other_o token_n of_o their_o humanity_n but_o their_o shape_n for_o they_o live_v altogether_o regardless_o of_o themselves_o of_o the_o convenience_n of_o their_o life_n and_o of_o the_o dignity_n of_o their_o nature_n without_o make_v any_o reflection_n on_o their_o own_o mind_n or_o any_o observation_n from_o their_o own_o experience_n since_o therefore_o all_o knowledge_n be_v acquire_v by_o attention_n it_o be_v not_o at_o all_o impossible_a for_o creature_n so_o utter_o supine_n and_o negligent_a to_o be_v ignorant_a of_o the_o most_o common_a notion_n but_o for_o any_o man_n to_o question_v the_o truth_n of_o this_o general_a rule_n because_o there_o be_v a_o few_o exception_n from_o it_o be_v every_o whit_n as_o absurd_a as_o if_o he_o shall_v question_v whether_o man_n be_v general_o two-legged_a animal_n because_o there_o have_v be_v some_o monster_n with_o three_o and_o what_o if_o among_o man_n there_o be_v some_o monster_n in_o respect_n of_o their_o mind_n as_o well_o as_o other_o in_o respect_n of_o their_o body_n this_o be_v no_o more_o a_o prejudice_n to_o the_o stand_a law_n of_o humane_a nature_n than_o prodigy_n be_v to_o the_o regularity_n of_o the_o constant_a course_n of_o universal_a nature_n specimen_fw-la naturae_fw-la cujuslibet_fw-la say_v tully_n à _fw-la natura_fw-la optima_fw-la sumendum_fw-la est_fw-la i._n e._n the_o true_a sample_n of_o every_o nature_n be_v to_o be_v take_v from_o the_o best_a nature_n of_o the_o kind_n since_o therefore_o the_o man_n of_o all_o nation_n and_o age_n and_o religion_n who_o have_v in_o any_o measure_n attend_v to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o 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for_o any_o end_n he_o must_v esteem_v those_o action_n good_a which_o promote_v it_o and_o those_o evil_n which_o obstruct_v and_o hinder_v it_o and_o what_o other_o end_n can_v a_o infinite_o happy_a and_o bless_a be_v have_v in_o make_v other_o being_n but_o only_o to_o do_v they_o good_a and_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n to_o make_v they_o partaker_n of_o his_o own_o happiness_n and_o if_o this_o be_v the_o end_n for_o which_o god_n make_v we_o to_o be_v sure_o those_o action_n must_v be_v good_a in_o his_o esteem_n that_o be_v beneficial_a and_o those_o evil_n that_o be_v hurtful_a and_o mischievous_a to_o our_o nature_n and_o therefore_o since_o he_o have_v implant_v in_o we_o not_o only_o a_o natural_a desire_n of_o happiness_n but_o also_o a_o rational_a faculty_n to_o discern_v what_o action_n make_v for_o our_o happiness_n and_o what_o not_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a that_o whatsoever_o this_o faculty_n do_v universal_o determine_v to_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n for_o we_o be_v good_a or_o evil_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o god_n it_o be_v true_a when_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o one_o man_n judge_n contrary_a to_o the_o reason_n that_o be_v in_o another_o there_o must_v be_v a_o disagreement_n on_o one_o side_n or_o the_o other_o from_o the_o reason_n and_o judgement_n of_o god_n but_o when_o all_o man_n reason_n be_v agree_v that_o this_o be_v good_a and_o that_o evil_a it_o be_v plain_a that_o this_o be_v be_v the_o judgement_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n which_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o distinction_n of_o thing_n for_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o use_v his_o reason_n can_v possible_o think_v that_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n justice_n and_o injustice_n mercy_n and_o cruelty_n be_v equal_o good_a in_o themselves_o his_o rational_a faculty_n be_v so_o frame_v as_o that_o at_o the_o first_o glance_n and_o reflection_n it_o natural_o distinguish_v they_o into_o good_a and_o evil._n when_o therefore_o god_n have_v create_v we_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o make_v such_o a_o judgement_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o judgement_n must_v be_v god_n as_o well_o as_o the_o faculty_n which_o make_v it_o that_o therefore_o which_o be_v the_o unanimous_a judgement_n of_o all_o man_n must_v be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n and_o that_o which_o be_v the_o natural_a language_n of_o the_o rational_a faculty_n must_v be_v the_o language_n of_o the_o god_n of_o nature_n for_o he_o who_o create_v i_o with_o such_o a_o faculty_n as_o natural_o judge_v this_o good_a and_o that_o evil_a must_v either_o have_v the_o same_o judgement_n himself_o or_o create_v in_o i_o a_o contradiction_n to_o his_o own_o judgement_n and_o that_o judgement_n which_o he_o have_v create_v in_o i_o he_o must_v be_v suppose_v to_o create_v in_o all_o other_o being_n that_n be_v capable_a of_o judge_v otherwise_o he_o will_v be_v the_o author_n
not_o their_o reason_n but_o their_o will_n that_o make_v they_o so_o and_o if_o so_o to_o what_o purpose_n be_v it_o to_o urge_v their_o reason_n with_o the_o argument_n of_o god_n be_v since_o if_o they_o will_v not_o listen_v to_o those_o that_o be_v round_o about_o they_o and_o be_v every_o where_o to_o be_v find_v in_o this_o great_a volume_n of_o nature_n it_o be_v high_o improbable_a that_o even_a miracle_n themselves_o which_o be_v god_n peculiar_a argument_n and_o be_v therefore_o call_v the_o demonstration_n of_o his_o spirit_n shall_v ever_o be_v able_a to_o persuade_v they_o wherefore_o to_o put_v a_o stop_n to_o this_o pestilential_a disease_n which_o in_o these_o late_a age_n have_v be_v so_o fatal_o propagate_v among_o all_o degree_n and_o order_n of_o man_n i_o conceive_v the_o most_o proper_a way_n be_v to_o discover_v and_o remove_v those_o fault_n in_o their_o will_n which_o have_v such_o a_o malevolent_a influence_n on_o their_o understand_n and_o the_o principal_a one_o may_v be_v reduce_v to_o these_o nine_o head_n 1._o a_o perverse_a opposition_n of_o will_n to_o the_o will_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n 2._o superstitious_a misapprehension_n concern_v god_n 3._o precipitant_a rashness_n in_o prescribe_v to_o and_o prejudging_a the_o divine_a providence_n 4._o vain_a affectation_n of_o singularity_n in_o opinion_n 5._o custom_n of_o droll_v on_o and_o ridicul_v the_o most_o serious_a thing_n 6._o take_v up_o our_o religion_n or_o opinion_n in_o religion_n without_o examination_n 7._o 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 high_a pretence_n to_o it_o 8._o place_v religion_n in_o the_o little_a opinion_n that_o constitute_v the_o sect_n and_o party_n we_o be_v engage_v in_o 9_o profane_a and_o careless_a neglect_n of_o public_a worship_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o atheism_n be_v the_o perverse_a opposition_n of_o man_n will_n to_o the_o will_n and_o nature_n of_o god_n for_o the_o natural_a notion_n which_o man_n have_v of_o god_n be_v that_o he_o be_v a_o most_o pure_a and_o holy_a be_v infinite_o remove_v by_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n from_o all_o inclination_n that_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o dictate_v of_o right_a reason_n and_o according_o in_o all_o those_o declaration_n which_o he_o have_v make_v of_o his_o will_n they_o find_v he_o express_v a_o high_a detestation_n of_o all_o immorality_n and_o wickedness_n and_o command_v they_o to_o abstain_v from_o it_o under_o the_o most_o dreadful_a penalty_n which_o they_o know_v he_o have_v both_o right_a and_o power_n to_o inflict_v when_o he_o please_v notwithstanding_o which_o presume_v on_o his_o goodness_n and_o a_o future_a repentance_n they_o suffer_v themselves_o to_o be_v tempt_v and_o seduce_v into_o wickedness_n the_o pleasure_n of_o which_o toll_v they_o on_o from_o one_o wickedness_n to_o another_o till_o their_o will_n be_v captivate_v by_o custom_n to_o inveterate_a habit_n of_o sin_v so_o that_o now_o their_o sense_n of_o god_n and_o of_o his_o almighty_a displeasure_n be_v no_o long_o able_a to_o master_v the_o stubbornness_n of_o their_o will_n only_o serve_v to_o fret_v and_o disturb_v they_o to_o raise_v terror_n and_o anxiety_n in_o their_o conscience_n and_o therewithal_o to_o embitter_v the_o pleasure_n of_o their_o sin_n for_o so_o long_o as_o this_o sense_n remain_v alive_a in_o their_o bosom_n they_o can_v never_o hope_v to_o sin_v quiet_o for_o it_o and_o it_o be_v so_o they_o have_v no_o other_o remedy_n but_o either_o to_o part_v with_o that_o or_o their_o sin_n for_o while_o thy_o retain_v their_o sin_n the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n will_v grow_v a_o intolerable_a vexation_n to_o they_o unless_o by_o sophisticate_a their_o belief_n with_o false_a notion_n of_o religion_n they_o can_v temper_v it_o into_o a_o amicable_a compliance_n with_o their_o lusts._n and_o this_o be_v usual_o the_o artifice_n of_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o people_n who_o understanding_n be_v more_o easy_o impose_v on_o viz._n to_o intermingle_v with_o their_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n such_o notion_n of_o religion_n as_o may_v render_v it_o favourable_a and_o propitious_a to_o their_o lusts._n and_o hence_o i_o doubt_v not_o spring_v most_o of_o those_o wicked_a doctrine_n which_o from_o time_n to_o time_n have_v be_v foist_v into_o christianity_n from_o the_o desire_n which_o man_n have_v to_o accommodate_v the_o difference_n between_o their_o conscience_n and_o their_o wicked_a will_n and_o reconcile_v their_o natural_a sense_n of_o god_n to_o their_o sin_n but_o alas_o these_o artifices_fw-la be_v all_o so_o thin_a and_o transparent_a that_o it_o be_v a_o hard_a matter_n for_o man_n of_o wit_n to_o impose_v they_o on_o their_o understanding_n and_o though_o they_o have_v a_o equal_a goodwill_n to_o these_o wicked_a doctrine_n with_o the_o dull_a sort_n of_o sinner_n yet_o their_o reason_n be_v too_o sharp-sighted_a to_o be_v chouced_a and_o deceive_v by_o they_o and_o therefore_o usual_o they_o go_v another_o way_n to_o work_v and_o be_v sensible_a that_o they_o can_v never_o enjoy_v their_o sin_n in_o quiet_a while_o they_o be_v awe_v with_o the_o sense_n and_o belief_n of_o a_o deity_n and_o yet_o obstinate_o resolve_v that_o they_o will_v enjoy_v they_o they_o have_v no_o other_o expedient_a but_o to_o muster_v up_o all_o their_o wit_n and_o reason_n to_o dispute_v the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o be_v stiff_o resolve_v to_o persist_v in_o their_o wickedness_n they_o be_v oblige_v by_o their_o own_o interest_n to_o wish_v there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o observe_v and_o punish_v they_o and_o then_o facilè_fw-la credunt_fw-la quod_fw-la volunt_fw-la they_o easy_o believe_v what_o they_o will_v have_v and_o the_o slender_a probability_n will_v sway_v their_o understanding_n to_o vote_n on_o the_o side_n of_o their_o interest_n and_o affection_n so_o that_o when_o man_n be_v resolve_v to_o be_v wicked_a atheism_n be_v their_o interest_n and_o refuge_n to_o which_o they_o be_v many_o time_n force_v to_o fly_v in_o their_o own_o defence_n to_o avoid_v the_o clamour_n and_o persecution_n of_o their_o conscience_n have_v these_o man_n live_v in_o those_o good_a pagan_a day_n wherein_o they_o may_v have_v riot_v with_o devotion_n sacrifice_v to_o the_o god_n in_o drunken_a bowl_n and_o worship_v in_o the_o arm_n of_o a_o strumpet_n no_o man_n will_v have_v be_v more_o religious_a than_o they_o and_o can_v they_o now_o but_o compound_v the_o matter_n so_o as_o that_o god_n shall_v let_v they_o alone_o to_o enjoy_v their_o lust_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o will_v be_v well_o enough_o content_a to_o let_v he_o alone_o to_o enjoy_v his_o be_v but_o because_o their_o sense_n of_o he_o fret_v and_o gall_v they_o they_o first_o grow_v impatient_a under_o it_o and_o then_o set_v their_o wit_n at_o work_n to_o raise_v objection_n against_o it_o and_o either_o to_o laugh_v or_o dispute_v it_o out_o of_o their_o mind_n and_o according_o plato_n make_v mention_n of_o a_o sort_n of_o atheist_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d who_o in_o consequence_n of_o their_o opinion_n that_o all_o thing_n be_v void_a of_o god_n have_v plunge_v themselves_o into_o intemperance_n of_o pleasure_n and_o pain_n be_v otherwise_o person_n of_o great_a memory_n and_o quick_a understanding_n de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 10._o but_o alas_o how_o unreasonable_a be_v it_o in_o a_o matter_n of_o such_o vast_a importance_n for_o man_n to_o believe_v by_o their_o interest_n and_o affection_n it_o be_v true_a can_v man_n put_v out_o the_o sun_n with_o wink_v or_o extinguish_v the_o nature_n of_o thing_n by_o a_o obstinate_a disbelief_n of_o they_o it_o will_v be_v very_o justifiable_a for_o those_o man_n to_o believe_v there_o be_v no_o god_n who_o interest_n it_o be_v that_o there_o shall_v be_v none_o but_o alas_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n be_v unalterable_a and_o will_v be_v what_o they_o be_v 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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 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influence_n upon_o we_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o right_n and_o genuine_a apprehension_n of_o they_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o majesty_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o strike_v our_o mind_n into_o a_o awful_a reverence_n of_o his_o authority_n but_o if_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o mere_a arbitrary_a greatness_n that_o govern_v not_o itself_o by_o counsel_n and_o reason_n but_o by_o a_o blind_a and_o absolute_a and_o unaccountable_a will_n that_o always_o choose_v and_o refuse_v pro_fw-la imperio_fw-la without_o any_o regard_n to_o the_o eternal_a reason_n of_o thing_n we_o may_v be_v astonish_v and_o confound_v at_o it_o but_o we_o can_v never_o true_o reverence_v it_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o holiness_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o deter_v we_o from_o approach_v he_o with_o vicious_a and_o impure_a affection_n but_o if_o we_o place_v his_o holiness_n in_o a_o mere_a formal_a affectation_n of_o external_a decency_n respect_n and_o reverence_n and_o not_o in_o the_o immutable_a conformity_n of_o his_o will_n with_o the_o eternal_a rule_n of_o righteousness_n it_o may_v move_v we_o to_o be_v very_o ceremonious_a and_o respectful_a to_o he_o as_o to_o the_o place_n and_o garb_n and_o posture_n of_o our_o worship_n but_o it_o will_v never_o prevail_v with_o we_o to_o cleanse_v and_o rectify_v our_o heart_n and_o affection_n again_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o justice_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o restrain_v we_o from_o affront_a his_o authority_n by_o perverse_a and_o wilful_a violation_n of_o his_o law_n but_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o as_o a_o stern_a and_o implacable_a attribute_n which_o nothing_o will_v appease_v and_o satisfy_v but_o blood_n and_o revenge_n it_o may_v overwhelm_v we_o with_o horror_n and_o despair_n but_o it_o will_v never_o persuade_v we_o to_o reform_v and_o amend_v once_o more_o the_o consideration_n of_o his_o mercy_n be_v natural_o apt_a when_o we_o be_v go_v astray_o to_o invite_v we_o to_o return_v with_o the_o hopeful_a prospect_n it_o give_v we_o of_o pardon_n and_o reconciliation_n but_o while_o we_o look_v upon_o it_o under_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o blind_a pity_n or_o effeminate_a easiness_n and_o tenderness_n of_o nature_n that_o will_v admit_v of_o no_o severity_n how_o wholesome_a soever_o or_o necessary_a to_o the_o end_n of_o government_n instead_o of_o move_v we_o to_o repentance_n it_o will_v animate_v we_o in_o our_o rebellion_n in_o fine_a the_o consideration_n of_o his_o goodness_n be_v natural_o apt_a to_o work_v upon_o our_o ingenuity_n and_o to_o draw_v we_o godward_o with_o the_o cord_n of_o a_o man_n and_o the_o bond_n of_o love_n but_o while_o we_o mistake_v it_o for_o a_o blind_a partiality_n that_o choose_v its_o favourite_n without_o reason_n and_o reward_v they_o without_o respect_n to_o their_o qualification_n instead_o of_o captivate_v our_o love_n it_o will_v provoke_v our_o disdain_n and_o excite_v in_o we_o a_o secret_a contempt_n and_o aversation_n thus_o though_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n be_v in_o itself_o a_o most_o fruitful_a topick_n of_o motive_n and_o argument_n to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o yet_o by_o the_o false_a representation_n that_o be_v sometime_o make_v of_o it_o it_o may_v be_v pervert_v into_o a_o inducement_n to_o wickedness_n and_o make_v a_o plausible_a pretence_n to_o encourage_v and_o justify_v we_o in_o our_o rebellion_n against_o he_o whilst_o we_o look_v upon_o god_n as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o shine_v with_o his_o own_o unstained_a and_o immaculate_a glory_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o apt_a to_o influence_n all_o the_o spring_n of_o motion_n within_o we_o to_o inflame_v our_o love_n encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o alarm_n our_o fear_n and_o by_o these_o to_o set_v the_o wheel_n of_o our_o obedience_n agoing_a for_o there_o be_v nothing_o in_o humane_a nature_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o be_v move_v and_o affect_v by_o reason_n which_o have_v not_o a_o answerable_a reason_n in_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n to_o move_v and_o affect_v it_o and_o as_o in_o he_o there_o be_v all_o the_o reason_n that_o can_v affect_v we_o so_o there_o be_v all_o the_o force_n and_o efficacy_n of_o those_o reason_n every_o thing_n in_o he_o be_v perfect_a and_o infinite_a in_o he_o there_o be_v a_o infinite_a beauty_n to_o attract_v our_o love_n a_o infinite_a good_a to_o inflame_v our_o desire_n a_o infinite_a kindness_n to_o affect_v our_o ingenuity_n a_o infinite_a justice_n arm_v with_o a_o infinite_a power_n to_o awaken_v our_o fear_n a_o infinite_a mercy_n to_o invite_v our_o hope_n and_o a_o infinite_a truth_n to_o confirm_v and_o support_v it_o so_o that_o it_o be_v beyond_o the_o power_n of_o all_o humane_a imagination_n to_o frame_v or_o fancy_v a_o object_n that_o be_v so_o every_o way_n fit_v to_o affect_v humane_a nature_n and_o influence_n all_o its_o principle_n of_o action_n as_o god_n in_o himself_o be_v whilst_o therefore_o we_o apprehend_v he_o true_o and_o as_o he_o be_v in_o himself_o the_o consideration_n of_o he_o must_v needs_o be_v of_o wonderful_a force_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o and_o there_o be_v not_o one_o of_o all_o those_o glorious_a perfection_n in_o which_o his_o nature_n be_v array_v but_o will_v suggest_v to_o we_o some_o powerful_a persuasive_a to_o piety_n and_o virtue_n and_o either_o by_o our_o hope_n or_o our_o fear_n our_o love_n or_o our_o gratitude_n incline_v our_o heart_n to_o keep_v his_o commandment_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o his_o perfection_n or_o do_v entertain_v false_a notion_n concern_v they_o we_o shall_v either_o want_v those_o motive_n to_o piety_n which_o they_o natural_o suggest_v or_o draw_v argument_n from_o they_o to_o encourage_v and_o justify_v we_o in_o our_o rebellion_n against_o he_o and_o thus_o you_o see_v in_o all_o these_o instance_n how_o indispensable_o necessary_a right_a notion_n of_o god_n be_v to_o engage_v we_o to_o serve_v and_o obey_v he_o sect_n ii_o rule_n for_o the_o form_v right_a apprehension_n of_o god_n dionysius_n the_o areopagite_n and_o from_o he_o all_o the_o schoolman_n assign_v three_o way_n by_o which_o we_o be_v to_o frame_v our_o apprehension_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n viz._n viam_fw-la causalitatis_fw-la viam_fw-la eminentiae_fw-la &_o viam_fw-la remotionis_fw-la i._n e._n the_o way_n of_o causality_n the_o way_n of_o eminency_n and_o the_o way_n of_o remotion_n the_o first_o consist_v in_o argue_v from_o those_o perfection_n which_o god_n have_v cause_v and_o produce_v in_o his_o creature_n to_o the_o perfection_n of_o his_o nature_n for_o whatsoever_o degree_n of_o perfection_n there_o be_v in_o the_o creature_n they_o must_v either_o be_v uncreated_a which_o be_v a_o contradiction_n or_o flow_v from_o the_o creator_n as_o from_o the_o immense_a ocean_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v flow_v from_o he_o unless_o they_o be_v first_o in_o he_o so_o that_o when_o we_o behold_v such_o and_o such_o perfection_n in_o the_o creature_n we_o may_v from_o they_o most_o certain_o infer_v that_o the_o same_o be_v all_o in_o god_n who_o be_v the_o cause_n and_o fountain_n of_o they_o and_o though_o the_o divine_a nature_n abound_v with_o innumerable_a virtue_n and_o perfection_n yet_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o by_o our_o own_o natural_a light_n to_o discover_v any_o other_o of_o they_o than_o those_o of_o which_o he_o himself_o have_v imprint_v some_o speciman_n upon_o create_a being_n these_o be_v the_o only_a scale_n by_o which_o our_o understanding_n can_v ascend_v to_o the_o reach_n and_o view_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n but_o because_o all_o create_a perfection_n be_v not_o only_o short_a in_o their_o degree_n but_o also_o intermingle_v with_o defect_n in_o their_o very_a kind_n and_o nature_n therefore_o in_o attribute_v they_o to_o god_n we_o ought_v careful_o to_o abstract_n from_o they_o whatever_o be_v defective_a whether_o it_o be_v in_o kind_n or_o in_o degree_n for_o god_n be_v the_o cause_n of_o perfection_n only_o but_o not_o of_o defect_n which_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v natural_a to_o create_v being_n have_v no_o cause_n at_o all_o but_o be_v mere_o a_o negation_n or_o nonentity_n for_o every_o create_a thing_n be_v a_o negation_n or_o nonentity_n before_o ever_o it_o have_v a_o positive_a be_v and_o it_o have_v only_o so_o much_o of_o its_o primitive_a negation_n take_v away_o from_o it_o as_o it_o have_v positive_a be_v confer_v on_o it_o and_o therefore_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v its_o be_v be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o sovereign_a cause_n that_o produce_v it_o but_o so_o far_o forth_o as_o it_o be_v not_o it_o be_v not_o be_v be_v to_o be_v attribute_v to_o that_o original_a nonentity_n out_o of_o which_o it_o be_v produce_v for_o that_o which_o be_v once_o nothing_o will_v still_o have_v
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
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
principle_n of_o all_o religious_a obligation_n be_v deduce_v p._n 202._o which_o be_v reduce_v to_o five_o head_n p._n 102_o 103._o chap._n iii_o of_o the_o necessity_n of_o believe_v the_o existence_n of_o god_n in_o order_n to_o our_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 104_o 105._o atheism_n resolve_v into_o the_o corruption_n of_o man_n will_n and_o imagination_n sect._n 1._o p._n 106_o 107_o 108_o 109._o the_o particular_a cause_n of_o it_o reduce_v to_o nine_o head_n and_o of_o the_o folly_n and_o unreasonableness_n of_o they_o p._n 109_o to_o p._n 157._o of_o the_o great_a folly_n and_o madness_n of_o atheism_n in_o its_o self_n p._n 157_o 158._o this_o show_v at_o large_a in_o six_o particular_n p._n 158_o to_o p._n 196._o chap._n iu._n that_o to_o the_o sound_n the_o obligation_n of_o religion_n it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v acknowledge_v the_o divine_a providence_n p._n 196_o 197_o 198_o 199._o what_o be_v the_o particular_a act_n of_o providence_n which_o we_o be_v to_o acknowledge_v show_v in_o five_o particular_n p._n 200_o to_o 244._o the_o divine_a providence_n prove_v first_o à _fw-la priori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n which_o be_v reduce_v to_o four_o head_n p._n 245_o to_o 256._o second_o à _fw-la posteriori_fw-la by_o argument_n draw_v from_o sensible_a effect_n of_o god_n in_o the_o world_n of_o which_o six_o instance_n be_v give_v p._n 256_o to_o p._n 310._o the_o most_o considerable_a objection_n against_o a_o divine_a providence_n reduce_v to_o five_o head_n and_o particular_o answer_v p._n 310_o to_o p._n 354._o chap._n v._n the_o necessity_n of_o acknowledge_v divine_a reward_n and_o punishment_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 355_o 356_o 357_o 358._o how_o far_o it_o be_v necessary_a we_o shall_v believe_v they_o show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 358_o to_o 369._o of_o the_o universal_a acknowledgement_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n p._n 370_o 371_o 372_o 373._o the_o reality_n of_o these_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n prove_v by_o six_o argument_n p._n 373_o to_o 399._o by_o what_o mean_v our_o belief_n of_o future_a reward_n and_o punishment_n be_v to_o be_v acquire_v and_o confirm_v show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 399_o to_o 410._o of_o the_o force_n and_o power_n of_o this_o belief_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 410_o to_o 417._o chap._n vi_o the_o necessity_n of_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a p._n 417_o 418._o in_o what_o respect_n they_o be_v necessary_a to_o oblige_v we_o to_o be_v true_o religious_a show_v in_o four_o particular_n p._n 419_o to_o p._n 444._o of_o the_o way_n of_o form_v right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o general_n p._n 445_o to_o 449._o siâ—_n general_a rule_n lay_v down_o for_o the_o frame_n right_a notion_n of_o god_n p._n 449_o to_o 484._o of_o the_o common_a cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n in_o siâ—_n particular_a instance_n p._n 485_o to_o 513._o of_o the_o christian_a life_n part_n ii_o chap._n i._o concern_v the_o be_v and_o nature_n of_o moral_a goodness_n all_o humane_a action_n be_v either_o necessary_a or_o sinful_a or_o indifferent_a the_o necessary_a be_v such_o as_o be_v command_v the_o sinful_a such_o as_o be_v forbid_v by_o god_n the_o indifferent_a such_o as_o be_v neither_o command_v nor_o forbid_v but_o leave_v entire_o free_a to_o our_o choice_n and_o discretion_n again_o the_o necessary_a and_o the_o sinful_a action_n be_v either_o such_o as_o be_v necessary_a and_o sinful_a in_o themselves_o and_o be_v command_v and_o forbid_v upon_o the_o account_n of_o some_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o be_v inseparable_a to_o their_o nature_n or_o such_o as_o be_v indifferent_a in_o their_o own_o nature_n as_o to_o any_o good_a or_o evil_a inherent_a in_o they_o but_o be_v make_v necessary_a or_o sinful_a by_o some_o positive_a command_n or_o prohibition_n superinduce_v upon_o they_o of_o the_o first_o sort_n be_v those_o which_o we_o call_v moral_a action_n as_o be_v the_o subject_a matter_n of_o the_o moral_a law_n which_o command_v and_o forbid_v nothing_o but_o what_o be_v essential_o and_o immutable_o good_a and_o evil_n and_o whilst_o there_o be_v no_o other_o law_n but_o this_o every_o action_n which_o do_v not_o oblige_v by_o some_o eternal_a reason_n or_o which_o be_v the_o same_o by_o some_o inseparable_a good_a or_o evil_n be_v leave_v free_a and_o indifferent_a but_o in_o process_n of_o time_n god_n superad_v to_o this_o moral_a law_n a_o great_a many_o positive_a one_o whereby_o he_o oblige_a man_n to_o do_v and_o forbear_v sundry_a of_o those_o indifferent_a thing_n which_o be_v leave_v to_o their_o liberty_n by_o the_o law_n of_o nature_n for_o such_o we_o call_v the_o rite_n and_o ceremony_n of_o the_o mosaic_a law_n all_o which_o be_v indifferent_a before_o they_o be_v impose_v and_o as_o soon_o as_o ever_o the_o imposition_n be_v take_v off_o from_o they_o do_v immediate_o return_v to_o their_o primitive_a indifferency_n so_o that_o by_o the_o abolition_n of_o their_o ceremonial_a law_n the_o jew_n be_v restore_v to_o all_o the_o liberty_n of_o the_o moral_a except_v only_o the_o matter_n of_o the_o two_o sacrament_n and_o of_o maintain_v a_o visible_a communion_n with_o the_o church_n which_o be_v determine_v by_o positive_a law_n of_o christianity_n and_o of_o this_o late_a sort_n of_o necessary_a and_o sinful_a action_n be_v not_o only_o all_o those_o indifferent_a one_o which_o god_n himself_o have_v command_v and_o forbid_v immediate_o but_o also_o all_o those_o which_o he_o command_v and_o forbid_v by_o his_o viceroy_n and_o representative_n in_o this_o world_n for_o whatsoever_o he_o have_v not_o command_v or_o forbid_v by_o his_o own_o immediate_a dictate_v and_o authority_n he_o have_v authorize_v his_o vicegerent_n to_o command_v or_o forbid_v as_o they_o shall_v judge_v it_o most_o expedient_a for_o the_o public_a so_o that_o when_o they_o command_v what_o god_n have_v not_o forbid_v or_o forbid_v what_o he_o have_v not_o command_v their_o will_n be_v god_n who_o command_v we_o by_o their_o mouth_n and_o stamp_n their_o injunction_n with_o his_o own_o authority_n and_o of_o this_o distinction_n between_o action_n that_o be_v moral_o and_o positive_o necessary_a the_o scripture_n frequent_o take_v notice_n and_o particular_o mich._n vi_fw-la 6.7_o 8._o wherewithal_o shall_v i_o come_v before_o the_o lord_n and_o bow_n myself_o before_o the_o high_a god_n shall_v i_o come_v before_o he_o with_o burnt-offering_n with_o calf_n of_o a_o year_n old_a etc._n etc._n no_o these_o be_v not_o the_o thing_n that_o will_v render_v i_o acceptable_a in_o his_o eye_n and_o procure_v i_o a_o welcome_a admission_n into_o his_o presence_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o these_o thing_n be_v then_o require_v and_o command_v and_o therefore_o be_v positive_o necessary_a but_o that_o they_o be_v not_o necessary_a 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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 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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 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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 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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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philosopher_n that_o lay_v the_o foundation_n of_o speculative_a atheism_n may_v easy_o perceive_v that_o the_o great_a motive_n of_o their_o infidelity_n be_v nothing_o but_o a_o proud_a affectation_n of_o think_v counter_a to_o mankind_n and_o indeed_o can_v i_o but_o embrace_v the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o transmigration_n of_o soul_n i_o shall_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v by_o the_o likeness_n of_o their_o humour_n that_o it_o be_v one_o and_o the_o same_o soul_n that_o pass_v through_o democritus_n into_o protagoras_n through_o protagoras_n into_o epicurus_n and_o through_o epicurus_n into_o mr._n hobbs_n and_o since_o they_o so_o exact_o agree_v in_o their_o pride_n and_o haughty_a ostentation_n of_o knowledge_n it_o be_v just_o supposable_a that_o this_o be_v the_o main_a cause_n of_o their_o agreement_n in_o atheism_n which_o be_v a_o singular_a doctrine_n and_o direct_o contradictory_n to_o the_o common_a notion_n of_o mankind_n be_v upon_o that_o account_n more_o adapt_v to_o the_o humour_n of_o these_o arrogant_a philosopher_n and_o according_o plato_n describe_v the_o atheist_n of_o his_o age_n to_o be_v a_o conceit_a and_o scornful_a sort_n of_o people_n and_o declare_v the_o cause_n of_o their_o atheism_n to_o be_v 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o certain_a pernicious_a sort_n of_o ignorance_n that_o put_v on_o a_o semblance_n of_o the_o great_a wisdom_n and_o afterward_o he_o call_v athetheism_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d that_o which_o in_o the_o eye_n of_o some_o conceit_a people_n seem_v to_o be_v the_o wise_a of_o all_o doctrine_n de_fw-fr leg._n lib._n 10._o and_o because_o these_o atheistical_a philosopher_n who_o be_v some_o of_o they_o great_a master_n of_o wit_n and_o learning_n have_v the_o good_a luck_n to_o be_v remarque_v and_o gaze_v on_o like_o so_o many_o antic_n for_o their_o singularity_n they_o have_v always_o find_v disciple_n and_o follower_n among_o the_o people_n of_o little_a sense_n and_o a_o great_a deal_n of_o vanity_n who_o be_v ambitious_a of_o the_o reputation_n of_o wit_n and_o philosopher_n but_o have_v neither_o brain_n nor_o industry_n enough_o to_o merit_v it_o be_v fain_o to_o shelter_v their_o ignorance_n in_o atheism_n and_o there_o to_o face_v it_o out_o with_o laughter_n and_o boldness_n and_o because_o by_o laugh_v at_o god_n and_o religion_n they_o deride_v the_o common_a faith_n of_o mankind_n they_o fancy_v themselves_o singular_o witty_a and_o expect_v that_o other_o shall_v fancy_v they_o so_o too_o whereas_o in_o reality_n these_o little_a people_n be_v but_o mere_a pretender_n to_o speculative_a atheism_n for_o before_o they_o can_v be_v more_o they_o must_v comprehend_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o the_o atheistical_a philosophy_n and_o be_v able_a to_o describe_v all_o those_o suppose_a law_n of_o motion_n by_o which_o matter_n without_o the_o conduct_n of_o a_o superior_a wisdom_n
that_o have_v any_o reverence_n for_o the_o humane_a nature_n within_o he_o will_v ever_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v bribe_v for_o a_o opinion_n that_o do_v not_o only_o undervalue_v but_o deride_v and_o ridicule_n it_o shall_v you_o hear_v yourself_o brand_v with_o a_o contemptible_a character_n or_o rank_v among_o ape_n or_o any_o such_o ridiculous_a animal_n you_o will_v doubtless_o be_v so_o far_o from_o court_v the_o author_n of_o it_o that_o you_o will_v resent_v it_o as_o a_o great_a affront_n and_o think_v yourselves_o oblige_v in_o honour_n to_o return_v the_o provocation_n and_o yet_o for_o the_o sake_n of_o a_o few_o base_a lust_n which_o be_v the_o shame_n and_o scandal_n of_o your_o nature_n you_o espouse_v the_o cause_n of_o atheism_n though_o it_o deride_v and_o affront_v you_o to_o your_o face_n and_o stain_v the_o glory_n of_o your_o nature_n with_o the_o most_o contemptible_a and_o ridiculous_a character_n in_o the_o world_n ii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o very_a be_v and_o wellbeing_a of_o humane_a society_n for_o the_o soul_n that_o penetrate_v through_o all_o humane_a society_n and_o compact_n and_o unite_v it_o in_o a_o regular_a body_n be_v religion_n or_o the_o sense_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n without_o which_o all_o the_o part_n of_o the_o corporation_n of_o mankind_n like_o the_o member_n of_o a_o dead_a body_n must_v necessary_o disband_v and_o fly_v abroad_o into_o atom_n for_o a_o form_a society_n which_o be_v a_o unite_a multitude_n consist_v in_o the_o harmony_n and_o consent_n of_o its_o member_n mutual_o unite_v by_o law_n and_o agreement_n and_o dispose_v into_o a_o regular_a subordination_n to_o one_o another_o neither_o of_o which_o can_v any_o humane_a society_n long_o continue_v without_o the_o belief_n and_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n for_o without_o this_o in_o the_o first_o place_n it_o be_v impossible_a that_o the_o part_n of_o any_o society_n shall_v continue_v unite_v by_o law_n and_o agreement_n for_o it_o be_v from_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n that_o all_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v derive_v so_o that_o take_v that_o away_o and_o these_o must_v dissolve_v and_o when_o the_o obligation_n of_o conscience_n be_v dissolve_v there_o be_v nothing_o but_o man_n temporal_a interest_n can_v oblige_v they_o to_o conform_v to_o those_o law_n and_o mutual_a agreement_n by_o which_o they_o be_v unite_v to_o one_o another_o and_o if_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n only_o that_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v just_a and_o faithful_a to_o their_o mutual_a agreement_n they_o will_v be_v equal_o oblige_v to_o be_v unjust_a and_o unfaithful_a when_o ever_o it_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o be_v so_o so_o that_o this_o principle_n which_o only_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v honest_a while_o it_o be_v for_o their_o advantage_n will_v as_o effectual_o oblige_v they_o to_o be_v knave_n when_o ever_o the_o case_n be_v alter_v and_o thing_n be_v reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n there_o remain_v no_o foundation_n of_o trust_n and_o mutual_a confidence_n among_o men._n for_o what_o can_v any_o man_n promise_n signify_v if_o he_o be_v under_o no_o obligation_n but_o interest_n to_o be_v sure_a if_o it_o be_v for_o his_o interest_n he_o will_v do_v what_o he_o say_v without_o any_o promise_n but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o what_o promise_n can_v oblige_v he_o you_o will_v say_v it_o be_v his_o interest_n to_o keep_v his_o word_n because_o otherwise_o he_o will_v forfeit_v his_o reputation_n for_o the_o future_a but_o pray_v what_o reputation_n can_v a_o man_n have_v to_o forfeit_v that_o own_v no_o other_o law_n or_o obligation_n but_o his_o interest_n or_o who_o will_v ever_o presume_v upon_o that_o man_n word_n and_o engagement_n who_o avow_a principle_n it_o be_v to_o be_v honest_a no_o long_o than_o he_o can_v gain_v by_o it_o thus_o atheism_n you_o see_v resolve_v all_o our_o obligation_n into_o our_o worldly_a interest_n which_o be_v so_o fickle_a and_o mutable_a a_o principle_n so_o dependent_a upon_o chance_n and_o the_o inconstancy_n of_o fortune_n that_o there_o be_v no_o hold_n to_o be_v take_v of_o those_o that_o be_v govern_v by_o it_o for_o that_o which_o be_v their_o interest_n to_o day_n may_v be_v their_o disadvantage_n to_o morrow_n and_o if_o it_o shall_v so_o happen_v they_o must_v steer_v a_o contrary_a course_n or_o else_o act_v contrary_a to_o their_o lead_a principle_n so_o that_o for_o man_n to_o trust_v each_o other_o upon_o this_o fickle_a principle_n be_v all_o one_o as_o to_o rely_v upon_o the_o constancy_n of_o a_o weathercock_n which_o every_o contrary_a wind_n turn_v to_o a_o contrary_a position_n and_o thing_n be_v once_o reduce_v to_o this_o issue_n that_o man_n can_v place_v no_o trust_n or_o confidence_n in_o one_o another_o their_o society_n will_v soon_o become_v their_o great_a plague_n and_o vexation_n for_o every_o man_n will_v be_v force_v to_o stand_v upon_o his_o guard_n against_o every_o man_n and_o keep_v himself_o reserve_v and_o retire_v within_o himself_o till_o at_o last_o out_o of_o mutual_a distrust_n and_o jealousy_n of_o one_o another_o they_o be_v force_v to_o withdraw_v their_o society_n and_o to_o live_v apart_o in_o separate_a den_n for_o fear_n of_o be_v entrap_v and_o devour_v by_o each_o other_o and_o as_o atheism_n cut_v in_o sunder_o those_o ligament_n of_o mutual_a trust_n and_o agreement_n by_o which_o the_o part_n of_o humane_a society_n be_v unite_v so_o it_o also_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n that_o be_v between_o they_o plutarch_n observe_v in_o his_o treatise_n against_o colot_n 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d i._n e._n it_o seem_v to_o i_o more_o possible_a for_o a_o city_n to_o stand_v without_o ground_n than_o for_o a_o commonwealth_n to_o subsist_v and_o continue_v without_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n which_o be_v 〈◊〉_d only_o firm_a foundation_n whereupon_o 〈…〉_z and_o society_n depend_v for_o if_o there_o be_v no_o god_n what_o shall_v oblige_v any_o to_o own_o any_o superior_a or_o pay_v any_o submission_n and_o if_o his_o interest_n be_v his_o only_a obligation_n to_o his_o superior_n when_o ever_o he_o can_v mend_v his_o fortune_n by_o rebel_a against_o they_o that_o very_o same_o interest_n which_o at_o present_a restrain_v he_o from_o it_o will_v with_o equal_a force_n invite_v he_o to_o it_o nor_o will_v it_o signify_v any_o thing_n that_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o the_o contrary_a by_o oath_n of_o fidelity_n and_o allegiance_n for_o if_o it_o be_v our_o interest_n to_o be_v faithful_a to_o the_o government_n our_o own_o prudence_n and_o discretion_n will_v oblige_v we_o to_o it_o without_o such_o oath_n as_o well_o as_o with_o they_o but_o if_o it_o be_v not_o our_o interest_n and_o this_o be_v the_o only_a principle_n that_o oblige_v we_o no_o oath_n or_o engagement_n can_v hold_v we_o so_o that_o in_o this_o state_n of_o thing_n all_o the_o security_n that_o governor_n can_v have_v of_o their_o subject_n be_v that_o they_o will_v not_o rebel_v when_o they_o be_v not_o able_a but_o as_o soon_o as_o they_o think_v it_o safe_a to_o be_v sure_a they_o will_v think_v it_o lawful_a which_o be_v once_o admit_v will_v undermine_v the_o very_a foundation_n of_o government_n and_o utter_o dissolve_v that_o regular_a subordination_n by_o which_o humane_a society_n be_v support_v whereas_o admit_v that_o the_o law_n of_o our_o prince_n be_v bind_v upon_o we_o by_o the_o authority_n of_o a_o sovereign_a lord_n who_o can_v render_v we_o eternal_o happy_a or_o miserable_a we_o be_v oblige_v to_o obey_v he_o by_o all_o that_o we_o can_v hope_v or_o fear_n and_o have_v all_o the_o engagement_n to_o loyalty_n that_o the_o reflection_n on_o a_o happy_a or_o miserable_a eternity_n can_v lay_v upon_o we_o what_o a_o prodigious_a piece_n of_o folly_n be_v it_o therefore_o for_o man_n to_o embrace_v atheism_n as_o their_o interest_n which_o do_v thus_o direct_o tend_v to_o deprive_v we_o of_o all_o the_o comfort_n of_o society_n by_o involve_v we_o in_o eternal_a confusion_n and_o disorder_n for_o if_o once_o we_o take_v away_o mutual_a trust_n and_o government_n from_o the_o world_n both_o which_o have_v a_o necessary_a dependence_n on_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o god_n we_o break_v all_o the_o harmony_n of_o humane_a society_n and_o convert_v it_o into_o a_o commonwealth_n of_o cannibal_n and_o what_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n will_v ever_o be_v find_v of_o a_o opinion_n that_o proclaim_v open_a war_n with_o mankind_n and_o be_v pregnant_a with_o consequent_n so_o fatal_a and_o destructive_a to_o the_o world_n can_v we_o think_v it_o more_o advantageous_a to_o we_o that_o atheism_n shall_v be_v true_a than_o that_o humane_a society_n shall_v be_v uphold_v and_o perpetuate_v or_o be_v the_o pleasure_n we_o reap_v from_o the_o lust_n which_o incline_v we_o to_o atheism_n comparable_o
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
that_o upon_o examination_n have_v be_v find_v repugnant_a to_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n and_o when_o all_o be_v do_v if_o both_o be_v true_a yet_o be_v they_o altogether_o insufficient_a to_o solve_v a_o thousand_o phainomena_n in_o nature_n so_o that_o the_o utmost_a that_o the_o most_o learned_a and_o inquisitive_a atheist_n can_v ever_o pretend_v to_o be_v to_o advance_v atheism_n to_o a_o grand_a perhaps_o and_o by_o endeavour_v to_o demonstrate_v how_o thing_n may_v possible_o be_v as_o they_o be_v without_o a_o god_n to_o prove_v that_o it_o be_v possible_a there_o be_v none_o and_o yet_o when_o all_o be_v do_v their_o most_o ingenious_a endeavour_n be_v only_o a_o demonstration_n that_o the_o most_o acute_a and_o witty_a man_n may_v be_v mistake_v for_o what_o a_o hopeless_a kind_n of_o task_n be_v it_o to_o show_v how_o that_o may_v be_v the_o effect_n of_o a_o blind_a chance_n or_o necessity_n which_o have_v all_o the_o character_n of_o a_o wise_a design_n and_o contrivance_n fair_o imprint_v on_o it_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o a_o undesigning_a chance_n to_o fit_a mean_n to_o end_n or_o end_v to_o nature_n or_o so_o to_o proportion_v part_n to_o one_o another_o as_o to_o make_v a_o comely_a symmetry_n in_o the_o whole_a and_o this_o in_o ten_o thousand_o instance_n and_o not_o fail_v in_o one_o how_o often_o as_o the_o above_o name_v author_n from_o tully_n discourse_n may_v a_o man_n after_o he_o have_v shake_v together_o a_o sett_n of_o letter_n in_o a_o bag_n fling_v they_o out_o upon_o the_o ground_n before_o they_o will_v fall_v into_o a_o exact_a poem_n or_o make_v a_o good_a discourse_n in_o prose_n and_o may_v not_o a_o little_a book_n be_v as_o easy_o make_v by_o chance_n as_o the_o great_a volume_n of_o the_o world_n in_o which_o there_o be_v such_o a_o inexhaustible_a treasure_n of_o rich_a sense_n and_o contrivance_n or_o how_o long_o may_v a_o man_n be_v in_o sprinkle_v colour_n upon_o a_o canvas_n with_o a_o careless_a hand_n before_o they_o will_v happen_v to_o fall_v into_o the_o exact_a picture_n of_o a_o man_n and_o be_v a_o man_n easy_o make_v by_o chance_n than_o his_o picture_n why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o well_o conceive_v the_o most_o regular_a building_n in_o the_o world_n to_o be_v frame_v by_o a_o casual_a concourse_n of_o stone_n and_o iron_n and_o timber_n as_o that_o these_o blind_a and_o ramble_a part_n of_o matter_n shall_v chance_v to_o place_n themselves_o so_o orderly_o in_o the_o world_n and_o to_o observe_v such_o a_o exact_a harmony_n and_o decorum_n as_o if_o they_o keep_v time_n with_o the_o musical_a law_n of_o some_o almighty_a mind_n that_o compose_v their_o measure_n and_o regulate_v their_o motion_n up_o and_o down_o in_o the_o universe_n but_o grant_v the_o atheist_n what_o he_o so_o eager_o tho_o unsuccessful_o contend_v for_o that_o it_o be_v possible_a all_o this_o may_v happen_v by_o mere_a chance_n and_o consequent_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o god_n in_o the_o world_n will_v any_o man_n in_o his_o wit_n find_v his_o faith_n upon_o a_o mere_a possibility_n when_o it_o will_v be_v as_o much_o as_o his_o soul_n be_v worth_a if_o he_o shall_v happen_v to_o be_v mistake_v it_o be_v possible_a that_o shall_v he_o throw_v himself_o from_o the_o top_n of_o a_o high_a steeple_n the_o air_n between_o may_v be_v so_o condense_v as_o to_o bear_v he_o up_o and_o preserve_v he_o from_o be_v dash_v in_o piece_n by_o his_o fall_n but_o will_v you_o not_o think_v the_o man_n slark_n mad_a that_o shall_v venture_v his_o neck_n upon_o that_o possibility_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v a_o far_o more_o desperate_a venture_n that_o the_o atheist_n make_v by_o thus_o hazard_v his_o soul_n to_o everlasting_a destruction_n upon_o a_o bare_a possibility_n that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o god_n to_o destroy_v he_o iii_o the_o atheist_n conclude_v against_o the_o best_a evidence_n that_o the_o contrary_a will_v admit_v for_o that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n we_o have_v as_o full_a evidence_n as_o the_o matter_n can_v bear_v if_o there_o be_v one_o and_o to_o require_v more_o be_v absurd_a and_o unreasonable_a for_o let_v we_o at_o present_a suppose_n but_o for_o argument-sake_n that_o there_o be_v such_o a_o infinite_a spirit_n in_o the_o world_n a_o spirit_n that_o be_v as_o wise_a and_o as_o good_a and_o as_o powerful_a as_o he_o who_o we_o call_v god_n be_v suppose_v to_o be_v suppose_v i_o say_v there_o be_v such_o a_o spirit_n actual_o exist_v we_o can_v not_o have_v great_a evidence_n of_o it_o than_o we_o have_v already_o that_o he_o actual_o exist_v for_o we_o can_v not_o see_v he_o with_o our_o eye_n because_o we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v a_o spirit_n we_o can_v not_o demonstrate_v his_o existence_n à _fw-fr priori_fw-la or_o from_o any_o cause_n because_o be_v the_o first_o cause_n he_o must_v be_v un_fw-we cause_v or_o self-originated_n it_o remain_v therefore_o that_o the_o only_a demonstration_n we_o can_v give_v of_o his_o be_v be_v that_o which_o we_o call_v à _fw-fr posteriori_fw-la or_o from_o such_o sensible_a effect_n as_o can_v only_o be_v ascribe_v to_o the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n and_o goodness_n of_o such_o a_o be_v and_o of_o such_o effect_n as_o these_o we_o have_v infinite_a instance_n before_o we_o for_o in_o sum_n we_o have_v all_o this_o visible_a world_n about_o we_o who_o changeable_a nature_n demonstrate_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o superior_a cause_n and_o who_o unspeakable_a vastness_n beauty_n and_o contrivance_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o most_o wise_a and_o good_a and_o powerful_a cause_n for_o as_o to_o the_o first_o whatsoever_o be_v changeable_a can_v self-exist_a but_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o some_o superior_a cause_n because_o whatsoever_o self-exists_a be_v necessary_o and_o whatsoever_o be_v necessary_o be_v always_o the_o same_o that_o which_o be_v without_o any_o cause_n can_v but_o be_v and_o that_o which_o be_v thus_o or_o thus_o without_o any_o cause_n can_v but_o be_v so_o or_o so_o for_o ever_o and_o consequent_o if_o the_o world_n be_v of_o itself_o without_o any_o cause_n it_o will_v not_o only_o be_v necessary_o but_o also_o be_v such_o as_o it_o be_v necessary_o and_o unchangeable_o but_o contrariwise_o we_o plain_o perceive_v that_o it_o run_v a_o perpetual_a course_n of_o change_n and_o alteration_n that_o its_o part_n be_v continual_o alter_v their_o figure_n and_o shift_v their_o place_n with_o one_o another_o whereas_o if_o this_o part_n be_v of_o itself_o necessary_o as_o it_o must_v be_v if_o the_o whole_a be_v so_o it_o will_v necessary_o be_v where_o it_o be_v and_o what_o it_o be_v eternal_o and_o since_o the_o mutability_n of_o this_o world_n argue_v it_o to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o some_o superior_a cause_n i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o consider_v the_o vastness_n and_o beauty_n and_o contrivance_n of_o it_o it_o be_v not_o most_o reasonable_a to_o attribute_v it_o to_o such_o a_o all-good_a alwise_a and_o almighty_a cause_n as_o we_o suppose_v god_n to_o be_v for_o what_o less_o than_o a_o infinite_a power_n can_v bear_v a_o due_a proportion_n to_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o immense_a world_n shall_v you_o enter_v into_o a_o vast_a and_o magnificent_a palace_n and_o find_v no_o creature_n in_o it_o but_o a_o company_n of_o mouse_n or_o weasel_n can_v you_o possible_o believe_v that_o these_o impotent_a vermin_n build_v it_o and_o yet_o the_o build_n of_o the_o most_o royal_a palace_n do_v not_o so_o much_o exceed_v the_o power_n of_o these_o weak_a animal_n as_o the_o build_n of_o this_o world_n do_v the_o power_n of_o any_o cause_n but_o a_o god_n but_o then_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o infinite_a number_n of_o being_n in_o the_o world_n that_o be_v capable_a of_o happiness_n and_o the_o vast_a provision_n that_o be_v make_v to_o entertain_v they_o according_a to_o their_o several_a capacity_n we_o can_v but_o thence_o conclude_v that_o the_o power_n which_o make_v they_o be_v act_v 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
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
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 be_v useless_a and_o in_o vain_a for_o if_o he_o exert_v his_o sovereign_a power_n at_o all_o it_o must_v be_v in_o rule_n and_o dominion_n which_o be_v its_o only_a natural_a province_n but_o if_o he_o do_v not_o his_o sovereignty_n be_v only_o a_o majestic_a sloth_n that_o sit_v sleep_v in_o a_o awful_a throne_n with_o its_o hand_n in_o its_o bosom_n without_o ever_o do_v any_o thing_n that_o be_v sovereign_n and_o of_o what_o use_n be_v that_o sovereign_a power_n that_o never_o exercise_v any_o act_n of_o sovereignty_n since_o therefore_o god_n self-existence_n necessary_o suppose_v his_o sovereign_a power_n over_o all_o thing_n we_o must_v either_o grant_v that_o he_o continual_o exercise_v this_o power_n in_o rule_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n or_o assert_v that_o it_o be_v
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
ground_n or_o reason_n of_o it_o how_o much_o more_o may_v a_o allwise_a and_o almighty_a mind_n and_o therefore_o since_o de_fw-fr facto_fw-la we_o behold_v a_o world_n of_o curious_a art_n among_o brute_n animal_n that_o far_o exceed_v all_o the_o little_a feat_n we_o can_v teach_v they_o why_o may_v we_o not_o as_o reasonable_o believe_v that_o any_o one_o of_o these_o dance_a animal_n learn_v all_o his_o artificial_a motion_n the_o reason_n of_o which_o he_o understand_v not_o without_o any_o artsmaster_n to_o teach_v he_o as_o that_o ant_n and_o bee_n acquire_v all_o the_o art_n and_o providence_n they_o practice_n without_o either_o discover_v the_o reason_n of_o it_o by_o any_o understanding_n of_o their_o own_o or_o be_v ever_o instruct_v in_o it_o by_o any_o other_o provident_a mind_n for_o art_n and_o providence_n can_v be_v suppose_v without_o reason_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o reason_n of_o their_o art_n be_v not_o in_o themselves_o it_o must_v necessary_o be_v in_o some_o mind_n without_o they_o that_o have_v the_o conduct_n and_o direction_n of_o all_o their_o motion_n iii_o another_o sensible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v the_o mutual_a agreement_n and_o correspondency_n of_o thing_n that_o have_v no_o understanding_n of_o themselves_o or_o of_o one_o another_o for_o if_o we_o look_v abroad_o into_o the_o world_n we_o can_v but_o observe_v a_o admirable_a harmony_n among_o thing_n which_o yet_o have_v no_o kind_n of_o knowledge_n of_o one_o another_o and_o therefore_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v frame_v and_o adapt_v themselves_o to_o one_o another_o nor_o yet_o to_o be_v so_o frame_v and_o adapt_v but_o by_o the_o art_n and_o contrivance_n of_o some_o very_a wise_a and_o intelligent_a mind_n for_o how_o can_v any_o cause_n fit_a any_o two_o thing_n to_o one_o another_o without_o have_v some_o idea_n in_o his_o mind_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o they_o both_o if_o therefore_o in_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n we_o can_v discover_v a_o world_n of_o mutual_a suitability_n of_o this_o to_o that_o and_o of_o one_o thing_n to_o another_o it_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n that_o they_o all_o proc_v from_o some_o wise_a cause_n that_o have_v a_o universal_a idea_n of_o their_o nature_n in_o his_o mind_n and_o see_v how_o such_o a_o thing_n will_v suit_v such_o a_o thing_n before_o ever_o he_o actual_o adapt_v they_o one_o to_o another_o now_o not_o to_o insist_v any_o further_a upon_o the_o admirable_a fitness_n of_o the_o sun_n and_o earth_n the_o water_n and_o earth_n the_o air_n and_o heaven_n and_o earth_n one_o to_o another_o which_o i_o have_v large_o discourse_v already_o how_o exact_o be_v every_o animal_n fit_v for_o its_o element_n and_o every_o element_n for_o its_o animal_n thus_o the_o bird_n for_o instance_n be_v fit_v with_o wing_n to_o fly_v aloft_o in_o the_o air_n and_o the_o air_n be_v fit_v to_o bear_v they_o up_o and_o to_o yield_v to_o the_o vibration_n of_o their_o wing_n the_o fish_n be_v fit_v to_o swim_v in_o the_o water_n have_v fin_n which_o serve_v instead_o of_o oar_n to_o cut_v through_o and_o divide_v the_o stream_n and_o the_o water_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o fish_n to_o swim_v in_o be_v a_o soft_a and_o fluid_a substance_n that_o be_v easy_o cut_v and_o divide_v and_o as_o for_o the_o earth_n and_o those_o earthy_a animal_n that_o inhabit_v it_o there_o be_v a_o admirable_a congruity_n between_o they_o for_o they_o be_v all_o frame_v to_o walk_v or_o creep_v must_v have_v a_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n to_o move_v on_o and_o the_o earth_n be_v a_o hard_a and_o solid_a matter_n require_v such_o animal_n as_o can_v walk_v or_o creep_v on_o it_o and_o as_o every_o element_n be_v fit_v for_o the_o motion_n of_o its_o animal_n and_o every_o animal_n to_o move_v in_o its_o element_n so_o every_o element_n have_v a_o food_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o appetite_n of_o its_o animal_n and_o every_o animal_n a_o appetite_n that_o be_v proper_a to_o the_o food_n of_o its_o element_n so_o that_o as_o every_o animal_n be_v fit_v within_o with_o all_o those_o faculty_n and_o organ_n that_o be_v requisite_a to_o its_o procure_n and_o enjoy_v what_o be_v good_a for_o it_o and_o its_o shun_v and_o repel_v what_o be_v hurtful_a so_o it_o be_v also_o furnish_v without_o with_o all_o that_o be_v necessary_a or_o convenient_a for_o its_o support_n and_o satisfaction_n thus_o every_o faculty_n within_o have_v a_o object_n without_o prepare_v for_o it_o that_o be_v exact_o correspondent_a therewith_o without_o which_o as_o have_v be_v excellent_o observe_v the_o faculty_n will_v become_v vain_a and_o useless_a yea_o and_o sometime_o harmful_a and_o destructive_a as_o reciprocal_o the_o object_n will_v import_v little_a or_o nothing_o if_o such_o a_o faculty_n be_v not_o provide_v for_o and_o suit_v to_o it_o for_o thus_o the_o eye_n will_v be_v perfect_o useless_a if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o light_n and_o the_o light_n will_v be_v much_o less_o considerable_a if_o it_o be_v not_o for_o the_o eye_n for_o if_o all_o light_n be_v extinguish_v all_o those_o curious_a colour_n into_o which_o the_o light_n be_v refract_v will_v be_v utter_o insignificant_a and_o if_o all_o those_o colour_n be_v extinguish_v the_o eye_n will_v be_v utter_o deprive_v of_o one_o of_o its_o most_o pleasant_a entertainment_n and_o what_o use_n will_v there_o be_v of_o all_o that_o infinite_a variety_n of_o melodious_a sound_n fragrant_a odour_n and_o delicious_a savour_n which_o this_o frame_n of_o nature_n afford_v be_v there_o no_o hear_n smell_a or_o taste_v faculty_n and_o what_o will_v these_o faculty_n signify_v be_v there_o no_o such_o sound_n or_o odour_n or_o savour_n so_o that_o these_o object_n and_o faculty_n be_v all_o as_o perfect_o fit_v one_o to_o another_o as_o it_o be_v possible_a for_o art_n to_o fit_v they_o nothing_o can_v be_v better_o sit_v for_o see_v than_o the_o eye_n nothing_o better_a frame_v to_o render_v thing_n visible_a than_o the_o light_n and_o light_n can_v be_v refract_v into_o no_o colour_n so_o grateful_a unto_o the_o eye_n as_o green_a which_o be_v the_o great_a colour_n of_o nature_n and_o the_o same_o may_v be_v say_v of_o the_o ear_n and_o sound_n the_o smell_n and_o odour_n the_o taste_n and_o savour_n and_o if_o the_o eye_n be_v make_v to_o see_v and_o the_o ear_n to_o hear_v as_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o they_o be_v be_v so_o exquisite_o frame_v for_o that_o purpose_n to_o be_v sure_a light_n be_v make_v for_o see_v and_o sound_n for_o hear_v and_o so_o for_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o so_o many_o thing_n shall_v be_v make_v so_o exact_o harmonious_a and_o agreeable_a with_o one_o another_o without_o the_o powerful_a art_n and_o direction_n of_o some_o very_a skilful_a mind_n that_o know_v beforehand_o that_o this_o thing_n will_v perfect_o fit_v that_o and_o consequent_o have_v a_o perfect_a idea_n of_o they_o both_o when_o therefore_o we_o behold_v such_o exact_a correspondency_n between_o the_o motive_n faculty_n of_o animal_n and_o the_o element_n they_o move_v in_o between_o the_o fruit_n and_o product_n of_o those_o element_n and_o the_o faculty_n of_o taste_n digestion_n and_o nutrition_n in_o those_o animal_n that_o inhabit_v they_o and_o in_o a_o word_n between_o all_o sensible_a object_n without_o and_o sensitive_a object_n within_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a we_o shall_v be_v so_o senseless_a as_o not_o to_o trace_v out_o a_o all-directing_a wisdom_n by_o footstep_n that_o be_v so_o express_v and_o remarkable_a for_o suppose_v you_o hear_v a_o musical_a instrument_n move_v its_o own_o string_n into_o a_o exquisite_a harmony_n and_o run_v long_a division_n of_o curious_a and_o well-proportioned_a note_n without_o the_o impulse_n of_o any_o visible_a artist_n will_v you_o not_o conclude_v either_o that_o some_o invisible_a hand_n do_v immediate_o touch_v and_o play_v upon_o its_o string_n or_o that_o they_o be_v move_v by_o some_o internal_a spring_n and_o contrivance_n of_o a_o musical_a mind_n how_o then_o can_v we_o attend_v to_o the_o admirable_a harmony_n of_o nature_n to_o the_o natural_a reference_n and_o due_a proportion_n and_o exact_a correspondency_n of_o all_o its_o innumerable_a part_n to_o one_o another_o without_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v some_o great_a harmonical_a mind_n which_o tune_v it_o at_o first_o and_o still_o play_v upon_o it_o by_o the_o immediate_a touch_n and_o impulse_n of_o its_o own_o invisible_a hand_n and_o as_o all_o thing_n be_v thus_o fit_v and_o adapt_v together_o so_o be_v they_o also_o most_o regular_o subordinate_v to_o one_o another_o according_a to_o their_o rank_n and_o worth_a the_o senseless_a element_n with_o all_o their_o fruit_n and_o product_v be_v subject_a to_o the_o use_n of_o animal_n to_o
so_o that_o now_o to_o believe_v and_o obey_v the_o sacred_a dictate_v of_o religion_n be_v generous_a and_o ingenuous_a and_o our_o faith_n and_o obedience_n be_v our_o virtue_n and_o excellency_n because_o we_o believe_v and_o obey_v without_o force_n and_o against_o temptation_n and_o difficulty_n and_o as_o this_o unequal_a state_n of_o thing_n be_v of_o absolute_a necessity_n to_o try_v and_o exercise_v our_o virtue_n so_o it_o be_v also_o very_a assistant_n thereunto_o for_o that_o providence_n do_v general_o and_o not_o universal_o bless_v and_o prosper_v good_a man_n be_v a_o great_a support_n to_o a_o wise_a and_o rational_a belief_n for_o as_o a_o late_a excellent_a author_n have_v well_o observe_v if_o thing_n be_v constant_o manage_v one_o way_n without_o any_o variation_n we_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o conclude_v that_o the_o world_n be_v under_o the_o rigid_a law_n of_o a_o fatal_a necessity_n if_o on_o the_o other_o side_n there_o be_v no_o rule_n observe_v no_o footstep_n of_o method_n in_o the_o dispensation_n of_o providence_n we_o may_v be_v tempt_v to_o believe_v that_o chance_n rule_v the_o world_n but_o when_o we_o observe_v that_o in_o the_o management_n of_o thing_n there_o be_v a_o intermixture_n of_o these_o two_o viz._n that_o there_o be_v a_o general_a rule_n and_o that_o there_o be_v particular_a exception_n from_o it_o we_o have_v just_a reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o all_o be_v under_o a_o free_a almighty_a agent_n that_o rule_v the_o world_n according_a to_o the_o determination_n of_o his_o own_o will._n as_o this_o way_n of_o providence_n viz._n to_o interweave_v into_o good_a man_n fortune_n adversity_n with_o prosperity_n be_v in_o this_o respect_n very_o advantageous_a to_o their_o faith_n so_o be_v it_o also_o to_o the_o whole_a state_n of_o their_o virtue_n for_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n a_o continue_a train_n of_o prosperous_a event_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o bloat_v and_o elevate_v their_o mind_n so_o on_o the_o other_o a_o continue_a series_n of_o adversity_n will_v be_v apt_a to_o sink_v and_o depress_v their_o spirit_n whilst_o this_o middle_a way_n of_o interchange_n in_o their_o condition_n balance_n they_o on_o both_o side_n and_o keep_v they_o in_o a_o even_o steady_a and_o well-poized_n temper_v since_o therefore_o this_o life_n be_v the_o state_n of_o our_o trial_n it_o be_v evident_a that_o a_o exact_a equality_n of_o thing_n will_v be_v a_o much_o strong_a objection_n against_o the_o wisdom_n of_o providence_n than_o all_o these_o present_a inequality_n be_v against_o the_o justice_n of_o it_o for_o hardship_n and_o difficulty_n be_v necessary_a to_o a_o state_n of_o trial_n and_o be_v good_a man_n always_o blessed_v and_o bad_a man_n always_o punish_v this_o life_n instead_o of_o be_v a_o probation_n to_o either_o will_v be_v the_o heaven_n of_o the_o one_o and_o the_o hell_n of_o the_o other_o and_o since_o some_o affliction_n be_v necessary_a to_o try_v good_a man_n and_o some_o prosperity_n 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
and_o so_o ought_v not_o to_o be_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o god_n which_o be_v infinite_a there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v difficult_a or_o uneasy_a to_o he_o for_o it_o be_v because_o of_o imperfection_n that_o labour_n and_o trouble_n do_v attend_v any_o being_n in_o their_o operation_n can_v they_o do_v what_o they_o do_v perfect_o it_o will_v be_v no_o labour_n at_o all_o to_o they_o god_n therefore_o have_v a_o infinite_a power_n to_o effect_v what_o he_o please_v whatsoever_o he_o do_v he_o do_v it_o most_o perfect_o and_o consequent_o without_o any_o toil_n or_o labour_n and_o since_o all_o thing_n be_v derive_v from_o he_o and_o be_v dependent_a upon_o he_o they_o must_v all_o be_v perfect_o subject_a to_o his_o power_n and_o where_o there_o be_v perfect_a subjection_n there_o can_v be_v no_o resistance_n and_o where_o there_o be_v no_o resistance_n there_o can_v be_v no_o labour_n and_o then_o as_o for_o duration_n which_o be_v the_o other_o perfection_n of_o life_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v attend_v with_o dependence_n for_o there_o be_v no_o life_n but_o depend_v upon_o god_n to_o be_v shorten_v or_o prolong_v according_a to_o his_o pleasure_n the_o life_n of_o all_o being_n be_v maintain_v and_o supply_v by_o his_o all-enlivening_a power_n and_o influence_n which_o if_o he_o withdraw_v from_o they_o but_o one_o moment_n they_o present_o expire_v so_o that_o the_o duration_n of_o all_o create_a life_n be_v dependent_a and_o precarious_a and_o even_o those_o being_n that_o shall_v live_v for_o ever_o have_v no_o other_o tenure_n of_o life_n but_o god_n will_v and_o pleasure_n who_o with_o the_o breath_n of_o his_o nostril_n can_v blow_v they_o out_o when_o he_o please_v but_o the_o duration_n of_o god_n life_n be_v altogether_o independent_a for_o he_o subsist_v of_o himself_o from_o that_o infinite_a fullness_n of_o be_v that_o be_v in_o he_o and_o have_v do_v so_o from_o all_o eternity_n past_o when_o there_o be_v no_o other_o cause_n but_o himself_o in_o be_v and_o therefore_o can_v do_v so_o to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v without_o the_o support_n or_o assistance_n of_o any_o other_o cause_n so_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o all_o behold_n for_o his_o duration_n to_o the_o good_a will_n and_o pleasure_n of_o any_o other_o be_v but_o derive_v from_o a_o inexhaustible_a spring_n of_o life_n within_o himself_o whence_o he_o also_o derive_v life_n to_o all_o other_o being_n again_o when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n viz._n quickness_n and_o exquisiteness_n of_o perception_n we_o must_v whole_o abstract_a from_o it_o all_o that_o imperfection_n with_o which_o it_o be_v attend_v in_o the_o creature_n for_o in_o they_o it_o be_v attend_v with_o sundry_a affection_n which_o argue_v imperfection_n in_o their_o nature_n and_o happiness_n such_o as_o fear_v sorrow_n repentance_n desperation_n and_o the_o like_a all_o which_o argue_v a_o defect_n of_o power_n or_o wisdom_n and_o proceed_v from_o a_o quick_a sense_n of_o evil_n past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v which_o be_v inconsistent_a with_o perfect_a happiness_n when_o therefore_o we_o attribute_v to_o god_n this_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o proceed_v from_o the_o sense_n of_o evil_n or_o pain_n for_o he_o be_v so_o infinite_o perfect_a both_o in_o nature_n and_o happiness_n that_o no_o evil_a can_v approach_v he_o to_o vex_v or_o disturb_v he_o or_o make_v any_o painful_a impression_n on_o his_o nature_n and_o be_v so_o it_o be_v impossible_a that_o in_o propriety_n of_o speech_n he_o shall_v either_o fear_n or_o grieve_v or_o repent_v or_o despair_v all_o these_o affection_n indeed_o be_v in_o scripture_n attribute_v to_o he_o but_o than_o it_o be_v in_o a_o improper_a and_o metaphorical_a sense_n not_o as_o if_o he_o do_v at_o any_o time_n feel_v these_o passion_n within_o himself_o but_o because_o he_o demean_v himself_o towards_o we_o as_o if_o he_o do_v not_o as_o if_o the_o affection_n themselves_o have_v any_o place_n in_o his_o nature_n but_o because_o the_o natural_a effect_n of_o they_o appear_v in_o his_o action_n and_o behaviour_n and_o though_o there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o he_o resent_v all_o those_o evil_n which_o good_a man_n suffer_v and_o bad_a man_n commit_v yet_o it_o be_v not_o from_o any_o painful_a impression_n that_o they_o make_v upon_o his_o nature_n for_o he_o neither_o feel_v the_o misery_n he_o pity_v and_o relieve_v nor_o be_v vex_v at_o the_o sin_n he_o detest_v and_o abhor_v but_o all_o the_o resentment_n he_o have_v both_o of_o the_o evil_a of_o our_o suffering_n and_o sin_n be_v perfect_o calm_a to_o himself_o and_o devoid_a of_o all_o passion_n and_o disturbance_n it_o be_v true_a his_o will_n be_v perfect_o reasonable_a must_v be_v different_o affect_v towards_o different_a object_n and_o contrary_o affect_v towards_o contrary_a object_n because_o they_o propose_v to_o it_o different_a and_o contrary_a reason_n and_o therefore_o as_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o complacency_n towards_o good_a object_n so_o it_o must_v be_v affect_v with_o abhorrence_n towards_o bad_a but_o this_o abhorrence_n arise_v not_o either_o from_o any_o sense_n of_o hurt_n they_o do_v he_o or_o fear_v of_o hurt_n they_o can_v do_v he_o his_o nature_n be_v whole_o impassable_a but_o from_o the_o repugnancy_n they_o bear_v to_o his_o own_o infallible_a reason_n and_o his_o abhorrence_n be_v whole_o found_v in_o his_o reason_n and_o not_o in_o any_o sense_n or_o feeling_n he_o have_v of_o the_o evil_n he_o detest_v must_v upon_o this_o account_n be_v strip_v of_o all_o grief_n and_o vexation_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v to_o god_n the_o perfection_n of_o sense_n we_o must_v take_v care_n to_o abstract_n from_o it_o all_o those_o affection_n which_o spring_v out_o of_o the_o imperfection_n either_o of_o our_o nature_n or_o our_o happiness_n but_o then_o in_o the_o last_o place_n when_o we_o attribute_v to_o he_o the_o perfection_n of_o reason_n viz._n knowledge_n and_o rectitude_n of_o will_n we_o must_v also_o abstract_a from_o they_o all_o those_o imperfection_n with_o which_o they_o be_v at_o tend_v in_o the_o creature_n as_o for_o instance_n knowledge_n in_o the_o creature_n be_v attend_v with_o reason_v and_o discourse_v that_o be_v infer_v one_o thing_n from_o another_o argue_v consequent_n from_o principle_n and_o effect_n from_o cause_n which_o be_v a_o great_a imperfection_n of_o knowledge_n and_o a_o plain_a indication_n that_o it_o be_v narrow_a and_o confine_v in_o itself_o and_o not_o to_o be_v improve_v without_o labour_n and_o study_v for_o that_o we_o be_v fain_o to_o infer_v one_o thing_n out_o of_o another_o be_v a_o evident_a token_n that_o we_o know_v but_o in_o part_n because_o in_o this_o way_n our_o knowledge_n must_v be_v successive_a and_o we_o must_v know_v one_o thing_n before_o we_o can_v know_v another_o we_o must_v know_v the_o principle_n before_o we_o can_v know_v the_o consequent_n and_o the_o cause_n before_o the_o effect_n else_o how_o can_v we_o deduce_v the_o one_o from_o the_o other_o and_o this_o deducing_a or_o infer_v require_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o study_n and_o labour_n wherefore_o in_o attribute_v knowledge_n to_o god_n we_o must_v abstract_n from_o it_o this_o imperfection_n of_o reason_v and_o discourse_n for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a or_o unconfined_a by_o the_o utmost_a extension_n and_o duration_n of_o thing_n do_v at_o one_o intuition_n or_o simple_a view_n behold_v all_o thing_n past_a and_o present_a and_o to_o come_v yea_o whensoever_o wheresoever_o or_o howsoever_o possible_a and_o behold_v as_o he_o do_v all_o consequent_n in_o their_o principle_n all_o effect_n in_o their_o cause_n he_o do_v not_o know_v one_o thing_n after_o another_o but_o comprehend_v they_o all_o together_o in_o his_o infinite_a mind_n without_o any_o succession_n or_o improvement_n so_o that_o from_o all_o eternity_n pass_v he_o know_v as_o much_o as_o he_o do_v now_o and_o as_o much_o as_o he_o will_v do_v to_o all_o eternity_n to_o come_v for_o his_o knowledge_n be_v always_o infinite_a and_o what_o be_v infinite_a admit_v not_o either_o of_o more_o or_o less_o and_o then_o for_o that_o other_o perfection_n of_o reason_n which_o consist_v in_o rectitude_n of_o will_n in_o the_o creature_n it_o be_v acquire_v even_o as_o that_o knowledge_n and_o wisdom_n be_v by_o which_o it_o be_v measure_v and_o regulate_v for_o rectitude_n of_o will_n consist_v in_o choose_v and_o refuse_v as_o right_a reason_n direct_v must_v needs_o be_v acquire_v in_o the_o creature_n because_o that_o right_a reason_n be_v so_o by_o which_o it_o choose_v and_o refuse_v so_o that_o there_o be_v the_o same_o defect_n and_o imperfection_n in_o the_o rectitude_n of_o our_o will_n as_o there_o be_v in_o our_o reason_n and_o knowledge_n
when_o therefore_o we_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o there_o may_v be_v no_o manner_n of_o inconsistency_n or_o disagreement_n between_o they_o otherwise_o we_o must_v admit_v into_o our_o conception_n of_o they_o something_o or_o other_o that_o be_v defective_a or_o imperfect_a as_o for_o instance_n in_o god_n there_o be_v infinite_a wisdom_n and_o infinite_a justice_n infinite_a goodness_n and_o infinite_a mercy_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o these_o his_o glorious_a perfection_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o admit_v any_o notion_n of_o any_o one_o of_o they_o that_o render_v it_o repugnant_a to_o any_o other_o but_o so_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o altogether_o as_o that_o they_o may_v mutual_o accord_v and_o agree_v with_o each_o other_o for_o while_o we_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o accord_v with_o his_o wisdom_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o wisdom_n to_o be_v craft_n or_o his_o goodness_n to_o be_v folly_n and_o whilst_o we_o apprehend_v his_o mercy_n to_o be_v such_o as_o that_o it_o will_v not_o agree_v with_o his_o justice_n we_o must_v either_o suppose_v his_o justice_n to_o be_v cruelty_n or_o his_o mercy_n to_o be_v blind_a pity_n and_o fondness_n and_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o goodness_n can_v be_v a_o perfection_n which_o exceed_v the_o measure_n of_o wisdom_n nor_o that_o mercy_n neither_o which_o transgress_v the_o bound_n of_o justice_n and_o so_o on_o the_o contrary_n for_o if_o either_o god_n goodness_n exclude_v his_o wisdom_n or_o his_o wisdom_n his_o goodness_n if_o either_o his_o mercy_n swallow_v up_o his_o justice_n or_o his_o justice_n his_o mercy_n there_o be_v a_o apparent_a repugnance_n and_o contrariety_n between_o they_o and_o where_o there_o be_v a_o contrariety_n there_o must_v be_v imperfection_n in_o one_o or_o tother_o or_o both_o wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v apprehend_v they_o altogether_o as_o they_o true_o be_v in_o god_n that_o be_v under_o the_o notion_n of_o perfection_n we_o must_v so_o conceive_v of_o they_o as_o that_o in_o all_o respect_v they_o may_v be_v perfect_o consistent_a and_o harmonious_a as_o that_o his_o wisdom_n may_v not_o clash_v with_o his_o goodness_n nor_o his_o goodness_n with_o his_o wisdom_n as_o that_o his_o mercy_n may_v not_o justle_v with_o his_o justice_n nor_o his_o justice_n with_o his_o mercy_n that_o be_v we_o must_v conceive_v he_o to_o be_v as_o wise_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a goodness_n as_o good_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a wisdom_n as_o just_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a mercy_n and_o as_o merciful_a as_o he_o can_v be_v with_o infinite_a justice_n which_o be_v to_o be_v wise_a and_o good_a and_o just_a and_o merciful_a so_o far_o as_o it_o be_v a_o perfection_n to_o be_v so_o for_o to_o be_v wise_a beyond_o what_o be_v good_a be_v craft_n to_o be_v good_a beyond_o what_o be_v wise_a be_v dotage_n to_o be_v just_a beyond_o what_o be_v merciful_a be_v rigour_n to_o be_v merciful_a beyond_o what_o be_v just_a be_v easiness_n that_o be_v they_o be_v all_o imperfection_n so_o far_o as_o they_o be_v beyond_o what_o be_v perfect_a wherefore_o we_o ought_v to_o be_v very_o careful_a not_o to_o represent_v these_o his_o moral_a perfection_n as_o run_v a_o tilt_n at_o one_o another_o but_o to_o conceive_v of_o they_o all_o together_o as_o one_o entire_a perfection_n which_o though_o like_o the_o centre_n of_o a_o circle_n it_o have_v many_o line_n draw_v from_o it_o round_o about_o and_o so_o be_v look_v upon_o sometime_o as_o the_o term_n of_o this_o line_n and_o sometime_o of_o that_o yet_o be_v but_o one_o common_a and_o undivided_a term_n to_o they_o all_o or_o to_o speak_v more_o plain_o though_o it_o exert_v itself_o in_o different_a way_n and_o action_n and_o operate_v diverse_o according_a to_o the_o diversity_n of_o its_o object_n and_o according_o admit_v of_o divers_a name_n such_o as_o wisdom_n goodness_n justice_n and_o mercy_n yet_o be_v in_o itself_o but_o one_o simple_a and_o indivisible_a principle_n of_o action_n all_o who_o operation_n how_o diverse_a soever_o be_v such_o as_o perfect_o accord_v with_o each_o other_o who_o act_n of_o wisdom_n be_v all_o infinite_o good_a who_o act_n of_o goodness_n be_v all_o infinite_o wise_a who_o act_n of_o justice_n be_v infinite_o merciful_a and_o who_o act_n of_o mercy_n be_v infinite_o just_a so_o that_o in_o this_o as_o well_o as_o in_o their_o extension_n and_o degree_n they_o be_v all_o most_o perfect_a viz._n that_o they_o always_o operate_v with_o mutual_a consent_n and_o in_o perfect_a harmony_n and_o while_o we_o thus_o conceive_v of_o the_o divine_a perfection_n our_o mind_n will_v be_v mighty_o secure_v against_o all_o those_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n which_o lead_v to_o superstition_n and_o presumption_n for_o we_o shall_v so_o apprehend_v his_o wisdom_n and_o justice_n as_o not_o to_o be_v superstitious_o afraid_a and_o so_o apprehend_v his_o goodness_n and_o mercy_n as_o not_o to_o be_v presumptuous_o secure_a and_o as_o on_o the_o one_o hand_n his_o justice_n will_v protect_v his_o mercy_n from_o be_v abuse_v by_o our_o wanton_a security_n so_o on_o the_o other_o hand_n his_o goodness_n will_v protect_v his_o wisdom_n from_o be_v misrepresent_v by_o our_o anxious_a suspicion_n for_o while_o we_o consider_v his_o mercy_n thus_o temper_v with_o his_o justice_n and_o his_o wisdom_n with_o his_o goodness_n we_o can_v neither_o expect_v impunity_n from_o the_o one_o if_o we_o continue_v wicked_a nor_o yet_o suspect_v any_o ill_a design_n against_o we_o in_o the_o other_o if_o we_o return_v from_o our_o evil_a way_n and_o persevere_v in_o well_o do_v sect_n iii_o of_o the_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o last_o thing_n i_o propose_v which_o be_v to_o assign_v and_o remove_v the_o cause_n of_o man_n misapprehension_n of_o god_n many_o of_o which_o be_v so_o secret_a and_o obscure_a so_o peculiar_a to_o the_o frame_n and_o temper_n of_o man_n brain_n so_o interweave_v with_o the_o infinite_a variety_n of_o humane_a constitution_n that_o it_o be_v very_o difficult_a if_o not_o impossible_a to_o trace_v they_o so_o as_o to_o make_v a_o exact_a enumeration_n of_o they_o all_o and_o therefore_o i_o shall_v only_o assign_v the_o most_o common_a and_o visible_a cause_n by_o which_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n be_v mislead_v in_o their_o apprehension_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n whinh_v be_v reducible_a to_o these_o six_o head_n first_o ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n second_o frame_v our_o notion_n of_o god_n according_a to_o the_o model_n of_o our_o own_o humour_n and_o temper_n three_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n four_o measure_v god_n nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n five_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n from_o obscure_a and_o particular_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n six_o indevotion_n i._o one_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v ignorance_n of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n for_o as_o i_o show_v before_o in_o conceive_v of_o the_o perfection_n of_o god_n we_o must_v take_v our_o rise_n from_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n and_o particular_o in_o our_o own_o nature_n wherein_o there_o be_v a_o composition_n of_o all_o create_a perfection_n so_o that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o what_o be_v the_o true_a perfection_n of_o our_o own_o nature_n our_o thought_n can_v have_v no_o rule_n or_o aim_v whereby_o to_o judge_n of_o god_n that_o he_o have_v all_o those_o perfection_n in_o himself_o which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o be_v the_o fundamental_a maxim_n upon_o which_o we_o be_v to_o erect_v our_o notion_n of_o he_o and_o therefore_o unless_o we_o know_v what_o those_o perfection_n be_v which_o he_o have_v derive_v to_o we_o and_o wherein_o they_o consist_v our_o mind_n have_v no_o footing_n or_o foundation_n whereon_o to_o raise_v any_o certain_a idea_n of_o he_o for_o since_o we_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o conceive_v of_o his_o perfection_n but_o by_o our_o own_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a that_o while_o we_o be_v ignorant_a of_o our_o own_o we_o shall_v ever_o conceive_v aright_o of_o he_o this_o therefore_o be_v one_o great_a reason_n why_o man_n do_v so_o gross_o misconceive_v of_o god_n because_o they_o have_v no_o true_a notion_n of_o their_o own_o perfection_n by_o which_o they_o be_v to_o form_v their_o conception_n of_o he_o for_o whereas_o the_o true_a perfection_n of_o humane_a nature_n consist_v in_o moral_a goodness_n or_o a_o universal_a compliance_n of_o
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 therefore_o we_o will_v not_o wrong_v god_n in_o our_o own_o thought_n we_o must_v take_v care_v not_o to_o attribute_v to_o he_o any_o thing_n of_o our_o own_o but_o what_o be_v a_o perfection_n in_o the_o judgement_n of_o the_o most_o impartial_a reason_n and_o because_o our_o self-love_n be_v apt_a to_o bribe_v our_o own_o reason_n into_o a_o favourable_a opinion_n of_o whatever_o be_v our_o own_o we_o ought_v to_o admit_v nothing_o of_o our_o own_o into_o our_o notion_n of_o god_n but_o what_o be_v vote_v a_o perfection_n by_o the_o common_a reason_n of_o mankind_n iii_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v our_o obstinate_a partiality_n to_o our_o own_o sinful_a lust_n and_o affection_n for_o while_o man_n be_v vehement_o addict_v to_o any_o sinful_a course_n the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n must_v needs_o sit_v very_o uneasy_o on_o their_o mind_n because_o it_o will_v be_v always_o quarrel_v with_o they_o suggest_v argument_n against_o they_o and_o alarm_v they_o with_o dreadful_a thought_n and_o dire_a abodeing_n of_o a_o vengeance_n to_o come_v for_o there_o be_v no_o true_a conception_n of_o god_n nature_n but_o what_o be_v pregnant_a with_o some_o powerful_a argument_n against_o disobedience_n to_o his_o will_n so_o that_o while_o we_o obstinate_o persist_v in_o disobedience_n to_o he_o our_o reason_n can_v true_o conceive_v of_o he_o without_o wage_n war_n against_o our_o lust_n and_o while_o a_o man_n be_v thus_o at_o variance_n with_o himself_o and_o one_o end_n of_o his_o soul_n be_v at_o war_n with_o the_o other_o so_o that_o he_o can_v gratify_v his_o affection_n without_o affront_a his_o reason_n nor_o comply_v with_o his_o reason_n without_o do_v violence_n to_o his_o affection_n he_o can_v never_o be_v at_o ease_n within_o till_o either_o he_o have_v force_v his_o affection_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o reason_n or_o his_o reason_n to_o submit_v to_o his_o affection_n but_o while_o a_o man_n reason_n have_v the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n and_o his_o perfection_n before_o it_o it_o will_v be_v impossible_a for_o he_o to_o reconcile_v it_o to_o his_o sinful_a affection_n against_o which_o whenever_o he_o cool_o reflect_v it_o must_v necessary_o dictate_v bitter_a invective_n and_o denounce_v horrible_a sentence_n so_o that_o if_o he_o be_v obstinate_o resolve_v to_o side_n with_o his_o sinful_a affection_n he_o must_v either_o be_v content_a patient_o to_o endure_v the_o clamour_n and_o fury_n of_o his_o own_o reason_n which_o be_v one_o of_o the_o most_o uneasy_a penance_n in_o the_o world_n or_o endeavour_v to_o corrupt_v and_o sophisticate_a his_o notion_n of_o god_n with_o such_o opinion_n as_o countenance_v his_o lusts._n and_o this_o consider_v the_o mighty_a influence_n which_o man_n affection_n have_v on_o their_o reason_n be_v no_o hard_a matter_n to_o do_v for_o the_o least_o show_n of_o probability_n back_v with_o a_o strong_a affection_n for_o a_o opinion_n be_v of_o great_a force_n with_o corrupt_a mind_n than_o the_o clear_a demonstration_n against_o it_o so_o that_o if_o the_o opinion_n be_v but_o serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o a_o man_n lust_n that_o will_v engage_v his_o affection_n on_o its_o side_n and_o then_o the_o opinion_n have_v once_o retain_v those_o powerful_a orator_n in_o its_o cause_n it_o be_v secure_a of_o a_o very_a favourable_a trial_n at_o the_o tribunal_n of_o reason_n where_o in_o all_o probability_n only_o one_o side_n of_o the_o question_n will_v be_v weigh_v and_o judgement_n will_v be_v give_v upon_o hear_v the_o argument_n for_o it_o without_o admit_v any_o evidence_n against_o it_o thus_o when_o man_n be_v hunt_v and_o pursue_v through_o their_o wicked_a course_n by_o the_o true_a notion_n of_o god_n it_o be_v expedient_a for_o they_o if_o they_o resolve_v to_o go_v on_o to_o take_v sanctuary_n in_o false_a one_o where_o their_o conscience_n and_o will_n their_o reason_n and_o affection_n may_v dwell_v quiet_o together_o and_o they_o may_v be_v as_o wicked_a as_o they_o please_v without_o any_o disturbance_n and_o abundance_n of_o such_o false_a notion_n there_o be_v prepare_v to_o their_o hand_n which_o man_n wicked_a mind_n have_v invent_v in_o the_o defence_n of_o their_o lust_n for_o thus_o some_o to_o ease_v their_o conscience_n have_v persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n be_v so_o whole_o take_v up_o with_o his_o own_o happiness_n as_o that_o he_o be_v not_o at_o leisure_n to_o concern_v himself_o about_o humane_a action_n and_o under_o this_o persuasion_n they_o sin_v on_o with_o full_a security_n that_o he_o will_v never_o punish_v they_o other_o on_o the_o contrary_a to_o reconcile_v their_o lust_n persuade_v themselves_o that_o god_n be_v wonderful_o concern_v about_o small_a thing_n about_o trifle_a opinion_n and_o indifferent_a action_n and_o the_o rite_n and_o modes_n and_o appendage_n of_o his_o worship_n and_o under_o this_o persuasion_n they_o hope_v to_o atone_v he_o for_o all_o the_o 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 irresistible_o without_o any_o concurrence_n of_o they_o whereas_o those_o who_o he_o will_v not_o save_v he_o have_v utter_o abandon_v to_o a_o dire_a necessity_n of_o perish_v for_o ever_o from_o whence_o they_o conclude_v that_o if_o they_o be_v of_o the_o number_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v be_v save_v it_o be_v needless_a for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v after_o it_o and_o if_o in_o the_o list_n of_o those_o that_o shall_v perish_v it_o be_v in_o vain_a for_o they_o to_o endeavour_v to_o prevent_v it_o and_o that_o therefore_o their_o wise_a course_n be_v to_o sin_v on_o and_o expect_v the_o event_n all_o which_o be_v only_o the_o artifices_fw-la of_o wickedness_n to_o reconcile_v man_n conscience_n to_o their_o lust_n and_o compromise_v the_o quarrel_n between_o god_n and_o their_o wicked_a life_n that_o so_o they_o may_v sin_v on_o for_o the_o future_a without_o check_n or_o remorse_n wherefore_o if_o we_o will_v form_v a_o right_a notion_n of_o god_n in_o our_o mind_n
and_o preserve_v it_o pure_a and_o unsophisticated_a we_o must_v above_o all_o thing_n beware_v not_o to_o let_v our_o lust_n intermingle_v with_o our_o reason_n about_o he_o or_o to_o bribe_v we_o to_o assent_v to_o any_o opinion_n concern_v he_o for_o this_o be_v a_o eternal_a maxim_n that_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o the_o most_o holy_a god_n that_o give_v the_o least_o countenance_n or_o protection_n to_o sin_n and_o therefore_o when_o ever_o it_o make_v for_o the_o interest_n of_o our_o lust_n to_o believe_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o for_o that_o reason_n we_o ought_v to_o reject_v it_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v true_a of_o god_n that_o be_v not_o perfect_o consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n and_o nothing_o can_v be_v consistent_a with_o his_o infinite_a holiness_n that_o be_v any_o way_n serviceable_a to_o the_o interest_n of_o sin_n so_o that_o while_o we_o suffer_v our_o sinful_a interest_n to_o dictate_v to_o we_o our_o opinion_n of_o god_n we_o make_v falsehood_n our_o oracle_n and_o the_o very_a foundation_n of_o our_o faith_n be_v a_o lie_n iv._o another_o great_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehensin_n of_o god_n be_v our_o measure_v his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n the_o tree_n be_v know_v by_o its_o fruit_n be_v the_o common_a rule_n by_o which_o man_n judge_v of_o god_n as_o well_o as_o of_o one_o another_o and_o it_o be_v most_o certain_a that_o every_o free_a agent_n be_v as_o it_o do_v that_o the_o ordinary_a course_n of_o its_o action_n be_v a_o infallible_a index_n of_o the_o inward_a disposition_n and_o inclination_n of_o its_o mind_n but_o as_o for_o the_o action_n of_o god_n they_o be_v not_o to_o be_v judge_v of_o single_o and_o apart_o from_o one_o another_o because_o they_o have_v all_o one_o general_a drift_n and_o tendency_n and_o so_o be_v mutual_o dependent_a upon_o one_o another_o and_o close_o link_v together_o even_o from_o the_o first_o to_o the_o second_o and_o so_o on_o to_o the_o last_o in_o one_o continue_a chain_n and_o series_n so_o that_o of_o all_o those_o innumerable_a action_n whereof_o his_o general_a providence_n consist_v there_o be_v no_o one_o loose_a or_o independent_a link_n but_o every_o one_o be_v connect_v unto_o all_o the_o rest_n and_o all_o the_o rest_n to_o every_o one_o throughout_o that_o mighty_a chain_n wherefore_o unless_o we_o have_v a_o entire_a prospect_n of_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o god_n action_n and_o of_o the_o mutual_a respect_n and_o relation_n which_o they_o bear_v to_o one_o another_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o without_o a_o divine_a revelation_n to_o make_v any_o certain_a judgement_n of_o particular_n for_o though_o this_o or_o that_o particular_a action_n or_o providence_n of_o god_n consider_v separately_z from_o all_o the_o rest_n may_v have_v a_o very_a pernicious_a and_o malevolent_a aspect_n yet_o it_o be_v to_o be_v consider_v that_o no_o action_n of_o god_n be_v what_o it_o will_v be_v if_o it_o be_v apart_o by_o itself_o but_o what_o it_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o action_n and_o that_o that_o which_o by_o itself_o may_v prove_v very_o pernicious_a may_v by_o be_v contemper_v with_o other_o of_o a_o different_a nature_n become_v exceed_o beneficial_a to_o the_o world_n for_o so_o in_o the_o heaven_n there_o be_v sundry_a star_n of_o a_o very_a malignant_a aspect_n apart_o by_o themselves_o which_o yet_o in_o conjunction_n with_o other_o star_n of_o a_o different_a temper_n do_v many_o time_n derive_v a_o most_o benign_a influence_n upon_o we_o and_o if_o man_n can_v give_v no_o certain_a judgement_n of_o any_o single_a act_n or_o scene_n of_o god_n providence_n without_o comprehend_v at_o once_o the_o whole_a drama_n how_o be_v it_o possible_a they_o shall_v take_v true_a measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o any_o particular_a event_n that_o befall_v they_o for_o for_o all_o they_o know_v those_o very_a event_n which_o single_o consider_v be_v most_o noxious_a to_o the_o world_n may_v be_v most_o beneficial_a as_o they_o be_v intermingle_v and_o contemper_v with_o other_o providence_n so_o that_o while_o they_o measure_v god_n by_o single_a event_n they_o will_v many_o time_n deduce_v sour_a and_o rigid_a opinion_n of_o he_o from_o those_o very_a providence_n which_o be_v the_o high_a instance_n of_o his_o benignity_n and_o goodness_n thus_o for_o instance_n shall_v joseph_n have_v frame_v his_o judgement_n of_o god_n nature_n by_o his_o be_v throw_v into_o the_o pit_n sell_v into_o egypt_n and_o there_o cast_v into_o prison_n for_o his_o integrity_n and_o innocence_n what_o can_v he_o have_v think_v of_o he_o but_o that_o he_o be_v a_o very_a envious_a and_o malicious_a be_v that_o take_v delight_n in_o afflict_a innocence_n and_o sport_v himself_o with_o the_o misery_n of_o his_o creature_n and_o yet_o consider_v what_o follow_v upon_o these_o sad_a providence_n and_o how_o these_o be_v all_o of_o they_o but_o so_o many_o step_n to_o his_o advancement_n it_o be_v plain_a that_o have_v he_o think_v thus_o he_o have_v think_v very_o injurious_o those_o very_a providence_n from_o which_o he_o must_v have_v infer_v god_n malice_n to_o he_o be_v in_o conjunction_n with_o what_o follow_v most_o illustrious_a instance_n of_o his_o goodness_n towards_o he_o and_o yet_o how_o common_o do_v we_o see_v man_n pass_v judgement_n on_o god_n nature_n from_o such_o particular_a providence_n they_o see_v a_o world_n of_o deplorable_a accident_n such_o as_o famine_n butchery_n plague_n and_o devastation_n in_o which_o themselves_o be_v many_o time_n involve_v from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o certain_o god_n will_v never_o inflict_v or_o suffer_v these_o thing_n if_o he_o be_v not_o of_o a_o very_a froward_a cruel_a and_o implacable_a nature_n whereas_o do_v they_o but_o see_v these_o sad_a accident_n as_o they_o lie_v interweave_v with_o all_o the_o rest_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v doubtless_o see_v infinite_a reason_n to_o conclude_v the_o quite_o contrary_a sometime_o again_o they_o behold_v wickedness_n prosper_v in_o this_o world_n and_o virtue_n and_o innocence_n depress_v and_o trample_v on_o from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v either_o that_o that_o which_o we_o call_v vice_n and_o virtue_n be_v thing_n indifferent_a to_o god_n or_o that_o he_o be_v unjust_a in_o the_o distribution_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n whereas_o have_v they_o a_o entire_a comprehension_n of_o the_o whole_a train_n and_o series_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v soon_o be_v convince_v that_o even_o in_o these_o cross_a distribution_n he_o do_v most_o equal_o and_o most_o effectual_o punish_v the_o wicked_a and_o reward_v the_o good_a by_o render_v the_o one_o prosperity_n his_o bane_n and_o the_o other_o adversity_n his_o restorative_n sometime_o again_o they_o be_v deny_v those_o blessing_n and_o deliverance_n which_o they_o have_v a_o long_a while_n seek_v with_o most_o importunate_a cry_n and_o supplication_n from_o whence_o they_o be_v ready_a to_o conclude_v that_o god_n be_v of_o a_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a nature_n not_o to_o be_v move_v or_o prevail_v with_o by_o prayer_n and_o entreaty_n whereas_o can_v they_o but_o see_v through_o the_o whole_a drift_n of_o his_o providence_n they_o will_v easy_o be_v satisfy_v that_o the_o good_n they_o pray_v for_o be_v many_o time_n pregnant_a with_o evil_n and_o the_o evil_n they_o deprecate_v with_o good_n which_o be_v much_o great_a than_o themselves_o and_o that_o that_o be_v the_o reason_n why_o god_n be_v deaf_a to_o their_o entreaty_n because_o he_o can_v not_o grant_v they_o what_o they_o ask_v without_o do_v they_o some_o great_a unkindness_n and_o that_o therefore_o these_o denial_n be_v so_o far_o from_o argue_v he_o stern_a and_o inexorable_a that_o on_o the_o contrary_a they_o be_v signal_n instance_n of_o his_o tender_a mercy_n and_o compassion_n towards_o we_o if_o therefore_o we_o will_v conceive_v aright_o of_o god_n we_o must_v not_o take_v our_o measure_n of_o his_o nature_n by_o particular_a providence_n which_o many_o time_n import_v quite_o contrary_a to_o what_o they_o seem_v and_o appear_v but_o have_v form_v our_o notion_n of_o his_o nature_n out_o of_o those_o perfection_n we_o behold_v in_o his_o creature_n by_o they_o we_o be_v to_o measure_v all_o his_o particular_a providence_n which_o though_o they_o be_v sometime_o very_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o seem_o repugnant_a to_o our_o common_a notion_n of_o he_o yet_o because_o we_o see_v not_o the_o end_n and_o reason_n of_o they_o we_o ought_v to_o conclude_v they_o good_a because_o they_o proceed_v from_o a_o good_a god_n v._o another_o main_a cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o take_v up_o our_o notion_n of_o he_o from_o dark_a and_o obscure_a and_o single_a passage_n and_o not_o from_o the_o plain_a and_o
general_a current_n of_o scripture_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o that_o whatsoever_o god_n have_v reveal_v of_o himself_o in_o scripture_n be_v true_a because_o truth_n and_o veracity_n be_v a_o great_a perfection_n in_o itself_o must_v needs_o be_v include_v in_o his_o nature_n which_o be_v the_o centre_n of_o all_o perfection_n but_o yet_o since_o there_o be_v some_o thing_n in_o scripture_n hard_a to_o be_v understand_v in_o themselves_o and_o other_o thing_n difficult_a to_o we_o who_o be_v not_o thorough_o acquaint_v with_o the_o custom_n and_o controversy_n they_o refer_v to_o or_o with_o the_o phrase_n and_o language_n of_o the_o age_n they_o be_v write_v in_o it_o be_v impossible_a for_o we_o many_o time_n to_o comprehend_v its_o meaning_n by_o the_o mere_a clink_n and_o sound_v of_o its_o word_n without_o expound_v its_o obscure_a passage_n by_o its_o plain_a one_o and_o its_o particular_a proposition_n by_o its_o general_a current_n and_o to_o find_v any_o doctrine_n or_o opinion_n upon_o obscure_a and_o particular_a phrase_n that_o seem_o contradict_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n and_o then_o to_o expound_v the_o plain_a into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o obscure_a and_o the_o general_a current_n into_o the_o seem_a sense_n of_o the_o particular_a phrase_n be_v a_o most_o egregious_a prevarication_n on_o the_o holy_a scripture_n and_o yet_o this_o unreasonable_a practice_n have_v occasion_v many_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n in_o man_n mind_n for_o there_o be_v nothing_o more_o evident_a than_o that_o all_o along_o through_o the_o general_a current_n of_o scripture_n god_n be_v represent_v to_o we_o as_o a_o most_o benevolent_a be_v that_o know_v no_o bound_n of_o goodwill_n but_o stretch_v out_o his_o arm_n unto_o all_o his_o creation_n and_o receive_v his_o whole_a offspring_n except_v only_o those_o prodigal_n that_o run_v away_o from_o he_o with_o free_a and_o impartial_a embrace_n as_o one_o that_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o to_o come_v to_o the_o knowledge_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o ready_o contribute_v to_o they_o all_o those_o aid_n and_o assistance_n that_o be_v necessary_a to_o the_o effect_n of_o these_o bless_a end_n that_o reprobate_n none_o from_o his_o kindness_n and_o favour_n but_o only_o such_o as_o despise_v and_o reject_v it_o and_o never_o abandon_v any_o to_o wretchedness_n and_o misery_n till_o they_o have_v first_o baffle_v and_o defeat_v all_o his_o art_n of_o save_v they_o such_o be_v the_o representation_n of_o god_n which_o the_o plain_a and_o general_a scope_n of_o scripture_n give_v we_o so_o that_o have_v man_n keep_v themselves_o to_o this_o rule_n of_o expound_v obscure_a text_n by_o plain_a one_o and_o particular_a phrase_n by_o the_o general_a scope_n when_o they_o seem_o clash_v one_o with_o another_o they_o have_v do_v right_a to_o god_n and_o secure_v their_o own_o mind_n against_o sundry_a very_a wrongful_a apprehension_n of_o he_o for_o that_o god_n have_v destine_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n to_o endless_a calamity_n without_o any_o respect_n to_o their_o do_n that_o he_o have_v two_o will_n viz._n a_o secret_a and_o a_o reveal_v one_o that_o his_o revealed_z will_n be_v that_o he_o will_v have_v all_o man_n to_o be_v save_v and_o his_o secret_a one_o that_o he_o will_v have_v the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o perish_v that_o he_o have_v impose_v a_o law_n upon_o man_n which_o without_o his_o irresistible_a grace_n they_o can_v obey_v and_o notwithstanding_o he_o have_v decree_v to_o withhold_v this_o grace_n from_o the_o great_a part_n of_o they_o be_v resolve_v to_o persecute_v all_o that_o do_v not_o obey_v it_o with_o everlasting_a flame_n of_o vengeance_n these_o i_o say_v be_v all_o of_o they_o such_o opinion_n as_o reflect_v very_o dishonourable_o upon_o god_n and_o have_v no_o other_o foundation_n but_o a_o few_o particular_a phrase_n and_o obscure_a passage_n in_o scripture_n not_o only_a abundance_n of_o plain_a text_n but_o the_o general_a drift_n and_o scope_n of_o it_o be_v of_o a_o quite_o contrary_a sense_n so_o that_o have_v but_o this_o necessary_a rule_n be_v observe_v of_o interpret_n dark_a passage_n by_o plain_a and_o particular_a one_o by_o the_o general_a scope_n such_o dishonourable_a opinion_n of_o god_n can_v never_o have_v find_v shelter_n under_o scripture_n authority_n for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v whether_o those_o text_n which_o declare_v god_n to_o be_v a_o universal_a lover_n of_o the_o soul_n of_o man_n be_v not_o far_o more_o numerous_a and_o plain_a than_o those_o which_o seem_o restrain_v his_o affection_n to_o a_o small_a select_a number_n and_o reprobate_a all_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o as_o i_o think_v no_o modest_a man_n can_v deny_v how_o can_v this_o doctrine_n de_fw-fr deduce_v from_o scripture_n without_o force_v the_o far_o great_a number_n of_o text_n to_o subscribe_v to_o the_o small_a and_o the_o plain_a to_o the_o obscurer_n which_o be_v contrary_a to_o the_o most_o necessary_a rule_n of_o interpretation_n and_o which_o if_o pursue_v will_v open_v a_o wide_a door_n to_o the_o gross_a and_o most_o fulsome_a error_n in_o religion_n wherefore_o to_o secure_v our_o mind_n from_o false_a apprehension_n of_o god_n it_o be_v necessary_a that_o in_o consult_v the_o scripture_n concern_v he_o we_o shall_v follow_v the_o plain_a and_o general_a drift_n of_o it_o and_o not_o entertain_v any_o opinion_n of_o he_o upon_o the_o credit_n of_o a_o few_o or_o of_o obscure_a text_n which_o more_o or_o plain_a one_o seem_o contradict_v for_o it_o be_v certain_a that_o that_o opinion_n be_v either_o false_a or_o of_o little_a moment_n that_o have_v but_o one_o or_o two_o text_n to_o countenance_v it_o and_o that_o very_o dubious_a which_o have_v none_o but_o obscure_a text_n to_o rely_v on_o but_o when_o there_o be_v more_o and_o much_o plain_a against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o it_o must_v be_v false_a or_o there_o be_v no_o rely_v upon_o scripture_n the_o sense_n whereof_o as_o to_o all_o particular_a opinion_n must_v be_v suppose_v to_o be_v that_o which_o the_o most_o and_o plain_a text_n do_v countenance_n so_o that_o he_o who_o embrace_v any_o opinion_n that_o have_v more_o and_o plain_a text_n against_o it_o than_o for_o it_o embrace_v it_o for_o its_o own_o sake_n and_o not_o for_o the_o scripture_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o cause_n of_o our_o misapprehension_n of_o god_n be_v the_o great_a dissimilitude_n and_o contrariety_n of_o our_o nature_n to_o he_o for_o when_o man_n have_v nothing_o of_o god_n in_o they_o nothing_o of_o those_o amiable_a grace_n which_o be_v the_o glory_n and_o lustre_n of_o his_o nature_n it_o be_v impossible_a they_o shall_v have_v any_o experience_n of_o he_o any_o inward_a taste_n or_o relish_v of_o his_o perfection_n so_o that_o they_o can_v only_o know_v he_o by_o the_o hear_n of_o the_o ear_n by_o book_n and_o dry_a discourse_n and_o reason_n which_o compare_v with_o experimental_a knowledge_n be_v very_o uncertain_a and_o defective_a for_o between_o the_o notional_a and_o the_o experimental_a knowledge_n of_o god_n there_o be_v the_o same_o difference_n as_o between_o the_o knowledge_n of_o a_o geographer_n and_o a_o traveller_n the_o one_o have_v only_o a_o faint_a and_o rude_a figure_n of_o foreign_a country_n in_o his_o head_n copy_v from_o the_o globe_n or_o geographical_a description_n whereas_o the_o other_o have_v travel_v through_o they_o and_o behold_v their_o situation_n and_o city_n and_o river_n and_o converse_v with_o their_o people_n and_o taste_v their_o fruit_n retain_v a_o clear_a and_o lively_a idea_n of_o they_o of_o the_o exactness_n whereof_o he_o have_v as_o firm_a a_o certainty_n as_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o his_o own_o sense_n thus_o he_o who_o know_v god_n only_o by_o book_n and_o discourse_n can_v have_v but_o a_o faint_a and_o imperfect_a idea_n of_o he_o he_o may_v believe_v he_o to_o be_v infinite_a in_o all_o 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its_o own_o motion_n and_o then_o move_v again_o or_o divert_v from_o its_o course_n and_o then_o return_v again_o if_o it_o be_v not_o under_o the_o command_n of_o some_o will_n without_o it_o that_o guide_v and_o dispose_v it_o according_a to_o its_o own_o council_n but_o beside_o these_o scripture_n miracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a miraculous_a instance_n of_o the_o reward_v good_a man_n and_o punish_v bad_a public_o record_v in_o the_o history_n of_o all_o age_n some_o of_o vindicate_v the_o innocence_n other_o of_o restore_v the_o life_n other_o of_o relieve_v the_o necessity_n of_o good_a man_n some_o of_o detect_v the_o crime_n of_o bad_a man_n other_o of_o strike_v they_o dead_a in_o their_o impious_a fact_n other_o of_o punish_v they_o in_o kind_n and_o other_o of_o inflict_v on_o they_o those_o very_a plague_n which_o they_o have_v imprecate_v on_o themselves_o to_o give_v credit_n to_o a_o falsehood_n of_o some_o or_o other_o of_o which_o there_o be_v scarce_o any_o age_n of_o the_o world_n which_o have_v not_o be_v furnish_v with_o sundry_a notorious_a instance_n so_o that_o unless_o we_o will_v give_v the_o lie_n to_o all_o humane_a testimony_n and_o condemn_v the_o record_n of_o all_o age_n for_o public_a cheat_n and_o imposture_n we_o can_v deny_v but_o that_o there_o have_v be_v sundry_a miracle_n in_o the_o world_n and_o if_o of_o all_o these_o miracle_n that_o have_v be_v so_o strong_o attest_v there_o be_v but_o any_o one_o true_a and_o real_a that_o one_o be_v a_o sufficient_a argument_n of_o a_o overrule_a providence_n for_o if_o ever_o any_o thing_n have_v be_v effect_v that_o be_v either_o above_o the_o power_n or_o contrary_n to_o the_o establish_a course_n of_o natural_a cause_n it_o must_v be_v bring_v to_o pass_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o if_o god_n do_v sometime_o visible_o exert_v his_o own_o immediate_a efficacy_n on_o this_o world_n that_o be_v a_o plain_a evidence_n that_o he_o always_o govern_v it_o for_o whenever_o he_o thus_o exert_v it_o it_o be_v for_o some_o reason_n to_o be_v sure_a and_o for_o what_o other_o reason_n shall_v he_o thus_o strip_v his_o arm_n and_o visible_o exert_v his_o power_n upon_o or_o before_o we_o but_o either_o to_o awaken_v our_o attention_n or_o to_o confirm_v our_o faith_n or_o alarm_n our_o fear_n or_o encourage_v our_o hope_n and_o if_o ever_o he_o have_v any_o such_o design_n upon_o we_o it_o must_v be_v in_o order_n to_o his_o govern_v we_o for_o to_o what_o other_o purpose_n can_v a_o almighty_a be_v be_v suppose_v to_o address_v himself_o to_o our_o hope_n and_o fear_v and_o faith_n and_o attention_n but_o to_o subdue_v and_o reduce_v we_o under_o his_o rule_n and_o government_n vi_o and_o last_o another_o visible_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n be_v prediction_n of_o future_a and_o remote_a contingency_n that_o there_o have_v be_v such_o thing_n have_v be_v universal_o acknowledge_v by_o heathen_n as_o well_o as_o jew_n and_o christian_n as_o for_o 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 be_v a_o great_a many_o true_a prediction_n it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v imagine_v that_o ever_o the_o wise_a and_o more_o inquisitive_a part_n of_o man_n shall_v be_v so_o far_o impose_v on_o as_o they_o be_v to_o pay_v such_o a_o mighty_a respect_n and_o veneration_n to_o they_o and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o little_a while_n but_o for_o several_a age_n together_o but_o as_o for_o their_o oracle_n there_o be_v sundry_a of_o they_o record_v in_o ancient_a historian_n together_o with_o their_o punctual_a accomplishment_n and_o tully_n in_o particular_a tell_v we_o of_o one_o of_o apollo_n his_o oracle_n which_o foretell_v a_o thousand_o year_n before_o that_o sypselus_fw-la the_o tyrant_n shall_v reign_v at_o corinth_n and_o varro_n make_v mention_n of_o one_o vectius_n valens_n a_o augur_n in_o the_o time_n of_o romulus_n who_o when_o rome_n be_v build_v foretell_v by_o the_o fly_n of_o twelve_o vulture_n that_o the_o city_n shall_v continue_v a_o thousand_o two_o hundred_o year_n which_o according_o happen_v but_o as_o for_o the_o reality_n of_o prediction_n we_o need_v seek_v no_o far_o than_o the_o holy_a scripture_n in_o which_o you_o have_v sundry_a prophecy_n of_o thing_n which_o happen_v a_o long_a time_n after_o as_o particular_o of_o the_o deliverance_n of_o the_o jew_n from_o those_o two_o captivity_n the_o one_o in_o egypt_n the_o other_o in_o babylon_n the_o former_a of_o which_o be_v foretell_v four_o hundred_o year_n and_o the_o latter_a above_o seventy_o year_n before_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v and_o yet_o both_o of_o they_o accomplish_v punctual_o to_o a_o day_n as_o you_o may_v see_v in_o gen._n 15.13_o compare_v with_o exod._n 12.41_o and_o jer._n 25.12_o compare_v with_o 2_o chron._n 36.21_o 22._o which_o latter_o prophecy_n be_v not_o only_o record_v in_o scripture_n but_o mention_v by_o eupolemus_n a_o heathen_a historian_n cite_v by_o eusebius_n prepar_n pag._n 454._o thus_o also_o you_o have_v isaiah_n his_o prophecy_n of_o cyrus_n who_o name_n and_o achievement_n he_o most_o exact_o foretell_v long_o before_o he_o be_v bear_v isaiah_n 44.45_o and_o then_o for_o daniel_n prophecy_n of_o the_o grand_a revolution_n of_o the_o empire_n of_o the_o world_n they_o do_v so_o punctual_o describe_v what_o happen_v long_o after_o that_o porphyry_n himself_o though_o a_o mortal_a enemy_n to_o christianity_n be_v force_v to_o confess_v the_o exact_a agreement_n of_o his_o prophecy_n with_o the_o succeed_a event_n vid._n st._n chrysost._n cont_n jud._n tom._n 6._o p._n 326._o and_o have_v no_o other_o way_n to_o evade_v the_o force_n of_o they_o but_o by_o affirm_v without_o any_o colour_n of_o reason_n or_o authority_n that_o they_o be_v write_v afterward_o in_o or_o near_o the_o time_n of_o antiochus_n epiphanes_n though_o it_o be_v evident_a that_o the_o lxx_o interpreter_n who_o translate_v the_o old_a testament_n a_o hundred_o year_n before_o translate_v this_o prophecy_n of_o daniel_n with_o it_o and_o josephus_n express_o tell_v we_o that_o jaddus_n the_o high_a priest_n show_v this_o very_a prophecy_n to_o alexander_n the_o great_a who_o live_v long_o before_o antiochus_n joseph_n antiqu_n l._n 11._o but_o to_o name_v no_o more_o there_o be_v the_o prophecy_n of_o the_o messiah_n of_o the_o place_n and_o most_o particular_a circumstance_n of_o his_o nativity_n and_o ministry_n and_o life_n and_o death_n and_o resurrection_n and_o ascension_n all_o which_o be_v so_o punctual_o accomplish_v in_o our_o bless_a saviour_n that_o do_v not_o the_o jew_n in_o who_o hand_n they_o have_v be_v always_o preserve_v own_o and_o acknowledge_v they_o one_o will_v be_v apt_a to_o suspect_v that_o they_o be_v forge_v on_o purpose_n by_o some_o christian_n to_o countenance_v our_o saviour_n pretence_n of_o be_v the_o true_a messiah_n and_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prophesy_v if_o but_o any_o one_o of_o all_o these_o instance_n be_v real_a and_o that_o none_o of_o they_o shall_v will_v be_v very_o strange_a this_o one_o will_v be_v a_o sufficient_a evidence_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n for_o to_o foresee_v thing_n at_o a_o distance_n and_o before_o their_o cause_n be_v in_o be_v so_o as_o to_o describe_v before_o hand_n the_o precise_a time_n and_o place_n and_o manner_n of_o their_o existence_n or_o to_o foresee_v thing_n casual_a and_o contingent_a that_o whole_o depend_v upon_o the_o free_a choice_n and_o determination_n of_o voluntary_a agent_n require_v a_o mind_n of_o infinite_a comprehension_n that_o see_v through_o all_o the_o whole_a series_n of_o cause_n and_o have_v a_o perfect_a prospect_n not_o only_o of_o those_o thing_n that_o actual_o exist_v but_o also_o of_o all_o that_o be_v future_a and_o possible_a for_o how_o be_v it_o possible_a to_o foresee_v a_o remote_a futurity_n in_o all_o its_o particular_a circumstance_n who_o immediate_a cause_n be_v either_o unborn_a or_o free_a and_o undetermined_a without_o have_v a_o
perfect_a inspection_n not_o only_o into_o the_o nature_n and_o inclination_n and_o tendency_n of_o thing_n but_o also_o into_o all_o their_o particular_a conjunction_n and_o conspiracy_n and_o that_o mind_n which_o see_v into_o all_o these_o must_v needs_o be_v all-seeing_a and_o have_v nothing_o conceal_v from_o it_o that_o be_v either_o present_a or_o future_a or_o possible_a so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v any_o such_o thing_n as_o prediction_n of_o remote_a and_o contingent_a futurity_n it_o must_v necessary_o proceed_v from_o a_o all-seeing_a mind_n and_o if_o there_o be_v a_o all-seeing_a mind_n that_o oversee_v the_o whole_a world_n and_o accurate_o inspect_v all_o that_o be_v past_a or_o present_a or_o to_o come_v in_o it_o be_v it_o imaginable_a that_o such_o a_o mind_n shall_v sit_v look_v on_o as_o a_o idle_a spectator_n and_o act_n no_o part_n itself_o in_o such_o a_o vast_a and_o busy_a scene_n of_o thihg_n for_o that_o it_o thus_o exact_o inspect_v and_o take_v notice_n of_o the_o world_n be_v a_o plain_a argument_n that_o it_o be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o that_o it_o shall_v be_v great_o concern_v for_o it_o and_o yet_o do_v nothing_o about_o it_o nor_o exercise_v any_o providence_n over_o it_o be_v altogether_o inconceivable_a and_o thus_o i_o have_v show_v with_o all_o the_o plainness_n i_o can_v what_o evidence_n there_o be_v to_o create_v in_o we_o a_o belief_n of_o a_o divine_a providence_n which_o i_o persuade_v myself_o be_v such_o as_o due_o consider_v can_v but_o prevail_v with_o mind_n that_o be_v not_o steel_v against_o all_o conviction_n and_o utter_o abandon_v both_o of_o their_o reason_n and_o modesty_n sect_n iii_o the_o objection_n against_o providence_n consider_v and_o answer_v i_o now_o proceed_v to_o the_o three_o and_o last_o thing_n propose_v to_o be_v treat_v of_o in_o this_o chapter_n and_o that_o be_v to_o show_v the_o insufficiency_n and_o vnreasonableness_n of_o the_o common_a pretence_n to_o infidelity_n in_o this_o matter_n and_o here_o not_o to_o insist_v upon_o all_o the_o little_a and_o shameful_a cavil_n which_o have_v be_v make_v against_o providence_n which_o be_v so_o very_o inconsiderable_a that_o it_o will_v be_v too_o great_a a_o credit_n to_o they_o to_o be_v serious_o confute_v i_o shall_v insist_v upon_o those_o only_o which_o be_v the_o common_a and_o do_v carry_v the_o fair_a show_n of_o reason_n with_o they_o and_o they_o be_v these_o five_o 1._o that_o the_o exercise_n of_o a_o providence_n do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n 2._o that_o it_o do_v not_o consist_v with_o the_o ease_n and_o happiness_n of_o god_n 3._o that_o it_o be_v not_o reconcilable_a with_o the_o manifold_a evil_n which_o we_o behold_v in_o the_o world_n 4._o that_o if_o there_o be_v such_o a_o providence_n it_o can_v not_o admit_v of_o the_o unequal_a division_n of_o good_n and_o evil_n which_o be_v make_v in_o this_o world_n 5._o that_o it_o be_v not_o to_o be_v reconcile_v with_o the_o wretched_a state_n and_o condition_n to_o which_o we_o behold_v the_o great_a part_n of_o mankind_n abandon_v i._o it_o be_v object_v against_o the_o be_v of_o providence_n that_o it_o do_v not_o comport_v with_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n to_o take_v notice_n of_o or_o concern_v himself_o about_o the_o little_a affair_n of_o this_o world_n which_o be_v such_o a_o objection_n as_o carry_v its_o own_o answer_n with_o it_o for_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v which_o be_v most_o suitable_a to_o majesty_n to_o sit_v still_o or_o to_o act_v to_o wrap_v up_o itself_o in_o everlasting_a sloth_n and_o idleness_n or_o to_o display_v itself_o in_o a_o vigorous_a activity_n and_o if_o it_o be_v great_a and_o more_o majestic_a as_o doubtless_o it_o be_v for_o any_o be_v to_o employ_v and_o exercise_v its_o power_n than_o to_o let_v they_o lie_v asleep_a and_o make_v no_o use_n of_o they_o i_o will_v fain_o know_v in_o what_o high_a sphere_n can_v god_n exercise_v his_o power_n than_o in_o govern_v the_o world_n for_o to_o govern_v well_o be_v the_o best_a and_o great_a thing_n that_o we_o can_v frame_v a_o idea_n of_o it_o be_v to_o do_v the_o great_a good_a to_o dispense_v the_o noble_a virtue_n and_o to_o shed_v forth_o the_o ample_a sphere_n of_o benefit_n and_o therefore_o since_o the_o world_n be_v such_o a_o vast_a dominion_n doubtless_o the_o most_o glorious_a employment_n that_o the_o large_a mind_n can_v undertake_v be_v to_o rule_v and_o govern_v it_o and_o there_o be_v nothing_o can_v be_v great_a and_o more_o godlike_a than_o to_o sit_v at_o the_o helm_n of_o this_o float_a universe_n and_o steer_v its_o motion_n to_o their_o end_n with_o a_o steady_a and_o unerring_a hand_n what_o therefore_o can_v god_n do_v more_o worthy_a of_o himself_o than_o to_o govern_v the_o world_n well_o and_o wise_o or_o wherein_o can_v he_o better_o display_v the_o glory_n of_o his_o own_o perfection_n than_o in_o keep_v this_o mighty_a engine_n in_o such_o a_o admirable_a order_n so_o as_o that_o though_o its_o part_n be_v infinite_a in_o number_n and_o variety_n and_o in_o their_o several_a line_n of_o motion_n do_v frequen_o cross_v and_o intersect_v each_o other_o yet_o do_v they_o neither_o clash_n nor_o interfere_v disturb_v nor_o confound_v one_o another_o but_o in_o their_o different_a function_n mutual_o assist_v each_o other_o and_o all_o conspire_v in_o a_o common_a good_a compose_v out_o of_o their_o infinite_a discord_n a_o most_o elegant_a harmony_n in_o which_o mighty_a performance_n there_o be_v scope_n enough_o for_o a_o infinite_a power_n to_o exert_v its_o utmost_a activity_n for_o a_o infinite_a wisdom_n to_o employ_v its_o utmost_a skill_n and_o for_o a_o infinite_a goodness_n to_o put_v forth_o its_o utmost_a beneficence_n so_o that_o to_o undertake_v this_o province_n of_o govern_v the_o world_n be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v beneath_o the_o majesty_n of_o god_n that_o it_o will_v be_v a_o unpardonable_a arrogance_n for_o any_o but_o 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