he_o also_o free_o give_v we_o all_o thingâ—…_n who_o then_o shall_v separate_v we_o from_o the_o 〈◊〉_d of_o christ_n shall_v tribulation_n or_o distreâ—…_n or_o persecution_n or_o famine_n or_o nakedness_n or_o peril_n or_o sword_n nay_o in_o 〈◊〉_d these_o we_o be_v more_o than_o conqueror_n throâ—…_n he_o that_o love_v we_o for_o i_o be_o perswadâ—…_n that_o neither_o death_n nor_o life_n nor_o â—…gels_n nor_o principality_n nor_o power_n nor_o thing_n present_a nor_o thing_n to_o coâ—…_n nor_o height_n nor_o depth_n nor_o any_o otâ—…_n creature_n shall_v be_v able_a to_o separate_v 〈◊〉_d from_o the_o love_n of_o god_n which_o be_v in_o câ—…_n jesus_n our_o lord_n 8._o rom._n 32_o 35_o 37_o 〈◊〉_d while_o our_o mind_n be_v warm_v wâ—…_n such_o thought_n as_o these_o we_o shall_v 〈◊〉_d able_a to_o bear_v up_o under_o the_o greaâ—…_n trial_n if_o not_o with_o cheerfulness_n yet_o at_o least_o with_o patience_n and_o a_o quiâ—…_n submission_n to_o the_o will_n of_o god_n aâ—…_n if_o ever_o there_o be_v occasion_n for_o suâ—…_n comfortable_a and_o support_a thougâ—…_n the_o divine_a providence_n have_v make_v it_o 〈◊〉_d necessary_a at_o this_o time_n to_o bear_v the_o 〈◊〉_d 〈◊〉_d a_o incomparable_a lady_n our_o most_o â—…acious_a queen_n who_o death_n all_o â—…od_a subject_n must_v lament_v and_o i_o â—…ay_v god_n forgive_v those_o that_o do_v not_o â—…ch_o severe_a providence_n as_o these_o will_v â—…ach_v the_o great_a and_o most_o unbroken_a â—…inds_n to_o serve_v the_o lord_n with_o fear_n and_o to_o â—…joyce_v with_o tremble_a but_o how_o seâ—…re_o soever_o providence_n be_v in_o some_o parâ—…cular_a instance_n the_o sense_n of_o the_o diâ—…ne_a goodness_n iâ—…_n the_o redemption_n of_o â—…ankind_n by_o the_o incarnation_n and_o â—…eath_n of_o his_o own_o son_n shall_v teach_v 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o open_v our_o mouth_n â—…cause_fw-mi it_o be_v his_o do_n in_o speak_v to_o which_o word_n i_o â—…all_v 1._o inquire_v what_o may_v be_v call_v â—…e_n do_n of_o the_o lord_n 2._o what_o it_o 〈◊〉_d to_o be_v dumb_a and_o not_o to_o open_v â—…ur_n mouth_n 3._o the_o force_n of_o this_o â—…rgument_n to_o oblige_v we_o to_o a_o quiet_a and_o â—…atient_a submission_n under_o the_o greatâ—…st_a suffering_n that_o it_o be_v god_n doâ—…ng_n 1._o what_o may_v be_v call_v the_o doâ—…ng_n of_o the_o lord_n this_o may_v be_v think_v 〈◊〉_d very_o needless_a question_n for_o be_v â—…here_o any_o event_n good_a or_o evil_a which_o be_v not_o god_n do_v if_o wâ—…_n believe_v a_o particular_a providence_n wâ—…_n must_v answer_v no_o and_o yet_o somâ—…_n thing_n be_v more_o peculiarly_a god'â—…_n do_n than_o other_o be_v with_o respect_n to_o this_o present_a argument_n aâ—…_n god_n do_v it_o be_v a_o reason_n for_o 〈◊〉_d quiet_a and_o patient_a submission_n to_o the_o divine_a will._n in_o many_o case_n man_n bring_v ruin_n and_o misery_n upon_o themselves_o by_o theâ—…_n own_o sin_n and_o folly_n and_o then_o they_o may_v thank_v themselves_o for_o it_o but_o have_v no_o reason_n to_o complain_v of_o providence_n and_o when_o they_o can_v charge_v providence_n with_o their_o misfortune_n patience_n itself_o be_v not_o proper_o a_o submission_n to_o god_n because_o their_o suffering_n be_v no_o more_o god_n will_n than_o their_o sin_n and_o folly_n be_v if_o man_n destroy_v their_o estate_n by_o profuseness_n and_o prodigality_n and_o their_o body_n by_o intemperance_n and_o lust_n if_o ill-contracted_n friendship_n indiscreet_a bargain_n or_o a_o ungovernable_a tongue_n perplex_v their_o affair_n and_o prove_v very_o troublesome_a or_o dangerous_a all_o this_o be_v owe_v not_o mere_o to_o providence_n but_o to_o themselves_o and_o they_o must_v be_v content_v to_o reap_v the_o fruit_n of_o their_o own_o do_n and_o to_o implore_v the_o divine_a goodness_n and_o providence_n to_o deliver_v they_o from_o the_o evil_a consequence_n of_o their_o own_o sin_n and_o folly_n whatever_o evil_n we_o suffer_v which_o be_v not_o the_o natural_a or_o moral_a effect_n of_o our_o own_o sin_n or_o folly_n they_o be_v proper_o god_n do_n as_o inflict_v by_o god_n either_o for_o the_o punishment_n of_o our_o sin_n or_o for_o the_o trial_n and_o exercise_n of_o our_o virtue_n or_o to_o serve_v the_o wise_a end_n of_o his_o providence_n in_o the_o world_n those_o evil_n which_o we_o do_v not_o immediate_o bring_v upon_o ourselves_o god_n inflict_v on_o we_o either_o by_o the_o ministry_n of_o wicked_a and_o injurious_a man_n or_o by_o the_o disorder_n of_o natural_a cause_n or_o by_o some_o seem_a casual_a and_o fortuitous_a event_n for_o the_o action_n of_o man_n the_o power_n of_o nature_n and_o what_o we_o call_v chance_n and_o fortune_n be_v all_o in_o the_o hand_n of_o god_n and_o therefore_o be_v more_o or_o less_o his_o do_n but_o if_o we_o may_v say_v that_o some_o thing_n be_v more_o peculiar_o the_o care_n of_o providence_n than_o other_o life_n and_o death_n be_v certain_o so_o no_o man_n can_v be_v bear_v or_o die_v without_o the_o particular_a order_n and_o appointment_n of_o god_n our_o saviour_n tell_v we_o not_o a_o sparrow_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n much_o less_o man_n and_o assure_v his_o disciple_n that_o all_o the_o hair_n of_o their_o head_n be_v number_v and_o their_o life_n be_v more_o sacred_a than_o their_o hair_n some_o man_n be_v of_o opinion_n that_o god_n have_v absolute_o decree_v the_o certain_a term_n and_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n but_o i_o know_v no_o foundation_n for_o this_o neither_o in_o scripture_n nor_o reason_n nor_o do_v any_o man_n believe_v it_o but_o those_o who_o subject_a all_o mankind_n and_o all_o the_o thing_n of_o this_o world_n to_o irreversible_a necessity_n and_o fate_n which_o be_v the_o strength_n of_o the_o atheistick_a hypothesis_n though_o incautious_o espouse_v by_o some_o man_n who_o be_v so_o far_o from_o be_v atheist_n that_o i_o hope_v they_o be_v very_o good_a christian_n and_o therefore_o i_o suppose_v these_o christian_a fatalist_n if_o i_o may_v so_o call_v they_o mean_v no_o more_o than_o what_o we_o all_o own_o that_o no_o sparrow_n much_o less_o a_o man_n fall_v to_o the_o ground_n without_o our_o father_n that_o god_n not_o only_o foreknow_v the_o period_n of_o every_o man_n life_n and_o by_o what_o mean_v he_o shall_v die_v but_o with_o infinite_a wisdom_n and_o â—…ustice_n order_n and_o appoint_v it_o â—…ot_v by_o a_o absolute_a and_o unconditional_a â—…ecree_n but_o as_o the_o wise_a determiâ—…ation_n of_o a_o free_a and_o just_a prouâ—…ce_n and_o if_o god_n have_v any_o more_o conâ—…ernment_n for_o nation_n and_o commonwealth_n than_o he_o have_v for_o particular_a man_n as_o we_o who_o can_v attend_v but_o a_o few_o thing_n at_o once_o and_o therefore_o make_v the_o matter_n of_o great_a importance_n our_o more_o particular_a care_n be_v apt_a to_o conceive_v then_o the_o life_n and_o death_n of_o prince_n must_v be_v more_o particular_o order_v and_o determine_v by_o god_n because_o nation_n it_o may_v be_v many_o nation_n and_o country_n more_o than_o their_o own_o be_v concern_v in_o the_o consequence_n of_o it_o and_o of_o the_o more_o universal_a concernment_n any_o thing_n be_v the_o more_o we_o be_v apt_a to_o think_v it_o belong_v to_o the_o care_n of_o god_n for_o this_o reason_n some_o philosopher_n have_v confine_v the_o providence_n of_o god_n to_o the_o heaven_n and_o heavenly_a body_n which_o have_v such_o a_o univerversal_a influence_n on_o thing_n below_o or_o to_o nation_n and_o public_a society_n and_o to_o the_o several_a kind_n and_o species_n of_o being_n not_o to_o particular_a man_n or_o creature_n and_o so_o far_o they_o be_v in_o the_o right_n that_o if_o the_o divine_a providence_n can_v not_o equal_o take_v care_n of_o the_o whole_a world_n and_o of_o every_o particular_a creature_n in_o it_o it_o will_v certain_o in_o the_o first_o place_n take_v care_n of_o the_o great_a spring_n of_o motion_n but_o though_o this_o be_v no_o reason_n for_o god_n peculiar_a care_n of_o one_o thing_n more_o than_o another_o because_o his_o all-seeing_a eye_n and_o almighty_a arm_n can_v equal_o take_v care_n of_o all_o yet_o our_o saviour_n have_v teach_v we_o from_o the_o worth_n and_o value_n of_o thing_n that_o god_n will_v certain_o take_v the_o more_o care_n of_o they_o and_o in_o case_n of_o any_o competition_n give_v the_o preference_n to_o thing_n of_o the_o great_a moment_n behold_v the_o fowl_n of_o the_o air_n for_o they_o sow_v not_o neither_o do_v they_o reap_v nor_o gather_v into_o barn_n yet_o your_o heavenly_a father_n feed_v they_o be_v you_o not_o much_o better_a than_o they_o and_o if_o god_n so_o clothe_v the_o grass_n of_o the_o field_n which_o to_o day_n be_v and_o to_o morrow_n be_v cast_v into_o the_o oven_n shall_v he_o not_o much_o more_o clothe_v you_o o_o you_o of_o little_a faith_n
but_o to_o persuade_v and_o direct_v you_o to_o turn_v the_o delight_n and_o charm_n of_o music_n into_o the_o rapture_n of_o devotion_n which_o will_v the_o most_o effectual_o silence_v all_o the_o enemy_n of_o church-music_n and_o cathedral-worship_n while_o as_o a_o divine_a poet_n of_o our_o own_o sing_v this_o will_v visible_o turn_v delight_n into_o a_o sacrifice_n now_o since_o music_n what_o ever_o it_o be_v and_o how_o well_o soever_o perform_v be_v of_o no_o use_n or_o value_n in_o religion_n but_o as_o it_o serve_v the_o true_a end_n of_o devotion_n we_o must_v inquire_v what_o that_o harmony_n and_o melody_n be_v which_o be_v so_o acceptable_a to_o god_n how_o fit_a external_n and_o sensible_n melody_n be_v to_o promote_v this_o and_o how_o it_o may_v and_o aught_o to_o be_v improve_v to_o that_o purpose_n 1._o as_o for_o the_o first_o i_o need_v not_o tell_v any_o man_n who_o understand_v the_o nature_n of_o christian_a worship_n that_o it_o be_v only_o they_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n as_o st._n paul_n speak_v that_o please_v god_n all_o true_a christian_a worship_n whatever_o the_o external_o of_o it_o be_v be_v the_o worship_n of_o the_o mind_n and_o spirit_n this_o alone_a be_v that_o worship_n which_o it_o become_v a_o reasonable_a creature_n to_o pay_v to_o his_o maker_n his_o sovereign_a lord_n and_o saviour_n as_o the_o bless_a virgin_n sing_v my_o soul_n do_v magnify_v the_o lord_n and_o my_o spirit_n have_v rejoice_v in_o god_n my_o saviour_n for_o it_o be_v the_o mind_n only_o that_o can_v praise_n god_n though_o the_o tongue_n must_v sing_v his_o praise_n the_o best_a compose_a hymn_n the_o most_o musical_a instrument_n the_o most_o charm_a voice_n be_v but_o lifeless_a mechanical_a sound_n till_o they_o be_v animate_v and_o inspire_v by_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o heart_n and_o god_n take_v no_o more_o pleasure_n in_o the_o best_a voice_n than_o in_o bodily_a strength_n or_o beauty_n now_o the_o melody_n of_o the_o heart_n be_v the_o consent_n and_o harmony_n of_o all_o the_o power_n and_o passion_n of_o our_o soul_n in_o the_o praise_n of_o god_n when_o love_n and_o joy_n and_o admiration_n and_o the_o profound_a reverence_n bear_v their_o several_a part_n and_o offer_v up_o our_o whole_a soul_n as_o a_o live_v vocal_a hymn_n of_o praise_n then_o we_o sing_v aloud_o in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o we_o feel_v the_o great_a transport_v and_o ecstasy_n of_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o swallow_v we_o up_o in_o god_n and_o unite_v we_o to_o the_o heavenly_a choir_n then_o we_o sing_v with_o true_a melody_n in_o our_o heart_n to_o god_n when_o these_o divine_a passion_n which_o be_v essential_a to_o praise_n and_o thanksgiving_n charm_v all_o our_o earthly_a passion_n into_o a_o calm_a quiet_a all_o their_o storm_n and_o tumult_n leave_v no_o jar_a discord_n no_o discontent_n no_o solicitous_a care_n no_o jealousy_n no_o envy_n to_o discompose_v the_o harmony_n of_o our_o soul_n which_o must_v be_v all_o peace_n all_o love_n all_o joy_n to_o sing_v with_o a_o true_a divine_a melody_n the_o praise_n of_o god_n this_o and_o nothing_o else_o be_v the_o true_a praise_n of_o god_n when_o our_o mind_n be_v fill_v with_o such_o bright_a idea_n of_o his_o glory_n and_o perfection_n with_o such_o a_o lively_a sense_n of_o his_o majesty_n wisdom_n goodness_n power_n discover_v in_o his_o great_a and_o wonderful_a work_n of_o creation_n providence_n and_o the_o redemption_n of_o the_o world_n by_o our_o lord_n jesus_n christ_n as_o transport_v we_o with_o love_n admiration_n and_o joy_n a_o heart_n thus_o full_a of_o god_n will_v break_v forth_o into_o song_n of_o praise_n when_o the_o fire_n be_v kindle_v within_o as_o the_o psalmist_n observe_v from_o his_o own_o experience_n we_o shall_v then_o speak_v with_o our_o tongue_n here_o our_o praise_n ought_v to_o begin_v to_o be_v sure_a here_o they_o must_v always_o end_v in_o the_o heat_n and_o fervour_n of_o our_o affection_n and_o a_o inward_a feel_n of_o the_o divine_a praise_n if_o we_o will_v have_v they_o a_o acceptable_a worship_n of_o god_n as_o far_o as_o the_o harmony_n of_o voice_n or_o musical_a instrument_n serve_v this_o end_n they_o be_v excellent_a help_n to_o devotion_n but_o it_o be_v only_o their_o subserviency_n to_o the_o devotion_n of_o the_o mind_n which_o give_v they_o any_o value_n or_o allow_v they_o any_o place_n in_o religious_a worship_n 2_o let_v we_o then_o consider_v of_o what_o use_v music_n be_v to_o excite_v and_o quicken_v our_o affection_n and_o to_o give_v a_o new_a life_n and_o spirit_n to_o devotion_n man_n be_v not_o all_o soul_n and_o spirit_n but_o a_o compound_n creature_n consist_v of_o soul_n and_o body_n and_o while_o our_o soul_n be_v vital_o unite_v to_o body_n they_o receive_v most_o of_o their_o passion_n from_o they_o at_o least_o feel_v the_o most_o strong_a and_o vigorous_a motion_n from_o those_o impression_n which_o our_o sense_n make_v and_o sight_n itself_o do_v not_o more_o various_o affect_v our_o mind_n than_o hearing_n do_v word_n and_o sound_n have_v very_o powerful_a charm_n and_o give_v as_o quick_a a_o turn_v to_o our_o thought_n and_o passion_n as_o sight_n itself_o and_o not_o only_a word_n but_o even_o a_o diversity_n of_o sound_n be_v fit_v by_o nature_n to_o express_v and_o to_o excite_v very_o different_a passion_n love_n joy_n admiration_n desire_n fear_v sorrow_n indignation_n revenge_n give_v some_o distinguish_a note_n and_o accent_n to_o the_o very_a voice_n which_o no_o art_n but_o nature_n teach_v and_o which_o betray_v the_o passion_n without_o speak_v a_o word_n and_o such_o different_a note_n will_v also_o as_o forcible_o imprint_v such_o passion_n on_o our_o mind_n as_o they_o natural_o represent_v and_o that_o many_o time_n whether_o we_o will_v or_o no_o which_o be_v a_o great_a secret_n in_o nature_n and_o show_v a_o unaccountable_a sympathy_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n which_o be_v by_o turn_v the_o natural_a effect_n and_o cause_n of_o each_o other_o and_o there_o need_v no_o other_o proof_n what_o the_o natural_a power_n of_o music_n must_v be_v to_o raise_v and_o to_o calm_v our_o passion_n and_o the_o experience_n of_o all_o mankind_n tell_v we_o that_o thus_o it_o be_v when_o the_o composer_n know_v how_o to_o fit_v note_n to_o passion_n which_o the_o knowledge_n of_o humane_a nature_n not_o the_o mere_a proportion_n of_o sound_n must_v teach_v he_o without_o this_o a_o fine_a piece_n of_o music_n be_v like_o a_o company_n of_o fine_a word_n put_v together_o without_o any_o great_a sense_n or_o mean_v they_o make_v a_o fine_a sound_n and_o that_o be_v all_o now_o if_o there_o be_v a_o natural_a sympathy_n and_o mutual_a causality_n between_o sound_n and_o passion_n there_o be_v no_o doubt_n but_o true_a devotional_a music_n will_v excite_v or_o heighten_v our_o devotional_a passion_n as_o we_o daily_o see_v and_o complain_v that_o wanton_a and_o amorous_a air_n be_v apt_a to_o kindle_v 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itself_o and_o the_o first_o principle_n and_o maxim_n of_o reason_n by_o their_o own_o evidence_n can_v the_o son_n of_o god_n who_o make_v the_o world_n and_o make_v man_n if_o he_o so_o please_v clothe_v himself_o with_o humane_a nature_n and_o appear_v and_o converse_v in_o the_o world_n as_o a_o man_n and_o familiar_o instruct_v mankind_n in_o the_o will_n of_o god_n and_o the_o way_n to_o heaven_n there_o be_v no_o question_n then_o but_o god_n can_v if_o he_o please_v inspire_v man_n with_o the_o knowledge_n of_o his_o will_n either_o by_o dream_n and_o vision_n or_o by_o a_o audible_a voice_n and_o a_o familiar_a conversation_n oâ—…_n by_o a_o immediate_a impression_n upon_o the_o high_a faculty_n of_o reason_n and_o understanding_n so_o that_o if_o there_o be_v a_o god_n there_o may_v be_v prophet_n inspire_v by_o god_n to_o reveal_v his_o will_n to_o man_n and_o therefore_o the_o pretence_n to_o prophesy_v must_v not_o be_v laugh_v out_o of_o the_o world_n but_o examine_v the_o thing_n be_v not_o incredible_a because_o it_o be_v what_o god_n can_v do_v but_o the_o prophet_n must_v be_v try_v because_o there_o may_v be_v cheat_n and_o imposture_n now_o the_o trial_n of_o a_o prophet_n whether_o he_o come_v from_o god_n be_v by_o such_o work_n as_o no_o man_n can_v do_v except_o god_n be_v with_o he_o that_o be_v in_o short_a by_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n and_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v and_o here_o again_o he_o who_o believe_v that_o there_o be_v a_o god_n can_v think_v either_o miracle_n or_o a_o prediction_n of_o future_a event_n impossible_a for_o what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v and_o know_v who_o power_n and_o knowledge_n be_v infinite_a what_o can_v that_o god_n do_v who_o make_v the_o world_n be_v it_o such_o a_o difficulty_n to_o he_o who_o frame_v our_o body_n out_o of_o the_o â—…ust_n to_o give_v health_n to_o the_o sick_a or_o sight_n to_o the_o blind_a to_o make_v the_o deaf_a to_o hear_v and_o the_o lame_a to_o walk_v and_o to_o â—…aise_v the_o dead_a we_o all_o know_v this_o be_v above_o humane_a power_n and_o therefore_o if_o â—…uch_o thing_n be_v do_v they_o must_v be_v do_v by_o the_o power_n of_o god_n and_o we_o know_v â—…hat_fw-mi god_n can_v do_v they_o and_o therefore_o miracle_n be_v not_o impossible_a or_o incredible_a to_o he_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n thus_o far_o the_o deist_n must_v agree_v with_o i_o unless_o he_o have_v a_o very_a mean_a opinion_n of_o his_o god_n for_o a_o god_n who_o can_v reveal_v his_o will_n to_o mankind_n who_o can_v inspire_v prophet_n nor_o work_v miracle_n nor_o foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v be_v no_o god_n have_v not_o the_o wisdom_n and_o the_o power_n of_o a_o god_n now_o this_o be_v a_o great_a point_n gain_v for_o if_o god_n can_v do_v all_o this_o than_o there_o be_v no_o objection_n against_o the_o nature_n of_o
be_v nothing_o else_o but_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n and_o therefore_o according_a to_o the_o apostolical_a command_n to_o be_v whole_o fling_v out_o of_o religion_n and_o not_o suffer_v to_o affect_v our_o faith_n one_o way_n or_o other_o to_o be_v a_o philosopher_n and_o a_o christian_a to_o dispute_v and_o to_o believe_v be_v two_o very_a different_a thing_n and_o yet_o it_o be_v very_o evident_a that_o most_o of_o the_o argument_n against_o revelation_n in_o general_n and_o most_o of_o the_o dispute_n about_o the_o particular_a doctrine_n of_o christianity_n be_v no_o better_o than_o this_o vain_a deceit_n of_o philosophy_n that_o be_v the_o matter_n of_o faith_n and_o the_o dispute_n of_o philosophy_n true_o distinguish_v this_o alone_a will_v be_v sufficient_a to_o settle_v the_o faith_n of_o christian_n and_o restore_v peace_n and_o unity_n at_o least_o in_o the_o great_a fundamental_o of_o religion_n to_o the_o christian_a world_n 1._o as_o to_o begin_v with_o 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and_o pharisee_n in_o disbelieve_v our_o saviour_n after_o all_o the_o miracle_n they_o do_v for_o if_o they_o will_v disbelieve_v moses_n and_o christ_n though_o they_o have_v nothing_o material_a to_o object_v against_o the_o truth_n of_o these_o history_n nothing_o which_o they_o will_v allow_v to_o be_v good_a objection_n against_o any_o other_o history_n they_o must_v by_o the_o same_o reason_n have_v disbelieved_a they_o though_o they_o have_v see_v they_o do_v all_o those_o great_a work_n which_o be_v report_v of_o they_o in_o such_o credible_a history_n but_o whatever_o the_o authority_n of_o these_o book_n be_v they_o think_v they_o may_v secure_o reject_v they_o if_o they_o contain_v any_o thing_n which_o contradict_v their_o reason_n and_o philosophy_n and_o they_o find_v a_o great_a many_o such_o thing_n to_o quarrel_n with_o they_o think_v moses_n history_n of_o the_o creation_n very_o unphilosophical_a that_o the_o story_n of_o eve_n and_o the_o serpent_n be_v a_o incredible_a fiction_n that_o the_o universal_a deluge_n be_v absolute_o impossible_a and_o irreconcilable_a with_o the_o principle_n of_o philosophy_n and_o it_o do_v not_o become_v philosopher_n to_o have_v recourse_n to_o miracle_n that_o what_o we_o call_v miracle_n be_v not_o the_o effect_n of_o a_o divine_a power_n but_o may_v be_v resolve_v into_o natural_a cause_n that_o inspiration_n and_o prophecy_n be_v nothing_o but_o natural_a enthusiasm_n and_o all_o the_o pretence_n to_o revelation_n a_o cheat_n and_o imposture_n that_o nature_n teach_v we_o all_o that_o we_o need_v to_o know_v that_o there_o be_v no_o other_o certain_a knowledge_n but_o this_o that_o we_o be_v not_o bind_v to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o our_o own_o reason_n can_v grasp_v and_o comprehend_v and_o therefore_o revelation_n be_v perfect_o useless_a and_o god_n himself_o can_v oblige_v we_o to_o believe_v any_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o agree_v with_o the_o reason_n of_o our_o own_o mind_n and_o the_o philosophy_n of_o nature_n those_o who_o understand_v the_o mystery_n of_o modern_a infidelity_n know_v that_o these_o and_o such_o like_a be_v the_o wise_a reason_n for_o which_o they_o reject_v and_o ridicule_n all_o reveal_v religion_n and_o endeavour_v to_o rob_v and_o spoil_v man_n of_o one_o of_o the_o great_a blessing_n in_o the_o world_n a_o divine_a revelation_n so_o that_o infidelity_n be_v resolve_v into_o these_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n that_o man_n will_v understand_v how_o to_o make_v destroy_v and_o govern_v the_o world_n better_o than_o god_n 2._o as_o these_o man_n oppose_v reason_n and_o philosophy_n to_o revelation_n so_o other_o either_o deny_v the_o fundamental_a article_n of_o christianity_n for_o the_o sake_n of_o some_o philosophical_a difficulty_n or_o corrupt_v the_o doctrine_n of_o christianity_n by_o a_o mixture_n of_o philosophy_n the_o gospel_n of_o our_o saviour_n be_v the_o plain_a revelation_n of_o the_o will_n of_o god_n that_o ever_o be_v make_v to_o the_o world_n all_o its_o doctrine_n be_v easy_o understand_v without_o art_n and_o subtilty_n and_o yet_o there_o be_v not_o a_o more_o nice_a intricate_a perplex_a thing_n in_o the_o world_n than_o what_o some_o man_n have_v make_v the_o christian_a faith_n all_o the_o subtle_a dispute_n of_o philosophy_n be_v bring_v into_o the_o church_n and_o plato_n and_o aristotle_n be_v become_v as_o great_a apostle_n as_o st._n peter_n or_o st._n paul_n as_o to_o give_v some_o few_o instance_n of_o it_o for_o time_n will_v not_o permit_v i_o to_o discourse_v it_o at_o large_a what_o be_v the_o arian_n socinian_n pelagian_a controversy_n but_o mere_a philosophical_a dispute_n with_o which_o these_o heretic_n corrupt_v the_o catholic_n faith_n there_o be_v nothing_o more_o plain_a and_o express_v in_o scripture_n than_o the_o faith_n of_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n or_o the_o doctrine_n of_o the_o trinity_n in_o unity_n and_o that_o great_a art_n and_o subtlety_n which_o have_v be_v use_v and_o to_o so_o little_a purpose_n to_o pervert_v those_o text_n of_o scripture_n wherein_o this_o doctrine_n be_v contain_v be_v a_o evident_a proof_n that_o this_o be_v the_o plain_a natural_a obvious_a sense_n of_o those_o text_n since_o it_o require_v so_o much_o art_n and_o criticism_n to_o put_v any_o other_o sense_n on_o they_o and_o that_o will_v not_o do_v neither_o till_o man_n be_v resolve_v rather_o to_o make_v any_o thing_n of_o scripture_n than_o to_o find_v a_o real_a trinity_n there_o if_o then_o this_o faith_n be_v so_o plain_o contain_v in_o scripture_n what_o make_v all_o this_o dispute_n about_o it_o what_o make_v those_o who_o profess_v to_o believe_v the_o scripture_n so_o obstinate_a against_o this_o faith_n true_o that_o which_o make_v some_o man_n infidel_n make_v other_o heretic_n that_o be_v a_o vain_a pretence_n to_o philosophy_n the_o first_o philosophical_a dispute_n be_v about_o the_o divine_a unity_n we_o all_o own_o with_o the_o scripture_n that_o there_o be_v but_o one_o god_n but_o we_o say_v further_o as_o the_o scripture_n teach_v we_o that_o there_o be_v three_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n each_o of_o which_o be_v true_a and_o perfect_a god_n this_o they_o say_v be_v a_o contradiction_n and_o if_o it_o be_v so_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o this_o faith_n for_o both_o part_n of_o a_o contradiction_n can_v be_v true_a but_o to_o be_v three_o and_o one_o upon_o different_a account_n and_o in_o different_a sense_n be_v no_o contradiction_n for_o thus_o three_o may_v be_v one_o and_o one_o three_o and_o this_o be_v all_o the_o scripture_n teach_v or_o that_o we_o profess_v to_o believe_v whatever_o the_o mystery_n of_o this_o distinction_n and_o unity_n be_v but_o this_o will_v not_o satisfy_v these_o philosophical_a wit_n unless_o they_o can_v comprehend_v how_o father_n son_n and_o holy_a ghost_n be_v real_o and_o distinct_o three_o and_o essential_o one_o the_o manner_n of_o which_o the_o scripture_n give_v no_o account_n of_o and_o therefore_o this_o be_v no_o dispute_n in_o faith_n but_o only_o in_o philosophy_n another_o objection_n concern_v the_o divine_a generation_n how_o god_n can_v beget_v a_o son_n of_o his_o own_o substance_n which_o the_o arian_n think_v infer_v a_o division_n of_o the_o divine_a substance_n and_o a_o three_o objection_n concern_v a_o eternal_a generation_n how_o it_o be_v possible_a that_o the_o father_n shall_v beget_v a_o eternal_a son_n that_o the_o son_n shall_v be_v beget_v without_o any_o begin_n of_o be_v and_o that_o the_o father_n shall_v not_o be_v at_o least_o some_o few_o moment_n before_o the_o son_n and_o consequent_o the_o son_n not_o eternal_a now_o we_o all_o grant_v that_o we_o can_v give_v no_o philosophical_a account_n of_o this_o no_o more_o than_o we_o can_v of_o the_o simple_a divine_a essence_n or_o of_o eternity_n itself_o but_o we_o may_v believe_v that_o god_n have_v a_o eternal_a son_n as_o we_o do_v that_o there_o be_v
be_v as_o easy_a and_o natural_a as_o of_o a_o eternal_a be_v and_o that_o natural_a notion_n we_o have_v of_o the_o relation_n and_o dependence_n between_o cause_n and_o effect_n necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o belief_n of_o a_o first_o cause_n for_o if_o all_o thing_n be_v eternal_a without_o a_o cause_n it_o be_v hard_o to_o conceive_v how_o there_o shall_v ever_o after_o be_v any_o natural_a relation_n between_o they_o of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o yet_o destroy_v the_o doctrine_n of_o cause_n and_o effect_n and_o there_o be_v a_o end_n of_o all_o reason_n and_o discourse_n but_o then_o as_o we_o have_v no_o natural_a notion_n of_o the_o eternity_n of_o all_o thing_n so_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o nature_n contradict_v it_o and_o will_v not_o suffer_v it_o to_o lie_v easy_a in_o our_o mind_n we_o see_v every_o day_n that_o all_o individual_n be_v make_v man_n be_v bear_v every_o day_n and_o die_v and_o one_o generation_n succeed_v another_o and_o thus_o it_o be_v with_o beast_n and_o bird_n and_o all_o other_o animal_n with_o tree_n and_o fruit_n and_o corn_n and_o herb_n and_o be_v it_o possible_a for_o any_o man_n to_o believe_v that_o any_o of_o these_o thing_n be_v eternal_a when_o we_o see_v that_o the_o individual_n of_o all_o these_o several_a kind_n of_o being_n be_v daily_o make_v for_o the_o world_n consist_v of_o individual_n and_o if_o they_o be_v all_o make_v the_o world_n be_v make_v necessary_a existence_n be_v essential_a to_o the_o notion_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v which_o have_v no_o beginning_n nor_o any_o cause_n and_o therefore_o must_v be_v always_o what_o it_o be_v without_o the_o least_o change_n that_o to_o ascribe_v eternity_n to_o a_o world_n which_o be_v subject_a to_o perpetual_a change_n be_v as_o great_a a_o absurdity_n as_o to_o assert_v a_o eternal_a succession_n without_o a_o beginning_n thus_o it_o be_v very_o natural_a to_o think_v that_o the_o effect_n can_v have_v nothing_o but_o what_o the_o cause_n can_v give_v it_o and_o therefore_o we_o may_v learn_v what_o the_o invisible_a cause_n be_v from_o visible_a effect_n that_o if_o we_o see_v any_o thing_n wise_o make_v we_o may_v conclude_v it_o have_v a_o wise_a cause_n and_o therefore_o nothing_o can_v more_o contradict_v the_o natural_a sense_n of_o our_o mind_n than_o to_o ascribe_v such_o a_o world_n as_o we_o now_o live_v in_o which_o discover_v such_o wonderful_a art_n in_o its_o contrivance_n to_o blind_a and_o undesigning_a chance_n i_o do_v not_o dispute_v these_o matter_n now_o but_o only_o consider_v how_o unnatural_a it_o be_v to_o think_v so_o and_o therefore_o how_o very_a difficult_a it_o be_v for_o any_o man_n in_o good_a earnest_n to_o espouse_v these_o atheistick_a principle_n thus_o as_o for_o the_o principle_n of_o infidelity_n how_o hard_o be_v it_o for_o any_o man_n to_o persuade_v himself_o that_o god_n never_o reveal_v himself_o and_o his_o will_n to_o the_o world_n any_o otherwise_o than_o by_o the_o work_v of_o creation_n when_o all_o mankind_n have_v believe_v otherwise_o and_o be_v natural_o incline_v to_o believe_v so_o and_o there_o be_v great_a reason_n to_o think_v that_o god_n will_v do_v so_o and_o none_o to_o think_v that_o he_o will_v not_o especial_o when_o we_o have_v such_o evident_a proof_n of_o this_o in_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n which_o so_o strong_o persuade_v the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n for_o to_o deny_v prophecy_n and_o miracle_n when_o the_o matter_n of_o fact_n be_v plain_a that_o there_o have_v be_v true_a prophecy_n or_o miracle_n and_o no_o man_n beside_o themselves_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n doubt_n whether_o he_o can_v foretell_v thing_n to_o come_v or_o exercise_v a_o sovereign_a authority_n over_o nature_n when_o he_o please_v can_v be_v call_v by_o no_o soft_a name_n than_o stupidity_n or_o impudence_n and_o whatever_o they_o say_v it_o be_v not_o so_o easy_a for_o they_o to_o believe_v what_o they_o say_v for_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n carry_v such_o a_o conviction_n with_o they_o of_o a_o divine_a power_n and_o give_v such_o authority_n to_o the_o prophet_n as_o be_v not_o easy_o resist_v as_o be_v evident_a from_o hence_o that_o some_o of_o the_o wise_a of_o these_o man_n dare_v not_o deny_v the_o authority_n of_o prophecy_n and_o miracle_n can_v they_o be_v assure_v of_o the_o truth_n of_o they_o but_o they_o hear_v no_o prophecy_n nor_o see_v any_o miracle_n now_o and_o may_v be_v impose_v on_o by_o fabulous_a relation_n shall_v they_o be_v over_o credulous_a of_o such_o matter_n this_o will_v have_v be_v a_o good_a answer_n have_v they_o only_o some_o idle_a and_o uncertain_a report_n of_o such_o thing_n but_o it_o can_v never_o satisfy_v themselves_o when_o they_o have_v such_o a_o authentic_a history_n as_o the_o bible_n the_o old_a and_o new_a testament_n for_o the_o foundation_n of_o faith_n can_v any_o man_n persuade_v himself_o to_o reject_v the_o credit_n and_o authority_n of_o all_o history_n if_o he_o can_v whatever_o he_o may_v pretend_v he_o will_v find_v it_o a_o very_a hard_a matter_n after_o all_o his_o criticism_n to_o disbelieve_v the_o gospel_n which_o be_v the_o best_a attest_v and_o most_o credible_a history_n in_o the_o world_n these_o be_v the_o difficulty_n of_o be_v a_o atheist_n or_o infidel_n without_o which_o man_n can_v never_o reject_v or_o confound_v the_o difference_n of_o good_a and_o evil_a that_o all_o these_o principle_n contradict_v the_o natural_a idea_n of_o our_o mind_n and_o destroy_v all_o the_o natural_a rule_n and_o measure_n of_o reason_n that_o we_o can_v no_o more_o distinguish_v between_o truth_n and_o falsehood_n than_o between_o good_a and_o evil_a and_o if_o it_o be_v possible_a ever_o thus_o to_o efface_v the_o natural_a notion_n of_o our_o mind_n yet_o it_o must_v be_v a_o very_a uneasy_a and_o difficult_a task_n 3_o and_o yet_o it_o be_v at_o least_o as_o difficult_a to_o put_v bitter_a for_o sweet_a and_o sweet_a for_o bitter_a man_n may_v bribe_v their_o 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