Selected quad for the lemma: cause_n

Word A Word B Word C Word D Occurrence Frequency Band MI MI Band Prominent
cause_n effect_n necessary_a produce_v 6,956 5 9.5140 5 true
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ID Title Author Corrected Date of Publication (TCP Date of Publication) STC Words Pages
A42445 The certainty and necessity of religion in general, or, The first grounds & principles of humane duty establish'd in eight sermons preach'd at S. Martins in the Fields at the lecture for the year 1697, founded by the Honorable Robert Boyle, Esquire / by Francis Gastrell ... Gastrell, Francis, 1662-1725. 1697 (1697) Wing G300; ESTC R10900 106,790 282

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our_o idea_n and_o what_o we_o be_v the_o best_a acquaint_v with_o and_o so_o far_o as_o we_o perceive_v they_o distinct_a from_o one_o another_o separate_o exist_v or_o necessary_o connect_v our_o reason_n about_o they_o be_v the_o sure_a of_o any_o we_o have_v so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v mistake_v in_o these_o i_o can_v see_v how_o we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v any_o knowledge_n at_o all_o solidity_n extension_n and_o figure_n i_o do_v not_o only_o perceive_v to_o be_v constant_o unite_v but_o necessary_o and_o inseparable_o to_o co-exist_a together_o in_o the_o same_o subject_a which_o i_o call_v matter_n or_o body_n so_o that_o wherever_o any_o one_o of_o these_o be_v find_v i_o certain_o conclude_v from_o thence_o that_o there_o be_v the_o other_o two_o also_o but_o it_o do_v not_o follow_v that_o where_o ever_o these_o three_o co-exist_a together_o there_o be_v motion_n perception_n or_o will_v there_o be_v no_o necessary_a connexion_n between_o any_o of_o these_o 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continuance_n or_o have_v be_v lose_v again_o after_o they_o be_v once_o invent_v the_o same_o objection_n have_v constant_o lie_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n and_o these_o have_v be_v strengthen_v by_o several_a other_o argument_n draw_v from_o the_o many_o absurdity_n and_o inconsistency_n that_o seem_v to_o be_v imply_v in_o the_o notion_n of_o eternal_a succession_n all_o which_o and_o whatever_o else_o can_v be_v say_v against_o the_o eternity_n of_o the_o world_n when_o assert_v together_o with_o the_o eternal_a existence_n of_o a_o god_n do_v more_o strong_o conclude_v against_o this_o supposition_n when_o the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n be_v not_o take_v into_o it_o under_o which_o respect_n i_o now_o consider_v it_o and_o thus_o consider_v it_o be_v moreover_o beside_o what_o have_v be_v already_o allege_v attend_v with_o the_o same_o difficulty_n and_o chargeable_a with_o the_o same_o objection_n as_o the_o former_a hypothesis_n be_v for_o matter_n and_o motion_n 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the_o sense_n of_o which_o obligation_n make_v all_o our_o action_n that_o be_v due_o influence_v by_o it_o term_v religious_a though_o god_n be_v not_o the_o immediate_a object_n of_o they_o and_o these_o be_v sufficient_a mark_n and_o evidence_n to_o assure_v we_o that_o god_n do_v require_v we_o to_o act_v such_o a_o particular_a way_n and_o consequent_o that_o we_o be_v actual_o oblige_v to_o frame_v our_o life_n according_a to_o those_o rule_n and_o measure_n which_o come_v under_o the_o name_n of_o religion_n unless_o it_o can_v be_v show_v from_o more_o certain_a discovery_n of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o the_o design_n of_o god_n that_o notwithstanding_o all_o these_o fair_a appearance_n religion_n be_v not_o the_o way_n to_o happiness_n but_o as_o it_o be_v manifest_a from_o what_o we_o have_v already_o observe_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o god_n and_o our_o own_o frame_n and_o constitution_n that_o no_o high_a assurance_n can_v be_v give_v we_o of_o the_o truth_n of_o 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a_o new_a and_o high_a satisfaction_n all_o which_o we_o repeat_v and_o enjoy_v over_o again_o upon_o reflection_n and_o if_o any_o pain_n or_o uneasiness_n mix_v with_o the_o pleasure_n or_o attend_v it_o that_o do_v not_o arise_v from_o the_o same_o thought_n or_o action_n that_o this_o do_v but_o from_o a_o contrary_a application_n of_o mind_n in_o ourselves_o or_o other_o which_o oppose_v and_o obstruct_v we_o in_o the_o practice_n of_o religion_n or_o from_o some_o other_o extrinsical_a caeuse_n that_o have_v no_o dependence_n upon_o or_o connexion_n with_o religion_n so_o that_o the_o due_a performance_n of_o any_o religious_a action_n be_v never_o proper_o the_o cause_n of_o any_o pain_n or_o trouble_v to_o he_o that_o perform_v it_o however_o in_o some_o instance_n it_o may_v seem_v to_o be_v the_o occasion_n of_o it_o but_o in_o order_n to_o be_v far_o satisfy_v of_o the_o natural_a connexion_n betwixt_o religion_n and_o happiness_n and_o that_o we_o may_v more_o clear_o perceive_v that_o the_o latter_a be_v the_o true_a and_o genuine_a effect_n of_o the_o former_a we_o shall_v take_v off_o our_o thought_n from_o the_o present_a state_n of_o mankind_n and_o represent_v to_o ourselves_o another_o generation_n of_o men._n live_v together_o in_o a_o constant_a regular_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n and_o obligation_n of_o religion_n for_o there_o we_o shall_v behold_v such_o a_o glorious_a scene_n of_o happiness_n rise_v before_o we_o that_o consider_v the_o necessary_a circumstance_n of_o our_o mortal_a condition_n we_o can_v not_o possible_o imagine_v or_o form_v a_o idea_n of_o any_o thing_n in_o this_o life_n beyond_o it_o this_o will_v be_v a_o state_n of_o universal_a peace_n safety_n tranquillity_n and_o love_n where_o there_o will_v be_v no_o injury_n nor_o tear_n no_o envy_n nor_o distrust_n where_o every_o man_n will_v find_v all_o the_o pleasure_n of_o friendship_n in_o the_o company_n of_o every_o man_n and_o feel_v his_o own_o agreeable_a thought_n towards_o other_o redouble_v by_o know_v that_o they_o have_v all_o the_o same_o sentiment_n for_o he_o in_o such_o a_o state_n as_o this_o all_o the_o natural_a appetite_n and_o desire_n of_o the_o soul_n will_v be_v satisfy_v without_o a_o painful_a eagerness_n in_o the_o pursuit_n or_o satiety_n in_o the_o enjoyment_n and_o there_o will_v be_v no_o irregular_a imaginary_a desire_n to_o create_v the_o uneasiness_n of_o disappointment_n then_o every_o man_n will_v be_v please_v with_o all_o he_o do_v and_o have_v his_o satisfaction_n heighten_v by_o a_o full_a and_o entire_a assurance_n that_o his_o action_n be_v approve_v by_o the_o world_n and_o acceptable_a to_o god_n be_v true_a religion_n so_o universal_o and_o exact_o practise_v among_o man_n they_o will_v engage_v the_o power_n and_o wisdom_n of_o the_o supreme_a governor_n in_o their_o favour_n by_o the_o honour_n respect_n and_o obedience_n they_o pay_v he_o they_o will_v be_v sure_a of_o all_o the_o benefit_n and_o advantage_n of_o humane_a strength_n and_o skill_n by_o a_o mutual_a performance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o society_n and_o by_o a_o equal_a regular_a conduct_n and_o management_n of_o their_o own_o particular_a capacity_n and_o power_n they_o will_v preserve_v themselves_o in_o the_o fit_a and_o proper_a condition_n of_o enjoy_v those_o agreeable_a satisfaction_n god_n have_v put_v within_o their_o reach_n and_o prolong_v the_o enjoyment_n of_o they_o by_o continue_v their_o life_n to_o the_o utmost_a term_n they_o can_v by_o any_o endeavour_n of_o their_o own_o carry_v they_o to_o whoever_o take_v a_o full_a and_o distinct_a view_n of_o religion_n in_o all_o its_o power_n and_o extent_n must_v acknowledge_v that_o these_o be_v the_o true_a and_o necessary_a effect_n of_o it_o where_o its_o influence_n be_v free_o dispense_v without_o check_n or_o opposition_n from_o contrary_a cause_n and_o what_o great_a happiness_n than_o this_o can_v we_o
of_o religion_n about_o they_o which_o their_o reason_n and_o education_n will_v not_o give_v they_o leave_v whole_o to_o cast_v off_o but_o if_o the_o ignorance_n of_o the_o one_o and_o prejudices_fw-la of_o the_o other_o be_v remove_v as_o if_o atheism_n spread_v and_o come_v into_o a_o general_a reputation_n they_o soon_o will_v be_v then_o shall_v we_o feel_v the_o dismal_a effect_n and_o consequence_n of_o these_o principle_n far_o great_a and_o dreadfull_a than_o we_o can_v imagine_v or_o describe_v for_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n of_o difference_n between_o a_o ignorant_a or_o half-persuaded_n atheist_n and_o one_o that_o be_v positive_o and_o full_o so_o upon_o judgement_n and_o reflection_n shall_v a_o nation_n of_o people_n be_v due_o teach_v and_o instruct_v in_o the_o doctrine_n of_o irreligion_n they_o will_v be_v much_o more_o astonish_o wicked_a than_o those_o that_o have_v never_o hear_v of_o god_n or_o retain_v some_o loose_a imperfect_a notion_n of_o he_o and_o if_o god_n shall_v suffer_v this_o to_o be_v the_o result_n of_o the_o bold_a talk_n and_o argue_n of_o the_o present_a atheist_n of_o this_o nation_n they_o will_v then_o repent_v that_o they_o do_v not_o keep_v their_o atheism_n to_o themselves_o and_o make_v their_o advantage_n of_o other_o people_n credulity_n for_o if_o all_o the_o people_n or_o any_o considerable_a number_n of_o they_o be_v of_o their_o opinion_n they_o will_v soon_o overturn_v government_n and_o bring_v all_o thing_n to_o a_o equality_n and_o then_o farewell_n to_o all_o the_o pleasure_n enjoyment_n and_o conveniency_n of_o live_v when_o every_o man_n must_v labour_v to_o maintain_v his_o own_o life_n and_o be_v in_o continual_a fear_n of_o have_v it_o take_v away_o by_o other_o what_o i_o have_v say_v of_o atheism_n be_v with_o very_o little_a difference_n applicable_a to_o all_o manner_n of_o deism_n which_o be_v such_o a_o acknowledgement_n of_o a_o god_n as_o do_v not_o include_v any_o religion_n in_o it_o for_o if_o the_o deist_n be_v of_o the_o epicurean_a sect_n and_o make_v his_o god_n a_o unconcern_v spectator_n of_o human_a action_n he_o must_v as_o to_o what_o concern_v his_o own_o conduct_n judge_n and_o act_v altogether_o the_o same_o way_n that_o the_o atheist_n do_v for_o if_o god_n require_v nothing_o of_o he_o be_v not_o please_v or_o offend_v with_o any_o thing_n he_o do_v nor_o have_v annex_v any_o reward_n or_o punishment_n to_o this_o or_o that_o sort_n of_o life_n he_o have_v full_a liberty_n to_o choose_v for_o himself_o and_o prosecute_v his_o own_o happiness_n in_o what_o way_n or_o manner_n he_o shall_v think_v fit_a which_o be_v exact_o the_o case_n of_o the_o atheist_n it_o be_v the_o same_o thing_n in_o effect_n with_o those_o that_o make_v god_n a_o necessary_a cause_n and_o man_n necessary_a agent_n for_o according_a to_o this_o opinion_n all_o action_n be_v alike_o as_o be_v equal_o necessary_a and_o all_o man_n must_v obey_v their_o own_o determination_n and_o there_o can_v be_v no_o general_a rule_n or_o principle_n for_o man_n to_o act_v by_o there_o be_v no_o such_o thing_n as_o obligation_n reward_n or_o punishment_n nor_o have_v any_o of_o those_o notion_n or_o distinction_n take_v away_o by_o atheism_n any_o place_n or_o foundation_n under_o this_o hypothesis_n as_o to_o the_o persuasion_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v a_o god_n acknowledge_v some_o sort_n of_o providence_n and_o think_v they_o owe_v some_o regard_n to_o the_o sovereign_a author_n and_o governor_n of_o the_o world_n but_o deny_v a_o future_a state_n there_o seem_v indeed_o to_o be_v a_o considerable_a difference_n betwixt_o this_o and_o the_o other_o extravagant_a supposition_n and_o so_o indeed_o there_o be_v as_o to_o the_o credibility_n of_o the_o opinion_n but_o the_o influence_n it_o have_v upon_o practice_n be_v very_a near_o the_o same_o especial_o with_o respect_n to_o those_o of_o these_o latter_a day_n to_o who_o the_o certainty_n of_o a_o future_a state_n have_v be_v more_o full_o discover_v for_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o present_a posture_n and_o constitution_n of_o human_a affair_n and_o believe_v that_o thing_n have_v always_o go_v on_o in_o the_o same_o course_n from_o the_o beginning_n without_o any_o sensible_a extraordinary_a interposition_n of_o providence_n as_o they_o that_o deny_v all_o revelation_n must_v believe_v if_o i_o say_v we_o be_v of_o this_o opinion_n and_o observe_v how_o thing_n be_v manage_v in_o the_o world_n how_o wickedness_n oftentimes_o thrive_v and_o flourish_v and_o that_o not_o only_o for_o a_o season_n but_o strengthen_v and_o fix_v itself_o upon_o as_o last_a foundation_n as_o our_o happiness_n stand_v upon_o and_o how_o on_o the_o contrary_a the_o calamitic_n and_o suffering_n of_o the_o righteous_a be_v commensurate_a to_o their_o life_n and_o a_o great_a many_o of_o they_o mere_o owe_v to_o that_o character_n what_o force_n or_o power_n can_v some_o slight_a sentiment_n of_o religion_n have_v upon_o we_o when_o the_o present_a happiness_n of_o this_o life_n may_v be_v promote_v by_o act_v contrary_a to_o it_o and_o we_o have_v nothing_o to_o lose_v or_o fear_v after_o death_n i_o shall_v not_o examine_v how_o far_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v in_o such_o a_o case_n upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o certain_a irresistible_a power_n of_o god_n which_o he_o may_v exert_v if_o he_o will_v though_o it_o shall_v be_v grant_v that_o he_o have_v not_o hitherto_o do_v it_o or_o upon_o the_o account_n of_o the_o benefit_n we_o have_v receive_v from_o he_o but_o we_o shall_v find_v this_o true_a in_o fact_n that_o those_o who_o be_v firm_o persuade_v that_o god_n will_v exert_v his_o power_n no_o otherwise_o than_o he_o have_v do_v already_o will_v not_o by_o those_o promiscuous_a punishment_n they_o see_v light_n upon_o all_o sort_n of_o man_n at_o different_a time_n and_o in_o different_a circumstance_n be_v deter_v from_o prosecute_a the_o design_n they_o have_v conceive_v for_o the_o attainment_n or_o establishment_n of_o their_o own_o happiness_n by_o any_o mean_n they_o shall_v think_v likely_a to_o succeed_v thus_o have_v i_o endeavour_v to_o give_v a_o true_a account_n and_o representation_n of_o all_o kind_n of_o irreligion_n and_o to_o show_v the_o necessary_a effect_n of_o it_o with_o respect_n to_o the_o happiness_n of_o mankind_n and_o now_o upon_o a_o fair_a and_o just_a comparison_n of_o religion_n and_o irreligion_n together_o according_a to_o the_o different_a notion_n and_o consequence_n of_o they_o religion_n must_v needs_o appear_v not_o only_o more_o agreeable_a to_o the_o reason_n and_o true_a interest_n of_o man_n in_o general_a more_o suitable_a and_o proportionate_a to_o the_o capacity_n and_o exigency_n of_o human_a nature_n but_o more_o conducive_a to_o the_o happiness_n of_o particular_a man_n in_o the_o present_a constitution_n and_o state_n of_o human_a society_n in_o the_o world_n so_o that_o upon_o a_o due_a balance_n of_o all_o the_o usual_a accident_n of_o life_n it_o be_v very_o probable_a a_o religious_a man_n shall_v enjoy_v more_o happiness_n while_o he_o live_v here_o than_o a_o person_n of_o another_o character_n as_o may_v be_v full_o and_o particular_o make_v out_o if_o there_o be_v occasion_n but_o this_o require_v a_o set_a discourse_n on_o purpose_n and_o not_o fall_v direct_o within_o my_o present_a design_n i_o think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o mention_v some_o few_o general_a consideration_n only_o which_o show_v the_o advantage_n a_o religious_a man_n have_v above_o another_o that_o act_n by_o contrary_a principle_n such_o as_o be_v these_o follow_v he_o that_o act_v upon_o a_o true_a through_o sense_n of_o religion_n have_v with_o respect_n to_o all_o the_o external_a enjoyment_n of_o the_o world_n more_o contract_v desire_n and_o few_o want_v than_o another_o and_o consequent_o his_o happiness_n do_v much_o seldomer_n interfere_v with_o any_o other_o man_n and_o be_v less_o obnoxious_a to_o the_o assault_n of_o envy_n ambition_n or_o covetousness_n than_o the_o prosperous_a condition_n of_o the_o wicked_a he_o be_v not_o eager_a in_o the_o pursuit_n of_o the_o necessary_a support_v and_o lesser_a conveniency_n of_o life_n and_o take_v care_n to_o avoid_v all_o manner_n of_o injury_n and_o offence_n of_o other_o and_o therefore_o must_v be_v free_a from_o the_o effect_n of_o anger_n malice_n and_o revenge_n than_o such_o as_o advance_v their_o own_o ease_n or_o fortune_n by_o disquiet_v and_o rob_v other_o he_o profess_v to_o help_v and_o assist_v in_o promote_a the_o happiness_n of_o other_o man_n without_o any_o worldly_a advantage_n to_o himself_o and_o therefore_o there_o will_v be_v a_o great_a many_o who_o will_v find_v it_o their_o interest_n to_o defend_v and_o secure_v he_o and_o perform_v several_a office_n of_o kindness_n to_o he_o to_o engage_v his_o future_a endeavour_n for_o they_o when_o there_o shall_v be_v occasion_n whereas_o
nothing_o at_o all_o or_o they_o mean_v the_o same_o thing_n as_o we_o do_v by_o a_o god_n or_o else_o they_o be_v altogether_o irrational_a and_o contradictory_n what_o be_v fate_n necessity_n chance_n and_o universal_a soul_n but_o mere_a cover_v for_o ignorance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_a as_o occult_a cause_n the_o true_a result_n of_o all_o which_o principle_n be_v a_o new_a sort_n of_o creation_n where_o all_o thing_n be_v make_v by_o nothing_o or_o nothing_o be_v set_v up_o as_o the_o efficient_a cause_n of_o all_o thing_n but_o if_o those_o that_o use_v any_o of_o these_o name_n mean_v by_o the_o maker_n or_o cause_n of_o all_o thing_n a_o be_v distinct_a from_o the_o thing_n make_v such_o a_o be_v can_v be_v conceive_v without_o all_o those_o glorious_a attribute_n which_o make_v up_o our_o idea_n of_o god_n for_o if_o we_o will_v allow_v the_o original_a author_n of_o the_o world_n the_o high_a perfection_n imaginable_a by_o we_o as_o his_o work_n certain_o require_v if_o 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of_o he_o or_o be_v real_o a_o necessary_a part_n of_o the_o divine_a nature_n and_o help_v to_o make_v up_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n or_o do_v eternal_o proceed_v from_o he_o because_o he_o have_v eternal_o a_o effectual_a will_n to_o produce_v it_o but_o the_o first_o of_o these_o supposition_n can_v be_v true_a for_o neither_o matter_n itself_o nor_o matter_n and_o motion_n nor_o the_o present_a constitution_n of_o thing_n can_v be_v eternal_a independent_o of_o god_n because_o as_o have_v be_v full_o prove_v already_o neither_o of_o they_o can_v be_v suppose_v to_o have_v exi_v eternal_o without_o a_o god_n from_o which_o proof_n it_o sufficient_o appear_v that_o neither_o of_o they_o have_v the_o essential_a property_n of_o a_o eternal_a be_v viz._n necessary_a existence_n and_o all_o possible_a perfection_n nor_o the_o consequence_n of_o they_o viz._n the_o actual_a production_n of_o all_o temporary_a being_n for_o which_o soever_o of_o they_o be_v suppose_v there_o be_v suppose_v 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that_o no_o more_o belong_v to_o the_o idea_n of_o god_n than_o what_o we_o have_v before_o ascribe_v to_o he_o and_o that_o he_o do_v in_o time_n of_o his_o own_o free_a will_n produce_v every_o thing_n not_o contain_v in_o that_o idea_n even_o original_a matter_n and_o motion_n as_o well_o as_o the_o frame_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o variety_n of_o particular_a being_n in_o it_o but_o if_o any_o man_n assert_v the_o eternity_n of_o any_o of_o these_o together_o with_o god_n in_o the_o full_a extent_n of_o the_o idea_n we_o have_v give_v of_o he_o however_o his_o opinion_n may_v be_v true_a or_o false_a it_o can_v make_v no_o change_n in_o our_o thought_n with_o regard_n to_o religion_n the_o idea_n of_o god_n be_v so_o far_o the_o same_o here_o as_o we_o have_v establish_v it_o the_o same_o consequence_n will_v every_o where_o flow_v from_o it_o and_o the_o assertor_n of_o any_o such_o opinion_n will_v bear_v the_o same_o relation_n to_o god_n and_o be_v under_o the_o same_o obligation_n with_o we_o that_o differ_v from_o they_o in_o some_o other_o thing_n relate_v to_o god_n which_o however_o hold_v have_v no_o other_o influence_n upon_o we_o than_o as_o we_o be_v oblige_v not_o to_o entertain_v any_o false_a notion_n of_o god_n willing_o when_o we_o may_v have_v better_a information_n or_o if_o we_o can_v yet_o other_o opinion_n may_v appear_v more_o suitable_a to_o our_o reason_n and_o more_o for_o the_o honour_n of_o god_n which_o i_o take_v to_o be_v the_o present_a case_n and_o therefore_o shall_v wave_v any_o further_a enquiry_n into_o these_o matter_n as_o have_v no_o prospect_n of_o a_o possibility_n of_o know_v any_o thing_n more_o about_o they_o thus_o have_v i_o with_o as_o much_o brevity_n and_o dispatch_v as_o the_o subject_n will_v allow_v examine_v all_o the_o account_n that_o be_v or_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o present_a existence_n of_o thing_n and_o from_o particular_a observation_n upon_o each_o of_o they_o not_o all_o that_o may_v be_v make_v but_o such_o as_o i_o judge_v sufficient_a for_o my_o purpose_n i_o think_v i_o have_v make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o god_n or_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i_o before_o describe_v who_o be_v the_o true_a and_o only_a cause_n or_o author_n of_o every_o thing_n we_o see_v or_o know_v or_o have_v over_o be_v beside_o he_o and_o without_o the_o supposition_n of_o such_o a_o be_v the_o world_n can_v not_o possible_o have_v ever_o exist_v any_o other_o way_n i_o shall_v now_o add_v some_o general_a reflection_n to_o strengthen_v the_o common_a hypothesis_n concern_v the_o original_a of_o the_o world_n and_o so_o conclude_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n that_o the_o world_n be_v as_o we_o now_o perceive_v must_v be_v ascribe_v to_o chance_n necessity_n or_o wisdom_n but_o chance_n be_v nothing_o necessity_n without_o a_o god_n unintelligible_a and_o therefore_o wisdom_n or_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o it_o god_n who_o be_v a_o wise_a be_v make_v the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o in_o the_o form_n and_o manner_n we_o now_o behold_v and_o admire_v the_o world_n be_v be_v make_v by_o chance_n be_v be_v we_o know_v not_o how_o be_v make_v without_o any_o cause_n and_o to_o speak_v thus_o be_v to_o use_v word_n without_o any_o mean_v under_o they_o there_o be_v no_o man_n that_o have_v make_v any_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n of_o thing_n but_o know_v that_o nothing_o can_v be_v that_o before_o be_v not_o without_o owe_v its_o original_a to_o some_o real_a positive_a be_v of_o antecedent_n existence_n inadequate_a and_o insufficient_a cause_n be_v often_o assign_v for_o the_o production_n of_o thing_n because_o be_v next_o to_o and_o immediate_o precede_v the_o effect_n they_o be_v sole_o take_v notice_n of_o without_o any_o regard_n have_v to_o their_o subordination_n to_o or_o direction_n by_o other_o and_o oftentimes_o something_o be_v think_v to_o be_v the_o next_o and_o immediate_a cause_n of_o a_o thing_n which_o be_v no_o way_n concern_v in_o it_o but_o in_o both_o these_o case_n it_o be_v by_o reason_n of_o some_o real_a efficiency_n observe_v that_o these_o judgement_n be_v make_v which_o must_v all_o proceed_v from_o some_o real_a be_v though_o there_o may_v be_v a_o mistake_n in_o attribute_v it_o to_o a_o wrong_a one_o or_o to_o one_o that_o have_v only_o a_o share_n in_o the_o effect_n and_o therefore_o there_o must_v be_v something_o real_a assign_v which_o be_v as_o much_o and_o as_o proper_o the_o immediate_a cause_n of_o the_o meeting_n of_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n in_o order_n to_o make_v a_o world_n as_o the_o part_n of_o matter_n so_o meet_v be_v the_o cause_n of_o the_o production_n of_o the_o world_n which_o can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o and_o such_o particular_a determination_n of_o figure_n and_o motion_n in_o the_o several_a part_n of_o matter_n but_o these_o must_v be_v either_o eternal_a or_o the_o effect_n of_o certain_a eternal_a sixth_o rule_n result_v from_o the_o nature_n of_o matter_n and_o motion_n or_o be_v make_v by_o a_o divine_a power_n in_o all_o which_o there_o can_v be_v nothing_o casual_a but_o every_o thing_n necessary_a or_o providential_a for_o suppose_v the_o whole_a system_n of_o matter_n so_o and_o so_o figure_v and_o move_v we_o can_v consider_v it_o as_o indifferent_a to_o several_a effect_n but_o necessary_o determine_v to_o one_o which_o must_v inevitable_o follow_v such_o a_o suppose_a disposition_n unless_o something_o extrinsical_a to_o matter_n shall_v restrain_v or_o change_v the_o determination_n if_o any_o thing_n extrinsical_a to_o matter_n or_o beside_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v allow_v it_o must_v be_v god_n if_o there_o be_v nothing_o else_o exist_v but_o matter_n and_o motion_n then_o be_v all_o the_o effect_n
result_v from_o they_o necessary_a because_o whatever_o disposition_n or_o motion_n of_o matter_n we_o suppose_v and_o whensoever_o in_o the_o whole_a extent_n of_o eternity_n we_o suppose_v it_o every_o follow_a effect_n must_v have_v be_v what_o it_o be_v and_o there_o can_v have_v be_v no_o other_o produce_v in_o the_o room_n of_o it_o the_o reason_n why_o certain_a portion_n of_o matter_n so_o and_o so_o figure_v and_o move_v do_v not_o always_o necessary_o produce_v the_o same_o effect_n be_v because_o their_o particular_a determination_n be_v restrain_v or_o overrule_v by_o the_o necessary_a impulse_n of_o other_o extrinsical_a matter_n or_o the_o great_a power_n of_o the_o divine_a will_n which_o be_v unperceived_a by_o we_o make_v we_o look_v upon_o several_a of_o these_o particular_a effect_n as_o casual_a which_o can_v only_o and_o that_o very_o improper_o too_o with_o respect_n to_o our_o comprehension_n be_v style_v so_o whereas_o in_o reality_n with_o respect_n to_o the_o universal_a nature_n and_o efficiency_n of_o thing_n they_o must_v be_v either_o necessary_a or_o voluntary_a but_o if_o we_o consider_v the_o whole_a frame_n and_o collection_n of_o thing_n together_o we_o can_v form_v any_o sort_n of_o idea_n of_o chance_n either_o in_o the_o world_n as_o it_o now_o be_v or_o in_o its_o original_a formation_n unless_o we_o will_v be_v so_o ridiculous_a as_o to_o say_v every_o thing_n that_o be_v be_v casual_a that_o every_o thing_n that_o have_v be_v from_o all_o eternity_n happen_v by_o chance_n and_o that_o it_o be_v by_o chance_n that_o matter_n and_o motion_n be_v eternal_a or_o that_o any_o thing_n exi_v at_o all_o chance_v have_v the_o same_o title_n to_o all_o these_o effect_n as_o to_o any_o one_o of_o they_o i_o need_v not_o consider_v the_o other_o occasion_n we_o take_v of_o form_v this_o notion_n of_o chance_n from_o the_o indifference_n we_o be_v oftentimes_o conscious_a of_o in_o ourselves_o with_o regard_n to_o several_a contrary_a action_n which_o make_v the_o follow_v of_o one_o action_n rather_o than_o another_o where_o the_o cause_n seem_v equal_o dispose_v to_o both_o be_v look_v upon_o as_o a_o casual_a result_n rather_o than_o a_o proper_a effect_n this_o may_v be_v account_v for_o otherwise_o by_o the_o preponderancy_n of_o some_o motive_n determine_v we_o to_o act_v this_o way_n rather_o than_o another_o and_o the_o seem_a indifference_n be_v show_v to_o be_v the_o effect_n of_o our_o ignorance_n of_o the_o whole_a nature_n and_o all_o the_o consequence_n of_o the_o thing_n in_o question_n and_o the_o several_a reason_n and_o way_n of_o act_v but_o there_o be_v no_o occasion_n for_o such_o a_o proof_n because_o those_o that_o say_v the_o world_n be_v make_v by_o chance_n can_v be_v suppose_v to_o use_v the_o word_n in_o this_o sense_n forasmuch_o as_o they_o do_v not_o acknowledge_v that_o god_n or_o any_o intelligent_a be_v be_v concern_v in_o the_o production_n of_o it_o or_o if_o they_o do_v will_v they_o be_v so_o absurd_a and_o entertain_v such_o low_a notion_n of_o he_o as_o to_o think_v that_o some_o chance_n thought_n or_o action_n of_o his_o produce_v it_o it_o be_v plain_a then_o that_o chance_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o insignificant_a word_n and_o a_o ignorant_a pretence_n which_o have_v no_o sense_n nor_o reason_n under_o it_o and_o therefore_o can_v give_v we_o no_o manner_n of_o light_n in_o our_o inquiry_n into_o the_o nature_n and_o original_a of_o thing_n neither_o will_v necessity_n which_o be_v the_o next_o thing_n to_o be_v consider_v give_v we_o much_o better_a satisfaction_n for_o if_o we_o examine_v this_o notion_n well_o it_o will_v evident_o appear_v that_o there_o can_v be_v no_o necessity_n for_o the_o present_a existence_n of_o the_o world_n in_o the_o manner_n we_o behold_v the_o question_n be_v not_o whether_o it_o be_v necessary_a that_o god_n shall_v make_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o suppose_v there_o be_v a_o god_n though_o this_o may_v easy_o be_v prove_v that_o it_o be_v not_o but_o whether_o it_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o world_n as_o this_o without_o a_o god_n and_o i_o think_v it_o may_v be_v certain_o demonstrate_v that_o it_o be_v not_o for_o nothing_o can_v be_v say_v to_o be_v absolute_o necessary_a but_o what_o it_o be_v altogether_o impossible_a shall_v be_v otherwise_o but_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a that_o the_o world_n shall_v never_o have_v exi_v or_o shall_v ever_o be_v destroy_v now_o it_o do_v exist_v for_o if_o this_o be_v absolute_o impossible_a then_o be_v it_o absolute_o impossible_a that_o there_o shall_v be_v any_o thing_n of_o great_a perfection_n and_o power_n than_o the_o world_n for_o if_o there_o be_v that_o be_v of_o great_a perfection_n and_o power_n than_o the_o world_n can_v have_v hinder_v the_o world_n from_o exist_v or_o can_v now_o destroy_v it_o but_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a there_o shall_v be_v such_o a_o be_v because_o it_o be_v not_o impossible_a to_o conceive_v such_o a_o be_v for_o what_o may_v be_v conceive_v to_o exist_v may_v exist_v but_o if_o any_o man_n shall_v say_v he_o can_v conceive_v such_o a_o be_v as_o can_v hinder_v matter_n from_o exist_v or_o destroy_v it_o now_o it_o do_v exist_v because_o he_o can_v conceive_v a_o power_n of_o make_v something_o out_o of_o nothing_o or_o of_o reduce_v something_o to_o nothing_o the_o last_o of_o which_o be_v here_o suppose_a and_o no_o account_n can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o present_a existence_n of_o thing_n without_o allow_v the_o first_o if_o such_o a_o be_v as_o this_o in_o question_n be_v suppose_v and_o the_o necessity_n of_o the_o world_n existence_n be_v take_v away_o if_o any_o man_n i_o say_v shall_v object_v this_o i_o answer_v that_o it_o seem_v to_o i_o conceivable_a enough_o from_o the_o idea_n i_o have_v of_o god_n that_o what_o be_v here_o ascribe_v to_o he_o may_v fall_v within_o the_o compass_n of_o his_o power_n which_o reach_v to_o all_o thing_n possible_a that_o be_v to_o all_o thing_n which_o do_v not_o imply_v a_o contradiction_n may_v extend_v to_o the_o act_n of_o creation_n and_o annihilation_n which_o though_o the_o manner_n of_o the_o performance_n be_v incomprehensible_a can_v be_v prove_v to_o carry_v any_o contradiction_n in_o they_o however_o if_o there_o be_v those_o that_o pretend_v they_o can_v comprehend_v the_o possibility_n of_o these_o action_n yet_o this_o be_v very_o conceivable_a by_o any_o man_n that_o there_o may_v be_v some_o be_v of_o that_o perfection_n and_o power_n that_o though_o he_o can_v not_o hinder_v matter_n from_o exist_v or_o reduce_v it_o to_o nothing_o afterward_o yet_o he_o may_v have_v hinder_v it_o from_o be_v put_v into_o any_o motion_n form_n or_o order_n and_o continue_v it_o in_o that_o state_n or_o can_v reduce_v it_o now_o to_o a_o confuse_a unmoving_a chaos_n or_o scatter_v it_o into_o innumerable_a incoherent_a particle_n there_o be_v no_o manner_n of_o difficulty_n for_o a_o man_n to_o frame_v a_o notion_n of_o these_o thing_n who_o have_v see_v frequent_a instance_n of_o the_o same_o kind_n of_o power_n in_o a_o lesser_a degree_n exercise_v by_o men._n and_o this_o be_v sufficient_a to_o overthrow_v the_o necessity_n of_o the_o present_a frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o thing_n which_o be_v the_o thing_n design_v if_o therefore_o the_o world_n and_o all_o thing_n in_o it_o in_o the_o condition_n we_o now_o behold_v do_v not_o subsist_v by_o a_o necessity_n of_o be_v nor_o be_v the_o result_n of_o chance_n it_o immediate_o follow_v that_o they_o be_v the_o effect_n and_o product_v of_o wisdom_n the_o workmanship_n and_o contrivance_n of_o a_o wise_a agent_n this_o be_v certain_o the_o most_o rational_a hypothesis_n that_o can_v be_v devise_v or_o imagine_v for_o we_o that_o maintain_v this_o opinion_n have_v clear_a and_o distinct_a idea_n of_o power_n and_o wisdom_n by_o which_o we_o explain_v the_o original_a of_o thing_n but_o those_o who_o ascribe_v the_o existence_n and_o structure_n of_o the_o world_n to_o any_o thing_n else_o have_v no_o manner_n of_o idea_n of_o what_o they_o ascribe_v they_o to_o no_o man_n have_v any_o idea_n of_o chance_n or_o necessity_n except_o he_o annex_v the_o idea_n of_o power_n to_o they_o and_o he_o can_v have_v no_o idea_n of_o power_n without_o knowledge_n all_o power_n proceed_v original_o from_o mind_n which_o by_o consciousness_n we_o be_v sensible_a of_o and_o we_o can_v frame_v no_o notion_n of_o any_o other_o seat_n or_o spring_n of_o power_n and_o therefore_o we_o make_v some_o mind_n or_o intelligent_a be_v the_o author_n of_o every_o thing_n as_o be_v the_o only_a conceivable_a fountain_n of_o all_o power_n our_o notion_n of_o wisdom_n contrivance_n design_n be_v as_o clear_a as_o that_o of_o power_n and_o know_v the_o same_o way_n and_o if_o
they_o be_v ever_o plain_o perceivable_a in_o their_o work_n and_o effect_n they_o be_v so_o in_o the_o frame_n and_o constitution_n of_o the_o world_n and_o the_o several_a part_n of_o it_o if_o we_o have_v any_o reason_n to_o conclude_v that_o town_n and_o city_n be_v build_v and_o kingdom_n and_o commonwealth_n be_v model_v by_o the_o thought_n and_o contrivance_n of_o intelligent_a being_n we_o have_v much_o more_o cause_n to_o believe_v that_o the_o universe_n be_v make_v fashion_v and_o dispose_v by_o the_o counsel_n and_o wisdom_n of_o some_o more_o perfect_a and_o capacious_a mind_n the_o mark_n and_o print_n of_o wisdom_n be_v plain_a and_o more_o legible_a in_o the_o oeconomy_n of_o the_o world_n than_o any_o of_o the_o most_o admire_a work_n of_o man._n and_o therefore_o if_o we_o allow_v ourselves_o to_o have_v any_o idea_n of_o power_n and_o knowledge_n we_o must_v confess_v that_o power_n be_v inseparable_a from_o knowledge_n and_o that_o there_o be_v no_o power_n but_o there_o be_v some_o knowledge_n commensurate_a to_o it_o it_o be_v utter_o inconceivable_a that_o any_o thing_n shall_v be_v or_o be_v make_v which_o there_o be_v no_o be_v that_o know_v and_o this_o i_o think_v be_v of_o itself_o ground_n enough_o to_o believe_v there_o be_v a_o god_n who_o be_v the_o author_n of_o the_o world_n and_o every_o thing_n in_o it_o without_o carry_v the_o proof_n any_o high_a but_o for_o those_o that_o will_v not_o be_v satisfy_v with_o this_o i_o have_v give_v a_o far_a demonstration_n of_o the_o be_v of_o god_n not_o with_o any_o hope_n of_o convince_a they_o but_o to_o make_v it_o impossible_a for_o they_o to_o urge_v any_o thing_n to_o the_o contrary_n thus_o have_v i_o finish_v the_o proof_n of_o a_o god_n and_o as_o i_o think_v make_v it_o very_o evident_a that_o there_o real_o be_v such_o a_o be_v and_o that_o what_o we_o call_v god_n be_v a_o be_v of_o such_o a_o nature_n as_o i_o before_o describe_v invest_v with_o all_o these_o character_n and_o property_n i_o there_o attribute_v to_o he_o which_o consideration_n together_o with_o those_o plain_a and_o easy_a reflection_n before_o suggest_v upon_o ourselves_o and_o our_o own_o nature_n if_o careful_o attend_v to_o will_v certain_o convince_v we_o of_o the_o reality_n of_o all_o those_o relation_n i_o have_v suppose_v between_o god_n and_o man_n and_o furnish_v we_o with_o many_o direct_a and_o undeniable_a argument_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n which_o be_v the_o three_o thing_n i_o propose_v and_o the_o principal_a part_n of_o the_o design_n i_o be_o pursue_v in_o this_o discourse_n iii_o from_o the_o knowledge_n i_o have_v show_v we_o have_v or_o be_v capable_a of_o have_v concern_v the_o humane_a and_o divine_a nature_n i_o shall_v deduce_v a_o positive_a and_o direct_a proof_n of_o religion_n religion_n in_o short_a be_v whatever_o we_o be_v oblige_v to_o by_o god_n in_o order_n therefore_o to_o prove_v there_o be_v such_o a_o thing_n as_o religion_n we_o must_v show_v that_o man_n be_v capable_a of_o be_v oblige_v to_o act_v after_o such_o a_o particular_a manner_n that_o god_n have_v a_o power_n of_o oblige_v he_o so_o to_o act_v and_o that_o man_n be_v actual_o under_o such_o a_o obligation_n or_o god_n do_v actual_o will_n and_o require_v something_o of_o he_o now_o it_o be_v plain_a by_o the_o account_n we_o have_v before_o give_v of_o the_o nature_n of_o man_n and_o every_o one_o that_o consult_v himself_o may_v find_v it_o to_o be_v so_o that_o he_o have_v in_o several_a case_n a_o power_n of_o determine_v himself_o to_o act_n or_o not_o to_o act_v and_o a_o power_n of_o act_v or_o not_o act_v according_o to_o such_o determination_n that_o he_o be_v influence_v to_o act_v several_a way_n by_o different_a motive_n and_o prospect_n and_o that_o he_o oftentimes_o suffer_v himself_o to_o be_v influence_v by_o certain_a consideration_n which_o he_o may_v and_o ought_v not_o to_o have_v act_v by_o as_o he_o plain_o perceive_v and_o know_v by_o condemn_v himself_o afterward_o for_o what_o he_o have_v do_v and_o that_o he_o often_o neglect_v or_o refuse_v to_o obey_v such_o motive_n and_o incitement_n to_o action_n which_o he_o ought_v to_o have_v follow_v as_o his_o own_o approbation_n of_o they_o before_o and_o after_o the_o neglect_n or_o refusal_n convince_v he_o of_o from_o whence_o it_o evident_o follow_v that_o a_o man_n may_v be_v oblige_v to_o act_v one_o particular_a way_n rather_o than_o another_o that_o be_v there_o may_v be_v such_o reason_n and_o motive_n for_o his_o act_v this_o way_n that_o upon_o a_o just_a balance_n of_o all_o the_o several_a inducement_n that_o can_v be_v offer_v to_o he_o for_o any_o other_o he_o must_v acknowledge_v aught_o to_o determine_v he_o so_o that_o shall_v he_o act_v the_o way_n he_o must_v necessary_o approve_v himself_o and_o shall_v he_o act_v any_o other_o he_o must_v necessary_o condemn_v himself_o that_o be_v which_o have_v a_o power_n of_o offer_v such_o reason_n and_o motive_n to_o any_o man_n as_o these_o may_v proper_o be_v say_v to_o have_v a_o power_n of_o oblige_v he_o to_o act_v such_o or_o such_o a_o way_n and_o that_o god_n have_v this_o power_n be_v very_o manifest_a if_o we_o consider_v what_o it_o be_v that_o influence_n and_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v which_o be_v nothing_o else_o but_o some_o kind_n of_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n in_o present_a or_o in_o prospect_n god_n who_o can_v do_v all_o thing_n possible_a and_o consequent_o who_o can_v put_v we_o into_o and_o continue_v we_o to_o all_o eternity_n in_o a_o state_n of_o pain_n or_o pleasure_n the_o great_a our_o nature_n be_v capable_a of_o can_v by_o annex_v these_o to_o different_a way_n of_o act_v offer_v such_o motive_n to_o we_o as_o we_o shall_v be_v force_v to_o acknowledge_v aught_o to_o determine_v we_o to_o act_v one_o particular_a way_n and_o therefore_o god_n can_v if_o he_o please_v oblige_v we_o so_o to_o act_v the_o only_a question_n than_o be_v whether_o we_o be_v actual_o under_o such_o obligation_n whether_o god_n have_v prescribe_v such_o action_n and_o annex_v such_o consequence_n to_o different_a kind_n of_o action_n as_o make_v it_o necessary_a to_o our_o happiness_n to_o act_v that_o particular_a way_n he_o have_v prescribe_v but_o before_o i_o enter_v upon_o the_o particular_a resolution_n of_o this_o question_n i_o think_v it_o requisite_a to_o give_v a_o full_a account_n of_o the_o nature_n and_o ground_n of_o what_o we_o call_v obligation_n or_o duty_n together_o with_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v now_o it_o be_v plain_a from_o what_o have_v be_v already_o say_v that_o a_o obligation_n with_o respect_n to_o man_n be_v nothing_o else_o but_o such_o a_o reason_n or_o motive_n as_o when_o due_o offer_v to_o he_o necessary_o determine_v he_o to_o choose_v or_o prefer_v one_o way_n of_o act_v before_o another_o and_o this_o reason_n or_o motive_n can_v be_v nothing_o else_o but_o a_o great_a degree_n of_o misery_n or_o happiness_n to_o be_v avoid_v or_o obtain_v by_o thus_o act_v than_o all_o thing_n consider_v can_v be_v avoid_v or_o obrain_v by_o act_v any_o other_o way_n such_o a_o reason_n or_o motive_n as_o this_o do_v in_o the_o strict_a and_o proper_a sense_n of_o the_o word_n oblige_v we_o to_o act_v according_a to_o it_o or_o which_o be_v all_o one_o we_o ought_v or_o it_o be_v our_o duty_n so_o to_o do_v that_o be_v we_o find_v ourselves_o under_o a_o necessity_n of_o judge_v thus_o there_o be_v no_o other_o notion_n or_o ground_n of_o obligation_n imaginable_a or_o if_o there_o be_v any_o other_o pretend_v upon_o examination_n it_o will_v be_v find_v to_o be_v ultimate_o resolvable_a into_o this_o what_o be_v mean_v by_o the_o right_n and_o power_n of_o oblige_v in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v the_o same_o or_o at_o least_o only_o distinct_a conception_n of_o the_o same_o thing_n and_o in_o what_o respect_v they_o be_v different_a will_v plain_o appear_v if_o 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without_o a_o large_a date_n of_o present_a life_n or_o a_o prospect_n of_o another_o conceive_v ourselves_o capable_a of_o or_o at_o least_o be_v attainable_a by_o any_o other_o action_n beside_o those_o of_o religion_n but_o this_o i_o confess_v be_v all_o but_o a_o imaginary_a scene_n a_o bare_a idea_n or_o pattern_n draw_v by_o the_o mind_n which_o never_o be_v and_o perhaps_o never_o will_v be_v exemplify_v in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n and_o therefore_o it_o do_v not_o necessary_o follow_v from_o hence_o that_o when_o the_o generality_n of_o man_n act_v contrary_a to_o religion_n as_o now_o they_o do_v those_o few_o that_o be_v mix_v with_o they_o and_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o the_o rule_n and_o i_o recept_n of_o it_o shall_v enjoy_v more_o happiness_n than_o any_o of_o the_o rest_n much_o less_o such_o who_o practice_n be_v inconstant_a and_o defective_a which_o be_v certain_o the_o case_n of_o the_o best_a and_o most_o careful_a observer_n of_o those_o measure_n of_o act_v which_o religion_n prescribe_v however_o thus_o much_o i_o think_v may_v just_o be_v infer_v that_o religion_n be_v in_o its_o own_o nature_n productive_a of_o happiness_n and_o nothing_o else_o and_o consequent_o be_v design_v and_o ordain_v by_o god_n that_o it_o shall_v obtain_v this_o effect_n from_o whence_o i_o conclude_v that_o if_o man_n be_v make_v for_o happiness_n and_o direct_v and_o dispose_v to_o seek_v it_o by_o the_o mean_n of_o religion_n and_o these_o mean_n be_v find_v to_o be_v in_o their_o own_o nature_n sufficient_a but_o be_v some_o way_n or_o other_o without_o the_o fault_n of_o the_o person_n that_o use_v they_o render_v ineffectual_a for_o the_o present_a from_o hence_o i_o say_v we_o may_v certain_o conclude_v that_o god_n who_o in_o his_o great_a wisdom_n have_v order_v all_o these_o thing_n do_v not_o order_v they_o in_o vain_a or_o with_o a_o intention_n of_o deceive_a but_o have_v contrive_v it_o so_o that_o some_o time_n or_o other_o the_o end_n to_o which_o they_o all_o point_n shall_v be_v obtain_v and_o therefore_o if_o a_o full_a and_o exact_a observance_n of_o all_o the_o duty_n of_o religion_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o a_o suitable_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n it_o be_v a_o strong_a proof_n that_o there_o will_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o there_o will_v be_v reward_n answerable_a to_o the_o high_a performance_n and_o expectation_n we_o have_v reason_n also_o from_o the_o goodness_n and_o wisdom_n of_o god_n to_o hope_v that_o the_o sincere_a endeavour_n of_o those_o who_o course_n be_v sometime_o interrupt_v with_o voluntary_a transgression_n of_o the_o rule_v prescribe_v they_o will_v notwithstanding_o by_o some_o favour_n or_o grace_n procure_v they_o a_o state_n of_o happiness_n but_o this_o we_o may_v be_v sure_a of_o that_o god_n will_v put_v a_o mighty_a distinction_n betwixt_o such_o as_o do_v but_o sometime_o deviate_v from_o those_o religious_a measure_n they_o have_v propose_v to_o themselves_o and_o those_o who_o constant_o act_v by_o different_a principle_n 4._o the_o proof_n of_o this_o conclusion_n be_v the_o four_o thing_n i_o propose_v in_o order_n to_o the_o establishment_n of_o the_o truth_n and_o necessity_n of_o religion_n here_o than_o i_o be_o to_o show_v that_o the_o defect_n of_o a_o general_a and_o regular_a practice_n of_o religion_n and_o the_o consequence_n of_o this_o defect_n do_v necessary_o lead_v we_o to_o the_o acknowledgement_n of_o such_o a_o future_a state_n as_o be_v sufficient_a to_o determine_v we_o to_o prefer_v one_o particular_a way_n of_o life_n before_o another_o upon_o such_o reason_n and_o motive_n that_o be_v such_o degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n as_o we_o be_v sure_o great_a and_o more_o powerful_a can_v be_v offer_v to_o we_o it_o be_v very_o plain_a that_o religion_n be_v not_o universal_o practise_v in_o the_o world_n nor_o do_v the_o generality_n of_o any_o nation_n or_o society_n of_o man_n make_v their_o duty_n to_o god_n the_o govern_n principle_n of_o their_o action_n it_o be_v manifest_a likewise_o that_o those_o few_o who_o be_v sensible_a of_o their_o obligation_n and_o endeavour_v to_o discharge_v they_o do_v in_o many_o instance_n neglect_v they_o or_o act_v contrary_a to_o they_o upon_o which_o account_n it_o happen_v that_o as_o there_o be_v a_o great_a deal_n more_o misery_n in_o the_o world_n than_o our_o mortal_a condition_n will_v otherwise_o subject_v we_o to_o so_o it_o oftentimes_o fall_v to_o the_o religious_a man_n lot_n to_o have_v the_o great_a share_n of_o it_o nor_o be_v all_o the_o trouble_v and_o uneasiness_n he_o suffer_v the_o effect_n of_o vicious_a habit_n and_o impression_n mix_v with_o and_o obstruct_v the_o performance_n of_o his_o duty_n or_o carry_v he_o to_o contrary_a action_n though_o very_o much_o be_v owe_v to_o this_o cause_n but_o a_o great_a many_o affliction_n and_o calamity_n be_v lay_v upon_o he_o by_o the_o malice_n and_o hatred_n of_o wicked_a man_n pure_o for_o his_o be_v religious_a so_o that_o do_v he_o perfect_o and_o complete_o fulfil_v all_o his_o duty_n to_o god_n there_o be_v reason_n to_o believe_v his_o misery_n will_v be_v proportionable_o increase_v as_o far_o as_o it_o be_v in_o their_o power_n to_o do_v it_o from_o whence_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o god_n have_v provide_v some_o other_o state_n of_o happiness_n for_o such_o as_o live_v exact_o according_a to_o his_o purpose_n and_o intention_n here_o which_o will_v be_v so_o full_a and_o sufficient_a a_o recompense_n for_o all_o the_o misery_n they_o have_v suffer_v in_o this_o life_n as_o to_o justify_v their_o obedience_n to_o god_n upon_o such_o term_n for_o if_o god_n design_v man_n for_o happiness_n as_o it_o be_v certain_a he_o do_v and_o appoint_a religion_n to_o be_v the_o mean_n to_o it_o as_o manifest_o appear_v from_o his_o annex_v pleasure_n to_o the_o pure_a and_o most_o unmixed_a practice_n of_o it_o as_o well_o as_o from_o several_a other_o indication_n it_o be_v impossible_a to_o suppose_v that_o god_n shall_v suffer_v his_o end_n to_o be_v defeat_v after_o a_o due_a and_o proper_a use_n of_o the_o mean_n by_o the_o derive_v dependent_a power_n and_o contrivance_n of_o other_o being_n and_o order_v it_o so_o that_o those_o who_o be_v most_o diligent_a and_o exact_a in_o observe_v the_o true_a measure_n of_o act_v shall_v for_o that_o very_a reason_n meet_v with_o the_o least_o success_n shall_v we_o therefore_o suppose_v a_o few_o perfect_o religious_a afflict_a and_o torment_v by_o wicked_a man_n bare_o upon_o that_o account_n as_o there_o can_v be_v no_o other_o if_o they_o be_v what_o we_o suppose_v they_o to_o be_v we_o must_v then_o conclude_v that_o god_n have_v mighty_a blessing_n in_o store_n for_o they_o in_o comparison_n of_o which_o their_o present_a suffering_n be_v as_o nothing_o from_o hence_o also_o we_o may_v infer_v that_o those_o who_o sincere_a resolution_n and_o endeavour_n be_v not_o attend_v with_o exact_a and_o universal_a performance_n and_o yet_o who_o be_v render_v more_o miserable_a by_o the_o action_n of_o wicked_a man_n than_o they_o otherwise_o will_v have_v be_v for_o the_o sake_n of_o those_o degree_n of_o religion_n they_o come_v up_o to_o it_o be_v reasonable_a i_o say_v to_o conclude_v that_o those_o will_n some_o time_n or_o other_o receive_v more_o happiness_n or_o less_o misery_n than_o other_o proportionable_o to_o the_o difference_n of_o their_o obedience_n and_o affliction_n now_o for_o according_a as_o they_o have_v pursue_v the_o mean_n so_o will_v their_o attainment_n of_o the_o end_n be_v or_o if_o no_o reward_n be_v due_a but_o to_o a_o full_a discharge_v of_o all_o obligation_n it_o can_v be_v imagine_v that_o those_o who_o have_v perform_v some_o part_n of_o what_o they_o be_v oblige_v to_o and_o endeavour_v at_o general_a obedience_n shall_v be_v punish_v as_o high_a as_o those_o who_o have_v be_v guilty_a of_o a_o great_a or_o of_o a_o total_a neglect_n contempt_n or_o volation_n of_o their_o duty_n however_o therefore_o it_o be_v as_o to_o the_o manner_n of_o it_o it_o be_v very_o agreeable_a to_o the_o wisdom_n and_o design_n of_o god_n according_a to_o all_o the_o indication_n he_o have_v give_v to_o mankind_n of_o they_o to_o make_v the_o condition_n of_o those_o who_o act_n by_o the_o principle_n of_o religion_n preferable_a to_o that_o of_o other_o who_o act_n by_o contrary_a measure_n which_o it_o will_v not_o always_o be_v be_v there_o no_o other_o state_n of_o life_n after_o this_o be_v end_v from_o all_o which_o it_o plain_o follow_v that_o there_o must_v be_v a_o future_a state_n in_o which_o man_n will_v be_v distinguish_v from_o one_o another_o by_o different_a degree_n of_o happiness_n and_o misery_n according_a to_o the_o different_a regard_n they_o have_v to_o religion_n in_o this_o life_n the_o certainty_n
or_o resistible_a to_o contradict_v the_o general_a belief_n of_o the_o world_n without_o make_v any_o new_a discovery_n or_o observation_n to_o lay_v aside_o a_o whole_a scheme_n and_o system_n of_o thing_n which_o have_v be_v prove_v and_o establish_v in_o all_o the_o principal_a branch_n and_o connexion_n of_o it_o because_o we_o be_v not_o able_a to_o comprehend_v or_o account_v for_o some_o little_a remote_a consequence_n and_o to_o venture_v eternal_a misery_n upon_o a_o seem_a possibility_n of_o a_o escape_n which_o very_o few_o perceive_v or_o allow_v these_o be_v all_o egregious_a instance_n of_o the_o absurd_a faith_n and_o foolish_a conduct_n of_o the_o enemy_n of_o religion_n and_o consequent_o good_a proof_n of_o the_o judgement_n and_o wisdom_n of_o those_o who_o believe_v and_o act_v upon_o contrary_a ground_n and_o measure_n there_o be_v another_o thing_n also_o which_o the_o atheist_n common_o discover_v his_o folly_n in_o and_o that_o be_v the_o publish_n and_o propagate_a his_o opinion_n for_o it_o be_v more_o the_o atheist_n interest_n that_o other_o people_n shall_v have_v religion_n than_o it_o be_v the_o religious_a man_n for_o his_o whole_a happiness_n be_v in_o this_o life_n the_o more_o other_o people_n be_v restrain_v and_o the_o better_a they_o be_v persuade_v he_o act_n by_o the_o same_o rule_n they_o do_v the_o large_a will_v his_o liberty_n and_o advantage_n be_v and_o the_o less_o he_o will_v suffer_v from_o their_o design_n and_o pursuit_n whereas_o the_o religious_a man_n reversion_n be_v not_o endanger_v but_o confirm_v by_o what_o he_o lose_v or_o suffer_v here_o other_o proof_n likewise_o of_o the_o unreasonableness_n and_o absurdity_n of_o irreligion_n may_v be_v bring_v from_o the_o inconsistency_n both_o of_o the_o faith_n and_o practice_n of_o such_o as_o be_v profess_v favourer_n of_o it_o such_o as_o their_o credulity_n and_o readiness_n of_o belief_n in_o common_a indifferent_a matter_n and_o sometime_o embrace_v absurd_a opinion_n explode_v by_o all_o the_o world_n when_o at_o the_o same_o time_n they_o be_v distrustful_a of_o every_o thing_n upon_o the_o subject_a of_o religion_n their_o believe_a matter_n that_o concern_v their_o present_a happiness_n upon_o less_o ground_n their_o expose_v themselves_o to_o great_a trouble_n and_o inconvenience_n and_o run_v great_a hazard_n upon_o a_o faint_a prospect_n of_o future_a happiness_n in_o this_o life_n and_o sometime_o on_o the_o contrary_a fear_v and_o avoid_v thing_n upon_o a_o less_o appearance_n or_o likelihood_n of_o danger_n than_o what_o religion_n afford_v and_o last_o their_o act_n contrary_a to_o their_o own_o principle_n and_o deny_v themselves_o what_o they_o esteem_v substantial_a happiness_n out_o of_o a_o regard_n to_o imaginary_a notion_n which_o have_v no_o foundation_n but_o in_o the_o opinion_n of_o men._n but_o these_o be_v matter_n of_o common_a observation_n and_o too_o long_o to_o be_v full_o insist_v upon_o here_o i_o shall_v think_v it_o sufficient_a to_o have_v hint_v at_o they_o and_o so_o pass_v on_o to_o the_o vi_o six_o and_o last_o general_a branch_n of_o my_o discourse_n propose_v in_o the_o begin_n of_o it_o and_o that_o be_v to_o give_v some_o account_n of_o the_o cause_n of_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n or_o the_o reason_n that_o induce_v man_n to_o take_v up_o such_o opinion_n there_o be_v nothing_o people_n be_v better_o satisfy_v of_o than_o the_o power_n nnd_v influence_n of_o prejudices_fw-la and_o false_a motive_n of_o judge_v every_o body_n be_v apt_a to_o resolve_v the_o cause_n of_o another_o man_n differ_v in_o opinion_n from_o he_o into_o some_o particular_a bias_n upon_o his_o understanding_n but_o this_o we_o do_v common_o without_o examine_v whether_o the_o person_n that_o differ_v from_o we_o have_v not_o better_a reason_n for_o his_o dissent_n than_o we_o have_v for_o our_o persuasion_n whether_o the_o opinion_n he_o be_v of_o be_v not_o in_o the_o reality_n of_o thing_n true_a though_o he_o believe_v upon_o false_a ground_n or_o whether_o we_o ourselves_o be_v not_o dispose_v to_o judge_n as_o we_o do_v upon_o some_o of_o the_o like_a motive_n we_o suppose_v he_o to_o be_v direct_v by_o by_o which_o mean_v we_o be_v often_o not_o only_o guilty_a of_o the_o same_o partiality_n we_o charge_v upon_o other_o but_o either_o confirm_v in_o our_o error_n or_o else_o prevent_v from_o make_v just_a inquiry_n into_o the_o truth_n of_o thing_n so_o that_o if_o we_o be_v in_o the_o right_n it_o be_v by_o chance_n and_o more_o than_o we_o be_v able_a to_o prove_v to_o ourselves_o or_o other_o upon_o which_o account_n i_o think_v it_o a_o very_a preposterous_a and_o deceitful_a method_n of_o prove_v a_o thing_n false_a to_o assign_v some_o peculiar_a prejudices_fw-la and_o wrong_a motive_n of_o judge_v which_o may_v possible_o induce_v man_n to_o be_v of_o such_o a_o opinion_n though_o the_o truth_n shall_v be_v of_o the_o other_o side_n and_o which_o have_v often_o have_v the_o like_a influence_n upon_o man_n understanding_n in_o other_o matter_n and_o from_o thence_o immediate_o without_o any_o further_a proof_n to_o infer_v that_o such_o and_o such_o person_n have_v no_o other_o reason_n for_o their_o belief_n of_o the_o point_n in_o question_n and_o consequent_o that_o they_o be_v in_o the_o wrong_n this_o i_o say_v be_v not_o a_o fair_a way_n of_o argue_v but_o after_o plain_a and_o manifest_a proof_n of_o the_o truth_n of_o a_o opinion_n according_a to_o the_o stand_a rule_n and_o principle_n of_o reason_v it_o be_v not_o only_o proper_a to_o inquire_v how_o any_o people_n come_v to_o be_v of_o a_o contrary_a persuasion_n but_o the_o strangeness_n and_o seem_a unaccountableness_n of_o the_o thing_n make_v it_o expect_v and_o in_o some_o respect_n necessary_a in_o order_n to_o a_o full_a satisfaction_n of_o those_o who_o notwithstanding_o all_o the_o appearance_n of_o evidence_n to_o themselves_o may_v be_v apt_a to_o have_v such_o favourable_a notion_n of_o mankind_n as_o not_o to_o imagine_v that_o person_n who_o have_v the_o same_o faculty_n and_o all_o other_o advantage_n of_o knowledge_n as_o they_o have_v shall_v deny_v what_o appear_v so_o plain_a to_o they_o without_o some_o rational_a ground_n for_o their_o denial_n have_v therefore_o as_o i_o persuade_v myself_o full_o and_o evident_o prove_v the_o truth_n of_o religion_n i_o think_v i_o may_v now_o be_v allow_v to_o say_v that_o all_o atheism_n and_o irreligion_n must_v be_v the_o sole_a effect_n of_o prejudice_n and_o prepossession_n if_o any_o such_o cause_n of_o it_o be_v assignable_a and_o if_o we_o search_v the_o heart_n of_o man_n and_o look_v into_o the_o hide_a mystery_n of_o iniquity_n lodge_v there_o if_o we_o consider_v all_o the_o false_a and_o corrupt_a reason_n and_o the_o several_a art_n and_o method_n of_o deceit_n which_o be_v use_v by_o man_n to_o delude_v themselves_o we_o shall_v soon_o discover_v the_o secret_a spring_n and_o original_a of_o all_o atheism_n and_o unbelief_n now_o the_o cause_n from_o whence_o it_o proceed_v be_v these_o two_o the_o fear_n of_o a_o after-reckoning_a for_o a_o wicked_a life_n and_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a or_o wise_a than_o other_o men._n the_o first_o of_o which_o be_v the_o principal_a and_o most_o powerful_a cause_n and_o be_v only_o assist_v and_o strenghen_v afterward_o by_o the_o accession_n of_o the_o latter_a and_o what_o other_o reason_n can_v be_v assign_v it_o can_v be_v the_o force_n and_o evidence_n of_o truth_n as_o plain_o appear_v not_o only_o from_o the_o forego_n proof_n of_o religion_n but_o from_o the_o confession_n and_o conduct_n of_o the_o atheist_n themselves_o it_o be_v not_o because_o the_o notion_n of_o god_n immortality_n and_o a_o future_a state_n shock_n the_o understanding_n and_o contradict_v the_o plain_a principle_n of_o reason_n that_o they_o deny_v these_o foundation_n of_o all_o religion_n be_v the_o be_v 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capable_a of_o great_a performance_n and_o to_o despise_v and_o contemn_v what_o the_o rest_n of_o mankind_n stand_v in_o awe_n of_o seem_v to_o show_v such_o a_o superiority_n of_o sense_n or_o courage_n as_o easy_o tempt_v man_n to_o affect_v this_o character_n without_o consider_v whether_o they_o be_v able_a to_o support_v it_o thus_o be_v man_n confirm_v and_o establish_v in_o atheism_n by_o the_o pride_n and_o vanity_n of_o appear_v great_a or_o wise_a than_o other_o and_o be_v think_v master_n of_o fine_a and_o more_o extraordinary_a talent_n either_o of_o wit_n or_o reflection_n as_o be_v plain_a also_o from_o another_o instance_n in_o which_o man_n show_v themselves_o to_o be_v very_o much_o influence_v by_o these_o motive_n in_o matter_n of_o religion_n and_o that_o be_v a_o groundless_a unreasonable_a diffidence_n and_o jealousy_n of_o be_v put_v or_o impose_v upon_o call_v every_o thing_n trick_n or_o imposture_n that_o they_o do_v not_o understand_v or_o any_o body_n 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thing_n as_o minister_v most_o occasion_n for_o raillery_n and_o magnify_v every_o bold_a thing_n that_o be_v say_v by_o any_o man_n without_o any_o regard_n to_o his_o other_o opinion_n or_o the_o consequence_n even_o of_o that_o that_o be_v like_v it_o be_v no_o matter_n whether_o it_o real_o prove_v any_o thing_n against_o religion_n or_o no_o so_o it_o be_v think_v by_o the_o professor_n of_o religion_n to_o bear_v hard_a either_o upon_o the_o fundamental_a principle_n or_o any_o remote_a acccessional_a doctrine_n own_v by_o they_o from_o whence_o it_o come_v to_o pass_v that_o the_o present_a atheism_n be_v a_o promiscuous_a miscellany_n of_o all_o the_o bold_a notion_n that_o have_v ever_o be_v vent_v by_o those_o they_o style_v free-thinker_n where_o whatever_o seem_v to_o be_v level_v against_o any_o point_n of_o religion_n be_v embrace_v as_o the_o most_o sensible_a and_o rational_a account_n that_o can_v be_v give_v of_o the_o thing_n but_o those_o part_n of_o religion_n 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action_n here_o this_o be_v the_o common_a general_n use_v of_o these_o word_n but_o by_o a_o atheist_n i_o think_v may_v proper_o and_o just_o be_v mean_v not_o only_o he_o that_o absolute_o deny_v the_o be_v of_o a_o god_n but_o whosoever_o say_v there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o govern_v the_o world_n and_o judge_v the_o earth_n there_o be_v no_o god_n that_o have_v appoint_v law_n and_o rule_n for_o man_n to_o act_v by_o there_o be_v no_o god_n to_o who_o man_n be_v accountable_a for_o all_o their_o action_n and_o by_o who_o they_o shall_v be_v reward_v or_o punish_v in_o a_o future_a state_n according_a to_o their_o behaviour_n here_o and_o in_o general_a whoever_o hold_v such_o a_o opinion_n which_o exempt_v he_o from_o all_o obligation_n of_o duty_n to_o a_o superior_a be_v or_o cut_v off_o the_o expectation_n of_o reward_n and_o punishment_n consequent_a thereupon_o for_o atheism_n be_v to_o be_v consider_v